#and he's so encouraging. Even when she lays on the road in defeat he steps over her and yells playfully at her to keep going.

[cosmic-ships]

Adam(Sackler) being super proud of me for taking the stairs again. Still can only get to the 5th floor before I need to stop and catch my breath. I make it to the 9th and go inside, I'm sweaty, my breath is trembling, and my legs feel like absolute jelly but Sackler is there to greet me.

"Don't touch me, I'm sweaty!"

He tells me he doesn't care, his hand places itself over my chest where my heart is and he flashes that little lopsided, goofy smile at me and reiterates what I can already feel.

"Your heart is beating so hard and so fast baby and your cheeks are all red~ you did so good~!!"

he'd envelop me in a tight hug and then brush some of my hair away from my forehead that was stuck there. He's pepper my face with kisses till I was laughing and telling him to stop because I can't catch my breath.

Then he'd give me one final kiss to my lips~

[outlawsworld]

Trusting Strangers - Chapter 16

Arthur Morgan x Female reader

Summary: reader finally confronts her past and Arthur helps her blow off some steam.

Warning: SMUT, NSFTW, please do not read if you are under 18!!! Violence and swearing.

Notes: what did I just write 🙊🙊 so I've decided to carry on with this series for a while! Please keep letting me know what you think and reblog!

--

The darkness surrounded you quickly as you and the other men mounted your horses. There was an eerie silence over all of you as you spurred your horses to ride out of camp. The thunder from the horse's hooves as you cantered down the dirt road filled the night air. Dutch had gone over the plan three times to make sure everyone knew what to do. He had spoken to the Sheriff earlier that day and he drunkenly agreed that the Lemoyne Raiders should be dealt with. Only, Sheriff Grey probably meant arrested, not butchered.

You had repeatedly told all the men to leave the red headed man named Robert for you. Although the mere mention of his name haunted you, this was something that you had to do. Your heart was nearly as loud as the horses hooves, pounding against your ribcage. Thoughts of everything that was about to happen were racing around your brain but you tried to remain focused. Arthur rode beside you, every now and then he would ask if you were okay and you would just nod in response. Dutch and Sean took the lead while John, Javier and Charles rode behind you. You had come prepared with both your rifle, shotgun and pistol plus all the ammunition your satchel could carry. This was what it all came down to. All the ghosts from your past will be put to rest after tonight.

As you came upon a wooded area, Dutch turned The Count off the road and into the trees. Once he was far enough off the track he pulled up to a halt and turned to the group.

''Here is good, dismount and grab what you need. The hideout is just though those trees there'' Dutch spoke in a loud whisper as he gestured in the general direction. You followed his orders and dismounted. As you were grabbing your rifle from your saddle you felt a large hand gently rest on your shoulder.

''I didn't mean no offence earlier (Y/N)'' you turned to see John. He spoke softly so no one else would hear and he looked deeply into your eyes. ''I know you are more than capable of this. It's just.... I don't want to see you get hurt'' his eyes wore a sad expression and you could hear the concern in his voice.

''I know John'' you smiled weakly at him. ''I didn't mean to snap at you but I need to do this'' he nodded his head in defeated understanding before he removed his hand.

''I got your back'' he tilted his head for you both to join the group. You walked past him, patting him lightly on the arm before joining the rest of the men. They gathered round Dutch as he inspected everyone. He gave a brief nod before he lead the group through the trees towards the gangs hideout.

''Keep your heads down and remember the plan'' Dutch whispered to you all as you headed deeper into the woods. In the not so far distance you could see the light from a fire and two wooden cabins covered by the trees. There were a bunch of men surrounding the campfire, singing merrily to themselves. They had clearly had a few too many to drink. The information you had accrued came in helpful as you knew exactly where the guards were situated. Javier took out one on the left side while Charles took the right. Both were quick and quiet kills.

You all proceeded forward using the trees as cover. As you approached, you could scan the camp to see just what you were up against. It seemed as though there were only 10 men around the fire but there could be more in the cabins. The plan was to draw them out. Sean brought some dynomite that he began to attach to one of the wagons situated on the outskirts of the camp. As he began to do this you and the men got prepared for a fight. Lining yourselves up, surrounding the camps boarders so that no one would get away from you.

''(Y/N)'' Arthur whispered into your ear making you jump slightly. ''You alright?'' you turned to face him. You could barely see his face through the darkness and the shadow cast by his hat.

''I will be, when this is done'' you said rather sternly. In truth, you were finding it harder to keep your calm. You had been waiting for this for so long, to kill the bastards who hurt you and killed your family. It was finally here and you couldn't help but feel a sickening feeling in your stomach. Your hands began to tremble. Arthur must have noticed because he placed his hand on top of yours to gently steady you.

''I understand. Just keep your head alright? I'll be with ya at all times'' his voice was a calming anchor for you. Listening to his low southern raspiness allowed you to steady yourself and take a breath. Just as you were about to say something a deafening explosion went off. Sean had just blown the wagon with all of it's cargo to pieces. Arthur quickly pulled away from you to take cover behind a different tree. His sudden departure made you feel cold and unsteady but you took a deep breath and remembered that he would be looking out for you.

The men that were surrounding the campfire had all stumbled to their feet in confusion. Twelve other men stumbled out of the cabins, shouting curse words to each other and looking for an explanation. You prepared yourself, bringing you rifle up and aiming at your first target.

As soon as they all began to investigate and expose themselves, Dutch shot the first bullet. You and the rest of the men followed his lead. Picking off the men one by one. After the first bullet rang out, the Raiders were quick to try and take cover. Pulling their own guns out to the on coming fire. As you shot at the men closest to you, you began to push forward. You were now just on the outskirts of their camp behind a couple wooden crates. Charles came to cover next to you and you both picked off a couple more of the men. Arthur and John were behind another wagon not too far away from you.

Each of the Raiders men went down with a large thud as you kept proceeding forward. You jumped over the crate and entered the camp. Shouting was coming from all directions, which made it hard to hear who was calling, leaving you slightly disorientated. You decided to focus on pushing on, jumping from cover to cover. Sean and Javier had stormed the first of the two cabins as you made your way to the second. As you were between covers you heard a bullet race right past your head. You ducked to the side as you saw a tall bearded man in front of you fall to the floor, blood trickling down his forehead. Glancing behind you, you saw Arthur lower his rifle and nod at you. He truly did have your back.

There was a sudden silence as all the men outside of the cabins were now dead. You made your way around them all hoping to find Robert amongst the dead as John and Charles took the second cabin. Arthur followed you as you went from corpse to corpse. Your heart slamming against your chest as you recognised some of the faces of the men now laying dead at your feet. Robert was nowhere to be seen. Anger rose up as you felt your blood boiling. The last man you came to was a man who you had recognised. You began to kick at the body, your frustration being unleashed on his lifeless figure.

''You bastards'' you scream at the top of your lungs. You must have looked possessed as you crashed your boot into his broken ribs repeatedly. Arthur watched you for a while before he put his hand on your shoulder and turned you to face him.

''Think he's had enough there darlin'. '' he whispered. He could see the anger still burning inside of you. You could feel the tears welling up in your eyes. Robert was who you wanted and he wasn't even here.

''Miss (Y/L/N)'' Dutch's voice cut through the night as he stood leant up against a cabins open doorframe. ''I think we've found what you are looking for'' his voice was dark and cunning as he smiled at you. You took a shaky breath and slowly paced towards the cabin. Arthur followed closely behind you, his presence enough to keep your knees from buckling as you trembled with each step. Dutch gestured for you to walk into the cabin and you nodded as you past him and stepped inside.

The cabin was dark, only lit with a couple of lanterns placed on a big table in the centre of the room. In the corner stood Sean and Javier with a man on his knees in front of them. His arms were bound behind his back and his head was facing the floor.

''Tink you owe this lovely lady an apology, eh?'' Sean grabbed the man by his hair to pull his face up and look at you. Robert looked up with his beady eyes, as they landed on you, you felt yourself freeze again. Your body betrayed you and planted your feet to the floorboards. Each breath you took was fought for as if all of the oxygen in the world disappeared. The man that had inflicted so much pain onto your life was on his knees, his face was bruised and bloodied with being beaten, and you had the power. Yet still you froze. John and Charles both came into the cabin now. All of the men that brought you here for this moment we're now watching as you crumbled. After a moment you heard a whisper from behind you.

''It's alright, he can't hurt ya now'' Arthur soothed. You glanced back at him who gave you an encouraging nod. He was right, Robert couldn't hurt you anymore. You had all these men surrounding you and keeping you safe. They had chosen to help take down the men who had wronged you and killed your family. You looked at each of the men who had come with you. It made your heart melt at the sight of them all, who you trusted with your life, wanting to protect you. After so many men had hurt you, broken you down and used you, these men were slowly putting you back together again. Your eyes lastly landed on John who nodded at you with a tug of a smile on the corner of his lips.

''Ha'' Robert scoffed. ''She can't do shit. She was a feisty one, I'll give her that but she soon gave up. She wouldn't hurt me'' he had a sly smirk on his face. You felt your fists clench as you saw red. Before Javier could scold him for his comment you stormed forwards until you were standing over the man. His eyes stared up at you as you grabbed him by his shirt collar. Pushing him back until you were on top of him and landing full blown punches into his skull. You hit as hard as you possibly could, adrenaline powering you to carry on. Blood was pouring from the mans face when you landed the last punch. You grabbed your hunting knife from your back pocket.

''You ruined me'' you screamed at him. ''I ain't ever gonna get my life back. So you owe me and the best you can do is give me yours'' as you spat out the words you slowly dug the knife deep into his chest. Roberts eyes widened and he screamed loudly before you pushed the knife as deep as it could go making his body suddenly go limp. You looked down at the lifeless man who had stolen so much for you. He was dead. It felt as though a weight on your shoulders had been lifted that you hadn't even noticed was there. The passing thought of 'would you ever run into him' was now gone. You pulled the knife from the mans chest and blood spurted across your clothes and face. A hand reached out for you to grab and you took it, still in a trance with what had just happened. You were pulled up to your feet and away from the man on the floor.

''I'm proud of you'' you turned to look at the voice, who's hand you were still clung too. Dutch pulled you into a warm embrace, uncaring of the wet blood covering your clothes. That's when the tears started to fall down your cheeks. ''Boys, lets see what's worth takin' here. Arthur, take (Y/N) to get cleaned up. I think she could do with some time to calm down'' Dutch instructed, you could feel the vibrations of his voice through his chest. He squeezed you tightly before pulling away and holding you by your shoulders. ''Take all the time you need'' he spoke softly as he looked over you. You must have looked a mess. Blood everywhere and tears streaming down your face.

Arthur approached you both as Dutch let go of you. He wrapped his arm around you and guided you out the cabin and back to the horses as the others searched the place for any valuables. The woods were deafly quiet, yours and Arthurs footsteps were the only noises to be heard.

''You alright to ride?'' Arthur asked as you found the horses in the dark.

''Yeah'' your voice cracked. It was all you could manage to say without loosing control of your emotions. You both packed up your things and mounted up before heading to a quiet spot at the lake that Arthur knew about. The spot wasn't too far away, allowing you not to be seen by any random passer by. With blood all over your clothes and face, you wouldn't be a welcomed sight. As you rode to the spot by the water, everything seemed peaceful. There was no one around, it must have been the early hours of the morning by now. The moonlight reflected it's sliver light off the water as it rippled to the shoreline. Arthur dismounted and came to help you down. His large hand gently holding your waist as he lowered you to the floor.

''Let's get ya cleaned up'' he hummed at you as he moved a strand of hair behind your ear, caressing your cheek in the process. You nod and start to unbutton your shirt. Arthur's face blushed slightly and he quickly turned around to give you your privacy. His reaction made you giggle slightly, even after sleeping together he was still the gentleman. Normally, you would strip to your under garments and wash your limps and face but the water looked too tempting. After the day you have had, you needed to wash away everything. You striped down until you were fully naked. Arthur still had his back towards you as you tiptoed into the water.

The cold water sent a chill through your body. It was shock to the system that made you pause momentarily to get used to the change. Slowly, you walk further out until the water was just above your breast. Taking a deep breath you submerge fully under the water and scrub at your face. You washed away all the bad feelings from the last day and smile at the new found freedom. Knowing that that man was dead and couldn't hurt you again made your heart soar. You resurfaced taking in the cold air.

''Didn't realise you were going swimmin'?'' Arthur shouted at you from the shoreline. He was looking out at you trying to make sure he didn't loose sight of you in the darkness.

''Why don't you come join me?'' you teased. This was the most relieved you had felt in your entire life. It felt as though the water was washing away your haunting past and you could finally move forward. There was no better person to spend this moment with then Arthur. He shook his head but you could see the shy smile on his lips. ''Come on cowboy'' you shouted to him. Becconing him to join you.

He smirked before taking his hat off and disposing it with your pile of clothes. You watched as he took his gun belt off, then began to unbutton his shirt. His muscled chest exposed as he threw his shirt down to add to the pile. Your breath hitched in your throat as you watched him undress. He was a sight to behold. The light from the moon outlining each muscle perfectly. How did you become so lucky to have this perfect man in your life. Once all of his clothes were off he made his way over to you. He hissed as he came into contact with the cold water but didn't falter. With each step he took towards you the water came higher on his body, blocking your view.

He came to stand in front of you. Where the water covered your breasts, it still exposed Arthur's full chest as he towered over you. The worry on his face had faded into a smile as he looked deeply into your eyes. You looked up at him feeling your heart pumping so loudly, you swear you could hear it. The effect this man had on you was astounding. He could make you forget all your fears one moment but make you a nervous wreck the next. Gently, he caressed your cheek, moving his hand to the back of your neck whilst his other hand was placed on your waist.

''How are you feelin' after everything?'' he asked softly.

''I guess I feel relieved'' you breathed out. ''My past can finally be put to rest and if it wasn't for you....I would have just frozen again. Thank you Arthur. For everything'' looking into his eyes you felt more connected to him then you had been to anyone in your entire life.

''No need to thank me (Y/N). I'm just glad your alright. It must have been pretty hard to face but I knew you could do it'' he smiled pulling you closer to him. ''And I know you ain't exactly one to mess with but....No one will hurt ya, not while I'm around'' he smiled before leaning down and kissing you softly. You leaned into the kiss and wrapped your arms around his neck. The only sounds surrounding you were from the water with each movement you made. You melted into him as you felt the heat rise between the two of you.

The kiss became more passionate as your tongues danced with one another perfectly.  Each kiss you had shared with Arthur made your heart flutter but this one topped them all. There were no worries lingering over you this time. Arthur moved his hand from your neck down the curves of your body and landed on your waist. You could feel a tingle run down your spine of the sensation of his touch. The heat in your groin began to grow as the world disappeared around you.

Arthur broke this kiss to look into your hungry eyes. The corner of his mouth tugged upwards as he reached down to the back of your thighs, lifting you up to rest both your legs around his waist. Your breasts were now exposed above the water as Arthur held you in place. He glanced over you before looking back into your eyes.

''(Y/N)'' he whispered quietly as he held your gaze.

''Arthur'' you responded with a shy smile.

''I love you'' he whispered softly, not dropping his gaze from you. You held back the gasp from the shock of his confession. All of a sudden your chest felt like it was on fire as you stared wide eyed into his moonlit eyes. You began to breath heavily as all the feelings you had for Arthur surfaced all at once. Slowly, you scraped your fingers through his hair until both your hands rested at the back of his neck. You took a deep breath.

''I love you too'' you smiled brightly at him. You finally admitted it, you had never loved anyone before but you couldn't deny it any longer. You loved Arthur. He couldn't help but return your wide smile before he pulled you closely and kissed you again and again. The kiss was full of passion and hunger for one another. Each kiss was more intense then the last. The heat between your legs was becoming unbearable as you felt his own arousal grow.

Still holding on to you tightly, Arthur began to make his way closer to the shoreline. You felt the water slowly leaving you more and more exposed. When you reached the sand Arthur softly lay you down on the ground, not breaking the kiss. His body was hovering over you as his hands began to wander up and down your body. When his hands found your breasts and gently kneeded them, you moaned into his mouth.

With one movement, you pushed him off you and onto his back. Leaving him breathless before you moved yourself to straddle him. You sat up, allowing yourself to look over him and him over you. His hands explored what he was able to see as you rubbed yourself over his hard shaft. The wetness between your legs increased with each movement. Your hands explored his chest, feeling through his dark hair that grew there.

You teased the head of Arthur's manhood with your entrance causing him to moan and throw his head back into the sand. Slowly, you lowered yourself on him until he filled you up. You let out a shaky breath as you began to rock your hips up and down. Both your moans becoming louder and uncontrollable with each movement. Being in control and making Arthur moan like this made this even more pleasurable for you. He moved his hand down between your bodies. Using his finger to softly rub small circles into your clit. The new sentation sent a hot wave if pleasure through you. This caused you to tense around him and quicken your pace. The feeling of him in you becoming more and more intense.

''Good girl'' Arthur moaned. His deep voice sent shivers down your spine. He was hitting just the right spot each time you lowered back onto him. You were close to your release and you could tell Arthur was too as his finger movements on your clit were becoming sloppy but still felt incredible. Driving your hips down onto him you felt the overwhelming waves of pleasure surge through your entire body. You felt Arthur release at the same time as he sat up and held you in his arms tightly. His release filling you up. You rode out both of your orgasms until you were utterly breathless.

You got off and laid beside Arthur as the both of you caught your breath. He laid back down and held out his arm for you to come closer which you did happily. You rested your head on his chest and pressed your body closely next to him. His chest moved up and down with each breath he took and heat radiated off him as you felt his seed trickle down your leg. As you regained your breath you looked up at his face to see he was already smiling down at you. You blushed before leaning up to kiss him lightly.

The pleasure that this man could make you feel was addictive. All you wanted to do was go again but you knew he would need some time. It had been a while since you had spent the night in the hotel room. Being round camp and not being able to be intimate with one another had been tense. Especially when a lot of the time you would think about how he had made you feel that night. Sleeping with him each night and sharing kisses was just adding flames to the fire. As you lay back in his arms you both stare into the night sky. Hoping that the next time won't be as long a wait. Arthur pulled you tighter into his chest and kissed your forehead lightly.

''I guess we better get cleaned up again'' Arthur chuckled. You couldn't help but giggle too as you felt the mess in-between your legs. "I meant what I said ya know" he whispered softly. You look up to meet his eyes.

"I meant it too" you whispered back to him.

--

@kashasenpai

[bubblyani]

Back for Good

(Jim Davis x Reader)

A Jim Davis One Shot

Movie: Harsh Times (2005) by David Ayer

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Alcohol use, Swearing,  Violence and Sexual Content

Word Count: 9k+

Summary: Your spirits are lifted when your older boyfriend Jim Davis returns from the Army for good. As the lovers passionately reunite, you begin to reminisce the first encounter, and the unforgettable event that sealed your fate with Jim, possibly forever.

Author’s Note: One of the fantastic Balehead Accounts on Instagram once posted a photo of Jim Davis with a caption more so along the lines of “…Older boyfriend Jim visiting you at College…”. It was too irresistible to ignore. So this story was born. @tammykelly You are an angel to even show some enthusiasm towards this, even before I started, Thank you for the encouragement ! Hope y’all enjoy!

P.S: If anyone want to be tagged in specific Bale! Character fics please do let me know. And if you wanna be removed from anything NOT BATMAN, please feel free to let me know. I understand completely. 

Three.

It costed three people. Merely three for this nightmare scenario to enter reality.

A tall young man panted fast, his right hand assuming full responsibility for the broken bottle, not to mention the intense bleeding that resulted from it. All the while he stared down at his finished product: a much younger man. He watched the figure groan for his dear life, laying defeated and thoroughly bruised; as a weak stream of blood appeared prominent from his head as well, adding a splash of bright color to the dark and dusty pavement. Only in that moment, realization and bitter reality coupled up to surprise the standing man, with a sucker punch.

Which was transparent enough for the young woman beside them, the witness. Violence, Danger, her trembling heart sensed it all. For that was what his strong aura emitted. However, never did she flinch. Never did her heart consider retracting from him. On the contrary, she was compelled to trust him even further.

Especially when she sensed complete safety in him, above all others.

“Let’s go”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 (Present)      

The dusky skies appeared just as serene over South Central Los Angeles as anywhere else in the country, filtering over the streets and the neighborhoods. Cruising through in favorable speed, Mike Alonzo finally took his eyes off the road, permitting them to land on the tall, young man sitting beside him on the passenger seat: his best friend, Jim Davis.

His downcast expression was evident, with his tall frame sunken into the seat. He stared right ahead, while he sipped his bottle of beer in his suit. This posture was nothing short of a surprise for Mike to glance upon. If he had squinted his eyes, he swore he could imagine Jim as the rebellious teenager he once was. Only with a new buzz cut. Otherwise, it seemed that nothing had really changed.

Except it had. Older and forced to be responsible, they were facing times considered very harsh. And Jim just had a taste of it.

“Sorry, dude”

Mike began, looking back at the road. Shaking his head with disbelief, Jim sat up in slow motion as his teeth began to grind.

“Man! Fuck…this...shit!!”

Jim drawled with disappointment, enunciating every word whilst holding up a piece of paper, “I’m so done with this cop hate bullshit!” He added, taking another sip of alcohol. Mike nodded:

“Yeah, dawg. Forget about that! ” He smiled, smacking his friend on his shoulder in a playful demeanor, “Hey, Syl is cooking tonight…You wanna join us, bro?”

The possibility of his girlfriend Sylvia agreeing to this, was at an all time low. Mike was well aware. Yet, he was certain it was a question worth posing to his friend in need.

“Nah, man! I got plans”

Hitting the brakes in front of the stop lights, Mike looked at his friend again with surprise, “Yeah?” He inquired, looking quite pleased. Finally flashing a proud smile, Jim nodded:

“Yep! Gonna go see my woman soon…” he answered. Eyes widening seemed appropriate for Mike at that very moment.

“Yo, No shit!” Mike cried out with excitement, finally stepping on the gas, “The chick from UCLA*? You…you still with her?” He inquired.

“Yeah, Homie! ”

“Dawg!…” laughing with sheer amazement, Mike looked at Jim, “I’m impressed…really” he added, proceeding to chuckle, “Look ‘atchu…my boi Jim....going steady with the fine ass college chick…”

“Whoo!” With his soul finally returning to his body,  Jim howled, “Finer than fine, dawg!”

“Hell yeah!”

Given the state of hyped energy that erupted in the car between the two young men, it would be nearly impossible to guess how sombre it was just before. “So…so…” Mike continued, holding on to the wheel as they kept driving, “… where you gon’meet?”

“Well…actually…” Jim looked at him, licking his lips, “….it’s a surprise” he added with a playful smirk. To which Mike could not help but laugh, “What?” Mike paused, “You didn’t tell her you’re back for good?”

Seeing his friend shake his head like a naughty schoolboy forced him to laugh harder, “Ohohoho!! this is gon be one hell of a reunion, dawg” He added with sheer enthusiasm, “But seriously though, she’s a real good one too, bro…” Mike opinionated, as soon as his laughter died down, “ I mean, even Syl liked her”

“Shit! For real?”

“Yeah yeah yeah…” Mike answered immediately,  “And you know Syl, she ain’t easy to please”

Gulping down the remnants of the bottle, Jim exhaled and stared out through the window, “Shit man!” He exclaimed, “I’m really gonna see her again, huh?”

With his tone growing deeper, his eyes began to burn with a flame that could only be categorized as lustful. Sensing the vibe that did not seem so new, Mike chuckled:

“Oh yeah! My homie’s gonna get it tonight! Salud*”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The buzz, the chatter of young adults was consistent in the hallway outside. It served as background noise when the door of the toilet cubicle burst wide open, spitting a rather young woman out of it with haste. Only then did the mirror managed to identify her: You.

With your hand clutching on to a bra, you let out a relieved sigh. For within a few seconds, your body experienced a new form of liberation. And you managed to savor it on your own in a public ladies washroom. Wearing a soft smile that was easily reflected in the mirror, you stuffed the piece of lingerie into your shoulder handbag.

“Seriously?”

You jumped with a yelp. Being so wrapped around in your own thoughts, you did not even notice Yara, your friend standing there. With her arms folded and eyebrows raised, it was clear that her face was rife with judgement.

“What?” You inquired breathlessly, “Auntie Flo* is about to visit…and the twins were just swelling to …get some parole time” you added with a playful smirk, pointing at your chest with no shame. The curves of your now-freed bosom seemed more visible through your cardigan top, “And fuck! it feels so good” you exclaimed, as you washed your hands. Yara however, scoffed with amusement:

“So you’re saying you were squirming in your seat the whole time to let the puppies out?”

“What? I had to pee too!”

“Well, You could have just left right then!” She insisted with a seeming annoyance, as you grabbed a tissue.

“…and miss Mr. Linney’s Final Notes? Uh uh! No way, bitch!” You waved your index finger with disapproval as you both exited. Students had flooded the hallway by then. Evening lectures at UCLA finally had drawn to a close, and Friday night was about to make its entrance. Youth in all shapes and colors, gathered in bunches all over the campus area, even beside the beautifully lit Royce Hall. Suffice to say, all were relieved to have some time off in the weekend.

“So…you coming, right?”

You looked at Yara upon her casual inquiry with confusion, “For what?”. Scoffing again, this time in disbelief, Yara's eyes widened looking at you: “Dinner?…tonight?”

She stressed, taking a step out of the campus building, “Last week you promised you’ll join me and Chase” with her arms folded and foot tapping on the ground in pure restlessness, she was a clear visual of a loanshark. However, that impatience left her system the moment her eyes fell behind you,“…and speaking of Chase…Baby!”

With her face lit up, her tone grew affectionate as Chase, her boyfriend rushed over to her.

“ ‘sup babe!” The tall, young blonde greeted, pulling his ebony goddess of a girlfriend for a passionate kiss.

Folding your arms, you could not help but avert your eyes. All the while you drew circles with your foot on the ground. Chase and Yara’s relationship certainly was a refreshing one to glimpse upon in the campus premises. You approved of it with sincerity, even when you looked away in awkwardness. It was not on spite. Truthfully, PDA was nothing you disapproved of. You were certainly not envious of the joy they possessed as their lips played with one another, quite similarly to a steamy MTV music video. You merely looked away, for any display of affection was a sheer reminder of him.

It had been months since you last saw him, possibly 6. And constant communication was not exactly convenient for him. Not in his situation. Was he alive and happy? The sheer reminder of gunshots and helicopter whirring forced your heart to race, which was nothing short of new. Granted, you had learnt to ‘compartmentalize’, a term you recently came to knowledge in your psych minor class. Yet, you were young and only human to have those concerns return to haunt you even for a few seconds. The sound of Yara and Chase’s lips smacking urged you to look up. Finally, you thought.

“So?” Yara inquired, casually wiping the smudged lipstick off her face, “You coming?”

Carefree, yet extremely inconsiderate, that was what she exuded. A knot of anxiety formed in your stomach. For oddly enough, the sight of the happy couple managed to drain your energy out tonight. You longed to run away.

“Honestly…” you began with a sigh, “I don’t really feel so good tonigh-”

“¿Qué pasa, guapa?”

   What’s up, gorgeous?  

That voice. That deep, spine tingling tone was a reminder of your mere existence. The tone that tempted every hair in your body to stand at attention. Turning around in a flash, you covered your mouth, shocked to find the person you prayed to see all this time.

“JIM??” You cried out in a muffled tone, “Oh my GOD!!-”

Squealing in pure joy, you sprinted towards Jim Davis before jumping into his arms. Seemingly extremely pleased, Jim let out a hearty laughter. Suddenly the energy you were drained had returned in the form of a shot of adrenaline when he picked you up and spun you around, kissing you without hesitation. And you swore the feel of his lips on yours added a couple of years into your life.

“Wait, you didn’t tell me you were coming back so soon” Breathless, you pointed out when he finally put you down.

“Well, I’m back for good, baby” Jim replied, extending his arms outward with pride. Your eyes widened: “What? You serious?”

“Yep…” he grinned nodding, “Honorably discharged…and all yours”

You sensed his tone morph into a low purr the moment he pulled you close to him. And you would be lying if that did not fill your stomach with butterflies. After ages.

“Umm….”

Yara’s voice emerged. You and Jim turned back, to find her and Chase appearing the most confused, “…you mind telling us who this is…?” She inquired with raised eyebrows.

Finally in realization, you chuckled. For introductions were in order.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The aromatic scent crept into your nostrils, only to soon disappear out of the lack of attention provided. All the while an uptempo Latin Pop track playing in the background mingled with Yara and Chase’ voices, but unfortunately faded away into mere mumbles. For none of that seemed to be the key focus for you tonight. Not when Jim Davis was around.

Even seated at a crowded Mexican Restaurant, he mattered the most to you. Even when platefuls of delectable Taquitos* were served to the table, your eyes did not leave his irresistible side profile. And when his sense of expertise noticed and his eyes caught your gaze, you were breathless. You wondered if it was the romantic in you surfacing, for all seemed to appear in slow motion. His eyes remained seductive, washing all over you that it was certain your panties might melt and diminish into thin air. Those eyes were truly sorcerous, that your eyes suddenly had lives of their own to the point you could sense their figurative cheeks heat up with heavy blushes. For his eyes, they were proficient in the dirty talk as much as his mouth was. Breathing in his cheap cologne with depth, you suddenly grew aware of his touch, and the fact he had his arm wrapped around your shoulder all this time. Being lost in his eyes was definitely an out-of-body experience.

“Hey!”

Your soul reunited with your frame upon Yara’s call.

“Mmm?” Looking over at the couple sitting across the table, you and Jim were unfazed.

“Aren’t you two gonna eat?” Yara inquired with raised eyebrows while Chase had began to gobble. Her gaze questioned both your sanity. To which you and Jim could not help but chuckle in response. Shaking her head, Yara scoffed:

“It’s so weird…” she began, “…seeing you like this”. Wiping the crumbs off his mouth, Chase joined in with confidence, “Yeah! How did you guys even meet anyways? I mean, no offense but…we never thought she’d be the one…” he stressed, pointing at you, “… to have an older boyfriend who’s a Marine-”

“-Army Ranger” Jim corrected. His gaze and tone was dominant, enough for Chase to wither with intimidation.

“Yeah…” Chase nodded with a gulp, “…what you said…”. You would be lying if you admit you did not enjoy that sight.

“Actually…” you finally began, “We met a year ago” turning to face your boyfriend, “ He was back in LA during his break. We met at a bar”

“Hold up! ” Raising her hand, Yara was wide eyed, “How come I didn’t know about this?”

“Cause this happened a year ago, hun. Calm down” you chuckled, “Actually, this was even before Cin transferred. Hah! you didn’t miss much…Don’t worry” you assured upon seeing Yara’s pout, “It was a small bar, but I loved the Pistos*-I mean…” you paused with a smile, “….the beer there…” Your pause caused Jim to chuckle alongside once again. Safe to say it was a chuckle that encompassed a shared memory. A sweet reminder of your first ever meeting.

“And?…that’s it?” Chase inquired with amusement, with both hands resting on the wooden table, “You both meet at a bar one night and…” he whistled, “…then sparks flew?”

Looking at them both, you could sense the suspicion in their eyes. You longed to answer, however it was not so easy to do so. Pausing, you struggled with a response.

“Absolutely!”

Jim answered for you with nonchalance, while his grip on you tightened. For a split second you both exchanged a gaze of reassurance. And you had never been more relieved. The secret was safe.

“So…”, Turning towards the couple, Jim began, “How did you lovebirds meet then?”

Hesitation was certainly not in Yara’s vocabulary when she offered to speak. Leaving her sight, your eyes darted towards the the chilled beer that Jim placed on the table. You smiled to yourself. They were certainly filled with memories.

Reminiscing your first meeting with Jim Davis, never failed to be exciting every single time. Before Yara ended up in your life, there was Cindy. Noticing your evident sadness due to her surprise transfer to USC*, Cindy was hell bent in comforting you, thus suggesting you join her and her boyfriend Ray for a night out in South Central. You agreed, being desperate enough to spend the final few days with your roommate. Situated at the suburbs, this bar was small, intimate and seemingly inhabited by those who knew Ray, which resulted in a welcoming atmosphere upon arrival. Though the place was mostly filled with gangsters, you did not care for the slightest, when especially you found yourself falling for the unexpected; The beer.

Chilled to perfection, the beer there was unlike any that you had tasted before. And it was certainly a surprise, given they were the usual brands. You could not fathom the refreshing sensation that trickled down your throat with the first sip. That sensation tempted your hips to sway, urged your feet to move in rhythm. All in syncopation with the music that played in the jukebox under the dim lights. Until finally bumping into a man woke you from your intoxication. A man you were fascinated with in an instant:

Jim Luther Davis.

Such a pity that Yara’s gusto-filled story barely reached your ears. For reliving a memory simply seemed sweeter for you. Thus, you continued to do so.

Fortunately, Jim Davis did not end up being a handsome stranger that you simply bumped into, for coincidence had other plans. Especially, when he and Mike Alonzo turned out to be Ray’s mutual older drinking buddies. You were ecstatic. Internally, of course.

With the entire group packed together in the booth table, it was one loud but engaging hangout. Except for you. Somehow you preferred to sit right next to Cindy in silence, being distracted by two things: Beer, and Jim.

Blame the chemicals embedded in your system, for you simply found yourself drawn to him. Truthfully, it did not seem so difficult to begin with. Not when he turned out to be your type in appearance. You found yourself watching him. The manner in which he listened to others with swagger and confidence, the manner in which he held himself ; They all brought a certain air to him. Your attention had pierced through all manner of secrecy that he would occasionally end up catching your gaze. And then you would look away, quick and embarrassed. Though you must admit, it was a game you thoroughly enjoyed playing. But at the same time, you felt idiotic and childish.

“Cat got yo tongue, baby?”

You blinked, looking up. Fabio, one of Ray’s friends threw the query over to your direction, all of the sudden. And with that, the table grew quiet. All the eyes landed on you, except for Jim’s. A surge of embarrassment rushed towards you when awkward silence filled the booth. For you were definitely distracted to the point you did not follow the conversation. With you struggling to form an answer, Fabio snickered:

“Yo Cindy, What’s up with yo friend? She deaf or somethin’?”

“Easy, homie”

Before Cindy could respond, Jim’s quick reply arose. And you swore your eyes caught the sight of his hand ball into a fist as his eyes had grown dark. Oddly enough, that was the comfort you needed right then.

“Don’t mind me, Fabio…” you shrugged with confidence, “I’m just a girl hooked on her Pistos” you said, enunciating the Spanish word before taking another sip. You may have smiled at him, but you knew how much you feigned it. Awkward silence remained intact. But Ray managed to save the night, by changing the topic of conversation. Slightly embarrassed, Fabio shot you a look. All before he leaned towards his friends, muttering some words in Spanish.

“You speak Spanish?”

Jim’s low query made you turn to him.

“N-No…” you answered with nervousness.

“Well…” he began, “…you should” Though his tone was of seriousness, he did not fail to flash you a soft smile that comforted you even further.

Thus, the evening progressed. And you began to notice Jim in much detail. The more you did, you discovered a warmth that seemed to trickle down your heart. For you realized, you would not be able to stop yourself from falling for him. Hard.

You smiled to yourself, relieved Yara still did not know you were drifting away in your head, stuck in a memory.

Unable to stop obsessing over him since that first night, you remembered how you found yourself returning to the same bar the following night, alone.

Stepping into the venue, you suddenly were aware how unprepared you were. Even while placing an order at the bar counter, you remembered covering your mouth with embarrassment. Was this a mistake?

“Hey Baby! ”

Jumping in your barstool, you sighed with annoyance when you realized it was Fabio sneaking up on you.

“Just…” you feigned a chuckle, “Don’t call me baby, okay?”. Evidently ignorant, Fabio seemed to have chosen to stay. To your dismay. Sporting gold chains on his neck and wrists, Fabio was on a dire attempt to emulate a thriving gangster, when he actually was just another college kid like Ray.

“So, whatcha doing all by yourself, baby? Don’t tell me…you’re here to see yo boi Fabio?”

Keep telling yourself that, you thought. Exhaling in frustration, you maintained a tight smile, “I uh…just waiting for someone” you struggled. Flashing a mischievous smile, Fabio leaned in closer. You prayed he would not notice how your nose scrunched up by his heavy cologne with disgust. And how your body tightened when his eyes scanned you from top to bottom, licking his lips by the sight of your choker and your red, floral short dress.

“Who are we kidding?” He sniggered, “You wanna piece of this, huh? Come o-” “No!” You cut him off, “I’m really…” feigning a chuckle once again, “…waiting for someone…Thanks” you said, extending your hands in defense. Given the reaction of those around you, it may have been a louder response than expected. For Fabio turned red, making it his queue to slither away. You sighed deep. Luck did not seem to get on with you from the moment you stepped in here. Was this a mistake? When you felt a finger tap you on your shoulder, you rolled your eyes and turned around. For you were ready to give Fabio a piece of your mind.

Except, it was not Fabio.

“Hey…”

Jim greeted you, his deep tone announcing his arrival. Standing at an appropriate distance, he stood tall with a hint of swagger. Your body began to finally relax by the sight, especially when your eyes were refreshed by the open plaid shirt worn along with his white vest and baggy pants.

“Hey…” breathless, you began, “Hey!” Confidence finally became you as you repeated with a smile. The bartender caught your attention the moment he placed a chilled bottle of beer on the counter before you.

“Make it two, Hermano* ” Jim said, handing the man some cash. All the sudden, guilt washed over you as you gasped: “Oh I-”

“I got this…” Jim assured, seeing you reach into your bag. Grateful, you nodded, “So…” he began, “Can seem to get enough of them Pistos, hmm?” An inquiry left his lips the moment he received his own bottle. Smiling shyly, you bit the side of your lower lip. The manner in which that word rolled out his tongue caused excitement. Besides, his mouth suddenly seemed more delectable. Oh, his mouth.

“Yeah…” you admitted, “Can’t get enough…and I hope I never will”

You added, gazing directly into his hazel orbs. It simply was a mistake to do so, given how those eyes burnt with curiousity, urging you to blush in return, “And er…” pausing, you looked down, “ I was kinda hoping I’d catch you around” you said, looking up again.

“Yeah?” Jim inquired, genuinely surprised, “Why?”

That was when you froze. He was right, what exactly was your intention of seeing him tonight? Unfathomable on how you gathered courage to blurt that silly line in the first place. What if you dragged yourself all the way here to be rejected? What if there never was a form of enthusiasm from his corner as you hoped? What if this ends up being the story of a silly sophomore college girl, having delusions over an older man?

You chuckled with a nervous tone, “Well I-…” you paused, as your pulse began to grow loud within you, “Sorry…” you muttered, sliding off the stool, “This was just a stupid idea. I should go-”

“Wait!”

You turned upon Jim’s call. Showing his bottle, he shrugged:

“These Pistos aren’t gonna get finished themselves, hmm?” He dared to pose that inquiry with a playful grin. Smiling back involuntarily, you knew you had no comeback for that.

You remembered the chill outside the bar that night. The breeze that caressed your exposed skin of your legs were still fresh in your memory. Gazing at whatever stars your eyes could make out amidst the city lights, you and Jim sipped on the chilled alcohol from the porch. Given the fact there were little to none outside, the evening was unexpectedly intimate.

“Your uh…” clearing your throat, you finally broke the surprisingly comfortable silence, “Your friend not with you tonight?”

“Mike?” Jim inquired, to which you nodded, “Nah! he’s got his hands full” he answered with a smile.

“You guys close?”

“Hell yeah…He’s my homeboy, ya know? Since we were kids”

“Sweet. Must be nice.” You smiled in return, looking back at the sky, “I uh…remember that you serve. Iraq, huh?”

“Yes, Ma’am. Fallujah* ” Jim answered with a nod, looking at you.

“Whoa…” you breathed in wonder. Silence took over once again while your tongue  savored the beverage.

“And you?…UCLA?” Jim spoke before wiping his mouth, “Man! That’s some fancy ass shit right there”

“Yeah well… it ain’t a walk in the park…” you contradicted in a shy tone, forcing him to shoot you a look of concern. To which you chuckled, “I’m on scholarship, I mean…” you added, helping him come to realization, “Hehe yeah…I had to nerd my way into that gig” moving side to side, you could not help but take another sip,“But, I know…what a good thing I got going on. And I know… if I screw it up, then I’m FUCKED” you enunciated the end, which drove him to laughter. You adored how it soothed you somehow.

“Well…” he began, “…whatever fucking takes, right?”

You nodded, “Hell yeah…Here’s to…uh…positive shit! Hah!” You laughed as you both clinked the bottles together. The more alcohol that chose to settle in your system, the bolder you became:

“What’s it like?”

“What?”

You fully turned to him, “Being out there…in Iraq…” you continued, “I mean…I’m guessing you’ve seen some shit…” you inhaled, “you know…shit you can’t forget, right? I mean, shit like that…” you scoffed, “….that shit can fuck…you…up…” at that moment you could not help but find yourself lost in thought.

But Jim’s surprised expression made you pause. You chuckled in embarrassment.

“I’m just…guessing…” you muttered, sipping once again. Perhaps you went a tad bit too far with the blabbering. For your cheeks began to heat up with worry. Until Jim spoke:

“Well…Shit or no shit…Follow orders, that’s what we do” Instead of a frown, Jim replied, taking a huge gulp from his bottle.

“Yeah…I get it” you nodded in a fast pace. Robust, and straightforward, his attitude was to be admired. Funny you found yourself staring at his side profile long enough, his face could easily be compared to that of a statue. Perfect in proportion, your mouth began to dry out. You were attracted to him, shamelessly so.

“I-”, You paused, suppressing a grin, “…never mind”

“What? What is it?” He asked, looking at you. To which you shook your head frantically.

“Nah, it’s really silly…”

“Come on!…tell me” Fully turning, Jim insisted with a smile. His voice had its way of being persuasive. And his voice had its way of tearing your defenses down, or so it seemed. Taking a deep breath, you began:

“I kept thinking about this but…” you paused, “Last night, you said I should learn some Spanish… Why?”

Desperate for more interaction, that was your excuse. Jim responded with a shy chuckle. Certainly was worth it.

“I mean, we just met and you barely knew me…” you continued with a smile, “So…why?” As your question grew more confident, your inner desperation grew strong. Taking his last sip from the bottle, Jim surprised you by taking a step towards you:

“You really wanna know the truth?”

“Try me” , You replied, quickly finishing your own bottle, all without breaking away from his gaze.

And thank goodness you finished it. For you would have surely dropped it. Especially when Jim stood dangerously close to you, causing you to be immediately aware of the muscles between your thighs contracting. Even more so, when his irresistible eyes traveled from your very own all the way to your alcohol stained lips.

“Cause…” he purred, “…you have no fucking clue how sexy you sound”

You both may have chuckled to his line, but that did not mean your pulse did not quicken. Which increased in speed the moment his eyes took hold on yours once again. Seduction, he certainly was proficient in it. And you, were a witness. A witness who suffered from internal combustion of frustration.

You inhaled deep, “Really?” “Yeah…” he breathed in a sultry manner.

Just when you thought no force on earth could break this eye contact, the door burst open. Some men exited. Breaking away, you looked at your watch watch in an instant. You sighed. Real Life was calling you.

“I…I gotta go…” downcast, you muttered with guilt, “Class tomorrow…” adding extra guilt, you knew that excuse certainly did not put you in a good light.

“Lemme drop you then…”

Jim’s nonchalant and nonjudgmental reply urged you to look up with relief. Smiling in agreement, you watched him enter the bar with the empty bottles. And in that very moment, a tingling sensation filled with thrill washed over you, leaving no inch unattended. Butterflies returned to your stomach, fluttering harder than ever before in your life. Were you being hopeful? Could Jim Davis be desiring the same? Goosebumps traveled through you when that tingling sensation returned with much detail. Too much detail to be specific.

Until you realized it was real. And Jim’s hand was directly at fault here.

Blinking back to the present reality, your eyes caught the sight of Jim’s chilled fingers on your leg. They ran over over your inner exposed thigh in circular motion, thus, inciting the tingling sensation. Of course, no wonder the detail was accurate.

Yara and Chase were oblivious to all this, for they were caught up in their own love story as she kept yapping. But that was only the fact Jim kept on such a convincing focused face. He may be ‘listening’ to your friend, but his hand was evidently not. The longer his fingers lingered on your skin, the more you were reminded of him. And the more you began to tingle and sweat in the most unexpected places.

You were young, and unapologetically shameless. 6 months. It was exactly 6 whole months since you were last physically intimate with your boyfriend. And with studies piling up along with the expectation of a scholarship holding sophomore, ‘getting yourself off’ was never an option. Not with a roommate around.

The tingling sensation grew even stronger. And you began to hear your own quickening breath. Jim Davis’ elongated fingers, they spoke of pride. You longed for them to travel to locations far more adventurous and private than your thighs. Especially when they were rife with experience. Truthfully, it was a fact that his hands and his delicious lips and tongue were fluent in your body than your own self. Being pleasure deprived for too long, the mere thought of him ravishing you, aroused you even more. Aroused, and certainly very starved. The kind that food simply could not satisfy.

“...and under the stars…” Yara continued, holding on to Chase with lovestruck eyes, “…he told me he loved m-”

“Excuse me!”

Cutting her off, you cried out as you stood up in an instant.

“What’s up with you?” Chase inquired, whilst Yara looked offended.

“Just I gotta…pee…” you lied, eyes landing on Jim, “…now”

“Okay…” you heard Chase mutter in kind as you left the table, “…TMI, but whatever”

In all fairness, being judged was the least of your concerns. With every speedy step you took, the faster your heart began to beat. Storming into the empty ladies room, you found yourself staring at a mirror once again, with a heaving chest and noticeably flushed cheeks. It was plain to see, you were engulfed in the flames of pure arousal, and the fire needed to be put out.

And when the bathroom door opened up once again, you turned to find the fireman enter. Wearing a serious expression, it was slightly difficult to decipher his thoughts.

“I…” you struggled as Jim strode towards you, “I didn’t know what else to do-” Except he knew. When he attacked you with a passionate kiss.

Jumping into him was reflexive. Wrapping your legs around his waist seemed almost choreographed. Finally resting on the washroom sink, it was quite safe to admit how both of you were very much relieved to be the only occupants in the room. For there was no intention of holding back. Your denim skirt hiked high up, revealing your thighs in completion under the white fluorescent lights as Jim stood between your legs. And they were much cared for, as his hands gingerly rubbed them back and forth while his lips indulged yours with hunger.

“You think they know I lied?”

Breathless, you inquired with innocence. Except you did not receive an instant reply. Not when you found yourself gasping when he pulled your head back by your hair with a growl. With liberated access to your bare neck, Jim celebrated by placing equally starving kisses all over, resulting in your surprising moans.

“You think I fuckin’ care?” He chuckled into your skin, to which you could not help but chuckle back:

“Oh no, you bad boy” you purred in tease.

“Oh yeah, baby girl …” purring back, his reply incited a giggle out of you before he kissed you once again.

“Ay Papi*!” You breathed into his lips before he snatched up yours for good. Surroundings were simply irrelevant the moment the kiss turned intense, as his tongue crashed in like the rude boy he was, and grabbed onto your own tongue in a passionate embrace. They clashed against one another in frenzy, him claiming you as his. As the kiss grew deeper, your moans grew louder. When he pulled away all the sudden, whimpers left your lips with desperation. Teasing you so, Jim took a good look at you:

“¿Como esta tu Español?” He breathed low. And you were pleased that you actually understood.

   How’s your Spanish?  

Pressing himself against you, he began to slowly grind. You grew excited. Listening to Jim Davis speak Spanish was simply erotic in the first place. And since you have been studying it on your own for past few months, you were certainly impatient to show him.

“Yo…” you began, finding the words “…estudio pala-sorry…” with a nervous chuckle, you looked down, “..I know I suck-”

“No no…keep going” Jim insisted with a smile, bringing your chin up for a reassuring kiss, “Now say it again…” he added, maintaining eye contact with ferocity. Taking a deep breath, all the words clearly appeared in your head. Thus, you flashed a mischievous grin:

“…estudiando palabras…muy importantes”

   I am studying…very important words.  

Gasping was all you could do when Jim picked you up, carrying you into the nearest toilet booth. Thankfully with this restaurant being surprisingly hygienic, you did not mind. Life barely was embedded in your legs the moment he put you down, locking the door behind you to push you against it.

“Oh yeah?” He inquired, panting, “¿Cómo cuál?”

   Like what?  

Panting alongside him, you stood up straight, “Por ejemplo…”

   For example…  

Amidst his pants and his impressed expression, you grabbed his hands, placing them over your buttocks. All the while you looked at him with eyes, heavy with lust:

“¡Haz lo que quieras!”

You could not believe how confident you sounded. Smiling with equal lust in his eyes, Jim kissed you in approval, definitely pleased with what he just heard:

   (Do) whatever you want!  

Growling with effect, his animalistic nature was exuded as his hands gripped onto your buttocks with passion. His big, generous hands felt through every cheek with familiarity, as if they just reunited with a long lost friend. But that did not mean he forgot about all the other friends, the rest of your frame that had missed him as well. Moaning with pleasure, you began to unbutton his white shirt during in haste.

You simply adored his hands, for they were as passionate as his Spanish was. As he proceeded to hold on to your hips, your own hands roamed over his torso over his white vest. Except you froze the second his hands landed on your chest. Shaky breaths exited your lips as you shivered by his touch, for your breasts were at its most sensitivity even through your thin cardigan top. Palming them generously, Jim groaned into your lips:

“Fuck! I missed you, Guapa”

“I missed you more, Papi”

Confessing in return, you kissed him once more. Moans of desperation mixed into your kisses the moment his hands dipped inside your cardigan crop top, only to make direct contact with your untethered bosom. You winced involuntarily, even from his touch so gentle. Jim chuckled with seeming victory. And you were not afraid to admit, how you were simply in the palm of his hand.

Usually, during the peak pre-menstruation, you dared not let anyone come close to you, let alone touch you. But when it was Jim Davis, those rules halt by the door. He was a man who could maneuver his touch. However, he certainly was no good boy. Proceeding with his sweet torture during kisses, you were relieved to have a door to keep you balanced. For his long fingers, they flicked, encircled and pulled your now-sensitive nipples, keeping them fully erect and thoroughly visible even through the clothes.

Gripping his vest even tighter, you pressed your thighs together, for intense levels of pleasure and sensitivity crashed within you, akin to an avalanche. In truth, it simply was an overdose, and you could not handle. You were a mere animal trapped in this cage of frustration. But like an animal, you managed to set yourself free. You pushed Jim back with such force, that he ended up sitting on the closed toilet seat behind him. A surprised expression adorned his face when you straddled him in the process. Peeling your cardigan off your torso, you hinted your need for him. Which immediately was motivation for him to unbuckle his pants. However, his eyes did not fail to leave your sight while he did. For his eyes revealed nothing but pure amazement and hunger. He inhaled deep:

“Fuck!” He uttered, while his hand dipped into his hardened manhood.

“Yeah, that’s right Papi…” you breathed, maintaining the ironclad gaze. All the while you permitted his hand to feel the intense dampness of your opening, “Fuck me!”

And thus, public decency went flying out the window the moment the lovers fully united. The manner in which his hands rested on your bare back; whilst you moved upwards and downwards in syncopation to his thrusts, it drove you wild. The manner in which his generous and erect shaft felt so familiar inside of your tight walls, was too intoxicating as always. His mutual desperation and hunger translated well, as his lips savored on your swollen and sensitive bosom as if they were treasured food rations. Tingles were divided into million branches, impacting every form of stimuli in your system. But even in the midst of these endless waves of pleasure, that certain question from Chase yet lingered in your mind:

  “And?…that’s it? You both meet at a bar one night and…then sparks flew?” “Absolutely!”  

For in truth, it was not just a night of drinking and playful flirting that caused this relationship to blossom. And just like that, You could not help but recall further.

And peek into the moment that remained stored in the deepest corner of your mind. In the form of a secret.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

With arms folded, you kept on waiting. Long enough for the chill outside to grow stronger. Long enough for you to begin pacing nervously. Even long enough for several men to exit the bar during. Given its cabin exterior, it became more and more evident that this was more of an old fashioned bar. You sighed. Jim was certainly taking a little bit too long inside.

Paranoia knocked on your heart’s door, forcing you to welcome it inside with reluctance. Thus, several questions began to occupy your thinking space. Was there trouble inside? A possible Bar Fight? You shook your head, for you were surely being delusional. Or worse, was this a part of his plan all along? The player type to ditch you for someone else? Perhaps with someone better looking that he just met. Envy formed in your heart towards a woman that possibly may not even exist. Your stomach turned in a merciless fashion. When the door opened again, a surge of hope grew in you. Could it finally be Jim?

Except it was not.

“Baby! You still around huh?”

Fabio said, in a pleased tone, exiting the bar. Clicking your tongue in an involuntary fashion, you turned away with frustration. For he was the last person you hoped to lay eyes upon.

“Hey-Wha-What’s the matter?” Fabio cried, “Can’t look at a friend?” Whilst he tapped you on the shoulder repeatedly. Alcohol was strong in his presence. And the fact he stood uncomfortably close certainly turned your stomach even more.

“Well, technically you’re not my friend” With a forced smile, you turned to him, “You’re Ray’s friend, OKAY? ” a snappy tone exited your lips. And for a split second, there was genuine offense painted in Fabio’s face.

“Just tryna be nice, jeez!” He muttered low, with arms lifted. Coming one’s senses, you finally drew in deep breath while letting your arms loose.

“I…I’m sorry, dude”  you said, in a soft tone, staring the droopy eyed young man. Being Cindy’s friend, your last intention was to cause friction Ray and his friends. Your tone seemed to have been convincing enough, for Fabio flashed a soft smile in return:

“It’s okay…” he replied, to which you were relieved.

But that relief was short lived. Especially when Fabio leaned forward with puckered up lips in an instant, forcing you to gasp.

“What the hell, man?” You inquired, pushing him back with aggression.

“Ah come on, baby…” he drawled, chuckling in a playful manner, “Just one kiss…I mean, look at you! You still waiting out here. For who? I know… you really came here for me” with open arms, he went in for an embrace. Scoffing, you pushed him back again. That was when your pulse quickened again. To the point you hoped to flee.

“That’s it! I’m leaving! ”

You snapped, darting away from the entrance. The concern of leaving Jim behind or finding a cab did not seem problematic anymore, for all you needed was to get away. However, a painful cry left your lips when you felt your hair being pulled back. Your eyes widened. It was an angry Fabio.

“Ugh! Why you being such a Puta* right now, huh?” He said through gritted teeth, pulling you closer “Oh wait I forgot…” he snickered, “….you don’t understand Spanish, right bitch?” turning you to him. The alcohol had certainly rendered him more maniacal than ever.

“Don’t’ be a jerk, Fabio…” You cried, as you began to swing desperate punches towards his direction. But your defenses were lowered and moot, the moment he grabbed you tight by the wrists. You gasped, “..let… me… go! HELP! ”.

However, despite your cries, no one came to your aid.

This feeling, certainly was the ‘stuff of nightmares’. This feeling, had haunted you every now and again in imagination. To have it form into reality, was worse. No matter the force you exerted to free yourself, it seemed moot. For Fabio had the upper hand with his strength. And you were overpowered with intimidation. With the heartbeat increased in record speed, your heart was on the verge of exploding with fear. For the first time, you feared for your life. You despised the fact there was no one around, the fact this bar was on the outskirts. Almost close to tears, You heavily despised the fact you may be getting hurt in more ways than one tonight.

Until you heard a bottle shatter. Loud.

Glass fragments dripped from Fabio’s head as he cried out with immense pain. His grip on you loosened before he dropped down to the ground. Only for you to find Jim Davis standing behind him, with with a bottle broken in hand, and sheer rage in his eyes.

Rolling over, Fabio caught the sight of the man, “Jim??” He groaned, “What the hell, man? Why you helping this bitch-ARGH!”

A kick in the stomach was Jim’s choice in response, which incited more cries from the fool.

“THE FUCK YOU TOUCH HER FOR, HUH?” Jim yelled, his loud voice piercing through the tension like high pressured flames. However, the question seemed rhetoric, when he continued to kick Fabio, aggression growing more and more evident, “FUCKING…ASS…HOLE!” With tightened fists, he enunciated with each kick, “MOTHERFUCKE-”

“JIM!!!!”

You cried in an instant. And that very moment was when he finally froze. That fateful moment, you watched his face change, for his expression was clear as day. As if a wave of realization washed over him. As if bitter reality surprised him with a sucker punch.

All the while he stared down at his finished product: Fabio. He watched the the young man groan for his dear life, laying defeated and thoroughly bruised; all the while a weak stream of blood appeared prominent from his head and his mouth, adding a splash of bright color to the dark and dusty pavement.

Which was transparent enough for you, the witness.

You regretted being frozen with shock. If it only was for you to control. Thankfully a shred of it reached when you finally mustered the strength to call for him out from a potential murder. Violence, Danger, your trembling heart sensed it all. All from Jim. For that was what his strong aura emitted. However, despite your shock, never did you flinch. Never did your heart consider retracting from him or running away.

On the contrary, you were compelled to trust him even further. Especially when you sensed complete safety in him, above all others.

“Let’s go…”

You found yourself uttering those words, as you took his hand in urgency. Pulling him with haste, you both fled from the scene. Adrenaline coursing through the veins whilst running away, leaving a wounded man laying in his own mess before anyone could find out.

You remembered how Jim drove. Quiet, but focused. He drove and drove, until the bar disappeared from your sight. He drove to the point you both found yourselves ending up at a remote beach. And finally, time had returned to its normal pace once again.

Calming sounds of the ocean waves filled your ears, while the sight of the foamy waters barely were visible in the darkness. You watched Jim slowly take his hands from the wheel, rubbing his face. Your eyes widened, when you noticed his hand bleeding slightly. Perhaps from the broken bottle. You longed to speak, however no voice was present. Pushing the seat back, Jim slowly crawled over to the back of the car. Silence overpowered for too long, which urged you to clear your throat and speak:

“A…Are you ok-”

“You’re right, you know…”

You paused, upon hearing Jim’s interruption. Looking back from the front passenger seat, you found light finally shining on his face. Much to your sadness, cracks formed in your heart by the sight of his expression. Especially when silent tears streamed down his chiseled face. As if his mask of bravery was stripped away. Or even melted.

“You’re right…shit’s been crazy over there…” he chuckled with sadness, “…worse, shit’s crazy over here too…” he said, pointing at his own head.

Joining him in the backseat, you took the bandana off your head without hesitation.

“The thing’s I’ve seen…” he continued in mid-whisper, “The shit I had to do. The shit I wanted to do. It’s fucked up…so fucked up”.

It was unfathomable. Witnessing emotions of Jim Davis on variant scale in one single night, including him unveiling his vulnerability, you did not know where to begin processing. Simultaneously, those cracks in your heart, they could not help but form deeper to the point you ached inside. For a second, you were filled with an overwhelming desire for this misery in his heart to disappear. You longed for him to smile again. You froze. Were you tasting a slice of pure affection? Perhaps even, love? For him?

“It’s too fucked up…I’M fucked up-”

“Hey…hey…”

Your voice cracked when you finally began, leaning towards him, “Shhhh…It’s okay…” you said in comfort, while rubbing his forearm, “…its okay…I’m here” you said, as you occupied yourself with tending to his bleeding hand as a coping mechanism. The bleeding that he did not even notice.

With his hand on yours, the heart did feel heavier in comparison. As if his hand was magnetically powerful enough to keep you nearby. Thus, forming an attraction. Not the type that stirred the loins, but merely the kind that longed for you to wail on behalf of him. The kind to carry the pain for him. As if you did not wish to carry on another minute of your life, without knowing he would be well. And you would be lying if you did not want to show him that.

Your trembling hand reached out for his surprised face, turning it towards you with patience. The deep breath you took, it occupied your lungs in completion. Butterflies exploded in your stomach , causing a riot before you moved close. Close enough to feel his breath on your face. And close enough to press your lips on both his cheeks.

You tasted his salty tears, that stained his face. Pressing your own lips together, you hoped you could share his pain this way. Your eyes were smart, urging your voice to take a breather, whilst they gazed at his lips. Those lips that turned you greedy the moment you saw first laid eyes on them. And his trembling breaths of despair were enough for you to finally dispose of any form of hesitation.

For you finally moved to kiss him ever so gently on the lips.

With your kiss, you were there for him, in spite of it all. In spite of the violence and the tears. And the moment you instantly felt Jim kiss you back, you knew you were hopelessly his.

All the sudden, a dose of sweetness was infused with the salty kisses, weakening the flavor of the beer that lingered in his mouth. Selfishly, the need for comfort vanished. For all you needed was him. In every possible manner. Safe to say, Jim wholeheartedly agreed.

A sudden injection of passion entered your systems, setting your bodies in its entirety, in flames. Which also included the loins. Powerful enough for you to straddle him, powerful enough for Jim to flip you down to hover over you. And certainly powerful enough for the both of you to make love.

You treasured it all. The manner in which his fingers were precise, hooking on to your panties to gingerly peel them out of your frame. The manner in which his eyes gazed upon your own, then traveling all the way south to take in the sight of your now exposed opening, that dripped with wetness, blushing in its own means and begging him to explore it. Thus, it was to be expected, when you welcomed him inside you effortlessly. As if it had waited for him all your life.

Even for the first time, Jim was fast, and was rough. Yet surprisingly, you did not care. You knew where it originated. And it seemed most apt.

While he moved in body, he fled in heart. Away from the horrors, away from the pain. This resulted from his need for a distraction. Amidst the syncopated moans that filled the car, you cupped his face. Looking right into his hazel orbs, you witnessed his need. His need for a distraction. And at the peak of climax, you witnessed his desperation. His desperation, that urged you to never him go.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

         (Present)      

“I failed the test…”

Jim uttered low, capturing your attention. With your face buried in his neck, you heard it louder than ever. Tilting your head, you sat up straight to face him, confusion taking over. After reaching climax following a session of passionate and exciting love-making in a restaurant toilet booth, there you both were in recovery. Never did you expect him to break the silence with a statement such as this.

“What do you mean?” You inquired in a half whisper.

“The Psych test…” Jim elaborated, while you proceeded to put your cardigan top back on,  “…for the LAPD gig” sighing, he was downcast “I failed that shit…”

“No….” You breathed. The disappoint that was rife in his tone, somehow pierced through your heart. Thus, ushering in a wave of sadness that came crashing in, “Baby, I’m so sorry…” you said as you embraced him tight. To your surprise, Jim held you tightly in his arms in return. For when he buried his face on the crook of your neck and remained in silence for a mere few seconds, it was evident that was what he was required of. A rush of butteries attacked as you gently cupped his face.  You loved this man, and your heart was the witness.

“Fuck the cops if the they can’t relate” you said through gritted teeth, before kissing both his cheeks, “Fuck ‘em! Cause something better is comin’ ” you added with a soft smile, while your thumb ran over his upper lip, “We just gotta ...keep our heads straight”

To your relief, Jim seemed amused, “Speaking from experience?”

You smiled with pride, “You could say that…”

Both of you chuckled. “The point is…” you continued with a deep sigh, and huge smile, “I’m glad you’re back for good, baby”

Except for his own smile, it vanished right then. And in turn, his eyes watered and they shone, reflecting nothing but desperation and vulnerability. You took pride in being the one to witness it, just as you did that fateful night a few months back. Stroking your head with both hands, his forehead gently touched yours:

“¡Eres mia!” He breathed deep.

   You’re mine!  

How dare he? Expanding with immense warmth and impatience, it did not take long for your heart to gain rapid pace, as it was your very first time.

“¡Si, para siempre!”  You answered with confidence. For it was simply the truth.

   Yes, Forever! 

——————————————————

Index

UCLA : The University of California, Los Angeles Salud: Spanish term for “Cheers!” Guapa: Spanish term for Beautiful, Gorgeous Taquitos: A Mexican Food Dish Pisto: Mexican slang. A general term for an alcoholic beverage (usually beer) USC: University of Southern California Fallujah: A city in Iraq Papi: Spanish Term for Daddy Puta: Derogatory Spanish term for bitch, whore

Tagged: @tammykelly​ @ladyerina​ @kittenlittle24 @everyday-imfangirling​​ @lucy-roo​​ @works-of-fanfiction​​ @bale-is-a-babe @badsext​​  @maddistyles17 @truly-insatiable @gooseyhouse​​ @artsymaddie​​ @quarterback-5 @mamooska8 @jensen-impala​​ @lilyofthesword​​ @woodencupcake​​ @fonduebitches @soullesstaco​​ @spicybellinger​​ @marvel-lously​​ @glitterypinkkitty​​ @danceyreagan​​ @barikawho​​  @lostgirl0020 @diogodxlot​​ @xxdearlybeloved​​ @shewearsprada​​ @lexiespeaks​

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[anjuschiffer]

Wasn’t Meant For You but For Him

I know I’ve been quiet in terms of updates, but this is what I’ve been working on for the past two days! My first Timari! *squeal*

Thank you Vivi for encouraging me to write this! Also want to thank @eve-valution for beta-ing! 

@-@-@-@-@

P.Tag: @theatreandcomicfreak @damianette-is-life

@-@-@-@-@

Pairing: Timari

Context: This is years after highschool, possibly 5-6 years (I can’t count)? Gabriel isn’t HM here and HM was defeated a year after highschool was done for both Adrien and Mari. Mari isn’t the Guardian, since Fu was never discovered, however Adrien and Mari knew each other’s identities. Mari and Adrien are 24, Tim 25 and Damian is 17…

@-@-@-@-@

AO3

@-@-@-@-@

Richard yawned as he made his way to the kitchen, noticing a dim blue light peer through the crack of the living room, deciding to poke his head into the room.

His eyes laid straight onto Tim, his attention on the television screen, his coffee spilled on the floor, his laptop and documents spread on his table long forgotten and covered by the lone mug.

Wondering what had captured his brother’s attention, Richard decided to look at the television screen, then and there connecting the pieces.

“-and there you have it! Straight from the groom-to-be father’s mouth!”

Richard watched as Tim got up and left the room, giving Richard a nod as he left.

“The wedding of the year! Of possibly the century! The unification of the mysterious designer -MDC- and the face of Agreste - Adrien Agreste!” The tanned skinned reporter with a beauty mark above her eyebrow said. “And you’re saying that MDC will be revealing her actual face at the wedding?”

“She is, without a doubt, along with her actual name.”

“You heard it here first everyone! France’s beloved designer, MDC, will be revealing her face and name at her wedding! So don’t forget to joint down the big-”

Richard turned the television off, a click escaping his mouth as he cleaned up the spilled coffee on the floor and took the mug with him.

-----

“I can’t believe that I’m late for my own wedding!” A woman said, bouncing her leg as she kept looking outside her window to see if the limousine was anywhere near the church, Goliath Cathedral. 

While the cathedral was lovely, it was nothing compared to the Gotham Cathedral. Despite the Cathedral never being restored, its stone gargoyles and rusty bells attracted Marinette to the 800 foot, moss covered building.

It would’ve been wonderful to have the wedding there -no- to even walk inside the cathedral if it were ever restored. It’s lovely interior was filled with history, the unreachable ceiling would’ve enthralled the people when the music started, drawing everyone into an ethereal trance. 

The real trance, however, would start when Mari would step into the monotone room, her pure white dress becoming the centerpiece of adoration. The very dress she had on. An MDC original.

A dress made of tulle and lace, two materials and nothing more. The lace will create the sleeves and cover the bodice, forming an off-the-shoulder top. Tulle will create the skirt, lace once more adorning the hem of the dress and train that would be two meters in length. The veil would also be an MDC original, each crystal in that veil to be sewed on with joy and precision, an emotion that still radiated from Marinette since the day she started sketching her wedding gown.

“-Earth to Marinette!” Alya yelled, causing Marinette to let out a squeak. “About time you snapped from your trance!” Alya said with a giggle. “We’re here.”

“Already!” Marinette said with disbelief, looking outside her window once again, watching how crowded the streets in front of Goliath Cathedral were flooded with people of all ages and races, Marinette feeling something weighing on her. “Mon Dieu.”

“Well, Gabriel did make a huge fuss about your grand day.” Alya reminded her. “As much as I wish that I was the one to comment over your wedding, I couldn’t say no to being your Matron of Honor.” Alya said, really wishing to be the reporter to comment on her BFF’s grand day, but knew this task will always be of greater importance.

Marinette melted at that, throwing herself at her best friend. “Woah there girl! I can’t have you crying before your big dream comes true!”

“I’m sorry! I’m just-”

“You just can’t wait to finally marry Adrien after all these years of-”

“Alya!” Marinette squeaked, squeaking once more when Alya tackled her. 

“You deserve this Marinette.” Alya said, wrapping her arms around her friend. “You deserve this and so much more.” Marinette resisted the urge to cry. “Finally, after defending Paris for so many years and after getting your breakthrough as MDC… you can finally get your happily ever after.” Alya gently pushed Marinette away from her, wiping off the tears that slid down Marinette’s face. “Now! Let’s not be a minute later than what we already are!”

Marinette nodded, pep talking herself as she watched the door be opened for her, emerging out of the limo and stepping into the sea of cameras, smiling and waving as they captured the moments that would lead her to her life as Marinette Agreste.

-----

“He’s not here.”

Marinette felt lightheaded, her heart beating loudly in her ears, her chest tightening and becoming unbearable.

“Get me out of here.” She whispered. When she felt no one come to her, she said it again, not registering how loudly she said it. “GET ME OUT OF HERE!”

She didn’t know who grabbed her, but someone did, leading her back to the limo that was still awaiting for her, or rather for the couple that was supposed to be.  

She heard as cameras clicked and let out a shuttering noise that rang in her ears, she watched as lights went off as they capture her face in that moment,

Marinette kept looking forward, barely hearing Alya yell at the driver to get them somewhere.

Marinette felt as her entire body shaked, looking down at her bouquet of flowers. 

White roses - purity...innocence...

Baby’s breath - everlasting love... 

What a joke…

The limo came to a halt, Marinette looking up to see what stood in their way from getting out of the area.

Her eyes widened upon seeing Adrien step out of his car. 

She didn’t know when she got up and out of the limo, but she finally regained her composure when she heard the words she dreaded to hear on her grand day… their grand day.

“Mari, I’m sorry.”

Three words… that’s all it took.

Walking up to Adrien, feeling her anger shake the flowers in her hand, she lifted them up, connecting it to Adrien’s face, watching as flower petals scattered around them and the road beneath them. “How dare you show your face to me!” 

“Mari, I tried calling you-”

“YOU ALWAYS SAID WE WERE MEANT TO BE!” She hit him again, wondering when the petals were going to stop scattering.

“I’m here now. I-”

“YOU TALKED ABOUT ETERNAL LOVE AND YET LOOK AT US!”

“Mari, I’m-”

“YOU HUMILIATED ME! ME!” Marinette yelled, feeling hot tears trailing down her face, hitting him again and again, never noticing that the petals were already gone and battered, the stems of the bouquet bent and worn.

Seeing Adrien with guilt spelled across his face, Marinette looked him over one last time before running off, never hearing Adrien nor Alya yell out her name as she disappeared into an alley.

-----

Tim let out a sigh, running his hand through his hair, hearing Bruce’s words ringing in his mind.

“You’re not in the right mind. Come back when you’re ready to do your work properly.”

How exactly was he supposed to do that?

MDC’s wedding was today. To-day.

And no, that wasn’t what upsetted him, oh no.

It was the mere fact that she would be revealing herself to the world, something she said that she would never do until she felt comfortable.

So when Tim heard through Gabriel Agreste’s mouth that she would be revealing her face at the wedding -a wedding in which she later commented that she wanted to be private, but later was pressured into making it public- Tim couldn’t help but become upset for her.

Everything that she had worked so hard for, the respect and dignity she had built for herself all crumbled within a few moments… her years worth of effort, gone by marrying her highschool sweetheart.

To make matters worse, Tim felt like Gabriel was the one behind the wedding and not his son. 

Tim sighed as he wondered why he was even letting this all get to him.

Looking up, he didn’t expect to find himself wandering the park.

He also didn’t expect to see a bride-to-be, oddly feeling like he had seen her before. 

He heard sobs escape from her tiny frame, watching her rip the skirt of her gown with no effort, watching as she continued to rip the gown to shreds, the fabric laying at her feet, battered and covered in dirt.

He took a step forward before stopping himself.

Who was he to interfere in her life. Hell, what can he even do to stop her from crying?

He didn’t need to be told when he watched her turn around, Tim finally piecing why her back seemed so familiar, why her ruly midnight hair stunned him and why her dull, puffy bluebell eyes caused his breath to hitch.

He had seen her face before leaving his office. She was the reason why he couldn’t focus at work. It was her…

But why was she here? Wasn’t she-

No…

It couldn’t be…

She didn’t deserve this… 

No…

How could he?!

Tim slowly approached the woman he had secretly admired since he could ever remember. 

Taking the fabric away from her hands, the thing that was once her veil, a fabric that she happily worked on as she streamed her progress on her wedding gown over the course of six months…

Tim could only stand there… wondering what to do next.

“Would you like some coffee?” Tim offered, watching as something returned into MDC’s eyes. She nodded, slowly rising to her feet, collapsing as soon as she got up. Luckily, Tim had caught her in time, the woman now dangerously close to his liking.

Fishing for his phone, Tim called his most trusted family member.

“Hey Alfred… I need your help. Can you make sure there isn’t any type of paparazzi near me? We have a runaway bride that would be grateful to not have any more drama added to her big day.”

------

Adrien walked into the reception hall with his head hung low, too embarrassed to face his friends, feeling eyes pierce through him as he walked towards his former classmates.

He could feel Nathaniel and Marc’s gaze pierce through him, years of working with them allowing him to know who’s gaze was who. He could also feel Juleka’s and Mylene’s, thanking Kwami that Kim and Alix weren’t here. 

They would’ve killed him the minute he walked into the room with Mari by his side. But he didn’t need to hear their disappointment when he could already hear everyone else’s.

He could already hear the murmuring as people noticed the empty space beside him.

Where was the bride?

“What were you thinking, Adrikins?!” Chloe yelled, storming to her childhood friend upon seeing him, Sabrina close behind her. Adrien watched as her black dress with golden trims approached him, wincing upon seeing a name hiddened at the hem of the dress. “How could you do that to Dupain-Cheng?!”

“Marinette didn’t deserve that.” Sabrina added, watching as Rose and Ivan stood in front of him, acting as a wall between the two.

“You guys are being too harsh on him.” Rose stated, glancing towards Ivan, as if pleading him to back her up. “He was just nervous.”

“Rose is right. Give Adrien some space to breath and rethink-”

“Rethink?” Juleka scoffed, everyone turning their heads to see Juleka make her way through the reception doors. “Seriously Ivan? Rethink?” 

“Juleka, calm down.” Rose whispered, not seeing the anger in Juleka’s eyes diminish in the slightest, instead, it grew.

“No Rose!” Juleka making Rose wince. “You’re telling me to forgive this idiot for leaving Mari at the altar?!”

“Juleka, you’re being too harsh-”

“No I’m not Rose and you know that!” Juleka looked at Adrien, her eyes narrowed. “How dare you ruin Marinette’s dreams like that? How dare you mock Marinette’s feelings! How dare you!”

“Juleka!” Another voice shouted, gaining everyone’s attention, but Juleka’s. “That’s enough!”

“Lu-” Adrien could hear the gasps that filled the room as his vision shifted to the side, his face aching and on fire.

“You had one job Agreste.” Luka growled, Adrien not daring to face Luka. 

He knew that Mari meant a lot to Luka. She was like a sister to him, the two were inseparable when they were younger. “You were suppose to make her happy Agreste and yet here you are, not feeling a single shred of shame that-”

“I told her that I was-”

“Sorry?” Luka let out a dry laugh. “Sorry doesn’t cut it buddy. I told you what would happen if you made her cry.” Luka grabbed Adrien’s face, forcing him to look at him. “I swear, if I see you anywhere near Marinette, if you dare to talk to her again, I will find you and I will tear you to shreds Agreste. I don’t care if I have become a villain once more to protect those I love.” Luka let go of Adrien, the ex-groom falling to the ground, shaking.

“Mark my words Adrien Agreste.”

Adrien heard Luka and Juleka walk out, hearing another pair stop before walking in, watching as they crouched to his level. Kagami looked at him with disappointment, a frown on her face.

“Kagami.”

“Seems like Luka beat me to the punch.” She said, her frown curving a bit. “Literally.”

Adrien didn’t utter a word as she rose, helping him get up. “I also came to tell you something else before heading to your father.” Kagami smirked when she saw him tense. “The Tsurugi’s will no longer work with the Gabriel brand. Our relationship is over.” Kagami headed for the door before stopping to take one last look at Adrien. “Seems like Lady Luck is no longer on your side.”

------

Marinette stirred, jolting up when she felt soft comforters covering her and a mattress beneath her. She noticed an elderly gentleman standing near the doorway, letting his shoulders relax when he saw her.

“I see you are awake, Miss...?”

“Marinette.” Marinette started, scanning her area. Where exactly was she?

“Do not worry, Miss Marinette. No camera nor paparazzi knows of your location.” He assured, watching as Marinette let out a sigh of relief. “We also have some attire prepared for you if you so wish to change from your current one.”

Looking down onto herself, Marinette quickly took the offer, slipping into the slightly oversized shirt and a pair of jeans that fit her loosely, also thanking the gentleman for also giving her some comfortable footwear. Sneakers were definitely better to walk in than heels. 

“Thank you,” Marinette said, walking out of the room she was in, her battered wedding gown in hand. “Do you happen to know of a good way to get rid of this?” Marinette motioned to her gown, the gentleman giving her a knowing look.

“Of course Miss Marinette.” He said, motioning her follow him. “The manor is always prepared for anything, especially when it comes to getting rid of unwanted clothing articles.”

“And before I forget,” the gentle said, bowing. “My name is Alfred Pennyworth. Welcome to Wayne Manor.”

-----

Tim sighed as he dragged his hands down his face, settling with trying to rub his temples in a futile attempt to get his mind into the right place.

MDC was in the manor. 

She was finally in front of him, so why was his chest aching instead of fluttering like he thought it would when he imagined the day he got to meet her?

He stared out the window, noticing smoke rise into the air, Tim feeling his heart stop. 

It was coming from the garden. 

Quickly, he made his way to the source of the fire, finding Alfred flipping what seemed to be a white piece of fabric, tossing it into the flames, Tim finally noticing the sigh of relief coming from MDC.

He didn’t dare to speak as he saw her lock eyes with him, her hair a bit more tamed than what it was earlier, the corner of her eyes red and no longer puffy.

“If you do excuse me, Master Tim.” Alfred said, breaking the spell that drew the two into a staring competition, causing said duo to turn away, not wanting to acknowledge the heat that dared to spread across their face. 

“It’s fine Alfred. You are excused.” Tim managed to say without a stutter, watching MDC from the corner of his eye.

He watched as she went back to watching the flame burn the remains of her supposed grand day.

Seconds became minutes and then into an hour, Tim never realizing when the flame had died out. He honestly didn’t care that he was still looking at a dark pit filled with ash. As long as she stood by the makeshift fire pit, he’d stay there to keep her company.

“You know,” MDC spoke, Tim noticing how soft it was, how lifeless it sounded. “I spent six months sewing it, only for it to be destroyed within an hour.”

“I know.” Tim said, not noticing her whip her head towards him, her eyes large with horror. “I remember how you keep doing samples of the lace over and over again, saying how you kept messing up, even though each sample was meticulously done to perfection.” Tim didn’t notice how she backed away from him. “Even though you couldn’t hear me, I keep saying how you’ve improved since the last time and how you kept seeing each one as a failure because you were using new techniques you learned a week prior in comparison to the ones you started out with when you first started your career.”

When Tim decided to look at MDC, he noticed that she was crying again, standing two meters away from him, and yet one step was soon taken closer to her.

“You… you know who I am?” She asked, her hands shaking beside her face.

“Um, yes? You’re MDC.” Tim answered, watching as she shook even more.

Where was Dick when you needed him?

Tim slowly approached her, going to place his hands on her shoulders when he hesitated, his hands hovering over her. “Listen, can I call you Bean?” Tim said, cursing himself for not having Dick nor Jason’s ability to give proper nicknames.

“Bean, I didn’t mean to scare you. If there’s anything I can do to make you forget what happened earlier, please tell me.”

“Nettie.” She whispered, Tim barely catching it. “Call me Nettie.” She lowered her hands as she looked at him.

“If that’s what you want, Nettie.” Tim wondered why he adored the way it fluently rolled off his tongue. “Are you still up for that cup of coffee I offered earlier?”

Nettie gave him a small smile, nodded. “Alfred makes the best coffee.”

-----

Gabriel fumed as another person reported to him that another video of Marientte and Adrien’s dispute went online, the PR having difficulties taking the video down.

“What part of “get rid of it at all costs” don’t you incompetent fools understand!” He yelled, watching as people scattered to fight off the damage Adrien had done to the Gabriel brand.

Gabriel had planned everything to go according to plan, twelve whole months to plan this day to the utmost perfection, to be the most spectacular day for him and his brand, all for Adrien to ruin everything thanks to having cold feet.

Gabriel had taken everything into account, everything that would possibly make Miss Dupain-Cheng to call the wedding off, only for his stupid blood to let him down.

“Sir.” Nathalie said, gaining Gabriel’s attention. “We have a problem.”

“What is it this time?” He dared to say through gritted teeth.

“We’re receiving heavy backlash from-”

“When will anyone-”

“It’s Mr.Drake-Wayne, sir.” Nathalie managed to say, holding her breath as she watched Gabriel ingest what she just told him. “After saying how incompent and embarrassed we should be, he declared taking complete control over MDC’s PR and her entire business.”

“No.” Gabriel whispered, feeling himself get cold. “There is no way-”

“He just announced it sir.” Nathalie said, showing him her tablet screen, Gabriel snatching it to get a closer look. “MDC is now protected by the CEO of Wayne Enterprises and there is nothing we can do.”

-------

Tim pressed something on his screen before tucking his phone away.

“Something happened?” Nettie asked, sipping some more of her coffee. Tim hadn’t lied. Alfred made the best coffee Marinette had ever sipped since she had gotten to Gotham. Maybe in her entire life.

“Some damage control, nothing more.” Tim assured her, watching as she looked into her coffee. 

After drinking their first cup of coffee, Nettie had asked for a favor, something Tim couldn’t say no to. 

She wanted him to deal with her PR, seeing as she wasn’t in the right head to do so. 

After getting her sign of approval and calling a few people, Tim gained control of the rumors and content that surrounded and included anything that mentioned and dared to mention the disaster at the cathedral. 

Under different circumstances, Tim would’ve been over the moon upon having the chance at being in charge of MDC’s PR, but right now, it wasn’t the time to celebrate to his heart's content. 

He had someone else to cheer up. 

“Say Nettie.” Tim started, placing down his mug. “What do you think about staying for dinner?”

Nettie blinked, sipping into her mug. 

“If it means staying indoors and away from the rest of the world, I’m down for it.” Tim smirked. 

“Just gotta warn you, I’m not the only Wayne that lives in this manor.”

——

Marinette only meant to stay at the Manor until things cooled down, but she knew that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.

She kept elongating her stay at Wayne Manor, bonding with each family member over the passing days. 

Alfred, she quickly bonded with. After asking for permission to the kitchen to stress bake, Alfred shared some secrets on his cooking, Marinette in turn sharing her secrets in baking. From baking and cooking, the two started to chat more, Marniette adopting him as her third grandfather.

Bruce… she was still trying to get used to him. While they spoke quite a lot when it came to business… Marinette would always run short in talking about other things, usually their conversations ending in comfortable silence. However, Mairinette did manage to find out something to blabber about: grandkids (or rather children in general). Marinette would share her fantasies about having children, Bruce asking if she would ever adopt. Marinette would laugh and comment on how she didn’t want to be a serial adopter like him. That always got a laugh from the man.

Richard, or Dick as he insisted, was a sweetheart, helping her whenever she would wake up from her nightmares of her former life and from that disastrous day. He’d stay up until she felt better and held her hand as she drifted to sleep. He would never mention the incidents, knowing and  respecting Marinette in that manner. She also couldn’t help but respect him for skills, finding something new about herself whenever she would join his gymnastic warm ups.

Jason was… the brother she wished she had. They would banter about what food to have for lunch, always resulting in having to play a game to decide who would choose. When it wasn’t that, it was wrestling each other, Marinette having the upperhand due to her small stature, only to be overpowered by the baberious man. She enjoyed learning new attacks although she hated having to lose to him in the majority of their sparing.

Damian… he was the little brother she’d always wanted. While Tim told her he was the most annoying person to spend time with, Marinette would beg to differ. He just needed some guidance. The two bonded over animals, Damian showing her his favorite part of the mansion. When she walked into the room, she swore she was in a pet store,every wall was filled with dog supplies and toys. Ace and Titus wagging their tails as soon as Damian walked into the room, the dogs immediately taking a liking to Marinette. Even the rather bratty Alfred the Cat had taken to her quicker than with the rest of the family that wasn’t Damian. 

When it wasn’t pampering Ace and Titus, it was sparring, Marinette thanking him for not holding back like Jason and Richard. He’d expose her openings, apologizing as he would hit her. After training, she would teach him to bake, enjoying how he would blame the ingredients for not working and coming to Marinette for help. Mari’s best parts would be when he would lighten up when a pastry would come out perfectly after a few tries. 

Tim… he was… she had mixed feelings about him. Being a fellow coffee addict, Marinette could sympathize with the need to drink more and having to deal with late night work. Sometimes she would stay up with him, pulling a blanket over him, although there were times where she would end up covered by a blanket. She found out he liked her opera cakes; Damian would always request one, only to share it with Tim every now and then. 

He was respectful of her space, always checking up on her in his own odd antics in the form of a mug of coffee for a new tiny plushie. (She now had a wall dedicated to them.) He never once brought up her work as MDC, something she was glad for (she wasn’t ready to go back just yet). He was the one to give her a room, provided her whatever she needed, even a new family… but Marinette knew that he was more than just that…

What exactly was he, she would have to wait to figure that out herself.

------

“What do you mean you can’t find her? That you can’t reach her?” Gabriel seethed, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

It’s been two weeks since MDC had gone missing, no one knowing where she was. 

Gabriel had tried to open a line for people to call when they had any clues as to where the rising design was at, only to get an influx of false claims, prompting him to shut it down.

“Mari isn’t answering any of her phones, not even Alya knows where she is at.” Adrien reasoned, really hoping his father wouldn’t make him recall Alya. 

He could still hear screams in his ears, Nino having to answer the phone call before giving him his own two cents on Adrien’s actions towards Marinette.

“Listen Adrien, you have to find her.” Gabriel said soothingly, placing his hands on Adrien’s shoulders, the young adult wincing at the pressure. “If you don’t, let’s just say you can say goodbye to your dream of being forever with your lady.”

------

Titus and Ace were enjoying another day out in the manor garden, laying by Nettie’s side as she meditated to her heart’s content. 

She was practicing this new technique that Damian’s friend Raven had taught her, when a noise caught Titus’ attention. With a single glance towards Ace, Titus went to investigate, quickly finding the source. Without a second to lose, Titus barked a command to Ace before sprinting towards the manor, knowing he had to find Damian, and fast.

Nettie was in danger.

------

Marinette breathed in and then out, focusing on her breathing when it came to a halt when she heard Ace growl and her name being spoken by the one person she never wanted to see again.

“Marinette.” 

Her focus snapped and she felt her entire being freeze. How did he find her? How did he-

“Marinette, I’m so sorry about leaving you there, for leaving you at the steps of the cathedral instead of being by your side like I promised to be. Because you were right. I hurt you and I’m sorry for that. I should’ve kept my promise and should have gathered the courage to push my nerves down.” Adrien continued when Marinette remained silent, her bluebells staring at her with unshed tears. “We were meant to be Marinette.” Adrien said softly. “Will you marry me?”

A wind blew around them, its whistle snapping Marinette back to the present.

“No.” Marinette quietly said, stepping away from Adrien, feeling Ace began to intensify his growl. “I don’t want to marry you Adrien. Not today, not tomorrow, never.”

“But Mari!” Adrien said, grabbing her arm. “We are meant to be.” Ace began barking madly, circling around the two.

“Adrien, let go!” Marinette exclaimed, biting down on her tongue as Adrien clawed his nails into her wrist.

“You’re. Coming. With.Me.” Adrien gritted through his teeth, pulling Mari towards him, only to yelp in pain when Ace bit him. “Damn mutt!” Adrien hissed, attempting to kick Ace, but failing. However, he did manage to grab Marinette again, even if it was by her hair. 

Marinette felt tears escape her eyes, placing her hands over his, lowering herself, twisting to face him and bring herself up, watching as his grasp on her hair loosened. She quickly kicked him on his knee, not turning back as soon as he howled in pain. 

However, she knew it wasn’t enough when he grabbed her again by her hair, causing her to jerk backward, holding in a yell as her entire scalp ached. 

Again, she twisted her shoulder towards him, punching his groin area and striking his back with her elbow and throwing him forward, where his face collided with the ground.

Without giving him a second to react, Marinette stood on his knees, pinning his arms behind him.

But she was a second too late.

He pushed her off of him, pushing her down by her throat.

Marinette pushed him off using her legs and punching his face as he flung off, launching herself at him to punch him again, turning him over and hooking her arms under his own, struggling to put both of her hands at the center of his back.

Establishing her position, Marinette grabbed both of his elbows, her arms still hooked and flipped him over, her body crossing his and holding him into an excruciating pin.

She ignored the yells and cries that escaped him, yelling at Marinette to let him go, to free him before things were going to get worse for her, but she added more force into her hold, screams piercing the garden.

Marinette didn’t know how much pressure she had put into her hold, nor when Adrien passed out nor when all the brothers got to her.

She didn’t know when she was pulled away from the pale Adrien and pulled into Tim’s arms, feeling circles being rubbed against her back as Tim whispered to her that she was alright, that she was safe. 

It wasn’t until she saw Titus and Ace at her side and Damian asking Tim if she was alright that Marinette finally understood that she was okay. That she was going to be alright.

The boys watched as Nettie broke down, her wails and sobs echoing throughout the garden, watching as she gripped Tim’s shirt and cried into it, Tim wrapping his arms around her frame, nuzzling his head against hers, continuing to whisper to her that everything was alright.

-------

“-and I will continue to hold my charges against A-”

Marinette turned off the television, staring at it. 

It was over.

Adrien was behind bars, the Agreste brand tarnished and cancelled, Gabriel now dealing with lawsuits thanks to his son’s actions.

She can finally move on...

A mug appeared before her, Nettie not having to look up to see who had brought it.

She took it, a frown still on her face.

“Do you regret it?” Tim asked, sitting beside her on the floor, laying his legs beneath the coffee table.

“Not one bit.” Nettie said, letting out a sigh. “I’m… actually glad I didn’t marry him.”

“Hmmm..” was all Tim could say, sipping his own cup of coffee. “So, what now?”

“I… don’t know.” Nettie said thoughtfully. “Actually… I do know.” She said, turning to him. Tim blinked as she leaned into him, placing a kiss on his forehead.

A spark ran through Tim, making him balance his reaction between freezing upon being kissed and holding onto the mug he had in his hand. “Thank you… for everything.”

Tim remained silent as Marinette got up and left the room, leaving her mug behind.

He didn’t know how much time had passed, but when he did get up, he ran.

He ran to where she could’ve been, where she used to be, but didn’t find her anywhere within the manor. 

Her room was empty, but her things remained, the plushies she gave still on the wall.

As he got to the foyer, he found Damian, who seeked comfort in Titus.

“Damian. Ha-Have. You. Seen. Nettie?” He asked between pants, getting a frown from him.

“She just left.”

“Where?”

“She said she was heading back to Paris. Something about- hey!” Damian yelled as Tim ruffled his hair and sprinted out the door.

Please let him get to her...

-----

“-passengers for flight 6236 to Paris please go to Terminal 3.”

Marinette let out a sigh as she grabbed her luggage and started to walk towards her gate when the announcement tone rang again.

“-I promise it’s going to be quick!” A voice echoed through the intercom.

“Tim?”

“Ne-Marinette! Please. Don’t go.” His voice said, Marinette feeling her chest ache upon hearing his voice crack. “I know we’ve only known each other for a short amount, but hear me out.” She listened as he took a breath. “I love you.”

Marinette dropped something, but she didn’t know what. It didn’t matter.

“Even before we met in person, I was enthralled by your work, your delicateness when you sewed and when you would bake things.”

Run.

“I remember when you broke down during your video and spent the entire two hours explaining why you were crying, making me want to find out where you lived to tell you that everything was going to be fine and that everything was going to work out.”

Run!

“I remember when you won your first fashion competition for Audrey. I cried when you showed off your winning designs that you worked day in and day out, the days that you spent working on designs you drew with your prickled covered hands and sprained wrist.”

Find him!

“I remember when you eagerly shared with us how you planned to debut, going into details about your launch before you panicked because you let out confidential information, saying how you wanted to remain a mystery to the public. You didn’t want anyone to know who you truly were until you felt comfortable about it.” 

Where was he?

“Then when I met you,” A pause. “Even with your dress tattered and ripped, with your hair ruly and out of it’s crown  and your eyes red to the brim, I was still captivated by your beauty.”

There he was. 

Marinette allowed herself to breath, panting heavily as she walked up to the booth where Tim was, tears running down his face.

“The days we spent… I truly treasured… so please… don’t-”

“I’m not going anywhere.” “I’m not going anywhere.”

Marinette said, hearing her voice echo throughout the airport as she cupped Tim’s face into her hands, wiping his tears with her thumbs with such tenderness.

“I love you too.” “I love you too.”

With those words, she kissed him, soaking in the moment, feeling Tim place his own hands over hers, leaning in to deepen their kiss.

“I love you.”

[managedmischiefs]

bloodied jeans//spencer reid

here’s another fic for y’all! let me know what you think! give it a like or a reblog or just read it and be like omg 

requests are open if you wanna see me write anything specific, or if you just wanna talk

genre: angst, a lil fluff

warnings: guns, blood, stab wound, me not knowing specific details of the angels/demons episodes, season nine finale spoilers, yet again! an overuse of pet names but get used to that warning

word count: 6.2k

///

"Be careful out there, okay?" I hear Spencer say over the phone to me, the way he always does. "The unsub is armed and dangerous, Rose. We don't-"

"I will, I promise. I've got a vest, you've got one too. We'll be okay." I promise him, glancing over at Emily, who gives me an uneasy smile.

There's an all hands on deck situation in Texas with an armed unsub hiding out in some restaurant. There's been shots fired inside and there's cops waiting outside for the BAU to arrive.

"I'll be there soon," I tell Spencer and hear sirens over his line. "I love you."

"I love you too," and then he hangs up.

Emily doesn't bother to say anything as she drives, just keeps her eyes on the road. Spencer and I always get nervous when approaching situations like this one. We started working at the BAU together and fell in love instantly, but it took us years to confess our feelings. But now that we've been dating for four, going on five, years, we're very protective of each other. Both of us have and will jump in front of a bullet for the other and it's gotten us in trouble, but we love each other.

We arrive at the scene and find the rest of the team gathered at the hood of Hotch's car. I smile and stick myself to Spencer's side, feeling his arm wrap around my waist. As Hotch discusses a plan to get in, Spencer kisses my temple, whispering a promise that we'll be okay.

But just as soon as he does, shots ring out. Spencer immediately tucks me under him and covers my body with his as everyone ducks. Local police start to fire back at the unsub and the team all rush towards the restaurant to get in the action.

I draw my weapon and duck behind an opened car door, waiting for the right opportunity before sticking my head out and firing my weapon. I'm unsuccessful at first, just hitting a window and breaking glass.

I hear JJ fire from beside me and I look over just in time to see her roll her eyes at something. But I'm stunned because I had thought Spencer was right beside me and I'm thrown off guard. We never separate from each other. Hotch doesn't like it because he thinks being together in the field will cloud our judgement ion dangerous situations, but it makes the opposite happen. We've defused bombs, saved children, talked guns and knives out of the hands of unsubs- with minimal injuries to either of us. We bring out the best in each other but I need Spencer beside me to ease my anxiety.

"You good?" JJ shouts at me over the echoing gunfire.

"Looking for Spence," I respond, but I'm sure she already knew that. She sends me a shrug before moving to fire her gun towards the unsub again. She grimaces and sinks back down when no positive results are seen.

This gunfire continues on for what seems like forever, but in reality, it only ensues for, at most, a minute. The cop between JJ and I has been shot down and we tried to revive him but it was no use. My mind is spinning and I don't see this ending any time soon. The unsub keeps reining fire down on us and I'm not sure where he keeps getting ammo from. But, as far as I can see, he's shot three police officers and doesn't plan on stopping.

"Morgan!" I shout aimlessly, hoping he's near by. And just like that, he's right by my side, gun clutched in his hand. "We need a plan. Where are the others?"

"I'm not sure. We're all split up." Morgan tells me, looking around frantically, ducking down when a bullet comes dangerously close to us. "But we gotta stop this guy. Snipers are setting up right now on those buildings up there. I'm thinking we could get a good shot at him."

"Good," JJ nods, gasping when another shot comes close to us. "Let's hope snipers get here soon. This unsub isn't stopping."

Surely enough, snipers arrive just seconds later and I watch them set up. At this point, JJ and I have both run out of bullets and we have nothing left to do but wait it out. We watch intently as the snipers scope out their target and try to get a good shot. It's a hopeless feeling, to be shot at and know that there's absolutely nothing we can do to try and defeat this unsub. If me and JJ try to move to get more ammunition, we'll get shot. The unsub is shooting aimlessly and we're likely to get shot if we break our cover and neither of us are willing to risk that. The best bet is to wait it out but it's a crushing feeling.

The more the moments pass, the more I wonder about Spencer. Is he okay? Where even is he? Morgan didn't mention him and he said everyone was split up. Did his revolver run out of ammunition? It's likely. His gun only carries six bullets at a time. Is he okay?

The snipers try once to take out the unsub once and fail, then try again, and fail. The gunfire on the police lapses for a moment and I think for split second that they've got him, but then it continues. I curse loudly, ducking further behind the car door.

"Hang in there, Rose," JJ calls, mimicking my position, eyes stuck on the snipers.

And with just one more shot at the unsub, the gunfire ceases. There's a moment of hesitation among everyone where we wait for it to begin again, and when it doesn't, there's a collective sigh of relief. Clearly, the snipers must have been successful at their jobs. Thank god.

We all rise slowly, guns drawn despite the lack of ammunition, and some start to drift towards the restaurant to retrieve the unsub. But the first thing I do is look for Spencer, like I always do. He's always my first priority. He's tall, he's over 6', he's not hard to find. So when I don't spot him immediately, I panic.

I go to my right and see an empty area between the two cop cars, and even further right is empty. Then I start running, past where JJ and I were, to the left of our positions. I almost miss him at first, and I probably would have if it weren't for his black converse poking out from around a car tire. I find him leaned against the tire helplessly, eyes drooping closed and his mouth half open, tongue sticking out.

"Spencer?" I squeak out, rushing over and dropping to my knees beside him. "What's wrong?" I place my hand in his and instantly feel something warm and wet, and I don't need to look to know what it is.

Silent tears pour down my cheeks as I inspect him, looking for a gunshot wound. The source of the bleeding is his neck and Spencer's trying to lift his hands up to meet mine, but I shake my head at him. "No, no, sweetheart, relax. Save your strength. Relax. Hands down. Medic! Medic!" I scream as loud as I can, hoping someone will hear it.

I press my hand against his neck in the weakest attempt to curb some bleeding, watching his chest start to heave. "You're doing so well for me," I encourage him. "Just keep your eyes open. Keep your eyes on me."

Spencer's head starts to lull, turning to me. He can just barely keep his eyes and he surely doesn't have any control of the rest of his body, just laying there limply. But he's breathing, for now.

"Come on, keep your eyes on me, baby, that's all I need. Medic! Could you talk to me? I'd love that, sweetheart," I press my other hand atop mine and grimace at the amount of blood covering my fingers. "Could you talk to me, bub? Tell me a fact you've got in that big brain of yours."

"R-Rose," he manages to stutter out, but I can barely hear him.

Three paramedics finally rush over and get to working, pushing my hands away from Spencer and telling me to "step aside," but I refuse. I'm hysterical as I cry for my dying boyfriend, holding my bloody hands in front of me like I'm the one who shot Spencer. "I'm his girlfriend and I'm federal agent, I have to-"

"Rose," I suddenly hear Morgan behind me, "just come over here."

"No! I have to be right here!" I resist it when he grabs my arm. But then he just wraps his arms around my waist and drags me away. I kick and scream for Spencer as I sob, breaking down in Derek's arms with my boyfriends blood staining my hands.

The team looms over us as Spencer gets loaded into an ambulance and rushed to a hospital. Morgan just holds me and lets me cry, rocking me back and forth. But eventually he picks me up and carries me into the back of a car, presumably Hotch's, and they drive off.

"He's gonna die," I cry, feeling Morgan wipe the blood off my hands with a rag, but it barely does anything. My hands aren't slick but they're still red, a reminder of the horror I just witnessed. I may not have Spencer's remarkable memory but I'll never get that image out of my mind. "Spencer's gonna die and it's all my fault!"

"He's not gonna die," Morgan tells me firmly. "He got shot in the neck, that's not a bad spot. He's gonna go into surgery and lose his voice for a few days- that's it."

"He could be paralyzed," I counter stubbornly. looking up at him. Spencer always liked my stubbornness, he said its a good quality to have so we can debate about topics, but it just seems to frustrate Morgan. Who is he to be frustrated right now? "And he lost so much blood." I look down at my clothes to see that they're covered in Spencer's blood too. These are going in the garbage at my earliest convenience. "I'm gonna lose him."

"Shh," Morgan pulls me into his chest again and despite the fact that I'm upset with him, I need someone to hold me so I just melt. "Just relax. Reid is gonna be okay."

I practically sprint into the emergency room but Morgan catches my waist before I can start yelling at an innocent nurse, reminding me that we already know Spencer is in surgery and he will be for a while.

"Here," Hotch says, "here's your go bag. Clean yourself up. I know you don't wanna go to the hotel and shower but at least change out of your vest and clean up the blood on your hands and your face."

///

After a while of waiting on eggshells, I take Hotch's advice. I go to the bathroom and wash myself up, changing into sweats, and like I promised myself, I throw my stained clothes in the trash. My hands are still stained red and I'm sure they will be for a while. But I feel a tiny better as I pull my hair into a tight ponytail, getting the gross and dirty strands out of my face.

I resume my seat in the waiting room, knees to my chest. The team is away, finishing up the case, leaving me to my lonesome. It's a painful thing to go through alone, to say the least.

"Anyone here for Reid?" A nurse says after hours of waiting.

I jump up quickly, rushing over to her. "Yeah, yeah, I am. Is he okay?"

"Come with me," she smiles, leading me away from the waiting room. "The surgery went well and he's going to be just fine. His throat is probably going to be sore for a while and it might be challenging to speak at first, but he'll be just fine. The anesthesia is wearing off and he should be waking up very soon." She stops at a room and gestures inside. "You're welcome to see him. Visiting hours end at midnight."

I thank her softly and then she walks away, leaving me with Spencer. I walk in and even though he looks like a mess, I smile. He's alive and that's enough for me. There's a bandage on his neck and his curls are flopped over his forehead, hands resting at his sides. If I didn't see him almost bleeding out, I would've thought he was peaceful.

I bring a chair to the edge of his bed and sit down, sliding one of my hands in his, squeezing gently. I don't get a response but I'm not expecting to, not for another minute or so. I lean down and press my lips to his knuckles, leaving them there for a couple seconds. My own exhaustion is starting to settle in now as my adrenaline disappears from the long gun fight we had.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I check it to find a few texts from the team, all asking how Spencer is doing. I respond to them, letting everyone know that he's out of surgery and he's okay, but not awake yet.

Just as I'm setting my phone on the bedside table, I feel Spencer's hand start to tighten in mine. A smile comes to my face and I scoot in closer, my eyes filling with tears again. "Hi," I whisper, reaching forward to sweep his hair off of his forehead, "hi, bub, you waking up? Can you hear me?"

There's a groggy sound in the back of his throat and then he coughs, grimacing at the painful feeling. I jump up and grab the cup of water with a straw from the side table, holding the small plastic cup to his lips. "Drink, my love, nice and slow. It'll help you. Your throat is gonna be sore for a while,"

Once he takes a few sips and then pulls away, his head falls back against the pillow again and he lets out a small sigh of relief. I set down the cup and wipe my tear stained cheeks, sitting on the chair once more and grabbing his hand. "How are you feeling?" I ask, moving as close as I possibly can without actually being on the bed and risking hurting him, even though that's where I wanna be.

Spencer scrunches up his nose. "Did you get hurt?"

I let out a little laugh, rolling my eyes at him. "You're the one laying in the hospital bed and you're asking me if I'm okay? You're incredible. How'd I ever get so lucky to find a man like you?" I tease, leaning down to kiss his knuckles again.

Spencer chuckles, very gently turning his head to look at me. His eyes are open now, bloodshot- but still beautiful. He gives me the weakest smile I've ever seen from him. "I'm just amazing, what can I say?"

I laugh, nodding. "That you are." I reach up and push his hair back again. It's growing out and he constantly complains about it in his eyes. "How are you feeling? And you've gotta answer me this time. No flattery."

Spencer sighs, squeezing my hand just a bit tighter. "Sore. Really sore. It feels like someone's squeezing my neck. But it's not painful. And I'm just tired- really tired."

"Alright well," I'm cut off by my phone buzzing on the bedside table, "just relax. Close your eyes and try to get some sleep." When he doesn't immediately do as I instruct, I furrow my eyebrows. "What's wrong? Do you need something?"

"You changed your clothes," Spencer observes, his eyes scanning up and down my body. There's a small pout on his lips.

"Um, yeah," I look down at my sweatpants and remember the red handprint on my thigh that was present just a few hours ago. "They were bloody so I threw them out,"

"That's a shame," Spencer quips, his voice cracking. "Those jeans looked really good on you,"

I bark out a laugh, tossing my head back. "I'll buy a new pair of jeans, Spencer. Go to sleep, you crazy boy," Spencer gives me another weak smile before closing his eyes and letting out a small breath. I reach over and answer it to Morgan's stressed out voice. "Hey, Spencer just woke up and-"

"The unsub has a partner." Morgan says quickly, cutting me off.

I furrow my eyebrows and start to rack my brain for any evidence I can remember from this case. "We didn't profile a partner. There's been no evidence of a partner until now. How?"

"Yeah, well, there was plenty of evidence of a partner at the crime scene. Garcia found out his name and he works at the hospital and we think he's coming for Reid." My eyes instantly move to Spencer and I'm not sure if he can read my panic but he can sense that something is amiss.

"Okay, tell me about this dude," I squeeze Spencer's hand as a way to reassure him that everything is going to be okay. But his eyelids flutter open and I know that he's trying to listen in to this conversation.

"His name is Cameron Delgado, and he's been stalking all of us. Like, he knows medical details about all of us, especially Reid." Morgan tells me. He starts telling me about his involvement with the unsub and how we could have possibly missed it until now.

As just a precaution, I jump up a grab the bin of Spencer's personal belongings and sift thorough it, getting his gun, cuffs, and his badge, tucking them into the waistband of my sweatpants for good measure. The confusion and panic is evident on Spencer's face now but I just shake my head at him.

"We're five minutes away. Hang tight, Rose. Is Wonder Boy okay?" Morgan asks.

Before I can even respond, a male nurse wanders in and my senses are spiraled into overdrive. I stop responding to Morgan and focus on the nurse's every little move. Morgan's yelling over the line, wondering what's going on and why I'm not responding, but I ignore him.

He glances at Reid's chart for a moment before picking up the insert for his IV. He's about to add something before I speak up. "What is that?" My assertive tone makes Spencer's eyebrows pop up, because I'm never aggressive in situations like this. I've always been known to be patient and calm. But this is my boyfriend's life we're talking about and I'm not risking anything. Even if this is just a nurse doing his job, I'm going to be safe rather than sorry.

The nurse looks at me, surprised that I'm asking anything or questioning his medical expertise. "Um, it's a painkiller." He says, about to add it, but I put my hand atop his, effectively halting him. "M'am, please-"

"What's it called? The medical name? What's it called?" I glance at Spencer and I think he's starting to catch on. But the downside is that I think the unsub is catching on too.

The unsub spits out some name that I can't even begin to re-pronounce and Spencer starts to shake his head. "No, no, I'm highly allergic to that. I'll go into shock, I've almost died because of that. Don't give me that!"

Cameron, the unsub, shrugs his shoulders and smirks. "Doctors orders." And then pushes the IV.

I quickly whip out my gun and cock it, seeing Spencer ripping out his IV in the corner of my eye before any of the medication can get in his system. "Cameron Delgado, put your hands up, you're under arrest," Does this gun have bullets in it? Let's hope so.

Cameron puts his hands up and laughs. "Oh, come on, little lady. You're not gonna shoot me."

"You just tried to kill my boyfriend so I'd think twice about that." I snap, not letting my face falter. "Now, do you wanna do this the easy way, or the hard way?"

"How could you possibly have a hard way?" Cameron laughs, looking to Spencer as if he's going to give him some sort of male support for his sexism. But Spencer is starting to decline significantly, given the loss of vital fluids and antibodies from his IV. "Oops, it looks like your plan backfired. Maybe he won't die from an allergic reaction but maybe he'll die from an infection, or shock, or what's that thing called? Sepsis? I wouldn't know. I'm not a real nurse, or a doctor. Not like your fancy boyfriend here. But you wouldn't let your fancy doctor boyfriend die. Would you? But you took an oath. You wouldn't call in a nurse to readminister an IV while you've got a gun pulled on an innocent nurse, would you?"

He's right. I would never put an innocent life in danger, but I don't want Spencer to get worse. So I need to get Cameron out of the room. Either Spencer will hit the nurse's button or his pressure will drop and a nurse will be notified. But I have to move quickly. Spencer's condition is getting worse and if his BP starts to drop, a nurse will come in and that defeats the purpose of this whole thing. I need to get Cameron out of the room ASAP. But how?

"Maybe I would," I tell him, just a bit softer. "Maybe I'd call in a nurse to help Spencer. You'd like that, huh?" There's a twitch of his eyebrow and I know I've impacted him in some way. I start to lower my gun in the slightest because even though he hasn't pulled anything, I'm almost positive he's armed somehow and I'm not wearing a vest. But I have to get him on my good side to get him out of the room. "Women are generally nurses, right? You're not actually a nurse." Now that my gun is facing the floor, I step towards him. At first, he steps back, but then he lets me advance him, blinded by sexual desire for me. "You just like to look at them."

Cameron scoffs, his eyes darting over to Spencer. "C'mon, lady, your boyfriend is right there. He's-"

"Oh," I roll my eyes, and my next words feel painful on my tongue, "he probably doesn't even realize where he is or what's going on. It's fine."

There's a lazy smile that etches itself across his face and it's one I recognize instantly, from the days I used to have one night stands in college, and even from Spencer. He's turned on. And despite the fact that I probably look like hell with my ponytail and sweats, he wants me. And I'm realizing that this is probably why this unsub wasn't involved with the other murders- he'd probably take too long with the women and the other unsub couldn't afford being caught because Cameron wanted to bang them.

"So why don't you go show me what you think women are really worth?" I keep my voice low, partly for sensuality, and partly because I don't want Spencer to hear. I feel guilty enough that he's struggling without his IV and that now he has to hear me seduce a serial killer. "It won't be hard to find an empty room in-"

"You're lying, Fed!" He quickly pulls out a knife and slashes across my stomach. I'm stunned for a second but my adrenaline doesn't let the pain catch up to me. Cameron darts out of the room and I follow, just barely hearing one of Spencer's many monitors starting to beep.

I chase after Cameron and he winds up to be a surprisingly slow runner so it doesn't take much. But the moment he catches up to me, I'm dodging swings from his knife. I know I have a gun but there are innocent people around and I can't just go shooting for the unsub. I'm fighting as best as I can, throwing punches and trying to get him defenseless. It's not easy by any means, what with civilians around.

I kick in his knee and make him fall, swinging my leg around his neck. I catch his wrist in my hand and try to wiggle the knife out of his hand, but he swings it around and plunges it into my calf. I curse loudly and the pain actually registers this time, but this means that he's given up his only weapon. So, without a second thought, I pull the knife out of my leg and slide it across the floor as far as I can, getting it across the entire hallway until it hits the nurse's station desk. Cameron is completely in my control now but still thrashing around. My pain is starting to register which means I'm losing my energy, and in my lapse of focus, I'm pushed to the floor.

Cameron is seemingly covered in my blood, smirking deviously as his hands wrap around my neck. I try to push him away but I'm losing blood and starting to get weaker. "This," Cameron snarls as his hands tighten at full force around my throat, "is what women are worth to me."

My vision starts to get spotty but just in time, there's a screeching pop and Cameron has a bullet in his head, falling to the ground beside me. I let out a breath of relief, chest heaving as I try to replenish my lungs with the air it had been deprived of. My vision isn't even fully restored before I'm pushing myself up and trying to get back to Spencer's room to make sure he's okay. Patients and nurses are starting to poke their heads out of rooms to see if the commotion is okay again.

"Rose!" I hear someone shout, but I ignore them. Morgan and Hotch come into view, then JJ and Emily a moment later. Morgan puts a hand on my waist and stops me, eyes widening. "You're bleeding a lot, you need to get checked out."

"I'm-" as soon as I speak up, a wave of dizziness passes over me, "Sp-"

"Spencer's okay," JJ promises, speaking as if I'm a child. I wonder if this is how Henry feels when she talks to him. "But now you're not. You got stabbed and choked and right now you need to see a doctor. And Spencer is not the kind of doctor I'm talking about,"

"No," I shake my head, my stubborn side pushing to the surface again, but grab onto Morgan's hand when my hips start to involuntarily sway.

"Nurse!" Hotch shouts as he sees the inevitable coming. A combination of the stress, the gunshot, the blood loss, and the choking hit me all at once and I black out, falling right into Morgan's arms.

///

I'm not sure how long I'm out for, but when I wake up, there's a nurse checking my vitals. My head is pounding and my stomach is aching, and my first thought is Spencer. How is Spencer? Is he alive? Did he get an infection? Did any of that medication get into his system?

"Oh, you're awake, Agent." The nurse smiles at me as she sees my eyes open. "Are you feeling okay? Do you need anything?"

"Spencer," I choke out, my voice raspy. I grasp at the uncomfortable blanket around me, scrunching up my nose. "My boyfriend. Spencer- is he-"

The nurse smiles and holds up her hand. "You've had lots of other agents come through here and they've all told me he'd be the first person you'd ask about. He's asking about you too. He's doing wonderfully, recovering perfectly. He's more worried about you than himself, actually. He tried to get out of bed a while ago, actually, to see you and some of your coworkers had to tell him no."

"You're awake!" I look to the doorway and find Penelope standing there with a huge smile, holding a tray of food in one hand and multiple phones in the other. "Spencer made me promise to be there when you wake up but he also made me promise to get you lots of food so I was conflicted on what to do but-"

"Pen, it's okay. I'm okay," I promise with a weak smile. "I just wanna see Spencer." I look back at the nurse, the weak turning desperate. "Can I go see him?"

"Well," she sighs, "your stomach is just bandaged, you didn't need stitches there, but you have twelve stitches in your leg. A doctor will have to check you out for you to be discharged, and then you can see Doctor Reid. So I'll notify your doctor. Eat up, and be careful of your throat, it's very bruised. I'll be back soon."

The nurse leaves and Penelope takes her spot beside me, moving the hospital tray over the bed. "She's serious." She tells me, sitting down on a chair. "Spencer won't stop asking if you're okay and if you have the appropriate number of red and white blood cells or if they're giving you penicillin, because you're allergic, but you obviously know that, duh, and all these other questions. He's really worried about you."

"Yeah, well," I let out a sigh, my neck aching as it rolls to face her, "he had to watch me seduce the unsub. Spencer had to take out his IV and I needed the unsub to leave the room so I had to seduce him and now I feel like I need to bathe in holy water."

Penelope grimaces, her face contorting with displeasure. "Ew, ew, ew. I can't imagine being you. Disgusting, Sorry, not sorry. Just eat, and hopefully, the doctor will be here soon. I've brought you new clothes so you can change into ones that don't have blood on them, and I'm gonna text the team to let them know you're awake and then you and Boy Wonder can reunite and live happily ever after. Yay!"

I laugh lightly, reaching for the bottle of water and cracking it open. "Yeah, hopefully, there's no more crooked cops that wanna kill us and we can get on a plane and go home. It's time for me to convince Spence to use his vacation time."

Penelope frowns at me, putting down her phone. It's only seconds later that the team is walking into the room with smiles on their faces, clearly happy to see that their second injured team member is doing okay. "Hi, guys, thanks for coming,"

"Of course," Alex smiles, patting my uninjured leg. "You know we're always here for you."

"I just," I give a small smile and let out a sigh, "wanna get out of here."

"You wanna see Reid." Hotch fills in my missing sentence. "But he's fine, I promise. He just really wants to see you too. Soon. Your doctor is on his way. So get some rest, eat some food, and we'll be on a plane soon."

The team gives me final smiles before leaving my hospital room, only Penelope staying. She smiles, adjusting her seating position. "Pen," I smile, "you don't have to stay here. You can go home or-"

"I'm not leaving you alone in a hospital where Spencer was almost killed and you were stabbed. Absolutely not. I'm traumatized. I know I wasn't here and you should be the traumatized one but- I'm gonna stop talking now," She throws her hands up in surrender, making me laugh. "So I'm staying here until you get discharged unless you need me to get you anything."

"Okay," I nod slowly, "thank you."

It takes a painstaking half hour for the doctor to show up in my room. But he's smiling and tells me the same story that the nurse told me about Spencer. But he thanks me for protecting the other patients and staff by taking down the unsub before he could hurt anyone. He checks out the stitches in my leg and tells me everything looks good, then hands over the discharge papers. I've never signed a document so quickly in my life.

"Alright, we're gonna take out your IV and then you'll be good to go. Just don't be harsh with your neck, Agent, there's internal and external bruising. And, of course, be careful with the stitches in your leg. Don't run or do anything like that and make sure to clean it every day." I grimace as the nurse pulls out my IV, meaning I'm completely free to go.

"Thank you," I thank them both, swinging my legs over the bed. Penelope is holding my clothes out to me with a huge smile. "Go change, hot stuff, and go get your man."

I jump off to bed and throw my arms around her shoulders, squeezing her in a hug. "Remind me to throw a Penelope-Garcia-Appreciation party on our next day off, okay? Actually, don't. It'll be a surprise."

"You're the sweetest. But you can dote over me when you're not stressing over our resident genius. Get changed and I can bring you over to his room." Penelope pats my back and forces the clothes in my hands. "Off you go."

It's a bit of a challenge to change my clothes with stitches in my leg and a gash in my stomach but the promise of getting to see Spencer is enough to get me through. I'm pulling my hair into a bun as I walk back into the hospital room, smiling at Penelope. "Okay, take me to him, please, I can't wait any longer,"

"Yeah, let's go, beautiful," Penelope leads me out of the cold room and down a hallway. We take an elevator ride down a few floors and then we come out to a familiar floor and I completely abandon Penelope because now I know where I'm going. I rush, as best as I can, to Spencer's room.

He looks up the moment he hears my shoes against the tiled floor and smiles, sitting up the tiniest bit. "Hi!" He grins, eyes instantly tearing up. "Are you okay? What-"

"I'm okay," I promise, sitting on the side of the bed and wrapping my arms around his shoulders. "I just wanted to get back to you," I mumble into his shoulder, wary of his bandaged and injured neck

"You saved my life," Spencer breathes out, arms wrapping around my waist but not too tight. "You chased that unsub and you- you saved me."

"Yeah, well," I pull away and smile at him weakly, "you did have to watch me seduce him so I guess saving your life made up for that."

Spencer scrunches up his nose, pushing a fallen piece of my hair behind my ear. "Yeah, I heard some of that. I don't think I heard all of it because after I took out my IV, my head started spinning."

I place a hand on his cheek, smiling as I notice his eyes have their shine again. "You don't do that to me again, okay? You can't- I was so scared out there." Tears start pouring down my cheeks uncontrollably. "I couldn't find you and I was calling your name and then I found you and you couldn't even talk and I was covered in your blood and-"

"Hey, hey," Spencer cuts me off, pulling me back into his chest as my body shakes with sobs, "I'm sorry. I didn't try to get shot, you know that but I'm not gonna try to get shot again, I promise." I laugh, nodding against the uncomfortable fabric of his hospital gown. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have left you like that. It was an accident. I'm not gonna leave you in the field like that ever again, I promise."

I nod once more. "Okay," I whisper, "I'm holding you to that." I lift my head once more and let Spencer wipe my tears with his thumbs. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay, my neck is sore. Not too much pain though, not yet at least. I'm just tired," Spencer lets out a small sigh.

"Okay, well, why don't you get some sleep?" I suggest, leaning down to kiss his cheek before slipping off the bed. "Hotch said we're leaving as soon as you're discharged and that should be soon. So get some rest and I'll be here when you wake up."

I move the table away from the bed and pull the book off of Spencer's lap, effectively removing his main distractions. I'm about to drag over a chair, but Spencer grabs my hand before I can. "Don't go," he begs softly, squeezing my hand. "Will you lay with me? You've been away for hours and I know you'll be right there but I want you right next to me."

"Yeah, of course, I will," I nod, gently climbing onto the bed, kicking off my shoes. I situate myself under the thin sheet and rest my head on Spencer's chest, finding comfort in the steady beat of his heart. But I look up at him and sit up just once more, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you."

He smiles, kissing me again. "I love you too." And so, I rest my head on Spencer's chest and close my eyes, drifting off to a peaceful sleep with my boyfriend right beside me.

///

"Rose?" My neck aches as I turn it too quickly when my boyfriend calls my name. But he's pointing to a pair of seats while holding a blanket, eyebrows raised. "Good?" I nod, giving a thumbs up.

He nods back, putting the blanket down to claim the two seats. Rossi slips past me and claims a seat by himself, already pouring himself a drink. "I'm glad our two favorite lovebirds are okay," he says as he passes me, patting my shoulder.

I sit beside Spencer and pull the blanket over my lap, making sure it's evenly distributed between the two of us. I'm half asleep already but Spencer is, not surprisingly, reading a book. So I cuddle up to his side after moving the armrest up and rest my head on his shoulder, letting my eyelids flutter closed.

"Hey," Spencer whispers, setting his book down a moment later, "you know what we should do when we get home?"

"Hotch already approved vacation time for us," I mumble, too tired to entertain his playful tone.

"You should buy a new pair of jeans."

"I hate you."

"You love me."

"I saved your life twice so I guess I must."

"That was weirdly backhanded," Spencer chuckles, and the simple and oh-so-familiar sound brings a smile to my face. "But, you know, again, thanks for doing that,"

"I'd do it every day of my life. You know that,"

"I know," he sighs, slumping back in his chair, book long forgotten. "So what about those jeans?"

[utterlyinevitable]

Do We Have A Future?: August

Part 1 | Part 2: November | Part 3: January | Part 4: April

Paring: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Rebecca Lao) Word Count: 2.3k Warning: Adult themes, mental health triggers, themes of depression, pregnancy complications and termination Summary: Rebecca told Ethan and now they have to live with the aftermath of their decision.

Author’s Note: Sensitive subject matter means I really suggest only reading if you are 18+ years old... I can’t believe it’s over. This story is deeply personal and I never imagined it to be this long - I wrote the first part on a whim. Thank you for reading and encouraging and inspiring me to get my feelings out under the cloak of Becca and Ethan’s love. This has been so cathartic. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you 💗

Taglist: @ohchoices​​ @dulceghernandez​​ @aylamwrites​​ @binny1985​​ @ramseysno1rookie​​ @interobanginyourmom​​ @queencarb​​ @imactuallytheceoofthecompany @rookiefromedenbrook​ @eramsey28​ @choicesficwriterscreations​ @heauxplesslydevoted​ @schnitzelbutterfingers​ @purpledragonturtles​ @ramseyandrys​​ @ermidc​ @mrsdrakewalkerblog​

________________________________________

She finally stopped crying at the memory of the incident and at any infants she’d come in contact with throughout her daily life. It had taken nearly a year for Rebecca Lao to get to this point. 

But how long are you really meant to grieve for the child you never had? 

As her boyfriend Ethan was wary of her every single day, just waiting for the moment that her hard coated exterior crumbled right down in front of him. Some days he noticed how her tear ducts began to swell and her back stiffened whenever they were faced with an unhappy diagnosis. 

As her boss, Ethan eventually let her work on a preeclampsia case with baited breath, watching her like a hawk every step of the way. Every time she’d visit the patient’s room he wouldn’t be more than five steps behind. Whenever she’d assess the lab results, he’d be right there with her ready to break her fall. And when she left the mother’s side Ethan kept in time with Becca, his hand caressing the small of her back as they moved through the motions and onto another case. 

She handed the whole thing better than he could have ever anticipated. Becca didn’t need him at all, not anymore - but she’s damn thankful for the support, however overbearing. In the end, the mother and premature daughter lived happily ever after. Even with all of her self-mending practices, the sight of the infant still stung deep down in Becca’s core. Ethan didn’t notice as he held her hand outside the NICU, her curated mask keeping her emotions at bay. Although she fortified the walls around her heart strong enough to carry out her daily life, still not a day goes by that Becca doesn’t think about what could have been. 

It’d be different if we weren’t together and planning a future. If we broke up maybe it’d hurt less? 

Planning a forever seemed futile when they’d thrown a family away not so long ago. Coming from a broken home, the little doe eyed and innocent girl in the back of Becca’s mind desperately wanted a functional, loving family. A family that put their collective happiness first and nobody ran away. The silver lining to the termination meant they had the option to try again. Properly, when time aligned. When would that be? Would it ever happen? We haven’t had sex since...

Months ago, Ethan finally stopped asking her if she was okay and if she wanted to speak to someone about the experience. As always Becca dutifully declined - the fantasy world she built in her head was all the solace and consoling she needed. 

When the two of them are cuddled on the couch watching a film the phantom daughter of her mind’s eye would emerge. Becca would welcome her beloved mirage by nestling it right across her unchanged chest, coddled safely between her arms and protected from the world around them. 

In the silent and lazy Sunday mornings her phantom would be cuddled close to her heart as Ethan sleepily spooned the love of his life, blissfully unaware of the dream playing out before him on her side of the bed. Happily, Becca would be caressing the thick and curly hair that mirrored her own off of her daughter’s rounded face and giving soothing rubs along her back. Letting herself trail little bits of love over the soft and unweathered skin of her child. A hollow smile forms as the illusion plays out in front of her under the blanket of dusk. But once the strong daylight of reality peered in through their large windows, the tableau vanished. These little moments kept Becca grounded in the present. She needed a happily ever ending. 

As the weeks passed by and the delusion began to solidify into a distant memory, Becca finally had some gusto in her. She didn’t need to hide anymore. Ethan and her were able to joke and chide and taunt each other in the best of ways - just like old times. They were finally opening back up to one another. They let themselves be unashamedly intimate once again. 

The hurricane between them had seemingly passed, the damage was done and swept away at a political pace. There were still some cracks in the roads, but they’d weather them together. 

Becca was making blueberry pancakes one Sunday morning. Ethan sat at the kitchen island with his expert cup of coffee, struggling to breath through his laughter. Becca had just told him the worst joke - so bad that not even the corners of his lips perked up in pity. When she tried to explain why it was funny and Ethan still wasn’t understanding, her face scrunched up with a loud Humph and a stamp of her foot. Her little outburst caused her to slip on a few now-crushed blueberries, tossing what was left of the batter into the air. 

Ethan couldn’t contain himself. The cracks and wrinkles from years worth of living came alight with his bellowing laughter. His ocean eyes shut tightly as he gripped at the center of his bare chest. Once his diaphragm settled he rose to find his girlfriend now laying spread out on the wooden floor in defeat; Becca’s hair spewn over her grumpy face, her hands still holding onto the bowl and spatula but the contents were artistically gracing the lower cabinets and surrounding area.   

He grabbed a kitchen towel from the front of the oven and began to clean up the rogue splatters of batter, utterly bemused. 

The situation caught up with her and Becca chuckled as she discarded the equipment and made a faux snow angel on the floor, letting the lighthearted breath of fresh air take control - it was a stark contrast from the uncertainty and hopelessness that surrounded their every waking moment the last few months. 

“I hope our kids have my sense of humor,” she lamented during her motions.  

Ethan gasped loudly feigning hurt, “What’s wrong with mine?” 

Becca lifted her head slightly to observe him. His blue eyes shining bright with amusement meeting her matching light brown. 

“It’s terrible! You’re such a grump!” she exclaimed, mentally noting all the times she told him a pop culture reference he didn’t understand just like moments ago. Becca placed her head back on the cool wood and said, “Your dad jokes have improved though.” 

Ethan playfully rolled his eyes. I missed this.

He stood and bounded over to her with that silly smirk still plastered on his face. “I hope they have my good looks and intelligence,” He told her, offering his hands to help her to her feet. “They can have your…” he paused for dramatic effect, looking her over - taking in the way she still looked so unbelievably stunning even with batter smeared all over her face and hair wildly pointing every which way. 

“Chromosome.”  

Becca’s jaw dropped at the insult. 

Squeezing his hands hard she sassed him right back, “Ethan Jonah, are you saying I have no qualities you’d like reflected in our children?” 

His eyes softened as he assessed the magnificent woman before him. He had a lopsided grin as he spoke;

“I’d like them to have your curly hair,” he pushed a few strands behind her ear. Her completely enamored brown eyes fluttered closed as she melted into his touch. “Your little button nose,” he booped her nose. “Definitely your spunk and heart,” he gave a nod in certainty as his finger lingered. “And attitude;” her eyebrow rose encouraging him to continue that thought. In complete honesty he told her, “You are a better person than I.” 

It was something he showed her again and again. 

He regretted how self serving he used to be at the start of their partnership and felt entirely undeserving of how she continuously was there for him during his darkest of times - with Naveen’s diagnosis, with his mother and father, the near decimation of his life’s work. She never left his side. He was in awe of how, on the job, she did all she could for those around her, every stranger mattered in her eyes. She found the loopholes for their patients he was too stubborn to see - to make a difference, an imprint on all lives she comes in contact with, for the better. 

Becca’s heart was always in the right place. She had a courage and impulsive intuition he fiercely admired. In these last months she made the decision to save her own life, and she seemingly held her head high. Ethan knew he could never be that strong - if they had swapped places he couldn’t even fathom what sort of mess would have become of him. Ethan remembered how he wasn’t able to be there for her in the ways she needed during the Mrs. Martinez debacle because of his pride and personal ethics. He never forgave himself for letting all those months of what could have been slip through his fingertips and spent every moment of every day of every week in these last few months making sure she knew how important and special and loved she is. Dr. Ethan Ramsey is hopelessly devoted to Dr. Rebecca Lao. Whatever incidents befall them in the future they will tackle together. They’d be strong together. 

They’ve been strong together all this time. 

“I am,” she agreed, her eyes darting open to accompany her sly smirk. 

The two held one another’s gaze, their shoulders relaxing in unison and letting the bright and carefree morning swaddle them. Their worries all seemingly distant. All that mattered was them, their love and the abandoned pancakes. 

The last few months have aged them more than they have realized. The dark circles under Becca’s eyes held a weight she will never be rid of, a lasting reminder of what she’s been through and all she has overcome. She held herself a little higher now - she was done hiding and feeling ashamed. Ethan had a few more worry lines etched into his chiseled features, and next to default indifference of his natural gaze his eyes held clarity at the forefront - as if he had finally solved the mystery of his existence - his morals and personal ethics were damned.

 Becca playfully wrinkled her nose as she said, “They’re definitely not having your big head.” She wasn’t sure if it was the idea of giving birth to a large headed baby that sent a chill up her spine or Ethan’s calloused fingertips gingerly tracing its curvature; up and down, up and down. 

They both knew they had no control over genetics but he smirked anyway as he cradled his arms tightly around her back, “I’ll do my best to keep that from happening.”  

Becca softly touched his cheek, “That’s all I ask. I like my vagina too much as it is.” 

He laughed. A genuine, wrinkle-glowing laugh that rivaled the earlier comedic-induced laughter. She moved closer to hold him in a tight hug, listening to the comforting palpitations of Ethan Ramsey’s heart and feeling of the subtle rise and fall of his chest. There was a certain kind of euphoria in feeling the warmth of his back under her manicured palms.  

I missed this, she thought, tightening her grip.  

The laughter settled and she whispered ever so softly, he wouldn’t have noticed if he wasn’t so entranced by her, “I think... I think I’d want a c-section.” A small part of Becca found solace over the last few months in knowing she made the right decision - childbirth is terrifying and she definitely was not ready for a baby if she can’t even wrap her head around getting it out.   

He pulled away just enough to raise an eyebrow at her.  

“I don’t think I’d be strong enough,” it came out with a breath of air she was holding in, quiet and earnest. Just as easily she joked, “And not being able to control my bladder for the rest of my life is not appealing in the slightest.” 

They laughed it off. It was a jovial statement they knew as truth. 

But it didn’t matter anymore. They could speak about these things - they could speak about the future and pregnancy and babies and cravings, genetics, birthing plans and even last rights. They didn’t need to hide anymore. No secret wishes or manifestations suffering in silence, and not wanting to disturb the grieving process of the other. Everything now out in the open to share together. Revel in together. Carry together.  

The last year was absolute hell and Becca chastised herself for letting all that time slip past. She could never get that time back. She still was not fully at peace with her lost child but accepting it for what it is - it will always be a part of her. 

Through the internal turmoil Ethan and Rebecca grew as a couple and as individuals - they became stronger. They can talk about it and dream their new nuclear dream together. A dream that could quite possibly include a picket fence and a few certificates. 

Becca will never forget her phantom child, but hopefully she can lay her to rest. It had taken months of grieving in the dark depths of her mind and now was the time to face the sunshine. It was time to look forward to her career and enjoy having Ethan to herself, the serenity uninterrupted. The ability to continue making impulsive decisions, whims without any regard, and pulling unapologetic all nighters at the hospital whenever they pleased. There’s many things Becca would like to do before they have a family. 

Me and you. Just us two… For another two years at least. 

They have their entire future ahead of them.

_____________________

A/N: although my story’s a bit different from becca’s, it’s taken almost two years for me to finally be at peace with the fact and mentally move on. no matter your demons, please seek help. whether it be a friend, family or trained professional talking it out helps as i’ve just learned - even if it makes you feel small and stupid. if you need anything please drop me a line - i’m here and will support you, unconditionally. 

[yukimoji]

My World: Part 3 ( Tanjiro Kamado x Reader )

( a/n: hello! welcome to part 3 and the final part of the “my world” series! this became longer than i had initially expected, i apologize deeply for that. also, i'm sorry if it seemed like i shitted on kanao too much, im so sorry bby i still love u. take note there will be grammar errors and typos, bec im blind and i always seem to miss those errors rip. thank you all for following “my world”, and i hope you all enjoy! )

(also, how do u even write angst?? i tried my best and i hope ya’ll dont get too disappointed with my poor excuse of angst lololol)

Part 1 I 2 I 3

Total words: 6600+ words

Genre: Angst and Fluff

!!MAJOR, MAJOR MANGA SPOILERS! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Warnings: Mentions of blood

--

With each passing day, it felt like you were getting closer towards the edge of the line.

In a dark tunnel, you stood there, wandering aimlessly towards the light that could not be even seen for miles and miles. An endless loop of nothingness, as the feeling of dread, terror, and fear consumes you from the hidden depths of your mind.

You hoped and wished that one day you could see even a tiny glimpse of what lies ahead of you. Wondering if there's more to it than the endless bloodshed and horrors you've seen hundreds of times now.

But then, suddenly, a warm entity started to walk alongside you. A feeling as warm as the bright rays of the morning sun, and an inexplicable feeling of something accompanying you on your endless journey.

Even when immersed in darkness, the underlying warmth seemed to radiate from that figure. There was a tinge of happiness in your harsh world that made the road to the unseen light seem less lonely than before.

However, with every step, the distant light gets dimmer and darker.

And the warm feeling beside you blazes into a raging, roaring, sea of fire.

The morning after you received the heartfelt letter from Tanjiro, word broke out that Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu had defeated Lower Moon One.

You were rejoiced to hear that your comrades had defeated another member of the Twelve Demon Moons. When you heard the news for the first time, you promptly darted to find the nearest pen and paper to congratulate the trio. However, you stopped dead in your tracks when your Kasugai Crow screeched out the status of the Hashira that the trio had accompanied.

Rengoku Kyojuro, the Flame Hashira, has died after an encounter with Upper Moon Three.

Your eyes were as big as saucers, as you stood there in shock. You couldn't believe what you were hearing. Upper Moon 3? Hashira? Dead?

You've never really had a proper conversation with the Flame Hashira, but you've had high respects for him. The way he would hold his sword with pride and his never-ending sense of justice would always bring hope to you and your fellow slayers. You could still remember the words of encouragement he would say every time he would have encountered the lower ranks like you.

"Always set your heart ablaze!"

Hearing about the death of such an important figure in the Demon Slayer Corps made you tighten your jaw. Your hand clenches at the thought of someone so kind and strong had died of such a painful death. You inhaled tiny and long breaths as you try to calm yourself down from the frustration rising in your veins.

He would've wanted his death to inspire the Demon Slayers to fight harder, and you will. His fate will not be in vain as long as the Demon Slayer Corps will continue fighting on.

If you feel angry, you could only imagine as to how Tanjiro felt. Knowing the boy, he would've befriended and had grown attached to the fallen Hashira. Your face contorted into one of sadness. He would be distraught, seeing the Flame Hashira die in front of his very eyes.

You glanced at the paper and the pen at the corner of your vision, and decided to write to the Hanafuda-clad slayer. You went to grab the items and sat down to start writing your letter.

You couldn't be there to physically comfort him, you were too far away. You prayed that this letter would suffice, as you could not do anything more to console the Burgundy-haired boy.

--

Tanjiro made his way back towards the Butterfly Estate, after visiting the Rengoku Estate to deliver Kyojuro-san's final wishes. He gazed at the katana guard that was given to him by Senjoru, Kyojuro-san's little brother. He sighs sadly at the thought of the Flame Hashira, his words echoing in his mind.

"Live on and set your heart ablaze!"

Breathing out softly, his Crimson-hues looks upwards to the sky, staring at the moving clouds high above.

"CAW! A MESSAGE! A MESSAGE FOR KAMADO TANJIRO!"

"Yaah!" Tanjiro yells out in surprise at his crow's loud screeching, but his expression brightened at the sight of a letter attached to it's legs. He then puts his arm out to let the crow land on it.

"Thank you!" He affectionately pats the head of the crow, and proceeds to take the letter placed delicately on it's legs. The crow screeches once more, and takes off.

Tanjiro looks at the crow flying away, and returns his gaze towards the letter in his hands. He reads the message written in it, and can't help a smile forming from his lips.

"What can be done, is for us to not let it define our days to come. We can choose to heal, whilst bearing the scars, whether alone or with someone precious.

For as long as you want me to, I will be here for you."

I read that somewhere, but I couldn't remember where, hehe.

I'm sorry for what happened. I can't imagine what you're feeling, but I will always be here for you. Rengoku-san will not be forgotten, and he will always live in our hearts and memories.

Be kind to yourself, Tanjiro. You mean the whole world to me.

- [ L / N ] [ Y / N ]

Tanjiro chuckles softly at the letter, and holds it close to his chest. He sniffles as he flutters his eyes close, the corners of his mouth turning up into a thankful grin.

"Thank you, [ Y / N.]"

--

Months pass, another mission comes by after the completion of another mission. As the weeks gone by, you could find yourself growing stronger each passing day.

During your time apart, you and Tanjiro would often exchange letters. Usually, it was him describing his missions in full detail and how Zenitsu and Inosuke were doing as they worked alongside with each other. Every now and then, little scratches and odd pen marks will decorate the surface of the paper, which you could only assume is Nezuko's doing.

You, on the other hand, would also write about your missions. Occasionally, you would tell him about random stuff, little things on your mind as you go about your day.

One thing remains constant, though. The two of you would always end a letter with a heartfelt sentence that became your little way of saying "I love you" for each other.  

"You mean the whole world to me."

Today, me, Inosuke, and Zenitsu went to Yoshiwara with Uzui-san. He basically forced us to come with him, because he wouldn't stop harassing the poor girls back at the Butterfly Estate if we didn't go. He said he was looking for his three wives, as they stopped contacting him after going undercover to find a demon in the district. Can you believe it? Three wives?!

When we arrived, Uzui-san immediately dressed us up as girls and we were sent off to brothels where we could hopefully find the demon causing havoc in the area. Honestly, I'm kind of glad that you weren't here to see me. Not because I don't want you to be with me, no no no! I actually miss you so much and I just want see you again and I just-

It's because I looked absolutely ridiculous! Seriously, it was a miracle that I was able to pass up as a girl!

Anyway, it's my first night here, and so far, there's no sign of a demon. There's been rumors going around about young women suddenly committing suicide without explanation. There's something fishy going on around here, that's for sure.

I'm going to end my letter here. Tomorrow's another day, and we will do our best to make this mission a success.

Stay safe, [ Y / N ].

You mean the whole world to me.

- Kamado Tanjiro

Of course, there were moments where you were worried sick for the boy. When news broke out that the Sound Pillar and the trio defeated Upper Moon 6 in the Red Light District, you were absolutely ecstatic. Another Upper Moon had been slain, and you couldn't be more proud  for the trio.

That is, until Tanjiro abruptly stopped sending letters.

During those moments, you could only send letters to the Butterfly Estate, asking about Tanjiro's health and condition. You tried not to get your emotions get the best you, but you couldn't help it. Not when Tanjiro was laying in a bed, unconscious, and out of your reach.

You found comfort of the letters that replied to you. Kanao, the Butterfly Pillar's Tsuguko, started writing back to you, and kept you up-to-date of Tanjiro's well-being that would soothe your anxious nerves. You were thankful for her, as she would always write back to you every night without fail.  

Gradually, you began to get to know her, and eventually thought of her as a friend. Since she was a little shy, you gladly told her about your days and endless missions, and maybe a little bit of jokes and puns to lighten up her day.

It wasn't long too until she started talking about the things she liked, like how she enjoys blowing soap bubbles and considers it a hobby. She would also talk about how she likes sweets and accessories, squishing cat paws and helping with the cooking at the Butterfly Estate.

Who knew, that the girl who wrecked you mercilessly during your Rehabilitation training was actually such a lovely and adorable girl who enjoyed the little things in life?

When Tanjiro finally recovered, you never stopped sending letters to Kanao. She was a fun pen pal and a friend to have, because she would listen to each time you would either rant about your day or just say some dumb puns when you're too bored to function.

One day, Tanjiro told you that he was going to the Swordsmith Village to ask for a replacement for his sword. That night, he spoke of how the Love Pillar and the Mist Pillar were present in the village, and how he had the chance of speaking to Genya Shinazugawa, the Wind Pillar's younger brother.

For days on end, the Crimson-eyed slayer would tell you about a training doll that mimicked the strongest Demon Slayer who ever lived. He would rant endlessly, telling you about a swordsmith who trained him to the bone without food and water. He told you, one day, he accidentally smashed the doll into pieces, revealing a worn and old sword hidden inside of it.

You snickered, and you could already hear Tanjiro's voice, which was loaded with panic and anxiety, just by reading the contents of his letters.

You were pleasantly shocked the next day, when your Crow announced the news of the deaths of Upper Moon Five and Upper Moon Four.

Tanjiro was like a magnet for the Upper Moons, and you can't help but feel a heavy sensation in the depths of your stomach.

It felt like the calm before the storm, as after Tanjiro's experience in the Swordsmith Village, there was a rapid decline in Demon activity all across the country.

--

However, it seemed like the crow didn't exactly tell you everything regarding the Village's aftermath.

After what seemed like forever, you made your way back to the Butterfly Estate. Since demons have not been running all over the place, there weren't as much many missions as there was before. Your crow yelled at you to go back to the estate, but hey, you weren't complaining about that.

You couldn't contain the excitement, a giddy expression ever present on your face. Each step brought you closer to your destination, and as the Estate finally presented itself to your vision, you practically skipped your way in order to reach the area faster.

You heard shouting in the distance. There were cries of panic, seemingly asking someone to come back. You didn't stop your hurried pace, but your eyes widened in both joy and shock when you saw the familiar raven locks of your demon friend, who was now running towards you at full speed.

In broad daylight.

"[ Y/N ]! [ Y/N ]! [ Y/N ]!" Nezuko cries out in joy, jumping at you with all of her strength. You couldn't react on time as she lands on you, and the both of you tumbled to the ground. She was hugging you, a hand affixed on top of your head, patting it relentlessly.

"Oof! Hi, Nezuko!" You laughed at her antics, and hugged her back without hesitation.

You were confused, that's for sure. Even though you were absolutely overjoyed to see your friend, your mind was screaming confused thoughts on how on earth she was able to hug you underneath the blazing sun. Not only that, she was not wearing her usual bamboo muzzle and she spoke your name! She actually spoke! Her voice was absolutely adorable!

"Welcome back!" She cheered happily, and you already feel yourself melt into a puddle at how cute she was acting. She continued to nuzzle onto you, and you felt a sense of pride knowing that an incredibly cute and sweet girl was aggressively showering you with love and affection.

"EH?! [ Y / N ]'S BACK! SHE'S BACK!" You snapped your head to the source, and beamed at the sight of Zenitsu calling out to the residents of the estate, signalling your arrival.

"It's nice to see you again, Zenitsu!" You called out and waved at him, a bright smile present on your face. You couldn't really move, not when Nezuko wasn't done hugging you and spoiling you rotten with her affection.

Zenitsu's eyes widened for a second, until he began jumping around and screaming out a series of chants like the madman he is.

"REALLY? IT'S REALLY NICE TO SEE ME AGAIN?! AW! DON'T FLATTER ME, [ Y / N ]! YOU SHOULD'VE TOLD ME BEFORE THAT YOU HELD ME IN SUCH A HIGH REGARD! YOU KNOW, IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO ASK FOR MY HAND IN MARRIAGE!"

Your smile began to fade, and you could look at him with utter dismay as he proceeded to yell out nonsense.

But then, a familiar voice calls out. The voice that you've yearned to hear for months, as it makes your heart skip a beat as it gets louder and closer.

Tanjiro comes out from the estate, looking around frantically, a desperate expression evident in his gentle features. He looks at your direction and he goes stiff as a statue the moment he locks eyes with you. His eyes began to water, his lower lip quivering from the sight of you.

He races up to you, rivaling with the pace Nezuko had when she assaulted you. Instantaneously, he engulfs you in his loving embrace, and you couldn't hold back your giggles and laughter as he proceeded to wreak havoc on your face with little kisses.

Nezuko lets out a sound of pleasure and releases her hold on you. She watched her brother as he coddled you with so much attention, and she clapped happily at the sight.

After what seemed like ages, Tanjiro stopped attacking your face with kisses and raised a hand to softly caress your cheek. His crimson-hues looked at you with so much passion and adoration, and you gazed at him lovingly in reciprocation.

Slowly he leans in to you, his forehead brushing yours. The corners of his mouth are pulled up, a ridiculously goofy expression adoring his features. You could feel the blood rushing to your cheeks because of the close proximity to his face, but still, you gave him the biggest grin you could muster up.

He chuckles and closes his eyes, nuzzling on you as he holds you in his arms protectively.

"I missed you. So, so much." He breathes out, and you giggle as his warm breath fans your flushed face.

"I missed you too, you big baby." You fluttered your [ E / C ] close, holding him tight and not wanting to let go.

After months of hardship, stress, and pain, you find yourself once again welcomed by your home and your world.

You spent the next few days roaming around the estate, with Tanjiro beside you, holding your hand at every moment. Not just that, you've got to spend time in the garden with Nezuko again! Only this time, you were accompanied by the presence of Zenitsu, Inosuke, and even Kanao!

Each day was filled with laughter and joy. Even when the Hashiras decided to train every slayer in harsh training routines, your happiness never faded. Given the sweat and soreness of your muscles as you shift from one Hashira to another, you would always be rewarded with the sight of the bright stars shining brightly over all of you.

But one day, that happiness seemed to fade away. The devastation and cruelty that you had faced before came back from the ashes of the past, as each second escalated into the catastrophic hell that you were now forced to face.

One night, every Hashira unexpectedly went on a high alert. You couldn't understand what was going on, and you were even more perplexed when Tanjiro suddenly asked you to stay alert and left in a haste. You stood beside the campfire, confused, and you couldn't control the familiar feeling of dread swallowing you up again.

Your instinct was telling you that something terrible and unprecedented was about to happen. Your heart was thumping uncontrollably on your chest, as you started to sweat and tremble from the overwhelming feeling of uncertainty that made shivers run up to your spine.

Unfortunately, your fears were confirmed when a loud explosion was heard in the distance.

You gasped, as you felt the ground suddenly disappear. You couldn't respond quickly, your mind spinning out of control as you fell down to a fortress filled with demons that seemed to stretch out forever.

You breath hitched as you came back to your senses. You looked around, trying to find something or somewhere that could end your endless free fall. You felt a sense of hope as an area where you could land safely came into view. Your eyebrows were knit together, mouth clenching as you performed a breathing technique and landed swiftly at the edge of the structure.

The moment you landed, demons started to flock towards you. Your blood began to boil, rage rapidly overcoming you. You unsheathed out your sword, tightened your grip on the handle, and immediately slashed your way through the hordes of demons. It was then you realized, that it was the beginning of the end, and that it was going to be a long night.

In a blink of an eye, smiles turned into anger, laughter turned into screams, as what was once happiness was now destroyed and replaced by rage and anguish.

And whenever happiness is destroyed,

There's always the smell of blood.

--

Hours of endless bloodshed. Thousands upon thousands of casualties had rained upon the ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps. You had seen the brutal fighting with your very own eyes, and the rage only intensified with each life taken by the hands of those ruthless demons.

The Twelve Demon Moons had perished. But at the cost of their heads, were the lives of your mentors, comrades, and friends.

However, it finally seemed like their sacrifices were not in vain.

The sun had risen, and Muzan Kibutsuji howled out in pain as the sun's fiery rays started to burn him. He had taken the form of a large, hideous baby, as he desperately tries to hide away from the sun's burning gaze.

Almost everybody was severely injured; there were severed limbs, large gashes, and heavily bleeding wounds.  

Despite the overwhelming pain, the remaining slayers continued to fight on, too high on adrenaline and determination in order to bring Muzan to his demise. Everybody held on, performing everything they could do to make the Demon King roast under the sunlight and suffer for his crimes.

Right now, you were driving a bus, speeding towards the crawling abomination. You slammed on the pedals, accelerating at full speed as you rammed into the enormous, yet horrific excuse of a baby.

"Stay down, you bastard!" You yelled out, a dangerous glint twinkling in your eyes as you couldn't help the sides lips tugging up into smug smirk.

You jumped out of the vehicle right before a big hand smashed the front portion, as a voice commands you and nearby Kakushi to push the back portion to block Muzan from moving further. You all gathered together and pushed with all your remaining strength, yells of determination echoing out to stop Muzan from going further.

Your eyes widen as a large hand rises, but before he could smash you all into pieces, the Wind Pillar successfully cut off it's hand on time. You all continued to push, but Muzan was starting to overpower you all and was slowly going over the vehicle.

Then, you heard the loud clank of chains, and saw the monster stumble back as a large chain had wrapped itself on the demon's neck, forcing him to stay in place. You all moved out, and went to the Stone Pillar, aiding him by holding him in place as he uses all his power to grip unto the chains in order to pin the beast down. Muzan hollered out, as he continued to burn under the sun.

Determined to find shade and escape death, the huge monstrosity resorted to dig himself into the earth. The Hashiras then took turns attacking the abomination, attempting to wear off its stamina. All hope seemed lost, as the chains, and all of your energy rapidly depleted as Muzan continued his struggle.

Then, against all odds, the demon throws his head back in a final, ear piercing scream. Gigantic tears fell down from it's hideous face, and after what seemed like eternity, it's body finally crumbled into nothingness.

There was a pause. You all held your breath, the heavy tension in the air suffocating you all. Disbelief was evident on your faces, as you could not properly process what had just gone down.

Then, you all erupted into loud yells of victory.

Muzan is dead. The Demon Slayers had won.

You all cried out in happiness. Centuries of battle, bloodshed, and death finally bearing its fruit. Everyone embraced each other, beaming smiles present in every slayer's face as the shouts of triumph echoed across the battlefield.

"It's not over yet!" A Kakushi yells out, "Stand up! Treat the wounded! Don't cry, you fools, stay focused! We can save them!" You all looked around, and saw the bodies of several Hashira and Demon Slayers slumped up all around. The celebration ceased as everybody started to scatter; newly found strength flooding them as they sought out to save the heavily injured.

In your peripheral vision, you saw Kanao hunched up and unconscious, and she was being tended by several Kakushi. You ran up to her, and your jaw clenched as you observed the injuries and blows she had taken. You kneeled down, and asked for one of them for bandages so you could help patch up your friend.

As you started to wrap up some of Kanao's injuries, lilac hues started to flutter open. She takes a moment to look at her surroundings, and when she sees you and a few Kakushi patching her up, her lips formed a small yet grateful smile.

"...Thank you."

Your eyes darted to look up to the voice, you gasped in relief and your expression brightened as Kanao weakly gives you a wry smile.  

You stared at her, the corners of your mouth tugging up and your eyes flickering with gratitude. After wrapping her wounds, you gently took her hand and encased it with your own.

"We won, Kanao." You whispered. Shutting your eyes close, you recalled the memories of how hard she fought against Muzan, along with Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the Hashiras. The ravenette just paused, and her mouth falling open as she was reflecting on what you had just told to her. Then, she breathes out in delight, and slowly raised her other hand to caress your own. Kanao's whole face lit up, and she beams at you, nodding her head in appreciation.

But then, suddenly, in the corner of her vision, something captures Kanao's attention. She stiffened, and her hand started to tremble under your gentle hold. Her forehead furrowed and she struggled to find her voice.

" [ Y - Y / N ]-chan..!"

You opened your [ E / C ] eyes, and glanced at your friend's facial features. You grew concerned, trying to make sense as to why she was shaking and sweating so much. Then, loud shouts began to echo and you felt a heavy sensation start to enclose your chest. You started to tremble, the loud yells becoming more frantic by each second. The feeling of dread returned, seemingly to taunt you as goosebumps rapidly washed over you. The girl returned her attention to your bewildered expression, her lilac orbs filled with worry and regret.

You hesitantly turned around and looked to where Kanao had her gaze on to figure out the source of her behavior. Instantaneously, your eyebrows elevated, a hand immediately clasping your mouth. Your eyes welled up in tears and the cries of distress escaped away as you stomached in the scene before you.

You stared ahead to meet the figure of your beloved Tanjiro.

But he didn't look like your Tanjiro.

A beast roared out, screaming and assaulting any being that was attempting to get close to him. You saw a glimpse of Zenitsu and Inosuke trying to hold back your transformed lover, the Water Pillar frantically yelling orders not get close to the boy, but to no avail.

It felt like the whole world had shattered right before your very eyes. You struggled to swallow back the bile rising to your throat, your breathes becoming more erratic as the hot tears endlessly fall from your eyes. You become absolutely racked with sobs, the heavy feeling on your chest intensifying to the point of suffocating you.

"Stop crying!"  You mentally scold yourself. "Now is not the time to cry! You have to help! You have to save him!"

But you couldn't move. You couldn't speak. You couldn't do anything but wail out in absolute heartbreak as Tanjiro further succumbed into hysteria.

No matter how hard you tried, your feet were glued to the ground. Your mind hurled insults, screaming at you to step forward, to run, and try to save your beloved. You could only look up to the heavens, reciting a silent prayer pleading to every Deity who was listening to stop this madness.

In the midst of your emotional turmoil, you have flashes of what once was. You recall how Tanjiro would hold you in moments of peace, how his eyes would fill up with tenderness and love whenever you locked eyes with him, and how his beaming smile seemed to brighten up even your darkest days.

Your heart continues to pound painfully in your chest as you gasp out endless incoherent breathes. You could hear his loving voice resonate in your head, your cries becoming more erratic at the thought that you could never hear his warmth-filled sound again.

"You mean the whole world to me, [ Y / N ]."

You could only look helplessly as the now human Nezuko began to cry out to her corrupted brother, holding him in place so that he could no longer hurt more people. Tanjiro continued to screech and thrash in the sister's grasp, his screams releasing powerful waves of energy that would blowed away anyone who had even dared to come near him.

Zenitsu and Inosuke were swept away by the strong shockwaves, but Nezuko never weakened her grasp, as she continues to hold on to her brother desperately. Tanjiro dropped down, the sound of the tearing cloth ringing around as massive and sharp tentacles exploded out of his back. Zenitsu cries out, terror overtaking his face as he desperately reaches out to save Nezuko.

But something still puzzles you. Your stomach still twisted at the sight of Nezuko bleeding, but what was perplexing was that Tanjiro declined to bite his sister. Even though he had a taste of his sister's blood, he resisted and refused to attack her.

Maybe, just maybe, your Tanjiro was still there, fighting to break free from his eternal prison.

"[ Y / N ]-chan." Kanao calls out. You snap out of you emotional daze and faced the girl. She looked at you with a hopeful expression, and she takes out a small box from her belt.

"We can still save him..." She starts, opening the box to reveal an injection. "My master gave this to me, and she said that this is medicine made out of Wisteria flowers that could turn demons back into humans."

Kanao coughs up blood, her face scrunching up as she groans out in discomfort. She stumbles forward because of the pain, and you instantly hold her to prevent her from falling to the ground. She looks up to you, and gives you a sad smile.

"Tanjiro turned into a demon just now. Even if I could evade his attacks with one eye, my injuries could get the best of me." She coughs again, placing a hand to her re-opened wound on her waist. She takes your hand and places the injection on it.

"There's still time, [ Y / N ]. Tanjiro loves you too much to even raise a hand at you."  

You looked down at the injection, your eyes filled with renewed determination. You nodded in agreement, then took long breaths to calm yourself down. You knew what you needed to do, and now, you could save him.

You wiped the trails of dried tears on your face, eyebrows drewn together as your expression hardened. Tightening your grip on the object, you stood up and turned around to confront Tanjiro.

"Thank you." You breathed out, forever grateful to Kanao for giving you this oppurtunity.

You inhaled deeply, oxygen rapidly flooding your veins. You could feel your muscles become stronger each second, as adrenaline fills you once more. Bursts of energy traveled all across your body, giving you the courage and power you needed to pull this off. You focused your strength on your legs, and in a flash, you dashed towards your lover.

"Tanjiro.."

The demon takes notice of a presence rapidly approaching him. He growls and turns his attention towards you. Scowling, he screeches loudly, tentacles aggressively whipping around at all angles to attack you.

"When this is all over, let's make our own world,"

You looked up to meet his eyes, and you were with scarlet ones, which were filled with hatred and rage. Your breathe hitches momentarily as a shiver ran up to your spine.

"A world where no one could tears us apart."

Tanjiro had never looked at you with such hostility before. However, you didn't let that faze you as you continuously dodged his never ending assaults against you.

"Enough is enough, Tanjiro."

You jumped and evaded the whips his tentacles threw at you. Then, an opening presents itself, your eyes dilating and you bolted even closer until you came face to face with the demon.

"You musn't make Nezuko cry."

Tanjiro howls out loudly, and he raises a hand with the intent to smash you. You quickly caught the glimpse of his clenched fist, and you leapt, avoiding his arm as it plunged downwards with such speed and strength.

"Come back to us, and you won't be ever lost again,"

You swore everything looked like it was in slow motion. In that moment, a bright light engulfed your surroundings. Your body flew above the demon, and when his back came into full view, you immediately pushed the cure into him. Tears shone in your [ E / C ] orbs, as a love-filled smile appeared on your features.

You didn't even feel the pain when a rouge tentacle managed to successfully pierce itself into you. Your tender gaze never left the boy, and you finally breathed out in relief. You fluttered your eyes close, and you tumbled helplessly against the surface.

"You are the whole world to me."

"[ Y / N]!" Nezuko calls out to you, her face contorted into one of pure horror as she watches your body make harsh contact with the ground.

Suddenly, Tanjiro stops moving. His tentacles ceased it's assaults, and slowly, but surely, it retreats back into his body. The boy to started to shake uncontrollably, exhaling out heavy breathes as his eyes trembled wildly as he stares at the sight of your injured body.

With all the remaining strength you could muster up, you looked up to the demon. Instead of the hatred and rage you had saw moments ago, Tanjiro's Scarlet-hues were filled with regret. Tears ran down his cheeks, sadness clouding over his demonic features.

You inhaled softly, and with each passing moment, you saw his eyes slowly turn back into the Crimson colored orbs that you loved so much. As seconds pass by, your vision began to darken. Exhaling out in exhaustion, you felt thankful that you get to see a glimpse of your Tanjiro once more. You heard loud shouts resound through the field, feeling something tending to your wounds before your sight was further consumed by darkness as you fell into unconsciousness.

--

" -Ma..?"

" -Ma!"

"Mama!"

You jolt up in surprise, trying to catch your breath as cold sweat falls down from the side of your face.

You take a moment to observe your surroundings, and you could find yourself sitting in a bench that was located at an open lake. Sakura trees were abundant, and their beauty was obviously not overlooked as pink blossoms flew around with the cool spring breeze. Flora was flourishing all over, and the sounds of the little animals living in the lake was prominent.

A nightmare? You thought. Sighing deeply, you let yourself fall back in the bench where you were sitting on. A small hand shakes on your own frantically, as you turned your head and smiled softly as a gigantic pair of eyes, clearly filled with worry, gazed into your own.

"I'm sorry, Takeo. Did Mama scare you?" You chuckled, as the child in front of you pouts and crosses his arms over his chest.

"Stop dozing off like that! I was really worried when you started to cry in your sleep again!" Takeo exclaims out, puffing out his cheeks as he stomped on his foot in annoyance.

You laughed at his antics, your melodic voice echoing across the peaceful lake. You leaned forward and raised a hand to gently pat your son's head. The boy looked almost the same as you, seeing as he inherited your complexion, your facial features, and even your [H / C] hair.

There was one thing, though, that distinguished him from looking like a complete carbon copy of you.

He had Crimson colored eyes that he inherited from his father.

Takeo continues to huff out in annoyance, but he couldn't fight the flush rising up to his face from your act of affection towards him. Whether he was going to deny it or not, it was an irrefutable fact that he loved getting his head pats. As you observed Takeo's features, you felt warmth and tenderness embracing your chest. You pulled your hand away from his head and just chuckled at his failed attempts of trying to look angry at you.

"Papa asked me to fetch you, ya know.." Takeo mumbles, his Crimson-orbs looking away from you in embarrassment. "He says that Aunt Nezuko and Uncle Zenitsu are coming over today, along with Uncle Inosuke and Aunt Kanao. He figured that you would be glad to see them again."

"I see." You whispered. Your mouth slowly into a grin, and you nodded gratefully. You felt excitement and joy bubble up in you, as you beamed brightly to your son. "Thank you, Takeo. I'm absolutely delighted to hear that they're coming to visit today."

Slowly, you stood up from the bench, one hand holding on your son's arm for support and the other caressing your swollen belly. You looked up to the heavens, eyes sparkling with gratitude as a thankful sigh escaped from your lips. You shifted your attention away from the blue sky, and softly held your son's hand as you began your way back home.

"Let's go home, shall we?"

Once upon a dream, you never thought the possibility of true love coming to you all your life.

Growing up in a demon infested world, life seemed to be fond of throwing you into hardships and struggle. Despite the horrors of the world, you always persevered. For every challenge that has been hurled towards you, the tribulations have only made you grow stronger and better.

Your life may had started out roughly, but that doesn't mean that it did not change for the better. The endless bloodshed had become relics of the past, moments of time that helped shape the world as it is now.

Recalling those moments of uncertainty, the rays of sunlight peeking through what was once the dark and gloomy clouds had now completely engulfed your life with warmth and tenderness. What you once wanted to experience all those years ago, has now become your reality. The little bits of happiness that you yearned for, now held onto you, never wanting to leave any time soon.

As you get closer to your home, you could hear the voices of children laughing and playing. Soon, you saw a glimpse of your humble abode, and little kids that looked similarly to you and your husband came into view. Takeo releases his hold on you, and he excitedly makes his way towards his siblings. Your expression brightened, a permanent smile present on your face as you took in the sight of your children frolicking around with happiness evident in their faces.

Then, a warm hand snakes over your waist, pulling you towards a broad chest that belonged to your lover. You couldn't contain your giggles as your face was immediately assaulted by small pecks and kisses. His hanafuda earrings seemed to ring each time he moved his head, his long ponytail swaying alongside with the cool breeze. His crimson-eyes gleamed in adoration as he gazes into your own, an adorable grin affixed in his lips as he continued to lock you in his protective embrace.

Sakura petals flew all around, encasing your surroundings with a sense of peace and serenity. After years of struggle, you can finally wake up in the morning without the likelihood of a horrible and painful death looming over you, as your cruel and dark world was now behind you.

Those dark days were long over. Now that you had finally avenged your family and the numerous deaths Muzan Kibutsuji has inflicted upon humanity, you could finally spend the rest of your life in peace.

Now, you had finally found a place to call your home. With him, you had created a whole new world. A world that was overflowing with love and happiness. Now that he would always stay by your side, you won't have to be lost anymore.

Tanjiro lifts up a hand to softly caress your cheek, gazing at you with so much love and adoration. The corners of his mouth quirked up as he fluttered his eyes close and slowly leaned forward. Your expression softened, and you chuckled softly as you put your arms around his shoulders. Your eyelids close shut as you felt your chest swell up with so much emotion, as his lips finally captured yours into a love-filled kiss.

"You are the whole world to me, [ Y / N]."

( a/n: thank you, thank you, thank you so much for following “my world”! it means so much to me that some of you had taken a liking on this series :’D im sorry if there were mistakes and ooc-ness along the way;;;

thank you for reading, and stay safe! you all mean the whole world to me <3)

[four-loose-screws]

FE8 Novelization Translation - Chapter 15, Section 3

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I call this a “section” because it is not a separate part of the chapter in the book, but divided from the rest of the chapter by a scene break.

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Chapter 15 - The Day the Empire Fell (con’t x2)

Ephraim’s army continued their march towards the capital.

The Grado Empire had lost their central figures, Glen, Duessel, and Selena, one after the other, and was now visibly weakening. They no longer had the forces left needed to even hold Ephraim’s army at bay, while Ephraim’s army was growing stronger still.

They arrived at the capital without much trouble. Ephraim had not visited it in a very long time. The streets were laid out just as he remembered them, but what he saw looked like an entirely different city.

What was once praised as the continent’s most prosperous city was now just a shadow of its former self. Most of the shops were closed for good, and not a single person was traveling the streets. Many of the citizens had fled in fear of the war, and those who had reasons making them unable to leave the capital appeared to have shut themselves up inside their homes. 

As he walked the empty streets, Ephraim took Myrrh’s hand and asked, “Myrrh, can you feel the ominous energy?”

“Yes… It is very strong.” Myrrh squeezed Ephraim’s hand in fear. “It’s coming from the castle. From a room inside of it… It is a very big room.”

“Perhaps the throne room, then? Is it coming from the Dark Stone? Or maybe Emperor Vigarde himself is the source…?”

The moment Ephraim finished his sentence, a strong tremor rocked the city.

A powerful earthquake shook the ground beneath them. It was so great that they could not even stay standing. Myrrh clung to Ephraim.

The biggest tremor ended quickly, but several smaller earthquakes followed after it. 

Ephraim picked up Myrrh and said, “You have no need to worry. This has nothing to do with the Dark Stone.”

“But…”

“Grado is in a territory that has always suffered from frequent earthquakes since long ago. I was surprised too when I first came here, but Lyon taught me that earthquakes are what happens when the crusts of this continent slide around… and that they are also related to volcanic activity…”

Lyon had talked about the topic in much more detail, but Ephraim had no interest in it, only half listening at the time, so he couldn’t remember much.

Duessel told the panicking Freilan soldiers that the earthquakes were indeed just a natural phenomenon, and calmed them down.

Ephraim’s army tried to continue their march towards the castle, but on the roads along the way, they saw the effects of the previous earthquake. A number of old buildings had collapsed and started a fire.

Next to one of the ruined buildings was a crying and screaming young girl. She said that a member of her family had started running away too late, and was pinned underneath a fallen pillar.

Ephraim immediately ordered his soldiers to save the victims and put out the fire.

If they got behind their schedule, that would only be to the enemies’ advantage. But even knowing that, they did not waver in their policy to prioritize saving ordinary citizens. Ephraim stood at the front and moved away the debris.

Once they finally saved the man that had been trapped underneath it, he looked around at Ephraim’s soldiers incredulously and whispered, “You all have… come here to overthrow the capital, right…?”

“Why would you save us? What reason could you have to help us…?”

“We don’t have a reason. We can’t turn a blind eye to the injured, fallen citizens of this city, could we? Of course we would help you.” Ephraim answered.

The man looked up at the sky with a pained expression. "...You're Prince Ephraim of Renais, ain't ya? But I heard that Prince Ephraim was sent into a rage over his grudge towards Renais being invaded… and so he will kill anyone from Grado, even the women and children, and is pillaging everything… Is all that nothing more than empty rumors?"

"I don't know what kind of rumors are spreading, but I would never lay a hand on an ordinary citizen. And it goes without saying that I've also warned my soldiers to never do so either."

"Is that the truth? If someone like you was leadin' our country, I bet we'd all be happy. If only the emperor had half the kindness in his heart as you… The Grado Army should'a been the ones to help us straight away but… they abandoned us." The man looked towards the castle with eyes full of bitter hatred.

It was utterly quiet around the castle. Under normal circumstances, the army would currently be deploying to confirm what damage had been caused by the recent earthquakes, rescue any victims, and so on. But even before the earthquake happened, it was strange that no one had been guarding the city gates to prevent Ephraim's army from getting inside. They hadn't sensed a single human presence.

"They've just been stayin' locked up inside the castle, only guardin' the building. They don't care about us ordinary people. What's an army like that good for?"

Before they'd even realised it, a crowd of Grado citizens had gathered around Ephraim's army and formed a wall. Many of them were nodding as the man spoke. 

The weary looks on their faces were not only due to the earthquakes. Ever since the emperor had gone mad, the hardships of their daily lives had only worsened.

Ephraim looked around at their faces.  "I will defeat the emperor. Of course, I won't do it just to claim Grado as my own. Your new emperor will be Prince Lyon. There is no doubt in my mind that he will do an excellent job rebuilding this country. I… and the Kingdom of Renais, will spare no expense in cooperating with him to restore Grado to its former glory."

But when the man heard that, he snickered. "Prince Lyon?! I've heard he's a pathetic weakling who stays holed up in his room all day. And that's why he couldn't do anything to stop the emperor's violence… I don't have any hope in him. I'd be happier if Renais took control over Grado."

The man stopped himself there before quickly walking away, fearing that what he said might cause trouble.

Among the people, their discontent with the emperor and the prince had reached its peak, and was about to burst out from within them. Ephraim could sense it. In the gazes of those surrounding them now, he saw that they thought not of him as an enemy, rather, the exact opposite. 

Ephraim's feelings towards the man's words were very complex. Lyon wasn't a weakling. Naturally, as Lyon's friend, he wanted to defend him. But when he thought about how the people felt, it was obvious that they would criticize him for saying so.

The army's exchange with the local citizens had heightened the soldiers' morale all the more. Ephraim had no need to give them any encouraging words. They tore down the castle gate with a large battering ram, and all rushed inside the castle together.

ー

The Grado soldiers guarding the castle were formidable opponents. Just as Ephraim's army had expected, because the soldiers had neglected to protect the citizens, they had instead been inside the castle getting stronger and stronger.

The armored knights brandished long lances, preventing most opponents from being able to land a hit. And behind them were dark mages casting spells from a distance.

Though Ephraim's army suffered many casualties on the front line, they continued their persistent onslaught. The soldiers he led were brave. They fought with the unwavering belief that so long as they followed the prince, they could not lose.

And the one to fight the most bravely was Ephraim himself. The moment the armored knights, who were several times stronger than him, attacked him, he would face them head on, nimbly jumping into the air, and dodging the thrust of their lance. Though the harsh battle raged on, he showed no signs of exhaustion.

As they fought, they continued further into the palace, and gained more and more momentum as they went. They were coming ever closer to Emperor Vigarde - the person who had started this war. There wasn’t a person alive who could keep Ephraim from reaching him.

Finally, they were in front of the throne room. Ephraim stabbed the soldiers who tried to stand in his way, and slammed open the heavy doors.

“Vigarde!” Ephraim called out, and stepped onto the throne room’s red carpet. 

At the end of it was a beautifully decorated throne, and sitting upon it was the man who had thrust the entire continent into war, Emperor Vigarde.

But the moment Ephraim saw him, he paused for a moment. He could tell from his face that this man was indeed the Emperor Vigarde he remembered. However, his skin was so pale that it was terrifying. From his sunken cheeks to his hollow eyes, he was just a shell of the majestic emperor he had once been. If someone told Ephraim that the man sitting before him was just a clay doll made to look like the emperor, then he would believe them.

Vigarde did not move in reaction to Ephraim’s bursting into the room. His eyes simply stared blankly at the floor, and he did not even try to look at Ephraim.

Ephraim composed himself before continuing. “Why did you invade Renais?! Why did you have my father killed…?”

He should have had an entire mountain of questions to assault the emperor with, but Ephraim was at a loss for words. The emperor’s unexpected reaction… or more accurately, his lack of any reaction at all, had thrown him off. No matter how loudly Ephraim raised his voice, the emperor simply stared blankly at the floor.

“Why, Vigarde… You really aren’t in your right mind, are you?” The question escaped his mouth without thinking.

The emperor still did not answer.

An awkward silence fell between the two. Ephraim was shocked. He had expected that the emperor’s transformation by the Dark Stone would have granted him great strength… But he did not even try to fight.

“Lord Ephraim!” Duessel called out to him. He had been following after Ephraim, leading him into the throne room as well. He had his lance in his hands, and stood next to Ephraim. 

“General Duessel. Vigarde’s condition, it’s…” Ephraim whispered.

Duessel walked up to the throne with big steps. “Your Majesty, do you know who I am?” He asked. 

Vigarde did not respond. 

Duessel tightened his grip around his lance. “You are… no longer His Majesty, are you? You don’t know me at all, do you...?”

"..."

“...Forgive me.” Duessel whispered, and readied his lance.

However, in that moment, the unthinkable happened.

The motionless Vigarde suddenly stood up, and he had a sharp lance in his hands that they had not even noticed him pick up. His swift movements utterly betrayed the lifeless state he had been in until now.

Deussel was completely taken aback. He dropped his weapon and staggered back.

Within the blink of an eye, Vigarde raised his lance over his head and lunged. 

Ephraim sensed the danger just in time to block the attack.

'Had the hollow expression all been an act?' Ephraim wondered, but even now, Vigarde's expression was exactly the same. He still looked as if the life had been sucked out of him, except his movements were bizarrely swift. It was extremely uncanny.

Vigarde blocked all of Ephraim's attacks, surprising the prince all the more. The emperor moved faster than one would ever think humanly possible.

Myrrh stated that the Dark Stone did not control people, but… All Ephraim could think was that this Vigarde was like a puppet in every sense of the word, being moved by some other power.

Duessel picked up his lance and joined in the fight. It was against his nature to fight two-on-one, but he couldn’t worry about that now. Vigarde was undoubtedly possessed by a great power.

Of course, even Vigarde could not avoid every single attack from two expert opponents. Ephraim’s lance stabbed through the emperor’s chest.

Even then, Vigarde’s face did not change. He expressed nothing at all, not even pain nor regret. Nothingness spread throughout his hollow eyes, and that was all.

When Ephraim quickly pulled out his lance, Vigarde’s body slowly leaned over, and he toppled forward. 

Ephraim wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. It had been a long while since he had fought in a battle that stressed his nerves this much - since the battle at Renvall Castle, where he had fought for his life to escape, to be exact.

He didn’t feel like he had won. Though he had defeated the man responsible for Renais’ fall, he felt no reaction. All that was left within him was a feeling of disgust, like he had been touched by something and he didn’t know what it was.

“Lord Ephraim, are you injured?”

“I’m fine. General Duessel… is it over? Have… Have we won…?”

“Yes…” Duessel’s expression looked just as dissatisfied. The look on his face conveyed that he was feeling the same sense of disgust and unease that Ephraim was experiencing. 

The two looked at each other.

Suddenly, something strange happened.

Vigarde’s body, lying before their feet, instantly vanished. Was this some new kind of attack? 

Ephraim jumped back. In the blink of an eye, Vigarde had turned to ashes. All that remained was his clothing.

“What… was that…?" Ephraim muttered.

Duessel responded in a voice shaking so violently that he could not hide it, “Perhaps it was a mage’s spell…? Or one of the effects of the Dark Stone? Regardless, Emperor Vigarde vanished. There is no doubt. We have wo…” His words were cut short. 

Ephraim felt a cold chill in the air, and whirled around. ‘When did he come in here?’ 

There, standing before him, was Prince Lyon.

On the face of the prince that the townspeople had ridiculed and called weak was a calm, faint smile. It was an expression that Ephaim had never seen him make before.

“You really are strong, Ephraim… though I always knew you were.” Lyon whispered teasingly. Just like the expression on his face, it was a tone that Ephraim had never heard him speak in before.

Ephraim was utterly confused when he asked, “Lyon… is it… really you? You know who I am?”

“You hurt me, Ephraim. Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I? I could never forget. You are my very precious friend…”

Though his words were friendly, his voice was full of displeasure.

He was different from the doll-like, expressionless Emperor Vigarde. But he was undoubtedly being controlled by something else wicked… Ephraim could sense it. 

To soothe his discouraged heart, Ephraim asked, “What happened in the capital? Please tell me, Lyon. Why didn’t you stop the emperor’s tyranny? Where is the Dark Stone now?”

"Hm? You even know about the Dark Stone? Oh, I get it, Duessel told you about it. Of course… Then I will make this quick. You see, Ephraim, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

“...What?”

“The moment when Renais falls, and this world becomes mine. It has been my dream since I was a child… That is why I became close to you and your sister. You two mocked and belittled me, right? So I had you teach me all sorts of things about Renais, even though normally, you would be forbidden from speaking to the prince of a neighboring nation about such things. You taught me all about Renais’ weaknesses, and where to attack so that I could conquer it…”

“Lyon… what are you talking about? Eirika and I mocked you? That’s foolishness…”

He had teased Lyon from time to time. He would occasionally say to Lyon that he was weak because he could not defeat Eirika in swordsmanship practice. But of course, it was not to make fun of him. Ephraim knew that Lyon’s strengths were not in swordsmanship, but magic, so a joke about it would slip out of his mouth every once in a while.

Whenever he did so, Eirika would stick up for Lyon and scold him, then Lyon would be the one to apologize and intervene in their squabble. They were all close to each other, so those had been fun conversations. To hear that Lyon felt they had “mocked” him… Ephraim couldn’t believe it.

Lyon’s eyes narrowed in satisfaction. “The time was finally right. Thanks to the emperor… Father's incompetence, everything took longer than I planned, but… Renais fell, and King Fado is dead. Oh, that's right, I haven't told you yet. I was the commanding officer in the attack on Renais Palace. I killed your father.”

“Lyon…?”

“Shall I tell you? Exactly how your father died. It was so very fun. King Fado became desperate because he was so weak… Just the thought of it makes me laugh."

"Stop, Lyon!" Ephraim screamed. He was so angry that he felt not as if his blood was boiling, but as if it was draining from his body. His voice shook as he continued speaking, "Shut up! If you insult my father any further, then… Even if it is you, I’ll… I’ll…!”

"My, my, my. First you tell me to talk, then you tell me to shut up… You've always done as you pleased, Ephraim. But you shouldn’t think you can order me around any longer. There is nothing you can do at this point. Only two Sacred Stones remain… if I just destroy them.... ...then…" Lyon stopped there, and frowned. He must have suddenly felt pain shoot through his body, as he grabbed his chest. "So it seems that I am still not at my full power… Let's leave it at this for today. Next time we meet, I will kill you. Just like I killed your father…"

Lyon’s body disappeared as if it had been sucked into something.

Ephraim started to yell at Lyon, but he stopped himself. He did not know where Lyon had disappeared to, but he knew that his voice would likely not reach him. 

“Lord Ephraim…” Duessel called out. His face was terribly pale. 

Ephraim imagined that he probably looked the exact same way. “General Duessel. You told me that Prince Lyon had not been affected by the Dark Stone. That he was the same prince who hates war that he always was.”

“...I was wrong. I… was deceived by his act as well.”

“Everything is clear to me now. Our true enemy was not Vigarde. The enemy we must defeat is him… Lyon.” Just as Ephraim said that, they heard the sound of footsteps coming closer. 

One of his soldiers appeared before him. “Reporting, Lord Ephraim! We found someone imprisoned inside of the dungeon. What should we do?”

“Who is it?”

“He… did not tell us anything.”

“Understood. I’ll go there myself soon.”

Ephraim went together with Duessel, and the soldier showed them the way to the dungeon.

Inside one of the damp cells was a man crouched over, silent and wearing a hood.

When he heard the sound of footsteps, he looked up. He appeared to still be young, but perhaps because of the humidity in the room, he looked completely worn out.

The soldier offered Ephraim the key. He took it and opened the iron door without saying a single word. 

The man inside looked up at Ephraim and sighed. “My execution was scheduled for tomorrow. Has it been moved up? No, you do not look like a Grado soldier… Who are you?”

“I am Prince Ephraim of Renais. And you are?”

When Ephraim gave his name, the man shook his head with deep emotion. “So that must mean… that Grado Castle has been captured. My name is Knoll. I was involved in the magic research that was carried out here.”

“Why are you in the dungeon?”

He did not seem to want to answer that question, as he looked away and was silent. 

Ephraim asked a different question. “You said magic. Does that mean you were conducting research alongside Lyon? What is he scheming? There’s still a lot of things that I want to ask him…”

“You… don’t know anything?” Knoll looked up once more and blinked. His eyes were probably so used to the darkness that the light of the torch in the soldier’s hand was too bright for him.

“I don’t know anything? What do you mean? Could you please tell me everything that you know?”

“Of course. I will tell you everything. I don’t think you will believe me, but…”

Ephraim walked inside the cell and sat in front of Knoll. The stone floor was cold and unpleasant. The moment he thought about being locked up alone in a miserable place like this, he pitied the young man before him.

“This happened just over one year ago. Emperor Vigarde had been sick for a very long time, but his condition took a turn for the worse, and he suddenly passed away.”

“Wait a minute. This happened a year ago? What do you mean? I just killed him now… Was that a replacement, maybe? Did someone find a person who looked like him to pretend to be him and hide his death…?”

Knoll shook his head. “No, that is not what happened. I will tell you everything in order. One year ago, His Majesty died of his illness. Lord Lyon was both devastated, and afraid. He said that he did not have the strength to ascend the throne… and couldn’t do anything without his father…”

That seemed like a reaction that the Lyon Ephraim knew very well would have. However, it was not at all like the cruel Lyon he had just met. He felt all over again that he did not know who the real Lyon was. 

“Lord Lyon decided to hide his father’s death. Then, he said that he would bring his father back to life.”

“Bring him back to life?”

“Yes. As you know, Grado is the home of one of the Sacred Stones, which holds immense power. The Sacred Stones sealed away the Demon King long ago, and his soul is still trapped within them to this day… Us mages had been researching the Sacred Stones since even before the emperor’s passing. We wondered if the Stones’ power could be used for the country, and the people.”

“Yeah, Lyon told me about that once. He thought that maybe the Sacred Stones could help heal the people’s wounds and illnesses. However, Father MacGregor had told him that he was extremely against it…”

“That’s right. Father MacGregor warned Lord Lyon not to recklessly use the Stone's power. Lord Lyon was dejected, but said that he understood not to break the seal on the Stone, and instead only use the power that radiated around it. It did not compare to the true power of the Stone, and we were only able to extract a little bit of power from it, but so long as we continued our research, we knew we should achieve some kind of result, no matter how small… so we kept working as hard as we could. But his father's death had broken Lord Lyon's sense of self-control. He ignored Father MacGregor's warnings, and broke the seal on the Sacred Stone. He intended to use that power to bring his father back to life."

Ephraim gasped, and stared at Knoll's calm face. He didn’t know anything about magic, but it was clear even to him that what Lyon had done entirely betrayed any sense of morality. Bringing someone back from the dead… and using a precious treasure from ancient times to do it... was completely forbidden.

But at the same time, when he imagined what Lyon felt in his heart, he also felt Lyon’s pain. 

He must have been overcome by fear and insecurity. He probably lost himself in his desperation to bring back the father he had suddenly lost. It wasn’t too much to him. What he was experiencing was like being thrown out on stormy seas without any preparation or confidence.

“I do not know exactly what happened. I was not there at the time. But on that day, Lord Lyon told us that his experiment was a success, and I ran over to him in complete surprise.”

“He succeeded…?”

“Yes.  His Majesty was alive. Lord Lyon was very happy, and rushing around excitedly. His Majesty's body had been preserved by the power of the Sacred Stone and not decayed at all even though some time had passed, but on that day… his body rose up, and he opened his eyes." When he remembered that moment, Knoll shuddered. “While I was still in my state of utter shock, Lord Lyon held out two Stones to me. One was the Sacred Stone. And the other was…”

Knoll couldn’t finish his sentence, so Ephraim asked, “The Dark Stone, right?”

“...Yes. Lord Lyon said that he extracted the magical power from the Sacred Stone, and it had crystallized into a new form. By doing so, he created a Stone with power even greater than that of the Sacred Stone.

"He used that power to succeed in resurrecting His Majesty. But since Lord Lyon had extracted its power, the Sacred Stone was nothing more than an empty husk… That is what he said, then he destroyed it. And that was not all. He announced that he would destroy all of the Sacred Stones across the continent. He said that each of the stones that each country kept were just a nuisance… and all that is needed is the Dark Stone. You likely know most of what happened after that. He used His Majesty as a proxy for all of his own orders, conducted himself so that he would not stand out to the public, and gained control of the Grado government. Then, he invaded Renais. Father MacGregor was worried about Lord Lyon, and tried to remind him of the legends every chance he got, but that only incurred Lord Lyon’s displeasure. Father MacGregor was executed by Lord Lyon’s own hand, and I was captured as well. I had been ready for my life to end tomorrow, but… It appears that the gods have not abandoned me just yet.” Knoll finished his story and stood up. His legs seemed to be weak from being kept inside the dungeon, as he stumbled and put his hand against the wall.

Ephraim pulled him up onto his shoulder.

“Thank you… There is something I want to give you. I will take you to it.”

“Me? What is it?”

Knoll walked out of the cell without answering him.

They traversed a complex maze of hallways, then walked down a flight of stairs. They stopped in front of an altar located in the innermost part of the castle.

“This is where Grado’s Sacred Stone was kept. And together with the Stone were Grado’s Sacred Twins. If we are lucky, then they should still be here…”

Grado’s Sacred Twins were Black Axe Garm and Twin Tome Gleipnir, both legendary weapons said to have been used by the country’s founder, Grado himself. Lyon had once told him long ago, and Ephraim remembered it well even now.

They soon found the sacred chest that the two relics were stored in. Knoll silently removed the top, and gingerly handed the two sacred weapons over to Ephraim. 

Ephraim tried holding the Black Axe. It was very heavy, and he could sense the extraordinary power locked away within it. But unfortunately, he was not trained in axe fighting, so it would be extremely difficult for him to wield it. The same went for the tome, Gleipnir, as well.

“I wonder why Lyon didn’t take these with him…?”

Though the tome would have been more helpful to him than the axe, he couldn’t understand why Lyon wouldn’t take the Sacred Twins when he destroyed the Sacred Stone.

Knoll said, “Please take the Sacred Twins, Lord Ephraim.”

“But these are Grado’s treasures, right? I shouldn’t be the one to take them…” 

“I wouldn’t give them to Lord Lyon. I do not know what sort of terrifying ways in which he would use them. I think that perhaps Lord Lyon was afraid of himself, and wanted to entrust them to you.”

“Huh?” He didn’t understand what Knoll meant. 

Knoll noticed his blank expression and said sadly, “He is not evil to the very depths of his heart… Or so I think, at least. It is as if two personalities exist within him, and they are fighting with each other… It is the evil Lyon that destroyed the Sacred Stones and invaded Renais. But the good Lyon is worried about Grado’s future, and is trying to entrust the Sacred Twins to you. If that isn’t what he is thinking, then he wouldn’t have a reason to leave them here.”

“...It seems that way, doesn’t it?”

So there was a good Lyon, and a bad Lyon. Ephraim wondered if beneath the evil exterior, the kind Lyon was still there. If that was the case, then Ephraim wanted to save him.

But Lyon had boasted that he’d always been putting on an act in order to deceive Ephraim and everyone else. If that was true, then it would mean that no such good Lyon ever existed.

Ephraim didn’t know which of the two possibilities he should believe. The only thing that was clear to him was that Knoll was right in saying that it was of vital importance that the Sacred Twins not fall into Lyon’s hands. The evil Lyon would likely use the weapons to destroy the world.

"...I understand. Then I shall accept them." Ephraim took the Sacred Twins, and walked away from the altar.

ー

Though Ephraim's army had conquered the castle, they still had an entire mountain of things left to do. The most important was to tell the local citizens of the emperor's passing, and avoid chaos ensuing. They needed to spread the news to every territory in Grado, so the war would end as quickly as possible.

The moment that Ephraim tried to start preparations to do just that, a pegasus knight arrived at Grado Castle. The pegasus' rider was an exhausted messenger.

She collapsed on her knees in front of Ephraim and said in a panicked voice, "Reporting, Sir! Lady Eirika and Lord Innes are in Jehanna, and are being attacked by the Grado Army!!"

"What…?"

All Ephraim knew was that Eirika and her army had been betrayed by the Republic of Carcino, and fought them at the fort on the plains. After that, the reports about her had stopped coming, causing his worry to grow, but he believed in her strength. He’d told himself that she would be able to make it through this danger, and focused all of his efforts into capturing Grado’s capital city.

Eirika had of course won the battle safely, and arrived in Jehanna. But now, she was in danger once again.

“She is fighting both the army led by Valter and the one led by Caellach. The Sacred Knights of Rausten came to her aid, but the enemy army is so strong that they are likely to be defeated…”

“Understood. We will march towards Jehanna straight away.” Ephraim’s words, spoken without even a hint of hesitation, caused an uproar amongst his soldiers.

“Lord Ephraim, it would be a long journey to Jehanna from here! Even if we start marching now, I cannot imagine that we would ever make it in time. We should wait for reinforcements from Frelia to join us…” One of them said timidly.

However, Ephraim brushed his concerns aside. “Of course we’ll make it in time. Eirika will hold out until I get there.”

“But…”

“She’s my little sister. She would never give up! And I am her big brother. I could never let her die.”

Putting his feelings into words made even more strength burst forth from within him. Ephraim entrusted the capital to a few of his subordinates that he could trust, then decided on the very small force that he would lead to Jehanna. Duessel of course said he wanted to go with him, and Knoll did as well.

Ephraim was concerned that Knoll was still too weak and would struggle to march into the desert, and tried to stop him, but Knoll wouldn’t listen.

“I am well-versed in magic, and so I will likely be of some help to you. Grado’s future depends on you. Please allow me to help you. That, and…" Knoll’s lips turned up into a small smile. “I sometimes heard about you and your sister from Father MacGregor.”

“You did…?” When he heard that name, it brought to mind an embarrassing memory.

Father MacGregor had been a very serious elderly man, with great knowledge in all of the subjects taught in schools, but was especially learned in history. While Ephraim and Eirika were staying in the capital, he tried to teach them Magvel's history. Eirika was a good student, and she and Lyon encouraged him to study, but Ephraim found spearmanship much more interesting. He often regrettably slacked off in Father MacGregor's classes.

"What did he talk about…?"

"He really liked both of you. He said that Princess Eirika is a kind, intelligent young woman. And Prince Ephraim has a very straightforward and strong heart… and he will likely become a great king one day. He was always praising you."

"Father MacGregor said that about me…?" He was surprised to hear that the priest, who'd always scolded him with a disappointed look on his face, had thought that way about him.

"He worried about Grado and Renais' fate until the moment before he was executed by Lord Lyon. There is a black cloud looming over the continent right now, but Ephraim will one day clear it away... that is what he said. To serve you would be to carry out his dying wish… that is what I believe."

When he looked at Knoll, what Ephraim saw surprised him.

He could sense Father MacGregor’s intense gaze from behind Knoll. In this world, the living are not the only beings that exist. For those who passed with goals left unfulfilled, their prayers can take form and become visible to the living… but just as quickly as that thought entered Ephraim's mind, he snapped out of his daze and said, “Let’s go, Knoll, General Duessel. The fighting is not over yet."

Ephraim took a powerful step forward, one that was the first down a brand new path.

Their next destination was Jehanna. There was not a single doubt in his mind that Eirika would hold out until he arrived. 

[thespacebetweenworlds]

so... i’m not actually in the witcher fandom, nor do i know the most about it...but i still think you should write witcher!hyunjin + bard!jisung. i just approve of the notion idk

I WROTE IT!!!! lmao, be proud of me! this was a whole ride and I loved every second. I hope you’ll find this amusing, too!

Here's the tags: KPOP RPF, Stray Kids Fanfic, Han Jisung/Hwang Hyunjin, rated T, warnings for violence and blood, Witcher AU, 5k, complete. Read it on ao3 here or continue forth below the cut.

Inspired by this Witcher!Hyunjin edit. Beta’d by Reltic, who writes very good skz fic y’all should go read it <3

Anyway let me know what you think :]

 Hyunjin punched him in the face.

 … by accident. That was important. Or it would be important, if Hyunjin didn’t wish he could punch the annoying bard a second time.

 Unfortunately, they were currently caught and bound in the bandits’ cave, back to back, and if Hyunjin wanted to break free fast, the knife in his arm guard would also stab the annoying bard in the back. And he had to admit that that annoying mouth was currently the only thing preventing the bandits from slashing their throats and leaving them to bleed out in a ditch.

 Fuck.

 So Hyunjin lost himself in the memory of the bard’s stupid soft cheek on his knuckles, the impact he felt before the bard’s head snapped back and he stumbled away. The blood on his teeth when he smiled up at Hyunjin, who had honestly (oh, his past self new nothing) meant to punch the lackey of the village’s head who refused to pay him. The space around the bar had been packed, and someone was pushed into the lackey just before Hyunjin hit him.

 The annoying bard.

 Hyunjin, feeling sorry and embarrassed, had kicked the lackey a few metres away, relishing in the thump of a body against the wall and then the following slump to the floor accompanied with the sudden scared quiet of the room. And then he’d glared at the guys who had been pushing the annoying bard and escorted him out, meaning to apologise. He had not meant for the annoying bard to follow him on the dusty dirt road to the next village and never stop talking.  

 “You really should let us go, my dudes,” the annoying bard laughed – Jisung, oh how Hyunjin wished he didn’t know that name – “I mean come on, have you ever seen a man as beautiful as him? It would be a crime to kill us, a crime.”  

 The first that hit Jisung’s bruised face after that was deserved, and Hyunjin wished he was the one who did the punching.

 “You trespassed into our territory, we will do as we wish,” one of the bandits crossed his head and lifted his chin as if he was almighty. For the moment, he was. “We have heard of a witcher with ties to the queen, and we can’t let him run to her and tell her about our secret drug ring.”

 Hyunjin closed his eyes and groaned quietly. Life was just out to get him specifically.

 “Ah, we don’t kiss and tell,” Jisung said, and Hyunjin just knows he’s winking and putting on his ‘flirting’ face. “Wait, Hyunjinnie, you know the queen? Me too!”

 Hyunjin wished he could close his ears too. Those were definitely the words the bandits needed to hear right now. Yes. Good thinking there, Jisung.

 “Who are you that you know the queen?” Another of the bandits spoke up, walking closer. “Maybe we can exchange your dead remains for money.”

 Jisung, at least, had nothing to say to that. “Ahaha, a joke, of course! How would I know the queen! Why would he know the queen? He’s a witcher, not a witch.”

 Hyunjin groaned. “The queen and I are on bad terms right now, and I won’t tell her about your drug ring because I will kill you all.”

 Finally, blessed silence. Hyunjin counted his heartbeats and breaths, relaxing his shoulders. Quiet. Nice. Now if only there was a breeze carrying some fresh mountain air.

 “Hey,” Jisung hissed, “don’t encourage them!”

 And the room broke in frantic yells and panic as they tried to decide what to do since both their prisoners apparently knew the ruler of the kingdom, except of course if they were lying. Hyunjin sighed.

 “Hyunjin,” Jisung whispered, shuffling around, “how do we escape? You have a plan, right?”

 Hyunjin took a deep breath. “I have a knife in my boot,” he told Jisung quietly, “if we stand up at the same time, I can take it, and cut us free.”

 Jisung let out a breath. “Oh, that’s good! I knew you got this.”

 Hyunjin just brought his legs under him, swiping the dagger from his boot – really, what kind of bandits didn’t tie their prisoner’s legs? – and as he stood with Jisung scrambling to his feet himself, he cut the ropes tying them together.

 The bandits noticed a second too late, and drew their swords a second too late. Two put up half a fight, but soon they all lay dead on the floor, blood splattered all over Hyunjin. Hyunjin wrinkled his nose, and made an attempt to wipe the blood off of his daggers on the only bandit who still had a clean shirt.

 “Where did that second dagger come from?” Jisung, his wrists still bound, interrupted Hyunjin.

 “You’re still here?” Hyunjin shoved the daggers back, one into his boot and the other under his arm guard where it was concealed under black leather.

 “Wait so you could have broken free all along with the dagger in your sleeve? Why didn’t you…” understanding slowly crawled across his expressive face, followed by a bright smile. “Hyunjin! I knew you care about me!”

 “I don’t,” Hyunjin said, but somehow couldn’t stop himself from untying Jisung’s hands. He took his sword from where the bandits had tossed it in a corner and drew the blade. More bandits would still be outside. Jisung picked up his lute and hugged it close to his chest.

 As Hyunjin had expected, a few bandits were in the surrounding woods, just far enough to not have heard their companions’ dying screams. Hyunjin killed the ones that attacked him and let the others run away.

 When he reached the road, he lifted his fingers to his mouth and whistled.

 Loud breathing and stomping reached him not much later.

 “Hyunjinnie!” Jisung emerged behind him, cheeks flushed under his bruised face, lute strapped to his back. “I don’t understand how –” he gasped for air, “– you can run through the woods so fast. Wait for me.”

 Hyunjin, however, only had eyes for the beauty that approached him now. “Kkami!”

 Kkami was his trusted companion and only friend. And a horse. But she was the best. Better than all humans he ever met. A good listener too. And quiet. Unlike a certain annoying bard.

 “Oh, pretty,” Jisung stumbled towards Kkami, who neatly stepped around him as if he was just an unusual kind of tree.

 “I’m so proud of you,” Hyunjin whispered to her, leaning his forehead against hers and stroking her long neck. Kkami was truly his only friend.

 Hyunjin climbed up on her back in one smooth move. He patted the parts of her neck he could reach and steered her down the road with his legs alone. She started walking in a comfortable walk, one that she would be able to hold for days. The sun was high in the sky, the trees green, the birds singing. It was calm now. The breeze smelled of forest and moss and rotting leaves and flowers in bloom. Hyunjin could hear his own heartbeat as well as Kkami’s, their breaths aligning like they so often did on long journeys.

 It was wonderful.

 Except that his and Kkami’s weren’t the only heartbeats he heard.

 “Oh, can I also ride on your horse? No? Alright then, it’s your horse, I understand. Did you call her Kkami? That’s so cute. Like you! You were so badass back there, I had literal goosebumps. I must admit the blood splattered clothes fit you very well. And did you see their faces when they realised we got free? And oh, we busted a drug ring, if you were on good terms with the queen we could totally go to the capital and receive money for doing good deeds in the name of the crown. But alas, we’ll have to live as vagabonds! Lonely heroes on their way to defeat evil!”

 Yup. There he was.

 “I should write a song about it. I can write a song about us. I will write a song about you! Hyunjin, how do you feel about songs? I promise I’ll also credit Kkami with defeating a villain, of course, she’s lovely. Do you think a long ballad would be suitable? Or a drinking song? If you don’t mind, I’ll try some freestyles, yeah?”

 “Shut up.”

 “Ah, but I write my songs by freestyling! I just start singing, play some chords, and continue until I find sounds and words I like. You know, as a starving artist with only my lute, I can’t rely on making notes and writing my lyrics down, I have to memorize them as I come up with them! So talking to myself helps with that, obviously. And now I have you, too! You will help me, right?”

 Hyunjin contemplated kicking Jisung in the face. It would… even be possible, he realised as he studied the distance between his leg and Jisung’s head. He’d have to stretch weirdly though, and unless he shifted his weight, the kick wouldn’t be very strong. The movement would surprise Kkami though, and while she definitely wouldn’t mind or be inconvenienced, Hyunjin was sitting comfortable and breathing in synchrony with her.

 Why mess that up? He could just pretend he wasn’t hearing anything, anything at all. A fly, maybe. A bee. Human voices? The last time he heard a human speak was one of the bandits, before he stabbed him in the chest with his sword and left the body in the shrubbery.

 Oh, the calmness of the forest… so quiet… so nice.

 In the late afternoon, the trees gave way to the next village, with fields spreading out into wasteland and far away mountains. The village was just big enough to have a bit of stone ground in the middle, with a river and a mill. An inn sat in it’s center.

 Hyunjin sighed. He had exactly no money, which meant he’d have to ask for a job first before he could rent a room. However, he had yet to see a village that didn’t have at least one monster to get rid of. It just meant he’d have to go monster hunting before he could go to sleep for a day.

 “Oh, are we staying here, Hyunjin?” Jisung stood in front of Hyunjin when he jumped off Kkami. And Jisung grinned. He swaggered towards the door of the inn. “I don’t have money, but I’m sure I can get us a room in exchange for entertainment! I’ll sing of your victories, witcher, and the town will love you!”

 “Uh… bard,” Hyunjin said, because he’d actually have to warn him, didn’t he? “Jisung.”

 Jisung turned to him with wide eyes and his grin turned into a soft smile.

 “That might not help. As a witcher, people don’t usually… like… it… when I’m around.” Hyunjin gestured to his appearance, dark leather armour splattered with blood. Long white hair bound together but he knew there were leaves caught in it. It really spoke for itself. His glowing eyes didn’t help his case. “I’ll ask for a monster to kill, which will hopefully get us a meal and a room, and Kkami a place in a stable. That’s all, and only if we’re lucky.”

 A look of something crossed Jisung’s face, there and gone too fast for Hyunjin to read. He squared his shoulders and bared his teeth. “Trust me on this, Hyunjin.”

 And Jisung sauntered into the inn as if he owned it.

 Hyunjin and Kkami shared a look. “I don’t know either, Kkami, sweetheart,” Hyunjin sighed.

 Kkami neighed quietly.

 “I know, I know, I better go and save his ass or something,” Hyunjin cringed. He was actually going to, wasn’t he?

 Kkami snorted.

 Hyunjin rolled his eyes. “Yah, don’t laugh at me! Wait here, okay? If anyone comes at you, you know how to drop kick them.”

 Jisung had maybe one minute alone in the inn. Somehow, Hyunjin expected there to be fire and screaming and new bruises on Jisung’s annoying face.

 One minute, and yet what Hyunjin found when he opened the door was Jisung pointing a finger at him, yelling, and cheering from a crowd of mostly drunk farmers and a handful of young women who curiously turned their heads.

 “That’s him!” Jisung was laughing, too. “He saved my life.”

 Hyunjin didn’t have time to process that before he was shoved next to Jisung by a smiling man with a long beard and a cup of beer was handed to him. The women oohed and aahed.

 “Jisung-ssi, why didn’t you say he’s pretty?”

 “Mr Bard, he truly looks as beautiful as you said! A hero!”

 “To have defeated a Barghest! I’ll drink to that!”

 Jisung cheered with the small crowd, and Hyunjin lifted his beer in cheers, setting it back down when it seemed like most people were briefly shifting their attention to their own drinks. Alcohol did nothing for him, and he didn’t like beer. Jisung swiftly switched his own cup with Hyunjin’s, and when Hyunjin brought the cup up to his face, he noticed it was water.

 “I told you to trust me, Hyunjin,” Jisung said quietly.

 Hyunjin could only nod.

 “Oh, your hair is so pretty,” one of the older women said, sliding into the seat next to him. “I’m the co-owner of this establishment, by the way.”

 “Um, thank you,” Hyunjin swallowed a mouthful of water. “I’ve been meaning to ask if you had a job for me here.”

 Jisung, now a few metres away, strung his lute and started singing a catchy song about ‘that time a handsome witcher saved me from the beast’ which, despite his raspy throat, sounded good – if you could ignore the terrible text. And the fact that it was all lies. Well, Hyunjin had to admit that he did save Jisung from certain death, but there was nothing heroic about it, and Hyunjin also hadn’t taken off his clothes to use his undershirt to bind a cut on Jisung’s ankle.

 “We are uncertain still,” the woman quickly tugged Hyunjin out of his thoughts with her serious tone. “A monster dwells upstream. Sometimes the river is dyed red, or pieces of ripped clothing will pass the village. My niece disappeared two weeks ago. One of the farmers went up to see what was causing the issue last week, and he never returned. One of his shoes did, though.”

 “Hmm,” Hyunjin nodded. “I have a few ideas of what it might be, and none of them are good.”

 The woman nodded, smiling worriedly. “If it really is a… monster, as you say, we will of course pay you accordingly. For now, your drinks are on us – see it as a gesture of good will for saving that bard.”

 With a polite smile, she turned to attend a group of newly arrived villagers.

 Hyunjin eyed the sliver of fading daylight streaming in through the dirty window. If it really was a drowner, it might move closer to the village when hungry. Drowners lived in streams and ponds and sewers, but if this one was upstream it might not take long for it to decide to live closer to the village. Hyunjin remembered the mill. There must be a body of water directly connected to it.

 And if the last death was already a week ago, then he’d have to hurry. He finished his water and got up.

 “Jisung,” he said when he reached him and Jisung had taken a small break from singing to hydrate. “I’m going after a monster here. I will be back by moonrise.”

 Jisung smiled a gummy smile, eyes sparkling. “You’ll be back?”

 “I’ll be back,” Hyunjin agreed, wondering if it would destroy his fragile positive image in the village if he punched Jisung in the face right now. Why bother though, Jisung’s bruises were just reaching their darkest point, another one wouldn’t even be visible.

 Hyunjin turned and left, hearing Jisung loudly announce that Hyunjin was going to defeat the monster.

 Kkami was eyeing him.

 “What,” he grumbled. “So, he was right. So what. I still have to go kill a monster now.”

 Kkami snorted judgingly.

 Together, they swiftly galloped towards the mill, and in a slower tempo they followed the water upstream.

 There were a few hills there, some shrubbery that quickly turned into tall trees, the river courving and going into the forest. The smell was the first thing that told him something was wrong here, so he got off Kkami, drank one of his witcher potions – never a fun experience, the way his insides twisted and bones shuddered just wasn’t a good vibe – and he felt his sight sharpening, eyes turning black.

 Kkami, unbothered queen that she was, turned to snack on some leaves.

 Hyunjin followed the smell of blood and death deeper into the woods to a clearing. A dark pond greeted him, and yes, this was it. He would never get the smell out of his hair.

 He kicked a pebble into the water.

 The water made waves, but not the ones physics predicted the pebble would have created.

 In the end, killing a drowner wasn’t that much different from killing a human. They were, after all, human shaped with extra gills and fins. Somewhat. The difficulty didn’t lie in their superhuman strength, but Hyunjin was a witcher, and he had drunk his potions. Not even the coldness and darkness of the water surrounding them really bothered Hyunjin.

 The difficulty lay in the fact that Hyunjin didn’t like the quiet that came after. He waded out of the pond, wet and cold, hair plastered to his forehead, the slippery head of the drowner in his arms, and what greeted him was cold starlight and absolute silence.

 He walked the way back to the village. Kkami was waiting where he left her, but he didn’t want to ruin his saddlebags by getting them wet with smelly pond water and the drowner’s blood.

 The moon rose just as he made it back to the village.

 And when he opened the door to the inn, the first thing he saw was Jisung’s annoying face. Could his day get any worse after this?

 “You’re back!” Jisung smiled again (why did he smile so much, and why did he smile at Hyunjin?) and then he saw the water dripping down his clothes and the monster’s head in his arms. Naturally Hyunjin couldn’t really grab the head in one hand, it was too fishy for that. Jisung winked at him, before turning back to the room. “The witcher defeated the monster! Your village is safe now!”

 Cheers sounded through the room, which seemed to be packed with the whole village and not just the handful of farmers from earlier.

 “Should I leave the head outside,” Hyunjin asked the woman who had spoken to him earlier.

 She took a look and briefly looked nauseous. “Yes, just leave it outside, thank you. I’ll prepare a room and a bath for you, master witcher.”

 Hyunjin blinked. He didn’t think he’d ever been addressed with this much honest respect. “Thank you.”

 “Follow me.”

 Through a crowd of mostly drunk cheering, the owner led him up a narrow stairway in the back, and opened one of the doors for him. There was a fairly big bed, a small window with curtains, and a tub behind a paper screen.

 “Uh, excuse me,” Hyunjin stopped the woman just as she walked past him with the promise of getting someone to bring up hot water, “my horse, she’s outside. Could you send someone for her? If it’s too much trouble, is there a stable I can bring her to?”

 The woman smiled. “Of course, dear. I’ll send my son, he’ll take good care of your horse.”

 Relieved, Hyunjin started to undo the straps of his armour, putting the pieces on the clothes rack next to the tub. Hopefully the leather would be dry by morning. When he was down to his undershirt and pants, the woman returned with two people following behind her, all of them carrying buckets of steaming water.

 “Thank you,” Hyunjin smiled politely, only to be told thanks in return, ‘for saving the village.’

 … Jisung must be composing an epic ballad.

 Tired, Hyunjin decided to not care about that right now, and fully undressed. He was just starting to relax in the hot water when the door behind him opened. Jisung’s familiar heartbeat sounded in the room. Hyunjin closed his eyes and sighed.

 “Are you – oh.”

 “What,” Hyunjin groaned. “Don’t tell me they only have one guest room and thus you simply must share with me.”

 “Ah, yes, actually. How did you know?” Jisung crossed the room and sat next to Hyunjin, keeping his eyes strictly on Hyunjin’s face.

 “Just – a hunch, I don’t know. Are you blushing?”

 “No.” Jisung blushed.

 Hyunjin hummed and started to cover his arms and chest with soap. It smelled too strongly of flowers, but maybe that would cover the lingering smell of blood and forest. He moved on to wash his hair, getting his fingers tangled in the knots.

 “Wait,” Jisung interrupted, “let me do that.”

 Stunned, Hyunjin didn’t move when Jisung grabbed the soap out of his hands.

 “Your hair is really pretty,” Jisung murmured. “I want to braid it and give you a flower crown. Did you know that one of my aliases is Dandelion?”

 “I did not,” Hyunjin said, because Jisung’s aliases were the most conceivable piece of information he just received.

 Jisung laughed and used his hands to wash the soap out of Hyunjin’s hair. “You pretend you’re all tough and dramatic but really you’re a big softie.”

 “Are you talking about yourself,” Hyunjin replied, because really, he did not come here for an emotional evaluation.

 “Aw, no,” Jisung lightly splashed water in Hyunjin’s face, “I never pretend to be all tough and dramatic, I am all tough and dramatic.”

 Hyunjin wrinkled his face in disgust. “You’re annoying.”

 Hyunjin noticed how Jisung’s musician’s fingers lightly lingered on the scars on his shoulders and back when he washed the soap away. He let Jisung hold his hands and massage a pleasant smelling oil into his skin after he dried and got dressed in a long nightshirt the inn had kindly provided for them. He sat still as Jisung used a towel to gently dry Hyunjin’s hair, and in the absence of a comb used his fingers to disentangle the worst of the knots.

 Jisung, for once, blessed Hyunjin with silence. Hyunjin still noticed Jisung. Even when he wasn’t talking a steady stream of nonsense, his presence was still… loud. Strong. The many buttons on Jisung’s jacket were undone with skilled fingers, and Hyunjin pinched himself when he finally remembered to look away. He walked through the room, closing the curtain, locking the door. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and looked everywhere except at Jisung, who pulled the nightshirt over his bare skin.

 “You don’t mind sharing the bed, do you?” Jisung asked at last, sitting down next to Hyunjin.

 “If I did,” Hyunjin replied, raising an eyebrow, “I’d have removed you from this room already.”

 Jisung’s annoying mouth formed a big, heart shaped smile.

 Hyunjin wanted to punch him. With his mouth. On Jisung’s mouth. He shuddered internally. Oh no. This wasn’t happening. He was definitely not going to kiss the annoying bard on his annoying mouth. Nope. Not happening.

 “Thank you for saving my life,” Jisung said, serious. “Not just from the bandits, but you also kinda saved me back at the other village. You also punched me, but I know that was an accident.”

 “I will punch you again,” Hyunjin grumbled, getting under the covers and scooting to one side, “it just won’t be an accident.”

 Jisung laughed. “You’re really funny, you know that? I think most people don’t even notice, which is a shame.”

 “You’re not funny,” Hyunjin yawned.

 “Is that a challenge? Keep thinking that, then. I’ll make you smile.”

 Hyunjin didn’t dignify that with an answer. He closed his eyes.

 “Sleep well, Hyunjinnie,” Jisung murmured, burying himself in the blanket just a hand width away.

 “Night,” Hyunjin returned after a pause.

 It didn’t take long for Jisung’s breath to even out and his heartbeat to slow. Hyunjin listened to the muffled and fading noises of the inn for another while before he allowed himself to drift off. Even witchers needed sleep.

 When he came back to consciousness, the first thing he noticed was the early morning light streaming in from behind the curtain. He still had his eyes closed and felt no need to move for the moment. Jisung’s heartbeat sounded steady, his breaths warm against Hyunjin’s neck. Hyunjin was warm and comfortable in a way he hadn’t been in a long time, the sheet comfortable around him.

 Arms tightened around him, and a voice in the back of Hyunjin’s mind started screaming like the house was on fire. Except Hyunjin really didn’t mind burning houses, he was a witcher, why was his brain screaming? He firmly told himself to shut up and enjoy the lingering sleep. Awake time would be later.

 “Hrngg warm,” Jisung murmured, and threw a leg over Hyunjin’s hips.

 That woke Hyunjin.

 Wide eyed, he stared down, only to see Jisung half on top of him. He realised that it wasn’t the blanket that was so comfortably warm and soft, but Jisung, because Jisung was draped all over him.

 Carefully, Hyunjin tried to extract himself, but Jisung only tightened his hold on him.

 “Fuck,” Hyunjin whispered.

 What did one do when one woke up with a human octopus attached? Hyunjin didn’t know, so he tried to breathe normally and not disturb Jisung further. The bruises on his face were thankfully already fading into lighter shades of purple, but Jisung must have been exhausted. One of Hyunjin’s arms was free, and he’d left a bruise balm on the small table beside the bed, in case he hadn’t healed fully in the morning.

 Carefully, Hyunjin reached over, scooped a bit up with his finger, and very carefully started to cover the bruises on Jisung’s cheekbone and temple. Jisung didn’t wake.

 After a while, Hyunjin closed his eyes and fell back asleep. When he woke up again, it must have been late morning – golden light illuminated the room. Jisung was staring up at him, wide eyed.

 “You drool in your sleep,” Hyunjin told him and gently pushed Jisung off him.

 Jisung blushed furiously and wiped at his mouth with his sleeve, eyes not leaving Hyunjin.

 Hyunjin stretched and stood. He opened the curtain, squinting against the bright daylight. When he turned to Jisung, he found Jisung rubbing at his eyes, looking lost in the center of the bed, blanket pooling around him. His hair stood around his head and looked – despite all logic – fluffy.

 “I – uh, did I sleep on you?” Jisung averted his eyes.

 Hyunjin hummed, turning to his clothes. His armour was dry, luckily, but he’d hate to wear the same undershirt and pants again. He’d have to find a river where he could wash his clothes soon.

 “I’ll go find the toilet,” Jisung mumbled and left for the door. He almost stumbled in the doorway. “Oh, clothes! The nice lady must have left them for us.” In front of their door, indeed, was a neatly folded pile of clothes. Simple linen undershirts and pants, nothing fancy but of good quality.

 When they had fully dressed and Hyunjin had wrenched his hair into a bun, they made their way downstairs just to find the barkeeper grinning widely at them, reminding Hyunjin that this village thought him a hero.

 Thankfully, Jisung did all the talking, and Hyunjin could eat as much breakfast as he liked. Maybe he should keep Jisung around.

 A handful of villagers came together to bid them goodbye, and the woman from the inn for some reason apologised for being unable to pay him, but instead offered a horse. A cute, mischievous black mare that had been her niece’s favourite, and as such had never learned how to be a proper farm horse. Jisung thanked the villagers profusely and loudly, and sang another rendition of ‘the handsome witcher saved my life’ as they left.

 Out of sight and out of earshot of the last farm belonging to the village, Jisung’s voice went high and panicky.

 “Hyunjin! I don’t know how to ride a horse!”

 Hyunjin just looked Jisung up and down slowly, making his point. Jisung was, after all, sitting on his horse. Sure, he was also hugging his lute to his chest and also gripping the saddle with white-knuckled fists.

 “Ha! I did it!” Jisung whooped then, and pointed a finger in Hyunjin’s face. “You smiled!”

 Hyunjin wiped the smile off his face, furrowed his brows and glared. “No.”

 “You did! I clearly saw – Hyunjinnie you’re so cute when you – ah!” Jisung blanched and cowered over his horse, who had just made a bigger step than usual to nose Kkami in the face.

 Hyunjin laughed. He couldn’t help himself. Jisung was confident, or good at bullshitting confidence, and pretty, and annoying, and brave. And he was afraid of riding on a horse.

 He leaned back just a bit, letting Kkami know to stop just by shifting his weight. Jisung’s horse also stopped, probably because it had decided Kkami was the best living being on the planet. What a smart horse. Hyunjin jumped off and patted the black horse on the nose, smiling at her.

 Kkami snorted loudly.

 Hyunjin grabbed the reins of Jisung’s horse and started walking. “Just relax, Sungie,” he said without looking over his shoulder. “I’ve got you.”

 “What about Kkami?” Jisung sounded very relieved and adorably worried about Kkami.

 Hyunjin hummed. “She’s the best. The smartest. She’ll walk with us on her own. You’re the one that needs to learn how to communicate with your horse. What’s her name?”

 “Uh,” Jisung paused. “I forgot? Or they didn’t say.”

 “Well, then you should start by naming her,” Hyunjin replied, and then started to talk about horses. What they liked to eat, how to care for them, what they did when they felt good and what they did when they felt scared, and what to do to calm a scared horse down. He talked about saddle care and the different kinds of signals most horses learnt from humans, and then he talked about Kkami.

 Jisung listened.

 And Hyunjin, the complete and utter fool that he was, talked himself hoarse (ha, get it, horse?) and taught Jisung how to not fall off his newly acquired companion.

 In the afternoon, they rested by a stream, Jisung complaining about sore legs the entire time and whining when he tried to sit climb back up on the horse. Hyunjin laughed at him, which made Jisung smile brighter than the sun in the sky, and they decided they’d just walk next to their horses to relieve the stress put on Jisung’s legs. After a while, Jisung started singing again. Maybe it was chronic. Still, Hyunjin found himself enjoying the company, and if his ears didn’t betray him, Jisung’s lyrics were better now, too.

 As the sun set behind some mountains in the distance, the annoying bard’s voice cracked from dehydration every few minutes. Jisung settled for humming melodies. Hyunjin caught a small animal for them to eat and build a fire on a clearing off the road. Jisung found an apple tree. As night fell, they huddled close together under Hyunjin’s thin blanket.

 “I’m seriously unironically glad to have met you,” Jisung’s loud voice startled Hyunjin, who’d gotten used to the quiet and the fire’s crackling. “I forgive you for punching me in the face, too.”

 Hyunjin took it all back. The annoying bard was annoying and Hyunjin did not enjoy his company at all. He sighed, pouring all his long suffering pain into the release of air.

 “But only because you’re pretty,” Jisung continued his monologue.

 That was it. Hyunjin couldn’t listen to another word. He leaned in, punching Jisung in the face. On the mouth. With his mouth.

 Jisung made a strangled noise and returned the kiss with a small smirk in the corner of his lips.

[precuredaily]

Precure Day 202

Episode: Yes! Precure 5 Go Go! 04 - “Deliver Urara’s Script!” Date watched: 19 December 2020 Original air date: 24 February 2008 Screenshots Transformation Gallery Project info and master list of posts

Sometimes you get an episode that shouldn’t work, but it just does because of the sincerity of the delivery. You may correctly assume this is that episode. It’s a mundane episode about returning a lost item, but the emotions on display are heartfelt and passionate. Let’s dig in.

The Plot

Syrup arrives at Natts House to deliver more letters from Milk and is startled by Urara tearfully proclaiming she has to leave. It turns out she’s practicing for an important audition and the other girls, especially Komachi, are giving her feedback. Syrup is still a bit confused since he’s not familiar with the concepts of acting or performance, but he watches anyway. After the intro, we go over to Eternal for a few minutes, where Anacondy praises Bunbee’s report writing after the last episode and tasks him with gathering more information, passing him a huge stack of papers. He wanders down the hallway and runs into Scorp, asking him for help in a gag that involves him calling him a different name every single time: Scorn, Stamp, Slipper, Skunk, and even Slump. Scorp is not amused and leaves to retrieve the Rose Pact. Back at Natts House, Coco and Nuts detect the presence of a Palmin, and they go outside with everyone to try to find it, while Urara prepares to leave for the audition. A glance at her script reveals it is absolutely filled with notes, and she gives it a hug. However, she looks up and sees the Palmin, so she sets the script down and tries to snapshot the Palmin when her manager Washio interrupts her.

She hastily grabs her bag and rushes him out the door, accidentally leaving her script on the table. They arrive at the site of the audition, where a dozen other girls are already practicing, making Urara neverous. This is when she realizes she forgot her script, and at the same time, Nozomi and the other girls discover her script. Without hesitation they agree they need to deliver it to her, and they ask Syrup to do so, but he says he only delivers stuff for work. SIDE NOTE: as far as we know, he isn’t paid, so them asking him to deliver something is as much a job as delivering letters to and from the Palmier Kingdom. But whatever. Since Syrup won’t deliver it, the girls drag him along with them as they travel by foot to the audition. They take a “shortcut” that involves them climbing a hill with a ton of switchbacks, and Syrup really doesn’t like that. (BITCH, YOU CAN FLY) Nozomi and the girls explain that Urara will be worried without her script, and that her feelings are very important to them. They press on, despite Syrup’s complaints. They finally make it to the top exhausted, when suddenly Scorp shows up to rain on their parade. They protest that they’re on an important mission but he counters that obtaining the Rose Pact is equally important to him and he’s not moving, so the girls implore Syrup to take the script while they fight Eternal, and be begrudgingly agrees.

He dodges past Scorp and runs off while Nozomi, Rin, Komachi, and Karen transform and fight Scorp’s Hoshiina, which he has made out of the cobbled road itself. They throw it around but it manages to sneak in some hits on them and they lay on the ground, weakened, engaging in a battle of words with Scorp about the importance of Urara’s dream. Syrup reaches Urara and gives her the script, only for her to explain that she already has it memorized, but having everyone’s notes in it lets her feel like they’re right there with her. She picks up that something is amiss and demands that Syrup explain what’s happening to her friends, and he spills the beans but tells her to focus on the audition. It’s her turn to go up, so she enters the audition room and faces the panel of judges, and then.... she says she’s worried about her friends, tears up, apologizes, and runs out of the room.

Syrup delivers her to the battlefield, where the Hoshiina is just about to deliver the final blow. She tells Scorp she won’t let him hurt anyone anymore, then transforms, and the full team of five leaps into battle together, in a wonderfully animated sequence as they lay into Scorp and declare again that their strength comes from their bonds. Lemonade unleashes her new special attack, Prism Chain, where she creates two chains made of butterflies and swings them from behind her to directly in front of her in a pincer move, causing the chains to wrap around the enemy and dissolve them. Scorp dodges the attack but it manages to destroy the Hoshiina.

now watch me whip

Later, back at Natts House, Nozomi laments that Urara had to leave, though she assures her it wasn’t her fault. Washio shows up, telling Urara he heard about the audition, and he understands, he’s not mad, there will be plenty more opportunities for her. As he says that, his phone starts ringing and he takes the call. Syrup is still confused that she only needed the script for encouragement rather than the contents, so Coco and Nuts explain that the girls’ feelings are very important and powerful, they’ve left an influence on each other as well as the fairies of Palmier Kingdom, and they show him pictures that Milk has sent of life in Palmier to demonstrate. Just then, Nozomi notices a Palmin, and Urara captures it to make up for missing it earlier. Everyone gathers around to see what it turns out to be and..... it turns into the King of the Donuts Kingdom, one of the four monarchs!

The Analysis

As I said in the cold open, this episode doesn’t seem like it should work. It’s another cheesy filler plot with no stakes, not really any room for character growth, no impact on the plot (until the end). However, the writer for this episode has a knack for turning mundane premises into strong scripts, and a good director and animation director were tasked with bringing it to life, so it all comes together to be a strong episode.

Although it’s not as much about him as the previous one, this episode is framed mostly from Syrup’s perspective. This means we come into Natts House at the same time as him, in the middle of Urara practicing, and we see his confusion. This is actually clever, because while most of the audience already knows that Urara is an actress from watching the previous series, there’s always new fans who may not have seen the last season, so explaining Urara’s profession from the perspective of another outsider is an unobtrusive way to acquaint, or reacquaint, viewers with her. Furthermore, we stay with Syrup throughout, even when the focus shifts to other characters it’s still largely seen through him. He objects to delivering the script but they drag him along anyway up the cliff. When Urara asks him what happened to her friends, the cut to their fight is also framed such that it could be his vision of what’s happening, while simultaneously being what’s literally happening. And then, once again, the episode ends with Syrup ruminating on Urara’s acting process and the symbolic importance of her friends, as represented by her script. He’s starting to learn what makes the girls special and why their friendship is powerful. It’s a multifaceted framing device.

The real star of this show is Urara. She’s really pouring her heart into this part, but it’s the unquestioning support of her friends that keeps her motivated. This is most directly manifested by her script, but of course her concern for their well-being is incredibly powerful. She is absolutely terrified that Nozomi and co are going to be defeated by Eternal and that supersedes everything else. There’s obviously a tinge of irony that delivering her script to help her out is the catalyst to her leaving the audition. If they hadn’t, or if only Syrup had gone, then they wouldn’t have run into Scorp and Urara probably would have gotten the part. However, all four girls decide without a moment’s hesitation that they have to deliver Urara’s script and so they encounter Scorp, and this leads to her saving them at the last minute. This, as I say sometimes, is peak Precure. Her little speech to the panel of judges where she says she has to leave to save her friends is so emotional. Ise Mariya puts forth a strong performance but it’s the animation that really sells this sequence. She’s teary-eyed, and then the run down the hallway is well-drawn, and it culminates when she steps outside the building. There’s a gorgeous 360 degree turnaround as she scans the horizon for signs of her friends. This sort of shot is hard to do in 2D animation.

Also the music swell helps to sell the intensity. Urara’s desperation is tangible. She wants nothing more than to rescue her friends in this moment, and nothing can stand in her way. When she arrives at the battle, her friends are on the verge of defeat, but as soon as she joins the fight the battle turns around. It’s a fast-paced fight with the girls swooping in, beating up Scorp, and then unleashing the finisher. It’s another well-animated sequence and the contrast between how the team of 4 and the team of 5 fights is night and day.

Once again you’ve got the continuous spinning camera that helps sell the scene. The distortion of the characters, especially Scorp, actually works in favor of the speed and excitement of the scene. This is what Urara brings, this is what they can do when they’re all assembled. That’s what I mean when I say this episode is better than it ought to be on paper. It’s a threadbare plot but the emotions and the artwork come together beautifully.

The major theme of the episode is support. Nozomi, Rin, Komachi, and Karen support Urara’s goal whole-heartedly. They help her rehearse, giving her tips and people to play off of. They run to her aid when she needs it without a second thought. Even fighting Scorp is a way of showing their support, they’re keeping him from attacking Urara during her important audition while sending Syrup to give her the script. And at the end, Washio is also being very supportive, and I appreciate that. He doesn’t act sad or disappointed or upset at her for bailing on her big audition, he understands that she had her reasons and just says there will be another chance. The support network of friends who have each other’s backs, who care about each other, who are stronger together, that’s what makes this larger team dynamic work well and stand apart from the duo series. There’s obviously something powerful about the two girls who can only transform together, and I love the Futari wa shows for it, but the larger team of heroines who can operate independently if necessary but are exponentially stronger together is also wonderful, and this episode really exemplifies that.

Also a quick note, I wanted to briefly discuss the geography of this town. In the middle of the episode, there’s a gag where the girls are climbing a huge cliffside because it’s the shortest way to their destination.

If you recall, all the sweeping shots of this pseudo-French town have shown it to be fairly flat. For there to be a cliff face somewhere in the middle of it with a bunch of switchbacks is incredibly unusual, and I don’t think this setting has been seen before or since. It’s just there for the gag of them running up this huge thing.

All told, this was a phenomenal episode and I’m glad for it. After a disappointing first couple of episodes, this one really hit the mark.

Next time, on Precure Daily, Karen is taking suggestions for the school! Look forward to it!

Pink Precure Catchphrase Count: 0 kettei!

[artificialqueens]

leather and lace (and the taste of oxidation) (crystal/gigi) - aries

a/n - what is this? will i continue it? who knows! massive thanks to alex & lily for beta-ing (is that a word?) and everyone in the jankie candle discord for encouraging my ass to submit this. love you!

Gigi’s glare burns into Crystal from across the room and she doesn’t know how much more of the silent treatment she can take from her before she snaps. This has all happened so suddenly, she thinks, and struggles to even remember how this situation came about under the pressure of her stare. There’s something so intimidating about being practically frozen in place by eyes that have only ever been friendly and it makes her stop and exhale, a cold cloud that’s clearly visible in the empty space between them. The fireplace has long stopped burning; its comforting warmth is gone and she’s left with nothing. She pulls her jacket closer around herself and shivers. 

“Can I go now?” Crystal asks, tone vaguely playful, though she knows it’s no laughing matter. “If you’re not going to talk to me, what’s the point?”

“No,” Gigi insists, quiet enough that it’d be easy to miss it if the room weren’t so eerily silent. Not once does her gaze falter. “You owe me an explanation. You need to tell me what you know, and what you told them to bring them here.”

The police are outside, surely. Crystal can feel them; the curtains are drawn, they aren’t visible, but they’re waiting, they’re trying to break in, they’re clawing at the walls like rabid animals. “I didn’t do anything,” she lies through her teeth, just as she has been doing for months. Gigi’s eyes narrow, and Crystal feels like a child. “I didn’t tell them anything,” she repeats, pushing all of her fake confidence into the words and watching it dissipate alongside them into the air, leaving her defenceless. “They’ve known all along. I couldn’t have provoked it.”

Gigi sighs, finally breaking eye contact, and the charade is up. For a second, Crystal feels guilty for not admitting to anything - but why should she? She did it to protect herself. She owes Gigi nothing, especially now. As Gigi heads towards the door, Crystal tries to convince herself that she doesn’t feel at all guilty.     

She stops in her tracks and turns on her heel. Her eyes meet Crystal’s again - she looks weak, defeated, as if she’s about to give up. She’s metres away, but Crystal can feel her confident facade cracking like old plaster, and it reminds her of how things used to be.

“Crystal-” she starts, and Crystal flinches. She hasn’t heard her say her name in weeks. “Are you sure, because there has to be something, some reason, surely?” 

Crystal looks around and wonders how long they have before someone breaks down the door. There are no sirens, no blinking lights that illuminate the side of the house with bright blues and reds like a morbid disco. They’re probably waiting in silence - most likely armed - but Crystal’s not the one in trouble, so she takes a seat at the worn armchair and pours herself a glass of bourbon from the clouded decanter, staring at herself in the reflection. Tentatively, Gigi sits across from her. She obviously expects an explanation, but the silence is telling. The glass slams down on the table and Crystal curses herself for making too much noise, just in case. She moves to pour herself another, opening her mouth to reply.

“Did you really expect to get away with it?’, she begins, and she grimaces like every word is a fresh knife in her back. ‘You killed him, Gigi, you murdered a man in cold blood-”

“It’s not like he was innocent!” Her voice cracks. It’s been years since Crystal has seen her cry - it’s so out of character that it shakes her to the core. “It wasn’t even my choice! I was a pawn in their game, I did exactly as they told me - to the letter, Crystal, I was so careful - and then they fucked off and left me to clean up after them-” As her voice trails off, Crystal thinks for a second how ironic it would be if they were waiting outside all along, and they came to arrest her, prepared for the infamously heartless agent only to see her sobbing, broken, begging, collapsed to her knees at the feet of her colleague. A minute passes in silence. Gigi sits with her head in her hands, shaking. Crystal considers pouring her a drink, but she knows Gigi’s never been one for whiskey. She doesn’t move; she can’t leave, and there’s nothing of interest upstairs. The house used to be grand and elegantly furnished, but it lays empty since the bosses left and took everything with them. Crystal stands up.

Gigi’s head rises. She tries to make eye contact again but her eyes are filled with tears and the confident exterior from earlier is long gone. 

“Please don’t go,” she whispers, but Crystal doesn’t allow herself to think of it as anything other than strategy. If she leaves, they’ll arrest Gigi, and her hope of escaping unpunished will disappear. She doesn’t want Crystal here; she needs her, but only in the most literal sense. Crystal looks back at her and echoes the infamous glare she’s known for. 

“Why should I stay?” Crystal spits back - to humour her, old habits die hard, but mostly because she genuinely wants a reason. “For you?” A fresh wave of tears fall from Gigi’s eyes, and she tries to choke out an answer but fails. Crystal looks down at her feet, then says nothing and begins to walk towards the door. Gigi’s head is back on the table, her eyes are closed, but the sound of Crystal’s heels on the hardwood floor tells her all she needs to know. Crystal grabs the door handle, twists, and steps outside. 

Nobody’s there. There are no tire tracks, no odd disturbance in the stones of the driveway, no evidence that anybody except the two of them has been here recently. The door slammed itself closed behind her, so she opens it and retraces her steps, confused. Gigi’s still crying, she can’t see her. She thinks it’s them, most likely, she thinks this is it.

“Gigi,” Crystal starts, stepping closer to her, and she’s instantly attentive and utterly confused. Crystal doesn’t think before she speaks. “I made a mistake, or they did, but there’s nobody out there, and you need to leave. You really need to leave.” 

It’s an instantaneous switch - Gigi revives the confident act in a second flat; it’s as if she wasn’t sobbing onto the table a minute ago. She stands up, wipes her eyes, and walks toward Crystal, barely registering her confusion as she snatches her hand and carries on walking.

“What are you waiting for?” She whispers, more for effect than anything else - she doesn’t need to be quiet anymore. Crystal knows her too well; she’s melodramatic, always has been. She should call her out on it, but can’t bring herself to. She’d die before admitting it to her, but it’s oddly charming. 

She knows, deep down, that she shouldn’t let her pull her along like this. It’s only ever gotten her in trouble before, it’s only going to get her in more trouble the further along she lets herself go, but as Gigi pulls her out of the door and they stumble towards the car, she makes no effort to stop her.

Twenty minutes pass with no conversation as Gigi steers them both along the highway. Crystal doesn’t know where she’s taking them, but she knows better than to try to take back control when she’s like this. The radio drones on in the background playing some obnoxiously loud pop song, and Gigi’s evidently bored of whatever generic boy band is playing after a minute, so she slams a shaky hand against the channel button and it switches to something slower and softer. She turns to Crystal and opens her mouth to speak.

“Eyes on the road,” Crystal mutters, but it’s half-hearted at best. Gigi giggles, childish and sweet, and it’s as if the argument in the house never happened at all. Crystal doesn’t want to be this comfortable with her, but she is, she always will be. 

“Concentrate,” Crystal stresses, and Gigi laughs louder. Crystal rolls down a window. “Where are we even going?” She tries, because if Gigi’s going to speak, she’s going to make her say something useful.

“You’ll see,” she replies, and flashes Crystal a blinding smile.

[myaekingheart]

113. The Road Not Taken

read the scarecrow and the bell on ao3 index | from the beginning | < previous | next >

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. -The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost

               Kakashi sucked in a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut tight. The mattress shifted yet again, this time taking the majority of the blankets along as well. The clock read 3am. “Alright, Rei, care to tell me what’s going on with you?”

               Rei froze, peeking out at him from amid her fabric coccoon. “What are you talking about?” she asked, voice muffled. “I’m fine!”

               “Rei, you’ve been rocking the bed like we’re on high seas for the past two hours” Kakashi replied. “You’re not fine.”

               She hated how easily he saw through her. Not that she was hiding it very well to begin with. Pursing her lips, she placed a tender hand on his chest and replied, “It’s really not that big of a deal. Don’t worry about it.”

               If she was lucky, her vague response would suffice and that would be the end of that. Unfortunately, her luck was running out.

               Kakashi took her hand in his and shifted it off his chest, sitting up. “Talk to me, Rei” he insisted and there was a look in his eyes that said he meant business. That said he was not letting this go without an explanation. “What’s going on?”

               “God, okay, Kakashi! Fine!” Rei exclaimed, pressing the heels of her hands into her eyes. “I’m just kind of stressed out.”

               “What else is new?” Kakashi muttered under his breath. His comment, though quiet, was apparently loud enough for her to feed him a sharp, steely glare. Kakashi raised his hands in defense, muttering an apology she wasn’t sure he meant. “What’s stressing you out? Is it the wedding? Or, uh…something else?” His eyes shifted down to her lower stomach and in that moment, she felt seen: acknowledged but also vulnerable. Her hand flew to her abdomen and her eyes dropped to the floor, her cheeks growing red even in the darkness.

               “I mean, that’s, uh…that’s part of it” she said. “It’s been two weeks. I’m supposed to get my period any day now. Well, actually…I was supposed to get it on Wednesday”

               Kakashi counted the days on his fingers, trying to remember what day it was today. Amid work, they all started to blur together. After a moment, however, he calculated that today was freshly Sunday. She was four days late. “D-do you think that you’re--? I mean, do you think that we were, uh, successful?”

               “I-I don’t know” Rei shook her head. “It’s so hard to know, you know?”

               “I really don’t” Kakashi muttered before she continued.

               “I know there are signs to look for like, you know, a late period” she said. “Nausea, sensitive breasts, shit like that. I just wish there was a more definitive sign. Like at least when you get your period, it’s so obvious but with this? I keep feeling myself second guessing. I’m so unsure and…and scared. What if I’m not? But then, even scarier…what if I am?”

               Kakashi felt his panic surge, but it was a good feeling. The thought of them having been successful, of her sitting here before him carrying their child, made him wild with excitement. “Well have you had any symptoms? Have you been nauseous at all?”

               “Mm, I mean, yeah, a little” Rei replied casually. “But that could just be from stress, or bad chicken, I don’t know.”

               “If it was bad chicken, I’m sure I’d be feeling sick, too” Kakashi countered. Rei hated to admit that he did have a point. She sucked in a sharp breath, pressing her hand slightly harder against her stomach as if that would help quell her anxiety. “Do you think we should see a doctor? Take a pregnancy test?” he asked.

               “No, absolutely not” Rei shook her head. Kakashi blinked, taken aback by how insistent she was. “It’s too soon. I’ve read that you’re supposed to wait until at least a week after your period was supposed to show up. Something about hormone levels or something like that? I don’t know the details, I’m not a scientist. I just know trying it now won’t get us anywhere.”

               “Well, if there’s nothing else we can do, there’s no use worrying about it anymore, right?” Kakashi asked, though he quickly realized that was the wrong answer. Groaning, Rei reached across the bed to slap him lightly on the arm.

               “That doesn’t make me feel any better, Kakashi!” Rei replied. “I’m still going to worry about it regardless. And also, there’s, uh…there’s one other thing.” This last part she said much quieter, much softer and shyer than before. Kakashi leaned forward, his curiosity piquing, a silent encouragement to explain further. “On Friday, when I reported back to Tsunade after work, she, uh…she asked me to meet with her tomorrow morning. Or I guess this morning now.” Here, she motioned sheepishly to the clock. She hated how she already knew she was going to be feeling this in the morning. She should’ve gone to sleep a long time ago, perhaps even taken a mild sleeping pill. Deep down, however, she knew she never would’ve had the guts. In the past two weeks, she hadn’t allowed herself to take even the mildest of pain relievers. She couldn’t stand to run the risk of interfering with their chances to conceive. “I don’t know what she wants to talk with me about, but it can’t be good” Rei continued. “She had this look on her face, I don’t know what it was, but it wasn’t normal. It didn’t feel right. It was like she knows something that I don’t, like she’s planning to just totally blindside me or some shit.”

               “Well, what do you think she wants?” Kakashi asked. “I’m sure it’s nothing serious. Maybe she just wants to check in and make sure you’re doing alright.”

               “You didn’t say anything to her, did you, Kakashi?” Rei said, eyeing him suspiciously. “About, you know.” She motioned toward her stomach with her eyes, pursed her lips, stared at him hard.

               “No, of course not” Kakashi replied. It hurt him a little to think that Rei would expect so little of him. He valued their privacy, he didn’t intend to run around making a spectacle of their plans. He knew the dangers of jumping the gun, especially in situations like this. “I only mentioned that you had been under a lot of stress with the wedding and that I didn’t think switching you to the night shift so soon would be good for you. Why? Do you think that has something to do with it?”

               “I don’t know” Rei sighed. “I don’t want to believe it does, but you never know. I’m terrified that she sees me as weak or needy now. I’m terrified that…I don’t know, that she’s…”

               “That she’s, what?” Kakashi asked, his suspense mounting.

               Rei ran her fingers through her hair, combing her bangs back. Her fingers got tangled in the knots, however, and she quickly became frustrated with her own attempts. “I’m scared that she’s going to fire me” she finally explained.

               Kakashi blinked in disbelief, then laughed softly and shook his head. “I don’t think she’d really do that” he replied. “You’re an amazing kunoichi, Rei. You’re strong and capable and smart. She would have no reason to fire you.”

               “She might if I’m being difficult” Rei replied. Kakashi made a sour expression and Rei snuggled even deeper into her blankets, defeated. “I just have a bad feeling about this, you know? Right here.” She applied pressure to her stomach yet again, her hands growing unsteady.

               Sympathetic, Kakashi rested a hand atop her own and smiled down at her softly. “Are you sure it’s not just the nausea?” he asked.

               “I’m sure, Kakashi” Rei nodded. “I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

               He hated seeing her so distraught, but in the back of his mind, something was beginning to take shape. He leaned back, nodding slowly, before suggesting “Okay. So say you do get fired.” Rei squealed pathetically, offended, terrified. “It might not be the worst thing in the world.”

               “Well, what the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Rei exclaimed, finally sitting up. There was chaos and confusion in her eyes.

               “Think about it this way” Kakashi started, cupping her cheek in his hand. “If we are successful, you’re going to have to quit anyway. Maybe this is just a sign that things are falling into place.”

               Rei deliberated on the thought for a moment, unsure how she felt. It was true there was no way she would be able to continue in the ANBU if she was, in fact, pregnant. She had tried to avoid thinking about it this entire time but deep down, that little reality nagged at the back of her mind. A part of her had even thought, perhaps a little too dumbly, that she would have far more time to make this decision. Now the possibility of her future was looming over her head. She was standing firmly at the fork in the road with nowhere left to turn. But if she was fired…well, that would certainly eliminate the confrontation for her. A blessing in disguise. Rei rubbed her stomach and chewed her lower lip. “Do you really think so?” she asked quietly.

               “I guess there’s only one way to find out” Kakashi replied. He caressed her cheek softly before pressing his lips to hers, then slowly guiding her down onto the bed. When he wrapped his arms around her, she settled into his embrace and felt a mild but welcome sense of calm. Nothing was going to stop her from worrying about this, but at least his reassurances were helpful. At least now she knew that whatever may happen, there was a clear-set path. There were options. They would be fine.

               Rei chewed these thoughts over further for breakfast as she made her way to the hokage’s office. She took the long route, procrastinating in the event that she was going to be fired. She knew, realistically, it would be so much better to get it over with but her fear was getting the better of her. She didn’t want to stand for too long in front of the hokage’s desk with Tsunade staring down at her, pitying her. You poor thing, you just weren’t good enough after all. A shiver ran down her spine.

               As she walked, she surveyed the civilians around her. The couples sharing breakfast in the park, the shopkeepers preparing for a grueling day in retail, children laughing and romping through the streets. Her heart warmed at the sight of them, at the mother cooing to her child in their stroller as they went on their morning walk. That could be me, Rei thought to herself and she instinctively rested her hand yet again on her stomach. She thought of the twisting cramps in her gut, the constant lingering nausea, the way she tossed and turned at night. Four days. She was late by four days. That had to amount to something, didn’t it?

               The longer she considered the possibility, the quicker her pace grew. Suddenly she wasn’t so scared anymore. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise. Maybe Kakashi was right. She thought of all the extra time she would have once freed from her duties, of all of the energy she could expend instead on caring for herself and her unborn child. She could study parenting techniques and birthing methods under a tree, spend every Sunday buying little toys and tiny onesies and furniture her and Kakashi would never figure out how to put together on their own. It could be blissful and idyllic. For all she knew, she could be standing on the cusp of utopia.

               By the time she burst into the hokage’s office, she had made more than just peace with the idea. She was looking forward to getting fired. Tsunade paused mid-sip as Rei sauntered inside, a wide grin on her face. Tsunade set her tea down slowly, suspiciously. “I never took you as a morning person, Rei” she commented.

               “Well, I just have a good feeling about this, I guess?” she shrugged, laughing sheepishly.

               “I’m glad” Tsunade nodded, a small, polite smile touching her lips. She reorganized some paperwork on her desk as she added, “Because this is going to be a very important day.”

               A very important day. Rei could hardly restrain her laughter. She envisioned stopping in the hospital on her way home, of sitting on crinkly paper in an exam room while they siphoned blood out of her veins, sending it off to the lab and returning moments later with the happy news of her impending child. She knew it was likely too soon but Kakashi’s words last night had gotten her so excited, she couldn’t help herself. And if it was too early to tell, then that was fine, too. The mere thought of the process was enough to send her heart soaring now. And perhaps if she was lucky, they would be able to detect it early and tell her right away. She would race home full to bursting, tell Kakashi the great news. The beginning of the rest of their lives. A very important day, indeed.

               “Now, as you know” Tsunade began, “we think you’re an incredibly talented and brilliant shinobi.” Rei nodded frantically, urging the hokage to get to her point. How long would it take to tell someone they were fired, anyway? Just say it and be done with it, quick like a band-aid. All the rest was superfluous.

               An estimated five minutes had passed before Rei sensed Tsunade was finally reaching the end of her speech. Rei struggled to focus, to piece together the string of compliments as she moseyed along. This had to be cushion for the impending punch. Buttering Rei up before she dealt the fatal blow. Just say it, just tell me I’m fired, come on, just say the words, Rei thought to herself. And then she felt it coming like lights at the end of a train track, like the way your heart rate picks up right before you’re about to puke.

               “And that is why I’ve decided to make you a captain.”

               Relief swept over Rei before she comprehended what, exactly, Tsunade had just said. She opened her mouth to speak, then paused as the realization dawned on her. “C-Captain…?” was all she could manage to croak out. Her stomach flipped and she clapped her mouth shut, certain she was about to throw up.

               Tsunade smiled and nodded. “You’ve really proved your merit as a shinobi over the past few years” she said. She shuffled through some paperwork, reorganizing files on her desk that Rei quickly recognized were her own mission reports. “Your reports are always written flawlessly—though I’d expect nothing less from the bookshop owner’s daughter. Your teamwork is impeccable and you’ve proven your ability to delegate and lead. I know how grueling some of these missions can be but you always have a way of managing. It’s very impressive—a fact that I hope is not lost on you.”

               “N-No, ma’am…” Rei squeaked. “Not at all.” She fought to remain composed but on the inside, she was screaming. Look at the mess you’ve gotten yourself into now. A part of her wanted to protest, to reach out and beg Tsunade to change her mind. She wasn’t fit for this. Not really. She thought back to Naru, and the mission on which she died. That was Rei’s fault. That was the result of her shitty leadership. She could not be trusted in a position of power like that again, regardless of how many other times she may have proven her worth. This was different. This came with pressure—so much pressure. As a regular ANBU, she could get away with making mistakes. She had a much larger margin of error and for that she was grateful. As a captain, however, there were responsibilities and expectations. There was power and in that, there was potential for catastrophe.

               And yet, in the back of her mind, the career-oriented side of her was slowly creeping to the fore. She had made captain. The only thing greater was becoming the hokage itself. If ever there was a moment that truly proved her worth as a shinobi, it was now.

               Her hands began to shake at her sides as Tsunade awaited a response. “Well?” the hokage asked. “Do you accept?”

               Kakashi wiped the kitchen counters down in an attempt to quell his anxiety. He glanced to the clock—it was nearly 11am. He had expected Rei to be back by now. Maybe something had happened. Maybe she got caught up on the way home and he needed to go rescue her. Maybe she was having an existential crisis or a mental breakdown or, even worse, perhaps the pregnancy she wasn’t even sure she had was already ending in a miscarriage and she was stuck at the hospital scared and sad and alone. Kakashi scrubbed the counters harder and tried to shove those thoughts of his mind. If something had happened, someone would reach out to him about it, wouldn’t they? Send a carrier bird or make a phone call or slip a sinister letter under his door. No, he was sure she was fine. Now he was the one overthinking. If only she would come home soon. He would have to leave for a D-rank mission in a half an hour, but he knew there was no way he would be able to concentrate without first knowing how things went.

               He forced himself to cycle through various random thoughts in an effort to keep himself preoccupied. Thoughts like Pakkun in a pink bowtie and the gum that got stuck to the bottom of his shoe last week. Was it yellow or blue? Or perhaps a mix of both? Or maybe it was a festive wintergreen. The dirt and debris made it hard to tell. Kakashi had ended up concentrating so hard on the minutia, however, that he hardly noticed when the key turned in the lock and in stepped Rei. It wasn’t until Toshio bumped into his leg, barking and leaping excitedly, that Kakashi snapped out of his daze.

               He knew something was wrong in an instant. He expected her to make some quippy remark about how focused he was on cleaning, but instead she trudged straight into the living room as if hypnotized. “Is everything okay?” he asked, drying his hands off as he skirted around the kitchen table. There was a pallor to her face that made him especially nervous. “Well, were you right? Did she fire you?”

               Rei chuckled and shook her head. There was something manic about the chaos in her eyes, the way her hands trembled. “No” she murmured. “No, quite the opposite, actually.”

               “Oh?” Kakashi asked. He set the dish towel aside and sat on the coffee table to face her, taking her hands in his. “Then what happened? Is everything okay?”

               “I-I don’t know…” Rei replied slowly. She was still trying to comprehend that morning’s events. None of it made any sense to her still.

               Kakashi squeezed her hands lightly, growing desperate for answers. If something had happened, he needed to know about it. “Rei, what did she say to you? What’s going on?”

               “I-I made…” Rei started, voice soft and strained. Kakashi urged her to continue. She furrowed her brows, finally looking up to meet his eyes. Her voice was barely a whisper as she finally said it: “I made captain.”

               Much like Rei, it took Kakashi a moment to comprehend what, exactly, she had just said. “C-captain?” he asked, eyes wide. An incredulous little laugh broke past his lips as they began to stretch into a wide, masked grin. “Captain!” he exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. “Rei, I’m so proud of you.” His voice was overflowing with excitement, with admiration, with unadulterated joy. To think: his wife, captain of the ANBU black ops. The girl he had told in their youth that she would never make it. He had tried to so hard to steer her away from this career but time and time again, she had proven her capability as a kunoichi. And now here she was standing before him, captain. He couldn’t have been prouder.

               Before he could say more on the matter, his little alarm sounded notifying him that it was time to go. He apologized profusely as he backed away from her, reluctantly slipping into his vest and tying his headband around his forehead.

               “I’m going to be late, but we’ll celebrate when I get home, okay?” he said, surging forward for one more kiss before departing.

               “Okay…” Rei whispered, watching as he quickly shut the door and disappeared. She pressed her hand to her stomach, rubbing her waistline as she chewed her lower lip. “Captain…” she repeated. “Rei Natsuki, the captain.” The words didn’t feel real in her mouth. She paced the living room aimlessly before a strong cramp seized her stomach and she turned toward the bathroom. Toshio followed her dutifully, nosing the door open as she slid her pants off and sat on the toilet. When she looked down, all she saw was blood. “Dammit…” she muttered. She should’ve known it was too good to be true, that her hopes were bound to be dashed. Sensing her current state, Toshio turned and exited the bathroom. Rei kicked her underwear off and sucked in a deep breath, combing her bangs back out of her face. She bit her lower lip hard as she fought tears. She wasn’t even sure why she was crying. It wasn’t like she ever received a positive test result. Sure, she idled outside the hospital on her way home but now it was out of fear, of apprehension, rather than excitement. Nothing was going at all the way she had expected. She felt aimless and terrified. Perhaps Kakashi was a little too correct in his words from the previous night. Things were falling into place, but not at all in the direction she had hoped.

               Toshio lumbered back inside, a clean pair of underwear hanging out of his mouth. He dropped them at Rei’s feet and sat down before her, panting happily with his tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth. A small smile touched Rei’s lips for only a moment as she picked them up and slid them up her calves. She had no idea where he learned to do that but she was grateful all the same. As he sat in front of her then, kind brown eyes and spotted tongue, she felt something within her break. All at once, the dam within her crumbled and she broke down in monstrous tears. She wrapped her arms around her vacant stomach, turned her face away from the bathroom mirror. This was so pathetic. Really, there was nothing for her to cry about. She had let her hopes get far too high for something that wasn’t even guaranteed. The chances of getting pregnant on the first try were slim anyway. She knew this. And still, statistics didn’t make the disappointment sting any less. But perhaps this really was for the best. Perhaps things were better this way. The timing was off. The chances were slim. Toshio frowned and scooted nearer, resting his heavy head on Rei’s lap as a sign of comfort. Even if this was the way things were meant to be, that didn’t mean she wasn’t allowed to mourn her hope. Rei leaned forward and pressed her forehead to Toshio’s head, hugging him close as she let herself completely break down.

[dishwater-blondie]

Almost (Gabenath)

One month after the peacock miraculous was fixed, Nathalie stopped coughing. 

Her affliction had been dying slowly. For about 24 hours after Miracle Queen’s defeat, she could hardly manage to walk, but the moment she was back on her feet, the illness had begun to ease its way out of her body. Dizzy spells became less frequent, and coughing fits less severe. Even Adrien noticed how the color started to return to her face, and made a comment about two weeks down the road to recovery that her stride seemed more energized than it had been in months. A few days here and there were hampered by a relapse, but they were nothing she couldn’t handle.

She remembered, how the first time she used the newly-repaired miraculous, she whispered her detransformation phrase and waited for the weakness to strike. She held her breath, expecting it to break open into a bout of uncontrollable coughing, the same way it always had. When she had the bravery to exhale, she found that her breath rode smoothly out of her lungs and into the air. A pleasant chill settled on her skin at the ease of the rhythm now flowing in and out of her body.

She remembered Gabriel watching her carefully, remembered his hand on her back, remembered the silence of his own breathlessness as he wondered to himself if he had truly managed to fix the miraculous, if he hadn’t failed her. She remembered the look on his face when she turned around and smiled, and how that smile felt different on her lips than all the ones she would force herself to give when she was feeling at her worst. She was far from her worst now. She could smile and actually mean it.

She remembered how his hand had fallen away as she angled her body to face him, and how, while she smiled, she realized how strange it felt to not have that touch on her body. She remembered, in the thrill of feeling completely normal, that she quickly built the courage and reach out with her hand, hoping he would take it. She remembered how his fingers readily intertwined with her own, and how a moment passed, and he decided that it wasn’t enough, and so he enveloped her in his arms instead. That was their celebration, they told themselves. She was free. To be this happy only made sense.

It also made sense that he would still worry, because it was taking time to get better. It made sense that those moments where a cough or two or three would escape her lungs that he’d flinch and stare at her in alarm. It made sense that when the dizzy spells struck, and she swayed on her feet, that he would grab her and lead her, arm around her waist, to a place to sit. And that while she sat, she’d meet his eyes and tell him she was okay, and that he might not believe her, and choose to stay at her side.

She told herself, as she stood in the bathroom mirror at night, running a comb through her hair after a shower, that it made sense he would still be afraid, even after her symptoms have almost entirely disappeared. This peacock miraculous, which hid in the pocket of her blazer thrown somewhere in her room, had been the very thing that took his wife away from him. Now, it was fixed, and it wasn’t going to hurt Nathalie like it hurt Emilie. She told herself that maybe, just maybe, it made him feel better to believe something could still go wrong. His wife lay motionless in a coffin beneath the house, and Nathalie was healthy, living proof that there had always been another answer. Another answer he simply had no way to see. She told herself that he was being eaten up inside, because if he had managed to save Nathalie, then how, how could he fail to save his wife?

Of course, it may have made him feel better to anticipate that something could go terribly wrong, but Nathalie had enough sense to know he didn’t actually want it to. He had started telling her things like, “I need you”, “I’m worried about you”, “I’m sorry for doting, you’re just important to me.

“And everything you’ve done means so much.”

As she folded her clothes and left them out on the armchair at the corner of the room for tomorrow, she told herself that soon enough, he would get used to her being okay. He would get used to having no reason to stand so near or take her hand or let his gaze linger, worrying that she might crumble if he looked away for too long. She told herself that now she was at her full strength as Mayura, Ladybug and Chat Noir’s miraculous were closer to the grasps than ever before, and surely, it couldn’t be much longer now. Once Gabriel had them, all of this could be over. All of the waiting and the fighting and the guilt, the guilt for failing, the guilt for what came after, could leave them. Leave them just like the illness had left her.

She got into bed and told herself that all of this was temporary. She turned off the light and told herself that his closeness and his touch and his eyes would leave her soon enough. She laid in the darkness and told herself that it was never hers at all.

But the voice of reason in her head was getting harder and harder to listen to. She shivered at the breath on her ear as he whispered sparse details of his plans to her when they passed in the foyer. And she smiled knowing he didn’t have to do it. They were already alone together most of the time, behind the closed door of the atelier. They were free to speak aloud and yet he whispered when he had the opportunity, when they were standing close enough to justify it. And when his fingers brushed against hers as he handed her a tablet or a phone or the mug of her coffee he’d asked to take a sip of on a manic morning, she could never bring herself to look him in the face. She wondered if he knew what he was doing. She wondered if she knew that she was letting him. She wondered if she even cared.

Failure, she found, wasn’t becoming easier to bear, and a particularly devastating defeat left him hidden away with Emilie in the crypt for hours. He hadn’t reached for Nathalie when she detransformed as his habit dictated, he had barely spared her a glance at all. They’d come close, unbelievably close, but last minute quick thinking by Ladybug flipped the odds against them all at once, and they had fizzled out from there. If they hadn’t been an inch from victory, maybe it wouldn’t have stung so badly, but even Nathalie, who in all these situations could tame the flames in his blood by the sound of  her voice and gentleness of her touch, found herself seething. Unlike Gabriel, she didn’t have a place to hide when the world went dark. She’d let him go, stuck herself behind her computer screen and tried desperately to churn out a report despite her dismay. But she was disappointed, and angry, and she missed the hand on her shoulder, to catch her though she had stopped falling. She missed the glances across the room. She missed him, and he hadn’t been gone very long.

And when he came back, he appeared to go straight to work, the same way she’d pretended to, his fingers moving across the screen and his eyes glaring hotly from beneath his brow. The peacock miraculous still pinned to her sweater, Nathalie sighed at the waves of distress flowing in her direction like wind. She rose to her feet, brave and sad and wanting him back, as dangerous as that was.

“Gabriel, are you okay?”

He didn’t reply, though his hand paused, hovering an inch above his work.

“It was a hard loss,” she murmured. “Really hard.” She began making her way towards him, prepared to stop if he were to indicate he didn’t want her any closer. So far, he remained completely still, but she could see his stormy eyes working as they darted between his hand and the screen and her shoes. “I wish I knew what to say, what to do. I understand it hurts, that you might need to just sit with it, but if there’s anything you need…”

“I need this to be over,” he finally replied, and as he spoke, he also finally looked into her face. She saw then all of the pain she was already feeling in her miraculous, saw it in the lines of his face and in the shape of the shadows drawn across it. “I’m exhausted.”

She was at his side now. She remembered her courage, the reaching of her hand across the space between them. “I know,” Nathalie said quietly, sympathetically. She remembered the smiles she was starting to mean, how she wished she could mean it right now.

He took her offer, and she remembered how his fingers usually intertwined with hers and how now they closed around her hand. Now his thumb caressed the tendons under her skin. “Every day, defeat becomes harder to swallow. For a time, I wondered if I could get used to it, if it could just stop hurting. But something always comes along to remind me of how unbearable this is.”

“You’ll be okay, Gabriel. Today was difficult, but we’ve made it this far,” she encouraged. She remembered him watching her carefully. The caution was gone now. Everything the miraculous was telling her was there in his eyes. They looked bluer, like sky.

He squeezed her hand. “Thanks to you.”

A step of space was lost between them. “It’s nothing,” she whispered.

“It’s everything, Nathalie.”

His voice broke. It was too much for him to take.

She remembered how a moment passed and he decided that it wasn’t enough.

She remembered how he enveloped her in his arms instead.

“Everything you do means so much.”

She remembered how it wasn’t enough.

“I’d be lost without you, Nathalie.”

She drew away, remembering the silence of his breathlessness. The silence of hers. They wondered what was about to break.

She remembered his hand on her back.

“I’m always here for you.”

On her face.

“I…”

How clear and how dark his eyes looked when they were inches from her own. Like the firmament hiding above the Paris lights which drowned it out.

She wished for total blackness, so she could see only him.

“Gabriel…”

If she’d said anymore, her lips would have brushed against his.

To be this desperate only made sense.

She closed her eyes. She shuddered, suddenly freezing.

Way too much sense.

Panic shot between them. They pulled back at the same time, eyes wide and blazing, and Nathalie whirled away so swiftly that for a moment, her dizziness returned. Her hand cupped her mouth, protecting the lips that were yet ungrazed by his own. Her breaths were quick and shallow and she tried to keep them silent, but perhaps the pounding of her heart beneath her miraculous was loud enough for him to hear.

Regret, he was feeling.

But was it regret that he had leaned in or regret that he had pulled away?

Nathalie wasn’t sure if she could answer that question for herself.

It took another moment to compose herself before she made for her desk without another word, without even looking at him, and when she arrived, she made sure her computer screen blocked him from view.

For just a handful of seconds, she could sense him watching her. And then, he looked away. She heard him exhale deeply, heard it waver, heard the pain in his very breath.

Nathalie told herself all of this was temporary. Nathalie told herself it would leave her soon enough. Nathalie told herself it wasn’t hers at all. Nathalie told herself it didn’t matter.

Nathalie lied to herself and said if they were strong enough to resist each other than they were strong enough for anything.

[sugaabooga]

Lifting Hopes

Pairing: Hoseok x Reader

Genre: Fluff, Slight Angst, e2f

Rating: PG

Word Count: 3k

Warnings: very very brief mention of being bipolar ??

Synopsis: Based on the btswritersguild December prompt: “I can’t believe I got stuck on a ski lift with you, of all people”. You and Hoseok had never gotten along. Maybe all it takes to become friends is to get stuck on a ski lift together.

A/N: I wanted to upload this fic like nxt month so i dont just disappear on you guys for like three months again, but winter and the holidays ARE LITERALLY OVER. so yah. i decided to post it rn ahahha

“He’s coming?” you spit out in distaste.

Seokjin places a hand against his head in annoyance at your complaints and intensifying frown.

“Please, Y/N,” he rolls his eyes. “Stop being a child.”

You frown, pulling on your snow boots instead of the Nike slides you lounged in during the long drive up to the mountains.

The door on Jin’s side slams closed, leaving you to struggle to put on the ski jacket over your thick bundles of clothes. Bracing yourself for the cold, you quickly pull on your beanie and slip on your hood, then step out through the car door.

You shiver as the cold, sharp wind hits your cheeks and your less layered legs.

You trudge through the thin layer of snow laying on top of the asphalt towards Jin who was holding the trunk half-open due to being distracted by a text on his phone.

“Hey!” you bark, startling Seokjin from his wits which makes you burst out in laughter.

“Ah! You scared me!” he yells with a slight smile, eyes blown wide. You roll your eyes at his overreaction and open up the trunk.

“Technology in this modern world,” you mutter as Jin snickers at your comment.

Jin slips his phone into his back pocket before slightly nudging you over to help carry out the stack of snowboards and skiis. Your friend group had split up, making you and Seokjin go off on the roads with all the snowboards and skiis loaded in the trunk while the rest were bringing themselves and other small necessities.

“Don’t mind Hoseok too much,” Seokjin grunts, lifting some snowboards out as you help unload some of the skiis. “If you guys start arguing, I’m going straight back home without you.”

You roll your eyes as you start putting on your gloves. “If we start arguing, that’s totally your fault. Why didn’t you tell me he was coming?”

“Because then you wouldn’t come!”

“Of course I wouldn’t!”

Jin rolls his eyes. “Exactly my point. You’ve been avoiding the whole group since our winter break started. You didn’t even come to the Christmas party!”

“What’s the big deal if I don’t show?” you mutter.

“We all miss you, Y/N,” Jin pouts. “Don’t forget that you and Hoseok are our friends despite you guys butting heads all the time.”

You sigh, nodding in defeat. 

It was known to your whole friend group that you despised Hoseok. Despite the man being a beacon of light and even managing to befriend Yoongi who was quite similar to you, Hoseok was unable to break through your dense wall. 

In the beginning, you found Hoseok’s bright energy annoying and his jokes not funny at all. As Hoseok realized his usual friendly antics were not working around you, he switched to teasing you which really felt like you were getting made fun of. But was it really bullying if you were also spitting out savage remarks and ten times more hot-headed than him?

If someone saw it, they would be persuaded that you were the bully and Hoseok was the victim.

The thing that angered you even more was that your retorts only seemed to encourage Hoseok to talk to you and mess around.

You even tried to ignore him, but that deemed impossible when that boy really got on your nerves from the way he blindingly smiled at you with a knowing glint in his eye while quietly saying a back-handed insult that only made the others burst out in laughter.

Honestly, it was more of a playful joke than a harmful insult but you truly could not stand Hoseok’s annoying, shrill laughter and spiteful voice which made everything sound like an insult to you.

Jin hums in satisfaction, about to open his mouth, probably to nag you some more, before he lets out an “oh” and starts waving around his arms like a madman.

You grit your teeth, hoping Hoseok wasn’t the group that came up yet.

The universe is never on your side.

You remain standing still, taken aback when it is, in fact, Hoseok whose group came up to the ski resort first. You make a slight disgruntled noise when you make direct eye contact with him as soon as you turn around. You quickly avert your eyes when Hoseok’s lips curl into a bright, toothy smile and instead turn around before he can fully greet you to wave your hand at the smaller man next to him.

“Glad you’re still alive after those three hours in the car with Seokjin,” Yoongi says, making Jin shoot him a glare.

“Hey! I’m not that bad to be around,” he frowns, turning to you. “Right, Y/N?”

You merely shrug in response, making the other boys laugh at Jin’s pouty expression.

“It’s cold!” Jimin shouts, curling his body over. Taehyung and Hoseok take the opportunity to jump on Jimin’s back and it soon turns to a loud, giggly group hug between the three men.

You sigh, refraining the strong urge to roll your eyes as Jin starts joining the weird tackle/hug and Yoongi merely stands still with eyes blank, mumbling nagging words at them.

To your relief, the last group arrives soon after, Jungkook having driven Namjoon, Seri, and Hyejoo over.

Seri and Namjoon animatedly talk about something, both always having been interested in similar topics, while Jungkook and Hyejoo awkwardly shuffle over to the rest of you.

You almost want to laugh at the pairs’ awkwardness who were known as the two most distant friends in the group, besides you and Hoseok.

Hyejoo immediately jogs over to you once she sees you waving at her. She wraps you in a hug, dramatically leaning all her weight onto you.

“I MISSED YOU, Y/N!”

You giggle as you step away from her with a smirk. “How was the car ride?”

Hyejoo sighs with a tense smile. “As awkward as it can be. Why did Namjoon insist he sit in the back with Seri?”

Your eyes slightly widen at the unexpected information. “What?”

Hyejoo nods, briefly glancing at the said pair with playful bitterness. “Those two have been hitting it off. It’s weird, considering how they weren’t that close until the past few weeks.”

You furrow your brows with a soft “huh” but before you can think of anything of it, Jin declares that everyone grab their boards and someone collect the amount for the ski lift pass.

You decide to take charge of collecting the money, going around and collecting the bills from each person.

“How much?”

You look up at the question to see Hoseok staring down at you with a small smile for the first time that day as Taehyung counts the bills from his wallet on the other side of Hoseok.

You suddenly feel weirdly light-headed. “Uh. . .”

“Eight dollars!” Taehyung answers for you, handing over the correct amount to you with a boxy grin. “Are we the last ones?” he asks, lifting his board to hold it under his arm.

You nod as Hoseok pulls out his little bag from under his thick jacket and Taehyung shuffles off to the side. You hold in a snort at the sight of Hoseok’s bag, having seen that in every single trip your group went on.

It was cute. Not that you would ever say that out loud.

You quickly count through the pile of cash and realize you and Hoseok were the ones remaining to pay as Taehyung shouts Jimin’s name, running up the snowy hill with some struggle from the extra weight and thick clothes.

You breathily laugh at Taehyung’s humorous figure, slightly shaking your head at his actions and rummage through your pockets for your bundle of cash that you had set aside prior to the trip to pay for your own pass.

Not being able to feel the bundle, you grow slightly panicked. You hated losing money, and your empty pockets make you heavily sigh.

Hoseok gives you the eight dollars, eyeing you curiously at how you take it with a grim line on your face.

“Everything okay?” he asks, slightly concerned.

You give him an odd glance. Why would he care?

“Uh. Yeah,” you say, feeling the awkward tension settle in between the two of you. You quickly turn around and start heading up the hill behind the rest of the excitedly talking group, wondering if you should just ask Hyejoo or Jin for extra cash.

“Y/N,” Hoseok calls, his grip going to your wrist to stop you.

You subtly pull your wrist away from him, ignoring the weird tingly sensation as you turn around.

“Yes, Hoseok?” you ask with a tense look.

“Are you broke?” he jokes.

You squint at the man’s teasing smile and huff.

“No,” you say sharply with a frown. “I just. . . I don’t know where my money went. I think it fell out while I was changing or something.”

Hoseok shrugs, immediately taking out another eight dollars from his pouch.

Before you can even protest, he firmly squishes the bills into your palm and takes your board from your side. He nearly sprints up the snowy incline, none less humorously than Taehyung’s running figure, yelling Taehyung’s name to wait up for him and ignoring your call for him to get back here and take back his money and return your board.

“What the hell?” you breath out, obviously not having expected this kind gesture.

You force out the rush of thoughts that threaten to enter your mind and instead, remain your indifferent self.

You arrive at the ticket booth, exchanging the eighty dollars with ten ski lift passes and trudge over to your friends.

“Y/N’s here!” Seri announces. All of them crowd around you, grabbing the passes and attaching it onto one another.

You fiddle around with the zip-tie, successfully attaching it to your ski jacket’s zipper and look around for Hoseok who had taken your board.

“Y/N!”

You whip around to see Jimin waddling over to you with your board under his left arm. With a small grunt, he places it down in front of you.

“Hoseok said this was your board?” Jimin states as if in question.

You lightly smile at his slight confusion, fully understanding why Jimin was so taken aback by the fact that Hoseok even had your board in the first place and then nod in response.

“Thanks,” you say, taking the board. “He took it earlier since I had to go to the ticket booth.”

Jimin nods, satisfied with your answer and turns back around to easily join in on a conversation.

“Is anyone going to ride right now?” you hear Seokjin ask.

“Me!” you shout as your arm shoots up in the air. Seokjin nods, gesturing you to follow him to the lift. You hop after him in the snow and strike up a conversation, missing the way Hoseok fondly smiles as he trudges along after the two of you.

“Jin hyung!” a voice calls from behind, making you turn around after entering through the automatic gates that lead you into the lift.

Taehyung jogs up to the two of you, a boxy smile on his face as he makes his way right in front of you.

“Can I get on the lift with Jin hyung?” Taehyung asks with a pleading look in his eyes.

“No,” you blurt out immediately, with no hesitation which automatically causes a pout to be etched onto Taehyung’s face.

“Why’re you guys just standing here?” Hoseok asks, finally catching up with you guys in the line.

“I would like to Tae,” Seokjin starts, unintentionally ignoring Hoseok. “But I’m worried that one of these two is going to end up dead.”

Hoseok cracks up at Jin’s comment as you wince at Hoseok’s loud laughter.

“Glad you’re aware, Mr. Kim,” you roll your eyes, walking past the rest of them as Taehyung continues to whine behind you.

You strap one foot on your board, preparing to get on the lift with Seokjin standing next to you as your turn comes closer. Quickly, it’s your turn to get on the carpeted loading station. As you shuffle over, you hear a yelp from Seokjin as his figure suddenly disappears from next to you.

“Seokjin?” you say, confused, but you’re already getting ushered into the lift with Taehyung haphazardly pushing Hoseok in next to you.

No. No. NO. NOOO.

“SEOKJIN!” you yell, arm helplessly reaching behind you as your seat gently jerks forward, going up the incline.

“Y/N!” you hear Jin dramatically shout back.

You heavily sigh as you watch Seokjin and Taehyung take their own seats, leaving one empty lift between you and them.

A snort leads you to frown, turning your upper body back around.

You shoot Hoseok a glare as he looks away from you with an obvious smile on his face.

“What’s so funny?” you say, venomously.

He turns around, facing you with amusement in his eye. “You and Jin hyung. If someone saw, they would think you were Jack and Rose on the Titanic.”

You scoff, crossing your arms in front of your chest, deciding to look down at the plush snow instead of Hoseok’s annoying face.

“What’d you do for Christmas?” Hoseok suddenly asks, interrupting the soft buzzing noise of the lift’s machinery that filled up the silence.

You turn to look at him in confusion which he responds with raised brows.

“What?” he asks defensively.

You huff, choosing to look straight ahead of you. “Why’re you being so nice today?”

The corner of Hoseok’s lip tilts up. “What do you mean? I’m always nice.”

You resist a groan, already able to hear the amusement in his voice.

“Nevermind.”

You side-eye the man who’s slightly curled up against the end of the rail slightly shaking with laughter.

It takes your entire willpower to smother the smile all the way down to your toes that threatens to form on your face from Hoseok’s contagious, bubbly laughter.

“You never answered my question,” Hoseok says after a few moments of silence.

You sigh, fiddling with the half-open pocket on your ski pants. “My parents came over in the morning. We ate breakfast and I spent the rest of the day on Netflix.”

“How come you didn’t come to the Christmas party?”

You turn to him with slight surprise. Why did he even care if you were there or not?

“Because-”

Suddenly, a creak sounds from the large gears attached at the top of the pole a few meters away from and your seat jerks forward into a stop.

“Eep!” Hoseok squeaks, as he feels his body lurch forward with the lift that starts to swing.

Your instincts take over, one hand grabbing the side rail and the other reaching out for Hoseok. It appears that Hoseok’s hands have the same reflexes.

You both panickly look at each other and look down.

Your hands were intertwined.

You gasp, pulling away as Hoseok sputters out an apology, hand darting back into his lap.

A few beats of silence pass as the lift slows down into a stop and you realize that it wasn’t moving at all.

You audibly sigh, the previous hand-holding incident quickly being forgotten and instead annoyance filling you.

“We’re stuck?” Hoseok dumbly asks as if he didn’t want to accept the fact.

You roll your eyes, giving him a judgemental side-eye. “Well, does it seem like we’re moving?”

“I can’t believe I got stuck on a ski lift with you, of all people,” you mutter without much thought, looking off to the side and staring enviously at the freely snowboarding and skiing people.

You hear Hoseok scoff and for a second, you fear if you took it too far. 

“Am I that bad?” he asks softly, eyes narrowed and looking straight forward.

Was he offended? Maybe you took it too far?

“Uh. . .” you let out a noise, confused on how to respond to this serious side of Hoseok.

He remains silent, tense.

You might’ve taken it too far.

“N-No,” you say quietly, barely reaching Hoseok’s ears. “Sorry. I was just kidding.”

Hoseok lets out a slight sigh, seeming to refuse to turn to you. You wonder if he was joking with you until he opens his mouth and glances at you.

“Didn’t sound like you were kidding,” he states bitterly. You straighten up at his tone that you’ve never heard from him before. He was never this directly upset with you.

“Hoseok,” you say firmly, disliking the guilt that seeps into you. “I was just kidding. Getting stuck on the lift sucks in general, not just because I’m stuck with you.”

“HEY! GET OFF OF ME! WE’RE BOTH GOING TO FALL DOWN AND DIE. DO YOU WANT TO DIE? I DON’T WANT TO DIE WITH YOU!” Seokjin yells, his blaring voice echoing across the whole ski resort.

You sigh, wincing at the ringing in your ears from Seokjin’s pitchy voice. “In fact, I would much rather be stuck here with you rather than listen to Jin scream right next to me.”

Hoseok cracks a smile. “Poor Tae.”

You stare at him a bit questionably at how he was slightly smiling again.

Was this guy bipolar?

Hoseok turns to you abruptly with a wide smile on his face now. “So you don’t completely hate me.”

You squint your eyes at him. “What?”

Hoseok slightly laughs. “I’m not actually mad. I just wanted to see how you would react.”

Your jaw drops, but surprisingly you don’t feel too angry.

“At least I know I’m better to be stuck on a lift than with Jin,” he laughs.

You offer a breathy laugh, turning away from Hoseok’s infectious laughter and staring down at the snow to try to suppress your smile.

You miss the way Hoseok beams at the sound of your soft laugh.

Before a complete awkward silence can settle down, the lift suddenly jerks forward, the gears groaning to start moving down the numerous skiiers and snowboarders.

With a soft yelp from Hoseok and an iron grip on the rails from you, your lift starts moving.

And for the first time, you let your lips crack into a smile at the sound of Hoseok’s nervous laughter.

[readbeneaththelines]

The Bough That Broke Pt. 3

Synopsis: Jin is injured from an avoidable accident, leaving him partially paralyzed from the waist down. Reader is the nurse that is hired to take care of him once he gets back to the dorms and begins the physically and emotionally painful road to recovery. Will she have what it takes to spark determination in him to get back on the stage?

Characters: Idol!Jin x Nurse!Reader

Genre: Whump, Angst, Itty Bittyamount of crack, itty bitty amount of fluff, maybeeeeeee some smut

Warnings: First few chapters are rough, starting out of the gate with the Angst and Whump. I’m sorry!!! Don’t hate me for hurting Jin…. pretty please!!I promise to make him all better in the end!

Word Count: 2820

cr to gif owner

“Getting yourself psyched for your new case?”  Your colleague, Mardia, asked as she came up to the counter. She had been working with you the past three years at the hospital. When you had a particularly hard case, she was your sounding board. 

“Yeah. He’s going to be a handful, I can tell already. He is still pleasant, but I have a feeling that once he gets home, and reality has set in, that he is going to be the kind that fights me tooth and nail.  And, you know me, no holds barred, mean and crotchety. He’s going to hate me before he likes me.” Mardia laughed, only because she knew you were right. You weren’t one to let your patient have a pity party and delay rehabilitation. You would lay out the truth, even if it wasn’t what they wanted to hear. Then again, that is why you got the cases you did. You were one of a kind, compassionate, but headstrong. The private cases, the cases that no one wanted to get public until you had gotten them as close to a semblance of normality as possible, were yours. You thrived on it, your personal life on the back burner, because you didn’t want to get close to anyone. You had seen the pain of a marriage failed because of an accident or injury. You had witnessed the fragility of relationships when the other one gave up. You didn’t want to risk that, your heart already breaking enough for those under your vigilant care and ever watchful eye. 

“Y/N?” You looked up at the sound of your name. It was an older gentleman, eyes wide and full of concern. He introduced himself as Jin’s manager. You rose to your feet, leaning over the countertop as he began asking you questions. When would Jin be ready to go home? Were you going to be there today when he arrived? How was he planning on getting back to the dorms? You waited until he stopped to take a breath before interjecting.

“He will be ready to go once the doctor and surgeon sign off on his discharge papers and I set up his first follow up visits. I will be by later today when I do my admitting visit, and he will be getting home via ambulance. Now, I know you are worried, but please just take a breather and relax. From what I have seen, he is in good hands. He had a tremendous support system in his friends, and he’s going to be okay. I promise we are going to do our best to get Mr. Kim back on his feet.” You placed your hand on his shoulder, giving it a soft but firm squeeze. This was always the exhausting part of your job, having to comfort everyone else that was involved with your patient. The loved ones and friends could sometimes be more tiring than the patient. But you took it in stride, afterall you chose this field, or better it chose you, from an early age. You wouldn’t have it any other way.

You waited until the man left before making the last rounds of te morning. You discharged a few patients home, setting them up with home health and physical therapy. It was just about lunch time when you had finally completed your rounds. You were about to head to the cafeteria when you were greeted by six tall men with forlorn faces and tired eyes.

“Afternoon gentlemen. I thought you were going to be getting some rest today? Mr. Kim needs you alert and rested when he gets home.” They nodded but still stood in their place. It was Namjoon who spoke up first.

“We know, Ms Y/N. But we came to talk to you before he was discharged. Do you have any spare time?” You nodded, telling them to join you for lunch. They followed your down to the basement floor, ordering food to go. They then walked with you outside to the picnic style tables on the hospital grounds. Once everyone was seated you told them to start.

“Jin Hyung, what are his chances of a full recovery? Will he ever be able to get back on stage? To walk normally?” Namjoon was slumped, his fatigue and worry evident on his face.

“Jin, I mean Mr. Kim’s recovery is really based on him. His attitude, his drive, his desire. If he wants it bad enough, and works diligently, then he can surpass anyone’s expectations. Let me add, though. When he gets home, it will be very hard at first. He will get frustrated, angry, but you cannot let it get to you. It isn’t really aimed at you all, personally. He sees you as his dart board so to speak. You are the closest ones to him, his friends, his brothers. He will expect you to take what he dishes, without question. But don’t you let that happen. Put him in his place, tell him he needs to redirect that energy into something positive. It will help him in the long run. I will be there a lot of the time, so I will help when I can. But you all need to carry on with your daily lives too. Take care of yourselves first.” The solemn look on their faces were a sign that they weren’t aware of what taking care of an injured patient was truly like. You really did have your work cut out for you.

“Will you be there when he gets home?” Jimin asked quietly.

“That, I don’t know. As soon as his papers are signed, he can start the process of getting home. I will try to be there as soon as I can in order to admit him there, but I can’t guarantee that I’ll be there at the same time he arrives. Now if you will excuse me, I need to get back to the floor. You are all welcomed to visit with him as long as he can tolerate it.” You stood and bowed in courtesy as you left them sitting. 

When you arrived on the floor, you saw Jin’s chart on your desk, opened to te discharge papers. You looked them over, verifying they were all signed and made copies.  You headed for Jin’s room, stopping just outside the door when you heard Jin talking. 

“I don’t know Joon. I can barely sit up for five minutes, and I am so uncomfortable in these braces and splints. They’re heavy and big and- I don’t know how long I can take this.” You knocked on te door before entering, placing a friendly smile on your face. The others were spread around the room, Namjoon sitting on the side of Jin’s hospital bed. Jin tried to quickly hide the frustrated look on his face, but you cocked an eyebrow at him. He lowered his head, defeated and resigned. Namjoon and the others stood to greet you. When they made a move to leave, you stopped them. 

“Okay, we are going to get one thing straight right now, before you leave this hospital. You can complain all you want, but. You will have to swallow that bitter pill and accept your fate as it is right now. You, and only you, have the power to change that fate. Now, I am not going to listen to you sit there and feel sorry for yourself. Yes, life sucks right now. Yes, you are in a hard place that I can only imagine being shitty. I can only empathize with you, and only they can too. I can only help you physically, you have to work on the mental aspect of it. If you ever think it gets too much, that you can’t handle it, I can set you up with someone to talk to. But, please, do not set yourself up for failure before you even start.” 

All eyes were on you as you looked around the room. You were never the one to let people feel sorry for themselves. You always, always, encouraged them to face their fears and face them head on. Jin finally looked at you, a faint glimmer of hope present. 

“Are you always going to be like this? If so, I think I have met my match.” Hoseok chuckled, which set everyone else laughing. You giggled along with them, smiling at Jin as he nodded at you. Just as you were about to start talking again, the ambulance drivers showed up with his stretcher.

“Ahh, here we go. Time to get you home and start the rest of your life. I will meet you at the dorms as soon as I wrap things up here. See you in a bit, and Jin, keep that smile. It suits you.”

You left as they loaded him on the stretcher, waving goodbye as they left down the long corridor. You quickly finished your paperwork, grabbing the admittance papers and stuffing them in your bag. You bid everyone farewell and headed for your car. You wer met with Taehyung as you neared the elevator.

“Do you mind if I ride with you?” he asked shyly.

“Of course. You want to talk about something, right?” 

“Well, yeah. If that’s okay of course.” He looked at the floor, shuffling his feet against the tile. 

You both walked to you car and you unlocked his door for him. Once he was in, you rounded the hood and slid into the driver’s seat. The first few minutes were silent as you drove down the highway. You were a bit startled when Taehyung finally spoke up.

“So, umm, I don’t really know how to say this. Umm, you mentioned offering someone for Jin hyung to talk to if he thought he needed it. I was wondering, could I maybe get their number? I am trying to hold up for him, but it is all very overwhelming and I don’t want to bother the others with my feelings.”

“Of course. You know it’s okay to ask for outside help when you feel lost. If you feel like you need to talk to someone, then I will help you get in touch with them. I won’t say anything. But thank you for trusting me with this.” He gave you a boxy grin, relaxing into the seat as he looked out the window. Twenty minutes later, you arrived at their dorms. You gathered your bag and followed Taehyung up the steps. You noticed the new ramp that was built, admiring the sturdy structure with a pleasing grin. You let Tsehyung lead you inside, taking in the rearrangement of furniture and nodded in approval. Jin was already in his new room, stuffed like a caterpillar in a cocoon with all the pillows he had to support him. You greeted everyone else, then made your way to his room. 

“I see you are settled. How do you feel, being back home? 

“Okay I guess. I just want to be out there, with all of them. I hate being stuck in a bed all the time, you know.” He shrugged his shoulders as he spoke, and you sat down beside him, moving the pillows aside to make room. 

“Tell you what. You want to get out there? Then lets do it. You sat up earlier, maybe we can get you up for a bit and then when Jack gets here, we can set you on the couch and do some therapy. Sound like a plan?” His faint smile was all you needed. You gathered your things out of your bag and set them on the foot of his bed. You helped him sit up, being carful not to jostle him too much. Then you wrapped the safety belt around his waist, securing it firmly around him.  

“Okay. As before, on the count of three I’m going to help you stand. Lean into me, not away. One, two, three.” You rocked back and forth slightly to the count, tugging him forward and up as you both stood. Swiveling him , you sat him down in his wheelchair. Getting behind him, you grabbed the belt one more time and scooted him up and back. Placing his braced feet in the foot holds, you wheeled him into the gathering space of the dorms. The others gathered around sitting on the couches. 

“Hey! It’s good to see you up!”

“You look good hyung.”

Everyone sat around talking like the old days, almost. You could see the look on Jin’s face. THe look of uncertainty, the look that said he was questioning their enthusiasm. The doorbell rang, and jungkook scrambled up to answer it. Jack came in, arms full of therapy supplies. He greeted everyone and said hello to you and Jin. 

“So, here are the things that we are going to leave here. If you feel up to it and want to do something when we aren’t here, you can. Just don’t overdo it. You will still get tired easily and we don’t want you straining anything.” He set about, the others watching and learning, while you went over his medications and progress notes. You set up a care plan of what was expected of him during his first week home, and how you were planning on helping Jin achieve each goal. Just as you finished, Jack had finished his first therapy session. Jin looked and sounded exhausted.

“Now, when you all can, I want you to help massage and stretch his legs out carefully. I don’t want hi to get muscle cramps if we can avoid them. The more focused and diligent we are, the better.” Jack wrapped things up, finding a good storage place for all the items. 

“Alright then. Ready to get back in bed?” Jin shook his head.

“Can I? Can I stay on the couch for a bit? I’m not ready to go back to my room. I want to be out here, just for a bit.” he gazed at you an Jack hopefully. You thought on it, knowing good and well you would let him. 

“Yes, I guess so. I will be here for a bit longer, so we can get you to bed when I get ready to leave.” You walked Jack to the door, thanking him and telling him you would see him tomorrow.

“Tomorrow? Again?” you heard Jin cry out from behind you.

“Yes, tomorrow. Today we worked legs, tomorrow we work the arms and some of the back stretches. If it helps, you will be out of the braces for a while. I know you can’t pass up that chance.” You had to grin when his eyes lit up for the first time since you met him. You worked at a leisurely pace, giving Jin all the time you could to be up and about. He even played a few games with Jungkook and Jimin. When it neared time for you to leave, you informed Jin that freedom time was up.

“I know, but until they get comfortable helping you get up, you’re stuck with me and Jack.” He had a nervous questioning gaze and you stopped mid stoop to wait.

“Tomorrow, could I possibly get a shower? Anything? It has been so long since I had a proper bath.”

“You want me to bathe you tomorrow?” The look of shock on his face had you falling back somewhat. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped. His head shook with such conviction.

“What? No! No, not you. I mean. I just don’t know how I feel about a female bathing me. No offense or anything.” You gathered your thoughts, understanding te comfort level that you would be crossing. 

“Mr. Kim.”

“Please call me Jin.” he interjected.

“Jin. You will have to understand a few things. One, I have bathed more people, men and women, than you can count on two hand and two feet. Two, you will have to get used to having me do most of the things for now, until you feel able to accomplish them yourself. Jack can only help so much, but I am trained to do things. Bathing you being one of them. Besides, you will be doing most teh bathing, I will just be helping you dress and stuff.”

“Like that helps any.” he muttered under his breath. 

“I heard that.” you pushed his shoulder softly, garnering a chuckle from him. 

“I think I’m ready to lay down. My legs are aching.”

You stopped mis thought, looking up at him with surprise. “Did you say your legs are aching?”

The quizzical look etched his features, like it was a simple statement. Until. It hit him, he was feeling something he hadn’t felt in the past few weeks. No more numbness and tingling, but actual feeling.

“Jin! Thant’s great news! If we keep this up, who knows what you can be capable of.

@beautifulseoulliar  @astronomyturtle @aspaceformyself @dreamyoongi @holy-yoongi @trashkazuya @maxinaptak @micky1518 @rosiemilas @karri570

@seoulsunshineandstories @kwonnansi @xjamlessparkx @berryjam17

@kingsuckjin @flora-jimin

[shoalfoodblog]

Earthshine, Chapter 2

Again, I don’t consider myself a writer whatsoever but I guess I’m following my compulsions. We’ll see how long I keep doing this, but yeah. Here’s more??? Sorry if it’s lame or anything is wrong, etc. Just doing this for fun~~~

Sesskag. 

First Chapter

Kagome had seen more battles than most decorated soldiers in her time. She’d waged a war against an unspeakable evil and lived to tell the tale. And from those experiences, she’d learned a thing or two about strategy. 

Information is everything. Namely; know your enemy. If you can think like them, you’ll be two steps ahead at all times and be able to guide them into your trap. 

Mostly Naraku had done this brand of bamboozling to their group, but that's besides the point because it worked. They’d all been tricked and lead like lambs to slaughter more than once by that creature. And while Kagome wouldn’t normally be molding her behaviors off a maniacally evil megalomaniac, desperate times called for desperate measures.

Not that she was desperate.

With her mind made up on seducing Sesshomaru, daiyoukai of the west, most powerful AND beautiful demon in the four territories, and veritable icicle, Kagome knew she had to think ahead. 

It was disconcerting to realize that if she were to list things she knew he liked, she wouldn’t even use up the fingers on one hand. 

1.) Fighting. She imagined he got bored defeating opponents so easily. He was a beautiful and deadly figure on the battlefield without match. The lack of worthy challenges probably explained all of the spontaneous “friendly” bouts with Inuyasha (which Kagome vehemently disapproved of, since it was her supplies she’d burn through patching up the battered half demon) over the past few years since Rin came to live in the village.  

2.) Knowledge. This one was subtler. When he’d seen some of her futuristic objects while visiting Rin, he’d ask her pointed questions, his intense stare giving no room for anything but a full and thorough answer. These were always followed by an almost inaudible hum of acknowledgement, and a swift departure. Kagome supposed dogs were often curious creatures, so why should dog demons be any exception? 

3.) Rin. This did not translate to humans as a whole whatsoever. Just Rin. He maybe tolerated some others, but he definitely didn’t like them. In all likelihood he held a quiet disdain, but Kagome figured she was at least in the ‘tolerated’ camp, considering he trusted her with his charge, so that was encouraging.

Thinking of Rin, caused Kagome to smile. Rin was a wonderful girl, even if she suffered from the effects of a serious case of hero worship for her Lord. Kagome remembered countless times where they’d spend time together, harvesting herbs and naming the blooms they came across. The now teenaged girl didn’t really have any female figures in her life, so Kagome filled in the roll by default. She genuinely adored Rin, and suspected Rin found a good friend in return. So really this point wouldn’t be an issue. 

As far as fighting went, Kagome was a decent shot, but sparring with the daiyoukai seemed like signing a death wish. 

Now. His curiosity. Kagome knew she was a novelty to him. Even if he wasn’t interested in her exactly but in the information she had about the future, it was at least a doorway in to some decent conversation. But what could tempt the stoic demon lord? He’d seen most of her futuristic belongings she kept in this era.

She really couldn’t, in good conscience, divulge information that could change the future, just in case this didn’t work out. So no politics, investment strategies, nor extreme advancements in engineering. 

Cultural tidbits would be safer. 

Music?

No. She imagined her tastes would appall him. Pop music with all of its thick instrumentation and driving rhythms didn’t exactly fit with her image of him and she’d rather appear dignified then explain why pop music was… well, popular in her era. 

Art? 

She would be the first to admit she didn’t know shit about art.

Food?

Kagome struggled to imagine Sesshomaru eating. Maybe she was guilty of putting him on a pedestal, but such a normal, everyday act seemed out of place for him. She’d certainly never seen him eat, but that wasn’t really saying much given the longest time they’d been in each other’s company was when he was fighting with Inuyasha. Also what could she prepare him that would be both impressive and appealing to a dog demon?

She decided to consult Rin. 

A direct approach was always best. Searching out her young friend Kagome inquired 

“Rin-chan. I was curious. What does Sesshomaru-sama eat?”

Rin stilled her hands, which were busy tying up herbs to dry in Kagome’s storehouse. Turning to Kagome, she gave the universal shrug of ‘I have absolutely no clue’ 

“Huh. Rin never saw him eat, now that Rin thinks about it. Or Rin just wasn’t paying attention.” 

Kagome huffed in frustration, maybe a little louder than she should have, because Rin furrowed her brow at her. 

“Why do you ask, Kagome-oneesan?” 

It was imperative Rin not catch on to her plans. She needed a reasonable excuse. One would appear any moment. Seem calm, you crazy woman.

“Oh! Well you see… I just wanted to offer him something as thanks for taking such good care of you all these years. I feel very thankful to have Rin-chan in my life. It may be too forward though… just forget I said anything”

Nailed it. 

“Rin is also happy she knows Kagome-oneesan! And is grateful to Lord Sesshomaru for bringing her to your village!”

She was clutching the fresh cuttings closely to her chest, beaming up at the older woman. The picture of earnestness. 

“I’m sorry but Rin doesn’t know what Lord Sesshomaru would like to eat! Rin only knows Lord Sesshomaru doesn’t eat human food. He told me when we first met and I tried to give him some fish, and other things”

Huh. Well, that was…less than helpful. 

“Don’t worry Rin-chan! I’ll think of something to give him. Don’t fret about it” Kagome tossed her a reassuring smile while she set about finishing their work. Reaching to tie the next bundle up to dry, Kagome, ever the optimist, was sure she’d think of something.

That was two weeks ago. She’d gained no ground since. 

Her brainstorming had lead her down very uncomfortable roads. She shuddered as she recalled that Koga’s pack used to survive by eating humans. And when she asked Shippo, he just shrugged and said dogs were “weird that way” but couldn’t provide any specifics. Sango said there just wasn’t a lot of research her village had done on dog demons since they generally stayed away from messing with human settlements.

Dog Demons. You’d think they’d be as easy to please as their mortal counterparts. 

Kagome was contemplating chucking a box of milk bones at the demon lord and taking her chances.

Maybe a change of scenery would shake an idea loose in her brain. It had been a while since she’d visited her family, and her childhood home always helped to clear her mind.

…

Sliding the door open to her family’s house, she was greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods. 

“Tadaima, Mama! Souta! Ojii-chan!”

“In here, dear!” 

Following her mother’s voice to their kitchen, she arrived in time to see her pull a fresh sheet of cookies from the oven. 

“Kagome! It’s so good to have you home! And with such good timing! I just made some peanut butter cookies. Would you like-“

Peanut butter. Lightning ricocheted through Kagome’s mind. Her breath hitched, and her eyes grew wide.

An epiphany held her in place. A eureka moment erupted across her consciousness.  

It couldn’t be that simple!

Glancing around, she spied the half-empty jar of peanut butter still out on the counter, a spoon jutting from the top. Kagome fumbled with the container, her hip bumping the table in her haste to get back through the well.

“-some to take to your friends?” 

And with that, the matron of the Higurashi family was left alone with a full tray and an empty room. Hearing the front door slam, she exhaled and began to wonder. Would her daughter ever settle down long enough to lay down some real roots? 

…

‘Peanut butter! Dogs loved peanut butter!’

Kagome swallowed a triumphant shout. It was the best idea she’d had yet. Even if it was the only idea she’d had. 

It had been 10 days since Sesshomaru had last checked on his ward, and since you could predict the tides based on the precision of his schedule, Kagome knew he’d be checking on Rin today at dusk. 

That gave her…maybe 20 minutes to catch her breath and set her trap.

Kagome clambered up the rope ladder they’d installed in the well, jar in hand, and made her way down the path towards her home. Upon rounding the corner to the field it was settled in, she noticed Rin, who often watched her home when Kagome was away, was siting by the entrance with a flower crown gently held in her hands.

The young girl perked up as she caught sight of her sisterly figure. 

“Kagome-oneesan! Welcome home! Rin thought you wouldn’t be back until tomorrow!”

“Ah - I uh, hello Rin-chan! Well you see I forgot to bring my mother - uh” glancing around she eyed the circlet of blooms in her young friend’s hands “Flowers! I was going to pick her some flowers!”

“Oh! That’s wonderful Kagome-oneesan!” 

She felt awful fibbing to Rin. But these were dire times. 

Kagome slumped on the stump near the entrance of her home where she would split wood for the hearth, trying to catch her breath. Rin sidled closer to her, then noticed the strange container Kagome had in her possession.

“What are you holding, Kagome-oneesan?” gesturing with her eyes towards the young miko’s grasp.

With an exhale, she lifted the container towards Rin. 

“It’s a snack from my home. It’s called Peanut butter. It’s kind of sticky, and nutty, but it’s not really made of nuts, it’s made from legumes I think? - I don’t know if we have peanuts here - and I’m rambling, It’s kind of sweet and salty. ” Noticing the spark in Rin’s eyes, she also added “Would you like to try it?”

“Oh! Could Rin?!” She leaned forward clutching the wreath to her chest. She was too infectious. Kagome entertained the passing thought that in the future, Rin would be able to wrap any man she wanted around her finger. 

“Of course! You might not like it however… I think it’s kind of an acquired taste.” Kagome retrieved the spoon from the jar, wiping any excess along the rim before handing it to the eager girl.

She popped the spoonful in her mouth. 

“It might be a little sticky, so don’t choke on the stuff.” Rin tried to pry open her mouth to respond but all that came out was a jumble of muffled syllables that had Kagome giggling brightly. Rin tried to talk between swallows of the sticky treat, but more stifled sounds escaped instead, which caused both women to erupt in peels of laughter. 

Neither of them noticed the third presence suddenly appear in front of them.

Sesshomaru arrived at the miko’s dwelling to discover the two human women in a puddle of frenzy, to such an extent that they both failed to mark his entrance. 

It was rare indeed for any being not to take immediate notice of the towering dog demon, so much so Sesshomaru wasn’t sure how else to gain the silly mortals’ attention. 

He set about employing the strategy he used in most of his dealings, thinking formidable thoughts and staring, sure his presence would speak for itself soon enough. 

He was wrong.

 The females were in hysterics. 

Wondering if, despite all reason, his imposing bearing had run thin Sesshomaru decided a more direct approach was necessary.

“Miko. Rin.” he intoned smoothly. Sesshomaru applauded himself when the females ceased at once.

The pair, now still, they turned to face the intimidating demon lord, fighting the urge to erupt into laughter once more. Of course Sesshomaru showed up right at this moment. 

“Lord Sesshomaru!” somewhat out of breath, Rin stood to greet her guardian. 

“Hn. This Sesshomaru trusts you’ve been well, Rin” He flicked his gaze over his charge, appraising her well-being.

“Oh yes, Lord Sesshomaru! We’ve just finished drying the spring herbs, and Kagome-oneesan has just shared a most interesting treat with Rin!” 

Gazing over the miko, he unabashedly sized her up, maybe for the first time, considering her fully. How long had Run bestowed the miko with that sisterly honorific? 

“Hn.” He swept his gaze over the woman, seeing as she fumbled with the strange container in her hands. 

“It’s nothing really, just a little something from my home” She waved her hand in mock bashfulness. Though flustered, Kagome hadn’t forgotten her self-appointed mission. She knew Sesshomaru was a curious creature by nature. She refused to give up more information than necessary. He’d have to come to her for answers. 

To Sesshomaru, the substance did not appear to be having any long lasting ill effects on his ward. Was it some sort of drug? Was this responsible for the fit of hysterics that descended upon the two? The miko stirred the thick mass in the strange pot she carried. Scenting the air, its aroma wafted towards him. It smelled unlike anything he’d encountered before. 

It smelled delicious. 

“Miko.” 

This was it. She had trained her attention on the demon lord and saw the moment the spark of curiosity flitted across his gaze. 

“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama?’ She continued to stir the peanut butter around in the jar, hoping the smell would be released more strongly into the air. 

“What is this substance you have given my ward?” He was the picture of disinterest, eyes gazing at some distant point on the horizon, busying himself by running his hand once across his mokomoko. 

Knowing the demon lord was painfully direct in all his dealings, Kagome realized he must be really tempted to put on this kind of show.

His actions confirmed her theory. She had him. 

“Would you like to try it?” Kagome offered him the handle of the heaping spoonful.

He would deny the small flare of his nostrils, and the twitch at the bottom of his mokomoko if anyone questioned him. 

“I do not eat human food, priestess” 

Kagome internally congratulated his commitment to his image. He even mustered a small sneer on his face. 

“Of course Sesshomaru-sama. How silly of me” Kagome smiled knowingly at the stubborn dog in front of her. Making a small show of it, she swiped a finger across the spoon and plopped it her mouth, humming in satisfaction, before setting the jar beside her on the stump. She could feel his eyes follow her movements.

“Well I’m sure you have more important things to do with your time, Sesshomaru-sama. I have a few things to take care of myself before nightfall, so I’ll take my leave. Safe travels. Rin, have a good night. I’ll see you tomorrow” 

“Yes! Thank you again Kagome-oneesan, Rin will see you soon!” 

Sesshomaru didn’t respond, instead turning on his heel,he departed towards the village, no doubt escorting Rin who trailed after him talking animatedly about something or other. 

Kagome didn’t call after them when she saw the jar of peanut butter was mysteriously gone. 

…

Elsewhere, with legendary control, Lord Sesshomaru, Ruler of the West and powerful Daiyoukai, resisted the urge to smack his lips when the miko’s strange and addictive morsel stuck to the roof of his mouth. 

The proud dog demon dissolved the empty plastic container with acid. 

There could be no evidence of his lapse of control.