#and people are like oh you were homeschooled? NOPE

[thebreakfastgenie]

Okay finally getting around to the grade skipping story. I skipped two grades. I skipped third grade and then the next year I skipped fifth grade. So it went second -> fourth -> sixth. The main reason for this is I was doing advanced work and at the time, you had to take the standardized test that matched your official grade, not the material you were doing. They later changed this policy allowing my standardized test taking to also be bizarre. But anyway, even when I was in fourth grade, I was doing fifth grade work for like half my subjects. I also went to a small, weird school with 1) multi grade classrooms 2) loose boundaries 3) new configurations every year. So when I would have been in fourth grade, I was in sixth grade in a 5-6 classroom. The next year I was in seventh grade in a 6-7 classroom. The next year, when I would have been in sixth grade, I split my time between the 3-6 and 7-9 teams.

Throughout all of this I had a lot of angst about wanting a normal experience. (In addition to all this I was doing separate curriculum from everyone else for a bunch of subjects.) I really didn't want to graduate early, which was the right call for me and I was fortunate to be aware of that young. There had been an idea all along that I could return to a traditional high school and I wanted that badly. So the idea was that I would be "held back" in eighth grade for two years, so I could enter ninth grade at the normal age. No one actually cares if you repeat eighth grade and I could just keep doing what I was doing, curriculum wise. Except I kept turning up on lists for vision checks and so forth as if my grade was still advancing. For like a solid two years when people asked what grade I was in I would honestly say "I don't know."

The eighth grade retention thing didn't work and I transferred to my high school when I was fourteen as a junior. I didn't find out until the start of my actual junior year when they were like you were supposed to graduate last year??? So officially I was a senior for three years.

[luvly-writer]

“You are my Sunshine”

Part 24: Grounded and missing home

——————————————

Jason Todd x Latina! Reader

Social Media Au

Warnings: none

Status: Finished

Author’s note: at the end of chapter!

Tag list: @lorosette @milas-teapot @izukuisbaby @alecmores @writing-for-the-hell-of-it @unofficial-jaytodd-wife @graywrites5567 @addictedtothefictionalworld @randobeetlehouse

Series Masterlist:

——————————————-

It was just a casual night in with Nola, both of you bochincheando of the lives of your families…

“you remember my cousin Helena, right?”

Nola nods from the couch where she is sitting at

“Yeah, the one that used to do your nails?”

“Yeah, pues turns out the baby wasn’t her husband’s!”

“WHAT?!?! You’re fkn kidding!”

“Nope, no I am not, during the months that she had spent in Houston, she slept with another man and got pregnant”

“Shit, I told you the timeline didn’t make sense. How would she have gotten pregnant and by her husband who at the time was in Puerto Rico”

“I KNOW! so today I got off the phone with mami and you will never guess what she told me”

Nola sat up and looked at you, super intrigued “what?”

“They got a divorce and she’s going to marry her baby daddy! Even went to Ecuador to visit his family and everything!!”

“FUCK NO WAY!!!!”

“SIIIIIII! You know, I always told you that relationship was rocky since her ex husband already had kids and she wanted more”

“Oh shitttttt, are we invited?”

“OBVIOOOO! She is showing off the wedding preparations EVERYWHERE on social media! EVEN. THE. DRESS!”

“NOT THE DRESS! ISNT THAT BAD LUCK!?!?”

Before you could answer Nola, a knock was heard on the door

You stand up from your place on the floor, gently placing Garbanzo, who was in your lap, in the sofa and to see who it was, only to see Damian pouting with his arms crossed

“Damian, mi niño, what are you doing here? You didn’t send me a text you were coming. Does your father know you’re here?”

Damian was never going to admit it, but he absolutely ADORED you. You always had a nurturing and doting energy on you and he constantly felt safe around you. Sometimes people forget that as much as he can be a killing machine, he IS STILL A CHILD, and having a positive mother figure was so important to him. He looked down and said very softly, “father grounded me because I skipped school…”

You looked at the child warmly and opened your arms

Ah, now there was something that Damian would NEVER admit in his entire life. He fucking LOVED your hugs and taking advantage of the fact that it was only Nola and you, he went straight to your arms and let you pull him inside.

Nola was sitting upside down on the sofa and Garbanzo was sleeping next to her peacefully

YN led him to the living room and let him sit down

“Sup Damian” greeted Nola from the sofa, and placed her hand up for a high five to which he responded

A doting mother figure and cool aunt figure…he could get used to this

“Now Damian, why were you skipping school?” Asks YN sternly.

Nola sits up and says “Oh shit, want some water? Juice? Alcohol?” At the last thing, Yn glared at her, “What? Whatever helps soothe his sorrows.” Defends Nola, making Damian crack a small smile, he tells her water and she stands up to get it, leaving YN and Damian more privacy.

“I didn’t want to go” he says dryly, making you deadpan at him. He sighs softly and finaly confesses, “Before coming to Gotham, I was homeschooled-“ “-by your mother?” YN interrupts and Damian nods and continues, “you could say that my intellect is quite advanced therefore, me going to school is not necessary.”

At that YN, thinks for a while and responds, “You do know, your father is legally required to put you in school till you’re 18, unless it counts as neglect, right?” And Damian nods whilst rolling his eyes

“Yes, YN! But I don’t like being with the other kids, they don’t understand and it is so difficult to be around them and I just…didn’t want to go. Plus, he keeps on saying that he knows my intellect is above Gotham Academy, but that I need to work on my social skills and have extracurriculars. He signed me up for fencing and I’m already the best there and it hasn’t been a week!”

YN hums understanding the problem. Although she has always been friendly, there was a time when…shit went down at home, that she closed off and spent a few years being super shy, so she understands the struggle.

“And is there an extracurricular you’d like?” She asks, “maybe something that might give you an opening to socialize at your pace?”

Damian looks at her and mumbles, “I like art and there is a art club in school, I’ve checked..”

At that, YN claps her hands, “There we go! Why don’t you tell your father about that? I’m sure if you explain how you feel…” she stopped for a second, seeing Damian get visibly uncomfortable at having to explain his feelings to his father, so she decided to rephrase so it fits their dynamic better, “I’m sure that if you negotiate with him, it will be fine”

At that, Damian relaxed and contemplated the outcome. Finally, he nodded and promised to do it once he got home. Knowing things probably aren’t the best at the moment, YN asks him, “Nola and I were gossiping about some interesting things of my family and later I was going to cook some rice, beans and chicken, Puertorrican style, wanna join?”

Damian had never tried her food so he nodded and saw that Nola had come back with a water bottle. She tossed it at him and he easily caught it.

“Now, let me catch you up Damian, with most of my family’s stories, get comfortable cause it’s going to be QUITE the ride” says YN and Nola laughs and adds, “you are going to LOVE this, kid”

And for once that day, Damian sat back, relaxed, laughed at Yn’s storytelling. At some point, they migrated towards the kitchen, YN still sharing stories about her family and all the summers she would go back to PR and Nola providing some stories about her childhood as well and growing up in an Asian household. They had laughed whilst YN cooked and finally sat down for dinner. Damian tried to also share some stories of the adventures his sibling have had over the years (very mindful to only include the ones that happened to them as civilians, he knew Jason hadn’t said a single thing of the whole vigilante ordeal yet) and it made the girls die of laughter. Nola, because she had blackmail material for Jason (please for the love of everything, for Jason’s sanity KEEP HER AWAY FROM STEPH AND TIM, dangerous trio that is!) and YN, because she felt even closer to her boyfriend’s family. As much as he liked to act all tough and cold, she knew that he still had a SUPER big soft spot for them. She didn’t know what caused the rift but she knew it was bad. Yet, any time he spoke about them, he had this huge tenderness in his tone, one that spoke of a love so cautious of being hurt again. He’d do anything for them (he’d complain a little, but he’d be there).

YN didn’t have siblings, the closest thing being Nola and some cousins, so having them enter her life, surely filled her life with joy. And being with a family so huge sometimes, it made her heart yearn for hers all the way across the sea.

Sometime soon, Nola invited Damian to play Mario Kart in the living room and YN was left to wash the dishes. She thought of her family even more. Her mother and her had moved to Gotham when she was barely eleven. The move was hard and it came shortly after her parents divorce. She remembers being new to the city and crying most nights because she missed the song of the coquis, the warmth of the summer, and the sky filled with stars. Sure, Gotham was in the coast and had beaches, beaches where she had gone a few times with her friends through middle school, high school and college. Yet, none of them compared to the beaches of her home. She would fly over there during the summers with her mom and oh boy, did she adore it! Her family gatherings were great. Blasting salsa, bachata, merengue (her personal favorite being salsa), they were filled with the laughter of all her cousins and tíos and tias and her grandparents and even the neighbors. They would have a barbecue on the beach, and days in the Morro flying kites, they would have road-trips along the island and see all of the beautiful sites of her home. She remembers the time Nola went with her, her family decided to go to El Junque and she remembers that it had rained a few days before so naturally, they couldn’t swim in the rivers but they still could walk around. Nola’s shoe got stuck in the mud and she fell making YN laugh so hard, she tripped and fell as well. Both girls ended up covered in mud because of how hard they were laughing. She still has the picture her uncle took of both of them on the floor, covered in mud, smiling brightly at the camera.

So lost in her thoughts, YN didn’t notice Jason come to the apartment. He glanced at Damian arguing with Nola claiming she cheated and insisted a rematch. One that Nola was glad to give him. He chuckled and looked around for his girlfriend, finding her spaced out staring at her bubble filled hands. He furrows his eyebrows and decided to hug her waist from behind, leaving a kiss in her shoulder. He feels her jump slightly, snapping out of her thoughts.

“Jay! You scared me”

He laughs lightly and answers “now what has you so lost in your pretty head that you didn’t see me coming?”

She finishes the last dish, dries her hands and turns around, pecking his lips.

“Nothing much, mi corazón” she smiles up at him and he notices, her smile doesn’t reach her eyes.

“Now come on, my light, you know better than to lie to me like that” he says softly, his worry slightly increasing.

“I’m just a little homesick…I miss my family, and my mom”

Ahhhhh yes, you mom had moved back to PR on Yn’s third year of college to help her uncle take care of her grandmother

“Oh baby, come here” Jason pulls her closer to him and holds her tight. They are interrupted by a knock on the door.

YN walks to it and opens the door, only to find Bruce Wayne tiredly rubbing his hands on his face.

“Please tell me Damian is here. He won’t answer his calls or anything” he says and the girl laughs a little. Poor man, his children quite literally stress the fuck out of him.

“Damian! Your dad is here” she calls out and he comes out of the living room, with a small pout.

“Yang, YN. Thank you for having me.” He says barely acknowledging his brother and his father. You smile at him.

“Anytime, mi pajarito. And when you aren’t grounded anymore, tell me so that I can take you for another day at the Sactuary, they say Tantan the orangutan misses you”

At that, Damian smiles, nods and walks to the car, leaving his brother and father baffled. Bruce was convinced you were a mythic being of some sort, Jason was just too flabbergasted to function.

You wave at both, wishing them a good night for them to get home safe. Once you turn around, you see your o so lovable boyfriend, stuffing his mouth with the food that you had left for him, in pure bliss.

“This is the best thing ever, my love” he says after he swallows almost in tears

“I KNOW RIGHT! AND JUST YOU WAIT UNTIL YOU EAT SOME OF HER MOM’S AND GRANDMA’S FOOD! IT IS TO DIE FOR JASON! TO! DIE! FOR!” Nola screams from the living room.

You laugh a little shaking your head, the sad thoughts slipping away little by little.

——————————————

Author’s note: Little by littleeee you get that YN lore 😈 but in all seriousness, something I don’t see much in x Latina stories much is the yearning from home. Yes, I am a person currently living in my country, PR, but I have absolutely no doubt that it is something that happens to so many other Latinos who have migrated so I hope to show that part. Another thing is that I have noticed that in many cases, Latino culture is more family oriented than US culture, something that I also wanted to write in and represent through her yearning to spend time with her family and being at the moment, the only one away from home. Hope you enjoyed this! Lots of love!

-your writer!

<3

[linagram]

[ 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚒𝚗 𝚟𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚜: 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝟷 ]

(i hope the image isn't too eystrain-y AAAAAAAAA)

wooooooo i'm finally done with these

okay basically these voice dramas are about what happened to the prisoners three days before their crimes and they're supposed to reveal more about their life, what kind of people they are and all of that stuff. they will be separated into two parts bc the voice dramas are pretty short, so this part includes akio, aimi, shun, naomi and kei and the next one will include eiko, asahi, yurika, riku and reina.

warnings: a mention of bullying and an implication of a child being seriously injured in aimi's vd, shun is being a stalker, a description of physical and emotional abuse in naomi's vd, mentions of torture and homophobia in kei's vd (there's also some implications of the latter in akio's vd, but like, if you squint really hard)

[ Akio's Confession ]

(the sound of a school bell ringing)

(the voices of other students can be heard in the background)

Akio: *sighs*

Akio: *thinking* "This class was way too easy.. All classes were too easy so far, honestly."

Akio: *thinking* "Though that's just something I have to deal with as a genius that I am, haha.."

Akio: *thinking* "It's just.. I thought that an elite school like this would be more interesting."

Akio:*thinking* "But when I look at my classmates.. Yeah, I can see why the teachers would go easy on them. How did they even get- Oh, right, probably because they're rich and all."

Akio: *thinking* ".. My parents have worked so hard so that I could attend this school and now I'm complaining.."

Akio: Hm...

(sounds of someone's footsteps getting faster and faster)

Arata: Akioooooo!~

Akio: *screams*

Akio: W-what are you-

Arata: Come on, you promised that we'll have lunch together! 

Arata: Come on, get up, get up!

Akio: C-can you-

Akio: *whispering* Can you.. you know.. be quieter? This is embarrassing, everyone is staring at us.

Arata: *whispering* I know, I'm acting like this on purpose.

Akio: Wha-

Arata: Okayyyy, let's go, let's go!~

Akio: I-I haven't even brought anything with me-

Arata: It's okay, as your boyf-

Arata: Uh.. 

Arata: *clears throat* Ahem, as your best friend, I have prepared something very special for you myself!

Arata: Now let's go!

(sounds of footsteps)

Female classmate: These two are.. really close, aren't they?

Akio: I still can't believe that out of all the hobbies you could have, your hobby is.. cooking.

Arata: What, I don't look like a perfect housewife? You're breaking my heart..

Akio: Ugh..

Akio: C-can't you just act.. you know.. normal?

Arata: Nope. Now say "Ahhh~"

Akio: I am not a child-

Akio: !

Arata: See? Tastes good, doesn't it?

Akio: B-but again, everyone is staring at us..

Arata: And? They're just jealous.

Arata: You know, you look so plain, but you've got someone like me as your boyfriend! You're so lucky!

Akio: Plain?..

Arata: U-uh, I find that cute about you.

Arata: Also, you stole the "most popular guy" title from me! You're so cool!

Akio: We both know you weren't popular because of your looks or intelligence or anything.

Arata: Haha, yeah, being the son of the headmaster kinda makes you popular by default..

Arata: But like, not for a good reason.

Akio: You're still creepy though, obviously they would find you intimidating.

Akio: And you also have a lot of power in this place, so..

Arata: Y-you think I'm creepy?!

Akio: Yes.

Arata: So cold!.. But that's what I like about you!

Akio: Also, about me stealing your title and all..

Akio: .. That title also was stolen from me recently.

Arata: Huh? By who?

Arata: .. Oh.

Arata: You're talking about that guy, right?

Akio: *nods*

Arata: Well, he joined us only a few months ago and he also used to be homeschooled. I think it's his first time actually going to school?

Akio: Yeah, because of his health problems.

Arata: Of course a guy like him would get everyone's attention.

Arata: They just feel sorry for him. Don't worry about it too much~

Arata: I mean, have you seen his grades? A guy like him won't survive in this place.

Akio: Should I remind you about your own grades?

Arata: Ahaha.. At least I have you~

Akio: You're not dating me just because I can do your homework for you, right?

Arata: Well, that's one of the reasons why I like you, but..

Akio: I'm breaking up with you.

Arata: No, no, wait!

Arata: Also, Akio, aren't you dating me because I can make you look good in the eyes of the headmaster?

Akio: ...

Arata: He likes you a lot! He said that our school really needed a student like you. 

Akio: ...

Arata: You really are a genius, Akio. I'm sure you'll become famous in the future.

Akio: .. B-but I want to be famous now.

Arata: And you will! I can just make everyone here bow down to you if you want. 

Arata: Both figuratively and literally.

Akio: .. I hate him, Arata. I hate him so much.

Arata: I know. 

Akio: Sometimes I wish I just could-

Akio: ...

Akio: Never mind.

Arata: Hm? What is it?

Akio: I said, never mind!

Arata: Come on, say it, say it!

Akio: Shut up already-

Arata: Say it, Akio.

Akio: ...

Akio: .. Wouldn't it be nice if he just..

Akio: You know..

Akio: .. Died?

Arata: ...

Arata: Haha..

Arata: Ahahahahahahaha!

(sounds of Arata laughing and falling on the ground)

Akio: .. Yeah, I can't just ask you to act normal again, can I?

Arata: S-sorry, sorry.. 

Arata: It's just.. I've been waiting for you to say it.

Akio: Huh?

Arata: I don't know, something about you hating him so much to the point of wanting him dead..

Arata: It's just so exciting, you know?

Akio: .. There must be something wrong with you.

Arata: With you too. That's why we're perfect for each other!

Arata: So, how do you want him to die?

Akio: Arata, for God's sake, can you just not talk about murder while we're having lunch and there are other people around?

Arata: Nope, talking about murder is fun.

Arata: Also, you still have some food left. Open your mouth.

Akio: Why would you find talking-

Arata: Anyway, we should head back to class, the break is going to end soon.

Akio: R-right..

(sounds of footsteps)

???: Ah! Akio-kun, Arata-kun!

Akio: ...

Arata: There he is.

???: I've been looking for you two everywhere! I just thought it'd be nice to have a lunch together, haha..

???: B-but it looks like you two are already going back to class.. I'm so slow, haha..

Akio: .. I thought I told you not to call us that.

???: What?

Akio: We're not your friends. Why did you even think we'll agree to spend even the moment of our precious time with you?

???: U-uh..

Akio: Seriously, this is why you always have no choice but to eat alone. You're so stupid-

Arata: Now, now, calm down, Akio. 

Arata: Please forgive him, he's not in a good mood today.

???: Really? Why? Did something happen, Akio-kun? C-can I help-

Akio: DON'T CALL ME THAT!

???: ...

Arata: ...

Akio: *breathing heavily* We're not.. friends, Kitami.

Akio: I don't even want to hear you say my name. 

Akio: Don't stand in my way. Arata, we're leaving.

Chise: ...

Chise: .. Hey.. 

Chise: That's not very nice of you, Akio-kun..

Chise: You know I've worked really hard on this, right?

Akio: D-do you think I care?

Chise: Judging from the way you stutter, I think you do.

Akio: ...

Akio: (to Arata) W-why are you still standing here?! I told you we're leaving!

(sounds of Akio and Arata leaving)

Arata: The guy looked like he was about to cry. Are you proud of yourself?

Arata: Not judging you, by the way.

Akio: ...

Arata: Hey, are you listening-

Akio: Why?

Akio: Why does he want to be friends with me?

Akio: He just wants to annoy me, doesn't he? He's just jealous of me and he's trying to make me angry on purpose so that I'll end up yelling at him and ruin my reputation because he's everyone's favorite right now?

Akio: Why do people even like him?! He's so pathetic, so weak, so dumb, so..

Arata: Hey, calm down. 

Akio: ...

Arata: You're better than him. Remember that.

Akio: I KNOW THAT, IDIOT! I JUST WANT OTHERS TO REMEMBER THAT TOO!

Arata: Well, I know for a fact that you're better than him. You're better than everyone here~

Arata: .. Hm? What's wrong?

Akio: .. Ahaha..

Akio: He really doesn't know his place, does he?

Akio: So annoying..

Arata: ...

Akio: Hey, can you help me out with something?

Arata: ...

Akio: Come on, I know you like me.

Arata: .. Haha, so now you're accepting the fact that we're a couple.

Akio: Oh, I was just acting shy. 

Arata: So.. Do you want to.. 

Arata: You know.. 

Akio: I just want to teach him a lesson. Nothing more than that. I'm strict, but I'm not evil. 

Arata: ... Oh. 

Arata: Well, our school's lucky to have a king like you. 

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

[ Aimi's Confession ]

(The door opens)

Aimi: I'm back! 

Aimi: ... 

Aimi: Hey? Is anybody here? 

Aimi: ... 

Aimi: "Haha.. It's like I have no choice but to be alone.."

Aimi: "Just what did I do to deserve this-" 

???: Oh, there you are! 

Aimi:"Great. Out of all people, it had to be him."

Aimi: Nii-san!

(sounds of Aimi and her brother hugging)

Aimi's brother: Sorry, I was wearing earphones and didn't hear you.

Aimi's brother: If you're wondering where mom and dad are, they went to check on the park, they've heard it's been doing.. not so good.

Aimi: Really? What happened? 

Aimi's brother: One of the rides suddenly stopped working and two kids fell off. One of them is fine, thankfully, but the other one ended up in the hospital. 

Aimi: Oh.. 

Aimi's brother: Also, Yori is walking Maru and Mochi right now, just so you know. 

Aimi: Oh, right, I got scared for a second, haha.. 

Aimi: By the way, why are you wearing an apron? 

Aimi's brother: Oh, Fumiri wasn't feeling well, so I offered to cook today. 

Aimi: You can cook? 

Aimi's brother: Okay, rude. 

Aimi's brother: You're not gonna eat then?

Aimi: No, I will! I'm okay with whatever Nii-san decides to make~

Aimi's brother: I'm almost done, so you don't have to wait long. Go wash your hands.

Aimi: Oh, right! I forgot, haha.. 

Aimi: I didn't know you were this good at cooking. It's shocking, really. 

Aimi's brother: *laughs* Why are you so mean to me today? Did you have a bad day at school?

Aimi: ...

Aimi's brother: Oh.. 

Aimi's brother: Sorry. Sorry, I didn't mean to-

Aimi: N-no, it's okay, it's okay! It's just..

Aimi: It's.. Um.. 

Aimi: M-my classmates.. 

Aimi's brother: ... 

Aimi's brother: *sighs* What did they do this time?

Aimi: Well, um.. 

Aimi: Haha.. 

Aimi: Emi-chan said that I'm too violent and because of that others tend to avoid me.. 

Aimi: And.. She said she thinks I'm.. 

Aimi: Scary, haha.. 

Aimi's brother: ... 

Aimi: Am I scary, Nii-san? 

Aimi: Am I violent? 

Aimi: I always try to be kind to everyone I meet! I would never want to scare anyone or hurt them! 

Aimi: I'm not violent! I'm really not! 

Aimi's brother: I know. I know. 

Aimi's brother: Why do you think she called you that? 

Aimi: I don't know!

Aimi: I don't want to say that she.. 

Aimi: Uh.. 

Aimi's brother: You don't want to suspect her, right? 

Aimi's brother: You don't want to believe that she had bad intentions, right? 

Aimi: ... 

Aimi: W-why would she? 

Aimi: I mean, she's not evil or anything.. 

Aimi's brother: Well, maybe she's jealous. 

Aimi's brother: Maybe she's jealous of your wealth or your looks. 

Aimi's brother: Maybe she wanted to provoke you and make you act "violent" in public. 

Aimi's brother: You know, like that time with Sao.

Aimi: I-I didn't hit her on purpose, I swear! 

Aimi's brother: Of course, I know that. 

Aimi's brother: But that's just how the world works. If somebody doesn't like you, it doesn't mean that they will be straightforward about it. Maybe they will just try to make it look like it's your fault for making them hate you.

Aimi's brother: It's not their fault for being mean to you. It's your fault for getting angry. That's how their thought process goes.

Aimi: BUT I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG! 

Aimi: I JUST WANTED TO BE FRIENDS WITH THEM! 

Aimi: Would they like me more if I wasn't so rich? Would they like me more if I wasn't so pretty? 

Aimi: I always was so nice to them! I bought them so many gifts, I always offered my help when needed..

Aimi: I THOUGHT THEY WERE MY FRIENDS! BUT THAT'S NOT HOW FRIENDS ACT! 

Aimi: ... 

Aimi's brother: Aimi, dear, I understand you. I understand your feelings so well. 

Aimi's brother: This world is full of evil people. You're one of the few people who stay kind no matter what. 

Aimi's brother: And most people prefer to just ignore all the evil others do.. 

Aimi's brother: But I don't agree with that. Honestly, I think people like that don't deserve to live. 

Aimi: .. "Don't deserve to live"?

Aimi: So what you're saying is.. 

Aimi: ... 

Aimi's brother: Just trust me, okay? You can always rely on me. 

Aimi: B-but then.. 

Aimi's brother: I'll go wash the dishes. How about you play with Maru and Mochi when they come back? 

Aimi: Nii-san, you're not going to.. 

Aimi:Do anything to my classmates, right? 

(sounds of Aimi's brother washing the dishes) 

Aimi: Ugh, he can't hear me.. 

(sounds of dogs barking in the background)

Aimi: Oh, is that-

Aimi: They're back! I'll go greet them, hehe~

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

[ Shun's Confession ]

Shun: I see. Thank you, this helps a lot.

Old woman's voice: You're welcome. To be honest, I did have my suspicions about that boy..

Old woman's voice: But you seem really nice. I'm sure she still misses you.

Shun: Ahaha.. Thank you so much. I hope so too.

Shun: Have a nice day.

(sounds of footsteps)

Shun: ...

Shun: *sighs loudly*

Shun: God, that was so scary..

Shun: Ugh, socializing shouldn't be this hard..

Shun: But at least I've learned more about her..

Shun: .. Shouldn't I have known that already if she was my girlfriend?..

Shun: N-never mind.

Shun: Okay, let me just go through my notes-

Shun: !

Shun: I-I almost dropped my phone..

Shun: Okay, so.. 

Shun: Inaba Hina, 21 year old. A university student, psychology major, also has a part-time job as a babysitter.

Shun: So she's good with kids, huh.. Haha, they're going to love her.

Shun: Was born on August 28th, lives alone, but regularly picks her little brother up from school since her parents can't do that because of their job and his school is very close to her apartment.

Shun: Come to think of it..

Shun: R-right! She's supposed to pick him up soon!

Shun: I have the address written down, hold on..

Shun: That's it, I'm finally going to meet her!..

Shun: "Okay, I'm finally here.."

Shun: "Huh.. It looks like her brother isn't here yet.."

Shun: "I guess I'll have to wait."

Shun: "Oh, maybe I should try to become friends with her little brother too? If I show her how good I am at taking care of kids, I'm sure she will fall in love with me again!"

Shun: Ehehe.. This plan is definitely going to work..

Shun: I should just wait until her brother-

Shun: Oh, isn't that..

Shun: "Okay, just act normal."

Shun: Hello there. Sorry for asking, but you're Inaba Renji, aren't you?

Renji: .. Um..

Shun: I know this may sound weird, but I'm your sister's.. friend and-

Renji: W-why do you know my name?

Shun: Your sister told me! She loves you a lot and she told me that you're a very good kid so I thought-

Renji: .. And what's your name?

Shun: O-oh, uh..

Shun: I-it's Ishizu Shun. You've probably heard it before.

Renji: Nope. Never heard a name like that.

Shun: ...

Shun: "S-she.. Never told her brother about me.."

Renji: Hey. I don't know what your deal is and I don't know anything about your relationship with my sister, but like..

Renji: C-can you.. leave me alone?

Shun: Oh, uh, s-she asked me to pick you up from school since she's too busy today!

Renji: ...

Shun: ...

Renji: Dude. That's like.. What all child kidnappers say. 

Shun: What?! No, no, you got it all wrong! I swear, I really am her friend-

Renji: I am going to scream if you don't leave me alone.

Shun: But-

Renji: *takes a breath*

Shun: Okay, fine, fine!

(sounds of Shun running away)

Shun: *breathing heavily*

Shun: That.. did not go well..

Shun: .. So she.. never told her brother about me..

Shun: .. Did she even love me?

Shun: And if not.. Why did she even date me?

Shun: I'm not that attractive and I'm not that smart..

(sound of a phone notification)

Shun: Hm? What's that?

Shun: O-oh, right, I forgot about Merurin's stream!

Shun: At least I have her to comfort me..

Shun: Did I bring my earphones with me-

???: Here you are!

Shun: *screams*

???: I've been looking for you everywhere!

???: Did you even read my messages?

???: Or did you forget as always?

Shun: .. I-I forgot.

???: *sighs* You have work today, you remember that?

Shun: .. I forgot.

???: Why are you like this..

???: Let's go. We're gonna be late, but honestly, I don't really care.

Shun: ...

???: Don't look at me like that. I'm not doing this because we're friends or anything.

Shun: O-oh, right. Sorry..

???: Hey, what were you watching anyway-

A voice from Shun's phone: Hewwo, my adorable little kittens! How are you all doing today? 

Shun: ...

???: ...

A voice from Shun's phone: Aw, I wish I could just give you all loooooots of headpats!~

???: .. You know what, I think you'll be fine without my help.

???: See you at work. 

Shun: W-wait!

Shun: ...

Shun: ".. Fine. I'm going to see Hina soon anyway."

Shun: "Or actually.."

Shun: .. Ehehe..

Shun: "Maybe I should invite her new boyfriend instead?"

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

[ Naomi's Confession ]

(sounds of children laughing and running around can be heard in the background)

Naomi: Okay, okay, everybody, sit down~ We can't have a tea party while you all are running and jumping like this, right?

Naomi's students: Okay, Chiba-sensei!

(sounds of children sitting down)

Naomi: Great! Now, I didn't forget about anyone, right? Everyone has tea to drink and snacks to eat-

Female student A: Chiba-sensei! Natsu ate my cookies while I wasn't looking!

Naomi: (to Natsu) Really? Did you do that?

Natsu: .. *nods*

Naomi: Come on, that's not a good thing to do. If you wanted some, you could have just asked me. 

Natsu: .. S-sorry..

Naomi: Here, you can take these. But please apologize to Rimi-chan, okay? 

Natsu: (to Rimi) U-um.. I-I'm sorry.. They just looked really good..

Rimi: Hm.. Fine, I forgive you! But never do that again!

Natsu: I-I promise!

Naomi: *laughs* Here, Rimi-chan, I still have some for you left.

Rimi: Yay! You're the best, Chiba-sensei!

Female student B: Chiba-sensei, why other teachers are so boring and strict compared to you?

Female student B: You're so nice!

Male student A: Yeah! You're like a friend to us, but like, a friend that's much older than us!

Naomi: Haha, are you saying that I'm old?

Female student C: Ugh, boys are so rude..

Naomi: Well, um.. I don't know, I just.. I don't want you to see my classes as something.. bad, I guess?

Naomi: I don't want you to be afraid of me or hate me.

Naomi: And also, I try to treat you all with respect, because that's what you all deserve, even if you all are much younger than me.

Naomi's students: Whoa..

Female student D: Chiba-sensei is so cool!

Female student B: How can anyone hate her-

???: .. Ahem.

???: So what you're saying is that you don't want people to see you in a bad way? 

???: You're afraid of people hating you, right? Even if those people are just kids?

Naomi: ...

Female student C: Way to kill the mood.. 

Naomi: Haha.. Come on, Tao-kun, you know that's not true-

Naomi: A-and even if it is true, what's so bad about it? Nobody wants to be hated-

Tao: Yeah, but you're an adult.

Tao: And you're still trying to please everyone and never say no to anyone.

Tao: I don't think it's because you're so kind, but because you're just too scared of being hated.

Tao: Do you really like us? Or do you like us because it's easy to manipulate us and make us think you're the nicest person in the world?

Naomi: ...

Male student B: What's your problem, Tao?! 

Female student C: That's why nobody likes you.

Female student B: Chiba-sensei is nice to us because she loves us. Simple as that. 

Tao: You are not her kids! We're just her students. There's no reason for her to love us.

Female student C: Well, she loves us more than your parents love you, that's for sure.

Tao: !

Tao: Shut up-

(the door opens)

???: Chiba-san? Someone wants to see you.

Naomi: .. O-oh. S-sure, I'll be right there.

Naomi: *stands up* Please wait for me, okay? Don't eat everything without me~

Naomi's students: Okay!~

(sounds of Naomi's footsteps)

Naomi: *thinking* "But who could have possibly wanted to see me-"

Naomi: ...

Naomi: .. Mom?

Naomi's mother: Well hello there.

Naomi's mother: What's with the kids laughing and screaming? I thought you were supposed to have classes today.

Naomi: U-um, we planned to have a tea party today, since everyone's been doing so well lately and we also finished working early, s-so..

Naomi: I just thought it would be nice to reward them with something, you know?

Naomi's mother:Is that a cookie crumb on your cheek?

Naomi: .. Oh. S-sorry.

Naomi's mother: You're so unprofessional..

Naomi: M-mom, I am a 30 year old teacher. Stop visiting me like this. It's embarrassing.

Naomi's mother: You're a bigger embarassment. I have no choice but to check how you're doing.

Naomi's mother: Seriously, you act more like a child than your students.

Naomi: ...

Naomi: B-but they seem to love me-

Naomi's mother: They don't see you as a teacher, Naomi. They see you as another child. You're a friend to them, not a teacher. You won't be able to become a good role model for them.

Naomi: I-I just want them to feel safe, since most of them come from.. families with all sorts of problems.

Naomi's mother: Nobody can be safe with you around. I literally keep visiting you exactly because of that.

Naomi: ...

Naomi's mother: Don't look at me like that. 

Naomi: Please, just.. leave. My students can hear us.

Naomi's mother: And what exactly are you so afraid of? It's your fault for being like this.

Naomi's mother: If you wanted to become a teacher to make me proud, then at least act like one.

Naomi: I-I'm trying..

Naomi: But someone keeps distracting me from doing my job-

(a sound of Naomi being slapped)

Naomi: ...

Naomi's mother: Don't you ever blame me for doing this.

Naomi's mother: I'm doing this for your sake. You have left me no other choice.

Naomi: .. Someone could see you doing this to me, you know.

Naomi's mother: Oh, so now you're blackmailing me. Seriously, you should be more grateful.

Naomi's mother: You don't have to "worry" about me. With my reputation, people would never think I'm in the wrong for doing this.

Naomi's mother: .. They never did.

Naomi's mother: Now, go back to work.

Naomi: .. You really just came to traumatize me again? The hell is wrong with you?

Naomi's mother: .. We'll discuss the way you talk to your own mother later.

Naomi: I am not a child-

Naomi's mother: Again, I have no choice but to treat you like one. 

Naomi's mother: Now, go and play with the kids your age.

(sounds of Naomi's mother's footsteps becoming quieter)

Naomi: ...

Rimi: Chiba-sensei..

Naomi: Ah!

Naomi: Rimi-chan.. what are you doing here?

Naomi: D-did you see-

Rimi: *nods*

Naomi: ...

Naomi: I'm so sorry. That was.. not a teacher-like thing to do-

Naomi: !

Rimi: .. W-when I told you about my parents, you hugged me. You hugged me, even though I was so loud and annoying and couldn't stop crying..

Rimi: S-so, um.. I-I thought that maybe this can help you feel better too.

Naomi: ...

Naomi: C-come on, an adult should be comforting a child, not the other way around..

Naomi: Let's go back, okay? I'm sure everyone is waiting for us.

Naomi: ".. I just hope Tao didn't see this."

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

[ Kei's Confession ]

(a woman's screaming can be heard in the background)

Kei: Shh, it's okay, it's okay~

Kei: Can you smile for me, please?

Kei: Or, actually, never mind, your expression is already perfect. 

Kei: Anddddd we're done!~

Kei's boss: Seriously, you're enjoying this way too much.

Kei: I just love my job a lot, is that bad?

Kei's boss: Well, your job is to take photos of people in the worst conditions imaginable. Most people wouldn't really like this job, unless they've got some screws loose.

Kei: Haha, come on, you know that with a father like mine, I'm used to this.

Kei's boss: True..

Kei: Also, I'm sure this cutie over here has already fallen in love with me-

(the woman's screaming gets louder)

Kei: .. Maybe not.

Kei's boss: Anyway, just take the money and leave. 

Kei: Oh, you know I'm not doing this for the money-

Kei's boss: Ahem.

Kei: Got it, got it. 

Kei: (to the woman) See you later, sweetie! Uh.. If you survive, that is.

(the door opens)

Kei: Ruka, I'm home!~

Kei: Ruka?..

Kei: "Where could he be?"

Kei: "Nothing happened to him while I was gone, right?.."

Kei: !

Kei: RUKA!

Kei: "What if they've done something to him while I was-"

Kei: Huh?..

Ruka: Oh, you're home.

Kei: .. What are you doing?

Ruka: I'm taking a bath. I thought it was obvious.

Kei: .. While fully clothed?

Ruka: Of course. I remember doing so even when I was alive.

Kei: .. O-okay.

Kei: *breathes out* I was so scared..

Ruka: Why?

Ruka: I won't drown or anything. And I won't try to kill myself. I'm already dead anyway-

Kei: I know, I know! It's just..

Kei: Well, uh.. You remember what happened.

Ruka: .. Oh.

Ruka: You can come here, if you want.

Kei: Again, while fully clothed?

Ruka: What's your issue with clothes? Do it, coward.

Kei:*laughs* Fine, fine.

(sounds of Kei getting into the bathtub)

Kei: This feels so weird.

Ruka: Hearing that from a guy like you sounds weirder.

Kei: .. Am I really that weird, Ruka?

Ruka: Yeah.

Kei: But why?

Ruka: Every single thing about you is weird.

Kei: Well, name one then!

Ruka: You're sitting in a bathtub with me right now and we both have our clothes on.

Kei: .. That was all part of your plan?!

Ruka: Yep.

Kei: .. *laughs* Then you're just as weird as me.

Ruka: Probably. I'm dead anyway, might as well do whatever I want.

Kei: .. Maybe it would be nice to die, actually-

Kei: No, no, what am I saying, haha..

Ruka: Nope, you have to live.

Kei: Huh? Why?

Ruka: Uh..

Ruka: 'Cause you have a job and I don't?.. And well, we still need money, so..

Kei: *laughs* How do you just.. Let things like this come out of your mouth?

Ruka: Maybe that's because of your influence.

Kei: .. Ruka, you love me, right?

Ruka: Dunno.

Kei: Meanie.

Kei: .. I don't want to leave this house anymore. 

Kei: Everyone is too mean.

Kei: They're too mean to us.

Ruka: Listen, your friends' reaction was understandable-

Kei: It was not! They were so rude!

Kei: I probably should have expected it, they were always saying weird things about guys who like guys..

Ruka: *sighs* It's not because of me being a guy.

Ruka: Actually, I'm not even sure if I'm one-

Kei: You are one. At least, uh.. physically. Your gender is up to you to figure out though.

Ruka: Sure, whatever. Anyway, that's not because they acted like that.

Kei: THEN WHY?!

Kei: Ugh, the water is so cold..

Ruka: You just noticed?

Kei: They were so mean...

Ruka: .. Are you going to cry?

Kei: Shut up.

Kei: I wish I could prove to them that my way of showing love is normal..

Ruka: I doubt you can do that.

Kei: .. I think I have an idea.

Ruka: He has an idea. Great.

Kei: They always said things like "Kei, come on, you're going to steal our girlfriends at this point!" or "Seriously, our girlfriends are going to fall in love with you, if you keep at it!"

Kei: I think that's because they knew that their girls would gladly choose me over them.

Kei: So.. Why not invite them here? I can give them as much love as they want from me~

Ruka: Oh no, I'm feeling so jealous..

Kei: You sound more emotionless than ever.

Ruka: Anyway, I'm against this.

Kei: Why?!

Ruka: You should just forget about your friends. Seriously. 

Ruka: Do you even see them as friends?

Kei: Um.. Not really..

Kei: But..

Kei: If I want to appear "less weird", I need to have friends..

Ruka: .. Hey. 

Ruka: .. Have you ever had friends? You know.. before them?

Kei: .. I think I had one.

Kei: But I don't really remember him that well..

Kei: H-he probably left me or something, haha..

Kei: .. Hey, the water is way too cold. I'm getting out.

Ruka: You're not actually going to invite them to our house, right?

(sounds of Kei getting out of the bathtub)

Kei: Why not? I can treat those girls better than their boyfriends.

Ruka: Kei, I don't have a good feeling about this.

Kei: Aw, so you really are jealous!

Ruka: .. You already have me. You don't have to try and get those guys' trust back or whatever.

Kei: ...

Kei: I don't like the way wet clothes feel. I'll go change.

[dimsilver]

tagged by @lady-merian, thank you!!

Rules: answer the questions and tag some friends at the bottom!

1. Are you named after anyone?

Sort of the biblical Elizabeth and the English Queen (both of them?), but also my parents just liked the name. We found out later it was a family name way back as well.

2. When was the last time you cried?

Two days ago - when I ended my relationship :/ (for those of you who didn’t already know, yes it was awful, but also yes, I’m doing okay). I don’t usually cry much though; it just isn’t in my soul to sit in sadness.

3. Do you have kids?

Nope! Would love to have some someday, though. I did also help a lot with my youngest siblings and still tuck them into bed and read to them at night when I’m home :)

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

I use it in moderate amounts - gentle sarcasm with friends and family and sarcastic happiness when things are going badly but you have to make this best of it (this is just great).

5. What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Probably eyes? I make eye contact a lot, esp when first getting to know people.

6. What’s your eye color?

Blue/green (looks more like one or the other depending on what I wear).

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings (but not saccharine ones).

8. Any special talents?

I don’t know about that…I think I’m decent at a lot of my hobbies (see below) but not remarkable. Oh, I guess I can whistle a grass blade pretty well :)

9. Where were you born?

I’m not going to say the specific city, but Texas :)

10. What are your hobbies?

Okay I’m just going to rapid-fire these in a rough order - painting, writing, singing, dancing, photography, archery, running around in the rain, LARPing (just at Weekend Warrior), general enjoyment and pursuit of flowers and nature and sunsets.

11. Have you any pets?

No (also I love how formally this question is worded). We asked my parents and they said there’s enough animals in the house already 😉

12. What sports do you play/have you played?

Soccer (5 years; I was pretty bad), gymnastics (3 or 4 years; I was okay at it), swimming (10 summers; I was okay at it); ultimate frisbee (informally for a long time; I’m decent).

13. How tall are you?

5’11” (and 3/4 of an inch; it’s quite frustrating to be so close to 6’ but not get there)

14. Favorite subject in school?

That’s hard! I usually love most types of learning. I guess my two favorite college classes were Art History and C.S. Lewis Literature (I know!!!).

15. Dream job?

I’m not sure? I love writing and currently do journalism for a job, but while I love creative writing more I’m not sure I would want to commit to it as my full-time employment. I’d love to be a mom and homeschool my kids. I’ve also thought it would be awesome to be a museum docent or a historical interpreter or a full-time Christian summer camp staffer…

Tagging: unfortunately I have no idea which of my mutuals has and hasn’t done this and who would like to (except for those I saw tagged by called-kept), so here’s a few - but please consider yourself tagged if you want! @accidental-spice @loveliness-and-prattle @kanerallels @noblemaidenfell @catkin-morgs @cunningfate @wanderingwolpertinger @eddis-not-eeddis @swinging-stars-from-satellites @brown-little-robin

[rippeanuts1950-2000]

Diary of a teenage ghost Hunter

Friday June 25th 4:00 pm My bedroom)

What does a 16 year old ghost hunter do when her parents force her to move to some weird ass town in the middle of nowhere? Find the nearest book shop of course! Joking, joking. Though that is exactly what I did as soon as my parents said I could go out. Hey, don’t judge me. The bookshop was the one thing I was looking forward to about this place and let me tell you, it was worth the wait.

The place shouldn’t even be called a shop! It should be called a book armory? No, wait, that sounds weird. A book outlet? Nope, it still doesn’t work. Whatever, I’ll figure it out later. So I went to the huge bookshop that I think used to be a Barnes & Nobles that got turned into a regular bookshop. It’s nice to know I’m supporting a small business. Small meaning it’s owned by a family and not some corporate place. Like I said, the place was huge. Anyway, I went in and spent twenty minutes just gaping at everything. It was beautiful. Filled to the brim with books and really cool knick knacks at some great prices. No joke, I bought a sketch book, some pens and pencils, a journal, some decorations for my room, and some books I’ve been wanting for a while, for under $200! I’m living the dream life honestly.

While I was there, I ran into what I could only describe as a stereotypical mean girl. I did not get her name because I ran away before she could scream at me. That happens to me way more than it should. Trouble is, I don’t know if she was a ghost or not. No one else seemed to notice her and I got a few weird looks when I screamed an apology at her. Maybe I was just too loud? Well if she wasn’t a ghost at least I don’t have to deal with her at school since mom and dad finally agreed to homeschool me. I think it was a way to get me to shut up about not wanting to hide my sexuality from people even if I get bullied. I’m a proud lesbian, I’m not hiding that part of me.

No matter how hard it is.

NOPE! DON’T GO THAT ROUTE BRAIN!

But I also won’t deal with it cause it’s summertime thank goddess.

Anyway, I love my new journal! It’s so pretty and it has cute little chibi ghosts on the cover! I cannot not wait to use it for more interesting things I find at the bookshop. Oh and write stuff about my ghost hunting. That’s also why I got it.

Obviously. 

Also my new room is really cool. Mom and Dad found this huge house for surprisingly less than a million dollars and I got the top floor all to myself. Granted, there’s only three rooms up here but Mom says I can turn the second room into an art room! Isn’t that great! Now I won’t have to go outside to make something because my parents are neat freaks and they hate messes. The room I'm in currently is my bedroom and it has all my stuff in it since Dad came up here first to set everything up while Mom and I drove down here yesterday. I still need to unpack so I should probably get started. 

Saturday June 26th 1:30 am My Closet)

Holy shit.

That’s all I have to say after what has been transpiring for the past hour and half.

I knew there was a reason why my parents got the house so cheap!

Twelve people died here.

Correction, twelve people were killed here.

TWELVE PEOPLE WERE KILLED HERE!

WHAT THE FUCK!

Look, I get that my parents want me to help in the family business and hunt ghosts so that we help them go to the other side and blah blah. Especially since I’m the only one in my family since my great great grandma who can see ghosts. But moving me into a house where the souls are still haunting it and need to go to the otherside, is taking it too far!

Okay let me start from the beginning.

It all started after I woke up at midnight. I was thirsty so I went downstairs to get a glass of water. I get my glass of water and go back to my room, knowing that I probably wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep. So I’m thinking about what book I’m gonna read or if I should watch tv on my phone again, when I see a very pretty girl with silky black hair and pale skin digging through my closet and muttering that I have too much flannel. Being the mature person that I am, I threw my water at her and screamed, “Begone intruder!” The girl just looked at me and smirked.

“I’m dead and I live here, so I’m not an intruder.” She said and that’s when I realized that the girl had gashes all over her body and her very cute outfit was covered in blood. “Why are you in my room?” I asked, not thinking what else to say. The girl snorted and floated over to me. “Because you, Cassandra Mendez, are going to help me and my cousins with our problem.” She said, placing her hands on my shoulders. Instead of feeling cold and uncomfortable like it usually does when a ghost touches me, it felt pleasantly icy and comforting. “Whoa, whoa. You know my name and I don’t know yours! That’s not fair.” I said, because all my brain cells left me when the pretty ghost girl touched me.

The girl giggled. “You’re right, that isn’t fair Cassandra. Let’s fix that, shall we? I’m Butterfly Thompson, nice to meet you.” Butterfly said and now that I could properly see her eyes, I noticed they were light green. “Butterfly, that’s an interesting name.” I said. “My parents were hippies, Cassandra.” She said as she let go of my shoulders. She went back to digging in my closet. “Cassie.” I said dumbly. Butterfly looked up, confused. “What?” She asked. “I go by Cassie, not Cassandra. Now can you tell me why you're here?” I asked, really hoping this whole thing was some dream.

“Cassie. I like that. Less of a mouthful. Anyway, I’m here to save you from the flannel nightmare that is your closet.” Butterfly said and I tried to ignore the way my stomach fluttered when she said my name. “You and I both know that’s not true.” I said exasperated. She hummed in response. “Oh but it could be. But unfortunately it’s not. At least not right now. I’m here because I need your help to prove that my family and I were murdered.” Butterfly said. I blinked at her. First of all, why me? Second of all, she was murdered? “How many people died and how did they die?” I asked, not sure what else to say.

Butterfly started counting on her fingers. “Twelve. They took out Blake and Bloom and their parents first. Stabbed Aunt Bria and Uncle Braxton I think, I was hiding in the closet with Burst so I don’t know. They pushed Blake and Bloom out the window, their deaths were immediate. Then they went after Blaze and Briar but Aunt Britnay and Uncle Ben fought back. Unfortunately, their battle was for naught as the killer somehow managed to strangle them before throwing Briar and Blaze out the window as well. They took a little longer than the other two to die. You know this guy had a thing for throwing kids out the window. Then they came to closet me and my brother were in. Mom and Dad fought as hard as they could but in the end they didn’t make it either. I don’t know how they were killed. The killer pulled me out of the closet first but unlike my cousins I fought back. They managed to get a couple gashes and hits on me before I was thrown out the window. My death was immediate. Burst’s wasn't. They died in the rose bushes, bleeding out because the killer stabbed him before throwing them out the window like everyone else.” Butterfly said, her voice monotone.

“Then why was the killer not caught?” I asked, because it sounded like a bunch of innocent people were brutally murdered here, no questions asked. Butterfly sighed and sat on my bed. “They were smart. They made it look like the adults committed suicide and that us kids fell off the roof. Even down to the fact that they made it look like Burst was impaled. But we know the truth.” She said, a bitter smile on face. “Where do I come in?” I asked and she grinned. “You’re gonna be homeschooled, it's summer, you can talk to all of us, and you can talk to our friends who are alive and help us! Together you can find a way to figure out who the killer is and why they did it so we can put their ass in jail.” Butterfly said excitedly.

“Wait us?” I asked, because I thought she was the only ghost here. She nodded vigorously. “Yes us, I was sent to talk to you before we bombroad you with everything.” She explained. “Let me think about this before I do anything.” I said. Butterfly nodded. “Okay, get back to me in the morning! Sleep well Cassie.” She said, giving me a hug before floating down somewhere. 

Well after writing this down, I know what to do. I have to help her. She didn’t deserve what happened to her and her family at all. Now I’m actually gonna go to bed because, damn, I'm tired.

[cave-cryptid]

Thanks for tagging me @bugsoda !

1. Are you named after anyone?

Nope.

2. When was the last time you cried?

Uhhhh it's numb avoiding our feelings hours so I don't know

3. Do you have kids?

No, but I think I'd like to someday

4. What sports do you play/have played?

I was homeschooled so there weren't any teams for me to join lol but I probably could've been on the swim team

5. Do you use sarcasm?

No, what would make you think that? {.... XD occasionally, as a treat}

6. What's the first thing you notice about people?

Probably their smile/if they smile or not

7. What's your eye color?

Bluish Grey, occasionally greenish, chameleon eyes

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

Hmmm I'm not sure I believe those things are opposites of one another, scary movies can technically have happy endings. I wouldn't say I like scary movies, but I'm also not necessarily into happy endings XD none of this makes any sense, I like a tumultuous story where the ending can be either happy or sad or somewhere in between so long as it makes you feel something or think deeply.

9. Any talents?

Uhmm there's probably things I might have been good at eventually but the Big Sad put a stop to it. So I guess creative writing and sketching, oh and staring at a single tree in dead silence deep in thought for hours on end.

10. Where were you born?

I was hatched thank you

11. What are your hobbies?

I love nature walks, gathering little earthly trinkets like rocks and bones and leaves, baking cursed little treats, *mentally* writing, imagining completely impossible scenarios, yeah you're right bug Yearning.

12. Do you have any pets?

I do!! My babies, a seal point siamese named Misty and a torti named Autumn, both foundlings {found in the yard lol}

13. How tall are you?

Somewhere between 5'9 and 5'10, patting all my mutuals on the head

14. Favorite subject in school?

Probably literature, also I was oddly obsessed with spelling and vocabulary, I was at one point writing down so many vocabulary words that I was basically writing a dictionary. Now I just very quickly mentally spell out every word I say without even thinking about it which is very sexy of me {please help}

15. Dream job?

Working with animals in any capacity, but very specifically working with wolves, whether in a veterinary means or behavioral study/keeper way, preferably both {one can dream}

Mutuals!! {If you'd like}

@corvidjuice, @bozda-dom, @enchanted-prose, @ofdirtandbones, @girl-hobbit, @sahsahhh, @wickedellipses, @goblinkissedgardens, @mosscapereality, @rivercreature, @thehalftrollscholar, @lupusmusicis, @crittercrypt, @wondersky, @stormte, and anyone else who'd like to!

15 Questions 15 Mutuals

@kaiarchives tagged me in this game that I haven't had the pleasure of seeing before, so that's exciting. The rules are: Answer the 15 questions and tag 15 of your mutuals.

1. Are you named after anyone?

No.

2. When was the last time you cried?

Last Sunday. I don't think it was for any particular reason, I just had a headache and was feeling down.

3. Do you have kids?

No.

4. What sports do you play/have played?

I played a bit of a football as a kid and a bit of volleyball for school. I also did range shooting in my tween years.

5. Do you use sarcasm?

Quite a lot. I've been trying to cut back and be a bit more genuine, but my habit for being sarcastic and my generally low moods have given me a bit of Resting Bitch Voice, so people don't always pick up on it.

6. What's the first thing you notice about people?

Facial shape I think. Before I learn someone's name I generally remember them by the shape of their jaw and cheeks.

7. What's your eye color?

Blue, but it's a kinda greyish blue.

8. Scary movies or Happy endings

I like scary movies with happy endings. Give me protagonists who face down with the worst of humanity or the nasties of the world and come out alive and swinging, if not a bit traumatized.

9. Any talents?

I'm told I have a way with words. In general I don't believe in talent in the "innate skill" way though.

10. Where were you born?

Oslo, Norway.

11. What are your hobbies?

Writing, reading, movies, video games (mostly strategy and roguelikes,) I used to sing in a choir and I kind of want to get back into that.

12. Do you have any pets?

No. Haven't really had the opportunity to, but I'd like to get a dog someday.

13. How tall are you?

178 cm, so... what, 5'10?

14. Favorite subject in school

Language and it's not close at all. Social Sciences as a second place I suppose.

15. Dream Job?

Author. Give me a way to live from writing and I'll churn out books at a brazen clip. It might drive me crazy, but it'll be worth it.

As for the tags: @frostedlemonwriter @shay-puppitty @longwuzhere @indigostudies @an-elegant-void @mjjune @marlenadutch @fire-but-ashes-too @meerawrites @sparrowrising @silverslipstream @floweryprosegarden @the-secondborn-of-seven @chishiio @a-had-matter

[alluringjae]

all i do is wait - kdy

All I Do Is Wait | So Close

⤑ summary: one day, kim doyoung was alive. the next, he wasn’t. he left you and the world too soon, but he made a promise: to look out and wait for you until the very end.

⤑ pairing: doyoung x female reader

⤑ word count: 22.7k

⤑ genre: angst (so much longing), major slow burn, fluff (if you squint really well), slight unprotected smut (not my forté) | ghost!doyoung, hotel del luna!au,  slight college!au, 40s to 90s!au (loads of flashbacks)

⤑ warnings: death, grief, explicit language, sexism (screw the patriarchy omfg), mentions and scenes of alcohol, drinking, smoking, war, unplanned pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion, ghost possession of humans (in like one scene only tbh)

⤑ playlist: fly away with me by nct 127 | all about you by taeyeon | doll by baekhyun and doyoung | give you my heart by iu | wait by exo | like a fool by nive and sam kim | falling by harry styles | lovers by anna of the north | fallingforyou by the 1975 | you are the sunshine of my life by stevie wonder

⤑ long author’s note: minors, beware of the warnings! i highly recommend you watch the kdrama beforehand so you would understand the universe, even if majority of the characters are from my imagination. i also did some prior historical research. though there are inaccuracies, this story is just fiction. importantly, i don’t own the hotel del luna series; they serve as the main inspiration but with some of my twists. i’m also bit rough with writing lately, so there’s also room for improvement. overall, prepare your heart.

i cried so much in the process.

italicized texts symbolize conversations in a dream call. *wink* *wink*

⤑ gif above not mine, ctto!  leave me some feedback, constructive criticism or hellos!

After all decades of waiting, it’s finally time.

As a soul still wandering in the living world, Doyoung’s options were limited. To peacefully go ahead into the afterlife or wait for his lover by working in the hotel for ghosts until she passed.

He’d chosen the latter, the betrayal he felt from the deities to have gone so soon.

And leave you behind.

But first, let’s take a trip down Doyoung’s journey; life, death, and after it.

1948

Kim Doyoung came from a well-off family. He was a university student, taking up journalism as a pre-law course. He wanted to right the wrongs and let justice prevail. Blessed by his privilege, he wanted to be of service to others who cannot afford it.

Both of you crossed paths at a university in Busan as seatmates. Right after the South Korean constitution granted women’s rights to education, immediately you aimed high and applied for the top universities in the city. After being homeschooled and self-studying under the books, the opportunity to go to an actual school was like a dream come true especially when you received acceptance letters from all of them.

Your first impression of him was that he was moody and quite snobby. When you politely asked him once if you can take a peek at his notes because you lost track of the professor’s lecture, he refused with an annoyed glare.

“You should try harder then.” You nodded in gratitude anyways, taking those words to encourage you. Though it still stung.

When classes that day concluded, you were so ready to return to the women’s dorm and take a breather from men. Since you were far from your village, maybe you would give a call to your father, your mentor all your life to seek his guidance on your professors’ lessons. Once you found your bike and placing your books on the basket in front, a light tap on your shoulder caught you off-guard and almost made you topple over.

“Oh, sh-”

“Oh my, I’m sorry for scaring you like that.”

When you directed your body to the source, it was none other than Kim Doyoung. He removed his blazer from class, resting it on his arm. He wore these suspenders and leather loafers, sporting the rich, preppy boy look. His eyes looked softer, apologetic by the way he gave a slight pout.

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. It was rude of me to shun you like that.”

Unfortunately, it was rare to find young men like him to own up to their mistakes When you’re the only woman in that class, the majority of the boys are either snickering with judgment at your presence.

“Women are only meant to stay at home.”

“She’s weak. She won’t last here with the deep, legal terminologies the professors use.” Those insults aren’t new to you.

Doyoung seemed like a plot twist in the social narrative. You were surprised, to say the least, yet relieved.

“Oh, it’s okay. Considering I interrupted you from listening to the professor, I could’ve waited after class or as you said, study harder.” You accepted.

Doyoung still felt awful for his attitude, fiddling his briefcase. He struggled to express himself through words, understanding why many had this impression of him being cold. If he were to be honest, his actual initial impression of you was that you were hardworking and resilient, setting a new example of the modern woman. He thought that being too soft on you in class may look degrading, thus his statement from the class was just him treating you the same way as other boys who don’t study hard enough. Unfortunately, it backfired completely.

As a man who grew up with the belief to always pay respect to everyone without discrimination, he had to make it up to you somehow.

“It’s still wrong of me to say that to you, (Y/N). So-” He trailed on, opening his case to bring out one of his notebooks. Without hesitating, he handed it to you. “I took as many notes from the lecture on fallacies here. If there’s any way I can help you in the future, I’m more than willing to help you.”

This newfound kindness from a boy in this patriarchal university may be the silver lining in your current stay. You weren’t too sure if you would get a chance like this in the coming years, so you gladly took it. Noticing the engraved “K.DY” on the lower right side of it, which were his initials, it’s easy to identify that he was rich. But his attitude was different than the others.

Placing it carefully in the front basket, you steadied your body to the handles and pedals of the bike. “Thank you for this, Doyoung. I will return it to you as soon as possible.”

Knowing he was of help to you, he flashed a gummy smile. “No problem, (Y/N). If you want, we can review it before class too just in case the professor gives another surprise quiz.”

You let out a laugh, being reminded of your horrified face on a previous surprise quiz in the past. “Oh god, I flunked that quiz! Damn him.”

Ever since that conversation, it’s where your friendship started.

Going to university became more enjoyable and less daunting, having Doyoung defend you from other boys (even if you’ve told him so many times that you can handle it). After you found out that Doyoung’s status was more elite than you assumed, a lot of boys wouldn’t want to try and test him since their family lines would be at risk. You had a better focus on your academics, and if it weren’t for you, other girls attending university with you would’ve never thought women students would befriend the men. You were the shift in the narrative.

As lucky as you are to have a female support system in the patriarchal university, you found yourself always hanging out with Doyoung. He was filled with so much compassion in his heart and there were beliefs that you both surprisingly shared in your conservative society, deepening your bond. One of them was the sexist view of women as low-status people. He told you one time that thinking that way is like thinking his loving mother is undeserving of things in life. It’s an unacceptable concept, he added. You even met his mother at some point, and she’s a sweetheart.

Another was having the frustration towards those who shame on women who want to study and learn rather than to submit to the power of men so early in their lives.

“I’m so sick of people telling me to stop studying and settle down with some random boy. There’s just so much to learn out here!” You complained. It was one hot weekend that time, and you were both relaxing under the shade of a big tree by a flowing river. That spot is hidden, thus claiming it as your spot. Doyoung leaned by the tree reading while you rested on his lap. At this point, you’ve grown very comfortable with him. Doyoung sighed, putting his book to discuss his thoughts.

“Agreed. You seriously deserve so much better, (Y/N). People today just don’t get it.”

Huffing away that stress, your head tilted to get a better view of Doyoung.

“Doyoung, do you think things will get better for women in the future?” He admired your hopefulness in times of trouble. Stroking your hair to soothe you, he gave a positive reply.

“If we keep fighting for it, then we’ll progress. So let’s not give up, okay?” Your heart couldn’t help but leap.

As he looked at you with blooming flowers from the tree in the background, it was a matter of time where your initial feelings for him diverted into something more. The concept of butterflies in your stomach was only introduced to Doyoung in novels, but he wondered if it’s the exact feeling he was getting from you. From your intelligence to your sharp tongue to fight back the rude boys, the list goes on all the traits that he liked about you.

Weeks later, the questionable status of your friendship changed after he unexpectedly kissed you for the first time while stargazing at your special spot. It caught you off guard at first as your lips froze, him pulling away immediately. He rubbed the nape of his neck out of embarrassment, struggling to maintain eye contact with you.

“Oh shit. I’m so sorry, (Y/N). I screwed up everything, didn’t I?”

As much as the heat in your cheeks increased, you couldn’t deny that you liked it. You’re bold enough to do it again.

“Nope,” you shook your head at him. “Kiss me again, Doyoung.”

Like a movie, the first snow of the season drizzled down on the two of you.

Feeling braver, he leaned forward again to meet your lips again. You may not be experienced physically since it was your first, but that’s what all those romance novels you’ve browsed through are for. Forget the fireworks, people would compare the ideal kiss. It was more like everything paused so this moment can run on its momentum. Lips still locked, Doyoung gripped your waist so you can sit on his lap. As the friction intensified, his lungs needed to breathe for a second. Pulling away slowly, it was an opportunity to take a good look at you. Flustered, messy hair, swollen lips, he would’ve never known that the feelings were mutual.

“First kiss under the first snow? I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

1950

Dating Doyoung gave you the best two years of your life. He’d bike with you to your spot, recommend you new books to read, cook for you when you’re too lazy to at the dorm, and take you around the city he was ever so familiar with.

“Oh c’mon, let’s try this out!”

You dragged his arm to this new contraption that can take your photos in a flash. This was at an annual city fair, your first time to attend one. Because your small village couldn’t cater to these kinds of events, you beamed with excitement with all the amusement outlets such as rides, games and more. All Doyoung wanted was to eat and play few games, then return. He wasn’t much for photos, but because it was your first, he decided to go for it. Two people couldn’t fit the cushion, so you settled on his lap. One arm wrapped behind his neck, you inserted a few coins to activate the machine.

“So we have a few seconds before it starts, so you better smile, okay?” He ordered you based on the instructions of the machine.

The first shot was matching grins, the second showed your bright smiles, the third let your creativity wild with silly expressions, and the last was him pecking your cheek unexpectedly. The authentic surprise was captured.

“Let’s take another one so you can have a copy.” You insisted, searching through the small pockets of your purse for more coins.

“(Y/N), it’s okay. I don’t want-” He was cut off by the machine activating again as your coins entered inside.

“Too late, smile!” The first shot almost caught Doyoung in a frenzy, but he pulled it off with an open smile. The second expressed your laughter from your slyness, him sporting crinkled eyes when you let your tongue out and placed your hands near the temples of your head to mock him. To sort out your playfulness, Doyoung surprised you by grabbing your wrists to place them back on his shoulders. Without a breath, one free hand tugged you closer and his lips shut you up. You deepened your kiss by leaning forward and fisting the hems of his buttoned-up top. Kissing back was natural, not caring where you were and if the camera snapped your moment of intimacy. Doyoung always liked taming you with his kisses. You didn’t mind making out for a bit in the booth if it weren’t for the loud knocking from the side put a stop to your risqué antics.

“Yah! Take your making out session someplace, other people are waiting outside!”

The both of you could care less, laughing mid-kissing at the disturbance you’ve caused. It’s a thing when you’re young and in love, perhaps. Eventually, innocent kisses ignited an invitation to his bed.

“I’ve never done this before, but I want to do it with you.” You gave your full consent, laying on his soft bed in your undergarments. His entire family went on vacation, so you took advantage of it.

The way he crawled on top of you, his slender hands spreading your legs wide open like another novel waiting to be unraveled. Erotica was a genre you never explored, but Doyoung finds it as his guilty pleasure. Who would’ve known that the most prestigious, gentleman-like man of the university found amusement in sex? His lingering touches intoxicated your entirety, allowing him access. His tongue did you wonders, releasing these sensations you’ve never known was possible. Tugging on his hair as he passionately devoured your core for the first time, this knot in your core unwound and your vision went white for a split second. This rush of pleasure and exhaustion filled your veins, yet you craved more.

That night, giving each other your virginities, marked the first time you declared your love for each other.

Though there are times when dating wasn’t easy either, having prying eyes around you with judgment and the unavoidable stress from university, you’d sort things out in the end. After all, it’s in fights and arguments where you learn more about each other and grow from it.

If someone asked you to settle down already, Doyoung is the first candidate for your hand. You’ve sent letters to your parents talking about him and met his family.

“You’re the only girl who softens him up in this society of uptight men.” His mother whispered when you helped her wash the dishes after dinner.

As much light he brought to your life those two years being together, it turned into the worst and something questionable when the Korean war began.

You vividly remember the day Doyoung admitted to you his enlistment in the South Korean army. It was mandatory for men his age to serve. His dream to pursue law was to be put on hold, especially when schools were closing down. Though he’d try to confide with himself that serving in this war is another way to help his country, his nationalism outweighed his fear of death. Just as long as it brings them closer to a better tomorrow, he was willing.

Unfortunately for you, you were terrified shitless because again, it’s a war. If your childhood wasn’t enough to recall all those painful emotions from the past world war, you didn’t know what would. Being able to survive is a miracle, so there was no way you would let Doyoung go. The ignorance you gave towards him to protect your heart, moving to your aunt and uncle’s home in the same city after the university suspended classes since going back to the village was a big struggle.

So many villages have been bombed already, increasing your anxiety. All you hoped now was to be reunited with your family safely. It’s a good thing though they already left as soon as they could and are on their way to the city. One normal day while you were teaching your younger cousins how to read, there was a knock on the front door. Since your aunt was busy cooking dinner, you took charge to open it in hopes you’ll find your family on the other side.

However, it was none other than that someone you still couldn’t face just yet. He wore the familiar dark green uniform with black combat boots, his fluffy hair fully shaved even it’s covered by his hat. By the dirt on his face, he must’ve trained earlier that day. With a heavy backpack behind him, he’s on his way somewhere but you didn’t know where. You closed the door behind you so you can speak to him privately.

“What are you doing here, Doyoung? How did you find me?”

“I knew you didn’t want to talk for a while, so I gave you space. But today, I found out that I’m going to be stationed in Seoul tomorrow.”

Seoul was where most of the war was happening. Your heart was shattered.

“So I went to your dorm, but your roommate told me you moved out and gave me this address here.” He answered honestly with this new burden to top it off, not having the courage to look you in the eyes to avoid crying. “I needed to see you, (Y/N).”

“Doyoung,” within those times of separation, you re-evaluated if running away from him was the right choice. Even if he tried to convince you of the good things about being in the army, everything always comes at a price. War meant his life was uncertain daily. You just wanted him to yourself, to stay by your side, to help out in the war in other ways, but it would be selfish to stop him from his goals. So you gently embraced him, making him drop his bag to the side. With extreme fear comes your soft whimpers against his chest. Rather than running away so fast, you should’ve mustered all those remaining bits of courage to spend it with him. He must be feeling terrified too.

“I’m just scared for you. War doesn’t guarantee anything. Us surviving world war two is still miraculous.” Doyoung winced at your truthful words as he returned that embrace. There go his tears that he shed almost every night since he told you about his enlistment.

“I had no choice, (Y/N). My family and I would be in big trouble if I didn’t follow orders.”

“I know. I’m sorry I ran away, Doyoung.” You continued to sob as you feel him stroke your hair from behind. He knew well that it was one way to calm you down.

“If only we didn’t live in harsh times like this.” He sighed, longing for the same thing. He cursed whoever decided to make him exist during a painful time. He would trade anything for a more peaceful life.

“Stay here for the night, please.” You pleaded, not wanting to waste any more time.

Your relatives were aware of your relationship, allowing such a request. They trusted you enough to sleep in the same room, knowing all too well the struggles of being love during times like this.

Neither of you held back from the tension that crept into the room. This time, you led him through the first kiss while his body laid flat on the cushion bed. On top, straddling him fully. Leaving him soft kisses on his neck while teasingly unbuttoning his pajama shirt, your fervent lips trailed from his neck, lowering to his sculpted abdomen, until you reached the waistband of his pajama pants.

Only in books did you learn about how to please men, so this may be the only time you can test it out. Doyoung stiffened on your soft kisses on his hard-clothed member, glancing him seductively back and forth when you stuck out your tongue.

“Please,” He begged, tugging on your hair. “Touch me.”

Your lips wrapped around his tip before gently going lower to your limit, and slowly sucked on it back and forth. Whenever you’d want to catch a breathe, you’d lick the tip teasingly. Doyoung groaned, threading his fingers along with your hair. He’s so used to be a giver that receiving these sensations by you beats his hand. It was heavenly, yet so vulgar. The way you swallowed his cum rather than spitting it out even if the taste wasn’t favorable, you were too much in a daze to process how sudden he switched positions. While you sprawled devilishly under him, your fingers looping on his dog tag necklace to bring him lower for a kiss while feeling two of his fingers go under your panties to teasingly play with your slick.

“Don’t t-tease...” You stuttered, clenching at how fast he can get you stimulated with his fingers.

The whole night long was consumed with his body against yours, the wet sounds of deep thrusts and muffled moans praising each other. The following morning, your naked bodies remained entangled. He was still in deep slumber when your body clock alarms you to wake up. though you couldn’t move when he had his arm around you. The love marks on his chest that you’ve made were more exposed when the sunlight hits him, your fingers carefully trailing on it so he wouldn’t be startled. He needed all the rest he can get.

If only you can have mornings like this when war wasn’t in the equation.

Bidding goodbye was tough. Breakfast was too quiet, just like how he packed his remaining belongings and dressed back to his uniform. You watched him by the patio as he waited for the bus to pick him up. When one finally arrived, he turned around to face you once more. He understood that neither of you wanted to say anything. It would make things harder.

You had to stay strong for him because he was fighting the scarier people. But as he waved goodbye, this was your only exception. Just before he boarded the bus,

“Fuck it.” You mumbled to yourself, running to him as your life depended on it.

“(Y/N), what are you-” Doyoung stopped at his tracks, awaiting your sudden move. You shut him up by desperately placing your lips against his, having that a tiny sliver of hope that it won’t be your last. His hands cradled your face while your arms tangled behind his neck.

It wasn’t until the annoyed coughs from the bus driver stopped your actions. Patting your dress from crinkling, Doyoung left a kiss on your forehead.

“Wait for me, alright? I’ll be back before you know it.” He reassured you.

“Fight strong and stay alive, Doyoung. I’ll always be here for you.”

“I love you, (Y/N).” He caressed your cheek one last time, your hand cupping it.

“I love you too, Doyoung.”

Both of you made sure to write to each other, just anything to keep in touch from being apart.

Oh, if only you knew how long you’d have to wait before seeing each other again.

1951

Doyoung was stationed in the infantry division, always staying prepared for the plans his side made and the active attacks started from the enemy side. He’s lost count of the number of times he’s gotten critically injured and knocked out, but he fought through it with his upcoming plans in mind. How he must fight for the country and stay alive to see the change. How he wanted to have a future with you when everything settles down. It was his motivation every time.

But it took one surprise attack many months later from the enemy side to take it all away. When one of the senior officers was shot, he shielded him without hesitation. All these firing bullets were shot on his back, his legs wobbling from the impact. Due to the non-stop bleeding and lack of urgent medical attention, he painfully lost his life while holding on to his officer.

“Please tell my lover that I love her and I’m sorry.”

Those were his last words before he took one final breath and flatlined.

Seconds later, his soul flowed outside his body and froze at the trippy feeling while witnessing different officers and people on the medic team mourn in front of his dead body. Taeyong, one of the people he befriended from the medic team, tried to wake him repeatedly.

“Doyoung, please don’t joke around. Wake up, please.”

Even if he knew it was hopeless, he did his best to the point his entire team had to pull him away from his best friend’s lifeless body.

“No, he needs to live! He has a family, big dreams, and a girl waiting back in Busan!” He sobbed in his chest. Out of all the people he tried to resuscitate, Doyoung was the first friend that he came across on this occasion. Doyoung ached at this vulnerable sight, wanting so badly to be by his side. With these surprise attacks, death is more prevalent than ever.

“Kim Doyoung?” An unfamiliar voice called for him from behind. He spun around to find one woman in war uniform, though he’s never encountered her in the field, and a man in all black.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Manwol, and he’s the grim reaper. I believe you just died a few minutes ago, correct?”

The truth was piercing to accept, glancing at his lifeless body on the side with Taeyong and another close friend he made, Jungwoo, crying his heart out.

“Are you going to take me already?” He asked.

“Unless you still have things you want to accomplish in the living world, then you can freely go to the other side.” The grim reaper answered monotonously, very much used to this question.

“From the looks of it, you have a lot you want to do still,” Manwol observed from afar, all too familiar with the feeling. “If you come with us, I can help you accomplish them.”

If something stayed with Doyoung until his last breath, it was his skepticism with the supernatural. He was unsure if he can trust them because according to the books, once you’re dead, that’s it. It’s up to the people around him to speak good or bad of him.

“You’re uncertain with our intentions, aren’t you?” Manwol easily read through his stoic expression. “You’ll be surprised with how many things can debunk from the books if you let us, Doyoung.”

For the first time, Doyoung had no clue what and where to go next. No one wrote a book on how to act like a cold, wandering soul. His dreams were limited, meaning he has to find new ones or tweak them a lot to make it possible. Despite her reserved nature, he figured that Manwol looked like someone who knows what she’s talking about. With the grim reaper he’s read in children’s books, he wasn’t as frightening as he was portrayed.

This was his last shot.

“Guide me, please.”

The car ride alone there was messy and bumpy since it was peak war season. He wasn’t the only person who lost their life that night and riding in the vehicle. He recognized a few of them. It was saddening to find the playful Donghyuck, his youngest companion, beside him.

“I sacrificed myself to protect two unarmed nurses in the medic tent when some enemy soldiers charged inside.”

Another was the wise Taeil, who was stationed by the barracks. He was one of the people in the front of in line for battle.

“I thought they were fooling with us, and then suddenly fired multiple attacks. I caught on to it quickly, but they still got me.”

Doyoung remembered all those times he used to ask for love advice from him when it grew hard to be far from you. But that advice is no longer useful when he’s further away from you. He was dead, you weren’t.

Once the three of them arrived at their destination, it was an inn that looked destroyed from the outside, but very organized on the inside. Donghyuck and Taeil decided already what they wanted to do before they cross the other side. Doyoung, on the other hand, was still contemplating.

Manwol knew well how to spot a heartbroken person, being one herself. She wasn’t one to interfere with these affairs, but maybe she’d make an exception. Seeing right through him, he lived a fruitful life. She saw his sacrifice, picking up on his last words being dedicated for you, his lover. He didn’t die in vain.

When the two men were off to follow their plans, Manwol took this chance to approach the downcast man again.

“Is something you holding you back from going…” She questioned, staying by his side for a moment. “…or a special someone?”

“I promised my lover to fight strong and to stay alive while she promised to keep waiting for me. But here I am. She has yet to know that I didn’t make it and I can’t bear to see her in utter pain.”

“Death during a war isn’t new, Doyoung. A lot of promises become broken.”

“But I had so much I wanted to do with her after, Manwol. I can’t just leave her yet, I want to stay by her side even if we can’t see each other physically.”

Based on the information Manwol received about Doyoung from the inn staff, it came to her attention that he was fond of books. Thus, it gave her an idea.

“Doyoung, you’re very similar to the staff here. They all have goals that take years to accomplish, so I gave them a job here.”

“What are you offering me then, Manwol?”

“I have a library here in dire need of a librarian. With your interest in books, would you like to take it? After all, I’m implying that you’d want to wait for your lover to make up for your broken promise.”

Doyoung can’t deny that she was wrong. This was where his journey at Manwol Inn (then became Hotel Del Luna) started. Time worked a little bit differently as a ghost, but it’ll be worth it until you return in his arms one day.

On the day you regrettably received the letter from the military about the tragedy, life has turned for the worst. Upon seeing a soldier by your front step, it was only an innocent habit to give him letters for Doyoung and receiving new ones. However, his hand halted you to hand over a military logo imprinted envelope addressed to you alongside his tidy military uniform other letters from Doyoung.

His last letters.

You had no courage to even complete reading it when the first few lines weren’t enough to taunt you. Nothing could prepare for this dreaded moment.

“We regret to inform you that a report from the war office has confirmed that Kim Doyoung was a casualty of the sudden attack of Seoul. this letter formally declares that he was killed in action....”

Dropping the god-forsaken letter in your hands, you instantly locked yourself in your room. Your parents, who picked it up to read, came running to your door and tediously knocking for you to open it. But you didn’t listen, the heartbreak being too grave.

You tried so hard to keep it together these past months. but this kind of grief resulted in your feeble figure pouring into a heap of salty tears and loud sobs. Your back against the wall smoothly slid down until your butt landed on the floor. You clutched on to your gut that continuously stabbed you back and forth.

Betrayal was an understatement, yet it was beyond his control. War guarantees nothing.

But not when you needed him more than ever, especially when the biggest yet most unexpected news came upon you. All nausea and wild mood swings in the weeks that followed after he left weren’t normal, only to find out that you were expecting his child.

It was a secret you didn’t know how to confront through letters because it was best to tell him in person. Due to the situation, it was impossible. Only in your latest letter did you finally come clean about it, but it was now never to be sent because he has already passed away. Your entire family wasn’t pleased with this outcome but they didn’t shame you for it either. It was your choice and body after all.

They were concerned about how others will perceive you in the long run. An unmarried woman carrying a dead man’s child is taboo in this conservative society. Yet abortion is seen in a bad light too. You were stuck in a double edge sword, but you knew from the beginning that you wanted to keep the child. It’s a struggle, for sure, and your plans will have to wait.

Amid this bad luck, this unborn child is the last closest piece of Doyoung.

Amongst your unavoidable flow of tears that you knew must be stopped so it wouldn’t badly affect your child, you placed a hand on top of your lower belly. There was already an evident swelling bump, but your choice to continue wearing loose clothing to swerve from the public’s judgment covered it fine.

Well, for now. Only in the last trimester, it was going to be a challenge.

“I’m sorry you won’t be meet your father....” You spoke, rubbing it upwards. “....But I’ll make sure to take good care of you. You’re all I have left of him.”

Ever since Doyoung accepted Manwol’s offer, he never left his spot at the library. He was amazed at the endless arrangements of books. Even the western books his parents banned him from reading as a child were there. All this entertainment can distract from the long time he has to wait.

Except for today specifically, he asked Jeno, a new friend he made who also lost his life during the Korean war, to take over for a few hours when he found out that mail was to be delivered in Busan.

“Hyung, are you sure?”

“I just need to see her, Jeno.”

Doyoung expected the heartache when he saw you cry in your bedroom after finding out, and he couldn’t refrain from crying with you. Even as a soul, he’d do anything to cradle you in his arms and say that things will get better in time. How he wanted to tell you to take your time in life and that he’s willing to wait until your time comes. Whenever it could be.

Sadly, he was right there listening to you talk to your unborn child. The disbelief of in his reaction; he was supposed to be a father. Sure, he was relatively young. People won’t approve of it because you were unmarried. But it was an early start to settling down with each other.

It took him a while to accept his unfortunate fate, but for him to be robbed of this meaningful part in life was more unbearable to deal with.

From that point, he made sure to watch over you even if he was invisible. Even if Manwol advised him not to so it won’t complicate anything, he reassured that he has it under control. As a ghost without any grudges, what’s there to throw a fit at? He could retaliate at the enemy soldiers who shot him fearlessly, but they are nowhere to be found and he had no interest to turn into ashes.

The only time he assisted you was when you were giving birth. It was an excruciating process, sweating and breathing intensely. You let a scream every time you pushed, like any of the herbs or medications you consumed were wearing off. Your body wanted to give up as it weakened at the loss of blood.

Childbirth is no joke, having high mortality rates during these times. It was a tempting choice you’d want to take as Doyoung is no longer alive. But you knew it was selfish to leave your child as an orphan.

Doyoung couldn’t withstand watching you struggle anymore. If there was a trick Manwol taught him, it was to possess people. It’s often portrayed as a negative skill, warning him to only use it when it’s an emergency.

The pitiful way your eyes were drained off energy, he had to step in. Observing the midwife panicking on your side even if she was giving you support, he took his chance to possess her. Adjusting to this body, it made him glad to feel your warm hand again.

“(Y/N), your child is almost here.” The doctor positively announced.

“I want a breather. The grim reaper should just take me.” You complained as your mother wiped the endless drops of sweat on your forehead. Doyoung took it to heart, knowing death firsthand was no joke.

“Yah, don’t say stuff like that, (Y/N). This child is bound to be an amazing addition to your life.”

You didn’t know how your timid midwife would straighten you up, but it motivated you a lot more to finish the process. Little did you know.

She gladly accepted your firm grips on her hand, giving affirmative responses to keep you going. In moments you closed your eyes to push, you couldn’t help notice in the corner of your eye how from the physique of your midwife, you swore you saw him. His hand holding yours instead of the midwife.

Was this in the medication? For a moment, you let a tear not from pain but from happiness to catch a glimpse of him in your weakest moment. Every day, you were missing him.

It took almost half an hour before a small set of wails bore in the room while you harshly threw yourself back in the bed to recover your breathing patterns. It knocked you out for a while. Doyoung, still possessing the midwife, was handed the newborn by the doctor and tasked to clean her up.

“It’s a healthy baby girl.” the doctor confirmed as he wiped away the blood on the floor.

He was then brought by your mother to a designated room to bathe the relaxed newborn in his arms.

His newborn.

His desire to phase out of the midwife and use his skill to be visible while holding his child was strong. But it’s too risky since the midwife can catch him. He sucked it up and proceeded in what the books taught him on bathing a baby. During his break time, he’d read all the parenting books he could find. It’ll be rare anyways for him to use the tips, but he always wanted to stay prepared.

As the bubbles of the soap surrounded the relaxed baby, he washed her delicately to avoid her from waking up. He was just mesmerized at how you and he created something so precious. He used to be the type of man to be awkward around kids, but after catering to many children in the library and now his child, it started to change.

“Hello there, little one. Your mother needs you, so you better be good to her.”

Ghosts were highly discouraged to make any more emotional connections with the living because they’ll just end up being hurt, making it harder to move on. Exactly what Doyoung is doing was that, and the more he bonded with his daughter, it was a rekindled kind of pain. The kind when you separate family from each other. The same one he felt when he bid his parents good-bye before joining the war, only to never come back.

To top this off, the tiny hand of his sleeping daughter, whom he finally dried off with a small towel and wrapped in a fresh blanket, sleepily grasped on his pinky finger. Technically, it was the midwife’s, but he was in control.

Nonetheless, the innocent gesture got him both feeling on top of the moon and disheartened at the same time. As he curled it in a silly manner, noticing the size difference, he leaned down to leave a kiss on top of her forehead.

“I’m sorry I’m going to miss out on your life. But I’ll always be here for you, even if I’m in the shadows. Don’t ever question my love for you. Because I do love you, wholeheartedly.”

Kim Areum.

That was the name you settled with when your daughter was finally in your arms. It’s ideal to give Doyoung’s last name too because she is half of him. After resting for quite a while, you noticed how the midwife suddenly shook her body and took a loud deep breath when she helped out cleaning the area up.

“Are you okay?” You question, noticing her state of confusion.

“Uhm, yeah....” She narrowed her eyes to her environment. “Oh wait, you gave birth already? Wow, that was pretty fast...”

“Yes, you were right beside me the whole time...” You glanced sideways at her, suspicious.

“Oh wow yeah, I was.” She tried to laugh it off. “It was like I had an out-of-this-world moment or something. Oh whatever, I sound stupid.”

That brought you back to your early doubts. Whether or not he showed up or you were somewhat hallucinating. But not wanting to reflect too much on the impossible, you merely refocused to the peaceful newborn nestled in your arms.

She’s the only one keeping you alive in these hard times. She served as a reminder of him, thus you’ll hold on to her. From the outside of your window, all Doyoung can do now is to continue watching from afar every once in a while.

1954

Not much has changed in the past few years. You were either reading or taking care of Areum. Your family was lucky enough to have good housing, but getting important necessities such as water and food was a constant struggle.

With the war leading to lots of souls in the inn, he had to fulfill his mandatory orders to prepare souls to move on. He was joyful to be of service to others like he was back in the day.

Though lately, it’s still unavoidable for him to ponder how exactly are you and his daughter are doing. Once Donghyuck and Taeil went ahead for the afterlife, the loneliness began to creep in. Then a while ago, Jeno introduced him to a new group of children today checking out the library. Caught in a deadly car accident on their way home from school, he pitied how such bright kids left the world too soon.

These factors sparked his longing, plus there was still something above that: it was your birthday soon. Much to his luck, Manwol just received a new gift from the deities that might be his biggest help in coping.

“A dream call?” Doyoung inquired once he was summoned by Manwol to the meeting room, sitting across her.

“Yes, a call to anyone from the living that you wish to talk to in their dreams. Though this can only be used once per visitor. The deities pitied those with loved ones who want to see them physically. Thus, they invented this.”

“What are you implying?”

“Doyoung, you know well how easy I can read people even through their fake smiles. You miss her very much.” Manwol replied, holding up the phone to his ear. “This is your chance, Doyoung. Even if you can’t see them, they will see you.”

The first dream started with you sitting at your old spot by the river, in a simple dress Doyoung bought for you on your last ever birthday celebration with him. The forest looked breathtaking as if it was still pre-war times again. The river was still clear of blood and pollution. It must be spring, the flowers above you on the tree were in full bloom.

The sound of bike wheels stopping to park in the grass and someone humming changed your point of interest. There was the only person in your mind who would do that. Jumping from your seated position, you looked behind the other side of the tree only to find him picking up flowers from the branches. He was tall, not having much difficulty getting them.

The way he looked so peaceful and well-rested. This beauty and peace of mind he radiated, it was unreal.

“Doyoung.”

He clenched on the phone with his hand, his concealed yearning to at least hear his name on your lips again urged a tear to go down his cheek.

“Happy birthday, (Y/N).”

He handed you the flower bouquet he made for you. Meanwhile, he suddenly dropped it when you didn’t hesitate to sling your arms around his waist. Your head pressed to his chest, pulling him closer you could care less if you lost your breath. Doyoung felt that tight hug, gripping on the part of his uniform where you placed your head. He rubbed it as if it was your hair.

None of you spoke a word and gracefully paused to take a moment.

Time in a dream call works a bit differently than in the living world. Once you’re in session, one minute alone of talking is equivalent to 30 minutes in the living world.

Doyoung took his first call to catch up with you and say everything he never got to before. It was also where he confessed how he knew about your daughter. There were guilt and regret at how you could’ve told him in your earlier letters.

“You were scared, (Y/N). There’s no way I can blame you.” Laying against his chest, he comforted you. “By the way, she has your nose, you know.”

There was this wave of relief that splashed you after this big burden lifted. You can live a more untroubled life now.

“She has your temper though.” You jokingly say, putting you in a fit of giggles. It’s been too long since you experienced genuine humor.

“At age 3? Yah, I’m impressed.” He remarked with pride.

Since Doyoung wasn’t capable to be physically affectionate in the dreams, he was more on receiving them from you. In return, he gave sincere conversations even if they were a yearly thing. Talking about your daughter was one of your favorite topics. adolescence, teenage years, to university, there was so much to talk about. Doyoung would only use his dream calls on you on your birthday, making them more meaningful. Each one, you were both back to your twenties with different outfits and settings based on the differing decades.

“Don’t you feel burdened to wait for me?” You asked as his fingers brushed some of your hair back while you watched the sunset from a wooden bench.

“No, I’m not. there are still many things I want to fulfill before moving on. I also want to watch Areum grow up and help you in any possible. Only when these goals of mine and others are cleared, then I‘ll be able to rest well.”

“Will you be okay until then, Doyoung?”

“I broke a promise with you, (Y/N). and I want to make up for it.”

“What will you do when my time comes?” Your hand interlocked with his, squeezing it tight even if he couldn’t reciprocate it.

“I will shout out your name and hug you tight, my love. But until then, appreciate your life. Live it to its fullest. For me.”

Doyoung sensed your worry but comforted you that it’ll be okay. He wasn’t lying either when he said he wanted to do a lot of things too. Every dream call, his gut feelings were strong to know what you were going through in every call, giving you any advice to get you through them.

To count, he gave you almost 50 dream calls.

The late 1950s-1960s

After returning to university to finish your undergraduate studies when the war ended, you continued to pursue law school and taking the exams as you’ve wanted. But this meant moving to Seoul for better opportunities.

Doyoung celebrated with himself when he found out, not having to take the bus or ride the hotel car to Busan every time he wanted to see you two. Now, he could simply walk back and forth, managing it with his shifts.

Currently, he was taking a break in his office. The deities gifted him with a bunch of murder mystery books from the West, fully immersed in the storylines. Leaning backward from his chair, he was abruptly disconnected by a knock on his open door.

“Hyung, you have a special visitor in the lobby.” Jeno urgently informed Doyoung as he leaned on the side of his office door, out of breath. “It’s quite important if you ask me.”

Doyoung removed his reading glasses and put down his novel. Putting back his blazer on, he approached his younger friend and made their way down the hallway together hastily.

“Is it a family member who’s passed?” He questioned, slightly folding his blazer sleeves then adjusting the hotel pin on his chest pocket. By the tone Jeno spoke, it must’ve been serious. Although there’s no way it can be you just yet, he has no idea who was looking for him then.

The lobby was bustling with numerous souls. Some still fresh, some just roaming around, while others were preparing to pass the other side. Nothing new to it, until Jeno pointed out a specific scene in one corner of the room.

“Hyung, over there.”

Like an obedient puppy, Doyoung looked over to where Jeno’s finger directed. At first glance, by her long black hair, he recognized Manwol, who was kneeling in front of someone seated. It wasn’t until she stood up and shifted her body to the side to reveal that someone, patting her young head kindly.

She wore a ribbon on her hair, matching with the colors of her floral dress while carefully holding on to a piece of paper with her drawing. Due to the distance, he couldn’t make out what she drew. Though with her dazzling eye smile formed by her small eyes, he knew her too well.

“Areum.”

Right on cue, the young girl caught his entrancing gaze. With the widest smile, she exclaimed “Daddy!”

Manwol, who was right beside her, held her hand and graced their way to Doyoung and Jeno. The two knew she despised children, ordering them to keep a keener eye on them when they wander around so they don’t access the hallway leading to her office. Unexpectedly, Areum didn’t burden her the slightest. She brought a different aura, a very pure and full of love kind.

With the full moon shining at its peak, becoming present to the eyes of the living, she must’ve spotted the hotel from afar and her interest grew wild for it. Typical for girls her age. Not afraid of the risks, she followed any directions to get here. Coincidentally, she encountered Manwol in the front gate.

Manwol recognized her straight away, even when she glimpsed the drawing of her family she treasured in her chest. She still included her father, whom she was very much acquainted with. Though, she was puzzled by her sudden appearance. When Areum explained that her father lived in the hotel according to your stories, her heart fell to her gut. Indeed, she was right, but again, ghosts are discouraged to have connections with the living or anything related to it. However, her strong senses couldn’t disregard how much Doyoung yearned for his family. Lately, his only daughter when numerous children arrived at the hotel. He didn’t want to voice it out however because the other staff shared the same sentiments, so it would be insensitive so he just kept it to himself. But Manwol sensed it all too well.

She won’t tell anyone this, but she has quite a soft spot for Doyoung. She empathized with him the most since he came to the hotel, willing to do what it takes to make his coping and waiting worthwhile. She was still brash at times, but only when necessary.

Areum’s presence didn’t seem to harm anyone, charming anyone around with a smile and her words. Especially that smile, it shows enough of how much she’s Doyoung’s daughter. With a rough internal debate, Manwol welcomed her inside the magical hotel Areum described it as and tasked Jeno to call for Doyoung. It was a risk, but a needed one.

With Manwol innocently holding the young girl’s hand, she looked her down and asked her, “Is that your father from your drawing, Areum?”

Areum lit up as she tilted her head upwards to see her tall father, nodding proudly. “Yes, that’s him! The one my mom talks about in her dreams too!”

Doyoung’s heart swelled at her pride for him, not hesitating to kneel to her height. Arms wide open, he loudly called her out for the first time. “Areum!”

The young girl, letting go of Manwol’s hand, ran as fast as her short legs could like nothing can stop her, even if the lobby was packed. Soon enough, she’s at the grasp of her father, carrying and hugging her in circles. Light as a feather, he took in her scent and warmth. The racing beat of her heart pulsated against his chest, reminding how much life she’s filled with. It was liberating that she found him, even when he stood behind the dark shadows.

Once he put her back down, “What brings you here, Areum? Isn’t it past your bedtime already?”

She pouted, sulking at disobeying your rules. “I know, but as soon as I was ready for bed, I saw the hotel in bright lights just like mommy described. She said that only during the peak full moon it’ll be shown to very special people who are alive, and it turns out that I’m one of them, daddy.”

Hearing that title from her lips was something he would’ve never get sick of. He felt the validity more than ever.

The odds of being a human spotting the hotel during peak full moon was rare, earning perplexed looks by those who don’t see it. Doyoung never encountered a human waltzing in the hotel out of the bloom, so for his daughter to have this mystical ability was a gift in disguise. Maybe the deities knew how to cut off some slack and agony for wandering souls. This was an excuse to stop cursing them now and then.

“Wow, aren’t you a lucky girl for that?” Jeno, whom he forgot was by his side, patted her head similarly to Manwol. “Your father missed you dearly, you know?”

“Well, Mr. Jeno,” She picked up his name from his nametag. “I missed him too.”

Doyoung processed the features of the angelic girl in front of him, astonished at how you and he created someone so cheerful during a time of trouble. Aside from her eye smile, she had his gummy smile and curiosity, while she inherited your nose and intelligence. Cupping her chubby cheek, he pinched it with a cute sound effect from his mouth.

“Daddy!” She protested, slapping his hand away and dramatically covered her reddening cheek. “Not allowed to that, ever.”

Oh, you weren’t joking when you said she had his temper too.

Before he could defend himself, Manwol reentered their interaction. Like common sense, Doyoung got back on his feet but helplessly giving side glances to his daughter. Manwol giggled at his sudden formality before instructing Jeno to lead Areum to the carnival room. As Areum waves him goodbye for the meantime, Manwol added on.

“There’s a rise of kids checking in the hotel, unfortunately, so I wholeheartedly requested the deities to create an area dedicated for child-like fun. Just today, it’s finished in construction so it’s a great place for Areum to explore.”

“Manwol, I-” He was feeling overwhelmed, stumbling his words. “Why did you this for me?”

“You used your dream calls for (Y/N), but there’s never been a way for you to reach out to your daughter. And the way her glimmering eyes wanted to come in when she shouldn’t, I couldn’t refuse a chance for the two to reunite.”

“But what about the deities?”

“I’ll handle it. What matters is that you have tonight to spend with Areum. It’s the least thing I could do as you are one of my beloved staff,” She reassured, yet looked at him in a downcast manner. “But as much as possible, everything tonight must feel like a vivid dream to her. She’s not allowed to keep any knick-knacks from tonight either.”

Everything always came at a price. Doyoung was acquainted well enough, but he can’t lie to say that I didn’t ache. Nonetheless, Manwol having such a selfless side was completely new to him. That’s why he never asked for favors like the other staff since he’ll just get turned down or scolded like a child. Maybe she wasn’t as scary as to how they labeled her all these years he’s worked for her.

Manwol took Doyoung’s silence under the impression of internal conflict. In true Manwol fashion, she clapped her hands right in front of his visage, snatching him back to reality. “You’re wasting time, Doyoung! Don’t think about it too much right now. Now come on and dress up more casually, your daughter is waiting for you.”

Following her order, he bowed respectfully before zooming to his hotel room. She was right, he has to enjoy whatever is given. Demanding for more when you’re already dead is disrespectful to the eyes of the deities, considering that alongside your past life when you step into the afterlife.

From his uniform, he changed into a white long sleeve buttoned-up, which was layered under a lilac knit sweater, and black trousers. He styled his hair in a dandier way, applying gel then combing it upwards. He was only following the trends of the decade, basing it on the recently checked-in souls. Deities must’ve liked him a lot to give him a lot of gifts from time to time, making him completely disregard the money from the living world Manwol gives during his off days. Most of the time, his off days are spent either secretly observing you and your daughter, or reading more books in the library.

This one was like a change of scenery, his heart pumping once he exited to the elevator and rushed to the carnival room. And just as he entered the doors, the wave of nostalgia hit him instantaneously. It felt like he was in university again, bringing you around the bizarre contraptions and games for the first time for your amusement. A spark in your romance, so full of young love and naivety of what was to come.

He spotted his young girl wrapped around in the arms of Jeno, explaining to her about the wide range of rides as she licked on a rainbow lollipop. Once he showed up to the both of them, Jeno cautiously put her down so she can hold Doyoung’s hand.

“You deserve this, hyung. Make it worthwhile.” Jeno placed his hand on his older friend’s shoulder before leaving the room. Keeping it in mind, Doyoung kneeled again in front of his daughter. Her smiles were contagious, fascinated by everything she’s surrounded in.

“I’ve never seen anything like this, daddy.” That line sounded familiar, chuckling at the precious memory.

“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s have fun tonight!”

The bliss in tonight was never-ending, like the two of them were in their own world. Areum wanted to ride on a horse in a carousel first, which Doyoung agreed to. Lifting her, he held her by the waist as the ride started to go. She pointed out every object that she can see while Doyoung avidly listened, then telling her what each ride and game consists of in return.

Once they got off, her short legs scurried off to the game booth where rows of bottles were laid in front of her. Right beside her were the rings. Doyoung properly described the instructions, and on the dot, Areum went ham and started throwing the rings in random directions. By the way, her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed, her competitive side was evident. Doyoung observed as she either hit or miss, finding another trait of his in her.

You’d find it hard to believe, but she would’ve been a total daddy’s girl.

To her success, she squealed victoriously as she won and hugged her dad. One of the staff in charge rewarded her with new candy to munch on, and off she went to look for the next attraction to divulge in. Doyoung struggled a little catching up to her, but anything he would do for his daughter.

From a one on one balloon dart game, which Doyoung willingly let Areum won because she’s a fussy one, roaming through a mini house of mirrors, riding the indoor Ferris wheel, and many more, Areum was ready to move to the next venue after telling her father that she wanted him to read to her.

“Mommy said you’re a librarian here because you like reading. I like it too, can you take me there?”

Just like you, he was charmed by his daughter. “Alright, Areum. Let’s go there then.”

Before they made it through past the wide doors with the bright red sign above saying “Exit”, Areum’s attention was distracted by a black kiosk near the Ferris wheel. She followed her gut, changing her direction. Doyoung quickly followed her footsteps, only to turn up in front of a photo booth.

“Wow, are these where you can take instant pictures, daddy?”

Waves of nostalgia hit Doyoung as if he were on the beach, totally unprepared for the emotional impact. With Areum, he missed your presence more than ever. Having you there completed your family, and it could’ve been quite a reunion.

“Yes, Areum. How about you go inside and daddy will insert some coins so you can have your pictures taken?”

“But daddy, I want to take pictures with you! It’s only mommy that has pictures with you, and I don’t want to feel left out.” She threw a tantrum, crossing her arms.

Here she goes again, making it difficult for Doyoung to refuse. Even with Manwol only giving him one rule to follow for the night, he doesn’t want any bad memories to be made with his daughter. He’ll have to work it out one way or another later. In the meantime, he smirked before carried her out of the blue inside the booth. Her shrieks increased in volume, only softening after she settled on her father’s lap. Doyoung inserts a few coins, and swiftly enough, the contraption started to operate.

“Okay Areum, one photo strip has 4 solo photos in it. 4 smiles or poses, okay? You’re going to look at the lens there, in the shape of a circle. Then, the flash is going to show in 3, 2-” Right on time, the two smiled.

They had less than 10 seconds until the second shot, so the two pulled random funny expressions. Doyoung pouted his lips, while Areum stuck out her tongue. For the third photo, Doyoung kissed the top of her head while Areum poked her cheeks with her fingers. Lastly, Areum instructed her father to lower his head to her level so she can peck his cheek. His shock was perfectly taken, filling his heart with adoration.

Areum hating getting affection but loves giving it? Another trait of his.

The look of amazement Areum gave once she stepped foot on the endless library was priceless. She described how it was bigger than the national library in Seoul. While she strolled around the near shelves, Jeno, taking over his night shift, approached him with a bottled treat. But it wasn’t just a normal one.

“Manwol and I overheard that she liked strawberry milk, so Manwol told me to give it to you. It has the dream spell potion from Johnny’s bar mixed with flowers from the deities so she can’t see ghosts or the hotel anymore. Make sure she drinks it before she leaves this place.”

While Areum settles on the small couch with her chosen books, she patiently anticipated for her father to read to her before her yawning takes over her. She never tracked the time, but she’s gone way beyond her average curfew.

“Sleepy already, sweetheart?” Doyoung asked as he sat beside her, inspecting her drowsy state.

Areum shook her head, displaying all the books she got on the table in front of her. “Nope! Not until you read me a bedtime story.”

Doyoung scanned through her book selection, amazed by her choices. The Little Prince, Winnie the Pooh, Goodnight Moon, and a bunch of Madeline books from the series, he couldn’t decide! If only he could read them all for her.

A lot of those books he read growing up, and the same goes for you. Especially Madeline, which he discovered through you as one of your childhood favorites. By instinct, he chose the first book from the series, simply entitled “Madeline”.

“This one.” He patted his lap so she could sit on it, which she did without wasting a breath.

It was ironic for a librarian to have never read aloud for anyone during his stay. Maybe because no one asked him to nor he wasn’t into reading aloud. He preferred reading to himself, only helping those looking for specific books or recommending if anyone has a favorite genre. Maybe he’ll give it a shot now. This first-hand experience opened his eyes to a new type of intimacy, hearing the adorable reactions from his daughter as he read the life of Madeline in Paris.

“In the middle of one night, Miss Clavel turned on her light and said, “Something is not right!”.” Doyoung flipped the next page. “Little Madeline sat in bed, cried and cried-”

“She cried to get attention, huh?” Areum commented mid-reading.

“Areum, if she didn’t, she could get even sicker. We don’t want that, right?”

“If I cried like that, would that be enough to bring you back to me and mommy, daddy?” She wholesomely questioned, twisting her body weight so she could face him. “Mommy already has a way to reach to you, and I want something like that too”

Doyoung knew she was a smart girl, but she often denies the reality of some things. In this case, her father’s passing still hasn’t hit her, even if she possessed the mystical skill to see ghosts and the hotel. Doyoung felt cornered, so before he could think of a reply, he kindly asks her,

“Hmm, what do you have in mind, sweetheart?”

“Well,” She pouted as she fidgeted with her index fingers. “I read all your old letters to mommy, so maybe I can write you one every year.”

“What a great idea, sweetheart!” He cheered. “How will you give it?”

“Uh..” She paused to think, then a bright idea came to her. “During your birthday, daddy! Mommy and I still celebrate it if you don’t know, so I can offer it alongside the food.”

Doyoung played along, knowing that tradition of yours. Although it still aches him to show up on his death anniversary, he compromised by showing up on his birthday. He’d see his and your families celebrating, talking about the positive and fun things about him in his life. He observed his daughter a little more later when she got older and started talking. Whenever you praised him for something, there was hope and inspiration in her young eyes. It’s uplifting to discover that his legacy was seen in a good light. He’d never wanted to be seen as a bad guy to anyone.

“I’ll look forward to it, sweetheart. Promise?” He stuck out his pinky to her, getting curled in response by hers.

“Promise!”

Both of them chuckled, appreciating the moment. His long arms embraced her from the back, nuzzling his head on his shoulder. How blessed to have a daughter like her, but from a glance, the bottle of strawberry milk situated beside the pile of books gave a remembrance of one of his remaining tasks. It had to be done, but he hoped she won’t at least forget to write to him.

“Look! Miss Manwol wanted to give this to you.” He handed it to her.

Ecstatic, she cranked open the bottle cap and took tiny sips of it. “It’s so good, daddy!”

Doyoung softly laughed as excess milk drops dribbled in her lips, wiping it with his thumb. “Aigoo, you messy girl. Let’s continue, shall we?”

Cozying up to him again, Doyoung resumed his storytelling. Once he said the words, “The end.”, the small head of his daughter completely leaned against his chest. Snuggling for more comfort, he checked her current condition. Knocked out like a light, he puts the book down and cradled her for a second. The last time he did something like this was when she was born. She was tiny then, and now, she’s bound to outgrow his lap sooner or later.

This was his sign to bring her home.

He boosted her small figure, her head now planted on his shoulder and his hand resting behind the nape of her neck. Her legs were entangled in his torso when he showed up at the lobby again. It was much more serene, everyone checked in already.

“Aigoo, fast asleep already?” Manwol made an appearance without warning, alongside her personal driver Yuta and the bartender Johnny.

“As expected from my magic.” Johnny commended himself, stretching his fingers. That easily gave him a slap from Yuta.

“Can’t you be more sensitive to Doyoung?”

Not caring about those two, Manwol caressed Areum from behind. Inside her cold heart, she brought so much amusement. Even if she embodied traits from Doyoung, she stood out from his usual reserved nature. She had so much energy, and it’s a fresh sight. Manwol secretly peered at their father-daughter time in the library, and she sensed the love the two had for each other. Even if it’s unbearable to separate them, having tonight was a pleasure for all.

“Yuta,” She summoned him. “Drop these two to her house safe and sound. It’s too dangerous to walk in the dark right now.”

Bowing in response, he led the way to the elevator for Doyoung to follow. But before he took the first step, Manwol halted him by the arm. “You better come back, or the deities won’t be pleased.”

He nodded before he was sent on his way. Wasn’t this brutal?

The silence in the car ride is deafening, though he didn’t want to disturb his little girl either. Yuta peeked from the mirror now and then to check on the two, sharing the gloom of his fellow friend. Having something or someone so valuable from the living world makes it hard to leave it. He understood as he suffered a similar fate to him.

When they’ve arrived at their destination, Doyoung was quick to notice that the lights from your living room were still on. It’s too risky to waltz in through the front door, squinting for other ways to go inside. To his luck, the window of Areum’s bedroom was wide open. That must’ve been how she escaped earlier.

“Be careful, Doyoung. Her neighbors may be watching.”

“It’s around 4 am right now, Yuta. I’ll be fine.” He reassured, clicking open the car door with his daughter peacefully asleep.

Entering inside her bedroom, he gently put her down on her soft bed. Covering her body with the duvet so she wouldn’t get cold, he took one last lingering look before taking his leave. Manwol might be looking for him already. Pressuring even to know that Yuta was waiting outside for him and that the deities are looking down on him too.

“Daddy,” Her tiny hand tugged on his sleeve, stopping his movements. Her droopy eyes faintly ajar, wanting to capture these last dreamy moments. “Don’t leave me and mommy again.”

This retouched attachment between the two made things much more stifling to accept reality. Doyoung understood her fright and sighed, kneeling to her again. Patting her head, “I’m sorry but I have no choice, sweetheart. We don’t want daddy to get in trouble, right?”

She lazily nods, tugging on his sleeve again. “Can you sing me to sleep, daddy? You used to do that for mommy.”

He grinned, accepted her last request. Holding on her hand, kissing it, he quietly sings.

“Eonjebuteoinji geudaereul bomyeon….”

When the song reached its end, the soft snores from Areum filled his eardrums. Her eyes are fully closed, and her tiny head fell to the side of her pillow. Kissing her forehead, he whispered, “Good night, sweetheart. Daddy loves you so much.”

A cute sight to Doyoung, she occupied a huge part in his heart. Even if everything tonight will feel like a complete dream, it’s a memorable moment for Doyoung that he’ll treasure.

Initially, he planned to leave her bedroom the same way he came in, which was through her window. That’s all Manwol tasked him to do when he arrives at your house, but his heart selfishly desires to see you. Even if he was invisible now. His powers were weakening, twitching from being visible to invisible back and forth.

Never has he stepped inside your new house, and this could be his only chance.

The first thing he saw after leaving his daughter’s bedroom was the dining room. Tidy and organized, as expected from you. For the living room connected to it, the simple decorations invited him inside. Assorted photos hung in the wall and by the table near the front door, with a fresh bouquet of asters in a vase there too.

Alluring as it is, the only thing Doyoung couldn’t keep his eyes off the most was a sleeping you in pajamas, hunched over the coffee table on top of books and numerous paperwork. An empty coffee glass neared the edge, so he caught it before you squirmed again from your sleep.

The exhaustion from your life was constantly piled up one after the other. You’ve been studying hard at law school, balancing it with a part-time job as a teacher’s assistant at your university for undergrads and being a mom to Areum. Even seeing the pile of bills right by your side, you didn’t just need the help of your families. You needed him, as a friend, lover, and father.

Men were still viewed as the main breadwinners of the family, but you juggled both positions as mother and father. It was a vicious fate, and he’d do anything to share that challenge with you. For now, the only thing he could do is bring you to bed at least.

Taking you into his arms bridal style, completely knocked out, he only assumed the remaining door in front of Areum’s bedroom was your bedroom. Carefully kicking it, he graced your bed and laid you down elegantly so your sleeping flow won’t be disturbed. He put the covers on top of your body so you’d feel comfier.

Right in front of your bedside was a breezy open window, the moonlight creeping in to highlight your sleeping face. The wrinkles on your forehead started to show, a side effect of immense stress. It’s a trait no one wants, yet it symbolized aging and moving forward to the future. Doyoung envied you for it.

Besides that, you looked youthful as ever, seeking internal peace from the outside world in your deep slumber. His index traced the outline of your face, appreciating your glow. Trapped in amazement, leaving you will be more difficult. It’s been a while since he saw you up close in the flesh, but Manwol’s words daunted his mind. Just like his daughter, his lips softly pecked your forehead and to your ear, he said in a hushed tone, “Good night, my love. I’m so proud of you.”

Getting back on his knees to exit, he’s convinced that you and your daughter can detect a leaving presence and catch it before they do. On cue, your hand unconsciously grabbed his wrist. Your mind couldn’t make up what mental state you were in, but something in you vibed a known presence. One that you’ve yearned, one that you struggle to wait and see until your birthday arrives. Is he actually here?

Doyoung reacted immediately, his feet shuffling to face you again. Eyes still shut close, but your lips released a satisfied moan as you stretched your arms slightly.

“Is it my birthday already?” You mumbled incoherently, gripping on the unknown wrist. “Or am I just lucky enough to get a free pass?”

He rolled his eyes at your nonsense. “If this was a free pass, what would you want me to do?”

You weakly took a peek. It was blurry, probably caused by your sleepiness. But you recognized the silhouette of this stranger from the back of your hand. You clutched his grip, bringing his face closer to yours. Doyoung didn’t expect such a jerking action, almost falling limp if his other free hand didn’t grip on your duvet.

“Kiss me before you go again, my love.” You requested, mindlessly craving his touch.

Loosening from your grip, his palm cupped your cheek as he wets his lips. He made the first move, sweetly and slowly. Even at your unknown state, you returned with the same level of passion, brushing the hair behind the nape of his neck to deepen it. You haven’t kissed anyone like this in a very long time, too busy with your studies and motherhood. This refreshed your memories of what you missed, a warm tear escaping your eye.

No one will ever match up to him.

Doyoung’s deprivation of physical touch for you amplified, eagerness for so much more than this. Touching himself to the thought of you grew tiring, wanting to have you in the flesh by his side. It wasn’t until a bright car light from outside shun by your window. Yuta was an impatient one, but he had every right to be.

It was fulfilling while it lasted. His heart throbbed when his lips parted from yours, opening his eyes again. Your eyes stayed closed, but your lips hummed in satisfaction.

“Nothing changed in the way you kiss, my love.” You complimented, succumbing back to your deep slumber by pulling yourself further inside the duvet.

Doyoung grinned at your words, kissing your knuckle one last time. “I meant what I said, (Y/N). Sleep well.”

He tiptoed out your bedroom, deciding to exit through the front door. Again, no one would be awake at this time anyway. However, an antique-looking photo of him caught his eye. Taking a closer look, it was you and him by his garden, clutching on his arm under their family lemon tree and smiling during pre-war times. It was a funny story actually.

His father bought a camera for the first time and wanted to test it out. You were over at their house that day to study, and his father insisted to take a photo of the two of you as a first try.

“Oh come on, we must commemorate this new contraption! The first people can be titled “Young Love” or something like that!”

Doyoung cringed, whining, “Dad, that’s so corny!”

“I don’t care. Now hurry, join the frame with (Y/N) and smile!”

His father may present himself as strict and stubborn as one of the most affluent men in Korean society even after the war, but behind the scenes, he knows how to entertain his children. Doyoung’s childhood never had a dull moment. Oh, how wished he could follow the same fate as him.

This happy photo was a golden treasure to you, framing it so it could be preserved. It was one of your last traces of him, aside from Areum. Next to it, a much smaller photo of you and Areum was placed. Also all smiles for the two of you, Areum firmly sat on your lap and clasping her hands above her dress. You cut your hair during that time, showing the dog tag necklace that once belonged to him on your neck. You were really devoted to him, and he’s grateful, to say the least.

He knew he shouldn’t take anything either before going back to the hotel, but there was just no way he can’t take this one photo of his favorite girls with him. He already kept his photo strip of him and Areum from the carnival in his back pocket, so he’ll just have to work out the consequences then.

Returning to the car was bittersweet. He took one more proper look at your home, taking in all the positive energy to have such a loving family even if he can only watch from afar. While Yuta revved the car on, Doyoung deeply sighed from the backseat. What a spontaneous evening.

“I’m guessing you didn’t resist seeing your lover either, Doyoung?” Yuta commented, viewing him from the mirror. Raising his brows playfully, “Got caught in the VIP seat of you two lip-locking.”

“First of all, that’s creepy, Yuta. Second, you most definitely know what it feels like to be separated from your lover. Cut me some slack.”

“Whatever, that’s not my business anyway. But good luck to you if Manwol asked why there was a sudden extension.” The older friend shrugged, his foot pressing on the pedal to drive off the area.

“Keyword is if she asks. Now please, drive faster, Yuta. I have a shift to fill in now.”

Last night was a gift, but also an aching reminder of what could’ve been if he never died. The sun is slowly making its appearance again, bringing in another morning in this reality. Another work day for Doyoung, more waiting to be done.

Yet recalling his bonding moments with Areum, he’ll most likely get through another few decades. He yanked out his photo strip from the back pocket of his trousers, gazing at their authentic happiness. He muttered to himself,

“I’ll see you and your mother again, and we’ll all celebrate and rejoice. ‘Til then, my sweetheart.”

Meanwhile, ever since that peculiar “dream” with Doyoung, it left you with a lot of questions. Perhaps, it’s all just in your head. Though it doesn’t quite answer how one of your beloved pictures went missing. That’s definitely something you’re going to ask if your birthday comes up again.

Moving forward, his kind words pushed you to do your best. In the next years, you first became a family lawyer for a few years to get used to the field, but permanently shifted to being a public attorney because you wanted to be able to represent those who are suffering the most yet can’t afford the legal help to avoid it.

Just like what you and Doyoung aspired.

Balancing that with a kid was overwhelming, but with your and Doyoung’s families helping you out, your stress lessened.

You served as a huge inspiration to female college students wanting to pursue law. Since law is still perceived as a male-dominated field, you constantly pushed to make space for women in that workforce. It was also rare of you to lose a case because of the hard work you put into disproving every loophole and suggesting the correct punishments for the wrongdoers.

“You really outdid yourself once again, (Y/N). Or should I say Attorney (Y/L/N) (Y/N).”

“Shut up, Doyoung. Tell me more about your hotel staff friends. That Johnny guy seems very fun, and Jeno seems like a lovely boy.”

“Johnny’s a playful lad, always the life of the party. Jeno is like the younger brother I really wish I had. Donghyun-hyung is okay and all, but he’s so high maintenance.”

“Shush! He’s doing fantastic right now. He pursued acting like he always wanted.”

“He deserves it because he’s hard-working, like yourself, Attorney.”

You’ve never fallen in love the same way you did for Doyoung. Though you won’t lie that you’ve slept with a few men during nights out with your co-workers, committing to another man was something you had no time for. You always envisioned Doyoung as the one fucking you senseless.

People viewed it as stupid to be still lovestruck over your dead lover, but you’ve been called worst insults in your life that it doesn’t sting that much anymore. At the end of the day, your heart still soared and longed for Doyoung.

You just can never let him go.

“It’s still unfair to you, Doyoung. I should be ashamed.” The two of you were at a drive-in theater, watching from the trunk of his pickup truck. Your back laid against his chest as his fingers roam your torso in an upwards motion.

“No, you shouldn’t, (Y/N). It’s natural to desire human affection. I’m the one who should be sorry for not giving it to you.”He replied, completely ignoring the film.

You scoffed jokingly. “It’s silly how we’re so deprived of sex, especially with each other.”

“Oh, (Y/N). Don’t get me started, I’m suffering here with my hand alone while you can just find any available man.”

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry.” You surrendered, directing your head from the front to the back. “At the end of the day, it’s still your touch that still gets me weak.”

“My dear, on the day we reunite, brace yourself. I’ll show you who you really belong to.”

1973

Doyoung’s been on duty with reading books to children lately, and again, he’s aching to see what Areum’s up to. Rereading past letters from her from his birthday celebrations were driving him wild. After helping one young girl look for more books under the Madeline series, he had to make an exception. Just this once, and that would be it.

Even if he was under disguise, he desperately wanted to have just another brief conversation with her, especially that she’s a lot older compared to their last encounter. Doyoung witnessed her bloom from this imaginative young girl to a strong woman chasing after her dreams.

Like mother, like daughter.

He spotted her at a small bookstore to buy books for her classes and newly arrived ones from the States, very much interested in western literature. But upon seeing the peaked prices which were more than what she saved for, she put the book back on the shelf and gathered the ones she actually needed.

This was where Doyoung took it upon himself to offer his help. Staying long enough in the middle of the living and the dead, he was capable to turn visible.

“Stephen King, huh?” He inquired, scooting to her side and pulling out the book again to take a better look at it. He came across this book in his library, even if it was in English. “I see that you’re into horror. These books are in English though.”

Areum knew speaking to strangers is not a good thing, but if anyone reached out to her to talk about books, she can’t help but feel excited. “I’m interested in a lot of genres, and this book is pretty popular right now so I wanted to check it out. Besides, I’m reading more English books so I can become fluent one day.”

“You aren’t scared of the storylines?”

“I went through a life of hardships, sir. Nothing scares me anymore honestly.” Doyoung couldn’t help feel proud and sorry for her. Without questions, he led her to the counter and paid for all books despite her insisting not to.

“Sir, you really shouldn’t have. I can always come back for those books when I save up more.”

“It’s fine, really. With your taste in literature, you have a promising future as an author if that’s what you’re aiming for.” He complimented. Areum was frazzled at how spot on this stranger was, trying to convince him again.

“Are you sure I shouldn’t pay you back?”

“Pay me back by publishing your books.” He confidently stated, bringing out his wallet to pay the cashier. His astonishing kindness and encouragement for her are heartwarming, bowing with gratitude.

“Thank you,” She halted because she didn’t know his name.

There was no way Doyoung can disclose his actual name, so he just picked a random nickname some of the kids in the hotel who he read to coined for him. “I prefer giving people my nickname. It’s tokki.”

“Thank you, tokki. I’m Areum, Kim Areum.” She thanked him properly, struggling from carrying her things to shake his hand, but Doyoung signaled her not to.

“Nice to meet you, Areum.” He greeted back.

As Areum was more ready to part ways, Doyoung’s fatherly instincts activated due to the heavy box she held. Her dorms must be a bit far and it was already nighttime. Anything can happen.

“Excuse me, Areum. But do you mind if I help you with your books? It’s pretty late, so I just want to make you get back safe.”

Something in Areum was very willing to trust this man she just met. Sure, he was quite covered up, but it’s almost winter and maybe he didn’t want to catch a cold. Though, his intentions looked good. She’s heard stories about people getting robbed in these alleys, so she accepted his help.

Her dorms were a few blocks away, giving enough time to be acquainted with this man. Though he was the one mostly asking the questions and she answered them. She didn’t pry on it too much and went with the flow.

“Are you an only child in your family?”

“Yes. It’s also just me and my mom. I never got to meet my dad sadly. He died before I was born while battling in the Korean war.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” No matter how long it’s been since the war, the trauma of it all still haunted Doyoung.

“It’s been years so it’s fine. I found out recently that he risked his life to save his senior officer during a surprise attack from one of my uncles. If that isn’t bravery, I don’t know what is.”

“So you’re not mad at him for leaving?” He asked, hoping he didn’t cross boundaries either. He needed this closure.

“It was hard to accept at first. All my friends grew up with their actual fathers, and I felt outcasted. But there are just some things we can’t control, you know?  Besides, people always spoke of him highly and that makes me proud. Though,” She answered honestly, covering up the bitterness in her words in other not to disrespect him. “I’m pretty sure I saw him in a dream when I was younger.”

Doyoung’s heart leaped. So she may recall quite a bit. “Oh really? What was it like?”

“The only person I told this to is my mom. It felt quite unreal, honestly. I was around 7-8 years old at that time, and we were at a carnival, enjoying the attractions and stuff. Then we transitioned to this huge library where he read me a bunch of stories. One of them was Madeline, I believe. One of my favorites!”

Doyoung replays the fond memory in his mind. Time really flew by so fast.

“What a fun dream, it seems to be.”

Areum was elated at the best memory of her youth, smiling to herself. “It truly was. It felt like I was with him, you know. No matter how many times he told me he loved me there, I still respond the same way and that nothing has changed.”

“I love you too, Areum.” He mumbled quietly. That dream should not have been the only memory they have of each other. Neither of them deserved to be parted.

Soon enough, they arrived at the front doors of her dorm residence. Since it was strictly for women, she explained that she’ll carry the box from here on.

“Thanks again for the help, tokki. I’ll make sure to pay you back soon.” She spoke so casually because, for some reason, this mysterious man felt trustworthy. Her gut feeling may fool her, but she let it pass.

“Take your time, Areum. I wish you the best of luck.”

Before they went separate ways, something about her bitter words from awhile ago bothered Doyoung and he wanted to say something about it. Because looking into the far future, if he didn’t, he knew he’ll regret it and make moving on harder.

“Wait, Areum!”

Areum abruptly reacted to the shouts of her name, almost dropping the box. She faced again the mysterious tokki, who now had an awkward stance with his hand in the air waving at you.

“Yes, tokki?”

Compiling his thoughts, here goes nothing.

“This is quite random but your dad... I just know he loves you too. He’s also proud of you for being strong and intelligent. I hope you don’t forget that.”

Areum was baffled by his statement, but it was uplifting to hear that. Maybe this tokki guy was going through the same thing as her, so she didn’t want to judge too quickly. She was taught to never judge a book by its cover from you. By the quick blinking of her eyes, some tears dropped down to her cheek. She let out some sniffles on her way up to her dorm room, reassured that this stranger may just be correct. She heard what she needed to hear.

It’s been a long time since he reunited with his daughter, even if she’s fooled into thinking that the dream was just a dream. His status as a father was renewed. Even if he got a major scolding from Manwol upon his return at the hotel for ditching his shift.

“She blamed you in public? Oh no, my love.” You consoled your lover after he told you the tale.

A lot of iconic songs were released during this decade, so this dream accommodated it. It was set in a jazz bar, where all sorts of alcohol on display with assorted vinyl CDs by the platform at the end. Dimly lit with numerous empty tables and chairs, and it was only the two of you. Dressed to the nines for the occasion, your flimsy hands couldn’t stop playing with your hoop earrings. A definite staple while you swayed your hips to the beat of Superstition by Stevie Wonder.

Doyoung sat in one of the bar stools in a red v-neck top and flare pants, marveling at your physique and movements in that indigo romper. You could feel his fiery stare, your body flowing through the groove to capture him into your spell. The dream version of him always gets easily distracted when you act suggestive, especially when he isn’t in control physically. Only his words can he sort out.

Dancing towards him, you dragged his arms away from his seated position to lead him to the empty dance floor.

“Let’s dance off the stress, shall we?”

Pulling off the famous dance moves and grooving in freestyle, it was a blast. Both your young energies were in sync. From the funky beat, it shuffled into a slower yet soulful song. The unwinding mood could only mean that this dream was reaching its end. You took Doyoung’s arms again, placing one on your waist and the other interlocked with you. Taking the lead, you waltzed back and forth, twirling yourself in his arms.

Doyoung cracked a smile from the phone and in the dream, immersing himself in the lovely song. It was always played on the radio during the late-night shows, dedicated for the couples out there. With you, he could finally understand why couples request it every night.

“You are the sunshine of my life,” He sang along while feeling your heartbeat against his chest. “That's why I'll always stay around.”

“You are the apple of my eye,” You carried from where he left off, equally resonating with the lyrics. No matter how many times you’ve said or expressed your patience for each other, this song held a special place. It summed up everything you’re both fighting for.

“Forever, you'll stay in my heart.”

1980s

It came to Doyoung’s attention that there’s a new member of the hotel staff, and Manwol put him in charge of touring this new addition around and orienting them about the hotel rules. Considering he wasn’t busy, he went for it.

This person would be the replacement of Johnny, who finally passed through the afterlife in high spirits after his younger brother Mark took his rightful place as the heir of their family business. Originally, it was him, but his stepmother and stepbrother stabbed him alongside his father to get ahold of the power. Without proof, they led the business as she freely did, overworking Mark numerously and spending their money to their heart’s desire.

Doyoung couldn’t let this pass. Since Manwol hired a human manager back in the ‘70s named Kun to better facilitate human-related affairs for the hotel (taxes, bills, etc), he requested him to talk to Mark then introduce him to you.

Kun also made sure to inform you that this was Doyoung’s idea.

“This Johnny is the same Johnny that Doyoung talks about in my dreams? The one who brings the fun out of him every once and while?”

“That’s right, Ms. (Y/L/N). Due to the betrayal, he can’t move on until his stepbrother is taken down.”

The fact that Kun was a bridge to the two of you felt miraculous. Now and then, Doyoung tasked Kun to buy you flowers or coffee whenever they meet. Sometimes, he’ll ask him to send his letters to you too. In return, you replied to those letters, attaching pictures of you and Areum over time. He hung it up in his office, taking a look before every shift.

Kun didn’t mind being in the middle. While Doyoung gave her cases to work on, it makes it easier for him to wait for her. Doyoung was a guest first before being a member of staff, and as the human manager, he’ll make sure that he gets to move on too.

Even if you don’t accept cases from big companies, the touching way how Mark described his passed older brother persuaded her otherwise. He even opened up about watching his father and older brother get killed right in front of him. From there, he was held hostage for years and never told anyone about that night.

It was undoubtedly the biggest case in your career. Up until this day, everyone still talks about how complex and intense the battle was.

“Always finding a way to make justice prevail, Kim Doyoung.” You thought to yourself after gathering more evidence from Mark and Kun, working closely also with forensics and the police.

And that you did. With additional information on Johnny’s side, which helped find the empty puzzle pieces to prove his stepfamily’s guilt, they won the case. Life imprisonment and forced transferring of roles, Mark became the CEO. All those involved in hiding the truth got caught and fired from their positions.

You deserved your influential status, and due to your never-ending service, Doyoung found himself falling in love with you over and over again. Even from far away, you felt his connection and passion.

Currently, you were dealing with five cases, one of them being another request for Kun and Doyoung. It was for the murder of Yuta Nakamoto in the late 40s.

Being a migrant from Japan, numerous Koreans held grudges for their people. He was mistreated and disrespected, even if he had the most caring soul. He even found love, ready to get wed. But one normal evening after his job as a Japanese teacher, he was mobbed by Koreans and heartlessly killed. At first, he wanted vengeance. But after Manwol telling stories of souls burning into ashes when they get revenge, he changed his objective to watch the demise of all his killers, who became very influential people in Korean society.

Representing with you was his former lover, Sooyoung. No matter how many times she tried to appeal to the court in the past, no one paid attention because she was a woman and interracial relationships were taboo. Even if Yuta held a special place in her heart, she eventually got married to another man. In the beginning, she felt guilty, but after Yuta told her in a dream call that she shouldn’t be afraid to open herself up again, she never held back. And as a fellow woman who’s been ostracized, you sided with her.

She may not have her happy ending with Yuta, but it only felt right to avenge his wrongful death.

It’s a tough battle, these murderous men not owning up to their crime, and the public also discriminating the dead man by saying he deserved it. But you knew you could do it, even if it’ll take a while.

Back to the newbie, he was in his early twenties. He went by the name, Jaehyun. Just about to start his life, yet taken away just like that. Aside from being the next bartender, he has another position as the vinyl boy in the music section of the library. It came to Manwol’s attention that he wanted to pursue music when he was alive, listening to vinyl CDs or cassette players and taking singing and piano lessons growing up. While he figured out what he wants to do while moving on, he’d be in charge of organizing and playing music for the souls checked in. Sing even if requested, especially by the women who are charmed by his attractive looks.

He was a literal old soul, jazz being his favorite genre. Most of the time, he played Chet Baker or Frank Sinatra when it’s his shift at the bar. He was known for always showing his best and happy-go-lucky sides to everyone.

It took him a few years to start opening about his life, longer than most souls. But maybe because the trauma of it all stung. One night, when he, Doyoung, and Kun weren’t working, he mixed a few cocktails and completely fell off the radar.

“I was a part of a duo with one of my best friends, Hongseok. It was really fun to perform and make music with him, but then he suddenly got into drugs and had a ton load of groupies. I-I just couldn’t do it anymore with him if he wasn’t going to stop. Once I cut off ties with him, I was signed by a class A producer who loved my compositions. He even got me all sorts of opportunities to perform on TV, and I was so excited for it. But one week until I made my official debut, Hongseok reached out again with apologies, wanting to meet up so we can fix ties. I was hesitant, but I still give him the benefit of the doubt because we go way back….” He confessed, puffing out smoke from his cigarette and putting it down on the ashtray. Before he continued his story, he scoffed with profanities.

“That bitch. I fucking trusted him! I was too good to give him another shot. So after practice, he sent me an address to his apartment or so I thought. We were having drinks, just like old times. But something felt off feel when my mind started feeling hazy and I started coughing continuously because my stomach ached like crazy. He asked me if I was fine, and I told him I was. Then suddenly, baam!” He crashed his hands on the table, shocking the hell out of his two companions.

“Holy fuck, Jaehyun.” Kun cursed under his breath. Doyoung nudged him the shoulder to mind his language.

“The deities are watching you, Kun. Let Jaehyun-ie continue.”

So he did. “There I was, standing beside my dead body while Hongseok rummaged with surgical gloves through my bag to steal my notebook of songs. He planted cocaine on the table where I conversed with him, and also in front of my face. Beside my glass, he laid the vial of poison he used and called the cops. With fake tears, he cried on the phone saying that he came home to my dead body and a suicide note.”

Stillness between the three of them was filled with betrayal and disappointment. For a so-called friend, this must be the worst thing you can do to them. To lessen his suffering, Jaehyun brought back his actively lit cigarette and smoked it until all the tobacco was gone. Exhaling a dark grey smoke, he spat out.

“I-I couldn’t believe it, hyungs. I lost everything after making the wrong decision of seeing him. And now, he signed under that label that found me to “give honor to my talent”. How tragic that I suddenly took my life he’d say, oh bullshit! You took away my life because you were jealous!”

Kun decided to call it a night, requesting Yukhei who’s on duty to take Jaehyun’s upcoming shifts so he could calm down. Escorting his intoxicated figure out so the other guests won’t feel bothered, Doyoung contemplated if he wanted to forward another case to you. You’ve been getting so much workload lately, according to Kun, because your success rate is high and highly in demand.

“What happened to Jaehyun?” Manwol showed up from behind, sitting across him. “Did he finally tell his story?”

Doyoung mildly groaned, devastated by it. “He did, and it breaks my heart. He’s still so young, like me.”

“What are you going to do about it?” Manwol stirred the spare cocktail, ingesting it in one go. “Is it another case worth forwarding to (Y/N)?”

“If it helps Jaehyun move on, possibly. I know it’s hard to find staff these days, Manwol. Also, she’s stacked already. I don’t know if she’ll take it.”

She snickered, patting his shoulder. “You know if it’s from you, it becomes her priority. She loves you that much, you know.”

“I know, but I wish I could help her. In person. I would’ve been a lawyer and taken Jaehyun’s case if I were alive. Murder in the first degree, false reporting to the police, stealing, his persecutor is insane and still walking free.”

The fire of passion in Doyoung wasn’t new to Manwol, nodding as he spoke. He was capable of a lot of things, but the world just wasn’t ready to see it. She was more concerned at how the deities will react when he engages in human affairs again. Even if it helps a lot of ghosts move on, it’s highly discouraged to interfere with the living world. It’ll ruin the entire flow of the world.

Doyoung already knew what he got himself into, but it’s one of the few ways he still feels relevant. Always in service for anyone who needs it, dead or alive. If the deities take him away, it’s no joke that it’ll be a riot in the entire hotel.

“In that case,” Manwol’s piercing eyes scanned right at him, filling up his glass with vodka. Second to Doyoung, she grew a fond liking to Jaehyun. She never knew how much he’s been hiding during his stay. “Forward it no matter what. End his murderer’s career at all costs.”

Doyoung smirked, lifting his glass high to clink with hers then chugging it one go.

“I’ll investigate first with Kun to know more about Jaehyun’s life, then we’ll look for someone who wants to testify for Jaehyun to meet with (Y/N).”

Amid the craze and problems in the hotel, at least Doyoung was at ease with how successful his family. Areum became a well-known author for fairytales, got married, and had 3 kids of her own. She most definitely didn’t live down to Doyoung’s promise.

“Is he a nice guy?” Doyoung inspected the man who married his only daughter. It felt like yesterday they played around in the carnival room.

“He is, Doyoung. Intelligent and caring, nothing to worry about.” You calmed his shaking leg, resting your head on his shoulder while you watch the fireflies from the campfire set prepared by the deities.

“I’m just looking out for her, you know.”

“She most definitely does know, even telling stories about us to her kids. Our grandchildren.”

“It’s hard to believe that we’re technically old when we’re always young in these dreams.”

“Maybe it’s just you being used to your youth. Meanwhile, aging is beating my ass every day.” You joked, covering yourself up in the blanket you shared. Doyoung’s bottom lip jutted out, huffing at your mean comments.

“Yah, you take that back.”

“Make me.” You fired back, riling him up.

Doyoung in the dream attacked you by tickling your sides mercilessly. Your body uncontrollably arched back and forth, falling back to the blanket you sat at. He took the advantage to pin you down, gripping on your arms to the side. With his face near yours, you closed the gap with a cheeky kiss. His touch softened, allowing you to pull him lower by his collar. Your lips molded together in every movement, feeling his tongue lick your lower lip for entrance. You freely gave in, moaning filthily.

“Didn’t even have to test me like that, my love.”

How you wished this was longer, if it weren’t for the fast fading out, and morning has arrived again. A short-lived euphoria, yet it left your panties drenched under the covers. The arousal still ran in your veins.

“Kim Doyoung, you tease.”

Back to your real life, aside from bravely taking on controversial cases, there was a thrill in every case you did and it showed by your fast-paced talking and hand gestures. Whether you won or lost, mostly the former, knowing that you helped someone made your life more meaningful.

He often forgot how you’re a grandmother during your dream calls already as time flows differently within the living and the dead. They were the only way you can be youthful and energetic. But with your actual body, it began to weaken.

Early 1990s

Nature decided to take heavier measures on you physically. On one of the monthly visits to the doctor, she noticed something off with the checkup and tests. Especially in the chest area.

“Ms. (Y/L/N) (Y/N), I’m afraid that you have a growing lump in your breast.”

“Are you saying what I’m thinking?”

“If breast cancer is one of those though, then unfortunately yes.”

Areum was by your side that day, tearing up at her announcement. You, on the other hand, remained still and nodding at the truth. You’ve fought for a lot of things in your life, and you were so determined to beat this one.

Chemotherapy, medications, and scans are tiring and draining, but you managed to live for 2 more years. You’ve fully retired, and now and then, mentor the juniors with their cases. You’ve traveled to as many places as you can before the stages of cancer rose.

In your last months of life, you were bedridden in the most expensive hospital in Seoul, getting visits from Areum with her family, Jungwoo and Taeyong. As the latter served as definite friends to Doyoung, it was only natural to befriend them when they came into your life post-war. They supported Areum in any way they can too.  They’ve become a great company in your boring life especially in the hospital. Nowadays, Jungwoo loved sharing stories about his hyper grandchildren, who share similar traits to him, while Taeyong excitedly talked about his recent investment with a promising music company with the dream to debut talented individuals and go international in the long run.

“Mr. Lee Soo Man is dedicated to it! He hopes that next year, all his plans can start and be executed.”

“You’re always investing in start-ups, you know? You think this one will be bigger than the rest?”

“Music is universal, you know. Language barriers may be there, but music brings us together.”

Taeyong was always a delight to catch up with. However, you didn’t expect that conversation would be your last with him. A few days later, he suffered a sudden heart attack and passed. This was a sign that your time was coming. Your body falling more and more feeble every day as the disease fully took you over at night, the monitors always going on a high every so often.

It’s only a matter of time before you leave this life, and looking back, you’ve lived a tough yet productive life. Your daughter was happy and thriving in her career and family. You helped families and couples from their abusive households. You defended those with loved ones who were murdered, robbed, and lied to. You ticked off all you wanted to do beforehand.

Areum made sure to visit that night specifically as soon as she could. With your recent test results have been failing, her gut feeling kept insisting.

It’s a good thing she did.

Meanwhile, it was another day of work for Doyoung, just returning a bunch of books in their respective shelves after some teenagers left on the table. Before that, he bid Taeyong goodbye in the tunnel. It’s always nice to see a familiar face, so he couldn’t miss out on it. He shared any life stories he had with you, updating him about your state. Doyoung knew about it beforehand, and as selfish enough to look forward to it, it pained him to know you’re suffering. He only hoped you could fight through it.

“Doyoung-hyung!” Someone suddenly shouted, but he was shushed by an old lady reading her romance novel, who pointed at the sign that read “Keep quiet in the library”.

Doyoung was also annoyed, instantly nagging on the point person. “Kun! Can you read the sign? Jeez, this isn’t the first time so please-”

“(Y/N) is going off the monitor.” He blurted out. The news from one of the nurses he befriended buzzed through his phone. After finding out about his story, he wanted to help Doyoung especially when he was still alive. Doyoung may a part of the staff, but he’s still a guest. He dropped everything in his hands. Before he could race to the hospital, he changed into a specific outfit for this occasion.

This was it.

Areum was the only one by your side of your hospital bed, weeping due to your weak state. You didn’t want your other family members to witness this crucial moment. It stung that you’ll miss out on the futures of your grandchildren, but you were satisfied to just be a part of their lives. All this machinery trying to sustain your life served its purpose, but the illness you’re fighting was stronger.

“Mom....” Areum sniffled in her handkerchief, holding on to your boney hand. “I’m not ready for you to go.”

“Oh, Areum.” Your thumb caressed her soft palm as reassurance. “You grew up so well. An independent woman you are, you are so loved.”

“Mom, please....” She begged. “I can’t lose you too.”

You will never know how Areum held in her sorrow of not being able to grow up with her father. She hated the feeling of being fully abandoned. She wanted things and people to return to her, but she can’t make that choice. Being by her side all her life, losing you will be the hardest struggle she’ll have to face.

“Areum, you must understand...” You paused as a pang of pain in your chest stabs you. After a minute of enduring it, you continued. “...We are put on this world for a specific time. And if we’re called to leave, we must face it.”

She whimpered whilst holding on to your hand. She really thought you can get through this one like the rest, but your hair has gone, your body lost much weight, and your eyes lost their light.

“Mom, are you happy? You’ve fought through so much to get where you are. I can never do what you did.”

“Y-Yes, I am.” You stuttered, gracing a promising smile. “I had you, our families, and your father watching over me..”

The dreams you get on your birthday were fairytale-like stories that pushed Areum to become an author. She denied how unrealistic and supernatural they were at first. Another trait of Doyoung she got. However, when she noticed how wider your smiles are and energetic you get in the mornings after rather the feeling of distraught, she reckoned to believe they were something special. Despite knowing your love story and its downfall, she felt exhilarated at the things you and her dad did there. In a way, it brings him closer to her. But she still had that void.

“I envy you for that, mom. I wish I met him or at least came to me even if I least expected it!”

Oh, little did she know about that time in the bookstore back in the 70s. It was not coincidental; you and Doyoung planned it very well. You just played along to her complaint, alerted that this wasn’t your story to tell at this time. “Forgive your father just this once, okay? He never wanted this kind of fate for any of us. If one thing stayed constant in those dreams, it’s him always asking how you are doing.”

Her tears become uncontrollable, allowing herself to get puffy eyes and let it all out. “When you see him, please tell him I’m sorry and that I love him no matter.” “Oh, Areum. He knows that, so don’t worry about it.”

The clock was ticking for Areum before she’ll be asked to leave. With you bringing up her father again, she had one last question. Her courage to ask it was so little when she was young in fear you sulk and break down. It hurt her when the bad parts of your past tormented you.

“How much do you miss him?” The question put you in a point of self-reflection. The only person you’ve opened up to talk about him in detail was Areum. Even with your friendships with Taeyong and Jungwoo, there were some things you never disclosed with them. And never did they force you to answer because they can read you on the back of their heads: you’re still heartbroken, yet remained devoted to him.

“I miss him so much that even if this became my fate for accepting his notebook back in our university days, I would foolishly do it all over again. In those times he was no longer with us, it taught me to appreciate what and who we have in our lives because tomorrow is never guaranteed. From his impact, I learned to take care of myself again so I can take better care of you. I’m grateful you were born; he left a piece of him for me.”

“You’ve suffered so much, mom. I hope you can rest peacefully.”

“Thank you for never leaving my side, Areum.” A few tears escaped your eyes, infectious to your daughter’s gloom. “I love you.”

Meanwhile, Doyoung was right outside viewing you and Areum sharing your last conversation and goodbyes. As much as he looked forward to reuniting with you, he didn’t want to leave his only daughter alone. The deities should have shown her more mercy. Still invisible, he observed how Areum trembled when she heavily closed the door of your hospital room. Covering her sobs with her handkerchief, she took one last look through the small glass of the door. You dove into a deep sleep that would then be unawakened.

“I hope your next life is happier than this, mom, and you can cross paths again with dad and grow old with him too.”

Doyoung’s urge to show himself to his daughter to console her was overpowering him, but he restrained himself this time. A few hours later, your consciousness was faltering. Your five senses were losing touch one by one. Important memories of your long life played in your mind. Then your heart gave in and stopped beating. The doctors present there have pronounced you dead. The transition from your body to your soul watching it be covered by a blanket by the nurses was swift yet strange. You didn’t know where to go and what’s next. No book prepared you for this nor can you ask the doctors what to do. Standing there lost with so many questions, it only took someone’s enthusiastic calling for your name to soothe you down.

“(Y/N)!”

It hit you instantaneously that when your day comes, Doyoung would call for your name. Your old age and past illness really affected your memories. He was an honest man and kept to his word this time.

And there he was, just along the hallway.

This was no longer a dream.

This novel kind of exhilaration got you moving your feet, still sore and slow because you were still an old lady.

“Doyoung!”

You shouted back, over and over again before your boney hands slid open the door. At the same time, your old figure drastically and permanently transformed you back to your active twenties. Nothing physically hurt anymore and your energy was on an all-time high. Your room was the last on the floor, a dead end. The left side of the hallway was just a closed window pane.

When you stepped outside and turned to your right, there he properly stood. He wore the same suit and suspenders combination on the day he approached you on your bike. The actual soul of Kim Doyoung who was no longer behind the phone. No matter how many times he’s seen you from afar, it makes him lose his breath from the captivation. For once, he can see you without barriers.

You just realized how you were dressed back into the floral dress on the day you had your first proper conversation. It’s like you’re meeting each other again for the first time. The beeping sounds of the monitors, wheelchairs moving, and chitter-chatter exchanged by doctors went mute. Stunned, you couldn’t stop looking eye to eye at him, cherishing this special moment.

It finally processed to Doyoung that his patience and efforts paid off. In this journey of acceptance, while enduring its trials, it added up to this sweet result to be reunited with you. The adrenaline rush took control of your limbs, legs running to him on the other side.

As his arms widened for a hug, he spun and picked you around in the air. His arms firmly wrap around your waist while your head snuggled on top of his shoulder. You felt safe, warm, and alleviated. Once he put you back down, the overwhelming joy wasn’t keen to pull away from your lover. Doyoung’s lips somehow got closer to yours, your heart skipping beats and his familiar scent intoxicating your thoughts.

With Doyoung still having you wrapped in his arms, he took his awaited chance to close into your parted lips. The fluttering in your stomach was on overdrive, your entire body reacting immediately from his passion. One hand curled into a fist on the hem of his buttoned top while the other rubbed the back of his head. Your legs almost gave in, but with Doyoung’s strength, he held you tight. No previous kiss felt like this. You didn’t have to worry about getting caught by adults for such a provocative display of affection. Your roommate wasn’t going to splash water if she catches you getting frisky on campus. As for Doyoung, he didn’t have to get paranoid about what his classmates would say about their relationship. You were both in your own world for a while.

But wanting to catch a breather from his thrilling dominance, your lips hesitantly moved away first. You took your time to get lost in admiring his features. Wet, swollen lips, flushed cheeks, his dazed eyes, he was irresistible, to say the least.

This was how an almost 50-year build-up would end up to.

“My love, it’s really you,” You finally spoke, caressing your thumb on his flushed cheek. “You’ve been through so much.”

As lovestruck as he is, his pent-up tears streamed down instantly. Except they were tears of joy. All those years he held back.

“I’ve missed you so much, (Y/N). I’m just happy you’re finally here with me.”

He wasn’t joking when he said that the main lobby alone was exquisite after walking through the city. Aside from Kun, that’s where he introduced you to other staff he worked with, such as Jeno, Jaehyun, and the boss herself, Manwol.

“This boy stayed very loyal, you know?” She commended Doyoung. It was a rare thing with her cold-hearted and aggressive personality. “He read to a lot of kids, taught some of them too, and recommended great books for the souls to read. He listened to a lot of souls who wanted justice then forwarded them to you so they can cross the other side.”

An honor to hear from the owner herself, you glanced at Doyoung with so much love. Such a giver than a receiver.

Beside Manwol was someone whom you aspired to meet. Unfortunately, you never met the other boys you’ve helped, so this was a great chance to see at least one before moving on. Hearing about his case and the treachery of it, you made sure to work on it before you retired, eventually passing it on to one of your trusted juniors. So far, his side was winning and that’s all you wanted.

“Jeong Jaehyun.” You held on to his clasped hands as he bowed to you.

“Attorney (Y/L/N). I’m so grateful for what you’re doing for me.”

“Oh, just call me (Y/N). By the way, your side is winning, my dear. Your younger brother Sungchan is committed to clearing up your name, and that evil Hongseok will rot in life imprisonment for his crimes.” You updated him. Without self-restraint, his arms gather you in for a hug. Jaehyun wasn’t much for affection, but this felt like the right circumstance. In return, you hugged him back.

“Thanks to you, Johnny and Yuta are resting in peace.”

“And you are next, Jaehyun. My junior taking your case is topnotch, so you’re bound to get what you truthfully deserve.”

After sharing such a heartfelt moment, you asserted your attention to Jeno. Not going to lie, you’ve looked forward to meeting this boy the most. He was there with Doyoung from the very beginning.

“Doyoung-hyung gets giddy after he makes a call, and tells me everything that you’ve been up to.” Jeno joined in. “He gets grumpy though too, so I like pestering him around to light him up. Oh, I’ll never know what you see in him, (Y/N).”

That gave him a joking slap on the shoulder by Doyoung, signaling to cut it out.  

“Hyung!” He fakely cried, hiding his face behind Jaehyun’s shoulder.

You suppressed a laugh, eventually sputtering out like an engine. Doyoung sighed, failing to redeem himself. But it’s alright. A simple peck from you on his cheek got him all flustered.

“Aish, take your romantic shenanigans when you’re in your room, not in my damn lobby.” Manwol cringed, the evident love bug getting on her nerves. “Alright, everyone. Get back to work!”

Checking in your room was an experience. Since you’ve been to numerous places through the dream calls, there was one main thing you’ve missed to do with Doyoung. As soon as he lifted you by your thighs and roughly shoved his tongue down your throat, you were in for a heated evening. This dominant side of Doyoung when it came to sex was completely fresh. After diving into more erotica over time, he learned about visual porn through Johnny and Jeno. You can say that he studied it very well.

“Almost 40 years of waiting, (Y/N).” He trapped you from above, sliding one of his hands to your bare breasts until it landed on your clothed core. Rubbing up and down your clit in a torturously slow place, he smirked at your desperate whines. Your breaths turned heavy, soaked by his actions. “Remember when I told you to brace yourself back then?”

“Shit, Doyoung...”

“Shush love, I’m in control now. So be a good girl for me, alright?” He growled in your ear, sucking on your soft spot on your neck. You obeyed that night, unbuttoning his shirt impatiently only to reveal his toned abdomen then lowering his crotch to give it a tight squeeze.

He hissed against your neck, pushing your panties to the side and sliding in your wetness.

“You are asking for it now, love.”

A steamy night it was, making up for all those lost years.

The following day, the struggle to walk was real. Jeno even pointed out your limping when you were roaming around the library Doyoung worked at. You never had a younger sibling, but he acted like one. So you punched him in the shoulder to shut up. “Jeez, you’re both so physical. Let me live!”

“Jeno, you’re dead. Don’t say nonsensical things.”

You learned how this hotel’s main purpose was to guide and fulfill the last wishes of ghosts in the living world before moving on. When Jeno asked you if you still have unfinished business, you realized that there is one thing left. Even if you completed your bucket list, that one thing is only possible through the hotel. You and Doyoung sat across Manwol, monitoring your shared dream call like she always did.

“Is this really the only thing you want to do here, (Y/N)?” Positively nodding, she gave you the signal to lift up the phone.

Areum found herself in an unfamiliar forest nearby a river during the day. Even she’s always like playing outside with nature in her childhood years, this location didn’t ring a bell. In fact, she was physically back to being that young girl with the same mature mind in this dream.

She wasn’t a vivid dreamer like yourself, forgetting them as so as she woke up. Even in that “dream” with her father, there were so many gaps. So for this one time, she can fully grasp her surroundings. This dream must have a purpose, she wondered.

While she followed the path that the dream assumed for her to take, she then clearly caught a glimpse of a younger you at the end of that path. Running around and laughing in the grass.

“Mom!” She called out, moving at a faster pace. It’s a good thing this dream brought her back her agility.

At the end of the path, it unveiled you lying down on the grass. Wearing in a dainty dress that reminded her of the 50s, there was an unfamiliar young man beside you. His head face planted on the grass because you pushed him off your body when he tried to tickle you.

It turned out that she arrived at your favorite spot with Doyoung. She’s only heard stories of things you’ve done and talked about her, but due to the war, their spot was devastated. Soon after, it turned into a small condominium building overlooking the river.

“Areum!” You squealed cheerfully to hear her much younger voice. She tackled you in a hug, and you still naturally felt it from where you sat.

“My sweet child,” You cooed in her, patting her back. “How are you?”

“It’s been difficult, but I’ll get by in time.” That was the first thing she managed to say, the grief being very much fresh. No mother wants to be separated from her child, and you weren’t exempted. But that is how life works: you come then you go. The truth tends to hurt.

It was obvious to Doyoung that you were still saddened by leaving Areum, taking this opportunity to give you space and finally interact with his daughter. No disguises nor distance. While the most important women in his life are still hugging in the dream, he pulls himself off from the grass and brushes away some leaves from his hair.

“Areum, I see you paid me back by having top-selling books for children.”

Areum peeked from your shoulder to check who the other man was by your side talking to her. Once he was clean from dirt and leaves, there was the only person he resonated with her. From pictures and stories shared by you, the actual man was with her.

Her actual father was in this dream with her.

“Dad!” She abruptly pulled away from you to approach her father for a bigger hug. You don’t blame her for that, she deserved to see her father even for a bit.

Years of having that empty void only for her biological father, she could care less at this very moment

Doyoung has never cried in a dream call with you, however, this long-awaited moment with his daughter resulted in him softly bawling while feeling her hugs from the chair. He’s proud and at peace to move on not just as your lover or a passionate university student, but as a father.

In their moment of content, only there did it make complete sense to Areum at the unusual memory during the ‘70s at the bookstore wasn’t random. It proved that he really did his best to reach out to her in any way he could.

“This whole time, you were the mysterious tokki. I just thought it was a coincidence. I’m so sorry, dad, that I didn’t notice you.” She sulks. Doyoung in the dream pats her back while lovingly rubbing the nape of her head.

“Oh, Areum. Don’t feel bad. I just wanted to see how much my little girl became independent and studious.” He replies, comforting the disheartened child. “I read all the letters you sent me during my birthday. I was touched then and touched now for this moment. I am proud of you, my daughter. And my love for you never changed.”

The affirmation in his words put Areum in a state of joy, rekindling that spark from the 70s. “I love you, dad.”

Your last mission in this world was to have a special outing with your complete family. Regret was always prevalent in the past, wanting to do this and that but never pushed through. But not in this dream. Just the three of you, happy and carefree from it all.

Unfortunately, Manwol just gave a hand signal that your time was almost up. Time flies by so quickly when you’re fully immersed in something you’re enjoying. Doyoung wasn’t capable to bear the bad news, but with you by his side, you helped him.

“Areum, it’s time for us to go.”

Areum sighed, reality seeping back into the situation. One sleep isn’t enough to make up years of loss. However, she still managed to remain positive in those circumstances. “I wish things worked out differently for our family, but who knows what our next lives will take us?”

In an instant, the two of you in the dream gave your daughter a big group hug. One she’s always yearned for. It’s moments like this where you mustn’t take anything for granted with your family.

“I’m happy you’re reunited with each other, mom and dad. Rest well.” She whispers with a smile, feeling fulfilled. She can grace the living world without wondering how things would be like with a complete set of parents anymore. This dream call successfully filled that empty void in her heart.

Once you’ve bid your final farewell and hung up the phone, you and Doyoung can say the same. A little bittersweet, but it lightened all the burdens in your hearts. The both of you can ultimately rest peacefully and move on.

The timing was perfect for Kun to inform you that the car taking you to the bridge leading to the afterlife was ready.

Jeno, Manwol, Kun, and Jaehyun didn’t want to miss out on this moment, waving farewells to you both. This lifetime may have taken you away from each other physically for a long time, but you still held on to each other. Most people gave up, though it’s not wrong either. It’s better to let go rather than holding on sometimes.

But the both of you were different, something, not even the deities didn’t expect. It’s only up to them to decide if they’ll give you another chance to be together and relive a longer life. A very rare sight indeed. To be granted or not, your story set a standard.

That a love so strong is so patient it endured all the challenges and stress.

“On to the next life, Doyoung?” You asked him, leaning against his shoulder as the car drove under the tunnel. All at the end of it was merely a white sky, where a long bridge awaited them.

“Make sure you wait for me this time.” 

[futurebicon]

Thirst Tweets

I saw the ask that Hazel got and had to write this. And yes these are actual tweets from Buzzfeed thirst tweet videos.

“Hi. I’m Sirius Black and today I’ll be reading thirst tweets. And I regret agreeing to this already.” Sirius told the camera with a small laugh.

He shook his head and reached into the big baby blue cup beside him, pulling out a slip of paper.

“‘I just watched all of the Lions games and am reminded that@SiriusBlack is hot now, was hot then, and will be hot forever. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk’” he read.

“What’s a Ted Talk?” He asked, looking up at the people around the camera with a confused look on his face. Remus started laughing loudly, the rest of the crew also chuckling.

“What? I’m so confused, what’s a Ted talk?” He asked again, making everyone laugh harder.

“It’s like an educational or inspirational video where they bring in different speakers to talk about topics. A lot of kids watch them in schools.” A women standing behind the camera explained.

“I was homeschooled. You can’t make fun of me for that.” Sirius defended himself. Remus continued to laugh.

“Cul stupide” Sirius smiled, rolling up the strip of paper into a ball and throwing it at his boyfriend.

Sirius reached back into the cup and picked up another paper.

“Nope” he said as soon as he opened it. Putting it back in the cup, picking a different one.

“You can’t do that” Remus told him.

“Too bad I did” Sirius smiled, opening up and reading the next tweet.

“‘I started watching hockey just to see @SiriusBlack’” he read. “I mean thanks for watching, I guess” he laughed, crumbling it up to throw it Remus again.

“‘@SiriusBlack is kind of sexy.’ Only kind of” he raised an eyebrow. “‘So I think my type is older men’ WHAT? I’m 25. How old are you?” He exclaimed. “Since when do 12 year olds have twitter and why are they thirst tweeting on it?” He shook his head.

“‘I want to touch @SiriusBlack’s abs.’ I feel like this a complement but I’m not exactly sure” he looked at the paper. Again crumbling up and throwing it at Remus, something he knew he would do the whole time.

“Oh no” he groaned when he saw the next one.

“Read it” Remus told him.

“Shut up” Sirius laughed, shaking his head. “‘Sirius Black is yummy’ stop it” he stopped reading and pointed at Remus. “Stop”

Remus was laughing, trying to be quiet but failing.

“Oh my god” Sirius groaned, going back to reading the paper. “‘Sirius Black is yummy as fuck” he shook his head.

Remus laughed loudly, promptly Sirius to throw the paper harder.

“‘@SiriusBlack is so fine. That if I had one slice of pizza left over. I would want her to have it.’ That ones not so bad, that ones actually kind of nice.” He smiled at the camera.

“Re never gives me the last piece” he grumbled as he pulled out another one.

“You never want it” Remus defended himself.

“It would be nice if you at least offered it.” He rolled his eyes playfully.

“‘Sirius Black is one fine ass man, my first tweet. I rock!’ Yes you do. And thank you for having me be your first tweet.” Sirius reached back in.

“Absolument pas. Nan” Sirius immediately put it back in the cup.

“No, Sirius you can’t skip any.”

“Whoops too late now.” He shrugged as he shook the cup. “I don’t know where it went.”

“Last one” someone told him.

“This is the last one?” He asked to confirm. “Oh thank god, the entire team is going to murder me for this. Oh this ones in all caps.” He said as he looked at it.

“‘I’m sorry but Sirius Black is so hot and funny. I’m gay bitch.’ Makes two of us.” He smirked.

“This was Buzzfeeds celebrities reading thirst tweets. Click over here to watch more.” He told the camera, looking at the telaprompter.

“Bye” as soon as he started to say the word, Remus threw all the paper balls at him.

“I knew you were going to do that. I knew it.” He laughed, pointed at him before shaking paper out of his curly hair.

@lumosinlove

[daydreambelievcr]

"Forensic science... so you're interested in investigating crime scenes?" Valerie wondered. There were times when the blonde briefly considered the idea of returning to school, something more formal than the homeschooling and private tutors of her upbringing. How else was she supposed to get closer to her goal of protecting the next generation? But it felt daunting to even consider, and she doubted her ability to keep up with the other students academically. "Ah, the things we do for family," she remarked, though all of the events that she'd been dragged to for the sake of her siblings had always been ones attended out of love. "The scenery does add to the mystique of this place. Wonder if that's what makes the rumor mill run wild here too." Valerie had always considered herself a mystic, but she still had a hard time wrapping her mind around the more outlandish things that the residents of Anchorage speculated about. At the confirmation that she'd guessed correctly, the performer gave a dramatic curtsy. "It's one of my many talents. I'm used to meeting people from all over." Letting out a delighted laugh when he managed to guess her own origins on the first try, she affirmed, "Yep, West Virginia! That's my hometown, but I lived in California for about ten years. Still consider myself a Southern girl at heart, though."

When he asked whether being a part of the show diminished its magic, she shook her head. "Nope. If anything, there's a whole 'nother layer when you know how everything comes together. My family's been doing this for decades," she informed him, a bright smile reaching her eyes when she noticed the nearby family still buzzing over the performance. "You're right about that, though. Never gets old seeing the wide eyes and big smiles in the crowd." Returning his bow with one of her own, she beamed up at him, glad to finally have a name to the face that she'd grown accustomed to seeing. "Nice to officially meetcha, Seojun. I'm Valerie. Most people call me Val, though. Or Valeria, Sun-young, Sunny—take your pick, I answer to all of 'em." Not Margo though, never Margo anymore. "Oh, I doubt it'll take you five years to get used to this place. I hear city folk are pretty resourceful," she jested, referring to his more metropolitan place of origin. "Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the show! I've been doing this since I was old enough to walk, so it's not scary being up that high for me. Feels as natural as breathing." Her expression turning thoughtful, she studied him more closely. "You know, you're nothing like I thought you'd be," she stated simply, her expression turning wistful at the realization. It was something her imaginative mind liked to do with strangers, especially during her transient years. She'd spot a person in the crowd and imagine what they were like, construct a whole life story for them of her own design. Without even realizing it, she'd been doing it to Seojun too.

"Yeah, I'm almost graduating. Forensic sciences", he explained. Really, he should not be giving out random information to strangers, his uncle would disapprove thoroughly, but honestly, when was the last time he had a normal conversation? If not his cryptic ( and very judgmental ) parents, then it was the drunkards at the bar or the mildly entertaining conversations with other students who were now just too stressed about their exams to be friendly. At this point, if he was risking himself by having idle chat, then so be it. "Oh, I'm not much a church person either, but doin' it for my parents", he shrugged, "but Anchorage does feel different, maybe it's..." — maybe it's the inevitable feeling of doom and violent death lurking at every corner. "Maybe it's the nature. We're surrounded by a lot more nature than I was back home", Seojun resolved, "unless you meant something else". Eyes wide open at the revelation, Seojun did feel a but more self-conscious about being spotted within the crowd, specially with the lazy outfits he sometimes threw over after visiting the gym. His mind, though, quickly flew back to the Valentine's Day event and wondered if any of the performers might have seen something weird while performing. Still, with names not even exchanged, he guessed asking something so gruesome would be crossing the line a bit too bluntly. Mostly of serious demeanor, he dropped a little laugh when she correctly guessed his accent. "You're good!", he cheered on her, "yeah, I'm from New Orleans, born and raised. Moved fairly recently here and I definitely miss the sun", Seojun added with a little smile. "You're from the south too, aren't you? Virginia? West Virginia?", he guessed with a thoughtful expression.

"Right", he nodded about her words about the carnival, "doesn't it lose a bit of the magic when you work here every day, though?", Seojun wondered and then looked around at the people, "but I imagine seeing people's reactions is never boring", he added with a bigger smile upon spotting a family talking excitedly about the show. "I'm Seojun, by the way", he said opting for a little bow instead of the hand shake. "I hope it doesn't take me five years to get used to the weather, though; I don't think I have that much resilience", he laughed. "Ah, it was a really good show, by the way. I definitely should've started with that", he commented as soon as the topic of her outfit came up. "It's seriously amazing how you guys do everythin' over and over again. Doesn't it get scary up there?"

[olivia-anderson-fanfic]

A Miraculous TikTok Account

Part 27

First

Previous

Next

Going on break for a few days because family is visiting <3 Be back in a week-ish

The house was… divided, to say the least.

Carapace was letting Chat hang out in his room. Partially because the other already seemed to consider it an extension of his room and partially because it was the furthest away from all the other rooms.

From the sounds from above, he had gathered that Chloe was staying with Ladybug to keep away from them.

Rena had left the house. She’d said it was a family emergency. He figured she was just trying to get out of the tense environment.

This suited the boys just fine. Carapace wasn’t one to enjoy getting in fights and, though he would if it came down to it for Chat’s sake, he would rather avoid confrontation if he could.

And Chat…

Well, Carapace had some suspicions about Chat’s home life, if he were being honest. By the time he had come on board, it was basically required that all miraculous holders take home a psychology book along with their new piece of magical jewelry.

(Some people would say that making literal children perform therapy for the entirety of Paris after they get deakumatized would be a bad idea. And they’d be right, but Master Fu put the fate of the city into the hands of kids so this wasn’t really that far of a jump for him.)

Originally, he’d thought it was just depression -- if you can really say ‘just depression’ -- or the cat miraculous... but with the touch starvation, the amount of isolation he’d clearly experienced if the homeschooling and lack of slumber parties were anything to go off of, and tendency to shy away from conflict…

He didn’t know how to bring up his findings with the other miraculous holders. He wasn’t completely sure, and even if he had been he didn’t feel like it was his story to tell.

He sighed lightly and looked away from his ‘group project’ (that he was doing all by himself). Chat had closed his eyes about half an hour before and was now using his shoulder as a pillow.

There was a quiet knock on his doorframe and he grinned when he saw Ladybug. He brought a finger to his mouth and inclined his head towards Chat.

She nodded that she understood and kept their voice down as she made her way over: “Hey.”

“Hey. Need a break from Chloe?”

“Chloe isn’t that bad. Don’t be a dick.” She took a seat on the end of the bed.

Despite her barely shifting the bed, Chat stirred a little. He peeked an eye open and then made a tiny grabbing motion at her. Ladybug rolled her eyes and allowed herself to be pulled into his lap to join the cuddle.

“I don’t get how you deal with her,” Carapace said as he watched Chat tuck her neatly under his chin. “I can handle her for a few hours at a time but you guys actually seem… close?”

Ladybug hesitated. “I… had a lot of practice…”

He supposed that made sense. 

“And… well, I get why she is the way she is. I don’t agree with it, but it’s not like anyone in Paris actually has good coping mechanisms, so I can’t really judge her too much.”

He frowned a little. “What do you mean?”

“It’s not really my place to say,” said Ladybug, shaking her head a little bit. This earned a tiny whine from Chat and she clicked her tongue irritably as she settled back against his chest. “Either way, go easier on her.”

Carapace gave a long-suffering sigh. “If I must.”

She sent him a half smile and then closed her eyes.

It was nice for a while. Despite the fact that his groupmates were decidedly NOT helping with their assignment, it was nice to just relax with the miraculous holders that he got along well with. The only sounds in the room were the clicking of Carapace’s keyboard, Ladybug humming along to something on her phone, and Chat’s faint snores.

And then Ladybug shot up. This was a literal rude awakening for Chat, who had rested his head on top of hers, and was now hissing in pain as he cradled his jaw.

Ladybug gave an apologetic smile. “Sorry, sorry, I just got excited.”

Carapace raised an eyebrow at her. “We can see that. Why?”

“I think I’ve got… okay, I wouldn’t call it proof, but I’ve got good reasonings for why no one here can be a traitor.”

Carapace sighed and tipped Chat’s head up, checking his jaw for any sign of a forming bruise (there wasn’t one, thank the kwamis), before turning back to her. “Well, are you going to tell us?”

“I need everyone to be there.” She hopped off the bed and pulled her phone from her pocket. Texting the group chat, probably. This was confirmed a few seconds later when Chat’s phone chimed.

~

Rena had shown up quickly. Very quickly, noted Carapace. Either she’d ran as Rena Rouge the entire way or her house was pretty close by.

Nonetheless, he ignored this in favor of keeping his eyes on Ladybug. He got the feeling she wouldn’t be happy if they started fighting again immediately.

Chat tugged on one of Carapace’s arms and he allowed him to hug it like a teddy bear. Chat was squeezing it to death, but if his arm popped off then it popped off. It would be a noble sacrifice.

Ladybug waited for everyone to take a seat before beginning: “Right. I’m going to prove my own innocence first, because I deserve it. Basically, Chat sleeps like a rock most of the time. If I wanted to I could just take his ring and leave.”

She allowed them a beat to take this in, not that it was needed. No one had really suspected her.

Though, now that he thought about it, she probably would have been the best choice of all of them; no one would suspect the duty-driven hero to be a traitor and she’d faked her personality for a reason she never gave. Dang. Good thing it wasn’t her, really.

“For Chat… he could have easily beaten me in a fight when I was just starting out.”

“And what if he had been taken in recently?” Said Rena.

Carapace sent her a glare. She didn’t shrink away.

“It would take more effort now, but I am still certain that Chat would beat me in a one-on-one fight,” she said between clenched teeth, as if the admission that she wasn’t the best was painful for her.

Chloe hesitated. “And the room?”

“Ran out of time, probably. Or Rena was right and he genuinely just thought he’d already done it. Or it was a red herring. Doesn’t matter, it’s not a good reason to suspect him. Besides, that would just give him away as a traitor. Why would Hawkmoth do that?”

Rena and Chloe looked a little apologetic now, their eyes straying to Chat. Chat just flashed them a tiny smile. No hard feelings between the three of them.

Carapace on the other hand? Nope. He was taking this grudge to the grave.

“Rena has the power of illusions. She could have taken our miraculi at any point and Chat and I would have been none the wiser.”

A good point.

“And Chloe… I’m sorry, Chlo, but you just aren’t cut out to be a traitor.”

Chloe didn’t seem to know whether to be insulted or pleased by this.

“You didn’t put in an effort to make friends with any of us and you messed up too much for us to trust you in that regard, either. There wouldn’t have been a reason for Hawkmoth to be your ally.”

Another good point.

“Just in case, I’m going to add that Carapace isn’t the traitor, either. He never calls for us to help him underwater unless we have a power up on us, which would be giving up his one advantage in a fight.”

Oh. Nice. A good thing to clear up just in case, yeah.

The four mulled everything over in their heads. Ladybug was definitely making sense. That almost felt like it wasn’t allowed in the house.

“Sorry for calling you a traitor, Chat,” said Rena. She looked like she was going to add something else, but she didn’t. Considering no one knew what else she had to apologize for, they pretended not to notice.

Ladybug turned her gaze on Chloe, who shifted awkwardly in her seat. There was a beat where no one said anything, then she reluctantly mumbled a: “I should have thought about it more before accusing you.”

It was as close to an apology as Chloe ever got for them, so they were going to take it.

Ladybug turned her gaze on Carapace.

He raised an eyebrow at her, unimpressed.

“Are you really going to be the only one to not apologize when even Chloe kinda said sorry?” Said Rena, her tone a weird mix of mocking and furious.

Carapace sighed. “Fine. Fine. Sorry for accusing you when you accused Chat.”

Ladybug smiled brightly. “Good! I’m going to make cookies. Any allergies?”

They all shook their heads no so she disappeared to the kitchen, leaving the semi-tense living room behind.

Still, despite all the clear resentment remaining, they all managed to get to the next morning without killing each other or getting akumatized (this was helped in large part by the cookies, which had no business being That Good).

And then, the next day, Master Fu came.

~~~

Taglist

@nathleigh @sassakitty @th1s-1s-my-aesthet1c @blueslushgueen @woe-is-me0 @ladybug-182 @cas-and-their-refusal-to-write @trippingovermyfeet @melicmusicmagic @meimei3841

[raointean]

1. Are you named after anyone?

Yes, actually. My parents watched Last of the Mohican's while trying to figure out what to name me and now I'm stuck with a "grandma name". (I like it though; it suits me)

2. When was the last time you cried?

For fandom stuff, literally this week. For irl stuff, I think it's been a few years...

3. Do you have kids?

Nope, not a teenage mom lol

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

I use it a moderate amount. It's kinda funny though, because I don't always understand if other people are using it if they don't use a "sarcastic voice" (oh my gosh, I'm rocket the raccoon!)

5. What's the first thing you notice about people?

Hair color and the color scheme of their outfit.

6. What's your eye color?

Grey-blue

7. Scary movies or happy ending?

Happy endings by a long shot. I can barely handle Jurassic Park!

8. Any special talents?

There's one room in my house that I can clean faster and better than anyone else. My mom says it's voodoo.

9. Where were you born?

Dallas, Texas 🤠

10. What are your hobbies?

Writing, collecting snail-themed stuff, uno (with some... special rules), and baking

11. Have you any pets?

Yes and no. My family has four pets; two dogs and two cats. One animal for everyone in the family except me because my cat was a punk and ran away. I'll probably get another cat at some point, but I'm leaving for college soon, so not yet.

We're also getting chickens soon, like any good homeschool family should!

12. What sports do you play/have you played?

I played soccer when I was, like, 5. I was on the swim team for a while. I did various dance classes for about 10 years (was never all that graceful lol). I also did crossfit for a while until the pandemic. Nowadays, I just walk around my neighborhood.

13. How tall are you

5'2 wishing I was 6'2

14. Favorite subject in school?

Lit & Comp by far! I had the same teacher from seventh grade to senior year (because she offered a middle school class and a high school class) and she was amazing! Her class is where I really started to discover writing as something fun and she's the reason I can now write legible fanfiction. Also, I'm studying to eventually become an English professor, so I kinda have to like English.

15. Dream job?

Professor at a prestigious school with a lot of free time. Homeschool mom would also be awesome though!

Tagging: @go-sullivan @mai-youdumbass @corvus-lyfe @gayemogeek @eternalstrigoii @arcanescribbler @mutantbanner @peregrintook @potatoobsessed999 @silmarillionno @variousthingsandstuffandwhatnot @zrnas

15 Questions 15 Mutuals

I was tagged by @fenharel-enaste, thank you!!! This looks fun :D

Rules: answer the questions and tag fifteen mutuals

1. Are you named after anyone?

Nope. I was named due to the meaning.

2. When was the last time you cried?

Uh two days ago when the Horrors were upon me.

3. Do you have kids?

Nope!

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Sarcasm is like 98% of my humor and it really gets me in trouble sometimes. D:

5. What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Prev said vibes and I have to second that. It's hard to really explain, but I'm just always paying attention to how someone makes me feel when talking to them. I've got pretty bad social anxiety and a traumatic background so if I find someone who gives off comfy vibes who I feel safe around, that's a pretty big deal. I'm always weighing how safe I am around people.

6. What's your eye colour?

Light blue.

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

Both?

"Happy" endings is a loaded term for me. I don't always need stories to have "happy" endings, but I do want catharsis in some way shape or form. If I don't get catharsis, then why are we even here lol

8. Any special talents?

Mimicking character voice when writing. If we're going to go with a random specific talent. I like to think I have a knack for making characters sound like themselves when I'm writing fanfic.

9. Where were you born?

Portland, Oregon :)

10. What are your hobbies?

Writing (obviously), playing video games (especially survival and RPGs), discussing fiction with friends, DnD when my chronic illness is behaving, reading, making music playlists

11. Have you any pets?

Three cats :) Malka (curly tailed half feral beastie we got off the street), Patrick (orange clinically stupid sweet boy), and Rhaenyra (wee zoom zoom kitten. A menace).

12. What sports do you play/have played?

Literally zero D: we weren't really a family that did "sports" growing up. I did a bit of ballet and some swim lessons. I always wanted to do gymnastics, though!

13. How tall are you?

4'9" or so.

14. Favorite subject in school?

Absolutely any history classes (but mostly any kind of pre 20th century history!), and chemistry.

15. Dream job?

cottage-in-the-woods resident, baker of bread, ideally making enough money to support myself via any combo of my art skills.

TAGGING WITH NO PRESSURE: @robertaramayo @jaz-the-bard @raointean @eldritchteletubbie @softlypause @bananaphanta @creativity-of-death @elrond-kind-as-summer @modernmythic @blueberryrock @valasania-the-pale @themerriweathermage @the-commonplace-book @ichabodjane @ramyun-monster

[chandelier-s-notebook]

If anyone wants to be part of a taglist for Assassinate But Nah, feel free to message me/send an ask/or mention it in reblogs.

Taglist: @sleepysnails @causeimfabulous

Ao3 link

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

It’s the last day of school and the boys have moved from their bench in the courtyard to the roof. Tommy might have had to con the key from the janitors, but they love him.

The three of them are just chilling when Tommy asks Tubbo a question. “So when’s your deadline?”

“For what? It’s the last day of school. All my work’s turned in.”

“Killing me,” Tommy states bluntly.

Ranboo drops his fork. “What?”

“What do you mean?”

Tommy smiles. “Don’t play dumb.”

“Tubbo? Killing you?”

“I’m not.”

“Just shove me off this building and get it over with.”

“Can’t. You’d take me down with you, and it’s only three stories so you might survive,” he syas without thinking.

“Hello? Tommy?”

“Shut up Ranboo.”

“But--”

“Shut up Ranboo,” he reiterates. “You’re free to leave.”

“But should I?”

Tubbo’s eyes don’t leave Tommy’s. “Who’s sake do you care about more? ‘Cause if it’s your own, then run.”

“So I was right! There’s a deadline, know there is, what deadline did Schlatt give you to kill me by?”

Tubbo looks away.

Ranboo’s freaking out six feet away from his two best friend having a calm conversation about contracted murder apparently. This was not how he envisioned lunch to go.

“Do you know why Schlatt wants me killed?”

“I stopped asking him ‘why’ after the third guy.”

“Third?”

“Sorry Ranboo?”

“Am I gonna die?”

Tommy’s face goes hard. “Is he?”

“No,” Tubbo’s quick to reply. “Ranboo’s fine.”

“Good.” Now that Tommy knows Ranboo is okay, he goes back to his light tone of voice.

“Should I be hearing this conversation?”

“No.”

“Not at all.”

“Oh okay cool.” Ranboo stress eats another mouthful of spaghetti. “Can I know what’s going on?’Cause it sounds like I shouldn’t leave you two alone.”

Both boys laugh a little.

“We don’t talk about…?”

“Don’t.”

“You know those Wright Family rumors Boob?”

“Yeah?”

“They’re true.”

Ranboo freezes. He’s ticked this boy post-death threat before. “Oh.”

“Toby Maron over here had transgenerational familiar debts to the Jays and was sent to kill me.”

“What?” Ranboo looks at Tubbo. This is just one of Tommy’s edgy jokes right? “Maron? Thought he was Jacobs? Isn’t Captain Maron’s son homeschooled?”

Tubbo doesn’t look at him.

“I’m gonna go.”

“Bye Boob.”

“See you later.”

He quickly packs his big, eyes darting between the two of them. “Don’t kill each other?”

“No promises.”

“I’d have done it by now.”

“Ranboo descends the stairs but swings back for a moment. “I’m not supposed to know this, right?”

“You aren’t.”

“Cover for us in History?”

Ranboo nods mutely.

“When is the deadline?”

“End of summer.”

“You know usually when cops work for the Mafia it’s ‘cause they want money, not they owe it.”

“Shut up.”

“How much?”

“However much you cost I guess.”

“Well shit.”

“I’m never getting out of this.” Tubbo lies down on his back. “Fuck. At least I had this year.”

Tommy throws his legs over the edge of the roof and looks out at the parking lot. “That’s all this is?”

“This job was designed to break me and get me crawling back for a sense of purpose. Of course it is. It was never going to be anything else.”

“You could get out.”

“Right. One, throw you off his building. Two, get into personal debt with Houver’s other Mafia family.”

“Oh come on. Our dads are literally childhood friends. And with my fake dad no less.”

“Because I was aware of that. Besides, none of the Craftsmen came to help us when gramnpa die and we got into this mess.”

Tommy picks at the roof. “Captain Maron didn’t tell dad.”

“So what?” Tubbo sits up. “Being assigned to killing you made him get his pen out of his ass and write a letter to his friend on the wrong side of the law.”

“Something like that.” Tommy turns to Tubbo. “Dad can get you out.”

“Dan Rough?”

Tommy laughs and shoves Tubbo lightly. “Shut up.”

“Hey don’t do that! If I go down you’re coming down with me.”

“We've been over this.” Tommy pushes Tubbo again.”

Tubbo glares.

“Be my friend.”

“I am your friend.”

“No I mean that’s the condition.”

“The condition for what? Buying off my debt?”

“Yep.”

“Being your friend? Tommy have you met your family?”

“And coming over for dinner. Kristen wants another girl around, and Jordan stopped talking to Dan and Phil after he got his promotion; they miss him.”

“Nothing else from us?”

“No not really.”

Tubbo buries his head in his hands. “So they Jays use debt to make me kill people. The Craftsmen want to use the debt to make us dinner?”

“Yep!”

Tubbo opens his mouth before closing it again. He stares at Tommy, trying to read him. “I’m a damn good assassin. That’s gonna cost you more than the debt.”

“Dad’s willing to pay. He’s been negotiating the debt transfer for months.”

Tubbo picks at his food. “I’m too headstrong for this.”

“Wonder where you got that from. Cough cough took six years for your dad top ask for help.”

“Shut up.”

“Be my friend. Without the whole conflicting interests thing.”

“You promises there’s nothing else?”

“Uhm. Oh! If you get trigger longing, ask if Phil has a job before you shop around.”

“Because he owns me?”

“Something like that.” Tommy pulls off the edge. “Are you going to kill me Tubbo?”

“No.”

“Let me help you.”

“Promise me something?”

“Anything.”

“The only thing Lani has to do is go to normal dinners.” He holds up his pinky.

Tommy interlocks it with his own. “Promise.”

Tubbo nods. “Get me out of this fucking hellhole. Please.”

“There’s only a few more hours of school. You’ll live.”

Tubbo gives Tommy a look.

He laughs and offers the boy his hand. “Come on. Let’s go make Ranboo choose between sitting on the side and hiding from us, or sitting in between us.”

“Evil.”

“Are you actually my friend?”

“Yes.”

“Did you befriend me to get closer to Tommy?”

Tubbo nods. “Yes.”

“Were you going to kill me?”

“Nope. That was never on the agenda.”

“Comforting.” Ranboo turns to Tommy. “So are we just keeping him?”

“Yes we’re keeping him!”

“We’re keeping your would be killer?” Ranboo asks incredulously.

Tommy takes Ranboo in. “You aren’t comfortable with that. Okay. That’s fair.”

“Tubbo how do you like Switzerland?”

“It’s nice.”

“Great.” Tommy pulls out his phone to start texting someone.

“You seem perfectly fine with being friends with your assassin for debt,” Tubbo notes

“Part of the business.”

[thestarkerisobvious]

Ghosting You -- Chapter 9

my amazing art by @mrstarksbaby​​

The Previous Chapters Are Here

Chapter 9: Peter –   Programed To Understand How Far I’ve Fallen He had just gotten comfortable, adjusting the pillow and blanket he now left in the car (he never drove the car anywhere, that just seemed ridiculous)  and FRIDAY was just finishing up a list of the details of all Pepper’s neighbors (according to the last census) when it all fell apart.

“Shall I find another list to read for you, Peter?” she had asked, and Peter couldn’t answer. 

“No,” Peter said.  He had no air.  A wave of incredible loneliness had overtaken him.  Fortunately, the AI didn’t notice.  Or, at least, didn’t comment.  For a long while they sat in silence.

Then, using as much air as he had, he whispered.  “Tell me… tell me about something else.  Tell me about Morgan.” 

“Miss Morgan isn’t being taught at home now. She was supposed to be homeschooled until first grade when the Boss was going to have her tested and put into whatever grade was at her level. She goes to a small school near the farmhouse upstate and just finished Pre-K-4 and is in a summer program.

“Since she started school she talks to me a lot now because she’s bored. She’s the only one in her class who knows how to read.” Peter can hear how proud FRIDAY is of her. And he can her a little amusement as she tells him, “She takes a little too much after the boss to get along well in a normal school environment.”

“But you, Peter, you graduated at the top of your class. You did very well in school. In the fall you start college, although your choice of schools is disappointing. Did you apply to MIT? Your grades and references would’ve certainly had you accepted.”

“Yeah, well, Tony wanted me to go to MIT and Tony’s dead so that’s his problem,” Peter said with bravado he loved to display, but didn’t feel.  “Never mind.  That was stupid.  I’m just standing up to him.  Like an asshole.”

“The boss likes it when you stand up to him. He built us to stand up to him. But there’s a way that helps him and a way that... doesn’t.” She’d paused as if she was about to give away a secret and caught herself. “You hit that chord perfectly. Challenging him to be better. Making him question his answers when you were working together. After you left one afternoon, he said that you were better for him to work with than the entire engineering team at SI.”

“Stood up to him,” Peter corrected her gently, wiping tears away.

It was so strange. Everybody else had tried to comfort him, had tried to make him feel better about his unimaginable loss. Tried and failed. Maybe there weren’t any humans who could have done it. But there was FRIDAY.  Maybe FRIDAY was the answer.  FRIDAY, who had to have known Tony better than anyone else in the world, shy of Jarvis himself.

“Did I argue with him too much?” Peter asked. “It felt like it was too much, that I told him ‘no’ too much. God I wish I hadn’t told him ‘no’ the first time... I know… I know he thought I was so full of myself. Oh god, I was.  I was so fucking full of myself.  And if I had said ‘yes’ we could have spent so much time together. Did I argue with him too much, Friday?” Peter asked, suddenly realizing how perfect this was. He would believe Friday. Friday would answer logically.

“He had so much respect for you, Peter.  More than you’ll ever know.  That’s why he wanted you to take it over some day. Only not just the engineering department, like he was in charge of. He specified that the CEO and President’s positions be split and that you would be president while Ms Potts remained CEO…”

“Oh GOD no!  Oh no no no no,” Peter said, dissolving into tears of shame and guilt.  “No and no. That’s a nope.  There’s no way, no.”

“I’m just informing of you of what the will states, Peter.  He mentioned, when he had me draft his will, that he intended that corporate move regardless of his death, because, after you graduated at some point he would retire. Then when she was old enough, Miss Morgan would be CEO when Ms. Potts retired.

“And you know that once you start college and need to be doing lab work on your own.  The labs you shared are yours. All ten floors of labs in the tower were supposed to be yours.” 

“But I can’t be trusted with SI, Friday, I can’t!  I can’t be trusted with anything… you don’t know what I’ve done… you don’t know what I did…” his voice broke. Dammit he thought he was done with this, but here it was. “He trusted me with EDITH and I blew it. I hid EDITH and I can’t let anyone know where it’s hid. He trusted me with something very little, FRIDAY, and I can’t… I can’t… I can’t be trusted.”

He sobbed for a while in silence, his tears burning his eyes and face.  He was certain he was all cried out.  But just like everything else, he was wrong.  

“Ten floors?”  He said finally.  When he was able.   “The only thing I need is one safe.  A safe inside another safe.  I’ll lock the glasses up… then you’ll lock the safe and change the combination.” 

“I do know what happened in Europe, Peter,” FRIDAY said, her voice sounding gentle and caring. “EDITH told me. You are learning, Peter. And you had a very difficult lesson to learn there. You are very trusting. It’s one of your better qualities, Peter, but it’s also dangerous. You learned that you need to find a balance between your desire to believe the best in everyone... and the harsh reality that not everyone can be trusted. 

“In the end, you performed admirably. You saved many people that day. Including yourself. The mission was a success in more than one way. I know that Tony is very proud of you.”

“Was proud of me… and then he died.  And I love you, FRIDAY.  You took very good care of your boss, and of Morgan.  But there’s things you just can’t know.  You can only inform me of what you knew up until the moment he died.  You can only crunch the information and extrapolate… you can’t speak for him now.  You can only guess.  And I don’t think… I don’t think you’re programed to understand how far I’ve fallen.

“It doesn’t matter… don’t,” Peter interrupted when FRIDAY tried to speak.  “Just… I think I need another list.  Tell me… tell me… tell me the building dates of all the houses in Morgan’s neighborhood in order that they were built.”

FRIDAY complied.  But after that list was finished, and she was halfway into the list of acreage when Peter realized he wasn’t getting any sleep in the car tonight.  Panic at the idea that he would still be trusted because a dead man said so… he wouldn’t be sleeping for a while.

“Shall I find another list to read for you, Peter?” she had asked in the wee hours of the morning, and, just like that, it occurred to him.  Of course she could read a list to him… there were phone books from all the neighboring towns, obviously, when suddenly it occurred to him… he was using FRIDAY to read him any long list of information that could be found on the internet, and why?  He could take that list and run it through ANY AI that read text.  Tony’s AI was special… Tony’s AI could…

“FRIDAY, do you still have access to Tony’s email?”

“Of course, Peter.  Is there anything you are looking for?”

“Nothing personal, obviously, I was just wondering… you could read aloud our email exchanges, right?  The conversations we had?”

“Of course, Peter.  I can search by keyword, or subject line…”

“Read me… read me all the email from… from the month of May.”

[myfriendthedictionary]

a very “stable” relationship - We Are The Tigers (Pt. 1, 1636 words)

pairing: evaleigh (Eva x Annleigh)

CW: horses are the main focus! otherwise, it’s just fluff! ^^

—————

“Are you sure this is okay...?” 

Eva had been asking this for the past hour or so. It wasn’t unlike her to be chatty when she was nervous, but her girlfriend found this level of uncertainty rather adorable. The horseback rider was so used to being the one who needed constant reassurance. The flier was crazy smart, super talented, and generally just so charming that you couldn’t help but love her. Some days, Annleigh felt like she was just... well... Annleigh. 

So, it did feel a little bit nice to get to be the confident one. Just for a little bit. 

(And not at all because she liked getting the opportunity to show off for her girlfriend. Nope.) 

“It’s gonna be fine!” The taller girl gave her girlfriend’s hand a squeeze as the two of them approached the large, wooden structure. Annleigh’s boots clomped along loudly, walking the familiar path. She’d attempted to offer Eva a pair, too, but the flier’s feet were much smaller than her own. Her girlfriend had just settled on her sneakers. Well, had “settled” on them after at least a forty-five minute freak out session about whether she should buy boots for the occasion. Annleigh had assured her that it wouldn’t be necessary.

“I already called Kathy and set everything up over the phone. I used to practically live here, so she trusts me to not kill you or anything. Plus, you already signed the release waiver. All we have to do is put this under the door to her office and we’ll be good to go!” Annleigh led the climatologist through the large doors, inhaling the familiar scent as she did so. Nothing like the smell of hay and manure to send you into nostalgia. 

Next to her, Eva was wide-eyed. She gazed around at all the stalls with fascination, taking in all the horses. It was unfairly cute, but Annleigh had to force herself to focus. She couldn’t be distracted by her girlfriend was right now. Not when she was the one who was supposed to know what to do for once. 

As they reached the office, the taller girl retrieved Eva’s waver that she’d signed last night from her pocket and slid it under the door. It was nice Kathy still trusted her so much. It had been two years since college had started, and she only got to come back to ride over the holidays. Annleigh was grateful for how hands-off her trainer was in this respect. Not that she didn’t love the woman, of course. It was just... her instructor was practically like family, after as long as she’d ridden here. The thought of introducing her to her girlfriend was almost as scary as when she’d introduced Eva to her parents. 

(Of course, Eva had never made a bad impression in her life. More than anything, it would have been another ‘how’d you land such a catch’ kind of thing. Not that Annleigh didn’t think that to herself every day already.) 

Beside her, her girlfriend let out a low whistle. “It’s so much bigger than I thought it was going to be. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many horses in one place...!” 

Annleigh giggled, retaking Eva’s hand to lead her through the aisle. It was pretty early in the day, but the barn wasn’t too busy. A few younger kids here and there who must have been homeschooled waved in greeting to the two of them, but the arenas were both empty. That was good. Really good, actually. 

As much as she tried not to show it, the equestrian was probably just as nervous as her girlfriend was. Maybe more nervous, actually. She really, really, really wanted this to go well. Eva’s interest in horses had been what the two of them had initially bonded over, back in high school. Although she’d never gotten a chance to ride growing up like Annleigh had, she was pretty sure the flier would have loved to if there’d been the option.

“And... here we are...!” Annleigh stopped in front of a stall, releasing Eva’s hand to open the feeding latch so the horse could stick his head out. The gelding, who’d been dozing towards the back wall, perked an ear up at the sound of her voice. Blinking lazily, the animal wandered over and poked his nose out, pushing Annleigh’s hand as she reached up to pet him. “Hi, buddy!” She chuckled, allowing him to sniff her hair. His breath was warm. “Okay, okay. I missed you too!” 

Eva was hanging back, gazing at the horse and her girlfriend in awe. “This is your horse?” 

The brunette nodded. “Mostly mine, anyway. He’s leased out right now to a few kids since we’re at college, but otherwise. Yep! This is the one!” 

The gelding snorted, kicking the stall once to indicate that he was very much not receiving the ideal amount of attention. Eva jumped a bit at the loud sound. Annleigh snorted at her horse’s antics. “Goodness! Sorryyy, Mister~!” She scratched his blaze. “Where are my manners? Pegasus, this is Eva! Eva, this is Pegasus.” 

Eva looked unsure of what to do, so she did a little wave in greeting. “Uhh... nice to meet you, Pegasus?” She was still gazing at him in wonder. Annleigh had to resist the urge to smile. The two of them were going to get along just fine, she could tell. The gelding loved attention, especially from people who would talk to him. It was a match made in Heaven, really. 

“Here, you can come closer, if you want.” Annleigh opened the gate a little further so Pegasus could crane his neck out. She swatted him lightly as he tried to paw at the stall again. “He’s assured me that he’s going to be on his best behavior. Right, Gus?” 

Pegasus gave a snort. Annleigh decided to take that as a ‘yes, Mom, of course I’ll be perfect with your girlfriend! Why would you ever worry about this?’ sort of noise. Rather than a ‘Mom, I’m going to absolutely wreck your relationship’ snort. 

Please let it be the first one. Oh Lord, please let it be the first one. 

The shorter girl approached cautiously, hands tucked into the pockets of the jacket she always wore. The buttons jingled a bit, metal catching the rays of light steeping in from the roof and making them sparkle. “Uhh... hey there, boy?” Eva phrased it more as a question, glancing at Annleigh for confirmation that she was approaching him correctly. The brunette had to keep herself from giggling. The whole thing was so sweet. She really didn’t deserve to know Eva Sanchez. 

Pegasus, apparently, thought that he certainly did, however. He thrust his head out further, bracing his neck against the door and turning it at a ninety degree angle. It made him look like an undercooked giraffe. Eva snorted and looked at Annleigh questioningly, with a look that clearly read ‘uhhhhh.... is he supposed to be doing that?’ 

The rider nodded, motioning her to continue to approach him. “He’s just being silly! Keep going, you’re doing great!” With her other hand, she was digging through her pocket for her phone. She had to get a photo of this. Pegasus had always hated her Polaroid, but she’d take iPhone evidence if it meant she could film this moment. Annleigh flashed a thumbs up to Eva as the other girl reached out to pet the horse’s head. 

“Oh!” The climatologist’s grin grew even larger as she stroked his nose. “He’s super soft!” She gasped lightly as he nudged her, stepping backwards a bit while Pegasus moved his lips down to nibble at her pocket. “Uhh. Whatcha doing?” 

Annleigh rolled her eyes. “Gus, that is very rude.” She stopped snapping photos long enough to push his nose more forcefully away from her girlfriend’s jacket. Please, if you rip that, I will be in so much trouble— 

“He thinks you might have a cookie for him. Even though he knows,” Annleigh said the second part directly to the bay, who was blinking his brown eyes innocently at her. “That he doesn’t get any until after he goes for a ride.”  

The horse snorted. Pegasus had always been a little too intelligent for his own good. Annleigh could never tell exactly how much of any conversation he could understand, but it was more than enough to be a little unnerving. She glared at him to ensure another round of ‘do not mess this up for us’ was communicated. He blinked back. 

... it was hard to tell if he’d gotten the message or not. Horses were hard to read. 

Her girlfriend laughed, reaching up to scratch his blaze again. “Sorry, boy. I didn’t bring any treats. Plus, your mom said no.” 

This did not seem to deter the gelding. Almost as soon as Annleigh had gone back to trying to film, he’d returned to his interest in Eva’s jacket. The horse seemed enchanted by her pins. As they watched, he fumbled the rainbow heart one and attempted to pull it away from her jacket, almost sending Eva toppling forward if Annie hadn’t moved forward to catch her. 

“Pegasus!” She swatted him back, the bay looking entirely too pleased with himself for his own good, and moved to relatch the door. “That’s it. Five minute time out. We do not attempt to steal pins in this family!” When she closed the door, she turned back to Eva, dusting her breeches off. “Jeez, sorry about him. You go away for a few months to school and somebody forgets all their manners. I don’t know what’s up with him... he’s not usually so naughty!” 

“...” 

“...” 

“Uh, babe, I think your horse might be homophobic.” Eva was barely containing her smile. 

They both burst out laughing. 

[thebisexualdogdad]

Malec, Clizzy and Jimon as parents AU

Co written with @inhumanshadows

· So Alec and Magnus have 2 boys (Rafael and Max), Simon and Jace only have 1 child (Stephen) And Clary and Izzy have 3 kids (twins Cora and Iris, Liam)

· Magnus and Alec are the first to start their family so their son's are the oldest, then Clary and Izzy's twin girls and their son is a year younger than Jace and Simon's son

· Malec's sons are personality wise just like their dads

· Very smart, very stubborn and very sassy

· Clary and Izzy's daughters are a force to be reckon with and they can kick the boy's asses any day of the week

· And they protect their little brother.

· Jace and Simon's son is just a little shit who's always playing pranks on people

· He loves pulling pranks. 

· All the clizzy kids can cook. (Isabelle finally admitting she’s not best around a kitchen)

· And the Lightwood-Bane boys are so freaking smart, Rafael is already on track to taking over as the head of the Institute from Alec when he's old enough

· Maryse has her hands full with all these grandkids and she spoils all of them

· Oh the sheer amount of spoiling from her alone

· Malec have the strictest household, Clizzy are in the healthy balance and Jimon have literally no rules

· Jimon has rules put in place by Clizzy and Malec

· Stephen is not afraid of Alec at all and Jace is all proud like that's my boy

· Alec has a realization of terror that Stephen is very much like Jace

· And Izzy thinks it's hilarious

· She has a framed picture of Alec’s face

· All the couples switch off taking care of the kids for date night once a week

· Jimon babysitting means sugar crashes. 

· Clizzy babysitting ends up with simple cooking lessons or art projects or more likely both.

· Malec babysitting means awesome bedtime stories with added magic cause of Uncle Magnus

· One time Stephen got into a little trouble with some graffiti he did on the subway walls so Clary called in retired cop Grandpa Luke to set him straight

· Clary is stern and responsible on the outside but after she pulls her nephew aside and gushes over the art

· And both Simon and Jace are like oh thank god we don't have to discipline him ourselves

· Clary: “bitch you thought....” and hands them parenting books

· Cora and Iris are fascinated by the mundane world and have snuck out a few times to go dance at clubs

· They end up at pandemonium a lot. And Uncle Magnus has the place spelled to let him know.

· Magnus may be the cool uncle but he does give them the ultimatum to tell their moms themselves before he does 

· Liam is 100% like Clary. Covered in paint or chalk pastels.

· The boy is a total artist prodigy

· Izzy is a bit worried when she thinks he hasn’t inherited much from her. But Liam is killer at darts and takes up archery. Uncle Alec sheds a tear

· Cora and Iris also take after Izzy in been highly knowledgeable with weapons which the boys are all terrified of

· They pray for whomever messes with them

· Rafael and Max are more inherently book smart than physically inept but Alec trains with them everyday

· Clizzy’s children all argue over possession of Izzy’s electrum whip.

· The amount of times any of the kids have broken into Magnus' apothecary supplies and accidently blew stuff up or drugged themselves

· He has to put non lethal magic to keep them out of it. Stephen isn’t the bravest but does his best. And Jace is so the overprotective parent

· Everyone is shocked at how protective Jace ended up being, even Simon is more relaxed than he is 

· "They're so fragile! Do you know how easy it is to break a kid?"

· Simon tells Stephen to keep an eye on Jace when he babysits and Simon has to work.

· Simon "babe please don't feed them pizza and ice cream again Alec's gonna be so mad"

· Birthday parties are always awesome.

· Even Alec enjoys them as well as family barbecues

· The kids get really spoiled by Grandma Jocelyn and Grandpa luke.

· Luke is the grill master at barbecues and Jocelyn slips every kid some money for candy and junk food

· Jocelyn teaches the kids about the old days of the shadowhunters.

· Rafael and Max speak multiple languages and will speak in another language around Stephens to make him mad

· He gets back at them by making references they don’t get

· Rafael and Max are just as clueless about pop culture as their dad's meanwhile Stephen lives off it

· When the kids are old enough to start dating Clizzy are excited, Malec are worried and Jimon are 50/50 

· The twins have a very open relationship with their moms so they can talk about the people they have crushes on

· Alec on the other hand is like oh no i didn't sign up for this

· Alec: “I didn’t sign up for emotions and relationship talk.”

· Magnus: “just wait till the sex talk

· "nope, Jace can handle that" 

· "you really want Jace to give our kids the sex talk?" 

· "well he gave me the talk when we were they're age"

· Magnus is like 😑 Or *looks into camera* “this boi...”

· there’s conflicts about the kids going to school in the mundane vs the shadow world

· Clary and Simon obviously want them to experience the mundane world like they did, Alec, Izzy and Jace want homeschool like they did and Magnus is like why do they need school again?

· This leads to immense arguing. Until Jocelyn to the rescue: “they go to mundane school and learn about the shadow world at night like Clary”

· You can’t tell me that Clizzy didn’t start their own inclusive fashion label

· The kids of course designed some of the fashion labels clothing and happily promote the label.

· Cora and Iris are some of the most popular kids at school so everyone wants to wear Clizzy's stuff because they are

· Liam is popular in his own circles. He’s one of the top artists at the school.

· Stephen is the “bad influence”

· Rafael and Max get straight A's and are at the top of their classes

· The others have subjects they excel in and ones they help each other in. Although Stephen while a smart kid has some focusing problems

· All the pta mom's have a crush on Jace

· They all end up going to colleges in New York to stay close to the Institute

· They all live in a shared loft which, thanks to magic fits them all. And they have to periodically make sure the other eats

· Of course Rafael make a chore chart which Stephen doesn't follow at all

· Rafael's like: “guys chore wheel!!”

·Stephen: “fuck ya chore wheel!”

· One night the twins come home from class and the boys had stolen their face masks and were having a spa night

· They’re like: “we should be mad... but they’re taking care of themselves...” 

· They then take the boys shopping for spa day supplies tailored to each of them. They all get together and relax after stressful weeks

· And all the couples gush about how cute their kids are

· So many baby pictures

· And they all embarrass the kids on social medias

· Sole reason any of the parents have social media

· Clary, Izzy and Simon all leave supportive and loving comments on the kids posts, Magnus leaves historical facts retaining to whatever they posted about, Alec leaves the randomest comments that no one understands and Jace just leave troll comments

· And clary’s Insta is full of candids of the kids and the fam

· Alec posts once every 6 months and it's usually of the kids training

· Magnus has a lot of photos with the kids and the chairman. As well as local visits to cat shelters

· Izzy's Insta has a theme and is organized and model style photos

· Simon posts very artsy hipster pictures of New York and inspirational quotes

· He also has pics of his boys at amusement parks. And the first big family trip to Disney was a sight

· Meanwhile Jace's insta is an actual disaster and doesn't even put captions on most his posts

· Simon and Stephen give Jace a crash course on insta

· One time Alec saw a beer bottle in a story and freaked out, Magnus had to stop him from going to the loft to scold them

· “Alec... they’re grown ups... as much as you don’t want to admit it.”

[askintothevoids]

I Like His Jacket

TW: Like a the tiniest dash of homophobia, but it’s mainly too boy hanging out

“LJ!”

Logan turned his head around, promptly seeing the neighbor boy jumping up and down at the fence. He still couldn’t believe he was a year younger than the excitable boy, it surprised him to see someone so giddy to talk to a younger party.

“Um..What?”

“LJ! You said your middle name was,” Patton mimicked Logan, but much more exaggerated, “Jean!”

“Oh.. so you changed my name to LJ?”

Patton shrugged, starting to climb the fence.

“I dunno, I always wanted a cool nickname, like Monty or something. I don’t want to be called PV though, that’s weird.”

Logan rudely mumbled an “uh huh”, turning back to his book.

“Whatcha reading?”

“Frog and Toad.” Logan answered, his annoyance fading, “Dad says it's below my reading level, but I like it.”

Patton plopped down next to him, whimpering a soft “ow” as his bottom hit the dirt ground a little harder than intended.

“Can I read with you?”

Logan was confused for a minute, before shifting the book so Patton could see. Strange, no one ever wants to sit with him.

“Wow, I like his jacket,” Patton hummed, his knees up to his chest.

“Me too.”

Logan had never been too sure what it was about Patton. At first, he figured it was because he’d never met another kid while he wasn’t at school before. Logan was homeschooled for the early years of his life, and most kids in the neighborhood were his older brothers’ friends, so where was the time to socialize?

Patton moved here after Logan, he said he was originally from Montgomery county. As far as the introvert knew, he was born in Quebec and grew up in Logansport, Cass county. (Though, his parents shamelessly said “ass” county, like it was even remotely funny.) That’s what his father made him rehearse to say, at least. He never understood why the name, Logan, but perhaps his fathers had some blatant inspiration from the city.

The boy next door was strange, though. He talked with such emotion, and wanted to rustle and tussle without ending Logan’s life like his brother did. He’d never seen someone so scared of hurting another person, Patton even apologized to flowers when he stepped on them.

“I’ve always wanted to read this book,” Patton mumbled, starting to lean onto Logan.

“Really?” Logan said, a little too excitedly for his taste.

“Yeah, my dad said I couldn’t.”

Logan might’ve leaned back onto Patton.

“Why?”

Patton paused.

“Said it was gay, so I wasn’t allowed to. I don’t get why though.”

“I see nothing wrong with that. They’re just neighbors, like how we’re just neighbors.”

“Right!” Patton yelled with victory, “That’s what I thought!”

Patton hugged Logan tightly, most of his grip was settled on Logan’s scrawny shoulders. It was almost bone crushing, way too strong for someone his age. It made Logan glad he wasn’t brawler, Patton might’ve broken someone's spine at this rate.

“Too tight!” Logan yelped.

“Sorry!” Patton giggled sheepishly.

Logan pushed Patton’s arms off of him, but still continued to lay against him.

“You gonna get any taller?” Patton asked, mischief in his voice.

“Nope!” Logan laughed, flicking the taller boy’s shoulder.

“What’s the guess this time?”

“5’6.” Logan affirmed.

“That’s better than 5’4, my mom thinks I’ll be 5’11, shortie.”

“Doubt it, you’ll be the size of Wall-E at this rate.”

Patton giggled, shifting to lay down.

“You’re my favorite short person, LJ.” Patton declared, “I know a lot of short people too.”

“You're my favorite tall person, Pat.” Logan reciprocated, “I know a lot of tall people.”

Patton grinned, a certain shimmer in his eye.

“Does this mean we’re best friends now?”

Logan’s eyes widened, looking down at the older boy.

“Sure, I guess it does.”

“Yes!” Patton pumped his fist in the air, as he chortled.

Logan smiled at the boy next to him, discarding his book to the side.