#anyway cale is a little shit here

[screamingtofuu]

It is currently 3.20am and i just finished my finals now i get to enjoy my 3 days break before new semester starts woo anyway have some twins AU

[yuriisclumsy]

I'm so excited that more people started taking cale request!!!✧\(>o<)ﾉ✧

Anyway hiii! Can I have an enemy to lovers with cale henituse and fem.reader idk something cliche like a dance scene or one gets protective of the other or maybe a cute "oh shit I'm actually in love moment"

Sorry I'm bursting with ideas rn.~

Love's Dance

Part 1 (You are here) | Part 2 | Part 3

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗��: 2,729

Authors note: You ask, and I shall deliver. PS. why did you give me such a good idea? like, I'm at 5k word for the overall thing, and I am not even done yet... (send help)

The streets of Roan Kingdom's Capital were bustling like usual. The vendors selling their goods, children running around carelessly, mothers screaming at them to not get dirty, and the usual underground activity Arm did. 

I strolled through these streets, thinking of nothing and relaxing ‘til I get another mission. 

“That reminds me…Arm has been quiet as of late. Sigh…they are up to no good…” I spoke to no one in particular, walking back to the Quiet Isle lodge. 

Quiet Isle is an inn in an area a little off the center of the Capital. I stayed there for the past three weeks after finishing my last mission. The price to stay is cheap, while still being comfortable. It has comfortable rooms, a clear view, free breakfast, and most importantly, it wasn’t noisy at all! Bonus points for the innkeepers, as they have been nothing but sweethearts.  

All-in-all, a good Inn if you’re looking to get your coins worth. 

I went through the inn’s doors, a sweet aroma of lavender hitting my nostrils as I neared the front desk.  

The Innkeepers were an old couple, and the misses genuinely enjoyed the smell of lavender. That is why, as you walk through the inn, you’ll be met with an influx of light purples from the flowers. 

Reaching the desk, I was greeted by a senior woman whose smile could cure all kinds of child injuries. 

“Oh! Why if it is the youth I’m all too familiar with!” The old granny said, delighted to see me. 

 “Greetings, Granny Fes,” I vowed curtly with a small smile. “Have there been any new guests at the inn?” I asked as she extended her hand to give me a piece of candy. 

Receiving the small candy, I offered a small ‘thank you.’ She said a quick ‘You’re welcome!’ before responding to my question. “Yes, yes! I welcomed a few new guests shortly after you left this morning for a stroll!” she excitedly told me. 

“Two of the five I welcomed are a couple expecting a child! Isn't that exciting? Ouu, to be young again…” 

“Oh, please. I say you are still quite young!” I say to get her head out of that cloud. 

“Fufufu, you are too kind [Name].” Granny Fes pinched my cheek as she got a bit flustered. “I believe one day you’ll meet a handsome young man that is suited just for you.” She added. 

I blushed a little, “Oh no, I don’t think that will happen…” I pause for a second. “Do you really think I’ll get lucky enough to have that...?” I asked, not believing I would get someone special to spend my days with. 

“Don’t give me that!” Granny Fes yelled, as if scolding one of her own. “You are beautiful! Which man wouldn't dream of having a wife such as yourself!?” 

All I could do was smile in response. This is how I want things to always go. Living in a peaceful area, sharing memories with people I meet along the way, even starting a family. Arm is nowhere near that picture. And it will never be. 

But alas. Good things always end. 

“Ah! That reminds me. [Name],” she called my name and handed me an envelope, “You received mail from a young lad. He said it was urgent.”  

Looking at the envelope as Granny Fes left to continue her job, I had an ominous feeling, yet I couldn’t pinpoint what it was.  

I turned it around only to see Arm’s seal stamped on it. Arm only sends letters if it is an important mission, and based on the color of the seal, it is of utmost importance.  

I am already not liking this I thought, refusing to open the letter. Maybe if I were to pretend its existence was nothing but a useless paper, it would disappear. But alas, I needed to open the envelope. With worry present in my face I opened it with the seal. Inside was a letter addressing Agent White Gold.  

That code name. It is the thing I despised most in this world. 

To Agent White Gold, 

Play time is up, White Gold. You have been assigned a mission in the Henituse Territory. We have discovered the traces of the leader of the organization known as ‘True Arm.’ Your mission is to go there and find out who the leader of the organization is, dead or alive. It is your choice which one you pick.  

A carriage will come to pick you up at sunrise, so don’t miss it.  

Once you arrive at your destination one of our men will greet you and guide you to your resting location and hand you an envelope. Inside, you will find descriptions of the one we are looking for, alongside a list of individuals that we found to match the description of our target. 

Remember, Agent, we are counting on your success. 

Don’t disappoint us, 

Arm 

Dammit… The moment I receive some peace after working for them like a slave…! I angrily store the letter to shreds, as if it were them instead of the letter. All I wanted was to disappear from the eyes of those bastards. They took me from my home, changed me to fit in an identity they made…they just can’t leave me alone, can they? 

 

I wanted to say no. To be able to run away to a far corner of the world so they would never be able to find me. But it is impossible. No one leaves. Rather, they die. Dying was the only way out. 

Yet, I want to live. 

I looked at Granny Fes as she talked with a few guests that were checking out. At that moment I knew that if I tried to escape, they would get everyone I was surrounded by. She doesn't deserve that. Neither does her husband, or her children and grandchildren. 

It is best I comply. 

“Sigh…Once you're in, there is no escaping their grasp…”  

The sky was tainted in hues of blues, purples, and oranges. The sun was rising from the nap it took, and fully ready to greet us. 

A carriage arrived early at the Quiet Isle Inn. Inside stood Granny Fes and Gramps Liy right next to me. Their eyes expressed sadness when looking at me. 

“Why so sad?” I asked the couple. 

“Oh, it’s just…it’s just that we’re both sad you’re leaving so soon.” Granny Fes confessed. Her husband, a bit more stubborn, only scuffed. Granny Fes elbowed him hard with a smile still shooting at me, gaining a small scowl from Gramps Liy. 

“AGHEM,” he raised one hand to fake a cough, “I guess you will be missed.” 

I laugh at his antics. Deep down he cares, he just has an unconventional way of expressing his feelings. 

“I’ll miss the two of you.” I looked at them with a small hinge of sadness but kept a smile to reassure them. I looked outside to see the coachman wave his hand signaling that he was ready for departure. “It seems I must go,” I turned to them, “see you later?” 

“Yes, yes. Goodbye little lady.” Gramps Liy ‘shud’ me to the carriage as he and his wife stared at me opening the door of the carriage. 

“Farewell, sweetheart. Make sure to take good care of yourself. And remember to look out for good lads while you’re traveling!” Granny Fes nagged me like I was about to never come back. Although, she was right about that. I don’t think I will be able to come back if I want to protect them. 

I laughed and said a small ‘I will!’ as I climbed into the carriage. Closing the door the carriage started moving. I waved to the couple one last time before I could not see them anymore. 

Sighting, I took out the map I packed. Looking at my destination, it was a few days from the capital. “This is going to be a loong trip…” I commented, making myself comfortable for the journey ahead. 

I hope I get this mission done quickly, so I can get another vacation from Arm. I looked up at the ceiling. I mean…how hard could it be to find this ‘leader’ anyways? 

… 

An old butler walks dutifully around the state halls. In hand, he holds a tray with a fancy tea set with a steel dome keeping the food inside warm; its aroma could be smelled by the passing housekeepers with wet laundry. 

The butler knocked at a door, he did not have to wait long, as he got an immediate response from the person inside. Opening the door he says his greetings. 

“Good morning, young master. I brought breakfast along with your favorite drink.” He says as he places down the tray on the table close to the window. 

“Ah, thank you, Ron.” A male voice thanked the butler. 

“It is my pleasure, young master Cale.” The butler, Ron, bowed. 

The man, who is now identified as Cale, sat down on the table to enjoy his breakfast. 

“Young master, if I may…” Ron waited for permission to continue speaking. 

“*Sight* Just spit it out.” Cale said in an uninterested voice. This is another one of his tangents. Drinking the lemonade that Ron made as he thinks of Ron’s earlier endeavors. 

Ron smiled, “I have detected Arm activity within the city.” 

“PFF–” spilling all the lemonade on the cup, he looked at Ron with widened eyes.

What is Arm doing here?! They have more pressing issues to deal with! Like, figuring out who Real Arm is! Cale’s thought went haywire.

 

Ron took his handkerchief out and gave it to Cale to use. 

“What do you mean there is Arm activity in the city? Is it more bombs?” He asked while using the cloth given to him to clean the mess he made. 

He shook his head, “no, at least not yet. I have seen them snoop around the city for information. It would seem we left them a small lead.” 

“Not good…” 

“If you’d prefer, young master, I could go rabbit hunting.” 

Looking at Ron with a drop of sweat evident in his forehead, he reluctantly answered. “...do whatever you want.”  

“Hehe. Then I will take my leave.” He bowed before leaving the room without making a sound. 

Scary old man. He looked outside pouring more lemonade in his cup. It’s not a good sign if Arm is here. I need to prepare in case they strike. 

… 

“Hey, wake up! We’re almost there!” 

“WHAT? HUH–huh?” I got up from my seat at lightning speed, looking around in a daze. As I scoot closer to the window, I see the giant walls looming overhead. On top of one of the towers built in the wall was a flag. It was the Henituse’s family crest imprinted on it.  

I’m already in the Henituse territory! 

Getting closer at the entrance door of the city, the carriage stopped, as they had to do a check before letting anyone in. 

“Execute me, m’lady. May I have your identification paper?” A soldier asked me. 

Security check? When I traveled to other places, they didn’t ask for my identification but the coachman’s. 

I handed him the paper without complaint, receiving it right after he checked that everything was good. The other soldiers gave him a thumbs up after checking the carriage and the coachman. Without further interruption they let us through, wishing us a happy stay. 

“That was…something.” 

The coach man dropped me off at a tavern near the city square. Going upstairs to the second floor of the establishment, I sat down at a table near the edge of the balcony. Waiting for the man that was supposed to give me the information mentioned in the letter I looked out into the streets, I could see the liveliness of the people.  

They were too lively in my opinion. 

Hearing footsteps approaching my table I diverted my attention to them. I was greeted with a man wearing a hat with fancy clothing. 

“Hello, m’lady,” the man greeted by taking his hat off and vowing curtly. 

Didn’t know Arm also had rich allies. I thought, seeing the man's mannerisms. 

“Good evening,” I vowed slightly, “are you the one mentioned in the letter?” 

“Eager now, are we?” He sat down in front of me with a smug smile. He placed his hat down before taking out an envelope. He slid it across the table. As I grabbed it, I took out its content.  

It was a list of suspects. They all had red hair and were male. And that was it. No underground activities, no records, nothing. 

“That’s…it?”  

This is the only information they managed to find…seriously? I thought. Was someone able to sneak past Arm’s noses? How is that even possible? 

“Unfortunately, it is.” 

“Ha...!” I laughed at the absurdity of the situation. I looked up at the man after reviewing the list of suspects.  

“This is the only description we managed to find,” the smile on his face dropped into a frown, “only at the low cost of our scouts: a single spy was able to escape long enough to hide a piece of paper in a tree trunk…” he said. 

“....” I looked down at the list.  

To be able to kill all of our scouts…this is no meek foe. Just thinking of how strong they are sends shivers down my spine…  

“I have arranged a small room at an Inn close by here. I have left some equipment at your disposal. The location is on one of the papers in the envelope.” The man stood up and put his hat on, adjusting his suit a little before looking at me.  

“If you need anything else, I left a card at your place with instructions as to how you can contact me. Remember I’m at your service m’lady, Tata! ~” 

“I will keep that in mind.” 

Watching as he disappeared behind the doors of the second floor, I decided to order something to eat before heading to my fixed place. 

…

 

“…a festival?” Cale looked at the flier given to him. 

“That’s right,” Count Deruth, Cale’s father, said nonchalantly, “the festival will brighten the people's moods, as well as show that we are financially good.” 

Politics…. 

! 

“Wait, here it says the ‘Henituse’s’ are attending…I don’t have to attend…right?” 

Deruth raised an eyebrow in question. “You don’t have to go.” 

“...” 

I must go. *Sight* My well-deserved rest has been postponed once again… can’t I catch a break for once? 

“On that note, I have reserved a spot on the city square where we will be presiding during the time,” he said as Cale gave him back the paper.  

“You don’t have to talk–or better said–you don’t have to even move. Just sitting there is enough.” 

Cale smiled at this I don’t have to move? Seems perfect to me! 

“I’ll be attending in that case.” 

“The festival will start in a few days. Be ready.” 

Cale exited his father’s study, walking back to his room. 

I need to tell Ron about this. It’ll be no surprise if Arm takes advantage of the festival. There stands a man with black hair waiting outside Cale’s room for him to come. 

“!” 

“Young master Cale!” The man runs towards him with puppy-like energy. 

“Choi Han, is there something you need?” Cale asked. 

“I heard from Ron that there have been suspicious activities happening in the city. So, I came to ask for permission to investigate.” Hans explained. 

Cale hummed. Strange. Usually, you would do these types of things without letting me know. Perhaps he thinks this is a bit dangerous and if he doesn't return, we know where to look? 

“You can do as you please, no need to ask for my permission.” 

“I see…thank you young master,” Han vowed, “I will report back immediately once I find anything!” As he said that, he began to leave. 

“Oh, and, Choi Han?” Cale spoke before he could fully leave. 

“Yes, Cale?” 

“If you find anything, make sure to report first. Don’t go around making havoc, got it?” Cale instructed. 

“...yes” he responded with a bit of thinking, knowing it was the best decision. 

Let’s see what they have in store for us. Cale entered his room, he’ll laze around until the festival actually begins. What a bother… 

… 

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Master-List

[sadlynotthevoid]

Normally I'm an og AlbeCale shipper, but a RokCale Tangled AU would be really funny.

Imagine the scene at the bar with ogCale as Rapunzel, singing about whatever his dream is. Growing trapped in a tower and being he who he is, I can see it being the same that the movie or something related to freedom or a family.

Then someone asks Rok Soo what his dream is and he is like—

Rok Soo: Slacker life.

Griphook guy: excuse me?

Rok Soo: I want my slacker life.

Also, like Rok Soo is Rok Soo, instead of being two people traveling, they're four. Because Lee Soo Hyuk and Choi Jung Soo were the other two commiting crimes with him and they are not betraying their donsaeng. Enter into that suspicious tower? It was their idea.

Plus, Raon can be part of their group.

Then you have Barrow as mother Gothel. Guy kidnapped Cale when he was little to use his powers for him. He also wanted to see if there was anything else Cale could do with his powers besides healing + immortality. He's busy running his secret organization, so he didn't realize when Cale started to be more wary of him. Or that Cale's pets are actually beast people.

Ohn and Hong play the role of the chameleon. They had been living in the tower with Cale for a while before this guys broke into their house. They're fine with it because anything that puts distance between Cale and that bastard is good in their books. They're also the ones that helped Cale realize that whatever Barrow wants, it's not good for him.

Idk about the horse tho. Maybe thy can have an Archie instead.

Btw, Cale still can be the Count's son instead of a prince. Because Rok Soo would steal a rich Count's money rather than the crown of a royal family. Is less dangerous and easier to use. Where would you sell a crown, anyways?

Bonus:

Raon: Human, this red guy looks familiar!

Rok Soo: (he has been trapped here for ages, where would he even know him? Mm, let's ignore it for now)

Two persecutions and almost a whole movie plot later,

Raon: Human, I remember it! I know why he feels familiar. Shiny Cale looks a lot like the red haired lady of the Count's portrait!

Rok Soo: ...

Soo Hyuk: well, shit. That explains a lot.

[misakisakuya]

Why are some fanfic writers like this???

Like why do they make every character have no personality except for simping for Cale???

Like the only personality Choi han and Alver have are-

Cale's loyal do-knight and simp, Cale's ATM and simp

And sometimes they make them both cheaters!! Mostly Alver

AND WE KNOW DAMN WELL HE WOULD NEVER!!!

Also Choi han has so much more personality than being Cale's knight dammit!😭

Like you would think the sassiest of them three would be Cale or Alver but NoOOoo it's Choi han!

He is a little shit who would give both Cale and Alver plenty of sassy remarks (as well Ron and Vicross)

And Alver?? Do i even need to start??

I should not cause then it'll turn into paragraph due to clear favoritism-

Anyways so Alver has that mature and cool headed personality for the most time but when he is with his close people he lets lose from time to time so he also has a prankster and kind of curious side to him as well.

He is also adventurous and likes to learn new things because he has been limited to the outside world since he was young.

He loves teasing Cale as we all know but also Choi han. He loves playing with kids- the wolf cubs too if he stayed at the Rock mansion. I imagine him pranking Cale and Choi han along with the kids and getting caught when they try to prank Ron.

And-

Yeah i should stop tight here.

Anyways the point is!

They have so much character depth and personality so please- i am begging you all, don't limit these amazing characters to being Cale simps when they aren't 😭

They have familial love for Cale and yes, they both love Cale a lot but it is not their freaking personality!!!

[asterefflores]

Hello!

How are you?

I Just wanted to say that your story truly touches my soul and i love it sooooo much 😭♥️

And one more thing ...

It's kinda a reaction but can I know what happens If:

Cale and rok soo have a little argument with each other but it gets so bad and Cale snaps and shouts at Rok soo :

"I wish you were never my brother from the start and even if you ever were I wish i hadn't made that deal to change our places to see you again!!"

I wanna know what the twins and others reaction is..

You know.. it has been running like shit in my head...

And.. Can I have some fan arts about it please?

I'm sorry If it's too much of a request 😭😭

Glad you're loving and enjoying my fanfic 🌸🌸

As for the requested fight, I'm sorry I don't feel like drawing it *cough* but I did write a mini- or I think it's the average length for a single novel chapter? lol anyway I wrote a chapter for you I guess, I'm guessing it's based on Cale and RokSoo in my fanfic, right? Otherwise it would probably turn out differently, cuz my Cale here is stable(?) and I can't add too much angst into the fight without being realistic to their characters in my fanfic lol but here it is, hope you enjoy it.

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

“I wish…”

Rok-Soo observed as Cale before him sighed quietly with his eyes covered as he rested his forehead on his palm. The air around the younger redhead made everyone tense up.

“…I wish…”

“…Cale?” Rok-Soo slightly frowned as Cale's voice grew weaker and more weary.

“I wish you were never my brother from the start…”

“……”

It was barely audible, but everyone seemed to have heard the whisper coming from none other than Cale.

“I wish you were never my brother from the start…and even if you ever were, I wish I hadn’t accepted the deal to change our places to see you again…”

The room was so silent it was hard to tell if anyone was even breathing.

Rok-Soo’s face remained the same, looking long at Cale, whose eyes were still hidden behind his pale hand.

“I see,” His calm voice nearly echoed in the room after the heavy silence. He nodded as he pushed himself to his feet calmly. “I’ll let Ron pack everything for me and leave tonight. I’ll be in Super Rock Villa.” He heard a quiet sound like a scoff from the other.

“I don’t see why you need to tell me where you’re staying at—”

“I’ll be in Super Rock Villa, Cale.”

“……”

Seeing as Cale fell silent, Rok-Soo turned to the others in the room, glancing at the Henituse family, and they silently turned to leave the room, their eyes lingering on the younger redhead, who was still in the same position in his seat beside the window.

Rok-Soo carried the worried Ohn and Hong in his arms with Raon around his shoulders and looked at Ron’s stiff face, receiving a nod, and the old butler got to work immediately.

Cale sat still, staring at his lap, as the sounds of everybody else around him faded until he was left with only the sound of a single person standing at his door.

“Eat and rest well.”

That was the last thing he heard before the quiet sound of the door closing behind Rok-Soo. The faint click strangely sounded loud in the silent room.

He was all alone, feeling like a ghost in his own room. He barely heard his own breathing as he was more aware of the slight tremble in his hands.

‘…he noticed, didn’t he?’

He finally let out a long sigh, removing his hand from his forehead and resting his head back with his eyes closed.

Of course, Rok-Soo would notice him trembling pathetically and feel sorry for him.

“Now you’ve gone and done it.” He mumbled with a scoff at himself, “Good job ruining everything in a matter of seconds.”

Opening his eyes, Cale stared long at the ceiling that looked too plain and far at that moment, making him feel the room was far too large for just him alone.

It is the past all over again, he thought.

After staring blankly for what felt like a whole day until it was late and dark outside, he finally decided to move from his seat and function again.

By function, he meant going to bed. He thought of taking a bath to freshen his mood before sleeping, but it only made him feel cold and alone in his spacious room. Well, he wasn’t expecting much change, anyway.

He threw himself on the bed with a heavy sigh, which he felt was still stuck inside and wouldn’t come out, no matter how many times he tried to force it out and get rid of the tightness in his chest.

Closing his eyes, he slowly accepted the coldness and felt numb and unbothered to think of anything anymore.

It’s for the best.

He drifted off to sleep with the thought, as he did every night for the next whole month…

.

.

A month passed, and Cale more or less moved like a ghost in the castle, silently leaving his room to his office and then back to his room after he was done with his duties as the Duke, rejecting his fidgety father’s offer of resting and leaving the work to him and Bassen or Violan. At the very least, he joined his family during meals every day.

Lilly and Bassen made it their mission to follow him around but maintain a reasonable distance, wanting to give him space but too worried to leave him alone. Violan, his mother, never misses a day of assuring him that she is there for him whenever he needs someone to talk to, and she leaves his side with one stern request asking him not to drink too much alcohol.

He won’t drink, not in front of anyone and not when the family is watching him like hawks and ready to jump his way if he so touched any bottle during their silent meals. He enjoys a few glasses before bed three times a week alone in his room when he’s sure no one will come to find him during late hours.

Today, however, he finally decided to rest and accept his father’s offer to leave the reports and documents to the family to finish. He woke up with a horrible headache, feeling so heavy he could barely bring himself to bathe or push anything into his mouth. The food the servants left for him for breakfast was left cold on the table for three hours or so.  

He lay on his back, eyes closed and feeling numb with the humming silence. It was funny how it seemed not even a soul passed by his door outside ever since Rok-Soo left with everyone. It felt like all the liveliness around the house was solely for the older redhead, and Cale’s relationship with everyone in this world didn’t improve. He felt like it was all an illusion now.

He sighed silently, knowing he should stop thinking this way, but it strangely felt relaxing the more he stayed alone. He was developing bad habits again, and he couldn’t care to stop them.

He expected no one from Rok-Soo’s people would ever want to look at his face again after the things he said. He believed Ron also would be too disappointed to even think of him anymore, but…

Cale sighed again, recalling how often he had to pretend he wasn’t aware of some of them sneaking into his office using invisibility magic and watching him. Don’t they already know he could use and sense magic well at this point? Really, he thought of it more as them provoking him than checking on him.  

It started with Raon sneaking in through the opened window with only Ohn and Hong, and sometimes, they’d bring Choi Han and Choi Jung-Soo with them. Cale may have left the window to his office and room open on purpose for them to sneak in any time, and they may have noticed his silent message of welcoming their presence to start visiting more than once a day.

He also noticed Sui Khan stopping by once every week to watch him for hours from the window before leaving as silently as he came.

Ron would drop by on days and ask him directly with his benign smile if the Puppy Young Master needed anything, and Cale would always say no, thank the old butler, and leave, as coldly as that, but at least he wasn’t rude. Cale was not acting Trash, after all.

‘Ah, maybe that's what's worrying them…’

He opened his eyes, looking at the ceiling with the soft sunlight seeping through the windows. He isn’t acting like Trash; he’s genuinely wanting to be left alone. Perhaps Rok-Soo was the one telling them to check on him, but he doubted it. This was more Deruth’s style of caring than Rok-Soo’s.

Rok-Soo is probably worried, or is he?

He shook his head slightly. No, that hyung of his must be worried, as he’s secretly been since before the start of that last conversation.

Then, the crew was probably checking on him just to reassure Rok-Soo.

He quietly clicked his tongue with a slight sigh and frown. Calmly flipping to his side, he decided to stop thinking about anything at all.

With his eyes closed, his mind was becoming numb again, and he slowly drifted to dreamland with the humming silence and the soft rustles of trees moving with the breeze outside and birds chirping.

Knock, Knock—

His eyes snapped open at the sudden interruption. He stiffened as he thought something must have happened since his family promised to leave him to rest unless it was urgent.

Before he could ask, the answer came from behind the door.

“Young Master, it’s Hans.”

He pushed himself to sit up, “What is it?” he slipped his cold feet into his slippers as he heard the man eagerly answer.

“Um, there is a letter for the Young Master.”

He frowned and stopped walking midway to the door. A letter? And why does Hans sound excited instead of alarmed? Not that it’s a bad thing, but he suddenly feels like going back to his bed.

However, he walked with a silent sigh and pulled the door open, slightly startling the ginger-head, but Hans looked so happy that he forgot even to let out a yelp this time.

“Here’s the letter, Young Master!”

“…thanks.”

He accepted the envelope that was pushed into his hands and raised an eyebrow as Hans didn’t turn around and run off as usual but instead waited with a broad smile like an excited brat awaiting his reaction after giving a gift.

Cale sighed as elegantly as always, staring intently at the envelope with a scroll attached. Confirming by using magic and his ability that it was safe, he opened the envelope in front of the Deputy Butler and pulled out the paper, leaving the scroll for later.

He opened the letter and found the first line with the familiar handwriting…

[ I’m still in Super Rock Villa. ]

Cale blinked at the words, blankly reading the rest of the letter that was obviously written by others as well listing down things and foods that could tempt him into paying a visit soon.

His hands slowly moved to open the scroll, and as he expected, it was a teleportation scroll to Super Rock Villa.

‘…of course Rok-Soo wouldn’t wait forever.’

He was still a bit shocked...

Cale was more used to people waiting for him to approach first and fix whatever damage was there or to address any problem, whether he was the cause or not, and most of them would eventually give up. After all, his family usually chose the waiting game, and he may have made a habit of taking advantage of it at some point. However, this is Rok-Soo he’s dealing with now, not Deruth, not anyone else.

“Young Master, the Master requested to know your answer as soon as possible.”

Cale looked at Hans’ bright eyes before he sighed, brushing his hair back with one hand, “I’m going to see hyung today. Tell father I won’t be with them at tonight’s dinner.”

“Yes, Young Master!”

Cale watched the butler run off to deliver the ‘long awaited’ news. He shook his head as he thought surely the man was happy the suffocating air around the castle would finally disappear soon, as were the rest of the Henituse family and the staff members.

He closed the door and looked at the letter again with the many handwriting styles. ‘…even with this, you guys sound vicious.’ A light puff of air left him as a silent chuckle, looking at the letter written by the kids and the rest, along with Rok-Soo, all crying out a big “Come over or else we’ll drag you this time.”

He took a deep breath and let it out calmly, feeling somewhat light for the first time after a month.

“…I’m nervous.”

He silently scoffed at himself for feeling this way at his age. Of all the things he had gone through, he was now nervous about facing Rok-Soo after their first fight.

He can’t refuse, and he should stop this while Rok-Soo is still giving the chance. The raging storm in his head from months ago had cooled off considerably by now, and maybe the reason was that he regretted the loneliness he had caused himself once again after all the years.

He nodded to himself with a silent sigh, looking again at the one sentence Rok-Soo wrote in the letter, then at the blue sky outside.

…he has plenty of time to relax before seeing his vicious hyung for the first time after a whole month.

.

.

“Human! Gentle Human! We’re leaving now. Remember to make up and never fight again!” Raon announced brightly as they were leaving Rok-Soo’s room after eating together, as if nothing had happened between the two redhead siblings.

Cale watched silently as Rok-Soo relaxed in his seat and waved away the kids, Choi Han, Choi Jung-Soo, Sui Khan and Ron, with a stoic face.

The door closed, and the room was too silent after the soft click.

Cale stared into space as Rok-Soo comfortably sipped his tea in the seat beside him. He didn’t expect eating dinner with the group to be… this easy, as if everything was all right, as if they trusted everything was already solved by his presence here now.

“…I’m sorry for what I said.”

He finally mumbled, and he noticed Rok-Soo stopped sipping his tea for a moment beside him.

Rok-Soo went back to sipping his tea leisurely with a quiet hum, “Ready to talk about what’s been bothering you, dongsaeng?” he looked at Cale and smiled a little at the little nod. He couldn’t stop himself from patting the brat’s head to make him finally look at him.

“Good, I’m listening.”

[forgetme-eternally-blissfully]

Cale is so ready to take on everything.

I’m rereading the heart scene and, just- his life as Kim Rok Soo had such an impact on how he handles pressure, it’s actually sad. When he was KRS, people relied on him. Heavily. As the team leader, people saw him as a life line.

He never took breaks, he put himself in danger and sacrificed his well-being by using his abilities (for example, Instant), and as we hear later on- he had a 0% mortality rate. When people around him were weak, he became strong in order to overcome it. Nobody died when he became the Team Leader.

And in the world they lived in- yes! I’m not surprised at all that people latched onto him. No matter how much they care about him, they couldn’t help but allow him to save them. Over and over again.

So Cale had this expectation for himself too! When others give up -> he does not. In front of impossible tasks, he rises up, because that’s how it should be. How could someone who had so little as a child- no parents, no friends, no stability or safety or reliability- how could he possibly give up what he’s managed to attain? How could he let his friends get hurt when he knows that he could be hurting instead?

And then he becomes Cale, and he relaxes. His new companions are strong, and he’s not going to be with them for very long anyway. He will slack off, chill out, and take his hands off the wheel.

But he can’t- he just can’t stop helping them. Like an addiction, he helps Choi Han get a connection to Ron and Beacrox. Then he saves Raon. He helps Lock, Amiru, Mary, Alberu, Queen Litana. It’s so impulsive. It’s for his own benefit but he tangles himself into the story because tampering with Fate is a side hobby for him.

Then he develops relationships and friends- and when he sees danger approaching he stands up against it like a solid wall. Over and over again.

And, what? He naturally expects the people behind him to stay behind that wall. To listen to him and help, but to stay safe in the long run. He expects them to back off when something looks impossible. Because- well, he’s right here isn’t he? Overcoming the impossible is second nature for him!

But the people around him… aren’t standing by passively, like they did when he was KRS. When he was KRS they let him protect them for 15 years. Then he’s Cale Henituse and they don’t. They learn from him. They learn to stand up against the unpredictable and the indomitable. They see him and learn.

They aren’t happy about his sacrifices, but he tells them to be full and content and to eat well… so they listen. For a while. They understand wisdom and they take his words and learn their limitations.

Right until he stabs himself in the heart. What the fuck?! Biggest hypocrite in history right??! Can’t trust this guy to not bleed and sacrifice himself for shit!!!

So they angrily push aside his worry and their limits and they decide that it’s THEIR turn to protect him. Even against a GOD, Cale has shown them that nothing is impossible so they’re going to turn the tables and THEY’RE going to be the ones to cough blood!!

This scene is so heart wrenching, but it’s Cales disbelief that hurts the most. He’s stunned. He’s someone who can’t even imagine the lengths that a person would go for him. He’s a person who protects without ever expecting to receive that same effort.

Sure, he knows he’ll be protected. He’s not naive. But he puts 200% and expects 50-100%. He goes above and beyond, but prepares for average. Prepares for lackluster.

So when everyone tries to push him aside to protect him? He- he doesn’t even notice their efforts! It’s like looking for a leaf in a forest, but he’s supposed to be looking at the entire forest. Why would he think that they would give him a forest’s worth of leaves? He’s oblivious. So he looks for a single leaf.

Then they really do push him back and protect him- they defend against the orb that’s exploding and it’s like they’re screaming “It’s the forest! It’s always been the forest!”

And he’s lost. Absolutely, utterly lost. It’s heartbreaking, how distressed he is that his friends are hurting and they won’t let him handle it for them. He’s not even hurt, after all! He hasn’t fainted, he’s still useful! He’s ready! What he’s done so far hasn’t even been too difficult! Why won’t they let go and give it to him?

Everyone is so angry at him, or busy pitying him, that he’s left alone with this. While reading this scene I’m filled with a strong disconnect. He is surrounded by his friends but everyone is far away from him. Their goals have never been farther apart than this moment.

He’s always been one step ahead.

He’s always been ready. He’s always waiting.

And then he stabbed himself in the heart, and everyone but him felt the shift in the stars.

And then the next scenes are his friends trying to wrestle the responsibility out of his white-knuckled hands. They fight for it! Yet all the way until the orb’s time to explode, he holds onto it with an iron grip. I don’t even think he realized they were trying to take it out of his hands.

He kills the White Star, he Embraces the Ancient Powers, and he even manages to Embrace the Sealed God into the book and take over the temple in one move. We get to see everyone’s reactions to his stubbornness too.

So they become twice as stubborn. They cough up blood, they faint, they do 200% of what they’re naturally capable of. Why?

Because they saw Cale do it first. Because they refuse to let him do it again.

And Cale?

He can’t say anything.

[unluckycactus]

Acquaint Fate (Ch 9) Spoilers

The Team 1 ocs cameo wasn't supposed to be this long, but your girl has to get the fic going, and they gave me a nice excuse to get the Earth #1 things going.

Anyways, I'm posting it here because why not.

◇──◆──◇──◆──◆──◇──◆

For someone with now perfect memory, Kim Rok Soo’s last moments awake were a blank slate.

He remembered coming home, luring out his niece with the promise of sweet, sweet McDonalds for breakfast and then...

Then...?

“...what the hell happened?” His headache didn’t do him any favors.

Screw the night shift, seriously.

“Oh, look. The dead man left the coffin.” Was Cha Yuha’s greeting. “Coffee?”

“As black as the soul of the higher-ups, please.” He nodded. “Where is—?”

As if summoned, Raon suddenly appeared in his field of vision. Well, that answered the question, at least.

“Our hoobae caught us up with your— well, another of your secret lives, I guess.”

Big blue eyes looked straight at him.

“Just how many secret lives do you have, Sparkly? It’s getting annoying to follow up!”

In Kim Rok Soo’s mind, Cha Yuha provided live commentary:

— Your niece asked the same thing when I gave her a rundown of the situation.

Out loud, Yuha replied:

“Well, there’s the regression. We all know about that one, right?” Raon nodded, even though his knowledge of the original timeline summed up to ‘everything went to shit.’ Cale wasn’t known for providing details, after all. “There are hyung’s after-work shenanigans. Then there are his supernatural misadventures. And lastly, there are his adventures in that timeline slash destroyed world you created.”

“Add my meetings in the dreamscape.” Rok Soo interjected.

Cha Yuha actually did a double take.

“Wait, what.”

“I’ve been chatting with people from other worlds in my dreams for a while.” He absent-mindedly explained, focusing on the smell of fresh coffee wafting through the apartment.

To his credit, Yuha didn’t lit anything on fire.

“... you need to tone down the multiversal networking.” Cha Yuha grumbled and went to fetch a cup.

“Jealous?” The teasing remark earned him a side eye.

“I’m just concerned, hyung. You love poking the hornet’s nest wherever you go.”

“My sunbaenim is right, Sparkly!” Raon chimed in, making himself comfortable on Kim Rok Soo’s lap. “You have gotten into a lot of trouble just in a couple of years! We couldn’t even finish going through all the incidents before the Wise Choon-Hee had to leave for school!”

Rok Soo gave Yuha a look.

— You wound me, hyung! I haven’t ratted you out yet. Hoobae here is only talking about the things your niece knows about.

Well, that explained the crime board in the making across his living room. It was certainly something only Choon-Hee would come up with.

“... please tell me he hasn’t met Yerim-noonim yet.”

Maybe Cha Yuha would keep his secrets until watching Kim Rok Soo struggle silently stopped being funny, but Yeo Yerim would throw him under the bus in a heartbeat just to see him get scolded by a kid.

— Nope, but he’s about to.

At that moment, the doorbell of his apartment rang, fulfilling the prophecy.

The fourth member of this Anti-Rok Soo force had arrived.

“Come in, you know the password anyways.” Kim Rok Soo sighed in defeat.

Raon didn’t bother to hide himself, which was most likely Yuha’s doing, instead peering curiously at the door as it opened.

“It is only polite to knock—”

As expected, Yerim spotted the anomaly immediately. She took a deep breath, looked him straight in the eyes with something akin to swirling madness and calmly asked:

“Why.”

Knowing her, it wasn’t a ‘why is there a dragon in your house’, but a ‘why do you get into trouble every time I take my eyes off you, you little punk?’

Which, rude. He wasn’t the one with the habit of casually coming up with biological weapons on the spot.

“... I can explain.” Kim Rok Soo knew he was about to face sweet, sweet judgment, so he took a little time to enjoy his coffee with a long sip first. “Basically, Raon fucked up a whole timeline, which did funny multiversal things and then it became a parallel world or something. And I was there, and then I wasn’t, and now he’s here.”

By the way Cha Yuha rolled his eyes, Kim Rok Soo knew his explanation came off as lacking. But if anyone was qualified to give a masterclass in multiversal shitshows, Yeo Yerim had the higher credentials among his people.

“Two deaths and you dare scold Park Yoojin about recklessness? You hypocrite.” See? She understood the situation just fine. “What’s with you and charming OP people left and right?”

Rok Soo sputtered a little.

“I don’t—”

“Excel sheet. ~” Yuha sing-sang, the traitor. “Anyways, why don’t you introduce yourself, hoobae?”

Raon immediately perked up. He flew up to Yerim and proudly proclaimed, chest stuck out:

“I’m the great and mighty Raon Miru! I’m a grand total of seven years old!”

“Oh no, he’s cute.” She cooed. “Nice to meet you, Raon. I’m Yeo Yerim.”

“I’m not cute! I’m great and mighty!”

Kim Rok Soo hummed, finishing his cup of coffee.

“It’s great to be cute, though. Lots of cuddles.” 

“... I’m the mightiest being, so I guess that also makes me the cutest!” No one pointed out how fast the dragon backtracked.

“Yes, you are.” Rok Soo easily agreed.

“Sparkly, is she like Choi Han?” Raon immediately changed the subject, eyeing Yerim with a squinted gaze. “She feels strong! … Hm? It’s weird, our Choi Han is a swordmaster… but I can’t tell if he would win? Hey, blondie, you’re not a swordmaster right? I’m pretty sure you aren’t one! Then why are you so strong?”

“As expected, it doesn’t get past a dragon.”

“Hmph! Of course!” Raon harrumphed. “I couldn’t tell with sunbaenim because his species does not exist in my world, but I’ve met a few people like you! Now answer me!”

“That’s correct, Raon. Our Yerim is a single-lifer too.” It was Kim Rok Soo who answered. “By the way, Yuha-yah, don’t think we don’t know you’re stalling your checkup. Get going already, brat.”

Cha Yuha threw both hands up in surrender.

“I got caught. ~” Five seconds later, his wrist was actually trapped by Yeo Yerim.

“Yerim-noonim, as always, I leave him to you.” Rok Soo nodded at her.

“We will be back before you know it!”

“... what was that about?” Raon waited until they were both gone to address the subject. Smart kid. “Is sunbaenim sick?”

The regressor heaved a tired sigh.

“He’s not sick, but he’s in the middle of a long-term form of treatment.”

“Then I can help, Sparkly! I’m great and mighty, after all!” Being a dragon and having learned from his Goldie Gramps, Raon knew many types of magic. “If the problems are his hands, we can heal them!”

As expected, the little one had noticed.

“With Mary’s help, we were even able to give Lemon Gramps a new arm!”

“...that’s great, kid. But,” the regressor grimaced, there was no easy way to say this, “I don’t think you can.”

The reason why they had not been able to fully heal Yuha was not because of lack of resources, it was because—

“Creatures like Yuha, hmm, they exist under certain parameters here.” He explained. “In the case of certain species, there are wounds that will never heal. Or, depending on how and who made the wound, healing is only possible to a certain degree. Yuha’s wounds will heal, fortunately, but it will take a long time given the circumstances.”

Raon frowned.

“How long?”

“Mn. For the hands, about two more months, for the other…”

Make no mistake, Kim Rok Soo knew exactly how long it would take. It was one of the first things he asked about.

He just hated saying it out loud.

“... about one-hundred years.”

“What?!” Raon’s paws and tail angrily smacked against his table. “That’s so unfair!”

“It is.” Rok Soo agreed, grabbing the kid reflexively in case physics knocked him over. “The only thing we can really do for Yuha, is to make sure he doesn’t have complications while his body heals itself. And boost his defenses and regeneration ratio.”

“I’ll help! Sunbaenim will be so healthy when I’m done, that he’ll stink of herbs all the damn time!”

[raedshadowlegends]

Poker Face: The John-O Character

Omg hi howdy. Welcome back to a long essay featuring nothing groundbreaking whatsoever! Today we are going to be talking about Poker Face, the greatest show of all time. But more specifically, we're going to be talking about John-O.

For the uninformed-- John-O is a character featured briefly in the first episode of the series. He's only in two scenes but he sure is a silly little guy. Everyone loves John-O.

And upon my 17th rewatch, this time featuring my good friend @room215 , they pointed out that there seems to be a John-O-escue character in every single episode.

So we kept track of the John-O's. And now I'm going to be dissecting each one for no good reason.

Now there are no specific criteria for what makes a John-O. It's really just based on vibes. There are similar patterns between characters that are worth analyzing but for the most part you just know it when you see it.

I'll be talking about the first five episodes in this potentially very long post so grab yourself some popcorn and buckle up.

Oh and there will be spoilers. So go watch Poker Face if you haven't already, it's the best show ever actually.

Episode 1: Dead Man's Hand

John-O

BEHOLD! JOHN-O THE ORIGINAL!

There are definitely moments where I could get better pictures of him but I think this one is kinda perfect.

This is John-O. He is a silly little guy who has a history of stealing shit and breaking into places. He seems to be reformed because he states he "don't do this shit no more." So he is morally good. I trust him.

He's very silly and likes to add the suffix "-o" to the end of things he says. Like hey-o and good-o. He's just this goofy old man and his vibes are impeccable.

He's an ally to our friend Charlie Cale, helping her break into Nathalie's home despite his morals. He even offers to cut her in with his playboy sales. What a good guy.

Overall, John-O is a friend-o. He establishes our precedent of the "John-O character" being silly and the vibe that we're after.

Side Note: I love that Poker Face is an episodic show with a rotating cast of characters. It's seriously awesome and you don't see that shit often. However I am heartbroken at the loss of this man cause we probably won't see him again. It breaks my heart. I hope he's doing ok.

Episode 2: The Night Shift

"Meteor Shower" Trucker

Literally just this dude who is in one scene.

He is only here to tell Charlie about the meteor shower that evening. But he does it in the funniest fucking way imaginable. He literally gives Charlie a heart attack by just saying, "Meteor shower tonight." It's the funniest thing to me.

And I think about him way more often than I ought to. He's kinda skrunkly.

I said on the night during our analysis that he's cute in the same way on old man themed muppet is cute. Y'know? I feel like that makes some sense.

But yeah he's just here to be a jumpscare and tell Charlie about the Leonids. What a silly guy. I wish he was in more than one scene.

So far in our John-O analysis we have two quirky old dudes. The best kind of character imo.

Yeah I don't have much else to say on him </3

Episode 3: The Stall

Beto

Why does he look like that.

Anyways yeah, Beto is the John-O of episode 3. I do think he is pushing the amount of scenes a John-O can be in but it's ok cause he's kinda silly. He's just doing his job, man.

Poor guy is the one who found George's body. He's probably gonna have some issues for a while.

He's got some silly interactions with Charlie and even though they're brief, they're fun.

I actually don't have a lot to say about this guy. Whoops. My bad.

But you may have noticed he is not a skrunkly old man. That is true! He is not that.

I will be grouping this dude into the category of, "Guy who is just doing their job" under the broader "John-O" umbrella.

None of those words were in the Bible, I don't think.

Anyways, that's Beto for ya. Now we get to move on to my favorite guy!

Episode 4: Rest In Metal

Guy Who Threw The Stapler

Why the fuck would he do that.

I don't even know I can classify him as a John-O character but oh my god I think about him so much. Literally what is his deal, why the hell would he do this.

He is just here to throw a stapler at Gavin and whoop and holler. That's so fucking awesome.

That's all he does so I don't exactly know what else to say about him but I will add this:

My friends and I have been saying, "aREN'T YOU THE BAND THAT DOES STAPLEHEAD??? PLAY STAPLEHEAD!!!!!!!" to each other in the most man baby-escue voices possible for days now. It's the funniest thing on the planet.

*hits you with a stapler*

Episode 5: Time of the Monkey

Gino the Bull

This random guy in Howard Wolowitz's car.

He meets the flexible criteria of being a skrunkly old man so he gets points for that, for sure. ALSO HE'S KINDA SILLY?

He's just in the car being a silly goofy guy. These dissections are getting shorter and also worse. My bad guys, I'm really tired. Been staying up watching too much Poker Face B).

Anyways yeah, I don't know what his deal is. Very important to be a John-O, you just don't know what their fucking deal is.

I wanna say Gino the Bull is some kind of mafia/mob man? I dunno. I think it'd be funny if that were the case. That's my head canon at least.

So now we have three skrunkly old dudes, one man baby, and one Beto. Awesome.

Conclusion

I'm gonna cut this one of here before it gets too terribly long. Mainly so I can just get this posted. But also I imagine this shit is quite the long read.

My bad B).

BUT YEAH!!!

These are our first five John-O characters in Poker Face! Tune in soon to learn about the next five!

It's not gonna be as silly. Sorry. Episode 9 and 10 are major bummers and there's not much fun to be had there.

As always, thank you for reading <3

[rastronomicals]

11:35 PM EDT September 21, 2023:

Eno/Cale - "In The Backroom" From the album Wrong Way Up (October 5, 1990)

Last song scrobbled from iTunes at Last.fm

Back when it was new--and I was 25 years old--I eagerly purchased this compact disc. Oh, it was a time, man. The CD was packaged in--get this (if you can: most people today I would assume don't know what it had been)--a longbox. A theft deterrent then, and a music geek collectible now. Funny the way things transform, sometimes.

So. It being that time, I didn't know as much about Brian Eno or John Cale then as I do now, but I still knew Here Come the Warm Jets and White Light/White Heat. And because those records had been great, I expected Wrong Way Up to be pretty awesome.

Did I know then that the 3-1/2-minute revolution called "Sky Saw" featured Cale? Or that there was a cult album named June 1, 1974 that featured them both?

Not sure. Wise now, was I wise then?

Anyway, the excitement before the purchase turned into disappointment afterwards. This album, it did not rock, it bore no traces of Warm Jets or White Heat, and it wasn't weird at all, and I sold it and I forgot about it as quickly as possible.

Lately though, nearly 30 years later, thinner of hair, and wiser of the music, man, I've been on an Eno jag, and I came across a review of the album on Pitchfork that suggested the album, synthpop though it was, achieved nothing less than brilliance in its rather conflicted creation.

Hell, I hadn't even known that the artists hadn't gotten along. . . . So I figured, what *had* I known, in my judgement 30 years ago? I'd been only 25, and had probably been a little bit um, over-influenced, by hardcore punk. My tastes are more sophisticated now! I could like an album that maybe wasn't so manic. Really I could. And shit, everything I've been doing for the last month was all about what a fucking genius Eno was. . . Maybe I'd been hasty in my dismissal of WWU back then, simply because it didn't sound like "Third Uncle," or "I Heard Her Call My Name." 'Cause hell, on reflection, thinking about it in 2019, in the midst of a Brian Peter George St John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno freakout, neither does "Luftschloss."

Goddamn, then, let's try it again, I thought. So last week, I bought a CD copy off Discogs. Received it yesterday, listened to it on the way into work this morning, and ... it's unabashedly awful.

It's lame, predictable, and without a trace of the genius which otherwise marks both men's work. You're tempted to say a few things, although you should probably resist the urges. You're tempted to say that it was a case of men outside the times attempting foolishly to sound like them, but that's wrong. 1990 had no great rush of synthpop albums.

1990 was about Jane's Addiction; Jane's Addiction, and Happy Mondays and Sonic Youth's major label debut. Nobody was making synthpop. That these two major artists felt like going there, I don't know, it's odd, it's strange, it's fucked up.

You're also tempted to say, maybe, if you're not that familiar with the facts, that this was the work of giants who had exhausted their creative energies prior to its making, young lions become old farts. But, of course, that's ridiculous. Five years after this mistake of a record, Eno would record Nerve Net, which showed him as able as his youngself to stretch things out. And if you want pop, shit, Eno made Another Day on Earth in 2005, as he was approaching 60, and that is a brilliant, quirky, intelligent pop record, even if it's not as much like M83 as I might prefer.

Wrong Way Up is a detour into mediocrity. Definite, and puzzling, that is.

It all goes to show many things, perhaps most importantly--and I swear I'm not looking to trash Pitchfork specifically here--that if an artist known for making good things makes something crappy, there will always--always--be somebody around to tell people that, fuck the facts, it is in fact pretty good.

There's also the reminder given that I had the suss of the thing down back in 1990. I like to think of myself as smarter now, wiser if you have to go there, and I was prepared to second-guess myself, and take a lesson from it too, but at least in this case, me and the version of myself that existed three decades ago are smack dab in agreement. There's a stolidity about that I find appealing, but maybe, just maybe, there's also a disappointing inability to evolve.

Funny the way things don't transform, sometimes.

https://lahistoriadelamusicarock.blogspot.com/2019/04/enocale-wrong-way-up-opal-records-back.html

File under: Fool Me Twice

[danrenouf]

Every part of Cale is cold. Fingers. Ears. Ankles. Even his hair. He’s on night watch, stationed above deck, the wind coming off the water cutting through his layers of clothes. He can still feel his hands, at least, which is good - he needs them to adjust the hydrophone. 

He loves night watch. Wind or no wind, pervasive damp, salt crust on his skin, in his hair - there’s something about the dark heave of the ocean, the endless spill of night sky. When the sky is clear, the stars themselves are worth the cold. When the night is overcast or foggy, with no line to differentiate the sea and the sky, Cale can pretend it’s just him in the world, him and the crew of Puck Luck, and below them, the whales they’re trying to triangulate.

Finding the whales has proven difficult. They’ve been off the coast of Labrador for weeks, as spring has settled across the mainland, sweeping the depths with the hydrophone, listening for the telltale clicks and creaks of Physeter macrocephalus. Sweeping the surface with their eyes, watching for the telltale spout, tail slap, breach. Documenting endlessly the crew’s coordinates, the time, the weather, the depth of the equipment. The ocean’s never quiet, but the hydrophone never yields what they’ve been waiting for: sighting the Sperm Whale pod they know must be nearby.

The wind picks up, somehow, slingshots itself right down the back of Cale’s neck. He curls his hands around the deck rail, stares into the water. If he could just look hard enough, he might see something, he might --

“No moon tonight,” someone says, behind him.

Cale jerks back from the rail. “Fuck, Willy. You scared the shit out of me.”

Willy just smiles, unrepentant, all teeth and hair curling out from under his toque, and holds out a cup in offering. “Brought you some tea.”

“Thanks.” Cale takes it, cradles the hot cup in his hands. He turns back against the rail, so he can keep looking over the water. Willy plants himself right next to him. “How much of this is whiskey?”

“Eh,” Willy evades. “Enough.” He shivers and shifts closer to Cale. “Maybe not enough, actually. It’s fucking cold out here. I don’t know how you do it.”

The tea is almost all whiskey, turns out. It’s hot, though, and the combination of tea and whiskey gets to work right away. Willy shivers again, and Cale hands him the cup. “Here. Take some of your own medicine.”

Willy makes a face. “I hate Jameson.” He drinks, though, and hands it back. “Gross. Who made this shit?”

He doesn’t bother to answer. Willy sneaks a little bit closer, like Cale’s going to give off enough heat to offset the bitter wind. He doesn’t mind. If there were a way to get Willy even closer, he’d take it. Maybe, like, Willy would want to be under his arm. Maybe he’d want to be in Cale’s tiny bunk, damp layers peeled away. Maybe skin to skin --

“Anything good tonight?” Willy steals the cup out of his hand to take another sip. The boat rolls under their feet, and Cale braces himself so that he doesn’t make too much contact.

“Not so far.” Cale takes the tea back. It’s going to be gone soon, and Willy with it. He takes a big drink anyway. Willy will pout if he doesn’t. “Just, you know.” He waves the cup out over the rail. “The sea. So much sea. And wind.”

“Yeah.”

Willy’s quiet for a minute, and Cale is, too. Willy’s chatter has become background noise, almost, in the weeks they’ve been sailing together - like the sea birds, like the thumps and squeals from the hydrophone, like the rhythmic click click click --

“Holy shit.” Willy spins to face him, grabbing at the sleeve of Cale’s coat. His eyes are so wide. “Is that -?”

The clicking stops. Starts. Gets louder. “Holy shit,” Cale says. “I think it is.” He clocks the time - 10:21 p.m. He starts to push off the rail, away from Willy. He has to get to the hydrophone, get the readings - depth, decibels, frequency, intervals. Willy hangs onto his coat, though, keeping him in place. 

“Look,” he says, all breathless. He’s pointing down at the water, which is roiling; it’s always roiling, but this is different, it’s different. Cale is holding his breath. Willy is holding his coat. A shape looms just under the water, massive and white. A plume of spray erupts into the air. “Holy shit,” Willy chokes out. “Holy shit.”

The whale doesn’t breach, not fully. It lingers at the surface for long enough for Cale to start breathing again, for his fingers to go numb from clutching the rail, the cup. Then it dives, gone, tail slapping at the surface, too far away for the spray from its dive to hit them.

Cale exhales, shuddery and loud. He peels his hand off the rail. Willy’s still hanging onto him, staring out over the water like he doesn’t know what might happen next. “We should go get Dr. Pluman,” he says. They have actual data to record, now, so much data --

Willy laughs, light and wild, and lets him go. “Holy shit,” he says, again, and presses his hands to his face. “We just saw that. We actually just saw that, holy shit, Cale.” 

Giddiness bubbles up in Cale’s chest, unexpected, warmer than any combination of whiskey and tea. “Yeah, we did.” He lets himself stay there for a few more seconds. Rocked by the water, bit through by the wind. Caught in Willy’s joy like the gentlest of orbits. He grabs Willy’s sleeve and pulls on it, because he can - because he doesn’t have words for this kind of moment. No latitude or longitude to describe it. 

“Okay,” Willy says, and takes a step closer, so they’re toe to toe. A smile traces over the edge of his mouth. “You can kiss me, and then we’ll go do all the research stuff, okay?”

“What?” Cale doesn’t move. He can’t. Willy’s got him pinned with those wide eyes again.

Willy smiles all the way this time. They’re the same height, more or less, so he doesn’t exactly lean up, but he digs his fingers into the front of Cale’s coat and leans in. “First you’re going to kiss me, and then we’ll go do the very important science things. Like scientists do.” He’s so close, his breath is lapping at Cale’s face, tea and whiskey and salt-sea air.

It’s not - it’s not what they should be doing, probably. But Cale’s always been a good listener. Probably why he’s good at his job. So leans in the rest of the way, and kisses Willy. On the rolling deck of the boat, in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere. Willy sighs against him and sticks his tongue in Cale’s mouth, and the hydrophone click click clicks. They can take a minute, now. He’ll have time later to tell Willy about his idea with the small bunk and the peeling off of layers. They’ll have plenty of time.

[matthewkniesys]

how they meet - cale makar

                     ✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧lucky number 8 au✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧      

a/n: This short fic is apart of the lucky number 8 au with cale makar. It’s the story of how Cale and Addison meet. There isn’t any romance in it yet because when they meet they are purely platonic friends!! The link for the au navigation is just above this authors note! Hope everyone enjoys this🫶             

pairing: cale makar x oc!addison blakely

warnings: some cursing, partying and a shitty boyfriend (not cale)

Before uni Addison never thought parties were her scene but when she got here she realised how wrong she was. She loves getting together with her friends and getting dressed up. She loves the atmosphere and being around all the people. She even met her current boyfriend, Connor, at a party.  

The one thing she hated though, was seeing people who looked like they weren’t having a good time at these parties. When people were just standing to the side she couldn’t resist the urge to reach out to them and invite them to join in. And that is exactly how she met Cale.

On this particular Friday night she was at a frat party with her boyfriend and 2 best friends. She offered to go get drinks for everyone and when she got in the kitchen she found a guy hanging out there all by himself. In typical very extroverted, Addison fashion she walks right over to him and introduces herself.

“Hi, I’m Addison. I’ve never seen you around. What’s your name?”

The boy tentatively lifts his gaze from his cup to around Addison’s collarbones. At first shes a little creeped out but then after a second she realises he’s actually looking at her necklace. It’s weird nobody really ever notices the simple silver chain with the number 8 pendant. He looks at her for a moment, then quietly he says, “Hi. I’m Cale.”

“ Is it Cale as in the vegetable?”

“Well yeah I guess, except it’s a C instead of a K.”

“I haven’t seen you anywhere. What’s your major?”

“Sports management,” Is all Cale says.

“Sounds fun. I know a lot of athletes pick that. Are you on any sports teams?”

“Hockey. I play for the hockey team.”

“Cool. I’m really looking forward to going to my first hockey game when the season starts. I don’t really understand anything about the game, though.”

“It’s not all the complicated. I can explain it to you right now.” Addison knows she should probably get back to her friends but the way Cale’s face lights up when he starts talking about hockey makes her want listen to him spew random facts about it all night long. 

He starts explaining and Addison starts really getting into it. Plus it seems as though Cale can make her laugh without even trying. All thoughts of the drinks and returning to her friends are long gone.

“My friend, Avery, her childhood best friend plays on the hockey team. His name is Alex.” Addison says. 

“Yeah, me and Alex are really good friends. He’s actually my roommate.”

“From the few times I’ve met him he seems really chill. And now that I think about it Avery may have mentioned you a few times.”

“He is. He’s a good guy. Is this leading to you asking me to set you up on a date with him?” Cale asks, questioningly.

“Oh gosh no. I actually have a boyfriend.”

“Oh,” Is all Cale says and Addison thinks she’s sees his face fall for the briefest second but then it’s back to smiling Cale. She must have just imagined it.

"Speaking of my boyfriend there he is right now," Addison is looking past Cale and when Cale looks over his shoulder he finds a very tall frat boy looking insanely pissed off.

"Y/n, did you forget about us? Who is this guy, anyways?" Addison's face falls when she hears the accusing tone in Connor's voice."

Addison huffs out a sigh. "Connor, stop looking at my like I'm fucking cheating on you. I came to the kitchen to get drinks but then I saw him," Addison points at Cale, "and he was alone so I wanted to make sure he was good but then we started talking about random shit and I got distracted. Get over yourself, I'm allowed to talk to other guys if I want too, so just chill out."

"You literally said you'd be back in 5 minutes and it's 2 fucking hours later. Of course my mind went to the thought that you'd be cheating."

"I feel like I've never given you a reason not to trust me so yeah I feel like your mind shouldn't automatically go to I'm cheating on you."

"Okay, okay whatever Addison. I'm sorry, can we just go now?" Addison glances over to where Cale has been silently been watching this exchange with a frown on his face.

"Yeah, I'm ready to go, but just drop me off at my place tonight." Addison can tell Connor wants to argue, probably make another shitty stab at her about cheating, but he's able to hold himself back and for that she's grateful.

"I'm just gonna go to the bathroom so go grab your coat." Connor walks off to the washroom leaving Addison and Cale in the kitchen.

"Addison, I don't want to overstep since I just met you but you know that isn't healthy, right? Like it's not okay for him to say shit like that." Cale looks at Addison with sad eyes.

And Addison did know that but when Connor was there for her he made her feel so happy. She refuses to let him make her feel bad about herself because she knows her self worth but he's her first boyfriend and she isn't sure what to do. He's comfortable and Addison knows she can fall back on him and she's scared of losing that predictability.

"I appreciate your concern but I'm gonna head out now."

He looks at you for a moment then says, "Here, at least let me give you my number. Text me if you ever need to talk. I usually don't do this but I also don't usually talk to strangers in the middle of some kitchen at a party so..."

She smiles at him, pulling out her phone to put in his number. Little did Addison know that Cale would become the most important person in her life. The one that would always be there for her. The one who shares the same lucky number as her. The one that would be her forever and always.

thanks for reading 🫶

taglist: @woodruff-edwards​ @nicohischierz​ @boldysswld​ @cobrakaisb​ @makarhughes @huggy-hischier94

join my taglist!

[godza]

eughwugh i wanna write my new blog post but i cant i need to go beddybye...

anyway here are some of my fave tcf moments/things.

-they put bombs in him (clopeh)

-raon shoving tear stained pie into cales bloody mouth

-cale protecting raon like a little baby during that battle

-badass women forever. every main girl can fight for herself and i love it

-when mary and choi han team up. they will beat the shit out of anything if cale tells them to

-choi han knocking cale out and carrying him like a sack of potatoes after

-calebab. self explanatory. everybody likes that

-roksoo why the fuck are you calling that giant space tiger hyung

-teatime with space tiger (entire arc was so funny. cintamani forever)

-when cale cosplays as a priest to trick people. it happens so often

-the plate surgery. its funny when hes in pain. see calebab

-when raon swears and eruhaben blames cale as if he isnt saying fuck daily too

-TAERANG. worlds first glock. alberu went out there guns blazing in his pjs and no shoes

-alberu being always done with cales shit. dongsaeng moment

-cale sewed up shitty cloaks and makes everybody wear them for secret missions despite everyone hating them

-whats her name. sh. raons mom. i like her

[strahms-thrussy]

this video is dedicated to the ten most homoerotic blood pumping traps in the saw movie franchise. warning, its about to get messy. Just like these relationships.

Number 10: The Laser Collar Trap

While the set up of this trap is the perfect meet cute, it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of chemistry. Being forced to confess your darkest secrets with your crush would be a lot more sexy than what we actually get with this trap.

Number 9: The Mausoleum Trap

Just like the previous entry, this trap has a compelling set up for some homoerotic tension, but these two victims have other priorities. At least they get their hands all over each other.

Number 8: The Hangman's Noose Trap

This Trap earns the eighth spot in this list because of the inherent homoeroticism of being blindfolded and having to put your faith in another man to guide you to safety. What makes this trap stand out above the previous two is that the participants actually know each other. Cale and Bobby Dagen are best friends. This is a perfect time for a last minute confession. Anyway the blindfold is kinda hot.

Number 7: Ceiling Jar Trap

This trap earns seventh place primarily on the grounds of how it was supposed to be completed. Unfortunately, because these victims were uncooperative with one another they didnt get to experience the sexual tension involved with squeezing into a tunnel together with someone you don't like. Darn. Don't notice my boner Mallick.

Number 6: The Angel Trap

From here on out all the traps are going to be pretty sexy, so don't shake your head at any of these placements. They're competing with some of the greats. The gayest part of this trap is how I feel looking at Kerry's arms. holy shit. Also Amanda personally coming to watch her rip in half was so sensual to me.

Number 5: Shotgun Chair Trap

Coming in hot at spot five, this trap is where we really start to get intimate. While the shotgun chair is pretty lame as a trap, it's the perfect tool for foreplay. If the victim struggles too much trying to escape they'll pull the trigger on the gun and blow their own head off. There's a lot to say here about the phallic imagery of guns and how its pressed between Hoffman's legs and aiming at his face but I'mgetting too hard to talk about that.

Number 4: Ice Block Trap/Rigg's trial

This kinky little thing comes in at spot 4. While Amanda is lezing it up in the other room Hoffman tied himself up to look cute for Rigg. The common theory is that Rigg's trial is actually Hoffman's attempt at taking Rigg in as an apprentice, which adds a bunch of layers of sexual tension in multiple directions. All of the participants here know each other well, and are stuck together for a long period of time, which helps its placement here.

Number 3: The Bathroom Trap

This yaoi moment is a fan favorite for a reason. The bathroom trap is not inherently homoerotic, and while the two victims have some pre-existing knowledge of each other, they aren't exactly close. But Adam and Lawrence come together in a heartfelt, tear jerking sort of way by the end of their time together.

Number 2: The Shotgun Collar Trap/Amanda's Test

Holy shit. Do I even need to say it. Like 20 minutes of saw 3 is Amanda touching and getting in Lynn's face. The only reason this isn't the top spot is that the two traps themselves aren't inherently homoerotic, but Amanda just really wanted it to be, ok.

watch mojos top 10 gayest saw traps

[sadlynotthevoid]

Has anyone read "Becoming popular through the "All Villains" variety show" (link to english ttl here)? Because it's fcking hilarious.

Anyways, I love the concept of a show were all the participants are hated infamous people who got invitations to said show based only on how much they're disliked. I also love how the audience gets so inverted on them, despite how they were watching just to laugh at them at first.

And that made thought, what about a modern fantasy lcf au where ogCale gets selected to go to a show like that one without his knowledge?

The world would be more like lcf/pre-war tboah world, but with more technology and entertaiment culture on it. Like, magic just dance, arcades for all kind of races, various magical music related devices (not, it's not me wanting ogCale to dance, shut up), economic versions of record tools, etc.

And the audience of that program would be not only ordinary people, but higher beings too. I was thinking of gods, but you can put constellations if you want too (i know little to nothing about orv, so, it's up to you). I was thinking that the interaction with the audience would work kinda like that, floating messages and stuff.

The selection of the participants would be:

Half of them are chosen by voting of that world's habitants. That's how ogCale got selected. Some people (dirty nobles) thought it would be funny to watch him make a fool of himself, the rest (normal people) jumped on board because curiosity or for fun and giggles.

The other half are voted by higher beings and habitants from other worlds that have access to the show and system for whatever reason. Adin is one of them. In part because they want him to suffer, in part because they want people from there to TAKE A DAMN HINT.

Idk about the others participants, maybe some ocs, maybe other characters. Some of them actual bad guys, some of them not (that) bad.

Some shenanigans we could have

•The show requires their participants to live there until the end of the season. So, Cale draggs Hans to stay with him because he needs a babysitter for his cats. Cue, Hans, On, and Hong mocking Cale everytime they appear.

•At the presentation of the participants, Cale, face in blank, stares at the camera with the most dead gaze, and says "I was brought here against my will", takes a sip of a bottle, "basically abducted" completely calm. He's drinking tea, btw. He doesn't drink irresponsiblely infront of his kids.

•The host of the show trying to convince Cale to try whatever challenge they have to do. He goes from reasoning to pleading to bribing him, because Cale won't try it unless he thinks it's fun or he can get something out of it.

•In this AU, Bassen was already named official heir of the count title and Cale had taken care of his corrupted relatives some time before the start of the show. So, he doesn't need to act like trash anymore. He didn't say anything tho. He's just doing whatever he wants, but he's kind of a loner by habit. It's difficult for him to low his guard around people (besides the kids and maybe his siblings). However, as a result, whenever something is happening, he's just commenting the wildest or sassiest things from the side. Or the front. Doesn't matter what's happening, he states facts as makes observations as if he wasn't involved whe he pretty much is.

•*Wild poisonous lizard monster appears from nowhere*

The other participants: *panic, fight, fly response*

Cale: oh, look, it's prince Adin's cousin.

The host, from the safety: ooh, you seem to have quiet a problem there.

Cale: yeah, they have two poisonous reptiles now.

•Cale's bs detector went off from the very first moment he saw Adin. He doesn't know what's up with that guy but he doesn't like it. He tries to avoid him at all cost and pulls the petiest shit towards him at the same time.

•Adin: Nice to meet you. I'm—

Cale: —going back to the other side? Yes, please do that.

•Everyone noted that the trashy young master dislikes Prince Adin, but no one knows why. So they start making up theories and trying to reunite hints from their interactions. The most popular ones are A) the childhood friends-to enemies one, B) the one about them being love rivals for Prince Valetino's hand, and C) the one about them being rivals for Prince Alberu's love.

•When the host asked about the matter, Cale response was—

Cale: hm? Oh, he just buzzes my bs detector.

Host: I— what?

Cale: My bullshit detector. Have you ever met someone and just, immediately realized that everything that comes from their mouth is *beeep*? That you must not trust on them, no matter what? That's it.

Host:...I see. Out of curiosity, how precise is your, uhm, "bs detector"?

Cale: it has never been wrong. There was this time—

•The Soo's are part of the "habitants from other world" group. Choi Jung Soo is the most active one out of the three.

•Cjs outted himself as Choi Han's nephew by accident. Cale's instant remark— "Choi Han, come pick up your kid". He knew cjs was an adult.

•Venion ended up as one of the program's contestants due to some anonymous people spamming votes to mess with him. Just kidding. The culprits are the Henituse siblings + Hans. Bassen was mad at him, so Cale suggested it. Lily joined because "it's not fair that they have fun without her". Hans recorded everything for later.

•Alberu likes to watch the show to distress.

---------

That's all what I have for now. Feel free to add more or write it.

[murasaki-cha]

TCF side story 6 discussion (it’s honestly just me freaking out)

MASSIVE SPOILERS FOR THE SIDE STORY BELOW! If you haven’t read it yet, go read it and than come here again and freak out with me

Right off the bat

Ok after getting that out of my system, there is so much to talk about! This chapter dropped bomb after bomb!

Super Rock becoming the God of Protection! Didn’t see that one coming tbh. I wonder if he knows about the conversations ancient power him and Cale have. That would be hilarious.

And was the red head with him Fire of Destruction? I think it’s him. God of Death even called him cheapskate. It’s definitely him.

God of Death stalking observing Kim Rok Soo and Cage since birth doesn’t even phase me. He’s always lovingly annoyed those two

I wonder why the Chois had so many single lifers? GoD even wrote that fact on his journals. It’s weird.

Sun Goddess atoning by staying in the shadows, didn’t expect that. Tho things would have been resolved faster if you, you know, SEND AN ORACLE SAYING YOU HAVE NOTHING AGAINST THE DARK ATTRIBUTE ANYMORE!! LITERALLY COULD HAVE SOLVED SO MUCH SHIT ANGELINA!! Come on girl! Tho I’m curious why does she want to reincarnate. What’s that gonna do?

TELL👏🏻US👏🏻GOD OF DEATH’S👏🏻PAST👏🏻

Why did he kill his friend if he didn’t want to become a god? Why did he search for death so helplessly? Why does he hate hunters so much? Why does he mess with the Chois? What’s his reason for meddling so much? WHAT’S HIS NAME!?

Choi Jung Gun beating the shit out of God of Death with a broom in the Sun Goddess warehouse was not something I would have ever imagined but I’m not surprised tbh🤣

God of Death being scared of Lee Soo Hyuk to the point that he doubted if he was really a human was amazing. I agree Lee Soo Hyuk is freakishly scary dude.

THE WOLF KING?!?!?!

So many gods were introduced! But why did we get nothing on the God of War? I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEM DUDE!!

Cale and Choi Han being candidates to meet the God of Hope! *whispers* The chances of Cale reaching godhood just keep increasing

Choi Jung Soo throwing a dinner party to commemorate the occasion of ‘Cale Henituse who entered the fiery pit on his own like usual.’ WHEEZE🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Jung Soo you little shit why do you do your bro dirty like this🤣🤣🤣🤣

FUCK GOD OF BALANCE!! FUCK HIM!! FUCK YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!

Fuck no! You hear me! FUCK! NO!

“His yellow eyes shone” I would like to know, did God of Death’s eyes shine yellow here, or did God of Balance’s? Because previously God of Death was described to have black eyes but if his eyes change color that would be dope as fuck.

“When the God of Death thought about it, he was sure that something that would seriously irritate that god would happen in the future” You know what that’s code for. Demons. God of Death could also be talking about the hunters but the reason why I believe it’s about the demonic race is that he didn’t show much of a reaction while thinking about “them” while a few minutes ago just the mere random thought about hunters agitated him so much it affected his space.

God of Death being seriously scared of Choi Jung Gun, Choi Jung Soo, Lee Soo Hyuk and Cale is honestly hilarious. Like You’re a divine being, one of the most powerful beings in existence and one of the things you fear the most are 4 men in their twenties🤣

Anyway! With all that being said, this chapter gave so much information about the gods and I’m so grateful for that. I thought we would have to wait until like the middle of part two to learn more about them. We’ll definitely get more of the demonic race in part two. I wonder what job Lee Soo Hyuk does for the God of Death? And is God of Death ok in the end considering God of Balance came back? Is God of Balance going to be one of the bad guys in part 2?

So much new information and so many questions! But by the looks of it part 2 is gonna be awesome. Can’t wait for July!!

[huggybug]

hopeless - tyson jost

word count: 1.8k words

Nobody ever said dating a professional athlete was going to be easy. You weren't stupid though, you knew it was going to be more complicated than any of your other relationships but you also were never one to back down from a challenge. 

“Y/n? Everything okay?” Your head snapped up from where you were looking down at your phone to see your friends all staring at you. 

“I- uh yeah” You couldn't process anything when that picture was still pulled up on your phone. An NHL gossip profile posted it. You had no idea where it came from but it was very obvious what it was. There was Tyson, your boyfriend of almost three years, with a blonde girl straddling his lap. Maybe if it was just that picture, you could’ve let it go, pushed it aside as a mistake or a lapse in judgement but no, there were multiple. Pictures of the sitting there and then pictures of him talking to JT and Cale with the girl still wrapped around him. It was more than just a momentary thing, it looked like they spent the entire night together.

Your friends made you show them the photos and you almost started crying when they started making up ‘what if’s’ about the situation. There was no question that something happened. Sure, maybe he didn’t kiss her or have sex with her but you didn’t care. The thought of him being with another girl in positions that were not just friendly, sickened you.

You left the restaurant shortly after, the tears threatening to spill but you held them off until you were safely in your apartment. Yours and Tyson’s apartment. Shit.

Your phone would not stop ringing that night. And judging from the texts he sent, he knew he had been caught. He knew that you’d see the photos. Please call me back. I love you. Are you okay. The texts kept coming, one after the other but you ignored them all. You had half the mind to block him but that seemed a little too extreme.

You spent the rest of the night crying on the couch while eating the cookies you saved for days like these, when you hated everything and Tyson wasn't here to hold you. Except this time, you were glad he wasn't here. 

...

The phone ringing loudly echoed through your apartment and woke you up in the morning. Remembering the occurrences from last night, you were tempted to send it to voicemail but you knew this wasn’t something you could avoid forever. So you rolled over and searched for your phone in your pile of blankets. Tyson’s contact picture was splayed across the screen and your heart ached at his smiley face. Before you could talk yourself out of it, you answered.

“Y/n? Babe where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you all night” Tyson sounded normal, like he wasn't just hanging on to another girl all night.

“How was your night” It wasn’t really a question and you both knew it. You didn’t want to assume the worst (even if you already had) but the tone in your voice was enough for Tyson to know that you knew. Cale sent him the post this morning, the pictures of him and the girl were sickening to look at for him.

“Y/n-” He sighed, what was there to say? He knew that no matter what he said, you wouldn't change your mind on whatever conclusions you’ve already drawn.

“No. Don’t even start to do that Tyson. You don’t get to feel bad now, you made the decision” 

“Baby I swear nothing happened” You rolled your eyes. 

“Get a better line Tys” This wasn't your first time in this type of situation with a boyfriend. They all said the same thing. ‘Nothing happened!’ ‘She came onto me’ ‘You can trust me’

“I promise Y/n! Ask anyone that was there, I would never do this to you” He was pleading now, desperate for you to hear him out.

“Yeah that's what I thought but then you did it anyway” The tears were flowing again and it broke Tyson to hear how upset you were. He sputtered out a response but you didn’t hear as you pulled your phone away and hung up. 

The next couple days were hard. Tyson kept texting and calling but you didn’t answer. It was the first time in years that you didn’t call him before his game. They were in New Jersey so once it was late for you, you weren’t expecting any more calls. Then your phone rang, instead of Tyson’s face filling your screen, it was JT’s.

“JT? Is everything okay?” You didn’t usually talk to the guys when they were on the road. You’d get the odd text from one of them about something stupid Tyson did or a picture of him but you only got calls when it was something serious.

“Yeah yeah don’t worry, look I know its not my place but I feel like I should-” You groaned and he stopped in the middle of his sentence.

“Did Tyson put you up to this?” 

“No, he doesn’t even know I called you” You stayed silent. “I know you saw those photos and I know what it looks like but you have to hear him out. I mean, you don’t have to but you should. You know Tys, right? He would never do this to you and I swear if you hear him out, it will make so much more sense” 

“I just.. I’ve never been this hurt JT” Maybe venting about this to Tyson’s best friend was a bad idea but you didn’t care in the moment. You were too embarrassed to talk to your friends about it and you definitely could not talk to your family.

“I know and trust me, he’s just as hurt if not worse” 

“He’s the one who did this!” You exclaim and JT lets out a grunt.

“Okay, I can’t say anything but please talk to him when we get home. Don’t just disappear like we both know you’re planning on” Damn JT and his stupid knowledge of your tendencies.

“Fine but don’t tell him about this. I need him to tell me because he wants to not because he knows you’ve talked to me already” JT promises before saying goodbye and you’re once again left in your empty apartment with only your thoughts.

...

A thump wakes you up and after a couple more, you realize it’s Tyson. You stay in bed with your eyes closed, wondering what he’ll do when he walks in. You’re facing the door so you can peek just enough to see him walking into the room and setting his bags down by the closet. He looks at you on the bed and stands there for a minute before heading into the bathroom to get ready for bed. When he comes out a couple minutes later, he turns to walk out the door.

“Tyson?” You sit up and he jumps, clearly startled after thinking you were asleep.

“Jeez have you been awake this whole time?”

“Where are you going?” You ignore his question.

“To the guest room. I didn’t know...” He trailed off and you felt the heavy weight settling back down onto your chest.

“Can we talk?” It was late. Probably too late to be having this conversation but you won't be able to sleep knowing he’s in the apartment and not sleeping next to you.

“Yeah” He comes back to sit on his side of the bed. “Y/n-”

“No- I mean, can I just talk first?” Tyson nodded and motioned for you to go ahead. “I may have overreacted. That doesn’t mean I’m not mad but ignoring you was childish and I know I shouldn’t have. It wasn’t fair to you or the relationship we built between us.” Tyson took a minute to soak in your words before even beginning to think of a response.

“I’m so sorry for hurting you. I need you to know I never ever wanted that” He was being honest, you could feel the sincerity in his words but you weren’t sure if it was enough.

“I’ve never felt like that before Tyson. It was like my heart just stopped when I saw those pictures. I loved you, I trusted you” You shook your head, trying to combat the tears that were surely coming.

“I’m sorry Y/n” Tyson chanted like it was his newest mantra.

“What happened that night?” You didn’t want to hear it but you knew there was no chance for your future if you were left questioning it. You listened as Tyson detailed the night, how the girl approached him and he was drunk but he didn’t exactly turn her away. He said that she got closer as the night went on but it was all a bit fuzzy. One thing he knew for certain was that he didn’t kiss her. That was something you were grateful for.

“…That’s all. I want to be clear that I understand if you’re upset because you have every reason to but I need you to know I’m willing to do anything to make it up to you” His words were a lot to take in and you thought about it before even beginning to respond.

“I love you Tys but I need to time before we’re totally back to normal” Tyson was just glad you were back to using a nickname instead of his full name.

“But we’re good? I mean like-” He started sputtering but you cut him off with a little chuckle.

“We’re good Tys, now come to bed it’s late” You open your arms for him and he all but pounces into bed next to you. It was nice to be in his arms and you knew nothing in this world would ever change that.

Maybe you were giving in too easily, that’s what the instagram haters would say. Maybe you should’ve made a break for it while he was still away, moved out of your apartment and leave this behind you for good. But it was never that easy when you thought about it in perspective. When you love someone with your entire heart, you don’t want to leave just like that, you can’t. Tyson has total control over you and your heart and while that might be dangerous, you wouldn’t want it any other way.

And maybe in a few years when you ultimately break up, you’ll think back to this day, wishing you would have just left but that’s what they say right? Hindsight is 20/20 vision or whatever.

Or you’ll look back when you’re happily married with a couple kids and be grateful for your forgiveness towards the man you love.

Right now, all you know is how you feel and that is safe. As soon as Tyson got home, your worries flew out the window because he had the power to do that. You were hopeless in the hands of Tyson Jost but who was to say that was a bad thing?