#at least not on medium graphics like he was able to when i first tried

[knifegremliin]

he loves me sooooo much and behaves and runs so well for a modern 5-6 year old laptop. his only crime is continuously trying to literally fall apart.

my laptop is such a trooper btw (he has so many cracks on him)

[boyfhee]

GET TO KNOW ME GAME !

tagged by · @dearhee

tagging · @koishua @yujipg @amakumos literally don't have anyone to tag 🤣 just do this even if ur name isn't here

birthday: 25th may, i wish i shared it w someone

favourite colour: rose gold, gray rose / gray lavender, ice blue

do you have pets? no, but i do have a stray cat i feed and she basically lives in my backyard

how tall are you? no

how many pairs of shoes do you own? 😵‍💫 around 20

favourite song: sherlock ( oceanfromtheblue ) 긴밤 ( seori ft GIRIBOY ) mimi ( youra ) by my side ( junny ) i have so many help

favourite movie: interstellar, literally the best thing ever directed. also, these are not movies but 2521 ( kor. ) first love ( jap. ) threads our tapestry of love ( jap. )

who would be your ideal partner? lee heeseung yeah, he is the standard. but fr i like people who i can communicate with easily, without much issues ( i mean, we can understand each other ) the main thing i look for is probably, how they are under pressure or how they deal with things / serious things. this is very important to me because i need that person to be there when we're going through something so it's really important that they don't avoid problems ( besides, people like that annoy me help ) also someone who's fun but is also smart ? like, we can joke around and also discuss about something academic, it's fun. i mean i love to talk about interests and how things work, everything logical. i also like pretty ppl and heeseung is very, very pretty.

do you want children? ok i'm gonna be honest. like a few years ago, i was so against it, but now, i can consider. i mean, i'm not saying i will have kids in future, but i can consider. i can at least adopt one so yeah, can consider.

have you gotten in trouble with the law? no

what colour socks are you wearing? i don't wear socks off season ( no one here does )

favourite type of music: classical, but most recently added is krnb

how many pillows do you sleep with? one

what position do you sleep in? straight ?? it's good for posture

what don’t you like when you’re sleeping: noise. loud music, or talking too much. u want to talk, go do it somewhere i am not sleeping

what do you have for breakfast: fruits / fruit juice, milk ( with toast, optional ) on school days. when i'm home, i usually have a bowl of fruits with coffee ( odd choice, i know, but it really gets me through next 5-6 hours that are very crucial )

have you ever tried archery? except in amusement parks, no

favourite fruit: guavas, grapes, kiwis, bananas

are you a good liar? very, very good liar

what’s your personality type? intj, i like being smart fr

innie or outie? former

left handed or right handed? ambidextrous hehe i can write + draw with both hands ( love me for that )

favourite food: we have these dishes called pav bhaji & idli sambhar, honestly heaven

favourite foreign food: pasta ( creme cheese one especially )

am i clean or messy? both, more on the clean side

most used phrase: innit, "just like me fr," at the most random times, "help me" as a way to express delight "sweetheart," to call my friends help does that count?

how long does it take for you to get ready: 20 minutes, at most. i don't use makeup except eyeliner & gloss but even if i opt for anything more like blush or eyeshadow, it takes 30, at most

do you talk to yourself? it's a coping mechanism

do you sing to yourself? all the time

are you a good singer? i think? i mean, i passed 2 rounds of sm global auditions so that says something

biggest fear? yk deep water? where you aren't able to see anything except pure darkness? the eerie feeling it carries? that. it's not a phobia, but it's to the point that i get scared even by looking at it in pictures so i avoid those

are you a gossip? we all are, to an extent

do you like long or short hair? medium to long

favourite school subject: science, biology specifically ( zoology, in that ) and that's why im pursuing med lolol, also i love english, engineering graphics and math minus commercial mathematics and trig

extrovert or introvert: introvert but i talk quite a lot when i'm with family or with close friends ( the classic, yk )

what makes you nervous: doing something for the first time, going to a place i've never been, MAKING SPECIMEN SLIDES i swear i've spent my highschool years making microscope slides but it never fails to make me nervous like what !! if !! there's !! an !! air bubble !! v good at it but i still have tendencies to mess up

who was your first real crush? this guy from tenth grade, we went to a competition together from school and got lost in the city so ig that's where my feelings originated from

how many piercings? 2

how many tattoos? none

how fast can you run? idk bro but it's pretty decent

what colour is your hair? black

what colour are your eyes? black

what makes you angry: when i can't do something that i know i can do ( like when i mess up a painting, or some questions ) people who think they're entitled to everything, people who talk shit behind others ( i mean we all do that, but like, i dislike ppl who use others and then talk behind their back ) people who avoid responsibilities, PEOPLE WHO ARE CRUEL WITH ANIMALS i swear if u dont treat animals nicely you will have a miserable life

do you like your name? definitely

do you want a boy or a girl as a child? can't pick

what are your strengths? i am very, very calculative so i make decisions i do not regret ( slay ) my determination is through the roof, i've been told that i'm eloquent & clear with agenda which is such a plus point for me, i have experience with tons of things ( science, math, art & painting, music, dance, basketball, volleyball, swimming, cricket, badminton, chess, baking, finance, coding & computer science, writing, tutoring, public speaking, basically everything that my parents ever made me learn plus it's v fun tbh ) i can adapt quickly, i am amazing memorizing skills, quick learner

what are your weaknesses? i know i sound like im bragging in prev question, but i have so many weaknesses to cover my strengths up . major one being finding it hard to concentrate and staying motivated, getting things done on time, my laziness god i am so lazy. it's super hard for me to build a habit and ever harder to get rid of one, i can't cook for the life in me and i have so much trouble trying to mix up with new people

what is the colour of your bedspread? teal

colour of your room: one wall is pink while rest 3 are off white

[brawltogethernow]

@mirrorfalls​ submitted: Came across this while searching for James Bond’s scrambled-eggs recipe (long story). Your thoughts?

~~

But did you find James Bond’s scrambled eggs recipe?

In this article, Scocca laments his inability to find accessible, lighthearted superhero comics suitable to read with his young son, while also demonstrating a mysterious aversion to looking at DC and Marvel’s lines of comics for children, which is where the accessible, lighthearted superhero comics suitable for reading with young children are. He wants his elementary schooler to be able to safely have the run of all superhero media so he doesn’t have to touch the yucky baby books.

This is not an industry-wide crisis. This is just one dude who got paid to write an article where he accidentally exposed one of his personal hangups.

The child headed toward the trade paperbacks of Marvel and D.C. superhero titles on the side wall […] a few steps in front of me. […] Is he with you? a clerk asked me. I said he was. You know, the clerk said, we have a kids’ section. The clerk gestured backward, at a few shelves near the entrance. I said, Thanks, we know and tried throwing in a little shrug, as the kid kept going.

You can’t just turn a seven-year-old child loose in a comic-book store to look at the superhero comic books. […] My seven-year-old really wanted to see that last Avengers movie […] that is, he wished it were a movie he could see, but he understood that it was, instead, a movie designed to scare and sadden him—a movie actively hostile to people like him.

They have a children’s section. Because comics are a medium suitable for stories for everybody, and they are sold in comic book shops, which have sections, like bookstores. You can use this organization to find books that you know in advance are suitable for children. What goes in that category is determined by industry professionals. This area will be bigger the bigger the shop is. These comics are not lower quality that titles from the main lines. They are actually slightly better-written on average.

Your local comic book shop has considerately wrapped Empowered in a plastic bag, so your child will not be drawn in by a colorful superhero and accidentally read a graphic scene. If you think your kid might find a memoir about internment camps upsetting, it is your job to notice them picking up They Called Us Enemy and read the blurb on the back before you let them have it. This comic adults are meant to read is in a comic book shop because that is where comics are sold. Not every public place is supposed to be Disneyland.

Movies have ratings systems. If you do not want your child to watch a PG-13 movie, you will find that most superhero cartoons are for children. They are about the same characters. Some are quite good! I really enjoyed Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Your child may like Avengers Assemble. At least I think that’s right. I’m always mixing those titles around.

This is a deeply weird bias for Scocca to casually demonstrate, because he identifies in the article that real childishness is striving for empty maturity.

He compares an old comic,

[…]a 1966 Spider-Man comic in which Spider-Man meets, fights, and defeats the Rhino; participates in a running argument between John Jameson and J. Jonah Jameson about his heroism; buys a motorcycle; breaks up with his first girlfriend, Betty Brant; flirts with Gwen Stacy; and reluctantly agrees to let Aunt May take him to meet her friend Mrs. Watson’s niece, Mary Jane.

and a new comic,

[…]a 21st century comic book in which Thor, brooding in a Katrina-destroyed New Orleans, beats up Iron Man. He also yells at Iron Man a lot about some incomprehensibly convoluted set of grievances, including involuntary cloning, that he believes Iron Man perpetrated against him while he was dead(?), and then summons some other Norse god from the beyond somehow for reasons having something to do with real estate. I think. Where the 1966 comic is zippy and fun and complete, the whole contemporary one is muddled and lugubrious and seems to constitute a tiny piece of a seemingly endless plot arc—simultaneously apocalyptic and inert.

and concludes that the edgier comic is actually less mature. This is true. (This is not news about mediocre comics.)

It also has nothing to do with either comic being child-friendly, the article’s nominal thesis, except in the sense that ASM #41 (yes, I eyeballed that from that summary, yes I am just showing off now) is better written, making it more everyone-friendly. It also has practically more space dedicated to word balloons than art and is about a college student juggling girl problems and a part-time job with a tyrannical boss. But the immature one, as Scocca points out, is dour.

These are both teenagery issues, separated only by quality. It’s true that lots of new comics published by the big 2 are bad in the specific way Scocca describes here, taking themselves too seriously and hauled down by associated stories instead of buoyed by them. Some are not! Some titles from these companies’ main continuities are zippy, contained, and child friendly. Give your child The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl! Or if you like vintage comics so much better, why don’t you…buy some?

The books on the kid’s rack are good and fun and totally suitable for parents to read with their children without wanting to scoop their eyeballs out. Scocca cites the Batman ‘66 comics as the brightly colored, tightly written all ages solution to his problem about sharing superhero stories with his son. My local comic shop stores this title in the kid’s section. I am glad that Scocca’s does not, as he seems to have a peculiar aversion to looking for comics to read with his son there.

Scocca cites Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse as a superhero movie he could watch with his kids. (I was surprised when this line made it sound like he has several. I don’t want to assume the other one isn’t in this article because they’re a girl, but I very much am assuming that.) Great! Go to the kid’s section and look for Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man. It’s a fun, zippy title directly inspired by ITSV where Miles, Gwen, and Peter superhero together. It’s much more tightly written than most of the various Spider-Verse comics, which are ambitiously messy ubercrossovers. You may not want to give those to children because they include murder and so on, but also you just have the choice between the two as an adult reader deciding how much continuity you want to deal with. Adventures is one of the only titles I would buy on sight before corona. The kid comic rack is a reliable place to take a break from How Comics Get Sometimes regardless of how old you are.

This article makes me feel quarrelsome. Maybe it’s that it doesn’t seem like exploration of a single idea so much as a loosely grouped bundle of things to kvetch about. Maybe it’s that the experience of getting into superheroes that Scocca describes experiencing, projects his seven-year-old son will experience, and from which he extrapolates a metaphorical microcosm of the history of the genre is completely alien to me.

Comic books [and] comic-book movies—are […] trapped in their imagined audience’s own awful passage from childhood to adolescence. A seven-year-old has a clean […] appreciation of superheroes. They like hero comics because the comics have heroes: bold, strong, vividly colored good guys to fight off the bad guys and make the world safe.

But seven-year-olds stop being seven. […] They become 13-year-olds, defensively trying to learn how to develop tastes about tastes.

The 13-year-old wants many things from comics, but the overarching one is that they want to prove that they’re not some seven-year-old baby anymore. They want gloomy heroes, miserable heroes, heroes who would make a seven-year-old feel bad. (Also boobs. They want boobs.)

Not because of the boobs line, although that does illicit an eyeroll that this gloomy thinkpiece is fretting over preserving the superhero experience of little boys who resemble the little boy the writer was while casually dismissing everyone else. I was one of those unlikable little seven-year-olds with a college reading level and the impression that maintaining it was the crux of my worth. I only read Books - distinguished media you could club someone with. I have a formative memory of pausing, enraptured, in front of a poster for Spider-Man 3, preparing to say that it looked pretty cool, and being beaten to the punch by my mother making a disparaging comment about how the movie was trash. It wasn’t out yet, but it was a superhero movie. That meant it was for loud, brainless children.

That was the total of my childhood experience with superheroes, excluding being the unwilling audience to incessant renditions of “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” that left me wondering why in god’s name Batman’s sidekick was named Robin. I certainly never visited a comic book shop. I got into TvTropes, which got me into webcomics, which got me following David Willis, who got me into Ask Chris at ComicsAlliance, which led to me rewarding myself for studying like a demon for the AP tests with three volumes of Waid’s Daredevil, pitched as a return to the character being colorful and swashbuckling. I was seven…teen.

This is of the same thread as Scocca’s point that immaturity is running from childish things. It leaves me baffled that he doesn’t follow that maturity is embracing them.

I will disclose here that while I think it was dumb I had to overcome my upbringing’s deeply embedded shame associated with enjoying arbitrarily defined lowbrow media and children being childish, I think it’s fine that I was allowed largely unchecked access to technically age-inappropriate content. In my limited experience, content small children are too young for is also content they’re too young to understand, so it kind of just bounces off of them, and what actually ends up terrorizing them is unpredictable collages of impressions that strike out at them from content deemed perfectly child-friendly. I would not forbid a seven-year-old I was in charge of from seeing an MCU movie unless I had a reason to believe that specific child would not take it well. These are emotionally low-stakes bubblegum films. It will probably be easier to socialize with other kids if they have seen them.

But then, when I picture being in charge of a hypothetical child, I usually imagine this being the case because they are related to me, and the pupal stage in my family strongly resembles Wednesday Addams. ALL children love death and violence, though, right?? This isn’t a joke point. I know it looks like a joke point.

The MCU thing seems especially weird in light of the article’s particular focus on Spider-Man, which is the kiddie line of the MCU, even if they refused to waver from their usual formula enough to get a lower rating. Though I am more inclined to describe it as “preying on the young” than “child-friendly”.

(MCU movies are increasingly dubious propaganda, but I would not judge them in front of a child who wanted to watch them for that reason, just in case this led to them partaking of them without me the second they were old enough to and then they grew up to run a blog about them while our relationship suffered because they didn’t feel like it was safe to talk to me about their interests…Mom.)

I tried to overcome the philosophy of letting anyone read anything while compiling this handful of mostly-newish superhero recs for the road that anyone can read. (Handily, I have been in spitting distance of being hired as a comic shop clerk enough to have thought about it before):

For actual children:

Marvel Adventures Spider-Man (the new one is reminiscent of ITSV, the old one is more like 616) any DC/Archie crossover, Archie’s Superteens The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (for bookish children who think they’re too good for comics and adults afraid of the kid’s section) Teen Titans Go (even if you hate the show) Superman Smashes the Klan

For teens:

Ms. Marvel Young Avengers (volume 2) Unbelievable Gwenpool Batman: Gotham Adventures Teen Titans Go (the tie-in comic based off the old show was also called this)

Here are a bunch of relevant C. S. Lewis quotes.

[wayward-dreamer]

Life’s Lessons - Part 1

Title: Life’s Lessons - A Lesson in Settling In

Pairing: Mechanic!Dean x Female!Teacher!Reader (eventual)

Word Count: 3,362

Part Summary: Y/N settles into her new house, in a new town. Right off the bat, she meets her gorgeous neighbor, finding an instant connection with him. As she goes to work on Monday, she starts to think that she could get used to Lawrence, Kansas.

Warnings: some swearing, first day of work nerves, Dean being cute (yes, that’s a warning lol)

Music: Lookin’ Out My Back Door, I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Creedence Clearwater Revival (Setting up the house scene).

A/N: The first part is here! I’m so excited for you all to read it! Please let me know what you think, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and feedback! P.S. I have a full playlist for this series coming soon, just finalising some selections! Happy reading and I hope you guys like it! :)

Dividers by the wonderful @firefly-graphics​! Check her out for all your AU needs!!! 

Y/N leaned against her car, a content smile on her face as she looked up at the house that she was about to call her new home.

The house was clean white, with a grey tiled roof. White wood railings encased the front porch, that had a porch swing in front of one of the windows. The front yard was freshly mowed, with the flower beds on either side of the porch steps. It was a modest, two-bedroom house, with not a whole lot of backyard space, but it was the most rent she could afford with her previous salary. It didn’t matter though; you could make a house a home no matter how big or small it was. Her job as a teacher wasn’t just rewarding when the kids did well, but it was able to put a roof over her head, and that was all she could ask for.

Y/N started with her bags before she opened the large U-Haul trailer attached to her car, and started taking out the boxes. It had been a long journey from Rhinebeck, New York, stopping off overnight in Ohio and then Missouri, but she made it to Lawrence, Kansas that morning, giving her enough time to start unloading her things. Considering it was just her, she knew it was going to take some time, but she was hoping to finish by lunch time so she could explore the town a little.

Luckily for her, complicated things to move like a couch and a bed, weren’t things that she had brought with her. Those things were reminders of what she had done on them with her ex-boyfriend and the last thing she needed in her new house were memories of him. He was the reason she had searched for teaching jobs outside of New York, and luckily, she got the furthest one. She missed her family already, but she needed to get as far away from the memories of him as possible.

Moving her bags and the boxes from the trailer had been the easiest part. It was moving the furniture – dining table and chairs, armchairs, record player, coffee table and two bookshelves – that was going to be the hard task on her own. She started with what she could do on her own, moving all the dining chairs into the house. When she got back to the trailer, she sighed heavily. There were too many things to move.

Y/N stepped into the trailer and started to shift one of the armchairs but growled in frustration as it got stuck on the edge. She couldn’t get the right hold on it to get it off the edge, her legs shaking as she tried to keep it steady.

“Whoa, hey. Let me help you with that” a male voice said behind her. She didn’t turn to see him yet, but watched as he grabbed the other end of the armchair and helped her put it down on the pavement.

“Thanks” she smiled, relieved.

“No problem” he said as he turned to face her.

She almost wished he hadn’t because now her legs were shaking more than they were when she couldn’t hold the damn chair. He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen, handsome but incredibly hot at the same time. The black and white plaid shirt he was wearing was tight across his arms, and she couldn’t help but get lost in his gorgeous green eyes and sinfully pouty lips.

She smiled politely, keeping the thoughts she was having suddenly, at bay. “No, really, thanks so much. I probably would’ve ended up trapped under this chair if you hadn’t stepped in.”

He laughed, laughter lines appearing near his mouth and crinkles around his eyes. “Well, I would’ve hated to see that happen.”

She smiled, not knowing what else to say to him. This was the first time she had ever been this flustered with a man. The sound of his laugh and the way those lines appeared around the creases of his eyes made her heart flutter.

“Can I help you with rest? I mean, I gotta get to work but I can be a little late” he asked, as he looked between the chair and the rest of her stuff.

She looked at the rest of the things and frowned. “You sure? I wouldn’t want to get you in trouble.”

“I’m positive. Helps to be the boss, so…” he smirked, as he shrugged.

She nodded, impressed. “What do you do?”

“I’m a mechanic, I own the auto shop on Main street. Winchester’s. I’m Dean, by the way” he said, as he offered his hand.

She took his hand in hers and tried to ignore the spark she felt radiate through her when their skin touched. “Y/N Y/L/N.”

“Good to meet ya, Y/N” he smiled.

When she smiled in return, Dean was completely floored by her. She was beautiful; dressed in loose boyfriend jeans, a white t-shirt, red converse sneakers and a red bandana around her head with her hair in a messy bun. She really had the girl next door vibe going on. That was dangerous with the situation he was in, so he had to tread lightly. When he saw her from across the street, he was reluctant to help because one look at her, even from a distance and he knew he was in trouble. His mother raised him to be a gentleman though, so he couldn’t hesitate to help a person in need.

With Dean’s help, moving the furniture she did have into the house only took about 20 minutes. She was incredibly thankful for him helping and hoped that it wouldn’t have been too forward to ask if he wanted to grab dinner with her, that night. She straightened out the medium sized, round dining table and chairs with Dean, and sighed in relief once it was done. Her furniture was now in place in all the appropriate rooms. She had to unpack now, which was almost harder than this, but at least she could take her time with it.

Dean looked around her house and nodded, noticing how many boxes had “BOOKS” written on them in black marker. He had only been in this house twice, when the previous owners still lived there before they moved to be closer to their children.

“Big reader?” he gestured towards the boxes.

“Definitely, but I’m a teacher too, so it’s an abundance of books” she laughed, as she looked at them. “It’s a little ridiculous, really.”

Dean laughed quietly to himself, trying to get the teacher fantasies out of his head. She really had to be a teacher.

“Well, I should head out” he said, as he made his way to the door.

She followed behind him and leaned against the doorway. “Thanks for the chivalry.”

“You’re welcome. I guess it’s not dead, after all” he smirked.

She laughed; it felt like the millionth time in the last 20 minutes. He was carefree and had made the tedious process so much easier with his humour.

“I’ll see ya around, Y/N” Dean said, shoving his hands into his pockets as he turned away from her.

“Thanks again” she called out.

Dean walked down the porch steps and turned back. He gave her wink before he walked across the street. She sighed to herself as she watched him walk away, his dark blue jeans doing wonders for his behind, though the black and white plaid was hiding his back from the looseness. She thought against asking him for dinner just yet, at least not on her first day in town. She would give it a couple of weeks, enough time for her to settle into her new job and into the town.

Y/N closed the door and walked back into the main room. Looking at the boxes, she knew it was better to return the trailer to the Lawrence location and then explore the town a little. Get some lunch, do a little grocery shopping. She picked up her bag and keys, heading out of her new house. She would start on the boxes when she got back.

Before she got in the car, she fired off a quick message to her family, telling them she had gotten there safely. It had been text after text and call after call asking if she was okay when she left Rhineback to drive to Lawrence. She reassured her family that all was well, and then drove into town.

The next day, Y/N was thankful that it was a Saturday. It would give her some more time to set up the house but also start getting ready for the first day of school on Monday. She was nervous about meeting the staff and the students, but she was excited about the new experience. She had walked through town the day before, grabbed the essentials like bedsheets and towels, plus some grocery items for the immediate need. She was already beginning to like Lawrence.

The first thing she did was set up the record player her dad had given to her. Once everything was plugged in where it was supposed to be, she put on one of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s records. She bopped her head along to Lookin’ Out My Back Door as she started to unpack the other records, before starting on the other boxes.

About 15 minutes later, as I Heard It Through The Grapevine played, she stood on the front porch, watching her furniture delivery unload from the truck. Before she even got to Lawrence, she had bought a new bed frame and mattress, couch, office desk and chair online, and thank goodness the place had Saturday delivery. She had made a makeshift bed out her new sheets and pillows last night, and with the way her back clicked and cracked into place when she woke up that morning, she was incredibly fortunate that her new bed was here.

She followed them inside and instructed the delivery guys on where to put the items. As she was helping them, she heard a loud knock on the open door. She turned around and saw a woman, maybe her age or a few years older, standing at the door. Next to her, stood a young boy, probably about 13 years old. Y/N smiled as she walked to the door, seeing a plate of something in the woman’s hands.

“Hi, we saw you moving in and wanted to welcome you. I’m Lisa Braeden, and this is my son, Ben” she introduced themselves, with a bright smile.

Y/N shook her hand and smiled in return. “It’s great to meet you, guys. I’m Y/N Y/L/N.”

“These are for you, I hope you like chocolate chip” Lisa said, handing her the plate of cookies.

“Maybe a little too much” Y/N laughed. “Thanks.”

“Listen, if there’s anything you need, we’re right across the street” Lisa gestured behind her to the house across the street.

Y/N nodded as she looked at the place. It had darker features, but the lawn was equally maintained. “I appreciate that.”

“So, Ben. What grade are you in?” Y/N asked, wanting to engage with Ben a little, who looked quite bored.

“I’m starting 8th on Monday” he mumbled.

Y/N smiled, looking between him and Lisa. “Well, I’m starting work on Monday. Maybe I’ll have you in my English class.”

“Cool.” Ben didn’t seem to care. “Nice choice” he said, gesturing to where the music was coming from before he turned away, walking to the porch stairs and waiting for Lisa.

Lisa looked at him with a “we’ll talk later” look, before she turned to Y/N. “He shouldn’t give you too much trouble, but if he does, you know where I am.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine” Y/N shook her head.

“Anyway, we should go. Welcome to the neighborhood” Lisa said, smiling again.

“Thanks” Y/N smiled.

She watched as Lisa and Ben walked across the street, clearly waiting to be behind closed doors before she talked to him about what just happened. Hopefully she wasn’t too harsh on him; no kid would want to meet their new teacher outside of a school setting. Y/N walked inside the house and saw that the delivery guys were done. She signed off on the delivery and the guys left. She picked up one of the boxes still in her living room and walked to the second bedroom she was using as an office. She was excited to set it up and get started on some work for Monday.

Y/N sat in her car in the parking lot of the school. She had gotten there a little early, just trying to calm herself down before going in to meet the principal. She had spoken to him for her phone interview and again when she got the job, so she was familiar with him. He seemed like a nice man and she just hoped that the rest of the staff were the same way. She was more nervous about the students. Moving schools wasn’t just hard as a kid.

She checked her make-up in the mirror and then got out of the car, walking towards the entrance. She fixed her white top and smoothed down her brown skirt, thankful that she had chosen brown sandals with a small heel instead of something higher. She didn’t need anything to go wrong today. Once inside, she walked over to the administration office, as guided by the signs. At the very first desk, sat a red-headed woman, the name plate on her desk reading: Anna Milton – Receptionist.

When Y/N approached her desk, she looked up from her computer and smiled.

“Hello, how can I help you?” she asked.

“Uh, hi, I’m Y/N Y/L/N. I’m starting here today and need to meet Mr. Shurley first” Y/N replied, trying her best to keep her nerves at bay.

“Oh of course” she picked up the phone and pressed a number.

Y/N waited a minute or so before a short man with greying hair and a beard, walked out of an office at the back of the room. He saw her and smiled, extending his hand as he approached her.

“Miss Y/L/N, wonderful to meet you” he said, shaking her hand.

“You too, Mr. Shurley” she smiled, as confidently as she could.

“Alright, let me show you around before your first class” he walked ahead of her, not leaving her too far behind.

It took Chuck, as he insisted on being called by his first name when it was a one-on-one basis, a few minutes to show her around the main parts of the school; the staff room, the library, the gym and the cafeteria. After that, he took her to the classroom she’d be using, just before the students came in. They watched as they came in, sitting down at their desks. Ben walked in and she smiled at him, but just received a little twitch of his face back. They all looked scared to see the principal in the room.

“Class, I’d like you meet Miss Y/L/N. Your new English teacher. So, make her feel welcome” he said to them in a commanding voice, before he turned to her. “If any of them give you any trouble, just send them down to my office.”

“I’m sure I won’t need to” Y/N looked between him and the students.

“Alright, take it away” he smiled before he left the room.

As soon as he was gone, the class erupted into loud voices as they began chatting away. Y/N sat on the edge of her desk, her legs and arms crossed as she waited, patiently. She would give them a few seconds before she got their attention. Before she could do that however, Ben looked at her and then at the rest of his classmates.

“Guys” he called out. The noise level didn’t go down.

“Last one to be quiet has to tell their next teacher why they were late” she called out.

The noise level dropped instantly.

Y/N smiled, happy that worked. “Alright. As Mr. Shurley said, I’m Miss Y/L/N. We’re going to start off with the role. As I call out your names, you’re going to tell me what you read over the summer and a short answer about what you liked or didn’t like about it.”

For majority of the class, things went well. Most of the students were well behaved except for one group of three boys who kept talking and disrupting the others around them. They were rude and weren’t listening to her when she asked them to stop several times. She would have to keep an eye on them. To say that her first lesson had been difficult would be an understatement, but she got through it. That’s what mattered.

Y/N had a break in which prepared for her class with the 7th graders. They were a breath of fresh air and exactly what she needed after the previous class. They were much more engaged and a lot softer spoken, so while she would have to get them out of their shells a little bit, they were pretty well behaved.

At lunch, Chuck introduced her to a few more of the teachers. She shook hands with everyone and engaged in conversation. The usual chatter about where she was from and how she got into teaching. As she sat down to eat, she looked over some of her messages. She smiled as she saw one from her sister, sending off a quick reply to tell her she was doing okay.

“Mind if I join you?” a voice asked.

She looked up to see a man with brown short hair and blue eyes smiling at her. He was adorable, looking cute in his white shirt with rolled sleeves, black pants and blue tie to match his eyes.

She smiled in return and nodded. “Sure, of course.”

He sat down across from her with his lunch. “I’m Castiel Novak, history teacher. Everyone calls me Cas, though.”

He offered up his hand and she shook it. “It’s great to meet you.”

Just as he was about to say something, a red-headed woman, not Anna, walked over. “Hey, you must be the new English teacher, I’m Charlie.”

“I’m Y/N” she said, shaking her hand.

“Charlie teaches Math but she’s a computer whiz too. Helps out the I.T. guys every now and then” Cas told her as Charlie settled into the seat next to him.

Y/N smiled approvingly. “Wow, that’s amazing.”

“Thanks. They ask me because I think they secretly know I’m better at it than them. I was in the corporate line for a while, but then I moved back home to help my mom” Charlie explained, between bites of her salad.

Y/N liked her already, her nerdy vibe with colourful plaid shirt and band t-shirt suiting her chirpy personality. Cas was a little quiet, but there was a calm presence to him. Though she had no doubt he had the ability to get kids to listen to him straight away.

“Yeah, we’re all glad she came back and stuck around” Cas smiled at her.

When she smiled in return, Y/N had to ask. “So, you two…?”

They both laughed as they looked at each other and then back at Y/N.

“No, we’ve just been friends for a really long time. I have a girlfriend, Meg. She’s a nurse at Lawrence General. She’s tougher than nails and I don’t know how I got her” Cas replied, laughing slightly.

“Yeah, and I’ve just started dating a few weeks ago. Her name’s Dorothy and she’s a writer for the Kansas City Times. She’s really cool” Charlie smiled softly.

Y/N nodded, understanding. “They both sound amazing. I can’t wait to meet them some time.”

They continued talking over lunch and Y/N couldn’t have been happier to have met them. They were both incredibly kind and lovely people, and she was really starting to get along with them.

As lunch finished and they went their separate ways, Y/N smiled as she walked to her next class.

Hopefully moving to Lawrence, Kansas was going to be the best decision she’d ever made.

-x-

Tags: @flamencodiva @deanwanddamons @winchest09 @katehuntington @akshi8278 @hobby27 @michellethetvaddict @spngirl05​ @kyjey​ @halesandy​ @440mxs-wife​ @stoneyggirl​ @deanswaywardgirl​ @wonder-cole​ @that-one-gay-girl​ @redbarn1995​ @marianita195​ @babypink224221​ @deans-baby-momma​ @parinarain​ @thoughts-and-funnies​

[aeori-o]

Farewell 2021

“What a year huh?” said me, last year in my 2020 post, probably with some hope that this pandemic would be over before the new year rolled around again. The new variant is just tearing through the population where I am. It doesn’t seem as deadly but it’s wild that almost two years into this pandemic the virus is now closer to home than it’s ever felt (and I realize I’m very lucky to be able to say that). But wow, no wonder the flu remains a killer, we seem incapable of taking this type of virus seriously.

Anyway, onto the usual stuff.

So I finally set my goal far short of 100 books and I’m glad I did. Normally I aim to do an hour of reading per day (and allow myself catch-up days because: Life) but this year I aimed for half an hour. Due to my love of the library I still read past my goal (of 30) and spent perhaps more time reading than I intended but I’ll never be sad about time spent reading.

147% isn’t bad! And I managed to read half an hour every day (with catch up days*) and then some! It’s not nearly as many books as I’ve read in years past but I still think it’s a good number! Last year I very much enjoyed filling in my calendar on the computer (I used to scan them) so I’ve done it again, the blue squares are the days I met my goal and the white numbers are days I finished books (asterisks denote days I finished more than one book).

I finished 5 books this year on the 24th day of the month (May, June, July, October, and November) and I think that’s really amusing. It makes me want to see if I can somehow manage to make a streak of finishing a book on the same day each month.

*I keep mentioning the catch-up days because I feel like that’s important. A big reason I want to hit my 100 books goal in a year, someday, is because it’s possible to do--there are book-people on the internet (youtube, podcasts, authors, etc.) who mention they often read at least a hundred books per year. Which for the longest time I took to mean: 100 novels. Stories with 300+ pages. But these people (rightfully) include graphic novels/comics, novellas, picture books, and so on in that count. So I just want to manage expectations of anyone else reading this: If your goal is also to read a little every day it’s totally okay to miss days, and if you want to make up for it later you can, but you don’t have to.

Will I ever change my icon on goodreads? Probably not.

The only graphic novel I put on goodreads this year was Wolvendaughter (it’s very good, I’d recommend, it’s pictured above) but I read 6 others in addition to that which would bring my total books read up to 50. I’m tempted to make a second goodreads for graphic novels. It’s not that I don’t count them as reading, but they feel like a different medium and I don’t like counting them together. That’s literally just for me though, I am plenty happy seeing other people count them together.

Maybe it’s because I read less but my rating average this year is UP.

I went back and checked and my average rating is usually three-point-something. Once it was as low as 2.8. I’ve never had my average rating this high. Am I reading better books overall? (I hope so.) Am I maybe weighting some of my star-ratings to try and boost the rating of a book? (I am perhaps guilty of this.) But overall I don’t think I read anything that was an outrageous stinker this year.

Of what I read this year I would recommend:

The Echo Wife, by Sarah Gailey If you’re looking for a book about a very intelligent, reticent woman having to deal with a huge mess her ex-husband makes when he tries to make himself a perfect wife.

Harrow the Ninth, by Tamsyn Muir If you’re looking for for sci-fi-fantasy lonely space lesbian dealing with other hostile necromancers, a heaping pile of mystery, and eldritch beings. Naturally you should probably read Gideon the Ninth first.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built, by Becky Chambers If you’ve read some of her earlier work it is incredibly pleasing to see she finally figured out they/them pronouns. It’s a short, meditative book about life and purpose explored through a human in a solar-punk-esq society who runs into a wild robot as they attempt to retreat from the world and refocus on their ‘purpose.’ It had an incredibly memorable exchange that I am very glad to have read.

Jade City, by Fonda Lee I’m in the middle of reading the second book (which has been slow going due to the holidays) and with any big, chunky fantasy novel it takes a little time to get going, but once it does it goes. If you’re looking for a semi-modern gangster book where the gangsters have magical powers and are warring for supremacy with other gangster clans while juggling national and international politics as well as interpersonal politics and feelings then check this series out. and the last one I’ll really highlight is...

The Other Merlin, by Robyn Schneider If you grew up really loving Disney’s animated Mulan, and as you grew up came to appreciate General Li Shang’s bisexual confusion and part of you is really desperate for some good, fun bisexual confusion in the same light, easy way: Check this one out. In general I have a soft spot for the girl-has-to-pretend-to-be-boy-to-get-shit-done-in-shitty-patriarichal-society trope but these days find a lot of those stories hard to swallow. This one was good fun and delivered something I didn’t realize how badly I wanted.

There’s other good books in here, of course, but I’m not even sure if anybody reads my yearly updates and even takes recommendations from them so I don’t want to sit here all day recommending things but there’s other good things in there (and some not so great books, but nothing horrific though a big shout out goes to The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle for having the most insanely fatphobic section I’ve ever read in a book, ever. That book would have been an easy recommendation if it weren’t for how hideous the fatphobia was. Like this book is pretty new, it’s only a few years old. How was it that bad in regards to fat people.)

Honourable mention goes to Terciel & Elinor, though, which wasn’t amazing but it was comforting. It makes me want to read all of the Abhorsen books, Clariel to Goldenhand. Maybe I will someday. Also I love that they’ve returned to the older-style of cover instead of the charter mark covers (though I do have to wonder my Elinor is so pale when she is clearly described otherwise).

Anyway I think I’ll keep my goal the same for next year. 30 books. Half an hour a day. It’s very doable and I don’t feel any pressing need to up my count. Other than my ever-growing, never shrinking (thanks library) pile of to be read books in my home. As of writing this I have 13 books out from the library. With five more on hold.

Oh! And I got back into reading some terrible books this year and writing in them. With the intention of passing them around to friends to read and write in, as well, so we can have a little collection of Collective-Suffering reads! It’s been really fun so far.

Anyway, recorded watching 41 movies/TV Shows (sometimes I forget to write stuff in, though) and just looking back through my list we had some real good shows happen this year! Squid Game was incredible. Arcane was shockingly good (everyone is attractive and I’m gay). I haven’t finished The Witcher season 2 yet but I am enjoying it thus far. We got a new Evangelion movie which... I’m not sure I liked it all that much but I loved rewatching the others. And I think the most surprising show, because my step-mom loves it and we don’t exactly have the same tastes, was Ted Lasso. Surprisingly fun, and wholesome yet nuanced. And Dune I really liked but how well it holds up will depend entirely on the sequel(s), it felt kind of like watching the first half of The Fellowship of the Ring.

Usually if there’s a lot of things I enjoyed watching in a year it’s mostly older media I’ve rewatched and enjoyed, because I already liked them, but this year had some real hits for me! And they didn’t come out this year but I finally watched Train to Busan, Parasite, and The Handmaiden which were all incredible. It was a real Korean-cinema year for me, I guess, between those three and Squid Game. (Which I realize is four out of forty, not a huge percentage but a big leap from watching zero Korean cinema.)

I’m going to slap a little mash-up of some of those titles in here because I find looking at my previous year posts a little intimidating when it just turns into a giant wall of text when I get done with my book stuff. It also makes it easier to do at-a-glance year in review stuff. Like “Oh shit this was the year [thing] came out? Remember that?”

And then games! I did not play as many games this year--or maybe I did? See Nintendo didn’t used to send a yearly recap, but it seems like almost any platform you’re on these days does some sort of yearly recap. And my recap from Nintendo, about my Switch usage, was hilarious but also nice to see.

Just thought it was neat to see when I got my switch on here, but we start out and it seems not so bad:

That’s almost the same amount of games!

And then: Whoops. I didn’t even play a days worth of games (on my switch) this year but last year I played the equivalent of over 23 days. There’s a reason for this though.

Before December 2020 the computer I had (her name was Munificent) was kind of mid-tier when I bought it... in 2008. And that’s mid-tier ranking computers in general (at the time) which is a far cry from the clear division between business and gaming PCs that exist now. It could passably run some smaller indie titles, it could run Bastion by Supergiant Games but not Transistor, for instance. So the switch, with its portability putting it above my PS4 for preference-to-play, became my main device for gaming as well as connecting with friends through multiplayer games. (Plus ACNH came out in 2020 and who wasn’t sinking hundreds of hours into that? Plus Hades hit the switch and I was desperate to play it.)

But this year, this year I had CurseBreaker.

I mentioned her briefly in my New Years post last year, I think, but she turned a year old on the 21st of December and she’s utterly ruined me for using computers anywhere else. She is so dang speedy I cannot stand having to troubleshoot problems on other people’s computers now and trying to do basic tasks like open Microsoft Excel on a work computer is torturous now. She’s not even high-end for a gaming PC but she hasn’t sweated at anything I’ve thrown at her (she can’t do ray tracing, though). The only thing that’s upset her so far was before I was given new monitors trying to force things through DP into DVI did not make her happy.

When it comes to gaming I’ve done basically all of it on her this year, mostly been playing classics. I started twelve games this year but finished five (sort of). See I don’t mark a game as finished until I am done with it, so I’ve been replaying Dishonored with @auyamx and we haven’t finished all the DLC on high and low chaos yet. And I played Prey and I’m not sure if I want to 100% that game and going into Prey: Mooncrash I was kind of burnt out on it so we’ll see if I get back to it. I also started Resident Evil Village with a friend but between COVID and some other things happening I haven’t gotten much further than the wonderful Lady Dimitrescu. I started replaying Resident Evil 5 with a friend and we haven’t had a chance to finish it--the gameplay remains fun but Woof this game wasn’t great when it came out and has aged horrifically (but the Wesker... the Wesker is so iconic in 5). And then of course I started Pokemon Snap N64 and Pokemon Snap Switch and have beaten neither of them. And finally, I started Tell Me Why which I’m enjoying so far but just have not had a chance to play. I’m hoping to make some time for it once I whittle down my stack of books from the library.

I also still want to return to Hades and Animal Crossing: New Horizons as well, but I didn’t really play those this year. I’m finally starting to tackle my ever present to-be-played pile as well but I’m just not beating anything. Oh well!

So what’re the five games I did beat?

I played Resident Evil 4 which is awful on PC, do not play it on PC if you have a choice. For me the definitive edition is still on the Wii. Nothing beats point and shoot--so maybe RE4 on VR will also be good? But it was a delightful return to that game, I still love Leon and Ashley is a lot more fun than I remember her being.

We also finally beat Fatal Frame II which was a lot of fun. Those games are fantastic, it’s a shame the early ones aren’t widely available. I beat Later Alligator which was very charming, it’s a cute little game I’d recommend checking it out! We played and beat Heavy Rain which is a comedy masterpiece and, for the first time ever, we experienced the PS3 exclusive DLC (which was a headache to purchase because all of the “add to cart” buttons on my PS3 are invisible).

And I played Devotion twice, I didn’t count it twice, though. Devotion is an incredible game and if your computer can run it (and you like horror) I would strongly recommend checking it out. 

Because I absolutely refuse to get my shit together to DM me and some friends get together once a week to (mostly) watch me stream games instead. @monsterranchersteph even streamed Prince of Persia: Sands of Time for us this year which was a lot of fun! They just flew through that game. But I suspect a lot of games I wind up beating are going to be because we’re doing this. I just started Disco Elysium last week and it’s been very fun with friends so far.

I don’t know if it was spurred on by having built CurseBreaker or if it was spurred by the lack of availability of the ACNH joycons (it probably was a little of both) but I picked up a new hobby this year: Fixing and/or re-shelling controllers. I also fixed two PS4s and cleaned a third (none were mine). Very satisfying. Here’s some of the controllers I re-shelled (for myself or others) and some joycons I replaced the analogue sticks on because the drift was Heinous for a friend. I also got to tear apart a PS5 controller because the buttons were sticky where someone had spilled coffee on it (those controllers have a lot more in them than previous generation controllers do it’s wild).

Joycons are tricky to do because of how itty bitty they are, you’re juggling a bunch of pieces and the tiniest little ribbon cables. The clear joycons above actually had one of the trigger buttons stop working so at the same time we did the shell we replaced that button and ribbon cable and they were tiny it felt like I was breaking it to fold it into place. (I don’t have photos of this, my hands were too occupied for photos and my friend didn’t want to get in my way.)

And the controller in the bottom left... Just. Sony Why. Sony has about five billion different versions of the PS4 controller that are almost the same on the inside but not quite and hopefully they’ve stopped changing them since the PS5 came out but usually it’s the opposite of cost effective to change a controller and yet they kept doing it. The bottom left controller I had to dremmel stuff out of to make the trigger buttons even fit and I could only change the faceplate because finding a shell for the same back version literally doesn’t exist. And, actually, if you look closely at the orange and navy one above (both it and the one to the right, the green and white, are fake-versions of limited run PS4 controllers) you’ll see the ‘Options’ and ‘Share’ buttons beside the touchpad are gray, not navy. This is because Sony apparently changed the controller again and now those buttons are fused to the central plate on the inside and the shell-kit I had had the buttons loose in the old style. Absurd Sony, absurd.

I would genuinely love to know why Sony changed those constantly. The only external difference was when they changed from the original back-only light source to the lightbar appearing on the touchpad. Everything else was internal only. Did they have to change factories approximately a billion times? Was remaking moulds and manufacturing lines somehow cheaper than just keeping everything the same? I am so mystified by this.

Anyway, I’ve really enjoyed making controllers prettier. If anyone knows me irl and wants me to change or fix your controllers hit me up. I love doing this and I’ve run out of controllers to do this with. Please let me make controllers pretty.

Moving on. While I didn’t write or draw this year, either, where I sat down and just did stuff on my own, once again my RPs with @auyamx​ are out of control. At last count we’re at 315,935 words written between the two of us. Maybe not as prolific as last year (considering we did two thirds of that in four months last year) that’s still a hell of a lot to write, taking up 800+ pages. We’ve always been mildly obsessed with the characters of ours that gel well and last year it was the human versions of Anir and Lelia and now it’s the god/furry versions of Anir and Lelia. We’re thriving. And have been blessed with so much good art.

(Lower left and upper right by @monsterranchersteph​; Majority of left side is by @phantomeus​; bottom right is by @auyamx​)

We’ll never not love our boys (who are fighting in this particular iteration of rp), and we’re still obsessed with the other versions of these two, but this version has definitely taken up the majority of our creative brain space this year (and I’ve loved every second of it).

So overall a good year, there is one big downer which I’m going to mention right at the end under the photo of the cat so if you don’t want a downer, don’t read it. I don’t want to end on a bring-the-mood-down but I like to look back at these and it’s a good way to remember things, for me.

Again I’m not going to set any crazy goals for the upcoming year. 30 books in total, which I’m sure I’ll hit no problem, half an hour reading a day. That’s doable and not very stressful for me. Ideally I’d like to be in a better financial place, or at least with better prospects this time next year, but I won’t make that a ‘goal’ because I don’t want to set myself up for failure in that way, but it’s something I want to keep in mind. (Though isn’t that the mood for everyone? I’m lucky to be safely afloat, and thankful that I am, but it would be nice to be able to afford living more comfortably.)

So with that! Goodbye 2021, hello 2022, I hope this is a better year for the world and for all of you. If you also make a year-round-up post please tag me in it or somehow link me to it! I’m not on tumblr super consistently so I miss a lot but I’d love to read how your years have been!

My bummer news is that my beautiful boy, Socrates, passed away this year on February 10th. It’s weird because it feels like it’s been way longer than a year since he’s been gone. Almost everyone on our street and in our immediate community knew him by name, including people on the book of faces (which I’m not even on, but my step-mom would tell me about people talking about him) and people would stop us to ask him where he was after he passed. He was a super affectionate and intelligent cat and he left us way too soon. He had a sudden onset of saddle thrombus (mentioning in case future me forgets, don’t feel the need to look this up) and there’s not much that can be done for that. I had to go to an unfamiliar vet in the middle of the night for him and bless my vet, because when I asked her later if putting him down was the right call she affirmed it was--I don’t have the knowledge on it to know if she said that because he was already gone so there was no point making me despair over my decision or if there really was nothing that could be done, but it was nice to hear regardless.

I’m no longer extremely emotional over the loss, and I still have my other cat (who is a naughty little boy) but I think it’s important to remember. Especially with how distorted time has been since the pandemic happened.

[quietlyimplode]

Day 22 - Favourite Things

This had the potential to go darker but I kept it at the medium/dark - warnings of blood/vomit/death but nothing graphic?

.

“Tell me Tasha, what can you hear?”

“Voice, you.”

“See?”

“Blood.” She stares at her hands and wipes them on her pants, over and over until he has to catch her hands and hold them.

“Taste?” He feels he knows that answer already, given the previous one.

“Blood… mine.. I think?”

“Smell?”

“Blood. It’s all blood. It’s clawing.. dripping..” She distresses, falling tears mark streaks in dirt on her face.

She gags harshly, spitting blood from her mouth, again and again until she throws up bile and blood.

Clint’s at a loss, he’s not sure what to do next, just holds her hair back and keeps one hand in hers, letting her squeeze it until he can’t feel his fingers.

“We have to move,” she states. And while yes this is true, Clint reasons she’s probably shouldn’t be moving at all.

He thinks it’s a concussion, maybe from the concussion grenade that went off ten minutes ago but it could also be, well, Natasha retreating into her past. Grounding doesn’t always work, in fact sometimes it’s worse, any coping mechanisms she’s built up are sometimes just not strong enough.

Slowly he helps her to her feet, hoping that movement might help with whatever is going on in her head. He side steps around the broken bodies of 2 supposed hydra agents, and he imagined a John Wick style fight going down, there’s office supplies everywhere and anything sharp is either poking out of them or smashed up.

He’s glad he doesn’t have to deal with any sort of clean up, because there’s another two that he helps Natasha over as they leave. She’s lethal in a fight, they all know this, sometimes he forgets just how much.

He helps her down the stairs to his car that’s waiting with the keys inside, she spits blood before she gets in and he takes his jacket off for her to sit on in the car.

There’s no alarms, no one chasing them, and seems all quiet as he pulls away. He keeps a hand in Natasha’s as he focuses on the road, heading straight for the tarmac to depart.

“We’re you able to get it?” He asks tentatively.

When she doesn’t answer he looks over, her head is lolling to the side and her eyes aren’t focusing.

He can’t pull over in fear of anyone following, but goddamn now he’s worried about the concussion. Cursing loudly to himself, he rubs her leg and calls her name.

“Nat? Natasha?”

She give a slurry answer and he reaches up to tap her chest, his hand now covered in blood.

“Natasha, tell me something.” Anything is what he doesn’t add.

“Whatdyawannakno,” comes from her in one breath and then a cough.

“Tell me your favourite animal.” He makes up. He puts his foot down and tries to drive a little faster.

“No animals, they die first.” He rolls his eyes, a throwback to conversations they’ve had in the past where animals are always sacrificed and she’ll never get one because it’s an easy way to get to her. Never mind she has a stray cat that’s pretty much hers.

“Ok... Favourite time of year?” He asks, at least she’s talking even if it’s not making complete sense.

“Trees. I like trees.” Clint takes a breath, swearing again.

“Nat. Your favourite time of year? What season do you like the best?”

“You. Tree’s. Lights.”

He’s so not getting anywhere but in fear of her brain stopping working he keeps trying.

And then it clicks.

“Nat, is Christmas your favourite time of year?”

She bobs her head and then her head arches like she’s going to vomit, but manages to keep it down.

“Stop moving your head,” he admonishes.

“Trees. Lights. You.” She repeats.

He’s worried that she’s not able to draw the sentence together. Worried that even though she’s following his train of thought it’s not coherent.

“What’s the best part of Christmas?” He tries, hoping for another answer.

“Lights. Dancing lights.” Her eyes close softly.

.

[cafedanslanuit]

Home || Jumin x MC - One shot

genre: angst, some fluff.

summary: You are staying at Jaehee’s after Jumin did something that made you really angry. While staying there, you start feeling sick and end up at the hospital. What you first thought was nothing to worry about, quickly turns into a nighmare that could change your relationship.

warnings: not graphic, but the story discusses blood and miscarriage

You weren’t really broken up.

Not really. Your things were still at the penthouse and you really weren’t planning on picking them up, but you were still mad at him. Until you could work those feelings out, the best way to avoid your boyfriend for a while. Thankfully, Jaehee had been kind enough to let you crash on her couch. It wasn’t really uncomfortable, but it smelt funny. You thought it was because of Jaehee’s habit of snacking while watching Zen’s musicals. Maybe there were some crumbles between the pillows, because every time you woke up, you were so disgusted by the smell it made your head twirl.

You loved Jumin. You really did, but you couldn’t help being so angry with him. You wanted you go to the penthouse, talk to him about what happened and fix things up, but you knew you couldn’t do this if you were still as angry and resentful as you were. You needed a couple of days away to melt down your rage and also to teach Jumin the weight of his actions.

That day, you were having breakfast on the kitchen table as you read some news on your Twitter feed. Jaehee had already gone to C&R, asking you if you wanted to send Jumin a message. You knew it wasn’t she didn’t want you there, but she had mentioned Jumin looked restless, more irritated and didn’t have the capacity to focus as much as he did before. You told her, yet again, you didn’t have anything to tell him. She nodded, pursing her lips and went to work.

When you finished eating breakfast, you decided to help a little by cleaning the house. You put on your headphones and started sweeping the living room. Just as you were almost done with it, a known song started playing, making you stop your movements to listen to it. Obviously Je Te Veux by Erik Satie had to come up on your playlist while you were trying your best at being mad with the man who had presented that song to you. 

“Fuck you, Jumin Han” you muttered as you started sweeping more angrily than before.

You knew he hadn’t meant to hurt you, but he had. You knew it was part of his work, but maybe it shouldn’t be anymore. Or maybe… maybe you could adapt to it? You didn’t know what was the right answer. And when you knew it, you would return to Jumin’s apartment, if he’d still have you. A knot formed on your throat. Yeah, he would take you back. You were sure.

Almost sure.

As you were done with sweeping, you started cleaning the bathroom. That was when you first felt wetness between your legs. You checked the date and realized it was your period. Thankfully, Jaehee’s bathroom was equipped with pads, so you had no problem with washing your panties and putting a pad on a fresh pair. You kept doing the cleaning, thankfully not having any cramps yet. Half an hour later, you went to the kitchen, where you started washing all the dishes and putting everything in its place. You went to the bathroom again and realized there was a medium sized blood clot resting on your pad. You furrowed your eyebrows. You hadn’t experienced anything like that before, well, at least not a clot that big. It was probably the size of your thumb. You changed pads again, also noticing you were having a heavier period than usual.

You went back to cleaning, but an hour after that, you went to the bathroom again to find yourself in the same situation. This time, you knew something was wrong. But you didn’t like the idea of going to a hospital. Yes, your period was definitely heavier than usual but that didn’t mean it was worth a hospital visit. You changed pads, trying not to notice the clot was bigger this time.

Half an hour later, your pad was fully damped again. You felt like calling Jaehee, but that would mean Jumin would have to know about her hospital visit and you didn’t feel like seeing him in that moment. Especially not in this vulnerable moment. You changed your pad again and stuffed some more in your purse. As you were leaving Jaehee’s apartment, you took out your phone and sent a voice message to Zen, avoiding using the RFA messenger app.

“Hey, I’m… I’m okay but I’m going to the hospital. I’m a little scared?” you laughed nervously, hopping on the elevator. “Uhm, I’m having… how should I put this?”

You forgot how awkward it was for you to talk about your period with someone else. And a part of you thought maybe Zen wasn’t the right person after all. He was, after all, someone who wanted to present himself like a knight in shining armor, waiting to rescue their princess. And princesses didn’t talk about period or blood clots.

But fuck it.

“I’m bleeding a lot heavier than usual. Like, a lot. And I’m scared, so I’m going to the emergency room. Just… please tell me everything’s fine?” you added in a small voice.

You sent the message and hopped on a cab. A few minutes later, you received a text that simply read: “Which hospital?”

----------

“I hate to say this, but maybe you should have gone to that clinic that is a partner of C&R” Zen muttered, letting out a sigh. “They would have called you earlier”

“I hate you for saying that as well” you replied, shifting on your seat.

It had been an hour and a half and you were still on the waiting room and of course, you were still bleeding. It wasn’t the best hospital in town, but you didn’t want to cause a scene in a hospital or clinic C&R had a relationship with. You didn’t want to take the chance of having someone call Jumin and let him know you were there. But you had already gone through two changes already and you were afraid you were going to stain your clothes. 

No, not really. The reason you were starting to freak out was because you knew what could be a cause of heavy bleeding. You didn’t want to think it was an option, but you knew there was a possibility it was a miscarriage. You swallowed thick, not wanting to entertain that option. You were young, even younger than Jumin, it didn’t make sense you were suddenly having a miscarriage. You weren’t even sure you had been pregnant. You couldn’t be-- your period wasn’t even late and you weren’t showing any symptoms of pregnancy, you would have noticed if you--

Suddenly, the memory of waking up to a smelly couch made you tense up. What if it really wasn't smelly? What if it was some sort of mild morning sickness? And maybe your bleeding was not actually your period, just an horrid coincidence on that day your body had decided to have a miscarriage. You felt your knee going up and down, not being able to do anything about it.

“MC” Zen insisted. “I can’t take this anymore, we need to go to St. Claire’s. I know it’s owned by C&R but there’s a reason the trust-fund kid always goes there, they treat him like royalty. And you’re whiter than when we first got here. I don’t know what’s going on with you but please, at least let a doctor see you. We need to get out of here” he insisted.

“No. They’re gonna call me any moment now”

“Fuck, MC…” Zen sighed, a hand going through his hair. “I don’t know what happened between you and Jumin, but this is your health that’s at stake. So, listen to me”.

Would Jumin take you back now that you were probably having a miscarriage? Would he blame her? Of course it-- it wasn’t her fault if that was the case but… how would he take it? Would he close himself, not letting her be a part of the grieving? Would he send her back, not wanting to be reminded of having lost his unborn child every time he looked at her?

You realized you were crying when you felt Zen taking your hand into his. You quickly wiped your face with the back of your hand, trying to hide how scared you actually were.

“Jumin, I’m with MC at the hospital downtown” you turned your head quickly at Zen’s voice and shook your head, trying to make him stop. “We’ve been waiting too long for a doctor, but…” you unsuccessfully tried to take away his phone. “Stop” Zen warned you. He went back to his phone call, “We’re going to St. Claire’s, tell them MC is on the way and she needs a doctor right now”.

Zen made a pause while you hid your face on your hands, hating how the situation had gone out of control. “Yes, send an ambulance. She’s not critical but she’s too weak for me to take her on my motorcycle”. Zen hung up his phone and helped her stand up, leaving the emergency room and heading towards the hospital entrance.

“Why would you do that?” you complained, taking your arm away from Zen, but still walking alongside him. “I told you I didn’t want him involved in this!”

“Look, babe, sorry but I wished you could look at yourself. You’re really pale, you’re losing more and more blood and while I hate that Jumin practically bought a clinic just so he didn’t have to wait, I don’t care if it means you’re getting that treatment too”.

You sighed and nodded, defeated. You were surprised you hadn’t felt dizzy or felt any sort of pain since all this nightmare had started. You just felt anxious about the possible miscarriage you could be having. 

Ten minutes later, an ambulance from St. Claire’s clinic arrived at the front of the hospital. You reluctantly entered the ambulance, the paramedics asking you thousand of questions and already connecting you to some machines to see how you were doing. Zen told you he was going to follow the ambulance with his motorcycle, only obtaining a nod as an answer from you.

You explained your situation to the paramedics, who asked you to lay down so you could rest until you arrived to the clinic. There was a woman who had the softest voice and assured you you were doing just fine, but they could see what was exactly the problem once you arrived to the clinic. She kept trying to engage in conversation with you, trying to ease your mind about everything.

“Is it… a miscarriage?” you asked in a soft voice. The woman pursed her lips and you felt yourself breaking a little.

“We don’t know yet. We’ll know once we get there, don’t worry” she said.

She kept talking, trying to ease you but you couldn’t listen anything further than they didn’t know if you was losing your child or not. You didn’t care about anything else.

Before you thought, the ambulance came to a stop and when they opened the doors, you recognized the two tall men standing in front on the ambulance, one with black hair the the other one with silver hair.

You escaped from Jumin’s gaze, but perfectly heard him questioning the paramedics what was wrong with you. You didn’t understand a lot of what they were saying, but you did get to hear “gynecorrhagia”. What a wonderful way to put a name to something just so they didn’t have to say they didn’t know what caused it.

The paramedics helped you sit on a wheelchair and you were rushed into the clinic. Not even a minute later, you were in front of the gynecologist office. You heard the nurse explain to Zen and Jumin that he was the head of the Gynecology Department, and that they were prepping the room for you. You heard your boyfriend make further questions but even though his tone was firm and stern, you could tell how his voice wavered just a bit on the end of his sentences. He was scared. Maybe because he also knew what it could mean?

“The doctor’s ready for you” you head the nurse say to you, making you snap your head to her direction, startled. You nodded and you felt her wheeling you to the office. You looked around, seeing you were in a small hall rather than an office. You were helped out of your chair and once again, you felt yourself completely wet with blood. The nurse guided you to a small bathroom and gave you a hospital robe, instructing you to change into it.

Once in the bathroom, you took the chance of cleaning yourself up before changing into the robe. You looked at yourself in the mirror and realized Zen was right: you were in fact very pale. You washed your hands thoroughly and got out of the bathroom, where the nurse was waiting for you.

“I’m scared of staining these” you confessed, following the nurse to another door, presumably the actual doctor’s office.

“Don’t be, please. You’re going through a hard time, don’t think about that. Besides, those are disposable” she explained with a soft smile. You smiled back. “Do you wish anyone to accompany you inside the office?” she asked, before opening the door.

In that situation, honestly you couldn’t think why it was even an option. There was only one person you wanted by your side in that moment.

When you entered the office, the doctor smiled warmly at you and showed you to the examination gurney. She started asking you questions about everything, her soothing voice calming your nerves. You heard a knock on the door and then the nurse’s voice announcing Jumin was there. Thanking the gurney was not in front of the door and you were covered from shoulders to knees, you turned your head towards the door, looking at an awkward Jumin standing there, waiting for an indication.

“Hey” you muttered softly. Jumin looked at you, and for the first time, you could see how scared he was. He was doing his best at trying to hide it, but the way his legs were shifting his weight and how he was incessantly twisting his own fingers gave him away. “Come here” you said, holding out a hand for him. He walked to you, standing on your side while the doctor turned on one of her machines and put on a pair of gloves. Jumin took your hand and you squeezed it, trying to calm both of you.

The doctor warned you, but you still felt some discomfort when you felt the head of the ultrasound scanner entering you. You saw some incomprehensible black and white figures on the screen, wondering if you were supposed to see something.

“Well, I don’t see anything” she commented, making you heart sink.

“I lost it?” you quickly asked, your voice breaking down. Your hold on Jumin’s hand tightened and so did his, but you couldn’t bear to look at him in the eye yet.

“Lost? No, don’t worry. You didn’t have a miscarriage. The blood they took from you on the ambulance shows you weren’t pregnant at all” she explained. You felt your soul return to your body and pulled Jumin’s hand in front of your mouth, pressing light kisses to the back of his hand, whispering soft nothings, almost like a thankful prayer.

“So why did she…?” Jumin asked, his voice more neutral now.

“It was probably an hormonal imbalance” the doctor said, removing carefully the scanner. “Right now I’m going to ask for some IV for her so the bleeding stops. Then we’re going to do an exam on her hormonal levels so we can recommend some medicine in case she needs it”.

“Just like that? She’s… okay? She’s been bleeding all morning” Jumin interfered. You knew he did it out of worry, like a part of him wanted to be entirely sure you were healthy.

“The woman’s body is full or mysteries, Mr. Han” the doctor commented. “I’ve seen this before. In most women’s, is a once in a lifetime scenario, and they never present that problem again. Some may not even need medicine on the long run, but I’m still going to order every exam I can think of so we make sure she’s completely fine” she assured him.

You turned around and looked at Jumin, who still didn’t look convinced.

“Jumin” you said, his eyes looking right into yours. “I’m okay. You can rest now”. He pressed a kiss on the top of your forehead while you kissed his hand again. You felt incredibly happy to have him by your side, knowing you hadn’t lost anything and neither of you were going through that kind of pain.

The doctor excused herself, leaving the room as she gave the nurse some instructions you thought were about the IV she had mentioned.

“When the IV’s done… I want to come back to the penthouse” you said softly, looking at Jumin’s hand. You felt him chuckle and softly moved your chin so you could look at him. God, why did he have to look so handsome?

“Yes, of course. We’ll return home after this”

You felt your cheeks heating at the thought of the penthouse being ‘home’ for both of them.

“But…” you started. You smile on Jumin’s face wavered a little, but still let you continue. “I still don’t like when those women flirt at you. I know it’s part of your job and I know it’s not like you flirt with them, but it still hurt when I saw that woman with her hand on your arm, trying to gain something”

“I used to do that. A lot, I… I always let women invested in the corporate world to flirt with me when there was something for C&R to gain. I would, at best, use some gentleman mannerisms to keep that going. But I don’t think that’s something I want to keep doing” Jumin stated. He brought closer both of your hands and kissed the back of your hand, making you smile. “I’ve already told you I want to marry you. I agreed to your request about waiting at least a year before I officially ask you, but I can’t see how I would change my mind. With each day that goes by, I am only reassured with my desire to make you my wife. But I didn’t take your feelings into consideration with the way I used to run deals. I like to believe I’ve made my work known in C&R enough to stop using antique ways to make deals go through instead of trusting my negotiating abilities. MC, I can promise I won’t do that again”.

“Thank you” you smiled. “Now, please kiss me”

Jumin didn’t wait long before bending down and kissing you softly on the lips. Not being able to kiss that man for almost two weeks was definitely torture, not something you’d ever want to be without again. You were five months into the year you had asked Jumin to wait, but if he kept being such an extraordinary man like this, you were seriously thinking about cutting that time in half.

Once he stood up again, you noticed a playful smile on his lips.

“Now that you mention it, you called Zen before calling me?” he asked, arching one eyebrow.

“Hey, want me to go back to Jaehee’s?” you threatened playfully, making him chuckle.

The nurse returned to the room and helped you stand up, giving you a fresh robe for you to change.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Better” you admitted. You looked back at Jumin and smiled. “But right now I just want to go home”.

[ravenbrenna09]

When Isak is Also Even

This story is partially based on this post and here’s AO3 Link

...

Since wtfock season 3 has ended, I dived further into the lore and mythos of the Skam universe. Skam was a fandom that I always followed (when it was trending) but it was really Robbe and his season that fully brought me into it. Now, I’m in the midst of watching through Skam NL—I’m at the very beginning of episode 5—and I’m planning on watching España later on because I just love all that I’ve seen with the girl squad. 

But, Lucas always surprised me as a character—but especially as an Isak because he always seemed to have Even-like traits. From what I’ve seen, he’s primarily headcanoned to go on and study art. Because of this, I decided to play around with the idea that he has equal traits of the two. 

Because of this, I wanted to explore the idea that our “Isak” is given the storyline that Even normally represents especially given that Lucas’s own mother is bipolar as well. But, I did write Lucas as closeted as the other Isaks typically are at the beginning of their season—maybe more so?—so that is something to note. Now, of course, this is all fun and it’s just something that I wanted to explore—especially in a one shot. 

but, this is also my birthday gift for @peaceoutofthepieces (who is currently still sleeping rn) and it’s basically midnight for me SO THAT MEANS IT’S OFFICIALLY YOUR BIRTHDAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE AND I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY.

It’s really short (about a length of a clip of Jij Verliest) but I wish it was so much longer but I couldn’t manage it. I hope you enjoy it <3

…

The second that an Even sees their Isak is when their story starts changing, for the better, and life goes on to form something more precious than it was before.

But, this story is different.

Lucas van der Heijden is an Isak—technically, in someone else’s story—but he moved to Antwerp to get away from his father who tried to control his life and breathe down his neck about his medication. His mother had encouraged him to do so—to try new things—and with the Academy sending him an acceptance letter, it seemed so perfect, to go live in his cousin’s spare bedroom and get away from his father. So, because of this, Lucas van der Heijden is also an Even—technically.

One day, in the midst of it all, Lucas spots someone who instantly has his attention. Because Lucas is technically an Even—as much as he is an Isak, the person in his sight is his Isak, in every sense of the word. But, his “Isak” also happens to be another’s “Jonas.”

...

Lucas van der Heijden

Standing in front of the classroom, his photography teacher, Mr. Maes, a recent graduate from the Academy who returned to teach, lectured on and on about the various lighting techniques and what they tell the viewer. Mr. Maes had his brown hair meticulously styled. Today, he decided to wear a long-sleeve black shirt that clung a little too tightly to his biceps and a pair of jeans that clung tightly to his hips. Despite Lucas’s interest in the class—photography was his favorite medium and this class was his favorite of the semester—his brain kept fading in and out of the lecture. 

For whatever reason, his eyes kept returning to the curves of his muscles with a frustrating intensity. It was ridiculous that Lucas was getting distracted by something that didn’t interest him at all—outside of an artistic standpoint, of course—and he kept trying to force himself into the lecture. But, his brain also seemed to remind him of the text messages on his phones, the ones his father sent him as a botched attempt to bring him home despite his upcoming exam.

Dad: Come on Lucas. Your mother doesn’t understand.

Lucas: Really? She seemed fine when I called her. I have an art history exam next week that I have to study for. But I guess I don’t understand.

Dad: Lucas, that wasn’t what I meant.

Lucas: I know exactly what you meant.

Shoving away the thoughts of his father’s texts, Lucas’s eyes drifted back to Mr. Maes. Lucas was talking about lighter settings now, but his voice was growing increasingly muffled as the seconds stretched on. Lucas could feel his mind working, mentally sketching the scene in front of him—Mr. Maes enthusiastically talking about the various types of lighting. Normally, Lucas was always attentive during this class—as mentioned previously, it was his favorite class—but his mind continuing to wander was frustrating, to say the least. 

His dad had to message him before his class, didn’t he?

There was a tap on his shoulder, jolting him out of his thoughts. Glancing around the room, Lucas realized that their class had been dismissed and Mr. Maes was conversing with several students who lingered. Lucas felt his cheeks flush, his thoughts returning to his head, as he tried to shove them away. 

Eager for a distraction, Lucas turned to the person who broke him from his trance. His classmate, and friend of about a month, was standing beside him with his leather jacket thrown over his shoulder. Sander Driesen was shorter than Lucas with short brown hair that was growing out. He always wore some sort of graphic t-shirt and a pair of skinny jeans and Doc Martens. His Instagram was covered with pictures of him with bleach-blond hair—something that Sander insisted was returning as soon as his hair grew out again.

While they had bonded in the classroom, Lucas had met Sander two weeks before the semester starting… at their therapist’s office. Once they found out that they went to the same college—and found out they shared a class, they had become close. Sander was taking the class as an elective, but they still collaborated when given the chance. Sander knew about Lucas’s father and the spiral that ended with his diagnosis and his grief over leaving his mother. Lucas knew about Sander’s fascination for spray painting and his diagnosis at the age of sixteen and his artistic muse—his boyfriend who had hair that curled when it was too long.

A week ago, Lucas learned from his new roommate, Zoë, that Robbe, Sander’s boyfriend, had his room last autumn—but Lucas still hadn’t gotten the chance to physically meet him. Even though Sander had shown him every picture that he had of Robbe. 

Sander stepped out of his way to let Lucas out and they slipped past their professor, who didn’t seem to notice Lucas’s absent mind. But, Sander did, asking as they headed out of the college, “Is everything okay?” 

“Yeah,” Lucas said, shrugging his shoulders. “It’s just my dad being an ass, trying to get me to come home because my mom doesn’t ‘understand’ or whatever.” Sander scoffed, rolling his eyes. “I called her and told her that it was because of my Art History test next Wednesday.” 

“Yeah, those Art History tests can be brutal,” Sander admitted. 

“Thanks for the support.”

“You’re welcome.” 

As they stepped outside of the building, the sunlight shined down upon them. On most days, the sun was energizing and bright. But, today, it felt daunting and tiring to Lucas. It might’ve been his text messages with his father, but the fact he got little sleep wasn’t helping matters. His cousin was… loud and Lucas didn’t have noise-canceling headphones like Zoë had acquired. Before Sander stepped away, Lucas asked, “What are your plans for the day?”

“Robbe and I are going out to dinner with some of his friends,” Sander said. “What about you? Did you want to come?” 

“No, thank you though. I can’t today. I’m going to buy noise-canceling headphones and study some more for that brutal Art History test,” Lucas said. 

“Milan?” Sander asked, grimacing. Lucas fervently nodded his head and Sander chuckled. “Maybe, one of these days, you can get him back someday.” 

“I doubt it,” Lucas said. There was a flash of movement over Sander’s shoulder and Lucas’s eyes found it immediately. A person was running in their direction—or more specifically at them—with curly brown hair and a face that Lucas knew intimately for someone he never physically met. Before Lucas could even form a warning to Sander, Robbe was jumping onto his friend’s back. The force had nearly knocked Sander over and Lucas moved to help

Sander quickly found his balance, gripping onto Robbe’s thighs like a lifeline to keep him stable. The leather jacket that Sander held in his hand had hit the pavement and Lucas bent down to pick it up. His boyfriend’s legs were wrapped tightly around his waist and his arms bound around his shoulders. As Robbe pressed kisses against his boyfriend’s cheek, Sander exhaled, relaxing, “For fuck’s sake, baby, don’t do that.” 

“Sorry,” Robbe said, giggling with a wide grin on his face. Sander reached out his hand to Lucas, making a grabbing motion for the leather jacket, and he handed it over without hesitation. As if noticing Lucas for the first time, Robbe glanced over at Lucas. “Oh, you must be Lucas, right? I’m Robbe.”

Lucas chuckled, glancing at Sander. “Yeah, I know who you are.” 

“What do you mean?” Robbe asked. “I’ve never met—” There was a look of realization on his face and his cheeks flushed instant. Immediately, Robbe turned shy, burying his face in the crook of Sander’s neck. Lucas was barely able to hear a muffled, “That’s so embarrassing.” 

Sander chuckled. “Don’t worry, I only showed him the PG sketches.”

Robbe pulled himself from Sander’s neck to say. “And that’s supposed to make me feel better?!” 

“Woah,” Lucas said. He waved his arms as though he could somehow block out the newfound information tainting his mind. He covered his ears and took a step back away from the couple. “That’s too much information.” Still holding Robbe on his back, Sander nearly doubled over in laughter and Robbe gripped onto him tighter. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Sander. If I can even look you in the eye anymore.”

“You’ll understand one day,” Sander said, moving in the way Robbe had come. He lifted Robbe a little higher on his back as they walked away. “Goodbye, Lucas! I hope your dad stops being an ass and you study for your test!” 

“Thanks,” Lucas said. “I’ll do my best. Nice to officially meet you, Robbe!” 

“You too!”

Sander turned away, taking Robbe with him. Lucas watched the happy couple moved away from the school intertwined and holding onto each other. Robbe was still high on Sander’s back, clinging to him like a koala, and his face buried into Sander’s neck. The two of them looked so happy and proud, intertwined with one another so easily and simply. Lucas felt a sense of longing flash briefly in his chest as he watched their retreating forms.

Lucas moved in the opposite direction. His mind was already marking the path to the video store to buy a pair of the best noise-canceling headphones. As he pivoted to leave, his eyes caught sight of Sander and Robbe with someone else and—for whatever reason—Lucas halted to a stop without having gone too far away from his original destination. 

There was a tall guy was walking up to Sander and Robbe. Behind him, two guys were chatting loudly but Lucas couldn’t hear him—and he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the guy in the center. The guy in question was taller than all of his friends, but his shoulders were slumped a little. Even though he had a maroon hoodie over his head, Lucas could tell that his hair was a jet black. Lucas could see his sharp jaw and the upturn of his lips as he teased Sander and Robbe.

He was beau—

Lucas cut off his thoughts, abruptly turning around. 

Lucas’s brain was screaming at him to turn around, to make up some excuse as to why he can join, simply to find out the name of the beau—no, the man there. But, Lucas knew that he couldn’t. It wouldn’t make any sense for him to change his mind now. Forcing one foot to move in front of the other, forcing himself away from the guy that had captured his attention, Lucas swallowed deeply as he tried to keep his thoughts even. 

Lucas had never been like that before. 

It wouldn’t make sense for him to be like that now. 

But, as he turned the corner, Lucas snuck a glance back to him—just to see the guy smile dazzlingly at Robbe and Sander.

...

Note: There was supposed to be a second part of this from Jens’ POV a few weeks later where Jens would actually meet him, but I wasn’t able to get it on time. I hope you enjoy this section and maybe I’ll do Jens’ POV after Jij Verliest ends?

[mrslittletall]

Now that I played through the Phoenix Wright Trilogy, it is time to rate it! Graphics The graphics are painted backgrounds as well as hand drawn character models with different expressions/tiny animations. They are pleasing to look at and never feel out of place. For a game that released first on the GBA, they are surprisingly clean. I have no qualms with the graphics whatsoever. I love that, to this day, the character animations from the courtroom are used in animations where stuff gets debated. Sound and Music The music is fantastic, though I have to say, the one of the first title is the best and feels like the most iconic, especially the Objection theme, which is even used as part of the main menu theme for the trilogy.  The first title has a lot of songs that are so nice to listen too, the court theme, the objection theme, the cornered theme is godlike and even the music outside of the court is fun, especially the theme song for the easy go lucky characters, like Lotta Hart.  The other titles declined a bit, I think the music is a bit too somber and sounds too serious and the objection theme, while still remixing the first one, just doesn’t have the same impact.  The second title has a fantastic new theme for the Search Core situation, used for a villainous reveal, but the third title kinda ruined it by using it EVERYWHERE. I kid you not, that theme played like... a 50 times or so, while it only was used for a certain character in the second one.  The sound effects are fine. The blips of the text aren’t annoying and the way the text is sometimes written faster or slower got a good impression how fast or slow a person was talking.  I liked that some of the sound effects from court were sometimes used in the dialogues to convey certain emotions also. Gameplay The game is a mix of a visual novel and an adventure game, so prepare to do LOTS of reading. You basically go to an area, then murder happens and then you have to find your defendant and proof their innocent. There are two kinds of gameplay, the first is the investigation, where you go around and look at stuff and talk with witnesses and the police and such. That is the most classical for an adventure game. The second one are the trials, where you have to proof your client’s innocence. It generally is by getting a witness on the stand and having to find the contradictions in their testimony. You can press them to get more information or present evidence once you spotted a contradiction. That is like a really nice puzzle and it could be pretty hard to find a contradiction, but it was all the more satisfying, when you found it and the testimony crumbled in itself and the prosecutor had their damaged portray after a good counter.  I have a bit of problems with it though, because sometimes you are obliged to show a certain piece of evidence. Most of the time, several are allowed, but I had one case, where a crime photo very much proofed what I wanted to say, namely that the victim used his left hand to hold his coffee cup, but for some reason, the lip stain on the coffee cup was the only valid evidence. Huh... In the second and third title, the investigation part actually got spiced up by making Phoenix able to see when people hide secrets from him and then we need to gather evidence and get them to spill their secrets. It is similar to the court room, but with only two parties. I really liked that parts. The gameplay was pretty fun, for me at least, but it has a few weaknesses of course, which are the usual adventure game weaknesses. Once you know the solution to the puzzle, the replayability is gone. Story and Characters That is where the game shines. Like I said, the game is basically a visual novel. It has its own individual stories for each case as well as some over arching storyline, mostly centered around a certain case, the DL-6 in the first title and then about the Fey Family in the second and third title.  The cases are sometimes a bit crazy, but that is too expected, the whole series is very whacky and filled with jokes and humours, sometimes good and sometimes bad jokes. The stories are interesting to follow and I often wanted to find out the truth myself, see if my suspicisions were correct and if we could get the real murdered on the stand to make a confession.  It is the most interesting when the overall storylines are getting involved, like in the first title, the DL6-Incident was both for the fourth and the fifth case and seeing how it all came together and got solved completely, was amazing.  The characters are a bunch of regulars and a bunch of case specific. Our main characters are clearly Phoenix Wright, the defense attorney, we play as and Maya Fey, a spirit medium. We also get a few regular prosecutors, with Miles Edgeworth for the first title, Franziska von Karma for the second and Godot for the third title. They could be considered the “villains”, but in a sense, they only try to serve justice, even though all of them have pretty nasty personalities at first.  We also have Detective Gumshoe, a very unlucky homicide detective, Larry Butz, Phoenix’ creepy friend and Lotta Hart, a woman who can’t decide on a career, but loves making photos, and Pearl Fey, the little cousin of Maya. We also have Mia Fey, Maya’s big sister and Phoenix’ mentor, but she tragically died... but that isn’t too much of a problem, because Maya is a spirit medium and can channel her, so that she often helps Phoenix out. All of them, besides Larry, who I have some troubles with, are absolutely adorable, they are quirky, they have moments, they have character growth, they have certain speech patterns and I love them. What I especially like, Maya is kind of Phoenix’ assistant and in pretty much every other story, I would have expected for them to go the shipping route, but Maya and Phoenix, despite being shipped heavily by Pearl, never show any romantic energy in my book. They are more platonic, more like little sister and big brother. It may come from the fact, that Maya is the little sister of Mia Fey, Phoenix’ mentor, and he views her more as a little sister, but their platonic relationship truly touched me.  When it comes to shipping, Phoenix and Miles have more erotic energy between them that Phoenix and Maya could ever have! Especially in the first title! It doesn’t surprise me that they are a popular ship.  Pet Peeves  Ok, some gripes I have with this game are the ages of the characters! Like, we had a case where a 14 year old girl planned a fake kidnapping, good, everyone was super stoked about that, but then it turned out, her 18 year old sister was a police woman at that time. And at age 23, she was considered a police veteran. What?! We also had a doctor who was said to be 31 years old... he looked like he was 55!  Franziska is another offender... one of these japanese tropes of the “child genius”. She became a prosecutor at age 13 and only was 18 when Phoenix first met her. She is from germany and I am pretty sure it is downright illegal to be a legal prosecutor there when you are not of age, so... Then... we have the fact that this game so OBVIOUSLY is set in Japan, but the localization acts like it is set in America... Yes, America has a super traditional japanese village, Maya Fey is wearing traditional japanese clothing, we have a case centered around the Steel Samurai, typical japanese kids TV where an actor is wearing a full body suit and masks himself. I am actually surprised that when they were in super obvious japanese settings, that they actually talked about everything like it was japanese, and not made onigiri into donuts. But ok, I can forgive this, because it is so dumb and the original setting is more than obvious.  Larry! The guy turned out to be creepy! He first got introduced as Phoenix’ idiot friend with a weakness for hot woman, but getting used by them a whole lot, ok, that is still fine. But with each entry, guy turned more and more creepy, until he tried to hit on a married woman and said that he wanted to date Pearl. Pearl is a nine year old child, wtf, Larry?! He had some moments, but even the game acknowledged what a waste of space he is and made him the butt monkey. Which I can fully and totally understand.  Ok, that has been it! Overall, I enjoyed these games a lot! I would like to try and find the others in the series, but I don’t think I will be able to find them...

[penninstitute]

Case #0200424

Statement of Kennedy Stone, regarding unusual weekly packages received in the mail. Original statement given April 24th, 2020.

I’m a writer. A horror writer, to be specific. I have detailed many gruesome ways a person may get murdered for the sake of entertainment, I’ve written body horror and strange happenings, despite not really ever experiencing anything supernatural, save for a few instances where I felt like I was being watched. 

I’ve always been fascinated by the paranormal, which is what led me down the path of my fairly successful career. I’m getting a film adaptation of one of my first novels, which is neat, but I’m not here to talk about my successes.

It all started when my husband walked out on me for another man about two months ago. He said he hated my guts or whatever, that I wasn’t a good enough partner to him, though I was the one trying to hold this decade long relationship together. I loved him, I really did- do. But when he left is when I started receiving the packages. 

I thought it was just something I might have ordered, but I couldn’t recall ever ordering something to arrive in a box about as big as this. It wasn’t a big box- the first one wasn’t, at least, maybe about the size of a medium-sized shoebox I guess?

There was no return address, just mine written by hand on the label. My mailman handed it to me with a polite smile. I never talked to him much, save for whenever he delivered a package to my doorstep, exchanging a couple awkward sentences before I closed the door. 

The first box must have been old. Very old. The cardboard seemed soggy and looked like a hole could tear in it at any moment. I was obviously confused, but curious nonetheless. Maybe it was Greg playing a prank on me. Don’t know why he would, of course, but I couldn’t help myself as I cut open the package- which had been resealed for whatever reason-  and peered inside.

It was a small teddy bear. Old, beat up, distraught. It felt super familiar, as I pulled the stuffed old thing out of its soggy box. It even smelled familiar. It took me a moment to realize that this teddy bear was Mr. Stuffles, my favorite toy from when I was a kid. It went missing when I moved as a teenager from Topeka to Chicago, and I nearly started crying while holding that little bear.

How did Greg find him? 

I called him later that day, and he called me crazy and claimed it wasn’t him that sent my most beloved childhood toy to me. He was the only one here that knew about Mr. Stuffles, it’s not like I mentioned it to everyone I met. So I called my mom not long after, and she also said she hadn’t sent it.

So I was confused. Still am, really. I forgot about the whole thing for the rest of the week, until my mailman showed up with another package, at the exact same time, precisely a week after the first one. I found out his name’s Wayne from our extremely short and awkward conversation, then I closed the door and took this new package. 

This new box was in about the same condition as the last package. Beat up, old, kinda soggy. I noticed my address was written in red and a little heart next to it this time. This one definitely gave me weird vibes. I mean, the first one did too, but I only opened that one because I assumed it was from someone that I knew. 

I had no idea who sent these.

I sat with an unopened box on my coffee table for about two hours. I just sat there and stared at it, unsure of what to do. What if it was something else from my childhood? That would’ve been especially weird.

And it was. I finally mustered up the courage to open the box, and all that was inside was a small polaroid photo of my dad and I from when I was five. The date was written in his handwriting on the back, August 10th,1986. A few weeks before he died.

Of course I started crying again. I barely remembered my dad, only snippets of my early childhood, and from what my mom has told me about him. I cried for a bit, and my sadness quickly turned to anxiety. I mean, whoever sent me this knows who I am. They must be one of those fans that stalk their favorite writers or actors or whatever, right?

I tried the police, they said there was no evidence of an actual stalker here, so they couldn’t do anything. I call bullshit on that.

The next package after the photo was not nearly as, I don’t know, heartwarming? I guess? Something that scared me way more than a Goddamn photograph or teddy bear. It was an ear. A human ear, in a box way too big for the contents. It must have been fresh, the blood still bright and wet around the edges where it was most definitely not cut off cleanly. Whoever this belonged to definitely suffered.

I think I either blacked out or vomited or both when I saw it. I’m used to writing graphic imagery, not receiving it. I can stomach gore in movies or from research, but I just… cannot hold a human ear in my hands. That’s gross. That’s fucking crazy.

The packages after that haven’t gotten any better, and they certainly haven’t stopped. I think my mailman is concerned. I got a few more objects from my past, some tonsils, a handful of teeth, and a finger. With a ring on it. The same ring my husband used to wear while we were married, the same inscription on the gold metal. I felt sick. I still feel sick.

I don’t know who, or what, is sending these packages, but I’m really, really worried. Every day I feel like I’m being watched more and more. You guys research this kind of weird stuff right? I hope that you can help me bring at least a little bit of closure. The paranoia is suffocating.

FOLLOW-UP NOTES

- Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find anything thus far in the investigation for this case.

- A lack of a return address on the packages, and no clues at all as to where they may be coming from, both of these things make it incredibly difficult to track down who may be sending these packages to Mr. Stone.

- Kelly is going to attempt to speak to the post office in Mr. Stone’s town to try and figure out if they know where the packages are coming from. We’ll see if she has any luck.

[thebiasrekkers]

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn WC: 2,494 Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

AO3 | WP

Chapter 18: Magic Shop

"I won’t say clichéd things like 'have strength'. I’ll just listen to you, listen..."

Busan - Marine City; Haeundae District South Korea

The trip to Busan yielded much fruit.

Seokjin expected no less, however, when it came to Anastasia.

While she already submitted her letter of resignation to her own company, holding true to her word, Seokjin decided it was best that he kept his as well. He would give her time to bid her co-workers farewell and to get her affairs in order. When she brought the contract, it was signed and he also put his own signature on it as well – completing the deal with his sealing stamp. It didn’t surprise him that she was anxiously waiting for anything to change; for the final nail to sink into her coffin.

But no, this was the beginning of a very beautiful relationship. He would make sure of that.

And he did. Not wanting to waste anymore time, Seokjin informed her that she needed to pack a suitcase so they could go on a business trip. He wanted to take the time to properly get to know her in the business aspect. He knew what she was like personally, at least from what the younger ones often mentioned. She was funny, loyal, and fair. But she also had self-esteem issues, mostly stemming from attempting to claim a dream and failing in said endeavor.

He didn’t want her to feel she couldn’t take anymore risks. Certain risks could bring the greatest rewards. But some gambles left a person completely destitute. Seokjin wanted to make sure that she was capable of discerning which types of deals she would be willing to take to bring more profit to the company, as well as reassure her that it was okay to make mistakes.

They took the train to Busan. There was no need to rush. They had three days of work ahead of them, all paid for and then some. Seokjin explained the details of what they were to do while they were out and about. It was also a chance for her to explore and get some downtime away from the cramped office space of a corporate building. Most of her work would involve being at his side as he conducted business deals and attended corporate meetings. Again, something she was used to, but not in such an intimate fashion.

Anastasia enjoyed taking photos and would do so every time they stopped. She had a keen eye for location and architecture, as well as for anything that looked aesthetically pleasing or what sorts of things could use improvement. It was a little difficult to get her to talk about herself, but when she did, the American woman did not hold back and it was something Seokjin appreciated. Her honesty made her human and being more human meant being more empathetic to the ideas and understandings of others. It was a necessary skill when it came to being an investment company. Sometimes it wasn’t always about turning a profit.

He took her to various shopping centers, allowing her to take notes on a variety of stores. They tried different foods and tested out a plethora of products. Everything from electronics to makeup and skincare items. She seemed a little surprised at how her complexion looked after having a makeup artist provided her with a color palette to suit her skin tone. Seokjin purchased the kit, as well as the skincare lineup that accompanied the makeup. Anastasia protested, of course, but he simply told her that it was work-related and to let it be. She couldn’t properly help to advise him on what to do with his finances if she didn’t know what they were investing in.

The first day blew by faster than either anticipated. They enjoyed a nice meal at a high-end restaurant where he offered up suggestions. She listened and even asked the servers what they recommended for the evening. Again, Anastasia took notes even while they ate, which amused Seokjin.

The second day was much more productive and they visited more stores. A few of them offered sales pitches to which Seokjin listened politely. He offered his ear to Anastasia, wanting to hear what her thoughts were on a few of the companies. Practical and fair, she agreed that some needed to be reworked before they could be given investment funds to continue their ventures. She even reached as far back to the factory workers who would be producing some of the items that were being pitched to them. This was something most people failed to consider or would completely disregard the workers’ financial needs in the production line. Could they afford to give compensation and pay their people overtime? Would they have paid holidays off and was there a rollover system for PTO?

Every single detail was not overlooked by Anastasia and she gave advice even when they looked to Seokjin since he rarely spoke in these instances. In actual board meetings with a few of the companies he’d invested in, he made sure that she was right beside him to hear and comprehend everything that was going on. She didn’t have very many questions and when she did, she did not hesitate to ask them to the other board members. There were whispers about her being disrespectful for speaking for Seokjin, but he quickly squashed those comments when he explained her position on his staffing team.

They took breaks often, which he insisted. She didn’t complain but he could tell that she was averse to the idea of breaking her momentum. But after the eighth meeting scheduled for the day, he could tell that Anastasia needed a break.

Seokjin took her to a variety of places, explaining the reasoning behind wanting to invest all the way out in Busan. The Golden Jackals weren’t planning on working the underground circuit forever. Assimilating their assets, selling off those they didn’t need, was all part of the plan to legalize themselves. Golden Star was just the beginning. With Jimin working Jeju and Taehyung dipping into the entertainment industry alongside Namjoon, eventually they would be able to build from those foundations and focus on key aspects of their company that they wanted to shine the most. Even Jungkook’s eyes were turned toward industrialization and Yoongi’s foreign relations were key to solidifying their own need for investment overseas.

And Hoseok would be the figurehead over it all.

Their final night in Busan was a celebratory one. He wanted to reward Anastasia for all her hard work. She agreed to the reward, but only accepted it on the terms and conditions that it would be a casual night. Nothing fancy and nothing that involved her having to walk around in high heels all night. Seokjin laughed, obliging.

They agreed on dinner and a movie. Anastasia preferred actions or thrillers to horror films and Seokjin wasn’t really a fan of romantic comedies. They came to a happy medium, settling for a murder mystery film instead. After it finished, they discussed when they were able to conclude who the actual killer was at the family estate.

Seokjin liked it when Anastasia laughed. He enjoyed seeing her nose wrinkle up when she blew her food and how freely she smiled when something tasted good or if she saw something amusing. There were times when she seemed to have a faraway look in her eye, but then he’d have to catch her as she tripped over her own feet. As organized as she was, he found it a little humanizing that she was also a bit of a klutz.

“I want to shoot fireworks on the beach,” she said suddenly as they walked and ate Bungeoppang.

He chewed, the sweet red bean paste thick on his tongue as he looked down at her. “What?” Seokjin laughed. “Do you know how cold it gets at the beaches here during this time of year?”

She took another bite of the fish-shaped bread, blowing around her teeth to cool the snack. “So?” Anastasia swallowed, puffing one of her cheeks out at him as he scrutinized her. “I’ve never done it before. Get off me.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “And you want to do it now?”

Anastasia shrugged. “I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back out here just for fun.”

Seokjin grinned, nudging her shoulder just a bit. “Don’t worry,” he said gently, “you’ll be able to come out here when you have time off and enjoy yourself. I promise.”

She rolled her eyes. “You and your promises.”

“I haven’t broken one yet, have I?”

Anastasia raised her brows at him. “Well, no…but—”

He shook his head. “Then trust me when I tell you that you’ll be able to come out here again.” He leaned in toward her as they continued walking. “…when it’s warmer.”

“I’m holding you to that,” she said while pointing at him.

“Feel free,” Seokjin replied easily, polishing off the rest of the fish-shaped bread. He watched her do the same. “Tired?”

Anastasia gave a nod while attempting to stifle a yawn. “Yeah, a little bit.” She stretched her arms over her head. “Are we still scheduled to leave in the morning?”

He nodded. “We are. Unless you’d prefer we leave tonight.”

“Getting train tickets this last minute is expensive.” She frowned up at him and he did his best not to smirk. He merely arched a brow with mild curiosity. They began walking down the street to head back to their hotel. “Besides, we haven’t even packed our things or checked out of the hotel yet. Don’t be unreasonable.”

“Who’s being unreasonable?”

“You are,” she clipped while rolling her eyes, “knowing you, you’d make the staff work double time just so they wouldn’t get a bad review.”

Seokjin laughed outright as they turned the street corner, his hands slipping into his coat pockets. “So harsh. Last minute checkouts aren’t unheard of, nor are they unreasonable.”

“No, they’re not. But in this case, it’s completely unnecessary. Don’t make those people sweat for no reason.”

He laughed at the reprimanding expression painted over her face and nodded, making sure that she walked on the inside of the sidewalk and away from the street. It was a little late, but Seokjin knew that they would have enough time to pack and get everything together tonight before leaving first thing in the morning. As soon as they arrived back in Seoul, it would be business as usual. He’d already received the reports from Namjoon and the others. Taehyung was out of the hospital and Hoseok was uneasy after his meeting with Changkyun.

He knew that Hoseok would never say it out loud, but Namjoon conveyed his worries over the phone. Things were moving faster than they anticipated and Seokjin couldn’t help but wonder if The Jade Fangs were in the process of making another move to expand their reach.

“Seokjin-ssi?”

Seokjin looked at Anastasia, blinking a few times when he realized she had a concerned look on her face.

“I’m sorry, did you say something?”

“No, you just looked like you were deep in thought.”

His smile fell a margin. “Did I worry you?”

She nodded and, again, he appreciated her honesty.

Seokjin reached out to press his hand to her lower back, ushering her toward their hotel just as a sleek gunmetal sedan pulled up by the entrance. He took note that her brows were furrowed and he tried to give her his best smile. He didn’t like that he even had such a look on his face.

Strange, he thought, I normally don’t let people read me like that.

As they made their way toward the front entrance, Seokjin’s eyes narrowed when he saw a familiar figure exit the vehicle. He leaned toward Anastasia so he could whisper into her ear.

“Go ahead and get some rest.”

She seemed to take note of the situation, reading it quicker than he’d anticipated. Her brows furrowed with concern as she tried her best not to bring any attention to herself. He really did appreciate her care.

“Are you sure?”

He nodded, an attempt to reassure her. “Yes, I’ll be inside soon.” Seokjin met her gaze, smiling to alleviate any worries she may have had. “I promise.”

Anastasia bit her lower lip before nodding and entering the hotel. Once inside, Seokjin waited until she entered the elevator. Once the doors closed, he turned and glanced over his shoulder as the person approached him. His lip piercing was connected to a chain that was attached to his right earring. Seokjin saw him grin widely at him, however he didn’t return the smile.

“Well, this is certainly a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect to see you here of all places, Jin Hyung.”

“Wonho-yah,” came Seokjin’s even tone, a soft lilt toward the end of it, “I didn’t expect to see you here either.”

Wonho shrugged. “Oh, you know, business meetings and the like.” Seokjin watched his eyes dart toward the hotel lobby where, thankfully, Anastasia was no longer located. “Was that your personal assistant?” Their eyes met once more. “She’s kinda cute.”

“Don’t even dream about it,” he said while grinning, “you wouldn’t be able to keep up with her.”

He saw Wonho’s lips form into an “O” shape before it melted into a smirk, his eyes narrowing deviously. “Is that a challenge?”

Seokjin scoffed while tilting his head to the side. “She’d eat you alive. Salvage your pride a little, will you?”

Wonho belted out a full laugh, his eyes almost disappearing as he did so. Seokjin grinned but there was no warmth behind his eyes. The younger male held his hands up in mock surrender while shaking his head. After a while, the two just stood shoulder to shoulder, faces in opposing directions.

“You know, Jin Hyung, I heard an interesting little rumor.”

“Do I want to know?”

Wonho shrugged, his head lifting to the sky. “If it’s true, it’s a shame.”

Seokjin cast a sidelong glance to him. “Yeah, I don’t think I want to know.”

He pivoted on his heels to head back into the hotel. Just as the sliding glass doors opened, he heard Wonho shifting behind him.

“When you’re gone, Jin Hyung, I want to see just who is going to be able to stop us…”

Seokjin paused, craning his neck slowly to look back at Wonho, whose smirk was still firmly in place.

“…when we decide to completely take over.”

He narrowed his eyes at Wonho as the younger man stuffed one hand into the pocket of his leather jacket.

“It’s not smart to aim for the sun, Wonho-yah.” Seokjin smirked, scoffing soon after. “Icarus died when he tried.”

Then he went inside the hotel lobby and made his way toward the elevator. A soft buzzing reverberated in his pocket and he pulled out his phone to see a text from Namjoon.

Namjoon: Hyung, it’s almost time.

Seokjin’s eyes narrowed.

We’re almost there, my brothers. I promise it’ll all be over soon.

[the-desolated-quill]

Watchmen - Movie blog

(SPOILER WARNING: The following is an in-depth critical analysis. if you haven’t seen this movie yet, you may want to before reading this review)

A movie adaptation of Watchmen had been in development in some form or another since the graphic novel was first published back in 1987. Over the course of its two decade development cycle, being passed from filmmaker to filmmaker who each had their own vision of what a Watchmen movie should be, fans objected to the idea of a movie adaptation, describing Watchmen as ‘unfilmmable.’ Alan Moore himself condemned the effort to adapt his work, saying that Watchmen does things that can only be done in a comic book. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and in 2009, Watchmen finally came to the big screen, directed by Zack Snyder.

I confess it took me a lot longer to write this review than I intended and that’s largely because I wasn’t sure how best to approach it. Snyder clearly has a lot of love and respect for the source material and tried his best to honour it as best he could. Snyder himself even said that he considers the film to be an advert for the book, hoping to get newcomers interested in the material. So how should I be looking at this film? As an adaptation or as an artistic tribute? More to the point, which of the three versions of the film should I be reviewing? The original theatrical cut, the director’s cut or the ultimate cut? Which best reflects Snyder’s artistic vision?

After much pondering, I decided to go with the director’s cut. The theatrical release was clearly done to make studio execs happy by keeping the runtime under three hours, but it comes at the cost of major plot points and character moments being chucked away. The ultimate cut however comes in at a whopping four hours and is arguably the most accurate to the source material as it also contains the animated Tales Of The Black Freighter scenes. However these scenes break the narrative flow of the film and were clearly not intended to be part of the final product, being inserted only to appease the fans. The director’s cut feels most like Snyder’s vision, clocking in at three and half hours and following the graphic novel fairly closely whilst leaving room for artistic licence.

Now as some of you may know, while I’m not exactly what you would call a fan of Zack Snyder’s work, I do have something of a begrudging respect for him due to his willingness to take creative risks and attempt to tell more complex, thought provoking narratives that don’t necessarily adhere to the blockbuster formula. Films like Watchmen and Batman Vs Superman prove to me that the man clearly has a lot of good ideas and a drive to really make an audience think about what they’re watching and question certain things about the characters. The problem is that he never seems to know how best to convey those ideas on screen. In my review of Batman Vs Superman, I likened him to a fire hose. Extremely powerful, but unless you’ve got someone holding onto the thing with both hands and pointing it in the right direction, it’s just going to go all over the place. I admire Snyder’s dedication and thought process, but I think the fact that his most successful film, Man Of Steel, also happens to be the one he had the least creative influence on speaks volumes. When he’s got someone to work with and bounce ideas off of, he can be a creative force to be reckoned with. Left to his own devices however, and his films tend to go off the rails very quickly.

Watchmen is very much Snyder’s passion project. You can tell a lot of care and effort went into this. The accuracy of the costumes, staging and set designs speak for themselves. However there is an underlying problem with Snyder trying to painstakingly recreate the graphic novel on film. While I don’t agree with the purists who say that Watchmen is ‘unfilmmable’, I do agree with Alan Moore’s statement that there are certain aspects of the graphic novel that can only work in a graphic novel. A key example of this is its structure. Watchmen has the luxury of telling its non-linear narrative over twelve issues in creative and unorthodox ways. A structure that’s incredibly hard to translate into any other medium. A twelve episode TV mini-series might come close, but a movie, even a three hour movie, is going to struggle due to the sheer density of the material and the unconventional structure. Whereas the structure of the graphic novel allowed Alan Moore to dedicate whole chapters to the origin stories of Doctor Manhattan and Rorschach and filling in the gaps of this alternate history, the structure of a movie doesn’t really allow for that. And yet Snyder tries really hard to follow the structure of the book even though it simply doesn’t work on film, which results in the movie coming to a screeching halt as the numerous flashbacks and origin stories disrupt the flow of the narrative, causing it to stop and start constantly at random intervals, like someone kangarooing in a rundown car.

Just as Watchmen the graphic novel played around with the common tropes and framing devices of comics, Watchmen the movie needed to play around with the common tropes and framing devices of comic book movies. To Snyder’s credit, there are moments where he does do that. The most notable being the first five minutes where we see the entire history of the world of Watchmen during the opening credits while ‘The Times They Are A-Changing’ is played in the background. This is legitimately good. It depicts the rise and fall of the superhero in a way only a movie can. I wish Snyder did more stuff like this rather than restricting himself to just recreating panels from the graphic novel.

Which is not to say I think the film is bad. On the contrary, I think it’s pretty damn good. There’s a lot of things to like about this movie. The biggest, shiniest gold star has to go to Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach. While the movie itself was divisive at the time, Haley’s portrayal of Rorschach was universally praised as he did an excellent job bringing this extreme right wing bigot to life. He has become to Rorschach what Ryan Reynolds is to Deadpool or what Mark Hamill is to the Joker. He is the character (rather tragically. LOL). To the point where it’s actually scary how similar Haley looks to Walter Kovacs from the graphic novel. The resemblance is uncanny.

Another standout performance is Jeffery Dean Morgan as the Comedian. Just as depraved and unsavoury as the comic version, but Morgan is also able to inject some real charm and pathos into the character. You believe that Sally Jupiter would have consensual sex with him despite everything he did to her before. But his best scene I think was his scene with Moloch (played by Matt Frewer) where the Comedian expresses regret for all the terrible things he did. It’s a genuinely emotional and impactful scene and Morgan manages to wring some sympathy out of the audience even though the character doesn’t really deserve it. But that’s what makes Rorschach and the Comedian such great characters. Yes they’re both depraved individuals, but they’re also fully realised and three dimensional. They feel like real people, which is what makes their actions and morals all the more shocking.

Then there’s Doctor Manhattan, who in my opinion stands as a unique technical achievement in film. The number of departments that had to work together to bring him to life is staggering. Visual effects, a body double, lighting, sound, it’s a truly impressive collaborative effort, all tied together by Billy Crudup’s exceptional performance. He arguably had the hardest job out of the whole cast. How do you portray an all powerful, emotionless, quantum entity without him coming across as a robot? Crudup manages this by portraying Manhattan as being less emotionless and more emotionally numb, which makes his rare displays of emotion, such as his shock and anger during the TV interview, stand out all the more. It’s a great depiction that I don’t think is given the credit it so richly deserves.

Which leads into something else about the movie, which will no doubt be extremely controversial, but I’m going to say it anyway. I much prefer the ending in the film to the ending in the book.

Hear me out.

In my review of the final issue of Watchmen, I said I didn’t like the squid because of its utter randomness. The plot of the movie however works so much better both from a narrative and thematic perspective. Ozymandias framing Doctor Manhattan makes a hell of a lot more sense than the squid. For one thing, it doesn’t dump a massive amount of new info on us all at once. It’s merely an extension of previously known facts. We know Ozymandias framed Manhattan for giving people cancer to get him off world. It’s not much of a stretch to imagine the world could also buy that Manhattan would retaliate after being ostracised. We also see Adrian and Manhattan working together to create perpetual energy generators, which turn out to be bombs. It marries up perfectly with the history of Watchmen as well as providing an explanation for why there’s an intrinsic field generator in Adrian’s Antarctic base. It also provides a better explanation for why Manhattan leaves Earth at the end despite gaining a newfound respect for humanity. But what I love most of all is how it links to Watchmen’s central themes. 

Thanks to the existence of Doctor Manhattan, America has become the most powerful nation in the world to the point where its disrupted the global balance of power. This has led to the escalation of the Cold War with Russia as well as other countries like Vietnam being at the mercy of the United States. It also allowed Nixon to stay in office long after his two terms had expired. The reason the squid from the book is so unsatisfying as a conclusion is because you don’t buy that anyone would be willing to help America after the New York attack. In fact it would be more likely that Russia and other countries might take advantage of America’s vulnerability. Manhattan’s global attack however not only gives the whole world motivation to work together, it also puts America in a position where they have no choice but to ask for help because it was they that effectively created this mess in the first place. So seeing President Nixon pleading for a global alliance feels incredibly satisfying because we’re seeing a corrupt individual hoist by his own petard and trying to save his own skin, even if it comes at the cost of his power. America is now like a wounded animal, and while world peace is ultimately achieved, the US is now a shadow of its former self. It fits in so perfectly with the overall story of Watchmen, frankly I’m amazed Alan Moore didn’t come up with this himself.

It’s not perfect however. Since the whole genetic engineering stuff no longer exists, it makes the existence of Adrian’s pet lynx Bubastis rather perplexing. Also the whole tachyons screwing with Doctor Manhattan’s omniscience thing still doesn’t make a pixel of sense. But the biggest flaw is in Adrian Veidt’s characterisation. For one thing, Matthew Goode’s performance isn’t remotely subtle. He practically screams ‘bad guy’ the moment he appears on screen. He has none of the charm or charisma that the source material’s Ozymandias had. But it’s worse than that because Snyder seems to be going out of his way to uncomplicate and de-politicise the story and characters. There’s no mention of Adrian’s liberalism or his disdain for Nixon and right wing politics. The film never explores his obsession with displaying his own power and superiority over right wing superheroes like Rorschach and the Comedian. He’s just the generic bad guy. And I do mean bad guy. Whereas the graphic novel left everything up to the reader to decide who was morally in the right, the film takes a very firm stance on who the audience should be siding with. Don’t believe me? Just look at how Rorschach’s death is presented to us.

It’s very clear while watching the film that Zack Snyder is a big Rorschach fan. He gets the most screen time and there’s a lot of effort dedicated to his portrayal and depiction. And that’s fine. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with that. As I’ve mentioned before in previous blogs, Rorschach is my favourite character too. However it’s important not to lose sight of who the character is and what he’s supposed to represent, otherwise you run the risk of romanticising him, which is exactly what the film ends up doing. Rorschach’s death in the graphic novel wasn’t some heroic sacrifice. It was a realisation that he has no place in the world that Ozymandias has created, as well as revealing the hypocrisy of the character. In the extra material provided in The Abyss Gazes Also, we learn that, as a child, Walter supported President Truman’s use of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and yet, in his adult life, he opposes Adrian’s plan. Why? What’s the difference? Well the people who died in Hiroshima and Nagasaki weren’t American. They were Japanese. The enemy. In Rorschach’s mind, they deserved to die, whereas the people in New York didn’t. It signifies the flawed nature of Rorschach’s black and white view of the world as well as displaying the racist double standards of the character. Without the context of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Rorschach’s death becomes skewed. This is what ends up happening in the movie. Rorschach removes his mask and makes a bold declaration to Doctor Manhattan, the music swells as he is disintegrated, defiant to the last, and his best friend Nite Owl screams in anguish and despair.

In fact the film takes it one step further by having Nite Owl punch Adrian repeatedly in the face and accuse him of deforming humanity, which completely contradicts the point of Dan Dreiberg as a character. He’s no longer the pathetic centrist who requires a superhero identity to feel any sort of power or validation. He’s now the everyman representing the views of the audience, which just feels utterly wrong.

This links in with arguably the film’s biggest problem of all. The way it portrays superheroes in general. The use of slow motion, cinematography and fight choreography frames the superheroes and vigilantes of Watchmen as being powerful, impressive individuals, when really the exact opposite should be conveyed. The costumes give the characters a feeling of power, but that power is an illusion. Nite Owl is really an impotent failure. Rorschach is an angry bigot lashing out at the world. The Comedian is a depraved old man who has let his morals fall by the way side so he can indulge in his own perverse fantasies. They’re not people to be idealised. They’re to be at pitied at best and reviled at worst. So seeing them jump through windows and beating up several thugs single handed through various forms of martial arts ultimately confuses the message, as does the use of gratuitous gore and violence. Are we supposed to be shocked by these individuals or in awe? 

Costumes too have a similar problem. Nite Owl and Ozymandias’ costumes have been updated so they look more imposing, which kind of defeats the purpose of them. The point is they look silly to us, the outside observers, but they make the characters feel powerful. That juxtaposition is lost in the film. And then there’s the Silk Spectre. In the graphic novel, both Sally and Laurie represent the changing attitudes of women in comics and in society. Both Silk Spectres are sexually objectified, but whereas Sally accepts it as part of the reality of being a woman, Laurie resists it, seeing it as demeaning. The only reason she wore her revealing costume in A Brother To Dragons was because she knew that Dan found it sexually attractive and she wanted to indulge his power fantasy. None of this is touched upon in the film, other than one passing mention of the Silk Spectre porn magazine near the beginning of the film. There’s not even any mention of how impractical her costume is, like the graphic novel does. Yes the film changes her look drastically, but it’s still just as impractical and could have been used to make a point on how women are perceived in comic book films, but it never seems to hinder her in anyway. It’s never even brought up, which is ridiculous. Zack Snyder’s reinterpretation of Silk Spectre is clearly meant to inject some form of girl power into the proceedings, as she’s presented as being just as impressive and kick-ass as the others, when the whole point of her character was to expose the misogyny of the comics industry at the time and how they cater to the male gaze. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the graphic novel did it perfectly, but it did it a hell of a lot better than this.

Die hard fans have described the film over the years as shallow and ‘style over substance.’ I don’t think that’s entirely fair. It’s clear that Zack Snyder has a huge respect for the graphic novel and wanted to do it justice. Overall the film has a lot of good ideas and is generally well made. However, as much as Snyder seems to love Watchmen, it does seem like he only has a surface level understanding of it, hence why the attention and effort seems to be going into the visuals and the faithfulness to Alan Moore’s attention to detail rather than the Watchmen’s story and themes. While the film at times makes some good points about power, corruption and morality, it doesn’t go nearly as far as the source material does and seems to shy away from really getting into the meat of any particular topic. Part of that I suspect is to do with marketability, not wanting to alienate casual viewers, but I think a lot of it is to do with it simply being in the wrong medium. I personally don’t think you can really do a story as complex and intricate as Watchmen’s justice in a Hollywood film. In my opinion, this really should have been a TV mini-series or something.

So on the whole, while I appreciate Snyder’s attempt at bringing the story of Watchmen to life and can see that he has the best intentions in mind, I don’t think this film holds a candle to the original source material. 

[beatrice-otter]

Longfic Recs, Part III

The Rich Are Always Respectable:  Rosemary (13571 words) by Elizabeth Chapters: 9/9 Fandom: Pride and Prejudice Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Darcy/OFC, Georgiana/OMC, Bingley/Jane Characters: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, OFC, OMC Additional Tags: Angst, Alternate Universe - Canon Series: Part 1 of The Rich Are Always Respectable

Summary:

Without Lady Catherine's interference, a family catastrophe throws Darcy and Elizabeth down wildly different paths.

So We Meet at Last (758 words) by thisbluespirit Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:Miss Marple - Agatha Christie,Dracula & Related Fandoms,Dracula (TV 1968) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Jane Marple, Count Dracula, Abraham Van Helsing, John Seward Additional Tags: Community: fan_flashworks, Crossover, Women Being Awesome, miss marple is awesome, The Author Regrets Nothing, Alternate Universe

Summary: Two genre legends meet.  The outcome is inevitable.  Someone really should have warned the Count never to trifle with fluffy old ladies. Hearts'-ease, by theficklepickle Henry V, AU, Henry/Montjoy. What infinite hearts'-ease must kings neglect That private men enjoy?

Whispers In Corners, by Esama. Harry Potter/Sherlock, AU, Harry/Mycroft. Everything started with a stumble - his new life in a new world as well as his surprisingly successful career as a medium. Realizations, by wishweaver. Harry Potter AU Harry returns to Privet Drive after 4th year and finds it...empty!  What do you do when you can't go to your friends for help? Of Muggles and Magic, by Aurette Harry Potter Regency AU, Hermione/Snape A witch struggles to conform in a society that restricts her.  A wizard   thinks he has nothing to offer anyone but his duty and, ultimately, his life. Maria, by Judith Brocklehurst Mansfield Park futurefic, But the outstanding question for Mrs. Rushworth's connections was: where   could she be placed? What could be done with a woman who, at twenty-two years old, had so disgraced her family, so alienated her friends, that no-one, except her doting Aunt Norris, wanted even to see her, let alone  house her?  Maria, now divorced, starts a new and independent life. Letters from a Smallville School Nurse, by Russell Saunders Superman, humor, outsider perspective, short All But Name, by Mirror And Image Star Wars, AU, Anakin and Obi-Wan, "You will be a Jedi, Anakin. I promise you. In all but name."

5 Times the Raptors Tried to Kill Miriam, and 1 Time They Didn’t (22937 words) by JulisCaesar Chapters: 6/6 Fandom:Jurassic Park (Movies) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Characters: Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s) Additional Tags: Blood, Minor Character Death, Science, Like a lot of science, Dinosaurs, Period-Typical Homophobia, AIDS mention, Antisemitism, Asexual Character, medical shenanigans, I beat up the MC a lot ok

Summary: Miriam thought the job working for InGen sounded perfect. Tropical island, good pay, first dibs on publications… At least, she thought so until she found out that she was the only behaviorist on staff. Once the eggs hatched, it became all she could do to keep up–with the dinosaurs, the science, and her health.

Maggie Fitzgerald and the Saltwater Drip (79626 words) by antistar_e Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:The Amazing Spider-Man (Movies - Webb) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Peter Parker/Gwen Stacy Characters: Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker, Mary Jane Watson, Flash Thompson, Miles Morales, Harry Osborn Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies

Summary: Google politely tells her there are no poisonous spiders in Manhattan. Judging by her symptoms -- fever, superstrength, newfound desire to shove herself into small dark spaces, and sudden reputation as a masked vigilante -- Gwen would beg to differ. [Spider!Gwen AU.]

Enigma (11297 words) by Yahtzee Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:X-Men: First Class (2011) - Fandom,X-Men - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death Relationships: Erik Lehnsherr/Charles Xavier Characters: Erik Lehnsherr, Charles Xavier, Logan (X-Men), Mystique, Edie Lehnsherr, Original Female Character, Sebastian Shaw, Emma Frost Additional Tags: Alternate Reality, Fix-It, Kink Meme, World War II

Summary: Written for the following prompt: Erik dies, or finds a reversey-time mutant, or a magical time travelling device, and wakes up in the past. This time, though, it's before he ever met Charles - in fact, it's before his mother died.

He can save his mother that one time (thanks to his mastery over powers carrying back), but what does Erik do after that? Does he stick around, or escape and run to find Charles again (and hope everything doesn't go wrong)?

Je vois ma vie en rose (79404 words) by lilacsigil Chapters: 10/10 Fandom:X-Men: First Class (2011) - Fandom Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Underage Relationships: Erika Lehnsherr/Charlotte Xavier, Harriet McCoy/Raven (X-Men) Characters: Erika Lehnsherr, Charlotte Xavier, Harriet McCoy, Raven (X Men), Alex Summers, Amparo Muñoz, Angelo Salvadore, Sabrina Shaw, Emory Frost, Marcus MacTaggert, Azazel (X-Men), Jana Quested, Shannon Cassidy Additional Tags: Genderbending, Alternate Universe - Gender Changes, Big Bang Challenge

Summary: "Je vois la vie en rose" is a full-cast gender change. Canon male characters become female, and canon female characters become male or genderqueer. The only exceptions are real people and background military/government characters.

The CIA's Marcus MacTaggert attempts to recruit Doctor Charlotte Xavier and her sibling Raven to assist in the capture of suspected Communist Sabrina Shaw and her unusual associates. Thrilled at the thought finding of more mutants, Charlotte and Raven agree, but are soon put off by the CIA's misogynist attitude and decide to track down these other mutants by themselves. They do find more mutants, but not the ones they were expecting.

Charlotte starts to build a community of mutants but Raven finds that many of them can't even accept themselves, let alone someone who doesn't belong within familiar definitions of gender. Erika's determination to kill Shaw, Shaw's quest to recruit more mutants, and world-threatening political brinkmanship collide with deadly consequences: Charlotte, Raven and Erika must decide what kind of world it is that they want to create.

Unalienable (65554 words) by Basingstoke Chapters: 38/38 Fandom: Highlander (1986 1991 1994 2000 2007),X-Men (Movies),Highlander: The Series Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Duncan MacLeod/Methos, Jean Grey/Scott Summers, Erik Lehnsherr/Charles Xavier, Jean-Paul Beaubier/Piotr Rasputin, Bobby Drake/Rogue, Remy LeBeau/Rogue Characters: Charles Xavier, Logan (X-Men), Duncan MacLeod, Methos, Scott Summers, Ororo Munroe, Rogue (X-Men), Piotr Rasputin, Tony Stark, Yuriko Oyama, Kenny (Highlander), Kurt Wagner, Jean-Paul Beaubier, Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, Warren Worthington III, Grace Chandel, Arclight, Elektra Natchios, Connor MacLeod, Jubilation Lee, Artie, Joe Dawson, Kitty Pryde, Mirage, Bobby Drake Additional Tags: Crossover, Kid Fic, Decapitation, Medical Trauma Series: Part 26 of Author’s Favorites Summary: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

D'Ancanto (49868 words) by xenokattz Chapters: 8/8 Fandom:X-Men (Movies) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Characters: Rogue (X-Men), Charlotte Jones, Remy LeBeau, Ororo Munroe, Logan (X-Men), Warren Worthington III Additional Tags: Cast of dozens, Samuel L Jackson-level strong language & also violence, GQBAMF in a line behind me bitches, Old enough to remember Charlotte Jones Series: Part 1 of D'Ancanto

Summary: Drugs. Multi-state gangs. Mutant-killing virus. Civil unrest. Plot to assassinate a racist senator. Just another Tuesday for Marie D'Ancanto, NYPD detective in the country's first Mutant Crimes Task Force.

If We Never Got This Second Chance (50419 words) by Pookaseraph Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:The Losers (2010),Marvel (Movies),Marvel Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Relationships: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark Characters: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Jake Jensen, The Losers - Character, The Avengers - Character Additional Tags: Romance, Time Travel, Surprise Family, Father-Son Relationship, Happy Ending, Angst, Internalized Homophobia, Alternate Universe - Canon, Character Death, Many Worlds Time Travel, Terrorism

Summary: When Tony and Steve’s son from the future, Jake Jensen, arrives at Avenger’s Tower, the two of them are forced to confront some hard truths: Tony that he might not actually become a horrible father, and Steve that he might not be able to set aside his discomfort with sharing a child with another man. When they both get a second chance at a first try at fatherhood, it’s up to the two of them to learn from their own future's past.

Freezer Burn (194186 words) by Domenika Marzione Chapters: 28/28 Fandom:The Avengers (2012),The Avengers - All Fandoms,Captain America,Captain America (Comics),Marvel Cinematic Universe,Captain America (Movies),The Avengers (Marvel Movies),The Avengers (Marvel) - All Media Types Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Characters: Steve Rogers, Nick Fury, Tony Stark, Maria Hill, Bruce Banner, Peggy Carter, Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton, Thor (Marvel), Pepper Potts, Red Skull, MODOK, Maya Hansen, Hydra Agents, The Wrecking Crew (Marvel) Additional Tags: sorta comicsverse sorta movieverse it's all getting jossed anyway right?, hail HYDRA, Steve Rogers as chorus girl and company-grade officer, Clint and Natasha think they're hilarious, Action/Adventure, Thor is an alien prince and not an idiot, Peggy Carter can still kick your ass, barf cannon, superhero foodies, Tony Stark Has Issues, Tony's really not that bad at the business thing, Team, Team Dynamics Series: Part 2 of Freezer Burn

Summary: The adventures of Steve Rogers, defrosted soldier, who is missing time but not really all that lost. He's got a surprisingly broad knowledge of lettuces, a working grasp of modern technology, and may or may not be using both to mess with his teammates and save the world.

Exclusive (30833 words) by copperbadge Chapters: 3/3 Fandom:Marvel,The Avengers (2012) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Pepper Potts/Tony Stark Characters: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton, Bruce Banner, Thor (Marvel), Pepper Potts Additional Tags: POV Outsider, News Media, Slice of Life, Interviews, Snipers Series: Part 1 of Magazineverse

Summary: Heroes In Manhattan: From Captain America's Hidden Talents To The Truth About The Hulk, We Debunk The Myths And Expose The Daily Lives Of The Avengers.

I (created from fantasies) exist solely for you (62917 words) by Mizzy Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:The Avengers (2012),Marvel Cinematic Universe Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark Characters: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Don Blake, Thor (Marvel), Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton, Pepper Potts, Maria Hill, Phil Coulson, Nick Fury, Norman Osborn Additional Tags: Identity Porn, Alternate Universe, marvel-bang, Podfic Available, Comic book office au

Summary: Six years ago, without the Avengers Initiative there to save the day, scientist Dr. Eric Selvig sacrificed himself to save the world, the almighty demi-god Thor was lost to a terrible storm, and vigilante Iron Man – spotted with a nuclear weapon trying to take advantage of the situation – was forever labelled an enemy of SHIELD.

This is a comic book office AU, where Steve is defrosted a year too late, Thor has forgotten who he is, and no one knows Tony is Iron Man.

Also includes: office pranks, inappropriate post-it notes, and superheroes who like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Widow's Weeds (4333 words) by Mhalachai Fandom:The Avengers (2012) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanov, Tony Stark Additional Tags: Steve/Natasha friendship, It happened in a graveyard, Trust Series: Part 1 of A Widow's Tale

Summary: Their secrets have secrets. Steve's starting to figure this out.

Mountains, Molehills (1175 words) by lalaietha Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:Lilo & Stitch (2002) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: David Kawena/Nani Pelekai Characters: Nani Pelekai, Lilo Pelekai, David Kawena, Jumba Jookiba, Pleakley

Summary: Technically, David doesn't live here, but that "technically" is starting to get real thin, and he knows it. Which is why he chokes a bit when Lilo puts her elbows on the table, her chin in her hands, and says, "Are you going to ask my sister to marry you, or what?"

Here, where the world is quiet (6408 words) by busaikko Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Remus Lupin/Severus Snape Characters: Remus Lupin, Severus Snape Additional Tags: Child Death, Character Death, Werewolves, Boarding School, Post-Canon, Zine Chocolate and Asphodel

Summary: After the war, Severus became head of the Scrimgeour Lycanthrope Academy.  His mandate was simple: Provide them with Wolfsbane and daily occupation.  Teach them as you see fit.   Report any violent outbursts.  Keep them away from regular people.

Dudley's Memories (11650 words) by Paganaidd Chapters: 5/5 Fandom:Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Harry Potter/Ginny Weasley, Dudley Dursley/Undisclosed Characters: Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, Lily Luna Potter, James Sirius Potter, Albus Severus Potter, Dudley Dursley, Original Characters Additional Tags: Canon Compliant Series: Part 1 of Memories and Dreams Summary: Minerva needs help delivering another letter to #4 Privet Drive. At forty, Dudley is not at all what Harry expects. A long overdue conversation ensues. DH cannon compliant, but probably not the way you think. Prologue to "Snape's Memories".

You'll Get There in the End (It Just Takes a While) (33437 words) by seperis Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:Star Trek (2009) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: James T. Kirk/Spock, Spock/Nyota Uhura Characters: James T. Kirk, Spock, Nyota Uhura, Leonard McCoy, Christopher Pike, Spock Prime Additional Tags: First Time, Pon Farr, Telepathy Series: Part 1 of The Reboot Series

Summary: "Spock.  Just say 'I don't trust Starfleet not to mess up the only captain in the fleet who I can train up to my expectations and enjoys running into danger wearing a blindfold as much as I do'."

Qui Habitat (133190 words) by domarzione Chapters: 20/? Fandom:Stargate Atlantis,Stargate SG-1 Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Characters: John Sheppard, Elizabeth Weir, Rodney McKay, Cameron Mitchell (SG-1), Jonas Quinn, Teyla Emmagan, Ronon Dex, Steven Caldwell, Radek Zelenka, Evan Lorne, Original Characters Additional Tags: Apocalyptic, Alternate Universe - Dark, Ori, Religious Themes & References, Atlantis Alone, Action/Adventure, Alien Invasion, Colonialism Series: Part 2 of Qui Habitat

Summary: An SGA/SG-1 AU that spins off from the Ori arc that runs through Seasons Nine and Ten of SG-1 by changing one simple thing: the Ori don't lose. Earth is the last significant planet to fall in the Milky Way, but fall it does. Hard.

After Earth's fall, a large resistance movement was active, utilizing the Daedalus, the only surviving SGC carrier, as it's main instrument. Running raids in the Milky Way and bringing refugees and supplies to Atlantis, the Daedalus was the only lifeline between the two galaxies. Eventually her luck ran out and she was nearly destroyed by an Ori armada; after limping back to Atlantis, she is no longer flight-worthy and Atlantis is finally truly alone.

Over in Pegasus, Atlantis was first a long-distance witness and then a rear echelon for the escalating fight with the Ori over the Milky Way galaxy before becoming the final retreat for those who survived. Cut off from Earth and forced to revert to its (Season One) status as isolated outpost responsible for its own needs, Atlantis still has the responsibilities it has assumed in Pegasus -- defeating the Wraith and protecting those who can't help themselves -- while also awaiting the inevitable arrival of the Ori.

Rock Happy (141680 words) by ArwenLune Chapters: 31/31 Fandom: Generation Kill,Stargate Atlantis,Stargate SG-1 Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Brad Colbert, Nate Fick, Laura Cadman, Evan Lorne, Sam Carter, John Sheppard, Teal'c (SG-1), OC: Darren Avery, OC: Dr Fournier, OC: Lee Brittner, OC: Will Meyers, Daniel Jackson, Dusty Mehra, Tony Espera, Timothy Bryan, Ray Person, Mike Wynn, Nathan Christopher, Gabriel Garza Additional Tags: Crossover, Whole lotta fuckin' swearing, You want to recruit me for WHAT?, I wanna be there when they tell Ray about the space vampires, Daily life on Atlantis, original characters of colour, Women Being Awesome, POV Outsider, Brad Colbert has adventures IN SPACE, Team, Marine Corps, Wordcount: Over 50.000, Wordcount: 100.000-150.000, Women in the Military Series: Part 3 of Rock Happy 'verse

Summary: "You want to recruit me for what? You want me to go where?"

Sgt. Brad Colbert has been on a lot of strange missions, but this promises to be his most out there yet: Atlantis

This is not a story about falling in love. This is a story about falling in team.

Out of Season (26987 words) by Elizabeth Culmer Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:Chronicles of Narnia - C. S. Lewis Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Shezan Tolkheera (OFC), Marigold Beaver (OFC), Axartha Tarkaan, Prince Rabadash, Ilgamuth Tarkaan, Hkreegah the Gull (OFC), the Tisroc, Ahoshta Tarkaan, Malindra Takhun (OFC), Peridan (Narnia), Susan Pevensie Additional Tags: Slavery, planned sacrifice of a sentient being (Talking Beast), Religion, Religious Themes & References, Worldbuilding, Canon Character of Color, once you create the rest of the world it has to count as much as your special country Mr. Lewis, POV Outsider, Calormen, Women Being Awesome, Female Protagonist, Narnia Fic Exchange 2011, Fictional Religion & Theology Series: Part 1 of Out of Season

Summary: In the fourteenth year of Rishti Tisroc's reign, a demon in the shape of a beaver is captured and brought to Tashbaan.  Shezan Tolkheera, high priestess of the goddess Achadith, is given the responsibility of guarding the demon until its sacrifice at the Spring Festival.   Complications ensue.

Carpetbaggers (119268 words) by cofax Chapters: 10/10 Fandom:Chronicles of Narnia - C. S. Lewis Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Peter Pevensie, Lucy Pevensie, Susan Pevensie, Edmund Pevensie, OFC Series: Part 1 of Carpetbaggers

Summary: The day after Aslan left, taking the magic with him, just about everyone else left, too.

After the coronation festivities, the real work begins.  During/post "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe".

Play It Again (63206 words) by metisket Chapters: 3/3 Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski, Stiles Stilinski & Laura Hale, Scott McCall & Stiles Stilinski Characters: Stiles Stilinski, Derek Hale, Scott McCall, Laura Hale, Sheriff Stilinski, Peter Hale, Allison Argent, Lydia Martin, Danny Mahealani, Erica Reyes, Isaac Lahey, Vernon Boyd, Talia Hale, Chris Argent, The Hale Family - Character, The Argent Family - Character, Alan Deaton Additional Tags: Pre-Slash, Magical Stiles Stilinski, derek's mad planning skillz, magical objects and their insufficient warning labels, laura's in charge, making the most of your afterlife, oh look here's a lower place, Alternate Universe, Dimension Travel Series: Part 1 of play it again

Summary: In which Stiles goes along with one of Derek’s plans and ends up in an alternate universe as a result. He should’ve known better. He did know better, actually, and that means he has no one to blame but himself.

“Laura wants to lure the kid in with food and kindness and make a pet of him, like a feral cat. Derek wants to have him arrested for stalking. They’re at an impasse. (And the rest of the family is staying emphatically out of it in a way that suggests bets have been placed.)”

Coming Undone (57618 words) by KouriArashi Chapters: 11/11 Fandom:Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Stiles Stilinski, Scott McCall, Sheriff Stilinski, Derek Hale, Allison Argent, Chris Argent, Lydia Martin, Gerard Argent Additional Tags: Stilinski feels, Hurt Stiles, Hurt/Comfort, all the feels, Pack Dynamics, PTSD, Plot sneaks in, BAMF Stiles Stilinski, Mystery Series: Part 1 of The Sum of Its Parts

Summary: Stiles deals with the aftermath of being abducted by Peter Hale and left for dead. It's harder than he would have thought to accept his place in the pack when he's convinced that he's the 'weak one' and can't protect himself. Fortunately, Scott and Sheriff Stilinski are there to help, and to nag Derek until he helps, too.

Locked Inside the Facade (60245 words) by Dragonbat Chapters: 8/8 Fandom: Batman (Comics),Nightwing (Comics) ating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Relationships: Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson Characters: Bruce Wayne, Renee Montoya, Crispus Allen, Jason Todd, Alfred Pennyworth, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Thomas Elliot, Roman Sionis, Rachel Green, Romy Chandler, Michael Akins, Jim Gordon, Roy Harper, Grace Choi, Michael Holt, Helena Bertinelli, Connor Hawke, Dinah Lance Additional Tags: Character Death, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Tragedy, Angst Series: Part 1 of Locked-Verse

Summary: A sudden shock in Batman's life leads to his apprehension at the hands of the GCPD.

Victory  Bonds (39617 words) by copperbadge Chapters: 6/6 Fandom:DCU Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Clark Kent/Lois Lane Characters: Clark Kent, Superman, Bruce Wayne, Batman, Alan Scott, Green Lantern, Lois Lane, Diana (Wonder Woman), Robin (DCU), Perry White, Lex Luthor Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, 1940s, Alternate Universe - 1940s, PostWar, Nazis, Daily Planet, Spies & Secret Agents

Summary: The year is 1947, and Daily Planet front-pagers Clark Kent and "Louis" Lane are about to get the story of their careers, courtesy of the fledgling Justice League: the enigmatic Superman, the spy-turned-vigilante codenamed Bat, intelligence agent and newly minted Green Lantern Alan Scott, and Ambassador Diana, Princess of Themyscira.

Some Friendlier Sky (124800 words) by Hammie, AMarguerite Chapters: 24/24 Fandom:Les Misérables - All Media Types,Les Misérables - Victor Hugo Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Courfeyrac/Cosette, Cosette/Courfeyrac, Joly/Musichetta Characters: Cosette, Courfeyrac, Valjean, Combeferre, Joly, Bossuet, Enjolras, Jehan, Feuilly, Marius, Toussaint, Bahorel, Bahorel's Laughing Mistress, Javert Additional Tags: Hijinks & Shenanigans, Romanticism, lots of musings on popular Romantic literature

Summary: Courfeyrac falls through the roof of no. 7 Rue de l'Homme Armé, taking down not only the ceiling, but the carefully built walls Valjean has constructed around himself and Cosette. Wacky hijinks ensue. Thanks to Hammie for beta-ing.

Poster Boy (8162 words) by Sarah1281 Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:Les Misérables - All Media Types,Les Misérables - Victor Hugo Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Cosette/Enjolras Characters: Jean Valjean, Enjolras (Les Misérables), Euphrasie "Cosette" Fauchelevant Additional Tags: Crack Pairings, Happy Ending, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence

Summary: Valjean knows that he must confess the truth of his past to his new son-in-law and he thought he had prepared  himself for all possible reactions. He was mistaken, however. Enthusiastic condemnations of the old regime and praise for his 'revolutionary spirit' were not something he knew what to do with.

A Deeper Season (117605 words) by lightgetsin ,sahiya Chapters: 19/19 Fandom:Vorkosigan Saga - Bujold Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Gregor Vorbarra/Miles Naismith Vorkosigan Characters: Gregor Vorbarra, Miles Naismith Vorkosigan, Ivan Vorpatril, Cordelia Naismith Vorkosigan, Aral Vorkosigan Additional Tags: First Time, Romance, Action/Adventure, a deeper season, Alternate Universe, Don't copy to another site Series: Part 5 of A Deeper Season

Summary: Take one Miles, a hapless cousin, Cetagandan social politics, a galactic conspiracy, a scientific discovery, a lot of firepower, and an unexpected declaration. Mix well and step back quickly.

The Long Road Home (95516 words) by Scribblesinink Chapters: 22/22 Fandom:Lord of the Rings (2001 2002 2003),Lord of the Rings (Novel) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Faramir, Aragorn, Boromir, OFC, OMC Additional Tags: Adventure, bookverse, movieverse, Future Fic, What-If, Alternate Universe, Boromir!Lives AU Series: Part 1 of Long Road Home (LotR)

Summary: Against all odds, Boromir survives Amon Hen. Ashamed and filled with remorse, he goes on a quest for redemption. Bound by his promise to a sick man, Faramir keeps the secret of his brother's survival. But as secrets are wont to do, the truth comes out eventually and Aragorn journeys north to bring Gondor's prodigal son home.

The Price of Freedom by Erin Lasgalen Lord of the Rings, Eowyn, post-series. AU/Adventure. In the aftermath of the War of the Ring, Eowyn comes to the painful realization that the wounds of the heart she still bears cannot be healed by going back to the cage, however gilded, however loving the master. Four years and hundreds of leagues later, her past is about to catch up with her in more ways than one.

Charmed Life (95300 words) by Fyre Chapters: 85/85 Fandom:Once Upon a Time (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Mr Gold/Mary Margaret Blanchard Characters: Rumpelstiltskin | Mr. Gold, Snow White | Mary Margaret Blanchard, Emma Swan, Evil Queen | Regina Mills, Prince "Charming" James | David Nolan, Abigail | Kathryn Nolan, Henry Mills Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Complete Summary: When Regina toyed with the lives and memories of the people of Storybrooke, she was especially careful with the people who had been her bane in the the Enchanted Forest

Don't You Shake Alone (62189 words) by Dira Sudis Chapters: 1/1 Fandom:Generation Kill Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Brad Colbert/Nate Fick Characters: Brad Colbert, Nate Fick, Ray Person Additional Tags: Kid Fic, Babies, Cuddling & Snuggling, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, First Time

Summary: Nate looked exactly like Brad always pictured him: exhausted in the full life-in-a-combat-zone sense of the word.  (Don't forget the sequel)

Performance In a Leading Role (156714 words) by Mad_Lori Chapters: 21/21 Fandom: Sherlock (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Irene Adler, Harry Watson, Greg Lestrade, Sally Donovan, Molly Hooper Additional Tags: AU, Meta, Hollywood, Real Person Cameos, Romance, Show Business, Coming Out, Secret Relationship, Behind the Scenes Series: Part 1 of Performance in a Leading Role

Summary: Sherlock Holmes is an Oscar winner in the midst of a career slump. John Watson is an Everyman actor trapped in the rom-com ghetto. When they are cast as a gay couple in a new independent drama, will they surprise each other? Will their on-screen romance make its way into the real world?

[jjkfire]

update 4/27/21:

I'm working at a startup so it's extremely busy. but I love my job! i am trying to find the time to fit writing in my schedule tho. gonna figure it out someday lol. my stories are not abandoned, don't worry. all the endings and plot points have been planned. i'm just struggling to find the time to write atm. still very grateful for all the kind words and support you guys have given me over the years. hope all of you are out there living your best lives, exploring, learning, and finding joy in all the little things 😊 join my tag list (read the instructions pls) to get notified when I update my fics!

//

previous big update:

hello! i know i’ve been sort of mia but… it’s been an absolutely chaotic time for me. 

the (long) story goes a little something like this:

earlier this year during spring break, i had friends who convinced me to give america a shot and apply for jobs after grad. i really didn’t want to because the visa process is a pain and it costs a lot. also, not a lot of companies want to hire internationals so it’s very demoralizing to receive a million rejections… but my friends are very persuasive people lol. 

so it was super hectic during the last few months I had in the country as i tried to get through the visa process, study, work, beef up my resume, apply for jobs and graduate at the same time. (i understand that a ton of people have to do this too… but it’s hard y’all). anyway, one Medium article, one cold email, and a number of grueling interviews later, i found out i got a job!

now i just had to convince my parents… this was actually in all honesty, the most stressful part. i love them to death but my father really made it feel like i was choosing between my family and a job and ngl i cried myself to sleep on the regular. in the end, he finally gave me the okay to take the job but i know he’s still very upset. that’s honest to god the worst part. (my mum’s been super supportive tho so i guess that’s the silver lining in all of this!)

prior to getting the job though, I was really in limbo. I had returned to my home country because I and by extension, my parents, were not confident that i was going to be able to land a job in the US. I was very confused because I was neither here nor there. I was interviewing with the american company from my home country, trying my best to make sure they’d still be interested in me as a candidate no matter how many hurdles there were. then, to ensure that I had a safety net, I was also doing interviews locally and sending out resumes whenever I could. I was exhausted. and I know everyone goes through the job hunt so it’s equally as exhausting for everyone but yeah it was not a fun time.

anyway so now that I took that job in america i gotta move halfway across the world again, but this time without financial support and i don’t know… maybe this is the first time i’ll be truly independent and ya im seconds away from shittin myself. really gotta put on my big girl pants and try to not be broke yeet yeet.

but uhh that’s the low down on why i haven’t been able to write much at all…….. and yeah! working on it tho… haha always working on it.

to end all of this, I just want to say that I’m super lucky to have all of you. I basically got the job because of that article I wrote. I know I sound like a broken record talking about my article over and over but I dunno I guess all of this is just a little wild to me ahah.

I owe a lot of my confidence in my writing to all of you. I personally think my writing improved bc of this blog and the support you guys give me is… unreal (“: I know it may seem insignificant to some of you to reblog/like and comment on a fic but it really spurs me creatively and makes me feel sort of confident about my writing. all of that is probably why I didn’t think twice about hitting that post button on my article. although it’s a very different type of writing… I don’t know it’s just knowing that my writing is worth something… knowing that my writing is worth taking 5 minutes out of your day to read, is pretty cool and you guys kind of gave me that! (i am in no way saying that my writing is the best thing on earth. far from it. but i think you guys understand what i’m trying to say!)

so in some way, you guys helped me get a job! nice work team hahahah. also, also i just want to say, never give up. I decided I wanted to try my luck at the American job market maybe around the end of March and graduation was in early May. so I had about more or less a month to do something. I knew I needed a way to set myself apart from everyone else because my gpa wasn’t stellar and I hadn’t had any internships in America. not to mention the fact that I was an international student hence it was even harder to get hired. so basically, why would a company pick me over the next person? I thought perhaps knowing how to code was the way to give myself an edge so I learned some basic python and sql but then I realized there wasn’t really an impressive project I could attempt within that short time frame and I also knew far too little to do anything anyway. this meant that I was back at square one.

so, I switched gears instead. I sat down and really thought about what I could do. I concluded that at the very least, I could write. I knew I could write so I needed something that I could use along with my writing and I was like… it’s gotta be data! knowing that, I picked up the basics on how to use Tableau and I also picked up VBA macros in excel (if you don’t know what this is… I think you should Google it. it will literally blow your mind. excel can do a lot more than you can imagine). Then, I picked what I wanted to write my article on, got the data I needed from google trends, used vba macros to make the calculations faster, used tableau to make charts based on the data and photoshop to spice up the charts and etc. I did my research in the meantime as well and had a rough plan on what I was going to write about. after this, it was all systems go and it went a little like this:

wrote the article. attached my charts. linked the links. hit that post button. applied to all the jobs & companies that I thought would see value in what I did and can do. got rejected many times. felt discouraged. did more searching on companies that were willing to hire internationals. decided to send a cold email to a company. ACTUALLY HEARD BACK. went through multiple interviews. ACTUALLY GOT THE JOB.

so guys, never give up. recognize your strengths and build around that. if you think you don’t have any strengths, look harder. if you still feel you don’t have any, make the effort to learn something. it’s never too late for anything. I did all of that in one month and 10 days (the learning stuff and writing the article thing I mean). always be open to learning. I say this so much irl that my friends are sick of it but in this day and age with the internet, you can literally learn anything. so please, learn. learn for fun, learn for whatever reason. learn anything. you’ll never know when it’ll come in handy. like my basic Photoshop that I learned just so I could make a header for my blog… literally used that skill for the graphics in my article lol.

anyway, you can achieve a lot more than you think you can. you just gotta throw caution to the wind and do your own thing. be determined, be proactive. if things aren’t going the way you think it should be, do something to change that. you are all amazing and capable of great things! I hope you all know that. my mum always said if you never try, you’ll never know. don’t be afraid, don’t stop to think about what other people will think of you. keep doing you. people doubt you enough so don’t add to that. keep your head held high and keep moving forward.

once again I want to thank you guys for being sort of a support system for me! every comment, nice ask and sweet message has brought me this far. i really mean it (’: always be nice and supportive my sweet dumplings. your words truly have impact!

[jessikahathaway]

An Angel and her Lover

Oof, hi again.

So, for the first time I want to dedicate a fic to someone here. @jeonggukingdom. Rosebud, I love you and thanks for being an awesome friend. Let’s be together for a long time, yes?

So, for my darling Rosebud, I present a Jungkook Frankenstein!AU, or the monster, whatever. Literature buffs, get out. 

Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x Reader

Words: 26,760 (oh my God I’m sorry)

Warnings: Violence, Graphic depictions of blood and gore, Hanging, Triggers, attempted murder, smut (duh?)

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Frankenstein!AU, Smut, Slight Horror (if ya squint ya eyeballs)

Summary: Unable to let the fates of the world betray the life of such a beautiful young man, you defy the work of God, and save him. Now, you must deal with the consequences... One of them, falling in love with he who shouldn’t have lived.

People always fear what they can never understand.

People understood your father’s medical knowledge. But that doesn’t mean they liked him in any respect. Didn’t let their children near your family home, one that used to be ran by your father.

He was the towns physician, not by a choice of the people. But because he knew what he was doing. You studied under him with dedication and drive, wanting to provide that same care and love to the people once your father was unable.

But Karma was a cruel mistress, and she worked in interesting ways.

He died of consumption last frost. Your mother had died when you were a child, so you were left entirely alone in the world. No grandparents, no aunts or uncles. No cousins or even friends to confide in when loneliness overtook you at night.

The town left small tokens at your front gate, noting the passing of your father. But no one confronted you, no one came to the door to share in your loss. They let you suffer alone, and that’s all you would ever be.

But, you continued your father’s work, even after he had passed... it was all you knew.

Little did the people know, your father had a particular obsession since your mother had passed all those years ago...

He believed there was a way to bring the dead back to life.

He thought that if there was a storm big enough, he could harness the charge in the air and the electricity being produced would be enough to jumpstart the human brain back into function. Although, the problem was you had to catch the individual not long after dead in order to make it work. Unfortunately for you mother, that meant there was no bringing her back, and once your father had discovered this...

He went insane.

Staying up into late hours, ignoring his basic human needs for days on end. You’d bring him plate after plate of food, only to return to remove a stale version. Talking to himself, answering in a different tone as if there was a different person in the room with him. You were slightly frightened of the man he had become...

He hid it well in front of others, however you saw the devastation it raved on his mind. The father you’d grown up with was slowly crumbling when the ailment took its course through his body.

You were heartbroken, but at the same time you were a little relieved that he had managed to pass before he was completely lost. You weren’t sure if you could’ve watched that happen, you might have had to leave him if it had gone much further...

He caught consumption from handling corpses too often, something you had warned him about, but he didn’t listen. Every time a storm came in... He had to try, at least with one body. However, he couldn’t get it to work in the larger bodies... It never lasted long. Generally, it was enough for the corpse to shudder, possibly move an appendage and then their brain became overwhelmed from the strain of the electricity and it cooked... After that there truly was no second chance.

While your father desperately tried his method over and over again, you researched into the probability of herbal concoctions being added to the corpse to add in the regeneration process. You believed that if there was a herbal barrier between the electricity, that the corpse wouldn’t burn up... The electricity could be funneled through the body efficiently, instead of focusing in one area.

Even though your father didn’t see the point, you were certain if a particular mixture was added to the point of contact for the electrodes on the body, then there was a way to make it work. If you added a conductor to the process, then the possibility of success might increase.

But finding a fresh body was difficult, and generally frowned upon by the local peoples. The graveyard had been ravaged by your father, and the townspeople thought it was some animal digging up their loved ones. So, they had built a gate to dissuade any living being that came in during the night hours.

With your father being older, climbing the large fence by himself would be difficult, with a body added to it, procuring a subject would be near impossible. This lef your father with much smaller beings to work with, such as rabbits and deer that he managed to trap and kill while out on hunting excursions. Fish, also, were a medium that your father had some success in.

But it always came back to human beings in his mind. He truly believed that he could bring back people from the dead. And he wasn’t going to stop until he managed to do it.

Yet, death took him as well and no doubt to a place where he wouldn’t be with your mother either... Your father was a good man, but he had been overtaken with sadness and guilt of your mother’s death, and it turned him into someone he wasn’t by the end.

This didn’t make his absence hurt any less however. It was still difficult to eat breakfast without his whistles being heard from the other room. Every time it rained you thought of him, and when lightning cracked in the sky you wondered if it was really possible...

Was he actually on to something? Was there a way for you to bring the dead back to life?

These thoughts lead you to some research left in your father’s library. He had many scribbles and notes that didn’t make much sense. However, there was one letter that was written and dated about four years before he passed.

He was still writing in cohesive sentences. It must’ve been before he really went off the deep end...

It went as follows:

Dear Y/N,

I fear my mind isn’t entirely my own any longer. These thoughts in my head, it feels too overwhelming. As if another is controlling my thoughts and making me do things I don’t entirely want to, or feel the need to do...

But, my daughter, please believe me every time I say I love you. You remind me of your mother dearly, and perhaps that’s what hurts me the most. The fact that even though she isn’t here, I still get to see her in you... Your intelligence is blinding, much like hers. And I hope when I am no longer to finish my work... You will be able to take after me. Would you do me that honour?

Even if I become someone I am not, will you stay with me my child?

Til the end?

Your adoring father...

After finding that letter you sat in his study and sobbed. The emptiness in the home didn’t suit you. You hated waking up alone, going to bed alone and always being alone. You clutched the letter to your chest, heaving in breaths as you tried to calm your racing heart.

“Yes father,” you whimpered... “I will do as you ask.”

Soon you were going out and finding new herbs, flowers, trees and animals to test your theories out on. You healed the sick animals to see if they responded well to the treatment, and if they didn’t you did your best to aid them anyways.

If they died from their injuries then you tried to get their bodies on ice as quickly as possible. That way their organs didn’t rot and they were in the state akin to life just placed on pause.

However, you never crossed over to humans. That was something you weren’t going to do. If you successfully brought an animal back from the dead, then you would close up your father’s laboratory and begin his physicians practice once more.

That lead you to the day you found a dog, dying on the road.

It whimpered in pain, you remember it clearly. You had never felt so much anguish for an animal in your life. You quickly collected the pooch into a blanket and hurried home, a storm was brewing...

Getting home you found the extent of his injuries. He had been trampled by some horses, and left for dead no doubt. The thought made rage boil in your stomach, but you didn’t let it weigh you down. There was far too much work to do. Breaking into your strongest medicines and painkillers you tried to keep the poor animal at ease. Cooing it into slumber, patting it’s head affectionately and staying by it’s side the whole night.

At around midnight, the animal stopped breathing. Your heart lurched in your chest and you heard a crack of thunder in the distance. The wind beat itself against the windows and you saw your father’s old cot laying in the corner.

Before thinking too much about the prospects you acted. Gathering his old electrodes and clamps you moved the dog onto the cot, wheeling him towards the center of the room... Slathering your own concoctions onto his head you prayed that his fur wouldn’t obstruct your work too much. Grabbing the bolts you hammered them into his temples, then connecting the final wires to them. Next you found your father’s serum... It was the only thing he used, and it must have some sort of reanimative properties if his corpses were able to regain a form of movement after the electricity came through... Pushing a few droplets into the poor animals mouth, you stepped back.

The ceiling had a prong sticking high into the sky in hopes of catching a lightning strike and directing the energy towards a body, aiding in the reanimation process. This was one of the first projects your father had undergone after your mother died. It took him nearly three years to complete, and was the beginning of his end. You father also covered in glass so that he could see the lightning rod without much difficult. So you watched and waited... Rain howled loudly outside, making you bite your lips in nerves. This was it, you could feel the static charge prickle along your skin.

CCRRAACCKKK!

The room was engulfed in light and you threw the lever connecting the lightning rode to the electrodes. You had to shield your eyes from the brightness of it all.

When the ringing had stopped in your ears and the blue spots disappeared from your vision, you found the dog whimpering on the cot. Tip toeing over you peered at the canine from afar.

He wasn’t just jolting, he was actually breathing, eyes looking around and staring at his surroundings. Your mouth dropped open. Minutes went by, and the animal didn’t fall still once more. If anything, he became more animated, wanting to sit up but the clamps preventing his movements.

It had worked.

Falling to your knees beside the dog you began to sob into the animal’s soft fur. You had did it... He had come back to life, and your father was right. Your father’s hard work hadn’t gone to waste, he wasn’t an insane fool... his death now meant something.

It felt so good to cry with someone in the room. You weren’t so alone anymore, because this being here was able to be with you now... Because you had done the impossible, and brought him back from the land of the dead...

And that was the last time you were ever going to do it. You swore...

You woke up with the sun shining bright in your eyes, as well as a numb arm.

“Ugh, get off Garçon,” you whined, pulling your arm out from underneath his warm body. Your dog groaned and shuffled over, making himself comfortable against your pillows once more.

Scoffing at his attitude you got out of bed, grabbing your robe and tying it around your waist before heading downstairs. The beauty of having an undead animal was that they didn’t eat anything. He never was hungry and you were alright with that.

Less money out of your coin purse every week.

You began to make coffee, boiling the water on the stove like you did every morning.

A soft knock came from the door and you raised an eyebrow.

Who would be here this early in the morning?

Walking over you opened the door and the bright smile of Kim Taehyung greeted you. Smiling back you leaned against your door. “Good morning, Taehyung, what can I help you with?”

Taehyung’s eyes moved down your body before clearing his throat and looking into your eyes. “I have the money for my Father’s medicine, and I know that you’re not going to-”

“Taehyung I’ve told you many times that I don’t want money from you, his payment was birthing one of the kindest people I know... So go buy something you really want with that money, okay? I know you must’ve worked very hard for it,” you urged.

“D-Do you think, I could buy both of us dinner tonight with it?” he asked, a soft blush painting his features.

The wind blew your hair away from your face and you giggled. Taehyung bit his lip nervously as you appeared to mull the thought over in your mind. “Mmm, what would we be eating Taehyung?” you asked.

“Whatever you want!” he announced firmly.

“What if what I want isn’t on that particular menu?” you winked. Taehyung smirked and leaned against your door frame.

“Then you can order off the private menu if you’d like,” he suggested.

“Perhaps I could join you for dinner then,” you agreed.

“Really? You mean it?” he asked, eyes glimmering with hope.

“I would be delighted to join you, just tell me where?” you asked.

“Jin’s tavern, he serves the best food I’ve ever had,” he stated.

“But you haven’t tasted the best cuisine yet,” you flirted, pulling on your nightgown with a mischievous glint in your eyes.

“Perhaps I could sample it for dessert tonight?” he whispered.

“If you’re lucky,” you winked. “I really would like to join you for a meal. All jokes aside,” you confirmed.

“Then meet me at an hour before dusk at the tavern, and we’ll eat there,” Taehyung offered.

“I’ll see you then, Taehyung.”

He smiled and kissed your hand demurely before trotting off down your drive with a spring in his step. Shutting the door you slid down it on your back and squealed into your lap.

You’d liked Taehyung for years, even when the village folk didn’t accept you after your father passed... He had found you outside playing with Garçon and he had become a dear friend of yours ever since. When you brought your face up you found Garçon staring at you with an amused expression. “Oh stop it pooch, I’m allowed to be excited for my first date!” you yelped.

Garçon wagged his tail, coming closer and curling up next to you on the floor. You patted his head, trying to keep yourself from going crazy with excitement.

“Finally, finally I can be a normal girl for once. I don’t have to be the reclusive doctor, I can go out and maybe get to have my first kiss, huh?” you stared at Garçon eagerly. He just barked and you hugged him tight.

You progressed with your day, trying to keep focused on your work and not so much on the cute boy with a smile bright enough to melt your heart. You messed up two rosemary salves and one lemongrass and ginger herbal tea for someone else. You decided it would just be better if you didn’t continue working, in fear of something blowing up in your face.

So, you roamed around your home. Trying to keep yourself preoccupied was proving to be difficult. As high noon came around you tried to get a bath running so your hair would be dry by the evening. Pouring in your favorite scented oil you smiled, rose filling your nostrils.

Peeling off your clothing, you submerged your body and sighed in relief. As you sat in the warm water, you wondered briefly if Taehyung would still go on a date with you if he knew what you had done...

No one really knew that Garçon was dead, because they weren’t there... And he looked healthy, due to the fact that his broken ribs had been reset by you. So now he acted like any normal dog... But if Taehyung knew the truth about him, would he accept that? Would he understand that you were a scientist who had brought back a dog...

You shook your head quickly, not letting the thoughts overwhelm you. It would never come up in conversation, and therefore it wouldn’t matter. Taehyung didn’t have to know, because you weren’t going to do it again. You weren’t certain you could.

Leaving the anxious feeling behind you let yourself sink lower into the water and began to clean your skin.

Standing in front of your bedroom mirror you tried to think of the best dress to wear out for the night. It was going to be a little chilly, so you wanted to wear one with sleeves. But, if the night progressed how you hoped... Then you wanted the dress to be alluring for Taehyung to view.

However, you didn’t want to seem like a floozy. Even though your interaction earlier wasn’t exactly proper...

Looking through your wardrobe you found a soft pink dress that had sleeve with a square neckline that left a little for the imagination. You smiled and pulled the soft material on over your body, letting it settle accordingly before adjusting as needed.

Buttoning up the bodice you looked outside to see the time. You had approximately forty five minutes left before Taehyung’s meeting time. Hurrying to pull your hair up, you found a pin and twisted your locks in a simple fashion, leaving a few strands to frame your face.

Grabbing your mother’s necklace you put it around your neck. The familiar weight calmed your nerves as you sat at your vanity. You did simple brushes of powder and added a smidge of blush cream. A soft rose blend on your lips for color. You looked beautiful...

A tear fell down your cheek as you thought of your parents.

They would want to see you at this moment. How much you had grown, and how beautiful you had become. The picture of them smiling with you as a babe sat on your vanity gazing at you. You knew they could see you, and you knew they were proud.

Although, you hoped once the night progressed they would turn their eyes away...

Gathering your purse and accessories you trotted down the stairs, slipping your feet into your shoes at the bottom of the stairs. Garcon waited patiently at the door for you, ready to walk with you to the end of the drive like he did nearly every day. You moved with haste, noticing the sun beginning to move lower into the sky. You got to the door and opened it, leaving it cracked so Garçon could get back in and shut it when you left.

For being dead, he was a pretty smart boy.

You almost sprinted to your gate before flinging it open in excitement.

Once outside, you turned and waved at Garçon who was sitting patiently. He always watched you walk away before he would go back in the house. He wanted to make sure you got off where you were going safely. As you turned your back you felt a chill run down your spine. Looking off towards the East you saw almost black clouds rolling in.

A storm? Tonight?

It seemed unlikely, especially with the beautiful weather you’d had all week. Perhaps it would pass over. You didn’t think too much before you headed towards the tavern.

Jin’s Tavern was over on the other end of town, tucked back towards the edge of the forest. It was a long walk, so you picked up your pace. Jogging through the village everyone looked on in shock as the Physician’s daughter passed them by. A few waved, mostly the farmers whom you interacted with regularly.

“Where are you getting off to so gussied up?” Mrs. Yening asked, pulling in some of her flowers.

“Taehyung asked me to dinner tonight,” you smiled brightly. She fussed over you and pressed your cheeks, much like a mother would her babe. Since you ventured out of your home, and left the daunting facade of the quack doctor’s daughter behind, people actually started to respect you.

Not everyone was as kind as Mrs. Yening, but they were civil, and you were so grateful for it. Your loneliness had killed you. The people in the village scared of the grief-consumed individual you had turned into.

However, Garçon had brought you from that darkness. He had given you Taehyung, and when Taehyung came along, everyone else did as well.

Mrs. Yening placed a delicate alyssum bundle in your hair, cooing at the sight you gave her. “Now, hurry along, don’t keep the anxious boy waiting any longer!”

Nodding you ran off, a huge grin on your face as you made it to Jin’s Tavern. It was a little after the time Taehyung had stated, so you hoped you didn’t make him wait long...

Entering the large doors you were hit with the smell of food and drink. Everyone was laughing boisterously, glasses clinking and men whistling. You saw Jimin, the baker’s son, sitting at a table with Namjoon and Yoongi. Two of the local law enforcement. They mainly just settled little disputes here and there to keep everything intact. Hoseok and Seokjin were chatting at the bar when Jin noticed you standing at the door.

“Y/N! Come on over here!” he urged.

Excusing yourself through the crowd you came up to the older man and sat down. Hoseok passed you a glass of water as Jin wiped down the counter in front of you.

“You seem to be flushed, what’s got you all in a rush?” Hoseok smiled.

“I-I’m having dinner with Taehyung, here,” you said, huffing before taking large gulps of the water.

“Oh, are you? I haven’t seen him yet,” Hoseok wondered.

“He’s sure to turn up if Y/N is waiting, the boy will come for miles if it means she’s going to be there,” Jin teased.

You blushed and waited. The men before you chatting still, making small little comments to see you smile.

However, time rolled on.

And Taehyung didn’t show up.

You sat on the stool and every time the door opened you whipped around with a smile on your face, until you discovered none of the people entering were Taehyung. Hoseok looked at you worried, passing you another glass of water.

Jimin came over and offered you something to eat, but you declined... Taehyung had offered to purchase your meal tonight and you wanted to make sure you had an appetite for when he arrived.

Namjoon and Yoongi approached as well, asking if you wanted them to go out to look for the man in question. You weren’t sure if that was necessary. “I don’t think anything bad happened to him. I know he’ll be here. I’m sure he will.”

The night kept progressing.

Your stomach protested with the lack of food in it, but you held firm. Each time it growled Hoseok and Jin would offer to make you something to eat. On the house, but you refused each time. Taehyung would buy you a meal tonight... He said he would.

People began to flood from the doors. The liveliness of the evening narrowing out as it turned night. Jin started walking around the emptying tavern and began collecting plates, cups and getting ready for the place to close up for the night.

“Are you sure he meant tonight, Y/N? Maybe he meant tomorrow?” Jin offered as he walked past with a stack of dishes in his hands.

You held your head up in your palm, a sad expression on your face. “No, he asked me to dinner tonight. I know I didn’t mishear him,” you answered.

“P-Perhaps he got caught up at the mill?” Hoseok tried.

“He doesn’t have to work at the mill for at least two more days. The shipment of lumber from the yard isn’t due here until then,” you sighed.

Jin and Hoseok shared a solemn expression. “Y/N, it’s almost time for me to close... I-I don’t think the lad is coming tonight.”

You felt the sharp burn of tears in your eyes as you realized his statement.

A crack of thunder was heard in the distance and the two men looked at you with worried eyes. “I can make you up a bed for the night, it looks like it’s going to rain,” Hoseok stated.

“No,” your voice cracked. Hoseok placed his palm on your shoulder, rubbing it with a tenderness only a friend could offer.

“Y/N, don’t cry,” Jin pleaded.

“He said he wanted to use the money he made from extra hours at the mill to dine with me... Why would he lie and then not show up? Maybe something bad did happen to him...” you pulled on your lower lip with your teeth.

“Should I go get Yoongi and Namjoon? Maybe we should go out to look for him, you know he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to be with Y/N,” Hoseok said, standing up.

“They might be asleep but I could go get Namjoon-”

“No, it’s fine,” you whispered, letting the tears fall freely down your face. “I should just accept that he isn’t coming. Because he didn’t want to... I think I’m just going to go home for the night.”

“Y/N, it’s going to storm out there! We can’t just let you go!” Jin protested.

“I’ll be fine you two, believe me,” you smiled weakly.

Hoseok gave you a tight hug before wiping your tears. “I’m sure he wanted to come tonight, he’s sure to have a good reason. Don’t worry about it and hurry home, Garçon should be waiting for you.”

You nodded and gathered your things before heading out the door.

It was bitterly cold as you came out from Jin’s warm tavern. The wind was blowing hard and you felt your pin beginning to unfurl from your hair. Collecting your skirts you began to head home.

It was hard not to feel upset and hurt, but you tried to keep your head held high as the tears flowed freely. Jin and Hoseok were probably right, something came up. It’s not that he didn’t want to be here, something must’ve come up... It had to...

“DEAR GOD HELP ME!”

Your head turned so sharp you felt it pop slightly at the motion.

“SAVE ME PLEASE!”

The sound of a petrified man carried over the screaming wind.

“ANYONE PLEASE! I’M DYING!”

You didn’t even think as you took off towards the sound of the voice. Your feet flew into the forest before you could even think about what you were doing. The voice sounded so terrified, in so much pain.

What had happened?

You had to hurry, someone needed you and you weren’t going to let them down.

“ARE YOU THERE?! ANSWER ME!” you screamed, trying to hear their voice once more.

“PLEASE! THIS WAY!” a distinct male voice answered again.

You could hear him, he wasn’t that much further. He couldn’t be, if you could hear him over this wind.

Your skirt caught on a branch, halting your movements. Grabbing the fabric you simply ripped yourself free from the tree, heading off once more. The frigid air burned your delicate skin, but it was secondary at this point. Someone needed you.

“WHERE ARE YOU?” you yelled again.

“Help... me!”

He sounded weaker, but even closer than last time.

Deeper into the woods you went, trying to keep your pathway straight as possible so you could get out quickly. You heard deep gasping, as if someone was struggling to breathe. Looking around frantically, your eyes found a horrific sight.

A man, probably around your age, lay with a tree stump protruding from his stomach. Crimson blood leaked from his injury and you had to cover your mouth to keep from crying in horror. He was already gravely pale, and you wondered if you were going to be able to do anything.

Not letting your doubt fall into your mind, you fell to your knees beside him.

“Hey, can you hear me?” you asked, cradling his head in your hands. He was beautiful, skin smooth and clear. Body lean and structured, a strong young man. His forehead was damp with sweat, no doubt from the pain. Biting your lip you looked at his wound. The stump wasn’t too thick, but it carved a disgusting whole in his mid section.

“H-help... me...” he sputtered, coughing up blood onto his pouty lips.

“I will, I’ll help you,” you promised, brushing the blood away from his mouth. Looking at the stump and his stomach you grew worried. There wasn’t going to be anyway for you to move him, not without causing him to hemorrhage. The stump was the only reason he hadn’t bled out before you found him.

“What’s your name?” you asked, brushing his damp hair away from his face.

“J-Jung-gkook,” he rasped.

“I’m Y/N,” you answered, dabbing at his sallow cheeks tenderly. You were going to stay with him. As long as it took, you were going to keep him as comfortable as you could.

“So-so, tired,” he whimpered.

“Then sleep,” you urged, moving so he could rest his head in your lap. His skull rested against your thighs solidly, making you flush. Disgust at your own thoughts raved in your mind. He was dying, you weren’t going to think of him in that way during his final moments.

You frowned at the sight before you. He was obviously young like yourself, so handsome. Looking at him you noticed a piece of paper crumpled in his hands. Pulling it away from him you examined it.

A note from his mother...

Dear Jungkook,

Please hurry... Your father isn’t doing well and we need the tea from the doctor in that town. We love you so much son, hurry back and be safe.

Your devoted parents.

Tears thatched to your eyelashes as you swallowed hard.

He was trying to save his father...

And he must’ve tripped on the vines a few feet from here and fell onto the stump, impaling himself. It made you sick to your stomach to view his pain.

“Jungkook?” you asked, smoothing his hair gently.

“Mmm,” he answered quietly, his breathing was slowing. He didn’t have much time left.

“Are you scared?” you asked.

“No... an angel is wi-ith me,” he sputtered, looking at you through his lashes.

“I’m not an angel,” you shook your head.

“Can yo-u, g-get that note,” he swallowed hard, obviously straining to speak. It obviously pained the poor man to speak, but he wasn’t going to give up. “Get it... to the town’s doctor... M-my dad... sick...”

You smiled. “I am the town’s Doctor, and I will make sure your father gets the treatment he needs,” you stated.

“An-gel,” he whispered. “Th-ank... you...”

His eyes fell shut and his harsh breathing stopped. You bit your lip and felt tears streaming down your face. Why did this happen? How could someone so caring and so sweet, lay there dead in your lap. Cradling his head in your hands you smoothed his cheeks gently, as if trying to calm a fitful babe.

Another crack of thunder jolted you from your thoughts.

Thunder...

Your mind froze.

You said you wouldn’t do it again... But, you had to try.

If anyone deserved another chance, it was Jungkook.

Mind made up, you laid his head gently on the ground. You got your hands underneath his still warm torso before pushing up with all your might. A sickeningly wet sound pounded in your ears as Jungkook’s body came free of the stump. He fell on top of you, lips placed on your throat. Cringing from the weight and idea of a dead man laying atop you, you scrambling to your feet. Widening your stance you pulled on his hands, letting his front touch your back. You winced as the feeling of blood dripped down your spine. You swallowed thick, trying to keep yourself from getting sick.

Locking your arms around his upper chest, you began to run, as fast as you could with Jungkook on your back.

The wind howled as you did so.

It didn’t matter that your legs and arms were in agony from the haul.

You just had to get home...

And fast.

Falling into your home you gasped in much needed air.

“GARÇON!” you cried.

The distinct sound of his paws hitting the wooden floor upstairs came fast.

Soon, you felt him licking your face.

“Grab him, and get him to Dad’s laboratory,” you urged.

Something that had surprised you when Garçon had come back was how strong he was. He was a Great Dane, but still his strength seemed a little outrageous. Also, his intelligence was startling. At first, he was a little slow... But watching you he seemed to learn, you taught him commands and places in your home, and he was able to perform them. No mere canine was that brilliant, you wondered if it would work with other animals, but you weren’t going to try...

At least not until a young man with a golden heart fell into your lap.

You heard him pulling Jungkook as you ran ahead, getting your dress off and grabbing a robe to throw on. Throwing on your physician’s robe you just didn’t want to be naked. Quickly, as if the stairs were made of burning coals, you made your way down into the lower level of the house.

Grabbing the bannister you locked your fingers around it and propelled yourself down the hallway. Passing Garçon and Jungkook on the way you hurried to unlock your father’s laboratory. You pulled on the door aggressively, but it wasn’t budging. It hadn’t been open since the morning after you reanimated Garçon, and that was almost five years ago now...

Planting your feet firmly on the ground, you yanked with a great deal of strength, and the door came free. Stumbling backwards into the wall you winced at a stinging sensation. You peered down at your arm and noticed a gash bleeding through your robe. Letting the burn of pain disappear in your mind, you flew through the door and bolted over to your father’s former desk and counters. They were covered in dust and grime making you wondered if you should even attempt this...

The sound of dragging made you turn. Garçon had Jungkook’s body in the doorway. “Good boy, Garçon. Over here,” you said, pointing towards the center of the room. You had to hurry and find the bolts and wires that connected to the main line that stuck up in the air from the ceiling.

Throwing open a few cabinets you coughed at the collection of dust that sat atop it. You kneeled on the floor and pushed aside various bottles and jars of salves that would do you no good during this process.

Finding two jars towards the back you gripped them in your hand and pulled them before you. They were the ones you wanted: Rosemary and Witch hazel ointment then a Bergamot and Yarrow salve. The witch hazel and rosemary for cleansing and bergamot and yarrow for healing.

Garçon barked at you, sitting next to Jungkook’s body. You nodded and grabbed the old cot that had been the place of Garçon’s rebirth. Pushing it towards the center of the room, the jars of your ingredients set on the bedding.

Once you latched the bed down into the floor, you grabbed Jungkook’s body and hauled it up onto the bed, staining the sheets with blood. You winced when his hand brushed your shoulder, but you continued on. Garçon pushed with his nuzzle, aiding you in getting Jungkook up onto the cot with ease.

You huffed in exhaustion, the run back to your home and adrenaline beginning to dissipate in your system. But you weren’t done, you had to try. He was owed that much.

Finding a medical kit on the counter towards the windows, you grabbed it and pulled on the gloves inside. Pushing aside various pieces of gauze and surgical tape you found the sutures and thread that would provide useful.

Lighting a candle you held the suture needle over the flame and sanitized it best you could. Grabbing a couple clamps and more dabbing cloths you set to work. Taking Jungkook’s shirt in your hand, you ripped the delicate fabric down and revealed the extent of his wound.

The sight made you slightly ill, you had no idea it was this severe. You were surprised he had managed to hang on as long as he did. It was a testament to his love for his family, especially his ailing father.

These revelations made you even more determined to succeed.

You had to work fast, Jungkook’s body was already settling into rigor mortis. Once it fully set in, there wasn’t much to be done after words. So, you began stitching and cutting out the already permanently damaged flesh. You had to close the wound before you attempted reanimation, because if it was successful... He could be walking around with a giant hole in his chest.

Fingers cramping and brow slick with sweat you wondered if you were going to find triumph in your endeavor. You wanted to be right. You wanted Jungkook to go home to his parents...

But you hadn’t brought a human back before, and you were unsure of the progression of age on the body after he was resurrected. However, you’d cross that bridge when it appeared.

Finally...

Finally you were closing the surface wounds. The thunder clapped outside, reminding you of the urgency for the situation. You set down your instruments and pulled off your gloves. Moving towards the head of the cot, you looked at Jungkook’s pale face.

He was beautiful.

Soft eyelashes, plush lips and chiseled bones underneath smooth skin... You were entranced by him, even in this state he was a vision.

Shaking your head you moved for the bolts and fasteners. Placing steel bolts next to his temples, you hammered it into place. Swallowing at the sickening sound of his bones yielding to the tool, you felt slightly nauseous.

Next you grabbed the salves and placed them over his stitches. Placing a few dollops of your father’s serum in his mouth, you stepped back. Heaving in gulps of air you realized you hadn’t been breathing out of nerves.

Locating the electrodes, you began to attach them appropriately. Once the last one was secure, you looked at your work. He was hooked up and all you had to do was wait for the perfect time.

This was the hardest part.

You had to wait until a lightning bolt hit the rod, then throw the switch to allow the electricity to flow freely. It was a shock that your father had mastered it years ago, and even more so that you had done it with Garçon.

To duplicate the miracle was unlikely; but the rod was high enough in the air and made out of copper.

Moving over to the switch on the wall you gripped it and watched the sky with nerves eating you up inside. Your reaction time was the most imperative part of this moment. Garçon whined in the corner of the room, however you didn’t move.

“Don’t distract me Garçon, I need to fo-”

CRACK!

WHAM!

You pulled the lever down hard, and the room lit up brightly, much like it did years ago with Garçon. You flew to the ground, covering your head with your hands. The sound of glass cracking made your heart race, but you stayed still.

Garçon ran over, placing his head atop yours to protect you.

Another bolt of lightning struck and you saw Jungkook’s body sitting up on the cot.

Your eyes widened as you looked at his frame. He was rigid on the bed, shoulders squared. Garçon stood in front of you, looking at Jungkook warily.

“J-Jungkook?” You whispered, voice weak.

His head snapped towards yours. That’s when you realized you hadn’t fastened the stamps on the cot. Jungkook was freely moving.

Standing up you noticed as Jungkook kept his eyes on you. Placing your hands up slowly, you moved to approach him. However, you couldn’t stop your trembling. Had you really done it? Brought a human back from the planes of the unknown? Your throat was raw with anxiety.

When you were about six feet from Jungkook, is when it all went south.

Jungkook started gripping at the electrodes attached to his frame. Knowing that they were still charged you needed to keep them attached so the circuits could run their course. If he pulled them now, he could fall dead once more.

“Jungkook, don’t!” You yelped, moving to his side quickly.

The wind left your lungs as he threw his arm out. Landing on the ground in a pained heap you cried in distress. Garçon came over, growling at Jungkook.

“Garçon, down,” You huffed.

“No..” he mumbled, tugging at the equipment. You stood back up, albeit struggling, and tried once more to get close.

“Jungkook you need to wait,” you urged, trying to take his hand.

Yet again, he pushed you away. This time you lost your footing and hit the edge of the cabinets with your side. Gasping in anguish you hit the ground on your injured shoulder.

“Ah!” You whimpered, laying on the ground in pain. Jungkook turned his body at the sound.

“Please, you need to wait. Otherwise you might get hurt,” you whispered. Jungkook tilted his head, as if he understood.

He took his hands away from his wiring. You stood up, knees wobbling in strain and holding your arm in pain. But you needed to check on him, make sure that he was alright. His animation seemed to be holding well, however that could change in an instant.

Making it over to him, he peered at your face with curiosity. You reached out your hand carefully, showing the palm to him. Jungkook looked down at your palm, then to your face once more. “Jungkook?” you asked.

His head tilted, seeming to recognize the name. “J-Juung-koooook,” he mimicked, seeming unsure of his voice.

“That’s you, yes,” you smiled.

“Juung-koooook,” he said once more, pointing at you.

“No, I’m Y/N, you’re Jungkook,” you whispered, pointing at him.

“Ann-gell,” he whispered. You raised an eyebrow and your mind went back to earlier in the evening. He had called you an angel, before he’d passed.

“I think we can take these off now, can I-” you began to move towards him, without realizing your palm was covered in your own blood. Jungkook’s eyes widened at the sight.

“NO!” he screamed, shoving your hand away. You gasped at his violent reaction, unsure of where the hostility came from. Jungkook looked up at your shoulder, where blood was collecting on your robe. His eyes grew in fear as he moved away from your hand.

“Jungkook it’s alright!” you urged, holding your hands up in a peaceful manner. However, this seemed to upset him more.

“Pain! No!” he gasped, ripping the electrodes and pads off of his flesh.

“Jungkook stop!” you cried, trying to grip his arms to cease his frantic movements. But he was much stronger than you. Something he seemed unaware of, because he shoved you away yet again.

You tripped on a bucket and felt yourself hit the cabinet behind you, much firmer this time causing your body to collapse in a slump on the floor. Garçon whined in panic, rushing over to lick your face.

Jungkook stared at your body on the floor. You weren’t moving.

“A-an-gelll,” he whispered, attempting to move towards you with hesitance.

You whimpered in pain, holding your side. Jungkook looked down at his own hands then to you. Had he really pushed you so hard? What had he done?

“J-Jungkook,” you weakly gasped. Garçon whined in fear, licking your face frantically.

“P-painn, Angelll,” he said with such remorse it made your heart heavy.

“Jungkook, stop... You’re going to hurt yourself,” you whispered, trying to sit up.

“Angelll, p-pain,” he gasped, standing up and ripping the posts from his skull. You screamed in fear for him, watching as he stumbled into a standing position. Jungkook managed to stagger to the door, getting it open and heading down the hall.

Your throat tightened in worry, he wasn’t stable yet. You needed to keep a close eye on him until he adapted. “G-Garçon, follow him,” you demanded.

Garçon whimpered, licking your face before heading out the door after Jungkook. Finally hauling yourself up into a seated position you rested your head back against the aged wood. Exhaustion flooded your body, adrenaline and endorphins completely wiped out of your system.

You knew Garçon would follow him and keep him safe. For now you needed to get a little bit of rest before you went after Jungkook. He was stronger than you, and if you had any chance of helping him... you needed to be ready.

With heavy eyelids, you let yourself fall asleep...

Unsure of when you would open them again.

You awoke with your tongue stuck to the roof of your mouth and a severe bruise forming on your left side.

For a moment you weren’t sure why you were in your father’s laboratory. Then, the prior events flooded your mind.

Jungkook.

Garçon.

The reanimation...

You had to find them, and you had to do it fast.

With some difficulty you stood up, hanging onto the wood for support. Gathering yourself you managed to get out to the kitchen, when there was furious knocking at your door.

Was it Jungkook?

Did Garçon bring him back!?

Hurrying over to the door you threw it open to find...

“Taehyung?” you asked, eyebrow raised. He had the most pathetic look on his face as he weakly offered you a bouquet of wildflowers.

The anger of being stood up by the young man had long been forgotten, all that mattered right now was finding Jungkook and Garçon. However, Taehyung couldn’t know anything had happened last night. For all he knew, all he did was stand you up on a date. You must be furious with him.

“Y/N, I’m so sorry about last night, honestly I am such a fool and-”

“It’s fine, Taehyung,” you said, looking down the road for any signs of Garçon or Jungkook to be seen.

“No, Y/N, wait... What happened to your shoulder?” he asked, taking your arm in his hand. Normally, the gesture would send butterflies galore in your stomach. However, now it just sent fear. Fear of being discovered and found out to be a freak who brought the dead back to life. You couldn’t let it slip.

Bringing your arm back to your body you flipped your hair to cover the wound. “Just slipped last night, it rained quite a bit you know,” you dismissed.

“But, Y/N, it looks rather bad-”

“Taehyung, honestly. I’m alright, what did you want?” you asked.

His eyebrows raised at the hostility in your voice before swallowing hard. “Uh, I came to give these to you and to apologize for last night. Father had a fit and started to become weak. Mother needed help to keep an eye on him and I was going to come and find you after they were asleep but the rain had started by that point and-”

“I understand, don’t let it trouble you,” you urged.

“But, Y/N. I want to go out with you, properly. Shall we get breakfast? Right now? That way we won’t run the risk of-”

“I’m a little busy right now Taehyung, with the rain last night no doubt people will be coming down with colds and I should really get ahead on the tea and herbal oils to help treat them. Perhaps another time?” you asked, itching to go up to change so you could head out to look for Jungkook.

“I-I, uh, sure. Certainly, Y/N,” Taehyung said, smile lowering a little at your cold rejection.

“Thank you for the flowers, they’re beautiful,” you said, taking them from his hands. “But I really should go now. If your father gets sick again let me know and I can brew a medicine for it, bye!” you yelped, shutting the door in his face before throwing the flowers on the kitchen table and running for the stairs.

You had to get out and fast. You didn’t have any clue of where Garçon and Jungkook could be, but you had to find them and quick. Jungkook was extremely volatile right now and could be dangerous if not handled properly. Garçon was with him, but there isn’t much he would be able to do in regards to Jungkook hurting someone.

Grabbing your discarded dress from last night off the floor you went to find your outdoor wear, hoping that it would work for wherever Jungkook had wandered off to.

Where would he go? You wondered as you wrapped your arm in a simple bandage and began to pull on your clothes. He wasn’t local, that much you knew. With a town as small as yours you would’ve ran into him at some point if he was.

He was in the Southern woods when you’d found him, so perhaps he was coming from that direction? The only town close enough for walking distance here is the Lunar Isles, perhaps he could’ve come from there?

As you went to place your dirtied dress down, a small piece of parcel fell from the fabric. You noticed it was covered in blood, so it was smeared lightly. Picking it up you unfolded it and recognized the handwriting.

It was the note Jungkook had on him when he passed.

Searching the piece frantically you found the seal, and it was indeed from the Lunar Isles. The Moon Lily being a dead give away. Jungkook would be heading towards his family. And that meant serious trouble.

Quickly gathering your belongings in your satchel you ran towards the door. You had to find Jungkook fast.

Before it was too late.

The road was desolate as you trekked your way towards the Lunar Isles. It would only take a few hours on foot to get there, however it was more barren than you remember. Normally, there would be traders and merchants parading this pathway. Although, last nights rain probably made the soil to unstable for carriages to have good purchase.

You kept forward, hoping that you’d be able to find some sort of sign that Jungkook or Garçon had been this way. But the rain must’ve washed away any kind of prints last night. So, tracking them would have to start when you came upon the village.

The Lunar Isles were known for their beautiful fabrics and Floral Festival that they put on each year. When the moon rose at its highest peak for the year, they have these beautiful flowers that open only on that night. It’s the only opportunity they have to pollinate, so the villagers gather to celebrate the beauty of the flowers.

They eat, dance and drink together. A large parade takes place, then later on in the evening the locals light lanterns and let them go over the river that runs through the village. After the lanterns disappear, they all gather in the fields to the East of town to watch the flowers bloom.

You’d only been once, years ago with your father. He had some business with the Apothecary of the village, and you happened to stay for the festivities.

You remember the flowers being nothing like you’d ever seen before. So beautiful and delicate. Something out of a child’s tale. Many people propose on that night, presenting a Moon Lily to their lover in hopes of their love blooming under the moon’s protection.

It was beautiful to experience. You wish you had more merry business with the town than to collect one of their passed inhabitants. But, Jungkook would most certainly go home. If his note from his family was any indication of their connection.

The sound of a carriage approaching made you turn your head. A gentleman and his wife sat in their seats, holding the reins to their horse with diligent hands. Sending them a gentle wave, you noticed they were wearing the insignia of the Lunar Isles. A Moon Lily on a pin for the lady and an embroidered sleeve for the gentleman.

They waved back at you, sending soft smiles your way.

You were close.

Even though your hair was slick with sweat and your legs, as soon as you reached the crest of the next hill you saw it. The bustling streets and ached bright colors of the Lunar Isles.

Pushing forwards you managed to make it into the main market place without too much trouble. Looking around you tried to find traces of Jungkook or Garçon.

However, there were so many people around that you had trouble looking in one spot for very long. The whirlwind of other people became slightly overwhelming. In your anxious whirlpool you ran into an older woman, knocking her down to the ground. You gasped in surprise and turned to help her up. “Ma’am, I’m so sorry, are you hurt?” you asked, steadying her by her forearms.

“I’m alright, dear, just a little distracted,” she answered with a soft smile. Looking into her face you almost passed out.

She looked like a spitting image of Jungkook. His soft eyes and delicate lips were on her face as well, making your mouth gape open like an unattractive fish. She raised her eyebrow at you in confusion. “I-Is something wrong dear?” she asked, looking slightly uncomfortable.

“Oh! I’m so sorry, it’s rude to stare. But, you just look like someone I know,” you whispered.

“Really? That is curious, but I have to hurry home and tend to my husband, goodbye,” she waved.

Before she could turned completely, you grabbed her wrist. “Ma’am! Is your husband ill? I-I’m an apprentice under Y/N from Solstice,” you attempted. Her eyes widened, almost exactly like Jungkook’s yet again.

“Truly? Y-You know her?” she asked, gripping your hands tightly. “Have you heard from my boy? Jungkook is his name, he went to search for her in hopes of procuring a medicine to help my ailing husband. We haven’t heard from him and he left days ago,” she whispered.

“I’m unsure of his whereabouts, but I do know Miss Y/N, and I could help you if you’d allow me,” you offered.

If you could find their home, Jungkook would surely be nearby.

“Yes, please come with me,” she stated, ushering you through the large crowd and towards the more residential area of the village. You hadn’t been in this section in your travels with your father.

Following Jungkook’s mother you could feel your heart clench in pain for her. She had no idea that Jungkook had died trying to save his father. And now? Now you had lost her reanimated child. Guilt ate you up inside. How were you to know if he could ever assimilate back into normal society? Would he be able to come back here and live with his family? Would he age?

All of these things didn’t come to you when you brought him back, you just couldn’t let him die like that. Alone and worried for his father’s condition. You wouldn’t allow that. But now, you might’ve cause more pain than if you had just let him die...

Jungkook’s mother, who’s name you discovered to be Minsoo, lead you into their home. It was modest and comfortable, something you wished your home would provide...

“He’s this way,” she stated. You followed her into a room that had several bottles and jars collected on cabinets and shelves. “We’ve tried everything that the Doctor’s he could think of. But they only lessen the symptoms, and they come back within weeks of starting the medicine,” she explained.

“I see, let me take a look,” you stated.

Upon examination, you found that Jungkook’s father was ill, and he was being treated for the symptoms of his ailment, not the main cause. He must’ve grown up near a large mill, because his lungs seemed to be struggling.

Luckily, there was a solution.

“I have a tea and serum that when drank and applied twice weekly will ease his difficulty breathing. Keep him away from large groups of people and try to get him into the mountains, the fresh air there does many wonders for people with weak lungs,” you explained, feeling your worry ease.

Jungkook’s mother burst into tears as she hugged you tightly. “You are truly a gift from God, thank you so much dear,” she stated. You wrapped your arms around her as well.

No wonder Jungkook was loved so deeply. His parents were such kind souls, people that didn’t deserve for their son to be taken away from them in such a horrific manner. You kept your tears back, when you heard it. Garçon’s bark.

Your head perked up, looking out the window to see if you could spot him.

“Well, I must be going, I was here to do some shopping for my lady,” you coughed awkwardly.

“Well, one moment let me at least give you some money for these-”

“No, I don’t want you to pay for it,” you stated.

“But dear!”

“Do me a favor, and I’ll consider it payment. When you see your son again, tell him how much you love him. Any child that is willing to travel so far for their parent is one to be cherished,” you whispered.

Jungkook’s mother looked at you with confusion but nodded. “Of course, I promise.”

“Good,” you smiled. “Now, I really must be on my way.”

She followed you to the door and handed you some bread for your travels back. Thanking you profusely you smiled. Once the door was shut you bolted in the direction you last remembered hearing Garcon’s bark. It had stopped a few minutes prior, but you recalled where it had originated from.

Heading towards the streets you called out for you pet. “GARÇON!” you cried, trying to locate your beloved friend.

“BARK!”

“GARÇON!” you yelled.

The sound of paws on pavement caught your attention as Garçon came flying around the corner. You rushed over and caught him in a tight hug. “Good boy, Garçon! Good boy!” you cried. He whimpered and licked your face, as if trying to check you over. “Garçon, Garçon where is Jungkook?” you asked, pulling him off of you and looking into his eyes.

“Bark!” he yelped, heading off down the road. You quickly chased after him, worried about the condition of the man who had stumbled from your home the night before.

Making around another corner you found yourself at a dead end, with Jungkook laying in a heap on the ground. Your heart stopped. “Jungkook!” you yelled, falling to your knees beside him.

He was trembling against the stonework. Garçon paced back and forth, whining. He was filthy, as if he had fallen in the mud and rolled in grass. Collecting his face in your hands you wiped away some of the grime. “Jungkook, can you hear me?” you asked, smoothing his hair away from his face.

His eyes opened slowly, seemingly weary. “Aan-gelll,” he groaned, head teetering back. You collected him and pulled him to your chest.

“Oh thank God,” you breathed, holding him tightly. “Don’t you dare run off on me again,” you warned.

Jungkook murmured against your body, but seemed to relax in your hold. Garçon came up next to you and licked his face gently, an action that made your heart swell. He had kept him safe, and here so you could find him. “Good boy, Garçon,” you praised, patting his head. You grabbed your satchel and pulled a loose fitting shirt from it and pulled it around his shoulders. “Come on Jungkook, time to go home,” you stated.

He didn’t fight you as you pulled him to his feet. Garçon walked beside him, letting his arm wrap around his neck for added support.

You all walked like that until a carriage offered to take you to Solstice, seeing as how he was heading in that direction anyways. The driver asked what happened to Jungkook, you merely patted his head affectionately. “My poor husband had a bit much to drink, so we’re just trying to get home,” you lied. The carriage driver smiled and said something about young love.

But it was silent the rest of the drive. You keeping Jungkook close to your frame while Garçon laid on his lap. Jungkook had an absent look in his eyes as if he wasn’t there, but was trapped in his own mind.

The sight was frightening, but it was both of your realities now...

And you had to live with it.

The carriage dropped you off outside of your home and you thanked him, giving him a few pouches of sweet tea in gratitude. He waved you off, disappearing into the distance. You looked at Jungkook and wrapped his arm around you.

“Come on Jungkook, we need to get you in a bath,” you stated.

Hauling him towards the house you noticed him become tense at the sight. You brushed your hand down his back soothingly, sending Garçon ahead to bump the door open.

Jungkook’s fingers were interlocked with yours as you both made your way up the drive. You looked at him cautiously, wondering if there was anything running through his mind. You wondered if he felt anything. Garçon seemed to be able to feel worry and happiness... But animals were much less complex than human beings.

Did Jungkook feel worry and joy? Did he feel safe with you?

It was all so new, and you’d have to discover it together.

You hoped Jungkook would adapt well, but you’re not off to a great start. Running off after seeing a little bit of blood and almost killing himself again after just coming back to life wasn’t what you considered a win. But, he was back here now. And now you could start to figure him out.

Getting Jungkook in the house proved to be the easiest part of the evening.

You didn’t know that water would terrify the man to the point of trembling in the corner of your bathroom. Trying to coax him into the warm water was even more difficult than trying to keep him in the same room as it. He definitely didn’t like the fire underneath the basin that was heating it for him either.

“Jungkook please come here,” you said, pointing towards the tub with an annoyed look.

“N-No,” he defied you, shaking his head.

“Jungkook now, you aren’t going to stay in those filthy clothes covered in dirt! I won’t allow it!” you warned.

“No!”

Rolling your eyes you tried to think of how to get him into the bathtub. “Jungkook?” you asked, sitting on the floor near the bathtub. He peeked at you warily, keeping himself close to the wall.

You began to crawl towards him, smiling softly as you extended your hand towards him. Jungkook looked at your hand and smooshed himself against the wall harder, making his face contort in a hilarious way. You couldn’t hold the laughter that burst from you at his expression.

Jungkook’s eyebrows raised as he watched you laugh.

“Hee hee hee,” Jungkook mimicked. You tilted your head at his observation.

“You made me laugh, Jungkook. Because you were silly,” you smiled.

“N-no, Juuungkoook,” he said, pointing at himself. “N-n-no Sillllly,” he shook his head.

“No no, Jungkook. You aren’t named silly, you were just acting silly. Like this,” you demonstrated, smooshing your face with your hands like he had against the wall. Jungkook watched your face move into a goofy appearance and he let loose a couple involuntary giggles of his own.

You once more reached out for him, offering your hand to see if he would bite this time. He stared down at your skin, then back up to your eyes before giving you his hand. Carefully, you pulled him forward, towards the bath. Jungkook followed, letting you lead him where you wanted.

Having him stand up, you helped him disrobe. You flushed when you saw the attractive male's chest. You had never seen a man in this state of bareness.You averted your eyes as Jungkook lowered his pants. For just being reanimated, he seemed to know how to undress himself.

It was the little victories right now. You helped him get into the water. He sat down, letting it envelope him entirely. Watching him carefully, you smiled as he let a little sigh out of his pouty mouth. Just as he seemed to be relaxing, you noticed he was almost getting a little too comfortable. You gasped when he let his head go under the water.

“Jungkook, no!” you yelped, reaching in to grab under his shoulders. He came back up, looking at you with raised eyebrows.

“No?” he asked, looking at the water with a huff.

“No, if you do that you can hurt yourself,” you warned, grabbing the soap to start washing his hair.

“No,” he confirmed, nodding his head. Chuckling to yourself you started to lather the soap and run it through his hair. Jungkook leaned back into your hands, making soft sounds of approval.

“Does it feel good?” you asked, grabbing a cloth to wash his shoulders with.

“Mmm, go-od,” he confirmed.

“I’m glad,” you said, wiping the dirt and dried blood of his body. You winced when you peeked through the water to see his stomach. It was just starting to heal, something you noticed he had been capable of. There were small cuts on him last night that weren’t there any longer.

Perhaps he had a form of accelerated healing due to the reanimation?

You’d find that out later, for now what mattered was cleaning him up.

Jungkook splashed the water around a little bit, blowing at the soap bubbles that formed around his skin. You watched and laughed when he was goofy, behaving more like a young child.

When you finished washing his hair, you tapped his shoulder. He gazed up at you with bright eyes, ones that left you reeling for a few moments. Your heart constricted in your chest as he looked at you with such adoration in his eyes you didn’t think it was possible.

“No?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. You brought yourself from your thoughts before giving him a reassuring smile.

“It’s alright, just need to wash your face. Come here,” you encouraged, having him turn around to face you. Jungkook leaned towards you, letting you wipe his face with the warm cloth.

His eyes closed as he relaxed into your hands. It was so rewarding to have him like this. Safe, warm and happy in your hands. You wanted him to feel like this all the time.

But there was a long road ahead.

You needed to know what Jungkook still knew how to do, what he remembered, and if there was any chance of him regaining that lost knowledge. You could tell that his vocalizations needed work. It appeared that he could understand you a little, but wasn’t able to express his feelings towards what you wanted or what he needed.

Although, it would come with time. He needed to get adjusted, and perhaps once he did memories and things of the like would return as well.

“Good,” Jungkook murmured. You brushed his hair away from his face and smiled.

“Good,” you confirmed.

The follow days were hard.

Jungkook wasn’t good at communicating, and it was difficult for you to understand what he needed.

It started with trying to get him to remember small things.

‘Do you remember your family?’

‘No.’

‘Who are you?’

‘Juuungkooook.’

‘What did you like to do?’

‘No.’

It all became very repetitive. Jungkook didn’t remember much of anything. Jungkook only knew about seven or eight words. Jungkook, Angel, Silly, Good, No and Pain.

Whenever he liked something or enjoyed something, he’d answer good.

If you made a weird noise, or did something out of the ordinary he’d say silly.

If Jungkook didn’t understand or wasn’t sure of something he’d say no.

And when he was upset, he’d say pain.

Jungkook had been trying very hard, because he wants to make you happy. At least, that’s what you thought anyways. He also had a problem with knowing his own strength. Many of your dishes and silverware had been the victim of his powerful hands.

But you weren’t going to give up on him. He needed you, and you were the reason he was like this. You had a responsibility to him, to make him better if you could.

Today you wanted to see if Jungkook could read. You wondered if he remembered any kind of books from the Lunar Isles. So, you brought out a book about Moon Lilies.

Walking down the stairs you heard Jungkook laughing. No doubt at Garçon, who had taken to him quickly. They were the same in a way. Experiencing life after death, and they had a common friend in you.

You smiled as you reached the kitchen, seeing Jungkook throw Garçon’s toy to have him bring it back. “Good!” he announced, patting Garcon on the head.

“Jungkook?” you asked, coming around the corner and setting the book you selected for him on the kitchen table.

“Angel!” he yelled.

“Jungkook, are you having fun with Garçon?” you asked, looking at the pair with fondness.

“Good!” he nodded, patting Garçon on the head once more.

“Good,” you confirmed. “I want to try something, would you like to try something new?” you asked.

“Nnnnnn,” Jungkook tried, squinting at your lips as you said the last word.

“New,” you said slow, waiting for him to repeat.

“Nnneeewwww,” he said, exaggerating his face to mimic yours. You nodded and clapped.

“That’s right, new!” you said.

“No,” Jungkook pouted.

“Now, Jungkook,” you admonished. “We need to try new things.”

“No, Angel,” Jungkook said.

“Oh yes, Jungkook. Here,” you said, handing him the book.

Jungkook looked at it for a moment before running his hands over the front cover. You watched with rapt attention. He turned it over in his hands, sniffing it for a brief moment which worried you a little. Jungkook had taken a bite of Hemlock when you showed it to him for the first time, making you panic.

Good thing is, Jungkook wasn’t affected.

Peeling the front cover back, Jungkook touched the paper. He rubbed it, making it ripple and move. His eyes widened, moving the paper quickly back and forth until it ripped. You frowned, not wanting him to destroy your things. “Jungkook, no,” you said, holding his hand.

He looked at you then to the book. “No?”

“No, you don’t want to rip it,” you said, pointing at the rip in the paper. Jungkook pointed at it with you.

“No,” he said to the rip.

“That’s right, no,” you stated. He nodded before turning the pages slowly. He peered at the words with confusion, until he hit the picture of the Moon Lily. It was all over his hometown, so you hoped this would spring some sort of reaction in him.

Jungkook patted the picture, as if he was trying to get it out of the page. “Good,” Jungkook whispered. “L-Lily.”

“That’s right!” you praised, holding his face. “That’s a Moon Lily,” you encouraged.

“Good?” he asked, smiling brightly.

“So good, Jungkook!”

A knock came to your door and you turned harshly. No doubt another customer coming to seek a remedy. You looked at Jungkook and smiled softly.

“Just stay here, okay? I’ll be right back,” you said, standing up and moving towards the door.

You opened it, and to your surprise... Yoongi and Namjoon stood before you. You raised an eyebrow at both of them before stepping outside. “Good morning, gentleman,” you greeted.

“Y/N,” Yoongi acknowledged. “We’re here to ask you a few questions.”

“About?” you wondered.

“Do you know anything about the disappearance of a young man named Jeon Jungkook?” Namjoon questioned.

Your blood ran cold. Why would they be looking for him?

“The Lunar Isles is asking for aid in helping to locate the betrothed of the Mayor’s Daughter. Jeon Jungkook apparently was coming to you in search for a remedy for his father. But he hasn’t been seen in almost two months,” Yoongi stated.

“I-uh, I’m sure I have no idea. I see a lot of people,” you said casually. Or what you hoped was casual.

“Yes, we’re aware of that. But, there’s been search parties and not even a body has turned up. Surely we would’ve found something by now. So, we were wondering if you’d seen him, or at the very least heard of him?” Namjoon asked.

“I’m afraid I haven’t,” you coughed. “But, I’m sure if I see him or hear of him I’ll let you know.”

Yoongi and Namjoon looked at one another before nodding. “Y/N, if you do hear something... Please let us know, the Lunar Isles is rather upset that the pride and joy of their town has gone missing. They’re blaming us for his disappearance. I heard from Seokjin that they are threatening to cut off trade if no news of the young man comes in. So please, if you do hear anything... Come find us, alright?” Yoongi asked.

You nodded firm. “Absolutely, if I hear, see or smell something you’ll be the first to know,” you offered.

The men smiled at you before waving their farewells.

Your heart thudded dangerously against your chest. Jungkook, was engaged to be married to the Mayor’s daughter? Surely not, he was just a simple merchants son... But that didn’t make sense with the house his family was living in.

It was large and spacious, not something a merchant would be able to afford... Then it hit you. Jungkook must’ve agreed to marry the Mayor’s daughter to provide for his family. And when they couldn’t find a cure for his father...

Oh God, what had you done?

Hurrying back inside you leaned against the door, feeling the anxiety swallowing you whole. What were you to do? You couldn’t return Jungkook to them in this state. He barely was able to hold a sentence, let alone pass off for someone who hadn’t died and been brought back to life.

And once they knew what you had done... No doubt you’d be killed for your disgusting act of science. Even though it brought Jungkook back, even though you saved him you would still be punished. It would be seen as reversing God’s work. And that would no doubt bring death’s scythe upon your head.

“Angel?” Jungkook asked, coming around the corner to look at you.

Looking into his face you knew.

He had no idea what was wrong. He was innocent in this whole matter, it was all your fault. And he was now suffering because of what you had done. Because you decided to rewrite fate. It wasn’t your decision to make. Your father had been wrong to do it all those years ago, and you were even more disgusting for continuing to do his bidding after his death.

Jungkook being stood here before you was a mistake... But you didn’t want him to die. He seemed too lost and afraid while he laid in your lap that night. And during these past weeks, he’d been trying so hard to please you. To make you happy, and he wasn’t sure why he was doing either. You felt tears burn in your eyes as you looked at the man before you. “Jungkook, I’m so sorry,” you whispered, bringing him into your arms to hold him. “I’m so sorry I did this to you.”

Jungkook wrapped his arms around you, something you’d taught him to do. “Angel... Pain?” he asked, keeping hold of you.

“Yes Jungkook,” you nodded, crying into his shoulder.

“No... No pain angel,” he whispered.

“I need to fix this,” you breathed, holding his face in your hands. You smoothed your thumbs over his cheeks, taking in his beauty. “I have to make this right.”

That night you look up at the stars and wonder if you could do it. Could you destroy the one thing that had been bringing you joy and happiness in your pointless existence?

Jungkook had been doing well over the last few days. Starting to learn more words, figuring out how to use utensils once again. He even managed to eat something!

He didn’t need to, obviously. But he still seemed to enjoy it. Because now he kept asking for food.

‘Angel? Food now?’

He and Garçon were so close, you felt like he was Jungkook’s best friend. They played together in the yard, yipping and laughing. Garçon was good for Jungkook, because he reminded Jungkook to be gentle. Especially when it came to you. Garçon was so keyed into your reactions, he’d nip or nudge Jungkook when he was getting a little too rough.

And Jungkook was learning.

He was beginning to speak more. Smiling at you with those adorable teeth and a giggle that made you feel like your heart was going to jump out of your chest. Everything he did was something new.

He’d learned to be gentle with books, not ripping them when he peered at the pages. You weren’t sure if he could read, but he seemed to like the feeling of the pages between his fingers. You often found him in your library, perusing the shelves just to feel the spines of your books.

And he loved baths. More specifically, he loved you washing his hair. Each time you did he seemed like a little cat, purring and trying to get you to continue your movements as the water cooled underneath him. He would sit in the water for hours if you let him, just to have you play with his hair.

It made your heart hurt. You felt so much guilt eating you up inside each day that you got to see Jungkook smile, to watch him learn new things. It wasn’t for you to see. He was supposed to be decaying in a forest right now... But you couldn’t let nature run its course. You wouldn’t allow yourself to be the passerby, the witness to a tragedy that everyone must face.

No, you intervened and you were being punished for it. The guilt and shame you felt each day, knowing Jungkook’s parents were waiting in agony for their son to return. You were being so incredibly selfish. Keeping Jungkook here for yourself. He wasn’t yours to keep, he wasn’t like Garçon...

He had a life before you. A life that was to end in the forest. And yet, you wouldn’t allow it.

The Lunar Isles were now becoming a serious threat for Solstice. Hoseok had informed you that they had recently been cut off from shipments of wine for Jin’s tavern. A house specialty that had brought many a patron.

And the lumber from the Isles was also getting siphoned. Taehyung said that he wasn’t getting enough work, so he had to double up and help at the stables to afford enough to eat.

So many people were beginning to suffer, because you couldn’t let him go... You couldn’t release the sweet boy who burrowed his way into your lonely heart. The one you were so desperate not to have, now filled with a light that shouldn’t be there.

You began to wonder if you truly could let Jungkook go?

Should you do it?

Dare you do it?

Looking to your vanity you saw your father’s hunting knife sat there. You had brought it out a few days ago to help with a new dress fastener that you had purchased. However, should it serve a different purpose?

Walking over to it you gazed at the grooves and worn metal. Would it be enough? You’d never thought about killing Garçon before, but certainly they could be killed again...

You had to make it right.

He wasn’t supposed to be alive right now, you didn’t deserve the joy he was bringing you. It was wrong, so wrong for you to feel elated when he smiled at you. When he held you in his arms... His strong arms that still clutched you a little too tight.

But it wasn’t his fault.

He’s doing everything that he can, and you are considering to take everything away from him... Even though he’s just getting it all back again? Do you have the right to fix your mistake?

Taking the knife, you slowly walked towards Jungkook’s bedroom. Even though he was reanimated, you noticed him and Garçon both needed sleep still. The air in the hallway was still, and you heard the thundering of your heartbeat in your ears as you stood outside his door.

Opening the old oaken paneling slowly, you moved inside his room. Jungkook was laying in his bed, moonlight shining on his skin. He looked so at peace...

Approaching his bed, you found your hands shaking. Tears were running down your cheeks and you couldn’t stop them. You didn’t want to hurt Jungkook. You cared about him so much, and you knew that this was going to be for the best. And if this was going to be the only way, then so be it...

Touching his face gently, you cradled his cheek in your palm. His skin was warm to the touch, proving his life. And soon his blood would run cold. Trembling you brought the knife to his neck, your vision blurring because of the tears.

Jungkook flinched in his sleep, but remained still.

You began to push down a little harder, when Jungkook shifted slightly. You froze your movements and kept your eyes trained on him. A soft smile made its way to his face, he must be dreaming about something. “Angel...” he said, body relaxing even further.

In that moment you knew you could never hurt this man...

Looking at the knife to his neck you cried and threw it on the ground. Jungkook groggily looked up at you, eyes fluttering open. He recognized you and his eyes turned worried. “A-Angel, pain?” he asked, sitting up.

You threw your arms around him, holding him close to your body. “I’m so sorry Jungkook, I can’t do it,” you cried. “I can’t hurt you. I never could.”

Jungkook tilted his head and nestled it into the crook of your neck. He brought his arms to your hips, rubbing his thumbs into your skin. Even though it was rough, you shivered at the contact and couldn’t help the flutter that occurred in your heart.

He wrapped his arms around your waist and made you lay down, keeping your body close to his. As you fell asleep next to him, you made a promise to yourself.

That you were going to make Jungkook human again. And you were going to give him back to his family...

And you were certain it would kill you.

The following days and weeks proceeded slowly.

Namjoon and Yoongi came by again, asking if you’d seen the location of Jungkook or heard any rumors of the man’s whereabouts. You lied once more, saying you hadn’t seen him or heard anything about him.

All the while, the very man sat in your room playing with Garçon.

Lying to the people you’d grown so attached to in your life made you sick, but it was necessary. If they took Jungkook now, they certainly kill him. He wasn’t ready yet.

You were seated in your study, looking through your ledger for this month. The gold certainly wasn't flowing as it had in previous months. The Lunar Isles were cutting trade with Solstice left right and center, making it difficult for people to afford your treatments. Times were dark, and you worried for how long you could keep Jungkook a secret before people started to get severely hurt.

“Angel, look!” Jungkook announced, coming around the corner into your study with Garçon hot on his heels. Being pulled from your thoughts you turned away from the window to smile at him.

“What is it?” you asked.

“Made this... for you,” he tried, holding up a picture. You came forward and looked at the drawing.

It was a beautiful sketch, one starring you.

You were sitting out in the front yard, hair down and blowing in the wind. Garcon was next to you, laying in your lap as you peered of into the distance. You thought back and remembered it was just a few days ago this had taken place.

But you thought Jungkook had gone to take a bath at that time...

“Jungkook... This is incredible,” you praised.

“Good? You like?” he asked, biting his lip nervously.

“I love it, Jungkook,” you breathed, taking it from his hands. You smiled and set it right on your desk. “I’ll keep it here, so that way I remember this day and you forever.”

You knew it was a lie. Once you gave Jungkook back, they’d seize the house and everything in it. And the picture would be lost. But for now, for now it belonged to you. And it was a beautiful belonging to hold.

“Angel?” he asked, poking your cheek. “Being silly.”

“Oh, sorry Jungkook. Do you want something to eat?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes! Food Angel! Angel’s food!” he cheered. You rolled your eyes and walked down the stairs, heading towards the kitchen to start baking.

Jungkook’s favorite food of yours had quickly become steak with a small salad on the side. The boy could pack it in until you were certain his scar tissue would open up. But, he always patted his stomach and whispered for it to all stay in.

You prepped the meat and you felt warm arms wrap around your middle. You turned to see Jungkook looking down at the food with interest, head resting on your shoulder. “How?” he asked, looking at your hands work.

“Do you want to learn, Jungkook? I can teach you,” you said.

“Please?” he asked.

One thing you drilled into his head early on was manners. You weren’t going to give Jungkook back as a rude, privileged boy...

Moderately spoiled on the other hand...

You were certain he was before anyways.

At least, you hoped so.

Telling Jungkook the list of ingredients, he watched you work the knife with rapt attention. He was incredibly observant that sometimes it made you nervous. You always ate with more elegance, hoping that he would follow you. You treated things with the utmost care, hoping he’d mimic your behavior.

He was still a little rough, but Garçon was teaching him well.

“Angel?” Jungkook asked while you sliced the carrots and celery for the salad.

“Yes, Jungkook?” you responded, keeping your eyes focused.

“When can... When can I... outside?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

You stiffened as his requested.

With Jungkook’s search continuing, you had told him he needed to stay inside. It wasn’t okay for him to be out where anyone could see him. Namjoon and Yoongi were around your house nearly every other day, asking about information.

They were becoming desperate in the Lunar Isles. The Mayor’s daughter had refused any other suitor her father brought her way. She wouldn’t give up until Jungkook’s body was recovered or he came home to her.

So, the trade deals had all be but shut off in the meantime.

Taehyung had lost his job at the mill, so he worked at the stables full time.

Jin had to shut down the tavern for three nights a week.

Namjoon and Yoongi were getting heat from your own town’s mayor, saying there were useless because they couldn’t even find a body for the young man.

You even tried to reason with the mayor, stating that perhaps some animals had come by and eaten the carcass. He refused that, however. Stating that the wolves in the surrounding area weren’t brave enough to come close to town.

Of course he wouldn’t listen to reason with the Lunar Isles practically threatening to go to war with him over one man. You couldn’t believe how out of control the whole situation had gotten. The Mayor’s unbelievable daughter, his response to her demands, and the effect that it had on your town.

“I’m sorry Jungkook, but you know it’s not safe outside. I need you in here with me,” you said, smiling softly.

“Need me?” he asked, looking at you.

“Yes, Jungkook. I need you here with me,” you said.

“Okay! I stay inside!” he said.

“Maybe we can have a picnic one day, hmm?” you asked, knowing that you’d never allow it to happen. But it wouldn’t hurt to give him some hope.

“What’s... picnic?” he asked.

“It’s where we take a blanket, and I make some food and we go outside and eat it out there,” you explained, watching as Jungkook’s eyes brightened at the idea.

“When picnic?” he asked, practically jumping up and down.

“Someday,” you promised.

“Picnic with Angel!” he yelled.

You shushed him before finishing the meal. You had him set the table, gathering the silverware and plates accordingly. Bringing the food over you set his plate up with plenty of everything.

Jungkook bounced in his chair, excited for the meal. You watched him set his book aside carefully, making sure that it wasn’t going to fall off of anything.

Jungkook had taken to reading a lot, recently. He was doing so much better at vocabulary and understanding the story, even though he couldn’t fully articulate what he wanted to say.

After a hard jolt of his knee against the table you chastised him.

“Easy baby,” you calmed. You then realized your mistake. A bright flush flew over your cheeks.

“What’s baby?” he asked.

“Um, it’s nothing Jungkook,” you tried to dodge his question.

“But Angel,” he whined. “Want to learn!” he complained.

“Jungkook, I said it was nothing,” you warned.

“Angel...” he pouted.

“Fine! Fine fine,” you acquiesced. “It’s a... term of endearment,” you explained.

“En-endear-mint?” he tried.

“No, endearment,” you stated. “It means to be something beloved or important. So, the term is one of affection.”

“Affection?” he tried.

“Yes, it means... Well... That I’m fond of you,” you reasoned.

“Angel like me?”

You almost spit out your drink, but you swallowed half of it, inhaling the other. You coughed loudly, making Jungkook rush over to your side.

“Angel!” he yelped, worried.

“It’s-okay,” you coughed. “I’m okay.”

“Angel,” he whined, holding your hand. “Scary.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” you soothed, coughing a few more times before wiping your eyes. “I’m alright.”

Jungkook wrapped his arms around you yet again. You found the man to be extremely clingy, hanging off of you at most times of the day. And when he did, you generally almost lost a rib or two.

“Ooh! Jungkook-ah!” you winced. Garçon growled in the corner, making Jungkook back off.

“Garçon mad?” he asked.

“Jungkook, I think your next lesson needs to be on how to be gentle with people,” you confirmed.

“Gentle?”

"Finish your food," you encouraged. At the thought of learning something new, Jungkook hurried to comply. You watched as he quickly ate all the food you put on his plate, smiling when he cleaned it off for you.

“Done Angel!” he beamed.

“Come upstairs,” you said, standing up. Jungkook nodded and took your hand, walking with you up the stairs.

Leading him into your parlor room, you had him sit down on the slipper sofa. He bounced on it a few times, smiling when his body jolted back up.

“Now, Jungkook,” you started, sitting next to him.

“Yes, Angel?” he asked.

“What is it called when I hold you like this?” you asked, wrapping your arms around his neck carefully.

“Hug! Hug Angel!” he said, squeezing you back.

“Oof,” you breathed harshly. “Jungkook,” you warned. He let go, albeit pouting the whole while.

“Jungkook bad, Angel?” he asked.

“No baby, not bad,” you shook your head. “You’re very strong, Jungkook. Stronger than me, that means you can hurt me.”

Jungkook’s eyebrows flew up at the word hurt. He knew it meant pain, and Jungkook didn’t want that. “No! No hurt Angel!”

You calmed him, rubbing his cheeks with your thumbs. “No baby, you don’t mean to. I know you don’t. But you need to learn to be careful with other people, otherwise they can get hurt.”

“No... No want hurt,” Jungkook whispered.

“I know Jungkook, I know,” you nodded. “Because you’re so good, Jungkook. But I’m going to show you gentle,” you stated.

“Gentle, good?” Jungkook asked for confirmation.

“Yes, Jungkook. Gentle is good,” you nodded. “Here, hold my hand.”

Jungkook looked at your outstretched palm and wrapped his hand around yours. You brought your hands to his and pointed out how loose he was holding on. That was gentle. You touched his face softly, saying it was gentle.

Calling Garçon in, you pet his head slow, making sure Jungkook watched.

“See, this is gentle, now you try,” you said, moving Jungkook’s hand to Garçon’s head. He followed your hand, brushing along his fur slowly. Garçon grumbled in approval, leaning into Jungkook’s hand.

“Gentle,” Jungkook repeated.

“Yes, now try on me,” you said, turning to face him.

“Gentle,” he breathed, placing his hand on yours. You nodded, placing his hand on your cheek. Jungkook moved his hand around the skin there, watching as a pink blush moved to your cheek.

“That’s good, Jungkook,” you approved.

“Pink,” he said, poking your cheek with his finger.

“Blushing,” you explained.

“Me too?” he asked, pointing to his face.

“No, Jungkook,” you answered.

“Why?” he asked.

“It’s because... Well...” you bit your lip, looking at your lap. Honestly, you were embarrassed by this whole ordeal. But if Jungkook didn’t learn how to be careful with others, then he would be in serious danger. You also knew that Jungkook would regret hurting anyone. He hating seeing others in pain or people upset.

Especially you.

“It’s because you make me happy, Jungkook.”

“Want to blush!” Jungkook demanded.

“Baby you can’t just-”

“Angel make Jungkook happy!”

“I know, but you don’t... You don’t understand why I’m happy,” you flushed once more.

‘I’m happy because you’re touching me. I’m happy because I get to be here with you, and to see you each day. You make me so happy I can hardly contain myself. I want to kiss you, hold you, share everything I am with you... But you can’t ever know that...’

“Angel make me blush!”

“Jungkook,” you tutted. “We’re learning how to be gentle.”

“Want to learn how to blush!”

“No, Jungkook. Gentle first,” you stated.

“Gentle,” he sighed. “Okay.”

“Now, try to hug me. Gently,” you said.

Jungkook nodded and leaned forward, placing his hands around your waist, pulling you into his body. Although, instead of feeling like you were going to pop like a grape... You just felt safe, protected in his strong arms. Jungkook kept ahold of you, resting his head on your shoulder.

“Gentle, Angel?” he asked.

“Yes, Jungkook. Very gentle,” you confirmed.

“Angel teach blush now?” he asked.

“Goodness you’re persistent!” you stated, moving away from his embrace.

“Blush!”

“Alright, hold on,” you bit your lip.

Carefully, you placed a soft kiss to his cheek. You peeked an eye open, and Jungkook’s face was red as a tomato.

“Oh! Jungkook!” you said, placing your cool hands on his cheeks.

“A-Angel,” he whispered. “What that?” he asked.

“You’re blushing,” you wavered.

“No... Cheek touch?” he asked.

“U-Um... That’s called a kiss, Jungkook,” you whispered.

“Want another,” he said.

“Jungkook-”

“Angel kiss,” he asked.

“Okay, okay!” you relented, placing another soft kiss to his cheek.

“Good,” he said, smiling. “Jungkook like kiss.”

“Well, that’s good,” you nodded, blushing hard once more.

“Angel blush,” he said, placing his hand on your cheek.

“Y-Yes, I’m blushing,” you said.

“Angel happy?”

“Yes, Jungkook... I’m happy.”

“Jungkook happy too.”

And that’s all that mattered.

You really shouldn’t have taught Jungkook what a kiss was.

Because now he wanted them all the time.

“Angel, kiss!” he’d ask when you’d wash his hair. You’d kiss his head and he’d giggle like a boy with his crush. But your heart fluttered in your chest each time you gave in and kissed him. You began to look forward to when he asked, and then you were doing it without him asking... This was dangerous. You shouldn’t be giving him this much affection. Because eventually, you were going to have to leave him.

As much as it pained you, you knew that you couldn’t keep him with you forever. Jungkook had even stopped sleeping in his own room, coming into your bed during the night and holding on to you.

He claimed he slept better with you, and he would be sad if you didn’t let him stay. Obviously at first you told him no, and then he would ask why. You simply explained that it wasn’t proper for people who weren’t married to share a bed.

Of course then he asked you to marry him, and you had to go off on a tangent about marriage... It all became taxing to an extent, but you always smiled because it meant Jungkook was learning something new everyday.

But, then Jungkook started asking about other things...

One day you were stood in the kitchen, making porridge for breakfast when Jungkook set his book down on the table in front of him.

“Angel, what is... Uh... French kiss?” he asked, raising his eyebrow at you.

“What do you mean?” you flushed, stirring the pot of oats before you with renewed vigor.

“You’re blushing!” he squeaked. “Happy?”

“Where did you hear about French Kisses?” you asked, trying to calm your flaming cheeks.

“In book,” he said, pointing to a romance novel on the table.

Just your luck he would pick that one.

“Well, you can read about it then,” you huffed, looking down at your pot full of food. Heart heavy with sadness, you set the spoon down. Jungkook was almost ready to be sent back... His sentences were much better, careful with people, and most importantly...

You needed to give him away before you couldn’t stand to let him go...

“No, Angel! I need help!” he whined.

“Jungkook, I’m not teaching you about that,” you said, cutting the conversation there.

“But Angel-”

“No Jungkook,” you said.

“Then I’ll go outside,” he huffed.

“Don’t you dare!” you growled. Jungkook smirked.

“Then show me french kiss!”

“Jungkook this isn’t a joke,” you warned.

“French kiss, or outside,” he said, heading towards the door. The both of you knew that if he wanted to go outside there wasn’t anything you could do to stop him. He knew his strength and he could easily overpower you.

“Jungkook you get back here right now!” you demanded.

“Outside or french kiss, outside or-”

“Fine! Fine fine fine, get over here,” you winced. Jungkook smiled and trotted back to you happily. “You’re such a little brat.”

“Angel, french kiss!” he said.

“Close your eyes,” you said, swallowing hard. Jungkook did so, standing in front of you. Before you lost your courage, you leaned up slowly and placed your lips on his. Jungkook stiffened, opening his eyes to look at you.

But the longer you gently kissed his mouth, he relaxed and shut his eyes once more... You did the same, folding your arms around his neck.

His mouth was soft, gentle against your own. You felt your toes tingle at the sensation of being this close to him. You knew this was wrong, oh God was it wrong... But you couldn’t help it. You wanted this so badly.

The boy you brought back had become someone you cared for so deeply that you couldn’t even believe it yourself. He made you smile, he gave you a purpose. Jungkook was so kind, so sweet and willing to learn. He was curious, and outgoing. He had such a courageous spirit. Wanting to do everything and anything he could.

You admired him so much...

You also adored the smiles you shared over meals. You longed to hear his feet patter down the stairs in the morning to meet you for breakfast. The laughs you had while he bathed. How he gave you all of himself, everyday. How he was so unapologetically himself with you. Because he didn’t have to be anyone else for you to love him as much as you did.

You didn’t want anyone else but him.

Jungkook’s hands rested on your waist, pulling you closer. Your eye popped open at the motion, making you seperate your lips from his.

“Angel!” Jungkook whined. “More~”

“No, Jungkook stop,” you said, placing your hand on his chest.

“French kisses have tongues, that’s what book said” he said, licking his lips. “How do we do that?”

“Jungkook we should stop-”

“Kiss more, Angel,” he breathed moving down to capture your lips once more when you placed your hands against his lips. You giggled at his expression before shaking your head.

“Jungkook, only lovers should be doing this kind of thing,” you stated.

“Lovers? What are those?” he asked. You mentally cursed yourself, letting another intimate detail slip.

“Uh... Lovers are people who are in love,” you stated lamely.

They were, you weren’t wrong.

“What is love?”

Well shit.

“Um, love is... Well, that’s kind of a weighted question Jungkook. Because it’s different for everybody,” you said.

“Tell me,” he urged. “Want to know.”

“Well... What I think love is... Is when you care about someone, a lot. When you’re not with them, you’re thinking about them... When you’re together, you want to talk about things that make you happy. When you’re with them, you feel like another part of you is there again... You feel complete when the person you love is with you. Because when you love someone, you want to be with them all of the time. Love is caring and being with someone despite their flaws and their misgivings... Love, is one of the most powerful emotions out there.”

“Angel... I... I love-”

BAAAMM!

Your door slammed in.

You and Jungkook jumped, looking at the entryway to see floods of people entering your home.

“Y/N! YOU ARE UNDER ARREST FOR THE KIDNAPPING OF JEON JUNGKOOK OF THE LUNAR ISLES!” Yoongi yelled.

Jungkook wrapped his arms around you protectively. “Angel?” he asked, looking at you.

Oh God, they knew... How did they know? How was anyone able to figure it out?? You had been so incredibly careful.

“Yoongi, Namjoon wait please-”

“Please come forward, we don’t want to hurt you Y/N,” Namjoon warned.

A few other guards were at their back, ones that had the Lunar Isles crest on their arms. They were here, because of Jungkook...

“Please understand, I didn’t kidnap him!” you pleaded.

“Y/N, we want to believe you, but all this time he’s been here with you... While his family and fiance are worried about him... It doesn’t look good,” Yoongi warned.

“I didn’t kidnap him,” you pleaded. “I-I had to...”

“Come on, Y/N, we need to take you to the jail,” Namjoon said. “Let him go.”

Jungkook looked at you, fear in his eyes. “Angel,” he whispered.

“Jungkook, be gentle. Don’t hurt anyone, alright? Be good,” you said. “I have to go.”

“No, Angel stay!” he whimpered, tears forming in his eyes.

“I can’t Jungkook, I was wrong to keep you,” you frowned. “But I couldn’t help it... Because you didn’t deserve what happened to you... I had to help you. I’m sorry.”

“Angel,” he cried softly. “Stay.”

“I can’t stay, Jungkook you need to go home,” you said, wiping his tears away. However, your own were quickly falling as well.

“Home is Angel,” he stated, looking into your eyes with such agony you couldn’t bear it.

“Your home is with your family, not with me... I took you away from them,” you explained.

“No,” Jungkook shook his head, wrapping his arms around you. “Home is Angel.”

“Y/N, we have to go,” Yoongi warned.

“Behave Jungkook, don’t hurt anyone. Be gentle...”

Stepping out of his arms you felt your heart shatter as you walked towards Namjoon’s frame. Yoongi quickly fastened wooden cuffs around your wrists to keep you from moving. You winced and hissed in pain, making Jungkook furious.

“Angel!” he bellowed, moving forward, knocking over a few kitchen chairs in his wake.

“Restrain him,” Namjoon ordered, pulling you back.

“No don’t! He doesn’t know! He won’t hurt anyone!” you declared.

You watched as four or five men struggled to keep Jungkook at bay, your heart shattering as they held him still while you were pulled away from him.

“Angel! Please!” he cried, pulling against their hold. “Ow!” he winced.

“Stop! Stop don’t hurt him please! Please, Namjoon please,” you begged, looking at your friend.

You could see the pain in his eyes as well. You looked to Yoongi who held a similar expression. They didn’t want to do this to you. They knew you weren’t doing it to hurt anyone, but they had to do their duty. You had lied, and this was your punishment for doing so. There wasn’t anything your friends could do for you now.

“Angel! Angel stay!”

You felt your throat burning as you were dragged away from Jungkook’s cries. Garçon whimpered on the doorstep, looking at you for guidance.

“Stay with Jungkook! Garçon!”

You were pulled along your driveway, hearing the one you cared for most cry out your name. Pleading for you to stay with him...

You knew this day was coming...

You just didn’t want it to be today...

Or tomorrow...

Or the next day...

The stone floor of your cell was frigid against your skin.

You’d been thrown in here a few hours prior, being left with your thoughts. You wanted Jungkook, and wondered if he was alright... Had they taken him back to the Lunar Isles? Was he with his family? You hoped he was happy with them...

Was he excited to marry that girl?

Jealousy burned in your veins at the thought of him holding another woman. Asking her to kiss him. However, the jealousy was soon replaced with shame. You had no right to be jealous, he wasn’t yours. Jungkook didn’t belong to you, but you belonged to him... he just didn’t know it.

Your wrists ached from the weight of the cuffs around them. But all you cared about was Jungkook. He’s all that mattered in your mind at the moment.

You longed to see him, his cute smile and bright eyes. It was his bath night, he no doubt would be pulling you up the stairs at this moment, saying it was time for Angel to wash his hair.

A small sob came from you as you imagined the scene...

Him sitting in the water, playing with the bubbles. You’d tell him to quit moving, otherwise he’d get soap in his eyes. Jungkook hated getting soap in his eyes, it made him so frustrated. But the water made him happy, he couldn’t help but bounce around in it. He had so much energy, it was almost unreal.

He’d argue for more time in the water, even though his skin was starting to prune. You’d tell him to quit being a little brat and to get out. Jungkook would listen, like he always did. But, he’d pout about it for a few minutes. Of course you’d offer to make him something to drink before he went to bed, something he’d always agree to.

The forced exit of the bath would be long forgotten.

His feet would fly down the stairs, you’d yell after him to tell him he was just in a towel. You’d chase him down and throw his clothes in his face. He’d begin to strip in the front room, making you shriek and turn quickly to avoid a show.

You’d feel warm arms wrap around you, Jungkook’s head settling on your shoulder.

‘Angel... Cocoa?’ he’d ask.

You’d always say yes, hurrying over to the stove to warm some milk for him. Yawning as you pulled the liquid from the heat and putting the cocoa powder in his drink would make Jungkook smile. You’d set the drink down in front of him, warning Jungkook of its heat.

He’d never listen, always yelping when the scalding liquid touched his tongue.

‘Jungkook be careful,’ you stated, sipping your own drink.

He’d nod and apologize, taking it slower. You’d ask him about what book he had finished. Jungkook would brighten as he would tell you the tale. Sometimes he struggled to find the words and you’d help, giving him your full attention.

‘Then, the father did... uh... word?’ he asked.

‘Saved? Is that it?’ you’d ask.

‘Yeah! He saved daughter! Everyone is happy,’ Jungkook would gush.

He loved stories that ended happily. He wanted to read about the family getting back together, the man finding his true power within himself, the dog getting the bone he wanted. Anything that ended where the people were at peace, it was all Jungkook cared about.

You had asked him about his family, to see if he remembered them at all. He explained that he does remembered them, but not their faces or names.

‘I-I know face, but not name,’ he had told you one morning after breakfast.

‘You don’t remember your mother or father then? Do you miss them?’

‘Yes, but don’t know why I miss,’ he said. ‘Just miss.’

Tears were flowing down your face freely as you thought of the man you had come to love... There wasn’t any point trying to deny it when you knew you did. It was improper to feel such a way for him, but you had long accepted your fate...

“Y/N?” a voice echoed from the hallway.

You turned quickly to see Taehyung, eyes glassy as he approached your cell.

“Taehyung!” you yelped, grabbing the bars.

He looked at you frantically, reaching in to touch your face. “Fuck, I’m so sorry,” he croaked. “This is my fault.”

“Taehyung what do you mean?” you asked, looking at him with confusion. What part of this was his fault?

“I-I was the one who told them you had Jungkook... I saw you two, hugging through your window one morning. I came by to, to ask you out for breakfast and... he matched the description they had been advertising around town. The Lunar Isles cut off trade with us, and only his return was going to end that! I lost my job at the mill, my mother and father are weak, they can’t work... The stables isn’t enough money to support them... But putting you in here feels so wrong, Y/N, you shouldn’t be here,” Taehyung confessed.

“Taehyung,” you breathed.

He’d told. He used you to get money back in his own wallet. You knew that this was going to be your fate when you refused to kill Jungkook... But to have someone you trusted, someone you had loved at one point turn you over for coins... It left a bitter taste in your mouth.

“Y/N, please understand I didn’t have a choice!” he declared.

“Why are you here, Taehyung?” you asked, voice cold. Taehyung winced at your tone, but swallowed regardless.

“I wanted to visit you, Yoongi and Namjoon told me I could,” he explained. “I wanted to apologize to you.”

“You’ve apologized,” you informed him.

“I-I know,” he breathed.

“Then you don’t have anymore business with a criminal like me, do you?” you asked, raising a brow.

“Y/N, that’s not fair,” he stated.

“It’s not fair,” you scoffed. “Was it fair when you stood me up for our meal? Was it fair that my mother died and my father went insane from grief? Is it fair that I was ripped away from the one thing that had given my life meaning since his passing... Learn something from me right now, Taehyung. Life. Isn’t. Fair.”

He sighed and stood, knowing trying to sooth your anger was moot. As he moved to walk away, he turned to face you once more. “They are to give you your verdict in the morning, in front of the whole town... I-I hope you’re prepared for whatever could happen.”

“I am.”

With that, Taehyung left, leaving you on the cold floor to think of what could have been...

You stood, hands bound before a crowd of people. A jury was to your left, Namjoon and Yoongi behind you. The people of Solstice were dead silent. Someone who had cared so deeply about them, was now ahead of them to be charged as a criminal.

A passerby would be able to hear a pin drop, even with the crowd.

“Miss Y/N, you stand here before jury to face judgement for your crimes against the people of Solstice and the people of the Lunar Isles,” Yoongi spoke, voice wavering.

“We announce... Mr. Carlisle Devereaux and his daughter Luna Devereaux... Along with her fiance and victim of these crimes, Jeon Jungkook,” Namjoon declared.

Jungkook? He was here?

Looking through the crowd you found Jungkook being held tightly by Luna. She was glaring at you with eyes so vicious you wondered if you’d be struck dead just from the sight. Jungkook seemed panicked as he looked at you, but something was holding him back. You knew the look in his eyes.

He was in pain.

They were hurting him to keep him in place, to keep him from moving.

“No,” you whispered.

“You stand here on trial, how do you plead?” the Jury asked.

“What is the crime?” you breathed.

“Kidnapping and lying to the people of Solstice and the Lunar Isles,” the Jury stated.

“I plead not guilty for Kidnapping, I plead guilty for lying,” you announced.

“These crimes are not exclusive to one another, you either plead guilty or not guilty,” a large man in the front declared.

“The crimes are exclusive, I did not kidnap anyone... However, I did lie when I was asked if I knew his whereabouts,” you answered. “Jungkook was injured and I had to nurse him back to health. If anyone interfered with the care, it could’ve been disastrous... He could have died,” you stated.

You weren’t lying completely.

Half truths.

“If you lied once, who is to say you aren’t lying now!” a woman towards the back screamed at you.

“We are going to assume you plead guilty,” the Mayor declared from the back on his podium.

“Hold on! That’s not fair!” a man shouted from the crowd. You soon saw it was Seokjin. A wave of relief fell over you. “These are two different crimes! You can’t just assume her plea! That’s a crime in that of itself!”

“Seize him,” the mayor yelled. Guards came in from the side, taking his arms and pulling him towards the jail. “He will be arrested for obstruction of justice.”

“Please!” you screamed. “Stop, he isn’t doing anything wrong. Let him go, I plead guilty!”

“And what are you guilty of?”

Taking a deep breath you looked directly at Jungkook. “I’m guilty of being a woman of science... I’m guilty of challenging fate. I’m guilty of loving someone, whom I didn't have the right to love... But I loved him anyways. I’m guilty of being a woman, with a weak heart, who couldn’t sit by and watch a young man die alone,” you said, a tear rolling down your cheek.

Jungkook struggled against Luna’s arm. She adjusted something, making Jungkook squirm in pain from the action. Your heart thudded against your chest so hard you were certain your ribs would crack. Someone was hurting him, and you couldn’t make them stop.

“Very well. Since you are so keen on lying, we will give you a liars punishment. Miss Y/N, the jury here today convicts you of kidnapping, as well as lying to the people of Solstice and the Lunar Isles... And most importantly, you are convicted of lying on trial. In light of your several crimes towards our two towns... I sentence you to hang until dead tomorrow morning at dawn.”

The crowd gasped, looking at their Mayor with shock. The jury didn’t even give him their verdict, he simply decided your fate for himself. The Mayor of Solstice was a power hungry man who had fought tooth and nail to be in the position he is now. He had done many despicable things in order to achieve his rank... And his cruelty was known throughout the lands.

You felt your knees wobble as you collapsed to the ground heavily. You could see your friends faces in the crowd, eyes filling with tears.

Jungkook fought against his restraints, trying to move away from Luna... But he was unable.

“ANGEL! NO!” he screamed. The crowd looked at him, then to the Mayor with a questioning look. You watched Jungkook get tugged back into place, and you smiled as you saw Garçon right by his side. Exactly where you told him to be.

“The verdict has been spoken, take her to her cell,” the Mayor demanded.

Namjoon grabbed you gently. “Y/N, stand up, easy... There you go,” he cooed, helping you walk towards the jailhouse.

Jungkook’s voice rang in your head.

People came in to say their farewells...

Taehyung, eyes filled with tears, blaming himself for the whole ordeal. You simply stared at him with broken eyes, ones that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Hoseok came in too, holding your face through the bars.

“Y/N, what were you thinking? Why didn’t you challenge the verdict! You had the right!” Hoseok yelped.

“Hoseok, do you really think the Mayor of the Lunar Isles would let me go? There’s not a chance, not when our whole town is involved... They could be viewed as weak if they did,” you explained.

He frowned, staring at you with sad eyes. “You don’t deserve this, don’t you dare think you do... You didn’t do anything wrong,” he declared.

But you did... You changed fate, disrupted God...

“I don’t want this to be your fate... It isn’t fair,” Hoseok whispered.

“I’ll be with my mother and father again... I’ll be happy with them,” you smiled weakly.

‘Angel... Happy?’

Jimin came by soon after Hoseok, bringing you a cupcake and forcing you to eat it. He wanted you to smile, to enjoy one more thing. He cried, holding your face through the bars also. You wished he wouldn’t cry, it didn’t suit him.

Yoongi and Namjoon came as well, telling you they were sorry. That they wished there was something they could do. You didn’t blame them. They were just following orders, doing their duty. It wasn’t their fault.

The only person at fault was you.

Sleep evaded you as you thought about Jungkook.

You wondered if they would let him see you. It was highly unlikely. Seeing as how they took him away from you. But you wished... you wished you could tell him you love him.

Even if there was nothing to come of your feelings, you wanted him to know that you cared about him. That the time you’d spent together was the most cherished part of your life. Waking up each morning to him was a privilege. You wished that you could pet Garçon, tell him to be a good boy.

You remembered him by Jungkook’s side and you felt your heart swell with pride. He’d been such a good boy, and Jungkook would have him... Hopefully, Luna would allow him that much.

You thought of Jungkook and Garçon, your little family you’d made as the darkness turned to light shades of blue and purple. The jangling of keys made you turn your head. There was the town’s Priest, no doubt to allow you confession before you walked to your death.

“Miss Y/N, I am here to listen to your confessions and to deliver you to the hands of God,” he announced, calm.

“I have nothing to confess, Father. But thank you for your words,” you said soft. Namjoon bit his lip, watery eyes turning away from you.

“Very well, I will read your last rites before you hang,” he stated, heading towards the stairs. Yoongi looked at you and unlocked the door.

“Time to go, Y/N,” he said.

You nodded and stood up, following after them. They locked chains around your hands, even though they weren’t necessary. You weren’t going to fight them. What would be the point? They were much stronger than you, and if you caused too much of a fight then certainly someone would finish you off before the noose.

Seokjin looked up from his cell and stared at you. A small cry coming from his mouth. You gave him a gentle gaze before carrying yourself up the stairs, into the pale light of morning.

There wasn’t a sound but the clanking of your chains as you approached the gallows. Breathing deeply, you managed to ascend the walkway. The gallows were dark, stained with time. You saw the crowd watching you, wanting to express something, but they weren’t sure what it was. Looking at the noose, you stepped forward. Namjoon helped you up, unlocking your chains and throwing them behind you.

Your eyes scanned the people before you. They were watching on, unsure of the tension in the air. The Mayor clapped his hands, making the attention go to him.

“Today, we witness the death of a criminal. A woman who kidnapped an innocent man, and harbored him against his will in her den of debauchery!”

You furrowed your brow at that statement. But, listened on regardless.

“We also bare witness to the death of a liar! Someone who withheld the truth from us, and did so to prolong our pain. She watched from her window as we all struggled to feed ourselves, and needed to scrounge enough money to pay our dues. Today she hangs, to pay for the crimes she has committed! May God have mercy on your soul, child.”

“May he have mercy on yours as well,” you stated.

The crowd raised their brows at your statement, some chuckling at your bold disrespect for authority. The Mayor glared at you, clearing his throat once more. “As per tradition, may our Father announce your last rites!”

“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up,” the Father read.

You nodded and smiled.

“Our heavenly Father, who art in Heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven...”

The crowd joined him in prayer, almost as if they were sending you off as well. You finally found Jungkook in the crowd. Once again, attached to Luna’s side. You smiled at him, letting him see your joy. You were so glad to see him, even if it was to be the last. You were so glad, so overjoyed to see him there.

Next to him was his mother and father. He was standing, breathing easily. It made you happy to know he was well also. You locked eyes with his mother, and she stared at you with shock.

"This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper,” the Priest stated, looking to you.

"Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed."

The crowd looked shocked as you answered. The Priest also appeared stunned, but nodded and closed his Bible, looking to the Mayor for the final words.

“Miss Y/N, you may have your final words,” he declared.

“Thank you,” you said. “My final words... Are to one person in this crowd. You know who you are, baby,” you smiled.

Jungkook’s head popped up at his nickname. You smiled softly and continued. “I’m so sorry that you have to witness this. And know it isn’t your fault, it’s entirely mine. I was selfish, and you were so good... I couldn’t help but save you. I was glad to teach you everything again. I was glad to wash your hair. I was overjoyed to watch you eat the food I cooked. And I am so happy that I get to see your face again.”

Your voice cracked.

Yoongi came over and tied your hands behind your back with rope, so that you couldn’t keep yourself from hanging. But it didn’t stop you from speaking your mind. Finally telling Jungkook everything that you had wanted to say for so long. “I remember you asked me what love was,” you said. “And I realized that everything I told you I believed it was applied to you. Jeon Jungkook, I love you,” you breathed.

“LET HER HANG!” the Mayor cried.

“ANGEL NO!”

The sound of the trapdoor beneath your feet opening hit your ears, and then sharp pain erupting from your neck took over your senses.

Unfortunately, your neck didn’t snap. You could feel your head pounding with the amount of blood being forced to it from your neck restriction. Your lungs burned with the need for oxygen, but none was being produced...

The world was swimming and you were in agony when you felt someone touching your legs.

“Angel! Let go, please!” you could hear Jungkook’s voice.

“NAMJOON NOW!”

Suddenly, you dropped and slumped into Jungkook’s arms. “Angel!” he yelled, lowering you to the ground. Your eyes were closed, but you could hear him... You could feel his hands...

“KILL THE TRAITORS!”

“JUNGKOOK GO!”

“THIS WAY!”

You felt yourself being adjusted, then hauled into the air. The jolting of your body told you that Jungkook was running. The sound of panting had you realize that Garçon wasn’t far behind him either.

“My son! Save her!” Jungkook’s mother yelled from behind him.

“This way come on!” Taehyung’s voice hit your ears.

“AFTER THEM!”

“Give her here, Jungkook,” Seokjin’s voice was heard to your left.

“YAH!” Jimin’s high tone shouted from in front of you.

You heard whinnying and then the breeze along your face became harsh. The sound of hooves hitting dirt took over. But you felt gentle hands touching your face, brushing your hair from your eyes.

“Angel...” Jungkook whimpered.

“Hang on!” Jimin yelled.

A sharp turn sent you flying into a warm frame, one you didn’t recognize. It must’ve been Seokjin.

Exhaustion creeped in your bones, as you felt the effects from your ordeal taking over. You weren’t sure if it was death taking your or sleep as you accepted the darkness. All you knew, is that a warm hand was in yours the whole time...

Your neck was stiff as you tried to peel your eyes open.

Warmth covered your right side, shallow breaths being felt against your frame. You managed to peek one eye open, even though the vision was blurry. Garçon’s floppy ears greeted you, like they did nearly every morning.

“G-Gar,” you tried, feeling your voice crack as you tried to speak. His head flew up, looking at you.

“Bark! Bark bark bark!”

Then you were overwhelmed with his kisses on your face. You laughed weakly, patting his head.

“Garçon, easy,” you reminded.

A door opened and you heard wood dropping to the floor. You turned your head and saw Jungkook looking at you with tears brimming in his eyes.

“Angel...” he breathed, smiling.

“Jungkook,” You whimpered, reaching out for him. He was beside you in an instant, taking you in his arms.

“Angel, Angel,” he repeated in your neck. His wet tears hit your skin, making you run your fingers through his hair to calm him. “I love you.”

Your chest constricted at his broken confession. “Shh, baby, it’s alright, I love you too” you managed.

“Thought... I thought... I-I lost you,” he sobbed. You shook your head, placing soft kisses to his ear.

“No, I’m here,” you urged. “I’m here Jungkook.” Pulling his face away from your neck you wiped his tears away. He leaned into your touch, seeming to love the way your hands glided against his skin.

Jungkook stared at your eyes for a moment, before his gaze flicked to your lips. He leaned in slowly. “Angel... kiss,” he whispered.

You happily connected your lips, wrapping your arms around his neck. Tangling your fingers in his hair you pulled him closer. Jungkook moaned against your mouth, nipping at your lips lightly.

“Jungkook,” you breathed, licking your lips.

“Angel, want to kiss you.” Jungkook grabbed at your hips, bringing you into his embrace. You almost let him do just that, before you remembered what had happened.

The trial, your hanging... How were you alive right now?

“Jungkook-mmm, wait,” you murmured as he pecked your lips impatiently.

“Angel,” he pouted. “Kisses.”

“Hold on, where are we?” You asked.

Jungkook pulled back, sighing at the fact he wouldn’t get his kisses without an explanation. He brushed your hair behind you ear and took your hands in his. “We’re in woods. Your friends... brought us here... Hoseok said, um.. Hoseok said we stay here,” he tried.

“Hoseok...” you trailed off. Then you remembered. “It’s his hunting cottage. Of course,” you said. Hoseok traded furs sometimes to gain extra money, he must’ve brought you and Jungkook here to hide... No doubt the guards would be looking for you both.

“Yes! We move to... to um... I don’t know,” he stated.

“That’s alright, are you alright?” you asked, running your hands over his shoulders. You remembered that they must’ve been doing something to keep him by Luna’s side... But Jungkook smiled and pulled you in by the waist.

“Kisses, Angel?”

“You’re such a spoiled boy,” you laughed. He nodded before pulling you in once more. You kissed slowly, enjoying the feeling of his mouth on yours.

It felt like a dream to be here in his arms. To finally have him. Jungkook let go of your lips to trail kisses down your neck. He place several gentle pecks to your throat, a small cry coming from him as he did so.

“What’s wrong?” You asked, feeling his trembling mouth against your sensitive skin.

Jungkook brought his hand up, placing his fingers on your neck. It ached a small amount, but you didn’t flinch. “People hurt you... that makes me... sad,” he sniffed. You placed a soft kiss to his mouth, making him relax just a bit.

“But you saved me, I’m here because of you,” you told him.

“I... tried harder...”

You shook your head, coddling him like a child. “No, Jungkook... You did everything right. I’m so proud of you, baby. You stayed put and waited for me, and when it mattered you came to save me. You, all of our friends,” you said smiling.

“M-My friends... too?” he asked, eyes twinkling with light.

“Absolutely, they wouldn’t help you unless they considered you their friend too,” you encouraged. Jungkook laughed at the prospect of having more friends. Garçon whined, licking your hand impatiently.

You conceded to his wishes and scruffed up his ears and head, watching as his tail thumped against the bedding. Jungkook patted his rear a few times before standing up and going to collect the wood he dropped upon his entry. Garçon seemed to be satisfied with the miniscule amount of attention you gave him, as he jumped up and trotted out the open door.

Your eyes wandered back to Jungkook, who was setting the wood onto the pile in the corner. You watched as his biceps bulged underneath the fabric of the shirt he was wearing. It pulled as his back arched, showing you his strength without much effort.

The sight made your mouth water lightly, creating a slight ache between your thighs. You wanted him badly, although you weren’t sure if he understood what this meant... Would be be able to consent to your actions? To your wishes?

“J-Jungkook,” you breathed. He turned and looked at you, eyebrow raised.

“Angel? Okay?” he asked, setting the wood on the table and coming over again. He sat down beside you and took your hand.

“I-I, want to try something new with you, but I’m not sure if you know what it is, or what it means,” you frowned. “I love you, and I want to show you...”

“Then show, Angel,” he said, pressing his forehead against yours. The sensation made your neck scream with discomfort, but you wouldn’t move.

“Jungkook, remember when you asked what French kissing was?” you blushed.

“Yes... Only lovers... Lovers could do it,” he recalled. “I love you, can we kiss... like lovers?”

“Jungkook, to be lovers with someone is more than just kissing them, you... you bare parts of yourself no one else is allowed to see. If I give you all of myself, then you have to promise I have all of you as well. I won’t share you with anyone, and you can’t share me with anyone either. At least, not in the way I want you,” you explained.

Jungkook seemed to think for a moment, and his eyes widened for a moment. “Angel, make love to me,” he whispered. “I read in book, I-I put myself... inside of you...”

The lewd phrasing of his words had fire running through your veins. His eyes were unreadable, as if he was purposefully being secretive with you. When did Jungkook learn to be so shifty?

“That’s right, but are you okay with that?”

“Angel... I want to,” he agreed. “I-I know how.”

“What?” you squeaked.

“I read from book, and Seokjin told me some... some things,” he said, coming forward to push you onto your back. You looked up in astonishment, Jungkook’s frame towering over your body.

“You’ll need to show me this book, and I think i’ll need to have a conversation with Seokjin” you said.

“No, I’ll show,” he announced, diving in to capture your lips.

Jungkook’s whole demeanor changed as he kissed you harder. You found it almost difficult to keep up with him. His mouth moved against yours as if he were trying to steal the very breath from your lungs. You’d give it to him. Whatever he wanted from you he could have it, as long as he kept kissing you this way. As long as he kept loving you, whatever you had could be his...

Jungkook licked into your mouth, something you weren’t expecting. The sensation of his wet tongue moving across your lips made you gasp. Jungkook took this opportunity to taste you. He moaned impatiently when you didn’t respond right away, nibbling at your upper lip in frustration.

You grabbed his shirt in your fists and aggressively molded your mouth to his again. It created an ache in your neck, but the strong desire between your legs was far more agonizing than your sore throat.

“Angel, pretty,” he murmured, licking his lips. “Take off.” He pulled on your dress with longing.

You flushed before gripping your bodice and pulling it open. Jungkook watched as your chest relaxed, no longer being held together by tightened fabric. You let your dress slacken at the neck, making it fall to your elbows.

Shivering because of your newly exposed skin, you blushed as Jungkook came closer.

“Angel, so soft,” he admired, running his hands down your shoulders. You shuddered as he brought his hands to cup your breasts. His strong palms dug into your sensitized flesh. You let out a soft cry when he tugged on a pebbled nipple. Jungkook was entirely absorbed in your body.

Lifting your arms to drape around his neck, you urged him closer. The sensation of his hands on your supple skin made your mind wild with desire. You wanted his hands all over you, caressing your frame with tender touches.

“Jungkook, that feels nice,” you complimented as he smoothed his fingers down your stomach. You squirmed, letting out a soft giggle as it tickled.

“Can I... touch more?” Jungkook requested, looking at you for permission. You nodded, pulling your arms from your dress. He didn’t hesitate as he moved to touch your chest. You sighed as the sensations took over. Jungkook panted against your mouth, seemingly overwhelmed at the new feelings coursing through his veins. You wondered breifly if he had sex before dying in the forest that night. You didn’t want to think of that time, but as he licked at your swollen lips you found the memory easily forgotten.

Although, these heated kisses didn’t seem to be enough for the man.

“Ah!” You cried out as Jungkook placed an open mouth kiss on your breast. He looked at you with worry written on his features, but you shook your head. “Keep going.”

He did so, licking your soft skin. His arms wrapped around your body, making your arms lock and push your chest out towards him. This pleased Jungkook, watching as your ample breasts was on display for his eyes only.

“My Angel,” he cooed, taking a nipple in his mouth.

“Nngh,” you moaned, thighs pulling together from the ache building between them. A gush of slickness slipped past your lower lips, getting into your knickers and causing light discomfort.

Jungkook suckled on your flesh, nipping and teasing your sensitive chest. You whimpered, gripping his shirt in your hands. Jungkook laved his tongue over your breasts, making sure each one got equal attention. You winced when he sucked harshly, hard enough to make your skin turn a reddish purple hue. Jungkook’s eyes sparkled at the sight. He took your nipple into his hot mouth once more, swirling his tongue over it and pulling his head back slightly. His pupils dilated when he let the peaked bud go and your breast jiggled from the force.

Getting tired of being the only naked one, you urged for Jungkook to remove his clothing as well. “Take your shirt off, Jungkook,” you said, tugging on the fabric. He pouted as he pulled away, obviously not through with your chest. However, he unbuttoned his shirt and then pulled it over his head to throw it on the floor.

“Better?” He tested.

Your mouth pooled with saliva. His chest was toned, pert nipples sitting on his pecks. You looked down to see defined muscles wrapping around his body. His skin was smooth, almost golden. However, his pale and slightly sallow complexion would be there permanently.

Your eyes moved down his body until the hit the center, were a warped and twisted scar sat. You crawled forward, coming eye level with the raised skin. Carefully, you placed your fingers on the lines. Jungkook hissed at your cold digits on his skin. You looked at him with worry. “Does that hurt?”

“N-no, I...Know it is... ugly. Sorry,” he said, ashamed. You shook your head viciously, coming up to hold his face in your hands.

“No, it isn’t ugly, Jungkook. Nothing about you is ugly to me. This scar here, this scar is the reason I can hold you in my arms. I love it, because it’s apart of you. Because of this scar, I am able to be with you. And for that, I am forever thankful to this scar,” you declared.

Jungkook gazed into your eyes, blinking slow. You dragged your hands down his body until they reach his hips. You held them there, before leaning in and placing soft kisses to his scar. Jungkook let out a shaky breath, bringing his hands to cradle your face as you moved along the long and mangled scar lines. His thumbs brushed your cheeks so delicately you felt your heart trembling in your chest.

“Angel, love you,” he breathed.

“I love you too, all of you. Jungkook,” you announced. Jungkook gently brought your mouth back to his. The kisses quickly became urgent, longing and desire burning hot between you. You laid back once again, Jungkook following with his mouth attached to your chest. Letting a gentle whine come from your throat, Jungkook continued to suck delicate blossoms into your flesh.

He brought your tender skin between his teeth and carefully pulled, suckling and huffing against his work. You ran your fingers through his hair and tugged him away from your sternum. Jungkook pouted in displeasure when you did so, letting a little whimper escape from his red lips.

“As much as I love your mouth on me, perhaps you could kiss me lower?” you asked, raising a teasing brow in his direction. Jungkook’s face furrowed in confusion.

“How?” He asked.

You shimmied your dress off, throwing it to the ground with his shirt. Jungkook watched with rapt attention as you spread your legs apart. “Come here,” you said, crooning your finger towards him. He followed like a man possessed, until he was level with your center.

“Angel,” he whined, kissing your knee and thighs hungrily.

“Shh, kiss me here darling,” you instructed, pulling your lips apart to invite him. You were surprised at your bold behavior. For a maiden, you were more brazen than you wanted to admit.  Jungkook nodded, placing a soft kiss to your mound. You moaned, hips hitting against his mouth in wanton desire. Licking his lips Jungkook moved back in, kissing again.

“Angel, you taste... good,” he whispered, eagerly kissing your core deeper, using more of his tongue. His mouth connected to your swollen center, making you writhe in pleasure underneath him.

“Oh, Jungkook!” You mewled, tangling your fingers in his hair as he licked deeper. Jungkook wasn’t neat with the way he was pleasuring you, loud sounds escaping him. Cute little cries of bliss were smothered by your heated skin as he refused to move away from you for a second.

His movements were sloppy, smearing your slick on your thighs and his chin. Whenever he came up to take your clit in his mouth you gasped at the pleasure and the sight of Jungkook’s soaked mouth. He found your pearl and played with it softly, giving your small shockwaves a pure, unadulterated gratification. More of your wetness leaked from your lips and Jungkook almost snarled with glee.

“You taste... so good, Angel,” he groaned, nudging your clit with his nose as he captured more of your bliss. He couldn’t keep himself still for the life of him, squirming in pleasure. He kept grabbing at your hands, encouraging you to touch him more, living for your hands grazing his heated flesh.

“Angel, Angel,” he whined, rutting against the mattress. You felt your insides clench at the action, want to be the mattress badly.

“Jungkook, more please,” you begged, gripping his hair. He groaned at the sharp sensation it brought, making his mouth leave your center.

“Angel, I... I want, inside, but want to make you... happy too” he tried, licking his lips like he’d just finished a great meal.

“Baby I’m already happy because I can be here with you, does it hurt?” you asked, gazing as he tried to keep himself occupied by kissing your knee and shins. but the tent in his pants told you it would come soon enough.

“Y-yes, pain, Angel,” he whined, bucking into the sheets pathetically.

“Okay, baby. Take your pants off,” you said, hooking your fingers in his belt loops. Jungkook leaned back, letting you disrobe him happily. He kicked his feet, getting the annoying material off of him. He sat up on his knees, coming back towards you. You watched as his cock was revealed to you. He was hard, tip smeared with precum. Jungkook smiled as you leaned down, stroking his lower stomach with interest.

“Want mouth,” he said, running his thumb over your lips. You took his thumb in your hot cavern, enveloping his digit in wet heat. Jungkook gasped as the sensation, wanting nothing more than to be inside of you.

Letting go of this thumb with a lewd pop, you licked your lips and took his length in your fist. He cried out, hunching forward at your touch. “Needy baby,” you tutted.

Jungkook bucked his hips into your grasp, whining from desire. “Angel, please...”

With a smirk you took his tip into your mouth. Jungkook cried out, gripping your shoulder right. It hurt, but the bliss on his face was worth every second of discomfort.

Moving slow, you inched your way down his dick. You felt your throat tighten in discomfort, but you pushed forward. Jungkook was panting, looking at you as if you were an exquisite piece of art before him. He tangled his fingers in your hair, urging you forward with gentle pressure to your head. He wanted you so bad. Needed you to keep going, it was torture so sweet it consumed him. Your tongue licked along the base of his shaft, finding a vein their to tease.

“F-fuck, Angel,” he groaned. You looked up at him in shock, mouth coming off his weeping cock. Jungkook hissed at the loss.

“Where did you learn a word like that?” You asked, pumping him entirely too slow to be pleasurable.

“U-um,” he avoided, biting his lip.

“Jungkook, tell me,” you warned, gripping the base of his dick to cut off his pleasure.

“You! Heard from Angel!”

You? When did you ever swear around him?

“Jungkook, don’t lie,” you growled, enjoying the agony on his face from your ministrations.

“At night! Y-you alone, in bed,” he huffed, looking at the ceiling.

“What was I doing?” You asked.

“Touching... pleasuring...”

“I was touching myself?” You asked. “And you watched me?” You asked, licking his dick to tease him.

Jungkook cried out and hunched forward, sweating with effort. “Angel... hurts, want to... finish,” he whimpered. You rubbed your hands on his sweaty back and kissed his chin.

“Tell me why you watched me, and I’ll let you cum,” you promised.

“Because,” he whined. “I wanted... to touch... I wanted to... p-pleasure Angel.”

“You will, baby, but cum first,” you smiled, letting your hand fly over his slick covered cock. Jungkook moaned loudly, you almost thought you were hurting him. But he bucked into your hands, panting with effort.

“Finish,” he cried out.

“Are you cumming baby?” You asked, rubbing your thumb right underneath the head of his purple tip.

“Yes, cumming for Angel,” he cried out, white strings of cum painting your chest, hot against you skin. You moaned, feeling the betwixt liquid fall onto your stomach and nipples.

“Good boy,” you praised as Jungkook collapsed against your shoulder. His harsh breaths warmed your skin. Now, there was a painful sensation between your legs you knew only Jungkook could satisfy. “Are you alright baby?” You asked, kissing his damp forehead.

“Just... a minute Angel,” he said, licking at your skin.

“Breathe, baby... I can wait for you,” you said, smoothing your hands down his shoulders and upper back.

“Love Angel,” he said, nudging your jaw with his nose, placing soft kisses to your flesh.

“I love you too,” you smiled, heart fluttering wild in your chest.

Jungkook moves from your shoulder to your chest, licking at his cum the splattered your skin. You gasped as he did so, tongue swirling around your pebbles nipples.

“Mmm, Angel you’re... sweet,” he smiled. “Tastes good.”

“I want you so bad,” you moaned. Jungkook nodded, grabbing your thighs to force you down. Going forward on his knees, you felt his cock against your impatient pussy.

He took his member in his hand, pumping it slowly. You noticed he wasn’t hard, but he was growing before your eyes. A cold sweat broke out on your neck, making your grab Jungkook’s hand in fear. You’d never been this far with a man, you only knew how to please him because of a book you’d read. You hoped Jungkook hadn’t noticed.

“I-I’ve never, I’m a virgin Jungkook,” you whispered. His eye widened, looking at your center with a soft expression.

“I’ll be... first?” He seemed shocked, but excited nonetheless.

“Yes, and the only,” you reminded.

“Only, me?”

You nodded and took his hand in yours, interlocking your fingers. Kissing his knuckles you wiggled your hips a bit, brushing your hot skin against his. Jungkook bucked lightly, dipping inside your entrance ever so slightly. He moaned at the contact, making you jolt from the noise.

“Please hurry, I want it,” you begged. “But you have to be gentle.”

“Gentle,” he confirmed. Slow, but firm Jungkook began to push inside of you. His body seemed to know what to do, because he carefully pulled himself out to set a steady pace. You winced as he got further in, but Jungkook was patient. “Okay?” He asked when you tended up at his intrusion. You nodded, placing your fingers to your clit. Rubbing gently making you clench around his hardened length. Jungkook hissed and rutted against you, causing you to cry out. He apologized, kissing your lips softly. “Angel, you feel... good,” he groaned.

“You too, Jungkook... so big,” you whined as another inch disappeared inside of you.

“Soft, hot... tight,” he practically snarled. You were a mess underneath him, wanting him deeper. The pain was secondary to the rising feeling of fullness that overtook your senses.

“More, give me all of it,” you begged. Jungkook listened and you felt his hips against yours. The pair of you breathed in harshly, letting each other get used to the foreign sensations. You swear you could feel him in your throat with how deep inside of you he was.

Experimentally, you clenched your walls, feeling Jungkook’s pulsing member seated deep within your.

“Ah! Angel don’t,” he whined. You looked up, seeing his brows furrowed and pinched in concentration.

“What’s wrong?” You asked.

“Too good, close,” he whimpered.

“Relax, I’m okay, you can move,” you said. Jungkook did so, pulling back and hitting his pelvis against your swollen heat. You called his name, urging him on. He lowered himself, getting a better angle to push himself back into your sweet embrace. Placing his hands on either side of your head he gasped when you adjusted your hips to accommodate his movement.

“Angel, shit,” he groaned. The difference in his thrusts made your walls clench hard, causing Jungkook to smack himself equally as forceful against your hips. “Ah, fuck!”

You arched you back at the sudden wave of pleasure that came over you. “Jungkook, harder,” you pleaded, wanting to be suffocated with that sweet feeling that had already abandoned you. He didn’t need to be told twice, soon he was plowing into your virgin center with reckless abandon. You writhed from the pleasure, grasping at his biceps to keep you grounded.

“A-Angel, Y/N,” he whispered. You froze...

He’d never said your name before, you loved how it sounded from his mouth. “Y-You said my name,” you panted, cradling his face in your hands. Jungkook’s forehead was damp with sweat, making you dab it with your forearm lovingly.

“Y-You’re my... Angel, Y/N,” he breathed, kissing your mouth deeply. You interlocked your fingers behind his neck, gently rolling your hips along with his thrusts. Jungkook grunted as you hit against his pelvis with a particularly hard thrust. Moving your lips against his you licked into his mouth, moving your tongue with his in tandem to his brutal pace within you.

“Ah, Angel, so good,” he whimpered, licking along your jawline.

“Jungkook, Jungkook more please!”

“W-want to... Move... different,” he whined.

He wanted a different position? Thinking in your brain you placed your hands on his shoulders, making him look at you with confusion. “Let me try something,” you stated. Jungkook nodded, pulling away from you.

The pair of you winced as his cock slipped from your trembling walls. Carefully you moved onto your knees, bending forward to present your ass to him. Jungkook groaned, coming forward to place several kisses along your spine.

“Angel,” he whimpered. “How do... do I?” he questioned.

Moving yourself backwards you gripped his length in your hands, directing it towards your soaked core. “Just like this baby, take it easy,” you said, pushing yourself back onto his dick. Jungkook bit his lip harshly before bucking into your battered maw once more.

“Ah, t-tighter,” he whimpered, grabbing onto your hips to get himself even deeper into you.

You were panting hard, lungs on fire as you felt him moving you both towards a precipice that felt it had no end. Wrists straining to keep you up and Jungkook’s harsh movements were starting to throw you off the deep end.

“So tight,” he moaned. You clenched at his words, making his hips stutter in their movement. You almost sobbed at the loss of momentum that had you swirling in the throes of pleasure. Moving your hands to his that were secured on your waist, you pulled them down your body.

“Jungkook, touch me here,” you said, bringing his hand to your clit. “Rub it.” He was now hunched over your body, hot breath fanning across the nape of your neck. He nodded, timing his thrusts with quick flicks of his thumb against your sensitive nub. You felt molten heat flying through your veins at the motions.

“Y-Y/N, I love you, Angel... Angel I love you so much,” he puffed into your sweaty skin.

“I love you too, Jungkook. Keep going, make me cum please,” you cried, thighs trembling from the activity.

“Closer, want you... want you closer,” he fussed, trying to get his arms around your body.

“Baby, easy, be gentle,” you warned, his bucking hips proving to be a little harsh against your tender walls. “How about this?”

You straightened yourself up, wrapping his arms around your waist as you sat down on his lap. Jungkook whined in your throat from the new bliss he found himself experiencing. You placed your knees next to his, lining yourself up so you could be comfortable. Jungkook moved up, seeing how he could move in this setting.

Gasping you brought his hand to your stomach. “I can feel you here, oh God, Jungkook,” you cried, resting against his chest. He was overwhelmed with love and desire for you that it didn’t seem real.

He loved you so much, and it made him emotional to hold you so intimately.

Fullness suffused your entire being, but you felt hot droplets of water touching your neck. You turned your head to see Jungkook’s eyes filling with tears. Alarm coursed through your chest. “B-baby, are you alright?” you asked, nudging his cheek with your nose.

“I-I’ll die without you,” he whimpered, crying out when you adjusted against him.

“I know, baby, I know... I love you, I’m no-ah! I’m not going to leave you. Never, Jungkook. I will never leave you again,” you promised, kissing him so firmly you thought you would bruise each others lips. Jungkook caressed your face, brushing his thumb along your cheek as he kept fucking into you so desperately.

You thighs were burning, wanting nothing more than the sweet release of an orgasm to sate the ravenous appetite building in your lower stomach. But you’d take this pain, all of it if it meant you could feel Jungkook inside you.

If you could hold him in your arms every day after this. You would go through so much more agony, even more bloodshed and hell if it meant you could see his smiling face at the end of the trauma.

Because you would do anything for the man who held you so close, yet so delicate because he didn’t want to hurt you.

Anything.

“Angel, cumming,” he warned. You felt his cock throbbing inside you, no doubt ready for his second release. God you wanted his hot seed inside you. To paint your quivering walls in his white seed. You briefly wondered if Jungkook could get you pregnant, but since he had been dead prior to your love making, you thought that it was unlikely.

“Please Jungkook, please do it,” you begged, tears in your eyes. You gripped your breasts, pulling and teasing your nipples for more stimulation. He brought his mouth to your neck once more, heaving deep breaths into the hollow of your throat, but he licked and sucked to occupy his distraught mind.

“Angel, I love you,” he moaned, each thrust he made becoming more solid into your swollen womanhood.

“Jungkook, I love you too,” you cried out. He leaned down, quickening his thrusts inside of you where you were certain the bed was going to shatter. Jungkook’s mouth found yours, desperately licking and sucking on your swollen lips.

You could feel him everywhere, and it wasn’t enough. You wanted to feel him in the deepest parts of you. “Inside me, cum inside me,” you sobbed.

Jungkook stiffened at your sentence, before letting out a choked off cry. Then, you felt scorching heat in your walls that sent you over as well, shuddering violently against your lover’s toned body.

“Angel, oh fuck, good,” he whimpered, pumping you both through your orgasms. You clenched sporadically around his sensitive dick, pulling each spurt of his cum deep inside of you.

Jungkook soon fell lax against you, nearly crushing you with his weight. You moved, having his length remove itself from you bruised core. But you didn’t care. Laying on your back you brought Jungkook to your chest. You combed your fingers through his hair softly, cooing into his ear about how gentle he had been. What a good boy he was for loving you so much.

“Jungkook?” You asked a few minutes later. Jungkook was lazily licking at your chest, pulling a nipple into his mouth. You squirmed at the feeling, but kept your focus.

“Mmm, Angel?” He responded, licking up your throat to you lips.

“Was that... was that your first time too?” You asked.

“I-I don’t, think so,” he worded. “Feels... familiar. But, better with you.”

You had a feeling Jungkook hadn’t been a virgin, but it didn’t matter. He was yours now, and you were his.

---

As you lay in his arms that night, naked and sweating from several more rounds of torrid love making. You couldn’t help but think of the days to come.

Where were you and Jungkook going to go? We’re your friends safe? How was Solstice going to repair relations with the Lunar Isles?

You believed that peace could be brought to your people, but would the town fair without you? As far as you knew, you were the only person who delved into medical practices there. Heart racing you feared for those you’d come to care for. Even if they had demanded your hanging. They were frightened people, wanting nothing more than to have an answer to their pain. You couldn’t blame them for being human.

“Angel,” Jungkook murmured against your breast, kissing a few of his love bites tenderly.

Then all anxious thoughts disappeared. You wrapped your arms around him, running your fingers through the nape of his neck to his hair. Jungkook relaxed against you, arm tightening across your lower stomach.

You then found it didn’t matter.

Jungkook was here, and that’s all you cared about. You had the man you loved by your side. He was breathing, sleeping easily beside you. He was also turning out to be an insatiable beast, but you'd deal with that when you stopped being one as well.

In that moment, you weren’t a human and a reanimated corpse... you were two people, who’d fallen in love. And even though there might be complications, you’d handle all of them if it meant Jungkook was there at the end for you.

You’d run as fast as you could, for as long as you could to reach him. And you know he’d do the same for you.

For an Angel and her Lover. Nothing was impossible.

[areyoureadyforsomemeatballz]

Short Stack

Summary: Bucky Barnes has been on the lookout for the perfect girl to set up with Steve since the two of them were old enough to date. With Steve all but giving up hope what will happen when you come tumbling into their lives?

Pairing: Pre-serum Steve x Short!Reader

Word Count: 2200

Warnings: An attempted mugging (not in graphic detail). A couple swears, as per usual.

A/N: I couldn’t get this out of my head after reading this post from @captain-ariel-barnes . This one is for her, and any other smol cuties that love little Steve. Even though I’m a giant, at 5’9, I still had a blast writing this. I hope you guys enjoy it, let me know what you think!

All your life you have been told over and over again how dangerous it is living in New York City. Hearing such things at a young age had instilled in you the belief that there would be ruffians on every street corner and goons prowling in every alley. As an adult, you had come to realize that, though there was a threat it wasn’t as present as your overprotective parents would have you believe. Or, you had just been lucky enough to avoid those lurking in the shadows.

She needed help! That much was clear to you as you saw a woman struggling with a burly man in the alley outside the dress shop that you worked in. The woman was cowering against the wall. Fear evident on her face, even from your view at the opening of the alley.

“Hey,” you call out, hoping to distract the man. “Leave her alone.”

He turns slightly and gives you a once over. “Mind your own business, short stack. Me and my lady are just having a disagreement.”

“It doesn’t look that way to me. Just let the lady go, no questions asked.”

“Beat it, kid,” He grits out, turning back to the woman. “You don’t know who you’re talkin' to.”

The woman silently begs you for your help. Logically, you knew that you had absolutely no chance of fighting this man off. He towered over you, which at your height wasn’t much of a feat. You made the snap decision to find someone who could stop him. You rush out onto the street and your eyes land on a couple a few paces down from the alley, the man is much bigger than the attacker and looks kind. If under any other circumstances you would find him very attractive.

You sprint toward the pair and grab onto the man’s arm, trying to stop him from moving any further away. “Excuse me! There is a man in that alley,” you point over your shoulder with your thumb. “He’s harassing a lady and I tried my best to stop it, but I need help. She needs help.”

“We’re not interested. Can’t you see that we’re in the middle of something? James, we’ll miss the movie,” his date says while giving you a disapproving glare.

“Show me the way,” the man- James- says earnestly. “This’ll only take a second, Betty. The movie can wait.”

You grab onto James’s hand and race back to the alley, the man rifling through the woman’s purse without a care. She had fallen to her knees, trying to make herself as small as possible.

“I’ll take it from here. You go wait by Betty,” James says as he’s already approaching the man.

“I don’t think so, Bucko. I need to make sure that she is okay.”

James rolls his eyes at you muttering something about stubborn hero types under his breath. He reaches out and grabs the man by his coat and sends him flying to the ground with a punch. The mugger is no match for James and the fight is quickly over. After he’s out cold you step over him and help the woman off of the ground and brush off her skirt.

“Are you okay, miss?”

She pulls you into a tight hug, tears streaming down her face and into your hair. You hug back tightly and whisper that she’s safe.

“He’d been harassing me at the diner that I waitress at, I had no clue that he’d follow me home,” she whispers tearfully. “I thought I was going to die.”

James clears his throat behind you, and you notice that there are two policemen with him. One slaps a pair of cuffs on the attacker and drags his limp form to the waiting car. You hadn’t even heard James leave the alley to fetch help.

“We can take it from here, ma’am,” the officer’s partner says to you.

You look at him skeptically, unwilling to leave this poor woman with strange men. James grabs onto your arm and pulls you away from the scene. “They’ll make sure she gets home safe. You’ve done everything that you can,” he whispers into your ear.

You make a noise of protest low in your throat, but you let him lead you back out of the alleyway.

“That was sure something, miss,” James says. “I’m not sure any sane woman would attempt to stop a fella that big without help.”

“I got help, you jerk. Do you think I pulled you off the street for your pretty face? The name is Y/N, not miss, by the way.”

He lets out a loud laugh. “No need for the sharp tongue, Y/N. All I mean is not many people would do what you just did.”

“James,” Betty whines as she approaches the two of you. “Can we please go now?”

“I’d like to see you again; do you think that would be possible?” James says as he looks down at you.

You shoot a pointed look at Betty. “You seem to have your hands awfully full already, James.”

A wide grin splits across his face. “Just as friends, then. There’s someone you remind me of and it’d be a crime if the two of you didn’t meet.”

You can’t help but like James and decide to give him the number of the dress shop so that he could reach out to you.

******

“I’m telling ya, Stevie, she’s like no dame that I’ve ever met!” Bucky says excitedly.

Steve gives him an unimpressed look and plucks a few fries out of the basket in between them. “I’m sure you two will be so happy together, that is until someone else catches your eye.”

“I already told you, it’s not like that you punk. Plus, what’s so wrong with sharing my time with as many girls as I can? It’s not a crime you know.”

Steve sighs and continues to eat, unable to make eye contact. “You have every girl in the city at your beck and call. I just want one who will take the time to get to know the skinny asthmatic, and maybe see something more with me.”

“That’s what I am trying to tell you! You never listen, Steve. I, your best friend in the world, am going to set up a double for us.”

“No.”

“Steve just-”

He begins to gather up their trash and stands up from the booth. “I am sick of you taking me on dates, only to have the girl disappointed when I show up.”

“She’s different, Steve. At least just meet her, it won’t be a date, I swear on my ma’s grave.”

“Your ma isn’t dead.”

“I don’t know why I put up with you, Rogers. You’re meeting her and that’s final. You two will be fast friends.”

******

“Jame- Bucky I don’t think your friend is very keen on meeting me. That, or he doesn’t exist and this is when I learn you were crazy all along.”

Bucky is sprawled across your sofa with a glass of lemonade in his hands. He made himself at home the second after stepping foot in your apartment. “Not imaginary, doll face. He’s just a little shy.”

You roll your eyes at the man as you continue to tidy up the room. “Why are you so insistent that we meet each other?”  

“Stevie’s my family and you are quickly becoming a staple in my life, despite being a pain in my ass.”

“Get your feet off the sofa, James.”

“Okay, first off there’s the pain in my ass thing. Second, I want you to call me Bucky.”

“Bucky’s a stupid name,” you grumble under your breath.

******

Bucky is finally able to convince Steve to meet you after two months of begging. He promised that it wouldn’t be a date, the three of you were going to go out for drinks and to a dance hall. He had neglected to tell Steve about the dancing, but what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.

You were running late at the shop and told Bucky that you would meet them at the dance hall. Your manager had been nice enough to let you wear one of the samples for the evening, which you paired with short heels and your grandmother's pearl necklace. You knew everyone would tower over you, even in the heels. But, you felt amazing in the newly altered dress.

As you bustle into the hall your eyes land on Bucky, a smile working its way on to your face. When you see the man beside him your heart nearly stops. He is beautiful. Bucky elbows him in the ribs and the man turns his piercing blue gaze on you in full force. He runs a hand through his tidy blond hair, mussing it up and making himself more attractive somehow.  

Shaking your head, you force your legs to carry you toward Bucky and the angel- Steve. Bucky had said his name was Steve. As you approach the pair you clear your throat and give yourself a mini pep talk. Bucky had also said that this wasn’t a date, so the nerves were unwarranted.

“Hi, I’m-”

“Y/N,” Steve breathes your name out in awe. “Buck told me a lot about you.”

Bucky is behind Steve grinning like the cat who ate the canary, not that either you or Steve notice. “Well, it’s good to see you Y/N. But, there’s a lovely woman over by the band that’s demanding my attention.”

“Bucky, don’t-” Steve protests immediately.

Bucky cuts him off with a wink. “I’m sure you two kids will find something to talk about.” He’s gone in a flash, leaving the two of you to try and make conversation.

“So, uh- tell me about yourself, Steve.”

“There’s not much to tell, I’m pretty dull. Uh, I guess I’m an artist, but other than that I’m a run of the mill guy.”

“I don’t believe that for one second. Tell me about your art,” you say smiling at him. “I mean, only if you want to, that wasn’t a demand.”

You feel your checks heat up and your eyes drop to the bar. God, when had you become so terrible at talking to men? Was it just this man affecting you? Steve doesn’t seem to notice your embarrassment and he turns around to retrieve his messenger bag from under the bar, pulling out a sketchbook.

“I can do you one better! I can show you,” Steve says excitedly. “These are my newest works, but I have loads of sketchbooks.”

He prattles on about art for twenty minutes, with you hanging on his every word. “Anyway, painting has become one of my favorite mediums, but I don’t think I’ll ever stop sketching…” He trails off midsentence and you look up from the sketchbook.

“I’m so sorry, I’m probably boring you to death. I’ve been going on for so long. I just get excited. You’re free to go find someone else, maybe someone that can hold a normal conversation or give you a dance,” Steve says while looking away from you.

He was as nervous as you, which bolstered your confidence a bit. “Steve, no! I don’t know if you noticed but, I was very much enjoying that conversation. You are so passionate, and besides, I’d much rather sit here with you than dance with any bloke here.”

Steve’s ears perked up at this and a gentle smile lights up his already radiant face. “Not even Bucky?”

“Especially not Bucky. He’s a good friend, but not really my type.”

“What is your type, if I may ask?”

You give him a shy smile. “I think I’m still figuring that out, but you’ll be the first to know.” You reach across the bar top and take his hand in yours.

“Do you want to get out of here?” Steve blurts.

Your eyes widen and you move to pull your hand away from his. “Steve, I-”

“Goodness, not like that! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean like that! I just wanted to get out of the crowd. Maybe we can go to the diner across the street and talk more? I can walk you home after, too.”

It was easy to see that he was being genuine and you were tired of the booming crowd anyway. “I’d love to. But only if we get a milkshake and fries.” You grab on to Steve’s hand as he leads the two of you through the thick cluster of people, missing the smile on his face.

Steve makes eye contact with Bucky across the room. Bucky shoots him a thumbs up while making a kissing face. Steve rolls his eyes and passes his coat over to you, which you slip into easily. Steve tucks you into his side to protect you from the cold New York air.

As the two of you make your way across the street you lay your head on his shoulder and wonder how this amazing man hasn’t been snapped up already.

******

“I am going to have my hands full with those two,” Bucky declares to himself.

His dance partner looks up at him, confused. “What was that, James?”

“Nothing, darling. I was just thinking out loud.”