#avoid spamming? are they like oh it’s not actually that good let’s just quietly read the rest to be polite?

[badolmen]

The mortifying ordeal of Blog You Respect and Think is Cool reblogging your Self Indulgent AU with tag comments on every chapter

[tarosin]

the great adventures of y/n ranboo, tommy tubbo and jack - just come home

this is an extra part to the great adventures series

summary: part three to the happier imagine (the great adventures of y/n and ranboo) this is where the group reunites

content warning: angst to fluff, small mention of creepy fan,swearing

please read what’s written in bold

this is an “alternative ending” around 16-18 years into the future this doesn’t mean this is actually how the series is going to end im writing it now and including it as part of series as their friendship is already established i can confirm y/n and the group are going to have a happy ending when the series eventually comes to an end this also does not mean the series is anywhere near the end i plan on continuing the series as vlogs come out, i feel the need to confirm this now love between y/n and the others (especially ranboo) in this imagine is completely platonic

so turns out moving house didn’t stop the creepy fan from contacting you neither did blocking every account they made as they began contacting your mods, your business email, they even started spamming ranboos dms, mods and business email and now you had the stress of Tommy trying to contact you. at this point neither you nor ranboo knew what to do, you were both convinced it was a troll trying to scare you both with jokes but the joke wasn’t funny. it never was, to say the least, it was horrifying. you stood with ranboo who was now changing the locks just to keep you safe, it was clear the fan didn’t know your new address as rather than sending you your address (as though you had suddenly forgotten where you lived) like last time it was just random messages trying to psych you both out. your phone buzzed again making ranboo jump you dreaded looking at the notification but you did it anyway

Tommy: y/n I’m serious please can we talk..tubbo and jack aren’t the same without you. I miss you

“anything important y/n?”

“no nothing to worry about”

“you’ve not been acting like yourself since the last stream are you sure you’re okay you know It's not your fault don’t blame yourself for whatever’s upsetting you I’m here for you I love you”

“I know boo I know, i love you too”

later that night you had to quickly end your stream despite to fact you had only been streaming 30 minutes as ranboo was arguing with someone the only reason you knew it was serious was because he was shouting back at the person, you had never heard him so angry and you’ve been friends with him for at least 16 years.

“okay chat that’s gonna be the stream for today…I forgot I have something to do I’m not going to raid anyone on here however tech is live on youtube for the first time in ages so I do recommend you go and check out what he’s doing good morning or good night I’ll see you soon”

as soon as you ended the stream you made your way to the room ranboo was in that's when you overheard tubbo arguing with ranboo

“oh good for you ranboo you're getting everything you want I mean you and y/n moved on easily the two of you bought a new house you both look happy and don't get me started on your career's taking off”

“goodbye tubbo”

ranboo left the call and opened the door

“oh boo”

you instantly pulled him into a hug, it was an extremely stressful time for the pair of you and you understood how painful it is arguing with someone who was once your best friend. every night the memory of Tommy blaming you for things that were out of your control and jack telling you to get out of the car haunted you however nothing compared to the way tubbo looked at you when you finally got home that night. he looked at you as though he never cared about the friendship the pair of you shared. of course, you never told ranboo about it keeping you up at night but he wasn’t stupid he knows you were still hurting even if it had been years since the fallouts happened

“why..why are they trying to get in contact again I was starting to feel like myself again”

“I don’t know…come lie with me on the couch for a while we can talk about anything you want”

the pair of you laid on the couch talking about what was going on and reasons why it was happening. ranboo decided he’d forgive the others if they contact him again however you were not as forgiving as they hurt you and your friend. eventually, his crying came to an end and he fell asleep holding onto you. you were falling asleep yourself until your phone buzzed.

Tommy: look y/n why don’t we all meet again, just come home

y/n: I am home I moved into a lovely house with ranboo and I sold the ‘home’ you’re talking about, now please stop contacting me tom I don’t want in my life anymore not only did you hurt me but you also hurt ranboo

Tommy: fine talk to tubbo

y/n: don’t add him...

*tubbo has been added to the group*

tubbo: hi y/n

y/n: you have 5 minutes to explain why you made ranboo cry.

tubbo: I don’t know what you mean

y/n: do you think you’re funny because oh boy do I have news for you.

Tommy: please just meet us one last time you can even bring ranboo

y/n: I was bringing ranboo anyway

tubbo: can I bring jack

Tommy: yes, see you where we always used to meet

y/n: ight see you Saturday

tubbo: see you Saturday I love you

y/n: please don’t say you love me tubbo. if you did we wouldn’t be in this situation.

you spent the rest of the night messing with ranboos hair you ended up accidentally waking him up however he pretended to be asleep before you could notice he was no longer asleep as he didn’t want this moment to end. however, you did occasionally hear him laugh quietly to himself

“Are you awake or am I hearing things”

he decided there was no point in lying as you were already questioning if he was awake and he was struggling to hold back his laughter so responded by tapping your waist signalling to you he was awake

“great..bad news we have to meet Tommy jack and tubbo on Saturday”

you watched as he quickly opened his eyes looking at you as though you had told him the best news ever

“heh?! actually? are you actually being serious right now”

“Unfortunately I am”

noticing you were unhappy about it he pulled you closer to him and spent the rest of the night explaining why it won’t be as bad as you’re expecting it to be and how it might actually be a good thing after all. a couple of hours later you fell asleep feeling a lot more comfortable with what was happening on Saturday ranboo fell asleep not long after, proud of his achievement. the days flew by, it was finally Saturday and you had mixed feelings about it, on one hand, you were somewhat excited about meeting them but on the other hand, you weren’t sure you were ready for them to enter your life again.

“I'm ill sorry ranboo you’ll have to go on your own”

“wowww real mature making me go all on my own…I thought we were best friends”

“I know you’re joking but I’d feel bad making you go alone give me five minutes and then I’ll be ready to go”

“here”

ranboo decided to throw one of his hoodies at you so you had something to wear that made you feel safe as he understood how overwhelming it’ll be to meet them again, five minutes later you got into the passenger's seat next to ranboo

“not feeling like driving hey”

“I will purposely drive around in circles to avoid meeting them”

“heh…are you okay are you actually okay seeing them, I don’t mind letting you stay home”

“I'm fine boo honestly now let’s go”

once you made it and began walking to meet them ranboo grabbed your hand. the only reason he ended up letting go was to talk to the others since Tommy pulled you into a tight hug not wanting to let you go the moment he saw the pair of you

“y/n I’m so sorry”

“I'm sorry too..”

Tommy spent a good few minutes frantically apologising to you for what happened and how he didn’t mean any of it. he was halfway through his speech about how he’s learned from his mistakes when tubbo spoke up.

“Tommy doesn’t keep y/n to yourself”

“sorry tubso”

you looked at tubbo not knowing what to say, it was evident that the pair of you were still hurt, he reached into his pocket grabbing a rock he found on the beach the other day

“here I found it the other day it reminded me of you”

“thank you I love it”

ranboo stood behind you wrapping an arm around you as he noticed you were starting to get upset. tubbo couldn’t believe how much you and ranboo had changed over the past years and it hurt him how close the pair of you had grown and the promise rings you and ranboo were currently wearing left him questioning whether that could have been him if he didn’t leave you both when it was clear you both needed him. jack spoke up next.

“hey, y/n..”

“nice to see you’re still bald manifold”

“Nice to see you haven’t changed. I’m sorry for what happened it hurt to see you go I was kind of hoping that you'd stay”

“oh jack it’s okay you were just trying to lighten up the situation I'm sorry I was so harsh”

a few months later the five of you were slowly but surely mending your friendship you all knew it would be difficult and take a long time to get back to how it was in the past but it would all be worth it

around a year since you met up again the five of you were closer than ever you were all streaming together again, constantly filming vlogs as a group. safe to say the wait was worth it, however, you and ranboo always wearing the promise rings you got for each still hurt tubbo

taglist

@milkydisaster @dumb-chaotic-bi-energy @uselesssapphickitten @l0ver0fj0y @etheriaaly @xx-smiley-xx @hawarun @kylobensgirl @cawcaw-pretty-thing @reverse-iak @renleicrashed @augustine-is-joy @c1loudee

[khaleesiofalicante]

Historical Inaccuracies

So, remember how we all yelled about Alec finding out about Magnus inventing the portals with Henry? Yeah, so it led to this ;)

You can read the fic here on ao3 too :)

“I’ll never get used to it,” Alec told his husband as they returned home from Cirenworth. “Sure, the runes are amazing. The angel blood is pretty cool. But portals. Damn!”

Magnus only chuckled, setting down the box of cookies Jem and Kit had baked for the kids.

“Sometimes I really pity the mundanes,” Alec continued, taking off his shoes and jacket. “I mean, we live in New York. I can’t imagine travelling without portals. Oof!”

“Alexander, you have been spoiled!” Magnus chuckled harder.

Alec winked at his husband. “I wish I could make portals. Then I can go anywhere I want anytime I want.”

“You 're married to a warlock. You already do,” Magnus pointed out. “Besides, you can’t make portals without a warlock. You need our magic and panache.”

“Clary can though,” Alec pouted. “How can she make portals without warlock magic? It doesn’t make sense.”

“She got herself to engaged to Jace,” Magnus pointed out. “A lot of things Clary does doesn’t make sense.”

Alec giggled at that and flopped down on the bed, his t-shirt discarded on the floor. Magnus walked sat down next to him.

“Alright, think of it this way,” Magnus said. “What Clary does, that’s pure magic. Straight from the angels. But what we do…It isn’t just magic, it’s also science.”

“Oh,” Alec said, propping his face on his palms.

“Henry created the portals only after tinkering with them for weeks. It was an experiment, you see? It was a combination of science and magic. While Clary’s powers are no doubt fascinating, I’ve always preferred warlock portals. It’s a combination of nature and nurture. A fine balance of how all things should be. Actually, back in the day-”

Magnus stopped abruptly, but only because Alec was giving the biggest heart eyes in the world.

“Stop it!” Magnus blushed.

“I can’t help it,” Alec grinned. “I love it when you talk about magic. It’s like watching Simon talk about movies or Jace talk about weapons, but 100 times better and it doesn’t make me want to jump off the balcony.”

Magnus laughed. “Anyways, I’m saying you’re right. Portals might be the coolest invention because they combine science and magic. See how much we can achieve when we allow to entertain mundane thoughts?”

Alec smiled. “I wish I was there when the first portal was made. It must have been so badass!!”

“It was actually rather terrifying,” Magnus said. “We were off to defeat Mortmain. We didn’t know if it would work. Knowing Henry, there was an equal chance of us ending up in the Thames. But it all worked ou-”

“Hold up,” Alec interrupted. “What do you mean ‘we’?”

Magnus blinked.

“Magnus,” Alec said. “Were you there when the first portal was made?”

“You’re welcome,” Magnus winked. “Now, what should we have for dinner? I’m craving ba-”

“I don’t understand,” Alec looked stunned. “I didn’t know. How could I have not known? I should have never slept during the history lessons!”

“You shouldn’t have,” Magnus chuckled softly. “If it’s any consolation, it wouldn’t have mattered if you’d been awake either. Contributions of warlocks such as myself are not usually a part of the Nephilim curriculum.”

Alec only stared. "But that's ridiculous. Surely it must be in the Codex. I remember there is an entire subsection on portals.”

“Alexand-” Magnus called, but Alec had already jumped off the bed and was going to Rafael’s room.

He came back a moment later, flipping through the pages furiously.

“The first successful portal was created in 1878, a collaboration between Henry Branwell, then head of the London Institute, and a warlock whose name history, unfortunately, does not record.”

Alec looked up from the book.

“This is bullshit. BULLSHIT!”

“Alec-”

“Whose name history unfortunately doesn’t record?” Alec repeated. “Well, that’s fucking convenient, isn’t it?”

“It’s just an oversight,” Magnus shrugged.

“This is outright bigotry and discrimination!” Alec yelled. “It’s racist!”

“Alec,” Magnus called. “Shh! You’ll wake up the kids.”

“Good! They should hear this! In fact, everyone should,” Alec took out his phone.

“What are you doing?” Magnus asked, getting up from the bed and walking to his husband quickly.

“I’m texting the group,” Alec said, punching the buttons as if he was punching a demon. “Everyone should know about this. I’m going to send mass fire messages to every shadowhunter-”

Magnus grabbed Alec’s phone away. “Darling, it’s midnight. You need to calm down.”

“Calm down?” Alec asked incredulously. “Magnus, I’m pretty sure, No-I’m 100% certain that none of us would be alive if it wasn’t for you. I’ve heard enough stories from Jem and Tessa to know what you have done. And this is what you get back in return?”

“I never did any of those things hoping I’d get something back in return,” Magnus pointed out. “It doesn’t matter to me.”

“But it does to me,” Alec replied. “It matters to me that your kindness is valued. It matters that your power is respected. It matters that your contribution is acknowledge. It does matter, Magnus.”

Magnus only sighed and sat down on the bed again. “What do you what me to do?”

“You don’t have to do anything,” Alec said, his voice softer now. “You’ve done enough and more. It’s us. Nephilim need to do better.”

“Nephilim need to do better,” Magnus chuckled softly. “Could be your slogan for a reelection campaign.”

“Magnus, I-” Alec faltered. “If this is the how the Clave operates, then I'm not sure I want to be a part of it.”

“Alec, no!” Magnus said forcefully. “Don’t you ever say that. Many Consuls wouldn’t have even bothered about this. You do. Shadowhunters need a leader like you.”

“Someone who didn’t even know his husband invented the portal?” Alec mumbled.

“Someone who gives a shit,” Magnus smiled. “Someone who cares – not just about the shadowhunters but about all of shadow world.”

They were quiet for a moment. The only sound in the apartment was the windchime from Max’s room.

“I’m sorry,” Alec said quietly. “I’m sorry they did this to you.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Magnus caressed his husband’s cheek. “It’s not your fault.”

“It isn’t,” Alec said. “But downworld erasure like this exists because no one bothered to question it. I did know a warlock helped Henry but I never bothered to look it up. It didn't matter to me.”

Magnus kissed Alec on the cheek. “It’s alright. I never cared for credit anyway.”

“I know, Magnus,” Alec smiled. “But I...I got the Codex from Rafe’s study table. I don’t want our son learning from a book that only documents half of what happened. It isn’t fair.”

Magnus’ face softened at that. “Okay. If it matters so much to you. Then I will talk to Rafael in the morning.”

“No,” Alec said. “This isn’t just about Rafe. It’s about all the kids.”

Alec looked away, as if he was ashamed.

“You know I wasn’t always like this. I was bigoted too – in my own way. And I think…If I had known…If someone had taught me, it would have helped. If shadowhunters had been taught history as it is, and how it should have been…We could have avoided wars. We could have avoided so much loss.”

“You could have,” Magnus said quietly. “It isn’t just warlocks who are erased. Faries, werewolves, vampires…even mundanes.”

Alec looked pained. “Ignorance breeds hatred. We can’t go on like this.”

“I agree, Alexander,” Magnus said. “But sending a mass fire messages in the middle of the night or spamming the group chat isn’t going to fix this. You said it yourself. This attitude is discriminatory. Discrimination and racism can’t be erased overnight. If you really want to fix this, then you need to sit down and think about this properly.”

Alec was quiet for a moment. A long one.

Then he held out his hand, clearly asking for his phone. Magnus sighed and gave it back.

He started pressing the buttons rapidly again before throwing the device on the bed. “Alright.”

“Did you just scream at the entire clave in all caps?” Magnus laughed, a little nervous.

“No,” Alec said, pulling Magnus into his arms. “Just texted Diego and Simon. I want to talk to them first thing in the morning.”

Magnus raised an eyebrow.

“I’m going to ask Simon to analyze the existing curriculum at the Academy. Catarina should help him. I want to know what the future generation is learning. I want to know how much of it is the truth,” Alec said. “And I’m going to ask Diego to put a team together to rewrite the codex.  We’ll make sure we have representatives from the downworld. If we are going to teach history, then it needs to be as accurate as possible. The Codex should be a book of truth, not carefully worded propaganda.”

“Lots of people might not like the truth,” Magnus said quietly.

Alec kissed him the forehead and shrugged. “Too bad. They picked me as the Consul. Now they gotta deal with it.”

Magnus laughed, his voice becoming softer as it was filled with unending happiness.

“Nobody gets left behind,” Alec promised. “Not this time.”

“Thank you,” Magnus smiled.

“For what?” Alec chuckled. “Giving a shit?”

Magnus shrugged and hugged his husband close, never wanting to let go.

“Thank you,” Alec whispered. “I know the Codex doesn’t say it. But thank you. For all that you do. For all that you are.”

[arolla-pine]

Not so oblivious anymore - p.11

Adrien knew it would be a hard day. After yesterday school trip, amnesia, kisses (those proven on the picture and those alleged) and the mysterious e-mail from himself he barely had fallen asleep.

What could it mean? And why Plagg chortled every time when Adrien started wondering aloud why he’d encouraged himself to date Marinette? That was totally illogical! Especially when his dream had finally come true – Ladybug had fallen in love with him and she kissed him! On the other hand… Was it possible that he’d kissed Marinette as well? Could it happen that he’d got wild, as Plagg joked?

He had no idea what he should think about it, so before he went to school he decided to stop thinking about it at all. Easier to decide than to do… He totally failed.

Because of Marinette.

When he saw her standing next to Alya and Nino at the school courtyard, he felt a strange sensation in his stomach and a flush on his cheeks. He couldn’t control it at all! At first, he wanted to hide in a bathroom until a school bell would force him to join the class. But he wasn’t so lucky – he was noticed by Nino, who greeted him from a distance. Adrien had no choice – reluctantly he came closer to the group of his friends.

“Hi…” he muttered.

“Hey…” Alya and Nino replied embarrassed. Marinette murmured something under her breath, avoiding his eyes.

He could explain why Alya and Nino acted that way – probably if he became a supervillain, he wouldn’t want to face his colleagues the next day – but he was clueless in case of Marinette. It occurred to him that maybe she remembered something from yesterday, maybe he’d done something inappropriate? What if he had kissed her? What if the e-mail wasn’t just a joke of someone who had took his phone? In that case Marinette had many reasons to feel uncomfortable in his company.

Yet there was something more… When he was standing so close to her, he couldn’t help glancing at her lips from time to time. There was something familiar in their shape, in the smell of her lip gloss and that got him more and more worried.

He felt his hands became sweaty immediately, and his blush darkened. It was like a torture!

“I wish this day ended already…” Alya muttered.

“It hasn’t begun for good yet…” Adrien replied under his breath.

“Some remorse for yesterday, dude?” Nino asked.

“What?” Adrien jumped in surprise. “No, not at all! Why- Why would I have any? No, no remorse. Why do you ask?”

Nino chuckled. He had never seen Adrien in such a mood before! It had to be something that had happened yesterday, and that made this sunshine boy uncomfortable. They didn’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to know that it was related to Marinette somehow. She was more embarrassed than usual, Adrien acted like his nerves were all on edge. And Nino really wanted to focus on anything but his own remorse.

“Actually, what were you doing yesterday, dude?” he asked curious.

“Me?” Adrien replied in a defensive tone. “I… I don’t remember… You shot me with your oblivion bullet.”

“I don’t remember we shot you…” Nino said slowly, winking at his girlfriend. “Do you, babe?”

“Same…” Alya smiled playfully. “We shot only those people at the door. And then only Ladybug and Cat Noir. No more victims, I guess…”

“I was at the door!” Adrien confirmed too quickly.

“Well…” Alya and Nino exchanged their glances.

Adrien felt like he was out of his depth. It was like a nightmare!

“How is it possible that you remember anything?” Marinette asked suddenly, distracting her friends. “Isn’t it like after purifying akumas supervillains don’t remember what they were doing when they were akumatised?”

“Have you ever been akumatised?” Alya asked immediately.

“Or seen Ladybug purifying akumas?” Nino added.

Marinette bit her lips not to smile. Oh, if only they knew! Fortunately her friend misunderstood her expression and noticed with satisfaction:

“Exactly! Besides… You haven’t told us either, what did you do yesterday.”

“I… don’t remember…” Marinette answered. “My mom told me that I’d come back home, but it’s impossible. It was a joke, I’m sure …” she added so quietly, that they barely heard her.

They were so focused on their conversation that they didn’t notice Miss Bustier approaching. She put her hands on Alya and Nino’s shoulders and said with a warm smile:

“I would like to talk to you before we begin our classes.”

They both blushed with embarrassment. If they thought that a short explanation in the bus yesterday had been enough, they’re were mistaken. Their teacher seemed to prepare something extra for them. Before they followed Miss Bustier, Alya glanced quickly at her best friend. Marinette could only smile compassionately and rose her thumb as if she wanted to say ‘Don’t worry, everything will be OK!’

Adrien was watching this from sideways. He felt like all those gestures were so familiar to him. Suddenly he noticed how Marinette looked like when she expressed the empathy to Alya. That was surprising to him to see her this way. Of course, he had known she was always a huge support for all her friends – he’d even called her once ‘everyday Ladybug’! Yet, he had judged her by her actions. He’d never watched her face expression or body language when she was doing that. He’d never noticed before how much warmth and positive emotions were in her eyes! He’d never realised how much he relied on her warmth and heartiness… Until now…

That made him concerned. Why being so close to her made him uncomfortable? Why did he feel…? Well… He didn’t even know what he could name those feelings! Did he let the mysterious e-mail influence his perception? Even though he had already decided to treat it as a joke or a spam, he suddenly felt an impulse to check if he was wrong.

“Er… Marinette?” he asked in a whisper.

She jumped embarrassed and glanced at him blushed.

“Y-Yes?”

“Uh… Just wondering… Do you remember anything during Oblivio?”

“No, actually.” She shook her head. “My parents told me I came back home and I brought a really good friend with me. But it’s a nonsense, right?” she chuckled nervously, and Adrien thought that his heart would beat right out of his chest!

“Haha! Right! Totally a nonsense…” he laughed uneasily.

Suddenly they both looked at each other in concern. As if they had no idea what the other knew. And how to collect all the puzzles of the past, that evidently had taken place, in a logic whole.

Just wanted to apologise you had to wait for so long, but I was on the business trip all the week, and had no time for writing... Thank you for your patience!

A.

P.S. Just checked Adrinette April 2019 and it looks like it fits Day:3 Embarrassing, Day 21: Nightmare and Day 26: Civilian Heroes... @adrinetteapril :-)

Not so oblivious anymore p.10  <-  Previous part  |  Next part  ->  Not so oblivious anymore p.12 

Start reading from the beginning

[daeguverse]

Look up at the stars, I’m one of them.

Summary:

“Namjoon.”

“What?”

“You broke the transmitter again.”

“What?!”

“Yeah you screwed us and the couple hundred people who were tuning in to us.”

Namjoon stood up. “We don’t have any spare parts?”

“Dipshit we used up the spare parts from the last time you broke the transmitter!”

“Oh.”

**

Basically a post-apocalyptic AU where the boys try to survive.

———————————

Chapter 1

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Today consisted of scattered acid rain throughout the day, which is expected to continue well into the night. We recommend staying in shelter to avoid the weather. Remember, the water is not safe. If anyone is listening, our coordinates are at 37.5° North, 127° East. As always, wander safely. Now, about bomb safety...

Jungkook rummaged through the wooden desk. A couple of souvenirs, some papers from God knows when, and a hell of a lot of dust. He sighed as he glanced around lazily, taking note of the upturned furniture and broken glass littering the floor. He figured some other wanderers had already beaten him to this house, had taken all of the food and water. Great. He opened the last drawer and rummaged some more.

“Huh. Who knew I was gonna find this today.”

Jungkook smiled softly. Cassette tapes filled the drawer to the brim. He grabbed one and held it up to his lips, blowing the dust away. Some of the tapes looked homemade while others looked more professional, but it didn’t matter to Jungkook. He grabbed a handful, placed them in his rucksack, stood up, took the small radio off the floor, and placed it on top of the desk.

“And remember, ladies and gentlemen, if you see a bright flash of light, duck and cover!”

He paused the radio and placed the cassette inside. After a couple seconds of silence, a few singing voices echoed throughout the building. Jungkook grinned. He turned the volume up, grabbed the radio, and walked towards the entrance of the house. The only sounds being the women’s calm voices and Jungkook’s footsteps. He reached the door and turned the knob.

“...then tell him that his lonesome nights are over. Sandman, I'm so alone...“

~~~~~

Jimin rubbed the stick between his palms faster, causing a thin trail of smoke to form. The friction between his hands hurt, but he could smell the dry grass burning. He didn’t think this was going to work, granted he was never taught how to make a fire in school, but from the smoke forming and the smell, he had a pretty good feeling about it. He just needed to keep going, just a little faster until—

A flame.

“Woah, Taehyung! Bring the paper, quickly!”

The other boy dropped the rocks he had been carrying and disappeared into a small hut, only to reapper with a handful of papers. He ran up to Jimin, who was blowing softly against the flame.

“Oh my gosh, you actually did it!” Taehyung exclaimed. He dropped a small sheet into the fire, and immediately it grew bigger. The two boys grinned.

“Finally,” Taehyung said, “we can actually heat up our food and water.” He grabbed the rocks that he dropped previously and circled them around the fire while Jimin opened a black backpack.

“Which one do you want?”

Taehyung peered into the bag, pursed his lips, and reached inside to grab a can labeled “SPAM”.

“Aww I wanted that one!”

“Too bad I already picked it out.”

“But I told you when we got it that I was gonna save it for myself!”

Taehyung grabbed the backpack from Jimin, and took out a small skillet.

“We’ll split it in half then, okay?”

Taehyung fed sticks into the fire. He then placed the skillet in between the rock formation and opened the can of spam. He plopped it onto the skillet.

“Taehyung! You have to cut it first! You can’t just cook it like that.”

“Well why not? It’s gonna have to cook either way!”

Jimin grabbed his pocket knife and stuck it into the fire a few seconds before pulling it out and cutting the spam into thin strips.

“Listen, if you’re going to do something, do it right. Go get some water while this starts to cook,” ordered Jimin.

Taehyung pouted. “We’re the same age, but you’re bossing me around. Why can’t you go get the water this time?”

Jimin sighed and stopped cutting. “You know what?” Jimin stood up. “Fine. I’ll go get the water and you’ll cook the spam. If it burns or turns out bad, it’s not my fault, okay?”

Before giving Taehyung a chance to speak, Jimin turned around, grabbed their water bucket, and walked towards the lake. It wasn’t far, about a two minute walk from their set up. But that didn’t stop Jimin from mumbling under his breath with gritted teeth. Why didn’t Taehyung know how to do anything? Jimin was the one who built the hut, who started the fire, who cooked, and Taehyung just stands there, doing nothing productive. Jimin arrived at the lake, and he dipped the bucket into the water, immediately filling it up. The lake was clear, to the point where the rocks at the very bottom could be seen. But he knew that it wasn’t safe. Radiation clings to water like a magnet, or so he was told. But he didn’t tell Taehyung that. He didn’t want Taehyung to worry. Because even though Tae might be a pain in the neck and not know how to do much, that boy sure does know how to worry. And, Jimin thought, Taehyung shouldn’t have to worry about more things. He’s already worried about whether there‘d be enough food for the week, and is terrified of letting Jimin down, not to mention his fear of finding rogue wanderers. Honestly all Jimin wanted was for the boy to feel at least some peace. He deserved it, even if he was annoying sometimes. Jimin took a deep breath and listened. No noise other than rustling of leaves.

Wait.

No noise other than leaves? Usually the faint cries of insects could be heard in the background. But not now. Jimin’s stomach dropped. Carefully, he lowered the bucket onto the ground, and got on all fours, careful not to make a sound. The grass was tall, which was not exactly bad, but not good either. He won’t be seen, but he wouldn’t be able to see that far either. Shit. He wanted to run, everything in his body burned for him to run away, to get out of this space. But Jimin knew he needed to control himself. Running meant motion, noise. Creating noise... no. He needed to do the opposite of that. Go quietly.

So, Jimin did just that. On all fours, he crawled.

~~~~~

The only sounds Seokjin heard came from under the soles of his shoes as he walked, leaves crunching with each step he took. His grip tightened around the compass he held as he walked. It felt like he would never stop walking. He couldn’t. Not when he knew his older brother was out there somewhere, fighting to stay alive. They promised they would meet in Seoul, and Seokjoong never breaks his promises. But it was difficult for Seokjin being alone. Getting food and water was important, yes, but those things weren’t priorities. Finding Seokjoong came first. That was a given, especially after what happened when he and his brother separated.

They had been crammed into a bus, practically on each other’s laps, confused, and surrounded by other people equally cramped. Seokjin felt like he was suffocating. It reaked of sweat and dirt, and a child screamed somewhere in the back. Luckily he and Seokjoong were sitting down, unlike those unfortunate enough to have to stand. Seokjin glanced at his brother.

“Seokjoong, why do you keep looking at that?”

“I think,” Seokjoong hesitated, “we’re going to Osan...”

“Osan?”

Seokjin knew his brother. From the way he studied the map and compass, looking out the window every couple of minutes, then back at the map, he sensed his brother’s anxiety. Seokjoong rubbed the back of his head.

“You know they said we’re being taken to Seoul, right?” Seokjin replied, with a nervous laugh at the end. Seokjoong didn’t say anything. Instead, he looked forward at the bus driver, lips forming a straight line.

“Seokjoong?”

“I don’t trust this. I have a bad feeling.”

There wasn’t exactly much that Seokjin, or Seokjoong for that matter, could do. The bus practically overflowed with people, sitting and standing. The two brothers sat towards the front, close to the door, but with this amount of people, actually getting to the door from their position would mean having to trample everyone in front of them. And they sat too far from the emergency exit to have that as an option. Seokjin felt trapped. And if Seokjoong didn’t trust wherever they were being taken, neither did Seokjin.

“Well uh,” Seokjin said, swallowing a lump in his throat, “what do you want to do?”

Seokjin couldn’t read his brother’s expression. Seokjoong’s face looked oddly calm, his brows that were furrowed a couple minutes earlier were now relaxed. His jaw unclenched, the crinkles in his forehead erased. But his lips remained in that straight line. Seokjoong leaned into Seokjin’s ear.

“I’m not saying this to scare you, but I have a bad feeling for when we get off the bus. I feel like wherever we are going won’t be good. Just hold on to me and don’t say a word, okay?”

Seokjin felt his face go cold. He never heard his brother speak that way before, in such a low, serious tone. Seokjoong had always been playful, relaxed, go-with-the-flow. But seeing Seokjoong like this made warning signals go off in Seokjin’s mind. He wondered what made his brother so skeptical about the situation. Yes, they were shoved into a bus, yes maybe the amount if people here might not be considered “ideal,” but they were told they were being taken to Seoul. That it‘s safer there. Seokjin gave his brother a confused face, and his brother sighed.

“If we were actually going to Seoul, we would’ve gotten there already. We’ve been here for half an hour when we should’ve gotten there 15 minutes ago.”

Almost if on cue, the bus stopped.

“Everyone,” the bus driver announced through the speakers, “please exit the bus in an orderly fashion and wait outside for further instructions.”

The bus doors opened and, as expected, people pushed each other to get out first. Seokjin clutched onto his brother’s arm.

“Seokjoong!”

“Just sit here and let them go first.”

People shoved and yelled, each trying to leave before the other. It felt surreal, like a scene out of a movie. But Seokjin held onto his older brother. It didn’t take long for everyone to exit, and Seokjoong stood up and lead Seokjin outside. They had stopped in front of a brick building.

“Seokjoong...”

“Shh, just take this.”

Seokjoong discreetly handed his younger brother the map he held before, along with a small compass. Seokjin scrunched his brows together and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the bus driver again, this time holding up a megaphone.

“Everyone standing here is going to be taken inside for a physical examination, to ensure public health and safety. Please, calmly follow me.”

Seokjin felt his heart pound and glanced at his brother. Seokjoong bit his lips and ran a hand through his hair as they were lead inside the small one-story building.

“I have a feeling,” Seokjin said, hesitating, “that we aren’t going to have physicals in there.”

Seokjoong lowered his voice. “Stand behind me.”

Seokjin felt his breath hitch in his throat. He clenched his jaw and tightened his grip on Seokjoong’s shirt. Seokjoong turned around. “I know you’re scared, but don’t worry. I won’t let anything hurt you.”

“Okay,” Seokjin said, his voice trembling slightly. Seeing Seokjoong’s face go soft for him gave Seokjin comfort. He slowly lessened his grip and let go of his older brother’s shirt.

They were led into the building, the inside being a wide area, taking up the entire space. The lights were dim and yellow, the floors grimey and wooden and creaked under every person’s step. Seokjoong’s eyes widened as he stared at the ceiling. He turned to Seokjin.

“Listen. When I give you the cue, you run out of here, go as fast as you can and don’t look back.” Seokjin opened his mouth to protest, but Seokjoong cut him off. “Run until you can’t anymore, and then make your way to Seoul. We’ll meet there, I promise. Just use the map and the compass.” Seokjin couldn’t even argue, because on that note, Seokjoong turned and sprinted to the front of the crowd. He shoved his way towards the bus driver, and grabbed the man’s shirt and kicked him in his gut, causing him to double over. People gasped, but Seokjoong grabbed the megaphone out of the bus driver’s grip.

“We’re going to die here! Don’t you see above you? They’ll gas us! Run!”

Seokjin’s eyes widened. People ran all around him, and he tried looking for his brother. Seokjin pushed people, making his way to the front. He found Seokjoong and they locked eyes. Other men appeared, wearing gas masks and holding guns. One of them detained Seokjoong. But Seokjoong didn’t protest. Instead, he smiled, and nodded to Seokjin. The cue. That was the cue. Tears welled in his eyes as he turned around, screaming and running out of the building, dodging everyone around him while clutching onto the map and compass. He didn’t know where he was going. He just ran, like Seokjoong told him to. He ran despite having tears blurring his vision, despite hearing shots in the background, despite the burn in his legs. He ran only because of one thing.

Seokjoong never breaks his promises.

[taeguboi]

So Far Away PART 10

Ah, would you look at that! I found the time for another part in this series! Idk I guess I just got more ideas about where the plot was gonna go and sort of wrote on a roll... Hope you guys enjoy and can anticipate a part 11!

Masterlist // 01 / 02 / 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08 / 09

“So Yoongs, it’s been a while since we’ve both managed to have a day off at the same time, hasn’t it?” Seokjin poses from the kitchen as he tries to make conversation with his friends who are currently lounging in his living room this cloudy Wednesday afternoon.

“Yeah, I suppose it has been…” responds Yoongi, not really caring for the programme on the TV that the others - Namjoon, Jimin and Taehyung - are watching.

“Trust me Jimin, by the time I’m done with these, the pouty bitch will forgive you in no time!” Seokjin confidently asserts as he puts the tray of raw cookies into the oven.

“A little harsh perhaps but ah… I hope so” sighs Jimin, resting on the shoulder next to him, Taehyung’s. “What's it been, like a week now since anyone has heard from him?”

“Possibly a bit less but yeah, I think we're all a little concerned now” replies Seokjin, pushing the heated door shut and finally throwing off the apron to join his buddies in the living room.

It wasn’t unusual to Seokjin that Jimin and Namjoon would be out of the university building around this time of the week because they’d spam his phone with messages whilst he would be trying to work, or they’d decide it’d be convenient to just show up at the cafe instead, but Yoongi was usually in a college lecture and Seokjin’s shifts just so happened to fall on most Wednesdays. Thankfully, the lecture got cancelled and Seokjin’s rota had been kind on him.

“I don’t believe I’ve tried any of your recipes before Seokjin” Taehyung decides to mention as he spots the elder coming into the room.

Seokjin turns to Taehyung with confusion as he takes a place on the couch next to him. “You ordered food from my cafe the other day, remember?... and then you ordered like three more dishes!”

“Oh yeah! So I did!” Taehyung grins dopily. “... and they were all so delicious!”

“I’ve never seen a man eat so much!” Namjoon comments with a chuckle.

“Wait! YOU made those?!” Taehyung unknowingly asks Seokjin in shock, pinning his hands to the couch as if he's just been given a major life epiphany, causing the other four boys to bow their heads into a facepalm in one what is yet to be many of Taehyung’s “blonde moments”. Of course, the boy's hair wasn't actually blonde, nor has it been dyed at the moment, but… it was certainly a moment.

“Oh” Taehyung realizes, noting everyone's reactions to what he just said, slouching back into the couch.

“...What can I say? Nights out work me up a super appetite the next day!” Taehyung informs to divert, throwing an arm around Jimin’s shoulder.

“Yeah, and let’s divert from talking about that night again!” Yoongi chimes in with a nervous laugh followed by silence and expressions of confusion from the others. “Well, you know…” Yoongi begins to explain, feeling extremely awkward as the boys look at him with confusion and he wonders why it was such a good idea to speak up suddenly like that about that night that his friend Jimin is so badly wanting to make amends about. “I guess it was alright that you guys all got laid, but I wound up back home within an hour tending to an injury… and I did not get laid!” he laughs, trying to steer away from a still sore topic… whoops.

“So Seokjin…” Taehyung diverts. “How about letting me try one of those when they come out the oven, huh?” he requests with a huge childlike grin.

“Nuh-uh” Seokjin disagrees. “That entire tray is to give to Jimin only… and has anyone ever taught you manners kid?”

Taehyung tries his best to avoid the gentle clap around the ear that Seokjin is about to give him past Jimin’s head, but fails miserably, getting hit much harder than the elder had planned.

“Okay… ‘suppose that was my fault for flinching” Taehyung says, cowering a little to lean his head on Jimin’s shoulder now instead.

“Oh dear ‘Jin; I hope you’re not planning to be this brutal to my boyfriend when I leave” chuckles Jimin. “I've only had this one for a week! I can’t have you scaring him off, I mean look at him; do you honestly think I’ll ever do any better?”

“True, true… I suppose that’s the best you’re gonna get when I’m already taken” Seokjin jests, winking in Namjoon’s direction.

“So modest(!)” Jimin sarcastically remarks.

“Don’t act like you’ve never thought about it” jokes Seokjin, earning an exasperated sigh from Yoongi.

***

It’s been days since Jeongguk has managed to have a proper conversation with anyone. Yoongi has understandably been way too busy with college work, so once he comes home everyday, Jeongguk can barely get a word in before the elder housemate wants to go to bed. Namjoon and Seokjin have too much on their plates too, and even if they didn’t, they’re probably sick of Jeongguk’s shit anyway. He’s certainly too stubborn to be the first to talk to Jimin after all the drama that went on the other night… Sure, maybe he’s in the wrong for doing what he did, but did Jimin really have to hit him and so hard?

The gym has become Jeongguk’s second home in times of late; it’s the only place whereupon he can release his frustrations - and get away properly. As for uni lectures, they’ve become forgotten and his schedule is on the road to becoming nocturnal. Restless nights overthinking and not falling asleep til daylight the next morning, then waking up at noon for breakfast, eating a fat load of cereal, hitting the gym, returning way after everyone’s working day has ended just for the purpose of avoiding conversations he doesn’t want to have, hitting the shower and then doing it all over again. Jeongguk figures it must be purely the exercise that is stopping him from falling into a deep depression or becoming a complete recluse… Deep depression(!) Yep, I’m fucking ridiculous now, thanks Hoseok!

The time on the clock situated next to Jeongguk’s bed reads 01:07PM - still not quite waking up time for him, in other words. So the young boy is rather startled to hear a sharp knocking on the main door.

Not without a groan, Jeongguk rises hesitantly out of bed, rubbing his heavy eyes and then the stubble he hasn’t bothered to shave off his face. The boy takes a glance at the time and responds with an ‘ugh’.

Gown on to cover the fact that he’s only wearing underwear and hasn’t bothered with clean pyjamas for several days, he exits his room and makes his way to the door, only to find a thick envelope hanging out the letterbox, and upon opening the door, no one on the other side.

“What the fuck?” mutters Jeongguk as he snatches the item out of the letterbox. Inspecting the item, his mood goes from a neutral annoyed to just plain miserable again as he realizes what the package is; some stupid small gift he was going to leave on Hoseok’s pillow one night or something like that. Usually, Jeongguk would probably rip the item out of the envelope and toss it across the room out of pure anger, but he figures it’s not worth it. And besides, it’s not like he’s pented up his frustrations this time like he usually does. He could swear he’s actually trying this time.

“Why the fuck would you knock on the door if you ain’t gonna stay there?” he grumbles, picking up a bunch of mail that seems to have fallen to the floor also.

Flicking through the mail to see if there’s anything for him, he continues to quietly ramble about being woken “Stupid postman…”

What Jeongguk fails to pay attention to though is the quiet, almost silent, opening of the door behind him and the face the peaks cautiously from behind.

“Nothing for me, of course…”

“Actually, I think there’s an order for you that arrived slightly late” the voice courageously speaks up.

That voice. It’s unmistakable. I’m going nuts thinks Jeongguk as he turns around, expecting the voice that resembles Jimin’s to be all in the mind… but it isn’t. There stands the best friend he lost to a meaningless one night stand and Jeongguk’s heart sinks.

“I suppose there’s something you forgot to tell me” is all Jeongguk can say because that’s the only reason in his mind that Jimin would want to come back.

“I suppose there is, kind of” Jimin replies. “I-I… haven’t seen you around lately in class so I er…”

“Just spit it out” Jeongguk demands, followed by a uncharacteristic “Please” voiced quietly.

“I do have stuff to say,” Jimin continues. “But it’s not what you think… besides, if I had nothing nice to say, I’d have probably done it over the phone this time in fear of getting punched back… Dude, I’m really sorry for lashing out at you like that…”

“I’m the one that didn’t listen Chim” admits Jeongguk, head hanging in shame.

Now this surprises Jimin greatly. All Jimin was expecting from Jeongguk is that he’d make Jimin leave the cookies and go because he doesn’t really wanna talk yet at the same time, he’s obviously only been living on whatever is in the house currently over the past couple of days.

Jeongguk turns away from facing Jimin slightly so he can continue but without looking too weak or defeated or whatever appearance or emotion it is that his ego doesn’t want to let through. “I’ve been too involved and wrapped up in my own emotions and I  got selfish and ignorant; you were right to do it… Also, you wouldn’t have been able to call me anyway…”

“Uh, why?” Jimin questions, still amazed at Jeongguk’s use of vocabulary to describe himself. Now there has been many a time that deep down, Jimin could throw a fit at Jeongguk for being selfish and for being ignorant… Last week, though extreme you might say, was the first time Jimin had ever confronted these thoughts that Jeongguk might be selfish and / or ignorant. Yes, the lash out happened only because what Jeongguk did affected Jimin directly and negatively for once, but he wasn't exactly expecting this from his younger friend.

“Why?” responds Jeongguk. “‘Threw my phone in anger the other night and smashed it against the wall, didn’t I?” Jeongguk tells him.

“Ah, of course you did” smiles Jimin, forever aware of Jeongguk’s antics and realizing how much he’s missed hanging out with his mad friend.

“Why are you here?” asks Jeongguk defensively.

“I, erm… Brought this for you…”

“Really?” Jeongguk asks in disbelief, wondering why Jimin is being so kind to him… could this be a trick? Wait, what's in the box?

“Cookies for Gukkie?” Jimin smiles, as if he can read Jeongguk’s though process. The elder hands forward the box of sugary treats and it feels to him as though his arms are hanging there for minutes longer than they in fact are.

“For real?” Jeongguk asks with anticipation inside, now failing to believe those thoughts that Jimin might be pranking him.

“For real, brother” Jimin assures as Jeongguk takes the box from his hands.

Slowly but surely, Jeongguk opens the box to have a taste of one of the biscuits.

“How are they?” asks Jimin hopefully.

“‘Seokjin make these?”

“Yeah… I would’ve done something myself but we all know how useless I am at making things” sighs Jimin.

“Dude, this is gay” Jeongguk states, trying not to let an appreciative and relieved crumb filled smile come out.

“So that means we’re good?”

In a sigh of defeat from trying to keep up some sort of fight, Jeongguk puts the cookies down to rest on the arm of the sofa nearby and approaches Jimin. The big hug that follows tells Jimin everything he needs to know without a single word being spoken by his friend.

***

“Well that went miserably,” Namjoon comments as he and Yoongi take a walk down to a store nearby Seokjin’s.

“Tell me about it” huffs Yoongi, throwing his hood over his head despite the alright weather.

“You need to tell the guys at some point Yoongs, or those two are only gonna get encouraged to get back together or do whatever it is they do…”

“I know, I know… but it's like, how? I stayed quiet for so long to help them with… actually, why was I doing it?”

“Because you care…”

“Ah, don't remind me”

***

An unknowing Hoseok makes his way back to the dorm after attending his second class of the week. He is determined to get back on track with his life goals, and some boy shouldn't have even gotten in the way of that in the first place, he figures.

To be honest, the other night, if he hadn't have already had a big enough realization, the program in the background on the tv he was relaxing in front of whilst catching up with paperwork certainly did, or rather, it certainly helped.

Ceasing to type away furiously at his laptop to meet that one deadline he'd previously forgotten about, the story-line in the soap drama towards the end of the week had caught his attention. See, there was a girl telling her dad she didn't want to go to a university because of the boy she's in love with. Hoseok hadn't really been paying attention to anything before that but from the bit of context he was given as he began to gradually gain an awareness of the background noise, it seemed that the boy whom the young girl was after had little or no interest in her. In other words, he didn't care, not really.

Hoseok found himself quietly yelling at the screen as the girl rejects the pamphlet for a prestigious place of learning which her dad tries to give her and runs off upstairs to her bedroom though she must be well into her early twenties.

“You're gonna just waste your potential like that?!? What the actual fuck?”

“Alright mate?” questioned Yoongi, who was just coming in to the dorm, laptop bag in hand of course and appearing as knackered as ever.

Hoseok sat himself up straight to face his pending document and replied with a contented sigh. “Yeah… Everything is fantastic” he told a confused Yoongi as he began to type away again with confidence.

He'd done so much with himself that to Hoseok the past several days since seemed to have passed in just hours. So when Hoseok pushes down that door handle to calmly enter the dorm now, his mood changes from that laid back and collected mode to something a bit more anxious as he registers his first sight inside the place; one he wasn’t at all expecting.

“So yeah,” Jimin begins to Jeongguk. “Basically I woke up, and….” Jimin takes one look at who has just entered to dorm and he can't seem to find it in him to finish his sentence.

“I see you guys made up” Hoseok comments at the obvious, noting the takeaway order and playing cards on the table. “That's nice” he continues.

“Uh, yeah…” replies Jimin nervously, suddenly having a small flashback of being wasted that night last week and treating Hoseok as though he were Jimin’s best mate. This was never true however, purely because of all the angst that continued to go down between Jeongguk and Hoseok, and the thought sends a small feeling of guilt to Jimin as though he betrayed Jeongguk in some way despite the events prior that night.

“Oh come on, what's your point?” Jeongguk aggressively questions, just wanting to ground to either swallow himself or Hoseok up. This is really bad timing to Jeongguk. Why the fuck did Hoseok have to come back just as amends are being made between himself and Jimin? Jeongguk swears it's almost like the elder has done this on purpose…

“I dunno.... I haven't seen you around much…” Hoseok begins with uncertainty.

“What d’ya want?” interrupts Jeongguk, clearly still unimpressed with Hoseok’s appearance… even though they both live here.

“To be friends, actually” Hoseok eventually speaks out. “It might sound like a stupid idea, but the point is…”

“There's no point... ‘actually’” Jeongguk asserts. “Save it, because… I'm moving out.”

“Huh?” both Jimin and Hoseok ask in surprise.

“Yeah, I'm moving in… with Jiminie here!” Jeongguk decides - in that very moment… without even discussing it with or asking Jimin.

“‘Guk!” exclaims Jimin quietly with gritted teeth. ‘What the fuck are you doing Jeongguk?’ is what’s running inside Jimin’s mind.

“Yeah yeah I know, we weren't going to say anything until I was certain but it's definitely what I want now” Jeongguk continues.

“W-well…” Hoseok stutters, still in surprise. “If that's what you want then… I'm glad for you…”

“Hang on a minute!” Jimin butts in. Trying his best not to expose Jeongguk for his bullshitting, Jimin attempts to divert Jeongguk away from this whimsical decision; he loves his friend, but he could never for the life of him live with Jeongguk… “This idea about being friends, Jeongguk!” he continues, jaw still stiff from gritting his teeth. “I thought we were going to try and make amends first before you make any rash decisions!”

Jimin’s look of disapproval goes ignored by Jeongguk who is still set on what he believes is only a little idea. “Nope! I've made my choice. I don't trust that his intentions are to just be civil…”

“Jeongguk, just hear me out…” Hoseok suggests.

“Come on Guk, you should at least listen to him…” agrees Jimin, desperate to get this so called arrangement forgotten about.

“Fine” huffs Jeongguk, only giving Hoseok the time of day because Jimin said so. “Though I can't imagine there's anything left to say.”

“Will you just quit being stubborn for one minute so we can resolve this?” Hoseok enquires, finally allowing himself to get worked up again.

“See? He just came back to have a go…” sulks Jeongguk.

“Right” Jimin asserts, leaving his seat. “I'm off to the shop to get a few things. I'll be fifteen minutes; sort it!”

It's a big risk, but Jimin practically storms out the front door, leaving Jeongguk and Hoseok to their own devices.

A silence fills the air but Hoseok eventually manages to speak, determined.

“I'm not going to go out of my way to convince you otherwise because you have your own mind but I can assure you there's no need to move out”

“What's it to you?” asks Jeongguk, resting back onto the couch, arms crossed, awaiting explanation.

“Well, it shouldn't have to come to this…” Hoseok begins. “Come on, the only issue - which can easily be solved - is that we were never just friends.”

“Where's this coming from?” asks Jeongguk, leaning forward again and becoming rather restless as he faces downwards to the rug on the floor. “I know you Hoseok… you would never usually want to be so… so… open?”

“Let’s just say I spoke to a friend...” Hoseok explains, thinking back to that day at the cafe with Taehyung. “That’s partly it... And I think I know why I used to refuse to loosen up…” he continues, taking a place on the couch next to one Jeongguk is sat on. “I didn't wanna let my guard down completely ever so I guess I almost became a different person.”

“I still don't know why you got so angry at me and stormed out like that the last time we… saw each other.” Jeongguk tells the elder, gradually looking up and managing to face him.

“Look, I have things I'm annoyed about, but I'm starting to think they were mostly misunderstandings…” Hoseok continues, shuffling along the couch to get nearer in the hope that it might encourage a connection in this uncertain topic of conversation. “I've become an extremely defensive guy, particularly around you, meaning this whole ‘having fun’ thing clearly wasn't meant to be… I think you’ll agree that we both changed too much for our own good...”

“Will you at least explain, out of all the arguments we've had, what the last one was about?” Jeongguk questions with a frustrated hand flung in the air and back down.

“I don't think I can… not completely anyway. I think you can agree that we've both screwed each other over a lot and messed with each other's heads…”

“Got that right!” sasses Jeongguk, still annoyed at the thought of that morning last week when Hoseok left him hanging and stormed out without explanation.

“So... let's start anew” Hoseok requests, drawing closer to Jeongguk once more until they boys are face to face and on the edges of their respective couches.

Jeongguk can't help but disregard most of what Hoseok is saying as he gets a look into the eyes that he hates to admit he's missed looking into. He kind of wants to consider the whole friendship idea but sometimes the heart speaks over the mind and the only thing he can think about is those lips.

***

Exiting the convenience store, Jimin is nothing but frustrated. How could Jeongguk just announce that without even speaking a word to him about t first? Moving out? To Jimin’s place? How would that even work? There'd be so much to sort out, and although it might not be so for Jeongguk, this would change Jimin’s everyday life completely!

Though Jimin may not want to admit it, Guk can be a bit of a handful at times, being the restless muscle pig he is… taking the boy in would definitely prove to be a challenge. Yes, they do have much in common but at the same time, they're opposites; Jimin wants to settle down now and spend nights in getting to know more about his new love interest, whereas Jeongguk in this rough patch is definitely gonna want to be out ripping it up every night… and who else is fool enough to take it upon themselves to look after him?

To: Tae Tae

You still at Seokjin’s?

‘I can’t be bothered to go back’

***

“You know what?” Yoongi rhetorically asks Namjoon. “I can’t be arsed with it anymore” he announces, flicking the ash from his fag onto the pavement as he and Namjoon lounge about outside of Seokjin’s house.

“I think you might need a night out then, in that case” Namjoon encourages.

“Right. How’s tonight for you?” asks Yoongi.

“Fine…” sighs Namjoon despite his schedule tomorrow.

“But just… just a few of us” Yoongi adds.

“Sure” Namjon assures. “Four’s a good number, right?”

Yoongi nods at the suggestions, finally finishing his cigarette and stomping on the end.

The two head back into Seokjin’s place and Namjoon continues “Right. A friend each; I’ll bring ‘Jin and you bring whoever you want?”

“Sounds good”

***

“How about… I compromise” suggests Jeongguk to Hoseok, reaching out a hand to rest on his with what could be read as affection.

“Huh?” Hoseok questions with confusion, yet he doesn't move his hand away.

“I'm still gonna move out, but… Let's start anew tomorrow…”

“I’m lost” Hoseok tells Jeongguk.

“There's a few hours left today; that's enough time for me to pack some things, and…” Jeongguk confidently leans forward to plant a gentle kiss on Hoseok’s loose lips that still part open a little from confusion “... It's enough time to maybe… have one last time?”

“I don't think that's a good idea, Guk…”

“Come on… You won't have to face me the next morning… I'll even let you be a big boy and you can be my…”

“For a start, I don't want any of that weird shit we used to do; that's where the confusion partly lies…”

“So… that wasn't a no… I mean, you know, about the rest?” Jeongguk asks, hiding the smile that wants to emerge on his face.

“I don't know…”

“It'll be a positive end of a chapter… if you make it positive?” Jeongguk smiles,  rubbing his thumb over Hoseok’s limp hand which responds upon this movement to grip the youngers hand.

Hoseok doesn't reply with words. Instead, he lets a silence come between them again as he ponders for a few seconds before deciding he'd probably shoot himself for not taking this last opportunity to be intimate with Jeongguk one last time. With a sting in his eyes, he plants a kiss on a responsive Jeongguk’s lips, figuring he'd only be wondering what could have happened if he doesn't do this - there might even be a regret.

Unable to take the distance that the arms of the couches have between them, Jeongguk moves over to Hoseok, hovering over the elder as he remains standing to engage in another kiss. Jeongguk pulls Hoseok up towards him as their lips are planted together and the make out that follows is their most passionate and tender yet.

Hoseok softly places a hand onto Jeongguk’s chest as the latter runs his tongue between the former’s lips to indicate he wants to go further with this kissing session. Both boys are smiling into the kisses, and gradually, they begin to explore each other's bodies, signalling that they should move on and out of the sitting room.

Jeongguk takes Hoseok’s hand, leading him to his (Jeongguk’s) bedroom, Jimin is completely forgotten about and Jeongguk slams the door shut.

PART 11 here

Again, I really want to thank any new followers [which I somehow seem to still be acquiring] for hitting that button and thank you to anyone who might have only recently discovered some of my older reaction posts and liked those too!

Additionally, I apologize if this feels like another filler part but I promise this is a build up to something more interesting [I think, I hope lmao]

[jinkisbelly]

Hourglass 2/2

Pairing: Onkey in all forms and ways ^-^, and side jongho

Word Count: 22,824 (gonna break it down into two parts so it isn’t too long)

Rating: Pg-13, some NC-17

Warnings: A few main character deaths in past lifetimes, Transgender lifetime, a mention of abuse

Summary: Just shy of his 28th birthday Kibum realizes the detailed dreams plaguing his nights the last few months are actually memories of his past lives, tethering him to another soul throughout time and space. He feels like he’s running out of sand in the hourglass of this lifetime to find them.

first part 

special thanks to my muffin ( @subbyjonghyun) and sugarplum ( @tofnew) for putting up with my spam and helping me get through writing this. Couldn’t have finished without you both <3

           Jinki: I’m so excited for tonight

           Kibum smiled softly at the message scrolling across the top of his phone, but then he heard the soft voices of Minho and Jonghyun and his expression fell slowly. It had been a week since he had said anything to his friend more than just passing greetings. Although Minho’s lack of belief in his dreams being more than just dreams hurt him, he still missed his friend immensely. He had noticed Jonghyun had been over more and after knowing Minho for almost 2 decades he knew the man always needed extra affection when he was upset.

           Kibum: I’ve been looking forward to it all week ^^

           He tossed his phone on the bed next to him and stared at his closed bedroom door for a moment before pushing off and slowly opening the door. He wasn’t sure what he was going to say, but avoiding him was doing nothing to fix the problem at hand and anything was better than that at this point. The squeak of his door hinge opening caused the two men on the couch to look his way. He swallowed thickly as he closed the door behind him and moved down the rest of the hall. Minho was looking at him with such an open vulnerable expression it hurt. “Do you have time to talk for a moment?”

           “Ye-yeah!”

           Jonghyun smiled as he stood up and pressed a kiss to Minho’s head, softly saying, “Call me later, okay?” He grabbed his things, nodded his head toward Kibum before slipping on his shoes and heading out the door. With him gone the tension fell around them once again it seemed and Kibum was stuck feeling awkward and nervous all at once.

           “I’m sorry for avoiding you this last week. I didn’t know how to move through my own thoughts and feelings and-”

           “Wait, Kibum.” Minho stood, slowly blinking for a moment before continuing. “You were distraught, scared and anxious. You came to me for support, to be your friend and help you through it, and all I did was basically say you were overreacting and it wasn’t anything. I should be sorry Kibum.”

           “No I... it is a crazy thought that these dreams are anything other than an overactive imagination.” Kibum looked at his feet, dejected and aching in his chest, but he had to come to terms with that. Thinking anything different caused more harm than anything.

           “I believe you.”

           Kibum’s head snapped up so fast it almost hurt. “What?”

           “I believe you. I was talking with Jonghyun, I hope you don’t mind that, and he believes you. He got so excited over the concept of a soulmate, he was intrigued to know about your dreams. I wasn’t looking at this like a friend. I was looking at this with a very critical mindset, and I’m sorry.”

           “You do?”

           Minho smiled gently, “Yeah. I know you have a date tonight, but until then why don’t you tell me about all the dreams and we’ll start figuring this out.”

           “Ming,” He breathed out softly, emotions getting the better of him as he walked around the couch to hug him. “Thank you.”

           The man squeezed him tightly, “Thank you for coming out here.”

           When they parted Kibum held his hand up, “Lemme go get my journal really quick… and on second thought my phone. Jinki’s probably wondering why I haven’t responded yet.”

-----

           This time Kibum was the one speed walking down the rain covered street to get to the movie theatre. The traffic had been so horrid he had asked the taxi to let him out almost five blocks down the road. Jinki was leaning against the wall under the big awning and a big smile spread across his face when he recognized Kibum maneuvering through the mass of people. He shook off his hair and coat from the rain with an apologetic smile, “I’m so sorry I’m late.”

           “It’s okay,” He pushed off the wall and pulled the tickets from his pocket. “I already got the tickets, so we don’t have to wait in that atrocious line.”

           “How about I get the snacks in payment?” In reply, Jinki offered his hand, palm up, and Kibum hesitantly curled their fingers together. He let out a relieved breath and softly said, “This is nice.”

           “Hopefully you think that past like 20 seconds,” Jinki chuckled, “If we don’t get snacks soon we’re gonna be late for the movie even with the commercials.”

           He groaned at the sight of the snack lines’ length, but Jinki led him over to one and they waited, hands held between them. They made soft conversation about work, Kibum shared the funny story about the old lady who wanted hot coffee with ice in it, and Jinki mentioned the student who wrote post to be instead of supposed to be in a senior level lab report.

           “Post to be? Like going to the post?”

           “Yeah,” Jinki sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose with his right hand, “You think it gets better as the grade level increases, but it gets so much worse. I had a class of seniors where the highest grade on the first test was a 20 out of a hundred. I about cried. We spent the entire class period beforehand going over the test exactly. I literally gave them the answers and they still fucked it up.”

           “That sounds incredibly frustrating.” Kibum glanced around the man in front of him to see how close they were to the front of the line and frowned deeply when they were nowhere near it. “My biggest frustration is there are some people who read my books and will do everything to erase that the two main characters are trans. It’s not mentioned in great detail, but it is canon that they’re both trans. People will completely ignore that part of the book and live by the fact that they’re both CIS.” He flashed a smile with a little laugh, “Sorry, it bothers me a lot.”

           “As it should.” Jinki’s nose scrunched up, cutely Kibum noticed. “Erasing someone’s identity, fictional or not, is frustrating on the basic level. If you think about it more in depth it gets even more complicated.”

           The more he listened to Jinki talk about anything, the more he felt he was supposed to run into him at the university.

-----

           After the movie let out the area outside the theatre’s front doors was a lot less crowded. Jinki was sipping at his icee with one hand and holding Kibum’s left hand with the other. “I had a really great time.”

           Jinki smiled brightly over at him. “I did too. The movie was even better than I expected.”

           “Did you want to grab something to eat?” He softly asked, “There’s a diner down the road that serves the best burgers.”

           “That sounds good actually,”  As they continued to walk they finally noticed the rain had stopped. Jinki smiled gently, “It seems the universe is telling us to definitely get burgers.”

          Their intertwined hands swung between them as Kibum gently led him the right direction. His hand was warm and small compared to Kibum’s, but it was like it was meant for him to hold they fit so nicely together. He had to remind himself not to gaze for too long, but it proved difficult with how beautiful Jinki was and the memories of his dreams associated with the same face. Someone running down the sidewalk, knocking Jinki straight into him, took him from his thoughts. He wrapped his free arm around Jinki, turning to get him stabilized and away from the person who had run into him.  “Are you alright?”

           “Yeah,” Jinki’s warm voice quietly answered. He gazed up at him softly and smiled, “Thanks.”

           “Oh, you’re welcome,” Kibum whispered, eyes flicking momentarily to his lips. He thought about kissing him, but he didn’t want to go too fast and scare him off. He was sure Jinki had looked at his own lips, however but had he read it all wrong? In the end, he let him go, hand slipping from around him slowly. “People should really look where they’re going.”

           Kibum moved to continue down the sidewalk, but Jinki stayed firm in his spot and tugged him back by his grip on his hand. “C’mere.”

           He stepped back in front of him hesitantly. Jinki was looking up at him through his lashes, tongue running over his bottom lip slowly, and hand moving around his waist. “Yes?”

          “Can I kiss you?” His breathing hitched, but he managed to mumble out a yes. Jinki’s smile was soft and slow as he pushed up, pressing their lips together gently. It wasn’t a very long kiss, but Kibum pressed back when they parted and Jinki recuperated the kiss easily. When they withdrew Jinki chuckled softly and Kibum frowned slightly. Jinki noticed quickly and shook his head. “That was great Kibum. I’ve just… never been the one to kiss so early. It just felt, right? If that makes any sense.”

          It was like something slid into place inside him and he felt the burning feeling in his chest. “It makes perfect sense.”

          Jinki squinted and playfully asked, “Are you sure we’ve never met before?”

          “100 percent in this lifetime.”

          The man froze for a moment at the last word, but then he was smiling and asking, “So burgers?”

-----

           Kibum hung his keys up on the hook near the front door beside Minho’s as he kicked his shoes off. He picked them up by the back and shuffled into the living room. Jonghyun and Minho were curled up watching a movie, laughing at the scene playing out in front of them on the television screen. After he and Minho had gone over his dreams Jonghyun had been called to resume their plans of watching a movie. They glanced at him for a moment before the movie was paused. Minho turned more to the left, his arm over the back of the couch, as he asked, “Did someone get a kiss?”

           Kibum scuffed, “What makes you ask that?”

           “Because your dimple is showing you’re smiling so much.” Minho snickered. He was smiling softly as he asked, “So how was it?”

           “Soft and warm.” Kibum ran his fingers on his free hand through his hair and gave a shy smile. “Just like him.”

           Jonghyun giggled quietly, “Someone’s falling in love.”

           Kibum made a high pitch noise in his movement to flee from the statement. Both men on the couch laughed hard at his expense.

-----

           The Laene Kingdom, mid 15th century.

           “Oh come now Jinki,” Gwiboon looked back at him, thick furs tight around his body. “It’s a few 100 feet and a well timed floating spell. Easy Peasy.”

           Jinki mumbled something under his breath as he stared off the cliff. His voice was louder in his protest. “I’m not doing it. Let’s just take the long path down the mountain.”

           “That’s a good two weeks with the blizzard against the rocks. Maybe more. There's powerful magic protecting this place.” She stepped forward and cupped his cheek, “We both know you can’t last much more than that. We don’t want them coming into the world on a mountaintop.”

           “You’re right,” He scowled, “But you can’t let go of my hand the entire way down.”

           “I wouldn’t dream of it.” She held her hand out and his soft fingers curled around them quickly.

           He glared at her, “You are a dangerous woman.”

           “I know I am.” She beamed before leaning over to press a kiss to his cheek. “Ready?”

           “No, but let’s get this over with.”

           She made sure the packs on her shoulders were completely closed tightly and gave his hand a squeeze. “Don’t worry about the spell. I have you.” When Jinki nodded Gwiboon gave another smile. “On your count.”

           Jinki took a deep breath and mumbled the numbers. On three they jumped. The wind rushing past their ears slowed as Gwiboon muttered the spell. She moved to wrap both arms around him, his forehead pressed into her chest as he squeezed his eyes shut. It seemed like they were falling forever by the time Gwiboon’s warm voice could be heard in his ear. “Step down Jinki. We’re safe.”

           He slowly put his foot down and he let off a breath of relief. “I almost want to kiss the ground.”

           “It wasn’t that bad.” Gwiboon snorted. She gave his hand a squeeze, “The village is just up the road.”

           “There’s heated homes right?”

          Gwiboon dipped her head down to nuzzle into his shoulder affectionately, hand moving from holding his to curl around his waist, fingers curling in the soft furs wrapped around him. He shifted a little to kiss the top of her head as she replied, “Yes Baby. You’ll be the coziest bumpkin ever.”

          The images around them swirled as they continued, the blizzard blowing rapidly through the dense forest. Jinki’s heat spell was helping take some of the blunt force away from splattering them in the face repetitively, but when the small village could be seen in the close distance relief filled them both.  The bridge leading into the village was icy, but Gwiboon led him across with a sure hand on his lower back. A few people rushed from their homes to greet them. Over her travels, she had met many people and gained a few great friends. One being Minjung, the matron protector of the village. She was waiting in front of their inn, lantern clasped in her hands and a big smile on her face as her hood blew slightly against her cheek. The wards around the village protected it from most of the wind, snowflakes falling slowly and peacefully from the sky.

          “I am happy you have both made it.” She beamed at Jinki, “And before your little one. I have rooms ready for you. Come.”

          Jinki was safe. For a moment in time, Gwiboon wasn’t worried about losing him and she could enjoy becoming a mother. It was like the war, enemies, and atrocities across the mountains wrapping around the valley… didn’t exist.

----

           Kibum paused the television show on his laptop when his phone began to ring on the nightstand. “Hey, you~”

           “How was your day? It has been so busy these last couple weeks I could barely look at the phone.” Kibum smiled at the soft, cute tone of his voice, and the quiet noise of his body moving over sheets. “I missed you.”

           “I missed you too. I had a meeting with my publisher over the last few chapters review deadline early this morning and then I gave myself a break.” Kibum took a small drink of his tea and mumbled, “By watching Netflix for seven hours.”

           “Some small break there,” Jinki chuckled sweetly, “Have you eaten anything?”

           “Some chips that were Minho’s a few hours ago.” Kibum hummed, “Why do you ask?”

           “I keep canceling on you. The last two months we’ve only been together for half of it.” Jinki laughed a little, “I was thinking of coming and cooking for you if you want to. Have a night in.” Kibum swallowed thickly. Nerves bubbled up in him at the idea of Jinki being at his place, cooking for him in his kitchen, and oh god, meeting Minho. “I know I’ve never been to your place. It’s okay if you think it’s moving too quickly or-”

           “I’d really like you cooking for me.” Kibum breathed out, a warm, light feeling in his chest. “I’ll send you my address okay? Come around 6?”

           “Six it is.” The happiness in his voice made Kibum feel fuzzy. “I’m a very good cook, just so you know.”

           “I’m hoping so.” Kibum snorted, “I ain’t gonna eat it if it’s gross.”

           Jinki laughed wholeheartedly, warm and deep. Kibum swooned.

-----

           He glanced at his reflection for what had to be the hundredth time in the last 15 minutes as he ran his hands over the sweater over his frame. He had sent a message to Minho about how Jinki was coming over tonight. The man had sent him a winky face and the eggplant emoji in response. Kibum had ignored him ever since. He was fidgeting with the collar of the sweater when he heard the doorbell ring. He swung out of the room quickly and almost tripped over the rug in the hall. The doorbell rung again and he cursed softly before calling out, “Coming~ One second.” A moment later he was removing the chain from the door and swung it open with a big smile. Jinki was standing there with big eyes, a brown paper bag in his arms, “Hello Cutie.”

           He blushed, “Hey.”

           “Come on in.” Kibum stepped back and took in Jinki’s full appearance as he walked into the apartment. His sweater was big, but tight around his hips. His hair was pushed out of his eyes, swept over to the side and curling around his ears a bit. “The kitchen is just to the right.”

           “I was thinking of making tacos.” Jinki placed the bag on the counter and begun to empty the contents out across the surface. “Since I canceled on the food truck festival.”

           “Ooo Tacos.”

           Jinki laughed, “I’m glad, I was nervous you would want something else.”

           Kibum leaned on his palms, elbows on the counter, and he smiled, “No, no, anything would have been fine. I’m glad you suggested this. I’ve missed you.”

           After emptying the bag completely Jinki leaned over the counter to softly kiss him. Kibum deepened the kiss making Jinki give a breathy laugh as they pulled away. “I can see.”

-----

          Their empty plates were back on the kitchen counter, left there once they had finished eating and moved into the living room to watch one of the possible movies Jinki had brought with him. The first movie was just about over, the credits were about to play when they heard the door being opened slowly. Two voices could be heard, taking their attention completely from the television set. Stepping through was Minho, followed shortly by Jonghyun being tugged in by his hand. Kibum frowned deeply. He was supposed to have the apartment for the night. Of course the one night he asks for it Minho would forget.

          “Oh~” Minho happily sounded as he turned toward the couch. “You must be Jinki.”

          Jinki glanced back at Kibum for a moment, “Minho, the roommate.” He mumbled quietly in response.

          “Ah,” Jinki turned again with a big smile, holding out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

          Minho gently took the hand before turning toward Jonghyun, “And this is my boyfriend-”

          “Kim Jonghyun.” Jinki finished his sentence with a smile. “We know each other from the biology department.”

          Jonghyun quietly asked, “What’s that smell?”

          “Oh we made tacos,” Jinki happily commented, “Here, let me join you. I kind of want another one.”

          As soon as he and Jonghyun walked out of the room Kibum stood up and punched Minho straight in the shoulder. Minho hissed, “What the fuck was that for?”

          “Remember when I texted you telling you I had a date,” Kibum scowled deeply before hissing, “And I told you I wanted the apartment?”

          “Oh.” Minho’s eyes widened, “Oh oh.”

          “Yeah Oh,” Kibum huffed.

          Minho leaned down on the back of the couch with a smirk, “Are you going to break your dry spell?”

          “I don’t know,” Kibum nervously pushed his fingers through his hair, “I do want the opportunity to have the choice to.”

          “Gotchu, I gotchu.” Minho saluted playfully. “Count us out.”

          Kibum groaned at how embarrassing his best friend was, but he fondly gazed over at Jinki when he came back into the room followed by Jonghyun stuffing a taco into his mouth. “These are delicious I want to marry them.”

          Minho gave him a side eye. “Tacos or me?”

          Jonghyun stared at the taco for a second and Minho whined. The shorter man kissed his cheek. “You Babe, definitely you.”

          “I forgot that Kibum had a date tonight so, let’s go over to your place baby.” He smiled down at Jinki as the other man was getting comfy on the couch near Kibum, “It was nice to meet you Jinki.”

          “You too, Minho,” Jinki softly mumbled, lifting his head from Kibum’s shoulder to smile up at him. “And Jonghyun maybe I’ll tell you the taco recipe at the next general biology department meeting.”

          As they walked out Minho could be heard saying, “I like him. Can we keep him?”

          Jinki snorted, “I guess they like me.”

          Kibum kissed his hair, “I know I do.”

          After a moment Jinki softly asked, “Do we have to watch the next movie?”

          “Did you have something else in mind?”

          “A little.” Jinki shifted, resting on his knees and hand skimming over Kibum’s shoulder over the back of his neck to play with the hair brushing against his skin. “Now that we’re alone again.”

          “Oh,” Kibum quietly said and he softly gasped when Jinki moved his thigh to straddle him, settling over his lap. Hesitantly he rested his hands on Jinki’s thick thighs, gazing up at him as Jinki moved to kiss him. His arms went around his neck, smile on his lips as he leaned closer to brush their noses together. “You sure know how to get what you want.”

          Jinki chuckled, breath warm and soft against Kibum’s lips. “This is just the beginning.”

          He moved his hands over his thighs, squeezing a little as he asked, “Not that I don’t enjoy this, but what brought this on?”

          “I heard you.” Jinki laughed quietly when Kibum blushed, “We don’t have to have sex tonight, but I do want to kiss you a lot right now.”

-----

          As he laid Jinki down among his blankets he blushed, softly saying, “Please excuse all the loose papers of my manuscript around the room.”

          “I’m sitting here in a sweater and no pants,” Jinki stated as he worked on kissing Kibum’s exposed neck, a gentle laugh rolling off his lips. “The not-really-clutter clutter is not on my mind.”

          Kibum curled his fingers around his right thigh, tugging it up until it was pressed against his hip, fingers cutting into the skin causing Jinki to hiss slightly. “I do like you without pants on.”

          Jinki rose just enough to pull his sweater off his frame and tugged Kibum back down to kiss him. His thighs opened easily, allowing Kibum to rest against him comfortably. His cock could be felt through his boxers and Kibum groaned against his skin when Jinki rose his hips to grind against him. His skin was smooth and warm, and Jinki made such beautiful little noises with each touch.

          He moved to kiss down his jaw, down his neck to suck gently at his adams apple, before moving down to his chest and his soft stomach. Familiar images flashed through his head as if this wasn’t their first time together. He rose, pushing his palms against his eyes as he hissed. Jinki sat up quickly, hands soft on his shoulders as he asked gently, concerned, “Hey, Kibum what’s wrong?”

          “It hurts,” He hissed. “I can’t- Fuck.”

          Jinki wrapped his arms around him, tugging him down to lay on the bed, “Breath through it. Where is your 

          “Uh,” Kibum couldn’t really think clearly with the pain throbbing so harshly, “Top shelf in the bathroom I think.”

          He felt the bed move as Jinki left, heard the door click open and then close as he returned. “Here. Drink this.”

          He squinted as he removed his hands and opened his eyes. Jinki was standing there with a glass of water and a tiny bottle of painkillers. Once swallowed, Jinki smiled, putting the cup on the table and climbing back into bed on the other side. Kibum frowned, “I’m sorry I ruined the mood.”

          Jinki shrugged, legs crisscrossed and arms around the pillow he was hugging, and a smile on his face as he gazed over at him. “It’s okay. We don’t have to have sex tonight Kibum.”

          “I really wanted to though,” Kibum whined, causing Jinki to laugh loudly. When the man moved to get dressed Kibum grabbed his wrist gently. “You don’t have to go. You can still sleep here.”

          He looked a little awkward still half on the bed, but he slowly sat back down, eyes soft and vulnerable. “You sure?”

          “Yeah.” Kibum shifted a little, grimacing at the pain in his head. “Turn the main light off and c’mere.”

          Once settled Jinki softly asked, “How are you feeling?”

          “A lot better without the light.” They could still see the other’s face dimly with the light coming from the window. Kibum moved Jinki’s hair from his face with a smile, “You’re really beautiful.”

          He blushed, head dipping a little under his arm that was under his head. “You’re making me flustered.”

          “I love you.”

          Jinki looked like he was about to cry when he looked up at him, lips parted a little for a moment before he asked, “What did you just say?”

          “I love you.” He whispered, cupping his cheek with a fond smile, “I love you Jinki.”

          Kibum was softly kissed then. Jinki was careful with him, not pushing too far before pulling away with a content sigh. “I love you too.”

------

           The Laene Kingdom, mid 15th century.

           Gwiboon held her bag tighter on her shoulders and held back her tears as she started over the main bridge leading away from the village. Jinki was asleep in the rooms provided for them by Minjung, their new babies sleeping in their cribs next to him. He would wake up in a few hours to an empty bed and a note sealed with a kiss on the nightstand near his head. He would be furious with her for leaving. He’d scream and yell and probably burn a few things until it all drained out of him and all that was left was the sheer heartache of being left behind. She had to do this. She was going to protect him, their family, until her last breath, and with the news of them being followed reaching her a few weeks prior she wasn’t going to risk it. The village was the safest in the world, but when it came to him…. She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes and took a deep breath, looking back once more for a moment before descending the bridge and stepping into the thick snow. The further she was away from them, the safer they’d be.

           Kibum shifted in his sleep, nose scrunching before turning over and settling back to sleep with a soft sigh.

           It had been months since she had stood on this bridge. Almost eight to be exact since she left Jinki and their family with a kiss to the head and a note in the middle of the night. She wasn’t sure what was waiting for her, but with the war officially over, the man hunting her like a dog being dead and burned, she finally felt safe enough to return to him. The cobblestone road had a fresh layer of snow, many people moving through the village in the midafternoon sun, but she saw him through it all. He was sitting on the step in front of the home they had been given, and Gwiboon swallowed thickly seeing the two little bundles sitting in the snow playing. Gods, they had gotten so big.

           He was smiling so big she could almost hear him laughing. She stood almost frozen in her spot, gazing at him. She felt as if she didn’t belong anymore. Eight months was such a long time to be apart from someone, especially for them who had never been apart for more than a week. She had missed so much in the effort to protect them. Just when she was questioning if now was the right time to return Jinki’s head rose, his eyes catching sight of her across the street. She could see the shock visible through his features. He turned for a moment talking to Minjung sitting on the chair up on the porch. Minjung’s eyes found her and a smile spread across her face as she nodded her head, pushing off the chair to sit next to the small children after Jinki stood from his spot.

           So many people around them, but as he walked toward her no one else mattered. His eyes were glossy, bottom lip through his teeth as he hissed back a breath, just before painfully saying, “How dare you leave me with nothing but a note.”

           “Jinki- I-”

           “You planned this all along. You brought me here to leave me behind and I was stupid enough to believe you wanted to settle down for just a little while with me.” He landed a blow into her chest with his loosely held fist. “I deserved more. I deserved to say goodbye.”

           “I know. I know you did.”

           “You’re a coward.” He hissed, hitting her in the chest again. “Eight months without a single message, not a raven, nothing. For all, I knew you had... Died.”

           “I couldn’t risk them finding you… hurting you to get to me.” Her voice was almost full of sadness, almost begging him to forgive her, as she grabbed his small hands into hers to stop him from hitting her chest.

           “You never did get it.” He quietly stated, shaking his head for a moment. He looked up and his voice broke as he said. “I was always safest by your side, Gwiboon.”

           “I am sorry,” She hesitantly moved to wipe the tears falling from his cheeks, before moving her thumb across the skin. “But I promise you from this day forward I will never leave you again. It is over. All of it.”

           “It’s over?” He quietly asked, shock adamant in his voice.

           “Completely.” Jinki almost jumped into her arms. His arms around her neck, pushing up to kiss her so firmly that she almost lost her balance all the way. Her arm came up to settle him against her. When he parted from her she pecked his lips again. “I love you.”

           “I love you too.” He laughed quietly at himself before softly stepping back, grabbing her hand. “Come. Your children are a lot different than when you left.”

           One was sitting in her lap a few moments later, the other looking up at her with big ole eyes, and Jinki was leaning on her shoulder. It was then Jinki admitted, “I wish to stay here. I wish to make here home.”

           She reached over to squeeze his hand on her knee. “It already is home.”

------

           Jonghyun bounced into the room happily. Jinki shifted a little in his spot with his legs over Kibum’s lap in order to see the man as his voice could be heard. “Did you ask him yet?”

           “No,” Jinki replied, voice muffled with the ice cream covered spoon in his mouth.

           “Ask me what?” Kibum asked as he took his eyes off the television.

           “If you wanted to play softball with us,” Jinki replied, head resting on Kibum’s shoulder comfortably. “The university is having a faculty game before school starts again and one of our players had to drop last minute. Would you want to?”

           “I haven’t played since middle school, but sure.” He laughed sweetly when Jinki kissed his cheek, gently lapping at the bit of ice cream left by his lips.

           “Thank you, Babe.”

           Jonghyun just sipped his lemonade through his straw with a small, highly amused smile.

-----

           Rockford, Illinois 1945

           Gwiboon wrapped her dressing gown tighter around herself as she moved to open the door. Most of the other girls in the house had already retired to their rooms and there would be no reason for their coach to be knocking on her door so late in the night with the curfew put into effect still. She clicked the lock open and quietly opened the door. She smiled so wide when Eunsook came into view. A shawl was wrapped around her shoulders, long hair curled up into a messy hairdo, and a soft, slow smile curled on her face. Her lips were painted red, her signature. Gwiboon softly whispered, “I wasn’t sure you were coming back this year.”

           Eunsook pushed a strand of hair behind her ear before she smiled sweetly, “But how will you ever have hopes of winning this year without me?”

           “Have you found your room?”

           “I have. It’s down the hall to the right.”

           Gwiboon stepped away from the door without a word. Eunsook entered the room all the way. Her hat was gently removed from her head, some of her hair falling from the pins as she laid the accessory on Gwiboon’s vanity. She heard the door click close, the lock being slid into place and Gwiboon’s bare feet across the wooden floors before she felt the woman’s arms moving around her middle and her lips against her neck. “Oh, how I’ve missed you.”

           Eunsook leaned her head to the left, giving the other woman open access to her neck. “I always looked forward to your letters.”

           She locked eyes with Eunsook through the mirror for a moment before reaching up to begin to remove all the pins in her hair. The long, soft locks began to fall around her gently, cupping her face beautifully. Her shawl was placed next to her hat and Gwiboon watched her delicate fingers begin to unbutton the top of her dress until it fell around her ankles as it passed her wide hips. She turned after the last pin was removed and looked up at Gwiboon through her long lashes, teeth cutting into her bottom lip and removing some of her lipstick along with it. Gwiboon rubbed her thumb over the smudged area slow and firm.

          Eunsook’s eyes were gazing up at her as she moved her finger over her lips, removing most of her lipstick. The slightly shorter woman opened her mouth causing Gwiboon’s fingers to fall against her tongue. Gwiboon’s breathing stuttered as the woman lapped at her fingers. Her eyes fluttered as Eunsook gently pulled at the string holding her dressing gown closed, cool fingers moving against warm skin, and up to cup one of her bare breasts. “Oh, Sookie.”

          When Gwiboon removed her fingers Eunsook grinned, stepping forward until she had backed the woman up against the bed. She pushed lightly, causing Gwiboon to fall backward. She removed her bra, shimmed out of her panties, and smiled as the other woman sat up to wrap her arms around the curve of her beautiful waist. Gwiboon tugged her closer, kissing at the supple soft skin of her tummy, up between her breasts before sucking at a nipple. Eunsook moaned deeply, fingers curling in Gwiboon’s hair. “You’re so good to me.”

          “Just wait until you read the signs between your legs,” Gwiboon chuckled, “My little pitcher.”

-------

           Kibum smirked as Jinki bent over to pull the equipment from the bag. “I think my favorite thing about this is your ass in those sweats.”

           Jinki glared around his hip for a moment before straightening, both gloves held against his chest. He tossed one at his boyfriend a little harshly. “Just put that on and get ready.”

           He wiggled his hand into the glove and adjusted the velcro strap on the back. When he looked up again Jinki was about 20 feet away, flexing his fingers in the glove and tossing the softball in front of his thighs softly. “You’re not going to hit me in the head right?”

           “If you catch it,” Jinki snorted for a moment before smiling, “You ready?” Kibum shrugged, holding the glove up. His eyes widened as Jinki threw the softball, harder than he had expected him to at first, and he ducked as it came closer. He heard Jinki’s loud laughter and he scowled at him as he stood again.  “What was that?”

           “I could ask you the same thing!” Jinki was still laughing, causing Kibum to grumble as he jogged to go get the ball. “You’re supposed to help me get prepared for the game, not take my head off.”

           “Alright alright. I’ll go easier on you Babe.” Jinki winked and he laughed when Kibum stuck his tongue out at him in response.

-----

           On the road to the Playoffs, 1945

           “He sent me another letter this morning.” Eunsook quietly stated, respectful of her other teammates toward the front of the bus. “Asked me why I hadn’t replied to his last ones.”

           “Where is he now?” Gwiboon asked, eyes closed and long, thin fingers being played with by the other woman.

           “He didn’t say.” Eunsook sighed, head leaning against the window of the bus. “He tries to make this a real marriage. He never understood that I never wanted to marry him in the first place.”

           “Mine is somewhere in the Pacific. He hasn’t sent me a letter in weeks. My mother tells me I should be sadder, but,” She slowly opened her eyes to gaze at Eunsook. At her beautiful plump lips, the curve of her nose and flutter of her eyelashes. “These last two years have been the happiest I’ve been since I was told I was to be married to him.”

           Eunsook moved her head over to look at her, eyes soft and vulnerable. Her voice was barely a whisper, “I sometimes am ashamed to wish they never return.”

           Gwiboon kissed two of her fingers slowly before lifting them to Eunsook’s lips.”Me too Love.”

-----

           “I didn’t know you had it in you,” Minho stated as he smacked Kibum hard in the shoulder, causing him to spit up the soft drink he was at the time attempting to swallow.

           Jinki giggled behind his hand, leaning against the wood of the inside of the booth. Kibum frowned as he patted the soda from his shirt. “It was just a double.”

           “A double that made us win,” Jinki added, moving over to gently kiss his cheek. He said so close their thighs were touching, stealing a fry or two from Kibum’s basket.

           “I literally asked you if you wanted fries.” He softly commented.

           “I don’t want my own. I want yours.” He flashed a cute little smile before taking another handful of fries. Kibum just shook his head and let him. Pleased Jinki laid his head on Kibum’s shoulder, hooking their arms together, and holding his drink with his left hand. Jonghyun tried to take some of Minho’s, but the man pulled it away.

           “I’m not as nice as him.” When Jonghyun pouted deeply Minho gave in, pushing the basket back over toward him. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

           Jonghyun hummed happily. “Fries and dibbing rights for the next year. Double bonus.”

           “After this, I need a nap,” Jinki mumbled. “I’m getting too old for this.”

           Kibum kissed his hair, “A nap sounds wonderful.”

------

           Just before the AAGPBL 1945 Championship

           Gwiboon was rolling up her socks when the door to their locker room opened. There stood their manager. The look on his face made everyone pause momentarily, but it was the colored slip of paper in his hand that made everyone’s breath catch. The women on the team slowly took seats on the benches around the room, waiting with wide eyes as their manager walked toward them. Gwiboon expected him to stop before he got to her, but he kept walking until he was standing directly in front of her. His eyes moved between her and Eunsook as he pulled at the paper in his hand. It was then she realized there were two notices. He handed one to each of them, “I’m so sorry girls.”

           Gwiboon knew she should cry, tears should have formed, for even though she never loved him as a husband she did care for him as a friend and fellow human being, but she couldn’t. She glanced toward Eunsook, who was staring down at the paper cradled in her palms, and she wrapped her arms around her. Eunsook melted into the embrace, emotions finally hitting her at the physical touch. They barely heard their manager comment about letting them have some space. When the door clicked close Gwiboon pulled away, moving the curls from Eunsook’s face and moved to wipe her tears. The room was clear, so she softly whispered, “Why are you crying beautiful?”

           “What am I to do?” She breathed.

           “We’ll figure something out.” Gwiboon quietly shushed her.

           Eunsook shook her head. “You don’t understand.”

           “Understand what?”

           “I should be broken. Any other woman in this room with a husband would have cried and shaken with this news, and all I felt was relief. What am I to do when I have to return home and face his family expecting me to be a grief stricken widow?” She covered her face with her hands, elbows pressed into her thighs.

           There was silence for a long while before Gwiboon quietly said. “You won’t have to if you come home with me.”

           Eunsook’s head snapped over toward her, “What?”

           “Come with me.” She smiled hopefully, “We can be together. Widowers living with each other to help through the pain, or to not be lonely or something. Whatever we have to tell them, but we can be together. No more dreading when they come home.”

           “Do you hear yourself Gwiboon?” Eunsook sighed, “People will think we wanted them to not return. What type of people are we being happy two human beings are dead?”

           “He abused you. He beat you so badly, but you had to stay because what could you do alone?” Gwiboon hissed, wanting to protect her even now he was gone. “You’re free. You’re allowed to be happy you’re free.”

           Eunsook’s eyes moved rapidly over her facial features, thinking things through. She looked lost and small when she asked, “You want me to go with you?”

           Gwiboon squeezed her hands, “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

           She quickly kissed Gwiboon’s cheek, smiling ever so softly as she wiped her tears. When she spoke again Gwiboon laughed, “Do you think they’ll allow us to play?”

           Smirking she replied, “If they want to win they will.”

           They held hands until they reached the door and Eunsook pushed it open, fingers slipping from the other’s grasp between the skirts of their uniforms.

-----

           Kibum frowned as the pamphlet on the counter came into better view. He ran his fingertips over the cover softly before picking it up by the edge to flip it open, “Hey Ming?”

           “Yeah?”

           “What’s this about a cruise?”

           “Oh,” Kibum could hear the man moving through their apartment towards him and a few moments later he was stepping around the corner into the kitchen, “My parents mentioned that they’d gift us cruise tickets if we really wanted to go for our birthdays.”

           “I am not getting on a damn ship.” Kibum was shaking his head quickly, “I’m not gonna die in a shipwreck again.”

           “Uh Kibum, you never died in a shipwreck.”

           “Huh?” He asked as he looked up at him, seemingly dazed.

           “You said you didn’t want to die in a shipwreck again.. Insinuating there was a first time.”

           “Did I?” He laid the pamphlet on the counter cover side down. “I uh, think you misheard me or something.”

-----

Southampton, Titanic at port, April 10th, 1912

           “I’m so excited,” Jinki exclaimed softly, fingers curling tightly around Kibum’s jacket to stay with him through the crowd as they moved toward the last checkpoint before boarding.

          Kibum flashed a smile over his shoulder as he reached back to grab Jinki’s wrist of the hand gripping his jacket. His other hand held his bag. He moved quickly through the crowd, tugging Jinki along who was softly laughing from the excitement of it all. When they finally reached the checkpoint Kibum reached into his inside coat pocket to hand Jinki his ticket. His voice was very soft as he said, “I can’t wait to start a new life with you.”

          Jinki smiled wide, looking up at the huge ship on the water before looking back at him. “We’re just one bridge and a travel across the sea away.”

          Kibum leaned closer to whisper something in Jinki’s ear, “I really want to kiss you.”

          With slightly pink cheeks Jinki coughed and looked up at him under his lashes, “Move forward Mr. Kim.”

          He let Jinki get checked first and as he went through the last motions to get through he gazed at the man. Jinki was gazing up at the big ship, the breeze flowing through his long hair and happy smile on his face at the beauty of the Titanic. He was breathtaking. He slowly looked over when he felt Kibum’s hand on his shoulder. “Let’s start our new life Jinki.”

-----

           Minho was sitting in the recliner across the room staring at the soccer game on the television. Kibum was figuring out a way to ask him a question without being laughed at. After a few more minutes he ventured to ask, “Hey Ming?”

           “Huh?” Minho looked over, “Oh yeah, hey what’s up?”

           “Is there a way to find out who died on the Titanic?”

           “What the fuck, Dude?” Minho snorted, “How did you get to that from soccer?”

           “Well, I had another dream.” Minho turned a little to face him completely. “The one last night I was on the Titanic.”

           “And you think you will show up on the manifest or something? What’s to say in that life you died? Or you had the same name?”

           Kibum sighed, “I guess you’re right.”

           “If you have another dream about this, with more information, we’ll look more into it.” Minho leaned on his palm, elbow on the arm of the chair. He smiled, almost evilly, “So what’s the plan for tonight?”

           “I have no clue. Jinki has a complete secret plan for my birthday.” Minho wiggled his eyebrows at that and Kibum blushed as he hissed, “Shut up.”

           Minho laughed loud and high pitched, highly amused at the embarrassment on Kibum’s face. He frowned when the man stood up and walked around the couch. “Oh come on. Stay.”

           Kibum shook his head, “It’s only like noon and I need a nap.”

           Before he left he tossed a pillow at Minho’s head because of the snort he heard from him as he turned away.

-----

           Titanic April 13th, 1912

           “I wish we could have found it,” Jinki mumbled sadly as he gazed down at his bare ring finger, head leaning on Kibum’s bare shoulder.

           He pushed his fingers through Jinki’s hair, pressing his lips to his head before quietly saying, “There is still a chance at finding it.”

           “This ship is so big Kibum,” Jinki lifted his head to look at him. “The ring is lost.”

           “It’s okay.”

           “No, it’s not. That ring meant so much to you. It was your father’s and you gave it to me and-” Jinki took a huge breath. “I’m sorry I lost it. I should have been more careful.”

           Kibum cupped his cheek softly before kissing him warmly. Their noses brushed as he said with a smile, “I have you. You mean the most to me, Love.”

           “You’ll always have me.” Jinki kissed him on his lips, a small smile pulling across his face. “I can’t wait until we dock in New York.”

           “A life full of chances.” Kibum sighed happily before kissing him again. “I could kiss you forever.”

           “I plan on holding you to that,”

           Kibum laid back on the bed, hands behind his head, as he smiled, “Then come get them.”

           “We have so many things we could be doing right now on this luxury ship,” Jinki chuckled as he moved over him, straddling his hips, “And you want to spend this beautiful day in here kissing me.”

           “What can I say? I’m a simple man.”

-----

           When Kibum opened the door Jinki was smiling, holding a bouquet of roses, “A dozen now isn’t overdoing it is it?”

           “No,” He laughed as he leaned to press a kiss to Jinki’s cheek. “They’re beautiful, thank you.”

           He was adjusting them in an old cookie jar turned vase as Jinki commented, “I have a big night planned for you.”

           Kibum rose his eyebrow, “Should I be worried about being able to get up in the morning?”

           Jinki snorted before getting serious. “There’s a great possibility.”

           He gently took Jinki’s hand and smiled, “I guess let’s begin Baby.”

-----

           “What…” The entire balcony of the restaurant was lit by candles. The river was just in front of them, beautifully reflecting the lights from the city.  “Jinki, this is too much.”

           Jinki’s hand was flat against Kibum’s lower back, leading him further in. “Nothing is too much for you.”  His chair was pulled out for him and a kiss was pressed to his cheek after he was pushed back in. He felt speechless looking around. The white tablecloth, the twinkling lights hung around the windows leading back into the main part of the restaurant, the candles so beautifully lit, and the waiter pouring the wine into their glasses. “I hope red is fine.”

           “I have no idea what to say- I..”

           He chuckled before sipping his glass of wine. “It’s so very hard to make you speechless Babe.”

           Kibum blushed over his wine glass,  “It’s so beautiful. This must have cost a small fortune.”

           Jinki reached into his coat pocket and laid a wrapped box in front of Kibum on his plate. “Happy Birthday Babe.”

           “Jinki the dinner was more than enough. I can’t accept whatever this is.”

           “Just open it.”

           Kibum grumbled quietly as Jinki chuckled, slowly unwrapping the pretty blue wrapping paper. Inside was a white box, about 8 inches long and a few inches wide. Curious, he wiggled the top off and gasped when the reflective surface of the pen set could be seen. “Jinki..”

           “For when you finally get to write out your next novel.” Jinki leaned on his palm, elbow placed lightly on the table as he gazed over at him.

           “Let your dreams fly~” Kibum quietly read the engraving, “Thank you so much.”

“I’d kiss you, but my tie would land in the candles.”  Kibum reached over to squeeze his hand laying on the table and Jinki beamed over at him. “It’s time for the first course.”

“First?”

Jinki snorted.

----

           When Jinki stood in front of him and offered his hand Kibum groaned, “I am so full. I don’t think I can dance with you.”

           “Come on,” Jinki tugged him up with a big laugh. Music was played through the speakers as he moved to rest his head against Kibum’s chest. His arms were wrapped around him as Kibum moved to hold him close.

           He dipped his head to press his nose into Jinki’s neck, gently swaying to the music. “Thank you for tonight.”

           Jinki’s body rumbled with his soft laughter. “Here’s to many more Kibum.”

           He kissed his neck gently before squeezing him tightly for a moment. It was definitely better than the last birthday he had a boyfriend for, and one of his best birthdays ever.

----

           The inside of his apartment was dark behind him through the small gap of the open door. Jinki’s lips were soft, plush and supple, his body warm and firm against him as Kibum pressed him against the frame around the door. His fingers were curling tightly in Kibum’s shirt on his lower back, tugging him as if he wasn’t as close as he could be. Kibum only parted from his lips far enough that he could whisper, “Stay.”

           Jinki’s chest rose and fell heavily, eyes hazy as he looked from Kibum’s lips to his eyes, smiling. He didn’t say anything, just moved to lift Kibum’s hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of his hand.

           Kibum tugged him into the apartment, having to kick the door closed because his hands were too busy roaming Jinki’s form to be able to close it.

------

           April 15th, Titanic 3rd class

           The water was up to their ankles as they jogged down the hallway toward the entry point to the level above them. They heard the loud voices, the crying children, and the curses as they got closer. Kibum pushed through the people, his grip on Jinki’s wrist slipping as he moved closer to the metal gates. There were three men standing on the other side, trying to calm them down and keep them from pressing against the gate. “You must stay calm and orderly until it is your turn.”

           “Bullshit!” Was yelled, hissed, as the mass of them pushed against the gates causing two of the men to hit their hands and arms to get them back.

           Kibum felt warm fingers curling around his wrist and when he looked back in the mass of people behind him was Jinki, eyes sad and vulnerable as he tugged his arm a little. He followed the force easily, standing tall before his lover and looking down concerned. Jinki shook his head, pushing up to say into his ear. “There isn’t a turn for us. They’re locking us in to allow the first and second class to get the boats.”

           “No, Love, that can’t be-”

           It dawned on him that Jinki was right a few moments later as more people came from the halls in their life jackets and the gate was never opened. The water was slowly rising. He looked at the mothers holding small children, men pushing forward to try to save their families, and he knew. Jinki pulled away just enough to look at him in the eyes and when the man grabbed his hand Kibum didn’t need him to say anything to understand what he wanted. He followed him back towards their room, where the water was shallower than where they had been. Silently they climbed into the bottom bunk after locking the door, Jinki’s head pressed under Kibum’s chin, curled around each other.

           “I’m so sorry,” Jinki breathed out, eyes squeezed shut as he pressed further into him. “We came on here because of me. I wanted to do this. This is all my fault.”

           “Shh,” Kibum shifted to press a kiss to his hair, squeezing him tightly as he tried to ignore the sounds of the mass of people down the hall and the water rushing through the 3rd class. “This isn’t your fault. None of it is your fault.”

           “We’ll see each other again, won’t we?” Jinki whispered.

           Kibum’s lips were pressed to his hair for a long moment, “We always find each other Jinki. We always do.”

           “I wish we had more time.” Jinki sucked in a huge breath, sorrow racking his frame with his soft sobs.

           “Forever wouldn’t be enough time,” They held each other tighter as the water rushed into their room. “I love you.”

           Jinki gasped out his reply as the temperature of the water reached them, “I love you more.”

           Kibum was startled awake, chest heaving and eyes wide as he gasped for air. Jinki shifted from the other side of the bed. He turned, rubbing his eyes as he sleepily mumbled, “Kibum?” When he noticed that Kibum was leaning over the side of the bed gasping harshly for breath he kicked the covers off and crawled over to place a hand on the middle of his back. “Kibum! What’s wrong?”

           “I can’t- I can’t catch my breath.”

           “Close your eyes, focus on my voice,” Jinki rubbed his back as he softly spoke, “In, count to three and out.”

           It took a few minutes, but eventually, his breathing went back to normal. He felt the fear, the panic of dying still in his chest. Jinki had gone to get him a glass of water after throwing on one of their boxers. The glass sat on the bedside table as he laid his head on Jinki’s chest as the man played with his hair soothingly. “I’m sorry for waking you up. It was just a really bad dream.”

           “It’s okay.” Jinki kissed his hair gently, smiling warmly as his eyes fluttered closed and he kept his head pressed against his. “I’m here when you need me, Babe.”

           Kibum shivered, causing Jinki to tug the blankets up to his shoulders. He could still feel the icy waters, the breath being taken from his lungs as he tried so hard to keep ahold of Jinki. He squeezed his eyes closed and begged for the images to disappear. Jinki held him tighter as if he could sense it was more than just a bad dream. He fell asleep a while after, Jinki holding him from behind. He held Jinki’s hand on his stomach and drifted off to sleep.

----

           As Jinki moved around the room collecting his things Kibum hugged his pillow and pouted. “Do you have to leave so early?”

           Jinki stopped jumping into his pants to walk over and lean down to give him a soft kiss. “I have plans with my sister at ten. I’ll be back tonight for part two of your birthday.”

           “Jinki~” He whined causing Jinki to laugh at him.

           “It’s just dinner in the bed of my truck up on one of the lookouts in the nature reserve just out of the city.” He finally managed to buckle his belt and beamed over at him. He gave Kibum one more kiss. “I’ll talk to you later Babe. I love you. I hope you enjoyed your birthday.”

           “I did,” Kibum rolled onto his back and gave a soft, hazy smile. “I hope you enjoyed my birthday too.”

           Jinki snorted, “I think the second time around signaled I enjoyed it very much.”

           Kibum hummed, tugging him down by his wrist to sit on the bed. “Good.”

           “I gotta go,” Jinki chuckled as Kibum’s long fingers moved up his arm, over his shoulder to curl around his neck to pull him down closer. A few more kisses and he finally pulled away, “One more and then I have to go.”

           “So if I don’t kiss you one more time you can stay?”

           “Nice try.”

           His bottom lip jutted out as he mumbled. “I tried.”

           Jinki kissed his pouty lips slowly before quickly moving out of Kibum’s reach. “Byeee~”

------

           Jonghyun and Minho were seated in the living room, quietly eating while watching the morning news when Kibum finally shuffled out of his room. When they took notice of him slipping into the recliner after getting his coffee Minho teased, “Was it so bad he had to leave before you woke up?”

           “Shut up,” Kibum mumbled halfheartedly.

           Minho frowned, “Hey, I’m just teasing you.”

           He shook his hand in his direction for a moment before it returned to the side of his mug. He was staring at the rippling liquid, images flashing of the water rushing in when Jonghyun’s voice brought his attention back. “Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost Kibum.”

           “Last night my titanic dream was finally concluded.” He licked his lips to wet them, avoiding looking at the two men, “And I was right. It ended in death. I woke up in a panic and didn’t know how to explain to Jinki why I couldn’t breathe after a fucking dream. That’s probably why he ran off.”

           “Kibum,” Minho said softly, “What happened?”

           “In the dream, we were 3rd class. They locked the gates allowing us out and-” Kibum took a harsh breath. His voice was soft and broken as he finished, “We accepted death instead of fighting. We drowned.”

           “What did you tell Jinki?” Jonghyun quietly asked, legs brought up onto the couch cushion and plate laid on his lap as he focused entirely on Kibum.

           “That is was just a bad dream.” Kibum sighed as he stared at his coffee for a long moment before placing it on the counter. He didn’t have much of a stomach for it. “I think tonight I’m going to tell him everything.”

           “Everything?” Minho hesitantly asked. “Do you think that’s the best idea?”

           “I love him a lot and I think it’s time I tell him.” Kibum leaned on his palm, elbow on the arm of the chair. “He may think I’m insane or whatever, but I don’t want to go even further in this relationship with these dreams plaguing me and him not knowing everything. It’s been six months. I can’t keep telling myself it’s too early to tell him such a thing anymore.”

           “If you think it’s the best choice I’ll support you.” Minho smiled warmly.

           Kibum flashed a quick, nervous smile his way. “Thanks.”

-----

           “I still don’t wrap my head around the fact you have multiple cars.” Kibum comment as he climbed up into the bed of the pickup truck.

           Jinki laughed quietly as he fluffed the extra pillows behind them. “I only have the two.”

           “Uh huh.” Kibum nudged him when Jinki beamed. “The sky is really pretty tonight.”

           “Not as pretty as you.”

           “Oh my God Jinki.” Jinki looked super proud of himself. “How long have you been waiting to say that line?”

           “Oh, just all of our relationship, no biggie.” He twisted a little and lifted up a cooler. “I packed sandwiches and there are beer and tiny bottles of wine.”

           “I actually have something to tell you.” Jinki looked up from the cooler concerned as he slowly placed the six pack on the blanket between them.

           “That’s a little spooky since I kind of have something to tell you too.” He scratched the back of his neck like he always did when he was nervous or shy. “But…I need to go first.”

           “Okay.” Kibum smiled and softly adjusted himself in the pillows. He rose an eyebrow when Jinki popped the top off one of the beers and downed it quickly. “How bad is what you have to tell me?”

           “Bad enough I was going to wait until I drove you home.” Jinki took a deep breath, eyes closed for a moment as he collected his thoughts, before they opened and he gave a small smile. “I love you a lot Kibum. You’re the first thing, Person, I’ve had for just myself. These last six months have meant so much to me and I know I should have told you this sooner, but I was selfish and I didn’t want to lose you.”

           “What is it you have to tell me?”

           “I’m married.” Jinki slowly answered. As the realization visibly descended over Kibum, he was quick to explain himself. “I don’t love her. I never did.”

           “How does that make this better?” Kibum hissed. “You’re still cheating on her with me. I’m your fucking mistress.”

           “No, no.” Kibum pushed off the bed of the truck and moved to leave, but Jinki raising his voice stopped him. “Dammit, Kibum sit here and listen to me.”

           “Listen to what? How can you make the fact you’re married any better?”

           “I didn’t marry her because I loved her.” Jinki ran his fingers through his hair, trying to get his emotions in check. He didn’t need to cry. “My sister was in love with her, but my parents would never have accepted her being gay and I wasn’t about to let my little sister be kicked out and disowned. I had to protect her and the only way I could think of was I told my parents the reason they were spending so much time together was that they were planning our wedding. I married her to protect my sister.”

           Kibum softened a little, carefully sitting back down from where he was standing. “Then why are you still married? Why didn’t you tell me about it?”

           “I’m still married because it was the safest option for her. She wasn’t out of school yet and she depended on our parents for her tuition, and I had no reason to be divorced. I didn’t have anyone that I’d need to be single for.” Jinki laid his head in his hands, elbows pressed into his thighs. “I met with my sister today to tell her I couldn’t do it anymore, that I loved you and wanted to be free to be with you completely. I guess it doesn’t matter. I’ve lost you by telling you.”

           It was a few minutes before Kibum softly asked, “Who said you’ve lost me Jinki?”

           When Jinki looked up he was as vulnerable as Kibum had ever seen him. His eyes were pink, cheeks damp, and he sniffled before saying. “I wouldn’t want to be with someone who lied to me like I did to you. Why would you want to be with me?”

           “Because I love you.” Kibum tenderly said. He crossed the distance between them to cup Jinki’s jaw. “You did lie to me and it hurts, but I understand the reasoning behind your marriage and behind the deception. I can’t be angry at you for protecting your little sister Jinki. “

           “Oh God,” Jinki gasped out, covering Kibum’s hand with his own as he turned to press a kiss to his palm. “I love you. I love you so much.”

           “C’mere.” Jinki shuffled over, snuggling in as Kibum wrapped his arms around him and kissed his hair. “We’ll work things out, and we’ll do it together. Thank you for being honest with me.”

           Jinki sucked in a ragged breath, sniffling harshly, before quietly asking, “What did you need to tell me?

           “Well,” He took a deep breath and laughed anxiously. “That’s a long story.”

          “I understand if you don’t want to tell me right now.”

          “I need to. You were honest with me and I need to get this off my chest.” Kibum gently pushed him to make some space between them. He wiped Jinki’s tears from his cheeks with his thumbs before saying, “I’m just going to come out and tell you. For months before I ran into you, I had these dreams that just didn’t feel like they were only dreams. In each, the dreams swirled around the lives of two people that no matter what gender they were, I could feel they were the same people. It just so happened in many of them one of them was named Kibum and the other.. Jinki.” Kibum couldn’t look at him as he confessed. “I wrote them all down as soon as I woke up from them, hoping to somehow piece them together and make sense of it all. I thought that maybe it was just my overactive imagination running wild, but then I ran into you. You felt familiar even if I knew I had never met you before. I tried to put it to coincidence, but every moment I spent with you I felt for the first time in my life like I didn’t have something missing. You probably think I’m insane, telling you all this, but I love you without those dreams.”

           He curled his fingers in his pants and sucked in a huge breath. “I’ve thought about telling you for so long, but I didn’t want to lose you. Every night it’s like I’m reliving lives, complete other lives where I lost you or you me, times when we were happy and others when I’d wake up and feel this big lump in my throat and dread in my chest. Regular dreams so ache for that long, you don’t feel or remember regular dreams as long as I have these. I remember every single detail of each, even the first one I had when I lost you to an arrow in the shoulder, all the way to the most recent. When I held you tight against my chest as the waters began rushing into our room on the Titanic. It feels so real, but it can’t be. Soulmates aren’t a thing.”

           The pressure in his chest couldn’t be contained, his emotions spilling from him easily as he brought his knees up to his chest. He pressed his face into his crossed arms on them and let the tears fall. He felt the truck moving under him before he felt the soft hands moving to remove his arms from around his face. Kneeling there was Jinki. His eyes were warm and damp, as silent tears fell from them. He cupped Kibum’s cheeks gently after pushing his knees apart so he could move closer. Their lips melded together. When Kibum pushed back against him it was like something unlocked in them. They fell apart panting, eyes wide and hair amuck as they stared at the other.

           All the memories, feelings, and sensations were coming back to them. When Jinki whispered his name all the emotion he was feeling could be felt through his voice. “Kibum?”

           It was just a word. A single whispered call of his name, but Kibum could sense so much more than was unspoken. “You remember too?”

           Jinki was crossing the small space between them quickly, nuzzling into his neck and wrapping his arms tightly around him. Kibum breathed in his scent deeply, wrapping his arms around him and pushing his fingers into his hair.

------

           6 months later

           Kibum was fixing his tie when he heard the gentle knock on the door. “Come in!”

           In the reflection of the mirror Jinki’s little sister Taeyeon popped her head through the open door, eyes covered by her hand. “You’re decent right?”

           “Yes.” He replied with a chuckle, letting go of the tie deeming it good enough.

           She stepped all the way in, hand falling from over her eyes as she moved to close the door behind her. “You ready for this?”

           “I’ve waited over a hundred years for a full life with him.” Kibum smoothed out his shirt nervously. “Is everything okay?”

           “Oh yes.” She smiled widely. “I’ve never seen my brother so shaken before. He wasn’t even this nervous before his dissertation to get his Ph. D. He’s so in love with you. He gave up so much for me, to protect me, and I’m just so thankful and happy he found you.”

           The glossiness of her eyes and the sound of her voice made him panic a little. “Oh no, Taeyeon please don’t cry.”

           She shook her head while laughing quietly, “Yes, I have to save that for the ceremony. Come. We have to head to the dock.”

           He grabbed the velvet box from the hotel room’s vanity and his coat before smiling. “Let’s go get me married.”

------

           In front of Pier 54, New York City,

           He caught a glimpse of Jinki when he turned the corner before Minho blocked his view. There was a lump in his throat as soon as the old gate came into view. This is where they would have docked if they survived on the Titanic. He twisted the small box between his fingers as he walked toward the edge near the very old gate. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and took in the smell of the water of the Hudson River. He was startled when he heard Jonghyun’s voice behind him. “It’s time Kibum.”

           He let out a deep breath and turned with a smile, finding Jinki across the way. There were only handful of people in front of the dock that came with them. Jinki’s sister Taeyeon, her partner Soojung, Jonghyun and Minho, who would be completing the ceremony. Finally standing in front of Jinki, seeing how radiant he was, God, he was breathtaking. He almost couldn’t follow Minho’s words. “Do you take Lee Jinki to be your husband?”

           “I do.” Jinki’s smile was so wide and bright as he gazed up at him.

           “Do you take Kim Kibum to be your husband?”

           “I do.” Jinki swallowed thickly after the words were said, tears forming on his lashes.

           “Exchange rings, and you may kiss your new husband.” Minho quietly said, closing his small notebook he had his lines written in.

           Jinki twisted to get the ring from his sister and Kibum handed the now empty box to Jonghyun to hold. He gently took Jinki’s left hand into his and smiled softly as he slipped on the ring. It took the man a moment to recognize it, but once he did his right hand was covering his mouth and nose, tears falling from his eyes in his shock. “I remember you were so upset over losing it on board. I told you that it would be found. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

           “Where- How?” He gasped out.

           “There was a thrift shop downtown in Seoul. I have no idea how it got there from last being seen on board the Titanic, but it’s the ring. The inscription is the same.”

           Jinki laughed at himself as he sniffled and wiped his eyes with the ends of his jacket, “I feel my ring for you doesn’t compare.”

           Once the gold band was slipped onto his finger Kibum stepped forward, his right arm slipping behind his back to tug him close, noses brushing as he quietly whispered, “I love you.”

           “I love you more.” Jinki’s lips quirked at the corners before he pressed forward, melding into Kibum easily.

          From their very first lifetime when Jinki was an Angel and Kibum was half demon, to their most recent on the Titanic, they had found each other and fallen in love. Through the mess that is the space time continuum, the sands of time trickling down, they found each other.

[mx-writer]

Alfred (America) x Kiku (Japan)

WARNING(S): fluff and some sexual tension

You Should Know: I don't exactly ship this personally, but this is too cute not to write about it.

Prompt(s): Okay, so a really cute idea popped into my head... I went to Washington DC a few years ago, and I was talking with one of my friends that went with me. The famous cherry blossoms were mentioned, and we were sad that we didn't get to see them. Then, it hit me: Japan gifted those trees to America. So I imagined how that scene would go down with the personified countries. Also, I'm setting this on White Day, because that sounds freaking adorable.

If these themes and ideas make you uncomfortable in anyway, you really do not have to read.

Thank you!

   Kiku carefully set the sapling into the small, delicate pink pot. He smiled down at the plant nervously as he packed in the soil and fed it some water. He was worried about what Alfred would think of him after this.

   He removed his gloves, picking up the pot, taking a deep breath. I can't believe I'm doing this.

   Alfred had been visiting him for a few days now, and he planned on staying until the next world meeting, in about a month. Kiku really liked his visits, even though he could be pretty annoying at times.

   They're good friends, and with the recent... encounter with Ivan, Kiku felt he owed Alfred for all he had done, and, as selfish as it seemed, he wanted to keep Alfred all to himself. He wanted him really badly.

   Peeking his head around the corner into the lounge, he spotted Alfred resting on the sofa. This was his chance. Slowly, he stepped into the room, and approached the couch.

   "Alfred?" His thick accent was quite apparent, even with him speaking so quietly.

   The man on the sofa turned his head to face Kiku, flashing him a smile, "Yeah, Kiku?" His eyes flicked down to the pot in his hands, "What's that?"

   Kiku's face flushed as he stepped closer. He sat on the sofa with Alfred, a few feet away. He held out the pot to him, turning head to avoid looking at him, "H-Happy White Day."

   Alfred furrowed his eyebrows, "What's White Day?"

   Oh no. Kiku suddenly felt so stupid, face reddening even more, "I-It's, ah - " he retracted the pot, clutching it in his lap as he hung his head, voice softer than before, "It is a h-holiday celebrated a month a-a-after Valentine's Day. On Valentine's Day, females give chocolates to wh-who they like, and on White Day, males return th-the favor."

   Alfred sits there quietly. Is he really...? Did he just...? He scoots a bit closer to Kiku, causing him to flinch. Kiku looked so vulnerable in this moment. "Kiku? Is this your way of asking me out?" He spoke bluntly.

   Kiku snapped his head to look at Alfred, face a deep scarlet, "I-I - " he panicked, "I'm sorry! Forget this ever happened!" He went to stand up, but Alfred pulled him back down into his seat, now sitting right beside him.

   Kiku's breath hitched, avoiding eye contact. Alfred smiled at him, slinging his arm around his shoulders. He was tempted to say something stupid and make a joke out of the situation, but he knew better than to mess with Kiku right now.

   He placed his hand over Kiku's on the side of the pot, "What kind of plant is this?"

   Hesitantly, he responded, "Ch-Cherry blossom tree."

   Alfred's eyes widened, excitement filling his voice, "You mean those really pretty trees with the pink flowers that bloom in the spring?"

   Kiku nodded, a small smile on his lips as he stared down at the plant.

   Alfred leaned into Kiku's shoulder, "Thank you! This is really nice of you!" A long pause stretched between his words, "I don't have anything for you, though."

   Kiku shook his head, "There is no need. If you don't return the sentiment, then you shouldn't - "

   "What about a kiss?"

   Now it was Kiku's eyes that widened. He turned his head back to the man next to him, "W-What?"

   "A kiss." Alfred repeated, "Would a kiss do for a gift?"

   Kiku stared at him, steam practically radiating off of his face with how hot it has gotten.

   Alfred quickly averted his eyes, now embarrassed, "I know your customs are a lot different here than back home, so I get if you don't want that. Sorry that I mentioned it." He pulled his arms away from Kiku, resting his hands back into his lap.

   The initial shock finally wore off, and Kiku snapped back to reality, "You want to kiss me?"

   Alfred rubbed at the back of his neck, letting out a nervous chuckle, "Well, yeah."

   With a newfound courage, Kiku slid his hand over the back of Alfred's as it rested on his thigh. He lifted the hand to interlace their fingers. He mumbled out a quiet, "Then why don't you?"

   It may have been very quiet, but Alfred managed to hear it. His confidence suddenly returned, and he removed his glove from the unoccupied hand. He lifted it to Kiku's cheek, eagerly leaning in to press their lips together.

   Kiku sighed through his nose, shivering at the contact. When Alfred swiped his tongue over Kiku's lips, he stiffened, goosebumps forming down his arms.

   Alfred immediately drew back, "Sorry, Kiku, I - "

   Kiku pulled his hand out of Alfred's grasp, snaking both of his arms around his neck to pull him closer. This time, Kiku initiated the kiss, pressing a little firmer into him.

   Alfred's eyes fluttered shut again, moving to wrap his arms around his waist, fingers brushing against the potted plant. Smoothly, he moved the plant to a nearby table, quickly returning to Kiku's side to resume the kiss. He pulled Kiku closer to him. This time, as he swiped his tongue over Kiku's lips, they parted, and the kiss deepened.

   Kiku let out an embarrassing squeak into the kiss, now pulling away to hide his face in his hands.

   Alfred 'aww'd, grabbing at Kiku's wrists, "C'mon, don't hide. That was super cute!"

   Kiku muttered something in Japanese, refusing to remove his hands.

   Alfred chuckled, pulling at his wrists to wrap them back around his own neck. Their faces were really close again, noses almost brushing against each other. Kiku looked everywhere but Alfred's face, while the other only smiled, watching his eyes.

   With a mischievous glint in his eye, Alfred decided this would be a good time to mess with Kiku. He first leaned in to kiss him again, then, at the last moment, shifted to kiss his cheek instead. Kiku frowned at that. Slowly, Alfred trailed light kisses down to Kiku's jaw, then down his neck.

   Kiku tensed up, gripping at Alfred's arms, "What a-are you doing?"

   Alfred only hummed in response, now licking up the side of his neck. Kiku's breath hitched and he pulled away from him, placing his hand over his now tingling flesh, "Y-You - !" He didn't really know what to say he was so flustered.

   Alfred laughed, smiling proudly back at the red-faced man in front of him.

   They sat in silence for a few minutes, and Alfred's smile started to falter, "I didn't cross any lines, did I?"

   Kiku vigorously shook his head, "No, no, no! It's okay!"

   Alfred let out a sigh of relief, "Oh, good. I was worried there for a minute."

   Forcing some more courage into himself, Kiku leaned forward, grabbing at the base of Alfred's neck, and kissing the other side of it.

   Alfred chuckled, placing his hands on Kiku's hips, stretching out his neck to expose more skin to Kiku. Kiku placed soft, light kisses down his neck, then back up. Slowly, he started to leave wet, open-mouth kisses, making Alfred shudder. Kiku lightly sucked on the skin of his neck, a hushed moan slipping between Alfred's lips. Kiku smiled to himself proudly, kisses becoming a bit harsher.

   Alfred bit his lip and gently pushed Kiku back. He then pulled the smaller man into his lap, chuckling at the shocked and embarrassed expression on his face, "This is okay, right?"

   Kiku nervously nodded, pulling at his kimono to get more comfortable on his lap. He felt really awkward, straddling Alfred like this, but he also kind of liked it.

   Alfred pulled Kiku back into another kiss, this one more heated and passionate. Kiku moaned, holding onto Alfred's shoulders a little more tightly. Alfred slid his hands down his back, but flinched when he worried he had gone too far. So, instead, he placed his hands on Kiku's hips, to avoid the temptation of wandering any further. Kiku huffed, shifting his hips. He let himself indulge in the moment, perverted thoughts swimming through his head. He tried to reel them back, but couldn't help himself.

   Kiku pulled out of the heated kiss, instantly hiding his face in the crook of Alfred's neck. He knows he shouldn't think like that; it's far too early for anything like that to happen yet.

   Alfred wraps his arms around Kiku's smaller frame to pull him closer, chests pressed together. He could barely feel it, but he noticed a rapid heartbeat slam against Kiku's ribcage, as if his heart was trying to bust out to get closer to Alfred's own heart. He smiled at that thought, kissing the side of Kiku's head, "You're mine now, right?"

   Kiku nodded, "H-Hai... as long as you're mine."

   Alfred's smile widened, "Deal."

Thank you so much for reading! If you enjoyed it, or have any critiques, please let me know! If you want a continuation, spam me until I write it. I actually kind of want to continue this, set it farther into the future, and write some smut, haha. Like I said at the top, I don't exactly ship them, but this was a lot of fun to write, and I think it turned out pretty cute. If you have any requests, please feel free to contact me!