#biasrekkers

[thebiasrekkers]

hey, I just want to say I love your writing. Are you guys gone for good? :(

*smacks all the cobwebs and dust away* We appreciate the love!

Life is really doing too much right now for the whole team. We still see every like and reblog and appreciate it all.

But, no. We are not gone!

Soon, my friends.

Soon.

-The BiasRekkers Team

[darknytemare]

Viscum: Dark Parasite

Pairing: Jimin x Reader [Featuring Elf Namjoon]

Word Count: 7.7K

Genre: SFW [shock of all shocks], Fantasy, Angst, Fluff [maybe?]

Summary:  Christmas is… dead. It has been for too long a time. You believe in an old tradition that could not only save Christmas but restore much-needed joy to the world. There’s just one small problem. The answer involves a rare strain of mistletoe and kissing the Spirit of Christmas.

A/N: Thanks to @uwugalore​ & @seakay05​ for proofing/editing, putting the collaboration together, making banners, and infinite amounts of patience! I hope you enjoy and please love this collaboration to bits! Happy Holidays!

25 Days of Christmas: A BTS Anthology MASTERLIST

          ------------

“Promise me,” she whispered softly. Her fingers traced the line of his jaw as she mustered a smile for him. “Please? Don’t let this all be for nothing.”

Her breath hitched as the pain ran through her body. There were tears glittered in her eyes as he heaved for air. Jimin held her tight against him with a vigorous nod.

“I promise. I promise. I swear it won’t be.” They were surrounded by people that cared about her. Her tears fell like liquid mercury across the apples of her cheek. Those tears fell like snow to the ground. She gathered her strength for a final deep inhale.  She could feel the infection leaving her, crippling her, minute by minute. The temperature dropped as she exhaled softly. A smile spreading across her face as she stared at the sky.

“Look, it’s snowing.” Her hand reached up for the flakes falling soft and thick around them. Jimin clutched her tighter, his face buried into the crook of her neck.

“Why?” He sobbed softly.

“Because it’s apart of the magic. It lets them know to gather. You must remind them to... gather.” She felt cold, her breath misting in the air. “Jimin,” she did her best to keep her sobs at bay. ‘...you have t-to take care of Niclaus. H-he is the beacon. You have t-to…” Her fingers clung into his forearm. A soft cry as her heart slowed, and he could feel it.

Her life slipping away as he smoothed his hand over her face. “I will. I promise.” Jimin leaned down to press his lips against hers. A kiss fiery enough to warm her soul. “Love you...always.”

“Always.” A sad smile as her heart stopped. The creatures around him bowed their heads as he sobbed against a body going cold. The babbling of a child that barely knew his mother stirred Jimin after a long moment.

He scooped her up, laying the body against the Sacred Elm. Jimin swiped his finger against the corner of her eye, wiping the mercurial liquid against the tree branch. The bark shuddered as her body fell into the center, disappearing again. He stood back as the tree seemed to vibrate and quiver.

“No!” Jimin woke with his arm, outstretched above him. Almost as if he could still feel the snowflakes settling like a gentle caress against his hand. His body drenched in sweat as the heel of his palm dug into his eye sockets.

It had been more than a thousand years since he had dreamed of her. It had been just as long since he’d broken his promise. It had been more than three hundred years since he had signaled the world to rejoice. He fell back against a mountain of pillows as his bare chest rose and fell with the thunder of his heartbeat. Jimin’s eyes squeezed shut against the flood of emotion, threatening to unsettle him. He could feel it, bubbling inside of him. The need to shed light and love, he could feel it trying to eat him from inside.

He could feel it trying to get out - and every year, he clamped it down.

Swallowing it back down bitterly, he held it at bay - selfishly. Why did the world deserve what he couldn’t have? After what it took from him? His forearm lay across his face as his pulse slowed.

Jimin was resolute in keeping that beacon dead. He had done so with no qualm for centuries.

There was a moment of trepidation as he stared out his window. He hadn’t dreamed of her face for a long time. He had almost forgotten what she looked like. But, that faint reminder? Had his heart aching all over again.

His lower lip pulled between his teeth as he suddenly wondered, Why?

Why now did her face reappear in his dreams?

 ------------------

It was cold.

It’s not as if she disliked the cold, it's just the cold that stood out the most. Maybe it’s because there’s a sudden warmth that overtook her. The laughter of a child, a hand holding her’s tight. The crunch of snow? It hasn’t snowed in ages. Yet, here it is - here she was, watching the tiny tracks leading away from them.

From them? Her gaze slides to the other set of fingers interlaced with hers. There’s the dull drone of a voice going on about something. She saw this child turn back to wave. He’s so happy because of her, and yet? She found herself suddenly envious. She remembered a time when that joy was familiar. When it belonged to everyone around her.

“....he’s getting bigger each year.” The voice sounded proud. The man next to her is just a fraction taller, by a mere few hairs. His side profile was ...captivating? He seemed to radiate energy, and she felt herself smiling like an idiot. Her focus shifts back to the child calling her name.

“Mama, mama! The snow is so fluffy.” She felt herself smile down at this little bundle of joy. He had the bluest eyes. Like the sky had been snatched and thrown into his face. He had the squishiest cheeks, tinted a light cherry by the cold, no doubt. His hair was ...silver? White? She turned to the man next to her and saw the same silvery strands atop his head.

The child runs off throwing snow in the air, it twinkles like a multitude of stars against the dark of night. “Niklaus, don’t get covered.”

Niklaus? She was interrupted as the man spun her around in his grasp. He’s so warm and close, and friendly. His lips brushed her forehead, and damnit it’s cold again -

His lips are moving, she couldn't stop staring at them. They’re plush, his skin is perfect - he’s practically glowing. It’s so cold? Why is it so cold?

“You’re shivering. I know what will warm you up.” Her eyes shifted from the point of his chin along the line of his jaw - and things are suddenly blurry. No, no. No. Don’t... She wanted to see it! This always happens, fuck. She could only make out his lips, and as soon as her gaze traveled any higher? She saw this blue? Gray? Slate? These eyes, these damned eyes that she just can’t forget.

Then it all goes away.

...and then she wakes up.

 ---------------

“She’s back?!” A jubilant voice echoed from down a long corridor.  “She’s back! She’s back!” The childlike voice echoes, causing a tired-looking man to remove his glasses. There was the sound of destruction as the elf scrambled into the workshop.

‘Saint Nicholas’ chuckled as Namjoon scrambled into his office with a delicate crystal. “Sh-She’s back! Nick, she’s back!”

Niklaus waved his hands, bade the elf to breathe first, and then explain. The elf took a shake breathy and placed a delicate crystal on the man’s desk.

“It’s been getting brighter and brighter. And just today? It...it’s glowing. She’s back, Nick. Maybe... maybe this time?” Namjoon was hopeful as Saint Nicholas held the icicle in his hand. The tears brimming in his eyes confirmed Namjoon’s suspicions.

“Mother.”  The brilliance swelling inside the shard shaped crystal seemed to dance at the word. “Where is she, Namjoon?” A pair of pale blue pinned the elf in place. The elf bit his lip as he toyed with his fingers.

“Nick, y-you know we can-” The older man cut him off.

“Where... is she, Namjoon?”

The elf sighed heavily as his fingers flexed against the air.  A beacon of light flared against a mystical map swirling around them. The elf pointed to the little village in the mountains. Niklaus pinched the flare of light, a motion that zoomed the map outward. Giving them a visual of the place and its people.

“Nick. D-do you think…?”

Namjoon stared as a woman exited a cabin. Sometimes, they somewhat looked like her - sometimes, some things reminded them of her. But this woman? She was a dead ringer. This woman was the spitting image of his mother, The Spirit of Winter.

Namjoon turned to Santa Claus as he dropped the jolly facade that the world knew him by. In actuality? He was a blend of his parents. Silvery hair gifted by both of them. Jimin’s sleek, almost androgynous features. He had his mother’s blue eyes that part of his look was real. The twinkle within them a gift that allowed him to do the impossible.

The two of them together were responsible for the spirit that came with the holiday known as Christmas. But, for the last few hundred years? That spirit has been missing from the world. The reason for the season had become lost in a wave of greed and indifference. It became materialistic, primal, and evil, with more care for closing the sale or getting the deal. Not to mention the ill care of the planet that slowly began to chip away at the population.

Over time, some people had simply forgotten about the holidays. Force to realize they didn’t have the things that made the holidays enjoyable? They let them fall to the wayside. The planet had suffered much at the hands of industrialization and unscrupulous consumption of resources. It was too late by the time the population shifted to change their ways. The planet was thrown into a flux that had all the minor deities scrambling to save what they could.

The weather deities suffered damage that caused an inability to control their powers. Slowly but surely, they began to fade. Absorbed back into the planet to try and offer some sort of balance. But it was the Spirit of Winter who suffered the most. The bitter cold that snapped in places where it didn’t belong. The longer durations began to cripple her as she fought against the impending change. She struggled to give humanity a fighting chance. She fought to minimize the damage to those ill-prepared for even the mildest of cold snaps. At first, she believed it to be the cause of her pregnancy, a rare thing to start, hormones went awry. But as other deities succumbed, or simply returned to the heart of Gaia, she realized it wasn’t so simple. Finally, she made a choice.

She wouldn’t sacrifice her child - so she stopped trying to prevent the inevitable. She protected the life inside of her, a hope that could restore something lost in humanity. She put her everything into making sure that the child was born.

It took two months for the disease wrought by the human race to run rampant. She had to watch on in horror as the world began to hurt and forget. No one remembered the olde ways, nobody carried the spirit of the holidays - let alone joy. Jimin had started to grow bitter as she suffered. But, against all the odds? Their child was born.

They named him Nicklaus.

She had held back the secret of her well-being from everyone. She just wanted to enjoy her fleeting moment of motherhood. They all gathered at what remained of The World Tree, and she knew then what it would take.

"You want to what?" Jimin hissed as she placed her hand on the withered bark.

"It's the only way, Jimin. For just a moment, if they could remember happiness. Don't you think we owe it to him to try?" Her hand balled into a fist, Jimin knew that look.

"You can't leave us!" He stepped forward, his eyes a dark gray from their natural silver shine. "You can’t leave him!" A hand-cut the air toward their son. But, the fear in his voice gave him away. "Y-you can't leave me." His hands cradled her face tilting it up, a gaze imploring him to reconsider.

"I'm so sorry..."

A broken sob left her as confusion furrowed his brow. "...It's already too late." Jimin shook his head, prepared to fight her, but he felt it. He realized it. He didn't know how he missed it? But, he had.

"You..."

Hurt. There was hurt in his voice as he released her face. She dropped the illusion of vitality to the soft collective gasps around them. "Why? Why would hide this?! Why would you lie?!"

She was emaciated, a sickly pallor to the usual vibrancy they were used to. Her eyes, hair were a dull and flat white. "I needed you both to have happy memories of me." Her smile was weak. "It's taken so much out of me to hide it. I just... I'm tired, my love." Tired and getting weaker by the moment. Jimin finally realized everything now.

And he hated humanity even more.

She was giving the last of her vitality to the World Tree. There was nothing he could do to stop her. Because she's making the sacrifice instead of being the sacrifice. Of course, it made sense. But it didn't mean he had to like it.

Her knees buckled as the air began to chill.

Even as a young child, Niklaus was attentive. And the image of his mother being absorbed into the World Tree? It had always stayed with him.

Because he always remembered the smile on her face before the bark closed over her body.

It was known as The Great Resurgence. For some reason that year, right before Christmas Eve - a wave of calm washes over the world. People remember a thick silence that seemed to make everyone stop and look toward the sky. The streak of colors spotted in areas as deep and rural, was the talk of nations. It was the first time snow has fallen in decades in some areas.

It was the greatest White Christmas.

And every year, as long as humanity maintained the feeling, they were gifted with the same emotion that fell from the sky. Snow sparkles like small diamonds seemed to bring out the best in everybody. They took that energy into the new year.

But, the saying goes - all good things come to an end.

And it did, years later, when a small war broke out. Fueled by greed, and with Jimin's bitterness at its peak, it caused that darkness to reappear.

And Jimin... intervened.

Nobody can remember the moment or the cause, just that two sides were devastated. And a charismatic individual appeared from the smoke to help the people mend their ways.

That charismatic individual then chose others, he trusted, to continue his work. Then he disappeared, spotted here and there over the years.

As one of the few remaining spirits left, Jimin didn't care about the rules. And as far as he was concerned? They didn't need the holidays. They didn't deserve them. So, he worked to bring order, structure, and cordiality.

The old ways were wholly forgotten by the time he was finished.

His bitterness ate him just a little less.

But then, he started to see her. It was never in the same place. It was never at the same time. He could feel her popping up in random forms throughout the years. He grew nervous that this was his punishment for not abiding by her final wish.

He was always drawn to her, no matter what form she took. She has been many things, an aging grandmother with twelve generations. A young girl, happy even though she had little, in a small country. A girl at the peak of her youth living her truth unabashedly and encouraging others to do the same.

And each time? Every time he was near? She dies. Naturally, horribly, on time and way too soon. He was there for them all. He could always swear she recognized him. It became too much for him. So he stopped looking. He stopped showing up.

But not Nicklaus - because he still had hope.

"Nick?” Namjoon watched the young man quietly. The shard of pulsating energy held almost too tight in his hand.

“This is it, Namjoon. This is our chance.” Nick handed the shard back to Namjoon. The elf nodded softly, turning on his heel to leave the room. “Namjoon....”

The elf turned around to see the dark blue eyes set in Niklaus’ face. It caused him to frown, he was like his father in some ways. “Don’t tell him.” Namjoon nodded and quickly departed the room. He clutched at his chest to quell the rapid beat of his heart. Because that dark rage that he had seen on Jimin’s face? Was equally mirrored in his son.

At least, he was thankful that Niklaus had never acted on it.

---------

“It’s a beautiful day, Agnes!” The old woman wrinkled her face as the young woman came twirling into her home. The curtains and windows were opened, a stream of sunlight exposed the layer of dust that had settled. The young woman spun from one side of the cabin to the others. Agnes couldn’t help but chuckle at her exuberance.

“Sona, come here, would you?” The young woman turned with a bright smile on her face. Agnes couldn’t help but let her own spread across her face. Sona, the nickname given to the strange girl who had appeared in their village long ago with no memory. They were a mismatch of nationalities existing in the mountains. Far from the damage caused by those who didn’t care for anything but themselves. They remembered how things used to be - and they still abided by those tenets even now.

Sona flopped down at Agnes’ feet, smoothing the fabric of her skirt. “It’s almost time, Sona.”

The young woman nodded eagerly. “I know, Agnes! I’m so excited. Do you really think it will happen this year?” The old woman reached out to cup the girl's chin.

No one could explain Sona’s strange, yet alluring look. For starters? She had white hair, white as the first snow. Her eyes were a pale blue, that sometimes at the right angle, looked white. Concerned for her well-being, they took to dying her hair black. It was an arduous task that left her with stubborn streaks of white hair intermingled with the darker strands. It only made her blue eyes, paler. But, they merely claimed she had an exotic look.

It worked and allowed her to thrive and build a life. She took particular joy in hearing the stories about the celebrations long forgotten. A form of All Hallow’s still exists. Something akin to Thanksgiving still remained.

It was Christmas. The ever-elusive tale of Christmas and the joy it brought, was what was missing. It was almost illegal to speak of it in larger cities. There were rumors that smaller, more rural locations still carried out similar ceremonies.

But there was one thing that was missing - one thing that those secret communities felt was paramount to creating the spirit of Christmas.

Mistletoe.

The strange colorful berries that hung on doors, tangled in trees, and snuck overhead for centuries. The tradition was more than just a ‘kiss.’ It was a shared union, a promise to stay connected from that day forward.

The mistletoe forced that promise. Nobody ever realized that mistletoe was actually... a parasitic plant.

The tradition actually goes: Two people meet under the mistletoe. A kiss is granted. Each person takes a berry from the plant - and they eat it. This continues until the branch is bare. The spirit and joy of the season are now apart of you... to spread to others.

And like a strange disease, it did. People were happier, full of goodwill and joy. They all believed it the gathering of friends, family, and good times. It’s true - it was... but it was also the mistletoe.

For centuries, there was a search for the particular type of mistletoe that could restore the joy in the world. It hadn’t been found, because the Spirit of Christmas didn’t believe in it himself anymore. But, the world has changed, and so has its people. There was more consideration for life and how people played a role in it. Most gave up on materialistic things, reduced their media consumption, and got back outside. Moderation was now a way of life - and even without Christmas? People were fulfilled. That didn’t mean that they had forgotten completely.

As the world healed, it kept trying to find a way to instill something much needed back into humanity. So, mistletoe began to bloom. And she began to appear. With each attempt to bring her back? A bit of mistletoe blossomed - but it was either too weak [like a grandmother with twelve generations]? Or too young [a girl living life to the fullest] to do the job.

So the bloom would die - and simply keep reappearing.

All over the world, there would be signs of mistletoe trying to reappear in the world. But, Agnes and those around her had been tracking this growth. They always got a sample of the branch. Never the berries. The time between growths had been so long they didn’t think they’d get to see it. But recently? Now? They were sure they’d get it.

They were sure that the right branch would be found - and it would be in the mountains. Right above them.

Agnes looked at Sona, her fingers running through the strands of white fighting the coal-based color in her hair. “Oh, yes, my dear. I’m absolutely certain. You will find what you’re looking for.” Because Agnes had a feeling. Because Agnes had hope.

And because Agnes was running out of time.

--------

Jimin sat behind a desk in an opulent office. People moving around doing the mundane jobs that kept food on the table. It was more out of a need to do something with themselves. People had taken to growing their own food. Reducing their consumption and the strain on the environment. It was good to stay busy, especially in December. People had all but forgotten the thing that used to happen in December - and he preferred it that way.

“Sir.” The intercom buzzed, taking him out of the trance of signing papers.

“What is it?” An exasperated sigh as he resumed.

“Your son is here.” There was a quiver in the voice that suddenly softened at the mention of his son. Jimin dropped his pen on his desk. He looked at the calendar and sighed - it was like clockwork, every year. They would talk about hope, and his duty, and... her.

“Andrea.”

“Yes, Mr. Park?”

“Send everyone home for the day. Then tell my son to meet me upstairs.”

“Yes, Mr. Park.”

The intercom went dead. Jimin watched as everyone glanced at their monitors, confused. But, they rose to collect their belongings and shut down their stations. They all waved with small polite smiles to him as they departed. He continued to sign papers for another few minutes before grabbing his jacket, heading to the elevator nearby.

He swiped a keycard to the top floor where he lived. Jimin swept his hair away from his face as the door opened to the penthouse. The glass clinked as his son pour two fingers of whiskey for the both of them. The heat of the fireplace thicker than the tension between them. Jimin watched his son turn with a glass extended.

“Father.”

Jimin offered him the smallest of smiles. His heart broke, laying eyes upon this man that resembled her so much. He raised his glass, and they took a seat. “Niklaus, it’s good to see you.” They each took a chair, their legs similarly crossed over the knee. “So, here to - engage in the age-old conversation?” A brow lofted as Jimin smirked. Niklaus tilted his head as he watched his father.

“No, Father. I think this will be the last year for that.” Niklaus smiled as he downed his drink in one swallow. Jimin looked shocked, this had become as close to tradition as it could get between them. He smiled, proudly, with that admission.

“So, are you ready to come work with me then? Are you ready to stop this foolish chase now?” Jimin wanted to call them family. He wanted to have some kind of normalcy. He tried to put the past behind them and move on.

Niklaus chuckled softly, “No, Father. That’s not why this is the last year for that.” Jimin sighed as he slumped back into his chair. He finished the drink in a quiet swallow, the thud of the glass on the table was enough to fracture it.

Storm-gray eyes pinned Niklaus to his seat, and yet? He smiled. Jimin knew his anger was a thing of legend, and something not to toy with. “Nick. Give. It. Up.” He pushed to stand from his chair. “This is enough! I’m sick of this game of yours! This hope? It’s NOTHING. Let it GO. LET HER GO.”

Jimin combed his fingers through his hair haphazardly. Jimin paused as his son’s dark gaze leveled on him.

“You didn’t.” Those pale blue eyes were now dark as a raging sea, and it was something he was unaccustomed to seeing. He really is our son. Jimin swallowed thickly as Niklaus pushed to stand. “You didn’t give her up. You cannot fool me, Father.” The young man shoved his hands into his pockets as he approached his father.

“She’s back, Father. She’s back. It’s really her. I’ve confirmed it.” Usually, Nick would come in ranting and raving about these things. Jimin could easily dismiss him, quickly push it aside. He could easily say that Niklaus was mistaken. But there was something about the calm confidence he was displaying that unnerved him. Jimin licked his lips nervously while Niklaus stared, unflinching.

“Nick, you know, you say this every ye-” Niklaus put his hand up, interrupting him.

A shimmer of energy fizzled between them as Nick produced that icicle shaped shard, blazing with energy. The blue light shifted against their faces. The sensation of it caused Jimin to stumble back into his chair. Niklaus advanced on him, shoving the proof in front of him.

“This is no longer a joke, Father.” He could taste the cool air in the room. As if their energies called to each other, as it always had. The glass surfaces began to frost around them. Nick pulled up that map, the beacon flaring brighter than when he first saw it.

Just as Namjoon did those weeks ago? Nick pinched, zoomed, and let the village play to life in Jimin’s face. He registered the frown when Jimin saw the colorful decorations. He watched as he stared enraptured as the villagers laughed merrily. He watched his father swallow thickly at the red and green candles that cured in the windows.

The color drained from Jimin’s face when a lovely young woman twirled in the middle of a circle. Children singing a song, he didn’t know nor could he hear, their smiles so bright and cheerful. He moved closer as the woman twirled, her hair the color of storm clouds. Only because the black dye was fading, he could see the snow-white strands throughout.

When he saw her face? Her eyes? Niklaus was sure he could hear Jimin’s heart threatening to leap out of his chest.

“It’s not too late, Father. Remember your promise.”

Niklaus waved it all the way. The shard, the map, and the dancing doppelganger of his dead lover. Jimin sank to his knees with his eyes full of unshed tears.

Niklaus shoved his hands into his pockets and stepped around him. “Happy Holidays, Father.”

Jimin grabbed his chest, he didn’t hear the elevator door open. But for some reason? The ding of the elevator closing sounded louder than usual.

Like a bell tolling for something in the distance.

---------

The closer that time drew along? That dream kept getting stronger. She kept seeing things, faces, and places that weren’t familiar - but made her tear up at the thought. Sona laid in bed with her forearm across her face, the tears fell from the corners of her eyes.

Her heart was so heavy as the day of her hike drew near. She could never understand the pain that filled her. What was once a blossoming field of excitement, had suddenly turned bitter inside of her gut. She hid silent sobs behind her fingers.

She didn’t want to let the villagers down. These lovely people who shared their homes, their lives, and their ways with her. She wanted to give them something to hope for. Because she had no recollection of anything before coming here.

She owed it to them. Something inside of her said it was time to gather.

But the dreams that plagued her? The happiness that was lost to whomever she became at night? They made her fearful of the time to come.

She turned on her side, her shoulder shaking as she sobbed harder into her pillow.

Her tears falling like shimmering mercury onto her sheets.

-------

December 22nd 24XX

“Sona, are you ready to go?” Agnes coughed softly, packing a back with bread and dried fruit. The weather was so mild for this time of year, and it had been for too long. Sona came in wrapped in a scarf and thick cloak.

“I’m ready, Agnes!”

She grabbed the pack and let the elderly woman help her push it on to her shoulders. Sona turned around her cheeks, rosy with a faint blush. “This is it, Agnes. Are you really sure? Do you really think it’s there?” Agnes framed her face, with hands that have gotten colder by the day, and smiled.

“I’m sure it is, my dear. Remember what I told you. The World Tree is special; you will know it when you see it.” The elderly woman frowned softly. “There might also be something that might try and stop you. Something that may try to discourage you from going forward.” Agnes’ frown deepened. “No matter what, Sona.”

Sona patted Agnes’ cheek. “I made you this promise long ago when you told me the tales. I will not let you down.” She couldn’t afford to. They hugged each other tightly, and Sona inhaled deeply, turning on her heel to leave.

She stopped just shy of the threshold. “Have a Merry Christmas, Agnes.” The door was closed behind her with a gentle click. Agnes smiled, turning to settle in her big rocker chair. A blanket pulled over her legs, a fire crackled in the hearth.

She waved her fingers, magic shimmering in front of her. “You can’t stay away this time... Jimin.” The same mystical map loomed in front of her. “It is time to gather.”

The entity masquerading as ‘Agnes’ smiled, “That cheeky girl. Wishing me a Merry Christmas early. You haven’t changed, my girl. You have not changed.”

“And neither have you.” She smiled at the voice that answered in the darkness.

‘Agnes’ turned to the shadowy corner, spotting the twinkling eyes watching her. “Hello, Niklaus.” He stepped out a look bouncing between disbelief and relief.

“You’re….”

She placed a finger against her lips. A shake of her head as she bade him not to speak her actual name. He dropped to his knees in front of her as he sandwiched her hands between his. She smiled down at the silvery strands at his crown as the tears fell against her skin.

“I know my boy. It’s been a long time. It’s almost over - I promise.”

Niklaus hadn’t cried this hard since his mother died. But this confirms everything he had ever told his father over the years. It confirmed that his faith had not been misplaced, that everything will eventually be alright.

Niklaus sniffled as he composed himself, looking up in her eyes. “Does this mean…? I mean the others, they....” She shook her head again.

“Yes, Niklaus. Enough time has passed, and old wounds are healed.” She turned to look out the window to the trail that leads up to the mountains. “...all except one.”

Sona made good progress up the trail. Their area wasn’t known to be particularly fraught with danger - so she had no problem starting a fire to rest. She ate some of the bread and dried fruit, even though her stomach turned as she continued away from the village. It’s strange following the trail with no map. Agnes merely told her, she would know the way. So, she walked, never second-guessed her steps- and always followed her first mind. She kept out of areas too dark, or that gave off a bad vibe. The path remained visible, accessible, but long. It was strange, the farther she got up the mountain, the clearer the sky became. Stars, constellations, and even the moon seemed brighter.

She couldn’t help but smile- it seemed as if the sky was putting on a show just for her.

Wrapped in that thick cloak, warm and safe with the idea that nature was showing off for her. The wind settled, the trees barely shivered, and the moon seemed to dim. Little did she know how right she was.

Even the pair of dark gray eyes that watched her from the shadows realized the world stilled for her - and her alone.

-------

Impossible.

It can’t be.

“Can it?” Jimin’s voice was soft as he stared at her. He replenished the wood in her fire so the cool wouldn’t disturb her slumber. He crouched down, fingers aching to touch as they ghosted over her hair. He couldn’t focus, let alone sleep since Niklaus had visited him. The signs were too bright, like neon lights in the dark.

He had been too focused on his own misery, wallowing in his bitterness that he - again - failed to realize what was happening around him. The world had healed. So much that he noticed the energy of many that had faded before.

Far from their former glory, they existed and grew stronger with humanity’s change of pace. The very switch in their mindset made it comfortable to exist.

It wasn’t until the Seasons had visited him, like a Christmas carol parody. Each making their presence known mere days before. Showing up like ghosts from the past to remind him that he had broken his promise. That he had failed in his duty, and yet, he would still be rewarded.

But only if he forgave himself- and the world for its folly. Because it’s what she would have done. The fact they appeared before him, unfortunately, proved Niklaus’ assumption that this year, something was different.

So Jimin made his way to this mountain village, blending in with a well-placed illusion. There was something strange, enchanting about this particular village and he couldn’t place what it was. But, he stayed among them, watching them live. It had been so long since he’d done that. Just observe the world as it went on its way. There was such joy and gratitude in this place. They were happy with their simple lives, and it gave him hope.

And that scared him.

Almost as much as it did when he actually ran into her, Sona is what they called her. He smirked when she introduced herself because it was an Irish word for Happy. “That’s an odd name.” She tilted her head towards him.

“And what’s your name?”

He hesitated, a fraction, “Jimin.”

She chuckled.

“That’s an odd name.” He blinked at her as she tossed his assessment back at him. “I guess we’re just two odd named individuals, yeah?” She stuck out her hand. “It’s nice to meet another odd individual.” He couldn’t resist taking her hand, lifting it to his lips.

“The pleasure is mine.” Just ghosting over the bumps of her knuckle. Her lips quivered on a soft inhalation of air. Her teeth worried at her bottom lip as their eyes met. “So, Sona. What’s there to do around here?”

“Well, Jimin," She cleared her throat as if it would remove the red tinging her cheeks. "We’re getting ready for an extraordinary occasion.” There was a grin that could have split her face in two. “It’s very secret, only celebrated here. It’s been a long time since it’s been done, though. So, you’ll have to excuse all the…” A hand waved to the candles and such. “...that. I promise it makes sense. But....”

She turned to the odd fellow with hair that seemed the color of storm clouds. Or was it just the afternoon light?

“I can show you our handicraft shops. If you’d like?” His heart skipped a beat as she looked at him from under her lashes.

“I... would, actually. I’d like that a lot.” He offered his elbow, which she grasped gently. They somehow wound up spending hours together. Walking, talking, and laughing. He couldn’t remember the last time when…

“What is it?” She asked curiously.

“What’s what?” He sipped a concoction of black tea, yak butter, and honey. It was something similar to what they consumed in the Tibetan mountains. It was a thick, fatty, and slightly musky drink. But, it kept the people warm, cozy, and strong. It could have used a bit of brandy- maybe he’d suggest that later.

“You were smiling, and rather fondly, I might add.” She sipped her own drink.

“Ah, you... remind me of someone I knew once.” Her eyes darted to her cup.

“I’m sorry?” A quiet apology as she finished.

“Don’t be. I...” He sighed, setting his cup down. “... I needed to be reminded. It’s been a long time since I had a good time like this.”

Sona brightened but managed to keep her head down. “I’m glad I could help.” He seemed so familiar- it was so strange. It was his voice. She swore she’s heard it before?

“Well, I should be going.” Jimin finished his tea, standing abruptly. She followed, nearly knocking over her chair.

“Th-There’s an inn. It’s small, but it should have a bed. The... trek down is so long.” She fiddled with her fingers while he thought it over.

“Alright. I think I would like more of this before I go anyway. Will you take me there?” They smiled at each other, finally. She nodded enthusiastically, practically dragging him across the village.

And now here he is, three days later- watching her sleep under the stars. He clapped a hand over his mouth as he moved away from her. Afraid to let his emotions get the best of him. Fearful that he was going to watch her die too- like all the previous incarnations before her. He ran into the dark of the forest, hard, as branches cut his skin and clothing.

He reached a clearing stumbling to his knees, unable to stop the tears from falling. Gulping for air as the warmth of recognition settled over him. As hope-filled him to the brim and made him sick. As he finally opened himself up to the world, he had shunned.

He felt... everything.

And regretted just as much.

-------

December 23rd 24XX

The air was so much thinner this high up. She took sips of that fortified tea to fight off anything that could think to make her sick. It also helped her breath, as if increasing her lung capacity. The world was too quiet up here. There was nothing to echo or feel.

She had reached the part of the world where no wind could blow.

“I’m close, Agnes.”

Her footsteps echoed in her ears as if she walked on a shiny floor. As if someone were approaching her from a great distance. Everything was so loud. Even the disturbance of her breathing was too loud. Was this it? Was this the distraction, the fear-inducing element that would try to deter her?

Because it was starting to work. The quieter she attempted to be, the louder everything got. She placed her hands over her ears to try and drown it out, but it seemed to happen right inside of her mind. Her breathing increased as her heart rate pattered upward. The tears sparkled in her eyes as she bore the pain.

It was as if the world was testing her mettle. Her head hurt, her legs ached - and she ignored it all. Following the feeling in her soul that urged her forward. Jimin watched from the sidelines, feeling the vibrations of her discomfort. He wanted to tell her to turn back. He wanted to ask her to abandon this foolish journey, go back to her village, and grow old with this spirit. But he couldn’t interfere. And a sick part of him wanted her to finish so she could be proven wrong.

So he could be right. So he could throw this back in Niklaus’ face.

So he wouldn’t have to bear the weight of belief and hope. Jimin knew where she was going. This was a path that he had walked many times. And the only thing he could do? Let his feet shuffle the trail, leaving an indentation in the ground as if he was being dragged to a demon of his past.

The sky opened up to a beautiful celestial play of shooting stars and constellations. The moon seemed to dance in the air above her. It had reached the highest point in the sky. She looked down the path down at the world below. Everything was so small, so precious. There was a tree, thick and lush, just feet away from her.

“The World Tree.” Her voice whisper-quiet echoed around her.

But, Agnes said the tree was sick? This tree wasn’t ill! It was full and well cared for. Could Agnes have been wrong? She moved toward the tree; her fingers outstretched as they settled on the cool bark. Energy, calm, and familiar pulsed under her fingers. She leaned forward and placed her face against the rough surface.

And for a second, just a moment she thought she heard…

Thump, thump. Thump, thump.

“Is that a….”

“Heartbeat?” Jimin answered before she could even ask the question. She whirled around, placing her back against the tree. Her eyes were wide.

“Wh-What are you doing here?” Her brow furrowed. “How did you get here?”

He placed his hands behind his back as he paced in front of her. “I’ve been here before. This is a place near and dear to my heart. Question is, Sona, why… ” He approached with a tilt of his head. Taking liberty to catch a strand of hair between his fingers. “...are you here?”

She swallowed thickly as she moistened her lips. “I... I have to be here. For Agnes, for everyone. I have to find something.” She closed her eyes, fingers digging into the tree-bark, as if for strength.

“Go home, Sona. Live a full life. Grow old. Let these legends stay legends.” He leaned in, letting his voice whisper against her cheek. “You can’t imagine the pain in this place.” Her nostrils flared as she tilted her head upward.

“Don’t let it sway you, Sona,” Agnes’ voice echoed in her mind. A fierce determination swelled as she opened her eyes. Jimin smirked as she kept her gaze upward.

“It’s ok. You can give up, Sona.” It made him sick to do this, but he had lived in that pit too long. He couldn’t take the vibrant color she restored to his world.

She tilted her head curiously, still tilted upward as he spoke. A sound, like a groan, echoed around them. Jimin tilted his head as she reached her hand upward.

A shiver ran the length of his body as an icy breeze slithered across his neck.

“Do you know the traditions, Jimin?” Her voice was far away. “The old way of things?”

His brow furrowed as he looked upward, his eyes large as saucers. Right above their heads, as if offered into her hand, a branch studded with fat, triangular leaves, the scent unmistakeable. A tart, evergreen essence that accompanied a cluster of snow-white berries.

Her fingers wrapped around that branch as it hung over their heads. He hadn’t realized that tears had been falling down his face. He barely noticed the drop in temperature, but he saw the swell of magic surrounding them.

There was a soft sob that left him as those berries seemed to shimmer above them. He noticed Sona pluck one of those berries and place it in her mouth.

“No! You mus-” He reached out a hand to stop her. It was too late as she shifted to avoid his grab to her shoulder.  

He couldn’t avoid her as she advanced on him, her fingers clutched into the front of his shirt.

And he certainly couldn’t avoid that kiss.

Her tongue slid against the seal of his lips, a sweetness too heavy to consume on her own, was passed between them, her tongue coated in flavors that the world had forgotten about. Tart cranberries, smoked meats, yeasty bread, the scent of things baking. All accumulated in their mouths and filled their nostrils.

Jimin’s hands had hovered above her waist. Finally, they grabbed her. Greedy for her presence, one hand rose to the back of her head as he deepened the kiss. The soft moan as she melted into him, nearly ended his existence.

It was all coming back to her now.

Now, she remembered.

The World Tree saved her, entombed her while it healed. And she recovered with it. Her admirable sacrificed was rewarded with a second chance. So when the Tree could spare her no more energy? It released her with no memory, and she walked down the path. She stumbled into the village, and there she stayed. Growing stronger as the World Tree did.

And now?

Her hand reached skyward as Jimin placed kisses along her face and jaw. His lips sealed to the tender skin just behind her ear.

She breathed life into his soul as she sighed. She spoke his name like a promise, like a gentle caress.

The Spirit of Christmas burned hotter than the sun for the first time in centuries. He stared upward as a smile curved her lips. The temperature dropped as she exhaled softly. A smile spreading across her face as she stared at the sky.

“Look, it’s snowing.”

Her hand reached up for the flakes falling soft and thick around them. “Isn’t it beautiful?” The Spirit of Winter smiled as the mistletoe began to bloom once more.

“Yes, love.” Jimin tilted his head skyward as the flakes landed on his nose. “Yes, it is.”

“Merry Christmas, Jimin.”

December 24th 24XX

Niklaus couldn’t contain himself as people ran outside to marvel in the snowflakes falling from the sky. It had been too long since he had laughed so heartily. Legend has it, that his ‘Oh, oh, oh’ of surprise, actually gave birth to the ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ that he’s so well known for.

But that’s a story for another time.

For today was about the Spirit of Christmas being reunited with the Spirit of Winter.

And their child who had indeed kept alive something missing in Humanity.

Hope.

-------

All rights reserved. © Copyrighted 2019.

[thebiasrekkers]

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn "It's always darkest before the dawn..." It's a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right? 

AO3 | WP

Chapter 00: Prologue

"I’ve grown a bit taller  My voice has gotten a bit stronger..."

Chapters: Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6 

Ten Years Ago Hwaseong – Gyeonggi Province South Korea

The air was frigid and crisp. There was a feeling of absolute quiet across the vast expanse of tall reeds; half dead while others tried desperately to cling to what life remained in their roots. The occasional crunch of leaves and scuffle of rocks could be heard – ripping through the quiet as the afternoon sun soon sank into the horizon. More undergrowth was crushed underfoot, approaching a certain spot. A destination was set by those same sets of sounds; the distinct sound of sneakers trudging with a purpose but were in no hurry.

A lone figure sat on a large rock near the Hwaseong Riverbank. One leg hung lazily off the edge, the other perched so that an elbow could rest along the knee. His blazer was loose, the tails fanning around his backside just where he sat. A cigarette poked from his full lips as the ember burned silently, flaring a bright orange when a sudden gust of wind would push against him. The sound of the brush being pushed aside began to grow louder but he made no move to face the direction of the noise.

After all, he knew who was coming.

���Namjoon-ah,” came a voice, familiar and deep. Namjoon craned his neck, the cigarette still hanging from his lips. Looking up at him from the ground, the person flashed him a half gummy smile. “You wanna start a fire?”

Namjoon grinned. “Yoongi Hyung.”

Reaching into the inside pocket of his blazer where a crumpled pack of cigarettes were hidden, he tossed them down to Yoongi and he caught them easily. Namjoon watched as the older man lit one of the smokes before clambering up onto the rock beside him. Yoongi handed the pack back to him, exhaling as he leaned back on his hands to look at the sky.

“Those things are going to be the death of you one day,” came Hoseok’s voice from the tall reeds.

They both turned to see Seokjin and Hoseok pushing the honey wheat stalks to the side as they looked up at them.

Seokjin clicked his tongue to the roof of his mouth. “Both of you.”

Yoongi made a motion for the two of them to come join them on the rock. Namjoon opened and closed the lid of the Zippo lighter – the soft clinking sound a cadence that helped put him at ease. They clambered onto the rock, Seokjin choosing to stand as he turned his head in either direction – as if he were trying to spy something out. Namjoon caught Yoongi bumping Hoseok’s shoulder, holding the cigarette out to him and he couldn’t help but chuckle at the disgusted expression that painted Hoseok’s face – his dark fringe flying in every direction as he shook his head to decline.

The conversation that bubbled between them was short-lived as another body burst through the reeds, looking winded and as though he’d just gotten finished with a track meet race. Namjoon raised a brow as Jimin’s hair clung to his semi-sweat soaked brow, his hand gripping tightly to his uniform jacket. Yoongi clicked his tongue repeatedly along the back of his teeth, cigarette moving up and down with the gesture. Namjoon was already putting his out on the edge of the rock.

“Sorry I’m late, Hyungs!”

“What took you so long?” Seokjin asked, though everyone knew that he wouldn’t really give Jimin grief about it. “We were waiting here forever.”

Jimin’s smile fell a margin, worry lines creasing his brows. “W-What? Really?”

Seokjin laughed as Hoseok elbowed him in the leg while casting Jimin a reassuring gaze. “We just got here. Don’t listen to him.”

Relief washed over Jimin’s face just as Taehyung came strolling through the brush, bumping his shoulder into Jimin’s playfully. The two of them shared a smirk as Taehyung shoved his hands into the pockets of his uniform pants. The stick of a lollipop poked out the corner of his mouth as he flashed his boxy smile to them; sandalwood tresses falling around his eyes.

“What did I tell you about the sugar, Taehyung-ah?” chided Yoongi, taking a drag of his cigarette. Translucent smoke expelled from his nostrils as their eyes met. Taehyung’s smile dropped as he continued to suck on the candy. “You’re hyper enough without that shit.”

Namjoon watched Taehyung’s boxy smile return almost instantly and he rolled his eyes. “It’s the only way I can stay awake in my classes these days.”

“It’s luck that he’s made it this far,” said Jimin, sighing softly, “and he keeps bugging me to help him with homework all the time.”

Taehyung pulled the sucker from his mouth, blowing a raspberry at Jimin. “I’m not even going to college. Why are they pushing me so hard?” He frowned. “It’s annoying.”

The others cast a sidelong glance toward Namjoon and he shrugged, retrieving another cigarette from his jacket. Spinning the Zippo between his fingers, he lit the end and expelled a half sigh after the first drag. Out of everyone in the group, he was the only one who received a full sponsored scholarship to Seoul University. Like most post-graduate students from high school who were planning to attend college, they usually took a few months off before going to school.

For a year, he’d moved away from Hwaseong and left the rural country life behind. He got to see Seoul in all its splendor and all its glory. There were good and bad things about the big city life. It was crowded, loud and smelled thick with smog. It was the odious stench of a thriving metropolis and where people cared more about themselves than each other. Money talked even more in the city than in the country and there were few people he could trust in the city. Not like in the countryside. Justice was practically laughable, and gangsters walked the streets proudly, as if the law couldn’t touch them. Usually because they couldn’t.

It had been a disgusting year of solitude and study.

He’d missed his brothers.

“So Namjoon Hyung,” cut Taehyung’s voice through his thoughts, “why’d you call us out here anyway? Come to brag about city life to us ignorant country folks?” Even though he was smiling, Namjoon could hear the quiet bitterness nestled in the back of Taehyung’s words.

Hoseok cut his eyes toward Taehyung and snapped his fingers at him. “Watch your damn mouth, Kim Taehyung.”

Taehyung rocked back on his heels in the grass, a few pebbles crunching under his sneakers as he shrugged with his hands still in his pockets. “What?” he asked, closing his eyes as he sucked on his candy for a moment. “Figured he left for the big times and wasn’t planning on coming back. Who can blame him though, right?” His eyes reopened as he looked up at Namjoon just as a column of ash fell off the end of his cigarette. “I wouldn’t come back to this backwater town if I was him, either.”

“Cut it out, Tae Hyung,” came a softer voice in the reeds.

They all turned to see Jungkook appearing through the pale stalks. He looked tired, as if he’d been carrying the weight of their nation on his shoulders. But they all knew what the truth was. The duffel bag hanging from his shoulders as one of the straps of his overalls fell off his arm and the smudge of dirt on his cheek was proof enough. His face looked a little red and sweat dripped from his hair and chin, his work boots scuffing along the grass as he dropped the duffel at his feet – setting his white hardhat on top of it.

“Namjoon Hyung didn’t come home to gloat.” Jungkook wiped a forearm across his forehead to rid it of the sweat. “Stop being an asshole.”

Namjoon frowned, the image of Jungkook in his factory work clothes twisting something inside of his heart. His year in Seoul had opened his eyes to a reality he’d wished he’d remained ignorant to. He could have said fuck college and stayed in Hwaseong with his friends – with his brothers. Finding work in their little country town would have been easy for Namjoon and he could have been happy, blissfully ignorant to the truth of just how dirty the real world was.

Call him selfish, but he didn’t want to leave his best friends behind while he suffered in silence alone. Would they understand him? Would they hear what he had to say?

“Namjoon,” called Hoseok, bringing him back out of his thoughts; out of his own internal guilt. “Tell us what’s on your mind. Why did you want to meet?”

He looked at all of them and they waited patiently to hear what he had to say. He didn’t just call them all up to hang out or talk about the good times. No. He came back because he wanted to ensure that his friends had a future, and a successful one at that. But it would mean dipping their hands into the dirt; to feel the grime under their fingernails.

Not like farmers did, but the way that criminals lived and breathed.

He jumped from his perch on the rock, picking up a flat river stone as he pulled one last drag from his cigarette. Namjoon reared back and slung the stone out into the river, all of them watching as it skipped along the dark pool’s surface before finally sinking down below and onto the riverbed. One by one, they all approached him – forming a semi-circle around his back. There was no turning back from this once he said what he had to say. They would either listen or cast him aside. He just prayed that it wouldn’t be the latter like he continued to fear.

Spitting the butt of the cigarette out into the water, he turned to look at his friends – a wistful smirk forming on his face.

“You guys wanna come to Seoul with me?”

[thebiasrekkers]

Infinitatem Venatus

The Infinity Game

Rating: PG-13 // SFW

Genre: AngelsandDemons! AU | angst | romance | drama

Pairing: OT7 x [Reader/Layla/Saoirse] 

Warnings: Strong Language, extreme angst, violence, Jin is Lucifer. Jin is the Devil. [just making sure that’s out there], religious undertones [things have been embellished/changed to fit the nature of the story]

Word Count: 4.3K

A/N: Firstly -  there are bold and italicized phrases scattered throughout. That is meant to represent Hoseok speaking to [reader] as these moments are happening throughout the day! Second, shout out to @aroseforyoongi​ ​for requesting a drabble for the 100 follower special. If it weren’t for that drabble? I probably wouldn’t have mustered the courage to even pull this AU to Tumblr. And @moccahobi​ cause Hobi is a bad ass. Issa lot. Thanks to Admin E for the beta-panache! And to Admin L who wanted a saucier Devil Jin.  Enjoy! 

© thebiasrekkers ( Admin T). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

There was a line drawn in the sand.

Pain. 

“Moloch, did you really think I’d let you have her?” Hoseok’s voice was a deep; raspy growl. A sound that you weren’t used to hearing. Not your Hobi. He couldn’t possibly sound like this. He wasn’t capable of such vehemence, right? But it was him. It was Hoseok hovering above you. His eyes blazing a fiery gold as his hands clenched and unclenched at his side. The air stirring with each flap of the large white wings protruding from his back.

The demon across from him smirked, tapping a finger against a bloodied lip. “If I knew she was the key to getting you to play with me, I’d have attempted to grab her sooner.” The sulfurous stench of the underworld was thick in the air, and it made you nauseous. Moloch’s blood-red gaze landed on you, causing you to back up just a hair more. 

You didn’t care that your hands were shredded. A trickle of blood from your ears left you disoriented from the previous explosion. Hoseok snapped his fingers rapidly in front of Moloch. “Eyes here, asshole. I’m going to tell you one more fucking time, Moloch. If you risk the game, if you test me any further...I will kill you,” he hissed between clenched teeth.

Moloch looked taken aback by the words coming out of Hoseok's mouth. After a moment, he scoffed at the malevolence oozing from the archangel. “You love her.” The demon said, puzzled as a muscle ticked near Hoseok’s jaw. He looked down at you; just as bewildered at Hobi’s behavior. “I’ll be damned! You fucking love her!” Moloch pointed and howled his amusement, a devious glint sparkling in his crimson eyes. “She probably doesn’t know, does she ..Hobi?” The demon’s tone was smug.

Hoseok swallowed thickly, turning his gaze to you. “Moloch...leave before I make a scene.” Moloch held up his hands in mock defeat. 

“Fine, Hoseok. Have it your way...” The large black wings spread as the demon hovered. “...you may love her, but her soul is still up for grabs. So you better let her know what’s at stake, Hoseok. The game is still afoot.” Moloch narrowed his eyes before shooting skyward with what seemed to be a mere quiver of his wings.

A game set in motion before the advent of humanity.

The scent of sulfur finally seemed to disappear as Hoseok descended. He had his back to you for a few tense, silent, moments. The wings disappeared as he turned to face you. He looked like himself, the deep brown of his eyes sad at the state of you. 

“Oh, baby...” He moved toward you and you moved back. He flinched as if he was gut-punched. “Listen, I would never hurt you. You know that, right?” He held his hands up as he approached you slowly. Your eyes were wide and full of unshed tears.

“What are you, Hobi?” The first tears slid down your bruised cheek. He gasped kneeling down to wrap you up in the warmth of a honey-cinnamon scented embrace. “Why is this happening?!” 

You clung to him. The only thing that you knew was safe. The only place you felt like home. You sobbed into his chest as he stroked your hair. Hoseok placed an arm under your legs, hefting you up against his chest. “Hey, hey, calm down. They can’t hurt you anymore.” 

You nodded softly, sniffling into his shoulder. He turned to see the devastation from such a minor confrontation. You didn’t notice the pressure of his fingers digging into your skin.

They can’t hurt you anymore. Because he wouldn’t let them.

There was only us in the beginning. Everything was fine. Or so we thought.

“You don’t understand what you’re saying?!” A shrill voice seemed to rattle the glass around them. A set of fierce green eyes seemed to blaze in fury. Saoirse was vibrating as she stared down someone she once thought to be her friend. “You cannot mean that. Please tell me you’re joking?” Her gaze softened slightly, a hand reaching out to the immovable object before her.

“I-I can’t, Saorise. And I am very serious about this.” Soft, gentle, and too pure for this world. Layla, eyes full of unshed tears, stood in on the other side of the line. “I love Him, Saoirse. Even with what He is - I still love him.” 

Saoirse felt her heart race again. It wasn’t supposed to be like this; at least that’s what had been explained to her. They were special - the Acquisitae. They were beings that carried the weight of many lives. Souls that existed rolled into one existence through time. Past lives? Deja vu? All of it flickered, bits of memory seeping into the consciousness of the current owner’s life.

There were few of them left undecided. Some refusing to be a pawn for either side; some choosing a particular side for one reason or another. But, in the rare instance, if a side was chosen, it was mainly because of hate or love. 

In the scheme of things, there was nothing wrong with that. But, Saorise couldn’t fathom anyone in their right mind falling in love with Lucifer. He wanted to destroy the already tedious balance, splatter the land in chaos and strife - just because he could. “Layla, you cannot save Him. He is beyond it!” 

“No one is beyond saving, Saoirse. You of all people should know that.” Layla’s demeanor cooled as the other woman flinched. “For all that you’ve done, you still were granted forgiveness for choosing to stand with the Caelestis. You made your choice. I’ve made mine.” She crossed her arms, posture straightening. “I believe I can make a difference in my own way. So until this thing comes to a head, This is goodbye. I’m with Tenebrarum. Period.”

But someone wanted more. He wanted more. None of us could understand it.

Saoirse’s mouth fell slightly agape as Layla dropped that finality. It wasn’t just about their friendship, mostly. It was about the fate of all of existence. They were in the final days and they needed to be together.

They should have been together.

The sound of cellphone ringing interrupted the heavy silence. Layla answered immediately. “Yes, Sir?” 

The smoothe dulcet poison of Jin’s voice echoed into the open space. “Come to me, Layla.” 

Saoirse couldn’t deny the prickles sliding against her skin at the sound of his voice. But she had enough willpower to deny the sensation. 

“I’m on my way.” Layla hung up the phone, aware of the sway Jin could have on others. She turned one last glance to her friend. “Stay away from Tenebrarum - and me.” She pushed past Saoirse as a muscle clenched in her jaw. 

The scent of sulfur lingered faintly in the air, causing Saoirse to wrinkle her nose. She left the building, yanking her cellphone out of her pocket. The phone seemed to barely get a full ring before a worried voice answered on the other end.

“Saoirse?” A sudden warmth filled with the scent of earth after a cleansing rain rushed over her. 

“Jimin. She’s gone.” Her voice sounded weaker than she’d intended.

There was a long sigh. “Ah, love. I’m so sorry. You tried. Come home, okay? I’ll let the others know.” She could feel his disappointment on the other line. 

“She thinks she loves him.” Her fingers tangled in the fiery red-gold strands of her hair. “She thinks she can help him.” 

His way of thinking had always been different. But...we never thought that he would...

“It’s a part of his charm, love. It’s unfortunate, the spell that she’s under. But such is the price of those who choose him.” Jimin respected her desire to rescue her friend. He wanted her to try, because it would make the coming days easier had she come along. And now? “I don’t want you on that side of town too much longer. Please come home?” 

“Yeah.” Saoirse nodded while turning to The Shard. It was one of the tallest buildings in London - home to Tenebrarum Acq. Ltd., the current residence of CEO Kim Seokjin. Only a handful knew the truth. 

Hell was empty. Empty because the devils were all here.

Somewhere in the In-Between…

“Check.” 

A Knight moved to capture a King. There was still a way. There was always a way out. 

The opposing side chuckled while moving to a King-side castle. The King was protected with the Rook blocking the way. 

They both sighed softly. “How long have we been at this?” Taehyung’s deep baritone echoed in the mystical space. 

“Does it matter?” Jungkook smirked, retreating his Knight. He could swoop in to take the Rook, sure. But, losing his Knight to the King? Even he appreciated the role of smaller pieces on the game board. “Are you weary, Michael?” Jungkook crooned with his fingers clasped against his knee. “Maybe you should reconsider my offer?” He leaned forward so that the magma-lined ring flared in the depths of his dark brown eyes. 

Taehyung’s nose wrinkled at the slight sulfuric odor. “Perhaps it is you that should reconsider, Samael.” The Angel was steadfast and unmoving in his conviction. “Come back to us. This is pointless.” Taehyung’s brow furrowed as he tried to reason with someone he once called Brother.

“Is it?” Jungkook’s eyes were ablaze. “We are pieces, Michael! We are nothing but showy pieces and for what?” He hissed. “To keep a world in order that thrives in disorder? LOOK AT THEM!” His hand waved to disturb the cloudy aura around them. The world flickered below. 

Poverty. 

Destruction. 

War. 

Greed. 

We never thought he would Fall. 

Taehyung stared at all the things that gave Jin power, establishing his reign in the mortal realm. A tear slid down his cheek without warning. Jungkook sighed, reaching forward to brush the sparkling drop away. “Hark, a tear for those who destroy themselves.” There was a fizzle against his skin - a reminder of the choice he made when he fell from Grace.

Taehyung grabbed that hand before it moved too far away. “Please. I don’t want to fight you.” Jungkook stared at the slender fingers wrapped around his wrist. 

“It’s too late, Taehyung. What will be, will be.” He pulled away, leaving Taehyung’s hand hovering. “And when the time comes? I’ll make you change your mind.” Jungkook stood up, stuffing his hands into the pockets of pressed black slacks. That fiery ring flared in the center of his eyes as he walked away,his form disappearing into the thick hanging mist.

Taehyung watched the path for a few minutes before lowering his hand. His eyes wandered to the board locked in a stalemate. A deep inhale had his nostrils flaring before he slammed his fist against the board. 

Smashing it, and the table, in two.

The balance has always tipped more one way than the other.

It was a stupid comparison, after all. Life being a chess game. Because while you could sacrifice plastic pieces, it was something far riskier to sacrifice pieces of flesh and blood. 

Even heavier a price should this game be lost.

All the things you know about the Final Days are absolutely true. 

Winter receded, leaving all the auction houses hungry to get into their season. Famous artists settled their wares, antique rarities were whispered among certain circles and the buys were ready to redecorate. The competition was fierce between all the art brokers. But none more fierce than the lasting feud between two of the oldest brokerages. 

Caelestis Wares and Tenebrarum Acq. Ltd. 

It was always a spectacle when the two vied for valuable pieces. 

A lucrative one. 

There were members of each auction house that were known to cause a scene. Imagine the hint of blood lust in the air when those two members were in attendance. The auction was abuzz because they were in attendance at the same time. 

“Did you see them?” An overly-jeweled socialite purred to her circle of friends. A flutter of fans attempted to dry beads of sweat pooling atop their skin. “I don’t think I plan to do anything but watch.” Her eyes were wide and lust-blown. 

The group of women swallowed thickly as their eyes hit the left side corner of the room. Kim Namjoon was one of the most seasoned brokers at Tenebrarum. He wore a suit of gray tweed that tucked and cut against his form. A lighter turtle neck stretched against a broad chest. A pair of glasses sat on the bridge of his nose. The silvery blonde of his hair was smoothed at the sides, settling against the collar of his jacket. His arms crossed, causing the fabric to stretch against the push of his biceps. A smirk lifted the corner of his lips as he spoke.

All the things you hear about the Supernatural? They’re real too.

They couldn’t hear what was being said, but they knew who it was being said to. One of the women let a small whine slip as they ogled his conversation partner. 

Min Yoongi. 

Yoongi stood a hair shorter than Namjoon. Even so, he still gave off an air of unmistakable authority. He wasn’t just the head broker of Caelestis Wares. He was the current CEO. There were a few rare pieces that both houses had their eyes on. 

The whole room buzzed over which item it could be, let alone the monetary bloodbath that would ensue for either to acquire it. The prospect was more exciting than anything they would bid on later.

“Gabriel, it’s been a while since you’ve left the roost.” Namjoon tilted his gaze to Yoongi. “It warms my heart to see you using those old legs of yours.” There was that magma-lined flare in the depths of his eyes. “Things really are getting tight if you’ve come out.” 

There was a weary sigh from Yoongi as he fingered the button on the black jacket he wore. A white button-down worn underneath, paired with pressed slacks. The clinking of rings against his fingers were audible as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “You still have a big mouth, Mammon.” A side-long glance was given to the taller demon. Yoongi scoffed. “And you’re still expensive.” 

Namjoon’s brow rose as he looked over his outfit. “Come now, Gabriel. You should know that these things are about status and expense. I must look the part, after all.” He placed a gentle hand over his heart - at least where his heart should be. “It’s all about playing the game, no?” 

Nothing is safe from the Apocalypse. Everybody is choosing a side or being bribed into making a choice.

There was no mirth to be found in Yoongi’s narrowed gaze. “Namjoon, there’s going to come a day...” A muscle ticked near his jaw as he bit back his words. 

“Oh, I’m aware, Yoongi. If I have my way...” He pushed off the wall to lean a hair closer to Yoongi. “...it will be pretty soon.” He patted Yoongi on the shoulder as he side-stepped away. “Good luck today.” 

Yoongi watched Namjoon strut into the circle of women that had been staring them down. He rolled his eyes as one woman looked ready to melt to the floor. The vibration of his phone gave him a reason to step out of the room. 

His brow furrowed as he saw Jimin’s name flash on the caller ID. He picked up and didn’t get a chance to greet the younger. “We lost her, Gabriel.” The sadness was palpable in his voice. “Saoirse tried to convince her, and she said she loved him. She doesn’t understand--” 

Yoongi pinched the bridge of his nose, cutting him off with a heavy sigh. “Breathe, Uriel.” There was a shuddering sound that slid into a soft sniffle. “We knew there was a chance for failure. We’ll figure it out, Jimin. Alright?” There was a sound of words that wanted to be spoken, but ultimately were held back.

“I’m sorry, Yoongi.” The remorse in Jimin’s tone only grated on his nerves. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. No one but his own. 

“It’s ok, Jimin. Take care of Saoirse. We’ll regroup tonight.” A tone sounded to notify guests the auction was starting. “Look, I’ll be a little late tonight. Get everyone caught up and I’ll get there when I can.” 

The tone sounded again. “Who is it, Yoongi?” 

He gritted his teeth as a long silence followed. He considered whether he needed to answer. “It’s Namjoon.” 

There was a hiss on the other end. “Shouldn’t we-”

“NO!” He flinched at the volume of his own voice. “No. I’ll be fine. Do as I asked. I’ll keep in touch.” 

“As you wish. Good luck.” 

The call disconnected.

It’s just that some of you are worth far more than you realize. 

Yoongi rolled his head back against the throb in his skull. “Stubborn woman. So, g’damned stubborn.” 

He stared at Layla’s contact fighting the urge to call her. The third tone sounded forcing him to let it go - for now. He walked into the auction space, his eyes landing on an 18th-century suspension lamp. It was rumored to be used by a pious man who made a deal to lend his soul to the benefit of Heaven. Remnants of his blood mixed in the oil kept demons at bay. A powerful relic that needed to not be in the hands of Tenebrarum.

He sat on the opposite side of the room from Namjoon. The auctioneer’s smile grew as he realized what was about to happen. They wheeled the suspension lamp to the front. “The first item up for bid, ladies and gentlemen, is an 18th-century suspension lamp from Italy. We’ll start the bidding at one hundred thousand dollars.”

Namjoon and Yoongi raised their paddles at the same time.

So what are we? What are the Acquisitae? 

Layla arrived at the top floor exhaling softly before tapping softly on the large double doors of its current CEO. 

“Enter,” came the smooth, buttery, poisonous silk of Kim Seokjin’s voice. 

She pushed inside to catch him leaning, lazily, against the massive blackwood desk. The perfect petal pink of his lips tilted upward. 

“Do you need something, Sir?” A brow arched as she closed the door behind her. 

A long finger crooked in her direction, beckoning her to come closer to him. “I need you, Layla.” She stepped closer as his finger tucked under the point of her chin. “I need you to stay away from Calestis Wares.” The other hand slid into the niche of her waist, pulling her against his taller frame. Her lashes fluttered shut as a breath slid quietly from between her lips. “You’ve made your choice, haven’t you?” His lips hovered over the apple of her cheeks. 

“Yes, Jin.” She had long gone nose blind to the scent of sulfur that surrounded the infernals. Being around Jin, in the beginning, caused her eyes to water. He gave off the strongest scent and she pushed through. Forced herself to endure, and now? “I told them I’ve chosen my path willingly. You don’t have to worry.” 

You are precious. You are the key to saving all of existence.

Jin smirked as she tilted her head, exposing the tender flesh of her neck. His breath was like a handheld blow dryer focused in one spot too long. She flinched, and endured, as he purposely caused her discomfort. The fiery-red ring flared in his gaze and he managed to keep his irritation at bay. He watched as her skin reddened from exposure to the heat. “You really have chosen me, haven’t you?” The smile was lazy as he released her. 

Layla’s fingers clenched into the fabric of her pencil skirt. The closer one stood to Jin, the more prone to loss of control. She gave another heavy swallow as she nodded rapidly. “Y-Yes, Jin.” 

“I knew you were smart, Layla.” He clasped his hands together against his leg. Her eyes widened at the black nails and silver rings adorning his fingers. “Maybe you can help them be smart too, hm?” Layla looked up, confused. Seokjin smiled and he seemed too radiant. Her gaze lowered to the floor as he continued. “Why don’t you invite your friend, Saoirse?” A brow arched as her gaze whipped upward. 

“Excuse me?” A breathless sound pushed from between her lips. 

“Saoirse isn’t so saintly, we know this. I mean she used to…” Layla cleared her throat before Seokjin finished his sentence. He smirked at her sentimentalism. “...you know what she used to do, Layla. Doesn’t it make you curious why they even let her stay? All the sins that have permeated her whole life. I wouldn’t judge her. I feel like she could be who she really is here.” Liar. Snake-oil salesman. Seducer. It was all true. Jin was all of these things and his good looks were the nail in the convincing coffin that he backed many people into. 

“I won’t do that, Jin.” Layla swayed on her heels before shaking her head. “I agreed to work for you. I have my own agenda and it doesn’t involve sharing.” She spoke through clenched teeth. 

“Oh ho! Is that jealousy I smell?” He pushed off the desk with a flare of nostrils. “I like this scent on you. Maybe I’ll pull her in myself?” He loomed over her with hellfire blazing in his eyes. “Because last I checked, I was the one in charge.” 

Layla’s posture straightened with no signs of backing down. “I know you’re in charge. I remember who you are, Lucifer, The Morning Star,” she spat, “and if you think I’ll let you hurt her, you do not know me very well.” 

You are the key to saving us.

Seokjin clenched his hand at his side as she smirked up at him. “Go ahead. If that’s the best you can do to assert your will.” The red in his eyes turned an abyssal black that swallowed the whites of his eyes. “You realize it now, don’t you?” Her head nodded as he remained quiet. “It’s different when we submit of our own free will.” She smiled, magnificent, triumphant that her theory had proven correct. “We are on equal footing, Seokjin.”

Her phone buzzed. She retrieved it from her pocket with a soft sigh. “Your two o’clock is early. You should do something about your temper.” She turned on her heel and left his office. Letting the air hiss from her lungs as she practically jogged toward the elevator.

Seokjin stared at the door in utter silence. Others came to him with very little need to flex his powers of persuasion. But when Layla came to him from Caelestis, he was eager to get his talons into Yoongi’s most prized possession. Now he realized something he hadn’t before - and now he wanted to corrupt her even more.

His blood was running hot at the thought of the next Spring Gala. A plume of smoke slithered through his nostrils as he chuckled. He turned to check his reflection in the mirror. If you thought about some of the most favored songs in all of history that were named after a woman, you’d tend to wonder what sway that person had on the songwriter, right? 

Seokjin chuckled, as he hummed that old Eric Clapton classic. “Laayyyla, you got me on my knees - Layla.” He adjusted his tie in the mirror, a full bright smile spreading across his face. “I’m begging darlin’ please, Layla…” 

He whistled as he settled into the leather wingback behind his desk. “...darlin’ won’t you ease my worried mind?” The door clicked as Layla entered again and he clasped his fingers on his desk. 

“Mr. Kim, your two o’clock is here.” 

You listened to Hoseok explain what was at stake. He spoke of the real world and the creatures that existed just in the shadows. He brought all your nightmares to life and then said that some were fighting on your side. 

Jimin and Saoirse showed up almost an hour after you. Luckily, you had a shower, a drink, and Hobi fretting over you for every breath you took. 

Saoirse kept eyeing a bottle of whiskey, an internal struggle visible in the shaking of her eyes. She opted to stay next to you, especially after retelling her meeting with Layla earlier. The two of you watched Jimin and Hoseok in the kitchen, deep in quiet conversation. 

“Does she know?” Jimin asked, pouring a cup of coffee. Hoseok stared off into space before Jimin spoke again. “Raguel. Does. She. Know?” A muscle ticked in his jaw as Hobi nodded, his shoulders sagging. “What happened?” 

Hoseok let a trembling hand settle over his eyes. “Moloch.” Jimin’s wide-eyed gaze turned to him. 

“Wait. Moloch came for her?” Jimin managed to keep his voice down. 

Hoseok nodded, the exhaustion apparent as he leaned against the counter. “We leveled half a neighborhood, Jimin. He was dead set on leaving with her in any condition.” They slid a glance over to the ladies hugging on the couch. Jimin noted the purple-yellow bruises on your shoulder and a bandaged ankle. 

The kettle was placed back on the stove before turning to Hoseok. “Yoongi is at the auction with Namjoon. Layla willingly gave herself up to Seokjin.” A bitter smile formed as he leaned next to Hoseok. “Things went from bad to worse, yeah?” 

Hoseok’s eyes were on you this whole time. “I’m not giving up on her, Jimin.” They both looked over to the two trying to find reasons to smile. You held Saoirse through a sob as she fought not to sink into her old habits.

“I’m not giving up either, Hobi.” Jimin placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. They picked up steaming mugs of coffee to join the two in the living room. Hoseok sighed deeply, trying to feign a smile for you. “And now, I’ll tell you who We are.”

[thebiasrekkers]

Can I request “You’re a nerd.” with Yoongi?

Genre:  collegeau!

Rating: PG/ 16+

Pairing: Pianist!Yoongi x MusicMajor!Reader

Warnings: Yoongi and his mouth.

A/N: For Anon! Here is the answer to your request! Sorry, it took so long! I hope you enjoy it! - Admin T

Can I request “You’re a nerd.” with Yoongi?

-------

Min Yoongi!” You managed to keep the tremor out of your voice. “I think you’re making a HUGE mistake.” His heavy sigh answered as you shifted on your feet. “You have been agonizing over this song for a whole month. And I’m telling you it’s perfect as it is!” 

You could see his shoulders sag as his head lowers. Biting into your lip, you stutter as you continue. “I-I mean it! You’ve managed to create a song with mostly minor chords! And you know that’s fairly rare. I mean, you’re not even really taking advantage of the Picardy thirds! But the song still somehow works with the few major chords and -...” 

Yoongi turned around, sometime during your diatribe, and crossed his arms. He had a look on his face - that one that you couldn’t tell if he was concentrating? Or if he was thinking of where to dump your body where no one could find it.

“-...And I’m telling you that your slow songs are absolutely perfect! A-and you shouldn’t think of changing any of the instrumental because…” His gaze leveled on you caused your brain to short. “B-because…” Were you sweating?

“Because?” That low, thickly accented growl of sound rumbled from his mouth. A brow ticked upward with long seconds passing as he waited.

You balked. As if all the knowledge in your bones about music didn’t just come spewing out of your mouth. “B-because, I-Oh!” The sentence cut as Yoongi grabbed your wrist with a tug, effortlessly tumbling you into his lap. And before you could open that beautifully smart mouth of yours?

He stuck his tongue in it. 

This was heaven, wasn’t it? One hand was firm at the nape of your neck. He held you right where he wanted you as his tongue flicked against the seal of your lips. Your nostrils flared as you granted him access. He tickled your soul as he sealed his lips to yours. The wiggling flick of his tongue sliding against yours did something to you. 

It shut you up. 

He broke the kiss with a loud smack. Your eyes were as dark as his as he smirked. You were blushing from ear to ear.

“Y-Yoongi?” 

“You’re such a nerd.” He smirked, standing you up from his lap. “I won’t change it since you like it so much.” He turned back to the mix-board as if he hadn’t kissed you senseless. “Can I have my coffee now?” 

“R-right.” You took the much-needed escape so you could calm your nerves. 

[thebiasrekkers]

No Words - pt 2

Pairing: Taehyung x OC

Type: Series

Genre: Idol, Poly, Interracial, Tall Female, Smut, Angst, Fluff [if you squint]

Warning: Dirty. 

Words: 2190

A/N - This is where you start praying to Namjesus. It goes downhill..or is it uphill? From here. 

---

This was the most grueling assignment she could have received. She wouldn’t regret one single moment of it. How could she? A music lover who had drowned herself in every genre she could from a young age. It had been a dream to intern with the company responsible for BTS’ current tour.

It had been an even bigger shock when she was allowed to work alongside the production team. That one tour, turning into two tours that spanned the globe. She wound up living out of a suitcase, surviving on coffee, 4 hours of sleep a day, and more recipes to spread out cup ramen than she’d ever imagined.

She was still the odd girl on staff, unfortunately. She stuck out like a sore thumb where-ever they went. For one thing, she was taller than most of the females on the team. Let’s not get started on the males.

She tried to make herself as small as possible and failed miserably. The darker skin complexion, curly hair, and blue eyes gave her away. She was dependable, prompt, and thought outside the box. She learned to communicate thanks to the patient staff, lots of apps, and tenacity.

She didn’t like being obvious - but what could be done? It was always easy to find her. When she missed home, they’d find her in a kitchen in the wee hours of the morning reliving Southern and family comfort foods. Let’s just say there was an even trade of food culture.

But, like with any dream situation - there’s always something that threatens to ruin its perfection.

Sometimes it wasn’t a situation - sometimes it was a person. That person happened to be one Kim Taehyung.

30 days post kiss.

Everything was seemingly normal! They had avoided being caught by staff that night. There was a lot of alcohol consumed that night. These things happen, right? She kept telling herself that as the month zipped by. There were still moments that she could swear, his eyes lingered too long in her direction.

There was no awkward behavior between them. Everything was fine.

45 days post kiss.

Comeback season was in full swing. The schedules were tight and to the second. The boys were exhausted, and it showed. People kept energy bars, drinks, and towelettes on them at all times. Wipe sweat, coax a bite, a sip, offer the fan, and encouragement. It was hard to see them like this, practically wilting the moment they were out of the view of fans. The weather wasn’t making anything easy, either. It was sweltering and humid, and even she found herself with spare batteries to keep that small fan going. Her hair was pushed into a messy, frizzy, puff atop her head.

“Fuck this weather.” She growled softly. Tugging at the linen shirt, threatening to cling at the collarbone. She heard a beep through her headset, denoting the count time for end shots. The countdown echoed as they listened to the calls for a job well done. The Army wished them well with cries, cheers, and waves of the army-bombs.

80 days post kiss.

The boys kept smiles, waves, and proper idol etiquette on display until they disappeared beyond the staff doors. That door closed, and it was pandemonium. They were either bent over with hands-on knees, sliding down to the floor against walls, or leaning on a staff member. Everyone was sweating, there was no escape from it. 

The fact that she wound up under Taehyung’s arm with another member didn’t matter. They were panting, hot, and suffering signs of dehydration. She could see their pulses throbbing in their necks. 

“We need to cool them down.” The head PD came in with towels wrapped around ice-packs. There was a flurry of motion to get them out of layered outfits. Luckily, they had a desperately needed two-day break. 

It took an hour to get them hydrated, calm, and mobile. 

Everything went off without a hitch. Everything was seeming...normal.

Taehyung held a bottle of cold water against his neck. The world passed by in a hazy blur as they made their way back to the hotel. His head seemed to loll to the side. The city lights flickered in his gaze. The fabric of his sweats bunched in his hand, the only thing keeping him lucid. 

His nostrils flared as he tilted his head to the side, her scent still there. He could again feel her skin against his from under her shirt. The trail of sweat along the column of her neck, he remembered it visibly. It gave her a glow, a sheen - a brilliance, even. They had been too busy for him to make any moves. 

The shadows played along her skin, a peek of cleavage had him gulping the rest of his water down. He pulled the hoodie over his head and let the sound of the drive lull him to sleep. The fresh air in the van was enough to ease his frazzled nerves.

90 days post kiss. 

The night blurred into a stumbling trip to his room. His clothes were haphazardly tossed to the floor as he pushed into the bathroom. He wanted the shower to rid himself of the day. He tried to lay naked on his bed and sleep. Taehyung ran his fingers through waterlogged strands of hair. The shower was hot enough to ease his muscles. His hands braced against the wall as the shower pelted his skin. 

Massaged his skin? A groan slipped from his mouth at the sensation of fingers, kneading the knots from his shoulders. Fingers? Foreign hands. Small hands. “I don’t know who you are, bu-...” He whipped around, pressing against the shower wall. There wasn’t a chance to finish the sentence. Taehyung’s nostrils flared as his lips were captured. 

His fingers slid against smooth skin, the taste of peaches, and the soft mouth that tangled with his own. The kiss broke as he pulled back, confused. “N-noona?” Her lips formed a heart as she smiled. Her arms slid around his neck as he dared to let his hands settled into the wet nakedness of her body. 

Her head tilted up to him, “Kiss me again, Taehyung.” 

When did the shower get hot? There was so much steam. He could scarcely make out his own hand in front of his face. It was better than the first time. Nothing was holding them back. She didn’t try to stop as his tongue pressed against hers. The scrape of his nails against the curve of her ass as he pulled her closer. She was so soft, responsive, as he pushed his hips into her. 

Perfect. 

Everything about her, to him, was perfect. He loved the way her skin felt beneath his teeth. The length of him pushed between her legs as he shuddered at the clench of her thighs around him. His fingers dug into her skin as tongue and teeth nibbled, licked, and marked her. The heat didn’t bother him at all. She clung to him as he pushed between the squeeze of her thighs. He was going insane with want. His hands slid over her ass, and he pulled her against him. The squelching noises as he slipped between the folds of her sex, not entering - Not yet. All he had to do was angle himself, just a little. She bit into his collarbone, and he knew there’d be a mark.

Taehyung didn’t care, not one bit. He spun her into the corner pinning her hips. She bit her lip as their eyes locked. He tilted his hips down, just so, causing the throbbing head of his cock to slip between those folds. Finally. Finally.

His tongue swept his lips as he held her firm. His whole body trembled with the effort to maintain control as he slipped upward.

…and inward.

“V.” A breathy, far away sound.

His brow furrowed as she repeated it. “V.”

There was a sudden flash of cold air that nipped at his ankles. “V!”

Taehyung sat up too quickly in the back of the van. The staff member had tried calling to wake him up. But, the side door opening and the violent shaking did the trick.

“G’damnit?!” He growled, snatching his arm away from the staff member.

“Sorry, V. I called you for ten straight minutes, and you didn’t move.” The guy looked crestfallen at his reaction. Tae ran his hands through his hair, thankful for dark clothing.

I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped like that. I’m just…I’m exhausted.” The PD nodded softly, moving to the side to let the taller man out.

“Just get upstairs and get some rest. We’ll send the usual up.” The PD clapped Tae on the shoulder with a sad smile and made his way inside. Taehyung’s dark eyes narrowed as he was left, momentarily, alone.

His hands were jammed deep into the front pocket of his hoodie. He was doing everything he could to keep that massive erection hidden. Everything was painful - the air, breathing, the clothing against his skin; all of it pissed him off. He held his cock in one hand, under cover of his hoodie, pulling his bag behind him with the other. He just needed to make it to his room.

Tae got his room key from the front desk and made his way to the elevator. He rolled in, slamming the keycard against the reader. The elevator dinged as the doors began to close. He groaned as his head slammed into the back elevator wall. He could feel his pulse in his hands as he squeezed himself.

“Hold on a sec!” A voice, far away, called out as the elevator began to squeeze shut. Taeyung turned around to face the corner, trying to school his face into something less malicious. The door popped open for a hot second and was allowed to close. “Thanks for -” A female voice began cheerfully before pausing. “…V, is that you?”

Taehyung’s nostrils flared at the sound of that voice. His eyes popped open to catch her reflection, full of trepidation, in the silver of the elevator interior. The look he shifted over his shoulder caused her to press into the corner of the already small space. She suddenly noticed the length of his fingers as they wrapped around the bar lining the wall. It had been three months since that kiss. She had been doing everything in her power to avoid being alone with him.

The subtle way, of course. She dipped in, making sure to say her piece and evacuate the area. Business as usual; everything normal.

And yet, it wasn’t.

She found herself staring at the resource monitors too long. There were times she could feel him staring her down from afar. It made her skin itch. The sound of beeping was so loud in the silence of that elevator.

“Yah, Noona.” He turned to face her leaning back against the cold metal wall. “You’re really here, aren’t you?” She furrowed her brow as he looked at her from the fringe of his bangs. “This isn’t a dream, right?”

“V …are you alright? You don’t look so good.” They had all been suffering from this late-season heat. The night time cool-down had been a welcome relief. She ignored the alarms ringing in her head as she moved forward to place a hand on his forehead. “Jesus, you’re still burning up.”

Her hand was soft, cold, and real. Tae could smell the heat of her again. That scent of sweet something floral, and the slight musk of sweat. He turned his face into her palm with a heavy exhale against her wrist. She sucked in a breath pulling her hand away.

Well, she tried pulling her hand away from the iron grip of his fingers. “I have to make sure this is real. If this is another dream…” Tae offered a bitter laugh as he pulled her against him. “V you nee-” She spoke on a rushed breath before he interrupted her.

“That’s not my name.” He tugged her into the corner, spinning and pinning her hands above her head. They were eye to eye; nose to nose. It was just like in his dream. That one kiss gave him the blueprint to her proportions, and she was perfectly snug against that wall. Her eyes went wide at his obviously aroused state.

“V- T-Taehyung. You need to rest. You’re overheating.” A thick swallow as she corrected herself. The grip on her wrist eased at the use of his name. They were both breathing heavily as the elevator continued to beep along steady to the topmost floor.

“I know what I need.” He was leaning in again. There was nowhere to run this time. There was nothing but time and fifteen more floors before they reached the top. Taehyung tilted his head as he leaned in. “…I need this,” spoken against her lips as her chest bumped into his. Her lashes lowered as her gaze went to his mouth.

A moan broke the sudden silence, causing him to momentarily pause.

She didn’t mean to, it slipped out. It was the contact of their bodies as he crushed her against the wall. Tae smirked against her mouth, “And you need it too.”

14 floors left to the top…

[thebiasrekkers]

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

AO3 | WP

Chapter 01:  Just One Day

"Out of all those words I had to swallow because of the excuse of reality, I’ll pick one and tell it to you for sure..."

Chapter: Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6

Present Day Seoul – Cheongdam; Gangnam District South Korea

The nerves in Jungkook’s right fist tingled, his stance a picture-perfect representation of one who spent most of his life in brawls. There was a harsh scraping sound as his opponent’s shoulder slammed into the concrete. The spectators were small fry, standing on the sideline as they watched their senior attempt to go toe-to-toe with The Steel Claw of the Golden Jackals . They’d all tried to convince him that it wasn’t a good idea. Jungkook’s reputation preceded him and despite his youthful appearance, he had nerves of steel. Just like his fists.

His opponent struggled to sit up. Jungkook knew he’d won the fight, but he refused to relax his stance. Until he was sure that the guy was going to concede, he was prepared to strike again, and he would do so with a quickness that none would be prepared to see. His breath puffed out softly in the cold warehouse, the oil drums aflame barely heating the large space the group occupied.

Yoongi moved to stand beside Jungkook and he could feel the muscle at the base of his neck tensing up slightly. His eyes never moved, however, as they were still trained on the fallen gang member.

When it was clear that his “prey” would not be getting back up for another round, Jungkook’s stance smoothed out and he stood like normal. The gang member coughed out blood, staining the gray concrete beneath them. Jungkook shook his right hand out to chase the tingling sensation from it. Yoongi placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, before moving to stand in front of him.

“How many times is it gonna take for you dogs to fucking get it?” Yoongi’s voice was cold and cruel. Even after all these years, Jungkook still wasn’t quite used to that sound. “Do we need to break all of your legs so you can go crawling back to your master? Hm?”

They all took a step back, the two who moved to help their senior back onto his feet freezing in their spots. Jungkook felt the muscle at his jaw tick, his brows furrowing harshly over his dark eyes. The thrill of the fight was over, and his adrenaline high was starting to come down, albeit slowly.

Yoongi cocked his head to the side, a distinctive crack sound resounding as he popped his neck. This caused a few to flinch and they shook their heads, realizing that they hadn’t answered his question. A scoffing sound huffed from Yoongi as Jungkook watched him shove his hands into the pockets of his slacks.

“Yeah, I didn’t think so. Now fuck off.” He snapped his fingers at them before they could make another move. “And tell your boss that this is Jackal territory. If he sniffs around here again, I’m coming to take his bone out personally. Got it?”

They all nodded, hefting their senior and all but hightailing it out of the warehouse. Yoongi turned to Jungkook and the other members that they brought with them. Jutting his chin out toward them, they all straightened their backs. “You’re dismissed. Don’t go around getting into shit.”

“Yes Sir!” they said, bowing their heads low before quickly vacating the premises.

Jungkook remained, lifting a hand to rest his palm along the back of his neck. “…Hyung, I’m hungry.”

Yoongi grinned, a gesture he knew he reserved for those closest to him. He ruffled his hair like he was still a teenager, but Jungkook didn’t have the urge to protest against him. “Then let’s go eat. You’ve earned a free meal from your Hyung.”

Jungkook gave him a lopsided grin and nodded, allowing Yoongi to usher him out of the warehouse. He already knew that Yoongi was going to take them to a street food stall, but he didn’t mind. It wasn’t like Jungkook was a picky eater and he knew this particular food stall was a favorite of Yoongi’s as well.

It served lamb skewers.

The walk took about ten minutes, the two men not really indulging in any kind of conversation. It was typically like this after having to handle business. Jungkook didn’t care about the lack of chit-chat. A moment of silence, even amidst the busy Seoul streets, was welcome after having exerted himself. He made sure to match Yoongi’s pace, remaining at his side the entire way.

When they arrived, Yoongi ordered two bottles of soju, two bowls of jampong, an order of chicken feet, and six lamb skewers. The woman who owned the tent house greeted them warmly, telling them to sit anywhere and so they chose the usual table near the back. The plastic blue chairs were worn from use and the two of them fell into them easily. The soju was the first to arrive to their table, along with two shot glasses. Yoongi picked up Jungkook’s glass and began to pour for him.

“Hyung, wait —" Jungkook began to protest.

Yoongi sucked in air through his teeth before clicking his tongue to the roof of his mouth. “When are you gonna quit actin’ up?”

Jungkook’s eyes lowered to the table. “Yoongi Hyung…”

He watched him finish pouring the soju into the shot glass before Yoongi moved to pour some into his own. “You’re a good kid, Jungkook-ah. Let your Hyung reward you every now and then, hm?”

He gave a slightly sheepish nod. He was twenty-seven now, but around the others Jungkook still felt like a kid. Not that he minded it too much. As the group’s maknae , it was expected. Even so, he sometimes wondered if he was a burden or if there was more he could be doing. Being the Steel Claw of their group had its merits and he’d certainly earned the title, but there were times when he wanted to do more but assumed it wasn’t his place to ask or even worry about such things.

“You’ve got that look on your face again.”

Jungkook’s head immediately lifted, his eyes meeting Yoongi’s as he watched the man lifting the shot glass to his lips. Reaching out with both hands, he picked up his own glass of soju and turned away from the table to drink in tandem with him. Once finished, he placed the glass back on the table and had to resist protesting a second time when Yoongi began pouring him another shot. He curled his hands into fists at his knees instead.

“What look?”

Yoongi grinned at him from across the table as he finished pouring him another shot. “That ‘I don’t think I’m doing enough for my Hyungs’ look.” Jungkook blinked, watching as he tipped the shot back with ease while making a satisfied sound from the drink. Yoongi raised a brow at him. “After all these years, you’re still thinking like that, Jungkook?”

All Jungkook could do was sigh. It wasn’t like Yoongi was wrong and it shouldn’t have surprised him how observant he was. Yoongi was known for being able to spot things a mile away and this situation was no different, it seemed. He hung his head a little, both from shame and embarrassment. He hadn’t meant to have his feelings exposed so openly and he certainly hadn’t meant to cause any worry for any of his brothers.

Hands reached for the shot glass, cradling it between his fingers, but Jungkook made no move to drink. He heard the clink of glass to glass and he knew without looking that Yoongi was pouring again. The lady brought their food to the table, along with two steaming bowls of rice and a fresh pot of barley tea. She handed them their utensils and they thanked her while also saying they would enjoy the meal.

Out of habit, Jungkook waited for Yoongi to begin eating first before digging into his own food. The loud sounds of smacking and slurping were a momentary reprieve from the heaviness that had been hanging over the table just moments prior. But Jungkook knew that this conversation was far from over.

Yoongi set his chopsticks down so that he could pour himself a cup of tea. “You’re doing enough, Jungkook-ah.”

The spoonful of rice that he was about to shovel into his mouth hovered near his lips. His eyes widened slightly before he lowered the spoon back down to the bowl. “Hyung…”

“I mean it,” he reassured him, raising the steaming cup of tea to his face, “so stop looking like that. You’ve been way too hard on yourself these days.”

“It’s just that…” Jungkook paused, biting his lower lip as he contemplated whether he wanted to continue. Yoongi gave him a look, urging him to go ahead. “Well, Hoseok Hyung seems like he’s more stressed out than normal. Jin Hyung and Namjoon Hyung look just as on edge and —"

“Stop.” Yoongi interrupted him, holding a hand up. “Stop right there.”

“Huh?”

“That’s not anything you need to be worrying about.”

“But Hyung!”

Yoongi sucked in a harsh breath between his teeth, quickly silencing Jungkook. A handful of seconds passed between them before he continued. “The three of them are just trying to figure out the best way to expand our territory and wondering just how much danger they’re willing to put us in. But that’s to be expected, what with the amount of reach we’re wanting to gain.” Yoongi sighed, his expression relaxing a bit as he tried to ease Jungkook’s worries. “It’s something the three of them need to worry about. That’s their roles, alright? There’s no sense in you beating yourself up over something that isn’t your job in the first place.”

Jungkook remained silent, his brows knitting in concern.

“Trust your brothers, okay? What they decide on is almost always for the best.”

He nodded, resuming his meal. He hadn’t intended for the conversation to turn sour or even stressful. He knew that Yoongi had his own worries that he didn’t exactly voice, but he was better at keeping a level head than most of them. Even though they’d all grown up together, Yoongi was still the hardest to read. If an expression was readable, it was because Yoongi allowed it to show. Generally, though, he was seemingly impassive.

Jungkook admired that about Min Yoongi the most.

“So, how are things with that girl you’re talking to?”

A choking sound came from Jungkook in mid-sip of his tea. He stared at Yoongi with wide eyes. He watched him nonchalantly picking up one of the lamb skewers.

“W-What?”

Yoongi pulled off one of the pieces of lamb and chewed before pointing the end of the skewer at him. “You know,” he said with his mouth full, “the one called ‘Stubborn Tiger’ in your phone. You’re always texting and calling her.”

A lump formed in Jungkook’s throat and his mouth dried out almost instantly. He hadn’t realized he’d been that obvious. Nothing was solid yet and she was so damn stubborn. But so was Jungkook and he wasn’t about to give up when she got under his skin so thoroughly.

He coughed a few more times before setting his teacup down. “I mean, I dunno.” Jungkook shrugged. He wasn’t sure how much he wanted to divulge. “It’s not like we’re a thing.” He frowned. Yet…

Yoongi canted his head slightly. “You two aren’t even dating?” Jungkook shook his head. “…then how did you get her number?”

“I stole it.” He said it automatically and instantly regretted it. He watched Yoongi blink at him before he started laughing. “I mean, I made her give it to me!”

He continued to laugh. “You made her , huh?” Jungkook watched as he shook his head. “Well, that certainly isn’t like you at all.”

Jungkook hung his head and groaned. “I know…”

“Does she know what you do?” Yoongi’s laughter died off, but the amusement was still in his voice. Jungkook nodded. “Good. That’s good.”

“Huh? How come?”

“It’s good she knows and is still willing to talk to you, even if she’s being stubborn about it.” Yoongi reached for his shot glass, lifting it to his lips. “It’s better to be honest from the start. Relationships should never be built on lies, Jungkook.”

“Hyung…”

“If she can see you for who you are and still care about you, hold onto her.” Jungkook saw a look in Yoongi’s eyes that seemed to be a mixture of regret and something else. Something he couldn’t quite place. “No matter what.”

[thebiasrekkers]

The Bias Rekkers 2020!

Happy New Year from The Bias Rekkers! 

We ended 2019 on a good note - and steady growth! 

So, this is a little spiel about our current offerings! 

Make It Right [Mafia!AU, Smut [later], Slow Burn, Angst, Heavy/Graphic Violence, BTS as main characters - Multifandom character usage.] 

Type: Series by Admin E

Current Chapter: 8

Posting: Tumblr, AO3, and Wattpad.

7 boys. 7 Brothers from the countryside in South Korea come up with a plan at the peak of their adolescence. They want more than what they have. They want more than what their small town offers. So they risk it all on a plan - a gamble, in Seoul. 

Fast forward ten years later and somehow those 7 boys from the countryside are a well-respected part of the criminal underground. But they didn’t plan to stay forever. This is a tale of 7 men trying to leave the darkness and step into the light. 

And the fight to keep all they hold dear safe in the process. 

----

Edge of Forever [Space/Sci-Fi/Outlaw Star!AU, Smut [later], Slow Burn, Angst, Heavy/Graphic Violence, BTS as main characters with Multifandom character usage]

Type: Series by Admin L

Current Chapter: 9

Posting: Tumblr, AO3, and Wattpad.

A rag-tag crew of misfits suddenly find themselves on a mystical ship. Maybe it’s the mystical woman, her strange cargo, and a vessel cloaked in mystery and intrigue. That precious cargo is a part of an ancient relic from long ago. 

The only way to find its purpose is to journey to the deep outer ridges of space. That would be perfectly fine if it wasn’t for every organization in the galaxy attempting to track them down! As they pick up strange and, at times, annoying characters on the way - they all realize something strange pulling them together.

And pulling them all to the edge...

What lies for them there?

---

No Words [Idol!AU, Poly, Interracial, Tall Female, Smut, Porn With Plot, Angst, Fluff (if you squint), NSFW, BTS as central with OCs]

Type: Series by Admin T

Current Chapter: 7 [plus completed Interlude Flashback series.

Posting: Tumblr

A love of music brings you to a prestigious program at the local college in Chicago, Il. As a surprise, your class is invited to the next BTS concert happening that night. By chance, the technical director gives your class a chance to run the show. 

Under careful guidance, you impress - and enjoy the rest of the show. You were high as a kite while helping backstage - that is until you bumped into Kim Taehyung. 

And he decides he wants you all to himself - now, he just has to figure out how to make that happen.

----

And that’s that! We would love to hear what you think of our pieces! Our ask box is open! We take requests! We take threats of legal action for hurting your feelings, or making you question your bias choices! 

Thank you for enjoying so far! Please love these stories as we do! 

These stories are just getting started - keep an eye on us! We update every 1-2 days here: Bias Rekkers Masterlist

Happy Writing! And Happy Reading! 

[darknytemare]

No Words pt 7

BTS - V Imagine - Tall Girl - Interracial - FILTHY [HOLY WATER REQUIRED]

A/N - I blame these g’damned gifs for this whole chapter. I normally choose images to help represent a mood or something. I found these and the whole damn thing just...ran off without me. Either way, it’s still a mess. Thank you for loving it still. 

----

The Maknae was flustered as he burned miles on the treadmill. The trainer turned the speed up a few more notches. Jeongguk was so lost in his thoughts? He barely registered he was getting closer to max speed. It was easy to let the body do what it needed to when he spaced out. It was like a weird auto-pilot, the trainer knew that far away gaze. It was the best time to really push the maknae to his limits. 

“You what, Jeongguk? You what..?” Tae leaned in with a baritone growl.

Ki-Nam knew that Jeongguk was preoccupied with something. They had gone through this whole scenario many times, over many years. If Gguk had a problem he couldn’t talk out? He’d work it out - hard. The maknae’s brow furrowed, Ki-Nam turned the speed up another notch. He felt bad, honestly. Watching the main vocal sweat out his troubles in such a rough fashion. But, everyone knew that Gguk still had some troubles when it came to his emotions. They laughed over a session, a few years ago, saying it was akin to meditation. A really, really, rough and vigorous meditation.

It has been one month since they had a bit of a break. The holidays were closing in on them again. That time of the year always seemed to do something to him. He didn’t understand why. He couldn’t put his finger on it. 

No, that was a lie. He didn’t want to put his finger on it. 

“I don’t know, Taehyung!” A hissing whisper turned to the elder. Jeongguk’s tongue poked at the side of his cheek as his leg began to vibrate. “I don’t fucking know.” Tae scoffed as he gave the maknae a once over.

Jeongguk felt his heart beating a race in his chest. The sweat finally started to burn his eyes, he blinked it away rapidly. Why didn’t he want to touch it? Because it would change things. What was wrong with change? It took time to get used to new things. So what? Who cared? It was safer than the alternative right?

She was safer than the alternative. Right? 

“I do.” Tae continued his stroll toward the end of the hall. “I knew some time ago.” Was that a warning? 

“Fuck?!” Jeongguk was at a break-neck run when Ki-Nam turned the dial to MAX. Yes, that’s fine. He needed this run, he wanted to run! But, from what? What was he running from? It hurt. His body hurt and his lungs burned.

“OK! Ok!” Ki-Nam saw the focus slip and turned the speed down to a light jog. “Alright, breathe it out. Breathe it out.” He handed the maknae an electrolyte replacement as the jog turned into a brisk walk. Jeongguk felt a towel land over his head, snapping him from the recesses of his mind. “Man, I don’t know what you’ve got going on in your head? But, it’s been a while since you’ve maxed the treadmill.” Ki-Nam crossed his arms watching the Maknae slow to a stop. He brushed the towel over his sweat-ladened hair.

Jeongguk watched as Tae disappeared down the hall - their eyes meeting one last time as he disappeared around a corner. 

“Hyung,” Gguk panted heavily while bracing his hands on the arm of the treadmill. “..can you be in love with two people at the same time?” Ki-Nam blinked at Gguk with a soft whistle. The maknae groaned while rubbing his hair vigorously.

“Absolutely.” Ki-Nam’s straight, unflinching answer made the maknae look from under his towel. The, slightly, older man arched a brow. “What? Did you think I was going to say no?” He chuckled as Gguk gave him a sheepish look.

“Gguk-ah, you can’t help who or how many people stir your heart.” Ki-Nam shrugged as if it was common knowledge. “Granted, it’s not exactly acceptable to everyone. But,” He clapped a hand on the maknae’s moist shirt covered shoulder. “...everyone doesn’t know what makes you happy. Look at the world we live in, Jeongguk-ah. People exist in many forms. Don’t you think it’s only reasonable that love does as well?” 

Jeongguk blinked wide and Ki-Nam smiled giving him a soft shake. “For as many combinations in the world, that a person can exist? So too does love, Gguk-ah. Only you know the combination that’s right for you.” There was a stern set to the trainer’s face suddenly. “Regardless of the form that combination takes? You fight for your own happiness, whatever it may be. And also, be careful.” The trainer pushed his index finger into the maknae’s pectoral. Right above the quivering beat of his heart. “While it’s true love is fickle, sometimes she can be impatient.” 

The maknae frowned, trying to ponder the meaning. Ki-Nam didn’t waste that time leading him on. He got straight to the point. “Love can be a once in a lifetime thing, Gguk-ah. She can decorate the table. She can wear a pretty dress. She can paint you a picture worth a thousand words. But, if you’re too busy to turn your head in her direction? She leaves you.”

Jeongguk’s eyes went wide as a thought unburied itself from the tunnels of his mind. Christmas time.

“...and she may leave you for a good while before trying again.”  It was so easy to just text them, and know they would be there. 

“...and if you miss the opportunity too many times?”

Taehyung..cried. He remembered it so vividly now. Just when he thought that she understood. Just when he knew she felt the same? She was gone. She stopped answering their messages, then her phone no longer took them. He was so concerned about Taehyung. They did what they always had to - they picked up and moved along.

How could she do that to Tae? How could she do that to Taeyung? How could do that to him? To him? 

“She may never come back around again.” Ki-Nam finally finished as the light seemed to flare in the maknae’s eyes. As if a realization slammed into him. How could she do that to him? Jeongguk’s tongue prodded at the corner of his cheek. Ah, that’s what it was. It wasn’t just him -Taehyung.

It was also him - Jeongguk. How could she do that...to them?

Ki-Nam didn’t press, but he knew that look. A smirk lifted the corner of his mouth as Jeongguk nodded to himself, resolute. “You good?” The trainer asked the maknae with a fire burning in his eyes.

“Yeah, hyung, I am.” The maknae bowed to his trainer, tossing the towel back atop his head as he made for his room and a shower. He looked deep in thought as he took the stairs two by two. He didn’t want to bother with the elevator, not with all the thoughts still jumbled in his brain. He knew his feelings for Taehyung - that was sort of a given. But, he will admit he noticed a change when she was around. 

He thought to indulge Taehyung on his fixation with the foreigner. They would only be around for just a bit of time, so what could it hurt? He opened the door to his floor and shuffled to his room.

It hurt a lot, actually.

His brow furrowed as he rolled back the reel of memories. She didn’t want to really get close to them - that much was apparent. She almost reminded him of himself in the beginning. Waiting until everyone else was out of the room or the way before eating or showering. There were differences between them that could make things difficult. But, Tae being Tae didn’t care. They watched her butt heads, clash ideas, and disagree with senior staff. It didn’t always work out to her benefit, but she stayed true in that she wanted to speak her mind. She always took it constructively, at least, when they disagreed with what she presented. 

But, she had always mentioned she appreciated the ‘why?’. She appreciated that they tore her ideas up and presented the pros, cons, and protocols as a rebuttal. You couldn’t help but respect that. Just as they had come to respect that she wanted to be wrong - so she could develop stronger ideas. Most people would become resentful and frustrated at repeated ‘no’. But, not her - no. She studied refusals and prepared herself for a stronger showing at the next juncture.

But, not her - no. She studied refusals and prepared herself for a stronger showing at the next juncture.

Jeongguk felt himself sag as he entered his room. The bed looked inviting but he knew he needed to shower. The last bit of willpower left was exerted to undress and press himself into the hot spray. The water cascaded over his body as it protested his earlier mistreatment. His hand braced against the wall as his eyes closed.

How could she do that to him?

...there was no singing coming from that room. Jeongguk excused himself to go to the bathroom. He could hear all the off-key singing, but he couldn’t hear her voice. The water echoed a weird silence underneath the noise. He stepped out of the bathroom turning back toward the raucous bunch at the grill tables. He turned toward that corner where the karaoke room was. He bit into the meat of his cheek as he made his way down the hall. 

He was turning the corner when he heard it. A loud thump that made him rush to the door. It was concern that brought him, but when he peeked into that little window? What he saw made his skin flush as he pressed himself against the wall. He could feel that fire creeping along his skin and settling in his face. Even though all his blood immediately ran toward his dick. It was dark back there, the burn of the karaoke screen and mini-lights provided enough light for him to see it.

To see her, crouched in front of Tae with her face against his stomach. Tae with his hand between his teeth somewhere between insanity and ecstasy.

He should have forgotten it. He should have left. He was turning to leave, he shouldn’t see this. But she pulled Tae across the room to the couch. He was off-side so he could see everything. Why was he so aroused?! He couldn’t really hear what they were saying. 

But when Tae grabbed handfuls of her hair and pushed his cock into her mouth - and didn’t stop until she was pressed against his stomach again? Jeongguk had to suppress his moans as he reached into his pants.  

Tae got louder as he moved closer to orgasm. Gguk knew the signs. The muscle tick in the jaw, the way his body bows backward. He watched Tae use her, trying to shove himself inside of her. 

“...H-ha...hah…” 

How?! How could he have caught up so quickly? 

“Mmm. Mhm, mhm, just like...t-that..”

Jeongguk felt his stomach twist and knot.

“Ah-f-fuck. Fuck...fuck…”

He felt his balls draw tight as lightning coursed through his body.

“F-fuck, gonna come...gonna come….gonna -Ah!?” 

And then he…

“Fuck?!” Gguk had spaced out thinking back on catching her and Tae. He wound up working himself back up, and as the water turned cold - the orgasm knotted his muscles. One hand tight around the base of his dick as he dropped to a knee. 

He was in love with her, too. It wasn’t just Tae that was hurt by that spontaneous disappearance. He was too. He was also him. He was hurt. He was mad. He tried to play it off, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t play it off anymore. His body lurched as he kept the iron grip on his throbbing erection.

Why was he being so stupid? What did it matter?! Tae loved her. Tae knew he loved her. It wasn’t a threat he lobbed at Jeongguk that night. It wasn’t a warning. It was a fucking realization. The truth of it had his eyes rolling back in his skull. As he finally took that chance and let himself think back. 

Back to that Christmas. 

Back to that kitchen.

Back to her apartment.

Back to when she was sandwiched between them. He thought…

The sounds they made together with a reckless abandon that night. 

He thought… He remembered….he felt….

...the sound of her voice “Come for me.” She moaned. 

Jeongguk cried out as let himself go. His back hit the tiled wall. He exploded, thick ropes of cum shooting skyward and against his abdomen as he fought for air. He reached out shaking hands to bat the nozzle to stop the water beating down on his skull.  He sank down on his side as his cock twitched and spasmed even though there was no liquid left to sputter.

Cold. He was fucking freezing when he snapped to twenty minutes later. The heel of his palm dug into his eye socket. “Mphffucking hell…” He pushed himself to stand, turning on the water again. The hot water not wasted as he showered and tended to his sore muscles.

He exited the shower, toweling his hair, frowning at the now swollen bowl of ramen that had been waiting for him. He ate it anyway, greedily sucking down the noodles and broth. He dug around in the fridge for leftover chicken and an apple. 

He saw his phone on the table and narrowed his eyes. Gguk stormed over to the table, snatched up the cellphone and sent off a rapid-fire text.

---

Ding.

   Ggukie: Hyung…

Taehyung grunted as he felt around for his phone. Trying not to spill the glass of water, he fumbled before pulling the phone to his face. He spied the time.

                                                 4:30 am

“What the hell?” A deep rumble of sound as he responded.

   Hyungie: Gguk-ah, it’s late? Early? You ok?

Tae fumbled for the glasses he kept nearby, his vision sleep-blurred. The glasses were pulled right back off as he read the next text.

   Ggukie: I can’t, Tae. I can’t do this anymore.

   Hyungie: Can’t do what, Jeongguk?

   Ggukie: Pretend. 

Taehyung smoothed the hair back from his face as he watched the chat bubble dot away for the next response. His phone pinged with a received message.

   Ggukie: I knew it, too. Back then, I knew it. We need to talk.

The Visual felt the smirk curving his mouth as he tossed the phone on the bed beside him. He stretched his arms upward as he fired off a reply. He rubbed his hands together as he got out of bed.

   Hyungie: Let’s have breakfast, Gguk-ah. 

Taehyung knew he didn’t need to wait for a reply. He slipped on his robe, popped into his tata slippers, and grabbed his phone. He couldn’t help the pep in his step as he made his way down to the maknae’s room.

Taehyung had a hunch. He didn’t know what got Jeongguk to ponder the situation deeper? But, he was glad he did. 

Because now? Now the real work could start. 

Now they could plan ahead. Because they had about three and a half weeks before Christmas. A little over a month until the New Year. 

And it looks like neither of them had any intentions of letting her sneak through their fingers this year.

Tae raised his hand to knock on a door that quickly opened before he could. A fiery-eyed Jeongguk, clad in black shirt and sweats, stepped aside to let him.

It has now been 121 days post kiss.

[thebiasrekkers]

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

AO3 | WP

Chapter 02: Fake Love

"You say I’m not the person you used to know What do you mean? No, I’ve grown blind."

Yoongi stepped out of his car, a cigarette poking out from the corner of his mouth. A piece of ash fell to the pavement; forgotten as he looked up at the sign of the building he’d parked in front of. His dark hair fell across his brows and he reached up with one hand to scratch at the back of his ear – the edge of his finger touching the silver hoop dangling from his ear lobe. A chilly gust of wind blew against him, his heavy wool trench coat shielding him from the cold bite of autumn while hanging from his form. Dark brows furrowed as he took another drag from his cigarette, the amber glow from the cherry burning brightly while staring at the sign.

EDEN CUSTOMS

He didn't understand why some people felt the need to hide their lineage. It wasn’t something that could be hidden - not with technology the way that it was now. Anything could be dug up on anyone at any given moment with the right amount of dollars and an equally right motive. But that was what it usually took. A motive.

No one really had a motive to dig up her background.

So, of course, outside of people like Yoongi, no one truly knew Eden’s family history. How could they? She was always the sort of person who kept her feelings, thoughts, and other such personal rubbish to herself. It had always been that way, even when they were younger. A young half Korean girl living in the States, with all the responsibilities and stereotypes that came from being of mixed heritage – she turned her back to it all. Without hesitation. Eden chose the life of a normal woman who was no longer tied to mundane responsibilities, who started her own business and was making her own way. Despite being an orphan, she was independent, strong, and a soldier.

Eden was...dirty.

At least that’s what Yoongi thought as he looked at the female mechanic who had a smudge of oil across her cheek and nose, bangs disheveled as she pulled her cap off. As Yoongi slipped his shades off his face and onto his head, Eden rubbed her hands against a rag that looked well over-used and in need of a washing. Yoongi tilted his head some, wrinkling her nose before shaking her head.

He could not understand why such a talented woman insisted on wasting it all away in such a vocational profession. Yoongi recalled her being a skilled dancer and artist. Yoongi remembered attending a ballet recital with Eden being the main star on stage. She was as stubborn and rough around the edges as they came, but even he could not remember a time when Eden had looked more beautiful...and more upset after he’d gone into her dressing room to change her clothes when she thought no one was looking.

Eden looked so angry and disgusted with the world.

“Well, aren't you a sight,” came Yoongi's easy tone, “you don't look glad to see me.”

She muttered something, waving at the rest of her crew as she looked at her watch. Eden gestured for Yoongi to follow her, to which he did. Not on command, but on request. Eden didn’t talk much, something he was used to. After all, he didn’t talk much either. Yoongi dropped the cigarette to the ground and crushed it under the heel of his shoe before making his way behind her into the shop.

Eden threw a few “choice words” towards her young male co-workers who were clearly eyeing Yoongi suspiciously – something along the lines of bodily harm – before opening her office door and letting Yoongi enter first. After she closed the door shut behind her, Eden dropped into the chair in front of her paperwork piled desk and leaned back far enough to kick her feet on top of the surface between a column of files.

Yoongi raised a brow slowly at her, folding his arms across his chest before settling into the empty chair across from her. “So, things are good I take it?”

She shrugged. “As good as they can be.”

“I'm upset that you haven’t bothered to look me up since I got back.” This time she raised her brow at him. “I remember emailing you that I was coming home.”

Eden snorted, her dark brown eyes narrowing while scratching the side of her nose. He knew that was a tell-tale sign that she was irritated but didn’t feel like saying it out loud. Her olive skin seemed to take on a strange glow as the sun began to set out in the world beyond the large window to the right of her.

Suddenly, her phone started to buzz with life on the desk. Yoongi looked down and saw the name “Petty Mutt” appear on the screen. Eden glanced at the phone, waiting for it to stop ringing. When it finally did, Eden rolled her eyes. Not long after it stopped, it started buzzing to life once more – the same name popping up on the screen. Unable to hide his curiosity or his amusement, he smirked as she reached for the phone and turned it face down on the desk.

Yoongi leaned back in the chair, holding his hands across his stomach. “Well, someone’s persistent.”

“That’s putting it lightly,” she quipped, scratching at the back of her neck.

“Is it a guy?”

Her eyes cut toward him and Yoongi had to bite back a laugh. He wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or concerned that he was still able to get under her skin the way he did.

“That’s none of your business.”

He shrugged. “Why don’t you just block him if you’re not interested?”

This time she was the one to give him a devious smirk. “Who says I’m not interested?”

Yoongi’s smile fell almost immediately before he had a chance to catch himself. She seemed to have noticed this and her smile grew a few more inches. In turn, his blank face molded into an irritated scowl which only served to amuse her further.

There was no reason for him to visibly get jealous. After all, he was the one who chose to end things with Eden two years ago. He’d been living a double life when he was with her and she knew nothing of his ties to the Golden Jackals. A part of Yoongi was afraid that she would turn him away or even ridicule him for associating with gangsters, let alone being one of the upper tiered members. Eden had standards and a code of morals she stubbornly adhered to. There was nothing wrong with that. In fact, that was one of the many reasons he was so attracted to her when they’d first met in the States.

He never thought she would come to South Korea. A part of him was shocked that she was willing to take a chance on a new place, a new culture and set of customs that she was mostly unfamiliar with. Or, at least, as unfamiliar as he’d believed. Truth be told, he was a little shocked that not only was she fluent in the language, but that she wasn’t ignorant to his culture. It was only after they’d started dating during his time in the U.S. that the truth came out.

Eden was an orphan and she had no idea who her parents were. She didn’t really care about their whereabouts as she was about her own origins. After digging through a few records, she’d discovered that she was of South Korean and African American descent. Growing up in America, she had no way of discovering her roots unless she did some digging for herself. For years she studied Korean culture, history, language and customs and even served as an interpreter for hire for corporate offices like Kia and Hyundai.

It wasn’t until she met Yoongi that she finally took the plunge to go to a country where half of her origins hailed from. There was a part of Yoongi that had been terrified of the idea of her discovering the truth about him. That he wasn’t some young entrepreneur in search of something greater than himself; that his success stemmed from gang-related activities and how he spent most of his time in the criminal underworld. He wasn’t ashamed of his brothers or the Golden Jackals. Yoongi just didn’t want to see the disappointment on her face when she found out that he’d begun their relationship with lies.

Even though they’d broken up, Yoongi couldn’t do the right thing and simply stay away. No. Her energy and attitude continued to draw him in, and he constantly felt a need to be around her. Even for just a drink and conversation. It had taken some doing, but he finally was able to get her to talk to him again without throwing a socket wrench at him. After a few drunken nights and even some accidental hookups, he was starting to realize that he was an idiot for ending things with her. But Yoongi figured it was for the best.

He still missed her, and it drove him crazy.

Clearing his throat, Yoongi crossed one leg over the other. “Are you busy tonight?” He didn’t want to bring up the guy on the phone, knowing it would probably cause an argument to stir up between them.

Eden slung her feet off the top of her desk and began sifting through some of the paperwork on her desk. “A little.” She paused, looking back at him. “Why?”

“I wanted to get a drink with you.”

She barked a laugh while tilting her head slightly. “Why? So you can get me tipsy enough to have another row with you in the sheets before you leave me in the middle of the night like some man cheating on his wife?” Eden scoffed, resuming her rustling of paperwork. “No thanks.”

Leaning forward, Yoongi snatched Eden’s wrist in his hand and held tightly – instantly stilling her movements. Her smirk faded as her gaze lifted to meet his – her eyes glaring darkly at him.

“It’s not like that.”

"Oh? It’s not?” Yoongi felt her trying to pull her hand free but his grip tightened. He could see the anger exploding across her face. “Then how come it’s been like that the last few times we’ve gone out? Do I look like some fucking whore to you, Min Yoongi? Huh?!”

“Dammit, Eden, I told you it’s not like that!”

“What is it then?!”

She finally yanked her hand free and stood up. Yoongi followed, unable to handle her glaring down at him. Eden slammed both of her hands onto her desk, causing a few papers to flutter from the stacks and onto the ground.

“Didn’t you make it clear that there is nothing between us anymore? Weren’t you the one who said that things were over?” Yoongi watched her face scrunch up in that way that he knew she did when she was trying not to cry, causing some of his own anger to ebb away. “Then stop playing these fucking games with me. I’m sick of it. I’ve fucking had it, alright?”

“Eden…”

He didn’t know what else to say and even though it hurt to see her like this, he called her name anyway. Even though he didn’t have any right to do so. She was right. He was being selfish and it was hurting her. It wasn’t fair to either of them, but it most definitely wasn’t fair to her.

Sighing, he held his hands up. “You’re right. I’m…I’m sorry, okay?” He watched her angrily wipe at her cheeks, further smudging it and he gave her a gentle smile. “Look, I just want to get drinks tonight, alright? Nothing more. No strings attached; I promise.” Yoongi held his hand out to her and she gazed down at it speculatively. “Friends?”

Eden seemed to be considering this and for a moment he was almost sure that she was going to tell him to go fuck himself. He would have deserved it, but it wouldn’t have hurt any less, that’s for sure. But he felt relief hit him as she wiped her palms along the front of her jeans to take his hand into hers. A wave of nostalgia hit him as her grip tightened around his hand – reminding him of when they’d first met each other all those years ago.

“Alright,” she said gently, a more genuine smile gracing her lips, “friends.”

[thebiasrekkers]

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn

“It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

AO3 | WP

Chapter 04: Blood, Sweat & Tears

"But your wings are wings of the devil In front of your sweet is bitter bitter..."

9 Years Ago Seoul – Itaewon; Yongsan District South Korea

He’d been in Seoul for a year now. Hoseok could hardly fathom it. He never thought he would be here in the big city. Maybe as a tourist, but not as a permanent resident.

For his entire life, all he’d ever known was the vast countryside of Hwaseong. His family was one of the more well-known ones of the area. The Jung family had the most land and descended from a long line of people who tilled the land. South Korea reached its peak in technological advancements. Farming equipment was better, and people still had to work hard, but not as hard as they once did decades back.

When Namjoon asked if they would come to Seoul with him, Hoseok had his reservations. They all did. But one by one, they arrived in Seoul. Jimin was predictably the last to get there.

The first year was the hardest for them all. Or maybe it was more difficult for everyone else except Yoongi and Jungkook. Hoseok wasn’t quite sure. What he did know was that Jungkook thrived in the city. He was no stranger to hard work and manual labor in the industrial aspect, taking on odd jobs from restaurant delivery to factory work.

It was a little more difficult for the rest of them since all they really knew was farm work. For a time, Hoseok worked in a produce warehouse. The job itself was rewarding, and he was able to secure a few connections. Namjoon seemed to be pushing himself even harder in school – going so far as to take night classes. There were times when he would come home to their cramped two-bedroom apartment, attempting a smile but there would be a nosebleed soon to follow.

Jimin and Jungkook took on extra jobs to make things easier on the others. Namjoon could only do so much while going to school. He seemed damned and determined to finish faster than the rest of his classmates. Hoseok remembered him talking to Seokjin late one night when the others were asleep. Hoseok had gotten up to get some water and that was when Namjoon explained how he was basically going to hit the ground running for them all. He wanted them to succeed - to live like kings.

Hoseok admired his ambition.

Taehyung entered the apartment carrying two large plastic bags. The aroma of food filled the room and Hoseok stood from his perch in the corner. He immediately made his way toward the kitchenette to retrieve the small table they all ate from. Yoongi was right behind him, a case of beer in one hand and a duffel bag in the other. Seokjin looked up from reading his book on the top bunk bed, peering over the edge to see who all had returned home. He waved to Yoongi as he dropped his bag just by the door and Hoseok smiled as a sleepy Jungkook appeared from the other bedroom, scratching at his head and tummy at the same time.

Yoongi smirked, reaching up to rub Jungkook’s head as Hoseok handed him a glass of water. The older man made his way toward the mini fridge to put up the beer and Hoseok grinned as Jungkook drank his water slowly. 

“Did you have a late morning, Jungkook-ah?”

He nodded, heading to the kitchenette to wash the empty glass. 

“What time did you get in?”

Jungkook yawned. “Five this morning.”

Hoseok frowned just as Seokjin came down from the bunk bed. “I told you to quit one of your part-time jobs, Jungkook,” chastised Seokjin, his brows furrowing slightly, “Your Hyungs will take care of everything.”

Jungkook laughed as he plopped down on the floor where the table was being set up by Taehyung. It was a modest spread that probably came from a variety of street carts and tent houses. Yoongi was busying himself in the kitchen, retrieving utensils and bowls for everyone. 

A sigh left Hoseok’s lips as his phone buzzed in his pocket. Looking at it, he shook his head when he saw it was from Jimin. Apparently he’d left his key at home and was making his way up the stairs. Without having to say a word, he looked at Yoongi and watched him cross the short distance to the door and opened it - revealing a slightly winded Jimin on the other side. He beamed, tossing his delivery hat to the side as he shrugged out of his uniform jacket and slipped out of his work boots.

“Something smells good!” he said cheerfully as Taehyung drug him down onto the floor to sit beside him. He looked around the room, noting that they were one person short. “Where’s Namjoon Hyung?”

No sooner had he said it, the door opened to reveal Namjoon. He immediately dropped his school bag to the floor and kicked off his sneakers. He had a troubled look on his face and Hoseok frowned. It wasn’t hard for him to figure out that something was weighing on his mind and it had been for quite a few weeks now. Yoongi handed Namjoon a beer and just as he was about to take his seat at the other side of the table, he stopped. 

Namjoon looked at Seokjin who was seated at the other end of the table. Hoseok peered at the oldest one of his friends and then watched as the two of them shared a nod. Soon, they were turning their eyes toward Hoseok and he blinked, not understanding why suddenly their attention was on him. What chatter was happening immediately quieted - disturbed only by the sound of clinking silverware.

“Hoseok-ah,” came Seokjin’s soft voice, causing Hoseok to look at him, “go ahead and sit over there.”

Hoseok’s lips parted. He was talking about taking Namjoon’s seat at the head of the table. Looking between the two of them, he wasn’t sure what to say. In fact, he was pretty sure he could say nothing in this moment. He saw Jungkook chewing on a piece of kimbap while Taehyung cracked open a can of beer. Jimin set his rice bowl down and Yoongi lowered his chopsticks to the table. 

“H-Hyung,” stammered Hoseok, unsure of what to make of this, “sitting there…”

“Means you’re the leader,” finished Namjoon, grinning. He shifted over to where Hoseok continued to sit and held his hand out to him. “So get up and take your seat.”

Grasping Namjoon’s hand, he could barely feel his body leaving the floor. He glanced back at Seokjin who simply nodded. After a moment, Hoseok’s eyes met everyone’s at the table. It was no secret what they were about to get into. They’d all talked about it in length for some time and while Jimin had been the most against the idea, he relented in the end. 

They were finally going to delve into the dark criminal underworld. They were going to become gangsters.

It was assumed that either Seokjin or even Namjoon would be the one to lead them. It had been their idea. These part-time gigs and scrimping for every chunk of change they had to make ends meet was only temporary. Hoseok was simply waiting for the next set of instructions to come from either of them.

“But why?” The question came out a little harsher than he’d intended. However, Namjoon’s and Seokjin’s expressions remained pleasant. He couldn’t explain it, but this almost seemed to upset Hoseok more. “Why?”

“Because you’re the only one who can, Hoseok,” said Namjoon, placing his hand on his shoulder. Hoseok couldn’t hide the confusion on his face and this made his friend grin. “I’m still in school, though I’m gonna bust my fucking ass to get out early. Seokjin Hyung has to get us established so his face is going to be all over the place. Yoongi Hyung prefers to stay out of that seat because he’s already doing his part to get everything together for the other gangs to learn about us.”

Hoseok looked over at Yoongi who smirked, holding his can of beer in the air in a ‘cheers’ sort of fashion. He blinked as the three youngest merely smiled and nodded while putting food into their mouths. 

Apparently this was all discussed without him. While part of him was upset, he knew the reason why they’d done it. If he’d been involved in the conversation, he would have fought tooth and nail to make sure that someone else was put in that seat. Because he didn’t believe he was qualified enough.

“Hoseok-ah, listen to me…” Seokjin’s voice was calm; collected. It eased the hammering of Hoseok’s heart a measure. “You are the most qualified to lead us. You’re level-headed, merciful, and your overall image suits what is needed today. We are young and inexperienced, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be like that forever.” 

He paused, standing so that he, too, could be at Hoseok’s side. “You’re the strongest of us all. Because we know how scary you can really become. That image is what we need to really make an impression.” 

Something flickered in Seokjin’s gaze and Hoseok’s brows furrowed. 

“ That is the edge we need to survive in this world.”

  Present Day Seoul - Hannam; Yongsan District South Korea

Hoseok stood on the second floor balcony, a glass of scotch in his hand. It clinked softly as the cubes of ice shifted while he leaned on his back leg. The chilly night air barely registered along his skin, though he knew that one of the others would appear with a robe or light lounge jacket for him to wear. The house was so big but he always knew when there was movement around.

It was part of his nature to be aware of his surroundings.

His eyes lowered to the street as he waited for a set of headlights to appear. He turned his left arm over to peer at his wrist. It was getting late and while he wasn’t normally worried for his friends, it gave him relief to know when they were all able to return home. 

No sooner had he looked at his watch did a pair of headlights round the corner and up the hill. Without having to guess, he knew that it was Taehyung with Jimin. They always returned home around this time. Jungkook was napping in his room and Yoongi said he would be on his way after meeting up with a friend. Another set of lights appeared and he guessed that it was Yoongi right on the other two’s backs.

Hoseok vacated the balcony and closed the glass French doors behind him. Making his way downstairs, drink in hand, he saw Seokjin appearing from the study while Namjoon poured away over some paperwork in the den. They never were in the business of bringing work home, but these days it couldn’t be helped.

The beep of the security lock echoed in the foyer just as Yoongi, Taehyung and Jimin entered the house. They stepped out of their street shoes and slid into their house slippers. A sleepy Jungkook slowly made his way down the stairs, getting his head rubbed by the three men before they all trudged into the den where Seokjin and Namjoon were waiting. 

Taehyung handed several thick manila envelopes over to Namjoon and Seokjin just as Hoseok sat in the large plush leather chair. There were two leather couches on either side of a glass coffee table - the surface inlaid along intricate metal workings. Jungkook stole a sip of water from the glass Yoongi’d just brought in, leaning in to sniff the older man and Yoongi laughed. 

“Hyung, you smell like booze and engine exhaust…”

Yoongi smirked, shrugging. “I do?”

Hoseok grinned, crossing one leg over the other while his house slipper dangled from his foot. “You look pleased with yourself, Yoongi Hyung.”

“You could say that.” He took a seat next to Jungkook and Jimin as Taehyung handed off the file that Jimin gave him. “Looks like you two were busy.”

Taehyung flashed his boxy smile, a hint of mischief sparking in his eyes. His silvery blue and black fringe danced along his brows and ears. “You could say that.” There was a playful tone in his voice.

Yoongi rolled his eyes while taking the glass of water from Jungkook when he was finished. 

Jimin sighed while brushing his chestnut bangs off his forehead. “We just did what we were supposed to. I don’t know why he’s gloating.”

Taehyung’s cheeks puffed out in defiance. He was a grown man and he still acted like a child. Expelling the air from his mouth, he looked at Hoseok with raised brows. “How was your meeting, Hyung?”

Hoseok chuckled while setting his glass on the nearby coaster. “I guess you could call it productive.” He leaned back in the chair. “Though Namjoon and Seokjin Hyung just about had heart attacks.”

“Lies,” said Seokjin while holding up an envelope in the air, “we were just trudging through, oh, I dunno, a proverbial minefield.” He paused, looking Hoseok in the eye as he raised a brow. “Hoseok forgot to mention that he was carrying grenades in his pockets, is all.”

Jungkook grinned as he rested his hands behind his head. “You must have told Dongwook Hyung that we trashed his crew.”

“I did,” came Hoseok’s nonchalant reply, “and I also told him not to come stomping through our turf again just because he can’t handle the shit going on in his own house.”

There was an edge to Hoseok’s voice that none in the room missed. Namjoon stilled his hands long enough to brush one of them through his ash blonde locks. “It was risky, but Hoseok made it very loud and clear that everyone needs to stay out of that particular area of Gangnam.”

“Dongwook Hyung is such a fucking piece of work,” snapped Taehyung as he stretched his long legs out in front of him. “He’s all bark and no bite. Always has been.”

“That doesn’t make him any less dangerous, Taehyung-ah,” Hoseok said calmly. “I gave him a warning, but that doesn’t mean he’ll take this insult lying down.”

“Let him try it,” Jungkook half-snarled, as if he were ready to launch an assault. 

Hoseok held out a hand to Jungkook. “Hey, none of that,” he chastised before looking to Yoongi. “There’s no guarantee that Dongwook Hyung was the only one with the itch to move into our territory. Don’t let your guard down and don’t make any hasty movements. Got it?”

Everyone nodded. They had spent some time making a name for themselves and it probably didn’t help that they had their fingers in a lot of different pots. Gambling. Investment banking. Night clubs and various other forms of underground entertainment. International dealings with other investment firms. Their next move would be to take over a few hotels and start going into the real estate business.

Land was more precious than gold.

“Seokjin Hyung,” said Namjoon suddenly, causing everyone’s eyes to look in his direction, “did you find a personal financial advisor that’s willing to work just for us?”

Seokjin grinned as he folded his arms across his chest. “I think so. It’s just a matter of getting them to bend a little.”

“Good. The sooner we get them working for us, the better off we’ll be. We need to start consolidating assets soon and focusing all of our energy into just a few projects. Spreading ourselves this thin worked in the beginning because we needed to get our names out there.” Namjoon paused, leaning back into the couch while tossing the manila envelope in his hand onto the table. “Now that people know who we are, it’s really time to sink our claws into the ground.”

Hoseok nodded. “The sooner, the better.”

[thebiasrekkers]

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn

“It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

AO3 | WP

Chapter 05: Boyz With Fun

"The fun boys go until the dawn moon sets, This is so fun, all fakeness has gone home."

Seoul - Cheongdam; Gangnam District South Korea

Taehyung leaned against the side of the building, the stick of his lollipop poking out from between his lips. After all these years, he still possessed an almost insatiable sweet tooth. It was one of the few things in life that he just couldn’t seem to give up and could also maintain his interest. As much of a flirt that he was, women came and went from his bed. Or he from theirs. The rough and tumble life they led in the earlier days of their beginnings had seemingly lost its attraction. But sweets? Well, those just never got old.

However, there were some people that could keep his attention. It was a feat, yes, but not impossible. One such individual worked in the very building he was leaning against. In fact, he’d been shadowing them for the better part of a few months. They were stubborn and liked to appear that they weren’t interested or even a bit curious as to why he was shadowing them. But that was fine. Taehyung didn’t mind.

It made the chase all the more delicious.

As he spied the time on his watch, he knew that this person was going to be clocking out soon. Their routine in this place was like clockwork; predictable and consistent. There were times when a wrench got thrown in, ultimately ruining the schedule, but those moments were rare. Unable to hide the growing excitement on his face, he pushed himself off the concrete surface and made his way through the automatic sliding doors of the hospital.

Not even a handful of steps into the lobby, he saw the person he was looking for. Or, rather, waiting for. She was dressed in her scrubs – a soft, periwinkle blue – clutching her bag while her coat draped over one of her arms. Tall with brown skin and curling dark hair, her glasses were situated on her face in a way that made her seem almost adorable. She was talking with one of her co-workers, probably about the patients they had for the day and what their plans were for the coming weekend. Would they trade off shifts? God, he hoped not.

She let out a laugh and Taehyung crunched into the hard candy, chewing methodically as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks. He was mentally counting down how long it would take for her to notice him.

Three…two…one…bingo!

When the countdown finished in his head, she looked up and their eyes met. Her smile fell a fraction and she slowed her pace down a measure. Her co-worker seemed confused by the action until the other nurse caught sight of Taehyung. She gave a small wave and he returned the gesture just as she smirked playfully toward the woman whom he couldn’t take his eyes from. The other woman gently nudged her and told her she would see her tomorrow. Taehyung closed the distance between them, standing just a foot in front of her.

“Hey there, Gorgeous,” he said, the candy’s stick clamped between his teeth as he flashed her his trademark boxy smile, “long day?”

The woman, Raelyn Briggs, rolled her eyes as she side-stepped him so she could walk around him. “What is it now?” She asked him the question, but continued walking – as if she really didn’t care one way or the other if he answered or not.

Pivoting on his heels, he jogged up beside her while spitting the stick into the garbage. “Was it a bad day?”

“It was fine until you showed up.”

She refused to look at him, but this didn’t stop him from smiling or from being persistent.

“Aw, c’mon. That’s not a nice thing to say.” He dramatically placed a hand on his chest, palm resting over the spot where his heart was beating steadily beneath. “I need you to give me a check-up.”

Raelyn scoffed. “Then schedule an appointment.”

Taehyung clicked his tongue against the back of his teeth. “Don’t be like that, Rae Noona.”

"Like what?”

He pouted. “You’re such a meanie.”

“And you’re a menace.”

He tried to maintain his pouty expression, but he soon dissolved into a small fit of laughter. He didn’t know why but annoying her was so fun. Maybe it was because she made it so easy or because she didn’t immediately tell him to go fly a kite in downtown traffic. He couldn’t help his curiosity when it came to Raelyn.

She wasn’t the first transplant to come to South Korea. In this day and age, it was pretty common for foreigners to immigrate to other countries for work. There were all kinds of programs for teaching as well as through vocational or technical skills. Trade skills existed all over the world and like Koreans often went to other countries to learn, the same could be said for others wanting to expand their knowledge in a variety of fields.

From what he was able to glean, Raelyn was one such individual. Even though he’d known her for the better part of three years, she’d lived in South Korea for four. The more scandalous side of it all was that Raelyn used to date Hoseok. Things ended on her terms, though the reason for it was a bit hazy. At least what he was able to learn from the other Hyungs. No one really wanted to talk about it and so Taehyung didn’t pry.

He couldn’t remember why, exactly, the topic had been broached, but he did recall that Hoseok said he was over the relationship. That things ended for the best. Not that Taehyung was in the business of taking someone’s second serving of a dish, but if she was a girl interesting enough to turn Hoseok’s head then he had to know what she was all about.

Imagine his surprise when he discovered that she was a nurse, darker skinned and a foreigner.

Taehyung ran a few paces in front of Raelyn and stopped, forcing her to come to a halt. She had a clear look of irritation painted over her face, but this made his smile widen. He knew that she was just taking off from work and probably wanted to have nothing to do with him, yet he just wasn’t selfless enough to leave her alone. Maybe she was playing hard to get. Who knew? But she kept his interest and that made him even more determined to get her to give him a chance.

“Look, Noona,” he said, brushing his fingers through his silvery blue and black hair, “I know you’ve probably had a long day and that’s why I wanna take you out. Nothing fancy or uncomfortable, I promise.” He held his hands up in a show of playful surrender. “Just dinner and a drink. You think you’d be up for something like that?”

Raelyn gave him the once over, canting her head slightly in a way that made the lens of her glasses shine off from the many streetlights along the corner. There really wasn’t a reason for her to accept his offer. Then again, there really wasn’t a reason for her to decline it either. It was a win-win situation for both. He had a few days of down time before Jimin and he would have to hit the streets again to collect on some things. Normally Taehyung made an effort to get ahead of the game, but he wasn’t sure when he’d be able to get a chance to really get to know Raelyn for who she was. Not just the professional nurse mask she wore, but the real face that hid behind it.

After a few more grueling minutes of silence, Raelyn sighed slowly and Taehyung had to contain his excitement. He knew that he’d won. As he was mentally giving himself a pat on the back, he watched Raelyn setting her purse down on the ground so she could slip into her coat. Taehyung moved so that he was behind her, helping her arms slide into the sleeves. He leaned down and picked up her purse and she set it on her shoulder.

With a wide gesture of her arm, she cocked her head to the side. “After you.”

Taehyung grinned, holding out his arm for her and she shook her head while rolling her eyes. He gently elbowed her persistently and when her arm finally slid through his, he beamed proudly. For whatever reason, he felt like he was suddenly on top of the world.

Like he promised, they walked and talked amicably. It was no secret what circles he ran with and there was no sense hiding it from her. It wasn’t like she was ignorant to his world. He was curious about her day-to-day activities and quickly ascertained that he admired her drive to help people. But she wasn’t above taking care of herself. Self-care was important. People tend to forget that.

He most certainly did not .

It didn’t take them long to arrive to their destination. It was a quiet café with a nice atmosphere that also served modest entrees. He remembered her saying once that after a long shift, the last thing she wanted to do was gorge on food and pass out. It normally gave her indigestion in the morning and she wasn’t about that life. Taehyung could eat enough for three people, but that was just his metabolism and active lifestyle talking.

She ordered a deli sandwich, soup and coffee while he ordered a plate of pasta with tea. Their conversation continued on the tamer side and he ignored the looks that a few patrons gave them. He knew that he was good looking and there were people who also knew that he was part of the underground circuit. He didn’t care for their judgmental eyes or thoughts, keeping his attention on Raelyn as she ate politely while indulging him in conversation. Also politely.

Then the anvil fell.

“So,” she said, raising the mug up to her lips, “do you think it’s a good idea to be gettin’ fresh with your boss’s ex-girl?”

Taehyung was in mid-sip of his tea when he inhaled suddenly, racked with a coughing fit that he thought would never end. People were looking at him for a different reason now. He stared at her, unblinking, wondering just where the hell that even came from.

In fact, he was going to ask.

“Where the hell did that come from?”

She scoffed, sipping from the mug and then setting it down. “Oh come on , Taehyung- ssi ,” she said, putting extra emphasis to the polite way of addressing him, “I don’t know what game you’re playing but I know that you’ve been poking around me because you want to know something, don’t you?” Raelyn pushed her glasses up along the bridge of her nose. “‘What could my boss, Jung Hoseok, possibly have seen in a woman like this?’ That’s what you’re thinking, isn’t it?”

His mouth opened to protest, but he soon closed it when he realized that she wasn’t completely wrong.

But she wasn’t completely right, either.

However, instead of answering, all he could do was remain silent – his lips pressing together in a thin line.

Raelyn chuckled because she knew she’d gotten the upper hand. It wasn’t in his nature to not throw something back at her in rebuttal. But he knew he couldn’t regain the advantage. Not in this conversation.

“I’m pretty sure you already know that I was the one to end things. You’re wondering why that is, aren’t you? Why a woman like me would walk away from the benefits and opportunities that come with being the boss’s girlfriend?”

His eyes narrowed slightly. Anger flared behind his eyes, but he couldn’t pinpoint just what he was angry for . If it was because he’d been outsmarted, or if it was because Raelyn was taking Hoseok lightly.

No , he thought, his grip tightening around his cup of tea, she knows exactly what he is capable of.

“I’ll tell you why, Taehyung-ssi, so that you’ll finally get an idea of who I am and maybe, just maybe, you’ll leave well enough alone.” Raelyn finished up her coffee and began digging through her purse. She pulled out a black and silver clutch, removing a few bills from within. “As glamorous as your world is in movies and in books, it’s ugly on the inside. Turf wars were happening constantly and, if I’m not mistaken, they still are. Hoseok was good to me. In fact, he was great. But that charm and goodness wasn’t enough to keep me away from the one thing I treasure most in this world.”

She paused and Taehyung let out a breath he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding. Once again, their eyes met and the deep purple glint that shined behind her glasses caused his lips to part slightly.

“My freedom.”

Raelyn stood up from her chair, laying the bills on the table. Taehyung jumped from his seat, almost knocking the chair over.

“Rae Noona, wait—”

“You’re cute, Taehyung-ssi.” She smiled at him; a genuine one. The same smile he’d seen her giving to her co-workers after they clocked out for the evening, time and time again. “But not cute enough to give up my freedom for.”

Without another word, Raelyn left him in the café alone. There was nothing he could say that would stop her in her tracks. In fact, everything she’d just said stunned him. After a while, he slowly sank back into his chair – staring at the seat she’d once occupied.

And then a slow smile crept over his face.

This just got a lot more interesting, Raelyn Noona…

[thebiasrekkers]

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC Genre: BTS Mafia!AU  Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Smut, Slow Burn “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right? 

AO3 | WP

Chapter 03: Spine Breaker

"What’s going on? Are you falling behind on the trend? You whined and complained to get it, did I strike a nerve?"

Seokjin hated meetings.

He especially hated these kinds of meetings.  

There was a part of him that had to keep his comments to himself throughout the whole sordid affair. Mostly because he knew it wasn’t his place to voice his opinions aloud. Namjoon and he were there simply to facilitate and comply with the wishes of their boss. It was the role he chose to take up and with that role came certain responsibilities and caveats.  

Speaking out of turn was not one of them.  

All the district heads sat in plush leather chairs around a well-polished redwood table. They typically held these sorts of gatherings in conference rooms at the swankiest hotel in the area. Whatever district the meeting was held determined who sat at the head of the table. It was a showcase of both power and respect, as well as tradition.  

Hoseok sat at the head of the table today.  

Both Namjoon and he stood on either side of Hoseok and just a few inches behind him. Other Seconds and Thirds mirrored their stance, standing behind their respective bosses. They remained silent as the heads talked among themselves, catching up on whatever idle gossip they wished to engage in. But on the inside, Seokjin knew that everyone had beef with Hoseok in particular, seeing as how he was one of the youngest at the table.  

At thirty, Hoseok had maintained his position. Seokjin and Namjoon ensured that he kept a firm hold on his territories. But something that most seated at the table failed to grasp was that Hoseok wasn’t just chosen to lead the Golden Jackals. Namjoon and the others may have urged him to take up the mantle, but Hoseok continued to be the boss on his own strength and merits.

  He wasn’t one to be trifled with.  

Hoseok flashed a casual grin, his gaze hooded – seemingly lazy – as he leaned back in the plush leather of his seat. Clapping his hands twice, he gathered up the attention of the others and they all soon quieted down.  

“Gentlemen,” he said, his tone deep and with just a hint of his country drawl curbing the end of it, “I believe it’s time we got things started. I know we all have things to do, so let’s keep this as brief as possible.”  

Shin Dongwook, leader of The Silver Snakes of the Guro District, scoffed as he raised a dark brow at Hoseok. His blonde fringe fell across the bridge of his nose as he lifted his drink, his rings clinking along the rim of the glass. “You hear that? The m aknae thinks he knows what our schedules are.” Some of the others snickered, bumping elbows with each other in amusement as Dongwook took a slow drink of whiskey. “Tell me, Hoseok-ah, is there really anything that we need to discuss today?”  

The muscle near Seokjin’s jaw pulsed as he ground his molars together. His eyes narrowed slowly as he watched the others smirking derisively toward Hoseok. He could see Namjoon shift uncomfortably out the corner of his eye, but Hoseok merely chuckled as he rolled his neck toward Dongwook.  

“Why Dongwook Hyung, I’m shocked you were able to attend at all. Seeing as how you can’t keep your own territory in order. I heard it’s quite a mess where you are.” Hoseok steepled his fingers while resting his elbows on the surface of the table. “Do you need some help?”  

Dongwook’s glass hit the coaster harshly as he bared his teeth at Hoseok. The table got quiet save for the sound of Dongwook’s throaty growl.  

“Watch your mouth, Jung Hoseok.” His dark eyes narrowed into slits. “How I handle my turf is my business, you got that?”  

Hoseok lifted his hands in the air in what Seokjin knew to be a mocking show of surrender. It surprised him. He didn’t think that Hoseok would be the first to begin needling into the others. Even though it was his right as the meeting was being held in his district, it normally wasn’t his style. Clearly the conversation the three of them had prior to the meeting had been weighing on Hoseok’s mind more than he’d initially let on.  

“Ease up, Dongwook-ah,” chimed Kim Pilsoo from across the table, causing everyone in the conference room to face him. “We’re in Hoseok’s territory and sitting at his table. You’d do well to remember that and give that seat the respect it deserves.”  

He was one of the older leaders at the table and one that everyone mutually respected. He’d been scuttling around in the underground circuit for some time and was one of the few who still remained from the older generation of gangsters. Pilsoo’s dark hair was showing a few slivers of gray and it was clear that this particular lifestyle had taken a toll on him – crow’s feet revealing themselves in the corners of his eyes. Pilsoo flashed Hoseok a knowing smirk as all the other bosses bowed their heads in respect toward him.  

Clearing his throat, Dongwook sat back in his chair and undid the button of his jacket. Hoseok leaned back in his chair as well, running a hand through his dark hair and the silver hoop in his ear seemed to gleam for just a moment. Seokjin kept a close eye on those around the room, watching their expressions and to see said expressions change the moment that Hoseok addressed everyone with what his main concerns were.  

“I’m only bringing it up because you seemed to have gotten a little too greedy these days, Dongwook Hyung.” Hoseok’s smile remained even though it was clear that he was about to unearth a sour topic at a typically non-hostile meeting. “You think that we don’t know what you’ve been up to, hm?”  

Dongwook scoffed. “What the hell are you talking about, Hoseok?”  

Hoseok’s eyes narrowed only a fraction, but it caused Seokjin’s lips to part slightly. Surely, he wouldn’t bring it up now. Not with all the other brothers in the room. Namjoon must have picked up on this as well, seeing as how he was giving Seokjin a curious glance. Shaking his head quickly, they both decided to wait for Hoseok to continue.  

“I’m talking about how you’ve been poking your nose into my affairs, Hyung. I don’t appreciate that.” He leaned back in the chair while tilting his head to the side. “That’s not very nice at all.”  

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”  

Hoseok raised a brow. “You sure about that?” He let out a breathy chuckle. “Because I think you do, seeing as how you sent your dogs to sniff around and mark my territory as your own.” There was a pause as he leaned forward a bit to rest his hands on the table. “I had my people take care of them though. Took them out like they were garbage.”  

“What?!”  

Seokjin reached his hand out to gently press his palm to the back of Hoseok’s chair. He felt it lean back, putting pressure into his hand as Hoseok sank back into the plush leather. He was treading a very thin line and he was taking a big gamble by letting Dongwook know about his little group encroaching into their domain.  

“Ambition is great and all, Hyung, but don’t you think you’re being a little rude coming into someone’s house and treading mud all over the floor?” Hoseok’s voice was light, as if he were telling an interesting story. There was no warmth in his words, however. Seokjin could hear the chill in his tone. “The least you could do is take off your shoes and bring a fucking fruit basket.”  

Dongwook shot up from his chair, as well as a few others. Dongwook may have been older than Hoseok, but age meant nothing in a circle of gangsters. No. It was about respect and experience; the ability to maintain control and to continue to hold the respect of one’s underlings. It was no secret that Dongwook’s hold on his entourage was starting to slack. There was clearly some in-fighting going on that he wasn’t at liberty to speak about. The fastest way to regain that hold and reclaim respect was to take over another boss’s territory.  

Treading into the Golden Jackals’ domain, however, was a big mistake.

Hoseok rose from his seat, causing the others to stand as well. Namjoon helped him slip into his coat while Seokjin handed him his phone. They all watched him finish his drink and set the empty glass back on the table.  

“I let your boys off with a warning, Hyung, because I respect you and the other brothers in this room. But make no mistake, I earned my place at this table, maknae or not.” He paused, readjusting his coat to sit more comfortably on his shoulders and Seokjin moved the chair out of his way. “I won’t sit still the next time you try it again.” Hoseok turned to the others and bowed his head in respect while Namjoon and Seokjin did the same. “See you at the next meeting, Hyungs. Pilsoo Hyung, I’ll come by to your hotel’s grand opening next month.”  

Seokjin hung back with Namjoon, waiting for Hoseok to move in front of them before they followed – not looking back into the conference room as an explosion of curses spilled from Dongwook’s mouth and the others attempted to get him to calm down. They made their way down the long corridor and entered the hotel’s lobby where the female clerk at the desk flashed them a nervous smile. Seokjin smiled back to her and he watched with mild amusement at the flush that crowned her cheeks.  

It wasn’t until the three of them were fully settled in the backseat of the large black sedan did Seokjin finally heave a soft sigh. His brows furrowed as he looked across from him to Hoseok who looked as laid back as he often did. It was like the meeting hadn’t affected him at all.  

“Was that really necessary, Hoseok-ah?”  

Hoseok sighed, a guilty smile forming on his lips. “Jin Hyung, I know what you’re thinking alright?” His gaze moved toward the window as he propped his chin in his palm. “But I wasn’t going to wait around and let him think he’d gotten away with it or that we were going to continue to play stupid.”  

Namjoon sat next to Hoseok and gently bumped his elbow against Hoseok’s. “I get where you’re coming from, Hoseok, I do. But I thought we decided we were going to handle Dongwook Hyung’s issues one-on-one?”  

“I know, I know,” he said, a hint of exasperation in his voice, “but it’s better to get that mess out in the open where others can hear. I don’t want them getting any funny ideas.”  

Seokjin looked to Namjoon and nodded. “He’s right. I think it was a good idea to put it all out on the table like that.” He paused, looking back at Hoseok. “But don’t you think you should have discussed it with us first?”  

Hoseok looked at him and smirked, giving him a half shrug. “What? So you two could convince me that it wasn’t the smartest of moves? Come on, guys, give me a little credit will ya?”  

A buzzing sound issued from the inside of Seokjin’s jacket pocket. He pulled out his phone and saw that it was Taehyung calling. He sighed before answering. “What is it, Taehyung-ah?”  

“Why do you always answer the phone like that, Jin Hyung? What if I’m just calling because I want to hear your voice?”  

“ Did you call just to hear my voice?”  

“Um…no."

“Do you ever call just to hear my voice?”  

“…uuuuh…”  

“What do you need, Taehyung?”  

Namjoon smirked while Hoseok shook his head and rolled his eyes. Seokjin pinched the bridge of his nose as Taehyung went on another mini tirade before finally pausing long enough to catch his breath.  

“Anyway, I was just calling to let you know that the night clubs we secured last month are finally good to go. We shouldn’t have any problems since Jimin Hyung and I were able to grease a few palms.”  

“Good.”  

“How was the meeting? Is Hoseok Hyung doing alright?”  

“Everything’s fine. We’ll see you back at the house.”  

“Alright, alright. Yeesh. Bye.”  

Seokjin hung up and placed the phone back into his pocket. “Taehyung said the night clubs are good to go.”  

Hoseok gave a relieved sigh. “Oh good,” he said, pressing a hand to his forehead, “I was worried we were gonna have to secure some more cash.”  

Namjoon shook his head, half laughing and half disgusted. “Politicians are easy. It’s the DA’s office we need to be concerned about.”  

“We might be moving a little too fast, guys,” Seokjin said softly, his voice tinged with worry. “I’m worried about Yoongi and Jungkook with the boys.”  

“They’ll be fine.” Hoseok’s tone was reassuring but the worry lines were still deep on Seokjin’s brow. “We can’t afford to wait another year. You saw what Dongwook Hyung was willing to do, pressing his luck like that. We have to make our moves now or else we’ll be crushed under heel.”  

“He’s right, Hyung,” came Namjoon’s soft voice, “it’s now or never. We have to turn the tide or else we’ll drown.”  

Seokjin knew they were right. Hell, it was a suggestion he’d made a couple of years back. But something was settling in the pit of his stomach and it made him worry for his brothers. He knew that each of them was more than capable of taking care of themselves. But this was a different game they were playing. Ten years of living in Seoul had hardened them for the dark and gritty underworld. Now was the time to strike and really dig their claws into the ground – to truly make their mark.  

But if they got too far ahead of themselves, there was a chance that the ground would crumble right out from underneath their feet.

[thebiasrekkers]

Edge of Forever

BTS Space!AU [ ♧ ✪ ✿ ☆ ❂ ☾✘ ] "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages." The stage is set and the stars are the guide for the lost souls that have congregated to one point. A fixed constant in the universe for others to discover and fulfill their wishes but will it come to ruin for others?

Pairings: OC Genre: BTS Space!AU Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language

AO3

Chapter 1- Prologue

In the Milky Way galaxy, near the Sol System is the Centarus System which houses a triple star system called Alpha Centauri, Beta Centauri and Proxima Centauri. People from all over took part in the financed exploration of the System, with rights that go to the first person who reported their findings. Naturally, this created all kinds of problems and pirating became at a premium as others would take what they wanted. So steps were taken to ensure that law and order were kept throughout the Systems. However, this wasn’t always the case as the Federation Division had to keep the peace--sometimes with War themselves.

It raged on and on until it finally broke with a tense truce between different factions. Even with the neighboring alien species that they had broken bread with, forged alliances with were involved in the conflicts. The cat-like people that were war-like themselves to the cybernetic giants that evolved themselves so long ago--each of them were swept up in the War with the Pirates. The different factions that had derived themselves from the spiritual texts of their homeland, the devastating paths that they all took when they all merged to fight the Federation. Still, the Masters held out against the combined forces and when the cease-fire sounded, it was a decision that nobody liked. One wanted dominion and the other wanted to subdue the other, to get them out of the picture. The Pirates had their own territories that they would keep and the Federation would stay out of their business.

Which became fine with the Pirates, slowly realizing that the turn of events opened up more opportunities for them.

Years passed and the settling of the planets came about, the emergence of Stations that kept close to different planets. They ventured out but only so much with the attacks that would happen, the raids. Pirates and another group called Outlaws. The Outlaws that defied both sides in order to have something for themselves. Those who didn’t want to be under the Federation’s thumb or even enslaved by the Pirates, they found it hard to keep up either side but they made due. The three factions were now in play as Fate would play out their histories in the new System.

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

The klaxon of the alarm was grating on the ears, she found. She’d been doing very well by herself, with the Android navigating but even her own demon luck had run out. Nyala’s eyes narrowed at the alarm as the ship shook again from the weapons fire. The ship was tough, there was no doubt about it but one didn’t leave that to chance when there was only so much between a person and the vacuum of space. She took a breath, shaky but calming as she punched the buttons to bring them about. The ship was a Vibrissa class, one that had been developed with the most maneuverability but she was no pilot. Meager at best and that all caught up to her when they entered the Sagittarius section.

They had finally caught up with her.

Nyala, shields are at 31%. We cannot take much more of this damage.

The android’s even voice called out to her from her Integration System. The dark Lady didn’t even cast a look back behind her where she stood, sighing in response. Even her own voice, however, even her neutral tone was starting to get an edge to it. Just the two of them in that large ship was almost like suicide but it couldn’t be helped--not with Pirates on their asses. More red lights were being lit up with another hit to the ship. The metal groaned in response as lights flickered. The android was correct, they could not keep it up much longer and times were getting thin. There was something that she could do but it would also harm them just as much as the Pirates.

And she would not let this ship or the Android fall into their hands again. If anything, she would do everything in her power to keep either one or both of them away from the Pirates for she had seen what they are willing to do for her. How far that they were willing to go for their delusions. And yes, she called them delusions without any doubt in her mind. It was no wonder that the Pirates sect that was after her was called the Demon Armada. Nyala set her jaw and prayed that her plan would work, for if it didn’t--it could mean devastation for so many others in the System.

“Lirael, I’m sorry chile but a girl has got to do what a girl has got to do. Overload engines 1 and 4, we are about to get to safety on two engines.”

The Android gasped but did not question her methods. Instead, she hesitated as she was unsure of the consequences of such an action. Another hit and it was decided by her, inputting all the works for such an event. She even calculated the damage that it could cause and waited for her friend’s signal. When it was given, the engines set about their damage. They had waited until the ships got as close as they dared before overloading them, causing the aft shielding to become offline as the energy ripped through the enemy ships. Several hull breaches were found, even more alarms screaming at Nyala as the ship rocked from the action. Lights flickered and they were tossed about, electric currents backfiring through some of the ship’s systems.

What Lirael didn’t account for was that same electrical current with the overload as she didn’t think of how close Nyala was going to have the enemy ships get. She couldn’t help but scream out as the charge reached her and her Integration System, nearly causing cracks in it. Her System was rendered offline and she was ejected from the System--her body twitching from the aftershocks. Her whole system was nearly overloaded itself and Nyala screamed, looking back over her shoulder to see if she was fine. That would have to be the least of her problems right then as she activated the Drive, leaving the enemy in their dust.

Once in the Subspace, Nyala was free to see about her Android counterpart. She was unresponsive, limbs still twitching a bit from the blast.* As far as she could see, there had been some extensive damage to the girl but she was neither doctor or even some sort of tech engineer and the ship wouldn’t get very far without a real pilot or even the being that laid in front of her. Hell, she wouldn’t even get too far without some muscle. The Dark Lady could do a lot of things that weren’t considered normal but this was even outside the realm of possibility. She might be able to sustain for now but with how extensive the damage was to both Lirael and the Antares. She would have to deal with that when it came about but the main priority was to get the ship safely somewhere and obtain a bodyguard. Then would come the complicated stuff, if they didn’t track her down before that. It was a race against time and she didn’t have hope.

After getting Lirael into a bed, Nyala navigated as best as she could to the nearest planet, named aptly after the section--Sagittarius IV. However, she didn’t want someone to take the chance and board the ship to take the Android so she had no choice but to put Lirael in a state of cryosleep. Plus that would help with her injuries while she was away, hiding the girl in the middle of nowhere while Nyala searched the area for what she was looking for.

Once she landed of course.

[thebiasrekkers]

The nerves in Jungkook’s right fist tingled, his stance a picture-perfect representation of one who spent most of his life in brawls. There was a harsh scraping sound as his opponent’s shoulder slammed into the concrete. The spectators were small fry, standing on the sideline as they watched their senior attempt to go toe-to-toe with The Steel Claw of the Golden Jackals. They’d all tried to convince him that it wasn’t a good idea. Jungkook’s reputation preceded him and despite his youthful appearance, he had nerves of steel. Just like his fists.

Character: Jeon “Steel Claw” Jungkook Fandom: BTS Fandom Work: “Make It Right” by Admin E of The Bias Rekkers TUMBLR | AO3 | WP

[darknytemare]

Holidays, Thanks Yous, and new stuff, oh my!

Greetings and Salutations! 

First, I want to thank any new followers and the older followers for..well, following! It’s been a rather stressful time, for everyone I imagine, and I’ve finally got my groove back.

So, here’s what’s on deck:

1. No Words - will be returning this week [for reals]. I’m back on my bullshit. I’ve had a respite and broke away to recharge my batteries. It is now an Idol, Poly Au! Because someone decided that ...well, you’ll see this Friday. Let’s just say someone is ready to acknowledge some things. 

2. No Words - Her. I enjoyed the little interaction between Namjoon and Tasha, so I’ll be writing a spin-off for them, as well. 

3. Holiday Drabbles - They are coming. Please check out all the holiday drabbles out there. There are so many individual and network collaborations happening. Please love them if they hit your streams!

4. I’m moving - sorta? I have started a blog with 2 other fic writing friends called The Bias Rekkers ! Currently we have a BTS OT7 Mafia AU going - and a BTS OT7 Space Au! going. And maybe, a BTS OT7 Werewolf Au, maybe. We write for many other groups as well as: EXO, ATEEZ, VIXX, and MX [coming soon]! I’ll still post on here for the time being, but I’ll be cross posting here and on the BR blog. We will hopefully be coming to many networks near you! 

So that’s it! Please continue to love my mess of a story. Come love our other stories. Love all the stories! Find all the joy in these holiday yummies being spread on the interwebs.

Love yourself. Stay hydrated. Get some sunshine. Tell your people you love them today. Happy Holidays!