#but also promised to watch the 2 episodes that dropped tonight with my siblings

[deathfavor]

To be honest, today's the best i've felt in a long time. can't really tell you why because it was nothing extraordinary per se. but had energy to do things, got the things i wanted done....like sure they weren't important things but making breakfast, doing cosplay today, it was just....nice

[butwhyduh]

Fit to be Tied

Jason Todd x reader

Warning: Christmas? And the f word.

Christmas series 2

Jason didn’t pay much attention to holidays. Nope. That was for the living. He didn’t have much of need for it. But he did know that Christmas was quiet and New Years was busy for patrol. He guessed everyone ate Christmas dinner and and then got bored of playing nice. Or maybe that just wanted to start the new year with a big ass bang. Who knows?

Even when he was a kid, he didn’t celebrate the holidays. Too poor, mom too lost in drugs, and dad? Well fuck him. He was a piece of shit when he was around.

Jason kicked a beer can out of his way into the pile of trash on the sidewalk. They didn’t get the trash again this week it looked like. Daddy Bruce could play bat but couldn’t throw his money around enough to keep trash from piling on the street.

It was fine. He had more important things to do anyways. He had to buy a Christmas present. He didn’t care for the holidays but the sweet girl he had at home was a doll and fuck, if she didn’t deserve something. So Jason went down to the local pawn shop. Usually not a problem but it was 2 AM. Not exactly prime business hours.

So yes, Red Hood was breaking into a pawn shop to get a bracelet. He was leaving cash, $20 over the cost too. It was something you had seen earlier in the week and had admired. Gems of some kind shaped to look like a butterfly. You’d taken a minute longer to stare at it.

He left as quick as he came. And it wasn’t long until he was opening the window of your apartment dressed in street clothes. You were asleep. Jason had used the excuse of patrol to get out. But in the early morning hours of Christmas, he wanted to wake you.

“Princess,” he said gently. You moved a little before opening your eyes. You smiled up at him. Fuck, he didn’t deserve the way you looked at him. Your eyes looked so innocent and sweet. You never looked at him like he scared you.

“Jaybird, what’s going on?”

“I got you something for Christmas and it’s technically Christmas..” he said pulling out the box. You sat up, curious.

“It’s Christmas Eve. You got me something? I didn’t think we were- I didn’t get anything. I couldn’t-“ you said turning red. Money was too tight to consider it. The fact that the heat was still on this late in the month was a Christmas miracle.

“No no. It’s fine. Just being here is enough for me. I’ve never really celebrated Christmas anyways,” Jason said pushing the box in your hand. You held the box before kissing him.

You opened the box to see the bracelet you had been looking at the pawn shop. You smiled and stared at the pretty little butterfly. Jason watched you carefully for a reaction. He’d never admit it but he was more nervous now than fighting on the street.

“You saw me looking at it. I didn’t think you’d notice,” you murmured softly as you picked it up. Jason took it and wrapped it around your wrist. He clasped it on and you looked at it, moving your wrist in the light.

“Thank you. It’s beautiful,” you said quietly looking at it. You had a little grin on your face. Jason smiled. That’s the look he wanted. That little bit of happiness that you showed when you were really pleased. He intertwined his fingers in yours.

“Princess, you’re so cold,” Jason said with a frown. He could feel it colder outside but now that he was getting used to the temperature, it wasn’t warm as it should be.

“The heater was acting up again so I turned it down. The blankets are plenty warm,” you said and his heart all but broke. There was no way he was going to let you be cold all winter because the landlord wouldn’t fix things. He might pay this guy a visit. You sensed his anger.

“It’s okay, Jay. Come lay with me and get warm,” you said taking his hands. He let you pull him into bed. He kicked off his pants and shoes and laid on his side. You curled into him as a little spoon. His long big frame all but engulfed you. It always felt to protective. If he was holding you, he knew you were safe. Jason ran his fingers along your bracelet soft as his rough fingers could.

“You’re so good to me,” you said softly and his heart clenched again. Fuck, if you knew all the bad he did. His messed up past. He thought you would have run away when you first learned he was Red Hood but no, you had been kind.

“Naw, Princess you deserve more then this shitty place,” he said, and for the first time, he felt a little bad about giving all of his trust fund to the soup kitchen he would visit as a kid. A little would have been nice to get a better place for you. But he had been making a ton crushing the drug trade at the time and didn’t have a girl back home when he did it. He couldn’t be as reckless now.

You turned in his arms to look in his blue eyes. He has such an intense look on his face that you frowned. “Jaybird, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said pulling his face back to normal. “Just thinking. I wanna move you to a better place, a safer place than this,” he said running his thumb across your cheeks. You grasped his wrist and leaned into his touch. Jason would sometimes get like that. Thinking you deserved better. And you humored him even though you wouldn’t even know what to do with wealth.

“We’re moving. Soon. I’m promising now,” he said thinking about the painful conversation he was going to have with Bruce. His adoptive father he hadn’t even told you about. Bruce would do just about anything Jason asked. Probably the guilt of letting him die.

“But Jay, we’d miss the water that went from boiling to freezing at random. And I’m not sure if I can sleep without Mr and Mrs Jancowski having sex every Tuesday at 2 AM,” you said with a smile. He kissed you to shut you up. You were joking but each one felt like a little knife in his guilt. You pulled him over you and the thought of money troubles faded from your mind.

———————————————

Jason woke before you and watched you sleep. You laid on his chest with your hand in his hair and your soft breath on his throat. The bracelet was still on your wrist. You looked so peaceful, trusted him while you slept. Jason carefully grabbed his phone and texted Alfred. He’d also have to tell you about his adoptive family. His very famous adoptive family.

He threaded his fingers in your hand that was flung across his waist. You began to stir. Jason moved hair from your face and you blinked to see his pale blue eyes watching you.

“Morning, Princess,” he said with a rough morning voice. You smiled.

“Morning, Jaybird.”

“I’ve got something to tell you,” he started. “I want you to meet my family tonight.”

“Tonight? Your family? I thought your parents...” you trailed off.

“I was adopted. I never told you because I don’t have the best relationship with them. But I think it’s time for you to meet them. I’ve got to tell you something else,” he said and you could hear his heart beat quicker as you laid on him.

“My adoptive father is Bruce Wayne.”

Silence.

“You’re shitting me.”

“Nope. And tonight I’m taking you to meet him. And my adoptive siblings.”

“You aren’t joking,” you said sitting up. Jason sat up too.

“I’m not. I’m kinda the... black sheep of the family. He adopted me when I was 12. I was trying to boost the wheels from the b- Bentley he was driving,” Jason corrected. It was one thing to tell you he was Red Hood. He couldn’t say Bruce Wayne was Batman.

“Wow. I- wow. Okay. That’s a lot to take in. Also on brand to be honest,” you said and he smiled and shrugged.

“Wait. What the fuck do you wear to the freaking Wayne manor for Christmas Eve?” You said a little panicky.

“Whatever you want. It’s just family,” he said with a sideways smile.

“Oh no. I can’t go to freaking Wayne Manor in a Kmart sweater,” you said quickly.

“You can wear,” he said hopping out of bed. He dug way in the back of his closet for a pretty red sweater that was slightly oversized. “This. Should fit fine. Pretty expensive too.”

“Where the hell did you get that?”

“I’ve had it for year and it definitely doesn’t fit now,” Jason said with a laugh. “Try it on.”

—————————————

The weather sucked. Freaking sleet that threatened everything it touched. You were grateful it wasn’t a night of Jason patrolling. This meant taking your car instead of Jason’s motorcycle. Your car was at least 15 years old and you called it Frankenstein because of all the repairs done over the years.

The radio skipped as Jason drove over a speed bump by Wayne Manor and you burst out laughing. Jason looked at you from the side.

“It’s not that funny,” he said. “What’s up?”

“My car is trash, I’m wearing your old sweater, and we’re late. If you weren’t the black sheep before, bringing me home, you will be now,” you said. He grabbed your hand and parked in front of a random house.

“I’ve been the black sheep since I was a kid and you aren’t going to change any thing for the worse. Trust me. In fact they’ll probably think you’re too good for me,” Jason said with a dry chuckle. “So don’t worry about anything. Except making room for pudding. I know it sounds weird,” he said starting to drive again. “But it’s the best part of Christmas.”

Wayne Manor was huge. You knew that. You’d even seen it on tv. But to see it in front of you was honestly terrifying, especially in the nasty weather. You almost hoped Jason was playing some weird elaborate joke and was going to drive on by but he knew the passcode to the gate. He drove in the covered drop off spot by the front door and parked. You both quickly ran in the building.

The front entry was breathtaking. A gigantic Christmas tree and a full staircase decked out in garland like a Hallmark movie. It was like a magazine. In fact, it was in the Christmas episode of Gotham Life the year before.

You gripped Jason’s hand tightly as you walked down the hall. Your shoes sounded unnaturally loud and you had the urge to quiet them like it was a library. Jason pulled you to the doorway of a dinning room full of people settling to eat. Jadon cleared his throat.

“Master Jason! You made it,” Alfred said excitedly. “I recieved your message but it’s been many years. Sit. Sit.”

“Glad you could come,” Jason’s brother Dick said with a grin. He looked at you in curious excitement. You looked down at some kind of mushroom soup placed in front of you. Everyone else was dressed so nicely and ate so perfectly. It was intimidating.

“Yeah, it’s Christmas,” Jason said shrugging. He gave Dick a look that said don’t ask. It didn’t take much for Dick to drop it because he seemed incredibly distracted. You spent most of the meal trying to keep up on conversations you clearly didn’t understand while trying food you’ve never seen before. You could barely remember everyone you were introduced to. One of Jason’s sister(s?) gave you a big hug along with everyone else when she arrived. You couldn’t tell anyone what was even said after the meal. Or so you thought.

Until right across from you, Dick proposes to his girlfriend. He stuttered around before finally asking. “Will you marry me? Oh god, I have a ring,” he said producing one. Everyone watched as she stared in the box.

“Will I marry you?” She asked faintly and you worried she’d say no. How terrible would it be??

“Please say something,” he pleaded and you could tell the man was practically in pain before she said yes. They kissed, the family applauded, and champagne was served.

Jason watched you from the corner of his eyes. How did you react to this? What did you think? You didn’t look jealous or anything. It made Jason think of marriage. He hadn’t before. He’d thought about moving into something more permanent but marriage. He’d never thought about marriage as his future, ever. Of course when you die at 16 and come back with a vengeance, love is low on the priority list.

“Jaybird, you there,” you asked slightly tapping his shoulder. He blinked and looked at you.

“Yeah, I’m here. Just in my head,” he said and you nodded. He’d do that sometimes.

“The party is moving to the parlor,” you said quietly in a proper rich Gothamite voice and Jason huffed before covering his smiling mouth with a nose rub. The rest of the group was moving ahead of you. Dick and his new fiancé were retiring for the night.

“I’m never going to hear the end of it, am I?”

“I’m so sorry, dearest. I can’t understand you with a silver spoon in your mouth,” you laughed. Jason rolled his eyes before guiding your shoulders towards the door. You heard a soft laugh behind you and you turned to see Tim’s girlfriend smiling.

“Sorry to interrupt but I’ve got to use that on Tim,” she said grabbing her coat and walking out.

After making sure you were cool with hanging with Tim’s girlfriend and their adoptive sister Cass, Jason and Tim started a very competitive game of pool. You couldn’t help but look at things that cost more than you’ve ever even seen. The chess set Damian and his girlfriend were playing with probably cost more than your car.

But it was Christmas and you tried to push your insecurities aside. It was a fun evening. A glass of wine you kept sipping on helped as well.

After a while Bruce announced that the roads were too bad and that no one was leaving. Jason clenched his jaw for a second before looking at you and relaxing. He didn’t want to stay but he wasn’t risking your health in any way. Instead he focused on the game.

“So if I win,” Jason said a full hour later. By this time, Damian’s girlfriend had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Your eyes felt a little heavy as well. “I get the penthouse.”

“Sure Jay. That’s Bruce’s. But I’m willing to gamble it,” Tim said throwing his hands up at the ridiculousness.

“I accept terms,” Bruce said. Both boys looked at him surprised. “Whoever wins gets the penthouse.”

You turned quickly to watch the game. Okay, is that a normal thing for them? To bet property. The look on everyone’s face said that no it wasn’t normal.

Jason was excellent at pool. It was a common for you both to go down to the pool hall and play some games. Jason would occasionally make some money playing and he did often as a kid. It was also a way to waste time when your mom was throwing beers back like a fish, like Jason’s mother did. Tim didn’t stand a chance. He wasn’t as good and looked almost like he was in pain occasionally. But maybe it wasn’t a real competition? Maybe Bruce was trying to give Jason something he’d always want to but didn’t know how. Jason easily won the game.

“So the penthouse is mine?” Jason asked. Bruce nodded and shrugged. Tim softly coughed in his hand. Your heart raced. They couldn’t be serious.

“If you’ll live in it,” Bruce said. Damian was carefully carrying his girlfriend upstairs.

“Deal,” Jason says quickly.

“Deal,” Bruce said looking quiet pleased. Was this his plan all along?

“I guess, deal?” Tim said confused. “Though you should owe me. You’re the one that got me shot.”

Your brain broke. He was shot? And it was Jason’s fault?

“What?! You got him shot?” Tim’s girlfriend asked loudly. Tim blanched.

“Not my fault.”

“Literally your fault,” Tim countered.

“What did you do?” You asked looking at him suspiciously. He offered you a sheepish smile.

“I might have said ‘what are you gonna do, shoot us?’ I meant me. Not Tim! He also has a bulletproof suit,” Jason said. Tim must be a vigilante too. You glared at Jason.

“That’s not in the report,” Bruce said with his eyes narrowing.

“Good night everybody. Merry Christmas,” Jason said pulling you from the room and up to his childhood room.

“You’re in so much trouble,” you said and he grinned.

“I’ll deal with it tomorrow. How do you feel about a penthouse? Better than our current place hu?” Jason said pulling you close. You felt dizzy at the idea.

“Seriously? We can’t afford it,” you said trying to stay grounded. It was too good to be true. Things like that didn’t happen to people like you.

“I think I know a guy who can keep the lights on,” he joked and you gave him a serious look. “Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy the idea of constant hot water. Lights never going off,” Jason said pushing you towards the bed. “No one can hear me make you scream.”

“Tempting. Very tempting,” you said and of fucking course it was. A safe beautiful clean penthouse over your trashy scary apartment wasn’t even a contest. Jason pushed you on the bed and hovered over you.

“What are you doing,” you asked flushed but still encouraging him. It was still his dad’s house and he was getting handsy.

“Trying to have sex with my girlfriend on my old bed like every guy ever has dreamed of,” Jason said. He nipped at your throat. You gasped.

“Got to be quiet, Princess,” he whispered and you pulled him down to kiss more.

————————————

The next morning you woke to an empty bed. You fixed your hair as best you could and threw on Jason’s sweatshirt before going downstairs. You caught a glimpse of the kitchen as Bruce slowly slid a set of keys Jason’s way before taking a long drink from his coffee. “I’m glad you made home for Christmas this year, Jason.” The penthouse.

“Morning,” Bruce said to you nodding before leaving the room. Jason was alone in the kitchen but you could hear others in the breakfast nook a door over.

“Keys,” Jason said showing you. “And no lecture.”

You gave him a hug and looked at the shiny metal keys. It would be a while before you could handle the idea of a freaking penthouse being yours. “But you should get something for Tim. You did get him shot.”

“Let him shoot me?”

“Jason, no.”

[supertworld]

Okay @queercapwriting I mean I finished the thing? I don’t know if I’m totally happy with it, but it’s finished. I make no promises about not crying... because I mean I already warned ya it might be a bit angsty. But I finally finished day one’s fic... with 2 and a half hours to spare... lets see if I can keep that up the rest of the week ;)  So without further ado I give you.... No More Sisters Nights Kara grabbed the remote and paused the third episode of Dr Who of their sisters night… or at least an extended version of sisters night, life had been so busy recently that they’d started sisters night as soon as they had both been able to get to Alex’s place after work. “Excuse you! I was watching that!!” Alex threw a potsticker at Kara. “Okay, first of all what did the poor potsticker ever do to you?” Kara asked, happily popping it into her mouth. “Alex you weren’t actually watching… just like you haven’t been watching anything we’ve watched tonight.”  “What are you talking about?? Of course I was watching… I mean it’s our night, watching shows together is our thing… I was totally watching!” Alex crosses her arms, pouting. “Okay, if you were watching then name one thing that’s gone on in this episode? And don’t even try some cop out like ‘The Doctor took the Tardis somewhere’” Kara throws a pointed look at Alex, and Alex promptly shuts her mouth. “Alex I know something’s bothering you. Come on… you’ve helped me through losing my whole world, adjusting to a whole new world, becoming Supergirl… whatever it is, you can tell me. I want to help.”  “I...I just… no…. I can’t tell you… You’re going to hate me… or you’re going to be disappointed which I mean I think would be worse…. Nope, better that I keep this to myself. Yeah, we should just go back to watching stuff, I’ll do better at paying attention this time I’m sure…” Sometime during the course of her rambling speech Alex had gotten up and started pacing in front of the couch.  “Alex, come here… sit down with me please?” Kara waited patiently while Alex made her way back over, throwing her arm around her big sister once she sat down. “Okay… I know that you think I won’t understand whatever it is you have to say. Would you rather talk to Maggie? I could have her here in moments… I mean it’s one of the advantages of having Supergirl for a sister” Kara’s grin drops from her face as she doesn’t get the punch to the shoulder she was expecting. Instead her sister… her sister who has faced bullies, aliens, Cadmus. Her sister who has faced being trapped on a ship about to be shot across the galaxy without flinching. Kara watched her sister freeze. “I….no… no please, I can’t talk to Maggie. I mean you, you might be disappointed… but Maggie? I’ll lose her. I can’t tell her and keep her… so I *can’t* tell her. I just can’t!!” Alex starts shaking and tears roll down her face. Reaching out Kara pulls Alex into her, wrapping her arms around her as tightly as she safely can. “Hey, hey now. You’re fine. Alex, if you’re not ready to tell Maggie that’s okay. Do you want to go up to the roof? Looking up at the stars has gotten us through just about anything… I bet it’d help now.” Kara feels Alex’s head nod against her shoulder and puts an arm under her knees floating them out the window and up onto the roof. “Alex, we can sit up here as long as you need. But I just want you to know… I love you more than the whole universe, heck I love you more than the entirety of the multiverse…. Whatever you think you can’t possibly tell me, you can. I promise, whatever it is we’ll be okay.” They lay there in near silence, Kara pointing out stars and telling Alex all about them just as she’d done ever since that very first sisters night. Slowly, so slowly that at first she didn’t believe it was happening, Kara felt Alex’s body relax against her side. Still she waited. She knew her sister, and she’d done all she could do, it was up to Alex if she was ready to tell her… pushing her wouldn’t do anything. “Kara, what if I weren't your sister…” Kara knows her face drops, but she can't help it. She knows, she truly knows that Alex can't actually mean it that way. But she flashes back to that moment when Jeremiah was first back from Cadmus, to ‘you’re either part of the family, or you’re not’... And all of a sudden she has tears in her eyes. “Kara no! See I don't have a name for this and this is what I wanted to avoid. I never want to hurt you, and of course you're my family! Always! El mayarah, right? It's just maybe I don't exactly feel like a girl or a woman...but I don't feel like a man either...and I'm sure I'm not saying this right, I'm sure I'm messing this up…” “Hey, hey…Shhh… you’re okay, you’re not messing anything up. Just because you maybe don’t feel like my sister,” Kara pauses and waits for Alex’s tentative nod before continuing. “Doesn’t mean you’re not my family. I had to lose my whole world, and travel to a whole nother planet to find you… you’re not getting rid of me that easily.” “Alex I know you said you don’t have a word for this… but I think I might, if you’d like to hear it?” She felt Alex nod against her shoulder, “There’s a term, non-binary… although some people shorten it to enby. It’s an umbrella term for a bunch of gender identities that fall outside male and female, but it can also be an identity or label all on it’s own if it feels comfortable. There are words out there Alex… and you’ll find one that fits, or maybe you’ll find you don’t want one… either way, you’re still you.” Kara pulls Alex in tighter to her, just as tight as her Kryptonian strength will allow her… and hears a slight whimper from Alex. Okay...maybe a tiny bit too tight for a human she thinks easing up just slightly. “Kara…. But, how did you get so knowledgeable? How do you know so much about this…. I mean not that I’m not grateful, because I am… but how?” “Well, a few months back this actor was the thing being talked about. Their name is Asia Kate Dillon and they play the first non-binary character on tv, and they also identify as non-binary. Of course Catco just had to get the first interview, and I was the one to interview them and write the piece. And boy am I glad I got to do it if it means I was able to help my sibling.” She grins at Alex, who returns the grin and hugs her just a little tighter at the word choice. “Well, okay that makes sense. But I never would have expected Snapper to give you such a high profile piece…” Alex shrugs apologetically. “Oh he didn’t… and oh boy was he fit to be tied when it happened. No the assignment came in from Cat Grant herself, from wherever she was. Apparently she could ‘only trust someone with the utmost discretion and talent with such a high profile piece, and that’s Kara Danvers’.. Her words not mine” Kara blushes. “But Alex… I really don’t want you to sell yourself, or Maggie short. I really think she’ll understand. You’re special to her.” “No, Kara. I mean yes she’s amazing, but she’s a lesbian… and if I’m not a girl then how does that even work. I can’t lose her… I just can’t.” Alex looks ready to start pacing again… or bolt, Kara thinks. She could bolt, and that’d be bad because there’s no way down from the roof without flying. And Alex can do a lot of things but flying isn’t one of them.

“Okay Alex. Shhh… don’t worry. This is a lot all at once. If you’re not ready to talk to Maggie right now then that’s okay. It can wait. But if and when you’re ready I’ll be there for you whatever you need, okay? Now if you’d like, there’s an interview with Asia Kate Dillon that I think could be really helpful. We could go back inside and watch it if you’d like, and then maybe some more tv? Maybe you could even manage to pay attention this time.” Kara pokes Alex teasingly, and Alex just rolls her eyes. “Umm… I think I’d really like that. Maybe we could watch the show that actor is on? The one with the non-binary character? And maybe I could have first pick of ice cream??”

Alex Danvers, badass DEO Agent, turns to her sister with her best attempt at the Danvers puppy dog eyes… something Kara (who has perfected these over the years) is absolutely, totally immune to… But her sibling has been through a lot tonight, so maybe just this once. 

“Okay, you got it… you can have first pick of the ice cream, but just this once. Now hop on and I’ll get us back inside.” Kara crouches down so that Alex can hop on her back. “And I mean we’re gonna have to brainstorm a new name for these things… Cause I mean I don’t want to make assumptions or anything… but I know you said you didn’t feel comfortable with being a sister, so I guess sisters night doesn’t really work anymore, and you promised we’d have them forever and ever… so yeah we need a new name.”

Kara can’t help but grin when she feels what would be a bone creaking hug for anyone who wasn’t Kryptonian. Yes a lot was changing… but no matter how Maggie took this, and Kara had high hopes that she’d take it well…. The Danvers si...siblings really were stronger together, and they’d make it through. El mayarah. Authors Note: So I don’t know if Kara is totally in character here... I mean I think it works. But I wondered what would happen if Alex came out to Kara first... and I wanted a way for Kara to be supportive of her big sibling, and then it got me to thinking that of course Cat Grant wouldn’t let her magazine not interview the actor with all the buzz... hopefully it works. Authors Note 2: A note about pronouns and gendered language. Yes Kara and even Alex herself using she/her pronouns and words like sister. As Alex makes clear, this is just something they’re starting to figure out. They haven’t figured out which pronouns they want to use, or which language is and isn’t okay. I mean I may do another fic with that sort of stuff... but I didn’t want to overwhelm poor Alex all at once. So the gendered language isn’t meant to hurt Alex, and I have a feeling from the steps Kara makes that when Alex figures out what works for them Kara will be 100% on board :) Also the interview the siblings are going down to watch? Yeah it actually exists on Youtube, the title is “Interview with Asia Kate Dillon: TV's First Gender Non-Binary Actor Talks Billions, Emmys, & More"

[zoeygreensimblr]

Out of the Woods (Episode 36)

Friday seemed to come around so fast but as I was packing my bags to leave I wasn't sad, I was so happy because I was going home with more than what I came with, I had Angus back but I felt bad for Tess, for what she was going to face once she got home. Tess is the strongest person I know, she speaks her mind in every situation and she doesn't take anyone else's crap but I know that she hates hurting people too and I also know that the thought of hurting Declan would be eating her up inside.

I open a drawer I filled with skirts and shorts and I find my red mini skirt, the skirt I was wearing the night Charlie put his hand up my thigh and forced a kiss upon me. I decided that if I was going home with the boy I wanted then I could leave behind something that reminded me of the boy I regret ever talking to. It was a fair trade off.

I take my bag down to the kitchen and place it with the pile of others. Tess is in the kitchen, cleaning the bench, she cleans whenever she's nervous about something.

"Which car do you want to go in?" I ask her, she can go with Angus, Steph, Annabelle and I and get home straight away or go with Declan, Cassie and Sam and have a delayed trip because they live in different suburbs and she would be stuck alone with Declan for the last part of the drive.

"I'll go in the van with Declan, I can't leave Cassie alone to be bored by the sports talk, she would never forgive me" She says as she wipes over the same spot four times. Angus walks in from outside and grabs my bag, he looks at Tess in the kitchen cleaning and comes over.

"We have cleaners who come in do that Gerttie" He tells her but she doesn't stop, she sprays the bench again and wipes it over,  her head hung low to hide her tears.

"She's nervous" I whisper to Angus, after our dinner I told him about how she was going to break up with Declan.

"Tess if you're free this weekend I was thinking of having the back wall of the gym painted with one of your awesome murals, something that motivates people" Angus suggests and she looks up at him with a big smile. This is his way of taking her mind off the nerves.

"I'd love to, I have so many ideas of what to design, I'll draw some up when we get home and you get the paints" She says, excited by the new project.

"I really appreciate it little sis, you're a big help and I'll pay you for your work too" Angus says, pulling her in for a hug. This is the distraction Tess needed and I'm so grateful to Angus for helping her.

Angus handed me his keys when we were on the ferry back to the mainland.

"You're driving us back Princess" He says with a big smile on his face.

"I don't know the way though" I panic, this would be the furtherest I've driven and I'm not good with roads I don't know or heavy traffic.

"I know the way baby, you'll be alright and the traffic is light on a Friday morning. The more you practice the better you will get and before you know it you will be doing this drive all the time" He assures me, boosting my confidence up, "Just take your time baby".

The traffic is really light on the drive back so I don't feel as much pressure and it also helps that I am able to follow Declan's van back to the suburbs.

"Angus doesn't let just anyone drive his car" Steph says as we come onto the freeway, she knows this is a big deal for us both.

"Well I know Zoey isn't going to run my baby into the curb" Angus says laughing

"That happened one time Angus, let it go" Steph replies defensively and we all laugh.

Declan pulls off into Newcrest and I follow the road to Brindleton Bay, the drive home was smooth and easy, we made it back in just 2 hours.

I drop Annabelle and Steph at Steph's place and then on to my own house.

"We're ok, right Zoey?" Angus asks in a small voice as we sit in the car out the front of my house, "I know I've got a lot of making up to do to fix what I broke" He looks at me with a worried expression on his face.

"Angus we're good, even better than good, we are great." I confirm to him, "Where is this coming from anyway?" I question

"Just with Tess and Declan splitting up, it made me worry about you and me" He frets

"We are nothing like Tess and Declan, you know that" I tell him, touching him on the leg

"Don't ever let us be either, if something bothers you I need you to speak up and tell me, please don't ever let it get to the point that it did in Del Sol Valley" He begs me, I can see that it still weighs heavy on him.

"The only problem that I had was you keeping Steph's calls secret and now we've sorted that, we're good, we're strong" I promise him and he smiles warmly at me

"Are we training today?" He asks, changing the subject

"Can we skip it? I doubt Tess will be in the mood to go and I just wanna stay home" I say

"We can skip it, just this once" He replies.

We go inside and I throw myself down on my comfy bed, I've missed sleeping in my own bed.

I can hear footsteps coming from upstairs in the kitchen, most likely my mother.

"We should go up there and be sociable" Angus suggests and I lead the way up the stairs. My Mother is busy putting away the groceries, she sees us and drops what she's doing to come give us hugs.

"My baby is back, I've missed you" She says kissing me on my cheeks, "And she brought Angus with her" Now its his turn for a kiss on the cheek

"Hey Ruth, let me get those for you" Angus says as he starts packing away the groceries

"You're a good boy Angus" She praises him before turning her attention back to me, "Where's Tess? Please don't tell me you two are still fighting" She scolded me

"We made up on the first day there, you know we can't stay mad at each other for long." I tell her, "She's with Declan, Angus brought me home", Mum smiles brightly at Angus.

"You take such good care of my baby" She says, throwing her arms around him

"She's my Princess Ruth, I've gotta treat her right" He tells her and I watch Mum's eyes go wide.

"Does this mean?" She asks us both and we nod, "I knew you two would sort things out" She says, kissing me on the head, everyone seemed to believe it except me.

"Can Angus stay for dinner?" I ask Mum

"Of course sweetie but Don won't be home til late tonight, I know he's dying to talk to about that house you are going to look at" Mum says to Angus

"What house?" I question Angus and he smiles at me.

"I was going to look at house this afternoon, it's not far from here actually, I sent the details to Don last night and I was going to ask if you wanted to come have a look with me but I got sidetracked by all the Tess and Declan drama" He explains

"Theres drama with Tess and Declan" My mother asks surprised

"She's breaking up with him" I inform her

"Oh, I did see that coming actually, he's a lovely boy but she's just out grown him" Mum says, "Anyway tell me about your holiday, did you have a good time?"

"I had the best time, I want to go back there and play on the beach and swim with dolphins, I loved it" I tell her as I dance around the kitchen, I think Sulani is my new favourite place.

That afternoon Angus drove us to look at the house he is thinking of buying, we met the real estate agent out the front. The house is a modern style, two story with basement, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, pool out back with a decent sized backyard. The bedrooms are spacious with an ensuite in the main bedroom. The house looks to be freshly painted and has hardwood flooring throughout. Theres even a fireplace in the living room.

"What do you think Zo?" Angus asks me after we've viewed every room

"I think it looks amazing but are you sure you're ready to leave the city for the suburbs? It's a big change and you can't just walk to work from here" I point out

"I'm going to step back from the gym next year, let Immie and Justin run things while I'm studying and this is close to your family, there's even room for Tess to come live here like you wanted, as long as she knows to not walk in while we are showering" He says and I kind of like the idea of staying in Brindleton Bay.

"I'd love to live with you here" I tell him and he kisses me on the forehead

"I'll put an offer in then, if they accept it we could be moving in by Christmas" He says smiling brightly at me. I can't believe that in six weeks time I could be living with him and celebrating Christmas in a new home.

"We haven't got any furniture, we are going to need so much if we are going to live here" I start to stress thinking about all the things we have to get organised before moving in but, as usual, Angus is not stressed about anything, he just takes me into his arms and says

"We will go shopping on Sunday, it will all be sorted and You and Tess can be in charge of decorating however you want" Full creative control over a new project, Tess will love this.

When we arrive back at my house Tess is sitting in the backyard, sketch pad in hand, drawing away, she jumps up excited when she sees us coming.

"I think I have the perfect design for the wall" She tells Angus holding up her sketch pad. I love seeing Tess' art work, how she's able to tell a story with a simple design. Her concept for the wall is marathon being run, shown from the angle of the finish line as the person in first place is just about to cross it.

"I love it Tess" Angus praises her, "I'll pick you up in the morning and we'll get paints"

"You can stay over" I tell him.

"I would love to baby but I really should put in some sibling time with Immie after being away for a week and I have schedules to do for next week" He says and I'm disappointed but I do understand, "Can I take you on a date tomorrow night?" He asks me and I instantly perk up

"Yes you can, I have work until 3 though" I tell him

"I'll pick you up at 6, take you somewhere fancy" He promises and I feel so special.

"Ah cute, dinner dates, I'm going to miss those" Tess says, interrupting our moment.

"Did you talk to Declan?" I ask her, I know when Tess sets her mind on something that nothing stops her from following through

"Yeah I did, I told him that it just wasn't working anymore, that we'd grown apart. I think he thinks I'll be over it tomorrow and everything will stay the same" She complains, "Why can't my break up be as easy as yours was?" She laughs, I look at Angus, both of knowing it was anything but easy.

"When Zoey broke up with me it ripped my heart out Teresa" Angus states and I can see the pain in his eyes, like he's reliving that moment all over again, stupid tackless Tess, she never thinks before she speaks.

"I know it hurt you, both of you, I was the only person who saw what you were both going through, I just meant that when she told you it was over you listened, you didn't treat it as a joke and think she's just PMSing, which is exactly what Declan accused me of. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you Angus, or you either Zo, I'm just angry that he even takes me breaking up with him as a joke" Tess explains and I see Angus soften.

"He'll get the picture when you're not chasing after him anymore" Angus tells Tess, speaking from his own experience I suspect, I lean over and kiss him on the cheek, I'm so grateful our dark days are behind us

[dramacurrent]

Even though Ma Sung and Gi Bbeum have found each other again, things are not as easy the second time around.  Will their fated connection be enough to draw them back together?  Devilish Joy Episode 2 gives us more questions than it answers.  (We are doing this people!  We are going to recap all of Devilish Joy.)

Recap Devilish Joy Episode 2

We open where we left off in the last episode.  Gong Ma Sung(Choi Jin Hyuk) stands over Joo Gi Bbeum(Song Ha Yoon) and demands what she is doing with her camera.  Gruffly, he orders her to hand him the camera and reaches out his hand.  As he does, his sleeve pulls up and Gi Bbeum sees for the first time the tattoo of the memory flower on his hand.

Memories swarm back to Gi Bbeum of their day together and seeing the memory flower.  Unaware Ma Sung doesn’t remember her, she hides her face.  But Ma Sung is still fixated on the camera.  When she doesn’t give it to him, he pulls it from her hands and sends it flying to the floor.  In the same instance, the camera breaks and Gi Bbeum’s bag of stinky fish splatter at their feet.

Ma Sung scolds her and turns to leave.  But, seeing the expensive camera broken, Gi Bbeum leaps to her feet and yells at him, “Hold up, Mr. Gong Ma Sung!”

Ma Sung’s countenance shifts in surprise.  “Did you call my name?”

“Yes! Don’t you remember me?” Gi Bbeum barks.

“Are you so important to be worth remembering?”  Ma Sung asks her and turning to go steps on one of her many spilt fish.  Angrily he tells her to clean them up.

In that moment, jerk cameraman arrives to see his camera in shatters on the floor.  He yells at Gi Bbeum while she stands numbly apologizing.

Back in his office, Ma Sung trashes his soiled shoes.

Later that day, Gi Bbeum sits across from her friend Ko Nan Joo(Lee Soo Ji) (Aw, it’s the pig-tailed assistant.  Note: we will be calling her Nan Joo from now on.) and sorts her fish.  She tells Nan Joo about meeting Ma Sung.  Nan Joo doesn’t seem at all surprised that Ma Sung didn’t recognize Gi Bbeum.  She is convinced he did remember her, but didn’t want to admit it considering how differently Gi Bbeum is from back then.  Gi Bbeum decides her friend is right.  “Whatever!” she tells her.

Gi Bbeum tries to give her friend some of her fish as a “thank you” for helping her set up her clothing store when she didn’t even have money for rent, but Nan Joo is less than thrilled to accept the smelly red gurnards.  She carries the bag of fish at arm’s length into the other room.

Walking home, Gi Bbeum discovers tabloids pasted on the side of a building advertising “Joo Gi Bbeum’s Closet: Amazing Sales.”  embarrassed for people to see how fall she has fallen, she begins to tear the sheets from the wall and window.

That night, Ma Sung is dropped off at home by his secretary chauffeur.  But before he goes in, his driver asks why Ma Sung is not wearing his shoes.  “I threw them out,” he grumpily tells the man and asks for him to buy the exact same shoes for tomorrow so he isn’t confused.

At her home, Gi Bbeum’s younger brother, Joo Ja Rang(Kang Yoon Je,) cooks red gurnards for dinner while Gi Bbeum watches.  Gi Bbeum asks what happened to the gas to their stove, and he tells her it was turned off by the company.  Gi Bbeum doesn’t seems totally surprised.  Continuing to cook, Ja Rang asks if she is not scared of the sea now, seeing as she went out on a boat today.  “I’m more scared of not catching fish.”  She tells him honestly.

Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of Gi Bbeum’s younger sister, Joo Sa Rang(Kim Ji Young) pushing their very drunk father in a shopping cart.

The siblings sit down to eat their fish dinner while their father(Oh Gwang Rok) lies on the floor beside the table.  Randomly, he pops up to quote pieces of poetry at them.  As their dad falls back asleep on the floor, Gi Bbeum notices the rude words on her younger sister’s shirt: “What are you looking at!?!”  Motherly, she tells her to not wear the rude shirt and instead to wear something from Gi Bbeum’s store.  As she pulls clothes from her backpack, Ja Rang notices the crumpled tabloids at the bottom of the pack.  He is annoyed, but Gi Bbeum makes light of them, telling him she is saving the paper for recycling.

At his own home, Ma Sung is also eating dinner.  Ironically, the menu for tonight is red gurnard, which (hilariously) annoys him.

Before bed, Ma Sung goes to his room of notes to write down his memories for tomorrow.  He is careful to detail each part of the day, but when he gets to his meeting with Gi Bbeum, he tells himself.  “It is a blessing to forget about such incidents,” and leaves her out.

Back at Gi Bbeum’s house, she heads to bed in the room she shares with her younger sister.  Laying down on the bottom bunk, she wistfully stares at the headshots of her former self tucked in the bars above her head.

At precisely 10pm, Ma Sung lays down to sleep.

We watch as the light around him darkens and then reemerges with the dawn.  As is his custom, Ma Sung awakes and goes to take a shower.  But as he stands under the water a memory of Gi Bbeum from yesterday flashes through his mind.  Startled, Ma Sung stands dripping and wonders who the woman is in his mind.

Now on a mission, Ma Sung rushes to his Memory Room to read over his notes from yesterday.  But, of course, there is nothing to be found about the mystery woman.  Still more baffled, Ma Sung calls his secretary to come quickly.

The secretary arrives carrying Ma Sung’s replacement shoes.  Ma Sung hands the man a sketch he has drawn of Gi Bbeum with her mound of fish and camera parts.  The driver wonders if maybe the woman was just a nightmare of Ma Sung’s.  But Ma Sung reminds him that he hasn’t had a dream in three years. After determining it wasn’t a dream, he realizes excitedly that Ma Sung remembered something for the first time.  (I’d disliked this guy before, but his reaction is so genuinely happy for Ma Sung I might have to change my mind.)

Across town Gi Bbeum enters jerk cameraman’s office cautiously.  She tries to give him clothes for his family as a peace-offering, but jerk cameraman won’t even let her near him.  The broken camera’s lens alone will cost him almost $2,300 to replace.  Gi Bbeum is very penitent and promises to buy the lens for him.  Jerk cameraman accepts her offer but fires her anyway, convinced she brings bad luck.  Gi Bbeum relents, but only if he promises to delete the embarrassing video he took of her.  Angrily, he barks that the video was deleted when the camera broke.  (I smell a rat.)

Calmly, Gi Bbeum heads to work at her shop, “Fantastic.”  Her phone is filled with text messages from people, but they aren’t customers with orders.  Instead, the phone rings with one hateful anti-fan text after another.  Without expression, she replies a reminder to them to only text with orders.

At the same time current star Lee Ha Im(Joo Yeon) sits in her van taking selfies on her phone.  Her assistant begs her to exit the van for the shoot, but Lee Ha Im keeps the door locked.  She calls him on his phone to tell him she won’t come out today because the dust is too heavy.  The assistant tries to relay her message to the director but is only told to try again.

Outside the van, Nan Joo and her team stand impatiently waiting for the spoiled starlet.  As they do, Gi Bbeum calls Nan Joo’s phone to tell her she has been fired.  Nan Joo is actually relieved she isn’t working for jerk cameraman anymore — she was sure he was a con artist anyhow.  Gi Bbeum assures her he wasn’t.  However, Nan Joo is not convinced and questions whether Gi Bbeum made sure the embarrassing video he took of her was deleted.  Gi Bbeum assures her he wouldn’t upload it.  (I have a bad feeling about where this is going.)  Since she’s jobless now Gi Bbeum asks if she could work at Nan Joo’s shop every day now, which Nan Joo emphatically answers her she can.

They hang up, but Nan Joo forgets to end the call.  Gi Bbeum continues to listen as Nan Joo’s team begs her to not let Gi Bbeum work with them.  Annoyed with them, Nan Joo defends her friend vehemently.  Sighing heavily, Gi Bbeum she presses the end button on her phone.

At Ma Sung’s company, his aunt stands in her office talking with her advisors and Ma Sung’s secretary and doctor.  The advisors tell her that her son, Ki Joon(Hoya), left the US early and has arrived in Korea already without her knowing.  Mom is furious and tells them to freeze his credit cards.

Her face now slipping into a smile, Aunt asks them how Ma Sung is doing.  They tell her of the “Healing Village” he is creating for dementia patients.  Although a good intention, they are concerned that the village will not be profitable.  She then turns to ask Ma Sung’s doctor how Ma Sung is doing physically.  He tells her honestly that he is not improving.  Turning her attention, she asks Ma Sung’s secretary, to ask for his schedule.  (This woman is giving me the creeps.  Every time she is around she is trying to put down or control Ma Sung or Ki Joon.)

Downstairs Ma Sung tries to lead a meeting on his new “Healing Village,” but his mind keeps distracting him with the memory of Gi Bbeum.

After the meeting ends he goes to visit his doctor.  The doctor is confounded to hear about his new memory, but Ma Sung has a theory.  (I forget Ma Sung is a neuroscientist too.)  He believes that the reason this memory was saved is because of a special relationship he must share with the mystery woman.

Afterwards, Ma Sung asks his secretary to locate the woman in his drawing. But the secretary is incredulous and scoffs that Ma Sung has become weirder lately, first with the new shoes and now this.  Baffled, Ma Sung retorts that he bought his own shoes in Milan long ago.  But the driver assures him he asked him to buy an identical pair yesterday.  Ma Sung shakes his head, wondering why he asked for replacement shoes.

Across town, Ki Joon stands in front of his entertainment agency building, sighing happily.  As he does, Lee Ha Im’s van pulls up to the building.  Ki Joon immediately recognizes her as the woman his mom slapped at the beauty shop and happily tries to start a conversation.  Lee Ha Im, however, isn’t interested.  But when she tries to enter the building, she can’t remember her password and Ki Joon has to let her in.

Inside, Lee Ha Im talks with her manager about some new scripts she’s been looking over.  (Gasp! It’s Gi Bbeum’s horrible manager from last episode.)   She isn’t happy with the scripts she’s been offered, insisting that she can only star in a “masterpiece.”  Her manager cruelly puts her down, even comparing her to Gi Bbeum when she threatens to end her contract.  Lee Ha Im is finally annoyed but subdued.

Upstairs, Ki Joon enters his entertainment agency just as his manager tells an assistant how he hates Ki Joon and wants to humiliate him.  But Ki Joon only hears “humiliate” and thinks it is a joke.  He eagerly tells his manager he ran into Lee Ha Im downstairs.  The manager is impressed, but Ki Joon declares she really wasn’t as pretty in person, nothing like Gi Bbeum.

However, his manager doesn’t agree and tells him that the only way their tiny company will survive is if Ki Joon can sign Lee Ha Im.   Ki Joon pouts that he thought he was going to be a big star for them.  But the manager tells him that he can’t make a comeback right now and suggests he give up and crawl back to his mom.  When pressed, they admit Ki Joon’s company is broke.  It is then that Ki Joon realizes his mom has cut off his funding.

Back at his office, Ma Sung is puzzling over his new shoes when Ki Joon calls his phone.  He tries to ignore the call, but Ki Joon bursts through the door, surprising him.  It is the first time Ki Joon has seen Ma Sung since the accident three years ago.  They bond for a moment before Ki Joon adorably (and hilariously) begs his cousin to buy him lunch.

On the way they fuss about everything from the menu to the car music.  But Ki Joon has a special surprise for Ma Sung.  Instead of a restaurant, he takes him to his entertainment agency, “Star Entertainment.”  Ki Joon starts to tell Ma Sung his tale of financial woe, but is interrupted immediately.  Ma Sung saw this trap coming from miles away.  He may have money, but he is a doctor not a real estate investor.

But Ki Joon persists.  There is someone he needs to save.  Ma Sung is intrigued at that choice of word, but Ki Joon will only tell him it is someone who was wrongfully framed.  Ki Joon brings all his cuteness to bear and begs his cousin to invest in him.  Ma Sung finally asks how much it costs; at which point Ki Joon launches at him in a hug.  (Aww, loving the bromance here.)

Moments later, Ma Sung signs the contract over lunch.  As Ki Joon stuffs his mouth, Ma Sung questions him about the strange memory he has had today.  Through his food, Ki Joon declares it must be an unrequited love that is causing Ma Sung to keep thinking about her.  Perhaps she is his lover?  (This kid is smarter than he acts.) However, Ma Sung is unamused.

After lunch, Ki Joon drops Ma Sung back off at work just as his phone rings.  It is the manager’s assistant with terrible news.  The embarrassing video of Gi Bbeum is online.

Around town Gi Bbeum’s brother discovers people watching the video and calls to warn his sister.  Too late Gi Bbeum rushes to jerk cameraman’s office.  The building is empty.

At the same time, Ma Sung discovers his secretary watching the clip.  The man shows him the video, but instead of laughing like everyone else, Ma Sung is startled to recognize the woman from his memory.  The driver laughs in amazement when Ma Sung tells him this is the woman they are searching for.  How can they be searching for THE Joo Gi Bbeum?

But, having lived out of the country before his accident, Ma Sung has no idea who Joo Gi Bbeum is.  The driver pulls up an old news video to watch from when Gi Bbeum was accused of killing Min Hyung Joon.  The newscaster explains that even though Joo Gi Bbeum was found not guilty, her image was ruined and all her supporters and sponsors turned on her.  His interest piqued, Ma Sung asks his secretary to look for Joo Gi Bbeum.

Not long after, the secretary returns.  He has discovered Gi Bbeum’s online store, a phone number where she can be texted to place orders, and her home address.

Later at home, Ma Sung stares at the note with Gi Bbeum’s contact info.  After hesitating, he throws the note to the ground — only for it to stick to his foot.

Back at their store, Nan Joo scolds Gi Bbeum for not confirming the video was deleted.  As Gi Bbeum literally pulls her hair in frustration, a text message alert rings on her phone.  It is Ma Sung with a message: “Can I place an order?”  When she doesn’t respond right away, he adds “20 pieces of clothing.”

But Gi Bbeum can’t imagine anyone would place an order with her right now and ignores his text.

When she still does not answer him, Ma Sung sends another text, “I mean, 50 pieces.”  Now Nan Joo and Gi Bbeum really think he is crazy.

Deciding it is still not enough, Ma Sung sends a final text.  “100 pieces!”  This does it.  Nan Joo and Gi Bbeum bounce with joy as they realize what a sale like this means for them.  Trying to keep her voice calm, Gi Bbeum calls her new customer.

“Hello, I’m from the Fantastic Shopping Mall” she cheerfully chirps when Ma Sung answers.  Her voice stays business like as she confirms that he really wants his large order, but outwardly her whole body riggles with joy.  He confirms he does want his order, which send the two girls into thrills of excitement.

“But I do have one condition.”  Ma Sung interrupts their joy to announce.  “The owner of this cellphone, so in other words, the owner of this shop must deliver the clothes herself.”

Thinking this a very suspicious request, the girls tell him that it isn’t possible.  But when Ma Sung threatens to cancel his order, Gi Bbeum immediately relents and agrees to come herself.

After hanging up, Nan Joo wonders whether the customer is some sort of weirdo to make that request.  But Gi Bbeum karate chops her in reply.  “I’m more concerned about not getting any orders!”  She snaps and hurries off to gather the order.

Soon after Gi Bbeum crosses town carrying a big black bag full of clothes.  She calls Ma Sung’s cell for directions.  However, instead of directly telling her where his house is, Ma Sung sends her through a series of ridiculous lefts and rights and up flight after flight of stairs as a test of her character.

Finally in front of Ma Sung’s house, Gi Bbeum moans to herself, “Of all places.  I used to live here.”

Seeing her outside his door, Ma Sung nods his head.  It really is the girl from his memory.  The door open, Gi Bbeum pulls her black burden awkwardly inside.

But when she raises her eyes Gi Bbeum is astonished to see Ma Sung is her mystery buyer.  “You’re the one who placed the order?”  She says in amazement.

Inside Ma Sung continues to test her patience by ordering her to pull her load of clothes to the bedroom and then the bathroom.  But when Gi Bbeum goes to the various places without needing to be told where they are, he becomes very curious.

Gi Bbeum doesn’t want him to know she was the previous owner, though, and tells him that house plans are all very similiar.  Ma Sung doesn’t buy it.

“You know me, don’t you?”  He asks her directly.  “This is a very important question to me so answer me seriously.  I feel like you know me.  Perhaps did we used to date?”

But Gi Bbeum misunderstands his meaning, assuming that he is asking because he is a flirt who can’t remember her from among his many dates.  “We didn’t date.”  She snaps at him.  Still annoyed, she wonders aloud if it bothers him that he broke the camera lens yesterday.  This triggers a memory of the camera breaking for Ma Sung, and he offers to pay for the damage.

Gi Bbeum tells him the totals for the camera lens and the clothes he ordered.  After transferring the money into her account, Ma Sung tells her that he doesn’t really want the clothes afterall.  He had called her to ask a question and he believes the reward was enough for the cost of her time.  She can “throw the clothes out”, he tells her.

Tearfully Gi Bbeum asks if he will regret his decision.  (I spy a deeper meaning.)  But Ma Sung retorts that he won’t regret what he won’t remember tomorrow.  (I know that this answer makes sense from his perspective, but from from Gi Bbeum’s viewpoint, ouch.)  Before leaving with her clothes, Gi Bbeum straightens and tells Ma Sung that although these clothes might not be worth anything to him, they are her a matter of survival to her.

But standing outside his house, Gi Bbeum is far less brave.  She crouches down in the street and reminds herself not to cry.  (Sniff! I’m not crying, you are.)

On street in front of Gi Bbeum’s home, Ki Joon sits watching the road.  When suddenly Sa Rang slams down on his windshield making him squeal in fear.  She glares at him through the windshield with eyes of death before pulling off and heading inside.  But Ki Joon is undeterred and runs after her.

“Is this where Joo Gi Bbeum lives?” He asks her.  Sa Rang retorts that it is her house before turning to go.  As she leaves we see her shirt again rudely states “What are you lookin’ at!?!”

Just then Gi Bbeum herself comes walking down the road awkwardly dragging her black load.  Ki Joon’s smile explodes across his face when he sees and goes running toward her.  “You’re still shinning as ever, my first love.”  He says happily.

However, Gi Bbeum has no idea who he is and pulls back in confusion.  “Who are you?”  She asks.  In reply he tells her they were in a drama together five years ago and that they even kissed.

At that Gi Bbeum does start to remember.  In flashback we see a much younger looking Ki Joon awkwardly chewing his nail as Gi Bbeum creeps playfully up behind him.  But instead of telling Gi Bbeum he loves her, Ki Joon fouls up the line and says he “persons her.”  At that the director cries cut in exasperation…apparently this isn’t the first time.

Back in the present, Gi Bbeum really does remember him, which delights Ki Joon no end.  Ki Joon notices her bag of clothes, and Gi Bbeum admits “some weirdo” bought them and then didn’t want them.  She figures that she seems pathetic for bringing the clothes back.  But Ki Joon assures her she is just thrifty.  Gi Bbeum says she isn’t sure what to do with the clothes, at which Ki Joon beams.  He has the perfect idea.

Cut to Gi Bbeum and Ki Joon driving up to a street full of homeless people.  Moments later the people dance in joy as they wear Gi Bbeum’s new clothes and the givers give eachother a high five.

Back in his study, Ma Sung is again trying to write in his journal.  But he can’t stop thinking about Gi Bbeum.  He reaches a hand up to feel his heartbeat.  “That woman has a way of making people feel uncomfortable,” he notes.

Moments later we see Ma Sung sitting in his car.  Strangely, He is wearing sunglasses even though it is night.  He reacts as a car’s headlights pass in front of his car.  “What am I doing?!”  He asks himself, but ends up driving anyway.

On the road in front of Gi Bbeum’s home, she and Ki Joon are saying their goodbyes after their fun afternoon.  After she leaves, Ki Joon does a happy dance.  He could not be happier to have been with his idol.  “I’ll make you big again.”  He quietly promises.

Before Gi Bbeum can reach her house, though, Ma Sung arrives at the door.  He walks into the front yard  and heads up to the curtain door.  But before he can know Sa Rang screams “It’s a thief!” at the top of her lungs.  Ma Sung is confused and laughs that she thought he looked like a thief.  But cocky Sa Rang insists he did and tells him to get lost before walking around him to go inside.

Just then Gi Bbeum’s dad comes up drunk as ever and accuses him of eating the ramyun from the bowl in his hand.  Ma Sung assures him he did not eat the ramyun.  Dad decides to believe him and let him “pass.”  By now Ma Sung is very confused and turns to leave, but Dad calls him back for a lecture on the dispossal of cigarette butts.  (Bwahaha!)  When Ma Sung assures him that he doesn’t smoke, Dad again agrees to let him “pass.”  Again Ma Sung turns to go and again Dad calls him back to ask if he knows how much government spending is wasted on trash people don’t sort properly.

Before Dad can “pass” him again, Gi Bbeum comes up and sends Dad inside.

After seeing Dad is safely inside, Gi Bbeum turns to ask Ma Sung what he is doing there.  Ma Sung doesn’t answer though, and instead questions her about who the people are that he just met.  Gi Bbeum answers him but then demands how he found her.  He tells her that he found the address on her website.

But Gi Bbeum flatly responds that she never put her home address on her website.  Skirting the issue, Ma Sung tells her he came for the clothes he bought.  Gi Bbeum tells him that she doesn’t have them anymore, which Ma Sung assumes means she sold them again.  He marvels at her amazing survival skills.  But he isn’t mad.  If she doesn’t have his clothes, he will accept a few minutes to talk with her instead.  (Awkward lover boy is adorable.)

Gi Bbeum refuses to talk to him for even two minutes.  Ma Sung feels very put out by this and scolds her for not even talking to him when he has gone through so much hardship to come here.

“Why should I have to waste my precious time on you?”  Gi Bbeum snaps back.  “I can’t even spare one second.  I don’t want to.”  (You tell him, girl!)

Ma Sung is flabbergasted and wonders at her confidence in ignoring him, especially considering the position she is in.  Gi Bbeum assures him that confidence does not come from the environment, but the heart.

“So this is why people hate you so much.”  Ma Sung softly observes.  “Because of your unwarranted confidence.”  (Too far, Ma Sung.  Don’t you dare hurt our tender girl.)  He notes her many anti-fans, finally deciding there is no way he would have aquainted himself with someone like her.

He leaves, but Gi Bbeum follows pounding after him and throws the bag she was holding hard against his back.

“What are you doing?” He asks her.

“I’d like to ask you the same thing.  What are you doing?”  She snaps back.  “Why?  Are you angry?  Hurt?  Like me, do you feel it is unfair?  Evil jerk.”  Ma Sung sputters at this, but she continues, “Why didn’t you show up that day?”  By now she has Ma Sung’s full attention.  “You even kissed me,” she tells him.

Ma Sung is astounded and repeats, “I kissed you?”  But Gi Bbeum assumes that he can’t remember because he doesn’t want to.  Ma Sung begs her to be more specific, but Gi Bbeum angrily tells him she shouldn’t have to remind him.

“It’s because,” he tells her sadly, “I can’t remember that I’m asking.”  But Gi Bbeum misunderstands believing he is a playboy.  She firmly warns him never to fall in love and hurt someone with his memory again.  She adds for him to never acknowledge her again, even if they see eachother.

“Is this how we broke up?”  He asks her quietly.  “Did you try to push me away while I tried to stop you?  Well, now it is time for you to decide.”

“Decide what?” She huffs back.

“Whether it would be okay for me to remember you tomorrow.  Or if I should erase you.”

At this Gi Bbeum breathes in sharply.  Her eyes drift down to the tattoo of the memory flower on Ma Sung’s hand.  “Don’t remember.”  She tells him and walks away.

Ma Sung nods his head, but his eyes follow her sadly as she goes up the stairs back home.

My Thoughts:

Although I am still in love with this show, Ma Sung’s personality change has really been for the worse.  It feels like his dementia has affected every part of his character and caused him to be rigid and rough — like every other snotty kdrama chaebal.  I am really ready for Devilish Joy to return my happy puppy.

Also, the way he interacts with Gi Bbeum is strange.  I get that he is self-concious about his inability to remember and has gone to great lengths to keep it from being noticeable, but come on!  EXPLAIN IT TO HER!  She has no idea that he can’t remember her so she completely misunderstands everything he says to her.  If he really thinks that she has this deep connection to him he might want to rethink his way of treating her.  Does he expect her to want to know him after he harrasses her and tells her she isn’t worth remembering?

Ki Joon on the other hand is entirely adorable.  I love how he manages to find the greatest joy at the smallest thing, like when Gi Bbeum remembered his name.  And I don’t even mind how obsessed he is with her, although it does border on stalking, because he is more of a daddy long legs than a full on stalker.  Seriously, this kid has a heart of gold.

The exact opposite is Ma Sung’s aunt.  This woman is giving me chills in the biggest way.  The way that she secretly watches and controls every part of her son and Ma Sung’s life feels so wrong.  And seriously, why is Ma Sung’s doctor even telling her everything she asks?  What happened to doctor/patient confidentiality?  Ugh.

But it is interesting to me that all of our characters in one way or another tie into a theme of protectiveness in this drama.  Ma Sung’s aunt showed it by being overprotective of her boys; Ki Joon showed it through his obsession with restoring his “first love” to her former glory; Gi Bbeum’s friend and family had it constantly; and Ma Sung showed it most of all in the first episode when he was drawn to Gi Bbeum because she needed rescuing from the gang of thugs.  If she hadn’t need him he might never have been attracted at all.  And then we saw it again when he saved her from drowning and was oddly protective and sincere about promising never to leave her.

I wonder how much further the drama will take the protective theme.  It would be nice to see if they can tie it into Gi Bbeum’s relationship with Ma Sung more.  Maybe Gi Bbeum could use some of her bright spunk to protect Ma Sung from himself and others…especially that weirdly protective Aunt.

So what did you think of Episode 2 of Devilish Joy?  

Read More:

Recap: Devilish Joy Episode 1

  Recap: Devilish Joy Episode 2 Even though Ma Sung and Gi Bbeum have found each other again, things are not as easy the second time around.  

[keepyourpantsongohan]

Ayesha Liveblogs Magi: Kingdom of Magic

It’s been like a minute and already this show has escalated so much more than it’s predecessor good lord

What kind of an ominous note to start this peppy intro song on

“Tonight we shall celebrate that triumph” Sinbad loves any excuse for a feast

Lmao @ Jafar just lurking around waiting to let Ka Kaboun have it

“Jafar, have I become devious?” said Sinbad, after doing a series of devious things all in succession 

Oh my god Alibaba gave Kogyoku a flower crown that’s adorable 

“I never thought anyone would make a move on a woman before me. Aladdin, you are a true Magi” SINBAD PLS 

Take a shot every time someone pauses to relive tragic memories

I don’t want to accuse Sinbad of doing this on purpose but I kinda think he exposed Dunya to the dark magic on purpose 

OH MY GOD THEY’RE HAVING A SLEEPOVER I LOVE IT

I deeply appreciate Alibaba’s sleepwear and that he removes his earrings

“My, what a charming sight you are” Kogyoku’s a little crazy but I dig it 

Poor Jafar he is very concerned about Sinbad and I share the concern tbh

Oh no is Dunya dying iS THAT WHAT DAY OF DEPARTURE MEANS

“I wanted you to know all about it, about my true feelings” is this tragic backstory exchange also a romantic confession?

“I really envy you,” said Morgiana, immediately after Hakuryu told her that his entire family had been murdered

I don’t care who gets together with whom but I want one of these youths to take advantage of these romantic sunsets and flowers and fall in love like give me something to hope for in this society of imminent sadness 

Oh shit they’re both royals of low birth I love it!!! Bond my peeps 

“You must become my friend forever” I LOVE KOGYOKU AND ALIBABA

Yamuraiha is Aladdin’s mom now sorry I don’t make the rules 

OH MY GOD HAKURYU’S GOT PINK RUKH CAUSE HE’S IN LOVE!!!

Lmao @ Aladdin outing Hakuryu’s crush to everyone around them 

“I pray that you’ll have a good and safe journey” “Who are you?” Poor Spartos getting called out for his lack of screen time

IS ALIBABA GOING TO STOW AWAY I BET HE’S A STOWAWAY

Update from 10 seconds later: I KNEW IT

Poor Alibaba he was so set for his dramatic reveal but he fucked up

“But now that I’ve known him for a long time, there are a few odd things that I’ve noticed about him” Lmao they know he’s listening 

Alibaba do you really think they can’t hear you shouting in the room beside them

I think Hakuyru and Alibaba are going to become romantic/battle rivals 

“Next time I’ll do my part!” “Can you handle it?” boys pls 

Who is this twelve year old magical pirate with a cyclops baby

Pretty unfair to refer to the people who own the ship as “intruders”

Guess these punk ass kids chose the wrong ship to attack

“I’m a mother to all of the miserable children in this world” I bet she’s eating them or smth

As soon as they mentioned the cliffs I knew Morgiana would be tossing her boys into the air khgdjhjkdhgk

I fucking love when Morgiana goes wild and destroys everything 

Hard for Hakuryu to relate to all these parental memories when he grew up without any

Ohm Madura’s magical power: inducing mommy issues 

“That means that though physically they’re children, mentally they’re actually mature” poverty, slavery and abandonment will do that

Omg does this mean that Hakuryu is actually the least mature of all of these children poor guy

Update from next episode: “That one seems to be the only one among them that’s still a child” oh Hakuryu

Well I guess that answers the question of whether Hakuryu can djinn equip

Judging purely on the theme song Hakuryu is not going to become a main character and that makes me sad because I’ve grown attached to him

MY GOD HAKURYU CHILL THE FUCK OUT YOU JUST MURDERED A WOMAN IN FRONT OF A BUNCH OF CHILDREN

“My mission is to kill my own mother” what a trope reversal instead of a Dead Mom he’s got a Murder Mom 

“There’s no reason to grieve... after all none of you were ever loved in the first place” damn Hakuryu quit taking your issues out on the children

I did not think this romantic confession was coming on so quickly oh my 

“That’s why I want to marry you” you’re like seventeen get it together

Lmao @ Morgiana and Hakuryu kissing with their eyes wide open 

Take a shot every time Alibaba cries for his enemies I love him so much it’s like his philosophy is ‘if the mood is vengeful burst into tears’

“You’re different than King Sinbad... in what way I’m not sure” why do they keep alluding to Evil!Sinbad I’m not about this 

“Isn’t there any way to put your vengeance behind you and finally be free?” Damn so he’s not just Arabian Zuko he’s also Arabian Sasuke 

I want for Hakuryu to be happy but I can only imagine Morgiana is going to end up with Alibaba which isn’t bad it’s just sad for him

“Stamina is your only redeeming quality” how rude, Alibaba 

Sfhkdjhgfkjghfdkhg these flashes showing that Hakuryu is loyal af and Alibaba is a hoe are hilarious

Alibaba has no idea how to coordinate jewelry lmao 

Why is everyone from the Kou empire so goddamn crazy good lord 

Take a shot every time someone under the age of 15 witnesses a murder 

“I want you to mess me up too” Kinkshame Kouha’s consorts 

Me @ Aladdin collapsing after a single pull-up: .... same

Sphinctus: Pay! Attention! To! Me! 

ALADDIN FELL ASLEEP DURING SOMEONE’S TRAGIC BACKSTORY... TWICE

“Thank you... Instructor’s Boobs” what on earth is this show honestly

“When you guys first got here, you were just a bunch of ignorant losers. But not anymore... Today, you guys are self-aware losers” ..... same

Alibaba just fucking ends up passed out in the streets when left to his own devices my darling disaster

This fight is lit I love my boy battling in the middle of a casino lmao 

Is this meant to imply that Cassim bestowed his magoi onto Alibaba as he died like what kind of loyalty does this boy inspire 10/10 world’s Best Boy

Why are all these people so messed up there’s a death chant like every few episodes

“Are you alright?” he said, after watching Alibaba almost die several times and not doing a damn thing

I can’t wait for Alibaba to take back Balbaad 

Morgianna should really have more questions about the mysterious all-knowing stranger in the cave willing to take her on a one-way trip across the void

So I take it that these past six months have not gone well for Hakuryu

“there can only be one ruler, not just for this country, but for the world” like a minute of screen time and Kouen’s already talking world domination

“From father to son just like that” this family circle is way too close these kids are siblings and also cousins now the mom seems to be hitting on her son it’s all very yikes

Is Hakuyru seriously supporting his mom’s bid for the throne just so he can depose her what a mess 

I’m loving all of Hakuryu’s dramatic actions being accompanied by lightning

This dude looks almost exactly like Sheherazade how many magi are at this school exactly

“[...] Will be granted the honour of second-class citizenship” oh Aladdin

“You and I are cut from the same cloth that’s a very special thing” okay Anime Malfoy I wonder how this exchange with the equality-minded protagonist is going to go 

“I thought for sure you were a girl under there” I’ll admit it, that’s not how I thought this exchange was going to go

Whoops I guess when you’re dependent on a thin piece of cloth to hide your biggest secret things might not go in your favour during battles

“One of the four magis who is not supposed to exist” wait what homie 

“The magi and I have reached an accord” Titus has known Aladdin’s secret for one (1) night and already he’s dropping it in casual conversation 

“Back home the engine that drives industry is the accepted use of forced labour” these call-outs are near constant 

Titus highkey adores cats and babies and I appreciate it 

Omg Titus just called his employer just to tell her about his amazing day meowing at cats I love him

Damn I should’ve known something like this would be going on I was sort of just expecting run of the mill corruption and abuse not using-people’s-lifeforce-to-power-their-lifestyles 

“Oh yes, yes it would” Titus has known this girl for five minutes and he’s already ready to adopt her

Titus decided to liberate 200,000 people from enslavement even though his mission is to study them bless him 

“You came here to study, not be a freedom fighter” but he wants 2 do both

Aladdin’s ready to fight at the slightest provocation and like same 

Your narrative of overthrowing oppression is really undermined by referring to the masses in the same way you claim that other nobility referred to you 

“The breed possessing sharper intelligence and higher reasoning should control those who don’t” so it’s not only a fascist state it’s also proposing eugenics we’ve reached full on wizard nazis 

“I’m so happy for you Titus” why does Mogamett ruin every happy moment by being gross 

How is Titus planning on continuing his studies while he raises a six-year-old full-time are there nannies in this school

“We will be together forever, I give you my promise” well now I’m worried that Marga’s gonna die 

I’m guessing Titus is some kind of copy of Sheherazade not meant to be permanent so that’s why he’s not meant to last 

“I don’t want my life to end yet” I’m guessing Titus is about to make a mistake

“No matter who he is, no human must ever be granted the powers of a king” now would be a good time to cut to Alibaba 

[Donald T/rump voice] Make the Empire Magic Again 

Call me crazy but I’m guessing the handsome one is the person they’re going to focus on as a potential king 

Things have escalated really quickly like four episodes ago they were having fun times in the market and now they’re at war 

I’m guessing the ominous prologue is about to come to fruition 

“Ours is not a society built on oppression,” he said, while literally standing on ground built above the bodies of indentured labourers 

Sheherazade is defeating her enemies through science what a plot twist 

Are these two just having an ongoing magical phone call while their armies attack each other

Don’t get me wrong I want to know where this plot goes but I also want to see Alibaba’s training montage and see what Morgiana decided 

“You’re an abomination that should never have been born in the first place” Mu is defeating Titus by blows to the self-esteem

Aladdin’s trying to stop a war single-handedly bless his heart

“I never thought about just asking them nicely” Aladdin <333333333

Why is Mu’s djinn equip the only one which changes the user’s ethnicity

“He’s my friend, my best friend” ALIBABA MY LOVE IS HERE AND MY BABIES ARE ACKNOWLEDGING THEIR BOND

What a weird tone for these armistice talks. On a boat during a beautiful sunset with a bunch of teenage boys 

Is Sheherazade the only Magi that can reproduce because she’s a lady

I LOVE THIS TROPE OF GIVING A HEAD BOP EVERY TIME SOMEONE TRIES TO STUBBORNLY TAKE ON ALL THEIR OWN BURDENS

“I acted as if you were a just a toy for me to play with, but I knew no other way to express my love for you” that’s no excuse for bad parenting Sheherazade 

Mogamett needs to chill the fuck out good lord 

“My fall into depravity is guaranteed” I mean same but calm down 

Alibaba during literally every battle: How can I make this about Cassim

“I’ve had my fill of heartbreakers” Slutshame metal vessel users 

Look at my fancy boy with his pants on fire good for Alibaba 

I think this is the first time Alibaba has referred to himself as a Prince of Balbaad since its fall 

“She is much more of an adult than I will ever be” TITUS DON’T DO IT

“Mr. Director, sir, you shall always have my respect,” said Titus, while speaking to a man who is operating a weapon of mass destruction against hundreds of thousands of people using human lives

OH NO TITUS WHY HE DOESN’T DESERVE THAT I DIDN’T EVEN REALIZE WHERE HE WAS UNTIL I SAW HIS EARRING

EVERYTHING HAPPENS SO MUCH HOW ARE THEY GOING TO RESOLVE ALL OF THIS IN ONE EPISODE 

“Just like Sinbad... I have a feeling he’s someone else that I shouldn’t be secrets to” has Sinbad really done anything yet other than give people the heebie jeebies 

“YOU GIVE ME BACK MY SON” ME TOO SHEHERAZADE

I fucking love this “Alibaba dear” my royal buddies Kogyoku and Alibaba

Sidenote: In Japanese she calls him “Alibaba-chan” which is for friends/babies/lovers and Alibaba is all three tbh

I deeply relate to Kouen’s lack of impulse control/regard for his own life

“Die you wastes of space”... maybe not 

“What he’s saying now is, ‘The way things are now, I’m unable to have my way with those wards. And so, as you also own a fire djinn, Lord Alibaba, I’d like you to please lend me a hand.’ Those are the exact words Lord Kouen just spoke to him.” HAKUEI PLEASE HE’S STOMPING ALIBABA INTO A VOLCANO

I already love Kouen and Alibaba’s relationship like combo attacks are my shit 

Kouen’s concerned about his djinn equip even though he’s clearly lost a few layers of flesh where are your priorities my dude

I love these crazy ass siblings dedicated to saving the world together

“Why isn’t Hakuryu here?” he’s probably doing something devious 

“I too was there, and served [King Solomon] as well”.... WHAT 

If she’s a being of only thought how did she have like ten kids 

Sinbad coming in with the cavalry ayyyyyyyyyyyy how’s it going my mysterious friend 

Morgiana comes to the rescue my gal and 

“However, if you’re an uninvited guest forcing yourself upon our world, we’ll eliminate you” Sinbad always says such honourable things it’s very confusing with all the devious coding he’s been getting

Sheherzade coming to perform some deus ex magica

There’s Hakuyru come to fuck up his life he’s got like half an an episode to make a mess let’s see how much he can accomplish in that time

“This man, he kidnapped me from the royal palace and raised me as his own [...] but I was never anything but happy” even the nice things that Mogamett does are sort of evil lmao

Why doesn’t poor Titus even get a line in all this peace-making 

Knowing from my friend that Hakuryu is going to do something after all this plot resolution is making me real tense 

“Now that their common enemy is gone” IS HAKURYU GOING TO BECOME THEIR COMMON ENEMY

“The alliance will spare no effort towards the rebuilding Magnoshuttat” Sinbad’s deviousness is finally coming to fruition 

OH MY GOD TITUS IS BACK AND HE’S A MAGI I LOVE IT 

“I have chosen to forever turn my back on you” why are you like this Hakuryu 

Alibaba’s ‘my friends are idiots’ senses are tingling but I guess it’s not time for him to go full Naruto to Hakuryu’s full Sasuke yet