#but just entering it was a bit intimidating because i haven't done that it in months

[sleepymarmot]

Reddit informed me that a lead normally only found in Sunspire is available this week for purchase in the Infinite Archive...

So I headed there, checked the shop, and discovered something far more personally important on sale this week:

The Spires of the 34th Sermon, which normally can be found only in the Infinite Archive as a random drop, a readable furnishing version of a text about my favorite sermon, one of the best pieces of Vivec-related writing in the game, and possibly the first and/or only canonical instance of Vivec being referred to with they/he pronouns. I went a bit crazy after discovering it earlier this year and tried to grind for it a bit with no success, and now it just drops in my lap!

[sunnylands-world]

something really angsty like make me sob buttt a happy ending💀💀💀💪🏻💪🏻😘😘

It cuts deep

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Harry Potter sister reader

Summary: you've lost your only family and the boy you loved may have been the cause…

Word count: 998

Warning: death, slapping, mentions of blood, reader gets depressed, angst to fluff

Universe: Harry Potter

A/n: sorry this took a bit I was trying to figure all of it out 😕 but here it is!! 🤍

It was like a barrier of safety broke, everything you knew was right, comforting was gone and burning at your feet. Your eyes watered, maybe you didn't want to accept it but there it was… he'd killed your only family, your brother, Harry. It hurt More because you got to look into his eyes as he choked on the blood in his throat and you tried to paint the image pretty, see a day where he was smiling on the train and fixing his glasses or winning in quidditch but you couldn't because you could hear him suffering, nearing the end.

The closer he got the more you realized there'd be no more memories. You'd never see him at the table for breakfast or with his friends. There was a hollow in your stomach like it had dropped. The tightness in your throat and the heaviness in your chest as you tried to breathe filled your ears with it and you couldn't hear anything around you. Your body was weakened as someone pulled you from him as he was gone now and you'd shut down completely.

It didn't take long for Draco to appear trying to talk to you. A soft knock came to your door as you stared into the space. You didn't answer. The door opened and he entered looking like he'd just been heartbroken, told he wasn't needed.

"[Name] i-"

"Get out" you say calmly but he tried to push it, when you repeated it you screamed like you were warning someone to run as you stood slamming your fist against his chest tears leaving your eyes like water from a fossiet only you couldn't turn it off, you never had been able to. Your aggression turned soft as he grabbed your wrist.

"I understand your upset but you need to let me explain what happened before you ran in." He says pulling you Into his chest; and as your headrest against him you quickly become enraged again. It felt repulsing, disappointing, being against your brother's killer even more as you remember that night. You pushed yourself from him regretfully, eyes filled with fire and you could burn him to the ground since there was no water to put out the heated flame.

"Explain that you killed him! Left him to bleed in my arms!" You questioned and he didn't respond. you scoffed, tongue poking the inside of your cheek as you nodded in understanding.

"You know what Draco Malfoy, you're no different than your distasteful father. You practically become him. You don't care about anyone's feelings, you hurt people inflicting pain on innocent people for no reason at all. Are you power hungry as well? Want everyone to feel intimidated by you? Well guess what?" You walk towards him whispering in his ear.

"Everyone knows you're a coward who cries in your mother's arms about your problems because you're no man." He reacts to it like he's never done before, slapping you across the face making you stumble backwards holding your cheek. His eyes widen for a second but he shakes his head leaving you. You stay in that room rotting away feeling like life has no purpose. You're close to resembling a skeleton as you ignored the rumble of your tummy, too afraid to Conquer the world, Knowing that if you go out he won't be there.

You haven't left your bed either.

You can't care about hygiene now. You never want to see the light of day again, it feels easier to give up than to deal with anything else. You're not sure how long it's been and your only source of knowledge comes from the light coming through your window and the switch to dark, though sometimes you don't sleep anymore.

Maybe it's been weeks, possibly months but one of the days a knock comes to the door, but like before you don't answer. It opens and Draco comes in, only this time you don't fight him.

He walks to your bathroom and the sound of running water follows him. He's in there for awhile before he comes out taking you from the bed. He places you on the toilet seat pulling your dirty clothes from you. You look dull and almost like you're paralyzed not moving brarly blinking as he puts you in the water. It steamed as your body relaxed. He grabs your body's wash and hair soap, brings them to the side of the tube and takes your place on the toilet.

"I didn't kill your brother," Draco says, pouring the liquid on a cloth.

"I was coming to save him when the others got to him first and I…I ran. after I found him dead I was…was afraid of what you'd think and I'm sorry, I'm sorry for slapping you, I'm sorry for everything I just need you to forgive me please." He said bring the cloth across your back the hot water making you shiver. You didn't know why you would need to hate him if he didn't do it but a part of you wanted someone to blame and have punished for it; But he didn't do anything so he didn't deserve this.

"I forgive you," you whispered. He sighed, massaging the shampoo in your hair as your eyes fluttered.

"I love you and I'd never do anything to hurt you, you know that right?" He asked and you nod inhaling.

"I know, and I'm sorry too, I just- I just didn't know I was so angry after everything I turned my back on everyone" you explained. He places a gentle kiss on your shoulder blade.

"You don't have to explain yourself [name]. I didn't think you hated me otherwise you would have put me out now, but I know you can't resist me. I'm a sexy angel." he teased and you let out a small laugh

"You're the devil." you giggled feeling a bit lighter now that he was here…innocent.

he grinned "I know."

Draco's lovers and requests

@alexxavicry, @sarahthehuffpuff, @supercoffeeblogs, @thatwattpadobsessed, @amyclare04, @kyracanwrite, @animeloverfreak310, @imafangirl22, @phildunphyisadilf, @jac1ndaa

[alexinlalalaland]

GEKKO X INSECURE!READER [You're perfect] pt.2

It was a copule hours after Yoru's comment and you still haven't left your room. Phoenix tried to talk to you, feeling like he was to blame as well. After all it was him who poked fun at the Japanese man. Heck even Yoru tried to visit and apologize having calmed down enough to see how fucked up the thing he said to you was. But you wouldn't budge. Both of the older males could hear soft whimpers and sniffles when they visited, and their heart clenched when they did. They messed up badly, and needed to do something before things could get out of hands.

Salvation came in the form of a tall, lean young man. With green hair and chocolate brown eyes, who was currently playing with some of his creatures in the common area. Being blissfully unaware that his lover was currently fighting her own demons. So imagine his surprise when Yoru and Phoenix walked over to him with sheepish looks on their faces, as if he was a father that was about to scold them because of something. This made him suspicious.

"What's up ?" Gekko greeted the two duelist, Dizzy chirped in protest when his Hand stopped scratching her back.

"Uhh mate, we kinda done something... well technically Yoru did something." Phoenix started scratching the back of his head, wondering how he will tell him about the problem at hand.

"Hah !?" Yoru growled looking at the English Man, feeling himself getting pissed all over again. "You're partially to blame here. If it wasn't for you and your dumb jokes I wouldn't have said what I said to (Name) !" he yelled angrily making Gekko narrow his eyebrows a little.

"What happened to (Name) ?" his brown eyes narrowed at the two males infront of him. His heart started to beat faster at the mention of your name. Were you okay ? Did you get hurt ? The questions about you well being floaded his mind, yet he still tried to stay focused. He just wanted, no he needed to know what happened first.

"I commented on her weight, and she hasn't left her room in a few hours." after what felt like forever Yoru confessed to what he has done making Mateo freeze.

"You did what ? WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT TO HER ?!" the Hispanic male got right into Yorus face. The blue haired man wpudl lie if he didn't say that it wasn't at least a bit intimidating. "Nah matter of fact why would you say that to anyone ? Are you fuckinh stupid ?" Phoenix's eyes were wide openhile he witnessed the absolute rage of the green haired male. He knew you were very dear to him but to get this angry ? He was glad that it wasn't him facing the guy right now.

"It was an accident ! I tried to go and apologize but she wouldn't even open the fucking door !"

"And she dosen't have to ! What the hell man ? I thought you were chill !" Gekko stright up growled at him, or maybe it was Thrash that materialized behind his shoulder. The creature eyed the Japanese man with a glare, making him shiver. No matter how cute his other buddies were, Thrash always made people second guess if they were safe around her. And everyone in the room could tell she was as pissed as Gekko was right now.

"I'm gonna go to her now." the greenhaired man sighed.

"Good idea mate." Phoenix commented quietly making Gekko nod his head and walk over to the doors.

"You gonna take your pet with you ?" Yoru asked while still watching Thrash, now on the ground circling him like a shark that was about to pounce.

"Oh, Trash isn't done with you." Gekko send him a smirk over his shoulder and left the room.

"Shit." was the last thing Yoru said before the creature attacked and whole base could hear a high pitched scream, making Agent wonder if Killjoy found another mouse in her laboratory.

*********

You were half asleep when you heard knocking on your doors. Rolling your eyes you were fully intending on ingorning it until you heard familiar voice.

"Hermosa ? We're coming in." you didn't look at him when he entered. You cursed yourself for giving him the acces code to your room. Though you never thought he would see you like this. Surrounded by pillows and blankets, half asleep from all the crying you did. You looked like a mess you were sure of it.

"I'm not in the mood to do anything, Mateo." you informed him from your place on the bed. Your back was to the door so you couldn't see his expression or what he did. You could however hear tiny footsteps coming closer, you turned around just in time to catch jumping Wingman.

"Hey ! That's dangerous !" you scolded the yellow creature making him tilt your head at you. Mateo laughed walking over to you accompanied by Dizzy and Mosh, who were resting on his shoulders.

"I think that's the least dangerous thing my buddy did those past copule of weeks, no ?" he sat next to you and took his shoes off to lie lie next to you.

"Still. I don't want him to get hurt like that." you huffed a little bit hugging Wingman closer to your chest, which made him purr like a cat, making you giggle a tiny bit.

"There's my pretty girl." you blushed at his words, making you avoid his eyes. You could feel his arms going around your midsection. Yelping when he pulled you on top of him.

"Mateo !" you glared at him. Partly forgetting ypu were supposed to be sad because his presence just made it better. "Can you stop ? Like I said I am not in the mood." you said trying to get off of him. While you did that all the creatures surrounding the both of you dissappear in his belt, giving you the privacy you needed right now.

"Hmm. Is it because of what happened ?" his hand tightened down on your waist making your breath hitch. You looked at him with wide eyes, wondering how he knew about it.

"Phoenix and Yoru told me the story. You want to talk about it ? Nah, we need to talk about it. I am not letting you beat yourself over some words that idiota said to you. " he send you a pointed look, letting you know he was not finished.

"What's there to talk about ? Yoru is right. I am big. Maybe too big." your voice suddenly got quieter, softer. Making Mateo raise an eyebrow at you, his heart broke seeing you in this state. One of his hands raised to your face wiping down any residue of the tears that flew down your cheeks just a moment ago.

"Stop that. You know it's not true." he said gently, placing a kiss on you forhead.

"Do I ?" you looked into his eyes, feeling yourself calm down. "Maybe Yoru was right. Maybe I should start a diet.. ouch !" you rubbed your forhead after he flicked it, glaring at him with a pout on your face.

"Basta, I don't want to hear that shit from you. You're perfect like you are, don't change just because some asshole made a comment about you. And you're not big or fat, I am pretty sure I weight more than you." he said with narrowed eyes. You rarely saw him mad and you had to admit he looked hot like that. Gulping you nodded a bit and put your head on his chest.

"I love you." you whispered with a smile.

"I love you more." He kissed the top of your head and smiled happy he could at least help you a little bit.

I AM SO SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG GUYS <\3 I caught a nasty cold over the weekend and could not sit down and write. I hope it's okay! I am gonna write more in the future, feel free to send tge requests ! <3

[pyropsychiccollector]

A post from a buddy of mine recently got me inspired to do this, myself... But surprisingly not for Makoto. Don't get me wrong, Makoto's a great guy... But I feel like I haven't talked a lot about some of my other ships, they're just kind of... there.

I'm gonna take it easy, though. Don't wanna burn myself out writing these. However, for all you rareshippers out there, I felt it's long overdue to write an "analysis" for at least some of your diamonds in the rough. Tonight, I figured... why not start with Hajime? Let's dust off one of his ships and take a look at it. I'll leave Hinanami alone for now, 'cause that's a pretty well-covered one.

... So let's touch on the other girl that had a presence at the beginning of Hajime's journey in Danganronpa. Let's examine...

Hinazuryu (or Hinatsumi, to distinguish from the... yaoi variant)

Natsumi's often one of those girls that are brushed off by the fans for... reasons. Mainly the fact she died pre-game in Goodbye Despair, and was only there for an episode in Despair Arc. But aside from the brevity of her existence, how canon just speed-runs through the details involving her, in the short time we meet her in the anime, Natsumi is... uppity. Prickly. Whatever word you want to use. Natsumi's not a "people" person, she's picky about who she interacts with. She came to Hope's Peak for one reason, and one reason only: Because her brother's there. And she's a girl seemingly willing to do anything to achieve her goals. Because she's a daughter of the Head of the most notorious yakuza clan in the modern era of Japan, the Kuzuryu's.

Natsumi's not like most people in the Reserve Course. ... I mean, you kinda get that from the way she and Hajime aren't "blue people" from their perspective, but it goes a bit farther down the rabbit hole than aesthetics. People usually join the Reserve Course to get that "prestige" of, "Look at me! I attended the best school in the world, and I wasn't an Ultimate!" Even Hajime gravitated to the Reserve Course because he admired Hope's Peak so much, and hoped that by studying here he'd find the resolve to... be someone. To take pride in himself.

Natsumi already has that pride going for her. For better or for worse, she thinks her criminal family is cool. Powerful. They're so well known that even the general public knows they're crooks, yet the police can't or won't touch them - probably because lack of evidence, bribery, and/or blackmail. Naturally, this means Natsumi's not an angel, she was "born" to be bad, and she hasn't had a reason for reflecting on this because she's still a teenager, a child.

... But Natsumi's not completely happy. Sure, she knows who she is. Knows where she fits in life. But like anyone else, she yearns for something, for someone - in this case, it's her brother. It's not enough to be attending the same school. Because Hope's Peak is the best in the world, and her brother was accepted as an Ultimate, one of the people destined to guide society... at least that's how the academy and the rest of the world look at it. So it's like, Natsumi's here, but she's not here... All she's done is navigate a the huddled masses of society to the front of the line... but now there's a cordoned off area, like when you see celebrities attending a movie premier. She's at the front of the crowd, but Fuyuhiko's canoodiling with the rest of the celebrities. She wants to be out there with him... But she can't yet. Because before anything, Hope's Peak needs to recognize her as an Ultimate like her Big Bro.

And this is where Hajime enters the picture. Natsumi gets to the front of the line, and she meets this other guy that's frustrated to be here like her. Hajime wants to be at Hope's Peak, but above all he wants to find pride in himself. To have a talent, to be good at something. So even if Hajime doesn't completely "get" Natsumi, he at least empathizes with wishing to get into the Main Course. Hajime is a bit intimidated by Natsumi being with the yakuza, but at the same time he's going along with society's grand delusions and thinks that Natsumi's as much a "nobody" like the rest of them because she's not an Ultimate. He does think Natsumi's too high and mighty for a Reserve student, and it doesn't help when Mahiru comes to deliver lunch for Sato, because Natsumi takes that as her cue to start something... because she and Mahiru have history. Natsumi's got some burning jealousy and envy going on, calling the photographer a goody two shoes and threatening her because the way Natsumi sees it, if there's an open slot, then she can squeeze into the Main Course. Be with her brother.

....... It doesn't go that way. Of course it doesn't go that way... Natsumi riles up Sato twice, and it takes Hajime (and Mahiru, the first time) to keep things from getting violent because Natsumi's threatening the photographer. It's not a shining moment for Natsumi, it's not meant to be. She's too goal-driven. Her yakuza blood is seeping through. I've talked with Vergilsama92 a few times about the romanticization of yakuza in Japan, it is a thing to pain yakuza in honorable, tragic lights... But honestly, yakuza are still criminals at the end of the day. and this right here is a good example of the daughter of a kumicho being too cutthroat, too willing to do anything to achieve her goals. Hajime defends her not out of some servitude to the mob, but because as someone that idolizes Hope's Peak, who thinks he and Natsumi resonate as far as that goes... he doesn't want her to get in trouble or lose her chance by doing something stupid. Hajime barely knows this girl. ... And he still empathizes with her.

Unfortunately for Hajime, it's not as simple as Natsumi caring about the academy. About having a talent. Perhaps Natsumi does want pride, to some extent, but it's as she explains it to Hajime: she feels left behind if Fuyuhiko just goes on as the Ultimate Yakuza and she's nothing. Hajime absolutely understands where Natsumi's coming from... 'cause he feels that same "gap" between him and Chiaki, or any Main Course student/staff for that matter. Hajime tries using Chiaki's words of wisdom to cheer Natsumi up, that she doesn't need to have a talent or be an elite. ... But unfortunately, it backfires a little bit - because Hajime's grasping around in the dark for a light switch just like Natsumi is. Chiaki's advice is good... But you need something to fill the void of talent, and Hajime can only assume for Natsumi that would be her relationship with her Big Bro, tries to console her with the fact Fuyuhiko's happy to be with her regardless of title... But Natsumi's just too bitter, frustrated, and depressed. She idolizes Fuyuhiko just like Hajime idolizes Hope's Peak... and she believes her Bro should only have the very best people around him. She wants Fuyuhiko to be proud of her, not looking down from above, to stand by his side.

... And man, poor Hajime just has no idea what to say. Because he gets her. That's the whole reason he's reaching out to a relative stranger in the first place. And here's the ironic beauty of this scene: it's okay that Hajime doesn't know the answers yet. Some people might say, "Makoto would've known what to say, Chiaki would've known, Chisa would've known..." And to that, I say that's not necessarily true. Conundrums like this take time to sort through, and the fact that Makoto, Chiaki, and Chisa are all Ultimates, it would've made it challenging to interact with Natsumi at first - not because they're so arrogant, but because Natsumi would see them as, rightfully or not, people that are superior to her. Natsumi wouldn't be so quick to open up to a bunch of random Ultimates, not at this stage. She's too bitter and hurt.

In this instance, I really would argue that Hajime was the "best" person to connect with Natsumi in the beginning. They're not completely the same; Hajime just wants pride in himself, and Natsumi wants to feel equal to her Bro. Hajime doesn't have the answers yet, they both need to remove their idols from their unreachable pedestals, but with some more time it's possible that he and Natsumi could have settled into this mutual search of "something else". I'll reiterate: It's okay to not know what to say. I read an article recently that talks about how as a society we need to have a ready, immediate answer to every little thing, every eventuality... And that's just not true. You don't need to know how to make yourself presentable, to sell yourself... You just need to be yourself. It's one of the hardest things, I know. XD Employers want this and that, demand you to do this and that, but sometimes you just have to take a step back, to divorce your private life from your job. Just "be you." Not what somebody else tells you to be.

I suppose that's the crux, the tragedy of Hajime and Natsumi here. They're teenagers doing what teenagers do best: Trying to find themselves. Hajime wants to be good at something, Natsumi wants to be her brother's equal. Unfortunately, however, that puts them at the mercy of Hope's Peak's agenda, because all those lies they feed the public? If Hajime and Natsumi want to get their wishes, they'll have to become Ultimates. That's the only surefire way to get anywhere in life, that's the magic spell Hope's Peak has weaved over the general populace. But Reserve Course have no hopes of transferring into the Main Course - they're cash cows. And if on the very rare chance they develop a talent, then they go from being a cash cow to a guinea pig, an animal in a cage purely for observation to funnel all that research into the Kamukura Project. And Hajime's in the most dangerous position of all, being the first potential guinea pig for that Project. The academy's offering Hajime a carrot, and he's really tempted to reach out and take it... But he met Chiaki. Met her teacher. Met Mister Tengan. And now he's met Natsumi... And Hajime's just so lost on what he should do. He only has so much time to make a decision, and it's going to change his life no matter what. He'll either go for the carrot, and lose himself in the process; or he'll be cast out because his family isn't rich enough to keep sending him to school there.

Hajime feels this tug between two ideals - Chiaki's and Natsumi's. He wants to believe in Chiaki, that there's another way... but he jives with Natsumi so much that it hurts.

And then the unthinkable happens: Even though Hajime just met her, Natsumi dies. Sure, the audience could see that Sato was deeply disturbed, that she had her own obsession in Mahiru... And Natsumi threatening the photographer sent Sato over the edge. However, the characters don't have this omniscient understanding of people; Natsumi dies within days of being accepted to Hope's Peak's Reserve department. You might not think that this would impact Hajime so much... but it does. Much like how Darth Maul killing Qui-Gon helped decide Anakin's fate in Star Wars, the same kind of tragedy happens here: Hajime had someone that resonated with him. He had someone that bounced a dialogue off with him to help figure some things out... And now that person's gone.

Say what you will about Natsumi being a terrible role model or a terrible human being because she was a yakuza, but from what we can deduce from her death is that she is a victim in this case. Not a blameless one, but nothing suggests that she truly planned to off Mahiru, unless you take Sato at her word. We're left with this impression that Sato jumped the gun, and now Hope's Peak is in a pinch because of the upcoming exams - so they sweep the murder under the rug because the academy's good name comes first above all else.

Hajime plunges on ahead, oblivious to the politics involved. Because... he needs to find out the truth of Natsumi's death. Even if he barely knew her, he needs to know who killed her, and why... To give himself closure as much as Natsumi. Hajime's still so lost and reeling...

... And he can't catch a break. He overhears Sato and Mahiru talking in the courtyard, and is on the right track with suspecting Sato of the crime... But Sato refuses to talk to him. Leaving Hajime with only one option: Talk to Mahiru. Which... obviously doesn't happen. Because Hope's Peak doesn't let Reserves onto the Main Campus... And Juzo goes rough on him because he's trying to protect Hajime in his own arrogant, misguided way. Because Juzo knows the Steering Committee would bury the kid if he made too much noise about this murder.

It's the last straw for Hajime, however... He's hurt, he's broken... and Chiaki's "hope" rings hollow for him, because he doesn't see how a nobody like him can live in this world where the elite bury the nobodies like they don't even matter, a world where he's so powerless. He still admires and loves Chiaki a lot - but he can't live on like this. and he winds up choosing to take the carrot that Hope's Peak is giving him.

I come to the end of this long-ass summary of canon... to say that this only plays a very small part of my love for Hinatsumi. It's a small, yet meaningful part. Because like how Chiaki's death "snapped" him back to Hajime, it was Natsumi's death that was the trigger to the chain of events that cornered Hajime. Hajime barely knew this girl... and yet she had such a profound effect on his life because they were like reflections in a mirror. Honestly, Hinatsumi has some parallels to Naezono for me, 'cause Sayaka didn't get to live long, either... XD Admittedly, however, Natsumi is not a lovesick puppy for Hajime like Sayaka is for Makoto. ... Not. Even. Close.

Honestly, if Natsumi's death could have been averted, that would just be the starting point to a world of new possibilities. Let's start with the fact that Natsumi opened up to Hajime about her brother in the first place. This is a guy she just met, she's been looking down her nose at all these other "scrubs" that are their classmates... and here's this guy that, as wishy-washy as he can be, has shown that he has some spine. And sure, he whines and quibbles over how they're gonna get accepted into the Main Course, but he wants to get there. He could use some more time stewing in the pot or whatever, but Hajime's not completely hopeless. At least he tries to talk back to her, talk like they're equals; everyone else is so relaxed about being in the Hope's Peak... even though they're frankly not. Whether or not Natsumi realizes this yet, Hajime's someone that she respects on some level. Enough to tell him about her brother and how he deserves only the very best. And hey, maybe it's something that she's been meaning to get off her chest, and she hasn't found anyone to listen to her up until now...

At least it's a start. I imagine if Sato's attempted murder had failed for whatever reason, there'd still be this tension between Natsumi, Sato, and Mahiru; and Fuyuhiko and Peko would probably be dragged into it. But that obvious point aside, as the deadline for Hajime's decision draws closer, Natsumi would most likely press him about what's eating away at him, why he's so hung up on getting into that main campus...

And I think Hajime might just open up to her about his decision, in some capacity. Whether he tells her about the Project, or whether he keeps to the confidentiality agreement, he would still convey that his tuition's running out... And there's something he needs to decide on, if he's gonna stay here or not. Even if he keeps mum about the Project, Natsumi would probably understand it's something clandestine, something a bit too intense for Hajime's current level. ... And she'd probably tell him to just not have anything to do with it. Natsumi has seen shady shit, and it's not stuff that she'd wish on Hajime. If it was money troubles he was having, he should have just told her; I can see that as an attitude Natsumi would have. In a situation where Natsumi is saved from dying by Hajime (and yes, there's a few fanfics out there to that effect), her family would feel this sort of indebtedness to him, and would likely offer a deal for tuition money. But in worlds where the attempted murder is thwarted through other means, and Hajime doesn't have that reckless savior status going for him, I can see Natsumi talking with her brother or her dad to get a "job" lined up for Hajime, whether as a lookout or train him up as a bodyguard, whatever they feel Hajime needs to do to earn that tuition money, and they'd go from there.

Of course... I don't see Hajime all too thrilled to be making a deal with a yakuza group, but the alternative is losing his place at Hope's Peak altogether or accepting their Project when he's still so uncertain. In the spirit of "open-mindedness", I think Hajime would take a shot with working with the Kuzuryu's if he's primarily working with Natsumi or her brother that he hasn't met yet. The reason for that is that he knows Natsumi (... well, a little) and she seems sincere enough that her brother has scruples, too. Maybe he can have an effect on them or their family; and if not that, well, being trained in some capacity isn't a bad thing. Few others seem so willing to give Hajime a chance, and the ones that are honestly have their lives more together than Hajime does.... XD It's just speculation, but based on how he interacts with Natsumi and Fuyuhiko, I think he'd take a shot with them. ... Even if the carrot Hope's Peak is offering is so tantalizing. XDDD

Whatever path Hajime takes, whether it's leaving Hope's Peak or working with the Kuzuryu's... I think Natsumi would stay in touch, at least. Maybe if their friendship deepens, she'd transfer to his school eventually, if he decided to leave. It's just a hunch more than anything, but they wouldn't break off their tentative friendship, regardless of what Hajime does. Without a murder, Hope's Peak is less antsy, and that gives Hajime a much more "friendly" environment to avoid rushing into deciding to do the Kamukura Project. If he stays, chances are he'll meet Mahiru properly, meet Fuyuhiko and Peko, and possibly all of Chiaki's classmates... But as cozy with Chiaki as he is, I have a feeling Natsumi would get territorial before long. Seeing the goofballs that is Fuyuhiko's classmates, Natsumi might even lose a bit of confidence that going to the Main Course is what she wants... Hajime's a lot easier to handle, and some of them would just piss her off.... (人◕ω◕) She probably wouldn't give up going to the Main Course right away, and neither would Hajime, but more time to think about things would chill both of them out.

To properly end this off, I'll get into the more "shippy" reasons for why these two work. And yes, it's not because they're both Reserve Course... though that helps in chilling Natsumi out. That she's not being talked down to.

... *stares at height difference between Natsumi and Hajime* Just don't say anything, Pyro.... (人◕ω◕);;;;;;;;

Obviously, Hajime and Natsumi have different, even clashing personalities. This is great, because they balance each other out! They complement each other. Natsumi is short-tempered, foul-mouthed, bossy, stubborn, but she's got a backbone, and she'd help Hajime build up his. If Hajime works for the Kuzuryu's, it might be touch-and-go at first because Natsumi may be playful and screw around with having him do stuff for her or Fuyuhiko... But she'd also, sooner or later, pick up on his potential for talking to people. That is to say, Hajime might not have the answers to everything, but at least he tries and at least he listens. Natsumi might nudge him to "counselor"-esque positions, maybe at first (jokingly) suggesting to provide counsel to yakuza who want to leave or retire from the gang - Hajime would deadpan back that yakuza don't "retire" like most "professions." Maybe she wouldn't be completely hands-on with telling Hajime where to go, but if he eventually found something himself that he was relatively confident in, Natsumi would support him all the way.

Hajime, on the other hand, may be wishy-washy, uncertain, cautious, and down on himself a lot... But he does have scruples, he reflects, and he'd be down-to-earth which would offset Natsumi's fiery spirit. He might not be able to defuse "every" conflict Natsumi is a part of, but if they hang around each other enough, he'll help chill Natsumi out. In turn, she'll help give him a tenacity, a determination. Hajime would probably meet Fuyuhiko (and Peko) sooner rather than later, and boy would he be nervous. lol But he'd get to know Fuyuhiko a lot, and Fuyuhiko would see the balming effect Hajime has on Natsumi's obsessive drive to be his equal. And Fuyuhiko would approve the hell out of that. Anything to keep her from the stark raving madness that she embodied at the start of the school year.

Hajime and Natsumi would be a slow buildup for a romance... and that's honestly fine. Natsumi would see Hajime as a friend before anything else for a long time, and she'd have these other ideas for "boyfriend material"... And maybe she'd learn the hard way those types aren't what she's looking for. They'd sort of stumble into the romance, with Natsumi getting a bit jealous Hajime's so comfortable around Chiaki... give Hajime the cold shoulder if worse comes to worst, but then find out she misses his company, and tries to make it up to him. Hajime in turn gives Natsumi space when it seems like she needs it, and cares about her; though he'd probably flip a bit if he realized he was falling for a yakuza...

In an ideal world, perhaps Natsumi leaves the yakuza behind to raise a family with Hajime, someday. Like Fuyuhiko, she has scruples; and it's possible that Sato killing her is a sign that Natsumi isn't all hardcore and violent like she puts on. ... Maybe Sato just got lucky, we can't be sure. But I like to think if she keeps on developing, Natsumi will see the criminal underworld isn't all as glamorous as she thought it was, as a kid. Perhaps Hajime would see the conflict between morals and duty, and suggest they get out while they have the chance; Natsumi might not take it so well at first, but... Like Fuyuhiko, she might come to accept she can't "change" the family to the extent that she would want.... 'cause yakuza are criminals at the end of the day. They're not gonna be able to keep up an "honorable" facade forever.

That aside, in general, Hinatsumi is nice 'cause they're two wayward souls that balance each other out. They push and tug each other like the moon and the waves. Chances are, even if Hajime refuses the Project, the Tragedy's still gonna happen, just maybe not as we know it. But at least in this path, Hajime and Natsumi both have a chance to live and fight the good fight with Future Foundation. If the Tragedy never happens, well.... they'll still probably realize Hope's Peak isn't all it's cracked up to be. And they don't need to be Ultimates to live a satisfying life~

Hope you enjoyed my long-ass analysis/speculation on the Hinatsumi ship. Like I said, I wanna do this for some of my other favorite minor ships... Just to spread the love around. :3

[secretsofdbz]

Ohai, does my fic seem too long and intimidating? But do you still want to give it a shot, but can't commit the time and energy to a longfic?

The premise you need:

Future Trunks is a girl and wears a binder / hides her gender because ~reasons~. She wanted to come clean to the gang after her birth, but main timeline Trunks was born a boy (and at a different date than she was).

The story is divided in different arcs. The first three arcs cover the entire canon Android Saga and as such, are somewhat canon compliant. Some spoilers for the story of course.. (in italics, some chapters you can read on their own).

Trunks arc:

Trunks appears, yeets Frieza, gives the warning but instead of going back home immediately, she stays for a little while to use the Dragon Balls. And train a little with Goku, Gohan and Piccolo on one hand, and Vegeta on the other.

Spar: instead of doing nothing during the 3 hours wait before Goku arrives, someone starts a fight with the mysterious youth.

Goku: Goku finally arrives, and the mysterious youth delivers the warning to the entire gang, and gives the medicine.

Vegeta; Trunks fights/trains with Vegeta before she can use the Dragon Balls.

Android Arc:

Trunks' second trip to the past makes her land a bit later than anticipated. They meet (and fight) 17 and 18, 16 doesn't fight, and the Cyborgs (+ 1 Android) decide to go on their merry way and find Goku, who, of course, fell ill. Baby Trunks was born male, and at another date than she was, enter existential crisis mode, plus a bunch of fighters who now know who she is. Or rather, who she's meant to be. And there's a new Time Machine...?

Family: just after being beaten up by the Androids, and taking that strange Time Machine back to Capsule Corp for analysis, Trunks is welcomed back to Capsule Corp as a family member.

Siblings: Trunks explains to Bulma the different timelines while dealing with the existential crisis of the new Time Machine.

Cell arc:

The Time Machine was discovered, but most importantly, its monster has appeared, and everything goes to hell. Room of Spirit and Time, the certainty that the monster killed another version of Trunks (who was, it seems, male as well) to steal the machine, the possibility of a future Bulma left alone, and dealing with the fact that Gohan, precious Gohan, wants to fight and learn to become a super Saiyan.. Trunks can't accept that and has a frank discussion about it with him and Goku, that Hybrids are different. She ends up bonding with Vegeta and finally calls him her father, all while still hiding her gender and situation. Of course that goes to hell when Vegeta decides to let Cell become perfect. Some serious punching is warranted, if they survive the Cell Games...

Birthday: Celebrating Gohan's 9th birthday (post-Cell appearing, before he became perfect) with everyone, while Goku is still recovering.

Father: the meat of the fighting in the HTC for Trunks and Vegeta.

The talks: just afterwards, some "biology" education situation.

Purpose arc:

This is where the true divergence happens. Instead of going straight home to 784, Trunks decides to make sure the Cyborgs are no threat to 767... And she goes with Gohan and Krillin to 787 to rez Dead!Trunks. And blow up a lab. And steal some hardware. And meet her older, male!self.. and 787's Gohan and Videl (!). And tell that Bulma and male!Trunks, as well as Gohan and Krillin about how she got her sword because clearly those events haven't happened in 767 nor in 787. Once back in 767, there's also a healthy dose of her relationship with Vegeta, whether to forgive him, to see what he's done and hasn't done, and Gohan confesses he's in love with her (nothing outrageous.. all while still thinking fem!Trunks is male; little by little though, some people find out she's a girl :p). There's also taking Krillin to a date with Android 18 and mayhaps be alright. Trunks eventually goes back home to 784, kills her cyborgs and blows up her lab before Cell hatches. But not all is well.

Tapion: 784-Trunks explains to 787-Trunks, 787-Bulma, 787-Dende, and 767 Gohan and 767 Krillin how she got her sword.

Uranai Baba: Uranai Baba can finally come back from Otherworld with a guest to 787.

Love: In 767, before Trunks goes back home to 784, Gohan confesses.

Solitude arc:

784's Future Bulma decides to take her Trunks back to the main timeline, but she aims for 774 instead for a bunch of reasons; she wants to enroll Trunks in school. Even if she's just under 19, she dropped out because, well, apocalypse. Main Timeline Bulma pulls some strings and gets her to be enrolled in the same year as Gohan because, well, of course she would. Future Bulma and Future Trunks take pseudonyms as to not confuse the kids, and go by Tights ("stealing my sister's name lol") and Tora (the name Trunks used when she stayed during the Trunks arc) and still present as male. This arc covers the Saiyaman Arc, except it's with Tapion (!) and the Buu arc (except it's with some other interference..)

School: Trunks ("Tora") was thrown into school and meets 16yo Gohan, who has grown taller than her since. And all of his classmates.

Flying: Where Videl wants to learn to fly and Goten and Trunks discover that 'Tora', Trunks' "cousin" can go Super.

Dares: Drinking games with the school kids. Nothing nefarious, but Android 17 is involved so expect some shenanigans...!

[basil-the-scorned]

Rumors

Part of Basil's December Drabbles/WIP-Cember!!

AN: this one was done right after double or nothing, but I was too dang tired to finish so it just...sat there. BUT IT'S DONE, I just never posted it!

Jack’s eyes were closed when he felt the buzz on leg. Without thinking, he grabbed his phone and opened his eyes to see a text appear on the lock screen. 20-235. A room number he briefly remembers staying in at one point, and not the one he was currently in which was filled with his new…friends? 

(He was still figuring that part out.)

“Hey, who’s texting ya?”  Jack looks up at Nick, messing with the buttons on his vest.

“Someone being annoying.” Jack half-lies. And it quickly became true because he got another text with a timewatch gif.

“Want us to take care of it?” 

 Jack’s heart leaped a bit, but he just waved the offer off. “Nah, I got it. In fact, might take care of it right now.” He got up from the chair he was half on and strolled out of there.  In the background, Jack briefly hears Nick telling his brother exactly what he said, although a bit butchered. It didn’t stop him from leaving, not even waving good night.

Jack didn’t stop until he was out in the lobby, chairs backed into every corner before someone entered the hallway of the hotel. It’s still as big as he remembered, and still just as intimidating to walk through by yourself. He didn't stop his hands from going up into his hair, not caring about the kinks his fingers seem to snag upon. 

The chair seemed to be a lot more comforting than in the room. Jack flopping down to cushion proved that much, and he closed his eyes again. 

He's been with the Elite these past few weeks and while it's been nice to have them show their appreciation for what he did, there's been an eerie feeling he's been having since yesterday. It would be an understatement to see how different the Elite were, especially Matt and Nick--or Matthew and Nicolas, whatever they want to be called.

He couldn't ignore how vicious they were now, as if they were scorching the locker room till everyone that wronged them was burned alive. Especially Matt, the one that was the calm and collected one compared to Nick until Kenny made his way back into the ring. It wasn’t like he wasn’t matching their energy, especially with the beef he had with Khan.

It just felt off for some reason. 

His fingers scrunched his hair some more just as another buzz in his pocket went off. “I swear to God…” He mumbles, already knowing who it was before he looks at his phone once again. Physically they haven't seen each other in over six months. Jack received the first text 2 months later. Short and to the point, like always.

Of course Jack didn't respond right away. He had it open on his screen, simmering as he did multiple things. Either made himself too busy or too nervous to answer back in the right words.

Eventually, when he couldn't ignore it any longer and everyone around him noticed how he turned his phone over a bit too hard a bit too many times, he just sent back a 'hey’. He made his forehead sting from how hard he facepalmed.

They didn't leave off on the greatest note. Slamming your former friend onto a car windshield is a hell of a place to leave off on. It opened some kind of door though.

One text became many, then into a phone call where many things were yelled until they were both hoarse, then planning a meetup that kept getting canceled because of last minute plans. As if the universe was trying to make sure he was ready to take this path again. 

Like he had any kind of idea what might be next for him.

He opened his eyes, finally getting his bearings together enough to start his journey. Jack's feet finally made it to the door and he raised his hand to knock only to pause before his fingers could even touch it. The thoughts of this going wrong, or maybe it was all just getting his guard down again and then getting attacked.

He already knew his new group would have a lot to say about what he’s doing, which is why he wanted to do it without hearing their mouths. 

So he finally knocked at the door.

A few seconds later, he heard a loud click and the door swung open.. He didn't even get to say a proper hello before a solid body tackled him, throwing them both onto the ground.

[themurderofcrowscollective]

The detective wasn't expecting to hear a feminine voice but the more he focuses his eyes, the sooner he realizes who exactly is talking to him. Red crimson hair, bright orange eyes that are close to yellow, and attire you'd find a man wearing with the same sword he saw earlier, hanging off her belt. The Red Witch carefully approaches him and crouches, getting a wet rag from a bowl of water nearby and wiping off the drool from his chin. " You snore, loudly. I suppose you're here because of the townsfolk below finally sent in reports about my presence, and you're here to arrest me. Am I correct? " Her gaze pierces into his soul as he slowly sits up with a groan. " Uh... I only came here for an investigation behind the rumors. Are you the Red Witch? " " Someone's done their homework. Yes, I am her. Now answer my question, are you here to arrest me, or kill me? " Her tone of voice dropped to a monotonous one, her eyes staring deep into his eyes. Dare he says it, he's a little intimidated but he clears his throat. " No, no. Although, I would like to question you about your side of the story, why everyone has outcasted you from society, why you've been mistreated. " " So a detective with a strong sense of justice and fairness. Very well. We will hold this mock interrogation later when you've rested and eaten, I suggest you sleep now as those scars haven't fully healed yet. " She speaks softly, her intense stare softening as she gets up and walks out of the room. He watches as she leaves before sighing and laying back down. He can't outright arrest her and drag her back to London, but all he can do is rest until next time. - - - The next moment the detective wakes up, he is slightly blinded by the morning light shining into the room. It's strange to think that with all these boarded-up windows, there'd be no light but here he is, squinting as he gets up slowly and pulls the covers off of him. It's peacefully quiet in the room as the fire has gone out and the welcoming smell of breakfast leads his eyes to the table in front of the couch. A plate of biscuits and gravy sided with sausage links and a few strawberries await him along with a glass of... juice? He's going to assume that's juice, it's too red to tell whether or not that's wine. Alas with a sip, he sighs in relief; it's just cranberry juice. He figures to eat and doesn't acknowledge the fact that the Red Witch is entering the room, holding a half-eaten peach in one hand and a half-folded newspaper in the other, seeming engrossed in it as she sits in the chair next to the couch. Granted, the detective looked at her and sips the cranberry juice again before choking a bit. " Uh oh, try to breathe. " She murmurs with her eyes glued to the newspaper, biting into the peach while he breathes and clears his throat. " Don't try to wolf all that down either, take your time. I know you would've slept for a while but not for 4 days. " " Excuse me? " " You heard me, four days. " " Was it that bad? " " For a man your size, losing all that blood was really bad. Throughout each night I had to hold you up and make you drink water but you kept talking in your sleep. " The detective goes quiet, blushing a little as he finishes his food. He knows about his tendencies to talk in his sleep but he's embarrassed to ask about what he said. " Do you have a name, by the way? I just know you're the Red Witch but a name would be nice. " " You go first, all I know is you're a stupid detective who got his ass handed to him by a pack of wolves and slept on my couch for 4 days while babbling like a newborn baby about cheese. " Oh fuck he had the cheese dream again. Ignoring the blush deepening on his cheeks, he clears his throat. " Right, forgive my lack of manners. My name is Detective John MacTavish, thank you for saving my life. "

Rose Red

(Another fuckin' fanfic, let's get this bread!) (The fanfic title is inspired by Emilie Autumn's 'Rose Red', I recommend it.) - - - There are all sorts of tales that speak of wondrous adventures and knights and princesses, dragons and the highest towers of a castle in ruin, kings and queens. Many of these stories make the knight play as the hero, a man of valiant honor and loyalty, set out to save the princess who is trapped or captured but these types of stories... are just about everywhere. In the 1700s, in Manchester, Britain... there lives a woman who is considered the most infamous outcast there is. Her name is unspoken of as she is a taboo topic to speak of, considering her past. Her family were loved and were spoken of in high praises as they all were noble, fair and talented greatly in art, music, story writing and architect. Anyone would have something good to say about this family, that is until the dreadful fire that set their home ablaze and took them all with the home, all except their middle child who survived. In order to maintain her high status, she had immediately married into a rich family to rebuild her home and restore honor to her family name as she is the sole survivor, but all came crumbling down when her marriage abruptly ended with her husband dying of a cruel man's actions. She mourned the loss of her love but rather than going through the grieving process, she swore vengeance at the funeral and revealed a side to herself that shook the whole audience to their very core. Rather than going to the authorities to arrest the man who killed her lover, she spent days figuring out where he had fled to and recovered a family heirloom that her father gave her before his passing. The heirloom? A sword of pure steel with red rubies adorning it's hilt and the family crest in the center of the hilt. As her brothers were deemed unworthy to wield it, they were jealous of her and kept patronizing her with 'facts' such as 'You know that only a man can do a man's job, right?' or 'Women shouldn't be allowed to wield swords!' but on that fateful night, she proved them wrong. That night, with the rebuilding of her home completed, she hosted a party to celebrate and invited everyone including the man who killed her husband. He had thought he was lucky and wanted to find a way to woo her into marrying him, so he could kill her next and inherit the fortune left behind for her but what he found out was it was all a trap. He was led away by her during the party into the gardens of red roses, not expecting to be met with a sword to his throat instead of her 'goods'. Infuriated, the man took out his own sword and swore to kill her but little did he know, she was trained by her grandfather to kill from a young age. The fight was glorious and they nearly fit well together but rather than giving him a truce when she had him on his back, she uttered softly with a fire burning in her eyes... 'No retreat, no surrender.' And like that, he was beheaded with one swift swing of her sword. Before anyone could find the two, the lady buried the man she killed and went back to the party like nothing happened, having cleaned up her attire from the blood until someone comes running back inside and exclaiming that they had seen her kill the man responsible for her husband's death. The party went into a panic and the guests fled the manor, while a few men stayed behind to kill her for killing their friend. The last thing they saw was each of their friends dying quickly, the rubies glowing and the lady's eyes burning a bright orange color similar to the embers of a fireplace. That night, the lady's name became lost to time and thus became The Red Witch. - - -

[dazedbypark]

you're warm | kth

Pairing : Kim Taehyung × Reader

Genre : Established Relationship! au, Comfort! au, Fluff, A hint of angst

Summary : You haven't watched a movie with your boyfriend in a long time. Or maybe more accurate would be the sentence - you haven't cuddled with him in a long time.

Warnings : None, except for the fact that it's written by me.

Word Count : 1.5k (does this count as a drabble? but whatever asjkshshej)

Author's Note : This drabble is uhh...quite random, I'd say. But then again, which work of mine isn't? The idea struck me while I was attending my classes and I was like why not? After I finished writing it, I really was in a Taehyung mood🤧

Anyways, please enjoy this drabble! It will mean a lot to me if you do so. And please leave feedback if possible (doesn't matter if it's good or bad). It motivates me a lot🌻

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You peep in at Taehyung's room through the half-open door.

There is no sunlight in there. The weather is cloudy today. Yet, he has somehow managed to keep the room warm. On walls painted white and brown, hang vintage paintings high and proud. The room is messy as always, Taehyung never bothering to clean it. Clothes are piled high on a chair, just a centimetre away from making a mess on the floor. The bed is still not cleared; blankets and pillows scattered on it.

He is sitting in his chair, squinting at the screen of the desktop through his glasses. His elbow rests on the table, his fingers grazing his soft lips and the tip of his nose. His brows are furrowed in concentration, giving him that intimidating look only he possesses (and it's scary, mind you).

You slowly push the the door, making space for you to squeeze into the room, silently praying that the door doesn't squeak. And it doesn't, luckily. You raise your head to look at him once again. He's still busy, head buried deep into his work.

You quietly tip-toe towards the back of his chair. And then, suppressing a laugh, you block his view by covering his eyes with your hands. You feel his eyelashes flutter under your touch and him jump in his chair, before he relaxes completely.

"Wh---Y/n, you gave me the fright of my life," he says, his deep voice filling in your ears.

You step away from Taehyung and turn to lean on the wall, facing him. He, too, tears his gaze away from the screen and directs it towards you.

"I intended that." You poke your tongue out at him.

He only laughs at that, the sound of it music to your ears. You have always loved his laugh; the sound of it, the way his face brightens up with a glow whenever he does so. Your heart melts, not for the first time since you first heard it.

"So, what are you here for?" he questions, raising his eyebrows at you. Does he know you love how his brows raise? He definitely knows. You roll your eyes at him.

"Does your girlfriend need a reason everytime she visits you?" you reply, crossing your hands on your chest.

"She usually doesn't visit without any reason, stating it right away when she enters, never wasting a moment. And when she does enter my house without saying a word, all she needs is cuddles. There always is a reason," he answers.

"She---" you try to come up with a clever and witty response, but fail to do so.

He smiles at you then, resting his chin on his hands and tilting his head. "As I said, my girlfriend never visits me without any reason."

You only puff your cheeks at that, annoyed because you can't find even a decent defence for yourself. He's good at this kind of stuff, for some reason.

"Let's just end that conversation right there. I'll just answer your question." You hesitate for a moment before continuing, "I want to watch a movie, alright? I just realized we haven't done so in a long time. And we'll watch romance, of course."

"Okay then, Y/n. Let me just finish writing this e-mail first," he says, motioning towards his desktop.

"What do I do till then?"

"Do whatever you want. Not like I have chained you up, honey." He turns his face away from you, shielding it from your view.

You only throw a dirty look at the back of his head and proceed to walk towards his balcony situated beyond the wide and tall windows of his room. Pushing the curtains aside and sliding the windows, you walk into it.

You love your balcony, you really do. But his holds a view undeniably better (maybe because it's his balcony). He sure does have good luck.

The city isn't as buzzing with crowds at this hour of the day. It's relatively calmer, making noise with only the silence for people to hear.

The cold, humid wind blows in, grazing your skin. It calms you down. You feel all your clenched muscles relax, giving in to the simple comfort of the wind blowing. You close your eyes and lean on the railings, placing both your hands on it.

In reality, you care nothing about the movie. It just hasn't been that great a day. Not bad, but it hasn't been the best one either. And your thoughts that constantly trailed towards negativity didn't help much either. Tired of them, you had found yourself walking aimlessly within the city, just simply looking at all that it held in it; at the buildings and the trees, at the changing seasons, at the sky and at the people. Feeling yourself unwind a little after that, you unsurprisingly found out that your feet had led you to the complex Taehyung lived in. You had smiled a little then.

Suddenly, you feel two arms wrap around your waist and a body slowly pressing against your back.

You only sigh, smiling. A warm feeling swirls in your chest. It is love and so much more that you feel for him. You spin around in his hands, turning to face him.

You find him smiling at you, eyes searching yours.

"You really love my balcony, now, don't you?" He tightens his grip on you a little.

"And so what? What if I do?" You cock your eyebrows at him, swiping your tongue against the inside of your cheek.

He pulls you close, and your face finds itself pressed into his chest. Your cheeks flame a little, but it feels nice. Comforting. Like home. You feel warm inside out whenever he holds you like this.

You breathe him in. Even his smell is so warm.

"Your breath is making me ticklish, Y/n. Don't do that," he laughs, and you feel his chest vibrating with laughter against your face.

"I..." you trail off, not knowing what to say. You only press your face into his chest further and wrap your arms around his back, holding him close.

"You're really in a cuddly mood today, huh? What about the movie?" he asks, and you hear the smile in his voice as he does so. He must be looking at you with those eyes. Eyes that your friend had once claimed that he only has reserved for his loved ones. As much as you want to look at his eyes and him, you don't want to distance yourself from him even a bit. Why in the world couldn't you do both of them together?

"I still want to. Just give me a second, please." And he does.

You try to savour his warmth, his body so close to yours, his hands on your back, his comforting presence. You don't know how much time you hold on to him like that. He doesn't move either.

When you finally look up, you find him looking at you with eyes so fond, that you immediately melt under his gaze.

"Shall we go now, Tae?"

"Okay. Let's go, Y/n." His eyes flit all over your face before he finally lets go of you, and you miss the contact quite quickly.

As you walk, his hand finds yours and his fingers intertwine with yours absent-mindedly. You smile quietly at the gesture.

As soon as you reach his living room, you curl up on the couch with the blankets and the pillows you brought on your way here.

Taehyung proceeds to turn on the television and scrolls through the seemingly endless collection of movies.

"Which one this time?" he asks, turning to look at you, only to find that you are already curled up on his couch. You really are in a cuddly mood today. He smiles, knowing that you are going to sleep halfway through the movie. He isn't complaining, though.

"Any movie is fine," you mumble in reply to his question, your voice a little muffled due to the layer of blankets you have wrapped yourself in.

He only shakes his head at you, smiling, and continues his search. At last, he decides on one and then walks towards your form on the couch.

After contemplating for a moment, he sits on the opposite end of the couch, as far away from you as possible.

Realising this, you scoot over to his side of the couch. He smiles like an idiot. You hardly seem to care about his win at this point. You curl into him, putting your arms around him and resting your head against his chest, his heart beating steadily under you. He too, secures his arms around your body, holding you close to him and rests his chin on your head. You smile at that.

_

"You're warm," you're mumbling, half-asleep, when barely 10 mins of the movie have been completed.

Your words warm him up as well.

_

To his surprise, it doesn't even take half of the movie for you to fall asleep. You must have really been tired today, he thinks as you snore lightly in your peaceful slumber.

He kisses your forehead and holds you tighter.

He loves you, he realizes not for the first time.

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all rights reserved ©dazedbypark | copying, translating and/or redistributing the work is strictly not allowed.

[nctseren]

🕒SEREN : 2-3pm | NCT 24hr RELAY CAM

"It's exactly 2:00 pm — well now it's 2:01 pm."

Seren is standing in front of the camera, which is on her small desk. She's wearing a blue sweater and pants, there is a white towel around her shoulders, and her hair is wet.

"I just took a bath. The water was so good that I almost forgot about you." she begins to dry her hair. "Johnny-oppa had to come to knock on my door to remind me."

She stops drying her hair for a moment to grab the camera, then walks over to her bed and sits down. With one hand, she holds the camera and, with her other hand, continues to dry her hair.

"These days, there isn't much to do because, you know, we can't go outside." she pouts. "So after practice or when I finish my schedule, I come back here, rest a bit, and then go to the 10th floor to watch movies or hang out."

"I don't really wear makeup when I'm at home," she says when she's done drying her hair. "Well, that's a lie. I do wear it sometimes, but I don't feel like doing it today."

Seren sets the towel aside and eases herself onto the bed, crossing her legs.

"You can see I have dark circles," she points under her eyes. 

"Ah, you guys, I've been listening to a lot of music lately — well, always." she laughs a little. "But lately, I feel more connected. I recently listened to Zayn's album again —yes, Icarus Falls, don't tell me you haven't heard it! — and I forgot how great it was. In fact," she starts laughing all of a sudden. "yesterday Taeyong-oppa entered the room and was scared because everything was dark and the music was loud. I was sitting like this and meditating... Yes, he was scared."

She is silent for a moment. "I don't know what to do anymore— it's embarrassing to admit that. I already ate, Doyoung-oppa is in his room, but I don't want to disturb him. Johnny-oppa is getting ready because he has things to do, and Taeyong-oppa left early." she sighed with mock sadness. "I only have Haechan left ..."

Another scene appears in the video, Seren leaving her room and bumping into Haechan coming out of hers.

"Did you just wake up?" she looks surprised. "Yah, you have to sleep early. Czennies, Haechan played until 4 am, again."

"They know that's my bedtime," Haechan scoffed. "And I woke up half an hour ago, but I'll go back to sleep in a while."

"No! You have to keep me company."

"But I have better things to do!" He whined.

Seren shot him a look. "Go away then, and don't talk to me ever again."

The next few seconds of the video are Haechan hugging her and asking her for "forgiveness" as they made their way to the kitchen.

(...)

They both sit at the table— there are various plates of food and fruit. Haechan brings his face closer to the camera with a big smile.

"Well, now this is Haechan 1.0 Relay Cam. They'll watch me eat while Sohee admires my face."

"Very funny."

She moves the camera away from him and places it on the table, focusing on both of them.

But he ignores her. "Auntie left me some prepared food. I love her."

"I love her even more."

"You just want to fight."

Seren rolls her eyes and grabs a plate of grapes. Haechan takes a plate of food.

"What are you going to do when it's your turn?" she asks him, stuffing the fifth grape into her mouth.

"I don't know." He shrugs. "I told Johnny-hyung to do it with me. And now you have to be there as well."

"I doubt it."

"Ah, noona!" he begs.

She laughs and moves closer to the camera. "Czennies, pay attention. This is what he does when he wants something from me. He never calls me that, only when he wants something."

"You never want to appear with me," Haechan complains. "The same thing happened last time. You preferred to go out with Jaehyun-hyung."

"You didn't invite me last time." She responds defensively, but there is a smile peeking out. "Like, we ran into each other in the elevator, and you just complained. Besides, we're together right now."

"If I were Jaemin ..." he mutters, taking a big bite out of his food.

But Seren hears him because, after that, she lets out the loudest laugh, and when she moves her hand, she accidentally hits him.

"Haechanie tends to get jealous because he swears that Jaemin is my favorite now."

Haechan frowns but still seems to want to laugh. "I just finish this meal, and trust me, the rest of the week I don't speak to you again."

He was obviously joking because not even a minute later, they were both chatting and laughing like nothing.

"After this, we should play fifa," he says.

Seren immediately denies it. "I don't play with bad losers."

"Once! That was once!" he defends himself. "And I don't know since when did you get good."

"Jungwoo taught me." She responds happily. "He said, and I quote: so you can finally kick his ass— butt! I meant butt."

He lets out a big snort. "I'm better than him."

"I highly doubt that."

After what seemed like an eternity (to her) of waiting for Haechan to finish eating and hearing him say that "he was definitely better than Jungwoo" they finally went to sit in the living room.

She adjusts the camera so that it focuses on both of them, and he takes the remote control to turn on the television.

"Hey, don't you dare turn on the game!" she sits up and frowns at him.

Haechan pouts at her. "Please, just for a bit. Think about this: the Relay Cam is almost over, and czennies want to see us play."

"They don't want that."

"Yes, they do," he raises an eyebrow. "You think they don't want to see two competitive Geminis play a video game that makes them fight?"

Seren blinks for a moment and then looks straight into the camera. "Shame on you If you want that, guys. I actually don't like fighting with you," she looks at Haechan for a few seconds and then smiles. "but I do like kicking your butt."

She didn't have to say more, Haechan immediately turned on the video game. For the next few minutes, they play (and she calls him a cheater several times) until her phone rings, and when she picks it up, she sees the time.

"It's 2:58!"

Seren shows her phone to the camera. Her lock screen is a photo of a bunch of beautiful butterflies.

"Before you finish this, they should know that I'm beating you," Haechan smirks.

"I can defend that— it's early, and I'm not me right now..."

"Early!?"

She covers his mouth. "You're also a cheater. Anyways, czennies, I hope you liked my —OK, our— Relay Cam. Please give tons of love to our members Relay Cams, too."

"Bye!"

————FEATURING OTHER RELAY CAMS!!

🕒HAECHAN : 2-3am

she is mentioned

he said that she had agreed to appear on his relay cam, but when he went to her room she was already asleep

"i will get my revenge"

after a while she is mentioned again

he's telling his stories

and then he says he was very nervous when he met her

because she was known for her dancing and at the time he was new — so he was intimidated and didn't know what to say

🕒TAEYONG : 10-11am

again, she doesn't really appear in the video

but her voice is heard

when taeyong is lying on his bed, she asks him —in a really soft voice— if he wants to have breakfast

then her voice is heard again when he is feeding his fish

she is giggling while saying "cute, cute, cute"

and taeyong calls her cute too

[meenah-chan]

Requested by: @zimelu-eloni-nova-lycan (hope you see this since I can't tag you ಥ‿ಥ)

My apologies in advance if Malleus is OOC. Other than wanting to play TW and doing a bit of research of him, I know nothing 😂 I never thought of taking requests coz I'm a slow writer but it was quite interesting so I did it anyways. (And took daaays to finish 😂)

To Thine Own Self Be True

An OM! Brothers x GN! Dark Fae MC (slight OM! X Twisted Wonderland crossover)

5.47k words

Genre: flangst

Trigger warnings: self harm, violence, self depreciation? (cringe jk) Read at your own discretion.

"You're an incomplete puzzle... I hope you find your missing pieces." And thus, they were sent to someplace they didn't know...

They... have always been alone. But Y/N is not lonely. They have Malleus, a powerful yet caring brother. They have their grandmother, that even as busy as she is, tries to show her love as much as possible.

They are the only one they need. As long as they have them, they needn't anything else. Or atleast they think so.

"As a part of royal family, you have to broaden your horizon." But they think otherwise.

Before Malleus' departure for Night Raven College, he left Y/N a word, "You're an incomplete puzzle, Y/N. I hope you find your missing pieces." and that was months ago, and they were still confused by it.

Incomplete puzzle... It doesn't feel like they are. They are content of what they have. They capable of doing most tasks perfectly. They fulfill their responsibilities impeccably. It's not like they can't live on their own either. Having no friends and acquaintances but they're two family members is also fine. They don't need any more. No one who could stand their presence anyways.

The intimidating dark energy far more destructive than a fae possessed, in which Y/N could never control. Those menacing, sharp green eyes. Their skin as pale as the dead corpse, and lips charred black. But most of all, those pair of disgustingly sharp, black horns that keeps on growing back no matter how hard they try to get rid of it.

Y/N is the epitome of fear. They knew it more than anyone. If they were to be reckoned that way, it is better to maintain distance from everyone.

But I should fulfill my duty, atleast. They thought, fortifying their resolve as they stood before the future King of Devildom and his butler. "Welcome to Devildom, Y/N Draconia."

"It's an honor to be of your acquaintance, Prince Diavolo." Placing a palm on their chest, Y/N bowed.

As per the two Kingdom's agreement, they were to live in a safe place different from a lavish lifestyle they have been used to inside their gold plated walls. And thus they were led by the Future king's shadow, Barbatos, to their new home. The House of Lamentation.

House of Lamentation. What a gloomy and dreadful place, befitting a sinister being like me. they scoff.

But the sight the dark fae witnessed within that walls was not within their expectations.

"Beel! Don't eat the my wallet! H–Hey, I said let go! My goldie'll snap! B–Belphie, help me!" A white-haired man is pulling a leather wallet from the teeth of a bulky orange-haired one.

"Smells chicken mushroom oil." While the orange head kept their teeth sunk into the wallet almost ripped into two. "It's just a drop, stop going crazy over it!"

"Belphie, wake up! You promised you'll help me with clearing dungeons today! The raid will start anytime now!!" A violet haired male violently shakes an asleep man in blue but the man is far from dazed at all.

"Hrmm... Five more minutes—" "We have no more time!! I can't play with a missing player!"

A feminine faced guy appeared right in front of them, instantly invading their comfort zone and kept locking eyes with them. "Ohh? Who is this with you Barbatos? Ahh, The one moving in! You're quite early, darling. Ignore those bunch in the back and play with me?"

"Behave, you fools!!" A booming voice reverberates and in an instant, the rowdy bunch is silenced. "Such a disgrace..."

Except for one, who didn't make any ruckus until that very moment.

A bucket came flitting up in the air and in the next second, all of its contents all poured on the man who controlled the ruckus a while ago.

"SAAAAATAN!!" It was an utter chaos. This place far from the gloomy place they have in their imagination. It is filled with rabid demons that could obliterate them were they to join forces, and now Y/N have to adjust in this new environment.

"I see it's not a great time to introduce myself." Said Y/N, yet the only one who probably heard them is the butler beside them. "If you'll excuse me, I would like to know where my room is."

"As you wish, your Excellency. Allow me to lead you the way." The butler responded to them. They left the common room, where the rowdy ones moments ago, were trying to suppress the supposedly-most decent of the seven, from destroying the mansion.

Y/N usually do not receive a normal greetings on the events they've been into or more like, forced to come by either their grandmother or by Malleus. It could be the fairies either— gives them space with no one dare shorten the distance; reluctantly greet them before leaving them as fast as they could or; flat out ignore them.

Yet so far, the experience I have today is by all odds, the most insulting way I have ever been greeted. Y/N clasps their trembling hands as they sat on the bed.

I wish this will end sooner. This will be a hell for me...

Almost everyday is a crazy, eventful day. Far different than their everyday life in the Valley of Thorns, their homeland. First impression doesn't really matter to Y/N, but for some reason, they couldn't stand them since day 1. Sure, they haven't done anymore distasteful things like the rude way of welcoming them. Still, the members of the family are crazily weird in their own ways. And they hate it.

Lucifer is the eldest of the brothers. The one who leads the brothers and manage everything in place.

"As your family have wished, you were to live differently than you have thus far. So I won't exempt you with the cooking and housework."

"As a part of Royal family, I expect great things from you. I won't tolerate screw ups."

"Remember to complete your tasks. I am assigned by Diavolo to take care of you, so I will check on your activities throughout your stay here." He is an ass. A bossy and dominating dictator who think he could order a royalty like them.

But one time, when they entered his study, they saw a scene they never thought they'll ever perceive.

*Tak* A fountain pen falling from his gripless hand.

He was splayed on his desk filled with tall stacks of paper, out cold. Y/N didn't know they would witness such vulnerable side of such condescending demon.

So they chose to put off their business for tomorrow, placing his coat over him and letting him rest.

But the event didn't occur only once. Atleast twice a week of exact time before midnight, he's always been unconscious on his desk. That's when Y/N realized: he is not strict and short tempered for no reason.

As the eldest, he took it to himself to be the father figure to the brothers, all while perfectly doing his job as Diavolo's right-hand man. He fulfills his job with perfection. But perfection doesn't come without hardwork nor sacrifices. For the sake of his great responsibility he sacrifice himself, working so hard until he drop on his desk.

With thoughts of him made Y/N ponder over something.

Does having a father feels like having a Lucifer in my life? Maybe it is, they never knew since they never remember their's. He isn't as bad as they thought he were if they think it that way. That is praiseworthy, as they think so themself and deserve some respect.

No more stern expressions whenever speaking to him. Being more compliant if his instruction is reasonable. Thanking him even for a simple thing he does for them.

Soon, they noticed he doesn't nitpick them either and praise them for every job well done. The dark fae may still be annoyed with him but that's not a bad outcome at all.

And then there's Mammon, the second eldest, who is supposed to assist the eldest.

"Ye're a royalty right? So ye're loaded. I'm in a pinch right now so let me borrow from you." He leans on their shoulder, with his smug grin.

"Don't listen to that fool. It's past 200 years and he still haven't paid his debts to me yet."

"Shut up, you otaku!"

Behind violet-haired appears the black haired demon. "MAMMON..."

"EEK— W–Wait!! Lucifer, this is not wha–ACK—!!" Mammon is a scum. A rude demon who could care less of his words and language. Trouble is where he is. Even so, in his tough exterior, Y/N took note of a soft side.

Y/N saw him one time, poking at the mopping otaku demon outside his room. "Yo Levi. What you doin' there?"

"Just let me be... I lose my raid last time because I couldn't play... Now I can't even bear looking at my PC... No one would want to play to a no-show gamer like me..."

"Hmm... Then, it can't be helped. C'mon, your big brother Mammon will play with you!"

"R–Really..?"

"Yeah, Yeah. Let's play to your heart's content" He pulled him up and push him inside his room.

Consoling a sad brother, lending a helping hand when they need it. He may not look like it, but Mammon is also taking good care of his brothers. All the emotional support Lucifer fails to give his brothers, Mammon provides.

So before Mammon entered the room, the dark fae decided to tap his shoulder, earning his attention. "You really love your brothers."

"W–Wha... Where does... who loves—"

"That's really admirable." They promptly reach out a bottle of a jet-black faerie dust only they could concoct. Mammon gingerly took it from them and scanned the inside. "That may help you settle some of your debts. Then..." After giving the bottle, they went on their way.

"AAAAHHHH!! THIS IS ULTRA RARE!" As expected to a man who could appraise goods.

They remember Malleus from his caring side, they couldn't help but smile and commend the yellow demon. I miss my brother...

Leviathan on the other hand, has a different case. He is the third-born of that household. A timid person... At first glance, atleast.

They just can't understand him. He spoke in language they couldn't wrap their head around like, "LOL! ROFLMAO!", "Tss, normie..."

It is tolerable, at least. What they can't tolerate is the fact that,

"UUWAAH!! MY RURI-CHAN LIMITED EDITION COBALT PIN AND FIGURINE IS HERE!!" He is, by far, the loudest. His sudden and unexpected outbursts kept on triggering every jumpy cells in their system.

Leviathan is too hyped he seemed to enter his own dimension. He skipped through the corridor, he sung a Ruri-whatever song that is, until, "Ahh—" he made a misstep in the stairs, a few steps away from them.

Y/N dashed and caught them barely in time, with firm hold between his shoulder blades and another to his package, which should be flying right now but was pressed secured to his chest.

"You should be more careful or you'll hurt yourself. Your treasured package almost fell." They sighed.

"... An angel has descended." He stared at them in awe. As he move his hand to the box, he touched their hand. That's when their position fianally sinks in to him. His face flared beet red and in a few seconds blew a fuse, passing out right on the spot.

"... What a troublesome demon..." With no other choice but to bring him themself, he carried the unconscious Leviathan up to their room. After opening the door, what welcomed them is a messy room.

No, not messy. The room is filled with items and materials of all sorts. Tons of CDs, figurines and posters on shelves and walls. Stuff toys and pillows of all shapes and sizes. Hanged intricate costumes and clothes, which in just a glance, they knew is made with effort. Even pins, threads and needle atop a... Sewing machine? Did he made all of this?

Y/N took another glance on the other side of the room. There he saw three monitors with various programs registered. A game, video editor and a Photoshop... I wonder what else can this man do?

Is this what they call a hobby? Such passion and dedication in pursuit of doing what he loves... An unfamiliar feeling for this dark fae.

They... can't really understand this man. Not at all... But I can now see him in another light, I guess...

The one who sought Y/N first were Beelzebub, the sixth-born. A bulky, tall demon who loves to eat. They were having a snack on the balcony when the older twin sniffs his way in. Such action that freaked the dark fae out internally, considering the sight they witnessed when they first moved in. The fact that they saw a few times 'accidentally' eating inedible things doesn't helped at all either.

"I followed the smell from the kitchen. Your cake smells delicious!" The drooling giant stood by them, and they couldn't take another sip from their tea.

"Hmm... Help yourself." Or you may help yourself with my flesh if I didn't satisfy your hunger.

"Really?!" He sat oposite to them and within minutes, all the plates on the table were wiped clean. "That was delicious!... Ahh that's right. Y/N, why aren't you eating with us during meals?"

"I'm used to eating by myself."

"But why? Eating with someone make the food taste better." Y/N doubt that'll be the case if that someone is him, who could definitely eat them if his appetite cries its needs.

Beelzebub touched his chin, thinking. "Hmm... How about I eat with you during snacks time? I'll bring food you'll definitely like!"

"Ah—" And they lost their timing. His eyes sparkles like stars and the pure happiness in his voice made it impossible for them to refuse. They wouldn't know what he could do were they to decline what he desire.

Since then he would appear without fail during Y/N's snack time, sharing both of their food with each other.

They tried to slowly end such dangerous activity yet, the enthusiasm in his eyes whenever he eat held them back. In the end, Y/N conceded, increasing their baked goods everyday to sate the needs of the ball of sunshine before them– who could bring warmth or burn them. As a response he will also eat it all like it's his first time eating their goods.

He is a man of few words yet, also quite easy to read, especially when eating the sweets they made themself. A straight forward person who means just as he say.

He would even sometimes bring his other twin, who will eat a few bites before snoozing.

"Beel really likes you, you know..." They glanced from their teacup to the youngest, seating beside them as the gobbling twin is busy with his food.

Belphegor stares in an ever-drowsy eyes. He is the man they least interacted with. How can they? Whenever they see him, he is always asleep. And it's not like Y/N is interested in communicating with him or anyone at all. "He even does his research for everything he brings you here. I don't know if you knew, but he really want to convince you to eat meals with everyone."

"...Ehh? Why? We're not even..." Y/N raised an eyebrow.

"Because he loves everything you make. He wants to talk to you ever since the first time you cook, but you're too antisocial to even eat with us."

"Says the demon who is always sleeping whenever I see him." Y/N snorts before taking a bite from the cupcake Beel brought. Hmm... this is good...

"...You, are you getting enough sleep?" Belphegor peers at their face.

"...None of your business."

"Whatever..." He frowns before burrying his face on his pillow.

What a keen observant. Y/N thought.

They've also been observing him since the first day. They share a lot of classes together and the dark fae knew, he is someone who rarely attend his classes, and whenever he does, he is always asleep. They also never saw him hold a book, much more read it. Yet, when they have exams, he finishes halfway the alloted time, almost the same time as them and sleeps after. The worst thing is that he could pass them easily.

He... is a dormant monstrosity. They conclude as they unlock the door to their room the day after. But before they do so, they noticed something.

Beside the door is an unfamiliar paper bag and inside... is a pillow, a bit caved it to the top center—similar to the one they use back to their home to be able to sleep well. It also comes with a note:

'The caneles and the stew is passable. You can throw away the pillow if you don't want it. Just know that it took me a great deal of effort to buy that.'

Really, what a frightening observant.

And there is Satan, the fourth-born, a pretty decent guy who craves for nothing but knowledge. If Y/N may say, he is the one they spend the most time with, though it's not that much.

"What are you reading?" Voicing not a word, they faced him the book cover.

"L’intelletto e Il Cuore... Hmm, that's a good choice." With at least 3 meters away from him, and few to no words exchange between them inside the library, it's not really that much.

He is a rational and intelligent man who respects personal space. Though, from time to time he would snicker eerily between the silence they have, holding either a cursed or homicide book. Creepy.

"What did you say...? The books you borrowed from me... Fell in the river? And it was washed away...?" And when he is angry, all his rationality is thrown out of the window.

"I–I will replace it I promise–" Pleads the peach-haired demon, kneeling before him.

"Replace, you say...? Didn't you know they were a Century membership gift to me from the Bibliomagicus Guild? Do you think that's replaceable...? Ha... Haha...HAHAHAHA!! THEN WHY DON'T YOU REPLACE THEM WITH YOUR WORTHLESS LIFE, HUH?!"

His wrath makes Y/N tremble, like all the bookshelves and books present in the library. Right, the books, the bookshelves. He'll destroy everything if this continues.

"Somnus Enim a Dum." So in a snap they cast a spell, amplified by their own dark pixie dust, and render him unconscious.

"Y/N!" That night he showed up in the library, frantically and still disheveled clothes and hair.

"Thank you. I don't know what would've happen if you're not there. And I also apologize you get to see that side of me." It's the first time they ever saw him smile without looking at the book. A smile similar to their brother.

"You're weird. You got so angry because of books that you'll ruin all the other irreplaceable books here."

"..."

"Don't mind it. I'd feel bad if the books are ruined."

"...Right." He chuckled, brushing his hair with his fingers and fixing his clothes to place. He then picked up the book he's reading, pulling the other sofa to sit beside them.

Now that's annoying. Nevertheless they let him. For they're a mere guest.

The fifth-born, Asmodeus, is not a problem back then. Having only a few occasional invitations for salon and parties, they could decline politely. But after the book incident, everything about his approach changes.

Since then, there was Asmodeus, everywhere!

In the classroom, in the library, in the music room, in the planetarium, in the balcony, in the bed, even the bathroom! He won't give them a break!

"Y/N~ I noticed you're always with Satan in the library. Are you getting along well? Beel too, you always bake and eat with him. That's so unfair! And you invite Belphie without me? Don't tell me you already like one of them?"

"If you'll choose one of us, shouldn't you choose me, the most beautiful demon of them all? I swear I can love you thousandfold than any of them, but... of course you can only be my second~~"

"What's with you and Lucifer? You always went to him every night. Is it a nightly endeavor? Hey~? Y/N, don't ignore me~!" He is a complete chatterbox. A motormouthed demon who don't know when to shut up.

But being with him comes with a few merits. Despite not looking like it, Asmodeus is a real gentleman. He maybe not as keen as Belphegor's capability to observe, but Asmodeus is an attentive and thoughtful demon. He does his everything to provide every small help he could give to them.

Whilst not needing help, it's much better than him being a clingy, dead weight. Y/N tries to look at the bright side.

"But this is tiring..." Y/N sighed, closing the book they are holding.

"Are you tired of reading? C'mon, let's go out and breathe fresh air!" I'm tired of you, you idiot.

"If you want to go out, you can go." The dark fae massaged their temple. It's been throbbing from time to time after that incident with Satan and Asmodeus bugged them.

"No! You've always been cooping yourself here or your room since coming here. You have to go out from time to time or you'll wither away!"

"You're so noisy Asmo. Y/N said they don't want to go." Asmodeus pout at Satan sitting beside Y/N, before pulling the dark fae out of the library and House of Lamentation.

"I'm telling you, I don't need this." Asmodeus holds 5 hangers of clothes, pondering which one fit them best.

"But~ It's such a waste for a beautiful person like you if you don't try dolling yourself up..." They stare at Asmodeus as if he just said the most ridiculous thing he could ever say.

"Don't tell me..." Asmodeus stared at them in disbelief, gasping dramatically like he always does,t "Y/N, YOU'RE GORGEOUS! DON'T EVER THINK YOU'RE NOT! YOU'RE A DROP DEAD BEAUTY AND—" They covered his lips before he could even shout louder in such a public place.

He then pulled their hands off after a few moments. "And look! A bit of blush suits you! And black lipstick—" Y/N let him dressed them up— in exchange of shutting up. He chose meticulously, accenting every parts that they consider an abomination. A dizzying position they were in.

But the real deal has yet to come. What's worse than being bothered by a bug? More bugs...

"Asmo, are you nuts! You're hogging them all to yourself!" Mammon barged in their room as Asmo is applying makeup to them who gave up on him for a while now.

"Y/N couldn't come to our snack time because of you." Beel and Belphegor followed close behind, clearly unamused of Asmo's action.

"I haven't even got a chance to introduce them to the wonders of anime and games!" So do is Leviathan.

"They prefer reading in the library more, right Y/N?" Satan rest his back on the door frame, crossed arms.

"Excuse me? If I may say, Satan, Beel and Belphie are the one who took their time more than I!"

"YOU—" And their greatest fear since living in Devildom occurs. All hell broke loose. An all out brawl of the short tempered demons before them with all the six brothers, a thread away from transforming and blasting everything they touch. No... That's not it. Without transforming, they're already smashing everything into pieces.

The dressers. The desk. The chairs and mirrors. Everything but the bed they are sitting on.

"WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE!" The last and the strongest of the brothers made his appearance, yelling in his most intimidating voice.

And they...finally snapped.

"Each and everyone of you... GET. OUT!!!" Such horror reflected on their eyes, with their whole being trembling uncontrollably. Tears poured down one after another. All of the emotions the brothers have never seen them make all spilled before them. As if a predator threatened to the end of their life.

On their hands...

were horns severed from their own head. The seven demons were so taken aback their bodies moved on their own to comply to Y/N's order... or more like, plead.

And the doors were completely closed.

They never left their ransacked room. They wouldn't open their doors to anything. No food, gifts nor even apologies. All but the brothers' words received a single response: "Malleus... I want my brother."

Hence the brothers and future king have no choice but to call him as soon as possible, or they will perish inside such place, alone like they've always been.

"Thank you for taking good care of my sibling. I hope you will continue so in the future."

"We also hoped we could. Yet considering the circumstances, I doubt they would want to stay here a second longer."

"Let—" but before Malleus could even finished his sentence, Y/N came flying down on him.

The distressed fae buried their face in their safe haven's chest. He then proceed carrying them in his arms, assuring them they are safe.

Lucifer led them to the music room, giving them privacy in their conversation.

"You've become so light, Y/N. And what happened to your horns?"

"...I wanna go home."

"Why? Do you hate this place?"

"I'm scared of them since the first day."

"That's understandable... But is that all?" Y/N stare at him in disbelief, while Malleus smiling softly at them.

"...Then what else... should I feel? I know I'm a monster... But that doesn't mean I could live with such monstrous demons! I'm just a monster with a weak heart!"

"Then you can blame it all on me. I'm the one who chose this place for you after all." All words were blown off Y/N's mind. The furrow between their eyebrows disappears as their face relaxes.

"Brother... But why?"

"I want you to realize your own self."

"..."

"Now answer me. You said you're scared of them, but do you hate them? Do you want to leave this place so badly? Is that really everything you've felt in this place?"

"Of course! I... I..." Y/N already knew the answer to his question, way before he even asked.

"They were annoying, noisy and self-centered bunch who does things as they pleased. They keep dragging me on their antics, I never had a peace of mind... I hated it, I despise it. I..." They bit their lips.

"I felt so frustrated! Why do they look so lively and happy despite being so unruly? They're always on each others neck yet they were having fun? Why?! And hobbies? How can they have such thing? I have nothing of sort! I just wake up day after day, desperately searching for something and fill this empty void inside me!"

"I fulfill my responsibilities without fail, on what cause? I have no purpose! Seeing that demons made me feel so miserable with my existence!"

They looked on their lap, holding back the tears on verge of falling. "What do they have that I don't? They're also the strongest, incredibly so that even I shook when they unleash their power! So why aren't they isolated like I am? How can they live a normal life unlike me?!"

"I think you already know the answer."

"...Because... They rely on each other. I never relied on anyone nor let anyone rely on me..." Malleus' smile widens when they hit the nail on the head.

"You're a strong person, Y/N. You won't even depend on us, not until today. You're capable of anything. You're just afraid of any more rejection, of being left behind." He paused and lift their face to meet his eyes, "Diavolo and others explained to me what happened. They said the incident frightened you. Yet knowing you, I doubt it is fear. Will you tell me why you blew off?"

"...I was overwhelmed. They were fighting over me. It never happened to me before so don't know what to feel. The attention was too much that I hated it. And I don't know how to respond to them..."

"So you brushed them off and isolated yourself." They nod weakly.

"And you snapped your horns to show them you're not who they think you are; to scare them off."

"Something like that..." Malleus smiled at them as he pet their head. "See? It's not bad being honest to yourself. Do you still want to leave, now that you let it all off your chest?"

Y/N shooked their head. "I want to stay."

"My Y/N is amazing... To surpass all the beings who estranged them. You're all grown up now." He held them in his arms, Y/N nuzzling onto his chest.

"Come on, they've been waiting for you for the longest time. You know what to do, right?"

"Yes." They left the room, Y/N clinging to him like never before. As childish as it seems, Malleus knew they grew a lot in just a few months of living in Devildom. It is indeed a great decision to choose the brothers to take care of them. They were no longer the incomplete puzzle he saw before he left for his studies.

"Y–Y/N..." Waiting in the common room are the seven brothers with Diavolo and Barbatos.

"W–We understand if you really want to l–leave." Mammon looked down as he clenched his fist.

"It was our fault." Leviathan followed.

"We've been insensitive, pressuring you despite knowing you're not accustomed interacting with a lot of people." Satan said with a serious frown.

"We even destroyed your belongings." Asmodeus glanced away, holding onto Satan's jacket.

"We'll make it up to you in any form."

"Y/N, sorry." Belphegor and Beel voiced respectively.

"It was due to my negligence you have to experience such incident. I also want to apologize." Lucifer held his palm to his chest for a slight bow.

"N–No!" Y/N strongly shook their head, "I should be the one to apologize! I'm so sorry!!" before bowing deeply.

"Y/N!? No, please raise your head—" Diavolo held Lucifer's shoulder to stop him like Malleus cued to let his sibling continue.

"It was all my fault! I've been a coward all this time. I was wrong for trying to push you all away when you don't mean harm. It was all my fault for venting all my frustrations to you. Please, if you would still allow it, I want to stay a bit longer."

"Y/N you are more than welcome here so please raise your head now. We don't deserve your apologies." Satan was the first one who walked towards them to raise their head.

"Y/N?!!" But as he did so, a crying Y/N appears in the brothers' view.

"This is the first time I will ever ask someone but," they sob and sniff, "will you guys be my friends?"

"Y��Yes, so please stop crying!" As conflicted as the brothers are, being asked such question that could hinder their future plans with them, they were forced to agree to their wish instantly.

Let's leave it for another day... The same phrase runs in the thoughts of the brothers, a very rare occurence to happen once in a millenium.

With Asmodeus' lead—he, Mammon, Leviathan, and Beel wrapped their arms around them to console the crying faerie. Lucifer, Satan and Belphegor stood a feet away from them, watching the five in the middle.

As things calms down, they decided to sit on the same dinner table for the very first time. Food were served by Barbatos, who prepares who knows when. He could actually have predicted such outcome for all they know.

The place were so warm, and lively. "This tastes wonderful." That's an understatement. The food have the richest taste than everything Y/N ate in their entire life. "You're right, Beel. Food were best eaten with someone." Beel have them a toothy grin. "I'm glad you get me."

After the meal, Y/N fell asleep on the spot. "Hehe, they're so carefree now." Belphegor played with their fringe. They didn't woke them up and instead carry them in a new room, letting them have the deep sleep they couldn't have for days.

"Congratulations, for being Y/N's first friends. I'll leave them in your care." Malleus bid his farewell to everyone, not bothering of waiting for Y/N to wake up. "I also hope this incident will be the last one."

"Yes, we won't let such thing happen again, and ensure a comfortable life for Y/N throughout their stay here." Diavolo answers in stead of everyone. The brothers are not in the shape to reply as they absorb Malleus' first sentence.

First friend. Such a bitter-sweet word. Whether the word stings them or not, it doesn't matter. It won't stop the brothers from trying to achieve the same goal as subtle as possible.

And so, a not-so-obvious scramble goes on.

This took longer than I expect 🤣😂 In all honesty, it was quite challenging, making a blatant All Brothers x MC. I also don't have a plot and flow until I actually wrote it sksksk dunno if that's a good or bad thing 😂🤣 and this was the longest one I wrote for the past half a year.

Masterlist

[crownin-thestars]

There's a Reason Why

You know who Mega is, right? Everyone knows him as that one mute kid, but they don't know why he's mute and they don't seem to care.

But Mega wasn't always like this

Mega was usually a quiet kid around children his age and older, being quite shy and was always teased for his birthmark location. When he was around those younger, he would usually come off as a bit of a bully because of what he says to them. The only reason he did that was to get rid of stress from both school AND home.

His household was even more stressful, having a single mother and being her only child. His father had filed a divorce agreement but was unable to gain custody over Mega due to his mother presenting false cases. This resulted in, of course, Mega living under his mother's roof.

False cases? His mother sounds like the scummiest scumbag in the world, and I can assure you that that may or may not be true. The reason she wanted custody over Mega was because she was never able to reach her own goals, and with a child, she wanted him to achieve them for her. She never cared about what he wanted to do, all she cares about was that her son absolutely needed to become what she expected him to be.

This woman forced her son to be a perfect child. All A stars in school, always obedient at home and always helped her with housework. (For the record, I don't exactly know how grades work in America, an A star is the highest grade you can get on an exam in my country and a U as the lowest, standing for ungraded so I might go by that)

When Mega had told her he wanted to create content, this set her off. His mother yelled at him, so much that it brought him to tears. He was never yelled at like that for so long, the words that came out her mouth sounded like they were came from another. Mega heard things like 'You were a mistake after all' and 'why can't you let me make you great'. He didn't want to hear anymore of it, running off to his room and locking the door.

Mega's mother thought he had changed his mind, yeah that's how entitled she is, but she soon found out that she was very wrong.

Mega had come home one day on his phone. He wasn't even in the house for a minute when his phone was snatched out of his hands. He was slammed into the wall, causing a few things on the shelf next to him to fall. His mother asked him what he had been doing when he hid in his room.

Nervous, he stuttered out a 'nothing', flinching as his mother raised her arm. She screamed at him for being a lier, and told him that she had been keeping track of who and what he was texting. Mega could feel his blood go cold. Knowing who he was texting would mean her knowing what he was planning, and considering what had happened just a few days ago, he already knew she would not react well.

Mega managed to break free from his mother's vice like grip, snatching his phone back before bolting to his room. The slammed the door shut, locking it. Loud banging and screaming coul be heard behind the door. No matter how much she screamed, he wouldn't break the only barrier he had between him and his mother.

He leaned back on the wall opposite the door, his body sliding down as tears fell from his eyes. He grasped his arms around his head, trying to keep the bad noises out. Mega whispered to himself through the sobs as the banging continued. Why did love feel this painful?

Mega had come home from a long day at school. He entered his home, expecting a greeting from his mother. Nothing was said. He quickly checked the kitchen and her room, no one was in there. Mega smiled to himself. He had the home to himself till she came back! It was still noon, so he had just hoped that his mother would only come back in the evening.

Mega enjoyed the hours he was alone, not having his mother there to tell him off. He had played a few games on his phone and watched many, many videos on YouTube. In the middle of watching another video, he looked up to check his clock. It was already late at night and she hasn't come home yet.

He was confused, getting up from his bed. His mind was interrupted by a wave of pain in his stomach. I haven't had dinner. He thought, making his way to the kitchen. Mega looked in the fridge, no leftovers from the night before. That's fine, leftovers aren't the best of foods to eat. He opened up the shelves, only finding a few cans of soup and some instant cup noodles. Guess the noodles would have to do.

It was the next day, had to be a school day of course. Mega did his usual morning routine, the only thing different was that. . . His mom still wasn't home?

He sighed, going around the house to find some cash to bring along with him. He opened drawers and looked under beds. There wasn't a single penny in the whole place. He looked over at his piggy bank, a sort of last resort. He went to pick it up and shook it, sighing with relief when he heard the sound of coined crashing against the metal casing. This money he saved was meant to be a little bank account for the things that he might have wanted. Removing the little cork at the bottom, he shook the money out, it was just enough for the bus rides to school and back for about two to three days.

He grabbed the money, shoving it in his pocket. Time to get to school.

~Smol timeskip cuz again idk how America schooling systems work~

On the bus ride home, he had attempted to contact his mother, ending with it hanging up immediately. Staying on his own was an intimidating thought, and he wanted to know when she would be coming home.

He entered his home. Mother isn't home again. This time, he wasn't happy. He has never been isolated by himself like this before. That's fine. . . I'm fine. . . He assured himself. His mother was gonna come home at some point. Right?

It had been a few days since Mega had seen his mother, or had an actual interaction with someone. How many days? He had lost track. He wasn't able to go to school anymore because he didn't have money to take the bus. Mega could feel himself losing a bit of his sanity, but it was kept intact with the texting of his online friend. The house was in a bit of a mess, and at this point he didn't bother to take care of it. He couldn't tell if he missed his mother or not, the only feeling inside him being. . . Almost nothing. He kept on reassuring himself, making sure he doesn't do anything stupid.

That's fine. . . Uh oh- A noise was heard from outside the house. He couldn't tell if it was a wild animal, a burglar or his mother. Not taking any chances, he went to hide away. Mega bit his lip, afraid to make any noise whatsoever. Hearing footsteps entering the apartment made his heart beat rapidly. He peaked out of his hiding place to have a look at what was happening. He saw two adults, one woman and one man, possibly a couple, looking at the small mess of a home.

Mega must have peaked out for too long, the woman feeling something watching. She turned to where he was looking out from and saw Mega. Scared, he quickly hid away. He heard soft whispers as the sound of the trespassers footsteps was getting closer. Tears had started to drip down as the footsteps got louder and louder. Mega bit on his lip harder, trying his best to not let the crying overpower him. He knew they've found him, he knew he couldn't do anything. So he just sat there in fear.

They'll hurt you. He thought. That's all people do to you.

Mega looked up, taking in the new faces in front of him. His fear immediately caught up to him as tears burst out. He quickly tried to hide his face, trying not to show weakness. (I mean like he's 7 cut him some slack-)

He heard some sort of packaging open as a small scent of cookies filled the area. He peaked up and saw that the woman was offering him the delicacies. He accepted them with gratitude as he started munching on them. They reminded him of how his father made them when they were still together. . .

The man came to sit down next to the young, scrappy and hungry child, ruffling his hair a little bit as the woman knelt down in front of him with a smile. Mega cherished the company he had around him, softly chewing on the chocolate chip cookies given.

This was the most loved he has felt in so long. . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Word Count: 1621 words

HAHA I'M FINALLY DONE WITH THIS!! Bro I ran out of words to write at the part where the couple came into the house, so the ending might have sucked a bit, but I still quite like that ending.

Also watched Hamilfilm recently, currently obsessing over the songs, hence that Hamilton reference I put in there.

Also yes I made a 7 year old smart as heck because why not? Dream was able to connect his computer to his neighbor's electricity when he was 15 so it's possible to be overly smart at a young age.

Side note that these are the very same people that decided to take care of him and help him grow up.

Side note #2 if you haven't guessed it yet the issue I was wanting to raise awareness about is child abandonment. I don't know how well I did with writing this because I consider myself to be a privelaged child.

[gone4neow]

MIGHTY | ⓅⒸⓎ

c h a p t e r t e n

- park chanyeol x oc

- mulan rewrite [very loosely inspired by the disney version]

- warnings : cursing, dark themes, extreme violence

- work count : 2,970

previous chapter or next chapter

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Eunyeong sat outside of the general's tent with Baekhyun next to her side. The moon was officially high in the sky, accompanied by all of its twinkling friends. The general and his second hand in command had decided to keep the mole hidden in the forest until night arrived. Then, the escorted him back to the general's tent to question him.

"What's taking so long?" Baekhyun whined with a pout apparent on his face. Eunyeong only glanced at him in response. She was feeling antsy herself after the day's events. It had been half an hour and there was no sign of any activity in the tent.

"Does your head feel okay?" The woman asked after a few seconds of silence passed.

Baekhyun gave a small sigh as he lifted his hand up to his head. "It doesn't hurt as much as it did earlier."

"Good," the woman hummed. "I'll make sure it never happens again."

Just as she finished speaking, the tent entrance flew open. The general stepped out in a rush, only pausing his movements when he saw the pair of soldiers sitting outside of his tent. His eyes narrowed in annoyance when he meet Eunyeong's eyes.

"He won't speak to us," the man explained.

"Of course not," the woman huffed in exhaustion as she picked at the grass beneath her. "The other two we brought back with us didn't say anything, either. These people are impressively silent."

The general stood with his hands resting on his hips. He looked off into the distance for a few moments, his eyebrows furrowed with concentration. Baekhyun complained about wanting to sleep as they sat there unsure of what to do next.

"Maybe you should just go sleep. I doubt anything exciting will happen tonight," the woman told the man. "Besides, you should get rest after what happened to you today anyways."

Baekhyun didn't smack the woman's hand away as she reach up and pushed his hair away from the scratch on his forehead. A deep frown rest on her face as she stared at the small injury.

"Goodnight," the general suddenly snapped. Both of the soldiers turned to look at the man who was staring down at them with a scowl.

"Uh," Baekhyun gave a nervous laugh. "Goodnight?"

"Go," the general instructed the man. Eunyeong watched as the tall man lifted his hand and pointed in the direction of the soldiers' tents. Baekhyun scrambled to his feet and bowed respectfully before he trotted off to sleep for the night. Eunyeong went to follow after him, but was stopped by a large hand wrapping around her forearm. She stopped and looked up, meeting the general's dark eyes as she did so.

"Not you," he told her. The woman's face contoured into an expression of confusion. The man dropped his hold on her arm before he ducked back into the tent. Eunyeong hesitated before she entered behind him.

Inside sat Kyungsoo and the mole. Kyungsoo was staring at the man with a glare so hateful that Eunyeong felt afraid to even breath in the same air as him. How the mole hadn't spoken up about anything yet was a mystery to her. One look from the intimidating man would have her spilling her entire catalog of secrets within seconds.

The mole turned to look when the general and soldier entered the tent. His eyes lit up at the sight of Eunyeong, before they quickly narrowed with anger. This didn't go undetected by Chanyeol.

"What's the interest with my soldier?" He asked bluntly. Eunyeong blinked in surprise. Kyungsoo looked over at her, his eyes scanning her as if trying to see what the mole saw.

"There's a rumor circling through our group about a tiny soldier who stole away our men," the man began. "And now we have reason to believe the same man took the general from us when we finally got our hands on him."

"Ah, you've made quite the name for yourself - haven't you?" Chanyeol asked Eunyeong as he poured himself a glass of wine. She stood rigidly next to the entrance of the tent with her hands laced together. Her thumbs chased once another nervously.

"I guess my first message made it back to everyone," Eunyeong awkwardly said with a small laugh. The general looked up at the woman with disbelief.

"Of course it did, you son of a bitch," the mole hissed. "Now those men will never be able to return to their families after what you did to them."

"And what about your men?" Eunyeong immediately bit back, her hands separating and curling into fists as she spoke. "Look at our men! Look at the graves we've had to dig because of you bastards!"

"Hey," the general called out softly to the woman. She found his eyes soon after and felt her tense muscles gradually relax. The man motioned for her to join him on the floor of the tent and so she did. When she was seated, he passed his glass of wine to her. Quickly, she emptied the entirety of the glass down her throat.

"Where is your group located?" Kyungsoo asked the mole. The man looked over at him with an expression of distaste.

"I told you I wasn't going to say anything," he answered with a bitterness to his voice.

"What if we reward you?" Kyungsoo suggested.

"No," the man said instantly. "I won't betray my people."

"Do you think your people really care about you?" Chanyeol asked the man.

"Of course they do. When they find out my identity has been given up then they'll come back to finish you all off," the man remarked with pride. The general snickered at this.

"You're delusional," he told the man. "You have no value to them now. You're as good to them as a broken blade."

"Shut up!" The man exclaimed angrily.

"In fact, they'll probably want to kill you more than any of us after you've failed your job," Chanyeol continued.

"I said shut up!"

"We can help you," Kyungsoo interjected. "If you give us the information we need then we can protect you from dying. We can help you get back to your family. Wouldn't that be nice?"

The man was silent now. His nostrils still flared with anger, but it was obvious that the men' s words was getting to him.

"You know," Eunyeong started. "We don't judge you for doing what you've done - you have to do what you have to do to survive."

The man looked over at the soldier right away. Eunyeong felt her heart quicken at the gaze in his eyes. A grin slowly formed on his face.

"When my people come for me, I'll show them to you directly. And while they rip you apart limb from limb, I'll watch and I'll laugh. And when I make it back home I'll tell everyone about how I helped burn a tiny little bastard who couldn't stay out of everyone's business," the man told the woman.

Eunyeong felt her stomach twist. For a moment she felt as if she were going to throw up from the visuals that ran through her mind, but she had to remind herself that the man was trying to get under her skin. Obviously he recognized her as the weakest in the room, which made her an easy target. If she wanted to win this she couldn't allow him to get under her skin so easily.

"Go ahead and fantasize about my death, but just remember that it's me with the blood of your men on my hands already. I'm not afraid of getting my hands a little more dirty if it means defeating corruption," the woman replied gravely. 

The man began to shake with rage at her words. Then, he began to throw his body wildly while shouting loudly. Within just a few seconds, Kyungsoo sat on top of the man and delivered two fatal blows that sent the man into unconsciousness. Finally, he was completely silent.

"Take him to the others," Chanyeol commanded the man. Kyungsoo obeyed without complaint. Eunyeong watched as he stood up and began dragging the man out of the tent.

"You have a way with words," the general noted quietly as he poured himself some more wine.

"I got a bit carried away," Eunyeong admitted, suddenly embarrassed for speaking the way she had. Her cheeks began to feel warm and she wasn't sure if it was due to her embarrassment or the wine she had consumed minutes ago.

"I was impressed," the general confessed. When the woman looked up at him, she saw a small smirk on his face. This prompted a smile to stretch across her face.

"Is there a reason you wanted me to stay behind tonight?" The woman wondered aloud after a few seconds passed.

The general glanced over at the woman, the smirk on his face long gone. His eyes scanned her face as if trying to understand her curiosity. "I figured the chances that he would speak would be better if you were here. Those who have emotionally wounded us are always the ones to get under our skin the easiest."

"Ah," the woman hummed. "That's clever. I'll have to remember that."

"Do you plan to be in this situation often?"

"You never know what tomorrow will bring."

That was the truth. When the next day arrived, the general announced that it was time to get a move on again. While the other soldiers packed up the camp and prepared to depart, Kyungsoo and Eunyeong snuck away into the forest with their newest prisoner. They planned to question the man, but knew it would be difficult to get any answers out of him.

"Are you guys serious?" The man scoffed as Kyungsoo pushed him to the ground. The sound of his knees hitting the fallen leaves on the ground emitted a crunching sound. Eunyeong realized only in that moment that summer was beginning to fade away.

"You think a guy with an expression like that on his face is ever anything but serious?" Eunyeong asked the man as she pointed over at Kyungsoo. She received a glare from both of the men in return.

"I'm not telling you bastards anything," the man spat angrily. Eunyeong and Kyungsoo shared a look of annoyance.

"We'll see," Kyungsoo told the man in a voice so calm that it was almost unsettling. His words made a sinister grin break out across the man's face.

"What are you going to do, kill me?" The man taunted. "Then you really won't get any information."

"Don't think of yourself so highly. We're going to end this war with or without your information. It's up to you whether you want to die now rather than later," Kyungsoo responded to the man.

Eunyeong watched the man closely as he contemplated his options. It was interesting to see someone so deranged from reality try to cope with a stressful situation. There was no doubt that he was struggling to keep up his act. When his eyes found hers watching him closely, his fake smile began to fall. The way his eyes instantly grew darker was a dead giveaway of his feelings towards the woman.

"Who's going to kill me?" He asked. "Do you think shorty's got it in him? Because I don't."

"Is that so?" Eunyeong asked in amusement.

"Yeah, that pretty little general would be a better option. Where is he anyways? Does he always let others do his dirty work for him?"

Eunyeong eyed the arrow that was still stuck through the man's hand and stopped herself from releasing a laugh. "Isn't your hand evidence enough that he's more than capable of doing it himself?"

"You always have something to say," the man snapped. "I can't wait till I'm free again. I'll make sure to strangle you myself. I've daydreamed about watching the life slip out of your eyes for the last two days!"

"Enough," Kyungsoo grunted as he kicked the man backwards. The man released a sharp breath of air as his back collided with the ground. Eunyeong watched as her senior stepped over the man and pressed his foot to the mole's throat.

"If you don't give us information in the next minute, I'll make sure you won't live to share another word with anyone," Kyungsoo threatened the man. Eunyeong felt goosebumps form on her skin.

In response, the man began to laugh - though the sound was more comparable to a wheeze than anything else. The woman thought he was completely insane as she watched his chest shake.

"You want information?" The man breathed out. "I'll only speak to the short one from now on."

"What?" Eunyeong asked in surprise as she met Kyungsoo's eyes. He removed his foot from the man's throat and walked over to the woman.

"Let's try it. You talk to him and see if he speaks. If he doesn't, try to scare him," the man told her in a low voice as he turned to watch the man on the ground breath harshly. The woman hesitantly nodded her head in agreement.

She walked over and looked down at the man. He stared up at her with wild eyes. If she looked close enough, she thought maybe she could see fear swimming in them. It was this small observation that made her frown. It was true, this man was this enemy, but she had never paid much mind to the fact that he was still very much human.

"I don't want to hurt you," she confessed to the man in a gentle voice as she crouched down next to him. "If you work with us then it'll be easier for you. If you're afraid of the other guys, I can promise my protection to you."

The man rolled eyes eyes at her words. "I don't want to be on your side. I'm fighting for my cause."

"Right... and that's clearly working out for you," she remarked.

"When we get rid of you then things will work out," the man said. The woman blinked with surprise at the way it sounded as if the man were convinced his words were true. He truly believed that she was the sole reason for the enemies' loss so far?

"You think too highly of me," she told the man. "I was simply in the wrong place at the right time."

"You'll be in the right place soon enough. Hell was made for bastards of your kind," the man hissed. It was Eunyeong's turn to roll her eyes.

"You make it hard to be polite," she commented with a sigh.

"Then don't be," the man commanded. "Show your true colors, you demon. I've already heard the stories. I know what you're like."

Eunyeong glanced up at Kyungsoo, who was watching the pair with intense eyes. Slowly she lifted her hand and let it hover over her dagger. Her eyes were silently asking Kyungsoo for permission to take it up a notch. When he realized, he gave her an affirmative nod.

"You really want to take it there?" The woman asked in that dark voice of hers. The shift in tone instantly got the man's attention.

"I'm beginning to think you don't have it in you. You a bluff. A fraud," the man pressed on. Eunyeong wrapped her hand around the handle of her dagger before swiftly removing it from its place. She brought it to the man's throat in such speed that it caught the man off guard. His eyes grew wide and he began to squirm.

"You heard Kyungsoo earlier," she cooed darkly. "If you don't want to bleed out on this forest floor on this beautiful morning, then I suggest you start speaking."

The three returned back to camp a few minutes later. The general caught them before they could officially step out of the forest. He scanned them for any signs of progress and found nothing out of the ordinary until his eyes landed on the prisoner's throat. There was a straight, bloody line that wasn't deep enough to threaten the man's life yet it was enough to alarm any onlookers.

"We got some information," Kyungsoo announced. The general nodded at the news before he turned his torso slightly and gave a sharp whistle. Right away, two soldiers came jogging up to the small crowd. Eunyeong listened as the general instructed the men to take the mole and dispose of him.

While the man spoke, she looked off towards camp at all the busy soldiers. She spotted Bakehyun talking to some of his friends. When he caught sight of her, a wide grin broke out on his face and he waved enthusiastically. Eunyeong stopped listening to the general and smiled while she gave a small, subtle wave in her friend's direction.

The sound of someone clearing their throat garnered the woman's attention. She looked over at the general, who was looking over his shoulder at Baekhyun. When he turned back to look at her, he had a disapproving look on his face.

"Sorry, sir," she quickly apologized while bowing over.

"If you're so eager to join him then perhaps you should excuse yourself," the man told her with a slight bitterness in his voice.

"No," she rushed out. "I would much rather go over the new information than to help pack up."

Kyungsoo couldn't help but snicker at the soldier's honesty. She felt her face flush at the way the general scowled at both her and his second hand in command.

"Your honesty is admirable," Kyungsoo commented, ignoring the way Chanyeol looked at him as he spoke. The woman smiled at his words. It was rare for Kyungsoo to be in such a light mood.

"Right," Chanyeol sighed with a roll of his eyes. "Let's go."

——————————————————————————

a / n : sorry again for the late post. not a whole lot of chanyeol in this chapter, but i really wanted to kind of explore the relation between kyungsoo and eunyeong. i think their personalities will really help both of them grow, even more so than any of the other relationships in this story. it’s important to have platonic relationships like that in life guys! anyways, hope everyone enjoys the new chapter. xx

[smileyoongle]

Come Back Home (A Kim Taehyung Mafia AU) // Part Three

Too much angst going on.... let's give you guys a little hope, shall we?

Summary: You were dead. Or at least that's what Kim Taehyung thought. But love never dies. A myth, yes. And maybe that's why when he finds out that you are alive, he may have already lost you.

Pairing: Mafia!Taehyung×Reader

"Where is she?!"

A female voice sounded through Taehyung's house, making him turn his head towards the source.

Yoona.

"We need you to sit first." Jin said, standing in front of her and preventing her from walking further into the house. She glared at him, placing her hands on her hips.

"You really think I'm gonna listen to any-"

"He. Said. Sit. Down." Taehyung clenched his jaw, glaring at her with much more intensity. His voice made her shiver as she hesitantly sat on the black couch in the huge living room. Taehyung smirked, enjoying the way she lost all her confidence in a minute.

With threatening steps, he himself sat in front of her, keeping his eyes fixed on her cowering figure. Yoona couldn't help but curse. She should have just brought her entire gang for back up. Just in case, Taehyung decided to kill her. But she was here for you. She was here for her best friend who she had lost months ago. If she needed to die for you, she would.

"I'm sure you already know that we found her." Yoongi said, leaning on the arm of one of the couches, his arms crossed across his chest. Yoona could sense the coldness that every single person in the room emitted. Nobody wanted her there.

"I hope you painfully killed that bastard." She said, feeling her blood boil on even thinking about Castillo. He deserved to burn in hell. Taehyung nodded with a smug look on his face. That expression was enough for Yoona to know that Castillo got the worst death possible.

"Now, the main reason why you're here." Hoseok said, glancing at Taehyung.

Taehyung sighed and closed his eyes, preparing himself for what he was about to say. He knew that Yoona was gonna enjoy this. She just wanted a reason to take you far from him.

"Castillo did too much damage. She….." he trailed off, feeling his chest tightening. He wished this wasn't true. He wished this was just a dream and he would wake up with you by his side.

Yoona leaned forward, raising her eyebrows as a sign for Taehyung to complete his sentence.

"...she lost her memories."

Yoona's breath hitched, her body shutting down as if someone had taken away her soul. The things that you must have gone through in order to lose your memories…..

She clenched her fists and stared at the floor, her eyes itching as tears formed in them. Suddenly, she was standing on her feet and rushing towards Taehyung. She gritted her teeth as she grabbed his collar and pulled him to stand up. Jungkook and Jin were already running to get her off him but Taehyung lifted his hand up to stop them.

He deserved this for letting you get hurt. He deserved much worse but this was pretty close. Letting a rival gang leader lift a hand on him? Pretty bad for him.

"It's all your fault!" Yoona screamed and slapped him. Not once. But twice. She grabbed his collar and shook him, screaming at him about how he didn't deserve you.

"You haven't loved anyone but yourself. You are selfish and heartless. I shouldn't have let her go with you. You don't love her. You never did!"

Taehyung's eyes shot up to her face as he gripped her hands tightly. That was the last straw. With anger lacing his eyes, he pushed her away, towering over her as she fell on the couch.

"Wrong. I haven't loved anyone as much as I love her. I always have and I always will. You don't get to come to my house and say shit to my face." He spat, glaring at her. His hands itched to choke her but he couldn't. He still needed her for you.

You stared at the scene unfolding in front of you, tears pricking your eyes. You already felt light headed and all this screaming was making it worse. You heard every single word since your best friend slapped the man who brought you to his house.

The one who wanted to hurt you.

You had also heard him. It was obvious that they were talking about you. But why? You didn't remember this man at all. So why did he keep saying he loved you?

"Yoona…" you whispered, not wanting to hear any more of this conversation. All heads in the room turned to you. Yoona's eyes widened as she ran towards you and hugged you. You slowly wrapped your arms around her as she cried into your shoulder. You placed your chin on her shoulder and let your eyes wander to him.

He was indeed a gorgeous man.

But he's bad. He wanted to hurt you.

He stared back at you with pain evident in his eyes. Did he really mean what he said? But that didn't matter. You didn't know him.

A part of you was screaming at you to run to him. It made you wonder if he really wanted to harm you. Because if he did then he would have already done something. Instead, he brought you to his house, got your wounds cleaned up and even respected your words when you asked him to go away. That didn't seem like a bad guy to you. You could see him clenching his fists, as if he was holding back.

"Are you okay?" Yoona pulled away and cupped your cheeks. You nodded and smiled softly before pouting.

"I wanna go home." You said, blinking rapidly to stop yourself from crying. Yoona chuckled and nodded before bringing you back into a hug. This time you buried your head in her neck, inhaling her scent. This was home to you.

"We'll go home. Wait for me in the room and I'll get you ready. Then we can leave." She said, making you nod as you backed away into the room. Your eyes met his as you closed the door, your heart picking up its pace. You frowned and placed a hand on your chest.

He's a bad guy.

Taehyung stood still, staring at the closed door, wishing for you to come back out and tell him that this is all a joke. And that you remembered him.

"You said she lost her memories. How did she know me?" Yoona asked, looking around at everyone. They all glanced at Taehyung before Jimin sighed, knowing that Taehyung wasn't gonna answer anything anymore.

"She lost all her memories related to... Taehyung. She remembers you so that's the only possible explanation." He explained, receiving a nod from Hoseok.

Just for a second, Yoona felt pity for Taehyung. It must be really painful to lose someone so quickly. But it disappeared just as it came, her mind displaying nothing but joy. If you really didn't remember Taehyung then she could do anything. She could make sure that you never remember him.

"I'll help you." She lied, watching in amusement as Taehyung's eyes lit up. She walked closer to him and gave him a look full of sympathy.

"She's my best friend. No matter how much I hate you, I can't take away the part of her that was happy. Unfortunately, it was with you." Yoona was surprised at how convincing she sounded. With a poker face, she left everyone to think about her words as she entered your room.

After a minute of silence, Jungkook spoke up.

"Do you seriously believe that?"

His eyes danced across the room, taking in everyone's face as he waited for a reply.

"Of course not. She thinks she's good at lying but she isn't. She couldn't even hide her satisfaction." Taehyung stated, moving to stand by the window. He was already tired and with every passing second, he could feel you slipping out of his fingers. This was the first time Kim Taehyung was gonna lose. And he was pretty sure that a lot of people would enjoy watching him break.

"We'll get through this, Tae. We all know she loves you. Someday she's gonna come back." Namjoon said, squeezing Taehyung's shoulder comfortingly. He was right. Taehyung knew that. Namjoon always managed to say the right things.

Taehyung leaned his head against the cool glass, closing his eyes and gathering himself. He had to say goodbye to you for a while. Just for a while.

Is that what you think?

He gritted his teeth and inhaled deeply, hating how a big part of him had already given up.

💔🖤💔🖤💔🖤

You held yoona's hand and followed her as she led you out of the room. You glanced down at the clothes you were wearing, still wondering how there was an entire closet full of women clothing and why Yoona had packed them all in a bag. You didn't know if they were your clothes but if they were….

How did they get here?

Your head hurt with the amount of questions you had. Everything was so suspicious and you were so lost.

You gulped on seeing seven men standing in the living room, all their eyes fixed on you as Yoona continued to drag you. You recognized one of them. He was the one who had treated your wounds. You hesitantly nodded at him with a broken smile. His aura was warm and you felt calm around him.

Hoseok.

That was his name. That's what he had told you.

You could see the sad smiles on everyone's faces and it seemed as though your heart hurt. But one thing was out of place. The man who was the target of most of your questions, wasn't looking at you. He was just staring out the window with his back facing you. Just as you reached the door of the big house, you stopped. Yoona frowned and looked at you as you glanced at your clenched fist.

Your mind was a mess. You didn't know if you should do this or not. With a shaky breath, you let go of yoona's hand and turned towards the men in the room. Surprisingly, you weren't intimidated by any of them. They all seemed nice to you.

Giving nervous looks around the room, you slowly made your way towards the window, your heart beating faster with every step you took. You could tell he wasn't in a good mood. The way his body was slumped against the window made you think that he was upset. You stopped right behind him, feeling more nervous as everyone continued to stare at you.

You bit your lip harshly, reaching your hand out to place it on his shoulder. Hesitantly, he turned around, his breath hitching as he clearly wasn't expecting you.

Your heart started pounding in your chest on seeing him up close. He was really beautiful. His eyes looked into yours with emotions that you couldn't decipher. Averting your gaze to the floor, you stretched your closed fist towards him, waiting for him to take it.

Taehyung frowned and placed his palm beneath your fist, watching as you slowly opened it. A folded piece of paper fell on his palm making him look up at you. Your hand had briefly touched his and your eyes widened momentarily. For some reason, your cheeks became really warm and your heart felt as if it was gonna jump out of your chest. With all the courage you could muster, you looked up at him one last time before turning around and rushing towards Yoona, a soft smile gracing your lips as she led you out of the house.

Taehyung wanted to dance around with joy. He wasn't ready to watch you leave, which is why he had decided to not pay attention to you when you came out of the room. He could feel eyes on his back but he assumed it was the members. There was no way you would look at him. You were scared of him. Out of everyone, you were scared of him. When a hand tapped his shoulder, he again assumed it was one of the members. But it wasn't.

It was you.

His heart was gonna leap out when you handed him the paper. This was the most exciting thing that had happened since he found you. He quickly unfolded the paper after you left, his eyes lightening up when he read what you wrote. And for the first time in a while, he had hope. He smiled as he read the words again and again. He was gonna make you love him again. No matter what it took.

"I do not know who you are or what happened but I'm guessing it has something to do with me. If you aren't the person who wanted to kill me, then...I hope we meet again!" -Y/N Y/L/N

Taglist: @min-t-posts @annoyinglyunabashedangel @bringitseijoh @kpopgirlbtssvt @unppleased @shadowstark @bangtanniexxx @wendyiiwl @imlostindarkness @tipu-tempus @bvbsins @jazzytfw @lovestrucked-again @hopetookmysoul @angelwolfexorcist @somewhereinthestarss

Tell me if I missed anyone out! And tell me if you wanna be added!! Love ya~

-XX

[therealroyalfamily]

!¡Warning¡!:

Cruising, men not knowing personal space, mention of killing a child, death, family drama

CHAPTER ONE

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

The music jumped off the wall, sweat and glitter-covered their bodies as they grinded their bodies on each other, so much alcohol ran through there bloodstream that Apollo can almost taste it. From his VIP section apollo watched the two humans carefully, waiting for the right time to approach them. one male, one female 

The male was muscular and tall, having a height of 6'1. he wore a plain white shirt with leather pants the hugged his legs a little too much, especially the crouch area

The female wore a short black dress that went limp towards her breast, her face showing discomfort each time the man grinds his crouch into her backside

"If you don’t stop him, I will…." 

Apollo turned to his left, only to see his Best friend, Jay staring at the scene in front of him  obviously infuriated by the way this man was dancing on the woman

"...Dont.." apollo says turning back to look at the two, unbothered 

"How can you sit there watch this?"

"..will you shut up, you haven't eaten in 2 days. I'm trying to help you.." Apollo says calmly

".. I can feed by myself, I don’t need your help. I can control my thirst.."

"you feed on a toddler last week, you ungrateful fucking prick" apollo says, still not taking his eyes off the pair

"I-...jesus.." Jay sighed as he recalled the regretful night

The music pauses, the dancefloor becoming less crowded as people retreat back to there seats to grab refreshments and chat, Apollo watches as the man practicality drags the women to the other side of the clubs, where the bar is located

"..if you’re so mad about the situation, you can take the big guy.."

"No..you need the blood more than me-" 

"I'm not a newborn, I'll be fine...come on," Apollo says, interrupting jay

He gets up from the couch and gestures Jay to follow he walks down the stairs that lead to the dancefloor, that has now regained some dancing bodies on it

They both walk through the crowd with ease as people made away when they passed, eyes practically undressing them both. Apollo not making eye contact with any of the lust-filled eyes due to him not taking his eyes off his prey contrast to Jay who made eye contact with almost all the men and women with a sly smirk, loving his and Apollos effect on people

That changed when they finally reached the bar, Jay almost instantly entered predator mode, his bloodlust and anger toward the man almost causing him to drain him of his blood on the spot

Jay stood next to the man and Apollo stood next to the woman. Caging them in their presence jay didn’t grab the man’s attention but Apollo immediately grab the women's attention. 

She analyzed him she watched as his jawline flexed every time he swallowed, the way his hair messily framed his face perfectly, the way his lips glistened in bar lights. 

Her mind drifted to his hands that now gripped a cup that was placed by a bartender, she fantasized how his fingers would feel inside of her with his rings, how his lips would move against her pussy she nearly at the idea,  if it wasn’t for the man whose arm was on her ass at the moment, she would have shot her shot a long time ago

Apollo noticed her hesitation and soon looking at Jay. When they made eye contact Apollo signaled Jay, with a simple look

Jay turned to the man and tapped his shoulder lightly before the man can even show his irritation Jay's looks him straight in the eye and says

"Go outside and wait for me at the empty alley next to the club, Don’t talk to anyone" 

The man stares at Jay dumbstruck and soon moves to leave following his every command

Jay's soon disappeared also leaving An unbothered Apollo and a relieved woman

"Whew...I thought he'd never leave" the woman awkwardly says, now turning her attention to Apollo 

He doesn't move still acting more interested in swirling his drink more than the women

"I-im Vanessa, and you are?"

Apollo turns to look at the petite woman, who was visibly intimidated by his "Don’t care"  attitude 

"Apollo," he says sternly, and if it wasn't for his enhanced hearing, he wouldn't have heard the moan that escapes her mouth 

"You okay? your turning red" Apollo asked faking his concern

"Y-yea I'm..um..fine" the women know known as Vanessa say, nervously chuckling 

Silence fell between the two, Apollo was becoming impatient, he didn’t like playing with his food

"...you know…" Apollo begins 

"..if you wanna fuck me, just say it. You’re holding up the line" he gestures to the remaining eyes that still whisper and stare at him

"...Bold.." Vanessa says seductively

Apollo hum agreeing, as he grabs her wrist, and drags her to the exit

The wind blow blew through her hair, Apollo can hear her heartbeat increase each time his hand grazes hers, the smell of her arousal grows thicker every second

When there about to past the dark, quiet alley Apollo stops her

"My cars down there" Apollo points down the alley 

Vanessa nervously chuckles "Isn’t that a bit weird to park your car down there"

"Not if you plan to have sex in it…" Apollo says boredom laced in his voice 

"Come on, I'll protect you.."

Apollo wraps his arm around her shoulder pulling her closer, she shivers due to his lack of body heat. They began to walk down the alley, Vanessa getting startled by a few rats here and there Apollo watching with amusement, finding her yelps of fear entertaining 

When they reached far enough from the busy streets of Korea, Apollo turned her around and pinned her to the nearest wall trapping her with his taller structure 

" I-I thought y-your car was do-down he-"

Before his prey can even finish her sentence Apollo sank his fangs into her pulse point and began to suck the life out of the poor women

Her screams muted due to Apollo’s hand squeezing her throat. His grip was so strong that he hears her bones crashing into millions of pieces. Once he was done, he pulled away from the lady, her heartbeat weak, her eyes bloodshot and her neck untouched by blood, but horrifyingly Showerd with bruises 

Her body drops down to the concrete floor, with little life left

Apollo wiped his lips the remaining blood from his soft lips, he looked around hoping to find Jay coming back from his meal. But he doesn't 

He sighs 

He leans against the wall opposite of the now dead woman waiting for his late best friend. 15 minutes past and jay is still not here, Apollo guesses he went home with the rest of there coven and finally decides to do the same

He's halfway up the alley when his phone vibrates in his pocket, thinking its Jay, He picks it up immediately but before he can even speak, the caller does

 

"Apollo Young-ho Cullen!"

Fuck.

"Hey mom.."

Esme Cullen, Apollo’s mother. Not biological but she was more his mother than his real one ever was, he would do anything for that woman, anything 

"..Carlisle has been trying to contact you since yesterday, what happened?" Esme says concern laced in her voice 

Apollo turns back to look at his meal, still lying lifeless on the floor, as he begins to walk again 

 "I was busy"

"To busy to talk to your father!?"

Apollo scoffed  "He’s not my father, stop saying that"

"Just because you’re older than him doesn't mean he can’t be a father figure to you, I do-"

"Mom," Apollo says sternly, signals her to leave the topic alone

"We need you.." Esme says sadly 

"For?" Apollo asked weaving through to body on the street now only a few blocks away from his covens hideout 

"Edward found his mate"

Apollo smiles remembering his stiff, quiet and sometimes Boring younger Brother

"I bet he’s through the roof….how does that have anything to do with me though?"

"......shes human"

Apollos smile dropped, concern and anger creeping in his voice 

"And you expect me to care, because?"

"Shes your brothers mat-"

"She’s human! The Volturi can kill you all if they find out-"

"They already know!"

Apollo stays quiet taking in the information he has just received, he's family lives is in danger because his little brother decided to fall in love with a human. A fragile, weak useless human. He hasn't met said human but he can already feel hatred towards the little girl

Minutes passed before neither Esme nor Apollo spoke 

The Cullen family in Forks surrounding Esme listening to their conversation, Edward shamefully looking down, Disappointed due to not having his older brother acceptance 

Apollo now sat on his front porch steps, still digesting the information 

"Listen, I have more things to explain but I'm afraid you'll go on a killing spree or something.."

Esme chuckles sadly

"-so when you come home, I'll explain the rest….please come home Apollo.," Esme said with sadness, longing to have her eldest son in her arms

"We need your help apollo...one last favor please?" Apollo can hear Carlisle say in the background 

Apollo bottled up all his negative emotions toward the situation and threw it out the window his only motivation is keeping his family safe

"I'll be there by morning."

*Hangs up*

[isnotys]

Seamless Part 4

Summary: After being Shane Dawson’s assistant for a year, things couldn’t have been going better. However, Shane had other plans. He has decided that your next move is to jump headfirst into your true passion and with some unexpected partners.

Warnings: None

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Inspiration for the name of this series

It has been a few weeks since meeting the twins and honestly, my mind is still reeling from it. We have kept in touch because Shane made a group chat with all of us in it and they wished us a Merry Christmas. From then on we’ve just shared silly Tik-Toks and funny tweets, nothing too serious.

The Christmas break was great, Ryland’s family is so welcoming and supportive. We had an exquisite Christmas Eve dinner and spent that week disconnected from the internet. Sometimes it is necessary to take a moment and reflect. Life in LA moves so much quicker and the crazier it gets, the harder it is to remember what you are chasing. Maybe I do want something more than what I have allowed myself to want. 

But after this great week away, today is the New Year’s Eve party and I’ve been keeping busy preparing the food and helping Ryland and Morgan decorate, to avoid thinking about seeing the twins again tonight. They are great and I genuinely like them, but I don’t know how much we really have in common. I am from a small college town and can only hope to achieve half of what they have done. I have to admit it, I am intimidated. As much as I’d like to think the opposite, they could only ever see me as a fan, not as a friend. Needless to say, I feel very out of place. 

However, Shane is low-key (high-key) making me attend this party, going on about “connecting with people” and “giving myself and others a chance.” To be fair, he is absolutely right. However, it has always been hard for me to keep friendships, mostly because people aren't always honest about their intentions and LA seems to be exactly that but multiplied by a hundred. Obviously, not Shane’s friends or the twins, but generally and me already feeling a bit intimidated, it’s clearly not helping. Hopefully, tonight will be different. 

“Guys! Are we ready for the best night ever?!?!” Shane asks entering the room. He’s clearly a little tipsy already and oddly enough not wearing his iconic pig shirt. He is wearing all black suit, with a black shirt underneath. Accompanying him is Garret, who is wearing black dress pants and a bedazzled Gucci shirt which Jeffree bought him for Christmas. 

“Where is the food?!?!” Garret asks half yelling, but completely serious.

“Nothing is ready yet, Garret. You’re gonna have to wait a few more minutes, hun.” I say to him as Morgan walks up to him and hands a box of Cheez-Its.

“No eating before dinner guys!” I say to them sounding like the world’s most annoying mom and they both just laugh at me.

“Someone is nervous,” Shane teases. “Listen, I get it, but today is just like a family gathering. Except, no one is getting offended although, there’s gonna be some shade thrown for sure.”

“But what about the twins?” I ask nervously.

“Aw, that’s CUTE! I remember wanting to impress my crush when I first moved to LA hopefully, your pants won't rip,” Garrett says unironically. 

“You have nothing to worry about, y/n. They’re not typical LA douchebags,” Shane says patting my shoulder completely dismissing Garrett, as usual. He really is a dad to all of us. 

“I don’t have a crush on either of them for the record,” I murmur nervously. 

“That is like saying I don't like Shane. I’ve seen the way your eyes were sparkling at dinner last time, hunty,” Ryland teases. 

“You can’t deny you are a fan at the very least, y/n,” Morgan says with her mouth full of Cheez-Its still. “It is like me trying to deny my life long love for donuts, it’s pointless.” I roll my eyes and keep making my vegan banana bread for dessert. Not just because it so happens to be Grayson’s favorite. 

A few moments later, people start to arrive. Sadly, Trisha couldn’t make it, but Jeffree comes in, wearing a beautiful olive green, skintight dress with a Gucci coat, and he is accompanied by boyfriend, Nate. Jeffree’s presence is anything but bland and ordinary. Yet, he oddly feels approachable and humble. The guest list also includes; Drew, Andrew, and my queen, Jenna Marbles alongside Julien Solomita. They really are a match made in heaven. 

I am helping Ryland serve some drinks around when I see them. I immediately get this intense rush of feelings that runs through my body, as if Zeus himself had struck me with his lightning bolt. I feel my face burn and my knees weaken out of pure terror. 

The night is pitch black and the air smells of expensive perfume and alcohol. Suddenly, my glittery teal dress feels too revealing, too short, doesn't fit right and is definitely not pretty enough. But they look out of this world. Ethan is wearing red pants and an LV t-shirt, while Grayson looks absolutely breathtaking with tight lavender dress pants and a black t-shirt. 

They smile when they see me and start walking toward me. “Hi, y/n! How have you been,” Ethan says giving me a side hug. My nose is filled with his almond scent and I can’t do anything but swoon. 

“Good, great to see you both,” I say trying to sound calm, cool and collected as Grayson hugs me as well. When he pulls away we lock eyes and I am about to lose consciousness, but then I notice Ethan smirking to my right. My face feels warm and I want to run away, but I try to smile through it.

“How was Colorado?” Grayson asks looking at Ethan all serious, “Shane said you weren’t having it with the weather.”

“Yeah,” I have no idea why Shane would be talking about me with the twins, but I continue, “I don’t like the cold. I didn't live long enough in New York to get used to it. However, it was really nice to get away from the crazy LA scene.”

“I get what you mean, it’s like sometimes you can’t even hear yourself think,” Grayson says.

“Yeah, like everyone wants you to do something that might not be what you want and could only benefit them,” Ethan continues.

“That’s how I feel, as if I can’t trust anyone outside of my circle. It’s all so kill or be killed here,” I say feeling like we are finally connecting. Maybe I have been so scared and in my head about my own insecurities that I haven't given them a fair chance. 

The twins and I stay together for the rest of the night, talking about the most random things and some deeper stuff too. Turns out they were bullied in school, I was too, but they are so sweet I can’t even fathom the thought of someone truly disliking them, let alone wanting to hurt them. 

The night is coming to a close and we are all three outside sitting by the pool. It feels like I have known them for years. Like souls that have known each other from a past life recognizing each other in this one, we are seamless.

“What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned this year?” Grayson asks looking at me breaking a few minutes of silence after our last deep conversation.

I give it some thought, but I’ve known all along, “That rejection will never hurt as much as regret. What about you?” 

“Live every day as if it’s your last,” Ethan says still looking at the dark sky. There isn't a single star out there tonight. 

“That you gotta step into the daylight and let it go,” Grayson says smiling at me. I can’t help but smile as well. That dimple is to die for.

“You stole that from Taylor Swift, sir,” I blush furiously and he laughs, which sounds like the laugh of an actual angel.

“I stole that from your Twitter bio actually, but what can I say?,” Grayson laughs again and Ethan just pretends to have been listening to the conversation all along. I just pretend Grayson didn't just say that he was looking at my twitter and try to keep the small amount of dignity that I have left and play it cool. 

The countdown begins and I am welcoming the decade with two of the people I have admired the most. What could be better than this?

[thatlazycrazylady]

On Writing Essays

The trouble with being a nonfiction writer (because that's where that part of my life is right now) is that your life becomes an open book. Literally.

Okay, so maybe you don't know how, exactly, I got here. So I guess I'll tell you. Ever since I learned a bit of basic html and whatnot at the age of ten (?), I've always kept some sort of website or blog on the internet. It's not something I often share with people IRL (I mean, they know about it but I have not ever actively encouraged anyone to visit or read my stuff, except perhaps on one particular phase of my life but we don't talk about that now.) And I don't think these blogs have ever had plenty of visitors. I think the reason I've always kept them is that I've always liked to have my own space, somewhere, where I can write whatever I like, without having to think about what other people might feel about what I'm writing. Or maybe I've just always needed some place to stroke my ego or something. I don't know. I'm still figuring it all out.

Anyway, between that and the random stories I make in my head and the things I've done for school and school papers, for work and work publications, I realized that I kind-of like writing. And, in a way, as with everything that I do, I've always longed for a community that does the same. (Mind you, way back in the day it was tough to look for local artistic communities, which tended to be - at least my perspective - highbrow and intimidating.) So pretty much most of my creative communities at the time were online.

But then, in my mid-20's, a local writers group that has been organizing poetry nights around the city calls for membership applications. And they seem like an accessible group of people - young, welcoming, and progressive. So I submit my application and get accepted. BUT at the same time, I'm signed up for a Writers Workshop.

Yes, not a writers workshop. A Writers Workshop. I have no idea, no clue what that is. And they ask for some of my recent, unpublished works and ask me what genre I write in. Now, look. I have many stories in my head. Many fantastical stories of magic schools and hidden staircases, worlds under balete trees and mananangals that will do you favors in exchange for blood. There is just one problem: I have not completed any of that. The whole stories are fully formed, but they're all still in my goddamn head. And so, instead, I have no choice but to submit the little things I've written in my blogs. Little thoughts about this and that, little snippets of my experiences. What genre is that in?, they ask. Well, it's certainly not poetry. Not fiction. Not drama. So I figure it is creative nonfiction?

And so I enter the Writers Workshop with no fucking clue about what creative nonfiction is (I honestly didn't even bother to google it before showing up) but eager to learn. That workshop changed my life, I feel like. But that's a story for another day. But one of the critique that I got during the workshop was that they felt I wasn't present in the piece. Like I'm trying to tell one of my stories, but I was trying to hide at the same time.

And I guess it's because I do try to hide. I have never been one to wear my heart on my sleeve. Or, more accurately, I strip my heart apart and curate the things I would like to show, but leaving the remainder of the mutilated flesh deep where nobody can find it.

But, over the years, I slowly tried to bare my heart in my writing. Not just the parts I wanted others to see but, little by little, the rest of it. (I haven't 100% put it out there, but let's just say I've written more than what is comfortable to me.)

It is telling that my medical school psychiatric examination (that I wasn't supposed to see but hey I have a knack of opening envelopes and then resealing them to make it look like they're untouched) says that I am "sentimental but is evasive of her feelings." I think about that a lot. And when I'm writing, I often ask myself: what is it that I'm avoiding? And then I barge blunderingly in that direction.

And people have loved it, for some reason. My creative nonfiction / essays have received glowing reviews in workshops and publications since. (And whenever I submit my fiction... lol nobody likes my fiction XD... but like it's not that I care so I will dump this blog continuously with my stupid sims stories.)

But then I have reached the point at which the thing which I have stated in the first sentence becomes a major problem: The trouble with being a nonfiction writer is that your life becomes an open book. Literally.

The story of how I fell in love with my boyfriend (or, at least, bits of it) is right there. The stupid random thoughts I have while waiting in bus stops and barges, they're all there. The warm fuzzy feelings I have in moments that may not mean a lot to the people I'm with but have actually legitimately changed my life - they're all there. Now they're in a book.

And I'm going to be honest: these are not the things I regularly tell my friends because I'm pretty much more of a listener than a storyteller in IRL friendships. These are things that only my writer friends know about, mostly because I feel like they're the only people who understand the depth of emotion, the sentimentality that real life has compelled me to be evasive of, that lurks in each sentence. (Also, they're pretty much my beta readers.)

Honestly, I almost feel like I don't want to release this book and just continue discretely publishing in literary journals where only fellow writers can read. But, at the same time, I feel like I have a point to make. My stories talk about people living in areas affected by conflict, people who have grown up in poverty, how we hide the things we find undesirable behind idyllic beach resorts and tourist destinations...

It seems to me that as a society (and I talk specifically about the community I live in), we are all "sentimental but (sic) evasive about (our) feelings". And maybe we can't move forward if we keep on avoiding the things that are uncomfortable. I know I've become a better person for exploring these things through writing.

TL;DR I'm publishing a nonfiction book with snippets of my life and holy shit am I anxious about it.