#ch: drew han

[southernisled]

@THEHANSWESTERGAARD uploaded a new photo THEHANSWESTERGAARD the very best gal around @justeeyore, thank you for just being you. And the best milkshake maker in Evermore! #TheJukeboxEvermore #MilkshakesBringTheBoysToTheYard 

[facioleeknow]

The art of pleasure ch.6

Authority ° Lee Felix

When one girl in your class makes fun of you for being a virgin at a party, you are left distraught. It's only natural that you decide to whine about it to your best friend, Bang Chan; but he does more than lending a shoulder to cry on, he comes up with a solution. He and his 7 friends will help you and teach you all about the pleasure of the flesh. What could go wrong?

Genre: SMUT 18+ only, college AU WC:1.6k +

TW: experienced Felix, inexperienced reader, intercourse, cumshots, sub Felix, Felix cries, mention of safe word, first time domming, grinding

A/N, another chapter after less than a week?? I'm spoiling you guys ahah ;), I hope you like the chapter and I also have a super important announcement regarding the story so go to my blog and find out <3

Han scrambled up at the voices and rushed to pull his pants and underwear up before the door swung open violently.

“Hyung, we're naked, you can't just come in!” Hannie whined like a baby, he was the baby of the trio after all. Changbin tsked at him and Chan simply rolled his eyes, it wasn't the first time they were naked around each other and clearly wouldn't be the last. Meanwhile you laid on the table, front and cheek completely squished against it. The tiredness from the previous day had gotten to you, maybe having your first time and another fuck not even 12 hours apart hadn't been a good idea. Hyunjin had treated you so well that you were barely sore in the morning but Hannie had been very intense and you were sure you would feel it the day after. 

Cum started to sleep out of you and drip down your thighs but you were so tired, you just wanted to nap.

“Hey, baby, are you okay?” Chan's voice was soft, you had never heard such softness come from him even if he had always been nothing but wonderful to you. You hummed in response.

“Tired.” Chan giggled at your cute cheeks and droopy eyes.

“Let me clean you up, okay?” Another hum and then you heard shuffling behind you. A soft tissue came in contact with your soiled and puffy pussy and you immediately hissed at the touch and tried to scramble higher up the desk.

“Easy, baby, easy. I'm all done,” the tissue soon disappeared and was replaced by your soft panties and your shorts. Chan dragged a chair near you and then sat down, his legs spread enough to make room for you.

“Come here, baby, let's take a nap, yeah?”  

You didn't let him tell you twice because you all but jumped on him and attached yourself to his body like a koala. Napping with Chris was your favorite activity in the world. As soon as your head hit his shoulder, your eyes closed. The last things you heard were the two older boys chastising Han.

“I can't believe you didn't make her cum!”

“She said it was fine, hyung!”

When you woke up, you were in a different position, on the couch with a jacket draped over your middle. You felt warm and content. 3racha was still working in front of you, how long had you been asleep for? You patted yourself for your phone. 

“Chris?” Your voice was hoarse and tired. The three boys jumped in their seats at the sudden voice. Chan rolled close to you and studied your face as to find any sign of discomfort.

“Slept well baby?” His thumb gently drew circles on your warm cheek and you sighed and melted into the affection.

“Yes, very. Where is my phone?” Changbin, from behind Chan, handed you the device.

“Felix called and he texted, you should text him back,” Changbin had a naughty glint in his eyes, that could only mean one thing.

Felix was the only one of the boys that you were closer to, except for Chan. In all honesty, with all of his cuteness and kindness, the sunshine boy was very hard to dislike and you had no intention of trying.

Lixie:

Hey bubby, Binnie hyung told me you were sleeping, I wanted to know when you wanted to meet :D

You: 

Hey Lixie <3

Sorry I was pretty tired, I had a date with Hyunjin last night and one with Han this morning 

Lixie: 

Are you okay? Sore? :(

You:

A little but don't worry, sweet boy, nothing I can't handle

Did you have a time in mind already for the hangout? <3

Lixie: 

I was thinking next weekend, if it's not too early :D

You: 

It's perfect Lixie, I'll see you next weekend

Lixie:

Rest well, bubby <3

Getting ready for the date with Felix was easy. You felt comfortable around him since you were already friends and the only one of the boys you were friendly with, except for Chan. The fact that you knew what to expect from intercourse in general also helped you greatly, sex now wasn't this big mystery to you anymore, albeit you still had a lot to learn.

You knocked on Felix's door excitedly, this lesson was gonna be fun, you could feel it.

“Hey bubby,” Felix opened the door with one of the biggest and brightest smiles you had ever seen. He was so precious. The boy quickly pulled you into his room.

“So, on the list that Chan gave me it said ‘domming’. Do you want to talk more about that?” your voice was firm and determined, you were excited to try and uncover this new side of you and to feel new things physically.

“Oh, hyung told you already…” his voice was lower than usual. Your hand gently covered his small one and then squeezed, as to spur him on.

“Yeah, I like to not have control, I like to do what other people tell me to do,” his cheeks were dusted with pink and his eyes were round and sparkly, you wanted to eat him up.

“That's okay, I think I can do that, do you have a safe word?”

“Yeah, it's gold league,” he chuckled. Of course it was game related, typical Felix.

“Okay, do you want to play?” a wink from you sent the boy into a blushing and stuttering mess.

“Yes!”

“Put your games on then, bubby.” Felix looked at you confused, but still got up and sat down in front of his computer. Oh how you loved when a man did what you told him, you were starting to feel the thrill some women got from dominating. 

Right when Felix logged into League, you got up.

“Be a good boy, keep playing and let me have my fun, and maybe I'll let you cum at the end if I'm satisfied.” Felix looked at you with big round eyes, his bottom lip slightly jutted out and trembling. A small whimper escaped from his lips when you sat down on his lap, thick thighs on either way of his. 

“Don't hold back or I won't touch you at all.” Felix nodded frantically while still trying to play, he was trying to focus but his mind zeroed on how good your weight felt on his half hard cock. You placed small feather light kisses all over his neck and shoulders, he was wearing a tank top and you almost wanted to cheer at the choice; more skin more surface to play with. When your tongue came in contact with his pulse point on his neck, Felix whimpered and started trembling underneath you, his cock pushed against his short and you could feel it deliciously throb through your panties.

“Miss, please,” he looked and sounded like he was about to shatter but, like a good boy, he kept playing his game. Your hips started to grind harshly on top of his bulge, your clit caught on his zipper so deliciously that in a matter of moments your underwear was ruined by your slick.

“You like to call your girls ‘miss’, Felix?” A whimper and a nod, “what a naughty boy.” At your words a wet patch of precum started to form on Felix's shorts. He was probably close and so were you, both of you were extremely worked up. You needed him inside. 

With swift fingers you unbuttoned his shorts and pulled down his zipper. His cock stood proud in front of you, he wasn't as long as Hyunjin or as thick as Changbin and was even shorter than Han but you were sure he would feel good nonetheless.

“No underwear? Tsk, you're a bad boy.”

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry,” he sobbed, a fat tear rolled down his cheek but was swiftly caught by your gentle hand.

“Its okay baby, I like bad boys.” Without any other words, you pulled your panties to the side and sank down on him. Two equally pleased moans sounded in the room. Your hips started moving almost immediately, you were too impatient to wait.

“Baby why don't you stop playing your games now and start playing with my little clit? If you can make me cum before you, I'll give you a reward,” your voice sounded sickly sweet like you had never heard before, and Felix complied immediately. His short, small and warm fingers worked wonders on your swollen bud, he was skilled and liked pleasuring others. With how worked up you were and with how good Felix's cock felt rubbing your walls back and forth it didn't take too long for you to feel that familiar pressure start to build inside your guts.

“Oh, baby keep going, I'm so so close.” Felix's hand applied even more pressure to your poor sensitive clit and you came with a long keen. Your hips slowed down while you rode out your high and Felix whined at the change.

“Miss, miss, can I please cum now?” 

“Yes baby, whenever you want.” Your hips picked up the pace and increased it what to Felix seemed tenfold; you were so wet and warm and soft and smelled so good. Your voice was so nice and you took such a great care of him, he had to cum for you.

“Oh miss I'm coming, I'm coming.” You quickly pulled yourself up and off the chair. The front of your dress got shoved down impatiently by your clammy hands and you kneeled in front of your sweet boy.

“Why don't you cum all over me, baby boy?” A hand wrapped around his tiny dick and quickly began to jerk him off. Felix's hips lifted off the chair to follow the movement from your hand, his hands dug into the plush of the armrests. 

Soon white ropes of cum landed on your chest and face while Felix whimpered and thrashed in the chair. 

“Thank you miss,” the sunshine boy sent you a weak but bright smile and you cooed at the sight. 

“You're welcome, baby.”

“Can I pick my reward now?”

@kflixnet

[rotten-hearts-sharp-teeth]

Alone No Longer Ch. 8- Ties That Bind

"Sabine. How may I be of assistance?"

Her smile stretched to reveal four sharpened canines.

"I'm so glad you asked. As I was just explaining to this gentleman-"

She turned slightly, inclining her head toward the guard.

"I am here to see my husband and I am not leaving this hallway until I do."

Walter's violet eyes widened behind his monocle. He stared at her in disbelief, but Sabine gave no indication that her demand was anything but serious.

"You know I cannot allow that. He's a war criminal. A political prisoner of the Hellsing organization."

Sabine pursed her lips. Her eyebrows drew together as she glanced at the cell door. Hans was in there. She knew it. She could feel him.

"Yes I know, but prisoners have a right to visitation."

The guard behind her snorted.

"That bastard doesn't have any legal rights. He's a bloody-"

Sabine whirled around to face the soldier. His mouth snapped shut at the sight of her glowing red eyes.

"Werewolf? And what do you see when you look at me, hmm? A monster?"

"Sabine."

She ignored Walter's warning and advanced on the guard. A low growl of frustration built behind her voice. She wasn't technically a prisoner of Hellsing, but she was close enough.

"Just because I am not human does not make me less of a person!"

"Sabine, calm down!"

The soldier slid his finger to the trigger of his rifle. Sabine spun away from him and closed her eyes, willing her temper back under control.

She felt as if the pain in her chest was driving her mad! She didn't know if it was the bond between them, or if her feelings for Hans were genuine, but the separation had become physically unbearable. What started as a dull throb of longing grew into an agonizing stab of loss. Something inside Sabine was withering… and dying.

If she perished from a broken heart, who would be left to care for Barrett?

Desperate tears threatened to fall as she took a deep breath through her nose and out of her mouth. It required every ounce of willpower not to throw herself at the cell door and claw at it like a rabid beast.

"Valtah, please. Open the door. My son is a month old and has yet to meet his father."

"Sir Hellsing would never approve-"

Sabine stomped her foot. The sound of her heel connecting with the concrete floor echoed down the sterile hallway.

"I do not care what Sir Hellsing would approve! He has refused to answer my questions and I am tired of waiting! Valtah, I am so tired."

Barrett stirred in her arms. She soothed him back to sleep as she turned to face Walter. Something dark passed over his features, but was gone in an instant. Sabine was left wondering if she had imagined the look.

"I have to see Hans. Unless you plan to shoot an unarmed woman and her baby, I am not moving from this spot until you open that door!"

"Fine. If you wish to see him so badly, then be my guest. You have ten minutes."

Sabine and the soldier both startled at Walter's sudden change of heart.

"Unlock the cell."

The guard stared at him.

"But, sir?"

His lips pressed into a thin line. He scowled at the soldier as he folded his hands behind his back.

Walter was just as tired of waiting.

"That's an order soldier. Unless you doubt my ability to keep a single prisoner under control?"

"No Sir."

The sullen guard removed the key ring from his belt and began to unlock the cell door. Sabine couldn't seem to catch her breath. Her fingers restlessly combed through her hair, tucking every strand back into place. Anxiously, she tugged at her garments. After one month of endless seclusion, she was finally going to be reunited with Hans!

The last image she had of him was on his knees, kneeling before Sir Hellsing in defeat. The last time they touched was his goodbye kiss in the woods.

The reinforced door swung open. Sabine rushed past the guard.

"Hans!"

The overwhelming presence of silver crawled across her skin. Every hair stood on end. Instinctively, she shielded Barrett's delicate body from the deadly metal.

The sight that greeted her inside the cell ripped a gasp from her lips before she could stifle the noise.

"Oh… Hans."

[hunterwritesstuff]

We demand norman!! /silly

MY BOYYYY

Pre-fall of studio:

Hunter: "Don't worry, kiddo...you can sleep here anytime ya need..."(Family)

Sammy: "You're so....peculiar..."(Neutral)

Joey: "He needs to keep his temper in check."(Tension)

Rebecca: "I ate my greens and drank my milk!"(Friendly)

Bruce: "A kid shouldn't hafta sleep in a treehouse to feel safe."(Hated)

Marcy: "Why the FUCK ain't ya doin' anything?"(Hated)

Susie: "Miss Campbell is quite nice!"(Friendly)

Tom: "I sees everything he does...and I don't quite care for it."(Tension)

Allison: "A nice lady! Love her laugh!"(Friendly)

Wally: "Ohhh, Franks..."(Tension)

Kenneth: "Keep him in check, PLEEEEASE."(Friendly)

John: "I don't trust you GENT folks. But you're an exception."(Loved)

Henry: "A man brighter than me."(Friendly)

Bertrum: "Joey's bein' too big of a dreamer now."(Tension)

Lacie: "A bright lady."(Neutral)

Mary: "I'd be happy to make ya some of my ma's cookin' someday!"(Friendly)

GENT(The company): "Shady business these fellas are..."(Tension)

Barley(Hunter's bio dad): "A brave man..."(Friendly)

Grant: "Joey fucked you over too much..."(Friendly)

Betty: "Ain't I always?"(Friendly)

Post-Fall of studio:

Hunter: "H...un....ter...?"(Tension)

Sammy: "g...et....ba...ck..."(Tension)

Joey: "DREW!!!!!!"(Hated)

Rebecca: "do...n't...be...sca...red..."(Tension)

Bruce: "STAY AWAY FROM HIM!!!!"(Hated)

Marcy: "WASTE."(Hated)

Susie: "do...n't...tou...ch....him..."(Tension)

Tom: "t...o...m..."(Tension)

Allison: "...mi...ss....you...r...laugh..."(Friendly)

Wally: "..."(Pity)

Kenneth: "...pu...ppet..."(Tension)

John: "....po..or...ma...n..."(Tension)

Henry: "no...t...smar....t...any...more..."(Pity)

Bertrum: "Wh...o...?"(Neutral)

Lacie: "..."(Tension)

Mary: "!!!"(Tension)

GENT(The company): "ma...de...me...like....this..."(Hated)

Barley(Hunter's bio dad): "he...lp....h...im...."(Friendly)

Grant: "th...e...han...ged...man..."(Tension)

Betty: "wh...y...sho...ot...?"(Pity)

[yokohamabeans]

HI YOKO IRS ME AGAIN!!! I JUST FINISHED READING CH 5 AND????????? KAKUCHO IMMEDIATELY BEING ENAMOURED BY JUST A GLIMPSE OF YUA AND CONTINUOUSLY THINKING ABOUT HER EVEN AFTER 8 WHOLE YEARS IT MADE ME FEELSO????? UGJFIFRHJSKRKDJRH GYI GFI H OK SORRY IT'S NOT REALLY AN ASK IM JUST GOING INSANE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

AHHHHH THANK YOU SO MUCH I'M GLAD THAT THE NEW CHAPTER MADE YOU FEEL THAT WAY!!!! LET ME SCREAM WITH YOU!!!!

Tbh it was really hard writing Kakucho's reaction to Yua!!! Firstly, I didn't want him to recognise her immediately (and vice versa) because that's just not super realistic (they haven't seen each other in years after a 2-hour meeting, and people change in appearances) so I thought I'd make them think about each other and let them slowly remind themselves about them, kinda like a worm in the brain or a puzzle to solve. Secondly, I didn't want to write it too 'mushy' or 'romantically' or be too outright with them being smitten with each other lmao. So as you can imagine I rewrote SO MANY chunks of it 😅 I'M GLAD IT'S RECEIVED WELL!!

As for Yua's faceclaim:

I do have an idea about her appearance, but it's not based on any real person cuz it's hard for me to imagine a real face in scenes with anime/manga faces, y'know!! TBH I ACTUALLY sorta drew inspiration from Karen (as in Izana's fake mom) cuz I liked the cold, disinterested vibe in her scene at the pachinko parlour, which I think is what Yua has going on. 🤔

Jennie and IU are mega gorgeous omg!! But tbh, I think Jennie's look is too sultry for Yua, and IU is too 'sweet' for her hahaha BUT I have to say, I really liked the vibe of Han So Hee in the first episode of My Name for Yua! I don't envision Yua as looking like her, but it's pretty close in terms of, again, the 'cold' / 'disinterested' / 'weary' vibe. Here are some gifs for an idea! (I do imagine her to have bangs like that though!)

But of course, please don't let this dictate how you imagine Yua to look like!!

[skonkania]

— bye bye baby

story: keeper of the sun and moon

pairing: cressida monroe x mc ( drew han)

word count: 1.3k

notes: keep thinking about how drew would slowly fall out of love with cressida bc she feels like she knows nothing about her and isn’t enough for her

summary: all i wanted was to look into your eyes and now i'm seeing all the half truths and the lies.

Drew always feels like she’s playing a game of hide and seek with Cressy—not Cressida, the name feels too formal on her tongue. It’s always her having to leave a date earlier than expected, always her hiding behind a smile, always her the last to reciprocate feelings. She’s constantly on offense, trying to find a weakness in her girlfriend’s facade to only exploit it for a second of vulnerability.

She once asked her mom what love feels like and was only left with a cryptic response and more questions. Ariana Han told her fourteen-year-old child would know love when she felt it and that sentence was a complete cop-out. She doesn’t blame her, the father of her child had left long before she was born.

Love isn’t something she was supposed to know, and then there was Cressida—no, Cressy Monroe.

She was stupidly perfect. Never a hair out of line or a misplaced smile, finding the right words to say. Leon was right, she was diplomatic to a fault. A flaw she finds herself unable to look past.

Drew’s plagued with thoughts of her, things she didn’t even consider at the beginning of her relationship. Lovestricken ideas all tumbling down into some somber ideas of what love is supposed to be like. Why is she is always away? Does she ever think about me? What am I to her?

She has ruined her.

It used to be Drew against everyone else. And now it seems like it’s Drew against the validation she seeks from a girl she barely knows. A girl who provided everything she ever wanted but lacks the technicality to understand everything she really needs. Are they both nothing more than shallow figures they dream about?

Does Cressy even have dreams about me?

All those thoughts come rushing back as she sits opposite of the girl she loves—or maybe the girl she thinks she loves. It’s too time-consuming to try and pick on social cues that her girlfriend has completely neutralized. She’s impenetrable, and it was something to admire at first.

“I can’t do this anymore, Cressida.” she hates the way the name sounds against her tongue like they’re meeting for the very first time. “This thing we have going on.”

This is the end. The part of the movie where she finally discovers what she is beyond and egotistical asshole and grabs another girl along the way. (Sometimes she likes to imagine she’s simply a character living out a life that isn’t entirely hers.) But Drew knows it will never end when it comes to her.

Her girlfriend smirks, always fucking smirking no matter the context. Drew doesn’t find herself to be a joke, she’s someone who deserves more than pleasantries and wavering affection. “What, no more Cressy?”

Isn’t love supposed to be suffocating? A feeling wrapped so tight around your chest that you can’t help but swallow it all down and hope it dissolves only for it to swarm back into butterflies? Something she’d rather die without and would kill just for the chance to receive it? If it is, she doesn’t feel that way around her, love feels like an illness when it comes to Cressida.

Her touch is ice, searing through Drew’s skin if she’s even lucky enough to have her finger graze her cheek. Eyes that stare directly into hers, questioning every decision she’s ever made and wondering if the jeans she wore are too gaudy for her girlfriend’s liking. Always making her so fucking insecure about things she can’t control, things that are what make her Drew Han.

If acting this way is out of her control, she never seems to acknowledge it.

She spits out her next words, “No, I’m not playing your dumbass mind games.”

“Don’t be like that.”

“Do you even love me?” it’s left as a mumble in the air, echoing any insecurity that Drew has ever felt. The words constrict her chest as soon as they leave her mouth and now she is forced to face the answer of a question she should’ve never asked.

Cressida’s face seems to pale at the question, brief shock hitting her features before curving down back into a practiced smile. Does she not even deserve a genuine response? During all this time, all she earned was lackluster emotions and speeches you could probably give at a dinner party? Drew is something more than that, she knows that much in her heart.

She is waiting for some sort of rejection, a final end to this insufferable cycle that never seems to end. But an answer never comes and the silence seems to sting twice as much. 

Thoughts of her plague her mind, happy memories all seeming to shatter as she realize that possibly none it it really mattered to her. Drew was never enough.

Cressida Monroe doesn’t have a heart. Cressida Monroe doesn’t deserve you. Cressida Monroe . . . was all you had left.

There are tears hitting her cheeks before she can even flee the restaurant, humiliation was not her main goal. This was the ultimatum, this is what would make her triumph above all else and certainly set herself a step higher than her girlfriend—no, her ex-girlfriend now. Back to being Cressida Monroe, a complete stranger.

But was she anything different before?

Cyrus once warned her, “Cressida will do what’s best for herself.” And she thought he was just unnecessarily cruel, that she’d be an exception to the rule. That she was stupid enough to believe that she could save the world from a demon, get the girl, and slowly repair any relationship by being more honest with herself. Some bullshit, movies aren’t real life.

Going back to her dorm is a blur of fast-moving people moving by through overwhelming tears. She might’ve seen Yakov and Seraphina speaking about something right outside and Kol forcing Thalia to not destroy everything in the kitchen, but none of that really matters. She assumes that she is simply an afterthought in their minds.

And she’s probably right.

She slams the door shut as soon as she enters the room, ignoring the lingering concern on Astrid’s face as she climbs up to her bunk. Whimpers are bubbling in her throat, she refuses a chance to be seen as weak. She refuses for any of her suitemates to reduce her image into a blubbering mess over some girl who never even loved her.

The idea is mortifying and she tenses as she feels her bed dip around her feet, a hand resting on her calf. It soon shifts and Astrid is resting right beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She’s always so overbearing, butting in on issues that never concerned her in the first place; she’s why Drew was even here in the first place.

But her heart’s in the right place and it’s why she flips around in order to shove her face into her roommate's shoulder. Wrapping her arms around her torso as she takes in her warmth. She smells like mint and laundry detergent—so different from what she’s used to. “Hey, hey, hey,” the blonde rubs circles in her back, letting the sobs soak into her cardigan. “I’m here for you. Tell me what’s wrong.” 

“She’s gone, Astrid,” the statement is vague, but she knows what it means. It’s enough to know how to comfort her.

She whispers things she probably won’t remember the next day and things that probably won’t calm the constant ache in her chest. She considers compulsion, wanting to ask Seraphina to erase every single thought of her that still remains. All the memories gone until she would only remember cold winter days in her dorms and someone always coming in to make sure she eats. Yet, she’s seen Astrid.

I wouldn’t make her any happier and Drew still wouldn’t know what love feels like.

Her eyes flutter shut as her heaving has turned into calming breaths. I was never enough.

[orbiyoo]

entire polycule banned from turf war for 18 charges of manslaughter

[justnerdthings]

Frigid Heart Ch. 6

F!Reader x Bi-Han

Bi-Han finally gives you a name! Also, drama!

@poor-unfortunate-soul-85 @whitelotusfighter @icy-spicy @crazytxgradstudent @d-taslim @bihansthot @legends-of-apex @lilliannmac @missroro @shang-hung

Bi-Han’s eyes slowly opened. Vision blurred again. But this time he recognized his surroundings and the ceiling he stared at. Stone masonry. He was in the Lin Kuei palace.

And he could breathe. Air, real air, felt so good. And his heart… he could feel it beating in his chest. It must have been a dream. It had to have been. He drew in a deep breath--as deep as he could before a sharp pain stung his side.

Hushed voices were all around him. The lanterns were low. What time was it? He moved to sit up, but immediately regretted it as pain shot through his chest. He grunted and let himself back down.

You had been sleeping only a few feet away, curled up on the bare stone floor when a gruff noise woke you. Your tired eyes opened to see your Master stirring. Your heart skipped a beat and you quickly sat up and moved to his side. “Master?”

His eyes opened again and shifted to your face. His brows knotted. You were there… Good. Then it really must have been a dream. He lifted a hand, surprised how much effort it actually took, and was secretly grateful when you took hold of it, allowing him to relax his arm. You frowned at him, at how weak he was. But he was alive. He would recover. You squeezed his hand gently. “You’re alright, Master,” you told him softly, watching his eyes close again. “You’ve lost a lot of blood. They said you’ll recover.” You lifted your free hand to brush it against his cheek gently… He was soaked in sweat and you wondered if that was normal for him. You hadn’t seen him sweat since you’d met him. Did cryomancers sweat? He didn’t even feel all that cold… Did… Did he have a fever? You frowned.

“Where is Kuai?” He rasped. His throat was so dry.

Your brows knotted. “Kuai?”

He was silent for a moment before sighing. Right, you didn’t know Tundra’s real name. Bi-Han was sure that you hadn't even known his own name. “Tundra,” he answered slowly.

Tundra. His real name was Kuai? You nodded, storing that bit of information deep in your memory. “He’s gone to help the others repair the village. He’s safe.”

Bi-Han seemed to relax further at the news, as if relieved. You watched him quietly before letting go of his hand. Eyes were on you. Servants and assassins were watching you. You felt your face grow hot.

Bi-Han's eyes had opened and shifted to your red face. A small grin tugged his lips. It only made your face redder and he chuckled weakly. "Interesting," he whispered, which made your brows knot in confusion. "For someone who runs so boldly into battle, you are quite timid."

Your jaw hardened. "This… I am not used to this, Master."

He grunted and shifted uncomfortably. "Stop calling me that."

You opened your mouth to protest, but decided against it. "What should I call you?"

"Anything else," he answered.

You frowned. That was unbelievably vague. Anything else? That could be… anything.

"Everyone calls you Sub-Zero," you said.

He nodded weakly. "My name is Bi-Han," he whispered.

You smiled. Somehow learning his name seemed a privilege. You bowed your head respectfully.

"What was your name in the Snow Ninja clan?" He asked.

You lifted your head to look at him curiously. "Y/N," you answered.

His eyes shifted from your face as he stared at the ceiling. "Do you like that name?" He asked.

Your brows knotted. That was an odd question. Did you like your name? How could you answer that? It was your name. It was the only name you've had. "I don't understand," you told him.

"Do you want to keep that name, or would you like a new one?" He asked, looking back to your face.

Oh… You had assumed he would just give you one. But here he was, asking if you wanted one…

“What would you have named me?” you asked curiously. If you liked it better than your name, you’d probably take it.

Bi-Han closed his eyes as he pondered for a moment. “Bao-Zhong,” He’d finally decided.

Your cheeks turned red at the name. You supposed the last bit was accurate… But that first part? Did he really feel that way?

His eyes had opened and looked to you. He grew amused at your red cheeks again. “Do you not like it?”

“Oh,” You straightened, then bowed your head again to him. “Yes, Master—” You stopped yourself. “Bi-Han,” you corrected yourself. “I do.”

“Will you take it?” He asked.

“Yes.” You nodded. “Thank you.”

He gave another tired nod and a sigh left him as he relaxed. It suddenly hit you that the Grandmaster had wanted to know when Bi-Han woke. Your eyes widened. You’d nearly forgotten.

You signaled for a palace guard. He’d made his way over to you curiously. His arrival had caught Bi-Han’s attention.

“The Grandmaster wished to be notified when Sub-Zero woke,” you told the guard.

The guard nodded and looked to Sub-Zero. Bi-Han simply closed his eyes again as he rested. The guard looked back to you. “I will send word to The Grandmaster.”

“Thank you,” you said gratefully with a small bow. The guard returned the gesture with a bow of his head and took his leave.

You sat with content at Bi-Han’s side as you waited for the Grandmaster. You watched Bi-Han’s chest rise and fall slowly with each breath he took. He looked so peaceful as he rested there. You wondered if he had fallen asleep again. What did he dream about? Were his dreams full of glorious battles? Or were they uneventful and mediocre? Did he dream about you? Is that why he thought you were valuable?

It wasn’t a long wait. The Grandmaster came and acknowledged you with a smile. You bowed your head to him. Lily hadn’t come along and you were grateful. You breathed in relief.

“Sub-Zero has woken?” He asked.

Before you could answer, his attention had shifted to Bi-Han, who had opened his eyes weakly.

“Ah. Good,” The Grandmaster nodded and stepped closer.

You moved to give them space, but Bi-Han’s hand reached for you. Your brows knotted, but you obeyed. You sat there with your head bowed as the Grandmaster looked between the two of you. A small smirk pulled at his lips, but he didn’t bring attention to you or Bi-Han’s seemingly growing feelings for you. He only turned his attention back to Bi-Han.

“Once again, Sub-Zero, your will to survive surprises me. How many close calls has it been now?” The Grandmaster said with a playful tone.

“Too many,” Bi-Han breathed, before succumbing to a small coughing fit. The Grandmaster didn’t seem concerned with it.

“As I understand, it seems your servant here was the one to save you this time.”

Bi-Han’s brows knotted as he looked over to you. You were glancing at him out the corner of your eye, but quickly looked away as you noticed his gaze shift to you.

“Ah, a modest one. How refreshing,” the Grandmaster said. “Do you not remember, Sub-Zero?”

“I do not… the last thing I remember—” He paused. Bi-Han couldn’t remember much of anything other than that dream. He frowned in his own defeat.

“I’m sure it will come back to you,” The Grandmaster assured him. “Your house has been repaired. Though, I understand your dinner has been ruined.” The Grandmaster looked back to you. “I will send a replacement when you are ready.”

Your cheeks flushed as you nodded and bowed gratefully.

“Can you walk?” The Grandmaster asked, looking back to Bi-Han.

Bi-Han sighed, as if dreading the thought of it, but began to push himself to sit up. His face showed his discomfort. You could see just how much he was struggling. You thought of offering to help him, but something told you not to. As if to save Bi-Han some face, you averted your eyes as he grunted through his pain as he finally managed to sit up. A shallow breath escaped him. He was already exhausted.

You peeked back to him. His eyes were on you as he tried not to take too deep a breath. You could see now, as the sheet covering him had fallen from his chest, that he was wrapped tight in bandages. Glancing back to his eyes, he nodded towards the clean robe which had been dropped off earlier. You quickly grabbed it and carefully helped him slip into the long robe.

The Grandmaster watched, hiding his amusement behind a stone face. Sub-Zero had always been a fighter. He’d fight death itself it seemed. That was precisely why The Grandmaster was so concerned with him. Sub-Zero reminded him so much of himself.

Despite his stubbornness, Bi-Han knew he wasn’t going to be able to get up on his own. He sighed in his defeat. He looked back to you. He didn’t have to ask, the look on his face was enough. Shifting behind him, you gently wrapped your arms under his. After making sure you weren’t hurting him, you gave him a small count off before pushing yourself up with your legs, doing your best to support Bi-Han’s weight as well as you pulled him up with you. Once about half-way up, Bi-Han managed to get his feet under him and help take most of his weight off you.

Once he was up, you kept your eyes averted as he put a hand on your shoulder to steady himself and straighten out. You caught glance of the Grandmaster, smirking at you, before he looked back to Bi-Han. “Do you require a walking stick?” The Grandmaster offered, but even you could hear the teasing that lurked in his tone.

Bi-Han let go of your shoulder with a grunt and made to take a step. You felt your heart skip a beat as he stumbled, but managed to catch himself. The scowl on Bi-Han’s face made the Grandmaster chuckle and nod. The Grandmaster gestured for the door with an outstretched arm. Bi-Han looked in the direction.

The door was on the other side of the large room. And before you could offer to help him, Bi-Han had started to shuffle his way towards it, refusing any more help. That didn’t stop you from staying close behind him. You watched him carefully. Your body was tense, heart pounding in anticipation of him misstepping and falling.

But he didn’t. He’d made it to the door. A guard had opened it for the both of you. You gave the guard a bow of your head. Once in the hall, and the door shut behind you, you heard a heavy breath escape from Bi-han before he put a hand on the stone wall and leaned against it.

You moved to his side. “Don’t push yourself,” you said just loud enough for him to hear.

He shook his head. “I can’t let him see me weak.”

“You almost died,” you reasoned. “I’m sure he—” You stopped when you caught his stern eyes. You straightened. You gave him a single nod. “Take your time,” you said then, and he seemed to relax with your words.

After a few moments, he began walking again, using the wall for support. You didn’t leave his side.

Outside however, Bi-Han was without a wall to support himself. He put a hand on your shoulder again. You let him use you to support himself as you both made your way back to his house. You didn’t notice anything new about it, the repairs had been seamless. The Lin Kuei must have had some remarkable builders.

Helping Bi-Han inside, he let go of your shoulder to use the walls again. Once you shut the door and locked it, you followed him as he made his way to his room. You helped him lower himself to his bed.

“Thank you,” He said, barely above a whisper. Your eyes shifted up to his. You weren’t sure he’d ever said those words before, they sounded so strange coming from his mouth. But you didn’t mention it. You just nodded to him.

“Rest for now,” You told him. You helped him lay back and pull over his covers. You sat on the edge of his bed. He didn’t protest in the least and closed his eyes.

It didn’t take long for Bi-Han to drift back to sleep. You had sat on the edge of his bed for a moment longer before moving to the kitchen. There was black markings all over the place. Apparently a fire had broken out in the chaos. Thankfully, it didn’t spread to the rest of the house. You sighed at the mess however. This would take hours to clean.

A knock had pulled your attention. You looked up from scrubbing the floor. Who could that possibly be at this hour? You could have sworn most of the assassins had turned in for the night and would get back to work in the morning. You pushed yourself up and wiped your hands on a towel. Knocks came again before you could get to the door. Hopefully they weren’t loud enough to wake Bi-Han.

You opened the door a crack and peeked out. The dirt covered face of Kuai stared back at you. Your brows bunched as you opened the door for him. He stepped in, covered from head to toe in dirt. “What have you been doing…” You mused as you shut the door behind him.

“Where is he?” Kuai asked, voice rough.

“Resting. Do not disturb him,” You told him.

Kuai’s brows rose. “Are you ordering me?”

You gave him a stern look. He grinned and headed for the kitchen, trailing dirt through the house. You sighed. More cleaning. You followed him.

“Why are you here?” You asked Kuai as he sat at the table, taking note of the burned marks. “Don’t lean on that. It’s unstable,” you warned him.

“I was burying our dead,” he answered. Your brows knotted again. “Did you not ask what I was doing?” He asked. Oh, right. You nodded with a sigh. “My house had burned down,” he’d then added, answering your other question. “I would have stayed in the palace, but I never liked staying there… Too many eyes.”

You nodded and moved to the sink. A basin of clean water was in it. You took a clean cloth and wet it. You moved to Kuai and offered it to him. He took it and wiped his hands clean. “Should I set out a couple bed rolls for you and Snowflake?” You offered.

Kuai shook his head. “Just one,” he said and used the rag to wipe the dirt from his face. You looked to him with confusion, but as he looked back to you, you suddenly understood… One bed roll… all the dirt… ‘burying our dead…’ You frowned and bowed your head respectfully.

“My condolences,” you said gently.

Kuai sucked in a breath. “Do not concern yourself with her. There’s nothing you can do.”

But guilt had already taken hold of you. Maybe if you had just stayed at the bath house, you would have been able to save Snowflake. Maybe the others? You hadn’t seen any of them since that morning. “If I had stayed at the bath house—”

“If you had stayed at the bath house, then my brother may have perished instead.”

You fell silent. You supposed he was right. You sighed heavily in your defeat.

“How did you command the beast?” Kuai asked, looking into your eyes, as if trying to find some secret. You’d turned your head away and he reached out to grip your arm tightly, almost threateningly. “What did you do?!” He demanded.

You gasped and tried to pull away from him, but his entire hand was big enough to completely close around your arm and he wasn’t letting go. “Please, Tundra… Let me go,” you plead as fear began pumping through your veins.

“What did you do?” He demanded again and easily yanked you back towards him.

“I didn’t!-- Please!”

Kuai wasn’t having it. He knew you had done something. He didn’t know what, but he’d been suspicious the moment you’d stood up to that ice beast and didn’t have so much as a scratch from the encounter. How had you gotten out without being harmed? How had everyone else gotten harmed or killed. But not you?

“Kuai!”

Kuai’s eye shifted up to look beyond you. You turned your head to look back. Bi-Han was leaning against the wall, pain covering his face under the glare he was giving his brother. Kuai looked to you, then practically threw your arm back at you. You quickly backed away from him, well out of his reach.

“She did something,” Kuai said, looking back to his brother.

Bi-Han kept his eyes on Kuai, but spoke to you. “Did you do something, Bao-Zhong?”

Kuai shifted uncomfortably hearing your new name, he looked back to you.

You shook your head, “No… I… I just spoke to it.”

Kuai scoffed. “You commanded it!”

“No--I…” You frowned and caught Bi-Han’s curious eyes now locked on you. “I… I just told it to stop…”

“And it listened,” Kuai added.

Bi-Han was looking back and forth between you two. He knew what Kuai was accusing you of.

“I’ve never known Ice Beasts to be that violent,” you told them.

“So you communicate with them regularly?” Kuai interrogated.

You were panicking. Now you were catching on to the accusation. “I didn’t do this. I swear!”

“You’re the only one unscathed!” Kuai shouted.

“No! No! That’s not true! It was attacking me too!” You plead.

“And yet there is not a scratch on you!” Kuai countered.

“I just…” Tears were starting to roll down your cheeks now. “I didn’t cause this!”

“What happened?” Bi-Han asked, trying to keep his voice clear and calm. “Why would an Ice Beast listen to you?”

“Do… Do they not listen to you?” You asked them, but they just gave you bewildered expressions. “They… We…” You swallowed the lump in your throat. “In the Snow Ninja clan, they help us. We have them do the work that would take several of us to do… They protect us…”

“You enslaved them?” Kuai asked in disbelief.

“They made life easier…”

“Like horses?” Bi-Han asked.

“Yes.”

Bi-Han and Kuai exchanged looks before looking back at you. “Did you know the one who attacked us?” Kuai asked.

You shook your head.

“And you did not command these Ice Beasts to attack the village?”

“No.”

“Then why did they attack?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted. “I thought the Lin Kuei had killed all the Ice Beasts in my old village. The one that attacked us… There was something in its eyes… Something unnatural… Like it wasn’t in control.”

“What are you saying?” Bi-Han asked.

“It was as if… it was under a spell,” you answered.

“A spell?” Kuai said, looking back to his brother. Bi-Han looked just as confused. “Who would put a spell on an Ice Beast to destroy our village?”

“We have no shortage of enemies, Kuai,” Bi-Han reminded him.

“Please. Believe me. I did not bring them here,” You plead again.

Kuai had side-eyed you, not entirely convinced.

“I do believe you,” Bi-Han reassured you. Kuai stared back to his brother in disbelief. “You would not have saved me if you had sent them to destroy us. You would have ran in the chaos,” Bi-Han reasoned.

The tension that was building in your shoulders had melted away. Bi-Han believed you. And he had been right. If you had gotten the Ice Beasts to attack the village, you certainly would have run. And you certainly wouldn’t have saved Bi-Han or Kuai.

[film-in-my-soul]

Gaon to Yohan: “Please let me take care of you.” Hurt/comfort please! Thank you!

(So many moments in the series to use this... Also, love how I said "lil" and it turned into this. I really can't stop myself sometimes...)

Ga-on's ribs hurt. There's an ache across his shoulders too, where he'd taken some sort of blunt object to the back. He doesn't let any of that stop him though hastily enters the code to the Kang’s manor and heads for the stairs taking the steps, two at a time, to get to Yo-han's room.

Soo-hyun telling him the truth once she'd rescued him, that the Chief had called her, sounding out of sorts but making it clear that Ga-on needed help, had been surprising. He’d watched her hesitate out of the corner of his eye when he'd asked how she'd known where he was and then she'd met his gaze as the car drew to a stop and told him.

Immediately worry sprang up between his ribs like tangling vines, Soo-hyun had said Yo-han sounded... off. That hadn't sat right with him. If there was one thing Yo-han was a master of it was controlling how others saw him and Ga-on was sure that the man would have never willfully shown Soo-hyun any such weakness.

Ga-on had wanted immediately to go to the Kang's, fear in his lungs, but had acquiesced when Soo-hyun urged that they, at the very least, get him cleaned up.

"What use will you be to them if you can hardly stand on your own huh?"

She'd been right of course and Ga-on was anxious, knee jumping up and down, the entire time Soo-hyun had carefully wrapped his torso with wide bandages, unable to properly meet his eyes. Ga-on could only imagine what was going on in her head. It was no secret her vehement mistrust of Kang Yo-han. Hell, Ga-on himself still isn't sure if he fully trusts the Chief. But regardless of that and where their last fight might have left them, he cares. Frankly, he’s quite sure he’s one of the only ones, Elijah excluded, who might.

Soo-hyun had barely finished taping him up, her fingers lingering on the covered bruises before Ga-on was up and reaching for a new shirt, one that wasn't covered in dust and sweat, maybe even a little blood. It's a bit heartless, he knew, after everything his childhood best friend had done for him, but the weight of something being wrong made his chest feel concave and twisted and the only way it would clear was by seeing Kang Yo-han with his own eyes.

Ga-on had turned back to her, to at least offer the courtesy of a thanks, but the heavy look Soo-hyun leveled him with only made his throat close tighter. He was hovering between two choices, two paths… Soo-hyun's eyes asked him to stay, to keep himself safe, to let her make sure of it... But Ga-on knew what the pang in his chest was telling him to do and he’d watched, eyes stinging, as Soo-hyun realize it too.

She’d offered him a wobbling smile and a shaky reminder to be careful as he rushed out the front door of his own home.

Now, as Ga-on rounds the banister of second-story landing, he hardly catches Elijah out of the corner of his eye. He stops and turns to her, catching his breath, chest heaving from taking the stairs too quickly. She looks unharmed, but there's something clearly weighing down on her shoulders, and the expression pinching her normally soft and neutral features is cloudy. She doesn't offer him a hello, just tells him where Yo-han is.

Ga-on had only been highly suspicious something was wrong but now he knows it's true and that fuels him the rest of the way to where Yo-han's room is.

He doesn't bother with politeness by announcing his entry, just pushes his way inside like he's been doing since the beginning really. The sight that greets him makes Ga-on's blood freeze, eyes going wide at Kang Yo-han, doubled over on the floor, groaning in agony, hooked up to an IV bag as the news drones from the television in front of him.

Ga-on jerks forward when Yo-han's head turns toward him. It's those eyes, fiery and pained, that snap Ga-on out of his temporary stupor.

"Chief," Ga-on chokes as he falls forward onto his knees, hands hovering, not sure where to touch first- if he even should. He settles for Yo-han's shoulders, as it seems that's where the older man is trying to grab as he shakes and gasps. The moment Ga-on’s fingers brush over the area Yo-han is practically throwing himself away from the contact.

"Don't-!" Whatever else Yo-han is trying to say gets cut off by a sharp cry when he sits up too quickly. Ga-on’s hands hang uselessly between them while his eyes wildly search for the cause of all this distress and hurt.

When he catches the sight of bandages through the deep opening of Yo-han’s robe it turns Ga-on into stone. There’s a rust-colored blot in the center of the thickest padding and Ga-on, hardly stupid, knows its blood. Unwillingly, Ga-on is dragged backward in time. The memory is of a younger, even more foolish version of himself, following a trail of curious red dots from his parent's room to the shared bathroom. They’d been the same color as the stain on Yo-han's stomach and the dread that rears up is a learned reaction.

Distantly, Ga-on knows that Yo-han is probably speaking, commanding him to leave, but his eyes are fixed on that spot and all that's in his ears is a high-pitched ringing. Gone from the Chief's side for hardly a day and this is what happens? The damned clog is back in Ga-on's throat. He looks back up to Yo-han and whatever expression he's wearing is apparently drastic enough to shut the other up, if only temporarily.

Ga-on reaches out again, more tentative, gentler, this time. Yo-han shifts, trying to inch back again, but Ga-on doesn't let him. Instead, he swallows hard and grasps the edge of Yo-han's robe, eyes falling back on the bandages. He feels childish, gripping at the fabric with a tight and trembling fist.

A silence lapses over them, the President shouting nonsense from the television, when a hand carefully drops on top of his own. Ga-on looks up again and the eyes, half-hidden behind Yo-han's hair are unusually soft, even with the traces of hurt that lingers.

"Ga-on-" Yo-han's voice is graveled and tired. Ga-on lets out a shuddering breath, close to a gasp, realizing he'd momentarily forgotten to breathe. The grip he has on Yo-han's robe tightens, tugging, silencing Yo-han.

"Please..." There's so much going on in his head right now, between what's happening in the outside world and what's happening here with Yo-han, between the two of them even, Ga-on needs a point of focus, a compass needle in the sudden storm of his life.

"Ga-on..." Yo-han says his name again with a sigh, on the verge of either saying something that effectively puts his foot in his mouth (as he often does) or dismissive and tone-deaf for the tense circumstance. Ga-on isn't going to let him.

“Please let me take care of you.”

They fall into silence again and Ga-on wonders if the widening of Yo-han's eyes is from the offer of care or how earnest, desperate, Ga-on knows he sounds. Yo-han’s expression goes blank again and there's a horrible moment, Ga-on sure that Yo-han will insult the vulnerability he’s so willing to share, as he often does, but it never comes. Instead, Yo-han seems to let his whole body go slack, swaying slightly with exhaustion from where he's sat back on his knees.

Resigned, Ga-on's brain offers.

Eyes still closed Yo-han pats Ga-on's hand, the one still threatening to tear the delicate silk of Yo-han's robe.

"Help me up."

Ga-on does that, scrambling to his feet and then supports Yo-han to his own, letting the older man use him as a crutch, leaning heavily into his side as Ga-on lays him down on the mussed covers of the bed.

Once Yo-han's settled Ga-on hovers, unsure how to be useful now that it seems the worst of the pain has passed. When Yo-han sighs and grabs his wrist, pulling him down to sit by his thighs Ga-on goes willingly. Ga-on pretends he can’t still feel the heat of Yo-han’s hand from where it rests close to his own.

"Sit. Stay." Yo-han's eyes are shut again as he relaxes back into his pillows, the commands sounding more like light suggestions. When Ga-on doesn't speak but also doesn't leave, those eyes slide half-open. "Good boy." It's said teasingly and even though there are still questions running like off rail trains in Ga-on's head, the tone is a lifeline to pull him clear from any impending crashes. It makes Ga-on flush, but he bites off the reaction and chooses instead to scowl, sliding back into more comfortable, safe, territory for them.

Reaching for the bedside table where a bowl of cool water and a clean towel sit, Ga-on dampens the towel and leans up to drag the cloth across Yo-han's sweat-damp fringe. The other's sharp gaze tracks him but Ga-on is undeterred and Yo-han doesn't protest.

Ga-on will ask questions later, he'll probably shout and Yo-han will make light of every new horror and injustice he makes him aware of, talk in circles, and make Ga-on swallow bile and acid and all the bad feelings living in his chest, but for now... for now, Yo-han is complacent in Ga-on showing kindness and that will have to be enough.

(And a gif just for funsies)

Beyond Evil/The Devil Judge/The Guest Ficlets Open

[keelywolfe]

FIC: Gentle Sins ch.2 (BAON)

Summary:   It's time for Stretch to go over everything that happened the night he was kidnapped. It's going swell.

Tags: Spicyhoney, kustard, Established Relationships, Hurt/Comfort, Aftermath of Kidnapping

Part of the ‘by any other name’ series.

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Read it on AO3

or

Read it here!

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He’d known talking about the kidnapping was gonna suck. That was a given, considering how Stretch’s memory held onto details a little too clearly; useful when it came to working on experiments or math problems, not so much when it came to dealing with the various traumas in his life. This, oh, so lovely opportunity to relive his own fear and his fears for his best friend, plus the uncomfortable nausea from the drugs and having to open up his mind and soul to the Judge again? Well, that was just an extra special treat, now wasn’t it, and there was only so much comfort he could take from the two familiar skeletal bodies pressed up close to his own.

Turned out, it was harder to talk about all this shit than he'd thought. It wasn’t the same as a chat with his therapist, this was nothing more than a straight-up retelling and with every word, his voice went softer, flatter. He kept waiting for Red to tell him to speak up to make sure the recorder was catching it all, only he never did.

Yeah, it sucked, big time, but Stretch went with it. Some evils were actually necessary and if those assholes were going to get the justice they deserved, (don’t think about that too closely, don’t) he needed to tell the whole story. Or, well, the most important parts of it, there were a few details that a Human judge probably didn’t need.

So, Stretch settled in and talked, kept talking until he was hoarse. Edge left a few times over the course of the tale. Once to the beep of the oven timer, and he wasn’t gone long, bringing back coffee and delicious fresh bread slathered in melting butter. The rich, yeasty smell alone made Stretch’s mouth fill with soft, eager magic and it did a lot for the gnawing hunger that he’d nearly forgotten about.

Another time he left to get Stretch a fresh glass of water. Probably it was a coincidence he’d just gotten to the point where Jeff was begging them not to hurt him, telling those assholes he was ‘fragile’ and as much as it chapped Stretch’s nonexistent ass to be called that, he had to grudgingly admit he couldn’t blame Andy for his concerns. Not with the way Edge and Blue always hammered it home to everyone in a ten-mile radius. Probably a coincidence, he’d been getting pretty dry and they might not have traditional vocal cords, but they could still get croaky.

Edge stood up abruptly and left, and Stretch didn’t stop talking, kept on to the part where they stripped off his clothes and dressed him up in that shitty Wally World getup. He’d been a little out of it for that part; whatever they’d slipped him made the world sort of loose-limbed and watercolor blurry, but he’d been awake enough to recall it pretty well. The kitchen door swung open right as he was describing lying on the bench seat of the van with his skull in Jeff’s lap and Edge came back out, glass of water in hand. Stretch took it gratefully and drank down the entire thing, handing off the empty glass as he went on. He didn’t pause when Edge settled next to him again, not even when his renewed embrace went almost painfully tight.

For his part, Red never moved except to sink further into the sofa in an effort to become one with the cushions. He didn’t get to Blue’s level of snuggle, but he was definitely more relaxed than when they’d started.

Sure was a shame Stretch couldn’t say the same. He was shivering by the end, leaning harder into them both, until he was practically in Edge's lap with his legs draped over Red’s femurs. The last time he’d had Red so close, it’d been because they were both waiting to hear about the state of their people out in California and there was another memory he could do without. That’d been a shitty time, too, but Red’s presence had been undeniably comforting right about then.

Red could be an asshole, he could be cruel, and his sense of humor bordered on sadistic. But he was here and Stretch knew him, better than Red was probably happy with, and he knew what Red was capable of. He wasn’t safe, if that was even the word for it, not the way Blue was or Sans, but having him pressed firmly up against Stretch with Edge on his other side felt safe and that was exactly what he was craving.

Red didn’t say anything the entire time, not even when Stretch started skimping on a few details. The cold fury he'd felt once they’d gotten loose didn’t really need a place in posterity, thanks, and they didn’t need any description about Judging on the official record. Red would know anyway, he had plenty of firsthand experience.

When Stretch got to the end of it all, right up to where Red came up the stairs and joined the party, there weren’t any questions. Red only sighed deeply and clicked off the recorder with a deliberate press of his thumb before he said, “gonna have to be a few changes for a while, honey bun.”

Edge stiffened next to him, bracing himself for something. Maybe he was expecting a tantrum and wasn’t his baby going to be in for a surprise because Stretch didn’t have one to give. He wasn’t stupid, he’d been expecting this from the get-go and now the best he could do was negotiate terms.

Red went on. “for starters, from now on when you go into ebott, you gotta have a bodyguard along. no more solo treks, no more bus rides, you get me?”

Yeah, that was about what he’d figured. Stretch was still processing that decree, trying to come up with an appropriately grudging agreement, and the last thing he expected was Edge to be the one to speak up sharply, “No, that’s out of the question.”

Stretch could only swing around and stare at him in disbelief, ‘cause, what the hell, no one told him today was opposite day.

Red leaned forward to glare at his brother from around Stretch. “it ain’t a question at all, it’s a fact. he goes into town, he’s got backup, and you can bet your ass that handy andy don’t count.”

“You can’t expect to limit his freedom that way!” Edge’s hold tightened until Stretch couldn’t hold back a wince. Edge noticed, his expression twisting. He let go and surged to his feet to snarl at his brother, “He spends a great deal of time in Ebott and not only for personal reasons. He does restaurant reviews, coffee shop challenges, thrift store searches. This isn’t simply about his enjoyment or his free will. All of this ends up on his twitter and extends our goodwill with Humans!”

“you think asgore don’t know that shit?” Red snapped back. “you think this is all my idea? well, it ain’t, but i sure as fuck agree with it! your pretty little liability jigged himself up as a hot celebrity and that’s got everyone’s attention, not only his twitter cunts!”

“hey, what did you just call me?” Stretch asked, suspiciously. That little nickname sounded like it had a story behind it, for sure.

Red ignored him. “this time it was a group of fuckin’ amateurs, what about next time? he's out there, he’s known! fuck, people know who he is over our damned ambassadors!

"He doesn't want that! He never asked for it!"

"don't make it less true!"

"he's right." The words were low but still cut through the brothers’ argument. They both turned to look at Stretch, one crimson gaze suspicious and the other stricken. Stretch couldn’t blame them; past experience would make anyone think he was gonna be pissed off and they weren’t wrong, but his anger wasn’t at them. It was at the assholes out there who made this necessary, the ones who believed that only Humans deserved a place in this world and if a centuries-old war hadn’t changed that belief then it wasn’t about to transform by tomorrow.

Stretch sighed unhappily and snagged one of the sofa pillows to hold. "i get it, okay, and he's right. i wanted to stay out of the politics, but i ended up diving right into the other side of the pool all on my own."

“Love.” Edge moved to sit on the coffee table in front of him and that alone gave a pretty good guess as to his state of mind. He reached out and took one of Stretch’s hands into both of his, his gloved fingers agitatedly stroking as he said urgently, “You shouldn’t have to do this. They can’t force you. Not unless you agree to it.”

“then i guess i’m agreeing.” Slowly, unsure of either of their reactions, Stretch offered, “how about we try it on a temporary basis for now? if security decides in a couple months that it’s overkill, i can go back to han soloing it.”

Red visibly relaxed, sinking back against the sofa cushions again. He’d probably been expecting a hell of an argument and that wasn’t even including Edge’s sudden defection from overprotectiveness. “even han solo went around with that monkey fella.”

It was a lame joke, but Stretch couldn’t help a little smile. “chewbacca is a wookie and i am going to pretend i didn’t hear that gross insult to star wars canon.”

Red’s grin widened, his sharp teeth always unnerving in a way that Edge’s never seemed to be. “’preciate it. i’ll get back to ya by tomorrow about whose gonna be your new sidekick.”

That seemed to settled things, but it didn’t make Stretch feel any better about it. He tossed the pillow aside and drew his legs up instead, wrapping his arms around them to curl up tighter. Edge was back beside him in an instant, adding his own arms to the tangle as he pulled Stretch into a hard embrace.

An unexpected weight came from the other side, and it was difficult not to turn and stare, but Stretch managed. He only slit open his sockets and looked out of the corner to see Red leaning harder his way. His hands were still in his pockets, let’s not get crazy, his crimson gaze focused on the ceiling. It made it easy for Stretch to let his own sockets slide closed, all the better to bask in the doubled comforting presence.

They were barely settled again when the front door abruptly swung open. Edge jerked away from him and was on his feet again in a blur, smoothly dropping into an attack stance, which, okay, shitty timing but that was weirdly sexy in a way that made Stretch’s libido perk up and pay attention. Less sexy was Red shifted beside him, his magic surging as he either readied an attack or made to shortcut both of them out of there.

Standing in the open front door was Sans, looking about as threatening as a hot dog delivery person, and he hastily raised both hands in surrender. “whoa, hey, i give, i give.”

The tension in the air deflated like last night’s party balloon. Red let out an explosive sigh and said, “don’t you know how to fuckin’ knock?”

“was waiting for you to teach me,” Sans said easily. He took in the scene in front of him, both brow bones crawling up his forehead. Not that Stretch could blame him, not when Red was all but snuggled up into Stretch’s side. He couldn’t see Red’s face the way he was sitting, but he swore he almost lost an HP from the force of the glare he was sending in Sans’s direction, daring him to say a word.

Say what you would about Sans being lazy, he sure wasn’t stupid. He didn’t say a single word. His permanent grin widened a fraction and there wasn’t a hint of jealousy there as he kicked off his shoes and headed over to the sofa. He crawled up right next to Red and settled his socked feet into Red’s lap, ignoring his sputtered, “hey, no, fuck off!”

That was about as effective as solving the problem of world peace by chewing bubblegum. The struggle not to say anything punny was definitely putting more pressure on his HP and Stretch was pretty sure Edge was about to discover if it was possible for skeletons to have a stroke.

“did you need somethin’ or are you here for kicks,” Red said, sullenly.

“nope,” Sans said. He sighed and settled more deeply into the cushions like he was getting ready for a nap. “but lunch would be nice.”

There was huff of sound, almost a laugh, before Edge said, “I believe lunch can be arranged.”

He started to stand and this time, Stretch followed him. “i’ll help.”

Staying in the snuggle pile with Thing One and Thing Two minus Edge wasn’t an equation Stretch wanted answered right now. Plus, his joints were starting to ache from being curled up. He needed to stand for a little while and work out the cramps.

He followed Edge into the kitchen, vaguely hoping that Sans and Red didn’t violate their sofa too much. Even as he thought it, an arm snaked around him, a gloved hand sliding under his sweatshirt to curl around his bare hipbone for a very welcome violation of its own. Sadly, that touch didn’t linger, withdrawing after a warm palm swept over the curve of bone and Edge stepped away, over to the fridge.

Lunch. Right.

He let Edge handle most of it, cutting fresh bread into thick slices and slathering them with mustard and mayo before layering on lunchmeat and cheese. He was adding a slice of tomato when Stretch decided instead of watching the show, he could at least manage drinks. Red and Sans would probably disagree but in his opinion the best beverage to go with a sandwich was a frosty glass of milk.

The carton was sitting on the top shelf of the fridge, right in reach, easy peasy and how Stretch managed to misjudge the angle and drop it, he really didn’t know. What he did know was that when the carton hit the floor, it burst open and sent a messy wave of milk across the tiles, soaking cold into his socks.

Behind him, Edge said something and Stretch didn’t hear it. Probably asking if he was okay. Not angry, no, Edge tried so hard to keep his temper whenever Stretch did something stupid, tried to be understanding, and it wasn’t even Stretch’s fault, not this time, not really, and Edge still tried. Nothing that happened that night was his fault, certainly not the kidnapping and not what came after, so why did it feel like he was the one still being punished for it.

The sudden aching surge of emotion rising unexpectedly from Stretch’s soul took him off guard, threatening to choke him. His knees went wobbly and he sank down to the floor, kicking off his drenched socks to sit by the spreading puddle of milk as he tried to hold back the threatening flood of tears.

He barely heard the approaching footsteps and when a gentle hand settled on his back, the dam broke. Stretch lurched towards it, sending Edge from a crouch to nearly sprawling on the floor as Stretch all but crawled into his lap and buried himself into his arms as he wept. Hands moved gently, fingertips encased in soft gloves smoothing over his bones and Edge didn’t attempt to hush him, no trying to tell him it was all right or things would be fine, no lies to try to soothe tears to silence. He only held Stretch until he was cried out, rocking him as gently as someone might a child, or maybe just someone they really, really loved.

By the time his tears petered out, Stretch was exhausted. A headache was looming strongly at his temples, his sockets itching and burning, and he was a little nauseous. Food was the last thing on his mind now, all he wanted was to stay here in the luxury of Edge’s arms. The floor was less comfortable, especially with the seat of his pants slowly going sodden with milk.

“i’m really tired,” Stretch admitted. It sounded more like a rough croak, barely audible.

“Then you should go back to bed.” There wasn’t time to protest when Edge moved, shifting to lift Stretch into his arms, uncaring of the soggy state of his pants. It couldn’t be good for his leg but Stretch only clung guiltily and let Edge carry him out of the kitchen. The guilt grew stronger along with relief when he saw Red and Sans were gone, minus lunch. Maybe they spied on the kitchen and saw what was going on, watched him literally crying over spilled milk, or maybe they got a little too touchy-feely on the sofa and had at least enough manners to finish it somewhere else. Stretch couldn’t even care. He was only glad they were gone.

Edge carried him up the stairs to their bedroom, setting him on his feet only long enough to strip him down to his bare bones. He tucked Stretch into bed and the tears started to well again when Edge didn’t join him. But he only went as far as the bathroom and came back with a damp washcloth. The cool cloth felt like bliss draped over his aching sockets, a second wet cloth wiping over his bones, gently cleaning away last night’s sweat and today’s, along with any lingering dregs of milk.

When he was clean, he heard the wet plop on the floor as Edge tossed the washcloth aside, for once uncaring about the state of the floor as he concentrated on the state of his husband. He stripped off his own clothes before settling them both beneath the blankets, lying beside Stretch and pulling him back into his arms.

“Go to sleep,” Edge murmured, but he was already too late. Stretch was drifting, letting the complicated tangle of his thoughts unravel into sleepy nothingness while he settled into the safety of a gentle, loving embrace.

tbc

[wiypt-writes]

Leave No One Behind

Ch 10- Today Is A Gift, That’s Why They Call It The Present Co written with @icanfeelastormbrewing​

Episode Summary: The Team run their second mission, but it doesn’t go according to plan. When one of the refugee women goes into labour, Hannah and Sammy battle to save her life and that of her baby and the outcome isn’t one any of the team hoped for.

Episode Warnings: Bad Language words. Smut (NSFW no under18s). Descriptions of birth and trauma. Still born baby- so PLEASE PLEASE HEED THE WARNING AND DO NOT READ IF THESE COULD TRIGGER.

Episode Pairings:  Ari Levinson x OFC Hannah Horowitz

A/N: Just to re-iterate, this deals with a very, very difficult subject. Please do NOT read if the warnings above could upset or trigger.

Leave No One Behind Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 9 Part 3

“Baby I've been here before, I've seen this room and I've walked this floor, I used to live alone before I knew ya. I've seen your flag on the marble arch, but love is not a victory march, it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah”  Hallelujah- Leonard Cohen

 Things settled down for Ari and Hannah nicely after her birthday. Sammy wasn’t exactly what Ari would call happy about the situation, but he was accepting which was the main thing and he knew that it made Hannah happier. They were careful to be respectful to his feelings and kept PDAs to a minimum, and also, whilst they didn’t hide the fact they were together from any guests, they still wanted to keep up their professional, alter ego fronts. Therefore, the days were full of stolen moments at their cave, the evenings consisted of taking their own time together after dining with the group to enjoy long sunsets sitting or walking along the sand with Simon and a few drinks whilst the later nights were spent wrapped round one another either in his hut or Hannah’s, the physical side of their love lulling them into a satisfied sleep.

If it wasn’t for the fact they were there for a far more serious reason, Ari would have certainly called it paradise. But they had a job to do, and as such, a couple of weeks later in April they embarked on their second mission.

Rachel was manning the radio and overseeing the hotel as usual, and the rest of them piled in the trucks and set off in the dark, following the route they had meticulously planned, maintaining the updates on the radio as required. They arrived without a hitch, the journey going smoothly and Hannah couldn’t resist taking a dig at Sammy about his lack of faith, her brother simply giving her a scathing look as Ari chuckled from the driver’s seat.

The 5 agents operated quickly and efficiently in the dark clearing of the desert loading the refugees into the trucks, and it was with the last group that Hannah spotted a woman being helped towards the truck by 2 others. She was pregnant, very pregnant in fact. And it was evident she was in a severe amount of pain.

“Sammy…” she nudged her brother and pointed towards the woman. Sammy followed her gaze, and once he spotted what she’d seen he let out a loud groan.

“Shit.” He shook his head, and no sooner had the curse left his mouth, the woman fell to her knees, a cry coming from her lips which was hastily stifled by another refugee clamping her hand over her mouth. Hannah rushed forward, dropping besides the woman and smiled kindly at her, before she turned back to look for Kabede who was currently locked in a heated discussion with Sammy.

“Are you crazy?” Sammy shook his head “It’s too dangerous, she should have stayed!”

“If she stayed she would have died.” Kabede shot back “As would her baby…”

“If anyone hears her then we’re all gonna die!” Sammy shot back and Hannah angrily shushed him.

“Stop it, both of you, you’re scaring her” she looked up “Sammy, she’s in labour and we can’t leave her here…”

“Oh great, that’s…just…” Sammy took a deep breath

Hearing the commotion, Ari and Jake shut the tailgate to the other truck and Ari jogged over to find out what was happening.

“What’s going on?” Ari asked and then he glanced at Hannah who was knelt between a young woman’s legs and one look told him exactly why “Oh…shit.”

“Yeah, shit!” Sammy shook his head and Ari took a deep breath as Hannah spoke.

“She’s in labour.” She looked up at Ari, every inch of her face etched with worry as the woman let out a little cry “And she’s pretty far engaged.”

“I knew things were going too smoothly…” Sammy sighed and Hannah glared at him.

“Oh shut up Sammy you prick!” she shook her head and turned back to Ari as he scrubbed a hand down his face.

“Can you help her?” he asked

“I can try, but it’s gonna have to be on route.” Hannah looked at him. “If anything goes wrong the faster we can get her to the doctor on the boats the better.” Ari drew a deep breath “Ok, Sammy help me and Kabede get her in the truck.”

“I’ll go get my kit.” Hannah jumped up and headed for the cab of the truck, pushing past Max as she ran.

“What…” Max followed her with his eyes before he turned back towards Ari and Sammy, his eyes shooting up as he took in the pregnant woman being helped to her feet, his mouth hanging open slightly.

“Other truck is loaded. We ready to go?” Jake asked, drawing up besides Max, frowning at the look on his face. “Something wrong?”

“Looks like we picked up one extra.” Max whispered, and Jake followed his gaze, his mouth dropping open.

“Oh…”

The men looked at each other before Jake mumbled something about a couple of blankets and shot off back to their truck. Meanwhile, Hannah emerged from the cab of the one she had travelled in and ran back to the tail gate as Jake reappeared, passing a small bundle of blanket to Kabede who placed one under the woman’s head as one of the other refugees took hold of her hand.

Kabede looked at Ari who nodded and clapped his hands together.

“Ok, everyone let’s hit the road!” he loudly called before he turned to Hannah as she was about to vault into the back of the truck. His hand gently fell to the side of her neck as he looked at her “You need me to stop just yell, ok?” she nodded and he kissed her forehead “You can do this sweetheart, I trust you.”

She swallowed and then handed her bag to Kabede before Ari helped her climb up into the truck. Kabede hopped down, quickly embracing Ari before he slunk back off into the shadows. Sammy and Ari slammed the tail gate shut and they both sprinted to the cab. With a final glance back into the flat bed where Ari saw Hannah knelt between the woman’s bent legs, talking to her gently, he twisted back and exchanged a glance with Sammy before he put the truck in gear and set off.

Hannah knew there was something wrong from the minute she’d examined the woman. She’d only delivered a few babies but none of those deliveries had involved quite as much blood as this. The thought that the woman could be having a major haemorrhage crossed her mind but she tried to shake it off as she wiped her blood slick hands on the shirt she was wearing. The truck then hit a rut in the road and the woman let out a scream, gripping her friend’s hand.

“Sorry!” Ari yelled back and Hannah glanced up, momentarily to the front before another yell and a hand on her shoulder made her turn back and she saw with horror the woman had passed out.

“Sammy!” she yelled “Sam, please I need…”

Sammy didn’t waste a second, he clambered over the seats into the back looking at Hannah as she wiped the sweat off her brow with her forearm, unknowingly smearing her head with blood.

Sammy crouched in front of the woman, gently checking her pulse.

“She just passed out.” Hannah said. “The baby’s crowning but…”

“She’s losing too much blood.” Sammy stated the obvious, but Hannah didn’t snap.

“I know.” She said softly.

“Ari!” Sammy called and Ari tipped his head slightly to show he was listening “Get on the radio, tell them what’s going on. They need to be prepared.”

“Got it…” Ari said, reaching for the handset.

“Listen to me Han…” Sammy said, “You’re gonna have to manipulate the baby slightly. Let her body to the work but as she’s passed out you’re gonna need to help ok?”

“Okay.”

Sammy carefully moved, placing his hand on the woman’s stomach “I’ll tell you when she’s contracting again. You need to gently grip the head…”

Hannah did as she was told and looked at her brother.

“When you feel the baby moving forward slightly, pull until you feel resistance. Then stop.”

“Right…”

There was a few seconds pause and then Sammy nodded “Now.”

Hannah did as she was told, her fingers curing around the edge of the baby’s head and she gave a tug. The head appeared, and then she noticed with horror that the chord was wrapped around its neck.

“Shit, shit, shit…” she mumbled, and looked at Sammy “The chord…”

Sammy instantly moved. “My hand…” he said gently and Hannah understood he wouldn’t be able to manipulate it free with his limited movement.  She waited until he had hold of the baby’s head, supporting it and then her nimble fingers she moved to try and manipulated the chord free. As she was doing so, the woman began to stir, and then she started to panic. Sammy glanced at the other woman, holding her hand and spoke to her.

“Calm, please, as much as you can ok?”

Whether she understood or it was the tone he spoke in, Sammy had no idea but the woman moved and placed a hand on her friend’s head, gently talking to her in a soothing voice.

“Got it…” Hannah said, and Sammy nodded as once more the woman began to scream. She tucked her chin into her chest and pushed once more, and the baby’s shoulders broke free and Hannah saw the baby slide out into Sammy’s hands.

“It’s a girl.” He said gently, looking at the woman, but Hannah was completely focussed on the baby’s face, which was a cold shade of blue.

She once more wiped her hands, this time on her jeans, and gently hooked a finger into the baby’s mouth, clearing its airways before she began CPR. Gently blowing into the tiny mouth she then used both fingers to pump at the chest, repeating the motion over a few times before she bent and tipped her ear to the baby’s chest and mouth.

Nothing.

As the woman was screaming and babbling besides her, Hannah continued her attempts to resuscitate the tiny baby as Sammy saw to the woman, cleaning and patching her up as best he could.

“Come on…” Hannah mumbled “Come on…”

Over and over and over she tried, and eventually she felt Sammy gently lay his hand on her shoulder.

“Han…” he said, and she looked at him, tears in her eyes. He shook his head sadly.

“No, just…let me try again, Sammy, I can…” “It’s been ten minutes.” He stopped her protest “I think we should call it.”

Hannah looked down at the tiny, lifeless baby which was lay on the bloodstained blanket on the floor of the truck, her tears gently falling down her face. She gave a soft nod and Sammy squeezed her shoulder before he looked up at the woman.

“I’m sorry he shook her head.”

The silence that had fallen across the back of the truck was punctuated by her loud scream of agony and Hannah let out a soft sob as Sammy curled his arm around her.

“What…is something wrong?” Ari called, his voice anxious.

“You could say that.” Sammy said softly. Ari turned his head to look at them, just in time to see Hannah turn and press her face into Sammy’s shoulder, her small frame wracking with sobs.

“Fuck” He mumbled, hanging his head slightly as he resumed his driving in silence. Ari gave himself a moment before he reached for the radio to fill base in on what had happened.

It felt like forever until they reached the deserted cove where they were rendezvousing with the Navy seals. Hannah remained in the back of the truck, the devastated woman cradling her still born baby to her chest. Once everyone else was loaded up, Ari and Sammy came back to help them down. The woman’s friend said something to her and the woman furiously shook he head and Hannah looked at her.

“What is she saying?” she asked softly, “I’m sorry, I don’t…”

“She not leave baby.” The woman said “

“She doesn’t have to.” Ari said gently.

“She say baby go too. Be buried.”

Ari nodded and the woman spoke to the mother and she nodded as well, and then slowly the 2 men and Hannah helped them off the truck and over the sand to the waiting boat. Hannah walked by her side, supporting her gently and looked at the Navy officer who peered at the bundle and bowed his head.

“HQ told us.” He said gently. “We’ll take care of her.” “She’s lost a lot of blood.” Hannah spoke, swallowing “She’s weak so…” “I promise she’s in good hands.” The officer assured her.

Hannah took a deep breath and looked at the woman again who stared at her, eyes wide. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t help.” Hannah said gently. “I’m so…so sorry.”

The mother’s voice caught in her throat as the lady gently reached out and grabbed her blood stained hand “You…you good person.” She croaked.

Hannah took another shuddering breath and stepped back, the woman releasing her hand, as Ari and Sammy helped push the boat out through the waves before she bent down and began to wash her arms in the salty water of the sea. She jumped slight as she felt a hand on her back and she looked up as Ari crouched next to her.

“I couldn’t help Ari.” She said gently “I tried, but…” “Hey, it’s not your fault honey.” He said, his hand cupping her dirty face.

“I’m a fucking doctor.” She shook her head, shrugging his hands away as she stood up. “That…I should have….”

“Firefly.” Ari soothed as he rose to his feet, the waves crashing around his knees “You did what you could. Sammy said you were brilliant.”

“He’s a far better doctor that me.” She shook her head “If he had both his hands…”

“You stop that right now!” Sammy’s voice came fiercely over the night and Hannah turned to face him where he was stood a few feet away “Han, we had no equipment. No ultra-sound…she was probably in labour for the last 24 hours. The baby could have been in distress for all that time. There’s nothing either of us could have done.”

Hannah looked at him before she turned away and began making her way up the beach. She passed Max and Jake who were stood watching the ocean, both men turning to watch her go before they looked back at Ari and Sammy.

“You alright pal?” Ari glanced at Sammy who took a deep breath, his shoulder slumping.

“It’s never easy…but when it’s a kid, especially a baby.” He shook his head “That’s probably the first one Hannah’s had to deal with.”

Ari looked over to where Hannah was now climbing into the truck, settling back into the seat she’d been before and he pinched the bridge of his nose before he let out a long breath.

“Come on, let’s get back” he said, his hand falling to Sammy’s shoulder as they waded out of the shallow depth of the ocean. “Good job guys.” He nodded to Jake and Max, “Another 174 people safe.”

“Yeah…” Max looked out over the ocean before he turned to look at the truck, then back to Ari, his shoulders slumping, his face sad. “But it’s the one that didn’t make it who we’re all thinking about.”

Ari bowed his head, before he looked at Max and gave the man’s shoulder a squeeze as he walked past. He said nothing, be chase he had absolutely nothing to say that he knew would make a blind bit of difference to how they were feeling.

The 4 men made their way back to the trucks, Ari climbing in and settling to Hannah’s left, Sammy to her right. He gently dropped his hand to her knee. She didn’t look at him, but she acknowledged his touch by dropping her hand to his and giving it a soft squeeze before she let go so he could start the truck and take them home.

***** It was early morning and still dark when they arrived, Rachel waiting for them as ever. Max and Jake trudged towards her, greeting her with a hug whilst Sammy hopped out of the cab, turning to help Hannah down. He slung his arm over her shoulders and together they made their way towards Rachel.

“Hey.” She said gently “There’s some tea on the go if either of you want any?”

Sammy smiled at her and nodded, but Hannah shook her head as she bent down to scoop Simon up. The dog instantly began licking her face and she turned to Rachel.

“Thanks but I’m gonna turn in.” 

“You sure?” Rachel asked.

Hannah nodded.

“Ok, well, see you at breakfast then.”

Without a word Hannah walked through the resort and out the back door, just as Ari caught up with the group. He watched Hannah go before he looked around.

“We’ll debrief later.” His instruction was gentle, his eyes sliding back to the spot Hannah had been in seconds ago. “It’s been a long night.”

The group nodded and Max muttered something about needing a snack before he and Jake took off to the kitchen.

“What happened?” Rachel asked “I mean, I got the jist of it but…” “Chord was round the baby’s neck.” Sammy sighed, “Hannah managed to unwrap it but it was too late. Poor thing had probably died well before she was even born..”

“Shit.” Rachel bowed her head, sighing heavily “That’s…” she trailed off and Sammy looked at her before she glanced back up at him “Are you ok?”

Sammy shrugged “It’s never nice.” He replied, having no other words to describe the situation.

Rachel gently squeezed his hand “I’ll go make the tea, Ari?”

“No thanks. I’m gonna go check on Hannah.” He replied. Rachel nodded and then turned to follow Max and Jake. Taking that as his cue to leave, Ari made for the door to the beach.

“Ari…” Sammy spoke softly and Ari spun to look at him. Sammy licked his lips “I know I don’t need to ask but…look after her, ok?”

“Always.” Ari nodded, smiling softly. Sammy gave him a small incline of the head before he headed off towards the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, Ari made his way out of the back of the resort and jogged up the sand towards Hannah’s hut.

He pushed the door open, before he stepped in, locking it behind him. He let out a chuckle as Simon jumped up at him, his tail wagging that hard it was a blur.

“Hey buddy.” He crouched down to give the dog some scratches “Where’s your mamma, huh?”

It was a pointless question, as he knew where she would be. In the shower. His eyes glanced at the bed as Simon walked past Hannah’s discarded boots and hopped up, making his way to his favoured place, the pillow on the side Ari slept on. Ari rolled his eyes and sat down on the bed before he bent down to undo his laces. He shucked his hiking boots off and looked back a Simon, and as he did so something else caught his eye. Hannah’s night stand looked different. The lamp was on, there was the standard bottle of water, her book, but there was something missing. And as he racked his brains, trying to figure out what it was, it suddenly clicked. The photo of her and Andy, the one that had been taken in her Mama’s back yard was gone.

Ari didn’t quite know how he felt about that. On the one hand he couldn’t deny he felt, well maybe not pleased but a certain level of comfort or relief if that either of those were the right word at the fact that he no longer had to see Andy’s face when he woke up next to his girl in the morning. But on the other he felt a little sad. Both of them had lived lives with other people, it was a fact neither of them could escape and Ari wasn’t sure he wanted to either. That time apart had taught them things, things about themselves that had shaped their lives, moulded them into the people they were now. He licked his lips and stood up, headed over to the small bathroom at the back of the hut, gently pushing the door open.

“Han?” he asked softly, his eyes adjusting to the dim light from the feeble strip halogen on the ceiling and the sight in front of him broke his heart. Hannah was sat in the bottom of the shower, fully clothed, her arms hugging her knees to her chest, as she wept.

“Oh Firefly…” Ari sighed, crossing the small space and shuffling down next to her, the water soaking his hair and his clothes as he wrapped one strong arm around her. She turned to him, burying her face into his chest, her sobs wracking her small frame. “It’s ok, I got you.” He pressed a kiss to her sopping wet hair and simply held her, his hand rubbing up her back and her shoulder as she cried.

“I tried so hard…” she stuttered and he swallowed again, pressing his face into her hair.

“I know baby. I know.”

How long he stayed there simply holding her, Ari had no idea and he didn’t particularly care. Nothing mattered to him, nothing but the girl he was cradling in his arms. Eventually her sobbing evened out and she pulled back slightly to look at him. Without a word she pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his lips which he took, gratefully as he brushed her sodden hair off her face.

“You ready to get cleaned up?” he as softly and she nodded.

Ari stood up, pulling her to her feet and with gently hands he slowly undid the button down she was wearing and she slipped it down off her shoulders, before he reached down and pulled the sodden tank top off her, which was clinging to her skin. With a quick and easy movement he shrugged his open plaid shirt off before he reached back and grabbed a handful of his wet t-shirt, pulling it over his head. Her eyes focussed on him, Hannah reached for his belt, her gaze falling downwards as she undid his belt then his jeans and he stepped out of them and his boxers in one movement, before he helped Hannah out of the clothing on her bottom half, which was harder work as her jeans were clinging to her thighs and legs. He held them still whilst she stepped out of them, kicking them to the floor of the bathroom and as Ari stood his hands trailed up the outside of her bare legs, coming to rest on her hips.

The moment was intensely intimate, the pair of them sharing a moment that was so raw, it was hard not to be aroused and as Ari looked at her, he saw a flash in her eyes. It wasn’t lust, it was softer, much softer, a pure love coupled with need and want.

He bent down, pressing a soft kiss to her mouth. “Turn around baby girl.” he whispered softly, against her mouth and without so much as a question she did as she was told. Ari reached up, flicked the clasp on her bra and pushed the straps forward, pressing a kiss to each of her shoulder, before he placed a gentle open mouthed one to her neck. Stepping back slightly, Ari reached down for Hannah’s shampoo and squeezed an amount onto his palm and gently began to work it into her hair. He felt her relax slightly, her shoulders dropping, the tension seeping out of her as he massaged her scalp softly.

Hannah gave a low sigh as she leaned back further so her head lay against his shoulder, her eyes closed. She relaxed completely as his touch soothed her, making her feel safe as his fingers softly worked into her hair.  After a little while his hands dropped to her hips and she allowed him to guide her round so she was facing him. His hand gently slid to her chin and with a gently nudge he tipped her head back slightly against the stream from the shower and he reached up, brushing the shampoo away from her face and down her long hair, causing her to press against him, her wet skin slick as it slid against his.

Eventually her hair was completely rinsed clear and he repeated the process with her conditioner and once her hair was done, her locks smoothed and tangle free she opened her eyes and looked up at him.

“Your turn.”

Ari turned around, dipping his head slightly as she gently wound her hands into his hair, nails scratching against his scalp, her body pressing into his back. When she’d finished he turned back to face her, dropping his head to rinse out his hair, taking the opportunity to simply look at her, taking in every singled damned detail. Those blue eyes, the curve of her nose, her high cheekbones, her plump lips, toned shoulders, that dip in her collar bone, the line the water was tracing between her breasts… as his eyes raised to hers he knew she’d spotted how unashamedly aching for her he was and she reached up with her hands, the pads of her fingers cupping his face through his beard. She guided his face down to hers where he captured her mouth in a soft, gentle kiss. He let her guide him, tell him how much she wanted, or how little she wanted, his hands simply splaying across the soft skin on her back and it soon became obvious exactly what she wanted when her hands moved to the back of his neck, tangling in his hair as her tongue explored his mouth.

Ari’s fingers flexed on her hips before they gently traced their way up her ribs and back down again. With a quick, strong movement he pivoted her round so her back was pressed against the rough, sand stone tiles and the kiss grew fervent, his mouth slanted over hers. He broke it, trailing his lips across her jawline and neck and Hannah let out a soft whimper as he softly sucked at that point where her neck joined her shoulder. One strong thigh anchored between her legs and he used it to push up gently against her spot and she let out a low keen, her head lolling back against the wall. Watching her reaction carefully, he repeated the action, both hands curling round her hips as he gently guided her movements back and forth, causing her to rub herself against the strong muscle of his thigh. It wasn’t wrong before she was controlling the rocking, pushing down harder as she rode his thigh and Ari rolled his foot up onto the ball, pushing his thigh harder into her and she gave a louder cry this time, the friction sending a hotwire straight up her core.

“Ari…” she gasped out his name as his lips nipped at her ear, his beard rubbing against the skin on her jaw “Need you, please…”

With an easy movement, he reached down and hooked his hands round the back of her thighs, lifting her up. Her legs wrapping around her waist as once more his mouth claimed hers as he lined himself up and pushed into her gently, her heels digging into the tops of his thighs just below his ass. His throat elicited a deep rumble as he kissed her hard, her hands gripping at his broad back as he began to pump in and out, his head falling to her collar bone where he gave a soft nip.

With each roll of his hips Hannah felt her pleasure beginning to mount, soft moans and mutters of his name falling from her lips as she dropped her head to his shoulder, the feeling in her stomach beginning to overwhelm her.

“Look at me Firefly” he said gently, and she opened her eyes, those ocean deep globes locking onto his as he saw her mouth open, lips part in a soft cry as she came, a deeper groan bubbled over in her throat and her head slid backwards against the wall as she succumbed to the pleasure that crashed over her in waves. Ari would never get tired of seeing her like that, ever. It was the most arousing thing in the world to him. His pace began to quicken, the tight bands in his stomach coiling further and further until they snapped as he pressed her harder.

“Hannah…” he half whispered, half gasped into her ear, nose nuzzling at her pulse point as he came, riding out his release with a few more shallow thrusts until his hips stilled and his head dropped to her shoulder, his breathing deep, his body and soul utterly blissed and consumed by her.

Ari kept her supported, feeling her shaking slightly with the afterglow, and raised his head, sliding his nose against hers gently, brushing their lips together ever so tenderly.

“I love you…” he whispered, before he pulled back to look at her as he gently set her on her feet, his hands cupping her face. She ran the tips of her fingers up his spine and into his hair, gently pulling his face down to hers.

“I love you too.” she replied softly, her eye shining as his mouth caught hers once more.

The water in the resort never ran at scalding level, but now it was colder than normal, and Ari felt Hannah shiver slightly. He reached round to turn the water off before he flicked his hair out of his eyes and stepped out, gabbing a towel. He held it out for her and she turned around so he could wrap it round her from behind, his arms holding her to him as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. She turned to look at him, giving him a gentle smile before she left the room and Ari grabbed another towel, quickly rubbing himself down before he wrapped it around his waist and followed her into the room where she was busy digging in one of the drawers. She stilled and gave a snort as she stood up and waved a pair of boxers at him.

“You moving in?” she quipped and he gave a chuckle.

“I didn’t put them there.” He held his hands up. “Must have been Rachel.” Hannah eyed him suspiciously and he gave a laugh “Scouts honour, Firefly.”

“I believe you.” She shrugged, tossing them to him and he caught them expertly in his right hand. “Thousands wouldn’t”

“Good job I don’t need to convince thousands then isn’t it.” He looked at her and she shook her head before she pulled out a pair of panties and a tank-top to change into. Ari dropped his towel, shimmied into the boxers and then shooed Simon off the pillow. The dog glared at him as he stood up and made his way to the end of the bed, flopping down with a loud huff. Ari followed his example, his head falling back against the pillow and he glanced over at Hannah as she pulled the loose tank over her head. He kept his eyes on her as she gently squeezed and dried her hair, picking up a brush, combing her waves out before she deftly braided it.

“You know, I reckon I could braid your hair…” she looked at Ari in the mirror as she stood up and he scoffed.

“You sound like Maya.” He said as she crawled over him, the pair of them climbing under the comforter before Ari turned off the light, his eyes once more glancing at the space where the picture had been. He settled down, debating whether or not now was the right time to bring it up but it was pushed from his mind as Hannah lay her head on his chest, one leg tossed over both of his, his hand gently tracing shapes on her upper arm.

“What’s it like?” her quiet voice broke the silence.

“What’s what like?” he asked, his nose brushing her temple.

“Having a daughter, a kid?”

Ari stilled and looked down at her “Han…”

“I just wondered.” She whispered quietly. “It must be amazing, you know to have this little person you made just there.”

“It is.” He nodded, his hand stroking her arm again “It’s also scary as fuck knowing that they’re gonna depend on you for everything. It’s life changing. Your entire outlook changes. Suddenly it’s all about them you know? Its hard work, stressful, but worth it. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.” She stayed silent and he kissed her head “Did you ever talk about it? With Andy?”

“Once or twice.” She let out a deep breath “We never got the chance though. He always said he wanted a girl.”

“What about you?” Ari asked.

“I never really had a preference.” She mused “But I guess all women dream about having a boy who looks just like his daddy.”

She sniffed a little and Ari pulled her closer, kissing her head again “You know you’re amazing, right?”

She didn’t reply and he moved so he was led on his side, looking at her, his hand gently brushing a loose strand of damp hair behind her ear.

“What happened tonight, don’t torture yourself about it.” He urged her, his nose bumping hers “I’ve done that myself and nothing good comes of hit Han.”

“You mean Andy?”

Ari took a sharp breath in which he released through his nose “Amongst other things.”

“I know you noticed”

“Noticed what.” He played dumb, but it was no use.

“The photo, Lobo.”

“Well, yeah but it’s not really my place to comment, Firefly.”

“I just felt it was time, you know.” She shrugged “Like, I don’t want to forget him. I never will but...well, you gotta move forward right?”

“Yeah, you do.” He nodded “All the time. You keep looking back over your shoulder at the past, you miss today as it unfolds around you. And as I always tell Maya, yesterday is the past, tomorrow’s the future but today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.”

“That’s very philosophical.” She replied and he chuckled.

“I have my moments.” His chest vibrated with his quiet laugh and he pressed a kiss to her forehead “I mean it though. And that goes for everything.”

Hannah fell silent as she snuggled closer into him, her cheek pressing against his chest as his chin rest on her head.

“I can’t get her out of my head, Ari.” She whispered quietly, her voice catching “She was blue and, I tried, and…”

“Han…” Ari kissed her head as his arms pulled her closer, his hands rubbing at her back. “It wasn’t your fault.” “Everyone keeps saying that.”

“Because it’s true.” He urged, one of his hands slid round to her face and tipped her chin up so she was looking at him. The room was dark, bar the dim first light of dawn that was sneaking through the lattice shade above the head and he could just pick up the speckles of light in her sad eyes “And I’ll keep telling you until it sinks in. It was a horrible, horrible…accident, twist of fate, whatever. No one could have done anything more.”

“Then why do I feel so shitty about it?”

“Because you’re a beautiful, compassionate woman who cares.” he said, his lips pressing to hers softy “That’s part of the reason I wanted you here after all.”

“Only part?” she quipped through her tears “I knew it.” and Ari gave a soft huff of laughter.

“Well, I’ll admit there was a slight selfishness on my part too but, honestly? In the most it was because you were the right woman for the job.” She stayed silent as he reached up, his thumbs brushing the tears from her cheeks. “And I know that tonight was…well, it was fucking awful but…we gotta focus on the positives. Another 174 lives Firefly, and yeah, that doesn’t make up for the one we lost but…well, it’s gotta mean something yeah?”

“Maybe it will tomorrow, Ari, but right now, I just…”

Ari felt her sag in his arms and she pressed another kiss to her head “Try and get some sleep Firefly, you’re exhausted.”

“Bossy bastard” she mumbled, stifling a yawn and he shook his head.

“Stubborn jack ass.” He shot back and she gave a snort as she yawned again, snuggling deeper into his chest.

Ari’s arms kept her close, his large hands gently rubbing at her back until he felt her relax completely. After 5 minutes or so he glanced down, and could just make out her eyelashes as they lay against her cheeks, her breathing even. Pressing another kiss to her head, he peered down at Simon who had been stealthily creeping further up the bed to his current position of being curled in the space behind her knees.

With a smile at the ridiculous, almost domestic feel of the situation, given that it was as far from a normal domestic life he could leave, he closed his eyes and gave into his own feelings of exhaustion.

**** Chapter 11 Part 1

[what-is-your-plan-today]

Leave No One Behind

Ch 10- Today Is A Gift, That’s Why They Call It The Present

Co written with @icanfeelastormbrewing​

****

Episode Summary: The Team run their second mission, but it doesn’t go according to plan. When one of the refugee women goes into labour, Hannah and Sammy battle to save her life and that of her baby and the outcome isn’t one any of the team hoped for.

Episode Warnings: Bad Language words. Smut (NSFW no under18s). Descriptions of birth and trauma. Still born baby- so PLEASE PLEASE HEED THE WARNING AND DO NOT READ IF THESE COULD TRIGGER.

Episode Pairings:  Ari Levinson x OFC Hannah Horowitz

Song for Episode:  Hallelujah- Leonard Cohen 

A/N: Just to re-iterate, this deals with a very, very difficult subject. Please do NOT read if the warnings above could upset or trigger.

Series Master List //  Main Masterlist 

Baby I've been here before, I've seen this room and I've walked this floor, I used to live alone before I knew ya. I've seen your flag on the marble arch, but love is not a victory march, it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah

Things settled down for Ari and Hannah nicely after her birthday. Sammy wasn’t exactly what Ari would call happy about the situation, but he was accepting which was the main thing and he knew that it made Hannah happier. They were careful to be respectful to his feelings and kept PDAs to a minimum, and also, whilst they didn’t hide the fact they were together from any guests, they still wanted to keep up their professional, alter ego fronts. Therefore, the days were full of stolen moments at their cave, the evenings consisted of taking their own time together after dining with the group to enjoy long sunsets sitting or walking along the sand with Simon and a few drinks whilst the later nights were spent wrapped round one another either in his hut or Hannah’s, the physical side of their love lulling them into a satisfied sleep.

If it wasn’t for the fact they were there for a far more serious reason, Ari would have certainly called it paradise. But they had a job to do, and as such, a couple of weeks later in April they embarked on their second mission.

Rachel was manning the radio and overseeing the hotel as usual, and the rest of them piled in the trucks and set off in the dark, following the route they had meticulously planned, maintaining the updates on the radio as required. They arrived without a hitch, the journey going smoothly and Hannah couldn’t resist taking a dig at Sammy about his lack of faith, her brother simply giving her a scathing look as Ari chuckled from the driver’s seat.

The 5 agents operated quickly and efficiently in the dark clearing of the desert loading the refugees into the trucks, and it was with the last group that Hannah spotted a woman being helped towards the truck by 2 others. She was pregnant, very pregnant in fact. And it was evident she was in a severe amount of pain.

“Sammy…” she nudged her brother and pointed towards the woman. Sammy followed her gaze, and once he spotted what she’d seen he let out a loud groan.

“Shit.” He shook his head, and no sooner had the curse left his mouth, the woman fell to her knees, a cry coming from her lips which was hastily stifled by another refugee clamping her hand over her mouth. Hannah rushed forward, dropping besides the woman and smiled kindly at her, before she turned back to look for Kabede who was currently locked in a heated discussion with Sammy.

“Are you crazy?” Sammy shook his head “It’s too dangerous, she should have stayed!”

“If she stayed she would have died.” Kabede shot back “As would her baby…”

“If anyone hears her then we’re all gonna die!” Sammy shot back and Hannah angrily shushed him.

“Stop it, both of you, you’re scaring her” she looked up “Sammy, she’s in labour and we can’t leave her here…”

“Oh great, that’s…just…” Sammy took a deep breath

Hearing the commotion, Ari and Jake shut the tailgate to the other truck and Ari jogged over to find out what was happening.

“What’s going on?” Ari asked and then he glanced at Hannah who was knelt between a young woman’s legs and one look told him exactly why “Oh…shit.”

“Yeah, shit!” Sammy shook his head and Ari took a deep breath as Hannah spoke.

“She’s in labour.” She looked up at Ari, every inch of her face etched with worry as the woman let out a little cry “And she’s pretty far engaged.”

“I knew things were going too smoothly…” Sammy sighed and Hannah glared at him.

“Oh shut up Sammy you prick!” she shook her head and turned back to Ari as he scrubbed a hand down his face.

“Can you help her?” he asked

“I can try, but it’s gonna have to be on route.” Hannah looked at him. “If anything goes wrong the faster we can get her to the doctor on the boats the better.” Ari drew a deep breath “Ok, Sammy help me and Kabede get her in the truck.”

“I’ll go get my kit.” Hannah jumped up and headed for the cab of the truck, pushing past Max as she ran.

“What…” Max followed her with his eyes before he turned back towards Ari and Sammy, his eyes shooting up as he took in the pregnant woman being helped to her feet, his mouth hanging open slightly.

“Other truck is loaded. We ready to go?” Jake asked, drawing up besides Max, frowning at the look on his face. “Something wrong?”

“Looks like we picked up one extra.” Max whispered, and Jake followed his gaze, his mouth dropping open.

“Oh…”

The men looked at each other before Jake mumbled something about a couple of blankets and shot off back to their truck. Meanwhile, Hannah emerged from the cab of the one she had travelled in and ran back to the tail gate as Jake reappeared, passing a small bundle of blanket to Kabede who placed one under the woman’s head as one of the other refugees took hold of her hand.

Kabede looked at Ari who nodded and clapped his hands together.

“Ok, everyone let’s hit the road!” he loudly called before he turned to Hannah as she was about to vault into the back of the truck. His hand gently fell to the side of her neck as he looked at her “You need me to stop just yell, ok?” she nodded and he kissed her forehead “You can do this sweetheart, I trust you.”

She swallowed and then handed her bag to Kabede before Ari helped her climb up into the truck. Kabede hopped down, quickly embracing Ari before he slunk back off into the shadows. Sammy and Ari slammed the tail gate shut and they both sprinted to the cab. With a final glance back into the flat bed where Ari saw Hannah knelt between the woman’s bent legs, talking to her gently, he twisted back and exchanged a glance with Sammy before he put the truck in gear and set off.

Hannah knew there was something wrong from the minute she’d examined the woman. She’d only delivered a few babies but none of those deliveries had involved quite as much blood as this. The thought that the woman could be having a major haemorrhage crossed her mind but she tried to shake it off as she wiped her blood slick hands on the shirt she was wearing. The truck then hit a rut in the road and the woman let out a scream, gripping her friend’s hand.

“Sorry!” Ari yelled back and Hannah glanced up, momentarily to the front before another yell and a hand on her shoulder made her turn back and she saw with horror the woman had passed out.

“Sammy!” she yelled “Sam, please I need…”

Sammy didn’t waste a second, he clambered over the seats into the back looking at Hannah as she wiped the sweat off her brow with her forearm, unknowingly smearing her head with blood.

Sammy crouched in front of the woman, gently checking her pulse.

“She just passed out.” Hannah said. “The baby’s crowning but…”

“She’s losing too much blood.” Sammy stated the obvious, but Hannah didn’t snap.

“I know.” She said softly.

“Ari!” Sammy called and Ari tipped his head slightly to show he was listening “Get on the radio, tell them what’s going on. They need to be prepared.”

“Got it…” Ari said, reaching for the handset.

“Ok, now listen to me Han…” Sammy said, “You’re gonna have to manipulate the baby slightly. Let her body to the work but as she’s passed out you’re gonna need to help ok?”

“Ok.”

Sammy carefully moved, placing his hand on the woman’s stomach “I’ll tell you when she’s contracting again. You need to gently grip the head…”

Hannah did as she was told and looked at her brother.

“When you feel the baby moving forward slightly, pull until you feel resistance. Then stop.”

“Ok…”

There was a few seconds pause and then Sammy nodded “Now.”

Hannah did as she was told, her fingers curing around the edge of the baby’s head and she gave a tug. The head appeared, and then she noticed with horror that the chord was wrapped around its neck.

“Shit, shit, shit…” she mumbled, and looked at Sammy “The chord…”

Sammy instantly moved. “My hand…” he said gently and Hannah understood he wouldn’t be able to manipulate it free with his limited movement.  She waited until he had hold of the baby’s head, supporting it and then her nimble fingers she moved to try and manipulated the chord free. As she was doing so, the woman began to stir, and then she started to panic. Sammy glanced at the other woman, holding her hand and spoke to her.

“Calm, please, as much as you can ok?”

Whether she understood or it was the tone he spoke in, Sammy had no idea but the woman moved and placed a hand on her friend’s head, gently talking to her in a soothing voice.

“Got it…” Hannah said, and Sammy nodded as once more the woman began to scream. She tucked her chin into her chest and pushed once more, and the baby’s shoulders broke free and Hannah saw the baby slide out into Sammy’s hands.

“It’s a girl.” He said gently, looking at the woman, but Hannah was completely focussed on the baby’s face, which was a cold shade of blue.

She once more wiped her hands, this time on her jeans, and gently hooked a finger into the baby’s mouth, clearing its airways before she began CPR. Gently blowing into the tiny mouth she then used both fingers to pump at the chest, repeating the motion over a few times before she bent and tipped her ear to the baby’s chest and mouth.

Nothing.

As the woman was screaming and babbling besides her, Hannah continued her attempts to resuscitate the tiny baby as Sammy saw to the woman, cleaning and patching her up as best he could.

“Come on…” Hannah mumbled “Come on…”

Over and over and over she tried, and eventually she felt Sammy gently lay his hand on her shoulder.

“Han…” he said, and she looked at him, tears in her eyes. He shook his head sadly.

“No, just…let me try again, Sammy, I can…” “It’s been ten minutes.” He stopped her protest “I think we should call it.”

Hannah looked down at the tiny, lifeless baby which was lay on the bloodstained blanket on the floor of the truck, her tears gently falling down her face. She gave a soft nod and Sammy squeezed her shoulder before he looked up at the woman.

“I’m sorry he shook her head.”

The silence that had fallen across the back of the truck was punctuated by her loud scream of agony and Hannah let out a soft sob as Sammy curled his arm around her.

“What…is something wrong?” Ari called, his voice anxious.

“You could say that.” Sammy said softly. Ari turned his head to look at them, just in time to see Hannah turn and press her face into Sammy’s shoulder, her small frame wracking with sobs.

“Fuck” He mumbled, hanging his head slightly as he resumed his driving in silence. Ari gave himself a moment before he reached for the radio to fill base in on what had happened.

It felt like forever until they reached the deserted cove where they were rendezvousing with the Navy seals. Hannah remained in the back of the truck, the devastated woman cradling her still born baby to her chest. Once everyone else was loaded up, Ari and Sammy came back to help them down. The woman’s friend said something to her and the woman furiously shook he head and Hannah looked at her.

“What is she saying?” she asked softly, “I’m sorry, I don’t…”

“She not leave baby.” The woman said “

“She doesn’t have to.” Ari said gently.

“She say baby go too. Be buried.”

Ari nodded and the woman spoke to the mother and she nodded as well, and then slowly the 2 men and Hannah helped them off the truck and over the sand to the waiting boat. Hannah walked by her side, supporting her gently and looked at the Navy officer who peered at the bundle and bowed his head.

“HQ told us.” He said gently. “We’ll take care of her.” “She’s lost a lot of blood.” Hannah spoke, swallowing “She’s weak so…” “I promise she’s in good hands.” The officer assured her.

Hannah took a deep breath and looked at the woman again who stared at her, eyes wide. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t help.” Hannah said gently. “I’m so…so sorry.”

The mother’s voice caught in her throat as the lady gently reached out and grabbed her blood stained hand “You…you good person.” She croaked.

Hannah took another shuddering breath and stepped back, the woman releasing her hand, as Ari and Sammy helped push the boat out through the waves before she bent down and began to wash her arms in the salty water of the sea. She jumped slight as she felt a hand on her back and she looked up as Ari crouched next to her.

“I couldn’t help Ari.” She said gently “I tried, but…” “Hey, it’s not your fault honey.” He said, his hand cupping her dirty face.

“I’m a fucking doctor.” She shook her head, shrugging his hands away as she stood up. “That…I should have….”

“Firefly.” Ari soothed as he rose to his feet, the waves crashing around his knees “You did what you could. Sammy said you were brilliant.”

“He’s a far better doctor that me.” She shook her head “If he had both his hands…”

“You stop that right now!” Sammy’s voice came fiercely over the night and Hannah turned to face him where he was stood a few feet away “Han, we had no equipment. No ultra-sound…she was probably in labour for the last 24 hours. The baby could have been in distress for all that time. There’s nothing either of us could have done.”

Hannah looked at him before she turned away and began making her way up the beach. She passed Max and Jake who were stood watching the ocean, both men turning to watch her go before they looked back at Ari and Sammy.

“You alright pal?” Ari glanced at Sammy who took a deep breath, his shoulder slumping.

“It’s never easy…but when it’s a kid, especially a baby.” He shook his head “That’s probably the first one Hannah’s had to deal with.”

Ari looked over to where Hannah was now climbing into the truck, settling back into the seat she’d been before and he pinched the bridge of his nose before he let out a long breath.

“Come on, let’s get back” he said, his hand falling to Sammy’s shoulder as they waded out of the shallow depth of the ocean. “Good job guys.” He nodded to Jake and Max, “Another 174 people safe.”

“Yeah…” Max looked out over the ocean before he turned to look at the truck, then back to Ari, his shoulders slumping, his face sad. “But it’s the one that didn’t make it who we’re all thinking about.”

Ari bowed his head, before he looked at Max and gave the man’s shoulder a squeeze as he walked past. He said nothing, be chase he had absolutely nothing to say that he knew would make a blind bit of difference to how they were feeling.

The 4 men made their way back to the trucks, Ari climbing in and settling to Hannah’s left, Sammy to her right. He gently dropped his hand to her knee. She didn’t look at him, but she acknowledged his touch by dropping her hand to his and giving it a soft squeeze before she let go so he could start the truck and take them home.

***** It was early morning and still dark when they arrived, Rachel waiting for them as ever. Max and Jake trudged towards her, greeting her with a hug whilst Sammy hopped out of the cab, turning to help Hannah down. He slung his arm over her shoulders and together they made their way towards Rachel.

“Hey.” She said gently “There’s some tea on the go if either of you want any?”

Sammy smiled at her and nodded, but Hannah shook her head as she bent down to scoop Simon up. The dog instantly began licking her face and she turned to Rachel.

“Thanks but I’m gonna turn in.” she said.

“You sure?” Rachel asked.

Hannah nodded.

“Ok, well, see you at breakfast then.”

Without a word Hannah walked through the resort and out the back door, just as Ari caught up with the group. He watched Hannah go before he looked around.

“We’ll debrief tomorrow.” His instruction was gentle, his eyes sliding back to the spot Hannah had been in seconds ago “It’s been a long night.”

The group nodded and Max muttered something about needing a snack before he and Jake took off to the kitchen.

“What happened?” Rachel asked “I mean, I got the jist of it but…” “Chord was round the baby’s neck.” Sammy sighed, “Hannah managed to unwrap it but it was too late. Poor thing had probably died well before we got to her.”

“Shit.” Rachel bowed her head, sighing heavily “That’s…” she trailed off and Sammy looked at her before she glanced back up at him “Are you ok?”

Sammy shrugged “It’s never nice.” He replied, having no other words to describe the situation.

Rachel gently squeezed his hand “I’ll go make the tea, Ari?”

“No thanks. I’m gonna go check on Hannah.” He replied. Rachel nodded and then turned to follow Max and Jake. Taking that as his cue to leave, Ari made for the door to the beach.

“Ari…” Sammy spoke softly and Ari spun to look at him. Sammy licked his lips “I know I don’t need to ask but…look after her, ok?”

“Always.” Ari nodded, smiling softly. Sammy gave him a small incline of the head before he headed off towards the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, Ari made his way out of the back of the resort and jogged up the sand towards Hannah’s hut.

He pushed the door open, before he stepped in, locking it behind him. He let out a chuckle as Simon jumped up at him, his tail wagging that hard it was a blur.

“Hey buddy.” He crouched down to give the dog some scratches “Where’s your mamma huh?”

It was a pointless question, as he knew where she would be. In the shower. His eyes glanced at the bed as Simon walked past Hannah’s discarded boots and hopped up, making his way to his favoured place, the pillow on the side Ari slept on. Ari rolled his eyes and sat down on the bed before he bent down to undo his laces. He shucked his hiking boots off and looked back a Simon, and as he did so something else caught his eye. Hannah’s night stand looked different. The lamp was on, there was the standard bottle of water, her book…but there was something missing. And as he racked his brains, trying to figure out what it was, it suddenly clicked. The photo of her and Andy, the one that had been taken in her Mama’s back yard was gone.

Ari didn’t quite know how he felt about that. On the one hand he couldn’t deny he felt, well maybe not pleased but a certain level of comfort or relief if that either of those were the right word at the fact that he no longer had to see Andy’s face when he woke up next to his girl in the morning. But on the other he felt a little sad. Both of them had lived lives with other people, it was a fact neither of them could escape and Ari wasn’t sure he wanted to either. That time apart had taught them things, things about themselves that had shaped their lives, moulded them into the people they were now. He licked his lips and stood up, headed over to the small bathroom at the back of the hut, gently pushing the door open.

“Han?” he asked softly, his eyes adjusting to the dim light from the feeble strip halogen on the ceiling and the sight in front of him broke his heart. Hannah was sat in the bottom of the shower, fully clothed, her arms hugging her knees to her chest, as she wept.

“Oh Firefly…” Ari sighed, crossing the small space and shuffling down next to her, the water soaking his hair and his clothes as he wrapped one strong arm around her. She turned to him, burying her face into his chest, her sobs wracking her small frame. “It’s ok, I got you.” He pressed a kiss to her sopping wet hair and simply held her, his hand rubbing up her back and her shoulder as she cried.

“I tried so hard…” she stuttered and he swallowed again, pressing his face into her hair.

“I know baby.” He said, “I know.”

How long he stayed there simply holding her, Ari had no idea and he didn’t particularly care. Nothing mattered to him, nothing but the girl he was cradling in his arms. Eventually her sobbing evened out and she pulled back slightly to look at him. Without a word she pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his lips which he took, gratefully as he brushed her sodden hair off her face.

“You ready to get cleaned up?” he as softly and she nodded.

Ari stood up, pulling her to her feet and with gently hands he slowly undid the button down she was wearing before she shrugged it down off her shoulders, before he reached down and pulled the sodden tank top off her, which was clinging to her skin. With a quick and easy movement he shrugged his open plaid shirt off before he reached back and grabbed a handful of his wet t-shirt, pulling it over his head. Her eyes focussed on him, Hannah reached for his belt, her gaze falling downwards as she undid his belt then his jeans and he stepped out of them and his boxers in one movement, before he helped Hannah out of the clothing on her bottom half, which was harder work as her jeans were clinging to her thighs and legs. He held them still whilst she stepped out of them, kicking them to the floor of the bathroom and as Ari stood his hands trailed up the outside of her bare legs, coming to rest on her hips.

The moment was intensely intimate, the pair of them sharing a moment that was so raw, it was hard not to be aroused and as Ari looked at her, he saw a flash in her eyes. It wasn’t lust, it was softer, much softer, a pure love coupled with need and want.

He bent down, pressing a soft kiss to her mouth. “Turn around baby girl.” he whispered softly, against her mouth and without so much as a question she did as she was told. Ari reached up, flicked the clasp on her bra and pushed the straps forward, pressing a kiss to each of her shoulder, before he placed a gentle open mouthed one to her neck. Stepping back slightly, Ari reached down for Hannah’s shampoo and squeezed an amount onto his palm and gently began to work it into her hair. He felt her relax slightly, her shoulders dropping, the tension seeping out of her as he massaged her scalp softly.

Hannah gave a low sigh as she leaned back further so her head lay against his shoulder, her eyes closed. She relaxed completely as his touch soothed her, making her feel safe as his fingers softly worked into her hair.  After a little while his hands dropped to her hips and she allowed him to guide her round so she was facing him. His hand gently slid to her chin and with a gently nudge he tipped her head back slightly against the stream from the shower and he reached up, brushing the shampoo away from her face and down her long hair, causing her to press against him, her wet skin slick as it slid against his.

Eventually her hair was completely rinsed clear and he repeated the process with her conditioner and once her hair was done, her locks smoothed and tangle free she opened her eyes and looked up at him.

“Your turn.”

Ari turned around, dipping his head slightly as she gently wound her hands into his hair, nails scratching against his scalp, her body pressing into his back. When she’d finished he turned back to face her, dropping his head to rinse out his hair, taking the opportunity to simply look at her, taking in every singled damned detail. Those blue eyes, the curve of her nose, her high cheekbones, her plump lips, toned shoulders, that dip in her collar bone, the line the water was tracing between her breasts… as his eyes raised to hers he knew she’d spotted how unashamedly aching for her he was and she reached up with her hands, the pads of her fingers cupping his face through his beard. She guided his face down to hers where he captured her mouth in a soft, gentle kiss. He let her guide him, tell him how much she wanted, or how little she wanted, his hands simply splaying across the soft skin on her back and it soon became obvious exactly what she wanted when her hands moved to the back of his neck, tangling in his hair as her tongue explored his mouth.

Ari’s fingers flexed on her hips before they gently traced their way up her ribs and back down again. With a quick, strong movement he pivoted her round so her back was pressed against the rough, sand stone tiles and the kiss grew fervent, his mouth slanted over hers. He broke it, trailing his lips across her jawline and neck and Hannah let out a soft whimper as he softly sucked at that point where her neck joined her shoulder. One strong thigh anchored between her legs and he used it to push up gently against her spot and she let out a low keen, her head lolling back against the wall. Watching her reaction carefully, he repeated the action, both hands curling round her hips as he gently guided her movements back and forth, causing her to rub herself against the strong muscle of his thigh. It wasn’t wrong before she was controlling the rocking, pushing down harder as she rode his thigh and Ari rolled his foot up onto the ball, pushing his thigh harder into her and she gave a louder cry this time, the friction sending a hotwire straight up her core.

“Ari…” she gasped out his name as his lips nipped at her ear, his beard rubbing against the skin on her jaw “Need you, please…”

With an easy movement, he reached down and hooked his hands round the back of her thighs, lifting her up. Her legs wrapping around her waist as once more his mouth claimed hers as he lined himself up and pushed into her gently, her heels digging into the tops of his thighs just below his ass. His throat elicited a deep rumble as he kissed her hard, her hands gripping at his broad back as he began to pump in and out, his head falling to her collar bone where he gave a soft nip.

With each roll of his hips Hannah felt her pleasure beginning to mount, soft moans and mutters of his name falling from her lips as she dropped her head to his shoulder, the feeling in her stomach beginning to overwhelm her.

“Look at me Firefly” he said gently, and she opened her eyes, those ocean deep globes locking onto his as he saw her mouth open, lips part in a soft cry as she came, a deeper groan bubbled over in her throat and her head slid backwards against the wall as she succumbed to the pleasure that crashed over her in waves. Ari would never get tired of seeing her like that, ever. It was the most arousing thing in the world to him. His pace began to quicken, the tight bands in his stomach coiling further and further until they snapped as he pressed her harder.

“Hannah…” he half whispered, half gasped into her ear, nose nuzzling at her pulse point as he came, riding out his release with a few more shallow thrusts until his hips stilled and his head dropped to her shoulder, his breathing deep, his body and soul utterly blissed and consumed by her.

Ari kept her supported, feeling her shaking slightly with the afterglow, and raised his head, sliding his nose against hers gently, brushing their lips together ever so tenderly.

“I love you…” he whispered, before he pulled back to look at her as he gently set her on her feet, his hands cupping her face. She ran the tips of her fingers up his spine and into his hair, gently pulling his face down to hers.

“I love you too.” she replied softly, her eye shining as his mouth caught hers once more.

The water in the resort never ran at scalding level, but now it was colder than normal, and Ari felt Hannah shiver slightly. He reached round to turn the water off before he flicked his hair out of his eyes and stepped out, gabbing a towel. He held it out for her and she turned around so he could wrap it round her from behind, his arms holding her to him as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. She turned to look at him, giving him a gentle smile before she left the room and Ari grabbed another towel, quickly rubbing himself down before he wrapped it around his waist and followed her into the room where she was busy digging in one of the drawers. She stilled and gave a snort as she stood up and waved a pair of boxers at him.

“You moving in?” she quipped and he gave a chuckle.

“I didn’t put them there.” He held his hands up. “Must have been Rachel.” Hannah eyed him suspiciously and he gave a laugh “Scouts honour, Firefly.”

“I believe you.” She shrugged, tossing them to him and he caught them expertly in his right hand. “Thousands wouldn’t”

“Good job I don’t need to convince thousands then isn’t it.” He looked at her and she shook her head before she pulled out a pair of panties and a tank-top to change into. Ari dropped his towel, shimmied into the boxers and then shooed Simon off the pillow. The dog glared at him as he stood up and made his way to the end of the bed, flopping down with a loud huff. Ari followed his example, his head falling back against the pillow and he glanced over at Hannah as she pulled the loose tank over her head. He kept his eyes on her as she gently squeezed and dried her hair, picking up a brush, combing her waves out before she deftly braided it.

“You know, I reckon I could braid your hair…” she looked at Ari in the mirror as she stood up and he scoffed.

“You sound like Maya.” He said as she crawled over him, the pair of them climbing under the comforter before Ari turned off the light, his eyes once more glancing at the space where the picture had been. He settled down, debating whether or not now was the right time to bring it up but it was pushed from his mind as Hannah lay her head on his chest, one leg tossed over both of his, his hand gently tracing shapes on her upper arm.

“What’s it like?” her quiet voice broke the silence.

“What’s what like?” he asked, his nose brushing her temple.

“Having a daughter, a kid?”

Ari stilled and looked down at her “Han…”

“I just wondered.” She whispered quietly. “It must be amazing, you know to have this little person you made just there.”

“It is.” He nodded, his hand stroking her arm again “It’s also scary as fuck knowing that they’re gonna depend on you for everything. It’s life changing. Your entire outlook changes. Suddenly it’s all about them you know? Its hard work, stressful, but worth it. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.”

She stayed silent and he kissed her head “Did you ever talk about it? With Andy?”

“Once or twice.” She let out a deep breath “We never got the chance though. He always said he wanted a girl.”

“What about you?” Ari asked.

“I never really had a preference.” She mused “But I guess all women dream about having a boy who looks just like his daddy.”

She sniffed a little and Ari pulled her closer, kissing her head again “You know you’re amazing, right?”

She didn’t reply and he moved so he was led on his side, looking at her, his hand gently brushing a loose strand of damp hair behind her ear.

“What happened tonight wasn’t your fault.”

“I know.” She said gently, “I know that but…”

“Don’t torture yourself about it.” He urged her, his nose bumping hers “I’ve done that myself and nothing good comes of hit Han.” “You mean Andy?”

Ari took a sharp breath in which he released through his nose “Amongst other things.”

“I know you noticed”

“Noticed what.” He played dumb, but it was no use.

“The photo, Lobo.”

“Well, yeah but it’s not really my place to comment, Firefly.”

“I just felt it was time, you know.” She shrugged “Like, I don’t want to forget him. I never will but...well, you gotta move forward right?”

“Yeah, you do.” He nodded “All the time. You keep looking back over your shoulder at the past, you miss today as it unfolds around you. And as I always tell Maya, yesterday is the past, tomorrow’s the future…today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.”

“That’s very philosophical.” She replied and he chuckled.

“I have my moments.” His chest vibrated with his quiet laugh and he pressed a kiss to her forehead “I mean it though. And that goes for everything.”

Hannah fell silent as she snuggled closer into him, her cheek pressing against his chest as his chin rest on her head.

“I can’t get her out of my head, Ari.” She said quietly, her voice catching “She was blue and, I tried, and…”

“Han…” Ari kissed her head as his arms pulled her closer, his hands rubbing at her back. “It wasn’t your fault.” “Everyone keeps saying that…”

“Because it’s true.” He urged, one of his hands slid round to her face and tipped her chin up so she was looking at him. The room was dark, bar the dim first light of dawn that was sneaking through the lattice shade above the head and he could just pick up the speckles of light in her sad eyes “And I’ll keep telling you until it sinks in. It was a horrible, horrible…accident, twist of fate, whatever. No one could have done anything more.”

“Then why do I feel so shitty about it?”

“Because you’re a beautiful, compassionate woman who cares.” he said, his lips pressing to hers softy “That’s part of the reason I wanted you here after all.”

“Only part?” she quipped through her tears “I knew it.” and Ari gave a soft huff of laughter.

“Well, I’ll admit there was a slight selfishness on my part too but, honestly? In the most it was because you were the right woman for the job.” She stayed silent as he reached up, his thumbs brushing the tears from her cheeks. “And I know that tonight was…well, it was fucking awful but…we gotta focus on the positives. Another 174 lives Firefly, and yeah, that doesn’t make up for the one we lost but…well, it’s gotta mean something yeah?”

“Maybe it will tomorrow, Ari, but right now, I just…”

Ari felt her sag in his arms and she pressed another kiss to her head “Try and get some sleep Firefly, you’re exhausted.”

“Bossy bastard” she mumbled, stifling a yawn and he shook his head.

“Stubborn jack ass.” He shot back and she gave a snort as she yawned again, snuggling deeper into his chest.

Ari’s arms kept her close, his large hands gently rubbing at her back until he felt her relax completely. After 5 minutes or so he glanced down, and could just make out her eyelashes as they lay against her cheeks, her breathing even. Pressing another kiss to her head, he peered down at Simon who had been stealthily creeping further up the bed to his current position of being curled in the space behind her knees.

With a smile at the ridiculous, almost domestic feel of the situation, given that it was as far from a normal domestic life he could leave, he closed his eyes and gave into his own feelings of exhaustion.

[your-rose-highness]

Tell Me What Is Love (Ch-6)

note- Feat. JB (Jaebeom) of GOT7.

It was the middle of May when the songs of spring were heard the loudest. Hye hee walked along the Han river, the world seemed a blur in front of her eyes. The crowd seemed to buzz with ecstasy, a sight of the most beautiful sunset lay ahead of them. The golden yellow soft waves of the river mimicked the sun’s dramatic mood, as though pretending to be the same.

I’m a part of you, it seemed to whisper.

Hye hee’s feet stopped suddenly, lifting her head to watch the world gleam. After all these years, Baekhyun was still the sun she glittered for. Something drew them together. Or, she was imagining it all. What did she have? She was left with nothing. At the end of the day, she would have to go back to her empty and dingy apartment, meeting ghosts of her past. Where would she run to getaway? No matter where she went, her heart yearned for something unattainable. It had to be stopped. Like a stern mother who would discipline her beloved child, for the future unforeseen. The laughter around her rang in her ears, as though hurting her physically.

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She walked slowly to her neighborhood, walking the familiar path home. The streets were awfully dark she noticed, at this early hour too. It was hardly 7 pm. Picking up the pace, Hye Hee took longer strides to get to her apartment which was just around the corner. An odd feeling of someone behind her made her quickly look over her shoulder. 

Was she being followed?

She had lived in this neighborhood for years now and never had she felt a chill rise in her spine as she continued to walk faster.

She left a sigh of relief when she sighted her apartment.

 Hold on, why was there such a huge crowd in the front? Running to the crowd, she found people swarming around a woman on the stairs, who seemed to have fainted.

Jane.

“Oh my!”, hye hee exclaimed, her bag dropping to the floor.

“Here she is!! Ms. Song! A person just drove by throwing stones at this lady as she waited and rang your door!! I saw it with my own eyes!”, exploded the young girl who lived upstairs of her apartment.

“Did you see who it was?”, panted hye hee, hurriedly trying to pick up Jane’s head in her lap.

The right side of her temple dribbled with blood, and jane seemed semi-unconscious, trying to mouth words.

“No! I couldn't! They drove by so quickly! I tried to chase and note down the car number but failed. I couldn't contact your phone and I couldn't carry her inside. I’m so sorry.”, she whimpered.

“No its okay, thank you for being here.”, hye hee said as she tried to call the hospital.

“This is the first time something like this happened in the neighborhood. I thought this was safe! But look! We find stones being hurled!”, complained someone.

“Miss, you better inform the police. This incident cannot be dealt with lightly.”, advised her landlord.

The ambulance arrived soon, and hye hee found herself crying bitterly by her friend’s side. 

What if this was because of that tweet? Had the fans found out? It can't be a coincidence that her friend was attacked on the same day that she went to the agency for her interview.

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“Will she be fine? She won't die, right?” wailed hye hee, looking at the paramedic.

The paramedic had a faint smile on his lips, which she missed, as she cried on the side.

“She will be fine, ma’am. It’s just a mild concussion.”

“There’s so much blood! How can this be mild?”

“Oh! Believe you me, this is mild. I’ve seen skulls being broken apart in my career, you can't imagine…”, he trailed off after he looked at hye hee whose face was scrunched in horror, “but you don't need to know that. All I am saying is that your friend will be fine, ma’am. 

They reached the hospital soon, dragging away jane on the stretcher. While she waited in the corridor full of white coats, jane was called into the doctor’s cabin.

“Oh, guardian of Lee Jae In?”, he asked, looking up from Jane’s patient form.

“Umm… yes.”

“Are you her family?”

“No. I mean, she’s my best friend.”, hesitated Hye Hee.

“Right! But the official documents can be signed only by the patient’s family members.”, he said, while typing furiously on his computer, “sorry, hospital protocols.”, he continued, nodding at her.

“I see. Is she awake?”

“Not completely. But she will be in an hour. Don't worry, she’s fine, the scans came out clean. It could be worse though. May I ask what happened?”

Should she tell him? What if this converts into something much more complicated? 

“She fell down the stairs. There was a lot of water on the floor.”, she finally framed.

The doctor seemed to look at her with suspicion but didn't say anything.

“Alright. Please contact her family. We will observe her vitals for a day and then she is free to go.”, he sighed as he handed her the forms.

Hye hee entered jane’s room after she opened her eyes. Her usually strong and fierce friend seemed so weak, it broke her heart. A smile played on jane’s lips as she spotted her friend in the room full of fear. She extended her hand towards hye hee, as she quickly grabbed it. 

“I’m so sorry jane. I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. I thought I was going to lose you.”, cried out hye hee.

“Not that easy, love. Why are you apologizing for this? God knows why they threw stones at me… I haven’t written a scandalized piece in months…”

Jane wiped her tears away and pinched her hand to lighten the mood.

“I need to call someone to sign your papers. Anyone in town?”

“My brother is here. Mum and dad are in Jeju visiting family. Where’s my phone? Ah, here it is. Call him. I’m going to rest my eyes for a bit. I feel really tired.”, jane yawned.

“Yes, you rest up. I’ll call him. Oh, password?”, hye hee asked.

“00000”, jane mumbled.

“Who puts 5 zeros as their password in this age?”

“Aish. don't come at me now, I’m hurt. You're lucky I remembered. What if I had lost my memory? You could guess it and call my brother. I am now a soothsayer…” she mumbled as she closed her eyes.

Hye hee sat beside her to call Jaebeom. She had never met her brother in person. Occasionally having only heard jane talk to him over the phone, which usually ended with one of them yelling at the other. Classic sibling behavior.

The ring tone rang only for a few seconds before he picked up the call.

“Jae in! You have some courage to call me after two days!!....”, he laughed over the other end.

“Hello, Jaebeom? This is hye hee. Jane’s friend from the company?”

“Oh? What? Is something wrong?”, his boisterous laughter quickly turned into one dripping with fear.

“Jane met with an accident. We are at Severance Hospital…”

“What?! Is she okay? What happened!”, his worried voice boomed.

“She’s fine. Just needs to be under observation for a while.”

“I’m coming. I need 10 minutes.”, Jaebeom hung up.

Hye hee didn't have to wait very long as Jaebeom soon arrived at the hospital. 

“Hye hee?”

Hye hee snapped out of her thoughts to look up, “yes. Jaebeom-ssi?”

“Yeah. where’s Jae In?”

“In here.”, she said, guiding him into her cabin.

She stood behind him, letting him absorb the situation. No one could have ever thought that he was jane’s brother. There was no single similarity. Except probably, the fierce eyes.

He was handsome. Well, jane was quite pretty herself. Maybe they have good looking parents?

“How did this happen?”, Jaebeom suddenly turned to ask hye hee.

Before she could answer, the nurse dragged him away to the doctor’s cabin. 

What was she going to say? Surely she can't lie. Jane would tell him what really happened and then he’d want an explanation. What if the doctor told him? How was she going to explain? 

He soon got out of the doctor’s cabin, looking a little confused. He headed to jane’s bed and placed his hand on her head. Looking towards Hye Hee he whispered, ”Dr.Mark said I can take her home tomorrow morning. Thank you for coming with her. You can leave now. I’ll stay here and take care of her.”

Hye hee had just begun packing her stuff when he questioned again, “how did she end up here?”

Hye hee gulped and felt her lips go dry. Something about Jaebeom told her that she couldn't lie to him.

“She was outside my apartment when someone attacked her with stones.”, she phrased.

“Excuse me?”, he yelled.

“We don't know who it was. Or what they wanted. My neighborhood was particularly safe, I don't know why someone would do this.”

He didn't answer, but his gaze screamed at her. “I'm sorry”, continued hye hee.

Jaebeom let out a sigh before turning his back towards her. Hye hee felt a pit in her stomach, the guilt ate her insides, convinced that this was all her fault.

She slowly moved downstairs and met with a sharp cold breeze blowing at her from the outside. It was pouring rain. 

She quickly checked the time- 10 minutes to 1 am.

“Real nice. Thank you universe!” she exclaimed, digging through the bag to find her wallet. It's as if the universe had been conspiring against her today. She didn't have her wallet, nor did she have her card.

Stifling a rising scream, she decided to sit the night at the hospital, when she spotted Jaebeom, at the reception, coffee in one hand, looking at her.

He approached her swiftly wondering why she hadn't left already.

“What?”, he simply posed.

Hye hee couldn't meet his eyes, “I don't have money or an umbrella.”

“Where’s your car?”

“I… sold it.”

He shook his head and went through his pocket pulling it some money. “Here, go get yourself something hot to drink. I’ll get drop you home, wait here till I get my keys.”

“You don't have to. I’ll just stay….”

Hye hee couldn't finish her sentence as Jaebeom once again seemed to glare at her. “Okay.”

Sipping on her hot chocolate, she stood waiting for Jaebeom. The hot liquid seemed to cruise through her spreading warmth, instantly making her feel better. 

Instant hot chocolate for instant happiness. The thought made her smile.

Only Jaebeom was looking at her, deeming her crazy to have been standing near the vending machine and smiling like a fool.

The two of them walked to the entrance, ahead lay a night, pitch dark, blurred from the heavy rain. Jaebeom was kind. Pulling up his hoodie he sprinted across the parking lot to make sure hye hee didn't have to get wet. As sorry as she felt, hye hee was overwhelmed with the gesture.

The car ride was quiet except for the faint rain sounds that hit the car, as they drew out of the hospital. He asked where she lived and soon reached. Stopping near the turn, Jaebeom got out of the car grabbing the umbrella. Hye hee just felt bad that he was being this kind despite having hurt his sister. Coming around, he helped hye hee get out of the car, half drenched as he shielded her from the rain.

“You didn't have to do this. I could just run in.”

“Right. Let’s have another one hurled stones at. I thought you said this was a neighborhood. If they’re throwing stones at you guys, I won't be surprised if they’re still lurking around.” he mumbled.

Bingo. 

Walking a few steps ahead, they saw two dark figures, pointing towards the windows, as though speculating.

“What on earth are they doing? These little…”, Jaebeom whispered, about to confront them.

“No please! Let them go away on their own, they might be dangerous.”, hye hee blurted.

“What do you mean? You're going to stay here, while these little jerks lurk around you? How is that safe?”

“Maybe I could stay at the hospital.”

“I would take you to Jae in’s apartment, but seeing this, I wonder who’s lurking outside hers.”

“That’s a great idea. I can stay over at her place!”

“But what if something happens?” he asked, very concerned.

“It’s only me they’re tracking! Her house will be fine!”

They got into the car once again, driving through the familiar route to Jane’s house.

“Care to explain?”, Jaebeom inquired.

Hye hee took a deep breath, laying down a few important parts, obviously skipping the one about being terribly in love with baekhyun.

“Oh, so you're the one Jae in said knows an idol. Haha. I thought she was kidding. Glad to know she didn't make it all up.”, smiled Jaebeom.

Jaebeom was charming. Something about him put hye hee at ease, she felt safe. Quietly watching him from the corner of her eye. If he had dressed in a hurry and looked this good, one can only wonder. She quickly averted her eyes when she felt Jaebeom look in her direction. 

He left quite quickly after opening the door with his spare key. Hye hee turned on the lights of the bedroom that she had so frequently crashed in on girls’ night outs. As her head hit the pillow, she let out a huge sigh. Today was quite eventful, and a lot of emotions washed over her simultaneously. It’s not that she didn't love baekhyun, but right now, love simply wasn't enough. There was a lot involved that she couldn't avoid. Alas, if only it was her she had to deal with. Baekhyun was a challenge. From what she knew, he could burn down everything and that was terrifying. Love shouldn't have to be a sacrifice. Sleep overcame her despite her fighting it. Maybe a few hours of peace? The quiet night lulled her to sleep.

[chyrstis]

2, 4, 5, and 6 for the writer asks please?

2. Tell us about what you’re most looking forward to writing – in your current project, or a future project 

Answered here!

4. Share a sentence or paragraph from your writing that you’re really proud of (explain why, if you like)

This entire segment from I won’t ask for much’s Ch. 1 will always amuse me, because getting to write irritated John’s always too entertaining for its own good.

---

“Boshaw.”

He cracked open an eye. Squinted right at John’s pinched, irritated face, and considered closing the door on him. “What?”

“You don’t understand the true extent of any of this, do you?”

“Nah, that’s what the whole enlightening thing’s for. Shit, Johnson, where the hell have you been?” he threw out, hating how the pounding in his head was only intensifying. “So if you could get the hell on with it, I could go back to spending my day how I want to. In bed, curled up and doing nothing, not out here listening to you tell me how I…” Sharky let the words trail off. “How I what now?”

“How you owe me,” John hissed, baring his teeth as the temperature in his tone dropped ten degrees and counting. “You. Owe. Me. For a boat. For a boathouse, and for an assortment of damages all tying back to your little alcohol-soaked ride through my property.”

Saying each word through clenched teeth, John paused, drew in a breath through his nose as he closed his eyes, then settled back into the same smile he’d initially greeted him with.

“Then when caught, you panicked, confessed, and forged an agreement with me to fix it. Is that ringing any bells now?”

5. What character that you’re writing do you most identify with? 

Hana’s probably the closest, easy. Her interests definitely have some overlap with mine (and knowing her taste in movies has led to me watch 200% more 80′s cheese only to have a blast XD), but there’ve been moments while writing her that I’ve come to the awful realization that more of my worries and anxieties crept into her than planned at the get-go as well, and I can’t help but say, ‘Sorry, Han’ in response to that.

6. What character do you have the most fun writing?

Right now, if I said anyone other than Sharky, I’d be an awful liar. He’s someone I always go back to, and I love working with him every time. I can start a conversation with a particular thread in mind, and have it veer off base completely. But it’s never for the worse. It always turns out to be a strange moment of ‘just as planned’, and I’m so glad I was able to finally get a good writing rhythm with him down, b/c it’d absolutely break my heart to not be able to write for him.

[nobodyeverasked]

back to you; kim wooseok

(4704 words) - large

Summary: X marks the spot.

A/N: This isn’t a request, but I literally needed to do this or the idea would’ve slipped from my mind (I planned to do this one before their debut, which passed). I literally pumped this out in one day, so I hope you enjoy! I’m working on requests right now, so this is just something to take the edge off in the meantime.

Y/N tried his best to wring out the sweat staining the soft skin of his hands, not to be blinded by the beryl spotlights stabbing into his eyes, or deafened by the ear-piercing applause rumbling the oily black stage below him. The tremors of fear clawed throughout his body, months of hard work that passed like seconds, but felt like years amalgamating into an abyssal conglomerate of nerves bunching at the back of his throat. Produce X 101 was a rollercoaster of any emotion that a human being could possibly feel, and bared every burden that one could carry on their shoulders. It was a nightmare hidden in a daydream, but also the oasis in the desert.

He has made so many friends, and had to hug so many people a bitter farewell, clutching onto their tear-stained blazers and looking into too many glassy eyes…

 Too many… 

He was able to perform in front of hundreds of thousands of people and was able to hear the chimes of people's voices echo his name from every corner of the venue. He finally felt what it would be like to live in only a fraction of his most desired ambitions, and leave the pinewood floor of the same practice room at Pledis that he danced in for three years - trapped. The mirror that always stood in front of him replaced with a flurry of dancing lights and compassionate smiles.

He reflected on his journey here, and how many of those who held him dear still stood on the giant black ‘X’ in the middle of the stage, how many he danced with, sang with, laughed with, and cried with. The blade of distress wedged itself further in his heart when the numbers and names appeared on that large screen every single day.

*

As soon as he entered through that doorway, his entertainment company - Pledis Entertainment - shining in blinding lights on the screen behind him, eyes and expectations lingered on him like a cheap perfume, and fortunately, his audition did not disappoint. His reign as a threat, though, only lasted until the night bled into the sunlit sky, the reevaluation.

He lost his voice during the reevaluation halfway through the song. All he could do was continue to dance with the shadows of dejection strewn across his once nervous smile. 

As soon as he fled from the prying eyes behind the camera, he felt the frigid shivers of sympathy already boring into his skull. His confidence and his motivation were broken, and his hopes sunk to the pit of his stomach ever since.

He never left the fragile warmth and safety of Han Seungwoo’s arms that day.

His redemption for both respect, and himself, started to build up in front of him as soon as his voice started to come back during his Blood, Sweat and Tears performance and was able to shoot up to first for two episodes straight, finally losing the stares of sympathy, and gaining curved lips of recognition. 

He was a considerable threat during the series, placing in the top eleven for almost every episode. He was always commended for his relentless perseverance despite his slip-ups, his sense of humor, his seemingly endless inventory of talents and the bonds that he had with many other trainees that managed to be caught in the heavenly light of his smile. The narrative that was forged through the heat of every heavy breath he drew, and every word sung through his lips made his journey through the first half of the series seem like a breeze, what could have gone wrong?

It was Wooseok, Kim Wooseok…

Believe it or not, they were actually a couple during Wooseok’s days as a member of Up10tion, however, the twines that fused their gazes and interweaved their fingers slowly snapped, and the tides separating their touches pushed them further away from each other. Wooseok’s hiatus was the final thing that shut their mouths and stopped the peppering of one-word texts that were sent through their phones once every other week. Wooseok - the older - was absolutely bewildered, to say the least, when Pledis showed up on the screen ahead of him and Y/N came in, timidly scampering through the cobalt doorway of the main room.

Many flames burned in his heart and marred his brain. He was thrilled to look into those enthralling eyes once more, to see every single sparkle lining his crescent-moon gaze, to know the stories that hung between those upturned lips, and remember the flavour of the tongue that danced with his. However, his heart hurt just as much as every part of him yearned for his touch, and for his grip to coil around the waist that fitted between his hands so perfectly. He knew that he could only admire his boyfriend from a distance. 

He made a fissure so long and wide - created through months and months of silence and habitual excuses - that no matter how close they were physically, their hearts would still be millions of miles away.

*

The ranks were already being shared, one less person standing on the X, and adding one more spark of sadness to fester in the pit of Y/N’s stomach. 

He placed third just before this finale, he could not have fallen so far, he had confidence that he delivered a decent performance, putting all of his effort into every single line of To My World that he had. An uncomfortable, thick heat flourished under Y/N’s navy blazer, and his spirits started to fall with every name that was called. None were his…

“Lee Eunsang from Brand New Music!”

He and Eunsang never talked that much, all they used to share were approving glances of each other’s talents. They shared a mutual admiration for each other, but one that never passed through their anxiously pursed lips. Y/N had no idea how Eunsang could pull of such a vibrant head of scarlet hair, and Eunsang had no idea how Y/N found the perseverance to keep going and staying positive, despite the humiliation that thrashed wildly at him during the reevaluation, and the difficulty of working with unprofessional trainees who already had the lights of optimism fading from their dark eyes. If Y/N made the group - or ‘when’ in Eunsang’s book - he would spill out all of the feelings that were stuck on the tip of his tongue since they spared stares for each other.

“Kang Minhee from Starship Entertainment!”

He liked Minhee, and Minhee liked him, they were on the same team once, and all they could remember was suffering the same storm of hopelessness as they stood in their line, waiting for the ranks of their concept evaluation to be slapped onto that dreadful, black screen. He could still feel Minhee’s head laid limply on his shoulder when they were practicing, the haze of nightfall still felt through the hollow walls and the pale light of the practice room.

“Cha Junho from Woollim Entertainment!”

Cha Junho and Y/N had a connection that hid behind closed doors, and out from under the cerulean lights that lit under Junho’s feet. Y/N was one of the people who was able to see the side of Junho that was barely ever shown, the emotional one. The one that would have Junho heave in fits of relentless laughter when they joked with each other,  the one that would cast a blush across his tanned cheeks whenever Y/N would complement his singing, or the one that would silently fanboy over Y/N’s gaze towards the camera. 

“Nam Dohyun from MBK Entertainment!”

They never really conversed that much, however, all Dohyun knew about Y/N was that he deserved to feel the blue leather of one of these seats just as much as he did. They usually exchanged glances every now and then, and shared sheepish smiles when and after Dohyun failed to do a pullup. If Y/N debuts, he knows he will never hear the end of it, but he also knows that he will probably soon find something to tease Y/N about on their late-night car rides to the gym.

“Lee Hangyul from MBK Entertainment!”

Despite the vast contrast of the presences that they carried off stage, Hangyul knew that he was immediately enamoured by Y/N’s aura as soon as he performed Blood, Sweat, and Tears. The maturity that bloomed so abruptly in his peaceful eyes and the fires of such graceful intensity that writhed with every movement he made on that stage shocked him, but also brought them together. They could never forget the passive conversations that conquered the starlight seeping in through the windows of their dorm or the warmth of each other’s support that was always cradled close to their hearts.

“Son Dongpyo from DSP Media!”

These two babies were inseparable since the beginning, their combined cuteness shining a light of positivity and happiness that everyone desperately needed. Dongpyo had immense respect for Y/N since he found the motivation to move on after his mistakes during the reevaluation, and was one of the first to hold him in his arms when he stepped out of the frame of the camera. Soon enough, Seungwoo had two kids, both of whom he loves with all of his heart. 

If Y/N debuts, Dongpyo hopes to let the candlelights of their emerging friendship to erupt like wildfire, and for their moments together to forever be engraved in their heads.

“Cho Seungyoun from Yuehua Entertainment!”

They barely ever conversed, only sparing glances every now and then, and smiling at each other through the screen when they performed their separate songs. Even though it was never forged into words, the respect for each other was always there - lingering in the sparks of their eyes whenever they watched each other. They would love to see each other grow if they manage to debut together. 

“Song Hyeongjun from Starship Entertainment!”

Y/N was starting to get nervous now, he was in third place, and he knew that with people like Yohan, Seungwoo, Wooseok, and Jinhyuk, that there was no way he was going to be seated on one of those chairs, feeling the relieving coolness of that blue leather running under his palms. The shadows of doubt ate away at the flames of hope in his heart, and the tremors of fear and disappointment convulsing through his hands - clenched at his sides. Although his faith was starting to wither, he could not be prouder of one of his best friends, Song Hyeongjun. 

They clicked ever since they caught each other’s gaze, the nervous greetings towards each other that haunted their memories fading away as they started to spend more time together, the melodies of their shared laughter forever resonating throughout their heads. They both knew that no matter how bad things got, they would always seek solace in each other, have a shoulder that they could lean on, and arms they could fall into. When they both debut - as Hyeonjun liked to remind Y/N every single day - he wants to make new memories and share more moments, burn the stage and flood arenas everywhere with their boundless compassion.

“Han Seungwoo from Plan A Entertainment!”

Y/N could barely think about how much Seungwoo has changed his life until he was swept into a tight hug, his trance of bittersweet thoughts, and the sour flavour of dread lining his tongue dissipating in the warmth of Seungwoo’s embrace. All Y/N managed to muster was a weak sigh, nestling his head into the curve of Seungwoo’s neck, and relishing in his squared shoulders that he has leaned on and cried into countless times. He hugged him as if it was his last time, the torrid heat pooling between their pressed chests reminding Y/N that with Seungwoo taking third, maybe it actually was.

Reluctantly parting, Y/N walked back to his place on the X. There was the last spot, he thought desperately. However, looking at the heavy heads that were hung around him, he knew that this… This was the end, he knew who the last two were going to be, and he knew who would be taking the twelfth spot of this group, it was not going to be him. 

He had to sacrifice everything, waste his breath, hold back his tears and make limitless bonds only to see them slip through his very fingertips. The waves of his self-doubt hurling him further away from the debut that he poured his everything into.

The ringing in his ears shoved him into the pools of anguish, his head dropped too low to see Yohan winning first place and Wooseok - his boyfriend - obtaining second. Y/N may not even get to apologize to the man he still loves.

He was sorry for not being good enough, sorry for holding him back, sorry for not being there.

His heart pounded against his ribs, the lights above him carving out the oily shadows of distress tainting his once hopeful smile, and painting a tapestry of worry along his entire body. He was too deafened by his own mantra of disheartening thoughts to hear the audience ahead of him screaming his name, hoping to help the ashes of his desperation rise into the phoenix of optimism and confidence that he once was. 

Everyone perched on their ranking seats were sweating bullets, hands bunched at their sides. The embers of hope blooming in their widened eyes as soon as they realized that their friend - Y/N -  was not up here with them, but was on the screen behind them, along with three other trainees.

Y/N was a nominee for the X spot along with Jinhyuk, Minkyu, and Jungmo, however, he was too scared and desperate to notice, his gaze stuck to the floor below him, and his hands draped dejectedly behind his back.

Almost everyone near Wooseok could hear a rough sigh burst out from between his lips as he hunched over, his elbows digging into his knees and his nails wedging into his palm. He could still feel Y/N’s fingers interlacing with his, and he could still hear the faint echoes of the summer rain tapping against their window as they once fell asleep in each other’s arms, nothing on their minds except each other. All he wants to do is hold him, sing with him, perform with him. He wants to kiss him, hug him, embrace him. Talk with him until the sun rose and cuddle with him until the stars died. He yearned to tell him everything that he was too stupid to say, and to fall at his feet, promising to never take Y/N’s untainted love for granted ever again.

Jungmo, Minkyu and Jinhyuk, and Y/N all looked at each other in absolute shock. Looking up at the screen, exhausted and doubtful, he knew for sure that this was the end for him. He saw the other boys, and how much worthier they were for this group, how a relentless fire of hope still danced in their eyes.

He let his gaze fall back to the glossy, black floors, his reflection searing into his mind. His tired eyes, his face shaded with doubt, and his once radiant smile that entranced the entire country - no, the world - now a firm line embellishing his usually joyous features. He barely let the sob boiling at the back of his throat crash through his bitten lip until a hand clutched his, fingers silently threading together.

It was Jinhyuk, watching with heartache as a tear of unmixed anguish finally broke from Y/N’s dull eyes, the sparks of maturity that Hangyul found himself absorbed in, gone, and the healthy glow in his cheeks that burned brighter with every casual smile he shone, erased by the rivers carving into them.

Jungmo leaned over to grab his other hand, bending down and trying to look him in the eyes, but the weights of dejection only pulled Y/N’s head further down, unwilling to look at the person whose dreams that would either be broken, or the person that could make whatever menial semblance of hope he still had perish in an instant.

Y/N’s mangled thoughts finally overtook him, a cobweb of distress and sorrow thickening in his head, the darkness of his insecurities finally bringing the walls of his fragile stability tumbling down. He was too enwrapped by the cacophonies of his own anxiety and sadness, that he did not even hear the host call his name.

“Y/N from Pledis Entertainment!!!”

When the echoes - that felt oh so distant - finally clawed their way into his head, his eyes finally lifted from the floor once again, and his jaw dropped, his teary gaze pried open by the delicate hands of surprise. All of the tribulations he faced with every single week, all of the stress that infected his mind as his rank dropped and rose as it pleased, and all of the tears he shed were finally worth it. Within a fraction of his sharpening vision, he could feel everyone diving in to hug him, all of the happiness and gratitude swelling in his chest bringing him to his knees.

Everyone ranked on their blue leather seats shot up, clapping as they shouted Y/N’s name in symphonies of their own joy. Their dear friend, a kid that they forged so many memories with on and off camera, on and off the show, is going to be debuting with them, they could never feel more proud.

Y/N could barely notice people frantically wiping away his tears for him before he instantly wrapped his arms around the people closest to him, his face buried in Jinhyuk’s chest, and his arms wrapped around both Jungmo and Yuvin, who embraced him just as tightly. Walking down the aisle, and following in the footsteps of eleven of his closest friends, was one of the best feelings that he has ever experienced. Sapphire lights ignited under his feet as he looked up at the young men smiling down at him, all of the memories that he has experienced with every single one of them resurfacing in his mind.

Wooseok instantly jumped up from his chair - much to everyone’s surprise - and ran to Y/N, the younger boy who just regained his composure crumbling to the ground in tears once more when his gaze fell upon Wooseok, who had his arms spread wide open and enveloped his boyfriend in the warmest, most loving embrace that they have shared in months. It felt absolutely wonderful for both boys, to feel the skin that ran between their lips after so long, and the ardor that stirred in their mending hearts. They reveled in the flames of their compassion taking flight in the streams of cobalt light draping over them, and buried their faces into each other’s necks, the scents of their past memories still resonating in their heads even after so long.

“Y/N, baby, I’m so sorry!” Wooseok’s voice shook with tremors of boundless regret, his voice so soft - barely above a whisper - but his words so strong, as if he was screaming from the rooftops they always used to spend time on, the starlight that used to hang over them and their interwoven lips still shining brightly in their minds. “I felt so many things, but I never had the balls to tell you anything! I’m so sorry we stopped talking, and I’m so sorry I couldn’t have been there for you when you needed me! I just want to hold you, hug, and kiss you again… I want it to be just like the old times… Please…”

“It’s okay, it’s all okay…” Y/N barely managed to weave his words together through his breathy sobs. “I would like that, very much… I’m sorry, Wooseok, I should’ve-”

“You have absolutely nothing to worry about, babe…” Wooseok leaned back to wipe away his boyfriend’s tears, still streaming down his cheeks, and glistening in the spotlights still hanging over them. The heat blistering between Wooseok’s fingers singed Y/N’s skin with the scorch marks of admiration, his thumbs gently gliding across his cheeks reminding both of them how much they yearned for their delicate touches, and their interlocked gazes helping them reminisce about simpler times. Much simpler times… “Thank you. I love you, so so so so so much…”

Hearing him say those words after so long, and feeling the symphonies of sincerity lacing his words made Y/N lean his head back on Wooseok’s shoulder and melt further into his loving embrace. 

They parted slowly, Y/N’s fingers still loosely entwined with the older’s, and his heart still burning with the passionate flames of a reinvigorated fondness. It has been so difficult, easing into this competition without feeling Wooseok’s soothing hands skipping stones of tenderness across his skin, or having his heart broken with every passing elimination and not having those perfect, rose lips to mend it back together. Hearing ‘I love you’ from him meant more than anything to him.

“Now go, give your speech, you deserve it…” Wooseok pulls Y/N back in for a quick embrace, giving a secret kiss under his jaw before hopping back up the stairs, looking around with a satisfied smile at all the other boys who still had hints of surprise still lingering on their faces.

Dongwook handed Y/N another microphone with a sweet smile strewn across his pale, pink lips. He has watched Y/N grow so much in the past couple months that he has known him, and he could not be more proud of the boy standing before him.

“Hello, I’m Y/N form Pledis Entertainment!” Y/N bowed to the crowd and the screams of congratulations flooded the entire venue, the applause and relentless cheers making the sapphire lights cast upon them convulse to the noise. “When I lost my voice and went to F, I thought I was a failure… I-I knew I was a failure.” All of the fans yell a chorus of ‘NO!’s back at him, causing a weak chuckle to roll off his tongue and through his quivering lips, “but you all made me feel so loved, so wanted - it’s been such a long time…” He looked at the trainers across the stage, at the trainees still standing on the X below him and to all of the people that he made such beautiful memories with. He wished - more than anything - that he could take all of the boys with him. “Whether it be helping me get my voice back, helping me with dancing, singing, or just being a better person - a better everything.” He looked up and around him, watching with a thin smile, flourishing with the tiny sparks of bliss. “You’ve all treated me so well. In this group, I will repay you with everything I have, and give you the Y/N that will not put your faith in vain. Thank you so much!” Y/N let one last sob rip through his upturned lips before giving the microphone back to Dongwook and sitting down in the chair behind him, the gold ‘X’ never shining brighter, and the blue leather resting under his hands never feeling better - softer. 

This was it, this was the start of something new. Something better…

Much better…

*

These past couple weeks with the eleven boys that have somehow burrowed deeper into his heart have been magnificent, and spending more time with Wooseok has made their connection that much stronger, their love burning even brighter than the days they first got together.

They were laying on his bed in their dorm, the dark grey sheets rippling against their interwoven bodies, and the pale moonlight seeping through the windows, draping against them. Wooseok’s hand was lost in Y/N’s hair, mindlessly threading his fingers between his locks and pressing his lips to the knuckles that he pulled towards him. The haze of pure, untainted bliss surrounded them, strumming the strings of their heart and belting a symphony of admiration that soared gracefully throughout the room, nothing but the warmth of their love and the tranquil silence.

“We have so much time to make up for.” Wooseok wrapped his arms around his boyfriend’s waist, the fingers that ran along his hands in a haphazard daze making his grip tighter with every one of their interwoven heartbeats that meandered in the peaceful air hovering around them. He did not want to lose Y/N - the biggest blessing in his life - never again. 

“Tell me about it…”

“I missed this too, your skin is so soft, so warm…” Wooseok traced kisses across Y/N’s collar bones, the hums of comfort and pleasure that stirred above him, settling into the gelid air of nightfall coiling their bodies. 

“I mean, I have been using this new lotion, and you know Areum from Uni?”

“Yeah-”

“She gave me advice on some face masks and primers, I-” Y/N finally looked up to see the older’s stoic expression and his sarcastically lidded eyes, prepared to roll into his skull at any given moment. “Oh, that… Is not what you meant.”

Y/N tries to stifle a screech into Wooseok’s shoulder as he was heaved up and tackled back into the bed, the older’s smirk searing into the younger’s chest, and their legs intertwining as soon as their gazes interlocked once more, the starlight caught in their stares, new galaxies of wonder forged with every blink. Wooseok buried his nose into the curve of Y/N’s neck, upturned lips seizing supple skin, and a sigh of alleviation seeping further into it.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I meant…” Wooseok’s eyes shone with the sparks of his admiration - ones that never died - the moonlight that bathed his pale skin glossing over his magnetic lips, and entwining with the gentle, brown waves that swathed his forehead. “But it’s like my hands never forgot you, I’m glad.”

“Me too, Seokie…”

Their soft smiles weaved together in a seamless dance of sweltering admiration, hands, and fingers - surging with the warmth of compassion - wandering over skin in cherishing touches. All of the painful memories, harbouring nothing but painful silence and vague, heartless texts, dissipating in the haze of their euphoria, and the mist of twilight settling between the languid pulses of their lips. Blissful embers took flight in the peaceful currents swelling throughout the room, all of the tiny habits that lingered in their minds, and shone under the barren abyss of the night performing under the spotlight of their heavy breaths after so long. Like how Wooseok would always roll them over and have the younger’s precious thighs seize his waist, or how Y/N would edge his teeth into his boyfriend’s lip every once in a while. It was the little things, the shifting of touches, and the feathery kisses that trailed their jawlines, that made them happy.

They both pulled back, lidded eyes - pulled down by the weight of the heavy dusk - and lethargic smiles gracing their features before they drifted off to sleep, Y/N still laying on Wooseok’s chest, and the latter’s nose buried in the head of hair that was still marred by the scorch marks of his delicate touches.

“Oh-” The opening of their bedroom door went unnoticed by the peacefully sleeping boys as Yohan popped his head through the crack he made for himself, the tangle of limbs on the bed casting a bright smile across his lips. “Yep, this ship is definitely sailing.”

[snowfall-fanfictions]

Beware the Frozen Heart Ch. 16- The Incident Part 2

Previous Chapter

Ao3 link

FFN link

A continuation of the plot in Fjellby.

This was initially supposed to be part of the previous chapter, but due to its sheer length I cut it in half.

Enjoy!

Earlier that evening… 

“Why in the hell are we fishing at this time of day?”

“Shut the fuck up and help me with this net.”

As the sun began to dip behind the mountains overlooking Arendelle, two fishermen made their way out into the Arenfjord on a small rickety boat. Each man took a side of a large fishing net and, with all their combined might, tossed it into the water. They waited a few moments before  tugging on individual ropes. As they pulled it back onto the boat, the men let out a small groan. Different sized rocks were piled up on the floor of the ship, with not a single fish to be found.

“God dammit!” the older one said, throwing his hat onto the bottom of the boat, exposing his bald head to the twilight air, “Not even a minnow!” he grabbed the net, balling it up in his hands, “Let’s try again.”

His friend noticed something amongst the rocks. It wasn’t a fish, yet it wasn’t a rock either. Pushing some of them aside, the man pulled out something oddly peculiar. A knife from the looks of it, its hilt made of some black wood and its blade of strange metal. Some gibberish was written into the side of the blade, but he couldn’t make out what it said. He held the weapon aloft to his companion, “What do you suppose this is?”

The old man took a closer look at it, “Hmmm, looks like a murder weapon,” he took the blade out of his friend’s hand, “By God, it looks old. And that’s by my standards.”

“Should we take it to the guardhouse? Could be worth something to them.” Before the elder man said anything, a loud explosion caught them off guard. The old man’s hands jolted, causing the sharp end of the blade to drag across his hand. He dropped it with a loud “FUCK!” as it clattered at the bottom of the boat. Neither of them noticed the man’s blood seeping into the runes on the dagger, nor did they notice them glow a bright red.

Skyne groaned as if he had woken up. It was about time Odrikson did something with the queen… wait, this wasn’t the queen’s blood. It was much older. And more importantly not magic. The shade sensed his surroundings for answers.

Wh- Where am I? Odrikson, where are you?! No response. All he could sense were two men, neither of them being Odrikson. After a moment, Skyne located where Odrikson was, and it puzzled him. He was north, far north. What in the name of the shadows was he doing up there? Skyne could also tell that he was in a boat, but why? The last thing he remembered was Odrikson… Skyne put two and two together, letting out an ear piercing roar.

YOU. B̨̯̣̞̠̹̝͕ͯ̏͊̌̿̒ͭA͉̞ͫͬ̎S̳̦͉̥̰͙̄̅͂̍̄T̤̟͔̭͍͖̺̀A͔̙̱͉̟͑̋̂̇Ṛ̲̱͖͉̐̄ͧͪ̾ͬ̇D͈ͮ̿̈! 

Skyne sank into the shadows, fixated on Odrikson’s position. That runt actually abandoned him! Tried to sink him in the fjord and leave him there! He was so close to getting out of this infernal device, and Odrikson chickened out?! He refused to let this opportunity slip away.

He was getting out of this dagger, one way or another. If it means damning Odrikson, so be it. 

What’s another soul to his freedom, anyway?

XXXXXX

“Well, you took your time getting here.”

Do I sound like I have time for this foolishness, Odrikson? I am INFURIATED right now!

“Can you be pissed some other time? Kinda in the middle of something, here,” Eryn gestured to Hans, who still held the revolver up to Eryn’s chest. Hans’s mouth was agape at the sight before him. Shadowy tendrils still held the bullet he had just fired in the air, as the assassin argued with his weapon.

YOU. ABANDONED. ME! Do you honestly think that I would ignore that?!

“It wasn’t me! The ice boy nicked you when I wasn’t looking!”

And you didn’t feel him take me?! How have you lived this long as an “assassin” with such atrocious awareness of your surroundings?!

“Um…” Hans spoke up, “What in the hell is going on here?!”

“Do you mind? Having a bit of an argument here,” Eryn pointed to the knife as Hans threw the gun on the floor.

“Ah, to hell with this,” Hans drew his sword, tossing the revolver onto the floor,  “I’ll just kill you the old fashioned way,” He swung the sword overhead. Eryn raised the dagger to block it as the tendrils disappeared, the sound of clanging metal resonating in the room.

“The magic, I need the magic!”

Why should I?

“You need me!”

And what makes you think that? Surely this gentleman would be a substantial replacemen-

“As if he’d actually do anything with you. He’d probably hang you in his study!” Eryn pushed back on Hans’s blade, staggering the red haired man. Hans went back in for another overhead strike as Eryn narrowly dodged to the side.

There is one way you can make up for this…betrayal…

“And what’s that?!”

The queen… wet my blade with her blood and I shall consider the abandonment water under the bridge…

“Who are you talking to?!” Hans demanded, confused at the sight before him.

“Fuck you, that’s who!” Eryn darted towards Hans, dagger raised in his hand. Eryn swiped at Hans’s neck, who deflected the blade with his own.

I will give you this one last chance, Odrikson. Disappoint me again, and it’s the last thing you will ever do. Do we have a deal?

“Yes, yes! Just- the magic!” Eryn planted his foot on Hans’s chest, pushing him out into the hall.

Very well… Eryn could feel the cold and numbness coarse through his veins. Hans charged towards him, thrusting his sword at Eryn’s chest. Eryn sank into the floor as a shadowy mass, slinking behind Hans like a snake. Eryn emerged and brought the dagger down on Hans’s shoulder, only to be blocked again by Hans’s sword. Hans swept Eryn’s legs out from underneath him as Eryn dragged him down to the floor with him. The two began rolling around the hallway to gain an advantage on one another, tumbling down the stairs. Hans kicked Eryn off of him, knocking him into a suit of armor. Hans darted forward thrusting the sword at the assassin. Eryn summoned inky black tendrils to bring up the chestplate of the armor to block the attack. Hans reeled back as his sword met the metal plate. Eryn transformed into a shadowy blob and tackled Hans to the ground with a loud thud. The assassin thrusted the dagger towards Hans’s chest, only for the exiled prince to push his arm away. The two men struggled for some time, trying to overcome the other in a desperate tug of war. A loud gunshot at the base of the stairs forced them to stop.

“Now, now, gentlemen, we mustn’t resort to such savagery.”

Governor Haadrikson held a revolver in the air. Linaeus knelt beside him, hands bound behind his back and flanked by two guards.

“Eryn Odrikson,” the governor chortled, pointing his gun at Eryn, “and the Arendolk. How did a street rat like you get in possession of such a powerful artifact?” “Picked it up at here in town,” Eryn retorted as he rose from the ground, “A small shop called ‘Go Fuck Yourself.’”

“I don’t have the patience for this, rat. Hans, my boy, why are you tampering with such an… important cog in this scheme of yours?” “Odrikson’s backing out,” Hans spat, “He knew too much, I couldn’t risk him getting away.”

Haadrikson waddled over to Eryn, “Is that so? It appears you’re still the same coward that deserted all those years ago, then.” Outside a large window, the sun had finished setting as the moon slowly peeked out from the mountains.

 Odrikson, get him to monologue, at least for the next few minutes.

Why?

JUST DO IT!

“Why go to all this trouble? Why lie to the queen’s face and side with this bastard?”

“Simply put, I refuse to take orders from a witch. Who’s to say she won’t turn on us all, with power such as that? So, I was contacted by Mr. Westergard here to play a role in his plot. Frankly, I don’t give a fuck who’s on the throne, but a monster like that is simply unacceptable.”

“How far up your own ass do you have to be to think she’s a threat? She wouldn’t hurt a fly!” “Then explain to me how even after a month you haven’t been able to kill her!”

“I was told she was a monster. I now see that's a boldfaced lie!”

“Ah, I see what’s going on here. You got tricked by a pretty face and a kind facade. Maybe if you thought with your head instead of your dick, you would’ve had results.”

Eryn gritted his teeth as he gripped the dagger tightly. He’d never experienced this level of raw anger before in his life. Every part of him screamed for him to claw the governor’s throat out.

“Now, Mr. Odrikson,” Haadrikson placed the muzzle of the revolver on Linaeus’s head, “I’m afraid this little game of yours is over.” He placed his finger on the trigger as the moon rose over the mountain. The second the moonbeams hit Eryn’s skin through a nearby window, he could feel his anger raise to new levels.  Before Haadrikson squeezed the trigger, Eryn’s eyes went pitch black as he shot a wave of dark energy out of his hand, severing the governor’s hand from his arm. The fat man let out a blood curdling cry as massive shadowy tentacles erupted out of Eryn’s back, converging onto the governor. Eryn threw him aside like a limp chew toy as some of the tentacles slashed at Linaeus’s bonds. Linaeus sweeped one of the guard’s legs out from underneath them, quickly grabbing a sword and hacking at the leg of the other.

What the hell is this power? 

The children of Máni are all given special gifts whenever the moon shines down on them. Even the ones he… refuses to acknowledge.

When were you planning on telling me this?!

I’ve never told a soul before. They’ve never gotten this close to aiding me…

Aiding you in what?

Best you worry about them rather than me, Odrikson.

“GET HIM YOU FOOLS!” Haadrikson shouted, clutching the stump where his hand used to be. Guards poured into the room, brandishing swords and poleaxes. Eryn darted over to Linaeus’s side with the dagger in hand.

“Is that really Arendolk?” Linaeus asked.

“Not the time, Lenny,” Eryn retorted, “let’s discuss this when we’re out of here.”

Linaeus simply nodded as two guards came up to him with overhead swings. The captain narrowly dodged one while parrying the other. Eryn summoned an orb of darkness in his palm and launched it at a group of four guards. As soon as it hit them, the shadow grew in size, swallowing them whole. All that anyone could hear was the sounds of screaming and gurgling. When the darkness dissipated, all four laid on the ground, motionless with blackened eyes. Linaeus kicked one of the guards into another separate group.

“I thought you were captain of the guard! Why are they after you?!” Eryn shouted as he deflected a sword swing with the dagger.

“Haadrikson paid them off! How did you get the Arendolk?!” Linaeus responded, swinging his sword at a large group of guards.

“Urlaf had it the night I killed him! Is that answer sufficient?!”

“For now, yes. We need to talk about this shadow magic business later! Make sure Hans doesn’t escape!”

“Fine by me!” Was all that Eryn said as he rushed towards Hans.

XXXXXX

Elsa paced around her room impatiently. Derrik and Linaeus left hours ago, how were they still not back? She held herself in her arms as her mind wandered to the worst possible scenario. Perhaps they were caught and were doomed to be hanged unless she revealed herself. Elsa shook the notion out of her head. Surely they wouldn’t be that careless to get caught, right?

Elsa stopped pacing momentarily when she heard some kind of commotion from outside her room. Lacing her bonnet around her head, she darted out of the room, hoping to find some answers. At the bottom of the staircase, several people were gathered around the window, observing something out of Elsa’s sight. She hurried down to join the sudden throng, standing next to a young boy about five or six years old.

“What’s going on?” She asked him, crouching down to his eye level.

“Someone’s twying to kill Mr. Haadwikson,” the youth replied, pointing out towards the governor’s mansion. Elsa looked where the boy was pointing, and couldn’t believe her eyes. Derrik and Linaeus were currently clashing swords with several guards and… Hans?

“Dammit!” Elsa shouted, running out the door. She hated being right.

XXXXXX

“Sir Bjorgman,” the doctor said, placing a hand on Kristoff’s shoulder. Kristoff sat himself in a chair beside Anna’s bed, gripping her hand tightly in his. The mountain man said nothing as he watched Anna’s unconscious body. Most of her clothing had to be removed, as to make sure some shrapnel didn’t strike somewhere important, leaving her with a small modesty wrap around her chest and pelvic region.

“Sir Bjorgman,” the doctor repeated, “I-I have good news and bad news…” Kristoff looked up to the man with shock and grief in his eyes, “The good news is that she should recover… but… it’s her leg…”

Kristoff stared down to where Anna’s legs were. While her left leg looked completely fine, her right leg was a different story. Kristoff hadn’t noticed how gnarled and bent it was when he picked her up. Parts of her bone stuck out of the flesh all the way up to her thigh. Her foot was dangling off her leg by a few tendons.

“What’s going to happen to her?” Kristoff asked, his voice coarse

“We’ll just need to cut the leg off. It’s damaged beyond repair and will do her more harm than good.”

“Then how will she-” “Don’t worry, son. She’ll be able to walk again.” Kristoff sighed in relief. Finally, some good news out of all of this. He gripped Anna’s hand tighter than usual. “When will she wake up?”

“That… I’m not sure about. But that’ll just make the procedure go that much quicker for her.” Kristoff opened his mouth to say something when a guard entered the room.

“Sir Bjorgman,” she said, saluting him, “We’ve managed to capture one of the terrorists responsible for the explosion.”

Kristoff shot up from his chair, “Where is he?” He demanded.” “The dungeons, sir.”

“Any others?” “They’re either dead or fled into the sewer system underground. We’ve got some patrols down there looking, but so far he’s the only one we’ve caught.”

Anger settled in the bottom of Kristoff’s heart, “Take me to him.”

The guard simply nodded and walked out the door with Kristoff following. The mountain man clenched his fists so hard that his nails dug into his palms. These monsters nearly took his Anna. The one thing he had in his life, the one that turned him around for the better, came within an inch of her life once again because of these animals. What did she do to deserve this?! Can’t she be at peace for once in her life?

When they arrived in the dungeons, Kristoff was met with the familiar stench of misery and mold. The guard took a torch from one of the sconces as she fumbled with the keys to the left most door. Kristoff pushed it open and quickly went inside. He was greeted by a strange looking man, thin and brittle looking. It looked like it took a simple breeze to break every bone in his body. Over his left eye rested an eyepatch, with the other eye a brilliant blue. His hair was as white as Elsa’s, but he looked to be only a few years older than Kristoff. The man was currently chained to a point in the middle of the floor.

“Does he have a name?” Kristoff asked.

“Alius ‘The Stick’ Hoffermire, sir,” The guard said, “He comes from the kingdom of Snoob. He’s a criminal mastermind responsible for several revolts around the world.”

Kristoff eyed the captive man, “Leave us.”

“Sir?”

“I want to talk to him personally. And with no interruptions…”

“Y-yes sir!” The guard quickly backed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Kristoff trudged towards Alius, who was smirking wildly.

“You have a lot to answer to,” Kristoff growled, narrowing his eyes.

“Oh, do I now?” Alius responded sarcastically, his voice high pitched and nasally, “Where do you want to start?”

“How about with the fact that your little stunt hurt an innocent person today!?”

“She’s a politician, none of them are innocent! Rats, the lot of ‘em!”

The anger in his heart boiled over at that point. Kristoff lunged towards Alius, knocking him to the ground and wrapping his hands around his throat, “Don’t. You. Dare. Talk about my fiance like that you weasel!”

“W-Wait!” Alius said, “The queen isn’t supposed to be courting anyone, let alone be affianced.” “YOUR BOMB HIT THE PRINCESS!”

“The Princess?! Where’s the queen, then?!”

“That isn’t what we’re talking about, now is it?!”

“Goddammit, Eryn,” the man muttered, “ what’ve you done with her now?”

Kristoff brought Alius to his face, “Who?!”

XXXXXX

Eryn darted towards Hans, readying the dagger for a strike. Hans deflected it with his sword as he prepared his own attack. The two men clashed blades, bringing their faces within inches of each other.

“All this and for what?” Hans said, “So you’re no longer some nobody? So people would be forced to remember you?” “What’s your excuse, then?” Eryn retorted, “Couldn’t let them beat your ass once, so you came back to get it kicked again?”

“At least I’m not some forgotten orphan who wasted his days playing killer!”

“Nah, you’re just some rich pompous asshole who wasted his days playing killer!” “Do you really think she’ll care for you once she knows the truth? How you came here to kill her for money and fame? You’ll be lucky if she doesn’t wedge an icicle in your heart! She’s killed before and she’ll do it aga-”

Before Hans had a chance to finish his sentence, Eryn pushed him back.

“I’ve had enough of your lies!” Eryn growled, his voice layered with that of Skyne’s, as if they were both talking simultaneously. His arm became enveloped in shadows as he punched Hans square in the chest, sending him flying into the statue. Eyrn watched as Hans was impaled on the massive sword the statue was holding, gasping and choking on his own blood. In a matter of seconds, Hans went limp and his gurgling stopped. Eryn turned around to face the rest of the guards, all of whom had the same expression of horror on their faces.

“It would be wise of you to surrender, now…” he suggested. One by one, the guards threw their weapons onto the ground without question as a few street guards came to arrest them. Linaeus walked up to Eryn with the Governor in a set of chains behind him.

“Jesus, Eryn,” Linaeus said, looking at Hans’s corpse, “Was that really necessary?”

Eryn looked back up to Hans, “Eh, maybe not. But it’s one less thing we need to worry about.”

“So that is the Arendolk. So the legends are true,” The governor spat, “You’re worse than a rat, boy. You’re a… warlock.”

“And you're a traitor to Arendelle,” Linaeus retorted, “Once we get you back to Arendelle proper, the queen will decide your fate.” “You have no proof! When the queen finds out that you’ve attacked me, she’ll-”

“I’ve seen enough, governor!” a mysterious voice shouted.

Haadrikson’s face went pale as Eryn and Linaeus snapped their heads towards the direction of the voice. Elsa removed the bonnet from her head, allowing her platinum braid to cascade down her shoulder. Elsa looked up to Hans’s lifeless body before returning her icy gaze to the three men.

“May I ask why the corpse of one of  Arendelle’s most infamous criminals is skewered on the sword of my grandfather?”

Eryn stepped forward, drawing a letter out of his pocket, “I believe this will tell you everything you need to know.”

Elsa took the note from his hand and began scanning it. When she finished, she glared at the governor with fury.

“Sidgir Haadrikson, as Queen of Arendelle, I find you guilty of high treason, and sentence you to death by hanging.”

“Not sure if the rope will hold him, to be honest,” Eryn mumbled. Elsa glared at him before returning to face the now former governor. Haadrikson began shaking like an earthquake.

“Y-you can’t do this!” he shouted, “I won’t be killed by some- some WITCH and a pawn of Skyne!” “One more word out of you and I’ll freeze your tongue off! Captain Torvond, please escort him to the holding cells until we can arrange a date of execution.”

“Yes ma’am!” Linaeus gripped Haadrikson’s arm and dragged him back to the barracks.

“HE’S SENT HERE TO KILL YOU, DUMB WHORE!” Haadrikson roared, “YOU’RE GOING TO ALLOW SKYNE’S BITCH TO WALK FREE?!”

Eryn felt Elsa stare daggers into his back. Turning around, he could see that Elsa had a bit of an irritated look on her face.

That’s three powerful and important people you’ve enraged today, Odrikson.

Not now!

“How did you get in possession of Arendolk?” She demanded, “I thought it was lost to the ages.”

“Well, uh, th-that’s a funny story…”

Before Eryn could finish, a throng of townsfolk came out into the square to investigate the commotion. A few shrieked in horror as they saw the former prince of the Southern Isles impaled on the statue, many others gawked at the sight of the queen in such common clothing, whispering amongst themselves.

“What’s the queen doing here?”

“Arendolk? Like the legends and myths?”

“The Governor’s a traitor? Who’s gonna replace him?”

Elsa stepped forward, “Everyone, listen please. There’s been a bit of a situation concerning the governor. Effective immediately, he will be removed from power. Until a replacement is found, a few detachments of soldiers will remain, but the majority will be demobilized.”

Elsa’s announcement produced a few murmurs from the crowd.

“And that also means less taxes will be imposed.” All at once the crowd erupted in joyous celebration. Eryn discreetly conjured up several shadowy tendrils to remove Hans from the sword.

“Alright, now will you explain yourself to me, Mr. Ormeister? Your real name is ‘Eryn,’ you possess an ancient artifact belonging to Arendelle, you have magic, are you even from Weselton?”

Eryn winced at her words. He knew the time had come to come clean to her. His heart ached at the notion, but he fought it back.

“Elsa,” he said, taking her hands in his, “There’s something you should know…” “YOUR MAJESTY!”

“God fucking dammit!” Eryn rolled his eyes, “What now?!”

A soldier came riding along from the entrance of the town, with a horse in tow. He hopped off of his own horse and bolted to the two of them, panting heavily.

“Wait, I recognize you,” Elsa said, “You’re from the castle guard. Why are you up here?” “There… was an explosion…” The guard panted heavily,  “terrorist attack… at the castle… Princess Anna’s in critical condition. Sir Bjorgman sent me for you.”

Elsa’s skin went pale as her eyes went wide. Eryn couldn’t help but let his jaw go slack as well. Another attempt? By whom?

“Get me home, then,” she said breathlessly running up to the horses.

“Elsa, wait!” Eryn yelled, “It could be a trick to get you back!”

“I can’t risk Anna like that! If she might be in danger, I need to treat it like she is!” With that, Elsa snapped the reins of her horse and bolted out of Fjellby.

There goes our deal, Odrikson!

I’ll catch up to her, no worries.

Eryn disappeared into a shadowy blob and slinked away, out of the city.