#edit : I came home from the hospital yesterday! <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[joankin-art]

First day 🎉 01- Meet | Shadowzel (BG3)

Starting with an easy and classic one !

[ladykailitha]

Can Anybody See Me? Part 2

Holy shit, guys. I have never had such a response to a story before. Thank you guys so much.

Tag list of 50 has now been filled. Any other requests for tagging will be denied. I’m sorry.

Edit: Also if you saw the title as something else? No, no you didn’t. And any reblogs you see with anyone instead of anybody are a figment of your imagination. (*thuds head on laptop* I have the title right on here...in my file *wails*)

Part 1

*

The next morning Eddie got up for school excited for the first time. He had a mystery to solve and his name was Steven Harrington. Probably the third or whatever shit rich people got to with naming their kids. He rummaged through his closet looking for his favorite band tee. But he stopped when he found an old shoe box down at the bottom.

Eddie frowned and pulled it out. It was a bunch of pictures of Eddie when he first came to live with his uncle, Wayne. He looked at the shaved head and bruised face.

His dad had taken one look at Eddie that morning and decided his hair was too long. He had grabbed Eddie by the hair and dragged him into the bathroom and shaved his head. The bruises to the face were from Eddie trying to escape.

Eddie had suffered a concussion and it was then the state had taken notice. They had packed up his stuff while he was in the hospital in a big black garbage bag and told him he would be going home to his Uncle Wayne. In Indiana. So far from the life he knew. But it meant being safe from his dad and that was a plus in Eddie’s book.

It’s how he knew what Steve was going through. Maybe not exactly the same. But he knew concussions and knew they were a bad business.

He put the pictures back in the box and tucked it under his bed. Maybe he didn’t need to know why Steve was hurting. Maybe it was enough to understand. He pulled on his second favorite band tee and his jacket. He grabbed his bag and hurried out the door.

*

Eddie bit his lip. He didn’t have any classes with Steve today and wasn’t able to check up on him. He was tempted to break into the office and pull Steve’s schedule. But that would get him detention and he was still trying to keep his promise to his uncle.

How was he going to do this?

And then the answer literally dropped in his lap. A book was thrown at him by someone. He picked it up and looked at the cover. It was some old homework journal was about to throw it away when a piece of paper fluttered to the ground.

Frowning he picked it up. By some miracle it was Steve’s schedule. He looked up to see if he could see who threw it at him. But it could have been anyone. A lot of people were avoiding his eye, but that could be for any number of reasons. They bought from him and now they can’t look him in the eye because he knows. They want to buy weed and don’t know how to broach it. They think he’s a freak. They have a crush on him. You know, the possibilities were endless.

But at least he knew things he didn’t before. Like holy hell, the kid did a lot of sports. He looked at baseball and swimming and basketball with his mind whirling around in his head. How did he keep all the rules straight?

Math third period Eddie knew. History was Steve’s first period. Which was probably how his messed up brain managed to spew that information at Eddie yesterday. Baseball was seventh. Basketball his eighth. Swimming was second. English fourth. Art was sixth. Art, huh? That was intriguing. Probably thought it was an easy elective. And chemistry was fifth. So it looked something like this.

Odd 1-History 3- Math 5- Chemistry lunch 7- Baseball

Even 2-Swimming 4-English 6-Art lunch 8-Basketball

Huh. Eddie never noticed, but Steve was always in his lunch period. That was certainly interesting. He wondered what Mrs Hall, the guidance counselor would do about all his sports now that he couldn’t play anymore. He supposed swimming was still fine, nothing to hit you in that. But baseball and basketball were definitely out.

Eddie chewed on his lip. The sports weren’t going to get Eddie closer to finding out what happened to Steve. They would close ranks so fast. At least Steve and him had lunch together so that would at least make it easier befriend the guy.

Art, though. He tapped his lip thoughtfully. He had art in his fifth period. He could doing some snooping there. After all art is where true expression lies. And if there was anything going on it would show in his art.

The start of a plan was forming in the back of his mind. Yeah. This could work.

*

At lunch, Eddie slid in next to Steve as soon as he sat down.

“What’s on the menu today, Harrington?” he asked grinning.

Steve looked up at him in shock again. “Um...applesauce and plain toast, with a can of ginger ale.”

Eddie winced. “Still feeling the nausea?”

Steve nodded. “I’m starting to wonder if it’s ever going away.”

“It’ll stick around for about a week,” Eddie said softly.

Steve frowned. “How would you know that?”

“How don’t you know that?” Eddie fired back. “This is your second concussion.”

“Didn’t go to the doctor either time,” Steve mumbled.

“You want to run that past me again, Harrington?” Eddie asked.

“Doctors mean having to call my parents,” Steve explained, “calling my parents means that they’ll have to come back from their trip, coming back from their trip means I get into trouble, getting into trouble is not good for a concussion, so I don’t.”

“Why would you get into trouble for having a concussion?” Eddie asked, furrowing his brow.

Steve started counting it out on his fingers. “Getting into a fight. Hanging out with black people and by extension, siding with said black person. Having to drop out of sports. Watching my grades plummet. Not speaking to Tommy and Carol. I can keep going if you’d like...”

Eddie shook his head. “Holy shit, dude. I didn’t think I’d see a shittier dad then my own, but yours and your mom take the cake.”

Steve looked down at his applesauce mournfully. “It’s not that bad. At least my dad doesn’t hit me like Tommy’s dad does.”

Eddie’s eyebrows went up. “Are all rich dads douchebags?”

Steve shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Look, I’ve got to eat my own lunch,” Eddie said slapping the table and standing up, “but if you need anything come find me.”

Steve nodded, but Eddie didn’t think he would take him up on it.

Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13  Part 14  Part 15  Part 16  Part 17 Part 18  Part 19  Part 20 Part 21

Tag List: @shrimply-a-menace @strangersteddierthings @throwbackthrowaway @novelnovella @cursedfoxteeth @babyblender @lifeisnotsobadonceyoustopcaring @swimmingbirdrunningrock @steve-the-hairrington @winterbuckwild @spectrum-spectre @matchingbatbites

[maes-flowers]

We’ll be okay [4] (Marc Spector/ slight!Steven Grant x Reader)

Part 1  Part 2   Part 3

Summary: After Marc Spector leaves your life to focus on his own goals, what happens when he comes back into your life at full speed after years of being apart?

Word Count: 7K ( I got so carried away im so sorry lmfao)

Warnings: Canon violence, angst, fluff, sexual tension, and swearing.

Authors note: its 4am as i'm uploading this and I didnt even bother to edit this so sorry for any mistakes but if you like this part please reblog and comment what you though and if you want to be on the taglist let me know down below!

It took just over a day to reach Cairo from London.

Had you taken a direct flight, with no layovers it would've taken 5 hours, maybe a little less but as Marc explained it wouldn't have been possible to smuggle his guns and gear through security without getting caught. Which led to you now, sitting in a small cramped seat, right next to the aisle as Marc managed to snag the seat by the window as you used the middle seat to hold your bag. 

You ignored the fatigue that your body held over you, your back had felt better after some rest, more than the recommended amount of Tylenol, and three extra shots of expresso into your latte. because you knew if Marc saw just the slightest amount of pain or exhaustion he would try to make you go back to London and wait for him to come home.  So you sat, keeping yourself busy with books and a crossword puzzle in a newspaper you found tucked in the pocket in the seat in front of you. Marc wasn't in the mood to talk, most likely kicking himself into a bloody lump of guilt for losing the scarab. You were hoping to have a more productive and less emotionally fueled talk rather than the yelling, sobbing, and pushing conversation you had the night before. So you just watched him and the steady rise and fall in his chest, his hand gently thumbing his necklace around his neck, and the slight bounce of his foot making his leg shake.

“You're pretty.” A tiny voice said, making you snap from your trance, cheeks turning crimson under the embarrassment of getting caught making eyes at your closest friend. You turned to where the voice came from and saw a little girl, no older than nine staring at you from the seat across from you, the man you assumed was her father tried to tell her to leave you alone but you waved your hand in dismissal. You ignored the way Marc's head turned to look at you from the corner of your eye as you smiled at the girl.

“Thank you, you're very pretty too.” you laughed lightly.

“Where are you going?” she asked and you raised a brow.

“What's your name, kid?” you asked.

“Akilah!”

“Well Akilah, I'm going to help a friend that's why I'm on this train.” You said the little girl's happy personality gives you a nice break from everything going on.

“That's cool,” Akilah shrugged. “I'm going with my Papa to see my uncle.”

“Oh man,” you laughed warmly. “I used to love seeing my uncle! I wish I could see mine. It was one of my favorite things to do. I'm sure you’ll have so much fun.” 

“Why can't you see him?” Akilah asked, her eyes full of curiosity and you paused for a moment swallowing thickly before you responded.

“He… moved very far away, so I can't visit him as much anymore.” you gave her a sad smile. You were used to death and loss in your life but the loss of your uncle was always a hard topic for you as he was the one who gave you advice and a place to stay after the death of your father and your mom turned to alcohol for comfort the majority of your childhood. Some nights it feels like only yesterday you were standing on the sidewalk in front of the steps that led to Marc's place.

The cold November air made your whole body tremble as you stood in front of the familiar steps of Marc's house. You debated just going home and going to see Marc in the morning but the light to his room was on and the only thing you wanted was just a hug,

Or a slap to the face to wake yourself up from this nightmare. You spent all day in the hospital as you waited for your uncle to get out of surgery to see if his dying large intestine was still viable enough to perform another life-saving surgery. Needless to say, after 40 years of severe chronic illness and 3 organ transplants your uncle's body was at its final straw and couldn't keep up anymore. So you said your goodbyes to him as a machine kept him breathing as held his cold limp hand in yours whispering your thanks to him and pouring all your love into a final kiss on the forehead and then you left, you didn't think you could stand watching the doctors pull the plug.

“Y/n?” Marc's voice called out and you looked up, Marc was standing in the doorway seven steps away from you. Just seven steps and you'd be in his arms and everything would be okay.

So why can't you move?

Your legs gave up from under you as if they couldn't handle the simple chore of keeping you up. You caught yourself on the hand railing before lowering yourself down on the steps, as you hang your head. Silent sobs wracked your body as Marc ran down to your crippled form.

“Y/n? What happened” Marc asked, panic lacing his features.

“My uncle, he had to go to the hospital last night and he died this afternoon.” You looked up at him, eyes rimmed bright red as salty tears fell and landed on the pavement. “He's dead Marc, I lost my second dad so why does this hurt so bad when I've done this before?” you asked, no begged. You wanted to know why you couldn't breathe and think straight as you felt this sense of gravity crushing your body until you were flat on the ground. 

“Marc, I'd rather die than do this again.” you cried.

“Hey, don't say that.” He whispered, he leaned forward and grabbed you by the arms and dragged you into his lap. Your hands went for his sweatshirt, clenching so hard your knuckles went white as you sobbed into his neck. “You survived this first time, you can do it again. Even though you should've never had to deal with this in the first place.”

“Please don't leave me.” You begged, you wanted to feel embarrassed. Sounding like a small child crying for its mother but you couldn't bother.

“I won't sweetheart, I promise.” he said, the sincerity in the statement calmed you enough for Marc to carry you into his house and let you pass out in this bed.

Marc ended up leaving to join the Marine corps four months later.

You blinked and saw Akilah staring at you, her dad was now awake and watching the interaction with sympathy, while Akilah's small face scrunched up in worry.

“Are you okay?” she asked, the train came to a stop and the conductor's voice came through and announced you made it to Cairo. You gave her a big smile and nodded.

“Yeah, I just miss my uncle.” you admitted and moved to grab your bag as Marc grabbed him, you and marc made your way down the aisle before a voice called you out.

“WAIT!” a tiny voice screamed in the crowd, You and Marc's heads both snapped behind you as you saw Akilah and her father running up to you.

“I'm so sorry,” her father said as he jogged up to you, holding his daughter in her arms. “My daughter said you needed this.” He said and reached into his pocket pulling out a small object. “She loves this necklace but she took it off and kept saying you need it more than her and said she wouldn't talk to me until you received this.” 

You held back a chuckle as you held out your hand as the man dropped it into your hand, you held up the necklace and saw a small pendant on it.

“The Ankh symbol?” You gaped. The man leaned forward and whispered to you.

“It has a lot of meanings, protection, and balance but the symbol of eternal life is one that is called out to me. I know you said your uncle… moved away.” he paused using the same words you did to avoid explaining to Akilah the cycle of death talk in the middle of a train station.  “But just know just because he's not here with you in this life anymore he's watching and waiting for you in another one.” the father explained, you stared at him wide-eyed as you nodded.

“Thank you so much I love it,” you reached around the clasp of the necklace around your neck. You bend down to Akilah's level and pat her head.

“You too, Akilah. you were right I really needed this.” the little girl grinned, happy to know her instincts were right.

“We have to go, but I hope you have safe travels.” the father said, you nodded and reached to shake his hand.

“You too, I hope you have a wonderful time seeing your brother.” 

You watched them walk away until you couldn't see them anymore before you turned to Marc. He looked at you so softly, almost guilty. The creases around his eyes relaxed with a small turn of his lips. But once he noticed you looking at him his face dropped back into his normal frown.

“Come on, we should head to the hotel,” he said.

 The room had one bed, for some reason Marc could care less. Probably due to the fact, there are way bigger problems to worry about. but for you, sharing a bed with Marc for the first time in years was pretty high up there. 

“Please don't tell me you still kick in your sleep,” Marc said, shrugging off his jacket and leaving him in a tight black t-shirt. You cleared your throat and avoided your gaze so you wouldn't be staring at his arms, opting for kneeling down and opening your suitcase.

“Is this a bad time to tell you I've upgraded to night terrors? I don't think I'll kick but I might scream and punch you.” you laughed nervously, grabbing a pair of sleeping shorts and an old tee shirt.

“When did that start?” Marc asked.

“A while ago, around the time you le-” Your voice faltered as you realized what you said. You turned and saw Marc watching you, his jaw set tight as he looked down.

“Marc I didn't mean-” 

“I'm gonna go shower.” he interrupted. before abruptly standing up and walking to the bathroom, slamming the door shut. You closed your eyes and sighed, ignoring the want to go after him in the shower and instead opting to just change and crawl into bed and hope you'd be asleep before he came out.

Your plan failed.

You were still awake when he came out in nothing but his boxers as he grabbed a bottle of whiskey and walked to your side of the bed before he sat down on the floor and started drinking. You could smell the scent of cedarwood and cinnamon invading your senses. But you welcomed the scent with open arms, along with memories of Marc holding you while you both fell asleep and wearing his favorite jacket when you got the chance. Here was something there a long time ago, a feeling that was more than just friendship. It had been years since then, and you weren't sure Marc had those feelings anymore but you knew you did. In fact, you were almost positive they never left.

“I know you're awake,” Marc grumbled, you cracked open an eye and saw Marc still looking out the window. You sighed in defeat as you threw the cover off your body and climbed out of bed and moved to sit on the cool tile next to Marc. You leaned over and snagged the bottle of whiskey out of his hands, taking a swig for yourself. your face puckered up at the burn as you put it on the table beside you.

“Why are you here Y/n?” Marc asked.

“I told you already, Ammits control would kill-”

“No, why are you here,” Marc repeated. 

There it was, the pieces clicked as you looked at Marc in thought. Why wouldn't he bother to talk to you, let alone look at you? It's because he thought he didn't think he deserved a friend to help him during this or with anything in general. You played with your new necklace in thought before you spoke.

“When I saw you at the shiva a few months ago it stirred a lot of really complicated feelings I've been ignoring for years. I had mostly gotten used to you only being in my life on your own terms, on your schedule never mine. And I thought I was okay with what I really did.” you laughed sadly. “I grieved the time of my life where I had you, I mean actually had you. I mean, hell- I even got a tattoo for it and everything, and then I shoved those emotions away so I didn't think about it and moved on with my life.” You pulled at the collar of your shirt and exposed your collarbone so Marc could see the tattoo.

“We’ll be okay.” he read, he raised his hand so his fingers could ghost over the last words he said to you that night embedded into your skin. You fixed your shirt but put your hand there as if you were protecting the skin.

“And then you cut me off, with no way for me to know you were safe or even alive and it just killed me on the inside and I just kept thinking about if I had a chance to change things, to be able to fix whatever happened with us I would do it in a heartbeat,” you said. “And then Steven called, and I decided I couldn't just sit on the sidelines anymore so I went after you. Because I wanted to, and I think deep down you wanted me there but maybe I was wrong, and maybe I was selfish to do all this without even thinking about how you would've felt but I just wanted you back,” you said hoarsely. “Because a life without you, Marc Spector. is a life I don't want, no matter how stubborn, grouchy, and sometimes just mean you can get.” you finished avoiding looking at Marc in fear to see how he would react. Although, you weren't expecting his large hand to wrap around your wrist and yank you on top of him. You held your breath as your thighs settled on each side of him as he stared at you. His hands are trailing to your waist and settling there.

“I'm sorry if that means anything at this point.” He whispered. you could see the pores on his cheeks, his long eyelashes touching his eyebrows, and his dark brown eyes that kept flicking down to your lips. “You were right, I wanted you with me but I couldn't  allow myself to bring you into a life like this. That's full of death and blood that's on my hands and when I'm not in the best place mentally. You deserve so much more.”

“Marc.” You whispered, your hands cupping his face. “I don't care about what you think I deserve, I just need you, that's all I ever needed.” you said, fervidly gushing from your voice. You leaned forward and placed your forehead against his, Marc sighed in content.

“Just no more secrets, yeah?” you asked, so close to his face you can smell this whiskey and feel the heat from his mouth. The only response you got from him is a nod and tight grips on your hips. You smiled and pulled away,  placing your hands on his shoulder and rubbing at the muscle.

“Let's get some rest.” you mumbled, sleep already gripping at your selfconcius as you dragged yourself up from your spot on Marc's lap and threw yourself into bed. You heard the man above you chuckle. You grabbed his wrist and yanked on him, just as he did to you not long ago and pulled him into bed with you. He grunted on the impact but quickly settled onto the mattress.

“Tomorrow we’ll go find another way to Ammits tomb, I think I know a guy who can help.” You said, but the only response you got was soft snores.

~~~~

 “God damn it Marc!” you cursed as your lungs gasped for air, Cairos heat and you stumbling and climbing over roofs and ledges had made you a sweaty mess as your medorcore parkour skills were stomped and buried into the ground as you watched Marc fly over rooftops and vault over walls like it was the easiest thing in the world. You went really sure if Marc knew you were behind him, the only reason you knew he left without you this morning was due to the fact he accidentally slammed the door closed this morning which resulted in you scrambling to get into decent clothes made for climbing and running and your bag of gear before you ran out the door after Marc. only finding him once you saw him jump to another rooftop while you were on the busy streets. Only catching up to him when he stopped to talk to a group of men as you jumped right after him but stayed on the other side of the ledge to listen for a moment.

“You killed him? I needed to talk to that guy.” he dropped down off a box. “About dig site actually, but I guess I'm gonna have to talk to you instead.”

“You're too late,” Another man said. “You're not going to find Harrow.” His accent is strong and thick. You heard the sound of metal scratching against the ground and you decided to peek over the ledge. 

“Oh what, are we dancing? Are we fighting? What are we gonna do?” Marc taunted, his arms in front of his face, ready to attack as a man jumped forward and grabbed Marc. he dogged and smacked him into a wall, quickly twisting to kick the second man in the stomach. As a kid, couldn't be older than 15 drag his blade across his back and you winced at the sound of Marcs cry. You scrambled on the ledge, your feet balancing on the six inch margin as you waited for a chance to strike. When one of the men swiped his knife near Marc's face you jumped down on top of him, your leg wrapping around his neck as you brought him down to the ground with you. You grunted as he twisted in your grip his knife ready to stab you in the side before you bent his wrist back, you grabbed the blade before you chucked it off the roof and kicked him away from you. 

You stood up eyeing the man, he wasn't much taller than you so when he came at you, you scratched your nails across his eyes before reeling back your hand and shoving the heel of your hand and slammed it against his nose, making him shout in pain as his eyes watered up. You grinned and slammed your steel toe boot into his ankle to bring him as you turned and sidekicked the tip of your boot into his spine. You grinned triumphantly but the moment died quickly as you felt a hand grip your hair and drag you back. You saw Marc infront of you panting, his eyes wide when he saw your position. 

“If this is a lesson about not pulling my hair back before a fight,” you hissed at the sting of your hair pulling at your scalp. “Message received!”  you bent down and turned in his grip and shoved your elbow into the underside of his chin allowing the grip on your hair to lessen as you stepped back stumbling right into Marc. He placed a hand on your shoulder to balance you before walking up to the man and pressed the knife into his neck. You watched as Marc gazed into his reflection in the knife and shook his head.

“Not now Steven!” Marc shouted, but his eyes rolled back into his head and he lowered the knife. The man pushed Marc away and made a run for it but you sprinted and jumped on his back. Putting his head into lock with your arms until he passed out in your arms. Dropping the man to ground you turned and saw the teenager standing in front of you, holding his knife. Marc was off to the side as he woke up from Steven fronting.

“Don't you dare, kid.” Marc said with irritation. You chose to raise your hands in sign of surrender.

“I won't hurt you, I promise.” you said gently but the kid's glare grew more angry before he threw the knife, gliding through the wind before it sliced through the sleeve of your shirt and cutting open a slicing a small gash on your upper arm. You grimaced in pain as the teen fled down the stairs. Unwrapping the scarf that pushed back your hair from your face you tied it around your arm tightly. 

“Are you alright?” Marc said, his hand holding your arm as he inspected your homemade bandage. You shrugged him off as you went to the stairs the boy went down.

“You go after him up high where you can see, I'm going after him on the street.” You commanded, “I'll follow you!” you yelled as running down the steps and busting open the door. You watched what direction Marc went in before you ran. You ran through the busy traffic and the small market in the town. Rushing out apologies as you shoulder checked people on accident as you kept an eye on the teen. 

You were close to the boy when you felt a hand grab your shoulder, dragging you back. You looked behind you and saw the man whose nose you broke giving you a sick grin, his face smeared with blood as he dragged you back. You were panicking as he dug his fingers into your fresh wound. You shouted in pain before you snatched a vase from a seller's table and smashed it on his head. Once he dropped your arm, you made a bolt for an alley that had a small wall leading up to a dirt road. You looked behind you and saw the man stumbling after you. Bouncing back and forth for a moment before you sprinted down the alley and launched yourself up off a crate your hands gripped the rock and climbed up. When you turned around you saw the man after you with his fingers holding onto your ankle. You twisted in his grip and ended smacking your boot right into his temple, knocking him out and dropping back into the alley. You pulled the rest of your body over the ledge.

“Khonshu, he's just a kid.” you heard Marc debate, you looked up and saw him and the boy a few feet from you. You watched as Marc listened to who you could only assume was Khonshu and picked the kid up from the collar of his shirt and took him to the ledge using his scarf to hold him over. 

“Where's Harrow?” Marc demanded but the kid stayed quiet. “Where is Harrow!” he yelled. The teens face was hard as stone when he pulled his knife out his pocket.

“Praise Ammit.” he proclaimed, raising his knife.

“Dont!” you and Marc yelled at the same time before he sliced the knife through the thin fabric and fell off the cliff.

You covered your mouth as you gasped in shock watching as Marc just held the scaf in his hand before he dropped it. You watched as Marc yelled at Steven for some reason while you bent down and grabbed a brick. You waited until Marc turned to speak to the empty space in an abandoned car. You knew Khonshu was appearing before you threw the brick. The window shattered on impact you stalked over to the car.

“You stupid fucking bird.” you spat. “That was a child! What did you expect to get from that?” your chest heaved, Marc looked at you in shock before he turned his head.

“What did he say?” you asked, but Marc just shook his head.

“What did he say, Marc?” you bit out.

“He said he was an insignificant human.” he mumbled. You laughed in disbelief.

“Remember you old pigeon, without us insignificant humans you wouldn't be able to be in this realm.” you said, glaring at the car before you turned around and sat on a rock.

“Well, if we can't find Harrow's digging crew, we'll have to stop him another way.” Marc said walking over to you, giving you a once over before he turned to Khonshu. 

“What about the other gods,” you asked. “Are they going to sit on the side and allow Ammit to be released?” you watched Marc as he listened to what the god had to say.

“That doesn't sound so bad to me.” Marc said, looking at you. “He said getting an audience with gods means might anger them enough to incase him stone.”

“Sounds like a Christmas miracle to me.” you sighed. “As much as I don't like the bird, you need the armor to stand a chance against Harrow.” 

“What do we do then huh? Any ideas?” Marc asked. 

“Khonshu?” Marc called out.

“What happened?” you asked, getting up.

“He just disappeared.” 

As if on cue, strong wind blew through the air as the sky above you started to darken.

“Holy shit.” you watched in amazement as an eclipse covered the sky making the world around you darken. Marc grabbed your hand and started walking down the steps back into the town's streets.

“That was a bit over the top, don't you think?” Marc asked Khonshu, you tried behind him. “Aren't all the Avatars scattered across the world?”

“It doesn't matter,” you say. “If it's a meeting for the Ennead they can summon you from anywhere with a portal.”

“So, where is mine?” Marc questioned, the sound of rumbling made you and Marc turn around.

“I think we just found it.” you swallowed nervously as you nudged Marc to walk though, your hand on his shoulder as you followed behind him. The long tunnel was pitch black until the very end when it opened into a large room. You gasped in awe.

“My god, we're inside the great Pyramid of Giza.” you whispered.

“Can you and Steven stop geeking out for a second?” Marc huffed as you and Marc walked down the Stairs. One by one you watched gods in their avatars walk through portals. You ignored your shaking hands as you let go of Marc's shoulder to let him walk into the center of the room. You stood off to the side trying to be unnoticed in a room full of powerful beings.

“Khonshu theatrics are unparalleled.” A woman said walking up to Marc, her long black hair complimenting her dark complexion. She was beautiful in every way possible.

“I'm Yatzil, avatar of the goddess of music and love, Hathor.” the woman said, Marc just eyed her suspiciously.

“Cool.”

You wanted to smack Marc for not being respectful but you froze when Hathors avatar announced who was present.

“In Attendance, Hourus, Isis, Tefnut, Osiris, and Hathor. To hear the account of Khonshu.” she presented, you watched Marc's eyes glow for a brief second.

“You've been banished once for nearly exposing us, Khonshu. And you know we desire your garishness, your showy mask and weapons.” Osiris spoke, Marc stared at him in confusion. “But manipulate the sky again and we will imprison you in stone.”

“Spare me your self-righteous threats!” Khonshu yelled, Marc's body stiffened. “I was Banished for not abandoning humanity, unlike the rest of you!” Marc flinched once Khonsu stopped speaking through him.

“We have not abandoned humanity, they abandoned us.” Osiris said. “We simply trust our avatars to carry out our purposes without calling undue attention to ourselves.

“Avatars are not enough! We need the might of gods or else we'll lose this realm.”

“The avatars that remain here are simply here to observe. We decided long ago we did not wish to meddle in the affairs of man.” Osiris spoke.

“We will decide the best course of judgment and speak your purpose.” Tefnuts' avatar spoke.

“I call for judgment against Arthur Harrow!” Khonshu exclaimed.

“The charges?” Isis asked.

“Conspiracy to release Ammit!” Khonshu shouted, you saw a tear run down his face and it made your stomach twist in knots.

“That is a heavy accusation, Khonshu.” Osiris warned. “Let us summon the accused.”

Rumbling from the earth below made you body shake, you stumbled back once Arthur Harrow came out of a portal right next to you. Marc's gaze went to you but you waved your hand signaling you were fine.

“So, I see by the presence of Khonshis current makeshift avatar and its sidekick, the purposes of our meeting must be nefarious.” Harrow said, you rolled your eyes at the remark.

“You know exactly why we are here!” Khonshu yelled.

“I do not miss the sound of that voice, but speak old master to the point.” Harrow said.

You listen to Khonshu accuse Harrow of attempting to release Ammit but you watched Harrow act oddly calm and collected.

“I was in the desert. But if visiting the sands were a crime, the line of sinners would be longer than the nile.” Harrow pointed at Marc. “Khonshu vision is obscured by jealousy, paranoia, and-”

“A deceiver!” Khonshu shouted, Marc doubled over in exhaustion. 

“Do not trust the word of a shamed unhinged god and his unwell servant.” Harrow persuaded.

“What do you mean?”

“This is a man who literally does not know his own name, he has passports under the name Marc Specotr and employment records under the name Steven Grant. He speaks to himself, and threaten himself and I have no idea how many personalities he must possess.” Arthur explained, you slowly moved forward once you saw Marc's eye twitch.

“This man is clearly insane!” Harrow exclaimed, and Marc swung his fist back.

“Marc dont!” you yelled as you jumped forward and grabbed his fist, at the same time Osiris used his powers to yank Marc's arm back and make him kneel, your grip on his arm making you go down with him. You wiped the beads of sweat that gathered on his forehead.

“We will not tolerate violence in this chamber!” Osris yelled.

“If you won't listen to a man who is so called “Insane” and  is the avatar of Khonshu, then listen to me!” you shouted. Moving your hands from Marc's arm , you stood up and looked at the gods.

“And who are you?” Osiris asked, you rolled your shoulder back and held his gaze intensely.

“My name is Dr. Y/N L/N and I'm one of the very few who hasn't abandoned the gods,” you said.

“Are you an avatar?” Hathor asked and you shook your head.

“No, I'm not but I have spent the last 15 years of my life reading about your lifes and  running exhibitions to return artifacts from your land that were stolen and sold by black markets back to their proper temples.” you explained, you glared at Harrow for a moment.“Which is how I recognized the scarab that leads to Ammits tomb and when Arthur Harrow took it back after Marc had taken it back to stop Harrow's plan.” you pointed an accusatory finger at the old man. “Do not let Arthur Harrow's faux concern about Marc Spectors well-being fool you, it's his sad attempt to shift the focus off himself.”

You took a few steps forward so you were on the first four steps of the stairs leading to Osiris' seat.

“I understand your mistrust towards Kohnshu, but just because his words are coming from a man who just needs some help does not make Marc Spector an unreliable source. If you let Arthur Harrow go and he gets to Ammits ushabti, millions  of souls will be judged in the Duat before their time.” you concluded.

“I have no pleasure to tell you that this is a deeply troubled man, Khonshu is taking advantage of him the same way he abused me and is using Marc Spectors closest friend to make a story that will feed his own goals.” Harrow glanced at you for a moment.

“Take action now before it's too late.”

“Let us speak to Marc Spector.” Horus demanded, crossing his arms and breaking the bind Osiris used on him. Marc tipped forward, breathing heavily as he looked up.

“Are you unwell?’ he asked.

Marc looked around sporadically, his eyes welling with tears and nodded.

“I am, I am unwell. I need help.” He said, his voice cracking at the end. “But that doesn't change the fact this man is…” Marc pointed, but he dropped his head and you heard a small cry come from him.

“This is a safe space for you to tell us if you feel exploited by khonshu.” Hathor comfated.

“This is not about my feelings! I'm not the one on trial here! This is about how dangerous he is, if you would just listen to us for a second.” Marc begged. 

‘He has committed no offense.” Osiris said. “This matter is concluded.” you watched in shock as the gods left their avatars and went through their portals, going their separate ways. Watching Harrow leave as you jogged down the steps to Marc kneeling form, joining him on the floor you lifted his head.

“Are you okay?” You said, Marc shook his head as his eyes opened clearly.

“I'm so sorry, I tried so hard to convince them I really did.” you apologized, how the gods didn't see how dangerous that man was you will never know.

“Marc? Dr. L/n?” Yatzil called, and both of you turned to look at her.

“There is another way.” she said.

You and Marc looked at each other before you helped him up, Yatzil walked the two of you in a secluded place hidden from sight before you talked.

“Ammit was buried in secret, the location hidden even from the gods.” Yatzil explained. “Ammit had many followers so i didn't know who to trust”

“But someone had to know something?” Marc said, Yatzil nodded in agreement.

“One man. A medjay named Senfu. He was tasked with recording the location of the tomb in case the god changed their minds and decided to show mercy. If you find Senfus sarcophagus, you'll find Ammits tomb.”

“Okay, how do we do that?” You asked. 

“His sarcophagus was stolen and sold on the balck market, I would start there.” Yatzil seguested. You reached out and shook her hand in thanks.

“Thank you Yatzil, I promise you won't regret telling us this.” you said, smiling at her.

“Hathor was touched about your passion for the gods and your friend, don't let anyone take that from you, Y/n.” Yatzil said before walking away into her portal. You turned to look at Marc and grabbed his hand.

“I need to go looking for Senfus sarcophagus.” Marc said but you shook your head.

“Marc you need rest and so do I, but first thing in the morning we will go look I promise.” you said. Marc looked down at you for a moment as if he was going to argue but he just sighed.

“Yeah okay, first thing tomorrow.” he echoed. 

 The walk back to your hotel wasn't long, neither of you spoke as well, too tired and uncomfortable from your wounds and the sweat, blood and dirt plastered to your skin. When you walked in the door to your hotel room you and Marc sat on the bed for a moment. 

“Let me see your arm.” Marc mumbled, too tired  to do anything. You held your arm up to him and let him drag the bloody scarf off, sticky blood making fibers stick to the sensitive skin you winced at the feeling, Marc hummed quietly to himself.

“You definitely need some stitches.” he said before getting up and grabbing his suitcase and pulling out his first aid kit. He came back over to the bed and got his gaze and antiseptic wound spray ready.

“This is gonna sting a little.” he warned.

“I'll consider it a really shitty pregame for the stiches.” you said as Marc gingerly held your arm. You prided yourself at the small laugh you got from him, but it didn't last long as the sting from the spray made you hiss as you curled your hands into fists as he cleaned away the debris in your cut.

He dabbed the wet area dry before he turned and grabbed the needle holder, the needle and some nylon thread.

“You ready?” Marc asked, and you shut eyes tight.

“Yeah I think so.” you whispered.

Marc pushied the point of the needle through the teared skin as fast as possible without messing up the suture. You cringed in your seat as clamped your mouth shut, the sound of your teeth smacking together audible in the otherwise silent room.

“I know sweetheart, you're doing so good just keep breathing yeah?” Marc praised.

“Just talk to me, please? Just distract me.” you begged with tension in your voice.

“Okay, how did you fight like that today? Are you a secret spy or something?” Marc mumbled as he got closer to your arm.

“No,” you scoffed. “I was on a work trip in Greece and stayed late at the place we were cleaning the artifacts we found that day, I ended up getting jumped.” you flinched at the needle pricking your skin again. “When I got home I started going to self defense classes, then it grew to boxing during my free time.”

He pushed the needle through your skin again and you let out a small goran and titled your head back.

“Jeez, When I was getting stabbed by like 30 needles in one go when I got my tattoo it hurt less compared to this single needle.” You joked, Marc smirked a little before he sewed the last suture  and tied it off.

“There you go, good as new.”  he said leaning back, you raised your arm and looked at his work. You looked over at him and froze when you realized how close your faces were. 

“What about you? Any wounds?” you whispered and he shook his head.

“It's mostly bruising, I'll be fine.” he reassured you. 

You stared at him in silence for a moment, his face was covered in dried blood and sweat but he somehow managed to look just as beautiful. His curls were puffed out from the dry heat and all you wanted to do was touch it. When you met his eyes again he was looking at you softly.

“Don't look at me like that.” you said, laughing a little.

“Like what?” Marc said, his tone steady and calm. His half lidded eyes watch you with such intensity you stood up from the burn of it. You debated your next words for a moment.

“Like you actually feel the same as me.” you whispered. “Like you love me.” you stared at him as he stood up from his spot and walked over to you.

“What if I do?” he asked, “What if I told you my feelings for you haven't changed?” his hand came up to cup your cheek before he trailed it down until it reached your chest, his thumb rubbing over your tattoo. You let out a shaky sigh and he stills for a moment before he brought both hands back to your face and pressed his forehead to yours.

“Please don't do this to me.” you said, a broken crack at the last syllable giving away your emotional state. “Don't give me hope that things will be different than last time.”

“I love you.” Marc said, and you sucked in a breath at the confession you have waited over decades for. One that has almost been said by you over the phone, in your dreams, and on that god forsaken night Marc left. Did he want this just as much as you?

“I love you too” you breathed out, almost breathless at the whole situation. Marc pulls you in by the back of your neck and smashes your lips together. Your hands went for his hair, fingers carding through the soft curls. It was messy for a moment, teeth clacking together and kisses that trialed of your each other mouths for a second before you got over the intentional shock allowing you bite marcs bottom lip, then smooth the mark over with your tongue. Marc pulled away to kiss down your jaw and neck before finding his way to your collarbone. Kissing the inked covered skin repeatedly.

“I'm sorry, for leaving.” Marc panted as he kissed across your chest. “I should've been with you this whole time, i'm so sorry.” you pulled him away so you can look at him. His hair was wild thanks to your fingers, his pupils blown, and red swollen lips from kissing you.

“It's okay,” you cooed but Marc shook his head. “I'm serious I forgive you Marc.”

You reached down and grabbed the hem of Marcs shirt before you reached for you own shirt, pulling it off.

“Let's shower?” you asked, “then we need to sleep so were ready for tomorrow.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” he said, before leaning down and kissing you once more.

   Taglist:

@ayocee

@admin-in-residence

@trash-panda99

@dopeqff

@lunnybunny12​ 

@bored-as-hell-666​

[kissyck]

hiii besties!! it’s been a hot minute since i’ve been on/posted on here and i’ve missed y’all <3 i did some cc shopping and finally opened sims yesterday for the first time in months. made this lil simmie and did a quick edit to post! i’m going to start getting caught up on reblogging and replying to asks, sorry that it’s been such a delay! (also am currently working on some new nails *wink* *wink*) love and appreciate all you lovely humans so much <33

more in depth update below the cut for those interested :)

so i genuinely have no idea how to do quality update posts, but i guess i’ll just go in order of events.

i would say july was fairly eventful. i finished my infusion treatments at the hospital, which ended up making me feel SO much better (i had severe anemia). i genuinely didn’t realize how bad the physical and mental toll that it was taking on my body. i gamed a LOT, just had lost pretty much any interest in the sims. fall guys had become my fixation, and i had started a perfection save in stardew which also became the only thing i wanted to do. i bought more squishmallows. i got another piercing in my ears, and that same day i got fitted and met with a physical therapist so i can start the painfully long process of getting a new wheelchair. i saw a rainbow while driving home from my dad’s house. i took wayyyy too many pictures of my puppy who’s literally ginormous now, and taking all the pics of my kitties!! july ended with a mini road trip to see a comedy show, and i took pictures of clouds the whole way there.

the beginning of august was bittersweet, but was followed by one of the best days i’ve had all year. august 1st i hung out with my best friend in the whole universe before she moved 13 hours away. we’ve dealt with long distance before and talk every day, but this is definitely the farthest we’ve ever been from each other. i’m soo happy for her and am so excited to see all the amazing things she’s gonna do in the future. a few days later, i went on another road trip to nashville!! another bestie of mine was having a concert that i could not miss. plus i love nashville, so i will take any excuse to go. this trip was one of the trips EVER!! i got to see a lot of my internet friends too that i never get to see and i love them all so much. the concert was SOOO good <3 ugh i wish i could go backkkk. i also bought more squishmallows in nash lmaooo. they’re addicting. the rest of august was pretty much uneventful. i played stardew and fall guys with friends, animal snuggles bc they’re all terrified of storms and we had some bad ones, and i bought myself a fancy new mechanical keyboard (the new logitech one from the aurora collection!!) it’s so beautiful, i literally cried when i first opened it.

september was eh. i started a new animal crossing island, which i spent a lot a time playing. that and any animal snuggle i could get. the end of september was a bit rough, i was in pretty low spirits. i lost a close friend of mine earlier this year and it was her birthday. i couldn’t stop thinking about her, which was also making me think of my dog that i had also lost earlier this year (both happened on the same day). there was also some other family stuff, so i didn’t love the end of september. good things did happen though! my furbaby niece came to live with us again. i missed her so much. she’s the cutest lil peanut ever. and i went to the movie theater which was fun! also prepped for my birthday trip since we were leaving the first of october!

and now we’re in october. this month so far has been good! it started with another road trip for my birthday (i turned 23 on oct 4!) this was hands down one of the most fun trips i’ve ever been on. we went to austin for a concert two nights in a row and they were both just so magical. i dressed up fun and went shopping too (yes i bought more squishmallows) honestly that trip would have to be it’s own full post bc so much happened. have just been chilling ever since. was supposed to go on another mini road trip yesterday for a concert but pneumonia went through our house (i didn’t catch it thankfully) so that kind of threw a wrench in our plans. oh and dr. ms. taylor alison swift released an album and it has such a chokehold on me it’s not even funny. i literally cannot describe how much i love her. every time i’m listening to it, my puppy runs in and comes to listen too. she’s got TASTE :) oh and omg i almost forgot, i reached perfection in stardew!!!!!!! this is the first time i’ve ever done that and it was so fun.

[ashandboneca]

Taking care of your Temple

I have not been taking care of myself in the way that I should have been.

The last 3 years have been hard on everyone, but the stress and anxiety and lack of sleep have finally gotten to me.

Yesterday I was taken by ambulance to the hospital because my blood pressure was worryingly high - high enough to constitute a medical emergency. When you're reading over 200, that's massive cause for concern.

I spent 10 hours in the ER, them monitoring my cardiac function, which seemed mostly normal, and pulling high blood pressure readings. They took so much blood, most of which came back normal. They did a test on my blood to see if I had any heart muscle damage - aka, did I have a heart attack - and while the numbers for 2 of the 3 pulls were very slightly elevated (baseline is 15, I pulled 13, 17, and 20. Heart attack numbers would be in the hundreds or thousands), it was not a cardiac event. They deemed the irregularities on my high blood pressure. I still have follow up with a specialist in the next few months, and I am on blood pressure meds. They put me off work for a few weeks as well.

I thought to myself - how did I get to this point?

I have been neglecting my altar - the altar of myself. I have not been giving myself the care and reverence I would give any altar in my home. But I have been neglecting those as well, truth be told.

I have allowed myself to become disconnected - from my mind, my body, and my spirit. I have allowed stress and anxiety to pile up and bottleneck. I have not been sleeping well, nor have I been prioritizing it. I have been trapped in my chronic pain. I have allowed the stresses of my job, a job that is neither my love nor my passion, to cause hurt on my body. I have neglected nurturing connection to my spirits and my gods.

2023 is a reset. I just wish I didn't put all of this off so long, and I wish it didn't end with my in the hospital. But life is funny like that.

So, a few things: I am no longer putting any effort into things that don't work. I have a discord - here. If you want to help me try and grow it into something - a place we can talk and learn from one another - please join. It is very small, but if we can find a few core people that want to stick with it, I think it could be something.

If nothing happens, I'll just delete it. I won't put my energy into it. This post will be edited, and the link will disappear.

I am also going to try, however slowly, to reconnect with this blog and writing again. I sometimes struggle with not knowing what to say, or worrying that people won't engage. I have to remember to write for me.

But lastly, I need to endeavour to take better care of me. Because I am worthy, worthwhile, and loved. I have to remember that.

And please - use me as a cautionary tale. Take care of yourselves, find ways to deal with that stress and anxiety. I don't wish the trauma I am dealing with on any of you.

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #8: August 14th - August 20th

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from August 14 – August 20, 2022. Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

The following is a roundup of open challenges/prompts. Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

The fic drive for reproductive rights is looking for authors to participate in their auction event. Learn more here.

Trope Soup: A Josh/Donna Tropes Fest is open for prompt submissions and claims. Fics will be revealed on September 24. Learn more here.

Big Block of Cheese Day announced its August prompts. Submit to the AO3 collection here. 

The August 20 prompts in 20 days are up on Tumblr.

 Photos/Videos:

This week did, in fact, give us content other than Brad’s return to Instagram. Here’s what was posted from August 14 - 20.

Bradley Whitford posted a photo of his cat on Instagram. This is his first Instagram post since April of 2020.

Dule Hill posted a photo of himself with LA mayoral candidate Karen Bass. 

Josh Malina posted a selfie with the actor who plays his son in a play he’s in rehearsals for and a group selfie in an escape room. 

Donna Moss Daily: August 14 | August 15 | August 16 | August 17 | August 18 | August 19 | August 20

Daily Josh Lyman: August 14 | August 15 | August 16 | August 17 | August 18 | August 19 | August 20

No Context BWhit: August 14 | August 14 (2) | August 15 | August 15 (2) | August 16 | August 16 (2) | August 17 | August 17 (2) | August 18 | August 19 | August 20 | August 20 (2) |

@JanelMilfoney: August 14 | August 14 (2) | August 15 | August 15 (2) | August 16 | August 16 (2) | August 17 | August 17 (2)  August 17 (3) | August 18

 Edits/Artwork:

First, a video we missed last week:

I know the sound of your heart by sapphiccjcregg [VIDEO]

Now, for this week’s content!

Is that the same suit you wore yesterday? by sam_writes_fics [ARTWORK]

The one where Josh can’t handle his baby going to school. by kennysroys [PHOTO EDIT]

Creator Spotlight:

Welcome to the first weekly creator spotlight. Each week, we will talk to a fandom creator and ask them questions about their work and their process. We’ll also give you the opportunity to ask questions of them, too! Want to be a featured creator? Find us via one of the methods listed at the end of the briefing!

This week’s creator is @jessbakescakes. You can find the spotlight here.

Editor’s Choice:

This week we’re taking a look back on some fics that came out this week in years past! We tried to span the past few years as well as ships, but there are also a LOT of fics from TWW this week last year; feel free to reblog with some of your favorites we missed!

From August 14th, 2015: Coming Home (For Christmas) by squireofgeekdom | Rated G | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | Complete | "When I was lying on my face in the motel parking lot, you were the one I called."

Leo never ends up in the motel parking lot. He never makes the call. Someone else gets to him first.

From August 15th, 2021: stood on the cliffside (screaming ‘give me a reason’) by hanyolo | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | It’s a look she’s seen plenty of times before and she knows it has the power to break her.

// josh trying to take care of donna while she deals with the aftermath of gaza

From August 16th, 2015: Third Time's the Charm by CharacteristicallyMinor | Rated T | Will Bailey/Sam Seaborn, Will Bailey/Kate Harper, Kate Harper/Sam Seaborn, Will Bailey/Kate Harper/Sam Seaborn | Complete | Will, Sam, and Kate throughout the years.

 From August 17th, 2013: What Could Be Better For That Wounded Place by xbedhead | Rated T | Josh Lyman & Donna Moss | Complete | Missing hospital scene between Donna and Josh, set just a few days after "In The Shadow Of Two Gunmen, Pt. 2."

From August 18, 2016: Foreign Correspondence by Rosa52 | Rated G | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | Complete | The Bartlet administration's favorite foreign correspondent is MIA.

From August 18, 2019: Nightfall over Washington by asimpleraven | Rated G | No Pairings | Complete | One busy evening for Margaret shortly after starting to work for Leo.

From August 19, 2017: elementary by bottledlogic | Rated T | Josh Lyman & Donna Moss | Complete | Potions essays are the worst, and honestly, if it weren't for her, he'd be stuck in some kind of brewing hell. (Or, Josh Lyman and his growing appreciation for the indispensable Donna Moss.) Hogwarts AU.

From August 19, 2020: So Far From Where We Started by abvj | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | She traces her fingers over the edge of The Art and Artistry of Alpine Skiing and wants for things so impossible.

From August 20, 2021: a timely interlude by JediAnnieScrambler | Rated E | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete | “If you leave the house wearing that then the second you get back home I’m going to bend you over that bed.”

Fics:

Presenting your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own. If you are so inclined, please be sure to leave the authors some love in the form of kudos or comments. Be mindful of posted warnings/tags for each story.

Josh/Donna

need him like water by itwasit | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

darling, so it goes (some things are meant to be) by mikaylawrites | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Hawaii by JessARober1501 | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Healthcare Reform by hufflepuffhermione | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

like an echo in the chambers of my heart by hanyolo | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

your hands up in my hair by swancharmings | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

let me give you pinky promise kisses by fleurfemme | Rated M |  Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

and i would give all this (and the good place too) | by hanyolo | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

And the world spins madly on by Shinyrosa | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

this is the wonder (that's keeping the stars apart) by joshatella (shuuuliet) | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

The Smile On Your Face Lets Me Know That You Need Me by mlea7675 | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Doin’ It For Themselves by jazzjo | Rated G |  | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

CJ/Toby

We missed some CJ/Toby content last week. Here are the links for those fics!

when your heart stops pounding (give me a call) by crossingdelancey | Rated G | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete 

you should see the things we do by fleurfemme | Rated E | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete

Sam/Josh

you gave me all your love and all i gave you was goodbye by stillattherestaurant | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | Complete

my other half was you by sam_writes_fics | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | In Progress

Jed/Abbey

Miracle by imperfectirises | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

Wait For Me by imperfectirises | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

Other Pairings/Gen Fic

Multiplied by inkvvell | Rated E | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss/Helen Santos/Matt Santos

I’ll be your friend in the daylight again by Luppiters | Rated G | Danny Concannon/C.J. Cregg, C.J. Cregg & Josh Lyman | Complete

leave no trace by fleurfemme | Rated M |  C.J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt  | Complete

Makan Almawt by Megpryor | Rated M | Jed Bartlet, Leo McGarry, Miles Hutchinson, Charlie Young, Abbey Bartlet, Nancy McNally, Admiral Fitzwallace (no pairings listed) | In Progress

Figures of Speech by Darsynia | Rated T | Toby Ziegler/Original Female Character | In Progress

Wonder No More by Anonymous | Rated T | Sam Seaborn, C.J. Cregg, Toby Ziegler, Josh Lyman, Leo McGarry, Jed Bartlet, Charlie Young (no pairings listed) | In Progress

Kinks in the System by Kasey [archived by westwingfanfictioncentral_archivist] | Rated T | Mallory O’Brien/Sam Seaborn | In Progress

sturgeon by Benevolent_Atlas31 | Not Rated | Ellie Bartlet, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

la banlieue by fiery_one_18 | Rated T | Zoey Bartlet/Charlie Young | Complete

(worshiped at the altar of) the puppet master’s rules by  jazzjo | Rated G | C. J. Cregg/Kate Harper | Complete

Multiple Pairings

We missed a fic with multiple pairings last week. Here’s the link to that one!

starving works when it costs too much to love by crossingdelancey | Rated M | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler, Danny Concannon/C.J. Cregg, Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler

Here are this week’s fics with multiple pairings.

The Girl from Madison by Shinyrosa | Rated T | Donna Moss/Sam Seaborn, Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Let's Get Together by mlea7675 | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Ainsley Hayes/Sam Seaborn, Zoey Bartlet/Charlie Young, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: weeklypressbriefing@gmail.com

 Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

xx, What’s next?

[soniabigcheese]

Hubby will be discharged from hospital this afternoon!

Only a couple of people were aware of the circumstances.

A quick summary

He complained of feeling unwell, had to take a couple of days off sick. Saw his GP had blood tests and results came back. Not good at all.

Was told to go to A&E for more tests and take an overnight bag.

That 'overnight' lasted 3 days. With loads of tests and at least 3 major reviews of his meds. Some were giving him really serious side effects, affecting his kidneys mainly.

He was ready to come home yesterday but they did one last blood pressure check and it was very high. So another stay and another review of his meds.

Edit:

Hence my lack of activity here and poor quality work produced. I was merely distracted with concern for him.

Not apologising as it was out of my control anyways

[3am-dumbassery]

OK SO

I'm in hospital rn. It's a voluntary psych ward that I came to to get help. This is not a "woe is me" it's a rant. I do not know how to cut the post as I'm on mobile so DONT READ if you don't want to

Edit: @hornyf0ckers is a legend

TW: mention of self harm, I'm fucking angry, ranting

:readmore:

So far I've:

- had 3 breakdowns yesterday (within a few hours of each other) and about 8 since I got here 12 days ago

- been told I'm only fat because I'm lazy and don't go to the gym or for a daily walk (I'm depressed and have very flat feet that require orthotics)

- had several people make plans to do shit without me in the middle of convo with me

- been told that I should stop seeking justice for being mistreated because no one cares/I'm over exaggerating

- had my issues invalidated by the staff and then when I don't come for help with said issues they tell me off

- been told I'm getting sent home early because I got mad about the hypocrisy of one of the health professionals

- had the nurses do NOTHING when I told them I was having thoughts of self-harm and subconsciously made several places bleed by itching them

- been told that I'm catastrophising about new antidepressants, when in the past I've had really weird reactions to others that are considered "safe" and to have "mild side-effects" (I lost the ability to retain my memory from one and I still have a hole in my memory from those two weeks or so)

- had my games taken from me because they're an "unhealthy obsession/coping mechanism" (I use them as mindfulness normally) but they left behind the shooters

- also on the gaming note, I'm the only one not allowed to

Now don't get me wrong, there are alot of helpful things I've gotten from here, but that's hard to see when people keep trying to bury them under bad shit.

Anyway thanks random internet strangers for letting me rant 🤙

Edit: forgot to mention the part that my little brother is having everything go right in his life and I'm having his achievements shoved in my face

[oppatxtme]

Christian Yu: The Eve

x Christian Yu x

Note: Read at Your Own Risk ~~ (ง⌐□ل͜□)ง Type: One Shot [ masterlist ]

A/N: This is a request from an Annon. I know it took a while but hope y’all like it. BTW. Happy New Year friends! ♥

-----

'Is she not coming to work?'

"Hey, Scott!" Christian called his friend when he saw him walked past his door from the hall.

Scott walked and stop to peek at Christian's studio.

"What's up?" he asked while still looking at his phone.

"How's the photoshoot yesterday?" Christian asked about the shoot scheduled for Live and you are one of the editors.

"It went according to our theme. But it lasted longer than expected because it suddenly snowed a little during the shoot." Scott explained. "Why?" he managed to look away from his phone screen and look at Christian.

"Oh, so, what time did you guys finish?" Christian asked not answering Scott's question.

"Maybe around 3 am," Scott answered. He decided to sit on the sofa inside Christian's studio - thinking that this might take a while. He knew Christian and asking questions without answering his - only means that somethings going on.

"I see. So I guess most of the crew will not be coming today since you guys finished late." Christian said while taking a spin at his chair.

"Not really. I think they'll be here doing the edit and all." Scott said still looking at Christian.

Christian tried to avoid Scott's gaze.

"Really? So maybe I can take a look at the scene later with Y/N." Christian said and turn his back from Scott to face his monitor.

'Smooth.' Scott thought and can't help but smirked at his friend's childish game. He's avoiding directly asking about Y/N because of the drunk accident happening before.

*** 3 weeks ago, the crew decided to go out for a dinner then drink after to celebrate Christian's debut. But just as everyone getting ready to go home. You're so wasted that you confessed to Christian without minding the few people remaining outside the pub.

All were shocked because they didn't expect you to confess at all. All of them have an idea that you have feelings for Christian for years - but Christian's so dense and treat you as a little sister at that time. He did not expect it and he was so dumbfounded that he laughed it out and saying that he only sees you as his lil'sister.

"Thank you, Y/N - but you're my little sister that I never had. I'm sorry." Christian said as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Yes, you were drunk at that time. And you wished you forgot everything that had happened to that point. But it was impossible. Now you know that it was all a lie when people said they forget everything that happened to them when they're wasted. LIES!

But even if you remembered everything - you acted that you forgot about it. It was not like you, but being rejected face to face - it fvcking hurts!

You can't afford to lose your dream job just because of your drunken mistake.

You acted that everything is good between you and Christian - but it is noticeable that you're putting a distance between the two of you.

****

"I think you can check the raw ones with her assistant later." Scott get up from the sofa and was about to leave.

"Huh? Why her assistant? Where's Y/N?"

"She's taking a rest for the day. I think she catches a cold during the shoot. I'm planning to check on her later. We know how she can be when it snows. You're welcome to join me if you want." Scott dropped a teasing tone towards Christian.

"Ah. Okay. Just call me when you're going." Christian said not noticing Scott's teasing.

----

Christian can't focus on his work. He keeps ending up thinking about you.

He looked at his phone - checking if Scott text him about going to your place but he sighed when he sees nothing.

He can already admit that this is not like him at all. He told you that he only sees you as a friend - he even regards you as his little sister. But something inside him disagree.

'Do I like-love her?' Christian questioned himself. But it was cut-off when his phone rang.

It was from Scott.

"Hey. Wait a sec - I'll just save my files." Christian said right after answering.

"About that, I can't go to Y/N right now. Mr. Ahn called and requesting a meeting with Dabin." Scott said.

"Did you call Y/N?" Christian asked.

"Not yet. I tried calling to see if she's alright but she's not answering. Maybe she's just sleeping. We can visit her later - after work."

"No. I can check her now since I already shut down my PC." Christian said as he walked out from his studio.

Scott smirked because he knew well that Christian never shutdown his PC at his studio.

"Okay. Call me when you get there." Scott ended the call.

---

You were dreaming about someone was knocking at your door and keep pressing the doorbell. The doorbell gets louder every time that it woke you up.

Then you realized that it was not a dream but someone really is knocking at your door.

'Maybe it's Scott. He did mention that he will drop by'. You thought as you tried your best to get up.

You opened the door.

"Are you planning on breaking my door Sco-C-Christian! How..?" you can feel your face burning up.

"I came instead of Scott," he said avoiding your eyes.

"I see," you said. Both of you just standing there between the door. 'Okay, this is awkward'.

"Are you okay...?" Christian asked and managed to meet your eyes.

It's hard for you to stop the cough because your throat is just itching.

"I'm okay now, so you don't have to..." you looked down. Not really wanting for Christian to see you at this state. But suddenly your vision got dizzy and that made you lean forward.

Christian caught you.

"You're not okay at all." He said.

You can't tell if he's mad or worried. He guided you to your bed. And you keep coughing all the time. You want to stop so he can't see but it's really not that easy.

'I'm here now, but I don't know what to do for her. I can feel that Y/N doesn't like me here, I'm sure this situation is stressful for her'. Christian thought. 'I guess I need to try and help her feel better...'

"Did you already eat something?" Christian asked you while you're fixing the pillow at your back to sit properly.

"No," you said.

"Good thing I brought rice porridge. Eat this, then take the medicine." He said while taking out the porridge from the paper bag he had.

"I'm fine." you insisted. You just want him to leave and you can sleep. But for some god's play - your tummy decided to protest.

"Just eat." Christian tried his best to not laugh. He handed you the container for the porridge.

"Okay..." you said helplessly.

---

"Thank you for the porridge..." you said as Christian took the container from your hand.

"Now take the medicine, and go to the hospital tomorrow for an IV drip." He said as he hands you a glass of water.

"A-*cough* cold like this will be over once I slept on it. I don't have to go." you took meds and the glass of water.

"You're not going to go? When you're this sick?" Now he really sounded worried.

"I'm really all right, Christian... You can go now..." you insist as you tried to put the glass on your side table but he stops you and leans forward to get the glass from your hand. And put his hand at your forehead. You automatically closed your eyes when you felt the warmth from his hand.

"No way. At your condition right now..." Christian said. "You're burning up..." he was shocked because he was not expecting you to be this sick.

"I'm fine..." you opened your eyes. Then there you realize how you and Christian's face is so close. You can't help but blush.

Christian realizes the situation and immediately put away his hand from your forehead. "J-just go to the hospital. Darn it!"

You can't help but smile a little. You find him cute.

Christian stands up. "Try to lie back down. I'll go get a wet towel for you."

"Okay..." you said. You guess that it's no use arguing with him. As you lie down. You can't help close your eyes as you tremble. "Ugh... it's cold..."

"You're cold?" Christian saw you.

You opened your eyes and he was standing at the end of your bed. You got up.

"Just a little... I just need to put more clothes on." You said as you tried to get off the bed and walk to your closet.

"No." Christian stopped you from getting up. "You have to bring your fever down. All you need is to change into a T-shirt and shorts instead. Wait. I'll get that for you."

"Huh? W-what?"

Christian walked towards your closet and as if he owns it, he easily finds your clothes and throws it at you.

"I'm turning the light out." and he did turn off the lights.

You have no choice but change. You felt that your clothes already wet from your sweat. When you finished changing, Christian sit beside your bed and gently put the wet towel on your forehead.

"Ian, you should really go now..." you said in between your coughs.

'How can I go when you're like this?' Christian thought as he looked at you.

You felt him get up. You closed your eyes. 'Finally, he's leaving.' you thought.

Christian sighed.

"Move over a bit." you heard him.

You opened your eyes not really understood what he said. But the next thing you know that Christian slip his body beside you - in the bed. Your body automatically moved from the side to give him space.

Now Christian is hugging you from the back. If the two of you are dating - then this might be normal - cuddling you as you're feeling cold. But the two of you are way far from dating!

'Shit! What is he doing! What is he thinking?! I don't know if this will help me or it will make it worse.' You can't help but worry. You need to calm down because you're not sure if Christian can feel how your heartbeat is running wild.

"You'll be less cold like this," Christian said. Every word he said, you can feel the warmth of his breath from the side of your ear.

"C-Chris-tian... you don't really have to-"

"Just stay still. I'll leave once you fall asleep." Christian said firmly. "You'll be asleep soon since you took the medicine."

'How in God's way can I be still in this situation?! God-someone please save me!'

"Y/N. Close your eyes and go to sleep," Christian said.

You closed your eyes. But really not know how you can fall asleep with the fact that you can feel his body heat.

You don't know if it's the fever or because of him, but you feel dizzy and your mind is a mess.

But one thing is clear.

Your heart is beating so fast and the warmth from Christian's arms that you don't feel cold anymore.

You tried to close off your heart - as best as you could. But Christian's warmth is slowly melting down the walls you barely created.

"Christian Yu... why are you doing all this for me? It's like... as if you love me... How can I push you away if you're going to be like this?" you froze when you realized that you voice out your thoughts.

Christian's arms around your waist tighten.

"You're right," Christian said as he leans closer that you can feel his breath from your right ear. "I do love you and I was a fool when I denied that fact - something that obvious. I know for a long time that I treated you differently from anyone else. I'm sorry if I pretend and fight what I was feeling just because I don't want to admit that what I said before was wrong."

You tried to move to face him but Christian stopped you and buried his head between your neck. He also holds your hand and tightens his embrace.

"Please. Let me hold you like this as you fall asleep. I promise I will leave as soon as your temperature goes down."

You said nothing and just pulled him closer to you.

'I think this is a good reason to love the snow season.' You slept smiling while at Christian's embrace.

---

[ masterlist ]

[cryingcow]

Character Story - Nishikiyama (Junior High Student) [RGGO]

Wow, 3 stories in 1 week, I’m on a roll! But I’m slowing down now, cuz the Daigo one’s pretty long, and I need to get back to studying to make up for the oral revalida I bombed XD

Anyway now it’s time for Baby Koi Boi, the partner card to Baby Dragon! I’ve always loved Nishiki, but I think I love him even more now because of this, he’s just so much more emotional and passionate than anyone else in the series <3

Also! According to this, Junior High spans from 13 to 16 years of age (cuz its 1984). Sooo it’s slightly less weird to imagine 16-year-old-pornstached Kazama buying a porn mag in Kiryu’s story XD

Story: Yuko, who STILL doesn’t get a character sprite even in RGGO, tells her big brother that she has a boyfriend. Nishiki freaks out.

Nishiki, beating up a poor civilian: “That’s for dating my sister!!!!”

Innocent civilian, getting beaten up by an angry teen: “I don’t even know who you are!!!!”

Note: In Chapter 3, the term “jealous of jealousy” or ヤキモチを妬く is used. Based on this article that took me ages to search, it means something along the lines of “gaining a crush on someone you’re jealous of” (kinda like tsunderes in anime I think) or “having a crush on someone who has a crush on someone else” or “wanting someone all to yourself”, with a hint of “love is blind”. But all of those are phrases MUCH too loaded for me to be including in here on the shaky basis of one google-translated article, so I’m leaving it as is. (But if someone who knows Japanese can confirm or deny it, please tell me so I can edit and put in the right term!)

.

CHAPTER 1

.

|One day in 1984. When Nishikiyama Akira and Kiryu Kazuma were still in junior high school . . . |

[Theater Square]

Junior high school girl A: “Ah, Nishikiyama-kun! Yoo-hoo!”

Nishikiyama: “Hey.”

Junior high school girl B: “We’re all heading to the arcade. Come join us, Nishikiyama-kun!”

Nishikiyama: “No, I can’t. I have somewhere to go today.”

Junior high school girl B: “Ehh~! . . . Oh, that’s right. Sorry for disturbing you.”

Nishikiyama: “I’m sorry, please invite me again some other time.”

Junior high school girl A: “Yeah, see you next time!”

{Nishiki leaves.}

Junior high school girl B: “. . . That’s right, Nishikiyama-kun is visiting his younger sister today.”

Junior high school girl A: “Nishikiyama-kun really cares about his sister. I’m a little jealous~.”

----

[Hospital]

Nishikiyama: “Yo.”

Yuko: “Onii-chan.”

Nishikiyama: “How are you doing?”

Yuko: “Same as usual. Onii-chan, won’t you be in trouble with Kazama-san?”

Nishikiyama: “That���s nothing to concern yourself about.”

Yuko: “Is that so. Good luck-”

Nishikiyama: “Easy, easy. Just lie down.”

Yuko: “But . . .”

Nishikiyama: “I just dropped by to see you. I’ll go home soon.”

Yuko: “. . . I really worry for my Onii-chan.”

Nishikiyama: “Shut up, it’s not like that.  . . . Hm? Yuko, what’s with those live flowers?”

Yuko: “Oh, these? They’re called Phalaenopsis orchids. Aren’t they beautiful?”

Nishikiyama: “Yeah, they look really extravagant.”

Yuko: “Yup.  . . . Y-You know what?”

Nishikiyama: “Hm?”

Yuko: “Th-This is . . . a gift from my lover.”

Nishikiyama: “. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .”

Yuko: “A-Ahaha. What do you think, Onii-chan-”

Nishikiyama: “. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .”

Yuko: “. . . Onii-chan? You’re suddenly quiet, is everything okay?”

Nishikiyama: “. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .”

Nishikiyama: “. . . Ha! Y-Yeah. I was spacing out a little. Okay, okay. I’m perfectly fine. 100 percent. Perfect. Yup. Everything’s fine. There’s no problem at all. Onii-chan’s not going home yet, I just remembered a little errand I have to do.”

{Nishiki runs out.}

Yuko: “Eh?! A little- Onii-chan!”

----

[Pink Street]

Nishikiyama: (A lover? To Yuko? Yuko and a lover? A lover and Yuko? Lover? Lover? Lover? She has a lover???? She’s still a kid? But she has a lover? A lover? I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it . . .)

High school girl: “Kyaa! Please stop!”

Hooligan A: “You want me to do something good to you, don’t you?”

Hooligan B: “Yeah yeah, come feel good with us!”

High school girl: “I hate you! Let go!”

Nishikiyama: “A lover . . . to Yuko . . . mumble.”

{Nishiki distractedly walks into the hooligans.}

Hooligan A: “Hey! Watch where you’re going!!”

Nishikiyama: “mumble . . . mumble . . .”

Hooligan B: “Hey, bro. You can’t just bump into someone and then ignore them-“

{Nishiki swings around to throw his fist into the guy’s face.}

Hooligan B: “Hgugh?!“

Nishikiyama: “Shut up!!!! I’m dealing with something right now!!!!”

Hooligan A: “Huh?! Th-Th-This bastard . . . don’t think you’ll scare us off by yelling!!”

Hooligan B: “Punching me out of nowhere . . . I’ll kill you!!”

{Nishiki beats the crap out of the hooligans and sends them running.}

High school girl: “U-Um, thank you very much!”

Nishikiyama: “. . . mumble.”

High school girl: “U-um . . . ?”

Nishikiyama: “No but, Yuko with a lover . . . she never said anything about it and then suddenly . . .”

{Nishiki wanders off, still mumbling to himself.}

High school girl: “I-I wonder what’s up with that person . . .”

----

Nishikiyama: “. . . Damn it. I can’t get my head straight. Calm down. I need to calm down . . . ! Inhale~. Exhale~. Inhale~. Exhale~. Okay, taking a deep breath to calm down. I’m perfectly calm now. Now that I’m thinking with a calm head, I can clearly see what I must do. Yuko’s lover . . .”

Nishikiyama: “I’m going to find that guy and kick his ass!!!!”

.

-END-

.

CHAPTER 2

.

Nishikiyama: (Yuko’s lover . . . what an arrogant bastard with a bouquet . . . Well, it was Phalaenopsis orchids. The flowers look expensive. Maybe he’s a criminal whose modus is a bouquet of flowers! Wait, I can use the bouquet as a clue-)

Drunk A: “So? What happened to the woman in question?”

Drunk B: “It’s perfect! Women are simple after all . . . it was easy!”

Drunk A: “Seriously? But I feel sorry for the woman though. Doesn’t she know you have a second?”

Drunk B: “Idiot, it’s not just two, I have five! It’s my technique so I can drop a woman anytime!”

Drunk A: “Five?! You’re the worst! Gyahahaha!”

Drunk B: “Hehe, I even gave one of the women a bouquet! That’s right-“

{Nishiki suddenly punches the five-timing drunk.}

Drunk B: “Bgyagh?!“

Nishikiyama: “You gave the bouquet . . . ? So you’re the culprit!!!!”

Drunk A: “Eh? Eh . . . ?”

Nishikiyama: “Playing with Yuko’s heart is a sin . . . I’ll make you regret it!!!!”

{Nishiki beats up the drunks.}

Drunk A: “O-Oi! Of your five women, are any of them this guy’s little sister?”

Drunk B: “No way! All five of them are older than me . . . !!”

Nishikiyama: “Oi . . .”

Drunks: “Yes?!”

Nishikiyama: “Didn’t you deliver that bouquet to Yuko’s hospital room?”

Drunk B: “W-W-W-W-Wrong! I gave that bouquet to Machiko, a cabaret girl!!”

Nishikiyama: “. . . I see. Don’t be so misleading next time. Jeez.”

Drunks: “We’re sorry!!!!”

Nishikiyama: (Damn it. If I don’t do anything, the culprit won’t be revealed. How do I figure out the criminal . . . )

Nishikiyama: “No, wait a minute. There IS a clue . . . !”

Drunks: “Yes?”

Nishikiyama: “You bought a luxurious bouquet to give to a woman, where did you buy it?”

----

[West Shichifuku Street]

Nishikiyama: “It should be in this area. Here . . .”

Nishikiyama: (According to the drunkard, there’s a flower shop in this place. I have no idea who Yuko’s lover is, but maybe if I find out where he bought the bouquet that he gave her . . .)

Nishikiyama: “What was the flower again . . . a Phalaenopsis orchid? I suppose I should ask who bought them.”

Flower Seller: “Welcome! Oh? . . . I have a lot of cute customers today.”

Nishikiyama: “. . . Do you mean me?”

Flower Seller: “Ah, sorry for saying that out of nowhere. Earlier today a boy in a school uniform around your age came to the store.”

Nishikiyama: “Hey . . . is that unusual? A customer of my age . . .”

Flower Seller: “Yeah. Unless it’s Mother’s Day, a child your age has no reason to come to a flower shop, isn’t that right?”

Nishikiyama: “Definitely . . . if you ask me, then yeah. I wanted to know, did anyone come by today to buy Phalaenopsis orchids?”

Flower Seller: “Phalaenopsis orchids? I think that boy I mentioned just now bought some?”

Nishikiyama: “! I-Is that true?! What kind of guy is he?! Do you remember his name or what he looked like?!”

Flower Seller: “He’s just like you, a strong-looking kid who seems like he gets into fights. His name was . . . ah, right.”

Flower Seller: “It was Kiryu-san.”

Nishikiyama: “. . . ha?”

.

-END-

.

CHAPTER 3

.

[Champion District - Empty Lot]

Nishikiyama: “Yo, Kiryu. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Kiryu: “Nishiki . . . why did you call me out here all of a sudden?”

Nishikiyama: “Kiryu . . . do you have something to tell me?”

Kiryu: “Something to tell you . . . ? No, nothing in particular . . .”

Nishikiyama: “Is that right . . .”

Kiryu: “What are you angry about? Does it have something to do with what you want me to say?”

Nishikiyama: “Kiryu . . . earlier today, did you deliver a bouquet to Yuko?”

Kiryu: “!”

Nishikiyama: “. . . the look on your face tells me I’m right. Since when did you start sneaking around?”

Kiryu: “I wasn’t sneaking around . . . it started the day before yesterday.”

Nishikiyama: “What, that’s quite recent.”

Kiryu: “Yeah.”

Nishikiyama: “. . . Was it your idea?”

Kiryu: “No, it was originally Oyassan’s idea.”

Nishikiyama: “O-Oyassan?!”

Kiryu: “Yeah. He said he was sure it’ll make you and Yuko happy.”

Nishikiyama: “Why . . . did you keep quiet about this?”

Kiryu: “I was . . . going to surprise you.”

Nishikiyama: “I see . . . certainly, I was surprised to death . . .”

Kiryu: “Then what are you angry about? Did Yuko not like the bouquet?”

Nishikiyama: “No, she was very happy with it. Did you choose those flowers yourself?”

Kiryu: “That was also Oyassan’s idea. Phalaenopsis orchids mean ‘happiness soars’, apparently.”

Nishikiyama: “Tch! You keep saying Oyassan this, Oyassan that . . . Kiryu, what are YOUR feelings on this matter? You aren’t saying that’s ‘Oyassan’s idea’ too, are you?”

Kiryu: “It’s not like that. I followed Oyassan’s suggestion because it aligned with my feelings.”

Nishikiyama: “Is that right . . . so it really was you . . . to think I thought you were a good guy . . . damn you . . .”

Kiryu: “Nishiki, what on earth are you so angry about?”

Nishikiyama: “. . . Don’t you know?”

Kiryu: “I don’t know, I’m drawing a blank.  . . . Could it be? Are you jealous of your jealousy for me?”

Nishikiyama: “Yeah, that’s right. I’m jealous. I’m burning you with my jealousy, Kiryu!”

Kiryu: “So you’re jealous . . . because the other party is your sister?”

Nishikiyama: “Yes because she’s my sister! And my sister is important to me, so that’s why I’m angry with you!”

Kiryu: “I see . . . I get it now. Yuko is your dear sister, so I should have consulted you properly about this. My bad . . . the line is different in matters like this, and I crossed it. How can I make it up to you?”

Nishikiyama: “Duel with me, Kiryu . . . !! A no-holds-barred, one-on-one battle!! I’ll use my fists to make you pay for this . . . !!”

Kiryu: “Okay, I understand. If this will make you feel better, then I’ll accept your challenge with my whole power!!”

Nishikiyama: “Let’s go! Kiryu!!!!”

{Nishiki and Kiryu duke it out in the lot.}

Nishikiyama: “Jeez, as usual you’re still stupidly strong . . . Oww . . .”

Kiryu: “Haa . . . haa . . . So, are you done . . . Nishiki?”

Nishikiyama: “Yeah . . . thanks. It’s regrettable, but I have to admit . . . you being Yuko’s guy, she really does have a discerning eye for people!! To be her lover . . . no one would be more suitable than you!”

Nishikiyama: “I’ll accept it!! You and Yuko . . . dating!! . . . I’ll have to ask Yuko about this matter . . . kyoudai? From now on, call me Onii-san.”

Kiryu: “. . . Nishiki. What are you talking about?”

Nishikiyama: “Huh? Oi, oi. Yuko’s bouquet of flowers in the hospital room, that was given by you. Isn’t that true?”

Kiryu: “Yeah, that’s right.”

Nishikiyama: “So that means you’re Yuko’s boyfriend.  . . . Am I wrong?”

Kiryu: “Why would that make it so?”

Nishikiyama: “Aren’t you Yuko’s lover?”

Kiryu: “L-Lover . . . ?! Oi, what are you saying?!”

Nishikiyama: “. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .”

Nishikiyama: “. . . I’m sorry, could you give me a minute, Kiryu? I’m going to make a phone call.”

Kiryu: “Y-Yeah. Go ahead.”

----

[Phone Booth]

Yuko: “Hello, Onii-chan?”

Nishikiyama: “Hey, Yuko. About that lover you mentioned earlier-“

Yuko: “. . . I’m sorry. Onii-chan, that was all a lie.”

Nishikiyama: “! S-So that’s all it was . . . But- But why did you . . .”

Yuko: “I’m really sorry.  . . . I was reading a book.”

Nishikiyama: “A book . . . ?”

Yuko: “Yup. A story of a sick girl like me getting a bouquet from a dreamy boy and falling in love with them . . . When I read that, I got jealous . . . I’m a fool. There’s no way something like that will happen to me. I lied so that even for a brief moment, I could be like that girl in the book. You were so shocked. I’m really sorry . . .”

Nishikiyama: “. . . So it was all a lie?”

Yuko: “Um-hm . . .”

Nishikiyama: “. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .”

Nishikiyama: “Haaaaaaa~~~!! I’m so relieved~~~~~~~~!!!!”

Yuko: “Eh?!”

Nishikiyama: “My hair was turning white already . . . No, what you did was bad and it’s good that you told me, but . . . Anyway, can you make things clearer next time? And if you do meet a really good guy . . . tell me first, okay?”

Yuko: “Okay . . . Onii-chan, thank you.”

Nishikiyama: “Oh! I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

Yuko: “Okay, see you tomorrow.”

Nishikiyama: (Haa~. I got absolutely played by my sister’s cute lie . . . )

Kiryu: “Nishiki, you’ve been gone for a long time. Are you alright?”

Nishikiyama: “. . . K-Kiryu.”

Kiryu: “Hm?”

Nishikiyama: “Kill me~~~~!!!! I’m sooo embarrassed~~!!!!”

Kiryu: “???? What is it, Nishiki . . . ? Ah, no, I mean Onii-san . . .”

.

-END-

 Masterlist

[fiddlepickdouglas]

Viva Las Vegas, Pt. 6 - Going Home

Summary: Sunset Curve Alive AU, Willex, bitter to bittersweet, 2.8k

@trevor-wilson-covington is my bestie who makes me these lovely edits, we stan supportive friends

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

The next morning was uncharacteristically cloudy. It took the boys a long time to climb out of bed. Reggie was sprawled over most of the larger bed, and Bobby seemed to have stolen the covers (and Reggie’s teddy bear) to compensate for being curled up into one corner. Luke was face down on the couch and somehow not suffocating to death. Alex had lain awake for a while, staring out the window and watching the light slowly creep further into the room. He’d tried sleeping more and eventually his head was buzzing with too many thoughts to keep it up any longer.

It already felt like years from yesterday. Everything was this image of beautiful long hair and dark brown eyes that were a world away, and yet they had more gravity in them than he’d ever seen. Alex was ruined for tie-dye and puka shells for the rest of his life. He knew he’d see nothing else but Willie in them. Skateboards were in a whole other category. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d just attached himself to another person besides Luke, Reggie, and Bobby.

He heard Reggie roll out of bed and enter the bathroom, and the motion caused the whole room to stir. Luke lifted his head, and after some confused staring at the arm of the couch, turned on his side and sighed heavily. A tired smile came across his face, and he had that besotted sort of look to him - the one the rest of the guys had associated with ‘Julie on the mind’ - and Alex finally understood. Did he look like that now, too?

Bobby sat up abruptly, a look of sleepy disorientation on his face. Reggie’s bear was clutched tightly to his chest, and he had to look down and realize it was there before gently setting it down on Reggie’s side. Luke simply gave him a puzzled look as he wordlessly climbed out of the bed and went to push Reggie over and share the bathroom sink to shave. Alex absent-mindedly ran his hand over the bottom half of his face, feeling the still-smooth skin underneath his fingers.

The morning was full of light chatter, most of them still too tired to gush about the night before. It was already too late to enjoy the continental breakfast the hotel served, and after each of them finished getting ready and packing, they all looked around at each other.

“You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’, boys?” Luke said. Reggie’s stomach growled loudly in the pause that followed.

“I’m gonna guess we find food?” Reggie responded.

“Yeah,” Alex said. “I’m pretty sure he’s talking about where.”

All three of them looked at Alex expectantly and he blinked back at them.

“Are you guys just gonna stare or are we gonna eat?” he joked dryly.

They all headed down to the lobby and checked out, dumping their luggage in the van. Even though no one had mentioned the diner, there seemed to be the silent agreement that that’s where they were going. Alex briefly considered suggesting that the guys go to the arcade again, but thought better of it. They were all chill with Willie; he didn’t have to hide anything. Sitting at the same table they had the day before, Alex noticed the place was busy this time around.

A tall man with dark hair approached their table. Alex recognized him from the brief peek out the kitchen door, and the reminder from Willie later: Caleb. He had a clean look to him - pristine was perhaps a better word - and he smiled widely.

“Welcome boys! How are we this morning!” he greeted cheerfully. It greatly contrasted Alex’s first impression, but he thought to keep an open mind. Willie hadn’t really said anything bad about him, only admitted that he sometimes put people off, which Alex could understand if he was running a diner. The charisma was unexpected.

“Oh, we could eat!” Reggie said excitedly.

“Music to my ears,” Caleb said, clapping his hands together. “Anything I can get started for you?”

Alex didn’t pay attention to what everyone else said as he skimmed the diner for signs of Willie. Two other servers were going around but neither of them were him. There wasn’t a proper way to peek into the kitchen either, so if Willie were to show up he’d come through the door. The image of him skating up to them instead of walking nearly made Alex laugh aloud. Luke elbowed him in the arm. Looking up, he saw Caleb waiting for him to order.

“Sorry, uh,” he sputtered. “Toast and eggs, with the banana.”

Caleb merely nodded, as if he had expected as much.

“Wonderful. I’ll have those out for you boys in the blink of an eye.” He turned neatly on his heel. Alex tried not to be too obvious as he attempted to glimpse through the doorway as Caleb entered the kitchen.

“He was nice!” Reggie said.

“Doesn’t count,” Alex told him. “He’s the boss.” It hadn’t meant to slip out sounding that way, but there was likely a bit of truth to it. He was just...disappointed he wasn’t who he’d hoped to see. Alex guessed after so many chance meetings yesterday, reality had to resurface somehow.

Bobby shot him a worried look, but got distracted by Reggie pulling out a napkin and trying to make it into some sort of shape. Alex recalled the frog and wished he had kept it. Reggie’s turned out to be a fortune teller, but since he couldn’t write anything inside he simply used it as a goofy sort of puppet and kept trying to snap at everyone’s fingers.

Luke sat up in that way he usually did like a lightbulb had come on in his head, and he grabbed a napkin as well. Then he looked around, grabbed a pen from the host’s counter, and began scribbling words on the napkin as best he could.

“Got some inspiration?” Alex teased.

Luke shushed him as he focused on getting everything down, and then began humming a melody in a low voice, repeating it to himself. Caleb came back with their plates as he did so. As he carefully laid their orders before them, he eyed Luke in curiosity.

“Are we musicians, here?” he asked with piqued interest.

“Yeah, actually we’re Sunset Curve,” Bobby told him.

“Tell your friends!” Reggie added.

“Well, I certainly have friends to tell,” Caleb mentioned. “You wouldn’t happen to have done any gigs around here, would you?”

“We just played at the Pearl last night,” Luke said proudly.

Caleb raised his eyebrows with a slight smile.

“Impressive,” he mused. “Something tells me you could become big. Consider your meal on the house, courtesy of Caleb Covington.”

All of them looked at him in awe.

“Wait, you’re serious?” Luke said incredulously.

“Oh, of course!” Caleb assured. “You boys deserve all the help you can get to make it in the big leagues. If you ever pass this way again, you can count on us to serve you here and have a place in my hotel.”

“Wait, you own the hotel too?” Reggie asked.

“Just a small monopoly in the market,” Caleb shrugged. “All to serve rockstars like you.”

“”Right on!” Luke smiled, digging into his plate.

“You boys call me if you need anything else,” Caleb insisted as he made off with his empty tray.

All of them ate with enthusiasm. Alex tried to shut up the battle in his mind about how he felt over the whole interaction. Caleb was so generous, how could his first impression have been so wrong? Was he irrationally holding it against Caleb that Willie was nowhere to be seen and that was the only thing bothering him? It didn’t matter, he guessed. They had free food and guaranteed lodging any time they were in Vegas now. That was an investment in the future.

Luke continued to hum and tap and write the whole time, which only bothered the couple sitting behind him. Reggie was bobbing his head along and Alex could see the bassline forming in his head by the concentration on his face.

“Okay, I’m guessing we’re gonna jam this one out on the way back, so who’s driving?” Bobby wondered.

“Trick question,” Alex said. “It’s gonna be me so I don’t get carsick again.”

When they all finished eating Caleb came to clear away their plates.

“I rarely see plates this clean,” he commented. “Looks like you enjoyed yourselves!”

“Compliments to the cook,” Luke said. “They make some gnarly pancakes.”

“I hire the best,” Caleb told him. He rested their plates with one arm as they each got up to leave. “Safe travels, boys. And remember, I’m always looking out for you.”

Alex was the last to leave the booth and took a moment as the other three bounded outside. Caleb raised an eyebrow, waiting to listen.

“Um,” Alex hesitated, wringing his hands. “I met Willie yesterday. Could you just tell him Alex said goodbye? I’d appreciate it.” It wasn't even close to what he wanted to say, but he wasn’t sure how to go about explaining the entirety of the day before to this man.

Caleb gave a strange half nod, saying nothing in return. Alex guessed it was a silent promise - maybe he knew what Alex was actually talking about and wasn’t about to broadcast it to the whole restaurant? He didn’t necessarily come off as straight himself, now that Alex thought about it. It was slightly comforting. Returning a small smile to say thank you, he ran to catch up with the boys.

Bobby tossed him the keys to the van and they all climbed in.

“Okay, let’s get to jamming that song before I forget the best part!” Luke cried.

Alex started the ignition and felt his chest weigh a hundred pounds as he pulled away from the diner. Everything inside wanted to stay. Or find Willie and take him along. He peeked at intervals through the rearview mirror, hoping to see him running out from the diner to say goodbye. A hand grasped his shoulder and he turned to see Reggie looking at him sympathetically. He’d caught onto more than Alex had noticed. They only heaved a quick sigh as Alex felt his body begin to shake slightly and he focused his eyes on the road. It was going to be a long four hours.

Much later, the guys were gathered again at the hospital Julie’s mom, Rose, was at. The rest of them had their acoustics while Alex carried a cheap little djembe drum. They were dog-tired but Luke was pulling every ounce of his energy forward to keep all of them hyped. Currently, he was on the phone with Julie, verifying how soon she would be there with them.

“Hey, Alex,” Bobby nudged him as they sat in the waiting room. “Ballroom Blitz?”

“Now?” Alex said, looking around at the gloomy nurses and residents shuffling about their business.

“Yeah, as a warm up.”

He couldn’t help the smile growing on his lips.

“Okay, we just gotta keep Reggie in check.”

Bobby chuckled and shook his head, knowing it wasn’t going to happen.

Alex started up the beat on his djembe as Bobby grinned. Reggie sat up as he tried to figure out what they were doing.

“Are you ready Steve?” Bobby began, trying to stay soft so it wasn’t too alarming. Reggie beamed as he realized what was happening. “Andy? Mick? Alright fellas! Let’s goooooo!” He came in with the main riff as residents’ and patients’ heads turned to see what was happening. Luke had gotten off the phone and was already grabbing his guitar

They managed to get calmly through the verse before Reggie couldn’t help but let the energy take over.

“I see a man in the back, as a matter of fact, his eyes were as red as the sun! And a girl in the corner, let no one ignore her ‘cuz she thinks she’s the passionate one! OOHH YEEAAH!”

All four of them came together for the chorus.

“And the man at the back said ‘Everyone attack’ and it turned into a ballroom blitz! And the girl in the corner said ‘Boy, I wanna warn ya it’ll turn into a ballroom blitz! Ballroom blitz!” They were all getting into jamming now, and Alex was lost in the rhythm with the rest of them.

A nurse finally approached them with a loud voice.

“OKAY BOYS!” she cried, an expression on her face that meant serious business. Each of them faltered in the middle of playing and looked at her like chastised puppies. “Thank you, you sound lovely. Unfortunately, there’s a few patients we don’t wanna disturb, so if you could please save it for your little thing later, we would like that very much.”

“Yes, ma’am,” they all murmured sheepishly.

“Thank you,” she smiled exaggeratedly and went on with her business. Once her back was turned, Reggie pulled a funny face and shrugged, causing them all to suppress their laughter.

“You guys, we could hear you from the elevator,” they all heard. Turning around, Julie stood behind them shaking her head and rolling her eyes. Ray and her brother Carlos were only a few steps behind. Luke bounded over a chair, guitar in hand, to meet her.

“We ready boss?” he enthused.

“Yeah, we just need to check in. We told her we were coming, but not you guys.”

Like the dork he was, Luke simply made the shaka sign with his hand in excitement. Alex felt newly energized from the song, and knew that what they were doing meant so much to Julie and her family. Everything that had been weighing on him all day could be set aside for this.

Shortly, they followed the Molinas to Rose’s room.

“Hey, mom,” Julie said tenderly. The woman had a scarf on her head, and she looked so tired and weak everywhere except in her eyes.

“Sweetheart, who’s this?” she asked, pleasantly surprised.

“These are my friends, Luke, Alex, Reggie, and Bobby,” Julie introduced. “They’re a band called Sunset Curve, and they wanted to do something special for you today.”

She looked back at Luke and gave him a nod. He began strumming the intro to Your Song by Elton John and happy tears immediately welled in Rose’s eyes. She looked at her daughter and pride emanated from her being.

“It’s a little bit funny, these feelings inside,” Luke sang. “I’m not one of those who can easily hide….” 

Each of them continued to join in as Ray, Julie and Carlos all took turns embracing Rose. She whispered things to them in Spanish and kissed each of their heads, keeping hold of Ray’s hand as the boys continued playing. She couldn’t sing along as she wished, but she mouthed the words to every single song they played. The boys played for only an hour, but it felt like its own little bubble of time. Alex didn’t want to leave by the time it was over.

They had saved Yellow Submarine for last, and it came as a suckerpunch. Even though the song was supposed to be silly and Carlos was doing all the echoes at the end, they could all feel the undercurrent of grief wash through. The words became a metaphor for some fantastical land where nothing was wrong - where Rose was healthy, where each of their lives were fixed, where Willie was with them - a land of simplicity that didn’t exist. But they had created a moment in that tiny hospital room that felt so close to it, and they could all tell.

Alex felt strange that while everyone else had tears in their eyes at this point, he remained dry. He was moved, of course. There was something about meeting Julie’s family and doing this little performance that made him feel warmth greater than anything he’d known in his whole life. It made him wonder what was wrong with him. He watched as Reggie, who was a sniffling mess, tried to comfort a slightly tearful Bobby (which was a rare sight in itself). Luke wrapped his arm around Alex’s shoulders, smiling even with glistening eyes. For what it was worth, the guys made him feel at home and he knew he’d been a part of this just as much as them.

As everyone said their goodbyes back in the waiting room, Julie held out her arms and all the guys came to her at once in a giant group hug.

“You guys, I can’t tell you how much this means to me,” she said, words saturated with gratitude. “I will never forget this. My mom will never forget this.”

They all squeezed tightly before letting go. Luke and Julie’s hands took just a little too long to separate as she followed her dad and brother out of the hospital. Sighing wistfully, Luke watched her go until she was out of sight completely. The image of Willie skating along the street crossed Alex’s mind in a rueful memory. He was definitely going to hammer it out on his drums when he got home.

“Alright, boys,” Luke was saying. “Let’s head out.”

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Friday 4 October 1839 - Travel Journal

7 ½

12 35/..

damp small rainy morning – General Wilson and his sister very civil yesterday – he an Edinburgh man (said our English man who went about with us) came here young – Mr. Wilson told us he had been in Russia 55 years and was 8 when he came – the sister came at 2 years old – the general goes to England generally every 2 or 3 years – was there last October and passed thro’ H-x – sorry obliged to be in Manchester and prevented spending  the day with someone at his place near Sowerby bridge – (Mr. Edwards?) – W- gets all the new improvements in machinery spite of the prohibition – the prohibition foolish as ministers know but obliged to follow the sense of the country - .:. the exportation of machinery prohibited – but machine-makers go to Belgium, and the Russian and others therefore buy of them what would otherwise be bought of us – spindles etc. etc. we can make much better and cheaper than they can be made here – tho’ from our models spinning jennies etc. are made in the machine room here – a clever young man from Glasgow (has been here 6 years) at the head of this department – 18 English families here exclusive of general W- 18 English masters each at the head of his own department and an Italian Ghersi = 19 masters who went to the Caucasus to examine the silk there, and has published his travels – wrote then in French (Ghersi) but translated into Russian and not yet published in French – the emperor has given him some land in the Caucasus Mr. W- the generals’ brother would succeed to the place but not near so clever as the general – not a man there like him – he has organized all – a clever excellent man – he being of the 3rd class a lieutenant general can go to all court festivals uninvited .:. can speak directly to the emperor – was much patronized by the empress mother (empress Mary) wife of Paul –

General Wilson came to Russia in 1804.

October Friday 4 sent 56,000 pieces of sail cloth last year to America the Russian navy does not want more 22,000 pieces a year – shewed us a piece (narrow shred) that took 12cwt. to break it – our great sail cloth manufactories (one near Glasgow Nelsons?) capital –

Flax would be good here (Dutch and Belgian the best) but the people will leave it seed – to get both seed and flax – it should be cut as in Holland and Belgium when in flower – the serfs in the establishment some good men earn 70/. a month some men 55/. down to 30/. – average wages per man 60/. per month – live in clubs so that a man lives for 14/. per month – every serf here pays his Lord 10/. per month –

misconduct punished by fine – for day of absence from work (drinking or idling) 5/. per day –

the fines 1/3 goes to the hospital – 1/3 to the library – and 1/3 to..... women can earn 20/. per month

when the emperor buys the serfs of any nobleman, frees them and they pay 15/. per annum each man –

496 young people sat down to dinner yesterday – only about 200 girls – of what they earn 1/3 goes to the Foundling hospital 1/3 to themselves (and 1/3 towards their maintenance at the factory?)

400,000 R. due from the factory to the Foundling hospital for which interest is paid –

the masters have from £200 to £600 a year – General W- has besides his appointments an interest that is a percentage on the goods manufactory and sold – one brother with him at the factory and one plain Mr. W- who was in the house of Thomson Bonar and co. but disagreed with Thomson now a merchant in St. P- all agents for houses in England but about 3 houses – Thomson B- and co. (Mr. Hodgson the head clerk of the house who manages everything and has some capital of his own in the firm on the same terms as the capital of the heads of the house – it [would] thus Wilson [get] on and Paulet Thomson himself) and Wilson and probably Bayley –

SH:7/ML/TR/14/0035

October Friday 4 saw the cardsetting machinery yesterday before luncheon – the wire cut and set – and saw a bit done by the empress Marie herself who was about an hour doing it – saw the paper patterns of table cloths before luncheon but had them explained after luncheon It is the Italian (Piedmontese [Piemontese], Ghersi) who arranges all these – some the patters very handsome – long 6 or 7 yards? – the length of the cloth being the breadth in gloom – i.e. the shuttle passed the whole lenth [length] of the cloth – saw the sizing rooms after luncheon

table cloths, long and handsome double damask with 24 napkins about 250 Rubels

breakfast table covers very pretty cotton at 18/. mixed silk at 50/. in all colours – much cloth (for slave-shirts the man thought) sent to America – strong and good but rather coarse – nothing finer made here – Sail cloth of several qualities – dare not note down prices because made no notes at the moment – the building was the country house of a Russian nobleman .:. has cost much in adaption and is not now so convenient as if built expires – 500 inhabitants in the village –

a congregation of 50 + English every Sunday evening – Mr. Law preaches there after service at St. P-

the dining room build expires – 230ft. long the same length as the British Queen steamer built – opposition to the government western 4 tables all down the room – arched ceiling – 96 beds? (girls beds) in 1 room and 6 in the end room adjoining – iron staircases water closets and everything beautifully tidy – Salle de reception – retiring them for the empress and another at the other end for the emperor – many noblemen offered to find men at 55/. per month but General W- always declined – would have the men at liberty to do what they chose with their money – declined contracts with the Lords of the [serfs]

October Friday 4 breakfast at 9 – before and after till now 11 20/.. had written all the above of this morning – out at 12 10/.. to the bank – cashed another £25circular – then from the Directeur of th ep.o. to the money charger – and then to Brieffe he went with us in the carriage to the Directeur general of the post office saw the Directeur – returned home for passport etc. and took Gross – at 2 10/.. at the Isaac church – and ½ way up in 7 minutes 350ft. high – Gilt cross on crescent on globe – coal from Newcastle sells here at 36kop. per pood

62 poods = 1 ton we went 325ft. high –

the church of Peter and Paul 400ft. high

at 3 40/.. at the ‘modèle de l’Eglise de St. Isaac par Auguste de Montferrand architecte de sa magesté . St. Petersburg le 1er mai 1819

Pouces = pieds anglais

Verscoks = Sagènes de Russe

Pouces = pieds Français

the dome all of iron to be covered with copper sheeting 3000 tons+ of iron in the dome

the model a very beautiful one – I could not make out the scale in the short time we were there – another model in the room – of the old Isaac church? no! of what? Mr. Anderside who went to the top with us observed that St. Pauls’ is the finest (best built) building of the kind in the world – the dome of St. Peters’ at Rome will be down in 40 or 50 yards – they will be obliged to take it down if they can get money enough – the Scotch fir is the red deal § the spruce the white deal

from the Isaac church to the chocolate shop – then to Graeffs’ and bought for A- Moralts’ paper on .......... (I scarce know what) in the last volume a part of the memories of this academy – in German but A- took it nevertheless – home at 5 ½ - paid off the carriage – dressed – dinner at 6 - Reading Captain Cochrane – this edition in one volume 8vo. that I read at home in 2 vols. fine day

§ Mr. Hodson or any of the merchants would ship me off deals and should get a great swing – the merchants [?] in Hull very considerable –

[?] driven (fir) to the depth of 20ft. for the foundation of the church – the outside to be finished by 1840 and it will be –

[justoneday-namjoonii]

Quarters. | 8

☼1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8

prompt: Sitting here, patching myself up. Crying over what's left, 'cause without you I ain't shit, but no pressure guess I gotta learn my lesson. Sorry — 6LACK

pairing: Jungkook x reader

warnings/au: dysfunctional relationship with a capital D, family drama, humor(i try), temptations, drug usage, relapsing, hoeing, mentions and accusations of infidelity, jk has baby-fever for two seconds if you squint,, bloody, 18+ for heavy scenes, fluff, angst, this is purely fiction please do not read if you are sensitive or easily triggered boxer!au, iceskater!au.

authors note: omg FINALLY💜🐰 this chapter really took everything I had lol, like always, this part is a little out there, their relationship gets tested and they’re forced to grow. Will edit later. enjoy!

It’s so early in the morning, the sun is just now rising—the beauty does nothing for your anxiety though.

You told Jungkook that he needs to rest, he needs to take it easy and clear his mind before he walks into that hospital. The last thing you need is a stressed Jungkook behind the wheel, he’s way too unpredictable when he’s upset. After a few minutes of going back and forth, he gave up and let you drive him—in his car. This is a privilege. He doesn’t let anyone drive his car, not his best friends, not even you. He says, no one knows how to handle her like I do.

It always makes you laugh when he says that.

Jungkook glances at you as you take a turn at a questionable speed. He’s definitely driving back home. 

You look around the crowded parking lot and pull into a visitor's parking space, squeezing between the white lines surprisingly well.

“That was a long drive,” You pull the key out of the ignition and turn your head to look at him, “but we made it.”

Jungkook doesn’t turn to look at you, rather, he takes a deep breath and his eyes shut before he drags his hands down his face. “I’m gonna warn you now, I’m going off on him if he gives me some shit excuse as to why he decided to leave me out of the loop on this.”

“Jungkook, please don’t do that. Stay calm, for your mother's sake and mine, I’m nervous.” You sigh, trying to grasp the fact that you’re about to meet his family for the first time. You open your door and slide out, naturally, you assumed he was doing the same thing. When you drop the keys into your purse and close the door, he still in the passenger's seat, head in his hands.

“Jungkook.” You stomp around the vehicle and open his door. “Come on, we need to go inside,”

He sighs, heavy black boots landing on the pavement when he gets out of the car, stretching his legs in the hugging black jeans. When he closes the door, he bends down to look at himself in the window, hair still a little wet.

“You look good with messy hair, don’t fix it too much,” You smile, trying to lighten the mood, he smiles a little but he’s back to that grave face in just a few seconds. His silver necklace is a nice touch to his outfit you notice, he paired it with his hooped earrings and you think it looks really charming. 

You haven’t been to a hospital in a while. Nurses with bright colored scrubs come to and from the nurse's station, visitors pace around the gift shop, hoping to find the perfect for their loved one. When you two get signed in as visitors, your eyes wander to the couple at the sliding doors, the woman is in a wheelchair holding her baby and the man is trying to help in any way possible, the nurse gazes at him fondly. She knows he’s trying hard.

“Here you go, she’s in room 202A,” The nurse hands you the sticky tags to and points you in the right direction. Jungkook breathes in, looking like the antiseptic and sterile environment makes him dizzy.

“Should I get her a gift?” Your eyes follow the family walking out of the gift shop with get well balloons and teddy bears. 

“You can, she’d like that,” He follows you into the gift shop and you go straight to the bunnies in the corner. After sorting through the stuffed animals, you pick the little pink one in the back. Now that you see the bunny, it’s only right to get her a balloon and some flowers.

“Hi there,” She cashier greets you, taking your items to ring them up, “great choices.”

“Thanks,” You smile, proud that this random lady approves of your gifts. 

It’s not long before you’re leaving the shop to finally meet see her, to finally meet his family. Does Jungkook have her eyes? The cute sun rays at the corner of his eyes when he laughs, does he get that from her? These questions swarm your mind when Jungkook's hand grips the doorknob, just seconds away from opening another part of his world to you.

“Knock, knock,” He opens the door and the brightest smile came to his face when he sees the woman on the bed. He beckons you to follow and you just know you must have the most awkward smile on your face.

“Jungkook! Oh my gosh, I didn’t know you were coming!” 

She looks at him like he’s a puppy – as if he’s the epitome of love and innocence. 

He runs to give her a hug, eyes squeezing shut, relieved that she’s in one piece and smiling that life-saving smile. “I’m glad you’re okay mom,” He sighs, standing back and reaching for you to shuffle you towards his mother, “this is Y/n, my girlfriend.”

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” You smile, holding your gifts out to her, “this is for you, I hope you like it.”

“Aw, thank you, honey,” She takes the bunny with bright eyes and you sit the flowers on the stand beside her bed, “I’m so glad he brought you to meet me. I hate that we’re meeting under these circumstances though.”

“Jooe called me last night, scared me half to death,” Jungkook takes a seat in the recliner beside her and you sit in the little cushioned bench near the window, “are you okay?”

“I’m as good as can be expected, I guess,” She continues to talk to Jungkook and just observe them, admiring their similarities—you note that she looks very young, “I felt terrible yesterday. The doctors told me that I got here right on time, the appendix was badly ruptured, it felt like cramps from hell.”

“Where’s Kev and Jooe?” Jungkook says her husband's name differently than his little sisters.

“She was getting restless, he took her to get something from the cafeteria. Something tells me you’re not too happy with him, and my intuition never lies so what’s the problem?”

“Mom, I got the call that you were in the hospital from Jooe. Why didn’t he call me? Why does she have a phone, by the way? She’s 6.”

“I know, she told me.” She lets out a sigh, knowing where Jungkook is going. “It’s an emergency cellphone app on her tablet, it’s not an actual phone.”

He dismisses the information to return to his original topic. “I shouldn’t have gotten a call that you were in the hospital from her. Kev, your husband, should have let me know.” 

“Jungkook, he was stressed out, okay? He was trying to make sure I was okay so his attention was a little divided, don’t be too hard on him.”

“He did it on purpose, he’s always tried to keep me out of the loop when it comes to you. I’m fucking tired of it-”

“Kookie!” 

A high-pitched voice squeals from an adorable little girl with two long jet-black pigtails atop her head. She runs from the man once holding her hand to jump into Jungkook’s arms. It’s evident in his mother's eyes that her heart is melting at the sight.

“It’s good to see you too, Jooe,” He giggles, pulling back to get a good look at her, “Hey, I want you to meet someone.” 

You squirm anxiously, for some reason wanting her more than anyone else approval.

“She’s really special to me,” When she adjusts to sit in his lap, she finally looks at you. He leans to whisper in her ear, “say hi.” He moves her to fully face you, making both of your eyes go wide at meeting each other.

“Hi,” She shyly waves, back leaning into Jungkook to seek comfort.

“Hi, I’m Y/n,” You wave, “you’re so pretty, you look just like your mom.”

She blushes, hands grabbing at her yellow sun-dress instinctively. “Thank you, you’re really pretty too.” She cracks a bright smile and her attention goes to her mother when she starts asking her about what she ate for breakfast.

“Jungkook, I didn’t think you’d be able to make it,” Kev finally speaks and the sparkle in Jungkook’s eyes fades instantly. 

“Well, here I am.” Jungkook shoots back, eyes menacing and dark within a matter of seconds.

“Um, hello,” You stand up to greet who you assume if ‘Kev,’ hand extended and he takes it in a friendly manner, “I’m Y/n, you’re Kevin, right? It’s nice to meet you, I’m Jungkook’s-” 

“You must be his better half,” You nod, scooting back to sit down, “a pleasure to meet you, sweetheart.”

A million-dollar pearly smile, business clothes on, hair slicked back like that of a TV-doctors—he seems really kind, you can’t see why Jungkook would have such a problem with him. It’s hard to sit here knowing he’s the reason Jungkook wasn’t invited to his step-brother's wedding. The reason he called you drunk as hell because he was so hurt—this guy did that to him.  

“Has the doctor been in to talk to you? I have a call to jump on but I want to be with you to see what she says.”

“Don’t worry about it, honey, take your call, I know you’re pressed for time,” She sighs in relief, “I’m just glad Jungkook is here, I feel better just from seeing his face,” She reaches for his hand and a spark of pride comes to him, “it’s been too long.”

He knows and guilt eats him up for that more than she knows.

“Well, you know Jungkook, he’s got a busy life, doesn't have too much time for stuff like this,” He laughs a little, eyes landing on you for a moment, “I’m sure you get that, don’t you hon?”

He’s looking at you and you turn a little pale. You look at Jungkook, and then open your mouth to utter out something, “Well, um, no I-...”

“Kev, leave the girl alone,” Jungkook’s mom intervenes, noticing how flustered you looked.

“I can’t make time for shit that I don’t even know is happening,” Now it’s Jungkook’s turn to laugh, but not out of genuine amusement, he’s doing it to stay calm, “What do you expect? You don’t tell me shit.”

“All you have to do it ask,” Kevin stands next to his wife, opening up his phone to absentmindedly tap the screen.

“That’s bullshit...” Jungkook let one too many words slip before thinking of the child in his lap who’s more focused on his phone than anything. The two of them make you feel uneasy, it’s like one wrong word from either of them would start a brawl. 

“No!” Jooe exclaims, sliding off of Jungkook’s lap, “I left my sweater in the cafeteria! I have to go get it before someone takes it!” Distress befalls her and now the whole room's attention is on her.

“Jooe, I told you to make sure you kept it wrapped around your waist,” Kev doesn’t look like he wants to go but he grudgingly stands to his feet. “Come on,”

“Do you want me to take her? I was going to get coffee anyway, I can help her look for it.” You look at Jooe with a sweet smile.

“Oh, are you sure? I mean, as long as you don’t mind I fine with it,” It’s almost like you answered his prayer because he fell back into a chair with a sigh of relief.

“Of course I don’t mind,” You stand up, holding out your hand, “is it okay if I go with you, Jooe?” She nods, taking your hand without hesitation. Jungkook looks in awe as you seem to already be a favorite of his little sisters—he’s never seen you interact with children, but it warms his heart.

“We’ll be back everyone,” 

You wave to the room as you go on a mission to find the missing sweater. As soon as the door closed, Jungkook’s mom smirks at him. 

“What? You’re giving me a weird look.”

“She’s so sweet Jungkook, oh my gosh. I’m so glad you brought her, I’ve never met one of your girlfriends before, she must really be something. Look, Kev,” She points to the flowers and the bunny in bed next to her, “she brought me these cute gifts.”

“That’s sweet,” He looks up from his phone, then at Jungkook, “you better hang on to her.”

“That’s what I’m doing,” Jungkook scoffs. “So all l I have to do is ask, you expect me to have to beg for information on my own mother?”

“We live in different city’s and sometimes it’s easy to handle things and let you know after everything's said and done.” He reasons, eyes going to his cellphone in an attempt to exit the conversation peacefully. To both his mother and Kev’s surprise, he leaves it at that—not cussing, not lashing out, he just sinks back into his seat, expression unreadable. Jungkook remembered that you asked him not to lash out, and he’s so tempted to, but he’s gotta keep things under control for you.

You must have made a difference in him because this isn’t the Jungkook they’re used to.

* * *

“What color is it, Jooe?” 

You and this bubbly little girl are holding hands and walking into the cafeteria. “Sky blue, it’s my favorite, what if someone took it...” concern coats her tone, it makes you a thousand times more determined to find it. 

“Don’t worry, we’ll find it, you’re with a professional sweater detective Jooe,” You give her hand a reassuring squeeze and draw a little smile from her. It only takes a few questions to get her to retrace her steps. She finally finds the table she sat at while her dad ordered her fold and it was right there. It’s just a sweater, but she’s so happy.

”I told you we’d find it,” You’re relieved she found it, now you can get your coffee, “I’m just gonna get some coffee, then we can go back up to the room.” You lead her to stand by you when you walk up to the counter. A protective arm around her shoulders as you order two small lattes. They come out quickly and she begs you to carry Jungkook’s, you’re afraid she’ll drop it, but you give her a chance.

“Okay, but be careful,” She walks right beside you, both hands tight on the disposable cup, you open the door for her to walk in and she beams.

“We found it,” She walks up to Jungkook, handing him the cup, “and we brought you coffee.” 

“Thank you guys,” He looks up at you, his eyes sparkling.

“I’ll be right back, I have to make a phone call,” You look to Jungkook to reassure him that everything is okay. But you got a text from your older sister Layla. Call me. She rarely reached out like this so you decided to give her a call, hoping nothing was wrong

“Hello,” 

“Hey, Y/n, how are you?”

“I’m fine, what’s wrong? You texted me to call, what’s going on?”

She sighs, “I need a favor,”

“What is it?”

“I need someone to watch Lily, I’m in your part of town and I have to go see her dad.”

“Layla,” You message your temples, “I’m not in town and I don’t know if I can watch a baby right now, I’m with my b-”

“Please Y/n, I can’t call mom, you know how she is with him,” 

“Okay, okay,” You cut her off, looking down at your watch to see if you can make it home before 11, “I can get home around 11, bring her by 11:30.”

“Thank you! Thank you, I’ll see you then little sis,” She sounds relieved, and even though this wasn’t apart of your plans, you do feel good about helping her out. You type up a quick message to tell Jungkook that your visit has to be cut short. Hoping he sees it, you walk back into the room and give his family a kind smile.

“I’m sorry to cut the visit short, but I have a little situation that came up with my sister’s baby, so I’m gonna have to go,” Jungkook stands up, sitting Jooe where he once sat with her tablet and promptly kissing her forehead and telling her he’ll see her soon.

“Oh, we understand Y/n, I’m just glad I was able to meet you,” His mom reaches to give you a hug goodbye, she whispers, “take care of him for me.” 

“I will,” You notice that Kev had stepped out so you weren’t able to say goodbye to him, and you have a feeling Jungkook is glad. 

“I love you mom, call me if anything changes,” His mom kisses his cheek, relishing in the rare affection she gets to show her son.

His family loves him.

When you get to the car, you can see relief overtake his body, knowing his mother is in good health. This time he drives, and now he gets to assist you with your family situation.

“So, what’s up with your sister?”

“She needs me to watch her baby,” You lean against the window, pressing your temples, “she’s having baby-daddy issues, but she won’t say it,”

“Hm,” He nods, knowing how that can be according to some of his friends, “how old is the baby?”

“She’s five months or six months old, something like that, I was supposed to go out to help Rosie pack for her new apartment but I guess I’ll have to get there later,” and you were really looking forward to that.

“Oh, she’s a young baby,” 

You can’t help but giggle, “Aren’t they all,”

“Yeah, but I mean like, she still needs her mothers milk and she probably is just- I don’t know, small?” In the midst of him explaining the difference between a baby and a young-baby, your eyes flutter shut and you fall straight to sleep. The gentle hum of the engine lulled you to sleep. When he looked over, a grin came to his face—even thought you fell asleep in the middle of his talking, he loves you.

For some reason, you’re stressed.

“Jungkook, you don’t have to stay,” You told him that a hundred times, telling him he was supposed to be conditioning today but he insisted, “I got this.”

“I don’t have to go until late,” He’s laying on your couch, a black tee-shirt on, showing his beautiful arms and the tattoos that graced them. He’s drawing one for one of Yoongi’s clients tonight. Yoongi has his own tattoo shop, where it smells like weed and you’re sure drug deals happen in the back. You want to go lay with him, but instead, you're in the kitchen trying to clean your stress away on the stainless steel. “I’ll stay for a while, you went with me this morning,”

“Just know that you don’t have to,” You mumble, that’s when you hear the doorbell ring, “she’s here.” When you yank the gloves off, you go to the door and take a breath before opening it.

“Hi, Y/n,” Layla walks right in, giving you a big hug.

“Hey,” You smile, eyes filling with adoration when you see your niece in the car seat, “hi Lily,” You lead Layla to sit the car seat on the couch where Jungkook was waiting to be introduced.

“Layla, Jungkook,” You gesture to him, “Jungkook, Layla.”

“Hi,” He flashes a sweet smile, “nice to meet you.”

“Oh hello, nice to meet you too, “ She nudges your arm, giving you gossiping-girlfriend eyes. “Y/n didn’t tell me you were so handsome,” 

“Yeah, well, must’ve slipped my mind,” You laugh, the most in-genuine laugh he’s ever heard, “did you bring her a few changes of clothes? Bottles? Formula?”

“Are you her mom, or am I?” She laughs, handing you the baby bag. “Everything’s in there, she should be hungry in a few minutes.”

“Okay, will you be back to get here tonight? I have plans tonight so-”

“Yeah, before 7,” She’s headed to the front door, “thanks so much for watching her.”

The door closes, and just as quick, Lily starts to cry.

“She’s crying,” Jungkook moves closer to her pink car seat, hesitantly moving her seat to look at her increasingly red face. “do you want me to-”

You rush over to pick her up, “It’s okay Lily,” cradling her against you, “Auntie Y/n is watching you while mommy takes care of some business,” You walk around, rocking her a little, then you remember she’s probably just hungry. His eyes are wide, watching you hold the little girl to cry to calm her

“Jungkook,” He shakes out of his daze and looks at you, “can you warm her a bottle? Just run it under hot water for a minute or so,” You point to the baby bag and take a seat on the couch. He gets up promptly, finding the bottle easily and taking it to the kitchen.

He dries the bottle and brings it to you, “Thanks,” You sit her up, her curly brown hair a little smashed on one side but still cute. When you bring it to her lips, her crying ceases and you breathe in relief, Jungkook sits beside you, leaning on your shoulder and watching the TV.

“Hopefully she’ll nap after this,” Her big brown eyes look from you to Jungkook every few seconds, “look at her hair, it’s so curly,” 

“Yeah, it is,” He smiles, looking down at your niece, “she’s adorable,”

It’s not long before she finishes her bottle, you burp her and put her back in the seat so she can nap. Surprisingly, she doesn’t fuss, and you leave her and Jungkook on the couch so you can go to the table to finish the essay that you forgot you had.

He’s awoken by a cry. In his many years with Jooe when she was a baby, he often woke up to cries. He groggily opens his eyes and shoots up to see what was wrong with Lily and to see where you went.

“Hey,” He reaches down the lift her small body into his completely contrasting hands, “it’s okay, don’t cry, shh,” Naturally, he bounces her gently, feeling bad for her inability to express her sorrow, “what’s wrong Lily-” That’s when it hits him, “Oh,” He sighs, “I would cry too.”

With her in one arm, he grabs her baby bag, dragging it across the couch. Once he finds the changing mat, he lays it out and lays her on it. He doesn’t think he’s ever seen a baby turn so red, she looks like she’ll set the house on fire if he doesn’t hurry up.

“I know, I’m sorry,” He takes out the diapers, wipes, and gloves, “I haven’t changed a baby in years, give me a break,” 

After dodging her kicks to his hands and relieving her of the dirty diaper, she’s cleaned up and the color is coming back to her face.

“Damn,” He triple-bags the diaper and gloves and takes it to the trash with her in his other arm, “I think I did a pretty good job, what do you think?” He smiles, proud of himself for being an ideal babysitter in his eyes, even though she’s still crying a little bit.

“Where is your aunt?” He drops the bag in the trash and then looks around for you. When he finds you, your head is on your textbook and your computer screen was black, you fell asleep doing work. He’s found you like this many times after skate practice, cramming for assignments that you procrastinated on.

“Let’s let her sleep for a little bit,” Resisting the urge to wake you, opting for taking Lily to the couch so she could chill in her seat. He turns on his game counsel that he left over here and makes himself busy.

Lily was quiet for the most part after he gave her a pacifier and she found a dangling thing on her seat—she’s good now.

Suddenly, you feel paper stick to your face and your eyes fluttered open. 

“Jungkook?” You shoot up, wiping your face and looking around. “How long was I asleep?” You quickly walk over to the living room, looking at your boyfriend and your niece having a fine time without you.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” You sigh, taking a seat between Jungkook and Lily in her seat, “I was trying to write my paper.”

“You’re fine, I changed her and everything,” His eyes are still glued to the TV and you grin.

“Wow, thanks. You’re a good babysitter,” You sigh, dropping your hand into her seat and she grabs one of your fingers, “I guess I should order some takeout, what do you want? Pizza?”

“I wish I could stay baby,” He leans back and sighs, “but I gotta go, Yoongi’s expecting me at the shop, he wants me to finish up a sketch for a client of his.”

“Oh, then I’ll just make something for me,” Your eyes follow him as he gets up, grabbing his keys and scrolling through his phone for a moment, “hopefully Layla will pick her up on time so I can head to Rosie’s,”

“Yeah,” He gently rubs Lily’s little cheek, his hair dangle over her when he leans down to smile at her, “bye Lily, be good for your aunt, okay?”

You giggle. “I didn’t know you were such a softy for babies,”

“She’s cute, kinda makes me want one,” Your expression must’ve looked shocked because he quickly covered himself, “I’m joking, I’m not daddy-material, I can babysit, but my own kid? I don’t think so, we’re both a little too messed up for that,” He just laughs.

“Yeah,” You nervously let out the breath that you unconsciously held. He can’t blame you for your reaction, you’re both young with lives that just don’t work well with stability. And you love Jungkook and he loves you, but jokes like that are merely just that, jokes.

“I’ll see you later,” He leans down to give you a kiss, pressing your lips with a grin.

“Okay,” You withdraw, your smile fading a little but he doesn’t notice. When he leaves, your eyes linger on the door and you swallow. 

You have an aversion to a lot of places he goes, but you have a special dislike for Yoongi’s tattoo shop.

“Lily,” You look at her and sigh, “I guess it’s just you and me.” You switch on some random TV show and sit back, you just hope her mom isn’t late this time.

When he pulls up to the shop, his usual parking space in the back being there just as he expected, he sees Yoongi talking to some girl at the back door. She’s a frail little thing, hair bleached as white at humanly possible, mascara heavy even from this distance, and tattoos covering her legs under fishnet-stockings and very short shorts. He watches as Yoongi talks to her, he looks upset, brows furrowed even under his hair covering them. 

Her eyes are dark and whatever she’s saying is making Yoongi place his hands over his face. She looks like she might be defending herself. After a few seconds, she shows him her middle finger and storms to her car. Pulling out at an ungodly speed. He kindly flips her off and eyes her until she’s out of sight, that’s Yoongi.

Jungkook finally decides to get out of the car and Yoongi leans against the back door, waiting for him to walk over.

“Hyung,” He grabs his art bag and locks his car, letting it beep twice before leaving it, “sorry I’m a little late,”

“You’re fine,” Yoongi sighs, tired eyes gaining a little bit of life when he sees Jungkook, “I’m sure you saw the shit I just had to deal with.” Yoongi opens the door so they can both head inside the well-kept shop, the door shutting behind them.

“I wasn’t gonna mention it,” But he was admittedly curious, “but who was that,”

“A pain in the ass,” An artist he hired about a month ago, she’s got talent but she’s a complete mess, “she was selling dope out of the shop, drawing junkies back here at all times of the day. I’m not letting her fuck up my business, I had to fire her.”

“That’s tough,” Jungkook nods, clearing his throat when he takes a seat at his normal spot in Yoongi’s backroom slash office. “So, the sketch is rough, I’ll refine it and you can tell me if you want to add anything. Who is it for again?” 

“Agh,” Yoongi groans, now deciding to reveal the truth, “I was going to keep it a secret until the last second, but I guess I’ll tell you.”

Jungkook furrows a brow, “Tell me what?”

“It’s for Jimin, he wanted a new tattoo but he wanted the design to be a surprise,” Yoongi shows Jungkook to the area he can sketch at while Yoongi cleans up his needles and wipes off the table, “I told him I’d have it drawn up by my best artist,” He looks at Jungkook, “that’s you.”

“Seriously? In that case, I know exactly how I should finish it, he told me of a tattoo he was looking at not too long ago,” Jungkook smiles, glad he knows the person who’s going to have this tattoo, “it’s small, I imagined it going on the biceps or the ribs maybe? Not sure yet,” He sets up his tools to start finishing the design.

The shop is bustling with clients, artists, like always. Yoongi pretty popular with the underground scene, the punks and rejects seem to gravitate to this place. Including himself. He pops in his earbuds because of the loud conversations going on in the front. 

Without him noticing at first, Yoongi slips out the back door.

After an hour or so, Mingyu, one of the artists walks in and Jungkook takes out an earbud to greet him. He’s got more tattoos than Jungkook and his hair is electric blue and he used to drag Jungkook into all types of stupid stuff. He’s been close to puking out his organs on several occasions—they laughed a lot about it but he never smoked with him after that. 

“Kook, long time no see,” He leans in the door frame, “I saw you at the match last night, you’re always the talk of the night on Tuesday Night Brawls, congrats on your win.”

“Thanks,” Jungkook pushes his hair back, propping his arm on the desk to look at him, “I didn’t see you,”

“I had some activities to attend to so I had to leave early,” Mingyu’s activities probably entailed a female going to who knows where to do who knows what, “I heard you went to Jimin’s for a little party, any fun stories? I didn’t see many groupies with you guys,” 

“Man, I don’t do that shit anymore,” Jungkook goes back to the drawing, “I’m kind of in a relationship,” 

“Oh, me too,” He giggles to himself, “but we like to keep it open, it’s not exclusive, ”

“Mine is,” Jungkook affirms, this bias towards one individual catching Mingyu off guard.

“Aw, someones softened up,” Mingyu nods, “then I guess you probably don’t want to go to Milo’s Club, I have a friend there who’ll hook us up if you know what I mean.”

Milo’s is the spot for avid clubbers of any rank, potheads, college kids—anyone and everyone looking for a good time.

“Ah, I don’t know,” Jungkook shrugs, “maybe,”

“Well, some of us are headed over there when we close up shop in about 30 minutes, if you change your mind feel free to join us,”

Tempting.

Going out wouldn’t hurt, you’ll be at your girlfriend's house so he’d be going home alone anyway, he reasons with himself. As long as he doesn’t get carried away, he can indulge a little bit, can’t he? Yeah, he was just going out like he used to, nothing bad about that.

Layla finally came to get Lily and just as soon as she came you went to the grocery store to get a dessert to bring, you were feeling a little peckish. When you knock on the door, you can hear Rosie’s footsteps approach the door. 

“Hey girl,” Rosie smiles, pulling you in with a relieved sigh, “oh, you brought food?” She peaks into the bag that you take to the kitchen.

“Yup, cheesecake,” You walk into the apartment and see Yuna, and Harmony here to help as well, “thought it’d be nice to have something indulgent.”

“Thank you Y/n,” Yuna speaks up from her wrapping a vase in bubble-wrap, “Rosie is working us to death, we need a reward.”

“I’m sure she is,” You laugh at Rosie defending herself as you open the cheesecake and take out paper plates and forks, “sorry I’m a little late, I was babysitting for a little bit.”

“Aw,” Harmony speaks from her comfortable spot sprawled on the couch, “who’s baby?”

“My sister’s, she needed to meet with her boyfriend, they had to sort some stuff out,” You put generous portions on each plate and brought them with you to the living room, “he’s being stupid.”

“That sucks,” Rosie looks u from her cheesecake, “is it custody thing?”

“I don’t even know, she won’t say,” You find yourself scooping a piece of cheesecake into your mouth, “Oh, I also met Jungkook’s family this morning.”

“How did that go?”

“It was fine,” You sigh, “his little sister called him last night, told him their mom’s appendix had ruptured, and you know him he got super worried and I did too. He doesn’t have a good relationship with his stepdad, they don’t see eye-to-eye on anything. But I think it went okay, his mom and his little sister seemed to like me, the stepdad too.” 

“That’s good, I know you were worried about him letting you in on his family life,”

“Yeah, he even helped me babysit for a little while,” You smile at the thought, “it was really cute.”

“Oh my gosh,” Yuna giggles, “tattooed, earrings, leather boots, and ripped jeans Jungkook with a baby? How cute,” Everyone makes a mental picture of it and their hearts melt, “he seems like the type now that I think about it.”

“I fell asleep and when I woke up, he had changed her and they were on the couch together,” You smile at the thought, “it was sweet. He was talking about how cute she was, he said she made him want one.”

“You’re lucky,” Harmony looks up from her phone, “my ex couldn’t take care of a cactus, let alone a baby.”

“It’s silly, but there’s this thing I have where-...Well, you guys know the stuff I went through with my birth mom, she was a mess. And when she tried to get me back when I was in elementary school, it was a nightmare. Jungkook didn’t have it easy growing up either, it just makes sense that he’d say we’re both too messed up for a kid,” You sigh, “we’re both scarred by our parents. But I still don’t know why he’d say that...” 

The three of them give you an odd look, “Say what? That you’re both too messed up for a kid?”

“Yeah,” You frown “why would he say he wanted on if that’s how he felt about us?”

“He was just being funny and obviously flirting with you,” Rosie shakes her head, “most girls would find that charming,”

“He said he was joking,” You reveal, “but damn, I’m not that messed up...”

“You mean you two have never talked about kids before, not even out of fun as a couple?”

“Well,” You rub your arm, embarrassed that they all think your reaction is ridiculous, “no...Is that a normal thing?”

You’re being ridiculous—is that what they all thought?

“Uh, yeah, Y/n,” Yuna takes everyone's empty plates to the kitchen, “chill, he was just being a guy. Maybe you can talk to him about it-”

“No, it’s not that deep,” You reason, “he went to Yoongi’s shop tonight, where all his up-to-no-good friends are...The people there do a lot of crazy stuff, there’s always some drama. That’s what I hear at least, I’ve never even been there.”

“Yeah,” Rosie chimes in, “but You trust Jungkook,” you assumed it was a question so you nod, “so chill out, and wrap these spatulas. I have to get half of this done before I pick my parents up from the airport in the morning, my mom will go neat-freak if she’s the one helping me.” She laughs, handing you the rags to wrap it in.

You should trust him. 

So why don’t you?

The music is so loud, it almost hurts—but it’s so familiar, he knows the blaring speakers well. All the smells, the people wearing close to nothing just to get a fleeting moment of attention. He was once a happy giver of that attention. Hell, it was happily given to him at one point. As soon as they walked in, Mingyu was whisked away by a beautiful girl and he dragged Jungkook with him.

“Aren’t you glad you joined us?” 

Mingyu simpers, throwing back his second shot before his lips were pulled to the girl's mouth. Her lips were so pink, they were big too and he wondered if they were real. Jungkook just watched, his shot still untouched until he felt the need to down it like his life depended on it and walk-off. The other guys who decided to join were off at the bar and Yoongi went off to a personal room.

Jungkook was standing up against a corner, arms crossed and eyes surveying the room. Unbeknownst to him, there was a girl watching him from the dance floor. She was wearing a skin-tight sequin-covered dress that the lights hit, her eyes were set on a target and she was planning her attack. 

After a few minutes, Mingyu signals Jungkook to follow him into one of the personal rooms, where the magic happens. The purple lights from the ceiling illuminate the room in the dreamiest ways, the leather booths surrounding the room are shiny and comfortable when they sit. 

“San,” Mingyu greets him, taking a seat with that girl still under his arm, “what’d you have for me tonight?”

“The usual. I didn’t know you were bringing a friend,” He looks at Jungkook, surprised to see him here without Jimin, “good to see you, Jungkook. What’ll you be having?”

“Depends,” Jungkook takes a seat across from Mingyu, “I might pass.”

“Oh, come on,” Mingyu removes his hand from the girl's thigh to grab his wallet, tossing him a joint and a lighter, “here, take this and then see how you feel. As for me, San, I’ll take the usual, one for my lady-friend too.”

Jungkook stares down at the thing in his lap, taking it in his hand and using his other to light it. This is harmless, he mentally counsels himself with a deep inhale and slow exhale.

It’s not long before his head is floating and his body is slowly dissipating into thin air. His eyes are half-lidded and he feels good, relaxed, but deep inside there’s a quiet longing—he pushes it down in favor of another puff. Through blurred eyes, he watches Mingyu and the girl take something, he doesn’t know what.

“Now, you know what you want?” San speaks up, standing as if he just came back from somewhere. “It’s on the house, call it a favor for an old friend.”

Jungkook laughs a little bit, seeing that he’s already feeling like he did in high school, sneaking off into clubs to do this. “Give me something mild, I can’t go too crazy,”

“I know just the thing,” While San is going through a case, Jungkook is leaning on his knees, watching to make sure whatever he’s about to take isn’t some heavy-hitter kind of stuff. He pops the pill and sits back to let it take full effect. 30 minutes until euphoria, that’s what he used to say in his mind before consuming this stuff because that’s how long it normally took for hin to really feel it.

Mingyu whispers something to the girl, she tugs down her dress and scurries out of the room with a giddy smile. 

He’s teetering on the edge. So close, too close. The joint he had is still sending vapors in the air from the ashtray, he picks it up and finishes it.

Warm, and a little dazed, his eyes follow Mingyu who’s giving San a wad of cash before the drug dealer runs off. Mingyu’s little friend came back but Jungkook doesn’t register the people she brought with her, he’s high in the clouds right now while scrolling through his phone, wondering what you’re doing. Something smells really good all of a sudden, like flowers soaked in spices. He looks up from the phone and there’s a woman standing in front of him, he furrows his brows. 

“Hi,” She’s standing in front of him, that same girl with the sequin dress and long brown hair, “I’m Kendall, you’re Jungkook right?”

“Yeah,” He stares her down and she takes a seat next to him.

“I hear you’re a boxer,” She’s giving him her full attention, “I bet you’re good,” She puts her hand on his thigh, feeling nothing but hard muscle and she shivers when his legs spread out comfortably.

“I’m okay,” His bland answer doesn’t please her, she places her hand on his shoulders to feel how loose they've become.

“Mh, I can tell you’re more than okay,” She giggles, face getting closer to his. It’s evident that he took something, his pupils are huge and his hand's borderline tremble when she gets close. “your arms look so strong, and your tattoos are so-”

“What do you want?” He deadpans, his body feeling jittery and warm from the effects of the crushed pill.

“Well, I thought we could have a good time,” She boldly moves to sit on his lap, her thighs warm but not right, not yours. “you look like you could use one.”

“I- I can’t,” He pulls her arms from around his neck and pushes her off, causing her to frown.

“What? You have a girlfriend or something?” 

“Yeah,” He leans back once again, legs spread and now irritated that you’re not here for him to sink his finger in, “I’m not fucking that up.”

“You have a wife and kids too?” She bites back. 

He rubs the back of his neck, he’s sweating. “No, but-”

“Then I don’t see a problem,” She kisses him without warning and he doesn’t react quick enough to push her away. There’s a smirk on her face when she pulls back and his doe-eyes lose a bit of their sparkle, “no ring, no rules. That’s how I see it.”

“Don’t,” He pushes his hair back, mind reeling with the need to cuff himself to something so he can’t move. He wipes his mouth, “I can’t mess up what I have because of some whore-”

“Call me what you will,” She cups his jaw with a smile, “but you can’t take lover’s speed without a lover, loosen up.”

* * *

“I think we’re all finished up for tonight girls, thanks for helping me out,” It’s been a few hours and you guys were more focused on the reality TV show than parking the silverware, but you got it done.

“No problem, Ro,” You look down at your phone, it’s getting late.

“Are you sleeping over, Y/n?”

“Um, I can, it is getting kind of late,” You got up to go to the bathroom and the three of them went straight to their phones.

From the couch, Yuna’s eyes go wide and she shows Rosie her phone. Harmony grabs the phone so she can see why they’re looking like they’ve seen a ghost, “Oh my God, is that-” She whispers, “Is that Jungkook?...Does Y/n know-”

“Do I know what?” You walk out of the bathroom, brows furrowing when you hear them trying to be hush-hush. “Why are you guys looking like that?”

“Have you seen Sean’s story?” 

“No,” You frown, “what happened?” You quickly grab Yuna’s phone to see what she’s talking about. At first, you don’t know what you’re looking at until you see it.

It’s a group photo and Jungkook’s in the back, he’s in the back with some girl smothering his face with her own.

“When was this posted?” You ask calmly, biting your lip to keep from throwing the phone out of the window

“20 minutes ago,” Yuna answers, “at Milo’s.”

“Okay,” You give the phone back to Yuna and you grab your keys.

“Y/n, what are you doing?”

“I’m going to that club.”

Rosie stands up with you, “Hold up, we’re going with you.” You tie your converse and the three of them follow you on your hunt.

Don’t do this to me Jungkook,

don’t do this to me.

* * *

“My bitch told me you threw her out, Min, what the fuck?”

“Your bitch was selling coke in my shop, I had to let her go,” Yoongi stands up, “you told me she was good for a job but she was bringing crackheads to my shop.”

“You told me you’d give her a job, you’re telling me you just fired her? Why didn’t you give her a chance? You used to sell-”

“Yeah, I used to. But I don’t anymore.” Yoongi leaves the room.

Meanwhile, Jungkook’s on the other side of the club with a loud group of guys, downing shots like he’s back in college.

“Jungkook,” Yoongi grabs his arm, and his pupils are blown, his cheeks are red, “I’m heading out, can you drive yourself home?”

“Yeah, I’ll be okay,” Jungkook gives him a reassuring look, “I’m good, Hyung, I’m so good.”

“What did you take?” Yoongi looks at him for a moment, not trusting Jungkook to go anywhere himself, “Hey, call yourself a driver, okay?” Yoongi pats his back before leaving the stuffy place.

When he walks out the front door, he could have sworn he saw you pass him with a group of girls. If that’s true, then Jungkook’s in for a world of trouble.

This environment is foreign to you, you’ve been in it before but it’s always been too much, too loud. Your outfit doesn’t help you blend in at all, your gray converse, shorts, and t-shirt are quite contrasting to what the other girls are wearing. Your body is shaking, the people who are shooting you weird looks don’t matter to you, you need to see him.

“There he is,” Harmony points to the corner where Jungkook is leaned up against, he looks like a train-wreck. His hair is so disheveled and he looks jittery, anxious, but he’s smiling. How did he manage to do that to himself in just a few hours, “if you need back up, we’ll be over here.”

You nod, putting your best foot forward to walk a clear path towards him.

Only when you tap his shoulder from behind does he turn around to look at you. The high, the clouds are evaporating and he’s starting to feel the sweat on his brow, I’m sweating? For a moment he thinks you’re a hallucination, there’s no way you’re actually here.

He reaches out to touch you but you slap his hand away. That’s definitely you.

“Y/n,” He rubs the back of his neck, “what are you doing here?”

“Is this what you do when you leave? You come here to cheat on me and do drugs,” You bite your lip, when he just stares at you with dark eyes, “answer me.”

“What’re you talking about?-” You shove your phone into his chest.

“What do you call that, Jungkook? She’s all over you!” Tears start to prick at your eyes but you push it down, you try to. “What are you trying to do to me?”

He stares down at the phone, his chest tingling and heart aching at the sight. It was taken moments before he got up and left, she got on him but he willed himself to leave her. He was out of it, couldn’t really remember any details. “I took something, and I’m not-...” He gives you back your phone, dragging his hands down his face. “I wouldn’t cheat on you, I didn’t-”

“Don’t fucking lie to me!” You yell but the music is so loud, it sounds like you’re speaking at a normal volume. “After everything I’ve done for you, after everything we’ve been through, I can’t believe you would do this to me,”

“Hey, hey, what’s going on?” Some guy with electric blue hair barges into your conversation. “What’s wrong, baby girl?”

You look at him, judging by his looks alone and the way he physically sides with Jungkook, you can piece together that they know each other.

“Um, was I talking to you?” You snap, looking at him as if he just grew a second head.

“No, but you look like you’re giving my friend here a hard time. I’d appreciate it if you calmed the fuck down, no one likes a-”

“And I’d appreciate it if you’d mind your own business. I’m his girlfriend, who the fuck are you?” 

Mingyu cracks a nervous smile, “Oh shit,” He looks at Jungkook who’s finding it hard to stay still, “so, you’re the exclusive. I’m sorry, I may have set him up with a playmate for the night, but can you blame me? You obviously weren’t gonna join him,” He shrugs, “he just wanted to have a good time.”

“Y/n, I took ecstasy, I smoked a little bit, ok? That’s it, I didn’t do anything with that girl,” Jungkook glares at Mingyu, ”she kept coming on to me but it didn’t go anywhere-”

“You’re high, you don’t know where it went.” You turn his face to see red lipstick spotting his skin, “Look at your neck, it went somewhere...”

His hand comes goes there and he remembers the forced kiss before he ran out of the private room. 

“Y/n, please it’s not what it looks like,” He let’s out a grown of frustration, grabbing your wrist, “let’s talk about this somewhere else.”

“No,” You pull away, “don’t touch me,” He grabs continues to pull you towards the direction of the bathroom, “Let go! Let go of me-”

You jerk away and mistakenly bump into a fast-walking individual, he was trying to get Jungkook. Oops.

“Tell Yoongi that’s what it costs,” that’s what you hear and then the guy runs off.

When you hear a scream, it seems like the whole club stops and people start backing away. 

Why are they screaming? 

Only when you feel the wetness dripping down your knee do you realize why they were all looking at you. You stumble, placing your hand on your thigh when Rosie comes running up to you with tears in her eyes, her hands are trembling. “Y/n, oh my God-”

When you look up, Jungkook is shouting so loud that you can hear the strain in his voice and he’s running. There’s blood all over your leg, your leg is shaking.

“We need to put pressure,” One of the girls takes off her flannel and ties it around your leg, “give me a belt, somebody!” 

Some random guy gives her a belt and she wraps it around your leg tight. “Y/n, we’ll take you to the emergency room down the road, we need to get you out of here,” Rosie tries to help you to your feet but you wince, “can you stand? Harmony, help me!”

“Yeah, I think I can- Ouch!” You cry-out when they pull you up a little too fast, “wait, stop! That hurts-”

When they finish, Yuna and Harmony pull your arms to wrap around their shoulders, they look like their struggling. Jungkook suddenly breaks through the crowd of people, hair sweaty and eyes frantically scanning over you. He wants to throw up, but he can’t right now. 

“Give her to me,” Jungkook extends out his arms so he can take you from the girls but Rosie guards you from him with her whole body, “what the fuck? Move,”

“Haven’t you done enough?” She frowns. “We can handle this, why don’t you-”

“Come off it! I’m not about to let you three fucking drag her out of here like this, she’s gonna bleed by the time you get to the fucking door!” He moves Rosie out of the way, “Let me carry her.” Neither of the girls argue when he grabs you from them and lifts you into his arms.

In a matter of seconds, you’re outside and the cool air makes you cringe, holding Jungkook’s shirt tighter in your fist. “You okay?” He whispers, glancing down at you when you give a weak nod.

Yoongi was outside at his car talking and his heart sinks into his stomach when he sees your bloodied leg in Jungkook’s arms. Among the other people leaving the club, you and Jungkook were the last people he thought he’d see. 

“What the fuck happened in there?”

“Some guy was trying to stab me but she got in the way,” Jungkook explains in a panicked tone, “he said to tell you this is what it costs,” When Rosie opens his back seat door, he eases you to lay on the leather seats and gets back there with you.

“We’re taking her to the emergency room,” Rosie answers before closing the front-seats door and cranking the car up.

“Son of a bitch,” Yoongi pulls out his keys and gets in his car. That’s all he says before pulling out of the parking way faster than he should have.

Jungkook is sitting where your legs are so he can keep it propped up, “You’ll be okay,” He pants, the effects of the drug still running it’s course in his system, “does it hurt a lot?”

You nod, stomach-turning at the smell of your own blood. You mumble, “I feel like I’m gonna throw up...” 

He looks down at his hands, tattoos now colored red from your blood. “Me too...”

Jungkook and Rosie brought you inside while the girls waited in the car.

“Excuse me,” Rosie goes to the front desk and Jungkook goes is walking not far behind her, “my friend was just stabbed, does she need to sign in or something? She’s bleeding a lot-”

As soon as Jungkook came into their line of vision, the sight of your bloodied leg kicks them into an urgency.

“Bring her here,” A woman with lilac scrubs says something to a few people before she’s walking Jungkook to the back and directing him to a room, “sit her there, miss, do you feel dizzy at all?”

Jungkook hesitantly lays you on the little bed and two more people come into the room, both dressed in scrubs—he’s asked to step back.

“Just a little,” You bite your lip when they start removing what was covering your wound, it looked as bad as it felt, or maybe it’s just really bloody. They start taking wiping your thigh of the blood that covered it. You look away, not wanting to see the damage. 

“Sir?” A woman finally gets his attention after the third time calling him, when he looks at her, his eyes are a dead give away. That, and the smell of marijuana and liquor on him. “Have you taken anything tonight? You don’t look so good,”

He disregards her question with a question of his own, “...Wh- where’s the bathroom?” 

“Down the hall to your left, but-”

He runs out of the room before she can say anymore and he passes Rosie on his way there.

He bursts inside and locks himself in a stall. Immediately, he falls to his knees and painfully expels whatever he had consumed tonight into the toilet. 

His throat burns and his heart is pounding.

This was always the worst part.

*

* 

*

“So, how long will I need the crutches?” You look at your now-useless leg. “I’m an ice skater, I have competitions to prepare for, and-”

“Two weeks at the very least, but I would recommend no strenuous activity for a month at the least. With how close the wound was to the artery, you’re lucky it’s not longer.” The nurse smiles, probably thinking she was lightening the mood.

It’s just and the nurse, Rosie ran to the restroom and Jungkook hasn’t come back since he brought you here.

“So,” Rosie walks inside, “how long are you on the crutches?”

“Two weeks,” You frown, staring at them from the corner of your eyes, “this would happen to me, wouldn’t it?”

“It could have been anybody,” Rosie sighs, “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“Miss, you have a visitor by the name of Min Yoongi, do you want to see him?” 

You nod

After a few moments, she opens the door and Yoongi walks in.

“Y/n,” Yoongi comes to your side, guilt eating him up that he was the cause for this. “I’m sorry this shit had to happen to you, I don’t-”

“It’s not you’re fault, okay? Don’t beat yourself up about it, I shouldn’t have been there...” 

“Did Jungkook leave?”

“He ran to the bathroom earlier, I haven’t seen him since,” Rosie says that with a bite in her tone, and soon enough he’s walking inside the room, “that’s probably for the best, he’s the last person you need right now.”

Get it together.

He cupped water in his hands, swished it in his mouth and spit it out. When his eyes meet the mirror, he wanted to slam into it, shatter into a thousand pieces for bearing his face. He does his best to wipe the blood from his arms and hands with soap water and a napkin. He also wipes the lipstick from his neck, scrubbing at it unnecessarily hard until its gone. Nausea has faded enough for him to stand up and face you. But the thought alone makes him want to disappear. He can’t stay in this bathroom forever, even if that’s what his mind is telling him to do.

“Miss,” the door opens again, “The man from earlier, he said he’s your boyfriend, he wants to see you, are you alright with that?” you hesitate for a moment when you look at Rosie who’s sitting in the chair next to you, you nod.

The woman leaves for a moment and Jungkook walks in, he searches for you as soon as he walks in. He doesn’t acknowledge Yoongi or Rosie. He walks to your bedside and looks at the white bandage wrapped around your thigh.

“What did they say?” He’s not as pale as he was but his eyes are a little red. “Are you okay?”

“She’ll be on crutches for two weeks, but she can’t skate for at least a month,” She turns to Jungkook, “the wound was close to the artery, an inch difference and she would’ve bled out, no thanks to you.”

Silence befalls the room and even though she said that to make Jungkook wake up, Yoongi is the one who feels so bad about it. “I have to go, guys,” Yoongi suddenly speaks up, “feel better, Y/n, I’m sorry about all of this,” It’s not his fault, you remind him of that before he leaves.

“We just need your insurance,” The nurse comes back with a wheelchair within seconds, “the pharmacy you’d like your medicine sent to and you’re all set to go,” She helps you into the chair and rolls you out.

As they check you out, Rosie looks down at her phone, it’s almost two in the morning. You notice she looks tired as you hand them your insurance card, and she still has to pick up her parents in the morning, you don’t feel right keeping her here.

“Ro, go home,” You gently grasp her hand, “you have to pick up your parents in the morning, it’s getting late.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m fine, thank you for everything, tell the girls I’ll call in the morning,” You know it takes everything in her not to stay but she knows it’s late and even if you’re both pissed at him, he can at least take you home. You get her to agree and you’re left with Jungkook and the nurse as they take you to his car.

“Are you okay, hon?” The nurse asks softly as Jungkook watches her help you into the passengers seat. You know what she means by that. You know how this probably looks to her, it doesn’t look like you’re in a good situation. But you reassure her that he’s going to take you home.

When he gets in the driver's seat and the nurse is back inside the ER, you can feel him staring at you. He swallows, hands gripping the wheel incredibly tight, “Look, I’m sorry this happened, I-”

“Take me home,” You cut him off, looking out of the window with the crutches at your side, “just take me home...”

The drive is quiet. Painfully quiet for him. He pulls into his normal parking space and when he gets out, he comes to your side. 

“Let me help you,” 

That’s the first thing he says to you, hand extended as if you’d actually take it. You’re not skilled with crutches, you shouldn’t have been so persistent on getting and going to the door without his help, but you were.

“I don’t want your help,” You mumble, hobbling inside after he opened the door with his key. He flips on the light and you sit on the couch to try to kick your shoes off, “you should go home,” 

“Y/n, please,” He closes the door behind him, “I know what you saw, I know it looked bad but I didn’t cheat on you.”

“Yeah, but you let some slut put her hands on you,” You forget trying to take off your shoes and you use your crutches to try to get to your room, “y’know, if you wanted to break up with me you could’ve just said it. If I’m not enough for you, you should have just told me.”

“You know you’re enough for me, don’t even talk like that. I don’t want to break up, why the fuck would I want that?” He follows you into your bedroom, easily catching up because you can’t get anywhere fast now. 

“I wasn’t thinking straight, but my mind was clear enough to know we didn’t have sex,” He’s in your face, “I’m sorry that it looked that way, okay? Is that what you want to hear?”

“No, don’t tell me what you think I want to hear,” You sit on your bed, again trying to kick-off your shoes but failing miserably, “just leave me alone.”

“You can’t even take your own fucking shoes off, you need help,“ He kneels down and you don’t fight when he takes them off for you, “don’t you trust me?”

You scoff, grabbing your crutches and trekking to your bathroom to get away from him, “Why should I,” You attempt to close the door but he stands in the doorway, “let go of the door.”

“No,” He’s getting upset now, you can feel it in the way each word leaves his mouth like a curse, “stop walking away! I fucking love you, that’s why you should trust me.”

“Wow, with a reason like that,” You let out a sarcastic laugh, standing in your bathrooms doorway. “I guess I should forget everything that happened tonight, huh?”

He rubs his temples, the headaches he’s had from an hour ago now acting up. “You know what? If you didn’t have trust issues, you could see that I’m telling you the truth, I swear to god I didn’t do anything.”

“I know I have trust issues,” You’re sick of standing in the bathroom, “after all the times I’ve been screwed over, you’ve given me plenty of reasons not to trust people.” You move past him, bumping into his shoulder.

“Hey,” He tries to grab you but hobble away from him and towards your bed, “would you stop walking away?! I’m trying to talk to you!” When he sees that you’re close enough to your bed, he takes the crutches from you and sits them on the floor behind him. 

“What the hell?-” Your mouth hangs open in shock as you grapple to hold on to him so you don’t fall. “Why would you do that!” 

“That was the only way I could stop you from walking away.” He towers above you, height and large frame reminding you that he can overpower you easily. “Don’t you see I’m being honest? Tell me why you’re acting like this.”

“You know I was hurt in my last relationship. Do I really have to spell it out for you? I dated for months before I realized I was being played. I couldn’t see what was happening right in front of my face, do you know how that felt? I felt so stupid,” You squeeze his arms, “I swore I’d never let anyone make me feel that way again.” 

He breathes in and out, trying not to fall apart at your teary confession, he chants in his mind, don’t cry, don’t cry.

“I can’t go through that again, I love you...” You hold on to him, leg throbbing and tears falling down your cheeks in single drops, “Don’t make me look stupid for loving you.”

That hurt. 

“I won’t,” he wishes he had stayed home—he wishes he would have stayed with you. “I won’t, I promise I won’t.”

You gasp when his hands cup your face and he kisses you, open mouth sealing over yours without warning. You fall victim to this every time, you try to listen to the voice in your head that tells you to push him away, but how could you? You grab at his wrists to keep your self grounded and he holds you tighter, making you breathe nothing but him. His mouth goes bone dry and he feels sweat dripping down his back, he’s burning up and his heart is beating out of his chest.

“Jungkook,” You manage to breathe out, and you plop down on the bed, “you’re sweating like crazy.”

“I’m sorry, I feel like I’m gonna pass out,” Suddenly, he rips off his shirt and tosses it somewhere, now revealing the sheen of sweat that’s been under his shirt.

“Are you okay?...What you took, have you ever taken it before?...” Worry shakes your voice.

“Yeah, this used to happen sometimes, give me a second,” He disappears into the bathroom and you hear the water turn on. Somehow, you managed to stumble over to the bathroom with the help of the wall. Jungkook is standing at the shower, the water on cold as he dunks his upper body under it with a groan of relief.

You watch as he grabs a towel from the rack and dries his face and hair. You watch as he dries the water off his body, face still red but he looks better.

“I’m sorry, this is one of the reasons I stopped using that shit,” He sits the towel on the counter, heavy ids landing on your frame in the doorway. For the first time, he sees the bandage on your leg in his right mind and it pains him. 

Noticing that you weren’t using the crutches he threw away earlier, he comes to your aid. “Your leg, don’t stand with it like that, you need to have it propped up,” For the second time tonight, he picks you up and carries you to you out of the bathroom. “It must hurt.”

“It does,” You hesitantly unwrap your arms from his neck and he lays you down, “it hurts a lot.” With expectant eyes, you watch him circle around your bed to get to your drawers. He pulls out a shirt and some shorts, sitting them besides you.

“I’m sorry,” He mutters, handing you the shirt so you can put it on while he helps replace your bloodied ones, “I wish he would have stabbed me, I fucking deserved it, not you.” He’s absolutely right.

His hand rests on the bandage and he looks up at you, eyes so tired. Reaching over you, he takes one of your pillows and props it under your leg, making sure it's elevated at a comfortable angle. He sits on the edge of the bed, one arm across your body, his eyes shutting when he presses his forehead to yours. Desperately, he kisses you again. His damp hair dangles on your forehead and his necklace drapes over your neck the more he leans down, its cool on your skin. His warm body engulfs you, his sheer heaviness making you weak. He has a special ability to surround your senses and drown you in his energy, and you sink happily.

“I’m sorry,” He whispers, “I hate that we always end up like this, I shouldn’t put us through this...” Brushing your hair away from your face, he leans, in his nose a tinge red and his eyes teary, “but when I’m with you-...When I have you, I don’t have to see myself anymore and it feels right. I hate myself without...” Tears stream down his cheeks and a few drop on your cheeks. His chest heaves against you when he shakily breathes in. He drops his head in your chest like a child and starts to cry. 

“Jungkook,” You run your fingers through his hair and your eyes get misty when a pained whine leaves his mouth. 

 “I-” he hiccups against your t-shirt. “I’m sorry that this is what it cost to love me, but I’m not shit without you. I’m nothing with you...”

Sitting here, patching myself up, crying over what's left, 'cause without you I ain't shit, but no pressure. Guess I gotta learn my lesson.

[nite-shay]

His Hero Part 3 -Kirishima Eijirou x Reader

AN: I am so so so so so sorry for how long this took! :/ I wish I had a valid excuse for this but I don’t… I hope ya’ll enjoy it! 

Links: Part 1,  Part 2 , Part 3 

Also side note I know I’m messed up a few little things but I will edit tomorrow as I go through it. Its late D: But I promised myself I would post this today. 

******

Two days…

Two long, boring desk duty days.

Kirishima sighed loudly as he signed and initialed what had to be the same form for the tenth time in the same case file! 

Ah, bureaucracy of the hero world at its finest. 

Now UA prepared him for a lot of things. 

How to use his quirk fully, fighting villains, saving people, etc. 

But one thing they didn’t prepare him for was the amount of paperwork that came with his hero career. 

Hmm… maybe that’s why they gave so much homework…

Sign. Initial. Sign. Checkmark. Checkmark. Sign. Date. Wait, was he suppose to sign here or there? Crap, is that the right date? Did he just date everything wrong?! No wait, false alarm, the date is correct.

His chair gave a loud creak as he stretched his back, glancing up at the clock. He’d been at this for hours now, and he still hadn’t even made a dent in the wall of folders on his desk. 

His mind started to wander as he stared up at the clock hands that he swore he saw moved backward a few times. 

I wonder how (Y/N) doing…

It was crazy how badly he wanted to call up to the hospital and check on you, but… he was nervous. The last thing he wanted was for you to think he’s some creepy ex stalker who you literally barely knew you.  

He just… was worried about you. He wasn’t looking for another hookup! No, no, no! He just wanted to see how you were. He did care about you, not in a creepy way just in a general way!

Luckily he wasn’t completely in the dark about your condition, thanks to his green-haired bro. The morning after the robbery, Kirishima woke up to a thoughtful text on your condition. He even got an update on your son, who loved his news toys and played hard with them till he passed out in his mother’s arms.

God, he wished he could have seen it. 

He sighed loudly before tossing the file in the ‘completed’ section while reaching for the next one. He blinked as he lifted up the hefty folder. 

It was the toy store robbery. 

Damn, this was going to be a long one—numerous villains, along with multiple injured civilians and a fair bit of collateral damage. This was going to take the rest of the day. Thankfully, though, Fatgum should be just getting back from lunch, and the store just had a damn good security system installed last week.

“Well, would ya look at that? I guess paper really does beat rock.” A slightly slimmer Fatgum chuckled as he walked in their shared office, arms full of takeaway bags. 

“Ha Ha,” Kirishima laughed sarcastically, glancing over to the older hero. “Got enough food, Toyo?”

“I used quite a bit of energy yesterday on that emergency call. Gotta bulk back up.” He dumped the food on to the small table across the room. “Plus, we’re going to be here a while when those reports.”

“Yeaaaaah. Just got to the toy store one. Did the detective ever send the surveillance footage over?”

“Yeap, got it this morning. Check your email. I think you’re on it too.“ 

"Sweet. I’ll load it up.”

“And I got the snacks,” He grinned as he held up one of the bags. 

After some quick furniture rearrangement, two sat side by side in their chairs, video buffed, snacks to side, pen and paper at the ready for notes. This was still work after all.  They chose to use the blondes’ monitor since it was bigger. He had seniority, so he typically got the good stuff, which the redhead was cool with. 

The first 20 minutes of the video was pretty boring so then ended up fast-forwarding until a familiar pair entered the frame.  

It was you and your son. The two of you were slowly making your way down the sidewalk towards the store. Kirishima, who’d previously been slouched and looking rather bored, was not hyper-focused on the screen in front of them. Which didn’t go unnoticed by his mentor, who just snickered quietly to himself. 

“Look! There they are!” The younger hero couldn’t help but smile as he watched the two you. You had a sly smile on while your son, who was looking rather frustrated, said something to you. He watched as your lips moved, but nothing came from the speakers. What were the two of you talking about?

 Damn, he wished there was audio. 

“They look pretty happy, don’t they?” Fat gum comment just as you pointed to the shop, the kids’ faces lit up like a Christmas tree. The kid wasted no time as he grabbed your hand and dragged you inside the store.

“Yeah, they really do.” Kirishima grinned as he pressed a key, switching the view to inside. The redhead beamed as the two of you bounced from isle to isle, your son getting physically more and more excited. 

Something churned in him. 

Something that’s been happening here a lot recently. He noticed it a few weeks ago. 

How his gaze would linger on families he’d pass down the street or on Bakugou as he interacted with his daughter.  He really didn’t know what it was at first and just tried to ignore it. 

But when he ran into you and your son two days ago, those emotions were brought to the forefront.  And these last two days of drowning himself in work wasn’t just to get you off his mind. It was to drown out his feelings.

He… wanted this… 

A wife…. A kid… A family…

Not that he doesn’t have a family! He’s still got both of his parents plus his sister he talks to on a pretty regular basis. He’s also really close with his friends to the point where he thought of them as family. Hell, his literal best friend lives right next door to him. You’d think he has it all? 

A loving and supportive family. Amazing friends. An awesome career that is literally his dream. 

Sounds fantastic, right? 

But sometimes, after the long hard days. His apartment just felt empty. 

He was greeted with a quiet (Bakugou’s yelling is more like background noise to him now) home.  

No one to greet him when he gets home after a long day.

No one to just cuddle and share thoughts with. Even the stupid or random ones.

No one to share meals with while they go over plans or talk about their days. 

No one to have petty arguments with like who ate all the cereal and didn’t put it on the list, who left the cap off the toothpaste, not replacing the toilet paper.

No one but himself.

He had a few roommates for a while, but they all moved out to live with their s/o. He’d tried dating and even had a girlfriend move in with him once, but that ended badly. Hero life was hard. Being the significant other of a hero, well, that could be even harder some days. They broke up not long after, and he’d been single ever since. 

He mentally sighed. Guess it was the bachelor’s life him…

He continued to watch the two of you browse another aisle as you made your way to the back of the store. From the angle of the camera, he could barely see you now.  His hand itched to switch the view to the rear camera, but he restrained himself.  This was his job; he needs to watch for the villains, not ogle you. No matter how beautiful you were. How soft and sweet your voice was. Or how quickly that demeanor changed when it came to the safety of your son. He knows first hand you don’t come between a momma bear and her cub. He wouldn’t lie, seeing you go into protective mode, just… damn.

Thankfully, before that thought could go any further, two figures walked through the front door and into the frame. It was the villains. They could only watch as the villains made their way over to the front desk and the shopkeeper. 

The villains split up, the smaller one stayed near the desk while the larger one stalked around closer to the racks. He could see the villains and the shopkeeper talking but couldn’t make out what was being said. Lip reading wasn’t his thing. But it was apparent the villains were trying to intimidate the scared-looking man. 

A flash in the corner of the screen brought his attachment back to you as you and your son moved closer to the front and ultimately closer into danger. 

“No..go back…” Kirishima whispered under his breath as he watched the next bit unfold.  The brute yelled something, gave his partner before giving the rack on end a hard shove. Toys and plushies tumbled from their metal shelves as the racking toppled over into the one beside it. 

He already knew what was coming.

That rack fell into the next, which fell into the next one. Line by line, row by row. All the shelves dominoed into each. 

His eye darted from the villain back to where you were, his body on full alert. Your head jerks to the side, no doubt from the sound of the loud crashing. With reflexes that surprised even him, he watched as you grabbed your son just as the shelf beside you gave in to the weight of the rows before it. 

“Is there any other view on them?” He couldn’t stop himself from asking. Yeah they were suppose to keep their eyes on the villain's for the report but... 

“Yeah, there’s one in the back.” Fat was already reaching for the keyboard as he glared at the screen, his food seemingly forgotten. The screen flashed for switching over to the back of the shop.

It was total chaos. Toys, plushies, and other items were scattered everywhere from the falling rows. And there in the middle of the disaster area was you and your son. Nearly all of you laid beneath the rack currently pinning you to the floor, save for your one arm and your head. Your son wasn’t in any better of a position; he could only see the top of his head. Suddenly the video stopped. Fatgum had paused the video before playing back the part of you, grabbing your son, right before the rack fell. 

“Good reflexes.” The older man sighed in relief. “Little guy would have been crushed if he’d stayed .” Kirishima could only nod as they continued to watch. The video was back to where it was before, with the two of you being pinned under the rack. Even though he couldn’t seem much of you, he knew the two of you were scared. How could you not be? Damn, he should have gotten there faster! 

If he’d been faster, maybe… you wouldn’t have gotten hurt as bad, or your son wouldn’t have been as scared. Though, to be honest, it was just chance they’d been in the area. Guess you could say it was a right place at the right time kind deal. The two heroes just finished their shift and were heading back to the agency. They’d gotten into a debate on food and made a wrong turn, which put them on that street. A loud crash caught the attention of a civilian across who called to them from across the street.

If they hadn’t been there, how long would it have taken for the call to come in? How long would you have been pinned there? How long would your son have to watch you suffer, alone, scared?

A shadow in the corner of the screen shook him from his thoughts. It was the bigger villain making his way towards the back of the store. 

“Hide…” Kirishima mumbled as they watched the villain make his way over to you.  You shifted, hiding your son further into the small hollow, but leaving you exposed and unprotected. 

“The detective said in the email that a part of this was pretty hard to watch, I’m guessing that’s about to come up…” Fatgum muttered sadly, putting his snacks down on the table. They watched as the villain stopped in front of you. The man was clearly saying something to you, but you only kept your head down, shielding your young son. The villain tensed for a moment. Was it something you did? Or maybe you said? Whatever it was clearly angered him as he gave you a wicked grin before putting his foot on the rack above you. Before, the redhead wished there was sound, but now, he was grateful for the silence.

 "That bastard!“ He saw red as he watched you scream from the man applying more force to the shelf. 

"Easy Red, they’re both ok, that guy won’t be able t-.” The older man tried to calm down his partner, well, until the villain kicked you in the face. That made the older hero jump to his feet. “That fiend! Just you wait till we get there! You’ll regret that!” As enraged as Kirishima was, he couldn’t help but smile and chuckle at how quick his mentor’s demeanor changed.  

After picking his char up off the floor, Fat sat back down, and the two returned to watching the video. It wasn’t long, for they saw the villain’s lip moves, still looking over for walking off-screen. You weren’t moving, and your face was now covered in blood. 

Nothing moved on the screen for the longest time. Fat was just about to reach over and speed up the video when something caught his eye.

It was your son. 

Kirishima’s heart broke as he watched the small boy pull himself out from under the wreckage. He was shaking, and his clothes were torn, but thankfully, he wasn’t hurt. Well, not physically anyway. How the kid managed to walk away from that unscathed was a miracle. (Y/S/N) looked in the villain’s direction before turning back to you. It was hard to see the kids face at this angle, but the heroes didn’t need to. They knew he was crying as he gently shook you, trying to wake you up.

Sadly you weren’t waking up, not then anyway. 

If he’d been in that kid’s shoes at his age, he would have given up right then and there.

But not this kid. 

No, instead, he grabbed your arm and started pulling you. Trying to drag you up from under the rack.

This elementary school kid, who was just the victim of a villain attack, was trying with all his might to save his mom. He jerked and strained as he tried to pull you from under the massive weight, but you weren’t budging. He gave one final strong pull before slipping on remnants of a displaying, causing him to fall back on his butt. Kirishima had to physically stop himself from moving.  

The kid was back on his feet in a flash, this time though he was trying to lift the rack. He knew he couldn’t lift the shelf; even with a quirk, it would be impossible for him given his size. But there he was still pushing with everything he had. 

“Poor little guy. He must have been terrified but look at him. He’s really giving it his all." 

"He’s an awesome kid. If it’d been me, I’d be too scared to move.” Kirishima’s voice was full of pride but held a trace of sadness. The redhead was proud of the squirt. Most kids, hell, most adults would have been paralyzed with fear. 

But not him. 

Despite the fear.

Despite the pain. 

Despite the hopelessness.

He still kept trying.

He’d make a hell of a hero one day…

A flash of red in the corner of the screen jolted him from his thoughts. 

It was himself. They’d finally arrived to help. While the video played out in front of them, the rest of his senses played his memory. He could hear the kids cry for help. He could feel the weight of the shelf as he moved behind the kid to rescue you. The warmth yet limpness of your body as he pulled you from the wreckage. The wailing of your son calling out for you. The relief when he felt your pulse still beating beneath the fragile skin of your neck. The overwhelming emotions as tried to comfort the small, terrified child in his arms. 

Fatgum paused the video once everyone was out of frame. You on a stretcher and him with your son still in his arms.

“You did really good out there today, Red.” Fatgum grinned at him before reaching over to the file on the desk, flipping through the report.

“Thanks.” Kirishima sighed. “I just wish I could have done more. Maybe if I’d been faster, (Y/N) and (S/N) wouldn’t have had to suffer as much. Some hero I am…" 

"Don’t say that! You did everything you could and believe me when I say this, at that moment, you truly became that kids hero.”

“Hmm…"  Fatgum gave the folder in his hand a puzzled look before hit rewind on the footage.

"What’s up?” Kirishima glanced up at the larger hero. 

“It’s nothing really. Just wondering something. The paramedics said the kid was ok right?”

“Yeah, they checked over him at the scene. His clothes were torn up some, but surprisingly, the little guy didn’t have a scratch on him.” A light bulb went off. “Wait, How did he do that? He was under that rack too!”

“That’s what I was wondering. Maybe he used his quirk? If he did, given the shape he momma was in, it might have saved his life.”

“Hmm… well, he did say that his quirk was kind of like mine. But I didn’t see him use it.” He thought back. Fat paused the video to right as the rack was falling on to the two of you. It was still hard to watch, but they went through it frame by frame. “I can’t see anything resembling a quirk…”

“Hmm… I can’t tell anything. If he has a defensive quirk, it doesn’t really stand out. Plus, with all the objects falling around them, it makes it harder to tell. 

"Maybe his clothes are hiding it?”

“Hey, can you go to the part where he crawls out? I think there was a pretty good shot of him there.” Fatgum nod hit a few keys to comply. “There! Right there!” They let the video play out from there. 

Until they saw it. For a split second, the kid is looking right at the camera, showing his whole face. And something… just looked off. Was something wrong with the camera? Maybe it was a trick of the light or the lens?

“Can we zoom in on his face?” Kirishima leaned forward, looking closely at the screen as Fat zoomed in on the boy’s face. The screen was blurry for a minute, but slowly the video started to render, making the image clearer.

What? Was his skin…. hardening?

No, it was just hardening.. it was sharpening too… Just like his…

Kirishima felt his heart take a free fall into his stomach. 

 The kid didn’t have a quirk similar to his. 

No, his quirk was exactly like his!

The room started to spin as he felt like every molecule of breathable air suddenly took an exit stage right, right out of the room. 

“Hey… Kirishima… when did you meet (L/N) again?” Kirishima could barely hear Fat’s question over the ringing in his ears.

Links: Part 1,  Part 2 , Part 3

Thanks for the read! If you want see the other stuff I’ve done, click the link bellow! 

MasterList

Tags: @hot-pocket01 

[jikooksgirl19]

Hi to all my beautiful lovelies. I came home from the hospital yesterday after a long battle with COVID. It’s no joke people the vid is awful so please everyone follow your state/country laws. Stay safe. I will try writing again in a few days after recovery due to my eyes being affected. I am almost done with chapter 3 and 4 from before getting sick(written from different viewpoints) and once edited will release back to back. 😘😘😘

[guildedlily6]

You Plus Me Equals Soulmates Part 6 (Peter Parker x Reader Soulmate!AU)

Summary: After the explosion from the last part, Y/N is trapped in the elevator.  Will Peter get to her in time?  Internally, Y/N still suspects Peter of keeping something from her.  Will Peter finally cave and tell Y/N he’s Spider-Man?  Or will this secret break them apart?

Author’s Note: I actually meant to release this yesterday, but I started editing too late at night, got distracted, and started reading another fan fiction.  Oops.  Part 7 should be out tomorrow, but we’ll see.  Hope you enjoy this chapter and if you haven’t read the parts before this, click on the links below.

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 || Part 5

Word Count; 2,063 (sorry it’s a little shorter)

Warnings: swearing, angst :), mentions of blood.

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

‘What just exploded?’ is a question you should never have to ask yourself while 400 feet above the ground in an elevator.

I got blown back into the elevator wall from the explosion and I can feel everything moving very quickly around me.

Panicked, I look around wildly at everyone else.  The purple thing has fallen out of Ned’s backpack.  Everyone is still in one piece so maybe it was a different type of explosion?

Was this because of the purple glowy thing?  What is it and why does Ned have it?  What does Peter know about it?

I have many more questions, but the most important one is probably ‘how am I going to survive?’.

From the feeling in my stomach and the shaking of the walls around me, I can tell the elevator is falling.  Very quickly. 

What was the elevator precaution the lady told us about?  I can’t remember so I just press myself against the wall, my lips pressed together unlike others, who are screaming.

Suddenly the elevator stops abruptly, but not as if we’ve hit the ground.  My head smacks against the wall and I see bright spots for several seconds.

Everything is quiet.  The elevator bobs a bit, suspended by something.

“Is everyone ok?”  Mr.Harrington silently examines us for injury, shaken by the abrupt stop.

The tour guide lady stands up and brushes herself off.  “I’m sure we’ll be ok.  Just stay calm and help will be on the way.”

“WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE!” shouts Flash, on the verge of hyperventilating.  

I grab onto the bar in the elevator and pull myself up to my feet.  I exchange a look with Ned, who looks pale and fearful.  I then look over to Liz, who just finished screaming from the fall.

“Shouldn’t we try to climb out or something?  Through the elevator shaft up there?”  I gesture up to the ceiling, where a latch is.

“Oh, uh… Yeah, she’s right.  That’s part of the procedure,” the lady agrees, nodding.

“Isn’t it more dangerous out there?  What if we get crushed by something?  What if the elevator starts moving again?  What if-” Flash’s expression is that of hysteria.

“We’re fine, Flash,” says Liz, reassuring Flash.

The tour guide gets out her keys and pulls out a special one for the latch.  She reaches up and opens it easily.  “I’ll get out first to help everyone,” she announces before climbing out with ease due to her height.

“Yeah… I-I’ll go out first to help,” stutters Mr.Harrington, clearly just eager to get out of the elevator.

With the help of Mr.Harrington standing on Flash’s back, he scrambles out of the elevator and to the room that’s to the right of the elevator shaft.

“Who's next?”  I look around, trying to stay calm, but panic seeps into my voice anyway.

What if the elevator DOES start moving and we’re all done for?  What if I die? What if I never get to see Peter again?

The last thought makes my heart ache.

“I’ll go next,” volunteers Liz, already climbing onto Flash’s back and out of the elevator with help from the tour guide lady.

Five more kids get out of the elevator.  Left now is Ned, Flash, Betty, and me. “C-can I go next, guys?”  Ned looks around, unsure of whether Flash will give up his hero facade and ask to go next.

We help Ned out of the shaft just before there’s a sudden snap.

The three of us, surprised from the loud noise and from the unexpected drop, scream.  The force causes me to fall on my back, knocking the air out of my lungs and making my head pound from my previous encounter with the falling elevator.

This time something else stops it.  From what I can see out of the escape door and floor of the elevator, it looks like… webs?

Spider-Man?

A head peeks in from the escape opening.  It is Spider-Man.  I can’t see through his mask, but it’s as if I can sense how panic-stricken he is.  

I get up quickly.

“Oh my god it’s Spider-Man.  Spider-Man came to save me, I-I… I’m going to puke,” Flash says, hand at his chest.

“Flash you’re next,” I state.

Flash gladly uses our help to get out and almost faints when Spider-Man grabs his hand to pull him out.

Betty and I look at each other.  Something metal groans and Spider-Man jumps up, webbing himself to the top of the elevator shaft.  He webs the elevator again, slowly pulling us and the elevator up.

Holy fuck, he’s strong.

“You first,” Betty and I say at the same time.

“Really, Betty.  I’ll make it out.”  Realizing how grim that sounded, I offer a weak smile.

She nods gravely and climbs up, taking a boost from my knee.

I’m too fucking short, I register way too late, comparing my height to the distance I’ll need to jump to make it out.

I look up hopelessly at Spider-Man, but I don’t know why.  The way I look at him is similar to that when I look at Peter in a desperate situation.

Now is not the time for this, Y/N.  Besides, Spider-Man could be like 40 years old and you wouldn’t know.

I see Spider-Man studying the elevator and elevator shaft hastily, trying to form a plan, distressed.

________Peter’s POV_________

What am I supposed to do?  How can I save Y/N?  I never got to tell her… NO.  She’s NOT going to die.

As I’m frozen in fear, I don’t realize that the rest of the elevator supports are about to break.

There’s a bang as the supports break off and I’m yanked downward, taken aback by the sudden movement.

Being pulled away from the top of the elevator shaft causes debris to fall, making my web aim on Y/N more difficult.

Nonetheless, the webs still reach Y/N in the elevator shaft, wrapping around her wrist and pulling her through the escape door, suspending her in the air.

She screams and I realize a piece of debris must have hit her.  Her scream reaches somewhere deep inside me and fills me with pain.

Was I too late?  I can’t lose her.  I love her.

It’s probably too soon, but I love her and she’s my soulmate.

I pull her up to me and into my arms and she’s shaking with fear.  There’s a wound and blood trailing from her forehead, down the side of her face.

But she’s ok.  She’s here and she’s in my arms, safe and sound.

She doesn’t know it’s me.

Agony fills me as I realize she probably hates me for not showing up to the National Decathlon and not being here with her.

I softly land in the room to the right of the elevator shaft.  Her face is buried in my shoulder.

“Oh thank god you’re okay, Y/N,” Mr.Harrington says, rushing over to us.  “Thank you so much, Spider-Man.

I nod, hesitant to let her go.  I don’t want to leave her.  I want to tell her the truth about who I am and I want to be here to comfort her.

I take her shoulders and gently push her away, webbing out of the building.

________Y/N’s POV_________

He felt warm and familiar.  Like Peter.  There’s a connection between us.  Like with Peter.

I watch as Spider-Man leaves through a window.

Soon firemen come and we reach the ground.  Flash bursts into tears once he feels his feet on solid ground.  I don’t judge him.

I scan the crowd of people.  Peter is nowhere to be seen.

Where is Peter?  What the hell is wrong with him?  I could’ve died and now he’s not even here.

Ambulance workers hand us shock blankets and lead me away into an ambulance with the consent of Mr.Harrington.

I feel anxiety kick in when they ask me to lay down on a gurney.

Why are they doing this?  I feel fine.

In all honesty, I do feel fine.  But when I think about it, I just feel dazed and numb.

“She may have a concussion.  She doesn’t need stitches for the wound on her head, but it still could’ve caused trauma to the head.  Her wrist is broken,” reads the nurse in the ambulance, peering at a clipboard.

May have a concussion?  Broken wrist?

After a few minutes of them giving me some pain killers, even though I still couldn’t feel anything because of shock, I arrive at the hospital.

They wheel me into a room and start cleaning the wound on my head for a second time, this time bandaging it afterwards.  Someone carefully takes hold of my wrist, which causes pain to shoot through my hand and I flinch.  They wrap it up and begin on a cast after a quick x-ray.

Finally after all the activity, they leave me alone.

I want my mom.  I want someone to be here.  I want to go home.

I want Peter.

After a few minutes, my wish comes true.

Peter rushes into the room and instantly to my side.  “Are you okay?  How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?  You-”

“Where were you, Peter?”

“What?”

“Where were you?”  My voice cracks this time.

Ugh.  I hate crying.

“I- I was… Somewhere.  I- uh...I forgot about it… I guess,” mumbles Peter.  He avoids eye contact.

“Somewhere?  You forgot?  How could you forget?  Peter, the National Decathlon was something you know I’ve been looking forward to for the past month.  And you weren’t there.  And then everyone almost died.  You weren’t there.  Peter I- you…” I stop talking, now aware of the face that tears have spilled down my cheeks.

Peter’s expression is a mask of guilt.  “I’m sorry.  I promise I’ll tell you later-”

“Yeah, that’s what you said on the call earlier.  Later is now.  And if you don’t tell me now, there won’t be a later.”

Why did I just say that?  All I want is for him to tell me what he’s keeping from me.  Why can’t he?

Peter flinches as if I’ve just slapped him across the face.  He takes my hand lightly.  “I promise I will tell you.”  He glances around the room at the cameras.  “I just can’t right now.

“Fine,” I say simply.  “I think you should leave, Peter.”

Peter’s eyes fill with tears as he stops rubbing my hand with his thumb.  He stands up slowly.  “Y/N I- I have to tell you something.  I… I love you.”

I freeze.

He loves me?

Do I love him?

“Peter, I-”

“I understand if you don’t feel the same.  I mean, before all of this you didn’t even really believe in soulmates.  Who knows if it’s a load of crap?  But I love you, Y/N.  You deserve to know that.  I swear on my life that I never meant to hurt you or lie to you, but for now I have to.  I’m leaving, because if that’s truly what will make you want, then that’s what I want for you.”  Peter silently leaves through the door and it shuts quietly, leaving me in silence.

I didn’t want him to leave, so why did I tell him to?

I look down at my hand and stifle a sob, bringing my hand up to cover my mouth.

I love him too.

________Peter’s POV________

I quickly walk out of the hospital and jump up to sit on the rooftop.  Now I let a tear escape.

Does she not love me?  We’re soulmates.  Aren’t we?

I had wanted to tell her so badly.  She seemed so hurt and upset that I’ve been keeping something from her, reasonably so, too.  There were too many cameras.  Too many people that could’ve heard.  If protecting her from being used against me means keeping secrets, I’ll do what I have to.

Maybe I should try to be more like Mr.Stark.  He told the world who he was and yeah there was backlash and his loved ones were put in danger, but he dealt with it, didn’t he?  Mr.Stark won’t accept me and now even Y/N won’t accept me.

I put my head in my hands.

As long as Y/N is okay, I’m okay.  

I would do anything to protect her.

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

Yay relationship issues.  Sorry.  Not yay.  Thanks for reading!

@disfunctionalcellmembrane @marvel4geeks @ilovesupersoldiers @sovereignparker @averyfosterthoughts

Part 7