#he calls it Na-ROO-to

[cyandocs]

My dad: I'm gonna hang the little Sasuke Aud got her brother on the tree

Me: Itatchi

Dad: Itatchi is going on the tree

[roosterforme]

Always Ever Only You Part 18 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: You missed the quality time you'd been spending with your husband as soon as it started to slip away. You were busy with work, and Bradley was being called upon again, just like he always was. But before he prepares to leave, your curiosity gets the best of you.

Warnings: Angst, swearing, fluff, oral, smut, talking about trying for a baby

Length: 5200 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

This was written to accompany my series Is It Working For You? along with a bunch of my one-shots and other series, but it can be read on its own! Check my masterlist for the reading order. Always Ever Only You masterlist. Gorgeous banner by @mak-32

As May became June, the temperatures got hotter and the beaches got more crowded, and your evening walks with Tramp became a little less frequent as a result. You also felt like your time with Bradley was starting to become a little more sporadic. Work and other obligations were starting to break into the bubble that the two of you had managed to re-form, and you kind of missed how cozy you'd been.

"I'll be home late on Tuesday, Roo. I have a meeting with Bickel."

"Mav asked me to teach on Thursday, so don't wait for me if you're hungry for dinner."

By the time you got to Friday night, you ended up at the Hard Deck, because everyone kept bugging you to go. And you knew that Bradley was proud of your hard work and the fact that your boss seemed to be lining you up to take over after his eventual retirement. And it wasn't like you weren't absolutely thrilled that Top Gun was entrusting Bradley with teaching their incoming students with more frequency. But you were just craving more of the intimate hours you got used to at home. With just Bradley and a bath with champagne followed by him reading from his notebooks. 

"You want another beer?" Bradley asked you next to the noisy pool table as you shook your head. Nat had already given you two, and you just wanted to go home already. You tried to socialize with everyone a little bit more. Fanboy was about to leave for a long deployment, so you made sure you gave him an extra hug or two. And then Payback showed up with the girl he was dating, so you chatted with her for a little bit. But after another hour, you were feeling antsy. 

Any day now, you were certain Bradley would be telling you he had been chosen for the top secret special detachment. And in just a few more days, he would be on base in Lemoore until the judge made a decision regarding Admiral Dean and Slayer. And there was nothing you could do about either of those things. 

You were also pretty sure you were almost done ovulating right now in spite of your best efforts to try not to think about it. And the past few days had been a bust with how busy the two of you were. The last thing you wanted to do was push Bradley to have sex when one or both of you were tired or clearly not in the mood for it. But there was a tiny bit of doubt that was creeping in, making you feel like this was a wasted month. But on the other hand, just looking at him right now was making you warm. You knew it was probably just your hormones, but you wanted him and his attention all to yourself.

Immediately you set your empty beer bottle down and wrapped your arms around your husband as he talked to his best friend. He rubbed your back as you pressed your cheek to his chest, already feeling a little better. You didn't care if Nat heard you; she was already Bradley's sounding board for so many things. So you smiled at her and then looked up at him as he paused with his beer most of the way to his mouth. 

"Bradley," you said, your voice a little needy even to your own ears. "I love you, and it's been a really long week, and I just kind of miss when we were spending so much time together. Can we go home now and relax?"

Bradley handed Nat his half empty beer and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Can we finish talking about this later?"

"Absolutely," Nat replied with a smirk. "Goodnight, you two."

Then he laced his fingers with yours and led you out of the bar and onto the deck where he immediately picked you up for a piggy back ride. "Why didn't you say something sooner? I thought you wanted to come out and see Fanboy and do the whole Hard Deck thing tonight."

"I kind of did," you said, kissing his ear as he carried you to the Bronco. "But it got old fast compared to being at home with you. It's just been a long week, and I missed you. And I know you'll be in Lemoore in a few days, and then the special detachment is coming up, and-"

"Hey," Bradley said firmly as he set you down next to the Bronco. "I'm right here, and I'm more than happy to take you home and stay there for the rest of the weekend. I'd love to do that, in fact."

You wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him. "Maybe you can call Nat tomorrow? And finish your conversation with her then?"

"Maybe," he replied. "Or maybe I'll be too busy with my wife. Either way, it works for me."

He buckled you in with another kiss before he climbed in and zipped the short distance back home. Then you made a sandwich for a late night snack and cut it in half to share with him. He lifted you up onto the counter and finished his in three bites, and you felt so much better being at home alone with him. You finally felt like you could focus. 

"Are you still hungry?" you asked while he downed a glass of water and watched you finish eating. 

"Not for a sandwich, Sweetheart." His voice was raspy, and the fine hairs on your neck and arms were standing on end as he took a step closer. 

"Oh," you whispered as he leaned against the counter with his hands on either side of your thighs. You ate the last few bites slowly before you asked, "Are you going to tell me what you're hungry for? Maybe it's something I could get ready for you?"

He groaned softly as he kissed the side of your neck and whispered, "I wanna eat your pussy, Baby Girl. Will you let me?"

An hour ago, you had been feeling overstimulated and annoyed. Now you were unbuttoning your shorts and whining your husband's name. Next time you wouldn't wait so long to tell him you just needed a few minutes alone with him so you could feel better. 

"I'll take that as a yes," Bradley said as he sank down to his knees in front of you and helped you out of your shorts and underwear. He spread your legs wide and ran his index finger back and forth across your clit. "Let me enjoy this perfect pussy, and then I'll read to you from my notebook in bed."

He peppered a few kisses on your thigh, then his mouth was all over you. Your fingers gripped his hair as you tried to stay upright while he buried his face in you. "Roo," you gasped as his mustache hit just the right spot. You rocked gently against his face as he licked long stripes up and down before letting his pretty lips settle on your clit. He knew exactly how to get you off, but right now, he was taking his time. 

"Fucking gorgeous," he whispered, looking up at you and smiling before kissing you everywhere. He fucked you expertly with his tongue, and you were afraid you were pulling his hair too hard, but he didn't stop. 

Soft, needy sounds gave way to you begging him to let you come. "Please, Daddy!" 

He grunted and fucked you with two fingers while he sucked on you in a gentle, steady rhythm. The pressure was just right. His rough mustache was perfect. You came, tugging on his hair until he was standing up. His cheeks were rosy, and his pupils were blown wide, and his face was wet from a mix of your pussy and his saliva. 

He was the most handsome thing that ever existed, and now he was kissing your lips with that mouth that tasted like you. This time you were a little gentler as you combed your fingers through his hair while he rutted against you. 

"You just needed a night in with your Daddy. You feel better now?"

"I really did need you," you promised. Then you softly asked him, "Do you want to fuck me?"

He was panting slightly as he muttered, "Of course I do. You're my perfect wife."

You undid his pants and pushed them down a few inches, and he was right at your entrance, ready to go. But he was hesitating, his cheeks growing a shade darker as he swallowed hard. "I'm not gonna last."

He was just that turned on from going down on you. "I don't care," you promised him. You were so relaxed and sated, you kind of felt like you could melt into a puddle on the kitchen island. And then he was thrusting inside you, his hips rolling and pushing your thighs wider. 

He wrapped his hands around your waist and shook his head, and soon he was muttering that he was about to finish. So you leaned back on your elbows and planted your feet on the edge of the counter and said, "I was a good girl all week. Give me a cream pie?"

Your husband stroked your rooster tattoo with his right thumb as he fucked you harder until you were struggling to keep your feet planted in place. "Oh, shit," he growled when he came. Once his movements had stilled, he withdrew from you and smiled. "That's a beautiful cream pie, if I do say so myself. We do some of our best work in the kitchen." 

You were both giggly and a little bit messy as Bradley carried you to bed. When he flipped to a random page in the notebook, you curled up against him. "What am I supposed to do when you're gone again? We have no idea how long you'll be in Lemoore. And who knows about the special mission either."

He sighed and kissed your forehead. "As far as I'm concerned, Lemoore should be cut and dry. I'll drive up with Nat and Bob, and we'll all read our statements. And hopefully that's it."

"And hopefully Dean and Slayer get fucking reprimanded to the letter of the law," you added.

"Well, that too," he said with a laugh. "But I'll be back home quickly, and we don't even know if I'll get selected for the detachment, so let's not worry about that yet." Then he cleared his throat and started to read from his notebook.

"I can't believe how much time I wasted with other women. The few minutes of satisfaction did not outweigh the fact that I didn't really want to get to know them at all. And maybe even worse, the fact that I could tell they thought I was only good for one thing. The more I think about it, maybe I really only was good for one thing."

You cut him off with a kiss and said, "I don't really like this page. I don't like it when you're hard on yourself."

Bradley looked at you with soft eyes and smiled. "Want me to read something else?"

You wrapped your arms around him a little tighter, but you said, "No. Finish this one."

He cleared his throat again and continued. 

"At the time, I guess I thought I was living in the moment, and that I'd have these experiences to look back on someday when I was older. But now I don't like thinking about it, because the main thing I remember is that I was selling myself short in every way. What's the point in having meaningless sex over and over again when what you're actually craving is attention and affection? What's the point in kicking someone out of your bed after an hour when your skin starts to crawl, when all you really want is to find the right person to keep with you all night long?

I don't understand how my wife is so gracious. I really don't get the way she can look at me and see something worth her precious time. But I'm so thankful she does."

You snuggled against him quietly, your thoughts swirling. "Roo? I don't understand why you didn't just try to take me home with you after we met."

Bradley snorted and chuckled as he set the notebook aside. "You mean when I couldn't stop staring at you when we were on base working together? Or you mean the night when we first talked at the Hard Deck?"

You closed your eyes and considered the difference. Jake had asked you out during work hours two days after you met him, but you were already distracted by Bradley at that point. And maybe you'd have let Bradley take you home from the bar, but then you probably would have never gone on a real date with him. 

"I think I would have gone home with you from the bar," you said softly. "If you'd asked."

Bradley's fingers dug into your body as he said, "Then you would have thought I was a joke just like every other woman. And maybe that's why I didn't try my shitty pickup lines or any of my moves on you. Yeah, you and I were flirting, but everything I did and said to you was sincere, because I could tell I was getting your genuine undivided attention. You weren't only looking at me like I could take care of you physically for an hour.  And that was a very rare thing."

"Oh," you sighed, crawling fully on top of him now. You smiled and kissed him until the concerned crease in his forehead smoothed out. "You always make me feel like you knew we would get married someday as soon as you looked at me."

Bradley rubbed his hands up under your shirt. "I think I subconsciously hoped so, Sweetheart. But I had to play the limited cards in my hand just right to even stand a chance."

You were starting to get sleepy now, and his rough hands felt so good everywhere. "What would you have said to me if you just wanted to hookup?" you asked, laughing as he groaned. 

"You don't want to know, Sweetheart. You would have probably laughed in my face and walked away, because I was using the same dumb tactics since I was twenty four."

You kissed his sternum as your mind once again swirled with information. "This is all very intriguing," you murmured as you started to doze.

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

Bradley was waiting on the porch with you after work on Monday evening, his arms wrapped around you as you kissed him. It was a five hour drive up to Lemoore, and Nat was on her way to pick him up. 

"Call or text me when you get there," you said between kisses as your fingers teased and tugged at his hair. "Even if it's late."

"I will," he promised, kind of no longer content to just be making out with you. There wasn't enough time for anything else, even though you were moaning softly into his mouth and letting your hands explore the front of his body now. "Baby Girl," he warned. The last thing he wanted was an erection when he had to leave you in the next few minutes. 

But you just kissed him harder and said, "I love you," and now Bradley was thinking about retiring and spending every night with you for the rest of his life. 

"Fuck," he grunted when he heard Nat's SUV. When he opened his eyes, she was careening into the driveway behind your shitty little car. His best friend was such a bad driver, he wasn't exactly sure why he and Bob agreed to put her behind the wheel today, but he certainly wouldn't mind if Nat totaled your car right now. She came to a screeching halt mere inches from your bumper. At least that disappointment was enough to stave off his boner. 

You walked Bradley to the driveway, and Bob put the passenger side window down so you could chat with them while Bradley put his garment bag in the trunk along with your small overnight bag he was using. If he wasn't back by Wednesday night, he was going to be so pissed off. 

"I made you guys cookies and some blueberry muffins," you told Bob, handing two containers over. Bradley snuck up behind you and pressed himself against your rear end as you tried to have a normal conversation with his friends. You ended up just saying good luck before turning to face him. "You're obnoxious," you whispered. 

"I know. It's just because I love you so much," he replied with a smirk, earning another heated kiss before you pushed him toward the back door. "I'll let you know when we get there."

Bradley had to push snack wrappers and other assorted trash onto the floor with a grimace so he could buckle his seat belt. Nat turned to look at him. "You and your wife are so gross," she said with a laugh.

"Not as gross as your car. Hey, any chance you can put it in drive instead of reverse and then floor the accelerator?" he asked, only half kidding as he looked at your car.

"No," Nat replied as she backed out. "She'd never forgive me."

Then the three of them waved to you, and they were off. Bradley tried to have a muffin without making a mess of the crumbs, but he watched as Nat just brushed them onto the floor while she drove and ate. "You guys think anything will even happen to Dean?" she asked with her mouth full. 

"If everything is good and just in the world, then yes," Bob said in an even tone. 

"I fucking hope so," Bradley added. "If for no other reason than the fact that they are making us go up to Lemoore."

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

On Tuesday, the courtroom was packed with people who were there to make statements against Admiral Dean. There were so many people in fact, that Bradley was surprised this man had been allowed to fuck up this many missions for his own agenda before he ended up in front of a judge in a military courtroom. The benches of witnesses were jammed as Bradley squeezed in next to Nat, and the room was so warm, he didn't know how he'd manage all day in his dress blues. 

"Look at everyone," she whispered as she tugged at her collar. "We'll be here all week."

Bradley had to listen to the two lawyers argue for a bit, but once things started rolling, he was starting to get a solid picture of what was going on here. Admiral Dean moved from the Atlantic Fleet to the Pacific Fleet with a small reprimand after showing clear favoritism to the pilots out of Naval Air Station Key West. He'd cost an aviator her life among a laundry list of other fucked up things, a fact that made Bradley's somach turn. He nudged Nat's leg with his, thankful his friend was still here even though she looked like she was half asleep. 

But once Dean had been placed in Lemoore, things somehow got even worse. Bradley listened to a statement from a pilot who felt like he had been forced into early retirement by Dean. Then there was a weapons systems officer who said she'd been passed over for promotions by Dean because she tried to call him out on his behavior. 

When he, Bob and Nat were called up with the others who had been in the air with Slayer back in April, Bradley had to stand there and feel the glare from two sets of eyes burning into him as he gave his honest testimony of the events of that day. He didn't hold back. He talked about the fact that he had been named the spare when he would have never gone off course like Slayer did. He made sure to make his point when he said everyone in the air was at risk simply because Slayer had been selected for the mission over him. And he ended things by pointing out that by the time he got to the scene of the dogfighting, some of the others were already nearly out of ammunition and fuel. 

He made eye contact with Dean and then Slayer once he was finished, and then Bob was called up. And then Nat was called up. And then all of the others as well. The details that were being recounted could all be pieced together to give an honest picture of what happened that day. Dean should have been squirming in his seat, and Bradley was delighted to see that he was as the day wore on and on. 

Bradley's stomach was growling loudly, and he was annoyed when the judge said, "Let's all reconvene tomorrow morning for final statements and a decision. Everyone is dismissed for now."

"We have to stay another night?" Nat whined, yanking at her tie on the way out of the courtroom. "Just strip the asshole of his rank right now."

Bradley tended to agree with her. What was the sense in drawing this out any longer? He could have been on his way home to you, but instead he was picking up takeout for dinner and walking it back to his tiny hotel room across the street from the barracks on base. He inhaled his dinner while he texted you some updates, and just when he was hoping to call and maybe have some filthy phone sex, he got a call from someone else. 

He sighed and answered. "Hey, Mav. What's up?"

"You're still in Lemoore?" 

"Yeah. Until at least tomorrow," Bradley grunted. 

Mav paused for a beat. "I wanted to tell you in person, but tomorrow night won't give you as much time to prepare. You've been selected. For the special detachment. You'll have to fly out of Miramar by Comanche on Monday morning."

Bradley's heart was pounding with anticipation and nerves. "Where am I going?"

"That's all the information I have. The clearances for this thing are tight to say the least. When you get back down here, you'll need to talk to Admiral Simpson and Admiral Bates immediately."

"Fuck," Bradley whispered. "Thanks for the call."

He sat in silence for a few minutes, wondering if he should call and tell you right now or wait until he got home. He collapsed back on the bed, knowing this was the kind of conversation he'd rather have with you face to face, but it would be much worse if you thought he was trying to hide anything from you. He reached for his phone. 

After one ring, he heard your voice. "Roo." You sounded so sweet, he could picture the way you must have been curled up in bed reading by now. "Are you alone?"

"Yeah," he grunted, rubbing his face with one hand. 

Your soft laughter made him want to touch himself as you said, "Can we talk about how much I want to suck your cock right now?"

"Fuck. Baby Girl. Wait."

Your voice took on a different tone entirely. "What's wrong?"

"Maverick just called me. I'm going on the special detachment. I leave Monday." When you asked him for details, he had none to give you. And when you asked him if he was happy, he didn't really know how to respond. "I think... relieved is the right word for how I'm feeling. I don't want to leave you again, but I do feel like this is something I needed."

And then you told him that you were proud of him.

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

You had a missed call from Bradley plus a new text message when you looked at your phone the following afternoon, but you couldn't even call him back. You were sitting between Cat and Commander Bickel for a video conference with a group in Annapolis. Video conferences were the fucking worst invention. You didn't want to have to look at that bald guy in Maryland picking his nose on a huge screen. And you certainly didn't want to have to listen to this other idiot talk about things that had nothing to do with your lab for hours on end. 

The only good part was the catered lunch, but even that prevented you from calling Bradley back. You looked at the most recent text he sent you saying Dean and Slayer had been sentenced and that he was on his way home. You sent him back a thumbs up. The details would have to wait until later. 

"Come here," Cat said, giving you a look as she jerked her head to the side.

"What?" you asked as you tried to eat your sandwich before the conference started back up for the afternoon. You had been alternating who you ate lunch with when you made it to the cafeteria, and you'd also been trying to give her and Jake plenty of time together this week without being the third wheel. 

"I'm not worried exactly, but... Jake has a lot of women texting his phone," she said bluntly. "Should I be worried?"

You were kind of stunned, not that you really paid much attention to what he used his phone for. "He has other women texting him?" 

Cat nodded, and you thought it wasn't fair that someone that beautiful should look so insecure. "Most of the messages are from phone numbers he hasn't saved in his contacts. And I didn't go snooping, but he's not trying to hide it. He just leaves his phone out, and then I see them."

You felt a little sick. "What are they saying to him?"

"Hey Jake, it's Brittany, haven't seen you at the bar. Or Jake, call me if you want to come over. Or my personal favorite, Wanna come over and fuck?"

"No," you gasped. "Oh my god, Cat. There's no way he's hooking up with anyone else. It's probably just some residuals."

She shrugged and picked at her own sandwich. "Well it's a lot for me. And this is kind of the reason why I didn't want to get involved months ago," she whispered, looking sheepish. 

"I'll talk to him."

"No." She shook her head. "Then he'll know I told you, and I don't want to make him mad at me."

"He won't get mad at you, Cat." You wanted to be reassuring, because you really were sure he wasn't sleeping around. "Is he being sweet to you? And Jeremiah?"

"Yes," she replied without hesitation. She closed her eyes and whispered, "We slept together for the first time last weekend. It was... it was so good. And he's great with Jer. Like a natural." When she opened her dark eyes again she looked less calm. "I'll talk to him myself."

Then Bickel called everyone back to their seats. "The conference is picking up again," he said in such a monotone voice, you loved him even more for hating this meeting. "Could have been an email," he muttered, and everyone from your lab erupted into laughter as you took your seats. 

You used the minute of confusion while everyone moved around the conference table to text Jake instead of Bradley. 

I sincerely hope you have your text messages under control. 

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

Bradley had already been home for a few minutes when you ran in after work. "Well? What happened?" you asked while you hopped around inside the front door as you removed your boots one at a time.

He was stretched out on the couch staring at the ceiling. "Just give me another minute. Nat's driving did a number on me."

But you strolled over and laid down right on top of him which made him laugh. "I don't want to give you another minute. I missed you."

"I missed you, too." You kissed him and Bradley ran his hands down to your lower back. "And you know I love your ass in your uniform pants."

"What happened with Dean and Slayer?" you asked, not letting him indulge just yet. 

"Well, Dean will not be retiring as an Admiral, and Slayer is on a year-long leave or absence with one third pay."

You smiled instantly. "They stripped Dean's rank?"

"They sure did, Sweetheart. And they are going to force him to retire without benefits."

"Damn," you whispered as you kissed his chin. "He had it coming. They both did."

"Now onto more important things," Bradley said. "Two nights sleeping on that shitty hotel room bed made my back hurt."

"You poor, sweet thing," you crooned softly. 

"I know," he murmured. "I require a bath complete with you and some champagne. And then I'm hoping you'll welcome me back to our bed in the warmest way."

"I think that can be arranged." You got up and started to unbutton your uniform shirt on your way to the refrigerator. "We have one bottle left."

When you turned back, he was already gone, and you could hear the water running in your bathroom. "Seriously?" you asked as you ran in there to find him naked as the tub filled. 

"What? I missed you a lot."

The special detachment was going to feel like forever, you just knew it. And you'd be surprised if he'd be allowed to have contact with you at all for the duration. But that wasn't the only thing that you'd been thinking about this week. After he left for Lemoore, you'd read his notebook from cover to cover, and while you were certainly curious, you didn't want to make him uncomfortable. 

You slipped into the tub and into his open arms, the water just almost too hot to handle as he popped the champagne bottle and took a sip as it overflowed slightly. You straddled his thighs and pressed the bottle to your lips as he started a playlist on his phone. 

"Roo?"

"Yeah, Sweetheart?"

He set his phone down and pulled you close as you said, "I read your notebook while you were gone."

"You'll have it memorized soon," he replied with a chuckle as he kissed your shoulder. 

You took another sip of champagne before handing him the bottle. "I keep thinking about how you said you used to pick girls up before you met me, and..."

He raised one eyebrow as he drank, and then he licked his lips. "Yeah?"

"Well, I'm still curious."

He laughed and shook his head. "First of all, I was a bit of a mess before I realized I stood a chance with you and cleaned up my act. You already know that. And second, there's no way you'd have gone for any of my bullshit, I can almost guarantee that."

"But like, what were your go-to lines? What were your moves?" He tipped your chin up and looked at you closely. "Come on. Just humor me."

"God, Baby Girl. I'm sure it was all really quite embarrassing. Especially when I was younger."

You kissed his cheek and then his lips and you could feel him start to stir against your thigh. "Could you try it on me?" you asked softly. "For fun?"

Bradley's cheeks were pink and his lips tasted like champagne, and for some reason you desperately wanted to know what it would have been like if you met him five years earlier and he tried to get you to go home with him right away. 

He was stroking your tattoo absentmindedly beneath the water as he eventually asked, "What exactly did you have in mind, Sweetheart?"

"Well, there's this bar..."

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

I have been excited about the next few chapters for such a long time! So happy you're here! Thanks to @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 19

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[visualtaehyun]

I noticed a bit of a disparity between the subs and what's being said in the scene where Sand's mom and Ray are introduced to each other. The word 'friend' is used several times but not in all instances is it actually being said. Every other instance not mentioned here does use the word เพื่อน (=friend) as is.

The usual disclaimer applies, I'm a learner of Thai, not a native speaker 🙏

นี้สนิทกันหนอ /nee sanit gan naaw/ = Are you close?

ก็ สนิทอยู่น่ะครับแม่ /gaw sanit yoo na khap mae/ = Well... (we) are close (+polite particle +calls her 'mom' which, combined, some other subs convey as 'ma'am')

รู้จักกันทุกซอกทุกมุมเลยครับ /roo jak gan thook saawk thook moom loey khap/ = (We) know each other('s) every nook and cranny (+intensifier +polite particle)

กูว่าไม่น่าใช่แค่เพื่อนธรรมดาละมั้ง /gu waa mai naa chai kae puen tham ma daa la mang/ = I think (he's) probably not just an ordinary friend.

ก็ไม่ธรรมดาหรอกแม่ /gaw mai tham ma daa rawk mae/ = Not ordinary (at all), mom.

Sidenote 1: All the slowly getting to know and opening up to each other they did this episode fell apart like a house of cards when Boston brought up Mew. Is he that jealous of the possibility of his friends being in happy relationships that he can't help but ruin it? Or why is he so hung up on what (he thinks) he saw and recorded between Mew and Ray? I'm fascinated. He really is the engine that drives this toxic mess of a plot lol

Sidenote 2: I find it interesting how quickly Sand put up his walls again after that huge fight. After last episode, we as the viewers of course know what Mew means to Ray and that he seems to be trying to move on now that Mew and Top dating has given him the push he needed. Ray may have called them friends in front of Boston and Nick but Sand has called them friends too in front of his mother. They've been very clearly toeing the line, Sand just doesn't seem to trust his own judgment (been burned too often maybe?). Ray spent his entire day with him! Sand isn't just Ray's 25th/special hour, as he started to believe before Boston caused drama, he is his entire day.

[loveforpreserumsteve]

A Whole New Ballfield: "ALN" Story (Pre-Serum Omega!Steve and Alpha!Bucky Modern Domestic AU)

Twenty-Two:

Brushing the fresh, fluffy snowflakes from the top of the granite tombstone, Steve set a bouquet of pink carnations on it. Making sure to kiss his gloved hand before touching the freezing cold stone. Even after twenty years, the wound still felt fresh. Figuring that what hurt the most was all of the wondering. Wondering what she'd look like. Wondering who she'd be. Wondering how many more lives she could've impacted outside of her family.

"I hope you're taking care of each other," Steve sniffled, placing an identical bouquet of pink carnations on Sarah's tombstone. "I miss you every day."

For a moment, he just stood there, hugging himself since he couldn't hug his first two gals. He wished that they could've been there with them. Especially with little Rory Roo on his way. Knowing that Sarah would've been so proud of them all and knowing that she would've loved them so much. He'd like to think that Flora would too. Maybe she would've even choked up at her first nephew sharing her na���

Vzzt, vvvzzzt, vzzt.

Feeling the vibration of his ringing phone, Steve pulled it from his pocket. There, on the screen was a picture from a few winters back of Ollie and Rhodey arm-in-arm. Instantly, his heart jumped up into his throat and he raced to answer it. Nearly dropping it in the snow as he did so.

"Everything okay?"

"Ollie's in labor."

"Oh, o-o-okay," Steve's heart slammed down in his chest, and he could already feel the emotion creeping up. This was it! He was going to be a grandfather!

Rushing to his red minivan, Steve asked, "Is he at the hospital?"

"Yeah, we're all set up and ready to go."

"Good," Steve sighed in relief. Starting the van, he said, "I'll be there soon."

"Thanks, pops."

"Of course! Did you call dad?"

"Not yet."

"That's okay, I'll swing by and pick him up."

"Than–" a loud groan broke through, and the alpha said, "Gotta go!"

"We'll see you soon!"

Once the alpha hung up, Steve tossed his phone into the passenger seat and raced for home. This was possibly one of the biggest days of their lives! Certainly, the biggest day in Rhodey and Ollie's lives up until this point! And Steve couldn't help but be excited. This was his grandson they were talking about! Grandson! Bucky and Steve were going to be grandfathers!

Parking in the driveway, Steve didn't even cut the engine. Instead, he simply put it in park and hopped out. Making sure to be mindful of any possible ice in their driveway as he cut across the snowy lawn and headed for the front door.

Not even all the way inside, Steve called out, "OLLIE'S IN LABOR!"

"WHAT?" Came from multiple different locations by varying voices.

Soon, Bucky was rushing down the entry hallway as he attempted to put his snow boots on along with his jacket without missing a step. Steve wanted to warn his mate to take it easy, since another broken hip definitely wasn't needed right now. But he understood the haste, because he was all but pacing as he waited for the rest of the family to get ready to leave for the hospital.

"Easy," Steve cautioned, reaching out so he could steady his husband. But he knew that the same wild glee in Bucky's eyes reflected perfectly in his own. "You don't wanna greet your grandson from a hospital bed because you broke your hip."

Bucky blew a raspberry at him, but leaned in so he could press a kiss to his lips. All excitement and love flowing through the bond and heightening their scents. It was so strange compared to the times that he was in labor. During those times, they had been excited, but also nervous and a little scared.

This time though? Steve was practically vibrating from all of his anticipation. And he knew that Bucky felt the same. And considering the kids were rushing to join them, Steve could tell that they did too.

"How far 'long?" Bucky asked, following Steve back outside to the still-running minivan.

"I don't know," Steve admitted, "Rhodey just called and said they were at the hospital."

"This is so exciting!" Nevie giggled, climbing into the back of the van.

"Right?" Bitsy asked, joining her sister. "Cori is gonna be so pissed she went away with Abby for the weekend."

"Oh, I know," Nevie agreed.

As Kit and Leigh-Anne took up the rear of the group, Kit insisted that omega to go first. She shook her head and gestured towards her own van, "I should probably go."

"Why?" Kit asked, brows deeply furrowing.

She looked uncomfortable and shrugged, "It's a family thing."

Kit rolled their eyes and tugged the petite woman closer, "Don't be stupid."

For a moment, it looked as though Leigh-Anne was going to object again, but she must've realized how eager the rest of the family was to leave. So, instead, she climbed into the minivan. And when Kit joined them, Steve decided not to bring up the way that the two twenty-one year olds held hands.

Backing out of the driveway, Steve drove as fast as legally permitted. Desperately hoping that his grandson would hold on for a little longer. Just long enough for him and Bucky to be there.

Thankfully, it didn't take long for the older omega to pull into the hospital parking lot. From there, Steve was able to find a parking spot, and was lucky enough to not slip and break a bone as he rushed into the building. And as they headed for the welcome desk, Steve extended his hand for his mate. Without thinking about it, the alpha took his hand in his, lacing their fingers together as they entered this next chapter of their lives.

[pikahlua]

MHA Chapter 369 spoilers translations

This week’s initial tentative super rough/literal translations under the cut.

1 おかしい okashii "Strange"

tagline 1 在りし日の2代目… ありしひの2だいめ… ari shi hi no 2daime... The Second from the days of the past...

tagline 2 No.369 連なる星霜　　堀越耕平 ナンバー369 つらなるせいそう　　ほりこしこうへい NANBAA 369 tsuranaru seisou   Horikoshi Kouhei No. 369 Stretching Out the Years   Kouhei Horikoshi

2 何故だ なぜだ naze da "Why is it?"

3 おまえの“個性“は おまえの“こせい“は omae no “kosei” wa "Your quirk is"

1 ただ小さな物体に作用するだけの ただちいさなぶったいにさようするだけの tada chiisana buttai ni sayou suru dake no "just one that only works on tiny objects."

2 ちんけな豆鉄砲だった筈だ ちんけなまめでっぽうだったはずだ chinkena mame deppou datta hazu da "It should have just been a weak little peashooter."

3-4 足掻きと呼ぶことすら烏滸がましい程に あがきとよぶことすらおこがましいほどに agaki to yobu koto sura okogamashii hodo ni "To go so far as to presume to call this struggling"

5 矮小な人間のーー わいしょうなにんげんのーー waishou na ningen no--- "[This] scrawny human's--"

6 ゴミ虫の⁉︎ ゴミむしの⁉︎ GOMI mushi no!? "This garbage-bug's [quirk]!?"

7-8 ソレだった筈!!! ソレだったはず!!! SORE datta hazu!!! "That's all it should have been!!!"

1 何故 なぜ naze "Why"

2 おまえ達が見える!!? おまえたちがみえる!!? omae-tachi ga mieru!!? "can I see all of you!!?"

3 "個性“　変速 "こせい“　へんそく “kosei” hensoku Quirk: Gearshift

1 他の者の異能同様 ほかのもののいのうどうよう hoka no mono no inou douyou Similar to the supernatural abilities of the other [vestiges],

2 OFAの成長に伴い強化された「変速」は ワン・フォー・オールのせいちょうにともないきょうかされた「へんそく」は WAN FOO OORU no seichou ni tomonai kyouka sareta 「hensoku」 wa with One For All's growth, Gearshift [received] the accompanying strength enhancement,

3 付与の解釈を拡大し細胞一つ一つにまで作用するに至った ふよのかいしゃくをかくだいしさいぼうひとつひとつにまでさようするにいたった fuyo no kaishaku wo kakudai shi saibou hitotsu hitotsu ni made sayou suru ni itatta and, expanding on its given interpretation. it developed to the point where it works on individual cells. (Note: By "given interpretation," the explanation means that the Second's quirk has developed its ability to work on smaller and smaller things.)

4 そしてOFA自体に蓄積された純粋なる"力" そしてワン・フォー・オールじたいにちくせきされたじゅんすいなる"ちから" soshite WAN FOO OORU jitai ni chikuseki sareta junsui naru “chikara” And then [there's] the sheer power stored within One For All itself.

5 この二つが重なる時その拳は このふたつがかさなるときそのこぶしは kono futatsu ga kasanaru toki sono kobushi wa When those two overlap, that fist

6 デトロイトスマッシュ… DETOROITO SUMASSHU... Detroit Smash...

7 世の理すら歪ませる よのことわりすらゆがませる yo no kotowari (kanji: ri) sura yugamaseru will distort even the logic of the world.

1 五重 クインティプル KUINTIPURU (kanji: gojuu) Quintuple

1 先刻よりは軽い！ さっきよりはかるい！ sakki (kanji: senkoku) yori wa karui! That was lighter than before!

2 "光"が溜まっていなかったからだ "ひかり"がたまっていなかったからだ “hikari” ga tamatte inakatta kara da because the "light" is not accumulating anymore.

3 捉えられずとも受けた軌道から次の角度・タイミングは とらえられずともうけたきどうからつぎのかくど・タイミングは toraerarezu to mo uketa kidou kara tsugi no kakudo・TAIMINGU wa Even if I can't catch him, [I can tell] from the trajectory [when he hit me] what his next angle and timing [will be].

4 見え… みえ… mie... I can see-...

1 一速 ロー ROO (kanji: ichi soku) "Low (read as: First Gear)"

2 "変速"は "へんそく"は “hensoku” wa "Gearshift"

3 慣性に依らぬ速度変更 かんせいによらぬスピードチェンジ kansei ni yoranu SUPIIDO CHENJI "changes speed independent of inertia"

4 AFOよ　おまえなら　わかるんじゃないか？ オール・フォー・ワンよ　おまえなら　わかるんじゃないか？ OORU FOO WAN yo omae nara wakarunja nai ka? "All For One, don't you know that?"

5 ならばこのままーー naraba kono mama-- "In that case, at this rate--"

6 下らない！ くだらない！ kudaranai! "[your attacks are] worthless!"

1 上⁉︎ うえ⁉︎ ue!? Above!?

2 タイミング調整されたら　"危機感知"で察知して タイミングちょうせいされたら　"4TH"でさっちして TAIMINGU chousei saretara “4TH (kanji: kiki kanchi)” de sacchi shite "I'll change the timing [based on] what I perceive with the 4th's Danger Sense"

3 "煙幕"で即視界を潰す "6TH"でそくしかいをつぶす “6TH (kanji: enmaku)” de soku shikai wo tsubusu "and then use the 6th's Smokescreen immediately to cripple his sight."

4 そしたら"浮遊"で急上昇して そしたら"7TH"できゅうじょうしょうして soshitara “7TH (kanji: fuyuu)” de kyuujoushou shite "After that, I'll soar with the 7th's Float,"

5 意識外から"黒鞭"で拘束一気に引き寄せる いしきがいから"5TH"でこそくいっきにひきよせる ishikigai kara “5TH (kanji: kuromuchi)” de kosoku ikki ni hiki yoseru "and because he's unaware I'll immediately pull him [to me] with the 5th's Black Whip."

6 そしてさっきの五重で貯め直した そしてさっきのクインティプルでためなおした soshite sakki no KUINTIPURU (kanji: gojuu) de tame naoshita "Then, with what I restocked with the quintuple from before"

7 "発勁“で "3RD“で “3RD (kanji: hakkei)” de "with the 3rd's Fa Jin,"

1 再び"変速"で‼︎ ふたたび"2ND｜オーバードライブ"で‼︎ futatabi “2ND | OOBAADORAIBU” de!! "[hit him] with the Second's Overdrive (read as: Gearshift) once more!!" (Note: The kanji have two sets of furigana.)

2 注意すべきは異能じゃあない ちゅういすべきはいのうじゃあない chuui subeki wa inou jaa nai "It's not the supernatural abilities you should be wary of."

3-5 授かったものを何の為に行使するのか さずかったものをなんのためにこうしするのか sazukatta mono wo nan no tame ni koushi suru no ka "What do you do with what you are given?"

6 その"意志"に力は宿るのだ その"いし"にちからはやどるのだ sono “ishi” ni chikara wa yadoru no da "[You should be wary of] that 'will' in which the power dwells."

1 だから人はそれを だからひとはそれを dakara hito wa sore wo That's why people...

2 今度こそ こんどこそ kondo koso "This time,"

3 全てを出し切る……！ すべてをだしきる……！ subete wo dashi kiru......! "I'll give it my all......!"

4 ワン・フォー・オールを完遂させるのはおまえだ ワン・フォー・オールをかんすいさせるのはおまえだ WAN FOO OORU wo kansui saseru no wa omae da "You're the one who will complete One For All."

5 オール・フォー・ワン‼︎ OORU FOO WAN!! "All For One!!"

6 もう誰も‼︎ もうだれも‼︎ mou dare mo!! "No one else!!"

7 黙れゴミ虫共がァ‼︎だまれゴミむしどもがァ‼︎ damare GOMI mushi-domo gaA!! "Shut up, you damn garbage-bugs!!"

1 傷つけさせはしない‼︎ きずつけさせはしない‼︎ kizu tsuke sase wa shinai!! "I won't let you hurt [anyone else]!!!"

2-3 "個性"と呼ぶのだろう "こせい"とよぶのだろう “kosei” toyobu no darou ...call them "quirks." (Note: The kanji for "quirk" means "individuality.")

1 …感応している …かんのうしている ...kannou shite iru "...they're responding."

2 OFAがAFOに ワン・フォー・オールがオール・フォー・ワンに WAN FOO OORU ga OORU FOO WAN ni "All For One [is responding] to One For All"

3 AFOがOFAに オール・フォー・ワンがワン・フォー・オールに OORU FOO WAN ga WAN FOO OORU ni "and One For All to All For One."

4 兄さんが見える… にいさんがみえる… niisan ga mieru... "I can see my [older] brother..."

5 円らな瞳の青年が言っていた事は つぶらなひとみのせいねんがいっていたことは tsuburana hitomi no seinen ga itte ita koto wa "What the round-eyed young man was saying" (Note: “TSUBURANA HITOMI” appears in a note below the panel with an image of Mirio’s face.)

6 正しかった ただしかった tadashikatta "was correct."

7 これまでの継戦が これまでのけいせんが kore made no keisen ga "The battle until now--"

8 ここに至るまでの連なりが ここにいたるまでのつらなりが koko ni itaru made no tsuranari ga "The chain connecting to this point"

9 "統合"の均衡を揺るがしている "とうごう"のきんこうをゆるがしている “tougou” no kinkou wo yurugashite iru "is upsetting the equilibrium of his 'integreation.'"

1 ここからだぞ小僧 ここからだぞこぞう koko kara da zo kozou "From here on, kid,"

2 志村���言葉を忘れるな しむらのことばをわすれるな Shimura no kotoba wo wasureruna "don't forget Shimura's words."

3-4 まだ倒れるなよ まだたおれるなよ mada taoreruna yo "Don't collapse yet!"

5 全てを出し切るだと…⁉︎ すべてをだしきるだと…⁉︎ subete wo dashi kiru da to...!? You'll give it your all...!?

6 "個性"だと⁉︎ "こせい"だと⁉︎ “kosei” da to!? Quirks, huh!?

7 虚仮にしているのか⁉︎　僕はまだ一つも"個性"を使えていない！ こけにしているのか⁉︎　ぼくはまだひとつも"こせい"をつかえていない！ koke ni shite iru no ka!? boku wa mada hitotsu mo “kosei” wo tsukaete inai! Are you kidding me!? I haven't used a single quirk yet!

8-9 この身体の真価を発揮できていない！ このからだのしんかをはっきできていない！ kono karada no shinka wo hakki dekite inai! I haven't been able to demonstrate the true value of this body yet!

10 あいつらのせいだ惨めで醜いイレイザーヘッドとガキ共…！ あいつらのせいだみじめでみにくいイレイザーヘッドとガキども…！ aitsura no sei da mijimete minikui IREIZAAHEDDO to GAKI domo...! It's their fault, the miserable, ugly Eraserhead and that brat...!

11 この棺のせいだ奴らの弄した姑息な… このひつぎのせいだやつらのろうしたこそくな… kono hitsugi no sei da yatsura no rou shita kosoku na... It's this coffin's fault, this makeshift trap of theirs...

12 ーーー分断の… ーーーぶんだんの… ---bundan no... ---the separation...

13-14 …ここに至るまでの連なりの…… …ここにいたるまでのつらなりの…… ...koko ni itaru made no tsuranari no...... ---the whole chain that led up to here......

1 まだ何か… まだなにか… mada nani ka... "[He's] still [got] something..."

2 まだ… mada... I still...

3 ああ与一‼︎ ここに至るまでの連なりが雌雄を決するというならば‼︎ ああよいち‼︎ ここにいたるまでのつらなりがしゆうをけっするというならば‼︎ aa Yoichi!! koko ni itaru made no tsuranari ga shiyuu wo kessuru to iu naraba!! Yes, Yoichi!! If the chain of everything until now is to decide our victory or defeat!!

4 まだ!!!! mada!!!! I still!!!!

1 僕にも ぼくにも boku ni mo I, too

2 勝機はーー‼︎ しょうきはーー‼︎ shouki wa--!! [still have] a chance to win--!!

tagline 託されたのはこの男ーー⁉︎ たくされたのはスピナーーー⁉︎ takusareta no wa SUPINAA (kanji: kono otoko)--!? This man, Spinner, was entrusted--!?

[lavienjin]

pen pals (with benefits) | jjk | (i.)

Summary: You and Jungkook never got along ever since The Incident™. As fate would have it, you're paired up with him to complete a psychology project that will span the entire semester. When an innocent touch goes a little too far, a contract is made to protect the two of you from hurting each other, although it might be a bit too late.

EDIT: this series has been discontinued.

♠ Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x F!Reader ♠ Word Count: 9,126 ♠ Genre/AU: Smut & Fluff • college au • fwb to lovers au • enemies to lovers au ♠ Rating: 18+. This work and its subsequent chapters are not suitable for younger audiences. ♠ Warnings: strong language • alcohol consumption • fingering • protected sex • multiple orgasms • name calling • cock warming • slight blowjob (y/n puts on the condom with her mouth) • jungkook has a big dick (of course) • soft dom!jk ♠ Author's Note: it's here! first part of a new series i'm working on while i try to tie the ending for the assistant. huge thank you to @xiaokoo and @monvante for beta reading this monster of a first chapter! isabella, thank you for letting me freak out on you while trying to find the perfect title for this series. there is some slight angst in the middle chapters, i wanted to let y'all know now! chapter 2 is coming next week or so (june 7th is the projected date). ♠ ao3

-- taglist (let me know if you want to be tagged through dms or through this form!): @thedarkwinterrose @somewhereofftheglobe @typicalgenzworld

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"Professor, please reconsider. I'm an excellent student. I can do the project myself if I have to… Is there a way that I don't have to be paired up with him?"

Professor Na shakes his head, his eyes sad and apologetic. "I'm sorry, but this is a collaborative effort that's going to go into your final grade. I cannot have you working on such a massive project alone.”

He sighs again, pushing up his circular glasses when your face casts down, dejected. "Plus, you didn't tell me your preferred partner and I've mentioned since the beginning of the semester that one will be randomly given to you after the 24th."

A silence fills Professor Na's office as you struggle to keep your tears in check. You're currently reaping what you sow for your tardiness, though, to be fair, you are a sophomore in a senior level class and you weren't familiar with the classmates. So, you let the 24th pass you by in hopes of being paired with someone, knowing that you'll have to do most of the work anyway. But you didn't think the professor would assign him as your partner, out of the thousands that sit in the 8am lecture hall with you.

You bow to Professor Na, muttering a quick 'thank you' before leaving his office. You know better than to argue with an authoritative figure, but you sulk anyway as you make your way back to your apartment.

Jeon Jungkook has returned to disrupt your peaceful college life.

"It can't be that bad, can it?" Jeehyun rubs at your back sympathetically while you wail at the pillow, misery casting its shadow over you like a dark cloud.

"I didn't even know he's in that class. I mean, I thought I was the only sophomore in that class."

Your roommate sighs, her rubs turning into pats on your back as she tries to cheer you up. Jeehyun was the first person you met on orientation week, the two of you immediately forming a tight bond over shared history with boys and family. Just like you, she was bright, having skipped a lot of the general studies classes due to the high marks she received in high school. The late nights in the library with her as your only companion helped you ease into the world of university and when it was time to move into sophomore year, it was a no-brainer to live together again.

"Tell you what," Jeehyun sing-songs cheerfully, pulling you out of your horizontal state to sit up. "Let's get you some kimbap and Aunt Ji's super spicy kimchi before we get started on homework tonight."

You sniffle and pout at your roommate while she gives you the biggest smile in the world. "Come on… I'll pay~" she draws out the last syllable, and you form a small smile in return, laughter bubbling over as you watch Jeehyun bat her eyelashes at you.

"Okay, okay, let me get my purse."

You make quick work of dinner, the two of you trading gossip and discussing the piles of assignments you had to finish that night. After eating, you head straight to the library with Jeehyun and find a secluded booth where the two of you won't get disturbed.

"I think you should BCC Professor Na in all the communications you have with Jungkook," she suggests mid-typing.

You were going through your psychology reading when she mentioned the topic out of the blue, startling you. "Wh- Huh?"

"I mean think about it, if Jungkook isn't cooperative, you'll have tons of evidence at the end of the semester that shows your willingness to try and communicate for the sake of the project."

Putting a bookmark on the page, you ruminate at Jeehyun's words. On one hand, you will have evidence of your efforts iif Jungkook refuses to cooperate. On the other hand, it would greatly inconvenience Professor Na, who's currently busy with his own research grant. You sigh, drumming the table lightly with your fingers.

"Professor Na's incredibly busy. I think I'm just going to see how the first couple of emails go and I'll let him know if Jungkook doesn't respond or whatever..." you ponder aloud, mostly to yourself than Jeehyun.

The girl in front of you just shrugs, resuming the assignment in front of her. You pause your reading to open up your own laptop, typing out an email before firing it off. Within minutes, you have a response back from Jungkook, who included a time and date to meet to discuss the project.

"Did he email back?"

"Yeah, pretty quickly too. He's also suggested a time and place to meet."

Jeehyun hums in satisfaction, glad to see that her roommate is perking up. "I mean, that's a good thing, right?"

You nod in response, though you can't hide your surprise at his cooperation. All the memories you had involving Jungkook weren't pleasant and though it seems silly in retrospect, especially now that you're both in your twenties and graduating college in a few years, you've harbored a grudge on the guy for breaking your favourite pen in fourth grade.

Your best friend at the time, Suha, had run up to you during recess, asking you to come quickly to your classroom, her voice sounding urgent. Heart thumping, the two of you took the stairs three at a time and you wondered the severity of the incident if Suha had to fetch you in the middle of playing. When you open the sliding doors, you find Jungkook standing over your desk, your pink pen broken in two distinct pieces. It was silly; inconsequential at best, but you had won it at the grade school's championship spelling bee. And it was a big deal to be the only fourth grader allowed to use a pen instead of a pencil. Not only did Jungkook not apologise for ruining your stuff, he accused you of lying when you screamed at the teacher about what had happened.

"He did! He broke my pen!" you cried, your voice shrill and anxious, tugging at the arm of your homeroom teacher, who came out of the office to see what the commotion was about.

"I didn't!" Jungkook yelled at you, brown eyes looking at the teacher in despair. "Ms. Kim, I promise I didn't break the pen!"

"Then why were you standing on my desk with the pen shattered, stupid?" you seethed, hot tears flowing freely from your eyes.

Before the argument worsens, the teacher puts herself in between the two of you, smiling softly at you first. "We don't use that kind of language in my classroom," she scolds you lightly. Turning her way towards Jungkook, she knelt to meet his eyes. "And Jungkook, did you break the pen?"

Jungkook's eyes searched through the teacher's face, his shoulders curving inwards. "I didn't, Ms. Kim… I really didn't break the pen, she's lying."

Ms. Kim sighed in defeat and tried to comfort you through your tears, stroking your hair gently. "Jungkook said he didn't do it. It must've been an accident. We are a team and a family and we should treat each other as such." Even at a young age, you knew what your teacher had insinuated.

You sniffled loudly, wiping your tears with your sleeve. "I'm sorry I called you stupid, Jungkook."

Jungkook mumbled a response, too quiet for you to hear, but it seemed to satisfy Ms. Kim greatly. "Okay, recess is ending in about 20 minutes, how about the two of you go out and get some fresh air?"

The two of you shuffled out of the hallway towards the playground, but before you reached the doors, you called out to Jungkook, hands balling into fists at your side. "I didn't hear you say 'sorry'," you insisted.

"That's 'cause I have nothing to apologise for," he sneered back, sticking his tongue at you before running off towards his friends.

You were shocked and appalled. When you found Suha at the tail end at recess, you vowed to never involve yourself with Jeon Jungkook ever again.

---

"That's the story of why you hate him so much?" Jeehyun's mouth gapes after the tale.

You groan under her scrutiny. "God, I know it's stupid, but I feel like I'm betraying my younger self for being his partner for a project. I spent so many of my years avoiding even the thought of him."

After grade school, the consequent years were a quiet blessing, Jungkook and you were always in different classes and it made forgetting him all the more easier. When you saw his dark mop of hair during freshman orientation week, you made a beeline away and bumped into Jeehyun, your current best friend and roommate.

"Forgive me for this, but that's bullshit. Come on, that happened ages ago, can't you just forgive and move on? I mean, I'll get you a pen if it really means that much to you," Jeehyun giggles.

"I know, I know. I just… it's not the pen itself. It's this sense of achievement, you know? It was the first prize for the school's spelling bee. Like, I was spelling against the best and brightest in sixth grade! Also, the fact that he never apologised doesn't sit right with me either!" you puff your cheeks in irritation, a pout forming your lips.

Jeehyun laughs a little louder at the ridiculous look on your face, causing a few patrons in the library to eye you suspiciously. When one of them shushes at your booth, Jeehyun throws up a particular finger without looking, a quiet familiar laugh reaches your ears from the general direction. Quickly dropping to a whisper, her face leans closer towards yours.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad about your achievement but it's also been- what? Eleven years since this happened? You need to let go, babe."

You roll your eyes even though you know she's right. There are other reasons why you can't stand the sight of Jeon Jungkook, but having to explain it to your roommate in the middle of the library sounds exhausting. All the "accidental" hits of a basketball to the back of your head, the Suha™ incident where your once best friend developed a massive crush on him and blamed you when she was rejected… All the little things that make your subsequent years of schooling a nightmare. You consider yourself lucky when he stopped being such a dick when he found himself a girlfriend in high school. Sighing at the rolodex of memories that flee by, you open your psychology textbook to resume your reading, but you end up skimming the page because your mind wanders elsewhere for the night.

---

The place Jungkook had chosen is the coffee shop across from the science building. The ambient indie music playing through the speakers isn't one you recognize, but the smell of coffee envelopes you into a tight, warm hug. Your favourite barista and one of your dearest friends in the program waves at you enthusiastically behind the counter and you approach it with a smile of your own.

"Joon!" you exclaim, the familiar nickname spilling from your lips. "Have you broken any more mugs?"

"Ha. Ha. Very funny," Namjoon retorts playfully, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, what's it going to be today? Caramel or mocha?"

"Caramel, please!"

As you pay, another member of your group of friends appears from the back, smiling wide at the sight of you. Jimin, in his boundless energy, comes from behind the counter to give you a big hug, acting like it's been years since he's seen you. In reality, it was Jimin that Jeehyun flipped off last night at the library and the cotton candy haired man had come towards your table after you tried for the nth time to read about the effects of stress and the human psyche. The three of you ended up going for drinks after, the night ending tremendously well despite the weird nagging feeling you felt about Jungkook.

"It's nice when I get to see you! How are your classes today? You don't have a hangover from last night, right?" Jimin frets angelically.

"I'm fine! I'm actually surprised about that because I could've sworn I downed half a bottle of vodka."

"Yeah… about that… I replaced it with water. Lots and lots of water."

You don't have to be a math major like Jimin to know that the equations add up. If drinking was part of the Olympic games, Jimin would take gold at every single iteration. Not only did alcohol seemingly not affect him, he was a great friend to be drinking with, since he's so quick to take care of everyone, pumping you with snacks and water to avoid any pain the next morning.

"Oh, by the way, just before you came in, Namjoon broke two more mugs," he grins devilishly, waggling at his eyebrows and speaking loudly enough so Namjoon hears.

"HEY! PARK JIMIN!" Namjoon calls out indignantly behind the counter.

The two of you laugh at Namjoon's reddening face and you apologise hastily for teasing him too much. How Namjoon hasn't gotten fired yet is a mystery, especially with the excessive amount of mugs and trinkets he's broken and pastries he's burnt. At one point, Jimin and his other coworker had produced a scrapbook for Namjoon's one year of working at the coffee shop. Inside, there were pictures of a dejected Namjoon picking up glass and pastries with dates scribbled on the side from his many adventures throughout his employment history. In his great patience bestowed by the gods, Namjoon simply laughed, sheepishly embarrassed at the amount of times he's fucked up. Jimin had apologised later and had given Namjoon's actual gift: a highly indestructible and spill-proof coffee mug. From the latest update, it seems like accidents around his apartment were becoming more infrequent ever since he started using it.

After another round of gossip, Namjoon calls your name, indicating that your order is good to go. You scan the shop at the studious college students, trying to locate the “gentleman” you're supposed to meet with today. It seems like he isn't here yet, so you bid Jimin and Namjoon adieu to find yourself a seat in one of the booths closest to the window.

Opening your laptop, you edit a paper you've been writing for class as you wait for Jungkook. The seconds tick by and you are so absorbed in your work that you jump when he slides into the booth in front of you. He jumps too, not expecting your reaction, thankfully the coffee in his hands remains intact.

Jungkook scowls at you, lips turning into a straight line. "Thanks for giving me a heart attack."

You scrunch your nose at him, the sound of his voice reminding you of what happened all those years ago. "Hey, you're late," you accuse, crossing your arms in front of you.

"Yeah, some of us have a life," he snorts sarcastically as he rolls his eyes.

Your blood boils at his comment and you breathe slowly through your nose to avoid snapping back. You plaster on your customer service smile, trying to think of positive things instead of the jerk sitting right in front of you

"What are you doing? That's creepy," Jungkook's voice breaks through your calming thoughts.

Remember the peaceful ocean, the waves ebb to the shore. Just like them, so you should be. You hear your yoga instructor in your mind, resolutely ignoring Jungkook.

"Hello?" he calls out annoyingly, waving a hand in front of your face to get your attention.

You sigh, all calming thoughts dissipating from your body and in its place is a monster of irritation. "Okay," you bristle irritably, slapping his hand away. "We have a range of topics to choose from, what are you thinking of doing?"

"Feisty," he mumbles before casting his eyes at the details in the syllabus.

The two of you read in silence, mulling over the topics in your heads. You sneak a glance at Jungkook, finally admiring his features after only seeing it from afar. Though his hair has met with many colours, this time, he's settled with a deep purple. Jungkook's face remains the same from childhood, though he's lost all the chubbiness in his cheeks, his chiseled jaw and high cheekbones making their appearance. The furrow in his eyebrows is still the same and his once alabaster skin has formed a nice tan after playing sports in high school. The main difference lies on his right arm, black ink twists across every inch of skin and you sneak another glance to make sense of the tattoos. Your favourite so far are the words to the Nirvana song, the words simple and short: rather be dead than cool.

"Are you done ogling or do you need more time?" Jungkook shoots an eyebrow straight up to the sky.

Your face reddens as you look away, watching the table next to you studiously. Jungkook chuckles at your uneasiness, completely in his element. "Have you chosen a topic then? Since you have time to check me out?"

You groan, your eyes skimming the top of the ceiling of the coffee shop before landing back on his mocha coloured ones. Sighing, you push your syllabus towards him to point at the page. "How about group behaviour? Stanford's experiment can be our focal point and I think it's one that no one's chosen yet."

You happen to glance at Jungkook's clean syllabus and you wonder how he gets such good grades to end up in the same senior class as you do. Your own syllabus is filled with notes and shapes that are haphazardly scribbled about, so you can remember as much information as you possibly can.

"That's interesting… But we have to use something else besides Stanford…" Jungkook trails off as he searches for something on his phone, typing furiously at the screen. "Look."

Jungkook turns his phone towards you and in big bolded letters, there lies an article about the unethicalness and fraudulent aspects of the experiment. He takes it back before showing it again to you, a different webpage this time that details the same thing. "I mean, I'm sure Professor Na won't mind, but it'd be unethical to use this."

You blink rapidly at his statement, stunned silent. Jungkook? Spouting moral bullshit when he broke your favourite and most treasured pen years ago? You chastise yourself, trying to return your focus to the task at hand, though you gnaw at your bottom lip to keep the thoughts from spilling out.

"Okay… Should we focus on group behaviour or dive into something else?" You skim the syllabus again to find another interesting topic.

"How about stress and its effect on memory? We'll be able to use something like Yullie and Cutshall in our experiment, though we're definitely not involving anyone in an accident."

"Wait… huh?" You blink slowly in confusion, unsure if you had heard him correctly.

He sighs irritably under his breath, flipping through the syllabus to land on the "END PROJECT" section. Jungkook slides his syllabus towards you and points at a paragraph, highlighted in yellow. Skimming through the paragraph only causes your eyes to widen further. So, it isn't enough for the two of you to write a massive paper for the end of the year, but you must conduct an experiment to support your point.

'About 50 people are suggested, however, talk to Professor Na if you need more.'

"How did I not know this?" You pinch the bridge of your nose, the stress already creeping up on your spine.

Jungkook snorts at your dramatics, pulling his syllabus back towards him. "How did someone so unprepared end up in the same senior class as me?" he scoffs.

You stick your tongue out at him when he's not looking, the one defiance you're allowing yourself to have. "So, what do we do with the experiment? Do you have any ideas?"

Jungkook purses his lips, tapping his finger on the wooden table of the booth. "Ah, how about we have the subjects try to memorise a list of words? One group can have calm, classical music to aid them and the other will have loud, metal music playing through the speakers at random intervals."

"That's… really smart, Jungkook," you reply awestruck. "To make this quick, we can give each group 5 minutes to memorise the words on the list. Does that sound fair?"

Jungkook nods, typing at his laptop, presumably taking notes. You scramble to write them too, starting with a proposal to Professor Na. "Jungkook-"

"Hm?"

"Can you take a look at the proposal for me?"

"Can't do it yourself, huh? We're in college, I don't need to hold your hand."

"Motherfucker, this is for our project. If you don't want to take a look at it, then fine," you seethe.

But before your fingers hit the 'Send' button, Jungkook steals the laptop from underneath your fingers, rapidly reading through the email you drafted. When he returns the laptop to you, he nods in affirmation, reminding you to CC him in the communication. You roll your eyes in response before the two of you are quiet once more, lost in your own worlds. The clattering sound of your keyboards accompany the quiet chatter around you. Jungkook hums as he works, completely oblivious to the fact that you're still in front of him. Something stirs inside you as you watch the boy hunch over his laptop, his voice sweet and angelic as he finally starts to sing quietly to himself. Shaking your head slightly, you return to your assignment, composing an abstract for the paper you're going to write with Jungkook, just missing the way his own eyes land on you. And you certainly didn't catch the hitch in his voice as he sings.

You don't know how much time has passed until Jimin comes to your booth, knocking at the wood paneling to announce his arrival.

"Hey, you two. It's almost the end of my shift, which means we're closing up shop pretty soon."

Squinting at Jimin, you stare in confusion before he points at the outside sky with his chin. It is well after dark, the clock on the bottom right of your laptop screen suggesting the same thing. Looking at your phone, it comes to no surprise to see Jeehyun texting you with worry, wondering where you disappeared to. You type up a quick apology, asking if she's had dinner.

[jee-bee]: not yet! Aunt Ji's?

You smile at your phone, knowing that for the remainder of college, you don't have to eat alone. In one of the many endless nights of talking about your lives, she mentioned coming from a big family and had worried about eating alone because she wasn't used to it. You empathize with her situation, since you spent most of your nights eating alone back at your parents place. The two of you made a pact, declaring that from then on, you'd always eat dinner together.

"Boyfriend?"

Oh yeah, Jungkook's still there, isn't he? "None of your business," you mutter without looking up.

Jungkook shrugs his shoulders, typing a few more lines in his laptop before packing it away. You receive an email notification from him with an attachment, a shared document for your project. In the span of your time at the coffee shop, he had written a good chunk of the essay, appendix filling up with research he's mentioned in the paper.

"Meet me here again tomorrow. Same time," he commands before disappearing out the door.

---

"That fucker!" you shout, slamming your beer can down on the table.

Ever the extrovert, Jimin hears about your dinner plans with Jeehyun and decides to tag along. The third greatest thing about being friends with Jimin? Alcohol abounds.

"No swearing at the dinner table," Jeehyun smacks your arm lightly, pointing her chopsticks at you threateningly to prove her point.

You grumble an apology, your mind already cloudy with the alcohol you keep slamming down your throat. There will be a point at the night where Jimin swaps what you're drinking with water, but you're not that far gone yet. You hope he'll forget about it and let you drink your fill. He busies himself with his phone, keeping an eye on you out of the corner of his eyes.

"Okay," Jimin says with finality. "Who are we talking about?"

"Jungkook," Jeehyun replies, though with a mouth stuffed full with kimchi, all that comes out is a garbled version of the name. After swallowing her food, she tries again, his name coming out clearer than before.

"UGH! Get his filthy name out of your mouth. You'll catch his stupid and I can't have that."

The two companions laugh at your outburst, your irritation fueling their humour. "Come on, he can't be that bad, can he?" Jimin pokes, having not heard about "the incident."

You recount the tale to Jimin, the man snickering louder with every sentence, clearly not understanding your pain.

"How dare he speak of morals when he can't even apologise for breaking my stuff?"

"Just be the bigger person and let it go!" Jimin is now full on laughing, clutching at his stomach while a hand goes to cover his mouth. He leans back a little too far, almost slipping from his chair.

"That's what I keep telling her!" Jeehyun agrees, nodding sagely.

Should you forgive Jungkook for what he's done? Jeehyun and Jimin make a solid point - it's been years since it happened and you've made plenty of achievements to make up for the broken pen. You mull it over, drink in hand, as your mood sours.

---

Despite Jimin's best attempts at making sure you leave the gathering without so much as a scratch, your head pounds as soon as you wake up, and on your bedside table, a little note underneath a glass of water and two capsules of aspirin reads:

You're lucky I stopped us from being permanently banned from Aunt Ji's because of your drunken ass last night.

x Jimin

You sit up too quickly, your throbbing head pulls you back down to your pillow, a groan escaping your lips. Your phone buzzes from the nightstand and when you lift the LCD towards your face, Jimin's picture floats in time with the buzzing.

"Yeah?" you rasp, chugging the water along with the aspirin.

"Ah, good, you're awake!" Jimin's voice crackles on the other end. "I was worried you'd die since you barely moved when we accidentally dropped you on the ground."

"You did what?"

Jimin snickers, his vibrant laughter causing you to wince as you wait for the aspirin to settle in your stomach.

"Yeah, sorry about that, if you find a bruise on your leg that's totally our bad."

At Jimin's words, you wince at the pain flaring through your leg. Upon inspecting it, angry red welts appear on your skin, though it won't turn into bruises, they still fucking hurt. You rub them absentmindedly, trying to soothe the sting of pain by standing up to grab more water. Jimin is talking to you about his day and about your antics the night before.

"Good news, we didn't get kicked out of Aunt Ji's restaurant."

"What even happened last night?"

Jimin laughs again and when he speaks, his tone is dripping with mischief. "Jungkook stopped by and you almost cursed him out as soon as you saw him. I promise you didn't get very far because we hauled ass out of there while Jeehyun paid for the meal."

You are the luckiest person in the campus - nay, the world, for having friends that will stop you from committing murder or, at the very least, a total embarrassment out of yourself.

The bits and pieces of the memories trickle in slowly: the shock you felt when Jungkook appeared through the door, as though materializing out of thin air when you were just thinking about forgiving him. He wasn't alone, another man you're not familiar with coming into view. As soon as his eyes landed on yours, he smirked, whispering to his companion while pointing at you. You tried to ignore the burning feeling of shame in your stomach, but his actions only spurred you on. Jimin must have stopped your drunk self from lunging past the table towards Jungkook, fireman carrying you out of the establishment. That's where the memories stopped and the last thing you remembered before blacking out is Jimin's scolding and Jungkook's mirthful laughter.

"God, I'm so lucky to have you, Jimin."

"Damn straight. You're banned from drinking until the weekend arrives. I know you don't have class, but you still have that meeting with Jungkook this afternoon."

You scrunch your nose, puzzled at the information. "How'd you know that?"

On the other end of the line, your friend sighs dramatically. "I worked yesterday. And it was all you could talk about during dinner."

You only managed a small 'Oh' before letting Jimin continue the conversation. He reminds you to take the aspirin (which you did) and drink tons of water (which you are currently doing) before he ends the call, promising to send Jeehyun to swing by the cafe during your "date" with Jungkook. If Jimin had been in your apartment, you'd kick him in the shins. His shapely legs are safe for the day.

You spare no effort in getting ready, pulling a comfortable sweater over your body and pairing it with some jeans and ankle boots. You head out the door after double-checking your things, running into Jeehyun briefly in the corridor, sporting a similar outfit to what you're wearing. God, you're so close that you even dress like twins. You're about to say hello when she points at the phone pressed against her ear. Though you can't hear what the other person is saying, the sultry baritone sounds oddly familiar to you. Jeehyun mouths the words "I'll tell you later," before waving you off into the cold.

Jungkook's already there when you arrive, sitting in the same booth the two of you were in less than 24 hours ago.

"You're late," he echoes your words from the day before.

"You're insufferable."

Jungkook says nothing at that, scoffing at your childishness before returning to his laptop. Opening the shared document on your own screen, you can see how much research he's done, adding almost twenty sources from the last time you looked at the screen. Feeling a sense of competition, you put your head down and work, tuning the world out, especially the man sitting in front of you.

The two of you sit in a somewhat comfortable silence before Jungkook calls your name. His blinking indicator highlights the paragraph you were writing. "Can you remove this part? I don't think we'll need it."

You nod in response, removing a paragraph before the silence falls between the two of you again. Only this time… you are acutely aware of the feeling of your knees touching his. Jungkook remains passive, keyboard typing away at your documents and you feel foolish when your heart starts to pick up its pace. You don't move away from the touch and neither does he.

It's only when his ankle brushes against yours that you gasp involuntarily, sputtering into a cough at the sudden touch. Jungkook's eyes zeroes in on yours instantly, one eyebrow cocked and a smirk plastered on his lips. "Everything okay?" he whispers quietly, watching your face heat up in embarrassment.

You scowl in return, trying to hide the roar in your ears and the pounding of your heart, letting your feet remain rooted in its spot. Jungkook scoots forward, his shoulders brushing against the back of the wood as his leg grazes your inner calf. He trains his eyes forward, focusing on his laptop in front of him, that awful smirk still on his lips.

"Jungkook," you warn, but your breath quickens when he does it again. You aren't a stranger to pleasure, welcoming men to your bed to satisfy the need that comes every once in a while, but this is different. The shivers running down your spine feels like the hum of an electric fence, and maybe it's because you're in front of all these people, but you feel your panties getting more ruined with each stroke against your leg.

"Jungkook…" you try again, your voice sounding incredibly breathless, hoping this time you can get his attention.

When he whispers your name, you delude yourself into hearing the thick traces of need behind it, your eyes fluttering shut before you snap them open again, throwing a glare at the tattooed man. "What's the matter? Can't concentrate?"

"What do you think you're doing?" you counter, answering his question with one of your own.

"Playing. Should I stop?"

He waits for your answer, detaching his foot away from yours and you almost whine at the lack of warmth.

Fuck.

When you grit your teeth in desperation, he knows he's won. Jungkook looks so triumphant when you shake your head, a small 'No' finally escaping from your lips. You want to punch him, to wipe that stupid smirk he's wearing, but you know that would lead you to get kicked out of your favourite coffee shop, so you bite your bottom lip instead, your knuckles turning white as your grip tightens on the table. You brace for his leg to brush against yours again, but it never comes because Jungkook's eyes snap to someone behind you and he straightens up quickly, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Busy day, huh?" your roommate's voice cuts into your thoughts. "You okay, hun? Do you still have a hangover?"

"No, I'm fine," you gasp. "Just a little lightheaded. So, what brings you here?" You smile weakly at Jeehyun, praying she doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Jeehyun's eyes flicker from Jungkook to you, her face unimpressed at your non-convincing lie. "Nothing really," she still says, voice as even as possible. "I just saw you from the window while I was walking back from class and tried to wave, but you seem… preoccupied. Anywhooo, good to know you're alive. Oh, and don't come home too early tonight."

She winks at you before taking her exit. Not long after she leaves, your phone buzzes twice and when you open your incoming text, two words greet you.

[jee-bee]: we'll talk ;)

As you're typing a scathing text back at Jeehyun, Jungkook clears his throat, the sound causing you to glare at his chocolate eyes.

"You're so much cuter when you're not glaring," he laughs, eyes crinkling as his head falls back.

"Oh, bite me," you spit, injecting as much venom into your words. Jungkook is unaffected and roars with laughter, causing a few eyes to glance your way. When his laughter dies down, a devilish grin enhances his two dimples and the word that tumbles out of his lips had your traitorous cunt clench at nothing.

"Gladly."

Silence. You blink once. Twice. Your mind brimming with possibilities of the two of you in bed, his large hands exploring your body. Jungkook smiles coolly, tilting his chin to the side as though he’s waiting for an answer. He whispers your name, unable to disguise the growing need that latches on his throat. You try to even out your breathing and when that ultimately fails, you scramble up quickly to draw as much distance between the two of you as much as possible. Without turning back, you march your way into the bathroom, your neck and face warm from the onslaught of sensations, Jungkook’s soft laughter echoing in your ears.

You check your appearance in the mirror, pacing to and from across the linoleum floor while you try to make peace with the warmth pooling in your stomach. You try to reason with your brain, reminding it about The Incident and his inability to admit his mistakes. Finally, you resign yourself in a bathroom stall, your heart beating loudly in the quiet, empty space.

“Took you long enough,” Jungkook smirks as you slide into the booth in front of him. “Can you make the flyer so we can pass it around campus?”

You nod silently before getting immediately to work, sneaking glances at the man in front of you while you do. Though you never believed in deities before, you pray to a higher power for Jungkook to continue his slight touches, your skin burning at the thought. His feet remain planted in front of him and your knees are no longer touching. As you wrestle with your thoughts, wondering if you should initiate the touch, Jungkook reaches over the table to grab a pen that rolls by your laptop. His fingers dance on your forearm, trailing over the back of your palm before retreating, spinning the pen in hand.

Fuck.

Your eyes refuse to look at your hand – refuse to look at him, but your fingers stop typing at the keyboard, a dead giveaway that tells him how much he’s affected you. You’re breathing hard, all the walls you’ve built around him for years crumbling with a single touch.

“Should I stop?” he whispers.

“Even if I say ‘yes’, would you stop?”

Jungkook balks, eyes blinking rapidly at your question. “Of course, I will,” he snaps. “Now answer the question.”

Your hands tug at the hem of your sweater, the material feeling heavy and warm against your itching skin. “No,” you relent.

Your vision swims when he places his palm against your knee under the table and you curse yourself for wearing jeans that day, the material unyielding when all you want is to feel his warmth. Jungkook picks your leg and places your foot on his lap, trailing his fingers across your leg. Your body erupts in shivers with every stroke and your panties are officially ruined at this point.

Jungkook drops your leg gently, before straightening up to stuff his things in his bag. The sudden lack of warmth draws a soft whine from your lips and Jungkook’s face twitches at your reaction, a deep curl of a smile on his face as he regards you. You squirm under his gaze, feeling so turned on and nothing to do about it. You glower at him instead. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“My place. With you.”

You’ve never packed as quickly as you did after hearing the words from Jungkook’s lips. He chuckles at your enthusiasm, but makes no move to touch you further, walking ahead some ways when you leave the coffee shop. When you reach his car, you tear open the car door to slide in easily, your stuff haphazardly thrown into the backseat. You keep checking at the pedestrians behind you, afraid to see your roommate or Jimin walking by and catch you in Jungkook’s car, but when Jungkook’s hand finds your thighs while he starts to drive, you can no longer deny the desire that clouds your mind.

---

The first thing you’ll notice about Jungkook’s apartment is that it’s empty. Sure, there’s a couch and a kitchen, but there aren’t any signs of anyone ”living” in the space. You don’t get to ask about it because he wastes no time in circling your waist with his arms, kissing down your neck as you turn pliant underneath his touch. You shut your eyes tight, allowing yourself to drown into the pleasure, even if it’s coming from Enemy #1. Your fingers tug at his purple locks when he slides his hot palm under your sweater, a moan escaping when he expertly undoes your bra.

Jungkook leads you to his room before dropping you on his black sheets, his mouth back on your neck and your fingers return to his hair. In the midst of pleasure, he lifts your sweater to discard it on the floor along with your bra and you struggle not to put your hands in front of your chest, you won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing you embarrassed.

“Beautiful,” he gasps, standing above you, raking his eyes every inch of your body before he dips back down, mouth latches on your neck once more.

You close your eyes and moan, letting the sensations overtake you. Jungkook’s lips feel hot against your skin, flames burning where they meet. Just as his hands travel downwards to remove your jeans, you feel a distinct pain of teeth sinking deep into your skin. Your eyes fly open and you push Jungkook away with a growl, his own laugh filling your head. Propping yourself by the elbows, you glower at the boy until his laugh subsides. “What the fuck, Jungkook?”

“You asked me to bite you and I did just that,” he shrugs, the remnants of his laughter curling on his lips.

Just as you’re about to hurl curses at him that would inadvertently make sailors blush, he leans forward, face mere inches from your own, his scent filling your nose with hints of vanilla and amber. And just like the first time he touches you in the coffee shop, your mind stutters to a complete stop. There’s a pool in your stomach that you know too well and with every tick of a second where his face leans over yours, dark brown irises challenging, your anger dissipates and a quiet hum of desire throbs through you instead.

“And what do we say…?” he whispers, breath tickling your cheeks.

“You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, but I am.”

You wrestle with your words, tongue-laden with lead with the words that you absolutely do not want to utter no matter the circumstance. Humiliation holds your hand and you groan, head tipping back, trying to deny the fact you love being treated this way. You’ve never been with anyone as cocky as Jungkook, so full of himself that if the normal human body contains 80% water, his contains a domineering male ego. Curses ring inside your head and you wonder why you can’t utter them.

“Thank you,” you whisper slowly, drawing out the words. Your cheeks burn instantly, a slight pink tinge that he can surely see.

“Good girl,” Jungkook praises before returning to your neck, using a hand to guide you back down on the mattress.

His other hand travels downwards to unbutton your pants, expertly tugging them towards your ankles while you hold your hips upwards, body pliant under his touch. He cups your clothed core when the jeans are successfully thrown on the floor, discarded among the heaps of other clothing. When he feels how wet you are, he stops kissing your neck to look into your fucked-out features, licking his lips. “Mmm… So wet for me already? Where’s that tough girl act now?” he taunts above you before licking a long, wet stripe on your neck.

You don’t grace him with a response, the words catch in your throat when he drags a finger across your slit. A mewl escapes instead, soft sounds that vaguely resemble his name. You knot your fingers in his hair, those damn purple locks, and he smirks against your neck before traveling lower, nipping on the valley of your breasts. He removes his arm from underneath you to play with your nipple while the other is in his mouth. Jungkook’s tongue swirls the sensitive nub while his forefinger and thumb pinches and rolls the other. You’re panting at this point, the fingers on his other hand trailing lazily against your cunt, occasionally pressing lightly on your clit, causing you to shudder underneath him.

Finally, finally, he removes your underwear to tease at your entrance, inserting a finger gingerly while his thumb latches on your clit. “Jungkook!” you gasp, trying to relax your grip on his hair, but he makes it difficult when he inserts another finger, taking turns between scissoring you and thrusting into you slowly, helping you get adjusted to his thick digits. Your arousal seeps out of you without care and your face heats in embarrassment when a particularly sharp cry of his name is pulled from your lips, Jungkook chuckling quietly against your breast.

“Please, faster?” you whine.

"'Please' and 'Thank You' in a day? Finally found your manners, hm?"

Jungkook picks up the pace, letting you sob and whimper underneath him as his fingers curl inside, the pads of his fingers grazing the sensitive part of your pussy. He doesn’t stop when his name is the only word stumbling from your lips or when the sounds of your pussy echoes around his plain bedroom.

“Fuck, fuck, Jungkook, I’m cumming, fuck,” you screech and your cunt spasms violently against his fingers. He thrusts a little faster, moaning alongside you when your toes curl and your vision darkens, the orgasm tumbling through you in waves of pleasure. Jungkook helps you ride it out, doesn’t say a word when you try to catch your breath, a twinkling in his eyes at a mission accomplished.

That stupid smirk is on his face though.

“Feelin’ good?” he drawls, pulling himself up and away from your body. And though you hate to admit it, Jungkook just gave you the third best orgasm of your life, the first and second place still reigns; a result of one horny night and a few toys in your drawer.

When you don’t answer, rolling your eyes instead, his fingers travel from your cunt towards your face and he smears your arousal on your lips. “Open,” he commands, a threat underlying in his words.

You try to rebel, your mind playing somersaults, trying to find the words to avoid the punishment, but your body betrays you and you let your mouth hang open, tongue dangling out, a thread of saliva dripping onto your chest. “Fuck,” he murmurs before he places his fingers inside your warm mouth.

You lick and suck his digits on instinct, your eyes never leaving his; the one act of defiance you allow yourself. When Jungkook’s fingers are well coated with your saliva, he smears them on your thighs, and you jerk backwards, almost hitting your head on the headboard. Your glare returns to his eyes and he shrugs in response. Pleased with himself, Jungkook pulls you into his lap, grinding his erection on your still dripping cunt. Your mind finally registers the fact that he’s still fully clothed and the deep-seated embarrassment that’s been inflicted upon you since you walk in the door washes over you with full force. You grit your teeth, not wanting him to get the satisfaction of your moans, but when his mouth nips the underside of your breasts, you can’t contain the gasp that escapes you.

“Let me hear you. You sound so much better without the anger.”

“Fuck you,” you rasp, shivering despite the warmth of his body.

He tuts at your swearing, circling his arm around your waist to steady you as he rocks you back and forth across his erection. “Such poor manners. And here I thought you were making progress. You shouldn’t kiss anyone with that mouth of yours.”

“If you’re hoping for a kiss from me with that statement, Jungkook, I can swear to you that it will never happen.”

Jungkook stills his moments and you whine from the sudden stop in friction. “Let’s make a bet, shall we? I’m sure you’ll want to kiss me by the end of this,” he muses, gesturing at your naked form on his lap.

“Trust me, Jungkook, I’m very capable of holding out my attraction towards you.”

“Oh? You find me attractive?”

“Not even remotely close to what I said, Narcissus.”

Jungkook grins and his hands meet to cup your ass, squeezing them tightly before a hand strays to slap it gently. He sets you down on the bed, nipping at your tits before shedding his shirt off. You can only stare in wonderment at the man he’s become, every muscle on his body toned to perfection. You gulp when your eyes catch the stain on the front of his pants and - oh. It is without a doubt, the biggest outline of a cock you’ve ever seen. When he shrugs his pants off, he watches your reaction, stupid smirk dancing on his lips as his cock springs free, veins running on its side. Your eyes widen slightly before turning into slits, trying to not gawk and give him much of a reaction.

Jungkook stands on the edge of the bed before he takes your hand and envelopes it around his length, groaning when your fingers make contact with the leaking head. You gulp as you run your fingers from tip to base, feeling him twitch and throb underneath you. He groans, tipping his head back when your hand starts pumping slowly, his entire shaft already thoroughly coated with his precum.

“Get on the bed and fuck me,” you whisper, kissing his abs. Stopping momentarily, you angle your head to meet his eyes. "Please," you whisper breathlessly, gauging his reaction.

Jungkook just smiles, his thumb caressing your cheek.

Opening his bedside table, Jungkook picks up a condom and some lube before ripping the foil open with his teeth with practiced ease. He throws the lube in your direction and you spread it all over him before grabbing the opened condom packet from his mouth. Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow at your reaction, but his confusion doesn’t last long. You pop the condom at the edge of your mouth, unrolling it slightly before using your lips to drag it along his shaft, your hands pulling it down snugly where your mouth can’t quite reach. Your jaw aches as you warm Jungkook’s cock inside your mouth, feeling desperately full despite not having the entire thing.

He gurgles something akin to your name before grabbing your hair into a makeshift ponytail, snapping his hips shallowly into your open mouth. “Fuck, your mouth feels so good. Is this what you wanted, hmm? You want me to fuck that tight throat of yours?”

You can only moan in response and he pushes his cock deeper into your mouth, rubbing soothing circles on your cheek. “Look at you, so stuffed with my cock. You don’t even have the whole thing inside of you and you’re a mess already. What a fucking slut.”

Glaring into his eyes, you drag your teeth lightly on the side of his cock, Jungkook shuddering underneath. You let his cock go with a distinct pop, a thin line of saliva connecting your lips to the head. “You’re fucking lucky I didn’t bite your dick off.”

“Lucky? That’s what you want to call it? I think it’s ‘common decency’ to not bite people’s dicks off,” he snickers. “Be honest, do you like being called a ‘slut’? I will stop if that’s not your vibe.”

Were you so dick whipped that you’d let him do anything to you?

Maybe.

Probably.

Definitely.

So, even through your bravado, you nod your head, eyes trailing down on his black sheets, and whisper a single ‘Yes.’

“Yes, what?”

“Fuck, Jungkook,” you throw your hands in exasperation, snapping to meet those brown irises again. “Fine! I fucking like what you’ve been doing this entire time. I like cumming on your fingers. I like being called a ‘slut’ by you. Can you please get on with it and fuck me already?”

“Well said,” is all he says before he gets on the bed, pushing you down, spreading your legs wide open for him. He positions his cock to your entrance before he pushes, grunting as he feels your walls clench around him. You moan in unison, feeling the stretch that comes with the size of his cock.

“Shit, fuck, you feel so good,” he pants before fully hilting himself inside you.

“Jungkook – fuck. Don’t move yet,” you shiver, willing your walls to adjust to his cock. Every single time you manage to relax, he’d shift, pressing his cock head on your g-spot. Your vision is spotty, but with every ragged breath, the pressure releases and with a few taps on his arm and a nod, signs to let Jungkook know that he can finally move.

His thrusts are languid at first, a slow slap of skin on skin. It leaves you feeling frustrated, your release getting further away. Propping yourself back on your elbows, you wrap your legs around his waist, stopping his movements momentarily. “Can you stop being such a pussy and fuck one for once in your life?”

Jungkook growls, dragging his cock almost all the way out of you before slamming it hard all the way inside. His thrusts are brutal after your taunt and you finally feel the pleasure return after being kept away for too long. He spits on your clit, earning a delicious whine from your lips, before the pad of his thumb drags across it, swiping harshly at the sensitive bundle of nerves. He fucks you deep in the bed, the mattress squeaking at your combined weight.

“Fuck me, fuck, Jungkook, I’m close, please don’t fucking stop.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Making a snarky response is out of the question when his other hand snakes its way on your hips, lifting them up slightly so he can drive his cock deeper inside you. Pleasure turns you delirious and for the second time that night, Jungkook makes you cum, your body thrashing wildly on the covers as you moan his name. Your pussy clenches dangerously around his length, your arousal causing yet another mess on the sheets.

“Shit, did you cum? Fuck, I’m – Fuck!“ Jungkook groans. His own release isn’t too far behind, thrusts growing sloppier by the minute before a final thrust that fills the condom with thick ropes of his cum.

You cry out his name in a broken voice, feeling too sensitive after your own release. Jungkook hisses as he removes himself from you and then from the condom, chucking it into the bin before sitting at the edge of the bed, watching you try to catch your own breathing.

“Same time tomorrow?” he offers with a grin, nestling his body next to yours, not quite touching.

“Fuck off. This is a one-time thing,” you say as you kick him.

Your promise doesn’t sound convincing in your own ears. Looking at his chocolate eyes dance in mirth, you know for a fact he doesn’t believe a single word you say. Jungkook gets up to head to the bathroom to clean up before you feel a warm damp towel against your sensitive core.

“Fuck you, Jeon Jungkook,” you mutter before exhaustion settles in your bones, your eyes falling shut on their own. Just like the night where you were blacked out drunk, the last thing you hear is Jungkook’s mirthful laugh.

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Posted: 31 May 2021 at 8:03pm CST

[businesstechstories]

THE STORIES THAT SELL

It’s the first week of this blog! We are here to tell something very interesting.

Every business has stories. Every company tells fabulous stories that could inspire aspiring business owners. Entrepreneurs go through a lot of hardships before they establish their own companies and start-ups.

Here are some stories that would inspire aspirants to become good business owners:

SIOMAI STORY

Between the year 2021, Joshua Ortiz’s friends invited him to accompany them to sell Siomai—a type of traditional Chinese dumpling, originating from Hohhot. In Cantonese cuisine, it is usually served as a dim sum snack—in the market of Barra, Opol. They also sold gulaman juice in the market.

Their capital was from the allowances and they got from cleaning their churches and savings from their own pockets. They started with a table, steamer, and a couple of chairs while selling Siomai and Gulaman the whole day. The reason they started selling Siomai and Gulaman is that they wanted to save in their COOP. From their own, they worked hard and saved enough money for stall upgrades, supplies and to their COOP insurances.

During their time selling Siomai and Gulaman, they learned to value money and understood making good decisions. They learned to save money for their future.

By Joshua Angelo P Ortiz, 9-24-21

MAC DAILY GOODS.

“Kiya pag poon akn na sa una o maka uma ako sa pagadian city madakl a mga padagang roo na miyangopd ako ron mambo”.

According to my father, he started a business when he went Pagadian City and saw a lot of vendors in the market who sale some daily goods that’s why he gives a hint for him to pursue this kind of career.

“Igira na pakaito so capital na di ta paka panimbol ago igira pn na mayto so di ma pasa ka mingaw labaw ron imanto a Covid”.

The challenges that my father faced in doing his business is sometime he can’t get money for his capital due to a lot of uses and there are some instances that the profit of his product is too low especially this pandemic because there are few people who will go in the market.

For me make some management when using NET sale a product that is trend and relevant today and use other platform like online selling to gain more customers and to expand the profit.

By Walid Macabanding, 9-24-21

EMACITY PH

Christian Alpas, the owner of the Emacity PH, started a thrift shirt streetwear business. He has a Facebook page called Emacity PH. He started his business last on June 14, 2020, it was his dream to have a business, and it came that thrift business hype up amidst of pandemic. He took the advantage because thrifting is his passion. The struggles he experienced are:

- Difficult to start

- First post of the collection no buyers

- Don’t have any customers/followers on his page

But because of his determination and perseverance, he manages to overcome these challenges in his small business. Hard work never betrays. Knowing these stories makes us feel inspired. Why? Because they:

1. Made his uniqueness in opening a business.

2. Strive so hard to go through challenges.

3. Risked, even tho there’s no guarantee.

4. Believe in yourself.

Having these kinds of characters makes him stronger to beat struggles.

It doesn’t matter how big or small scale your business is; as long as you’re happy in what you are doing and you do not trample on anyone,

PAYAMAN!

By Niño Gella, 9-24-21

These stories tell the characteristics that are found in a good business owner. May these people inspire people to continue to work hard and be determined in their start-ups.

A big business starts small

Richard Branson

[dogsnackuniverse-blog]

Heart Touching Poetry In Urdu

Heart Touching Poetry In Urdu Is Basically called That Poetry Whose Touch Your Feelings And Awaking Your Humanity For Example A Poet Write Poetry On Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) Sacrifices For Islam That Is Called Heart Touching Poetry

Heart Touching Poetry In Urdu

DIL TAMANA SAY DAR GAYA JANAM

DIL TAMANA SAY DAR GAYA JANAM

SARA NASHA UTAR GAYA JANAM

Izhaar-e-Yaad Karon Yaa Pochon Hal-e-Dil,

Izhaar-e-Yaad Karon Yaa Pochon Hal-e-Dil,

Aye Dil Kuch To Bahana Bata Un Se Baat Karne Ka.

MANA K MAIN NE GHOAR SAY DEKHA NAAA THAAA TUMHAIN

MANA K MAIN NE GHOAR SAY DEKHA NAAA THAAA TUMHAIN

SOORAJ KO AANKH BHAAR K KOI DEKHTA HAA KIA ??

MAIN NE JIN K LIYE RAAHOON MAIN BICHAYA THAA LAHOO

MAIN NE JIN K LIYE RAAHOON MAIN BICHAYA THAA LAHOO

HUM SAY KEHTAY HAIN WAHII EHD-E-WAFA YAAD NAHII

Sari Raat Takleef Deta Hai Yehi Ek Sawaal Humain,

Sari Raat Takleef Deta Hai Yehi Ek Sawaal Humain,

Wafa Karnay Walay Humesha Akelay Q Reh Jatey Hain.

ZULM ITNA NA KAR K LOG KAHAIN TUJHY DUSHMAN MERA

ZULM ITNA NA KAR K LOG KAHAIN TUJHY DUSHMAN MERA

HUM NAY ZAMANAY KO TUJHAY APNI JAAN BATA RAKHA HA

Tasalli Rakh Aey Dil-e-Nadaan Mat Roo Apni Zaat Pey,

Tasalli Rakh Aey Dil-e-Nadaan Mat Roo Apni Zaat Pey,

Tera Tha Hi Kon? Jo Tera Haal Puchtaa.

BHATAKTA PHIIR RAHA HOON JUSTAJOO BIN

BHATAKTA PHIIR RAHA HOON JUSTAJOO BIN

SARAPA AARZOO HOON AARZOO BIN

AB KOI MUJH KO DILAYE NA MOHABBAT KA YAQEEN

AB KOI MUJH KO DILAYE NA MOHABBAT KA YAQEEN

JO MUJHY BHOOL NA SAKAY THAY WAHII BHOOL GAYE

US PAAL KO MOAT HI KEHTAY HAIN DOSTON !

US PAAL KO MOAT HI KEHTAY HAIN DOSTON !

IK PAL MAIN TOOT JAYE JAHAN UMER BHAR KA SAATH

JUDA HO KAR BHI DONO JII RAHAY HAIN MUDDAT SAY

JUDA HO KAR BHI DONO JII RAHAY HAIN MUDDAT SAY

KABHI DONO HII KEHTY THAY AISA HOO NAHI SAKTA

HUM SAY BOHAT SHIKAYATAIN HAIN NA TUM KO

HUM SAY BOHAT SHIKAYATAIN HAIN NA TUM KO

DIL LAGAO PHIR ZAMANAY KII DAGHAA DEKHOOO

ADDAWATAIN THII, TGHAFUL THAA, RANJISHAIN THII MAGAR

ADDAWATAIN THII, TGHAFUL THAA, RANJISHAIN THII MAGAR

BICHARNAY WALAY MAIN SUB KUCH THA MAGAR BEWAFAI NAA THII

IK RANG C KAMAN HO KHUSH BOSAA IK TEER

IK RANG C KAMAN HO KHUSH BOSAA IK TEER

MARHAM C WARDAAT HOO AUR ZAKHAM KHAAON MAIN

SOCHTAA HOON KABHI KABHI YOUN HII

SOCHTAA HOON KABHI KABHI YOUN HII

AKHIR HARJ KIA THAA USAY MANANAY MAIN

AAJ WO PARH LIA GAYA JIIS KO PARHAA NAA JAA SAKAA

AAJ WO PARH LIA GAYA JIIS KO PARHAA NAA JAA SAKAA

AAJ KISI KITAAB MAIN KUCH BHII LIKHA HOWA NAHIII

Hadsey Kya Tumhari Bey Rukhi Sey Hogaye

Hadsey Kya Tumhari Bey Rukhi Sey Hogaye

Sari Dunya K Liye Hum Ajnabi Hogaye

IK HUNAR HA JOO KAR GAYA HOON MAIN

IK HUNAR HA JOO KAR GAYA HOON MAIN

SUB KAY DIL SAY UTAAR GAYA HOON MAIN

MERA HAR CHARA-GARR….NIDHAAL HOWAA

MERA HAR CHARA-GARR….NIDHAAL HOWAA

YAANI MAIN KIA HOWA…..WABAAL HOWA

TISHNAGII JAAM GAI PATHAR KI TARAH HONTON PAR

TISHNAGII JAAM GAI PATHAR KI TARAH HONTON PAR

DOOB KAR BHI TERY DARYA SAY PIYASA NIKLAAA

manzil teri talash main ghome gi dar badar

manzil teri talash main ghome gi dar badar

khalq e khuda ki raah se pathar hatta kar dekh

Wabastagiyan Takleef Deh Hoti Hain

Wabastagiyan Takleef Deh Hoti Hain

Mujh Se Na Rakha Karo Logo

Muhabbat to Ik Ehsaas Ha

Muhabbat to Ik Ehsaas Ha

Jis Sey Ho Jaye Vohi Khaas Hai

Muskurao Key Zindagi Khoobsorat Ha Or Tumhari Muskuraahat

Muskurao Key Zindagi Khoobsorat Ha Or Tumhari Muskuraahat

Key Liye Ye Waja Kaafi Ha K ALLAH Tumse Muhabbat Karta Ha

Aagahe Mujh Ko Kha Gaye Warna

Aagahe Mujh Ko Kha Gaye Warna

Mene Jeena Tha Apney Marney Tak

Chot Lagi To Bey Ikhtian Khayal Aaya

Chot Lagi To Bey Ikhtian Khayal Aaya

Kahan Gaye Mera Sadqa Utaryney Waly

Rah-e-Hayat Ki Talkhiyaan Peetay Peetay

Rah-e-Hayat Ki Talkhiyaan Peetay Peetay

Ab To Mohsin Bohat Karway Hogaye Hen Hum

Sab Kuch Hota Ha Logon Mein

Sab Kuch Hota Ha Logon Mein

Bus Ik Ehsaas He Nahi Hota

Ayaadat Ko Meri Aakar .. Vo Ye Takeed Kartey Hain

Ayaadat Ko Meri Aakar .. Vo Ye Takeed Kartey Hain

Tumhen To Hum He Mare’n Gay Zara Sa Theek To Hojao

Kainaat Ka Poora Nizam He Muhabbat Ka Akkas Ha Phir Bhe Najaney Q

Kainaat Ka Poora Nizam He Muhabbat Ka Akkas Ha Phir Bhe Najaney Q

Muhabbat Pr Insan Ki Soch Mard or Owrat K Talluq Tak Mahdood Hojati Hai

Muhabbat Me Wo Lamhaat Entehai Moatabbar Hotay Hain

Muhabbat Me Wo Lamhaat Entehai Moatabbar Hotay Hain

Jab Dekhna Ibadat or Choona Gunaah Tasawar Kiya Jaata Hai

wo aks ban aks ban ke meri chashme tar mein rehta hai

wo aks ban aks ban ke meri chashme tar mein rehta hai ajeeb shakhs hai paani ke ghar mein rehta

[mtmason80-blog]

Mythical Book #1

Hi, I’m new to the writing world. Just finished my first book called “Mythical.” I have 6 books planned, with the 7th being a prequel. I have attached the Intro and Prologue, let me know what you think! Thanks!

Introduction

 It has been known to be said, that space is like a curtain and time is the wind that blows through the tattered holes. Long ago, even before the Wars of Power, lived the Ancients, but this has been forgotten. Today, the mention of the Ancients just stirs up childish imagination of these mythical beings, but myths and legends are born from truth. The legend proclaims that the Ancients were so advanced that no being could imitate their accomplishments. What happened to these mythical beings? They say the Ancients had the ability to travel between worlds. If so, perhaps the Ancients are on another world? If these beings were so advanced, then why is there no evidence of their existence? What tragedy wiped out the most advanced civilization of its time and render it a forgotten memory, and a nearly forgotten myth? That is another story waiting to be told…for now, let’s unfold this one.

   Prologue

              The morning is beautiful and warm. The sun rises over the snow-capped jagged peaks of the mountains, which are the edge of Fairy country known as Tir-Na-Siog [Teer Na See-og]. The sunlight hits the clouds and the sky explodes with color and imagination. Admiring the morning radiance the, Fairy King, Niall [Nye-all], leans on his “balcony of solace,” or so he calls it because it overlooks the forest and mountains instead of the castle city of Dunbhaile [Dune Val-la] which is also the capital city of Tir-Na-Siog. The city sometimes depresses King Niall. The fresh crisp morning air is floating in from the mountains. Scents of fresh pine, cedar, and faint hints of wood smoke from the morning cooking fires fills King Niall’s lungs as he takes a deep breath to help clear his mind. He  pivots and heads toward his throne. This style of throne was built for his father, made from solid quartz crystal trimmed in gold with the royal mark on the back, which is three solid gold circles that form an isosceles triangle with three smaller ones in the same triangle shape in the center. Niall grabs the worn-down golden knuckles on the throne’s arms to sit down, and instantly, several long suppressed memories surface that he’s tried to forget for a long time. Niall sits for a little while, and then sighs out of boredom as he awaits his consulates to bring the morning news. As he waits, his gaze moves to the several pillars of solid sand-colored solid marble that stretch up to the ceiling that create sharp archways. Crystal tiles cover the ceiling. They allow just enough light to enter and brighten up the room where so the fine printed scrolls are easily read, yet not so bright as to cause one to squint. Several plant pots surround the pillars, and violet-velvet vines grow from them, and wrap the pillars almost all the way to the ceiling, it is the one flower scent Niall can’t get tired of.

A door swings open causing an echo from a loud boom. One of Niall’s consulates runs into the throne room with a scroll in his hand. He is known as Sean, a curly-haired, fiery red-headed Fairy, pudgy and paranoid, who perspires profusely, and is afraid of flying. He recently had his wings clipped, and the wounds are still bandaged up. The multitude of copper-colored metal tassels hanging from his gray robe jiggle wildly as he approaches the throne.

           “What’s the matter, Sean?” King Niall asks, noticing that Sean has a bit more anxiety than usual.

           “King Niall…Sire…the Dwarves and Elves have declared war on each other and are about to battle!” the consulate says, out of breath. Drops of sweat rain down his face quickly and create a puddle on the sandy tan-and-green marble floor.

“Where is the battlefield?” King Niall asks, standing up from his throne, then walks, taking large steps, to blatantly avoid the sweat puddle.

           “North of Koralis, in a small valley by the mountains.” Sean points towards Koralis [Core-alice]. King Niall rolls his eyes, he knows where Koralis is.

           “Why?” The King walks around behind the red-headed Fairy so he doesn’t have to watch him sweat, but then he gets a whiff of Sean, causing him to cough slightly.

           “The Elves have stated that some of the Dwarf mines have crossed into their border,” Sean responds.

           “Alright, round up some guards. Let’s go stop a war,” King Niall sighs, rubbing his temples to make a slight headache from irritation go away. Fairies aren’t supposed to have headaches, but the Dwarf and Elven conflicts annoy the King to which leads to his discomfort. For ages, the Elves and Dwarves have always seemed to find excuses to fight one another. More often than not, there is no serious reason for their bickering, but they will fight viciously just to prove the other wrong. It stems from the Wars of Power.

           “Sire.” The consulate bows his head slightly with a large amount sweat falling to the floor. Sean then pivots and runs to start gathering troops. The Fairy King shouts out to his servants to come clean up the sweat.

           King Niall trudges his way to the royal armory and suits up in the royal family battle armor, which is gold with red Fairy tribal designs coming down the chest and the ribs are platinum and the wings are of the finest bladed armor known. Fairy tribal designs are reserved usually for ruling and warrior classes, though some Fairy common folk who have fought well in battle can earn tribal designs, a great honor for a Fairy family. Three golden circles in a triangle layout are set as a badge on the left breast on purpose so that if they are aimed at as a target, vital organs would be missed. The Fairy King swaggers out to the castle’s courtyard to inspect the troops. He always likes wearing armor it accentuates his body, and masculinity. The troops are lined up side by side. To look uniform, the troop’s armor has the same design as the King’s it just uses a silvery metal of lighter durability and weight with red royal tribal designs spreading over the shoulders and down the chest, a design indicating “Royal Guard.” All troops have helmets that match the armor with a nose guard that is shaped with a Fairy knot work design. There are small bladed wings on either side of the helmets. King Niall looks at his troops and realized that the helmets are ghastly, and he notes that he should have them re-designed when he gets back. Mounting his horse, he orders the troops to move out. They mount horses and gallop toward the city gates. Some crowds gather in the streets to cheer on their King and the galloping soldiers.

The royal battalion rides over the tall meadow and wheat-grass fields and through the Fairy Woods. King Niall mentally goes through the options to end this squabble swiftly. The Fairy King is tired of the continuous bickering between the Elves and Dwarves over the years. Of late, it has turned into a weekly occurrence. He wishes he could just wall them up in their respective countries, but that would not be very kingly. Then again, he hasn’t been known for being very kingly, especially when it comes to Elves. He has always had a soft spot for Elves, specifically the Elven ladies. His predilection for the Elves increased when they created the “Porunein [Pore-roo-nine] Potion” several ages ago.

           A day after leaving the city of Dunbhaile, they ride over a large grassy hill and stop on the hillside near the top. From the top they can see a valley of beautiful emerald-green meadow grass with a scent of freshly fallen rain. Dark rain clouds move swiftly above a solid black-rock cliff face on the other side of the valley. Disturbing the scene are two huge armies with about ten thousand troops each. They are milling about the field that is edged with tents, camp-fires, and makeshift stables for the cavalry horses. The wind blowing the storm over the cliffs is keeping the foul smell of the armies at bay.

           “Why do we have to ride these uncomfortable beasts again?” the Fairy King whines, wiggling on his saddle from sores formed from the long ride.

           “We have to appear as equals while interrupting a battle, Sire,” The Captain of the Fairy Army answers. Ian, the captain, is tall as Fairies go, and is built to fight. His arms and legs are covered in his family’s tribal tattoos, which look similar to Fairy knot work only sharper, colored black and red, which are his family’s colors.

King Niall sighs, rolls his eyes, and rides down the hill with his top five hundred soldiers. As they are halfway to the opposing armies, he can see the Elven King Rinnal [Rye-Nall] and the Dwarf Chieftain Forbish [Fore-bish] ride out on their horses to the middle of the battlefield to discuss their terms. “Wait! Please!” shouts King Niall to interrupt. He then rides in and stops between them.

           “My, news travels fast. What do you want?” Forbish grumbles.

           “Well, I heard that there is a party and we weren’t invited,” says Niall, trying to break the ice. “And what a mighty fine party it is!” he shouts to everyone on the battlefield.

           “Sire, these dirt Trolls…”

           “Well, now, King Rinnal, I would take you to war, too, if you called me that,” Niall interrupts, noticing Forbish’s reaction. He lifts his hand to gesture the Chieftain to stand down. “Okay, let’s settle this like the sworn leaders we are. First what the hell possessed you two to go to war?”

           “First, these…Dwarves… have mined over on to our land, and it is law that any material on our land we own. So they have stolen-”

           “No one’s stolen anything, you pompous piece of-”

           “Hey! Knock it off you two!” the Fairy King shouts at the childish leaders in a parental manner.  

           “Sire, you of all people should know that all materials found in the mountains, be it on our side or their side, is ours none-the-less, simply because they won’t do anything with the material, so instead of it going to waste we were allowed to mine it. You should know, your father wrote that law,” says Chieftain Forbish

           “Aye, Master Dwarf, I know what my father did!” King Niall is sensitive about matters concerning his father. “Let’s see how far they have mined into your country, Rinnal, shall we?” the Fairy King suggests, and both opposing parties agree. The rulers return to their sides to announce an intermission in the battle until they return. Some warriors let out a sigh of relief, while others curse and groan they don’t get to kill something and then decide to go hunting for dinner to temper their bloodlust.

           A few hours later, the three kings, plus the captains of their armies and one guard each, ride up the nicely graveled Dwarf mining road that leads to the mine in question’s entrance. The mine is cut through a black solid volcanic rock face.

           “Well, Rinnal, the entrance is in Zwergmaa, but, Forbish, it is very close to Alvaheim’s border,” Niall says noticing the Elven flags that mark their border only yards away as he dismounts from his horse looking around. Alvaheim [Allva-hame] is the name of the Elven Country. The Elvin flag is three crescent moons, situated small to large in forming a triangle shape, with a bird of prey in the center, and at the tip of the triangle is a spiral. There are flags about every couple hundred yards. Zwergmaa [Zeerg-maa] is the name for Dwarf Country. “By the way, if the common law is that the materials found in these mountains are Dwarf claim, then why start showing interest in the material now and causing all this fighting?”

           “There has always been interest and fighting. Your kind just hasn’t cared since your father made that law. If you must know, the interest is historical,” snips the Elf King.

            “Aye, I must. Thank you, Rinnal,” King Niall replies to King Rinnal’s snootiness.

           Usually, Dwarf mines are guarded with a thick metal door, but the one in contention has a simple metal bracing for the door around the entrance. Pieces of wood beams, planks, metal bars, and rails are stacked on the ground to the side in an organized fashion. All indications show this mine is newly cut. The Dwarves, when entering the mine, grab nearby torches being used to light the entrance. The Elves cast a ball of white light in their hands using magic words. The Fairies just use their natural glow with the Fairy King’s shining in a brilliant red and Ian’s in an orange hue. King Niall notices a musty staleness and stillness to the air after walking a few feet into the mine.

           “Where is the airflow, Master Dwarf?” asks the Fairy King.

           “We haven’t created one yet. This is a new mine,” replies Forbish.

           “Well, if the mine is this new, then how do you know if the mine had crossed into your border, King Elf?”

           Just after Niall asks his question, Rinnal takes his fist and pounds twice on the mine wall. There are two long loud echoing booms. The Fairy King looks around listening to the echo, impressed by its length in time. When the echo finally fades away, they continue down the mine’s passageway. Dwarf mines are extremely well built and very clean, despite their environment. They are also very roomy. Dwarves aren’t very tall, but they don’t like to be confined. Several hundred yards into the mine, the group reaches a dead end where the mining has stopped at what looks like a cliff wall that shoots straight up past the light’s reach.

           “So this is where we stopped, and you can see why,” the Dwarf Chieftain gestures at the giant cliff wall. It’s almost as if it had been constructed; it’s too precise to have been made naturally.

           “What is it?” one of the Fairy guards asks, astounded.

           “Clearly, a wall,” King Niall replies.

           “Aye, a wall, but made of material that we cannot seem to penetrate. We planned on going around, but the rock is too unstable that way, and the other…well, it goes into Elven territory,” Forbish adds, pointing in the directions of where they could go around. He shoots a glance at Rinnal when saying “Elven Territory.” Rinnal’s eyes narrow at Forbish.

           “Wait, what?” says the Fairy King surprised at the fact that the Dwarves can’t penetrate the wall. He walks up to the cliff wall and places his hand on it, despite protest from his superstitious guards. It looks wet, yet is actually dry, and there appears to be a harmonic vibration emanating from it; it feels like as if something is moving through it. “Elf King, take me to your mine,” the Fairy King insists, feeling a large unnatural power projecting from beyond the wall. They all depart back through the Dwarf mine at the pace of having a purpose.

It’s about a half a day’s ride to the Elven mine, and so all three leaders tell their one guard to ride back to their stationed armies and inform them to set up camp for the evening. The commanding guards stay with their leaders as they ride through the rocky terrain of the mountains to the Elven mine.

With night approaching, the kings agree it is best that they set up camp. Each leader uses his natural powers to create camps. The Fairies with their higher standards, create a crystalline structure grown from the ground and sky. The Elves, using their power over nature, make the trees, bushes, and other plant life bond together to create their camp structure. The Dwarves do not have strong magical powers, limited to only being able to enchant objects made by hand. This handicap has led them to have strong engineering skills, so they create their encampment from an enchanted configuration of metal and cloth that, once thrown on the ground, opens on its own to make a large fort-like structure. Dwarves are the manufactures of the land; hence mining for materials is so important to them, it’s a large part of their culture.

           “My Lord, may I speak with you…as two Elves who have grown up together?” asks Alastar, the leader of the Elven Armies. He moves the thick hanging vines to one side that creates the entrance to the Elf King’s quarters.

           “Of course, my friend, come in,” The Elf King says, gesturing Alastar to sit on one of the two chairs made from magically altered tree stumps. Rinnal goes to change from his battle armor, which is carved out of a green jewel and lined with gold. He sets down his full-faced helmet. It’s crafted and etched with the Elvin markings and is colored to match his jeweled armor. In his reinforced battle tunic and trousers, Rinnal sits in a wooden throne grown from exotic plants and flowers; some flowers have a bluish glow to them and are trimmed in gold.

“Why in the hell are we taking the Fairy King to the site?” Alastar says bluntly.

           “Do I have a choice? If I don’t, he’ll know something is up. Even though he isn’t the best of kings, he is clever. I only plan on showing him the door. That should be enough; he’ll do the rest,” explains Rinnal, who flicks his long straight silver hair back over his shoulders. He also has a long silver beard flowing from his chin that accentuates his long facial features that Elves typically have. His wrinkles of a couple millennia are just starting to show, yet his brilliant, bright leaf-green eyes still look as young as the day he was born. Elves don’t show their age; silver hair and a couple of wrinkles are the most that appear. Also their skin barely starts to turn a tan color from a pale white; they don’t tan in the sun, only with age.

           “But, Rinnal, I think his curiosity will get the better of us. I can feel it,” Alastar responds, rubbing his brow as he takes off his battle helmet that’s golden with silver trimming with an open face and a nose guard similar to the Fairies’ helmets. They have special slots on the sides for a better fit due to the Elven long ears. His armor is a metal that’s golden in color but is strong and light weight, with silver trimming that sometimes catches the light from the glowing petals from the King’s throne. Alaster’s long, straight hair still shows most of its jet black color, but has a couple of silver streaks in it. His skin is pale white, and he has intense aqua-blue eyes that betray the turmoil he’s seen.

           “Aye, I have felt it, too, my friend, but we can only be aware and not oblivious. As long as we keep our wits, we will be fine.” The Elf King pauses in thought, then says, “It’s getting late, my friend, and I soon need to retire for the night.” He slowly gets up from his throne due to age, as does Alastar from his chair. Even though Rinnal and Alastar are close in age, the duties and worries of being a King have warn Rinnal down quicker.

           “Of course my lord,” Alastar says bowing.

           “Remember, Alastar, we need the King of the Fairies to do his part,” insists Rinnal. Alastar nods his head in acknowledgment and exits the Elf King’s structure.

           As the sun shows first light, King Niall and Ian, Captain of the Fairy Guards, emerge from their dwelling only to see that the Elves and Dwarves have already broken camp and are ready to finish the journey.

           “Okay, ready to go, then?” Niall asks sarcastically, and then turns and sends the crystalline structure back to its origins. In an instant, the structure turns into smoke that rises into the sky and descends back to the earth. The Fairies put their armor on and the leaders and guards mount their horses and finish the ride to the Elven mine.

           The terrain gets rockier and plant life gets smaller and a little sparser cause of the altitude. They approach a very large wall of limestone and volcanic rock where the Elven mine resides. The door blocking the mine is made of a mix of an elaborate red granite stone and a golden creation. Its detail and construction are meticulous and beautiful, Niall and Forbish have never seen one before because they are rare. Elves don’t mine; Dwarves do. The leaders and guards dismount their armored steeds and start to walk towards the mine entrance, with Forbish in the lead. As they get closer to the entrance, Rinnal and Alastar exchange looks, with Alastar’s being one of disapproval.

           “My, King Rinnal, this is a might pretty door,” says Niall, as he touches it and runs his hand along the gold trim, admiring the detail. “How do we get in?”

           “Stand back, Sire,” the Elf King replies politely. As everyone steps back, King Rinnal starts casting a spell using magic words. Elves have powerful magic, and almost won the Wars of Power, but their handicap is that all their spells must be spoken. This means their spells are somewhat easily taken care of with a silent charm if one is not careful. Speaking spells is the most common way magic beings cast spell along with feeling, most magical creatures can speak to cast spells. All magic needs emotion to be cast. Few beings, like the Fairies, can conjure spells by thought or pure feelings.

After the spell is spoken, a wooden vine grows from the ground and snakes its way to the center of the mine door. The door, has a golden circle in the center with Elvish writing around it, and in the center is a small, square opening. The tip of the wooden vine enters the opening in the center of the golden circle, and then the vine glows a bright blue. The Elvish writing starts to glow in a bright blue as well. The four golden bars embedded in the stone coming out of the golden circle forming an “X” slide into the mountain, and then the four stone slabs also slide into the mountain. The ground shakes slightly from the movement of their immense weight. When the seal of the door breaks, a rush of air sucks in, creating an airflow, indicating that this is not a new mine. The only thing remaining is the wooden vine, which is not glowing anymore, holding the golden circle at its tip.

           “Fancy locking system for just a mine,” states Forbish.

           “All Elven mines have the same locking system, Master Dwarf,” snips Rinnal.

           “Now, Sprites. How about we go check out the mine.” Niall says exasperatedly and starts walking into the mine.

           “Sire, WAIT!” shouts Alastar, and just as Niall stops in his tracks a large ball of flame shoots across the mine. If the Fairy King hadn’t been stopped he would have been turned to ash.

           “A BOOBY TRAP? REALLY, RINNAL? BOOBY TRAPS!” shouts King Niall, catching his breath.

           “Not Elves, Sire, we did not leave these traps,” Alastar explains.

           “Traps? So there are more?” Ian asks, a bit worried.

           “Forbi…” the Fairy King starts.

           “Hey, don’t look at us,” the Dwarf Chief denies.

           “Who left them?”

           “Not sure, Sire, they were here when we opened the passageway. We lost many Elves discovering all of the traps,” the Elf King explains in a mournful tone.

           “But you have discovered them all, right?” Niall asks, concerned about something worse than being burned in half.

           “As far as we know,” Alastar grunts, a bit upset that the Fairy King dismissed the fact about the fallen Elves.

           “It’s your mine, King Elf, lead the way,” says Niall, gesturing the two Elves to lead. Rinnal and Alastar hesitantly walk in the mine. Alastar explains that after the fireball is ignited, there are about twenty seconds before it activates again. The Fairy King throws a stone to activate the fireball. The instant it passes by, all of them hurry through, the last one being Forbish, who just barely makes it, when another fireball shoots out, just singeing his braided pony-tail. He hurries to put out the flame as he curses in Dwarvish.

           The air starts to thicken with humidity, and the tunnel walls begin to dampen as it opens up into a large chamber. Before them is a small underground lake. The chamber is lit by Elven lanterns that are spaced around the lake at the openings into the chamber. Elven lanterns use a luminescent potion that lights with a bluish-white light. Looking around, the newcomers to the chamber notice the only way across is to jump onto large boulders that seem to be strategically placed in the lake.

           “Careful, Sire, I sense something. This could be another booby trap.” Ian places his hand on Niall’s shoulder to pause him.

           “Follow us exactly! Step on the wrong boulder and it activates a switch that is connected to one of the sharp stones in the ceiling, which will fall and impale you,” Alastar says with a stern tone. The group looks around, and notices that some of the sharp stalactites have already fallen. If someone were to be hit by one of these massive stones, impalement would be the least of their worries. There really wouldn’t be anything left.

           Alastar insists on going first, and not a soul argues with him. Elves have incredible speed and balance and have been known to jump long distances. Alastar confirms the rumor as he leaps to the first safe boulder. The stability of the boulder is questionable, as it wobbles from his landing. Once he gains his composure, he leaps to the next safe boulder. When the first one is available, the Fairy Captain opens his armored wings, which make an impressive sound of metal on metal slicing through the air. He grabs the Dwarf head guard, flies him to the first boulder, and places him there. The longer the Fairies are in the air, the smaller they get, until they are about the size of a dragon-fly, so in order for this to work, King Niall will let the Fairy Captain fly back to shore and let his size return, and then Niall will pick up the Dwarf head guard and move him farther along as the Fairy Captain carries the Dwarf Chieftain to the first boulder. Then they will rotate again, each time resting on either the shore or an open safe boulder to regain their size.

           Halfway across Gordon, the Dwarf head guard, starts getting impatient and loud. His erratic behavior is causing his boulder to shake uncontrollably and wobble more than it should…suddenly, to everyone’s relief, he falls in and all is quiet. King Niall laughs, and Forbish shakes his head, slightly embarrassed. One by one they start to realize that the quiet is too long, and Alastar leaps over, as the Fairy Captain flies over head to get a better look. Gordon is being forced under water by several cave leaches that are about the size of a large carrot. Alastar is slightly stunned, because they have never encountered cave leaches there before. The water is starting to turn red from the Dwarf’s blood. Alastar starts reaching in the water and pulling off leaches as the Dwarf struggles for breath. The leaches are slimy and surprisingly muscular, which makes them hard to grip. They have no eyes, and their mouths are full of several rows of teeth that encircle their mouth and go down to their stomach. Every time Alastar is able to wrench off a leach, three grab on to his arm. Their strength is unbelievable for their size. The leaches almost pull Alastar in the water, but he escapes just as he sees the Dwarf head guard’s last breath escape and the gold light of his magic extinguish. Instantly Gordon’s body is engulfed with leaches.

           “Move out of the way!” the Fairy Captain yells at Alastar. Just then, a leach leaps out of the water and just misses Alastar’s face. Ian casts a lightning spell that should hopefully kill the leaches, or at least stun them. The cave gets dark, and then a bright blue light emanates from the Fairy Captain’s body, and arcs of electricity start to snake around his body and then extend out to his surroundings. Ian focuses the magical power at the water, and with a bright flash and crack of thunder, all of the leaches stop moving and start motionlessly floating in the water. Alastar places his hand over the water to sense the leaches’ life, since Elves are in tune with all living creatures. He can feel that they are only stunned!

           “GO!” he shouts back at the group.

           King Niall flies over to Forbish and picks him up, while the Fairy Captain regains his size, then just as Niall is getting too small, Ian takes over. They do this back and forth until they get the Dwarf Chieftain to the shore on the other side. In the meantime, King Rinnal and Alastar are leaping on the boulders. About two-thirds of the way there, the leaches awaken and begin to chase them by leaping out of the water after them. Rinnal makes it with the help of Alastar’s taking of a few leaches so his King will be safe. Once they land on shore, Alastar casts a spell using magic words to engulf his body in a flame that lasts for a couple seconds so that he can burn the leaches off his body.

           “Whew, that was exciting! Everyone okay?” King Niall asks. “My apologies for your loss, Chieftain.”

           “Aye, let’s get a move on,” Forbish grumbles, adjusting his axe holder, dusting off his bear-skin tunic that’s over his hooded chainmail armor. Dwarves are not ones to show their emotions.

The cave narrows into another tunnel, only leaving about a foot of space above the head of the Fairy King, who is the tallest of the group of leaders. Fairies are usually tall when they aren’t flying.

           “Stop!” Alastar, who’s leading them down the tunnel, puts his hand up to emphasize his point for them to stop.

           “What? Not another damn trap!” King Niall whines.

           “Yes, and it’s different than before,” Rinnal says, stepping forward, sensing something.

           “You mean the enchantment?” asks the Fairy King as if it’s no big deal.

           “Aye, sire,” Alastar grunts. He does not like the Fairy King. Alastar says a magic word and the tunnel instantly brightens up. The group of leaders new to the mine are dumbfounded when they see five sets of metal blades slicing in and out of the tunnel wall, waiting for a victim. But what catches their interest even more is the tunnel’s muddy rocky floor; it has bottomless holes appearing and disappearing at random.

           “The blades I could handle, but the holes, what is that?” the Fairy King asks with frustration.

           “Sire, it’s not a problem for us. We can just fly across…see?” the Fairy Captain says, a bit cocky, as starts to fly down the tunnel dodging the blades and avoiding the tunnel floor all together. As Ian is speeding down the tunnel, Alastar shouts to let him know that there should be a switch at the end to stop the blades. When Ian gets to the end, he notices that the tunnel opens to another huge cavern, larger than the one with the lake. It, too, is lit by Elven lanterns. He sees the switch, which is just a big stone lever. Quickly he pulls it down, and the blades and holes disappear. “Yeah! That’s why fairies…” Before the Fairy Captain can finish his gloating, a giant cave bat about two or three stories high suddenly grabs Ian with its mouth, then eats him.

           “What the hell is at the end of this mine?” the Fairy King shouts as they run towards the end of the tunnel. The bat has flown up to the ceiling and is hanging upside down enjoying his recent meal, then it spits out the bits of armor it can’t chew up. The cavern is several times the size of the lake cavern. Its floor has a large crack splitting the room in half, with a huge underground river flowing extremely fast to an unknown location below it. The only way across the large crack is a bridge of silvery white stone that was made by some unknown person or people. The Elves do not claim responsibility for its creation, but it’s definitely not natural.

           “Where did that bat come from?” asks the Fairy King.

           “No idea, Sire, perhaps it’s been here the whole time…” Alastar has a hard time believing the explanation he has just made.

           “Either way it needs to be destroyed. It’s not going to let us across that bridge,” Forbish says preparing himself for battle. King Niall is mulling over the idea of getting more troops in there, but the Dwarf Chieftain does not have much patience and pulls out one of his throwing axes and throws it, hitting the bat in one of its feet, causing it to let go of the ceiling and crash onto the bridge.

           “Oh, he looks very upset!” exclaims Niall, who then he uses his wing armor to protect himself from rocks flying at him from the gust of wind caused from the bat taking flight. It releases a deafening scream that stuns the four of them; their bodies become stiff and rigid. Forbish quickly comes to and then charges the bat, which takes a swipe at him with his claw on the end of its wing. Forbish ducks and rolls forward, avoiding the strike, then finds himself behind the bat. He slices the bat’s good leg, which causes it to screech again and fly up. As it is ascending, Alastar throws a dagger into its wing, while the Elf King is trying to get a lock on the creature to find out why it’s so angry, but he can’t. He can’t sense anything. It is as if this beast is made of just magic. The Fairy King figures he will cast a stunning spell at the bat, which works becauses it falls out of the sky and hits the ground completely stiff. Wasting no time, Forbish runs over and lops its head off and grunts something to it in Dwarfish.

The ones left alive in the group all push the large bat carcass over the bridge into the underground river, where it takes it a very long time to hit the water. They are unaware that they are several hundred feet from the river. “This better be worth it, Elf King,” King Niall says, slightly out of breath, as he gestures to Alastar to continue to lead the way.

The cavern shrinks back down to a tunnel again almost to the point to where they have to crawl, and then suddenly they come to the point behind the whole journey, the giant cliff wall! King Niall and Chief Forbish instantly notice the difference of this side. The wall is covered with writings from four different dialects etched in the stone, but none of the leaders could read them. Another major difference is that this wall has a door. Not an Elven door, but made from solid stone, not black volcanic like it was in the mine, but something else, almost like it’s a mix of stone and metal. Above the door carved in the stone is a symbol. Two parallel arches with two curved lines coming out of the tips, one coming out of the top line on the right side and one coming out of the bottom line on the left side, but the two arching lines are not touching each other. Niall has a vague memory of this symbol, but he can’t seem to recall its meaning. Centered on the door is the symbol of the ruling hierarchy, three circles in an isosceles triangle formation with another smaller set of three smaller circles in the middle, and in the middle of that is a hand imprint not carved but cut into the solid metallic stone door.

           “Amazing,” Forbish says stunned; it’s extremely rare for a Dwarf to be in “awe.”

           “Aye, Master Dwarf, it’s beautiful,” the Elf King replies, acknowledging more its historical significance.

           “The Ancients!” the Fairy King spontaneously shouts. Everyone looks at him simultaneously as he goes on and says, “That symbol over the door represents the Ancients! Well the lower one is, but why is there a mirror version above it?” All members of the ruling hierarchy go through, or used to go through, schooling at the religious temples of the Ancients, back when the beliefs of the Ancients were strong. But since no evidence of the Ancients was ever found, going to the temples has slowly diminished, until the current Fairy King’s father basically abandoned the idea and existence of the Ancients altogether. Now all that is left of the whole religion are scattered rogue communities. Except for the courts, they are the only thing still using the ways and laws of the Ancients, yet they, too, have lately been drifting away from the Ancient’s teachings and become more focused on just politics.

           “They’re a myth, nothing more than children’s tales,” argues Forbish.

           “Apparently not,” the Fairy King replies, gesturing and still in awe at the unmistakable proof of the Ancients’ existence towering in front of him. “Look, that lower portion is the Ancient’s symbol!” He adds, holding his hand up to block the upper portion of the carving. He puts his hand down, and then his curiosity gets the best of him, and he inches closer to the door. Once he is in arm’s length, Niall looks at his royal birth marks on his right forearm, freckles in a isosceles triangle formation; they are glowing, he then places his hand in the cut-out on the door.

The Elf King smiles to himself with excitement. The Elves have known about this door for a long time, and now the Elf King will be able to finally see what’s behind it. A strange sound echoes through the cave as a bright blue light with golden edges explodes from the hand cut-out, then the Ancients’ symbol above the door glows golden, and King Niall notices the marks on his arm start glowing gold also. The door slides open with a rush of air that blows by, and reveals…darkness and a constant roaring sound, like a river or a waterfall. Niall turns around with a look of childlike curiosity, he gives a mischievous grin and walks in.

           “Sire, no!” Alastar goes to stop him, but the Elf King holds him back. The darkness starts to fade away as a bluish light from beyond the door slowly comes to a glow. Chief Forbish, not hearing a sound of horror coming from the darkened doorway, concludes there is no danger and walks through. The two Elves left behind look at each other then too follow. They enter a massive chamber that looks like it has been carved and cut out of solid blue agate. The air smells and feels moist and humid, yet sterile. The floor is tiled with larger polished black and grey granite slabs checkered like a chessboard. In the center of the room is a broken white marble pedestal. Around the pedestal is the source of the roar and bluish light, a large pillar of water spouting upward out of it with magnificent force back into the ceiling and glowing a soft blue. Centered in the water pillar, stabbed into the broken marble pedestal, is a sword. It has a white handle with two blue metallic snakes that wrap around it and form the hilt. Their tails at the bottom of the handle hold a green polished transparent sphere. At the snakes’ heads, which form the hilt guards, are eyes that seem to be made of the same green material. It’s a cross blade, with four edges for the single blade, and is made of a dark mirrored metal. About two-thirds of the way down from the blade’s tip, the shape angles in sharply, then slowly fans back out into the hilt. At the widest point in the four-edged blade are holes cut out like something is supposed to be inserted into them.

           Around the pillar in the floor are equal numbers of the granite slabs with symbols carved in them, similar yet different from the one above the door on the cliff wall. As the Fairy King walks closer to the pillar of water, it starts to go down, and his red natural glow grows brighter. Once he is close enough to touch the sword, the pillar of water has gone completely into the ground; he can hear it being held under by some force. King Niall goes to grab the sword and can feel its power. He’s never felt power from an object quite like this before. If all the Dwarves in the world used all of their enchanting power to put into one object, it still wouldn’t come close to the magnitude of the power he is feeling from this sword. As his fingers wrap around the handle, he notices the white part feels smooth, yet where the snakes wrap around it they give it a surprisingly strong grip, making the handle extremely comfortable. The blade starts to glow, and with no struggle the Fairy King pulls out the sword. Instantly it rusts and has no power at all, nothing.

“What? It’s a joke, a damn magic trick! Why would the Ancients pull a trick like this? Here,” the disappointed Fairy King tosses the rusty sword to the Elf King, “this was a waste of my life. Let’s go!”

Niall, backs away from the pillar, annoyed. Suddenly water shoots up from the pillar and slams into the ceiling, breaking a hole through to the surface; a bright blue light with golden edges shoots into the sky from the hole where the pillar was, and at its peak, it breaks off into three directions with a blue concussion wave of magic emanating from the epicenter from where the light splits into three.

Immediately sounds of banging, clicking, and moving parts throughout the mine appear. Everything begins to shake and fall apart as there is a roar of rushing water and then it blasts up from the floor where the hole was, making a much bigger hole, and quickly starts flooding the room.

           “Best we leave now, before we drown!” shouts Forbish. Everyone is in agreement and follows the stocky Dwarf back the way they came in. All of those noises the leaders heard before the cave started to self-destruct were the traps being deactivated, so they can run out with their only worry now being getting crushed under heavy rocks and water. They dramatically dive out of the entrance as a loud CRASH sounds and a large cloud of dust and water sprays out of the rubble of the collapsed mine.

Slowly the leaders get up off the ground one by one, dusting themselves off, and the Fairy King says, “Give me that,” as he snatches the rusty sword from the Elf King. As the blade moves through the air, a blue streak follows it. “I should keep it, to remind me of the day I almost died. Okay, lads, where is the nearest pub? And bring me my Porunein Potion!”

[ladyiceflame-blog]

An Inconvenient Truth:

Chapter Sixteen: Cleansing and Contemplation

When Asaito returned to his tent, he found Oda waiting within its dismal interior.  He was sipping that horrid concoction of strange herbs and stench-laden spices that he dared to call tea. “You’re up and about rather early this morning,” the monk began, assessing his employer’s scowl.  “Are you nervous about your ‘Big Day’?” “Have I ever been nervous on any other of my ‘Big Days’?” Asaito returned coldly, taking his seat beside the tray of breakfast that had been brought for him.  “Blushing is for brides alone.” The monk chuckled lewdly before asking: “Was she blushing?” Asaito gave his court advisor a stern look before answering.  Oda’s vicarious thirst for private detail was getting more pronounced with age. “I don’t believe that the ‘Shimogakuran Spitfire’ is capable of blushing anymore,” Asaito returned, feeling no need to accommodate his servant’s irritating questions. “So...did you bring us back another little...souvenir for the cabinet?” Oda dared to press, as his beady eyes glanced at the macabre reliquary beside them. Asaito chewed his bite of quail egg tamagoyaki as he considered his reply. ‘Us?’  When exactly had Oda laid claim to what had always been understood as his prey?  The help seemed to have become truly delusional! Oda would most definitely be suffering from some tragic accident when this was over.  But who could he find that would fill the void? Perhaps one of those idiot companions of Ice Flame’s would work.  He needed to keep them busy, after all. “What I have done....or not done, is no concern of yours, you impudent lackey,” Asaito finally returned, and he stood and began to draw an infernal sigil in the air before him.  His maroon eyes flared with unwholesome balefire, as he called upon the powers granted to him by hell. The unholy rune became a jagged, festering slash, and opened a violent wound in time and space.  From this double door-sized breech, the hallmark scent of the brackish waters that surrounded the Tsuroyuni domain of Koryomizu Prefecture came wafting, accompanied by the sulphuric odors of this infernal bridge’s origins. “What is your concern is overseeing that all of my possessions get back where they belong before I finish my bath,” Asaito instructed, as dark tendrils of foul making snaked out of the void he’d opened, and began to lay hold of the furniture.  “The tent and the brasiers can stay.  Let these fools have them to puzzle over when we’re finally gone from this wretched place.” “Are you anticipating a hasty departure, My Lord?” Oda asked. “The hastier, the better,” as a large tendril carried the reliquary into the demonic gateway behind him. “I only agreed to this tedium because the Lady Ice Flame would have it no other way.  But once she takes that vow of marriage, even her patron god won’t be able to contravene my husbandly edicts.” “Isn’t a traditional marriage a wonderful thing?” Oda leered back in cruel delight. “A perfect, honeyed trap for overly sentimental women....if executed properly,” Asaito agreed.  “The toxic masculinity of this world has provided the Ministers of Hell with so many conveniences,” he smirked, as he stepped through the foul portal.

Naruto and Sasuke had both raced to scrub off the filth of the fen in their eagerness to soak in the warming waters of the farmstead onsen.  But Kakashi was taking his time, sifting through the maelstrom of emotions that had assaulted him over the past couple of days. When the laundry attendant had taken their swamp-drenched clothes, Kakashi had held onto the torn length of scarlet sash that he’d been left with when the giant heron had snapped up  Miriyume.  A strange keepsake that eerily echoed another memento of an earlier meeting of theirs: the crimson cord that had nearly drug her over an icy cliff in her homeland. Both red.  Both cut.  Both treasured tokens that would be stored in the small footlocker that housed the heavily distressed red scarf he used to wear on Anbu missions. He began to wind its freshly washed, silken length against the slightly weeping scratches of his left forearm as a physical vow to persevere.  He would pull her from danger, again and again.  However many times it needed doing. The sound of approaching voices and casual footsteps put Kakashi on reflexive alert. “–she’s very upset.” “And when she’s upset, I am more upset.” “I both know, and appreciate, this fact—“ Three men.  One’s voice was immediately recognizable, as it had been giving him advice and marching orders for most of his life. Kakashi briefly considered hiding so as to eavesdrop further, but resisted the urge out of respect for the Hokage. “—but he’s always been such a stoic person, who only became more so after successive waves of personal loss,” Hiruzen finished. “Aren’t you supposed to be a sensor-type?” the gruffer-sounding of the Hokage’s companions derided. “You’re hardly one to lecture, Yaseiarashi!” Sarutobi snapped back.  “It took you years to realize your own wife’s deep affections for you at the Temple of Fire!” The other two laughed. “Only because I could hardly dare to believe them,” the Shimokhan sheepishly returned. “But...” the third man pressed, “We digress.  Renara-sama, as well as Gekido and myself, are very concerned about this unintentional complication.  We’ve spent nearly a year planning this...” “I know,” Hiruzen stressed.  “I still have the mission request in my desk, which, may I be so candid, is the strangest damn wedding invitation I have ever received: ‘Three day camping event.  Food and shelter provided.  Open bar.  Bring your own shinobi escort...” “Gift registries are overdone....” the Shimokhan quipped.  “Yet, despite all that time I gave you to cherry-pick shinobi to bring, you chose—“ ”It came down to availability!” Sarutobi interrupted.  “And perhaps fate.  Think back, Ryuu-kun....to your last trip to my Village.  It wasn’t just an auspicious day for your son.  The Renkingen needed a trigger, and that trigger came in the form of....” “Some miniature thug knocking my Stormfly to the ground hard enough to cause her to lose consciousness!” the Shimokhan returned testily. Kakashi’s mind dredged his memories: When had the Head Ninja of the Land of Frost and Miriyume ever visited Konoha?!?  And who would dare assault such a rare diplomat’s daughter?!? “He didn’t mean to, Ryuumaru-kun,” Hiruzen soothed.  “Even Ryuuyuki understood that.  He was so beside himself afterward.  He actually needed counseling.” “Oh my gods....that WAS him, now that I think back....” the Shimokhan gasped. “It was an eventful...and fateful day,” the Hokage continued, as Matsuko parted the noren that separated the locker area from the bathing chamber.  His smiling face changed to a much more somber expression when he caught sight of Kakashi nonchalantly rinsing his silver hair.   “...and if fate is so intent on binding these two together, then let’s put this enigmatic force to work here, where it’s needed the most.  I have alwasys found destiny is a most fortunate....” the Hokage trailed off, on seeing what was possibly his most notorious jonin, naked except for a washcloth tied over his nose and mouth, washing the last of his suds down the drain. “...ally.  Ohayogozaimasu, Kakashi-san.” The Shimokhan jumped slightly as the jonin stood, wrapping his towel around his slim waist. “Ohayogozaimasu, Lord Third,” Kakashi bowed in respect.  “Also to Shimokhan-sama...Matsuko-san.” “You’re up rather early,” Hiruzen smiled broadly, in direct contrast to his two companions, who looked rather ashen.  “Especially after having such a busy night,” his keen eyes briefly acknowledging the unusual bandage on his forearm. He knew.  Of course he knew.  Hiruzen Sarutobi, ‘The Professor’, knew most things. “The Fire Daimyo is beginning to think you’ve abandoned us,” the Hokage added. “I am sorry that my ascribed duties are keeping me from paying rapt attendance at our Lord’s court,” Kakashi offered, with just a hint of sarcasm. “Just as long as you and your students remember to stand by his side at the wedding, I’m certain you will be forgiven,” Sarutobi assured, as he began to bathe. “Pah!” the Shimokhan scoffed, finally shaking off the shock of almost being caught talking about a man behind his back, and selecting a faucet beside Hiruzen, “Your Daimyo sounds like ours:  overly pampered, and utterly clueless as to the harsher realities of life.” “Pretty much,” the Hokage agreed.  “And its best to keep them that way.  Ours is fond of spectacle and gossip, which is probably why he leapt at the chance to host this event.” “Did his wife bring the cat?” Kakashi had to ask. “Of course, poor thing,” the Hokage smirked.  “Kurenai-san’s team has had to chase her down three times so far.” “Our Daimyo’s always losing track of his daughters!” Ryuumaru countered, obviously relishing the opportunity to commiserate with others on the subject of naive heads-of-state,  “Usually running off with some new boyfriend, or sneaking off to some other land for a wild night.” “Those girls are trouble,” Matsuko chimed in. “You know, they once convinced my little Stormfly that she was some hideous beast-girl, unworthy of their association?  Miri-chan made us send her to charm school on account of those brats!” Matsuko snickered, as he doused himself with water.  “Funny how the traits that they spurned were the very ones Miri-chan used to bail them out of so many of their problems.” “Will any of them be at the...ceremony?” Kakashi asked, still unwilling to call it a wedding. “Not likely, since they weren’t invited,” the Shimokhan smirked.  “Today’s events are probably a little too....coarse, for their refined tastes,” chuckling oddly to himself. “Na-roo-toe!” growled a young, stern voice from the hot spring pool, followed by the unmistakable sound of a wet towel snap, and the attendant yelp of pain. “What?!?  I was just gonna see if she wanted to talk, you pervert!  I’d never!” Naruto defended. “Speaking of ‘coarse’....” Kakashi lowered his head in apology. “Ah!  The Uzumaki kid!” Ryuumaru identified.  “I heard that he bested my girl in the Iron Chest Grappling Tourney!” “He did,” Matsuko confirmed.  “Right after she sent Gek-kun rolling.” “Where is Gekido-san?” Kakashi asked, as the others rinsed their suds and stood. “Still sleeping,” Matsuko answered. “You mean, still snoring like an asmatic walrus!” Ryuumaru amended, drawing laughter as he led the way to the pool outside.  “How do you stand it, man?” turning to his daughter’s team mate. “I usually force him to wear one of those breathing strips, but he was kinda hard to pin down last night.  You know how drinking seems to sharpen his reflexes.” “Oh gods, yes...” the Shimokhan vouched, as the four men stepped onto the wooden deck surrounding the men’s pool.  “The Whiskey Brigade had an eye on him for awhile...” Naruto and Sasuke, who had been engaged in some form of free-style wrestling, froze in place, clearly taken aback by the arrival of the other adults. “Old Wild Man-sama!” Naruto gasped, as Sasuke released his half-nelson hold on him, and contemptuously shoved him away. “Naruto!” Kakashi immediately censured, as Miriyume’s father erupted in laughter.  “You will address the Shimokhan with the proper respect!” “Its alright,” Ryuumaru chuckled, stepping into the water.  “No offense taken.  I actually kind of like that one...”  The golden-green waters were much more subdued in the daylight. “Stop embarrassing us, baka-Naruto!” Sakura scolded from the other side of the ivied dividing wall. “Are you eavesdropping on me, Sakura-chan?” the Uzumaki crooned back. “Only because there is no one else over here!” she answered hotly. “Miri-chan prefers having the hot spring to herself,” Matsuko shared.  “She can adjust the temperature to suit her comfort that way.” Under his breath, Kakashi muttered: “She’s not always so courteous of company...” “What was that, Hatake-san?” Hiruzen asked. “Nothing, Hokage-sama,” he answered, his blush looking sharper against the white contrast of his bath-mask.  “So...” looking to change the subject, “What is the schedule for today?” The Shimokhan gave an exasperated sigh, leaning back against the wall of the pool.  “You’ll have to ask Wakame-san for the specifics, but, the big ceremony is set to start at high noon, immediately following the ‘Men’s Purification Ritual,’” his hawk-like gaze zeroing in on the man sitting to his left: Matsuko.  The swarthy giant bowed his mo-hawked head of auburn hair in glum resignation. “Must I?” he pleaded softly. “Yes!” Ryuumaru returned.  “As her team mate, you are obliged as family!” “What does Matsuko have to do?” Sasuke asked from his corner of the pool. “According to tribal custom, all the male members of a wedding party must ritually immerse themselves in a natural, unheated source of water before the ceremony; to cleanse the spirit,” Hiruzen answered. “What to the women have to do?” Naruto had to ask. “Attend the bride while she sits in a perfumed bath, dine on delicacies, listen to music, and laugh at our torment,” Matsuko replied sullenly. “The years you spent in the Land of Water have seriously compromised your ‘Winter Blood’, Mat-san,” Ryuumaru admonished. “I have NEVER been a fan of cold water, Shimokhan-sama,” he admitted freely. “Hmph,” the leader of the Frost nin groused, crossing his arms and closing his eyes.  “But you’ll still be taking a dip with me and the Inuzuka.  I insist!” “Understood, Shimokhan-sama,” Matsuko sighed. “Wait a minute!” Naruto began, “You said ‘ALL male wedding party members.’  Doesn’t that include the groom?” “Clever boy,” Ryuumaru smiled, opening his eyes.  “It would....normally.  But Miri-chan has asked me to respect this man’s....reservations, regarding our customs.” The water around the Shimokhan became more agitated all of a sudden.  Like the beginning of a slow boil. “...Ordinarily, I’d drag that insolent twerp to the lake and dunk him myself...” Steam was now making Matsuko and Hiruzen clearly uncomfortable. “Alright now, Ryuu-kun,” the Hokage chided gently.  “The onsen water is hot enough as it is.” With a chagrined look, the Shimokhan gritted his teeth, and abated his emotionally triggered chakra outburst.  “Whoops.  Just feeling a little edgy...I guess.” Matsuko gave his khan a pat on the brawny shoulder, and whispered a nigh-imperceptible: “Save it for later.” “A proper bridegroom should respect the customs of his bride’s family,” Kakashi announced, causing Hiruzen to groan and hide his eyes.  “Especially in a marriage of political significance.” “I’d jump in a lake for Aunty-Priestess-Knock-Out-sama!  Datte-bayo!”  Naruto seconded, “And for you, too, Sakura-chan!” “I don’t care!” Sakura replied. “Well, I’m relieved to know that our friends in the Land of Fire would be so accommodating,” the Shimokhan smiled with the same impish charm that had been passed down to his daughter.  With Miriyume, the confidant roguishness was seductive.  With her father, it was unnerving. “Care to join us?” the grizzled warrior from the North asked, looking directly at Kakashi. Matsuko arched an eyebrow. Hiruzen looked shocked.   This was clearly an unexpected challenge that held some significance. Kakashi glanced down at the crimson length of silk on his left forearm, then met the steady gaze of Miriyume’s father. “It would be a honored privilege, Shimokhan-sama,” he formally replied with a bow, getting a look of supreme satisfaction from the Frost leader.  Matsuko smiled enigmatically.  Hiruzen let go of the breath he’d been holding. “Now, that’s the answer of a worthy man!” Ryuumaru deemed, gesturing to the gallant shinobi, and settling back into his submerged seat. “Then even you admit that Tsuroyuni is not a man worthy of your daughter,” Sasuke verbally pounced, “Yet you do nothing to stop this clearly disastrous union!” “Sasuke!” the Hokage stood, aspecting his sternest demeanor.  Matsuko cocked his head at the incredibly rude genin, A pair of jade-green eyes peered over the fence, and gulped. The Shimokhan’s fiery affinity had erupted into full display, red-orange flames forming an intimidating aura about his stocky, frame, turning the water around him into clouds of heavy steam.  His lantern jaw tight, his eyes squinted in the manner of an angry eagle. “How DARE you lecture our esteemed employer....and my trusted ally, about family obligation!” “How dare you NOT!” Sasuke shot back angrily.  “My clan may be dead, but I will hold to the principals my father taught me!   That’s why I refuse to stand idly by and watch a woman surrender an honorable name in exchange for a vile one!” “Sasuke-kun...” Naruto sniffed, ushering in a somber silence, save for the hiss of boiling water, the tell-tale creak of wooden fence-slats, and the occasional chirp of morning birds. The Shimokhan closed his scowling eyes, and took a deep breath.  Deep enough to prompt Kakashi into standing between his overly-opinionated student, and the infamous ‘Blast Furnace of the North’.  The Shimokhan’s fireball jutsu was said to rival that of most Uchiha... Following another tense moment, Ryuumaru exhaled slowly, and his nimbus of flame melted back into his body. Matsuko sank to his eyeballs in the much warmer water, and blew a stream of relieved bubbles.  Hiruzen kept his stern expression fixed upon the sharp-tongued genin.  The Shimokhan opened his eyes. “You’re the Uchiha,” he began, “The last one, so I’ve heard.” “I am,” Sasuke admitted. “Then as a representative of one notoriously passionate clan to another: NEVER insult my devotion to family again, or I’ll turn your charred remains into a diamond.  And I believe that the pair of pretty eyes watching you from the fence are wanting a little more from you than just a shiny rock.  So let’s indulge her,” he ended with a menacing chuckle. Sasuke had the good sense to look rattled, as Sakura gasped loudly as abandoned her post on the fence. “Thank-you for not roasting the boy, Ryuumaru-kun,” Hiruzen breathed. “That would be my wife’s influence on me in action,” the Shimokhan explained.  “The enfolding wings of my Angel of Serenity.  I’d have burned myself to ashes and taken a good chunk of this world with me long ago if it hadn’t been for her.” “So, your wife makes you a better person?” Naruto asked. “She does,” laying a wet cloth over his eyes and laying back.  “I have to be a better person, out of my love for her.  That’s one of the surest indicators that your marriage is a good one.” “Will Asaito-sama be a better person?” Naruto followed up. Kakashi was all ears.  Hiruzen looked down sadly.  There was no offense in the boy’s question.  Only desperate hope. Ryuumaru was at a loss of words, but Matsuko offered his thoughts: “Can’t get much worse....” the large man sighed quietly. “Then how can you allow Aunty-Priestess-Knock-Out-sama to do this?” the Uzumaki inquired sadly.  “She’s your daughter!  Tell her to stop!” “The tribes of the North are not governed like the Daimyo, or the family clans that you’re accustomed to, Naruto-san,” Hiruzen began.  “Unmarried, adult women are not bound to the wills of their fathers.  They can marry....or not marry, whomever they want.” “Shimogakuran women have all the same rights and responsibilities as men.  We value freedom too highly to be otherwise,” Matsuko added. “So why does Mir—“ Kakashi broke off, amending his honorific, “–Lady Ice Flame feel the need to get married now, to this man?” “Because the offers haven’t exactly been pouring in, and she’s begun to take it rather personally,” Matsuko responded with a heavy dose of ire.  “She’s in her third decade of life now, and beginning to feel her chances for romance are getting scarcer and scarcer.  Tsuroyuni made an offer, and she accepted.” “He comes from a noble family, with ancient ties to the Land of Water.  He has wealth, prestige, and power.  It makes sense,” the Hokage reasoned. “The hell it does,” Kakashi spat.  “I am sorry, but it is obvious that we will never be agreed on this subject.  My students and I will now take our leave, and let you bathe in peace.  Naruto!  Sasuke!  Let’s go!” As Naruto relayed the command to Sakura over the fence, Kakashi gave the Shimokhan some final words: “You have contracted my services for protection, yet bind my hands against saving the one person who needs saving here.  This is an impossible task, and I can’t bear to watch your daughter exchange vows of sake with that....monster.” “That goes double for me,” Sasuke seconded, as he exited the pool.   “And triple for me!” Sakura yelled over the fence. “And quar....quad....quag—FOUR times for me!” Naruto added as he left. “And if you think our displeasure is tiresome, just wait until Raijin-kami-sama frees himself of those fetters he was talking about,” Kakashi revealed.  “He will make the Lady Ice Flame a widow in no time.” The jonin’s parting statement drew comical shocked expressions from the trio of men: Hiruzen’s jaw went completely slack, and his pipe fell in the water.  The Shimokhan capsized, and sputtered water.  Matsuko stood bolt upright, in all his naked glory. “How do you know about Raijin-sama’s fetters?!?” Matsuko demanded, looming uncomfortably close for Kakashi’s peace-of-mind. “He....told me,” he returned, putting some distance between himself and the taller, and clearly stronger, nude man. “You....spoke, with Miri-chan’s kami patron?!”  Matsuko continued the unnerving interrogation. “To be completely honest, Raijin-sama did most of the talking,” Hatake replied, “And he seemed to take grave offense at that sleep-walk jutsu that was used on Lady Ice Flame.  I imagine his censure on the one who used it will be swift and brutal.” “How did you see him?  Didn’t Miri-chan say—“ the Shimokhan started, before Hiruzen motioned him silent. “I met him a few hours ago, when my students and I found the Lady Ice Flame sleepwalking in the bog,” Kakashi explained. “I didn’t see anyone else there,” Naruto admitted with a scowl.  “What’s Kaka-sensei talking about?” Sasuke groaned at his team mate’s ignorance.  “He obviously saw this kami when he used the Sharingan on her!” “Oh...” Naruto nodded, then looked confused again.  “Wait, what...?” “Raijin-sama must have pulled Kakashi into his spirit temple of Tetsu Yagura...” the Hokage factored for his throughly confused colleague.  “...using the Sharingan as a pathway.” “Then you have been afforded a rare honor, Hatake-san,” the Shimokhan congratulated.  “Lord Raijin has only permitted two other people into his personal realm, that I know of....my wife, and my son.  He’s not that....social.” “He’s a narcissistic psychopath!” Matsuko translated.  “He only tolerates me, and he mercilessly torments Gek-kun.” “The rebellious son of my clan’s principal god, Lord Kami Susano-o, only appears to my daughter’s closest companions....or her worst enemies.  Given as how you are still alive, I believe that you must be counted among the former.” “Is he shy?” Naruto inquired. Matsuko bit down on a laugh.  “No, just...angry.  Very, very angry.” “He adores my little Stormfly, though.” “Miriyume-chan has always had a gift for charm, though,” the Hokage acknowledged. “The gods know that I’d give that girl the last flickering ember of my being if she asked,” Ryuumaru continued, “But she’s asked for something much more challenging instead.  My support in this....venture.” Even he, it seemed, didn’t really want to call this a wedding. The Shimokhan took a moment to draw a deep breath, and emit an equally long sigh, and everyone got comfortable again. “I’ll be honest here, I’m as against this wedding as much as anyone else, but I MUST respect Miri-chan’s wishes.” “Even if those wishes lead her into a living nightmare?” Kakashi pressed. “Even then,” the Shimokhan replied.  “I have to bear witness here, as her father, as her Shimokhan, and by the esteemed custom of the Unity of Frost.” “What’s the ‘Unity of Frost’?” Naruto asked. “It’s the nindo of our Village,” Matsuko answered.  “All for one, and one for all.” “My daughter has called upon the Unity of Frost to see her through this endeavor, binding us all to assist her.  Any who fail to do so forfeit their honor as a shinobi.” “Any shinobi of Shimogakure can declare it, so long as it benefits the Village.  Its not a thing that is invoked often.  Usually only in times of battle,” Matsuko added.  “Your Unity of Frost doesn’t bind me,” Sasuke litigated, “Or any of us of the Leaf Village. The Lady Ice Flame cannot force our compliance–“ ”But I can,” the Hokage cut off the indignant Uchiha.  “Because of the debts I owe to this man, I promised him a one-time favor of including me among his resources for Frost, which he just cashed in.  As shinobi under my command, you are all included.” Sasuke scowled. “Shimogakure’s love of freedom seems to be at odds with its nindo,” Kakashi observed aloud, regarding the Shimokhan.  “Your village is truly an inscrutable place.” “Or, perhaps our love of our people runs so deep that lending assistance never feels like an infringement of our liberty,” Matsuko countered. There would be no persuading any of them, Kakashi realized sadly.  Team Seven was truly on its own here. Despite Team Eight’s similar attitudes, he could not, in good conscience, involve them further, for the sake of preserving their honor as shinobi. His own honor seemed like a ragged scrap of cloth anymore.  Threadbare and practically useless.  As for his students....? The young were generally absolved of the crimes of a disreputable sensei. “Well, my students and I have some things to attend to, so, we’ll be taking our leave now.  But, when and where exactly will this ‘Purification Ritual’ take place?” Kakashi asked.

This water was too hot, and filled with enough yuzu and mandarin oranges to qualify as a sangria.  The air inside the bridal yurt’s curtained bathing area was redolent with the scents of patchouli, ginger lily, safflower, and gods knew what else.  Her mother had given her a cup of chamomile tea instead of the cucumber-infused sake she’d requested, and that bamboo flute player’s music was starting to get on her last nerves. Still; this was preferable to being trapped in the belly of that damn giant bird.... Miriyume toyed with the team’s amber chrysanthemum charm, and took a moment to think about simpler days.  Learning sage arts from her mother.  Snowball fights followed by hot chocolate. Lying under a night sky with Matsuko, Gekido and Aoseishin and getting lost in the aurora-clad stars.  Would she ever find that kind of contentment again?  Or would this deviant sense of duty keep her perpetually wandering? And Kakashi.  That paradoxically disquieting/comforting presence now had a name.  And a rather infamous one at that.  Seeking him out had been part of the inspiration for her wandering ways. She’d never really given any thought as to what she would do when she found him, though... “You’re awfully quiet, Stormfly-chan,” Renara began, as she reached out for Miriyume’s long cascade of scarlet-tipped, orange hair, which was hanging over the outside edge of the summoned, marble bathtub.  “Especially for being recently regurgitated.  No inventive insults, no angry rants.  I’m surprised.  You always had your father’s flair for swearing....” “I’m just....thinking,” she excused.  “Lost in thought,” setting the amber token on the edge of the tub. “Ah, the Wandering Lights Stone,” the Heron Sage acknowledged, as she began to pull a comb through her daughter’s hair.  “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen it.  I remember how you three used to constantly squabble over who got to hold onto it...” “We still do,” Miriyume reported.  “It just involves more alcohol now.” “You are so your Father’s child,” Renara shook her head, as she mentally compared the coppery hues of Miriyume’s hair to a younger Ryuumaru’s; nearly identical.  But the crimson tips were direct inheritance from Grandfather Uzumaki.  She seemed to take so much more after the men in the family... “So...about the bridal path carpet....” Miriyume veered away from the melancholy thoughts that Renara had been picking up on, “You used wood from the kansugi tree....and hongmu?” “The miko found a box of it when cleaning the temple storage chamber, and I felt it was auspicious enough to merit inclusion,” the Heron sage-priestess answered, as she focused upon the fiery hair slipping through her pale fingers.  “Both are renowned for their powers of protection.” This girl....Renara worried inwardly.  SO much like her father!  Too much!  The same ardent heart. The same stubborn pride.  The same unflinching resolve.  The same profound obliviousness of what was in their best interests, despite it being right in front of them! Attempting to double-back to her daughter’s earlier musings, Renara made a suggestion: “You should visit Konoha after all of this.  Spend some time with our friends in the Leaf Village.” “Already on the agenda,” Miriyume returned.  “I found a reference in the Temple of Falling Water that spoke of the Order of the Resplendent Sun building a monastery near—“ ”That’s not what I mean, you foolish girl!” Renara scolded harshly enough to give the flute-player pause.  With a gesture, she dismissed the musician, clearly wanting a private moment with her daughter. “I am worried about you, Miri-chan.  You win allies wherever you go, just like your father, but UN-like him, you never settle in and get comfortable.  You’re always on the move.  The next town...the new adventure.  You need to slow down, let more people get close to you.” “I believe that’s bad policy,” Miriyume countered cooly, sipping her tea.  “People become more agitated the longer I hang around.  It’s a proven fact.  And I can’t build meaningful friendships with those who would find me tiresome.” “You never give them a chance!”  Renara retorted.  “The tiniest inconvenience...the slightest bit of discomfort, and you’re gone.  People need time to cultivate friendships, love.” The Heron Sage secured Miriyume’s hair atop her head with a pronged kanzashi, and stroked the skin between her bare shoulders, coaxing the pale, pearlescent white fuinjutsu seal to reveal itself. “I gave you this seal to keep the darkness from taking full hold over your heart again.  I never thought you’d use it as a social divining rod.” “Why are you being so critical all of a sudden?!” Miriyume snapped, letting the teacup fall into the bathwater, and she turned to face her parent. “Because this is a critical moment in your life!  Or...have you become too jaded to realize this?” She could sense the energy rising, before all of the water of the tub erupted upward in clouds of steam in reaction to the bather’s emotionally keyed burst of lightning.   Renara shook her head, reminded of days spent scrubbing her seemingly ablutophobic children.  Reducing bathwater to vapor had been Miriyume’s favorite tactic of fighting back. “I thought you didn’t like hot water....” Renara quipped. “I don’t.  Neither literal, nor metaphorical,” Miriyume returned, stepping out of the empty tub, collecting the amber token, and wrapping up in a waiting bathrobe.  “So if you could just go easy on my social failings, and–“ ”The struggle for making allies and peace is a noble one, but ultimately meaningless if that peace leads you to abandon the most important thing in the world!” This was Renara’s “Priestess Voice”, Miriyume realized.  A stronger aspect of the Heron Sage’s already sibylline tone that caused one’s skin to get goose bumps. Her mother had inherited a phenomenal gift for augury from their rather mysterious grandmother.  Only the inescapably stupid ignored her advice. The younger priestess’ ire melted away instantly in the light of her mother’s oracular countenance. “What thing am I in danger of abandoning?” Miriyume asked penitently, bowing her head. “The very thing that gives this world, and the practice of Ninshu, all meaning and power.  The answer is here, in the Land of Fire....and its not among the ruins of some forgotten temple.” Renara spoke the last cryptic clause in her more humble tones, concluding the moment of sublime revelation.  She then opened her arms wide, motioning her daughter into an embrace. “That man is not here by accident,” Renara continued gently.  “He is a signpost.” “With a flashing red eye,” Miriyume scoffed.  “Fate is so subtle.” “I think Fate has given up on subtly in regards to you,” her mother laughed. “I know.  Father’s child.” “And mine as well, deep down in there....somewhere,” Renara smiled, wiping a tear from Miriyume’s eye.   “You’ll realize this when you finally put down some roots, and find joy in watching them grow.”

[funneltops]

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[jugniofrp]

2 4 18 25 29 - sahi :)))

2. a sad text 

[ text - arohi ✈️ ] : I know we said we wouldn’t do any of those silly airport goodbyes, but if you wanted to come see me off, I won’t be too opposed to it. 

[ delayed text - arohi ✈️ ] : you didn’t come..I guess, that pretty much clears things up for me. I–thank you Arohi for the great time in Cuba, if you ever come down to Delhi, come find me okay? 

[ delayed text - arohi ✈️ ] : And you win the bet, I’ll definitely miss you. 

4. a late night text 

[ text - arohi ✈️ ] : I have no idea where you are right now, but I’m in Singapore and I saw a couple that reminded me of how we were in Havana and now I can’t sleep. 

[ text - arohi ✈️ ] : I mean, the way we were that first night, how can anyone sleep after those memories hit? 

18. a drunk text 

[ text - arohi ✈️ ] : Yu kno what i thinkk?  i thimnk yourjust scaredd in wantin ta putdown roots. cuz you neva feel this before + now u do, for me. that’s why u wonf answer my phone, or msg m bac. cuttin me out wont make pain better

25. a flirty text 

[ text - arohi ✈️ ] : Guess who took your advice? This super hot writer/musician, with those abs you salivate over. Check out the cover of my latest book and tell me what you think ;) 

29. a heartbreaking text 

[ text - arohi ✈️ ] : Marrying him won’t make it better. You’re always going to want to be with me, you’re always going to be thinking of me. What we’ve shared over the years, over the hundreds of phone calls and the texts–you’ll never have that with him. You’ll never feel alive when he touches you. You’ll never feel desired, the way you do when I’m even in the same room. 

[ text - arohi ✈️ ] : But this is the life you chose, he’s the one you chose and I may write some great fiction about the hero stopping his heroine from marrying the wrong guy, but at least with my characters I’m sure that’s the right thing to do–with you, I don’t know if you even want me to do that–or if I was just some fling that spanned a few too many years.. 

[ text - arohi ✈️ ] : Just–be happy, and don’t give up who you are for him–because tu jaisi hai na Roo, waisi duniya mein koi nahi hai 

[coffepugs-blog]

I was tagged by @cxrnys !! They’re really lovely and super helpful and adorable!!!

Name: Sebastian the lovable crab who was almost eaten

Nicknames: Seb, Sebby, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Roo, sassy cassie, there’s a lot.......more............

Zodiac: Aries sun, Leo moon, Sag rising 

Height: 5′7 or 5′6.5? I don’t know??? Someone get a fairy godmother to make me 5′9. Please and thank you. 

Orientation: I’m panning for gold. (Preference for boys though.)

Ethinicity: I’m going to do that really annoying thing where I tell you every single one so BUCKLE UP KIDDOS. Look, I know that you didn’t buckle your seatbelt just then, but safety is important, so do it okay? I’m Czech (main), Polish, French, German, Italian, Austrian, Irish (other main one), Spanish,and Mohawk (it’s a NA tribe). But really, if you want the simple answer, I’m American, because what’s more American than having lots of backstories create the people we are today. (Though I will be living in Central Europe soon.) Diversity is good, diversity is great, so take back all your negative energy and hate!

Favorite fruit: L is for the way that you look at me. O is for oranges. V is very, very, extraordinary. E is even more than anyone that you adore.

Season: Let’s just say that spring puts a spring in my step. 

Books: ARCHIE’S COMICS, I’M COUNTING IT! I like a lot of books, we ain’t got the time, and if my daddy thinks I’m fine, he’s tried to make me go to rehab but I won’t go, go, go. THE ILLIAD THOUGH. AND EVERY FAIRYTALE EVER. I’M HYPED. 

Flowers: All flowers are good flowers! Flower appreciation post coming soon to theaters near you.

Scent: Lavender, old dog, freshly baked rolls, rain, traditional old spice, my best friend has the best clean linen smell (???), and my boyfriend’s hoodie.

Animal: Animal from the Muppets seems like the only option here? I’ll go with that. (Jk, I love all animals, even mosquitoes, even warthogs, excluding lots of political figures of course.)

Tea/cocoa/coffee: all three are good but i drink tea the most probably (my favorite is lemon ginger with a bit of honey mixed in)

Average amount of sleep: None or too many

Dog or cat person: Definitely both! I have a cat and a dog and I love them both. Cats and dogs are cute, intelligent goofballs who want lots of attention, love, and adventure. 

Favorite fictional character: Okay, so I rp and me and my friend have this one ship called Castiway that’s so adorable? Basically they kind of act like Nick and Ryan and they’re the reason that I found out I was gay. Other favorites include: every Disney character ever except for Jafar, Ronan Lynch, Blue Sargent, Tobias (School for Good and Evil), Elizabeth Banks, Scout Finch, Nudge, all of the Archie’s comic characters and Scooby Doo gang, Chloe (The Keepers), Isak and Sana from SKAM, there’s so many! If you want to know my faves from a particular movie/show/book/play then feel free to ask!

Number of blankets: I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE COLD. I have two blankets, but I hardly use either one, so they’ve made their home on my floor. That being said, who needs a blanket when you have a snuggly pup at your feet?

Ideal trip: Neverland seems pretty nice this time of year, very tropical, few tourists.

How long since the creation of this blog: It’s been a week or two?? I had a different one before this but I needed to cleanse. 

[celticmythpodshow]

CMP010 - The Harp's Voice Unleashed

Battle is over and the fate of Erin decided.

It's always great to hear from you! Email garyandruth@celticmythpodshow.com, or call us on Speakpipe

  Show Summary:

Mighty Balor, the strong smiter, and the Fomori have invaded Ireland and the Tuatha De Danaan meet them on the field of Battle. After a bloody and epic struggle, Lugh kills Balor and the Fomori are beaten and driven back to the sea. Tired and weary, it is now time for the Children of Danu to count the cost... The Dagda also seeks his Harp!

This episode is the 10th episode of the Irish Book of Invasions.

More resources over at our main Website at http://celticmythpodshow.com Show Summary:

Running Order:

Intro 0:41

News & Views 1:16

Story 3:35

Listener Feedback - Faith 19:49

Promo - Shadowmagic 21:40

All the credits for this episode can be found in our show-notes at http://celticmythpodshow.com/irish10

We hope you enjoy it!

Gary & Ruthie x x x

  News & Views

We talk about our new Facebook and Myspace pages. You can also find the addresses for these on the Contact Us page. Also, we introduce the Midsummer Special that will be out next week.

  Uneasy Rests the Crown - Episode 10 of the Irish Mythological Cycle and Part 10 of the Book of Invasions

Names Used in this Story

Listed in order of appearance

Tuatha De Danaan

Children of Danu

Bres

Elatha

Maeltine Mor-Brethach

Erin

Ogma

Tethra

The Dagda

Fomori

Uaitne

Dur-da-Bla

Coir-cethan-chuin

Ce

Cam Corrslebe

Lough Ce

Samhain

The Morrigan

Angus (mac) Og

Emmas

Sidhe

Badb

Men of Dea

Tailltiu

Nas

Magh Mor

Duach the Dark

Teamhair

Cuan

Midhe

Taillten

Ethne

Magh Tuireadh

Tadg

Nuada

Muirne

Finn

Fianna

Tuirenn

Bran

Boanna

The Boyne

Newgrange

Bodb Dearg

Danaan

Caer

Ethal Anubal

Connacht

Ailel

Maedb

Uisnech

Mide

Brath

Nemed

Listener Feedback

Faith

We share an email from Faith from western Massachusetts which sums up beatifully what we are trying to achieve with this podcast.

  Promo - Shadowmagic

John Lenahan

Shadowmagic, by John Lenahan.

"Shadowmagic is a rip roaring fun fantasy adventure novel by John Lenahan very loosely based on Irish mythology where every chapter ends on the edge of a cliff (or at least a high curb.) Join Conor as he grapples with typical teenage problems like, how to deal with a father’s high expectations, how to survive in the world on your own and how to woo a beautiful girl - that wants you dead. Shadowmagic - novel for the young at heart from 12 to 112."

  Sources used in this Episode

Sacred Texts, Gods & Fighting Men by Lady Gregory

Timeless Myths

http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/T300011.html

Lebor Gabala

Sacred Texts, Celtic Wonder Tales, Ella Young

Sacred Texts, Cath Maghe Tuired, Elizabeth A Gray

Sacred Texts, Myths & Legends of the Celtic Race, Thomas Rolleston

The Mythological Cycle, The Second Battle of Mag Tured

Celtic Twilight

Celtic Literature Collective, Mary Jones

And, of course, the Awen - inspiration and imagination!

  Special Thanks

For voice acting:

Edward, our son, as Angus mac Og. Matt Howard, our friend,  as Ethal Anubal.

For incidental music:

Jo Morrison for her wonderful harp music used in this episode as the Dagda's Harp. You can find her website here. The three tracks that she gave us permission to use from the album The Three Musics are:

Chiorsdain's Lullaby

Arthur Bignold of Lochrosque/King of Laois

Rights of Man

See the Contributor page for details.

Souls of Nephilims, Vampirit Requiem, Act 3, Immortal Forever. See the Contributor page for details.

Adam Zampino, At the Sea. See the Contributor page for details.

Diane Arkenstone, The Secret Garden . See the Contributor page for details.

Kim Robertson, Angels in Disguise . See the Contributor page for details.

Time Ticks Away by Jigger. See their Contributor Page for details.

For our Theme Music

The Skylark and Haghole, the brilliant Culann's Hounds. See their Contributor page for details.

  Extra Special Thanks for Unrestricted Access to Wonderful Music

(in Alphabetic order)

Anne Roos Extra Special thanks go for permission to use any of her masterful music to Anne Roos. You can find out more about Anne on her website or on her Contributor page.

Caera Extra Special thanks go for permission to any of her evocative harping and Gaelic singing to Caera. You can find out more about Caera on her website or on her Contributor Page.

Celia Extra Special Thanks go for permission to use any of her wonderful music to Celia Farran. You can find out more about Celia on her website or on her Contributor Page.

Damh the Bard Extra Special thanks go to Damh the Bard for his permission to use any of his music on the Show. You can find out more about Damh (Dave) on his website or on his Contributor page.

The Dolmen Extra Special thanks also go to The Dolmen, for their permission to use any of their fantastic Celtic Folk/Rock music on the Show. You can find out more about The Dolmen on their website or on our Contributor page.

Keltoria Extra Special thanks go for permission to use any of their inspired music to Keltoria. You can find out more about Keltoria on their website or on their Contributor page.

Kevin Skinner Extra Special thanks go for permission to use any of his superb music to Kevin Skinner. You can find out more about Kevin on his website or on his Contributor page.

Phil Thornton Extra Special Thanks go for permission to use any of his astounding ambient music to the Sonic Sorcerer himself, Phil Thornton. You can find out more about Phil on his website or on his Contributor Page.

S.J. Tucker Extra Special thanks go to Sooj for her permission to use any of her superb music. You can find out more about Sooj on her website or on her Contributor page.

Spiral Dance Extra Special thanks go for permission to use Adrienne and the band to use any of their music in the show. You can find out more about Spiral Dance on their website or on their Contributor page.

We'd like to wish you 'Slán Go Foill!', which is Irish for 'Goodbye', or more literally 'Wishing you safety for a while'!

  Get EXTRA content in the Celtic Myth Podshow App for iOS, Android & Windows

Contact Us: You can leave us a message by using the Speakpipe Email us at: garyandruth@celticmythpodshow.com. Facebook fan-page http://www.facebook.com/CelticMythPodshow, Twitter (@CelticMythShow) or Snapchat (@garyandruth), Pinterest (celticmythshow) or Instagram (celticmythshow)

  Help Spread the Word: Please also consider leaving us a rating, a review and subscribing in iTunes or 'Liking' our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CelticMythPodshow as it helps let people discover our show - thank you :)

If you've enjoyed the show, would you mind sharing it on Twitter please? Click here to post a tweet!

Ways to subscribe to the Celtic Myth Podshow:

Click here to subscribe via iTunes

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Check out this episode!

[gaanaliveent]

Thanks To God Song Lyrics - Emiway Bantai

Ab mei accha karra tha

Abba ka kam hora tha thap par woh nai har manenge

Woh badalke rhenge kismat

Filal jo waqt tha woh kaagi saqt tha 

paisa usane se pehle 

deraha hu sadqah.

Mujhe rehna hai strong 

Dhyan rakhna hai sabka pata bhi

nai chala achanak se 

kaise tapka pareshani,

chod gaya nishani yeah.

Aj gana nai sunane aya hu kahani mei

Subha ka waqt tha

Abba ke sar mei dard tha

Raat ko sone se pehle unke dil mei dar tha

Mummy ka call aya subhe boli woh jaldi se ghar aa

Mei bhagke jake dekha

Abba ka halat bigadta ja rha tha

Andhar ka dard aj chehre pe dikha

Raha tha

Kha par leke jau kuch nhi smjh aa rha tha

Aese tese karkе le gaya unko aspatal

Ek nai do nai teen nai char

Dekha nai tha unka aisa haal

Lekе gaya unhe ambulance mei

Baithke

Pehchan nai rhe the abba

Mujhe dekhke

Mei dekhta hi rehgaya

Kafi din se roya nai tha lekin usdin behgaya

Malik pe tab bhi bharosa tha mei unse kehgaya

Man hi man mei

Mere abba ko lota do

Unke sapne ko pura karne ko firse ek mauka do

Theekh kaise karu mei unhe

Rasta koi

Batado

Abba ko bachalo

Aisa lagra tha

Abba yad dash kho diye

Icu mei dekheke unhe ammi

Bhi roo diye

Par har nahi mane hum

Pata tha woh

Lotenge

Bure khayalat are the

Lekin hum

Rokenge

Chokenge jab dekhenge

Bhagwan ka karishma

Mei tut rha tha

Mujhe lagne laga sadma

Par anu ballu bhai Sumit minta

Shabana didi sab sath the

Family walo ne dia sath

Bole khuda sath hai

Sath hai khuda mere sath hai

Zindagi hai hi aisi cheez din

Kabhi raat hai

Sath hai khuda mere sath hai

Zindagi hai hi aisi cheez din

Kabhi raat hai

Sath hai khuda mere sath hai

Zindagi hai hi aisi cheez din

Kabhi raat hai

Sath hai sath hai khuda sabke

Sath hai zindagi hai aisi cheez

Din kabhi raat hai kya

Alhumdulillah

All praises to allah

Almighty god is great

He is the greatest

Sabke bech rehke bhi akela pan sa mehsoos tha

Stress badnelaga tha

Mei thoda sa confuse tha

Par khoya nahi meine khudko

Shayat soch mei dalneki

Koshish mei hai

Rukko

Jao jhukko

Aur matha teko

Khudake saamne

Madad karenge teri woh khud aake samne

Aameen

Par jo hua hai usse meine kafi kuch seekha hai

Khush rehna seekhle

Khudse kyu roota hai

Andhar se toota

Uthna majboot hoga

Zindagi mei

Aisa kabhi nai bolna ke zindagi hai meri

Gandagi mei

Jo bhi hota hai sab ke peeche kuch na kuch wajah

Dukhi tha mei 3 din

Lekin aj firse maza

Aane laga hai

Abba pure theekh hogaye

Teri raza hai

Takleefo se ladke aur aage

Chala gaya mei

Kal toota tha lekin

Aj bilkul naya mei

Mei laut aya hu tere pass

Kaha tha chala gaya mei

[tellytantra]

‘I hate you Sonakshi’, Rohit screamed grabbing her arms tightly. ‘Rohit’ Sona shivered, ‘you are hurting me’.  She pleaded trying to release her arms from his hold, which seemed tighter than ever. This had become a routine for the last three days; he would get drunk and then blame her. Not that she had the right to question him, she had herself called this upon herself.  She was living in hell, she had no one but to blame her own self for this mess. A part of her wanted to reveal the truth to him, while the other part reasoned out- how much pain would it cause him?  The first part argued back- was he not in more mess now thinking that she broke his trust? ‘I hate you’ he screamed loudly, this time banging his fist against the wall, she closed her eyes shut in fear. There was a difference in his demeanour today, he didn’t smell of alcohol, thinking of it she realised, he was walking straight and was standing steady. Was he not drunk today? Is that why his level of temper seemed to have gone up?  Or was it something different? She slowly opened her eyes to look at him, and she knew there was something more today.  More hurt, a different kind, but she could bet she saw more love in those eyes than ever and may be an ounce of guilt. But why? ‘Why? Damn it’ he howled punching the wall, she quickly moved to grab his fist as he groaned in pain. Pulling his hand away, ‘don’t touch me’, he screamed, startling her to take a few steps back. Taking a few steps towards her, ‘Why Sona? Why?’ he asked cupping her face. She could swear she felt like a rose, held ever so softly.  Did he just call Sona, after almost 3 days she heard him call her that, something surely had changed? He was looking into her eyes, as if questioning her, but this time it felt like he had a different set of questions to ask. ‘I love you’ he said taking herby surprise, before she could comprehend anything, she felt his lips moving against hers harshly.  It felt like he was pouring his anger out, but within seconds, she felt a change as he moved his lips softly against hers, as if showering her with love and pleading her for something.  She didn’t know why she didn’t resist, may be because she needed him now more than ever. It felt like a dream, as if it would all come crashing down any minute. It felt like an eternity passed, when they broke apart in need of oxygen.  Joining their foreheads together, they both breathed heavily. He was not sure, why he did that.But he knew he needed her now more than ever. They both looked at each other.She could swear she saw a smirk on his face, the naughty one.  This surely was a dream. Silence followed. As he waited for her to say something, but she said nothing. His eyes piercing through her soul, she could not help but wonder why? Mustering up her courage she looked at him, ‘kya hua Rohit?’ she said cupping his face. It was as if he was waiting for her to do that, he closed his eyes letting the tears roll down his cheeks making her worried. ‘Rohit, kya hua, tum roo kyun rahe ho?’ she asked wiping his tears, his tears broken her heart into zillion pieces, ‘don’t worry Rohit, mamma tumse baat karne lagegi, just give her some time’. That was it, he pulled her into a bone crushing hug, startling her. He sobbed loudly making her worried, she slowly rubbed his back trying to calm him down but in vain, ‘Rohit please’.  In last few days, she had seen him only in pain but why was the intensity different today? ‘Kyun Sona, kyun?’ He asked hugging her more tightly, if that was even possible. ‘Rohit please tell me, kya hua’ She asked trying to pull out of his embrace. ‘Please’ he sobbed holding on to her.  She relaxed into his embrace, letting him be. They remained in each other arms finding solace, it had been 72 long hours since they had been together. His sobs lessened, she wondered what more had happened for him to be so hurt.  Maybe he was still deeply affected by Veena’s words, she had not spoken with him since that night. He moved out of the embrace and looked into her eyes, both their eyes red puffed and tired.  He could see she was looking pale, old tears had dried out on her face, had she been crying for the last three days.  He had barely looked at her, to be honest he had regretted it a lot, but his anger had got better of him. And now that he knew more, he was guilty beyond words.  Why did this woman love his family more than him? Why did she prioritise others over him?  Why was she behaving like Parvati? Anger shot up to his nose, ‘Why did you do this?’ he scoffed making her shocked. ‘Galti se nikal gaya mu se Roh..’ “Shut up’, he screamed pointing his finger at her, ‘not a word’. She looked down guilty, just for different reasons than he knew. ‘Tumne mujhse kaha tha na, that you hate lies’ he paused calming his temper, ‘Then why did you lie to me?’ He snapped. She gulped a lump with fear slowly crawly up her veins, her deepest fear coming to surface.  Did he find out the truth? Does he know everything? Did Ajit tell him? ‘Rohit’ was all she could say. ‘Just keep quite’ he warned, ‘ek aur jhoot bola na toh mein kuch kar dunga’. Sonakshi remained silent. He kept staring at her, thinking about what she had bared for the last three days for every moment he had misbehaved with her. 'Tumne mujhe kyun nahi bataya?' 'Kya batati tumhe Rohit' she asked almost like a whisper. 'What do you mean kya batati?' He asked raising his voice, 'meine tumhe pucha tha na ki 1 crore kyun chahiye tha tumhe, tumne mujhse jhoot bol diya ki Sumit ko jarurat thi. Phir meine tumhe do baar pucha ki Dad ka sach kisne bataya Suman mumma ko, you again lied to me' He screamed punching the wall.  'Rohit' she said holding his hand, his knuckles were bruised. 'Tumne mujhse shaadi ki hai ya mere family se? Meine tumhe shaadi ke din hi bola tha na, that mujhe mom se matlab hai, and baki sab ki baat sunne ki koi zarurat nahi. Then why did you prioritise them over me? why? Kya soch kar tumne ye kiya? 'Please meri baat suno' Sona tried to reason out. 'Sochna bhi maat, let me make it very clear that, aaj sirf mein bolunga aur tum sunogi. How dare you lie to me? Tumhe kisne ye hakh diya hai ki tum meri Sona ko takleef do? Tumne mujhse jhoot bola itna bada sach chupaya kyun? 'Tum bahut pareeshan the isiliye meine tumhe nahi bataya' 'Really? matlab kya bol rahi ho tum, aur tumhe lagta hai ki ye jhoot bolke tumne meri pareeshani kum kardi. Ek pal ke liye toh mein Ajit ka sach accept kar leta par tumne jo kiya woh bahut galat hai. Tumne mujhe apne aap dur kar diya jab mujhe tumhari sabse jada zarurat thi. Tumhe andaaza bhi hai mujhe kaisa mehsoos hua, bahut koshish ki meine tumse nafrat karne ki, par mein nahi kar paya. I tried so hard, par mera dil nahi mana. Bahut pyaar kiya hai meine tumse, how could you leave me alone when i needed you the most' 'Mein thi tumhara saath yahin pe Rohit, humesha tumhare saath' 'Nahin, meine tumhare saath itni batameezi ki, tumhe pata hai, har woh pal jab meine tumhe chot pahunchane ki koshish ki mera dil andar se kitna toota hai. Tumne bahut galat kiya'  'Nahi Rohit, meine jo bhi kiya humare parivaar ke liye kiya, unki khushi ke liye kiya' 'Really? Parivaar ke liye, bakwaas maat karo. tumhe kisne kaha ki tum Parvati bano. Meine Sonakshi Rastogi se shaadi ki hai na ki Kahaani Parvati ki Parvati se, I like you as a normal human naki koi bhagwaan chahiye mujhe. Tum samajhti kyun nahi ho, that you cannot be Parvati in real life, sab ko khush nahi kar sakte hum, zindegi mein humhe ek waqt pe ake chun na padta hai.'  Ishra_bestLuv Part 2 ‘Really? Parivaar ke liye, bakwaas maat karo. tumhe kisne kaha ki tum Parvati bano. Meine Sonakshi Rastogi se shaadi ki hai na ki Kahaani Parvati ki Parvati se, I like you as a normal human naki koi bhagwaan chahiye mujhe. Tum samajhti kyun nahi ho, that you cannot be Parvati in real life, sab ko khush nahi kar sakte hum, zindegi mein humhe ek waqt pe ek ko chun na padta hai. You can’t keep everyone happy.’  ‘Rohit’  ‘Don’t’ he said, moving away from her, ‘meine tumse Pehle hi kaha tha that I love Sonakshi not Parvati. I have married Sona, meri Sona, woh jo Mujhse lad leti thi Kuch galat hone pe. Woh Sona jisne fashion show ke time pe mujhse jagda kiya, par usne khud ke self respect ko nahi choda. Woh Sona jisne Mhatre jaise khatarnak gunde se photos delete karwa liya, woh jo Sahi ka saath deti hai. Aur sabse badi baat meri Sona jhut nahi bolti. Abhi jo yahan hai woh Parvati hai.’ ‘I am sorry Rohit’ ‘You are sorry? Why Sona why?’  ‘Rohit mein manti hoon mujhse bahut badi galti ho gayi. But please meri baat ek baar sun ko’ she pleaded closing the distance between them. ‘I always wanted a family, log jo humesha Ek dusre ka saath de, Ek dusre ko samajh payé. Meine dekha hai that you love your family, Tum sab ke liye baht karte ho, and I always admired that about you. Jab hum jude, I wanted to make sure ki mein bhi woh kar paun. Aisa nahi hai ki ye mushkil nahi tha, but i wanted to do it for you, because I love you Rohit. I love you a lot, aur mein nahi chahti thi ki meri wajah se family mein problem. Jane anjane mein ya meri family tumhare ghar walon ki life mein problem ban gaye. I never wanted that I swear. Mujhe jhoot nahi bolna chahiye tha, mein manti hoon, galti meri hai. And I am sorry for that. Bahut badi galti kardi meine, jab tak Mujhe ehsaas hua tab tak bahut der ho gaya tha.’  ‘Meine Tumhe kitna takleef diya, I have hurt you. I never wanted to hurt you why did you lie to me.’  ‘I am sorry Rohit. Mujhe laga tha ki sab thik ho jayega aur mein Tumhe bata dungi baad mein. But sab Kuch bahut bigad gaya.’ I am sorry. Meri family ki wajah se tumhe itni takleef hui. Pehle dad ki wajah se Tumhe apna kaam chodna pada, phir Rohan ki wajah se tumpe itne iljaam lage, adoption wali baat pe bhi, phir Ajit ki wajah se aur problem ho gaya, dad ke saath jo hua uski saza bhi Tumhe mili, Tumhe jail jana pada. I am very sorry.’ ‘Nahi Rohit, galti meri bhi hai. Mujhe bhi Pehle hi samajh lena chahiye tha ki I should tell you everything. Phir hum milke decide karte karna Kya hai. Pata nahi Kyun Mujhe laga ki mein sab sambhal lungi, inn sab ke chakkar mein meine tumhe mujhse dur kar diya. Humara rishta dau pe laga diya. But I swear mere intention galat nahi tha’  ‘Sona Mujhe pata hai that tum sirf meri family ko khush dekhna chahti thi aur Mujhe bhi. But inn sab mein Tum Mujhe bhul gayi. And I am angry with you for that. Mein Tumhe itna Kuch bola, Tumhe huer kiya. I am sorry’. ‘Nahi Rohit. I know ki tum gussa mein the’ she said cupping his face.  ‘Bahut gusse mein’ he said making a pout. ‘You are cute’ she chuckled pulling his cheeks.  ‘I am sorry’ he mumbled again, ‘I am sorry Tumhe jail jana pada galat ilzaam mein, I will explain mom ki tum kabhi Aisa nahi karogi’.  ‘Rohit, is time pe mumma ko Kuch bhi samajh nahi ayega, unhe time do, wo thik ho jayenge. Pehle I hope ki papa ki tabiyat thik ho jaye’.  ‘Nahi Sona, she has to understand that you have not done anything, tumhari wajah se dad ne kuch nahi kiya. Also she has to accept the truth, dad Abhi coma mein hai woh kab thik honge Kuch pata nahi, mein nahi Chahta that woh Tumhe galat samjhe’.  ‘Hmm’ she replied wiping his tears, ‘sab thik ho jayega Rohit’.  ‘Kaise hoga thik, sab bahut bigad gaya hai, tum yahan reh rahi ho, Mujhse dur kar diya tumne apne aap ko’. ‘Nahi Rohit, mein tumhare saath humesha’  ‘Sona tum yahan ho, despite us being married you are staying with your mother, mom bhi Tumhe nahi dekhna chahti. Meri family ne sab bigad diya. Aur tumne bhi sab kharab diya. Meine Kya Kya socha humare married life ke bare mein. But sab Kuch kharab ho gaya. I have to live away from you’  ‘Rohit’ she held his face between the palms, and kissed his eyes, ‘sorry’ slowly drinking his tears, ‘mein tumse promise karti hoon ki Aaj ke baad sab baat mein Tumhe baataungi, kabhi jhoot nahi bolungi. You will always be my priority’ she said pecking his lips. ‘You better’ he said crashing his lips with hers, soothing his emotions and hers, ‘I need you Sona’ he whispered into the kiss. ‘I am always yours Rohit. Aaj ke baad mein sab se pehle tumhare bare mein sochungi.’ ‘ I also promise that I will not act impulsively and hurt you ever.’ He said taking her in a bone crushing hug. ‘Acha Mujhe Ek baat batao, tumhe mamma ne andar kaise ane diya’ ‘She can’t stop me from meeting my wife’ he said assertively, ‘bas a gaya’. Part 3- Last Part *Mature Content ahead* ‘Acha Mujhe Ek baat batao, tumhe mamma ne andar kaise ane diya’ ‘She can’t stop me from meeting my wife’ he said assertively, ‘bas a gaya’. 'Arey bolo toh sahi how did she let you in, woh bahut gussa hai tumse' 'Tumhari mumma bhi toh kam nahi hai na' he said. 'Rohit' 'Kya Rohit! She should not have disclosed that truth in front of all like that' He complained making her nodded her head in agreement. 'Hain, meine bola unhe, par i guess woh bahut jada gusse mein thi, isiliye kuch bhi bol diya, bina soche samjhe, I am sorry from her side' 'Sirf se sorry kam nahi chalega. Sab barbad ho gaya' 'Arey par hum sab ki thodi thodi galti hai, ab ye socho ki sab thik kaise karna hai' 'Pata nahi, right now i want to be with you, baad mein sochenge kya karna hai' 'Par Rohit...' 'Chup' he said placing his finger on her lips, 'bahut bolti ho, use them for a better purpose', making her shocked with his bold statement. 'Dont stare like that, let me show how best to use them' he chuckled taking her lips in his for a soul stirring kiss. She was taken aback by his bold move. Not their first kiss, but certainly she knew this one would last with them as a memory of its kind. One kiss melted into another, and she didn't realise when she started responding back as passionately as he did. His hands softly moving along her facial contour, while hers weaving through his hair. They knew they needed this so bad, like never before. He had always wanted to make their first kiss the best, but he realised that every kiss was new and nerve melting. Their lungs almost giving up but their desire refusing to let go of its counter part. Their lungs forcing them to part away in need of oxygen, quickly inhaling an excess of it they fused again. She could not believe that she could hold on to her breath for so long, but she could bet she felt the best even while struggling to breath. The feeling of his tongue moving inside her transported to different world, she could feel different flavours of love bursting in her mouth. He could sense her comfort in the kiss, giving him the much needed strength to take it further. Her rosy petal lips seemed to have grown in size as he chewed them, relishing the strawberry taste of it. Her taste lingering in his mouth in after they paused to breath, but still not having enough of it. 'I love you so much' he whispered panting. 'Me too' she replied tightening on her hold around his hair. He took a distance to look at her dishevelled form, messed up hair, swollen lips and his love sprinkled all over. She looked at his messed up tresses, his hair gel now nowhere to be seen, swollen lips and his chocolaty orbs flourishing with love. She could swear she would drown in them happily never to return without any complain. She could feel his hands on her waist slowly crawling into her tshirt, caressing her bare body. Every nerve fibre abandoned itself when she felt his fingers softly pressing on her waist curves. Her breathing slowly racing up while her eyes close shut as her body got introduced with a feeling like never before. Pleasure shooting like an impulse through entire stretch of their body. She didnt realise when his name slipped out of her mouth, and it was his turn to take a step ahead. HIs hands slowly making their way up interacting with preciousness they never did. He fingers shivered as passion and pleasure overtook the control of his body. The heat that radiated through her body was too hot for him to handle. He could not help but pin her down on the bed and pressing his body on hers. He looked at her closed eyes, 'open your eyes Sona, look at me', she slowly met his killer gaze which penetrate into her soul. How much had they missed each other. They never thought they would be here in this very moment, but they knew they wanted this now. 'I need you Sona, right now' he demanded slowly moving his index finger along the bottom fabric of her bra. There was no way she was going to deny it, in fact she wanted it more than him. 'Bolo na' he pleaded, slowly pulling her tshirt up. 'I want you Rohit' she whispered cupping his face. 'I always wanted our first time to be special' 'Yeh bahut special hai Rohit, mujhe bas tum chahiye, this is the perfect moment' That is all he needed to hear. 'Isko hatao na' he complained. 'kya?' she asked confused by an out of place question. 'this silly tom and jerry tshirt' he complained failing to remove it. 'Rohit' she grumbled, 'its not silly, mera favourite hai ye'. 'Acha, sirf mein tumhara favourite hoon, not this' he said stretching her arms up and pulling the tshirt out. 'Acha?' Sona asked, 'mujhe toh na' she paused as she noticed his gaze on her body, making her realise she was lying in front of her man in her undergarment, spreading a hue of red all over her face. She quickly crossed her arms around her front shying away. 'It's me Sona, tumhara Rohit' he said softly holding on to her arms. She opened her eyes and was caught in an eye lock. He slowly moved her hands away and bend down to kiss her. He wanted make sure she felt comfortable. They eased out into a kiss, soft trailing down his lips lingered along the contour of her jaw line, down into the crock of her neck, her hands slowly finding their way into his hair softly pulling him closer. He moved further down placing soft wet kisses in her valley. Slowly rubbing his nose making her giggle. She could feel his stubble pricking her in the most passionate way ever. She arched her back as he moved further down close to her navy. A new set of feeling evoked within them transporting them to a different world. A soft moan escaped her lips, his name had never sounded more sexy. He moved up taking her lips in his, her moans dying into the kiss. She didnt realise when her shivering fingers found their way onto his shirt button, fiddling with them. Slowly the first two went unbuttoned even before she could comprehend, her hands moving into his shirt along his chiseled shoulder pulling him closer. He straightened up and unbuttoned his remaining buttons and threw it on the floor. Now it was her turn to drool over his milky white skin, sometimes she wondered did he wax for her, or was it all in her imagination. Mustering the courage she ran her hands along his chiseled body mapping his contour. It was not the first she was seeing him shirtless, but certainly the feel of it was just indescribable. He slowly pulled a strap off her shoulder, restless to discover more of her. Within seconds her pink bra joined her silly tshirt on the floor. His bare chest touching her front. As they fused she could feel a chain of changes in their bodies, blood rushing southwards and a gush wetness. His trousers felt a size shorter. His hands moulding her treasures making her cry in pleasure. His lips slowly replaced his hands, making her arch back and roughly pushing him deeper. The feeling was too much for her to handle. His hands worked downwards tucking along the elastic of her pyjama her breath hitched. Even before she could process it was off her and down with the pile of their clothes. He took a step back, taking her beauty, she was lying in all her glory in her birth attire. He removed his remaining clothes. It was her turn to drool over his physique, and she thought only people in the entertainment had the right to own a chiselled body, but this man the hottest of all belonged to her and only her. His abs fabricated like a cheese grater to his body. She remembered how she had seen him naked once before, during the janmastami event. She could not deny, she certainly had all of him, and she certainly had thought of it on multiple occasions since they were in love. He slowly put his weight on her and started worshipping her body. Pleasuring every inch of her body, he wanted to know everything, he took his own time to discover every bit of her. She was getting impatient as her needs raised a bar every time he pleasured her. She pulled him up. While his fingers continued with their new found task.  'Pl..ea..se' she moaned. 'kya' he asked innocently increasing his pace making her gasp. 'Ro...hit..pl..eas..e' she pleaded clutching onto the bedsheet. 'What?' he asked pushing his one finger making her scream out in pleasure, 'bolo' he repeated moving his finger in and out making her dig her nails on back pulling him into the tightest of hugs. 'Bolo' he whispered pushing two fingers. 'Rohitttttt' she moaned biting his ear lobe. He was in no mood to stop while she was nearing her release. Her walls tightened around his fingers. he abruptly released his fingers making her look at him in disappointment. He softly pecked her forehead, annoying her, but soon it was replaced by shock as she felt it on her entrance. Nervousness, anticipation, excitement, fear all engulfing her at the same time. He looked deep into her eyes as his rubbed the tip of his aroused member, slowly glistening it with her fluids. She lay swallowing the bolus of fear and anticipation. 'Dont worry, thoda dard hoga shayad, but mein hoon na' he assured her pecking her forehead. She nodded in response, 'I know Rohit, you will never hurt me'. She said and immediately regretted it as guilt took over his expression. She could suddenly feel him withdrawing, his muscles moving away. Tears formed in his eyes, that pierced her heart. She immediately held him close cupping his face. 'Khabardar agar tum mujhse dur gaye toh, Rohit let me make this clear, i know you will never hurt me intentionally, jo kuch bhi hua uss mein hum dono ki galti thi, stop blaming yourself alone' she said rolling over and getting on top of him, 'I trust you more than anyone and anything'. She said kissing his tears away. 'I love you, and dont you dare blame yourself' you ordered taking his lips in hers. He was too weak to take a lead, her tongue danced with dominance. She moved down placing wet kissed along his jaw and his chest, softly biting on to this nipples making him moan. 'Sonaaaa' he moaned as she devoured his body, her teases testing his control. He pulled her up and rolled over taking control. There was no waiting now. He needed more than ever and she needed him equally. He touched her entrance with his member, slowly trying to push its tip. She clutched on to the sheet lying still. He pushed a bit more trying to accommodate himself inside her. He pushed it with all his force, getting half way through making her dig her nails in his back, closing her eyes and shot of sharp pain radiated inside her. He let her ease out before pushing it deeper. 'Rohittt' her moans echoed as he entered her fully. Softly kissing away her tears, he ran his fingers through her hair calming her down soothing her pain. He slowly moved along her as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Taking her to heights of pleasure with every stroke and pace, they moved in sync. He fell on her feeling his release as they climaxed together. He remained inside her taking her lips in a kiss. They were too exhausted to kiss, but the urge didnt let them part. "I love you' he whispered as he tried calm his pacing heart beat resting in her valley. 'I love you too' she replied planting soft kisses into her hair. They remained in their positions in silence, enjoying the feeling of completing each other. He slowly pulled himself out of her and lay beside her pulling her closer, she rested on his chest wrapped. His fingers playing with her hair while hers drew patterns on his chest. 'Ab toh mein tumhara fav hoon na?' he asked taking her by surprise. She moved up and looked at his face, he had actually asked her that with a serious expression. She could not believe it. What a possessive doctor surgeon she had, he was still stuck there jealous of her tshirt. She mentally smacked herself for falling in love with this cute baby. She could not help but pull his cheeks. 'Ouch' he grumbled with a pout. 'Khadoos' she said. 'Acha' he said pilling her down, 'bolo i am your favourite, aaj, kaal and for ever'. 'Rohit' She could not believe they were discussing lying this naked in the bed. 'Bolo' 'You are always my favourite' she replied making him smile like a baby, she wondered he called her a drama queen, what was he. 'Even after we have babies' he asked. 'Babies? woh kahan se a gaye?' 'Ab sab kuch ho gaya, toh woh bhi a jayenge' "Rohit' this man was impossible she thought. 'Kya. ab toh tum nahi bol sakti ki humare beech kuch nahi hai so babies wont come' he said nuzzling her. 'Kuch bhi' she said giggling as his stubble tickled her, 'chub raha hai tumhara stubble'. 'Acha' he teased rubbing it more, 'dekhete hain kaise chubta hai' he said taking her lips for a kiss making her silent.  They drowned in the night of love, deciding to take on all troubles together. *The End*

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