#hes not the type of person to let human emotions get in the way of his goals
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
saltwatersweets Ā· 11 months ago
Text
how i feel after getting emotionally attached to charlie and alastorā€™s friendship (he has a 99% chance of betraying her in a future season and becoming an antagonist)
Tumblr media
20 notes Ā· View notes
moonastro Ā· 17 days ago
Text
groom persona chart
industria in the houses (389)
Tumblr media Tumblr media
what is a groom persona chart? this chart exhibits qualities that your husband will have and possible placements that can be seen in their chart. it is simply a chart all about your spouse in a woman's chart. the asteroid groom can be identified using the code 5129.
asteroid industria which can be brought up using the code 389. it represents what type of career or profession your future spouse may have and be in.
<<<<lets get into the house placement of the asteroid industria and what it means in likes of the career of your spouse!!!>>>>
Tumblr media
ĖšĖ–ĖšĖ–š“¢Ö“ą»‹šŸ¦¢ĖšREADINGS AVAILABLE (DM ME)ĖšĖ–š“¢Ö“ą»‹šŸ¦¢ĖšĖšĖ–Ėš
Tumblr media
industria in 1st house: this field that your spouse is in can be a representation of their ego and their self, the job that he has can tell a lot about him. he can really identify as his job so can be very focused at work and can almost create a whole personality trait out of his work. always mentioning that he's working and so on. can take pride in his job and may rarely change jobs as can relate too much to the job that may not have the guts to let go of it. his job can be a focal point of his life meaning that his life evolves around his job and not the other way around. its all he ever talks about, can never have the time to do anything else but work.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹†depending on what sign or aspects that are present with industria can tell us more details about your spouses career. so if in scorpio- can include hard labour, conflicts within the job, some unhealthy attachments related to the job, job related to metal, knifes, blood, skin and organs/meat. if in aspect to the sun- job can be related to sweat, training, masculine energy, lots of mean working at that job, a high efficient job, jobs related to, production and behind the scenes. if aspected to mars- job related to metal, hard labour, muscle, sore body, problems to health, slaughter, conflict, high esteem, arguing.
industria in 2nd house: for this placement, the field that your spouse can be a part of are working in the section of basic needs, meaning that this job can be involved with working with food, clothing, water, shelter and money as those are the survival needs that humans need. a job in culinary, cooking, nutrition, such as a dietician, chef, cook. a nurturing and guiding job so this can mean being in the field of taking care of others and making them comfortable.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹† depending on the aspects and signs can influence the depth of the career. so if mars is aspecting the asteroid- hard labour, sweat, muscle building, arguments, conflict, confidence, tiredness. in Aquarius- online, socials media, influence, IT, communal, crowd speaking, job related to a big crowd, inspiring job.
industria in 3rd house: fields related to this placement can include trips, having opportunities to travel while working, being involved in the local media and being known locally, so being a part of the news, journalist, news reporter, counsellor, therapist, transportation worker such as a taxi driver, uber, bus driver, coach driver etc. may have a lot of communications involved or lots of talking and sharing is involved in the job, like for example sharing information, passing on ideas, carrying on a procedure etc. may work at an education system that works with younger people, lower education assistant, teacher, advisor, principle etc. may develop or attract a lot of contact throughout this job as he may meet loads of people in a day, may create this restlessness energy also that is associated with this job.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹† depending on what aspects are influenced and the sign its in can tell us more depth into the position of your spouses career. if in gemini-job related to communities, writing, social media, advising, teaching, developing, tech, vehicles, travel. if in capricorn- business, manager, supervisor, head of department, boss, ceo. aspecting the moon- home carer, nurse, doctor, job related to emotional intelligence, home provider, he can have a stable job that gives a steady pay check, nurturing.
industria in 4th house: for this placement, your spouse may be in the filed correlated to security meaning that this can be a job of stable flow of wages and income. this job that your spouse is in can create stability for other people as well so working on building s better home place for people like architect, real estate, flooring company, movers people, furniture related, designer, interior and exterior designer. working with families so a counsellor, nurse, doctor, and anywhere else related to hospitality and taking care of people in general and creating a comfortable and caring atmosphere. this job can come very naturally for your spouse and it can actually be a field that he chose because of his interests and by being very good at what he does, it can come at ease to him.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹†depending on the sign or aspects related to the asteroid can give us more insight on the career. so if its aspecting saturn- job related to labour, stable long hours, dedication and concentration so can be a routine based job, lots of stress. if in cancer- job related to curing people, helping people, cooking, acts of service, creating a comfortable environment, cleaning, house related job.
industria in 5th house: this placement can indicate a career associated with creative and novelty related such as wedding planner, wedding photographer and so forth, this job can be quite risk taking and can require a lot of confidence and effort, perhaps even willpower also. working with children or around children is possible, having a job that is considered childish or easy and simple. this job can include a lot of projects and tasks involved in it. this job of his can also be a hobby of his and thats why it may seem like it is easy to him anyway. this career can be considered as fun and very playful, can be a genuinely fun and exciting job for your spouse. this could also be a passion of many, this job that your spouse may have can be desired by many people and it can be considered as the job of successful people.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹† if aspecting venus- beauty, music, musician, dancer, working with high brands, working with successful people and collaborating with many, luxury, sweets, fashion, make up, skin. if in pisces- hospital, travelling, flight attendant, pilot, getting a job offer in a foreign land, a boat driver, acting, music, artist. in aries- fast paced, action oriented job, conflict, arguments, jobs involving competition and envy, vehicles, camera.
industria in 6th house: careers that can be associated with this placement are jobs that are health related, such as taking care of the body and examples include fitness trainer, dietician, working in the gym, personal trainer, perhaps even a doctor, nurse and other health related professions. a job that requires lots of empathy and seeing a lot of people being hurt and having no control over it. a job that can fee like you are stuck. also a job related to pets, animals so working with them or working to heal them and caring for them. this job may require your spouse to sacrifice a lot also, either if its family time, assets, and so forth.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹† if in aspect to neptune- job related to illusions, drugs, alcohol, addiction, an addictive substance, movies, job related to being easily influenced. in scorpio- knives, cutting, metal, surgery, blood, transformational occurrence, occult, secrets, deep. in libra- beaty, food, sweets, influence, changes, discoveries, a job related to co working and working and partnering with other people.
industria in 7th house: the career of your spouse can be related to awakenings and getting humbled almost, this field of work can be a change in their life's perspective and can often change also from time to time, this may also mean that he can change industries also. a career that involves reactions and feedback which means that the customers feedback can mean a lot to this jobs inquiry. perhaps even feedback is what gives the job business as well. jobs that might be on mention are small business, online seller, plumber, nail technician, driving instructor and so forth. any job that requires a good feedback in order to flow customers in. this job can be involved in equality and discoveries, anything to do with cases and technologies also. working in big tech companies or perhaps even having personal assignments assigned to them. such jobs that fit into this category are lawyer, crime scene detective, detective, research company, personal assistant, business owner and so forth.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹† aspecting the sun- jobs related to managing, fame, organising, being a leader, being a monitor person, security guard, labour job, working around a big crowd, influencing. in scorpio- meat, skin, surgery, mystery, secrets, keeping it low and confidential.
industria in 8th house: a career that your spouse may have is something to do with duty and receiving orders from someone such as working for someone or being involved with the military and army. a job that has a lot of respect and a job that respect is likely. a lot of rules and especially a lot of regulations can be in set at your spouses job that your spouse may have to follow. a high diligence and secretive career. career involved with death and inheritance perhaps its them working at a death insurance company, a person who organises funerals and so forth. any job that may organise or be in charge of inheritance cheques also. he may work somewhere where contracts are involved and most likely can be working for government rules and the system of the government also.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹† aspecting pluto- strictness, possessiveness, unhealthy habits, jobs to do with addiction and control. aspecting saturn- dedication, jobs related to being a leader and being discipline, a job that takes long hours and takes hard work to complete.
industria in 9th house : so your spouses field of specialty may be include a lot of travel, lots of moving about the place and always experiencing something new. this job may have needed a source of higher education so your spouse may needed to go to university or college in order to get a degree of some sort to have this career. this career may be a high success field meaning that he is very good at what he does although may not realise it. may work with a lot of people from different backgrounds and different atmospheres, may have seen everything or it may feel like it as his job can be quite diverse and challenging. this field in that your spouse can be in can include a mass media attention, or may have access to a mass media meaning that he can be very influential and quite powerful with his position in his career.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹†depending on aspects and the sign that industria is in can really make a difference in what the actual career is. lets say its in taurus- beauty, singing, financial building, banker, investor, chef. say if it is aspecting saturn- long hours, labour, professionalism, seriousness, hard concentration is involved in his job. if in gemini- social media, writing, using new ideas, quick and sharp thinking/mind, quick outcomes, fast approach.
industria in 10th house: so your spouse field of work can be related to high status and high attention. this career may require him to deal with a lot behind the scenes and deal with most stuff by himself, a very personal yet public job. can have a big leadership position, a very guarding yet important role. may have a standard that needs to be kept in this field. maybe a certain appearance may be kept such as clothes, hairstyle, what to wear and not wear, perhaps even control on weight and what can be done to the body and what can not. a very high demanding job, very high stress. lots of control and this can be a very controlling job. also there can be competition in this career, whether its amongst your colleagues or its a high competing job to access.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹†depending on the sign and aspects that are occurring to this asteroid can tell us more about what career they may have. so if uranus is aspecting industria- internet, social media, high following online, high online consumption, high tech, uncontrollable atmosphere, sudden changes, sudden doings, no control. if aspecting the ascendant- appearance, high maintenance, beauty, body, accessories, personality.
industria in 11th house: this career can be associate with working with groups of people, people that they may feel familiar with also. this can be a job where he works in his community where he helps out people that he knows. this job may also be a voluntary job that he signed up for. this can be a very peaceful yet shared experience career, lots of advice may be given in the job and especially a lot of shared creative ideas may be talked upon. the colleagues of your spouse may be very friendly and the whole atmosphere of the job can be very friendly and comforting. job that is involved in beauty and the internet. especially a career that involves high tech and computers.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹† in gemini- transport, vehicles, bicycles, a job related to teaching, social media influencer, local community, if aspecting jupiter- teacher, mentor, librarian, author, influencer.
industria in 12th house: this career of your spouse can be detail based and can require lots of memorisation and delivering of details. this job can be of sections meaning that it requires completion of one assessment in order to be able to be carried onto the next one, you cant just skip ahead and things like that. this career of your spouse can be involved into efficiency and order and by that this may mean that their job is done efficiently and there may be different ways of doing that job. there can be a value of perfection and cleanliness related to the job. there can be high expectations and pressure that is linked to this job of your spouse. anything to do with health and especially mental health, remedies, consultations and seeking advice. lots of research and techniques can be used in his career.
āŠ¹ā‚ŠāŸ”ā‹†depending on the sign and aspects of the asteroid it can influence more depth into what specific profession he can be a part of. in scorpio- can be related to research, writing, astrology, transformational work, deep messaging, cutting, mining, occult teachings. if in taurus- beauty, singing, voice, dancing, finance, bank, assets, job related to food, cooking, meal preparations, fluctuation themed such as investments and stock markets. associations to mercury- job can be related to text, writing, teaching, travelling, changing positions, speech, social media, vehicles, exchanges. aspects to the sun- job related to fame, spotlight, ego exchange, being themself, high position, knowing their way around things.
Guysss, im glad to be posting this, i really want to get back with posting regularly but have so much to dooo- its never ending. anyway, thanks for reading and have a lovely rest of your day.
566 notes Ā· View notes
gay-dorito-dust Ā· 1 month ago
Note
Ok, it was basically a request where the batboys brought their significant other as their date to a gala for the first time, they leave for a second (to get drinks or go to the bathroom or something to that end) and when they come back the see their S/O being harassed by a group of socialite women that keep talking about how they canā€™t believe someone like the batboy is with such a plain little nobody. That was the gist of it. Sorry šŸ˜£
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
I kinda made Timā€™s as bit different than requested, but I couldnā€™t help but see him grill an entire household and their business ventures. Then again I kinda took creative liberties with all of them.
Dick
Is the type to put on an extremely strained smile across his face as he puts his arm over your shoulders.
ā€˜Whatā€™s wrong my love, why the saddened face?ā€™ He asks you sweetly, intentionally ignoring the rich and powerful in front of you both.
ā€˜Oh donā€™t worry yourself withā€¦that thing dear Richard, theyā€™re too emotional to be in a room with people they could only dream of being in the presence of. I wouldnā€™t get so close to it if I were you, you might catch their filth.ā€™ One of them sneered and Dickā€™s jaw tensed in agitation as his eyes remained on you.
ā€˜Do you wanna leave?ā€™ He says in a whisper as he wipes a tear away from your cheek, lightly pinching it in hopes of seeing you smile at him.
ā€˜Yes please, I want to go home and be with Hayley.ā€™ You whispered back, griping his arms tightly, thankful that his body blocked out the rich people that were berating you. Dickā€™s face softened as he kissed the top of your head, hoping of giving you some form of comfort in your time of distress, before looking back at the rich people with a faux grin.
ā€˜If you please excuse us, my lovely sweetheart, my beloved cutie and my forever lover wishes to leave this drab place and who am I to deny my love of her wishes, for I shall wait on them hand and for forever if it pleases them so because between you and me?ā€™ He then leans close to them. ā€˜You donā€™t have the heart to sacrifice everything for the one you love, if you even have hearts in the first place. You posses no freedom and no personality whatsoever for anyone to love nor adore, them however?ā€™ He points towards you as you look at him with a small smile, a smile so sweet that Dick couldnā€™t help but smile back.
ā€˜They are my everything. I couldnā€™t think about living without them, not when theyā€™ve donā€™t nothing but be kind and respectful of me and my time. I donā€™t deserve them but neither does this city, theyā€™re an angel in human skin that I wish to worship as long as theyā€™ll let me.ā€™ You could feel your cheeks burn at his words as your smiles widened at the twinkle of love within his gorgeous eyes. Dick had a way with words unlike any other and despite being on the receiving end of them for a while now, you still find yourself becoming alight with emotions because of him.
ā€˜So if youā€™ll excuse me kindly.ā€™ Dick says as he takes your hand and walks you both out of the door where he stops to look at you with concern.
ā€˜I am so sorry you had to deal with them, apparently money makes someone feel entitled to speaking on someone elseā€™s relationship.ā€™ Dick spat as he glared at the grand double doors and you touched his cheek, making him melt into your touch, kissing your palm.
ā€˜Itā€™s okay Dickie bird, letā€™s just forget this night and go home, get out of these clothes and into some comfy pyjamas and cuddle on the couch as we watch soaps.ā€™ You say as you attempt to calm him down from his passionate outburst and declaration of love, which seems to work as Dickā€™s eyes twinkled with excitement.
ā€˜Can we wear the matching pyjamas that I got us and Hayley?ā€™ He asks and you couldnā€™t help but kiss his lip, finding him too adorable in this moment in time, which is something of a occurrence as youā€™d soon find as you reflect back on your relationship. ā€˜Of course my sweetie, of course we can wear matching pyjamas.ā€™ You replied and Dick cheered as he leaned to kiss you fully on the lip, his happiness having been contagious as you smiled into the kiss.
Damian
Wishes Bruce didnā€™t confiscate the sword from him.
Heā€™s the type who can silence anyone with a single fucking glare. So when he sees that you, his beloved, was being harassed by the elitist snobs.
Heā€™s quick to step in and start berating them himself, all dignity and respect has gone out the window for these cretins donā€™t deserve an ounce of it as far as he was aware. ā€˜I donā€™t believe that my relationships are your concern,ā€™ he begins, ā€˜youā€™re not kin and thus shouldā€™ve learned at an early age that not every topic of interest requires your out of touch input.ā€™
ā€˜Wha-ā€˜ they tried to say but Damian was back on them with another verbal assault.
ā€˜Also I could hear you from across the room, didnā€™t your parents or paid teacher teach you about volume control? or did they get paid extra to not say a thing in fear your fragile little ego gets crushed under the harsh truth?ā€™ Damian then spits out as he feels you clinging onto his back, which only fuels his need to berate these vile people as karma.
Damian would be their karma if it was the last thing he did.
The rich people chocked on air, not knowing what to say as it was hard to do so when Damian was staring them down, wanting them to say something, anything so that he could verbally beat them down until they submit. He lives for a verbal spat but unfortunately the people whom heā€™s up against have never had to fight for their honour and dignity, they just paid people to shut up or have people who encourage their pathetic, self entitled behaviour.
ā€˜Enough, donā€™t hurt yourself trying to think with whateverā€™s behind those pompous eyes of yours.ā€™ Damian sneered as he looks to you with a soft look. ā€˜Letā€™s go my beloved, I have already informed my father of the situation and has Alfred come pick us up to take us back to the manor.ā€™ He says softly as he takes your hand in his as you both began walking away form the group of gobsmacked rich folks, a sight to behold truly as those entitled Individuals love nothing more then the sound of their own voice.
ā€˜Whyā€™d you do that?ā€™ You asked and Damian looked at you as though you grew a second head.
ā€˜Do what? Defend your honour, is that not what a lover is meant to do?ā€™ He says with a raised brow and you couldnā€™t help but feel a little silly, of course Damian would defend your honour to the death but still insecurities tend to make you forget his undying loyalty.
ā€˜Youā€™re right Iā€™m sorry, Iā€™m just being a little stupid.ā€™ You replied as you downcast your eyes to the floor and Damian stopped to lift your head up by your chin as his emerald eyes glint with concern. ā€˜Do not heed their words my treasure, for they lack a love that isnā€™t in due to money. Ours is genuine, if thereā€™s anyone who has to fear for our relationship it is me for I am not the easiest to deal with at times.ā€™ Damian admits as he lets go of your chin.
ā€˜Thatā€™s not true.ā€™ You retorted, holding his cheek in your free hand, caressing his cheek. ā€˜Youā€™re perfect the way you are! A work in progress in being even more beautiful than before and Iā€™m happy to be by your side and watch you grow into an amazing person dami.ā€™ You add as you kiss his cheek, making him smile softly as he rubs against your hand.
ā€˜See, this is what Iā€™m talking about.ā€™ Damian says softly. ā€˜You are perfection, a being beyond words and Iā€™d be a fool if I didnā€™t treasure you entirely.ā€™
Jason
Thatā€™s it, youā€™re leaving.
Jason tried to be civil but itā€™s hard to be civil with out of touch, tone deaf, Botox having, plastic surgery abusing, elite snobs that couldnā€™t fucking lace their own shoes because their filthy money had that be someone elseā€™s job.
Heā€™s not fucking staying and neither are you to deal with verbal abuse by people who single handedly have run Gotham into the ground with their shady tactics, personally funding the corrupt police officers, police officers that dare spout words like ā€˜protect and serveā€™ as though they know the meaning of the fucking word.
Heā€™s marching over to you and grabbing your hand, intertwining your fingers together as heā€™s walking you both out of the room, leaving the elites to talk amongst themselves as he guided you outside where thankfully no elite snob can eavesdrop on either of you.
ā€˜Are you okay?ā€™ He asks you as he holds your face between his hands.
ā€˜Noā€¦ I want to go home.ā€™ You admitted, their words cutting deeper than youā€™d ever think imaginable.
Jason felt anger flowing through his veins but he knew that you needed him more then ever at this moment, so shouting at some elite snobs can wait for another day, you were his highest priority as he brought you into his chest and kissing your head. ā€˜Then weā€™re going home.ā€™ He says with certainty.
ā€˜What about Bruce?ā€™ You asked, looking at him with tearful eyes, not wanting their relationship to fracture just as it was slowly starting to mend.
Jason shrugged, uncaring of what the old man would think, you got insulted and he wasnā€™t going to let it slide in the slightest. ā€˜Fuck Bruce, youā€™re what matters to me.ā€™ Jason says as he kisses your nose, cheeks and lips softly before resting his head against yours. ā€˜Now letā€™s ditch this place and go get ourselves some burgers, how does that sound chipmunk?ā€™
You chuckled. ā€˜Can we get some fries too.ā€™
ā€˜Of course we can, whatever my sweetheart desires.ā€™ Jason replies as he takes your hand again, this time leading you both out of the grand building in a quest to satiate your feelings with the most greasiest of foods.
Tim
Has the most dirt on the elite in my eyes.
Every scandal, every controversy, every crime theyā€™ve committed and gotten away with by covering it up. He has a file as thick as a book on them and heā€™s not afraid to use it.
And needless to say that the idea to destroy their reputation was more then tempting then ever when he sees that your being harassed. So when he confronts them on their behaviour, he gets really cryptic about how much he actually knows about these people to such an intimate level.
ā€˜I know what you did.ā€™ Heā€™d say.
ā€˜What are you on about?ā€™ Theyā€™d ask, thinking this was all a bit to make them laugh.
ā€˜Friday 12th, 12:55am. The incident that cost workers their lives, families whom of which youā€™ve failed to compensate for who are now threatening to take you to court before you dealt with them in hush money. All just so it doesnā€™t leak to the press that you knew what you were dealing with was highly unstable and willingly let those workers in unstable and dangerous working conditions.m Tim watches as their faces drop, preparation visible on their foreheads and he continues on, feeling you squeeze his arm.
ā€˜Only to end up illegally selling the product to unground crime syndicates to make ends meet in due to how much money youā€™ve initially lost.ā€™ Tim then says in response, watched as their faces become unsettlingly pale as they excuse themselves while exiting the room.
Heā€™ll say or this or just say ā€˜they are after what theyā€™re owed.ā€™ And leave it at that.
Once heā€™s satisfied that heā€™s silenced them and damaged their egos, he looks to you with concerned eyes. ā€˜Are you okay lovely?ā€™ He asks you as he sees just how small youā€™ve made yourself because of them.
ā€˜Iā€™m fine Tim thanks to you.ā€™ You said as you hugged him tightly, kissing his cheek as he pats your back before rubbing it soothingly. ā€˜ I thought they wouldnā€™t shut up, or follow me whether I went just to degrade me for walking or whether else they could degrade me for.ā€™ You add as you burrowed your head into his neck, wanting to forget this had ever happened.
ā€˜All you need to remember is that theyā€™re more flawed and easier to expose, you however,ā€™ Tim kisses your temple, tightening his hold, ā€˜are more then they could ever comprehend and have more heart and soul then they do and I couldnā€™t be prouder to be your partner. Thank you for choosing me.ā€™ He finished.
ā€˜Iā€™d choose you every time Tim.ā€™ You replied.
ā€˜Then expect me to do the same bedside thereā€™s no one else Iā€™d rather have them you.ā€™ Tim promised as you stayed in this embrace for a good while before deciding to leave and watch your favourite show on his laptop for comfort.
934 notes Ā· View notes
ahundredtimesover Ā· 8 months ago
Text
I Want You to Stay (12) | JJK
Tumblr media
Pairing:Ā Jungkook x (f.) Reader
Genre/Tags:Ā boss!JK x assistant!reader; idiot strangers to lovers; slowĀ slowĀ burn; k-drama feels; angst, drama, fluff, smut
ChapterĀ (Series)Ā Warnings:Ā foul/explicit language; alcohol consumption & passing out,Ā unhealthy coping mechanisms; family drama;Ā minor injuries;Ā power dynamicsĀ (JK starts off as a jerk); work-related anxiety,Ā feelings of helplessness, insecurities;Ā mentions of childhoodĀ traumatic experiences,Ā nightmares;Ā sexual harassment, attempted assault;Ā mention of past experience of domestic violenceĀ (PLS PLS BE CAREFUL WHEN READING);Ā arts, business/property devt, and book talk thatā€™s probably inaccurate;Ā commitment issues & emotionally constipated characters;Ā cold and detached JK;Ā sexual contentĀ (18+)
Chapter Word count:Ā 24.7k
Series Masterlist
Tumblr media
Status:Ā Ongoing
Series summary:Ā Working for Jungkook isnā€™t the same as working for Hoseok. For starters, Jungkook doesnā€™t smile, he doesnā€™t appreciate you, and he gives youĀ tooĀ much work. It doesnā€™t help that heā€™s incredibly handsome and has women at his beck and call. But as the tension grows, it becomes impossible to resist him. Youā€™ve dedicated yourself to your job for 8 years so when you finally decide to put yourself first, he asks you to reconsider.Ā And while you know that leaving is difficult, you learn that when it comes to Jungkook, staying is always so much harder.
PlaylistĀ šŸŽ¶:Ā on the way home
Tumblr media
A/N:Ā Hiii so this took a while but thank for being patient and showing so much love! This might sting a bit but I hope you enjoy it. We're close to the end so don't lose hope! šŸ¤­šŸ¤­
And as always, my biggest thanks toĀ @wonwoonlightĀ  šŸ„°
PS. If I canā€™t tag you, pls fix your settings!
Tumblr media
Thereā€™s a kind of pain you donā€™t want to experience, one of a broken heart caused by someone youā€™ve given your all to. This doesnā€™t feel like that, but itā€™s close.Ā 
Itā€™s so damn close that you feel your chest tightening, the unfamiliar feeling of loss of a person you never even had overwhelming you. You press your palms on your ears to block the sound of your heart breaking, but even that doesnā€™t do anything.
You let go, your fingers now shaking as you type away. Jungkook has asked you to send him your resignation letter so he can forward it to HR for documentation. Itā€™s like saying goodbye to him all over again, and it doesnā€™t hurt any less.
This is all on you though, you remind yourself. Wanting him was wrong in the first place - heā€™s your boss, the man who pays you, who needs you so he could do his job, so you could make his life easier. But heā€™s also the son of the man that your family is indebted to; a man who, in a lot of ways, shaped the way you approach life and determine what you want out of it. Jungkook stands as a reminder of who you are and where you came from, of the childhood you had, and the decisions you made to get to where you are now. You let your guard down and let him in, and you let yourself fall for a man whose own past was always going to intertwine with yours.Ā 
You donā€™t know what you were thinking, kissing him and believing that things would fall into place. That was the thing - he kissed you and you kissed him back, a moment of weakness that you had no business having, as if almost doing it the first time wasnā€™t bad enough. You planned on leaving, and you hoped that youā€™d get to tell him on your own terms, that youā€™d have time to process your feelings and then explain yourself to him, that youā€™d be able to process his feelings and see the sincerity in them.Ā 
But life doesnā€™t always play out the way you want to, and you can keep thinking that people would react the way you hope they would but youā€™re human. You fell into his touch and wanted so much of it that you couldnā€™t think properly. He asked you to stay - expected it actually, which is the last thing you wanted him to do.Ā 
And now youā€™re left here with a lot of emotions that you donā€™t know what to do with - all conflicting, all overwhelming, and all seemingly out of your control.Ā 
You canā€™t deny what you feel for Jungkook. The thought that he feels the same should be something you welcome, but with how you both learned about it, and with him now knowing the secret youā€™ve been keeping, itā€™s hard to think how you both could move forward without those feelings of doubt, perhaps of distrust. You know enough that those arenā€™t good starting points for any relationship.Ā 
Youā€™re doing what you have to do. Resigning was always the plan, but doing it this way wasnā€™t. You also didnā€™t expect youā€™d be leaving so much more than just a team you enjoy being a part of and a boss youā€™ve come to admire, a man whoā€™s come to mean a lot of things to you.Ā 
And so even if this is the decision youā€™ll make every single time, it doesnā€™t mean it doesnā€™t hurt you to be making it. Perhaps itā€™s now just dawning on you that youā€™re truly walking away from this job, and that may mean walking away from, too. This is when you realize just how big that loss is gonna be.
Jungkook made you braver. He made you feel understood and less alone. He showed you that beautiful things do exist, that you can capture them so you could hold onto the good memories, and doing that is one way to move on from the things that hurt.Ā 
Without realizing it, heā€™d become the person you were willing to crawl out of your walls for. But just like him, maybe your timing wasnā€™t right either. No matter how strong the feelings are, something just happens to be more important than being with him - feeling free is one, knowing that youā€™re able to do this for yourself is another. Thereā€™s wanting sincerity, too, on his end and on yours.
You know you need time to sort yourself out, to know what you want outside of all this, but the way he goes on about his business is affecting you more than you expected. Heā€™s essentially giving you two weeks to stay in the office. Heā€™s having Lucas fly in immediately. The implications are breaking you even more - perhaps youā€™ll be kept out of the projects; maybe youā€™ll no longer do your morning routines with him.Ā 
Perhaps heā€™s still overwhelmed about everything he knows. And perhaps heā€™s realizing he doesnā€™t want that complication in his life anymore. Maybe he doesnā€™t want to deal with you and the mess you created, given all the stress and pressure heā€™s under.Ā 
Maybe you were that easy to let go, too.
The thought feels like a slap on the face.Ā 
But youā€™re the foolish one who wanted to leave but who also hoped heā€™d go after you. He didnā€™t do it last Friday. Heā€™s not going to do that now. You doubt that after your last day, he would do it either.Ā 
The tears dance around your eyelids. Everything becomes blurry, and after the first one falls, you stand from your desk and head to the washroom. You give yourself just 10 minutes to silently cry. You hadnā€™t prepared for this enough, and now the thought of saying goodbye to the team and leaving Jungkook during a big project launch weighs heavily on you.Ā 
You calm yourself down, thinking that if youā€™d chosen to delay it, everything else would be harder - seeing him, being close to him, knowing you both feel the same way but not knowing if thatā€™s enough. Or if itā€™s real.
You get to be selfish this time and leave for your own reasons. You get to choose which heartbreak youā€™ll face and for how long youā€™ll feel it. You get to decide which burdens youā€™ll carry and what youā€™re walking away from.Ā 
The team will understand. Youā€™ll give your all for the next few weeks youā€™ll be around and make sure that Lucas guides them well. Hoseok will be supportive. You know that heā€™ll always encourage you to go where youā€™re happiest. You just hope he wonā€™t carry any guilt for being one of the reasons why you stayed now that he knows the truth. CEO Jeon might still ask you to wait, or he might just not want to see you again if he knows what really happened with his son, and thatā€™s something youā€™ll have to learn to deal with as well. You donā€™t want to think youā€™re burning bridges with this decision, but you also know that those who truly care would want this for you, too.
But despite all that, the guilt and the sadness donā€™t go away. Youā€™d once thought you could be happy with Jungkook. Heā€™d given you a peek into a life where you could be, and heā€™d given you a taste of what itā€™s like to feel that all-consuming desire for someone. You donā€™t know if youā€™ll have that or feel that again for another person, but you at least now know what youā€™re searching for.Ā 
Maybe youā€™ll get over yourself and find the words to tell him what you feel or hope for both of you. Maybe youā€™ll find your way back to each other someday. You might also have to face the possibility that this decision is what pulls you apart for good, and the thought breaks your heart again.
You take a deep breath and close your eyes. You think of the comfort of your morning routines and the shared silence. You think about the warmth you felt from all the food heā€™d sent when you were sick and injured. You think about that night you felt brave because heā€™d been with you when you were scared. You think about the tranquility of being in his presence as you gazed at the mountains and felt free being outdoors. You think about feeling understood during the times when youā€™d been honest and so had he.Ā 
These are the good memories he gave you, the ones youā€™ll hold onto as you go through all this. You wonder if he keeps them in a nook in his heart the way you do, and if heā€™ll hold onto them as well as you walk away from him and from what you couldā€™ve been.Ā 
The thoughts are enough to suspend your sadness for a while. You fix yourself up and while it wasnā€™t a big cry, your slightly swollen eyes could still give you away. You decide itā€™s not much of a problem. Until, of course, when you make it back to your desk, about to sit down to resume your tasks, and Jungkook opens his door and locks eyes with you.Ā 
Thereā€™s a moment where you hold each otherā€™s gazes, and you see his face fall a little, softening briefly before he looks away, the seriousness coming back again. He attempts to say something but he stops, looking down at the papers heā€™s holding instead and asks you to photocopy them for distribution to the team.
You nod in confirmation, and as youā€™re about to walk out, Hoseok shows up.
ā€œAre you free?ā€ He asks Jungkook. ā€œI need to run some things with you.ā€
ā€œSure,ā€ Jungkook replies, glancing at you before walking back to his room.
Hoseok finally turns to you and sees your glassy eyes. His face falls, unsure how to comfort you during this time. He was never sure how to do that before, and he feels heavier thinking that so many times when you still worked for him, you probably wanted to quit but couldnā€™t. And that maybe his claims of needing you around to help him helped keep you here, in a place that wasnā€™t giving you that joy and satisfaction that you deserve.Ā 
ā€œ___,ā€ he calls out. ā€œI got the notice. How are you feeling?ā€
ā€œWell, I see that word travels fast,ā€ you giggle, an attempt to avoid a somber conversation. You also donā€™t know how to explain whatever it is youā€™re feeling so itā€™s not something youā€™re keen on addressing.
ā€œHR was actually the one that informed me and uncle,ā€ he explains. ā€œLosing you is a big deal so they thought to let us know right away. And I only mean that because youā€™re an integral part of this company. And youā€¦ you matter to my family. You matter to me, and I know you matter to him.ā€
Hoseok gestures towards Jungkookā€™s direction, prompting you to look away. The man in front of you sighs and apologizes, adding that youā€™ve come to mean so much to the people he cares for, including his wife.Ā 
ā€œYou welcomed me to your family, Hoseok,ā€ you respond. ā€œYou and A-yeong treated me like one and I always will be. But none of the sadness yet. Iā€™ll still be here for the next month.ā€
ā€œIā€™ll take my time in saying goodbye then,ā€ he says, his genuine smile serving as the comfort you badly need. ā€œAnd I hope itā€™s not for good.ā€
ā€œNot to you,ā€ you assure him. ā€œIā€™m not that easy to get rid of.ā€
ā€œGood,ā€ he says, his eyes softening in understanding and acceptance. ā€œIā€™ll just meet with Jungkook. Iā€™ll catch up with you soon, okay?ā€
ā€œOkay,ā€ you say. ā€œAnd uh, thank you.ā€Ā 
Your smile holds in it a lot of emotions for the man whoā€™s become your friend all these years. And you know that whatever happens with Jungkook, Hoseok will always be a person youā€™ll treasure.
You walk out while he enters the room and closes the door.Ā 
Jungkookā€™s eyebrows are scrunched as he gives instructions over the phone while also typing on his desktop. Hoseok can sense the stress and tension all over his cousin, and he hopes that especially with this, the younger man finds it in him to talk about what heā€™s feeling. Thereā€™s fear that heā€™ll keep it all to himself again, and in doing so, he might just push you away even more.
ā€œHey, how are you holding up?ā€ Hoseok asks after the call ends.
ā€œI donā€™t really want to talk about it,ā€ Jungkook huffs.
Thereā€™s a beat of silence before Hoseok speaks again. ā€œSo, you already have a replacement for ___, huh?ā€ He says, having just heard Jungkookā€™s conversation about Lucasā€™ work visa requirements over the phone. ā€œIsnā€™t that too fast?ā€
ā€œThe Arts Center launch is in a couple of weeks. I canā€™t have delays,ā€ Jungkook explains. ā€œSending Lucas here will require less time than looking for a new assistant. Heā€™s familiar with the project and heā€™s used to working for me so he can take over with the preparations. Iā€™ve received fatherā€™s approval for his transfer.ā€
ā€œWhat about ___, then?ā€
ā€œWhat about her?ā€ Jungkook asks bitterly. ā€œSheā€™s resigned. Iā€™ll have her focus on turning everything over and documenting key projects and practices. She has vacation leaves to use up for the last month sheā€™s here.ā€
ā€œJust like that?ā€ Hoseok questions. ā€œShe resigns today and then youā€™ve gotten everything sorted out for her departure, just like that? As if you canā€™t wait for her to leave?ā€
ā€œShe wanted this,ā€ Jungkook counters. ā€œYou heard what Mr. Ri said. Sheā€™s been wanting to do this for years, and Iā€™m just making sure sheā€™s not bothered by what sheā€™s leaving behind. Having Lucas here will assure her that the team will continue to function and that sheā€™s not delaying anything by deciding to leave. She doesnā€™t have to worry about anything.ā€
And itā€™s the truth. Hearing what you went through and that youā€™d thought of resigning several times before makes Jungkook think that you havenā€™t been happy here for a long while. Heā€™s unsure if youā€™d always planned on leaving before the Arts Center launch, or if what happened last Friday prompted you to do this now. But still, it seemed so easy for you to make the decision, as if you canā€™t wait to leave him, as if being around him hurts you that much, as if you know that whatever it is youā€™re looking for isnā€™t here.Ā 
Jungkook spent all of last weekend replaying that night in his mind - from the way you pulled him close to you and to the way his heart broke when you pulled away. He doesnā€™t know what you want from him. You kissed him as if you wanted him. He felt your desire as your hands danced around his chest, as you moaned against his lips, as you thrusted against him like you wanted more, and he wouldā€™ve given it all to you, he wouldā€™ve given you everything, but the words heā€™d never told anyone slipped from his mouth and somehow, thatā€™s what made you create that distance.Ā 
Perhaps itā€™s what made you not want to stay.Ā 
But he wouldnā€™t have known because he didnā€™t ask. At the thought of you no longer being by his side, he faltered. At the thought of losing the routine youā€™ve both created and the comfort youā€™ve been giving him everyday, he caved in. He lost all sense and just wanted to keep you. Heā€™d disregarded every rule, crossed every boundary he created, and thought of nothing else but to be with you. He made the mistake of not thinking about you, the person he wants.Ā 
He naively believed that your expression of desire meant that nothing else mattered - youā€™d be with him regardless. But he realized that maybe he doesnā€™t know you at all. He wouldā€™ve risked everything but maybe you wouldnā€™t. You make him happy and thatā€™s all he cares about but maybe heā€™s not enough for you. Heā€™d do anything to be with you everyday but maybe thatā€™s not what you want.Ā 
The thought that that moment made you realize that maybe, heā€™s not what you wanted after all creates another crack in his heart. That cold, stubborn heart of his hasnā€™t felt much in years but it betrayed him this time. It called out for you and heā€™s afraid to find out that it still will, after everything.Ā 
ā€œHave you spoken to her?ā€ Hoseok pulls him out of his thoughts.
ā€œYeah,ā€ Jungkook replies. ā€œI gave her my recommendation letter, told her about Lucas replacing her, and that she still has leaves to take.ā€
ā€œI meant about both of you,ā€ Hoseok clarifies. ā€œAbout what you both feel, about what that means and what happens after that.ā€
ā€œWhat is there to talk about?ā€ Jungkook groans. ā€œShe left me that night. I come here today with a resignation letter on my desk. She doesnā€™t want anything to do with me.ā€
ā€œThat doesnā€™t mean she doesnā€™t want you,ā€ Hoseok says.Ā 
ā€œIt doesnā€™t mean she does,ā€ Jungkook counters. ā€œClearly, her happiness outside of this company is her priority. And it should be. She doesnā€™t have a reason to stay here anymore.ā€
ā€œAnd what if that happiness could include you? Did you even think about that?ā€
ā€œThen she couldā€™ve said that if she wanted to. It was her decision, it was her call.ā€
ā€œYou think itā€™s that easy to say that? Then why donā€™t you go ahead and tell her what you feel and want?ā€
ā€œI did!ā€ Jungkook almost yells now, thankful for the thick walls of this room. ā€œAnd she pulled away! She said she couldnā€™t do this, that she couldnā€™t do this with me. That tells me everything I need to know, Hoseok. Whatever she feels for me isnā€™t that strong. I was stupid to believe an overheard conversation. I heard that she liked me and I thought, all I had to do was tell her that I felt the same way. But it wasnā€™t enough. I asked her to stay and she said she couldnā€™t. I donā€™t matter to her. Not in the way that she matters to me.ā€
ā€œWhy did she cry, then?ā€ Hoseok asks. ā€œDid you notice that?ā€
Of course Jungkook did. Heā€™s seen you cry a few times, a sight he never wants to see again, and seeing your puffy eyes earlier made him want to just forget everything and hug you so he could help make the hurt go away. Itā€™s something heā€™s wanted to do before and thereā€™s a reason why he never did. Today, he knew that doing so would make it harder for him. So all he could do was look away.
ā€œShe wouldnā€™t be that upset if all this didnā€™t matter to her. If you didnā€™t matter that much to her,ā€ Hoseok adds.
ā€œThis job mattered to her, too. You and I know how she works. Maybe thereā€™s guilt or worry that sheā€™s leaving at this critical time, which is why Iā€™m trying to make the transition easy,ā€ Jungkook reasons. ā€œSheā€™s leaving a lot of things and people behind and that could be hard for anyone. Sheā€™s crucial to the team but I donā€™t want there to be anything else that would hold her back. Not anymore.ā€
ā€œBut all these arrangementsā€¦ itā€™s as if itā€™s so easy to replace her,ā€ Hoseok sighs. ā€œAre you even giving yourself time to just process all of this?ā€
ā€œAnd then what? Give myself time to realize again that I canā€™t do this without her? I already know that I canā€™t, I canā€™t replace her, not in any way but Iā€¦ā€ Jungkook heaves. ā€œI canā€™t give in to those feelings and end up asking her to reconsider her decision. She has a life to live outside of this but this is mine. I have a project to launch, a name to upholdā€¦ā€
A broken heart to live with, he doesnā€™t say.Ā 
ā€œI donā€™t know what else to do but this,ā€ he adds, his head bowing down as he pinches the corners of his eyes. Heā€™s just trying to deal with losing you in more than one way, and trying to maintain whatever professionalism he has left after everything.
Hoseok sighs as he watches his cousin stop himself from falling apart. Itā€™s true that everything feels so sudden. Perhaps for you, the best decision you could make after what happened last Friday is to leave and he wouldnā€™t fault you for that, especially after what you gave up to be here. And maybe Jungkook is just trying to deal with that pain of losing you as his assistant and the possibility of more in the way that he knows how - distance, detachment. Itā€™s how the younger man has always chosen to deal with things he canā€™t control, and as someone whoā€™s seen him try to move on from his own past, itā€™s hard for Hoseok to stand by and watch Jungkook hurt this way when he knows that you care about him, too.Ā 
It wasnā€™t always obvious, but at one point, Hoseok started to notice things; he just never questioned them. You were always competent. When you were his assistant, you paid attention to every detail and made sure that he was always at his best. But this past year, Hoseok had seen you pay attention to Jungkook in a more meaningful way. Heā€™d seen you care for the younger man, showed him kindness that no oneā€™s bothered to do before. And thatā€™s done so much for him as he learned to open himself up, to allow himself to feel a different kind of vulnerability, to feel like he could be himself again, and that heā€™ll be accepted for all the scared and flawed parts of him.Ā 
All Hoseok can do is at least help his cousin be honest about what he feels and help him not lose you completely. But much as he wants to figure this out with Jungkook, life continues, and right now, there are some executive decisions both men have to make. So he redirects the conversation, and itā€™s half an hour later when they come up with a policy statement that they send to CEO Jeon as instructed.Ā 
Thatā€™s at least one other important thing that Jungkook can tick off his list. Heā€™s determined to just focus on all work matters for today, hoping that would keep his mind off of you.Ā 
But thatā€™s impossible when you still have a role to play in his life, as you enter his room after Hoseok exits, avoiding the older manā€™s worried gaze. You glance at Jungkook just once, placing a folder of documents on his desk for his signature.Ā 
Heā€™s past the second of a dozen pages when he speaks, his eyes glued to the papers, not wanting to look at your face.
ā€œI intend on telling the team about your resignation during tomorrowā€™s meeting,ā€ he says. ā€œIā€™ll release the company-wide announcement on Wednesday, followed by an email to other partners and contacts. The Arts Center launch is happening in a few weeks and we canā€™t have delays, so Iā€™ll be endorsing Lucas soon after.ā€
ā€œI understand, Mr. Jeon,ā€ you say, trying to stabilize your voice. ā€œIf you need me to draft anythingā€”ā€
ā€œThereā€™s no need, I will do that.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s noted, sir.ā€
You remain standing in front of him, watching him go through each page and feeling like you could burst any moment. Somehow he seems like that man you met almost a year ago - focused yet detached, close but so far away.Ā 
ā€œYouā€™re also no longer required to come to my apartment every morning,ā€ he continues. ā€œIā€™ll only need you to come on Thursday so you could give Lucas your access and brief him about the building and where things are. Mr. Ri could still drive you to work until your last day.ā€
ā€œThat service was extended to me for the purpose of assisting you every morning, Mr. Jeon,ā€ you say, your voice sounding firm this time. ā€œThat is no longer necessary.ā€
You see him stop his movements for a second before he resumes and nods in acknowledgment of your statement.Ā 
As you watch him sign the last few pages, you allow yourself a brief moment to wish that youā€™d just left much sooner, during a time when he wasnā€™t around so you didnā€™t have to feel this agonizing pain of him slowly slipping away. Everytime you remind yourself that you made this decision, youā€™re pulled back by the thought that leaving didnā€™t have to mean that youā€™d lose him completely.Ā 
But with the way he acts now, with how heā€™s distancing himself from you and everything you shared, youā€™re starting to think that maybe heā€™s decided on this, too - that this is goodbye and that thereā€™s nothing for both of you after this. Itā€™s a hard pill to swallow but one you suppose you should - this was your call and you didnā€™t give him a choice in the matter. Perhaps this is his way of dealing with your departure as well. Thatā€™s something you canā€™t fault him for doing.Ā 
That leaves you with no choice but to deal with the pain, too. You donā€™t know exactly how. Youā€™ve never really gone through this before. All your breakups didnā€™t hurt like this, probably because you knew from the beginning that they would end anyway, that you wouldnā€™t care more than you planned.Ā 
But Jungkook is different. You didnā€™t expect him to be the one youā€™d care for, that youā€™d yearn for, that youā€™d want with all of you. But you watch on as he slips right through your fingers, and whatever hope you had of finding your way back to him in the future withers away. This is how you lose him, and youā€™ll try hard to keep only the good memories with you.Ā 
He finishes signing the papers then he hands them over to you, his eyes only briefly meeting yours. He turns towards his desktop but he speaks again.
ā€œHR requires me to have an exit interview with you,ā€ he says. ā€œBut due to our personal circumstances, I donā€™t think thatā€™s appropriate. Iā€™ve asked Hoseok to conduct it instead. You may just schedule it with him within the next week. Youā€™ll also be provided with a list of all the things you need to submit for your clearance. Just let me know what you need from me and Iā€™ll work on it right away.ā€
It takes a while for you to respond, as you notice him slowly look your way.Ā 
ā€œUnderstood, sir,ā€ you manage to say, so softly like a breath, even you could barely hear yourself.Ā 
But the words come out, almost emotionless now as you just take in all his instructions. You gave him your letter only a few hours ago and now heā€™s got everything organized for your departure, almost as if he wants the complication, that is you, dealt with immediately.Ā 
Youā€™ve disrupted his routine and messed up a lot of his plans. Heā€™s always said he hates change, and youā€™ve caused one of the biggest ones heā€™s ever had to deal with. You donā€™t blame him for not wanting to do anything with you anymore.Ā 
You nod and head out, knowing that youā€™re slowly losing your place in his life, even as his assistant. He doesnā€™t call for you the rest of the day, even for coffee. Youā€™re tempted to knock on his door and ask if thereā€™s anything else he needs for you to do before you clock out, but you decide against it, slowly feeling like youā€™re no longer welcome.Ā 
You mindlessly walk out the building and down the street, feeling the weight of everything drag you down. Youā€™d thought that finally doing this would make you feel liberated, like youā€™d be relieved of your burdens and even of a secret that you no longer have to keep. But as the minutes pass by, everything is just getting heavier and heavier. Your heart doesnā€™t loosen up, either.Ā 
And as you stare at the barely eaten sujebi from your favorite noodle house and the piece of choco pie that you bought from the convenience store that you now have no appetite to eat, you feel yourself falling apart. You donā€™t know what you were expecting but it wasnā€™t this. You hated doubting Jungkookā€™s sincerity about what he felt but now youā€™re faced with his seeming apathy. It makes you wonder once more if he really felt anything for you, or if he just mistook his practical need for you as something more.
Maybe youā€™ll never know. At this point, heā€™s just your boss whoā€™s running a company and preparing to launch the biggest project of his life. All you can do is respect that and support him the best way you know how. If itā€™s distance he wants, then itā€™s what youā€™ll give. You suppose itā€™s the most you could do for him after making the decision to walk away.Ā 
Tumblr media
Sitting in the meeting room the next day with the management support team chatting around you is a little unnerving. You try to engage with them and put on a smile that doesnā€™t feel real. The nervousness and guilt slowly creep in, especially when Jungkook arrives and orders for the meeting to begin.Ā 
ā€œBefore we start, Iā€™d just like to make an important announcement,ā€ he says, quieting everyone down as he sounds serious. ā€œMs. Cho has tendered her resignation and will be leaving the company in a month. I wanted to tell the team immediately so we could all work on the necessary adjustments. Lucas, my assistant during my time in Singapore, will be replacing her. I made this decision with the approval of the CEO to ensure a smooth transition. His first day will be on Thursday.ā€
In the silence, you look up, afraid of how the team is taking it. Manager Lee and Chin-sun have a mix of sadness and acceptance on their faces. Yohan has his head bowed down. And Do-hyun sits there, silently crying.Ā 
ā€œDo youā€¦ do you not like us anymore?ā€ She mumbles through her sniffles.Ā 
ā€œOf course I do,ā€ you say, your eyes softening. ā€œItā€™s not about that.ā€
ā€œThen what is it?ā€ She asks. ā€œWhyā€¦ why are you leaving us? Why are you leaving Mr. Jeon?ā€
ā€œIā€¦ā€ you start, looking at him for approval, and he nods as if to say that youā€™re free to say whatever you want to say. ā€œIā€™ve been here for a while. This job is all I know and the years just flew right by. I feel like a new environment and a change of pace would do me good.ā€
Chin-sun turns to you, her look of understanding giving you the comfort that you need. She told you once that you deserve to live a life outside of work, that you need to find yourself and what makes you happy, and that she knows what that could mean. Youā€™ve always looked up to her and how sheā€™s handled everything in her life with such grace, and seeing her give you that nod of encouragement tells you that she gets it, and that despite the doubt thatā€™s slowly crept in, sheā€™s that hand on your shoulder, saying that youā€™re doing the right thing.Ā 
ā€œDo you have to go this soon?ā€ Do-hyun asks, her voice so unusually soft that it makes you feel like crying, too.
ā€œI had initially planned on resigning after the Arts Center launch,ā€ you say, the words hitting Jungkook as you see the way he clenches his jaw. ā€œBut the company Iā€™ll be moving to requested for my start to be in two months. Itā€™s too good of an opportunity to pass up on, so I decided to leave early.ā€
Itā€™s not a complete lie. You had emailed Namjoon last night and inquired if the production officer position is still open. He responded right away to say that it is, and that heā€™s been hoping for you to officially apply, so you did. He insisted that based on your resume and your mindset and approach to work that heā€™s picked up from your conversations, the role is meant to be yours. He scheduled an interview in the next two weeks during your forced leave - for formalitiesā€™ sake, he told you - and you can start next quarter.
ā€œIā€™m justā€¦ Iā€™m just really sorry that Iā€™m leaving in the midst of all the preparations,ā€ you add, your nails sinking in your skin once more as you try to deal with guilt. ā€œThings just happened so fast and I had to make decisions right away.ā€
ā€œWeā€™re gonna be okay,ā€ Chin-sun assures you now. ā€œYou and Mr. Jeon trained us well. You, especially. Weā€™ve been working together for over four years and I may have been in this longer but Iā€™ve learned so much from you, ___. This breaks my heart more than you know but Iā€™m proud of you, and Iā€™m happy for you. I can at least say on behalf of the team that we donā€™t want this decision to burden you. Youā€™ve held the fort for everyone for so long, you deserve to pursue whatever makes you happy.ā€
ā€œThank you,ā€ you whisper, feeling the words getting caught in your throat as you try to keep yourself from breaking down.Ā 
Chin-sun isnā€™t always this sentimental, so you know it means just as much to her that sheā€™s able to say these things to you.
ā€œI agree with her,ā€ Manager Lee says. ā€œItā€™s gonna be different and definitely hard but the team will manage. Youā€™ve given this company so much, and I know that wherever youā€™ll go, theyā€™ll be so lucky to have you. Justā€¦ just donā€™t forget about us, okay?ā€
ā€œNever,ā€ you assure the team this time.Ā 
ā€œRemember when I was being stubborn and didnā€™t want to go to the hospital when I was sick?ā€ Yohan speaks up, looking at you now with glassy eyes. ā€œYou took half the day off so you could drag me there and then visited me everyday after work when I was confined for a week. The doctor said things wouldā€™ve been worse if Iā€™d gone there even just a day late.ā€
You remember that incident clearly. It was the month before Jungkook arrived. The entire team was busy preparing everything but you noticed that Yohan looked unwell, and you insisted on taking him to the hospital so he could get checked and youā€™re glad you did. You canā€™t imagine how things wouldā€™ve turned out if you hadnā€™t.
ā€œI was trying hard to keep it in because I didnā€™t want to be a burden,ā€ he continues. ā€œBut you noticed, you always do. And Iā€™ll always be thankful. Chin-sun may be my wise auntie but youā€™re my ever dependable older sister and Iā€™ll miss you so much. No one can calm me down the way you do, and no one will tell me and Do-hyun off when weā€™re being whiney or ungrateful. I just hope that whatever you do brings you all the peace and happiness you deserve.ā€
At his words, Do-hyun sobs. Covering her face, she mumbles onto her palms, muffling her words that you canā€™t understand. She briefly looks up at you, pouting as she catches her breath, and then she cries again. Even when sheā€™s being emotional, her child-like way of showing it is every bit endearing.Ā 
You remember the first time you met her, a brilliant fresh graduate with so much passion and energy. She was a little too bubbly for you at the beginning. She was always curious and lacked filter most of the time. But you got to know her genuine heart, one that often sought you, that wanted to get your approval, that hoped youā€™d return the affection she always gave you. She was like that bratty little sister that you enjoyed looking after, and seeing her be affected this way is affecting you more than you expected. You canā€™t make out what sheā€™s saying, but youā€™re pretty sure that theyā€™d make you cry either way.Ā 
And thatā€™s what youā€™re trying hard not to do, as you bite your lips to stop them from shaking, hoping you wonā€™t break down in front of them, especially in front of Jungkook.
Chin-sun comforts Do-hyun whoā€™s calming down a bit now. Manager Lee and Yohan wipe their eyes. Itā€™s a little too quiet, and you know theyā€™re waiting for you to say something, too. Wanting to return their honesty, you start, trying to find the words that would capture everything you feel.
ā€œYou all know how much of myself I give to this job,ā€ you start, your lips trembling as you try to get it together. ā€œAnd from the beginning, I thought I would just come to work, do what I have to do, go home, and do it all over again. Itā€™s the corporate world and weā€™re just trying to survive. You were all supposed to be just colleagues, people I had to just tolerate but thatā€™s clearly not what happened. Without meaning to, youā€™ve all become such a big part of my life, more than I can ever express.ā€
You glance at Jungkook, hoping that he knows it includes him, but you see him clench his jaw and look away, and at this point, you donā€™t expect him to believe anything else you say, no matter how much you mean them.Ā 
ā€œI know Iā€™ve never been good at accepting and especially returning your affection,ā€ you continue. ā€œIā€™ve missed out on a lot of post-work dinners and weekend get-togethers. Iā€™ve just, uh, Iā€™ve just never been good at mixing work with my personal life. But even then, you never took it against me. You keep up with all versions of me, you encourage me when things get hard, and you never fail to let me know that Iā€™m doing a good job. And thatā€™s done so much for me more than you know.ā€
You take in deep breaths as you feel your tears dance around your eyes, and you blink to let them fall then quickly wipe them away.Ā Ā 
ā€œWeā€™ve gone through so much together and Iā€™ll always treasure all those moments and everything we shared,ā€ you manage to say. ā€œLeaving doesnā€™t change anything. At least, I hope it doesnā€™t.ā€
ā€œNot to us,ā€ Chin-sun assures you. ā€œYouā€™ll always be a part of this team.ā€
You mirror her smile, hoping your gratitude gets across.
The clearing of throat catches everyoneā€™s attention, and you turn to Jungkook, remembering that youā€™re all gathered today for a meeting, and not some sentimental goodbye thatā€™s turned into a cry-fest. You doubt heā€™d want to be around for this, so you apologize and say that he can continue on with the agenda.
ā€œIt slipped my mind that I have a call with one of the artists that Mr. Saito introduced me to,ā€ Jungkook answers, looking at his phone then turning back to the team. ā€œItā€™s in 10 minutes. We can resume tomorrow morning. Itā€™s close to lunch anyway so you can all have your break.ā€
The whole team nods in acknowledgement. Except for you. He doesnā€™t have any scheduled calls today, as he was adamant on having this meeting done as soon as possible. He would have remembered if that call was that important and if it wasnā€™t, you know he wouldnā€™t have rescheduled this because making all the arrangements for your departure seems to be his top priority.Ā 
You suspend the thought, knowing that dwelling on how much heā€™s distancing himself from you will take away from the moment you shared with your team. Right now, theyā€™re who matter. Jungkook had always insisted he wasnā€™t part of it, and you always disagreed. But with him stepping away, maybe heā€™s right.
He steps out, and with him no longer in the room, Do-hyun takes the opportunity to hug you. Itā€™s not something you always return but today, itā€™s everything you need, as her warmth gives you the comfort youā€™ve been badly craving since last Friday. All you had was your pillow and that didnā€™t really do much. With Do-hyun wrapping you in her arms, youā€™re able to breathe, and she holds you tightly as you silently cry, as if she knows just how much it means to you to have a shoulder to cry on this time.Ā 
ā€œYah! Donā€™t cry,ā€ she says in that mocking tone to tease you when you pull away.Ā 
Everyone laughs and you shake your head in embarrassment. ā€œI didnā€™t expect to cry this much.ā€
ā€œChin-sun started it,ā€ Yohan says, earning him a nudge and a playful glare.Ā 
ā€œI just knew it mattered that you knew that it was okay,ā€ she says, prompting you to look at her. ā€œWe may be crying and going on about missing you and things not being the same butā€¦ what you leave behind doesnā€™t make your decision any less valid, or even wrong. Only you would know what doing this could do for you, and thereā€™s absolutely nothing to be sorry for.ā€
You mumble your thanks again, feeling a bit of weight off your shoulders with the assurance that the team will be alright without you.Ā 
Outside, Jungkook looks on as everyone gathers around you, hugging you and wiping your tears, something he held himself back from doing.Ā 
Thereā€™s no call to be had. Heā€™d intended for todayā€™s meeting to be about discussing the plans moving forward, the added responsibilities that each member would have as Lucas adjusts, and how they could help in his transition. Jungkook didnā€™t expect for it to turn out the way it did, with each person expressing their gratitude to you, comforting you, and sharing stories that show just how much you matter to them.Ā 
This is who you are - someone loved by the people around her, despite the distance she keeps. Thereā€™s just always been this warmth about you thatā€™s reflected in your ability to notice things, in your stubbornness, and in the way that you make every person feel cared for. Itā€™s something he always admired about you. Itā€™s also what he likes the most about you, and for all that you are, all that warmth and comfort that you deserve arenā€™t things he can give. Not when heā€™s trying to keep his own distance, not when heā€™s trying to keep himself together, and not when heā€™s trying not to hold you back any more than he already did.Ā 
In a way, heā€™s glad that the team was able to express themselves to you. He likes to think that their words at least relieved you of whatever guilt you were feeling about leaving, something heā€™s also unable to do. They were able to assure you that they understand and only wish for your happiness. On his end, heā€™s ensuring that you donā€™t have to worry about all the work youā€™ll leave behind. Itā€™s his way of telling you that itā€™s okay.
Jungkook steps away when he hears you start to pack up. He walks back to his room and hears the teamā€™s plans of grabbing lunch at the dining hall then eating it at the floorā€™s outdoor space. Do-hyun tells you to ask him to join everyone, and Jungkook hates that heā€™d have to turn the invitation down. He does so by pretending to still be on a call when you peek into his room, and at this point, heā€™s unable to read your face.Ā 
He canā€™t think that you were hoping heā€™d join you, as he canā€™t feed the illusion that you still want him after everything. Heā€™ll just believe that it was relief he saw in your eyes and that just like him, youā€™re creating distance because that makes it easier for both of you.Ā 
But the truth is, it doesnā€™t, as an hour goes by and he spends it zoning out in the midst of sending emails and coordinating with Lucas about his move. Jungkook catches sight of you from his window, seated with your chair turned around, facing the shelves. Heā€™d seen you do that a few times - in the midst of a busy day, or that very first time after heā€™d gotten mad at you. He wonders what itā€™s about now.Ā 
Maybe itā€™s your decision still weighing heavy on you, or that you still have so much to do for turnover. Whatever it is, Jungkook fights the urge to go out there and ask you, to tell you that you could take a break if itā€™ll help. Or to hug you if thatā€™s what you need.Ā 
At this moment, he lets himself wish that the world would just suspend for a while and he could do all that without any consequences. He wishes youā€™re both in some alternative universe where youā€™re still you and heā€™s still him but without the baggage, without the secrets, without the intertwined past. He wishes he could just be with you without any of the burden nor the doubts, and you could just go on and be honest with what you both want, and feel what you feel with no reservations, and that all that would be enough.Ā 
Thereā€™s so much he wants to do for you but he canā€™t let himself be weak this time. You made your decision and he wonā€™t hold you back. What heā€™ll do is try to make things easy for you, although the sullenness in your eyes - that he briefly sees when you turn around to face your desk - tells him that it doesnā€™t seem like itā€™s working.Ā 
But detachment is all he knows when it comes to things he canā€™t control. He canā€™t control you with the decision you made. He can't control how heā€™s taking it. And even after all that, he still canā€™t control the way he feels or the way his heart breaks seeing you like this.
Tumblr media
ā€œHey, is everything okay?ā€
You look up from your desktop to a pair of questioning eyes, and you fumble for your tea and ask why heā€™s asking.
ā€œJust curious,ā€ Yoongi shrugs. ā€œJungkookā€™s been cross-copying Lucas in some of our emails and I donā€™t recall that ever happening before.ā€
You glance at your screen, seeing the messages that have the said man now looped in, all just today.Ā 
ā€œUh, yeah. Jungkookā€™s including him in the communications already,ā€ you answer. ā€œIā€¦ I tendered my resignation yesterday, Yoongi. I leave in a month.ā€
You knew that Yoongi would always be supportive. So many times before, heā€™d asked you how you imagined your life to be and what you were going to do once you thought your time in the company was over. Heā€™d talked about his own plans, too, like opening up his own architectural firm in Daegu because that was always going to be his home. You knew that when the time came, heā€™d be proud of you because it would be your decision, and the look on his face right now tells you that he is.Ā 
ā€œYou finally did it,ā€ he smiles. ā€œHow does it feel?ā€
ā€œA lot of things,ā€ you sigh, not wanting to give too much away. Not here at least. ā€œThereā€™s just a lot to think about. Maybe when I take one of my remaining leaves, itā€™ll finally sink in.ā€
ā€œAnd howā€™s Jungkook taking it?ā€
Youā€™re about to answer, trying to formulate in your head how you can explain how Jungkook has been. But itā€™s that moment when said man opens his door with papers in hand, his eyes flitting from Yoongi to you. You ask him if thereā€™s anything he needs but he shakes his head and says he can handle it before closing the door. You stare at it for a while, hoping heā€™d come back out and say that he does need you to do something, but he doesnā€™t.Ā 
ā€œI guess not well,ā€ Yoongi points out, prompting you to return your gaze to him.Ā 
ā€œHe is, actually,ā€ you counter. ā€œHe accepted my resignation with no questions asked, gave me a recommendation letter, organized everything for my replacement, told me to take my remaining leavesā€¦ he hasnā€™t given me more workload than I expected. He just wants me to focus on turning things over.ā€
ā€œAnd thatā€™s ā€˜taking it wellā€™ for you?ā€ Yoongi cocks an eyebrow.Ā 
ā€œWell, he hates change. The last time that happened and he got shipped to Seoul but couldnā€™t bring his old assistant with him, he acted out. We both know how that went,ā€ you say. ā€œAnd now Iā€™m causing another big change. We had a routine going. The Arts Center opens in less than two months. And then I decided to leave. He could be letting out his anger and frustration on me but he isnā€™t.ā€
ā€œHmm,ā€ Yoongi hums.Ā 
After knowing you for 10 years, heā€™s come to realize that you have your ways of coping with things. So does Jungkook.Ā 
ā€œI think I know what heā€™s doing,ā€ he continues, earning him a questioning look from you. ā€œHeā€™s distancing himself. How else does he deal with anything that hurts or terrifies him? Heā€™s losing you, ___. Even just from a professional standpoint, thatā€™s a lot for him. On a personal level, even more.ā€
You look away, not wanting to think about the implications of Yoongiā€™s last statement. He picks it up, knowing that itā€™s probably hard for you to talk about right now.
ā€œYou may not agree, but youā€™re important to him,ā€ he adds. ā€œIf you think this is easy for him, Iā€™m telling you now that it isnā€™t. You know him. Heā€™sā€¦ heā€™s not good at expressing how he feels. He just shuts everyone out. Itā€™s his default. Even if the person heā€™s pushing away is probably the one he needs the most.ā€
ā€œItā€™s more complicated than that,ā€ you sigh.
You relate with Yoongiā€™s statement though. You pushed Jungkook away when all you wanted was to have him close. You decided to leave the company even though you hoped you could be with him. You may mean a lot to each other but it also doesnā€™t mean itā€™s enough.Ā 
ā€œIs it really?ā€ He questions.
When you really think about it, it shouldnā€™t. Jungkook likes you. You like him. For two people who are used to being on their own, finding comfort and strength in each other and then wanting that to last is simple. But how you both got here isnā€™t. You kept a secret from him that may have tainted his trust in you. He pursued you in a way that made you doubt his sincerity. Youā€™re unsure how both of you could navigate all that, especially given the way you are.
Your silence prompts Yoongi to say that you donā€™t have to tell him anything, but that heā€™s there should you need anyone to talk to. He leaves, and suddenly, the silence is too loud.Ā 
The rest of the afternoon feels too long, with time ticking by so slowly. You always liked how your desk was separated from everyone else, as it gives you the peace and quiet you need to focus on your tasks. Youā€™re also accessible to the VP, which makes everything easier and more efficient. But now, you hate it. Thereā€™s no sound but your thoughts ringing at you that you hear. And thereā€™s no Jungkook calling for you to give you things to do.Ā 
Not speaking to him nor seeing him makes your day incomplete. You used to enjoy your shared moments, like when youā€™d enter his room with his cup of coffee and youā€™d remind him to take a break. All those times when youā€™d make him sign documents, with him groaning at something heā€™s frustrated about and then telling you what you can do after you ask if you can help him with something. Those instances where heā€™d look through portfolios on your shelf and do small talk with you, and those times you thought he just needed a break or a friendly smile or a hum of encouragement.
Itā€™s only been the second day but thereā€™s none of those now, and you donā€™t have anyone to blame but yourself.Ā  You let yourself be selfish for once by resigning. But you feel even more selfish by wishing he didnā€™t act so unaffected, that heā€™d still ask for you after what youā€™re putting him through.Ā Ā 
You clock out at 6, initially considering letting Jungkook know but then deciding against it, knowing that his nonchalance will just cause a crack in your heart. The rest of your evening feels lonely even with your variety TV show on, so does your commute to work the next morning that you now have to get used to. It didnā€™t feel right to still have Mr. Ri drive for you, even though he messaged and insisted that he still could.
Itā€™s Wednesday, and thereā€™s something about the middle of the week that makes you feel uneasy - the week is halfway done; it feels like it flew by but it also canā€™t end fast enough. There are documents on your desk for review and some emails that you need to get to, but Mrs. Myung calling to say that CEO Jeon wants to see you is what does your head in. You suppose heā€™d want to speak with you at one point; you just werenā€™t prepared for it to be today.
The CEOā€™s office is like a personal museum, with photos and blueprints framed on the walls and miniature replicas of some of the companyā€™s earliest infrastructure being displayed in the large room. The view of the city is stunning from all angles, and you can only imagine how much creativity it inspires. Youā€™re still unsure how he thinks about you, but you bow shyly once he greets you and you take your seat when he asks you to.
ā€œJungkook said heā€™ll be announcing your resignation today,ā€ the man says. ā€œIt seems that he has everything organized already and ready for your departure.ā€
ā€œHe has, Mr. Jeon,ā€ you confirm. ā€œI feel quite bad that Iā€™m not helping him with the arrangements. He, uh, he seems to have wanted to handle all of it all on his own.ā€
ā€œWell, heā€™s pressed for time. He had to make quick decisions with the Arts Center opening in a few weeks.ā€
ā€œIā€¦ I apologize for leaving at such a critical time,ā€ you say, bowing your head in shame once more. ā€œIā€”ā€
ā€œYou have nothing to apologize for,ā€ he shakes his head. ā€œYou made a decision that was best for you. I guess I was just in denial that youā€™d do it so soon, or at least before the Center is revealed. Youā€™ve worked hard on that, too. Iā€™m sure itā€™s difficult for you to let that go as well.ā€
You look up and see the gentleness in his eyes, the same ones that looked at you the first time you met him - in this room, over 20 years ago. He was a stranger to you, but he was kind. There wasnā€™t much you remember from that day nor that period, but youā€™ll always remember the soft way he greeted you and introduced himself.Ā 
You look back at the years after that. He didnā€™t reach out much but you still felt him looking out for you and your mom. When you entered the company as an intern, he had that look of recognition, and then of pride.Ā 
Working here all these years, youā€™ve seen him be the critical, perfectionist, and passionate man that he is. People stopped what they were doing when he entered the room, they listened when he spoke, he commanded fear and respect, but youā€™ve seen his moments of tenderness and empathy, too. This is a man who commits himself to everything he does, something his son took after him. Itā€™s probably why with his years of experience, he knows that for you, walking away from the project you poured your soul into is just as hard.
ā€œItā€™s a sad parting, I would say. But I know it will turn out just as beautiful as your son had hoped. He really put his everything into that and Iā€™m glad I got to see it almost completed,ā€ you say, having visited the site not long ago. ā€œThough Iā€™ll no longer be here when the rest of the world sees it, I know itā€™ll give him that satisfaction and pride that he managed to bring to life all that he envisioned.ā€
ā€œI donā€™t know about satisfaction and pride if youā€™re not around,ā€ Mr. Jeon hums. ā€œYouā€™re leaving a big hole in his life, ___. And I donā€™t mean that just professionally.ā€
You turn away, unsure if youā€™re ready to address your feelings for Jungkook in front of his father.Ā 
ā€œLooking back now, I was being selfish to you all these years,ā€ he continues. ā€œYou had a hard time when you first started and that all happened under my watch. I encouraged you to apply for that EA position because I knew that Hoseok would choose you by your own merit, and he would treat you well. He would train and mentor you and I selfishly hoped that my family would be redeemed in your eyes. And Jungkookā€¦ heā€¦ he reminded me of myself when I was younger. And you had the spirit of your mother,ā€ he adds, his eyes softening at the mention of her. ā€œYou had her heart and I hopedā€¦ I hoped that whatever gentleness youā€™d show my son would allow him to heal a little. It was unfair of me to give you that responsibility, especially given how he treated you at the beginning. Iā€™m so sorry, ___. I feel like I was holding you back and I never intended that.ā€
ā€œPlease donā€™t apologize, Mr. Jeon,ā€ you insist, your eyes blurring a little with his honesty. ā€œI still made the decision to stay every time. Even when it was hard. Iā€¦ I wanted to show my gratitude to your family for what youā€™ve done for us. I donā€™t think Iā€™ll ever be able to pay you back.ā€
ā€œNone of that,ā€ he shakes his head. ā€œIt wasnā€™t just about absolving myself of the guilt for what your mom had to go through because of me, which was bad enough in the first place. But Iā€¦ I knew it was the only way I could thank her, that I could apologize. If there was a way I could help both of you rebuild your lives, I would.ā€
ā€œAnd you did,ā€ you assure him. ā€œWe were safe. We made good memories in Busan. We now have a good home back in Daegu. I got to study and build myself and experience all these things. And Iā€¦ I got to meet your son. And I got to see his heart. And Iā€™ll always keep that with me, regardless of how things turned out.ā€
ā€œDoes this mean that you and him arenā€™tā€¦ uhā€”ā€
ā€œIt was unprofessional to cross the line, Mr. Jeon,ā€ you bow your head. ā€œIā€™m so sorry that happened.ā€
ā€œIā€™m not angry. I guess I shouldā€™ve expected it. Iā€™d accept my wife calling me a matchmaker if only it was true,ā€ he laughs dryly. ā€œJungkook cares about you. And I know that you care about him. Youā€™ve resigned now. Youā€™reā€¦ youā€™re free.ā€
ā€œI didnā€™t decide to leave so I could be with him, sir. I mean, that wasnā€™t the primary intention,ā€ you try to explain. ā€œIā€¦ I always knew I would, but doing this soon is because Iā€™m unsure how to continue with my role given what happened. I hope Iā€™ve clarified that.ā€
ā€œIs this it, then? Is this goodbye for you and him?ā€
ā€œIā€¦ I still hope Iā€™ll see him one day, perhaps when weā€™ve forgiven each other, when weā€™ve come to understand the decisions that we made, and once weā€™ve come to terms with them,ā€ you say. ā€œIā€™m unsure when that would be. But I hope Iā€™ll have the chance to congratulate him and to tell him Iā€™m happy for him.ā€
ā€œGoodbyes arenā€™t always for good,ā€ Mr. Jeon says. ā€œIā€™d like to believe that we cross paths with people for a reason, that we lose them for a reason, and that we find them again for a reason.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s not such a bad thought,ā€ you smile. ā€œI suppose that every person I lost for good was for a reason. If I find my way back to Jungkookā€¦ it should be for a good reason, too.ā€
ā€œOf course. And I also mean that for us,ā€ he smiles back. ā€œPlease donā€™t become a stranger. You mean a lot to our family, ___. How your mother helped me and how you helped our son will not be forgotten. Thank you.ā€
ā€œLikewise, sir. You and Mrs. Jeon have helped us so much. Even Mr. Ri. Iā€¦ I owe a lot to him as well.ā€
ā€œYou should already know he has a soft spot for you. That man treats you like family.ā€
You smile to yourself, thinking of how Mr. Ri has looked out for you all these years. He sacrificed a lot, too, and that feeling of safety that he gave you and your mother changed everything for you, even if it took everything from him. But he never wavered, as he made sure to visit you regularly when you were growing up. You suppose he had to hold back once you started working for the company and especially for Jungkook, given the secret you both kept, but Mr. Ri has been showing that same care to you now that the truth is out.Ā 
ā€œDidā€¦ did you know about him and my mom?ā€ You wonder.Ā 
ā€œI did,ā€ Mr. Jeon nods. ā€œIt was hard not to. Byung-hun was always serious and expressionless but his eyes always softened whenever she was around. Sheā€™s why he even smiled. Butā€¦ decisions had to be made. Iā€™ll always be sorry for what couldā€™ve been.ā€
ā€œItā€™s a love that lives on, though,ā€ you say. ā€œHeā€™s been such a big help to me these past few days.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s good. You can always count on him. Heā€™ll do anything for you, you should know that. Itā€™s how he keeps their memories alive.ā€
Itā€™s a nice thought, as you let the older manā€™s words settle. Love may not always be returned but the beauty is in how itā€™s expressed, in that itā€™s received regardless, and that itā€™s remembered.Ā 
Tumblr media
You didnā€™t expect for the talk with CEO Jeon to be as emotional and uplifting as it was. You suppose that all these years, you both were just trying to make it up to each other, to compensate for something that was given and for something that was taken away. Maybe he needed this closure, too, for him to know that youā€™ve always forgiven him, and that after everything, youā€™re grateful for what his family has done for you.
Letting out a sigh of relief that at least heā€™s not angry at you, you return to your tasks. You organize some documents then enter Jungkookā€™s room to request his signature, immediately spotting some of those heā€™d already signed from yesterday.Ā 
You avoid his eyes again, and you only hope he doesnā€™t see the sadness in yours when you hear the conversation heā€™s currently having.
ā€œIs the apartment okay?ā€ He says on the phone.Ā 
Itā€™s Lucas, you assume. Heā€™s scheduled to arrive today and is probably settling down first.Ā 
ā€œYeah, just take your time. But donā€™t forget to be at my penthouse tomorrow,ā€ Jungkook continues. ā€œMs. Cho will be there to brief you. Iā€™ll see you at 7:00.ā€
He puts the phone down and retrieves the folder with all the files you set on his desk while you review the ones he just signed. Moments like this used to be spent on friendly banter or some questions on his end, but thereā€™s none of that now. Thereā€™s just the sound of the pen gliding on the sheet and the flipping of pages filling the tense-filled air in the room. He hands you back the folder and youā€™re forced to look at him to say your thanks.
ā€œPlease be at my apartment tomorrow at 7. Mr. Ri can take you there, Iā€™m sure heā€™ll insist,ā€ Jungkook says.Ā 
ā€œYes. Mr. Jeon,ā€ you reply, your eyes focused on his desk.Ā 
ā€œAnd prepare the conference room for the postponed team meeting. We start in 15 minutes.ā€
You confirm his instructions and quickly head out. You gather everyone - and receive another hug from Do-hyun that you hadnā€™t realized youā€™ve been needing so much - then proceed to the room as instructed.Ā 
Emotions are managed this time, with no more tearful goodbyes and sentimental speeches unlike the day before. Jungkook gets straight to the point by laying out the plans for Lucasā€™ onboarding and the division of tasks for the Arts Center opening. Youā€™re primarily assigned to handle the former, as youā€™ll be turning over all of your responsibilities to him, including all documents, schedules, and contacts. Your facilitative role for the major project is divided between the rest of the team, and as you add the growing list of deliverables and other things youā€™re in charge of, youā€™re reminded just how hard youā€™ve been working for this, too.Ā 
CEO Jeon was right. Youā€™re not just walking away from your job; youā€™re walking away from something that youā€™ve started to believe in and be passionate about yourself. In a way, Jungkook gave that to you, and youā€™ll always be grateful that he let you be a part of it.Ā 
The melancholic feeling stays with you for the rest of the day. You find yourself lingering on people and things and moments, as if capturing them so you can keep them in your memory.Ā 
You do that, too, during lunchtime with the team as you laugh at the stories and incidents you recall that only all of you know. You do it while replying to the dozens of messages you receive after the announcement, with some of the other assistants calling you and expressing their sadness. You do it as well when you email Jungkook another memo he has asked you to draft. And then again when you peek through the window while heā€™s busy working on perhaps some other design, the image of him focused being etched in your mind until you sleep that night.Ā 
You have to let go, you tell yourself; that was the point of resigning. Youā€™re free, like what CEO Jeon said. While you never likened being in this company to a prison, thereā€™s something liberating about stepping back from what youā€™ve known for years and realizing that you enjoyed it, too, that it gave you a certain kind of happiness and satisfaction, and a special feeling that only you could have.
Jungkook was someone who gave you all that as well, even if it was all fleeting. But then again, you donā€™t think anything really is. The things and people and emotions and moments you encounter all stay with you in one way or another. For that instance, you had them and they had you. Perhaps thatā€™s the beauty of it - they may not stay but they will always linger.Ā 
Tumblr media
You enter the car the next morning with the scent of freshly baked pastry. Your eyes light up when you see the iced coffee, prompting Mr. Ri to let out a soft laugh and say that he picked them up on the way for you.
ā€œJungkookā€™s got a packed day so I doubt heā€™d have time for breakfast and I assumed that meant you, too,ā€ he adds.Ā 
ā€œNot really,ā€ you sigh. ā€œHeā€™s keeping me to just turnover duties for my last weeks here. I doubt Iā€™d be that busy. But breakfast is good. I woke up late so I managed to only grab some fruits.ā€
ā€œI think he just doesnā€™t want you to be stressed. Saying goodbye is hard enough.ā€
ā€œI supposeā€¦ I guess I just hoped things would slow down a bit. But then again, Iā€™m the one who abruptly resigned,ā€ you say. ā€œNo one was afforded time to process things, including me.ā€
ā€œIt will sink in soon enough,ā€ he hums. ā€œEspecially once you see how things change.ā€
ā€œThey have,ā€ you whisper, the sullenness in your eyes letting the other man know just how much. ā€œAnd I have no right to wish they didnā€™t, at least not this fast.ā€
ā€œOh, ___,ā€ Mr. Ri turns to you with a sad smile. You canā€™t imagine him being the cold and stoic man that CEO Jeon had described, one who only softened when your mother was around. ā€œYou do. Standing by our decisions means that we accept whatever the consequences are, not that we canā€™t wish they were different. Iā€™m pretty sure Jungkook feels that way, too. Heā€™s dealing with you leaving, but it doesnā€™t mean he wishes you had to. And maybeā€¦ deep in your heart, you wished that not staying in the company didnā€™t have to mean not being with him.ā€
Itā€™s a thought youā€™ve had for a long time, but one you donā€™t want to acknowledge. Thereā€™s a lot of things youā€™re still scared to face, including just how much you want him. Youā€™re afraid to break, to want to take it all back, and to realize just how much youā€™re losing by letting all this go.Ā 
And like the family heā€™s come to be, Mr. Ri reminds you that this pain youā€™re feeling is part of the process of finding the happiness youā€™ve been yearning for.
ā€œSometimes we have to lose things for something so much better,ā€ he comforts. ā€œā€˜Betterā€™ could be a person or a state of mind. In your case, I think itā€™s discovering that kind of strength you didnā€™t know you had; itā€™s that freedom that you wouldnā€™t have otherwise felt even if you got together with Jungkook. For as long as youā€™re in the company, youā€™ll always feel burdened and that somethingā€™s missing at the same time. You always needed this. And I shouldā€™ve encouraged you to be braver a long time ago.ā€
ā€œThen I wouldnā€™t have met him,ā€ you say immediately, the thought breaking you, even if you tried to convince yourself it was better that you didnā€™t. ā€œHe and I have pasts that intertwine and if we never met then thereā€¦ there would be nothing of him Iā€™d carry, thereā€™d be no trace of him in me.ā€
But you did meet. And now thereā€™s Jungkook in you - in your bravery, in your strength, in your silence. Heā€™s in your appreciation for art and design and love for disposable cameras and capturing good memories. You carry him with you, and the thought makes things hurt a little less. Maybe all that is why you got the courage to walk away in the first place. Maybe those could push you to find him again, too.
Youā€™re deep in your head that you donā€™t realize youā€™re already at Jungkookā€™s building until Mr. Ri is calling your name. You exit, and right at the entrance, you see a well-dressed man with a bright yellow helmet on one hand and a scooter on the other, his smile brightening his whole face as he greets you. Heā€™s Lucas, he says, and youā€™d almost forgotten the purpose of why youā€™re back here after almost a week.Ā 
ā€œItā€™s nice to finally meet you, Ms. Cho. Although I wish it were for happier reasons,ā€ he says, his face softening.Ā 
ā€œItā€™s happy enough,ā€ you smile. ā€œYouā€™re living abroad like you said you wanted to, and this is career advancement for you. Theyā€™re all good things.ā€
ā€œI suppose so. Although I didnā€™t really get to prepare myself much. Iā€™m quite nervous, if Iā€™m being honest.ā€
You pass over your access cards to him and let him go through the buildingā€™s security process. Itā€™s another way youā€™re letting go of Jungkook, you think, and thereā€™s more of that melancholic feeling, as memories of all your mornings here fly through your mind.Ā 
ā€œYouā€™ve been with Mr. Jeon longer than I have, Lucas. You know how he works,ā€ you tell him. ā€œSure, there are added responsibilities as the Vice Presidentā€™s EA but youā€™ll learn them through experience. You have the skills good enough to be his assistant in the first place. And heā€™sā€¦ heā€™s good at what he does. Heā€™s good to people. Those should make things easier for you.ā€
ā€œHmm thatā€™s true,ā€ he replies, as you both head towards the elevator. ā€œHe seems a lot calmer than Iā€™m used to. And more poised. Andā€” I donā€™t know if I can say this but, more considerate, I suppose. He made sure everything was organized for my move. He checked on me when I arrived. He even got me a scooter because my old one was a bit rusty already.ā€
You smile to yourself. Theyā€™re simple things, and it makes you think that maybe Jungkook used to not show much care to his staff. Lucas doesnā€™t seem to hold resentment of any kind, so you suppose Jungkook just gave or did the bare minimum. If your relationship with him somehow influenced this kinder and perhaps softer version of him, then meeting you wasnā€™t so bad for him either.
Lucas rambles a little as he talks about being anxious working with all the bosses, and you wish there was a way that you could ease his worries. You understand it. You were in his shoes once, and you hope that your mentorship of him during this turnover period will be enough.Ā 
ā€œAll that to say that I have large shoes to fill,ā€ he adds. ā€œAnd I just donā€™t want to disappoint him.ā€
ā€œAnd you wonā€™t,ā€ you assure the younger man as you reach Jungkookā€™s floor. ā€œYouā€™re gonna be fine and the team is gonna support you. So will he, so you just do what you can and things will fall into place.ā€
Lucas sighs in relief and smiles. Itā€™s the most you can do for now and you hope at least for today, itā€™s enough.Ā 
You enter Jungkookā€™s apartment and a feeling of sadness rushes through you. Everything looks the same and itā€™s much too quiet than youā€™re used to.Ā 
You tell Lucas what you normally do and he says that Jungkookā€™s doing away with breakfast.
ā€œHe knows I fast so we never really had meals in the morning,ā€ Lucas says. ā€œBut itā€™s nice you got to prepare them for him. He was always too busy and didnā€™t realize he hadn't had anything to eat until past lunch time.ā€
You nod, realizing that you probably created that routine you both had. Jungkook used to just always go straight to business but at least with you, he was able to slow down a little and enjoy a meal. Youā€™d come to like those moments, you smile to yourself. He felt a little more human to you then.
You go through Jungkookā€™s usual schedule and give Lucas a list of numbers to call, like his house cleaner and cook. There are other routines you share, and the young man starts to take note, as some of them are new due to Jungkookā€™s role.Ā 
Itā€™s not long after when the man himself shows up, walking into the kitchen donned in a dark blue suit. You reflexively take a step forward, ready to fix his crooked tie, but then you realize that this is one routine youā€™ve stopped doing for a while, so you put your hand down and bow to him in greeting.Ā 
Jungkook just nods at you and then asks Lucas how the move was and if everythingā€™s okay. The young man answers accordingly, with just enough information to not prolong the conversation.Ā 
ā€œItā€™s gonna be a hectic couple of weeks so itā€™s good youā€™ve settled in,ā€ Jungkook says. ā€œHave you gone through the buildingā€™s security process? Do you have access to my apartment now?ā€
ā€œYes, sir. Ms. Cho has briefed me about all of that,ā€ Lucas says.
ā€œGood,ā€ Jungkook nods. ā€œIā€™ll just grab my things and we can go. Weā€™ll run through yesterdayā€™s meeting and my schedule for the remainder of the week in the car.ā€
He walks towards his study to get his bag while you and Lucas stay behind.
ā€œArenā€™t you gonna fix his tie?ā€ You whisper to the man next to you.
ā€œWhy, whatā€™s wrong with it?ā€ Lucas asks, turning to Jungkook and looks intently at his outfit.
ā€œThe knot is slightly to the right,ā€ you point out.
Lucas takes a few seconds to answer before he nods in agreement. ā€œI donā€™t really fix it but I could tell him.ā€
Youā€™re all in the elevator and with Lucas looking a bit antsy, Jungkook asks him whatā€™s wrong.
ā€œYourā€¦ your tie is slightly to the right, sir,ā€ Lucas says.
It prompts Jungkook to face the mirror, adjusting it himself numerous times until he figures it out. Turning around, with his eyes flitting to you, he asks, ā€œis this alright?ā€
You nod, feeling the distance once again.Ā 
Jungkook used to look at you in a way that always seemed to be more during this shared moment, with words and feelings unsaid, and you realize that so did you. Itā€™s such a simple thing - fixing his suit, but itā€™s seconds where itā€™s all quiet and itā€™s just your breaths sharing space, your glances meeting, maybe your hearts beating a little too fast, a little too loud.Ā 
But thereā€™s none of that now. Thereā€™s just distance and itā€™ll get farther as time passes by, especially once all three of you make it to the car and you know, next to him is no longer the place you should be. You take the passenger seat, feeling unfamiliar when you hear his voice right behind you.Ā 
Jungkook goes on about Lucasā€™ new role to include preparing his clothes for the week, which means styling him accordingly. Itā€™s a task the younger man says makes him nervous, but Jungkook assures him.
ā€œJust make sure the clothes match and that I donā€™t look ridiculous. And that, uh, my tie isnā€™t crooked.ā€
Lucas chuckles and says heā€™s up for the challenge before the conversation switches to the meetings today and tomorrow. Jungkook asks you questions and you fill in some other details. Youā€™re not as on top of his schedule as you used to be, and he instructs that for the meetings after the turnover to Lucas, youā€™ll no longer be required to attend. You have leaves to take, Jungkook reminds you, and given that youā€™re set to start work elsewhere soon, having some time off would be good.Ā 
ā€œAll noted, sir,ā€ you say, and despite how you feel, you also agree.Ā 
You arrive at the office and Lucas is promptly introduced to the team. Heā€™s received well, as heā€™s able to match the young onesā€™ energy and you see the respect he has for the rest, including you. You already know heā€™s going to do well, and you make a mental note to tell Bitna and Mrs. Myung to look after him as well, the same thing you told Mr. Ri to do.Ā 
While Lucas fixes his documents with HR, you decide to bring Jungkook a cup of coffee and some biscuits, unsure if heā€™s had any breakfast yet. He promptly looks up from his desk when you enter, nodding in acknowledgement when you place them on his desk.Ā 
ā€œLucas is a fast learner and heā€™s good with people,ā€ Jungkook says, surprising you, as you hadnā€™t expected him to start a conversation. ā€œHe just needs to work on being a leader and holding the team together. Youā€™reā€¦ youā€™re very good at that. I know itā€™s a short time but I hope itā€™s something you could teach him.ā€
It takes a while for you to respond. Even if his tone is not the soft one youā€™ve gotten used to, his words still hold warmth in them - towards Lucas. And towards you.Ā 
ā€œIā€¦ I will, sir. And if it means anything, I think heā€™ll do well. Heā€™s got good people looking out for him, including you.ā€
You want to return his kind words, but you also want to remind him that despite how you both started, he stood by your side and guided you. And that helped you be even more confident and capable in what you do. You hope itā€™s something youā€™re able to tell him, in a more truthful and vulnerable way he deserves, but thereā€™s no place for that now. Yet the way he nods tells you that maybe he knows, and as you hold his gaze for a little longer than usual, you hope youā€™re also able to say a bit more.Ā 
That you miss your mornings together. That days donā€™t feel the same without his soft laughter. That youā€™ve almost forgotten how his smile looks like. That thereā€™s so much of him you want to keep even though you shouldnā€™t. That you hope he wishes, just like you, that youā€™d find your way back to him someday even if right now, you have to do this.Ā 
The knock on the door signals that your shared moment has passed and youā€™re unsure if any of that reached him. Maybe not, as he turns away and just nods.Ā 
Lucas enters, and you remind him of that building tour you said youā€™d give. Heā€™s been to the office three times but only in the conference hall, so you decide to take him around before that meeting with the design department in an hour. Do-hyun will cover for both of you while youā€™re away, so Jungkook tells you to advise her that he wonā€™t be taking any calls or visitors in the meantime.Ā 
You nod, and Jungkook watches you walk out the door as he keeps himself steady like always, holding himself back from wanting you to stay a little longer, from asking how youā€™re doing, from taking you in his arms like heā€™s been wanting to do for days.Ā 
Itā€™s hard having to act like it doesnā€™t affect him, like it doesnā€™t break his heart seeing the sadness in your eyes with how heā€™s taking your departure. While that overheard conversation told him that you planned on leaving, he wasnā€™t ready for you to do it so soon. Perhaps he shouldā€™ve expected it - you both kissed and he went ahead and said the words heā€™d never said before, and thatā€™s what caused you to push him away and decide that you didnā€™t want anything to do with him despite how you feel.
He doesnā€™t know if you ever planned on telling him the truth about who you are. He doesnā€™t know what your plans have always been and what they are now. He doesnā€™t know what youā€™re feeling and how youā€™re dealing with all these goodbyes. He supposes if heā€™d asked first, maybe things would have turned out differently, and you wouldnā€™t be leaving this way. Maybe he wouldnā€™t be hating himself for detaching so quickly and so certainly, as if he isnā€™t missing everything about you, as if he isnā€™t wishing that he could just hold you in his arms and have you stay there.Ā 
It took everything in him not to fall apart when he saw your resignation letter. Youā€™d been so certain and after what he learned, he didnā€™t want to hold you back anymore. He hoped youā€™d at least want to talk about what you felt, or perhaps assure him that leaving the company doesnā€™t mean leaving him for good. He kissed you and you kissed him back. And he canā€™t wrap his head around how you could do that and then so easily decide that being with him isnā€™t what you want.
Itā€™s all too much, and the only thing he knows he could do for you is make the departure less difficult by making sure that you have nothing to worry about what youā€™re leaving behind. He made the executive decision to get Lucas, and it wasnā€™t hard getting his fatherā€™s approval this time around. Jungkook organized the whole move and all other turnover matters so that you wouldnā€™t be bothered by them. He recommended that you take your remaining leaves so youā€™d get some rest before you move on to your next job, wherever that is. He didnā€™t want you to be burdened by the extra tasks you have to do for him, including going to his apartment every morning.Ā 
But disengaging with you, distancing himselfā€¦ those are for his benefit. And for you, too, as he doesnā€™t want to linger and then be foolish by asking you to reconsider, or telling you that he still wants you, that he meant everything he said about what he feels, and that he wishes youā€™d assure him of your sincerity and tell him you want him just as much. Acting unaffected is the only way that he can maintain that sense of control, the one he lost when he decided to be honest with you and give in to his desires.Ā 
He knows itā€™s not ideal but he doesnā€™t know how else to give you the freedom you deserve while wanting you next to him. A part of him holds onto the hope that you want that, too - to unburden yourself while being with him. Heā€™d seen the sadness in your eyes these past days and he wants to think itā€™s because of the distance heā€™s creating, or because you miss him, too. Heā€™s noticed your glances and lingering looks, heā€™d seen you stop yourself from fixing his tie this morning, and thereā€™s a softness in your voice thatā€™s different from how it usually is.Ā 
But much as he has a lot to say, he also doesnā€™t know how to. Heā€™s afraid that if he tries, youā€™ll push him away again, maybe further this time that he wonā€™t know how to get you back. Heā€™s afraid that youā€™ll look at him differently, that youā€™d think he doesnā€™t care about what you want, or that youā€™ll realize that itā€™s just not going to work. He doesnā€™t like whatā€™s happening but he doesnā€™t think heā€™s ready for what would happen if he does anything else.Ā 
So he stays where he is, close enough to see you, but not enough to feel your presence. Every second that heā€™s without you, he feels himself slipping away. He wants to give in but he knows he canā€™t, so he decides to do the only thing he knows - pull back, distance himself, disengage.Ā 
He tells himself to just focus on the tasks at hand, that there are a lot more things that require his full attention, and it helps somehow. He presides over the meetings with the design team and then with marketing with few distractions. He sees you from his periphery taking minutes just as Lucas does, but Jungkook doesnā€™t comment on it. He just goes from one meeting to the next, one call to another one, and one email to a dozen more.Ā 
The day is almost over before he knows it, as the knock on the door pulls him away from the budget report heā€™s reviewing. Itā€™s a little disorienting seeing Lucas once it opens. That used to be you - asking if thereā€™s anything else he needs before you head home. And Jungkook would often take a while to answer just to keep you a little longer before letting you go, even if heā€™s assured that heā€™ll see you again in the morning - in his kitchen preparing him a meal, the start of a routine thatā€™s become the best part of his day.Ā 
But itā€™s not you standing by his doorway now. And it wonā€™t be you whoā€™ll be in his penthouse in the morning. You wonā€™t be asking if he got to rest well. You wonā€™t be standing close to him as you fix his outfit, your eyes focused on the creases of his top while his eyes are focused on you. You wonā€™t surprise him with fried rice or fancy-looking eggs on toast while you sneak glances at him to see if he enjoyed it, which he always does. You wonā€™t be there to tease or bicker with him, and he wonā€™t see your warm smile whenever he laughs or teases back.Ā Ā Ā 
He doesnā€™t know how he survived the week without all of that. He knows heā€™ll have to learn how to get through everyday with that big, empty space youā€™re leaving. And heā€™s terrified that heā€™ll get used to it; the last thing he wants is to forget how it felt when you were still around.Ā 
ā€œMr. Jeon?ā€ Lucas calls out again, pulling Jungkook out of his thoughts. ā€œIā€™m heading home. What time did you want me to be at your penthouse tomorrow morning?ā€
Itā€™s silly but Jungkook feels protective of his mornings with you. If heā€™ll no longer have it, then heā€™ll just live in the memory by himself. So he tells Lucas to be at his place at 7:30 AM, right before they leave.Ā 
ā€œUnderstood, sir. Iā€™ll see you then.ā€
Jungkook bids him goodbye and returns to his task, but heā€™s too distracted by the silence so he decides to go home. He enters the car, feeling the tiredness weigh his body down - not only does he stay up to work, he also wakes up early to do his workout. Itā€™s only been a week but itā€™s catching up to him, and the deep sigh he releases catches Mr. Riā€™s attention.Ā 
ā€œYou should get proper rest,ā€ the older man advises. ā€œYouā€™re gonna get sick at the rate youā€™re going.ā€
ā€œIā€™m fine,ā€ Jungkook huffs. ā€œIā€™ll rest when Iā€™m dead.ā€
ā€œI should ask ___ to tell you to slow down. She knows how to make you listen, doesnā€™t she?ā€
ā€œThatā€™s not necessary,ā€ Jungkook sighs, even if he knows itā€™s the truth.Ā 
You had a calming way of telling him to take a pause, and he always listened because itā€™s you.Ā 
ā€œThen you better listen to me,ā€ Mr. Ri says, eyeing him from the rearview mirror. ā€œYou need to be at your best these next few weeks and you wonā€™t be if you push yourself too hard. You have a team that has your back. Itā€™s all going to work out.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s exactly what she would say,ā€ Jungkook shakes his head, suddenly hearing your voice in his head.Ā 
ā€œI know. And I bet you that sheā€™d say it even more if she sees how you are now. You need to rest, Jungkook. I mean it.ā€
ā€œYeah, yeah,ā€ he says in submission, deciding that heā€™ll just buy food on the way home and then call it a night. But the mention of your name has his mind going to you again. ā€œDidā€¦ did she eat breakfast?ā€ Jungkook asks.
ā€œShe did, and she liked it,ā€ Mr. Ri responds. ā€œYou know, she still wouldā€™ve eaten it even if I said that you asked me to get those pastries for her. It wouldnā€™t have made a difference.ā€
ā€œIt would have. Sheā€™ll know it was from me.ā€
ā€œAnd? Just because sheā€™s leaving, it doesnā€™t mean you have to stop showing her that you care. And it doesnā€™t mean that she stopped caring, either.ā€
At Jungkookā€™s silence, the older man continues.
ā€œWhy do you do that? Why hide behind your pain? Why make excuses for what you feel about her? You think itā€™s easier that way?ā€ he presses. ā€œYou think it helps you and her when you act like it doesnā€™t affect you?ā€
ā€œShe pushed me away, okay? What do you expect me to feel?ā€
ā€œBut she still cares about you, at least acknowledge that.ā€
ā€œBut I want her to want me,ā€ Jungkook raises his voice, surprising himself with the burst of emotion he didnā€™t expect. ā€œI donā€™t just want her to care. Iā€¦ I want her to be with me. But she has a life to live beyond all this, and I donā€™t think she wants me to be a part of that.ā€Ā 
Mr. Ri turns to Jungkook with sad eyes, unable to say anything else. He doesnā€™t know what kind of comfort the younger man needs. It starts and ends with you, it seems, and perhaps thatā€™s expected. After Jungkookā€™s breakup with Chaerin, he kept his heart guarded and didnā€™t bother to let anyone have a peek. All encounters were shallow, all attempts at getting him to share himself were futile. Until you. And now that heā€™s shared a little bit of himself, with you turning away from it, he feels exposed and bare, and he has to build his walls back up again.Ā 
Mr. Ri gets to witness it this time, and his heart breaks for the younger man, too. Having heard both sides, he knows that Jungkook respects your decision and wants to be with you. Those can coexist. He also knows that you want to be free from the ties that bind you to this family and want to be with him. Those can coexist as well. But he knows, more than anyone, that youā€™ll both have to make a decision, and youā€™ll both have to learn to do that.Ā 
ā€œI canā€™t tell you what to do, Jungkook. And I canā€™t tell her, either,ā€ the older man sighs. ā€œYouā€™ll have to figure things out on your own and decide what you want to do because thatā€™s the only way youā€™ll get to stand by your choices.ā€
Itā€™s a piece of advice that Jungkook should follow, even if all he wants is for someone to tell him what to do. But perhaps thatā€™s also hard if he canā€™t make sense of everything that he feels. And itā€™s both of you suffering at the end of it.
He stays quiet for the rest of the ride, wanting to just shut out his thoughts even if there are hundreds of them swimming in his mind. When Mr. Ri asks him where he wants to grab his dinner, Jungkook canā€™t decide and ends up going to a convenience store instead. He sighs to himself as he realizes the memories thatā€™ll come up by being here; he wants to escape thoughts of you, but he still ends up thinking about you whatever he does, as if his mind and body gravitate towards you without realizing it.Ā 
He buys instant noodles and some snacks. He munches on choco pie during the ride back to his penthouse and remembers the way you smiled when you ate it that night when he stayed with you. Itā€™s an image he keeps until he falls asleep, and thereā€™s that empty feeling again when he wakes up in the morning.
Lucas arrives that Friday as instructed and they leave for the office right away. They talk about the Arts Center and the schedule for the day, and they arrive at the building at the same time that you do.Ā 
Itā€™s a little tense sharing the elevator with you this time, especially as he formally greets you as if he wasnā€™t torturing himself with the thought of you all night. But you smile and act cordial, choosing to let the silence engulf all three of you and just deal with it.Ā 
There are virtual meetings he has to attend, and Jungkook multitasks while reviewing some reports that are on his desk. There are some things he knows he needs to sign, so he calls your phone and asks them where they are.Ā 
You walk inside his room with a folder of documents and promotional materials for his approval, setting them on his desk and explaining that Lucas was going to bring them in after he was done speaking with HR.
You watch as Jungkook, with scrunched eyebrows, goes through each sheet of paper. Thereā€™s so much tension on his face and his entire body, and you wonder if heā€™s been resting properly. Perhaps not, as you see the dark circles under his eyes.
ā€œYou donā€™t have to wait for Lucas to give these to me,ā€ Jungkook says. ā€œYou still have that responsibility. Youā€™re still my assistant.ā€
Thereā€™s no anger in his voice but you canā€™t help but feel defensive. Heā€™s instructed you to focus on turning over files and functions, after all.
ā€œAm I?ā€ You find the courage to question him. ā€œYouā€™ve made yourself perfectly clear on what Iā€™m only here for.ā€
Jungkook is taken aback by your words, not expecting you to say them with a mix of sadness and bitterness. But he answers back, unable to control himself this time.Ā 
ā€œAnd youā€™ve made yourself perfectly clear on what you want. And what you donā€™t want,ā€ he says, more bitterly than he intended.Ā 
Your face falls, and he hates himself for making you feel like this, so he backtracks.
ā€œIā€™m justā€¦ trying to make things easier for you,ā€ he reasons, glancing at you before returning his gaze to the papers. ā€œThere are lots of things to turn over and I prefer that you just focus on them. I need Lucas to know what to do because you always did, and thatā€™s a big loss for the team. Itā€™s not my intention to undermine you orā€¦ make you feel like Iā€™m replacing you. I know I wonā€™t be able to,ā€ he says boldly. ā€œYouā€™re leaving and Iā€™m just trying to deal with it the best way I know how.ā€
You look at him and see the mix of frustration and sadness on his face. This is all on you, and you hate that you donā€™t know what to do about it. So you accept his words in submission.
ā€œI understand, sir,ā€ you say, almost like a whisper. ā€œIā€™mā€¦ Iā€™m sorry.ā€
You bow then head out, leaving Jungkook rooted in his seat like always, knowing that a second more and he wouldā€™ve called you back, even if he doesnā€™t know what heā€™d say, just so he could be around you a few seconds longer.Ā 
But he lets you go. Whatever he wants to say wonā€™t make it out anyway.Ā 
Jungkook gets through the rest of the day constantly distracted, always half-hoping itā€™s you when thereā€™s a knock on the door, or glancing at your direction from his seat, expecting youā€™d be meeting his eyes. But itā€™s never you on the other side and you donā€™t look his way, and before he knows it, Lucas is saying goodbye and then Hoseok is calling to tell him to go home already.Ā 
Jungkook tries, though. He finishes half a bottle of whiskey and then sleeps through mid-morning. He doesnā€™t really know what to do with the time he has and he hates that he has so much of it.
For the first time, he forces himself not to think about the Arts Center, so he decides to sketch some designs for the various residential projects he has in the pipeline. Some are still in their early stages but that Scandinavian-inspired building that heā€™s been visiting various properties for is still being conceptualized. He doesnā€™t want to rush, believing that the right design will come, and he hopes that by going through the photos from his trip with Hoseok and A-yeong to Europe last year, heā€™ll have that extra nudge or perhaps, a burst of inspiration.
The buildings are intricate and majestic, but itā€™s the little cafes that catch his attention, the fountains in the gardens, and the faraway shots he took of Hoseok and A-yeong as they laughed and danced about. Thereā€™s something captivating about the everyday moments, and when he clicks on the photo of the sky, heā€™s reminded that all those times, he was thinking of you - that clarity, the stability, the comfort. Jungkook always has a lot of things going on in his head but youā€™ve become that person who makes him stop and look around, who makes him see the beauty in things, who makes him want them for himself this time.Ā 
There are some images that float through his mind for the project - large windows, spacious courtyards, open living spaces, muted palettes, tree-lined streets - but with all the comfort and beauty that those bring, his thoughts still shift to you. He remembers how you looked against the mountains during the team building, how the sun made you glow even more, how you looked at peace by the stream, and all he can think about is the sadness that comes with knowing theyā€™re all just memories - still images in his mind that haunt him of what couldā€™ve been.Ā 
Jungkook decides to switch strategies an hour later, the emptiness of his penthouse adding to the emptiness he feels inside. Thinking that a change of scenery is what he needs, he puts on his tracks and hoodie and heads out for a run. Thereā€™s no destination in mind. Heā€™ll just jog around town, stop if he feels like it, and then head on out again until the thought of you fades from his mind.Ā 
He knows heā€™s not fooling anyone; heā€™ll probably still be thinking about you. But at least for those hours where heā€™s distracted by the sounds of the cars and the people in the streets, thereā€™s less of you in there.Ā 
Itā€™s quite sunny out. Itā€™s mid-afternoon and he likes the feel of the sweat in his body, the heat contrasting the occasional burst of wind. He stops by a garden, then a convenience store for a drink, then runs up a trail to get a view of the city. The sun starts to set and Jungkook takes it slow. With his hands in his pockets, he leisurely walks to a nearby neighborhood that he hasnā€™t been to before.Ā 
He appreciates the calmness this time and thinks that maybe spending his weekends like this every once in a while isnā€™t so bad. But he thinks of other ways he could spend it and with whom. Finding new restaurants to eat at and places to explore with you flash through his mind. So does watching your variety shows with you on the couch or some local film like what you enjoy doing on your own.Ā 
Jungkook doesnā€™t fight against it this time. He realizes that the more he resists it, the angrier heā€™ll be, and he doesnā€™t want to feel that anymore. He wasnā€™t mad at you, he was mad at the situation. He was mad at himself for waiting too long, for not handling things properly, for not talking to you about itā€¦ for not being honest about what he really wanted early on. Heā€™s trying not to be selfish by letting you walk away, but maybe thatā€™s selfish, too, if all heā€™s focused on is how he deals with it, without considering how itā€™s also affecting you.Ā 
He sighs to himself. Heā€™s feeling so much, and this hasnā€™t happened in a long time. He wasnā€™t good at this then, and it seems that he hasnā€™t learned; he doesnā€™t know how to express what he feels even now.Ā 
The sound of childrenā€™s laughter catches his attention, and Jungkook turns to his left and finds himself outside of the neighborhood park. The playground is hidden behind large trees, and as if by some serendipitous occurrence, he walks inside and finds a bench to sit on. Itā€™s where he stays as he watches the last remaining child leave the swing and head home.Ā 
Silence envelopes him now. He remembers his childhood - how he disliked playing in the nearby playground because he was always teased for being the shy and quiet kid, how his brother laughed along, and how his father constructed one for him so he could enjoy it for once. His brother never joined him, choosing to stay in the treehouse built for him on the other side of their property, and Jungkook liked it that way.Ā 
He would climb up the small rock wall and then slide down the slide. Heā€™d swing himself as high as he could, giggling loudly because of the ticklish feeling in his stomach and no one would hear him. Heā€™d look through the telescope and gaze at the stars in the evening. On some afternoons, heā€™d sit on the little bench and just draw cars and buildings and houses on his sketch pad, just like heā€™d seen his father do. Out there, he felt like he could be anyone. He could do anything and feel anything and not be afraid. No one was going to hurt him. Nothing would make him feel unwanted - not the birds, not the butterflies, not the bees that heā€™d watch from afar.Ā 
His old man may have always been busy but he built that playground for him without Jungkook asking him to. They were words that his father couldnā€™t say, apologies that he couldnā€™t voice out, a desire for more time that he couldnā€™t express or maybe even commit to, which is why they remained unspoken.Ā 
After the incident at the cabin when Jungkook felt abandoned, he stopped playing. He stopped going outside, afraid of the open air, of the possibility that the rain would come, of his father joining him in a space that used to be one where no one could disappoint him.Ā 
Time passed and the apologies were still unspoken. The emotions were kept hidden, the desire left unsaid. But they remained. Jungkook knew because his father kept that playground in its spot despite the renovations done in the estate over the years. He maintained them, too, making sure that he seals them regularly, that he repairs damages, that he paints them once the color has started to fade.
Jungkook knew this because every time he visited their home, he always spent some time there. And he saw that the playground always looked the way it did when he first saw it over 20 years ago. He was there last week, and he remembers that in the midst of his outburst, being there calmed him down.Ā 
Despite all the painful memories in between, and even if heā€™d outgrown it already, the safety was still there. It held memories, it felt like freedom, it held that child-like belief that he could do and be anything and he could be happy.
And as Jungkook watches the sky turn dark, the calmness overtakes him. Any playground elicits that kind of feeling, and he hears the apologies, he feels the emotions, he understands the desire.Ā 
He realizes that heā€™s very much like his father, just as you and Mr. Ri and Hoseok have told him. Because much as the old man is good at many things, expressing how he feels is one thing he struggles with. Thatā€™s why he builds things. He builds homes for his wife and a treehouse and playground for his sons.Ā 
And like some epiphany, Jungkook realizes that he may not be able to express what he feels, but he may be able to show you. The words may never be enough, even as they remain unsaid, but he can at least give you a space that matters to you, a place just like his playground that you could go to to feel safe, where you could be anyone, where you could do anything and feel anything and not be afraid.Ā 
It will be a place where no one can hurt you, not even him, and where youā€™ll always be wanted - by the characters in your picture books, and the birds and butterflies and bees that youā€™ll color. You may have outgrown them, but he knows that the memories of your childhood will remind you that thereā€™s a place for you, in his heart especially.Ā 
His mind starts to race, with designs and details flashing through his mind. He rushes home and starts working, and he doesnā€™t leave his study until 3 in the morning. But heā€™s satisfied, and he spends the next day making calls and other arrangements, ensuring that the plans are set for dissemination to the team.Ā 
Itā€™s a monumental task for the time that he has. The Arts Center opening isnā€™t far from now. Heā€™ll probably earn the ire of everyone involved, including his father, but Jungkook will just have to deal with all that.Ā 
Right now, what matters is that he gets to do this to show you how he feels. He doesnā€™t know when youā€™ll see it, if youā€™ll decide to go when it opens in a few weeks, but he hopes that when you do, youā€™ll know that you made him feel something that he hasnā€™t in a long time, and he hopes that if he no longer gives you that feeling of comfort and safety that heā€™s been giving, then thereā€™s a place that he built so youā€™d feel all those again.
Tumblr media
You sit on your desk that Monday morning and try to act as if all your contrasting emotions arenā€™t weighing heavily on you.Ā 
Being with your friends over the weekend helped, as you took the train to meet them this time and told them everything thatā€™s happened. You apologized for not telling them right away, but they knew that it was important for you to feel everything on your own first and try to figure it out. You said you really hadnā€™t - deciding to leave seemed so simple but the feelings and the truth complicated them, and now youā€™re left with a broken heart and the belief that Jungkook wonā€™t forgive you, that he wonā€™t want you anymore, that he'll just let you walk away without any closure.
Soomin and Jimin just held you and listened. They knew from the start it would be difficult. Your past wasnā€™t something you talked about so easily, and it took you years to even tell them your story, how you ended up in Busan and why you had to return to Daegu because it was already safe for you to go back home. There was no judgment, only support, even when you decided to enter the company and work for the people that you felt you owed your life to.
Their resentment towards Jungkook stemmed from how he treated you at the beginning; they knew that yours was the same. But they never questioned your sincerity when it came to how you felt - youā€™re never like this, they said. It takes a lot for you to let someone in and ties to his family isnā€™t enough for that. If anything, thatā€™s what told them it was real - you wouldā€™ve tried hard to control the feelings but you still gave in, and for you to think he was worth that even for the briefest moment means he probably was.Ā 
Their perspective affirmed you in a way. This wasnā€™t just some silly crush on your boss, but this also wasnā€™t something you could just easily forget or get over. Your happiness always comes first, and it may look like a life with him in it, but it doesnā€™t mean he gets to be part of it right now. Itā€™s also possible itā€™s one without him, and if it is, then youā€™re just going to have to learn to accept that.Ā 
You sigh to yourself. Youā€™re in no better place than you were last week, but at least you have less days left in being here. But then again, that also just means the closer you are to really saying goodbye.Ā 
You go through your checklist of things to turn over and do before you leave, and while youā€™re halfway through, putting together event and project portfolios and documenting best practices still takes a lot of time.Ā 
Youā€™re about to begin your first task of the day when you hear rushed footsteps. Lucas scurries over to your side to leave his things then grabs some folders.
ā€œHey, is everything okay?ā€ You ask the visibly stressed man next to you.
ā€œUh, yeah,ā€ he responds. ā€œMr. Jeon called for a meeting about the Arts Center and there are changes. He wants to add something.ā€
ā€œAt this stage?ā€ You ask worriedly.Ā 
ā€œYeah. It seems like itā€™s quite a bit of work. Iā€™mā€¦ Iā€™m freaking out because this is a really big project and ā€”Iā€
ā€œWonā€™t disappoint him, Iā€™m sure of it,ā€ you try to comfort him. ā€œYouā€™ll be fine, Lucas. Just take a breath and take it one step at a time. Iā€™ll be right here.ā€
You smile at him warmly, hoping that the bit of encouragement would help. The opening is a few weeks from now. At this point, focus should just be on finishing touches, finalizing government certifications, and promotion, but with how Lucas seems a bit rattled, the changes might indeed be a bit overwhelming.Ā 
He excuses himself to prepare the conference room and get the team then leaves, and as youā€™re about to follow him, Jungkook exits his office then stands by the hallway.Ā 
ā€œMs. Cho,ā€ he calls out, prompting you to stay in your place. ā€œThere is no need for you to attend the meetings about the Arts Center.ā€
Youā€™re taken aback by his statement but you recover.Ā 
ā€œButā€¦ itā€™s opening in a few weeks, sir. Thereā€™s lots to do, and Lucas just said there are changes,ā€ you counter. ā€œIf thereā€™s anything I can do to help, you know I would.ā€
ā€œI know that,ā€ he says. ā€œAnd Iā€™m saying that thereā€™s no need this time. The team can manage. Youā€™ve taught them well.ā€
ā€œButā€”ā€
ā€œYouā€™ve tendered your resignation, Ms. Cho,ā€ he reminds you, his tone a little softer than itā€™s been recently. ā€œYour remaining days here are meant for turnover and mentoring Lucas in his general functions, and not to take on added or continuing responsibilities.ā€
He may have a point, but it doesnā€™t take away from your sadness over no longer knowing how the preparations are going. Youā€™ve become invested in the Arts Center this past year, too, and while you knew you had to let that go as well, it doesnā€™t mean itā€™s easy.
ā€œUnderstood, sir,ā€ you concede, bowing your head down in submission. ā€œIā€™ll continue with my reports, then.ā€
He just nods, and you donā€™t miss the tinge of apology in his eyes. He leaves, and youā€™re left alone again; you think thatā€™s how youā€™ve been feeling all this time.Ā 
You get on with your task, and itā€™s not long after when Hoseok enters, his bright smile only doing little to raise your spirits.Ā 
ā€œHey, ___,ā€ he greets. ā€œHow are you holding up?ā€Ā 
ā€œJust fine,ā€ you try to smile. ā€œAre you looking for Jungkook? Heā€™s not here right now. Heā€™s meeting the team about the Arts Center and if youā€™re wondering why Iā€™m not there, itā€™s because he didnā€™t want me to be. First he replaces me, and then he excludes me and I just feel soā€¦ Iā€¦ā€
ā€œSeems like youā€™re less than fine,ā€ Hoseok says sullenly. ā€œIā€™m so sorry, ___. I know this has been hard for you. For both of you.ā€
You know it is. But you suppose that you and Jungkook deal with difficulties differently.Ā 
ā€œYouā€¦ you understand why I had to do this, right?ā€ You ask.Ā 
ā€œI do,ā€ he affirms, his eyes softening even further. ā€œAnd so does Jungkook. And thatā€™s the hard part. He doesnā€™t want you to go but he knows you have to do this for yourself. I guessā€¦ Your decisiveness hurt him. And with what Iā€™m seeing now, I guess his acceptance hurt you, too.ā€
ā€œIā€¦ Iā€™m such a mess. Maybe I deserve all this,ā€ you sigh. ā€œHow could I kiss him, push him away, leave him, want him, but canā€™t bring myself to be with him?ā€
ā€œBecause youā€™re human and could want things that youā€™re afraid of? Because itā€™s possible to want to find yourself while also being next to someone else yet still think itā€™s not enough?ā€ Hoseok says. ā€œItā€™s normal to feel all this, ___. But figuring things out also takes time. Donā€™t be too hard on yourself, okay? Not knowing what to do now is understandable.ā€
ā€œIā€¦ I only have a few weeks left here,ā€ you say softly. ā€œMaybe this is how he wants this all to end.ā€
ā€œWhat about you? Is this how you want it to end?ā€
ā€œI donā€™t know, but maybe itā€™s easier,ā€ you try to convince yourself. ā€œItā€™s easier to walk away when I know Iā€™m not wanted. Maybe thatā€™s what I made him feel, and I canā€™t blame him if thatā€™s what he wants me to feel in return.ā€
ā€œOh, ___,ā€ Hoseok shakes his head, knowing itā€™s not the truth. ā€œYou and Jungkook just need to talk. Then youā€™d know you want the same things.ā€
ā€œMaybeā€¦ but weā€™re not good at that. And it doesnā€™t mean we want the same things at the same time,ā€ you reason.Ā 
ā€œSo itā€™s about timing, then?ā€
ā€œI guess. But weā€™re not good at that either,ā€ you laugh dryly at the absurdity of it. ā€œLook, even without all this, he already has a lot of things in his mind. The biggest project of his life is about to be unveiled soon and Iā€¦ I have a life to live after this. Iā€™m doing what I shouldā€™ve done years ago and the least I could do for myself is stand by the decision I made. I know Iā€™d regret it if I stayed. I donā€™t want to regret the way I walked away.ā€
Itā€™s a thought youā€™re slowly coming to, as you look back at how the week has been. Youā€™ve been receiving nothing but praise and encouragement from your colleagues. Youā€™ve been getting emails from various companies that want to recruit you after you put your resume through an online job site. There are so many possibilities now that youā€™ve put one foot out the door, and while you know of the possibilities youā€™re also leaving behind, you know deep down that you wouldā€™ve regretted it if you stayed, and you donā€™t want to tie that decision to Jungkook and end up resenting him for it.
The only thing thatā€™s been keeping you down is what that decision is doing to you and Jungkook. Itā€™s one you hope youā€™re able to fix, or at least mend enough that youā€™ll only have the good memories with you, and that so would he.
ā€œIā€™m just really sorry,ā€ Hoseok says, knowing that much as heā€™d like to help you and his cousin sort things out, itā€™s difficult when neither of you are unable to sort out your own feelings. ā€œBut Iā€™m not just here to talk about that. Iā€¦ I wanted to give you this.ā€
Hoseok hands you a sealed envelope and you look at him curiously.
ā€œI know Jungkook gave you his recommendation letter, but I thought another one wonā€™t hurt,ā€ he smiles, letting you feel the warmth of it.Ā 
You know that companies usually just call for references, but a letter like this - especially from a well-known corporationā€™s top executive - gives you an advantage that others donā€™t have. You suppose that when you received one from Jungkook, it was a show of support. You have no doubt that with Hoseok, itā€™s him telling you that heā€™ll always have your back, wherever you may be.
ā€œOh, Hoseok,ā€ you say, feeling all the emotions come at once.Ā 
Itā€™s insane to think that almost a year ago, you were in this same spot with him encouraging and assuring you that heā€™ll always be around. Back then, you were anxious about being led by someone new who you knew was nothing like the man you admired. And now youā€™re here again, and Hoseok is giving you that same comfort that he always has, and the thought that you wonā€™t even be in the same building as him is causing a crack in your heart. You hope one day, youā€™ll be able to fully express just how much his kindness has given you hope and so much to look forward to.Ā 
ā€œThank you,ā€ you smile through your glassy eyes. ā€œYouā€¦ youā€™ve taught me so much. I hope you know that much of the confidence I have now is because of you. Iā€™m terrified of this new journey but Iā€™m confident that Iā€™ll do well. You believed in me first and Iā€™ll never forget that.ā€
ā€œBeing a good leader is something I learned to become because of you, ___. And because of the team. I admire you for so many things, and Iā€™m pretty sure that wherever you choose to go, the company will be so lucky to have you.ā€
ā€œI hope so,ā€ you remark, knowing thatā€™s another thing you have to deal with. ā€œIā€¦ I have a few options. A few companies have reached out but thereā€™s a publishing house that Iā€™m leaning towards. I met the editor some time ago and that encounter just stuck with me and I feel like that kind of environment would suit me.ā€
ā€œThatā€™s great to know,ā€ he says excitedly. ā€œI canā€™t wait to hear about it. A-yeong and I will take you out to dinner once things have settled down, okay?ā€
ā€œThat would be great. I canā€™t wait for that, too.ā€
Hoseok bids you goodbye, leaving you alone with your thoughts for the next two hours. Whatever changes are happening with the Arts Center must be big, as itā€™s taking the team this long to iron things out.Ā 
Itā€™s close to lunch time when the meeting ends. Jungkook walks in while on a call, while Lucas sits next to you looking a little stressed.
ā€œEverything alright?ā€ You ask.
ā€œYeah. There are just last minute changes but Mr. Jeonā€™s on top of it,ā€ Lucas says. ā€œHe just wants us to make sure weā€™re on top of the other things and Iā€™m honestly still familiarizing myself with the details of the Arts Center. Iā€™m just nervous Iā€™m gonna miss something.ā€
ā€œHey, thatā€™s what Iā€™m here for,ā€ you assure him. ā€œI know you were just thrust into this at such a critical time where you donā€™t have much leeway to adjust and thatā€™s on me and Iā€™m sorry. But thatā€™s also why Iā€™m gonna make sure that Iā€™ll help you as much as I can.ā€
ā€œThanks, I need that,ā€ Lucas sighs. ā€œI canā€™t help but think that a year ago, I was almost supposed to be here. I mean, we can talk about it now. Mr. Jeon said he planned on taking me with him because he doesnā€™t want a new assistant that he has to get used to, you know? I always knew he hated change and I was the one thing that was familiar but it didnā€™t work out. Even I knew it wasnā€™t gonna happen - CEO Jeon approves these appointments and the EA of the VP needs to be familiar with the company culture and process and I wasnā€™t. I wasnā€™t really upset but I let myself think of living in Seoul for a short while and it seemed exciting. But things happen for a reason, and I think if I had to adjust then while helping Mr. Jeon with this project, I probably wouldā€™ve caved in and quit.ā€
Lucas turns to you with a smile. ā€œWhat I mean to say is that, I admire you so much for being able to manage all this. And I know I have incredibly big shoes to fill and I think Iā€™m more terrified about that, but Iā€™m really thankful that youā€™re there to guide me, ___. Whatever tip and strategy and cheat sheet you can provide will be much appreciated.ā€
ā€œOf course,ā€ you assure him. ā€œIā€™ve got spreadsheets and checklists and profiles and guidelines to turn over to you. And Iā€™m always a call away, okay?ā€
He nods in gratitude, and you tell him that you both have time to sort through all those and that youā€™ll be finished in time for your last day. You agree on having lunch together so you could talk about the Board members and the other executives, and he says he has to see Jungkook first to get his signatures for some documents.
ā€œOh, can you, uh, can you give this to him, too?ā€ You ask, passing him your leave request. It was during your time alone when you decided when to take them, knowing that youā€™re gonna slowly have to get used to being away from this place as well.
Lucas takes it then returns shortly after with your signed form. Thereā€™s relief in knowing you get to organize your life somehow. There are interviews to attend and a lot of your things to fix. There are feelings to make sense of, too.Ā 
And as you and Lucas talk about his move and the worry and excitement he feels, you think that youā€™ve got to stop thinking of goodbyes. Thereā€™s a life for you out there, and if by some way you find Jungkook in there, too, then at least youā€™d know you chose him, and that if heā€™d forgiven you then, then youā€™re assured that heā€™s chosen you, too.
Tumblr media
You spend the entirety of Tuesday orienting Lucas about your spreadsheets and other files, and you both come up with a system that suits his style of work. Jungkook was out the whole day, and though you suppress the feeling of missing him, itā€™s one that haunts you until you lay in your bed that night.
You take the rest of the week off. You spend Wednesday cleaning your apartment and then having dinner with the elderly couple next door who amuse you with their love story and memories of their youth.Ā 
You meet Namjoon on Thursday for that official interview heā€™s been waiting for. You canā€™t help but envision yourself in the office with the dynamism of the teams and the laid-back feel of the entire space. Youā€™d commit yourself right then and there if it didnā€™t make you look that desperate, but itā€™s Namjoon who encourages you to go to the other interviews you have lined up.Ā 
Itā€™s a risk, he says; he might lose you if another more appealing company states their case. But he wants you to choose them without regrets; he wants you to choose them because youā€™ve seen whatā€™s out there and decided that theyā€™re who you want and who you see yourself being happy in. You donā€™t miss his slightly nervous face when you agree, but you suppose that if youā€™re going to do this now, might as well do it right.
You go to two other interviews that Friday, and while trying out events management was always in the back of your mind, itā€™s nice to see just how the job and the tasks excite you.
Itā€™s the first time youā€™re feeling like you actually have options. Back then, even if there were other opportunities, you chose working for the Jeons because of a debt you felt you had to pay. You limited your own choices, but now, you feel what itā€™s like to take control of your own life, and itā€™s liberating to not have any baggage with you this time around.Ā 
Jimin and Soomin pay you a visit that weekend. They drive you around, thinking that the beauty of spring would inspire you even more. Itā€™s fitting, they say, as you start a new phase in your life while the flowers bloom and greet you. But as you pass by a park and see the colors of the sky and buy some convenience store snacks on the way home, you canā€™t help but think of Jungkook.
Missing him feels a little odd. You didnā€™t know what it felt like until his trip at the end of last year, but you always knew he was gonna come back. This time, youā€™re unsure of when youā€™ll see him again. You spent time with him in a work environment, so being away from him and doing everyday things shouldnā€™t even affect you this much. But you suppose itā€™s the idea of what could have been that you miss, even if you donā€™t really know what thatā€™s like.Ā 
You spend Monday and Tuesday the next week the same way. Thereā€™s just one executive meeting each day that you attend to assess how Lucas manages it, but other than that, you barely see Jungkook in the office. He stays in his room all morning then heads out in the afternoon, and you leave before he could even make it back. It reminds you that you truly left him at a critical time. You donā€™t know if heā€™s eating well, if heā€™s getting proper rest, if heā€™s tending a bruised knuckle or dealing with a headache. You donā€™t know if the stress is getting to him, if the anxiety is slowly building up, or if itā€™s just excitement he feels and that he canā€™t wait for everything to come together.Ā 
You hope for his sake, itā€™s the latter. You want nothing more than to assure him that things will turn out the way he wants, that the intended audience will love the Arts Center, and that heā€™s already achieved so much with just this. You hope heā€™s proud of himself the way you are, and that he knows that if thereā€™s anything he leaves you with, itā€™s your own pride that you got to be part of something beautiful, and itā€™s that search for connection and intimacy and meaning that got you yearning for those things, too.Ā 
You take the rest of the week off again. You run errands one day, go to an interview the next, and then walk around town the day after. It feels like youā€™re back to that state of being alone but not feeling lonely; thereā€™s just that added sense of freedom this time.Ā 
Youā€™re not stressed about work. Time isnā€™t flying too fast. You donā€™t feel like youā€™re rushing, going from one task to another for the sake of it. You have space to think and feel. Even at such a short period of time, youā€™re learning what things excite you and what you want to explore. And thatā€™s liberating, now that youā€™re able to pull yourself out of the routine that contained you for years, one that made you believe it was all you had and all you deserved. You think that this isn't so bad, and the constant sadness you feel slowly fades away as the days pass.
But then you return to work on Monday - your final week - and the illusion breaks.Ā 
Lucas has to meet with the marketing department, so he asks you to prepare Jungkookā€™s coffee in the morning. You feel quite sentimental doing it, as you know that there probably wonā€™t be a next time.Ā Ā Ā 
You knock on the door, and when he asks you to come in, you suddenly feel anxious. You place the cup on his desk, making sure you put the biscuits like you always do.Ā 
Jungkook senses when you step back, lingering like youā€™ve been doing the few times youā€™ve done it. You used to do it because you expected heā€™d have something to ask you whenever you entered his room. But recently, he feels itā€™s you just waiting - for him to say something, perhaps, or for you to find the courage to speak up.
But you never do. And he never says what he really wants to.Ā 
ā€œItā€™s your last week, Ms. Cho,ā€ he states, focusing on his iPad screen so as not to torture himself with the sight of you. ā€œHowā€™s your clearance going?ā€
ā€œUh, it is, Mr. Jeon,ā€ you reply. ā€œFinance and HR have cleared me. IT and security will clear me on my last day. And Iā€™ll submit to you my final deliverables on Wednesday. You can sign off my form then.ā€
He nods, and you torture yourself by standing by even if he doesnā€™t seem to have anything else to say. Youā€™re about to excuse himself when he speaks again.
ā€œPlease free up your Friday evening. Weā€™ll have a team send-off dinner for you.ā€
ā€œI, uh. Understood, sir. Thank you.ā€
He nods once more, and itā€™s your signal to leave. Heā€™s never felt so far away, but you suppose itā€™s the kind of distance you need.Ā 
You walk back to your seat, the reality of your last week hitting you, especially when you find Do-hyun and Yohan by your desk, looking somber as they reach out for a hug. You return it, with Do-hyun pointing it out, and she frowns when you say that youā€™ll be without it for a long time.Ā 
ā€œIs everything alright?ā€ You ask them.Ā 
ā€œYes,ā€ they respond in unison.Ā 
ā€œWe just want to spend as much time with you as we can,ā€ Yohan states. ā€œI know weā€™ve all been busy butā€¦ itā€™s your last week. So letā€™s have lunch today, and any other day when youā€™re free. Please?ā€
ā€œOf course,ā€ you say. ā€œFood hall today?ā€
They nod excitedly, and you spend your lunch time at the outdoor space, laughing about, with Lucas slowly but surely finding his place within the team.Ā 
That afternoon, Yoongi drops by and says he has lots of things going on because of the changes Jungkook is making, but heā€™ll meet you when you want to. He reminds you that heā€™s there when you need him; heā€™ll turn down the other man if it comes down to it. But heā€™ll drop by everyday until your last day, he says; he doesnā€™t want to feel like he didn't see you enough.Ā 
You assure him that heā€™s the one person youā€™d definitely meet up with outside of work, and so thereā€™s no limit when it comes to him.Ā 
On Tuesday, you have lunch with some people from the marketing department whom youā€™ve gotten close to these past months, and on Wednesday, Bitna and the other assistants take you out to dinner.Ā 
CEO Jeon and Hoseok take you out to lunch on Thursday, stating that they wanted to check in and ask what your plans are. They assure you that theyā€™re there should you need support in any way; the company is likewise always going to have a place for you. And with the sincerity in their eyes and their hope of you finding your place and your happiness, you know they mean well. So you take that time to ask for advice, too.Ā 
It ends in laughter, as you recall your early days at the company and the mishaps with Hoseok. You talk about some of the issues youā€™ve been privy to and some details about your life that they missed. Talking with them feels comfortable now that thereā€™s an acknowledgment of your ties to their family. You can tell that despite of and after everything, CEO Jeon truly cares for you and your mother, and that heā€™ll be eternally sorry yet grateful to both of you.Ā 
Youā€™re thankful that they donā€™t mention Jungkook. You wouldnā€™t know how to react if they did, especially since youā€™ve barely seen him all week. Missing him has become natural that youā€™ve just accepted it, including the fact that you canā€™t do anything about it. Maybe youā€™ll always be too scared to let him know, too.Ā 
Itā€™s Friday before you know it. You manage to get everything done on time, and Jungkook calls you to his office that morning to return your signed clearance form. You hate how youā€™re both back to this tense dynamic whenever you enter his room - lingering looks, clenched jaws, deafening silenceā€¦ and words you want to say and hear but know you never would. Youā€™re both not built for that, you think; thereā€™s always so much to feel but not enough courage to face them.Ā 
This room holds so many memories - when he got mad, when you stood up to him, when he said he needed your help, when he kissed you and you kissed him backā€¦ when you pushed him away.Ā 
But this isnā€™t where you say goodbye. Thereā€™s still that team dinner tonight and you hope you get to leave him with a proper farewell and a sincere expression of thanks for all that heā€™s taught you. You want to wish him good luck on the Arts Center opening. You want to tell him that you believe heā€™ll keep doing great things, you want to remind him to take proper rest, to take his breaks seriously, and to enjoy all thatā€™s ahead of him.Ā 
So you settle for a smile, as genuine as you can make it, before heading out and closing the door behind you.Ā 
You return to your desk and go over some other things with Lucas that he needs clarifications on. You both spend lunch with the team and then resume your final turnover.Ā 
Itā€™s shortly after 3 PM when Jungkook comes out of his room with his bag in hand, and he instructs Lucas to get some blueprints from Chin-sun before they both leave to go to the Arts Center for a visit. The man next to you gets up and tells you heā€™ll see you at dinner, leaving you and Jungkook alone this time.Ā 
Itā€™s that lingering look again and he stays rooted in his spot, his eyes getting more distant as the seconds pass.Ā 
ā€œI wish you well, ___,ā€ he says, the use of your name with words that seem like goodbye causing a crack in your heart. ā€œGood luck. And thank you.ā€
He doesnā€™t wait for a response as he leaves right after, and youā€™re left with your heart in your hands, one that keeps calling his name. You think it will continue to do that after all this.Ā 
You spend the rest of the afternoon packing your things and entertaining all those who drop by to say goodbye. Yoongi messages to say heā€™s out on a project site but that heā€™ll see you soon, and itā€™s something you look forward to after things have settled down.Ā 
You find yourself in a private room at a nice restaurant with the team not long after. You can order anything, youā€™re told, and Do-hyun and Yohan donā€™t hesitate on choosing the dishes that they wouldnā€™t have been able to eat if it wasnā€™t for their boss paying for this meal.Ā 
ā€œShouldnā€™t we wait for Lucas and Mr. Jeon?ā€ You ask, looking around and feeling incomplete.Ā 
ā€œThis dinner is for you, and youā€™re here,ā€ Do-hyun points out. ā€œBut I guess we can wait.ā€
You settle for some appetizers and get to talking. Theyā€™re less sentimental than they were a few weeks ago. They say theyā€™ve made peace with everything and are just happy that youā€™re able to take a break and have time for yourself before going back to the grind. Itā€™s all talk and laughter, and when Lucas arrives, everybody cheers because then, you can all have your food served.
ā€œWhereā€™s Mr. Jeon?ā€ Do-hyun asks before you do.Ā 
ā€œHeā€™s at the Arts Center dealing with the laborers and the design team,ā€ Lucas says regrettably. ā€œSeems like thereā€™s too much work and he canā€™t make it to dinner. I doubt he even eats at this point. Heā€™s there every afternoon and doesnā€™t leave until late at night.ā€
ā€œIs everything alright?ā€ You ask, a mix of worry and sadness at how much heā€™s pushing himself, and that he didnā€™t even have the heart to see you one last time.
Perhaps that short exchange earlier was his final goodbye, you think. And now you wouldnā€™t even be able to say yours.Ā 
ā€œYeah, you know how he is when he focuses on something,ā€ Lucas sighs. ā€œHe just locks in and doesnā€™t care about anything else. Heā€™s always been like that and I guess that hasnā€™t changed. But he did say he wants us to enjoy tonight, so order anything you want and heā€™ll take care of it.ā€
You mask the disappointment by laughing through Do-hyun and Yohan arguing about the best way to attack the menu, but you canā€™t help the way your eyes flit to the door every time it opens, hoping Jungkook would walk through it. But itā€™s never him.
Mr. Ri walks in right as the main dishes are served, and you look at him in question. He returns your dejected look with a shake of his head, as if he knows what you're thinking.Ā 
You suppose that this is how Jungkook wanted to end things - by not showing up, by leaving the wound uncovered. You didnā€™t realize it would hurt like this.Ā 
Maybe you deserve it. Maybe you donā€™t. But with the empty seat on the table reminding you of the man who chose to not give you a final goodbye because youā€™d done yours so certainly, youā€™re starting to think that it doesnā€™t really matter. He gets to choose how he deals with this, like he said. And you have no choice but to do the same.
You try your hardest to keep up with the teamā€™s energy. Theyā€™re at least no longer crying, although you wish they were so youā€™d have a reason to cry yourself, because thatā€™s what youā€™re trying hard not to do. Itā€™s probably because of the sadness at knowing that you wonā€™t experience this with them anymore; you wonā€™t share the laughter and the stories that you used to. Everything is sinking in already, and itā€™s reality hitting you that youā€™re really going to start a new journey soon, and that you had to let go of someone incredibly important for that to happen.Ā 
The Jungkook-shaped hole in your life will probably get bigger as the days pass, but thatā€™s just another thing missing that youā€™ll have to find substitutes for, just like you do for everything else.Ā 
You manage to get through dinner with dry eyes, even when youā€™re presented with farewell gifts. Lucas hands you a large box - a present from the VPā€™s Office, he says, and you smile in awe when you see a coffee pod maker thatā€™s a similar version to the one you have at the pantry.Ā 
ā€œYou wonā€™t be going around making other peopleā€™s coffee anymore,ā€ Manager Lee says. ā€œSo this is for your home. Youā€™ll be on-the-go and busy but at least youā€™ll have this. Itā€™s also so youā€™ll always remember us.ā€
ā€œItā€™s also how I started,ā€ you point out, recalling your internship days at the company. ā€œBut this is great. Please uh, please thank Mr. Jeon for me.ā€
ā€œAnd this is from us,ā€ Do-hyun smiles, handing you another box. ā€œLike, this is from our own pockets. And we thought of every single thing in there so donā€™t forget about us. Ever.ā€
You open it and find a lot of the things that they know you canā€™t live without - a tumbler, a mug, notebooks, colored pens and highlighters, post-its, little jars of snacks and candies. There are also self-care items like scented candles and essential oils. In a little bag, there are two disposable cameras and vouchers to your local theater.Ā 
And underneath all of those is a complete photo of your team, the one taken during your team building not long ago. Everyone looks refreshed and carefree. Including you. And then thereā€™s Jungkook next to you, hands in his pockets and sporting what you know is a genuine smile. Itā€™s a good reminder of your time together, and despite everything, youā€™re glad you have something to always keep close to you.
You return their hugs, each one carrying so much care and warmth that you missed out on because you were never one to accept them, to ask for them. You finally say goodbye and make a promise that youā€™ll catch up with them one of these days, one you know youā€™ll keep.
You all walk out. Mr. Ri helps you with your things then leads you towards the car.Ā 
ā€œLast one for old timeā€™s sake,ā€ he smiles at you. ā€œAnd itā€™s late. Let me drive you home.ā€
You donā€™t resist, knowing that as someone whoā€™s looked after you for so many years, never faltering in his commitment to your mother or you, youā€™re truly going to miss him.Ā 
Sitting on the passenger seat, you look out the window and try to amuse yourself with the scenes outside. There are cars passing by and people trying to get home, probably grateful that another week is over. You wonder how many of them are nursing broken hearts, or are running away from something, or are hoping someone they pushed away comes back.Ā 
The tears are falling before you know it, and as you try to hold in your sniffles, you see Mr. Ri from your periphery glance at you before turning on the radio, gradually making the music louder so as to drown out your sounds. That continues for a while until the streets start to look familiar. Somehow, you dread going home - being alone at a time like this feels a little too much, but maybe you deserve that, too.Ā 
You arrive at your apartment, and Mr. Ri helps you in bringing all your stuff inside. He stays by the door and his soft eyes prompt you to speak.
ā€œI thought heā€™d come,ā€ you whisper. ā€œI thought Iā€™d see him one last time. Heā€¦ he couldnā€™t even say goodbye.ā€
ā€œYou know itā€™s not always easy for people to do that,ā€ he says. ā€œLetting you go was hard enough. What if he says something that would push you even farther away?ā€
ā€œI canā€™t be any farther than I am right now,ā€ you sigh. ā€œBut we did this to each other. I didnā€™t want to stay and heā€¦ just let me walk away. I hurt him but everything else after hurt me, too. And Iā€¦ I wish it didnā€™t. Iā€”ā€
Youā€™re unable to speak as you cry once more, all the conflicting emotions suffocating you from within. And all Mr. Ri can do is wipe your tears with his handkerchief and hope that could stop them somehow.
ā€œThis hurts me,ā€ he utters the words so softly and so heavy with emotion. ā€œItā€™s like watching my daughter get her heart broken.ā€
Itā€™s what makes you smile, and you take the piece of cloth from him and dry your eyes.
ā€œI couldā€™ve been,ā€ you say, knowing that he wanted a family at one point.
ā€œThatā€™s true. But most times I think that I wouldā€™ve been too burdened by what Iā€™ve done that I wouldnā€™t have been able to love your mother the way she deserves,ā€ he reasons. ā€œAnd Iā€™ll always think that I let her go so that she could find someone like Min-woo whoā€™d love her without reservations, whoā€™d be able to give her a life that sheā€™d always dreamed to have and to give you.ā€
Mr. Ri recalls his own decisions and the heartbreaks that followed right after. They conflicted him, too, but in life, knowing what you want doesnā€™t always mean you get to express it the way you want to. Sometimes doing it makes it harder for everyone involved, and thatā€™s what he thinks is whatā€™s happening with you and Jungkook, too.
ā€œI think itā€™s what Jungkook has learned,ā€ he continues. ā€œHe has to let you go so you could find whatever happiness it is that you couldnā€™t find where you are. And as for you, you have to know that letting someone go right now doesnā€™t mean you canā€™t ever have them again. You just have to stop thinking you donā€™t deserve to want it.ā€
You take his words to heart as you bid him goodbye, and they stay in your head as you force yourself to sleep later that night.Ā 
You donā€™t know what kind of happiness youā€™re searching for. You donā€™t even know what happiness could truly be like with Jungkook, and the thought that maybe youā€™ll never know starts to scare you. Itā€™s one you think youā€™d like to one day experience. But how could you when you pushed him away? Is it even something you could still want, given what youā€™ve done? Is it something heā€™d want to know as well? In the midst of the mess you created, could it still happen?Ā 
Youā€™re reminded of what CEO Jeon had said not long ago, and you try to comfort yourself with it. You crossed paths with Jungkook for a reason. Youā€™ve started to believe that youā€™re losing him for a reason. You just have to trust that if itā€™s meant to be, youā€™ll find him again for a reason as well.Ā 
You just hope that when you do, heā€™ll take you back again, ask you to stay, and youā€™ll be able to tell him with your whole heart that you will. And that itā€™s something you wonā€™t ever regret.
Tumblr media
Series Masterlist
Permanent Taglist:
@sherlynxxĀ @di0rggukĀ @thequeen-katĀ @fan-ati--cļæ½ļæ½@cravingforhotchocolateĀ @adoraminieĀ @weasleyswizarding-wheezesĀ @gukssunshineĀ @kookxinĀ @petuliiiĀ @yoursthvĀ @libra04Ā @fancycollectormoonĀ @twixxxpieĀ @ignoretheskiesĀ @ohmydarlin-gĀ @bids97Ā @minyoongiboongiĀ @main-bangtansmauyeondanĀ @investedreaderĀ @petalsofinkĀ @stopeatreadĀ @craftymoonchaosĀ @alpacaparkaseokĀ @coletaehyungĀ @boyfriendtaekookĀ @moonchild1Ā @keshiadeijaĀ @nesha227Ā @src-9Ā @almatiarau @roseda
Series Taglist (1):
@xhazmaniaĀ @ash07128Ā @rinkudĀ @junecat18Ā @peachytokkiĀ @baechugffĀ @coralmusicblazeĀ @jalexadĀ @pamznĀ @hoseoksluv89Ā @familiarlikemymirror3Ā @kookies-n-spiceĀ @hyuneyeonĀ @thisartemisnevermissesĀ @jk97bamĀ @nadzzzblog @xyarinx @megnugget98Ā @shameless-armyĀ @jkslvsnellaĀ @lvr2seokĀ @nayashalouiseburrows
1K notes Ā· View notes
ingravinoveritas Ā· 4 months ago
Text
Lovely new article about Michael in Paste magazine. Article is behind a paywall, so here is a transcription (with thanks to the person on FB who transcribed it, and the parts in bold are my own emphasis).
Thereā€™s so much to love about Prime Videoā€™s Good Omens. A delightful adaptation of the popular Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett novel of the same name, the series is romantic, thoughtful, hilarious, and heartfelt by turns. The story of the almost-apocalypse and what comes afterward, it wrestles with big concepts like destiny, free will, and forgiveness, all framed through the lens of an unorthodox relationship between an angel and a demon whose love for one another is a key to saving the world.
As anyone who has watched Good Omens already knows, nothing about this series works without the pair of lead performances at its center. Stars David Tennant and Michael Sheenā€”who play the demon Crowley and the angel Aziraphale, respectivelyā€”have the kind of lighting-in-a-bottle chemistry thatā€™s the stuff of legend, and their charactersā€™ every interaction conveys both their deep affection for one another and the Earth theyā€™ve made their home. Their romance is the emotional linchpin around which most of the series turns, and their heartbreaking separation in the Season 2 finale is so devastating precisely because weā€™ve seen how necessary the two are to each otherā€™s lives.
But itā€™s Sheenā€™s performance in that final scene that really twists the knife. As Aziraphaleā€™s face crumples following his and Crowleyā€™s long-awaited kiss, the actor manages to convey what feels like every possible human emotion in the span of less than thirty seconds as the angel realizes what he has both had and just lost. The moment is emotionally brutal to watch, particularly after sitting through five and a half episodes of Aziraphale looking as lovestruck as the lead in any rom-com. Sheen makes it all look effortless, shifting from giddy joy to devastated longing and everything in between, and we really donā€™t talk enough about how powerful and underrated his work in this series truly is.
Though heā€™s half of the central duo that makes Good Omens tick, Sheenā€™s role often tends to get overshadowed by his co-starā€™s. Itā€™s not difficult to see why, given that Tennant gets to spend most of the show swanning around in tight trousers looking like the Platonic ideal of the charming bad boy, complete with flaming red hair and dramatic eyewear. Tennant also benefits from Crowleyā€™s much more sympathetic emotional arc. I mean, itā€™s hard not to love a cynical demon with a heart of gold whoā€™s been pining after his angelic best friend for literal millennia even after being cast out from Heaven. Of course, viewers are drawn to thatā€”likely a lot more easily than the story of an angel whoā€™s simply trying the best he can to do the right thing as he wrestles with his role in Godā€™s Ineffable Plan. Plus, letā€™s be real, Tennantā€™s sizeable Doctor Who fanbase certainly doesnā€™t hurt his characterā€™s popularity.
As a performer, Sheen has a long history of playing both real people (Tony Blair, David Frost, Brian Clough) and offbeat villains (Prodigal Sonā€™s Martin Whitly, Underworldā€™s Lucian, the Twilight Sagaā€™s Aro). In some ways, the role of a fussy, bookish angel is playing more than a bit against type for himā€”Gaiman himself has said he originally intended for Sheen to be Crowleyā€”but in his capable hands, Aziraphale becomes something much more than a simple avatar for the forces of Good (or even of God, for that matter). With a soft demeanor and a positively blinding smile, Sheenā€™s take on the character consistently radiates warmth and goodness, even as it contains surprisingly hidden depths. The former guardian of the Eastern Gate of Eden who gifted a fleeing Adam and Eve his flaming sword and befriended the Serpent who caused their Fall, Azirphale isnā€™t a particularly conventional angel. He enjoys all-too-human indulgences like food and wine, runs a Hoarders-esque bookshop that never seems to sell anything, and spends most of his time making heart eyes at the being thatā€™s meant to be his hereditary adversary.
Given the much more difficult task of playing the literal angel to Tennantā€™s charming devil, Sheen must find a way to make ideas like goodness and forgiveness as interesting and fun to watch as their darker counterparts. Itā€™s a generally thankless task, but one that Sheen tackles with gusto, particularly in the seriesā€™ second season, as Good Omens explores Aziraphaleā€™s slowly evolving idea of what he can and cannot accept in terms of being a soldier of Heaven. His growing understanding that the truth of creation is colored in shades of grey and compromise is often conveyed through little more than Sheenā€™s deftly shifting expressions and body language.
Our pop culture consistently struggles to portray the idea of goodness as something compelling or worth watching. Explicitly ā€œgoodā€ characters, particularly those who are religiously coded, are frequently treated as the butt of some sort of unspoken joke they arenā€™t in on, used to underline the idea that faith is a form of naivety or that kindness is somehow a weakness. For a lot of people, the entire concept of turning the other cheek is a suckerā€™s bet, and believing in something greater than oneself, be it a higher power or a sense of purpose, is a waste of time. But Good Omens is a story grounded in the idea that faith, hope, and loveā€”for one another, God, and the entire worldā€”are active verbs. And nowhere is that more apparent than in Sheenā€™s characterization of the soft angel whose old-fashioned waistcoats mask a spine of steel and who refuses to give upā€”on Crowley, on humanity, or on the idea that Heaven is still something that can be saved.
Though he and Tennant have pretty much become a matched set at this point (both on and off-screen), Sheenā€™s performance has rarely gotten the critical accolades it deserves. (Tennant alone was nominated for a BAFTA for Season 2, and Sheen was categorized as a supporting actor when the seriesā€™ competed in the 2019 Saturn Awards.) But it is his quiet strength that holds up so much of the rest of the show around him, and Sheen deserves to be more frequently recognized for it. That he makes it look so easy is just another sign of how good his performance really is.
I love this so much. The thoroughly well-deserved praise for Michael's incredible performance as Aziraphale, but also that Aziraphale and Crowley's relationship is specifically described as a "romance." And of course, the first sentence of the last paragraph that acknowledges how much Michael and David are indeed a "matched set" that cannot (and should not) be separated...
492 notes Ā· View notes
codtrashsammy Ā· 8 months ago
Text
Cute Meet?
Started as a kinda character study and idk what happened, i'ma be honest. I haven't written anything with length in awhile, so feel free to leave cc and let me know what you think <3 Just a cute meet kinda scenario, reader is an anxious lil thing and Simon 'Ghost' Riley is obsessed upon first glance. Love? No, not yet.. but obsessed, yes. Word Count: 1.3K Pairing: Simon Riley x Reader/You Warnings: No warnings, no use of y/n tho Enjoy :))
Tumblr media
Ghost is the keeper. Ghost is stoic, cold, even apathetic. Ghost can kill a whole platoon without batting an eye, can be covered in the blood of his enemies and be entirely uncaring to watch it flow down the drain once he has enough time to scrub the caked blood from where it seeped through his clothes. He is in charge, able to control his emotions effortlessly, able to lead. He is everything he needs to be. And then thereā€™s Simon. Ghost is the keeper. Simon is the man beneath the mask who needs one. Simon is more akin to a stray dog than a human at times. Face hidden from the world, yet teeth always barred and ready to bite. Hidden behind a mask, a carefully crafted mask that is Ghost. A man with more scars than flesh, a man with more trauma than peace, a man who simply longs for the normalcy of life without a way to reach it. And then came you.
Ghost couldnā€™t care less for you. The mask is on as heā€™s on leave, shopping in a grocery store to get something to eat on while he stays in that damned motel for the next couple of weeks before flying out once more. The mask stays in place, a protection, a show the keeper is in charge. You donā€™t mean to run into him, youā€™re definitely not the type to go looking for trouble- youā€™ve had enough of that in your life, and youā€™re just starting to get your shit together for the nth time. But as youā€™re both leaving, you stumble, bumping right into him and leaving a couple of his poor bags strewn about on the sidewalk rather than carefully held within each hand. ā€œFuckinā€™ ā€˜ell,ā€ Ghost grumbles with a sigh, clearly not pleased by the circumstances while watching a can of beans he had bought simply roll off of the sidewalk area and into the road- promptly ran over by a vehicle looking to park. No beans and toast now, british man. ā€œI am so sorry-ā€ You immediately apologize, the sheepish and embarrassed look on your face obvious as you dust yourself off and try to begin gathering the mess that you had caused. Ghost is annoyed at you. Just one look and heā€™s annoyed. But Simon? Simon is enchanted. The sweet, sheepish smile on your face, the way you scramble to help, the heat to your cheeks in your embarrassment as you scatter around trying to fix the situation. The way your hair falls and how youā€™re clearly nervous, but you still act anyway. You donā€™t care of how he looks- all brooding and intimidating with his hoodie over his head and the black medical mask over the lower half of his face. You couldnā€™t care less of that- you simply want to make things better. Simon notices that though. Simon remains frozen for a few moments, hidden interest in his eyes as he watches you scramble about, resorting your things just to have an extra couple of bags for his things. And you just hand things back over to him, the sheepish smile still on your face, the embarrassment clear- but gods, you look like such a sweet lil thing, lookinā€™ at him like heā€™s a human, a person. ā€œā€˜S fine,ā€ Simon eventually spits out, taking the bags from your hands and glancing once more at the beans staining the roadway now, before turning to focus his attention back on you. He could let you leave now. He could, itā€™d be so easy. He could leave it at that and walk away, probably never hear or see from you again. I mean, hell, heā€™s only known you for all of 5 minutes, and itā€™s because youā€™re a clumsy little shit who fucked up his shopping. Itā€™d be so easy so why does it feel so hard. ā€œDā€™ya always ā€˜ave to make such an impression?ā€ Simon quips out, readjusting the bags comfortably in his grip. You canā€™t even pretend not to notice his accent- itā€™s unusual for where you live, you donā€™t think youā€™ve ever heard anything like it outside of the media youā€™ve consumed. Itā€™s pleasant, rings around in the ears for a bit. You finally meet his eyes, and gods, they are gorgeous. Deep, rich, brown- like chocolate with golden flecks scattered. Especially in the sunlight- like they are now- pools of liquid gold swimming about a chocolate river. ā€œAh- No- Um-ā€ You struggle to find the right words, now your cheeks are warmer, and itā€™s less from embarrassment and more from the pretty eyed stranger you just fucking throttled on accident. But at least he doesnā€™t seem angry, so thereā€™s always that. ā€œIā€™m so sorry,ā€ You settle on apologizing again, one of your hands moving to nervously run through your hair, pushing some strands out of your face. ā€œā€˜S fine. Really.ā€ Simon says with a slight nod, and you can feel the burn of his eyes as they trail over you. You canā€™t decide if he means it or not, though, he sounds oddly monotone for such simple words. ā€œStill, I feel bad, I uh- Iā€™m kinda clumsy at best,ā€ You blurt out, sheepish smile on your face despite its softness as you glance away from him before looking back once more, ā€œI uh- just wasnā€™t paying much attention to where I was going- a real bad habit of mine, honestly- which is surprising cause youā€™re kinda huge and hard to miss-ā€Ā 
What the fuck did you just say?!Your cheeks heat up further, hands moving to gesture with your words now. Youā€™re rambling, you know you are, but god did not give you the ability to shut the fuck up. ā€œN-Not that thatā€™s a bad thing! Youā€™re uh- very well-built!ā€ what the fuck youā€™re making it worse- ā€œI-I mean- You uh- You have lots of muscle a-and thatā€™s a good thing! And you have pretty eyes- always a bonus!ā€ Simonā€™s eyebrow slowly lifts, his eyes crinkling at the sides. Simonā€™s been called a lot of things in his life- but heā€™s realizing at this moment that no one has ever called his eyes pretty. Theyā€™re brown. He can recall Johnny referring to them as ā€˜shit brownā€™ more often than not.Ā  And you just look so fucking adorable- continuing to ramble, but heā€™s hardly paying attention to the words now, watching your cheeks get darker, your hands gesturing with your words, nervously shifting on your feet as you try to ā€˜saveā€™ the situation. Such a precious lil thing, too pure for this world.
Simon was enchanted at first glance.
Ghost decides he could be, too.
A pretty thing like you? In this world? Oh, love, thatā€™s just not safe. Youā€™re a lil bundle of nervous, clearly. Howā€™d ya make it this far? Who made ya like this? Unsure, rambling, nervous? Ghost wants to learn you. Wants to figure out what events molded you into this cute lil thing. You clearly need someone- he wonā€™t judge, Simon needs him, too.
Ghost decides he wants to know you. Simon has made that thought known.
ā€œYou know what? Iā€™m gonna shut up!ā€ You finally say, voice a higher pitch and the heat being felt in the tips of your ears at this point as you take a step away from the masked man, who you know youā€™ve done ruined the chance to know with your inability to shut the fuck up.
ā€œTell me yer name before ya do,ā€ Simon says, voice smooth like itā€™s the easiest and most casual thing in the world.
Heā€™s soā€¦ quiet. He let you ramble and make an absolute fool of yourself- but now heā€™s actually wanting to know your name?
After you manage to knock yourself out of your stupor, you finally offer your name to him, cheeks finally cooling down a bit. Only to heat back up once he repeats your name in that voice of his, all low and gruff- says it differently than anything youā€™ve ever heard before- like itā€™s something important, something that matters.
ā€œSimon,ā€ He supplies, adjusting his bags in one grip as he offers a hand to you.
Simon and Ghost are two very different people who share this skin suit.
But they both decide youā€™re theirs.
867 notes Ā· View notes
goldfish-afterhours Ā· 1 year ago
Text
Genshin Characters Apologizing After a Bad Fight
Characters: Diluc, Childe, Kaeya, Zhongli x Gn!reader
Type/genre: Bulleted headcanons, angst/hurt comfort?
Warnings: Curse words, probably not the healthiest coping mechanisms/apologies
Diluc
His apology comes out strained, as if the words are clinging to the back of his throat
His fists are clenched tight by his side. He prepares himself for you to yell, to scream at him
But you donā€™t even turn around to look at him
Diluc always saw you as his rock, his lighthouse in the stormy night, the one who keeps him steady as his duties of both vineyard owner and vigilante shake him back and forth like a ragdoll
But right now, it hits him for the first time how small your back is, how human you look
Has he been taking you for granted all this time?
When you donā€™t respond to his apology, he calls your name, and you finally turn around
His eyes widen when he sees the tears streaming down your face
His heart absolutely breaks. How could he have made you, his love, his everything, hurt this much?
Before either of you says anything, Diluc flies towards you, cradling your head gently in his arms, as if any slight pressure would cause you to break and shatter like glass
ā€œHow pathetic of me to make you cry. Iā€™m so sorry.ā€
Childe
His heart could rival the weight of the world right now
Childe isnā€™t used to disappointing others. No, heā€™s always been the golden boy, the prodigy, the one who sets the bar and breaks it at the same time
So how come you are sitting with your back to him, refusing to say a word?
And why canā€™t he find it in himself to say something, anything, to make this better?
He is petty person, someone willing to drown an entire city rather than admit defeat. Any word of apology is almost impossible to force out of him.
Instead, he drops a book in front of you. It flips to a random page, and you can see the photos and names of people listed on it
Not unlike a cat bringing their owner a mouse, this was Childeā€™s form of an apology, even without the actual words being uttered.
ā€œChoose any person from this book. Iā€™ll bring you their head.ā€
Kaeya
His fingers are restless, constantly scratching the back of his hand or twisting each other
His jaw is clenched, shoulders slumped forwards as he refuses to look you in the eye
ā€œIā€¦I was wrong. Iā€™m sorry.ā€
You knew that Kaeya had a hard time with apologizingā€”not because he was arrogant and thought he could do no wrong, but the emotional and physical toll it took on him was great
He often finds himself caught in a dilemma
On one hand, he has a difficult time admitting he is wrong as it forces him into a vulnerable position. To be wrong is shameful, an embarrassment.
On the other hand, he knows he fucked up. And he knows there are only a very few amount of fuck ups people let slide before they get fed up and leave.
And having you leave is not something he can afford
Kaeyaā€™s seen this before. Faced again and again with abandonment, he knows a simple ā€œIā€™m sorryā€ is not enough to make most people stay
But it is all he can offer
He prepares himself for the worst, but he was not prepared for the way you gently lifted his chin with your hands, a soft kiss melting away his fears
Zhongli
When you slam the door to your room, Zhongli doesnā€™t try to stop you
He doesnā€™t knock on your door, nor does he try to coax you out
He knows your type of angerā€”itā€™s like fire, and feeding premature apologies or sweet nothings would only fan the flames
So he sits outside your door until youā€™re ready to come out
Slips you snacks and books from under your door, in case you get hungry or bored in your anger
When you see the treats and novels slowly appear from under the door, youā€™re still fuming, but itā€™s difficult to be furious knowing your thoughtful lover is on the other side, not pushing you to calm down but trying to make you comfortable as you sit with your anger.
When you finally calm down enough to unlock the door and step outside, Zhongli is waiting
There is not a trace of annoyance on his face, but you can tell he relaxes a little from relief that you are willing to come speak with him again
Takes your hands in his, giving them a gentle squeeze as he apologizes for his behaviour earlier.
ā€œPlease accept my apology, my love. I never meant to hurt you.ā€
2K notes Ā· View notes
akixxsstuff Ā· 9 months ago
Text
Dating L would be like...
Tumblr media
Death Note L Lawliet x gender neutral reader
(I'm aware that the picture says girlfriend but the gender of the reader is not specified in the fic. The pictures were also edited by me).
Fluff // One shot
Summary: L was more like a machine than a human, he was cold, calculated and a "no fun and games" type of person aside from the occasional sarcastic or dry humored comment. L never lost his composure and would repress any emotion he had has a intimidation tactic. He was blunt and wouldn't allow anything or anyone to dethrone him.
However around you, L wasn't quite that...
The task force had suspected you and L were a couple, but whenever anyone asked about it, L would quickly shut down the conversation and went back to his work, saying that it wasn't any of their business. You and L were a couple but he just wanted to keep things secretive and professional since doing otherwise made him feel vulnerable.
He couldn't let his suspect Light know how much you meant to him just in case he used it against him, plus it was just in L's nature to be serective.
However as soon the doors were closed and the task force was gone, he would be nuzzling into your shoulder, whining for attention. He would never stop clinging onto you until he got he's way because in his own words, "I'm also childish and don't like to lose".
Like today for instance:
"Not now Lolly, I've got an appointment to book", you said sighing while L continued kissing your neck and nibbling your ear from behind. "I love you but I do not appreciate your lack of cooperation" L then grumbled.
Lolly was your main pet name for L since it sounded like it was short for lollipop, (and we all know how much L loves those) and sounded similar to his real name, Lawliet. Panda was also another common one since he reminded you of one with his dark eyes and pale skin.
He then kneeled in between your legs with his head resting on your thigh, looking up at you in annoyance in an attempt to guilt trip you, (however he couldn't mask he's pleading eyes). "Lolly I already told you I'm busy, just 10 more minutes okay my love?" you cooed while stroking his cheek. But L didn't care, he picked you up bridal style from your chair and tossed you onto the bed. "Lawliet, you should know of all people how important it is to not have any distractions from your work" you said rasing an eyebrow. "You make a fair point" L says with his thumb on his lip, "But I'm not feeling very empathetic tonight" then he proceeded to smother you with kisses.
Your dates were either cafe hopping, picnics in the park, or L trying to teach you tennis. You would always try to get him to wear shoes but he would refuse, saying "I don't like how they feel". "I know but I don't want you to step on a piece of glass and hurt yourself" you would say while kissing his forehead. "I will live" L would reply while blushing from your kiss. You would then sigh and take off your shoes, "Fine, if that's how you want to play" and you both would walk around barefoot.
Another thing L wouldn't budge on is removing all the cameras and wiring taps from your room, if someone broke in and tired to hurt you he needed to know immediately who was responsible so he could toss them in jail forever. He valued your life way more than his, afterall, he did challenge Kira to kill him live on broadcast.
L absolutely loved when you taunted his number one suspect Light, in fact it was his love language.
"I'm not Kira!" Light would yell.
"You're not a very convincing actor Light, but hey! Maybe they'll give you an academy award in prison just for trying. Light Yagami! Mass murderer tries playing innocent victim!".
As a detective, L would always be analysising people's behaviour and you were no expectation.
"How was your day darling?" L cooed.
"Fine. I'm going to my room".
You say that you're fine Y/N yet you're tone and lack of physical affection would indicate otherwise. Could you be trying to deprive me of your attention as an indirect punishment? What could have I done?
However, you did mention how your work load has increased because of the lack of empyoees, were you stressed from that and simply avoided me to avoid talking about it? I should confront you instead of making any assumptions, it could make matters worse because you might believe that I am deliberately ignoring you.
"Love, I believe I have done something to upset you, please tell me what it is was so I can correct my behaviour. Will you accept this piece of cake as a initial peace offering? If I'm not to blame then please tell me who's bothering you so I can potentially sue them".
759 notes Ā· View notes
applestorms Ā· 3 months ago
Text
L can be such a possessive character at times. he always strikes me as the type of person who is deeply aware of everything that he owns, both in a more literal sense and metaphorically-- like, he knows what money he has and how to use it, what resources are readily available to him and what he has to be sneakier to utilize, the habits and tendencies and emotional states of individuals and world governments both. the DN musical really puts an emphasis on the more computer-y aspects of how his brain functions, which isn't as obvious in the manga/anime but i think still works well as a way to follow his thinking. it's kinda what near does too: everything is a factor to them, every tiny detail a new opening to optimize for the best results, every person and location and object a part of a puzzle waiting to be solved. and as a part of that, L is deeply aware of every and any little thing he may or may not have control over, and exactly to what degree.
his habit of stealing titles as depicted in the LABB murders novel is such a good example of this. ryuzaki, eraldo coil, deneuve. he eats people alive and then takes their names for himself like some kind of fucked up fae or trickster god, creating new masks and personas to hide behind from the remains of the people he's devoured. i have to wonder if he would've used the title of KIRA for himself had he won-- i can hardly imagine what kind of power such a title could hold if held in his hands. of course, he could've just used the defeat of KIRA as a way to build up the L title even further, offering up the body of a dead god like perseus showing off the head of medusa. but L is so emotionally attached to the kira case, i struggle to see him allowing it to fade from existence so thoroughly as near does, even if it is only kept close on a private level...
this is part of why i think it genuinely makes a lot of sense that L's ultimate win state would include capturing light to some degree. even if the memory of KIRA somehow manages to fully disappear from the public consciousness, there is no fucking way L is letting light yagami out of his grasp. honestly, the moment that L truly loses this game is not when he starts investigating misa while still under rem's watch, not when light gets back his memories, not even when he dies, but the moment when he allows light to be freed from the handcuffs. the moment when he allows the other members of the task force to turn off the cameras and keep him from watching light and misa talk in the lobby. the moment when he gives up, lets light yagami go outside of L's personal sphere of control, is the moment when L starts the clock ticking down to the end of his own life.
this is one of the key ways in which i see light as a true equal and parallel to L, as after L's death he, intentionally or no, continues the same tradition and takes L's title for himself, twisting the two sides together into the L-KIRA amalgamation. only, the L title functions a little bit differently than every other persona or title that we see in the series-- because L's true name is L. that's all that he is. on a literal, legal, and emotional level, i don't think that L is anything more than L. he is the world's greatest detective, he's an incredible, weirdo super genius, but he does not afford himself much more than that, barely allows himself personhood or humanity outside of his work. light was the one to ultimately defeat L because he did not just put a stain on his character (as BB attempted), did not just kill him, but stole his very identity and took it for himself.
one of the biggest contradictions of L's character that i think you must accept should you attempt to portray him accurately is that he is both deeply detached from humanity while also having all of his work and effort and life be focused around saving it. it's one of the ways in which he is an exact opposite to light-- where light relies on humanity for external validation, to be Seen, while also looking down on it as dumb and immoral and spineless, L is so separated from it that he barely exists as a person, all the while dedicating almost every action he takes to helping it. remember: for all the emotional turmoil that wammy's house and the legacy of L may put on the kids living there, ultimately it's entire existence is nothing more than L's logical solution to his potential demise. if he dies, the world goes down with him, all of the cases that are yet to happen and he is yet to solve being left in the air. he has the foresight to set up a fail safe, but not to consider the emotional implications of what being that fail safe might feel like, how high the price of your own humanity is if you are not already alienated from it, the inability to have your own name on your gravestone-- though perhaps some of the blame also falls on watari's shoulders in this case, philanthropic old bastard that he is.
imo, playing his game really got it right in presenting L and light as one and the same, synonyms on either side of the mirror. in every action they take they are both so selfishly selfless, playing the game for themselves and their own pleasure but plastering the needs and will of humanity on top of it. L isn't invested in saving humanity for the sake of humanity-- he just likes the thrill of having the stakes raised so high. hard to shit on ryuk for wanting entertainment when the humans he finds are just the same as him.
312 notes Ā· View notes
crimsoncandy04 Ā· 9 days ago
Text
Before you read anything of mine just know that I'm a FIRM believer in big dick/dominant/sadistic scara.
SPECIFICALLY in his fatui era.
There's WAY too much NSFW stuff out there depicting this JADED man as someone SUDDENLY willing to just be vulnerable enough to let someone screw him and even though I don't care about what everyone else does, it personally just never sat right with me.
I just have always seen him as a slightly more of a Christian Gray type of vibe before irminsul.
Like he doesn't make love.
He fucks.
Hard.
Because that doesn't require emotional connection or openness. And when done in a more selfish way, it can be a way to assert dominance.
Especially if someone secretly struggles with self esteem issues and feels like they need to manipulate/control the people around them to feel confident.
And have you SEEN the fragile egos most men under 5'10 with poor parental relationships have irl?
Scaramouche in his shadow period is hardly any different. He's mean, nasty, murderous, selfish, cruel and conniving. We just all like to glaze him cause he's pretty and was ONCE a nice guy.
But then he swore off emotions and became a sexy piece of shit who let me remind everyone, SAW HUMANS AS LESSER THAN HIM.
Literally calling us worms and bugs and shit.
You'd have to spend AT LEAST a few centuries slowly chipping away at Scaramouche's emotional walls because his fear of loss runs deep and he responds with apathy and sadism canonically.
I just feel like along with his potential "mommy issues", this is a seriously missed creative opportunity by the genshin smut community as a whole.
Like LET my hot evil sociopathic man BE evil.
ESPECIALLY in the sheets!
Please!
I know he's hurting deep down.
But that's what Wanderer and Kabukimono smut is for tbh.
I will always write Scaramouche in my fanfics to be at least a bit self absorbed and ruthless when it comes to getting what he wants.
Maybe even cruel and insane too.
211 notes Ā· View notes
roguelov Ā· 5 months ago
Note
OKAY BUT IMAGINE;
Becoming Morpheus's safe space or his emotional support human. Like one day you're walking through the Dreaming and you find Morpheus, who is completely overwhelmed with his feelings and is hiding from everyone. So you, who has been completely nervous and a little intimidated by him bc he's literally an Endless, go up to him and hug him without hesitation. You comfort him without asking any questions or trying to get him to talk about it. You just let him feel with no judgement.
Que to like maybe a couple weeks or months later where Morpheus just constantly seeks out your touch for comfort. Like will literally cross a whole room just to touch you no matter whoever is there or wherever you two are. He just automatically relaxs at the touch and he also like to see the light blush that appears on your face because despite how normal the touching is by now, he still makes you nervous in a butterflies in the stomach type of way.
OH MY GOD MY HEART IS MELTING AT THIS I DIDNT KNOW I NEEDED THIS UNTIL YOU SAID IT
You were in the library assisting Lucienne with reorganizing all the new books. The two of you were talking about anything and everything. It was calm, and enjoyable.
Until such a peace was interrupted.
Hasty footsteps cut through your melodic conversation. You both turned your head to find Morpheus marching through the library. His eyes determined and somewhat harsh as each of his steps were filled with a near righteous purpose. He seemed to be on some personal - and dare you say important - mission. As if, he was trying to locate something, or someone.
Morpheusā€™s eyes flickered over to you. Instantly, he beelined it directly towards you. Once within your grasp, he hugged you from behind.
Someone. He was trying to find someone, and that being you.
You tensed up, feeling your heart skip. His arms tightened around your waist as he pressed his forehead into your shoulder. He let out a deep long heavy exhale as some internal weight lifted off of him.
Lucienne bit back a smile. You glanced at her with wide eyes, feeling a heat rise to your cheeks. She knew of your small crush on the Endless, a secret she swore to keep. ā€œI will finish later, there are other things I must do,ā€ she said with a slight playfulness in her voice.
You wanted to call out to her, to tell her not to go, but all those words died on your lips. Once she disappeared from sight, you let out a small sigh. She will give you grief later.
ā€œApologies,ā€ Morpheus murmured, still clinging to you. You tensed at the soft hypnotic timbre of his voice. ā€œIt has been a ā€¦ difficult morning.ā€
With each passing second, the stress continued to melt off of him. How could one hug, one touch from you, calm him so immensely?
ā€œItā€™s ok,ā€ you tried to keep your voice steady. ā€œJust took me a bit off guard.ā€
ā€œShould I -ā€œ he slowly removed his arms.
ā€œNo,ā€ you blurted out. ā€œItā€™s fine, really. You just looked so ā€¦ so ā€¦ angry earlier, I didnā€™t know what you were going to do.ā€
Morpheus sighed, returning his arms around you grateful for it. ā€œAgain, I am sorry if I alarmed you.ā€
ā€œPlease you donā€™t have to apologize. If I can bring you any kind of comfort then Iā€™m happy to help.ā€
His arms gave you a small squeeze, almost as if in a silent thank you. ā€œYou truly are a wonder to behold,ā€ he whispered.
Your heart fluttered at his touching words. ā€œHow so,ā€ you asked with a giddy smile as you placed your hands over top of his.
ā€œYou can always calm my chaotic emotions.ā€
You turned your head slightly to peer at him from the corner of your eye. All you saw was his messy ruffled hair. You leaned your head towards his, and lovingly rest it against his. ā€œAlways happy to help,ā€ you whispered softly into his hair.
Morpheus was thankful to have hid his face, for he knew if you looked at him you could see his unspoken love for you. A mortal who went from stranger to confidante. His dear mortal whose words and touch can assuage any turmoil within him. His infatuation that held his heart in a way he could not comprehend. His love who he hoped would stay by his side when he gathered the courage to ask.
ā€œThank you,ā€ he mumbled.
Thank you for everything.
ā€œOf course, Iā€™m always here for you,ā€ you hummed.
356 notes Ā· View notes
angelfleurry Ā· 2 months ago
Text
Horror Movies With the DRV3 Boys!:
Hello my loves. I'm so sorry, I know I have requests, but I'm just putting some stuff out for Halloween. Currently in a bit of a writer's block, so I'm awfully sorry for the wait.
Rantaro Amami!:
ā™” Oh, heā€™s PREPARED.
ā™” You want snacks? BOOM.
ā™” Water? Tea? Some kind of drink? BAM.
ā™” Blankets? TADA.
ā™” He has it all, heā€™s so down.
ā™” If youā€™re comfy with it, he likes to have some sort of hold on you the entire time.
ā™” Could be intertwining your fingers, having you lean into him or vice versa, something, anything.
ā™” Heā€™s honestly really chill in the sense of watching a film.
ā™” You can put whatever horror movie youā€™d like on, heā€™ll watch.
ā™” Makes very hushed comments, as if heā€™s talking to himself.
ā™” Likes to glance over every now and again to see how youā€™re coping.
ā™” If he gets startled by something, heā€™ll react, but itā€™s swift.
ā™” Heā€™ll flinch, maybe make a noise, and then chuckle it off.
ā™” Always chuckles at your reactions.
ā™” Unless youā€™re genuinely upset by something, then heā€™ll check on you.
ā™” If not, heā€™ll just ask in a light-hearted manner.
ā™” He knows youā€™re fine, but he canā€™t help but address it.
ā™” Thinks itā€™s cute.
Ryoma Hoshi!:
ā™” If motionless was a person, it would be Ryoma.
ā™” Is he startled? Is he regretting agreeing to watch this? Is he struggling?
ā™” Or, is he enjoying it?
ā™” Itā€™s hard to tell.
ā™” Impossible, even.
ā™” The only way you can really tell heā€™s alive is when he lets out a smug chuckle or makes a tutting sound, depending on whatā€™s going on.
ā™” It all depends on the type of horror movie, too.
ā™” I feel like heā€™d really enjoy Halloween, but can definitely stomach more darker horror films.
ā™” Doesnā€™t mean he likes them though.
ā™” Definitely has seen the Chucky movies.
ā™” Doesnā€™t pander to your fright, but he finds it amusing.
ā™” He honestly really enjoys watching horror films with you.
ā™” Itā€™s nice to be able to tune out from the world and engage in fiction, especially if youā€™re next to him.
Korekiyo Shinguji!:
ā™” I feel like on his own, he does not really watch much media, especially horror.
ā™” But, should you introduce him to it, heā€™ll sit down and observe.
ā™” Even if itā€™s a more grotesque or disturbing film, he still holds a bit of admiration at how creative humanity can be to conjure up films of such nature.
ā™” Is definitely a fan of older horror films, as well as films that are more psychologically/emotionally horrifying.
ā™” This might just be me projecting, but I feel like Korekiyo would have a soft spot for Carrie.
ā™” The 70ā€™s version though, it cannot be beaten.
ā™” Itā€™s such an artistic film full of extreme emotion, as well as clear human error, that I really do feel like he would have a bias for it.
ā™” It touches a part of his soul, in all honesty.
ā™” It would likely be a favourite of his to watch with you should you ever want to watch something.
ā™” In his opinion, itā€™s more of a tragedy than a horror.
ā™” The man hardly gets visibly scared.
ā™” Itā€™s hard to tell what expression he bares due to the mask, but if you look up at his eyes, or listen in on his breathing, youā€™ll figure out if heā€™s scared or not.
ā™” I imagine Korekiyoā€™s unpredictable when it comes to movies, especially horror movies.
ā™” He might allow a quick comment, but for the most part I feel he is silent.
ā™” However, should the movie present a topic, culture, or place he has knowledge of, he will explain.
ā™” I feel like he sits incredibly still during horror movies, so youā€™ll probably have to hold him first if you want contact.
Gonta Gokuhara!:
ā™” Is it a good idea to let Gonta watch a horror film?
ā™” Youā€™re not one to baby him, butā€¦
ā™” Oh well, if the day would ever come, it would be because he would ask.
ā™” And, one day, he did.
ā™” ā€œY/N, Gonta overhear that couples are meant to watch scary movies together, especially on Halloweenā€¦ā€
ā™” ā€œYeah, thatā€™s right.ā€ youā€™d told him, nodding slightly in confirmation, ā€œIs that something you wanted to do?ā€
ā™” ā€œIf Y/N is happy to, then yes! Gonta would very much like to.ā€
ā™” You smiled at that, but felt the need to ask:
ā™” ā€œWould you be comfortable watching those sorts of films?ā€
ā™” At his conflicted hesitation, you felt the need to talk again.
ā™” ā€œWe can always turn it off if you donā€™t like it.ā€
ā™” Gonta smiled, he liked the sound of that.
ā™” And, surely enough, you had to.
ā™” He gave it a try, though, and thatā€™s something you really appreciated.
ā™” You did manage to sit through Cujo with him, however.
ā™” He cried, but he didnā€™t want to turn it off.
ā™” Lots of cuddles were in order after that.
ā™” I imagine he tried to be all romantic and make tea for you both.
ā™” Heā€™s glad he gave it a try though, and he thanks you for being there with him.
ā™” Gonta has a lot of empathy, so horror films arenā€™t really the best thing to watch with him.
ā™” Heā€™s able to feel the fear, the sadness, the pain.
ā™” He also feels as if he is watching existing people die.
ā™” Heā€™s aware that theyā€™re not real people, but theyā€™re being played by real people, and it feels real, so itā€™s enough to frighten him.
ā™” Makes him feel helpless, he wants to help but he canā€™t.
ā™” Please put a bug documentary on afterwards, or something calming.
ā™” Scoop him into a cuddle and heā€™ll be alright.
Kokichi Ouma!:
ā™” Give this man a psychological horror movie and heā€™s SORTED.
ā™” Absolutely loves it.
ā™” Itā€™s hard to tell what his opinion on the more gorey movies are.
ā™” He sits through them, and will even suggest watching them, but heā€™ll also judge the heck out of them.
ā™” Has commented on how excessive they are as well.
ā™” So itā€™s hard to tell if he enjoys them or not.
ā™” Films like Saw or Room 1408 will have him in a chokehold, but he always has something to say.
ā™” Also really likes the Chucky franchise.
ā™” If he gets scared, no he didnā€™t.
ā™” He can loudly scream or jolt upright, but you didnā€™t see or hear that.
ā™” Loves to have a pillow wedged between his arms.
ā™” Has definitely snuck away when youā€™re engrossed in the film to try and scare you.
ā™” Cannot stay still for the life of him - heā€™s always fidgeting!
ā™” I canā€™t see him being one for cuddling during these films, at least not constantly.
ā™” Every now and then heā€™ll throw himself around you, maybe make a remark on the film as he does so, and then randomly sit back up.
ā™” Sometimes he wonā€™t do it at all.
ā™” Just depends on how heā€™s feeling.
ā™” Is very obnoxious should he have a drink with him.
ā™” Those grape Panta cans will be clicking and hissing, just so you know.
ā™” Teases you if you react to any scenes.
ā™” Heā€™s a merciless hypocrite like that.
Kaito Momota!:
ā™” Heā€™ll definitely big himself up as being able to stomach the genre.
ā™” ā€œDonā€™t you worry, starlight, you can hold on to me!ā€
ā™” But, give him fifteen minutes and heā€™s beginning to get twitchy.
ā™” Heā€™ll probably subtly scoot closer to you, but itā€™s not because heā€™s scared totally! Sure! Why would he be scared?
ā™” Does the stereotypical guy thing where he leans an arm to wrap around you.
ā™” If you look at him afterwards, heā€™ll act as if heā€™s doing it for your sake.
ā™” No, no. Heā€™s doing it for him.
ā™” Cannot sit through ghost movies, he gets a little paranoid.
ā™” Even Casper the Friendly Ghost made him nervous at first, so it is probably for the best you stay away from ghost-related movies.
ā™” I think heā€™d be fine with slasher films though.
ā™” It just depends on how much comedic effect is thrown in with it.
ā™” Cuddling with him is nice, though.
ā™” Regardless as to if you get scared easily or not, youā€™re not gonna pass up the chance to be close to your boyfriend.
Kiibo Idabashi!:
ā™” Heā€™s squeamish.
ā™” Knows fully well that it is all fiction, but heā€™ll be processing everything for days after.
ā™” ā€œY/N! Look what they did, look whatā€™s happening!ā€
ā™” He is very vocal should it just be the two of you watching a film.
ā™” Itā€™s nice, itā€™s like your own personal commentator.
ā™” Has researched what to do when watching horror movies with his partner.
ā™” Likes touching shoulders with you, it gives him a sense of security; keeps him in reality.
ā™” Has and will continue to close his eyes during certain scenes.
ā™” ā€œTell me when itā€™s over!ā€
ā™” He can laugh about his fear afterwards, giggling slightly as he thanks you.
ā™” You both scream in unison, itā€™s quite funny.
ā™” If you scream, itā€™ll set him off.
ā™” If Kiibo screams, it could set you off.
ā™” And then youā€™re both screaming before laughing within the next heartbeat.
Shuichi Saihara!:
ā™” Shuichiā€™s a detective, heā€™s seen some things.
ā™” This means that, surprisingly, heā€™s not as squeamish as one would expect when watching a horror film.
ā™” Heā€™ll still find some things disturbing though, and his facial expressions give him away.
ā™” Subconsciously clings to you during these moments, and you welcome it.
ā™” If somethingā€™s incorrect, heā€™ll point it out.
ā™” Then, he realises heā€™s pointing it out, and worries heā€™s coming off as too harsh.
ā™” But, heā€™s already said it all, so you just prompt him into explaining why itā€™s incorrect.
ā™” Itā€™s nice to have him explain stuff over an uncomfortable scene, it takes away the edge.
ā™” Always makes sure youā€™re okay with whatā€™s playing.
ā™” Cuddles are a given, or just some form of physical contact.
ā™” You two share a blanket, and he repeatedly asks if youā€™ve got enough.
ā™” Gives you more blanket than he gives himself, bless him.
ā™” Even if you two arenā€™t effected by the movie, you always like to do something gentle on the mind afterwards.
ā™” This could be reading a book side by side, or watching a calm movie, or even just talking.
ā™” Itā€™s nice.
ā™” Heā€™s nice.
ā™” Loveā€™s nice.
185 notes Ā· View notes
purple-plum-petals Ā· 1 month ago
Note
Hi!! I really love your homicipher content!! Could I ask you for Mr Machete headcanons in a relationship?
This man needs love please, I can't find any of it anywhere!!! šŸ˜© And by the way, you write very beautifully! Never stop :D!
If your requests are already closed you can ignore this. Thank you and have a nice day!
āŠ± Being in a Relationship with Him āŠ° || Mr. Machete Headcanons
ā•­ā”€ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”€ā•® Character(s): Mr. Machete (Homicipher/ę–‡å­—åŒ–åŒ–) Reader Type: Human (Gender-Neutral Pronouns) Warning(s): Spoilers for Homicipher (specifically Mr. Macheteā€™s Route), Canon-typical Mentions of Violence (and horror-elements), Cultural Barriers (Mr. Machete Doesnā€™t Fully Comprehend Certain Emotions/Expresses Them Differently Than a Human Would ā€“ He Also Will Fight Youā„¢ Which Is Obviously Not Healhy IRL), Brief Mention of Blood Consumption. Genre: Headcanons, Fluff(?), Romantic Relationship (Itā€™s Complicated, honestly). Word Count: ~1,100 words. Request: ā€œHi!! I really love your homicipher content!! Could I ask you for Mr Machete headcanons in a relationship?ā€ Authorā€™s Note: Of course, and thank you for your kind words! While Mr. Machete isnā€™t one of my top picks, I can certainly see his appeal. Plus, if Iā€™m being 100% honest with everyone, heā€™s actually really fun to write for (which I was not expecting at all when I started writing for this fandom). This type of character usually isnā€™t my favorite, but Iā€™m starting to understand the Mr. Machete fans the more I write for himā€¦ šŸ˜³ I kind of focused on the traits that Mr. Machete would look for in a partner, and what being in a relationship with him would be like. Of course, I do my best to stay as canon-compliant as possible, which means that this is not a cute list of sweet/fluffy headcanons, so just be warned (thereā€™s nothing too horrible or crazy, justā€¦ donā€™t date anyone who would spear you with a huge sword irl haha). Anyway, I hope you enjoy! I had a really fun time thinking about/writing this one.Ā 
ā†’ If you enjoyed my work, please reblog it if you can! Exposure on Tumblr is based on reblogging content rather than liking it, so your support would be much appreciated!Ā  ā™”
ā•°ā”€ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”ā”€ā•Æ
Tumblr media
šŸ”Ŗ: Honestly, being in a relationship with Mr. Machete can be challenging sometimes or simply impossible, especially if youā€™re expecting him to be a perfect gentleman who treats you like a delicate flower (spoiler alert: he wonā€™t and he never will). Heā€™s a rough and rugged resident of the other world, someone who is constantly on the search for exhilaration ā€“ heā€™s looking for someone who will give him a challenge in battle and someone who will bring stimulation into his existence that he has increasingly grown bored with. If you cannot do either, then he wants nothing to do with you. He has no problem driving his sword into your back if you do not bring him any sense of excitement and overstay your welcome.Ā 
šŸ”Ŗ: To first catch the attention of someone like Mr. Machete, you need to be strong. Now, this doesnā€™t necessarily mean physical strength (even though that certainly is a bonus and he would prefer someone who is bigger or someone who is physically the same size as he is), but being strong can also be mental fortitude ā€“ someone who doesnā€™t let their mind and emotions take control of their life. Heā€™s not an emotionally available type of person, not seeing the point in discussing emotions or lingering on past mistakes or sorrows, instead choosing to express himself in the only way he knows how to ā€“ violence. If thereā€™s any stirring within him, feelings he cannot put a label on, he gets his frustrations and confusion out by slaughtering others or dueling with someone who he feels can stand toe-to-toe with him. So, if youā€™re in a relationship with him, you have to be okay with battling him and accepting the possibility of being injured (or even dying) as a result.Ā It's kind of his go-to way of communicating things he cannot find the words for.
šŸ”Ŗ: He also wants a partner he doesnā€™t need to babysit or look after, someone who can take care of and protect themselves if danger were to arise. He wants an equal, not someone who is fully dependent on him for physical security or emotional support. He wants someone who he can rely on and who he knows will watch his back. Mr. Machete doesnā€™t mind someone simply following him around (even if heā€™ll constantly ask you why youā€™re doing that despite the fact he does find it somewhat annoying) but, if youā€™re planning on staying with him for the long term, he prefers someone who can pull their own weight, especially so in a fight.Ā 
šŸ”Ŗ: If you manage to meet his standards and earn his respect in either physical or verbal battles, congratulations! You now have yourself an emotionally unavailable partner who loves violence and is constantly looking for excitement to fill the aching void inside his chest! Heā€™ll frequently do things in your relationship that go against what you tell him (the primary example being when he just threw the MC across the chasm despite her yelling for him to stop), and he doesnā€™t understand why it makes you upset, especially since everything usually works out in the end. He doesnā€™t pick up on context clues either so if you need him to do something specific, youā€™ll need to tell him that since he doesnā€™t read between the lines. If you try and explain it to him, though, thereā€™s about a 50/50 chance heā€™s actually listening to what youā€™re saying ā€“ it depends on his mood.Ā 
šŸ”Ŗ: However, after the two of you spend more time together, he does find himself (albeit begrudgingly) enjoying your company. Heā€™s always traveled alone, looking for a home he cannot remember yet a deep part of him longs for. Heā€™s never been one to have companions or appreciate another's companyā€¦ yet here you were ā€“ still following him around despite everything, and he actually found himself liking it (maybe, just maybe, you could find a home in one another).
šŸ”Ŗ: He would need a partner who was quick-witted and not afraid to bite back at his complaints with snide or snippy remarks. Mr. Machete finds bantering with you surprisingly enjoyable, and he often tries to guess what youā€™ll say to him before you even have the chance to think of a good comeback. You can tell when his feelings start shifting a bit, too, finding that he criticizes your weapon and stature less frequently and instead praises you on things you do well, such as your improvements in battle (even though heā€™ll still remark that you move too slow). Thatā€™s fine, though ā€“ he doesnā€™t mind training with you more to give you an opportunity to enhance your skills.Ā 
šŸ”Ŗ: Mr. Machete will never really be soft with you no matter how much time passes, and thatā€™s just something youā€™ll have to accept if you want to be in a relationship with him. Once you have won him over, though, he will stick by your side through thick and thin, and he finds himself fleeing from battles less often, almost as if heā€™s trying to impress you (however, if both of you do need to flee, heā€™ll fling you over his shoulder and leave while carrying you instead of leaving you behind in the dust, so thatā€™s an improvement at least). Heā€™ll also keep you healthy, willingly cutting open his palm without you asking him to do so, placing it above your mouth while his blood trickles down your throat ā€“ heā€™ll give you as much of his blood as you need if it means getting your body to work again. He doesnā€™t want you to be weak, so heā€™ll help you stay strong.Ā 
šŸ”Ŗ: Not big on most typical ways of displaying affection, instead finding the best way to show you his respect and endearment by challenging you to duels. Itā€™s almost like a dance between the two of you, an opportunity to see how much the other has improved while the sound of your weapons clashing echoes through the concrete corridors of the other world in a haunting song of bloodlust and complicated feelings of love. After battle, though, sometimes heā€™ll justā€¦ hold you. It feels surprisingly normal ā€“ you sitting in his lap, head resting against his chest while you close your eyes and catch your breath, and his arm flung around your shoulder while he holds you close. The moments when you two arenā€™t searching for your home or fighting something (or each other) are rare and eerily calm, yet theyā€™re also relaxing and bring you both a sense of peace in each other's presence. Mr. Machete doesnā€™t find these brief instances boring, either, even though he knows he should detest them... he doesn't mind sharing the occasional moment of quiet with you.
262 notes Ā· View notes
fixyourwritinghabits Ā· 20 days ago
Text
Showing Emotions: Anger
When it comes to description, showing what emotions the characters are going through rather than telling can always be a challenge. Let's say our character is angry. We have several avenues to convey that from the following list:
Dialogue and Speech
Your character may become short with people, and respond with limited, terse answers. Another type of character may become more verbose, stretching out their sentences with vocabulary they don't normally use to make a point. (If their intelligence was insulted, they could try to make themselves sounds smarter, for example).
Consider word choice (the character who says "I hate you" versus the one who chooses "I despise you"), contractions ("I will not" versus "I won't"). On the entire flip side, maybe they go quiet, hiding their anger rather than speaking.
Vocal Cues
You should also think about how a character is speaking. Clipped tones, raised voices, a hitch in their words as they get emotional, or the character that drops to a monotone to maintain control.
You can work beyond dialogue tags to bring more characterization into it. "He snapped" works, but maybe you want to be more clear with something like "his tone grew sharper with every word."
Body Language
Humans tend to do the same basic things when upset - clench fists, cross arms, turning physically away from whoever their mad at. Internally, they may feel hot or flushed, their stomach clench with tension, or their heartbeat pick up speed.
Since those internal feelings could relate to many emotions, it can be useful to create an emotional map for your character's responses. If they get flushed when angry, how does their body react when they get scared? Nervous? Excited?
Thoughts
Relaying what a person is thinking, especially if they aren't outwardly reacting or speaking, can be useful. A direct thought (conveyed with italics) or an indirect thoughts ("she thought that was suspicious, but kept it to herself") can help you flesh out how your character is feeling in the moment.
When editing, keep an eye out for phrases like he thought, she realized, they felt, etc.You can get snappier sentences by finding ways to edit these out - but don't worry about them when drafting. Whatever gets the words on the page helps!
Physical Reaction
Similar to body language, what I mean here is what people do without realizing it. Widened eyes, flared nostrils, flinching or pulling their shoulders back are all reactions people don't control and usually don't realize they're doing. A character could rub an old injury when talking about the person responsible, or wring their hands when talking about something stressful.
Your character can have particular quirks, like tilting their head when starting to get annoyed, or standing straighter when trying to make a point. These are things they're completely unaware that they do, unlike more conscious body language like chewing their nails or gesturing.
164 notes Ā· View notes
im-so-normal-iswear Ā· 3 months ago
Note
Can i ask headcanons of ford/stan(separate)with a s/o with postpartum body? While s/o thinks that she is not that atractive anymore ford/stan mind goes bananas over the body changes of their s/o after having a baby
A/n: I hope these were okay lol, haven't written for Stan so idk how well I did.
Stan/Ford pines x postpartum reader
Ford Pines:
Ford notices your insecurities long before you even express them. Heā€™s incredibly observant, always attuned to your emotions, and he can sense when somethingā€™s off.
You may think youā€™re hiding it well, but the way you avoid mirrors, wear looser clothes, and shy away from his touch doesnā€™t go unnoticed.
When you first voice your concerns about not feeling attractive anymore, Ford is baffled. Youā€™re his partner, the person he adores, and itā€™s impossible for him to even comprehend how you could think youā€™re anything less than stunning.
Ford has always been the smartest man in the room, but hes still head over heels when it comes to you. The changes in your body post-pregnancy make him feel even more connected to you. In his eyes, your body has been through something incredible, and he respects and cherishes every mark and curve that came from it.
Ford is soft-spoken when it comes to matters of the heart, so his reassurances are thoughtful but gentle. He might sit down with you, take your hand, and explain how much your body amazes him now.
ā€œYou carried life, youā€™re stronger than you realize, and I love you for it.ā€
Heā€™s always been fascinated by how the human body works, but seeing the changes firsthand on the person he loves makes it personal. Every time he runs his hand over your belly or your hips, heā€™s in awe, not just of the science behind it, but because itā€™s you.
He becomes more physical after the baby is born, constantly touching you, holding your waist, or trailing his fingers along your stretch marks.
Heā€™s curious about every new detail, (he most definitely has a notebook filled with sketches of you, and notes of your behavior post pregnancy)
If you ever push him away, thinking he doesn't like you from the changes, Ford is shocked. He canā€™t fathom how you could think such a thing.
If you ever feel disconnected from yourself or your body, Ford will go into research mode. Heā€™ll gather books, read articles, and even talk to professionals to understand how to best support you.
He wants to help you feel good about yourself again, not because you need to look different, but because he wants you to see what he sees, someone extraordinary.
Stan Pines:
Stan is more direct than Ford, and when he notices you avoiding his gaze or pulling away from him, heā€™s immediately concerned. Heā€™s not great with feelings, but he knows somethingā€™s bothering you, and heā€™s not about to let it slide.
ā€œWhatā€™s goinā€™ on? Why are you hiding from me sugar?ā€
Stanā€™s not one to tiptoe around an issue, so when you finally tell him you donā€™t feel attractive anymore, heā€™s genuinely confused. In his eyes, youā€™ve never looked better, and heā€™s completely dumbfounded by your insecurities.
Stanā€™s attracted to confidence, sure, but heā€™s also always loved you for being real. He doesnā€™t buy into superficial standards of beauty, and the fact that your body has changed after having a baby? That just makes him even more obsessed with you.
Heā€™s the type to immediately wrap his arms around you and pull you close, his rough hands holding you tightly against him.
ā€œYou think youā€™re not attractive? Babe, youā€™re drivinā€™ me nuts over here. I canā€™t keep my hands off ya.ā€
Stan doesnā€™t see stretch marks, softness, or weight gain as flaws; he sees them as badges of honor. You carried his kid, and to him, that makes you even more incredible. Heā€™ll kiss every mark on your body, his lips trailing over your skin as he whispers about how proud he is of you.
Heā€™s much more vocal and less subtle than Ford, so expect Stan to shamelessly compliment you every chance he gets. Heā€™ll walk by and slap your butt with a grin, or wrap an arm around your waist and pull you in for a deep kiss.
ā€œLookinā€™ better every day, doll.ā€
If you ever tell him you feel like your body isnā€™t what it used to be, Stan just scoffs. ā€œGood. ā€˜Cause I didnā€™t fall for what your body used to be, I fell for you.ā€ Heā€™s not about to let you think heā€™s shallow enough to care about any of that.
Stan loves to show off his affection in public too. Heā€™ll have his arm slung over your shoulder, pulling you close as if to say, this is mine, and I couldnā€™t be prouder.
If youā€™re feeling down, heā€™ll sit you down and lay it all out.
ā€œYouā€™re the most beautiful thing Iā€™ve ever seen. Youā€™re the mother of my kid, and Iā€™m damn lucky to have you. So stop talkinā€™ like youā€™re not good enough, ā€˜cause thatā€™s bull.ā€
Heā€™s not a man of flowery words, but his actions speak loud and clear. If you ever doubt how attractive you are to him, all you need to do is catch the way his eyes roam your body when you walk by. Heā€™ll smirk, his eyes filled with mischief, and say something like, ā€œIf you think Iā€™m lettinā€™ you go to bed without me tonight, youā€™re wrong.ā€
Stanā€™s appreciation for your postpartum body is raw and unapologetic. He loves everything about you, and heā€™s more than happy to remind you of that every single day.
A/n: I forgot about these for a day
220 notes Ā· View notes
claudiafrankie Ā· 27 days ago
Text
Soul Purpose/Why Are You Here?
Tumblr media
Disclaimer: Tarot is not an evidence-based practice. You are in charge of making your own decisions.
Pile 1: Abundance
Hey pile 1! You picked the Abundance oracle card. Your tarot cards are the 2 of Swords, 3 of Swords, and the King of Cups.
As I was shuffling I was focusing on the imagery of your oracle card. I strongly got the feeling of being kind of put on the spot. You are having to make quick decisions. It's like the shape in the center of the card has so much going on around it. It's chaotic! The figures filling the picture look like sea creatures to me - sea urchins, those glowy jellyfish that live in the bottom of the ocean, sand dollars... All floating around in the current but in this big, condensed cluster. It's kinda dark in there but there's some sun coming through the current above.
Under sea kelp beds, that's the environment. You're here:
Tumblr media
You're not quite sure what all you're going to come across. Cute fish... shark... friendly anthropomorphic sea otter wearing a news cap and suspenders... multiple sharks...
It's a little creepy/ominous but more importantly very beautiful and serene and otherworldly.
You're swimming through this kelp garden and you don't know what you're going to find, and all kinds of different things are going to pop out at you, you're going to have a lot of options in a lot of different areas in your life. You are not going to be someone who is stationary for very long. I think if you are stagnant and still (something you may struggle with) you aren't happy. You are bored more easily than others and have a deep craving for knowledge and novelty, absorbing every last drop of life that you can.
I think in human design, generator people's tell-tale sign for being out of alignment is frustration, they thrive off of having choices to pick from. This helps them feel inspired and like they are getting more out of life. Maybe you are a generator in human design, I think that is the most common type. You are a person of the people, you are salt of the earth, you care deeply for humanity and always pull yourself back to center when you catch yourself straying. You don't let things get to your head as much as you could.
It also looks like there's a chromosome in the center shape on the card. You are here unraveling karma from your past lives and for your ancestors. You are probably dealing with karma that you didn't create personally but exists in your bloodline. The bottom of the deck is the ten of swords - there are mostly sword cards here, with the king of cups standing out as the only water card. This is very Ardra energy in vedic astrology - strong, turbulent, powerful and stormy emotions. Ardra's deity is Rudra, a form of Shiva - who rules over storms. You are clearing out ooooold emotions that have been rotting in your family tree for years. You are finally processing some long-neglected baggage and releasing it.
The combination of the progression of the two to the three of swords, ending with the King of Cups suggests to me that you are going to become a true master of your inner world. Your lens you look at the world through will reach a level of clarity previously unknown to you and likely to your family. You are in tune with the environment in an electric way, sensing the humming and buzzing and shifts in the pitch and tone of the current washing around you. You let it all pass through you, understanding the futility in pretending to be unaffected. You let it pass through you, and you let it be there, and you don't let it shake you. For this reason others will cling to you - the RWS King of Cups sits on a throne carved from solid stone. It is anchored in tossing waves with a grey sky suggesting storms ahead. He looks calmly onward. People will view you as a shock-absorber, someone who can weather catastrophe and guide others through difficulty. I think this is where you are headed, but maybe aren't there quite yet.
Other people might get away (or at least seem to) with pushing aside their pain and never really dealing with it. You aren't one of these people. Your path to fulfillment is through making difficult decisions, sometimes ones where there really isn't a good option. Some of these decisions could affect other people as well. I see this as your heart existing in your head. So much compassion in tandem with a razor-sharp mind. Highly analytical, meticulous, maybe even fussy, combined with glowing warmth that can only be achieved by facing hardship.
There could be a significant male figure in your life who guides you, and you may not recognize the significance of his impact on your life until he's no longer in it. This might be someone you only know for a short period of time before parting ways. Maybe at the time of meeting them it's too overwhelming for you and it doesn't end so well, but the more you digest the relationship over time and think about what you learned from them, the deeper you understand the purity of this person, and the reasons why he navigates the world the way that he does. I think, going through hardship yourself and choosing to remain soft and gentle, you recognize this as a lesson you learned from this person. It's brave to continue believing in people. Also, it's possible to do it without being naive.
This pile knows the true meaning of unfairness. You know what it means to be made to feel selfish for taking care of yourself. You know what it means to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, to be going through immense difficulty behind the scenes and still getting through the days treating people with kindness. Yeah you just see and feel the pain in others, you sense their stories even if it's just a stranger. You probably walk away from getting coffee and wondering how the barista is handling their breakup even though that was your first encounter with them.
Pile 2: Phenomenon
So right off the bat, Chappel Roan's song Feminomenon might be of significance lol. Maybe that song you was on repeat for you this summer, or you are LGBTQ+, or in some way don't fit in with the norm. Chappel Roan is famous for her drag outfits and crazy makeup and big hair - you could be into style, fashion, hair/makeup. Or maybe you are wanting to get more into these things but don't know how? Maybe you are struggling with expressing yourself right now, and this is a recurring struggle you deal with. If you are struggling with it, I think it's because it's actually something you're really good at - I think you have a natural eye for fashion and art, it's just that you need to reconnect with this part of yourself, and that re connection process will help you get deeper and better with and at it.
Next to your Phenomenon oracle card I pulled the Nine of Cups, Ace of Cups, and the Page of Cups. So all water, you are definitely here to learn how to express your feelings. I think you often feel like sharing how you feel makes you self-centered or you're "making it all about you," even though it ironically helps your relationships because you connect with people better when you're emotionally honest with them.
I think currently you're at a pretty comfortable spot in life. You've worked really hard and have been very much in your earth energy - taking care of your body, keeping a clean home, focusing on consistency at work and in your self-care and discipline. You've worked really hard to get here, and you're finally learning how to give yourself credit for it.
However, I think it still feels like something is missing for you. Looking at your cards (from right to left), the Page of Cups is offering the Ace of Cups to the Nine of Cups. The cup you're looking for, the special sauce that you are missing right now, is connected with your inner child. I think while working on improving your earth energy has been wildly beneficial for you (maybe you're successful for your age, or just really good at keeping your shit together and running a sane life for yourself) you have lost a little bit of touch with your inner softy.
I think you're probably cringing at that too, a little bit lol. Like "man I don't have time to cry and play in my coloring book I gotta pack lunch for work tomorrow" hahahaha. But honestly, if someone has that mindset or thought process about playfulness and fun, they need that energy the most!! In your list of things to do over the weekend that keep your life tidy and chugging along, you are being called to add something wholesome and fun in there.
It's easy to get in the swing of daily living and going through the motions, and it's not wrong at all to pride yourself on your ability to keep a tidy ship. BUT lol that doesn't mean you have to lose out on some harmless chaos and unstructured fun times. You don't let yourself let your hair down as much as you could be. Obviously don't go out and go crazy and do something dangerous lol and if you're not ready to go clubbing every weekend you can start small! Maybe there's a bakery near you that you haven't tried with kick ass muffins, go try that place out. If you're really particular about cleaning your place, try cleaning it in a more 'chill' way if that makes sense lol. Try out letting go of intensity and a "I just need to get this done" attitude. Maybe that means the floors won't be as spotless after mopping than they usually are but hey, they're still clean right?
Yeah I think what's really coming through for this pile is letting going of perfection and holding yourself to unrealistic standards, so much of your power lies in fun, and not just fun but also facilitating fun. Lifting up the people around you. With the Ace of Cups in the middle of your spread, you guys are here to out pour to those around you. People are enchanted by you and think you live a charmed life, they are envious of your innocence, your lack of care for/about status and authority. It's refreshing (i mean, these are all cups cards lol) on multiple levels! You might not notice how your inner child lifts people up, and how just one conversation you have with someone leaves them feeling nourished after you walk away.
Pile 3: Vulnerability
Hey pile 3 welcome!
You guys picked the vulnerability oracle card and your tarot cards are the four of pentacles, the ace of wands, and the magician. This is the description for your oracle card:
"As the flower opens and offers itself, the butterfly says "yes." Opening and exposing ourselves to new possibility comes with risk, but also holds the potential for great reward. Be willing to share your gifts with the world, allowing the acceptance and recognition vulnerability can bring."
This one feels pretty damn straightforward haha, you guys are here to build literally any life that you want to. I am looking and these cards as a progression - the man in the four of pentacles seizes the ace of wands and becomes the magician. Literally he lets go of these four measly pentacles, grabs the magic wand, and become the magician he was always meant to become.
You guys have sooooo much power within you. Your manifesting skills are truly off the chart and it seems like right now you're not really sure what to do with this gift. I think you could be feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities. You are probably the kind of person who has a lot of different interests, can feign commonality with just about anyone because you're smart and absorb knowledge like a sponge - so you have tidbits of information on a huge range of topics. Someone will bring up in conversation that their grandparents berry farm is suffering because of a disease or certain kind of pest in the area and you're like "oh yeah I've heard that those types of flies are invasive and it's like becoming a widespread problem" lmao.
You could be a gemini mars or north node - the tarot card associated with mars in gemini is the nine of swords - literally analysis paralysis is your guys' biggest obstacle. You have everything in your head, but you struggle to bring your creations to life. I wouldn't be surprised if you guys are some flavor of neurodivergent, maybe ADHD or on the autism spectrum. You are ahead of the times.
I think this pile is similar to pile one because I'm getting an ancestral element for you guys. I think the women in your family have packed on years of frustration because they were made to believe that they just can't build for themselves. The women in your family line have sat with huge creative potential but the fear they carried prevented them from being able to actually use it to birth their ideas into the real world. They saw their fathers and brothers and husbands go out into the world with so much confidence, maybe with less skill or more boring ideas, and create success for themselves. I think you should know that it was not all sunshine and roses for the men in your family - there was such a huge amount of pressure to achieve and earn and perform that they didn't even really get a chance to really choose what they wanted to do. They just knew that it was expected of them to do well and provide for their families.
But the women, ah there is so much rage honestly. You have the chance in this lifetime to channel not only your own creativity but that of your mother, her mother, her sisters, etc. I think when you create it's a full experience for you. Like it's not that you don't phone it in, it's that you can't. You can't make something and not be fully in it. I think this might be part of your blockage as well - you tell yourself that if something you make isn't perfect or exactly as you envisioned it in your head, then it was a waste of time. It wasn't. I think if you allow yourself to be messy and be a little more process-oriented, you can really get the ball rolling for yourself. And honestly probably process a lot of those packed on emotions from your family.
You are someone who can get quick results in things if you really put your mind to something. Right now it seems like your task is to sift through your daydreams, then after that you can start taking some little steps towards making something happen. Even if it's something tiny you do to get closer to a goal, it's still really important for you guys especially to really celebrate that. And really mean it when you celebrate! If you guys work a job you aren't crazy about to pay the bills like so many of us do, maybe you have been drained or just don't see how you have the time to make one of your interests something more than just an idea in your head.
This is going to be a process of re-parenting yourself in a way. If you belittle your accomplishments and progress towards the things you really want to bring into the world, they will slowly shrivel up. You wouldn't make fun of a kid for trying something new and not being amazing at it, so you can't do that with yourself. You deserve support and love on your journey, not only that but you need it! You have the power to create the space for yourself to thrive in, and then thrive in it! You guys are honestly like buzzing with electricity. I think sometimes you have so many ideas that you get confused and tired just thinking about all of them, and maybe you act out in frustration but your not even sure why your upset. There are parts of yourself that have not been given enough attention, and once you start letting them out in the light they can show you what they can help you do in this life.
I think too that getting more in touch with your sexuality will help with this process, getting more in your body and letting yourself feel sexy and sensual, really being in the moment with your body and then carrying that energy with you in your endeavors. Yeah let yourself be a horndog lol it will help you reach your goals
Best of luck pile 3, not that I think you need it hahaha
147 notes Ā· View notes