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ah-ga-seven · 4 years

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Till’ The End Of Summer - Chapter 5

>> series masterlist <<

Pairing: Choi Yeonjun x Reader

In a Nutshell: College!AU, Rich Kids, Friends to Lovers, Fuckboy athlete Yeonjun, Overprotective Best friend Soobin, contains all of TXT and other Idol cameos, Omnipresent perspective.

Synopsis: You and Yeonjun are caught up in a cat and mouse game because of unspoken feelings and endless pining for each others’ attention. With the summer break approaching and lots of college parties, will you finally get a chance to explore your feelings for each other; even though the world and Yeonjun’s reputation makes things complicated?

Word count: 5K.

Genre: Fluff, Angst.

Warnings: Mentions of a broken family, verbal and mental abuse.

A/N: English isn’t my first language, pls don’t come for me ;)

Yeonjun was sprawled out on your couch, lying down like a starfish. His attention completely focussed on his phone, as he scrolled through his endless Instagram feed.

You stood in your kitchen, occasionally staring at him as you cut up some fruits for the two of you to snack on. The sight of him being so comfortable on your couch made you reminisce to just days ago when you couldn’t even imagine him ever stepping foot in your home ever again.

But boy, how times have changed.

Just a week ago you were at the festival, where you argued, got hurt, and shared your first kiss. It all seemed like it happened months ago, but the reality of it all was the opposite. To be honest, being with Yeonjun made the time pass effortlessly, which is both a good and dangerous thing.

To your friends’ knowledge, both of you had made up and decided to leave your feud behind you. What they don’t know is that you are trying to make your relationship work behind their backs. You felt awful about lying to your friends, but you and Yeonjun both agreed that it would be better this way, so you can both figure out your feelings for each other before your friends get a chance to meddle in your business.

No one would be caught in the crossfires or have to pick sides if things ended up not working out, but with how everything was going in this week alone, you have to say that you don’t expect a negative outcome.

You’re falling, and you’re falling fast. Yeonjun makes you feel warm inside. He’s respectful, patient and the more you get to know him, the more you realise how similar the two of you are. You spent the past week having little dates at your place, just talking, eating, and watching movies or listening to music. He was careful though, not wanting to say or do the wrong thing or move too fast. He was afraid to scare you away if he would show all of his affection for you at once. So, he held back. Though as time passed, he started to not care anymore.

He loved how shy you got every time he stared at you or held your hand, kissed your cheek, or when he stole a quick peck from you when you’re focused on something else. The shock on your face is what got him going. He thrived from being in control and making you feel small. Because to him, you were adorable when you were flustered. Yeonjun had never been in a serious relationship or any type of relationship that went further than the physical stuff. With you, he had to start from the beginning. It made him nervous because he didn’t know how. He didn’t know when he was overstepping or when he was doing too little. To be honest, you just made him a nervous wreck. Although the same could be said for you. You can’t really explain it because you are comfortable around him but at the same time every single time you catch him staring, you want to run the opposite direction.

You look up from your cutting board to steal a glance from Yeonjun again but to your surprise, his form had left the couch. You were about to look around for him but before you knew it, you felt two arms snake around your waist. Startling you lightly.

“Hi,” he whispered in your ear while placing a soft kiss on your temple. You lean into him. Chuckling as you put a grape in his mouth, which he basically vacuumed inside with his pouty lips.

“Mmmh,” he moans in satisfaction, letting go of you to grab more of the grapes. “They’re so sweet,” he hummed. “Don’t say it…” you breathe, but you know him better than that. A smug grin crept on his face. “Almost as sweet as you” he teases, beaming at you knowing how much you cringe at his awful pickup lines and dad jokes. Moments like these made it seem like you were a married couple, but then again; you weren’t complaining.

You roll your eyes, playfully pushing him aside as you grab the plate of fruits. He follows you to your living room area and sits down on the couch while you sit down on the floor at your coffee table, folding your legs over each other to make yourself comfortable.

He looked at you funny, unsatisfied with the fact that you decided to sit so far away from him. “Are we strangers?” He scoffs grabbing your arm as he pulls you in his lap. You giggle as he starts to tickle your sides. He doesn’t stop there though as he tickles you without mercy, trapping you under him on the couch while he continues to taunt you. You gulp for air between your cackles and slap his chest to get him off.

“Y-yeonjun stop I can’t breathe,” you cry out and he gives in. Concluding the moment with a sloppy kiss on your lips which he deepens as he laces his slender fingers through your hair.

You close your eyes, getting lost in the moment, until your doorbell rings.

Your eyes widen and you push Yeonjun off, which earned you a glare.

“Shit” you hiss, straightening out your clothes while walking to your front door. You stand on your tiptoes to try and see through your peeping hole and you’re surprised to see Soobin standing in the hallway.

“It’s Soobin” you whisper-scream and Yeonjun’s eyes nearly roll back to the back of his head. “Why is he here.”

“I don’t fucking know, go hide!”

“Hide?” he cocks his eyebrow at you.

“Yes, Yeonjun. Hide” you say a little louder.

“Where?” He asks dumbfounded. You could tell he was annoyed, but this was part of the deal. No one would find out until the end of summer. Especially not Soobin.

“In my room, now gooooo,” you say as you push him into your room closing the door behind him, not giving him a chance to complain. You quickly skim your living room with your eyes trying to detect any evidence of male energy around but there was nothing to be found except for Yeonjun’s shoes, which you concealed by throwing your coat on top of it.

Soobin’s impatience got the best of him as he started knocking on your door again.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m coming,” you say in a sing-a-song voice.

You quickly make your way to the front door, opening it and welcoming Soobin with the most genuine smile you could manage to put on your face.

“Heeey” you greet him with a hug, you had to stand on your toes to properly hug him but you didn’t mind. Soobin smelled like clean cotton and Iris flowers, which made you melt into the hug a little. You had to admit, you missed him.

“Hey” he cooed. “Why do you smell like male cologne?” he questioned and chuckled, but the comment caught you off guard and panic was evident in your eyes. He noticed and laughed loudly.

“Chill, I was just kidding,” he says as he walks into your living room, plopping himself down on the couch in the exact spot where Yeonjun was lying just seconds ago.

The sight made you paranoid and your eyes dart to your bedroom door, but you quickly turn your attention back to Soobin. Trying not to make things too obvious.

“Not to be a dick, but why are you here?” You ask sitting down beside him.

Soobin cocked his eyebrow at you and he scoffs indignantly.

“I just missed you. You barely ask me to hang out anymore. How are you so booked and busy when it’s summer break,” he pouted. He spotted the fruit plate on your salon table and grabbed a handful of grapes, munching on them one by one.

“Ahh, I just-”

“Is it because of the whole Yeonjun thing that you aren’t coming over? Because I thought you made up? And he’s been missing as well, he’s barely home anymore so, it’s not like you’d run into him if it makes you feel that awkward…” Soobin says insinuatingly, looking at you. He was trying to read you and jumping to his own conclusions, but it somehow helped you since you didn’t know what to tell him anyway.

You just nodded, making him think he made the perfect assumption and you could tell he physically relaxed as his shoulders dropped a little.

“I just needed time,” you start. “But I’m okay now, I promise. I’ll come over tomorrow for game night with the guys and Mia.”

Soobin’s eyes lit up. “Really? Oh, the boys will be so happy.”

He clapped in his hands like a kid and gave you a beaming smile.

You couldn’t help but reciprocate the smile and you playfully nudged his shoulder.

“What are you doing? Wanna go get ice cream?” he asked looking at you expectantly.

“Uhm, I can’t, I have a family Skype call” you half-lie. You did have the Skype call, but not anytime soon.

“I can stay for that? We’re close,” he simply states.

“I also have to Mary Condo my closet,” you shrug. You need him out. And fast.

Knowing Yeonjun’s extra and impatient ass, it would take 5 more minutes before he’d blow your cover.

“I can help with that too.” Soobin’s persistent fiery side was showing. He could read you like a book and noticed how you wanted him out. Although he didn’t know why. He sat up, still staring you right in your soul waiting for you to respond.

“And have you going through my underwear? No thanks,” you joke light-heartedly but you noticed how he sensed something was off. He squinted his eyes at you and looked around your living room.

“Hmm, okay,” he said getting up. “Then…I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” He gave up. Knowing you wouldn’t give up either. The both of you could go at it for hours like this. But Soobin figured you needed space.

You followed him to your front door and he turned around on his heels, wrapping you up in a tight hug, resting his head on your shoulder. “Don’t be sad okay,” he sighs and your heart hurts at the sweet gesture. You hate having to lie to him but you know it’s for the best even though the guilt is eating at you in a moment like this.

But you knew that this was the only way Yeonjun and yourself were going to be able to explore your feelings for one another.

“I’m okay, I promise,” you say letting go off him and giving him a genuine reassuring smile. He smiled back at you and nodded.

“See ya,” he says as he opens your front door and walks out. You wave at him until he’s out of sight, strongly exhaling as you close the door behind you. You rest your forehead against the doorframe to organise your thoughts. Realising how much of a shitty friend you have been to Soobin lately.

You sigh and turn around throwing your head back, but as you pass the corner, Yeonjun was already standing in front of you, arms crossed while tapping his heel to your wooden floor.

“That took forever,” he huffs.

“Well, he knows me better than anyone Yeonjun, he knows I’m lying to him.” You brush past him, making your way to your kitchen to pour yourself a glass of water. You realise your tone might have been a little irritable, but it’s you who you’re frustrated with. Not him.

Yeonjun just studies you, leaning on your kitchen counter as he watches you chug the contents of your cup away.

You bite your lip, giving Yeonjun an apologetic look as you meet his eyes again. “I’m sorry.”

He stayed silent and rubbed his forehead. “When it’s just the two of us, it’s great. But I don’t wanna have to hide in closets and Anne Frank you, y/n. I want to take you out on dates. Show you off. Post you in my stories, all the dumb shit.”

“Well you came up with this whole deal yourself mister, and it’s been fun and all but I still barely know anything about your life outside of school and if I have to judge you based off of those stories then I’m not sure if I can trust you wholeheartedly," you explain softly, trying to avoid eye contact with him. You know his eyes are burning into you, so you just play with the rim of your cup.

“Why can’t you just see me for the person that’s standing in front of you right now instead of caring what other people have to say about me,” he says looking at you in disbelief. His tone was cold but most of all, he was sad and hurt.

It was almost like he took every win with a loss.

You were lying if you said it wasn't hard to trust him. But you also knew he had to earn it. The short week that you've been dating was way too short of a time frame to judge his sincerity off of, but when you're alone with him he's nothing like the person he is when he's with his friends. He's not as loud and boastful with you, but you're not sure if that's just a mask he's putting on for you.

“I want to” you say lost in thought. You didn’t even notice how Yeonjun got closer to you until he placed his hands on both sides of your face, making you look up at him.

“I don’t know how many times I have to assure you that I’m not going anywhere, but I’ll keep doing it if It makes you feel any better. The whole Yeji thing was a mistake, it shouldn’t have happened and I know that. But you promised that you would let that go and give me a real chance, but I don’t think you’re really doing that y/n. It’s unfair to me.”

You sigh, defeated. “You’re right” you admit.

Yeonjun shoulders fell, raising his eyebrows in surprise. “I am?”

“Yes, you are,” you roll your eyes and Yeonjun’s face lit up. He showed you his boyish smile and squished your cheeks together in his palms. “Good, because I blocked her number, unfollowed her, and unfriended her all together” he states proudly.

Your facial expression spoke for you and he chuckles. “Yes, for real,” he says reading your mind.

“It’s not like I would ever ask you to do that.”

“But you’re glad I did?” He asks snaking his arms around your waist, pulling you into his chest.

“I guess so...” you sigh, melting into his embrace.

You decided to chill for the day and watch a movie while the two of you were cuddled up under a blanket together. Luckily, you were both the type to talk through movies, debating why certain characters would do or say what they did. It was fun to pick each other's brain and you felt content and relaxed in his embrace. Every single time he chuckled, laughed , or hummed at your comments you felt his chest vibrate, sending shivers down your spine. His warmth was addicting and you can’t quite explain what it is but you felt safe.

Your mind went into overdrive for a second and you recall your little argument from this afternoon. It was insane to you how quickly both of you went from angry and worked up, to completely peaceful and content. You weren’t quite sure how Yeonjun brought the worst and the best out of you in such a short amount of time. Your mind flashes back to your argument about his lack of opening up to you and you start to wonder why sharing his troubles and feelings with you is such a hard thing for him to do.

You blinked a couple of times, not realising that you weren’t paying attention to what Yeonjun was saying so he nudged you a little. “Are you tired?” he whispered as his hands rubbed up and down patterns on your back to show comfort.

You look up at him and shake your head. “No, I was just thinking…” you say moving a strand of his hair from covering his eye.

“About what baby?”

Before you could open your mouth to speak, your phone started to ring. It was your scheduled family Skype call. It’s something your parents swore by, every Thursday night they would call you to check in on you, and see your face. Aside from the constant texting throughout the week of course.

You sit up. “I have to take this.”

Yeonjun looked at the caller ID and grabbed the remote to pause the movie.

You sit up, turning sideways so your back was leaning against the armrest of your couch, with your legs draped over Yeonjun’s lap so he’d be out of sight.

You fix your messy hair and answer the phone, putting on your sincerest smile as you see a blurry image of something that looked like a terrace.

“Dad?”

“Dad you need to turn the camera around, I can’t see you guys.”

“Oh honey, you never seem to get this right.” You hear your mom argue in the background and a smile crept on Yeonjun’s lips at the interaction.

You roll your eyes, chuckling as you finally see your parents’ faces.

“Hi sweetheart.” Your dad smiles at you fondly.

“Hey, how’s Italy?” you ask looking at the tans that both of them had developed, already knowing the answer.

“Amazing, but it would have been better with you here of course,” your mom says.

Your parents’ lifelong dream was to travel through Europe, and this year they finally got to turn that dream into a reality. They worked hard for it, and you wanted It to be something they did together, hence the fact that you decided not to join.

“See, you say that mom, but I don’t think you mean it," you and your dad start laughing while your mom innocently fails to see the humor.

“I mean it y/n” she pouts. “I miss you a lot.”

Yeonjun decided to occupy himself by grabbing his phone, going through his social media but in reality, he was listening to your conversation with your parents. He didn’t quite realise it in the moment but he was happy listening to your playful banter and the sound of your giggles. He has always longed for that type of affection from his parents. He longed for the same type of warmth in his family. The type of warmth that isn’t bought with a new car or other meaningless expensive items.

All he truly wanted from his parents was love. But they failed to give that to him in his upbringing, as they were never around, too busy with their careers to care.

The call with your parents didn’t last much longer due to a bad Wi-Fi connection on their end. You sigh as you put your phone on the table. Averting your attention back to Yeonjun.

“I’m sorry about that”

“No, no. Don’t apologise. That was really cute” Yeonjun says giving your thigh a small squeeze as he smiled at you.

“Cute? How so?” you chuckle genuinely confused.

“I mean that you have a cute relationship with your parents, that’s all,” he says calmly, grabbing the remote to press play on the movie again.

You frown, taking the remote control from him which made him lock eyes with you.

This was your chance to ask questions, and so you did.

“Don’t you?” You ask cautiously.

Yeonjun sighs. “I don’t wanna bore you.”

“No, please. You know you can tell me anything." You say grabbing his hand, rubbing those comforting circles on to the back of his hand with your thumb. The same way he always does with you.

He looks at your sweet gesture and his shoulders fall. He takes a deep breath and looks you in your big innocently sparkling eyes again and his whole body relaxes in an instance.

“My parents married each other out of a business agreement. I am just a by-product of a business deal, nothing more than that,” he sighs.

“How…could you say that?” Your heart breaks at his words, and suddenly a lot of puzzle pieces fall into place.

“That’s what my dad tells me.” He let out a bitter chuckle, but you couldn’t believe your ears and didn't believe his unbothered demeanor

“To the outside world, my life seems close to perfect but in reality, it’s far from it. I’ve always gotten what I wanted, sure. But no amount of money can buy someone’s love...I guess.”

How could someone so unbreakable and incredible as Yeonjun, carry around this much baggage? This much hurt and resentment. The people that were supposed to be his safety-net and the warmth that he is to you, were everything but that. They were cruel and abandoned him as a child. Your mind couldn’t fathom the reality of things. Yeonjun could have turned out a lot worse, and suddenly you thank god that he hadn’t.

He continued to explain how his desire of being the greatest in everything he does, is because all he wanted was to be noticed by his parents. That his efforts would earn a simple “I’m proud of you, son” or an even simpler. “I love you.”

You realize that his fear to commit comes from the fact that he doesn’t know what true commitment and love feels like, and as the realisation struck you. Tears start to fill the brim of your eyes.

You hear him sigh.

He was hurting, and the fact that he made this all seem as if it wasn’t a big deal hurt you even more.

“My mom is the better one out of the two, she checks up on me at least once a month.” He smiles that bitter smile again, looking up at the ceiling with his arms crossed.

“You and the guys are the only ones that sort of know about this by the way. I intend to keep it that way, I don’t want the campus to turn into a pity party for me,” he says absentmindedly. He didn’t know why he felt the need to clarify that, maybe it was the hyper-masculinity kicking in. Although he knew he could trust you with anything, he somehow still felt the need to justify himself.

As he sensed your lack of talkativeness, he looked at you. Startled when he sees tears spill from your eyes.

He sits up in panic, not knowing what to do. Not knowing how to deal with emotion.

“Wh-why. y/n, are you crying?” he asks, eyes getting sad as he launched forward. Placing his hand in your knee in comfort.

You sniff and wipe your tears with the sleeves of your shirt. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologise” he says pulling you into his chest, cradling you like a baby. “I’m okay, I promise. Please don’t cry for me. I made peace with it a long time ago.”

You sniff into his chest. “You shouldn’t have had to. You should have had parents who care about you. Parents that see you for the amazing person that you have become.”

“No, stop. I’m none of those things.”

Shit. This was a deep-rooted problem. A problem you weren’t sure how to start fixing. He thinks so little of himself, thinking he isn’t worthy of love and affection when the opposite was true. The meaningless sex was just a coping mechanism. An effort to find the warmth he longed for as a child. The warmth he still longed for right now.

You sit up, cupping his face, and littering his features with kisses. He melts in your touch, a soft giggle escaping his lips.

“Yes. You. Are” you say in between kisses.

He took your hands from his face, making your look up at him in confusion with your innocent doll-like eyes. He sighs, avoiding your gaze.

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” he says softly. And you nod in agreement.

You would never push him to open up to you more, and honestly, you weren’t sure you could handle more revelations at the moment. You were happy he told you what he did. It helped you understand him, and somehow it made your desires for him burn more passionately than ever.

He got up, stretching his body as he yawned. “I should get going, it’s getting late. I promised to teach Hyuka how to drive tomorrow,” he states.

He was running from more confrontation and you knew it, but you decide not to be clingy and give him the space he needs, even though every fiber of your being wanted him to stay. You decide to let it go.

You pout up at him and he chuckles, bending down to give you a passionate kiss on your lips. "Don't worry about me."

You nod and get up to walk him to your front door and watch his tall figure elegantly cascade around your small living room, retrieving his belongings. When he found his car keys, he turned back around to look at you and he melts at the sight.

You were playing with your fingers, eyes big and insecure. You wanted to hug him but you weren’t sure if he was up for more affection.

He hooked his pinky in yours, pulling you towards him as he envelops you in the tightest hug he could possibly give you without smothering you completely. He sniffed in your sweet perfumy scent that he loved so much and made the hug last a little longer than usual. He realised just how hard he had fallen for you in this moment. He didn’t want his dream-like blooming relationship with you to end before it started, but he also couldn’t help but think that you deserved someone better than the emotional fuck up that he is.

You deserve someone who can love you back with the same amount of love that you give, and he knew all too well that he had a long way to go before he could give you anything close to the emotional stability that you deserved.

You stood on your tip-toes and pecked his lips once more. Yeonjun sent you a sweet smile, caressing your cheek with his thumb before he turned the knob to your front door.

“Text me when you get home” you yell after him, but he didn’t respond.

As Yeonjun turns the corner of your apartment building he can’t help but drag himself down with his emotional state. The conversation with you unlocked memories that he had locked away. His mind starts to find more and more reasons as to how you deserve better than him. How he could never be enough for you and how he could never truly promise that he wouldn’t hurt you no matter how much he cared for you.

He was fucked up, and no one better than Yeonjun himself knew that trying to get you to love him was the most selfish thing he could have done.

Yeonjun opened the door to his expensive car, sliding into the drivers’ seat, starting the engine at the same exact time as the skies started to cry. It looked like a scene out of a damn movie.

Rain was falling like there was no tomorrow but he couldn’t get himself to drive off. He threw his head back. Listening to the loud sound of thick raindrops attacking his windshield in a rapid tempo.

His mind flashes back to the night before he left for college.

Yeonjun packed his bags with loud music blaring through his Airpods. He was feeling extra productive and he had almost finished packing all of his necessary belongings.

His father walked in, startling Yeonjun and snapping him back to reality as he took out one of his Airpods to listen to what his father had to say.

"Aren't you supposed to be gone already?" His father said picking up a picture from one of the boxes situated on his bed, scoffing as he looked at the picture of Yeonjun and his friends as he put it back into the box.

Yeonjun rolled his eyes. "I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Good, I was going to turn this room in to a gym." his father huffs

Yeonjun clenched his fists, trying to hold back his anger. "I don't know why you bother talking to me if this is how you're going to act." Yeonjun says, knowing he's probably going to get a verbal beating in return for his smart mouth but his dad just laughed at him.

"You're right. Just remember who's paying for your education smart-ass."

"What's going on?" his mother emerged from the entrance of Yeonjun's bedroom as she heard them argue.

"Nothing," his dad replied looking at Yeonjun. "Nothing at all."

A sudden surge of anger jolted through Yeonjun’s body as he snaps back to reality, and in response he hit his steering wheel as hard as he could multiple times in attempt to release his anger. Tears start to prickle his eyes at the bitter memory and he decided to let go. Drowning himself in the sorrow he felt and carried with him.

He cried for the first time in what felt like forever. Letting go of all his resentment and pent up frustration as he wept with his head hung low on his steering wheel.

If only money could buy happiness.

Chapter 6

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neverendingstories00 · 4 years

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Past The Point Of No Return (Ch.1)

Summary: Your the young and fiery Cryptographer for M16 who happens to be the obsession of the mysterious and disfigured Safin. When you threaten to bring him down, he makes sure to drag you down with him.

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: Minor descriptions of blood/violence

A/N: Please Read!! I haven’t seen any Safin x reader fics, so I decided to write one myself. Ik the movie comes out in November, but I cannot wait. I’m in love with this pyshco man. This will be a mature story by the way and I’ll try updating as soon as I can! I’ll add warnings before each chapter starts. Just take a few notes in! Ik the movies come out in November so this is pure speculation on Safin’s origins/motives. Bond is back in business and took back 007 while Nomi took 008. Reader is a Cryptographer for M16. Your codename will be C but y/n will come in soon. Also, Reader is female. Hope you enjoy!

The Pandemic had caused discord throughout London. It didn’t seem like it would infect the globe in less than three months. But when Q had gotten the virus, the office had shut down in less than twenty-four hours. If you weren’t a field agent, then it was required to work from home. For someone like C and Q, it wasn’t a big deal. All of there work required communication from electronics. But evil was always on the rise. It never stopped. March had dragged into June as the Pandemic only worsened. y/n wasn’t one for social interaction, so thriving in isolation wasn’t the worst thing on the planet.

M16’s biggest threat was the infamous Safin. Even Q couldn’t encrypt any information on him, nobody could. Safin was a prime example of an anarchist. He refused to let some Pandemic stop his reign of terror and thirst for world domination. His movement of so-called “absent authority” was causing terror in post-soviet countries. Violent protests, property damage, the list when on. The anarchist targeted smaller countries that wanted to break free from there governments. Bond called Safin “a man who wanted to play god because he was bored”. Safin was a true anarchist (and a possible sadist). Information on his past and whereabouts were near impossible to find. He would insult M16 constantly since he knew he was winning the game of cat and mouse. It seemed like Safin was going to keep upsetting established order until the brink of a civil war.

But you were always one step ahead.

C, or y/n, was a Cryptographer for M16. After Bond’s hiatus, they had been recruited for there work in the military. You were the perfect candidate; bilingual, hands-on, young, intelligent, and fiery. One of the many languages you spoke was Morse code and other military languages. Not even Q, the smartest man in M16, was fluent in all of them. But with your aid, he caught onto it quite well. The Cryptographer and Quartermaster had made quite an efficient team and friendship. While Q gave orders and signals to the double’s oh, you stayed in the back, encrypting the signals and decrypting codes. Having a Cyrptographer was truly an aid for M16. You were praised by all of agents for your hard work and loyalty to the world of espionage. Enemies and other organizations envied for the cryptographer.

Before the lockdown, you had noticed a pattern in the protests. The leading agitators would all wear bandannas covered in the phonetic alphabet. Any normal person could see nothing in this. But with years in the military and language, you quickly followed onto the pattern. Q had noticed it as well along with the other double oh’s. The only people who spoke the phonetic alphabet in M16 were you and a few agents, and not even Q could decipher such a code. The message said many things, mainly gibberish. But you did not give up so easily. Whenever you saw a challenge, you attacked it with rigor. After rearranging for hours on end, ten codes had stuck out to M16 that could be a lead in bringing down the anarchist.

ROMEO OSCAR MIKE ECHO

CHARLIE ALPHA CHARLIE ALPHA CHARLIE ALPHA SIERRA

ALPHA MIKE SIERRA TANGO ECHO ROMEO DELTA ALPHA MIKE

OSCAR SIERRA LIMA OSCAR

TANGO OSCAR KILO YANKEE OSCAR

HOTEL OSCAR NOVEMBER GOLF KILO OSCAR NOVEMBER GOLF

MIKE OSCAR SIERRA CHARLIE OSCAR WHISKEY

CHARLIE ALPHA INDIA ROMEO OSCAR

All of them happened to lead to capital cities across the world, which happened to be countries that were infested with Safin’s anarchism. With even more research, Q managed to pinpoint possible gatherings for the terrorists. It could be a break in the case. Each double oh was sent to these locations. 007 and 008 were both flown out to Rome. The location was near the Spanish Steps. Even after the pandemic, the area had been bustling with civilians and protestors. You and Q had been in charge of guiding them to the location,

“You’d think during this pandemic, these bloody idiots would stay inside.” Bond said as he moved past the crowd of angry protestors. He wiped dust off of his grayish-blue suit. Safin’s message of tidying the world of “corruption” sent shivers down any sane person’s spine.

Nomi was ahead of him, dressed in a white chic jumpsuit and cat sunglasses. “The wicked never sleep, Bond.”

He huffed, frustrated. Of course, when his vacation had been occurring Q would call for his aid. “Q, how much further?”

“Maybe if you would pick your pace, then you would get there in four minutes instead of forty.” Q responded.

C could hear Nomi chuckle, and followed along with her.

Bond annoyingly huffed, “I truly haven’t missed your remarks, Q.”

“Gentlemen, settle down.” You interrupted, able to see where the agents were through the bodycams. “Keep your guard up. Your getting stares from some protestors. Oh, and do pick up the pace.”

The two agents squeezed through the crowd. Nomi had noticed them being followed. But thanks to Q, they lost them through Rome’s small puzzle-like streets. Upon losing them, the agents had left the lavish streets of Rome and into the more sketchy and depressed areas. The further they walked the more life began to disappear. Bond and Nomi stuck out in there designer outfits in the slums of Rome.

“On your right,” You stated. The agents stopped, looking upon the building. Nomi took her glasses off to examine the building. It was broken down, dark, and covered by boards.

Bond sighed, “Bloody hell. This it?”

“Unfournelty,” Q said. “Head in the back, there’s an open entrance.”

Nomi and Bond turned to the back of the building, noticing a piece of wood covering the wood. Bond attempted to move it, but his age was beginning to show. The young and muscled Nomi tore it down, letting them enter the broken down building. On the side, it was dark and empty. Shining the light of his rifle, Bond noticed a kitchen that was covered in dust and spiderwebs.

Q and C heard faint noises, which sounded like music. Nomi moved close to the stairs and could hear it coming from the upstairs. Along with the music was a light.

“See anything, double oh eight?” You asked, looking through her bodycam. The song sounded Italian. It could have been singing, or just a record player.

“A light. You think we have company?” She asked, pointing her rifle upstairs.

“Seems like it. Investigate, Keep your weapons at bay.” Q ordered.

Bond had led him and Nomi up the creaky wooden stairs. The music had become much louder. At the end of the hallway was a door closed, with light emanating under it. The two agents tiptoed to the door. Bond placed his ear against it, hearing only the sweet Italian love song. Q and C couldn’t tell what was behind that door. It could be Safin, his goons, anything.

Counting down to three, Bond and Nomi kicked the door down, guns prepared for anything. But the room was empty. It had been lite by a few candles with a CD boombox, blasting a loud Italian song. Bond examined the room for anything suspicious while Nomi went over, kicking the boombox quiet. She picked up the CD player, examining the front.

“E’ la vita?” The female agent muttered, turning the DVD over. The other side had been written in morse code. C found this odd, squinting her eyes to see. The handwriting was neat and done in an expensive ink. Not only was there writing, but it seemed like it was a list of more global cities. It seemed oddly familiar. “Why waste good ink on a CD?”

“Double oh eight, can you r-”

Bond interrupted, “BOMB! GET DOWN!”

All C could remember is Bond running towards Nomi to cover her before both of there bodycams had glitch out. She panicked, trying to reconnect to them. Q had a status of all of the double oh’s, and each of there bodycams began to flicker out. Then Q and you had realized the worst of it.

Safin had set them up.

“Fuck. It was a fucking trap.” You huffed, running a hand through your hair. They had truly hit a dead end. “Q, any signal? I can’t reach them.”

“None. I’m trying to get their signals. There cams both locked out before the explosion.” Q replied. He was just as frustrated as his co-worker. Suddenly, both of there computers froze with glitched screens. “Not only was it 007 and 008, but the other double oh’s went out.”

C could hear Q cursing under his breath, the sounds of him furiously clicking his keyboard. “Shit, Shit, Shit..”

“Q, what is it?”

“He hacked us. Safin inflated the sys-”

Just like Bond and Nomi, Q’s signal that gone out. It had all be planned. Safin wanted for all of us to happen. The other agents had probably been killed. Sitting in front of a glitched-out screen, you let out a small sigh and slumped back into her chair. Singlehandedly, you had fucked up.

“Not such a clever girl now, are we?”

Raising your shoulders, y/n arched her neck back to avoid the sharp blade that was too close for comfort. The voice was velvety with a slight accent to it. From the videos M16 had received, you knew it all too well.

It was Safin himself.

“I-it was a trap..” You stuttered, unable to talk to the knife around your neck. Safin’s hand was on C’s shoulder, holding her from getting up. C heard footsteps from behind. Great, now you were truly defenseless, being held by the world’s most feared Anarchist. In the corner of your eye, y/n saw the white mask he wore to conceal his identity. It looked like a porcelain doll prop straight out of a horror film. “A fucking trap.”

“Your little friends are gone now, No one is here to protect you now” Safin whispered into your ear. He was too close for comfort. He took an inhale of your Chanel perfume, admiring your breathing pattern. He thought y/n was so gorgeous this close. After months of waiting, Safin was so close to her, yet far. The woman who had threatened to bring down him was now enwrapped in his arms with a knife to her neck. But she wasn’t scared. Her breathing was heavy, but Safin had noticed that she was rather calm for having a blade held to her throat.

You chuckled at his “weak” response, “I have your locations all on record. M16 will bring you to your knees, you monster.”

“A monster?” He marveled, amused by Y/n’s comment. This man was a true psychopath. “My dear, you truly live up stubbornness. You lead all of those double oh’s into there demise. How innocent does that make you feel?”

“Says the one who wants to kill millions.” Y/n hissed, venom in her voice. You felt the guilt pull at your heart. “I saw your plan. You’re killing Europe city by city. Fooling the post soviet states and moving up towards the Medterrian. Your delusional.”

“Your ignorance is their power.” He purred into her ear. He massaged y/n’s shoulder to relax her (as he held her down). “You are a very talented girl, wasting her intelligence on foolish old m--”

Seeing him lose his guard, you reached for your mug full of hot coffee and threw it back at his mask. He lost his footing and fell backward as the lower piece of his mask cracked off. Wasting no time, you pushed yourself up and ran behind the desk to the front entrance. Q’s flat wasn’t far away. If you took the right routes and stayed out of action, then he could help her. As she neared towards the entrance, a sharp sting echoed through your knee to your thigh. Tripping on the edge of your carpet, your tripped and scraped your head against a coffee table, falling to the ground. You tried to stay awake and fight, but eventually succumbed to the darkness.

Safin pushed himself up, noticing that the bottom part of his mask showed his chin and lips. He turned to see y/n’s body by the door, her navy slacks stained by blood.

Safin cursed under his breath, walking over to her body to check if she had a pulse. Thankfully you did, but it was light. “Who shot her..?”

His henchmen did not respond, holding their weapons.

“I SAID WHAT ONE OF YOU IMBECILES SHOT HER?” Safin yelled, pure fury in his voice.

One of the men, donned in black and holding a sniper rifle, stepped forward. “It was me, Safin. You said tha-”

The man with the sniper rifle was shot in the neck and fell backward, choking on his own blood. Each of the henchmen jumped back. They knew when Safin raised his voice that he was going to die.

A small sigh escaped Safin’s lips as he pushed back his hair. Safin turned to face Serrano, his right-hand man. He was tall and lean with dark skin and emerald eyes. “Serrano..”

“Yes, Safin?”

“What did I explicitly say to you to tell these idiots before we entered C’s flat?”

Serrano responded, “Not to bring her back dead, but alive and injured.”

“And what do type of girl do you see laying on the ground?” The anarchist pointed to the ground, showing Y/n’s body. She had a bruise on her forehead and a bloody thigh.

“An injured girl, sir,” Serrano replied, looking down in embarrassment.

There was an awkward between the anarchist and this men before he commanded, “The lot of you, take the girl and prepare the car. Serrano, wipe all of her devices and anything that can track her. We leave on the submarine by dusk.”

The men nodded as the muscule grabbed C’s motionless body and carried her out. Serrano destroyed her phone, computer, and any camera or electronic that lingered in the flat before they left the crime scene. Entering the range rover, Serrano sat in the front with the driver while Safin sat in the back with the unconscious Cryptographer.

As they began to drive to the docks, Serrano asked, “Safin, what do you see in this girl? She is not James Bond or Madeleine Swann.”

“I see a source of information. This girl is not some receptionist or analyst.” Safin explained as he looked at her sleeping body. Your face was more relaxed than it was thirty minutes ago. There was something so intriguing about the Cyrptographer that Safin couldn’t pinpoint. “She fell into her very own trap, letting us access all of the M16 databases. M16 just lost there most valuable asset.”

“A bargaining chip?” Serrano questioned.

“Not just a bargaining chip, but an intelligent girl who is going to be vital to us.” He explained, “Unlike Bond, she is not redundant. She has many values, I know of it. You will see, Serrano. The world will open it eyes to y/n.”

Safin couldn’t take his eyes off of you. The remaining sunlight from the purple sunset shined on her face. Seeing your face, he knew Y/n not only ordinary on the inside but the outside. A woman that was much younger than he was made him feel less bitter about the world. He had a lonely life and seeing a young and beautiful such as yourself made him drop everything to the floor. The way your floral smelling [y/h/t] [y/h/c] hair fell out of the small bun and rested on your shoulders, [y/s/c] glowed in the sunlight, and the sweet aroma you wore drove Safin mad. Unknown to your knowledge, he had been watching over you for quite some time. You had a desk job, but occasionally accompanied the double oh’s and even had taken out some of his henchmen in the past. Y/n was a girl who not only knew how to decrypt some of the hardest codes to M16 but could defend herself if needed. Safin’s mere intrguement with you had grown into an obsession. Now the woman he obsessed over was sitting less than a foot away from him. Upon seeing the cryptographer, he knew that he needed you. He wanted y/n more than anything in the world. M16 didn’t deserve such talent. In Safin’s eyes, all they had ever done for y/n was hold her back from being your best self; by his side.

“I’m sorry they hurt you.” He cooed, pushing a glossy lock to get a better view of y/n’s face. “I have freed you from there incompetence. I know you will demand to leave and mindlessly say that you hate me. But I promise you my sweet, you will grow to like me and your new home.”

Safin felt like he was the luckiest man in the world.

#rami malek #rami malek x reader #safin #no time to die #james bond #safin x reader #my writing

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alolowrites · 4 years

Text

On The Run

Summary: Staying in one place was never a good idea. It was risky and only caused more problems for you. However, an exception was made for Minato—a city under Shinsou’s watch.

Author’s Note: Hello everyone! I’m happy to share my sixth story for @bnhabookclub‘s Hero Camp Bingo event. This story is by far the longest fic I’ve ever wrote. The bingo prompt I used was “Pro Hero AU”. This story is also part of the club’s Weekly SFW Prompt and the prompt used was: “I think I’m in love with you, and that terrifies me.”

This story wiped me out. I think it’s because of the sheer length and the action scenes. However, I am very happy with this story. Hopefully you all enjoy it as well!

Please note that the reader is a villain and there is an itty-bit of angst...

Word Count: 4.6K+

“Well, well, well…”

You were slammed against the brick wall, letting out a painful groan. Unfortunately, it was drowned out by the rowdy bar filled with boisterous drunk men. A large shadow loomed over your hunched figure, the raggedy boots stomping closer to you. One hand seized your jaw and forcibly made you look up.

“If it ain’t Vanisher herself,” he sneered, his mouth reeking of low-quality vodka. You almost hurled when his nasty breath hit your nose. The wretched stench of someone’s vomit flowing from the dumpster smelled better. Two of his buddies stayed behind him, their snickers echoing down the dirty alleyway. “You’re a pain in the ass to find, y’know that?”

“What the hell do you want, Takeshi?”

“Don’t play dumb with me!” His grip tightened, and you yelped; that’s going to leave a bruise. Takeshi’s face inched closer as you glared at the disgusting henchman. “Our boss wants all the money you stole from him. Down to the very last yen.”

“Aw! Is the old fella still holding a grudge on me?” You clicked your tongue like a disapproving parent. A playful glint flashed across your eyes. “I won that money fair and square. Not my fault he’s a sore loser.”

“You swindled him with those rigged poker cards!”

“A gal’s gotta survive in this world, my friend,” your voice was sickly sweet, but also dangerously cold. Takeshi growled as you cackled at his annoyed expression. “If that means playing a little dirty with suckers like him, then so be it. Now, if we’re done here—”

The air escaped from Takeshi’s lungs when your right knee landed a harsh blow in his groin. Without stopping, you snatched the arm holding you and twisted it with brute force; he howled, not seeing the swift kick that knocked him off balance. You needed to flee quick. As you dodged the other goons’ attacks, you immediately had a place in mind and extended your palm.

A golden circle started opening in the distance. Your legs were on fire like Ingenium, and your lips nearly tasted sweet freedom when a long, slimy tongue smacked your neck. You collapsed on the pavement, the bright circle fizzling away. An unsettling feeling brewed inside your head when you couldn’t move at all. Every muscle was numb despite your brain sending SOS signals to get up.

Fuck! I forgot about his paralyzing quirk.

Heavy footsteps shook the ground. You were rolled onto your back and panicked when Takeshi’s wild eyes shamelessly raked along your body. He dared to plop himself down, his sandbag like weight crushing you with no remorse. His chapped mouth stopped near your ear and snarled, “You ain’t goin’ nowhere. I know the boss wants ya’, but he’s just gonna have to wait until I have my way with you first.”

“Aye yo, Takeshi, guess what!”

“What?” He snapped his neck over his shoulder, annoyed at being interrupted. A dazed sensation overcame him, and he stayed motionless. You cursed to yourself when you realized who was responsible for this—Shinsou Hitoshi, aka Persona Hero: Mindjack.

“Get off her and walk toward me.”

Yup, it was definitely him. You tried wiggling your fingers or toes, but to no avail; you were deadweight and glared at the dark sky. If there was anything you hated more in the world, it was being a hopeless damsel in distress. A few minutes passed until you hear Shinsou’s light footsteps approach your pitiful state.

“Well, isn’t this a sight,” he snorted at your heated face.

“If I could flip you off, I would.”

“This is the thanks I get for saving your ass?” You averted your eyes, begrudgingly waving the imaginary white flag. Shinsou bit back a grin as he kneeled beside you, checking for any injuries. “But seriously, are you okay?”

“Why do you care?”

“I'm a hero. I make sure people are not hurt,” Shinsou answered sincerely. His hand lingered above your shoulder as violet eyes stared at you. The corner of his lips curved ever so slightly when he said, “Even if the person happens to be a villain like yourself, Vanisher.”

“Well, I’m fine. Just paralyzed.” Your muscles were still frozen. Shinsou hummed as he glanced at the three men sitting obediently by the dumpster. Their hands and feet were tied, Takeshi being the only one still in a daze. The other two guys were knocked out thanks to Shinsou’s precise attacks. You let out a relenting sigh, “Thanks for…saving me. Damn pig hit a new low for pulling that shit on me.”

“He’s a coward.” You were taken aback by the venom in Shinsou’s voice. Coincidently, your fingers and toes twitched, a small sign that you were regaining control again. “It seems that he’s done it before. I’ll make sure assholes like him are off the streets permanently.”

“For once, I actually support your heroic actions,” you grinned, your entire body waking up from the not-so-peaceful slumber. Pushing yourself off the floor, you rubbed the back of your neck and felt the tiny lump where Takeshi hit you. Shinsou offered his hand, and you suspiciously glanced at him. The underground hero gave you an exasperated look. Rolling your eyes, you grabbed it and Shinsou helped you stand up.

He turned away and reached for his phone. “I’m calling the police. You should get out of here.”

“Wait,” you stepped forward, a bit confused, “You’re not turning me in?”

“You were being attacked and used self-defense,” Shinsou shrugged as he made the call. A minute later, he hung up and went to tighten the knots on the ropes. You were skeptical, wondering if this was all a trap. When you didn’t leave, Shinsou sighed and peeked over his scarf. “Look, you had a rough night. Just this once, I’m giving you a pass. Don’t be an idiot by staying here until the cops come.”

“Hmph, fine.” You opened a portal behind you. The golden sparks lit up the dreary alleyway, and one leg stepped on the other side. You paused, staring at Shinsou and murmured, “I owe you one.”

Shinsou nodded.

You disappeared just as the police sirens rang down the streets.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

Staying in one place was never a good idea. It was risky and only caused more problems for you based on past experiences. From a young age, you’ve learned to fend for yourself while on the streets. Sure it was exhausting looking over your shoulders, feet ready to bounce if the scene got too chaotic. But you sucked it up if it meant avoiding jail or facing Mr. Death himself.

Neither of them was in your deck of cards called life. And your life was undoubtedly precious, so why waste it away in a rotten jail cell or cramped coffin?

You arrived at Minato City roughly eight months ago, and it was the longest time you ever stayed in one spot. Usually, you dipped by the second month, but that wasn’t the case for Minato—a city under Shinsou’s watch.

The first time you crossed paths with him, it was ironically in a back alley nestled in between two rundown buildings. You preyed on a rich salaryman with an unmistakable narcissistic attitude; he was an easy target, and it didn’t take long to get him stumbling over his feet. After knocking him out cold, you rummaged through his belongings until you sensed a shadow lurking in the darkness.

Your eyes landed on the stranger’s bizarre getup. An air of mystery surrounded him thanks to his unruly scarf and metal mouth-mask. Stranger danger indeed, you mused while taking a step back; your survival instincts urged you to leave. The man quirked an eyebrow when he asked a question, and you foolishly answered it.

You walked forward despite your inner protests; it was as if you were under some weird spell—his quirk perhaps?—and you couldn’t break free. The stranger placed handcuffs on you and checked on the unconscious man. All your escape plans were useless until a miracle happened: an ashtray fell on your head. The glass shattered on the floor, and you let out an annoyed groan; you realized the mysterious spell was broken. Not wasting another second, you summoned a portal behind you.

“Neat trick, but I’m not a big fan of being someone else’s puppet!”

You disappeared before his scarf could capture you. The next day, you did some research on the guy and learned he was a pro hero named Mindjack, his actual name Shinsou Hitoshi. You blamed yourself for not brushing up on this information before arriving at Minato City, a rookie mistake indeed. He was trouble, and you barely escaped his grasp last night, yet you were intrigued by him. His quirk was unique, almost villain-like if he wasn’t such a goodie-two-shoes.

Since then, you had some run-ins with said hero, whether intentional or not.

At first, you kept your guard up around him. Shinsou taunted you to speak, but you hilariously whipped out a mini dry erase board in return; it amused him. He heard about you, an infamous thief named Vanisher who frequents the underground scene.

After two months of playing the cat-and-mouse game, you settled on befriending him; he grew on you with his deadpanned statements. One night you found Shinsou crouched on the roof’s edge, yawning as if he hadn’t slept in days. You smacked an energy bar on his head and shoved a black coffee in his hand with a perky smile. Shinsou was thrown off by your gesture, but threw a curt “thanks” your way.

It was an odd dynamic brewing between you both. Some nights Shinsou shared a quick bite with you, and other nights he tried, for the billionth time, to rein you in. For Shinsou, you weren’t a huge threat in his city, just an annoying thorn. He disapproved of your nightly shenanigans with a dry, “Stop stealing stuff from unconscious men.”

“Oh please, he’ll survive without his precious Rolex watch!”

You enjoyed the friendly banter, and you knew he did to by the mischievous glint in his eyes. Even his tone sounded playful, betraying the serious facade during his patrols. Of course, you trod the tightrope carefully with the lone hero. A small slip and you’ll fall. However, it was a risk you took every night for the last eight months. Besides, Shinsou was extraordinarily handsome, and the whole dark aura vibe suited him well.

He was the first reason why you decided to prolong your short stay in Minato City. The second reason was well—

“Hmmm,” you savored the gin cocktail, soaking in all the information with deep thought. The room was cramped and had poor ventilation. Your nose inhaled the musty odor lingering in the air, the stench making you silently groan. A single lightbulb hung above the round table and barely illuminated the man’s wrinkled face, partially hiding in the shadows.

“So…what do you say?” Mamba’s guttural voice broke the silence. Two grimy nails tapped the table as he watched your throat bob. You caught his tongue hungrily licking his lips. “Think you’re up for it?”

“A heist, huh?” You lowered your drink, and casually swung your arm behind the chair. “You sure your guys scoped out the place?”

“Down to the smallest detail.”

“Hmm…I want forty-five percent of the cut.”

He smirked, “As you wish. After all, you are valuable to us.”

“Well, don’t you know how to charm a lady,” you teased, crossing a leg over the other. “I’m in. I’ve been meaning to spruce up my dull routine. Conning rich suckers might be fun and all, but this heist sounds ten times better.”

Mamba signaled for his drink. Your glass cups clinked as the deal was officially closed. He shifted in his seat and drawled, “A pleasure having you on board, Vanisher. You’ll be in good hands with my men. I give you my word.”

“I’m sure I will.”

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

“Ready to go?” Voltage gruffed from behind you. He was an enormous man who stood as tall as an electric tower. Tiny sparks bounced in his yellow eyes. The stoic man was the driver, and he lead you to the back of the van parked outside.

The plan was simple. Voltage will drive the van to an alley that was close enough to the bank. Someone from squad B would shut off the entire security system to avoid alerting the police. You will then summon a portal that connects to the vault. From there, two men will slip through and break the metal door. They’ll pack approximately 100 million yen in large duffle bags, throwing them back through the portal.

It sounded easy enough…after all, that was the plan for today.

“Really?” You huffed, annoyed at the henchman man-spreading on your right. His twin sat across from both of you with an unreadable expression. Voltage and his partner, Benzo, ignored your complaints. Casting a glare at your ‘teammate,’ you snapped your head to focus on the road. That’s when you noticed something strange.

Benzo discreetly pushed aside his coat to take out his gun. It was common knowledge for criminals like Mamba’s soldiers to arm themselves despite having quirks. However, why did Benzo have a tight grip on his weapon now? You narrowed your eyes when Voltage took a left turn instead of right, fueling your suspicions even more.

“The GPS broken, Voltage?”

Silence.

And then…an attack.

You dodged a crystal dagger that came from your right. Only his hand was crystallized and you twisted his arm, the henchman howling like an injured wolf. His twin lunged forward with the speed of a bullet train. Your back slammed against the van at the guy’s sheer force. With wide eyes, you felt his vice-like grip crush your throat. The air was being sucked right our your lungs, and your fingers frantically scratched his skin.

Not giving up, you delivered three harsh blows to his groin. He stumbled back, but refused to let go of you. A growl escaped your lips when you kicked his ribs; with his grip gone, you charged at him, striking a pressure point by his neck—he was out like a light.

Out of the blue, Man-spreader caught you in a chokehold. He was noticeably weaker due to the injured right arm, and you took advantage of this. Benzo, however, shifted his body in his seat while snarling, “Keep her still! I’m gonna knock her out with this sleeping bullet! Viper wants her alive!”

Viper?! Damn it!

You elbowed man-spreader’s chest without stopping; an intense head-butt was your final move. Hearing the gun click, you swiftly used the unconscious stone block as your human shield to avoid the bullet. Tossing the guy toward the front, you activated your portal and rolled down the street. There was no time to think of a safe place, just that you needed to get out that hellish van.

A few scratches marked your cheek. The sound of wheels screeching against the concrete forced you to leap on your feet and run. You didn’t have enough energy to summon another portal, the fight draining almost everything in your system. But you still had some power left, and you’ll use it as your last resort.

For now, you settled on running the hell out of the van’s sight. Voltage and Benzo were hunters who wouldn’t rest until you’re captured. But there was no way in hell you were facing Viper again. Damn old geezer was still holding onto a deep grudge with that poker game. You gritted your teeth, the metallic taste of blood overwhelming your mouth. This might be a problem you couldn’t easily vanish away from…but it didn’t hurt to try.

All the buildings blurred as your feet pounded against the pavement. You skidded around the corner, the van right on your tail. A shot rang from a distance and you hissed; the bullet grazed your thigh. When you glanced up, your mouth dropped as a blue truck pulled out into the street.

Your only warning was: “Get out of the way!”

The driver, plus his companions, scurried like frighten mice when they noticed the white van dashing down the road. You slipped underneath the vehicle, but wasted no time staying on the floor. A loud crash roared from behind. You never looked back and arrived at a busy pedestrian street, bulldozing through the crowd.

Where’s a good place to hide?!

A piercing shriek ruined the city’s peaceful scenery. You peeked over your shoulder and screamed when an electric whip hit the lamp-post. The sudden attack made you lose your footing. More people yelled and rushed away from the danger, ignoring you in the process.

“I had it with this stupid chase, Vanisher!” Another whip crushed the window from a residential building. Voltage charged up his arm, the electric sparks spazzing out of control. He had you in his sight. “You’re coming with me, dead or alive!”

“Oh yeah? How are you gonna do that?” That wasn’t me…

“Why you little—”

Shinsou grunted as he lashed out his binding cloth to ensnare his target. Voltage’s power weakened once in a trance state, and the pro hero tugged the villain to the broken road. Shinsou kept the man tied up with his scarf, realizing it was the only thing strong enough to keep him immobile. You struggled to sit up. Shinsou demanded someone to call the police as he rushed toward your injured body.

“Hey, don’t move,” Shinsou gently held you in place. There was a purple bruise forming around your neck and a little bit of blood trickling down your chin. Shinsou frowned at what he saw. “What the hell happened?”

“Just got some bad blood with a sore loser,” you flashed him a crooked grin, the pain finally settling in. A cry for help interrupted your conversation, and Shinsou’s head snapped up. The building was on fire; Shinsou let out a curse. He couldn’t wait for other pro heroes or the fire department to show up. With no choice, he carried you away from the danger zone. “H-hey, what are you doing?”

“Stay here!”

Shinsou ran into the flaming pits of hell. You slowly rose to your feet, swaying back and forth on the sidewalk. Right now was the perfect opportunity to flee the scene. There were no cops or other pro heroes around, and Voltage was brainwashed. Yet, the deadly flames bursting through the shattered window paralyzed you. The only thing on your mind was Shinosu risking his life to save those people without any backup.

Damnit! Ugh…just this once!

You summoned a portal and stepped inside. The black smoke clogged the apartment, making everything harder to see or breathe. You covered your lower face and searched for anyone in this furnace. You stepped into another room, and your eyes spotted four figures huddled in the corner. Shinsou stood in front and tried thinking of a way out.

“Hey!”

“I told you to stay put!”

“Not gonna happen,” you shouted, opening a weak portal by the family. “Run toward it now! I can’t hold it for too long!”

The family escaped unscathed. However, Shinsou refused to leave without you. Always the hero, you huffed at his stupidity. Through your blurred vision, you watched as he trudged forward. Unlike you, Shinsou had his mask, which acted as an impromptu breathing apparatus. But it hardly kept the thick smoke from invading his lungs. You extended your hand, and Shinsou’s fingers stretched as if his life depended on it.

A cracking noise skittered across the ceiling with a piece falling on Shinsou. You screamed, jumping over a line of fire to rescue him. Your throbbing arms lifted the broken piece off the hero’s back. His pulse was dangerously low, and you slung his limping arm over your shoulders. The flames kept growing, consuming everything that stood in its path. If you didn’t act quick, it would eat you and Shinsou too.

Your hand created a portal close enough to where you both stood. The distorted golden ring fizzled, a sign that your body was at its limit. But you wouldn’t give up. Fives steps were all you need to get the heck out of here. The fire roared in the background, furious at your disobedience for trying to escape the madness. Except when did you ever listen?

You dragged Shinsou through the portal and collapsed on the sturdy sidewalk. The ring closed in seconds. Your lungs inhaled the delicious air with immense gratitude. You ripped off Shinsou’s mask and repeatedly slapped his stubble cheek. “C’mon, c’mon! Wake up!”

A cough made you relax. Shinsou’s eyelids were barely opened when he croaked, “W-why?”

“I owe you one, remember?”

The corner of Shinsou’s mouth curled, a gurgled chuckle greeting your ears. You stifled a laugh and rolled on your back, staying put until the emergency response team arrived.

You remained in Minato City for eight months. Another couple of days wouldn’t hurt.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

Minato City’s nightlife was buzzing with excitement, and there were no signs of stopping. People flocked to their favorite bars, hoping to let loose after a stressful week at work. Salarymen drowned themselves in alcohol and cigarettes without a care in the world. It was the perfect recipe for you to con another unfortunate victim, but you decided to sit this night out.

You gazed at the city’s beautiful skyline. The lights twinkled like precious diamonds on display at a high-end jewelry store. However, you admired the sight from afar since tonight was the last time you’ll see it. By tomorrow, you’ll be in another city to lay low for a while. Keeping yourself off the grid was the best option to throw off your scent from Viper’s nose.

A pebble rolled beside your boot.

“Surprised you’re not down at the bars preying on your next money target.”

“Not really feeling it tonight,” you yawned, sparing a glance at Shinsou. He was wearing his usual hero attire, the mask resting underneath his chin. It gave you a perfect view of his chiseled jawline. You returned your sights on the bright streets and ignored the fluttering feeling in your heart. You coolly remarked, “I see you’re looking well.”

“Injuries weren’t so bad; I experienced worse ones before.”

“I don’t know about you, but it sounds like you’re trying to impress me.”

A deep chuckle was his only response. You raised an eyebrow when Shinsou stood beside you, almost too close than the previous encounters. Your hand clenched inside your coat pocket. Tonight’s weather forecast called for temperatures hovering just above the freezing point. Yet, your skin was feeling hot, and it wasn’t because of the black wool keeping you warm.

“The police interrogated the guy who attacked you,” Shinsou shared, making you still for a second before relaxing. “Heard his name is Voltage with connections to the underground crime lord called Mamba. So far, he’s not giving anything up.”

“And he won’t,” you sighed, watching a drunk guy whistle at a woman who passed by. “Viper and Mamba: they’re brothers who control the drug trade in their respective territories. I guess someone tipped Mamba off that I was in Minato City, and he lured me in with a false heist scheme.”

You leaned against the roof’s edge. “If I didn’t think so quick on my feet, I probably would have been in Viper’s clutches by now.”

“You should speak with the police,” Shinsou ignored your loud snort and pressed forward, “If you cooperate with the investigation, they’ll help you. Maybe place you in a witness protection program—”

“Don’t be so stupid, Shinsou. This is a highly organized crime ring we’re talking about!”

“The police can protect you!”

“No, they can’t.” You raised a finger at the hero, wagging it as you predicted his next response. “And neither can you. Besides, I don’t need someone protecting me. I’ve lived my entire life fending for myself, and I know what I’m doing.”

“And how has that worked out for you, huh?”

“Pretty fine until I made the stupid mistake of staying here!” You jabbed his chest before growling away. Two hands raked through your hair as you paced back and forth. You stopped, shooting daggers at Shinsou. “Like I said, I got bad blood with a few people. I’ve done shit I’m not too proud of, but that’s just life on the streets. You do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means constantly being on the run.”

You spun away from Shinsou, your back straight as a rule and body visibly closed off. Puffs of white smoke slipped through your lips. The wind chill was not very merciful tonight as it froze your poor ears. You closed your eyes and heard Shinsou shuffle closer, his presence growing stronger by the second. His hand was gentle on your shoulder, almost as if he didn’t want to frighten you with the sudden touch.

Your mouth clamped shut when he whispered your name into the brisk night. You clenched your hand tighter when he pleaded, “You don’t have to keep running.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Then why did you stay here?” You bristled at the question, and Shinsou noticed. “Why didn’t you run away like before?”

“Because of you.” Shinsou’s hand twitched at the answer. Releasing a shaky breath, you turned around with conflicted eyes. For the first time in your life, your walls were crumbling down—the same ones that shielded you from the cruel world since childhood. It was too late to take back what you said, so you choked out, “I didn’t leave because I think I’m in love with you…and that terrifies me.”

A feathery thumb brushed your cheek. You gazed into his violet eyes; they were striking, yet carried a sense of fondness you’ve never seen before. He never said a word, but you were under his spell. Shinsou’s warm breath caused your entire face to flush once you realized how dangerously close he was in your bubble.

He admitted, with a raspy voice, “I feel the same way about you, except I’m not scared.”

“You’re stupid to think that way.”

“So be it.”

Time slowed as Shinsou lowered his lips and pressed them against yours. The kiss was sweet. Gentle. Innocent. You forgot about everything that was stressing your mind out. All your focus was on his lips—they were incredibly warm and soft and moved in a tender pace. You reciprocated the kiss with a tiny smile, your left hand clinging on his scarf. Shinsou grinned at your impatient tug; you were always so demanding.

However, after months of inhaling his rich scent, you were eager to taste him. You weren’t disappointed when you caught the sweet blend of dark cherry and black raspberry sprinkled along his mouth. A fresh jolt of excitement traveled down your spine. Shinsou’s arm wrapped around your waist, securing you in place. For a moment, you did not want him to let go—you didn’t want to run away from this safe haven.

If only the circumstances were different.

“You know I can’t stay…”

Shinsou didn’t say anything. His eyes, however, spoke volumes of how he felt about your decision. As much as it pained him to do so, he loosen his grasp on you. A portal opened not too far from where you both stood. You squeezed Shinsou’s hand and gave him a sad smile, the corners of your lips barely reaching your eyes.

The golden sparks lit up the dark rooftop, and one leg stepped on the other side. You paused, staring at Shinsou one last time, whispering, “Goodbye.”

Shinsou nodded mutely.

You disappeared into the portal, going on the run once again.

Sixth prompt is crossed off. Which one will be next? Stay tune! Thank you for reading!

Previous prompt: Boy Next Door

Hero Camp Bingo Masterlist

#shinsou hitoshi x reader #shinsou x reader #bnha imagines #shinsou hitoshi #bnha x reader #bnha shinsou #bnhabookclub #hero camp bingo #pro hero au

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girlcalledtasha · 4 years

Text

Something Weird Happened Today

We wandered down the Labyrinth many hours. Rosalind and I discussed what even was this place. She didn't know much. She never planned to come down here. All she really knew is that this was a physical place that existed beneath the city. She knew this was the Labyrinth that lead to the nine circles. What lay within the circles she did not know.

Through the cold walls of the Labyrinth we could hear the creature stalking. Occasionally Virgil would lead us to another dead end where we would wait for the creature to pass again, and we would catch a glimpse its terrifying form, before Virgil would lead us onwards once more.

Now and then we could hear Dante calling to us. He hasn't lost ground. I could tell Rosalind was scared. I'm not sure why she chose to help me.

Eventually we found ourselves in a round room surrounded by mirrors. There was no entrance or exit to this room. It was as if we stumbled into it through the geometry of another dimension we could not reach by choice. There was no way out of it now. I'd seen a place like this before; at the fairground of the cultist campsite. The room of mirrors reflecting infinitely that had trapped me before. I placed my hand against the glass of one of the mirrors. It was cold and solid and our reflections were clearly seen on the other side of it. Our reflections repeated as they bounced between the mirrors far off into the distance before fading into darkness. Between the recursive reflections I could see the shadow of the beast prowling.

"Nine mirrors," Rosalind said as she sat upon the flagstone floor. I looked around. She was right.

Virgil had stopped leading. This was clearly the destination. I placed him on the floor and went to sit by Rosalind. We were exhausted, hungry and thirsty. We stared into the mirrors watching the reflection of the three headed beast roaming between them.

I checked Facebook to see if anyone had responded to our last post. Five thumbs up. Five heart reacts. A few comments like "Brilliant!" and "So exciting!" and "You should turn these stories into a podcast!"

I sighed. "I don't think help is coming."

Rosalind shook her head. "Abandon all hope, neighbour."

I nodded. "Indeed."

"There you are." A familiar voice came from behind us. We saw an occultist emerge from the darkness between our reflections. We jumped back to our feet and faced him.

"Dante," croaked Rosalind.

"Hello, Rosalinnnd. And who is this with you?" He asked, turning to me. "Virgil," he commanded, extending an open hand. "Come to me. I am your master now." I could see his other hand held an ornate dagger.

I shook my head and slid Virgil forward along the floor with my foot. "I'm Tasha. This is Virgil."

Virgil blinked. Dante looked down at the eye stalk, and back up at me. He snarled and charged at Rosalind, crashing her against one of the mirrors, causing it to crack. Dante pressed his dagger against her throat.

"What game are you playing, Rosalinnnd?" She struggled against him and I tried to pull him off but we were too weak from hunger. He threw me off like I weighed nothing. "We've been playing cat and mouse long enough. I DO NOT. HAVE PATIENCE. FOR GAMES!"

"GET OFF OF HER!" I yelled, and got back on my feet.

Above Rosalind’s head, a set of enormous black jaws emerged from the cracked glass. Dante froze. The beast panted heavily, its breath formed clouds in the damp air that circled around them. Rosalind locked eyes with me. She opened her mouth to say something and the great jaws lowered around her head and removed it from her. Only her body remained, slumped against the broken glass. The beast carried her head off deep into the mirror's reflection until it was gone.

"Rosalind…” I whimpered. “No." This was all my fault.

Dante huffed. "No matter. One of you is Virgil. Now. Lead me to The Editor."

"You killed Rosalind!" I screamed, tears raining down my cheeks.

He grabbed me. "This is not how this story was meant to go. You will lead me to The Editor or we can both die here in Limbo."

"I don't know what that means!" I screamed, thrashing against him. He briefly lost his footing and knocked Virgil over.

"You..." his words were cut short as a dark shadow leapt from the mirror and ripped his head from his torso. The beast swallowed it whole and turned to me with ravenous fury in its eyes. My time was up. I thought about what I could have done differently. What an idiot I was. I should have figured this out. It was all so obvious now. I should have left the hole well alone. I should never have taken that sprout.

I picked up Virgil and faced the beast, ready to accept my fate. Over its shoulder, within one of the mirrors, Rosalind was silently pounding her fist on the glass, wordlessly yelling at me.

"Rosalind..."

The beast leapt and my world went dark.

I was in a room. It was about 10 foot square but its edges were hard to define. It repeated on all sides, just like in the mirror room. There was no ceiling. I could see a sky high above me unlike any I’d seen before. It was made of undulating flesh covered in membranous villi that swayed as if in a soft breeze. It was quiet. In the centre of the room was a simple wooden chair that repeated along with the room. Its feet were black with rot creeping up the legs.

I was sat in the chair. I was looking at myself sat in the chair. And I repeated along with the chair along with the room indefinitely in all directions.

I was sitting still in the chair. My eyes and mouth wide open. Arms limp at my side and neck craned backwards so that I was staring up at the hungry sky.

Virgil was with me, staring towards the next room. I walked to the next room. I was there too. In the chair. Staring up. Never blinking. Breathless.

I walked to the next room. And the next. And the next.

I walked for what felt like days. It was hard to tell. There was no day or night. Time moves strangely in the Circle. There was only the room I stood in and the echoing path ahead.

Ahead of me was a different chair. I walked towards it. I wasn't sitting in this chair. It was Dante. Sat in the same position I was in. Rosalind was there too. Looking over Dante as I did.

His flesh was dry. Desiccated. Brittle skin wrapped around his bones like paper. His eyes, staring upward, sunk into his skull as two shallow pits.

He coughed. The flesh of his lips cracked and they began to move.

"Rosalind... Tasha... I have been... waiting... for this moment..." His neck creaked upright and his head dropped down. "... for millennia..." His eyes closed as he continued. "He takes our past. He takes our present. He leaves us with our future. An endless future. Alone. In silence. In perpetual stasis. Never changing. Eons of nothing. In time, even thoughts fall silent. All we have, all we are, is anticipation of the nothing that is to come."

Rosalind and I looked at each other.

"Who is He?" I asked.

"The Editor!" he coughed. "There is only endless time in His circle. And fear. We see forward. Into the infinite and empty void. We see how empty it is. And we fear every hollow second that is to come. We suffer.

“But I was blessed by Him. I, I could see a moment in time that was to come. 3000 years into the void. One unlike all the others. I was blessed with this moment to bring you a choice. How I’ve longed for this moment. But soon… even this precious moment shall pass. Then there will be nothing. This will be your fate too. You will wander. In time, your flesh will grow weary. It will abandon you, as all things will. Eventually, you will sit a while. And you will not get up."

"You said there was a choice," I told him.

"Be His apostle on Earth. Or be devoured by your future here."

"Why us?" asked Rosalind.

"You are storytellers. As are all preachers."

"I mean... I post a bit on Facebook and Reddit."

"Yes. Yes. He follows your Reddit account."

"Then he never up votes."

"What is your choice?" He asked, pointing towards two empty wooden chairs in the next room. "Fear The Editor, or... sit with me for a while."

“What do you think?” I asked Rosalind. “You know more about this stuff than me.”

Rosalind thought for a moment. “This is hardly a choice.”

I nodded and took Rosalind's hand.

"We fear The Editor."

The rooms were gone. Instead we were standing in what looked like a derelict subway station. The tracks appeared as though they had been rusting for decades. On the platform there was an old rotten tram car. The air was saturated with damp and the smell of mould.

"What just happened?" I asked Rosalind. She looked as confused as I. “Are we back in the Labyrinth?”

"I think... we just made a deal with the devil. Ahh!" She grabbed her head in pain and I covered my ears as we were surrounded by a din of static. "The Editor! I meant deal with The Editor!" The din died down.

"Sounds about right," I replied, my ears still ringing. "So what are we supposed to do? Go out on the streets and tell stories?"

"I dunno.” replied Rosalind. “We could do a podcast?"

An old grey cat dashed from between our legs into the tram and an old grey man appeared at the driver's window.

"You getting in or not?" he asked, like we'd been keeping him waiting. I shrugged at Rosalind and we got on board.

"Don't I know you from somewhere?" I asked the tram driver.

"Unlikely," he scoffed as he lit a cigarette. His name badge labelled him as Charon.

"Hey yeah! You're the guy who dropped his wallet near Leeds Market!"

"Eh?" grunted Charon.

"I have something of yours." I pulled the wallet I found out of my bag and handed it to him. His eyes lit up.

"My cig money!" he grabbed it and rummaged through.

"It's all there," I assured him.

He tipped his cap to me. "Well, ta very much, love. Let's get you back to Leeds."

The tram bell rang twice, and the wheels excruciatingly squealed into motion on the old rusted tracks.

"We could start a podcast," Rosalind continued.

"Hmm?"

"A podcast for telling stories and convincing people to fear The Editor."

"Ohhh, like that queer creepypasta idea we had. What would we call it though?"

"Horror Queers?" she suggested.

I got out my phone. "Taken."

"Frigay the Thirteenth? "

"Also taken."

"Queer Horror Cult? "

"Dammit. All the good names are taken."

"Queerpypasta?"

"That has to be taken. Oh, wait. That's free. I like it. Queerpypasta."

"Rolls off the tongue doesn't it?"

"Queeeeerppyyyyypasta."

"Queerrrrrrrpy..."

So something weird happened this weekend. We were chased into hell by a lunatic cultist and now I guess we're starting a podcast?

#somethingweirdhappenedtoday

#horror #horror art #horror short #creepypasta #creepy stories #something weird happened today

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alison-anonymous · 5 years

Text

flawsome bandits pt. 2 ♡ sonic

Flawsome Bar Fights

Welcome to part 2! Updates may be a little irregular as we progress back into the school year, but I assure you lovelies that I am hard at work on the next chapter! So for now, enjoy and let me know what you think!

Warnings - implication of sexual harrassment, LOTS OF FLUFF

♡♡♡

“Alright, if this is going to be a thing, there are going to be rules,” Tom began, attempting to keep his eyes on the road.

“You seem really familiar,” Y/n hummed thoughtfully, looking Sonic over once again and completely ignoring her father. Sonic’s green eyes grew concentrated as he looked the young girl over again for the hundredth time since he met her.

“You too! I feel like I know you from somewhere.” He tapped his chin quizzically as the two stared long and hard at each other.

“Will you two please pay attention? Good lord!” Tom cried. “If this is going to work, you will need to listen to me and do whatever I say one hundred percent of the time. Got it?”

“Whatever you say, Donut Lord!” Sonic smiled, eyes ablaze with excitement. Unfortunately, the cute nickname only pissed Tom off as he took his eyes off of the road to yell at the hedgehog.

“Would you stop with the ‘Donut Lord’? I have a name. It’s Tom, and that’s Y/n.” He motioned to the girl sitting behind them. She rummaged through the console and pulled out a pair of sunglasses.

“He already knows my name,” she laughed, earning a smile from Sonic.

“Well, my name is Sonic!”

“Sonic,” Tom nodded thoughtfully. “So you’ve been spying on my family for years, or specifically spying on my daughter?” He was slipping into overprotective father mode very fast. Y/n was about to stick up for the little hedgehog when he beat her to it.

“I mean, I wouldn’t have called it stalking. We were all just hanging out only no one ever knew I was there! Like when Y/n was driving your old motorcycle and she smashed into a tree!” He sighed dreamily, leaning back against the seat. “Fun times!”

“What? You told me a semi hit it!” Tom cried out in horror, trying to keep his main tunnel of vision on the road while restricting himself from smacking his kid upside the head. Y/n chuckled sheepishly and slowly lowered herself to hide behind the driver’s seat.

“I mean, I’m more so surprised that Crazy Carl was right all along,” she mumbled. Sonic nodded.

“You should call him Super Observant Carl instead.” At that, Y/n burst out laughing. It was an adorably creative name, and from all of her time spent hanging out with Crazy Carl and helping him set up his traps when none of the kids at school wanted to hang out with her, it didn’t take too long to notice that he did have a system.

“You’re funny,” she giggled, sliding the sunglasses back up onto her forehead to reveal her humorous e/c eyes. Sonic’s emerald-like orbs lit up like fireworks as a huge, dopey grin spread across his face.

“Really? You think I’m funny?” He asked hopefully, practically throwing himself on top of the console to be closer to her. Spending most of his time alone, Sonic was only ever used to getting compliments from himself. So the fact that someone thought he was funny, better yet a beautiful girl, sent him to cloud nine.

“Hey, HEY,” Tom scolded, pointing a finger at the blue hedgehog. “That’s still my daughter, buddy.”

“Dad, leave him alone,” Y/n sighed, poking his arm gently. How much sense would that make? A human and a hedgehog? Then again, she did have no origin story, no idea who or what she truly was. How was she supposed to know that she had been a human her whole life when she could barely remember who her real parents were?

“Oh my god, stop the car right now!” Sonic exclaimed, popping his head out the side window, the big grin still plastered on his face. He read off the gigantic touristing billboard sign as Tom drove past it. “The World’s Largest Rubber Band Ball, we’ve got to see it!”

“People really need to find some hobbies,” Y/n sighed, rolling down her window too so she could imitate a dog.

“No, this is not some fun family road trip-” Tom snapped, his sanity slipping out of his fingertips with every passing second. “The government wants to dissect you, arrest me, and possibly put Y/n in the mental institute. This is serious!” Sonic exchanged a bored expression with Y/n and in a flash, he was out the window. Before Tom even had a second to flip out, he was right back in the seat with three souvenir rubber band balls, a paddleboard, and a baseball cap.

“Eh, you’re right, it was lame. Gift shop was cool though! I got you a mousepad!” He held up a little white mouse pad reading ‘I love rubber bands.’ “And don’t think I forgot about you!” He winked at Y/n before handing her a surprisingly adorable bracelet made out of what looked like fragments of rubber bands. She couldn’t stop the heat that began rising to her cheeks as she slipped it onto her wrist, still trying to get over the amazement that he was thinking about them. “When are we going to get there?” Sonic smiled, pulling out the paddle board and hitting the ball repetitively as Y/n watched his precision in amazement.

“We will get there when we get there,” Tom sighed in frustration. A moment of silence fell over the three as they watched the scenery pass by. Y/n glanced between her father and the eccentric hedgehog and finally decided that if this little creature was going to be hanging out with them, then the least she could do is try to get to know him better.

“Hey Sonic, want to play a game?”

“Is that even a question? Of course!” In a split second, he was sitting next to her in the backseat, leaning towards her excitedly. Little did she know that he was fanboying internally just over the fact that she had talked to him in the first place. This was his dream come true! Getting to spend some one on one time with the Star Chaser! She was so beautiful up close.

“Okay, which game do you want to play? There’s Truth or Dare, 20 Questions, Would You Rather, I Spy, How Well Do You Know Me, and Russian Roulette but we don’t have any guns,” she sighed in disappointment. Sonic’s eyes practically had stars in them as he grinned wider.

“Let’s play all of them!” Tom groaned in the driver’s seat.

This was going to be a long ride.

♡♡♡

It was night when Tom finally pulled the truck in to a gas station, Sonic and Y/n still deeply indulged in a game of Truth or Dare.

“I don’t know, I still think that I’d be faster than the Flash. I was born with my powers, so I’ve had a lot more time to get used to them whereas his happened from an accident in his lab,” Sonic explained, flipping her sunglasses back up behind his ears. The two had gotten comfortable after the first two hours of games and had established what they deemed to be the most comfortable position: Y/n sat against the left side of the backseat and had her legs stretched across the seats while Sonic sat on top of her legs, using her shoes as a cushion. It was amazing how four hours of playing games with someone could bring them closer together. Over the course of the car trip, the two had been through every topic from their favorite television show to what the best way to get away from the cops would be to what they would name a hamster if they ever got one.

“Fair point,” Y/n nodded. “Respect.”

Tom put the truck in park and stepped out of the vehicle, causing the internal lights to turn on. The two sat up in anticipation, wondering if they were finally going to be able to stretch out their legs. Tom walked around the truck and stopped at the open window above Sonic’s head, leaning against it slightly.

“Alright, I’m going to go in and check on Wade. See if he knows what’s going on.”

“You’re going to see Wade in that glass thing?” Sonic asked, peering out the window over at the payphone. “What is it, a teleportation device?”

“It’s a payphone, Son,” Y/n gently explained. “I had no clue what it was either when I first saw one.” Tom glanced behind him at the device and sighed.

“It’s mostly for drug dealers and fugitives, which is us. Now stay in the car, I don’t want anyone to see him. Y/n, make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.” And with that, he walked off. Sonic groaned in boredom and leaned his head against the door once more.

“This is so boring! Is your dad always this high strung?” He asked, the poor lighting casting shadows across his fur. Y/n breathed in deep through her nose and watched as her dad stepped inside the phone booth.

“Not unless we’re in trouble, which we are right now. But he means well. When I was first found and brought to him and my mom as a foster kid, they were super patient even though I was a teenager with no clue how the world worked.” She explained, running a hand through her hair and placing Sonic’s baseball cap back on her head. He furrowed his brows in concentration.

“Wait, so let me get this straight - you were found wandering around in the woods and you have no memories of who you were or what you were up until that day?” She nodded sadly, and shrugged. His ears fell back against his head a little in sadness. “I’m sorry… Well, hey, how about we make a deal? I’ll help you try to figure out your backstory if…” He got a sheepish look on his face as he suddenly broke eye contact. “...You become my friend.”

Y/n’s eyes shot open in surprise. “Sonic,” she laughed softly, her gaze softening. “You’re already my friend.”

At her words, the largest grin she had ever seen found its way onto Sonic’s face as he lurched forward and tackled her in a hug. Laughing, she reciprocated the hug by wrapping her arms around his torso but making sure to beware of the quills.

“Thank you,” she heard him mutter soft enough that if she had been breathing any louder she wouldn’t have heard it. In response, she squeezed him a little tighter. Even though it was a little strange to be hugging a talking hedgehog, it felt familiar once again. Everything about this moment seemed familiar, like she had lived through it a thousand times before. Little did she know that the same thing was happening for Sonic too. As they pulled away, mouths both opening to say something about it, they were interrupted by the sounds of beer pong and Harley engines. The duo froze, eyes already beginning to fill with comical stars as they turned towards Y/n’s open window.

Sure enough, there was what looked like a raging party going on at the club next door. Bikers littered the front, the engines of their motorcycles spewing out licks of fire. Cheers and hollers could already be heard from the open door to the bar as people filed in and out in a constant motion. It was the coolest thing that either of them had ever seen.

“Oh my god,” Sonic breathed.

“Okay, okay, so that may just be the coolest thing that we’re ever going to see,” Y/n admitted nervously. “But we have orders. I have orders. From my dad. Who is also a cop. We have to stay in the car.”

“Right…” Sonic slowly raised his head above the door until just his eyes were peering through the window at the scene before them. It wasn’t long before Y/n followed in suit. They exchanged a nervous glance before looking back at the bar.

...Damnit.

♡♡♡

“Shit,” Tom swore as he stood before the empty truck. Of course this is what he got for leaving his very responsible teenage daughter with a train wreck of a hedgehog (whom he was starting to worry was developing… feelings for his daughter). He set down the drink carrier of food and beverages he had got and looked around the parking lot for any sign of the Bonnie and Cylde duo. Finally, his eyes rested on the bar next door. Bingo.

Losing most of his dignity as he walked through the door, Tom’s eyes scanned the room for the two kids until they finally found a strange couple sitting alone at a high top table. One was a girl wearing a cowgirl hat and a bandana around her neck while the other was significantly shorter than her with a hat, shades, and a bright red shirt that appeared to be three sizes too large. He frowned the entire way to the table, enjoying the panicked look on his daughter’s face as she saw him coming towards them and frantically tapped the hedgehog sitting next to her. He swiveled around in his seat and gave Tom the most innocent look he could handle.

“Well, howdy there, partner!”

“I’m not your partner. We’re leaving, come on,” Tom motioned his head towards the door, but Sonic had other ideas.

“But there’s a ZZ Top Cover band, c’mon, you’ve got to see their beards!” He exclaims. “And we even came up with the perfect disguises and backstories so we could get in without showing ID.” He held out his gloved fist and Y/n didn’t miss the chance to bump it, leaning cooly against the counter. Tom rolled his eyes.

“Good to know you’re taking this seriously. We’ll catch them some other time. Now, let’s. Go.” His tone was sharp, daring them to object. Luckily, that was what Sonic was best at.

"I promise that if you let us stay that I'll stay quiet for the whole trip! Starting now!" He clamped his mouth shut, proving his promise to be true. Tom glanced over at his daughter skeptically, and she sent him a reassuring smile just as a waitress wandered over to their table.

“Welcome to the Piston Pitt,” she mused, sporting a traditional cowgirl from the West outfit. “What can I get you fellas?” Sonic leaned towards her excitedly, pressing his hands on the table to prevent him from falling off the stool he was sitting on.

“Ooh! I want nachos and buffalo wings and guac! Lots of guac! Isn’t that a funny word?” He then began quacking like a duck, making Y/n chuckle next to him. The waitress furrowed her brows skeptically at the behavior, trying to figure out just what exactly she was looking at here.

“Umm, kids aren’t allowed in here,” she told Tom accusingly, eyeing Sonic up and down. “Is he wearing a mask or something?” Tom opened his mouth, about to defend him when Y/n quickly beat him to it, wrapping her arm protectively around the blue hedgehog in disguise.

“Excuse me, but that’s my husband you’re talking to,” she snapped, watching as Tom’s eyes practically exploded with shock. THIS was their excuse? “And he has a height condition, mind you! A skin one, too. It’s very tragic really, stunted his growth. Isn’t that right, sweetie?” Tom’s overprotective father rage came back full force as he watched his daughter look down at Sonic with a lovestruck look on her face that could have won an Oscar. How the hell could they think that anyone would believe an excuse like that? He watched with flames in his eyes as Sonic gave the girl a heartwarming smile and rested his gloved hand on top of hers, using the fakest country accent that Tom had ever heard.

“That’s right, darlin’. The face I was born with, the confidence I picked up along the way.” Shockingly, the waitress was dumb enough to believe it, nodding her head softly and smiling at the “couple.”

“They’ll have two Mello Yellos,” Tom sighed, watching as the waitress walked briskly away. He finally turned back to the two just as they hesitantly brought their arms back to their own bodies. Y/n’s heart raced excitedly in her chest as she glanced at her friend out of the corner of her eye, her head getting slightly confused from all of the emotions she was experiencing. Sonic’s stomach was full of butterflies as he cleared his throat, trying to distract himself from thinking too much about everything going on.

“You two are insane,” Tom tossed off his cap and sat down across from them. “You owe me one.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Y/n smiled sincerely, her e/c eyes gleaming at him from across the table. She knew that he was having a difficult time with the situation as a whole, and while she was doing her best to lighten the mood on things, no one could deny that the danger was ever present. He was just trying to keep them safe. Tom gave her a smile in return. No matter how much they quarreled and disagreed, she was still his daughter. Maybe not biologically, but they were one of the lucky ones to have accomplished that bond.

“I have never sat on a bar stool before,” Sonic gushed. “Look, it even spins!” He spun around in the chair so fast that his sunglasses were thrown off, landing on a pile of crushed peanut shells by some bikers.

“Having fun?” Tom asked sarcastically. “Check this off the bucket list, right Y/n?” The girl in question pursed her lips, tilting her head to the side in thought.

“Actually, inline skating behind a car went before watching a bunch of bikers search for stray peanuts in their beards, but who’s counting?” She shrugged. Sonic stared at her with wide eyes, amazed at the pure awesomeness of this girl.

“Wait, what’s a bucket list?” He asked.

“A bucket list is, uh, it’s a list of things that you want to do in your life before you, well, you know, kick the bucket.” Tom explained, scratching the back of his neck in an avoidance to say the word ‘die.’ Sonic’s bright green eyes lit up like a Christmas Tree at the idea of it. He was learning something new every minute he spent with these two.

“I’ve never kicked a bucket before, either! I have to make my list! N/n, you got a pen?” Sonic asked, swiping a notepad from one of the bartenders and returning back to the table just as Y/n pulled out a random LED light pen she didn’t even realize was stuck in her boot. The two humans watched as the hedgehog scribbled down line after line of things he wanted to do, giggling to himself along the way. The sight of it brought a soft smile to Y/n’s lips as she watched him write away. Never before had she had so much fun with someone, enjoyed being in someone’s company for so long. She had never really had a true friend before. Until now.

“Hey,” she gently touched his shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

Suddenly, Sonic stopped writing. Y/n’s pen slowly lifted off of the paper as his expression began to fall, his green eyes that were once full of joy and excitement were now filling with sadness. Y/n felt her heart instantly drop, already feeling the desire to get that smile back on his face no matter what the cost.

“There’s so much stuff I’ve never done,” Sonic responded, sitting up straight. “And now that I’m leaving earth forever, I guess that I missed my chance…”

Y/n’s heart sank. In the big rush of things, she had completely forgotten that the whole point of this road trip was to find Sonic’s rings so he could leave the planet. No matter what the connection they had (even if it was just nostalgia), he wasn’t staying. He had to go…

Tom noticed his daughter’s expression fall as soon as the words left his mouth. He sighed deeply, glancing between the two of them. They were good kids, trying to keep things light hearted through the duration of this trip. And if Sonic wasn’t going to be on this planet for much longer, then the least that Tom could do was help him make those moments count.

“Well, I guess this is the kind of place where you can get a lot of living done,” he spoke, looking around the room. Sonic and Y/n looked up at him. “I suppose we could spare an hour.”

The two exchanged excited grins and turned back to the adult. “Really? You’re going to bucket list with me?” Sonic asked. Tom shrugged, smiling.

“Sure, why not?”

“You will not regret this!” Sonic promised. Y/n laughed, grabbing the list and reading over the first couple of lines.

“I’m pretty sure we will,” Tom sighed.

♡♡♡

In forty minutes, the three were able to knock out almost half of the things on Sonic’s bucket list. They started with country line dancing, which Y/n was shockingly good at (and made the two boys stop and stare in shock because they didn’t even know that she knew how to dance). Then they played darts and successfully managed to pop open ten cans of beer in less than two seconds. The bar even had a metal basketball hoop, so in order to complete a slam dunk, Y/n threw Sonic up onto the rim where he kicked the chain so many times that he established a new high score. And what kind of country-themed bar would the Pistol Pitt be if they didn’t have an electronic bull?

“Shit, shit, shit,” Y/n shrieked, clinging onto Sonic as he held on to what she assumed to be the withers of the bull. It bucked them around in circles, making Tom laugh from his point of view as the two struggled to hold on.

“Is this bull headless or does it have two butts?” Sonic asked.

“It’s best not to think about it.” Y/n laughed just as the bull’s tail hit her in the ribs. “Ow! Okay, that was rude!” She snarled as Sonic burst out laughing. About two minutes later, the duo got flung off of said bull by Tom and Y/n flopped around on the blowup floor.

“Seriously?” She groaned, placing her hands on her stomach. Tom chuckled next to her. After a couple more minutes had passed and Sonic managed to make some lady throw her drink in Tom’s face, the three sat back down at the high top to catch their breath.

“Nice work, Romeo,” Sonic laughed, wiping a tear out of his eye. Tom faked a laugh too, wiping off the rest of the alcohol from his face.

“Ha ha, having a good time?”

“Of course I’m having a good time,” Sonic cheered. “I mean, what could go wrong?” Something moving behind them caught Y/n off guard, and the moment she tilted her head to look she regretted it.

“U-um, Dad…” She whispered, staring with wide eyes as three very pissed off looking men approached them. Sonic spun around on his bar stool to face the friendly gentleman and plastered on a smile.

“Can we help you gentlemen?” Tom asked politely, but keeping a wary eye on the men. One of them was taking a very sudden interest in Y/n, so Sonic carefully nudged himself closer to her, just in case. The man in the middle with the surly face looked Tom up and down.

“We don’t like your kind around here.”

“And what kind would that be?” Y/n asked in confusion, leaning back slightly on the table in an attempt to rid herself of the putrid smell of cigarette smoke that came from their clothes. The guy looked down at her and Sonic, using the fact that he was standing to his advantage and gritting his teeth.

“Hipsters.”

Y/n had been expecting a worse insult, so she just shrugged, but Sonic took it as a severe offense.

“How dare you?” He muttered heatedly. Tom quickly held up his hands in surrender, sensing the high levels of danger starting to appear.

“Now, now, we were just leaving,” he began, but Sonic was quick to interrupt him, wagging one gloved finger. Y/n slowly shook her head at the hedgehog, trying desperately to send him cues to back down. The last thing they needed was a bar fight to top off the wanted signs that were probably being posted right now. Y/n watched in fear as Sonic gave them a “pop quiz” which she assumed was some great one-liner from a movie, and then knocked the guy on the head with one of Tom’s empty beer bottles. Unfortunately, it didn’t break.

“Darn,” Sonic muttered, flipping the bottle around in his hand. “That was supposed to work.”

“Son,” Y/n began to slowly rise from her chair, tugging on a stray lock of her hair nervously. “I think we should go…” Her friend, however, refused to give up as he continued to knock the burly man on the head with the bottle, not quite hard enough to break it. She watched with fearful eyes as the man’s face slowly contorted into one of anger. Tom quickly made his way over to Sonic just as the man pulled back his fist and went in for the punch. Sonic was quick to duck, unfortunately leaving Tom to take a full blown fist to his face.

“Dad!” Y/n’s hands flew up to her mouth as she watched her dad stumble back.

“I’m good, kid,” He reassured her. Then the best part of the brawl flung into action. People got bumped into other people, in turn pissing them off and causing them to find their fists a much better source of anger management than their manners. Sonic, overjoyed that he was now living through yet another thing on his bucket list, took a myriad of super punches at the man who punched Tom in the face, which only pissed him off more. Even Y/n, who had been a bit scared at first, was testing out her abilities by dodging the pedophiles littering the area and taking out some people that she couldn’t tell their gender. She was doing amazing up until the point where some very drunk, very scary-looking man with a teardrop tattoo under his eye and a mangled head of dreadlocks pinned her against the wall.

“Hey there, pretty lady,” the man chuckled. Y/n squirmed under his grasp, scrunching up her nose from the putrid stench of alcohol coming from the man’s mouth. Her heart began to race from the adrenaline filling her veins as her e/c orbs looked into the man’s black ones, void of any emotion. She refused to answer, desperately trying to wrangle herself free from his grasp, but he was much bigger than her and ultimately overpowered her. Y/n frantically looked around the bar for help, but Tom was busy trying to avoid getting hit in the face and Sonic was nowhere to be seen.

“L-let go of me,” she rasped, her limbs beginning to grow weak from the fighting. Then the fear began to set in.

People began slamming into one another, beer came crashing down from the sky, men got yanked up to the ceiling with elaborate wedgies, and bikers wearing bear heads crashed into the floor. Y/n and Tom smashed back into time in shock, shaking their heads a little and looking around at the chaotic room in shock. Everyone else was lying on the floor with some sort of injury.

Meanwhile, Sonic had just finished helping rescue Tom while he was running through the air in his own slowed down time slot. He pushed the man up to the bar and turned around to see what else there was he could mess with until his eyes landed on Y/n. She was pressed up against the wall by a very disgusting and uncouth man, a look of pure terror written on her face. His expression became overcome with worry as he raced over to her. The blue hedgehog practically threw the man off of her in a fit of what he assumed was rage (but quite honestly felt like jealousy) and grabbed a pitcher full of beer, positioning it just so so that once time came back to full speed that it would spill all over his head. He turned back to Y/n and pulled her by her hands all the way to the bar where a frozen Tom was still standing. After he had assured that his two favorite humans were safe, he screwed around with some other people a bit before zipping back to Y/n just as time fell back into motion.

“W-what just happened?” Y/n asked, wondering how she had gotten out from underneath that guy so fast. Sonic grabbed ahold of her hands once again and looked at her with concerned eyes.

“Are you okay? That guy was being such a jerk!”

“Y-you did this?” Tom asked in surprise. Sonic nodded rapidly, but his focus was still on Y/n. She slowly nodded, dumbfounded. What the heck had just happened? Did Sonic save her? She looked back down at the hedgehog that was still holding her hands. He did save her, didn’t he? Wow… the only guy that had ever saved her before was her dad, and that was when she was in danger of getting sued for crashing into someone’s chicken coop. He cared enough to save her. He didn’t have to do that, I mean, he barely knew her! But there was something about him… the way that he vibed with her, his excitement and ability to make any situation a fun one to be in. He made her smile and laugh. He made her feel like she actually belonged somewhere.

A small butterfly lifted up from its perch and began to flutter around in her stomach.

“So, should we get out of here?” Sonic asked, looking over at Tom for confirmation. The man in question nodded quickly, already picturing the amount of trouble they could get in.

“Yep, time to go.”

♡ a.a.

#sonic the hedgehog #sonic the hedgehog movie #sonic the hedgehog 2020 #sonic the hedgehog x reader #sonic #sonic the hedgehog imagines #sonic the hedgehog movie x reader #sonic the hedgehog movie imagines #sonic x reader #sonic imagines

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optimistic-dinosaur-nacho · 4 years

Text

Bloodshed AU

Chapter 3

Warnings: Nudity, Gore, Language, Violence Summary: Steve Rogers works in a research and tech company in New York. He’s been digging into myths and footage on a creature known as the werewolf. Vicious as they are, he hunts them. With a lot of failures, his team thinks he’s crazy. He may prove them wrong.

Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

Characters (Bloodshed Seven)

Just note that I don’t know Oregon’s grounds. So everything I come up is not accurate. I don’t travel much.

Ada stood outside the house in the dark. Her eyes scanning the forest grounds that were about to be covered in snow by a storm. She started to get worried. Her ears picked up the smallest sounds in the dark. Owls, rodents, and twig snaps.

“Where the hell are they?” Roman growled, coming outside to look as well. Ada kept her eyes out in the field. “They’re coming.” Roman looks down at her, his eyes burning the back of her skull. “If I come out here in the next hour and they’re not here, one of them is gonna tied outside. I’ll chain them if I have to.”

Ada hears his foot turn and walked back inside. She stayed there, keeping her eyes out. She heard the sounds of snow, like someone was walking but quickly. She heard a howl. A threatened howl. She rushed down and ran through the snow.

Roman and Randall rushed out to the sound as well. “Ada! Where are you going!” Roman shouts. In the distance, she sees Bucky and Y/N.

Y/N was limping. Bucky’s head was supporting Y/N to walk over. Ada reached and picked her up. The big dog was no match for her as she carried her. “I got you, Y/N,” Ada says, she looks over her shoulder. “Bucky, get inside, I got her.” The wolf snorts before scattering off. Ada rushes in, looking up to the angry Roman.

“Keep it shut,” Ada says to him. He storms behind her and Ada carries Y/N upstairs.

Ada closes the door to the bedroom and placed Y/N in the bed. “I’ll give you a minute, I need to see how bad it is,” Ada walks out of the room to wait for Y/N. After a few minutes she given, Ada opens the door again to see Y/N who shifted back.

Ada saw the blood on her arm. “I think it’ll be okay,” Y/N said, Ada sighs and walks over. “What happened?” Ada asked. Y/N was quiet. The silence was too long for Ada and her eyes widen when she didn’t speak.

“You ran into hunters-?”

“Please, don’t tell Roman-” It felt like Y/N had summoned him when the red wolf storms in. “You two ran into hunters? What the hell did you do to them!” Roman shouts.

Ada puts her hand up, “Roman, relax-”

“How can we relax when we have hunters who are gonna find us! They’ll kill us!”

“I did it,” Bucky cuts in. Roman and the girls turn to the man who didn’t put on a shirt. Roman and Ada were confused, “Did what, Buck?” Ada asks. Bucky shakes his head, “I...” He lowers his head.

Roman got the idea and scoffed, “I can’t believe this,” He runs a hand through his hair. Ada glances at him, he grins, “I guess I’ll have Randall go out to get rid of them- Buck, are they still there?”

“Roman, you can’t send out Ran, he’ll run into more,” Ada says.

“The hunters are still there. By the freeway, you’ll smell them once you reach the road,” Bucky says, Roman nods and turns to Y/N. Glaring at her, “This is it for you two. I’ve had enough with your childish games. It’s you who’ll get us killed. I hope you’ll be the first one to have your head on a wall.”

The three watch Roman leave the room in anger. Y/N lowers her head and sighed. “How bad is it?” Bucky asks, walking over. Ada lifts her arm up, “Doesn’t look that bad. Might just heal over.”

“Not like Buck’s?” Y/N asked, Bucky looks down at his right shoulder to the large scars. Ada nods, “You’ll have scars but he fell from a cliff, it gotten worse with the trap in his arm.”

“Yeah, hurt like a bitch.”

Ada glares at him with a silent scold. He grins. “If you get a shower on, I’m sure it’ll heal over. You’re lucky not losing a hand.” Y/N smiles as Ada gets up and walks out. “I’ll go and help Roman with those hunters. You two just stay here. Please?”

Bucky and Y/N nod. “Okay,” She says, then closed the door.

Bucky turns his head to Y/N, “So what now?” He asked. Y/N stands up with a groan, her hands holding her chest as she held the sheets over her lower half. “I’m gonna take a shower.”

He stands up from her bed and grins, “You get that shower. I’ll make something for you when you come down.”

Y/N grins, “You don’t have to.”

“I know,” He shrugs, “But I want to.” Y/N smiles as he does. “What do you want? Tea? Coffee? Hot coco? Water?” Bucky asks, his voice octave raised at each question making her laugh. “Just find whatever you have. Now get out!” Y/N shoves him forward and he laughs.

“Hot coco, it is then.”

Y/N shakes her head and walks into the bathroom.

The morning sun shines through the window. The sounds of honking and sirens echoed in the city air. His hair sprawled on his pillow, the shuffles of someone or something next to him moved. The dog licks the left side of his cheek and the man flinches.

His hand comes up and gently moves the dog’s muzzle. “I’m up... I’m up,” He groans. The dog licks his hand when it was in its view, giving him as much kisses as he could. “All right, Dodger.”

Steve rips the blanket off of him and it topples over Dodger, the dog shakes under the cloth.

The man walks into his kitchen and starts the coffee maker. He clicks the phone and played the recent messages.

“One new message,” The phone beeps.

“Hey, Steve. It’s Nat, again. I wanted to call and say thanks for helping us there. We needed someone like you. In a week, we might do something in Australia for a friend. So, keep that as heads up. And I’m sorry about your plan, I completely threw that out like trash.”

Steve walks into the living room and stares at the board on the wall with maps and pins in every direction. “I’ll think about it. Just not this week or the next. We’ll get into that if I’ll help but... in other things, thanks. Also, if you need help with babysitting the dog-if you were keeping it,” She sighs, “I’m willing to babysit him.”

He sighs and turns away from the board and reaches for the remote. The TV turns on and he tossed the remote on the couch, listening to the news. Dodger comes in with a small limp as he walks over to Steve.

“Hey, buddy,” Steve says, he pets the dog gently. “I’ll go out and get you food today, okay?” He asked. The dog low growls and he grinned.

“Good morning, Oregon County, it is 5: 39 am. This is Angela Sparkson. Police have been reported on the coastline for a horrific scene. Let’s have Jane Foster who is at the scene right now.”

Steve walks over with a cup of coffee as he watched the television.

“Thank you very much, Angela, this morning we are far away from towns and we are near a park that has been closed down due to this incident. Police have reported that there were blood trails leading to the creek. Hunting season is ending in a couple days, but two hunters by the names of Jerry and Alex have been missing.”

Steve stood in front of the tv, his chest slightly heaving up and down.

“We even gotten a call from a trucker who said he saw a large bear. But he said the fur of it was white.” Steve tried not to drop the cup from his hand.

“Police are on the scene to identify the blood. All around the Pacific Northwest, they’re closing all parks and trails in California, Washington and Oregon until these incidents come to a stop-”

Steve turns off the TV and rushes over to the computer on his desk. He looks up the incident and scrolled through the websites. Lists of people who knew the two men, even the missing posters were already up. No use if they found blood.

He finds a video. The trucker had a video of it and posted it on his facebook page. Finally proof to prove everyone these creatures are real.

Steve watched the black and white video play. It seem like it was too fast when the headlights hit something bright and it jumps out of the way. Steve pauses it immediately it was spotted and moved it back a little.

He cleans the picture a bit with the tech Tony recently created and he stared at it in awe. The glowing yellow eyes and razor-sharp teeth. He leaves the video and read the comments.

This shits fake. You’re just bored on the road Darin

Take this down, you’re embarrassing yourself

Werewolves? Are you kidding? You’re acting like that Rogers dead guy now.

Steve’s hand grips the mouse and clicked on his profile. Immediately messaging him. He typed away on the computer and sent it. His hand goes to his mouth as he waited for a response. He was lucky enough to get it quick.

Steve: You saw a werewolf?

Darin: I just got a quick look at it. It looked like a dog but it was too big. I almost hit it

Steve: Where were you exactly?

Darin: This long freeway between Florence and Newport, I believe. I’m sure you saw it on the news. They were talking about it

Steve: I got that.

Steve runs his hand down his beard and sighed. The forest he hated. The Volk Forest. His father told him it was named after the Russians who claimed it in the 19th century including Great Britain. The forest was bigger than the other forests in that state.

Volk in Russian is wolf. It was told that the Natives there had summoned Gods in the 16th century. Gods that shifted into wolves in the cold full moon. Their men were attacked by a large hound and they called it the Volk Forest.

That’s where his old man died.

Steve reached for his phone and pulled it up to his ear. The buzz of his phone rang in his ear till it stops, “Hello?”

“Natasha,” He says. “What’s going on?” She asked, Steve looks over to the photo on his desk and saw himself in his graduation ceremony along with his mom. A few years after his father died. “Steve?” Nat asks.

He removes his eyes from the photo, “I got a call from Sarah’s friend. Said she needed help.”

“Wait, your mom? In Oregon?” She asked. “Yeah.”

“You want me to take the dog?” Steve looks over the dog who’s tail wagged once they made eye contact. Steve sighs softly and turned away. “Yeah.”

Steve began to pack his bags. Taking his computer as well and he left the spare key under his mat before heading over to his truck. The drive could take 41 hours, he better get there fast. After he got a few miles in, he stopped at the gas station to put in gas and his phone buzzes.

He opens his phone to Natasha’s text.

Just got to the place. Safe driving :)

Steve grins and slips the phone back into his pocket and he hopped back into his truck and started the drive.

The morning rose and Y/N woke up to the smell. She got out of bed and walked down the stairs to the kitchen to see Bucky by the stove. “Whatcha cooking, Chef?” She asked.

Bucky sensed her when she came in. Y/N always had that wild berry and pine aroma. He turned, “Avocado egg toast? I didn’t have much things to make. I found eggs and toast with the avocados so I thought-” He heard her come over and she peaks over his shoulder.

“Smells good,” She smiled up at him as she walks over to the cabinet. He was shirtless and Y/N was in her shorts and tank top. Usually the boys don’t wear shirts in the house.

“Hey, mutts!” Tatum jumps down the stairs and walks over to the fridge. Y/N rolls her eyes and began to make herself some tea. Bucky peaks over to Y/N, “How’s that arm?” He asked.

She lifts up her arm and shrugged, “Healed over night. I’ll be okay.” Randall comes in next and he was shirtless as well. “What the hell happened to you guys yesterday? Roman and I had to deal with those hunters. You know he’s pissed what’s on the news now, right?” Randall asked.

Y/N turns around and leans on the counter, “It was just the hunters. That’s all, right?”

Tatum goes on his phone and slides it across the counter, “Apparently not.” Y/N and Bucky look at the screen to show the truck footage of Y/N in the road. She closes her eyes in embarrassment.

Randall shakes his head, “People aren’t believing it but you know some are-”

“I know,” Y/N says, she turns around to grab her cup and walks away. Y/N stops when Roman storms in. “I thought you said you and Bucky were gonna be aware of the roads!”

Y/N backs up, “We were,” She saw the red wolf’s eyes flash behind his. “Then how come there is footage roaming the news?” Y/N glared back at him. Did he really want the house to be a complete mess?

Before she could yell back at him, Bucky comes over and steps in between them. “Leave her alone, it wasn’t her fault!”

Roman towers over Bucky and showed both their intense stares of their wolves. The faint growling coming from Roman. Ada comes over and shoves Roman away from them. “Roman, stop! You know they didn’t do it on purpose,” She says.

Roman never removed his eyes away from Bucky as he stood in front of Y/N like a shield.

She watched as Roman turns around with a growl. Everyone flinched when he punches the wall. Not bothering to rub the dust off, he leaves the room with a large hole in the wall.

Bucky’s hand never left Y/N’s arm as he held her back.

Ada looks over to them and sighed. Tatum was the only one who smiled throughout the whole thing. He cackled lightly. “Tatum, go cut the logs outside,” Ada says.

Tatum groans and walks out of the house into the snow that began to gather around the house. Ada then sighs, “Hunting season is over. I’ll go scout the forest. We’ll think about a moon run. Okay?” Y/N nods in response.

Ada walks out of the house and Bucky gently rubs her arm. She didn’t feel the tension in the room any longer. “You okay?” He asked. Y/N nods, “Yeah. You gonna get that toast done? I’m starving.” He grins and turns to go back to the kitchen.

“Don’t go eating the squirrels. Breakfast will be done in the next minute,” He calls. Y/N smiled and turned to the living room.

A day had passed and Steve was getting closer than he thought. Stopped about maybe 17 times. He couldn’t count. He was too tired to. He remembered the places when he drove down the familiar road. He spotted the diner. Knowing to his old man, they made the best coffee there.

He looked over to the place till someone roared their bike and he comes to a stop when a man on his bike revved his engine. Steve got a glimpse at him, his eyes reflected off the sunlight and noticed the man’s eyes shined like gold.

Steve shook the thought off. You’re just tired.

He went further out of town and drove through the forest. He drove slow since the snow was falling down. There weren’t many homes around the area. The deep part of this Volk Forest barely had people come through.

They hunted during the seasons but no one wanted to live here.

He thought he was out close enough and parked on the side of the road. He stepped out and looked around the white coated ground. His shades coming off his eyes as he slips them into his pocket.

There were caution tapes that weren’t taken down. Steve knew he was at the right place. They should’ve closed down the road but it was a one way towards Washington.

He made his way towards the edge and saw the trail. He stepped down and walked through the forest. The chills running up his spine. He didn’t like the forest. As a kid, he still had nightmares till this day. He still felt like someone was watching him. Following him.

In his nightmares, he’d run and run through the endless forest and stop at the edge of the cliff towards the ocean. A large werewolf with red eyes and dark fur, blood dripping down its mane as it snarled at him.

He shook that thought away and kept moving forward. If he was gonna get attacked, he had a swiss knife in his pocket. As he kept going, he heard the loud sounds of a creek running down. He walked towards the water. A good source of animals to roam the area for water.

He steps up to the creek and watched it run down. Looked over to his right and noticed the dark color in the snow. He walked over and saw the trail of blood leading towards the creek. Something large was dragged here. The news said those men weren’t found.

But there was only one trail and it never lead to the side of the road. He kneels down and examines the blood. The news was two days ago. Something fresh came through here. But what?

“You shouldn’t be here,” Someone spoke.

Steve stands up and turns away from the creek to see a woman. “This your property?” He asked. The woman steps down and walks over, “I live just a few miles from here.”

Steve squints at her and looks around, “I don’t see much houses around here.”

She nods, “Yeah. We are alone on our own but we get by.”

He holds his hand out, “Steve Rogers.” The woman stares at his hand before reaching out to it, “Y/N.” He grins and lets go of her hand. “Your hand is really warm,” He says. He regret saying that and could’ve cringed right there. He was right. Felt like he placed his hand in a heated blanket.

She laughed, “Well, I keep my hands warm. Cold really doesn’t bother me.” He looks down at the blood and pointed at it. “What does this look like to you?”

She looks over and sighs, “Well, hunting season ended today, so someone must’ve killed a deer. Took it’s antlers. Might’ve left a huge blood trail. You know them, they don’t clean up their mess.”

Steve chuckles, “I grew up here. Sometimes my father would take me here to go camping, maybe hunt down a few rabbits,” He shakes his head, “Didn’t like the forest one bit.”

“You’re scared of the animals?” Y/N asked, “Sometimes men who don’t clean the blood they attract bears near our home,” She adds.

Steve smiles. “I guess from what I’ve heard from him, I never wanted to go back here.” Steve looks around again and saw the snow cover the trees and some even fell to the ground.

Y/N tilts her head at him, “Why did you come back?”

Steve looks over to her. If he told her he was after werewolves, she’d think he’s crazy. “I guess I just missed the good ol’ days,” He replied.

She nods with a grin and Steve drops his head, “My father died 20 years ago.” He noticed her frown. “I’m sorry.”

He shakes his head, “My mother is all I have left. Right now, she’s fighting cancer so I just have to pray she’ll be okay.” Y/N nods at him and sighed. “If you want or if you don’t have a place to stay, I can offer you a bed at our house. I’m sure my family won’t mind a guest.”

Steve holds his hands up, “I don’t want to intrude you guys, I-”

“No, I insist. I’m sure tomorrow, I can talk to a friend who owns a motel. Give you a room without paying,” She said. Steve smiles, lowering his head and looks back up to her.

Y/N could smell that strong cologne on him. No. Don’t. Her wolf growling as she forces a smile.

“Come on. My family and I don’t bite.”

And so it begins...

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pumpkiwi · 4 years

Text

“ The Farmer’s Daughter “

I remember it all too well. My feet moved swiftly through the cornfield, my vision slowly decaying, barely catching my breath. The cold winds caused my running even more pain, and the moonlight didn’t help me much. I didn’t know what I was running from, I didn’t bother turning my back. For if I did, I’d be done for. The only thing I could hear aside from the ringing in my ears, was a girl singing a lullaby of some sort. I couldn’t make out the words at all. However, the singing wouldn’t stop. Suddenly, my foot met with a treacherous stone, concealed within the shadows, as if it were waiting for me. My body slammed hard into the dirt surface below. Letting out a sob, I pushed myself on my feet and looked up to see what exactly was chasing me.

A car horn blasted through my ears. I sat away from the taxi window, awaking from a cold sweat. Didn’t take too long for me to realize that it was all just a nightmare. A surreal nightmare.

“Outta my way, ya rats!” The old taxi driver barked in front of him. . His voice sounded like he had smoked seven cigarettes each and every hour of his life. He noticed me and flashed a ugly grin.

“I see ya finally awoke, old sport!” He chirped with glee. “How’d ya sleep?”

“Fine.” I answered back, “How far are we from the farm?”

“Ooh, only a few miles away! Don’t ya get yer panties in a bunch!”

The farm in question belonged to my uncle, Joe Norton. A large yet sweet man, heart full of gold. His hair matched mine, a copper brown. That was one of the few things we had in common. Despite that, I truly cared for him. That’s why I had to pack my bags and get to his farm as quick as I could. You see, ever since my cousin, Abigail, went missing this summer, things haven’t been the best. Not only was the grief unbearable, Uncle Joe told me all about how his crops were dying, as well as his animals. He didn’t have enough hands to help out. Being promised payment and food, I agreed to come.

“Oi, here we are, old sport! Badger Hill Farm!” The driver announced.

I took one look out my window and saw it: my childhood in mere ruins. Perhaps, I shouldn’t be too surprised. Uncle Joe was an old, divorced man with nothing but the pain and sorrow of his daughter’s disappearance. Strangely, he didn’t seem as worried as a parent should be. Maybe, he’s just keeping himself calm, as if it hasn’t been months. Poor bastard. Regardless, the farm gave me unnerving vibes. Maybe, it was just my anxiety kicking in again.

I escaped the taxi, waving the taxi man goodbye. There, on the ever so creaky porch, was Uncle Joe. His droopy eyes stared at his only company at this time. He then smiled.

“Good to see you again, my dear niece!”

I only huffed at his greeting.

“Nephew, Uncle Joe. I’m your nephew.”

“Right .. right. My apologies. How was the trip?”

“Fine.” I replied, “You doing okay yourself?”

The two of us went on a long conversation of each other’s lives, even though we already were pretty updated from our last call. As we talked, he took me around the maze of Badger Hills Farm. I knew it was going to be hard, from all the chores and tasks we had to complete. But, you would be surprised by my experience with farm life, even before my transition. So, it shouldn’t be too bad … right?

After a few exhausting days of cleaning, feeding and other various tasks, we celebrated with a small night of board games and chips. We played an old version of monopoly, as well as watched some TV for the first time in forever. His favorite show was this old black and white show that reran on some channel I’ve never heard of. It was about a vampire being neighbors with a werewolf, one of the episodes was about the human protagonist witnessing a murder being commited by one of the two. I liked it too. So, on that stormy night, we binge watched the hell out of it. Before one of the episodes could properly end, however, the lights shut off. As expected, it scared the devil out of me. But, Uncle Joe was happy to comfort me.

“Don’t ya worry yer butt off, Gabe.” He told me, rising up from his worn out chair. “I’ll go and take care of that.”

Uncle Joe grabbed the flashlight from the nearby counter and soon enough, left the front door, closing it behind him. There, I sat in the dark, alone. Funny enough, I used to be afraid of the dark, mainly of what could be in it. I’d always have my nightlight on, as if it would wear away any creatures or ghouls. Now that I was older, I knew better.

A shuffle of movement swimmed beside me. I jumped from my seat, glancing the direction it came from. Couldn’t have been a mouse, maybe a cat? Uncle Joe didn’t own a cat. Then, I heard it. That same singing from my dream. However, this time, I could understand the lyrics…

“ Wolves asleep amidst the trees

Bats all are swaying in the breeze

But one soul lies anxious wide awake

Fearing all manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths

For your dolly Polly sleep has flown. “

The singing alerted me greatly. I didn’t stay for the song to finish. So much so, I dropped everything and bursted through the front door. Someone was in that house, I thought. I need to warn Uncle Joe. However, I couldn’t find him or the shed he must have been at. What came next was similar to my dream. Running through the endless field in fear, unsure of who was coming after me, the endless singing of a song I had never heard of before. The rain had already taken a toll to my clothes, weighing me down as I ran. That unfaithful stone took out my ankle once more. I finally had a look at who I was chased back.

No… it couldn’t be…

There, floating up above me was my dearest cousin. Execpct, she didn’t look like herself. Her eyes were blank like a Tv screen, with a bloody rose covering her left eye, as well as an area around her chest. Her brown, long hair was as dirty as the ground below me and her outfit torn. I sat there, frozen in place, wondering if this was some sort of sick joke.

“ Abby..?” My eyes filled with tears, shaking at the cold, hard rain.

“What… W-hat happened to you? Why… what?”

Her gloved hands held out to me, as if reaching out to help me up. To my surprise, I could hold her hand. I rose up from the ground, still taking in what I was seeing. She released her grip and stared down my soul before her haunting voice spoke:

“Follow me.”

Her body wasped through the air gently, making sure I was with her. There was no way in hell I would run off. But, despite that, I wanted to know why or what. What happened to her? Eventually, she led me to a now ruined garden. It had been blocked off from the farm itself, most likely due to the respect of Uncle’s daughter. All the flowers were deader than whatever she has been corrupted into. My nose cringed at a rotting and nasty smell.

“This is where he killed me.” She suddenly croaked, no emotions whatsoever.

“Who..?” I nervously asked her.

“...Father.”

My heart stopped at her words.

“Uncle.. Joe? But … he’s old. And, he’s so sweet…”

“No.” A growl erupted from her. “He isn’t. He’s a murderer. He’ll kill you too if he finds out you know.”

I had to process this. All the things I had ever thought… is that why Uncle Joe was so calm about her becoming missing? I wanted to puke at the mere thought of it. A father killing his own daughter? Why? What was the motive?

“Why.. did he kill you?”

An index finger shot at the nearby flower beds. My gut twisted at what I even thought.

“You .. weren’t the only one..?”

She nodded firmly. I lifted the empty flower bed to reveal one of the almost decayed out corpses. The sight caused me to instantly drop the flower bed. I covered my mouth and nose to prevent myself from throwing up. This can’t be real. It can’t be. It has to be a dream.

Soon, bad news rolled in. The wet steps of mud trailed behind me. Uncle Joe stood there in the rain, holding a crowbar of somesorts. His happy smile that I always saw was twisted into a deep, dark frown.

“So… you found out, huh?” He questioned me. “You found her garden.”

It didn’t take long for me to realize what was going to happen if I stayed put. I was going to end up like Abigail. I raced over the fence and hopped over that bitch. He had thrown the crowbar at the fence, barely missing my back. Uncle Joe followed in pursuit, in a different route. I felt like I was in a horror movie, my heart pounding against my chest and running as quick as I could. I didn’t know where, but somewhere away from here.

“GET BACK HERE!” HIs voice boomed from behind me. “I AIN’T GONNA HURT YA! PLEASE, GABBY!”

I made it to that same dirt road I entered from. A red pick-up truck happened to be driving on that said road. Taking my chances, I got in front of it, waving my arms fractionally at the driver. Luckily for me, he stopped inches away from me. Checking back on where Uncle Joe was, he near damned was right there. The driver must have seen him, waving me to get in.

In a panic, I hopped on the back of the truck, holding on the edge for dear life. The truck began to drive away as quickly as he humanly could.

I still remember seeing Uncle Joe standing in the middle of that road, watching me with cold, evil eyes. That day, I found out the truth about him and Badger Hill Farms. A death trap it was. He was planning on killing me off that night, and I know.

I have to report him to the authorities, about the missing cases and everything. But, that was going to be my next step. For right now, I took in my freedom with a sigh and laid back on that truck.

I was alive.

#original character #original writing #writing #tw: death #i hope you all enjoy!!#this took like #idk a week????#im still writing for a dbd fanfic so uwu #enjoy!!#pls do reblog #ask to tag #peach writes #oc #ocs #( ~ ) : the farmer's daughter #the farmer's daughter

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rainythefox · 5 years

Text

Nightfall (Ch.9)

Synopsis: Pre-Resident Evil 1, slight-AU/Canon Divergence. Claire Redfield comes home to visit her brother Chris for the holidays but gets caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Albert Wesker, the Captain of STARS, after stumbling upon dark secrets. She can’t call the law; Wesker is the law, and she can’t tell Chris. She is trapped…Claire/Wesker & Slight Chris/Jill. Rated M for eventual smut, language, violence, adult content.

AO3 Link

Chapter 9: The Goddaughter

Claire couldn’t believe she was actually doing this. The new, two-story brick home in the fancy neighborhood was just as quiet and expensive as the other homes on the block on this chilly morning, only Claire knew the evil inside this one. She was just here the other day, breaking in to try and find something to expose Wesker, and ended up nearly being ripped to shreds by his guard dog instead. She wasn’t here to break in this time. Oddly enough, as Claire stepped up to the front door and rang the doorbell, she felt she would’ve preferred dealing with the attacking Doberman over the corrupt STARS Captain.

She heard Odin bark once, but it was faint and sounded like it had happened on the upper floor. Still, she flinched from the awful memories of snapping jaws inches from her face.

William had stopped by yesterday evening, relaying a message from Wesker to meet him at his house after Chris was at work. Claire let her brother take his truck because Jill was off of work today and just gave the excuse that she would most likely stay home. When in reality, she was about to go see what his boss wanted with her.

William wasn’t able to give her anymore information when he gave her the message and left. And that created a whole new problem. Chris had spotted William leaving.

Claire could tell her brother was starting to grow suspicious. Between her behavior and seeing William, Chris was beginning to realize something was amiss. He had good instincts; it was what made him a good cop. She had to figure out a way to keep him far off the trail, or they would both be dead - courteous of her brother’s double-dealing supervisor.

Ignoring the nippy wind, wondering if Ada had found out anything yet, the door opened, making her heart rate spike considerably. Here goes nothing...

She glared at Wesker when he greeted her with his usual sneer, magnified by his lack of shades, his icy-grey eyes, bewitching and dangerous, a stopping force all on their own. “Ms. Redfield, nice of you to drop by on this lovely morning."

“It's not by choice,” she grumbled and pushed by him when he gestured for her to come inside. “What do you want?”

She looked around the foyer and living room, tense from having her back to him as he shut the door. He didn’t answer right away, but she nearly leapt out of her skin when his hands brushed up her back, his voice purring in her ear.

“From you, dear heart? Where to even begin?”

He took her jacket off of her and hung it up. Still reeling from his words, Claire was stiff as a board as he wrapped his strong arm around her lower back and escorted her further inside. Some kind of charged electricity sparked under her skin from the contact. She finally got a grip on herself, ignoring her stomach as it flipped in a way she would rather not admit. The younger Redfield sibling moved away from him and went over to the den area, facing him and keeping her back to a couch.

“William gave me a message to meet you here after Chris was gone. He didn’t say why.”

“That’s because I never told him why.”

Wesker wore more formal, black clothes like she saw him wearing in NEST the other day. She hated that she found him even more attractive in such attire. The college student kept herself from gawking, instead she folded her arms and gave him a dirty look. “Well?”

He instantly reacted to her animosity with a dark smirk, as though her fire sparked something within him. Claire was starting to get the feeling that Wesker enjoyed her temper and defiance, as if he got some sort of sick gratification from it. It aggravated her even more, but at the same time she knew she couldn’t let him goad her. It’s what he wanted.

And though Claire had kept her eyes from wandering over Wesker’s chic outfit and toned body, he didn’t even try and hide his roaming eyes. “You look quite lovely today, Claire.”

Again with her first name. There was that light, fluttering sensation in her chest again. Claire hadn’t realized it at first, but she had backed up right into the sofa when Wesker took a couple of steps in her direction. Stop messing with me, you asshole!

Claire opened her mouth, about to give him a slew of colorful, unladylike words, when the Doberman trotted down the stairs into the den, tags jingling on his chain collar. Odin gave her one short look before his snout upturned towards the stairs, alert, his docked tail wagging before he sat on his haunches.

Something else came down the stairs a bit slower, emerging into the den with soft steps. The Redfield girl gasped, not at all expecting a child. The little girl spotted Claire staring and dashed the rest of the way to Wesker, using him as cover.

The girl peeked from behind him, gripping his shirt tight. She had to be around nine or ten years old, her blonde hair in a messy bun, loose strands hanging around her cute face. Her blue eyes were curious but shy. She wore jeans and a light blue shirt and white vest. She didn’t have shoes on, only socks, and there was a golden pendant necklace around her neck.

Claire’s inner motherly instincts kicked right in. The girl was precious and Claire had no clue why she was in a place like this, hiding behind a man like Albert Wesker as though he was her guardian.

She slightly bent over, smiling, and gently waved. “Hello there.”

Her soft greeting delighted the bashful girl and she came out a little further, although still kept halfway behind Wesker, gripping his clothes like a lifeline. “Hi!”

Claire glared at Wesker. “Kidnapping children now?”

“Charming,” he mocked. “She’s my goddaughter. Sherry, where are your manners?”

The name instantly clicked, and Claire remembered. So this is William and Annette’s daughter? She’s adorable!

“Oh, right…” the little girl mumbled. She smiled at Claire again. “I’m Sherry. Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

Claire gave her a big, friendly smile in return. “I’m Claire. It’s nice to meet you too, Sherry.”

Sherry blushed, slightly retreating behind Wesker. “I like your name!” She looked up at the tall, silent man she was using as a shield. “She’s really pretty, Uncle Albert!”

Wesker’s eyes were locked onto Claire, his lips twitching into the faintest of smiles. “She is, isn’t she?”

Claire shivered but quickly focused back on the girl. There was a strange, hushed excitement to Sherry that she couldn’t quite understand. It was as if she was shy, but, at the same time, was really intrigued by Claire. The younger Redfield felt a peculiar, warming connection right away with the child…as though their fates were somehow connected.

“Are you Uncle Albert’s girlfriend?”

Claire’s mind blew a gasket, horrified at the girl’s implication. “W-what?! No!”

She was about to unleash onto this little girl what kind of a monster she was hiding behind, but then quickly bit her tongue. Sherry was a child. There was no way she could even begin to understand. She looked at her godparent as though she idolized him. Wesker seemed to have everyone fooled. Everyone thought he was a good man, until, of course, they stumbled upon him in the woods blowing a man’s head off.

Claire sighed, took a deep breath, and faked a smile. “No, sweetie. It’s not like that.” She gave Wesker a hard look. “And it’s never going to happen.”

Wesker smirked, his eyes entrapping her, as though he knew something she didn’t. Claire forced herself to look away, feeling awfully jittery for a moment.

“Oh…I was hoping you would become my aunt and we could play.”

Claire’s forced smile derailed. She wasn’t sure what to think about that. Wesker’s goddaughter peeked halfway out from behind him, curious yet insecure. Claire had a feeling the little girl didn’t have many friends and didn’t get much attention from her family, if her parents and Wesker were anything to go by.

Claire stooped to Sherry’s level, smiling. “We don’t need to be related to play. How about being friends instead?” She extended her hand.

Sherry came out a tad bit further, eyeing Claire and her offered hand. She glanced up at her guardian, unsure. Finally, Wesker stepped out of the way. The girl froze, watching him, as if afraid her wall was gone to leave her out in the open unprotected. Wesker patted her head and gently pushed her closer to Claire.

“Go ahead. She doesn’t bite, Sherry.”

As if that was the only reassurance she needed, the young girl reached out and took Claire’s hand, beaming. They shook hands. Their moment was soon ruined by the phone as it started ringing on the stand on one of the end tables. Sherry’s smile disappeared and soon became disheartened, gazing up at Wesker. The STARS Captain checked his watch with a scowl and moved towards the phone. As he passed by the girls, he petted Sherry’s hair.

“What’s wrong?” Claire asked, watching as Wesker answered the phone.

Sherry sighed. “Daddy. He’s running late again. Or got held up and can’t come get me. I thought you were him when I heard the doorbell, even though he usually just walks in.”

Claire frowned. “Well, what about your mom?”

“She’s busy all the time, too. Like Daddy. They work at Umbrella and are making a new medicine to help people…but they work all the time and I don’t get to spend much time with them.”

At this point, Claire wasn’t even sure if William and Annette were working on any kind of medicine at all, let alone anything that could help people. “I’m sorry, sweetie.”

Wesker’s goddaughter shrugged with a weak smile. “It’s okay. Uncle Albert helps take care of me when he isn’t busy. He comes and gets me from school when my parents forget. He sometimes helps them make new medicine too, but mostly he just keeps me, Daddy, and Mommy safe and protects the city.”

You poor, naive little girl…if only you knew…

Then Sherry’s words clicked and she looked at the Birkins’ daughter. “Wait, Wesker makes medicine, too?”

Sherry nodded. “Yeah. He’s really, really smart! Him and Daddy are two of the best doctors working for Umbrella…as Daddy likes to brag.”

Claire logged it away. It was definitely something she could use in digging up dirt on Wesker. There was more than his corruption as an officer of the law. He was also in the same shady business as William and Annette, whatever Umbrella had to do with it. She wondered exactly how many jobs he had…

“He really likes you.”

Claire shook from her thoughts and stared at Sherry’s cute, curious face. “I could tell when he let you in. You look cute together!” The girl suddenly gasped, cupping her cheeks. “Your babies would be so adorable! I could be like a big sister to them! And we could play together!”

The college student almost fell over backwards from the shock of Sherry jubilating at the idea of her having any sort of physical relationship with her “uncle”, let alone having offspring together. Her stomach jerked queasily. Despite her disgust, Claire had to give Sherry props for being so easily excited. She must’ve gotten it from her equally whimsical father.

Ah, to be that innocent again. Claire weakly smiled, trying to avoid that subject with the girl. She had come to the conclusion that Wesker liking anyone was a) highly unlikely and b) not a good thing in general, even if the Birkins told her otherwise.

She decided to see what else Sherry could inform her about Wesker. “So uh, what else does he do? Besides make medicine and protect the city?”

Claire had to keep herself from rolling her eyes at such a ridiculous notion. The only thing Albert Wesker protected was himself and his own interests, no matter how many innocent people got in the way.

Sherry pursed her lips in thought. “Hmm...he does a lot of things. He does some kind of pest control, I think? Daddy said he got rid of a big rat a few days ago. Mommy says that Uncle Albert is a workaholic like they are. But I don’t know...seems like I see him more than them sometimes.”

Human pest control, sweetie. You poor thing...doesn’t sound like your parents deserve any Parent of the Year awards!

She’d like to give William and Annette a piece of her mind the next time she saw them. Sherry was so sweet and well-mannered for someone half-raised by self-absorbed parents and half-raised by a manipulative psychopath.

Odin trotted over, nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He licked Sherry’s face, making her giggle. She hugged the Doberman. “This is Odin. He’s Uncle Albert’s dog and I love him. We’re best friends!”

“Yeah...we’re well acquainted. Aren't we, boy?” Claire replied, reminded of how the dog almost tore her throat out. Sherry would never know it, but her backpack had saved Claire’s life the other day.

Odin snorted in response, but showed no signs of aggression, sitting next to Sherry and yawning.

They heard the phone click on the receiver. Sherry looked to Wesker expectantly as he returned to them. Claire remained kneeled in front of the girl, tensing as the corrupt STARS Captain came up behind her.

“Your mother is on her way, Sherry. You should go upstairs and get your things.”

Sherry frowned. “But Daddy promised he would take me this time.”

Wesker sighed. “I know he did, darling. Go on, now.”

“Yes, sir.” Sherry gave one last dispirited smile to Claire and left back upstairs. Odin followed right behind her.

Claire stood, watching the girl depart before turning to Wesker. There was a strange look in his eyes as they followed Sherry up the stairs, but Claire couldn’t read Wesker like William could, and so she was lost on what it could be.

He finally looked at her, lips quirking. “Precious, isn’t she?”

“You seriously don’t seem the type to like kids.”

“I don’t,” Wesker admitted. “But Sherry is the exception.”

Claire snorted. “Exception or not, you shouldn’t have kids let alone be a godparent to someone else’s. Not sure what William was thinking.”

Wesker softly chuckled. “I have no intentions...although,” he looked her over again with a dark, suggestive leer. “With the right partner, perhaps I would change my mind.”

It was a deliberate jab to provoke her. Claire glared at him, ignoring her heart that flailed madly in her rib cage after her stomach did a low pitch and rolled. The younger Redfield refused to take the bait, biting her tongue. She didn’t trust how her body reacted to his words at all.

“Whatever. Sherry’s way too sweet to be in the Birkins’ care or yours. She deserves better.”

“She does deserve better.”

Claire was surprised by his words, his eyes lingering on the staircase for a moment before he turned and slightly glared at her. “But life never goes how we expect it to, does it, dear heart?”

“No, it doesn’t.”

She wished her life had just stayed the same, instead of getting caught in this spider web of conspiracy, deception, and blackmail.

Wesker took her necklace into his fingers, rubbing his thumb along the silver feather pendant and turquoise stone. His eyes found hers, and he squeezed the pendant shut in his hand, tugging her towards him using the small chain. So close, Claire's hands braced his solid chest to give her a small buffer.

“And that is why I make sure I hold all the cards and have complete control over my fate. I am no longer the ruled, I am the ruler.” Wesker dipped to whisper in her ear. “And you, dear heart, will help me get even more power.”

His lips grazed her temple as he pulled back, still clenching the necklace and keeping her close. The chill that came over her was more thrilling than she wanted to admit, and according to Wesker’s dark smirk he had sensed it too. Dammit, what the hell is wrong with me?

The doorbell chimed. Claire’s heart nearly burst, relieved in the interruption because she was convinced something was about to happen.

Sherry bounded down the stairs with a bag, the Doberman still tailing her. She paused at the bottom step, noticing Wesker and Claire’s close proximity.

“Did you get everything, darling?” Wesker asked, eyes not leaving Claire’s.

Claire was confused until she heard the soft voice and spotted Sherry coming back into the den. “Yes, Uncle Albert.”

“Good. Get your shoes on.”

Wesker stepped away from Claire, his fingers brushing her collarbone when he let her necklace go. He went to the door and answered it. Annette entered the house, looking mostly the same from when Claire saw her last, except maybe more tired. The older woman paused when she noticed Claire, surprised, but she contained it and shot a suspicious glare to Wesker’s back.

Sherry pulled on her boots after retrieving them from the foyer. She grinned at her mother. “Hi Mommy!”

Annette, distracted, looked between Wesker and Claire, and that made the college student even more uncomfortable. She then presented her daughter with a listless smile.

“Did you behave for Albert?”

“Yes, I did.”

Annette motioned to Claire with the same smile, though with added wariness. “Claire...It’s, uhh, good to see you again.”

In other words she was surprised Claire was still alive. Claire didn’t blame her, although that didn’t make the situation any less awkward. “You too, Annette. You’re daughter is very sweet.”

“Oh, right. Yes...she is.” Annette turned to her daughter just as she cinched the last strap on her boots. “Come along, Sherry. We need to go.”

Sherry got up and shouldered her bag. “All set!”

Annette looked relieved. “Good. Albert, thank you. William will stop by later, assuming he still isn’t at the estate in that ridiculous meeting. Claire...take care. Sherry, let’s go.”

The little girl frowned, glancing between her mother’s retreating back and Wesker and Claire. She sighed, trudging along behind Annette but soon paused and looked back at them.

“Bye, Uncle Albert. Bye, Claire. It was nice meeting you. I hope I get to see you again.”

That hit Claire right in the feels, and she felt torn over it. She wanted away from Wesker, the Birkins, and whatever they were a part of. She wanted her life back to normal, meaning no Sherry. But on the other hand, there was something about the young girl that Claire was drawn to. She wanted to see Sherry again also.

Claire smiled. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again real soon. Take care, Sherry.”

The girl was ecstatic at that, looking the happiest Claire had seen her yet. Annette hollered at her from the door.

“She’s a keeper, Uncle Albert!” Sherry added cheekily before joining her mother.

Claire flushed, paralyzed. Sherry giggled and hugged Odin before leaving with Annette. Once that front door shut, trapping her alone with Albert Wesker, he turned to her with a conceited and, dare she infer, sensual smirk. Her nerves turned to ice, although she suddenly felt feverish.

“I agree, Sherry. She is a keeper.”

Chris, Forest, Brad, Joseph, and Enrico walked back to the STARS office. Chris yawned. It was still early in the morning, but their day had commenced in chaos, having had two different emergencies to deal with. A freeway accident with a tipped over bus and an active shooter in southern Arklay County. None of them had even gotten their morning coffee in them yet.

“Good work, boys. Maybe we can finally take a breather,” Enrico said.

Brad rubbed his back. “Good. I need one.”

Joseph snickered. “What’s wrong, Chickenheart? Your ass still hurting where you busted it on the ice goin’ for cover?”

“Very funny, Joe.”

Forest wrapped his muscular arm around Brad’s neck and scrubbed his knuckles hard into his scalp. “Aw, we’re just fuckin’ with ya, Vickers. You did good!”

Try as he might, Brad couldn’t escape the taller, stronger Bravo member. Finally, Forest let go and dodged a swipe from Brad with a chuckle. The flustered Alpha pilot straightened his yellow vest with a glare to Forest and Joseph. Chris grabbed them both and banged their heads together.

“Knock it off, you dicks,” he said with a grin.

“Thanks, Redfield,” Enrico huffed and gave Frost and Speyer a mild glare. “You two knuckleheads have already given me a damn headache.”

They entered the STARS Office. Richard waved at them from his desk where he filled out a report on his computer.

“Aiken, anymore calls?” Enrico asked.

“No, sir. Been quiet.”

“Good.” Enrico pointed at Joseph. “Frost, go make some coffee and see if there’s anything left from the breakfast bar.”

Joseph groaned. “Why am I always the errand boy?”

“Because you get on my nerves and Wesker’s nerves, that’s why. Now go.”

“You couldn’t tell me while we were downstairs closer to the break room?”

“Nope.”

Joseph muttered under his breath and started to leave the office.

Forest hollered at him just as he sat down at his desk. “Make it extra strong, errand boy!”

Joseph flipped him off as he slipped out the door, earning him a chuckle from his Bravo friend. Brad took a seat next to Richard and Chris went to his own desk. He frowned at the empty desk beside him. Jill’s hat sat on her desk as well as a photo of her Golden Retriever, Bella. It was rare for them to have different days off, but this time of year always had Alpha and Bravo Team’s schedules mixed up.

Before he got busy and forgot again, he opened up the drawer to her desk and dropped a bag of her favorite candy inside. He closed it and signed into his computer. It was strangely quiet in the STARS office. Enrico had locked himself away in Wesker’s office and without Joseph around, the rest of them were quietly doing their work. It was strange to have Wesker, Barry, and Jill missing all in one shift. Kenneth and Edward wouldn’t be in until later.

Brad must’ve read Chris’s mind. “It feels like something’s missing…it’s too quiet.”

Forest snorted. “Course it is! We don’t have Chris and Jill yakking away behind us, no Barry laughing at his own jokes, and no Wesker scolding Frost or barking orders. Enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts. Won’t be long before Marini gets on our asses again.”

Brad rolled his eyes. “As if you enjoy anything of the sort, Forest.”

“Chris does seem like a sad puppy without Jill around,” Richard noted.

The sharpshooter glared at them. “I’m working. What are you guys doing, exactly?”

He ignored their laughs and entered the license plate number that was on the BMW that he saw at his house yesterday. As the information pulled up, Joseph returned and announced that the coffee was brewing. Forest mumbled something about the STARS office needing to replace the coffee pot that Edward accidentally broke a couple weeks ago and left downstairs to go get some. If anyone left with Forest, Chris didn’t notice, too absorbed in the profile the license plate brought up.

Vehicle is a 1997 BMW M3…everything is up to date…Registered to William Birkin of Raccoon City, Colorado. Chris did a separate search for William Birkin in their database. Not much came up. Age 35. Married. Type O blood. Height: 5’10’’, Weight: 147lbs. Blond hair, blue eyes. Licensed under the Umbrella Corporation as a medical researcher. No records, no flags.

There was a picture on profile, looking to be a few years old, but it was definitely him. He didn’t look threatening, but something just didn’t sit right with Chris. He wondered how Claire could know this man. Surely she wasn’t seeing him romantically as he was married. Claire wasn’t like that. Maybe she didn’t know?

It might not even be like that…don’t jump to conclusions. Jill’s right…this could all be harmless. Maybe he’s just a friend.

Still…he did not like the feeling in his gut looking at the man’s seemingly innocent picture. It was hard to decide if it was his innate instincts as a cop or his overprotective devotion as a big brother. Unfortunately, Chris couldn’t do much else beside keep a closer eye on his sister and see if anything else came on his radar. Claire was still acting strange…hiding something. He was sure this man had something to do with it. Sighing, he closed the profile and got back to his other work. He remained distracted for the rest of the morning.

Before leaving for lunch, Chris had found Ralph Hendricks again and asked his neighbor and fellow brother-in-uniform to keep an eye out for anything else unusual at his house, especially if it involved that silver BMW and the man that drove it. Ralph, sensing Chris’s worry, assured him he would do what he could. That made the older Redfield feel better and drove home to enjoy some lunch with his sister.

He unlocked the door and went inside. Chris usually took his lunch with Jill, and so he was sure Claire would be surprised. The house was warm, but he didn’t see her when he came inside. The television wasn’t on, it was uncharacteristically quiet.

“Sis, you here?” When there came no answer, he hollered again with a frown. “Claire?”

He checked the house. She was gone. Trying to remain calm, Chris thought where she could have gone without the truck. He searched for a note but found none. He had to rationalize this. Maybe a friend came and picked her up...

Or maybe that guy in the BMW?

Chris paced, knowing he was overreacting. He couldn’t call his STARS teammates in to help him look for her once more, especially since last time it turned out she had been just fine. Barry was out of town with Robert, and Wesker would probably wring his neck if he called him on his day off again. He decided that calling Jill would be best. She would talk him down and help him to clear his head.

He picked up the phone with a heavy sigh. If only he could get rid of the terrible feeling in his gut. You have to quit doing this…Claire’s an adult. She’s out there living her life. And you cannot be there to protect her all the time. She knows how to take care of herself. She’s probably just out there having fun. Quit worrying!

Claire was not having fun. This was torture. The silence ate at her, the small, confined space that smelled of leather and his cologne was dizzying. Every nerve under her skin thrummed, from what she didn’t know. Demanding her to move, to escape, to fight. Or perhaps respond to a darker urge she refused to acknowledge, pushed to the farthest corner of her mind.

“You’re more restless than William, and that’s saying something.”

The college student fell out of her thoughts, not realizing she had been so fidgety in the passenger seat of Wesker’s car. His look was that of mild amusement, genuinely less snide than usual.

Claire glared at him. “Can you blame me? Stuck in a car with an evil asshole like you. What are we even doing here anyway?”

“Waiting...some of us more patiently than others.”

“For what?”

“You’ll see.”

He stared out the tinted windows, elbow resting on the side panel of his door with his chin propped on his knuckles. He had taken his sunglasses off again when they had parked here over half an hour ago, observing and waiting patiently. Apparently, this man had the patience of a saint - and Wesker having any saint-like qualities, wasn’t that the epitome of irony?

They were in southern Raccoon, on the east side of Circular River, south of Cider District where all of Raccoon City’s schools were. It was mostly warehouses and old apartment complexes around here. It wasn’t the poorest part of town, but Wesker’s XK8 was out of place in this area, and Claire had no idea what he was waiting for.

Claire had tried to behave, be good like Ada and the Birkins suggested, but her defiance soon got the better of her being stuck in that car with him, with nothing to do but go mad. So she deliberately fidgeted and made noise, anything she thought that would get under his skin.

After a bit, certain that her antics weren’t working, the STARS Captain soon glowered her way. “If you wish to irritate me, perhaps you should take pointers from Will. But let’s be honest here, Ms. Redfield, I know you are above such petty antics. If you have something to say, then say it.”

Claire didn’t break his intimidating gaze, glaring at him in return. “Go fuck yourself.”

“Feel better?”

“I will if I get the chance to kill you.”

Wesker’s smirk knotted her stomach again. “Don’t threaten me with a good time, dear heart.”

Smug prick…

Claire leaned back against her seat, folding her arms. “Why the hell am I even here? Surely, you can ruin someone else’s life without me?”

“I can. But why do that when I have pawns...and pleasant company...like you?” He smiled wryly at her glare. “Don’t worry yourself, my dear. No one will get hurt...today.”

“How can you be like this? My brother and the STARS look up to you, respect you! The city relies on you...Sherry adores you. How can you do this to them? Do you not feel anything?”

Wesker closed his eyes for a moment but remained impassive. “You’re wasting your time trying to understand me, Ms. Redfield.”

Claire wasn’t about to let him dissuade her that easily. She had a feeling her prying would get her in trouble, but damned if trouble wasn’t her middle name. “I have nothing better to do. So...hate the world? Trying to prove something? Issues? Emotional trauma? Revenge?”

She tried to read him for any kind of reaction, even if only minuscule. Though he was probably just a psychopath and nothing more, Claire had a feeling it was more than that. His relationship with the Birkins and apparent physical attraction to her proved that. It was something much deeper. The signs were there, what little the Birkins and Wesker himself had revealed to her.

I am no longer the ruled, I am the ruler. Wesker was obsessed with power and control. Something had to have made him that way.

Unfortunately, if the corrupt STARS Captain gave any reaction to her prying, she had missed it. If only she could read him like William could...

Wesker sighed, as if he heard this all before. “Since I know you are wondering it, I had a standard childhood.”

“Oh yeah? Parents? Siblings?”

He half-rolled his eyes. “My parents died long ago. I have a sister but we were raised separately.”

Now we're getting somewhere!

“That’s not a standard childhood,” Claire stated.

He looked at her and for half a second the college student swore she could see a little into this man’s darkened soul. “You would know, wouldn’t you?”

The nerve he hit was sharp and sudden, like a knife digging underneath her fingernail. She scowled, no longer able to keep his gaze. She should’ve known he would’ve turned it right back around on her.

“Car accident, correct?”

Claire flinched, certain he would ridicule her for her loss and heartache on the subject. “Yeah.”

Say it...I dare you! Just give me a reason to pound your face in...

“I’m sorry, dear heart.”

Claire’s head snapped to gape at him so fast, she nearly gave herself whiplash. Completely taken by shock, he didn’t present her with anything further on the words she would have never thought to ever hear come out of his mouth, let alone sincerely.

“Ah, right on time,” Wesker eventually said after a long bout of silence. “You see that man crossing the street ahead?”

Claire suppressed the turmoil of thoughts swirling in her head over their recent conversation and looked. She did see someone crossing the street; a younger man, tall and skinny, wearing mostly black, baggy clothes. He looked like a typical hoodlum, covered in tattoos, a cigarette lazily poking out from his lips.

“Yeah.”

“He will get inside that parked Ford Taurus. I need for you to join him.”

“What? I don’t even know the guy!”

Sure enough, the hoodlum got into the driver side of the parked car just up ahead.

Wesker looked to her, lips twitching in amusement. “He’s expecting you, dear heart. Just say ‘not the gravy’ and he will do the rest.”

Claire gawked at him. “Not...the gravy? Are you kidding me?”

Wesker sighed. “Do I wish I was. William’s code, not mine.”

“Oh…” she mumbled. She wasn’t really surprised since it was William. Still, she wasn’t fond of the idea of sitting in the car of a total stranger with no weapon on her. Granted, she was sure she could pummel the guy easily enough, but one couldn’t be too careful.

Wesker must have sensed her unease. “The sooner you do this, the sooner we can leave. Meaning one step closer to you going home. Trust me, Claire, as long as I have you, no one will touch a hair on your head.”

Unless it’s your Russian Colonel friend, right?

The Devil might as well have been telling her to trust him. Still, there was something about his tone that did make her feel a little safer...a little. The younger Redfield slowly opened the door to the black luxury car and stepped out.

Taking a deep breath, really wishing she could have her gun or knife on her, she walked down the slushy sidewalk. A lot of the snow had melted from the sun being out for a couple of days, but more snow - and cloudy gloominess - was inbound. The dropping temps tonight would for sure turn this slush into more ice.

Reaching the car, Claire slowly pulled the handle to the passenger door and slipped inside. The interior was ragged and smelled of cigarette smoke. The guy had been sitting patiently this whole time with his hands in his pockets. He looked at her, only mild surprise coming over him and he gave her a one-over. If Claire had to guess, this seemingly normal looking hoodlum was an informant of some kind.

Claire sighed. “Not the gravy.”

The guy nodded, eyes scanning around them for a moment before he reached inside his coat and pulled out a small white envelope. He offered it to her. Claire studied it for a couple of heartbeats and then grabbed it. When she tried to pull it away, he tightened his hold on it.

“They only stayin’ for another week. If he gonna hit ‘em, he better hit ‘em fast.”

Claire swallowed. “Got it.”

The informant let the envelope go. He reached up and turned the keys to his ignition. Claire was sure that was her signal to leave and got out of the car. She barely shut the door before the sedan pulled away from the curb, loud music blaring even through the rolled up windows. Claire watched him go for only a second before turning and going back to Wesker’s car.

Once she was back inside his much nicer vehicle, shutting the door to contain the warmth from the heater, she immediately presented him the envelope. The STARS Captain took it, their fingers brushing, and Claire wasn’t sure whether he deliberately did it or not. He had already placed his sunglasses back on.

“He said they are only staying for a week and if you are going to hit them, you better do it fast.”

Wesker smirked as he opened the envelope and pulled out a folded up piece of paper. He unfolded it and read through it while Claire remained quiet, waiting.

“Hmm, interesting,” he mused. “I may get to cut the head off of more than one snake.”

Claire had no idea what he was planning or who it involved, but she knew it meant people were going to get hurt or killed. Or exploited if Wesker had his way. These “snakes” had to be problems or threats to him somehow. Or perhaps obstacles to a bigger prize. Her stomach soured just thinking about what he could do to these people, innocent or not.

All she knew was that she was sitting right next to her snake. And it was constricting around her, each new coil making it harder to breath, pulling her closer, poised to strike with venomous fangs. Claire had heard plenty of rattlesnakes growing up. She didn’t hear a rattler, but she sure felt the same cold weight of dread plummet in her stomach hearing one often produced.

#resident evil #resident evil 2 #resident evil fanfiction #resident evil fanfic #clairexwesker #ChrisxJill #Claire Redfield #Chris Redfield #Albert Wesker #Jill Valentine #William Birkin #annette birkin #sherry birkin #fanfiction

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theresistanceandtheforce · 7 years

Text

Chapter Three: This is What Love Gets You

“It’s not hopeless!” Poe stood, his chair sliding back behind him. The remaining members of the Resistance sat crammed in the meeting hall, a single roomed wooden shack; the biggest of the the abandoned Ewok settlement.

Lieutenant Connix cast her eyes down in shame. She’d only spoken what half the small group had been whispering in hushed tones for weeks. The distress signal had been sent out as the remnants of the Resistance lay stuck on Crait and yet no one had come. No one had answered their signal, despite confirmations that it had been seen. Morale was low. Hope was fading.

Poe turned to General Organa for some wise words, something, anything to bring back the spirit that had been lost with their retreat from Crait.

The wrinkles around Organma’s eyes deepened as she shut her eyes in thought. Opening them again slowly as the silence hung in the air, everyone waiting for what she would say next. “We have allies. We must. The rebellion, the rebel alliance, and now the resistance, we have always had allies.”

Chewbacca cried out in agreement. Her worn face turn to give him a half smile.

“We are sitting ducks here. It is only a matter of time before we are found. There are a few ships here in flying condition-”

“Yes!” Yelled out Poe as he followed her train of thought. “A small contingent of us will seek out our allies, while the remainder regroup at… at..”

“At the Anchorhead Base on Tatooine.” General Organa smirked. She pulled out a small device, punching in the coordinates and showing the group a hologram of the base.

Finn pushed through the throng of people, away from Rose’s side near a far corner. “But wasn’t that base destroyed during the Battle of Yavin?”

“Only partly.” Organa smiled, the plan now manifesting clearer in her mind. “There were lower chambers that remained untouched by the bombings, although they have since been abandoned. There are more supplies there than Endor, smaller ships, more fuel, and lots of weapons.” Everyone’s ears perked up. “It was the base from which the alliance would purchase weapons off the black markets of Tatooine; if my recollections are correct, there should be quite a stockpile left. Although dated, the weapons will help.”

Finn shook his head, placing both hands palm down on the table. “That’s all? Regroup and find allies? Where is the offensive? Where are the attacks? The First Order is weak! Rey told us about Snok’s death! Now, now is the time to attack while their leadership is left scrambling!”

A murmur carried throughout the crowd. Organa shook her head. “We are too weak. We would not even survive discovery at this point. They may not have Snok, but General Hux and Kylo Ren have taken command of the First Orders vast arsenal. We are no match right now. We need to disband and regroup.”

The door of the room suddenly burst open, hitting the wall with a loud thud. In the doorway stood Rey, her cloak soaked from rain. “He’s found me. You have to go. All of you! Everyone! Now!”

***

General Organa looked into Rey’s eyes sternly, clutching both of her arms. “Are you sure about this?” She asked seriously as the whirling of engines blared in the background.

Standing on watch outside the meeting, listening in, Rey had felt a jolt in her mind, a sudden flicker, for a split second, of herself, standing watch outside the shack in the treetops. The word, Endor, hung in the air. He had found her. She felt it, in that split second, and she felt the the tug of their connection slacken, he was on his way.

The remaining Resistance members quickly had run off to pack their belongings and split off into groups. It was decided that three small groups, led by Poe, were to be sent off in search of allies. The remainder would retreat to Tatooine and re-establish the base as their new stronghold.

Rey had chosen to stay behind and throw Ren off their tracks. It was a decision she only now whispered to General Organa.

“We are matched. Our strength in the force is equal. His vendetta against me has grown since that day, but I cannot allow my shortcomings to compromise what is left of the Resistance. I must stay.” Rey stood firm, her jaw set in a hard line. She knew this was something that needed to come to pass. Her fingers instinctively touched the lightsaber hanging from her belt.

Unfortunately Finn had been passing by just at that moment, heading towards the Millennium Falcon where Poe, BB-8, a wayward Porg, Chewbacca, and Rose awaited him. “You’re what?” He stopped mid step, whirling around to stand next to Rey and Organa.

“I, I’m staying. I am going to try and buy you all time to escape. It’s my fault he is coming.” Rey hung her head, clenching her fist.

“No! We almost lost you once we can’t lose you again! If you’re what’s left of the force we can’t-” Finn’s voice rose with panic.

Poe, peeking out of the ship in search of his missing companions heard Finn’s outburst and ran over, joining the small grouping.

“The force is everywhere Finn, in me, in these sprinkles of rain..” She stretched out her palm calmly and watched as water filled her hand, “and the force is telling me I have to do this.”

She looked up, meeting Poes eyes. He understood, he knew what it meant to take risks for the ones you loved. Recognition passed from his eyes to hers and he gave her a nod of recognition.

“Let’s go buddy.” Poe patted Finn’s shoulder before turning to return to the Falcon.

Finn stood, shocked that no one else was trying to stop her. A tense moment passed before he finally began digging around in his pocket, pulling something out and thrusting it towards Rey. “Here, take this. It’s a tracker and a communication device. Never let it leave your side.” He gave her a half smile.

Rey beamed in return. Finn was the closest companion she had here, and his approval meant everything to her. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Now go! I sense he’ll be here within the day, you need to leave before he catches you in orbit.”

Finn held out his communication device, the other half of the one he had given her, holding it for her to see he tucked it in the pocket of his jacket, closest to his heart, patting it in place. “May the force be with you.” He turned and joined the others aboard the Falcon.

“He would probably call you a silly kid who thinks you know too much. He would probably be against all this, but, in a way, I think I trust Ben as much as I trust you.” General Organa smiled. “Now we have left a small ship hidden away near the far left corner of the settlement. Should you need it it is there.”

“Thank you” Rey whispered. She watched as Organa turned and boarded her own ship, headed to Tatooine. It took off and joined the rest of the small fleet.

The last ship to leave was the Falcon, headed to Kashyyyk. Rey had promised General Organa she would catch up with them once her business with Ben was finished.

“Ben” Rey whispered. She watched as the Falcon took off. She was alone.

She didn’t entirely have a plan. She wasn’t sure exactly why he had come to find her, or whether it would require a fight. She wasn’t sure she was truly ready to fight him again. She paced the small opening the ships had taken off from, smirking as a plan emerged. If he had come for her, she wasn’t about to make it easy for him.

***

Rey sat cross legged on the damp earth of the same clearing. The night had fallen on Endor, bringing with it an eerie loneliness. She’d built a large crackling fire, flames flickering higher than her stature. She was waiting for him. There minds had not connected again since that brief glimmer, but she could feel with every fiber of her body a pull, stretched to breaking the further they were apart, and now growing calmer into a comfortable tranquility the closer he got.

She threw some sticks onto the fire which illuminated the whole clearing, keeping the other hand firmly upon her lightsaber.

Suddenly out in the darkness, yards and yards away she heard the faint snap of a twig. Rey let out a sigh in preparation and closed her eyes, reaching out with the force for him. Abruptly a twig snapped close than she had expected. Rey’s eyes sprung open.

Across the licking flames of the large bonfire a dark figure stepped out from the blackness beyond.

“Foolish” The deep voice echoed. “Remaining here defenceless.” He took a slow and deliberate step toward Rey, gloved arms reaching up to pull back the black hood of his cloak.

“Are you sure you would like to do this again? If I recall correctly you already received one memento from the first.” Rey jumped to her feet, releasing her lightsaber and pointing it across the fire at Kylo Ren, at his scar.

He took another slow step towards her, untying his robes and letting them fall to his feet. “I don’t believe you are as sure of yourself as you believe. Why else would you have placed all these ridiculous traps around this clearing.” He smirked, silhouettes of the flames dancing on his pale complexion, orange and red mirrored in his eyes.

Rey faltered. She’d been hoping they would give her a minor advantage, but he knew.

“I plucked it right from your mind.” His foot raised to take another step closer.

“Stop!” Rey yelled across the fire. She could feel the clutches of his presence on her mind. He was stronger, much stronger.

“You fear me more. Now why is that?” Ren smirked, taking a step towards her once again. Rey stepped backwards in response. The corneers of his hard set mouth twitched upwards with pleasure.

Rey shook her head, trying to send him out of her mind. Suddenly Ren’s steps continued, and his slow advance picked up slightly. They were now circling the fire at a slow pace.

“Hmm. You think I’m stronger. Funny since you play the victor constantly.” His arm flicked out in a quick motion, releasing his lightsaber as he continued his advance, his game of cat and mouse. “Now let’s take a closer look.”

Rey almost fell back as Kylo ambushed her with the full force of his mental abilities. Like a worm burrowing into a carcass, he was bypassing any gates she had mentally established.

“What’s this. You think my…” His voice broke to a whisper and his advance stopped.

Rey knew what he had seen in her mind. She gulped, regaining herself, standing legs apart in a defensive position. “I think my rejection changed not just any plans of domination you may have had. You’re heart it-”

[Music Recommendation! Play this as you continue reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1k5zo0w6N8 ]

Suddenly Kylo jumped over the flames of the bonfire and flew at her. Rey threw her lightsaber up to block his attack. Their lightsabers collided with such a force that threw Rey’s one knee down to the ground. Her arms quivered as she tried to push him back.

“MY HEART WHAT?” He spat the words out as he pushed back against her.

Rey’s chest heaved faster and faster. She mustered her strength and threw him back. “It betrayed you!” Rey lunged at him. He blocked, faltering in the process, coming close to the flames of the bonfire. “With your father!” She attacked. “With your master!” She blocked his lightsaber and kicked him in the chest. “And now with me!” She attacked again, letting out an angry scream in the process.

He blocked, again and again, face in painful concentration.

“But you don’t see!” She yelled. Her lightsaber connected with a tree as he ducked. She jumped back as the trunk fell, missing the fire. She lunged at him again. “What you don’t see is that the problem is you! Not us! It is the dark side! It has warped your mind until you’ve thrown off all those who have loved you!” Tears of anger and pain began streaming down her face as her foot made contact with his chest again, sending him back onto the ground. She stood over him, lightsaber pointed at him, the sounds of their panting and the crackling of the roaring fire filling the air.

His lightsaber had been thrown back, out of reach. Kylo looked up with spite and anger. “US? THERE WAS NO US!” He reached out with the force, bringing the lightsaber back into his waiting hand and lept forward. Grabbing the hilt of the lightsaber with both hands he swung with the full force of his despair. Rey ducked, landing a searing blow to his leg.

She reached out with her mind. All she found were lies. “STOP LYING TO YOURSELF!” She screamed, beads of sweat stinging her eyes. Rey stepped forward to land another blow but Ren raised his foot, bringing it crashing into her ribs, sending her flying across the clearing.

Rey landed with an audible thud, but before she could regain herself Ren had lept towards her, bringing a knee down on her chest, pinning her to the ground. He turned the light saber off, keeping it in his hand before grabbing her now loosened hair with the fist of his other hand. Rey cried out in pain. He brought her head up so that she could look into his eyes. His sweat soaked face danced in shadows and light from the fire next to them. “This!” He spat out, forcing her face closer to the fire, “THIS IS WHAT LOVE GETS YOU!”

The flames began burning Rey’s cheek. She began crying and screaming out in pain as the fire scorches her pale skin. He hands weakly clawed at his fist locked around her hair. She let out another cry and he pulled her face away from the fire, before raising the other arm, wrapped around the lightsaber and bringing it down on her head.

He’d knocked her unconscious and her body fell limp to the ground as he let go of her hair, letting the strands stream out from between his gloved fingers.

Ren ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back out of his eyes as he struggled to even his breathing from the fight. He allowed eyes to pan over her defenceless figure.

Moments passed before he finally slowly stood, reaching out an arm and bringing Rey’s lightsaber flying out of the forest and into his waiting hand. He attached it to his belt along with his own before bending down and gently scooping Rey up into his arms. Cradling her, he walked off in the direction of the ship.

Light shone out into the night from the open door of his small ship. RD-12 stepped into the doorway at the top of the ramp that led down to the forest floor. “Did you find what you were looking for sir?”

Ren looked down for a brief moment, before walking past RD-12 onto the ship, ramp rising behind him and doors buzzing shut.

“I did.”

#reylo #reylo fan fic #fan fiction #kylo ren #star wars #ben solo #rey #the force awakens #the last jedi

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sofeyhh · 7 years

Text

Enigma

*The BTS Private Boarding School Au

Part 11 / ?

“Jung Hoseok!”

He groans internally from where he was sitting at the corner of the bar. Anytime that his full name is being called out it was either: his mum finding his secret stash of cigarettes, his teacher criticizing him for his horrible hand writing or his nosy neighbours trying to catch him in a slip of a tongue. And since both his mother and teacher isn’t here, it could only mean one thing. Hoseok downs the last of his margarita and puts up a grin, dreading the upcoming conversation.

“Mrs Milstein!” he exclaims. “It’s been a while. How is Stacey? I heard she managed to secure a position in the Academy.”

The woman was stick-thin, on the verge of having her ribs slice through her skin and dress. Her bony fingers and shoulders were the only dead giveaway of her age - ‘oh please, 56 is such an absurd age’ she liked to say. Her face, however, made her look 26 in the gaudiest way. The endless surgeries and botox done to the poor lady has her cheeks frozen like apples and her skin stretched back that her beak-like of a nose stands out even more. Hoseok was silently glad to be able to wake to a beautiful mother every weekend.

“Ah-ha! Not a surprise is it? My two older sons are the golden boys in St Strachan so it’s only fitting that my Stacey has the brains to be accepted. I’m sure Mr Jeon was a little bias when he picked the new batch. To have the Milstein triple threat in that school, oh! It would lift the Academy’s grades up. Have you heard? Apparently, St Strachan is having trouble with their performance.”

The Milstein brothers - something Hoseok was very familiar with. They were the worst scumbags to grace the prestigious Academy, dragging their greasy ass everywhere there was a conflict to stir trouble. “The seed doesn’t fall far from the tree” suited the Milsteins perfectly. During his first year in St Strachan, he had been the target of the brothers’ taunting. Hoseok carried the status of ‘lowest income’ in school for at least two years after the students found out his family earned the least amongst everyone else. So before he met Yoongi, he had to endure the daily mistreatments of the Milstein brothers.

“You might want to check on your sons’ grades then. They might have something to do with the downfall.” The words slip out of him before he could bite his tongue, instantly regretting it.

Conversing with people like Mrs Milstein is like a constant game of mouse and cat. And if you were to fall into the trap of their gloating, they won’t hesitate to attack you with whatever gossip they have on you. Hoseok wished that either Jin or Taehyung was with him. Those two knew how to snake their way around conversations like these.

“My, quite the bitter little devil aren’t you,” she jibed and chortled. Her garish purple lips spread into a wicked smile. “It must be your personal vendetta to come after my boys. They told me about how you were upset about them getting accepted into the school’s team instead of you.”

No matter how hard he tries to hold it back, he can’t seem to stitch his mouth shut. He just hated it when there was no truth to their insults. Yes, those bulky boys got accepted into the school’s team - they were all brawns and no brains - and he did not. No, he wasn’t upset. Hoseok practically begged Jungkook, the captain, to let him off. He preferred a seat in the fencing club, a more refined sport than lacrosse.

“Well, I can’t be too upset about it when there are rumours about the captain having to sack them off the team for their poor academic performance. But hey, they’re your golden boys after all. At least my parents are blessed enough to see their only son score in the top tens.” There was a hint of hostility in his voice.

Now he’s got her riled up.

She scoffs and huffs, her frown barely visible on her plastic face. “Hmm, and what good will that do? Even if you manage to get yourself into Hawkings University are you sure your dear parents able to afford it? Yes, last I heard, your family company’s going down in the gutter. They must be so embarrassed to not show their faces here.”

Now she’s got him infuriated.

Hoseok’s lips rest in a grim line with his cheeks red, broken down and defeated. He felt disappointed in himself for biting onto her bait and falling into her trap. To hear a woman like that disparage his parents fuelled his anger. But his mother’s calming voice said, “In this world, there’s bound to be people who get a kick out of seeing you in turmoil. The best thing to do is to keep your head up and walk away.”

And so he did just that. Cutting down on his ego with all his might, he greets her a good evening and walks away. Passing by blurry faces as his steps speed up, he dials for the one person he needed to see now.

“Yoongi, I’m coming over.”

---

-From: Sunshine I’m here.

His heart skips a beat as he scrambles to lift the thick hanging Moss aside. Peering inside the dark tunnel, he catches sight of a spot of light inching closer. It was the most pleasing thing to see after having to spend hours alone on the beach. As calming as it was to be the only one there, hearing the symphony of crashing waves and crickets, he was missing his friend. Or more specifically, he was missing Jung Hoseok.

Hoseok jumps into his arms, holding on tightly to his shorter friend. With a chuckle, Yoongi relishes in the embrace. “Miss me that much huh?” he teases him.

“Yeah. I really did.”

His words echoed in Yoongi’s ears, startling him. It was the first time Hoseok had been straight out honest with him about his feelings. When it came to Hoseok, it’s always been ambiguous and every second of the day, Yoongi tries hard to decipher the little things to get a grasp of his true feelings. He admitted, all the haziness he had to endure was worth it.

“Kiss me Yoongi. Please.”

It didn’t take a lot for him to give in, he’d do anything for Hoseok. But Yoongi enjoyed being at the mercy of him. He knows that it’s a risky thing to do, but for now, he wanted to enjoy the special moment between them with the stars and the waves. So he takes his face in his hands and guides his lips nearer. Like the first time they kissed, Yoongi’s heart flutters as their lips connect. It felt like heaven to know that those soft lips belong to him and only him. He pulls them down to the sand and straddles Hoseok, kissing down his neck. Yoongi leaves wet kisses on his skin, biting and sucking without a care in the world. He didn’t care if he left bruises.

“You’re mine now,” he whispers.

---

“Sweetie, is your friend okay?”

“Uh…” Jimin blinks and laughs sheepishly. He turns to Taehyung, donning a frown and lowering his voice. “For fuck’s sake Tae, why did you drink so much?!”

They were all gathered in the spacious dining hall now, seated in their arranged seats. Jin and his family shared a table with the Jeons all the way up front, Namjoon’s family has a table near the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the pool and the Parks were supposed to share one table with Hoseok’s family. They were situated near the kitchen doors, still considered unworthy enough for the front tables according to their status. It didn’t need to be mentioned but Jimin knew well enough, he was warned by Hoseok.

But their table was currently half-empty, having lost track of where Hoseok was - Jimin had called his friend multiple times now and still, he was ungraciously met with the robotic voice. Meanwhile, Taehyung’s father was too busy showing off his arm candy to care so Jimin had brought his drunk friend over.

“I smell alcohol,” Jimin’s father piped up, sniffing the air. “Have you been drinking Park Jimin?”

Jimin wasn’t stupid enough to drink in front of his parents. And it wasn’t like he enjoyed it too much. He shakes his head and looks over at Taehyung. He had a Cheshire grin on his face and wouldn’t stop giggling. Taehyung’s legs were trying hard to wrap around Jimin while his fingers were caressing his face. Every time Jimin detaches a limb, a different one would stick on him.

“Ahh, baby, you know I’m having a boner right now?” Taehyung whispered in his ears and then chortled out loud like it was the funniest thing on earth. “I had it since my makeout session with Mr Icy Jeon at the balcony.”

“What?! Ew!” Jimin sputtered as he tried squirming out of his grasps. It was unsettling to know his friend had a hard on while his crotch was literally rubbing on his thigh.

“Where are his parents? And why is drunk? He’s only 17 my goodness. They shouldn’t be serving drinks to students over here,” Jimin’s mother rambles on.

The kitchen doors open up and a stream of waiters donned in the monochromatic white shirt and black vest uniform walked in, holding huge trays of their appetisers. Even though they were at the back, their meals were served last, waiting until the last of the waiters filed out of the kitchen.

“You know, school pressure. Grades and homework and thinks like that. And his parents are divorced so...he’s got a lot on his shoulders.” Jimin tried to reason it out with his parents though knows it wouldn’t persuade them.

His father hums in thought. “Yes, I heard that from Mr Jeon about the Academy’s slipping performance. You better not be one of ‘em Park Jimin-”

“That’s still no excuse to be absurdly drunk in a public event,” his mother chastises. But her expressions were gentle, almost as if she pitied his circumstances. Though not enough for her to empathise.

Four plates of questionable food descend on their table. They squint at the shiny white ceramic where five small colourful cubes accessorised like the Christmas tree sat neatly. It sure was queer to them but the rest of the guests seemed to be enjoying the appetisers, purring over how delicious it was. Even Taehyung had his mouth watering at the sight of the plate.

“They’re sho cyuuutteee!” he squeals as he picks one cube with his fingers.

Jimin groans, cursing at Hoseok as he dials for him for the hundredth time. He had to shove a fork into Taehyung’s hand while fighting off the leg that was still curling itself around his waist. He thanked the gods his parents were sat on the opposite end of the table.

“Jiminie?”

“Hoseok! Oh my fucking god!” he exclaimed, overly relieved that his call got through.

“Park Jimin that is no way to speak at the dinner table. You better clean up your mouth. I’ll have none of it if you use those derogatory words in my house, you understand?” His mother said, pointing her fork at him.

He mouths a thousand ‘Sorry’s before getting back to his friend on the other side of the line, this time more careful with the level of his voice. “Dude, where the hell are you?! They’ve started to serve dinner and this alcoholic moron is trying to hump me at the table. My parents are here dammit!”

“Uh...I uh..oh fuck,” Hoseok whines over the phone.

“The fuck was that?!”

“Sor..sorry. Ehem I’m yeah oh yeah shit like that ehem uh...I uh the tunnel...I..I have to go.”

The line cuts off, leaving Jimin with the echo of Hoseok, quite possibly, moaning. He sighs as pockets his phone. At least he knows where Hoseok was. Jimin suddenly feels a cold sensation on his tummy and yelps when he sees that Taehyung had lifted up his shirt and was rubbing one of the cubed food around his belly button.

“He wans to eish it dund he?” Taehyung giggled as he talked to Jimin’s belly button.

“God help me!” he grumbles as twists Taehyung’s bony wrists away. He stands up and pulls his friend with him. “Ma, Pa, I’m going to send this fool home. He’s being too much of a nuisance.”

“What?! Are you sure? Darling, isn’t it better if you drove?” his mother fretted to her husband.

“No Ma, it’s fine. You guys stay. The drive’s only a few blocks away, I’ll be fine,” Jimin assured her as he drags Taehyung out his chair as fast as he can, desperate to get out of there.

Then out of nowhere, he feels the weight lighten. Jimin looks over to his right to see Jungkook wrapping Taehyung’s arm around his shoulders. “Don’t worry Mr and Mrs Park, I’ll make sure he gets back safely.”

The two boys exited the dining hall as quietly as they can. That also meant knocking down a few empty chairs and bumping into waiters with full trays of drinks on their way out. If it was with Taehyung, nothing can be quiet. The kid had his legs jellified, dragging them on the marble floor as he tries to wiggle out of their grasp.

“Thanks. For the help,” Jimin breathes as they stuffed Taehyung into his car.

He eyes the younger boy wearily. Of the six months he’s been in the school, he had only talked to Jungkook roughly five times. And out of those five times, three of them had been a one-word reply kind of conversation. Jimin knows of his reputation in school as the Icy Jeon and often wondered why the boy was like so.

“My fault. I saw him ordering another glass before dinner and didn’t stop him.”

“Jesus, he had five within an hour?”

Jungkook gives a silent nod as he closes the door to the passenger seat. “Where are we headed?”

Surprised, Jimin gave him a questioning look. “You’re coming? Is your dad okay with you leaving?”

It wasn’t a secret that Jungkook was immensely afraid of his father. Director Jeon is a very spine-chilling man with harsh features and soul-gazing eyes. It didn’t take Jimin long to figure out the spots in school to avoid in order to not get himself tangled in with the Director. So perhaps Jungkook mimics his father’s personality more than he would’ve liked.

Jungkook shrugs with a shake of his head, choosing to lean his head on the window. He had enough of his father for one night. It had been a blizzard of insinuations and silent insults thrown at him while they mingled with the guests. His father had subtle gestures visible only to Jungkook’s eyes to get the message across - that he was disappointing his father in so many ways and that he wasn’t good enough to be a Jeon. After the success of his two older brothers, nothing he did seemed good enough.

A second of silence pass before Jimin realises that he wasn’t getting anything more from him. He gnaws on his lips as he drives out of the residence, unsure of what to say to fill the silent void in the car.

---

Jin picks up his fork ever so gently, with elegance and grace, like how he was taught during etiquette class. He takes a bite out of their 3rd course, savouring every burst of flavour. His eyes closed as he tries to pick out the different ingredients they used. It was his favourite thing to do whenever he comes across a delicacy he’s never tried. He tasted hints of thyme, basil and white wine, an aromatic combination. Satisfied with the first bite, his eyes fluttered open and land on Namjoon, who was seated a few tables from him.

He was staring at him with his infamous dimpled smile, silently chuckling at himself after witnessing Jin’s sensual experience with the entree. ‘Cute’ Namjoo mouthed to his friend with a cheeky wink. He loved teasing his easily-flustered friend. And just as expected, Jin’s cheeks grew pink as he averts his gaze back the food on his plate. But instead of seeing the slices of seared scallops, he sees Namjoon’s wink on replay like a broken record.

“Jin, darling, did you have too much Champagne? You look so flushed my goodness,” his mother tuttered as she took away his flute of half-empty Champagne.

Jin clears his throat as he excuses himself. He shot out of his seat and beelined for the restroom. Ah, why was his blushing so much, he questioned himself as he stared at his reflection. It was only Namjoon wasn’t it? And that kid loved to be cheeky with him - has been since they first met. But all those times, it had been in school with their starchy ties and itchy blazers. Now, to see Namjoon in a loose fitting button up shirt and tight pants with his hair slicked to the side...something felt different. Jin gulped his trailing thoughts away, not wanting to admit that in that split second, he was attracted to Namjoon.

“Lord Jin, you’re going ahead of yourself. Get it together,” he sighs, fixing his hair and suit. He takes a deep breath and walks out, only to be face to face with the man himself. “Namjoon!” His blush was back on as his heart races.

“We’re the only ones left, as usual,” Namjoon chuckles.

“Huh?” Jin was still dazed. That split second of attraction was back as he took in the cologne Namjoon was wearing. Only now had he realised the musky scent.

The taller boy smiles. “You haven’t noticed? Hoseok has been gone long before dinner. Jungkook and Jimin left about 30 minutes ago, dragging a very drunk Taehyung behind them.”

“Ah, right..”

He had noticed Jungkook’s departure when dinner service just started, thinking the boy wanted to leave for a cigarette break or the restroom. And that was only because Jungkook had been sat at the same table. Regarding the rest of his friends...he hadn’t a clue. He wasn’t even aware Taehyung got drunk. Then again with the speed he was ordering at the bar, Jin wasn’t surprised. Nevertheless, he envied Namjoon for being so observant. No matter how hard he tried to be, he always found himself absorbed in something else instead. “Maybe it’s cuz you’re narcissistic,” Yoongi had bluntly said to him one day. It hurt his pride to be called one but perhaps his friend had a point.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch what you said,” he said as soon as he realised Namjoon had been talking this whole time. There he goes again, thinking about himself while someone was talking.

“You’re adorable,” Namjoon said as he pinched Jin’s nose. Then as if it never happened, he turned around and pointed to the majestic front door. “I was suggesting if maybe we should leave too. The others have up and gone, leaving us alone again. Who knows what fun they’re having at the beach. I don’t want to miss out on that.”

Amongst their group, Jin and Namjoon were always the goody-two-shoes that never participated in their shenanigans. They’d be off doing something fun and stupid, usually initiated by either Hoseok or Taehyung, and the two of them would stubbornly stay put. It was mostly because whatever their friends were doing involved a form of an illegal act.

“How’d you know they’re at the beach?” Jin asks. To be fair, he felt excluded having not known about their little plan.

“Jungkook texted me the second they left.”

“Oh.”

Jin glances back at the dining hall. The plates were taken back to the kitchen, soon to be replaced by the 4th course. It was ricotta cheese and caramelized walnut salad, he knew that. He sees his parents with their wide smiles as they chatted with Mr and Mrs Jeon. No, he didn’t want that, he decided. He didn’t want to play the role of a pious son and sit with a straight back as he politely engages in conversations he had no interest in.

“You’re right,” Jin nodded. “But we wouldn’t want to arrive empty handed don’t you think?” He grins slyly as he motions for Namjoon to follow him towards the bar.

It was time he finally did something reckless and thrilling. And he was glad he got to share it with Namjoon.

---

-From: Jeon We’re in the tunnel... open up the entrance, will you?

Yoongi re-reads the text again and groans. Why was it that whenever he had something good, it had to be taken away instantly.

“What is it?” Hoseok yawns. He tightens his arm around Yoongi’s waist and buries his head in the crook of his neck.

“The others are coming,” Yoongi grumbled.

-To: Jeon It’s already opened...walk on in.

Yoongi tosses the phone away and gives a quick peck on Hoseok’s forehead. “C’mon baby, they’re almost here.

He pouts and whines but sits up. Their time alone on the beach had been cut so short, Hoseok wondered if all that had happened between them was their dream. They see three figures walking under the hanging moss, one of em stumbling around on the sand.

“We made a detour,” Jimin called out as he raised the two plastic bags in his hands. “Bought some Chinese food.”

At the mention of food, Hoseok’s stomach starts grumbling. He realised he hadn’t eaten since that bowl of Honey Bunches in the afternoon. “Oh, you’re a saint Park Jimin. Did you get sweet and sour chicken? Please tell me you did.”

“Got everyone’s favourite in here, don’t worry,” Jimin chuckled. They’ve eaten enough Chinese takeout in their dorm rooms for him to know it.

“I’m your favourite!” Taehyung yelled as he tackled Hoseok down to the cold sand. It was quite the scene to see two boys struggling and rolling around in the sand.

“Woah what’s this! I see hickeys! I see hickeys! Hobi has hickeys!!” The younger boy straddled Hoseok’s waist and started to stab at the litter of purple bruises that spotted his neck.

Even in the dim lights of the moon, it was obvious that Hoseok was blushing after having caught by Taehyung. “Ah, seriously your breath stinks,” he grumbles, trying to get the attention off him.

Hoseok tries to push him off his body but somehow, when Taehyung is drunk, he gets extra strong. The group of friends would joke about how it was his secret super power. It was all fun and jokes until one of them has to deal with his drunk ass. And the prestigious role of Taehyung’s official care-taker would always fall on Hoseok.

“Hickeys?” Jimin asked with raised eyebrows.

His eyes wander over to Yoongi who was silently seated. Even Jungkook was now analysing the situation, putting the pieces together. They were pretty sure Hoseok didn’t adopt the hickeys on his way over to the beach so that could only mean one thing...To Jimin, it was an eccentric occurrence for he never comes across people who were homosexual. And to witness the evidence of his two friends getting down and dirty together, he felt ambivalent about it, almost a shock. Especially after hearing the stories of Yoongi womanising all the freshman girls.

“We should eat. I’m hungry,” said Jungkook with a stoic expression. His eyes flicker over to Yoongi’s and back down to the bags.

Hoseok pushes Taehyung down and rolls to his knees. The angle at where his neck was, was perfectly lined with a ray of moonlight and Jungkook could see the obvious bruises. It made his mind wander back to the moment he had with Taehyung, how good it felt to have his lips on his neck, kissing and sucking. Fuck no, he wasn’t gay, he decided. He sighs and shakes his head, trying to disperse the thoughts.

“Yeah, we should.” Yoongi busied himself with unpacking the food, avoiding Jimin’s question.

They settled down and laid out the food, everyone starving from the long night. There was a blanket of awkwardness hanging in the air amongst them while they stuff themselves with fried rice and kung po beef. Yoongi tries hard not to be obvious with his sudden need to be skin-to-skin contact with Hoseok, Hoseok in turns tries to hide his hickeys from Jimin’s gazes, Jimin tries not to look judgemental, Jungkook tries to keep his eyes from wandering over to Taehyung’s and Taehyung is well...trying to pick up a piece of meat with his wobbly drunken hands. And the only audible sound came from the crickets serenading them.

“Well, hello there children!”

The group of friends turns to see Jin and Namjoon walking towards them, waving frantically. Grateful for the sudden interruption, they cheered and waved back.

“Ah, everyone decided to ditch the phoney dress-up party?” Yoongi sneers.

Their new guests take a seat in the lopsided circle they made. “We came bearing gifts,” Jin said with a smile as he produced two cartons of beers.

“No! No, no, no, no more alcohol!” Jimin whines as he pouts. “I’ve had enough with drunk people already.”

“Oh C'mon! We finally come to one of your illegal get-togethers and you deny our gifts?!” Namjoon frowns, teasing the smaller boy.

Yoongi snorted. “Illegal? Who said this was illegal?” When it comes to Namjoon and Jin, the word ‘illegal’ can mean handing in homework pass the due date.

But he was pleasantly surprised to see Namjoon holding up a bag of weed and wiggling it around. “This stuff’s illegal isn’t it?”

“We broke into your room and stole some.”

The two boys sat, grinning mischievously. Their plan to be reckless that night far exceeded their own expectations. They had stolen cartons of beer from Jin’s parents’ bar, broke into a dorm room, stole illegal drugs and brought it out to smoke. Definitely a milestone for the two Kims.

“Pass it on,” Yoongi demanded, wiggling his fingers out, eager to get his hands on the bag of weed. “I’ll make a blunt. For free this time.”

‘Whoops’ and ‘Hoorays’ filled the beach. When it comes to rolling a joint, Yoongi was the King. And it wasn’t easy to come by a joint that he rolled for he always demanded some sort of payment.

That night, the seven boys sat by the beach - blazers off, shirts untucked and ties thrown away - and watched the waves crashing its calming tune. They each realised that they didn’t need much to be happy. Cold Chinese takeout, bottles of beer and their friends was all it takes to put them at ease. For once they felt like they could breathe, be themselves, away from their materialistic lives.

“I love you guys,” Taehyung sighs as he giddily lies down.

My BTS Au Masterlist

*The new update will take a while because I’m going to be busy with packing up my room. I’ll be moving houses in a week or less. I’ll try to update as soon as possible.

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professionalhorror · 8 years

Text

The Basement

I'm not a fan of Jennifer. I've been stuck in this basement with her since Tuesday. I don't know how we got here. She said she remembers a great big flash before she got here. I don't but I take her word for it. We think the world may have ended. Makes sense because we haven't heard anything outside since then. We don't talk much.

We’ve been here for like five days. The basement is surprisingly full of water and food so that wasn't an issue. Being trapped in a small room with a complete stranger is the problem. I’ve tried to make conversation, try to keep our spirits up in case the world really isn’t over but it didn’t really work. She said she didn’t remember much before being in this basement, probably something to do with trauma. SHe also didn’t want to talk about what she did remember. That was cool with me, I didn’t remember much from before either.

The third day we were stuck in this basement she decided to venture out and see if the outside world was still intact. I like to think it was cabin fever that made her feel the need to leave and not the need to be away from me but who knows, it was an awkward three days.

When she was away I tried a few different things to keep myself from going crazy. There were a few board games and assorted knickknacks in the basement that I played for a few minutes before tossing them aside because I can’t really play any of them without Jennifer. I thought about leaving as well, finding Jennifer outside, and seeing if everything was okay. I’d like to think that if the world wasn’t over Jennifer would come back and let me know but we barely know each other, she might forget.

Early on the fourth day Jennifer came back. We may not have talked much before she left but that felt like we were a happy married couple compared to after she got back. She snuck down the basement stairs and slid into a corner and couldn’t be moved from it. She just rocked back and forth, staring straight ahead. I tried to talk to her a few times but every time I got nothing but a stare. I asked her what she saw, I asked if the world had ended, I asked if she was okay, but it was a fruitless venture.

On the fifth day in the basement she didn’t move. Not to eat or drink or anything really. It made me very anxious. What could she have seen up there that had such an effect on her? I wanted to go over and comfort her. I don’t know why but I felt this pull toward her. I didn’t want to tell her but part of me was happy she was back. Even if she something was wrong with her, it made me feel good to know she was alive.

I fell asleep very suddenly on the fifth day. The sun was still out and I don’t remember making the decision to fall asleep early. One second I was walking around the basement and the next I was passed out. It almost felt like I blacked out but I woke up the next day and was in the makeshift bed I had thrown together so I assumed I was just more tired than I had thought.

Jennifer was different on the sixth day. She wasn’t in the corner bor was she scared or staring anymore. When I woke up she was drinking some water. She asked me who I was and how they got down here. I told her that there was a big flash of light. She said she thinks the world had ended.

Something had changed. This wasn’t the Jennifer who I had been down in the basement with all this time. We didn’t exactly get along but we knew who each other were. And what had happened to her memory? She was the one who told me about the flash of light when I first woke up, now she doesn’t remember. Whatever had happened when Jennifer went upstairs changed her. And now she seems different again. Not like she was when she came back. Not even how she was before she left. Almost like she’s been replaced. Like her mind holds no similarities to the Jennifer I had been in the basement with.

I had to go upstairs and find out what was going on for myself. Whatever was up there may have wiped Jennifer’s mind and the same may happen to me but I still had to know. If whatever was out there could do that, then Jennifer was in danger. I was in danger. I felt an overwhelming need to help Jennifer. I don’t know why but seeing her not recognize me killed me. How could she not know who I am?

I told Jennifer I would be back soon and I hugged her farewell. I climbed up the basement stairs as lightly as a mouse. I put my ear to the door before opening it. Glass clinging and metal scrapping. I had never tried to open it before, the thought had never even occurred to me. I wrapped my hand around the basement door knob and twisted. It wasn’t locked. Nothing barricading it closed, no chain lock, no nothing. Free to go. So I did.

I slowly pushed the door open and slunk into the hallway it presented. I slowly crept along the floor, poking my head around every corner. I had no idea what would be waiting for me, but seeing what happened to Jennifer meant that I couldn’t take any chances.

I saw the faint glow of a light down the hallway. Light seeping out through the bottom of a closed door, holding the warmth inside. I slowly made my way to the door. I was careful to check into any room on the way, lest I be found and fall into a potential trap. The sound of glass clinking and metal scraping only got louder as I approached the door. The source of the sounds was coming from that room.

I wrapped my hand around the door knob that would show me the illuminated room and I slowly twisted it.

I took a deep breath and then I threw the door open. I saw a dining room table full of food. Glasses, some filled with wine, others with soda, rattled on the glass table top. The metal scraping was the sound of a steak knife cutting through red meat and digging into the plate beneath it.

At the table were two small children, one girl and one boy. At one end of the table sat Jennifer. At the other end was me. No, how can that be? Jennifer was just downstairs and I am right here. What is going on?

The little boy wiped his mouth on a napkin, “You forgot to lock the basement door again Margaret.” The boy said.

The girl but her glass down, “It’s okay. Your latest dad has been on the fritz lately, Ben.” Margaret said.

“True, I guess we can replace him ahead of schedule.” Ben said. Ben pulled a remote out of his jacket pocket and pointed it at the me sitting at the dining room table. Ben pushed a button and the thing that looks like me slunk down in his chair and stopped moving.

“Welcome, father. I hope you won't have as many glitches as your predecessor.” Ben said.

“I don’t understand.” I said.

“You will, once we add your new chips. We have to keep you running for a few days before you assume your normal place. It helps iron out the bugs. Don’t worry, your new chips won’t hurt. Just like your last ones. Right, Mom?” Ben said.

I turn to look at Jennifer. That look was the same one I saw in the basement yesterday. Rocking back and forth. Staring straight ahead. “No, it doesn’t. Just a quick flash of light and then it’s over.”

Margaret took the older version of me away from the table. I heard the clang as she threw him outside the house. Ben took me by the hand and brought me to his laboratory.

Ben and Margaret really are lovely kids. And I couldn’t be happier to be with my wife Jennifer. We spend all day together talking while the kids are at school. We’re out of the basement but together as long as we can be.

I sometimes walk to the basement door and put my ear against it. I listen for the next wave of replacements. Another version of myself and Jennifer are down there. I listen to them talk. They talk about a big flash of light. They think the world is over.

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