#i have that gif and the ‘sit�� scene saved on my phone always

[brokenmutations]

Night Shift

Logan Howlett • She/Her Pronouns • Mutant!Reader [Heightened Senses] • POSSIBLE DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE SPOILERS • Joining a new timeline didn’t stop the nightmares from occurring. But at least, he doesn’t suffer alone…or at all after some time • ANGST/SFW/NSFW • TW: Major Injuries / Blood Loss / Nightmares / Anxiety

“Another nightmare?”

Logan looks away from the scene that was New York City late at night to catch the eyes the voice came from, which happened to be Y/N. She had stepped out onto the fire escape for her own reasons and to her surprise there was Logan on the escape of the apartment next door.

“Yeah, somethin’ like that”

“Better than Wade sleepwalking. Had to save him from you cutting his head off for almost grabbing your balls” Y/N scoffs, bringing herself to sit in the stairs of the escape looking out to the same scene. “Should give you some rope to tie him to his and Al’s bed because who knows when he’ll sleep walk”

“If you’re offering, I’ll take it” Logan scoffs leaning over the railing listening to the noise that he both misses and wishes it would stop. Which really makes him miss his home in the woods…back in his timeline with his Y/N.

“I know you’re not one for charity, but if you ever need a good nights sleep or company after a bad night…my door, or window is always open”

“I’ll think about it next time, bub” Logan pulled himself away from the railing to bring himself back inside as Y/N remained outside taking in every single sound of New York before wincing and putting her headphones back on while heading back inside.

Logan thought a few nights with a nightmare each time that he could handle it. But staying up after every occurrence only made him grumpier and Wade wasn’t having it for the most part.

“I can tell just by your baby hand that Logan didn’t sleep well”

“All I ask for this writer is to give him SOMETHING, but no! Who cares about plot nowadays we all saw his fucking Hawaiian roll buttered up abs” Wade groans behind the mask wishing he didn’t agree to this mission with Y/N. “Sorry. Kitty was angry this morning because of the lack of sleep he’s been having.”

“I got that much, Wilson” Y/N frowns rubbing circles on his back before suddenly taking his katana and slicing the once running target that entered the wrong alley way. “Guess it’s a short day”

“Bless your fucking heart” Wade quickly took his phone out taking a picture of the hit and sending it to the contact. “I’ll send you your money when I get it”

“Are you going to use most of yours for cocaine again?”

“Get your bloodhound nose out of mine alright?!”

Y/N watched him leave amused for a moment before disposing of the body because baby-hand-magee couldn’t for whatever reason.

Returning to the apartment later than usual didn’t bother Y/N, but she also didn’t expect someone to be in her apartment at the hour that it was. She knew there was someone given her senses, so when she flicked the light on for Logan to scramble suddenly and notice her unfazed expression he was a bit surprised. But so was she a little.

“I didn’t think you’d take me up on it”

Logan shrugs a bit not knowing what to say as Y/N couldn’t fight back a smile. She enters the apartment entirely, shutting the door behind her as she drops her bag on the floor.

“Make yourself at home” Y/N shot him another smile while she walked past him to enter the kitchenette setting down the takeout bag she had along with her other belonging.

The man obviously felt foreign in her apartment even with the invitation. Logan brought himself to sit on the couch watching her movements that weren’t much different from her. Except for more hesitation when handling things that might overwhelm her senses.

“I got takeout and I always buy extra if you’re interested.” Y/N gestures with her head to the kitchen she stood in if he wanted some. But when he didn’t come once she finished putting her dinner in a bowl, she decided to make him one regardless.

While she did such, Logan looked at the frame pictures on the wall behind the couch noticing there was a picture of him. He brought his whole body to face it and get a better look.

This universe’s Logan looked happy and so did Y/N beside him. There was another beside it that was a Polaroid with Laura looking at the picture confused but had a laughing Y/N in the background with Logan reaching for the thing.

“There’s a whole box of Polaroids I can grab that she took from when she was younger” Y/N’s voice startled him slightly as if he had gotten caught for looking at pictures. “Some are very blurry but they mean a lot to Laura and I so I keep them” she handed his plate which he wasn’t going to refuse after she took the time to plate it.

Before she sat with him, Y/N pulled a box out from under the couch setting it beside him. “Whenever you want to look at them” she stated while finally sitting to eat her late dinner, she reached into her coat pocket to take out a bottle of pills and dropped one on top of her rice. Causing Logan to stare and inspect his food. “I didn’t drug yours. It’s my sleeping pill, I have to eat something with it and this just makes it easier”

You don’t need them, sweetheart. Just focus on my heartbeat. That’ll calm you down

Sometimes it’s as fast as jackrabbit, Lo. Are you sure it’ll work?

You’ve said the pills make yea sick in the morning. Even more drowsy. This will work and if not, I’ll help you find alternatives

Okay, love. You know I trust you

Logan’s heart started to ache for what he lost in his timeline and Y/N felt the mood shift as they sat together eating. She wanted to comfort him but didn’t want to over step in any way.

After some time and a little clean up, Y/N went to bed once she got the foldable bed ready for Logan. Leaving him with a box of pictures alone to go through. He didn’t right away and stayed in the bed trying to sleep but wanting to know what this world’s Logan was like to these two important people in his life was itching his brain.

A lot of the Polaroids were blurry and could tell those looking that the young photographer was just learning how to use it. Then they got clearer and Laura would mainly take pictures of Y/N with her because she didn’t mind it. But there was several of Logan both pissed that he’s being photographed and the occasional one where he’s admiring Y/N.

Then there’s a few, like three Polaroids…where her Logan had taken them. One of her sleeping on his chest, another with just the two of them, then one of Y/N in a window holding Laura as she slept. The back of it had some writing on it…

Who I’m fighting for

Logan couldn’t help but feel the pain that Y/N could’ve possibly—-and most likely did feel when she read that a moment after her Logan passed. It made sense why she sobbed when reuniting with Laura.

This kept him awake for a while longer until he finally let sleep take over.

More into the night is when Y/N woke through a haze hearing heavy breathing. The apartment was small even with a one bedroom so she could hear everything regardless of her mutation. She pulled herself out of the bed grabbing the oversized flannel off her chair to slip on so she wouldn’t be in just a tank top and shorts when investigating.

It was obvious what was happening when Y/N drew close to Logan’s tossing form. She carefully moved the box of Polaroid off the bed before bringing herself beside him.

“Logan…” Y/N whispers watching him grip onto the sheets and the smallest glint of metal revealing itself. “Logan it’s just a nightmare”

He wasn’t coming out of it and Y/N knew what could happen next. She then decided to risk it and do what she used to do for him.

________

“Logan it’s okay…you’re okay, nothing is harming anyone you love” Y/N whispers, resting her head on Logan’s chest that was once rising and falling at an unbearable speed. But the second her head rested on it, it slowed. “You’re okay…we’re okay…I’m okay…”

Once Logan calmed, he brought his arms around her sighing. He pressed his lips onto the top of her head feeling her relax against him.

“You just…know how to bring me back”

“I’ll always find a way to bring you back, Lo. Even if it kills me”

________

The second her head rested on his chest, Logan relaxed and the small hint of his claws coming out retracted back. He didn’t wake but he finally relaxed.

“You’re okay, Lo” Y/N whispers rubbing circles on his chest feeling his body relax beneath her. “Everything is going to be okay”

She let the exhaustion take her from the day and found herself fast asleep on him. The steady of his breathing and his heartbeat calmed her…calmed all the sounds she’s been overwhelmed with…

This has been happening for a while. Logan sleeping over and Y/N helping him sleep. She would normally slip out of his embrace during an early hour of the day so he wouldn’t notice. But after the first five times, he’s noticed. He didn’t want to say anything because he enjoyed it. Especially the one time she didn’t get up early and remained there peacefully, giving Logan a chance to admire her while she slept.

They both missed this with their universe’s other…but there was also more than their other had

The most recent time it happened, it was extra difficult to get Logan to fall back asleep with his claws still retracted. That when Logan woke in the morning, disappointed she wasn’t there…he realized shortly why when Y/N handed him coffee and her arm was bandaged. You can’t lie to Logan. You can try but it won’t work. He knows he cut her by accident and it was her first time but her first time with this Logan.

“I’m sorry…” Logan randomly told her when he accompanied her and Wade on a job. The two of them taking look out after Wade insisted ‘he got this’

“Nightmares are scary things, Logan. We all do things when we have them”

“I…You’ve never had them with me around” Logan whispered. “Or least when I’ve been around…”

“I guess I’ve been sleeping better…have been taking my sleeping pills less” Y/N knew the blush on her complexion was giving her away on how she felt and Logan tried so hard to ignore it but the tips of his ears burned red. “What’s taking Wade so long? I can’t hear any fighting or—-“

“Smell any blood. Should we—-“ Logan was cut off by the sound of an explosion as he instinctively covered Y/N who covered her ears until she felt alright to release. “Fucking moron”

“Awww thanks for the new nickname, peanut” Wade cheers strutting out of the now burning building with one less arm. He noticed their position and couldn’t help the smirk on his face. “So!” Ignoring the current fire. “Are you two coming to my party later? Al says she found cocaine but knowing her she probably had Mary Puppins sniff some questionable white bags so it could actually end up being meth”

“I don’t think the poor pup is an efficient drug sniffing dog” Y/N commented as she went into her bag to put her headphones on. “Besides. I’d love to but I have another job later”

“You uh need a hand?” Logan asked, sensing the devilish smirk on Wade’s face resulting in him unsheathing his claws making him hold his hands up.

“I was instructed to take it on alone…but I’ll be alright. Usually am” Y/N reassures. “You’re still…allowed to be in my apartment if you don’t want to be at the party for the whole thing”

“Oh he’s gonna stay. Yukio is gonna do tarot readings” Wade wrapped his baby arm around Logan, enticing a growl out of the man.

Y/N rolled her eyes with a smile before throwing her backpack on. “Just don’t get into too much trouble, Wade. I hate talking to the landlord for you” and with that said, she left the two to clean up whatever mess there could be after what Wade did.

The party was a bit much. Logan was starting to get frustrated even if he sat on the couch with Dogpool watching everybody get drunk, have their tarots read, and listen to more of Wade’s sex stories. He wasn’t doing much but nursing a beer and think about her. She’s been on his mind for much longer than when she said she was doing a job solo. He was going to take that night as an opportunity to admit to feelings he’s felt much longer than the time Y/N first helped him with his nightmares.

She’s always been patient with him when he was standoff-ish in the beginning.

She kept her cool when he’d yell out his frustration

She never hesitated to give him answers to any questions he had about her Logan or Laura

She always listens. Never pushes her thoughts.

She’s there whenever you need her.

Every Logan will love every Y/N out there…

Mary Puppins suddenly stirred beside Logan which he normally didn’t care about given she can do what she pleases. But she jumped off the couch and instantly went to the door starting to scratch it. Given the hour it was, 2AM, Wade was plastered and couldn’t take her out so he decided to do it himself.

Once the pup was strapped in her harness and leash, Logan opened the door only for Puppins to lunge forward and toward something that only made him grumble with the force she was giving.

“Calm down, bub. We’ll get outside soon” Logan sighs shutting the door behind him and stilling for a moment when he heard footsteps. He quickly scoops up Mary Puppins and hesitantly approaches the stairs.

If it wasn’t Mary Puppins in his arms, he’d drop everything. Instead he carefully set her down before quickly approaching Y/N and her fragile state.

“What happened?” Logan frowns hearing his heartbeat rapid in his ears as he tried to remain calm even if her currently bleeding state wasn’t helping.

“A lot. I…I wanna sleep”

“No, bub. You’re bleedin’ we gotta stop it…or—“ Logan froze when Y/N collapsed in his arms and he didn’t hesitate to yell for Wade.

It’s been an annoyingly anxiety inducing couple of hours in the ER, then the waiting room. Logan sat beside Wade who kept dozing off every now and then because of the booze in his system but at least Mary Puppins in his arm licked his face to perk him up. Logan’s leg wouldn’t stop bouncing and the scowl on his face became more permanent expression until he heard any news.

In a panic, Laura quickly entered the waiting room scanning the room and locking eyes with Logan before approaching.

“What happened?!”

“A job gone wrong. It happens.” Wade yawns rubbing his eyes and once he got the sleepiness out of them he was met with an identical glare from Laura that matched the one on Logan’s. “What? She passed out before we got details, angel babies. We won’t know more until she wakes up. What I said is the best you’re gonna get” he sighed turning himself toward the reader of this story. “Afraid if I say more. I’ll traumatize the nurses over my baby limbs more than the amount of blood that escapes my hot bod”

Now as the four of them wait, with the occasional letting the pup out to do her business, Logan couldn’t help but think of when he lost his Y/N.

It wasn’t like with the rest of the X-Men, but if some of the X-Men were still alive. They would say it’s the reason he left in the first place

________

“What do you mean she didn’t leave the building?!” Logan shouted at Scott only to leave the plane in a hurry back to the scene.

“Jean stop hi—-“

“No”

“Jean.”

“Scott, let him go” Ororo sided with Jean in the silent agreement of he needs to see for himself.

The smell of her blood stained his senses the closer he got to it. Why didn’t they try and save her? What did she say to them?

Instead of those questions piercing a thought in his mind, Logan found Y/N barely hanging on and the only reason they didn’t pull her out because if they did…she would only die instantly and she needed him. For one last moment.

“No…No no no…Y/N, baby” Logan’s voice cracked at the sight as he dropped to his knees trying to figure out a way to cut through the beams that were piercing her in several places. “Baby I-I’m gonna…I-I…I-I’ll get you out. Yeah I will…”

“Lo…p-please…we both know—-“

“No! I can’t. I-I can’t lose y-you” He sobbed, this man with a rough exterior sobbed and it only broke her heart as she reached for him. Feeling his cheek gently place itself in her palm. “Please…D-Don’t leave me”

“I love you. I love you so m-much” Y/N winced feeling the pain subside but only in that direction. “Y-You…y-ou’ll find me…a-again…p-promise”

“Y/N…” Logan sobbed gripping her wrist and focusing on her breathing that started to slow. “I love you. Fuck I love you so much. I didn’t say it enough. I-I love you.” He cried watching the love of his life wither.

________

But this wasn’t happening again.

Laura laid her head on the side of Y/N’s bed with Logan’s jacket draped over her as she occupied the chair by her bed. While Logan sat in the one in the far corner. Wade had to bring Mary Puppins home and tell those who stayed the night after a drunken party that Y/N pulled through.

What happened was Y/N took another job for the same guy that her job with Wade and Logan came from. But the purpose of it being solely only her was to trap her and force information out of her on the regenerative properties the two have. She knows very little about the properties because Wade doesn’t know how his manifested and Logan’s don’t need a rocket scientist to figure out. They thought they hit the gold mine when capturing her but instead while they met their inevitable end, Y/N gotten beaten and physical broken in the process.

Which explains the sling made for collar bone fractures on her, and the bandaging around her torso for more than just internal bleeding but to stabilize the broken ribs. The bruises and cuts littered are self explanatory.

The only plus side to all of this in her case was how sterile and quiet a private hospital room is.

All Y/N heard were their heartbeats and how fast they were going given her current state.

“I’m…n-not dying. You can calm just a little bit” Y/N sighed out, hearing the quick shuffling indicating Logan practically shot out of his chair approaching her other side while Laura gently rested her hand on Y/N’s that was rested on her stomach. “I’m okay sweet girl” she reassured taking her hand into hers as she finally opened her eyes wincing slightly at the light and her shifting only to feel the extent of her injuries. “T-That goes for you too, Lo…I’m okay.”

“Your injuries say otherwise” Logan frowns sitting on the edge of the bed watching Laura hesitantly climb into the bed after Y/N ushered her to do so. “Don’t…don’t let her move too much, kid”

“Worrywart. She’s fine.” Y/N let her lay beside her as Laura was always mindful of injuries and didn’t mess with any of the tubes she was connected to.

She was in the hospital for three days. Laura stayed for two and went back to Y/N’s apartment to clean it up for when she comes back. Including getting her prescriptions and things. Logan stayed for all three days. She wanted him to stay for all three days.

“You okay on the pull out bed?” Y/N tried to help make the bed with the one arm but Logan quickly and gently took the part of the blanket out of her hand. “I can still help”

“You broke your collarbone on the left side, sweetcheeks. You ain’t lifting a finger even if five are out of commission” Wade tugged too much on his side resulting in a grumble from Logan and Laura to push him away.

“I’m okay on the couch bed, mo—-Y/N” Laura couldn’t help the embarrassed blush to rise on her cheeks for almost calling Y/N mom in front of others. Even if that’s what she is to her.

Wade being Wade was about to comment until Y/N glared at him before tiredly making her way to her room. Logan hesitantly follows, letting Laura boss Wade around to help her finish making the bed even if he’s already messed up.

“So uh. She’s staying on the couch bed so I’ll go back to Wa—-“

“You can sleep with me…” Y/N had her back turned to him which she was grateful given the blush that started to spread. “I’ll be bounded to one side since I have to be sleeping sitting up. Plenty of space for another body”

“I don’t…I don’t want to hurt you any further by accident”

“I promise you…you won’t hurt me” She frowns reaching for another pillow, only for Logan to stop her and do it himself.

Once the night stilled and Wade was sleeping on the floor while Laura took the bed…Logan laid awake beside Y/N’s still form occasionally glancing over to make sure she’s still breathing. As much as she was saved and alive, he couldn’t help the fear aching in his chest that she would disappear right before him.

The second he shut his eyes, they instantly shot open causing him to quickly look at her seeing her breathing heavy and tears were rolling down her cheeks.

“Y/N—-“ Logan quickly maneuvered on the bed to be sat on his knees by her side. Resting his hand on her face watching her face grimace and her eyes remain close. “Y/N, baby it’s a nightmare—-“

“P-Please…Please don’t take them from me again” She begged, still in her unconscious state as the tears kept coming her body tensed at first when she felt another hand rest on her other cheek. But suddenly relaxed and sobbed more while she opened her eyes. “Logan…everything is too loud”

Logan frowns wiping away her tears letting his body relax beside her and bringing her close while minding her injuries. The sense of protectiveness he emitted brought an old familiar warm feeling in Y/N’s chest as she looked up at him with a pleading expression.

“Just focus on my heartbeat, that’ll calm you down” He whispers being mindful of the noise happening inside her head as she rests her head on his shoulder keeping her eyes on him. “Breathe…just listen. Focus on that” he relaxed himself enough so his heart wouldn’t be pounding in her ears.

But the second she focused and started to finally relax after the nightmare, Y/N shut her eyes letting the last of the tears fall.

“I’ve got you. I’ve got you” He whispers to her bringing his lips to her forehead hearing a soft sigh escape her lips.

“Logan…”

“Hm? What is it, princess?”

“Please don’t leave me”

“I’m not going anywhere”

[littlest-w01f]

Glaze

Zayne x Reader

ZAYNE MASTERLIST

LAD MASTERLIST

Summary: Without your childhood best friend, you had no friends to celebrate your birthday with, till you see him again.

Cw: Fluff, hurt/comfort, birthday angst, we all cry that day

a/n: Request from the darling @ari-stay, I promise I never forgot about you, I just got warped in life and fell into some shit...

It wasn't every other day, when you woke up, you felt sadder. All you'd ever wanted for your birthday was over-extravagant decoration to wave up to, with your small group of friends who would plan to celebrate you and surprise you.

But that wasn't your life, that was the life of the people who you saw on your phone, their moment's posts filled with hundreds of likes and comments. What you got were acquaintances who couldn't make it to the party you wanted to plan.

A sense of gloom pervades the scene as your birthday dawns. A melancholic hue tints the morning sky, painting it in shades of grey and muted blue. The sun rises wearily, as though mirroring your sombre mood. You lay sprawled across your bed, eyes wide open yet seeing nothing, mind lost amidst swirling thoughts. Each breath draws out a sigh, heavier than the last.

When your phone buzzed with a message, you picked it up, reading your family's incoming messages, and smiling at the sticker your brother sent you. Despite the disappointment gnawing at your insides, your family's little gestures of love bring a momentary respite. You save the sticker on your phone, replying to your mom you do remember the dinner they had booked to celebrate you.

As the day progresses, you find yourself slipping into old habits - burying yourself in books or immersing yourself in music. For lunch, you find yourself in your favourite cafe.

The familiar aroma of coffee wafts through the air as you enter the cosy cafe, a place that has always soothed your soul. You order your usual during the winter, a hot chocolate with whipped cream and colourful marshmallows. As you walked to your usual seat by the window, you saw a man already sitting there, for a moment you thought of picking another seat, before you realised who it was.

Your heart flutters in your chest as you spot him, a sudden surge of excitement bubbling up within you. Yet, the mask of indifference slides back onto your face like a second skin, concealing the whirlwind of emotions churning beneath.

His eyes softened slightly upon spotting you too, but he quickly recovered his composure, offering a nonchalant nod in greeting. "Hey there, stranger!" He said in a monotone voice, leaning back in his chair casually while maintaining eye contact with you. "I thought I heard your name."

A silence followed, punctuated only by the rhythmic humming of the espresso machine in the background. You take a deep breath, steeling yourself before finally breaking the ice. "So... How have you been?" The words feel foreign on your tongue after all these years apart.

He takes a sip of his coffee, watching you over the rim of his cup with a thoughtful expression. "You know, I almost didn't recognize you. The last time I saw you, you were still trying to grow out of that unfortunate unibrow." He said casually, making you do a double take, catching the glint in his eye that told you that he was just pulling your leg.

"Oh, wow. Nearly a decade of not talking and that's the first thing you say to me?" You scoffed lightly, rolling your eyes, "Well, at least I didn't have to go to a dentist at ten to have my molars pulled because I ate too many sweets."

"Do you still love those chocolates with the pink sparkly wrappers?" There's a small smile playing on his lips now, hinting at the playful kid he used to be, buried beneath layers of the professional facade he usually wore as you continued, he had missed you too much, buried in his work life. "You made me buy them because they were 'girly'."

"And I never got to thank you properly for that." His gaze drops momentarily to the table, a rare flicker of vulnerability crossing his otherwise stoic features. "I've missed you." He lifts his gaze again, meeting yours directly this time. "I didn't realise how much before I saw you again."

And soon it was as if you hadn't been separated by life for so long, getting lost in talking and catching up. The hours slip away unnoticed as you delve deeper into reminiscing about the past, laughing at shared memories and swapping stories of what your lives have become since then. As the sky outside begins to darken, signalling the approach of evening, you both startle, realizing how late it has gotten.

When his phone vibrated, he looked at it, only to notice the date and remember it was your birthday. He pulled out his wallet, setting his card down on the table to cover for both your meals. "Let me take you somewhere for now," He suggests, packing up his things hurriedly. "It's your birthday, isn't it? I can't let you spend it alone."

"You don't have to," You protest weakly, feeling a rush of warmth spread through you at his thoughtfulness. But deep inside, you're secretly thrilled by the prospect of spending more time with him after all these years. "But I'd love to," You finally concede, managing a genuine smile this time.

"Give me some time, meet me at Whitesand Bay? Maybe in two hour." Zayne said with a nod, getting up. His stoic face is back on like a mask

"Sure thing, see you there." You watch him leave, a strange mixture of apprehension and anticipation churning within you. "Zayne…" You whisper under your breath, testing the name on your tongue to yourself again. It feels oddly comforting, reminiscent of simpler times.

As dusk descends upon the city, casting hushed tranquillity over its streets, you find yourself standing at the edge of Whitesand Bay. The cool breeze off the water stirs your hair, carrying with it the scent of salt and sea. The sky above is painted in hues of orange and pink, a breathtaking sunset unfolding before your eyes.

Your heart skips a beat as you catch sight of Zayne walking towards you. He looks different yet somehow exactly the same – older, wiser perhaps but still bearing that familiar spark in his eyes.

He approaches slowly, his footsteps echoing softly on the weathered wooden planks of the pier. The fading light casts long shadows behind him, accentuating the strong lines of his face. As he draws nearer, you notice the faint creases around his eyes, signs of the countless sleepless nights spent tending to his patients.

"Beautiful view, isn't it?" He says, stopping beside you and gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean. The sound of gentle waves lapping against the frozen shore creates a soothing melody in the quiet evening air. "I come here a lot. It helped clear my head."

"It really is stunning," You reply, turning to face him fully. In the soft twilight, his features seem more defined, the sharp angles of his jawline and the curve of his eyebrows etched in relief against the fading light. "I can see why you'd come here often."

There's a comfortable silence that falls between you, broken only by the distant call of a few seagulls, the flow of the tide frozen in winter. The world seems to slow down, leaving just the two of you suspended in this peaceful moment.

"Come on, I want to show you something." Zayne offered you his hand, leading you further along the pier until you reach the end where it juts out into the frozen waters. Here, the wind picks up slightly, whipping your hair into a frenzy as you lean against the railing together, the cold metal biting into your palms.

In front of you stretches an endless expanse of blue, the horizon blurring into the sky where the sun has dipped below the horizon, painting the clouds in shades of crimson and gold.

Zayne's arm brushes against yours as he leans in closer, his breath not visible in the chill air. "Look down."

When you do, your shoes were covered by ice skates from his evol, sending you gliding effortlessly across the frozen surface of the bay. You squeal out loud, the exhilaration of the unexpected thrill coursing through your veins as you spin and twirl, the wind whipping your cheeks rosy. "Ah-"

Zayne grins, pleased with himself. "I figured we could make the most of the freezing weather. Not everyone gets to ice skate on a frozen sea." He takes a few practice strides, then offers his hand to help steady you as you gain confidence on your new skates.

Your laughter echoes across the icy expanse as you playfully push against his chest, the friction from the contact sending tingles up your arms. "Careful, doc! I might just expect you to patch me up if I fall!" You tease, a mischievous sparkle in your eyes mirroring his own.

His fingers tighten around yours, a reassuring squeeze that belies the competitive glint in his gaze. "Oh, I'd be happy to keep you in one piece." He retorts with a smirk, before suddenly lunging forward, attempting to sweep your legs out from under you.

"Ha! Ah-" You shriek, stumbling backwards as your feet fly out from under you, only to find yourself caught mid-air by Zayne's strong arms, cradled against his chest.

"Looks like you need a doctor after all," Zayne teases, a triumphant grin spreading across his face as he holds you securely against him. The chill of his body matching the chilly air, enveloping you in a cocoon of cold. For a moment, you forget about the ice beneath your feet, the cold seeping into your bones, as your focus narrows to the solid chest pressed against your face, the steady thump of his heartbeat, and the clean, masculine scent surrounding you.

His arms remain wrapped snugly around you, holding you close as if reluctant to release his prize. The sensation of being held captive by his embrace sends a flutter through your stomach, stirring up long-forgotten feelings. As if sensing your thoughts, Zayne's grip loosens, allowing you to slide down the length of his body until your feet touch the ground once more. However, instead of stepping back, he keeps one arm slung casually around your shoulders, drawing you closer as he gazes out at the bay.

The lingering touch of his arm around your shoulders is a potent reminder of the connection you once shared. It's a subtle gesture, yet it speaks volumes about the unspoken understanding that exists between you now. As you stand side by side, the frosty air nipping at your noses, you can't help but steal glances at Zayne, taking in the changes time has wrought while still recognizing the essence of the man you knew.

As you chat, the temperature continues to drop, the night growing colder and darker with each passing minute. Yet, in the midst of the frigid winter air, you feel a comfort emanating from Zayne's presence, an aura that chases away the discomfort of frost. It was as if no time had passed at all, and you're once again those star-crossed teenagers, lost in each other's company under the stars.

As the minutes tick by, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, their celestial dance mirrored in the shimmering ice beneath your feet. The world seems to have shrunk to just the two of you, isolated in your own private universe.

Zayne's arm tightens around your shoulders, a subtle movement that conveys a silent message of comfort and companionship. You lean into him instinctively, drawn to the security and familiarity of his presence.

"I never forgot about you, you know," He murmurs, his breath a cold puff against your ear. "Even when life took us in different directions, you were always there in the back of my mind."

"I'm so glad to see you again, Zayne..." You sighed, softly resting your head on his chest.

His free hand comes up to gently stroke your hair, the tender gesture a poignant reminder of the intimate moments you once shared. "Me too, y/n," He whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "More than you know."

As you stand there, entwined in each other's embrace, the past and present blend together in a swirl of memories and longing. The cold of the winter night fades into insignificance, replaced by the warmth of rekindled feelings and the promise of a second chance.

Your phone rang loud, breaking the moment, reluctant, you pulled away from Zayne's embrace, pulling out your phone to find a few texts and missed calls from your mom and brother, "Shit, I had a birthday dinner planned, I should probably go before they give our table to someone."

Zayne's expression turns wistful as he watches you step back, reluctantly severing the physical connection between you. He nods understandingly, though the faint lines of disappointment around his eyes betray his true sentiments.

"Of course, family comes first. But… maybe we could grab coffee sometime soon? Just the two of us?" His suggestion hangs in the crisp air, a tentative olive branch extended in the hopes of bridging the gap left by your parting words. "And I got you something... There wasn't much time to shop..." He brought out a bag he had gotten, "I hope that this shop is still your favourite."

You take the bag from him, feeling the light weight of the gift inside. A small smile plays on your lips as nostalgia washes over you, the same bookstore where you used to spend hours browsing shelves together, sharing favourite passages and dreaming of futures.

"Thank you, Zayne. That means a lot coming from you." Your voice is softer now, tinged with a mix of gratitude and the lingering ache of what could've been. You glance back at the frozen bay, the stars above, and the quiet intimacy of the moment, wishing you could stay forever in this liminal space between past and present.

But reality beckons, and with a final look at Zayne, you tuck the bag under your arm, slip off the ice skates over your shoes and start walking towards the parking lot, the crunch of snow beneath your feet echoing in the stillness.

Inside the envelope is a gift card to your favorite bookstore along with a handwritten note. The note read: "To the most annoying person I know. Here's hoping your shelf can handle one more book. Happy Birthday, dummy. Love, Zayne."

[butlervibesonly]

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | Austin Butler

• Summary: You and Austin are complete high school sweethearts. You both decide to spend some free time after school together, enjoying something you have both passion for.

• Pairing: high schooler Austin Butler x high schooler reader

• Warnings: fluff, fluff, fluff! ALSO! One of the scenes includes SPOILER of book “Pierre et Luce” by Romain Rolland!!

• Proofreader: ladies and gentlemen, my @eternal-love 🤭

You still remember the first time you saw Austin Butler. Your boyfriend. You were a student of freshman year, lost in a crowded hallway, overwhelmed by the noise, the people, the sheer size of the school. You had been clutching your schedule like the most important thing that could save you at that point, trying to figure out where you were supposed to go. But then you saw him — grinning, confident, effortlessly at ease in a way you could never be.

You hadn’t expected him to talk to you. But he did. He saw how much lost you are, and he couldn’t just leave you there. He lead you to the classes, which turned into finding out you share so many classes together. And like so, you sat with him. You were whispering stuff during classes, doing anything but studying.

For two years, Austin was your best friend. The one who made you laugh when you were having a bad day, the one who showed up at your house with ice cream after a tough test, the one who knew exactly what to say when you felt like the world was too much. Somewhere between study sessions, late-night phone calls, and Friday movies nights, something shifted. The way he looked at you lingered a little longer, and your heart started absolutely racing when his shoulder brushed against yours.

By junior year, it was truly impossible to ignore. The friendship that had once been effortless had turned into something more, something deeper. This wasn’t just a high school romance. It was something real, something lasting.

And on one spring afternoon, you couldn’t believe your ears, or actually no sense at all.

You and Austin are having English class right now, both definitely not focusing on the teacher and the class. You are stealing glances at him, seeing him even prettier than he ever was to you. You could see the way his eyes shift to you occasionally. Those blue eyes, as deep as ocean, his blonde hair, and those cheeks you would most likely want to kiss…..

“…Y/l/n!” you hear a voice breaking your thoughts. It’s the teacher who just messed your daydreaming about Austin. Immediately you snap out of your mind and look at the teacher calling your name. “Are you paying attention?” You swallow hard, trying to safe this situation to not look suspicious, especially if Austin’s eyes are on you right now.

“Yes, Miss. I’n sorry.” you quickly gather words, and the class goes on. You exhale and whisper. “Gosh, this is never ending class.” Austin, sitting beside you, chuckles softly. “Don’t worry, just 10 more minutes to the end…” he reassures you. Hou can feel the warmth of his body so close to you and you just try to survive these 10 minutes.

As the ring bells, all students gather up their things and begin to leave. So do you and Austin. He picks his stuff, and waits for you, as he always does. You quickly join him, and the two of you leave the class, heading to your classes. “What are you doing… tonight?” Austin asks so suddenly.

You can swear you feel your heart skip a beat. He just asked you what you are doing tonight. “Uhh.. nothing much, I think.” you reply nervously, as you walk side by side through the hallway. Austin stops and that makes you stop. “Y/n… Would you wanna go to the movies with me? Like… not as best friends this time…”

It was a simple question, but the weight behind it made your breath catch. You searched his face, and there it was. That look, the one that had been lingering for months, the one you’d been too nervous about. For once, Austin wasn’t grinning. He was serious, hopeful, maybe even a little scared too. “So, what do you say?” he asks, his voice softer now.

You feel the corners of your lips curl into a smile. “I’d love to.” Austin’s grin returns the moment you said yes, his face lighting up with excitement and happiness. “Great! How about I’ll pick you up at six?” You nod, still processing what just happened. “Yeah, six is good.”

“Perfect.” He leans against his locker, crossing his arms like he casually does during conversation between the two of you. “Oh, and I already picked the movie-“ he chuckles nervously. You tilt your head. “Oh? What are we seeing?”

“Titanic.” Your stomach flips. “Wait—Titanic? Like, Titanic…” Austin chuckles at your reaction, shrugging. “Classic romance, right?” You hesitate, locking your own locker. “I mean, yeah, but… that’s a long movie. And it’s super romantic. You sure you’re up for that?” you ask, wanting to know for sure he is okay with all of this.

He smirks, and for a second, you wonder if he’d picked it on purpose just to mess with you. Then his expression softens. “Well, yeah… Three hours is three hours… But I don’t care if that means I’d get to spend these three hours with you.”

Your face warms at his words, and suddenly, the idea of watching one of the longest, most emotional movies ever doesn’t seem so overwhelming. “Okay. I will be ready at six.” you smile, already excited.

As soon as you got home from school, you told your mom, who helped you get ready. It’s your very first date ever and with Austin. Everything needs to be perfect. You choose simple dress, hairstyle and makeup, to make you look little more special than Austin knows you as.

He is here in six sharp. You hear the ring bell, and you nervously rush down to open the door. With taking a deep breath you see Austin standing there, in dress pants with white shirt, and rolled up sleeves. And does he look hot? Damn yes.

His breath hitches the moment you reveal yourself to him. He never seen anyone this beautiful before. “Wow, you- you look… beautiful.” is the only thing he can let out. Blood rushes to your cheeks, feeling the warmness heating them. “Thank you… you look very handsome too.” you smile nervously.

He smiles back at you, as you stand there, two teenagers, completely in love with each other. He offers you his arm. “So… shall we?”

“We shall.” you take his arm, taking your purse and you close the door behind you. He leads you towards his car, and opens the door for you as true gentleman. He then hops into the car too, and can’t tear his eyes off of you. “Y/n, you look really pretty…” he says again.

You can’t help but smile wide, your cheeks blushing again. Austin starts the car and drives to the nearest movie theater. When arriving, he rushes to open the door for you, wanting to treat you the best you deserve.

When the two of you arrive to the ticket booth, he is the one to speak. “Good evening, uh… Two tickets for Titanic.” he says, nervousness still in bis voice. The seller lady smiles warmly. “Will you pay separately or together?” This moment, Austin looks at you with smile, reassurance in his eyes. “Together, I will pay.” he responds, paying for your ticket.

You feel warmth spreading through your chest, already loving every single second of this evening. When you both have the tickets you go in, and see the crowds of people everywhere. It's practically head to head everywhere, it's impossible for one of you not to get lost. And so Austin takes your hand in his. At that moment, butterflies explod in your stomach. This is the very first time Austin has ever held your hand. Your hand fits into his as if it were made for it.

He holds your hand firmly as if it was the most casual thing. “Wanna get popcorn and something to drink?” he asks, his lips close enough to your ear so you can hear him through the noise. If he wasn’t holding your hand right now, you would probably even manage to answer so you just nod.

So two of you walk to the snack counter still hand-in-hand. Austin buys some popcorn and the seller almost as if he knew what he’s doing gives you only one cup of Coke with two straws in it. Suddenly you feel lump in your throat, and butterflies in your stomach, all at once. But at the same time you’re excited.

The two of you reach the screening room, and sit down. The lights turn off, and the screen flickers to life, casting soft shadows over the rows of faces. You are very aware of how close Austin was sitting beside you, his hand holding yours, as the two of you eat popcorn.

The opening credits rolls, and your heart beats just a little too fast. You aren’t sure if it is the anticipation of the film, or the quiet electricity building between you. Maybe both. For the first twenty minutes, you both sat still, not saying a word. But your thoughts are louder than the movie. You could feel his thumb tracing on your skin,

On screen, Jack is sketching Rose, the music soft in the background. But you aren’t even watching anymore. You can feel Austin’s gaze shift to you, and when you turn your head to see him, you find him already looking at you.

You both just look at each other, neither of you speaking. Because you don’t need to. Everything is right there in his eyes… Hope, nervousness, the same whirlwind of emotion rushing through you as well. Austin’s gaze drops on your lips, and your heart races so hardly he must feel it against the seat.

You look at his full and pink lips as well. You slowly approach each other, getting closer and closer. Austin leans in first, slow but unsure, giving you every chance to pull away. But you don’t. You meet him halfway. And like so your lips connect.

The kiss is soft, like a question. Your heart pounds as you close your eyes, letting yourself fall into that moment. The movie is forgotten for a while, the world shrinking to the space between your and his lips.

When you finally pull apart, you open your eyes to find him smiling, his forehead just barely touching yours. The movie is softly playing in the background and your fingers still tangled together, holding. Austin glances at you, serious for a moment. “Did I just mess something between us?”

You shake your head slowly, smiling. “No… You just made everything even better.” Austin lets out a sigh of relief and strokes your cheek softly and gently, before saying something again. “So… should we rewind the movie or just admit we’re not watching it anymore?”

“I mean, Titanic is great—but this is better.” you laugh softly. Austin chuckles, his smile practically glowing. He glances back at the screen, and so do you. And as much as you can’t help it, you lean closer and lay your head on his shoulder. Austin smiles, and rests his head against yours, arm wrapping around your shoulders.

And as the movie plays on, forgotten in the background, you’re sitting there with his hand in yours, your heart still racing. From shy talking in classes to late-night calls, it had all led to this moment. Three years of friendship, of stolen glances and unspoken feelings, finally unfolding into something more. It isn’t just a kiss. It is the beginning of everything you’d both been waiting for.

ᴏɴᴇ ʏᴇᴀʀ ʟᴀᴛᴇʀ…

It has been exactly a year since that first kiss in the cinema, a year since everything between you and Austin shifted from silent hope to something real. Now, it felt impossible to remember a time when he wasn’t part of your everyday. Your mornings, your late night texts, your laughter between classes. You two became inseparable, the most iconic couple of the school.

And on days like today is, when the world slows down just enough, it feels like nothing could be better. The spring air was warm, sweet with the scent of blossoms, the sun casting soft golden light over everything. After school, you and Austin walk hand in hand to the park nearby the school.

This time, you carry a book tucked under your arm; Pierre et Luce, short and beautiful, the kind of story meant to be shared. It’s something your English teacher tasked you to read and so you decided to take the chance. You both sit on bench where you usually sit. Austin doesn’t even have to think twice and he lays down, resting his head in your lap.

“You’re really gonna read to me?” he asks, already closing his eyes, content. You laugh softly, brushing his soft blonde hair back from his forehead. “Only if you promise to stay awake this time.” Austin grins but says nothing, and you open the little book, your fingers flipping through the pages.

Your voice sounds gentle with the words, your arm wrapping around his torso, and though he doesn’t say a word, you could feel the way his hand holds yours tighter every now and then, like he is holding onto every syllable you read.

You read and read, enjoy his embrace, his warmth and the fact he actually listens. Austin takes every word you say, taking in the story. He either has his eyes on you, watching you read, appreciating your beauty, or has his eyes closed, taking in the moment.

🅢🅟🅞🅘🅛🅔🅡 🅞🅕 🅣🅗🅔 🅑🅞🅞🅚

“And at the same instant the great pier against which they leaned their backs moved, and down to its very base the entire church trembled. And Luce, whose heart beats deadened in her the crash of the explosion and the shrieks of the crowd, threw herself without having time to fear or to suffer upon Pierre, in order to cover him with her body like a hen with her brood—upon Pierre, who with closed eyes was smiling with happiness. With a maternal movement she clasped the dear head against her bosom and that with all her power; and, coiled upon him, her mouth on his neck, they shrank together to their utmost. And the massive pier crumbled down upon them with one crash…”

You tried to keep reading, but your voice cracks. The words blurred, and before you could stop yourself, a quiet sob slips out. Austin’s eyes opened instantly. “Hey,” he whispers, sitting up and turning to face you. “Y/n.”

You blink, tears slipping down your cheeks. “I’m sorry,” you say, laughing softly through the tears. “It’s just so unfair. They didn’t get to live. They didn’t even get to love fully. They just—” you almost choke on the words. “They were each other’s everything, and it still wasn’t enough to save them…”

Austin doesn’t hesitate. He quickly moves closer, wrapping his arms around you without needing to say a thing at first. You melt into his chest, letting him hold you the way he always does. Safely, steady and lovingly.

After a moment, his voice whispers, low and certain against the top of your head. “But we’re here, I am here,” he says softly, pressing a kiss into your hair. “You and me. We’re not characters in a book. We get to live this. We get to love each other.” He cups your cheeks to look up at him.

“If it ever happens, something like their situation… I would save you like Luce wanted to save Pierre.”

“You would die for me?” he asks softly, his heart filled with warmth. You nod and hum in response. “Mhm… I love you. I would save you if it was meant to prove you how much I love you.” you let out final sob.

Austin’s gaze softens, his reaction speaking for his words. “You just proved me by just telling me this, my sweet girl…” You stare at him, this boy who had once made you laugh during awkward freshman year now makes you feel safe in a world that sometimes hurt too much.

In this moment, with your heart swelling with love, his hands holding your face in loving manner… This is it. He is the one. Not because it is easy, not because it is dramatic, but because even in your sadness, he stays. He sees every part of you. And loves you, anyway. Just like you love him. More than anything.

[clownprincehoeshi]

Twisted Deception - Chapter 1

Synopsis: Betrayal and manipulation were always a constant in your life. Leading your family’s legacy as a mafia boss is not an easy task and most of the times can lead to losing the ones you love most. You’ve always kept away from love, but even is this dark and unforgiving world it finds you. But it also breaks you.

Pairing: mafia boss Mingyu x mafia boss reader

doctor Seungcheol x mafia boss reader

Genre: strangers to lovers, enemies to lovers, mafia au, angst, fluff, smut

Warnings: mafia scenarios, death, gun mentions, blood, car crash, cheating, sex scenes, nudity… will post others along the way if needed

Status: ongoing

Word count: 18k

Masterlist

You had no idea where you were or what day it was. To be honest, a little panic took over you, even though you’re not that type of person. You slowly start to see clearly how the room looks like. A neat, big, industrial style, with big windows and brick walls.

Seems to be in an isolated part of the city, low rise building, quiet. A voice was faint on the other side of the door. Getting up to walk and try to eavesdrop isn’t a good idea, feeling pain on your left leg, reminding you of the blood bath that took place the other night. Or was it two nights ago?

Your brain starts to work fast, making a list of chronological things that you need to do. Firstly, get the attention to the person that’s in the other room. If you’re not dead or locked in a dungeon, then you’re probably not in danger.

“Hello?” your voice low and tired

The second time you say it louder and you hear the voice stop, then steps. The door opens slowly and a man walks in.

“Oh, hi, you’re awake, good.”

“What happened? I don’t remember how I got here and I definitely don’t remember you.”

“I’m Seungcheol, I work at the hospital you were staying at. Two nights ago, you were in danger, there were some armed men that were looking for you, and you were close to collapsing so you asked me to get you out of there. So I brought you to my place, it’s the safest spot I could think of, sorry.”

“Does anyone know I am here?”

“No, because I don’t know your name and couldn’t get any information about you, since you were under maximum security, only your personal doctor knowing your info.” He says as he shrugs his shoulders.

“Well maybe that was for the best. But could I please make a phone call?”

He takes his phone out of his pocket and walks over to the bed to hand it to you. You fingers brush his as you take it. At that moment, you really look at his face and realize that he’s a good-looking guy. Very attractive indeed.

You dial Jun’s number, but immediately hang up, because he won’t answer strange numbers, so you send a text first and in 10 seconds he calls.

Jun: Oh my fucking god, are you ok? Where are you? Are you in danger? I’ll trace this phone and I’ll be there in 15 minutes.

Rua: Calm down, I am ok. Can you come get me?

Jun: Don’t even need to ask me that. I got in the car already.

Rua: Ok, well before you get here and make a scene, I am at someone’s house, a doctor from the hospital. He saved me last night and brought me to his place. Everything it’s fine, there is no danger, ok?!

Jun: Sure.

Rua: Jun? Promise you’ll behave.

Jun: Oookkk I promise. But I’ll still need to ask him some questions. Ok, got you location, see you soon.

Turning to Seungcheol, you offer his phone back, with a small “thank you”, as he holds your gaze.

Rua: My friend will come pick me up soon. Thanks for saving me. I should have said this sooner, sorry. My mind is all over the place.

Seungcheol: It’s fine, you’ve been shot and probably were on a lot of medication. I get it.

Rua: Do you know Seokjin?

Seungcheol: Yes, of course. We work together most days.

Rua: He’s my brother.

Seungcheol: Oh! Should we let him know?

Rua: No, it’s fine. I’ll call him when I get home.

You see him pacing carefully, his mind going 300 miles/hour, knowing there are questions coming. He slowly sits on the other corner of his bed, lifting his face to looks at you.

Seuncheol: If you don’t mind me asking. What happened to you, who shot you?

Rua: Umm, it’s a long story and I wouldn’t involve you into this mess. It was a shooting and I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Seungcheol: Got it, I won’t push on it. But lucky you, I’m an orthopedist and I am specialized in recovery. So we’ll probably see each other often, if you plan to do your recovery at our hospital, that is.

Rua: I’ll speak to my bother about that, but if he’ll recommend you, then sure.

Seungcheol: Oh, I am such an awful host. Are you hungry, thirsty? You must be after you were out of it for so many hours.

Rua: Honestly, I am starving and I might drink like a bucket of water.

You give him a big smile and you notice the corners of his mouth going up a little, showing off a shadow of a smile. He doesn’t look so scary now.

In 5 minutes he’s back with a sandwich and a glass of water placed on a tray.

He’s watching you the whole time you’re devouring that sandwich and his tongue is itching on asking you questions. But he’s deciding to let you be. For now.

After some time, his intercom is going off. Must be Jun. You feel relieved. He goes to check and in less than one minute you hear noise, hurried steps towards you.

Jun walks inside the room and as he lays his eyes on you, he runs to the bed, hugging you. His eyes looking teary.

Jun: Omg, don’t ever do this again! We were fucking worried, I thought they got to you. I really thought I lost you.

Rua: I’m sorry, it was just how it happened. I wouldn’t be alive now if I stayed there. I made the mistake to think the hospital was safe and I guess the drugs were strong and made me dizzy. I was so lucky with Seungcheol. Btw, what are we going to tell him?

Jun: Seokmin is talking to him right now, leave it to him. But are you feeling ok? Are you in pain? We should get to Jin.

Rua: That’s probably a good idea, I feel like my leg is going to explode, hurts like a motherfucker.

He helps you get dressed, he brought some clothes for you. Then he carries you is his arms and this reminds him of two nights ago when he carried your limp bloodied body and his heart breaks. He thought he lost you not once, but twice, in only 3 days.

As he’s carrying you, you wave to Seungcheol, thanking him for everything. You nod at Seokming and he offers you a big smile.

Finally, you’re feeling safe. You’re with Jun now, and Minghao is waiting in the car. They brought another 2 cars filled with men, just in case.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

At the hospital, you told Jin that you will be staying at your place, no more sleeping at the hospital, and you’ll want a nurse. You just wanted to sleep until the pain went away and be away from everyone for a while.

For the next two weeks, as soon as Jin gave you the green light concerning your leg, you left the city. You only brought Jun and two guards with you on your huge home under the mountain. It was an isolated place, where you grandfather built an impressive house inside a literal mountain.

Nobody else knew about this, it was like your bunker, your safe place. You often came here when things were too much. Your life was never easy, always on the run, always planning, lying, manipulating, scheming, giving orders, trying to stay alive and keep your people alive.

You also never had a romantic relationship, thought there were some crushes here and there, but that was never something you could afford. Your legacy was more important than some men that would end up disappointing you anyway.

And being a mafia boss…how could you just tell that to a stranger? “Hey, btw, I am involved in the mafia and we kill people.” Never trust outsiders, unless they prove themselves.

3 days of almost solitude in your mountain-house and it feels like your mind is lighter. Of course, Jun kept you company when you had to eat or just talk about work or…nothing at all. He always enjoyed just sitting in silence with you, your personalities similar.

Rua: I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Jun: All of the sudden?

He burst out laughing at your sudden remark, after almost one hour of silence while you were both reading.

Rua: You’re my rock.

Jun: And you’re mine. Now shut up and let me read!

A couple of years ago Jun confessed his feelings to you. It was unexpected, you always thought what you had was more of a brother-sister relationship, nothing more. It wasn’t easy to get over that hurdle and it still isn’t, but you’re to close and care about each other to let that stop you.

You’ve told him that you don’t feel the same and you don’t think you’ll ever feel the same, because it’s impossible for you to see him in a romantic way, after everything.

It’s hard, you can tell he still feels the same, you can see and feel his stares, the way he looks at you and how he treats you.

Maybe this was a reason for you to never get into a relationship. You wouldn’t want to hurt the most important person in your life.  Thoughts about the future, about getting married, having a family, always were somewhere back on your mind.

These thoughts came when you felt lonely, but thankfully you were too busy to be feeling lonely. Yet, here you are, having a vacation after you almost got killed, looking at Jun and ow he’s peacefully reading his little book. You’re wondering if you should just marry him and be over with.

Thinking about it, you tell to yourself. He’s not a stranger. He’s been in your life forever, you can trust him. He loves you. You’re sure he will treat you like a princess and will always respect you. And you know he would be the best dad.

But. What about love? You always dreamed about a marriage out of love. Yeah, even you, the big mafia boss who’s known to be so scary and dangerous. You are all that, but you have layers. You’re not a carton box, you’re a human with feelings. And you want to feel love.

Jun: Stop staring at me! You have nothing better to do?

Rua: Maybe I don’t.

Jun: Aren’t we cranky today

Rua: It’s just I have a lot on my mind

Jun: Share

But you don’t tell him what you were thinking about, instead you take another road.

Rua: You really think Kim clan would do this? We have issues, yes, but they never tried to hurt me like that.

Jun: I mean, we can’t know for sure. Doesn’t matter your families were close or that you and Mingyu were friends, people change. Also, people are gullible and words travel fast, they love gossip. Who knows what he heard and made him go off the rail.

Rua: I still find it insane how everything changed. It doesn’t feel real sometimes, like an out of body experience.

Jun: I am sure the Min’s got their tail everywhere, every time.

Rua: Oh, I don’t doubt that. But still.

He closes his book and grabs your hand to hold in his, knowing it will help you relax. Talking about what happened to your father always brings you rage and ruins your day, rush decisions might be made, so it’s better to calm you down.

4 years since your dad was killed and you still can’t point a finger towards one person. There were always rumors about it. The Min’s, the Kim’s, an outsider, politicians. Mingyu’s parents were killed one year after your father, with the same outcome. Nobody knows who did it.

After their death, Mingyu started to push you away. Ties were cut between families. He thought your family was involved in the “accident”, started to hate you.

Jun: Jin asked how’s the leg and if you think you’ll be able to start recovery when you get back.

Rua: Yeah, I plan to get back in shape as soon as possible. I can’t be weak, a lot of people are waiting to attack like hyenas.

Jun: That reminds me. You have a meeting with the mayor. It’s important for The Towers.

Rua: Ugh, fucking Wonwoo. What is it this time? Windows too shiny for his glasses? We already got him the papers with authorizations for them.

Jun: I think he just wants to see you and he’s coming up with any stupid little reason. We have all the papers in order, our people have been cleared. We haven’t signed the contract for the energy provider. I’ll have Seokmin hurry the process.

Rua: That’s what I like to hear. Thanks

The Towers was your biggest project so far. It was like your cover for the whole underground business. Plus, constructions were always something that fascinated you, so you became an architect.

The mayor, Jeon Wonwoo, was your pain in the ass. The guy had the hots for you and would bring up any little irregularity in your projects, just to see you. One time you were rehabilitating an old museum and his reason for stopping your project? “I just don’t think the roof on this particular room should be out of glass”

Mind you, the guy has nothing to do with architecture and construction. Like usual, you had to offer him an amount of money in exchange for him to go fuck himself. That’s what you told him exactly. He laughed.

He’s just so infuriating, especially when he’s out at events with his buddy Kim Mingyu. Aren’t they a match made for each other. They just looove the spotlight, they love to brag about what they did for this city and their future plans. You can’t stand them.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Your return home was long overdue. You knew you’ll be swamped in work for the next weeks and on top of that, hours will be lost each week with the leg recovery.

The Towers were almost finished, and your headquarters will move there. Also, your home. So the meeting with Wonwoo would take place there, since the new office is almost done decorating.

Looking out the tall windows over the city, a warm glow from the upcoming sunset covers you. It would feel like a perfect end of your day, but unfortunately it’s not the case. Your secretary lets you know the mayor is here and you tell her to let him in.

Wonwoo: Oh, no need to get up, princess.

Rua: I can’t walk, genius.

Wonwoo: They did some work on you. Glad you didn’t die.

Rua: Sooo funny, as usual. Why are you here?

Wonwoo: Wanted to see how you were feeling. Also, you’ll need to downsize some of the trees. I’ve had complaints from the office buildings next to you that the trees are too tall.

Rua: I will pretend you didn’t just say something so stupid.

Wonwoo: Hey, it’s not me, it’s your little neighbors.

Rua: I really don’t care. Anything else?

Wonwoo: What do you think about dinner? I know a place.

Rua: No, thanks. Now if that’s all, I’ll be going, need to have a check up on my leg.

Wonwoo: On, come on, princess. When are you going to give in?

Rua: Give in? What do you take me for?

Wonwoo: What’s the problem? I am handsome, young, rich. We’d be perfect together.

Rua: You forgot insufferable, pain in the ass, manipulative, insistent. If there’s one thing that triggers me is someone who won’t take no for an answer the first time I say it. And you’re not my type, mister mayor. I’m not into corrupt assholes.

Wonwoo: So mean. You know this will cost you.

Rua: Awesome, love a guy who buys his friendships and relationships and leads his way with blackmail.

He walks next to you and leans to whisper into your ear “I am sure you know all about that, honey”

Rua: Ok, that’s it, I’m off.

He yells after you “Hey, no one else will have you with that attitude! You better start treating me nicer”

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

You arrive at the hospital, and while you wait on your brother in his office, a knock on the door wakes you from your thoughts.

Rua: Oh, it’s you. Hi

Seungcheol: Hey, glad to see you again and in better shape I see.

Rua: Yeah, feeling much better.

Seungcheol: Jin sent me to keep you company as he finishes his surgery that’s taking longer than planned.

He takes a seat in Jin’s chair, his gaze on you.

Seunghceol: Did he tell you I’ll be helping you with your recovery? It will take a few months, which means you’ll be seeing me a lot.

Rua: Oh, he didn’t say anything. Do you…. think my leg will be like before?

Seungcheol: Awww. That should not worry your pretty head, let me do it.

Oh. Is this guy flirting?

You feel a rush taking over you and you think your cheeks are red, but can’t be sure.

Without saying anything else, he gets up and comes in front of you, as you lay on the consultation bed.

Seungcheol: May I take a look at the leg?

You try to let out words, but nothing comes out, so you just nod.

He’s lifting your dress up to your thighs, revealing most of the left one. Hands grabbing on it gently, lifting it so the knee is bent. It hurts, but you’re lost in his touch, eyes following the movement of his hands.

He’s got pretty and manly hands, you decide. And the way his brows furrow and his mouth pouts it’s cute. He seems to be very concentrated on what he does, and so are you. That’s why you miss his question.

Seungcheol: Rua??

Rua: Oh. What?

Seungcheol: Does it hurt when I do this?

Rua: Yes, but I can take it.

Seungcheol: I think we can start with the recovery already. You can stop by starting tomorrow, I can meet you and take you to the rehabilitation room, we have all the necessary equipment there.

Rua: This is really the last thing I needed for myself. I was so stupid and got reckless, should of known better.

Seungcheol puts a hand on your shoulder and looks you in the eyes, and you can see his gaze becoming warmer.

Seungcheol: Don’t beat yourself about it, it can happen. Now I need to get back to my other patients, but I’ll see you tomorrow. Here, let me put my number into your phone and you can call or text whenever you want.

As he taps his number on your phone, you look at his hands again and admire them. Almost wanting to feel the warmth of them on your skin again.

Fuck! Stop! This is not happening, no! You tell yourself, as you shake your head gently.

It’s been a while since you liked someone and it didn’t end well. You don’t want to repeat whatever that was. You never had a relationship, but it doesn’t mean there were no men in your life. There were a few, you are human and have needs. You were also in love once and it sucked.

Yet, even if you had feelings for someone, you never ended together. It was complicated and you don’t even think he shared your feelings. You had a fight with him about it and you even confessed, but he didn’t want to hear it or talk about it.

That’s how you were left with a broken heart and with a strong desire to not let a man into your life again.

Seungcheol seems to leave you speechless and it never happened with anyone. You need to have Minghao do a deep check on him later.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

The next day you start your recovery exercises with Seungcheol and you think he’s flirting nonstop. Little jokes here and there, his eyes lingering more than a few seconds on you, compliments, his hands on you. Of course he had to have his hands on you, to help you stand up or do the routine exercises, but still.

It didn’t feel professional all the way. Some touches felt personal, with a purpose. And the way he calls you pretty…

Normally, you would call out such behavior, but with him, you don’t know why, you allow it.

That same night, you call Minghao for a chat in your apartment. You still haven’t moved to the new one at The Towers. Minghao is silent, like a shadow. His figure slim, his eyes sharp and moves even sharper. He could kill a person with a toothpick if he wanted.

He takes his mask off and sits on the couch, waiting for you to say something.

Rua: What do you have for me?

Minghao: He’s pretty clean. He went to school here in Seoul, born here, has an older brother who’s a math teacher in college. His parents are alive and still together. He was married for 2 years with his high-school girlfriend, found out she cheated and left him for her boss. He started working at this hospital. Just some parking tickets here and there and some fights when he was young and dumb. Want me to put someone on his trace for a while?

Rua: Yeah, why not. Can’t let anything slip, right?

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

 One month later

Your leg is getting much better and you’re walking on your own with the help of a cane. Not very sexy, but that’s where you’re at right now. Your friendship with Seungcheol also developed, you’re much closer now and you are starting to trust him.

It helps that Jin has such high opinions about him too.

What got more complicated is your life, because there’s no moment of the day when you don’t think about him, and frankly it’s driving you crazy. you think about him while falling asleep at night, when you wake up in the morning, when you have files to read, contracts to sign.

You feel like you see his handsome face everywhere you go, even closing your eyes doesn’t help, because he’s there too.

You find yourself staring at Seungcheol today at your appointment. He’s got both hands over your injured leg, massaging it slowly, to help the blood flow. He’s been doing that every single day and it has messed with your head.

Seungcheol: Maybe I should not ask you this, but..

He sighs and takes a long pause before continuing, so your eyes are locked on him.

Rua: What is it?

Seungcheol: Well, I’ve been wondering if you’d maybe want to have dinner with me today. If you don’t want to, it’s fine. I just thought that you need to take your mind off from everything. I even asked your brother if he’s ok with it and if you have a favorite place or food…

Rua: Cheol, stop talking. I’d love to have dinner with you. Pick me up at 7, I’ll have my assistant call you and give you the address.

Seungcheol: R-really?

Rua: Why are you surprised?

Seungcheol: I mean… you’re so out of my league.

Rua: Oh, please stop that. You’re a handsome doctor, all the singles women in town would say yes to you.

The air became lighter around you, he really helps you relax and you want to explore these feelings that have been growing since you two met.

But this was the first mistake toward disaster. You’ve become too relaxed since that night when you got shot. Things were to quiet and normally, you would be suspicious and double the security for a while.

After all your appointments of the day you reach The Towers where you’re fully moved now. Your driver dropped you off in the underground parking lot and drove off to leave the car inside your private garage.

You didn’t take a bodyguard today, didn’t think it was necessary. That was the problem. You didn’t think.

And now, walking slowly with your cane, excited about your dinner with Seungcheol. Having your head in the clouds, your mind was louder than the steps that were closing in on you from behind.

What woke you up from your thoughts was a sharp and very fast sound that went close to your year. It was like a little lighting. One step forward and the wall in front of you was hit by something that got stuck in it.

Now you were fucking awake and aware. In less than a second you dropped to the ground, turned around and lifted your cane, ready to shoot.

A dark figure was running toward you, clearly taken by surprise by your sudden shift of position so he had to think fast. You tried a first shot but he was quick and you missed.

Everything was so quick and you knew that a fight would probably be a better way to escape this alive. A low kick to his legs, to have him lose his balance.

That made him stumble over but got on his feet fast. You stood up too and saw his hand going at his back pockets. Thinking he was going for a gun, you lift your cane again and shoot, this time with success. His stomach started to bleed and he dropped on his knees.

Another shot to his hand and you saw his gun flying.

Rua: Don’t move and I let you live!

You continue your steps, slowly, limping, your eyes locked on his hands, while your hand was firm and unwavering holding the cane, ready to blow his head off if he tried anything. Having Jun design this gun-cane for you was the best idea.

You manage to push the panic button attached to your bracelet and in less than 3 minutes the elevator doors behind the intruder open, with two of your men coming out, guns in hands.

They grab the guy and you give them instructions on what to do with him.

Finally in your apartment, you drop on the couch and the front door opens as Jun enters, with an anxious look on his face.

Rua: You look like someone died.

Jun: Not funny. Are you ok? Are you hurt?

Rua: Not even a scratch. And I would really appreciate if we leave this conversation for tomorrow. Today it’s not the day.

Jun: Ok, but we’re doubling the security and I don’t want you alone like this when you’re out of your apartment. You’ll have two guys outside your door at all hours of the day.

Rua: Thanks. I need the car ready for 7pm.

Jun: You don’t have anything in your schedule.

Rua: I have now.

Jun: Can I know what it is?

Rua: Meeting with my doctor.

Jun: Are you- are you having a date with the Choi guy?

Rua: Yes.

He didn’t say anything else, he just lowered his gaze to the floor and turned on his heel and left your apartment.  There was no good way for him to find out, he would be upset about it anyway.

Jun felt his feet becoming heavier with each step he took toward his office. He knew this would happen someday, but now that it was here, he thought he was not ready for it.

His heart was hurting, his head felt heavy, his ears ringing. Reaching the office, he called Minghao over.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

When his friend arrived, he found Jun standing in front of the tall windows, with a glass in his hand, the other in his pants pocket.

Minghao: What’s up, buddy? You look like shit.

Jun: Just needed company.

Minghao: Is boss ok?

Jun: She’s great. She has a date with Choi today.

Minghao: No fucking way! Shit, I’m sorry

He comes close to Jun and puts a hand on his shoulder, trying to console him. Minghao knows about Jun’s feeling for you and he always made sure to be real with him and make him see that you two could never happen.

Jun: It’s just fucking hurts and there is nothing I can do. I will just feel like this and nothing can make me feel better.

Minghao: Do we trust the guy? I am still worried that he’s hiding something.

Jun: You’re just trying to make me feel better, stop! He’s the perfect guy

Minghao: Come on, dude! Like you’re less than him. You ae the best guy I know

Jun: But I’m not enough, and he is

Minghao: You really need to get over her. She knows you’re great, but it doesn’t mean that you’d be good together. Maybe for you, she’s the ideal woman, but she doesn’t see you like that. And it’s ok, we can’t have everything we want in life. But you really need to move on with your life and give yourself a chance to a new love. You deserve to be happy and she deserves to love whoever she wants freely, without worrying that it’s hurting you.

Listening to his friend’s words, Jun knows he’s right, but words are easy. Feelings are hard to control. He drowns the whole whisky and makes a call to prepare the car and a team to escort you out on your date. The night will probably be a long one for him and he’ll be hangover tomorrow, because he plans to drink the whole bottle.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

It’s almost 7 pm and you’re standing in front of your mirror, trying to make all the bad thoughts go away. You opted for a simple black bodycon dress that ends a little over your knees. It has long sleeves and it’s off shoulder. An elegant black blazer will keep you warm for the night and even if you’re still limping, you’re wearing a pair of high heels. Lots of gold bracelets that give off a pleasant asmr to your ears when you move your arms and your hair is high up in a ponytail.

Minghao calls you to let you know that Seungcheol is downstairs.

Rua: Bring him up and let yourself inside.

Minghao: Sure, boss.

Rua: Is…. Jun ok? I thought you were free for the day.

Minghao: He was just very tired and went to bed.

Of course you didn’t believe that, but you didn’t say anything more. In a few minutes you hear the knock on the door and Minghao opens the door to let your date walk inside the apartment.

You call from your living room and he starts to walk toward your voice. He finds you sitting on your couch, sipping from a glass. His gaze goes straight to your legs and how your dress was going up, revealing your thighs.

The champagne made you relax, your head resting back on the couch, eyes closed. It was such a full and stressful day and you can’t wait to end. It started from 8 am, when Jun came rushing into your office to give you some bad news about one of your ships that was supposed to get there today, but a mysterious fire engulfed a whole room and destroyed 4 expensive cars.

Then, while you were doing your recovery exercises with Seungcheol, you were so close to crying from frustration. It became really hard for you to stay back when important stuff came up at work. You were always hands on, and now you felt useless because of this fucking leg injury.

Doctors are saying you will recover completely, since the bullet didn’t do much damage. But even so, just one day of not being able to walk, run, fight, and you feel like a loser.

Then, as you were eating your lunch, you decided that the food tasted bad and you threw it away. And let’s not forget the guy that tried to kill you in the parking lot. It was just too much for a single day.

Seungcheol watches you as he takes his final steps before stopping a few meters away. Your free hand moves graciously and pats the place next to you on the couch.

And he moves again, sitting close to you. His eyes are still on you, admiring your beauty.

Rua: Want a drink before we go?

Seungcheol: No, thanks, I’m driving.

Rua: My driver will drive us today.

Seungcheol: There’s no need, really.

Rua: Stuff happened and it’s for our safety.

Seungcheol: What happened? Are you ok?

Rua: I’d rather not talk about it for now. Just let me finish this glass and we’re leaving.

A moment of silence came over the both of you. You could only hear your breaths and you swallowing the champagne. It felt good to just sit there and not talk.

Seungcheol: Can I ask you something?

Rua: Sure.

Seungcheol: Are you like… some sort of a big shot? I mean. This apartment, the people working for you are so intimidating, your have a driver and bodyguards. And don’t get me started on those jewelry you always wear, they must cost a fortune.

That made you smile and you opened your eyes and lifted your head to look at him.

Rua: I might be. Does that scare you?

Seungcheol: N-no, but I feel like you’re surrounded by tough guys and danger. Maybe I am a little intimidated, that’s all.

Rua: I will tell you this. My life indeed is not easy and there are people that would want me dead, yes. Sometimes things get so difficult that I need to make impossible decisions. Sometimes I just disappear for days or even weeks because it gets too hard. There are things that I will never tell you about and situations that I would want to keep away. I’ve never had a relationship, because of my work and my people. I just wanted to commit to them only. But I feel like I’d like to experience that now. I am not looking for fuckboys, one night stands, games or sex without feelings, you name it.

He's just looking at you with big eyes. Then you lean over a little and whisper into his ear.

Rua: This is the part where I’m giving you a choice. You can walk away right now and I won’t even be mad about it.

He just turns his face to look into your eyes again, your noses barely touching.

Seungcheol: Looks like we’re looking for the same thing.

You feel the tension between you two, eyes starring into each other, breaths heavy and lips slightly opened. But a kiss is not on your list for now, it’s too early, he’s still a stranger.

So you move away and put your empty glass on your coffee table.

Rua: Then let’s go, I’m starving. Help me get up?

As you’re heading to the door he showers you in compliments and offers his arm for you to hold and you do so. Outside, two men are guarding your door and one joins you into the elevator, all the way to your car, where your driver and Seokmin awaits.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

The car ride to the restaurant is pretty quiet and comfortable. You ask about his choice for medical school and he asks about your family. It seems that he’s avoiding to question you more about your job and lifestyle and you’re glad.

As you arrive at the venue, you realize that it’s one of your favorite restaurants. He picked it, probably asked Seokjin for some inspiration. You walk slowly, cane in your right hand and Seungcheol right next to your left, your arm in his.

You feel good, confident and sexy, and your fancy metallic cane gives you a dangerous aura.

Restaurant hostess: Oh, miss Lee, wasn’t expecting you tonight, so happy to see you. Let me take you to your favorite table.

Seungcheol: Oh, I didn’t know you’re such a popular figure.

Rua: Wouldn’t say I am, but I do enjoy the good restaurants and museums. You’d barely see me anywhere else where it’s crowded.

Seungcheol: Noted.

He gives you a big smile and helps you sit on your chair.

Restaurant hostess: I’ll leave you 5 minutes to decide on what you want to eat and drink. Enjoy your evening!

Both of you take a look at the menu, but you already know what you’re having. You give a few suggestions to Seungcheol and he seems eager to try everything you’ve recommended.

Seungcheol: You can take the lead on here, I will trust whatever you chose.

Rua: Ok, then. Leave it on me

You hear a voice calling your name and you turn around.

“Oh my dear Rua, I’m so ecstatic seeing you here”

Rua: Chef Collin, it’s been a while. Sorry I won’t get up, I had a tiny accident

Chef: Oh no, what happened? Are you ok now?

Rua: An injury to my leg but I am recovering quickly.

Chef: Good, good. When I heard you’re here I just needed to come greet you. I am glad you’re ok. And who is this gentleman?

Rua: He’s my date, Choi Seungcheol, who’s also my doctor.

Seungcheol: Nice meeting you, heard so many good things about you and your restaurant!

He gets up to bow to the chef and keeps standing.

Chef: What will you two have tonight?

You start saying words that Seungcheol didn’t really understand. It felt like you were saying a poem and he looked at you with admiration.

Rua: And of course, the specialty for the night and my favorite champagne and water. Would you like something else to drink, Cheol?

Sengcheol: N-no, champagne s-sounds perfect. Thank you!

Cheff: Ok then, I’ll leave you two love birds and hope you’ll enjoy your evening and meal. Talk soon, Rua!

A slight blush creeps up your cheeks and you blame it on the alcohol. Seungcheol smiles and sits back in his chair.

Seungcheol: I like the nickname.

Rua: It just slipped out.

Seungcheol: I’ll need to find one for you too, little miss popular.

Rua: Oh, come on, people barely know me.

Seungcheol: So what do you do? I have no idea what you do as work, all I know is that you’re crazy rich and busy.

Rua: I have more businesses, but the main one is construction. The building where I live is mine, it was finished recently and I also moves my offices there and all my companies.

Seungcheol: That’s impressive. I knew about the building, it’s the most expensive in the whole country but I had no idea who owns it. How did you get into construction?

Rua: It was a family business. Since I was a teenager, my dad would bring me with him everywhere when it came to the company, and he teached me how things work. I got to love it, and being an artistic soul, it came easy to me. After he died, I became the owner of everything.

Seungcheol: And I guess you have many enemies, being this rich and on top of that a woman. Especially old men.

Rua: True. I mean, the world is corrupt and the wealthier you are, the more dangerous your life becomes. People so be trying to unalive you.

Seungcheol: Is that what happened that night you got shot?

Rua: True. So that’s why I need dangerous men working for me, because I need protection.

Seungcheol: I don’t know much about this world, my life has been pretty normal and boring and I don’t have rich friends. I think you might be the richest person I’ve ever talked to. How come your brother is a doctor? I’m confused.

Rua: He never liked the life my family wanted to offer him. His passion was being a doctor, helping people, not sitting at a desk at a big company. But the public doesn’t know we are siblings. He left when he was very young, changed his name and papers and moved back recently. He didn’t want to leave me here alone, although I have some very close friends that are like family.

Seungcheol: I don’t know what to say, your life sounds fascinating and seems that you’ve been trough some hard times.

He puts his hands over yours that were sitting on the table together. His touch very gentle, and looks at you with warm eyes.

Seungcheol: I’d like to think that you at least consider me a friend. Know that I am here for you with whatever you need.

Rua: Thank you, it means a lot. But you have to know that you’ll need to be very patient. I don’t open easily to people.

As you were talking and having an intimate emotional moment, a loud laugh is heard somewhere in the restaurant. It sounds so familiar that it sends a shiver down your spine and you feel a hole in your chest.

You haven’t heard that laugh in years and now would be the worst moment to hear it.

Your eyes scan the room and a few tables behind Seungcheol, right in your line of vision, you notice the stupid face of Jeon Wonwoo. He’s facing you. And in front of him it’s him. You could recognize him from 1 million. Big frame, wide shoulders, loud.

Seungcheol is saying something but you don’t understand anything. Your eyes move from him to Wonwoo’s table and back. Barely waking up from your thoughts, thanks to his hands squeezing yours, you apologize.

Rua: Sorry, I just… I think I saw someone I haven’t seen in years and can’t say I am happy about it.

Seungcheol: Oh! Are you ok? What can I do?

Rua: I’m ok, don’t worry. Just need a glass and I’ll relax.

And as you said that, your champagne was making it’s way to your table, the hostess bringing it with a smile on her face.

Unfortunately, Wonwoo’s eyes were doing what men eyes do. Looking at the hostess’s ass as she walked towards you. And his eyes followed her until she stopped and placed the bottle on your table to get it ready to open it.

That’s when he saw you. He smirked and his face light up.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Mingyu

Mingyu: Hmm, I don’t know what I’m in the mood for tonight, but I know I am fucking hungry. What are you getting?

But Wonwoo didn’t respond, he was busy with something and he had a stupid grin on his face, his eyes squinted.

Mingyu: What the fuck are you doing?

Wonwoo: Magnificent! Just perfect!

Mingyu: What? What?

Wonwoo: My future wife is on  a little date. Aww, how cute. They are holding hands.

Mingyu turns around to see what his friend is starring at and when he saw you, his smile dropped. He turned back immediately.

Mingyu: Why the hell didn’t you say it was her? I wouldn’t have turned like a desperate teenager to look at her. You ruined my night, thanks, dummy.

Wonwoo: Oh, please. Wait here, I need to say hi to her.

Mingyu: Come on, drop it. Don’t make a scene, you already ruined my mood.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

But Wonwoo doesn’t listen. He gets up and slowly walks over to your table. As you were taking your first sip of champagne, many things happened at the same time. Wonwoo’s “Good evening”, you spitting your drinking and choking, your leg flying up into Seungcheol’s knee, hitting him with your pointed shoe and Mingyu getting up and bumping into a waiter that was carrying a big tray with plates and food. The tray dropped, a loud noise of plates shattering on the floor was heard trough the whole restaurant, Mingyu not stopping or looking back.

Wonwoo: Oh, sorry, didn’t want to scare you.

Rua: Mister Mayor, a pleasure to see you, as always.

Wonwoo: I was just having dinner with Mingyu and thought to be a good citizen and say hello to my favorite business woman. Aren’t you going to introduce me?

Rua: No, you can leave now.

Wonwoo: Oh, always rude…

He didn’t get to finish what he had to say, because Seokmin and other two of your men came behind him, asking him not to cause a scene and step back from you.

Seokmin: Mister Mayor, please drop it and give miss Lee some privacy. People are looking and you know the owner is our friend.

Wonwoo dropped the smirk and the act and he gave a “have a good evening” and left, trying to straighten his suit.

Seokmin: Do you need anything, boss?

Rua: Just keep that idiot away from me.

Seungcheol looked at you in shock, because you treated the actual mayor like that. The rich powerful mayor.

Seungcheol: That was unexpected.

Rua: Sorry about that, he’s just insufferable and can’t be bothered tonight.

Seungcheol: I think we’ll need more than one bottle.

The evening went smooth after that. Food was delicious, you felt so full and satisfied. Your cheeks were burning and probably pink by now, but you felt good and free. Maybe your partner for the night had a little big to do about it too.

You were the last two client there and it was almost 10 pm.

Rua: I have no idea when the hours passed.

Seungcheol: It happens when you’re in the right company.

Rua: Cheol, you’re such a flirt. Why do you flirt so much?

Seungcheol: I guess I just like you, so it comes naturally.

You covered your face with your hands and giggled.

Rua: Stoooop!

Seungcheol: I think we should probably go, it’s getting late and I need to bring you back home at a decent hour, or else your guy will kick my ass.

Rua: Who’s my guy?

Seungcheol: I don’t remember his name. The blonde guy. I met him downstairs when I got to your building. I felt like a little kid being scolded.

Oh.

Jun probably made sure to let Seungcheol know that you have people holding your back and to just… scare him.

You signal him to move his face closer to yours so you can whisper something.

Rua: I have to tell you something.

Seungcheol: What is it?

Rua: I’m drunk. How am I going to walk? I can’t even stand up.

He then gets up, takes your purse and puts it around his shoulder, then leans down in front of you and lifts you up bridal style.

Rua: Whoaaa!! Cheoool!

Seungcheol: Someone as pretty as you should never need to walk. You should get carried all the time, like a princess.

Rua: But we didn’t pay.

Seungcheol: Yes we did.

Rua: When?

Seungcheol: It’s my secret.

The staff bows and wishes you a good night.  You wave and then hide your face into Seungcheol’s shoulder, feeling shy that they’ve seen you in this state.

Once you’ve reached your car, the driver opens the door, leaving space for your date to place you slowly on the back seat, followed by him sitting right next to you.

Rua: Sorry for being drunk, but I needed it.

Seungcheol: Nothing to be sorry about.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

As the car was on the move, your eyelids felt heavier and heavier. In what felt like seconds, you’re woken up by Seungcheol, gently patting your hand. As your eyes open, the hand he’s been touching rests right on his thigh and you pull it back right away, feeling embarrassed.

Seunghceol: Come on, we’re here. I’ll carry you to your apartment.

He gets out of the car and as he’s leaning over to lift you, you hear someone say something from behind him.

Jun: I got her from here, the driver will drop you off to your address and I’ll have someone drive your car there too.

Seungcheol: There’s no need, I want to help her.

Jun: I won’t repeat myself

Jun looks mad, really mad. His eyes burn into Seungcheol’s face, looking almost threatening, so the older man think for a second and decided that it’s not the time or place to be stubborn and he gives up.

As Jun lifts you in his arms, you say bye to Seungcheol, telling him you’ll talk tomorrow.

On the way to his place, he feels conflicted. You seem pretty close to this guy that works for you. Is he only working for you, or is there more? He needs to know, either way.

Minghao is watching the scene before him. It looks out of a fairytale. A tall handsome prince, carrying his beautiful princess that’s in distress and needs him. And he shakes his head to Jun, wondering if any of his words earlier today were registered. Because this right now looks far from “you need to distance yourself from her and move on”.

But then again what does he know, he’s never been in love. So he just offers a soft smile to his friend and follows them to the elevator.

Jun: I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not that. Just doing my job.

Minghao: I didn’t say anything, and you know better what is best for you, so..

Rua: You guys are being loud and I am trying to sleep here

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Mingyu

After leaving the restaurant, Mingyu went straight home. He needed to blow off some steam after seeing you. He gets inside his house, heading right into his personal gym and starts hitting the punching bag. He hits it so hard that his fists start to bleed, but that doesn’t make him stop. The image of your face that’s so fresh in his mind drives him nuts, punching the bag harder, until he screams loudly and stops.

Wonwoo: What the fuck is wrong with your ass?

Mingyu: Shut up, told you not to go and stir shit up.

Wonwoo: Oh, come on, you know me. Her gorillas kicked me out though.

Mingyu: Are you into humiliation or something? You always either get pushed away from her vicinity and she’s slapping you.

Wonwoo: Nah, that’s you. I just enjoy annoying her.

Mingyu: Why? What are you getting out of this? You sound like a child.

Wonwoo: What’s the matter, buddy? You jealous?

Mingyu scuffs at his friend’s words and he goes to treat his bleeding fists.

Wonwoo: You crazy bastard. What did you do to yourself!

Mingyu: Nothing. Can you leave? I want to be alone.

Wonwoo: I’ll go. Don’t forget about the meeting tomorrow with Yoongi.

Mingyu doesn’t have a great night, he can barely sleep, thought of you going trough his head. How you’ve used to be so close, how your voice sounded, how you both used to sneak out your houses to meet at midnight and go out partying together.

He’s still attending parties, and since you lost contact, he’s never seen you out. Not even at important event, not to mentions clubs. Maybe he keeps on going out hoping you might be there too.

“Fuuuck! What’s wrong with me? She’s a lying bitch and she ruined my life. Why do I still think about her?”

Next day, the three men have a private meeting in the Min territory. Dozens of armed men are guarding the surroundings.

Yoongi: Did you take care of the ship?

Mingyu: Yeah, but the damages were not as big as we expected and hoped for. Seems that there were too many guards and our guy couldn’t set fire to more than one room.

Yoongi: Too bad, she would have lost a lot more money.

Wonwoo: Now, if we’re going to calculate how much would she have lost if all the cars were damaged, it’s not a lot, considering she got them for so little.

Yoongi: You’re probably right, but still. It’s pissing her off.

Mingyu: And also, making her strike back.

Yoongi: How, if she doesn’t know who did it? She thinks I’m on her side. By the way, I sent a guy for her last night. I am waiting for word from him.

Wonwoo: You sent the guy to do what and at what time? Because she was alive and well last night, having a date.

Yoongi: Really? The guy confirmed her arrival at The Towers around 5pm, so about that time.

Wonwoo: Nah, we saw her after 7-8. Your guy is probably dead.

Yoongi: Out of the question, he’s one of the best. And she’s fucking limping.

Mingyu: You forget she’s trained and could probably kick your ass any day.

Yoongi: Who’s side are you on?

Mingyu: Just letting you know what she’s capable of.

Yoongi: I think you forget you came to me for help, to bring her down and take everything from her.

Mingyu: Yeah, but not kill her.

Yoongi: And she is not dead. I don’t plan on doing that, relax. Remember how she butchered your men at the warehouse that night? How she blew up the place? She’s not going to fail to pull the trigger if you’re in her sight. Keep that in mind.

Wonwoo: Ok, ok. Thing is that we need to work from more sides. Kick her where it hurts more. Her business and her people.

Yoongi: You said she was on a date? Cand you find out who the guy is?

Wonwoo: Can I find out who the guy is..haha. I’ll have his name on my desk in minutes.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

2 weeks later

Wonwoo did not have in fact his name on his desk in hours. Not even days. It made him think the guy was a ghost or something. He tried everything to find something about your date. So he asks Mingyu’s help.

Getting off the call with Wonwoo, Mingyu calls for Jeonghan and Joshua into his office. The two men appear after 40 minutes, both wearing black elegant suits.

Mingyu: Oh, Josh, you cut your hair.

Joshua: Yeah, girls like it like this.

Jeonghan: Pfff, you’re saying it like you’re getting girls. Everywhere you go, there’s Jenny all over you, cockblocking you.

Mingyu: You still seeing Jenny?

Joshua: It’s nothing serious, we’re just fooling around. Can we talk about why you wanted to see us?

Mingyu: I need to find a guy.

Jeonghan: Ok, you have a photo?

Mingyu: That’s the thing, I don’t.

Jeonghan: What do you have on him that we can use?

Mingyu: Basically, nothing. You think you could get the security cam footage from last night from The Wine Story? Even any other cam footage from the area.

Joshua: We’ll see what we can do and let you know.

Mingyu: Great, I really need this info.

Joshua: You going to the hotel’s inauguration tonight, right?

Mingyu: Yeah, of course.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Earlier today

Seungcheol: So don’t go if you don’t want to.

Rua: Yeah, but I am the main architect of the project and the owner was friends with my parents. I have to go.

Seungcheol: Awww, I’m sorry I can’t do anything to make it better. I have to be at the hospital the whole night.

Rua: I know. Don’t work yourself too hard.

Seungcheol: I’ll try, but it doesn’t depend on me.

Rua: I need to go now, but keep in touch.

Seungcheol: Have fun!

Later that day you were laying in your bed after a nap, your blanket over your head. Hearing Jun enter your apartment, you know he’s coming to wake you up and have you get ready for the event you’re going to attend tonight.

Jun: Come on, let’s get you up!

Rua: 10 more minutes, mom.

Jun: Don’t be a jerk, the people from hair and makeup are waiting for you.

Rua: But I want to shower first.

Jun: Come on, make it quick!

You whine and he gets his hands under your blanket, searching for your feet. Grabbing them, he starts to pull, making you sit up, giggling.

Rua: I could be naked, you pervert!

Jun: That would make it even funnier.

Rua: My naked body is funny to you?

Jun: I haven’t seen you naked, so I wouldn’t know.

Rua: Because it’s so much difference between me in a swimsuit and me naked.

Jun: Well you could have like… boobs that go in different directions, one up, one down. I don’t know.

Rua: Yeah, and I keep them in check with bras. You’re right. I have wild boobs.

Jun: Yeah, that’s why you don’t have a boyfriend.

Rua: Yet.

Jun: Oh?

Rua: Now get out if you don’t wanna get blinded by my wild boobs, I need to go take that shower.

This type of bickering was always the norm between you two since you were kids. If you were not having these little arguments, then something was wrong. Really. If you and your best friend are not teasing each other like this, then are you even best friends?

As you were sitting in front of the mirror, having your makeup and hair artists working on you, your assistant walks in the room lifting up two dresses.

Assistant: You need to pick one.

Rua: I like both, but I’ll have to try them on so I can decide.

You’ve tried both and you preferred the white short one that has a slight sparkle to it and a cute bow in the front of your chest, off shoulder. The hair will probably be styled pretty natural, straightened. Maybe a diamond hair piece on the side to keep the hair off your face.

These last few days have been less gloomy than the last months, because you’re finally walking by yourself, almost no limping. Even the exercises at the gym became close to what you normally did.

It’s been 2 weeks since that first date with Seungcheol and things have been great. You had a couple more dates that went well, a movie date, a ride around the city with a stop at a fast-food place and an unplanned dinner at your office.

Not sure you’d have brought him to this event tonight with you if he was not busy at the hospital, though. Maybe it was too soon for this. Bringing him into your circles was not something easy.

After a few texts exchanges with Seungcheol, it’s time to leave. Jun will accompany you, like usual, and he’s looking very elegant, like a prince.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Arriving at the hotel, you feel proud when you look up and admire its beauty, knowing that this came out of your mind and hands. Your parents would be proud too to see how far you’ve come as an architect. You wish they were here.

There’s a lot of people outside too. The entrance is huge, with tall and wide glass doors and a few steps to reach it. Several staff people are waiting to greet the guests and to help them with any information they might need.

They were trained to recognize the important people that are coming tonight and they sure know who you are, as one of them comes to offer his services and lead you inside.

Jun takes the lead and tells the young man you don’t need any help and you both excuse yourselves and head to the entrance.

Jun: Love the futuristic approach of the building combined with little antique details. It’s very you.

Rua: The owners gave me total freedom with the project so I gave them exactly that.

The interior gives the same futuristic vibe, but the party adds more complexity to it. Everyone is wearing extravagant outfits and you feel a little underdressed. The entry room is large, tall, with white and green accents coming down from the ceiling that fill out the place.

The main attraction is the fountain in the middle for which you hired sculptures to make a spectacular scene that reminds you of the greek gods and goddesses.  Gold and rare stones were used for the statues and guests seem to love it, everyone taking pictures and selfies in front of it.

Jun: Drinks or meeting the owners first?

Rua: Drinks, wtf.

He grabs your hand and leads you to the nearest bar where you order some fancy cocktails. Memories come flashing back from when you used to go out with your former friend Mingyu. It’s like nothing changed but at the same time nothing is the same anymore.

Different people, different context, different feelings. It’s like he’s still there, just in a haunting type of way. While sipping from that delicious pineapple-something drink, someone bumps into your shoulder.

Jungkook: Oh, excuse me, miss Lee.

Rua: Jungkook, it’s fine.

Jungkook: It must be the end of the world if you’re out at a party.

Rua: I used to party when you were still having pimples and braces. It’s boring now

Jungkook: Are you saying you’re old?

Rua: Maybe I am

Jungkook: You look great, anyway. Catch you later, maybe show you some moves.

Rua: Yeah yeah

You barely noticed the girl that was holding his hand, behind him. And he completely ignored her, he just flirted with her right there, with no shame. But that’s how he is. He might be one of the hottest and wanted single men in the country, but he’s also a huge red flag.

His date gives you a nasty look and starts to scold him from the way her arms are moving, but it’s not your problem. You laugh and drag Jun away from the crowd, looking for a more private spot.

Rua: Should we do a tour of the party?

Jun: Don’t mind if I do. Are you not afraid of who we might run into?

Rua: No, and don’t care. I am one of the guests of honor.

Jun: Oh, miss important who’s not afraid of anything.

So you started walking slowly, hand in hand, sipping from your expensive glasses and exchanging knowing looks when you saw something crazy. Some outfits were just plain ridiculous and it made both of you burst into laughter, almost to tears.

Jun: Oh, I think I spotted the owner that’s your dad’s friend and he’s coming over.

Mr. Kang: Dear Rua, welcome! When did you get here and why nobody told me?

Rua: Good evening, Mr. Kang. About half hour or so. I have to say, this is a great party and I love what you’ve done with the place.

Mr. Kang: Thank you, but it’s also your merit. So long since I last seen you two. How is your family, Jun?

Jun: They are fine, still living in China.

Mr. Kang: We should meet some day and catch up, now I need to entertain all my guests. You two have fun and if you need anything, just ask the staff or me.

The music was nice, went well with the mood of the place. But the glass was empty and you were not in the search of a refill. As you were walking and enjoying a nice conversation with your friend, your eyes fly over to a corner where a big round sofa was sitting under a glass ceiling.

Among the groups of people sitting there you spot Joshua, one of Mingyu’s men. He’s talking to some guys that you don’t recognize. Well if he’s here, then his boss must be too.

And while looking into Joshua’s direction, Jun says you’ve reached the bar so he’ll order some drinks so you stay put and wait for him. Trying to not look suspicious, starring too much into the same direction, you turn toward the bar and try to take a step.

But it felt like you hit a wall. A softer wall, indeed, but still. Looking up, you see two familiar brown eyes starring into yours. Horror came over you and you couldn’t move or say anything.

The moment maybe lasted 3 seconds but it felt like minutes. And while seconds were passing, his face kept contorting more, changing from surprise, to shock, to horror, to disgust, to anger.

Mingyu thought if he should say something. Anything that could bother you, but suddenly he sees your lips move. That’s a view he hasn’t seen in years and he doesn’t know how to feel about it. Your full, luscious, glossy lips that used to kiss his cheeks so often.

Rua: Well surely this is not my lucky month.

And you pushed past him to get to Jun. that was supposed to get him angry, but not. He smirked and continued his way to Joshua.

Rua: I just bumped into Mingyu.

Jun: Shut uuupp! Did he say anything?

Rua: No, he was just starring like a psycho. Not even a word.

Jun: So he’s not a yapper anymore?

Rua: Maybe he changed, what do I know. Not like I ever really known him.

Jun: Come on, you were besties, you did everything together.

Rua: He’s just a good actor and he fooled me back then. And now he’s my enemy. That reminds me- is everything set for tonight?

Jun: Yeah, I have word from Hao and Seokmin. They’ll manage without us.

Rua: Revenge will taste sweet. Can’t just stand back and let them step on me. And being here will be a good alibi. Mingyu knows I never just stay at home and give orders so others do the work.

Jun: Then it’s a good thing that he saw you. Now let’s go to the dj room and dance a little.

Heading to the main party room, the vibe is completely different. The hallways leading there has windows left and right, with massive basalt sculptures and red lights.

Techno music gets louder and louder as you step closer to the crowd. Now, since you came here, might as well take advantage and actually have fun like old times. Your mind goes to Mingyu for a second, but you shake your head quickly.

Jun: I see Jungkook.

Run: Let’s go there.

Weaving your way trough the dancing crowd, you reach Jungkook and he comes to give you a hug. You see the same girl from earlier, who’s left behind him, then you notice Taehyung too and give him a little wave.

Jungkook: I’m soo happy you came.

Run: Well don’t you seem like you’re having the best time.

Jungkook: I’m probably ahead of you with many shots. Come, drink with me.

As he takes your hand to take you to the bar, Jun grabs his arm.

Jungkook: We’re just going to get shots for everyone, relax. I’m not stealing her from you.

Rua: It’s fine, Jun. Stay here, we’ll be back in 5.

Reaching the bar, it seems like everyone there knows Jungkook, everyone waving, saying hi or smirking at him. He first orders a few shots only for the two of you.

Rua: Mmmm sweet, I like.

Jungkook: Sweet like you.

As he’s saying that, his pinching your cheek and scrunches his nose at you.

Rua: Are you flirting again?

Jungkook: Yes. Is it working?

Rua: No. and besides, I am seeing someone.

He chokes on his drink and he looks at you with his big eyes.

Jungkook: Who dared to take my girl away?

Rua: I was never your girl.

Jungkook: Yeah, what’s up with that? Why did we never hook up? We’re both young, hot, successful.

Rua: Probably because years our families were rivals aaand, probably because you fuck anything that breathes.

He whines and pouts and it looks funny coming from him, a big dangerous looking manly man.

Jungkook: I think that we would look so hot together in bed.

Rua: I know we would, but I am not into what you’re offering.

Jungkook: Maybe I’d be a good boy for you and settle down.

Rua: Riiight.

You both start to laugh and he gives you another hug.

Jungkook: I really missed having fun with you at parties. Maybe we’ll do this again.

Rua: Doubt it.

Jungkook: Let’s take these shots to the rest.

Rua: Your girlfriend hates me already.

Jungkook: Oh please, she’s not my anything. She’s just some girl from our circle of friends that thinks she can trick me into a relationship. I haven’t even fucked her, can you believe that?

Rua: Nooo.

And as suspected, the girl kept her eyes on you, giving you nasty looks. She kept on trying to be close to Jungkook but he kept on moving around to escape her.

Having already few shots and 2 drinks on board, your feet started moving and in no time you were dancing. You were thankful Jun was a good dancer, and alcohol seems to make him friendly and sociable too. He’s made friends into Jungkook’s group so fast.

You thought you should check on Seungcheol, you promised to keep in touch throughout the night, so you grab your phone from the bag and open the chat with him.

Jungkook: Aw, is that your little bf?

Rua: Hey, mind your business.

Jungkook had his arm around your shoulder, keeping you close to his body and trying to make him look away from your phone, you started to tickle him. Giggles and laughter could be heard around your group from the two of you. Jun was glad to see you have fun for a change.

Jungkook: Ya, don’t tickle me over my abs, it’s a sensitive spot.

Rua: Omg, stop being such a horndog.

This was a normal interaction between you and him, he was always flirty and you always rejected him. That was the routine. Would he really go all the way if you let him? You didn’t know. It was not like he was messing with a regular girl. He wouldn’t risk pissing you off. Doesn’t matter he comes from a family of gangsters, you were dangerous too.

As the little scene between you two was unfolding, Jungkook’s female friend that was all over him the whole night decided in her drunken mind that she had enough. Her blood was boiling, crazy eyes on display, hand armed with a full glass of some colored alcohol to match perfectly with your white dress.

Everything seems to happen in slow motion. People moving to the rhythm of the music, or just moving around. You and Jungkook being silly with each other as his arm was still around your shoulder. The girl pacing carefully on drunken feet, trying to steady herself and not drop the glass before she gets to you.

A group of men walking into the room, heading toward you unknowingly, just following the music. Taehyung’s eyes noticing the anger on the girl’s face, that was now getting closer to you. Jun’s eyes that are starting to move between you and the girl, his brain going into work.

You were completely unaware of what was coming, but it’s not like you were not used to it by now. Cold liquid went flying, going on both yours and Jungkook’s clothes. Jun’s foot going in front of the girl to make her lose her balance, while Taehyung was laughing, holding Jun back, because he wanted to see the show.

Your eyes went from Jungkook to the new familiar faces that were walking into your direction. Just for a split moment. Just for that quarter of a second, your eyes caught Mingyu’s and Joshua’s faces, both starring at you.

Then your gaze continued to move onto the culprit. Jun’s foot made her lose her composure an helped with the drink not reaching your face and she stumbled a little. But that was her bad luck. If she was not this close she would have been safe.

Someone would keep you from smashing her face. And now, everyone’s focus was on your fist starting to travel toward her stupid face. “What a face to be punched” you thought, seeing her this close.

Right into her jaw. Her ass falling right onto the table behind her, where there were some food left from earlier when you all got hungry.

Yup, this was something that you used to do often, going out, years ago. Your punches always had stability, even when drunk. They always went straight to the target. And hard. Jungkook and Taehyung were laughing their asses off, while Jun was shaking his head, wondering what was in that girl’s head for trying something like this.

You? You were mad. Who does she think she is? Seeing the state your expensive dress is, you grab the girl and drag her outside of the room, to the hallway. She’s screaming at you, calling you a bitch and that she’ll show you.

Reaching the hallway, you throw her like a ragdoll and tell Jun to call security to get her out.

Rua: I am not moving until I see someone take her stupid ass in the street.

“You fucking bitch, do you know who my dad is? You’re fucked!” She screams from the floor.

Jungkook: Rua, calm, relax. I’ll take care of her.

Then he lifts her up by her arm and drags her out, with her still yelling.

You’re still angry and you need to calm down, but being also tipsy makes it hard.

Rua: I need to get some air.

Jun: No, we need to stay inside where Mingyu can see us. The plan is in action as of 30 minutes ago. Just wait a little bit longer.

Rua: Ugh, I need to get out of this dress and take a long shower. I’m over this party. I should of beaten that little shit up more.

Jun: No, that would have brought too much attention to us. It’s your first time going out in years and this happens. It might be all over the media tomorrow. I will talk to Mr. Kang later also.

Rua: And find out who she is and fix that too.

Jun: What do you want me to do?

Rua: I want apologies. Face to face. Or publicly if this goes out.

As you’re leaning to the wall, talking to Jun, your eyes are pulled like magnets to Mingyu that walks by, followed by his pose. His phone close to his ear, tells you that he’s been notified about something important. Maybe that something that was your doing.

You both lock eyes for a few seconds. He looks angry, but there is something else there. You’d love to slap that expression off his face anytime. That stupid handsome face.

Rua: Ok, now we can go get some air and sit somewhere. Mingyu just left in a hurry and not happy.

Jun: Our guys must be done by now then.

Finding a terrace somewhere on the upper floors, you lay on a chair and wait for Jun to get the news from tonight’s operation.

Jun: Hao says it’s safer for us to meet at The Towers.

Rua: Ok, gather everyone there in one hour.

15 minutes later you two left, saying goodbye to Mr. Kang and the rest of your acquaintances. An extra car joined to escort you and Jun to the building.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Sitting in your office chair, you look at Minghao, then at Jun. Seokmin needs to come and give the final word. In minutes, he enters your office with a serious look on his face and sits down next to Hao.

Jun: Well?

Seokmin: A success. All went as planned.

Minghao: Fuck yeah!

Rua: Casualties?

Minghao: Some hits on the truck I was in, it will need some fixing. The paintings are safe though. One of the men was injured on his shoulder, will check on him later.

Rua: Good enough. How many did you get to steal?

Seokmin: The whole special exhibition. 25 I think?

Minghao: Yes, 25. I was handling them with so much care and almost cried when I touched them.

Jun: Aww, my little art lover.

Rua: I might let you have one as a thank you gift for doing such a good job.

Jun: So what’s the plan now? What do we do with them? Sell them?

Rua: What would piss off Mingyu the most?

Seokmin: To see them destroyed?

Rua: To never find out what happened to them.

Minghao: He got this coming. Let’s see how his good friend Jeon Wonwoo will get him out of it. Those paintings are worth over 100 million together.

Jun: We will be prepared for anything they have to throw at us.

Rua: I want a meeting with Yoongi tomorrow, need to know we can count on him in case of war with the Kim’s and the mayor. Minghao, did you manage to get some information from the guy that attacked me?

Minghao: Not yet, then again, I only had one session with him and it was light torture. Next time I’ll get what I need from him, even if I need to kill him. And speaking of that, I might of shot Jeonghan tonight.

Jun: You what?

Minghao: I had to, he was in my way and didn’t want to run him over with the truck.

Rua: Awww, what a good former friend you are.

Minghao: Like you would actually kill Mingyu.

Rua: I might, I don’t know.

Well nobody believed you, because they knew you still cared about him in some way or another. And they thought that he felt the same. If you both wanted the other dead, it would be easy to do it.

It was a long night. Laying in bed, your mind went to Seungcheol and a naughty thought came into your head. “I’ll just send him a little photo as good night, give him a little sneak peak of what he could have. But. I’ll act innocent about it.”

credits for the girl photo: Infaithes

Next morning, your door flies open with a loud bang, waking you up.

Rua: What the fuck!

Jun: Wake up, there is a shitshow out there.

Rua: What?

Jun: The whole media, the netizens, the police, the city hall, everyone went crazy about last night’s heist.

Rua: Ok, slowly please. And I need something for my head. Anyone called?

Jun: Yeahh, including Yoongi. You need to convince him it was not us.

Rua: I’m not worried. We worked with just a handful of people and we planted little decoys to point toward other groups.

Jun: I’ve heard Mingyu is pissed about Jeonghan getting shot. Now he knows how it feels.

Rua: That’s enough for today, I am going to lay low and take the day off after I meet with Yoongi.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Later in your office, your assistant announces the Min’s arrival and she invites them in. He came with Jungkook and Taehyung. Jungkook hugs you eagerly, asking if you’re ok after the altercation last night.

Rua: How is everyone? Had lunch, you’re hungry?

Yoongi is pacing inside the room and gets a low laugh out.

Yoongi: You really did the Kim’s dirty, didn’t you?

Rua: If you’re talking about the heist, no. I wish it was me, putting such a big hole into his pockets. But no, sorry to disappoint.

Taehyung: It wasn’t you? No way it was not you.

You look at them with a smile on your face while leaning back in your chair.

Rua: I want to know who did it thought, and make them my friends.

Yoongi leans over your desk and looks into your eyes for a good moment, and you keep his gaze.

Jungkook: Then who did it?

Rua: I thought it was you guys, that’s why I asked to meet today. I really thought you did it and I am expecting a retaliation from him. Wanted to talk about our alliance and plan in case of war.

Yoongi: I mean, since none of us did it, there is no reason for him to hit us.

Rua: But how will he know this?

Jungkook: I guess we’ll need to reinforce our security everywhere, be careful and just wait to see his next move.

Rua: I wonder who he pissed off so bad that they went and did this.

Yoongi: We will probably find out one way or another. Anyway, if you need anything I’m a call away, call any of us and we’ll do the same.

Rua: Thanks, good to know.

Jungkook: Let’s get coffee and catch up, just the two of us.

Rua: Why not, I am taking the day off anyway.

You’re walking out of the building with the three men and as Yoongi and Tae get in their car and leave, you and Jungkook cross the street and enter the coffee shop.

After ordering a slice of cake and a hot cocoa, you find a table close to the window and sit there. The atmosphere here is really nice and you like how it smells like baked sweets. Sometimes you come here alone, have your cake and just watch the people.

Jungkook: So this is how a date feels like.

Rua: Only that this is not a date.

Jungkook: You and your bf do this?

Rua: Going on dates? Of course.

Jungkook: What’s his name? What does he do? Does he treat you good?

Rua: What’s with the questions? I’d rather keep my relationship private for now. But he has a respectable job and he’s amazing.

The server comes with your order, placing the cakes and drinks on the table. She keeps looking at Jungkook and feels like she wants to say something.

Server: I’m sorry, but are you Jeon Jungkook?

Jungkook: Maybe?

Rua: Maybe? What answer is that? Yes, he is.

Server: Omg, I am such a big fan of yours. Can I maybe have an autograph?

Jungkook: Sure, anything for my fans. I’ll even take a selfie with you.

You scoffed at him and started to eat your strawberry cake. He gets so ridiculous when people recognize him. So full of himself. As you were deep in your thoughts, watching the interaction before you, your phone started ringing.

“Good morning, how did you sleep?” your answer the phone with a wide smile.

“Omg hi and why are you trying to kill me first thing when I wake up?” he says in a pouty voice.

“What did I do?” you’re keeping that innocent role.

“You don’t know what you did?”

“No, so please tell me” you say in a playful tone.

“That photo, what else? Don’t pretend like that wasn’t on purpose. I did not know you were mean like this” he pouts more

“I was just a tired girl going to sleep, that’s it.”

“What are you doing today?”

“Nothing, I took the rest of the day off. Already had a meeting.”

“Spend the day with me. Let’s go to the park, get some ice cream, then do some grocery shopping, come to my place and I’ll cook something delicious for you. Maybe we even have time for a movie.”

“I would like that.”

“I’ll come get you.”

“Ok, let me know when you get here. Drive safe.”

Jungkook: Well wasn’t that cute. Your bf?

Rua: Yeah.

Jungkook: Did you talk to Mingyu last night?

Rua: Can’t call it talking, we just bumped into each other and I complained then ran away.

Jungkook: yeah, sounds like something you would do.

Rua: Shut uuup!

Jungkook: I love it when you’re feisty. That punch you gave that girl was priceless.

Rua: Did you make her shut up in the end?

Jungkook: I mean, I told her who you were, but she said she’ll talk to her dad to sue you. Aaaanyway, back to Mingyu.

Rua: Why? No, not back to Mingyu, we don’t like Mingyu.

Jungkook: I always thought you two will end up together.

Rua: Why? We were never a thing.

Jungkook: It was so obvious you were in love.

Rua: Listen. I was in love, I admit. But he never felt the same.

Jungkook: He could’ve fooled me, I really thought he was.

Rua: Nah, we even had a conversation about it. Well, more like a fight. That was the last time we talked.

Jungkook: You really think he was involved in your dad’s death?

Rua: He could be. I never got enough proof, so it’s up in the air. Could be anyone, frankly.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

After a while, your phone pings with a text from Seungcheol that he’s in front of The Towers and you let Jungkook know. You both get up, gather your things and walk out toward the front entrance of your building.

Seungcheol got out of his car, pacing a little nervously while waiting. At some point he notices you crossing the street, with some guy next to you. As you’re getting closer he recognizes him.

When you reach him you hug him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Seungcheol: Hi.

Rua: Hi.

Jungkook pushes you a little for you to introduce him, but you don’t.

Jungkook: Ya, you’re so rude. Hello, I’m Jungkook.

Seungcheol: Nice to meet you. Seungcheol.

Rua: We’re leaving. Bye, JK!

You drag Seungcheol to his car, wanting to get away from Jungkook. They don’t need to be talking.

Leaning back in the passenger seat, you watch him leaning over and for a moment you think he’s trying to kiss you.

Seungcheol: Safety first. Always wear your seatbelt.

Oh. Right.

You still blush.

Seungcheol: Didn’t know you have such dangerous friends.

Rua: Who? Jungkook?

Seungcheol: Isn’t he Min Yoongi’s brother? The Ming Yoongi who’s a gangster?

Rua: Oh, come one, there’s no such thing as gangsters.

Seungcheol: Call him gangster, mob guy, corrupt businessman, whatever you want. He’s trouble either way.

Rua: Well me and Jungkook know each other for a long time, we used to hang out and party together, we had the same circle of friends. My dad was a businessman and he often had to deal with all types of people.

Seungcheol: I guess that’s valid, but you should be careful with these people. They have really bad reputation.

Rua: Don’t worry, I can take care of myself.

Seungcheol: And how was the event last night? Anything interesting happened?

Rua: I don’t know if I should tell you. I thought it will be all over the internet today, but I guess I got lucky.

Seungcheol: Noo, what? Someone did something to you?

Rua: Well there was this girl drooling over Jungkook the whole night and she got jealous and threw her drink at me. I punched her and dragged her out of the room.

Seungcheol: Excuse me? Now I regret not being there.

Rua: Why? I didn’t need help.

Seungcheol: Clearly.  So Jungkook was there too.

Rua: Yeah, he was with some friends and I went with Jun.

Seungcheol: Surrounded my handsome dangerous men. Is that your type?

Rua: Is any of them my bf?

Seungcheol: I hope not.

You slap his thigh and whine at his words. You know he’s teasing you.

Seungcheol: Then what’s your type?

Your eyes are locked on his face, trying to see what type of reaction you get out of him with your answer, that comes pretty fast.

Rua: You.

All he can say is a silent “oh” and you see him blushing. He’s cute when he gets like this.

The ride to the park continues with you telling him about your night and how majestic the building you designed looked. He told you about his night at work and how he’s still feeling tired, but he really wanted to spend the day with you. That’s sweet, you think.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

It’s the perfect weather for a walk in the park. The sky is clear, the wind not to strong and place not crowded. He gets ice cream both, your favorite, walnut and salty caramel and you chose to sit on the grass, close to the lake.

You watch him as you’re eating your ice cream and you like the way the sunlight hits his perfectly sculpted face. He has such an attractive side profile, those lips to die for and those arms. You find yourself drooling over a man.

Seungcheol: What are you looking at?

Rua: Just you.

Seungcheol: You’re being very obvious about it.

Rua: Does it bother you?

Seungcheol: No, it’s.. nice. It’s been a while since someone looked at me like that.

Rua: Really? Women don’t admire you?

Seungcheol: I-uh-don’t really go out. I am always at work. And you know, people don’t think about stuff like that in a hospital. They come there with problems.

Rua: What about colleagues?

Seungcheol: I was married to one and since the divorce, I always kept my distance from female colleagues, just keeping it professional.

Rua: Oh. Why did you end the marriage?

Seungcheol: She… cheated with our boss. We were both working at the same clinic. So I left everything back, marriage and that job. Later on I found out that she was involved with him since way before we got married.

Rua: I’m sorry to hear that. Can’t imagine how you felt.

Seungcheol: Thanks. But shit like that happens and we need to move on. It’s been almost 2 years since the breakup and my friends started to worry about me for being single for so long.

Rua: You didn’t try to date for 2 years?

Seungcheol: No, I was too hurt to trust again. But I know people are different and I didn’t want to shut myself from the world completely.

You were taking all that in, thinking it must have been really hard for him to get over that. You try to put yourself in his shoes and you don’t know how you would react. Probably kill the guy, or at least cut his dick off and set it on fire.

He turns to you with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. You can tell he’s not fully recovered after what he’s been through. You’d probably never recover from that, hating on the guy for the rest of your life, and that would be valid.

Seungcheol: What about you? I know you said you never had a relationship. What about dating? A crush?

You look at him and contemplate if you should be honest or lie. Lying would make it easier, he would not question anything. But it’s what you always did whenever you were seeing someone, you lied. Stopping  them to knowing the real you.

But now, with Seungcheol, you feel like you want to open up. Maybe it will make you feel better.

Rua: I was in love once, but id didn’t work out.

Seungcheol: Why not? Can’t imagine a guy not wanting you.

Rua: The feelings were not reciprocated. We… we grew up together.

Seungcheol: Oh damn, is it Jungkook?

Rua: Ha, nooo! You don’t know him. Our parents were close and we grew up being best friends. But when we were in high school I started feeling more for him and everything changed. After his parents died in an accident we got into an argument and then I told him how I felt. But he rejected me. He just left and I never saw him again.

Seungcheol: Well let me tell you this. First, he was a shitty friend leaving you like that just because you had feelings for him. Second, any man who says no to you is insane.

In that moment, your heart started beating faster, you could feel warmth enveloping your whole body. He started leaning toward you slowly, almost giving you time to pull away or say something. But you didn’t do any of those.

Eyes locked on each other, his face so close now that you could feel his hot breath on your face, ready to close your eyes and let the kiss consume you. Your palms felt tingly for a second.

But just as his lips barely touched yours, your privacy was invaded by a little doggy who saw an opportunity to get attention as two humans sat on the ground.

This could never get you upset, even if it ruined the first kiss with the guy you were crushing hard at the moment. You loved all dogs and you had to give this little one all the kisses.

Seungcheol: Awwn, I’ve been trying for weeks and this tiny furry did it in one second.

Rua: Have you seen his face? Look at it!

You were holding the puppy up to his face for him to look at how cute he was and he had to agree.

After spending like 2-3 hours at the park, you started to get hungry, so next on the list was grocery shopping.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Walking down the aisles of the supermarket with Seungcheol beside you felt really domestic and strangely… right. It felt right, yes.

Rua: What are you cooking?

Seungcheol: Not telling you. I want to be a surprise.

Rua: So what am I supposed to do while you’re cooking? Can’t I help?

Seungcheol: Hmm. Maybe I’ll let you assist me a bit.

Moving his gaze to look behind you, he noticed two familiar figures. He also saw them earlier in the park. They seemed suspicious then too, but he chose to think that it’s maybe just a coincidence and they are just two friends that are walking, like you were. But now they were here and it looked like they were keeping an eye on you.

Suddenly, you felt his arm around your waist, pulling you close to his body, hiding you both behind some boxes.

Rua: Cheol, what are you doing?

Seungcheol: I think we’re being followed.

Rua: Are you sure?

Seungcheol: Yes, two guys that I saw in the park today. They are here and they keep on looking at us.

You sigh and tap his shoulders, almost smiling.

Rua: Is one of them wearing a ridiculous beige hat with a feather?

Seungcheol: Y-yes?

Rua: Ugh, it’s fine. They work for me and they follow me for protection.

Seungcheol: Are you serious?

Rua: Yeah.

Seungcheol: Who are you?

Rua: I didn’t tell you this, but few weeks ago someone tried to kill me.

Seungcheol: When? Who?

Rua: The day of our first date.

Seungcheol: Jesus, babe. Don’t keep things like that from me. This is serious.

Rua: Babe?

You bat your lashes at him and push your fingers trough his hair, acting cute and flirty just to tease him.

He swallows hard, his throat going dry and he doesn’t know how to act. So all he can do is pout.

Rua: Oh, nooo. Don’t be upset. I told you I can take care of myself.

Seungcheol: I am very worried, don’t joke about it.

Rua: Well I can’t take a guy who is hired to kill and gets beaten up by a girl, seriously.

Seungcheol: Did you beat him up?

Rua: Mhm.

Seungcheol: Again, who are you? How are you so cool?

Rua: Let’s hurry, I am starving already.

Seungcheol: Ok, but I have so many questions.

Rua: We’ll have time to talk while you cook.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

Coming back to his place brings back memories from that night you’ve been shot. There have been so many attempts at your life in the last months that it’s becoming a concern.

His apartment is cozy and it’s so him. Smells nice and it’s bright.

Rua: I’ll just be a little nosy, ok? I like to see how people design their homes and where they put their stuff and why.

Seungcheol: Go ahead, I’ll get everything ready by the time you’re done snooping.

Starting from the living room, there’s a big U shape couch that feels very soft. Naps here are great, for sure. The big industrial windows let a lot of natural light come in. The light must look pretty during sunset.

Rua: Did you move here recently?

Seungcheol: How did you know?

Rua: Well the floor barely has any scratch, same with your counters and tables. They look new. And there is a smell of new.

Seungcheol: That’s very impressive.

Rua: I’m good at this stuff.

Seungcheol: You should work as a detective.

Rua: I’d be so good at it.

Then you go into his bedroom, observe the bed, his closet. He doesn’t have that many clothes and most of them are formal. Probably suits he wears at work. Has lots of shirts, ties and white hospital robes.

The whole place is neat and organized, just a bit empty. Maybe he likes it more minimalistic.

You walk back to the kitchen and look through his cabinets.

Rua: Hmm. You barely have stuff in here.

Seungcheol: Yeah, I never cook. Always eat at work or I order takeout.

Rua: Do we have what we need to cook today?

Seungcheol: I think so, don’t worry.

Rua: Your place is very… manly?

Seungcheol: Oh? How?

Rua: Well. It’s simple, nothing complicated or fancy. But somehow it works. It looks cozy but at the same time it’s missing something.

Seungcheol: What is it missing?

Rua: I don’t know yet, but I’ll find out and let you know.

You lean your back on the kitchen island and watch and he’s moving around, looking for pans and utensils, washing the vegetables.

Seungcheol: So who might want to see you dead? Pff, it sounds so weird saying it out loud.

Rua: Umm, lots of people.

Seungcheol: Like?

Rua: The competition, politicians, jealous girls, I don’t know.

Seungcheol: Want to talk about that night when you got shot? Was it another attempt at your life?

Rua: I am not sure if it was, maybe they wanted to scare me off, to injure me, not make me keep my mouth shut, to kill my men. I don’t know.

Seungcheol: Where did it happen?

Rua: I was meeting one of my associates at his warehouse and when we got there, shootings started, stuff blowing up. The whole building got burned to the ground.

Seungcheol: Oh, I think I saw about that on the news.

Rua: Yeah. I could of died there.

Seungcheol: But do you have one person that you suspect?

Rua: Yes, I have one in mind.

Seungcheol: Who?

You’re not sure you should say the name. But then again, if something happens to you, people should know who to point fingers at.

Rua: Kim Mingyu.

Seungcheol: The Kim Mingyu? The super wealthy guy? The most desired bachelor in the country? The shady businessman that has connections with dirty politicians? That Kim Mingyu?

Rua: That’s him.

Seungcheol: Now, why? Why does he hate you?

Rua: Ugh, it’s a long story.

Seungcheol: I have time. Like one hour until food is ready.

Rua: I’ll give the very short version.

As he’s getting the meat ready, you move to the other side of the island and lean over it, sighing.

Rua: So basically. You know my dad was killed. It was by a hired assassin. We caught the killer but didn’t get to find out who hired him. Rumors started spreading that the Kim’s had something to do with it, but I never wanted to believe it. You see, my parents and Mingyu’s parents were friends, so me and him were friends too. Then his parents had an accident and they died. Minyu thought that I did it, since I suspected his family of killing my father. We had a big fight, and since we’ve been enemies.

Seungcheol: Wait. So.

He turns to look at you and you can see the wheels on his brain moving.

Seungcheol: Is Kim Mingyu your first love?

Rua: Unfortunately.

Seungcheol: I’m sorry I am laughing, but this sounds so crazy. it’s like some friends to enemies book, or whatever they call it.

Rua: Listen, Cheol. I am not an innocent person. I have done things in my life, and I’ll keep doing it if I need to. But I don’t want to involve you into any of this. That’s why, some thing it’s better that you don’t know.

Seungcheol: You’re scaring me now. You make it sounds like you’re always in danger. Does it mean I am too?

Rua: I hope you’re not, but if we will be seen out together by the wrong people, you will be. So I am asking you... let’s keep this as private as we can. For your safety.

Seungcheol: As much as I would like to show you off to the world, I am a homebody and I am fine with having a private relationship.

Rua: Is that what this is? Are we in a relationship?

Seungcheol: Well, you’re my girlfriend.

He’s walking toward you and you’re straightening yourself, turning to him.

Rua: I don’t know, you never asked me to be.

When he’s right in front of you, his hands go on your waist, pulling you to his body. Chests touching, eyes locked. His voice becomes deeper, more seductive.

Seungcheol: You were my girlfriend since our first date.

Now his face was right here, leaning down to yours. Lips brushing, he’s not in a hurry at all. His fingers squeezing your hips, pushing you impossibly close to him. His body heat radiating all over.

Then it happens. His lips are fully on yours, gentle, exploring the possibilities. Your eyes don’t close, almost in disbelief that you’re finally kissing someone after so long.

You like to be able to see his kissing face, it’s hot. Your hands fly to his face, touching it slowly, caressing it, moving over the nape of his neck.

You melt under his touch and the kiss feels so soft. He’s so gentle and attentive.

You feel his tongue licking your lower lip as a sign that he wants to deepen the kiss, so you open your lips and let him. Tongues licking one another, the kiss getting more passionate, but still soft.

Gets you so turned on that a breathy moan escapes you and at the sound of that his arms go around your waist, holding you flush to his body.

After a while, you both feel like you need air and you pull back, looking at each other with want. But now’s not the time for more. You’re not ready. You need to be sure.

Rua: Are you trying to deduce me?

Seungcheol: Is it working?

You nod and give him another kiss, this time shorter.

Seungcheol: Ok, back to cooking. You can help me from now on.

And that’s what you do, you both work on dinner while you ask questions about each other. You find out more about his childhood, his family and his relationships. He’s also giving good answers and good reactions at your inquiries, trying to see if he’s a kind, respectful and empathetic person.

Food is ready and you’re taking small bites, careful not to burn your tongue. He seems amused by it.

Rua: What’s funny? It’s hot and I really need to eat.

Seungcheol: You’re cute.

He leans to give you a little kiss and in that moment you realize that you’re in a relationship. Might be very new, but it feels like home. You never felt like this and you think he might be the one.

After dinner, you both clean and wash the dishes, then lay comfortably on the couch, surrounded by fluffy pillows. He turns on a movie, you chose a comedy so you pick “What we do in the shadows”.

You can’t really concentrate on the movie, since he’s holding you like that. You can feel his every muscle, the way his chest is moving with each breath he takes and it makes your head float. You take short breaks to kiss, but you try to keep it PG and he’s not pushing it.

Sleep takes over your tired bodies and you slowly start to wake up after a while. It’s already dark outside, so that means it’s after 9 pm. He can feel you move in his arms and he wakes up too.

Rua: I should head back home.

Seungcheol: I’ll take you.

Rua: Stay and rest, I’ll call Jun.

Seungcheol: No no, your bf is taking you home.

You smile and hide your face into his chest, hugging him tighter. He kisses the top of your head then lifts himself up.

Rua: Would love to spend the night with you, but I don’t feel ready yet for that. Hope you understand.

Seungcheol: You don’t need to explain, I like taking it slow.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

On your way home, you feel happy. It’s like a rush that goes through you, similar to what you used to feel when you were very young and in love. He takes your hand, gives it a kiss, then puts it on his thigh so he can drive.

You’re texting Jun that you’re coming home and ask what’s he doing and if something new came up.

No response for the next few minutes. It’s unlike him, but maybe he’s in the middle of something important.

A strange feeling starts to creep up in your head, your senses become sharper and you tell yourself you should be aware of your surroundings. It almost feels too quiet, like the quiet before the storm.

Rua: Something’s wrong.

Seungcheol: Are you feeling sick?

Rua: No. I have a bad feeling.

And there it is, a car speeding from the right, ready to crash into you. Cheol is quick and turns the wheel as hard as he can, his car getting hit in the back now, and not at full speed. Your car spins twice in the middle of the road, the other one stops.

You try to clear your head, looking at Seungcheol to see if he’s ok. The airbags went off and your ears are ringing. You reach into your bag and take your gun out. Before pointing to the car, you look around to see if there are people, but it’s pretty deserted at this hour, especially in this part of town.

From behind, you see another car getting closer and stopping next to the car that hit you, you recognize it’s your guys that have been following you all day. They get off their car with guns in their hands, walking to the perpetrators.

But the car’s engine starts and you tell Cheol to go. Your men get back into their car, planning to follow you and finish whoever is attacking you.

You start shooting at the car that’s getting closer and closer.

Seungcheol: What the fuck is going on???

You’re in full fight mode, you don’t register what he’s saying, trying to hit the driver. They manage to reach your car and hit it just a bit, making you yell.

Rua: Push that pedal!

Seungcheol: This is fucking insane! Be careful!

One of their tires explodes, probably your guys shot it from behind, so you take advantage of the situation since there’s enough space between you and them. You push yourself more out the window, telling Seungcheol to hold you by your leg to make sure you don’t fall.

You concentrate, aim and pull the trigger. Right into the driver’s chest or head, you believe. It definitely hit him, the car crashing into some parked cars.

You slowly pull yourself back in the car, tell Cheol he can slow down, in a very calm voice and you just sit back, gun in your hand, that sits on your lap.

Seungcheol: What the actual fuck?

Rua: I got them.

Seungcheol: What do you mean?

Rua: I mean I hope I killed that son of a bitch.

Seungcheol: I can’t believe this is happening.

Rua: Are you ok? Want to stop the car?

Seungcheol: I am not ok, no. But I don’t want to stop, what if others come.

Then your men slowly catch up to your car, driving next to yours, lowering their window to check on you. You give them a thumbs up, signaling them to follow you. And they remain driving closely behind.

You can see Seungcheol’s hands shaking on the steering wheel and you put your hand on his thigh, trying to calm him.

Rua: It’s ok, we’re safe now. We are going to reach my building in a few minutes, pull up through the back entrance. We need to get rid of this car and erase any information about its number registration.

Seungcheol: What? Why?

Rua: They will search for the plate numbers and reach your name.

•───────•°•❀•°•───────••───────•°•❀•°•───────•

In less than 10 minutes you reach The Towers, a few men already waiting at the entrance. You get off the car, Seungcheol going around it to see the damages.

Seungcheol: Fuck! It’s fucked.

Rua: Don’t worry about it, it matters that we’re ok. I’ll give you a new car tomorrow.

Seungcheol: What do you mean you’ll give me a new car tomorrow? What am I, some princess in a romcom?

Rua: If you want to be.

You smile at him and take his hand to pull him toward the elevator.

Seungcheol: You think it’s funny? We could be dead now. What have I got myself into?

You see Jun and Hao running to you, their faces relieved seeing that you’re ok.

Jun: Are you injured?

Rua: No. Get rid of the car and erase anything that links it to Seungcheol.

Minghao: I’ll get right to it.

Rua: And have a car ready in the morning for him to use.

Seungcheol: We haven’t talked about this.

Rua: That’s the best solution, trust me.

He looks at Jun, almost waiting for him to say that this is all going to far, but Jun just shrugs his shoulders.

Jun: She’s the boss and it’s not our first rodeo.

Seungcheol: Someone needs to tell me what the hell is going on.

Rua: Let’s go to my apartment, relax and talk.

Minghao: Boss!

You stop yourself and turn to him.

Minghao: I have important news.

Rua: Can it wait?

Minghao: Not really.

Rua: What’s it about?

Minghao: I found out who sent that guy to attack you.

Your face became serious, heart starting to beat faster, waiting to hear Mingyu’s name. It terrified you really. You still didn’t want to believe he would do something like that. You weren’t ready.

Rua: Who?

He sights and gives you the name. You look in shock at Seungcheol, thinking you were so foolish.

[chefkids]

Did you notice at the end of s3 ep9 carmy ia getting ready for Ever's funeral service and the last shot it's just a scrunchie and Mike's Jesús pastor image?? Idk what that means but that shot is stuck in my brain

The Scrunchie Does Not Fit In, but Carmy is Saving it for Later

Carmy finds a funeral card from Mikey's funeral in his suit jacket and puts it on top of a book next to the scrunchie and some bobby pins.

The book is I DON’T FIT IN – My Wild Ride Through The Punk and Power Pop Trenches with The NERVES and THE BEAT, which is a memoir about the lead singer from the band The Beat, but not the british one that wrote Save it For Later.

There are actually two bands called The Beat, an English one and an American one. The two bands came up around the same time and were often confused with each other, so the English one went by The English Beat and the American one went by Paul Collins' Beat. They actually ended up touring together. So why have a book about the Paul Collins' Beat when the recurring song this season is written by The English Beat?

Save it for Later has a few versions of it throughout the season. The first version we hear is from the American singer Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam when Sydney is on her way to The Bear after the incident and there is montage of classic Chicago spots. And if you listen closely to the full song, at the very end you can hear in the backing vocals "can't find a better man" from Better Man by Pearl Jam. We know Carmy is a big fan of Pearl Jam. Come Back by Pearl Jam was the song playing in the table scene with Sydney and we know the music in the show is supposed to represent their inner thoughts and feelings, so at this point Sydney is still thinking about Carmy.

Then an instrumental version of Save it for Later plays when Richie is talking to Jess on the phone about the Ever funeral. When Sydney is talking to Shapiro and he makes her the offer, the original Save it for Later by The English Beat plays.

They are setting up the American vs British confusion. Sydney is going to be torn between Carmy and Luca (and Shapiro by de facto), the same way Carmy is torn between Sydney and Claire. The song is instrumental, neither british or american, with Richie because he is the puppet master in this whole british vs american ordeal that is going to happen between them.

So much of this season and the previous have been about confusing people or projecting them on to the other, like with Claire and Sydney in Season 2, and then again in Season 3 with the polka dot dish freezer incident. This all ties back to the plotlines of Vertigo and A Midsummer Night's Dream that are referenced in Season 3 where the love interests are frequently confused with each other, sometimes on purpose and sometimes on accident.

The bobby pins seems more like a Claire item that she probably left behind, but when Claire's hair is tied up it is always with a plain black hair tie. The hair clip at the beginning of Tomorrow is probably Claire's, but a girly floral pink scrunchie? That is so Sydney.

The Bear had pink floral dinner plates back in Season 2 before Carmy switched to natural earthenware in Season 3, which also when he basically erased Sydney from The Bear. The scrunchie is a remnant of Season 2.

Sydney has been seen in pink and florals, whereas Claire never has. Sydney also loves patterns. From her bandanas to her shirts and jackets.

She actually has a whole book about them sitting in her locker. She was probably the one who picked the tropical wallpaper in The Bear's bathroom.

Claire is really never seen wearing patterns or prints aside from Friends & Family night (aka ClaireCarmy's relationship funeral) when she wears a black floral shrug, which is the last time Carmy saw Claire. The funeral card is notably Mikey's, not Marcus' mom, which has also always been tied back to Sydney and the Let it rip note. He texted Sydney before opening the note and then had Richie give it to her in a frame to put on her expo.

It's easy to see why he might confuse the scrunchie with Claire's things and put them together when the don't fit actually fit in, the same way The Beat's get confused. And probably the same way Sydney is going to feel confused about Luca vs Carmy in season 4. Is Carmy going to realize the scrunchie is Sydney's and not Claires? It's in his bedroom so I doubt it was Sydney herself that put it there. Seems like he is once again using Claire to project his feelings for Syd, by missing her instead of Sydney.

[worldofheroes]

Failed Prank

tom cruise x girlfriend!reader

summary: you and tom spend the day at the beach, and he tries to prank you, only to fail.

warnings: alcohol, language, fluff

wc: 719

a/n: a request by @rveyjules ! I did write some smut for this but decided since I’ve only been writing filth I needed something fluffy 😅 I’d be more than happy to share the “deleted scene” in the future!

“How about right… here?” you ask Tom as he trails behind you on the beach.

“Whatever you like, sweetheart,” he gives you a smile.

You smile back at him, setting your things down and starting to set up.

“I’m glad we were able to relax for a few days,” you say, settling into your chair. Tom sits in the chair beside you.

“I agree, I’ve missed you,” Tom says, reaching for your hand and giving it a kiss.

You smile at him, taking the sunglasses - a pair of Tom's aviators - from your head and putting them on.

“Time to get back to this book,” you say, pulling out your latest read from your tote.

“Do you want anything to drink?” Tom asks.

“Yes, please!”

“Strawberry daiquiri?”

“Always,” you confirm.

“Okay, I’ll be back soon,” Tom says, standing up and kissing the top of your head.

You go back to your book, not phased by anything happening around you.

As Tom walks to the bar, he decides he’s going to prank you. He finds a spot at the bar where he can see you, and orders the drinks.

He pulls out his phone to give you a quick text.

Tom carefully watches you after he hits send.

You hear your phone go off. You move your sunglasses to the top of your head as you fumble for your phone. You see it’s a text from Tom.

There’s a girl flirting with me at the bar.

You roll your eyes and put your phone away. You bring your sunglasses back down and continue reading, not bothered by the text.

Tom furrows his brow, unsure why you went back to reading and didn’t start looking for him. He decides he won’t say anything when he gets back, unless you say something first.

The bartender hands him the drinks and he heads back to you.

“One strawberry daiquiri,” Tom says, handing you the glass.

“Oh, thank you, I’m so excited for this,” you tell him, putting your book down and taking the glass.

You take a sip through the straw.

“Oh, it’s perfect,” you breathe.

Tom chuckles. “Good to hear.”

You spend a few hours on the beach, enjoying your time with Tom. Later in the afternoon, the two of you pack up and head back to the condo.

“I need something to eat,” you say out loud, to no one in particular. You make a bee-line to the fridge.

“You’re just going to leave me with everything?” Tom calls out after you.

“Yeah, I think so!” you reply from the kitchen.

You pull out the leftover cake you had saved from the previous day, taking a seat at the kitchen island.

“Well, that’s a good snack,” Tom jokes.

“Hey, watch it,” you say, taking a bite.

“Did you see my text when we were at the beach?” Tom asks.

“Hmm? Oh, yeah, I did,” you comment, still focused on your piece of cake.

“Why didn’t you come find me?”

“What?” You furrow your brow. “I didn’t think you needed rescuing.”

“What?” Tom replies.

You shrug. “Girls flirting with you isn’t exactly new, Tom. You’re Tom fucking Cruise, you’re hot and handsome and of course girls would flirt with you.”

“But what if I did something bad, like flirting back?”

You roll your eyes and lean across the counter to get closer to Tom. “Well, I know you wouldn’t do that, Cruise.”

“Yeah? How come?”

“I didn’t think you were this dumb,” you laugh. “Because I trust you, Tom. I know you only have eyes for me.”

“Pretty confident there, wouldn’t you say?”

“Are you trying to get a reaction out of me?”

Tom gives you a mischievous smile. “I don’t know, what do you think?”

“Fuck off,” you say, rolling your eyes again. You lean in and give him a kiss.

“That wasn’t very nice to say,” Tom mumbles against your lips.

“Shut up and kiss me,” you say, moving in for another kiss. Tom moves away. “What?”

“Come here,” he says, walking around the island.

You stand up and he pulls you into him. You look up at him.

“You’re absolutely right,” he whispers, giving you a gentle kiss.

“I mean, yes, but about what?”

“That I only have eyes for you.”

“You’re so stupid,” you laugh, giving him another kiss.

[headcanon-territory]

Lupin III movies/media and their respective side character/npc girl rating - excuse for rambling -⭐️

~order of when I watched it~

• The First : 10/10

>Sexy people movie

>still one of my biggest favorites

>This movie is strong with its characterization and interactions

>Everybody in this movie you guys have my phone number

>look I get it we have Sweet boy Lupin but girl you did not need to feel the need to save the nazi

>I kinda just skipped the scenes that are not involving lupgang I'm sorry Latitia

>why why are we now feeling bad for her nazi grandpa why why are we here

>the rating is perfect for the animation sorry guys

NPC girl: 7/10 - Latitia is fun when she's interacting with Lupgang she works well with them despite being so normal,, unless if it's her solo scenes especially with her grandfather

• Castle Of Cagliostro: 10/10

>peak lupin

>second movie so immediatly went from sexy people doing crimes to Hayao Miyazaki telling you to sit down and rethink life

>is there anything else to say cause many of video essays represents what j think of this movie

>STOP MILKING THIS MOVIE

>I got weirdly hyped when I realize that ending was the scene that Marisa stole that precious thing referenced

>I need more zenigata and lupin moments with how this movie does it

NPC girl: 9/10 - Clarisse is the prototype sure but the tone of this movie helps her stand in and not awkward with the cast most of the time

- I also feel emotions like I cared for this girl in comparison to Latitia

•Prison of the Past: 10/10

>I had a blast

>Zenigata and Yata are the best here sad that Yata's character didn't transition into part 6 apparently

>First introduction to Yata though that I seen clips of him in Part 5 prior

>cute robot heehee

>Harvey stardew valley why are you here

>Yata beating up lupin and going apeshit with no intentions to be will always be my favorite

>rewatched for comfort from nostradamus' Zenigata

NPC girl: B - Florensa was that her name?? Didn't care, that fighting scene was good tho

•Tokyo Crisis - 9/10

>Fun Movie

>Alot alot of Zenigata in this I'm happy

>we can excuse Goemon getting nerfed the shit he has to go through is funny

>Fun artstyle

NPC girl: 8/10 - what the fuck was the plot with the villain using her egg cells about I forgot

She slayed tho, casually has psychic powers that rocks

•Detective Conan vs Lupin III [the second one] - 5/10

>watch this one for the scenes with Jigen and Conan only

>I do not care about that idol boy and his manager what are you guys doing

>the fujiko bath scene with Ai is.. eugh../neg

>also this one is one of the movies with creepy lupin uh oh

No NPC girl but the crossover experience?: 4/10 get that idol boy OUTTA HERE

•Blood Seal ~ Eternal Maid: 9/10

>refreshing characterization after watching the Case Closed crossover oh my god

>Cute Fujilup in this

>Plot fun kinda died down when the little girl dropped the "I wanna be a thief" Plot for her sister

>still good tho nonetheless

>GRANDPA LUPIN DESIGN HERE WOAH??

>Especially its depicting a young Arsene Lupin and its funny on how sweet he is compared to our grandpap Lupin in Lupin Zero where he straight up ripped a woman's tooth

NPC girl: 9/10 what I mentioned earlier deducted a point but she is very fun in the first half of the movie I do care for her and her sister. Love all these little kids wanting to become Lupin

•Fuma Conspiracy: 9/10

>I need to rewatch this

>Was Goemon young when he met Murasaki in her young girl school uniform 😧..

>Weirdly I didn't feel like there was that much Goemon despite being a Goemon movie

>One of the best Fujiko Designs woah

>I don't care that it tries to replicate The cagliostro feel it was still a great movie

>the budget issues tho sheesh

NPC girl: 8/10 - Murasaki is cute I really don't mind;; after she got rescued it's like she dosent matter anymore but not in a bad way I do enjoy her company. Again with the change of tone she fits in [but I dont like the implication with her and Goemon from earlier]

•Farewell to Nostradamus: 10/10

>I love this movie fuck you

>I can excuse the absolute butchery they did to Zenigata because of how crazy this movie is

>still I need mental recuperation for that

>weirdly this and fuma are up on YouTube and these guys has good animation but why are they left up there??

>I do love this Lupin even though he's not that different from other movies but this specific version of Lupin is my fav

NPC girl: - 10/10 JULIA SOLOS I love her she dgaf most of the time either of how she has been under her parents protection and had fun after everything and she wants to be Lupin III?? EVEN SHE AND LUPIN ARE TRYING TO BUY A CANEO FOR SERGEO?? STOP THATS SO CUTE

-also she and Lupin gets along because of being kids born from rich families that wants freedom and fun

Bonus: Tagalog Dub

>This one is more funny than the sub but hey who loves themselves with pinoy humor

>Lupin gives Goemon and Jigen nicknames [Goemskis and Jigs] and i love it

>Lupin in my boiling blood is half Filipino with all my heart that i would die on this hill

>They removed the pedophile lines from Julia only because her first encounter with Lupin was changed from "You like little girls" to "You like dolls?" Probably for cultural reasons

>and other scenes calling Lupin a pedophile is changed to "The guy that looks like a monkey"

>Zenigata when he finally saw lupin after he's mistaken as dead added "Lupin, buhay ka pala, UNGOY KA!" ["Lupin you're actually alive you monkey!"]

>Lupin's first time seeing goemon "And lalaking sakam! Na walang hilig sa Chika babes!" [It's the Lonely/Greedy not interested to chicks and babes!"]

>Would it be funny if you decide watching the lupin tagalog dubs because you're a big Englishira

>I'm unironically calling Lupin by <Lu-Pin> not <Lu-Pon> because of this

•Green vs Red: 9.5/10

>Sometimes I'm watching a psychological horror movie

>and that thought came to mind when Green Lupin was panicking inside the car when red lupin came in

>and when Goemon couldn't handle that his friend's face is everywhere by people trying to impersonate him??

>and the "real" Lupin spying on everyone in the beginning sounding so depressed as he spies on zenigata??

>this shit was surreal I love it

>jigen was hot Grabbing on that helicopter wait whatt

>goemon tied up whaattt

>Serious sexy zenigata whattt

>this movie left me with emotions I think I'm supposed to rethink life

•Lupin III vs Cat's Eye: 8/10

>oh boy that artstyle is so limited to what it can do

>I have not watch Cat's Eye I didn't dig into any summary of Cat's Eye I immediatly jump in

>they cool tho

>I like Ai

>Lupin blowing a kiss to Zeni and Grabbing Jigen by the ass you kidding me

>Lupin gets injured so bad but not for drama intensity but to nerf him he's fucking blind for half the movie

>Goemon our mann he knew that burger hoe was badddd

>GOEMON YOUR SWORD

>YOU GUYS ARE INTIMIDATING A MAN IN THE PARIS CATACOMBS

>TWO MOVIES IN A ROW WITH THE NAZIS INTO THE PLOT

>Zhongli why are you talking to Lupin

>Lupin's voice is also low for majority of the scenes because of how tired he is.... stop the car,, I had to watch dub for the difference of Tony Oliver's performance

>It's alright but Kanichi's voice has some.. effect on me

>I need more lupin getting fucked up maybe I should go watch part 6 idgaf [I did]

>all of my screenshots of this movie is lupgang being very bloody and sexy

>crossover experience: 7/10 and I didn't got to be properly introduced with Cat's Eye

•Operation: Return the Treasure: 8.5/10

>A fun one

>Everybody really did shine here huh

>ESPECIALLY GOEMON WHO;

-ok the first minutes he's in already witness his benefactors murdered

-reunites with the gang and first thing done is trick him into giving back the treasure and get chased down after

-Gets arrested

-Got shot by the shoulder

-bleeding in an alleyway

-Got slammed by the door

-stabbed that crazy bitch clean despite that the blood was censored even though he wasn't censored also getting stabbed and shot?? Or is the zantutsken just like that

>Movie's a win when they have a good Fujiko

>Last act has pretty visuals

>shits gonna turn to the diamond castle from barbie

Npc girl: 2/10 why why are you can you exist nowhere we don't need a few shots of you admiring the scenery of that tower

Even the crazy bitch Is cooler than you

☆~Woohooo! I'm kinda new to Binge watching Lupin despite getting into the fandom 2 years back

Now last thing to note is that I'm scared facing the most harsher Lupin entries with the Lupin similar to Manga Lupin because the Lupin that was formed by Miyazaki in cagliostro then balancing him in movies like Nostradamus is my comfort,;,

[that-sudsy]

John Price x Reader

The Proposal

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or images used in this work, nor do I claim any rights to them.

It had been years since John Price had first thought about asking you to marry him. Years filled with missions, laughter, and love, but also years of near-misses and interruptions that had turned his grand plans into a series of comedic disasters.

It all started one fateful evening when he had finally mustered the courage to pop the question. He had set the scene perfectly: a candlelit dinner, your favorite meal, and a bottle of wine that he had saved for a special occasion. Just as he was about to kneel, his phone buzzed with an urgent call from command. “Price, we need you on a mission, now!” The moment was lost, and he was left staring at the half-eaten dinner, wondering if he’d ever get another chance.

Then there was the time he had planned a romantic picnic in the park. He had even practiced his speech in the mirror, but just as he was about to ask, your phone rang. It was work, and you had to take the call. He watched as you walked away, his heart sinking as he realized that the universe had other plans.

Another time, during a cozy date at a quaint little café, the skies opened up, and rain poured down like a scene from a rom-com gone wrong. He had just taken a deep breath, ready to ask, when thunder rumbled ominously, drowning out his words. “Really? Thunder?” he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

And then there was the ambulance siren that blared just as he was about to speak. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he groaned, throwing his hands up in frustration. It felt like the universe was conspiring against him, and he couldn’t shake the fear that you might grow tired of waiting for him to finally ask.

But today was different. You were both sitting on the patio of your home, the sun setting in a beautiful array of colors. John was visibly nervous, his fingers tapping against the armrest of his chair. You noticed but didn’t want to pry. Maybe this was finally the moment.

He took a deep breath, his heart racing. “I—”

Just then, a group of rowdy neighbors burst into the backyard next door, laughing and shouting, completely oblivious to the romantic atmosphere. John’s frustration boiled over. “Why? Why does this keep happening?” he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

“John, it’s okay! They’re just having fun,” you reassured him, trying to calm the storm brewing inside him.

“No, it’s not okay!” he snapped, his voice a mix of frustration and desperation. “I’ve wanted to ask you for so long, but it feels like the world is against me! I had it all planned out, and now… now it’s just chaos!”

You blinked, taken aback by his outburst. “What do you mean?”

He took a deep breath, his blue eyes locking onto yours. “I wanted to ask you to marry me… But I guess no matter how much I try, I’ll just get cut off by nature or time.” His voice was thick with emotion, and you could see the vulnerability behind his tough exterior.

Your heart melted at his words. “John, I’m not going anywhere. I’ve always waited for you. I would always say yes!”

His expression softened, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift. “Really?” he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

“Of course! You’re my everything, Jonathan,” you said, reaching for his hand. “I’ve been ready for this moment since the day we met.”

With a mix of relief and joy, John finally smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Well, then… how about we make this official?”

He pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket, revealing a simple yet elegant ring. “Will you marry me?”

You gasped, tears of happiness welling in your eyes. “Yes! A thousand times, yes!”

As he slipped the ring onto your finger, the chaos around you faded away. The world might have tried to interrupt him, but in that moment, nothing else mattered. You were together, and that was all that counted.

And as the neighbors continued their raucous celebration next door, John chuckled, shaking his head. “Guess I’ll have to plan a better surprise next time.”

You laughed, leaning in to kiss him, knowing that no matter what interruptions life threw your way, you would always find your way back to each other.

[theshrikeandcanary]

Another World Lost

Summary: Your sister died from a variant which marked your “Ben” cannon event. Miguel ofc knew about this (since he leads the spider society). This whole fic is just you being angry and Miguel being angsty.

Warnings: death of a family member, angst (seriously just angst), no happy ending and curse words

< 1.k words

You were pissed. Everyone around you could sense the pure rage dripping off you as you walked down the halls of the spider society. You only joined the shithole when you genuinely believed that among the thousands of spidermen you were only doing good. And yet you’ve just witnessed your sister die by a variant that should never have been there. Yes, you could blame yourself, used a web in a different spot, arrived on scene earlier or maybe Miguel O’hara could have warned you. Your cannon event being your sister die and all. Just maybe that would have been helpful. The only tip off of his involvement being the notification from your watch. “Cannon Event Completed”.

Those three god forbidden words circling in your head as you slammed his office door open. Of course Miguel had been preparing for some kind of reaction since he must have known for weeks. “You knew didn’t you”, you spat. It sounded like a question but you both knew the answer. He looked down at you with some twisted understanding of his own warped reality.

“Yes, but we didn’t tell you since the cannon- “

“The cannon! Fuck the cannon you were supposed to be on my side. My own boyfriend knew and let my sister die. And for what? So your stupid cannon event theory wouldn’t break?”, you screamed as tears rushed down your face. Not only did you watch your sister die, but your own boyfriend let it happen. He knew you wouldn’t be able to save her amongst the others who needed saving. No wonder there weren’t other spider people to help, her death was supposed to be on your hands alone.

He looked dumbfounded as if he didn’t expect your emotions to be taken out on him. But you weren’t done; you wouldn’t be until he hurt the way you hurt. Till he understood your sister’s death was his fault alone. “Her death is all your fault Miguel. I may not have been able to save her but you let her death happen. How long did you know? A week? A month? Months? Her blood was on your hands the moment you knew and hid it from me. From both of us.”, the hurt of your words was evident on his face.

Your sister was the first to know of Miguel’s and your relationship. She noticed your constant glances at your phone or watch waiting for any notification to pop up. Occasionally helping you send semi flirty texts at midnight during your pinning stage. At the night of your and Miguel’s first date she was there, helping you pick out the perfect outfit and how to style your hair. When she finally met Miguel, she was nothing but welcoming, telling him all the embarrassing stories of your childhood together. She was your best friend. And now your best friend was gone.

A sheen came over his eyes, seeming to just realize what he had done to you. He hurt you while trying to protect the multiverse. Regret consumed him as he watched you open a portal and drop your watch to the floor. There was nothing he could say to stop you from leaving. Your back had turned from him for good. The memories of you flashed before his eyes knowing this would be the last time he’d ever get to see your face. The face he’d grown to love, to kiss and hold. As the portal closed his eyes wondered to the polaroid sitting on his desk. A simple photo of you hugging him from behind, laughing while trying to reach far enough for a good photo of you both.

To him you were his world. Something he always sought to protect. Yet you had slipped through his fingers like sand, any grasp of his future sanity lost with you. He had failed again to protect his love just as he failed his last.

[thegoldheartlocketandkey-blog]

911 Spoilers Season 2: You’ve been warned. 😅

Episode 11-14

Episode 11

• This mostly an Athena and Maddie episode. Honestly one of my favorite episodes. So, much Drama and we sadly get to meet Doug. We technically don’t know he’s Doug, but early on we as a viewer know, the vibes are off.

• Buck is helping Maddie, teaching her self defense. Brother sister bonding time, we learn Buck is dating Ally, but she’s in NY. Maddie pokes fun at all of Buck’s Girlfriends leaving.

• During the Shark rescue, Buck and Eddie standing near each other. Buck is extremely excited about the shark being released back into the ocean. Bobbie and Eddie standing near each other happy admiring the scene.

• Maddie asks Chimney out on a real date. The 118 standing watching this happen from the second floor and proceeds to cheer/taunt Chimney as Maddie leaves. Eddie and Buck standing near each other. Eddie being extra silly.

Episode 12

• Chimney begins. Great episode! Timing wise is tragic, because of the cliffhanger in previous episode. Still amazing.

• No Buddie.

Episode 13

• Buck finds Chim stabbed on ground, realizes Maddie has gone missing.

• Eddie goes to the hospital, is there for Chimney.

• Buck is helping in the way Buck knows how to in trying to track down Maddie. Buck stealing crime scene evidence, Chim’s Phone, out of desperation in trying to find his sister.

• Buck getting caught stealing Chimney’s phone, Eddie criticizing Buck, but ultimately understanding why he did it.

• Eddie attempts to comfort Buck.

• Athena takes Buck with her to further investigate and find Maddie.

• Hen, Bobby, and Eddie stay at the hospital waiting for Chimney to wake up.

• Eddie meets Michael.

This is not a Buddie episode but seeing how everyone reacts to Maddie’s situation with Doug. This episode really show cases how the 118 is a family, and how close they all have become. The fact that even Christopher was at the hospital waiting for Chimney. Shannon was also there and was trying to comfort Eddie. It might be my own delusion but it seemed like Eddie would have preferred her not to be there.

Over all super emotional episode. Maddie is experiencing something so incredibly traumatizing and the people around her that care so deeply for her, are experiencing a trauma along side to her. In a way show casing the people that will always be there.

Episode 14

• Eddie and Buck being apart of Bobby’s presentation for Harry’s class.

• Buck and Eddie sitting next to each other on the Engine when having to patrol LA.

• Baby birth emergency where the mom experiences complications after giving birth. The moment when everyone thinks mom is dead, Eddie spechieally looks over at Buck.

• We get this iconic GIF Moment

• Buck falls off ladder truck trying to save kid, Eddie is on the ground watching Buck closely.

• Eddie scales the building to save the child. Buck is overly concerned over Eddie’s safety, but acknowledges that he would be yelled at if he attempted the same stunt.

• Eddie saves kid, but is trapped in the burning building. Low on oxygen. Buck is outside, freaking out, wanting to charge into the burning building.

I understand Buck is always willing to do the risky saves for just about anyone, and is always putting his life at risk. But this knowledge isn’t inherent, we don’t really understand Buck’s suicidal tendencies until season 4 honestly. We can make assumptions, but nothing is really concrete until we meet the parents. So if you’ve only watched up to season 2, you can safely assume Buck’s eagerness to get in there is tied to it being Eddie. But in all honesty, I know Buck would have the same eagerness if it was Hen or Bobby. This specific moment is simply just an analysis on who Buck is as a person.

• Buck runs towards Eddie and makes fun of Eddie’s spiderman stunt. Obviously was worried and now relieved, this is Buck’s attempt at masking those emotions with humor.

[fairy-writes]

FOREVER MINE NEVERMIND

Reblogs and Comments are greatly appreciated!!

__________________________________________________________________________

Fandom(s): Jujutsu Kaisen

Pairing(s): Geto Suguru x Reader

Word Count: 0.6k

Genre(s)/Tag(s): Angst, Gender Neutral!Reader

Notes: Based on one specific doctor who quote and another specific scene.

SPOILERS FOR THE ANIME

__________________________________________________________________________

You should have known what Suguru was going to do.

Maybe you could have stopped him. 

Maybe you could have saved him.

But you didn’t.

And it was all your fault. 

It started with a phone call.

Satoru had shown up at your door, distraught but uncharacteristically quiet. He refused to say where he had been, why he was even there, but you had let him in regardless. Because you always did. As annoying and obnoxious as Satoru was, he was your best friend.

Your phone rang, and you picked it up, clicking the little green button without looking at who was calling. 

“Hello?” It’s quiet for a moment before you hear a deep breath.

And that’s all it takes to know who is calling you. 

You glance to where Satoru is sitting, almost comatose, on your bed. Your room wasn’t very big, but he managed to make it look massive with how he was curled up underneath your covers. 

He looked like a child.

Sometimes, you forget that’s all you were—teenagers who were forced to grow up too early.

“Suguru.” You say quietly, keeping an eye on Satoru as you speak into the receiver. You didn’t know what had him so upset, but you had a feeling it had to do with Suguru. It always has something to do with Suguru.

He says your name, and you have to hide the shiver that runs down your spine. If not for your sake, then for Satoru’s. You can’t have him knowing you’re talking to the person who upset him. 

“Why are you calling me.” It wasn’t a question but a demand. It's a pretty sorry one, but Suguru answers nonetheless. 

“To say goodbye, I suppose. You were always nagging me about how not saying goodbye was rude.” He muses, and you bite back a snippy retort. 

It wouldn’t do you any good now. 

“Why are you really calling?” You whisper and curse inwardly as you watch Satoru move from under the blankets at the sound of your voice cracking. His mop of white hair peeks out from under the covers, and he looks at you with what you swear are red-rimmed eyes from behind his crooked glasses. 

“Is that Suguru?” He asks just as Suguru asks, “Is that Satoru?” 

You don’t know what to say, so you just rasp a quiet “yes.” Satoru’s eyes darken, and he clenches his jaw before turning and throwing the blanket over his head again.

Suguru hums,

“He sounds upset.” He says, and once again, you have to reign in what would have been a hurtful comment. 

“Of course he is.” You manage, and hear the sounds of little girls in the background. Suguru’s voice is muffled for a moment as he seemingly placates someone you don’t have the privilege of talking to. 

Hadn’t he been on a mission where children were involved? 

Before everything that happened? 

“I’m really calling because I thought you deserved one last goodbye. From me. Not from anyone else.” He says simply, and that’s when the burning behind your eyes gets overwhelming, and you feel tears drip down your cheeks. 

“I was going to be with you forever.” You croak, and for once, Suguru doesn’t have anything to say. No smooth comment or something to ease your fears. He’s silent before—

“I know.”

“The rest of my life. With you.” You try as if you could get him to take it all back. As if he could magically turn back time.

“I’m sorry.” He says, and Geto Suguru hangs up the phone with a quiet ‘click.’

[hidelias]

A bend in space-time Season 1 - [Chapter 13: Safe and home]

Chronological markers: this scene fits like a deleted scene from season 1 episode 4, around 43:38 (just after Viktor's phone call to Leonard). TW: child abuse evocation

Suggested soundtrack : David Gray - This Year's Love

---

March 27, 2019 - 20:28 pm

Tonight, I almost feared I would spend the evening alone at Hargreeves Mansion, amid the hallway bullet holes and with only the prospect of a latent apocalypse. Souding nightmarish, but if I had to : I would have done it. Klaus still hasn't reappeared, and I try not to think about it too much. A bit like about cats always ending up coming back, I try to convince myself that before forty-eight hours, there's no point in obsessing about it. But yet, I'm going to sleep at the Mansion. Just in case.

The one who saved my evening, surprisingly, was Luther. I don't know what he said to Allison, but I found a note telling me to meet at Viktor's place, where she was going to spend some time herself. I didn't waited to be asked twice. I took the remaining waffles, and I took a taxi there.

The building where Viktor lives is not brand new, but it's quite well-maintained. As I hear the door unlocked from inside, I feel the fur a big cat tracing 8 between my legs and looking at me as if I had the power to open the door for him. My eyes meet his. And as soon as the door opens, he rushes inside Viktor's apartment, lit by a timid light.

I find Allison behind the door, welcoming me. Viktor is further away, arranging a large bouquet in a vase on the table. I smile. I'm not so used to being invited anywhere, to be honest.

"Hi", I say. "Thank you for inviting me". "No, it's great", Allison said, stepping aside to let me in. "It's not… ideal at Hargreeves Mansion tonight, I imagine". "I won't stay too long, I'm exhausted, but - really - thank you".

I hang my bag by the door and hand out to Viktor the metal box I'm bringing.

"Waffles", I say. "They're from the day before yesterday and it was Klaus who defrosted them…" Viktor takes them, and I see that it makes him smile. He seems in a surprisingly good mood. "It doesn't matter", he says, "we also have chocolate-covered raisins".

I smirk at the derogatory nature of this comment, but I admit: the raisins sound better. I take off my jacket and hang it up with my bag before taking off my boots. On the sofa, the big cat is kneading the cushion to settle down.

"Your apartment is nice, Viktor". He smiles. "Let's just say it's functional".

The place might seem somewhat austere at first glance, but looking at the details, we sense that Viktor is trying to feel comfortable there. His violin is set up by the window and his sheet music is not stored in its case, which I now know is a sign of trust.

"The living room looks like my grandmother's. I imagine the building must be from the same era".

A fairly common building pattern for The City, formerly built for the middle classes, but now having been quite devalued. A rent to pay however, but Viktor must earn a quite decent salary, with his lessons and the orchestra. Allison's jet-set life appart - of all the Hargreeves - Viktor is possibly the one who is doing the best in managing his life. Five ? Well, I don't know if the question has ever come up on his timeline. I think Diego is also doing well, but Luther has objectively never tried to work. And Klaus… Klaus is simply unfit: even reintegration employment doesn't want him anymore.

"Feel free to sit down", Viktor tells us, bringing the raisins and waffles to the coffee table, along with an opaque bottle.

Allison also seems particularly cheerful as she brings the glasses, and I admit that the light atmosphere of this evening contrasts pleasantly with everything I have experienced since Saturday… and everything that will possibly happen beyond today. She gets comfortable.

"Without sweatpants or pajamas, it's not a complete sleepover, but with plaids, we'll be fine".

Viktor sits on a chair, to leave us the sofa a good third of which is occupied by the cat.

"Your cat is big", I say as the feline with metallic blue eyes performs a careful grooming. "He's not really my cat", Viktor breathes with a half-smile. "He's Mrs. Kowalski's, my neighbor. She calls him 'Mr. Puddles'. I huff lightly with laughter and Viktor uncorks the bottle. "He settles in her all the time". "Are you feeding him?" "No, I don't even do that. I don't understand what he likes in here". I pick at a raisin. "Cats have the power to detect good people". Allison tilts her head, a finger on her cheek. "I thought they detected people who liked them". I nod. "Some would say it amounts to the same thing". Viktor looks at the cat who is now licking himself in hard to reach places. "I hope he doesn't eat the flowers".

My gaze turns to the large bouquet on the dining table, and I blink in appreciation.

"It's really a pretty damn beautiful bouquet. Is it a gift after a concert?"

Viktor smiles, with one of those expressions that often precedes a blush.

"Oh no", he said, looking towards his violin. "It's from… a friend… a student I've been teaching for a few days, actually, but he's… somehow special".

Without doing it on purpose, I meet Allison's gaze, which I don't know how to interpret. On the other hand, I guess that Viktor tries in vain to contain the emotions that he stirs around him, to the point that they almost become tangible in the air of the living room. The cat stops licking his paw for a short moment, raises his nose, then resumes washing as if nothing had happened.

"Do you often teach adults?" "No. No, he's actually the only one, and… he's really just starting out. But he's motivated, he wants to learn quickly". "He must really like you". I smile, and Viktor squeezes his fingers, while Allison goes silent in a way that's a bit unusual this evening. "He's very kind, very understanding, he makes me… feel special".

This last word seems to echo off the furniture in the living room as Viktor says it, and remembering what his life has been like, I can't help but tell myself that this good news is unexpected, in the middle of this terrible week which could well end in a apotheosis. I wonder out:

"I don't think I've ever received a bouquet in my life".

In truth, I don't really like seeing the bouquets fade at my grandmother's house, but my thoughts are still valid, and Allison catches it right away, teasing me:

"What, Klaus doesn't bring you flowers?" I don't know what she is calculating, but the answer comes to me quite spontaneously: "Klaus brings me chips and frozen waffles".

Allison takes a small piece of waffle which she chews with a kind of appreciative distrust, before declaring that it is not so bad, and whispering:

"My daughter loves those waffles…"

I gaze at her. Like just about everyone, I know that Allison is separated from her husband and that the situation is complex. I wouldn't have brought this subject up this evening, I would have stayed away from it, but since she has just opened a door…

"Are you going home soon?"

My question is not aiming at anything, but if Allison has already discussed anything about the apocalypse with Five, then she will be even more tempted to go back and try to see Claire as soon as posisble.

"Soon, but… I don't have visitation rights at the moment". Her sadness is mixed with resignation, as if she were blaming herself. "The court decided that I should not be tempted to use my power over her again, before attending counseling sessions".

Allison just said this sentence as if she had repeated it to herself many times.

"You did that…"

These are the only words that came to me. Viktor says nothing, and I try to catch myself, leaning back in the sofa.

"I'm sorry", I say. "I guess… it's hard, kids". "It is…"

Even if she sounds affected, I feel like Allison is ready to speak.

"Children, especially at three years old… test the limits and do everything to resist you. Claire knew… exactly which buttons to push".

My lips purse. My point of reference is mainly my own case, and the way my mother struggled to cope with me. Allison looks at the floor, while Viktor's eyes scan her.

"I know what other parents do, they remain patient, I…" "You always got everything you wanted in your life, very quickly".

Viktor is the one who completes Allison's statement, with an old resentment nestled in a shell of recent understanding, just like raisins covered in chocolate. She looks down, obviously self-conscious and determined. I feel like she doesn't want to do that anymore: that she no longer wishes to exist by Rumors. But such is the timeline mecanics: some inflections are irremediable.

"I don't think you're that different from other parents", I tell her.

As always, having a power only results in a magnifying effect of what happens to a lesser extent to everyone.

"Many parents do stupid things, because they have to deal with the cards they have. My mother…"

I already hinted at it at the dinner table the other day, but maybe it's time to be more explicit.

"Literally tried to see if hitting me worked. And she regretted it. Every time, before she stopped".

All that is far behind me. And there are other things Allison probably needs to hear.

"I don't know anything about red carpets, but… it seems to me that in your 'world', it's commonplace to have your kids raised by nannies, and to meet them once a month. I think you understand that it's just another kind of abuse, one that no one is judging".

Both Allison and Viktor look at me. Because this is part of their experience with their father, and because deep down, Allison knows that I am right: she, at least, tried. She loves Claire with all her heart. And I am convinced that this is what will make the difference in the end. Allison clinges a little bit to the plaid on her knees, and asks me :

"You… Would you like to have a familly? After what you went through?"

This question takes me aback, even though Granny has been bothering me with it for at least five years. But I feel more at ease to be honest with Allison than my grandmother. Damn it. This invitation is actually starting to look more and more like a sleepover, with or without sweatpants.

"You know, I'm not the type to plan this kind of things". I shake my head. "But to be perfectly honest, I like my freedom, and not being officially tied to or responsible for anyone".

Ironic, considering that I'm more or less screwed at Hargreeves Mansion this week. Allison tilts her head, and Viktor smiles because he knows what she's going to ask.

"You and Klaus are definitely on the same wavelength…"

This is tactful. Rumors are definitely not the only language that Allisons masters. And I breathe with a quarter of a smile:

"I don't think it's easy to characterize this wavelength. Sometimes, people are not as binary as we think".

Viktor smiles and picks up a chocolate raisin.

"How would you define yourself, the best you can?" Really, I didn't know what to expect when accepting this invitation. I prefer to make it clear directly. "We're not in a relationship if that's what you wanna know". It's not an easy question to answer actually. "It feels more like being an extension of the same person: we do feel incomplete when we don't see each other for long. And I guess I'm occasionally the 'n' in 'pan'". Allison smiles discreetly. "Does he talks to you about the rest of his sentimental life?" "Oh. Yes. Too much, sometimes. We both have our own experiences, our crushes and bad times. You know how it is. We've both met a lot of assholes and spent a lot of time complaining about our one-night stands. I guess we haven't met anyone really worth it yet. We're not easy people to handle, we know…" I laugh softly. "In the end, we always ended up on the same couch again".

Allison isn't even surprised, but I feel like she's more or less happy to hear my words, without any judgment. And I add:

"It's about feeling safe. Feeling home".

That thought makes my stomach churn a little, because right now I have no idea where Klaus is. Mr. Puddles stretches out his paws, then exposes his fluffy belly while purring. I run my hand through it. I like it when cats trust us enough to do that.

"Home", Allison repeats, and I smile at her before adding at last:

"Yeah. Home is wherever we are".

---

Notes:

I'm glad I could give Viktor, Allison and Mr Puddle some space here.

I hadn't really planned to explain the relationship between Rin and Klaus (if explainable), but ultimately this gives some useful keys for the next chapter.

Any comment will make my day! ♡

---

A bend in space-time, the masterlist :

- Season 1 (complete): Table of contents - Season 2 (complete): Table of contents - Season 3 (complete): Table of contents - Season 4 (in progress) : Table of contents

[orecana]

Once upon a time

Nct dream ot7 x male reader

Hello everybody, Orecana here is back with another fic for you guys. i've decided to try to write something i haven't tried after a long time, angst. As always, thank you to everyone who liked and read my fics.

WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS:

Main character death (y/n)

slight horror

survivor guilt

excessive crying

suicide attempts

nightmare/flashbacks

abuse/verbal assault

children were laughing, singing and dancing. They were full of joy. this is what a young boy thought as he walks timidly home. he was accompanied by another young boy. they were talking happily.

"hey! last one home is a rotten egg."

the boy's energetic friend runs off as the boy tries to warn him about cars and chases him. it was unfortunate that the friend was too excited that he failed to see the car that was in front of him when he steps onto the road to home.

"JAEMIN!"

it was a blur really, he couldn't remember what had happened but what he does know is that when he wakes up after he was pushed, He sees something that would traumatize him forever. he struggled to breath, trying to hold back tears as he see the boy, his friend with blood all over his body.

The boy screams so loud that it alerted everyone in the neighborhood. when the parents arrived to the crime scene while some neighbors tries to phone the ambulance. the boy's parents holds him like he was the most precious thing ever and caresses his arms. his friend's father tried to hit him and told him that he should have died instead of his son which resulted in a huge fight.

as they fight, the boy walks towards the body of his friend and hold his body as he sobs into it. his tears staining the white shirt they were wearing as a matching outfit. the worst part was that the boy had a smile as he lays unconscious on the road which only made jaemin cries harder.

"wake up......."

"WAKE UP!"

jaemin startles awake in his bed, gasping for air as he felt a pair of hands wrap around him.

"Jaemin, are you okay?" jeno says as he tries to calm him down

jaemin looks around seeing the faces of his group members looking at him with concerned looks. he was sweating a lot, it was a painful memory to remember. he felt a hand on his, he looks up to see renjun with a worried face.

"it's been happening for many days already jaemin-ah, i think it's time you let us know what is troubling you. i can't bear to see you cry in your sleep anymore." renjun says as he can feel his tears threatening to pour out.

jaemin looks down, feeling ashamed over his own actions. He didn't that avoiding the topic has caused so much trouble for his band members.

mark sits on the bed and rubs jaemin's shoulders as he whispers sweet nothings to him.

"don't keep your pain within yourself, darling. We're all here to help you overcome it and we'll do everything that we can do. you just have to let us in."

jaemin blushes a bit at the nickname. it has been a secret for a long time but all 7 of them were in a relationship. At first, not everyone was open to the idea of having such a relationship, but overtime everyone realized their feelings and warmed up to the idea of this relationship.

jaemin sighs as he look at everyone and takes a deep breath.

"okay, you guys better strap yourself. since we got the whole week off, i'm gonna go over every detail. please don't mind me if i cry over this, it's just a painful memory for me."

they nod and smile. this made jaemin loosen up and begins to tell about his childhood.

you see, jaemin did have a happy childhood and it was because of his friend y/n l/n. because he was kinda rich, he was only sought after because of his wealth. y/n however was not like that, he genuinely wanted to be friends with jaemin. He was hesitant at first, not knowing if y/n really wanted to be friends with him. he quickly warmed up though when y/n saved him from falling off the stairs.

it might sound silly but the genuine smile that he saw on y/n face was what made him accept the friend request. they told their respective parents about their friends and while jaemin received positive reviews, he knew something was up with y/n when he was suddenly avoiding him like a plague.

at first, he didn't mind because he didn't want to barge into unknown territories. but after a month, he had enough. He corners y/n near the library halls and started screaming at him.

"i don't know what i did wrong to make you avoid me, but AT LEAST talk to me or just tell me you're okay...."

jaemin cries as his body falls onto y/n who holds it.

"I'm sorry, my parents wanted me to use you for money. That's why i avoided you."

Jaemin smiles and y/n smiles back.

"friends?"

y/n chuckles

"friends."

After that it was so much fun for them. They hanged out together, made many fun memories. Of course until that fateful day. The car crash.

Jaemin sobs while telling the members about y/n saving him from the car crash and how he felt so guilty about it. Donghyuck caresses jaemin's hair as mark whispers sweet nothings to him.

"I'm sorry it happened to you jaemin ah."

"No, don't be sorry. It was my fault. if i didn't run, he wouldn't have died."

Jisung angrily grips jaemin by the collar of his shirt.

"It's not anyone's fault. Even if you travelled back in time, It would have still happened."

Chenle removes jisung's hand from jaemin as he tries to calm down the maknae.

"jisung is mad you're blaming yourself. But what he said is true babe. There are just some things in life that we can't change no matter what we do."

Jaemin listened to the two youngest words and he felt himself relieved of the guilt he felt just now. Then they heard something move in the room. they tried to look for where it was coming from until something dropped to the floor.

Jeno goes to check it out. He saw something on the floor amidst the dark room and picks it up.

"Uh jaemin, It appears to be a portrait of someone."

Jaemin's blood froze and instantly went to grab the portrait. No..... it can't be....

It was a portrait of 2 boys standing and hugging each other. they were smiling happily and words were carved into the portrait. It reads

"BEST FRIENDS FOREVER"

Then a noise from the bathroom broke them out of their trances. They look it with fearful expressions. Jisung slowly approaches and opens the door along with turning on the lights. He freezes when he looks at the mirror and signals the others to look as well.

It was a bloody message that reads

"Where's our most cherished place nana?"

Jaemin head hurts again as he groans painfully, seeing many visions before collapsing.

'a letter with a heart on it...... A place with many flowers...... A tall sakura tree...'

Jaemin wakes up from his flashback with the other members surrounding him again. Renjun and jeno were hugging each of his arms while the others slept around the bed.

"are you awake nana?"

jaemin looks to his left, seeing renjun giggling and pinch his cheeks.

"Yes, i am injunnie."

slowly the others got up as well because of the interaction between the two.

"i remembered something when i looked at that message."

they all look at jaemin in surprise and chenle asked what was it?

"it was our old place, i bet it's in shambles now. but i wanna see it again since the message told me to. will you guys come with me?"

He smiles a bit but it was enough to warm the others heart knowing that jaemin has recovered a bit.

"we would love to, hyung" chenle said with a smile as well

"someone should tell the manager though."

Mark sternly tells everyone as they get ready to head out. everyone nod in agreement. they don't want their manager to go on a wild goose chase for their whereabouts.

still being the leader, he decides to be the one to do it. the manager was kind and told them that it is okay but warn them to be safe and be as discreet as possible because they don't want the members to get into trouble.

mark says goodbye as he starts off the car while everybody else locks the dorm. Mark drives the car based on jaemin's directions. they started small and happy talks while they were driving, filling the atmosphere with joy. Then they arrived at that place. it was just as jaemin said nothing was the same.

It wasn't the same place that jaemin remembers. it was filled with a garden of flowers and a giant sakura tree in the middle. Now though, nothing was left, no gardens no flowers not even a sign of life was there. there was only a dead tree in the middle but jaemin knew that going there would mean something.

They all got out of the car after mark parked it somewhere safe and began walking towards the dead tree. everything was gone. The green bushes full of flowers were now dead withered and the little bugs that y/n and him would catch is nowhere to be seen. And the giant blooming sakura tree where y/n confesses that he had a crush now stood dead and hollow.

they stopped in front of the tree, frozen in their tracks. jaemin felt tears running down his cheeks as he drops to his knees. the others could do nothing but stand frozen at the sight before them.

there it was, the Corpse of y/n l/n. the state of the body was as jaemin remembers it, Blood dripping down all parts of the body, eyes closed with that horrid smile. Then the corpse moves its head up and opens its eyes, showing extremely dark eyes with small white pupils.

"You're all here. *smiles* I'm g-glad"

Jaemin stares at it in disbelief. It couldn't be....

"y-y/n?"

The corpse smiles as it stands up, walking towards the group.

"of course nana. Who else?"

jaemin rush to hug the corpse. even if it was dead and rotten but he didn't care. he missed his friend so much.

"i-i'm sorry y/n. if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have died."

y/n only smiles as he pats jaemin's back and look at the members behind him.

"it's not your fault jaemin, in fact i have a confession to make. i would have died that day even if i hadn't saved you."

jaemin was confused as he backs away from his childhood friend.

"what do you mean?" "i've tried killing myself millions of times already jaemin, it's only natural that i will die soon."

the revelation shocked jaemin very hard as he stared at y/n in disbelief. there was no way.... right?

"that day, i've consumed poison so i would die the moment i sleep. that's why i felt extremely weak and tired that day. But when i saw the car coming your way, i couldn't bear to see you die so i pushed you out of the way."

Jaemin was angry and grips the corpses shoulders. because the body was frail, a huge crack sound echo through the environment.

jeno tries to hold jaemin back but mark stopped him, shaking his head.

"let them take care of this."

Jaemin was growling at his dead friend who only smiled at him back.

" why did you kill yourself? why?"

"because my parents was gonna sell me off. they only had money because they won their gambles but when they don't and the person demanded payment, they decided to sell me off."

Jaemin only become angrier, knowing that those pieces of shit called y/n parents killed his most beloved childhood friend.

"why did you save me?" "because you still have a life. my life was already decided for me but yours was not. That's why i saved you. don't be sad jaemin ah! I'm so happy to see you accomplish a lot of things in life. i'm so glad."

y/n pushes jaemin away from him as he starts walking back to the tree. his body changing, glowing. He was his normal self now. no longer covered in blood and looking as pretty as back then only that he aged himself. his body begins to slowly fade away as jaemin screams "NO" and tries to stop him but The others hold him back as y/n smiles sadly.

"you know jaemin, my life was shit until i found you. you were the only thing in this world that kept me from moving on into the afterlife. I wanted to see you happy, just once."

The other 6 members don't know why but tears threatened to fall down their faces as well at y/n's words.

"I LOVE YOU GUYS. NCT DREAM!"

those were y/n's final words as he fade away leaving a photo album on the ground. They walk towards and grab it and opens the book.

in it were memories of y/n with all of them. all members heads begin to spin as they all recall memories that were long forgotten. how they met y/n, how they hang out, how all of them met back in their childhood.

They snapped out of it to see the album empty with only fragile papers threatened to torn at any second and only a sentence was written on it.

"I LOVE YOU GUYS. I HOPE YOU GUYS ARE HAPPY!"

They smiled at the message as mark excuses himself to go get the car so they can go home. Once they were in the car, they all look at each other. as if they were thinking the same thing, they all laugh in sync before mark starts up the car and drives them home.

Jaemin looks out the window and into the clear sky as he smile fondly.

'i hope that wherever you are now y/n, i hope you're happy. Thanks for giving me- no, for giving us such wonderful memories that we wish to forget. You gave us the strength to fight forward.'

So please y/n l/n, rest in peace. WE LOVE YOU TOO.

nct dream was finishing their concert and were walking to their favorite place to eat when a familiar person walk past them. jaemin notices and tries to grab them when they turn around smiling.

"Hello guys..."

[zepskies]

Hey, again!! I loved reading your thoughts on the Epilogue...

I love the fact that they are all able to sit down for a meal as a family, and the fact that for desert, she made them apple pie, with everything that means to them.

This is everything I wanted for them from the very beginning! 🥰 And thank you for shouting out the apple pie part of it, drawing back to Part 7. That's exactly what I was getting at.

Your returning smile was tentative as you divvied out the first piece. Dean was just a bit disappointed when you handed it to John. His eyes followed the plate.

Haha, I can picture the look on Dean's face at not getting the first slice of pie.

Haha ikr?? His little face. 😂❤️

The little heart to heart moment Dean and John had... “Just wanted to say thank you, for what you did for her,” he said, discreetly nodding at you. He kept his voice quiet. “You protected her when I couldn’t.” It must have killed Dean to know he couldn't protect her and such a relief for him to know his dad had been able to for him.

Oh for sure! That's what had Dean breaking the rules and leaving the van to go in there, along with worry for his dad. I thought John and Dean needed this heart to heart moment to have both understanding and closure between them. 💕💕

And as you rightly point out:

Of course, he has a line. He may have been obsessed with catching Mary's killer and not always made the best decisions, but at the end of the day, his boys are THE most important to him and would sacrifice himself for them (and in this case the women they love to spare them the pain he went through).

That was exactly my thinking on this, and why the scene in Stull Storage went down the way it did. The phone call between Dean and Daniel was a wakeup call for John -- showing him just where his path of revenge has led.

Oooo... he gave Dean Mary's engagement ring!!! Well, there is a real seal of approval and a lovely moment between father and son.

He did!!! And it absolutely is. 🥹 John's accepted her into the family!

The Monday morning after that family dinner a few months ago, you’d quit your job at Savage & Co. After a month of wracking your brain and your savings, you decided to start your own catering business.

Love that she is doing this for herself and finally starting to follow her dream.

It was a long time coming, wasn't it? I think we all wanted to see the reader leave Savage & Co. and pursue her passions. 💗

Dean's welcome back to the station was perfect, and I could picture it so clearly. Oh he's getting a promotion!! It is so very in character for him to think that he doesn’t deserve it after everything that he did, but I'm happy she was able to change his mind and see he does deserve it.

Aww I'm so glad to hear that!! Dean's triumphant return was much needed and a fun scene to write, with one last inclusion of Meg lol. 😘

I'm glad you thought that aspect of Dean was in character because I thought so too. But the reader does as much for Dean as he does for her in that sense. 💕

I'm so happy you enjoyed the ending of Smoke Eater!! 🥹 It took a lot of hard work to get here, but I'm very glad it was a fun ride! 💕💕

Smoke Eater - Epilogue

Pairing: Firefighter!Dean Winchester x F. Reader 

Summary: Dean Winchester is the cocky, but well-respected Lieutenant at Firehouse 25. He leads by example, but he’s also known to break a few hearts. He’s starting to crave something he’s never had, though. Something stable. Something real. 

That’s when he meets you, on a truly terrible day, trapped in a rickety old elevator.

🔥 Series Masterlist

AN: We made it, friends. 🥹

Word Count: 2,800 Tags/Warnings: Fluff and feels, that is all.

Epilogue: “Easy as Pie”

The week after the incident at Stull Storage, John, Sam, Dean, and Eileen sat down to a family dinner that you cooked in the brothers’ apartment. Aside from Eileen, all of you had injuries in one form or another (but even Sam’s shiner was healing up nicely). 

For dessert, you were a bit nervous as you brought out a freshly baked apple pie. Dean caught you mentally bracing yourself before you set it down on the table. He shot you a reassuring smile.

“Looks great,” he said.

Your returning smile was tentative as you divvied out the first piece. Dean was just a bit disappointed when you handed it to John. His eyes followed the plate.

You smiled more genuinely, and made sure the next generous piece you cut was for your boyfriend.

After everyone was served, you sat down with your own plate and encouraged them all to dig in. Forks hit the crumbly top and cinnamon apple filling, and there were collective hums of pleasure throughout the room.

You brightened and glanced over at the rest of the table. John looked contemplative. His fork rested on the plate for a moment.

He gave a rare smile. “That’s some damn good pie.” 

Sam nodded. “For sure.”

Dean looked over at you after he’d already demolished half of his serving. A smile spread across his face.

“Best slice of pie since I can remember,” he said, giving you a wink.

Both of you knew the weight of that review. It humbled you, making you blush.

You smiled and leaned over to press a kiss to his cheek, rough with stubble.

“I guess this recipe’s a keeper then,” you said.

He hummed in agreement. When he went in for a real kiss, it was sweet indeed.

From then on, you all spent the evening talking, eating, laughing, with you and Sam drinking wine and everyone else their beer. You updated them on Andréa and Benny, who were planning their trip to Greece in a few months.

"We should take a vacation," Dean pointed out, gesturing around the table. "All of us."

Sam raised his brows at his brother. "Oh yeah? Where would you wanna go?"

Dean thought about it for a moment. He glanced at you, and found you smiling.

"The beach," he said. "Somewhere warm and chill, with those fancy little umbrellas in your drink."

"Hmm...I like that," you said, as your smile grew. Tropical, relaxing, a warm sun on your face, and your boyfriend in some board shorts. You could definitely go for some of that.

"Sounds nice," Eileen agreed.

"I'll look into some destinations," Sam nodded. Dean nudged his brother's shoulder.

"One word, dude. Maui."

Sam snorted. "We can't afford Maui."

"Hey, you never know, man! Time to check out some Groupons."

"You can't get a Groupon to go to Hawaii," Sam said. His face was scrunched in what Dean liked to call, his "Know It All" face.

"Are you kidding me?" Dean shot back. "There's a friggin' Groupon for everything nowadays!"

Of course, that devolved into a familiar sibling argument that was only disrupted when John broke into the conversation. He admitted something shocking—that he was taking some time off work, for the first time since he took his sons camping when they were kids. Sam and Dean teased the workaholic for finally "slowing down" in his old age, but it was all in good fun.

You and Eileen shared a knowing look. It all felt as close to family as you’d had in a long time.

And for Dean, it felt like he could breathe again. He’d gotten a text shortly after dessert—from Cas.

Jo made it into the Police Academy. She starts training in a few weeks.

Dean’s lips quirked with a smile.

How do you know?

I’ll be instructing a couple of her classes. Firearm Safety and Weapons Training.

Dean nearly laughed.

Good luck, buddy. Try not to get your ass shot.

To which Cas replied:

My ass will be nowhere within range, I assure you.

Dean did chuckle at that. When you turned to him and asked what was so funny, he just shook his head and grabbed onto your hand on the table.

“Nothin’. I’m good,” he said. He pressed your knuckles to his lips. “I’m real good.”

You smiled at that.

Later that night, Dean walked his father to the door while you and Sam were locked in a trivia game, and Eileen tried to play mediator between two very competitive nerds.  

“Dad,” Dean said.

John stopped with a hand on the door, turning back to his eldest.

Dean paused to gather his thoughts, but he eventually grasped his father’s arm and met his gaze.

“Just wanted to say thank you, for what you did for her,” he said, discreetly nodding at you. He kept his voice quiet. “You protected her when I couldn’t.”

John paused, seeming surprised. His brows furrowed as he shook his head.

“You don’t need to thank me for that, son,” he said.

“Yeah, I do,” Dean insisted. He’d heard every bit of that conversation between John and Daniel in that warehouse. His father had been willing to lay down and die for you, not a moment’s hesitation.

Cas was right, Dean had realized. His father did have a line.

John let out a breath. “What matters is we made it here.”

Dean nodded, though he dimmed.

“Yeah, came with one hell of a price tag.”

It still weighed heavily on him, what he’d had to do to end Daniel Savage. In the end, John had lied on his statement of the events. He’d taken responsibility for grabbing Daniel’s gun and shooting him between the eyes.

“It’s the only thing I can do to keep you out of this,” John had told his son. “Should’ve been my hand anyway.”

Dean appreciated what his dad had done to protect him from the law, and his career, but it still made him feel dirty. A strike to his integrity as a first responder, and as a man. That was something he’d just have to deal with, along with everything else.

John distracted him, however, by gripping his shoulder this time.

“You saved my life, Dean,” he said. And with a hint of a smile, “It’s what you’re good at.”

Dean met his dad’s gaze. He wasn’t quite able to smile back, but there was new warmth in his chest.

“Oh,” said John, raising a finger. “Before I forget…”

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a silver engagement ring with a small stone. To Dean, it looked familiar…

When it finally struck him what this was, he looked up at John in surprise. Dean glanced back to make sure you weren’t looking before he tentatively took the ring.

“Is this…Mom’s?” he asked.

John nodded. “The stone’s nothing special. You might wanna get it reset. Sam already figured out his uh…situation on his own. Maybe you want to find your own too.”

Dean knew what he meant. Sam had bought a ring last year, but he'd proposed to Eileen just a few days ago. They were already planning to get married a year from now, along with buying their first house together.

Dean examined the ring he held with a softer smile.

“Nah, it’s perfect,” he said.

He didn’t know yet if you two were ready for that step. A lot had happened in such a short amount of time…but he knew he wasn’t going anywhere.

He had time to do things right with you.

A few months later, Dean’s medical leave ended. He was physician-approved for duty, psych evaluation and all. He showed up for his shift bright and early.

He entered the doors of Firehouse 25 to a host of his friends and makeshift family cheering, complete with cheesy streamers and an even cheesier cake that Meg held. On the top was scrawled: Good Job Cracking Your Head.

“A smoke eater returns to the house!” Benny remarked with a grin. “Good to see ya, brother.”

He clapped Dean heavily enough on the back that it earned a grunt and a laugh out of him.

“You too, man,” Dean replied.

Meg set down the cake on the table and was the next one to playfully punch him in the shoulder.

“You have a nice little vacation?” she teased.

Dean rolled his eyes. “Yeah, complete with bottomless margaritas and little umbrellas.”

She smirked, but she was still earnest when she touched his arm.

“Welcome back.”

Dean chuckled. “Ooh, now I know you missed me.”

It was her turn to roll her eyes as she waved a dismissive hand at him. Chuck and Jack gave more sincere well wishes, with the latter actually hugging Dean. He’d tolerated it with a smile.

Gordon clapped him on the shoulder once Jack was finally done, and Dean sent the Candidate off with a bright smile on his face.

Gordon smiled. “Welcome back, Lieutenant.”

Dean nodded and shook the other man’s hand. “Thanks for holdin’ down the fort, man.”

“No problem,” Gordon said. “Any time you wanna go on sabbatical, you just let me know. Acting Lieutenant’s almost better than the real deal. It’s not as much paperwork.”

Dean chuckled, but before he could sling back a retort, the alarm went off. There was a working house fire downtown, according to the dispatcher in the overhead speaker.

Bobby appeared in the hall and clapped his hands once.

“All right, gear up. We’re startin’ off the day right,” he said. He gave Dean a look that was somehow both pleased to see him and stern at the same time. Bobby addressed him with a point of his finger.

“See me in my office before the end of shift,” he said. “We’ve got somethin’ to talk about.”

A few days later, Dean had the rare pleasure of welcoming you home from work on his day off. You trudged into the apartment with several bags and rolling a cooler behind you. He got up from the couch and grabbed some of the bags for you on your way to the kitchen.

“How did it go?” he asked, reaching out a hand to rub some flour off your cheek. You smiled brightly.

“Well, there was a little snafu with the mini quiche, but they loved the menu I proposed. They want me to cater the whole wedding!” you said.

“Whoa, that’s a lotta food,” Dean remarked. Once you’d dumped the rest of your stuff on the kitchen table, he slid an arm around your waist and brought you flush against him, earning a squeal from you.

You clung to his shoulders. “You still on for being my official taste tester?”

He stared at you with mock offense.

“Uh, obviously. Mini quiche are my weakness,” he teased. “Just another form of pie, far as I’m concerned.”

You giggled into his lips as he claimed you for a kiss. It was both sweet, and a bit naughty as his hands moved to squeeze your ass. His words were no less heartfelt.

“I’m proud of you, sweetheart,” Dean said. “I really am.”

 You smiled and stroked his cheek in answer.

The Monday morning after that family dinner a few months ago, you’d quit your job at Savage & Co. After a month of wracking your brain and your savings, you decided to start your own catering business.

It was your way of starting small, to try and get people in this town to know you for your food and baked goods. And maybe, if you were successful enough, you’d be able to open up your own bakery in a couple of years.

For once, you were going after what you truly wanted…but now, your career was only part of it.

You hadn’t forgotten your conversation with Dean about what he wanted for his future: of getting married someday, and having a family. Something he could build for himself. 

Not only did you want that for him, but you’d begun to crave that for yourself as well: a family of your own.

Realistically, you knew that part was years away for you and Dean. However, you had that in the back of your mind. Having your own business had always been your dream, but sometimes your dream could adjust. 

Or, it could become something new.

You’d also sold your grandparents’ house. You had contemplated going back, but you didn’t want to be reminded of how the police and the Arson Department had torn it apart after Daniel Savage threatened your life. You didn’t want to be reminded of where both of your grandparents died.

You loved that house, but you also knew it was time to let it go…

Because you finally understood what your grandfather had tried to tell you months ago.

A house did not make a home. And now, you’d managed to make a new one.

For his part, Dean had been happy to have you stay in his apartment. Sam was getting ready to move out in a few months anyway, as he and Eileen were deep into house hunting and planning their wedding.

“So…I’ve gotta tell you something,” said Dean, after he parted from your lips for a moment, and allowed you to breathe. His tone made you tilt your head in suspicion.

“It’s nothing bad,” he said, though he looked a bit nervous.

Your brows furrowed. You led him to the couch, where he held your hands in his. It took him a moment to get started. He seemed stuck on what he wanted to say, or maybe just how he wanted to say it.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure I can handle it,” you teased.

Dean gave you a smile. His shoulders relaxed a little.

“They want to promote me to Captain,” he said.

Your mouth fell open and your eyes went wide.

“They? Who’s they?” you asked.

Dean blew out a breath and scratched at the small scar on the side of his head.

“Apparently it came from the Battalion Chief.”

He explained that the Fire Department had gotten the full debrief from both Sam and John about Dean’s involvement in ending the serial arsons and murders committed by Nick and Daniel Savage. Without you and Dean, they wouldn’t have figured out Azazel’s identity, let alone stopped his criminal enterprise.

You smiled wide with excitement as you held Dean’s face in your hands.

“That’s amazing!” you said. You pulled him in for a hug. Though he held you back, you soon realized that you were happier than he seemed to be. You pulled back and carded your fingers through his hair, earning his gaze.

“What’s wrong, baby? This is great news!”

Dean’s lips pursed. “I don’t know. I broke ranks and defied a direct order at the Savage & Co. fire. And at the warehouse, I was even more reckless. I don’t want to be promoted for disobeying orders.”

You frowned at that, even as you continued to stroke through his hair.

“What did Bobby tell you?” you asked.

Once again, Dean sighed. He’d been called into Bobby’s office a few days ago, after his first shift back at 25.

He’d surprised the hell out of Dean.

“Did you break ranks that day, and put not just yourself, but Benny and the rest of your men in danger?” Bobby said. “You bet your ass.”

Dean averted his gaze. He stood with his hands drawn behind his back, willing to take whatever punishment the Chief saw fit.

“But,” Bobby continued. His fingers tapped on his desk, where he sat on the edge across from Dean. “It wasn’t fair of me to stop you from lookin’ for your girlfriend.”

Dean’s attention sharpened at that, and he frowned in confusion. Bobby didn’t apologize. Ever.

“Sir?” Dean asked uncertainly.

Bobby softened the slightest bit. He heaved a sigh.

The man was a widower, but he still wore his wedding ring. He toyed with it now on his finger.

“We could’ve radioed in with the other teams already at work. I could’ve paired half of your team with the top floor units. But in the heat of the moment, I made a judgment call,” Bobby said, leveling Dean with a look. “As a leader, you’ll continue makin’ mistakes. You’ll make the wrong call. It’s how you learn to keep leading that matters. And there ain’t a person in this house that wouldn’t have gone up to pull your fool head outta that fire.”

Dean stayed quiet in his discomfort. He still wasn’t entirely sure why Bobby was telling him all of this.

“That being said, this is coming from the top,” Bobby said. His gruffness was back. He took a folder off his desk and handed it to Dean. “Here’s the next step, if you choose to accept it.”

You were crying by the end of his story. Dean cupped your cheek and caught your tears with his thumb. You grabbed that hand and gently squeezed.

“He believes in you, Dean,” you said. “So do I. And it’s my turn to be so damn proud of you.”

Dean graced you with a smile for that one. Yours brightened. You moved off the couch and slid into his lap, twining your arms around his neck. Dean welcomed you with an arm around your waist and a hand sliding up your jean-clad thigh.

“Guess I’m gonna have to get used to calling you Captain,” you said with a smirk.

Captain Winchester, Dean considered, rolling the weight of it around in his mind.

He chuckled. “Okay, maybe I'm liking the sound of that.”

“Mhmm, that’s what I thought,” you said, shortly before you pressed your lips to his. He squeezed your hip while your deft fingers once again slipped into his hair. With each new kiss, Dean felt more of his uncertainty melt away.

A new thought occurred to him then. It made him start to grin against your lips, and you parted from him.

“What?” you asked in amusement.

Dean slipped a hand into his pocket, where he felt the outline of his mother’s newly resized ring.

“Hey,” he said. Your brows drew together in suspicion at the gleam in his eye. 

“Hey, yourself,” you quipped. 

Dean breathed in deep, steeling himself. He looked into your eyes, and he smiled. 

“I’ve got a question for you.”

AN: ...And I think we all know what her answer was. ❤️‍🔥

I can't believe it! I started posting this story on September 15, the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Almost four months later, we finally made it to the end of Smoke Eater. 🥹

Thank you to all of you who've been following along at any point of the journey. Your comments and feedback have truly touched me, and have helped keep me going! 💕

Dean Winchester Masterlist

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[eviltiddyproductions]

Crash Course in Romance: Episode 3

lmaooo she called the police bodyguards of society, i like that 😂

anyway 💅💅💅

Chiyeol oversharing like I do with my sister. #real

LMAO him and his assistant are so cute

the assistant even opens doors for everyone, a sweetheart actually

why do i do this to myself i want to jump to episode 16 already 💀😭 let me be patient

I LOVE HER FRIEND 😂😂😂 'you always side with men' 'you're right I love them too much'

she's running, he's driving and he's racing her

lmaooo he lost. my girl's so cute

no way they gotta stay in line to book everyday ??? this is insane actually

i love her. *I'd love to see Chiyeol* scene cuts to her bumping into him the next day and running anyway because she's late to book a seat to his class 😭

I LOVE HER LMAO she's still beefing with him. as she should, she's spent so much money and time already 💀

my sister slaying her classes, sitting front row and getting answers correct

lmaooo she accidentally threw water at him

the identity reveal is actually so funny

another day of my man leaving without his food

does he even drink? just has those bottles around 😂

awww you can't eat around because that's a student's place

NOOOO lmao he's worried if she posted about him as phone thief

i love the assistant Mr Ji 💀 'what if she decides to fist fight' 'then we become cowards and fight two to one'

awww he wants to share the meal with the assistants

oh he got invited to dinner

save some for me as I won’t be eating there. 🤣

I somehow did not see him being the first one to agree with that summer med batch thing. interesting

lmaooo he wants blackboards in return

well he makes a good point. hassle for teachers✅ then get hassle for director ✅

not the nasty teacher friend again. ugh. chiyeol LEAVE

awww come here bb. don’t listen to them :(

he’s actually still paying for those losers? I’d literally leave and never converse again

now he’s hearing the coworkers and assistants talk shit too 😭😭😭 don’t talk it personally bae! we all hate our bosses <3

I want to hug him through the screen because it is relatable and an actual nightmare at the same time 😭

she did get the phone back !!! damn he really bought her a lot of groceries 💀

damn the lawyer mom is ruthless but she talks to her son as if she’s training him for the army like woah relax (idk I just get anxious and sad in situations like these 😭✋ like let your kids breathe ‘our plans will get messed up’ parents)

you know for a second I thought maybe she was overdoing this to the kid because of the dad or pressure from outside but it’s just her 💀 the dad has moved out and is calling her out on it

don’t call him babe!! your intentions are pure but it’ll probably be taken the wrong way

the way I’ve slogged through kdrama episodes in the past and I’m just zooming through them here woah

oh thank god the assistant picked up the call 🙏

Sunjae loves our daughter so bad. Sent her the tests too <333

OH NO HIS MOM SAW IT. SUNJAE RUN 😭😭😭😭

gag her Sunjae you’re right

I want to empathise but how do you see one son struggling, have made one struggle and your partner has left and you still continue the same cycle

also maybe the hooded person taking money was her other son?

I hope he isn’t the shooter or anything 😭🙏

why do I think Chiyeol is about to be super mean to her 😭 might be under stress or whatever but idk maybe

let’s breathe and get through this scene 🧘‍♀️

he’s right so I can’t even fight the logic. my girl just sorta came here with good intentions. just the wrong day ;-;

honestly not that bad, scene finished quickly and wasn’t hurtful

Hearing anyway sounds like relief rn

nooo lawyer mom is unconscious

what if he stays here and misses the test, she’ll flip

you can just park your car on the road like that? honestly not too shabby

lmao his plan b is running to the event #me

she’s sweet offering him a ride, I would’ve sassed a bit 🙏

him in his pink helmet struggling while being a scooty passenger princess

no sunjae don’t miss the exam

he didn’t miss 🙏🙏🙏

did Chiyeol just call her a biker gang member 🤣

Sunjae and our baby both made it !!!

our baby’s friends are so wholesome. pls don’t change.

did he just save her with his foot 🤣

the most different meet cute I’ve seen in my life

Sunjae attentive as hell. 💀 my sister already kinda likes the hockey player but I’m still rooting for y’all 💗

Oh no I think my baby’s seat is about to be taken

lmaooo now you want to eat Chiyeol 💀✋

‘I’ve been starving for her food all day’ *leaves smiling’

I think he’s going to wait lol

aaah the bestie’s named Kim Yeong-ju. i love you tooo yeongjuuuu!!!!

she saw Chiyeol and a siren blared past by LMAOOOO

lmaooo she picked him up 🤣🤣🤣 my sweet girl

oh no please don’t tell me they kiss falling down. hate that trope down 😭✋

[dizscreams]

hiii love, i hope you’re having a great day/night! i’m back at it again with another mindy request! (for this the reader and mindy have been pining after each other for awhile!)

okayyy so i’m thinking this is where ghostface attacks everyone in the apartment and instead of anika, the reader gets stabbed, along with mindy ofc. while danny sets up the ladder, the reader and mindy start fretting over each other and trying to put pressure on each other’s wounds because they’re panicking and don’t want to lose each other. the readers wounds are so bad that they think they’re gonna die at this point so they convince mindy to cross the ladder first. but when the reader is crossing it, ghostface starts shaking the ladder. mindy panicks and tries to cross the ladder again to pull the reader through the window. ofc mindy saved the reader cuz she’s a badass <33 afterwards they’re finally confessing bc they were so scared the other would die:(( just angst to comfort and fluff!! and pls feel free to add anything to this! i like when we collab with our ideas :D

🧚🏽

HI DARLING! :) I love that you don’t mind me adding random things to your requests 😭 your ideas are just so brilliant that you get my brain and my own ideas flowing 🤭 but anyways this idea is beautiful and I love it! hope you enjoy <3

I wont let anything happen to you — Mindy Meeks ★

PAIRING: Mindy x gn!reader

SUMMARY: It’s the apartment scene and instead of Anika getting hurt really bad it’s you! You go across the ladder Ghostface tries and kills you but Mindy saves you. After all of that you both confess to each other and it’s a happy little ending :)

WARNINGS: stabbing and blood

(btw there are definitely tons of mistakes just ignore them 😭)

You were sitting on the couch with Anika, she was studying while you were watching TV. The Core 4 were talking and laughing at the dinner table. Mindy always looked so pretty when she laughed. You’ve had this enormous crush on her for like forever but always assumed she never felt the same since there were no signals telling you otherwise.

Everyone had turned silent because of the noises in Quinn’s room.

“My god Quinn and her gentleman caller are back at it again” Tara says and they all begin to laugh. The notifications of everyone at the tables phones puts a stop to their laughter and they all give each other a confused look.

Immediately after that Quinn starts screaming and shouting from her room and you all stand up running near her door. Chad is behind Tara protectively and Mindy is beside you. The noises become silenced and all Mindy says is

“Run”

In a flash, Ghostface pushes Quinn’s dead body out the door and it lands on Anika knocking her over. She starts screaming and Tara and Chad make a run for it out of the door. Anika quickly gets up and runs after them, not wanting to be apart of what’s happening.

Ghostface is standing there watching while Mindy mutters a curse under her breath. Ghostface quickly slashes Mindy’s arm and she falls while Sam moves out of the way. “Mindy!” you shout and then turn to Ghostface “You stay the fuck back!” You’re on the ground too at this point and try your best to hit and kick him away.

This Ghostface is so much stronger than you however and they end up pinning you to the ground and choking you. Sam runs to get a knife from the kitchen but they’re all gone so she grabs the knife block instead. Ghostface lifts you up and holds you against the fireplace while Mindy’s holding her arm and groaning in pain.

He stabs you in the stomach and you cry out in pain. “NO” Mindy says while she struggles to get up. Ghostface starts pulling the knife upwards in your stomach. You yell out even louder and you’re pretty sure the whole apartment can hear you.

Mindy’s screaming and crying at this point and Sam comes running and hits Ghostface with the knife block. Ghostface drops to the ground while you stand there and hold your stomach with tears rushing down your face.

Sam and Mindy help you run into Quinn’s bedroom and Sam locks the door while Mindy sits you on the edge of Quinn’s bed. Ghostface is banging and kicking on the door and Sam’s trying to keep it shut. You and Mindy are holding your wounds and Mindy put her arm around you without her realizing it.

Ghostface suddenly stops pounding on the door and Sam gets worried.

“Mindy! Close the bathroom door” she whispers while Mindy’s nodding and getting up from the bed. She makes it in and yells “FUCK! That guys dead!” As Ghostface runs in the bathroom and Sam rushes in to help Mindy close the door. They end up going to close the other bathroom door that lead back into Quinn’s room.

Mindy locks it and Sam scoots Quinn’s dresser in front of it to keep Ghostface out and buy her time to think of a plan. You can’t do much other than hold your stomach and look at all the blood rushing out of you. You couldn’t survive this there was no way.

Ghostface kicks and punches the door trying to get it open while Sam and Mindy are putting their back to the dresser to try and put more force. Sam notices her boyfriend out of his window from the other building waving his hands and goes towards the window in Quinn’s room to try and find a way out of this.

“Mindy- Mindy are you doing” you trail off not being able to focus “-okay are you okay?”

“I’m fine! Don’t worry about me please just try and keep pressure on your stomach!”

She struggles to speak as Ghostface is still kicking the door trying to get it open and your hands are shaking so bad you think they might fall off. You look over at the window to see Danny putting a ladder across both apartment windows.

Sam speaks quick not wanting to waste any more time “You two go first!”

“No, I need to hold the door! You go and I’ll get Y/N next!”

“Mindy-“

“GO!”

Sam crawls across slowly and starts leaning a bit until Danny helps her level the ladder evenly.

“You’re losing a lot of blood!” Mindy tells you

You struggle to respond but come up with “Say something more POSITIVE!”

Sam makes it across and starts yelling at you to come across next. Mindy gets away from the door and goes to you saying, “Listen to me you have to go first”

“I cant- i cant”

“You have to!”

“No Mindy no! You go I’ll be right behind you I promise”

Ghostface starts kicking on the door with more force and Mindy looks at the door and back to you with panicked eyes before chastely kissing your head. She climbs out the window and starts crawling on the ladder.

Ghostface gets an arm out of the door and into the room swinging the knife around trying to cut something.

You start crying even more and look to see Mindy making her way up across the ladder. You go to get up and you turn to now see Ghostface in the crack of the door as he’s still trying to kick it open. With horror you move as fast as you can out the window.

You look at how high up you are and start shaking your head “No- No I cant, I can’t do it”

A bunch of ‘yes you can’ and ‘hurry’ comes from the others and you slowly start to move across the ladder. Without you knowing Ghostface had made it into the room. Everyone immediately shut up and that alarmed you.

“What?”

“Y/N YOU HAVE TO MOVE RIGHT NOW” Mindy shouts. You turn around to see Ghostface standing there looking at you. You start yelling ‘NO!’ in terror.

Everyone was yelling at you to move, your stomach was screaming in agony, and you were making small progress on the ladder not thinking you would make it.

But regardless of your doubts and your anxious thoughts you kept moving and were halfway there before Ghostface plunged his knife at the bottom of the window and grabbed the ladder.

He began shaking it and you were screaming in terror along with everyone else.

“Guys I don’t want to die!” You sobbed.

“You wont!” Mindy yells back to you as she goes out the window ignoring Sam’s screams for her to turn back. She wasn’t going to let you die. She couldn’t. She goes back on the ladder and grabs your hand.

“Cmon!”

Ghostface starts shaking more aggressively but you guys are so close Mindy won’t back out now. You guys quickly crawl and Sam and Danny do their best to hold on to the ladder and Mindy so you both don’t slip.

You’re dizzy from all the blood you’ve lost and all the screaming and all the commotion that’s happening right now. With a slight tilt of the ladder you freeze as you think this is the end but Mindy had made it back into the window and was now dragging you in.

Sam and Danny help you onto the ground and Ghostface gives the ladder a few hits in defeat before grabbing his knife and turning away.

You’re immediately in Mindy’s arms as she’s crying and hugging you tightly not wanting to let go. You both couldn’t believe you were alive right now. You sobbed into her chest and let her hold you not caring that you were in so much pain it was unreal.

“Mindy I was so scared” you weep.

“I know, I know you were. I was too.”

Sam quickly gets you both and says “cmon I think the police are here.”

fast forward a littleee!

.・゜゜・★・゜゜・．

You woke up in a hospital bed with Mindy by your side.

“Oh thank god, I’m so glad you’re awake” she squeezed your hand. “Hi” you smile and she smiles back at you.

“Is your arm okay?”

“With all the pain you’re probably experiencing right now you’re still worried about me?”

“Of course I am, min. I really care about you.” A shy smile creeping on both of your faces.

Right. This was the moment. This was when Mindy was going to confess to you. She thought it’d be kinda romantic-ish you both almost died together but she saved you and now you were both in a hospital room alone! What could go wrong? Besides the fact you probably didn’t feel the same but she was willing to risk it.

“Y/N, I need to tell you something.”

She sounded serious. “Yeah? What’s up?”

Here goes nothing

“I like you. I like you as in more than a friend. You’re just so charming and funny and just gorgeous. You’ve always been by my side and you’re such a compassionate person. I don’t think I’ve met anyone like you before and that’s what makes you stand out to me.” She looks at your stunned eyes and panics “This was so stupid of me I’m sorry I know this isn’t the right time-“

You cut her off by kissing the hand she was still holding yours with. “I like you too, Mindy. In a more than a friend kind of way.” You said teasing her a little.

With both of you grinning she leaned in and you followed her movement causing you both to share a kiss.

She pulls away and said “I’m so glad you made it, you don’t know how long I’ve wanted to tell you that.”

You giggled before responding, “me too.”

OMG IM SORRY THIS IS SO LONGG. I hope you like it and that it wasn’t too much 😭 this is probably gonna be the only thing I write tonight I’m sorry :(