#i mean he asks in a genuinely caring manner so i don't hold it against him but 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[look-at-the-soul]

Always with me

(Modern)Tommy Shelby x reader (+Grandma) 👵🏻

Hello beautiful people! Hoping you’re doing well 💞 It took me so long to finish this little story because for some reason I kept thinking it needed something else but couldn’t find what it was, then one day I thought this is it, don’t force it, the main point it’s there… sometimes less is more or so they say. Either way, I hope you like this!

Just to let you know this is part of a series of stories (not linked between them) about my Grandma’s series to honor one of the persons who had the biggest impact in my life and I recently lost. This is a small tribute and a way to cope with her not being around anymore.

Grief and sadness is mentioned but as usual I compensate with fluff and happiness ❤️‍🩹 thank you for your endless support, it means so much.

Word count: 3,602

✨ Inspired by Westlife song “Always with me”

They say that time can heal a broken heart

But I just don't know how this could be true

Everyday I see a picture on my wall

My heart is broken into two

Tommy poured two glasses of wine and headed to the couch, next to his girlfriend. She had been staring absently at the fire flames flicking before her eyes, she didn’t even notice when Frances asked if they wanted something for dinner. But he already knew the answer, it was one of those moments when Y/N’s mind wandered back in time to some memory with her grandmother.

Her energy felt so low, the sadness in her eyes made him feel hopeless, and with the holidays around the corner he knew it wouldn’t help to lift her up, as he knew the days meant so much for her. If only he could find a way to make her focus on something else, a distraction.

His eyes fixed on her features as she brought the glass to her mouth.

“You’re wearing lipstick.” He noticed a subtle tone.

A ridiculous suggestion he made when Y/N asked how to get back on track. Try to focus in small things, the finest details you used to do without even thinking about it. Like using your favorite lipstick, he had said back then.

The glimpse of a smile formed on her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes, so taking both glasses he placed them on the table to then pass an arm behind Y/N’s neck to bring her closer.

“I know it’s not been easy for you, but take your time to heal… it’s okay to not being okay.”

His fingers massaged gently her scalp and Tommy felt Y/N relaxing against him, really allowing him to hold her, not just physically.

“I miss her.” Her voice cracked at the end, and felt Tommy’s hands hugging her tighter.

“I know, love. I miss her too, but you know what? I just noticed you’ve got so many mannerisms like her.”

Y/N’s head moved back to give him a confused look.

“You do, just as you were sipping coffee this morning, the way you hugged Charlie it made me remember every time we visited your grandma and she hugged you.”

“You think so?” Surprise washed over her.

Tommy nodded.

“You’ve got lots of things from her, both physically and internally.” He brushed a rebel lock away from her face and looked at her with adoring eyes. “I realized you look so much alike in this photo.”

Fishing his phone in his pocket, Tommy searched for the image he was looking for, a candid image he snapped from Y/N when she wasn’t looking.

“You never told me you took this.” She was surprised by how much she looked like her grandmother indeed.

“If you put them side by side, it’ll be more obvious.” A genuine smile appeared on his lips.

“It’s lovely, thanks. I’ll make a collage.” Y/N leaned in to brush her lips against his. “Do you mind if I go to sleep? I’m exhausted.”

“I’ll join you in a minute, just want to check Charlie.”

“My God, he must be so confused for not having the Christmas tree yet.” Worry was evident in her voice.

“Don’t worry about it baby, I’ll take care of it.” He then joined her in the middle of the hall to give Y/N one more reassuring kiss. Making sure she was upstairs, he called Frances. “Would you help me pack a small suitcase for Charlie and another one for Y/N, leave them by the door so the driver can place them in the back of the car.”

“Of course Mr. Shelby.” The maid nodded.

“Oh and Frances? Make sure to pack yours as well, I need you to look after Charlie.”

Leaving the maid perplexed, Tommy went upstairs.

***

“Since Charlie isn’t cooperating, Frances would you explain why all this mystery?”

Charlie grinned and gave Frances one long and expectant look.

“I’m afraid I don’t know madam.”

Y/N tried getting Tommy to talk, but it was useless. Suddenly he was more interested in the sky than in the interrogation she was making.

“Wow, look at that plane!” Charlie pointed out.

It was until then that Y/N realized of where they were going. The airport.

“Tommy.”

One look and she knew.

“Tom-”

“Just relax, okay?” He interrupted. “For once. All you need to do is get on that plane.”

“Can I ask…?”

“Nope.” He perched his signature Ray Bans against his nose and offered his hand so Y/N could get out of the car.

“Let’s go!” Charlie shouted, leaving them behind.

“Frances?” Y/N tried again.

“Oh Miss Y/LN I know the same thing as you.”

The crew of the private plane greeted them and offered drinks and breakfast, and Y/N still didn’t know the destination. She was worried not being able to take control over the smallest thing, because Tommy was taking care of absolutely everything.

“Fine.” She mumbled leaning against the window.

“Finally! Now we can start our little holiday.” Tommy squeezed her hand. “I know you didn’t feel like celebrating for what it means this time without your grandmother, but Y/N, she would wanted you to smile and be happy.”

Her eyes filled with tears.

“Wherever you choose to celebrate or not, your grandma will be right with you, in your heart.”

“I know, but it’s not the same without her.”

Tommy wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye tenderly.

“Sweetheart, I don’t want you to spend this Christmas sitting on the couch crying.”

He wanted to compensate for her sadness. And although nothing would her back what she wanted the most, he could try to make her happy. He was right, and the effort meant more than she could express, so with a sigh she rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes for a moment.

“Dad! Look!” Charlie’s nose was glued to the window. Frances looking over his shoulder.

That’s when Y/N realized….

“Paris?”

“We’ll always have Paris.” Tommy whispered.

Y/N wasn’t able to hold back the tears any longer.

She knew when she was around six years old, her grandma took her to Paris to visit some family, but the memories were blurred in her mind. Through her grandmother’s eyes she had been able to know some parts of their adventure together. A few photographs but that was pretty much all.

Either way, she felt a special connection to the place and that quote was something her grandmother constantly said, as it was one of greatest experiences she had with Y/N. And they both treasured it close to their hearts.

“It’s time to make our own memories.” Tommy’s voice made her go back into reality. “What do you say?”

She wanted to ask him a million questions, but decided to just let everything flow. In the end he really took care of everything, prepared even the smallest detail of their trip and gave her that reassuring smile that let her know everything would be alright.

As they stepped outside the airport, snow welcomed them, everything was covered in a white layer. But it only added an even more beautiful vibe to their trip.

“I love you, you know that?” Y/N closed her hands around his neck and pulled Tommy for a brief kiss while Frances and Charlie took their seats in the vehicle.

“I do.” He gave another one back. “And I love you too.”

“This is beautiful.” Y/N beamed as they rode through the Parisian streets.

“Actually… shall we stop?” Tommy proposed, while Y/N gave him a confused look. “It’s fine, Frances will make sure the bags are checked in and we’ll go back in a bit.”

Making sure Charlie had the scarf around his neck, Y/N covered her hands with her gloves, while Tommy’s hand wrapped around the small of her back as they strolled around.

“Dad I want to go the carrousel!” Charlie announced excitedly. With his father’s approval, the kid stormed towards the attraction impatiently.

“Bet you were just like that.” Y/N mumbled to herself but loud enough for Tommy to throw his head back and laugh.

“Guess you could say that.”

“Look! Just like Winter!” Charlie pointed at the white horse figure, thinking of their horse back home.

“Just like her huh? Think you can handle this one?”

“Of course, it’s a fake.” Charlie retorted making Y/N smile.

Paying for Charlie’s ticket, they stepped aside to see him riding.

Using her phone, Y/N captured a candid photo of Charlie waving at them, a big smile on his small face.

“What is it?”

“Nothin’ just wish Ruby could be here as well.” Tommy cleared his throat and pretended to be busy with a cigarette.

Y/N knew deep down that fearless man was a sweet man with a good heart who cared deeply of his people.

“I’m sure you’ll reach an agreement with Lizzie later on, she’s still a one year old girl.” Y/N leaned her head on his shoulder to comfort him.

“It’s hard to believe she’ll let me anywhere near Ruby.”

“You’re her father, you’ve the right to see her.”

These holidays had been hard for him as well.

“You know what? I don’t want to talk about anything that might ruin this, you, Charlie, me right here it’s all that matters.” He stated before taking a deep puff of smoke.

“Thank you, for cheering me up.” Stepping in front of him, Y/N captured his lips in a kiss full of gratitude.

“Careful, you might get us arrested and only one of us knows French.” Tommy joked with a sparkle in his eyes. His hands sneaking under her coat.

“I see why you brought Frances then.”

“I always have a plan.” He winked at her.

She could feel a thousand butterflies in her stomach by the way he smiled. “Santa said you’ve been a good girl.”

Y/N blushed. “Oh… and what about you mister?”

“Nah… I’m the bad boy your grandmother warned you about.” Another wink by him and she produced another smile as Charlie ran towards them. “But what you gonna do about it? It’s kind of late now to back down.” He added jokingly.

“She loved you too.” Bending down, Y/N asked Charlie if he enjoyed the ride. “Who wants some hot chocolate?”

“Me! Me! Me!” Charlie shouted.

Tommy groaned. “If you find the button to turn him off let me know.”

“You’re so mean, as if I did the same to you.”

“No, Y/N you turn me on.” Tommy admitted just before Y/N moved her hand to cover his mouth, he was taking advantage of Charlie’s innocence and the mischievous grin on his face gave him away.

Sipping on her hot chocolate cup, Y/N allowed a small glimpse of happiness, it was a beautiful place, the Christmas decoration providing a gorgeous sighting, everyone oozing happiness. The snowy weather made the sighting look out of a Christmas postal.

She was torn between enjoying her favorite season and the grief she carried in her heart. It was her first holidays without her grandmother and her empty chair was definitely evident. She was at a much better place now, no doubt but her absence felt heavy in Y/N’s heart.

Grief is just all the love with no place to go after all.

Noticing the sadness in her eyes, Tommy stopped at a stand, looking for the ornaments they had to decorate the Christmas tree.

“Are you looking for something special?” The man asked.

“Yes… a house ornament.” Tommy replied, feeling Y/N’s eyes on him. “Do you guys want something?”

“A reindeer!” Charlie’s eyes shining.

Y/N took her time studying the ornaments, until one caught her attention.

Following her eyes, Tommy had to swallow the lump in his throat. I have an Angel in heaven, called Grandma. It read. It was the one.

Kissing her temple, Tommy offered his embrace as they waited to get their decorations.

“Dad why did you choose the house?” Charlie asked with curiosity.

Getting a cab for them, he looked at his son. “I’ll tell you later about it.”

Y/N looked the exchange in silence, but also wondering the meaning behind his choice. She’s expect him to choose something with a dark humor behind instead.

“Look Charlie, the Eiffel Tower’s lights are flicking again.” Y/N pointed as they drove in the opposite direction, back to their hotel.

“Okay this is the plan, Charlie you’re heading to bed the second we step into the hotel, no questions. Tomorrow we’re having breakfast and then we’re going to a flea market.”

“Tommy…” Y/N gasped.

“What? You always said you wanted to see the Eiffel Tower and a flea market in that same order.”

“I know, but how do you remember?”

Scoffing, Tommy gave her the look. “Sweetheart, I pay attention.”

“Only thing that sucks is Santa doesn’t know I’m here.” Charlie complained once in front of their door.

With a smile, Tommy opened the door for them, making them both gasp loudly as they saw the huge Christmas tree in the middle, fully decorated with presents wrapped all around.

“Well I might have informed him we would be traveling and changed the address.” He admitted pleased with himself. He wanted them to have the nicest possible holiday. “Why don’t we add our ornaments?”

Tommy took her by surprise, not only for the trip, but for the tree as well, she thought about sneaking around the shops of the hotel to buy Charlie something thinking he wouldn’t get anything, but Tommy thought of everything.

“This is beautiful, thank you.” Y/N wrapped her arms around his torso, feeling so grateful to have him in her life.

“Presents are meant to be open until tomorrow morning though.”

“But Daaad.”

“No buts, off to bed.”

Pouting, Charlie walked towards Y/N. “Goodnight Y/N Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas Charlie, have a good night.” She hugged the boy and kissed the top of his head.

“Night Dad.” He then said. “Merry Christmas.”

“See you tomorrow son, Merry Christmas.”

Watching him disappear, Tommy took Y/N by the hand.

“Want to know why I chose the house?”

“Absolutely.” She brushed the fringe from his forehead with her fingers.

“Because that’s my only wish this Christmas… to build a home with you, Y/N. A proper house; our own title team, we’ve talked about the future, well it’s finally here, in this moment. You made me realize of what I truly want, what I dream of.” Getting on one knee, Tommy showed her an old jewelry box. “I know you miss your grandma terribly and no one will ever fill her place in your heart, but in some way, she found a way to show you she’ll always be right next to you, she gave me this ring, she wanted you to have it and be as happy as she was during her marriage. Will you marry me?”

He looked at her with tears in his eyes, fighting to say the words as emotions took over.

“Tommy…” bending down she kissed him. “Wait a second, this is her engagement ring?”

Taking the delicate piece from the box, he smiled proudly.

“Before she passed away, she gave it to me to propose you with her ring.”

Her head was spinning, her heart drumming against her ribs.

“She did what? When?” Shock was written all over her face.

“Can you please say yes first? So I can get up.” He groaned.

“Yes of course!” She kissed him again, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“When we took her to the clinic, as you were asked to fill the papers with her information, the nurse just left,” he explained as the memories of that day came back to him, “she asked me if I really loved you, to which the answer is pretty obvious. Then she asked me in case something happened to her to go to her house and open the safe to get her engagement ring and keep it until it was the right time to give it to you, she wanted you to have it as she knew how much you’d miss her.”

Y/N sobbed as Tommy’s voice cracked.

“She said to me make her even happier than I was, and the day she walks down the aisle, I’ll be right by her side.”

“I thought it was lost or stolen, as I went through her belongings.” Y/N wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes.

“She wanted you to have it, with a different meaning.”

“It’s the most perfect ring I’ve ever seen.” She looked down at her left hand, the stone shining under the chandelier.

“Just Iike you’re to me.” He pulled his now fiancé for a hug. “She wanted you to be happy, to live life to the fullest. Said you were her favorite grandchild.”

Her lower lip trembled just as his hands came to rest at each side of her head.

“Just don’t let anyone else listen.” They said in unison to what Y/N’s grandma used to confess.

“I know you lost a huge part of yourself when she left. But you have to know that you were right beside her through everything, you enjoyed her in every moment, every visit, dinner and chance you had, you took care of her until her very last breath, and no one can take that away from you. Find peace in that. You loved her as much as she loved you.”

Tommy caressed her face with his thumbs.

“Now you have to keep that promise, and be happy. For her. For us.”

Y/N could only nod. Words were stuck in her throat.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Y/N expressed in a whisper, staring at her grandmother’s engagement ring.

“We’re getting married.” Tommy assured her, thumbs caressing her cheeks. “Eh? Soon to be Mrs. Shelby.”

Y/N blushed. “That sounds promising.”

Taking her by surprise, Tommy grabbed her from the waist to spin her around, making Y/N gasp and hold onto him tightly.

Trying to hold back the tears, Y/N hugged Tommy closing her eyes for an instant.

“What’s crossing your mind?” He asked.

And for the first time in a while, he saw the way the smile reached Y/N’s eyes.

“Thinking how grandma will always be with me.”

****

As usual your feedback means the world to me ♥️✨

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[orange-demons-deactivated2024]

Can you please write some jealousy hcs for sf6 Luke, Ed, Jamie and Bosch? If you want to do different characters that's ok or if they are too many you can just do some. Thank you !!!

fun fact: this was originally supposed to be released 2 days ago but guess who accidentally deleted half of it. :| soo it had to be rewritten again. so sad. also I think you can tell who i like based on the length of the hcs, oops

Luke

For the most part, Luke's a pretty chill guy so things don't bother him as much as they used to when he was younger.

He's glad to see you expand your horizons and meet new people along the way, especially finding new masters to train under.

He wants to see how far you've come from the last time he saw you, so he asks for a quick sparring match.

And you'd exceeded his expectations!

He's happy to see you develop your own style and dominate the streets.

"Woah, you’ve really stepped up your game," he said, genuinely impressed.

One thing though...why do you fight like a certain drunken boxer he knows?

Oh, You're learning under Jamie? Cool. Cool.

He's smiling but you can feel the tension behind it.

Luke is definitely the type of jealous that tries to play it off in a joking manner.

"Let's just say, I've had a couple of run-ins with the guy." he forced a chuckle. "He’s...something else."

“Sounds like there’s more to the story.”

“Maybe there is, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re growing into an incredible fighter, and I’m proud of you for that.” He pulled you in to press a kiss on your temple.

"Thanks, Luke. That means a lot coming from you."

"Anytime," he said, reaching out to ruffle your hair playfully. "And hey, if Jamie gives you any trouble, you let me know, okay?"

"Of course." you laughed, swatting his hands away.

“Come on, let’s grab something to eat. I’m starving, and I bet you could use a bite after all that.”

“Sweet! But you’re buying.”

You're your own person and you get to decide who you want to train under, but it still nags at him from somewhere deep within.

It may sound selfish of him, but he would rather you come to him for your concerns than anyone else. In part as your Coach and boyfriend.

So when other people try to make moves on you, he's internally sizing them up as he gives them a once-over.

So even though he has a smile on his face, it never reaches his eyes.

But he won't bring it up this time since you held Jamie in such a high regard.

And he's not going to hold your hand for every decision you make, but he trusts you enough not to do anything behind his back.

He hates to admit it, but it does tick Luke off knowing that Jamie would rub it in his face in their next encounter, it’s almost inevitable.

So he would have a couple of not-so-nice words for the guy the next time he sees him on the street.

Ed

Ed watched you near the gym entrance as he leaned against the heavy sliding doors. 

You were running late to your nightly meet-ups and you weren’t responding to any of his messages leading up to now. 

He wouldn’t have cared if something came up and you had to cancel your date with him, but you mentioned how excited you were about seeing him today that he didn’t think you would’ve just dipped the last second. 

So he went on a whim and decided to pay the gym down the street a visit. 

And surprise, surprise, here you were. 

You were chatting with, what he could assume was your coach, in the middle of the room. 

Ed’s eyes flickered at the way Luke lightly squeezed your shoulder with a certain fondness in his eyes.

Bastard. 

He didn’t know if you were oblivious or dumb for not noticing, so he made himself known by stepping on the mats in your direction. 

His presence immediately drew your attention and your eyes lit up when you saw him approaching, stepping back from Luke you said, “Ed! What are you doing here?”

“You’re late. We had plans, remember?”

“Oh, crap, I’m so sorry! I lost track of time and…” You sputtered an apology and some excuses that fell deaf on his ears but his attention was more focused on your chummy coach.

Ed's glare could paralyze most people with fear, but Luke observed the exchange with a curious expression.

Realizing you may be having a one-sided conversation you introduced the pair to each other.

Luke extended a hand with a friendly smile. "The name's Luke, I'm one of the coaches here at Buckler's.

"Yeah, I've heard about you." He said, not acknowledging Luke’s hand, which made the former pull back.

"Ed’s been teaching me a little bit of boxing on the side.” You chimed in, wrapping your arms around him. 

Actually, it was a bit odd that he didn’t immediately try to shake you off. But that meant his mind was somewhere else.

"You’ve taught them well, They're lucky to have you as a teacher." Luke replied, adressing Ed again.

“Right…” 

He shrugged the arm you were hanging onto.“You ready to head out?”

“Yeah, just let me grab my stuff real quick then we could go,” you said, giving him a small peck on his cheek before heading toward the locker room, leaving the pair alone.

“Look I don’t know what you’re trying to play at and frankly I don’t care, but it ends now.” 

"Hey, man, I'm not trying to play at anything. I’m just their coach. We keep things professional here." Luke raised his hands in a placating gesture.

"Yeah? Well, you seem pretty damn friendly for just a coach." Ed scoffed, not buying it.

Luke sighed, dropping his hands. "I get it. You’re protective of them, and that’s fine. But you need to trust that I’m not crossing any lines."

"Trust ain’t something I give out easily. And right now, nothing’s telling me you deserve even a lick of it.”

"Fair enough," Luke said, crossing his arms. "But you should know that Y/n’s here because they want to get stronger. And I’m not going to stop coaching them because you’re feeling insecure."

“Insecure? Now you’re just spouting shit.” Ed narrowed his eyes.

“I don’t think so.” Luke hummed.

You quickly reappeared from the locker room with a bag slung over your shoulder. 

“Ready!” You said cheerfully, grabbing Ed’s hand. “Alright, I’ll see you later, Coach!” You called over your shoulder as you dragged the boxer towards the exit.

“Take care. And keep on practicing your footwork,” he gave you a small wave. 

“Oh, and Ed,” Luke said with a slight edge to his tone, making Ed turn to face him, “Take your shoes off the next time you step on my mats, won’t you?”

Ed scoffed, with a smirk tugging on his lips. At least, he ain’t no pushover.

You glanced between the two, sensing the underlying tension but not quite catching the full meaning of Luke's remark.

"What was that about?"

“Nothing, Just gym etiquette."

Jamie

With Jamie, he doesn't get jealous as easily as other people on this list. But he definitely has his gripes from time to time.

Woah, Pulling punches during a dance battle? Didn't see that one coming.

You told him you've been learning boxing from a guy who's been hanging around the beat square subway station, at least three times a week.

He was wondering what you’ve been up to.

Wait, did you say three times a week? That's more than you see him.

What's up with that?

He didn’t mind you picking up new skills, especially with something as badass as boxing, but he missed your late-night talks.

And now, it was basically cut in half thanks to this Ed guy.

So he thinks it’s time to give him a little visit from the infamous Jamie Siu, himself.

"Ah, now I get it." Jamie playfully circled him. "You got the whole bad boy get up and everything, huh?"

Ed looked up from his phone with an unreadable expression, “You gotta problem wit' me or something?” 

"Not at all buddy. I'm just trying to see who Mooncake’s been hanging out with.”

You sighed, telling him that Ed is just your Boxing coach and he’s teaching you how to wield Psycho Power.

Nothing more, nothing less.

After adverting the crisis that was about to break out at the station, you would give Ed a quick apology before leaving with Jamie. 

Ed shrugged, saying ‘whatever’ and went back to his phone. 

You would have to confront him about his attitude later on.

Even if he felt jealous of where your focus was, you’re still learning how to street fight. And he has no right to interfere with your training with your other Coaches. 

He shrugged at your concerns before asking if you wanted to try this new concoction he put together, offering the lip of his gourd to you. 

“Jamie, I'm being serious.” You pushed the bottle back to him. 

“So am I.”

You hardly picked up the way his eyes bore into your soul before he broke into a grin, taking a swig of his drink.  “Nothing like a good drink to ease the nerves.”

When you tell him you’re still upset with him about today, he’ll lean up against the rails and cross his arms. 

Most of his jealousy stems from the fact that you're spending more time with other people than him. And he feels a tad bit neglected.

He’s used to being isolated so the feeling isn’t new to him. But he found himself staring at the space beside him where he expected to find your presence.

The times when you don’t visit him, his mind wanders to the silly little adventures you’d tell him about and the places you get to see around the world.

But you have a track record of being gone for long periods of time and he just waits here, until you came back.

It’s not your fault. He was just being a hard-ass, so he would be the one to apologize. 

"Look, I know you’re still starting out and learning new stuff, which is cool n’ all but I miss our nights together. And if it’s that important to you, I'll back off. Just make sure to stop by from time to-time. ‘Kay?"

“I will…And thanks, Jamie. I really appreciate it.” 

After a beat of silence, you gestured to the gourd resting beside you two. "Now, about that concoction of yours.”

Jamie broke out in a grin, handing it to you. "Prepare to be amazed. The new and improved recipe is made from the ingredients you brought from Tian Hong Yuan. It’s got a kick to it, just like you.”

You both would’ve retired for the night in a drunken stupor, entangled in each other's arms.

He snuggled his face in the crook of your neck with a dumb smile, mumbling how much he loved you.

But next time you visit Ed, Jamie gives you a couple of ‘souvenirs’ to show off to your friend to show who you belong to. 

Bosch

You know, when you decided to stroll through town, Bosch didn’t expect you to pick up another Master.

If anything, he guessed it was your eagerness that made people naturally gravitate to you.

He could tell how much you admired Rashid’s wind abilities and charming personality, but it still irked him more than he cared to admit.

You would spend the majority of your days training and chatting with Rashid, eventually kicking Bosch to the curb.

He knew it was nothing more than a student-teacher relationship, especially since Rashid's wind techniques were something you wanted to master.

And the thing is, Rashid isn’t even a bad guy.

He’s just very charismatic, in a way that can be overbearing at times.

But he still couldn't shake the pangs of jealousy that gnawed at his soul.

With every new move that clicked, you would glance at Bosch to see if he noticed.

He’s at least a little glad you still sought him out, despite your attention being elsewhere.

Maybe that’s why he let it go on for so long.

He’ll sit on his emotions and let the feeling bubble in his stomach before he would ever confront you about it. 

He probably even lets out a few snippy remarks if you keep pushing him away.

He doesn’t mean it.

He never does, but Bosch has never been in a relationship before, so he doesn’t know what to do whenever he felt the burning sensation of jealousy below the surface of his skin.

Bosch sat by the window sill and let the cool midnight breeze brush against his face.

He should've been relaxing, but his mind was anything but calm.

He heard the soft creak of the floorboards as he turned to see you approaching. 

You sat next to him by the window, offering some food you got from the markets. 

Your presence instantly eased his nerves as you both sat in the dark, listening to the distant sounds of the city.

Sensing Bosch’s off demeanor, you asked what was on his mind.

“I’m just thinking.” He said, sipping his drink.

“About what?”

“You.” His eyes met yours, “…and Rashid.”

You blinked in surprise. “Rashid? What about him?”

“It’s just…you’ve been spending so much time with him. I get that he’s your new master and he’s teaching you a lot, but it feels like there’s no time for us anymore.”

"I didn't know you felt that way, but I'm sorry for not noticing sooner." You said aimlessly playing with his hands before tangling them together.

Bosch sighed, looking down at your intertwined hands. "You don’t owe me an apology. I know I’m being hard-headed. I just…I wish I could open up to you more."

"You can always talk to me about anything, Bosch. And you don't need to force yourself to do so for my sake."

He looked up, meeting your eyes again. “I know. It’s just hard sometimes. And seeing you with Rashid, makes me feel...”

“Jealous?”

“It’s stupid, I know.”

"I don't think it's stupid, it's a very human emotion. But I want you to know that no matter what, I'll always want to be here with you."

He hummed, still not taking your words to heart and opting to stare off into the night.

“How about this?" You scooted closer, resting your head on his shoulder, "I’ll set aside more time for us, and you tell me whenever something’s bothering you instead of bottling it up...Deal?”

A smile tugged on Bosch's face as he drew your intertwined hands closer, brushing his lips against your knuckles.

“Deal.”

[brittlecakes92]

I know you want more asks, so I’m gonna flood your inbox with ideas if with you’re cool with that. 😉

Papa Reiko headcanons!

We all know those kids would be well behaved. He expects nothing less. But how is he as a daddy? 🤗

Ohhhhh, I love this. The amount of babies I would give this man... anyways, here we go! - Reiko trains his children young. They will know how to defend themselves. Reiko has enemies, and he will fight tooth and fucking nails to protect his, but he will make sure they can protect themselves too. - Reiko's biggest anxiety or fear is leaving his child(ren) in the manner his parents left him. The thought alone makes him more vicious. - They never set a foot out of line. - He loves watching his daughter take down his soldiers. He trained his baby girl well. - When you can't find your husband or new born baby you worry a little until you hear a noise that was all to familiar for you. Stepping to the doors that lead to the balcony outside, you would see a sight that would warm your heart forever. Reiko is laid against the railing of the smooth stone wall. Your child tucked under his chin, their body scrunched up on his chest. His arms protectively draped over them as he sharpens his blade against the whey stone. - Reiko takes your child everywhere, You have to remind him they can't go everywhere with them, and he gives you a challenging look as if to say; "Watch me." - Reiko is also the type that as soon as his child does the smallest thing he is bragging to his soldiers about it. They actually really like it, because it shows that he knows more emotions then just anger. - When you have to wake up in the middle of the night to take care of the baby, Reiko is up, doesn't matter. He is holding your child while they feed from you, while tilting your cup for you to get a drink from. - When it comes time for you to give birth he is there, encouraging you, he's very attentive. And as soon as he hears the first cries of your child, he's frozen. He's never seen anything so tiny, so delicate. He questions if he should even hold them. He's quiet. He is trying to process so many emotions. You watch him as silent tears roll down his face. He takes your hand, placing a kiss on your knuckles before thanking you. You don't hear it much from him, so when Reiko tells you thank you, he genuinely means it. - He let's his kids do his war paint and wears it with pride. -They want to fix his hair? No problem, what is someone going to say. -You have to remind him that knives aren't for a baby, and he tells you his child can play with whatever they want. -The first time his child cries from getting hurt, he feels a sense of anger he has never felt before. And he hurts for his child. - He is very comforting, and affectionate towards his children. - If they are sick, he's telling you to sleep he will stay up with them.

-Bad dream? Not in Daddy's protective arms. You have a new bed mate. (: -He loves to take his kids on camping trips, telling them stories of his victories, or stories of the stars and how they came to be named.

-Reiko wants a huge family. So you better love being pregnant.

-He is proud of all of their accomplishments. No matter how small, or big. - He is a pushover for his kids. Yes he is stern, but they have him wrapped around his finger. - They are taught to be very respectful of you too.

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

These are all that could come to mind, I hope you love them! I loved writing them! (:

[spoiledleaff]

cw for angst featuring dew and aeon. it's one of those nights, lads uwu

additional tw for self-mutilation ft. short haired dew + fears of abandonment and the desire to cut imagined losses.

"don't look at me," dewdrop begs; he's kneeling shattered on the floor, scraps of his own burnt hair lying dead between his claws while his entire body shivers with the weight of unacknowledged sins.

aeon is quiet—he doesn't know what to do. he's never heard dewdrop beg before, not like this. never like this.

"wh-why?" he asks, soft. fragile. as though the sound of his voice would extinguish the embers of dewdrop's flame if he spoke too loudly. "what's wrong?" he asks again, genuine in his curiosity and fear.

there's smoke falling from the gaps between dewdrop's teeth. it reminds the runt of the haze of a cigarette he shared with a brother of blasphemy; it reminds him of death, that the brother could die tomorrow from poisoned lungs and aeon would have to move forward with his damnation. it scares him. it smells foul.

"what happened to your hair?" aeon gasps, wide eyes falling on the rotten gold strands in dewdrop's hands.

"i- i don't know," dewdrop sobs, and aeon honestly can't tell if the ghoul is lying or not, "i think i pulled it out."

"why?" aeon asks again. his voice quivers, and the little ghoul wonders if he might start to cry.

"i think- i think i deserved it." decaying gold spills from the spaces between dewdrop's claws. "i think it needed to go."

aeon's quiet, thoughtful. everyone in the ministry knows how prideful dewdrop is of his appearance. whether or not it's a facade is known only to the chosen few—namely mountain and aether, who share a bond with the ghoul that aeon could never hope to worm his way into; he doesn't want to in the first place, it would feel immoral. even rain or swiss don't seem to know the full extent of dewdrop's tendencies, let alone most of the ghoulettes.

but dewdrop's hair is a favorite pastime of everyone in the ministry. aeon can't count how many times he's seen cumulus fawning over how much better he's taking care of it, or the occasional sibling who gets to twirl the sun-kissed strands between their fingers or braid a small section without fear of a revenge prank.

dewdrop's hair, to aeon, is like a physical manifestation of his connection to all those he holds dear.

"can i keep it then?"

"...wh-what?"

"uhm," aeon fumbles; he wasn't expecting his vessel to say such a thought aloud, "can i keep it? your hair, i mean."

"my... my hair?"

"yeah." aeon stumbles closer, though his eyes don't leave dewdrop's once. "i could- uhm, i could take care of it for you. so... so when you want it back, i'll have it. i'll give it back to you when you're ready."

dewdrop's silent, and aeon thinks he might've started quietly crying five minutes ago.

"o...okay."

aeon's crouching besides dewdrop in a manner of seconds; their shoulders bump together and aeon selfishly basks in the dull warmth of his fellow ghoul. he cups his hands, holds them out for dewdrop to drop the burnt strands of hair in. his hands are shaking. aeon wants to hold them once they're done.

"i'll take care of it for you," aeon babbles, though he doesn't care, "when you're ready, you can come back; i'll give them back to you."

aeon can hear the way dewdrop's breath hitches, how dew's skin lingers against his fingers. dewdrop's nose is running, and aeon thinks a glob has dripped onto his wrist; he doesn't care.

'when you're ready, i'll be here waiting for you.'

[midnightsun-if]

Seeing the last ask and Scarlett's reaction, I'm curious how a therapist who is more or less the only Sane One would deal with each ro, and vise versa. Like that edge of complete sanity and rationality against the moods and opinions of each ro.

Like clearing their throat, and very calmly explaining to Scarlett that feeling "a bubble of happiness" at her beloved presenting a heart of an assassin of her to her that she killed in "cruel and unusual" ways is not a healthy reaction, no.

Therapy would be a good solution for a couple of them, you're right. Though, it's very likely that, by the end of the various sessions, the therapist would need to get their own in return.

Koda: He'd be dream patient, let's be real. Would answer all of the therapist's questions as honestly as possible, wouldn't put up a fuss about revealing things, he'd just be overall earnest about trying to cooperate with the person that's trying to help him get better. Even if he doesn't exactly understand why he's seeing a therapist to begin with: "I don't want to seem ungrateful, but I was wondering if you know why I'm here? I've been trying to figure it out." That'd probably put the therapist into a bit of a tailspin, but Koda's genuine curiosity would help exceptionally.

Scarlett: Would either be completely dismissive of the therapist: "I'm curious as to why you think I'd value your insight. Me being here isn't based upon anything you may have, or may have not, accomplished. Frankly, I don't care who you are, nor do I think I'll remember you the moment this session is over. You may prattle on with your inane opinions, of course, but do not expect me to give them any credence." Or she'd be her classic cunning self and be ready to send barbs the therapists way: "It's quite baffling that you believe I'd feel anything but exuberance towards the death of the very person that wished to have me killed. Do you not wish for the same thing when you're watching thrillers or horror movies? Or do you find the humanity within those that wish to kill what has not harmed them? If anything, that says more about you than it does I.'

Cyrus/Cyra: They'd be completely flustered about being there in the first place, but they'd also try to be as accommodating as they possibly could -- good manners aren't something they shirk, even if they're not exactly happy with their current situation. The room probably heating up a bit due to said agitation: "I'm aware that things have been less than stellar for me as of late, but I don't believe it's warranted anything like this. I do apologize if you think I'm calling into question your capabilities, I just don't believe they're needed here."

Quinn: This scenario would definitely be a time where they'd be totally tense, simply watching the therapist watch them in return, causing their wolf to prickle in response to a potential opponent. They're not the happiest camper in the world, but they'd try to remain calm and collected, even if their hand keeps clenching and their teeth are slightly sharper than usual: "What would you like to know? I'm pretty much an open book." However, the moment the therapist tried to move onto the familial territory, Quinn would snarl back in response: "I suggest moving on from this topic immediately. It's a direction that I don't think you'd enjoy reaching the end of."

Caden: The poor therapist wouldn't even know where to begin with Caden.... Caden doesn't know what to do with Caden at times. Compounded by the fact that Caden would, more than likely, be invisible. So, if anyone walked in, they'd think the therapist is crazy because they're seemingly holding a session with no one in the room. If, and I do mean if, Caden would be able to get ahold of themself, and relax enough to become visible again, I could see them sharing bits and pieces from their past, but it'd be completely obvious that they're leaving things out, refusing to elaborate further: "I have a long history, I've seen a lot things, and have done quite a bit too. I-I don't understand why you want to know all of this. I'm nothing special."

Sloane: Wouldn't say a damn thing. They'd simply slouch back, probably flicking their lighter open and close, and glare stare at the therapist without letting a single thing show; the ticking of the clock being the only sound in the room. Probably would even stay a little bit longer after the session ended to truly send the point home that the therapist would not want them to return. But, as they'd stand up to leave, they'd finally say something: "It's been fun, doc. We should try this again sometime."

Blake: Is definitely the kind of person to give absolutely absurd/horrifying answers to Rorschach Test and wouldn't have any qualms about doing so; would find it quite funny, in fact: "Will you stop showing me pictures of that? It's quite sickening." (Would not elaborate on what's so sickening about said image.) Or they'd just make up random stories/answers to appease the therapist and hopefully move on with their life: "You see, doc, I grew up on a little farm just outside of a little down. Ma and Pa did the best they could, but there were too many mouths to feed, I was the oldest of eight after all, so I don't blame them for putting me to work as soon as I reached knee height."

Reginald/Regina: Would flop down onto the couch and go on a complete tangent about various things, probably spiraling into subjects that have nothing to do with why they're there in the first place: "I'm not saying I support kidnapping, of course I don't, I'm just aware that if someone decided to do that to Grogu, I'd understand." Might have their therapist checking their watch actually -- while being completely oblivious -- as they try to reign the human gremlin back in as they'd probably start going on a tangent about Star Trek next.

[rosietrace]

〈 アイドル! 〉 Track 06 — Care

〈 天才的なアイドル様!! 〉

「↺ 概要 ↻」— 「 ↺ Overview/Synopsis! ↻ 」

❐ With the idol scene on the rise, Night Raven Entertainment found it opportunistic to promote their new and improved idol group; (Co)-Connect! Though the group has a lot to go about, the members are still in need of dire improvement before they can truly shine alongside their peers.

Fortunately, NRE found the perfect mentor for the job; The ex member of Poisoner — and long-time solo sensation — Shōri.

[ Apologies for any out of character moments ]

[ Reblogs > Likes ]

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

Ellis groaned, setting her phone down and staring up at the ceiling.

15 minutes since Yuuta left, she thought, having counted the minutes that passed once her colleague left the room to keep her — in his words — ‘entertained’.

As annoying as he was, Yuuta at least had the talent of keeping Ellis company and making the passage of time flow like a running river.

Everything, every minute, every second — it all felt excruciatingly slow once he left.

Looking at her right ankle, Ellis narrowed her eyes, sitting up and leaning against the headboard of her ‘Malibu Barbie Bed’. (Yuuta's words, not mine).

“Why can't you heal faster,” she grumbled, irritated but guilty, all at the same time. She didn't know why she felt so guilty over a sprained ankle, but she did.

Soon, Ellis heard a knock on her door. At first, she assumed it was Carol or Juvia coming to check up on her — but the sound of her mentor and ‘bodyguard’ quickly dismissed that.

“You do know you don't have to do this,” Noriko's voice was muffled, but Ellis could identify the tired tone in his voice.

She heard Victoria sigh, and she pictured her gently holding Noriko's face like it was something delicate. Like it was more precious to her than anything else in the world. Ellis had seen her mentor do that so many times, she assumed it was a habit.

“I feel like I should, Nori,” Victoria sighed again. “Did Keres place the call?”

Noriko hummed. “Yes,” they affirmed, “They placed a couple calls, and they were able to reschedule (Co)-Connect's concert for the week after next week.”

Victoria sounded pleased about that. “Good. The group has a lot of preparation to do for next week…”

Ellis' face contorted into bewilderment. What does she mean by that?

“Just,” Victoria's voice was always softer around them. “Head to the living room. You don't need to guard the door.”

“But what if-”

“Nori, I can assure you that there is a very slim chance of me and Ellis getting abducted, and or severely injured, or possibly murdered. You don't need to worry too much.”

“... You know I care about your well-being.”

“And I appreciate that, Nori. But please, relax for a bit. It'll be quick.”

The rest of their muffled conversation became indecipherable, to the point Ellis couldn't hear them.

But that didn't matter, given that Victoria had opened the door of her room right around the time Noriko left for the living room to comply with her request of ‘relaxing’.

“Are you doing okay?” the mentor asked gently, taking a seat on the chair Yuuta sat on moments before.

“I'm fine,” Ellis smiled, feeling neither shy nor confident. It had been a few days since Victoria was appointed as the group's mentor, and she still wasn't used to having her around.

“Good,” Victoria sighed in relief, smiling in that familiar ghost-like manner. “Has Yuuta been kind in treating your injury?”

Ellis snickered a bit. “He was complaining the entire time,” she said.

That got Victoria to chuckle. “Still,” she rested her head on her palm, “I suppose his proficiency in taking care of the injury goes to show how much he actually cares, in spite of his complaints.”

“Yeah,” Ellis' smile grew fonder. “He's annoying and all, but I always pictured him as an annoying but reliable older brother.”

“He's the oldest in the group, yes?”

“Yup! Pretty sure Carol's the second oldest.”

“I see. I noticed that they clash a lot… Is it always like that?” Victoria asked, seeming genuinely curious.

Ellis shrugged. “I guess? They bicker a lot, but it doesn't turn into full-on arguments.”

“I see…” Victoria let the silence sit around before breaking it.

“I've been meaning to ask this ever since I was appointed as your group's mentor,” her expression remained sincere, almost hesitant. “But wherever is your manager?”

Ellis paused, her movements going stiff. Pursing her lips, she was struggling to think of a way to answer Victoria's question.

“Mayuu is…. Well, she's our manager, but she also isn't,” Ellis grimaced, not knowing how to properly put it into words. “Like, she's officially registered as our manager, but she isn't really…. Around.”

Victoria's brows furrowed. “And why not? I would've figured that she'd do check-ins every once in a while, but according to Miren, she isn't doing that.”

“It's complicated,” Ellis' response was mumbled. “I mean, she still talks to us through Facetime, and messages us on occasion, but-”

“It feels like she isn't really… There, anymore?”

Victoria could tell, even from a mile away, how much that cut Ellis deep. Looking down, she contemplated, thinking about what could've possibly happened for the group's manager to be so… Absent.

“... I suppose,” Ellis spoke again, a sad smile gracing her features. “But… I'm hopeful, really. Mayuu’s always gone by her word, I'm sure she'll come back to us!.... Right?”

Just hearing that tone, hearing the hopefulness in her voice, the expression of forcing optimism to mask how she really felt — it almost broke Victoria's heart.

Silence filled the room, the way it had once Yuuta had left. Victoria didn't know what to say. Hell, she didn't know what she could say.

Knowing that Noriko would return — likely to inform her to return to her penthouse before it goes dark — Victoria stood, gently patting Ellis' head.

“I am certain.”

Perhaps it was wrong, giving Ellis that sense of false hope. Giving her something to lighten the mood, something that painted over so much.

“Well, you look to be getting better,” Victoria commented. “By next week, you'll be all better. Of that I am certain.”

Right before Victoria left Ellis' room, she turned to look her in the eye, one last time.

“Oh, and be sure to pay attention to my lectures for the next few days. We need you and the others to be interview-ready by next week.”

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

〈 Taglist 〉

(Co)-Connect

@starry-night-rose • @jasdiary • @authoruio • @nem0-nee • @fumikomiyasaki • @sakuramidnight15

Others

@geminiiviolets • @terrovaniadorm / @hallowed-delights • @absolutelyobsessedkiya / @twistedsongstressofstarz • @twsted-princess

──ㅇ─────↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺───ㅇ────

[umbralsound-xiv]

Letting It Out.

Bexy arrives in a flurry of cold next to an old, disused aetheryte, Sayuri still in her grasp. Heels finding the floor, she glances around the frozen landscape, before her gaze settles on her sister. "…It's okay. You can relax now… You won't hurt me, and the snows would hardly complain at an addition."

A long exhale heaves out of Sayuri, ears yet flat and a deflated look clinging to her features. ".. Thank you."

"…It's what i'm here for, hm?" A small, encouraging smile… And something of a sad one, too. "…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so… Pushy about it, but you would never forgive yourself if you hurt him."

She shook her head gently, managing a weak yet genuine smile. ".. I know you're doing it with the best of intentions.. I won't hold that against you.."

It doesn't change that i still felt terrible for the manner i did it, but... For her to hold it back any longer could have caused irreparable damage to herself and him both. ...It's better that we're here. Even just until it all calms down.

"I look after my little sister." The words were intended as a sign of affection, surely. "…How do you feel, now you're here? Better?" She asks, brow knit. "…I hope?"

A faint laugh manages to leave her, ears perking just a touch. "..Like less of a danger." She sighs. ".. But I dread how Eir feels.."

"…He'll be fine. Won't he?" Bexy seemed so confident as the sentence began, and less sure of it as she took a few steps in a slow walk. "…He seemed a little upset, sure enough…"

Now in an area more fitting for her aether, Sayuri seems a little more willing to ease whatever grip she has managed to hold. Ice clings to various areas of her body while her aether bleeds out into her surroundings, likely adding more ice and snow to the areas already covered by it. ".. He's been taking care of me throughout the sennight of my treatment, seen me in.. less than pleasant states.. Everything seemed fine and then.. this."

"He answered the pearl calls when you didn't. Temporary blindness… Hallucinations…" Bexy shakes her head with a sigh, frowning as she walked onwards, the snow they trudged through all the thicker for Sayuri's aether. "…It came out of nowhere?"

".. Nauseous, pretty much the entire sennight. Bleeding.. Blindness.. Hallucinations.." A small pause, as she fidgets with her sleeve and peels a small layer of ice from it. "I-.. Broke a plate, when I hallucinated.. Eir had bought a new one and seeing it just.. reminded me of what I had seen, and I got upset.. it spiraled out of control.."

"…Just from a memory? Gods…" Bexy frowns, shaking her head. She slowly walked the path they always did in the snowy realm, destined for the small camp Bexy had not been to in some moons. "…A dreadful memory i am sure, but it seems almost… Extreme. I know Q'kura mentioned something about your aether being a little wilder, but…" She sighs, quietly. "…At the very least, you can relax here. Hope the issue resolves after time. If not, me and Q'kura will be having words."

Sayuri paused, tugging in her sleeve a little more violently. ".. I saw Vairg's sword impale Eir." She confides, ears flattening anew. "..Heard his footsteps, saw him outside my bloody window.." Her lips tug into a thin line. ".. Those were the first things I hallucinated that sun.."

"…No wonder your aether responded the way it did. Gods, that bastard…" Bexy huffs quietly, bristling a little. "…I am only glad it was a hallucination and not a reality. Little comfort now, but…" Bexy keeps her quiet, just for a little. "…I will call Vex soon and ask for Q'kura. He'd better have an explanation."

".. You would've received quite the call if Eir didn't help me realise it was an hallucination.." She mutters, exhaling sharply before nodding. ".. For once, I'd like for just.. one thing to be simple.. But we really don't get that, do we..?"

...We don't. Not ever. It never gets easier, but we never stop trying to find our peace all the same. Perhaps one sun, we will... But knowing we never fight it alone brings some relief to it all, as well as knowing we both have comforts of our own to return to.

"…We don't. But never let it be said we take a single blessing that enters our lives for granted. We will see this through. You will return to him, aether intact. I will ensure it." Bexy glances up to the frozen cliffs, and even seeing them seems to bring her some sort of… Peace. "I'm not letting him out of that cell until you are satisfied with your recovery. Perhaps, not even then. It's ultimately up to you, after all."

She nods faintly, sighing quietly. ".. I have still not.. fully decided what to do. Using him to try to help the others is a good idea.. But will he do it?"

"If he doesn't, he dies either way. If Grym doesn't kill him, we will. It's the only option he has that won't assure his death. If he's smart, he'll know that." Bexy stretches her arms with a sigh, the pleasant cold of Coerthas in her lungs. "…When we get to the camp, i'll make the pearl call. Anything you'd like me to ask directly?"

".. I'm not sure who the kindest option would be to get killed by, knowing both of us, and… having had the.. pleasure of watching Grym cave a man's skull in.." She grimaces faintly at the memory, drawing a deep breath. ".. Not that I can think of right now, but.. my head may just need to settle a bit.."

"Believe me. Grym would be kinder. You have plenty of reason to hurt him. I have plenty of knowledge to know how. He'd be begging for Grym by the time i was through. Even if he hasn't exactly been the worst guest…" A small pluck of her shoulders, then. "I'm going to ask him about your aether, naturally. How long he thinks this will last. I'll tell Vex to ask Zhav to watch Q'kura when she needs to rest, and that i won't be home until your aether is as it should be."

".. He'd probably make it quicker than either of us would." Sayuri mumbles. A brief pause lingers while she listens, nodding slowly. ".. Could you.. ask someone to go and see Eir for me..? I.. don't like the idea of him being alone.."

"I could ask Vex…?" Bexy offers, glancing to Sayuri as she walked beside her. "…I know he was upset for you leaving. Naturally, he's worried about you. But surely he'll be fine in your absence, yes?" A pause, then. "…Is he always like this? When you leave to go somewhere? What about contracts?"

She gives a small nod to the offer, a soft sigh leaving her. ".. No. Sure, he worries when I head out on contracts, but he never tries to stop me. This…" Her gaze drops to the snow, a saddened frown settling on her features. "… We-… haven't.. been apart like this.. since the compound.."

...It suddenly explains so much. The last they were separate, even for a little was during... All of that horrific mess. I'd be worried, too.

"Oh…" A small frown pulls onto Bexy's painted lips, then. "That's… Understandable. I'm sorry that this is the cause. That it wasn't something more… Planned. Vex will have no issues keeping him company, i'm sure. If anything she'll keep him busy eating you out of house and home." She offers a small smile to reassure. "…At the very least, he knows you won't be alone. Much as i've wanted to come back to Coerthas with you, i'd have preferred different circumstances…"

".. Thankfully, Eir shopped today.. So everything is restocked." She forces a weak smile. ".. A less dire circumstance would've been nice. Not.. under threat of hurting my husband.."

"Likely, a trip he'll have to repeat when you return." Bexy smiles wryly, before the expression shifts. "It was… Strange. I've always been able to sense your aether when close. Perhaps being borne of the same element. But this time it was so much more… Clear. I could feel how hard you were fighting back. How much you were holding back." She considers a little, then. "…Do you think it's because my aether was used in the cure?"

".. If Vex truly does eat twice her own body weight, probably." A small huff leaves her, certainly trying her best to have nicer thoughts that doesn't worsen her aether. ".. Eir and I have spoken about inviting the two of you for dinner, one sun.." She half-mumbles, tugging a little anxiously in her sleeve. ".. Maybe? It.. sounds logical enough." A small pause, a faint but genuine smile settling on her lips. ".. A step closer to being actual sisters, hm?"

"That would be nice. I've eaten some of Eir's cooking, and he's quite good at it." She remarks, offering the smile in turn to Sayuri as they neared the camp. No embers flickered from the usually lit fire, most supplies and signs of life well covered by the snows. "All the people i share blood with are best not known anyway. As far as i know, i'm… The last one anyway, so…" She rolls her shoulders, but the expression doesn't fade. "Sharing aether is much more important. That's kept me alive a lot more than blood has, for certain."

...I never knew my Father. I know what he looked like, and have vague memories of a man with a bow, but... I didn't know it was him, then. But he didn't care to make himself known, and didn't care to ask me to come with him when he left. ...My Mother hated me. Last i heard she'd passed, and i never shed a tear, much like she wouldn't for me. I don't feel sorrow, or anger, or... Anything, for her. ...And my Sister? I... Don't know. We reconciled our differences, but it's been cycles, now. If she lives, she certainly does so without a thought of me in her mind. Perhaps it's better that way. Perhaps she's dead. I... Wouldn't even know either way. Sayuri is the only sister i have. Aether made more family for me than blood ever did, anyway.

"He is." Sayuri smiles, ears managing a small wiggle. ".. Well. Those of my blood sold me into slavery, let it happen or have a stick the size of a tree up their ass, so.. I can't say they're worth knowing either. We may not share blood, but you are my family more than they ever were."

Bexy huffs faintly, offering Sayuri a warm smile as she approached the camp. Touching one of the stools to sit on, the snow and ice retreats away as she bid. "There is nothing i wouldn't do for my little sister." She muses again, affectionately. "…How does your aether feel?"

"Which you have proven, time and time again." Sayuri brushes off the snow of a different stool, but opts to sit on it while it's still ice-clad, assuming it will just become that way even if she did remove it. She considers the question for a moment. ".. My aether.. Strangely powerful. Me.. as if I'm back to my childhood, when I had no training to control it whatsoever.."

"…Hm. Strange that it should feel… Stronger. Though i suppose that's no bad thing so long as you can control it." Before taking her seat, she moves to Sayuri's side, gently settling a hand on her shoulder. "…Despite all i've seen emerge, there still seems to be so much… More. Are you.. Holding it back, currently?" Bexy asks, curiously.

I've never been able to sense it like this before. Perhaps i'll ask Q'kura when i return. Perhaps because my own aether was used in the cure...? ...I wonder if it has changed in any other way, too...

Sayuri sinks her head into a small nod, ears tilting back. "..I.. am a little scared of letting go completely.."

"You won't hurt me. You can't hurt me, here." Bexy's words oozed confidence, whether she was correct or otherwise. "…I'm going to contact Q'kura. Let me know if there's anything you want to ask." Pulling a small icy blue pearl from a trinket, it's set to her ear, and activated. "…Vex?"

".. Perhaps not, but I worry for how bad it.. truly is.." Sayuri lowers her head, offering a small nod Bexy's way.

It doesn't take long before Vex responds, the first sound after the pearl's activation being a faint groan as the fiery Seeker stretches. "Mmmyep?"

"Vex." Bexy's voice softens a little for her, at least. "I'm going to be away in Coerthas with Sayuri for a little. Her aether is… I don't know, exactly. But it's not good. She asks if you could visit Eir in the meantime, to ensure he's well, if that's alright?" She gives a little pause for her response, before adding. "…Could you pass me to Q'kura? I have questions."

There's a small moment of silence, Vex struggling to figure out what to truly say. ".. Well shit. Yeah- uh. I'll check on her bunnyboy, no worries. And, ooone moment.." Whatever steps she had taken to leave the cell are swiftly revoked, as she turns and wanders back to Q'kura, plucking the still activated pearl from her ear as she squats down and shoves her arm through the bars. "It's for yooou."

"Thank you, Vex." Bexy smiles in Sayuri's direction as some form of encouragement, before her face hardens into something a little more unkind.

Q'kura, a little puzzled and slightly discomforted by the offer of a pearl, slowly takes it in his fingertips and brings it to his ear. "Uh… H-hello?" He begins. Those ears flatten immediately upon hearing Bexy's response, and the tone that went with it.

"Q'kura." Bexy begins, and there's a pause where she slowly gathers up her words. "The medicine was consumed as instructed, and while it no longer pains her to use her aether, it's exactly as you said might happen. Her aether is running wild, and it's so much… More, than it once was. A small upset caused her to freeze a room. I trust this isn't permanent…?"

Sayuri keeps her silence, hand tugging in her sleeve in a minor form of distraction.

Vex, in the meantime, remains in her squatted position, squinting at Q'kura. This cat is curious.

"No! N-no! This… This shouldn't-- Isn't permanent! I of course never knew her aether at the fullest potential, so how it would react after the obstruction was removed was mostly guesswork, b-but--- Imagine… Imagine it like a river…"

At his explanation, Bexy moves the pearl outwards, as to allow both she and Sayuri to better hear him explain, and to save her having to repeat his words.

"---She used her aether in the obstructed form, carved new pathways, hence the pain… But they simply won't go away because the hindrance is gone. Think… Of it like a flood, that suddenly has so many more places to go, now free from confinement. It will be… More than it used to be, at first. But the more she uses it, the more it will calm…"

Bexy's gaze flicks to Sayuri, then. the pearl is half offered to her, whether she'd want to ask anything, or not.

One of Sayuri's ears perk up to catch more of Q'kura's words, brows furrowing. She takes a moment to simply listen, gaze dropping. "..My aether.. worked around the obstruction, rather than being halted wholly..? It.. forced new paths?"

Vex, despite only hearing Q'kura's side, parts her lips as if she's about to speak; only to promptly shut them, either realising, or being told, that whatever was about to pass her lips was something she'd likely need to explain, and it'd be best to remain with her alone.

"A-ah, Sayuri!" Q'kura's voice replies to Sayuri's with something of a stammer. "Yes! It… Well, it should have halted it outright, but you being… Well, you, and… Resilient, as it were, endured the pain, and from what i can tell when i was able to examine you, this was the outcome. The more you let it out, the faster this… Discomfort will pass. And then… Then… I will be.. Free, yes?"

Those words of his make Bexy's brow loft, but she doesn't answer him. Glancing to Sayuri, she doesn't intend for it to be her call to make.

"Should have." Vex snorts, inviting herself to the conversation she can only hear one side of. "Grym just forgets the fact that some people get more resilient if you hurt them. And fuck me, did he hurt her." She rocks back and forth in her squatted position.

Sayuri spends a prolonged time in silence, probably long enough to cause a slight discomfort. Eventually, she sighs. ".. I will be honest with you, Q'kura. I am yet to decide what to do with you."

Q'kura passes a flat gaze to Vex at her comment, though his ears flatten at Sayuri's remark. "B-but, I helped---!" Q'kura protests, quickly falling into a mild panic. "Sayuri if--if there is more to do, I will fix it--- Please… Please don't leave me in here, I…" He looks to Vex, desperate.

Bexy doesn't respond either way. Though she seems satisfied for Q'kura's explanation.

Vex responds to Q'kura's stare with a shrug, though stays quiet as he protests to Sayuri, one ear tilting back a touch.

".. There are options I am considering." Sayuri responds. ".. But I have not settled for one, just yet." Her tone trails off into a much colder one. "While you have helped, as you promised, it does not erase what my husband had to go through because of your actions. I am keeping both of these things in mind while I decide."

All Q'kura can muster to reply with is a panicked breath, the onset of hyperventilation… Until Bexy speaks into the pearl again.

"If there's anything more I might ask, I'll call. I'll be back as soon as I'm able." The latter comment, intended for Vex, was the last Bexy spoke before the connection severed.

Well, that puts me something at ease, that this is expected. Suppose he did understate how much, but it's not like he didn't warn us at all. Honestly, it's remarkable considering what he was able to achieve in that tiny room. ...I'll admit i'll feel a little bad if Sayuri chooses to kill him. But i won't blame her an onze for doing so.

"…It sounds promising at least. Use your aether, get it to normal, and go home again."

Sayuri exhales a slow sigh, head sinking into a small nod. "Try to.. empty out the excess, I suppose.."

"You made it sound so terrible. It's just… Training, is all." A gentle touch of her hand on Sayuri's shoulder is given as encouragement. "…You need not hold it back anymore. Just think… The sooner you are back to being as you should be, the sooner you can go back to your Husband."

".. And what if it isn't excess? What if.. this is just how I will be now?" Her gaze falls to Bexy, ears flat. The question is enough to spark anxiety in Sayuri, to which her aether immediately responds. The ice on her body expands, any jagged edge it held increasing in sharpness while the frost around her grows thicker.

"Then I will make him fix it." Bexy doesn't flinch from the onset of aether, watching as it draws closer… And shifts, to avoid her. Bexy's icy gaze flicks to Sayuri, then. "…It's okay. You can't hurt anyone here."

She notably hesitates, fidgeting with her hands before a long exhale leaves her. "..I.. am going to let go.." She warns, giving Bexy enough time to prepare any counter measure she may need to use before doing precisely that. Ice snakes out from underneath her and across the already frosted ground, stretching far and wide with Sayuri serving as its center piece, ice crawling upon her, too. In a fashion similar to what it did to her aboard the Locket, it wanders from her fingertips and up along the lengths of her arms, connecting at her neck before one bit curls up over her cheek and the other trails down over her chest. Managing to keep relatively calm, the jagged edges dull out, appearing as mere bumps here and there.

Bexy stands still as the onslaught of ice rages on, remaining unfazed; yet prepared. When the initial burst subsides, Bexy steps forth, smiling faintly. "I'm unharmed…And…" She glances over the ice that covered the area. "…I am… Glad I brought you here, before worse happened." A small frown takes her features as she looks over Sayuri's ice laden features. "How do you feel, now that you're no longer holding back?"

".. And worse sure would have happened, with my emotions just.. making it worse, and being terrified of hurting Eir in the process.." Her head lowers, a soft frown settling on her features. ".. The likelihood of it happening was too big." A small pause, gaze briefly passing over the additional ice. ".. Less strained, but.. A bit worried, too."

"Worried? You fear this… Will not go away?" Bexy asks, a little concerned. "I know you would have never hurt him were things in your control. You would have done everything you could to prevent it. But this… If it isn't temporary, we will find a fix."

She offers a small nod at the question. "..I've always worried about hurting him, especially if I have my nightmares and my aether lashes out before I wake properly.. While I haven't so far, he.. wouldn't be the first I accidentally hurt.." Sayuri straightens herself in her seat to keep herself from slouching down. ".. Fear it won't go away, or.. that there will be more hoops we need to jump through to restore my aether. That.. I will continue to feel broken and incomplete, as I have since this all started.."

"Even if you hurt him… He would forgive you. Even if you couldn't forgive yourself. You know this… Even if it might not make it feel all that much better." Slowly taking a few steps back, she regards Sayuri, considering. "So long as I draw breath, I'll never let you feel that way. Are you ready to start training, Sayuri?" The way she sounded, she clearly had something in mind.

".. Even if he did forgive me, I'd be scared of doing it again.. Which raises the likelihood that I will, since I will start spiraling.." She huffs faintly, knowing herself well enough. Her gaze settles on Bexy, head sinking into a nod. "The sooner we start.. the sooner we can head home. If Q'kura is right.."

"…And the sooner we can have our regular training sessions here in Coerthas, hm?" Her expression warms, turning her head away where it sinks into something more… Apprehensive. "…I want you to use everything you have. I have an idea, though… You might not like it…"

Sayuri manages a small but genuine smile to her words, nodding gently. "That would be great." A brow then lofts, head tilting. ".. I cannot answer that without knowing what you are thinking."

...Oh, she certainly won't like this. I did something similar once, when we trained in Garlemald. And if that was her reaction then, i... ...No, she will not like this one bit, but it'll certainly get the results we're after.

"I can guarantee that it will ensure you will use your all." Purposefully vague, Bexy's hands raise, aether filled and ready to commence. "…Ready?"

"… Mildly concerning." Sayuri mumbles, pushing herself out of her seat. ".. Ready."

At the word, Bexy's hands plunge into the floor below, to rise a monstrosity of ice in it's wake. Easily ten times the height of Sayuri, the pillar of ice slowly shifts in form. Long slender ears denote it as resembling a Viera, and when the shape has finished shifting does it become all the more apparent. The visage of Vairg, down to the smirk and metal boots and the way he held his blade at the ready looms over Sayuri; a menacing statue and striking dummy both, to lure her into giving everything she had to cut it back down into the frost.

Sayuri visibly flinches as the ice begins to tower over her, ears flattening and body shifting into an automatic defensive stance, the ice in the area considered hers growing sharp and jagged in the process. She eases ever so slightly as the form is more slender than what her mind initially assumed was about to be created in front of her. What little she eased is swiftly torn away as her eyes lock upon the visage of Vairg, anger swiftly flooding her. She barely waits for the image to be finished before a surge of aether leaves her, numerous spikes forming in the frost surrounding the ice-made Viera before plunging violently into the air from below, with every intention to sink as many of them as possible into the figure.

Of course, the ice lunges forth to jab into the offending sculpture, though even impaled it doesn't budge an ilm. "More, Sayuri! Use as much as you can!" Bexy encourages, and with a creaking groan, the towering sculpture leans towards her as a threat; even if it was one that wouldn't come to pass.

Ice forms in Sayuri's hands, swiftly twisting and shaping itself into the axe she has been incapable of creating for so many moons. It's swung in the direction of the sculpture the moment if has finished shaping itself, having done so much quicker than it used to.

The axe plunges into the side of the crude sculpture, sending a splintering crack up the length of it's torso. Bexy's expression can only be described as one of pride, an ever widening grin on her features. "The more you let out, the faster you go home." The statue is not yet demolished, but splintered, still looming overhead. "…The faster you get back to your Husband."

If there was any motivation to be had, it was this. To get her aether back to how she wanted it. To return home to Eir.

The strike is promptly followed by another one, and another - Sayuri beginning what can only be described as a flurry of blows against the ice shaped into a man she held so much anger and hatred towards. Her aether continues to bleed into her surroundings, the temperature specifically around her likely unbearable for anyone who wasn't Bexy - moreso with the additional cold of Coerthas itself.

Bexy's aether surges in tandem; the more she expends, the more the form of the despised Viera shifts in turn, goading, beckoning Sayuri's might, and therefore her aether. Bexy can feel the might of Sayuri's cold as the blizzard whips at her hair, watching as her sister swung with all the might she surely possessed. She wouldn't stop until Sayuri slowed; or at least, was content with how much she'd expelled.

Sayuri seemingly holds no intention to stop while the sculpture still holds its infuriating form, hacking away at the Viera with her axe in more of an attempt to expell her fury rather than the aether itself, even if it was automatically spent along with her rage's flare. Her anger, also, does not calm one bit - not until the visage of Vairg is left completely shattered.

One violent slam of her axe, after the twisted image has endured so much knocks a chunk of ice from it's torso, while the next practically crumbles the face from it's shoulders. Bexy allows it to settle then, as pieces of ice lay strewn about the area; Even she is catching her breath from the encounter. "…Better?"

The axe shatters in Sayuri's hands, the weariness of using so much aether all in one go as well as the physical strain after having been out of combat for so many moons knocks her to the her knees, letting her sink into the snow as her arms curl around her to grab at her biceps, lightly rubbing at the ache now exploding through them. ".. A.. little.." A small pause, to let her catch her breath. ".. You.. do know.. how to get results."

"I… Do, admittedly…" Bexy walks over, gently offering a hand for her to take to aid her in standing once more. "And i do feel a little bad for my methods, effective though they are. But i know how… Important it is that this returns back to normal. If not only for your aether to do your bidding as it once did, but… To get back home. Back to Eir. And back to being able to defend yourself as effortlessly as you once did."

".. Don't. There.. was something satisfying in using him as a striking dummy." A small snort leaves her, as she reaches up to grasp the offered hand; getting back up on her feet with Bexy's aid. "I.. am definitely feeling the fact I have been out of commission for a while.."

"Then, that is why we're here, hm?" Bexy offers a warmer smile as Sayuri finds her feet. Being able to sense her aether, her head tilts, considering. "…There's still more to go. This helped some. But i can still feel the rate at which it's being expelled." A glance to the firepit, then. "…We should make ourselves comfortable. At least get something to eat… I can't say picking up provisions was the first thing on my mind. Do you want to hunt, or build the fire?"

Sayuri manages a softer smile, some amount of ease having gripped her at this point. ".. It might be best to leave the hunting to you, you definitely have more training in it." The faintest smirk settles on her lips. ".. I may be nearer your skill in hunting people, but not animals."

"Hah!" That almost cocky smirk settles on Bexy's lips, then. "Well, you can gather something for the fire. As for hunting people… We'll make up for that when you're back up to scratch with your aether. We have plenty of targets, mm?"

"We sure do.." A slow exhale leaves Sayuri, head sinking into a nod as her gaze passes over to the shattered ice that was once shaped as Vairg. ".. I'll wipe the real one's bloody smirk off his face."

"I'm sure you will. I have every faith." Bexy dips her head, turning to scan the horizon. "Right, let's see what i can find. See you back here in half a bell or so?"

".. I took two of his fingers off, so why not the smirk too?" She snorts, nodding. "See you soon."

She will, one sun. I'm sure of it. If there's any motivation better than revenge, better than love, i do not know of it.

[truthandlove]

Some are asking: "How do we show mercy and love without compromising or affirming sin?"

This question shows a total lack of understanding. It shows a DANGEROUS confusion between God's love and human social niceness.

We show mercy and love by NOT compromising or affirming sin. To be friendly with sin is abuse and the opposite of love. To not confront sin is to enable a person's slide into hell.

We show love by speaking raw truth on the matter! Love WARNS. Love DISRUPTS and CONFRONTS all lies. Love is not niceness. Love is disruptive truth that does not play with or tolerate that which destroys.

Exactly, you love by not tolerating it. Your bad behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This is because it is damaging you and those around you. For this reason, since I care about you, I will not let you do this around me and to whatever degree I can control. I am acting on what is best for you, whether you feel that or not. Because degradation/compromise will not be tolerated, we can foster that which is truly good and beneficial. Here are the exact boundaries and here are the exacct repercussions / consequences for violating those boundaries. You will be held 100% accountable because that is what love does. They confusion between love and niceness has us DOING TOO LITTLE TOO LATE, and thus becoming an ACCOMPLICE to evil, a COLLABORATOR with degradation. To be soft on evil IS evil.

As I posted yesterday: The FALSE church and the FALSE gospel tries to make Christianity into something comfortable and entertaining. It thus utterly misses the BIBLICAL ADVENTURE of submitting to Christ and fighting evil. By failing to fight evil, it strips people of meaning and purpose. Sadly, it puts them to sleep instead of vibrant and responsive to the Holy Spirit.

IF YOU ARE ASKING: how to be firm against evil while also being soft on evil... aka how to love BIBLICALLY while also being SOCIALLY NICE, then such a question shows a fundamental lack of comprehension as to what is at stake. Our culture has swung RADIALLY over to the side of tolerance and niceness towards sin, lawlesness... and the results are predictably DISASTROUS. So don't be part of the problem, friends.

Come back to REAL love. Come back to Godly love that confronts and disrupts evil, EVEN AT THE RISK or rejection and being misunderstood. If you are afraid of refection, or accusations, of being misunderstood, then you fundamentally CANNOT love as Jesus demonstrated love in the 4 Gospels.

Know that REAL REAL REAL love has never been nor will ever be mainstream or socially acceptable. You cannot be a lover AND be socially acceptable at the same time, so choose one of the other. If you try to do BOTH, you run squarely into the destroyed society we see all around us today.

Love BOLDLY. Jesus does not just "love", He loves HEROICALLY. And this is EXACTLY what your heart was made for - heroic love. I suggest this book to disabuse you of rampant and dangerous confusion between social niceness and Biblical love. Without courage and risk, there is no genuine love. The book talks about how to hold various kinds of sinful/evil people ACCOUNTABLE in a way that fosters change.

Let me quote the summary of the book:

We’ve come to view love as being “nice,” yet the kind of love modeled by Jesus Christ has nothing to do with manners or unconditional acceptance. Rather, it is disruptive, courageous, and socially unacceptable. In Bold Love, Dr. Dan Allender and Dr. Tremper Longman III draw out the AGGRESSIVE, UNRELENTING, PASSIONATE power of GENUINE love. Far from helping you “get along” with others, Bold Love introduces the outlandish possibility of making a significant, life-changing impact on family, friends, coworkers―even your enemies. Learn more about forgiveness, maturity, and seeing others through Jesus’ eyes.

[oceanmoss]

told this guy i have mild pcos like . Two years ago and he was so concerned he thought it's such a scary disease or smth and every time he asks me how the Um . disease is going!!! and if i'm alright!!!! and if i'll ever manage to have kids 😰😰😰 boy u really don't understand . i also told him all girls ik have it and it's literally nbd but Nah . the DISEASE. r u gonna live !!! i told him i don't have it anymore and i'm cured and doing great (i didn't even go to a dr) so i hope he's freaking out less rn <3

[mxvladdy]

HI I LOVE YOUR WRITING! aaa sO I don't know if you still accept prompts but if you do could you do one with MC being fascinated by the brothers' demon forms and seeing the brothers react to them carefully inspecting their horns/wings/tails??

AHHHHH I love that you love it! And of course! :) Horns are my weak spot lmao. Hope you like!

Lucifer

Hmph. Isn’t ecstatic about you wanting to nose around in his business at first. No matter how touched starved he is, just the thought of your tiny human fingers exploring him…Well on the other hand-

At first, he thought you had some weird fetish for his demonic form. Wouldn’t be the first time a human had. But slowly he realizes you are genuinely just enamored with him. It strokes his ego sky high.

He loves it when you stroke and pet his horns. The bases of which are super sensitive. The amount of time you have spent just looking at the gold-tipped bone, he is certain you probably have memorized the number of chips and notches in them.

You start bringing ornaments and tassels for his horns. Things you made or found pretty when out shopping. He doesn’t wear them in public but likes it when you put them on him in private.

It takes him longer to let you get your hands on his wings though. Looking at the mess of his back isn’t pleasant for him.

He has a dust bath. He loves dusting, and when you help him. Ugh-it’s like his own little paradise.

He teaches you how to preen and find broken feathers to pluck. Your cooing over his soft feathers just makes him fluff up more.

He shows off his horns and wings just a touch more in public now.

Mammon

Hells yeah you can see his demon form. Why wouldn’t you want to? He is absolutely delighted to have you lovin’ all over him. He’s big on scenting.

He is especially proud of his wings, in all his forms. Leathery or feathery, they are his favorite part of his body. They are strong, reliable, and fast if he needs to protect you.

He makes sure you are extra careful about his horns though. The spirling columns of bone aren’t smooth like Lucifer’s and have a wicked sharp point on the tips. His horns grow a lot faster than his brothers. A lot of his horn upkeep is him shaving them down and oiling them.

You take delight in doing that for him. The keratin of his horns flakes quickly so you like to help with that too.

He doesn’t have much feeling around his horn area so you won’t get too many reactions from him. Now his wings~

He gets a kick out of watching you open and close his wings. You are mesmerized by his leather wings stretching to their full wingspan.

His wings look fragile upon closer inspection. You can feel the beats of his hearts through the thin membrane stretched over black bones. It almost makes you forget that you’ve seen him bludgeon demons to death with them before.

You’re so enamored with his wings you miss how flustered he gets when you trace your fingers around the base of his wings. Right where the limbs attach to his back. It’s a very tender spot that hurts most times when he touches it, but maybe because it’s you it feels really good.

Leviathan

He is apprehensive to have you inspect him at first.

Doesn’t have wings and is kinda jelly. But he has a bitchin’ tail, and you remind him often of it.

His tail is strong. A lot stronger than you originally thought. You can feel the slide and pull of thick muscle underneath his leathery skin when he swifts around.

It took you a while to get him to understand you are 1000% ok with his tail and horns being out, in public or private.

He notices that you can't keep your eyes and hands off his tail. While he never does it in front of his brothers he loves to pick you up with it. Your giggles and gasps of awe, while you dangle above him in his secure grasp, brings a huge smile to his face.

He has the most strenuous care routine out of all the brothers. His tail sheds a lot and dries out easily. It is usually a very intimate affair. Lucky for you, he likes you.

He shows you how to use his dry brush to sluff off the dead skin from his tail and scaly parts of his back. It's therapeutic to him. He talks about his newest hyper fixation while you brush and pet his tail.

His horns are a bit more persnickety. They are made up of a delicate ecosystem of coral and sea vegetation. It’s a beautiful vivid array of purple, pink, and blues. Henry and schools of smaller fish make little homes in it when Levi is in his tank.

It has to be kept moist and landscaped or it gets overgrown. He has a knack for aquatic horticulture and gives you a chance to learn too.

It naturally changes size and color based on the Devildom seasons. Your favorite displays are during the warmer seasons.

You buy little tank ornaments to decorate his horns to post on devilgram from time to time. It gets so many likes he gets so excited.

He wears your work proudly, even if it’s not up to his usual standard. His water monster brethren are jealous of the attention, and that’s what matters most.

Satan

If you bring up your interest in a scientific or educational manner, he is more willing to share. He has had far too many run-ins with witches and humans vying for him to be comfortable flaunting his demon form.

As the only born devil out of the group you have to be extra careful with his horns and tail. The bony structure of them is like fine sandpaper. Rough, course and far too abrasive for your tinder human skin.

You have to wear gloves when handling his horns and tail. He apologizes a lot about it. It angers him that he is the one brother that has to be so careful around you.

You really don’t mind though. Even through the thick leather gloves you feel the pulsing heat of his magic. You like the tingling feeling of his magic through your gloves, it’s like licking a battery.

He doesn’t need maintenance on his horns and tail as much as the others. But his horns do fall off like deer antlers.

He gets really irritated when it’s shedding season. The itching and throbbing of his horns when they are ready to fall off is maddening.

You always know when it is horn season due to the deep gouges in the stone walls around the house. You help him though this by scratching around the bases of his horns. It feels so good to have it scratched, and it’s 10x better when it’s not him.

Normally he would just dispose of his horns when they fall off or use them for alchemical purposes. Now, he gives some of them to you. You collect them and have turned a few sets into some lovely pieces of art in his opinion.

Asmodeus

Very much like Mammon- who wouldn’t love his horns and wings? He loves them, so obviously everybody should.

Absolutely eats up your praise and curious touches. He shows you the best places to pet or stroke.

His wings are leathery like Mammons but 1000x more sensitive all-round. He can sense air currents with them, so sneaking up on him to touch a wing is out of the question. As much as you would like to.

Loves see you try though. Will fake being surprised when you come at him from behind to lovingly touch a wing.

He shows you the best places to touch and examine his wings and horns. His smaller set of wings have this one spot underneath their pit that is super ticklish. When you find it, exploit it. He has the best laugh.

He admits to you that he dyes his horns. What can he say? Pink is the best color and his horns just look that much more fabulous in it.

You can convince him to try different colors, but only if you help him dye them. Starts matching colors and outfits with you and his horn color of the month.

His cleaning and maintenance routine he likes to do himself. Sorry! Nothing against you, but he is too meticulous to ask for help. But please stay and watch!

He shows off a lot more when cleaning and moisturizing his horns and wings. Stretching them out, or making sure his horns are shiny enough to catch the light of his room.

Absolutely soaks up for enamored gasps and wide eyes stares.

Beelzebub

Just shrugs when you ask to see his wings and horns.

Of course, he doesn't mind you touching them. He just finds it odd. Kinda forgot that it's not a normal occurrence in the human realm.

He has no issues with you touching or rubbing on his horns. He doesn't have any feeling in them anyway.

But, unfortunately, you can only look at his wings. The cuticle is very fragile so he can't just flare his wings out whenever he feels like the others.

You find the hard casing that protects his wings just as fascinating though. The iridescent sheen of it is mesmerizing. Your eyes can't pick up all the colors that it gleams, but it's still beautiful regardless.

You have a hard time getting any of the shell bits when they shed. Beel normally eats them and he is much faster than you.

But he will temper himself and save a few for you once he figures out why you are pouting.

His paper-thin shell casing resembles stained glass when you hold it up to the light. You have taken to making a large wind chime out of the shedding of the brother's horns and wings. His chitin is the perfect addition to give the slightly macabre piece some color.

He-and the other brothers find it kinda odd that you collect essentially garbage to them, but they chalk it up to a weird human quirk.

If it makes you happy-*shrugs*

Belphegor

Like his twin, doesn’t get the hype around it. But, if it means you’ll be spending more time with him then he won’t complain.

You pet his tail a lot when he is sleeping. His tail is soft and fluffy. It wraps around you while he slumbers, locking you in place by his side.

He wakes you up by tickling your nose with the tuft of his tail. He teases you when it makes you sneeze.

If you thought his bedhead was bad, wait till you see him struggling with the tangles at the tip of his tail.

You offer to help comb it out. Maybe even convince him to invest in a good bottle of conditioner. He takes you along to buy it and lets you choose the scent.

He has a penchant for cucumber and melon scents when it comes to his detergent and pillow sprays so you keep to that realm.

He cannot express how much he doesn’t care about upkeep so if you want to brush his tail and examine his horns go to town, means he doesn’t have to do it.

Belphie gets addicted quickly to you doting on his form. He sleeps harder and better after a session with you brushing his tail or rubbing at his horns.

You’ve learned just how to massage his scalp and where to scratch around his horns to help him fall asleep. He doesn't realize he does it himself as a self-soothing mechanism until you bring it up one night.

When you hit the sweet spots at the base of his tail or horns he can’t control the twitching and movements of his tail.

[gimyeongbestboy]

Ok first off, I’m obessed with everything you write. I wanna write lookism so badly but everyone things I’m just a jujutsu kaisen blog when I’m not 😭😭ANYWHO, can we get headcanons for jake who meets y/n who is shy but a total bad ass with the sword? Like he hears that some goons are trying to kidnap her and when he arrives they are just all beat up and thus starts jake falling for you. And I know jake would also make y/n blush so much omg. 🥰🥰anyways thank you so much for always making my day!

You can always write for other fandoms if you want. Like it's you're blog, not theirs. Were you the anon that sent me this ask? Anyways, I'm glad my writing makes your day-- thanks for liking it so much. This one is a short one.

Kidnapped

Jake Kim x Reader

If yn is a shy person, I fee like Jake would find yn an adorable person or something-- unless, yn got a resting bitch face.

If the swordsmanship skill is a secret and unknown to pretty much everyone, then Jake would definitely rush to yn's rescue. He doesn't view you as someone completely helpless per se, that's just Jake in nature. If he knows someone he cares about needs his help, he will help that person no matter the situation.

When he gets the message that you've been taken or is being held captive, he will get alarmed right away. His first thought would probably have something to do with your safety. Something like, "When was she taken?" or, "Who was she last with?"

Jake would probably ask the generic questions that a police would ask if someone is reported missing. The questions I've mentioned would probably be the first thoughts that will pop in his mind, and that's when he'll start searching for you. While he's looking for you, that's most likely when his worry will start to grow more and more especially if you've been gone for hours.

When Jake finally finds you, he'd be so surprised when he sees all the guys who kidnapped you, are all passed out. You on the other hand, were just walking out of whatever establishment you were held in-- very casually.

If Jake have some unknown feelings, in a sense where he too, don't know that he likes you, then that's when he'll realize his feelings for you. Jake would run up to you and hold you tight against him in silence.

His heart would be pounding so hard, that you can probably feel it too when he hugged you. When he's finally sure that you're safe and/or unharmed (to which you are), that's when Jake will tell you how worried he's been.

With the recent incident that unfolded, Jake would probably keep a closer eye on you. Of course at this point he's aware you're a good swordsman/woman, but still, he'll worry. After all, it's not going to be the first time he lost someone in a similar manner. He's confident you can handle yourself well, but he would worry for your safety still. I mean he really do care about you, so...

Jake would always check up on you, and you're just there wondering why he keeps doing more lately.

Since yn is shy, whenever Jake would be near, I feel like all yn would remember is how tight Jake's embrace was after that whole fiasco. Jake's embrace made yn feel so safe and warm, and yn's face gets tomato red from remembering that moment.

Jake would then be all worried because yn's looking red thinking, "Oh no, is yn sick?" Sir, you're the one causing it.

Jake once asked about yn's blushing moments, yn would literally stammer and get extra red in the face when the truth gets spilled.

Jake being the cheeky person that he is, would probably always hug yn whenever they see each other and before they part ways.

Honestly, I don't think beating up goons and not being a damsel in distress is enough to make Jake fall for you. You could be the best swordsman/woman, but that's not going to take your far. You got skills, so what? I see Jake as someone who values personality over anything else. The reason being, skills can be picked up and learned, but a genuine personality can't.

I see Jake being completely impressed with the fact that you can handle yourself in a situation, but I honestly don't think that's enough to make him fall for you. For that reason, if Jake were to fall for yn during that kidnapping, then that's when he realize that he has already existing feelings for yn already.

If yn ever get kidnapped again, Jake would be less worried than the first incident because he's confident that you can handle yourself. There will be a bit of worry in him, but then again, who wouldn't be when their beloved suddenly got kidnapped?

[tannieschim]

when the camellia blooms | pjm

park jimin x kim! reader | 1 | 2

sypnosis: diagnosed with the hanahaki disease, you had only two options - accept a deathly fate, or never love again. 

genre: au, angst, fluff, humor, friends to lovers? maybe.

warnings: many talks of death and dying, minor character death, pain, unrequited love, swearing, talks of past sexual experience while intoxicated, pining, longing, really sad reader, and lots of angst.

word count: 7.2 k

"you would die for her, for him."

"You're dying."

The two words escape past his lips steadily and breathily as your widening eyes linger on the way his hands fiddle with one another out of habit. He sighs deeply and resists the urge to avoid screaming at you and maintain eye contact out of professionalism, pushing back his slipping glasses.

"At this rate, you won't have any more than a month. Had you told me this sooner, y/n, the results wouldn't have been as scarce. But because you waited after almost a year of this, I'm afraid there's not much to do." He pushes his desk lightly to pull away from it, creating a mere distance between himself and the papers which finalized your future's passing. Reaching his collar, he tugs on his tie to loosen it before unbuttoning the first stitch as he looks at you with seemingly stray and angered eyes mixed with sympathy.

Suddenly, his sight wanders the room as he shakes his head repeatedly, scoffing in disbelief. He then smiles, dimples prominent, lip tightened, eyebrows furrowed, and eyes broken, piercing straight at its target - that being you.

Standing up, he takes off his glasses and slams his fist onto the chair's arm rest before running a hand across his hair, softly hissing.

The professionalism is now out of the drain, "You're an idiot, y/n."

"Fucking stupid. How could you not- I mean- how could you not tell me? I'm your brother! We're family. Blood. We're supposed to- we're supposed to tell each other these things and you just fucking- you kept it to yourself all these months! Ten months! And now I'm sitting here being the one to tell you that you're dying? That you're leaving me? I would've done something. I would've helped you, I- I would've killed whoever this person you're in love with is. y/n, please- I just-"

You don't know why, but you felt exhausted.

The ringing in your ears is deafening. Truthfully, you hadn't heard a single thing the minute you received news that you'll be, well, passing away. Not to mention, within 30 days time.

It's not as if you didn't already know about your condition, of course you did. Coughing soft pink camellia flowers every time you see the man that's brought you here is not exactly something that just simply passes a blind eye. You sense it, you feel it, and it hurts.

It really, really hurts.

You also felt awful for your brother. You hadn't meant for it to go this far. You didn't mean to not tell him. You didn't want your assigned doctor to suddenly call in sick and have your brother temporarily take his place. You didn't mean for him to find out this way - such a twisted, horrible fucking way, but here you are.

"I'm sorry, Joon. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for this to go this far. I just-"

"Were you ever even going to tell me?" He cuts you off, voice low and steady, almost afraid of your coming response.

Your eyes locate his across the cramped room, and one could clearly tell that it's striving its hardest to fight against desperate tears.

"I- yes, Joon. I was. Of course I was. I was gonna do it after this check in actually, but I guess God wanted you to find out sooner than I intended, though He could've just waited a little while longer and it would've been fine." You joke whisperingly, the heavy weight of your heart lightening just a small bit when you notice the corners of his lips twitch and his eyes faintly soften.

Regrettably, that was a lie. You didn’t plan on telling him, not today at least. Maybe not even ever.

The softening air lasts for only a second as his following question makes you hold back the urge to cough up another camellia flower slowly blooming its way to your throat.

"Who is it?"

Genuine, concerned, curious. These were all that he was.

But noticing the way your body went entirely rigid at his words and the way your hand clutched your clothed chest in attempt to shut down what you know will happen next, Namjoon's brotherly instincts causes him to naturally make his way towards you softly, taking small and careful strides towards your fragile state.

And once he's finally reached you, he gets on his knees gently in order for him to be of nearing same height level as you're sitting down, his hands rubbing the back of your hand in a comforting manner.

He does this all before pulling the trigger.

"Who are you in love with, y/n?"

two years back

"Jimin!"

You call out your brother's best friend loudly, who is currently in the midst of doing a one-man stage play in front of the mirror, "Joon's saying you guys need to get going now. Says he has a patient in two hours and wants to go over all sorts of documents before treating her."

Turning around, you scan the living room and dining room for the keys of your friend's car as your brother also asked you to hand them to him since the two always end up on forgetting it until they've already reached the car parked across your apartment's block.

You hear Jimin shuffle behind you, "Really? He wants to go over documents at- 9 AM in the morning?"

Smiling at his attempts of complaint, you nod your head softly in order to play along and answer his rhetorical question, "He really needs to learn how to drive doesn't he? Since he's dragging you along everywhere he goes."

Jimin laughs at your statement, which being an opinion, your brother would argue, 'driving isn't a necessary aspect of life.' But who really thinks like that? Oh right, non-drivers.

“I guess he’s getting too caught up in learning medicine that he forgot to learn how to officially become an adult.” Reaching above the kitchen top, you finally found sight of Jimin's car keys.

How did it even get up there? You think to yourself. It's really high up, so Namjoon must've been the one to leave it as to where it is.

You groan slightly, "Joon, can you get over here! I found Chim's keys but it's too far up high so I can't reach it. Hell I don't even think he can reach this-"

You are cut off when you feel a hand sneak around your waist, making you flinch and suddenly spin cautiously.

Eyes widened. Lips parted. Breath hitched. You let out an inaudible gasp as you come to the realization that Jimin is now in front of you, head tilted with an amused smile on his face, "Excuse you? I can very much reach this." He says, all the while reaching up behind you, inchly leaning forward. At this point, your body is being pressed up against the kitchen counter and his oh-so-very toned front.

This small action is enough to instigate a flaming abyss inside of you as you very much attempt to calm your alarmed heart.

You can feel the cuts and lines of his abs against your chest as he is now standing on his tippy toes, desperately trying to reach the keys on the kitchen top. Anyone that could see his posture would call him adorable, but your body is currently being sandwiched and by all that is high and mighty your mind can't even really process a single thing. Wait, what were you thinking just now?

"See? Got it." Jimin falls back in place as he jiggles his car keys in front of your stone-cold face, smile wide as he giggles softly, "Piece of cake, y/n."

He then proceeds to move on with his life like he didn't just do what the fuck he just did.

Clearing your throat, you blink about a million times in order to gather your thoughts. Your heartbeat is racing faster than the speed of light and your lips have become as dry as a desert. If you had gone standing on your tippy toes just as he did, you would've been a baby hair away from lips touching. The thought is enough to make you grow weak.

Yet as if something inside of you is suddenly turned on, no pun intended, you remind yourself that these thoughts are wrong. You can't be having these apprehensions, they aren't right. Because not only is he your brother's best friend, he also has a-

"y/n?" Jimin's soft voice calls out your name.

Breaking out of your trance, you turn to see him sitting down on the dining table, head tilted downwards with a small smile on his face. The sun escapes your pastel curtains as it slips past the window sill, reasoning with the current ray of golden yellow that has found its home on Jimin’s plump cheek, shining on the left side of his luminous face.

It's absolutely senseless how he can look as beautiful as he does simply by existing, and it makes perfect sense that your finding yourself to liking him more and more.

Just look at him.

You are broken out of your enchanted daze once more as dreaded words leave his smiling lips, "I'm gonna ask her to marry me."

Only then were you brought back to your inadequate reality.

“W- what?” You attempt to speak, but you notice the way your voice has suddenly become noticeably hoarse.

Jimin looks up at you with a smile, the kind that has his eyes almost disappearing.

“Sung. I’m gonna ask her to marry me tonight.”

silence.

silence.

and more silence.

Like a coward, that was all what you could muster to respond with.

And only then did you notice the velvet box on his hands, upon which he is tenderly caressing. Only then did you recognize the questionable romantic script of his one-man stage just moments earlier. Only then did you realize that the reason behind his growing smile are because of her, not you. Not because of what had just taken place.

Only then did you remember that no, you can't be having these apprehensions - they aren't right.

Because not only is he your brother's best friend,

he also has a, now upcoming, fiancé.

present time

"I already loved him then, Joon."

By this time, your brother has stood up and begun pacing back and forth the modest office, murmurs of curses towards his friend escaping past his lips, "-that small son of a bitch."

Smiling softly, you look down in reminiscence of the moments you have spent falling for Jimin. "I guess I've always been infatuated with him ever since our first meeting, but my God Joonie," you pause, inhaling a short breath in attempt to stop tears threatening to spill. "-ever since that day, when he told me that he was going to propose to her, I finally realized that like was the wrong term to use. I realized that I loved him and I just- I lost sight of everything." You cry, small sobs coming from you as you blinkingly look up to try to contain the waters forming in your eyes.

It was true. That day, when he told you about his plans to ask her to marry him, you've never felt more indignant.

Of course you faked it at first, congratulated him and consoled him into truthfully believing that she will undoubtedly say yes. But the minute he and Namjoon left your apartment, you collapsed on your carpeted floors, sobbing loudly and hitting your chest repetitively all the while cursing yourself in your head for ever even considering the tiniest of possibilities that you and Jimin could ever happen.

You also went out that night, got drunk, found a guy, slept with him, and never looked back.

Sure, this may seem like a regular night out for many, but not being the type to kiss and sleep, sex meant a lot to you.

Nothing wrong with one night stands, that just wasn't your particular chosen lifestyle. But you were wasted. You were intoxicated. You didn't know what you were doing. Had you been sober, you wouldn't have done what you did, especially with the person you did it with. So when you woke up in the middle of the night naked in bed next to a familiar face and realized what you've done, you rushingly stood up, got dressed, and left, ignoring the calls of the man you had just been with.

You went straight home and washed yourself for hours, feeling dirty and sloppy and disgusting. You can easily recollect sitting down in the showers, head tucked underneath and in between your legs, sobbing and crying loudly as the steam surrounding you from the warm water kept on worsening.

You hated what you did, and you most definitely despised the reason for what you did, - to simply get over someone else. You felt guilty. You felt ashamed. What would Jimin think? You thought to yourself. And though that truly didn't really matter, the ache in your heart kept on making you believe otherwise.

You didn't notice how your tears have fallen and stained your newly-bought jeans until Namjoon's hands holding a napkin comes within your perception.

Mumbling a small 'sorry Joonie,' you accept his offer and wipe the tears still continuously streaming down your now reddened, warm, and puffy face. As you do this, you furthermore catch sight of your brother's shadow rubbing his face in frustration, matching the groans that you also hear release from him in the background. And without meaning so, you deflate in insecurity.

Hearing the sound of air being released from a pulling force, you look up to see that Namjoon has sat back down, his elbows resting on the desk while his chin rest on his hands. "Does he know about this, y/n?"

You sigh, "No."

"Are you going to tell him?" You hear him ask once more.

Closing your eyes and sniffing lightly, you inhale a steady breath as you answer him for the second time, "I don't know, Joon."

Namjoon looks at you, eyes full of worry and concern. You don't know?

You're his sister, and he loves you. He would do anything for you. If he could shower you with all the love that you lack from Jimin, he would. And he would do it in a heartbeat. But you're dying. You're leaving him. And he doesn't know what to think. He doesn't know what to do. So how could you not know? How could you sit here, in front of him, after keeping this shit for ten months to yourself, tell him that you just don't know?

He feels frustrated. Frustrated over the clearing fact that if you don't know the answer to that simple yes or no question, then how more could you know the answer to when he asks you to make the choice?

The choice - to love or to die.

A very careful, unprecedented surgery that has been performed by professionals only a few times, yet each one has been successful. This seems easy, yeah. A surgery to save your life? Of course you'll do it! But there's a reason as to why this has been done only by a certain small count.

To perform the surgery and live, the price is not the expense, but rather the loneliness that shall come as you spend the rest of your life void of emotions. The surgery doesn't get rid of love on its own, it gets rid of everything that comes with it - happiness, sadness, trust, pain, pretty much everything that one can possibly feel. The only emotion left is indifference, yet even indifference lacks its self-sustainability.

Who would want to live like that?

Who would want to live a life where you just simply exist and nothing more?

He knows that the day will come eventually - when he offers you the choice, the chance to save your life, and he knows it will come soon. But right now, he has chosen to prioritize being a brother over a doctor. Right now, the only thing in his mind is comforting you.

"Okay." Your brother nods, making your eyes widen slightly in shock.

Okay? No scolding? No 'how could you not know?!' older brother reprimands? But then you remember, oh yeah. You're dying. And who could possibly scold their dying little sister?

"I'm sorry Joonie-" You try to apologize once more before he cuts you off again.

"No, don't apologize, y/n. It's not like you could've possibly wanted for any of this to happen, yeah?" He offers you a smile, but you could easily see past its fabricated purpose, "But instead let me ask you this. And I need you, in our deceased parent's name, to be completely honest with me."

You only nod, completely submissive and understanding of his seriousness the moment that he mentioned your passed parents.

"What you just told me, when you first fell in love with him, that was two years ago." He starts, making you nod again in agreement.

"But you were diagnosed only ten months ago."

Your heart drops, and you don't nod again.

"The Hanahaki Disease is not something that gradually begins and comes to existence over the course of time. It is an illness that is triggered. It could be by a sudden forthcoming realization or proclamation of love, or by an event that triggers the heart to completely shut down in overwhelmth. Either way, basing on the timing of what you've said, you should've been diagnosed with the Hanahaki two years ago. But you weren't."

Namjoon eyes you questioningly, but not too much to the extent that you feel uncomfortable, only just enough to remind you of the importance of this conversation, "You were only diagnosed ten months ago, y/n. Why?"

You sit still, not wanting to move, as if your stone figure would somehow make him think that you're not real or that you're a simple figment of his messed up imagination.

"y/n, what happened ten months ago?"

He finishes his question and you swallow harshly only to realize that you're parched, your throat completely dry. You then tilt your head to steal a gaze at your brother, making you catch the way his eyes suddenly widened as if he just realized something of high importance. As if he had just realized the answer to his own question. And that didn't work with you.

Clearing your throat, you are about to answer him in order to cut off his thoughts until the door swings open and you feel your throat compact, - the coughs of a camellia flower slipping its way to visibility -because there he is,

the man of the hour.

"y/n." He noticeably breathes a sigh of relief before making his way to you, engulfing you in a giant embrace. "I was so worried about you. Why didn't you tell me you had the Hanahaki? How could you not let me know? How long have you had it? Who is it? I swear I'm going to murder whoever this piece of shit is that he dared ever making yo-"

"Jimin this is a professional space between a doctor and his patient." The two of you pull away almost exactly the same time as soon as Namjoon speaks up, Jimin's eyebrows furrowing, "Get out."

"What?" Jimin barely gather the voice to ask him as he is completely caught off guard of his friend's erupting vulgar attitude.

"I said-" Namjoon speaks before getting caught off again.

"No trust me, I heard what you said. But what?" Jimin repeats himself, "So you're telling me you're not prioritizing being y/n's brother right now? You're still caught up in this Doctor Kim bullshit? Like you're a real one?"

"Jimin-" You attempt to budge in, sensing that a certain trouble may suddenly come knocking.

"No, y/n. Listen hyung-"

"No, YOU listen. You small piece of shit." Your brother raises his voice, "-don't come barging in here like you own the place or like you have any authority over her. She is MY sister and this is a family matter. So it's best you stay out of it and keep in your lane."

At this point, Namjoon is in front of Jimin, a short distance separating the two of them, "And don't you ever dare speak to me in that tone again. I know you're my friend, but remember to treat me with respect. Not only am I your superior, but I'm also your hyung." He finishes with a serious voice, tone low, and message deep. His earnest eyes piercing through his friend's pained ones.

Jimin, mouth slightly agape being at loss for words and clearly confused at his close friend's unreasonable anger, storms out of the room.

But not before he drags you along with him.

Namjoon is quick to act as he tries to reach for you, but you turn back and look at him pleadingly, signaling him that it's okay and to not worry. And him being the understanding brother that he is, pulls back and holds himself steady.

You can handle him. You’re a Kim. You’re strong.

Strong enough to survive through this.

You’ll be okay.

And as he watches the two of you leave, the door closing shut right in front of him, only then does reality hit Namjoon as his legs tremble abruptly, feeling lightheaded all of a sudden.

Falling down the floor, he reaches onto the desk for assistance as he slides his back down the wooden wall, hands painfully fisted and finding its way to cover his mouth in order to muffle the choked-in sobs perilously escaping him. He proceeds to blink away the tears and bite harshly on his lips, trying to diminish the flourishing grievance in his heart.

His sister is dying, and he doesn't know what to do.

“Doctor Kim? The next patient is ready to see you.” A knocking nurse distracts him and calls out from behind the door, “-shall I send them in?”

Namjoon sniffs heavily and sighs deeply, rushingly grabbing his glasses and adjusting his emotionally wrecked state, “One moment!”

He lets out a soft, shaky breath and reminds himself once more that you’re a Kim.

You’re strong.

You can beat this.

It'll be alright.

You'll be okay.

"IM NOT OKAY JIMIN-SHI!" You voicely whine out to your friend who is currently dragging you along the halls of the hospital and out the technologically advanced glass doors, "What is wrong with you?!" You pull your arm aggressively from his grasp as you bend down, hands resting on your knees while you hastily try to catch your breath. The camellia flower stuck just along the chords of your throat making it very difficult.

Jimin stares at you worryingly, having forgotten of your illness, "O- oh no. y/n, I'm sorry I forgot I- are you okay? Should we go back?" He stutters in concern before you hold up one finger, signaling him to shut the hell up. "-sorry."

Looking at you like this, tired and exhausted from having to put up with all his bullshit, Jimin feels a sudden urge to reach out and embrace you tightly, almost forgetting of his previous encounter with your brother.

And so that's exactly what he does.

You are caught off guard the moment you feel a hand grab your shoulder by means of pulling you closer all the while another rests just at your crook of spine, and although this first makes you stumble in a not-so-very prettily way, your destination is found to be in your friend's embrace, his fragile yet protective arms wrapped around you securely.

Not letting this moment simply pass by, you let yourself melt in his arms as you find the comfort meant to be found in his comforting hug, wrapping your arms around his neck as you slightly stand on your tippy toes. Somehow, your simple action makes him pull you even closer, one hand creeping behind your neck all the while his other is completely wrapped around your waist although this time is tighter than before.

As the two of you stay like this in the middle of the sliding glass doors of the hospital, crowds of unfamiliar voices passing by you and ambulances ringing endlessly against your ear, you let yourself submerge within the passion of your heart.

Amidst the chaos and cries of your nearingly counted days, you find consolation in the arms of the same man that has put you in front of death's door, and quite frankly, you wouldn't really want it any other way. You'll take what is given by the heavens above when it comes to Jimin, because well- you love him.

Unfortunately, that quick and simple thought is enough to make you lose control of your reminded disease.

"y-y/n what's- are you okay?" Jimin pulls away from you abruptly as you break into coughing fits, pastel pink camellia blossoms escaping your trembling lips.

The sight has caught the attention of many civilians, but both you and Jimin remain to be indifferent about them as you or more or less are occupied with your illness all the while Jimin specifically aims his attention on you alone.

"Alright that's it, screw your brother alright?" Jimin exclaims a bit louder than what you're comfortable with as this obviously did not benefit with the proceedingly growing public focus on the two of you, "-we're going back, y/n, it's my fault for bringing you outside so suddenly-"

"No chim, please-" You roughly attempt to speak out, your throat painfully extracting the feeling of abrasiveness, "Please just- let's just go."

"y/n.."

“Please chim,” you cut him off for what seemed to be the fiftieth time, coughing, “-please. I don’t want to be here any longer.”

Hesistant yet concerned, Jimin nods slowly as he assists your side, his hands finding its home around your waist and lower back while you both take short and careful strides. You destination is still unknown, but you didn’t mind. A journey a day with someone you love has never turned out for the worse.

At least that's what you think.

"Really?" You roll your eyes as you notice the familiar lane that Jimin's car just entered, "I asked you to get me out of the hospital area, I didn't ask for a sleepover, Jimin." You jokingly accuse him, but you can't help the smile that makes its way on your puffed-up face as you notice him smoothly take a side-glance at you with a knowing smirk.

"Well I thought that with all that bad hospital air, you might've wanted to breathe in a familiar scent," Jimin responds as the car comes to a stop.

You turn slightly to open the door and step out before you here a meek, "Jankkanman!" and perceive a 5'9 in height blondie come running around the bonnet in order to open the car door for you as a gentleman would. It is such a sweet and casual pantomime, yet an ill-patient diagnosed with an illness of the heart can never bring you any wins. Consequently, his actions only causes your throat to feel strained and compacted for the endless time.

God, how much did you love this man that such a simple gesture makes you want to cough out countless of fully bloomed flowers?

You thank the heavens above for your past endless experiences that allowed you to now be better in terms of hiding your pain as you attempt to smile genuinely, mumbling a small "thank you" in the process before making your way inside his home.

"So," Jimin starts as the two of you plop down his couch, his eyes seeking for yours as he tilts his head ever so lightly, "what should we do today... now that you're out of that hell hole?"

"Chim!" You scold him lightly, "my brother and your best friend just happens to be working in that hell hole, just in case you forgot, and- hey! You work there too, you ass." You accusingly point at him all the while hitting his arm playfully.

Jimin is was a nurse in that hospital. Your brother is a doctor.

He laughs and smiles widely, "Nope. I don't work there anymore, remember? But I did for a while, which is why I can most definitely testify that that place is indeed, a hell hole. And by the way, I'm kind of offended that you pretty much forgot my lost profession just then, y/n, like what the fuck?" He jokes endingly.

Your eyes soften slightly as he mentions his lack of job, yet you still stubbornly choose to ignore his last remark. "Well I sure hope that's not the case since I'll be most likely spending my last days there."

Oops.

The silence that ensues goes inevitably noticed by the two of you the moment those words escaped past your lips, but you paid no mind. That was the reason that you asked him to take you away anyways. You weren't hoping for some cliche romantic bullshit where the two of you simply elope and forget your real worries in your life, no. Instead you were here with the main purpose of facing it.

Besides, even if you did want to leave with him, you couldn't. Remember?

Jimin is the first to break the excessive blockade, "Don't say that y/n."

You sigh, "But it's true, chim."

"I don't give a shit if it's true or not."

"Chim.." You are slightly startled with his sudden outburst, caught off guard in the way his voice slightly raised as his attention and body language are now completely directed at you, "Wha- why are you getting mad?"

Jimin scoffs, almost irritated at your oblivious question, "Why? Because you're talking of dying like it's not a big deal, y/n!" His voice getting louder and louder by every word he spits out, "God, you know you can be so fucking insensitive sometimes. What, did you already forget the shit I suffered when I lost someone? Did you already forget all the fucking shit I suffered when death took her from me?"

At the mention of her, you pause. Speechless. Guilty. Hurt.

Of course you remember. How could you not? You remember the darkest of days as like it was just yesterday.

You remember getting that call in the middle of the night from the contact name of your brother as you slightly answered it in an irritated voice, "Joon I swear to God if you're asking me to drive you to work in the middle of the fucking night I will personally drag your ass right now to get a driver's liscenc-"

"y/n?"

You remember immediately stopping as you recognize the voice that most certainly did not belong to your brother, "Chim?"

"y- y/n."

You remember the outbreak of his sobs as you call out to him, his sniffles and cries becoming more and more prominent as you stumble on your feet, struggling with keeping your phone against and in between your ear and your shoulder as you hurryingly take off to grab a jacket and your keys, "Chim what's wrong, where the hell are you? W- where's Joon?"

You remember the way your heart dropped as your worst fear came to mind, the thought of losing your brother itself being enough to make you wobble in your feet, your heart clenching. He had your brother's phone, and he was crying.

"N-no, he- he's fine, y/n. It's not him, hyung's... hyung's fine."

You remember the way he struggled to find the right words; the way he sniffled and stuttered through forming such a simple sentence all the while you on the other side of the line breathe out a sigh of relief at the information of your brother's wellness, yet feeling slightly guilty that your emotions are in contrast with your friend's.

"It's Sung."

You remember Jimin's worst.

"It's Sung, y/n. Sh- she got in an accident on the way here to visit me during my off hours and- fuck! Some fucking demon pulled a hit and run on her. She was walking, y/n. She walked an hour here and got ran over by someone and.. they're doing an operation on her- hyung's assisting and he just- it's bad. It was really bad and she was bleeding all fucking over and- hyung, he- he left his phone and I didn't know what to do so I just called you- I didn't, they pushed me out of the room, y/n. I need you here. Please, please. Please come here because I'm losing my fucking mind and I need you here."

You remember driving to the hospital as careful as you can with the fear of the possibility of an accident occurring still in the midst of the back of your mind.

You remember reaching the doors of the emergency room and being greeted with a pair of reddened and exhausted eyes that looked up the moment you walked in, "Jin."

He stands up to greet you politely but you stop him, obviously seeing that his reaction upon seeing you is no more than a forced delight, "Let's not do this under these circumstances, okay? You're allowed to feel unwelcoming. It's okay, Jin."

He does no more than mumble a small 'thank you' before going back to his previous spot with you trudging along beside him.

You remember feeling the sorrow of the man beside you as you watch him lean his head back against the wall, fragile streaks of tears rolling down his flushed cheeks. You couldn't imagine his pain, the pain of such a situation where your sister's life is at stake. You wanted to comfort him, to softly rub his back and whisper sweet encouragements against his ear, little white lies that his sister is guaranteed to make it without a doubt. But you couldn't. You weren't here for him, regardless of your history. Regardless of the way you left him the morning after your supposed mistake.

"Uhm, have you seen Jimin?"

You remember the way his void eyes find yours and the way his lips lightly upturn as he gives you a forced smirk, trying to keep up with his image of being Kim Seokjin, Kim Sungkyung's handsome and cocky older brother, "And here I was thinking fate brought you here to me, y/n." He trails off, "-considering how you fucked me then dipped."

You gasp slightly and playfully hit his arm at the blunt mention of your regretted one night stand as you give him a small yet genuine smile, partly glad yet at the same time worried that he can make such remarks during a situation like this.

It was strange really, how everything in your life seemed to be connected. How on the day you felt your heart tore apart the time Jimin first mentioned his planned proposal, you went out and accidentally slept with the soon-to-be-bride's older brother.

Letting out a small sigh, Jin nods his head in the direction of a different waiting room, "He left when I came. Guess he was embarrassed of how fucked up he was but hey- I'm not doing any fucking better am I?" He tells you, subtly pointing at the very visible streaks of tears still falling down his now puffy face.

You get on your feet and turn to leave but not before giving one last glance at the man next to you, a hand softly reaching to rub his shoulder, "I'm so sorry, Jin. I wish I could stay, but-"

"It's okay, y/n. Go." Jin encourages you with a small yet noticeably forced smile, "He needs you."

And so you do, bidding him a soft goodbye before taking off, your eyes beginning to water out of the guilt of leaving a friend in that state.

You then remember being suffocated. Suffocated from the embrace that greeted you the moment Jimin entered your peripheral vision. You remember landing on your behind with a harsh thud from the struggle of Jimin's weight as he continues to seek your embrace for means of comfort, the two of you falling down the floor. You remember getting drenched from Jimin's tears as you cradle him as would a wailing child, rocking him back and forth all the while softly rubbing his back, whispering every bit of amenity that could make him feel better.

You remember feeling your heart physically ache as you fail to notice the tears that have fallen down your own eyes, blurring your sight.

To see Jimin in this state, so broken and hurt and scared, it tore you apart. You wanted him happy. You wanted him smiling. You wanted him. You loved him. And God forbid that you're admitting this in your own mind while his fiance is battling for her own life, but fuck.

You wanted nothing more than to lay down your own life for Sung so that she could continue in existence for him.

If you could, you would take here place.

You would die for her, for him.

You remember pushing back your thoughts as you put focusing on Jimin your first priority. You remember keeping him in a neverending tight embrace as he neverendingly sobs against your chest, his lips leaving prayers you could barely yet still tried to understand;

please don't let her die

don't take her away from me

i love her too much

i still have to marry her.

You then remember hearing a wail of anguish, putting a pause to both Jimin's silent pleas and your eavesdropping as the both of your heads turn to pinpoint from whom the noise came from.

You remember the way Jimin stilled.

"No."

You remember his whisper of such a small, two-lettered word, yet somehow it caused your heart to crumble.

"No no no no-"

You remember having to tackle Jimin slightly as he causes a mess of himself, punching the seats and harshly tugging on his hair all the while screaming wails of pain and suffering, "Jimin please-"

"No- get the fuck off of me! Sung?!"

You remember how Jimin lost sight of reality as he pushes you off of him, your body making in contact with the cold tiled ground.

"SUNG? SUNG! LET ME INSIDE-"

You remember seeing nurses and other staff pull the man you love back as he causes a scene, starting to become physical and violent with the people surrounding him, "PLEASE! Please- I just- I NEED TO SEE HER! SHES MY FIANCE-"

You remember seeing a man dressed in blue make his way near Jimin, a needle in his hand.

"H-hey, no!" You remember trying to catch up to the nurse, attempting to prevent them from giving whatever the shot was to Jimin, "Stop! Please-"

"y/n. D-don't."

You remember feeling a hand on your shoulder which makes you turn around instantly, only to find the culprit behind the anguished scream just moments prior Jimin's outburst.

"Jin." You start, "-they're going to sedate him. That- that's not okay."

"They have to, y/n." Another voice calls out from behind Jin, "I know how it seems and I don't like it either, b-but he's becoming violent. They have to sedate him."

"Joon." You whisper softly.

What a sick and twisted game that life is playing on you, that your brother, Jimin's best friend, Jimin's best man at the wedding being planned, is the one to give news of the bride's passing.

"Sung, is she really.." You trail off, not having the heart to finish your sentence.

It seems neither does he, as he responds with nothing but a simple avoidance of eye contact.

"HYUNG!"

You remember Jimin's faint and tired yet still firm voice as he calls out your brother, "Hyung, you saved her didn't you? You- you were part of the surgery. You saved her didn't you? Didn't you!?" Jimin is weak as he trails off his words as the effect of the syringe takes its course, but that doesn't stop him from reaching out to the three of you, "H-hyung. Tell me you saved her. P-please tell me you saved h-her."

Namjoon doesn't stop the tear that rolls down his hardened face as he only shakes his head, "I'm sorry, Jimin. We did our best. We really, really did. I'm so sorry-"

You remember the way Namjoon's voice trails off your hearing as your throat suddenly feels contracted. You remember the itching pain just within your chest as you find the struggle to breath, your hand clutching it harshly. You remember stumbling back just a little bit as you feel lightheaded, thinking that these were only from the overwhelming happenings in that moment.

But then you cough.

And you cough

and you cough

and you cough.

But no one notices you.

Not even yourself.

Your attention remains still at Jimin, who has now dropped completely to the floor, tears still continuously spilling out of his drowsy eyes. Short breaths are released from his trembling lips as he mumbles words that none of you can understand. He then begins to seemingly reach out for something, someone.

"P-please," He whispers.

And as you bend down almost immediately to attend to his calls, you cough.

And you cough

and you cough.

And still no one notices.

No one except him.

You cough as your eyes find his, barely open yet staring right at you from the lows of the floor.

You remember having to excuse yourself and run to the nearest restroom you can find, legs trembling and stumbling on your way there as you push against the winds of the almost empty halls, still coughing with every step you take. And just as you reach the doors of the restroom, you turn back slightly, just enough to catch Jimin's last sight while his body is being carried away to where you guess is a vacant patient's room, all this before his eyes ultimately close.

Eyes you found lastly staring at you.

You remember finally shutting the door and locking it, thanking God silently that you're in a family restroom hence there is no one else inside. You cough desperately, your throat beginning to feel exclusively sore and your lungs beginning to tighten from all the air being released as you cough and cough and cough again.

You reach out to the sink, gripping tightly onto the white metals as you cough and cough and cough again.

You then brushingly turn to the toilet, your eyes watering and lips numbing as you cough and you cough and you cough once more.

You practically clean the whole restroom, as disgusting as that sounds, from all the moving you made as you coughed anywhere and everywhere. You felt awful for the next person to come inside, now that your bacterium were practically in its every corner, side, and space. You cough again, this time harder, the worst one out of the previous.

You remember sensing a certain feeling rise up, something soft yet itchy, something light yet heavy.

And so you cough, and you cough, and you cough, and you cough,

and you bleed.

And amongst the red is a pink.

A single, individual pink petal from what you would soon find out is a camellia flower - the flower that is soon to be the latter symbolization of death chasing you, growing closer, inching nearer, just about to knock on your door.

So of course you remember Jimin's distraught. Of course you remember Sung's - his fiance's death.

Because her death was too, the ultimate beginning of yours.

taglist for part 2?

[scarlet-threads-and-cigarettes]

Some Unspoken Thing

Louis James Moriarty x Reader (Established Friendship)

After knowing that the next chapter will be released in September, I wrote some MTP x Reader drabbles in my notes to help keep my mind off things. (Also, because I love the characters). For my first MTP x Reader fic, it features none other than Louis!

If you ever come across this, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Louis had finally managed to finish doing his rounds all over the Moriarty Estate. His older brothers, Albert and William, had already left earlier that morning to their respective jobs.

The young, blonde man made his way into the second floor of the manor, his scarlet eyes darting about in case he had missed cleaning a spot or if there were any other chores that he had not started on yet. Given that it was Valentine's Day, the nobles ㅡ especially the women who were more than eager to make the Moriartys' acquaintance ㅡ decided it best that they were to hold a tea party to celebrate the occasion. Louis did not want to put disgrace to their family name, so he was as observant and as careful with his cleaning inspections.

Upon reaching the landing, he noticed that the door to your room was slightly ajar.

That's odd, he thought to himself. He remembered you locking it after you rushed to meet your date. Louis approached the room with cautious steps, careful not to startle the occupant. If there ever was one.

A look of confusion dawned on his features, his brows furrowed and his eyes squinted from behind his spectacles.

❛ Y/N? You're back early. ❜

Louis remarked, slightly opening the door as he stood just outside your quarters.

You were absently staring out at your open window when Louis' voice snapped you out of your trance, bringing you back into reality. You turned towards where his voice had come from and gave him a halfhearted smile.

❛ Yes, I'm back. Unfortunately, plans have changed. My date ㅡ ❜

A sigh slipped out of your lips, your cheeks puffed and dusted with a pink blush. You averted your gaze from the young man at the entryway, diverting your attention to the floor.

❛ My date was with somebody else. I thought they were going out today to meet up with me. But as it turns out, they're already seeing somebody. ❜

You were embarrassed to relay your story to Louis. You two have known each other for a long time and he was always the one you relied on when your relationships don't go as planned. Today's incident was no different. You didn't bother going into detail because you couldn't deal with the humiliation that would creep up in your chest not long after, the feeling made even more evident by your reddening cheeks.

Louis adjusted his glasses, a finger momentarily pushing up the eyewear's bridge on his nose's dorsum. There were many thoughts running on his mind; this was not the first time someone had turned you down in a mortifying manner. A glint of murder flittered past his crimson orbs, dissipating into a gaze of softness as he observed your crestfallen look.

He stepped into your quarters, the sound of his approaching steps making you look up.

Up close, he was breathtakingly handsome. Though the right side of his face was mostly covered with his lengthened fringe, you can't help but be mesmerized. His red eyes were rather hypnotizing, as if luring you someplace else the longer that you stare at them. The scar on his right cheek, left by a burn mark he had long ago inflicted on himself, resembled an unexplored area on a map that your fingers wanted to caress and trace.

You saw your face reflected on his lenses and you internally scolded yourself. Gather your wits about you, think straight.

Louis filled in the silence that settled between you.

❛ I'm sorry to hear about your date, Y/N. ❜

He said with the most genuine tone he could muster; his anger might take a while to subside. Knowing that you've been played again always puts a bitter taste into his mouth. He knelt in front of you on one knee, clasping one of your hands with both of his.

You felt your heart skip a beat, pounding at an increasing rhythm against your chest. Your eyes never broke contact throughout this exchange, resulting to you feeling more flustered than usual.

What was happening?! Louis was your friend! For years now, you had never felt anything romantic towards him. Yet...

❛ You know, I've finished doing my chores today, Y/N. As my means of lifting your spirits up, would you like to accompany me on a stroll? We could go somewhere you like. ❜

A smile crept up on your lips as you wordlessly nodded, a tear sliding down your cheek. Give it to Louis to come to your aid even if you didn't ask for it in the first place. It was one of the things you loved about him: he was willing to do anything for your sake without expecting much in return. He did it out of the goodness of his heart.

Though he appeared void of emotion, he was a man with a warm heart and a caring personality.

With the use of his thumb, he gently wiped your tear away. A small smile of content was on his face, relieved that he had somehow helped cheer you up.

❛ Shall we, then? ❜

You breathed out, grinning from ear to ear as you stood up.

Louis chuckled as he followed suit, intertwining your fingers as he held your hand tightly into his.

❛ As you wish, Y/N. Which place do you have in mind, might I ask? ❜

There was curiosity in his tone, a subtle cluelessness hidden in it for his offer was a sudden one. Though he proposed the idea, he hadn't the slightest idea where to take you. After all, he did not expect the turn of events to take place nor did he anticipate that your date would embarrass you.

Fortunately for Louis, your mind was already abuzz with places to visit on that special occasion.

❛ You'll see when we get there. Worry not; I shall make sure we make it back before the tea party starts! ❜

This has a part two. If this will do well and reach a number of audience (manifesting that it will, I'm literally just starting), I'll upload it! ♡

[is-nini]

Prince of the abyss! Aether x abused Reader

Requested by anon:

Ayo! How have you been lately? Can I request an Aether (like the prince of the abyss or whatever, not aether the traveler) x reader where the reader is being abused? How would AETHER the PRINCE OF THE ABYSS react? What would he do to her abuser? Thank you :> it’s understandable if you don’t want to write this.

A/n: thankyou so much for requesting! Please enjoy!.

Aether has watch you for.. a little while now, even though he watches and stalk alot of people, you always seems to interest him the most. Aether might be the prince of the darkness, the ruler but that doesn't mean that he can't have a little.. interest towards normal humans.

You has always been an angel, and as the saying goes, opposite attract and in this case. You. An angel has took the interest of the dark prince or lord himself.

Your purity is the cause of your doom.

That's what Aether thinks. Despite taking interest in you he didn't really know much about you. Sure, he knows about your daily schedule, height, weight, everything from head to toe but he never really know about your family. He could've make his job easier by asking the mages or one of his minions to follow you but you are just too rare in his eyes. He doesn't trust his minions to watch over you.

Aether is looking at you sharply from the hills where you usually walk. Your eyes shine and glimmer as you greets people around you at the dawn winery, people pass by you with a smile on their face. Your smile really is hypnotising. When you smile and the whole rooms lits up, warming the slightly cold aura at the dawn winery.

Aether, without realizing curls up the corner of his mouth, making a ghost genuine smile on his face. He immediately snap out of his head and frown immediately.

What did you do? Did you put a spell on him? How can the mere sight of you makes him smile slightly? How can you, someone he never talks to makes him feel.. warm inside? The warm feeling that he has never felt for a long time?.

Aether narrowed his eye and shake away his thoughts. He will stay with his mission, which is finding out more information about the people around you and your household. The reason? Well he wanted to make sure that there is no.. mortals that will try to take you away and make sure you are okay.

Aether's eyes widen, thinking back to the thought that he just made. Since when is he possessive over you? Since when did he care? Aether looks at your form, seeing you talk to the dawn winery owner makes his blood boil.

You smile at Diluc and wave goodbye to him after giving him the new wine design. Diluc thanks you and gave you the payment as soon as you say thankyou and you make your way back to your home.

The closer you get to your home, your heart felt heavier and heavier. The bubbly aura around you is gone and is replaced with scared, anxiety,stress.

Aether looks at your changing state and furrowed his eyebrow. Why do you look so scared? What happen? Aether is sure he followed you home and didn't miss a thing.. he is sure that no one hurts you, not even the hilicurl.. why do you look so scared?

You never have neighbour or people around your house because you doesn't have that strong economic to live where people live. Even though the winery does pay you a good amount of money, it doesn't cover the whole thing. Your parents keeps piling on debt and it's getting hard for you to keep up.

You take a deep breath and pull out the money from your pocket, before you even knock on the door, the door burst open, your body felt the impact from the door and you fell backwards, you quickly puts your hand on the ground, making sure your head to fall to the ground. Your money flying everywhere as your parents stand Infront of the door.

Aether, who is looking wide eye quickly take a fighting stance. He knows where this is going. He saw the lack of kindness and empathy in your parents eye, despite them just pushing their child, their daughter to the ground with the door.

Aether jumps and as your father is about to hit you, Aether holds his hand and went in front of you, covering you with his body as he hold the sword on your father's neck.

"w-who are you?!"

Your mother screech from behind your father, too scared to move. Aether glares at her and slowly pressing his sword against your father's neck.

He is deep in madness until little whimper came out from your lips as you sob.

"t-take our daughter! P-please let us go!"

You father said. You are shocked at what you heard. They... They gave you to a mysterious man that might kill you in exchange for their lives? You know they are bad but considering you are their income you never thought that they would do that.

Aether furrowed his eyebrows and without saying a word, draw his sword back and looks at your sobbing and shocked figure. He glance at your parents one last time and then quickly takes you princess style.

You struggle against his hold but Aether puts his mouth beside your ear.

"shh, stay put".

He whisper in a gentle voice and then a black galaxy like portal appears as he stepped inside, proceed to disappear in to the portal with the calmer you in his hand.

Your parents let out a sigh of relief and looking at the scattered coins, they picked all of them put in a rushed manner and a smile on their face.

Being deeply engulf in the money, they didn't realize that the abyss herald is behind them until a shadow over looms them. This is the last time they were even seen on the surface of the earth.

You whimper and close your eyes as you awaits your unwanted death at least that's what you thought when a soft texture touches your bruised skin.

Opening your eyes slowly and looking around the mysterious bedroom your eyes went so wide, thinking that this man will do unsavoury things to you. When your whole body touched the bed you instantly went to the corner of the bed, looking at the blonde man with fear in your eye. You kneel and bow to him, pleading.

"p-please I'm s-sorry if i did something wrong, please don't hurt me-!"

At first you wail and begged for your life until you suddenly stopped when you felt a hand stroke your hair.

"don't... Apologize.."

He, the mysterious man muttered. He looks at you, now that you have a good look at him he doesn't.. seem... Intimidating.. yes, he did threatened your parents with a sword but the gaze that he gave to your parents is different from what he gave you.

His gaze is soft and full of calmness. He kneel Infront of you and grabbed your chin.

"tell me.. what magic did you put to make me like you?"

He asked. You stare at him confusingly. What does he mean? You never learned any magic.. you don't even have power for the lord of barbatos! How can he assumed such a thing?

"i- pardon?"

Aether looks at you and pulled away from you. He started to turn his back on you and started to walk away. You takes all your gut and grab his hand, staring at his eye.

"w-wait-! Why did you asked that question? A-are you going to kill me?"

Your big doe eye looks up at Aether making his heart bump a bit as his face goes red while he looks away. Sighing and feeling his face went back to normal he turns to look at you.

".. your food and clothes will be here shortly.. make yourself at home.."

Is all he said you are too shocked to say anything, you furrowed your eyebrows and just look at him go with a helpless look on your face. Hearing a soft click on the door you instantly rushed to the door, hoping that you did not just get lock. Unfortunately luck is not on your side as you whimper. The door is locked.

You look around the bedroom. Despite the little light around the area, this place seems big and fancy.. you remember the day where you are being thrown out of the house and end up needing to sleep in the grass with the cold night because you didn't bring home enough money to your parents.

You quickly shake your head and looks at the window that leads to what you assume is the abyss. It's black and very galaxy ish, whatever it may be it will not help you to escape or give you any information.

You ponder in wonder.. what will happen to you now? The man doesn't seems like a threat but you won't take chances.. but for now.. you cannot do anything. All you can do is just be patient.. and well.. hope for the better future.

[yourstarvic]

You quickly were knocking the door, aggressively whispering yelling, “Sara! Yui! Open the door! Please!”

After a few more seconds go your knocking, Sara aggressively opened the door. Glaring at you since you woke her up, she whispered yelled at you, “What do you want.”

“Rin and I kissed,” You whispered in panic. Hearing the new information, Sara’s eyes instantly widen and her jaw dropped down in shock. She let out a whisper scream, causing you to do the same as well. “I know,” you whispered back, barging in the room.

“What is going on?” Yui asked, rubbing her eyes as she looked at both of you.

“(Y/n) and Rin kissed,” Sara whispered back, pointing at you as you went to her bed and flopped on it.

“What!” Yui whispered yelled, sitting up from your bed in an alarming manner.

“I know!” Sara said back. As well as you did but in Sara’s pillow. You all then let out an airy yell in panic. “Why are we whispering!” Sara yelled in the middle of the yelling.

“I don’t know,” Yui said in her normal voice. “But what happened (Y/n).”

Taking a deep breath, you got up for the bed and started to pace back and forth in the center of the room. Sara moved to sit next to Yui, both watching you curiously. Taking another deep breath, you stood in front of the two Itachiyama managers. “So um,” you started, “Rin prepared something in the gym… and we were talking…. And then we kissed…”

“We need more detail,” Sara with a creased eyebrow.

“Just tell us about the kiss,” Yui said, not caring about the events before.

“It was so good,” you whimpered, started to describe the details with hand movements. “So, so good! It was slow and passionate but there were times it was rough and fast. As if I died, went to heaven, saw my dead ancestors, said hi to them, and went back down to my body. He just took me! And he was towering over me and putting his body on me but not his whole body, you know?”

“No, I do not,” Yui smirked, looking at you with amusement.

“Where were your hands?” Sara asked, wanting to know me.

“First it was being his neck,” you showed with your hands, “but then it went to his hair. And I kinda tugged on it, but like in a nice, gently, but rough way. And I swear I heard a small moan, but that’s beside the point.”

“Did Suna walk you back to the dorm and kissed you goodbye?” Yui asked.

“What?” You said with a dumbfounded expression.

“(Y/n),” Sara said seriously, “did you left Suna in the gym?”

“W-Well…” you said with a tight lip smile.

“Huh?” They both said in confusion.

“I told him it was time to go to bed…” you gulped.

“…”

“You’re an idiot.”

“I panicked,” you said loudly, “I didn’t know what to do!”

“You could have stayed!” Yui yelled back.

“I know!” You said, “But in my defense, he asked something that I wanted to avoid…”

“Huh?”

“So um… this is what happened…”

“See…” Suna said hoarsely, “That didn’t change anything.”

“Rin…” That was all you could whisper, feeling this thumb slightly tugging on your bottom lip. Your hands trailed down from his face down to his biceps, gripping them. “I-” you started, but couldn’t find the words to say anything.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Suna whispered, slowly opening his eyes. He saw how your hair sprawled around you, your cheeks had a red tint and your lips were slightly swollen from the kiss. “But you do need a breath mint.”

Your eye twitched at his words in anger. You opened your eyes to glare at him, seeing he was smirking down at you. You gripped his arms harder, making him wince in pain. “What…Did…You…Say?” You told him in a dark tone.

“I said,” Suna leaned his head back, taking his hand away from your face and place it on the floor next to your head, “you need a breath mint.”

“You jerk,” you yelled at him. Pushing him off of you and straddling him in a seating position as you hold on to the collar of his shirt. Tugging on it harshly, you winged him back and forth as you yelled at him, “That’s all you have to say! You need a breath mint? You jerk! You can’t say that to someone after having a kiss, an amazing kiss!”

“You think the kiss was amazing?” He smirked, holding your hands to pry them off his shirt.

“I never said that,” you stop tugging on the collar. “I just said kiss.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Yes, I did.”

The two of you went back and forth at it. And just as a few minutes before, it led to the both of you kissing once again. Letting go of the collar of his shirt, you wrapped your arms around his neck and his arms wrapped around your waist, pulling each other closer.

The two of you clinging to each other, trying to be close to each other as possible. But in-between the kiss, the two of you would mutter small sentences.

“We should stop,” you muttered before you kissed him again.

“We should,” Suna agreed, doing the same as you.

“This is crossing the line.” Kiss.

“It is.” Kiss. 

“We really should stop.” Kiss.

“We could.” Kiss.

The two of you did stop after a few moments. Slowly breaking away from his lips, both of you leaned your forehead against each other. “That was…” you trailed off.

“Amazing?” Suna slightly smirked, bring up what you said earlier.

“I hate you.”

“I don’t know,” Suna nudged his nose with yours, “that kiss says differently.”

“Oh please,” you scoffed, leaning back slightly. 

“But,” Suna whispered, “does that mean we are dating now?”

“Dating?” You gulped, backing away from him.

“Yeah?” Suna nodded slowly, letting go of your face and put it planted on the floor.

“Like a date, date?” You said, trying to register the events.

“Like a date, date.”

“Boyfriend and girlfriend?”

“Boyfriend and girlfriend.”

“W-With feelings for each other?”

“I mean…” Suna shrugged, “and we figure that out along the way?”

“It’s getting late,” you said with a tight lip. Getting up and looked down at him, seeing you were looking at you with wide eyes, “We should get some sleep since we are leaving tomorrow, goodnight.”

“So um…” You told the two girls with an awkward laugh and finger guns, “that’s what happened.”

“Oh.”

“My.”

“God,” they both said together, looking at you with disbelief.

“Yeah…” You nodded, “Not proud of myself.”

“Well, do you want to be with him?” Sara genuinely asked you. 

To which you shrugged your shoulders at her, “I don’t know…”

“How do you not know?” Yui looked at you with disbelief. Standing up from the bed, she walked over to you and grab your shoulders, shaking you, “He is hot! And you know him since you moved to Japan when you were little!”

“I don’t know!” You said as she was shaking you, “I’m confused!”

“There’s nothing to be confused about!” Yui yelled back, “Do you like him or not!”

“Maybe!” You yelled, trying to make Yui stop shaking you, “I’m terrible with figuring out my feelings!”

“What’s his favorite food?” Yui asked, continuing to shake you.

“Fruit jelly sticks!”

“What does he love to do?”

“Take naps!”

“What his favorite color?”

“Black!”

“Do you like him?”

“Yes!” 

Right when you answer her question, you looked at her in shock. She stopped shaking you, giving you a mischievous smile. “Wait,” you started.

“I knew it!” Yui yelled triumphantly.

“I-It was in a friendly way!” You tried to explain.

“You like him!” Yui teased you.

“Shut up,” Sara said coldly to the both of you, cause you to tense at her voice. “You’re yelling and we could get it trouble.”

“S-Sorry,” You and Yui said shyly.

“But anyway,” Sara sighed, giving you a smile, “it’s clear you like him, (Y/n). Base on your disruption of the kiss and that you kissed him twice is a sign.”

“But-”

“No buts,” Sara said firmly. “I know you are confused. Think about your feelings for him and talk to him. In the meantime, go to bed. You are leaving back to Hyogo tomorrow, and you need your rest.”

Letting out a sigh in defeat, you nodded your head. You thanked them for listening o you and bid them goodnight as you left. You went back to your room, making sure to stay quiet went inside your room. Laying inked, you stared at the ceiling, trying to think bout the events. Gently placing your fingertip on your lips as you thought of the kiss.

Does he have a feeling for me? Do I have feelings for him? I thought he wanted me with Osamu? Why did he say that if he said the kiss didn't mean anything...

Meanwhile….

“Why did I say that,” Suna muttered, feeling the embarrassment crawling all over his body. He now laid in his bed, already done cleaning up in the gym and returning the projector to Komori. With his hands covering his eyes, Suna let out a whine, review the events of tonight. 

Why did I kiss her? Did she kiss me? 

“I’ll talk to her tomorrow about it,” Suna whispered. “Besides… it won’t change us… Even if I did ask her out…”

Yeah… Talk to her….

MASTERPOST-PREV-NEXT

FUN FACTS:

Suna and Osamu would play pranks on Atsumu and see who can get him to blow up first.

A guy once tried confessed to (Y/n). It was before practice started in the gym where everyone could watch. He wanted to seem bold and confident but everyone on the team was glaring at him he ended up running out of the gym.

Aran, Kita, Omimi, and Akagi would study together. 

No one knows that (Y/n) moved to Japan when she was a baby, expect for Suna, Kita, and Aran. Everyone else thinks she was born in Japan.

Atsumu once told a dirty joke to (Y/n) thinking she would find it funny since everyone thought it was funny, including Kita. She didn't didn’t show up to practice until she thought about the joke when she was studying and laughed.

Every Valentines day and White day, everyone on the team would have a competition on who would get the most chocolates and confessions. Kita and (Y/n) share the number one spot. Aran is second followed by Suna. Osamu and Atsumu are tied for fourth place.

Notes: There are almost 300 notes on the masterpost! Thank y'all so much!!! I love y'all and I’m so glad you guys are liking it!!! Stay safe, stay warm, and don't forget to drink water! 

TAGLIST: @thelochtessmonster99 @freaksnque @bloody-bella @girlyluke @tendo-sxtori @angels17324 @madmelle @tiktikty-tokity-spagetti @helloalex80 @fandomatakeover18 @mus1caln0tes@kac-chowsballs @satoriluver​ @bbdaydreams​ @hi-im-a-bat​ @circusjanreblogs​ @420-uwu​ @sakusaakiyoomii​ @erinoikawa​

[masterjedilenawrites]

Blueberries and Cowboys: Chapter 4 (Cowboy Path)

A choose-your-own-adventure style fic. Refer to this Masterlist for previous chapters and alternate paths.

Chapter 4: The Party (Cowboy Path)

Pairing: Eli x reader

Content: Drinking, some angsty pining

Length: 2.4k

AO3 Link (In case you like it better over there, it’s okay, no judgement)

The gala was as elaborate and ostentatious as you would expect of a formal event at the Imperial academy. It was like the whole ballroom shimmered as glasses of drinks were passed around and ornate dresses swished about in dance. You'd certainly never been a part of anything so grand from your home world before.

The sight made you pause as soon as you entered through the doors. It was breathtaking.

You let Thrawn guide you around the ballroom, barely registering his path as you took in all the shiny and expensive details around you. You were especially enchanted by the handful of couples circling around the dance floor, seemingly floating along with the music. You hadn't danced in so long... properly, anyway. Shimmying around your room in your underwear after a shower did not count.

"The music is quite pleasant," said Thrawn from beside you. For a moment, you forgot that part of the plan for the night was to substitute the names of your targets for other subjects, so any potential eavesdroppers would be none the wiser to your true intentions. Anything related to music was supposed to symbolize one half of the plan: Eva and Arden. But because you were so caught up in the spectacle around you, and your inner longing to genuinely engage with it all, you didn't immediately pick up on Thrawn's true meaning.

"It is," you said with just a hint of wistfulness. Your eyes happened to be watching one of the more gracefully dancing couples, the only signal to Thrawn that he needed to help you refocus.

He cleared his throat just loud enough to get your attention and then flicked his eyes toward the entrance of the ballroom meaningfully. You followed his gaze to see Eva and Arden had now arrived. Eli would be keeping an eye on them, while you and Thrawn would track Burdick. Your heart sunk as you were reminded, yet again, that you were not here for a good time. Tonight was about Thrawn's mission.

"Do you think Eli has noticed? The music?" you quickly supplied, hoping Thrawn wouldn't doubt your support.

"Yes, he seems to be enjoying it." Thrawn then looked to a different part of the room, where Eli was standing next to his date. Sadie. She was a tiny thing, with perfect proportions and well-styled hair and wearing a dress that left nothing to the imagination. You suddenly realized who she was, not having connected the dots before. She was in a few of your combat classes and had this weird habit of pumping her fist in victory every time she landed a good hit. You and Eli had made fun of her together. Why was he now going out with her?

"Yeah, he does..." you said absentmindedly as you watched your friend. Eli was making a show of casually looking around while really paying extra attention toward the couple by the entrance. But then Sadie linked her arm in his and looked up at him with a sweet smile, and he returned the gesture with a smile of his own. Your previous feelings of awe and fascination over this event were quickly turning into something much more sour.

"Did you also notice we have an assignment due soon?"

The comment from Thrawn made you blink away from the troubling scene in front of you. The Chiss had not been watching Eli, actually sticking to the plan and scanning the crowd for the other person of interest. Commander Burdick, who would be referred to by discussions of homework, another innocent topic. Thrawn had finally spotted him over by an hors d'oeuvre table.

"Thanks for the reminder," you muttered. A tray of drinks passed by, held aloft by a protocol droid, and you took the opportunity to swipe at one and down its contents in one go. You could see Thrawn eyeing you curiously from your peripheral, but you made it a point to not look back.

"Perhaps we should stand out of the way," said Thrawn, taking hold of your elbow and guiding you through the crowd and over to an area where several tall cocktail tables were set up. You set your empty glass on the surface of one of them and leaned restlessly against it. Your eyes kept wandering toward the commander as he munched furiously on some kind of cubed meat, glowering at all who passed by. Eventually you'd have to help make sure he was glowering at Arden long enough to maybe get some ideas, but right now, with the night only just beginning, there didn't seem to be much need for you to linger.

"This is a fun song. Maybe we could dance for a bit? Pass the time?" you asked, swirling your empty glass around in a bored manner.

Thrawn stared at you for a moment, most likely trying to determine if you were using the special code that you were supposed to or if you were actually talking about music and dancing.

"I think we should discuss the assignment that is due," he said, almost in a reprimanding tone. "It is rather important."

You swiped at another tray of drinks passing by, muttering over the rim of the glass, "Who goes to a party to talk about homework?"

You were being salty; you knew that. This mission was important and you cared about it. You cared about your friends and what this meant for them. But it seemed the more alcohol you took in, the more annoyed you grew toward those friends. Thrawn was such a stick in the mud, and Eli was apparently a big flirt. Was this really the best way to fix their problem? Was it really worth missing out on a fun evening?

Thrawn didn't seem too pleased as you downed your second drink in a matter of minutes. He cleared his throat in that way he did when he was about to lecture you. You cut him off before he got the chance.

"So what was that surprise you were talking about earlier?"

He blinked at you. "I never mentioned a surprise."

"Yeah. You said you didn't disappear, you were working on something, and that I'd see soon enough. Well? What should I be seeing?"

He reached across the table and gingerly took your empty glass from you with a frown. "You hadn't noticed? There is only one assignment."

It was your turn to blink at him. He sighed and jerked his head to where Burdick was still standing.

"I made sure his date would be delayed in arriving," he said very quietly; you almost couldn't hear him above the din of the party. "So he wouldn't be distracted."

You looked over at the Commander, not very subtle in your observation of him, so it was no surprise the man noticed your staring and frowned even more deeply.

The sound of your name caused you to snap back to Thrawn, who was circling the table to lean in closer. He seemed upset; or, as upset as Thrawn could ever seem through his calmness.

"If you have other things you wish to be doing, I would much rather you leave for them, instead of staying and causing problems." His voice was low in your ear. You sighed at his words, feeling bad for how you'd been behaving.

Just a little bit.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite student," came the voice of Commander Burdick. The man had apparently decided to come over after discovering you'd been staring at him, however, he was very clearly addressing Thrawn and not you. "I'm surprised you'd even come to an event like this."

"The Academy has provided a generous occasion tonight," Thrawn slipped out of his scolding of you and into his usual demeanor without missing a beat. "It would have been in bad taste for us to not attend."

Though it had been your staring that'd called him over, it was only when Thrawn referred to you collectively that Burdick finally acknowledged you. He gave a grunt as a sort of laugh.

"What about that scruffy little friend of yours? He doesn't care about taste?"

"Eli's here..." you heard yourself saying. You also felt Thrawn tensing beside you. You tried to give him a reassuring look as you turned to point out your friend behind you, moving about on the dance floor with Sadie. And just beside them was Eva and Arden, as you knew they would be. The two couples seemed to be trying to one-up each other with their dance moves. You quickly turned away so you wouldn't have to register how exciting and intimate it all was.

"So I see," Burdick hummed. You couldn't tell if he still had the same frown from before, or if it was a new one in response to seeing his ex with a student. "You're not a dancer, Thrawn?"

"Only when the mood strikes, sir."

"Well if you don't show your woman a good time, someone else will." Burdick took a step forward and held out a hand toward you. Your eyes grew wide, panicking. That was certainly unexpected.

Thrawn quickly, and smoothly, jumped to your defense.

"Sir, I'm afraid she is not feeling well. I have simply been keeping her company."

Burdick looked between the two of you, and then briefly beyond at the dance floor, before giving an odd smirk and retreating.

"Very well. Enjoy your... company."

The Commander turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowd. As you watched the back of his head, you couldn't help but wish you hadn't frozen and had accept his offer to dance. It was probably going to be the only offer you got all night.

"What... were... you... thinking..."

You looked over at Thrawn, surprised he was still upset. He was pinching the bridge of his nose and scrunching his eyes.

"Huh? I made sure he noticed Eva," you defended yourself. "He asked me to dance, probably to make her jealous, but since that's not happening, he'll be able to focus his revenge on Arden now."

"That is quite the assumption, based on absolutely no evidence."

"There is too evidence--"

"And apparently we've abandoned all secrecy and discretion, too. Might as well announce what we're planning to the whole ballroom while we're at it."

Thrawn's piercing eyes looked down on you, looking more like fire than they ever did. You bowed your head for a few seconds, needing to escape the heat and cool down.

"I'm sorry," you said, finally looking back at him. "I didn't mean to... mess up on the homework."

You offered what you hoped was an endearing smile. Thrawn only left you hanging for a second before he relaxed just a little.

"You did not mess up," he stated, returning to his side of the table and finally taking up the drink still left sitting there. "But perhaps you should just observe for the rest of the night."

And observe you did. The rest of the evening seemed to both pass by in a shimmering blur, and crawl forward at an unbearable pace. You observed couples dancing, laughing, even kissing. You observed how the energy of the ballroom shifted from eager liveliness to unhurried intimacy as time drew on. You observed the hors d'oeuvres dwindle and the champagne lose its bubbles and the lights dim ever-so-subtly.

Occasionally you actually observed the "homework," whenever he happened to pop out from the crowd. Thrawn did most of the note-taking, pointing out under muttered breath how the commander was still fixating on his ex, how his frown seemed to change from grumpiness and anger to determination and craftiness. Whatever that meant. You couldn't ever pretend to notice half the signs Thrawn did.

But most importantly, you observed a certain shaggy-haired boy from Wild Space.....

The way he danced, somewhat stiffly, but not as clumsy or awkward as one might expect from someone who couldn't figure out a tie.

The way he seemed to so effortlessly keep an eye on his despised classmate while still paying attention to his date and all her friends.

The way he casually hung out with her friends in between dances, as if he'd always been a part of their group.

The way he held her.

The way he looked at her.

At some point, you'd finished off your fifth glass of champagne, and you were definitely feeling the effects of it. That was what you were feeling, you told yourself. Your stomach was in knots and your brow was feeling warm and your heart was beating in your ears, all because of the alcohol. It didn't have anything to do with your guilt from upsetting Thrawn earlier, or the fact that even though Eli had nodded your way a few times in acknowledgement, he hadn't once come over to make good on his promise to save a dance for you. Nope. It was the alcohol and nothing else.

"Thrawn," you said quietly, breaking the Chiss's concentration on something-or-other across the way. "Do you mind if I call it a night? I'm pretty tired."

His eyes flickered over at the amount of empty glasses you had collected beside you, but he didn't comment on it. Only nodded in understanding and returned back to his mission.

You sighed as you picked your way through the crowd that remained. Quite a few students and teachers had already left for the night, but plenty still remained, and it baffled you just how many were hoping - and fighting - to earn to a place in the Empire.

And then something caught your eye just as you made to push through the doors and out into the night. One last thing to observe.

Eli and Sadie were swaying to the slow song playing, just off the actual dance floor. It was like they were in their own world. Her hands rested against his chest, and his chin laid atop her head, and they turned in slow circles as they rocked back and forth, holding each other close. When Eli's face finally turned toward your view, you swore your insides were threatening to crawl up your throat and spill out all over the shiny floor.

His face was relaxed, content. His lips were turned upward in a pleased sort of smile you'd only seen a few times on him before, usually after he'd told you a nice childhood memory, or after he finished a hearty meal. This wasn't an act; this had nothing to do with the mission or your purpose here at this dance. He was happy, holding her.

Just as his eyes wandered from whatever peaceful place they'd been resting and locked onto yours, you finally pushed through the door and left.