#i ran out of time to write it before we left for Mass

[thelingering]

And now, my weekly commentary of the Mass Readings (at least, this is pre-the Mass)

Firstly I suppose, the First Reading from Wisdom was a beautiful poem of sorts, and very well ties into the Gospel of giving up all earthly possessions, but, in contrast to the man in the Gospel, what it looks like to do so willingly

Paul was talking in unintelligibly literate TWO SENTENCES today, so I'm gonna leave that one for further interpretation.

And finally, the Gospel was a very, very long and sweet-to-the-ears type message, that has quite a few ways you can go with the 'moral of the story' part of the the readings; rather, what you get out of it

(I will add a little fact my dad explained to me once: In today's Gospel, Jesus says that it would be easier for "a camel to pass through the eye of a needle" than it would be for a wealthy man to enter Heaven. If one expands their knowledge of the time a little, you'll find something rather interesting: There are speculations that there was, near Jerusalem, a passageway called the Eye of the Needle; it was, as theorised, a notorious passageway for its necessity of the traveler to have their camel bend down and walk on its knees, a prospect nearly impossible as camels are far, far too stubborn to do so)

[orshii]

Guilty Pleasure - Follow You (Part 2)

✟ Pairing: Choi San x female reader ✟ Word count: 6k ✟ Warnings: cursing, suggestive, mentions of death, blood

✟ Summary: You go back to your hometown for the summer vacation, not expecting the small town's priest to be a total eye candy. But he seems to be hiding dark secrets underneath his holy façade.

Will you find out the truth?

✟-First Part-✟

✟ A/N: Heeyy, so here is the long-awaited part 2 of this story. When I first wrote it I would've never thought it was going to head this way, but it happened and we finally know all the dark secrets of Priest San and why is he acting like this. Also, Yunho and Mingi appear in this story as well, and they are from @bvidzsoo's Who Am I fanfiction, it's happening in the same world but the mention of it is just slight. I find it funny and exciting to write in the same world lol, as in the future that is going to happen more often if she is in hehe. Anyways, read part 1 before reading this to understand everything. Tyy, byee! (Also I'm obsessed with this song again, and it matches the vibes of the story so I recommend listening to it)

         I was sitting on the church’s brown bench again as I watched the familiar face who was standing in front of the altar with the Bible in hand and a rosary strolling around his veiny hands the familiar cross hanging on his chest, as he was preaching for the people who came to the church on a bright Sunday morning.

People need to hear some reassuring thoughts about their God so they are going to feel less burdened about the sins they have committed. As if going to church will liberate them from the bad things they all did. Including me, that had the biggest sin anyone had in this church.

And that was—sleeping with the priest who was standing in the middle of the church, trying to motivate the people who came and prayed for their freedom. His sharp but innocent-looking eyes never met mine. Maybe he felt guilty about the sins we committed or he was pretending like I did not exist.

Two weeks went by since that night. And I barely saw Choi San, the priest of the town I grew up in, well he wasn’t a priest, he just pretended to be one, because he had some dark secrets that he did not share with me. After we slept together—some not-so-innocent images popped up in my mind, as he looked down at me, hovering over me, whispering some dirty thoughts into my ears that made me commit any sins that existed. The way his hands ran through my thighs up and down as he made me feel good with a burning desire in his eyes. That night I just cut all my sanity and gave in my guilty pleasure, and so did San—But after that night we did not speak. We had met a few times at the store or at the servings he held, but he pretended like nothing happened and it made me feel uneasy.

Why did he pretend like nothing happened? Was I just a one-night stand to satisfy his needs as it was rare for him to find someone who is in for a fuck with a priest? But in reality, he wasn't even a priest and I still did not know what he was doing here, and why he pretended to be one.

And as I watched him standing in front of the altar, the hall as quiet as the church's mouse, in his long black vestment his eyes observing the people sitting in front of him, I had enough of this game and I needed to talk with him.

When the mass ended, I waited until the church emptied, pretending to pray a little longer. I needed this moment, especially since my thoughts during the service had been less than innocent. Once everyone had left, I stood up and made my way to the vestry room where San always prepared for the mass.

As I entered the room, I saw San speaking with an old man. He was smiling, his dimples showing—a rare sight since he was always so serious with me. His hands rested on the old man's shoulders as he reassured him, promising to pray for the man's sick wife. It was kind of him, revealing a caring and warm side to his personality. But I knew it was all an act. He fooled these people with promises he couldn't keep because he wasn't the person they thought he was.

When the man finally turned, I smiled at him and bowed a little when he passed by me, leaving the two of us in the room. San just glared at me with his sharp eyes, his dimples disappearing the moment the old man left the room.

"Hi," I said as I walked further inside leaning against a table that was full of crosses and Bibles, on the walls there were a few glorious paintings and a closet in the corner of the room where the priest's vestments were hanging. I looked at San with crossed arms in front of my chest.

"Hey," he said, not even meeting my eyes as he turned his back to me. He began taking off the black vestment he was wearing, revealing an ironed white shirt and black pants underneath. 

"Why are you avoiding me?" I said as I stared at his wide shoulders where my nails drew blood a few weeks ago.

He folded his black vestment and put it into the closet. Then he turned around to face me as he leaned against the closet mirroring my position. His eyes scanned me up and down. "I'm being watched. I have to pretend everything is normal and fulfill my priest duties," he said in a low voice, his expression unreadable. 

I scoffed. "So, I do not deserve at least an explanation?" I lifted my hands questioning him. "You can't keep fooling these people, they really trust you San. Some people would give their life into your hands."

He pushed himself off the closet and slowly approached me with predator's eyes. "I know, I hate to do this, but I have to. I can explain everything. Let's meet at the cemetery tonight." He said as he stood in front of me, he hovered above me, making me feel small. His eyes, burning with intensity, stared into mine, lighting up even in the dimly lit room.

"A cemetery? Really?" My brows furrowed in disbelief.

"Yes, I want to show you something." He stepped closer to me, even though we barely had space between us, his hands squeezing my waist tightly.

"First you kidnap me to an abandoned mansion, and now you want to take me to a cemetery? Are you planning to hide my body in a used coffin?" I folded my arms in the narrow space between us.

He hummed, leaning close to my face, his lips brushing against mine. "I want to do other things with your body, and they're far from innocent," he whispered as his thin lips moved to my bare neck, leaving slight kisses along the way. My lips parted, my body growing hotter, and my heart pounded with uncontrollable desire. I gripped the table behind me, trying to pull away, but he held me in place, not letting me escape. 

His hands on my waist pulled me flush against his body, one of his hands traveling up to my jaw as he held it and pulled me closer to his parted lips. "You are my guilty pleasure." He whispered the words onto my lips as his thumb traced over the bottom of my lip. I couldn't control my body or my thoughts, so I just gave control to him. His familiar candy-like scent drove me crazy, making me lose my mind.

Then I felt his lips crush onto my lips, which immediately parted letting his tongue in as it discovered my mouth. This feeling was too familiar yet too strange. I felt like all of this was wrong, I didn't know anything about him, yet I was here kissing him like he was the love of my life.

His lips moved against mine, meanwhile, his hands discovered my body that was flushed against his, I wrapped my hands around his neck like it was in a script of a movie, all of this felt so natural but inhuman at the same time. While he was kissing me, his hands traveled down to the back of my tights just to lift me to the table, swiping the things off from the top so I could sit. He was standing in between my legs that I wrapped around his small waist. His hands brushed against the top of my thighs up to my back where his hands ended up in my hair as he ran his fingers through my dark strings.

The desire that lit my heart in that moment was endless, I felt like it could never burn out, but I couldn't let this go further. After all, we were still in a church… I slowly pulled away from him a string of saliva still connecting our lips from our passionate kiss as San captured my lips in a deep possessive kiss again, pulling me into a more rushed kiss, sucking my lower lip between his teeth, as my hands were on his pumped-up chest trying to push him away carefully.

He leaned his forehead against mine as we both breathed heavily. "I want you," He whispered in between quick breaths.

"We are in a church," I whispered back as my eyes met his, our eyes mirroring the same desire we felt for each other.

He nodded with a slight smile, as his lips met mine again, leaving a long peck on my warm lips. "I have to go, meet you at the cemetery at 8 p.m. darling." He left a kiss on the corner of my mouth and with that he left me there sitting on the table, the crosses and Bibles on the floor scattered, making me want to run away as quickly as possible from there, and I face-palmed myself mentally for being this high over heels for a man, who made me forget humans had sinned and that needed forgiveness.

I parked my car in the cemetery’s parking lot, the sun was slowly settling down, to hide behind the hills that hugged the town around. The weather was quite chilly, as it was already the end of summer, early autumn knocking on the door to let them in. This change of season meant I would soon have to return to where I lived and resume teaching the children who counted on me. I didn't want to let them down.  

When I stepped inside the cemetery goosebumps ran through my body. The sun was barely shining, leaving me in a quiet and dark cemetery that was swimming in mist. I heard some weird noises that I couldn't comprehend. Perhaps it was a bird nesting in the branches or a squirrel scurrying up and down the tree trunks. I stood frozen at the entrance, hesitant to venture deeper into the eerie yet noisy cemetery. There were a lot of gravestones and some flowers that were long withered.

Then I gathered all my courage and stepped deeper into the cemetery not knowing where should I wait for San. The cemetery slowly swallowed me as I went deeper, the graves forming a labyrinth around me.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps, but I couldn't tell which direction they came from. My heart was beating wildly, and I was frozen in place, my legs refusing to move. Then, I felt hands on my waist from behind, squeezing me. I jumped and let out a small scream.

"Holy shit San, don't do this again." I felt relieved as I turned around and saw his face where the curves of his lips were up his dimples on the sight.

"Sorry," He chuckled as he saw my terrified face. "You seemed lost in here, darling." His hands were still on my waist as he pulled me closer to him.

"Of course, it's not me who comes to the cemetery daily to bury random people." I squinted my eyes looking up at him and I noticed he was in casual clothes that was a black T-shirt, glued to his chest and broad shoulders, the familiar cross hanging on his pumped-up chest, the T-shirt paired with black sweatpants. He looked so comforting in normal clothes I wanted to hug him so badly.

He giggled, seeming genuinely happy—a rare sight to see him smile in a way that wasn't fake. His hands reached for mine, interlacing our fingers. "Come, I want to show you something," he said.

He began pulling me along by our interlaced hands, guiding me through the maze of graves and random sculptures of fallen angels that I didn’t quite understand. I realized there were many things about this small town that I didn't know, despite having grown up here.

Suddenly, San stopped, and I bumped into his broad back, feeling as if I had collided with an unbreakable wall. As I looked around, I saw we were standing in front of a grave that was unique—nothing like the others. It was crafted with care, adorned with fresh flowers in two vases on the ground, and featured graceful curves with winged decorations. I had never seen anything like it before. I turned to look at San, who stood next to me, gazing down at the grave with a look of deep grief.

"This is my grandmother's grave." He said with a low voice still holding my hand as I stood next to him. I nodded and caressed his shoulders signaling I was here next to him. "She raised me with my grandpa. My parents passed me to them when I was little. We have not heard about them since then." He sighed and sat down in front of his grandma's grave pulling up his legs to his chest and resting his elbows on his knees. I followed him and sat close to him and ran my hand up his back my fingers slowly combing through his raven-black hair. I wanted to be there with him, I wanted him to know I was by his side no matter what.

He was staring at his hands in front of him as he continued. "So, I was growing up here until I was eighteen, that was the time I left the town so I could study more."

"How come I don't remember you? I was growing up here, yet I never seen you." I asked with a frown.

His lips curved a little. "Well, I changed a lot. I was a weak and not-so-social little boy, maybe that is why." He tilted his head towards my direction to look at me with a slight smile. As I pouted trying to remember the boy he was describing. "If it helps you more, my grandfather was the priest before me." He smiled at me looking at my face, my eyes going wide at the realization.

"No way, you are the mysterious grandchild of Father John? Oh my God." I looked at him as I couldn't believe it. "Look at you, now being strong and independent." I squeezed his biceps as he chuckled. But then his expression turned serious.

"So, the thing is, I don't know where is my grandfather." His gaze went back to the grave in front of us.

"What? Isn't he retired?" I asked him a little confused.

"No, he had this year to complete, and he wanted to retire next year. I came to visit him, but he was nowhere to be found. I searched everywhere, but there was no trace. Then, one day, these guys came after me and mentioned a 200-year-old golden relic that my grandpa owned, worth millions. " He glanced at me briefly as he spoke. 

"Those were the guys who chased us?" I asked him, trying to stay calm, it was a lot of information to process, as I remembered the night someone was chasing us with a black car, that night led us to San’s mansion.

"Yes, it's a mafia gang. They call themselves The Boyz and their leader is Sunwoo. One day they cornered me and told me they captured my grandpa and they were going to kill him if I don't tell them, where is the cup." His voice was full of rage as I watched his sharp side profile as he gritted his teeth. "When you saw me negotiate with some guys the other day, it was another gang called Ateez, their leader is Kim Hongjoong and I turned to them to ask for help. But the only way they agreed was that I give them the cup to keep it safe because they were famous for collecting different kinds of relics, and I agreed because I couldn't save my grandpa alone… I gave them money to help me but they only told me they were going to come when needed. And since that, I never saw them. So, it was a waste of time and I don't know if my grandpa is still alive." He sighed weakly in frustration, the burning rage slowly fading out of his eyes.

I ran my finger through my hair trying to calm down and think straight. "Do you know where is the cup?"

"Yes," He looked at me his eyes full of sadness alongside revenge. "We are sitting on it."

I frowned at that, looking around in confusion. "Where?"

"It's in my grandma's coffin."

My jaw hung open as I looked at the grave in front of us. "So, what will you do?"

"I don't know, Y/N…" He ran his fingers through his hair stressed. "I don't know what to do, what is the right choice I'm all by myself—"

"Hey," I said, reaching out to gently pull his hands away from his hair. I moved in front of him so I could look directly into his eyes. "I'm here. You're not alone, San." Kneeling between his spread legs, I cupped his face in my hands. "We'll figure this out together, okay?" I gazed into his eyes as I rested my forehead against his. 

He nodded and enveloped me in his strong arms and legs while I remained kneeling, almost making me disappear in his embrace. "Thank you so much, Y/N." He whispered into my ears his voice going weak. The familiar scent of candy hugged me tight, giving me a comfort that I didn't even know I needed.

Then San pulled away as his hands cupped my face. "I want you to be by my side…I want to be with you, but I'm scared you might get hurt in the process. I have a difficult life, Y/N…especially now…I don't know if I can keep you safe." He whispered as his gaze never left mine, his eyes welling up with tears.

I traced my thump on his cheek, where a teardrop escaped his eyes and wiped it away. "I'm going to be okay, it's easier to fight together than alone, right?" My lips curved up a little, giving him comfort.

He smiled at me emotionally, as his finger reached towards my hair, brushing a string behind my ear. "You are so beautiful and perfect, my darling. I don't deserve you." His eyes beamed caring and unlimited love, which made my heart twist painfully, but that pain was good, it whispered good things for the future.

"You do deserve someone by your side. And I want to be that person." I whispered back, leaning close to his face. When his lips met mine, it felt like he was kissing me for the hundredth time, yet each kiss still felt like the very first. It wasn't rushed, it was careful and warm, we sealed our lips together as a promise to protect the other no matter what. Something in my heart started to grow and it felt right for the first time in my life. But then a voice interrupted our promise to each other. 

“Well, well—the love birds are hiding in the cemetery. How romantic,” a voice said from behind us. I glanced over San’s shoulder and saw five men standing there, their eyes fixed on us with a predatory gaze.

San immediately got up and hid me behind his broad shoulder, his arms out in a protective manner. He looked like he was the mountain that hid people from danger. "Sunwoo…what do you want?" Sunwoo—then he was the leader of The Boyz… they were after the cup and we were standing right above it.

"Wasn't I clear enough on that?" I peeked out from the safety of San's back and saw the man who was speaking, he had foxlike eyes and black hair, and all of them were wearing leather jackets with ripped jeans, making them disappear into the darkness of the cemetery. I could barely count how many of them were still hiding in the dark.

Suddenly I heard hustling from behind and I had no time to react, all I felt was a hand around my neck and that pulled me away from San, a sharp, cold thing replacing the strange hand. San turned towards me, looking at the man behind me with sharp, glaring eyes. "Let her go, she has nothing to do with this!" He shouted as he tried to attack the man who held a knife to my neck. From the sudden movement, the knife went deeper into my skin, as blood streamed down my neck like tears. But San had no chance as the leader caught him in no time and held a gun to the back of his head. "Don't try to act like a hero, or she'll die," Sunwoo mumbled into San's ear.

I couldn't process what was happening, my heart was pumping loudly in my ear, and I barely heard what was happening. My vision was on San the whole time, whose eyes were staring at me, trying to give me some strength that I needed at that moment. I breathed heavily, trying to calm myself down, but as I lifted my chest to breathe the sharp knife dug deeper into my skin, making me panic at the sudden pain.

"If you tell us, where the fuck is that cup, I'm going to tell you where is your old man and we won't kill this sweetheart." The leader nodded towards me with a perverted smile. I wanted to throw up from the pain and the faces they all made while looking at me.

I met San’s gaze again; he was signaling that he was about to make a move. In a sudden burst of action, he spun around, grabbed the gun that was pressed against his head and punched the man in front of him who fell to the ground. At the sudden movements, the man behind me lost the grip of the knife and I immediately kicked him in the balls and he hunched over immediately from the sudden pain. San ran towards me and held me by both sides of my shoulders. "You have to run, Y/N! Drive to the mansion and wait for me there, please!" He said hurriedly, as the other men were running towards us. Fuck, I had no chance there, but I did not want to leave him alone.

He saw my face as I hesitated a little, "I promise I'm going to find you, darling. Just go!" He begged me as the man behind him gripped his shoulder trying to hit him. I wanted to scream and shout at the men who attacked him, but I needed to run and get some help for him. San was fighting with the two men, punching them and trying to dodge their movements.

Then I got an idea, San had no chance against a bunch of people we were surrounded by, it was impossible, so I needed to distract a few of them. The ones behind my back were walking towards me because they knew I had no chance, but I quickly jumped over a grave and started to run so they were going to get far away from San. I needed to reach my car, but navigating through the graves was difficult in the dark; I could only make out vague shapes.

 I jumped over several gravestones and tried to be as quick as I could and try to distract them, hoping one of them was going to get lost in the dark mist, trying to move quickly and create enough confusion that maybe one of them would get lost in the darkness. Then I heard gunshots—lots of them. The sound made me stumble, and I fell to the ground, feeling a surge of fear and wanting to cry. "San," I whispered, still on the ground as the men behind me closed in. I couldn't let them catch me, for San, I needed to gather my strength and get help for him. So, I stood up with determination and started to run towards the exit. 

When I finally arrived at a trail that led me to the exit, I felt relieved as the adrenaline gave me a burst of power, making me run faster as I looked behind me. Three men were running after me, the fourth probably gave up on chasing me, or he did get lost in the labyrinth of the cemetery.

I ran through the exit and quickly sat in my car. I fired the engine, the lamps lit up and the three men were standing in front of my car, their faces like the devil's, smiling in success as they trapped me. But I was in a car, and I had the advantage of simply using it as a weapon. The engine of the car roared up as I hit the gas pedal and the car speeded towards them. Two of the men managed to jump out of the way, but the third wasn't as fortunate.

He leaped onto the hood of my car, trying to avoid the impact. He looked at me with killer eyes through the windshield as I was still speeding, but then I hit the break and he stumbled forward, hitting the ground with a loud thump. I hoped he wasn’t seriously injured—or worse.

I was frozen for a moment as I tried to think what to do, my breathing was loud and heavy, and blood pumped in my ears. Then I looked to my right and saw a baseball bat lying on the floor. I had kept it in the car for situations just like this. Why not use it? I couldn't just leave here San; I promised him we were going to fight together.

So, I grabbed the bat and opened the car door. The man I had hit was groaning on the ground, clearly in pain but still alive. The other two men were running towards me as I held up the baseball bat preparing to defend myself as they approached.

But then, I heard a loud engine sound and all I saw was a big, black jeep, hitting the two men that were running towards me. It all happened so quickly. The jeep stood in quiet for a moment, the front a little broken from the impact and smoke coming up from the engine.

Then someone opened the passenger door and a tall man got out of it, whom I barely saw in the dim lights of the parking lot. The other door opened as well, and another tall figure stepped out, both of them heading in my direction. I held up the baseball bat again because I did not know if I could trust these men.

"We are here to help." The one with the soft features raised his hands in the air.

"Who are you?" I asked them, gathering all the strength I had left.

"I'm Jeong Yunho, Kim Hongjoong sent me to help San." He is Song Mingi, we came to help." The tall boy came closer to me and reached his hands to shake hands, his features full of kindness.

"We don't have time for this, San is in the cemetery and we got attacked, he needs help." I started to panic as I did not hear anything after the gunshots.

"Mingi stay with her, she is injured, I'm going to find San! " Yunho said with a serious expression on his face as he was speaking to the other guy, whose expression was bored as he leaned against my car folding his arms. Then Yunho ran towards the entrance of the cemetery as the dark swallowed him.

I leaned against my car, waiting impatiently for Yunho and San to come, I tried to go after them a few times but Mingi stopped me all the time, saying 'Let them do their job'.

After half an hour that I spent worrying about San, their dark figure finally appeared from the cemetery as Yunho was holding San by the waist and San's hands were clinging around Yunho's neck. I hurried in front of them quickly, San seemed injured.

"San-ah, are you okay?" I cupped his face, which was a little beaten up, with a few cuts on his lips, and on his cheekbones.

"I'm okay, darling, I'm okay," he whispered as he released Yunho and pulled me into a protective embrace. When he gently pulled me away, his eyes roamed over me from head to toe, checking for any injuries. His gaze finally landed on my neck.

"Fuck, Y/N!" He traced the cut on my neck with great care, where the blood had already dried—I had already forgotten about my wound. "Does it hurt?" he asked softly. Leaning down, he placed a tender kiss on the wound, sending shivers through my body. 

I shook my head as a no. "It's not that deep."

He tilted his head up looking into my eyes with anger. "I'm glad I killed those motherfuckers." My heart started to race at that, it was a new side of him, that I did not see until now. It did scare me, but at the same time, I knew he had no other choice than to kill them. It was a choice between him and them, and clearly, the better option was for San to survive. 

"Okay you love each other we get it," Yunho clasped his hands together, making me remember they were also there. "But we should hurry if you want to save your old man, San."

"Where is he?" San asked turning towards the two tall men, both leaning against the car. San's eyes were full of determination.

"Right now, as our people told us, he is in a building that is going to explode in like…" Yunho looked at his watch on his wrist. "…10 minutes." He said casually.

"Then why are we even here, let's go!" San said, already forgetting he was injured, as we sat into the black jeep, the guys already gone that they hit.

As we made our way to the building, I cuddled up to San’s side. He caressed my back and ran his fingers through my hair, whispering how proud he was of me for standing up to the bad guys and staying by his side. Even if I had the choice, I wouldn't have it any other way. I knew I was meant to be with San, and I never wanted to leave him.

When we arrived at the building, which was about to explode, I stayed in the car despite my urge to join them. I figured it would be easier for them if I stayed behind. Nervously biting my nails, I watched the clock ticking down to the explosion—just 2 minutes remaining—and they were still nowhere to be seen.

I couldn’t stay still. I stepped out of the car and paced back and forth in front of it, my anxiety making it impossible to remain in one place. 

1 minute - nothing

30 seconds - nothing

I was on the verge of running into the building just before it was about to explode when I saw four figures run through the entrance the moment the building exploded. The moment the building erupted, a burst of orange filled the dark air pieces of the building everywhere in the air, which landed in a rain-like form on the ground with a loud thump as the explosion shook the ground.

I lost sight of the figures running as I held my arm out forming a shield. Bits of concrete and debris struck me, and some landed on the car. When the building caught on fire I looked around to search for them.

But I saw no one in between the burning pieces. I walked closer, as I spotted them between two big concrete pieces that fell from the building. As I ran to them, I saw that San held his grandfather on his lap, crying as Yunho and Mingi were kneeling beside them, Yunho's hands on San's shoulder trying to calm him down.

I speeded next to San my hands on his back, as I looked down at his grandfather. His abdomen was full of blood, his T-shirt long soaked with red, his chest unmoving, and his eyes were glassy, a single teardrop falling towards his temple as he was staring up at the sky full of stars, with no reaction in his eyes. He left us.

"I couldn't save him," San's voice came out and stumbled as he was sobbing, holding his grandfather's dead body. His grandfather raised him and made his grandchild the most caring and passionate human on earth. He fulfilled his job and it was time for him to leave us behind.

I hugged San as he was sobbing into my neck, still careful not to hurt the wound on my neck. I whispered to him some reassuring thoughts that slowly calmed him down. Yunho and Mingi waited for us patiently to calm down so we could talk about the cup that was the cause of this turmoil that ended with the death of San's grandfather.

 It is interesting to think about how humans are capable of anything just because of a two-hundred-year-old relic that was worth millions—even billions. They do not realize the value of a human's soul; it is higher than the paper that is worth—perhaps millions.

A human's soul is worth the universe which has more value than a piece of paper. But people are greedy and they do not care if someone gets lost along the way. They only see the gold and money, that keeps them going, not caring about burning the world along the way.

This is why San decided to entrust the cup to Yunho, whom he trusted deeply. San knew Yunho was a man of his word, reliable, and always present when help was needed. As we handed the cup over to them just before they left, Yunho's final words were:

"Welcome to Ateez."

With that, they drove away with the cup, leaving behind a trail of trouble but also opening the door to a mysterious future with the gang Ateez. 

-1 month later-

"That's all," San said as he closed the rear door of the car, clasping his hands together as we were in front of his mansion, I needed to go back because the summer vacation ended.

"Are you sure you want to come with me?" I asked still unsure of why would he come with me back to where I was living.

He stepped closer to me as he grabbed my waist, one of his right hands cupping my cheek as his thumb traced it with care. "I have nothing left here." He whispered resting his forehead against mine. "I'm going to follow you, wherever you go."

"Promise me you'll never leave my side," I whispered, overwhelmed by the surge of emotions that suddenly hit me.

"I promise, darling." He whispered looking into my eyes. "I love you," He cupped my face, his eyes full of sincerity and passion that burned with flaming desire.

I held his wrist that held my face as I left a feather-like kiss on his wrist. "I love you too, San" I smiled at him with all the warmth in my heart, gazing at him as if he was my entire world—and it wasn’t a lie. He truly was my world, and I was committed to following him wherever he went. From the moment I saw him, I knew we were destined for each other. 

Then he kissed me carefully his lips moving against mine in a possessive way, like he wanted to ensure I was his forever, his hands pulling me closer to him, locking me in, as if I wanted to run away from him, but that was the last thing I wanted to do. I kissed him back reassuring him I was never going to leave him.

Our story had only just begun, and I was eager to discover what destiny had in store for us. The red strings bound us together to connect us so we could fight the obstacles that life would throw our way. It was easier to fight against the bad things when you had someone by your side.

Choi San had me, and I had Choi San—together, we were ready for whatever came next. 

[neomujinjja]

Lifetime of Moments

Pairing: Non-idol!Anton x reader

Length: 1,886 words Genre: fluff, slight angst

Warning: not edited, very long, children*, major character death

Synopsis: Anton retells the story of him and his life partner through the important moments of their time together

Note: this is heavily inspired by the movie 'A man named Otto'. * I don't mention pregnancy or bringing children back from the hospital to ensure gender neutrality and be inclusive. I also use the abbreviation P/T to stand for Parental Term. But I wanted to give a warning either way for people.

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"I'm sorry!" a voice rushed out, the owner not sparing a look back towards Anton. They seemed to be in a rush, a book falling out of their arms.

"Oh! You dropped your book." Anton called out but it seemed as the person couldn't hear him. The boy picked up the book and ran after its reader. Luckily, Anton hadn't lost them in the small crowd of people. He reached out to tap their shoulder as they stopped at a cross walk. "Hey, you dropped this back in the cafe." he explained as he handing the item over. The two's figures brushing over one another's.

"Thank you!~ I'm halfway through and I would hate not knowing how it ends," They smiled at Anton, looking into his eyes. And he swears that they were the prettiest person that he's ever seen. "You're my hero! Is there a chance that I could get your name?" they inquired, beginning to rock back and forth on their heels. "Mine's Y/N".

"I'm Anton. Lee Anton." He replied, returning a shy smile of his own.

"Well, it was nice meeting you Anton. Maybe we'll see each other again one day" Y/N said. Anton was enamored with the way his name came out of their mouth. They gave him a thumbs up before crossing to the other side of the street, weaving their way through the mass of people.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Anton began hanging around the cafe more often after his encounter with Y/N. It wasn't just because he wanted to see them again, it was convenient cause the cafe was close to Anton's college and gym. The perfect spot to wait for classes and get something before practice. If Anton happened to bump into you there then that was a bonus.

He was waiting in line when he received a tap on his shoulder. "I thought that was you, Anton." Y/N said giving the male in front of them a big grin.

"Hi, Y/N" he greeted breathily, Y/N looked breath-taking despite wearing a hoodie and sweats. Anton admittedly was surprised that they had remembered him and his name.

"I'm sorry for rushing off without properly thanking you last time. Let me make it up to you," Y/N told him. Anton began shaking his head in protest. It wasn't a big deal to him and he was happy just knowing that they remembered him. "Nonsense, let me take you to dinner. It's the least I could do for my hero" They cut off any of Anton's protest as they pulled out a notebook. He watched them write a series of numbers before then ripping the page. "That's my number, we can discuss where and when later."

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Anton paid his fair before quickly leaving the cab. He was running behind but he hopefully hadn't kept them waiting long. Anton had texted you but he hadn't checked his phone for a response. A breathe of relief left him at the sight of Y/N waiting outside the agreed upon restaurant. "I'm glad you're still here!"

"I told you, I was taking you out. If anything I should've been worried that you were gonna bail." They responded opening the door for the male. The place seemed relatively fancy but not so that eating would break the bank. "I hope you're into Italian food, Mr. Anton cause this is the fanciest I can afford" Y/N joked as the pair walked into the restaurant. Anton felt so comfortable in Y/N's presence, he was able to joke and laugh freely with them. It was as if he could talk with them for hours.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Anton felt like he was on cloud 9 and was buzzing from the energy in the crowd. The male had broken a personal record at the swim meet just minutes before. He and Y/N walked hand-in-hand out of the stadium. "Anton," Y/N pulled him to the side, away from the crowd. They took both of his hands in theirs and swung them between the pair. "Will you marry me?" They asked the man in front of them. "We've been together for 4 years, and I know I love you and want to be together with you for the rest of my life." Y/N continued, rubbing circles on the back of Anton's hands.

Anton pulled them into a hug, bringing their heads together. "Of course, I want to marry you" he responded.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

"This is the last one" Y/N said as they set the last box down.

"And now it's officially our place" Anton said back as he wrapped his arms around them. Y/N hummed in agreement and leaned back onto their husband. "Imagine what it'll be like once we're all settled in." The pair swayed as they took a break before they'd begin unpacking.

"Where should we start first? The Kitchen...The Living Room?" Y/N asks turning to face the male. "The bedroom?" They continued as they jokingly wiggled their eyebrows at Anton. He laughs and plants a kiss onto their forehead.

"Let's start in the bedroom and then work towards the kitchen and living room" The male proposes. The duo separate and begin unpacking the boxes.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Ushering in, the pair quietly and tiredly walked through the door. Y/N makes their way towards the couch and sets the baby carrier down. They take out their son and place him in the bouncer. Anton joins after putting their bags into the couple's laundry room. "He's so small and precious" Y/N whispers as they looked over their child.

"He's all ours to love" Anton responds bringing his partner closer to his side. Sniffling was heard making the male turn. "Why are you crying?" Anton asked as he wiped their tears away. "Are you okay?" He continued with worry in his voice.

"I'm okay" They nodded, sniffling some more. "We have a baby. We're parents." Y/N says taking Anton's hands in theirs.

The male laughed "Yeah, we sure are". He pulled his partner into a hug.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

"How was the zoo, you guys?" Y/N asked as Anton and the boys walked in. They got an arm full of Teo, their oldest son, once he was fully inside.

"P/T we saw so many animals. And there was even an animal that was like Kori. It stayed on its parent's back" He tells you excitedly about the animals the three saw at the zoo.

"A Koala" Anton informed the young boy as he took his second son out of their sling. "Did you tell P/T about your favorite exhibition yet?" He asks the toddler as he lets the baby onto the play mat. Anton walks over to his partner, giving them a peck on the lips despite Teo's protest.

"Appa! You can't give P/T a kiss before I give them one!" the young boy says pushing his dad away. Teo wrapped his tiny arms around his other parent and begins placing kisses on their face. Laughter came out from the adult couple at the toddler's actions.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Anton turns and reaches out to his partner's side. He opens his eyes when he doesn't feel anything. The male gets up out of the bed, puts his house shoes on and begins looking around their home. Anton checks on the boys' room after looking in the bathroom and the kitchen-living room combo with no avail. Teo and Kori are both deep asleep with tiny snores coming out of their mouth. He closes the door softly then proceeds to the nursery. There he finds Y/N in the rocking chair with their youngest June. Anton lets out a sigh of relief upon the sight. He walks towards his partner and their child. "Y/N, come back to bed. Let's put Junie back in her crib" The male whispers rubbing their back.

"Did I fall asleep?" Y/N asks groggily with a confused look on their face. Anton nods as he helps them get up from the rocking chair. The duo quietly set June back in her crib, double checking the monitor before heading out of the room. He rubs Y/N's back as the couple walk back to their room. They get into the bed and Anton cuddles into his partner. Now he can fall back asleep knowing that all of his family is safe.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Y/N and Anton sit outside, enjoying the fresh evening air. "It's quiet, isn't it?" Y/N says after a moment. "With all of the kids officially out, it's quiet" They continued as they sipped their tea.

"It's odd, right? We haven't had a quiet moment to yourselves since we brought Teo home" Anton says with a laugh. He grabs his partner's hand, over the years they've both gained wrinkles.

"Should we call them?" Y/N jokes and the duo laugh. With a sigh, Y/N continues "I understand how our parents felt when we moved out".

Anton hums before shaking his head. "No, we can bother them some other time. Let's just enjoy the silence for now."

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Anton held his partner's hand as they laid in the bed. The low hum of the machines in the background. "Anton..." Y/N spoke lowly, their voice sounded parched and croaky.

"Yes, Y/N?" He responded with his full attention. Anton gripped tighter at his spouse's hand with love in his eyes.

"I don't want to leave you and the kids. We were supposed to be together for the rest of our lives." Y/N said looking into Anton's eyes. He tries to interrupt but they stop him from speaking. "I'm sorry Anton. I'm gonna have to leave first" they continued before turning to their children. "Take care of your Appa for me. I love you, my babies and I'm so proud to have raised the three of you. You've all done such great things with your life, and I know you'll continue to do so." Y/N tells them before a coughing fit starts.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

"Y/N was the love of my life. There was no one else like them. I pretty much fell in love with them as soon as I first met them." Anton pauses with a sigh and chuckle.

"Mr. Lee, that sweet. Did you think you'd end up dating and marrying them too?" the home nurse asked the elderly man.

"No," He shook his head "I didn't. I always thought of myself as a lucky man to be with them. I was just happy that Y/N wanted to be around me." Anton says with a smile on his face. The home nurse also smiled at the man's statement.

"I wish that I can have a love like yours one day, Mr. Lee" She tells him. She's had been helping take care of the elderly man for a few years now. She had seen the pictures and heard a few stories but today she asked about Mr. Lee's love life with his spouse. The home nurse listened and watched as the man eyes and voice were full of love as he spoke about his life partner. Anton laughs and smiles as he wishes the home nurse luck. "Do you miss them, Mr. Lee?" she asks with curiosity.

Anton hums and nods before answering "Everyday".

[oddree13]

To Find a Kiss of Yours

[Read on AO3]

Steve remembers his first Valentine's Day. He was in first grade and spent the day prior decorating a shoebox to act as a makeshift mailbox. The next day the class had a party where all the cards were passed out, but throughout the gathering, girls came up to give him extra candy. One girl even kissed him on the cheek and ran off. 

Steve felt butterflies in his stomach for the first time that day and decided Valentine’s wasn’t all that bad. 

As the years went on, Steve looked forward to the holiday for reasons beyond extra candy. February 14 was used to fill the void of affection his parents were slowly taking from him.

And once Steve started middle school, and class-wide valentines were no longer mandatory, he realized the holiday was different for him than other boys. He’d get more cards and candy than some of his friends, and in seventh grade, a girl pulled Steve aside to let him know how much she liked him. Steve only knew the girl because they shared a couple of classes, but figured he should be polite and ask her out. After all, that is what all the boys around him would do. 

Years later Robin would unpack just how wrong this was to do. 

In short, Steve always looked forward to Valentine's Day and even kept a box under his bed where he kept his favorites - the standouts among the mass-printed, store-bought postcards that were delivered to Steve with a personal touch.

When he started Hawkins High a part of him was nervous that one of his steady sources of affection would dry up, but Steve found the exact opposite. The school encouraged the holiday by allowing students to send each other candy-grams and flowers throughout the day. Even among the students, there was a buzz. In the days leading up to V-day, photocopied maps of lockers would be passed around where people could write their friend’s name on it, in the hopes that it would encourage more personal gifts and confessions. 

In his four years at Hawkins High Steve’s name always made it on the map before he could write it. 

During his freshman year, Steve gets more than a few candy-grams in homeroom, prompting Tommy and Carol to tease him as they steal his candy. 

In between classes, he takes more trips than usual to his locker to collect the cards and notes left for him. Some are signed, some are just a phone number with a name and a lipstick print. Steve can’t help but get high off the constant reminders of want as the day goes on.

Needing to kill time before the bus towards Loch Nora arrives, Steve heads to his locker after basketball practice. Sure it could have waited until morning, but Steve’s never been a patient man. 

Inside his locker are a few more notes, but among the pink and pastels that have filled his vision all day, the crimson card stands out. He opens the front flap to find the card is actually an origami note, and not wanting to rip it, carefully unfolds the missive. 

His eyes are immediately pulled to the drawing at the bottom: a half-sun and half-moon face on a backdrop of stars. His eyes then wander up to the note to find not a letter, but a short poem - 

Some people say my love cannot be true Please believe me, my love, and I'll show you I will give you those things you thought unreal The sun, the moon, the stars all bear my seal

It takes Steve a few times to read it to get the gist of the meaning, and he can’t help but blush. Either the writer is talented or she copied someone. Either way, Steve knows this is making it into his special box. Before folding it back Steve’s eyes searched the page for a name or phone number, only to find a small “E” at the corner of the note. 

Steve spends the rest of the week wracking his brain for all the girls in his class and even the year above whose name starts with an E, even going so far as to approach a few of them. 

When he gets no answer other than a few dates he puts it out of his mind. 

*

Sophomore year is almost an identical repeat of the year before. Candygrams were delivered and stolen by Tommy and Carol. Notes stuffed in his locker, getting more lascivious as the day goes on. It seems his reputation preceded him, and there are more than a few propositions in letter form.

And just like the year before there is a crimson note waiting for him after practice. Steve wasn’t even anticipating the note, figuring it was a one-off from the year prior. But seeing it sitting on top of his books, Steve can’t help but ignore all the other letters and notes in favor of opening another message from E.

Like last time there’s a drawing, this time of a detailed headstone citing a kiss as the cause of death, the skull atop bearing a lip print. And just like the year before is a poem - 

To find a kiss of yours what would I give A kiss that strayed from your lips dead to love

Steve restarts his attempts to find E, only this time he goes for a more subtle approach, flirting with instead of confronting any girl whose name starts with the offending letter. 

It doesn’t end with Steve solving the mystery but does end with Steve going on dates with Elizabeth, Evelyn, Emily, and Erin. 

*

The Valentines of his junior year is an interesting one. Sure he’s been dating Nancy for almost three months now, but that doesn’t stop some very ambitious girls from sending candy and cards his way. He details each gift to Nancy as the day goes on because that's what a good boyfriend would do, right? And sure, he wishes Nancy would look more perturbed, but all he gets is small kisses on his cheek with her saying they can use the candy as dessert when she makes him dinner this weekend. 

The only thing Steve keeps to himself though is his hope for a third crimson note.

Sure Steve hasn’t gotten any luck with finding out who the sender is. And even if he did find out this year he couldn’t act on it. But there's something about the effort that Steve craves. That someone cares enough about Steve to write, draw, and fold the letter each year. 

And just like the years prior the note is there, drawing and all.

Looking up at the stars, I know quite well That, for all they care, I can go to hell, But on earth indifference is the least We have to dread from man or beast.   How should we like it were stars to burn With a passion for us we could not return? If equal affection cannot be, Let the more loving one be me.   Admirer as I think I am Of stars that do not give a damn, I cannot, now I see them, say I missed one terribly all day.   Were all stars to disappear or die, I should learn to look at an empty sky And feel its total dark sublime, Though this might take me a little time.

Not only is this year's poem longer, but the drawing also intrigues Steve. The picture is of a winged man, gazing up at the words written above him with an almost longing expression, while flames dance at his feet. Steve can’t help but examine the detail that went into the drawing, and even blushes at how handsome he is. 

So the next day when Nancy drags him to the library to study, he sneaks away to ask the librarian if she recognizes the poem (without showing her the note). She walks him over to the poetry section and hands him a collection of British poetry, turning to the section on W.H. Auden. 

Steve reads a brief description of the poem, about the unrequited love between the poet and the stars. He bitterly thinks that this love might not be unrequited if he could figure out who his secret admirer was. 

Years later Steve would realize two things - Indiana public school books didn't care to mention that W.H. Auden was gay and that he really should have looked at the checkout card inside the book cover.

* 

Steve contemplates staying home for the last Valentine's Day of his high school career. He's certain he won't get any grams now that he’s fallen from grace and taken no steps to climb back up. 

But despite how obnoxious sharing court with Hargrove is, basketball practice is the only thing keeping him sane as he counts down the days till graduation. 

Steve didn't even mean to go back to his locker that day not wanting to be disappointed by the lack of a crimson note. But he needs his notes to study for chemistry, and as he pulls out the binder the crimson letter falls to the floor. 

Steve can't help the way his heart clenches at the sight. How such a simple thing can remind him why he loves his holiday so much? 

He then figures that the sender. Must be someone in his grade if they've kept these notes coming all four years. 

Passing stranger! You do not know how longingly I look upon you, You must be he I was seeking, or she I was seeking, (it comes to me as of a dream,) I have somewhere surely lived a life of joy with you, All is recall’d as we flit by each other, fluid, affectionate, chaste, matured, You grew up with me, were a boy with me or a girl with me , I ate with you and slept with you, your body has become not yours only nor left my body mine only, You give me the pleasure of your eyes, face, flesh, as we pass, you take of my beard, breast, hands, in return, I am not to speak to you, I am to think of you when I sit alone or wake at night alone, I am to wait, I do not doubt I am to meet you again, I am to see to it that I do not lose you.

Steve sinks onto the floor as he reads the poem over and over again. He can't help but smirk at how the bits about girls are stricken through, but also that it's a farewell of sorts. It leaves Steve with a bittersweet feeling to know he'll never find out the sender's identity. 

* 

Over piles of discount candy in 1986, Steve shares with Robin the details of the crimson notes tucked under his bed. Robin can't help but laugh as she looks through them pointing out to Steve how fucking homo erotic all the poems are. 

After a bit of denial, Steve finally admits that Robin may be right and kicks himself for only searching for girls back when he was in high school. Realizing he didn't bother to get a copy of the yearbook he asks Robin if he can come one day to search the pages at her house for clues. But a few weeks later literal hell breaks loose and he forgets all about it

Part of Steve wishes he actually bothered to get a copy of the yearbook so he could search the pages, but a few weeks later literal hell breaks loose and he forgets all about it

*

It's February 1987 and Steve is wondering how he's spending Valentine's Day Eve cleaning up his kitchen after the party wraps their D&D session for the night. 

Eddie is helping him tidy as he recounts how on the ride over to Steve's, Dustin was explaining how nervous he was about his radio date with Suzie the next day wanting to do something special but not cheesy. 

“I told him he should recite some poetry and he told me that's lame,” Eddie says in a way that expresses their mutual frustration with Henderson. 

“It's not lame. If it's done right,” Steve agrees. 

“The little shit then told me that metal lyrics don't count as poetry and I told him that I know more than just metal lyrics.” 

Steve can't help but look amused and gestures for Eddie to regale him with a poem. 

Eddie clears his throat and begins, “To find a kiss of yours what I would give…”

“A kiss that strayed from your lips...dead to love,” Steve finishes unthinking. After all, he read those words hundreds of times. 

That's when it clicks for Steve. The E written in the corner of all those notes stood for Eddie. 

Eddie's eyes catch Steve's and he visibly swallows. His complexion pails and he looks like he's about to run for it, but Steve sputters out his confession. 

“I kept them all.” 

Eddie's eyes widened even further at that as if he couldn't believe what Steve was saying.

“You did?”

“Yeah. Want to see them? They're in my room.”

“That's quite a line, Harrington”

“Well not all of us can be poets.”

[bangtaninborderland]

Risk It All (30)- Choose Life pt.1

Genre: Chishiya x f!Reader| angst | eventual smut

Warning: mentions of injuries/blood/violence

A/N:lmao this is nearly the end of the first season yet I've been writing this story for YEARS???

Prev | MasterList | Next

Neither of you stopped, weaving in and out of burnings, over and under rubble as your feet carried you as far away as possible. Ignoring the chance you were dragging yourself into more danger, you let Chishiya guide you.

“In here!”

It was a small hardware store, the windows were already broken and the shelves raided, no doubt for weapons but luckily hidden behind the counter was a set of stairs. You tripped up them still holding each other's hand. As much as you desperately wanted to slump against the floor and let your lungs replenish the mass amounts of oxygen that you had depleted due to your impromptu sprint you knew that safety wasn’t guaranteed.

“Help me get this across the door.” You gesture to a solid filing cabinet. Mustering up the last of your shared strength you locked yourselves in. Bullets wouldn’t get through metal that thick.

The windows thankfully hadn’t been smashed but there was no heat.

This wasn’t like the home Chishiya had made.

“Did you get hit?” Chishiya asked through a pant. “How is your arm?”

“Fine.” You check to make sure. “What about you?”

He lifts his shirt before nodding. “It didn’t reopen, it’s okay.”

“What the fuck was that.” You drop your head against the wall. “How did he find us.”

Chishiya pulled off his backpack, handing you a bottle of water. “I think he knew people would be heading there to join the game.”

You stilled, the bottle clutched in your hand. “The game Kuina and An left to join?”

“Yeah probably.” He takes another swig of the water before recapping it and putting it back in his bag. “Why?”

“What if they got shot?”

He shakes his head. “Trust me Kuina is like a leech, she won’t die.”

“But what if-“

“Stop worrying about them.” He cuts you off. “They weren’t the ones that just nearly got shot to death, it’s okay to care about them but you have to prioritise yourself. Stop being irrational.”

“I’m not being irrational, I'm worrying about a friend.” You explain through gritted teeth.

He stares at you blankly. “Do you think Kuina would want you to worry in this way?”

You hate how he makes a good point.

Kuina would be angered at the thought you were worrying about her when your own life had been in danger. “No, she wouldn’t.”

“Then forget about her for a while. It’s okay to do that. It’s okay to care for yourself.” He assures you. “We need to figure out where we are.”

You peek out of the window, dropping back into your previous position when you see nothing. “I didn’t see any signs as we ran, it’s too dark.”

He agreed. “We will have to wait until the sun comes up but whatever is going on, I think this is coming to an end.”

“You think the games are nearly complete?”

He sounds sure. “I think that we have nearly won every card we need.”

“I hope so.” You wish. “I don’t think either of us will fare well against another game.”

“We should rest.” He manages to find a blanket and a cushion, laying them down on the floor. “You sleep first we can take it in turns, I’ll wake you up in a little so we can switch.”

“Are you sure?” You eye the makeshift bed. “You’ve just come out of a game one that was no doubt exhausting, mentally if not physically. I’m okay you want to sleep first.”

“No, it’s okay.” He declines the offer. “You get some sleep, I'm going to try and see if there is anything useful here, just let me know if I make too much noise.”

“Okay.” You agree, laying atop the blanket. “Goodnight.”

“Mhm.”

Despite his warning about making noise you don’t hear anything, it was hard to drift off at first. Your mind ran a world of its own as it had you picturing the masked gunman shooting down the door any second but eventually, the adrenaline you’d worked up burned out and you were left depleted and exhausted.

This time there were no dreams, just a void.

“Hey.” You felt yourself being sat up.

“What?” You grumbled, still disoriented from your nap. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s been a few hours.” Ah, it was time to switch.

You sit up, huffing as you brush the stray hairs out of your face. “Okay you sleep, I’ll take watch.”

“Okay.” He agrees, slipping onto the mat you’d just moved from. “I found a spare wrench, it’s against the wall.”

“Oh that’s good.” You yawn, leaning against the wall opposite Chishiya. “Sleep.”

“Goodnight.” He mumbles.

It didn’t take him long to fall asleep, it made sense though. He hadn’t exactly had time to rest after his game and it was unlikely he had managed to eat anything.

That was another pressing matter - food.

You quietly looked around, sifting through drawers and cupboards. Most of it was no good, perishable foods that were so rotten they looked as if they had been there for a millennia.

At this point they probably could have been.

It was hard not to wonder what was happening in the real world, if time passed different here then how long had you been gone? Years? Months? Days? It felt as though you’d been here for at least a year but it was probably something more like a few months.

The sun was already rising, it seemed as though some days night lasted forever, an unending darkness accompanied by a few hours of dull sunshine but some days it was the opposite, a hot sun with little reprieve found in the minimal hours of darkness that coats the city.

Today seemed like the latter.

You peered over the windowsill, the city as always was dead but you took that as a positive rather than a negative, you dropped back to the floor with a thud.

It was probably weird to watch Chishiya sleep but it wasn’t as though you had a variety of things to keep you entertained, you missed the small house and all of its perks. You forgot, even for a few days, what it was like to have absolutely nothing in a world where there was no permanency.

Your life in the real world - if it could be called that - had grown dull. There wasn’t much variety in the things you’d do, you were lonely and had grown accustomed to living alone but you missed how permanent things were. You had a home you could return to, you had a job, you had people you’d interact with, the sun rose and set at a normal time, you could go to stores and not worry about the shelves being empty.

Nothing here was permanent, not even the people, that’s what hurt you the most.

From the corner of your eye you saw an object stutter in the sky, you scrambled up, your heart racing in preparation to run.

Only to see something that, for once, provided you comfort.

“Chishiya wake up!” You slap his chest.

He jolts up, body rigid. “What?!”

“Look!” You point out the window at the mass ball of flames falling upon the city.

“Is that the blimp?” He squints. “It’s the king of spades. If I’ve worked it out correctly and I’m sure I have, that means after Kuina and Ans game finishes there’s just one game left.”

“What one?” You ask, a part of you relaxing at the blimp crashing into the ground.

“The queen of hearts.”

“We should go.” He stands, brushing his clothes off.

You quickly pack up, both taking a few sips of water and halving an oat bar before setting off.

The journey to the final blimp was thankfully a short one, the game stationed relatively close to the hardware store you'd hidden in the day prior. It made sense, you were practically in the heart of the city.

“Is that-“ You were shocked to see so many familiar faces. “Arisu? Usagi?” You called out.

They both turned to you at the same time, eyeing Chishiya cautiously before approaching you. “You’re alive?”

“Clearly.” Chishiya scoffs under his breath before turning to you. “I’ll be over here.”

You nod as he walks away. “How are you both?”

Arisu smiles although it’s strained. “As well as can be, are you going to play?”

“No.” You shook your head. “I have enough days on my visa.”

Usagi shrugs. “We played a few, I think we all just want this to be over.”

“You can say that again.” Arisu laughs. “Heart games are never good.”

“They aren’t.” You agree, the memories of your own horrifying experience with the card were always on your mind. “Have you seen anyone else?”

“Like who?”

“ An? Kuina?” You ask.

“Not for a while.” Usagi answers. “I saw them both after we split up at the train station they were doing okay.”

“We were staying together.” You explains. “Only for a few days but they both had to leave to join a game.”

“The Queen of Clubs?” Arisu questions.

You make a noise of affirmation. “How did you know?”

“I saw the blimp pass over, I also saw it crash.”

If the game was over and they weren’t here that could mean….

“Didn’t you say you were staying together?” Usagi seems to notice your train of thought and intervenes. “Did they know you were coming here?”

“No.” You purse your lips. “We were hiding out at a small house type hut but the king of spades turned up and quite literally blew it up.”

“I’m sure they are fine.” Usagi rubs your arm. “They probably went back there first.”

You truly hoped that was the case.

“Thanks.” You smile at her. “Is there anyone else here?”

The atmosphere around you turned into something solemn.“Tata…he passed away during a game.”

“How?” You weren’t close with him but he wasn’t a bad person.

Arisu looks at you with unbridled guilt. “He died helping us win.”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t regret that choice.” You reassure him, it was never easy when you were the reason for someone’s death even when you weren’t directly involved in it. “I’m glad you’re both okay.”

“Likewise.” He doesn’t make an attempt to smile, you can understand why. “I think the game is starting.”

You look back to find the gates surrounding the large building open, something they hadn’t been when you arrived. “I’m gonna go get Chishiya.”

He seems to have the same idea as he walks towards you. “Happy?”

“Just peachy.” You retort sarcastically. “Let’s go.”

“Without us?” You could scream as you turn back to see Kuina and An walking towards you, both worse for wear with various cuts and bruises littering their pale bodies.

“Fuck.” You curse as you run towards them, your arms wrapping around their waist as you help them stay upright. “Chishiya!”

He understands and wraps Ans arm around his shoulder. “You owe me, both of you owe me.”

“Stop complaining.” You hiss at him. “What happened to you two?”

“We won our game but it was hard.” Kuina says tiredly. “I need to sit.”

“Here.” You help them both slump down against the set of stairs beside the building. “You’ll be okay, you will. Chishiya do you have anything to help?”

He looks at the pair before grabbing your hand and pulling you aside. “I’ll be honest. I don’t think they are going to make it.”

“Don’t say that.” You felt the colour drain from your face. “You can help them.”

“There’s too much blood.” He shakes his head. “It will be pointless.”

“Chishiya please.” You bat away your tears. “I can’t lose them.”

He groans but pulls the bag off his back. “What one first?”

“Her.” An nudges Kuina. “She has it worse.”

“Take this.” Chishiya shoved a small bottle of cleaning alcohol into your hands. “Clean as much as you can. I’ll deal with Kuina.”

“What happened?” You glance at Arisu before tuning back to An.

“They were in a game.” Your voice wavers as you carefully dab at the large gash on Ans leg. “We need to finish this and get out of here, they need a hospital.”

“Usagi and I have decided to play.” He informs you. “I’ll do my best.”

You hear him turn away. “Arisu?”

He turns back to you. “Yeah?”

“I know you can win this.”

You watch as he and Usagi disappear inside the building, both of them limping as they go, clearly sustaining their own injuries.

“Hey?” An croaks.

You turn your attention back to her. “Yeah?”

“It’s okay.” It takes her far more effort than it should to brush the tears away from your cheeks. “It’s okay.”

Arisu needed to win.

You needed to get out.

They needed to live.

You needed them to live.

[random-imagines-blog]

Imagine Erik Lensherr writing you secret letters, and you finding out that it was him.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since the moment that we met.

That’s how the first letter had started. It was written with spirit, though not too much flourish. Not cursive, but the letters seemed to be connected, put down in one sweep. It wasn’t handwriting that you recognized. Nor was the language like anything you had heard people here speak like. Except perhaps Charles, he always was eloquent, but you knew his handwriting. It wasn’t him.

I remember when you stood next to me, and all I could think of was how lucky I was to have you so near...

That’s how the second letter had started. Like the first, there had been no name. It wasn’t by accident. They were keeping you guessing. You had your hopes on who it could be. Casting your mind back to everyone that you had stood beside recently. You asked Charles if he knew who wrote them. He said he couldn’t help you. His eyes sparkled when he spoke though. He knew. There was no way he didn’t.

There’s no way that I can’t be happy, for I know that you exist, even if we are only friends....

That was the third letter. The one that lead you to him. There’d been a stain on the upper left corner, a stain that smelt of beer. Charles didn’t keep alcohol in the mansion. But there was one man who did go to bars often, who might have had these words inside of his heart. Not Logan, he was too rough, he’d never write you letters. But Erik?

He was sitting alone, a piece of paper on the table in front of him, a pen in hand, a beer by the side. He didn’t see you come in. You looked over his shoulder to see what he was working on. Same handwriting. Same language.

I’ve known evil, but I’ve never truly seen things as good and bad. But everything that is associated with you must be good. So I try, I try my best to be the same, be on the right side, just for you...

“You write as if I’m perfect,” You said. He froze up in place, his back tensing. You could see his shoulders stiffening beneath the shirt that he wore. “I’m not. Everyone has a different perception of what it means to be good. Yours might be different from mine. But I do still think you’re very good.”

“I don’t think the same of myself,” Erik replied, moving the chair next to him so that you could sit down. You did. The smooth wooden surface was cool underneath you, compared to the heat of the day outside. “And I know many don’t think that either.”

“The masses are usually stupid,” You told him. “And wrong. You put your heart in these letters, made yourself vulnerable even without putting down a name. That’s a good and beautiful thing. I kept them all.” You tapped the paper he was writing on. “I’ll keep this one too, as long as you sign it.”

He ran his fingers through his short hair, a sign of stress. Vulnerable. Like you had said. He was caught. He was in your hands. And he wasn’t trying to escape. After a minute, he finally did put his name on the bottom of a letter for the first time. He slid it to you. You took it and folded it up, putting it inside of your pocket.

“Thank you,” You said, smiling. “I love them. I had hoped it was you since the first one. You have a way with words. Created a net with them and snared my heart.”

His usually intense face softened i a way you hadn’t seen before. A smile. Like a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. He risked putting an arm around the back of the chair that you were sitting on and you more than allowed it, leaning in and putting your head upon his shoulder. He might be better with a pen than his mouth sometimes, but it was the words that were important, not how you got them.

Requested by: @aesthetic-dreamers-blog​

[go-river-flows]

Sweet Visions of a flower

Summary: Syulang (OC) is an orphaned girl after the destruction of Hometree. She is constantly reminded of this by her amputated left leg though she no longer dreams of her deep trauma. She is betrayed by the very people she trusted, leaving her with nothing once again.

A/N: Im back from my break, and after deliberating for a while, I have finally finished Sweet Visions of a Flower. This has been a story I’ve struggled to write because there was so much to unpack. And initially, I wanted to write a sad ending but ended up writing a somewhat wholesome ending. I hated writing it, but I’m just glad this series has ended!

FINAL PART

Letting Quaritch take the lead, Ja explained how they waltzed back into Bridgehead and despite Adrmore’s harassment Quaritch just explained that they integrated with the Na’vi and were stripped of their gear so they couldn't communicate to her in Bridgehead. Ardmore was skeptical but let Quaritch continue. Whilst Adrmore dismissed all the recoms to have a private chat with Quaritch, they went ahead and started planting small bombs and their weaponry around Bridgehead, just in case they needed them.

Almost getting caught a few times but playing it cool, whenever someone stopped to question them. After completing their tasks, they finally gathered at the entrance, ready to blow the Bridgehead sky high. But what they forgot to account for was Fike and Brown’s intense loyalty to Quaritch when Ardmore finally caught onto what was happening. Aiming her gun towards their Colonel, Fike dove in front taking a bullet for his superior officer. Brown died trying to save Fike, as the Colonel was being dragged away by Zhang just as Bridgehead was exploding, taking a shard of metal through his chest whilst protecting Quaritch. Warren noticed Lyle wasn’t with the group when Bridgehead exploded, who ran through the maze of flames to find him, only to come across Quaritch managing to lead him out, but ran back into the burning mass to find Lyle, and that was the last they saw of him as the metal construction frames began falling. It was chaos. When he didn't come back out, they all knew he had perished. Hell, they though Lyle died in the fire too, that was until Prager decided to walk the perimeter yelling out his name, stumbling across me with Lyle. 

Which leads us up to now. Ja just held me as we sat in silence. The recoms mourning their friends, comrades and brother in arms. I could tell Quaritch was taking it the hardest, he let his friends die. Lyle was still unconscious with a terrible injury, Prager trying his best to deal with it.

“We should go back to High Camp. Get Lyle the help he needs,” Quaritch finally said, standing up and calling for his ikran, Cupcake. The others sighed heavily doing the same. I did the same, calling for Azui. I contemplated telling Quaritch about Jake. About what he said, but I feared that he would react horribly. Best not add fuel to the fire. Turning to my palulukan, I just told her to follow after mounting my ikran, and we flew back to High Camp. I kept my eye on Quaritch, knowing that same grief and pain of losing people who you care about. 

Entering the vertical entrance of High Camp, we were greeted by our clanspeople. Jake, Neytiri and the kids are nowhere in sight. Ja and I rushed to Prager’s side, helping to grab Lyle from upon his ikran. The two of us rushed toward the healing tent. Throwing the flap open, Ninat was there with Mo’at. Ja gently lay Lyle on a cot before Mo’at checked his gaping wound. 

“This injury is too great. He has broken bones and requires surgery,” the tent flap was thrown open as Quaritch entered in a frenzy. It was hard to watch his face contort into stricken sorrow. I couldn't help but feel anguish for Quaritch. Ja must have noticed my shoulders fall, leading me out the tent and brushing tears from my cheek. Being back in High Camp reminded me of Jake and Neytiri. I felt angry, but also guilty for the way I spoke to them, seeing Lyle in his unconscious and vulnerable state in comparison to his stoic, yet somewhat endearing goofy side reminded me of Jake. I should apologise to them. 

Hugging Ja in a bone-crushing embrace, I pulled away before going to search for the Olo’eyktan and Tsakarem. Heading toward the Sully tent, I pushed the flap open and peeked in. It was empty…I didn't know what to say. Speeding toward the second location, the science lab. I pulled open the door finding Norm and Max chatting to one another, having not seen me yet.

“Hi Norm. Where is Jake?” his expression morphed into shock.

“Syulang?! You're still here? I thought you went with Jake,” he said. 

“Went with Jake where?” my brows furrowed in mass confusion.

“T–They left…They’re gone Syulang,” my jaw dropped. They did it after all. They've abandoned me. 

“Oh…Thanks Norm,” I turned not saying anything else, leaving the lab. I felt cold. My nerves completely numb as my head went blank. I was right after all. I cried…no. Wept. Through tears, I stumbled back to the empty Sully kelku. The only things there were my belongings that had been untouched since the early morning. 

I cried into my hands, curling my body into the woven floor. I didn't hear anyone enter, but I felt their warm hand on my back.

“W-What’s going on?” Quaritch’s deep voice stuttered, trying to piece together why the tent was empty besides a small pile of my things. I looked up at his searching face. “Where’s Sully?” 

I sniffled, “They’re gone. They’ve left,” I wiped my eyes, “They've left me,” I choked between sobs. 

“Oh, sweetheart,” he cooed, taking me into his arms, swaying me like a fussing child.

“That's not all…” I didn't want to hesitate any more, “...He wanted to kill you. He wanted to kill your warriors. He told me…he told me that the only thing stopping him was me. So he brought you into High Camp to keep an eye on you…He didn't trust you…He never trusted you…But I though he did. Then he said that he was going to leave the clan,” I confessed, “I confronted him and I asked…I asked him if I was the same…he didn't say ‘no’ and he didn't say ‘yes’ either. I wanted to tell you earlier, but…” Quaritch hushed me as I began to break down again. “I vouched for you. I was the only one who stood up for you…for the others.”

I looked at the na’vi next to me, his expression was hardened. Furious. His eyes met mine.

“Listen to me, that man is nothing but a liar. He’s betrayed me once before and it cost me my life. But hell would I let it happen to you. His daughter,” I have never heard Quaritch speak like that before, it was almost…soft. 

“I'm not his daughter – I never have been. Just someone he had to keep an eye on,” I rectified, as if I had a moment of clarity as old memories surfaced, “I was only there to watch his children, to be their protector, babysitter, a provider, a warrior – all those things. But not his daughter,” remembering the little times he’d call me by that word, but never in front of others. Did he really mean it, or was it just pretend? I could feel his eyes on the profile of my face, observing my profile.

“If you were my daughter, I would be the proudest father on Pandora,” Quaritch clicked his tongue, “Okay. Guys, I know you’re listening.”  There was a shuffling outside the tent, Ja, Mansk, Z-Dog, Lopez, Walker and Prager poked their heads into view. All with a look of disappointment. The lot of them filed into the tent one after another, no longer wearing their human clothes. Ja came to sit by my side, shooting Quaritch a look.

“With all due respect Colonel, please get your hand off my girl.” Quaritch retracted his hands, raising them in surrender, Ja pulled me into his lap wrapping his arms around my torso.

“What do I do now?” I just ask into the air. No one answers but looks at me, “what do we do now?” I ask looking at the other recoms. “There’s no more humans. You can do what you want now, you’re free.” Their ears perk up and their tails wag a little.

“Oh! I would love to explore more of Pandora!” Z-Dog exclaimed.

“I want to travel too!” Lopez piped up.

“I would like to settle down,” Mansk spoke up.

“Honestly, settling down sounds good,” Walker added.

“I want to learn more about healing!” Prager exclaimed. We all turned to look at Quaritch, whose ears perked a little.

“Uhh, I could train the warriors. But I wouldn’t mind travelling a bit, then maybe settle down somewhere,” Quaritch said. His answer was a bit unexpected, the other recoms looked a little surprised. 

“What about you Ja? Syulang?” I looked at Ja for a moment before speaking, “I want to stay, someone has to lead the clan and protect it.”

“Then I’ll stay too. I want to be by your side,” Ja said. I couldn’t help but smile at his small acknowledgement.

What I didn’t know was that the role of Olo’eyktan was passed onto Tarsem, a young warrior who was born to lead. He was horrified to find that I was left behind by his former leader. Though he was happy to pass the role onto his former Olo’eyktan’s oldest adopted daughter. And so I became the first female leader of the clan and was officially courted by Ja. And much to Quaritch’s surprise I made him the teacher and leader of the warriors and those to come. In the end, I found a new family in the group of Recoms, former outcasts of the humans. Lyle, unfortunately had to have his leg amputated, but was fitted with a metal prosthetic leg much like mine and spent most of his time recovering.

You can say that the story ends happily, well almost…

Five years later…

I climbed onto my ikran, my little girl strapped to my front as Ja helped me on. Lyle did the same, checking his pack of belongings with some scientific equipment. Max finally showed up yawning at the early departure. Lyle reached down to grab him, Max sitting on the front of him.

“How long will it take to get there again?” Lyle asked once again.

“it’s the same answer Lyle, nine hours. Thirteen including breaks.

“Are you sure we should be flying for thirteen hours? You look like you're gonna pop before we get there,” referencing my pregnant belly.

“Oh you're soooo funny, Lyle,” Ja said sarcastically, climbing onto his own ikran, “That’s my wife you're talking to, and your Goddaughter or Godson in her belly.” 

“Damn right! And I can’t wait to meet them by the way…” Lyle exclaimed excitedly. 

“Let’s go! We have a long ride ahead!” I got tired of their bickering, making sure my daughter, just barely four years old, was comfortable, “Are you comfortable Lili?” She nodded whilst yawning. The sun had yet to rise as we left our Hometree. A while ago, whilst searching for a habitable giant tree for my clan to make into their home, Ja and I had to land due to a storm, finding the most perfect giant tree that was uninhabited. We spent the night there and let’s just say that was how our first child was conceived. 

“Tell me again the reason why we have to fly nine…no thirteen hours to visit Awa’atlu again?” Lyle huffed. 

“There was a message sent around Pandora to all human ally settlements. Ours just happen to be one. Max was the one to receive the message and as Olo’eyktan, I couldn’t just let him go to it alone.”

“That makes sense, but why is Lili coming? Surely she should stay home with her Aunty Walker.”

“She should see the other places on Pandora as well. Ya know? Might as well since she keeps hearing stories from Aunt Z and Uncle Lopez.”

“Ah, that's why she wanted to go. Plus! It’s my first time travelling to a sea clan. I heard from Z-Dog and Lopez that it’s a literal paradise!” I could hear Lyle’s grin.

We took off out of the jungle, heading toward the sea clans. Taking breaks every three to four hours to let out ikran rest. Arriving the the azure waters the very next day in the early afternoon. On our break just before arriving, Ja helped me dress in my Olo’eyktan cloak, a blue painted cape with yellow, green and red feathers. Taking our little girl to sit with him on the last leg of the ride as Max sat with me. 

Flying toward the village, I flew around looking for a place to land our ikrans. Opting to land on a sand bank. I disconnected tsaheylu gliding down my ikrans wing, Max sliding down onto the white warm sand. A group of teal coloured Na’vi gathered as the clan’s leader approached, wearing a similar looking cape.

“Olo’eyktan Tonorwari, I see you,” I greeted him formally, plucking my fingers from my head as Max did the same. Ja and Lyle did the same out of respect, my little daughter copying her father as she was being carried in his arms. 

“Olo’eyktan Syulang (daughter of mother and father (not Jake and Neytiri’s names)). It is a pleasure to finally meet you, I have heard the many stories of the legendary leader,” my ears perked up quizzically.

“Oh no, I am not legendary. I am merely a leader who takes care of her people,” I bow to him.

“And just as humble as they say,” he chuckled.

“They?” 

“Why travellers of course, two jungle dwellers just as yourself,” Ugh, Z-Dog and Lopez, what did you tell them? Lyle and Ja’s ears perked, instantly knowing who it was. I just bow my head hiding a smile. Returning to face Tonowari, his mate Ronal appeared not too far, a darker blue figure approached with her. I squinted my eyes trying to put a finger on the familiarity. Neytiri. Her expression morphed into a shock as she walked closer with Ronal. Tonowari, noticing my gaze turned to see his wife, gesturing to introduce her. I greeted her much like I greeted Tonowari.

“Ronal. Tsahik of the Metkayina, I see you,” bowing as I pluck my fingers from my palm, Lyle and Ja did the same formally greeting her, Lili mirroring her father’s actions. Acknowledging the Tsahik, though I did not greet my former mother figure. The Tsahik greeted me back, before looking to my companions, her daze followed Lyle as her eyes fell to his false leg, then mine. 

“So this is the infamous leader of the Omatikaya clan. I have heard stories about you. The first woman clan leader of the Omatikaya clan,” she stated, “Syulang, I see you.” 

The darker blue woman stared wide-eyed. Three familiar faces popped up not too far away, their expressions were the same. All jaw slacked and wide-eyed. 

“So, why is it that humans were called here?” I addressed Tonowari.

“Ah, straight to the point, I see,” Tonowari gestured for me to follow, I turned to face Max for him to follow along too. 

“Lyle, the equipment?” Max called for him, as Lyle started to untie the ropes holding the equipment together. Ja let our daughter down from his arms and my little girl ran to my leg, holding my blue limb.

“Come my dear,” I picked her up into my arms as Max followed the tall teal blue Na’vi, passing by Neytiri without batting an eye. Ja helped Lyle with the equipment as I followed the leader and max to a large woven hut. There inside was already a group of humans that I’ve never seen before with leaders of other clans from other parts of Pandora. We greeted each other and Max introduced himself to the group of scientists and soldiers who turned their backs on the RDA. One was a former Colonel, who was located in the wetlands, another was a scientist from the cold ice plains. The others were notable members of scientists in different regions of water and desert plains.  And there in the far corner, was the former leader of the Omatikaya clan. His head whipped up so quickly as an expression of recognition morphed into  horror, recognising the human and Na’vi in front of him. My eyes turned cold when I saw him. Jake Sully. My pupils dilated into slits. My daughter noticed my cold expression and clung to my shoulders even more. 

“Sa’nu,” she quietly said. I held my daughter closer to my body. Jake’s expression didn’t change as I sat down next to another leader. Soon Lyle and Ja entered the woven hut with the science equipment, setting it down on the side. When they looked up to see the other humans and clan leaders, they noticed Jake in the corner and old feelings returned. Their distaste for him returned as the memory of me telling them that they left the Omatikaya clan was burned into their memories. Lyle and Ja were by my side in an instant sitting next to me, their overprotective nature appeared as Lyle reached to take his goddaughter from my arms, as she snuggled into his arms. Tonowari watched in both curiosity and unknowing, unsure about the situation and the reactions of the two dark blue Na’vi staring daggers at the former Olo’eyktan. 

“So why has this meeting been called?” One of the other leaders questioned. Tonowari cleared his throat before a human stood up.

“Hi, I’m Selsi Ku. I grew up here in Awa’atlu along with my older sister, about five years ago before the RDA finally left Pandora — after a major incident at one of the facilities. I was able to breach the firewall of the facility and hack into the database to get information. I found something….which needed confirmation from individuals such as yourselves….humans,” the woman explained, “unfortunately I needed access from someone much higher up in rank but was unsure about who currently resides Pandora with such rank, therefore, a signal was sent out to human outposts around Pandora. And why I needed medical equipment,” she gestured to the equipment we brought with us. “The Omatikaya clan was the closest with the most advanced medical equipment as well as expertise,” she gave a nod to Max.

“What is this regarding, exactly?” One of the scientists from the Ice plains asked.

“About humans being able to breathe Pandora air…. Without a mask,” there was a collective gasp.

“What? No, that’s impossible! Pandoran air is completely toxic to us humans…Is that even possible?”

“I believe so….But before I could find more information, I lost signal and connection. I went out to investigate the facility and found it completely destroyed, like a massive explosion destroyed it,” when Selsi said this, I whipped my head to look at Lyle and Ja who gave a sheepish look. 

“That may have been us…” Lyle popped up.

“Was it on a coast, partially in a forest and partially on water….?” Ja asked. Selsi nodded with a confused look.

“Sorry about that…we didn’t know someone was hacking Bridgehead. We kind of…staged a coup,” Lyle chuckled nervously. Selsi’s expression changed to a new expression.

“Are you two avatars?” She questioned. Lyle and Ja looked at each other before raising their hands, showing their five fingers. My daughter looked at her father and godfather, mimicking their actions, raising her five finger hand. 

“But…now we’re full Na’vis. Did our iknimaya and everything. We’re recognised as Na’vi now,” Ja confessed. I wasn’t looking at Jake until that moment, but I turned to face him and his expression was different, sad almost, disappointed. Tonowari nodded, like he was proudly approving. And with that Jake stood and left rather quickly. Lyle’s eyes followed the former Olo’eyktan, slightly peeved at Jake’s behaviour. I gently rested my hand on Lyle’s knee shooting a slight sympathetic look. 

“Thankfully I was able to save most of the data on an external data port, most if not all the information was saved,” Doctor Ku held up her tablet screen showing the info and the scientists gathered. The clan leaders left the communal kelku as the scientists got straight to work.

Tonowari, guided the clan leaders to their temporary homes on a quiet part of the island. I walked with Ja as Lyle played with his goddaughter on the beach. Building what he called a “sand castle”, whatever that was. As my husband and I spent a few quiet moments together before four faces slid into view in the corner of my eye, I turned with a questioning look with an eyebrow raised. It was Neteyam, Lo’ak, Kiri and little Tuktirey, who was not so little any more. They didn't say anything as the four of them charged me tackling me to the sand clutching on as tightly as they could.

“Tsumuke! Sister!” they all yelled. They all looked at me with tears in their eyes, the emotional rollercoaster they must have felt for over five years must have broken them. I returned the hug, feeling nothing but a wave of suppressed emotions bubble to the surface. I let my tears out, happy to see them. 

“Oh… My brothers. My sisters. I missed you so much….I'm so sorry….I'm so sorry….” I clutched onto them for dear life. Though my large belly was in the way. It must have been hard for them, being away for too long. “Oh, my little Tuk…all grown up…” I rubbed my thumb over her cheeks, before moving onto Kiri, Neteyam and Lo’ak. 

“Mama…” My little daughter called out to me. The four kids turned to look at the little girl, their eyes wide in shock. 

“That's my daughter, Lili,” I told the four of them. 

“Daughter? I'm an Aunt?” Kiri asked, to which I smiled.

“I'm about to have another…” I rubbed my belly.

“But…Tsumuke, what are you doing here? And what's with the getup?” Neteyam questioned.

“Oh. I'm the Olo’eyktan of our clan…”

Their faces morphed into shock again before they bombarded me with questions, occasionally asking about the belly and my daughter. I chuckled at their antics.

“Mawey. Mawey….I’ll answer all your questions. Yes, she’s my daughter. Yes, I'm about to have another. No, Lyle is not the father, it’s Ja’s. Both of them are. Yes, I became Olo’eyktan. No, Ja is not the Tsahik…No, I didn't forget about any of you…and Quaritch is now teaching and general of the clan’s warriors…Is that all?”

“Can you forgive your old man?” Jake’s familiar figure walked onto the beach, he knelt down with his head down in shame. I looked up at Jake, his sudden appearance though not startling was a bit of a damper on the happy reunion. Ja who was next to me, put a reassuring hand on my shoulder, reminding me that he was there. I shuffled closer to Jake, kneeling in front of him.

“Yes,” Jake looked up at me with a sad expression, “You broke me, but yes. I forgive you. For what it's worth…I forgiven you a while ago…I came to terms with it when I became Olo’eyktan. I understand why you left, but it was stupid…Selfish even. The way we ended things wasn't what I hoped for…But you do have someone to apologise to.” 

“Yes…anything to say sorry,” Jake said. I breathed out his name.

“Qu– Miles…Apologise to Miles…” 

Jake was stunned, he knew that this would happen eventually but he was still shocked by the bluntness.

“Yes. I have to, don't I?”

I simply nodded my head.

“He followed through with his mission. He destroyed the RDA for the sake of the Na’vi…He betrayed his own people for the sake of our planet…Like you did all those years ago.”

“I understand.”

“But…For now,” I looked over to my daughter, gesturing for her to come over, “Meet your granddaughter,” Jake’s eyes flicked over to the approaching little girl, “This is Lili.”

END

<–Previous Chapter |

Taglist:

@sleepilysworld @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed @wolfmoon8269 @howlerwolfmax @lovekeeho @ducks118 @dyingofcookies @secretflowerobservation @thehoneymushroomhealer

[bobaandasiandramas]

Here it is, chapter 4. I apologize in advance for any formating issues. Tumblr isn't working on my laptop so I am posting this from my phone. I'll find any mistakes when it decides to work again.

I also have to apologize for some edit mistakes in chapter 3. When I originally was writing this - reader was previously named Soo Min but then I changed it to a Reader story and apparently forgot to take out Soo Min a few times toward the middle of the chapter. That must have been a little confusing but also, no one pointed it out. I will continue with Reader having their own name that they may insert into this story. I will be more diligent in my editing - there isn’t much of this story that has been written in advance - just a few more scene ideas

Find Rest for Your Soul

Y/n is found unconscious by Hoseok and rescue owner, Sejin. Y/n is a mysterious Omega with no real memories and is trying to understand the warnings in her head. What or who is after her?

Alpha, Beta, Omega x F. Reader

Pairing: OT7 X F.Reader

Rating: M+

Trigger warning : y/n is described as extremely skinny, bruised and disgusted with her appearance.

Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

Jin placed the last plate on the table before calling everyone to come eat. The pack was quick, most waiting outside of the kitchen out of sheer hunger. Joon was still at the clinic taking care of the omega. The Beta was a little annoyed - he wanted his Alpha to come home and eat a delicious meal. The beta knew he’d have to go drop it off later. He was pleased that at least Jimin, Hoseok and Taehyung were home in time for the meal.

The table was filled with life as Jin made sure everyone was filling their plates. He watched Jungkook chewing his chicken with a smile on his face. The youngest omega was giggling as he eavesdropped into the conversation that Taehyung and Jimin were having. When there was a small break in their conversation, Jungkook jumped in - enthusiastically telling a story about his day. While Taehyung and Jimin were listening, Jin could tell Jimin wasn’t completely there, his eyes would wander to the side as if a thought came to him and he couldn’t ignore it. The alpha did manage to nod his head at all the right parts and laugh when prompted to do so.

Jin couldn’t help but feel nosy. He wanted to know more about the female omega that seemed to rustle things up with his pack members. Jungkook had cried to him about the terrible state the female was in, Hoseok was on edge ever since he went out with Taehyung, even Tae doesn’t seem as relaxed. Namjoon wasn’t even home with them. Jimin was getting distracted and Yoongi seemed displeased about the whole situation. Jin had made up his mind - he was going to the clinic after dinner no matter what.

“Hoseok, did you find anything on your adventure with Taehyung?” Yoongi spoke suddenly, his eyes sharp on the other alpha.

The table grew quiet, everyone stopped moving their forks to their mouths and looked at the normally happy alpha. “I didn’t get to speak with Namjoon yet. However, it’s been asked. We found nothing but there was a moment where I felt like there was a heavy presence of death. I left Taehyung behind and sought out what it was. I was expecting terrible things, masses of dead bodies - but there was nothing and suddenly, it stopped.”

A chill ran over the table. None of them felt very comfortable with that. “I don’t know what it could have been but the feeling vanished so quickly.” Hoseok didn’t mean for the mood to go sour so he turned his attention to his fellow alpha. “Jimin, how was the female before you left?”

Jimin frowned more and stared at his plate. “It was going well, but then she got lost in her head again. Jinyoung was there. I was getting her to eat the bread Namjoon told me to get her when she got very defensive as Jinyoung told her she should slow down with her eating. She panicked and ate it quicker and ended up getting sick. I think from her anxiety and not the actual food. She stared at us like we weren’t the ones standing in front of her anymore - like we were monsters coming to hurt her.”

“I wonder what triggered that. I assume this means we truly believe that she was abused in her previous home.” Yoongi spoke.

“I think so. She was so terrified.” Jimin thought back to how he held her down so Jinyoung could sedate her, the tears that poured from her face and her scent turned sour and heavy - it still lingered in his head.

Jin sighed. “Do we know anything of actual value from this girl?”

Jimin felt defensive of her. “Well, she’s not exactly in the right state of mind to ask much. She’s mentally, physically and emotionally traumatized. I have never seen a ‘stray’ come in with the amount of damage as her.” He huffed, causing the Beta to bite his lip.

“I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. Do you think Namjoon will be home soon?” Jin asked.

“Honestly, I’m not sure. He is a great doctor but sometimes commits too much to his patients. I feel he won’t be home for a few days at least.” Hoseok stated.

This reply caused the Beta to frown and let out a small whimper. “I want him home. I hate when he does this.”

Jungkook, being the most sensitive to others, jumped up from his chair and quickly went to Jin, wrapping his arms around him and nuzzling into his neck. “He’ll come home soon Jinnie.”

Dinner continued with a dark cloud over them as they each wished their alpha was home with them.

***

Namjoon was pleased that she held down her food this time. As he took the now empty glass from her, he spoke softly to not frighten her. “Darlin’, did you want to get cleaned up? Maybe take a shower or a bath?”

The omega looked down at her body. Her dirt smudged skin made the once blinding white hospital gown a light gray color. She inspected her hands next - dirt was jammed under her nails and they were covered in scrapes and cuts. She could tell that someone tried to clean her up a little bit, maybe with a washcloth or sponge. She was suddenly hyper aware of how dirty her skin was and that her hair felt heavy and tangled. She looked up at the doctor and nodded her head. “I’d like that. Do I have to go outside?”

He was slightly thrown off by her question but shook his head. “No, we have a full bathroom here. Let me find Jinyoung, so he can help you around. I’ll be back in a little bit.” He was cautious to leave her alone but since it was dinner time maybe Jinyoung would be in the kitchens, right around the corner, grabbing a bite to eat.

________

As I sat on the bed, I looked around the room. There was a cabinet with medications locked up, a bookshelf with medical books and a rolling cart across the room from me. There was a small desk to the side of the room, on top I noticed a few notebooks and folders there. I happily jumped off the bed and scrambled over to the table. I opened the first notebook, but it was already written in and so I checked the next two. Thankfully the last one wasn’t written in yet. I found a pen sitting on the desk as well and grabbed both items and moved back to the bed.

Opening to the first page I wrote down the things I had filed away in my brain - finally ready to dump it all on the pages. ‘Three. Six. Hide. Escape. Right. One eight sev-’ I whimpered and crossed out the beginning of the word even and began to write again. ‘Nine. Keep moving! Don’t let them get you. Hoseok - Hey, can you hear me? Namjoon - Okay darlin, it was from the right. Jimin - You left them behind.’

I sighed in relief. I had so much I was holding onto I feared I would start to forget some of it. I placed the notebook and pen under my pillow for safe keepings. Hopefully no one would find it until I found a better spot for them. The door swung open and I turned my attention away from the pillow. I was pleasantly surprised to see Jimin walking in with another male behind him. I was so happy he was safe that I didn’t think twice before hopping off the bed. “Jimin!” I called his name in joy as I scrambled over to the edge of the bed, tucking my knees under me. “I was so worried!”

The male behind Jimin tensed up suddenly and I froze. Was he going to attack me? I curled into myself a little, bringing my knees out from under me and to my chest and whined. I looked over to the other male before dropping my gaze to the floor.

“Ah, it’s okay. This is Jin, he is in my pack.” Jimin spoke softly as he stepped forward, bringing his shoes into my view of sight. He moved slowly, reaching his hand out and touching my arm.

“I was so worried they got you and Jinyoung. Are you alright?” I looked him over for any injuries but didn’t see any.

“We just saw the doctor, he told me that you were concerned. Jinyoung and I are both completely safe and unharmed. Thank you for being concerned. Namjoon is taking a break to eat some dinner that Jin brought for him. He told us that you were looking to get cleaned up. Can I assist you to the washroom?”

I smiled at him. “I would very much like that.” I allowed my legs to drop from my arms and dangle off the side of the bed, swinging them twice before standing up. Unfortunately, I could feel my legs crumble and give out immediately as my feet hit the floor.

Jimin caught me before I hit the floor, even his packmate moved forward to grab a hold of me. “Easy there. You’re extremely weak, I’m sure the adrenaline that you were running on has finally run out.”

I nodded with a frown and steadied myself against the bed behind me.

Jimin called my name softly and offered his arm for support. "It's okay."

We moved slowly across the medical unit, Jin - who has yet to say anything to me, followed behind. I suppose to either help or just to keep an eye on us. We entered the small bathroom that was in the back of the room. Jimin had me stand next to the sink while he started running the water, testing the temperature frequently. Once satisfied with the temperature he turned toward me. "I think a bath would be best, so you can relax more." He plugged the tub, allowing the water to start rising. "Do you think you'll be okay, or do you need my help?" He asked, reaching his hand out and guiding me closer to the tub.

I looked at him and the other male. “I’ll be okay.”

The other male spun around toward a closet that was in the room. He pulled out two towels, a washcloth and a bar of soap. “Unnie, are you really okay alone?” He asked.

I felt my brain reach out and grab onto his words. They brought a sense of comfort and I felt myself relax just as I did with Jimin and his other pack members. I nodded my head. “Yes.”

“Jimin will find you some clothes to change into and I’ll be outside of the door if you need anything before he gets back.”

I blinked up at the male and then down at the clean towels in his hand. “Thank you, Jin.” I waited for the door to close before undressing. I climbed into the awaiting waters, the heat caused my skin to tingle and I could feel every cut on my body. Hissing gently I lowered myself down until I was most submerged.

I watched in amazement as the once clear water started to change, becoming murky as swirls of blood and dirt lifted from my skin. I grabbed a washcloth and made a grim face, knowing the pristine white cloth would never return to the original bright white it was. I grabbed the bar of soap and lathered the washcloth before scrubbing at my skin. I was satisfied to see my skin clear up from the grime.

Once my skin was clear enough, I drained the tub and allowed it to refill with clean water. I went over a few spots that were missed before placing the washcloth back on the ledge. I took a moment to relax and study my body. Bruises littered my arms, legs and torso. My ribs were visible and my stomach seemed to be sunken in a little bit. I felt disgusted with myself, I shook my wave of sadness and picked up the bottle of shampoo. I scrubbed my scalp, being careful of tender areas. Once I felt it was clean enough I started to drain the water from the tub and grabbed the extendable shower head before I rinsed my hair.

Once clean I found myself hooking the shower head back up and sitting on the floor of the tub, the water felt nice on my skin and I found myself relaxing and closing my eyes. I didn’t stay in there too much longer, my skin began to feel wrinkly from being in the water too long. I turned the water off and pulled myself out of the tub before wrapping myself in an extremely soft towel. I shuffled to the mirror and wiped the fog off the glass before looking at my reflection.

There were bags under my eyes, my cheeks matched my stomach - sunken in, my lips were chapped and over all looked and felt hideous. I was a monster in my own skin. I couldn’t help the overwhelming sadness and sunk to the ground. Tears filled my eyes, I know I didn’t always look like this. The room started shaking as I tried to pull in deep breaths of air. I could faintly hear a knock at the door but I ignored it. I was too busy trying to gather my broken pieces and put myself back together again.

‘He was beaten (he knew that); but he was not broken. He saw, once for all, that he stood no chance against a man with a club.’ The words of Call of the Wild flew across my brain, if Buck got stronger by learning to grow and adjust then maybe I could too. The door opened and footsteps rushed toward me, and I curled into myself hoping to avoid being struck anywhere sensitive.

My name was whispered softly as gentle hands touched my arms. “Are you okay?” The familiar voice was soothing to my ears as I looked up to find Jimin crouched in front of me and a worried looking Jin.

“I am fine.” I nodded my head as I answered. “Not broken, can’t be broken.”

The two of them exchanged looks before Jimin offered his hand to help me up. “Do you need help getting dressed?”

I shook my head and declined his offered hand. “No, I’ll be fine.”

Jin handed me a small pile of clothes. They were new, white pants and white t-shirt. “We will be outside if you need us, omega.” With those words they left the room, Jin giving me an uncertain glace while I stayed seated on the floor.

***

“I think I might have figured out why she’s so mentally unstable.” Namjoon stated over his cup of coffee. He was back in the medical unit with Sejin and Yoongi. The two of them looked over at him, suddenly interested in what he had to say. The patient at hand was resting comfortably with the help of a light sedative that he gave her. Her body needed rest, badly.

“The numbers she kept repeating over and over. It was one, eight and seven. They changed after I brought up the two deceased that were found. I was hoping she could give information on who they were but once I said they didn’t make it she repeated her number and counted up. The number is now one, eight, and nine. She said she counted them.” He paused and looked down at his cup as Sejin gasped.

“Are you saying…?” Sejin’s question trailed off as he looked over to the sleeping omega.

“I think she’s been counting the dead.”

“But we think they’re part of her pack. They had the same bracelets. No pack is that big. 189 pack members are dead? It can’t be that. Maybe she misunderstood.” Sejin was panicking, what did they get involved with?

“I don’t think it’s Pack. There would be news about a pack that large and if disease or something else was spreading through them then there would be more bodies around. Someone would have found them or a good alpha would bring their pack to a doctor.” Joon sighed. “Regardless, if she somehow saw that many died in front of her then it explains her mental situation a bit.

“I have a bad feeling about all of this.” Yoongi spoke as he walked closer to the female.

“I know you do Yoons. I’m gonna help her the best I can and hopefully she’ll be able to tell us more about her situation and why she is how she is.”

***

She was unhappy, they had been out there for hours with no sign of stopping soon. Her clothes clung to her in uncomfortable ways as the humidity increased. Her mind was racing with her chants, She felt a tickle on her forehead and wiped at it quickly, catching the drop of sweater before it fell into her eye. She looked back to see the other female looked like she was about to collapse from heat exhaustion. “Let’s stop here and rest for a few moments.” She suggested it to the male, who looked like he was the only one handling the heat well.

He nodded his head as he surveyed the two females. “Okay, just a few - I’m used to this but clearly you both aren’t.”

“Listen island boy, at least I’m normally built for speed - I’m just dying here.”

The male gave a gentle laugh at the female behind him before turning back to her. “How long do you think we’ve been out here?”

She felt herself ready to answer but the wrong numbers were rolling in her head. “Too long.”

They sat there for a few minutes before it hit them again. The eerie quietness that seemed to always catch up to them. “This is disturbing.” The other female whimpered.

She wanted to run, she wanted to hide, the feeling to let out a distress signal for alpha to protect her. She bit her lip.

A loud rumble interrupted their breathing, as dark clouds rolled over their heads. “Fuck, another storm?” The other female growled.

“We should move. Find better coverage.” The male sounded panicked now.

Before anyone could move the other female let out a pained cry and looked down at her arm. There was a new wound, fresh on her skin. Her eyes widened as she looked at her companions, intense pain filled her as she let out a yowl.

“Shit, move!” The male grabbed her arm and began to drag her away from the other female.

It was that exact moment that the sky released its fury on them. The rain pelted down, unforgivingly, drenching them to the bones in minutes. The winds kicked up, whipping tree branches and vines into their faces.

A terrifying yowl could be heard behind them. He pushed her forward. “I’ll distract her. Go, run.”

She whipped around to look at him. How could he do that? Why? They didn’t even know each other’s names.

“Keep moving! Don't let them get you!” He yelled before making noises, louder than needed and ran into another direction.

He was the only reason she might stand a chance. She felt tears swell in her eyes as she moved quickly forward, clinging onto his words as her reminder of him. ‘Keep moving! Don’t let them get you.’

***

He called her name softly as he shook her shoulders. “Sweetheart, please wake up. It’s okay - you’re safe now.”

She shot up in her bed and grabbed her chest, her heart beating a mile a minute. She was gasping for air as she looked to see who was with her.

The good doctor was speaking to her softly and behind him were two other males. One looked like a nervous wreck and he surveyed her and the other just stared as if trying to read her mind and see what she had just dreamed.

Her eyes snapped back to the doctor as he coaxed her to lay back down and pulled the covers back over her. “I promise you’re safe here. I’ll be with you the whole night, little omega.”

[salsa-di-pomodoro]

You have a rainworld x undertale au? Do tell! Super interested!

Hmm i had a whole thing written and i took hours to write it and i was almost done telling you Frisk's life before they fell in my au but tumblr tumblred and deleted all of It 🥴 that's why it took me so long to answer this here lol i was mourning /j

Anyway i'll tell you a bit of it anyway. basically imagine the ancients were humans like two million years after our modern age. REMEMBER THIS. HUMANS = ANCIENTS. I WILL USE THESE WORDS INTERCHANGEABLY FROM THIS POINT. Everything happens as it usually would. The monsters get sealed (😔) time passed, Chara falls, except after they fall and That Entire Fiasco happens, the next humans to fall are spaced very far apart in time from each other. However, the Monsters don't know this because of Time Shenanigans. You know the drill. To them the normal amount of time between Frisk and Chara happens, and they think of humanity like us, not the ancients. The mountain is very conveniently placed in an area between different iterators, so it doesn't rain much there, by Rain world's standards. It does get all the other 'the earth is sinking' issues, but seeing as they quite literally live under a rock the Monsters still don't know this either. So now that ive finished making sure you know how for the monsters everything seems mostly the same except for the occasional odd item in the waterfall dump, let's move on to the ancients :)

They're still a whole hot mess, except they're humans. The whole legend about mount ebbot is forgotten, including what happened with Chara and Asriel, except maybe by the most avid mythology and history nerds. Again everything happens as it would, void fluid is discovered, religion religions everything, the iterators are built, the ancients ascend. Except not all of them want to ascend, and not all of them agreed with the iterator project ;)

I remember a pearl saying something about how some ancients decided to live on the surface despite the worsening conditions. I assumed they meant outside of the retaining wall. Now what if there was a movement about it? All those who disagreed with the iterator project AND all those who disagreed with the current way religious folks ran everything and promoted suffering in order to ascend decided they they were going to leave the iterator grounds when the Mass Ascension was announced. However they didn't come back once It was dome, because a big part of those who left disapproved of the iterators. Since they and the rest of the crowd couldn't afford to split up (they would likely die) and a lot of iterators already resented them for leaving like that and from the sparse communication they still kept, apparently would no longer host them they just decided to all stick together (not the entire population; think tribes and clans) and not go back to any of the iterators, be they willing or not. So they stayed out of the retaining grounds, as wandering tribes. The iterators see this and decide that anyone who helps an ancient will be labeled a traitor, since they (the ancients) wouldn't help them. (These decisions are made over a long period, not immediatly after the Mass Ascension). Of course there are many exceptions and many who disagree, but they mostly keep it a secret to avoid being ostracized.

Over time the ancients forget much of what brought them to live on the surface rather than above the clouds, and it all becomes stories told around the fire, with all the expected distortions of reality. Iterators basically become boogeymen lmao. Except they're very real, and in most tribes people are told to ignore the overseers lest they get taken away or cursed or modified or whatever.

Years and years pass and the whole Five Pebbles Fiasco also happens, Moon collapses (😔) and so on. Now we are paste Monk's time, but before the Rivulet is even born. So pebbsi is Not Doing So Hot but he also retains most of his processes.

Here comes a little child, like 8 years old or so in a tribe a few days' walk away from the outer expanse. They're very curious, always asking questions like 'why are the iterators evil' and 'why are we walking among ruins of cities' and 'what do mean we abandoned society for living in the cycle' and other such questions that aren't very easily answered. They're not very liked amongst the adults. This is also one of the tribes that clung to ascension religion the most (😔) so there's a lot of pressure to not let the natural urges happen without explanation as to why they have to do that. Which Frisk also asks questions about and is promptly told to just Do It and don't ask questions about it. They're a very adventurous child as well, and nobody really keeps much of an eye on them, so they often run off into the wild and come back days later if not found. The only reason they survive is often a scavenger or wandering slugcat (family) found them, went 'voids below that is a CHILD' and helped them not die until they were found or made it back. (Btw they all trade in this. Scavs🤝Slugcats🤝Humans. There is a bit of a feeling of superiority going on from scavs to slugcats and from humans to both scavs and slugcats, but if it came down to it you know none of them would take any shit from any other species. Relations are normal game relations between scavs and slugcats and read the above for humans with everything else, obviously sprinkled with a lot of wariness because oH nO ThEyRe WiLd aNiMaLs We CaNt TrUsT tHeM bLiNdlY. Only the second part of that sentence is completely true (that's just how things work in the wild i guess))

One funny day the tribe has decided to leave the place they're staying in because there's not enough resources to go around anymore. They're departing in a few days. Frisk does not know this and goes on one of their little adventure trips. By the time they come back the tribe is gone. (No one realized they weren't there, or they just didn't care. But either way they're alone now.)

They spend a few days waiting around, hoping someone comes back for them. They're good enough at foraging and hunting small animals (think baby centipedes, batflies) and making small fires that they do pretty well on their own for the time being. (This may sound unreasonable for an 8 year old, but keep in mind this is all they've been taught since birth, considering the nature of the settlements they've lived). When this doesn't work, they try to go looking for their tribe. They are unsuccessful, but they keep trying. For months. (What they don't know is, their clan went the way opposite of the outer expanse, while they went towards it. Although in circles, because they didn't know which way to go. That's why they take so long to get there.) One blessed evening, they find themselves in this lush and warm place (it's warmer as you get closer to the iterators). As they look for somewhere to stay the night they find a huge tree and oH THERES THANGS IN HERE.

The Thangs are Survivor and Monk, Who look at the very malnourished and very human child in front of them and think about it for exactly half a second before deciding to help them to the best of their ability. Frisk, who despite their skill, is still a child in the middle of a hostile wasteland, all but collapses at the promise of safety, even if they don't know yet what Surv and Monk are thinking. They just know slugcats are safe.

Aaand that's all for now! I have. A LOT more to tell before they finally fall in the underground but i aint rewriting all 'at

Extra trivia time!

Frisk isn't their name (yet) here. They have one of those excessively complicated ancient names here, but i haven't quite decided on it yet.

The atmosphere is extremely different from today's atmosphere. Humans didn't really evolve alongside it, so they have to wear masks that process the air for them in order to be able to breathe, under the ornamental masks, or incorporated within them. People are mostly able to scavenge or trade for the materials needed to make and repair them. Those who make masks are like the most important people in a clan, second to those who lead it.

Speaking of, the ornamental masks are still here! Although not as flashy as any you would have seen before the Mass ascension. They're also obviously not made from gold. Or metal usually either. Most are made of wood or bone from the animals they hunt. Occasionally people will have them made of metal, but that's for those leaders who are full of themselves. People will also make the mask prettier by hanging broken or otherwise useless pearls on them, or pretty rocks, plants, painting them, etc. They can be separated from the breathing part of the mask, and often are when hunting or foraging for example, unless they have an intimidation factor. Frisk has a carved and painted vulture mask to go with their breathing mask.

Frisk's breathing mask has been needing new filters for a while. You may understand where we would need to go to change and repair them in the absence of humans. ;)

Frisk is pretty good with spears and knives and weapons for a child. They don't do much damage though, think Gourmand when tired, but they can still lodge spears into walls if they try hard. Their time with slugcats and scavengers in the outer expanse will help them get even better and learn 💥movement tech💥. Or as much of it as they can since their weight center and strength is pretty different from a slugcat's.

When Frisk falls, they are absolutely gobsmacked, bamboozled, flabbergasted, astounded and astonished to see a house that isn't in ruins. They are even more flabbergasted to see a society that is full of stable, warm houses that don't move. They are even more surprised at regular house appliances. The discovery of yet another intelligent species doesn't surprise them as much as it should compared to all this. (Toriel is very worried about their wonder at normal everyday things)

The Mark of Communication allows those who have it to understand every language, but not speak it. Frisk is very quiet in their first few weeks in the underground, while they absorb the vocabulary (Toriel is also worried about this, but less since she has met kids who didn't like to speak before). The Monk and the Survivor can understand Frisk regardless of the language they speak thankfully so they don't have as many problems there even before they could speak fluent slugspeak. Or scavspeak. (Yes they are mostly sign based languages 😌)

Don't ask me how the cycle works in this au pretty please 🥰 all i know for now is Monsters are still bound to it, but in a different way to everything else in the world.

Frisk can speak, but often would rather sign. This won't come up much in the story though, it was mostly only bothering them when they were around other humans. Yes they are autistic no humans do not know what autism is.

Undyne will be Thrilled™ to see their skill in evading and fighting. Especially since they already have a spear. ("Finally a worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary!" But the opponent is still a very pacifist child. [I'll explain how this happens in another post. Hopefully.])

When i say the ancients are humans i don't mean like us. They're still very much looking like the murals, at least before the Mass ascension. ...Well mostly the wealthy, but the human genetic code has been altered to hell and back so the poor didn't look too different anyway. While lot of it doesn't show after generations of not-human traits not being activated and reactivated and added, Frisk does have features that aren't quite normal for today's human beings. For example, their skin is adapted to the weather, they retain warmth easily, and they can see better in the dark than we do. There's also cosmetic oddities, but i haven't decided on those. There's more traits that are in their DNA that could be activated, but there is no way or reason to in their current situation.

Frisk is no longer eight by the time they fall. They are nine or ten, but if they're nine they're on the older side of it.

I think that's all. If anyone who sees this has any questions, about Rain World or about undertale or about this crossover in particular, feel free to ask in the comments or with a reblog or an ask! I would love to talk about this but i am terribly undermotivated. I have so many ideas and so little patience to say them........

Lastly:

[tgarnsl]

for the word guessing game, how about thread, light, and leaf?

99% sure you've seen some of these before but...

thread

from my hornblower magic au where the Lydia gets stuck in the doldrums because of unresolved sexual tension

He had been no more than nineteen — scarcely more than a boy — when he had been taken as a prisoner of war to serve out his days in a Spanish gaol. His magic, weak as it was in those days, had been unable to save his ship from falling into enemy hands: for months afterwards he had dreamt of the conjured fog slipping through his fingers as he desperately tried to weave the threads of its spell tight. He had sworn off magic then, cutting himself off from it entirely: it had been more painful than he could have ever imagined, severing himself from something so intrinsic to his very nature, but he told himself that it was no more than he deserved. In time, the magic would not even come to him in dreams, so removed was he from himself, and a profound melancholy soon clouded his mind — scarcely able to sleep, scarcely able to eat, he began to fear that his magic had left him entirely. To lose his magic was unthinkable; since his earliest boyhood he had been aware of the shimmering sea of golden threads, invisible to the seeing eye, that connected all things. Once, he had felt its vitality flowing through him, but in Spain he felt it no longer. Desperate, he had done what no magician of honour would do; performed a ritual of scrying in water tainted with his own heart’s-blood. It was a dangerous game to play; to scry in one’s own blood brought clarity to the vision, but ran the risk of binding the seer to a fate he did not want. Hornblower had asked what any young man might: the path that would bring him glory. The visions in the scrying glass had been vague and nebulous, as visions ever were, but they had promised him glory and a happy life — a life he had never before imagined for himself.

—

light

slightly cheating here. from my flight of the heron stolen au:

“A letter arrived while you were away,” said Lochiel, picking up a square, sealed packet and passing it across the desk to Ewen. “I believe it is in my cousin Margaret’s hand.”

Ewen examined it, the letter trembling in his hands. Breaking the seal, he unfolded it, and cast his eye quickly over the first page and a half, which were primarily to do with the business of the estate, until he reached the words that made his heart stop in his chest.

Last week, wrote his aunt in her familiar hand, Young Iain of the Coire Daraich MacMartins went under my instructions to Fort William, carrying your Letter for Major Windham. There, he spoke with a redcoat Officer. I am sorry, my Boy. Your Major Windham died from the Wound he received at Morar, some days after he was brought back to Fort William.

The world dimmed, shifted, until all that was left were the words on the page. Your Major Windham died, Aunt Marget had written, the writing so neat and careful it could only be practiced. How many letters had she written, trying to find the right phrase? He tried to be grateful, but the grief was too strong. Once more he sat astride his garron, looking back over his shoulder at the shieling, a dark huddled mass against the lightening sky — and at the figure of Keith Windham, clutching a plaid tightly around himself, one hand raised in what might have been farewell.

—

leaf

from a flight of the heron fic I don't know if I'll ever finish, but that features a seduction attempt through bible reading (listen, Ewen is not very good, but he's trying)

“Is there nothing I can do for you?” he asked, kneeling before Ewen. “Your kindred — would you like me to write a letter to impart to them your circumstances?”

An unhappy smile twisted at Ewen’s lips. “Later, perhaps, if that signed order of yours is honoured and we are not disturbed until dawn.” His eyes lighted on the Bible. “May I—?”

“Certainly,” said Keith, handing it to him. He sat back on his heels and waited as Ewen leafed through the Bible, evidently searching for a passage.

“Would you do me a kindness, Windham?” he asked once he had found it, his voice tight. “These verses… I would very much appreciate it if you would read them to me.” Keith offered up his hand and Ewen gave him the Bible, indicating with a finger where Keith should begin reading.

“Please,” murmured Ewen, and so Keith turned his attention once more to the scripture before him.

“'And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”

But it was not an inn that Keith envisioned in his mind’s eye as he spoke of it, but a lonesome shieling on the slopes of Ben Loy, and it was not a man of Jerusalem lying half-dead and wounded that he had come upon, but a man of Ardroy.

“You understand now,” said Ewen softly, as Keith closed the Bible. “This is what you have done for me.”

[doublegoblin]

Hi, happy STS~!

As I get closer to finishing my current WIP's first draft, I'm having trouble dealing with the large amount of exposition I need to do before the end. Have you ever run into this problem? How did you deal with it? What's the best way to handle exposition, in your opinion?

(from @tisiphonewolfe)

Well howdy howdy, sorry for the delay in getting back this one had me thinking for a bit.

Like probably everyone else writing a thing; I have of course ran into the issue of exposition. Especially with a world that runs on some differences to our own fundamental rules, new rules entirely, and like this whole structure there have had to be times when I just set down and go "okay this is going to need some kind of explanation."

This kind of issue is compounded by having the POV character being someone who has existed in this reality for a reeeeally long time. Like they have been around for so long, doing the same thing, talking to the same people, that they fall into that fun category of co-worker who knows exactly what needs to be done but they are unable to train anyone well because it's just became so second nature that they go "Look I know how this is done, but I don't think I can walk you through the process" or "Yeah there is a rule about that somewhere but I can't explain why we have it, just, ya know, follow it I guess." Also this said character is disenfranchised with the whole shabang and so they just kind of go through the motions. Like it's fun as a writer because I have to think, is this something they would dwell on or think about? And most of the time, the answer is a no, so the information is there but it isn't brought up in the text because it's a first person narration.

Luckily I sort of have a baked in solution to go. I have what could be considered an audience stand-in with Peter. Fresh faced, head empty, and willing to ask so many questions.

Which leads me to my advice for how to deal with exposition (even without an audience stand-in). Now this isn't a solution I came up but I can't remember where I saw the advice specifically! However, that advice is to bake in the exposition so it feel natural. Like readers are smart and will notice when the info is just kind of dumped on their laps without rhyme or reason other than "this is info you have to know!" First stop and ask yourself, is it really though? Could a reader come to this same understanding given the context clues you put through the story? What sort of ramifications would come from this info being left out? Is it even realistic for your characters to know or feel the need to share? Why does the reader need to know this?

Often we as writers want to make sure we put as much of our blorbos in the text as we can, from the biggest of wars to the tiniest of defect on a mass produced coin. Not everything needs to be fully explained though, hell, in our own lives things are rarely fully explained to us. So sometimes it is better to omit some things in lieu of the holes in logic that may appear scary and "bad" but can make a narrative feel even more alive. There have been entire chapters I have torn to shreds because the info dumping was real and I could feel it.

That brings me to this though, if this is information that is imperative to be known by the reader. Make it feel natural. Like this isn't just have a character who is lacking knowledge ask or something. It could come from a casual conversation where the two parties find a mismatch in historical events, both sides thinking their version is the true one. Or like someone brings up a random little fun fact that is related to the information tangentially. Or heck, if you need to do a massive lore dump, more developed places sometimes have museums or libraries or just somewhere where those interested could learn some history.

Now this is all easier said than done, and the solution can/will change depending on the story you are telling. And like, end of the day to, sometimes you just need to exposition all over the page and as long as it's done very sparingly a reader is likely to forgive it. But the best thing, try to weave it into the story as natural as you can, it not only adds depth to the story but also to the characters themselves.

[ravendruid]

Be In My Eyes - Chapter 2

You can read Chapter 1 here. This fic is also available on AO3. Thank you all so much for reading this! I hope you all enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Keyleth's alarm rang loudly on her nightstand, and she groaned as she turned around, her hand blindly searching for her phone to press the snooze button. Not even a minute later, there was a knock on her door. 

"Keyleth, are you awake?" Fatigue supplanted Korrin's soft and caring voice.

Keyleth let out a resigned sigh and finally opened her eyes. It was solely thanks to a sliver of moonlight that Keyleth could discern that the mass of darkness peering through the small gap in her curtains was the sky. 

Korrin knocked on the door again, this time louder. “Keyleth, it’s time to get up. We need to hit the road soon, so please give me a sign that you’re awake."

“I’m awake!” Keyleth grunted with a harsh voice from sleep. “I’m awake…” She sighed again and unlocked her phone, the clock telling her it was three in the morning. It took her a while to remember why she had set an alarm for such an early time, but when she did, she sat up straight in her bed, scaring the large, white cat curled up at her side.

“I’m going to college!” She turned to the cat, who was looking offended at her. “Minxie! I’m going to college today!” With the sleep haziness slowly clearing, Keyleth remembered that she and her father were flying to Emon to settle in her new dorm. They had already sent a few of her boxes with movers a couple of weeks prior, which would be arriving the following morning, hence the need for them to leave, so she could get the keys and prepare everything for when the movers arrived. 

Keyleth jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom to take a shower and get ready, leaving a very confused Minxie still curled up in bed. She decided to wear a yellow sundress with flowers and her favorite pair of shoes – canvas sneakers – and braided her hair just before she finished packing a few things on her carry-on. She made sure to pack her laptop and her backpack and double-checked her extensive list. The last thing she wanted was to forget something important at home.

Korrin was waiting for her in the kitchen with two steaming travel mugs of coffee and a small paper bag on the counter. Minxie padded behind Keyleth and jumped on the counter, looking between the two humans. 

“Are you excited?” Korrin asked her. Keyleth nodded and adjusted the straps of the backpack on her shoulders. “I can’t believe my little girl is finally going to college." There was pride in his voice, but Keyleth could see the sadness in his eyes. 

“Dad, I’ll be back before you know it!” She said smiling, trying not to convey her anxiety about leaving. It was the first time she was going to be away from home, especially from her father, who had been by her side since her mother had died. She almost had not applied to college, but Korrin convinced her that it would be good for her to leave the nest, to see the world and expand her horizons, to meet new people, and learn new things. Consider it an investment. He had told her.

“You don’t have to come home for me, you know? Not every holiday!” Korrin said as he slid a mug and one of the bags in her direction. 

“I know, dad. Are you ready to go?” 

Korrin quickly confirmed he had everything and poured a cup of dry food into Minxie’s bowl. “Lia will come later to check on you." He told the cat. “Be good, I’ll be back in a couple of days, alright?”

Minxie let out a meow in response, and Keyleth sniffled before she picked her up from the counter and hugged her tightly against her chest. “I’m going to miss you, Minxie. Be good to grandpa, okay?” She kissed her between her brows before she set her back down on the counter.

Minxie stared at both humans as they made their way to the front door. It was slightly past four in the morning when they finally left the driveway and headed toward Stillben, a bigger city an hour away, where they would catch their flight to Emon. 

The ride to the airport was silent, and Keyleth kept twisting her hands on her lap – which was something she always did whenever she was anxious or worried about something – while staring out the passenger side window.

"Are you excited to explore Emon?" Korrin asked, trying to break the ice and give her something exciting to think about.

Emon, the capital of Tal'dorei and one of the biggest cities in the continent, if not the biggest, housed one of the best universities of the continent – the University of Emon – where Keyleth would be studying at.

"What if I can't fit in, dad? Emon is so big, and we've never been anywhere bigger than Stillben."

"Well, if you decide that you don't fit in and that you don't like being there, then we can think about bringing you back home." Korrin said, patting her shoulder reassuringly. “Keyleth, promise me you will at least give it a try. You're going to make friends, meet new people from all over, and learn so much. Isn't that exciting?"

"Yes, but..." She mumbled. "You won't be there, I'll miss you, dad."

Korrin smiled as he answered, "I won't be there, but I'm always a call away. I'll be fine, don't you worry about me, I'm the parent. All you have to worry about is making friends and enjoying your classes."

Keyleth exhaled a long sigh as she played with the end of her braid. It was easy for him to talk. He didn’t have the pressure of not wanting to disappoint his family.

“And who knows," Korrin quickly looked at Keyleth with a raised eyebrow and amusement in his voice, “you might even meet a special someone."

“Dad!!!” Keyleth hid her face behind her hands, hiding how beet red she was. 

“What? You know that your mom and I met in college. You never know." He ended the topic with a laugh.

Thankfully for Keyleth, they were almost at the airport. By the time the sun started climbing up in the sky, Keyleth and Korrin were already sitting on the hard plastic chair at their gate, putting any conversation about relationships behind their backs.

[afterdark-ships]

Welp

First time writing smut and posting it 

Yeehaw

Minors and Ageless Blogs DNI

*Note, Everest has a crystalline organ called a kozone in xyr chest that allows xem to channel energy into xyr claws and teeth.

“You remember the safe word?” Everest spoke. 

“Yep. If we wanna opt out, we say apple.” Throttle repeated.

The two were in Everest’s room. Throttle was sat on xyr bed, wearing nothing but his signature specs. In front of him was Everest, similarly bare and with an eager look in xyr eye. 

The caynid smiled. “Good boy.” 

Xe sank to xyr knees, eyes fixated between the mouse’s legs. His cock was half-hard, shifting just slightly from the rise and fall of his chest. Everest hummed as xe just admired it for a bit, trailing xyr claws along his thighs. 

“Is it ok if I use my kozone?” Xe asked, looking up at him.

“Yeah.” he said, then added, “... Please.”

Everest smiled, kissing his cock just slightly before dragging xyr index claw underneath it, emanating a subtle green glow as xe did. Throttle’s cock twitched at the stimulation, causing him to gasp and buck his hips slightly. 

“Always kind of a shock when I feel that on my dick.” He gave an airy chuckle. 

“Still feeling ok?” Xe asked. 

“Oh, I’m fine, just not totally used to kozone energy, heh.” 

Xe nodded, promptly getting back to work. Xe cupped xyr hand around his shaft beginning to stroke with a wayward rhythm. Xe teased his tip as xe licked the head, giving it an occasional kiss. Everest watched intently as Throttle’s cock fully hardened, pre beginning to trickle from the tip. Xe would use xyr kozone in random intervals, relishing in the sounds it drew from xyr lover. 

Xyr sporadic style had Throttle tense with anticipation of when the pleasure would be at its highest, left him on edge; and wanting more. As his dick was now fully erect, Everest studied for a few extra moments, marveling at the sight of his needy member. 

“You ready?”

Throttle steadied his breathing, nodding.  

 With a smirk, xe began to envelop his cock in xyr muzzle. Xe went slowly, the moans elicited from the mouse were music to xyr ears. Xe ran xyr tongue under his shaft, tasting every inch of his dick before xe took it in its entirety. As Everest adjusted to the full mass of Throttle’s cock, xe took to massaging his balls. Xe rolled them in xyr hand, gently feeling the way they moved in tandem with his throbbing cock. Once more, Everest trailed the underside of his balls with xyr claw, giving him a particularly potent shock that caused him to cry out. 

“Please…” Throttle breathed out. “More, please…” 

Complying with his wish, Everest began bobbing xyr head along his length. The caynid could also channel xyr kozone through xyr teeth, carefully grazing his member to tease him with shocks. Xyr tongue continued to lap along his dick, gliding over his veins and further tugging at his tip. As xe continued xyr work on Throttle’s dick, his moans grew to a more frequent intensity. His thighs shook against Everest’s fur, his hips bucking erratically against xyr maw. 

Eventually, xe felt his balls began to tighten just slightly, Throttle’s breath hitching as he tilted his head backwards. Seeing xyr opportunity, Everest pulled back in one final motion, a glowing claw following xyr lips. In a wonderful display, a defeated moan ripped from his throat, bucking his hips with abandon as his cock twitched violently. Xe sat back with a smile as his orgasm retreated, cock aching for more friction. 

“W… Why’d you stop?” He croaked.

Xe winked playfully. “Couldn’t let you have all the fun.” 

Everest stood from the ground, a hungry expression on xyr face as xe eyed him up. Xe lowered xemself onto the bed, knee’s on either side of Throttle’s hips. Xe drank in his look of realization as xe angeled xyr body above his, hands moving to cup xyr waist. 

In a swift motion, xe sank down on Throttle’s cock, drawing a sharp moan from the mouse as he squeezed xyr waist. Exhaling as xe felt his member fill xyr hole, xe sat for a minute as xe adjusted to him. 

“Ready?” Xe said again.

“Please.” Throttle whined, barely resisting the urge to thrust into xem. “Please, wanna come inside you, please.” 

Repositioning just slightly, Everest resumed, now bouncing on Throttle’s cock. His cries returned to a consistent high pitch, overwhelmed by the feeling of his lover around him. His hands felt along xyr sides and gripped in sloppy unison with his thrusts. Waves of pleasure radiated through Everest’s core as his cock rubbed against xyr G-spot, xyr eyes wavering backwards as xe reveled in xyr own feeling of physical pleasure. All the two could hear was the sound of his cock sliding in and out of xem, the moans and heavy breathing from each other. 

Soon enough, Everest could feel Throttle’s body tense up under xem. This time, xe didn’t stop, just increased xyr pace as his head tilted back. With a few erratic thrusts and a particularly loud moan, xe felt xemself be filled by his hot cum, his cock throbbing into xyr heat. Everest continued to slide along his cock as he rode out his orgasm, feeling his body shake from the stimulation. 

As his body relaxed, Everest lay against Throttle’s chest, resting xyr head on his shoulder. Xe felt his chest rise and fall as he caught his breath, the wolf gasping slightly as his cock twitched inside xem. The two sat for a minute, existing only in each other's presence as they basked in the afterglow.

“That… felt really good.” Throttle said after a bit, still panting. 

“Mmm, I’m glad it did.” Everest said, nuzzling into his side. 

He brought his hands up to cup xyr backside. “Thank you babe. Love you.” Cooed in xyr ear as he ran his fingers up and down xyr back. 

“Love you too.” Xe sat up, and gave the mouse a kiss. 

“You always take good care of me, but now I think it's my turn.” He eyed xyr lower body with a grin.

“Well, could we stay like this for just a few more minutes?” Xe rested xyr forehead on his. “Wanna just be close to you for a little bit.” 

Throttle chuckled. “Anything you want, love.”

[wolfkitty42]

i had the weirdest dream crossover

So like, the Owl House finale aired recently. Right??? And on the night it aired (last night as of writing this) I only got there about halfway through the finale. So I went to bed after it finished with a strong intent of watching the new episode when I woke up.

That was a mistake.

So basically, I had an insane dream that told me there were two new episodes instead of one. One was the finale, and the other was utter insanity. The one that was utter insanity and purely from my dream was placed before the finale, when the gang was on the Boiling Isles. 

I’m not entirely sure why, but Julieta from Encanto was there. She had a large ship and described herself as an animal tamer working with what looked like a 3d model of Gus’s dad. Like I said, my dream gave me a crossover. Okay. This is still relatively normal for a dream.

So, Julieta was like “You guys need something to fight Belos? Well there’s a really big seal out there if you wanna go use it as a weapon.” and Luz was like “Yeah okay sounds legit, get to the pirate ship!” Then there was this shot from above of the sun rising as Luz and co sailed towards a mountain island. And also for some reason there were a lot of airships following them. Like yeah there’s hot air balloon ships in the show but why here??? I just remember there being a lot. AND MOST OF THEM DIDN’T EVEN SHOW UP LATER??? Regardless, Luz and co was still on a boat in the water. Julieta was flying an airship.

So, everyone landed at the mountain. And there was a really big  baby seal just there. It was cute. 

(Image above fits it pretty well)

But it was also like, causing mass destruction around. So Julieta was like “Guys, we need to give it a sedative before we can bring it back to the Boiling Isles.” And everyone was like okay! So they grabbed this sleeping powder thingymabob and started trying to get it into the seal’s nose. But the seal was big so it was far off the ground and it was also moving around a lot. Cue a montage of Luz and her buds trying to slap it in while my dream gets fuzzy for a moment.

Everyone was taking turns trying to do it. Then fucking Sans Undertale came out and was like “hey let me try” BECAUSE APPARENTLY SANS UT HAD BEEN IN ONE OF THE FLYING BOATS?!?!?! AND ALSO PAPYRUS!?!?!? AND ALSO FELL SANS????

(These ones should be much easier to find images of then that specific cute seal. You can google them yourself.)

But I quickly. Accepted this. I tried My best to understand it. The logic of my dream had already moved on past my processing stage. So, I watched as Sans  did literally nothing except accidently breathe in the sleeping powder and conk out. Or he just felt like sleeping. No clue.

At this, Papyrus got really annoyed. He ran to the side of the mountain, pushed open a gray door (which coincidently did not look like the mystery man door, it was much less detailed. just felt the need to clarify that gaster did not appear in this dream.) and ran inside it to his house. He ran upstairs to his room and to his desk, which was now in front of a window.

His desk had sleeping power on it and this is the part where my brain just exploded and starting spitting out nonsense. I don’t even know where Luz went anymore guys! Papyrus took over the dream!?!?!?!

Anyways, Papyrus fucking snorted the sleeping powder off his desk, reverse snorted it onto a piece of paper and ran back outside. When he ran down the stairs to leave his house you could see the lower half of his house was now filled with sleeping powder and/or snow. If you slowed down the frame and zoomed in on the left part of the frame you might have seen the Annoying Dog jumping through the drifts of ambiguous white stuff. (I’m being completely real here, my brain slowed it down the second time and zoomed in on it. Send help.)

So after that minor bout of insanity, Papyrus floated up and slapped the powder in the seal’s face. I think he can fly, so that... makes... sense...? 

After that, I think Fell Sans tried to do something too but he must’ve failed because he was like “aw heck. now it’s just down to time sans.”

.............................WHO IS TIME SANS?

Now, the first thing I did when I woke up was go to google Time Sans. I haven’t even watched the part of the TOH finale I missed, guys! THIS DREAM INSANITY TOOK PRIORITY. And researching through google did give me some results, but none that matched my dream.

Time Sans was only called that about once. My dream also referred to him as Clock or most commonly Old Hour. I’m guessing Old Hour was his actual name or something and Time Sans was more of an obligatory title so that I would know who they were. Old Hour wore a suit with some nice shoes. They also had a cane and a tophat. I would say he was pretty short, and he had a monocle. I may draw him soon. 

If ANY Undertale fans feel like they recognize this description, PLEASE contact me! I am desperately trying to figure out if my brain spawned an au Sans purely for this strange crossover dream or if I subconsciously was thinking of another au that I repressed memories of and can’t find on google. Help.

Old Hour got up to fight the seal and for a moment it looked like he was going to fight it. There was a really dramatic shot of him running, and then the seal sneezed. It blew away Old Hour’s tophat and monocle so they were basically just Sans in a suit. (But still very fancy.) Old Hour got up and sat down by the door in the mountain to Sans and Papyrus’s house after that. He just wasn’t feeling up to it :(

After that, Luz, Eda and co busted in. They used a sleep mist so the seal went to sleep. I remember Luz turning towards the camera viewpoint I was watching my dream from, saying “The Boiling Isles is saved!” before a cut to black.

Now, eagle eyed viewers may have spotted a strange passage earlier. Let me copy paste it here.

If you slowed down the frame and zoomed in on the left part of the frame you might have seen the Annoying Dog jumping through the drifts of ambiguous white stuff. (I’m being completely real here, my brain slowed it down the second time and zoomed in on it. Send help.)

Yes, my brain was treating this like an actual episode of a show I was watching. It made me sit through this dream TWICE to catch all the easter eggs.

So, I’m recovering now. if you got through all this text, good job! Maybe I’ll even draw Old Hour/Time Sans for ya! Or maybe I’ll never remember this dream again. Thanks for reading! For now, I gotta go watch the Owl House finale.

[jenaeswriting]

I remove my fly screen to smoke out the window.

I remove my fly screen to smoke out the window. An airplane twinkles in the navy sky. I look down to a big open road of bitumen, like a soviet dictator above the masses. A grey cocktail seeping from my fingertips. Lester young on Spotify. I write so I can talk to a friend. I know a whole cigarette will make my head spin. I am worried how much my hands shake. Everything is a front. So much play pretend in Mackay. If anyone questions the smell, I will say I am burning incense. A dark cat slinks across the driveway. Trees like the one from the story book where the man with the moustache sits under the plum tree. I was left high and dry from girls I am trying to make my friends. I was desperate enough to accept a call from someone who was my friend years ago. I didn’t like speaking to her. I have a housemate outside my door doing dishes. I know he is alone too, and I keep trying to connect with him and show him I care but he doesn’t respond. I don’t like to talk to him because it is too closely a reflection of myself. I have liked meeting new people in Mackay because there is an excitement in being someone new. Someone bold. I come to the conversation with a novelty. With him, we are both alone. We both know it. What else is there to talk about really. Sunsets are wide here. With all the quiet I can do things I never have time for, like yoga before work. But the distraction is life. So much time on my hands like excess butter on a knife. But it is too much, and I could make myself so small. No real reason to have meals, no one to look after me. No one to watch the cracks in my eyes. My housemate has closed his door now too. I don’t write for an audience; I write for a friend. Same observations. In a loop. I looked into ways to leave, and I wish I hadn’t. I came to Mackay to escape but what if it’s a prison. I can’t go home for Christmas. I feel suffocated now when before I felt bold and big. I ran alongside the sugarcane and watched flocks of birds coast above the powerlines. I’ve given myself a nicotine headache, but I don’t want to stop typing because I am scared of the quiet. The quiet of the keys, the quiet of the night, the quiet between trumpet and piano on the track “almost like being in love” by Lester young and Oscar Peterson trio. This is the box I spoke about not opening. Now spilling out, pools like dark wine.

[writingemporium]

Feeling conflicted about new writing, but I think it hits some of the character/identity conflict that I wanted to start touching on when I write Morgott. He's like 3 or 4 characters in one. It's a struggle. I'm not sure about keeping consistency but then maybe that's the point. Him compartmentalizing his various selves is important to me. SO even if it's rambly, conflicted, and makes no sense that's probably why lol. I'm still trying to get the parts figured out. The main link between them is his pride. Or maybe it's actually his ego larping as pride. Who knows? We shall see as I flesh out outlines and such.

TLDR: Morgott pitches tent.

What was in a beast? What was in a Monarch? What is in a Man? These thoughts flitted through Morgott's head as he stared at the Mimic Veil with an empty expression. He thumbed the tiara gently and sighed looking up into a mirror. What reflected back repulsed him. A large hulking mass of muscles with twisting gnarled horns sprouting from the side of his head. An aching back with useless appendages to mark what could have been wings, and a large knotted tail tail with large red horns sprouting from the end of it. The mirror could not reflect his entire figure. It was large full bodied mirror which could have belonged to any noble or person. It was designed for a such a normal one.

The chair's timbers groaned beneath him as he finally donned the Veil. He closed his eye in suspense and gave a moment for the magic to take hold before opening it once more. He looked up slowly, and once again he was the Veiled Monarch. He touched his face with his pale hand cautiously turning it this way and that to get a full look of the visage he hadn't seen in many an eon. Liver spots marked where the horns on his face should have been. His left eye glassy where it should have been covered with a hardened calcified patch. Finally he shrugged off his rags.

What beheld him was a man. The cold air met his bare skin and it immediately responded by prickling. His body hair was thicker then the average man that couldn't be helped, but over all it was a passable mirage. He ran a hand over his forearm watching the hair move and fall back into place. It was surreal. The white hair on his head fell forward and he pushed it back gently. He leaned back and looked into the mirror with a wavering conviction. He sighed and itched his beard. This is all folly. It was his immediate reaction.

Morgott the Grace Given. Morgott the Veiled Monarch. He snorted at the titles. Morgott the Omen. Margit the Fell. His moniker and attitude fitted whatever job or position that was needed of him. But things were different this time. He was in pursuit of someone and he wasn't sure whether he had the heart to know which of his aliases she would accept or reject. Or...was rejecting one part of him rejection of the whole? He rejected being an Omen so that meant surely that his rejection of self would be ok for her right? He had revealed himself to her as Morgott the Omen King and was rejected so maybe she could accept the Veiled Monarch. He stood up and straightened his back. He took pride in his position, for what it was worth, as a Monarch and son of Godfrey. He flinched at being a descendant of Marika and cursing the lineage with his omen status. But that is not of importance.

He rubbed his tired face, and finally had to address internally why he was even doing this. He grabbed a long length of fabric, and wrapped it around his nakedness. He took a deep breath and sighed. How am I to compete with one given Grace? She still had affections for someone other then him it was true, but surely it was still possible to woo her over to him. A flash of her soft skin crossed his mind. He grimaced. His hands had run down her waist to grab onto her hips as he...no that was Margit's memories not his. He moved to smooth the fabric out in slight distress. To be....aroused was not becoming of him. She had been so warm. His body betrayed him.

Defeated he sat back down onto the chair with a huff. He spread his legs to allow room for himself, and with shame saw the slight bulge under the wrap. The cool fabric brushed his tip and in a flustered frustration undid the fabric. It fell to either side of him noiselessly and he was forced to face himself once again. A man with wants and desires though these things were not meant for the likes of him. He took off the Veil and placed it on a nearby table donning his rags once again. There. A more fitting visage for one so shameful. Still in all he was being driven by desire. Was it so wrong to want?