#it was successfully relocated outside

[taters169]

Imagine watching Alien with a borrower and they don't even get slightly jumpscared cos they're just like "have you ever seen a house spider?"

[thebroccoligoblin]

SO ANGWYYYYYYY (๑•̀ᗝ•́)૭

[dannyphantom-zero]

Doctor Danny: First official chapter

The busy hospital was on its last leg. Nurses and interns were scattered, running around like mice.

Sounds of trauma care patients and emergency care patients alarms were constantly ringing.

In the midst of it all, one calm collected doctor cared tenderly for each patient.

He, was Danny Fenton, who used to be known for having two crazy ghost enthusiasts for parents. He still loved his parents despite how hard it was growing up as half ghost.

Jazz had told them a long time ago and they had ignored it for the most part. Like that side of him didn't exist.

It had hurt at the time but Danny had managed to move past it. After successfully securing his position as ghost king (on accident) he put his newfound authority to good use making the ghosts swear a vow to behave.

A ghost vow is a big deal, which is why Danny swore a vow in return acknowledging them, if ever a ghost were in danger he would help them.

After the lack of ghost attacks Danny found he had next to nothing to do. His only hobby outside of playing video games had been ghost fighting. He hadn't realized how used to it he had gotten.

Danny hadn't even picked the college he wanted to go to yet.

Danny approached the Nasty Burger, his last refuge.

That's when he noticed a man who seemed a little out of it. The man stumbled making Danny wonder if he was drunk.

Danny turned to go inside when the man collapsed. Danny rushed over to the man and rolled him on his back. He checked for a pulse but couldn't find one.

Of course he wasn't exactly medically trained.

Danny dialed nine-one-one and started to perform CPR as best he could.

He explained to the operator clearly the situation and the ambulance came in no time.

Later that night Danny was processing the events in his head and instead of feeling scared or nervous he felt excited.

He was thrilled to have something to get his blood pumping again. Which is why he applied for med school. He studied hard, using all the time he had to memorize all the medical information that he could.

After graduation he interned at Amity Parks local hospital before moving up his position to resident.

Only a week after getting his new position he was forced to leave the hospital. It was closing because of a lack of funding.

"Please sir! What about the staff or the patients?"

The head of the medical board shook his head.

"Dr. Fenton, this hospital runs on little to nothing to begin with, we are lucky to have even made it this far. The patients will be transfered and the staff, relocated"

Danny furrowed his brows in concern.

"Don't worry Dr. Fenton, your quite literally the best we've seen walk these halls, your sure to get a good recommendation"

Danny clenched his fist.

"What are my options?" He asked.

The board looked at his sheet, flipping several until he found the right one on his clipboard.

"You said you wanted to work at a busy hospital right?"

Danny nodded yes.

"There aren't too many around here, the busiest hospital I can think of belongs to a crime ridden city a bit far  from here." He said.

"Gotham City"

Danny's breath hitched. He had heard about Gotham before. It was notorious for its villains.

Despite that, it was alluring.

"There! Send me to Gothams hospital!" He said suddenly and eagerly.

"Okay, if you say so. Do us all a favor and survive alright"

Danny laughed, "sure, I'll do my best. No promises though"

Just like that Danny packed up moved to Gotham.

He had little time to research Gotham before hand but he had heard several mutters in passing of a place called Crime Alley, a strange nickname for sure.

Danny was sure that this place would either be completely clean due to police intervention or incredibly overrun.

Danny signed a lease at the Shirley Apartments.

"Are you sure about this young man" the desk lady asked him.

He smiled kindly.

"Yes I am, I've heard the rumors and have weighed the risk. In the end it might be helpful to know just how my patients love to receive the injuries they do"

The lady sighed.

"That's right, you said your a doctor. Be careful out there, any talent in Gotham is either warped by a villain or destroyed"

Danny was a little startled by the warning, apparently there was even more to Gotham than he knew.

"I'm sorry I forgot to ask for your name"

"Didn't give one, in Gotham it's best to remain anonymous"

Danny blinked a little surprised.

"It's that dangerous, well I'll take your word for it then, thank you miss" he said as he took the key from her.

He had been able to store the old car his dad had given to him in a locked garage. He wasn't sure how well it would hold up but there was only so much he could do against humans.

Ghost powers had little, of any, effect on humans when it came to offense. Defensively they were pretty great to have.

He had only brought five boxes with him, no furniture. Back in Amity he had been busy studying and had brushed aside buying furniture.

Unfortunately that meant he had no bed.

Danny was glad to have found a beaten up wardrobe. It was missing it's doors and was leaning to the side, even so Danny was able to fix it and hang his clothes up in it.

He grabbed one of the boxes and smiled warmly when he saw a Fenton Emergency pack inside.

His mom must've stuffed it there when he was looking, lucky for him it had a sleeping bag.

An air mattress would've been nice too, but it's the thought that counts.

Danny safely stored his two favorite pictures. One of him with his family and one with his friends.

They were hidden just in case someone decided to break in, not that there would be much to find anyway but it never hurt to be careful.

Danny went to sleep soon after despite the sounds of the city.

Danny woke up feeling refreshed. He grabbed his bags and hopped in his car.

Danny hadn't realized how busy Gothams hospital actually was. Danny pulled into Gotham General and as soon as he was in his scrubs and coat he was dragged into the frey.

"We need a doctor over here!" Someone called just as Danny had finished with a patient.

Despite having to run around all day Danny wasn't tired, his ghost half supplied him energy after his human side ran dry.

All in all Danny first day on the job was hectic and he had worked for fourteen hours.

Once he was back in his apartment Danny set up a table that he had pre ordered online.

Then he got to work. According to his knowledge, most of his patients had suffered from some kind of attack or other.

Most of the heavy hitters were villains named Joker, Penguin and two face.

The riddler was taken care of, Poison Ivy had been rehabilitated and Harley Quinn had broken free from Jokers choke hold on her.

There was also the less obvious villains, like the business man lex Luther.

Lex Luther was shady at best, while no one could get hard evidence on him most people knew to be wary.

But just being informed didn't stop them from falling into his traps.

Lately Bruce had done official business with Lex Luther, which made him a suspicious person whom Danny had decided to keep tabs on, he was wary of the rich and for good reasons.

The cork board above Danny table has a litter of documents and pictured pined by red string. The players who were out of the game were crossed off.

Then there were the vigilantes. A few of them had been known to be rough, a necessary violence.

Still they seemed to have little awareness of what their little battles did to other people. Because many people came in for minor injuries due to being caught in the crossfire.

Which meant Danny had to find a way to keep everybody in line so patients would decrease in number. Danny let himself sleep for four hours before returning to the hospital.

"Oh my gosh, Doctor Fenton is still here" one nurse whispered. It had been a full day and half, Danny was running on his ghost half that seemed to keep replenishing itself due to the toxic air of Gotham. A positive side effect.

"How does he never get tired?"

"Maybe he's superhuman" one girl cracked. They noticed as he rushed by them to get to another patient.

"He's quite handsome too" one said wistfully, "but who wants a husband that works all the time"

Danny noticed the next patient seemed tense and he kept screaming for his daughter.

Danny whispered in the man's ear and put a hand on his forehead. He had used a ghost technique he learned from Nocturne and the man calmed down.

The other doctors were impressed as they worked to care for the man's injuries.

Finally the head of the unit noticed Danny and after reviewing his chart had forced him to go home.

"I don't feel fatigued at all sir, I promise I am not compromised. I can care for the patients"

The head wasn't having any of it.

"Above all your health is just as important as the patients we care for. For them to get healthy, you have to be healthy. Go home Dr.Fenton, you can come back after you get at least ten hours of sleep."

Danny wanted to argue but he knew the head was right.

"Yes sir" he said before changing into civilian clothes and leaving the hospital.

Now that he was out of a hospital setting things like hunger started to appear.

Maybe he had been to focused to notice how hungry he had been.

Danny blearily noticed a fast food place. His instincts told him the food would be greasy and way too unhealthy.

Mmm, comfort food.

The nostalgia fought with his doctoral instincts and won. All Danny wanted was to sit in a booth and eat some greasy food.

Danny ordered the double cheeseburger with bacon with a side of ten pieces chicken nuggets and large order of fries.

Waiting, even for five minutes, was starting to make Danny ravenous. As soon as he got his food he sat down and started gorging himself.

It was pretty good food for a little fast food place in the world's worst city.

Danny liked the tenderness and crispiness of the burger, the cheese was melted just right too.

Danny dipped his nuggets in sweet n' sour sauce while fighting the urge to kick his legs like a happy little kid.

As Danny left the restraint he saw an alert on his phone for a villain attack and rushed to the scene.

To his satisfaction the culprits were already being hauled away in police custody. They were just small fries, not of them appeared connected to a big player, so Danny was free to shut them out of his mind.

Which is exactly what he did. Danny drove back to his apartment and let out a sigh of relief.

That's when he noticed his door was slightly ajar.

His guard was up immediately. Danny stepped inside cautiously. He was relieved when everything appeared untouched but the scare had sent him a trip to get stronger locks.

On his way back to his car from the store he heard sound of a glass bottle breaking in a nearby alley. It was small alley, from what Danny could tell it was also a dead end alley.

Taking a risk Danny stepped in and chills went down his spine when he heard labored breathing.

Danny rushed over and froze at what he saw.

[monstrouslyobsessed]

welcome home

—you inherited a strange mansion you vaguely remembered visiting in childhood. you were excited to start a new life, but, now, from the way the lone statue perched on the roof seemed to be watching you, you weren’t so sure anymore.

—a/n: happy (belated) halloween! this had been requested forever ago, though not as a concept but as a smutty headcanon. but it had been stuck in my brain since seeing it—so...introducing the...gargoyle!

—tw / tags: gn reader, implied confinement / isolation, implied mind control(?), implied possible grooming (from the monster), implied teratophilia, implied exophilia, general yandere themes, long post, uncut post, sfw.

—featured character(s): gargoyle, the unnamed uncle

“What happened to those two?” you wondered aloud, balancing the stack of boxes in your arms as you gestured with your chin towards the two headless statues perched atop the pillars of the front gate.

Your uncle cleared his throat, hesitating slightly at the sight of them through the tall, ornate window, “That’s a...good question,” he laughed, his voice trailing off.

You glanced up only to see the back of his grey head, your boxes successfully placed on the floor, eyebrows arched high. “Uncle?”

“...were...a week ago...” you caught the tail end of his murmur.

“Hey!” you erupted, jabbing the old man into his ribs with a playful poke. He responded with an amused chuckle, regaining his composure. With a quick complaint about the way he had ruffled your hair, you slapped his hand away with a suggestion, “probably got weathered from old age,”

You weren’t about to add more to his worries with the anxious face he’d had seconds before. He was already so old it just didn’t feel right to push for answers he probably didn’t have. Helping you to move into his old home had been so overly generous that you hadn’t felt comfortable pressing for more.

Still, as you resumed your unpacking, your eyes couldn’t help but wander to the statues.

They...looked wrong, somehow.

Their necks were too...clean.

As if they had been sliced through with a sharp blade.

Had there ever been heads to begin with?

You shook your head as a faint memory resurfaced. The statues had definitely had heads once, from your visits as a child. So, where had they gone?

As you pondered, your hands became slick with water-thickened dust and soap as you wiped down the wooden furniture in the large living room while your uncle busied himself somewhere in the background. The bright glare of the afternoon sun forced your lashes to flutter together in a wince and you groaned, relocating yourself to a shaded corner as your eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness.

You blinked.

Something strange was perched outside the window, its wings casting long, dark shadows across the room from the setting sun behind it. You paused, a brief gasp, ever so slight that it might as well have been a breath, escaped your lips. Before you could think of anything to do, a deafening explosion of something shattering rang out from another room, and you spun toward where your uncle was, shouting the old man’s name.

You pivoted again, to see what you thought you saw.

The window was empty, glowing brilliantly with the blinding midday sunlight.

As if you’d only imagined whatever that creature was.

You stumbled out, confused and unsettled, to find your uncle with a troubled look on his face, assuring you that he hadn’t meant to scare you. As you attended to the accident, the strange sight remained in the back of your mind. Discomfort grew in your heart, and you wondered if it was normal to feel so familiar with what you thought you saw.

“You always had such fanciful imagination as a kid,” your uncle chuckled, rocking in his chair in the library you remembered frequenting as a kid. This was supposed to be his final night here with you, before he took the trip back to his assisted living home.

You cocked your head as you looked for a place to slot your favorite books in one of the many shelves. “Did I?”

Truth be told, your childhood memories were muddy at best.

“Oh, ho, yes, you always chatter on about an angel trapped in stone and the stories they’d share with you. Very...terrifying tales, may I add! Frighten my ol’ love, yer did. He never did like listening to these things, said you were listening to the devil.” Your uncle sighed, plucking a framed photo from a small table to reminisce about his deceased husband—

You...vaguely recalled how upset your other uncle was, though the reason still came blank.

“...Wasn’t he the reason I had to stop visiting?” You absently added, stilling your hands in your large tote of books to look at your uncle.

He tilted his head to think, “...Said it’s for your own good, or the devil would spirit you away.”

A question lingered heavily on your tongue and you blurted it out before your uncle could step into his vintage car.

“Why leave me this mansion if Uncle,” it felt strange to say your other uncle’s name after so long when you hardly remembered ever liking him as a kid. He was a mean man, but now, after what you’d learned, you started to wonder. Shaking your head to halt your straying thoughts, you pressed on, “was so against me staying here as a kid?”

You hadn’t meant the words to sound so demanding.

He stopped mid-hobble, looking up at you with his wrinkled hand still holding the suitcase, just before tossing it into his car. For a moment, your uncle opened his mouth, hesitated, then his eyes glazed over. Finally, with a small, uncertain smile, he admitted, “I’m...not sure. I just felt compelled to give this place to you, is all.”

Compelled?

Before you could dwell on that one strange choice of word, your uncle waved you over, “C’mere and give this silly old man a hug before he goes!”

He felt especially small and frail in your arms, as you held him. You remembered him so tall, but now he was just a tiny, old man with a heart too big for his tired body. As he slipped from your ebrace with a warm grin, you were disturbed by how cold his paper-like skin was under your palms.

Words and tears were exchanged, and that was it.

He bid you a farewell, adding a gentle ‘I love you’, and he was gone, his vehicle kicking up dust as it disappeared down the winding driveway. The sound of its sputtering engine gradually faded into the distance, leaving you in the utter silence of the mountain you now occupied. When it was no more than a speck in the dense, green horizon, you made a half turn—

And then you caught sight of something unfamiliar perched on a pillar of the hipped roof of your new—albeit ancient—home.

Blinking, you tilted your head high and squinted to make out the sudden appearance of a gargoyle.

Was...it always there?

It loomed above, a bulky, weighty thing, its great wings curled protectively over its hunched back, with its claws clutching at the gutter. A crown of horns fanned out over its elongated head, shielding itself from the rising sun in the shadows of its bony appendages. The creature’s hulking form sat in a perfect stillness, its long tail wrapped tightly around its hind legs in a stony coil.

As if it had been there all along.

No matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t recall seeing the gargoyle above the main doorway before.

Even when you’d first arrived to meet your uncle about your surprise inheritance, nothing so stellar yet so grotesque had sat above the door before in your memory.

Yet it seemed so oddly familiar. The childish urge to grin and laugh as if upon seeing an old friend again, rose.

Deep in your heart, you knew this was wrong. A shiver ran down your spine, and confusion twisted your expression into one of fear.

You couldn’t see its face clearly beneath its wings, but you felt its eyes pierce your soul.

With another blink, you shuffled your feet, grinding your heels in the crunch of the fine gravel below. You inhaled the cold, crisp air—and you swore you saw it

breathe.

Unable to take it any longer, you fled inside, into the safety and isolation of your new home. The door slammed shut behind you, and you collapsed against the hardwood flood, gasping. The old wood needed a good waxing, but that was the farthest thing on your mind right then, as you panted and your heart was pounding against your ribcage.

“I’m being so stupid—this is silly...!” you muttered with a weak laugh, even as your erratic heart tried to jump out of your throat.

Before you could brush it off with the excuse of the jitters of being a new homeowner, a low creak groaned from above, echoing off  the roof outside.

You stiffened, your sweaty skin prickled with the chilling realization.You were all alone—

With this stranger outside your house.

A loud thud rumbled through the floor, vibrating the door you were leaning against—as though something heavy was dragging its claws across it.

Quietly, its voice, so deep and croaky, a disembodied whisper slipped through the thick wood, sighing with unsettling fondness: “...welcome home,”

The way it said your name had you trembling, but its next words gripped you with a terrible, numbing fear.

“...it’s only two of us now.”

—end

[edenesth]

Speak Now

Pairing: childhood friend!Yeosang x fem!reader

AU: hanahaki au

Word Count: 11.6k

Summary: In love with Yeosang since young, you kept your feelings to yourself in fear of ruining your friendship. Like a fool, you suffered alone as the Hanahaki disease slowly consumed you while you watched him propose to his long-time girlfriend. What happens when Yeosang struggles to take his eyes off you on his wedding day and realises that this union might be a mistake?

ATEEZ Masterlist

〚 Hanahaki Disease 〛

— An illness born from unrequited love, where the patient’s throat will fill with flowers. They will then throw and cough up the petals, sometimes even a whole flower.

— One of the only ways for the disease to ‘disappear’ is if the object of the patient's affection returns the feelings. It cannot be resolved with friendship, it has to be genuine feelings of romantic love.

— The infection can also be removed through surgery, though the feelings will disappear along with the petals.

If the patient refuses surgery or the feelings are not returned in time, their lungs will fill up with flowers and eventually suffocate.

Time sure as hell flies even when you're suffering.

Because the next thing you know, it's been years since you were diagnosed with the Hanahaki disease.

Gazing down at the bloody petals staining your palm, you swallowed painfully, determined to wash away the evidence of your illness in the bathroom and not let anyone find out.

Especially not when Yeosang and his girlfriend, Arin, were waiting patiently outside at the cafe for you. With your eyes squeezed shut, you pressed your hands against your temples, once again reminded of the cruel reality that the love of your life did not feel the same way for you.

It all began about a decade ago.

Initially, you and Yeosang were just new neighbours, brought together when your family relocated to Seoul due to your father's job. Later, you discovered that you attended the same school, and Yeosang, ever the kind soul, became your first friend.

You have been inseparable since childhood, sharing secrets, dreams, and countless adventures together.

But as the years passed, your affection for him slowly blossomed into something deeper, something you kept hidden, fearing it would taint your beautiful friendship.

Upon the realisation of your feelings for him, you had been hopeful at first. All the while, you'd think to yourself that he would one day return your feelings and you would eventually end up together. But you couldn't deny the bitter truth any longer when you began coughing up those crimson-tinged petals.

The doctor's grim confirmation, coupled with Yeosang's excited announcement about mustering the courage to ask Arin out, served as clear answers to all the questions that had plagued your mind.

Witnessing his overwhelming happiness when Arin agreed to be his girlfriend, you couldn't bear to shatter that joy for him. Above all else, you'd rather face death than jeopardise your cherished friendship by revealing your feelings or the devastating truth of your disease.

For as long as you can remember, the pain of coughing up these petals has become your painful secret, something you've grown used to enduring in silence by now.

Come on, you can do this.

You made a determined effort to steady your trembling hands as you reapplied your makeup, doing your absolute best to conceal any trace of paleness or sickness on your face.

The last thing you wanted was for Yeosang, or perhaps even Arin, to detect any hint of your sickness. Over all these years, you had successfully fooled everyone, including your own parents, and you were set in your commitment to maintain that facade.

You were fully prepared to carry your secret to the grave, if it ever came to that.

"Is it just me, or do you seem to be taking longer in the bathroom these days?" Yeosang wondered aloud, deep in thought. You froze, carefully controlling your expression to avoid raising further suspicion.

Arin nodded in agreement before the two of them playfully exchanged grins in your direction, "You know, you can always tell us if you've been busy chatting with Jongho. There's no need to hide in the bathroom for that—we'd understand."

Your shoulders slumped in relief and you rolled your eyes when you realised they were simply teasing you about your colleague once again, "Honestly, how many times do I have to tell you idiots that there's absolutely nothing going on between me and the guy?"

Yeosang couldn't help but snort rather ungracefully as he took a sip of his drink, "Sure, you might think that, but Jongho's not exactly subtle. I'm telling you, the dude's totally whipped for you."

Good god, I sure as hell hope not.

If that truly were the case, you knew you'd have to put a swift end to it before it spiralled out of control. The last thing you wanted was for Jongho to suffer the same fate as you, he was too kind a soul to deserve such torture.

However, deep down, you were convinced that Jongho was simply an exceptionally friendly person. You didn't think he acted any differently towards you compared to other people at work. At this point, it just seemed more like Yeosang and Arin's attempt to get you out of your neverending cycle of singlehood.

The couple had been pestering you for years to find a boyfriend. This wasn't the first time they'd jumped to such hasty conclusions. It seemed that every time they noticed a guy being a tad more attentive or friendly, they instantly started shipping you with him.

In fact, if your memory served you correctly, Jongho was already taken and entirely off the market.

"Don't be ridiculous, Yeo. He's got a girlfriend."

Yeosang nearly choked on his drink upon hearing this revelation, "Wait- what?! Okay, that's a major red flag then. Why on earth is he being so attentive to you, huh?"

You rolled your eyes, slapping your palm against your forehead, "I've told you, he's just naturally nice to everyone. You two are the ones always reading too much into things."

Arin pouted at you, "Oh man, I was really hoping we had some sort of magical persuasion power to turn nothing into something!" You glared at the both of them, watching as they sheepishly rubbed their necks.

Their attempts at humour fell flat.

"I knew it. I always thought it was strange how you two were so insistent about there being something between me and Jongho."

The lighthearted banter continued for a while longer, with your friends enthusiastically brainstorming potential matches and suggesting other guys they could introduce you to.

Casting a swift glance at her phone, Arin perked up with excitement, "Oh, I've got to run, my friends just arrived! It's girls' night, so don't wait up for me, Yeo. I'll catch you two later!" You smiled warmly at your friend's girlfriend, giving a slight wave before discreetly looking away as the couple shared a quick kiss, "Sure thing, babe. Call me if you need anything, yeah?"

"Bye, Arin. Have fun, and I'll see you soon!" You concealed the ache in your heart behind a radiant smile.

The truth was, Yeosang's girlfriend was an absolute sweetheart, and you could completely understand why he had fallen for her.

As much as it pained you to admit, they were a perfect couple. This was precisely what made the situation so bittersweet—witnessing their happiness together was painful, yet you couldn't muster any ill feelings towards Arin.

It was an agonisingly cruel paradox.

She had, in some ways, become like a sister to you, and you genuinely wanted to be happy for the two of them. But the clash between your feelings for Yeosang and the incessant pain in your chest, caused by the growing flowers, made it exceptionally difficult.

You could only watch with a heavy heart as Yeosang escorted his girlfriend out of the cafe and witnessed their affectionate farewell, complete with another parting kiss.

Upon returning to his seat across from you, he did a rather poor job of concealing his bubbling excitement. An internal sigh escaped you as you yearned for him to exhibit such enthusiasm when thinking about you.

"So, what is it?" You asked, watching as Yeosang arched an eyebrow, a curious expression on his face, "What do you mean?"

You crossed your arms, your tone laced with a hint of impatience, "You obviously brought me out today to discuss something, and given that you didn't bring it up in front of Arin, I'm assuming it's related to her. Now that she's gone, spill the beans."

He nodded slowly, somewhat impressed.

"You really are my oldest friend; you know me so well," He said theatrically, wiping away a fake tear. You smacked his arm, annoyed, "Can you please just get to the point already?"

It wasn't your intention to become so exasperated with him, but the ache in your chest was intensifying, and you worried that it wouldn't be long before you'd have to excuse yourself to cough up more petals. You were just determined not to raise suspicion.

You also couldn't quite pinpoint the reason, but a sense of dread was slowly creeping over you as you waited for him to reveal whatever it was he wanted to say.

He chuckled, raising his hands in surrender, "Alright, alright." He conceded. With a mischievous smile, he bit down on his lip.

"I'm planning to propose to Arin, and I need your help."

Fighting back the urge to clutch your chest in agony, you forced a smile, determined not to let the pain show on your face. Your hands rested on your thigh, and your fingers dug into your jeans with such intensity that you worried about tearing the fabric.

"Oh my god, I... God, I'm so happy for you, Yeo!"

Tears welled up in your eyes, and your friend cooed at your emotional reaction, believing it was a sign of your genuine happiness. Little did he know, your tears were for entirely different reasons than he might think.

"Will you marry me?"

Those were words that had only existed in the realm of your dreams, words you knew you'd never hear spoken to you by this man.

It was with a heavy heart that you stood on the sidelines, an invisible spectator, as Yeosang took the plunge and proposed to Arin. A shuddering exhale escaped your lips, your breath trembling as you watched her joyful and resolute nod.

"Yes, yes! A thousand times, yes!"

Your chest ached, and you struggled to suppress the tears that threatened to spill from your eyes. The pain was excruciating, akin to a thousand needles piercing your heart, yet you forced yourself to smile, to be genuinely happy for the two people who meant the world to you.

As Yeosang slipped the ring onto Arin's finger, sealing their love with a promise of forever, you wrestled with your own emotions.

Your heartbreak was palpable, like a storm raging within you, but you couldn't let it mar the joyous occasion. You had to be the friend they deserved, the one who would celebrate their love with an open heart.

So, you smiled through the tears, tears that were not just a testament to your pain but also a tribute to their happiness. It was a complex dance of emotions—your own heartbreak twirling with the happiness you felt for them, a delicate balance that you had learned to navigate over the years.

And at that moment, as you watched them embrace, you couldn't help but wonder if love, even unrequited, had a purpose beyond our comprehension—a purpose that allowed you to witness the beauty of their union, even if it came at the cost of your own silent suffering.

Why am I so bothered? It's not like I ever stood a chance.

You stepped away from the scene, needing a moment to collect yourself. As you wiped away the tears that had welled up, you noticed Wooyoung approaching. He had been Yeosang's closest friend throughout your school years, and over time, he had become a good friend of yours as well.

"Hey, you good? Not gonna lie, you looked a little sick back there." He said, concern etched in his expression.

Panicking, you forced a wide smile, "Oh, I'm fine! I was just really touched. I mean, can you believe they're finally getting married? They've been together for so long. It's about damn time, am I right?"

But Wooyoung didn't seem convinced by the act.

He could see right through your facade, noticing your paleness and the handkerchief you clutched so tightly, not for tears, but for a certain type of bloodied flower petals.

"You know, I had my suspicions back in high school, but I didn't want to say anything for Arin's sake. But I'm worried about you," He said hesitantly, "You... you're in love with him, aren't you?"

You struggled to maintain your composure, choosing to act as if you didn't understand what he was getting at. The last thing you wanted was to have this conversation at such a momentous event. But you also understood that Wooyoung was genuinely concerned for your well-being.

"That's absurd, Woo! Are you even listening to yourself?" You let out a forced laugh, playfully slapping his shoulder repeatedly, "Me? In love with Kang Yeosang? How could you even think to suggest such a thing? Ew!" You pretended to gag.

"Seriously though, I'm fine. It's probably just that time of the month for me, okay? Ugh, I can't believe you made me admit that. If I looked sick, it's probably because I'm losing blood down there, ya know?"

Wooyoung cleared his throat, clearly flustered by the unexpected turn in your conversation, "Sheesh, too much information, woman! Fine, I'll choose to believe you... for now. You know you can always talk to me, right? You're one of my closest friends, aside from Yeo. If you ever need anything, I'm here."

You nodded and forced a smile, struggling to blink back your tears and swallow the lump in your throat.

No one had been aware of your condition all this while, and Wooyoung's concern meant more to you than he could ever know. However, you couldn't bring yourself to admit it to him. That would make everything too real, and you weren't ready to face that truth just yet.

Truth be told, Wooyoung didn't buy your reasoning.

He had accepted it more out of reluctance to press further and make you feel uncomfortable. He understood that there was no use in forcing the truth out of you; he could only wait for the moment when you'd choose to confide in him about your predicament.

For the time being, all he wanted was for you to know that he would always be there for you.

Having personally witnessed the devastating effects of the Hanahaki disease on someone he cared about in the past, Wooyoung was determined to do whatever it took to prevent another loved one from falling victim to this illness.

And so, for the rest of the day, you made an extra effort to conceal any urges to cough or throw up, especially now that Wooyoung was keeping a watchful eye on you, searching for any signs or hoping to catch you slipping up.

You jumped slightly in surprise when Yeosang wrapped his arms around your shoulders, pulling you into a warm hug, "Thank you so much for your help, bestie! This wouldn't have been possible without you."

The word 'bestie' pierced your heart like a dagger because that was all you would ever be to Kang Yeosang.

Sensing Wooyoung's scrutiny from behind as he conversed with some of your other friends, you swallowed hard and nodded, patting Yeosang on the back.

"Of course, Yeo. Anything for you and Arin. I genuinely wish you both all the happiness in the world!"

He laughed with uncontainable excitement, squeezing you in his embrace.

Your heart fluttered at the gesture, but you forced yourself to keep it in check. You had to come to terms with the fact that Yeosang and Arin were now officially endgame, their love story reaching its long-awaited conclusion. You reminded yourself that you had never really stood a chance in the first place.

Giving him one final reassuring pat on the back, you sniffled lightly and pulled away, replacing any trace of emotion with a wide smile as you spotted Arin approaching.

She enveloped you in a tight embrace, squeezing with genuine warmth, "You're the absolute best! I heard you played a huge part in all of this. You'll be right there with us every step of the way until the big day, won't you?"

You nodded without hesitation, "Of course! Every detail will be flawless, I promise you. Nothing will slip through the cracks on my watch!"

A frown and a warning glare were swiftly aimed in Wooyoung's direction when you caught him pretending to gag behind Arin's back at your feigned enthusiasm.

Turning your attention back to Arin, you allowed her to take your hands in hers. Her eyes held a sincerity that touched your heart.

"I've been wanting to ask you this ever since Yeo mentioned our wedding plans. Will you be my maid of honour? Woo's already agreed to be his best man, and it would mean the world to me if you said yes. You're like a sister to me, you know that, right?"

What kind of heartless monster would I have to be to even consider turning down such a heartfelt request?

You squeezed her hands with genuine sincerity, your voice filled with warmth, "Are you kidding? I'd be more than honoured to be your maid of honour! Thank you for asking me; it means the world," Arin cooed, pulling you into another tight embrace, "Aww, I love you, you're the best!"

You smiled, brushing aside the growing pain in your chest, "I love you too, Arin. I want you to know that you're like a sister to me, too."

That night, when you returned home, it marked one of the most agonising nights you would have to endure since your diagnosis.

Your hands trembled uncontrollably as you stared at the sight of an entire flower in your sink. Until then, it had always been just petals, but seeing a whole flower emerging was an ominous sign.

You knew that time was running out, and the thought sent a shiver down your spine.

As promised, you dedicated most of your time to assisting the couple with every aspect of their wedding preparations.

A tiny voice within you questioned why you had willingly subjected yourself to this emotional turmoil, but the sincerity of Arin choosing you, of all people, as her maid of honour touched your heart deeply.

The soft glow of the bridal boutique enveloped the room, casting a warm and inviting ambience. Mirrors lined the walls, reflecting the ethereal beauty of the gowns that hung delicately from their racks. The air was infused with a faint scent of fresh fabric and the promise of new beginnings.

As you stood amidst this sanctuary of matrimonial dreams, your heart ached with the weight of hidden thorns, a cruel reminder of your unrequited love. The Hanahaki disease had woven its cruel tendrils deep within, its blossoms a vivid contrast to the joyous occasion at hand.

Arin, radiant as ever, was surrounded by a small entourage of close friends and family.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, her smile infectious as she perused the array of wedding gowns. Her laughter filled the air, a musical backdrop to the scene, and her infectious excitement seemed to dance on the very air you breathed.

You watched her, your heart pounding with each beat, every throb echoing the ache of concealed emotions. The delicate petals seemed to flutter within you, a silent reminder of the love that could never be.

Arin's fingers delicately traced the lace of one gown, her eyes wide with wonder, "This is beautiful." She breathed, her voice a tender whisper of admiration.

The boutique assistant, an expert in the language of bridal dreams, nodded in agreement, "It complements your grace perfectly, Ms. Choi. Would you like to try it on?"

Her gaze met yours in silent invitation.

You couldn't refuse, not when this was her moment of unparalleled happiness, "Yes, go ahead, Arin." You encouraged, your voice steady despite the storm raging within.

As she disappeared behind the curtain, you took a moment to gather your composure. The mirrors seemed to multiply your reflection, each one a reminder of the fractured reality you faced.

When the curtain swayed open once more, Arin emerged in a vision of pure elegance. The gown cascaded around her like a waterfall of silk and lace, framing her like a masterpiece. Her eyes met yours in the mirror's reflection, and the brilliance in her gaze was enough to momentarily eclipse your own pain.

A chorus of gasps and exclamations filled the room as the entourage marvelled at the sight. Tears glistened in Arin's eyes, the reflection of her joy painting a poignant picture.

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Perfect for Yeosang.

Unlike you.

"This is it," She declared, her voice filled with unwavering certainty, "This is the one."

The boutique assistant smiled warmly, sharing in Arin's moment of triumph, "A perfect choice, Ms. Choi. This gown is destined to be a part of your beautiful love story."

As they celebrated and made arrangements for the dress, you found solace in the shadows, your smile never wavering.

In this moment, your love was a silent symphony, an echo of happiness and pain intertwined. You would stand by Arin's side, supporting her dreams, even if it meant bearing your own thorny secret in silence.

With no time to take a break or tend to your aching heart, you immediately found yourself in the men's boutique the following day.

The upscale boutique was a realm of sophistication, with racks of tuxedos adorned in various shades of black and grey, each exuding an aura of timeless elegance. Soft jazz music played in the background, creating an atmosphere of refinement.

Yeosang stood beside his best man, Wooyoung, both of them inspecting the selection of tuxedos before them.

The bright lights cast a soft glow on their faces, accentuating the excitement in their eyes. You watched them from a respectful distance, a smile etched on your face despite the turmoil raging within.

Yeosang had asked for your help in choosing his attire for the wedding, and you couldn't refuse, even though it meant masking your own pain.

The illness had not relented, its grip on your heart growing tighter with every passing day.

"So, what do you think?" Yeosang turned to you, his eyes shining with anticipation, "Which one do you think will make me look the most dashing for Arin?"

You swallowed hard, your heart aching as you looked at your childhood friend, "I think the black one would be perfect." You replied, your voice unwavering, though the weight of the petals in your chest was almost suffocating.

He nodded, his smile warm and appreciative, "You've always had great taste. Thanks for helping me out with this."

Wooyoung chimed in, patting your back playfully, "Yeah, she's got a knack for this stuff. You're lucky to have her, man."

You returned their gratitude with a genuine smile, your own turmoil concealed behind the façade of happiness, "It's my pleasure, you two. I want everything to be perfect for your special day."

As you continued to browse the tuxedos, Yeosang's conversation inevitably turned to Arin and her wedding gown, "Speaking of perfection," He began, his eyes shining with love, "Arin is absolutely ecstatic about her dress. She can't stop talking about how gorgeous it is."

Your heart clenched at the mention of Arin and her joy, "I'm sure she's going to look breathtaking." You replied, your voice carrying a hint of genuine happiness.

Yeosang's gratitude was evident as he turned to you, his eyes filled with warmth, "Thank you. You've been such an amazing help to her. I don't know what we would do without you."

The words were like a dagger to your heart, but you managed to smile through the pain, "I'm just happy to be a part of your special day, Yeo. You and Arin deserve all the happiness in the world."

As the day wore on, you continued to play your role, assisting Yeosang with the selection of his tuxedo and maintaining the façade of happiness.

Your love for him remained buried deep within, hidden beneath layers of petals. For now, you would do whatever it took to ensure that Yeosang and Arin's wedding day was a day filled with joy and love, even if it meant enduring your own silent suffering.

Unfortunately for you, you could feel the weight of your sickness pressing down on you, its tendrils of pain and discomfort growing increasingly unbearable.

You had excused yourself to the bathroom multiple times to cough up petals, each time feeling weaker and more drained.

On one of your trips back from the bathroom, you couldn't conceal the paleness that had washed over your face, your steps faltering slightly as you clutched a handkerchief tightly against your chest. It was clear that your condition was deteriorating rapidly, and you were growing weaker with each passing moment.

Wooyoung, sharp-eyed and observant, noticed your distress immediately. Concern etched his features as he approached you, his voice gentle but filled with worry.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asked, his hand reaching out to touch your arm gently. You forced a weak smile, though it was clear that you were far from okay, "I'm fine, Woo. Just a little tired, that's all."

His eyes bore into yours, not buying your facade for a moment.

"You don't have to hide it from me. I can see that you're not well. You've been in and out of the bathroom so many times today."

Tears welled up in your eyes as you struggled to maintain your composure. Wooyoung had always been perceptive, and you knew it was impossible to hide the truth from him any longer.

I can't do this by myself for much longer.

"You... you were right, Woo," You admitted, your voice shaking, "I am in love with Yeo, and I do have Hanahaki."

He looked at you with genuine concern, his eyes filled with empathy, "God, I knew it. You should have told me sooner. How... how long have you had it for?" You sighed, "Years, Woo. It's been years," He shook his head in disbelief, "I can't believe you suffered like this all alone for years."

You wiped away a tear that had escaped, your voice barely above a whisper, "I didn't want to burden you, Woo. I didn't want to take away from your happiness with Yeosang and Arin."

His expression softened even more, and he shook his head, "You're not a burden. You're our friend, and we care about you deeply. We want you to be happy too."

Wooyoung reached out and gently squeezed your hand, his words a soothing balm to your wounded heart, "Promise me that you'll come to me whenever you're feeling like this. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Tears streamed down your cheeks, but this time, they were tears of relief. You nodded, your voice filled with gratitude, "Thank you, Woo. I promise."

As he pulled you into a comforting embrace, you knew that you had a true friend in him, someone who would stand by your side through the darkest of times. With Wooyoung's support, perhaps you could find a way to navigate the painful journey ahead, one step at a time.

Yeosang watched from a distance, hidden in the shadows, as Wooyoung and you hugged.

He hadn't arrived early enough to understand the circumstances that had led to the embrace between you and his best friend. However, one thing was clear: the sight of it left an uncomfortable feeling gnawing at him.

Unbeknownst to you, his gaze had lingered on you two longer than he had intended, and a peculiar feeling had begun to churn within his chest—a strange mixture of discomfort and unease.

He couldn't quite put his finger on it, and that was what perplexed him the most. After all, he was on the brink of marrying Arin, the love of his life, the woman who had captured his heart completely. There was no reason for him to feel this way, and he was well aware of it.

As he stood there, he attempted to imagine a future where you and Wooyoung found happiness together.

It was an image he knew he should be able to conjure with ease, but an inexplicable ache twisted in his chest. It wasn't that he wanted to hold either of you back; he simply couldn't shake the discomfort that settled in his heart.

Yeosang took a deep breath, attempting to clear his mind of these bewildering thoughts. He knew he shouldn't be feeling this way, especially with his wedding to Arin just around the corner.

Guilt washed over him, and he silently chastised himself for entertaining such emotions.

He reminded himself that his love for Arin was unwavering, that she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. This inexplicable feeling was just a momentary blip, a passing cloud in the sky of his emotions.

But no matter how hard he tried to push those feelings aside, they lingered, stubborn and insistent. The image of you and Wooyoung together tugged at his heartstrings in a way he couldn't understand, leaving him with a profound sense of unease.

With a final, determined exhale, Yeosang stepped out of the shadows, ready to rejoin you.

He needed to focus on the joyous occasion at hand, on the celebration of love that was meant to bind him to Arin forever. As he approached, he pushed aside the nagging feeling and vowed to be the best friend and partner he could be, even if it meant grappling with the complexity of his own emotions.

In the midst of your unending battle with the Hanahaki disease, Wooyoung became your unwavering support system, a beacon of hope in the sea of pain and uncertainty.

Your journey together was marked by moments of both agony and resilience, as you faced the relentless onslaught of petals and thorns.

Wooyoung had always been there, whether it was a late-night call to soothe your coughing fits or accompanying you to doctor's appointments.

His comforting presence was a constant reminder that you weren't alone in this struggle.

You juggled the demands of your job with the relentless symptoms of the disease, often finding solace in your work even as the petals clung to your throat.

Wooyoung would send you encouraging messages, reminding you to take breaks and prioritise your health.

Amidst the chaos of Yeosang's wedding preparations, Wooyoung took on the role of your guardian angel. He'd stay by your side during fittings and meetings, ensuring you didn't push yourself too hard.

It wasn't until one fateful day, as the illness reached its most excruciating stage, that you couldn't hold back the bloodied flowers any longer.

You rushed to the bathroom, your body wracked with painful coughs. Wooyoung, alarmed, followed you and witnessed the entire flower falling from your lips in a gruesome display.

As you gasped for breath, tears streaming down your face, Wooyoung gently touched your shoulder.

"This can't go on like this," He said with conviction, "You need to consider the surgery to remove those flowers for good."

His words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the difficult choice you had been avoiding. You knew he was right, but the fear of losing your feelings for Yeosang made you hesitate.

Despite the pain, Wooyoung's unwavering support and guidance gave you the strength to face the decision that had been looming over you for far too long.

Perhaps it really was time to take the step that could free you from the relentless grip of the sickness, even if it meant sacrificing the love you had harboured in silence. After all, Yeosang would never return your feelings.

What's the point of even suffering like this?

Meanwhile, Yeosang couldn't help but notice the deepening bond between Wooyoung and you. It wasn't that he had been intentionally spying on you, but the presence of Wooyoung in your life had become increasingly apparent.

Yeosang did his best to distract himself with thoughts of Arin, the love of his life, and the excitement of their upcoming marriage.

He immersed himself in wedding preparations, from selecting the perfect venue to deciding on the menu and guest list. He yearned for every detail to be flawless, a testament to the love he and Arin shared.

But no matter how hard he tried to focus on Arin and their future together, his thoughts had an irritating tendency to drift back to you and Wooyoung. It was as if an invisible force tugged at his mind, pulling him away from the happiness he should have been feeling.

Frustration gnawed at him, and he berated himself for allowing such thoughts to intrude upon his joyous moments with Arin.

He felt torn between the life he had envisioned with Arin and the confusing emotions that seemed to be bubbling up around you and Wooyoung.

Yeosang knew he shouldn't be feeling this way.

He was about to marry the woman he loved, and he had no right to entertain thoughts that might jeopardise their happiness. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to push those thoughts aside, they lingered, a constant source of discomfort and confusion.

As the wedding day drew closer, Yeosang grappled with a storm of emotions, struggling to understand why he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

His heart was divided, torn between his love for Arin and the unsettling thoughts that kept returning to you and his best friend.

And indeed, time sure as hell flies when you're suffering.

Next thing you all knew, the morning of the wedding arrived, and the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement. Yeosang and Wooyoung were in a shared room, getting ready together, a tradition that had been upheld since their childhood.

Yeosang couldn't shake the nagging thoughts that had plagued him in the days leading up to the wedding.

He had watched Wooyoung and you grow closer, and the curiosity had finally become too much for him to bear. As he adjusted his tie and pretended to be in high spirits, he decided to broach the subject, masking his true intentions behind playful banter.

"You know, Woo," He began, a playful glint in his eye, "I've been meaning to ask you something."

Wooyoung, who was busy straightening his own tie, looked up with a raised eyebrow, "Ask away, Yeo. I'm an open book."

Yeosang chuckled, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance, "So, what's the deal with you and my bestie lately? You guys seem pretty close. Anything you want to share with your best man?"

Wooyoung glanced at Yeosang, his expression carefully neutral, "We've just been hanging out more, you know, like friends do."

Yeosang continued to feign playfulness, though the urgency behind his question was growing stronger, "Come on, Woo. You can't hide anything from me. Spill the beans. Is there something I should know?"

Wooyoung sighed, realising that Yeosang wasn't going to drop the subject easily. He decided to be honest but kept the details vague, "She has been going through a tough time, Yeo. I've been there to support her as a friend, that's all."

Yeosang's heart sank at the mention of you going through a tough time. He had no idea about the disease or the depth of your suffering, and the guilt began to creep in, "Is she okay?" He asked, his tone shifting from playful to genuinely concerned.

Wooyoung nodded, "She's getting better, but it's been a challenging journey for her. She's a strong person, though."

Yeosang nodded, his mind racing with unanswered questions. He wanted to ask more, to understand the nature of your struggles, but he feared delving too deep into a conversation that might reveal his own complex emotions.

With a forced smile, Yeosang changed the subject, steering the conversation away from you and back to the wedding preparations.

But deep down, he knew that the questions would continue to linger, and the unsettling feelings that had plagued him wouldn't be easily dismissed.

As the hours passed, the wedding day unfolded like a beautifully scripted scene.

Arin, radiant and resplendent in her bridal gown, had been whisked away to the makeup room, where you had the privilege of helping her prepare for her momentous day.

As you carefully applied Arin's makeup, ensuring every brushstroke was just right, Wooyoung entered the room with a soft knock. His presence was a soothing balm amidst the whirlwind of emotions that had been swirling within you.

Wooyoung cast a gentle smile in your direction, silently checking on you. His eyes held a hint of concern, a reflection of the care he had shown you during the painful days of your illness.

Arin, who was perched in her makeup chair, noticed your exchange and couldn't resist teasing you, "You two seem awfully close lately," She said with a playful twinkle in her eye, "Is there something you're not telling me?"

Wooyoung and you exchanged knowing glances, your camaraderie evident. You chuckled and replied, "Just good friends, Arin. No need to start any rumours."

He nodded in agreement, "Exactly, Arin. Nothing more, nothing less."

Arin feigned disappointment, though her smile was infectious, "Well, I suppose I won't have any juicy gossip to share at the wedding then."

The three of you shared a lighthearted laugh, the tension in the room dissipating. Arin, completely at ease in her friends' presence, couldn't have been more delighted with the support she had from both of you.

Stepping out of Arin's makeup room, you couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Arin was glowing, her happiness contagious, and you were truly delighted for her.

But as you made your way down the hallway to prepare yourself for the wedding, you encountered Yeosang, dressed impeccably in his suit.

Your heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, his striking appearance making it hard to suppress the surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm you. You reminded yourself, painfully, that he would never be your groom. You had to bury your feelings deep down and put on a brave face.

Yeosang, however, didn't let the moment pass without addressing the unspoken turmoil that had been brewing between you.

His voice was gentle as he began, "I heard from Wooyoung that you've been going through a tough time."

You froze, surprised by his directness.

You had never expected Yeosang to bring up such a personal topic, especially on his wedding day, "Yeosang, I didn't want to burden you," You replied softly, your gaze avoiding his, "You have so much on your plate with the wedding preparations, and I didn't want to add to your stress."

Yeosang's expression softened, and he reached out to gently tilt your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"You've always been my closest friend," He said earnestly, "I wish you had confided in me. I hate to think that you're going through something difficult alone."

His words tugged at your heart, and you fought to keep your emotions in check, "I didn't want to trouble you, Yeo," You whispered, your voice quivering, "I didn't want to distract you from your happiness with Arin."

Yeosang's eyes held a depth of sincerity that caught you off guard.

Without a word, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, a simple but heart-fluttering gesture that spoke volumes.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you realised the depth of his care and concern. The weight of unspoken emotions lingered in the air, and for a brief moment, you allowed yourself to savour the bittersweetness of the moment.

Yeosang wanted to be there for me, even on his wedding day.

As you pulled away from each other, he whispered, "You're never a burden. I want to be there for you, no matter what." His words hung in the air, a promise that warmed your heart and offered a glimmer of solace in the midst of your pain.

With a grateful smile, you nodded, unable to find the words to express the depth of your feelings.

The truth was, even though Yeosang would never be yours, his friendship and support meant the world to you, and in that moment, you felt less alone in your struggle against the sickness.

As the moment of truth approached, you, as the maid of honour, gracefully walked down the aisle, the soft music filling the air.

Your heart was filled with bittersweet emotions, knowing that you were witnessing the culmination of Yeosang and Arin's love story. The sight of the gathered guests, the exquisite decorations, and the serenity of the venue created an almost ethereal ambience.

Yeosang, waiting at the altar, was taken aback by how beautiful you looked in your dress.

He couldn't help but marvel at your beauty, a realisation that struck him like a bolt of lightning. He wondered how he had never truly noticed it before, how your presence had always been an unassuming constant in his life.

Even when Arin began her walk down the aisle towards him, gorgeous in her bridal gown, Yeosang struggled to tear his eyes away from you. The air grew tense, and his unease mounted as he noticed Wooyoung remaining attentively by your side, a silent pillar of support.

When the officiant reached the part where he asked if there were any objections, a hush fell over the guests, and the words hung heavily in the air.

"Speak now, or forever hold your peace."

You felt a lump form your throat, your heart racing as you struggled to hold back the words that threatened to escape.

Your gaze darted away from Yeosang, unable to meet his eyes, and you clenched Wooyoung's hand tightly, drawing strength from his reassuring touch.

The seconds felt like hours, and the weight of unspoken truths hung heavy in the room. But in that moment, you made a choice. You chose to hold your peace, to let Yeosang and Arin's love flourish without your own pain becoming a stumbling block in their journey.

The ceremony continued, and as you took a deep breath, you knew that you had made the right decision.

It was a moment of silent sacrifice, a testament to the depth of your love for Yeosang and your desire to see him happy, even if it meant holding back your own feelings.

As the officiant's voice filled the air, Yeosang was asked the pivotal question: "Do you, Kang Yeosang, take Choi Arin to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

But the words 'I do' stuck in his throat, and his eyes remained inexplicably glued to you, standing there as the maid of honour. The atmosphere grew increasingly charged, and the guests began to murmur with confusion.

Arin's expression shifted from anticipation to confusion, then to shock and finally to hurt as she observed Yeosang's unexpected hesitation.

The once-happy occasion was marred by the tension that had settled over the ceremony.

Yeosang's internal struggle and his prolonged silence sent ripples of concern through the gathering. The guests exchanged worried glances, and the atmosphere grew increasingly uncomfortable.

At that moment, all eyes were on Yeosang, who had unwittingly become the centre of attention.

The wedding, which was meant to be a celebration of love, had taken an unexpected turn, and the unfolding drama left everyone horrified, especially Arin, who stood there, her heart breaking in front of all her loved ones.

You were completely taken aback when you realised that his eyes had been on you all this while, his hesitation to say 'I do' leaving you bewildered and conflicted.

Confusion and surprise etched across your face, you couldn't comprehend what was happening.

The sudden rush of emotions left you disoriented, and your chest tightened painfully. It was at that very moment that the disease chose to strike with an unprecedented intensity.

As you coughed violently, a hand to your mouth, the pain was excruciating. Your eyes widened in fear, and you couldn't help but look at the bloodied flower petals that had spilt into your palm.

You were acutely aware that everyone, especially Yeosang, had witnessed the horrifying spectacle, and the secret of your condition was no longer hidden.

Amidst the chaos, Wooyoung, worry etched across his face, acted swiftly. He immediately ushered you out of the venue and guided you to the nearest bathroom, concern evident in every step he took.

You clung to him, your heart and mind racing with fear and embarrassment.

Unbeknownst to you, Yeosang had been overwhelmed with worry as well. He had momentarily forgotten about his own wedding, his concern for you taking precedence.

He followed you out of the venue, his heart heavy with anxiety and confusion.

Meanwhile, Arin stood there at the altar, her heart shattered by the turn of events. She felt a profound sense of embarrassment and devastation, her once-happy wedding day transformed into a bewildering and painful spectacle.

She had no choice but to watch as the love of her life rushed after you, leaving her alone and heartbroken at the altar.

Yeosang's heart pounded in his chest as he rushed to the bathroom, fear and dread coursing through him. He was met with a harrowing sight when he arrived— you, heaving painfully in Wooyoung's arms, the sink scattered with bloodied flowers.

The sight sent a wave of horror and helplessness through him.

He gasped and called out your name, his voice filled with anguish and concern. He knelt beside you, desperate to offer any form of comfort.

You turned your head weakly, your eyes locking onto his with a mixture of surprise and worry, "Yeosang, what are you doing here?" You rasped, your voice strained and weak, "You can't be here. Arin is waiting for you."

Yeosang's expression was a mix of determination and distress. He shook his head, his eyes never leaving yours, "Don't be foolish," He implored, his voice unwavering, "You're more important right now. Please, tell me the truth about your condition."

You tried to protest, to divert his attention back to Arin, but the concern in Yeosang's eyes held you captive. It was clear that he wasn't going to back down, that he needed to know the full extent of what you were going through.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you met his gaze, a mixture of relief and vulnerability washing over you.

You knew that keeping this secret from him had only led to further pain for both of you. With a trembling breath, you began to share the painful truth about the Hanahaki disease that had been plaguing you for so long.

As you spoke, Yeosang listened intently, his heart heavy with the weight of your suffering. He couldn't bear the thought of you enduring this pain alone.

At that moment, the world outside the bathroom seemed to fade away, leaving just the three of you—Yeosang, Wooyoung, and you—bound together by a revelation that would forever alter the course of your lives.

As the painful truth about the Hanahaki disease spilt from your lips, Yeosang's distress deepened.

He listened intently, his eyes filled with a mixture of empathy and anguish. When you had finished explaining the devastating condition, a heavy silence hung in the air.

Yeosang finally gathered the courage to ask the question that had been haunting him, his voice trembling with uncertainty, "Is it me? Am I the reason you're suffering like this?"

You hesitated, your heart aching at the thought of admitting the truth, the truth that had remained hidden for so long. Before you could respond, Wooyoung, who had been standing by your side, stepped in with compassion in his eyes.

"Yes, Yeo. It's you." Wooyoung said softly.

"Now you know why she couldn't confide in you about this. She's been carrying this burden for a long time."

As Wooyoung gently confirmed the truth about your unrequited love for Yeosang, the weight of the revelation settled heavily in the small bathroom. You remained in Wooyoung's arms, tears glistening in your eyes, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Wooyoung continued, his voice gentle but firm, "But she's going to get the surgery soon to remove the flowers. It's the best way to ensure her health and happiness. So please, don't forget about Arin. She loves you deeply, she deserves your love and commitment too."

Wooyoung emphasised the importance of not hurting Arin further, reminding Yeosang that you had made the difficult decision to undergo surgery to remove the flowers soon.

He urged Yeosang to respect Arin's love and commitment, as she deserved nothing less.

Yeosang listened intently, his face etched with a complex mix of emotions. It was a lot to process, and the realisation that you had been harbouring these feelings for him for years was undoubtedly overwhelming.

He understood Wooyoung's plea not to cause further pain to Arin, a woman who loved him deeply.

However, something unexpected happened in that moment.

As the idea of you undergoing surgery to remove the flowers, and consequently, your feelings for Yeosang, settled in his mind, he felt a surge of discomfort. A strange sense of unease washed over him.

The thought of you no longer loving him, of your feelings for him vanishing forever, was strangely unsettling. It was a sensation he couldn't quite explain. Yeosang found himself torn, grappling with his own unexpected emotions. He didn't want you to stop loving him, even though he couldn't be with you.

As he stood there, caught in the tumultuous storm of emotions, the bathroom felt like a confessional, each revelation and response pushing you further into the uncharted territory of your relationships and desires.

The path ahead remained uncertain, and the choices you make would carry profound consequences for all involved.

The aftermath of the cancelled wedding was a sombre and bewildering affair.

Guests were left stunned by the dramatic turn of events, and sympathy flowed overwhelmingly toward Arin, who had been publicly humiliated on what was supposed to be her special day.

Yeosang, grappling with the consequences of his actions, sought to apologise to Arin later on, knowing that he had caused her immense pain. But when he approached her with remorse in his eyes, she remained cold and distant.

Arin's voice was filled with hurt and anger as she confronted him, her words cut deep, "You disrespected me, Yeosang, in front of everyone we love. If you had second thoughts, you should have spoken to me before we went through with this wedding."

Her disappointment and sense of betrayal were palpable, and as they exchanged harsh words, it became clear that their relationship had been irreparably damaged.

She made a painful decision, one that she believed was necessary for her own well-being.

She broke up with Yeosang, unable to be with a person who could bring such heartache and humiliation on what should have been a day of joy and celebration.

Yeosang watched helplessly as Arin walked away, the weight of his actions crashing down on him.

He had lost not only the love of his life but also a cherished friendship, all because of his own conflicting emotions and the tangled web of unrequited love that had ensnared everyone involved.

The aftermath of that fateful day would leave lasting scars on their hearts, a stark reminder of the consequences of decisions made and secrets kept. It was a painful lesson in love, sacrifice, and the unpredictable ways in which the heart can lead us down unexpected paths.

Meanwhile, your days in the hospital leading up to the scheduled surgery were filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

The Hanahaki disease had taken a toll on your health, and you could feel your condition worsening with each passing day. The support of friends like Wooyoung had been a lifeline, but as the surgery date neared, you couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the weight of your own guilt and sorrow.

One day, as you lay in your hospital bed, Wooyoung excused himself to give you some privacy when Arin arrived to visit you.

You were surprised by her presence and felt a pang of guilt knowing that her relationship with Yeosang had ended due to the events at the cancelled wedding.

Tears welled up in your eyes as Arin spoke, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and understanding.

She told you that she and Yeosang had parted ways, and you couldn't help but apologise profusely, your voice trembling as you accepted responsibility for the pain you had inadvertently caused.

"It's all my fault." You cried, feeling the weight of your unrequited love and the havoc it had wreaked on the lives of those around you.

Arin, ever empathetic and kind, reached out to comfort you, her touch gentle and reassuring. She surprised you by apologising as well, her voice filled with regret, "No, I'm sorry. I should have realised what you were going through all these years. I should have been there for you instead of being the cause of your pain."

Her words were a testament to her character, her ability to see beyond her own suffering and extend empathy to others.

It was a bittersweet moment of understanding and forgiveness between two people who had both borne the burden of unrequited love and the pain it brought.

As you shared your regrets and sorrows, you couldn't help but be grateful for the compassion and understanding Arin had shown you.

It was a glimmer of hope in the midst of your own struggles, a reminder that even in the darkest times, human connection and empathy could offer solace and healing.

It's been a week since the disaster of a wedding.

Yeosang found himself grappling with a growing sense of fear and unease, knowing you would be going through the surgery soon. It was a period of deep reflection for him, and he couldn't help but look back on the moments you had shared throughout your school years.

He recalled the countless memories you had created together, the adventures, secrets, and dreams you had once shared as friends.

It finally struck him now, how blind he had been to the hidden depths of his own feelings for you. He thought back to the times when you had been there for him, the unwavering support and companionship you had offered, and he couldn't believe he had missed the signs of your affection for him.

Yeosang's thoughts delved into the pain you must have endured, watching him and Arin together, celebrating their love while suppressing your own.

The image of you coughing up bloody petals haunted him, a cruel reminder of the silent suffering you had endured for so long.

In those quiet moments of introspection, Yeosang experienced a profound realisation—one that left him both startled and shaken. He began to question whether his feelings for you had been more complicated than he had ever allowed himself to admit.

The possibility that he might return your feelings, that his heart might have been yearning for you all along, crept into his mind like a whisper.

It was a revelation that left him feeling conflicted, as he grappled with the consequences of his newfound understanding.

As the surgery date approached, Yeosang found himself facing a crossroads in his own heart, torn between the past he had shared with Arin and the uncharted territory of his emotions for you.

The future remained uncertain, and he couldn't deny the weight of the choices he would have to make in the days to come.

Just a day before your surgery, Yeosang stood outside the door of your hospital ward, his heart heavy with the newfound realisation of his feelings for you. He felt a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and guilt, unable to face you after everything that had transpired.

It was in this vulnerable moment that Wooyoung caught up with him, recognising the turmoil in his friend's eyes.

He guided Yeosang to a nearby bench, understanding that they needed to have a candid conversation about the complex emotions that had surfaced.

Sitting down with a sigh, Yeosang finally admitted his feelings to Wooyoung, his voice laced with sincerity and vulnerability, "Woo, I think... I might have feelings for her. I've been blind to it for so long, but now it's clear to me."

Wooyoung listened attentively, his expression serious as he absorbed Yeosang's confession.

He couldn't deny the depth of their friendship, nor the gravity of the situation. Wooyoung knew that he needed to address this with utmost care to ensure that Yeosang's feelings were genuine and not a result of guilt or confusion.

With a stern gaze, Wooyoung cautioned his friend, "Yeo, you need to be absolutely certain about this. She has been through so much pain, and the last thing I want is for you to play with her fragile feelings."

Yeosang nodded, his eyes filled with determination.

"I am certain, Woo. My feelings for her are real, and I don't want to hurt her anymore."

Wooyoung relented, his concern slowly giving way to a sense of understanding and support. He placed a hand on Yeosang's shoulder, his voice softened with genuine care.

"If you're sure about this, then please, Yeosang, make her happy. After everything she's suffered, she deserves nothing less."

With that silent understanding between them, the weight of Yeosang's newfound feelings hung heavily in the air.

It was a pivotal moment, one that would shape the course of their relationships and the choices they would make as they navigated the intricate threads of love and friendship.

As Wooyoung returned to your side, a small smile played on his lips.

He observed you carefully, noting a subtle change in your demeanour. You looked better, your complexion less strained, and there was a lightness in your eyes that hadn't been there before.

He couldn't help but tease you gently, "Hey, have you noticed any difference in how you feel?"

You paused, taking a moment to assess yourself.

To your surprise, you realised that you did feel remarkably better. The persistent ache in your chest had begun to fade, replaced by a newfound sense of ease and comfort.

Your eyes widened in realisation, a mixture of disbelief and joy washing over you.

Could it be? Could it really be that Yeo had returned my feelings?

Unable to contain your excitement, you nodded fervently, "Yes, Woo! I feel... I feel like I can breathe again."

At that moment, hope blossomed in your heart, and you couldn't help but believe that something extraordinary had occurred. Wooyoung wasted no time in calling the doctor to confirm your condition.

After a thorough examination, the doctor confirmed what you had dared to hope for – the Hanahaki disease had disappeared. The petals, the pain, the suffocating weight in your chest – all of it was gone.

Tears welled up in your eyes as the weight of the revelation settled in. It could only mean one thing: Yeosang loved you too. The realisation was overwhelming, a flood of emotions surging through you.

In that hospital room, surrounded by the echoes of a journey marked by pain and heartache, a new chapter began to unfold. The tangled threads of unrequited love were finally unravelling, giving way to the possibility of a love that had been years in the making.

As you stepped out of the hospital, Wooyoung by your side, your heart raced with anticipation.

There, by the entrance, stood Yeosang next to his car. His presence alone sent a flurry of emotions coursing through you, and you couldn't help but wonder if he had come to finally confess his feelings.

Wooyoung, always the protective friend, gave Yeosang one last warning, his voice filled with a firm seriousness, "Yeo, you better not hurt her. If you do, you'll have to deal with me."

Yeosang nodded, his own determination shining in his eyes, "I won't, Woo. I promise I'll be good to her."

Once Wooyoung had left, it was just the two of you, standing there in a moment heavy with unspoken emotions.

Yeosang took a deep breath, his gaze locked with yours, and he began to speak with a sincerity that left you breathless. His voice quivered with a mixture of emotions, a blend of regret and newfound clarity that gave weight to every word he uttered.

He began by saying your name, his voice soft but resolute, "I need you to know something. I've been blind for far too long, and I can't hide from the truth any longer."

He paused, his eyes searching yours for understanding and forgiveness. His admission hung in the air, a palpable tension that begged for resolution.

"I realised," He continued, his voice unwavering, "That I might have been more oblivious than I ever thought possible. For years, I couldn't see what was right in front of me—the depth of your feelings, the pain you were silently enduring."

His words carried the weight of years of unspoken emotions, and he reached out to gently cup your face with his hand. His touch was tender, a silent apology for the blindness that had kept you apart.

"God, I'm so sorry," He whispered, his voice filled with remorse, "I'm sorry for not noticing your suffering, for not realising the depth of your love. But now, I see it, and I can't deny how I feel any longer."

His confession hung in the air, a pivotal moment in your shared history. It was a moment of vulnerability, of acknowledging the love that had silently existed between you for years.

Yeosang's gaze never wavered, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and determination, "From this moment forward, I promise to love you the way you deserve to be loved. I won't let my blindness or mistakes hold us back anymore."

You felt tears pricking at the corners of your eyes as his words washed over you, a wave of warmth and hope. It was a promise that held the weight of your shared history and the possibility of a future filled with love and happiness.

Unable to contain your emotions any longer, you closed the gap between you and pressed your lips against his, sealing your newfound understanding with a sweet and tender kiss.

It was a kiss that spoke of forgiveness, redemption, and the beginning of a love story that had been a long time in the making.

Time flies when you're suffering, but it sure as hell goes by even faster when you're happy.

In the years that followed Yeosang's heartfelt confession, your lives took on a new and beautiful rhythm, one filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

With the pain of the past behind you, Yeosang surprised you with a proposal on a picturesque beach at sunset one evening.

As the waves lapped gently at your feet, he got down on one knee, a radiant smile on his face. The words "Will you marry me?" were finally spoken to the right person. Tears of joy streamed down your face as you said yes, sealing your love in the most perfect way.

Your wedding day was a celebration of love and friendship.

Wooyoung stood proudly by your side as the best man, his unwavering support a testament to the strength of your bond.

As you and Yeosang exchanged vows, the happiness in your hearts reflected the years of longing and the promise of a future filled with shared love and adventures.

The joy of your union was extended to your growing family.

The two of you became parents to a beautiful baby boy, your love was now reflected in the eyes of your son. Wooyoung, always the protective friend, stood by you both during the journey to parenthood, offering guidance and support.

Your family gatherings were filled with laughter and warmth. Wooyoung, of course, remained a cherished presence in your lives, sharing in your joy and becoming an honorary uncle to your child.

Every year, you celebrate your love and commitment to each other with anniversaries marked by heartfelt surprises and romantic getaways. And you bet Wooyoung was there to raise a toast every time, reminding you of friendship's enduring power.

As the years passed and your love grew stronger, mundane yet cherished moments filled your days.

One sunny afternoon, Yeosang and you decided to embark on a cute little supermarket date, a routine outing to restock your home and ensure your little one had everything he needed.

Walking hand in hand through the aisles, you exchanged smiles and shared whispers, the simple act of being together filling your hearts with contentment. Your cart was filled with baby supplies, fresh groceries, and a few indulgences that always seemed to find their way into your basket.

As you turned a corner in one of the aisles, your carefree laughter echoed through the store. That's when it happened—your encounter with the past you had left behind.

In the midst of your laughter, you suddenly pulled away from your husband, a dramatic gasp escaping your lips as if caught doing something scandalous.

Yeosang blinked in confusion, his brows furrowing as he tried to comprehend your sudden change in behaviour.

But then, your eyes widened as you realised the reason for your flustered reaction. There, just a few feet away from the two of you, stood Arin. It was a chance encounter neither of you had expected.

In a panic, you whispered to Yeosang, "Arin's here." as if the mere mention of her name would explain your sudden reaction.

He turned to look in her direction, his expression one of surprise mixed with curiosity. Arin noticed your presence and made her way over to you both, her laughter filling the air.

"Hey, you two," She greeted you warmly, her smile genuine, "What a surprise to see you both here," Your cheeks flushed with embarrassment as you stammered out a greeting, "Arin, hi. It's been a while."

Arin laughed, clearly amused by your earlier dramatic reaction, "You don't have to be so flustered, silly. I promise I won't bite," Yeosang, ever the composed one, extended a hand with a friendly smile, "It's good to see you, Arin. How have you been?"

Her eyes sparkled with happiness as she shared her news, "I've been great. I'm getting married soon."

Your heart swelled with genuine happiness for her as you offered your congratulations, "That's wonderful, Arin. We're really happy for you," Your husband nodded in agreement, his smile warm and sincere, "Congratulations. We wish you all the happiness in the world."

Arin's laughter echoed through the supermarket once again as she thanked you both for your well wishes.

It was a chance encounter that reminded you of the twists and turns life had taken you through, and the enduring bonds of friendship that remained, even in the face of new beginnings.

As you returned home, your hearts still light from the unexpected encounter with Arin, you were greeted by the familiar warmth of your shared space.

Opening the door, you found Wooyoung, who had been helping you babysit your energetic son, engaged in playful antics with the child, their laughter filling the room.

"Hey lovebirds, how was the supermarket adventure?" Wooyoung greeted you two with a smile, gently setting down your son.

Yeosang and you shared a knowing look, still revelling in the shared moment you had just experienced, "It was... eventful," You replied with a chuckle. Your husband chimed in, "We bumped into someone unexpected."

Wooyoung raised an intrigued eyebrow, "Oh? Do tell."

And so, you recounted the encounter with Arin, reliving the moments with laughter and shared glances. Wooyoung listened with genuine happiness, his eyes sparkling with the memories of your journey together.

"I can't believe how far we've come," Wooyoung mused, a nostalgic smile on his face, "From those crazy days with the Hanahaki, to this. I'm so glad it's all over."

His words echoed your sentiments exactly.

The pain and secrecy of those days felt like a distant memory, replaced by the warmth and love that now filled your lives.

As the evening settled in, you found yourselves in the living room, watching your son playfully interact with Wooyoung. The room was filled with the sounds of their laughter, a symphony of joy that warmed your hearts.

Unable to contain your happiness, Yeosang and you shared a glance, your smiles reflecting the contentment that filled your hearts.

Slowly, he reached for your hand, your fingers intertwining in a silent promise of the love you shared. As your son's giggles filled the air, Yeosang leaned in, meeting your lips in a tender kiss.

In that quiet moment, as your son played happily with your best friend, you knew that your journey had come full circle.

The pain of the past had given way to a future filled with love, laughter, and the unwavering support of the people who had walked this path with you.

And so, you sat together, cherishing the simple yet profound beauty of your shared life, grateful for every step that had led you to this moment of pure happiness.

It was my birthday (9/9), and I'm in a really good mood, so I decided to drop this earlier than initially planned. Hope y'all liked this one! Thank you for reading and as always, I'd love to hear all your thoughts so feel free to leave a reply, an ask or even a message if you want! <3

Tag list: @aurasblue @marievllr-abg

All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.

[justatiredghost]

No Freedom from Knowing Ch1

ao3

The general mistrust of magic as well as dangerous people in his past kept Jonathan Sims isolated, hidden away where he hoped he might finally be safe. Until he met someone who might be worth shattering that peace for.

-

Jonathan Sims was in a foul mood. It had been approximately 37 hours since the intrusion attempt, but he was only just now able to get himself out of bed. Bad pain days were nothing new of course, but he had so many things he needed to get done and the fact that his schedule could be so derailed by a group of misguided youths daring each other to harass the dangerous recluse who lived in the woods was aggravating to say the least. 

He’d tried to expend as little magic as possible to strengthen the barrier and reroute them back in the other direction, with vague suggestions of horrors flickering across their vision to hopefully deter future attempts, but they were persistent and it had left John completely drained. 

At least it had worked in the end. Settling on this method to keep out intruders had been a long trial-and-error process, and he bore scars that proved it necessary. This was the safest method for all involved. 

Not for the first time he wondered if he should leave, move far away, but he’d already tried that. That was how he’d ended up here in the first place, except the pre-existing building and defenses had been a stroke of luck that wouldn’t be happening a second time. There was no way he would be able to build a house and start over all on his own. 

Besides, it wasn’t like magic was looked on more favorably anywhere else. He’d be in danger wherever he went, and he couldn’t hide forever. At least these woods were dangerous to travel through, discouraging most from exploring. 

The irony wasn’t lost on him that he was more afraid of those in the town nearby who had discovered him than he was the monsters that lived with him in the forest. Then again, the fact that the monsters didn't seem to want him dead on the same level might be because they saw him as one of them, and that didn’t exactly set him at ease either. 

Regardless, all of this had led to him outside, elbow deep in soil, replanting herbs well after dark. They had been outgrowing the hanging basket for some time now and he simply couldn’t put off relocating them any longer. The forests were dangerous once night fell, but he was more than safe inside his little haven. 

At least, he was supposed to be. 

There was a loud crash followed by his chickens squawking in surprise and indignation and John felt his blood run cold. If a wild animal or monster had gotten in, the chickens would be making very different noises. In a lot of ways, it would have been better if it had been, at least then he wouldn’t have to find a way to fend them off without harming them. 

No, it had to be those delinquents, back to try again, and John had just been too weak to notice their approach. The runes were still in place and the barrier was definitely still up. If they’d discovered how to pass through without destroying it, he would be in serious danger. He could be overrun by the entire town, a proper angry mob, and he would stand no chance. 

His old injuries ached, reminders of why it was so much safer to isolate himself, to hide away from the world. It was scary enough being confronted with one reckless kid trying to impress his friends let alone the entire town. He let himself cling to his anger, at the indignation of it all, the constant fear he was too tired to feel anymore, and he let it stoke that anger. 

He knew he wasn’t exactly an imposing figure, but he had an impressive temper, and it had successfully chased off some before they could realize how frail he looked. If he could utilize that now, he would. Anger was easier than dwelling on that fear anyway. 

“You’ve got to be joking,” he fumed, raising his voice as he grabbed his cane and used it to help leverage himself onto his feet. “Back again so soon? I was lenient before, but if you insist on intruding, you’ll wish I had simply killed you when I had the chance, instead of running you off—“ 

He came around the side of the chicken coop and froze. Lying on the ground in a heap was not a young delinquent but an injured man, looking up at him in bewilderment, breathing hard, presumably from running away from whatever had injured him. And, no doubt, the shock of winding up in John’s little hiding place. 

“Good lord, are you hurt?” John asked, taken completely off guard. He bit his lip to try to focus, get back on track, because he couldn’t show that sort of weakness here, not in front of a stranger. He raised his cane as if he or it were anywhere strong enough to bludgeon someone. “If you leave now, perhaps I will show mercy— wait, you’re bleeding rather a lot—“

“Sorry,” the man said, throwing him off again. “About your chickens.”

He didn’t even look afraid of John like he should be. Confused, yes, and certainly in pain, but the fact that his concern was immediately on the chickens he had frightened left John with no idea what to do. Especially when the man collapsed, unconscious. 

“Well,” John said, studying the man, bringing his cane back down to lean on. “That’s inconvenient.”

John himself had been described many ways; wiry, scrawny, lanky, and the like, and the man on the ground was anything but small, more than twice as wide. This would be difficult, but not impossible. Over exertion would leave him unable to move much the next day or so, but he should be able to get him inside and tend to his injuries before his bad leg gave out. Probably. 

-

Honestly, John was grateful that the stranger hadn’t been conscious for any of his puffing and panting as he dragged the man into his bedroom and eventually onto his bed. It was altogether an undignified experience. He was successful in the end, though, and finally set to tending his injuries. 

There were plenty of superficial cuts on exposed skin, a hazard of sprinting through the trees and brambles. There was an ugly gash on his side, though; one that looked suspiciously familiar. If it was what he thought, this man could have been marked and still be in danger. He should strengthen his wards just in case. 

He was about to draw away when a hand shot out and grabbed his wrist. He barely managed to stop himself from yelling in surprise, looking down at the large hand holding him in place. The grip wasn’t particularly tight, but it still caused his hand to shake minutely, unwelcome memories helpfully supplying possibilities for the sorts of terrible directions this situation could go in. 

He looked up at the large man currently in his bed. He still looked pale and weak and afraid. No anger or accusation in his eyes, which was possibly a good sign. To his surprise, the man’s eyes widened at John’s reaction and he quickly released him, raising his hand as if to reassure. The shock of this was enough to surprise John out of his own fear, leaving him bewildered.

“Please, wait,” the man said, voice weak. “Please don’t go.”

“You— want me to stay?” John asked. Maybe he just didn’t understand what was happening, too delirious with pain. Maybe he didn’t know where he was. 

“There was something out there—“ he said with wide eyes. 

“It wasn’t me,” John said quickly, and the man looked confused, as if it didn’t make sense for every townsperson to accuse John of any ill that befell them in the forest. 

“No, I know,” he said, still looking confused. 

“O-okay,” John said. “I’ll stay.”

The man looked so relieved he let out a heavy sigh, his eyes falling shut. He must have been exhausted. And if he’d had an encounter with one of the more insidious monsters in the forest, John felt for him and what he must be going through. 

And then John berated himself for the thought. It didn’t help to feel for others, to get attached. Yes, this stranger had such an open and friendly face, and he appreciated the consideration he showed in releasing and reassuring John despite his own fear. But once he was properly awake, he was sure he’d change his tune. Still, John didn’t want to have to see this man’s expression twisted in disgust or hatred, directed at him. 

John shook his head as if that could banish the thoughts. This was pointless, this always went the same way. As far as the town was concerned, John was the boogeyman they warned their kids about. The monsters in the area were supposed to be all his fault, and every death they caused was blamed on him. This man would look at him just like all the others, as a monster who had sold his soul or some such nonsense. 

The truth was, he was just as much a monster as far as the townspeople were concerned. Any time he’d found one injured and tried to help, they’d usually fled as soon as they were able. After a few days at most, this man would be gone and John would be alone again, as he was meant to be. As he deserved. 

The biggest danger would be trying to avoid angering the man or accidentally getting in his way during his escape and getting injured for it. His body had taken more than enough punishment over the years and he wasn’t exactly keen to add to his collection of scars. And this man was solid and strong even despite his injury. 

John waited another hour before he left the stranger to his sleep. He knew all too well the nightmares the things in the forest could give, so he weaved a little magic, hoping it might help keep them away, allowing him to actually rest peacefully. A wave of exhaustion washed over him for his efforts, but he simply sighed. It was time to get back to his planting. 

-

John was moving much slower today, exhaustion and pain seeping through every part of him. He wasn’t going to take a break, though, he had too much to do. He’d changed the stranger’s bandages that morning, but he didn’t have a chance to check in on him again until early evening. He was halfway across the bedroom before he realized the man was sitting up, watching him, and he stumbled to a halt. 

“Oh, you’re awake,” he said, blinking in surprise. Then winced. He of all people knew how invasive it could be, stuck in an unknown place, at the mercy of someone else. He wanted to do this properly, make sure this man knew he would be given as much privacy as possible, and he’d already messed it up. “I apologize, moving forward, I will be sure to knock before entering.”

“It’s fine, it’s your house,” the man said with a shrug. “I should be thanking you, you saved my life. I’m Martin, by the way.”

“Um, Jonathan. John,” he replied. “You do know where you are, right?”

“I think so,” Martin said, glancing around at the room, as if it held the answers. John wasn’t much for interior design, it was mostly filled with practical items, tools and supplies, extra blankets. No evil talismans or dead birds or whatever people thought he should collect. “I remember running through the forest, running from— something. So I assume that means you’re—“

“It’s fine,” John said casually when he stopped to ponder his next words. “You don't have to find a polite way to say it, I know they call me a witch.”

“A-are you?” Martin asked, and to his credit, he did look more curious than fearful. 

“No, but people don’t exactly care about the nuances,” Jon said with distaste, conveniently leaving out the bit where he did in fact know magic and didn’t exactly get this ability from a reputable source. “If they see something they can’t explain, they usually chalk it up to witchcraft.”

“Okay,” Martin said, as if that answered everything, as if he was going to simply accept his word for it. John told himself it didn’t mean anything, he could just want to move on. But there was something so trusting in his eyes. It made him feel unsteady. 

“Yes, well,” he cleared his throat. What was he even doing? He had a script and everything to make this as smooth as possible. He needed to get back on track. ”I have gone to great lengths to tend your wounds, so I suggest you not do anything to worsen them. Unfortunately, that means a return journey back to town is ill advised, so I am forced to extend my hospitality while you heal. You are, of course, welcome to leave at any time, but my protection only extends to my land here. Once you cross over the perimeter, if you collapse, I will not be carrying you back here again. Is that understood?”

“Y-yes,” Martin said quickly, but he looked concerned. “I don’t want to impose—“

“Nonsense,” Jon said dismissively, because there was no chance he would ever throw someone out while they were hurt. “While you are under my care, you will be provided food and shelter. And, no, I don’t plan to poison you. There would be no point.” 

He’d had to add that to the end of his little speech after being accused several times, as baffling as that was. He didn’t even grow anything poisonous here. And then he waited. The man still showed no inclination to flee. 

“O-okay?” was all Martin said, more of a question than confirmation when the silence dragged on a little too long. 

“Usually this is the part where you would try to flee. I won’t chase you if you do.” He indicated his cane by gently tapping it against the wooden floor. “Even injured, you’ll likely be faster.”

“I have no idea what is happening right now,” Martin said. “I don’t really want to run, do I have to?” 

“Wha— no, obviously not,” Jon said. He’d been doing his best to stand straight, give some sort of weight to his presence, even if he wasn’t exactly imposing. This entire thing was so confusing, though, he couldn’t help but deflate, clutching his cane close to himself with both hands, like he could hide behind it. “Like I said, I’d advise you to stay. It’s just that people usually wish to get as far from here as possible when given the chance. Are you sure you know who I am? It’s just that, I’d heard my reputation was quite grim.” 

Martin pondered this for a moment before he spoke. “You saved my life. I was so terrified and alone, and then you were there. You stayed with me. How could anyone not trust you after that?”

John couldn’t remember the last time someone reacted this way. Had anyone ever, after he’d gotten his magic? He’d come so far, to a place where no one knew Elias Bouchard, where he wouldn’t be associated with the likes of him. But it hadn’t mattered, they could still see the magic in him. 

Not that John had ever been great at lying or hiding his nature. He discovered that the hard way when he’d first gotten involved and went looking for help. That was why he needed a cane most days. Not that he blamed them, they’d been right. This had all been his own fault.  

He pivoted, trying to get back on track, returning to his script to help him through this interaction. He couldn't let himself get so thrown like this, he couldn’t let himself be vulnerable. 

“Well, as I said, you will be staying here until you are well enough to leave. Please make yourself comfortable as this will be your room. I will have dinner prepared shortly. I make three meals a day, but you are of course welcome to any food in the kitchen whenever you like.”

And with that, he turned and left the room. He was on unfamiliar ground, now. So very few people stuck around after this point, and his paranoia was throwing out all sorts of suggestions, reasons why this had to be a trick or a trap. But what would even be the point? 

He sighed and leaned heavily on his cane as he headed for the kitchen. He still had things to do. And a suspiciously endearing individual to cook for. He grimaced. He shouldn’t be thinking of Martin as endearing, he was only going to get himself hurt. He was usually so much better at not getting attached. Maybe he was just more lonely than usual and this was the first person to not lash out at him in— a very long time. 

-

It was a bit of a balancing act, holding the tray of food as well as leaning on his cane all while fumbling with the door after knocking. Eventually John got it open, though, and felt much too proud of himself. Martin made as if to stand when he saw, but he just glared at him and waved him off. He did not want to have to redo any stitches so soon. He then hooked his cane around the leg of a small table and dragged it over to the bed and placed the tray down on it. 

“Dinner,” he said with a gesture, as if that was needed. “In order to avoid aggravating your wound, I thought I would bring it here. However, you will be expected to take meals in the other room in future so long as your condition doesn’t worsen.”

“Of course,” Martin said, nodding enthusiastically. “I’m sorry you had to go to all this trouble.”

“That’s— that’s fine,” John gave him a confused look, because grateful or apologetic was not typically the reaction he received and he found himself thrown once again, uncertain how to proceed. Somehow this made him more worried than anger would have. 

“Wow, this looks amazing,” Martin exclaimed as he examined the food, oblivious to his internal turmoil. 

”Um,” John’s cheeks darkened and he awkwardly rubbed at the back of his neck. “You can leave your dishes there when you are finished. I’ll retrieve them later.”

And then he turned and slipped out of the room at impressive speed before he could say something else kind, that made his chest feel so warm. He decided it was time to scrub the floor. That would distract him from all this. 

[leaveharmony]

"Don't ask questions," I said, thrusting the plastic snack container into the garage, "just take the ladybug outside."

"...what?" said mum

IT WAS ON ME

I came back after my rushed hallowe'en walk, pulled off my skeleton shirt and this big red thing went flying off up to the ceiling light. Then presumably it either blinded itself or burnt its lil feet cos it dropped like a rock onto the carpet, where I trapped it in (appropriately) a little orange bat covered jewellery box, stopped to put a shirt on, put the plastic container over the jewellery box, and skidded a piece of paper underneath both.

Ladybug successfully relocated, unharmed but probably a little confused.

[dragonbleps]

The biggest wolf spider ive ever seen in my life was in my living room and i successfully relocated it outside and no one got hurt and im not sweating and im only shaking a little bit

[loco-warehouse]

Britney's Mutation Ideas, part 1

I'm still figuring out where in Season 3 it would take place, but it's definitely in the mid to late part of the season.

Retconned Ideas Originally there was gonna be some time inbetween where I wanted there to be a development where Britney and Angela have their separation post-Kraang invasion from Season 2. Instead, it might lead to a immediate separation of Britney searching for her mother.

Main Ideas An additional episode where Shredder and his henchmen are trying to collect more of a "dangerous chemical." The Hamatos, April and Casey, alongside Britney's late appearance, fight the Footclan on gaining more of the chemical. Shredder makes a fast, special appearance, becomes sick of simple missions becoming difficult.

Shredder successfully fight the turtles and grabbed Britney's backpack, throwing her into the air and noticed that he tore her backpack. He looks down, realizing he has a torn piece of workbook paper. "Britney Patel-Stockman." Shredder looks up, immediately making the connection as he watches Britney makes a L hand signal towards him and sticking her tounged out, before being covered by purple smoke.

Shredder's henchmen surround him, talking amongst themselves as Shredder crushes the piece of homework. "Bring me...Patel and Stockman..." Tigerclaw, Xever, and Alec ( @dongpound oc) all have a worrying look, glancing towards each other. Except Chris, because he's a dickhead.

--

Tigerclaw and Xever are escorting Baxter Stockfly towards Shredder's throne room. They're both are trying to keep a cool tone as Baxter flies around excitedly and shares on how he's happy to show his progress of his genetic mutation experiments. The two henchmen share an annoyed look and glare at the buzzing fly.

Chris and Alec escorts Angela, who holds and check multiple folders and files. She looks a bit stressed, trying to keep up on paperwork and recent orders and production for Shredder. Chris says under his breath, "Why are they all this annoying?" "Shush!"

Angela focus does switch as soon as she enters the throne room, and is staring at Baxter. They're both at a standstill as Stockman lightly lands next to her, before being left alone by the four henchmen. They keep a professional stance.

"Baxter Stockman and Hun's secretary...Come forward."

The two obey, coming forth as they watch as Shredder reaches his hand towards a Foot Solider guarding his side. The solider proceeds to place a torn, wrinkled piece of paper into his hand. "From my understanding, you two weren't in connection with each other. Correct?"

"Yes, Master Shredder." Angela bows.

"Yet I hold evidence of proving that statement false."

Shredder crumples the paper before lazily throwing it towards the two, the paper bouncing against Stockman's forehead. He reaches forward for it, unraveling to reveal--

Mixed Numbers to Decimals. Britney Patel-Stockman.

A piece of homework.

A piece of stupid math homework is what threw them under the bus.

"You deceive me, and allow this child to ruin my plans again, and again!"

"Mazzter Zzhredder, pleaze-!" "She doesn't realize what she's involved in!"

"SILENCE!"

Outside the throne room doors, the four listen in. "Finally," Chris snares, "a chance to get rid of the turtles bratty pet!" "Oh shut it, you haven't killed a teenager let alone some five year old." Alec rolls his eyes.

Before Chris is even able to respond, TigerClaw and Xever shush the two as they place their ear against the door.

Shredder continues his berating of the two's incompetence, degrading whatever work they have pursued because as long as their child is in the way, all three becomes an obstacle for his plans.

"I will make myself clear only once! You two will have tonight to relocate your spawn. After tonight, if she is to be in the way, I will call for her death! Am I understood?"

Angela hastily nods and bows deeper, head down as she shouts, "She will be out of the way tonight, Master Shredder!"

[crispy-art-on-fire]

I was inspired by @/welldonekhushi posting her Vampyr ocs and so made my very own self indulgent self insert. Marius Anderson. They're part of the Brotherhood of Saint Paul's Stole and very autistic about Skals as they are the object of their study. Talk about them about Skal and you're in for a very heated entirely one sided conversation. Came from Sweden to London in the midst of the pandemic because they heard from Edgar there seemed to be an outbreak of Skals.

Never seen without their big coat as its thickness help mitigate damage and also because when their face is covered (which it is while on a hunt at night) it is hard to tell what gender they are. Often makes them mistaken for being a part of Guard of Priwen by locals and vampires, though would be absolutely horrified if you suggested that. They are doing this to study vampires! Not kill them! The Guard themselves think of them as a nuisance but not harmful.

During in-game they have a level 4 Willpower and is present in the Docks. Showing up at Pembroke after Sean leaving to excitedly grill the staff for details before trying to find Sean themself, only to get lost and need rescuing because they got distracted trying to talk to feral Skals and being hopelessly outnumbered. After Jonathan saves them they gracefully ask for his blood as to try again a different time.

The next night Marius will be found lurking outside the Night Shelter as Ichabod won't let them inside for being too obviously suspicious but they become friends trading stories of vampires (Marius being too excited talking about Skals. Ichabod being glad that someone -even if that person is a bit mad- believes him.) Depending on the choice of what to do with Sean they will either successfully get their interview (Turn), be forced to relocate (Spare), or wistfully blaming Jonathan (Embrace).

If Marius is Embraced they laugh and say "I thought I'd be smarter than fall for this. Truly thought I could make a change in this world." The loot would be their syringe (off-hand blood weapon, takes a lot of stamina but the blood gained is significant), an incomplete essay about Skal, ink pen and watery blood.

Yes I did write the essay I know you weren't asking but this was the idea that birthed Marius.

[usafphantom2]

25 Years Ago Today: An U.S. F-117 Stealth Jet Is Shot Down Over Serbia 🇷🇸

March 27, 2024 Military Aviation

F-117 shot down

F-117 as seen through the NVGs (A1C Greg L. Davis, USAF, via National Archives)

OTD in 1999, “Vega 31” was shot down near Belgrade. Here’s how it went.

On Mar. 27, 1999, during the fourth night of Operation Allied Force (OAF) over Serbia, a U.S. Air Force F-117 Nighthawk (#82-0806), flown by Lt. Col. Darrell P. Zelko, was shot down while returning to Aviano airbase, after a strike mission against a target near Belgrade.

The F-117, callsign “Vega 31”, was hit by one of a series of missiles fired by a S-125 “Neva” missile system (NATO reporting name, SA-3 “Goa”) belonging to the 3rd Battalion of the 250th Air Defence Missile Brigade of the Army of Yugoslavia, at a distance of about 8 miles.

According to Sergeant Dragan Matić, the soldier later identified as the operator who fired the missiles, the stealth plane was detected at a range of about 50 to 60 kilometres and the surface-to-air missile radar was switched on for no more than 17 seconds.

F-117 wreckage in Serbia.

The pilot successfully ejected and was rescued between 5 and 8 hours later (depending on the sources): AFSOC (Air Force Special Operations Command) dispatched MH-53M, MH-53J and MH-60 aircrew along with Special Tactics Airmen responded to the emergency and, coordinated by E-3 AWACS and supported by several specialized platforms, including an EC-130E ABCCC and A-10 in Sandy role, rescued the F-117 pilot.

While the shootdown of the F-117 #82-0806 marked the first ever and only downing of a stealth aircraft in combat, how the Serbians managed to achieve the then almost unbelievable kill is still open to debate.

On one side, the Serbs claimed they had found a way to detect stealth aircraft by using slightly modified radars: the modifications involved the use of long wavelengths to try to “paint” the target at short range, exploiting the moment when the low observability of the Nighthawk was degraded by the opening of the bomb bay door.

However, this was not true: according to some Serbian sources, the story of the modification was purposely told by the battalion commander and served as propaganda. In the end there was no modification of the P-18 or SNR-125 radar.

What is true is that the Serbians were extremely cautious in operating their SAM batteries, dispatching messages without using cell phones or radios, so as not to risk to be intercepted and geo-located, and relocating the batteries across the country.

F-117 taxies at Aviano AB during Operation Allied Force (USAF)

In the end, besides the successful tactics used by the Serbians, the shootdown of the F-117 was also the result of a series of other contributing factors:

the use of the same route for the third day in a row, making the flight path of the stealth aircraft predictable

the lack of dedicated SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) support

the fact that the F-117 approached the Belgrade area flying at low level, jinking and banking

the Serbs knew that the F-117s were coming, because, they monitored U.S. and allied radio comms on UHF and VHF frequencies, which, at the time, were mostly unencrypted; were also able to intercept NATO plane’s ATO (Air Tasking Orders) that enabled them to put anti-aircraft batteries at positions close to the ground targets; relied on a network of spies who operated outside the Italian airbases spotting aircraft taking off and others, near the Serbian borders, who provided details about the incoming raids.

Anyway, the achievement of Colonel Dani Zoltan, who commanded the SAM battery of the 3rd Battalion and used a SAM system introduced in 1961, is impressive especially considering that, after shooting down “Vega 31”, “Hammer 34”, an F-16C of the 31st Fighter Wing piloted by Lt. Col. Dave Goldfein (future Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force) was also shot down by the 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade on May 2, 1999.

Moreover, it has also emerged that another F-117 was damaged by Serbian air defenses during Allied Force.

A Yugoslav propaganda poster, stating facetiously “Sorry we didn’t know it was invisible”.

The F-117 today

25 years after the famous and quite surprising, at that time, downing, the iconic F-117 continue to fly, despite being officially retired in 2008.

As we report quite frequently here at The Aviationist, F-117s are still flying not only for training purposes as adversary aircraft and cruise missile surrogate, but also for research, development, test and evaluation, possibly related to next generation programs.

In accordance with of the Nation Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2007 (PL 109- 364, Section 136), 52 F-117 aircraft were retired and relocated to the Tonopah Test Range (TTR). Under the requirements of the NDAA, the USAF preserved each F-117 aircraft in Type-l000 (T-1000) storage, which maintains the aircraft in a condition that allows recall for future service. On 30 November 2016, Section 133 of Subtitle D of the National Defense Authorization Act repealed the requirement to preserve the F-117 aircraft in a recallable condition and the USAF intended to declassify, demilitarize, and disposition four F-117 aircraft per year.

F-117 Fresno

An F-117 Nighthawk lands for the first time at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Sept 13, 2021, to conduct training missions with the local Air National Guard unit. Two F-117 Nighthawks are participating in dissimilar air combat training missions this week along with F-15 pilots from the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, Calif. (Air National Guard photo by Capt. Jason Sanchez)

The aircraft continued to be spotted, even more than it had happened until then, with the Nighthawks also deploying to several U.S. bases to carry out Dissimilar Air Combat Training with other U.S. types. Then, in 2021, the U.S. Air Force published the first official images of the type still involved in flight operations on the DVIDS (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service) network.

In September 2022 the Air Force Test Center published a Request For Information (RFI) about a possible 10-year contract, expected to start from January 1, 2024, for maintenance and logistics support services for the F-117A fleet at the TTR airfield, acknowledging that the U.S. Air Force is willing to keep the aircraft flying at least until 2034. Interestingly, the U.S. Air Force is about to complete the certification of the F-117s to refuel from the KC-46: a sign that the service plans to keep the Nighthawk flying for many more years.

F-117

One of the two F-117s flying low over the Sierra Mountains on Apr. 21, 2023. (Image credit: @stinkjet)

About David Cenciotti

David Cenciotti is a journalist based in Rome, Italy. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviationist”, one of the world’s most famous and read military aviation blogs. Since 1996, he has written for major worldwide magazines, including Air Forces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, and many others, covering aviation, defense, war, industry, intelligence, crime and cyberwar. He has reported from the U.S., Europe, Australia and Syria, and flown several combat planes with different air forces. He is a former 2nd Lt. of the Italian Air Force, a private pilot and a graduate in Computer Engineering. He has written five books and contributed to many more ones.

@theAviationist via X

[trivanvanile]

Meet the Fantasy High OC of mine!

Cicada Wrenn, Level 13 Circle of Spores Druid.

He’s a 4’3” Kenku that weighs about 75lbs, soaking wet. Don’t be fooled by his diminutive shape, as he is stronger than most people. Backstory below.

Born to his mothers, Illen and Wynne, in the Grove of Owls, just outside Bastion City. Cicada was very in tune with nature. When he was six, their entire circle was forced out for the sake of real estate development.

His family relocated to Elmville, where Illen started a charity organization to help displaced druids, and the less fortunate with free food and water. Wynne established a landscaping company that works primarily to protect nature itself.

Cicada had grown dedicated to his druidic studies, and after a certain point, his parents agreed to send him to Aguefort, where Cicada struggled to make friends. Even at 14, his intensity was a lot, and his random anti-establishment rants got him in a lot of trouble. He would often skip class until one day the Druid Teacher spoke to him about the kind of person he wanted to be, and how blooming in adversity is natural.

From then on, Cicada became something of a more stoic individual. During Sophomore Year he was extremely thrilled to go after a “settlement” effort in the Swamps of Chaos, which became personal when he learned the company involved with the loss of his Grove was connected to the colonization efforts.

At the start of his Junior Year, Cicada received an early A+ for his classes for successfully creating a Druidic Grove just outside Elmville, over his summer break. So he rarely is at school. His party members usually find him helping Illen delivering fresh produce and water, or in a holding cell in Bastion city after a protest becomes a riot. (either defending his fellow protesters or antagonizing counter protests)

As for the Junior Year Drama? He doesn’t really have a strong opinion either way. He doesn’t care for the Rat Grinders, and the Bad Kids aren’t particularly his crowd, though he will admit to enjoying Fabian Seacaster’s Lofi Study Hall.

[alltimefail-sims]

LORE TIDBIT TIME WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Did you know Vlad was apart of the settler colony who mysterious disappeared? This is obviously a nod to the Roanoke colony which I think is sooo cool. What do you think happened to Vlad's colony? I like to think Vlad was turned or became a vampire and whipped them out.

HELL YEAH LORE TIDBIT ABOUT VLADDY DADDY!!! 😏

I'm going to treat this as a "deep dive" into Vlad and Forgotten Hollow, so I'll be adding it to my Deep Dive Series tag. Unsurprising to literally everyone, but this is gonna be a long one.

So… let’s get into it! ↓

Going into this I will admit that I actually did know this about Vlad!! I've been wanting to talk about it for forever but have never gotten around to it haha. 🤭 I'm a bit of a history nerd and I love a good spooky story/conspiracy, so naturally the Roanoke Colony was one of my obsessions when I was around 11 or 12 years old.

I think it's an interesting tie in from the sims team, I'd even say it's a bit meta because I feel like the game normally sticks to making references toward itself and its own canon characters/events while generally staying away from anything that would be too direct of a reference to "our world." Personally though I wish they broke the fourth wall more! I like easter eggs or hidden details that make it easier to imagine the characters existing not in their isolated, imaginary worlds, but in ours instead.

It's interesting to think about why the sims team might have made this connection - was it just a cheeky, unserious little wink to a well-known unsolved mystery, or was it done for the purposes of creating implications and expanded lore regarding Vlad and Forgotten Hollow (a case of them showing us instead of telling us). There are so many theories archaeologists and historians alike have had about the lost colony of Roanoke over the years: some believe the Roanoke colonists could have all died by disease or famine, some believe they could have been victims of a deadly storm, some believe they were attacked by neighboring tribes or by Spanish soldiers. Nowadays there are scholars who will argue that no tragedy befell the settlers at all and that they simply relocated (that would be why they left "Croatoan" behind - there was a nearby location referred to as Croatoan Island, now modern-day Hatters Island).

With that in mind, along with Vlad's own refusal to recall the details of this event, it's safe to assume that the sims team isn't referring to the happier Roanoke theories...the 25 colonists of Forgotten Hollow likely faced an unfortunate end.

Your theory of Vlad being turned and thus wiping out the colony (I'm guessing due to new-turn bloodlust) is sooooo compelling, the implications of that scenario are delicious and I personally never thought of it from that angle! My theory is only a little different: I agree that Vlad was turned on the day that the colonists "disappeared" (whatever that implies), but I have always played Vlad's story not as if he was turned and then killed everyone after, but rather that the thing that turned him successfully killed the other colonists but accidentally turned Vlad. It's a really long story that I play around with for fun in my brain but the short-ish version is: Vlad awoke outside - cold, alert, sweaty, dirty and covered in his own blood - but somehow alive, which he was thankful for. His new immortal condition is still unbeknownst to him at this point, but he felt an ache like never before, so deep in his bones it was excruciatingly painful, but his senses were heightened tenfold. He didn't remember much, just that the colony had been under attack the night before. His relief to be alive rapidly melted into abject horror as he found everyone else (friends, neighbors, family, children) dead. He realized soon enough what had happened to him and stayed in Forgotten Hollow where he would be memorialized as its "founder." He spent his days hellbent on retaliation and retribution, but was also steadfast in continuing the work that was began there before the attack. Eventually he does get to face off with the vampire who attacked him and his people, killing it and rising to power in the vampire world. He keeps the events close to his chest because they were traumatizing and cause him sadness, and he's worked diligently to remove himself from his humanity/human memories and from emotions in general (thus how he has become the person we see today). I always thought if he killed the colonists himself the other vampires in his circle - at least his closest confidantes - would know (as he's got quite the massive ego), but they don't seem to have knowledge of this event and they never mention it. I've thought that it could be possible that sharing the memories of this event would make Vlad feel weak, and he's not one to boast in his weakness. He'd much rather rewrite history in a way that is beneficial to his image; dragging up emotions about dead people would not bring them back to life, and by burying this history of a massacre in Forgotten Hollow he is also creating some mystery around himself and making it easier to play the role of a great-great-great-great grandson (or whatever he's pretending to be, relationship-wise) to the original founder.

But that's just how I play with Vlad! 🤷 I could be way off-base lmao!

Regardless of what happened, we know Vlad is the sole survivor of this event and he is scarred by it, impacted so deeply that he only ever vaguely alludes to it with no clear explanation. Whether he killed the colonists himself or just witnessed their death, the sims team will probably never give us concrete answers (and frankly, that's probably for the best considering their track record). But the clever connection of the LOST colony and FORGOTTEN Hollow are clear as day and I just think that is freaking cool! The occult lore in TS4, especially regarding Vlad and Forgotten Hollow, make interesting framework for storytellers and lore-lovers alike! Vlad is one of those characters who has sooooo many interpretations, and I eat up each and every one!

Okay, I think that's all I've got for now! Sorry about my word vomit! Somewhat related: here's an article I recently read on Roanoke that talks about the archaeological finds which have changed some of the discussions surrounding whether the colonists survived or not! I found it pretty interesting and you might as well!

[girlactionfigure]

The Brave Headmaster: Dr. Erich Klibansky

He saved five entire classes.

Dr. Erich Klibansky was the headmaster of a Jewish high school in Germany who saved dozens of his students by teaching them English and arranging for them to join the Kindertransport to safety in Great Britain.

Born in Frankfurt to a religious family in 1900, Erich was an exceptional student who studied history, German literature and Romanian languages at university. He married Meta David and together they moved to Breslau, where they both taught at Jewish schools. Their son Hans-Rafael was born in 1928, and the next year the family moved to Cologne, where they had two more sons, Alexander and Michael. Erich became headmaster at the Yavne Jewish gymnasium (high school) in Cologne. It was the only Jewish high school in that part of Germany, the Rhineland. Yavne was a co-ed school teaching both Jewish and secular subjects. His wife Meta also worked at Yavne teaching English. The family found a spacious apartment in Volksgartenstrasse, a desirable part of town.

Erich – known to his students as Dr. Klibansky – was immediately popular with students and staff at the school. They appreciated his warm manner and personal interest in every student, as well as his strong leadership at a difficult time.

Germany was in a severe economic crisis, and as a private school Yavne didn’t get any subsidy from the state. Erich’s job as headmaster became focused on fundraising. Motivated to ensure that any Jewish student in Cologne could get a good education despite financial hardship, Erich successfully raised money to keep the school open. As his reputation grew, young Jews started coming to Yavneh from outside Cologne and soon the newcomers made up a quarter of the student body.

As the Nazis came to power in the 1930’s the situation grew grim for Jews in Germany. In 1937 the Klibansky family was forced out of their nice apartment in Volksgartenstrasse and relocated to a tiny flat in a squalid slum. After the Kristallnacht pogrom in November 1938, it became clear there was no future for Jews in Germany. At this point, Erich’s mission as headmaster of Yavne changed. Previously, the school was focused on training the students for exams and university but now the only important thing was survival. He heard about the Kindertransport, an organized rescue effort bringing Jewish children from Nazi-controlled areas to safety in England. Erich determined to get his students on the Kindertransport, and in fact hoped to relocate the entire school to England.

He re-focused the school curriculum to provide intensive English-language instruction for all students in preparation for their escape. Erich reached out to prominent Jews in London and got support for his plan to move Yavne high school to England. The Central British Council for Refugees arranged for the students to stay in a college dormitory.

By summer 1939, Erich was able to send five entire classes of students – a total of 130 people – on the Kindertransport to England. His plan was to get all the students out and then join them in England with his family. However everything came to a halt when war broke out in 1939. The borders were sealed, as was the fate of the Klibansky family and those students who hadn’t left yet. Erich, his wife and three young sons managed to hide from the Nazis until July 1942, when they were arrested and transported to an unknown location. On July 25, the family of five was shot in a wooded area in Belarus and, dying, dumped in a prepared pit.

The brave headmaster’s story has been largely forgotten, but in 1990 a square in Cologne where Yavne high school used to be was dedicated to him and renamed the Erich Klibansky Platz.

For saving the lives of 130 Jewish students, we honor Erich Klibansky as this week’s Thursday Hero.

[lawain-dimensional-heroes]

Lore: Dimensionals / Dimension god candidates and the dimensions in question

Dimensionals - beings who are able to are able to use their dimension manipulating abilities to their advantages. These beings are originally Dimension God candidates who are on the mission to surpass the current Dimension God. Nowadays Dimensionals aren't required to strive to become Dimension Gods to be able to become Dimensionals. But even so, all Dimensionals play their part of their role in the universe.

Dimensionals' Role:

A dimensional, regardless of their goal, are requires to aid the current Dimension god if said god needs their help. The roles the god assigns to a Dimensional is to be the judge of the dimension in question: if said dimension is fit to exist yes or no and if life inside it can survive without aid yes or no.

While most Dimensionals judge the dimension they're signed to judge in their own way, it's the Dimension God's choice that determines if one dimension is fit or not.

The outcomes of a ruling by a Dimensionals:

if a Dimensionals has made their decision on whether a dimension is fit to exist or not and whether it can exist with or without help they will need to inform it to the Dimension God regardless of the outcome. While the Dimension God has the final say in it, a Dimensional's ruling can affect said god's final decision.

in a climate where the Dimension God has to preserve energy for one reason or another, or there's a dire situation at hand, the ruling may decide if the god finds it wise to keep a Dimension in question linked to the rest of the dimensions, or if it's safe for the Dimension to be temporary or permanently severed from the rest of the dimensions, making dimensional travel impossible for all but the Dimension God themselves. There's also a much higher likelihood that unstable dimension gates can occur in that dimension, leaving some people from those unlinked dimensions to be either moved to linked dimensions by accident or to other unlinked dimensions.

If the Dimension God decides the dimension in question is no longer fit to exist, there will be at least an opportunity given by the people inside said dimension to relocate to another dimension. Once those who wish to relocate are successfully relocated the process of destroying the dimension can begin.

The process will not only make the dimension in question cease to exist, but it will also turn all everything that was in that dimension during that process to be turned back into energy as it all goes back to the Azoth, the source of everything in the universe.

The process can also potentially result in the people who got relocated from that dimension to forget the existence of that dimension, including everything inside that dimension during that erasure process: their original home(s), their original power source (if their powers comes from an outside source) as well as forgetting the people who are erased in that process as well as potentially more things.

[dansnaturepictures]

Remembering Winnie: The extraordinary Winchester Peregrine

Following the sad news of Winnie’s passing following a scuffle with a newly arrived female last week (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-68478589) I wanted to look back on what Winnie meant to the city and her species and my personal journey with her.

Winnie at the cathedral in January 2024

Winnie and her partners Chester and then William have done amazing things for their species nesting both at Winchester Cathedral where they became global stars thanks to the nesting tray in the gully and the webcam and the old Police headquarters building before that. It’s so awe-inspiring to consider how many chicks the pairs produced and what a wonderful impact this has had on the numbers of this species which continues to bounce back strongly. In 2020 they raised an extraordinary five chicks. It is also incredible how they and particularly super mother Winnie also came to represent the species. From Chichester to York having Peregrine Falcons nesting on cathedrals and similar buildings in cities is very much a trend of modern Britain and I remember when I first began working in Winchester in 2016 (a year before Winnie and Chester’s relocation to the cathedral as their nesting ground) I was desperate to see my birth and new work city join the trend. From people I have met and spoken about them with behind the fence looking up at their inspiring north tower nest site at the cathedral to people on social media including those maybe not as interested in birds as myself it has been heartening to hear so much enthusiasm for these magnificent birds. It was a sad day learning of Winnie’s passing, but it was somewhat comforting that it was in the grip of the brutality of nature and completely within a natural process that she met her end rather than anything more sinister given the persecution of birds of prey that still is sadly so present in the country. And of course with the new female appearing to slot in with William seamlessly as I observed first hand at the cathedral on Thursday (having it seems, seen the two females together on nearby St. Thomas Church perhaps before/during the scuffles the Wednesday before) I’m so glad there are still Peregrines in Winchester.

Winnie at the cathedral in 2019

Winnie at the cathedral in 2020

2021 chicks at the cathedral

I have so much to thank the Winchester Peregrines for personally. Before they started nesting at the cathedral from 2017 and successfully from 2018 I really liked Peregrines, you can’t really be into birds and not admire the fastest in the world and such a fantastic and beautiful species. It was a species I saw sporadically, I actually think I’d count myself lucky to see one once or twice a year. So it was quite something when from 2018 to early 2020 when I worked in Winchester every day, especially in the breeding season, I was able to see a Peregrine most days (or most weeks/at least once a month perhaps outside the breeding season). And I really became so familiar with them and so enamoured with them, they became one of my favourite birds thanks to the Winchester ones. When seeing them elsewhere at places I did more so before the Winchester ones, mostly coastal marsh locations that extra love I had for them was really clear. I came to reflect in recent years how Peregrines are really evocative of marsh locations where outside of Winchester I’m most used to seeing them and also my favourite area generally rugged coasts with cliffs and the thought of a Peregrine with their almost haunting call really conjures up a sense of the wild for me. So when seeing them at the cathedral and St. Thomas Church where they also spend a lot of time often a staging post for the chicks development in my working days I get an injection of the wild often much needed in a busy city working day which is so powerful. I really do never tire of the amazing opportunities to see and photograph the birds in Winchester and I often have to pinch myself and say “There’s a Peregrine Falcon up there!”

Winnie at St. Thomas Church in 2022

I think Winnie takes the greatest place in my heart among the Winchester Peregrines as following original partner Chester’s passing in 2021 a year later my full time working from home arrangements (bar the odd day here and there) morphed into the hybrid system with two days in Winchester in the office per week and the rest at home so I was back in the city on a regular basis. Winnie with her new partner William and the three chicks they produced between 2022 and 2023 spearheaded a new era for me. The thing that the Peregrines first drove me to do in 2019, bringing my second camera my bridge camera in my work bag on some office days as it fits in, became an even more regular thing. When factoring in some odd days I was required to come into the office each month and photographed them on my lunch break before the hybrid system began between November 2021 and January 2022 between Winchester Cathedral and St. Thomas Church I managed to photograph them in twenty four consecutive months that run finally came to an end when I didn’t manage a photo of one in November 2023 which felt so special. After photographing one in every month apart from March in 2019 before the pandemic hit in 2020 I wanted to photograph one in every month of the year one year, doing that in 2022 as part of that incredible run was worth waiting for. When considering my time watching Winnie I don’t know where the years have gone but it’s wholesome to think that I was seeing this same bird regularly for six or seven years (I only had fleeting glimpses of one flying during the 2017 breeding season earlier into my Winchester working days at my old job where I didn’t necessarily go to the cathedral as much and I don’t believe it was public knowledge that they were nesting at the cathedral so much and can’t recall which, though one was flying past the office window as it was nearer to the cathedral back then). That consistency of seeing one bird for so long is really valuable and a fairly rare thing I suppose. With my photography it has created such a special relationship with Peregrines too of being able to take so many photos of them and strive for and develop things. I have enjoyed many great times watching them on the webcam giving everyone invaluable access to watch them too. https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/explore/peregrines/

Winnie at the cathedral in 2023

Thank you for everything Winnie, it’s been a blast! I will never forget her, but watch with interest to see how the new pair do this year and beyond.

A couple more of the many chicks, at the cathedral in 2019

The late days of Winnie, a shot of her taking pride of place atop the cathedral's north tower in February 2024.