#lee: “hmm hes been strange lately... did i do something wrong??”

[iamrizaka]

gay

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Laisse tomber les filles 5

Warnings: non-consent sex and rape; size kink; age gap; manipulation; tags to be added as story progresses

This is a dark!fic and Lee Bodecker x (short) reader and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Synopsis: You find yourself ostracized on campus by your shyness, but your reticence won’t deter an unwanted suitor.

Note: That slow creep, tho

Thanks to everyone for reading and thanks in advance for all your feedback. :)

I really hope you enjoy. 💋

<3 As usual, I’d appreciate if you let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply or an ask! Love ya!

You looked down at your body and fidgeted. The skirt was so short you pulled on a pair of stockings in an effort to hide your legs, and it was tight like the blouse. Both pieces seemed to be just a size too small. The boots were higher than any heels you’d worn before and you felt awkward in the get-up.

Noon. That was when he told you the night before as he kept stalling you from leaving. Every time you were ready to push open the car door, he had something else to say. You agreed to noon just to appease him so you could run and hide in your dorm.

You pulled on your long pea coat and stuffed your textbooks into your canvas bag with the leather straps. You hiked it up on your shoulder and slung your pocketbook from your other. You stepped out into the hallway and wobbled on the heels. You clung to the handle as you kept yourself upright.

“Wow, you look special,” Gina remarked as she peeked through the kitchen door.

“Um, thanks,” you pulled your coat closed and buttoned it, “it’s… new.”

“It’s cute,” she said as Lisa came to peek through the doorway as well.

“Where are you going?” the second girl asked.

“To study,” you said as you carefully made your way to the heavy door that led to the stairwell.

“Oh, study, huh?” she teased, “can’t be alone then.”

“I’m gonna be late,” you kept your chin down.

“Don’t let us hold you up,” Gina said as you opened the door and stepped out.

“I didn’t know she had anywhere to go,” Lisa’s trilled and her voice slipped into the hall just before the wood slid back into the frame.

You exhaled through your nose and braced the railing for your slow and treacherous descent. As you got to the bottom, you teetered and pressed yourself to the wall as two girls came through the door. You watched them flit up the stairs and scurried out into the spring air.

The weather was as bitter as before. It smelled like wet grass and mud. The sun beamed down warmly and made you sweat in your jacket. You gripped the strap of your bag and cleared the single step to even ground.

“Honey,” the voice drew your eyes up from your boots and you blinked. 

The sheriff stood by his cruiser as he watched you. He didn’t wear his uniform, instead a pair of grey slacks and pure white button-up under his usual leather. He smiled and came to the end of the walk as you hesitantly closed the gap. Your heel caught in a crack and you stumbled. He caught you and gave a soft laugh.

“You okay?” he asked as he held your elbow in one hand and his other went to the small of your back.

“I’m fine,” you righted yourself and parted from him, “just didn’t see the crack.”

“Here,” he tugged on your heavy knapsack, “let me take this.”

You let him, unsure what to say. He was early. Your watch assured you he was a whole twenty minutes ahead of schedule. Your own timing was purely habit as you hated to keep others waiting.

“Thank you,” you squeaked as he put the bag in the back seat.

“So, can I see it?” he asked as he shut the door.

“What?” your brows knitted in confusion.

“The clothes,” he said lightly, “that is what you’re hidin’ under there, right?” he pointed at a large round button on your pea coat, “it’s too warm to be wearin’ all that.”

“Can I wait… until we’re at your, um, place?” you clutched the round collar of your coat anxiously.

“Oh, for my eyes only, huh,” he teased with a wink.

“No, I just… can we go?”

“Course, honey,” he brushed by you and opened the front door, “get in.”

You sat and pulled your legs in, hooking them around the edge of the seat stiffly as you crossed one over the other. The door closed and you picked at the metal clasp of your pocket book and chewed your lip. Why were you doing all this? You were an adult, he said it himself, you could say no…

You glanced around, his sheriff’s hat sat on the dashboard and you shook your head. No, you couldn’t. He was a cop and your discomfort wasn’t a reason to be uncourteous. Your mother always told you to push yourself out of your safe zone. She hated how you always held yourself back because you were scared. It was difficult enough to get you out of the house and into a dorm.

Once he was in the car, there was no turning back. You coudn’t lie about feeling sick or claim a forgotten study group, you were on your way and suddenly you were filled with panic. What if he wasn’t taking you to his house? Did that star on his hat really mean he was a good person?

“Um,” the syllable slipped from you nervously.

“What is it, hon?” he asked as he gripped the grooved wheel.

“Um, I don’t…” you stuttered as you searched for words. You couldn’t let him know what you were really afraid of, “so, uh, I would’ve thought that… you have a wife?”

His brows flicked up as you peeked over at him. He pushed his bottom lip out and hummed. He clicked his tongue and sighed.

“Well, I did,” he admitted, “but I don’t like to talk about it too much. She, er, she’s married to my deputy now.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” you said quietly, “I didn’t…”

“It’s all over now,” he shrugged, “you know, I’ve moved on. We’re both happier for it.”

“That’s… good, then,” you murmured.

“Must be, I met you,” he smiled, “huh?”

“Well, I…” your hand shook and hid it up your sleeve, “I don’t know, I’m a bit young, aren’t I?”

“Young?” he said, “you don’t act it. You’re a lot more mature than lots of ladies I know. The way you carry yourself… you work hard I can tell. I don’t see your age, just a good woman.”

“Hmm,” you pursed your lips tightly.

“I mean it,” he insisted, “you got character beyond your age.”

“Thank you, but I… I don’t know,” you picked at the cuff of your coat.

“You brought your books?” he said, “must’ve. That bag sure is heavy. I got a place for ya all set up.”

“Oh?”

“I’ll be workin’ on supper, I hope you don’t mind the noise,” he drawled, “you know, I don’t cook often so I might be a bit… lost.”

“You don’t have to cook for me,” you offered, “really, it’s… too much.”

“I wanna, honey,” he said, “ain’t it special? A fellow cookin’ for his lady?”

“Uh, oh,” you frowned, “sure.”

“And you can turn the radio on if you like,” he continued, “it’s new.”

You nodded and listened meekly. Every argument you had for him was quickly shot down. He was so good at telling you how you were wrong or what to do while making it feel like good advice. Each demand, each want, was presented as common sense. It was impossible to argue with him because deep inside, you couldn’t argue with yourself. 

While your gut told you something was off, your head assured you of your paranoia. You didn’t know any better, did you? You didn’t know how these things worked, how men and women got along, so of course it would feel strange to you. But he knew and he was so confident about it, he must be right.

📚

Lee’s house was nice, just outside the city limits. It reminded you of the suburban homes you passed on your way to high school in your hometown. You only ever lived in an apartment with your parents and so found the place extravagant compared to boxy until attached hallways noisy with troublesome neighbours.

He led you onto the porch, the wood painted white, and opened both the screen door and thicker wood one ahead of you. You were forced to brush against him as you entered. He was quick to trail you, the screen snapping shut behind him. He hung his leather coat and tugged on the back of your collar as he plunked down your bookbag.

“Go on then,” he said, “let me see it, honey.”

You closed your eyes and steeled yourself. You forced a smile as you undid the first button and slowly turned to him. You unhooked each until the coat fell open and you let it fall down your arms. You quickly swept it up and he took it to hang beside his own.

He faced you and gripped your shoulders as he looked down at you. You shied away as his eyes roved down your body and you took a step back as you crossed your arms.

“They’re a bit tight,” you said.

“You look mighty fine,” he slithered, “look like they fit just nice.”

“Erm,” you rocked on the balls of your feet.

He smiled and knelt to untie his shoes. You unzipped the boots and stepped out of them, stretching your arches as before you brought them flat. You pushed them beside his shoes as his strong cologne tickled your nose.

“Just in here, honey,” he waved you through a doorway, “come on.”

He went back to grab your bag and pointed you in ahead of him as he returned to you. He went to the sofa and dropped the bag on the cushion. 

“You can get settled in,” he sidled away from the coffee table, “the radios there,” he gestured to the console table along the wall, “record player too.”

“Thanks, I should be fine,” you neared and sat on the edge of the couch.

“I’ll be through there, in the kitchen,” he peeked over at another door, “you need anything, just holler.”

“I will,” you twined your fingers through each other, “thank you.”

He smirked and shoved his hands in his pockets as he lingered on the other side of the table, “you do look nice in that,” he looked you up and down again, “you don’t even need the stockings with how warm it’s gettin’.”

“Thanks,” you mumbled and brought your fingers to tap your lip, “guess I should get started.”

You reached for the flap of your book bag and slid out a heavy textbook. You sensed him watching you before his feet slowly turned away and he strode from the room. You opened the book and flipped through the pages mindlessly. 

This house was far enough from the city, far enough that you were stranded, and much of the area was new to you. The realisation made you tremble as you counted the page numbers.

[mieohmy]

𝖪𝗂𝗌𝗌, 𝖪𝗂𝗌𝗌, 𝖬𝖺𝗒𝖻𝖾 𝖥𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗂𝗇 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾? | 𝖫𝖾𝖾 𝖩𝖾𝗇𝗈

PAIRING: lee jeno x reader

GENRE: fluff, humor, slight angst, friends-to-lovers, beginning relationship! au, slice of life! au, boyfriend! jeno

WC: 2.8k

NOTES: none

SUMMARY: in which jeno tries (and sadly fails) to kiss you five times, but he’ll never give up -no matter how oblivious you may seem to his advances.

     ⇒ part of the five days a week special.

#1. 

Jeno doesn’t believe in love at first sight. Sure, you can develop an attraction or those flutters and all, but there’s none of that immediate, deep connection bull that some people talk about. 

So, it’s perfectly fine for him to say that after being in a month-long relationship, he really likes you. 

And no, it wasn’t one of those immediate pulls when he first laid eyes on you. Well, perhaps he did harbor a secret attraction that lasted for a while before he finally gathered the courage to ask you out after a year of being friends, but even so, jeno liked you then and he likes you even more now. 

He likes being in a relationship with you- occasionally doing some of those couple things together, getting used to being with one another in a different, more intimate way -simply enjoying each other’s presence. 

It’s only been a month of dating after all. 

“A month?”

“...yeah?”

“And you’ve known them for how long?”

Jeno scratches his head, recalling back as far as he can. It surprises him how little he’s actually known you compared to how long he feels like he’s known you. “Maybe a year or so?”

Haechan raises an eyebrow in surprise. “Have you kissed yet?”

“What? Um...... no?”

He suddenly sits up, eyes boring into jeno. “You haven’t kissed yet? And you’ve known them for that long?”

Jeno frowns, annoyed at himself for actually feeling self-conscious at first. “I mean, I just said we started dating around a month ago.”

“Dude, it’s just kissing. If I were them, I’d be worried if you still hadn’t kissed me- like maybe wondering if there was some deeper reason you didn’t do it yet.”

“Don’t you want to, though?” Haechan adds after a second thought. 

Or maybe it wasn’t dumb to feel that way.  

Jeno fidgets in his seat. “Maybe? Y-yeah, I guess. I never really thought about it yet, we’re kinda just going at our own pace..”

He knows haechan means no harm, but after that day, he can’t help but get nervous whenever he sees you, overthinking every single thing you do- wondering if it’s a sign that you want him to kiss you. 

Do you really want to? 

Are you waiting for him to kiss you? 

It’s consuming and distracting- it’s not hard for you to catch on that something's obviously bothering jeno. 

“Is there something wrong?”

Jeno automatically shakes his head, quickly taking your hand in his as you walk down the street together. 

“Nah, I’m fine.”

You glance at your joined hands before looking back at jeno. “You sure?”

He internally starts to panic, hands beginning to get sweaty. Is this a sign? Should he take the chance? 

Jeno licks his lips nervously, stopping you in the middle of the sidewalk. 

He quickly makes up his mind- he’s gonna do it now. 

To be frank, jeno didn’t have any clue what he was doing, especially not when you were staring up at him expectantly after he stopped the both of you randomly. 

Letting his instincts take over, he hopes that you catch onto his body language- one of his arms hovering behind you to bring you closer, eyes slowly closing and face moving closer in an attempt to find their way to yours. 

But while trying so hard, he failed to notice that you really hadn’t caught onto his signals. 

And to add onto that, as jeno leans closer and closer, unaware of what was really going on, someone calls your name from some places away and seeing how you’re already not paying attention to jeno’s advances, you turn away from him at the sound, searching for the source of your name being shouted. 

Which left jeno to lean farther and farther, wondering as to why he hasn’t come into contact with anything yet, only to open his eyes too late and find the ground much closer than it should’ve been. And, as expected, he abruptly loses his balance and stumbles to the ground as you quickly turn back around and gasp in horror at the sight. 

“Oh my god, jeno. Are you okay?!?”

He groans, still on the ground. Yes, he was perfectly okay, but after falling on his face after failing to kiss you in public, maybe he was a little hurt. (and a little embarrassed.)

#2.

Your face is so close to his, this must mean something, right?

It wasn’t jeno’s fault that he tried to give his cats a bath and they freaked out (as per usual), but this time, they, unfortunately, got the face. 

You immediately brought a hand to cup over your mouth after witnessing the bright pink scratches on jeno’s pretty face when he showed up at your door, present with a sheepish eyesmile. 

You practically dragged him in, forcing him to sit on the toilet seat as you obtained a first-aid kit. 

His breath hitches as you hover over him, leaning closer to his face, eyebrows furrowed as you concentrate intently on cleaning the scratches. Silence fills the bathroom as jeno tries his best to stifle hisses and sounds of pain- his cats were certainly cute but deadly. 

As he watches you work, eventually, his eyes flick down to your lips, and it’s the only thing he can focus on in sight as your face is so close to his, unmoving. 

Alarms go off in his head- this is another golden opportunity. 

He braces himself, this time making sure he isn’t going to slip off the toilet seat or anything beforehand, internally preparing himself as he begins to close the distance once more. 

“I’m done!” You say in such a satisfied and bright tone, it surprises jeno as he almost flinches and his eyes fly open, staring at you and trying his best to keep his mouth from dropping open. 

You stare back with a confused albeit cute grin, eyes wide and questioning at his sudden strange act. 

You must’ve not noticed, he thinks mournfully, watching as you pack up the first aid kit, unbothered. 

Jeno unconsciously sighs, following you out of the bathroom with a slight pout. Attempt number two, fail...

#3. 

After seeing how the last two attempts went, jeno contemplates just straight up asking if he could kiss you. 

If you weren’t able to catch on the last two times, maybe just simply informing you beforehand would be easier, right?

Famous last words. 

But it proves to be harder than he thinks. 

Much harder.

Throughout the whole time at your place together, eating dinner and watching movies, jeno just can’t do it. Every time there’s an open chance for him to ask you, he constantly chickens out. 

He watches you eat your food-not in a creepy way- smiling when he notices some food at the corner of your mouth. 

This is it. After helping you, hopefully, you get the memo, and then jeno can ask you -and it’s all smooth sailing from there. 

He finishes chewing before speaking up, taking his chance. “Y/n, you have something on your lips.”

You blink, trying to hide your embarrassment by quickly searching for your napkin. 

This is it. 

Jeno takes his own napkin, reaching over the table to help you. You freeze as he helps wipe your mouth, touch soft and gentle. 

Jeno pauses after finishing, looking into your eyes hesitantly. “C-can I ki-“

The sound of your phone ringing cuts through the air, and jeno can only stand there, dumbfounded, as you excuse yourself with an apologetic smile. 

He doesn’t even move an inch from his position, still hovered over the table towards your seat where you were sitting just a few minutes earlier until someone just had to call you and interrupt the moment. 

After finishing, you make your way back towards him, patting the top of his head, to which he unfreezes at. 

“Sorry jen, what were you about to say?”

He swallows, avoiding eye contact. It was too late, the moment was over. 

“Nothing, it wasn't important.”

If anything, he feels more embarrassed and more anxious afterward at how he failed to ask you such a simple question. 

After dinner, jeno joins you on the couch as you scroll through the list of movies and shows to watch tonight. 

“Hmm... what do you think?”

Jeno doesn’t reply, lost in his thoughts and still working up the confidence to ask you four mere words- 

can i kiss you? 

“Jeno?” You repeat his name several times until his head shoots towards you, eyes wide. “Yes? Did you say something?”

“Yeah, uh, is there a specific movie or show you wanted to watch?”

Jeno quickly shakes his head, offering you to choose for tonight. 

He bites his lip when you eventually find and start one, scooting closer to him and enjoying his warmth. But you don’t say anything, and jeno’s left alone to lose himself in his thoughts. 

And throughout the whole movie, his mind is far away, still trying to find the perfect moment to ask. But it doesn’t seem like there’ll ever be a perfect moment- not when you’re so focused on the movie and oblivious to your surroundings. 

When it seems like there’s finally a break part in the movie, jeno clears his throat. 

“H-hey, y/n...”

“Yeah?” You murmur distractedly. 

“I- uh, well,” he stutters. 

You finally turn, attention fully on jeno now. 

And he panics. “Uh-yeah, I need to use the restroom...”

He wants to punch himself as soon as those words leave his mouth. 

You cock an eyebrow, amused. “Okay? You can just go, you know, there’s no need to tell me.”

He shyly nods, face ablaze while hoping you can’t tell in the darkness of the room as he makes his escape.

Why is this proving to be so much harder than he thought? 

He gives himself a quick pep talk in the bathroom before coming out and returning to your side, letting out a sigh in the process. 

Meanwhile, as much as you were indeed invested in the movie, you didn’t fail to take note of jeno’s behavior. 

His body language and actions made it obvious that he wasn’t paying attention to the movie, leaving you to unconsciously pout. 

Jeno falters at the sight of your puckered lips- is this another one of your tricks or?

He’s obviously paying no mind to the movie- he had absolutely no clue what was even going on- but he goes for it, mouth opening to ask one last time, but you beat him before he can say anything. 

“Are you okay, Jen?”

He coughs awkwardly. “Huh? What do you mean? I’m perfectly fine?”

You glance from the animated screen and back to jeno. “I mean... it doesn’t look like you’re paying attention to the movie. Are you not enjoying it?”

Jeno abruptly protests, deciding to give up on the kiss for tonight and just focus on enjoying the time he has with you today. But he still can’t help but feel a sense of defeat and failure, like he wasn’t able to meet your or his own expectations. 

You frown, obliviously shaking your head with a sigh. Your jeno, too much of a sweetheart to just tell you the truth that he doesn’t like the movie..... 

#4. 

It’s been a while since jeno’s tried to do anything, although the thought has never left his mind. 

It’s always in the back of his head, getting more and more prevalent as time goes on with you. 

If you never mentioned anything about it, that must mean you don’t mind not having kissed yet, right? 

Right?

He shakes his head, trying to clear it of any thoughts and focus on cooking with you- which you randomly suggested one day for him to come over and help. 

You easily welcome him into your apartment, and jeno’s eyes automatically land on the couch in the living room- where his attempts to kiss you miserably failed just a few weeks ago. 

He swerves away, urging a startled you to the kitchen to start cooking.

“What are we making?”

You hum, tapping your fingers on the kitchen counter. “I dunno, anything works.”

Jeno bites back a laugh, staring at you with an endeared gaze. “So you invited me over here not knowing what we were gonna eat?”

You shrug sheepishly, taking out matching aprons for you both to put on. “Well, you know I wanted to get better at cooking, plus I just missed you too so...”

He lets himself laugh at that, quickly helping you tie the back of your apron. He hesitates while finishing the knot, should he do it now? 

No, jeno thinks, be patient. It’ll happen when it happens. 

You decide on pasta- a simple recipe that you could easily learn and somehow had all the ingredients to in a non-cooking household. 

“Teach me your ways, master chef,” you joke.

He boops your nose with his finger, playfully guiding you to the sink. “Alright, my first task for my first apprentice.”

He places an onion on the table in front of you. “Wash and cut an onion.”

You nod determinedly, exhaling through your nose. “Okay, I got this.” 

He smiles adoringly, letting you start as he works on boiling the noodles. 

But he didn’t expect for you to call out, “I’m done!” a mere three minutes later, a satisfied look on your face. Jeno raises his eyebrows, making his way over to you. “You’re fast.”

You stand by your work with a proud grin. 

Jeno blinks. 

And you wait, slowly becoming more and more confused as jeno doesn’t say anything. 

“Y/n,” he slowly starts. 

“Yeah?”

“Did you not peel the onion?”

Your mouth drops to a surprised ‘o’. 

Jeno tries his hardest to hold it in, looking down at your disheveled mess of onion slices and biting his lip. 

But he can’t.

He bursts out laughing, instinctively bringing you closer to him as he wipes away his tears- from laughing or the onions he isn’t sure.

You stutter in his hold, trying to come up with a reasonable response, but eventually giving up and joining him in his flurry of laughter. 

He glances at you in the heat of the moment and the sight of you laughing so carefree, eyes sparkling, makes his breath hitch. 

And all of a sudden, he gets the urge to kiss you. 

And not fail this time. 

He gulps, pulling you even closer to him by the edges of your apron.

And your laughter slowly dies down as you realize the change in the atmosphere, jeno staring at you with a much more intense gaze than before. 

He leans in, slowly but with much more confidence now that your attention was actually on him. 

Your eyes widen before involuntarily closing, heart pounding. 

This is it, he thinks, slowly but surely closing the space between you two. 

And jeno feels the ghost of your lips on his-

before the doorbell rings. 

You jump back, startled and breathless, while jeno freezes, utterly astounded and speechless. 

He curses the delivery man, ringing on your doorbell with the wrong package for the wrong address. 

Needless to say, jeno went home defeated without a kiss that night. 

#5. 

Jeno has given up. 

So many failed attempts- it’s like the universe simply doesn’t want him to kiss you. 

The whole night when you’re all out together with your friends, he never leaves your side. 

And his gaze never leaves your lips, either. 

He tries to be discreet, hoping that you don’t notice, and jeno believes he has succeeded when by the end of the night, where everyone’s saying their goodbyes and leaving, you haven’t mentioned a single thing. 

When just about everyone’s gone, you pull Jeno back, causing him to let out a startled noise, watching you with a confused face. 

And then you plant both of your hands on either side of his cheek. 

Jeno’s insides start to churn, mind whirling. What’s going on? 

And his answer is in the form of a soft kiss on his lips.

You pull back a few seconds later, a determined look on his face.

“I know you’ve been trying to kiss me.”

His mouth drops open. 

“And if you wanted to do it so bad, you should’ve just said so.”

His brain malfunctions, trying to find the right words while also processing what just happened. 

“well... can we do it again then?”

✢

No, jeno still doesn’t believe in love at first sight. 

But whenever he lays his eyes on you- from the first time he met you as friends, until a year later in a happy relationship- jeno can say that without a doubt, he loves you. 

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[woogyu]

Lee Jihoon : Hydrangea

Fallin’ Flower Series

Characters: Lee Jihoon x female reader

Genre: Painter!Jihoon, University AU

Warnings: Mentions of insomnia 

Word Count: 4676

“That’ll be $24.75.” The shopkeeper told the raven haired boy, eyeing the bundle of hydrangeas she had wrapped up for him. She couldn’t help but wonder where these flowers were going, were they for a family member? Friend? Lover? Himself? Hydrangeas represented ‘gratitude for being understood’ or ‘frigidity and heartlessness’. The boy standing in front of her certainly didn’t look frigid or heartless. Was he thanking someone? What was his story…

_

           328...329...330...331...332… It didn’t matter how many imaginary sheep you counted, not a single one of them had the answer to why you couldn’t sleep. What used to be a monthly or weekly occurrence was now becoming a nightly thing, and it was starting to wear you down. Every time you laid your head down to sleep you remembered the seemingly endless number of assignments you had to do, and all of your approaching deadlines. You couldn’t find a way to turn your brain off long enough in order for sleep to claim you. You rolled over and checked the time on your phone, squinting as the light hit your tired eyes… 1:30am, you had been laying there for 2 hours now. 

           Sitting up, you stretched and yawned, rubbing your eyes before moving to get up. There was always a certain point during your restless nights that you just couldn’t continue to lay in bed anymore. If you weren’t going to be able to sleep, might as well get up and do something. Usually you would go for walks or watch a movie on your computer. Tonight you felt like moving. After pulling on a hoodie and a pair of sneakers, you grabbed your phone and keys before heading out. There were only a few buildings on campus that stayed unlocked all night for students to use for work or studies. One of your favourite places to go on restless nights was the arts building. It was always quiet, and you could wander through student projects to keep yourself occupied. 

           You took your time as you wandered down the sidewalk, eyes scanning over the dark empty streets. Being up in the middle of the night wasn’t always bad, it was actually one of the only times that you could really hear yourself think and take a breather. You forgot about assignments and deadlines for a little while, and just let your mind wander.

_

           It wasn’t long before you arrived at the familiar stone building. Sometimes you would find a few students here working late on their various projects, but most nights the building was empty. You wandered through the familiar halls, eyes scanning over the artwork along the walls. Most of the pieces you had looked at a million times, however, you always noticed new things each time, something that hadn’t stood out to you before. 

           “Are you lost?” a voice disrupted your thoughts, nearly causing you to jump. You quickly turned toward the direction it was coming from, finding a dark haired boy eyeing you curiously. When you didn’t answer the boy simply sighed and shook his head.

           “Do you sleepwalk or something? Is there someone I should call?” he asked, moving towards you. You couldn’t tell if he was annoyed or concerned. You blinked a few times before shaking your head, as if that would somehow help you gather your thoughts enough to answer the boy in front of you. 

           “I’m sorry?” you said, too sleep deprived to fully process what he was asking you. He sighed and stopped a ways from you, his hands perched on his hips as his eyes scanned over you. Now that you could see him better you could tell he was an art student. The splotches of paint on his clothes and hands acted as a dead giveaway. 

           “You don’t seem drunk…. Why are you here? I’ve seen you around here before at night, but never in any of my classes…” he explained, your brain finally catching up to what was going on. 

           “Oh!” you exclaimed with a soft laugh, your posture relaxing as you turned to face him fully. “I go to school here but I’m not in the arts program. I just like coming here when I can’t sleep.” you explained with a gentle smile. Your answer was obviously not one that he was expecting, from the confusion that passed over his features. You didn’t know if it was because he didn’t believe you, or didn’t understand why you came here when you couldn’t sleep. Nonetheless, he didn’t press you any further and slowly nodded.

           “Alright…” he said uncertainly before turning and walking back down the hall. You opened your mouth to answer him or explain yourself further, but he had already disappeared into one of the adjacent rooms. You slowly moved down the hall, unconsciously following the strange boy. You paused in front of the room he had entered, peering into a small art studio with a large easel and canvas set up in the middle. You watched him for a few minutes as he moved about the room gathering different paints and brushes. You hadn’t realized how long you had been staring until he turned around and fixed you with an annoyed glare.

     “Are you just going to stand there all night?” he questioned, his posture tense as he waited for you to leave. 

           “Can I watch?” you asked, your eyes pleading a little bit as you hoped he would say yes. Staring at finished pieces of art was good and fun, but you were also curious to see how the paintings were made. Once again the boy seemed startled by your response, his shoulders dropping as he fixed you with a confused stare.

          “I.. I guess?” he said, uncertain as you entered the room and sat down at one of the tables in the back corner. “I need to focus though, so don’t be disruptive” he mumbled, obviously not used to having someone watch him work. You were honestly shocked that he had agreed, but you figured your request had caught him off guard and he hadn’t known how to answer. You didn’t want to disrupt him, but you were also desperate for something to do. Watching someone paint seemed like a calming enough activity. 

“Hmm!” you agreed as you settled in at the table, your head resting on your hands as you watched him go back to what he was doing it. At first he would glance back at you every few moments, constantly aware of your eyes following his movements. However, over time he seemed to grow used to your presence and got lost in his work. 

Watching him paint was oddly comforting, and before long your eyes slid closed as you listened to the sounds of him rustling around and a brush being dragged across a canvas. Before you knew it you had fallen asleep at the table, head resting in your arms. 

_

Waking up the next morning you were confused by how stiff your arms and legs were. Opening your eyes you blinked a few times as you sat up, unsure as to why you weren’t in your room until you remembered the events of the previous night. You quickly looked around for the boy who had been painting but he seemed to be long gone… 

Your eyes landed on a coffee cup sitting on the table you were at, a small note folded up next to it. Picking it up you unfolded it as your eyes scanned over the words, 

‘You fell asleep… I didn’t want to wake you. Drink this when you wake up’

You read it again, just to make sure you didn’t miss something. You could have sworn the boy from last night hadn’t liked you very much, but maybe you had been wrong. You stood up, stretching out your stiff arms and legs as you took the drink. It was still warm so he must have stayed here all night… you wished that you would have asked him his name…

_

Little did you know that for the next month you would be spending nearly every night watching the boy you had come to know as Lee Jihoon paint. He got used to having you there as company, and watching him paint was the only thing that would help you sleep. Sometimes he stayed until you woke up, if he didn’t have class, and you two would go for breakfast. Or sometimes you would wake up to a cup of coffee next to you. 

You had gotten used to the routine of heading down to his studio at 1am, sometimes bringing snacks or your own homework with you. Most nights were quiet and the two of you barely exchanged words, but once in a while you would find him opening up to you and sharing details about his friends, classes or the painting he was working on. You fell into the habit of telling him about your day when he seemed stressed about his work, after you noticed that it seemed to help him clear his head. Even if you two didn’t talk much, it was just nice being in each other's company and not having to be alone. 

You smiled a little to yourself as you silently entered the all too familiar building, heading towards the room that had become almost like a second home. Just as you were about to turn the corner towards his studio, a loud crashing caught you off guard, causing you to jump a little and pause. You realized a second later that it had come from Jihoon’s studio and confusion passed over your features… Had he dropped something?

You quickly closed the distance between you and the lit doorway down the hall, coming to a stop before you entered, eyes searching for the source of the sound that you had heard. You saw Jihoon standing there, hands pressed over his eyes, sleeves rolled up and paint covering most of the exposed skin on his forearms. His posture was stiff and his breathing fast and heavy. Next to him on the floor was the painting he had been working on for the last 2 weeks, the one he had explained to you on a previous night was the final project for one of his courses. It took you a few moments to piece together what was going on, a frown coming to your lips. It was rare for Jihoon to get frustrated with his work, even when he had gotten stuck before it had never stressed him out to his extent… something must have happened.

You silently made your way into the room, hand reaching up to gently rest on his shoulder. He seemed startled for a moment before slowly moving his hands away from his face and looking at you. His eyes were filled with a mixture of emotions, but from his drawn eyebrows and slightly parted lips you could tell he was feeling defeated. It absolutely devastated you to see him like this. Without saying a word you slowly coaxed him toward the back of the room, guiding him to sit down in the chair that you usually occupied. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” you asked slowly, not wanting to pry or make him uncomfortable. His body deflated a little bit as he looked up at the ceiling, a short sigh escaping his lips as he closed his eyes for a moment. 

“I had my evaluation today for the end of term piece,” he started, lazily gesturing to the discarded painting on the floor. “My professor said that my take on the assigned theme was too shallow and that I needed to embrace the complexity of the emotions that the painting is trying to express.” he explained bitterly, something akin to anger briefly flashing over his features. “I tried to fix it according to what he said, but now it all feels wrong and I-” he cut himself off as he took a deep breath.

“You liked how it was before… and don’t understand what was wrong with it.” You finished slowly, watching as his eyes snapped over to yours, his lips parted in surprise. You saw him pause for a moment before pressing his lips together and nodding. He looked down at his hands, his fingers idly fiddling with one another as a beat of silence passed between the two of you. 

You pushed yourself up and walked towards the painting, his eyes following your movements. You picked up the discarded piece of artwork and situated it back onto the easel before taking a step back. Your eyes moved over the piece before you hummed softly. 

“There used to be a lot more dark blues and greens,” you noted, glancing back at him for confirmation as he gave a small nod of his head. “Longing…” you turned the word over in your mouth, the theme of this work was centred around longing. 

“I thought maybe it had been too cold before, so I added warmer tones.” He said softly and you could hear the distaste for the new additions in his tone. You nodded a few times before folding your arms over your chest, eyebrows drawing together in concentration. 

“I’m with you on this one, the cooler tones were a much better fit for what you were going for as a finished product. You were trying to emulate the cold lonely feelings that accompany missing and longing for someone.” You said with an exasperated sigh, starting to question if Jihoon's prof had taken the time to visualize the finished canvas. Your comments caught him off guard as he stared at you with a bewildered expression, blinking as he processed what you had said. You had captured exactly what he was going for with this piece without him ever having explained it to you before. You understood his work and his vision, even as it was half finished and crumbling around him. 

“I think you should continue what you had originally intended. Your prof will understand what you were going for when it’s finished, and well if he doesn’t? too bad.” You told him with a laugh, turning toward him with a grin. It took a second, but you saw a small smile pull at the corner of his lips as he relaxed back into the chair. 

“Now,” you began, moving his canvas to the side as you grabbed a small blank one and positioned it on the easel. “Watching you paint always helps me calm down and clear my head, so it’s time for me to return the favour.” You said, determined to try and make him feel better, or at the very least make him laugh with your attempt at painting. 

“Hmmm,” you heard Jihoon hum, looking back you could see he was leaning forward with his head resting on his hands now, his expression amused. You decided to try painting the night sky, figuring it was something relatively simple that you wouldn’t be able to mess up too badly. You started by painting the canvas a darker navy blue toward the top, fading it down into a slightly light blue toward the bottom. 

You took your time adding bits of colour here and there, focused on trying to capture the beauty of the night sky. It all started to go downhill when you began adding the moon and stars, no matter what you did it just didn’t look realistic at all. After a few attempts you leaned back a little and pouted at the canvas, as if you were trying to blame it for your lack of painting skills. 

You hadn’t even heard Jihoon push his chair out and move toward you. It was only when he lightly took your hand with the paintbrush in it within his own that you realized he wasn’t still sitting in the back. You felt his chest press against your back, his breath fanning along your right ear as he guided your hand back to the canvas. 

“Here,” he said softly, moving your hand and creating delicate strokes along the painting. You could feel your heart rate quicken with him in such close proximity, swallowing hard as you tried not to let it show just how nervous you were. You would be lying if you said you had never thought about romantic possibilities with him. He was attractive and you two had been spending so much time together that it was hard not to let your mind wander to the possibilities. However, daydreaming about Jihoon and having him pressed up against you like this were two very different things, and it was difficult to hide the way your cheeks flushed.

“There,” he said, pleased with how it had turned out. Before you had even fully processed what was going on, he was pulling back and admiring the work. You blinked a few times to clear the haze that had momentarily taken over your brain, and looked at the work sitting in front of you now.

“Oh wow..” you breathed, amazed at how much better it looked with the little tweaks that he had done. “You saved it!” you proclaimed, turning back to him with a bright smile. You missed the way that the tips of his ears turned red at the praise, as he muttered something about you doing most of the work with the base colours. 

“Thank you…” he whispered, looking down at his feet as he spoke, knowing that if he met your eyes that he wouldn’t be able to tell you this. “Thank you for distracting me… and making me feel better about my work” he said, his eyes finally flicking up to find yours momentarily. You felt your cheeks warm at his sincerity, mouth parting as you tried to figure out how to answer him. 

“I hated seeing you so beaten down about your art… You’re an amazing artist Jihoon, and I don’t want you to ever forget that okay?” you said, smiling as your eyes finally met his. He did such a good job at hiding his emotions that you could never read them just from his eyes. You could tell one thing, you could tell how much better they looked compared to the eyes you had witnessed when you first walked in here tonight. There was determination back in his gaze, and you knew that whatever happened the final art piece would be stunning. 

“I won’t,” he said with the softest smile you had ever seen on him, and the sight alone was nearly enough to take your breath away. You quickly moved away from his working space and back towards your place in the back, willing all the while for your heart to calm down. You were getting far too worked up for a boy that could very well not even reciprocate your feelings. 

The rest of the night passed as normal, but you did find yourself watching the painter more than the painting this time.

_

           Jihoon wasn’t in his studio the next night… or the night after that. You told yourself that this was normal, that sometimes he would follow a normal sleep schedule or have prior commitments with friends. But, you would be lying if you said that you weren’t disappointed. You tried lying to yourself by saying you were just longing for a good night's rest, but in reality you missed him. You missed the little bits of conversation you two shared and learning about his likes and dislikes. You missed watching the way the moonlight filtered through his dark hair. You missed everything about him, and every night you felt too empty and too alone. 

Each time you arrived at the empty studio you would turn and head back home, accepting the reality that he was not going to be there quickly and giving up. However, on the fourth night you couldn’t bring yourself to head back to the cold empty apartment. You hadn’t slept for more than a few hours for the past four days, and you were too tired and too disappointed to even attempt the walk back home. 

           You turned on the lights and slowly sunk into your seat at the back of the room. If you closed your eyes you could almost hear the sounds of him breathing and of brush being pulled along canvas. Even being in this room was a comfort itself, but it still wasn’t the same without him there. 

“____?” you heard a familiar voice ask, obvious confusion lacing his tone. Your eyes flew open as you sat up quickly, your cheeks flushing a little bit as if you had been caught doing something wrong. He chuckled a little bit at how startled you were, and it was then that you noticed that he was holding a canvas behind his back, using his body to keep it from view. 

           You watched as he moved towards you, setting the mysterious art down against the far wall. Your eyes followed his every movement, watching him as he leaned down a little to stare at you, his eyebrows drawn together concerned. You didn’t realize what the cause of his concern was until one of his hands reached out and cupped your cheek, his thumb gently caressing under your left eye. You broke eye contact with him, staring down at your lap as you felt a wave of embarrassment wash over you. You were sure that you probably looked terrible, and your dark circles did nothing to hide the fact that you hadn’t been sleeping. 

           “___” he breathed out your name so softly as he let his hand linger along your cheek, gently tilting your head up to coax you into looking at him once again. 

“You haven’t been sleeping have you?” he asked, his eyes full of concern. You bit your lip before shaking your head a little bit, your fingers fiddling with the hem of your sweater nervously. 

           “I’m sorry,” he started, finally letting his hand fall away from his face as he straightened up. Your eyes followed him as he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, messing up his usually neatly kept hair. “I should have-” he continued, but this time you cut him off, curiosity finally getting the better of you. 

           “Where have you been?” you asked, your tone harsher and more demanding than you had intended. You had so many things that you wanted to say to him, so many things that you wanted to ask him. You wanted to know why he had suddenly disappeared after making you so dependent on him. You wanted to know why your heart didn’t feel right unless he was there with you. 

           He must have expected this because neither your question nor tone caught him off guard. You could tell he was nervous about something, it was obvious with the way that he kept clenching and unclenching his hands. 

           “I wanted it to be a surprise,” he mumbled a little to himself, moving back towards the front of the room. “I was working on something… for you,” he continued, and you didn’t miss the light dusting of pink along his cheeks as he picked up the canvas that he had walked in with. “Just keep in mind that it’s not quite finished yet” he explained, walking back towards you with the canvas in hand. 

           He set the mysterious art piece down on the table in front of you, and your eyes scanned over a beautiful painting of blue, purple and pink flowers. The detail that had gone into every petal was incredible, and you couldn’t hide your awe as you looked away from the painting and back up at him. 

           “This is for me?” you asked, taken aback. He cleared his throat a little and nodded, taking a deep breath as if to prepare himself to say something. 

           “They’re hydrangeas,” he started to explain, his voice wavering just a little bit. “I saw them at a flower shop that’s near here and they reminded me of you.” he continued, his voice soft and unsure. “I-I was going to give them to you,” you watched as he glanced away nervously, the redness in his cheeks darkening. “But flowers don’t last long enough, you can only enjoy their beauty for a little while. I knew if I painted them for you… that you would be able to enjoy them forever.” he finished, staring at the ground as he spoke.

           “Jihoon…” you breathed, completely caught off guard by his gesture. You couldn’t find the right words to express how you felt, you didn’t know how to make him understand just how special this painting was to you. “Jihoon, they are absolutely stunning…” you started before you looked back at the painting in front of you. While you stared in awe at the beautiful piece of art that he had made for you, he was starring in awe at you. Watching the way your eyes lit up as you took in each of the colours on the canvas had him saying what was on his mind before he realized it. 

           “So are you,” he whispered, his eyes watching you with adoration before realizing what he had just said. He quickly turned away from you, cheeks burning as he resisted the urge to flee from the room entirely. You felt your own cheeks heat up at his words, but smiled as you realized what was going on and at how shy he was acting. You stood up slowly and walked in front of him, giggling softly to yourself when you saw that he had his hands pressed tightly over his face. 

           “Jihoon… do you… like me?” you asked, pretty confident that you knew the answer already, but it was cute how flustered he was. You reached up and gently urged him to move his hands away from his face, smiling at how red he was. “You know… it would be really great if you did, because I like you too.” you said quietly, nervousness seeping into your voice. His eyes quickly found yours once again, wide and shocked by your confession. 

           “Yo-you do?” he asked, still uncertain and unsure as he stared down at you. You smiled at how adorable he was acting and nodded. He visibly relaxed when he realized you were serious, a smile making its way onto his features. You watched as he let out a sigh of relief, his hand reaching out to gently tuck your hair back behind your ear.

           “You are so beautiful,” he breathed, his eyes scanning over your face as he moved closer to you. You blushed a little at his words, watching him and knowing exactly what was running through his mind without him having to say it. You leaned up on your toes to lightly press your lips to his, smiling at the feeling of his hand running up to rest along the back of your head. The two of you lingered there for a moment, wanting to savour the feeling and not rush. When he finally pulled back you felt him press his forehead against yours, his fingers lightly playing with the soft hairs at the base of your neck. 

           “You’ve always understood me. You always know what I’m thinking without me having to say it.” he breathed, smiling to himself as he guided the two of you to sit with your backs against the wall. You pulled back from him and smiled, intertwining your hands together. Before you could say anything further he softly reached up to guide your head down onto his shoulder.

           “Rest…” he whispered, his fingers running through your hair. “You have about 4 days of missed sleep to catch up on, and I’m keeping track.” he said with a soft chuckle. You were too tired to argue with him, and the feeling of his hand playing with your hair had soon lulled you to sleep. You never had to worry about falling asleep after that.

_

[pokeexehasstoppedworking]

Love Doesn’t Do Encores Ch14 Battle Gym Leader Bea

You two had found yourselves out of Hammerlocke by sundown that day. But not before you went back into the town and stopped by that cafe you both had passed earlier, and each gotten a free piece of cake and small cup of tea from those coupon things that Applin Boy had given to Gloria as thanks for helping him. Cake and tea weren't exactly what you would call dinner but you weren't going to complain about free food. Your drizzilie sure tried sneaking it from you but settled for the small bag of fruit you tossed at it after you told him no.

"So," you asked Gloria after taking another sip of the tea you received, "You mentioned challenging Bea next right?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Remember how I told you there was four gyms that gave the same badge?" You nodded. "The Fighting Type and Ghost Type gyms give the same badge. While the Ice and Rock gyms give a different badge from the Ghost and Fighting gyms, they give the same one as well. So either someone can just chose the Fighting or Ghost type gyms then move on and chose either the Ice or Rock type gyms. But I plan on stopping by both. The closest one just happens to be the Fighting Type Gym run by the Gym leader Bea. Not only is she the top fighting type pokemon trainer, but she's been the winner of the Galarian Martial Arts Championship seven years running undefeated. They say she can go bare fists with her machomp and win."

"Wow. She sounds really strong."

"She is. Which is why I think that's why Hop's going there too." She frowned stabbing at a piece of her free cake. "He said he wanted to become stronger. Challenging another strong gym leader right after defeating Kabu but loosing to Bede sounds like he's trying to conquer another hard challenge to prove he's strong. ...I'm worried about him."

"I know, but don't worry," you assured with a smile. You remembered enough about the game to know Hop would definitely bounce back, and after hearing him speak the other day, you knew he'd be fine. "He's a strong and has enough determination in him to move a mountain if he felt like it."

...She smiled at you. "Thanks Y/n.  I knew I made a good choice in my traveling buddy."

You paused a moment...before blinking. "That reminds me. Why did you want me to come along with you back in Postwick? I mean it's not that I mind, but we were practically strangers then."

She shrugged. "I really don't know. I know it's gonna sound weird, but there's a really good atmosphere around ya. Like...You just give off good vibes, and my gut feelings are usually spot on anyways. An' I wasn't wrong!" She smiled. "You've been a great friend ta us!"

You smiled. Well that was strange. It was almost like what Sonia said about your 'good aura', but you weren't going to complain about the nice compliments.

"You're one of the gym challengers endorsed by Leon, aren't you?" Both of you looked up and blinked at the sight of an older woman, who looked older than Kabu, dressed in a blue and pink outfit with accessories, an umbrella in one hand, was pretty tall for someone you'd expect, and aquamarine eyes looking at Gloria curiously. Stunned that you two hadn't noticed noticed her walk up to you before now, both you two looked at each other before Gloria looked back to the old woman and nodded. She hummed for a moment before suddenly holding out something to her you recognized right away. "My name's Opal. If you want to know more, have a look at my league card." Gloria's brown eyes stared at the card for a moment before taking it from the lady. "I'll keep an eye on you, Child. I want to see what you can do when you go all out."

Both of you watched silently as she silently just...turned around and walked right out of the cafe. Like nothing had just happened. Leaving the two of you sitting there looking after her blankly before looking at one another with blank faces wondering if that actually happened.

Eventually you blinked as Gloria looked at the card handed to her. "Who was that?"

"According to this..she's Ms. Opal." She looked up to you holding up the card in her hand, "And the Fairy Type Gym Leader from Bellonlea!"

"What?" You held out your hand as she offered it to you. "Lemme see that." And true to Gloria's word, it was an official League Card with the picture of the very same elderly woman you just spoken too on it. "Huh." You handed it back to her. "I wonder what she was doing all the way here in Hammerlocke then?"

She shrugged before pocketing the card. "The same thing as Lee? Like maybe she's seein' the Chairman too? Or maybe traveling since I don't think anyone would challenge her yet. March is almost over so it's still pretty early in the year for anyone to gather many badges."

Wow. Almost three months had passed already? You must've lost track of time from traveling so much. You weren't too sure but shrugged. "Who knows? C'mon. Let's finish eating and hit the road before it gets too dark outside."

After the meal the two of you headed back out on Route Six as the sun nearly set in the sky making everything lightly darker but had enough light to still see. The lights of Hammerlocke shining out as the two of you left the dragon town. You were a bit nervous about running into Raihan or that Mr. Rose again, but you ran into neither as you left the town. Thank goodness. You and her then fell into the familiar routine of walking, camping, and more shaking of berry trees as you passed by them by chance. Only this time Gloria seemed to pick back up her hobby of taking pictures for her dex challenge again. The photos Victor had given her had filled up a good sizable amount of the book already but there was still more photos needed for it as well as for that curry dex challenge book she needed. It was a bit random but you were glad she found something to keep herself occupied on the way there, and photography was a pretty neat hobby. Although she didn't seem to be as into it as Victor was. If she wasn't doing that, she battled a pokemon here n' there as you either watched or gathered food or some other needed thing to be done and like before you traveled past a few small towns, houses, or other travelers heading in the opposite direction. No signs of the boys, but you were glad not having any more run ins with those Team Yell grunts as days passed as you two slowly made your way towards Stow-on-Side.

"So how long until we reach Stow-on-Side?," you asked one day while walking.

Gloria hummed for a moment before whipping out her phone and flipping through the screen once it turned on. Lately the region around you had started to get rockier with more and more hills and cliffs jutting out of the earth until it slowly consumed both side of the path the two of you walked. "According to Rotom we should be there sometime tomorrow if we keep on goin' down this pathway." That was great news! "Also accordin' ta this, there's another historical wonder protected by the Galarian Conservation Society! ...Hmm. I wonder if she'll be down here too??"

You rose a brow at her. "Her who?"

She looked at you. "When I was chattin' with Sonia at the vault I showed 'er some old pokemon fossils I picked up. Useless really. Ye find 'em sometimes and see 'em in your science classes n' museums and the like. I was gonna give 'em to Hop as a gift since he's into that kinda stuff but she told me an old scientist friend of hers was in Stow-on-Side trying out this new fossil restoration or somethin' like that. But she couldn't find any fossils to try 'em out on."

......You blinked. "Since when did you get fossils??"

"I found two by accident back when we 'ere in the Wild Area. Y'know. When I fought that wild diglett in the cave." You groaned remembering that experience. "And then some bloke traded me two he didn't want at the pokemon center for the applin I was gonna put back when the red-headed bloke didn't want it. I completely forgotten I even had them til I remembered just now."

"That reminds me. Whatever did you do with those other pokemon you were given? Especially that baby toxel. It looked pretty young."

"Ah! I sent it to Mum to take care of! She mentioned being lonely without us there so I thought she'd like raisin' the wee tyke!"

You rose a brow. "Can she handle a toxel??"

"She sent me pictures of the lil thing sleepin' with Munchlax so I think they're doing just fine!"

"If you say so."

The both of you traveled until the sun went down and you set up camp under a shady ledge before quickly packing up the next day at day light and going to travel again. Until coming to a bunch of bright stony ledges and cliffs in a dead end where the path ended just a few yards in front of the cliffside. .......Which left the both of you confused looking around.

".....Does this mean we're at Stow-on-Side?," you asked pressing you hand against one of the rocky hills before yanking and waving it back from the heat of them sitting in the sun all day. Speaking of which it was hot as you traveled. Must be entering summer territory. Your f/c eyes scanned up and down the cliffs surrounding you all and a hand pressed above your brows to block the sun. "Or did we make a wrong turn somewhere??"

"Can't be! We followed nothin' but Route Six all the way here!" Gloria had already brought out her phone giving it a little shake. "Accordin' to this Stow-on-Side's just up ahead!"

"So either your phone's broken or we have to suddenly learn how to rock climb." Your eyes scanned the ledges more. They looked a little too dangerous to just be climbing without any professional gear or unless you were a rock climbing expert. To which you had neither...."What about that corvisquire you have?"

"It's not big enough to fly either of us up these mountains!...*sigh* We might have ta just call a flying taxi at this rate."

Yeah. That might be the best option either of you two had at this point. ....Your Drizzilie, which had taken to fully putting itself into your pack with just his head peeking out from under the lid to avoid the sun, suddenly gave a look towards something shiny. Before it's eyes widened and it gave a loud chirp poking it's head out fully to the both of you. You looked over your shoulder as it continued to make noises at you. "Whoa! Hey. What is it boy?" It's arm popped out and he pointed his hand towards the other side of the dead end you were at. You both looked over and you blinked at something against the cliffside shining in the sunlight. "Hey! What's that over there?" You pointed and began walking towards it...Gloria blinked, before putting her phone away and quickly following after you. You approuched the shining thing and soon discovered it to be a- "It's a ladder!" Walking forward more it was indeed a metal ladder. Secured and bolted to the cliffside and going up until it ended at the very top of it. "....What's a ladder doing here?"

"That must be how people get ta Stow-on-Side from 'ere," Gloria reasoned. "Ya think they'd actually make this more easier to get too."

"You'd think so. Good Boy!" Drizzilie gave a huff before returning to it's spot inside your bag. Ok be tsundere. Pausing to look at it for a moment you grabbed it before immediately letting go from how hot it was. "...You really think this is the way?"

"There's no other way around here other than a taxi, and what do we have to lose? The worse case scenario is that we'll hit another dead end or just climb to the top and hail a cab like we were thinkin' anyways."

She had a point. And if you did end up just going to the top of the cliffs here you could get a better look of your surroundings. So reluctantly you nodded. "Alright. But let me go first to make sure it's safe."  Slowly and with a sigh you grabbed the metal ladder wincing in pain when the hot metal stung your hands lightly, and began to climb up. It wasn't too hard or high of a climb, and you were fast to release the ladder as hard as you can also considering the weight on your shoulders, it made it a bit more difficult. Once you reached the top however and climbed up all the way, you noticed there was nothing but more ledges, dead grass, and...another ladder leading somewhere ahead of you. Standing up, once you deduced it was safe, you carefully looked over the edge to Gloria looking up at you and waved. "It's safe! And I found another ladder!"

Gloria didn't even hesitate after that. In her excitement you weren't sure if she just didn't notice the pain or bared it to climb up but you were there to offer a hand and pull her up with you once she was there. And you two wasted no more time and got climbing. Not baring to stand in this heat anymore. The second ladder you climbed up lead to the top of one of the larger clifftops, a small pond of some sort, and another much longer ladder leading you further and higher into the mountain sides and you two went. Your muscles were sore and tired from the extra weight of your Drizzilie who peeked out and down from your bag every so often, and your hands burnt under the ladders' metal. You were sure it wasn't enough to be badly hurt for a long time, but it sure stung, and you were paranoid that at any moment you would fall. But luckily you didn't and by some miracle forced yourself NOT to look down before making it to the third ledge and ..another ladder. Gloria right on your heels. Rinse and repeat. Climb, pray to whoever heard you that you wouldn't fall, get to the top, and then do it again. The both of you must've been on your seventh or eighth ladder and ledge at this point and you were resting on your knees exposed to the hot sun tired, breathing heavy, and shaking your sore hands. Gloria doing the same with her hands before reaching up to wipe her brow and look around ...Before spotting and pointing to yet another ladder.

"Hey look! It leads up to a tunnel of some kind!"

You looked to the giant black whole that the ladder lead into and groaned. "Oh PLEASE tell me this isn't going to be another mine."

"Only one way to find out!" She happily bounded towards the ladder, and with another groan, you slowly forced yourself to stand and followed after. Where does she get so much energy? And in this heat? She was already half way up the ladder by the time you got there and began slowly climbing, grip so hard your knuckles turned white to keep yourself from falling. Gloria making her way right into the tunnel and disappearing from view as you got closer to the top yourself. "Y/N!!" She suddenly shouted echoed by the tunnel. "Ya gotta see this!!"

"I'M COMING!!," you strangled out in a shout still making your way up.

Gloria was waiting for you when you finally got to the top, letting her grab your arm to pull you with a grunt into the shady tunnel with her. With a sigh as your sore hands touched the cooled floor of the cavern, you twisted your legs around, and just sat there breathing and wiping at your forehead from the long trip you two had suffered. Gloria was kind enough to let you catch your breath, considering it must've been harder for you with your Drizzilie being no help, for around five maybe ten minutes before you turned your head..and blinked at the light coming from the other side of the short tunnel. Gloria went ahead and started walking towards it...and you again forced yourself up and walked after her. But slower this time considering how tired and sore you were. She stopped by the cavern opening and once you caught up, your eyes widened.

"Holy smokes!"

Carved into the cliffside was the BIGGEST statues you had ever seen! The stone digletts stared out blankly onto the horizon and were blocked off by a chained fence embedded into the stone ground below it. Was this the historical landmark Gloria spoke of yesterday? She started walking forward and after a moment you followed staring up at the massive stone beasts before you. A flash of light going off as she snapped a picture of it while passing....Before she turned and with a gasp that had you snapping forward pointed excitedly.

"Y/n! Look! We found it!" What was unmistakeningly a stadium shone brightly in the sunlight as you looked and blinked, and before it was a couple small buildings, one including that classic pink pokemon center. You two wasted no time in jogging towards it past the statues and up a small flight of stairs carved into the stone floor, past under a wooden gate of some kind and over to the buildings ahead. Where you saw people. PEOPLE!! Walking around doing their everyday lives as usual! You two had successfully found Stow-on-Side! The tall two story buildings were all carved from stone as well with a couple small tables in the pathway you two walked that had a few people yelling at passerbys to come and bye from them as they sat under umbrellas from the hot sun. As you walked past everyone Gloria took out her phone again and after a few taps on it nodded in glee. "This is Stow-on-Side alright! Apparently the diglett statues we saw are part of some famous ruins including an ancient mural up the path by the stadium! We should go check those out once I'm done with the battle here!"

"Once we rest first!" You sighed and again reached up to rub your temple. "I'm beat from all that walking and climbing! And it doesn't look like this place has any inn or public place besides the center we can rest up in."

You both turned right still walking along the path towards the stadium.

"Yeah? Well I can check on my regional map of Stown-on-Side. It should tell u-" She stopped. Freezing like someone paused her on tv. Her face suddenly drawing a blank. Curiously, you stopped too and turned around to give a raised brow at her suddenly blank expression. Before you turned to look where she was looking. A whine coming from your backpack as your Drizzlie poked it's full head out. And you under stood why she stopped. IT WAS THE BOYS!! Both were talking to each other walking down from the stairs leading to the big stadium, until they happened to look down towards the both of you and stopped. The four of you staring at one another in surprised silence...Before Gloria straight up BOLTED towards them both! "HOP!!"

"Glori-AH!!" The poor boy didn't even get a chance to finish talking before he was glomped by the brunette nearly knocking the both of them over in the process.

"I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!! YA PURPLE HAIRED LOONEY PONYTA!!," she shouted with a smile. "YA HAD ME SO WORRIED!! DON'T DO THAT!!"

"N-Nice to see you too!," he forced out strangled by the crushing hug, "M-Miss Y/N help!"

You walked on over but didn't need to pry them apart thankfully as she let go and let Hop breathed and clutch at his chest by the time you got there. Victor looking annoyed opening his arms. "And what am I? An invisible Sobble?" Gloria giggled before giving her brother the expected hug he wanted.

"We thought we'd miss you guys here by how long it took! Were you here that long?"

"Sadly yes," Hop answered rubbing at where Gloria nearly crushed him to dust. "Turns out there was a few people here itchin' to battle Bea before going on to harder gym leaders like Kabu, so we had to camp out for a bit for an opening."

Gloria paused...slowly retracting her hug from her brother and turning to him, face concerned. "Does...D-Does that mean you didn't win?"

...He smiled. "Took me two tries! But I managed to get my fighting badge!"

"You did!! Hop that's amazing! I told you, you could do it!"

He chuckled....before his face turned back to a neutral one. "But...Glory." His hands came to stuff themselves into his pockets. "I'm still not too sure what I should do about all that stuff I told you before. About me being weak and dragging down Lee's good name and all, yeah? "..He smiled again. "But the only thing I can do is get stronger right?"

With a sigh Gloria gave her own determined smile, reached over, and made him blink as she flicked his nose. "That's what we've always told you, Hop. I never lost doubt in ya."

He paused for a moment gold eyes blinking and looking cross eyed at his nose, before his face went pink again and he chuckled. "Y-yeah! A-Actually I was hoping for a b-battle with ya the next time I saw you." Your Drizzilie whined more. "Vi-Vic's been battling me and helping me build up my team and come up with new s-strageties on how to battle upcoming gym leaders. So I'm gonna try out all kinds of different things against you and see what works!..If you wanna battle that is?"

"Do you really need to ask? You're on!"

"Then let's do this! I bet an all out battle with my true rival will help me get my head on straight-"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH-"

A screech that pierced your eardrums interrupting Hop from saying anything else. Immediately all your hands shot up to your ears and you all made some kind of cringed face or closed their eyes from the scream that came from directly behind you. You forced yourself to turn around at your drizzilie's head poking out from your bag. Mouth open wide and yelling at the top of his lungs before he abruptly stopped upon noticing you had looked at it in utter shock.....How could such a small thing make such a noise!! Slowly, the others uncovered their ears as well giving the three back and forth looks, before also looking in the direction of your bored looking drizzilie.

..........Victor blinked and pointed at your backpack. "What the absolute Arceous was THAT!?"

"I......have absolutely no idea." You eventually managed to get yourself to talk. "I've never heard him make a noise like that before."

"Could there be something wrong with him?," Hop asked rubbing one of his ears, "It is pretty hot and he's a water type. Maybe he's gotten dehydrated from lack of water or something?"

You jumped. YOU HADN'T EVEN CONSIDERED THAT WHILE TRAVELING!? WHAT THE HECK!! YOU WERE AN AWFUL TRAINER!! "I...." You swiftly turned nearly nailing Gloria in the side with your back pack in a panic. "I-I gotta get him back over to the center just in case! You two go ahead and have your battle!"

"I'll come too!" Victor stepped forward. "I meant to stop by anyways to grab some potions from the center."

If you heard him you didn't pay him much mind as you practically stumble-ran your panicked self back down what few steps you had climbed up towards the stadium and RAN towards the center with Victor right behind you. You nearly tripped and slammed in your haste turning the corner and RUNNING past the vendors calling out towards that bright pink building. The people inside jumping and looking on in surprise when you practically ripped the doors off their hinges bursting inside and without missing a beat flew to the wide eyed nurse joy standing behind the counter, swiftly turning your back where your drizzilie still bored looking despite everything that was happening right now, and in panic DEMANDED she'd take a look at him NOW!! Surprisingly no one moved, too shocked to really know how to react. It took Victor coming in and explaining calmly to the startled Nurse Joy what the drizzilie did and politely asking her to look him over did she finally react accordingly. She took her sweet time in the next ten minutes pulling your water pokemon from it's hiding place, making it sit on the counter as you watched a nervous wreck with Victor assuring you he was ok, and slowly and carefully examining him as a doctor would a patient during a physical....All to just smile at you and tell you essentially......Your Drizzilie...Was throwing a tantrum akin to that of a moody angsty teenager during puberty. ....You blinked and had to be explained to again as, even though Drizzilie was a little dehydrated from the hot weather, he was actually throwing a tantrum because he was hungry. So you, worried you might have let something bad happen to your pokemon without knowing, had panicked over nothing and rushed him over here to be told he was acting like a toddler not getting their way because he was hungry......WHAT!?

"He's perfectly healthy, you probably just haven't fed him today yet and he was just expressing that to you in what way he thought you'd understand. Although in this heat he is naturally a little dehydrated, and you yourself look it too and exhausted. My advice to the both of you is to rest here for an hour or two out of the weather and have you both drink some water. I'll lend you some and some pokemon food so it doesn't happen again. After all we don't want anyone dropping from the heat."

You sighed. Relieved Drizzilie wasn't really hurt, but annoyed he had scared you for no reason. You shot a scowl at the pokemon standing next to you and as soon as it made eye contact with you looked embarrassed to the floor. Nurse Joy was nice enough to give you some bottled up water and a small bowl of pokemon food for the two of you and you thanked her before Victor was nice enough to help you carry them over to the table and chairs in the corner. You gladly plopped yourself down in one chair exhausted, sighing as at last your muscles got a chance to rest among the cool ac of the center. Victor sat across from you as your drizzilie plopped itself on the floor by your feet with it's newfound food and water to make it happy.

".....Hey. Y/n?" You hummed from where you had laid your head against the table. "Are you ok?"

".......Yeah."

".......Would you like some water?"

".....Yeah."

He was nice enough to hand you a bottle of water which you chugged down before resuming your position of laying against the table silently resting. Even when the other two finally caught up to you and entered the center.

"My strategy goes right to the pot when I've got all these bad thoughts running through my head," Hop's voice came as you heard the door open just didn't look up.

"Yeah. But I also barely won. I blame the heat. 'Sides you're gettin' better!," Came Gloria's voice right after him.

"Hrmmm. I tried switching my team members in and out to max out their potential in every match up but we just couldn't get it together somehow. Maybe that's why I'm still so weak?"

"Call yourself weak again n' I'll drag ya ta Lee myself kickin' n' screamin' and have him talk ye out o' that crazy mindset!"

"Ok! Ok! I won't! No need to go all charmander on me, Mate. .......Oh! Y/n! Hey!"

"......Hi," you mumbled to Hop.

"So how'd it go? Is everything ok?"

"Oh yeah. Turns out he was just throwing a big whiney fit cuz he was hungry like a big baby, but he should be fine now. How was your battle?"

"OH! That's good to know he's not hurt or anything. It was fine thanks. I got to see how my tactics work on the battlefield and what to improve on. In fact I think we're ready to move on. Are you ready to go, Victor?"

"What?! You mean you're both leavin' us again?!" This time you did force yourself to look up. More out of concern than anything as Gloria stared at the two boys, and you noticed Victor had stood up from his seat. "B-But we just caught up with you!"

...Hop sighed. "I know, and I don't really wanna split up either but I still have some things I need to work out myself. And I wanna make more good choices when it comes to battling and strategies for them. .." He smiled. "But Lee really is the greatest trainer, and I don't want people laughing at him all because his little brother is rubbish. It's not enough. I've got to try harder and harder and hard 'til no one's laughing!"

"But....you're not rubbish to me."

Hop paused again before sighing again. "I know...That's why you make such a good friend and rival, Glory."

"............Hey Hop." The three looked at you and you hesitated for a moment. Would this change the game's story events?? Well it wouldn't hurt to give him some words of encouragement like you gave Sonia. "Listen. You got the Fighting Type badge right?" He nodded. "Then you're not rubbish! You said it yourself that there was a few other gym trainers were here because they didn't want to challenge Kabu yet. But you did. And you won against the guy that supposedly makes their numbers drop."

He blinked wide eyed, not really expecting that. "Yeah...But just barely. And not exactly how I would've liked."

"So? That didn't stop you from winning on your FIRST try either way. How many trainers besides you two have those bragging rights?? The dude's so powerful he personally says congrats to anyone who does beat him. A guy doesn't do that unless only a few actually manages to get past him. Sure Bede may have beaten you. Sure he said a bunch of stuff about you and your brother, but he's just doing it because he's trying to get under your skin. He's trying to make you doubt yourself. He's trying to make you lose." You pointed to the wide eyed looking boy. "Hop. You CAN'T just be calling yourself weak. Leon and you are both strong. Just in different ways and Leon sees that in you. Why else would be agree to sponsor you in the first place? Haven't you seen what you've been able to do so far?" You gestured to his back pack. "In there somewhere is four badges ok? Four badges that you won on either your second or even first try. Do you think I could have done that? Absolutely not. You have four badges and you just need eight to compete at the end of the year! It's been three or four months and already you've come farther than most of your rivals in the challenge." You smiled. "That's not rubbish or weakness Hop. That's your true strength plain and simple."

Hop continued to stare at you with those bright gold eyes for a long moment, before the biggest smile you had ever seen on him came through. "...Yeah...YEAH!!" He pointed at you. "You're absolutely right! ...I...Still need some time to think about a few things, but I appreciate the words."

You smiled and nodded. "You'll figure it out eventually. Until then, just keep calm and work hard and you'll get there. Don't worry yourself over what Bede said because Gloria's right about him being wrong."

With a nod, Hop turned back to Gloria who blinked back at him. "I'm off, mate. Off to find the kind of pokemon that I can really draw the strength out of."

She frowned. "We'll meet up with you later tho...Right?"

"Oh you know we will! I still have to beat you sometime. I'll see you around. Ok?"

....Gloria nodded and the two of you watched as they bid farewell and after a moment they were gone. You two looking after where they left....before you looked over at Gloria's sad face. "Hey. Are you alright?"

After a second or two she nodded. "Y-Yeah." She inhaled. "Yeah I'm good. It's just a bit unfair y'know? Gah!" Her hands came up to grip her head. "I wish I could just get my mind off all this!"

You opened your mouth to speak- "That child." And practically yelped, jumping up, as the both of you whirled around face to face with....Opal. The elderly woman staring at where they boys left. "Gym Challengers should battle for the sake of their own pokemon. Why worry about saving the Champion's name? We all know he's unbeatable."......You exchanged a look with Gloria. "Anyway, here's a little something for letting me watch your battle." To your surprise what she handed out (more like put in Gloria's stunned hand-) was another league card. "Now on you go, Child. You're headed to the Stow-on-Side Gym next, no? The Gym Challenge is about having fun."

You both watched silently as she once again appeared out of no where, before ignoring anything she just did, and just...Left! Gloria finally blinked before curiously looking down at the card in her hands. Slowly turning to you as she rose a brow. And looked up to you. "..This is Bea's League Card."

....You blinked. "You mean the gym leader from this gym?" She nodded. "Why on earth would she have that?"

"I'm more confused on why she's here too."

"I'm more impressed she managed to do all that climbing required to get here. Wouldn't be surprised if she did the smart thing and grabbed a taxi....But she's got a point." You pointed to the card in Gloria's hands. "We came here so you would challenge Bea. If you want to get your mind off things, then a battle against her would be the best thing to do just that."

Gloria stared at you a moment. Before looking down to the card in her hands a determined look coming over her as she inhaled and pumped a fist into the air. "You're right again! I came here to challenge the fighting type gym and it's leader! I didn't spend days travelin' and climbing an unholy amount to just quite now! Hop plans on challengin' me 'n the finals! I owe it to him to at least try my best to get there with him! If he can do it then so can I too!" She turned, her mind dead set and seeming to forget you. "Look out Bea! Cuz 'ere I come to get that badge!!"

"You can do it!," you called after her as she suddenly ran out of the center, fist still high in the air. And leaving you sitting there by yourself. After a moment you sighed and leaned your cheek back down against the table. You were too tired and sore to move at the moment and your back could use a rest from days of lugging that troublemaker aro- The chair in front of you creaked as Drizzilie climbed onto it, before pulling itself onto the table and sat there next to your head, careful to not sit on your hair spilt over on the table behind you. After a moment it gave off a questioning sound and tapped your head as if expecting an answer outta you. You blew out a breath. "I get you're used to being carried around by now, but now you're bigger and heavier. And it's starting to strain my back out." It made another squeak noise. "That means you're a big boy now. One day you're gonna be taller than ME!" You were right that Inteleons were genuinely taller than most humans if you remember right. "What then? You can't expect me to piggy back ride you everywhere. It tires me out. So after today, how about you start giving walking a try?" Your answer was a few pats to your head. "I'll take that as a yes. Because there's NO way in heck I'm trying to carry you back down those ladders."

It was...mostly a blur right after that. It was almost embarrassing how fast you were to fall asleep sleeping half way on a table, but you must've been more tuckered out than you thought. You weren't even too sure how much time had even passed. All you can remember was waking up to a flash of light from behind your retinas making your sleeping body flinch....And your hearing picking up giggling from a far distance. And the feeling of something pressed against your neck. It felt like a cool water balloon just laying again your neck, not that you didn't mind being inside from the heat and all that, but you definitely shied away from the something that was shaking and as COLD AS ICE sniffing at your cheek. With a groan from being deep in sleep for so long, your eyes slowly blinked open to blurry yellow-....Yellow?? You blinked back more in your sleepy stupor as your drizzilie laid lazily like a cat in the crook of your shoulder and next as you yawned. Reached a hand up to rub at your eyes. And looked at the yellow dinosuar as it tilted it's head at you curiously. Blank faced you sat there and stared at it. ......It blinked and gave a small noise. And you yelled up immediately shoot up to your feet as the thing gave a scared sqawk like a parrot and dove itself to cower behind Gloria shaking. Drizzilie chirping in annoyance at being disturbed from it's spot of rest on the table next to you! Everyone in the center was either hiding behind the counter or like you pressed against the walls away the scary looking pokemon who looked like a giant yellow dinosaur trapped in a blue upside down acorn. The thing gave a sad noise as you stared at it, body pressed against the wall, your chair knocked over in the process of getting up. Gloria was already cooing at it soothingly and patting it's head, camera slung around her neck and a picture in her other hand........You pointed.

"WHAT THE HECK IS THAT THING!?"

"Calm down, Y/n. Ya gonna scare Arctozolt even more than the wee babe already is," she said calmly patting it's head.

......You blinked. "I SCARED HIM!? Gloria what IS that?!"

"Oh this?" She gestured to the thing glancing around nervously. The only ones not so freaked out about it was apparently her and your Drizzilie who looked more annoyed it's nap was cut short. "Remember that scientist las I mentioned before? Well I found 'er wonderin' around with the weird contraption in hand. You were still sleepin' when I went back out for food so I figured why not give it a try? This is only one of four new wee ones I've got....But I wanted to come to you straight away because...well..." She looked nervously at you with a strained apologetic look. "I think we might have ta make a run for it."

.........You blinked. "....Run from what?''

She hummed making a rolling motion with her now free hand. "That scientist lady may be lookin' 'round for me cuz I ran off with her 'research'." She gestured to the pokemon who pressed it's nose against her arm curiously.

......"Gloria." You peeled yourself from the wall finally. "PLEASE tell me you didn't steal those pokemon."

She scowled stuffing the picture into her pocket. "I nay stole anything! Especially since it was mine in the first place! They were my fossils she just did some science whatcha-may-callit to 'em. It's not my problem she throws a fit once she sees me flee with 'em. 'Sides. Do ya really want them cooped up in some lab being studied like statues?"

....Well...You couldn't argue with her there. So with a breath in you breathed out calming yourself and held up your hands. "Right." You quickly moved to grab your bag, Drizzilie taking the hint and hurrying to climb off the table to join after you. "Ok then. Let's leave. And put that thing in it's ball-" You paused. ".....hey. What about Bea?"

"I told you I came for the Fighting Badge didn't I?", she asked pulling out a pokeball, in a flash of blue the light the thing was gone. "And I walked out with it as well! No need to worry ye head off!"

You nodded already going to the door. TIME TO LEAVE!! The last thing you wanted was to be arrested by a scientist for tampering with her research or stealing or-...Or whatever Gloria did while you were out cold. Darn it you had to stop being such a deep sleeper! You should've went with her instead of sleeping in! "Which is the fastest way out of Stow-on-Side?" You asked speed walking to the doors with your pokemon at your heels easily keep up with Gloria in tow behind you.

"The fastest way out is the back path leading behind the stadium." She said pointing as you sped walked out into the hot sun. "It's up that long stairway past the mural!"

You nodded. Sounded good to you! And your body was well rested from that powernap so you had the energy now to spare. Footsteps slapping against the stone pavement the three of you sped walked past people who looked like they'd seen a ghost. Oh no. Don't tell me Gloria paraded whatever ancient thing that was on the way there! Looking around, you peeled your eyes out for any sign of an angry scientist with a machine or anything the like. And you did run into a scientist. Just not the one you were fearing. As you two made it up the first flight of steps that lead to the stadium and path to the mural, a dash of yellow side lined you.

BARK!!

WHOA! You yelped and swung your arms out as you stumbled a step, only saving grace was Gloria who thanks to her quick reflexes grabbed onto your pack and pulled you back upright. Catching yourself back onto your feet as the yamper culprit wagged it's lightning bolt tail and panted happily at the both of you before giving off another loud bark. ....Wait a second. A yamper?? What was a yamper doing all the way up here? That could only mean one thing.

Footsteps rapidly approuched. "I'm so sorry!" You both turned. "Is everyone ok?"...Yep. It was Sonia. You both sighed in relief to see her. Thank goodness! It was just her. The red headed scientist quickly approuched scowling at the happily panting pokemon before wagging a finger at it and placed one hand on her hip. "Bad boy! You know better than to run off and scare people like that!" The dog pokemon tilted his head at her but otherwise didn't change it's expression as she turned to you two apologetically. "I'm so sorry about that. He can get easily excited. But it looks like my yamper really likes you, huh?"

"Sonia." A hand on your chest as your headed tilted back with a smile of relief, "Thank goodness it's only you."

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to come examine the ancient ruins and mural around Stow-on-Side after flipping through all those history books in the Hammerlocke library." They had a library?? "I thought maybe something was here. Anyway, we've run into each other at a good time." She happily turned and gestured up the way towards the stairs you two were about to run up anyways. "You know the mural here in Stow-on-Side I just mentioned? It's said to tell the story of the hero of Galar as well. Though what's there today is actually a replica of the ancient art that used to be here."...She paused...and you blinked as she turned to Gloria with seemingly a bright new idea in her mind. "Say. You tend to have surprisingly sharp eyesight, so I was wondering what you might think when you see the ruins?"

Gloria blinked..her hand coming to rub her arm embarrassed. "Uh..Actually I haven't see the ruins or m-mural yet."

She blinked taken a back. "Oh really?,'' she asked surprised. Gloria nodded embarrassed and Sonia held up a hand in assurrance. "Hey that's alright. There's a first time for everything. Since you haven't see it yet, how about we go together since I'm heading there anyways?"

"Would we!?," Gloria beamed and you coughed to gain her attention.

"Aren't you forgetting we're supposed to be leaving town for something?," You pressed raising your brows.

"Yeah. We're still going the same place anyways. But don't ya think running would make us look more suspicious?"

You opened your mouth...but closed it. She had another point. It's make you both look suspicious if either of you just ran outta here like a ghost was chasing you, it'd make you look like you were fleeing the scene of the crime. Acting along with Sonia like tourists would probably help you both blend in here a little better with the other people walking up and down the stairs...You nodded. Alright. You'd do that but then you two had better skedaddle while you had the chance too. Sonia looked please at your answer and would've probably expressed it too, if it wasn't for the earth rattling KA-BOOM sound that went off like a bomb somewhere above all of you. The echo of it boomed across rattling the sky, and you and the other two girls, and a whole bunch of other people looked up in alarm at the frightening sound. Which had come in the direction of the very place you were about to head off too. Sonia's yamper made a distressed bark sound and scampered behind the woman's legs. Drizzilie too seemed mildly surprised at the sound. The best you would describe it as a far away grenade or a firework going off, but who'd have either of those around here!?

"Wha...What in the world was that!? What's going on up there?!," Sonia managed to asked out before another ka-boom noise had you all more startled. "Sounds like it came from the direction of the ruins, too!"

"Maybe some of the old things are collaspin' in on themselves from age?", Gloria suggested.

That made a worried look come over the young scientist and a hand came up to her cheek. "Oh no! That's not good! Those are historical sights we're still studying!"She gave a look to the pokemon still cowering and shaking behind her heels. "Let's have a look! Come along, Yamper!" Her heels left loud footsteps in her wake as she turned and ran towards the stairs the yamper whimpering like a scare dog before quickly running after it's owner.

You yelped as Gloria suddenly grabbed you too and yanked you into a run after her. "Come on! We gotta see what's goin' on too! That's are way outta here remember!?"

You didn't argue with that. Only willed yourself to ran with Gloria after Sonia who was already ahead of you running up the flights of stairs as fast as her legs could carry her. Without the extra weight on your shoulders anymore it was really easy to keep up with them as you all ran past people who were looking with concerned, confused, or scared faces up towards the top of the stairs. One little boy even gripping the pants leg of who must've been his grandmother sobbing in fright. Sonia was the first to reach the top of the hot weathered stairs and stop facing what must've been the source of the sounds because ANOTHER giant boom noise echoed throughout the sky. Your heart raced in your throat, and your lungs heaved as you picked up the place. The second one to get there was Gloria and then a minute later you right behind her and then your Drizzilie who had resumed to running on all fours just to keep up with the lot of you. And the source of the noises were laid at your all's feet. No it wasn't a grenade. Or fireworks. Or even ruins collasping in on themselves from old age. It was a HUGE elephant looking pokemon who must've been the size of a large soccer mom's mini van who had it's trunk halfway stuck inside the cliffside where this strange but beautiful looking hand painted mural was drawn onto the cliffside. A giant hole was in the mural sadly disrupting it's beauty as many spiderweb cracks surrounded it as the elephant thing forcibly pulled it's trunk out of it scattering rock dust and tiny fragments at it's base. And the white haired boy encouraging it on as he pointed.

"Yes! Destroy it! Destroy it all!," he shouted to the elephant pokemon in absolutely frustration, "We're going to find those Wishing Stars!" Your eyes widened in absolute SHOCK. Holy heck!! It was BEDE!! What in the world was he doing!? The others must've been in shock too because they didn't react at all staring in horror as the thing raised it's trunk again and with a sickening crunching gravel sound slammed it's trunk back into the whole it created. More cracks slowly forming across the pretty painted picture. "We've got to bring the chairman more wishing stars if we want to please him! Copperajah! If you're truly the chairman's pokemon then you should feel grateful for this chance to help him find wishing stars!" The thing gave out another elephant sound and repulled it's trunk out from the now slightly bigger hole it made.

"BEDE YA BLOODY KOOK!!," you both jumped as Gloria finally found her voice, hands flying to grip her head as she stared horrified at the destruction before her. At the sound of her scottish accent Bede let out a high pitched wail of surprise and whirled around back pressed to the pokemon's side as his wide purple eyes stared. Surprised no doubt to see Gloria there. She threw her hands at him and his mess. "WHAT IN THE WHOLE STUPID HAIRBALL BRAIN SCHEME OF YERS ARE YE DOIN' NOW!?"

Bede continued to stare at her wide eyed for a moment, before instantly righting himself and dusting himself off. "Oh my. You again." He was WAY to calm for this to be normal. "So you think that you can start collecting wishing stars now and get in the chairman's favor? That's the way of things, is it?!"

Gloria blinked and looked at him like he was stupid for accusing her of something so...so...Well stupid too. "Have ye stumbled and hit your head on somethin' or is your head so stuffed full of that fluffy hair ya can't see what you're doin' right there!?" She pointed even more at the destroyed mural. "And what are ye goin on about wishing stars for!? Like I give a ratatta's arse 'bout lil rocks when I already have the one I need!"

"I see. So you have some cunning in you. But I won't have it!," he growled pointing back at her in anger. "I won't allow anyone to stand in my way! I have to win this for the chairman! Do you really think I'd let you keep me from everything I want!!"

"Did ya even hear what I just said!? I don't want ta git in your way! I want ye ta stop damagin' that thing! Are ye deaf!?"

He chuckled without any happiness. "Oh yes. My partner's move is simply splendid, wouldn't you say?" He held up his hand and with a snap the copperajah as he called it gave a giant elephant roar before lifting it's trunk back up and striking back into the same place it had been before hand. "Now leave me be until I can figure out what to say to you officially!" He turned back around. "I have work to do."

"What do we do!?," you turned to Sonia in a panic as she as panickedly looked back to you as you helplessly pointed at the GIANT elephant thing. "I can't take that thing on with Drizzilie! I can barely beat my own sleep time!!"

"I-I-..." She stammered looking around panicked hands lightly shaking not sure what to do herself before whipping to the stairs to everyone there. Sweat on her face. "SOMEONE GET THE GYM LEADER!! SOMEONE GET BEA NOW!!"

Good idea! Bea would absolutely be able to stop this but by the time she got up here that mural would've been nothing but rubble- ?! "GLORIA NO!!!" Your hand snapped to stop the girl but she was too fast as your hand grabbed empty air.

Gloria had dropped her bag to the ground. Her hands gripping her camera so hard her knuckles were white as she charged forward with speed you hadn't seen her use before. The copperajah pulling it's trunk back again to slam it for the hundredth time back into place in the crater it made in the rock as Bede persisted in barking at it to do so. It's trunk lifted high to the point it was about to slam it back down, when Gloria slid her way between them and the mural, before holding up the camera- "SAY CHEESE!!" And a flash of bright white shot out. The copperajah gave out a pained wail as it turned itself away from the flash quickly shaking it's head. The trunk that was raised to strike the mural more instead coming to it's own body to rub at it's eyes. Bede himself flinching back with a angry cry followed by a growl and gritted teeth as he was stopped.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?," he cried out angrily to her arm wiping at his eyes before blinking wide purple eyes full of confusion at the scowling girl. "I'm doing this for you! I'm doing this for everyone in Galar!!"

"What you're doin' is destroyin' Galar! Not helpin' it ya dummy! Why would I want ya doin' this for me!?" Bede stopped seeming stunned and...it might've been your panicked mind but he looked a little hurt at her words as she glared and held up her camera at him like a weapon. "Now stand down before I get more evidence of yer crimes!"

"...I...But why? How can this be?" ..He numbly pointed at her. "How could someone like you get in my way? I was the one chosen by the chairman! I was the one to defeat the champion!" He cried out at her. "I'm one of the elite! Someone who can shoulder the future of the Galar Region!" He pointed at her. "YOU EVEN AGREED WITH ME!!"

"Since when did I agree with destroyin' ancient sights for bloody sparkly rocks!?"

He didn't get time to anwer. In fact none of you did as a group of footsteps made their way from from behind you and your Drizzilie chirped in surprise before diving in front of your legs to avoid being swarmed by a few people in police suits like you'd often see Officer Jenny wear, a few gym staff people in white suits, and at least three pokemon that you supposed was to help restrain the culprit. You and Sonia looked around yourselves surprised but relieved to see the police coming FINALLY, and Bede suddenly looked even more panicked hands at his sides and lookig around widely as he was affectively surrounded.

"Make way for the Chairman!" Hey! You recognized that woman's voice. And turned just in time for the Chairman himseld and an angry Oleana part their way through the crowd. But instead of feeling relief anymore, a bad feeling pooled at the end of your stomach. "Challeger Bede!" She yelled and just when you thought Bede couldn't have gotten any paler, his skin turned such a white the bright white of his hair could've been considered darker than his skin tone. "I wondered what you were up to when you asked to borrow Chairman Rose's copperajah.I can't believe you'd try to use the chairman's pokemon to destroy a historical sight!"

Wait wait WAIT! HOLD UP!! They actually let Bede borrow THEIR pokemon without asking what he was doing and surprised about this!? ..A low rumble noise came from the wall as a piece of it slid away between the cracks around it. A few pebbles falling from it and landing right behind Bede's feet. No one noticed but Gloria who was still standing between Bede and the destroyed mural, blinking and looking up at the stone wall. You all were too busy watching the show between Bede and his sponsors to notice.

Bede had stood there stunned for a moment before scowling and pointing at her, but his tone was obviously scared. "Who cares for some ancient ruin when the next thousand years are at stake!? Did you stand in the path of a pokemon's simple beam or something?" Wrong move. Oleana looked even more angry now. "How do you expect to support the Chairman with that sort of thinking!?"

More pebbles fell down and Gloria looked right up, twisting her body around as she took a few steps back staring at the wall.

"Bede." Bede Froze. Absolutely. Freaking. FROZE as the Chairman addressed him holding a hand up to Oleana who immediately stood down at his motion. "Young Bede." His hand was slowly returned to his pocket, the chairman's eyes scanning his pokemon who still shook it's head and the absolutely destructon of the once beautiful mural. And shook his head. How was he so calm about this? "It pains me to say this but I am truly disappointed."

".....W-What?"

"It's true that I'm the one who found you, back when you were all alone." He sighed reaching a hand up to rub his head. "I saw talent in you. You reminded me a little bit of myself back when I was young. That's why I sent you to a trainer's school, to give you a chance at success. But trying to destroy the mural, part of Galar's history! You show no love toward Galar!" He looked back up to the boy who by this point was lightly shaking. Just staring at him like a little scared mouth. "You are clearly not a worthy challenger for the Gym Challenge."

"W-W-WHAT!?," Bede shouted at him. "B-B-But all I have ever done was for you!" He placed a hand to his chest. "All I have ever done was for Galar! Y-You must be joking right!? You're disqualifying me from the Gym Challenge?! But you're the one who endorsed me! T-T-There are a hundred different ways we could sort this out!" He insisted more desperate. "Why are you chosing the worst possible option?!"

Mr. Rose just held up a tired hand again. "I don't want to hear anymore from you, Bede. We will decide what to do with you later. For now you will return to Hammerlocke with us."

"B-B-But-.." He looked around in a blind panic around himself at every staff, policeman, and other adult there watching him. More pebbles falling and Gloria's eyes widened in danger. "I-I REFUSE!! THERE WAS A MISTAKE!!"

"Challenger Bede," Oleana stated firmly, "I'll be taking those wishing stars you have gathered. And you WILL be returning with us to Hammerlocke."

"I- N-No wait!" He was grabbed by two men in those white gym uniforms and his purple eyes shrank as Oleana walked towards him.

That's when the Chairman turned towards the rest of you and smiled apologetically. "AH! Sonia! And Gloria and her friend too!" You both turned to the Chairman as Gloria paid no attention to you, the Chairman, or Bede's shaking form as Oleana collected what looked like more sparkling gems out of his pockets. "Terrible shame all this." he gestured to the seen before him and you wanted to hurl at how disgustingly calm he could POSSIBLY be about all this! "An absolute disaster." OH YOU THINK!? "I never wish to see us lose challengers for this sort of reason. Yet we do what we must do to keep things fair and sportsmanlike."

"Then why did you lend him your copperajah without watching him?," you found yourself saying with a frown, "Or have a young boy collect stones from possibly dangerous mines?"

He fell silent, giving you a look that could have been surprised at what you said as you still stared at him. The reality of what you had said not catching up to you then and there because on top of what just happened something else struck. The sound of cracking walls and moving gravel made everyone look up as the cracks and wall of the cliffside moved ever so slightly under the weight of the lose boulder as it slipped free and fell down towards the earth. Down right towards the scrambling and screaming people. Right towards the frozen form of Bede as his mouth opened in a silent scream at the heavy rock barraling towards him as he stood in it's shadow- Well the rock did made contact with the ground, shattering into lots of tinier pieces on impact. Everyone yelped and cowered, arms flying up to shield their faces or turning away as the tinier rocks flew everywhere. Bede and Gloria laid upon the ground sprawled out from where she tackled him out of the flying death maker's way. Both groaned out before sitting up. Bede once again freezing at the sight of Gloria being so close and pulling him up into a sitting position with a scowl!

"Ye alright?"......he slowly nodded. "That's good." Before she began shaking him. "WHAT THE ABSOLUTE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU!? NOW DO YA SEE WHY IT WAS A STUPID IDEA YA DUMMY!? YA COULD'VE BEEN CRUSH BY A STUPID FLYIN' BOULDER!!"

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!?" A loud female voice cried out and if you thought Oleana's loud voice was scary it was nothing compared to the slightly smaller than you woman who stomped her way through the crowd barefoot, angry, and with at least three fighting type pokemon behind her. Just how many people were going to show up here!? And how could she stand walking around barefoot on the hot ground!? The grey haired woman looked absolutely shocked at the state of her town's mural and all the debry around the ground from it, but unlike everyone else who stood around taking a long time to react, her reaction was instant. Anger flooding her features and her face looked like a tea kettle ready to pop as it turned beat red. An accusing hand was pointed at the destruction caused. Wait. She looked familiar. "WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!?"....Oh right! You saw her on the card Opal had given Gloria! It was Bea the gym leader of this place!...And she did NOT look happy to see what happened. Even more unfortunate for Bede some people around him pointed him out to the angry woman and once she snapped his gaze to himself still half held by Gloria, you could tell he was just one more heart attack away from fainting. "SO IT WAS YOU!!" She pointed right at him. "IT'S BAD ENOUGH YOU INSULTED THE TRAINER I ENDORSED BUT NOW YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY OF RUINING MY TOWN'S SUPPLY OF INCOME TOO!? WHERE DO YOU THINK SOME OF THE MONEY TO KEEP THE STADIUM RUNNING COMES FROM YOU LITTLE PUNK!? I SWEAR BY THE TIME I'M THROUGH WITH YOU YOU'LL BE GLUING THE ENTIRE THING BACK BY HAND WITH NOTHING BUT A LITTLE CHILD'S GLUE STICK!!" By now Bede looked pale enough to pass as a ghost.

"Bea now, now." The Chairman held up his hands to her in a calm manner. "Calm down. I'll pay for all the damages and repairs to be fixed. We'll have an exact replica of the mural back up in no time at all. It'll be like this never happened."

"WHAT?!" She snapped a look towards the chairman. "AND LET THIS LITTLE TROUBLEMAKER GO UNPUNISHED FOR ALL THE TROUBLE HE'S ALREADY CAUSED!?"

"I never said he wasn't going to be punished. We were just about to figure that out just now I assure you."

She huffed crossing her arms. "Oh yeah? Is that right? If you ask me you should take away the gym badges from him-"

"NO!!" Bede gave off an 'Oof' as Gloria suddenly grabbed him to her in a protective manner and his face hit her shoulder as he blinked confused. The adults looking at her in a way that made you nervous just standing there watching.

...Bea got a look of realization over her before she pointed at Gloria. "Hey. I know you. You're the trainer that I just badge the Fighting type badge too. Are you in on this too?"

Gloria shook her head no. "NO!! Are ye kiddin' me?! I'd never do somethin' as stupid as this!" Her hand pointed at her. "BUT YA CAN'T TAKE AWAY HIS GYM BADGES!!" She then pointed at the Chairman who blinked at her. "AND NEITHER CAN YE!! BEDE WON THOSE FAIR N' SQUARE!!" Bede blinked and looked up to her in shock. "YER RIGHT THAT HE SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR DOIN' WHAT HE DID!! BUT GYM BADGES ARE A SYMBOL OF ALL THE HARD WORK YOU PUT IN AS A POKEMON TRAINER JUST TO GET THEM!! ONCE A GYM LEADER GIVES THEM TO YA IT JUST SHOWS HOW MUCH YOU IMPROVED AND GROWN FROM THEN!! IF YOU TAKE THEM FROM HIM THEN YOU'LL BE DOIN' NOTHING BUT TELL HIM HIS WORTH AS A TRAINER IS NOTHING AND I WON'T ALLOW THAT!!" Her grip on him increased slightly. "Punish him for what he did to the mural if you want, but don't you DARE take his gym badges from him!"

You weren't sure whether you wanted to bury yourself under a rock or be proud of her in that moment, but her words got the Chairman to stare at her a moment. Humming and eyeing her protective stance frowning at him before he sighed and nodded. "She's right Bea. I won't tamper with the progress he's already made thus far, but he sure will be answering for the mess he's caused everyone today." He gestured back down towards the stairs. "Come. Lets discuss what we can do about the mural out of the hot sun alright? Ms. Sonia I don't suppose you could stand by until my team gets here could you?"

Sonia blinked."...OH! I-i-...Sure."

The two of you stood there as everyone and their pokemon trickled out of the destroyed area and back down the stairs after the chairman and gym leader who shot a nasty glare at Bede before she left. ...Bede slowly pried hmself away from Gloria falling back onto his bottom as she blinked. He got up shakily, dusting himself off in the process, before looking back to her. The two of them silently staring at each others for the longest time.

"Bede," He jumped and turned to Oleana as she stood there waiting for him expectantly, "Come along. You're aware the Chairman doesn't like to kept waiting." Bede paused for a moment looking between her and Gloria exactly once, before turning and started walking towards her. She turned and walked away from the three of you as Gloria slowly stood herself. Bede not sparing either of you a head glance as he walked past the two of you head down without a word.

The three of you stood there watching everyone leave down the long flight of stairs silently ...before you finally broke the silence by looking at the mess as the copperajah lumbered past after it's owner. ".....Well I can say for certain that this so fair has been the most eventful day I've ever had in my life."

"Tell me 'bout it!" Gloria grumbled dusting herself off as she walked over to you to which you looked at her.

"Hey. Are you ok? You're not hurt are you?"

She shook her head no to your relief as she still deeply frowned. "I know the show ponyta was a looney but I didn't think he'd have the gall ta pull somethin' like this."

You hummed. ".....Somehow I don't think that was exactly all his fault."

"Whatcha mean by that?"

You went to answer her but was cut off yet again by voice. "Now that I think about it..." Both of you looked to Sonia who hummed. "You know. During one of Bede's matches, I heard the announcer say that Bede has no family. Apparently it was Rose who took Bede under his wing, and so Bede was battling for the Chairman's sake." Gloria looked between you two surprised, but you were more angry than surprised at this point gaining a frown. You had pretty much picked up on that by now. "*sigh* But that's a story for another day." She looked to the destroyed Mural. "Oh poor Bea. What an awful turn of events. I hope the mural survived all that."

"I doubt that." Gloria kicked a decent sized rock away from her at the mention.

And then that's when the rumble started. Just like the sound of the rock that nearly crushed Bede, only there was a lot more of it! The three of you looked up in horror at the cracks in the once pretty mural finally giving away under the strained weight, and it fell apart.

"LOOK OUT!!"

You quickly grabbed Gloria and yanked her behind you as your Drizzilie once again ducked behind your legs for cover as the rocks fell away and crumbled to the ground in a heap. Sending smaller rock fragments and dust everywhere making the three of you cough up a storm. But it's when you looked up however, is when the REAL mystery began. Because when the two of you looked up....your eyes widened. In place of where the mural used to be was a pile of rubble and a hole in the cliffside. But in the hole ..was a couple of statues. Two of which were two GIGANTIC dog looking pokemon holding a sword or shield in their mouths, and behind them were two kings carved into the stone.

"...Hey." You glanced at Gloria shaking dust from her hat and Sonia walked up wide eyed to the statues. "Are you ok?" She nodded before plopping the hat back onto her head. "Good. What about you Sonia?.....Sonia?" You blinked and looked over to the orange haired woman gaping up at the statues...Huh. Why did they seem familiar to you?

"......Not a brilliant turn of events, but the ruins were brought into the light for us to see!," Sonia finally said after a long moment of silence. "What does this tell us about Galar's legends?"

"Uuuuh." You rose a brow up at the statues. Not really sure if she was talking to you or not. "A....sword and shield?" You guessed based off what the things were holding in their mouths...Hey. Wasn't this whole game's thing revolved around a sword and shield or something??

She nodded. "Right! More than any hero, there's those things that appear to be pokemon that stand out! Not just that, but those pokemon appear to be holding a sword and shield as if they were using them! Anything else look interesting to you?!"

"Uuuuh. ...Those two guys there." You pointed to the two king statues. They're the same as the tapestries aren't they?"

"I didn't notice that! Oh good observation! There really were two heroes. But if that's the case then why only the one statue at Budew drop inn?"

You shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe whoever built it didn't feel like making two giant gold statues."

She hummed. "More than any statue of a hero or old tapestry, these ruins made in truly ancient times must show us the real truth! Which means that....."

"....The sword and shield are pokemon?"

"YUP!!" She snapped with a smile to you making you blink. "I was thinking the same thing! Seems like at some point in history the sword and shield were combined with the two actual pokemon and treated as the same thing!" She hummed looking back to all the rubble. "But then what? They just faded from history? Two young heroes. The sword and shield were actually pokemon. But why would the truth of these ruins be hidden when their stories were depicted in artwork?"

"...Maybe they had something to do with it?" She looked at you and you pointed to the human statues. "The kings or whoever they are. They went through a lot of trouble hiding this..maybe it was to protect the things that protected them."

She hummed. "Possibly. We won't be too sure until I get Mr. Rose's approval to study it more. Thanks! With your help I really feel like we made a big discovery here!

"Not sure how I helped but your welcome!"

"..So there was history being covered up by all that over stylized artwork. I'm gonna have to look into this some more. OOHH!! IM SO EXCITED!! NO RESEARCHER HAS EVER MADE SUCH A DISCOVERY-" A bark caught both of your attention as Sonia looked down at her feet in time for her yamper to drop something white at them. And she blinked. "Hey boy. Whatcha got there?" Not a bone you hoped. She quickly reached down as you leaned over to look and she stood up with a white mask in her hands. It was covered in does and a bit yellowed with a few scrapes, and had three black holes in it presumably for a person's mouth and eyes. "Well would you look at this. I dont think this is from the ruins. ...It kinda reminds me of the one's Allister wears."

"Who?," you asked trying to see it. Sonia handed it over to you and you grabbed it from her to get a better look.

"Allister. He's the boy who's in charge of the Ghost type Gym just down the road there." She pointed towards the exit path from Stow-on-Side. "It's located by the Stow-on-Side cemetary, but it'll take a full day just to get there from here. I just mentioned it might be his since the only one I've ever seen with that kind of mask was him at the Entrance Ceremony....But I guess you'll be headed to Bellonlea next, right?"

You opened your mouth- "Y/N!!!" You were nearly knocked to the ground when Gloria ran up to you and grabbed you suddenly. Yanking you forward hard enough to send you stumbling a few steps as she panicked. "It's that restore scientist lady! She's headed up the stairs this way!" She pulled you into a run away from Sonia as she watched bewildered down the path away from here. Your Drizzilie running at your heels.

"Bye Sonia! Good luck in your research!!," you called back.

Guess you'd be able to finally leave Stow-on-Side.

[janaeekook]

Press your Number; (1)

pairing: badboy!taemin x (f) reader

word count: 3.2k

warnings: drug use, illegal drug dealing, smutty smut, switch leaning dom!taemin (tw:Jonghyun is mentioned as a character)

When did You meet him? A complicated question really. Taemin. He held secrets in his heart, he was dangerous, maybe that was what intrigued you most about the boy. Sure the leather jacket he always wore was an addition.

College, the day before freshman year, a large party at the neighboring frat to your sorority. That was when you first saw him, when his eyes first hypnotized your mind. It was a rather prestigious school, and Taemin never really fit. That group never fit. Meaning they weren’t the typical pretentious rich kid whose daddy paid full tuition.

You were your parents pride, pretty-headstrong-straight-A-student. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows having wealth, more than you had any idea what to do with. There were standards to be upheld and met, to embarrass yourself would be to embarrass your family.

You’d had a well off relationship with your father, You knew he wanted the best for you. He worked hard so that You’d have a better foot hold in life. You knew that You would be aloof without him, struggling to make ends meet. You didn’t want that. That fear to struggle alone kept you on track, until You went to college of course.

•

The lecture hall was full, though only a handful were still awake. The monotonous voice of your professor, a steady yet peaceful lullaby. The boy next to you jolted awake as the professors voice became louder.

“End of term papers should be turned in on my desk by tomorrow, until then, class dismissed.” The classmates around you grabbed their things, and hurried out of the hall.

“You got the notes for me princess?”

“You shouldn’t fall asleep every class, Taemin. Not everyone is going to do your biding.”

“Hmm, I don’t know I think I can be pretty convincing, don’t you think?” You could feel the smirk radiant from his perfect lips.

“Whatever.” Your face burned, as you stood up and headed for the door.

“Hey, I’m sorry,” Taemin’s voice came up behind you, “Let me make it up to you. Tonight.”

“There’s a party tonight.”

“Then your house will be empty?” You could hear the mischievous tone in his voice.

“Taemin-“

“Come on please?”

You sighed, “Fine, but if any of them come home-“

“I hide in the closet and don’t make a sound.” He waved it off nonchalantly.

“It’s serious Taemin, if my father were to get wind of anything that’s going on...” You paused, trying to find the right words.

“He won’t go along with it, I know.” He said as we made it into the hall.

“Y/n!” Your friend, Mia, called your name from down the hall.

“I’ll be over at 9.” Taemin whispered before slipping amongst the crowd. You let the familiar shiver ghost up your spine, Taemin always did that to you, and it was only his words. His hands, however, made you shake in pleasure and anticipation.

“Are you ready for the party tonight?” Mia asked excitedly linking arms.

“Aw you know, I don’t think I can make it. I need to pack, my dad is coming tomorrow afternoon after classes.”

“Y/n l/n? Not prepared? It can’t be.” She jokingly gasped.

“Ya, ya, I’ll be fine.” Mia chuckled as you went back to the house.

•

You bid the girls goodbye, it was 9:30, they claimed they couldn’t be early even if the party was just a few houses down, they had to show up fashionably late. You’d texted Taemin to just wait in his car until they left.

“Thirty minutes, that’s how long I sat there.” Taemin informed you as he came through the door. You giggled as he grabbed your waist and pulled you against him, the kiss he placed on your lips was hungry, desperate, your arms snaked around his neck. You were pushed against the wall next to the front door, “Though, it gave me time to think of what I can do to you tonight.” He pulled away to speak, moving his lips to the sensitive skin of your neck.

His hand slipped beneath your polka-dot pajama shorts. Pulling your panties to the side he plunged a finger into you. The gasped moan that fell past your lips held longing. You’d missed his touch, it was enough to drive you over the edge already. The sloppy circles he drew over your clit with his thumb made your body shake lightly.

You pulled away lightly your mouth hung somewhat open and eyes hooded in pleasure, “Upstairs.” You managed to get out. Taemin got the hint before pulling away and letting you lead him up the steps.

The door shut behind Taemin before he grabbed you from behind and latched his lips onto your neck again. Your breath was shaky in your throat.

“God I’m gonna miss this.” Taemin mumbled into your neck, the words served as a reminder that it was the last week of school before winter break. You’d be going home, returning to the city, the upper east side of New York, for the holidays.

You were going to miss the freedom of college for 4 weeks, you were going to miss Taemin’s touch, the way he made your body feel. He didn’t hold back, he wanted to proclaim to whatever God, show them exactly how much he loved you. He knew, however, that he couldn’t have more than these secret—behind closed doors— meet ups, hiding away your relationship from prying eyes. He wasn’t of ‘her class’ as they’d say, image and reputation mattered, and he didn’t fit that image.

As he thrust into you from behind, his pace got almost unbearable as he slammed his cock deeper inside you. Unintentionally taking his anger out on your body, your cries of pleasure were muffled, your face having been pressed into the mattress. Tears and saliva wetting the blankets beneath you, your senses where completely heightened as you felt your orgasm approaching. And when his cock brought you your release it was his name you cried out in pure ecstasy— but he didn’t stop his menstruations, the seemingly endless slapping of your skin with his.

Your body shook, the overstimulation taking its toll. He pulled you up so that your back was pressed against his bare chest, “T-Taemin I can’t-“ you spoke through breathless moans.

“No baby, I know you can,” He reassured you before bringing his hand around to rub harsh circles over your clit, “Give me another one.”

His combined efforts hurtled you over the edge again in less than a minute. Tears continually streamed down your cheeks, and a chocked sob left your throat, before Taemin met his own release with a low grunt in your ear.

You collapsed next to each other, catching your breaths. Your breaths mixing in the steamy mess of your bedroom. Taemin rolled onto his side, facing you before he grabbed your chin and kissed you, it was hungry yet passionate. It strangely really felt like ‘goodbye’ rather than the ‘see you later’ it used to be.

“What’s wrong?” You ask when he pulls away.

“I just-“ He shook his head, sending you a small closed mouth smile, “Never mind, It’s not important.”

He said it in his head, screamed it, ‘I love you, please don’t choose someone else, please don’t walk away.’ However he knew he’d never say it to you. He was bad for you, his tendencies and habits. He knew it wouldn’t be more than these secret meetings. You’d find someone, or your father would, who gave you more than his own criminal-like tendencies could. He knew you’d be happier in someone else’s arms.

•

The last day of classes was easy, term papers all turned in. Taemin fell asleep in class again, everything was normal, to the finest degree.

“I’ll drive you home.” Taemin had said to you, you nodded to him with a smile. You reached his car, a dark green 1970 Chevy Impala, a very Taemin car in your opinion. He opened the passenger door for you.

“How chivalrous of you.” Your words causing him to roll his eyes as he shut the door, to which you chuckled, “So what do I owe the pleasure, you taking me home?” You asked once he was in the drivers seat.

He shrugged, as he pulled away from the curb and continued down the street, “I won’t see you for awhile, might as well enjoy your company.”

You snorted, “No need to get all sappy with me Lee, I’m sure you’ll have me tangled in the sheets the day we come back to campus.”

Silence filled the car as he drove down the streets. You could sense he had something on his mind, like he had the urge to say something. And he didn’t the whole way, until you were parked across the street from the sorority both your backs leaning against the driver side of the car. Taemin lit a cigarette taking a few drags before finally speaking, the brisk breeze blowing the cloud of tobacco your way.

“What about your father?” His words held a bitter twinge to them— as if mentioning him left a bad taste in his mouth.

You looked over and up at him as you studied his face for any indication of what he meant, “What about him?” His eyes bore down into your own with the upmost intensity. free from prying eyes. Or so you thought.

Taemin shook his head, “Nevermind.” You overlooked the pained smile he had forced on his features. Stepping on his cigarette before moving in front of you he grabbed your cheek then placing his lips upon your own, the same hunger they always had beneath it made you crack a smile against his lips. He pressed your back flush against the side of his car.

“Taemin, as much fun as you fucking me against your car sounds, it’s probably not the best idea.” Your voice was breathy as you pulled away.

“I’ll be subtle about it.” He smirked. You considered it, the street was pretty much barren, void of any prying eyes. Or so you thought.

“My dad will be here to pick me up soon.”

“Tch, your lose.” He said before stepping away from you.

“I’ll see you in a couple weeks.” You smiled, pecking at his lips before walking across the street but you stopped half way turning back around to face him, “And Taemin, don’t be a stranger, text me.”

“Ya, ya, as you wish.” He waved you off with a smile, “Have fun.”

You waved to him as he drove away, and when you turned to go inside you heard a car honk. You turned around again only for your fathers ginormous black suburban to pull up, and to your surprise your father was the one driving.

When he got out you gave him a bear hug, you were his little girl.

“Oof,” he let out along with a chuckle, “Your hugs never get old, sweetheart. You ready to go?”

“Where’s Kevin?” You asked when you released him from the hug, curious as to where your fathers driver was.

“He had some business to attend to.” He reassured you, “I assume you have everything packed? We don’t want to keep your mother waiting.”

“Ya I just have to grab my bag.”

•

5 minutes prior;

Your father watched from where you had parked further down the street, he was seething. Watching as some random boy pinned his daughter between himself and the car. He was bad news, searching for a climb up the New York social latter.

The leather jacket, the car, the cigarettes, the way he handled his precious daughter. He was no where near the standard he held for his daughter.

“Sir?” Kevin asked from the drivers seat.

“Tail him, find out who he is, I never want him coming near my daughter again.”

“Sir, are you saying-“

“Yes. Take him out.”

•

Taemin;

He sat on the couch in the back of the club— the typical hangout. He had a new cigarette sitting between his middle and pointer finger, Jinki came threw the door to his office, a large stack of cash in hand.

“Hey jackass this isn’t a lodging house, feet off the couch.” Taemin scoffed but ultimately listened, sitting up.

“Is that all from last night?” He asked.

“Only half.”

“Shit.” Kibum said from his spot on the floor, most likely high with the way he was slurring his words, “We should put Taemin on the stage more often.”

“We getting our shares?” Minho asked as he cleaned his gun.

“Push me and your answer will be no. Kibum, stop testing the fucking merchandise, I’m not afraid to cut your share.” Laughter bubbled in Kibums throat, “Jonghyun, can you sober him up? I need him to sell tonight.”

Jonghyun sighed, “On it.”

“Taemin— I’m putting you on section 3, bachelorette party.”

“Fantastic.” He said before taking another drag from his cigarette.

The 5 of them worked together, Jinki bought the club a couple years back. He hired strippers, waitresses and bar tenders, and the 5 of them worked the illegal dealings, most of the time. But after a male stripper left on short notice, Taemin stepped in. And the costumers loved him. Kibum sold illegal drugs to mingling groups, usually with the help of Taemin. Minho covers security— checking Id’s and such, and Jonghyun dj’s, the whole ordeal wouldn’t work without him.

Before he went out and danced almost fully naked in front of random women. He texted you.

T: goodnight, sleep well

Y/n: Lee Taemin going to bed early? Who are you???

Taemin couldn’t help but smile at his screen, he could hear your voice as he read it.

T: No, but I know you do

Y/n: You got me there...

T: Sleep well

•

The previous week drifted past and it was Christmas Eve. Snow now on the ground, it absorbed the noise around it, making everything fall quite.

The club wasn’t the ideal place any regular person would find themselves on Christmas. But the boys were all Taemin had, the only people he could truly consider family.

“JESUS KIBUM!” Jinki’s voice shouted, the boy in question was slouched over on the couch, passed out. He didn’t even stir.

“He’s cooked, good luck with that.” Minho snorted.

“We had a new buyer meeting set up tonight, willing to pay double for 7 grams.”

“I can do it.” Taemin shrugged, and it was settled. A Simple deal, nothing he couldn’t handle.

You;

Piano played carols downstairs, the annual Christmas Eve party your father threw was in full swing. The wealthy families in the neighborhood attended talked business and such. Though you were preoccupied, starring at the screen of your phone, waiting for Taemin to text you back, you sighed when nothing popped up you left your phone on you bed before slipping back down the stairs to join the crowd.

“Y/n, darling, there you are! There’s someone your father would like you to meet.” Your mother spoke, she grabbed your hand guiding you in the foyer. You saw your father talking to a man about his age.

“Ah, sweetheart!” Your father greeted with a warm smile, “This is Mr. and Mrs. Wong, We work closely together.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Wong.” You said with a bright smile.

“And, can’t forget their wonderful son, very intelligent young man.” Your father gestured to the boy who stood with them, you hadn’t even realized he was there until that very moment. He was handsome, he grabbed your hand kissing the back of it lightly.

“I’m Lucas.” He greeted and you swore that smile would make you melt, your cheeks burned crimson. You knew what your father was proposing with Lucas, and you couldn’t exactly fight him in it. In a life such as yours, your choices are made for you, including who to love and marry. Though you felt loving Lucas would come easier than you’d imagined.

Taemin;

Taemin was leaned against a graffiti covered wall in a quiet alley way, waiting for this new costumer Jinki had spoken of. The guy eventually came down the alley, Taemin rolled his eyes at how obvious this new-bee was being.

“Hey are you-“ he started.

“Ya, ya, you got the money?”

“Can I see the product first?” The man asked, Taemin rolled his eyes before taking out the bag holding it up, “That’s it?”

“It’s what you asked for, 7 grams.”

“I don’t remember that.” The guy argued.

“Look, take it or leave it dude.”

But he didn’t respond, that’s when Taemin saw the flashing lights, his stomach dropped, “NYPD, come out of the alley with your hands up!”

“You set this up? Fucking snitch.” He spat before he went barreling down the other side of the alley. He ran to his car, speeding off, his mind was racing a thousand miles per minute. He knew if they didn’t know his car by now they’d know soon.

He pulled up behind the club, rushing out of the car and then inside. Taemin shoved Jinki the second he saw him, The tensions quickly going from 0 to 100.

“The bastard called the cops!” Taemin yelled.

“Fucking shit.” Jinki spoke.

“I have to go, I-I have to leave.” Taemin was freaking out.

“Taemin we can figure this out, you don’t have to go anywhere.” Jonghyun stepped in.

“I’m not taking you all down with me- I’m sorry, I’ll contact you all when it’s safe.”

And with that Taemin was out the door again, hearing the sirens off in the distance only serving to heighten his unrest. As he sped through the bustling night streets. He pulled out his phone as he headed for the countryside, in hopes to disappear and lay low for a bit.

He pressed your number, his heart ached when you didn’t answer. He took a deep breath to steady his voice, going to speak when the tone sounded.

“Hey, Y/n, uh— I got into some trouble, I won’t be able to talk until it’s safe- Uh b-but I will, don’t worry too much about me.”

He wished he could’ve heard your voice, spoken directly to you. It would’ve calmed him down, cleared his mind enough to be aware of the black suburban tailing behind him. Would’ve prepared him for the pit maneuver that sent his car into a tree.

He coughed on the smoke before pushing the car door open, and falling out onto the asphalt. Taemin looked up to see the man from the alley way.

“You-“ Taemin croaked, blood from a cut on his forehead dripped down his face, “What? Are you a cop?”

He chuckled, “Taemin, you simply messed with the wrong family. And pissed off a powerful father.”

“You’re mistaken, Ive never met the guy.” Taemin’s hoarse voice spoke again.

“You really think he doesn’t keep tabs on her?”

“So what are you here for? To threaten me to not go near her again?” He asked groaning as he rose to his feet.

“Not exactly.” The man, Kevin, raised his arm. A gun in hand. And before Taemin had time to react it was too late. A twisted game of class resulting in blood shed. For she was higher than he.

The final sounds hushed by the snow that began to fall; were that of a gun shot and a body crumpling to the cool earth below.

[trashyswitch]

Calming Patton's Phobia

Virgil has always known that Patton was terrified of spiders, but also adored being tickled! And this spider, happens to provide both! So, Virgil decides to use Patton's favorite activity to combat his fears.

This is Tickletober October 7: Unusual Tool

This is one day late! But that's only because I had started a part time job, and I'm getting nailed with full-time training hours. So...I hope you enjoy despite the tardiness!

Patton has been terrified of spiders for as long as they could remember. From the first time they ever saw a spider till now, Patton could never get over his fear of spiders...not even a little bit. The spiders made him all jumpy and whiny, and caused him to sprint away from adrenaline. But despite that fear, Patton does have an activity he LOVES: tickles! Whether it’s giving tickles or being tickled himself, Patton LOVED them! They were so fun! Sure they were childish, but they were a fun fighting tactic and even a bonding activity when done properly. Patton had been tickled endless times by people, including Virgil! And boy, can Virgil tickle him well!

Virgil on the other hand, loves spiders! Spiders were killers who helped keep the bugs at bay, and were very independent creatures like him. They were also dark, and certain spiders had furry bodies, which was very useful. Virgil has a big spider as a pet, that often loves giving Virgil tickles, despite the slight dislike for being on the lee side. But, Virgil let the spider show its love to him by tickling him and exploring his belly.

Virgil had been aware that Patton hated spiders. But...What if he could calm his fears a little bit through getting his spider pet to tickle him a little?

Patton was tickling Roman with a feather in his hand and a huge smile on his face. “Kitchy kitchy kitchy kitchy koo Roman! Does da princey like the belly button tickles?” Patton teased, fluttering the feather on Roman’s belly button.

“YEHEHEHES! IHIHIHI DOHOHOHOHO!” Roman yelled back, pushing his arms against his own ribs.

“Awww! Thank you for agreeing with me so willingly, Roman!” Patton said happily.

“IHIHIHI- IHIHIHIT TIHHICKLEHEHEHEHES!” Roman reacted, struggling to not push the feather or the arm away.

“Well, I’d hope that it tickles! If it didn’t tickle, that would be a bit of a problem.” Patton told him.

Patton continued fluttering the ticklish feather inside Roman’s belly button before giving the prince a break. Roman covered up his belly button and rolled onto his belly as leftover giggles poured out of his mouth.

“You okay, red clover?” Patton asked.

“Yeheheah...Ihihi’m ahahalrihihight.” Roman replied.

Roman giggled and laid himself down for a bit. Virgil walked up to Patton and tapped his shoulder. “Hey Patton? Can I talk with you for a moment?” Virgil asked. Patton turned around and tensed up at those words. “Don’t worry. You’re not in trouble.” Virgil told him.

Patton blinked and continued to rub his hands together. “I’m not?” Patton asked.

“Nope!” Virgil replied. “I just wanted to show you something.” Virgil told him.

Patton followed Virgil to his room and walked through the door a little excitedly. Virgil’s rarely been in his room, so this was a rare opportunity.

“So, are you gonna give me a hint?” Patton asked.

Virgil smiled. “Sure! Here’s your hint: It’s very tickly.” Virgil replied.

Patton squeaked and clapped his hands excitedly. Now he REALLY wanted to know what they were gonna talk about! Nothing beats tickly! Nothing, whatsoever.

Virgil sat Patton down on his bed. “Okay. Close your eyes.” Virgil told him. Patton’s smile grew wider as he closed his eyes and covered his eyes with his hands. Virgil opened up the closet, and grabbed a halloween spider. “Okay. bring out your hands.” Virgil told him. Patton nodded and brought his hands out with his eyes squeezed shut from excitement. Interested to see what he could do, Virgil placed the decoration onto Patton’s hands. Patton gasped as it touched his hands. “Okay. You can open up your eyes now.

Patton couldn’t contain his excitement as he opened up his eyes. But his excitement quickly turned to fear as his eyes fell upon...A SPIDER?! “EEEEEEK! GETITOFF! GETITOFF- AAAAH!” Patton shouted, throwing the decoration across the room. Virgil couldn’t help but laugh at the reaction. “I-VIRGIL!” Patton shouted at him, pushing his shoulder in slight anger.

Virgil only continued to laugh for a few more moments before putting his hands on Patton’s shoulders. “It’s alright. It’s alright Patton. It was fake. Look!” Virgil picked up the spider, smacked the spider onto his own hand, and snapped one of its legs off. “See? Plastic.” Virgil told him.

Patton started to calm down, but was still a little scared from the jumpscare. “Why? Why would you prank me like that?” Patton asked. “Were you trying to play a prank on me? Was it a test for halloween?” Patton asked further, slightly ticked that he did that.

“No, and no. But, you did get something right:” Virgil walked himself towards the glass cage that was beside his dresser on the ground. “It was a test of some sort.” Virgil added as he opened the lid of the cage. “I wanted to see how you would react if I randomly gave you a real spider.” Virgil explained. “And...as I predicted: you threw the fake one halfway across the room.” Virgil added.

Much to Patton’s dismay, Virgil lifted a real, living tarantula out of the cage. Patton’s jaw dropped as he quickly learned that not only is Virgil not afraid of big spiders, Virgil actually OWNS a tarantula! AS A PET! HOW?! Just seeing the fur on its legs made the hair on Patton’s arms stick up.

“This is Charlotte. Of course, named after the spider from Charlotte’s web.” Virgil told him. Patton was feeling the fear well up inside him. Should he run? Should he slap the tarantula out of his hand? Or should he just freeze and hope Virgil doesn’t bring the tarantula any close to him? Patton couldn’t decide.

“Don’t worry. Charlotte is not gonna bite you as long as you don’t attack it.” Virgil reassured him.

Well...that takes fight off the list…

“Wh-I-How?!” Patton asked, finally getting a word out. Though...it wasn’t the right word.

“I summoned him myself. He’s a cute little furball who loves crickets, climbing things and moving stones around. I’ve collected little flat stones and painted them different colors, and I’ve watched as she stacked them on top of each other.” Virgil told him.

“Mm hmm...yeah...uh...okay.” Patton replied, clear fear in his voice.

Virgil turned himself towards Patton and took one step to the father. Patton blinked, and widened his eyes in slight worry. Virgil took another step...Patton shook his head in fear and threw his hands in front of his face in defense. Virgil stepped one step back again. “Don’t worry. Look!” Virgil said, before gently placing his tarantula onto his own head. Charlotte crawled around within his hair a slight bit, and moved the hair around with its front legs. Patton slightly calmed at the sight of Virgil not getting bitten, but was still tense.

Suddenly, the tarantula started crawling around in bigger strides on Virgil’s head. Virgil put his hands up as a fence, and giggled a little. “Ihihit tihickles!” Virgil told him, his smile widening as Charlotte moved towards the front of his scalp.

Patton was both scared to acknowledge the pet, but was also...growing jealous. Virgil was getting tickled from the pet and now, Patton wanted to get tickled like that! But...it’s a tarantula! Why is he suddenly jealous over a tarantula of all pets, tickling Virgil?

Patton was growing very conflicted, and Virgil could tell. That was exactly what Virgil wanted: to conflict and confuse Patton, to help him see the good side of his biggest fears. If Luigi could have a ghost puppy despite his fear of ghosts, then maybe...just maybe...Patton could at least hold Charlotte.

“Uuuuh...I…” Patton said, struggling in his mind a little.

“What’s wrong? Are you...nervous? Or curious?” Virgil asked.

“Does it...actually tickle when Charlotte is walking on your head?” Patton asked.

Virgil nodded. “A little, yeah. But it’s much worse when I place Charlotte on my belly.” Virgil told him as he carefully laid himself down. Virgil willingly decided to expose his ticklish spot to Patton, just for the sake of calming his fears: he placed Charlotte onto his belly and rested his bent arms behind his head. Charlotte sat there for a few seconds, before starting to crawl around on Virgil’s belly. Virgil tittered and squeaked in surprise, struggling to not wiggle under Charlotte.

Patton’s fearful facial expression slowly fell into curiosity rather than anything, and led him to move a bit closer to Virgil to get a better look at Charlotte. Patton eyed up the clumps of fur that surrounded the 8 separate legs, and noticed how the body of the tarantula was furry as well. It was strange how such an animal like that could look so menacing, yet be covered in fur like a puppy or a kitty. That thought only increased his confusion and confliction between his worst fear and his two favorite things: cats and tickles.

Patton was thrown out of his thoughts from a loud guffaw. “WAHAIT- CHAHAHARLOHOHOHOTTE!” Virgil bursted out, holding his forehead with one hand as he laughed manickly. Patton looked down at Virgil’s belly and chuckled: one of Charlotte’s legs had fallen right into the pothole known as Virgil’s belly button. So not only was Charlotte’s leg dipped into his sensitive navel, the fur that filled the leg was now tickling every layer of his belly button! And as much as Patton wanted to help him, Patton also wanted to enjoy the cute little view just a little longer. So, he left the tarantula’s leg inside Virgil’s belly button.

“Uh oh! Looks like Charlotte found your ticklish little giggle button! How on earth will Virgil escape from such an attack?” Patton teased. “It is his pet after all...he wouldn’t wanna...hurt the poor thing…” Patton teased.

“OHOHOHO SHUHUT UHUHUHUP!” Virgil laughed.

Patton gasped. “Now why would I EVER shut up! When this...smart creature...had found your most ticklish spot?! Now, I just HAVE to tease you for her!” Patton teased with an innocent tone.

“STAHAHAP AHAHACTING SOHOHO IHINNOCEHEHEHENT, AND HEHEHELP MEHEHE!” Virgil begged.

Patton giggled. “You know as much as I wanna help you...I think you’re capable of removing Charlotte’s leg yourself…” Patton mentioned.

Virgil mentally cursed to himself. DAMMIT PATTON! You’re too smart for this! Virgil finally followed through with Patton’s suspicions, and slowly removed the spider’s leg from his belly button. He did successfully do it without causing Charlotte any pain or trouble, but only at the expense of his plan. Patton now knew he liked being tickled! Sure, it’s great for the future. But now, Patton’s gonna ignore Charlotte’s existence and start tickling the hell out of him!

“Awww! You like it!” Patton reacted.

Yup! Just Virgil’s luck: he caught on.

“You wanted Charlotte to tickle you because Charlotte would never say no to a little exploring!” Patton reacted.

Virgil couldn’t help it when his face grew a darker and darker shade of red. This was way too embarrassing for him to handle!

BUT WAIT…

Virgil suddenly came up with an idea.

“Yeheheheah...Ihihihi lihihike ihit ahas much as yohohou doho.” Virgil confessed.

Patton gasped, squealed and clapped his hands out of excitement. “You admitted it! You’re so brave!” Patton cheered.

“Buhuhut...Chaharlotte helps ahaha lot wihith thahahat too.” Virgil explained. Patton’s smile dropped slightly. The thought of a tarantula crawling over him, still slightly scared him. But perhaps...it wouldn’t be as bad as he thinks.

“Can I try it?” Patton asked.

Virgil turned his head slightly. “Hm? Try what?” Virgil clarified.

“Try...having Charlotte on my belly…” Patton asked.

Virgil lifted his chin. “Really? You wanna try it?” Virgil asked.

Patton started to slightly doubt his words. But, with the confidence that was left, Patton brought out his chest. “Yes.” Patton replied.

Virgil was almost excited to get Charlotte onto Patton’s belly. Patton laid himself down beside him while Virgil gently lifted Charlotte off of himself. Patton lifted his light blue shirt up while Virgil knelt down. With both of the sides ready to experience something new, Virgil started to lower his spider down.

Patton closed his eyes and held his breath for a few moments so he could prevent himself from growing increasing anxious over the thought of what he was doing.

Suddenly, Patton let out a surprise squeak! The backs of Virgil’s hands had gently tapped his belly, and Charlotte was still on his hands. With some gentle persuasion and a couple quick motions, Virgil placed Charlotte’s furry legs onto Patton’s bare belly. Patton’s paused breathing seemed to slowly resume as he processed the feeling of 8 separate legs standing on his belly.

“How do you feel?” Virgil asked.

Patton’s fear seemed to calm a little the longer he processed what was happening. “I’m...okay. Just...still nervous.” Patton admitted.

“That’s completely understandable.” Virgil told him.

Patton’s anxiety seemed to jump slightly as he felt Charlotte move her legs only a little bit. It felt so weird. It wasn’t sharp like a needle, but it wasn’t dull either. It was...more furry than anything. Patton bit his lip as Charlotte started to move just a little more frequently. It felt so tickly! It felt so foreign! It was amazing, yet nerve-wracking all at once!

“You want me to move her around a little?” Virgil asked.

Patton let out a short nervous giggle in reply. “Idon’tknowjustdoit!” Patton begged quickly.

“Oookaaaaaayy…” Virgil said in a sarcastic tone before poking Charlotte to make her move. Patton squeaked as Charlotte’s legs moved around on his belly, and snorted slightly. The more that Charlotte moved around, the more that Patton nervously giggled.

“Why do you look so nervous still?” Virgil asked.

“B-Behehecause she’s gonna bihite mehehe!” Patton said nervously.

“She’s not gonna bite you. She’s barely gonna move because of how scared you are. She’s only gonna move a little, and mostly sit there while you calm down.” Virgil told him.

Patton tried to calm himself down further by taking deeper breaths. This ended up leading to the tarantula walking a little farther down...RIGHT above his belly button! Patton squeaked and giggled a little as the 8 furry legs tickled his bare belly surrounding the navel. “Thihihis tihihicklehehes!” Patton giggled, squeezing his arms against his chest.

“I know, right?!” Virgil reacted.

Suddenly, Charlotte started moving around even more! She moved herself towards the right side, and...stepped his last right leg RIGHT INTO HIS BELLY BUTTON!

“AAEEEHEHEHEHEHEHE! AHA! AHA-HAHAHAHA! NOHOHOT MYHY BEHELLY BUHUHUTTON!” Patton begged, struggling to not wiggle or bounce his belly any more than he already is by laughing.

“Wow! That was a lucky guess, Charlotte! Wasn’t that, Pat? It’s almost as if she knew!” Virgil teased.

No way...She couldn’t have known that! It was purely incidental!

...right?

Charlotte started to try and remove her leg from the bottom of Patton’s navel. But Patton’s navel was just so long compared to Virgil’s! Not only that, but the hole was moving around constantly!

“EEEEEEEEHAHAHAHAHAHA! IHIHIHIT TIHIHIHICKLEHES! AAAAAHAHAHAHA!” Patton screamed loudly!

“Holy crap! Calm down! All Charlotte’s doing, is removing his leg from your belly button!” Virgil reacted.

“IHIHIHI’M TOHOHOHO TIHIHICKLIHIHIHISH!” Patton shouted.

“I...I can see that!” Virgil reacted.

Charlotte ended up staying on Patton’s belly for a good 15 minutes before Virgil finally removed the spider. Charlotte’s fur had a slight bit of blue lint stuck to her furry leg, and Patton was an overwhelmingly giggly mess. He couldn’t survive a naked finger in his belly button! Let alone a furry leg! Patton eventually managed to calm himself down enough to tell Virgil that he actually loved it! He was still a little nervous about the spider, but the love for tickling must’ve calmed him and overcame his phobia! It is truly incredible, what the mind can do when faced with a challenge.

[ilovecookies576]

I Met You In A Forest

This is a naruto fanfic I wanted to make so here we go

Summary: Shino was training in the forest and fell asleep little did he know he was not alone.

Disclaimer: I do not own naruto

It was early in the morning when shino had left to go train for the day. He had nothing to do because today was his day off but he decided to improve his skills.

As he walked into the forest it was empty as he expected it to be sense everyone had the day off it was not surprising. Shino started his training immediately when he got there and when he was done training he was exhausted.

It was the afternoon when he finished his training. He was so tired he fell onto the ground and looked up at the afternoon sky and thought “it wouldn’t hurt to take a quick nap for a while” as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Little did he know he was not alone…

(Kiba’s pov)

I was walking into the training area with akamaru when I saw that nobody was there “huh that’s funny shino would have been here by now” I said when hinata showed up “hello kiba” she said while waving at me “hey hinata have you seen shino?” I said while waving back at her. She shook her head and said “no why? Is he not here?” She asked me “no he’s not here” I said answering her question. “Well maybe he over slept” said hinata fiddling with her fingers “you know it’s not like shino to be late”I said in response. “We should go look for him” she said while petting akamaru as she held him in her arms. “Ok let’s go” I said while walking off back to the village while hinata and akamaru followed behind me.

(Shino’s pov)

When I opened my eyes I came to realize that I was not in the forest anymore but I was in a bed I was still tired so I stayed in the bed but I did notice that I was not in my house and later on a strange girl came into the room so I closed my eyes and pretended that I was sleep. As she walked around the room I could hear her huming a song but it came to a stop when she spoke “I know your awake” when she said that I sat up and looked at her “you were asleep for a long time you know that?” She said while walking over to me and sitting on the bed. “Give me your arms” she said while holding out her hand although I didn’t know what she wanted my arms for but I did as I was asked to. As she grabbed my left arm first and pulled up my sleeve to see some cuts on my arm but now comes to think of it when I was training I fell off a tree and cut myself a few times. As she dipped her finger into a tiny bowl and rubbed something onto my arm.

It was cold at first but it started to warm up as she put it on my wounds as she finished with my left arm she started on my right arm. “What were you doing in the forest anyway?” She asked me in a soft voice “training” I said while looking at her “aren’t you going to take off your sun glasses?” She asked while I shook my head.

When she was finished my arms felt better already when she stood up and asked me “are you hungry?” I did say no but then my stomach said otherwise. I covered my stomach with one hand and looked up at her to see that she was giggling a little. “I will bring you some lunch” she said before leaving the room.

(Normal pov)

When the girl had got back she was holding two plates and set them down on her lap when she sat back on the bed “here try some!” She said with a smile holding up a rice ball to shino. As he took it and bit into it he liked the taste of it but realized that it tasted different from other rice balls. “What’s in this?” Said shino while taking another bite “it’s a family recipe!” She said while giving shino a friendly smile. As shino ate in silence it was broken when a little boy ran into the room“nee-chan!” Said the little boy while jumping into the girls arms “hey ototo-san!” She said with a smile. “Oh I forgot! Let me introduce myself I’m Luna Kisangani and this is my little brother Kumi Kisangani what’s your name?” She said with a friendly smile “I’m Shino Aburame” said shino finishing the rice ball. “nee-chan can you play with me? Said kumi while hugging Luna tight “of course!” She says as she gets up and leaves with kumi “oh and shino after your finished eating you can join us in the living room!” She said before closing the door.

Back in konoha everyone was looking for shino. “Any luck guys?” Said kiba but everyone shook their heads no “where could he be?” Said naruto rubbing the back of his neck. “Me and neji checked every food place in the village” said tenten “me, sakura and lee checked his house” said shikamaru “me, hinata and choji checked the rest of the village” said Ino with a sigh. It was silent until hinata spoke “you guys don’t think he left the village do you?” Everyone was scared at the thought of him leaving the village like susake did. “He wouldn’t… would he….?” Said choji with a scared look on his face. It was silent for a while when it was broken “come on guys don’t think like that! We’re gonna find him believe it!” Said naruto with his friendly smile. Everyone looked up at him and smiled “naruto’s right guys! Let’s keep looking!” Said kiba with smile as everyone nodded their heads and ran off to start looking again.

As Luna and shino played with kumi, shino was thinking about his friends and family back at home. “What’s wrong shino?” Said Luna putting her hand on his shoulder “just thinking about my friends back at home their probably worried about me” said shino looking down “if you want I can take you home” she said with a smile “you can?” Says shino “of course! Now let’s take you home” she says while grabbing shino’s hand and tells kumi she will be back soon. When they were outside as they were about to leave shino was starting to fall asleep. “Tried?” Said Luna as shino nodded his head as he closed his eyes for a few seconds he felt himself being lifted up off of the ground when he opened his eyes to see that Luna was holding him in her arms “shino I need to tell you something” said Luna “what is it?” Shino said in response “don’t tell anyone about me or my little brother ok?” She said looking at him as he nodded his head she smiled and started to take shino back to the village.

Everyone was worried about shino “any luck guys…?” Said lee in a sad voice it was silent for a while when naruto spoke “I’m not going to lie I miss s-SHINO!!” As he looked up “we do to naruto” said kiba in a sad tone “NO GUYS LOOK ITS SHINO!!” Naruto said pointing to the top of a building everyone else looked up to see shino being carried away. “Who is that carrying him?” Said neji “wait you guys don’t think…?” Said kiba with a scared look. Everyone one was silent for a second when they started running after shino “what do they want with shino?” Said lee “we don’t know but we’re gonna find out!” Said naruto in a angry voice. “Shino wake up” said Luna while jumping to the next building “hmm..?” He says in a sleepy voice “look there are some people following us so when I jump down and turn this next corner I’m going to put you down and when they ask you what happened tell them you managed to escape from me ok?” Said Luna as shino nodded his head and Luna jumped down from the building and turned the next corner. “COME ON OR WE’RE GONNA LOSE THEM!” Said shikamaru as they jumped off of the building and turned the corner to see shino getting up off of the ground. “SHINO!!” Said hinata and kiba running up to him and hugging him tight “o-ow easy on the hug will ya?” Said shino hugging them back “did they hurt you?” Said sakura wanting to make sure he wasn’t hurt “o-ouch” said shino in a low voice but it was loud enough for naruto to hear him. As naruto walked up to shino hinata and kiba had let him go thinking he wanted to give him a hug as well but naruto lightly touched his right arm and shino flinched a little by him doing that naruto could see that something was wrong and so could everyone else. When naruto grabbed his arm shino grunted in pain as he moved away from naruto “Shino can I see your arm?” Said naruto in a concerned voice “I’m fine naruto it’s just a few cuts” said shino looking away from him. “Cuts!?” Everyone said while hinata ran up to shino and pulled up his sleeves to see bandages on his arms “Shino what did they do to you…?” Said choji with a concerned look on his face. “I fell out off a tree that’s all” said shino with a nervous look “did THEY do this to you…?” Said naruto with a angry look “what? No no I’m telling you naruto I just fell out of a tree that’s all” said shino while yawning “it’s getting late we should go home” said Ino as everyone nodded their heads and started to walk home.

The next day it was really early in the morning and Kumi and Luna was already awake.

“Nee-chan?”

“Yes ototo-san?”

“I miss shino” said kumi with a sad face “well then why don’t we go visit him?” Said Luna with a smile “really!? I’ll go get my shoes and my cloak!” He said running off to get his stuff. As Luna laughed she put on her cloak and shoes as kumi came out and jumped into her arms “I’m ready!” Said kumi with a smile as Luna grinned and walked out the front door with kumi.

This is the end to part one I hope you guys liked it and have a great day!!

[lordseochangbin]

cats and cuddles- minho

a/n: so this was like one of the first fics ive ever written and i wrote it for a friend so hmm if it sucks im sorry LMFAO i thought it was cute so i wanted to share 🥺🥺

it was late at night when felt a quick snuggle on your chest. of course, the struggle of grabbing your glasses in the dark was real, your hands constantly patting your nightstand till you finally felt the plastic lens slowly putting them on before your cat could jump off your bed.

“fefe? where are you going?!” you watched as the red kitty ran out the door, following behind him as he rubbed his head against the window door.

“you wanna go outside? god this is why i told you go out earlier” you sighed before opening the door, “just goooo” and off fefe went, making an unexpected whimper that brought concern to your eyes.

you watched as the little feline jumped out the window, running through the hidden hole under the fence. you never noticed the cats secret dugout, and even at the middle of the night you wondered of the cats whereabouts.

this wasn’t the first night, you quickly realized, that the kitty had asked to leave so late. quickly grabbed a coat and throwing on some uggs, you ran out into the cold- a flashlight in your hand as you ran around the corner in search of the little guy.

“fefe...? where are you?” you called in a sing-song tone.

this call was only returned by the sounds of the night; quiet, mysterious, indulging. it made you wonder where the hell this little idiot could’ve gone.

almost on cue, you watched as fefe’s small steps ran down the neighborhood road in front of you. “fefe!” you called, running after him in the cold.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ────── ⊰

he was having a bad night, i guess you could say. the day before he spent the night contemplating whether or not the girl he was with at the moment was actually the love of his life. the feeling of uncertainty was the worst, and when he called it off with his girlfriend he left the room knowing it was the right thing.

this didn’t settle with his ex however, the house left with shattered glass on the floor as she claimed, “minho! you can never live without me! no other girl would want you!”

the fear driven into his eyes only shuttered as he realized maybe she was right, but she was wrong.

chan reassured him of this later on in the day as he spilled out his worries, reminding him of a question that felix got him considering a few weeks ago. “hyung, do you really like noona?” it was a question that really got him thinking, did he really love her? was she the one for him?

she was allergic to cats, wasn’t a fan of ice cream, and hated books-- especially the harry potter ones. minho knew that 12 y/o minho would’ve threw his girlfriend into a bush when he realized she disliked j.k.rowling’s most amazing works.

this just didn’t settle with him, and the stress began to overwhelm him as he decided to open the door for fresh air. sitting near the window, minho ran his fingers through his hair as he listened to the cool breeze. humming in satisfaction, he let his eyes close shut before he could see the slightest of a figure passing the doorway. 

“binnie!” he exclaimed, running out the door with two jackets instead of one in a sudden hurry.

there the two of you were, chasing after two kittens with no point of direction. simply following the steps of tiny paws as they ran through the dark night. little did you know that an glimpse of fate was behind this, not for you and the boy, but for the two kittens.

you watched as fefe turned a corner, stopping to take a breather before hearing someone yell “oh my god, its two kittens!” panic ran though you as you assumed it must’ve been a cat robber, and with quick instinct you ran the corner to see fefe’s little tail.

“fefe!!!” you ran with all your might, not noticing the male figure in front of you as you picked up the little kitten. 

“ouch” the boy said, rubbing his forehead from the contact. you looked up at the boy, finding yourself in disbelief. how could such a handsome man be a cat robber? 

“look.. p-please dont take my cat” you stuttered to speak, taking a few steps back. 

“what..? oh my god look, this is my cat” you looked down to see another cat, another identical to fefe but jet black fur. 

fefe jumped out of your arms, quick to cuddle with the strange yet attractive man’s cat. “they seem to be very close” you giggled

the boy smiled as he watched them brush their noses against each other, a scene that brought a little bit of warmth to your heart. he crouched down to rub the soft fur that filled fefe’s back before placing his index finger on a certain point that threw him off.

“is that your cat’s birthmark?” cats don’t have birthmarks but um yeah let’s pretend they do ah haha

“yeah!! apparently my kitten had a brother who was adopted and they placed these fake birthmarks in case they ever unite. it probably won’t happen though, i barely let fefe out. and even if it did, i wouldn’t believe it”

minho looked at his cat, and at yours, and back at you- biting his lip as he took a moment to process his thoughts.

“well start believing” minho said as he brought his kitten close to your side and revealed a similar birthmark on the same exact place. “are you kidding?!” you yelped in excitement, leaning down to carry the boy’s cat in your hands.

you shivered in the cold as another breeze flew past the two of you, catching the boys eye as he held his second jacket that he grabbed by accident in his hand.

“here” he stood up, slowly placing the jacket over your shoulders. in the process, you happened to look up at him. you noticed the way his deep brown eyes sparkled. the little birthmark on the top of his nose.

his pouted lips when he was simply thinking or doing something. his lips parted when he noticed you looking right back at him before he could step back and clear his throat. you found yourself snapping out of the moment as well, as the boy went back to pet fefe.

“what’s the name?” you asked.

“my names minho” the boy said, smiling at you as he expected a response

“... i meant the cat” you said, brushing the cats fur with your fingertips

“oh... it’s binnie”

“cute name. and in case you’re wondering im y/n, and this is fefe” you said, taking a second to wonder where the sudden confidence came from before the both of you could exchange kittens and most definitely exchange phone numbers.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ────── ⊰

the next day, the two of you met at the place where you adopted the kittens.

“so.. theyre twins” you’d concluded after seeing the felines matching birthmarks and affection for each other.

“they’re like long lost brothers” minho said with a pout as he watched the two play with a piece of string

you looked up at him, only to catch him looking right at you “shouldn’t we keep them together?” minho suggested

you pouted your lips. after all this time you created a strong bond with fefe and never wanted to let him go. he was always the boy to cuddle with your feet as you did homework or sit on your lap as you watched tv. he was someone to talk to in the household and you couldn’t risk losing him.

minho felt the same way about binnie as well. he was a kpop idol in training, and when the stress had overcome him he always found relaxation in binnie’s comfort. he just didn’t want to let him go.

“to be honest, i know they’re long lost brothers or soulmates or whatever and i really want them to be together. but i just don’t wanna lose fefe” you picked up the red ball of fur, cuddling him into your chest as he licked the side of your cheek. minho picked up binnie as well before looking at you with a sort of agreement.

“how about we just meet up every now and then? for the cats” he suggested

“are you sure it’s just for the cats?” you laughed, giving minho a little shove on the shoulder before a dirty smirk could arise upon his lips, “who knows? maybe id like to see you as well” he winked before leaving the shelter.

“ill text you a date and address, you better be there y/n” he waved off before leaving you in utter shock.

did i just... flirt? and it worked?! you squeezed fefe in your hands, jumping up and down in place.

“fefe you just scored me a hot date!!”

all fefe could do was stare at you in absolute confusion, as the cat really didn’t understand a shit you were saying. but you knew what you just went down, minho definitely just asked you out.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ────── ⊰

the second he got into the car, he called bang chan.

“oh chan chan chan hyunggg!!!”

“oh god, what happened now?” chan asked, a sense of drowsiness in his voice.

“i think i just scored a date!!”

“YOU SCORED A WHAT?!” jisung exclaimed onto the phone.

“stop being so loud you dumbass” minho responded. “long story short but her name is y/n and she’s seems really decent and pretty and she likes cats and i don’t know her smile is so pretty i just don’t even know what to say i..”

“that mans whipped. deadass” seungmin said, “did you ask her out?”

“i kinda did? im gonna ask her to come to my place”

“WOAHHH there pilot- to your place?! on a first date?!”

“ok ok no it’s a long story so our cats somehow found each other in the middle of the night”

“what?!”

“never mind.. anyways ima ask her to come tomorrow” minho smiled to himself before sending a quick text to you and patting binnie in the seat next to him.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ────── ⊰

it was about 5 pm in the afternoon, the sun still hasn’t set but both your cats were eager to meet. it wasn’t just the cats however, you were just as excited to see minho as well and finally return his jacket.

without even noticing it, you kept it on. the warm material on the inside felt comfortable and you knew he must have had good taste in clothing.

grabbing your keys, you ran out the door with fefe on your hands and next thing you knew you were at the doorsteps of lee minhos home.

you took a few seconds to decide whether or not you should actually ring the doorbell before the door could open.

“hey! you can come in” minho laughed, noticing how nervous you seemed outside.

“thank you” you quickly nodded your head and walked inside before fefe could jump out your arms again and join binnie.

“woah..” you couldn’t help but to gasp and the looks of his apartment.

“is that a harry potter poster?!” you exclaimed, running over to what seemed like lee minhos hogwarts merch collection. he had the wand, the posters, and all the books lined up on a shelf.

“you’re a Harry Potter fan?!” minho exclaimed

“yess!!”

“ok count of three name your house” you took a deep breath as minho started the mini countdown.

“1...2..”

“slytherin!”

“gryffindor!!”

“oh fuck you minho, of course you’d be in slytherin” you said, making minho laugh

“hey what can i say? guess i just give off those vibes. now how about some coffee?”

from there the conversation was endless, you both realized you had a lot in common. although minho was more of a singer and you were more of an instrumental player you seemed to bond over music and books. this, minho realized, was something minho always wanted to see in a girl. something he wanted to have- a real conversation. one that he was actually interested in, and he loved getting to know every little detail about you and every small thing he said didn’t fail to make you laugh. you two seemed to be hitting it off and before you know it, the thunderstorm rolls in outside and you realize you didn’t bring minhos jacket.

“oh my god.. i forgot to bring your jacket! from the first day we met?”

“don’t worry about it”

“ahh im sorry, ill bring it next time i promise”

minho jumped in his seat, “wait no! don’t bring it. ever”

“why not?”

“it’ll give you a reason to keep coming back to me” he said, a smile forming on his lips. you couldn’t help but to laugh at how cheesy he was when he smiled, it was so perfect it almost seemed fake. but you knew everything he said and did was from somewhere deep in the heart.

“it’s raining a lot outside, do you just wanna wait until it gets a little better?” minho suggested

“i wouldn’t mind” you said, making yourself comfortable on the couch. minho got up to turn on the apt room heater, grabbing some hot cocoas and blankets for the both of you. the one thing that got you however, was how close he sat next to you when he came back. your shoulders brushed against each other as he threw the blanket on your lap, a light pink blush on your cheeks.

and in a few hours you found yourself resting your head on minho’s shoulder, both of your cats falling deep asleep on your lap as harry potter played on the tv.

“thank you ” minho suddenly spoke out of nowhere.

“for?”

“for... for entertaining me. i don’t know if you realized, but i really like you. i don’t know if the cats thing was something like fate but i really like you”

you looked up to minho as the fingers foudn thenselves intertwining under the heated blanket.

“i really like you too” you whispered before you could kiss the little birthmark on his nose, making minho smile as the movie played on.

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ────── ⊰

[x1-imaginesreturns]

X1 Reaction to Their S/O Sobbing After Having a Bad Nightmare

Masterlist

Warnings: None

Notes: I left the nightmares up for interpretation, like you can create your own for the scenario and stuff.

Requested: Yes, by @hyunri03! Sorry it took me so long bub, I have a tight schedule!! But thank you so much for requesting!! 

Han Seungwoo

In the middle of the night, you had suddenly started tossing and turning rapidly, making Seungwoo wake up after a few minutes

He quickly sensed that you were having an extreme nightmare, as your face was scrunched up and there were a few tear tracks running down your face

Seungwoo softly shook you awake, murmuring your name softly while pulling you into his embrace

You woke up facing Seungwoo’s chest, your eyes puffy

“Hey, you alright?” Seungwoo had asked once he noticed that you were really awake

Your mind instantly flashed back into the nightmare you were having and you threw your arms around Seungwoo, already starting to sob heavily, weird noises coming out of your uncontrolled state

Seungwoo simply held you, rubbing his hands up and down your back as you sobbed

Once you had started to calm down, Seungwoo had laid down, pulling you with him and saying, “I’ll always be here to hold you and keep you safe y/n.”

Cho Seungyoun

Seungyoun had been abruptly woken up by the sound of you screaming in your sleep

He had instantly turned to you, only to see your distraught expression

Filled with instant concern, Seungyoun started trying to wake you up before you screamed again

You woke up to find Seungyoun peering over you, a look of worry etched on his features

Before you could say anything though, Seungyoun lifted your upper torso into his, letting your head rest on his shoulder

And before you even knew or realized it, you were sobbing wildly, your mouth letting out all sorts of gibberish sounds

Seungyoun just kept his arms around you, whispering sweet words into your ear

You feel asleep peacefully afterwards, Seungyoun’s arms tightly wrapped around you

Kim Wooseok

As you were making Wooseok breakfast one morning, he noticed how your face was unusually pale and how your movements seemed almost robotic and controlled

When you set down his food in front of him, he grabbed your arm before you could sit down next to him

“What’s up y/n? You look awfully pale this morning love...” he asked softly, looking right into your eyes

Of course, your mind flashes right back to the nightmare you had, and you feel dizzy suddenly, almost as if you’re going to throw up

Wooseok immediately stands up and pulls you into an embrace

You now feel the many tears running down your face and your mind finally centers itself back into the real world

Your arms snake around Wooseok instinctively and you spend the next few minutes sobbing into his chest

You look back up at him before saying, “Your food’s probably cold now Wooseok.”

Kim Yohan

Yohan had been woken up by you abruptly opening his bedroom door, already sobbing

He was instantly awake when he saw your distraught state, and knew immediately that you had just had a terrible nightmare

You collapsed down onto the bed next to him before he could even say anything though, and the sobs just kept coming

He rolled over to you, pulling you in a soft embrace

He continued to hold you, even as your sobs became violent

Once you had finally calmed down, he had turned you towards him and had gently wiped the tears off of your face, smiling sweetly down at you

You had no trouble falling back asleep after that

Lee Hangyul

You woke up suddenly, your body covered in a thick, cold sweat

Your mind instantly makes you see the nightmare you were just having once again, and curl into a ball, wrapping your arms around your knees tightly

At this point, you had completely forgotten that Hangyul was fast asleep next to you, and you straight up started sobbing

After a few seconds, Hangyul had woken up as you were sobbing and whimpering quite loudly

He instantly turned towards you, saying, “Y/n? What’s wrong?”

To which you just kept sobbing

He frowned quickly before shuffling his way through the covers before getting to you, instantly putting his hands gently onto your back

After a few more minutes of crying, you turned towards him and snuggled your way into his chest saying, “I think I feel a little bit better now that you’re here Hangyul.”

Cha Junho

Junho had never expected to get a call so late, especially from you of all people

But he had picked up rapidly no less, instantly fearing that something had gone terribly wrong

He had picked up to hear your sobs in the background

“Y/n?? Are you alright?? What happened??” he said quickly, starting to fear for the worst

“W-what?,” you had said confusedly, “Junho? I didn’t call you? Did I?”

You had been sobbing so much that you hadn’t even registered calling Junho

Not wanting to confuse him you said, “I was just having a bad nightmare that’s all love.”

He sighs on the other end and says, “Y/n I don’t think you have any idea of how much I want to hold you right now.”

Son Dongpyo

You and Dongpyo had gone on a late night dateoverwhl

And were currently walking to your home, walking only under the softly illuminated street lamps

Of course, it was nighttime, so it was cold out, but you were shivering for other reasons than the cold

Everything around you just eerily reminded you of your last nightmare, and you couldn’t help but feel as if it might be becoming real tonight

After a few minutes, Dongpyo finally saw your eyes frantically searching the area and realized how pale your face was, even with the cold air surrounding you

“Y/n? What’s going on?” he said gently

No longer able to hold in your overwhelming anxiety, you embraced Dongpyo, already starting to cry

Dongpyo’s face instantly turned serious and he quickly hugged you back, whispering sweet words in your ear and rubbing your back slowly

You sobbed and sobbed, but Dongpyo just kept holding you 

And once you had started walking again, you had a newly donned jacket and Dongpyo’s hand tightly wrapped around yours

Kang Minhee

Minhee had taken you out to a nice restaurant, and of course, you wore decently nice clothes

However, all throughout your date, Minhee had watched your eyes dart from person to person fearfully, and he knew that you were definitely feeling anxiety of some sort

After he had brought you back home, he had stopped you before you could walk away and said, “Y/n... what’s wrong? You were acting kind of strange tonight.”

You had instantly looked away from him, not knowing that your fear had become so apparent

The nightmare you had last night just wouldn’t let you go, and you couldn’t help but feel super self-conscious now

Without you even saying anything, Minhee had already known what was going on in your head

He walked over to you placed his hand on your head, lowering his head to yours right as the floodgates had opened from your eyes

“Don’t worry y/n,” he said, “I’m always here for you. You will always be beautiful to me.”

Lee Eunsang

Eunsang had taken you out for a quick walk in the park, as he had finally found a small window of free time and wanted to spend it with you

However, what had been fun at first started to become scary for you

It was somewhat windy, and the trees around you swayed at every slight breeze

Causing you to jump every time you saw a shadow move out of the corner of your eye

Eunsang hadn’t really noticed or minded at first, but soon noticed how many times you were being startled by even the smallest of gusts

He stopped you while the two of you were walking and said, “Y/n, is something wrong? Do you want to go home?”

“No I don’t-!” you try and say, but another wind rushes through, causing you to jump again

“I-I...” you try and start again, but you’re too scared to say anything again

Eunsang just smiles at you sweetly as you start to cry and sob

“Let’s just go back to your place, hmm? We can snuggle and watch Disney movies and eat popcorn,” he says, gripping your hand sweetly, “I’m sure I can beat you at Mario Kart this time too!”

Song Hyeongjun

You were way too scared to go outside at all after the nightmare you had the other night

So you unfortunately had to “cancel” your long awaited night out with Hyeongjun, instead opting for hiding in your bed and wishing for some sleep

One of your friends, however, told Hyeongjun why you had actually cancelled, and he immediately decided he would go right over to your place

He had knocked on the door a few times before you had answered, and of course you were shocked to see him standing in your doorway

“W-what are you doing here Hyeongjun?” you had asked

“You should’ve told me y/n,” Hyeongjun answered, a slight pout appearing on his face, “I don’t want to make you do anything that you’re uncomfortable with.”

You both stood there, just looking at each other before tears start silently falling down your face 

Hyeongjun simply stepped forward catching you in his embrace before you started full out sobbing, holding onto Hyeongjun gratefully

Nam Dohyon

Dohyon had been hearing about a person who had screamed bloody murder at a spider all day

But he hadn’t realized it was you

You had screamed after seeing a spider crawling on top of your math binder, scaring everyone in your class and the next one over

But the nightmare you had the other night just felt way too real, and you hadn’t even thought before the scream had come out of your mouth

Naturally, once you saw Dohyon at lunch, you immediately started to go over to him

But as you were on your way over, someone had shouted at you, “That’s the person who screamed at the spider!”

Immediately everyone’s attention turned onto you, including Dohyon’s, and you cowered down, your eyes already filling with tears

Dohyon had rushed over, taking your hand tentatively before saying, “It’s okay y/n, I’m right here.”

You had looked up at him for a second before he held you in a light embrace

“Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you y/n,” he said, “And come on, let’s be honest, I probably would’ve screamed too.”

[mickmarstookmyheart]

Life's a Sick Joke pt 7

Pairing: Mick Mars x Reader  

Would like to start from the beginning? Great! Here is Part 1!                                

Sidenote: As this story is under construction, I would like to warn you that those chapters which don’t have a proper title are written in the main caharcter’s POV!! Be aware!!! Be awaaare! I hope you will enjoy this storyas I did writing it, have a nice day and feel free to leave marks!                                  

7. “He is my brother.”

"Mass shooting at concert. On the cover: photographer who is rumored to be with guitarist Mick Mars, jump in front of singer, Vince Neil from the famous metal band, Mötley Crüe. There was a mass shooting..." You read it out loudly from the newspaper. "So what?"

"I understood that you saved Vince because I would've done the same...but you could've called me!" He ranted taking the newspaper from your hand.

"See, Mick? Everyone understands me except you." He just rolled his eyes.

"By the way, why didn't YOU called me?" Dylan turned to Mick. "If she was blacked out, you could've told me. I thought you are a grown-up. I trusted you to take care of her." Dylan was so furious, you haven't seen him like this for a very long time. He stepped closer to Mick who glared at Dylan. "I trusted you, man." Mick looked ashamed.

"I'm sorry. I... I just..." Mick started to apologize but Dylan cut him off.

"Don't apologize. It doesn't matter, now." He huffed and his face was crimson red. You put your hand on his shoulder to calm him down but he drifted away.

"Don't dare to touch me, right now."

"Dylan..." His hand swang so quickly you didn't even have the time to blink. His fist landed on the wall just beside Mick's head. He was just as shocked as Tommy and you. "Dylan, stop!" You walked closer to him and pushed him away from Mick. You stood between the two of them. You placed your hands on his chest but he pushed you away again and made you fell over. If Tommy wouldn't have been there you would land on the ground. He held your arms strongly and smiled at you.

"Hey there." How can he be this fucking tall?

"Thanks, Lee."

"Are you out of your MIND? You could've hurt her. It's okay if you hit me, but don't dare to hurt her like that again." Mick rushed to you and cupped your face with his hands. He brushed his thumb over your cheeks and pressed a kiss on your forehead. "Are you okay?" He whispered.

"Yeah, and you?"

"Don't worry about me." You glanced at Dylan who had his hand on his mouth and his eyes were wide.

"(Y/N), I'm so sorry." He glared at his hands. "I don't know why I did that. I'm so sorry." He lowered his head, put his hands in his pockets, and ran away.

                               ∆

"Anyway, do we know anything about the shooter?" You were laying on the couch with Mick, whom with you discussed everything, he also apologized for his behavior after Dylan's burst out.

"No, but I think everyone knows who was it. At least from which religion." Mick muttered with anger. He pulled you closer to him and placed a kiss on your forehead. It was his new habit. Not that you were complaining. He was sure the new album was the reason for the attack.

"Can I ask something?" Vinnie asked from the bed you were supposed to lay on. He was laying there and was staring at the ceiling. "Back at the auditorium, you said that you had been through worse. What did you mean by that? I mean, what worse could happen to you?" You sighed and instantly regretted saying that. Mick also glanced at you and Tommy and Nikki paid all their attention, too. You slowly sat up and ran your fingers through your hair.

"Do I need to tell you? Cause it's not my favorite topic." Thank Satan Mick realized that you don't like to talk about past stuff so he kinda let it go. He accepted as your present self and didn't care about your past. But now that you have a "new" friend who is curious as fuck, he will constantly piss you off with the smallest things.

"Yeah. We want to hear it." Tommy yelled and you felt Mick's hand on your back and was playing with the end of your hair.

"Goddamn, okay. So as I have already told or not told you I didn't have the most beautiful childhood. Just like you, Nikki." He glanced at you and gave a sad smile. "Our parents honestly didn't give a fuck about our wellbeing, or anything. When sometimes they realized about our existence they either hit us or yelled at even if we didn't do anything wrong. There was a night when Dylan and I looked after our sister...I was about 10 years old I guess, and Dylan was a bit older than me. Our parents slept at that time of the day. We managed to wake up Izzy and she woke up our parents, too. They were furious as hell and my dad even hit Dylan, even if he aimed me... Later my dad grabbed his knife and cut me with it." You sighed. That dream just brought up some memories you wished you could forget.

"What the hell?" Vinnie yelled. "Where are they? I wanna meet them."

"Let me finish it. The funny part just comes, I promise." You chuckled. "So, later, in the hospital I and Dylan had to lie that I fell over with a knife in my hands. They didn't believe it due they saw Dylan's bruise but both of my parents were joking about how clumsy I was." You lowered your head and played with the side of the blanket. They didn't say a word. They were both looking at you with open mouths. "Hey, but they are not part of my life anymore and I'm here and alive! And now I have a real family. You guys."

"Ohh we love you, too, Cooper." Tommy approached you and helped you stand up. He hugged you so tightly you were afraid your patch would bleed again. But fuck it. It was your moment and nothing or no one could ruin that. All the boys gathered and hugged.

"Okay, now it's enough." Mick spoke up and you burst into laughter. You turned to him and kissed his lips. He kissed you back more passionately than you expected. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know. If I would've known..."

"Shhh. Don't worry." You kissed him one last time.

"Yuck. It's disgusting. Get a room, guys." Vince whined and you couldn't help but smile into the kiss.

"I think he is right." Mick whispered so quietly that only you could hear it.

"Hmm. Agreed." You smirked.

"We can hear you guys, you know." Nikki spoke up and crossed his arms.

                                  ∆

"Is this Mrs. Mars?" The famous lady whom everybody talks about?" Izzy giggled on the phone.

"You are not funny. So, I'm not calling you just for small talk. Do you know anything about Dylan?" You got in the middle.

"Nah...why would I know? Why I supposed to know?" She giggled nervously.

"Don't lie to me, little miss. You know something."

"I don't."

"You do. Literally, I raised you so I know exactly when you are lying, even if I'm not present. So what is it? It's about his job or what?" Dylan's behavior scared the shit out of you. He never hurt you or was angry at you. Like, this angry.

“Err. Dylan will kill me if I tell you."

"Me, too if you won't tell me. Oh for the fuck's sake I will convince him that I forced you." You snapped walking around as the wire let you.

"Sooo... Dylan has been acting strange lately. And on the weekends when I'm at home he is out..quite often. And when I asked him where is he going he just sent me to hell and left the house."

"So he is going to parties?" You raised one of your eyebrows.

"Who are you talking to?" Mick asked who found you after you worried yourself sick about Dylan and searched for a phone to call your sis if she knows anything important.

"Just Izzy." He hugged you from the back and placed a kiss on your shoulder.

"Oh Hey, Mick!" She greeted the guitarist.

"Hello." Mick greeted back.

"So back to the story, please."

“Well, one night I asked my friend to spy a little bit. We followed him to a bar, where he just sat down and drank."

"So that's the big story?"

"No. He drank so much I have never seen anyone drink this much. He was completely unaware of his actions. He almost got into a fight, too." You bit down your lip and started walking again to calm yourself down. You felt Mick's eyes following each of your steps.

"Hmm. And then what happened?" You started playing with the wire of the phone.

"I told my friend to go home and I will handle him. When I approached him he shouted at me and was angry as hell. Although he told me to leave him alone I helped him walk home. We sat down and I forced him to tell me what the fuck is going on with him."

"And?" You were on the edge of crying. You leaned on the wall and shut your eyes. You squeezed your forehead with your fingers.

"I don't know even if I have to tell you this. Or how to say it." Isabelle was insecure about it. She knew that you would freak out, but maybe it was Dylan's only chance to get back to normal.

"Oh come on. If you started then finish it." You yelled on the phone.

"He has problems. Anger problems. Like our dad used to have. And he is coping with it with drinking. After he told me he started crying and shaking. I had no idea this thing could be inherited." Your chest was heavy and tears ran down your cheeks. Mick just looked sorry and he gave you an encouraging smile, not knowing the situation.

"It seems it can." You muttered.

"And he told me that he went out so often because he didn't want to hurt me. He pisses off of the smallest things, well at least that's what he told me. And we both know I can be pretty annoying. Anyway, what made you call me?"

"Because Dylan was here. And he was so outraged. He almost hit poor Mick." He took your hands into his and placed a kiss on it.

"Did he hurt you?" She asked.

"No. Well, he pushed me a little but Tommy caught me. Nothing serious. You know we always did that."

"Yeah, I can remember. You two beat each other like professionals." You smiled from the thought of it.

"Do you have any idea where he can be?"

"Well, there is one place you can find him, now."

                                 ∆

"No way you are going there alone!"

After you hang up with Izzy you told Mick the whole story. He eagerly listened to you patiently while you tried your best not to cry. "You are not even allowed to leave the hospital yet!"

"I will talk to Dr. Prince Charming and finally ask him when can I go. I think they have already done so many tests that I don't have much blood remaining and I feel good, too so it doesn't have any sense to stay here more. And I'm already fed up with this place. I wanna go home...well at least away from here, from these people." You complain Mick the whole thing under one breath. He just rolled his eyes but you hoped he now got it.

"So after you are free to go you really think you can find him?" He asked not believing you.

"Yeah."

"Then I'm coming with you. I won't let you there alone."

"He is my brother. He won't hurt me."

"Hmm. Really? Then he was just joking around yesterday?" He crossed his arms.

"You can be a pain in the ass sometimes, you know that right?" You murmured.

"I know, babe. And that's exactly why you love me." He put his fingers under your chin and kissed you. "Dr. Prince Charming, huh?" He asked a few minutes later.

"Yes. But I'm more like a Dark Knight person." You smiled at him and wiped away his hair from his face and kissed him back.

∆

You were walking down the avenue along with all the boys since they wanted to go to a bar and neither of them wanted to leave you alone with Dylan. You told him you don't need them there because it's family business but they insisted.

"Then please behave, okay? And don't hurt him!" You scolded them but they just laughed.

"Okay, mom." Tommy saluted and looked at you with puppy eyes. Mick let go of your hands while you punched Tommy in the shoulder. While you were beating him, Mick walked farther and stopped in front of a pub. He looked at you and lowered his head.

"What? Oh no." You looked through the glass and then you saw him. Dylan was sitting at the bar and he had a big bottle of Jack Daniel's with him. Half of it already missed and he was pouring more for himself. He looked miserable and he supported his head with his hand. When you wanted to enter, Mick grabbed your hand. "Hmm?"

"Are you sure you want to talk to him...in his condition?" He looked deep in your eyes.

"I'm completely sure." You glared at him, escaping from his grip.

"Then ladies first." He opened the door and put his hand on your back to support, both physically cause your wound still hurt like hell and also emotionally. When you approached him you hesitated. You gave Mick a final look and cleared your throat. You didn't want to scold him why he hadn't told you, just help him handle this situation.

"Khm. Dylan?"

"What do you want?" Well, you were disappointed by this answer, but not surprised. He was devastated.

"Can we talk? Please." You tried to smile but he didn't even look up from his glass. "Dylan, come on. Don't be childish!" You poked his shoulder playfully.

"Me, childish? You are the one talking?" He huffed and pure more whiskey in his glass.

"Why are you doing this?" You asked crossing your arms. You started to get a bit annoyed. Mick pulled you closer to him. Nikki, Tommy, and Vince found a table in the back of the pub but they were all watching the scene.

"What? You tell me." He took a sip from his drink, but as soon as he put it down you took it and the bottle, too.

"Dylan Cooper, at least listen to me while I'm talking to you. And we will talk about whether you like it or not! So you don't have anything to say to me? Why you are drinking like it's the most obvious thing early in the morning?"

"Give it back." He needed the drink. He didn't want to hurt you and it was the only thing that was able to hold him back.

"Answer. Then I will give it back."

"I said GIVE IT BACK!" He shouted and stood up from the chair. His face was inches away and you felt Mick's grip tightening on your hand. The boys were approaching you.

"NO. And don't make a scene. Everybody is watching us."

"I don't give a FUCK if everybody's watching. I give them a show like your new boy does." He turned around and pointed at Mick.

"Leave him out of this! Let's go outside! Please." Finally, you made him come with you and were outside now. The others came along, too looking serious. If it wasn't this situation they might look funny. But this wasn't the time for that.

"So?"

"What do you want to hear? That I'm sorry and I won't do it next time?"

"What are you talking about?"

"That I hurt you. And your new pets come with you to save you from me. From your OWN brother who defended you from your parents and gave you the home you can live in and everything. I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING!" As he let out his anger he started to cry.

"I don't give a damn if you hit me. And don't insult them. I told them to stay at the hotel but they came nevertheless. Please, Dylan, tell me what is going on with you! Let me help you. Please."

"Why are you treating me if I were a little child or a drug addict, huh? Do you treat them like this, too?" He gestured towards the boys.

"We are here and hear everything, you know." Nikki spoke up.

"Yeah man, don't talk about us like this. We have feelings, dude." Tommy added.

"Whatever. So let's make things clear, (Y/N). I don't have any problem and I don't need help. I'm an adult man who does whatever he wants. And if you can't accept it then leave me the hell alone! I don't want to see you or hear from you! Go around and kill yourself if this makes you happy. I don't care." He took a deep breath and walked away.

You heard a sound.

It was your heart. into a million pieces.

Next chapter

Tags: @cmft-jr-winchester @leatherandheels​

Tbh that's not why I originally planned. But that happens when the characters come alive and do whatever the hell they want to do.

[ncitycafe-blog]

word count: 2.3k

—

it was late, about 10 pm, but you were in a relatively safe part of downtown so you felt safe walking alone, and your apartment wasn't too terribly far. shops were closing one by one, most of your light came from the amber glow of the street lamps with the occasional fluorescent hue from still open convenience stores and office buildings. you were stopped at a light and took time to admire what was around you. there was something so peaceful about the night, you almost got lost in it. up until there was a grip on your elbow, it was gentle but it was so sudden you almost let out a scream.

"babe, sorry!" you looked up a man with slightly longer brown locks. one, mind you, you did not recognize, "i had to close tonight and it took a little longer than usual, i should've texted you to wait inside."

does he have you mistaken for someone else? just as you are about to politely tell him you have no clue what he is on about, he leans down and whispers in your ear.

"if you slyly look over your right shoulder, you'll see a shady looking man. he's been following you for a few blocks now."

you look and, sure enough, you make eye contact with a guy wearing all black and he quickly averts his gaze to look away from you. either way, you had two choices: take the chance of the prince-like stranger being a complete lunatic or take the chance of the guy behind you blitz attacking you the moment he had the opportunity. you took your chances with your knight in shining armor or...nice suit rather.

"it's okay!" you reply cheerily, playing along with the ruse he started, "wanna grab something at the diner before we get home?"

"yeah, sounds great!"

with that, he grabs hold of your hand and the light gives you the go ahead to walk. the guy still follows you two, but now from across the street where he every so often sneaks a quick glance. luckily, he seems to continue walking once you step inside the diner.

"so," you start after the both of you order milkshakes and he gets a burger, "to whom is it i owe thanks for my rescue. and, just to let you know, i carry pepper spray and a pocket knife at all times. that is both a threat and me telling you i could have handled it."

he chuckles, resting his chin on the palm of his hand, "johnny seo."

your blood runs cold at that moment. johnny seo? infamous mafia member under Nterprises? maybe you should have taken your chances with the shady guy.

"don't look so afraid, darling," he says, leaning back against the booth seat. "could never harm a pretty face like yours."

he winks at you, sending a chill down your spine and warmth up to your cheeks.

"well...uh, thank you," you stammer quietly. "isn't it dangerous that i've...y'know...seen your face? for you, that is, because...y'know..."

"hmm, not unless you're confessing right now to having the intention of turning me in, but you seem smarter than that," he shrugs.

your waiter walks up, setting your orders and mumbling a "enjoy" before skittering off. johnny pays no attention to the odd behavior as he dips a fry into his milkshake and then proceeds to eat it, earning an odd look from you.

"what? have you never tried it?" he asks, genuinely shocked when you shake your head. "you have to! it's really good i promise!"

he slides over the fry basket and you mirror his prior action, eyes widening upon realizing he's totally right. he smiles, seemingly pleased with himself for introducing you to one of his favorite food combinations. the two of you finish what you have in silence before he walks you the rest of the way home.

"thank you, again," you say at the lobby entrance, "and for the milkshake, too, though i wish you let me pay."

"no, no, can't let you pay for the first date. however, if you want to buy us coffee sometime..." he trails off.

"date? are you— maybe i should've maced you," you scoff under your breath.

"hey!" he pouts, "that's not very nice."

for a moment, you had forgotten he was a member of one of the most powerful gangs in korea, but that moment was gone upon catching a glimpse of the handgun in his waistband.

"well, better get going!" you laughed nervously, trying to reach the safety of your apartment soon as possible. only, he catches your wrist just as you turn away, whispering lowly in a tone much darker than the one he spoke in all night.

"seriously, i advise you not to try anything, it wouldn't be pretty and i don't look forward to what would have to be done."

with that, he disappears into the shadows of the night, leaving you in the cold embrace of the wind and the moon as your witness. did this make you an accomplice to the mafia? maybe if you just never saw him again, you could pretend it all happened in the first place. head spinning, you finally stepped into your building and made your way up to your room, crashing as soon as your body hit the mattress.

and you didn't see him...for a couple of weeks. but one night, he showed up at your doorstep. how he got through lobby security? you haven't a clue, but he surely was insistent as he brushed passed you, into YOUR home.

"shit, well, come on in i guess," you mumble.

"the night we met," he ignores your remark, annoying you further, "did you notice anything strange?"

"afraid you're going to have to be more specific than that. what kind of strange? two men casually following me strange? handgun on one of said men strange?"

"can you be serious for two seconds?" he pleads, "did you see anyone else suspicious?"

you sigh, taking a moment to actually think, "um, the waiter acted a bit odd. scared, i guess?"

"what did he look like?" he asks firmly.

"jesus fuck i don't kn—"

"well, remember." his tone sounds bitter, harsh.

"woah, attitude much?"

"sorry, sorry," he takes a deep breath and runs a hand through his hair. "i think someone saw us, me, that night."

"why do you think that?" now you're concerned.

he doesn't answer, just hands you an envelope. inside, there are photos of you two walking, sitting in the diner, outside your apartment complex. you can't quite grasp what this all means, but you don't like it one bit.

"i— johnny?" your voice wavers. "w-what does this... am i..."

he nods, "pack a bag, believe it or not you're safer with us for the time being, until we find out who did this."

"us?" you ask, rhetorically.

he nods again, waving you off to go pack as he sits on your couch, placing his head in his hands.

and that's how you wound up under the unexpected protection of Nterprises.

a few months passed, all leads leading to nothing but dead ends. you grew numb to it after awhile, but johnny was frustrated as when the hunt began. a bounty on his head? fine. a bounty on you? it tore him apart. there were times you found him silently weeping alone in the middle of the night when you'd gotten up for any reason, and every time, your heart ached. he blamed himself. sure, from some standpoint he could be held accountable, but this isn't what he wanted. it was just the wrong place at the wrong time.

you had learned more about the "business" whilst living under headquarter's roof, it was only natural. the first night you'd come in everyone was attentive and tried their best to...make you feel welcome. it was the least they could do, and there was no point in wasting time pretending you didn't exist. they knew you would be around for quite some time. Nterprises was built under the lee clan decades ago, and had held steady ever since. taeyong is head of the business, he's the one who really briefed you on everything. he made it very clear they didn't go around killing people as they so please, they hardly did any killing at all. to them, it was all about money, which did set your mind at ease a slight bit. he was surprisingly nurturing, not just to the other members but to you as well, much more so than you ever could have expected. he was one of the ones you saw more often, along with mark and haechan, and johnny of course. doyoung, taeyong's second in command, appeared as cold and indifferent to you, but taeyong assured you he would have your back if the time came. the others were always either busy behind closed doors or away on what mark simply put as "business trips", so you didn't have much interaction with them. you made the best of your time, there was no point to spend it wallowing.

you spent so much time with johnny, you two naturally became insanely close. in the rare times you could forget about the world around you, you would did anything normal friends would. cook and make a mess in the kitchen (much to taeyong's discontent), watch movies, act a damn fool, talk about anything and everything under the sun. he was incredibly goofy, having the boyish charm of a young child. however, he was also the most genuine and caring soul you'd ever met. he was deep thinking and seemed to always appreciate the finer things in life. there was a light in his eyes that never seemed to burn out.

one night, around 2 am, you are woken up by a clatter in the main room. you open your door, taeyong and yuta, one of the other members, run by you in a flash. you follow suit, gasping and tears welling up in your eyes at the sight in front of you. johnny is torn to shreds, scratches covering his face and a couple of deeper wounds on his biceps, probably a broken rib as you examine the way he clutches his side as he writhes on the floor in pain. you push passed the boys, kneeling down beside him.

"what happened? who did this? johnny, oh my god, we need to get you to a hos—"

"nakamoto," he says bitterly through gritted teeth, "your men wish you farewell, i sent them your regards."

you turn around, confused. taeyong has his gun drawn and pointed at yuta, who has a shit eating grin on his face.

"tsk, tsk," he mocks, "too clever for your own good. you really weren't supposed to make it back here tonight, what a shame."

"enough!" taeyong shouts, and it echoes throughout the room.

"yeah, yeah," yuta dismisses him as he puts his hands on his head, "do what you must, i took the risk. besides, i've transferred enough information, i'm really the least of your problems.

taeyong walks him deeper into the house, disappearing into its shadows. you turn back to johnny, tears in your eyes.

"c'mon, w-we have to get you to a hospital," you choke through tears. "doyoung! doyoung, g-get the car he's—"

"he's seen worse," mark says, barely audible above a whisper.

"the kid's right," doyoung sighs, "and we just can't risk that right now. let's get him upstairs and patch him up, we have enough in first aid, patch him up and he'll be okay. as long as he actually rests."

johnny? resting? you would have laughed if not for the circumstances. but you get him upstairs with the help of mark and doyoung, washing your hands and wiping your tears as he sits against the wall of the bathroom, and you begin treating his wounds the best you can. it's silent for awhile, but you finally manage to clear the lump in your throat so you can speak.

"sometimes," you start softly, "i sit in bed and wonder what would happen if things were different."

"what do you mean?" he questions, wincing as you wrap the gashes on his arm.

"what if we met under different circumstances? what if we'd met like in one of those cheesy romance movies, and we'd fallen in love so seemingly oblivious to the cruelties of the world?" you laugh halfheartedly. "or, what if we never met at all? then, neither of us would be here in this moment right now. you wouldn't be hurt, i would just be in my apartment alone probably watching some stupid series on netflix to pass the time alone. and that's just it, i would rather have this than have nothing at all, than not having you. and maybe that's what being in love is, being willing to face anything so long as you have what is most important to you."

the room falls silent again, and you attentively continue to treat his wounds. you feel dumb, like you just made something really awkward out of the situation. you were so overwhelmed that it all just came out without even thinking of what he—

"marry me," he says tenderly, looking into your eyes.

"w-what?"

"i said," he carefully lifts up one of his hands to cup your cheek, "marry me. maybe not now, maybe not this year, but someday."

“someday," you smile, just before placing your lips gently on his.

"i told you!" you hear haechan snickering outside the door.

"children! go to bed!" johnny jokes sternly.

and you both giggle, still sitting there on the bathroom floor as you hear the sound of footsteps fleeing down the hall.

[awkwxrdapple]

Bombshell - John Shelby

Words: 1450

Summary: Set in Season 1. The reader is seeing John but nobody knows, so Tommy arranges John’s marriage to Esme to stop the war between the Shelby’s and the Lee’s and the reader finds out. (I’m crap at writing summary’s can you tell)

A/N: I know I’m keeping Esme as canon in this and ignoring the whole John/Lizzie thing but just go with me haha. Also Peaky Blinders is now my favourite show so expect more imagines. 

 You were minding your own business when you felt someone walk up behind you. You felt a pair of hands wrap round your waist to hug you from behind and you didn’t need to turn around to see who it was.

“John…” You wined trying to keep a smile off your face. “I’m busy.”

“I can see that.” He said but still spun you around and looked at you for a split second before kissing you on your lips briefly. You leaned up into the kiss hoping to satisfy him so you could get back to work. Instead, he took this an opportunity to walk you backwards until your back touched the wall and he could properly kiss you. The shop was empty as far as you knew but you didn’t know if this was a good idea.

“John I’m supposed to be working!” You hissed through gritted teeth but there was still a huge grin on your face. For some reason the threat of being caught was adding to the thrill.

“Do I look like I care, love?” He replied flippantly not once stopping the trail of careful but determined kisses down your neck, starting from just below your ear. 

“But… I’ve got things to sort out…” Your voice was still low and you were struggling to hold onto the idea that you should actually be doing other things. John’s hands were on your hips, exerting a nice pressure that kept you against the wall.

“Y/N, just shut up ok.” John said. There was no proper irritation in his voice as it was light and you could tell he was joking.

“Hmm ok.” You mumbled before physically stopping yourself from talking anymore as you pressed your lips to John’s. Any thoughts of people walking in and discovering you two had left your mind.

“I really do have to get shit done.” You insisted when you pulled away. Your foreheads were touching as you both savoured being so close to each other. John groaned but there was a playful look in his eyes.

“We’ll continue this later then?” He let go of your hips and sauntered towards the door.

“We’d better.”

John smirked before opening the main door and walking out onto the street.

You took a deep breath and tried to compose yourself. Grinning madly at seemingly nothing was going to look strange to anyone who came into the shop. You tried to remember what you were doing before John had come and kindly interrupted you. Walking towards the shelf with all of the books you remembered that there were papers in Tommy’s office that needed working through.

The office was empty when you gently pushed open the door. You set to searching for what you’d come in to find. After a few minutes you heard the door open from behind you and Tommy walked in. He acknowledged your presence with a nod but went straight to his desk without a word.

There was silence in the room while you continued searching. You found what you needed and neatly stacked it into a small pile before picking it up. When you turned around you saw Tommy leaning forward, both hands on his desk, his gaze not focused on anything in particular. Immediately you knew something was wrong without him even having to say anything. You could practically see his brain working, trying to figure something out.

“Everything ok, Tommy?” You asked nonchalantly. Tommy Shelby wasn’t good at asking for help even when he needed it. He needed it presented to his on a silver platter for him to accept it.

Hearing your voice, he came out of his trance and focused his gaze on you. “Umm, yes everything’s fine.”

Tommy turned his attention back to his desk and appeared to be looking for something on it. It wasn’t very convincing. You raised your eyebrows not believing a single word. Something was wrong and you were going to stay until you knew what it was so you could possibly have a chance of helping.

“Don’t lie to me. Come on. What’s wrong? I could help.”

He audibly sighed at your persistence but still dismissed your question with a wave of his hand. “I don’t think you could help Y/N.”

His bluntness didn’t affect you. You’d been working for the Shelby’s long enough to know that Tommy didn’t mean anything bad by being blunt.

“Is it Ada?” You continued and took a step closer to the desk.

“No.” He answered still sounding like his mind was on other things and not you.

“The Lee’s then?”

Tommy stopped faffing and put down what he had picked up. You knew you’d guessed correctly as he hadn’t objected outright.

“What have they done now?” You remembered how Finn had nearly been killed in Tommy’s car.

“They haven’t done anything thankfully. I think I’ve found a way to stop this war, but it involves sacrifice.”

You didn’t like the sound of ‘sacrifice’.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” You tried to reassure him. “If it stops the war then it will be worth it.”

“Hopefully.” Tommy said wistfully. “I just hope John cooperates.”

“John?” Your curiosity spiked upon hearing John’s name. You also felt a rush of fear. Tommy had just said about a sacrifice and now he was talking about John – you wished you hadn’t started asking questions but at the same time you now needed to know what was going on.

Putting on a false smile you said, “Surely it can’t be that bad, is it?”

“Getting my brother to marry a girl he’s never met for peace may be a harder task than I first realised.”

What?

The papers nearly fell from your grasp as you realised what Tommy meant. You weren’t stupid and were pretty quick at working out what was going to happen. John would marry a Lee girl to stop the war.

You felt a flash of anger directed at Tommy but then you realised it was your fault that this was happening. Tommy didn’t know as you and John hadn’t told anyone about what you’d been up to over the past few months. You’d agreed it would have been easier to not let it be known as it may cause a fuss, and with John’s line of work, it would keep you relatively safer.

You didn’t know what to say. Tommy stood looking at you expectantly, waiting for you to speak.

“But you can’t do that.” You stated trying to keep your voice as calm and steady as possible.

“Why?” Tommy looked confused. “You’ve just said that if it’ll stop war then it must be good.”

“But… but marriage isn’t a thing you can just use like that. It’s about truly loving someone and wanting to spend the rest of your life with them because you feel a genuine connection.”

You watched as Tommy looked physically taken aback by your little speech. “I never marked you down as the sappy type, Y/N.”

Tommy was right. You weren’t really romantic per say. Sappy gestures of love did nothing for you. You believed in actions and trust. You hadn’t really thought about potentially marrying John, he may have done you didn’t know, but you knew that you loved him and could trust him with your life.

“I’m not. I just don’t think forcing someone into something as big as marriage is right.”

Tommy considered this and studied you for a few seconds trying to work out where this had come from.

“Does he know?” You asked quietly.

“Sorry?” Tommy asked.

“Does John know?” You repeated louder.

“No. Not yet. I don’t plan to tell him before it’s too late. Then he can’t back out.”

As much as you understood why Tommy had decided upon this, you were still angry. You felt sick at the idea of John being with somebody else that wasn’t you.

Looking back at Tommy you could see that he was decided upon this and you wouldn’t be able to change his mind.

“I need to go.” You managed to say and dumped the papers on the desk before stumbling out of the office. You could hear Tommy calling your name from behind you but he didn’t come after you. You needed to find John. You had to tell him but at the same time you never wanted him to know. You felt trapped, but still you needed to find John. He was the only person you wanted to see right now.

You heard Tommy shout your name one last time before you slammed the door. You were going to sort this mess out, and as long as you still had John, you didn’t care about anything else.

[millennium-thejiaqiverse]

Chapter 0: A Pilot

Summary: It’s up to a 15-year-old birthday boy to save the day! How exactly is he involved? What could be rapidly ripping his home universe apart? And how on earth is he going to stop it? Let’s find out!

21:30, Miles is lying in bed, ready to catch some sleep.

Today’s his bday. Before school ended Meg handed Miles a “Happy Birthday!” card coated with glitter. It was beautifully hand made. She had a big smile. She stood a little in front of lockers 51, 53, and bottom row 52, 54. Some glitter stuck to her hands. Elly and Rose were busy with their lockers (48 and 49, a piece of lime green sticker stuck out from locker 49, which was placed there by Rose exactly 3 days ago), while they too wished him a happy bday. At the same time Rodney Lee Jr. flashed a smile at Miles, opened his locker 54 by a crack and dug his jacket out with an almost inaudible “excuse me” then quickly vanished out of sight. Whilst recalling details of his day at school, Miles thinks about his plan to hit the bowling alley with a late bday party after midterms, ah what fun awaits him. If only everything is fun and simple on his bday.

Without fail, Miles has the same dream every night of his bday. In this dream he will be approached by this girl he’s never met face to face before, ever, still, she seems strangely familiar; she will always ask him to play hide and seek along this peaceful little creek. However, every time Miles covers his eyes he ends up waking up. Well, Miles is in full control of his dreams, but not this one. Of course he is curious as to what happens next but one, he somehow can’t avoid covering his eyes, two, he can’t stop himself from waking up, and three, he can’t pick up from where he left off afterwards. Not only that, the dream leaves a strange feeling, like he should be expecting something in the near future, or he missed something important that the dream is communicating to him. Eventually, Miles reluctantly learns to shrug these feelings off, because nothing unusual follows, pretty anticlimactic.

21:50 rolls around fast. Well, must get some sleep, time to jump right back into this routine of receiving the same dream, trying to take control, failing and being confused plus weirded out. With that on his mind Miles sighs as he shuts his eyes.

“Guess who I am?” A cheerful feminine voice sounds from behind him.

“Oh, I dunno,” but Miles knows where this is going. “Let’s play a game!” The girl suggests. “Like tic-tac-toe?” Miles tries. “No, like hide and seek!” She laughs. “Then I’ll go h...” Miles didn’t get to finish. “I’ll go hide, cover your eyes,” the girls cuts him off, “no peeking!” Miles covers his eyes before he realizes and he’s ready to beat himself up for it (I mean he had certainly lasted longer in this game of trying to avoid covering his eyes before), except he doesn’t wake up this time. It appears that he’s sunken into another layer of this dream, the sight of the city he lives in submerged in crystal clear water appears a little after he covers his eyes. Now this is new!

Miles sits straight up in bed, very startled. It’s morning already—and the city is not submerged. 15 years of curiosity and that was his answer? Really? With a glimmer of hope Miles groggily decides to carry on with his day and see if anything else is new. It appears that he doesn’t have far to look.

Each physical item in the house is right where he remembered it should be, the energy of the place is not off, but somehow it’s all wrong; and the grogginess... is he really awake at this point? Miles believes this place he now perceives is like a holographic image projected from his own photographic memories of the reality he is familiar with. Bizarre. Right as the thought comes to him, which brings him to see this place differently, this projection appears less and less vivid. All this seems to be happening in his head. Remembering what he’s learnt on the subject, Miles considered a possibility that he’s now stuck in a mental concoction of his home out of information carried in a loose piece of energy; this could happen when lots of energy from a universe is loose and rearranging into a new balance, Miles knows that events like this never happens unprovoked. He also knows that he’ll be more and more disoriented if he doesn’t snap out of whatever this is right away.

The feeling of being lost in a debatable state didn’t last too long. The sound of something pushing its way through the wall caught Miles’s attention. There’s water again, pushing out from the ground and flowing erratically throughout the house. Awake or asleep, it is clear to Miles that this isn’t just part of his bday dreams anymore, all this is some sort of vision, it’s as if his mind’s been trying to confirm something with himself, unknowingly leaving a clue—water, why all this water? With absolutely no time to loose, Miles has to figure out what caused his home universe to lose it’s former harmony and fix the problem.

To do that, he needs a vantage point to set his foot down and examine the situation, and fortunately he’s always had one. He just needs to visit the Junction to check things out—that’s his own up-to-date mental image of universes and such, therefore the perfect vantage point for him. Miles’s Junction is a train station, and his home universe is represented as a train stopped at one of the boarding platforms. Major parts of the train are falling apart rather quickly and contorted into a bare dark branch growing into other carriages. It is all crystal clear to him once he discovers this, therefore this deduction is made: a new plane has grown from this universe, a cancerous plane, relentlessly consuming everything it’s rooted on, if it’s not stopped it will pry loose and take away all the energy this universe needed for itself to exist: this universe will disappear; without this universe the overcharged cancer will then blow apart or get planted onto another unsuspecting universe and continue it’s destruction. Whoever planted this plane clearly knows what they’re doing and must have a foolproof plan (they must have thought of everything in order to not be stopped ahead of time). What exactly is their end goal? Why target his home universe? Miles decides the best course of action is to go to said plane and work from the inside out, once this is done there’ll be plenty of chances to get everything else back on track.

With his fingers crossed, Miles boards the train through the cracks of the branch, and he freezes for a sec as he arrived at the plane, stunned by the sight. There it stands, a growing tree—the cancer draining all that energy away.

Surely, Miles has expected retaliation as he knows for sure he’ll be spotted instantly once he entered the plane (part of the foolproof plan by whoever built this plane). The tree branches started to grow a lot faster, taking up space with a surprising pace. Miles establishes a forcefield to blast away branches growing towards him, but that’s obviously not a lasting plan, not that he would eventually cave in once there’s no space left and get crushed (trust me he wouldn’t), but more because this plane will be draining up energy much faster to combat him. Hmm. Not a problem, he thinks to himself, just have to wrap it up right now before this escalates any further. Drawing out the stolen energy from the tree and returning it to the universe does the trick nicely, soon this nightmare plant is no longer able to support its already grown branches and crumbles into pieces. “Problem solved.” Miles nods, “though I have to admit the person who planted and developed this plane did a pretty impressive job, all that wouldn’t have been easy.”

Hold on, what’s going down there? Mixed in with the crashing branches is what appears to be a dark humanoid figure. Miles sees this and rushes over to check it out. He makes it just in time to catch this figure he’s seen—surprise, surprise, emerging from the dark tree sap is a young woman, she had been cramped inside a branch all along. Miles recognizes her instantly, this is the girl from his dreams, but she definitely looks older than that version of herself. An odd plum flower is rooted into her skin, and by the looks of it possibly deep into her skull. That’s probably the reason why she’s unconscious. Miles lays her down onto a broken off branch to inspect the flower.

Except this is not a flower!

It’s in fact a rare single use artifact that customizes itself to its victim, it grants full control of one’s mind as long as needed and no one affected is able to get it off by themselves up until now. The victim will also be very worn down. Whoever’s got their hands on one of these would not want to waste its power, it is rumored that one of these artifacts can be passed down through generations without being used just because of the lack of a suitable target. Apparently the “plum tree”—the cancerous plane came to exist because of her; she appears uncommonly lively after this ordeal too. At this point Miles had a choice to make, either pull the “plum flower” out or leave it there. Needless to say whoever used this young woman to build the plane would do harm, but she is a force to be reckoned with herself, her identity is still a mystery for now, she could be evil.

A gut instinct keeps telling him that freeing her is a priority, as long as the artifact is still attached to her, she might be forced to carry on with the mission to destroy. On top of that, Miles starts thinking long and hard on his bday dreams. It feels that not only does he know her from somewhere but he was quite close to her as well. Deep down he trusts her somehow, he cannot explain it but he does.

Hesitantly, Miles yanks off the flower from her forehead, and right after he does, she opens her eyes.

[daebakinc]

Pennies and Dimes

Pairing: Minhyuk x Reader Genre: Fluff, Kindergarten Teacher Minhyuk AU Word Count: 4.2K Summary: Your surprise knight in shining armor turns up at a kissing booth.

           The instant Hani leaves you at the picnic table alone to find the bathrooms, he pounces.

“Hey, long time no see,” Greg says as he slips onto the bench opposite you, his disarmingly charming smile already in place.

So too is every single hair on his head and every thread of his clothes. You’d think he’d dress down for a primary school carnival, but Greg is still dressed to the nines. Everyone else got the memo for a dress code of jeans and t-shirts and floating summer dresses like the one you’re wearing. Yet here he is in khakis and a pastel polo. An almost carbon copy of what he wore in his profile picture. Really, that should’ve keyed you in before the first date. Why he was here, you have no idea, but you really wish he wasn’t.

           “Hello, Greg,” you reply, your tone painfully civil. Only the manners your mother ensured were ingrained in your very soul keep you from just walking away. Sometimes you wish she hadn’t raised such a lady. This jerk is no gentleman.

           “It’s been two weeks since our date.”

           “I am well aware.”

           “You never called me back.”

           “I thought my text was sufficient in indicating I didn’t want a second date.”

           “It was a good starting serve, but you didn’t follow up. Not a good way to keep me interested in the game,” Greg smirks.

           What the hell is taking Hani so long? Biting back a few choice words, you retort, “I think your giving the waitress your number after ogling her assets all night was end game enough.”

           He has enough courtesy to look a little embarrassed, but any good feelings towards him that might have been restored immediately go right back out the window when he reaches across the table to grab your hand. “Maybe I was looking where I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. I’m a man with eyes. And I didn’t give her my number. It was just a little scribble thanking her for her excellent service.”

           You nearly choke on the bark of laughter you hold in. This guy really has some balls. He hadn’t even tried to be subtle. Not to mention you can read upside down and that heart he’d put around his number was big enough to see from the moon. “Let go of my hand, please.”

           “Come on, one more date. Just promise me one more and I’ll let go.” With a starry-eyed look he’s clearly practiced in the mirror like a B-movie love interest, he adds, “I think we have a real connection.”

           “The only connection we’re going to have is my foot connecting with your shin if you don’t get your hands off me.”

           Instead, Greg’s grip tightens, and he leans in, uncomfortably close. “You’re so sexy when you’re playing hard to get. Give me one more chance and I’ll make you the happiest woman in the world.”

           Someone’s watched ‘The Notebook’ too many times. Haven’t men learned that being this pushy is no longer appreciated, if it ever was, nor is it acceptable in today’s world. That is unless they want a restraining order slapped across their too touchy palms.

           “I said,” you reply frostily, in vainly trying to pull your hand away, “let go.”

           Finally, a scowl breaks his perfect image. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not hurting you.”

           Well, you did warn him. You sigh, already regretting making a scene at a children’s event, but he’s leaving no choice by ignoring your politer requests. Maybe the happy screams of children on rides, the hawking of vendors, and ringing of games’ winning bells will mask his yelp of pain. Just as you’re rearing back your leg as best you can, a warm arm slips around your shoulder and someone’s hip bumps into yours as they slide beside you.

“There you are, babe!” the man exclaims, pulling you against his chest with one arm and successfully breaking Greg’s hold on you. With your body stiff with confusion against his, he whispers, “Just act natural and we’ll get rid of this guy, okay? Trust me.”

At first, you can only think how good your strange knight smells, your face pressed into his neck. When his words register, you nod your head. This man can’t be any worse than the one you’re trying to escape.

The stranger’s breath ghosts across your cheek in a phantom kiss before he eases away from you. Keeping the arm on your shoulder in place, he shakes a playful finger at you while sporting a puppy pout. “How could you leave your Minhyukie hanging like that? You told me to meet you by the bumper cars ages ago! I got so bored waiting by myself with no one to play with.”

His childish tone has a cringe-worthy level of syrup, but his theatrics and clever way of telling you his name has you giggling rather than wincing. Jutting your own lip out and clasping your hands, you saturate your own voice with the same baby sweetness, “_____’s sorry, Minhyukie. Hani had to go to the bathroom and I was going to come find you right after, promise.”

Minhyuk laughs. His mouth stretches in a wide grin as he tucks an invisible hair behind your ear. “Ah, how could I stay mad at you, sweetheart? I just missed my baby so much I thought I was going to die!” He glances over at a stiff Greg and starts as if noticing him for the first time. “I’m sorry, did I interrupt a conversation with your friend? I don’t think we’ve met?”

“No. He’s just a guy I went on a date with once.” You lightly poke Minhyuk’s chest with a finger. “That was before I met you of course, baby. He just stopped by to say ‘hi’ when he saw me.”

“How nice of him.” Minhyuk squeezes your shoulder and smiles at Greg. “I suppose I ought to thank you then.”

The increasingly sour look on Greg face drops into a mystified one. “Thank me?”

“Sure. If you hadn’t somehow screwed up, I wouldn’t have had a chance with this beautiful lady. So, thanks, man.”

Minhyuk sticks out his free hand towards Greg with the most guileless smile. Greg’s face turns an ugly shade of red. Mumbling something, he shoves away from the table and disappears into the crowd.

Minhyuk waits until there’s no sign of Greg before he drops his arm from your shoulder and shifts a respectable distance away. Foolishly, you instantly miss his weight and warmth. Then, you catch yourself. You’re not the type to swoon easily. You’re too old for that.

“Where the hell did you find that guy?” Minhyuk snorts, still watching the crowd. “Did he leave his fedora at home this time? I thought they were permanently attached to guys like that’s heads.”

Without thinking, you dryly retort, “Trust me, they had to perform surgery in the doorway of the restaurant on our date to get it off. Very messy but it was too late. The douche venom had already leaked into his brain. The effects were irreversible.”

Minhyuk stares at you for a full second before collapsing onto the table, his shoulders shaking with full belly laughs. You can’t help laughing along, his amusement as catching as a winter bug.

“That delivery,” he finally manages, sitting up and wiping at his eyes. “Classic. Perfect. Oh boy, I can’t breathe.”

“Please do. I’d rather not be the cause of your death when you just saved me.”

“All in a day’s work, ma’am. I see someone as clearly in distress as you were, and I have to help.” Minhyuk gives you a jaunty salute. “Besides, he looked like a piece of work.”

“Oh, he was. I deleted that dating app I found him on as soon as I got home.”

“I bet.”

“Really though, thank you,” you sigh. You hold out your hand, “I’m _____, to officially introduce myself.”

He laughs again and gives your hand a quick, friendly squeeze. “Minhyuk, to officially introduce myself.”

As you shake his hand, you take your first real look at Minhyuk and find yourself captivated. You’ve seen gorgeous men before, but there’s something special about this one. If you had to settle on one word for it, you’d go for puckish. Humor and intelligence light his eyes and gives his already handsome features a quality Hani would probably label “umph!”.

You give your head a mental shake to get your love-crazy friend out of your head. Falling for strangers in her thing. Nothing wrong with it, it’s just not your thing.

Dropping his hand before you do something stupid like drool, you take a breath. “So, can I do something to thank you? Like get you funnel cake or something?”

“That’s really sweet of you, but it’s alright,” he says, waving your offer away. “No one should be having a bad time at a carnival. I really have to get back to work too.”

“Oh. Do you work here at the school?”

“Me? No, no. I do work at a school though. I’m a kindergarten teacher in the next township over, but my friend who does work here asked me to, well more told me-”

“Lee Minhyuk!” A man whose looks shouldn’t exist outside of a fashion magazine strides from between tents and gestures at Minhyuk. “Quit flirting for free and get your butt to the booth! It’s our shift.”

“Guess I really have to go now.” Minhyuk sighs and gets up, but not before giving you another smile. You wonder if his mouth is just one made for smiling. “If that ass comes around again, kick him like you were planning to. I’ll vouch for you. Try to have some fun though.”

“I will. Thanks.”

He waves and follows his friend. It’s sad watching his back disappear, but Hani quickly fills in your vision. Dressed in cherry red overall shorts, she’d be hard to miss even if she wasn’t inches in front of you.

            “Who was that?” she asks with a grin, enunciating every word for emphasis.

           “No one,” you immediately respond.

           “Didn’t look like no one.” Hani bends down, pushing her face into yours. If you weren’t good friends, it might uncomfortable, but Hani might as well be your other half. “Hmm, nope. Still there. Not a trick of the light.”

           “What are you talking about?”

           She bops your nose. “I haven’t seen you ever look at anyone with puppy eyes. Ever.” She draws the last word out while wickedly fluttering her eyelashes.

           “Oh, shut up,” you giggle, snapping one of her overall straps. “He was just someone who helped me get rid of Greg.”

           “Eww. He’s here? Why?”

           “Don’t know, don’t care. He’s gone now, thanks to Minhyuk.”

           “Oh, so Mr. No-one actually has a name?”

           Ignoring her comment, you say, “He was more help than you were. What the heck took you so long? Did you circle the whole carnival?”

           Hani’s smile goes from impish to sheepish as quickly as a summer storm.

           “What?” you ask suspiciously, narrowing your eyes and poking her in the ribs.

           “I found out there’s a kissing booth and I got distracted, okay?” Hani slaps your hand away and slumps backwards against the table. “The three people they have are gorgeous, baby. Gorgeous, I tell you, with the prettiest, softest lips. I can’t imagine what kissing them for real for real would be like. I’d probably die.”

           “Let me guess. You kissed all three. Multiple times.”

           “Just once each. The lines were so damn long.”

           “Language! There are children!”

           “Sorry, ‘Mom.’ The lines were so dang long.”

           “Better,” you laugh.

           Hani suddenly jumps up and tugs you along with her. “We should go see if the lines are shorter! Come on!”

           Because no one says no to Hani, you follow along as she leads you through the maze of people, tents and rides. As it turns out, the kissing booth isn’t far away, it’s a ludicrous shade of sweetheart pink canopy that’s a true stand-out among the other tents. The triple lines keep you from seeing the interior booth itself.

           “Oh, thank goodness! They are shorter!” Hani races to put herself at the end of one of the lines. She looks back to you and points at the lines on both sides. “What’re you waiting for? Get in a dang line. It’s all for charity!”

           Chuckling to yourself, you shake your head as you join her. You’ll admit the idea, the spontaneity, the blitheness of it, is a little exciting. Gods, you’re so lame.

           “Oh, right, here.” Winking, Hani presses a penny and a dime into your hand. “They’re doing a competition with some other booths to see who can raise the most money in coins. It’s a penny a second up to ten seconds, so up to your discretion.”

           “You went and got a load of change while you were gone too, didn’t you?”

           Your friend says nothing, only putting her hands in her pockets to produce a merry jingling.

           Hani keeps up a constant chatter as you wait in line as if sensing you’re having second thoughts the closer you get to the front of the line. A white with bright red hearts tablecloth covers the long plastic table. Someone rigged curtains in front of each of the three kissers for a bit of merciful privacy for shyer clients, but you catch glimpses each time they’re opened. A beautiful girl waits at the opposite end of the table from you. In the middle, you’re surprised to find Minhyuk’s friend, the model guy standing there looking slightly bashful.

The butterflies in your stomach flap harder and harder. You’re too nervous to sneak a look at the person you’ll be locking lips with in a few minutes. Instead, you focus on the large canning jar sitting a little to the person’s right. Judging from its generous collection of small coins, the booth is doing very well. You try estimating how much they’ve raised so far, tuning Hani out, but then it’s your turn.

When you lift your eyes as the curtain slides open, a soft “oh” slips out.

“Hi, again.” Minhyuk beams at you like you’re the one he’s been waiting for. How did he get even more handsome in no time at all. “Long time no see.”

“Yeah,” you giggle. Some of the butterflies escape with the relief it’s him, but they’re replaced by even more. Damnit, get yourself together, kid.

“So, what’ll be your pleasure?”

Startled, you ask, “Excuse me?”

Minhyuk nods towards the jar. “A penny for a second, a dime for ten. Lady’s choice.”

“Oh, duh, right.”

Hani’s coins burn into your palm. Just do it, you tell yourself. You’re a grown woman. It’s not a big deal to kiss someone attractive for one second or a hundred. Other people are doing it too, so no one’s judging. Despite your pep-talk, you chicken out. You tip your palm to drop the penny into the jar. But instead of one clink, there are two. Your hand is empty.

Minhyuk looks at the jar, clears his throat and flicks his black bangs from his eyes as he leans forward. Lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper so only you can hear, he says, “Technically we’re only supposed to do ten seconds, but I think I can get away with giving you the new friend special and bump it up to eleven just for you.”

“It’s okay, we can just do ten,” you reply in a rush.

“Nah, you paid for eleven, you’ll get eleven. Gotta be fair.” He beckons you closer with two fingers and like a bee to a flower, you obey.

You jump when Minhyuk pulls the curtain closed behind you. Unfortunately, he notices. Slowly bringing his hand back to himself, he asks, “Nervous?”

Sighing, you nod. You owe him the truth. “Yeah. A little. It’s been… awhile since I’ve… kissed anyone…”

“That’s fine. Kissing’s like riding a bike, probably even easier: your body never forgets.” Minhyuk gives you another look over. His expression and tone soften. He lays a hand lightly over yours, “You don’t have to if you don’t want. No one’ll know but us.”

That makes you laugh. “Trust me, my friend who dragged me into this will, so I better just do it.” Realizing your words could be offensive, you hastily add, “Not that I think kissing you would be something to “just do” or unpleasant. I mean, you are really cute, like really cute.”

“Thanks.” Minhyuk squeezes your hand. “Just lean forward and I’ll do the rest.”

Grateful for his taking charge, you do as he asks with one last jittery look at his pink lips and close your eyes. You wait with baited breath, every other sense heightened. The sticky plastic tablecloth beneath your tense fingers, the scents of fresh cut grass and confectioner’s sugar mingle, the sound of Minhyuk’s quiet inhales, the tingling taste of anticipation on your tongue.

Minhyuk’s finger starts tapping down the seconds when his soft lips brush yours. The touch is light, the very opposite of intrusive. It’s a kiss of a nervous teen unsure of its reception. Yet it sets your knees shaking so you have to lean against the table edge. The butterflies settle and melt, pushing your lips apart with a faint, feminine sigh.

Like a puzzle piece slipping into place, Minhyuk’s mouth adjusts to the new position. A hum, somewhere between a moan and a purr, rises from his chest to spill into your mouth like pure sugar. Your lips part again, seeking, and Minhyuk answers. The kiss heats, burning away the sounds that overcrowd the summer air and even time itself. Unbidden, your hand finds Minhyuk’s neck and clings there like it’s your only anchor to reality. Minhyuk’s hand that still rests on yours slides to your wrist and tightens as if to tug your closer.

“Minhyuk,” his friend’s voice hisses from outside the curtain. “Did you two suffocate in there?”

With the deep, heavy breaths you both suck into your lungs as you jump apart, you have to wonder if maybe you did. You can only imagine Minhyuk’s wide eyes and glistening lips are mirrored on your own face. The thin skin of your lips still tingles with the unexpected rush of the kiss.

“I think our eleven seconds are up,” Minhyuk says dazedly, his eyes on your mouth.

Neither of you have removed your hands.

“I guess so.” In slow motion, your hand slides away from Minhyuk’s skin. “Um, thank you?”

He withdraws his hand as well. Still a bit breathlessly, Minhyuk chuckles. “I guess I don’t need to apologize?”

“I was about to apologize to you.”

“How about we call it even then? Since it was mutually enjoyable.” His dark eyes fall to your lips again, lingering.

The thrilling swirling in your stomach stirs. You almost lean back towards him, but a floating hand reaches from beyond the curtain to poke Minhyuk’s shoulder, hard. It rudely reminds you where you are.

You back away, needing the distance to reclaim your head. “I’m sorry. I’ll get out of your hair.”

An emotion akin to regret flashes in Minhyuk’s eyes before he quickly hides it behind a cheerful smile. “What if I liked you being in my hair?”

Blood rushes to your cheeks. You can’t think of words, let alone a witty, flirty response. you back out of the curtain. Another woman pushes past you and into Minhyuk’s curtains with a giggle. You stand there, eyes frozen on the fabric, shocked at the surge of jealousy suddenly bubbling ugly in your chest.

It’s irrational. You kissed Minhyuk, but that doesn’t give you any kind of claim over him. Hundreds of people have probably kissed him since the carnival began. Who could blame them. You didn’t even know he existed before today. But you realize now that you do, you really want to know him. All of him.

Hani pops up at your elbow, all satisfied smiles. “So, how was the smooch?” she coos, nudging you with her elbow.

You study her. Hani is always encouraging you to take more chances, to follow your heart or dreams or whatever. Honestly, you’ve accused her of ghostwriting for Disney with how cheesy she can be with that kind of thing. Maybe your best friend is on to something though.

You must have gone too long without blinking because Hani’s smile becomes a puzzled frown. “What? Did my lipstick smear or something?”

“I need another penny,” you say, holding your hand out. “And that Sharpie you had earlier?”

Your friend’s frown vanishes into a brilliant smirk. As she fishes the Sharpie from one of her many pockets and hands it to you with another penny, you grab a clean napkin from a taco stand.

“Go get him, girlfriend,” Hani hoots as you get back in Minhyuk’s line, giving you a hearty swat on the butt for good measure.

As you shuffle forward in the line, you carefully hold the napkin so your damp palms don’t make the ink you hurriedly scribbled run. You must be crazy doing this to someone you just met, and admittedly kissed, but only the good ones are crazy. Or so you’ve heard.

When you finally reach Minhyuk, his eyes get a little bit wider and his mouth drops slightly open. Definitely surprised to see you, which very nearly makes you turn around and abandon your quest. But then that mouth that stole your breath with one kiss splits into a wider grin than any he’s shown you yet. It gives you courage to hope.

“Back-”

Stopping his words with a quick peck on his lips, you lean up to his ear as you slide the scrap of paper beneath his fingers. “Call me, if you want,” you whisper. Without waiting for an answer, you drop your penny in the jar and fly back out of the booth.

“You did it?” Hani asks, already bouncing when you return to her side. At your nod, she screeches in delight, earning more than a few stares. She could care less, grabbing you in a celebratory dance. “I knew I’d rub off on you sometime.”

“We’ll see if he even calls,” you answer, giggling despite yourself. Heady giddiness over what you just did has your body soaring higher than the flying swings.

“Pft. When he calls, not ‘if’ or ‘even.’” Hani hooks her arm with yours. “In the meantime, we passed a clay-oven fired pizza stand that’s calling my name. Now that I don’t have to worry about garlic breath, I can submit.”

To resist keeping your phone screen constantly lit in the fading light, you shove your phone into your dress pocket. Of course, not before making sure the volume is at its loudest and the vibrate function is on for good measure. As you wait in in line for the pizza with Hani debating on which toppings to get, you try to ignore the phone’s weight against your thigh. Willing Minhyuk to call you won’t do anything. As much as you wished for it when you were a child reading Harry Potter, your wizarding powers never manifested.

Indeed, you concentrate so hard on not thinking about Minhyuk that when your phone does ring, you jolt and squeal in surprise.

Hani’s hand dives into your pocket when you don’t move fast enough. She slides her finger on the screen to accept the call and thrusts it against your ear. Her own ear goes right next to it.

You clear your throat. Trying to balance calm and pleasure in your voice, you say, “Hello?”

“Hi. This is ____, right?”

Minhyuk’s voice is forever embedded in your mind, so you have no trouble recognizing it. “It is. I’m… really glad you called.”            “And I’m really glad you gave me your number,” Minhyuk chirps. “So, before this goes any further, I have a serious question for you.”

“Yes?”

“How do you feel about cotton candy?”

“Who doesn’t like?”

“Correct answer! Meet me and the cotton candy at the Ferris Wheel then.” Teasingly, Minhyuk makes a kissing noise into the phone before he hangs up. 

[wearetakingthehobbitstogallifrey]

Gotham 4x15 (spoilers below)

-And we open with Martin, the adorably creepy lil child who will probably turn into a genius supervillain someday, considering with what a sweet smile he follows the instructions that will lead to the demise of his ugly captors.  I hope he lives long enough for that, because if there is one thing I don’t want to see on Gotham again it is the murder of a child *cries quietly thinking of Alex*  

And OMG it is Ed/the Riddler who just rescued him, “sent by Uncle Penguin” lol ALSO Ed is gonna take Martin out of ice cream that’s sweet.  I mean the kid probably needs therapy and a psych check but yes, he definitely should get some ice cream, Sofia tried to murder him once already

-Sidenote:  I love the Gotham skyline with the distant beautiful skyscrapers but if you look closer, at the darker buildings, shorter, uglier, with smoke and smog, you’ll see all manner of poor and broken things

-OMG so Samson just killed a man in front of his family and I am sOOO ready for Lee to somehow get back her power and absolutely destroy him (she looks so good in black...)

-WAIT I THOUGHT JIM AND HARVEY MADE UP IN THE LAST EPISODE WHY IS HARVEY ALL LIKE YEAH AFTER WE TAKE DOWN SOFIA I TAKE DOWN YOU??  (come on Gotham, why do you have to be so realistic as to make the healing process long and painful?  or wait, he just said, I will personally make sure you pay, so maybe he’ll just have Jim pay for all his alcohol therapy from now on?  please?  I need my cop brotp!)

-LOL SELINA BREAKING INTO WAYNE MANOR AND RUMMAGING THROUGH ALL HIS CANNED GOODS

Selina:  DUDE WHY DON’T YOU HAVE ANY FOOD

Bruce: ummm cause I was a jerk and kicked Alfred out for a few months and I lived on like takeout and club food and Alfred hasn’t had time to hit up a grocery store?

aww Selina wants to return the stuff she stole from the family whose patriarch Ivy turned into a miniature garden AND she doesn’t want to bother Barbara with it, because, yeah, like Barbara would care?  SO SHE GOES TO BRUCE INSTEAD!  AND HE DOESN’T LET HER DOWN OR CHASTISE HER OR ANYTHING HE JUST SEES SHE IS TRYING TO MAKE WHAT AMENDS SHE CAN AND HE IS LIKE GIVE ME LIKE FIVE SECONDS I’LL GET YOU SOME CASH AND HE GOES OFF AND SELINA JUST—SHE JUST SMILES!  BECAUSE BRUCE HAS HER BACK AND SHE HAS HIS!  THESE TWO! WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME!

-BAHAHAHAHA Oswald guessing the answer to the rhyme and then guessing the meaning of the answer a split second after, too late

mmhmm sweet old grandma in the candy store used to skin people and stuff like par for the course in Gotham good grief

-YAAAASSSSS VICTOR ZSASZ THE SASSY ASSASSIN IS BACK AND MAKING HILARIOUS HAND MOTIONS WHILE LOOKING QUITE UNIMPRESSED WITH SOFIA’S RAGE ISSUES

-so like Victor’s all cool with killing the Penguin off (and is gonna take a buddy along with him) but I still want to know what would happen if he ever found out Sofia was behind her dad’s death...

-GUYS CAN WE JUST GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE OR SOMETHING FOR HARVEY BULLOCK, WHO HAS GOT A LOT OF ISSUES AND SOMETIMES SAYS HE IS A COWARD BUT THEN WALKS DOWN THE MIDDLE OF A HALLWAY TOWARD NOT ONE BUT TWO EXTREMELY DEADLY ASSASSINS POINTING A GUN AT THEM

“I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU TWO ARE HERE AND I DON’T CARE. WALK AWAY”  you’re a good man Harvey

-Victor: Harvey do yourself a favor and walk away, give us Penguin and live to get drunk another day, hmm?

LOL

BUT ALSO

HARVEY SAYS NAH

*sirens go off and Victor and whatshisname look mildly irritated at being interrupted*

Victor: it’s okay we’ll come back

-EXCUSE ME BRUCE AND SELINA ARE ON A DATE IN A STORE LOOKING FOR THAT STUFF SHE STOLE THIS IS AMAZING

Selina:  you’re different

Bruce:  *looks back at her, with a side smile*  HOW.  DO YOU LIKE IT.  DO YOU LIKE ME.  DID I GET HOTTER.  ARE YOU MORE IN LOVE WITH ME

I mean he didn’t say that exactly but that’s totally what he was thinking

Selina:  you’ve been the world’s greatest DOUCHEBAG but now...you’re nOt   (OK LIKE THE INFLECTION OF HER VOICE SHE IS SO FREAKING HAPPY TO KNOW THAT HE HASN’T REALLY TURNED INTO THE SPOILED BRATTY JERK SHE SAW AT THE BAR)

-OMG THESE FREAKING KIDS I LOVE THEM SO MUCH LOOK AT THEM ALMOST LITERALLY DANCING AROUND EACH OTHER FLIRTING AND BRUCE TRIES TO APOLOGIZE FOR BEING A GRADE A JERK AND SELINA IS LIKE SAVE IT *SMILES* YOU’LL PROBABLY BE A JERK AGAIN LATER AND SHE tOUCHES HIS chEEK with her HAND AND SLIDES IT ACROSS HIS SKIN ALL SEDUCTIVELY AND BRUCE IS ABSOLUTELY DONE FOR HE JUST SMILES AND SAYS I MISSED YOU TOO BUT HE IS INTERNALLY SCREAMING AND WILL NEVER STOP

Selina:  *messed up*

Bruce:  great

Selina:  YOU REMEMBER WHAT I SAID ABOUT BEING A DOUCHEBAG?!

-At this point, a brief, glorious fight ensues, in which Bruce and Selina beat up the bad guys and Selina CATCHES A GUY’S ARM WITH HER WHIP SAVING BRUCE FROM GETTING SHOT AND THEN BRUCE PUNCHES HIM OUT

Bruce: *destroys a guy and takes his stuff, also drops hundreds of dollars of cash on him* JUSTICE

-so Oswald and Ed are teaming back up which should mean for some fun times for some people and death times for other people...but Martin is safe so that’s good.  LOL and Ed gives his hat to Oswald to hold?  but Penguin does NOT have time for Ed’s explanations, come on Oswald, let Ed have his day

-ohhh dear I have a feeling that Ed/the Riddler is gonna be pulled back and forth between Lee and Oswald for the foreseeable future?  or are they going to team up to destroy Sofia?

-BAHAHAHAHAHAHA ED’S BACK UP PLAN TO LEE HELPING THEM IS TO PUT OSWALD IN ICE AND HAND HIM OVER TO SOFIA LIKE “A CHILLY TROJAN HORSE” OMG

Oswald:  HELL NO

-So Grundy...is living in tunnels under the city??  with...loads of candles?? ?

-Ed:  guess what I’M SMART AGAIN

LOL look Cory Michael Smith kills this role that’s all I have to say

-UM Ed pretty sure you’re about to get beat up by Butch Gilzean (so wait BUTCH is the one who likes atmospheric candles?!)

-some days I look at Oswald and I’m like....boi you’re short

-Lee:  *tries to work with Oswald and Ed to destroy Sofia*

Ed and Oswald: *disappear*

Lee:  *eyeroll* WHAT DRAMATIC IDIOTS I’VE GOTTA DO EVERYTHING mYSELF

-LOL I’VE MISSED HARVEY HAVE-SERIOUSLY COMPLAINING ABOUT JIM TO JIM

Harvey:  how did Nygma get in touch with penguin anyway

Jim:  I don’t know

Harvey:  nothing is ever easy with you is it.  It’s always like, find Lee and then she’ll point us to Ed and then we’ll find Penguin and he’ll tell us where to find Pen

-ALSO

RIGHT AFTER THIS

PENGUIN APPEARS (HE HAS NO MANNER OF LUCK AT ALL)

-OMG HARVEY “We’re looking for an Arkham escapee, about yea high, mommy complex” LOL

-honestly I’m kinda surprised that Oswald hasn’t had a heart attack yet the way he gets so worked up about stuff

-sooo Jim agrees to let Oswald go if he gives them information, and then he goes to shake his hand?  I mean, like they have this really bizarre not exactly a friendship thing...I guess it’s Oswald has always considered himself Jim’s friend (in whatever strange way that is) and Jim doesn’t consider Oswald a friend but he knows him well enough to use that to his advantage...and honestly they’ve helped each other out of enough scrapes

-but also Harvey is now the WE DON’T MAKE DEALS WITH THE DEVIL.  Which like I totally get and Penguin has proven himself to be a volatile, murderous element, but its weird to see Harvey so worked up about being a clean cop when he used to hobnob with crooks all the time...is it just because he had grown to respect Jim’s honor and goodness so much?  And when Jim fell off his pedestal, Harvey was destroyed by that?  And wants Jim to be better again? 

-Victor: *shows up*

Me:  you’re here to do bad things and impede the good guys but nevertheless I am so glad you are here

Victor:  do you need Penn?  is he important?  yes, that’s his yes face

Me:  *cracking up* I do indeed love you Victor

-LEE SAVES OSWALD  (in a dinky little car that all those bullets should have gone through like it was paper)

-Barbara’s having a few issues...resurrection will do that to you (I’m pretty sure she legit died earlier, has that been made clear yet? I don’t remember, but there was that thing with Ra’s...was it confirmed she was dipped in the Lazarus pit?

-how on earth is Ed gonna get out of this mess?  Oh he’s not. Oops

-Sofia:  kill Penguin!!  GET PENN!!!

Victor: yeah sooo Penn, Penguin, where are we priorities-wise? BAHAHAHAHAHA

-Penguin:  *goes off on one of his rants* you can’t freeze me yet!!!

Victor Fries:  ...don’t care

ICONIC

-I THOUGHT THE BATCAT SCENES COULDN’T GET ANY BETTER I WAS WRONG!!! So like Bruce and Selina are in Bruce’s kitchen, and Selina is just...fidgeting with the jewelry and Bruce is prepping ice for his bruises but then Selina asks him to return the jewelry for her because she feels so GUILTY and Bruce my beautiful wise understanding compassionate son tells her JUST what she needs to hear—that the guy’s death was NOT her fault!!!  HE IS SO QUIET AND KIND TO SELINA

Selina:  *hunched over the counter, darting quick looks at Bruce* (OMG SHE PROBABLY THINKS HE WILL BLAME HER TOO)

Bruce:  *looking handsome and serious in his black turtleneck* *leans over the counter and gazes at Selina*  you did NOT kill Roland Charles

Selina:  but...I was there...and what am I supposed to say—I stole your jewelry, I’m sorry?

Bruce:  sometimes that’s enough

AWWWWWWWW MY BEAUTIFUL PRECIOUS CHILDREN I’M SORRY I CAN’T I JUST LOVE THEM SO MUCH I MEAN JUST LOOK AT THEIR FACIAL EXPRESSIONS THROUHOUT THIS CAMREN AND DAVID ARE SUCH FREAKING GOOD ACTORS MY GOSH THE WAY BRUCE AND SELINA LOOK AT EACH OTHER WOW

-Sofia’s goon is torturing Ed yet the man still has not a single hair out of place like what kind of gel are you wearing again?? ?

-Ed: *RIDDLES AWAY*

Sofia:  TELL ME WHERE PENGUIN IS

Ed:  I AM TELLING YOU YOU’RE JUST TOO STUPID TO FIGURE IT OUT LOL

-Penguin rolls in all frozen in ice and Ed starts laughing OMG I GET IT OSWALD USED ED’S BACKUP PLAN AFTER ALL

-Victor Z:  *looks at Ed, then Penguin, then Sofia*  I’m not even gonna ask

-Jim and Harvey walk into the weird looking place where Penn is

Harvey:  *in his flattest voice* what fresh hell is this

Me: yeah WTF

-Penguin has the chance to go save Ed (with whom he has had ISSUES) or to go wreak his revenge on Sofia...I’m betting he goes to save Ed.  Make good choices dude

-GAH THEY SHOT JIM

-IS THIS THE FINAL SHOWDOWN WITH SOFIA?!

-YAASSS HARVEY STILL CARES ABOUT JIM AND WANTS TO PUT HIS HEALTH BEFORE EVERYTHING

AND JIM IS STILL A BRAVE SELF-SACRIFICING FOOL AND GETS SHOT AGAIN

AND SOFIA STALKING/FLOATING DOWN THE KITCHEN HALLWAY LIKE A DARK ANGEL OF DEATH

-LOL Victor and Headhunter fail in their mission AGAIN

Victor:  can’t catch a break today.  let’s go get a milkshake

BAHAHAHAHA

-AHH JEEZ SOFIA KEEPS SHOOTING JIM STAHP

-Sofia:  beg me for mercy

Jim:  GO TO HELL

YAASSS SOMETIMES JIM IS AN IDIOT BUT HE IS STILL FREAKING AWESOME

WAAAAIIITT OMG OMG OMG LEE JUST KILLED SOFIA SHE DID THAT

LEE YOU ROCK!!!!!

-Ed is so DONE with stupidity

-aaaannnnd I called it.  Oswald ditches his revenge schemes to go save Ed

Oswald:  trust is hard to find, but I trust you Ed

Ed: a horrible decision really

But for real though these two psychos are friends again and there are going to be hijinx upcoming you can be sure of that

Ed:  I have a STRONG desire never to see this pier again

Oswald: SAME

-aww Harvey is sitting by Jim’s bedside...THE BROTP LIVES

-WIAT WHAT SOFIA IS IN A COMA SHE ISN’T DEAD?!?!!?!  SHE HAD A BULLET IN THE BRAINPAN SQUISH!  HOW

-I freaking love Harvey, telling Jim to get over himself and take the hard path of not confessing but keeping his job, living with his guilt, and working hard to save Gotham.  

Harvey:  it’s what this city needs

Me:  that’s what Gotham needs right now, not a fallen hero, but a white knight...Bruce will cover the dark vigilante who works outside the parameters of the law for you

-Lee: *gets all vicious on a crook who freaking deserves it*

Me: good on you...but also...yikes

-um light is spilling out of Barbara, I’m gonna take a guess and say that isn’t good?