#man i was so happy when i just finished this 2 hrs ago and i already hate it but whatever

[squibb-y]

Pierced ww

[sukunasdirtylaugh]

tags: ghost!gojo x f!reader, mentions of death, manga spoilers, mentions of character death(s), mentions of sick parents, reader being nurturing, satoru being intruiged by reader, reader talking to herself even though she knows she's being listened to, slight fluff at the end, gojo feeling some type of way word count: 2.2k a/n: someone help me name this series. this is the quickest time I've written a pt. 2 after a part 1. also, shout out to mitski's my love mine all mine for the extra kick to finish the end. I was supposed to sleep 2 hrs ago, so here's the unedited chapter. here is part 1. some inspiration to the gojo clan home: photo 1,

5 months into your arrival as his nephew's tutor, satoru thinks you've finally accepted his presence, yet he never plans to outwardly reach out to you because what if you told his family in the estate?

he should feel relieved over this, but bringing his clan in this issue would surely bring more problems than he'd like to admit. if he were 'dead' now, imagine what his clan would do once he really died?

shortly before finishing his fight with kenjaku, satoru was blindly cursed. "I may not be able to bring the strongest with me, but I will curse you, satoru gojo," the words still echo in the back of his head.

"your spirit will remain the same, your being remains, but you will be here no more, in the presence for others to see. you shall remain invisible, a ghost to all, and you'll be lucky to be noticed by anyone who does not already know your inherit value as a sorcerer. known by all, but never remembered."

satoru thinks back to that fateful day, ending the life of a stranger inside the body of his best friend, the epitome of his youth, hopes, and aspirations. satoru remembers the look on his student's faces, blank disappointment. either at him or themselves, but he knows it's geared towards him. shoko's knuckles barely turn white as her lips press into a tight line, while yuuji chokes on air as he's on his knees, other students at his side, attempting to console him while megumi lays unconscious several feet away. he turns out okay in the end, with a minor concussion and a few injuries he'd like to thank shoko for fixing up, the boy lives.

and on that day, gojo satoru died from the face of the earth.

he doesn't know how or why he ended up in his estate. a large, but quaint home with endless scenery and a garden right out of a movie. the house still holds traditional japanese elements, but the peony shrubs his mother had planted stick out like a sore thumb.

just like her.

young, beautiful, and once full of life. hopeful to marry into a family that would one day accept her albeit she was a foreigner, marrying a man whom she thought was serious and sophisticated enough to handle marriage.

but oh how foolish we are to assume the best in others when it comes to matters of the heart.

when he was alive, satoru would regularly check in with the old nanny, ensuring that the shrubs were trimmed and water just right. he knew just how much those flowers meant to his mother. a pretty housewife who no matter what she did was never enough to impress the clan.

until satoru was born. her pride and joy, holding no mind to the comments of his white hair and how he held ancestral resemblance to an ancient sorcerer from within the clan. all his mother knew was that she was head over heels in love with the peaceful human she was able to carry for nine months. no concern for the future, only hope that his son would see and be treated with the humanness he deserved to have. but oh how fate twists. one thing leads to another and his mother now requires a blanket everywhere she goes. she still hangs out in the gardens, spending what time she can with her son who is now 5, nearly 6. and then she's bed bound, finding solace in the brush stokes against the canvas and the warmth of her son.

sometimes, satoru carries the bitter reminder yet anger towards his father. he never saw them happy, only formal and curt, almost as if being together was a chore for him, and his mother's smile would falter when he would avoid a hug from her. the smell of cheap vanilla perfume stained his coat, hanging by his arm, and satoru's mother would simply look towards the ground. almost in shame.

he never loved his mother, satoru then realized as an adult. not even bring her up in the lonely nights, reminisce her life, what they shared, it was as if she was a long-forgotten chapter in his life.

you arrive in august, cheerful and kind. he thinks you won't last long because his family demands unreasonably long hours and surely your boyfriend back home would not approve, but he was surprised, 3 months in your stay that you continued to tutor his nephew. you seemed much more genuine than any other temporary nanny he had when he was a kid, satoru thinks, but then again he and hotaru are completely different in terms of cursed energy.

when november is nearing it's end, you decide to stay a few extra minutes in the garden. hotaru has now joined his family for dinner, and he watches the estate nanny walk towards you and hand you a mug. he can't quite hear what you're both saying since the leaves rustle a little too loudly for his liking, but he notices the 'oh' you make is serious, followed by a nervous chuckle after the nanny had said something.

satoru wonders what you must have said as the nanny suddenly rises from the garden stone bench, looking at his direction as he leans against a tree. she tells you something before departing, and you sigh moments later.

"I can feel you're around, you've been watching us for some time, and I know it." you speak almost so knowingly that it makes satoru swallow the lump at the back of his throat, but the feeling quickly dissipates as soon as the white housecat, mochi, startles you.

you leave shortly after.

12 days of your normal routine pass when satoru notices something is wrong. hotaru doesn't eat as much and at night, he calls for you. "you'll spoil him if you keep letting him be around that commoner," a distant aunt of satoru, one who he wasn't particularly fond of sneers at the nanny, "now he's calling her before bedtime,"

"he's 5," the nanny says, almost defensively. if anyone were to speak to his aunt like that then the staff would have surely been fired, but after working in the estate for nearly 30 years, satoru's father would have prohibited the dismissal of a staff member with this much seniority over something like this. "his mother is ill, and the boy's tutor has been his only maternal rock at this point. he doesn't open up to anyone but her, so we would be doing the nephew of gojo satoru a disservice by treating his nephew the way you treat him." satoru watched at how furiously the woman's brows furrowed then softened, speechless and at a loss for words before she gives up and leaves.

within an hour, you are quick to make it to the estate with a much more informal set of clothes. a pair of joggers and loungewear ideal for the nearing winter. it is past 10 when you hold the boy in his arms, talk to him about his problems, make a pinky promise (not just any promise) with him, and read him a bedtime story you had so thoughtfully decided to bring in your bag.

within minutes, the boy instantly falls asleep tucked to your side and the look you hold in your face makes satoru stare in admiration as he sits from one of the rocking chairs across the room. gently placing the book down, you kiss hotaru's forehead. "I'll see you on thursday," you promise the sleeping child before heading outside where hatoru's nanny greets you. she bows her head momentarily.

"we cannot thank you enough for your work, miss." she says, hands formally clasped together at her front. "we have made sleeping arrangements for you to stay the night. we insist, as a commute back home at this hour is late," she adds, "we have set up nightwear and can even prepare dinner for you miss."

"thank you," you say simply, politely, "I... I really don't mean to intrude nor cause any-"

"oh you could never," the woman says, "please, allow us to be your host for the night. and do not worry about waking up at an hour in fear of inconveniencing us. we have multiple guest bedrooms and would be honored to let you stay."

satoru notices the expression in your face soften as he knows that you can't possibly say no know, so you accept. choosing to spend the night. the staff set you up in a nice, private room with your own exit to the gardens. and the estate chef sends you his best soup and side dishes to fill your stomach on this cold night.

"you clearly don't have to worry about anything in here," you speak lowly but loudly enough for satoru to hear. you sit and lean against your slide shift door, facing the garden as satoru sits on the wooden surface of the 'sidewalk' (referenced in photo one). and he nearly wants to laugh at your comment, swaying his feet that he almost kicks some of the pebbled stones.

"but... hotaru still worries," you definitely have his attention now as you sigh softly, troubled, not knowing the spirit of hotaru's uncle listens to you.

"sometimes... I don't know what to do. sometimes... I feel like I can cross a boundary, but I'm an employee at the end of the day. how can I act as his therapist without... being this motherly to him?"

there was clearly a problem that satoru didn't know the answer to, but he sympathized with you trying to take on as many roles as you possibly could. he knew how complicated his family clan was. how you would always and forever walk on eggshells around them and no matter what you accomplished, it was never enough.

"I try, I really do..." your murmur to yourself, and a long silence passes as you sit in the quietness of the room. "I..." you chuckled, "I'm sorry, I can't believe I'm doing this- talking to myself, hoping something or some spirit is listening when in reality I'm just speaking to myself like a complete fool, or a japanese spirit is here right now truly mind boggled as a girl speaks in english," you stand to your feet and chuckle, heading to your bed. as satoru hears yourself bickering, the corner if his lip tugs ever so slightly upwards.

he wants to say something. thinks about what the possibility of you talking with him would be like. and as you're making your way to the bed, you still go off on a tangent.

"...no, I bet they do understand me." you argue with yourself, lecturing as if you had your own personal podcast, "if feelings are universal, so are energies and vibrations... meaning one of two things." now you're walking back and forth, concentrated on your own footsteps. satoru wants to chuckle, scare you off even, but this entertainment was the best thing he's had since he could remember. so he decided to wait this one out.

"1- the spirits must think I'm an idiot, I mean I already look like one here, but... 2, they can sense my energy." satoru feels his figurative heart drop to his stomach when you instantly look in his direction, did you know he was here all along? he thinks for a split moment, your eyes sharp with knowing.

you shudder, as your hairs stand on the sides of your arms. not unpleasantly, but enough to know some energy besides your own was here. after a short consideration, you speak.

"move a pebble if you're here," your eyes don't leave his direction, and satoru sits motionless, almost afraid you could see the real him, break all notions of metaphysical theories and curses, and then, you walk towards him; sitting criss cross applesauce.

"I know you're here," softly, you whisper, and satoru can see how you're cold, hugging your frame as your jaw slightly tenses. "I just don't know if you choose to ignore my attempts because you want to or because you genuinely can't communicate," your energy warms him, he doesn't know how else to describe it as you lean closer and closer. he thinks that if he were still alive, then you'd probably make fun of his faltered composure.

I don't know how, he wants to say, but deep down, if he wanted to try he could. he just didn't have the guts to do it.

a long minute passes, you wait patiently before you sigh, but not in defeat. "but either way, I'll be here. and your nephew will be okay. I don't know if that's the reason why you're here, but..." you trail, eyes fixated on the garden as your brows furrow and unfurrow, "...he's going to be okay." shortly after, you stand up, closing the conversation, and satoru senses he shouldn't be here anymore as you make your way to the bed. taking his cue, he leaves with a fuzzy feeling in his chest, remembering your words that oddly felt like a promise. one he hasn't been made to in forever.

he could learn to trust you.

[type1cyclingdan]

Better Days Are Coming

Life is a funny thing, one minute you can be as low as you can be and the next you can be high as the stars. Last weeks race was the worst I have ever felt after riding my bike, normally my happy place where no matter how bad life is I can get on my bike and everything is instantly better.

I picked myself up, dusted myself down, had a pretty good week on the bike, and with controlling my diabetes, I worked on my breathing and visualising how I was going to race on Sunday. The night before the race was a bad one where my levels kept dropping, so through the night, the low alarm kept going off on my phone. I eventually I ended up getting up at 03:30 and having something to eat to get some carbs in to me and shut the pesky alarm up.

I could have let this get to me and affect how the day went but it is what is, you cant change it you just have to roll with it, so I made sure I had all my kit ready and read for a while. I did my Wim Hoff breathing and listened to some calming music instead of the music that I usually listen to. It's a 100-mile drive to Darley Moor race track, so over 2 hours of driving and thinking time on the way there I was listening to the Men’s World Champs Road Race. So, not to think too much about my own race.

I got there to find out that the race had be change from 13:45 to 15:00 so I took my time getting ready and just chilled in the car listening to music that would relax me. I did my Wim Hoff breathing and then got the bike out of the car and went for a short ride. My heart rate monitor would not link with my bike computer, so there is no HR data from the day, but again, it is what it is.

15 minutes before the race started, we got the opportunity to ride some laps of the track and find what way the wind is blowing as the track is so open the wind really does affect the racing. It was pretty strong on the back straight, which, to be honest, is the perfect place for it to be a headwind for what I had planned. My plan was to sit in the wheels for the whole race and do no work on the front until two laps to go where I was going to kick on the afterburners and go for a one man break to win solo.

However in life and racing plans are never concrete you have to adapt to the conditions and what others do sometimes and I had been watching one rider in particular that looked good and like he was up for a breakaway. So when he decided to go after around 18 minutes I followed him and we got a gap never a big one but enough after around 5 laps of us working really well together one other rider joined us so we were in a 3 up break and continued to work well together. It started to rain which was really good for us three in the break as around the tight turns and the hairpin we could pick our lines and hold our speed where as the peloton would be sketchy as hell and that would slow them down.

It was really tough and I did way to much of the work into the headwind section but if I had not I don’t think we would have stayed away. In the last 3 laps my levels started to go up a lot and with a lap to go I was up to 15 and felt the power drain out of me. I gave everything I had and managed to stay away to finish 3rd, over 40 minutes in the break it was an amazing feeling to know that I was finally seeing my strength on the bike come back.

I still have a long way to go to get back to anywhere near where I was 2 years ago but it felt good to see what I was capable of when I got my levels under control before a race. The win is coming and I have not even started the off the bike training with strength work and flexibility work so plenty more to come.As I said there is a long way to go to be able to achieve my goals, one being to win a National Masters title, but Sunday showed me that I can be competitive even with Diabetes. Do not ever let someone tell you that you can not do something and do not let anything stop you from being the best that you can be. Just because we have setbacks in life, get diagnosed with illnesses, it is never the end, only the beginning of a new chapter.

Keep Trying Never Give UP, set your self huge goals that people will tell you that you are insane to think you can achieve because if you even get close that will be one hell of a mighty achievement. Be flexible with your plans, you don’t need to change them just tweak them like I did on Sunday.

I know that there will be plenty of bad days to come, but I am bloody certain that there will be more good and outstanding days to come.

Dream big, work hard, keep trying, never give up, and believe that you can achieve 👊

[cipherexists]

gay ass sweaters. he got 2 kittens 2 days ago. in the two streams hes done since then he completely leaves his stream every like 20 mins to go check on them return with a 'yeah theyre still a asleep' or when they wernt, just starts playing or talking to them. somehow masters every game he picks up in .5 seconds. like all he needs to do is try the mechanics once and hes got it and he will be better than someone with 50+ hrs of experience. there is so much autism in this man. he is the only person to beat the hardest difficulty of a game where most people cant even finish normal mode. not only that but he holds soeed run records for welcome to the game 2 and despite it being years later still has the route memorized. terrible at socialisation, will cut people off or assign then lesser tasks or tell them what to do as if he is the upmost authority in a server full of streamers (everyone listens to him and is happy to do so)

also for the kind of games he plays, indie horror games + a decent amount of phasmo, he streams every day and uploads twice a day. he is insanesauce. i love this little freakazoid

i need to learn how to draw this white man. i need him in situations

[ey8508]

Rumors and Secrets: Victor | 李泽言

Note:

R&S for this card (CG above)

Chapter SPOILERS up to Season 2: Chapter 18-21 (read at your own risk)

Contains 5 chapters

Translation isn’t 100% accurate (or include grammar errors)

Every part for LZ’s dialogue would be in “this setting”

Do not repost to any other site (reblog is fine)

Chapter 1 Page 1 It's no exaggeration to say that the name "Li Zeyan" has run through my entire high school era.  This "evil fate" probably starts with a 31-point Chinese test paper. I'm Gao Qishan, only 17 years old at that time, but there are so many things that usually interest me. Games, animations, and football are nothing compared than reading a book in a room. But hey, it's a pity that my dad doesn't think so. "I only scored 31 points in the Chinese test, and I'm still here with a hippie smile!" In the study, the old man blew his beard, looking disappointed, "How can my son be so useless!" Page 2 "Your son is very capable. I was the MVP of the basketball game last night!" "Your PPP is useless! You are in the second year of high school, not the second grade of elementary school! You have a 31-point score and you have a face to play basketball? You don't have any shame or a competitive spirit. Do you not want to go to college anymore?!"  . I was about to reply impatiently, the old man took out a magazine from somewhere, poked his hand at the cover and yelled at me: "Look at the person. He founded the company at the age of 20. In just two years, he has been on the "Business Rising Stars" cover interview! Look at yourself again, someone who is almost 17 years old and does not have the realization of it, do you want to be in the worst generation in the future, ah?!" Page 3 I'm not happy to hear this: "What's so great about starting a company? Your son, I will start a company in minutes!” "I'm almost out of school, and I started my own company? Oh, I'm going to be better!" The old man raised his head, and the thick magazine almost hit my handsome face.  "Learn from others, and don't give me daydreaming here!" Page 4 I grabbed this "Business Rising Stars" with enthusiasm. A decent young man in a suit was looking ahead through the photo. On the cover was a striking headline: "Li Zeyan, an astounding leader in Lianyu City.” "This title is exaggerated!" Even if I was taught by Lao Gao, I was inexplicably better compared with this Li Zeyan, and I just threw the magazine under the sofa. Who wants to learn from him? Just looking at it is a tarnish to my ability! Page 5 But somehow, at night I tossed and turned and I couldn't fall asleep! The more I closed my eyes, the more uncomfortable I was, what did Li Zeyan do. When I turned over for the 100th time, I suddenly sat up. It was a task by old Gao to read the magazine anyway, so I decided to retrieve the magazine and just take a look. After sneaking into the study room, it took me a long time to find the magazine in the innermost part of the sofa. Page 6 "... Although Li Zeyan is only 22 years old, he is already the president of Huarui, an emerging medium-sized company in Lianyu City.  Starting from scratch, he started from a small office to now has hundreds of people. Every step he walks is particularly solid and decisive. Li Zeyan’s way of business is beyond ordinary. He is like a lion, born with a King's aura." All these compliments just for this, isn't it just descriptions of someone starting their own company? I just haven't paid much attention to reading.  Just relying on my ingenuity, and getting a high score on the tests, it is absolutely nothing when it comes to starting a company. Hmph, just you wait. Chapter 2 Page 1 The university in City A is not only one of the top five in the province, but also the top five in the country. It is a university that I, Gao Qishan was admitted to dignifiedly! How about that, I said I'm absolutely fine. In a blink of an eye, the freshman year has passed. In the past two years, I have also paid a little attention to Huarui. The development has been okay, it has not closed down, and the scale has doubled.  It's just normal development. Is it worth the old Gao's praise from time to time?  Every time he flipped through a financial magazine and sighed, "You are so young, so good", it sounds a bit too much. Page 2 As the saying goes, "Seeing is believing", I think this sentence is right.  Taking advantage of the summer vacation, I decided to apply for Huarui's summer internship to see in person how the company is, just not to waste my talents and financial knowledge. Soon I entered the building, but how can the interviewer in the middle feel a bit familiar, the more I look at it, the more I recognize... Wait, isn't it exactly Li Zeyan?! What's happening, is Huarui going bankrupt? Why is the president personally do the interviewing for the summer interns? Page 3 "Manager Chen has something to do, I happen to be free." Probably my shock expression was too obvious. Li Zeyan flipped through the information at hand and looked up at me blankly.  "Gao Qishan? First, briefly introduce yourself." I don't know what's going on. I was so startled by Li Zeyan that I couldn't help but straighten up.  After swallowing my throat, I mobilized all my attention, took a deep breath and said, "Hello, my name is Gao Qishan, and I am a freshman in the Department of Economics and Management of the University of City A..." Page 4 After introducing himself, Li Zeyan asked a few more related professional questions. This kind of small question is nothing to me. It seems that Huarui’s interview is nothing more than that. He occasionally knocked his fingers on the table subconsciously, and asked with a deep gaze: "Why do you want to come to Huarui for an internship?" The continuous response made me more and more relaxed. I changed my sitting position and quickly thought about how to deal with this new question. Judging from previous information, Li Zeyan is a person who likes to win at everything. He should appreciate the kind of answers that seem extraordinarily confident, right? Page 5 After carefully thinking about this, I straightened my back and raised my chin and said: Although Huarui is quite a new company, it has grown at an amazing speed, and the achievements it has made so far are obvious to all in the industry.  And although I am a freshman student, I think I have a very strong learning ability. In this regard, I have a lot of similarities with Huarui. Therefore, I think Huarui is very suitable for me and will definitely make me grow faster. Of course, I can definitely give back the same freshness and vitality for Huarui. With a confident smile, I finished my speech and waited quietly for Li Zeyan's nod. But to my surprise, a few seconds later I was greeted by a frown from Li Zeyan. Page 6 "It seems that you have confidence in yourself. To be a man and to do things really requires self-confidence, but everything must be controlled." Li Zeyan stared at me and said in a hurry, "Only by maintaining reflection and introspection can we truly make progress." I understood his words, and my face flushed. A few days later, I really received a notice from HR (Human Resources) and I didn't get hired. Page 7 Although I had a foreseeable result from Li Zeyan's remarks, when I really received a reply and recalled the interview scene, I was still very angry. After my sophomore year, I went back to the final exams and tried to fight for the first place. I'll make sure that my ambitions are not just mere words. I have written down the "new hatred and old hatred" on my notes. I will definitely use the shortest time to create my own territory, leaving Huarui far behind! Chapter 3 Page 1 Today is the first day of my "Yuanshan Group" moving to a new building.  Morning light came in from the spacious floor-to-ceiling windows, and I stood by the desk, proudly holding on to the brand-new office chair. In the next semester of the junior year, I used the dividends I participated in the project as the start-up capital, and I didn't need a penny higher than the old one, so my "distant mountain" just rose from the ground.  Isn’t it just 20-year-old to start a company from scratch? What's the difficulty?  When I founded Yuanshan, I was exactly 21, and the rounding is almost the same as Li Zeyan.  Because of this, my old man, Lao Gao stopped training me long ago, and I guess he must have praised me secretly. Page 2 In just a few years, Yuanshan has grown from a small company of eight people to a scale that now occupies a seven-story high-end office building, and the suffix has also changed from "company" to the word "group".  To be honest, my founder is very satisfied with Yuanshan's growth.  Although there is still a certain distance from Huarui, after all, they are also developing along the way, but it doesn't matter, I am still young, and sooner or later I can catch up. It didn't take long before the opportunity to "catch up" came. Page 3 I was originally interested in the land to the north of Lianyu City. When I heard that Huarui was also planning to bid on that land, I became more interested.  The Lianyu Municipal Government intends to develop the somewhat hindered northern side. At present, construction has begun to build a crossing bridge and a shopping mall, and this piece of land is nearby. "It is more than enough to build a six-star resort with 18,000 square meters and the supporting facilities can be added. Maybe Huarui made the same idea." I have paid attention to the recent developments of Huarui and have invested in four resort hotels one after another. The senior management of the company also agreed that the land is worthwhile, and if it can be won within the highest valuation of 89 million yuan, it should make a profit without losing it. Page 4 A month later, I came to the auction site with confidence.  Sitting in front of me at ten o'clock is Li Zeyan, the president of Huarui in a suit and leather shoes. After a few years of absence, I can finally compete with him. On the stage, the auctioneer gave an impassioned introduction to the land, and then said in a melodious tone: "The starting price is 35 million, and the auction will begin now!" As soon as the voice fell, several companies immediately raised their signs. But my opponent is Huarui. It is still early, so I have to wait for Huarui to make a move. Page 5 When the bidding became increasingly fierce, Li Zeyan finally raised his placard for the first time: "60 million." The opponent finally appeared, and I immediately raised the number plate: "61 million." As if he was just encountering an ordinary bidder, Li Zeyan never answered with words, but raised his placard again: "70 million." I continued to chase: "71 million!" Side to the front, Li Zeyan seemed to raise his eyebrows slightly. After a few seconds, he raised the number plate again, and said: "80 million." Page 6 "81 million!" As if finally realizing my bite, Li Zeyan glanced at me slightly sideways, then he raised the number plate, the noise was low and clear: "90 million." This figure has already exceeded the company's highest valuation, and the assistant quietly tugged on my sleeve, beckoning me to forget it. But if I really give up on this, I still feel no sigh of relief in my heart. The auctioneer has already shouted in front: "90 million twice." Page 7 "100 million!" My voice came out, at the last moment. Of course, Li Zeyan finally gave me a straight look. I watched his hand nervously, and saw that the number plate was never raised again, and the auctioneer had already shouted excitedly: "One hundred million! Yuanshan Group has come out of one hundred million! One hundred million once! Three hundred million!, make a deal!" Page 8 Finally got it!  Such a valuable piece of land I believe it will be a great help to Yuanshan, and it’s just around the corner to get rid of Huarui. I didn't even consider the cost of 100 million yuan. I just felt that my body was comfortable and exuberant, and the bright prospects were beckoning me. When Li Zeyan passed by me, my triumphant pride couldn't stop. "Thanks to Mr. Li for the bidding this time." Page 9 Li Zeyan put his suit jacket on one hand, and passed by me. I thought he would argue with me back, but Li Zeyan just raised his eyebrows uninterested, and then strode away without looking back. Okay, as the winner of the auction, I allow the loser to occasionally gaffe. Just when I was gearing up to do a big job, the Finance Department urgently sent a bad report. Due to my "passionate bidding", Yuanshan's capital chain suddenly had a problem. Chapter 4 Page 1 I urgently convened a high-level meeting, and after several discussions, the best solution at present turned out to be to invest in Huarui! Personally speaking, I have a hundred reluctances in my heart.  Not long before the auction, I took the initiative to bow to Hua Rui. Didn't that slap me in the face severely. However, the cruel reality lies in front of us. Yuanshan is not only my own person, but also the collective effort of hundreds of employees.  To let Yuanshan survive this crisis steadily, I can only and must "take the initiative to surrender" to Huarui. Forget it, "vote" just "vote"!  Although it was a mistake in my decision-making this time, Yuanshan's development prospects are so good that Li Zeyan should never not invest as long as his eyes are correct. Page 2 However, the negotiation process is still more difficult than I expected. It is not that Huarui has no intention to invest, but almost all the conditions listed are on the lowest line of the distant mountains. "If I remember correctly, the creditworthiness of Huarui's previous investment in the gaze lock company is not very high." I fought hard against the low pressure, and Yuanshan's creditworthiness has always been in the top four in the industry. "...with Yuanshan's creditworthiness Huarui's right to speak will definitely be improved. I think Mr. Li can think about it again." Page 3 "Do you think you are still eligible to negotiate terms with me?" Li Zeyan straightened his mouth, exuding deterrence, "...Huarui Investment in Yuanshan is not for charity, and has no obligation to pay for your suicidal behavior." He raised his hand and glanced at his watch, with a hint of impatience on his face: "Think carefully about it yourself." The long negotiation was finally over. Although Yuanshan and Huarui finally reached a cooperation intention, the whole process failed me. I thought I was about to be on the same line of competition with Li Zeyan, but I was beaten back to the former "interviewer" again. Page 4 By the area downstairs in Huarui, I was smoking a stuffy cigarette, and suddenly there was a faint sound of footsteps behind me. It turned out to be Li Zeyan. Although he was still expressionless, the murderous aura and arrogance from the negotiations seemed to have diminished. Li Zeyan steadily walked to my side: "Gao Qishan, I remember you once came to interview for a summer internship." I didn't expect Li Zeyan to take the initiative to speak. I was surprised. He said: "Several years have passed, and it seems that self-confidence is increasing." If it wasn't for my lose, I stood up slightly: “Although I made a mistake this time, as far as the strength of Yuanshan is concerned, I have the capital to be confident." Page 5 "Yuanshan's strength is indeed pretty good, but don't rush to eat the cakes that you can't eat for the time being. Being high is far from a long-term plan for enterprise development." Li Zeyan said lightly, and took out a card from his pocket and handed it to me, "There will be a practical business forum in Lianyu City next week. You can come and listen when you have time." A practical business forum? What do you mean, is he mocking me for being too pragmatic? The inexplicable enthusiasm and self-esteem suddenly appeared, and I blurted out: "Mr. Li, even if Yuanshan is really not as good as Huarui now, there is no need to humiliate people like this, right?" Page 6 Li Zeyan frowned: "What are you talking about?" He paused, his eyes sinking, "I thought you would be an opponent you could look forward to, but I didn't expect the vision to be just like that." Without additional explanation, Li Zeyan turned and walked away after speaking. I was stunned, looking at Li Zeyan's steadily leaving behind, I couldn't help but relive the conversation just now in my mind. Could it be that Li Zeyan meant that because he regarded me as a potential opponent and hoped that this opponent could become stronger and more competitive, did he propose to let me participate in the business forum? Page 7 That's right, it seems that only such an explanation can make sense! Thinking of this, I couldn't help blowing a whistle. After all, it was an "imaginary enemy" and pursuit of goals since the age of 17, which can be affirmed and recognized by Li Zeyan. It is simply an easter egg that comes with the negotiation, and it is worthy of the old man to praise me ten times. I was being silly and happy. Suddenly my fingers hurt, I have forgotten about my cigarette that was about to burn my fingers! Chapter 5 Page 1 With Huarui's capital injection, Yuanshan passed the crisis steadily. After more than half a year, the foundation of the resort has gradually taken shape. Just when everything seemed to be going in a good direction, early this morning, the news of "the crash of the president of Huarui" directly bombed all major platforms.  Reminiscent of the so-called "homicide list" that was suddenly leaked on the internet a few days ago, I inexplicably feel that these two things may have some connection. Who on earth wants Huarui to sink in the water? Wait a minute, which company announced the list. Could it be that their person in charge is secretly playing tricks? Page 2 Before I could find anything out of my investigation, within a few days, the news of "Which company claims that Huarui has maliciously acquired a large number of pharmaceutical companies" once again detonated all platforms! "Deliberately monopolizing the pharmaceutical market will inevitably cause the price of medicines to rise, which is obvious." "Just for profit, this behavior is very bad!" "Even Huarui's own workers and can't stand it, which shows how terrible Li Zeyan's actions are!" Page 3 Opinions on the Internet are divergent, and public grievances are boiling, and they all accuse Huarui. But I don’t believe it. Although I have only met Li Zeyan several times in person, for so many years, because I have always regarded him as an opponent and target, I have studied Huarui and Li Zeyan’s behavior more than anyone else. The nonsense on the Internet, I don't believe a word! I browsed the web quickly, staring at the almost identical title and searched viciously. Page 4 "Huarui’s reputation plummeted, Li Zeyan fell into a situation where everyone was clamoring and angry, and the heads of the company was clearly cut off from him." In the video, the host's voice kept ringing into my ears. All the signs made me firmer in my previous thoughts: It must be looking at which company is crossing the river to demolish the bridge! I immediately called the assistant to the inside line: "How much do you hire me for a large number of naval forces? How many can you hire? How many! That's right, I have to spare no effort to clarify for Huarui, and by the way, I will focus on the company. Going right now!" I know that this "bad strategy" and only a small help but I haven't beaten Li Zeyan righteously, how could Huarui have an accident in such a situation! What I want is not the taste of winning without a fight. Page 5 Probably because of anger, I couldn't help but send a message to Li Zeyan: The outside world said that Huarui's energy is exhausted. You will not be reduced to the point where you still need to borrow money from me, right?" This message was sent, and I did not expect Li Zeyan to reply to me. However, when it was almost midnight, I suddenly received an email from Huarui. ‘Huarui has always been a responsible company, and will do what it says without fear of any storms. Now everything is running normally, you don't need to worry about it.’ Signer: Li Zeyan. Page 6 Looking at this email, I couldn't help but smile in the middle of the night. Also, Huarui has always been fighting steadily, and Li Zeyan has never fought unprepared battles. Maybe he is playing a big move. Otherwise, how can I say that he is my respectable and close opponent! As for my secret match with Li Zeyan. Give me another three or four years to see who wins and who loses.

[intubatedangel]

Cold Snap: Chapter 1

I’m back, again, hopefully a bit more consistently. This time returning to the world of Anna Swift with a story that’s been an idea for almost 2 years but couldn’t quite come together.  No resus in this part, just setting up the scene, but I hope you enjoy.

----------

Shona dragged her large suitcase up the ramp and onto the lower deck of the old water taxi. It had become almost like an old friend to her over the last few years, the point of seperation between home and college. She turned and waved to her parents, who stood back on the quay, watching thier daughter leave for the last semester of her college life. In truth she wasn't going all that far. Only a dozen or so miles as the crow flies, and within the limits of the same greater city area. But while the city had grown and expanded to absorb her old home town as a mere suburb, the city's transport links had not kept pace. While the rail network ran along each side of the river, it didn't cross at this end of the city. There were plans for new bridges, but they never materialised. And so, instead of taking a 3 hour trip on the city metro, Shona would take the trusty water taxi that had been crossing the river back and forth for as long as her mother remembered, and be at her dorm within 40 minutes.

A good idea really, she thought, pulling on the suitcase behind her, trying to get it rolling again. She cursed internally at her professors for giving them so much work over the spring break, the suitcase weighed down with what felt like half a library. A gust of cold wind blasted her face, and she thought of another curse, this one at the northern climate. To many, spring break was about running around on beaches nearly naked having parties and getting tanned. To say it would not be advisable here was an understatement. This far north, winter was still clinging on, to the point where snow lay on the ground just a few weeks ago.

Shona pulled her scarf up a little further as she dragged the suitcase toward the door at the rear of the cabin, where luggage could be stowed out of the way. She pushed it open then spun to grip the suitcase handle with both hands and haul it over the small threshold, staggering back a little as the wheels finally rocked over. A gust of wind sucked the door closed with a loud bang and shone flinched, glancing around to see if anyone noticed. Like public transport in most cities, no one so much as glanced at her.

She ducked into the luggage area, and her heart sank. All the lower shelves were full. She walked over, wondering just how she was going to stow the case. She vaguely heard the door behind her, then the sound of rolling wheels that approached and stopped beside her.

"Erm, would you like a hand?" A male voice said. Shone turned to him. He was young, maybe a similar age to herself, with black hair in that intentionally messy style. He raised his hands in a surrendering gesture. "Not infering anything about the strength of your gender...You just looked... and I need to..." He glanced at his own case, similar sized to hers.

Shona shook her head "Sorry, yes that would be great." She smiled. "We can each lift half." She commented, prompting a grin from the young man. Together they lifted her bag. Well, Shona steadied it at least.

"Student?" The young man asked, with a slight pant from the effort. Shona nodded, and opened her mouth to reply. "Wait, let me try and guess. Your on this taxi, so you must be studying at Central. That amount of books, over spring break no less, narrows it down. Medical students are already back, my roomate's doing Chem and says all the natural sciences work is based on their own labs now. And, I haven't seen you in any of my classes or on my floor of the library, so by process of elimination I'm going to say... History."

"Impressive." Shona told him with a grin. "You must be studying literature." She grinned at his shocked face. "My roommate is in that course. She can almost quote the entire works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle at this point, and she told me that almost everyone goes through a Sherlock phase in that course."

He chuckles. "Well played. I must know the name of the lady who bested me." He said, with a mock bow.

Shona couldn't help but chuckle too, though it was drowned out by the horn of the water taxi, as it gave it's last call. Shona felt the familiar rumble as the engine got into gear and began to ramp up in power. "Shona. Shona Smith-Carlson. Yes it's double barrelled. Ardent Feminist of a mother refused to give up her maiden name."

"Well theres nothing wrong with that. Though by the look on your face you aren't too happy it."

"It's not that," Shona shrugs. "She just never shuts up about it. Still loves dad though." She trails off, the silence starting to become awkward. "What about you?" She re-directs. "I'm guessing your name isn't actually Sherlock."

He smiles. "Jack Davidson. Not literally, My dad's actually called Mark."

"You must have practiced that line." Shona said, trying not to laugh at the perfect delivery.

"Maybe once or twice, but it's a good ice breaker, don't you think?"  He replied with another dazzling smile.

It was a nice smile. The boat jerked slightly as it left the quay and started its journey across the river. Shona rocked a little, Jacks arm moved, lifting a little, not quite reaching out, but ready to steady her if she had stumbled, and Shona suddenly realised he was flirting. Why did this always happen? She fought to not roll her eyes. Her girlfriend was going to rib her again. She would have to let him down gently. She took off her scarf, wrapping it and putting it into one pocket, and then unzipped her coat. She caught his eyes flick down as all men’s do, then slightly to one side, catching sight of the rainbow badge.

He blew out a breath, then nodded with a wry grin. "That's a good move. I am out played once again. Though I suppose we aren't quite playing the same game are we."

Shona shrugged. "Sorry." She mumbled.

Jack waved his hand. "Don't be. Not like you can change who you are. How about we get my bag stowed and then we grab a coffee on the upper deck?" Shona looked at him, puzzled. "Your roommate. From what you were saying she's a year ahead of me. A bit of early information is always good."

Shona considered it for a moment. He wasn't being pushy or angry like one of those guys. And she was planning on getting a coffee. So she shrugged. "Why not, company is always nice."

Together they lifted Jack's case, a little lighter than her own, and placed it in the rack. But as he was checking it was secure, Shona felt a rumble. A different rumble, one that she had never felt before on over two dozen journeys. If she'd been outside, she would have seen a plume of black smoke rise out the tall exhaust stack. If she'd been in the cabin that qualified as the bridge of the boat, she'd have heard voices filled with panic as alarms squarked.

Shona and Jack started up the stairs in front of the luggage compartment, when there was another rumble, and a strange noise filled the passenger cabin as the whole ship vibrated. Shona stopped halfway up the stairs, looking behind her. Jack turned to her, three steps higher up.

"What is it?" He asked

Shona shook her head "The boat. Somethings wr..."

 Her voice was totally drowned out by the noise of the engine exploding.

**********

Officer Matt Jones sat on the small river patrol boat, bobbing slightly against it's mooring. He glanced at his watch. Just another 7 hours and 50 minutes of his 8 hour shift. He sighed, feeling that boiling anger as he rembered getting busted down to river patrol. Not even standard beat cop, river patrol. In March, in this city, where even the foolish wouldn't think of getting in the river. Only the desperate. But this section of the river didn't even have any bridges, ruling that out too.

"So..." The old timer, Winston, who was now his partner muttered. "Who did you piss off to land yourself here?"

Jones breathed out slowly, sending the anger with it. "You know Dean Campbell?"

"The head of HR Dean Campbell?" Jones nodded, Winston whistled. "What did you do?"

"I may have pointed out that he was... inadequate for the position. In somewhat more forceful terms. To his face..."

Winston spat into the river. "That would do it. Not that you are wrong of course, that little weasel has done nothing but damage to the department, but, not exactly the wisest decision.

Jones nodded. "What about you?"

"I asked to be here." Winston replied, prompting a look from Jones. "Coming up on retirement. The last thing I wanted was to be that stereotype. Always liked fishing, figured I'd get some boat time and avoid anything likely to finish me off before my service is done."

"That's fair enough I guess." Jones told him, sipping at the coffee, watching the old water taxi make it's way across the river. He noticed the black smoke, but thought nothing of it. "Does anything interesting happen here?"

"Wouldn't have picked this spot if it did." Winston replied. "Occasionally that floating wreck needs a hand when it breaks, but that's about it." He says turning to look. "Speking of which, that exhaust don't look too healthy." He said a moment before the radio squarked, lighting up an indicator on the emergency channel.

"This is the Beetle, may-day, may-day, our engine is...." The radio cut off as a gout of thick black smoke burst from the exhaust tube, and the distant boat seemed to lurch. A split second later the sound wave of the explosion reached them.

"Get us moving!" Jones shouted to Winston, as he grabbed at his own radio. "This is officer Jones, Badge number 4582. We have a major incident in progress on the river between....between..."

"Between North Inglebank and Trippers point!" Winston shouted.

"Between North Inglebank and Trippers point. Explosion on a water taxi, we are en-route, unknown casualties, unknown situation, requesting additional backup for evacuation and medical assistance!"

"Acknowledged Officer Jones. Relaying now."

Winston had gotten the speed boat unmoored, tossing a high-vis life jacket to Jones, before he gunned the motor and they began to cut through the waves, heading for the vessel that was now smoking from more than just the exhaust.

(Edit: Fixed some errors and details. A little out of practice.)

[recurring-polynya]

Request: RenRuki; Mad Scientist!Renji shocks Frankenstein Monster!Rukia with electricity to test the endurance of Mikasa's heart

I am not quite sure who you mean by Mikasa-- I am guessing either Masaki or Hisana? I really enjoy making Renji into Byakuya’s beleaguered minion in any universe, and I was extremely charmed by the idea of the latter, so that’s what I went with. I supposed this is a little less “Mad Scientist” and a little more Ticked-Off Postdoc, but a crumbling castle on a moonswept cliff? In this economy??

CW: Some detailed discussion of building a monster out of body parts. It’s not intended to be scary or gross, but just wanted to be on the safe side.

Read on ao3 or ff.net

🧪   🧠   ⚡

I should have finished my dissertation, Abarai Renji thought to himself, irritably rubbing at the nicotine patch under the collar of his shirt.

Education-in-perpetuum was a rich kid’s game, though, and when he’d had to choose between a paying entry-level gig at Kuchiki Biotech or a continued monk-like existence grading freshman papers and scrubbing out the autoclave, he’d followed the money. It had seemed like such a good idea at the time, working in industry. Eating food that didn’t come with a seasoning packet, living in an apartment that had both heating and air-conditioning, the indescribable luxury of a monthly transit pass. Yeah, it stung a little when Kira and Hinamori sent selfies of themselves at that conference in Berlin, and later, in their stupid graduation get-ups, but after seven years of working his ass off, of being on time every day, of covering his ink and minding his manners, Renji had been noticed by Kuchiki Byakuya himself, the reclusive CEO of the company.

“You were a student of Dr. Aizen Sousuke?” Kuchiki had asked, his cold grey eyes skipping past Renji’s carefully knotted tie and spotless lab coat to linger on his bandana and the cover-up smudges that protruded from beneath it. “The cephalopod neurophysicist?”

“That’s correct.”

“His work on artificial chromatophores was stunning.”

Right. That.

“Er, the camouflage stuff wasn’t my area of interest, but I have a couple of friends in that area if you’re--”

“You studied nervous system regeneration. But you did not graduate.”

Renji had tried not to look surprised, because his supervisor had warned him that Byakuya liked to try and surprise people and then judge them for being surprised. Byakuya had probably just dug up his resume from HR prior to this interview. “That’s right. Well. About the nervous system thing. I did graduate, just, y’know, ABD. That’s not even true, I wrote about half a dissertation. Maybe two-thirds.” His mouth snapped shut. Kuchiki Byakuya definitely did not want to hear about his two-thirds of a dissertation.

“I read your article in the Journal of Zoological Neuroscience, the one about using a donor octopus brain to reanimate a dead specimen? I assume you wrote it. You were listed as second author, but it was not rife with Dr. Aizen’s usual bloviations. It was excellent work.”

Renji had failed in his attempts to keep from looking surprised.

“I am starting a special project that could use a man of your expertise. Dr. Shirogane spoke well of your time here, and felt that you were ready to take on the role of primary investigator.” Byakuya looked at his extremely expensive watch, as though he were already getting bored of this meeting. “It is a small project, a one-man project, and I am afraid it will not produce any sort of publishable results. In fact, I will require you to sign a number of non-disclosure agreements, should you accept. But it is a very important project to me, personally.”

Renji could still remember the excitement, the feel of his heart stuttering in his chest. He imagined telling Kira and Hinamori about the personal project he was doing for the wealthiest biotech entrepreneur in Japan. He felt smart. He felt important. He felt like industry was finally paying off for him.

Two days later, he found out that this project involved grave-robbing.

It turned out that Kuchiki was a widower. His wife had been a kind, beautiful angel who had died of complications from cystic fibrosis at the tender age of 34. Despite everything, her heart has been very strong at the time of her death. So Kuchiki kept it, y’know, like a normal person. And then he found one of his employees, a guy with big muscles and no family and a lot of student debt, and asked him to make a new body to put that heart in.

That was three years ago. Since then, Renji had acquired his own sub-basement laboratory and a used pick-up truck. He had a lot of middle-of-the-night meetings with Kuchiki, where he got used to delivering absolutely deranged progress reports in a calm and conversational tone. He’d taken up smoking again, but then he had to quit because Kuchiki didn’t like the smell. He stopped seeing most of his old friends, in favor of his fabulous new friends, like Isane, the nervous assistant mortician at the hospital, and Hisagi, who worked down at the funeral home and drove a hearse like it was a Shelby Cobra. His new best drinking buddy was a guy named Akon, who worked over at Kurosutchi Heavy Industries and was building some sort of cyborg daughter for his creepy boss.

And now he had her.

Maybe she’ll turn out to be better than a dissertation, Renji thought, contemplating the girl-thing floating in an antifreeze bath in his sub-basement lab.

She was small, in part because the original Hisana had been small, but also because regrowing the nervous system had been the hardest part, and the less he had to grow, the better.

At first, he’d put a fair amount of effort into making her look like Hisana, but Byakuya never seemed to give a shit about stuff like that, so Renji started to take a few liberties here and there. An athlete’s limbs (well, more like three different athlete’s limbs) gave her a lean and powerful build, instead of the wispy slenderness of her predecessor. He’d been very picky about the eyes, but his patience had paid off when he scored a stunning pair from Ishida, a bitter med student who had a part time job in the university’s dissection sample acquisition department. They were deep blue, nearly verging on purple, like a starless sky. Renji wasn’t very good at suturing at first, and the big, clunky stitches that held her mismatched parts together were a little jarring. Renji had come to rather like them, though. She wasn’t a perfect, flawless angel. She was a pile of lost potential, cobbled together and given a second chance, and he liked that she wore that openly on her skin. If she didn’t like it, well, he could always offer to take her down to his tattoo place.

The only thing Byakuya had objected to was the brain.

It was a criminal’s brain, or at least that’s what Byakuya said. The brain had belonged to a teen girl who’d been caught shoplifting, and in her attempt to make a break for it, darted into traffic. It was extremely fresh, though. The girl died in the hospital and Isane called him right away. By the time Byakuya even found out about it, Renji already had the brain nestled in among the little baby human-octopus hybrid nervous system he’d been growing, so there was nothing to be done. Renji had assured Byakuya it would be fine, she wasn’t going to remember anything about her old life anyway. He did not mention that he’d done a fair bit of petty theft in his youth, and he’d turned out… well. Never mind.

He’d turned out to be an insane person, actually. A person who flaunted the rules of ethics and nature. He was an actual, real-life, mad scientist (ABD). Well, assuming all this worked.

In the morning, Byakuya was expecting a demonstration. The demonstration. The part where Renji pulled a lever and sent enough voltage surging through that precious little Kuchiki heart to bring Byakuya’s new sister to life.

He’d run and re-run all the individual organ tests. Reviewed his check list three times. Read and re-read all his notes. It was either going to work, or it wasn’t. If it worked, he was a genius, a mastermind. Kuchiki would give him a pat on the back and a big bonus and he was also going to start addressing Renji as Doctor Abarai, dissertation be damned.

If it failed, Renji was going to be lugging his belongings to the curb in a cardboard box.

It was now 2:16am.

If he went home, he’d just stare at the ceiling for four hours, but at least he would be able to shower before he had to face his moment of doom.

You could just do it, he realized. Pull the lever. Pull it right now.

Byakuya would be pissed, of course, he wanted to be there for the Big Shock, but if it worked, he’d be so happy to have a living, breathing, undead sister that he’d probably overlook Renji jumping the gun. If it didn’t work, Renji would have those four hours to troubleshoot.

The more he thought about it, the better the idea sounded. He honestly wasn’t real sure what kind of mental capabilities, if any, his monster girl was going to have. If she woke up spitting and clawing, he was okay with that, but Byakuya might not take it so well. Yeah, it definitely made good sense to give her a boot up now, so there were no surprises in the morning.

Renji stood up, and strode over to the portable generator he’d rigged up over the weekend. His hand hovered over the switch. He was gonna do it.

No.

In a minute.

He walked back over to the cold tank and plopped down in the chair sitting next to it, where he often sat when he had Serious Thinking to do. She floated serenely an inch under the liquid, her pale skin tinted blue, her hair floating in a cloud around her face. The cold was necessary to keep her organs in stasis, and it’s not like she could feel it, but he felt a little bad about it anyway.

“Hey, there,” he said softly. “It’s me. Renji. We’ve been through a lot, you and me. I’m gonna turn you on, in a minute. I’m not sure how it’s gonna go. I’ve been kind of a screw-up my whole life, but you seem pretty perfect, so may we’ll even each other out.” He chewed the inside of his cheek. “Another guy is gonna come by in the morning. He’s rich and powerful and has, like 17 cars. He’s gonna be your brother, and if you can be a convincing enough person, he’s gonna treat you like his sister and you’ll be set for life. But I want you to know that even if you’re a failure, even if you try to eat my face or something, that I always liked you. Hopefully, I’ll still get to see you a lot. But if not… I just wanted to let you know that I’m only giving you up ‘cause I gotta, not ‘cause I want to.” He breathed out through his nose. “Kuchiki’s probably gonna give you some flowery princess name. He’s never told me. But a while ago, I started thinking of you as ‘Rukia.’ I don’t really know where it came from. I think it means ‘light.’ So if you don’t like whatever name he gives you, you always got that one to fall back on.” He slapped his knees and stood up. “Enough of this! It’s time for you to get up.”

Once again, Renji stood, gripping the on switch in one sweaty hand. “Here goes nothing,” he declared, and flipped it.

First, there was a hum, which gradually raised in pitch until his ears rang. The needle on the voltage gauge climbed steadily. A few wisps of Renji’s hair began to stand on end. Rukia’s body bucked.

And then, with a loud crack, all the lights went out. Fuck.

Of all the things he had double and triple checked, the power supply to the generator had not been one of them. Renji groaned, and scrolled through his phone, trying to find the damn flashlight app. He only had 6% battery, which meant it was going to last about sixteen seconds. Fortunately, his lab was on an isolated circuit, so hopefully, he hadn’t knocked out power anywhere else in the building.

He had his phone pointed the wrong way when he turned the app on, and it immediately blinded him. “Ah, shit!” he exclaimed.

As he was blinking the stars out of his eyes, he heard a splash and he realized that he might have actually managed to bring Rukia to life before the generator died. He dashed over to the bath frantically. If she tried to get her own oxygen mask off, she might drown. Renji scanned liquid with his flashlight, but it was murky with bubbles. He couldn’t see anything. Had she sunk down to the bottom? He was practically leaning over the tank when he felt a hand on his arm that was so frigid that it burned, even through his lab coat and the shirt beneath it.

Slowly, Renji panned his already-dimming flashlight around, keeping it pointed at the floor, in part, so he didn’t blind her as he had himself, and in part because… well, because…

“Hi,” he said, as a pale face swam into view.

“Hi,” she repeated in the exact same inflection.

She could talk. She had speech, or at least repetition abilities. Renji wanted desperately to take notes, but he was frozen. “How do you feel?” he asked.

Those big, dark blue eyes blinked at him. “Cold,” Rukia replied.

[darlingpetao3]

One of Those Faces (H.R. Wells x Reader x Harry Wells, Part 2)

Rating: G

Summary: As a barista at Jitters, an accident leads you to meet the charming and energetic H.R. But some time later, he returns as a massive standoffish grump. It’s as if he’s two different people…

A/N: Here is the second part to @hwells-ho-train​ & my collaboration we started a while back! I wonder what will happen next...

Tag List: @fandomdancer @bluesclues-1234 @pinkdiamond1016​ 

PART 1

It’s been a week since your first run in with the mercurial HR Wells and you’re no closer to figuring him out than you were before. For example, not two hours after he popped by before you opened, HR dropped by again. Only this time, the grim demeanor was nowhere to be found, just his bright, toothy grin that greeted you like so much sunshine. Feeling a little skittish after your earlier encounter, you didn’t immediately acknowledge him.

Leaning against your counter, he doffed his hat like a real gentleman, his smile fixed firmly in place.

“Has anyone seen (Y/N), fairest barista in all of Central City, possibly the world?” 

He made a production of looking around, scanning for you and you couldn’t stop the shy smile at his antics.

“Has a beautiful smile,” he cooed. “I’ve come to inquire after her hand.”

You can feel the heat blooming across your face, so you attempt to play it off. “I’m afraid, good sir, that you’ll have to speak with my father if you wish to ask for my hand.” 

Judging by the look of surprise and delight he’s gifting you right now, your playfulness has definitely paid off.

HR claps. “Touché, milady, touché! I’m happy to see your little mochaccino mishap hasn’t left you with any lasting scars.” His bright look melts into something a bit… warmer, as he reaches forward to take your hand in his. “While marriage might not be on the table yet, mayhap dinner and a stroll through the park tomorrow night?”

Though his words are bold, hope is clearly shining in his eyes and you’re left wondering if he really believes there’s a chance you might not say yes.

“I get off at eight.” You strive for casual nonchalance, but the warmth from his massive hand holding yours makes you feel a bit giddy.

“That sounds promising.” HR’s brows give a suggestive wiggle and he winks at you.

Your breathy giggle escapes before you know it, making you feel like the worst kind of ditz, but HR gives your hand a reassuring squeeze and promises to meet you at nine.

——————

“Ugh!” You twist left and right, popping your tired back. “What a day.”

Rene, the night-shift manager had called off, leaving you to stay and take the shift yourself. Normally, this would’ve been super irritating, but since Rene had offered to cover your closing shift tomorrow, freeing you up for your date with HR, you weren’t too upset about it. So with that happy thought in mind, you finished closing up shop.

You’d grabbed your jacket and purse and headed towards the door to leave when a shadow outside startled you. It was HR! Grinning at your favorite customer, you unlocked the door. You noted that he was once again bundled up in a black jacket and baseball cap, shoulders hunched and blue eyes darting around furtively.

“Hey, you, back again? Couldn’t wait til tomorrow night?”

He squints at you. “Eh, I was just hoping for a coffee, but you’re closed, I’ll go.”

“No, wait!” 

The questions raced through your brain, but you pushed them aside because HR was looking at you expectantly. “A simple coffee is really no trouble.” You held the door open for him, and for a split second, you thought he was going to take you up on your offer.

“Never mind, I really shouldn’t be having caffeine this late anyway.”

And with that, he turned back the way he came and marched off down the sidewalk.

The mental whiplash with this man is real.

Could he be worth it...?

——————

The next day, the day of your date with HR, another weird encounter with a grumpy version of the man leaves you even more mystified. With hopes of trying to perk him up, you bring up your impending date and how much you’re looking forward to it.

“Can you stop pretending as if you know me and just take my order?” he barks at you, looking like he’s just as lost as you. Okay. You are officially thrown off and thinking maybe you’ve agreed to a date with a lunatic. Is the man vitamin deficient?

Whatever. You don’t need this.

You think that maybe you’ll have to make an excuse to break off your date with him. With the way he’s been acting lately, especially with what had happened, he probably wouldn’t even care all that much.

But wouldn’t you know it, a few hours later, HR now in a completely different outfit and hat, returns. How much coffee does this guy need?

“May I please have your most delectable Brazilian Roast?” he asks you at the counter with a charming tip of his hat. You won’t fool me this time, Mister. 

“Yeah, coming up,” you say in the most aloof response you’ve probably ever uttered. At this, HR is clearly totally bewildered. Not so nice when the shoe is on the other foot, is it? 

“I can’t wait for our lovely evening promenade, tonight,” he offers, as a form of trying to keep the conversation alive. You know the feeling all too well, especially recently.

“About that… I think I have to cancel.”

“Why on this beautiful Earth do you think such a thing?”

“Honestly? I’m not so keen when a guy snaps at me mere hours ago about being a stranger to him and to ‘just take his order.’”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, who would say such a thing to the kindest barista I’ve met in my lifetime? Shall I track him down?”

You stare at HR, dumbfounded.

“It was you, HR. Don’t tell me you don’t remember? Do you have a Jekyll and Hyde thing going on? Or an evil twin?”

And then his widen in what you’re assuming is understanding.

“Holy sassafras!” he shouts, causing several heads to turn in his direction. He points at you. “Don’t go anywhere. I suppose you wouldn’t since you’re working, but still! I promise I will explain everything. I’ll be right back, fairest (Y/N)!”

But by the time HR returns, things have started to die down after the three o’clock rush. You have conveniently taken your break when he strides in with whomever he has in his tight grasp. This stranger is loud and adamantly refusing to come inside.

Wait, why does that voice sound so familiar…?

HR shoves his prisoner towards you. The man in all black stumbles forward. It’s only when he stands up straight, and adjusts his black cap that you recognize his face. It’s… HR’s face?

“(Y/N), meet Harry. Harry, (Y/N).”

This Harry man frowns at you.

And you cross your arms.

The showdown begins.

[okuraiani]

“Secret Project” — Ikemen Prince Prologue

I talked about this the other day, but today I can finally announce that I've finished (ಥ﹏ಥ)

I've finished translating the prologue for Ikemen Prince!

It's been a few days since the game was released, but I still want to share some of my impressions with you before you guys plunge into the madness that is my translation (￣▽￣*)ゞ

Truth be told, I had mixed feelings about this game when I first heard about it. It honestly reminded me quite much about Midnight Cinderella (which I am not so fond of as I am of others) although the premise is different here. However, said premise is exactly what got me interested in the game. The basis for this game is the tale of The Beauty and the Beast; a very well-known one, I think. I was curious as to how they would include this into the story, but as of now it looks really promising („• ֊ •„)

The system is really similar to Ikemen Genjiden, so it is not too difficult if you already got used to it before (though it's definitely different from Ikemen Revolution and Ikemen Vampire.) For those who don't know Ikemen Genjiden's system yet: Don't worry, it is really not that hard to figure out!

The visuals are really great and fit the theme extremely well. As for the attire for each suitor, I think most of them are incredibly pretty! σ(≧ε≦σ) ♡

The three initial suitors are as expected Leon, Chevalier and Yves. I did think that Leon and Chevalier were obvious choices because they are the leaders of each faction ┐(￣ヮ￣)┌ and although I'm not too sure how Yves fits in there, I wasn't especially surprised about him being one of the first suitors.

Moreover, the prologue is fully voiced, which makes it a really worthwhile experience (*￣▽￣)b

So, without any further ado, please enjoy Ikemen Prince's prologue! I hope many people will come to love this game (share some love with Ikemen Live and Ikemen Genjiden too, please) so that we'll see an English version in the future °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°

(By the way, Emma is the preset name if you don't choose any other (.❛ ᴗ ❛.) Also, I apologize beforehand for any typos or formatting mistakes. It was... a lot of text (ಥ﹏ಥ))

Part 1 — A Tale That Started in a Bookstore

A sweet love like fluffy, melting cotton candy. A bitter love like black tea without sugar or milk. There are many types of love stories in this world. Every time I come in contact with those, I come to think that I don’t know true love. People my age fall in love, get married and build a happy family. The time when I dreamed of a serious love to the point of giving up myself might have already ended.

(But... still...)

Even today I still yearn for a love I would risk my entire life for.

Emma “... Haah, this book was great as well.”

During the day on a weekday, on the counter of the much less busy than usual bookstore, I gently closed the book.

(There aren’t even customers coming in... well, it’s troubling that they don’t come, but thanks to that I can read a lot of books.)

??? “Emma, did you finish reading?”

Emma “Woah!?”

Suddenly, because of the shadow that filled up my vision, I jumped back from my earlier thoughts.

Emma “Ri– Rio...?”

Rio “Sorry for surprising you. I came to see you today, too.”

Emma “Welcome, Rio. But... shouldn’t you be at work at this time?”

Rio “Ah, I quit the day before yesterday.”

Emma “Huh, so it’s like—... you quit!?”

Rio “That’s right. That’s why I’m in the middle of searching for a highly praised job!”

Emma “Is... is that so... again...”

Because I felt like we had the same conversation just a few months ago, as his friend I got a little worried.

(He’s skillful with his hands, sociable and he has a bit of a clumsy side to him, but he’s still liked by everyone...)

Emma “Why did you quit work?”

Rio “Of course, because I am yours.”

Emma “Excuse me?”

Rio “Because, since you saved me that day, my body and my heart, I will devote everything to you.” “I can’t serve other people.”

Emma “Aaah, yes... in other words, your reason is a secret.”

The sight from the rainy day three years ago when I had picked up the collapsed and nearly dying Rio crossed my mind.

(I always thought so, but it feels like a big dog became attached to me.)

Rio “I’m always serious, okay! By the way, is the owner in?” “I wanted to talk to him in person today because I want to work here with you...”

Emma “He went out to some distant place to go shopping, so I think he won’t return for some time.”

Rio “No way...!”

I was about to tell him to give up— but seeing that Rio looked dejected like a dog with its ears down, I swallowed the words.

Emma “... You may not be able to talk to him directly, but how about asking the owner with a letter next time?”

Rio “Can I!?”

Emma “Sure. There’s also physical work to do in a bookstore, so it would be reassuring to have you here.”

Rio “Thanks, Emma. From now on I will call you Master, okay?”

Emma “No, don’t—”

Surprised by the noise that came without warning, I quickly covered my stomach.

Emma “Did... Did you hear that?”

Rio “Of course! But rest assured. I know you very well, you know.”

Smiling proudly Rio walks up to a cart.

(A cart? Since when has that been here!?)

Rio “I thought this might happen, so— ta-dah!”

The sheet on top of the cart was removed and what came to light was a mountain of food.

Emma “Wow, amazing!”

Candied fruits, truffles with a lot of cheese, rose-shaped baked sweets and apple benier— On that cart were a lot of foods that you often see at festivals.

Rio “This also doubles as my lunch, but I was in a bit of trouble since I bought too much.” “I’d be happy if you eat to your heart’s content.”

Emma “Really? Well then, thanks for the food!”

When I put the baked confectionery into my mouth, I couldn’t help but smile.

Emma “Mmh, this is so good!” “Come to think of it, wasn’t there a festival going on outside?”

Rio “Yeah. Remember, today is the National Foundation Day of the Rhodolite Kingdom!”

Part 2 — Festival of the Rose Country

Emma “Come to think of it, wasn’t there a festival going on outside?”

Rio “Yeah. Remember, today is the National Foundation Day of the Rhodolite Kingdom!” “This year, there are a lot of street stalls as well.”

Emma “I see. Were there any notable booths?”

Rio, while chewing on an apple benier, clapped his hands as he remembered.

Rio “I remember now. There was a stand with old books!”

Emma “What, really?”

Rio “Yeah, isn’t there a traveling merchant who sells books once in a while?”

(That sounds interesting... I’m REALLY interested, but I need to watch the shop...)

Rio “Off you go.”

Emma “Huh...?”

Rio “I’ll watch the shop for you.”

Emma “Are you sure?”

Rio “Whom do you take me for? I’m your future husband after all.”

Emma “... you’ve gotten that wrong, but thanks anyway, Rio!”

Rio “If you want to thank me, then a hug—”

Emma “You can get a handshake.”

I held his big hand tight, shaking it up and down and then released it.

Emma “Okay, I’m off then! You can look forward to a souvenir!”

Rio “All right!” “She’s so cute... I really hope she doesn’t get caught by some bad guys.”

The moment I left the shop, I felt like I heard Rio whisper that.

Street Vendor 1 “If it isn’t Emma! Take this rose-shaped hair ornament to commemorate the National Foundation Day.”

Emma “Wow, that’s lovely! Thank you.”

Street vendor 2 “I also recommend our rose-shaped brooches! It will surely suit you, so I’ll give you one as a present.”

Emma “Really? Thank you so much!”

I carefully put the rose-shaped works on top of the several volumes of books I bought from the traveling merchant just before. When I thanked the generous stall owners and started walking again, banners engraved with “Rhodolite Kingdom—Country of Roses” hung from the buildings along the street flitted.

(Country of Roses... That’s indeed true.)

The flowers that bloomed in the city, the products lined up at the street stalls, and even the castle one could see in the distance were all packed with roses. When I took a deep breath, a mellow scent filling up my chest, the familiar sensation made me smile.

(Okay, let’s see. I bought the books and next I need to get a souvenir for Rio...)

??? “Don’t ya watch where ya goin’? Ya shitty brat!!”

Emma “... what?”

To the dangerous voice that stood in contrast to the beautiful city, not only me but also the people around me stopped their feet. In the middle of the turmoil were a red-faced man and a boy who was sitting on the ground.

Little Boy “Waaah... sob...”

Drunkard “How ‘bout ya beg for forgiveness for crashin’ into me? Hah!?”

(... No, you don’t!)

Because of the highly raised hand, I stepped in between the drunkard and the boy without hesitation.

Drunkard “What do ya want...?”

Emma “What do you think you are doing, raising a hand against a small child like him!?”

Drunkard “Shuddup! That’s got nothin’ to do with ya!”

The clenched fist that had stopped before was now swinging down at me. When I tried to promptly shield myself, the books fell to the ground—

(Huh...?) (It doesn’t hurt?)

??? “That’s as far as you go.”

When I timidly opened my eyes... A man who had stood behind the drunkard before he knew it, strongly held on to the hand reeking of liquor.

Black-haired Man “If you kick up a fuss, I’ll be your opponent... So, how about it?”

Part 3 — Beast and Beast

Black-haired Man “If you kick up a fuss, I’ll be your opponent... So, how about it?”

Emma “Uh...”

We as well as the curious onlookers were swallowed by his unique aura and as if the tumult had been a lie, it grew silent again.

(... What a presence that person has...)

If I had to compare, the feeling of tension around him was the same as if the King of Beasts had escaped from its cage and suddenly appeared in the city. It should have been clear to everyone that this person wasn’t someone you should pick a fight with... Just as the man smiled daringly, the drunkard shook off his hand with a click of his tongue.

Drunkard “Then, why don’t ya bring it on!”

Black-haired Man “Heh, how lively.”

Emma “Please wait! A peaceful solution would—”

Drunkard “Be quiet!”

(No!)

The drunkard loudly kicked a book that was scattered on the ground. The book drew a perfect arc and, just like that, landed in the middle of the road— As if to block the path of a white horse that walked over.

??? “Oh...?”

The man riding on the white horse looked down at the book and then shot the drunkard a piercing glance.

(This person... he has an extraordinary aura as well...)

??? “Are you that impertinent miscreant?”

His sharp, freezing gaze glinted with a cruel light, just like a tiger fixating on its prey. If you happened to make even the littlest mistake, you would lose your short-lived life in that exact moment. It was that kind of tension that made your throat dry up.

(... Hmm? The coat of arms on his saddle...) (Don’t tell me he belongs to the Royal Family!?)

Drunkard “Hah!? Bastard, don’t go lookin’ down on me!”

As if to threaten the drunkard who trampled down on the book, the man from the Royal Family sharpened his look even further.

Male from the Royal Family “I did not plan to take part in such vulgar performance, but is this also a part of the festival’s entertainment?”

Emma “... eh!?”

The royal man drew the sword hanging from his waist—

(It can’t be, he’s planning to kill him!?)

My body moved without me realizing.

Emma “Cut it out already!”

Drunkard “Wah!?”

Before one could see the whole of the sword’s blade, my palm struck the drunkard’s cheek with all the strength I had. The black-haired man and the member of the Royal Family both stared at me in silent disbelief.

Drunkard “Wha—What the heck was that for!”

Emma “Calm down, will you! Or do you really want to be killed!?”

Drunkard “... kill—you mean—...”

When I silently pointed towards the coat of arms on the horse’s saddle, his deep red face turned deathly pale. Taking in the situation, I decisively turned in the direction the man on the horse.

Emma “I sincerely apologize for the trouble! If you can, please excuse what happened just now.”

Although I waited for a response, the man from the Royal Family kept quiet.

Black-haired Man “... ahahaha!”

What broke the tension of this life and death situation was a refreshing laughter.

Black-haired Man “Rest assured. That guy’s not someone who would kill people because of something like this.”

Emma “Eh...?”

Male from the Royal Family “... You have awoken my interest.”

??? “Chevalier, are you done playing?”

A man riding a chestnut horse lined up next to the white one and shrugged his shoulder as if he did that on purpose.

Chevalier “Yes. It was a waste of time.”

(Are we safe...?)

Just when I felt relieved, the sharp, tiger-like gaze was cast on the book still scattered on the ground.

Chevalier “Do these books belong to you?”

Emma “Eh, yes...”

He intently stared at the book on the ground.

(I wonder what’s with him... He’s staring really hard...)

When the man named Chevalier shifted his gaze from the book to myself, the man next to him cheerfully opened his mouth.

??? “What, this time you are hitting on someone?”

Chevalier “There is no merit in wooing a woman...”

Emma “Eh!?”

His sword was drawn in a flowing motion and the tip was thrust at my throat.

(Just... why?)

While swallowing a gasp at the sudden action, he scooped up my jaw with the flat of the blade.

Chevalier “These books, however, are different. Contrary to your body, they have value. You’d do well to remember that.”

(... It’s so painful to breathe...)

My voice wouldn’t come out no matter what—so when I managed to nod, the man returned his sword to its sheath and took hold of the horse’s reins.

(... What a terribly scary person...)

As if chasing after the white horse that stepped forward, the chestnut horse next to it started to move as well. Upon leaving, its rider gave me an amused look but left without saying a word. The moment the tension dissipated breathing, which had been so painful before, became easier again.

(I was wondering how this would end, but... I’m glad that nothing serious happened.)

With a sidelong glance towards the helpless drunkard who sat down, I faced the black-haired man after a short pause.

Emma “Thank you so much for helping me—what should I call you, Mister...?”

Leon “My name is Leon. And you don’t have to be so formal.”

Emma “Thanks then, Leon. Say, are you acquainted with the member of the Royal Family from earlier?”

Leon “Yeah, but it’s not like we ever talked that much.”

Leon picked up the books and rose-shaped decorations that were scattered on the ground in front of me.

Leon “Here you go.”

Emma “Thank you.”

(It seems neither the books nor the ornaments are damaged.)

Leon “You really love books, don’t you.”

Emma “Yes, because the stories are more interesting than reality. But more importantly...”

As I kneeled down beside the child who wiped his eyes while sobbing, Leon also lined up next to him.

Leon “Did you stop crying, shortie?”

Little Boy “Sniffle... Mama...”

Leon “So you’re lost... Then, come with me.”

Little Boy “... You’ll... bring me to Mama?”

Leon “Yeah, I’ll look for her for you.”

Leon lifted his small body with ease.

(Somehow, he seems like a totally different person than before.)

The beast-like tension around him had vanished and instead he was wrapped up in a friendly atmosphere.

Little Boy “Um, big sis... thanks for saving me.”

Emma “It was nothing. I’m just glad that you’re not hurt.”

Leon “The same goes for you. So, should we go?”

Emma “Wait, I’ll also—’

Before I could even offer to help out with searching for the boy’s mother, Leon briskly walked away while waving his hand.

(At first I thought he would be scary, but... I guess he is a nice guy after all.) (If we happen to meet once more, I have to thank him again.)

Turning my back towards the castle, visible in the distance, I once again walked through the city, where the hustle and bustle started to return.

—... at the same time.

??? “I found you at last.”

Part 4 — The Devil’s Summon

??? “I found you at last.”

A devilish smile played on the lips of the shadow hiding in a back alley.

??? “It seems training her will be worthwhile... hehehe.”

Without noticing the shadow moving about in unknown places... By the time the sky was dyed red, I finally arrived at the front of the bookstore.

(Finding a souvenir took more time than I expected. I hope Rio isn’t angry with me.)

When I opened the door while thinking of how to apologize to Rio—

??? “Welcome back, Emma.”

The person inside, sitting on the counter with his legs crossed, wasn’t Rio but a man I never saw before. I stared at him without responding to his greeting. The man simply smiled back at me. I closed the door to cut off the sinister aura I felt on my skin.

(... Just now, wasn’t there a devil-like person inside?) (No, it might have been my imagination. There’s no way there could be a devil after all.) (I’m certain I just mistook Rio for somebody else... At least I hope so.)

I took a deep breath and opened the door once more— A man with a devilish smile stood right before my eyes.

Devil-like Man “That is an extraordinary greeting, don’t you think?”

Emma “.... Mmnnh!”

The very moment I turned on my heels and tried to escape, an arm was put around my waist and my mouth was blocked.

(Why, what’s happening!?)

Devil-like Man “Please keep quiet. Otherwise, I can’t allow you to breathe.”

His words shocked me to the point I became speechless.

Devil-like Man “Due to certain circumstances I have come to pick you up.”

With a snap of the fingers of the man clad in black, multiple men surrounded me.

(Wait! Those clothes... aren’t those guards from the castle!?)

Devil-like Man “For the time being, I will take you with me.”

Emma “Mnnh!!!”

(Wait a minute, wait! What did I do...!?)

Without understanding anything, I was taken to a carriage that stopped outside—

(Wha—...)

Before I knew what was happening, the place I had been taken to was the front of the majestic castle I had only seen from a distance.

(How beautiful...) (Wait, it’s not the time for that! Why was I brought to such a place!?)

In a daze, I looked up at the castle that was so big that its tip seemed to reach up farther than the clouds, when—

??? “Hey, you are in the way.”

The surprise shook me out of my daze. I lowered my gaze when someone tapped my shoulder. What I saw there were two men dressed in gorgeous outfits.

??? “Heh, your looks aren’t half bad. Yvie, do you know her?”

Yves “I absolutely do not know any ordinary women like her. Are you sure it isn’t a woman you dumped in the past, Nokto?”

(Who are they?)

Part 5 — Eight Wild Beasts

??? “Heh, your looks aren’t half bad. Yvie, do you know her?”

Yves “I absolutely don’t know any ordinary women like her. Are you sure it isn’t a woman you dumped in the past, Nokto?”

(Who are they?)

Because of the scrutinizing gaze of the two people who drew closer, I subconsciously stepped back.

Nokto “Huh, you are really on guard... I wonder if the cause of that is because you were dumped in the past.”

Yves “Hah? So she really is a woman you threw away in the past? You really are the worst, you frivolous womanizer.”

Emma “Um... You guys, just who on earth—...“

When I cut into the seemingly uncontrollable conversation, the man called Yves exaggeratedly opened his eyes.

Yves “... Don’t tell me, you don’t know who we are?”

Emma “At the very least, it’s not like we are acquainted...”

Nokto “What, so she wasn’t my woman after all.”

Yves “I don’t care about that! Not knowing who I am is something that shouldn’t happen on any terms!”

(Woah, what the—!?)

With a bloodcurdling look Yves reached out to me. And as if to block that, a black shadow lithely fluttered about.

Devil-like Man “Your Royal Highnesses, Prince Nokto and Prince Yves, I will introduce you later.”

Nokto “So you are here. Is that girl a guest?”

Devil-like Man “That is correct. After knowing this, if you aren’t a fool, please take a guess as to what reason you are gathered for.”

Yves “... ah.”

Nokto “What, so it’s like that.”

(... What is it?)

Devil-like Man “If you understand, then please make haste towards the round table.”

Nokto “Sure, sure. I got it.”

Nokto waved his hand as he passed way too close next to me. The moment I breathed in relief, my hand was grabbed from behind.

Nokto “I’ll play with you next time, okay?”

Emma “P-Play...?”

Snickering with a seductive smile engraved on his lips, this time around Nokto really left.

(... He seems to be an incredibly flippant person.)

Yves, on the other hand, pointed his index finger at me when his eyes met mine.

Yves “I will never ever in my life recognize such a mediocre person as Belle!”

Emma “‘Belle’?”

Turning away like a cat with a ‘hmph’ of disapproval, Yves also entered the castle.

(Just where did I hear the name ‘Belle’ before? I can’t quite remember...)

Devil-like Man “Well then, Emma. Please don’t dawdle about, we will go as well.”

Emma “Wah, wait a minute...!”

The man grabbed my hand and, as if chasing the other two, we advanced into the castle. After passing through a massive door, we found ourselves in a stairwell-like hall.

(Wow, this looks as if I got lost in a picture book...)

The roses that were in full bloom and the decorations as well... Whichever you chose, it had reached the level of fine arts. For commoners it was a sight far beyond their ability that left one dizzy.

(I’m so obviously sticking out like a sore thumb.)

When my feet stopped due to the uneasiness, a suspicious look entwined me like a snake.

Devil-like Man “Oh dear, is this an expression of insubordination?”

Emma “This isn’t defiance or anything... But isn’t it time you started explaining? Who exactly are you?”

Devil-like Man “Yes... Now that you mention it, I haven’t formally introduced myself yet.”

Easier than I expected, the man released my hand while smiling calmly.

Sariel “I am called Sariel. My occupation is Government Official of the Royal Court.”

Emma “Government Official... of the Royal Court?”

Sariel “You may have been alarmed, but please rest assured. I will train you to become emotionally attached to me.”

(Train me...!?)

It seemed that rather than calling him with the imposing title of Government Official of the Royal Court, labeling him as a mysterious devil fitted him more.

Emma “Before I’m being trained, I’d like to go home, though...”

Sariel “Then that means you give up on living, right?”

He spoke with a devilish smile, as if it didn’t matter whatever I said.

Emma “... There is one thing I need to know. Rio, the one who should have been at the store,... He is safe, right?”

Sariel “Yes, of course. If you would kindly listen to what I say, I will guarantee his life at least.”

(In any case, it seems I can only obediently obey him.)

Emma “... I understand.”

When I nodded, Sariel who had brought his face closer, put the hair covering my cheek behind my ear—

Sariel “Hehehe, I cannot wait to make such a defiant person surrender.”

(... I can’t believe someone like that is a Government Official of the Royal Court...)

Unconsciously glaring back at him, Sariel gave me an amused smile and started walking again. This time, I followed the black-clothed back of my own volition.

Sariel “Now then, we have arrived.”

When the two guards standing in front of the room opened the double door— The atmosphere changed.

(What... Is this...?)

Eight men were surrounding the enshrined round table in the center of the spacious room. Just as footsteps resounded in the room, their gazes pierced me all at once. I felt so overwhelmed at the sudden unwanted attention that it left me speechless. With eight sharp glares directed at me, I stood stock still like a small animal before a beast.

(Those people are...)

Under those ferocious and wild, yet noble gazes... Were the people I met in front of the castle a moment ago, As well as the ones I saw back in town... And then...

Leon “Heh, who’d have thought we meet again.”

Emma “No way, Leon!?”

Part 6 — What the Princes Talk About

Leon “Heh, who’d have thought we meet again.”

Emma “No way, Leon!?”

(What... Is the meaning of this?)

Leon, whom I had thought to have the same simple tastes as the townspeople only a few hours ago, was now wearing refined clothes and loftily included in the group at the round table.

Sariel “You must not do that, Emma. You cannot talk in that way when you speak to the princes.”

Leon “Don’t worry. I already told you that you don’t need to be so formal.”

Emma “Leon, you are a prince?”

Leon “Yeah. All the guys here, without exception, are princes.”

(I really... Want this to be a dream...)

My body, which was unexpectedly about to collapse, was supported from behind where Sariel was. But what I felt from the hand that grasped my shoulder wasn’t kindness but rather an additional blow that said, ‘There is no place for you to run.’

Sariel "Your Highnesses, thank you very much for gathering here." “From now on, as I conveyed the other day, we will hold the approval ceremony of the ‘Belle-System.’

(‘Belle-System’? ‘Approval ceremony’...?)

Sariel “To begin with, this girl is called Emma.” “Since this is your first time meeting each other, would you please introduce yourselves starting with His Highness, Prince Luke?”

Luke “Too troublesome.”

Sariel “Your Highness.”

Luke “It’s fine, if I just do it, right?”

The man who was sitting closest to me listlessly opened his mouth.

Luke “Luke Randolph. I’m the seventh... no, more like eighth prince.”

Nokto “I’m seventh in line, Nokto Klein. You can always come over to my room, okay?” “And over here is my twin brother—“

Licht “Sixth, Licht Klein.”

Yves “The fifth prince, Yves Kloss. I have no choice but to tell you my name. Don’t address me casually, though.”

Jin “I’m Jin Grandet. I’m the eldest brother of these guys, so that makes me the first prince.” “I’m sure it will be hard with all those problem children, but, well, keep them company in moderation.”

Clavis “I am the third in line, Clavis Lelouch. You can call me Clavis.” “The show earlier was quite entertaining. Don’t you think so as well, Cheva?”

Chevalier “Nonsense.” “However, I will teach you my name considering that you escaped harm with that courageous display. Chevalier Michel, second prince.”

Leon “So I’m the last one.” “Leon Dompteur. I’m this country’s fourth prince. Again, nice to meet you, Emma.”

Emma “Uh, yeah. Nice to meet you.” “Although I was called here... I don’t completely understand the situation. What is this ‘Belle-System’ in the first place?”

Yves “Huh? You didn’t even know that and still shamelessly came to the castle?”

Emma “I was downright kidnapped, thank you very much!”

Luke “Sariel, did you really kidnap her?”

Sariel “Please refrain from saying anything that would harm my reputation. I acted upon consent.”

Emma “Upon consent—?”

Sariel “You agreed, did you not?”

My meager resistance was ruthlessly cut off and I swallowed my words.

Sariel “Since long ago, the chosen citizen of this nation is to select the next king in our Rhodolite Kingdom—“ “That is your duty by becoming ‘Belle’.”

(Ah, I remember now.)

Emma “If I remember right, the name Belle means ‘a person with a beautiful heart’, right?”

Sariel “Yes, that is correct.”

(I totally forgot that since the king is replaced only every few decades.) (... wait.)

Emma “Are you telling me... that I am that Belle?”

Sariel “Haven’t I said that since before?” “I want you to select the new king out of these eight princes.”

Part 7 — Belle

Sariel “I want you to select the new king out of these eight princes.”

(Choose the king? ME!?)

That crazy story was a shock like receiving a heavy blow to the head.

Emma “Why, why me? Deciding who will be king is a serious matter for a country!”

Jin “That’s what I want to ask as well. What made you choose her, Sariel?”

Sariel “The slap she performed.”

Jin “... Haha, so that’s it.”

(With slap he can’t mean...)

Emma “Sariel, you also were at the festival venue?”

Sariel “How perceptive. I was searching the town high and low in order to find a candidate for Belle...” “But when you hit that scoundrel in His Highness Prince Chevalier’s stead right away, I was charmed by that ability.”

Emma “At–, at that time, I just desperately...”

Sariel “For humans, the more desperate we are, the more we bare our true nature.” “Your excellent ability to assess the situation and your decisiveness, as well as not to forsake the scoundrel, and your just and beautiful heart—“ “You are undoubtedly a person of exceptional talent fitting to receive the title of ‘Belle’.”

(Oh, no. No, no, just no.)

Sariel looked satisfied, but I, on the other hand, felt my uneasiness grow rapidly.

Sariel “Catching me eye is something to take pride in for generations.”

Emma “Um, I’m very grateful for what you’re saying, but accepting such an important task like being ‘Belle’ isn’t—“

Nokto “If you refuse, Sariel’s gonna cry, you know?”

Clavis “I think I really want to see that, but... There’s certainly no time for that.”

Emma “What do you mean?”

Clavis “Seeing that His Majesty the King has suddenly departed, it is necessary to quickly decide on a new king, don’t you agree?”

Emma “Suddenly means... the king has passed away!?”

Sariel “Your Highness... Wasn’t this information supposed to be concealed from the public for the time being?”

Clavis “Oops, seems I was a bit careless there. It’s fine if you cry, Sariel.”

Sariel “... Tsk.”

(Did he just click his tongue at a prince!?)

Sariel “Hehe, the inherent nature has shown itself.”

Emma “... Why are you hiding such an important thing from the public?”

Even though Sariel was carrying a sour look on his face, he took a deep breath as if he was resigning. So, he pointed his gaze towards the map hanging on the wall.

Sariel “The Rhodolite Kingdom is a small kingdom that is surrounded on all sides by three other countries.” “We have built comparatively good relationships with our ally, the country of Benitoite, and the neutral country of Jade.” “However, the great country of Obsidian alone is vigilantly eyeing our Rhodolite Kingdom for an opportunity to aim at our territory.” “I presume you have knowledge about that much?”

Emma “I do...”

Sariel “If the news about our King’s passing were to spread before our kingdom’s structure is stabilized, it is very much possible that they would take advantage of the disorder to invade our country.”

Hearing Sariel say something like that had me speechless with horror.

Sariel “When His Majesty the King actually became ill, the Obsidian, who had gotten wind of the information from somewhere, invaded the border.” “That led to the situation where the princes of our country proceeded towards the battlefield themselves to drive them away.” “Do you understand what that means?”

(Thinking about it calmly, of course I do.)

In this time when even the princes rush to the battlefield as soldiers—the weight of knowing such a secret made me break out in cold sweat.

Emma “... I won’t tell anyone about His Majesty’s passing.”

Sariel “I fear simply promising that will not be enough. There is one more thing I want to hear.”

Emma “... That’s...”

Sariel “Just as His Highness Prince Clavis has said, we need to immediately choose a new king.” “Right now, your existence is already affecting the life or death of our country.” “You will accept the position of ’Belle”, will you not?”

Emma “I do understand the circumstances, but as expected I’m not suited to—“

Sariel “Well then, Your Highnesses, Prince Leon and Prince Chevalier, if you approve of her as ‘Belle’ then please raise your hands.”

(You just ignore what I said!?)

Chevalier raised his hand before anyone else.

Nokto “Oh, how fast, Your Highness.”

Luke “Is it okay for a leader to be so half-minded?”

Chevalier “Naturally, since it doesn’t concern me who will become Belle.”

Emma “What does he mean, ‘leader’?”

Sariel “The princes are divided into two major factions, centered on Prince Leon and Prince Chevalier.” “His Highness Prince Leon’s faction who value domestic affairs and His Highness Prince Chevalier’s faction who value foreign affairs. That is about all it amounts to, I guess.” “Since the consensus of each of the princes is polarized, the resolution is often entrusted to Prince Leon and Prince Chevalier.”

(I see... So that’s why he asked the two of them right now.) (No, more importantly—)

Without regard for my opinion, Sariel continued to talk.

Sariel “What about you, Prince Leon?”

Everyone’s eyes gathered at him.

Leon “Emma, let’s hear what you intend to do.”

Part 8 — A Tale Yet to be Seen

Leon “Emma, let’s hear what you intend to do.”

Emma “I want...”

When I tried to say that it would be impossible, just as I had said many times before... My words were absorbed by Leon’s ascertaining eyes.

Leon “I think you have the capability to determine the next king.”

Emma “... That’s not true. I mean, there’s nothing special about me. I’m just a commoner.”

Leon “All of the former ‘Belle’s’ have been commoners.”

Emma “No way...”

Leon “Why do you think does something like the ‘Belle-System’ exist in the first place?”

Emma “... I don’t know.”

When I answered honestly, Leon raised the edges of his mouth.

Leon “Then, do you know what the people from the Royal Family are called out on the streets?”

(That, of course I know.)

Emma “—‘Noble beasts’, right?”

Leon “Yeah. A long time ago, the people of this nation assessed the inhumane royals who struggled for power all the time as ‘beasts’. But since then, those who inherited the blood of the Royal Family have come to be called ‘noble beasts’.”

(I remember that as a kid, I once thought that the members of the Royal Family were all densely covered in thick hair.)

Emma “But that is just an old story, isn’t it?”

Leon “No, every single one of the guys present is a beast who only holds the desire to act in his self-interest.” “Devouring people for their ambitions and ideals... Even that was probably done without batting a damn eyelid.”

(Saying they devoured people feels like a bit too much...)

That was what I thought, but the eyes of the princes were too fierce to just laugh it off.

Leon “In fact, we princes are sometimes referred to as ‘beasts’ when slaughtering enemies on the battlefield.” “Do you think the guys in front of you can still turn into good boys, though?”

In that moment, I didn’t know how to answer his question.

(I still don’t know anything about them. And each of these guys might seem like a beast on the surface.)

Leon “That’s why we need a ‘Belle’.” “So that we can turn from beast to human through the example of someone from among the citizens with a particularly beautiful heart.” “Moreover, only a human with a pure and righteous heart can choose a ‘man’ and not a beast as the king, don’t you think?”

Emma “Although that may be true, I don’t have such a noble heart.”

Sariel “Oh my, am I right to assume you don’t trust my word?”

Emma “No way, I wouldn’t dare...!”

Sariel “Of course you would not, right? You are, after all, ‘Belle’ who owns a pure, righteous, and beautiful heart. My word is absolute.”

(He’s so pushy...)

Leon “The rest is up to you. If you really don’t want to, then I’m willing to push this matter aside...” “However, you said you love stories, right?”

Emma “... Well, I did say that, but...”

For some reason, Leon grinned at me as if he was sure of his victory.

Leon “Doesn’t choosing a king seem like a much more interesting story than the ones in books?”

(When he says it like that...)

Leon “Furthermore, you are the story’s protagonist. Such an opportunity doesn’t come often, does it?”

(... Leon’s really cunning, phrasing his words like that.)

The age where I wished for something fierce like a fictional story was long past. But in truth... While the people around me are changing, I am the only one who remains unchanged. I was always desperately wishing for something that would rewrite my ordinary life.

(I have a lot of insecurities and the responsibility is heavy. I know I can’t do this with half-hearted feelings.) (Still... Something may change.)

The thought of a yet-unseen tale made my heart beat faster and my body get hot.

Leon “What will you do, Emma?”

(What I want to do is...)

As not to lose the resolution I gathered, I clasped my hands tightly—

Emma “... I want to do it.”

When I told him my unadorned feelings in those few words, Leon directly raised his hand.

Sariel “With that, it is decided I presume.”

Without letting the atmosphere linger, Chevalier briskly left his seat.

Leon “You’re going already?”

Chevalier “Our business is over.”

Clavis “Wouldn’t it be better to flatter Belle a bit?”

Chevalier “That’s just a waste of my time.” “It doesn’t matter who Belle chooses. It won’t change the fact that I will become the future king.”

His words had me so baffled that the only thing that left my mouth was a startled sound. Chevalier’s ice-cold gaze that seemed to freeze everything it touched caught me.

Chevalier “If you get in my way, I will dispose of you. That is what I plan to do.”

His cruel words left me speechless. Similar to the time when he thrust his sword at my throat, just his gaze made it painful to breathe.

(This person... He is terrifying.)

Clavis, who followed after the leaving Chevalier, tapped my shoulder as he passed me.

Clavis “I’m sorry for Cheva’s behavior.” “Well, I don’t have interest in the throne, but I like amusing things. Please entertain me with your way of life, okay little girl?”

While I was captivated by his brilliant smile, the footsteps of those two grew distant and they disappeared behind the door.

Sariel “Really now, it seems that I haven’t disciplined them enough.”

Next to Sariel, who sighed deeply, this time a hand was raised, waving.

Nokto “Hey, Sariel. Got a question.”

Sariel “Please go ahead and ask, Your Highness.”

Nokto “Belle choosing a king means, to put it bluntly, the guy who wins this girl over is going to become the king, right?”

Sariel “Plainly spoken, that is what will happen.”

Obtaining Sariel’s consent, Nokto turned his face to me—

Nokto “Well, since I’ll seduce you, let’s get along, okay?”

(He’s going to do what!?)

Part 9 — The King and the Rose

Nokto “Well, since I’ll seduce you, let’s get along, okay?”

(He’s going to do what!?)

Emma “That would be troub—“

Sariel “You are truly quick to understand, Your Highness.”

Yves “Ugh, I can’t listen to this anymore!” “To seduce her... Nokto, as a prince, aren’t you lacking pride and self-awareness?”

Nokto “If that’s what you think, don’t interfere. Got it, Yvie?”

Yves “Why would I have to listen to what you say?”

Ignoring me, Sariel and the princes continued talking.

Jin “What, even Yves ended up wanting to seduce her? You’re quite a busy one, aren’t you?”

Yves “Even if she is a commoner, for the time being she is Belle. She is necessary for me to be deemed as worthy of the throne.”

Emma “Then pick a different way to be acknowledged!”

Jin “Ooh, that’s an extremely respectable opinion.”

Luke “How should I put it, you should stop it soon. Don’t you see you’re troubling her?”

As Luke stood up from his seat, the others became quiet.

Luke “Emma... was it, right? If something happens, you can rely on me.”

Emma “Thank you very much, Your Highness.”

Luke “Stop that. Just Luke is fine and you don’t have to be polite.”

Emma “But...”

Luke “You’re addressing Leon familiarly as well, aren’t you? Drop the title with me, too. I don’t like it anyway.”

Emma “... Okay, then I’ll call you Luke.”

Luke “Good.”

Yves “Wait a minute! Didn’t you end up seducing her as well!?”

Jin “No, you got that wrong. That’s just how Luke’s natural character is. You guys as well, do the best you can.”

Jin took a lollipop out of his breast pocket and put it in his mouth.

Leon “Jin, do you think this is other people’s business?”

Jin “Yeah. Because I don’t give a shit about something like ascending to the throne.”

(Give a shit, he said...)

Nokto “I’m fine with whatever, so as a sign of our acquaintanceship, just call me Nokto, okay?”

Yves “I won’t allow that, understood? Make sure to address me with my title.”

Jin “Well, I dislike all that formal phrasing. Call me whatever you like.”

Emma “Then, I will call you Nokto, Yves and Jin.”

Yves “... Hey, are you even listening to what people are saying?”

Licht “... So stupid.”

(... What’s with him?)

Licht, who had only barely opened his mouth other than for the self-introduction, stood up.

Yves “Licht! Don’t always say things that push people away. Do you want your friends to leave?”

Licht “There weren’t any from the start. And I don’t need any.”

Yves “Because you’re again trying to be alone immediately—“ “Ah, wait, Licht! Where are you going!?”

Licht “Returning to my room.”

Nokto “Licht... You don’t have any interest in the throne?”

Licht “... No need to answer.”

Casting down his eyes, Licht left the room just like that.

(Somehow... He seems like someone who is hard to talk to.)

Yves “Really now, that guy...”

Emma “Wanting to be the king, not wanting to be the king... You really have various opinions, don’t you?”

Leon “Even though we are all half-brothers, our thoughts and everything else differ.”

Emma “By the way, what about you, Leon?”

Grinning, he returned a smile that said more than words could.

Leon “Determine with your own eyes whether I’m capable of becoming the king, okay?”

Emma “... All right.”

When I nodded in agreement, the sound of hands clapping quieted the place.

Sariel “I apologize for saying this during your pleasant talk. However, since there is a place I wish to show her, let’s end this meeting here.”

With Sariel leading the way, we walked into a room even more gorgeous than the one with the round table.

(This... It must be the audience hall.) (What to do...? I’ve come to an incredible place.)

What I saw at the end of the red carpet were only the throne and... In addition to that, a rose inside a glass dome.

Emma “What is that rose for?”

Sariel “For generations, on the occasion of His Majesty the King finding his demise, it has become the custom to prepare a rose.” “The rule is that the next king has to be determined by the time all of its petals have fallen.”

Emma “So there is a time limit.”

Sariel “Indeed. This rose is a special breed which continues to bloom for approximately one month.”

(One month... Within that period a new king has to be determined.)

Sariel stopped his feet near the throne and looked back at me.

Sariel “Other than that, all of the terms and conditions concerning the Belle-System are recorded in this covenant.”

(Sorry?)

With a snap of his fingers, the guards who briskly appeared, carrying a table made from oak trees and several sheets of paper completely covered with unusually small letters.

Emma “You’re not seriously telling me I have to read all this, right?”

Sariel “You are asking me something so blatantly obvious?”

(Your true nature again!?)

Sariel “If you have looked over all of this, please sign the covenant.”

Emma “You are sure saying some devilish things.”

Sariel “Because it is necessary. Once you have signed, I will guide you to your room.”

Emma “Okay... Wait, what?”

Sariel “What is the matter?”

Part 10 — Beauty and the Beast’s Covenant

Sariel “Once you have signed, I will guide you to your room.”

Emma “Okay... Wait, what?”

Sariel “What is the matter?”

Emma “Sariel, did you just say you will guide me to a room?”

Sariel “That is what I said.”

Emma “MY room?”

Sariel “Where else would I take you?”

Emma “To my home back in the town, perhaps?”

Sariel “A room for you has been prepared by the Royal Court.” “Because until the one who was selected as Belle has finished their duty, they are to live inside the castle.”

(That can’t be—)

My face grew pale at those unhesitatingly uttered words.

Emma “But that is troubling! What will become of the shop!?”

Sariel “I have already contacted the owner and arranged for a temporary employee.”

Emma “What about the mountain of food that was inside the shop!?”

Sariel “Everything has been moved to your room.”

Emma “Then, where’s Rio!?”

Sariel “Of course, right over here.”

When Sariel snapped his fingers—

Rio “Emma, it’s been a few hours! I really wanted to see you.”

Emma “What the—!?”

Rio who suddenly entered the audience hall was dressed like I had never seen him before.

(He looks like a butler... Or rather, he’s like a real one.)

Emma “Rio... What’s with that get-up?”

Rio “I decided to officially get a job here.”

Emma “Inside the castle!?”

Sariel “There is a single employee benefit in the Belle-System. Pets are allowed inside the Royal Castle.”

Emma “With pet you’re referring to...”

Sariel “This pet of yours, of course.” “When I entered the bookstore, he was barking so persistently that he didn’t leave me a choice but to take him along.”

Rio “Why, Emma was suddenly chosen as a candidate for Belle, so I was just a bit flustered, you know.” “I’m really glad that Sariel is such a reasonable person.”

It was the first time a saw Sariel at a loss for words.

Emma “Sariel, aren’t you looking a bit tired?”

Sariel “Of course I am not... hehe.”

(Something must have happened between those two.)

A small cough, as if going back to square one, resounded in the place.

Sariel “Since he’s just right, I will let him be your caretaker.” “Properly follow your master’s orders, hound.”

Rio “Yes! Emma, whatever happens, I will protect you. So don’t worry, okay?”

Emma “Thanks, Rio. And... Sorry for getting you involved.”

Rio “Not at all. Rather, to think that the day actually came when I can call you Master... Aah, it’s like a dream come true!”

Emma “You’re not calling me that, right?”

(But... Having the usual Rio here with me is really reassuring.)

Sariel “Well now, play with your pet later and quickly read the terms and conditions, please.”

Urged to do so, I once again attempted my fight with the documents... But with this pace it would be late at night by the time I finished reading.

(Aah, seriously... Reading all of this is impossible after all!) (Enough already, I’ll take my time reading it later.)

I flipped through the document in a hurry and reached for the prearranged quill pen. When I wrote down my name on the covenant, Sariel traced around the letters in satisfaction.

Sariel “Thank you very much. With this you have now officially become Belle.” “Our princes are an assembly of peculiar people who can’t be dealt with by ordinary means.” “But, please, choose a good king with your pure heart, will you?”

Emma “... Yes. I will, without fail, show you that I can fulfill my duty.”

This was the first time I felt like Sariel was sincerely smiling.

Rio “Okay, Emma. This is a bit sudden, but shall we go to our new love nest?”

Emma “You’re talking about your own room, right? Thanks, I’ll count on you to lead the way.”

(I have a lot of worries about this, but...) (Since this is something I chose myself, I will never regret it.)

When I looked back, one of the deep crimson petals had fallen inside the glass dome.

(Getting to know them, getting to know the country... and determining the king.)

After Emma and Rio had left the throne room.

Sariel “I think I will be truly busy from now on.”

With the wind that blew through the door left wide open, the letters spelled on the very last page of the overlapping official papers which would later on be what severely disturb our fates were revealed...

Covenant Clause 99 『After the selection period has finished, absolutely any relationship between “Belle” and the Crown is prohibited.』

But this was something nobody knew just yet at that time—...

[district2001]

The Ring that bounds us together

PAIRING: SVT (Mainly Wonwoo) x 14th Member (female)

GENRE: Domestic SVT?

WORDS: 1.5k

Summary: Wonwoo lost his SVT ring and Y/N decides to be a useful maknae, for once

A/N: Took me a while but I’m back. Thought lockdon was the best time to start writing again. But this time about SVT, cos i have become a massive carat since i left. Please also lemme know if u hv any requests. Xx

Ok. So one thing Y/N hated was a mess. Sure she could handle a spill here and there, some clothes on the designated chair, and even could tolerate 2 day old food still on the kitchen bench. But what she couldn’t stand was not seeing the floor of her living room.

The culprit. The one and only Jeon Wonwoo. The only person who chooses to sleep in the living room so that their dorm could have a gaming café set up in his room. Questionable? Very. But Coups and him made it work, so no one ever complained about having a bed in the middle of their shared living space.

Until today, where Y/N had come from her daily coffee run to find Wonwoo, shirtless with a towel around his waist, flinging clothes out of his cupboard, throwing his somewhat folded clothes into a sea of mess.

“Wonwoo-Oppa?”

“What?” Wonwoo didn’t even bother giving Y/N any eye contact as he continued emptying his closet like his life depended on it.

“What are you doing?”

Wonwoo didn’t even bother replying this time, instead moving over to the neighbouring cupboard to ransack it instead.

Grabbing the hair tie from her left arm, Y/N quickly placed her hair in a high pony-tail. “Mingyu Oppa won’t be very happy to come back and see this mess. Remember last time with Seokmin Oppa didn’t pack up the pillows after making that fort?”

Nothing. No Response.

Y/N shook her head, something was indeed troubling her friend. So much so, that he wasn’t giving the maknae the time of day.

If Wonwoo wasn’t going to reply to her and show her respect, she would do the same thing back. Passively of course. She wasn’t evil.

“Wonwoo-ya, do you want some help, doing whatever you’re doing?” Y/N would be OFFENDED if she didn’t get a response, but she knew better than to constantly try to get attention when it clearly wouldn’t be given. Although she was very curious to figure out the cause of this weird cleaning phase.

Luckily for her, not showing respect to her elders always guaranteed in her being called out for it. And today was no different.

“Firstly, it’s Oppa. I’m older than you. Here in SK we show respect to our elders. So add that suffix to my name.”

Y/N dramatically rolled her eyes, something which was clearly Jeonghan’s influence. Nevertheless, she sighed, signalling with her hands for Wonwoo to answer her question.

“I went to have a shower, then realised I didn’t have my ring on,” looking at Y/N from the corner of his eyes, through his glasses.

Y/N clearly didn’t see the issue. “Just tell our designers you lost the ring. Problem solved.”

Clicking her heels together, she started walking towards her room. Shouting “Clean up the mess before Mingyu sees. He’ll be more mad then our team.”

She chuckled before adding, “and he’s cooking us dinner so don’t make him mad. I’m looking forward to taco Tuesday.”

“I lost our team ring.” Wonwoo aggressively whispered.

Y/N stopped right before entering her room.

Lost the SVT ring. The one just given a couple months ago. Had she expected this from the members, not really. Had she expected it from Wonwoo, definitely not. Mingyu and Jun, possibly. Maybe. She still didn’t know how they had managed to keep there’s this entire time.

Y/n quickly walked back towards the mountain of clothes, just narrowly avoiding stepping on a leather jacket with metal spikes.

“What do you mean you lost it?”

“I don’t know. I went to go shower, and I realised it wasn’t there.”

“When’s the last time you realised it was on your finger? Did you hear a clanging sound anytime during the day? Did you post a picture today? Could it have been on your finger when you did?”

Y/N started bombarding Wonwoo with questions, something she had learned from watching far too many episodes of Criminal Minds.

Although the case this time didn’t have to do with a murder, but instead a very valuable ring.

“Umm no idea. Am I meant to? Uhhh… what was the last one?”

Y/N rolled her eyes.

“Have you asked the others?,” Y/N asked, despite knowing the answer.

“NO!” No member would admit to losing the ring, or years of jokes would be brought upon them.

She was sure that Wonwoo wouldn’t have told her, if he wasn’t in such a frazzled state.

Plus, she too had misplaced her ring for a day, opting to wear gloves so that none of her band-mates would catch her. Luckily, she found it between her bedsheets.

“Ok. Ok. Hmmmm. I’ll recheck the lounge, you go to the bathroom or wherever you’ve been in this apartment.”

Wonwoo trudged off, silently obeying the younger one.

The duo spent a good 2 hrs ransacking their dorm, trying to find the missing ring.

“Bro this is harder than finding a needle in a haystack… bro we should make a new saying,” Y/N groaned, falling back onto Wonwoo’s bed.

Wonwoo flopped beside her.

“You’re gonna get absolutely roasted by everyone. And I make no promises that I won’t join in”

“They won’t find out I lost it.”

“And how’s that? I might be an annoying maknae and tell them” Y/N smiled smugly.

“Well, for starters I could tell them that you’ve secretly been eating chips despite being diet buddies with Jeonghan”

“Pshhh. That’s nothing. Jihoon Oppa legit joined me last night. We ate his secret stash of snakes”

“Fine. I’ll tell them that you lost your ring aswell.”

“No I didn’t”

“Yes you did.”

“When did I? Have you noticed me not wear the ring? Don’t li-?”

“Firstly, you rattle on when you’re nervous.’ Y/N shut her mouth, before she could make her mistake more obvious, allowing Wonwoo to keep talking.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice you wearing gloves to practise. And ONLY on your left hand.”

“W-Wh-What?” Y/N Stuttered. Not sure if admitting her mistake or continuing to lie would be her best option.

She chose the former. “I’ll keep quiet about you, and you keep quiet about me.”

Wonwoo grabbed his gloves from the mountain of clothes, and quickly slipped them on his hands.

“Look’s like we got ourselves a deal.”

The mood quickly sombered up when Wonwoo did a deep sigh and asked.

“What actually happens if I’ve lost my ring?”

“You get a new one?”

“No. But like…”

He trailed off to collect this thoughts.

“Would I get in trouble?”

“I mean Pledis might be a bit pissed off cos they need to spend money on another ring. But I’m sure they’ll do it without a doubt. It’s our brand.”

“No not pledis. I don’t give a flying shit about them. I meant the others.”

“Who the members.” Wonwoo nods his head in confirmation.

Y/N leans her head against the crook of his neck, “You’ll get bagged for it. But they won’t take it too seriously.”

“But the rings a symbol of our friendship and trust.” Trust Wonwoo to go all literature on her.

“Exactly. A symbol.”

Wonwoo looked at Y/N, clearly not understanding the connection.

Y/N smiled, finally outsmarting the group’s so-called genius.

“It’s a symbol. Not the real thing. Think of the Jjapaguri in ‘Parasite.’ It’s a mix of aspects of poor and rich, but even if it wasn’t included, the characters would be struggling to act rich.” Y/n finished proudly.

“If you’re going to talk nonsense, at least talk to someone who believes you. Like Chan. He believes the chicken comes before the egg. Idiot.”

Y/N jumped up. “Well, if I’m such an idiot, you can deal with this ring situation all by yourself.”

“Wait no.” Wonwoo quickly sat up on his bed. “You’re a genius. Brilliant. Smartest member.”

He tilted his head, “Happy?”

“Very” Y/N replied.

“Can you make some ramen when I chuck my clothes back in the drawers?”

“Fine. We can fill their stomachs up so they don’t ask too many questions?” Y/N held out her hand and dragged Wonwoo up.

20 minutes later, a living room where the floor was visible and 10 portions of msg-filled ramen was placed on the table, to greet their 5 other roommates.

Soon the door banged open, and numerous sweaty man-childs came tumbling in.

“Wonwoo you absolute idiot. We’re never gonna forget this” Seokmin said happily.

“What?”

Hoshi stepped out behind him, proudly holding up his pinky.

“Soonyoung, don’t you have your own dorm to-”

Wonwoo squinted. On the Performance leaders left pinky were 2 silver rings.

Wonwoo would only sheepishly smile, while pointing behind him.

“Hey, I cleaned the living room.”

[temilyrights]

watching you, watching her (chapter three)

Jack Sloane x Reader

Word Count: 3476

A/N: The third and final chapter! Mixed feelings about this one >.< but i hope you enjoy and as always, feedback is welcome and appreciated :)

Read on AO3

Chapter Two

The offer comes a week or so later. You’ve been headhunted a couple of times since you started working at NCIS 5 years ago, but you’ve always turned them down without a second thought. However, when the call comes through this time you listen to the DOD agent’s whole offer and agree to think about it. The second the call ends guilt churns through your stomach as you think over what it would mean to actually leave NCIS. 

You enjoyed your job but Ellie was right that you weren’t happy there anymore. You couldn’t be, not when Jack was around you constantly. Everything felt duller and there was no excitement turning up to the office each day. Most day’s just consisted of you trying to keep yourself together every time she appeared, which was often, and it was affecting your ability to work, your instincts were slacking and even if the others were too polite to say anything they’d definitely noticed. 

On the better days, you could get through without much incident. Jack had been the same with you since the night at the bar, and despite the pain you felt every time you saw her, you could never say no to her and that was what would be your downfall. 

A fresh start didn’t sound like a bad thing. It wasn’t like you’d never see them again. You’d still be in Washington and it was common enough for the DOD to interact with NCIS so you’d probably cross paths with them on cases. You’d see them outside the office as well. Ellie had been taking weekly yoga classes with you for the past year anyway. It would just give you a break, time to heal and get over your feelings because working with Jack every day was just cutting you apart. You couldn’t do it anymore. 

You don’t realise you’re crying until it becomes difficult to breathe. Your arms wrap around your waist as tears stream down your cheeks. You grieve that night. Grieve for Jack, grieve for the team, the family you might lose. The thing was it didn’t feel wrong, It didn’t feel like you were just running away. It felt right, like it was time to move on. 

When you get the chance to tour around the DOD a couple of weeks later, being shown what could possibly be your office and bribed with the promise of having a team of your own, you know it’s time to tell Gibbs. 

----

The whole drive to Gibbs’ house your nerves are in turmoil. His door is, unsurprisingly, unlocked and with a shout of his name, that receives no response, you head to his basement. He’s working on his boat and barely spares a glance in your direction as you descend the stairs unable to control your fidgeting hands. “Hey, Gibbs.” 

He pours 2 glasses of whiskey as you slowly make your way over, placing one in your hand. “Thanks.” You take a slow sip using the delay to gather your thoughts. You’d planned a whole speech but now, standing in front of him, none of it felt good enough. 

“Got somethin’ on your mind?” 

You square your shoulders at his words, pulling together all the confidence you can muster. “The DOD has offered me a job...And I’m thinking of taking it.” You down the rest of the whiskey in one glug to avoid looking at the man in front of you, dumping the glass on the table.

“Ok.” 

Eyes narrowing you look back up to him. “Ok?” 

Gibbs shrugs. “I can’t say I’m surprised...Doesn’t mean I won’t miss ya though.” Tears instantly fill your eyes and Gibbs pulls you into a tight hug. You bury your face in the fabric of his t-shirt as tears trickle down your cheeks. “Just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.” 

Huffing a laugh you pull back from his hug. “What are the wrong reasons?” His steel-blue eyes stare at you. “I can’t be around her every day. I know I’ve been half the agent I usually am the last couple of months. I’ve tried so many different ways to get past my feelings but every time I start something happens that sends me spiralling back to square one again.”  You choke a laugh, voice catching in your throat. “Y-you should change rule 12 to never fall in love with your coworker.” 

Gibbs sighs, pulling you back into another tight hug. He places a kiss on the top of your head. “Just make sure you tell her.” You aren’t sure if he’s talking about you leaving or that you’re in love with her but it doesn’t matter, you just hug him closer. 

----

You accept the job offer at the DOD the following week and the next morning you hand in your resignation letter into HR. 

Tim, Nick and Ellie are laughing together in the bullpen when you arrive. A sad smile crosses your face and Ellie’s laughter falters when she sees you. She’s up from her desk in seconds. “What’s happened?” The other two’s laughter trails off as they turn to face you. Faces filled with concern, confusion and dread look at you. You were really going to miss them.

“I uh, I just handed in my two weeks notice.” Ellie’s pulling you into a tight hug before you even finish talking. You were pretty sure she’d suspected this was coming for the last few weeks. 

“Are you leaving DC?” Nick asks, hand resting on your shoulder. You shake your head, wiping away a few tears that had escaped.

“No. I’ve got a job with the DOD. My own team, you know? So I’ll still be close. Don’t worry you can’t get rid of me completely.” You try for a joke but it falls flat at Nick’s sad expression. He pulls you into a hug and then seconds later Tim is doing the same. 

“Oh come on guys, I’ll make sure to keep bugging you once I’m gone and I’m sure we’ll get to fight over jurisdiction.” Tim releases a sad chuckle. Your eyebrows furrow as you notice Ellie smiling sadly as she stared at something behind you. 

You turn around, gulping when you notice it’s Jack. Her eyes are filled with unshed tears. “You’re leaving?” The disbelief in her voice makes your heartache.

“Yeah. Two weeks.” 

“Why?” 

“The DOD offered me-” 

“No.” Jack shakes her head, tone sharp. Your eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “No. You’ve had job offers before but you’ve always turned them down. Why are you leaving?” 

“Jack-” You can’t look at her as your voice hitches, very aware of the fact that you were currently standing in the bullpen and people were watching. “I’ve been here for 5 years. I thought it was time to move on.” 

Jack huffs at that, shaking her head. “I-” Her voice cracks and you blink quickly, looking upwards to stop your tears from escaping. “You aren’t telling me the truth.” 

The accusation in her voice makes you flinch as your eyes meet hers. Even from this distance, you can see the anger swarming in her. You sigh, all energy leaving your body as exhaustion sweeps through you. “Does it matter why?” 

Jack’s mouth hangs open in disbelief. “Does it matter? Of course, it matters!”

“I’m leaving. It’s already done. Can’t you at least pretend to be happy for me?” God knows I’ve done it enough for you. Jack huffs and storms off. You release a loud groan, throwing yourself into your desk chair.

“Well, that was certainly something.” Nick quips and you glare at him prompting him to hold his hands up in mock surrender. “Just saying.” 

You sigh, dropping your head to your desk and release a long whine. 

----

She stalks around the office for the next 3 days. She barely even speaks to you and when she does it’s with a short clipped tone. It pisses you off and after she decides to take the stairs instead of sharing an elevator journey together, you’ve finally had enough.

That evening you storm up to her office, slamming the open office door behind you and relishing in the way she jumps in shock. “What the fuck is your problem?” Jack doesn’t react to the venom in your tone just stares back at you as she sits at her desk. “I tell you I’m leaving and you’ve done nothing but rage around the office since! If you’ve got a problem, be an adult, and speak to me about it!” 

“What, so you can just lie to me again?” 

“I told you. I want a change, is that so hard to understand?” You’re pacing now, walking the length of her office as you try to calm yourself down. 

Jack stands from her desk, walking around and cutting off your path. Her eyes narrow as she stares at you.  “You’ve always said you love it here. Why would you suddenly want to leave?”

“It’s not sudden. It’s just you’re only just finding out about it.”

“And when did we stop talking about stuff like this? Why didn’t you say you were unhappy here? I could’ve helped!” Jack shouts, eyes flashing with hurt and anger.

“I don’t want your help!” You roar. There’s silence as Jack steps away. She looks as if you’ve slapped her and honestly you might have well had. Rage courses through you as frustrated tears fill your eyes. 

“What the hell do you want then? Because there’s no way you want to leave. These people are your family!” 

“Don’t you think I know that? I was in tears when I told Gibbs but he understands. Everyone understands apart from you!” 

“Because they seem to know the real reason!” You weren’t doing this. You weren’t telling her. There was no way she could ever know. 

“I’ve told you the reason! Why can’t you just accept it?” You’re spluttering and Jack shakes her head, looking away as tears escape down her cheeks. All the tension drops from your shoulders. “Please Jack, please don’t make this harder than it already is.” 

She turns to you, her hand brushing away the tears rolling down your own cheeks and you squeeze your eyes tightly shut in response. She lingers a couple of seconds, before dropping her hand and stepping away as she sighs. Her touch always had the ability to ground you but at the same time set your body on fire. Today it just made your heartache. You don’t understand why she keeps doing this...does she not understand what she’s doing to you?

You don’t look at her, just make your way to the couch to put some distance between the two of you. She stays by her desk, eyes tracking you. “I don’t want to lose you,” Jack speaks barely above a whisper and your eyes snap to her.

“You won’t.”

“I feel like I already have.” You look away at that. She’s right, everything has changed the last few months. She’d been just as distant with you though so you’d assumed she’d been too preoccupied with Sarah to notice. You’d been in a constant fight with yourself with wanting her close and wanting her as far away as possible and it was tearing you apart. “Did I do something?” 

The vulnerability in Jack’s voice makes your mouth wobble. “No. I just- I can’t stay here anymore.” You were scared she’d outright ask you to stay because if she did you weren’t sure you’d have the power to say no. Your willpower was already diminishing every minute you stayed in her office. She moved to the couch, sitting close enough that your legs touched. Your hands are squeezing the fabric of your trousers and Jack reaches out and covers one with her hand. You instantly relax at the touch and she grips tighter, rubbing soothing circles on the top of your hand. You watch her closely, questions swarming in your eyes. 

“Why?” Her eyes bore into yours.

“Please don’t make me say it.” 

“Y/N...” Jack says your name so softly that tears spring to your eyes. She’s so close, her eyes fluttering over your face before focusing on your lips. You quickly pull away, ripping your hands from Jack’s grasp and moving to the other side of the room, fists squeezing tightly as you try to control your swirling emotions.

“You can’t keep doing that.” You listen as she gets off the couch and steps behind you, her hand reaching out lighting touching your back causing you to flinch away. Your eyes plead for her to understand, desperation seeping into your voice as you turn to face her. “It’s not fair. You touch and you hover and you care and then 2 seconds later mention your girlfriend.”

“Y/N, I-”

“No! Do you not get how hard I have been trying to keep myself together these past few months? And I was finally getting somewhere, I was finally making progress and then you go and almost kiss me! And you were drunk so I couldn’t be mad but it hurt so much Jack. It hurts and I still don’t know what any of it means!” Tears stream down your face, you can barely see her but you feel when her arms wrap around you. You try to pull away but she just holds you tighter, her hands running over your hair and her tears seeping into your shirt, all your fight leaves you and you relax into her arms. 

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Jack repeats over and over again as she clings onto you. “I didn’t think you felt the same way.” She sniffs. “I was so tired of pining over you. I spent so much time trying to focus on Sarah, distancing myself from you, but no matter how hard I’ve tried I’m always drawn right back. I started to realise maybe you felt the same but by then I thought it was for the best, that maybe you were better off without me.” 

You pull away, tear-filled eyes stare back at you. A sad sigh escapes your lip as you shake your head. “I could never be better off without you.” 

“Y/N, I’m messy and complicated and too angry and you deserve someone who doesn’t come with all my baggage. You deserve someone who’s better.”

“But that’s up to me to choose Jack. It’s not up to you!” Jack goes to protest but you hold your hand up, halting her. “It doesn’t matter anyway, because you chose Sarah.”

“Because I was too scared to choose you.” You look up, blinking quickly as you take a deep breath to try and control the onset of tears threatening to break free. “We broke up. A couple of weeks ago.” Your eyes snap to Jack, your mouth hanging open in shock. “After our almost kiss I couldn’t get you out of my head and Sarah had finally had enough. She broke up with me and I didn’t tell anyone because I was embarrassed and ashamed and-”

“She’s gone? For good?” Jack nods. “A-and you want me? You’d choose me?” 

“Yes, but Y/N-” You don’t let her finish, grabbing her left hand and pulling her towards you as your other hand cups her cheek and brings her lips to yours. Jack gasps but you swallow the noise. Her fingers dig into your waist as she pulls you flush against her body. The kiss deepens, your tongues fighting for dominance as your tears mix together and your hands find their way to Jack’s hair, you grip it and she releases a deep moan that sets your whole body on fire and sends heat straight between your legs. 

You only pull away once the need to breathe becomes too strong. Foreheads resting together as you both gasp for air. “But what?” 

“Huh?” Jack’s dazed expression brings a smirk to your lips. “I-I don’t remember.” Her eyes fall back to your mouth, her tongue darting out to wet her own lips in the process. You reach out, tucking a strand of her behind her ear. The next kiss is softer and slower as you take the time to explore each other’s mouths. You nip at her lip enjoying the breathy noises you can bring out of her. Jack pushes you backwards by your hips until your bottom hits her desk, you don’t hesitate to spread your legs so she can stand between them. Your hands move to her waist as hers hang around your neck as the kiss deepens. A deep moan that rips from your throat as she pushes her thigh between your legs and her tongue sweeps against yours.

“Jack” You breathe, pulling your mouth from hers.

“Mm?” She hums, her mouth goes in search of yours again but you pull back with a laugh.

“We should stop.” Your eyes flick to the office door and Jack sighs, her bottom lip jutting out in protest. “Anyone could walk in and as much I’m enjoying having you between my legs,” Jack grins and you lean in to whisper in her ear. “I want to take my time exploring every inch of your body and I can’t do that here.” Jack groans, swallowing roughly, her eyes almost black with desire. 

“Right.” She coughs, stepping back slightly but still within your grasp. Your hands sit loosely at her waist. 

“So, what happens now?”

“Well…I’d like to see where this goes, I assume you do too,” You roll your eyes playfully, nodding. “Then we do that. You can start by letting me take you out on a date.” 

You grin. “I think I can manage that.” 

“Good.” Jack smiles softly. You see the hesitation wash over her face and you frown. “And...the job?” 

You swallow roughly. “All the paperwork has already gone through. I’ve signed the contract with the DOD.” 

“I can get Leon to pull some strings, you wouldn’t have to leave.” You bite your lip. Jack’s face drops and she steps back out of your grasp. “Unless you want to?” 

“I don’t know. I need to think about it.” Jack nods but the disappointment and confusion are clear on her face. “The original reason for me leaving was, uh...”

“Because of me.”

You nod slightly. “I’ve been distracted, my instincts slacking because I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” You release a self-deprecating laugh at that.

“I’m sorry-”

“Don’t apologise, it’s not your fault I fell hopelessly in love with you.” Jack gasps, her eyes watering. You clear your throat awkwardly, ducking your head as your words catch up with you. “I shouldn’t have said-”

“I-I love you too.” Your own eyes shine with tears. Jack reaches forward, her hand brushing your cheek as she presses a soft kiss against your lips. You smile softly at one another. “Sorry, uh, you were saying?” Jack doesn’t pull away as far this time.

“Right...It really is a great opportunity and I think I want to at least see where it could go.”

Jack nods. “The DOD is great and your own team, I understand the appeal.” 

“But you don’t want me to go?”

“Of course not.” Jack smiles softly at you. “But you should, your face lit up when you spoke about it and anyway NCIS will always be here if you want to come back.” 

“They’ll replace me-” 

“I can have you back with one phone call to Leon,” Jack smirks and you break out into laughter, you pull her in close and place a kiss on her lips despite both of your wide smiles. 

“So you’re okay with it?” 

“I mean...I don’t love it but I love you,” Your heart flutters in your chest, it feels weird to hear her say those words again. “and I want to see you happy, so yes, I’m more than okay with it.” All your tension seeps away, your eyes watering as you smile.

“Thank you.” You breathe. As much as you’d like to pretend it didn’t, Jack’s opinion meant a lot to you and you don’t know what you’d have done if she hadn’t agreed with it. You huff a breath. “Today’s been quite a day huh?” 

Jack laughs. “I wouldn’t change it, not when I now have you in my arms.” She rolls her eyes at herself. “God, that was cheesy.” 

You smirk. “I like cheesy.”

“Well don’t get used to it.”

“I wouldn’t dare.” At Jack’s smile, you can’t help yourself, you pull her in for another kiss. Making sure to draw it out, kissing her softly and slowly before pulling away with a nip to her bottom lip. “Could get used to that though.” 

Jack hums. “Now who sounds cheesy.” She doesn’t give you time to respond, instead, pulling you back in for another kiss. 

Mmm. You could definitely get used to this. 

[deanwinchestermydaddy]

TO SEE YOU AGAIN (DEAN WINCHESTER STORY) PART. 17

*credits to the owner of the GIF

Dean's POV:

Everyone had left and me and Y/n were in our room. She got under the covers and turn off the light, "I'm sorry" I said and I felt her move to face me, "for what Dean? You haven't done anything wrong" she said, "for what I did to you and Ellie years ago," I said and she took a deep breath, "look Dean I forgave you for what you did, I shouldn't have pushed you to go to your parent's house that day, I should have let you stay at the house and go out with your friends at the bar," she said looking down, "why didn't you divorce me?" I asked I wanted to know more, "I love you Dean, my love for you didn't let me and when I saw you with our daughter the divorce papers were long forgotten and you said that you wanted to change for her, for us and you did," she said as she smiles and I cupped her face and kissed her. Then we went to sleep with her on my arms the way that I always wanted it to be.

~NEXT MORNING~

I woke up with her beside me, "Good morning Sweetheart " I said as I pulled her closer to me and kissed her, "morning" she said wrapping her arms around my neck kissing me softly on the lips, suddenly someone jumps onto the bed, "MOMMY! DADDY!" Ellie said as she gets between the both of us and hugging us, 'I really love this, my family with the woman I love' I thought, "I'm hungy mommy" Ellie said as she was resting on my chest with her tiny arms around me, "well little lady get down to the kitchen and wash your hands so we can start making breakfast, okay?" Y/n asked her, "YAY! PANCAKES!" Ellie run out screaming while I laugh at her antics, "that child is wild" Y/n said chuckling as I stare at her she looks so beautiful, "hey Sweetheart do monsters exist, you know like real ones. Like the ones we hunt?" I said and she looked at me weirdly, "Dean what are you talking about? We don't hunt, you have never been on a hunt or hold a gun on your entire life and no monsters don't exist unless you count the ones from the movies, why are you asking?" she said as she sat next to me on the edge of the bed, "what about Djinn's?" I asked her, "Djinns? What is that Dean, were you watching those Sci-Fi movies in the middle of the night again, baby?" she said and I looked at her weirdly, "I... it most be that sweetheart, I need to stop doing that " I said as she rubbed my back, "C'mon we should get going before your kid tries to make pancakes and burns the kitchen" she said as she pulled me with her towards the door and the stairs, "just my kid huh?" I said and she chuckles, "yeah your kid lover boy, " she said as we continue down the stairs, "I like the sound of that, " I said putting my arms around her waist.

~HOURS LATER~

"Dean remember we will have dinner at your parents at 8 so get ready because that will be in 40 minutes and they live 30 minutes away," she said as she approaches me from behind on the couch placing her hands around my neck to rest them on my chest, "Okay sweetheart," I said as I got up and pulled her towards me and kissed her, "I left your clothes on the bed, Bae, oh and the kids are ready so we are just waiting for you," she said as she was fixing her earrings on the mirror.

We soon arrived at my parent's house, the one that was supposed to be just ashes years ago, but it wasn't, Y/n was carrying Tony, while I had Ellie on my arms. As we enter I see my mom, dad, Sam, and Jess.

"How are you dear?" my dad asked Y/n and she smile and hugged him, "good John what about you?" she said and he just smiled at her, "better now that my grandkids are here, C'mon let me help you with the little man," he said taking my son from her arms and he started to do baby voices to him and took Ellie's hand as I put her down on the floor.

Soon we started to have dinner as the kids were sleeping, "so when are you going back to the hospital Y/n?" my dad asked, "well probably in a few months then I think I will become part-time to spend time with the kids" she said smiling then looking at me, "that's great, but you know we can take care of them. We love listening to some noise in the house is just really quiet and the kids bring us happiness" he said and Y/n nodded, "thank you so much I am glad we decided to move here and not stay in California" she said, "Hey! What's wrong with California Y/n?" Sam said acting offended, "nothing Sam-squash, it just that we don't have any family there that was going to help us with the kids," she said and Sam just opened his mouth and acted offended, "wow! Y/n wow! I feel offended" he said joking and Jess playfully slapped him, "Y/n is right. What! were you going to take Little Ellie to your lectures of 3 hrs?" she asked and Sam looked down and gave a thin smile, "okay the nurse was right as most of the time" he said and everyone laughs. Then it hit me, this wasn't real at all, my parents and Jess weren't alive, Y/n and I weren't married with kids, everything was made from my imagination thanks to the Djinn. The Djinn that we were hunting.

"This isn't real!" I said loud and all of them stopped and looked at me, "this is real Dean" Y/n said trying to calm me down as I stood up from the table, "mom do you still have the sterling silver knife?" I asked and she nodded and pointed into the kitchen, "what are you planning Dean?" I heard Y/n said and footsteps behind me, "this isn't real!" I said again looking for the silver knife, "this is real Dean we have a family Ellie and Tony are our kids!" Y/n said with tears on her eyes, then I see a flash of what happened to me ' I was walking around the abandoned warehouse when suddenly I am pinned to the wall by the Djinn and he runs his hand through my hair then I woke up here' I remembered everything, "you can live a normal life, no hunting, no demons just happiness Dean" Sam said moving closer as I pointed the knife towards me, "you don't have to do that dean, you are happier here" Jess said as her, my mom and dad approach me.

" C' mon bae our kids need you, I need you!" Y/n pleaded, "no, no this isn't real!" I said as I pressed the knife into my chest a little, "daddy?" that voice made everyone turn towards the kitchen door to see my daughter rubbing her sleepy eyes, "mommy what is daddy woing?" she said and Y/n looked with desperation, "jess take her away from here!" she said trying to remain calm, "I'm sorry princess but I have to go cause you're not real" I said as I stab myself in the chest, the last thing I heard was Y/n screaming before everything went dark.

Y/n POV:

~ 2 days before ~

"hey, Sam-squash!" I said walking inside of the motel that the 3 of us were staying, "hey shorty" he said making me laugh, "hey careful Sammy, I am the only one allowed to call her that" Dean said as he walked from the bed to the table chair on which Sam had all the research of the hunt that we were doing, "so tell me Samster what are we hunting?" I said as I was going to sit down in the chair next to Dean but he pulled me to his lap, "can you guys keep it PG, this is where we eat!" Sam said as he started to fake gag as Dean kissed me, "This is all PG Sammy, in the bed that is rated R" Dean said and I playfully slapped him on the chest, "okay can we continue about the case please" I said and Dean looked at me and pointed at Sam, "he started" he said and I chuckle, "really mature Dean, really mature. Well Y/n it seems that it is a Djinn" he said and I nodded, "do we know where it is?" I asked, "yeah it seems that he is on an abandoned warehouse," he said and I nodded 'oh boy don't I love to kill the things that almost killed me' I thought, "we all should go to get some drinks before we kill that son of a bitch," Dean said and we all nodded.

We were at the bar and I brought the beers to the table and I took my place next to Dean, " I am damn lucky to have a hot chick like you!" he said kissing my cheek and pulling me closer to him as we all finished our drinks, "then we should get going 'cause the 'party' will be tomorrow" I said as the 3 of us walked out of the bar towards Baby.

The following day we went to that warehouse all of us went into different directions, "be careful, alright Dean I need you here with me" I said to Dean and kissed him, "sure thing sweetheart I'll be crazy to leave you" he said winking at me as he walked into the direction that he was supposed to enter the warehouse.

Dean's POV:

~PRESENT~

"Dean! Dean baby please wake up" I feel a hand holding my face, "Sam I found him!" she screams and I hear footsteps, "dammit Dean please don't leave me" I felt her took things from my body. My eyelids fluttered open and I see Y/n's teary eyes I smile weakly at her, "hey... Y/n..." I said as I groan, "yeah baby I'm here" she said as she tries to get me off the thing that I was on, "I know it is a really bad time but hey, what the hell, I want you to know that... you're one hot-sexy hunter and a hot mama" I said winking at her and she just shakes her head as Sam approached us, "Hey, hey" he said as I looked at him, "Oh, Auntie Em" I said still hallucinating as they try help me get off the things, "there's no place like home" I said as they were still trying to free me.

As Sam was undoing the ropes from my arms Y/n was taking those things on my arms when I suddenly see the Djinn, "Sam!" I said and soon the Djinn attacked him while Y/n continue to untie me but soon Sam was un the floor unconscious and as he tries to run his hands through his hair Y/n reacted and tackle him, she tried to stab him but he pinned her to the wall the to the stair knocking her silver knife to the floor. I try to pull the ropes and I was able to free myself and run to where the Djinn had Y/n pinned and was choking her, she had one of her hands trying to stop him from choking her and the other trying to stop him from putting her into the state that I was.

I picked up the knife and stabbed him in the back and he stopped choking Y/n as he falls to the ground. I looked at Y/n while she catches her breath, "are you, okay sweetheart?" I asked her and she just hugged me tight, "I will never let you go alone without back up, okay, I can't lose you, Dean," she said as she kissed my lips and I felt my legs gave out but she was able to hold me, "I got you don't worry," she said reassuring me as Sam woke up rubbing his head, "is it dead?" he asked and me and Y/n nodded, "great let's go," he said and the three of us walked out of the warehouse.

Sam went in the back to lay down while Y/n placed me on the passenger side while she drives back to the Bunker, "just rest your eyes baby" she said as she squished my hand telling that everything will be okay. She turned the radio on and the song that started represented what I saw. The song that was playing was 'What is and What should never be' by Led Zeppelin and I slowly started to fell asleep as I saw her glance at me as she drove and sign the song softly.

[omg-baeyoung-baeran]

Maybe I Should Resign: Chapter 2

Not a single person inside the company got past the thorough investigation, yet all the results they got were negative. It was as if the document just suddenly disappeared on its own without a trace. The only evidence in hand proving it was truly stolen was the loop video they found a week ago, resulting in several employees getting fired due to their inexcusable poor performance.

Jumin twirled the pen around his fingers. “Things have not been going on smoothly, I presume?” He stared at the fidgeting man sitting across him.

“We apologize, Mr. Han, but this thief is well-prepared and is quite knowledgeable in hacking to have accessed the system. The only thing we can suggest now is investigation of those who visited the company and those employees that have left the company, from the time the chairman placed it in drawer 7 until the date the document was found missing.”

A suffocating aura surrounded the miserable man while an intimidating silence filled the entire room. Anyone who was familiar with the chairman and his son knew how the latter hated inconvenience with a passion. Jumin Han may be a patient man, but issues extending beyond his expected time of resolve have always been aggravating to his tolerance.

Heaving a sigh of resignation, he waved the employee away. “I want it done three days from now. Provide me a list of possible suspects. Those who get cleared must be reconfirmed thrice, and I expect a complete report about the suspects Tuesday next week. Is everything clear?”

“Yes, Mr. Han.”

As the man’s retreating figure exited the door, his attention shifted to the cat stamp on his desk, staring at him with its big, cartoon-like golden eyes. Things had been hectic lately that he forgot he placed it there. “How fortunate… toys have no worries,” he said, lids drooping from exhaustion.

But what is life to be lifeless?

Unlike objects, he gets to experience life as a social being, and it is freedom which gives life a pleasant taste. It is natural for men to seek freedom when they are under extreme limiting control,  since they are blessed with free will; however, it is unnatural for men to seek too much liberation for it causes chaos. There is such a thing as greed for freedom, but there is no such thing as peaceful freedom without restraint; balance is important.

He considered himself to be fairly balanced….

But what is this strange yearning?

“I must be missing Elizabeth the Third.” He rested his cheek on the back of his hand, grabbing the cat stamp with his other and stamping it on a scratch paper. To his surprise, the cat opened its mouth—a message rolling out of its tongue.

“You’re special! Stay happy!”

He scoffed. It was undeniable. The message was just cringeworthy.

Still, for some reason, a small smile made its way to his lips.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0

She was a person of mistake. From touching the iron—when her mother told her not to during her younger days—to quitting a job because of a huge mistake–quitting the job itself was a huge mistake too. Apparently, even smaller jobs do not come easily as well. A long, devastated sigh escaped her pinkish lips.

“I’m sorry, Grandmother, to leave you this soon… but I don’t want to burden you when I’m jobless,” she sobbed dramatically, earning her a chuckle from the elder woman.

“Don’t be sorry now. Your mother needs you at home for sure, so you’re actually doing her a favour coming back.”

“But I need to earn for the family.”

“I know, my dear. But it seems like fate is leading you back home. Everything will eventually pass just as this problem of yours. You’ve gone through so many difficulties before, so why not believe you’ll overcome this too in time?”

Hannah pouted at her grandmother. “I just want to be able to provide enough for my family… I want them to live comfortably,” she grumbled, “Mom has already made a lot of sacrifices for us, and I just want to be able to provide for them, so she could get the chance to use her money and time to spend it on things she wants.”

“Your mother is spending her money and time on things she loves… or rather ‘people’ she loves.”

This made her look up from the ground and gaze at her grandmother’s gentle eyes. She may not have the luck to enjoy luxurious things in life, but she has the luxury of a loving family… and to her, that is more special than what all precious stones can offer. With teary eyes, Hannah stood up from the couch and gave her a loving embrace.

“I’ll miss you.” Those words left her with a smack on the head.

“I’m old but don’t talk like I’m running out of time!”

She left to go back home to her little town the following day…

...unaware of the man in black who came to visit the humble abode later.

Coming back home, she felt the wind brushing against her cheeks; the memories of her past greeted her along with it. It was a small town, so people were fairly acquainted with one another. It would have been pleasant to know everyone in the neighbourhood, but because of the small population, gossips tend to spread like wildfire. Everyone was into each other’s business, and it can be utterly frustrating. 

“Sister!” Two kids called from afar, one with chin-length blonde hair and blue eyes, while the other having red hair and green eyes. Before she could even prepare for it, two small bodies crashed against her, their laughter filling her ears.

“We missed you!” Sana, the blonde, squealed and wrapped her arms more tightly around her waist.

“Hey! Sis can’t breathe!” Riri, the redhead, pulled their younger sister away from the breathless brunette. “She just arrived and you’re already killing her.”

The two kids continued to bicker in front of her, but what caught her eye was their approaching mother slowly making her way towards them.

“Sana, Riri, come here and let your sister rest inside. You can disturb her when she has fully settled.”

The whines from the two made her giggle. They had not changed since the last time she was home. She ruffled their hair and led them back into their home, their mother walking closely behind.

People turned their heads to their direction, accompanied by whispers she could barely hear. It was an attention a family with different appearances would garner. She thought she might get used to it, though they were proving it to be difficult.

A crestfallen look marred her face. “Sorry, Mom,” she started, “I lost my job.”

There was a pause. Hannah hung her head down, too ashamed to face her mother who was already struggling to make ends meet.

They continued to walk but no one dared to speak, until her mother let out a heavy sigh.

“I don’t know why you’re wearing such a long face. I’m just happy you safely returned home and well. You can always get another job, Hun. Always have hope." The older woman placed a comforting hand on her daughter’s back. “We’ve been struggling for a long time, but look at us… we’re still alive till this day. That should be enough to give us hope, don’t you think?”

Hannah reluctantly nodded, wrapping her arm around her mother’s waist.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0

“She’s not there?”

“Yes. The address written is a temporary address when she was working here, Mr. Han.”

“Where is her current location?”

He scrutinized the photo on the top right corner of the file. The lady in the photo had long brown hair and ash brown eyes. Her skin held a pale complexion but vibrant with life. He cannot recall a time he ever saw her around, but he can vaguely remember the HR manager presenting him details concerning the new recruits back then.

“Odd,” he remarked. “She left just a few days prior to the time we discovered that the document was missing.”

“We will perform the inspection today if you wish.”

He raised his hand which silenced the man before him. “No,” he commanded, his tone holding absolute certainty. “I will personally handle this. You’ve been away from your task for too long. Return to your stations.”

Just like that, they were dismissed.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0

Hannah paused, then rested her palms against her back. She bent backwards, going lower until she heard a few pops. Five hours of having her back hunched forward put considerable strain on her bones that she sometimes considered herself as a 24-year old with the back pain of a 90-year old.

Washing other people’s laundry traditionally is so damn hard… I wish we had a washing machine to do this.

From the corner of her eye, four middle-aged women were gathered together, tirelessly speaking in hushed tones among themselves.

“I sometimes pity that girl.”

“What’s there to pity? It’s justified karma!” The woman huffed, fanning herself with a piece of cardboard. “You see, if her mother wasn’t such a tramp who slept around with men, then their lives would not be like that.”

“You’re right. Poor girls… suffering because of their whore of a mother.”

Knuckles slowly turned white as she furiously scrubbed the cloth between her fists, even when the stains had faded and all. She vowed to never curse out loud as it would set a bad example for Sana and Riri.

“I heard she got pregnant with her eldest...  Ha… Han... what’s her name again?”

“Hannah!”

“Ah, yes! She got pregnant with Hannah when she was still in high school.”

“Really?” The woman’s face contorted into a grimace.

“Mm-hmm! That’s why she never finished high school!”

Damn you all.

“Her daughter seems to be following in her footsteps, though. She never finished school too, no?”

Excuse you! Get your facts straight! I graduated from high school but I didn’t go to college!

With Sana and Riri not around, she could scream profanities that would put even the most vulgar mouths to shame.

“And they even have different fathers!” 

Jeez. Why bother whispering when I could hear every insult?

“A pretty face won’t hide her utter lack of breeding.”

A little louder! I don’t think the people in the back heard you!

Her imagination showed her the best way to swat the wet cloth on to their faces, yet she chose to clench her jaw instead and hunched lower, twisting the wet shirt with all her might. The onslaught of tears that threatened to spill stung her eyes and slowly blurred her vision.

No. Not in front of them.

For the next hour, Hannah had to turn a blind eye to their gossip, lest she be fired due to misdemeanor. She shifted her attention from them to the next batch of laundry on her left.

Why do they keep assuming the worst out of us? They don’t know the whole story!

When they finally exited the place, Hannah released the shirt with much force back in the basin, the impact causing the frothy water to splatter against her face.

A small whimper escaped from her mouth, yet she managed to hold back her tears.

She hated her small town; she hated everyone in it. If it were not for her family, she would never set foot in that place ever again. But alas, the world would be unbalanced if everyone got what they wanted.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0

“I’m home!”

As soon as Hannah announced her arrival, she placed her slippers on the indiscernible shoe rack. She was careful not to step on the holes where wooden floorboards used to be. So far, its state was the same as the last time she visited. There was nothing to be cautious about.

After all, she had every crooked floorboard committed to memory—

“Ah!” she screeched, her heart stopping from the unforeseen mishap. “SANA! RIRI! WHAT’S THIS?”

“It was Riri!”

Hannah sucked in a huge breath and bellowed, “RIRI!”

Just in time, Riri got out of the bathroom. “Oh, sis, welcome home.”

“Yeah, it was a very warm welcome. Care to explain this?” She pulled her foot out and pointed at the hole where it just fell into.

“Sorry, it gave off when I threw my socks there.” The young redhead scratched her cheek. “I think the wood was ready to shatter anyway. Even the weight of a spirit can break that part of the floor.”

As much as Hannah loved her younger sisters, they could sometimes get on her nerves.

Well, we wouldn’t be sisters if no one annoyed each other.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0

“Hannah, you’re done already?”

“Yeah,” she answered after drinking a bottle of fresh milk she got for free from the old lady she often helped crossing the streets. “Want this? I’m already full.”

Upon offering the partly-consumed bottle of milk, Riri and Sana jumped from glee, only to argue who was getting a bigger portion from it.

Honestly, she could greedily gulp that milk on her own, but fresh milk rarely comes into their lives. Whenever she got the chance to be lucky, she felt responsible to share the things she gained with her sisters… no matter how small the portion was left for her. They were helpless children in a twisted world.

It’s not that she never saw the brighter side—she and her family were together and in good health; they at least had food on the table… that should be enough, right?

Right?

Tomorrow would be the same as any other day; her mother would rise earlier than the roosters’ crows, prepare breakfast, bathe, then go to work.

Working 12 hours a day with only a cracker and bottle of water to get her through…

… Hannah could not help but feel they deserved more.

I don’t need to be filthy rich. Just an average life would do!

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0

Another day, another muscle sore….

Something was not right.

High-pitched shouts and boisterous laughters roused Hannah from her shallow slumber. She grabbed the pillow underneath her head, then pressed it over her ear to block out the noise, but to no avail.

What is it now?

She sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, then got out of bed. Sluggishly, she dragged herself out of the bedroom.

As she got out, the suspicious feeling that something was off came once again. She was not greeted by the usual scene of Riri and Sana running around.

Her eyes scanned the shabby living room, then stopped at the front door that was left ajar.

Taking brisk steps towards it, she could make out not only her sisters’ voices…

“Go away! Or I’ll call my sister!”

“Oohh, I’m scared! You hear that? She’ll call her sister!” 

She pulled the door wide open, “Sana! Riri!”

Their mockery came into an abrupt halt when she entered the scene.

Riri stood in front of a crying Sana, shielding her from a group of grown men.

She felt a vein pop upon seeing the shameless display of immaturity, “Stop that!”

Upon seeing their eldest sister, Sana sniffled, rubbing her eyes as she ran towards her.

“Sana!” Hannah crouched to the young blonde’s height. “Are you alright? Did they do something to you?” She took Sana’s arms and scanned her for any injury. 

Fortunately, Sana was physically unharmed.

Gritting her teeth, Hannah stood and glared at the group of grown men acting like 10-year olds.

An insult to 10-year olds all over the world. Being middle-class does not give you the right to step on us!

“Have you lost your minds? She’s just a child! If it’s a fight you want, then sorry. We can’t entertain you.” She faced her two sisters, resting her hands against their backs and urging them towards the front door. “Sana, Riri, let’s go back inside.”

“Aaw, you won’t entertain us? But that’s what your slutty mother does, right? Right?”

The buffoons roared with laughter, nudging and high-fiving each other as though they were a bunch of elementary schoolboys.

Calm down, Hannah. They’ll eventually go tired. Don’t stoop down to their level.

“Stop pretending to be a good girl! You’re just like your mother, I bet!”

Hannah ignored them, lightly pushing Sana and Riri into their house. “Get inside.”

“Aaw, but we were having so much fun! Let them stay! I’m sure your sisters would grow up to be just like you two! Ah, can’t wait ‘til they turn 18—”

“Shut up!”

She snapped her head at their direction. They could hurl insults at her all day, but she will never allow anyone to to treat her family like trash, especially her baby sisters.

“Shut up?” The burliest of the group stepped forward. “Why? I was only speaking the truth! You know what they say—the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

She glared daggers at him. “Is that the best you can do? Did you pay your goons to laugh at your dumb joke? Either that or you guys need to work on your sense of humour.”

His face inched closer to hers. She turned her face away from him, nose scrunching as the warmth of his sour breath hit her face. The calloused finger caressing her skin churned her stomach, prompting her to slap his finger away.

The rumours about him were true—he does not take rejection well.

He cupped her chin, pressing his fingers harder against her cheeks. “Well, at least you’re pretty. You want money, right? Right?” Nails dirtied with grime dug themselves deeper into her skin, she was sure it would leave a mark.

The ruckus brought about a crowd of familiar faces surrounding them.

“Come to my house and I’ll give you anything you want, eh? How does that sound?” He leered her up and down, slowly licking his lips as his gaze lingered longer at her chest.

Fed up and fueled by restrained anger, she swatted his hand away and struck his cheek with a deafening slap. “Don’t touch me. And never come near our house again, do you understand?”

His nostrils flared as he rubbed his cheek. “YOU!” he glowered. Sharply sucking in air through gritted teeth, he raised his fist to hit her but was stopped by one of his companions.

“LET GO!” After prying his hand away from their hold, he elbowed the weaker-looking man’s gut, causing him to double over in pain.

“Who the heck do you think you are? No woman would ever put up with you! Want to know why you’re still single, huh?” she taunted, holding her chin up and placing her hands on her hips. “Because no one’s insane enough to settle for you!”

Her charged spiel was met with crumpled bills thrown at her face.

“Want more? Here!”

They showered her with paper bills and coins of varying values.

Although this sort of humiliation was not a rare occurrence, it never failed to rile her up.

She picked some of them up, and threw it back at them.“ I don’t need your money! Why would I, when… when,” she stammered. When what? She needed to act fast to get them off her case. 

Then, an idea dawned on her along with the next words her brain scurried to form.

“When?” one man asked.

“Shh, shh, don’t disturb her. She’s thinking about the money.”

“Your money?” she scoffed. “Please! Why would I need it when I have a suitor worth more than all of you combined?”

“Whooooaaa, really? Prove it!”

She expected to be met with disbelief. All she needed was a convincing lie to get them to believe her.

Whispers of incredulity broke the stillness in the air which ironically intensified the situation.

“You seriously believe her? The suitor is obviously a druggie!”

“No, he’s not! H-he’s none other than the heir of… of… C&R!”

Shi… of all the companies you had to say, it had to be C&R!

“Did you hear that? The heir of C&R? This bitch is delusional!”

“I’ve never seen the heir. Is he handsome?”

“None of us has internet, Sweetie.”

Word spread fast, as not even seconds later, the crowd was growing larger.

Hannah wanted to smack herself, not mentally but physically. 

Way to go, Hannah! You just had to make things worse… should I call Seven? He is rich and has many cars after all. Ah, but I shouldn’t bother him with these trivial matters.

The heavens must have pitied her and answered her prayers, as she caught sight of a slick black car parked by from a distance.

They were too busy gossiping and throwing insults at her that they had not noticed where her line of vision ended.

A serious-looking middle-aged man in black suit got out of the driver’s seat. He circled the car until he reached the back door.

Hannah kept her eyes peeled open as the chauffeur opened the backseat door.

Bingo.

A tall, well-built man with unkempt black hair stepped out of the car. He scanned his surroundings, a perplexed expression on his face as he whispered something to his chauffeur, who then gave a slight nod in reply.

The man looked to be in his late 20s, and his whole existence screamed that he was not a resident of their village. 

I found my new suitor.

“Oh, silly me, I almost forgot!” She lightly smacked her head. “I forgot he was going to visit me! He’s right there, see!” She jumped up and waved her arms at the unknown man.

The strange action caught his attention as he was meticulously folding his long sleeves.

“Hehe, be right back!”

Hannah rushed towards him, aware that the small crowd was staring at her retreating figure.

Then she finally reached him. Instead of introducing herself, she tiptoed, tugging the collar of his sleeve to bring him to her height and whispered, “Please, please, please do me a favour and just pretend to be the heir of C&R! It’s very important! PLEASE!”

There was a slight quirk of his brow as he responded with outright bewilderment, “But I am the heir of C&R.”

Overjoyed, Hannah clapped her hands together and cheered, “Perfect! Just like a natural! Now let’s go!”

“Wait—”

Ignoring his confused face, she linked her arms with his and gleefully dragged him towards the flabbergasted crowd.

They have no idea how the heir looks like anyway!

Once she reached them, she made an exaggerated gesture to introduce the saviour of her current predicament.

“This is my suitor! The heir,” she threw that word with much emphasis, smirking as she savoured the baffled looks on their faces, “of C&R International Company!”

She could take a guess of what went on in their heads: How was Hannah able to snag such a handsome rich man? I wish I was her right now! She’s got to be kidding?!

Having been taught to think twice when unexpectedly faced by conflict, Jumin carefully analyzed the situation, noting every detail he could gather. She doesn’t seem to know me… and neither do these people. His piercing glare landed on the grown men, and this made them flinch from where they stood. But perhaps they know.

“S-Sir… we apologize for causing Ms. Hannah trouble. W-we will be leaving now!”

Oh, shit… he’s such a good actor. He hasn’t said a word at all, but he managed to fool them! Hannah’s eyes darted between the classy-looking man and the direction where the men just ran off.

“Are you alright, Hannah? Did they hurt you?” The woman she worked for the other day came up beside her.

She gave her the side-eye. If memory serves her right, these people had always thrown their knives at her back.

“At least you’re alright,” the lady said before facing the ‘heir of C&R’.  “Hello, Mister! I’m Jung Mina!”

“Oho, now you’re behaved?” Hannah’s lip curled at her sudden shift of behaviour. The quintessential social climber. “Scatter along now! Can’t you see you’re making him uncomfortable?”

 When the crowd dispersed and went their own way, Hannah sighed in relief. Peace, at last.

Before she could forget her saviour, she turned to look at him then bowed politely. “I’m sorry I dragged you into this ruckus. I really am!” She straightened her posture. “Why don’t I bring you to the market? My treat! It’s usually not crowded around this time of day.”

“I’m not here for such matters—”

“Nonsense! At least let me treat you for the trouble! If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have a peaceful day. That happens only once in a blue moon, so please let me show you my gratitude!” She took his hand and pulled him along with her. 

And with an audible sigh, he followed.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0

He’s like a kid on his first exploration.

She tried to stifle her laughter as she watched him attempt to conceal his awe at the surroundings. He looked so fascinated that she felt bad to disturb his musings. His eyes were darting from place to place, but she noticed how they would linger on anything cat-related, especially on white ones with blue eyes.

“So this is the commoners’ mall. It is outdoors?”

“I guess you can say that? I mean, it’s called a ‘market’.”

“Everything here is cheap… are they all safe?”

“Not everything—but most are safe! Sometimes it���s cheap because they manufacture it themselves. Others buy it by bulk directly from the manufacturers. Most items are knockoffs too, not everyone can afford the real thing; although, I don’t understand why people would waste money on expensive bags or watches. If I were them, as long as a bag works or a watch works, it doesn’t have to be… you know… pricey.”

The sudden halt in their footsteps caught his attention. When she turned to look at him, he couldn’t help noticing the glint of mirth that her brown eyes gave off.

“Do you love cats?”

He blinked twice. How was she able to tell?

She chuckled at his stiff nod. For a rich man like him, she surely did not feel intimidated by his vibe. “Here, let me buy this for you—no refusing!” she demanded, her hand reaching to an oversized blue pajama set with cat prints on it. She raised the shirt to his chest, checking if the size fitted him.

His head tilted ever so slightly to the side as he scanned the top’s design. “I have never worn anything like this.”

“Huh? Then what do you wear when you sleep?”

“I wear outfits that are convenient for immediate departure in case of an emergency.”

She scrunched her nose. “I… guess it’s improper to ask further,” she said whilst her eyebrow rose behind her frame. “Maybe I should get you more.”

“There is no need.” When he made a move to bring out his wallet, Hannah immediately stopped him, grabbing his wrist and placing it back to his side.

“No, I will be paying! Don’t pay for anything today.”

The next thing he knew, they were sauntering all over the place with ease. It was not difficult to maneuver around the small crowd given the friendly weather they were under. The sky was perfectly cloudy and the cool breeze was pleasing to his skin. This was not the “appointment” he was expecting to encounter when he came to visit the small town.

Still, with all his frankness, it was a surprise he was willing to spend the day in.

Unconsciously, Jumin let out a soft chuckle.

“Don’t tell me you have never tried this?” she exclaimed in pure disbelief, her hands shaking both paper bags in her hands. 

“My nutritionist strongly opposes junk food, and he has been my nutritionist since my childhood; therefore, I never once touched this… fries.”

“It’s not just your regular fries; this is ‘Shook Shook Fries’. A taste of this is a must!”

“It is unhealthful….”

“It’s not like you’re gonna eat this everydaaay,” she dragged for added humour, “just have it from time to time.”

The moment he tasted it, he knew he was missing a lot of things in life.

There it was again, that satisfying sound of her laughter… she was doing it again.

“It’s good, isn’t it?”

He stared at her genuine smile for the third time that day. Was it the third? Maybe fourth? Fifth? His sharp memory could not tell. Have I really been too preoccupied?

His attention shifted back to the young woman waving her hand close to his face… 

...and to the next food she was putting on his palm.

“I’m betting my head you’ve never tried this too. Make sure you have this for breakfast with egg tomorrow!”

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0

Just as it started, their wandering ended with Hannah paying for the long cat plush pillow.

“I feel like a boyfriend spoiling his girlfriend around.”

“Is that bad?” came his monotonous voice.

“Nope! I had fun. Sorry I wasn’t able to treat you much, but this is all I can offer,” she said sullenly. “I hope you enjoyed it though.”

It was silent for a while, until he could visibly see his car slowly approaching them from a distance.

“Oh! Isn’t that your car? Why don’t you leave now and get some rest?”

She continued to blabber about how he should go home and that she would be fine going home by herself. While she was busy gesturing over the car—her back turned to him—he lifted his hand high in the air to catch the driver’s attention. With one twirl of his finger, the car stopped proceeding before it turned and drove away.

“H-Hey! Why is it leaving?” 

“Perhaps my driver forgot something.”

“What? But what about you?”

For a split second, she thought she was imagining things. She saw the corner of his lips quirked up as he shrugged his shoulders.

“I guess I’ll walk you home.” Even though his eyes were as dark as the night that was coming, they were warm like the first ray of sunlight in the cold early morning.

However, her face was probably warmer than his gaze.

The very same night, someone unusually had difficulty falling asleep after realizing something really important.

“I forgot to ask his name!”

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~0 ~ 0

“Yes, make sure all their bills are paid for the entire year. Tell them to contact my assistant if the amount is inadequate.”

“Understood.”

“You may leave.”

Jaehee could not tell which was more perplexing, seeing her boss using a long cat plush pillow or the rustling sound the fries were making inside the paper bag he was shaking.

“Mr. Han, I don’t think your nutritionist will… appreciate that.”

He simply hummed in response.

“Have you ever tried this ‘Shivering Fries’?”

“It’s ‘Shook Shook Fries’, Mr. Han, and I have had it several times. Will this be your first?”

“How bold of you to assume I’ve never had this.”

She swore she felt her energy evacuate her body at that comment. At least I’m paid more than enough to handle this. “My apologies. You just don’t seem to be the type to eat that kind of food.”

There he was, in all his glory, smirking at himself for who knows what reason. She had always found him annoying; but today, he was different on an exasperating level. 

Jaehee swore once more that his next words had successfully snapped a vein in the back of her head.

“I am quite a commoner at heart. And can someone buy me this ‘hotdog’ with egg?”

0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0

Hey guuuys, hope you enjoyed this! Since this is kind of a sideline project and this isn't our super focus, Chapter 3 is unsure as of yet!

Anyway, thank you for reading! Love you guys ohohohoho

[thadelightfulone]

The Firm - Chapter 9

Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

Summary: Erik has been hired to find an embezzler for an old friend. The investigation is underway but who is after Green and LaNyah.

Pairing: Erik x Black!OC

Genre: Suspense

Words: 5K+

--- 3 Weeks Ago ---

Matt sits in the seat just vacated by Mrs. Williams, and Laura sits across from him. He is wringing his fingers, opening and closing his mouth. Where does he start this conversation? How does he fill in the details about what he has been up to for the last three years? And that he is living on borrowed time? Hell, how does he tell her she was just face to face with his boss? A bitch who is clearly capable of doing anything at any time based on what he has witnessed. Inhaling deeply, he starts. “I don’t know where to begin.”

“You better say something to me. You made me look stupid in front of Mrs. Williams.” He didn’t have the heart to tell her that Mrs. Williams feels that way about everyone below her stature anyway.

“So, you know how I brought you up here to get you away in case my boss tries something?”

She rolls her eyes, “Oh, you mean the illegal job?”

“You know I didn’t hear you complaining when the money was coming in regularly. In fact, we still see all that money every month. You are so ungrateful.” He puffs out in frustration, “I did this for you. I knew then that it was a long term job. I knew that you wanted kids, a great big house, a grand wedding, and all that shit. With Mr. Green, not paying me any mind, I thought I was stuck until this opportunity came along." He stands up, "So, do not look at me like I am some grand fuck up."

“You are Matthew. You needed help to get here. And clearly, for someone this shady to find you, I bet they have some dirt on you." She slowly rises to her feet. "How many women did you get caught with, Matt?" She pokes him, "No, how many women filed complaints with HR about you? What is your boss holding against you that you can't just leave and take the money that you have already earned, huh?" She walks over to the railing. "Why do you have to finish it? You did all the hard work getting them access in the first place. They have that chick you mentioned, Mariah, or whatever her name is to take the fall for all the shit you have done. Why are you not out?"

Lowly, he responds to her, "Because it is a death sentence." She whirls around on him; confusion marks her face, "As soon as I am no longer needed," he sniffs to prevent the tears from falling, "I. Am. A. Dead. Man."

She walks over to him and grabs both of his hands in hers. "I'm sorry, babe.” She leans against his shoulder. “There’s gotta be something you can do?”

Shaking his head, "Nope. If I come clean to Green, I'll be fired and arrested for everything I did. That's federal time. If my boss even thinks I'm about to squeal or fuck up the grand plan in any little way, she’ll have me killed.”

"She?" Matt turns to Laura, grabbing her into a bear hug, inhaling her scent, and just holding her and the baby tightly until he stops crying.

--- Three Weeks Later ---

LaNyah only comes to the top floor to report her findings in the weekly meetings with Erik, or any tasks that he has requested of her. She no longer works out of the conference room. Conversations are kept to a minimum unless Stacey joins them. She has integrated herself into their meetings without either party fighting her on it. LaNyah doesn't look at Erik, only the computer screens and conference monitors. Erik acts like he appears, a solid brick wall. Even with Stacey engaging both of them, they speak to and through her but never towards one another.

Stacey starts to spend more time downstairs with LaNyah as well, sometimes working out of her office. They have lunch together daily, and she is helping LaNyah work on her crafting skills. Stacey has even gotten her to accept invitations with Cynthia and Sandi for local Paint & Sip nights and after-work drinks with the rest of the team. LaNyah is happy to have another woman friend besides Ashley, who is more like a mother figure anyway.  

Erik started keeping irregular hours in the office, only really there for his meetings with LaNyah and Stacey. Otherwise, he is focused on trying to figure out who Matt has been in communication with since his in-house investigation is over. He has followed him to some hole-in-the-wall spot down the street on various occasions, and every so often, there is a bunch of men surrounding a well-dressed woman who sneaks in and out through the back. He can never get a good enough look at her to run her face through his software.

He stays back so Matt won’t see him, but it is getting frustrating after tracking his movements for weeks. Erik even saw Matt invite LaNyah out for drinks with the team. And she actually joined them, after inviting her new bestie, Stacey along. Those two were growing closer as each week passed, and LaNyah won’t even look at him. As far as she is concerned, he is another pain in the ass man for her to avoid unless it is absolutely necessary to engage.

Erik knows they think the worst of him, and even though he never wanted that to happen. He knew that it needed to be done for him and LaNyah. And the one person that he should be able to talk that out with won't talk to him either. Stacey does her job, but the jokes and playful banter he was used to between them is gone as well. Erik closes his eyes, mentally preparing himself for another day at GBI.

---

Alex taps his desk in frustration; the map and dots on the screen are flashing faster than they were less than 24 hours ago. He glances at the screen on the left and notices the numbers declining across several account lines. Shaking his head, he yells out, "Ashley! We gotta get back. Pack up our things now!”

Looking at the time, he picks up the phone and makes a call. He knows it is a long shot that someone will answer, but he needs to try.

Erik lifts his head from the desk when the phone rings, “Stevens.”

“I figured you might be in today.” Alex rushes out before continuing, “Erik, they picked up activity.” Erik pulls up the database screens and watches the same flurry of activity that Alex is watching.

“Why now?” He counts in a low whisper as he adds up the amounts. “They dropped the pattern and are increasing it in lumps sums.”

“They are about to make their move, E.” Alex blurts. “Ashley and I are coming back. I will be in the office tomorrow, can you meet me there? We need all hands on deck for this part. You, Stacey, and LaNyah.”

Closing his eyes, he starts rubbing his temples, “Yeah, I can be here to meet you. I don’t know if I can get LaNyah here on such short notice, but I’ll try.” He removes his gold-rimmed glasses, placing them beside the stack of papers on his desk.

“Do that. I will see you soon.” Alex hangs up, and Erik places a call before he stands up to look out the window.

The other line picks up, “Stacey, I need you to come in tomorrow.” Erik hears the sucking of teeth. “Alex is coming, and he needs us all here. Can you relay that message to Miss Cole?”

“Yes sir. Is there anything else?”

Rolling his shoulders, he turns to the phone, “No. I will see you in the morning. Have a good day.” He returns to his seat, picking up two documents and runs his fingers along the colored notes LaNyah made on them. “What am I going to do about this girl?”

---

It’s a beautiful Saturday morning as LaNyah approaches her first stop of the day. It was her favorite time of the week, her weekly shopping, and she has her lists ready. There are a few new recipes that she wants to try out as the weather gets cooler. Her weekend meal prepping for the week is both calming and relaxing. Most may find it monotonous, but she enjoys the routine, especially since she has been going out with Stacey a lot more lately.

Her best friend and the one who has been keeping her grounded, Stacey. LaNyah smiles, thinking about having a best friend. She's even helped her become more of a team player, so Matt doesn't bother her as much. She ignores him like the rest of the team does, and who would have thought that. They all share their dislike of him after he leaves whenever they go for drinks. She just keeps her distance from him like with Erik.

LaNyah stalls while putting her lists in her bag and just sits in her car, thinking about her boss. The handsome boss with the calming voice, who she thought wanted to help her. She has thought about his actions over the last few weeks and still cannot make sense regarding his about-face when it came to her and the real culprit behind the embezzlement. She really did start to think of him as a friend and even a protector, so it hurt to see him switch up on her. It was like he said what he needed to get her guard down enough for her to be comfortable with him and then turned on her, right when she needed him to fight for her.

No matter how he made her feel and her attraction to him, she was not going to let it hinder her progress. This whole situation and Stacey have helped her become someone she recognizes, someone who wants to live and have experiences without crippling fear preventing it. She has done a lot more living and growing in these last few weeks than ever before, and she has the two of them to thank for that. LaNyah takes a deep breath and releases all those thoughts that just flooded her. Time for shopping. She collects herself and gets out of the car.

LaNyah walks in, smiling and waving to all the employees she knows before grabbing a basket. Swinging her handbasket, she collects some of her usuals – popcorn, flavored almonds, Oreos, and newly added a wine she discovered at one of the Paint & Sip nights with the girls. Scrolling through her list, she makes her way down each aisle, grabbing all necessary items for crockpot soups, various pasta dishes, and her favorite roasted chicken salad.

Leaving the store, she puts all her items into her trunk. She checks off that store’s list and places it in her purse. LaNyah goes to put her cart back at the return.

“Oh, damn.” LaNyah turns to see an older lady who was one register over from her, having trouble putting her items away on the other aisle.

She puts her cart away and walks over to her. "Can I help you, ma'am?"

"Thank you, sugar. I would appreciate it.” She points to a bag that LaNyah helps her lift up and into the back seat. They work together and make short work of getting the rest of her bags into the car. “You are such a sweetheart. Thank you.”

"You're welcome, ma'am. Have a lovely day!" LaNyah walks away as her cell starts to ring. She stops to look at it and see Stacey’s name. “Hey girl, what’s up?”

“We have to work tomorrow.”

“Really? Why would Erik need us on a Sun-”

Stacey cuts her off, “Alex wants us there.” She hears LaNyah inhale deeply. “Yeah, I guess he is flying back today and wants all of us in tomorrow.”

“Well, they are just gonna have to see me on Monday. I need more than 12 hours notice for this.” Stacey huffs. “No Stace, if we all have to actively work together and be cooped up in the same space,” she rubs her temple, “then I need the time to adjust. I mean, unless you want to spend the day babysitting me."

“Alright, alright, alright. I get it. I’ll cover for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Just make sure you are there first thing Monday morning, ok.”

"I will. I promise. See you Monday." Stacey hangs up, and LaNyah gets back to her car, but her driver’s side is blocked by a car that just parked. “Seriously.” She walks to her trunk and stands there.

"Oh my bad, did I block you in?" She nods at the man who walks around the black Range Rover and spots her. "Hold on; I got it." While LaNyah focuses on him going back to the driver’s side. She is knocked to the ground hard from her left, and before she can scream, a hand covers her mouth with a cloth. LaNyah’s unconscious body is lifted off the ground and put into the back of the Range Rover.

“Did you get her?” The voice coming from an earbud that the driver is wearing. They are looking at jumping lights on a laptop screen. “Beautiful work Matthew.”

“Yes, we got her. Are we taking her to the safe house?”

“Correct. I will see you guys down there later tonight.” Gina pulls her wig off, shaking out her hair and sits back in her seat as she watches the Range Rover drive off from her rearview mirror. “Bye bye Miss Cole.”

---

It has been a long morning, and both Erik and Stacey are on edge waiting for Alex. He was supposed to be gone for another week, at least. Erik figures Alex thinks that the person behind all of this is about to run off with all the money before they can trace it back to them. Once those funneling transactions stop, there will be no way to trace them anymore. All roads will lead to an inactive IP address and probably a closed bank account.

Alex and Ashley walked into the office a little after 10. He has his laptop out of his briefcase before he greets anyone in the conference room. They all exchange pleasantries over coffee, tea, and bagels as everyone finds their bearings. Erik and Stacey have their notes and pads ready for whatever Alex is about to tell them.

Looking around the room, Alex asks, “Where’s LaNyah?” Ashley looks at Stacey and Erik. Erik turns to Stacey. He didn’t bother to ask when LaNyah did not come in with her.

“Uhhh, she decided not to come in today.” Stacey shrugs. “She said that this is her time to relax and reboot for the upcoming week.” Ashley nods before facing towards Alex.

“Makes sense. Well, I’m sure you both can catch her up when she comes in tomorrow.” He pulls up multiple screens on the wall behind him. "These are all the accounts that we have been tracing the missing money to and from." Alex points to one screen on his left, "This shows the pattern that the money was removed from the account. It goes back three years, increasing in amount every 6 months. I am here because 48 hours ago, the amount jumped by over 1 million dollars in one fell swoop.”

“Damn,” Stacey hisses. “So, what does this mean for us?”

“It means we need to hurry up and figure out who is doing it and stop them. I have frozen any other activity, but it was done after this last move.” Alex stands back as they watch the numbers on the account lines increase and decrease. Huffing out, he continues, "Ash and I were overseas tracing the locations of these accounts. We were chasing the money itself while I had you here finding our inside man and possibly connecting them to the outside man.” Erik and Stacey nod as Alex sits down, and Ashley stands up.  

"Well, we know who the inside man is, but we have no clue as to who hired him in the first place," Erik announces to the room.

Alex taps Erik’s shoulder. “Hold that thought. We may have that part figured out.”

“The funds are bouncing between 10 different accounts after being siphoned from the initial accounts here at GBI. They figured keeping the money spread across different accounts would make it harder to trace because they do not all start from the same location nor stay there for long. From here to San Francisco and Boston, before going overseas to London and finally Australia.” Ashley points to the flashing on the screens. “The final resting place for the money are three accounts in Australia. We had to meet with the officials to get access to the owner of the accounts.” Ashley brings up a new screen with a picture of an older white male.

“Owner? So, only one person is tied to the accounts.” Erik inquires.

“Yes, one sole owner of 4 accounts.” Erik looks closely at the screen and the name of the man. Greg Williams, 57, heir of Williams’ steel mills.

“You just said there were 10 accounts?” Stacey questions.

“Yes, Greg only owned 4 accounts. They were split apart not too long after he died. Then two more accounts were opened at that time.” Alex speaks up from his seat. “He died three years ago, right around the time the embezzlement started.”

“His wife inherited everything and made those changes after he died. One of the original accounts and the two new accounts hold the complete $1.3 billion that she has managed to steal over the last three years.” A new picture pops up on the screen, “This is Gina Williams, maiden name McCoy.”

“FUCK NO!” Erik jumps up from his seat. “Say it ain’t so.” Alex drops his head, avoiding Erik’s hard stare.

Lowly, “His twin sister, man.” Erik bends over the table with a death grip on the edges. Stacey watches all three of them. Erik looks like he has seen a ghost, and his face is full of rage while Alex starts wringing his hands and mumbling softly to himself, head bowed. Ashley is standing strong but has a deep frown on her face as she looks over the two men in the room.

“Am I missing something here?” Ashley walks over to Stacey.

Pulling her up from her chair, “I’ll explain it all tomorrow when LaNyah comes in. It is best if I tell you two what is going on, ok.” Stacey nods and gathers her things.

All is quiet in the conference room once Stacey leaves. The silence permeates the space for the next 5 minutes. Ashley sits down near Alex, grabbing his hand as Erik starts pacing the room.

“It’s been almost 20 fucking years. Why the fuck is she coming after you now?” He looks at Ashley. “In fact, how the fuck was she able to find out about you?”

“I don’t know everything yet. We only found out it was her two days ago. I know that being married to Greg gave her the resources she needed for her search. His family business had government contracts, so she may have found some help searching military records, including any complaints filed against officers." Erik runs his hands over his face. "She would have gotten my name from there. I have no idea how much information she has just yet or her real objective besides trying to get to me.”

“Erik, now that we know this is personal. I need you to be super vigilant of LaNyah.” Erik stops pacing and turns towards Ashley and Alex. "If she chose her as the fall guy, she might know of her connection to us." Alex finishes.

“Fuck me!” Erik slowly lowers himself into the nearest chair. “So, you don’t think it was a coincidence that the money started disappearing not too long after she started working for you?”

“We’re saying we do not know, but we would rather be safe than sorry. If she looked into LaNyah’s background, her most recent history is going to tie her to both of us directly." Ashley interjects.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get that.” He looks at them both, standing up and tapping on the table. “You have the investigation under control again, so I’ll step back and focus on keeping LaNyah safe.” He tries to keep a straight face when looking at Ashley, who smiles softly at him. “Who wants to tell her?”

"I am going to share the details with Stacey and LaNyah if that is ok with you two?" Alex squeezes her hand, and Erik waves it off, “Fine, then I will break it to her that you are her bodyguard in the morning. You can start then.”

Groaning, Erik grabs his notes and stuff and walks to the inner door leading to the office. Ashley and Alex follow. He starts cramming his things into his briefcase. “I need to get out of here and clear my head.” He looks between the two, “I need time to switch from investigator to personal bodyguard.” I need time to figure out how to deal with LaNyah since she won't talk to me, and I have to watch over her now.  

“Oh yeah.”

“Sure, we get it.” Ashley and Alex blurt at the same time. Erik picks up the briefcase and his jacket. Walking to the door, his hand is on the knob when Ashley’s voice stops him. “She is me, and I am her, Erik.”

Erik opens the door, "Yeah, I know." He says out loud to himself but only bobs his head in acknowledgment of her statement before heading to the elevators.

--- Monday Morning ---

Erik walks into the office dressed in a black turtleneck, black leather jacket, and grey slacks. Half of his dreads are in a ponytail on top of his head, with the rest hanging to the side. He has on all gold accessories – his rimmed glasses, a thick chain, watch and a couple of rings. Erik turns to the front desk when he hears sputtering. He rushes over to Stacey and pats her on the back. "You good?"

She thanks him and gathers herself together, "Who are you, and what have you done with Mr. Erik Stevens?" She stands up to look at him.

"Like what you see?" He smiles big, and she spots his deep dimples and catches a glimpse of gold on his lower teeth.

"Nigga, is that a grill?" Erik starts to laugh, and Stacey is stuck. "Who told you to come in looking like a fake Superfly?” She pushes at his chest.

“No one is reporting to me anymore. I am officially shifting to my main role.” He leans over her desk. “Can you make me some coffee for the last time?”

“Oh, you have been activated?” She laughs, “Yeah, I can do that for you because you are gonna need it.” She walks to the coffee maker.

"Why do you say that?" He follows behind her while she laughs.

"She hasn't spoken one word to you in weeks. Now, you have to protect her while the rest of us try to figure out how to catch this fucking Gina chick." She drops the cup under the spout. "What was the last thing I said to you that night?"

“That I was a dick.” She rolls her eyes at him. “Ok, you said that she doesn’t trust me and that I will have a hard time trying to ‘play’ bodyguard if she doesn’t.” 

Stacey fixes his coffee and shoves the cup in his hands, “Exactly, so how do you plan to fix this shit?”

“Ashley is gonna break it to her after she talks to you both.” He stares at the coffee cup in his hand. “Even if she doesn’t talk to me directly, as long as she at least lets me protect her, I can deal with that.”

Shaking her head, Stacey stares at him, “Oh sure, let Ashley smooth things over when it really should be you.”

“You don’t think I haven’t tried to that?” Erik raises his voice, “She won’t even look at me or respond to anything I say. She doesn’t answer any of my calls or emails. She doesn’t stay after the meetings long enough for me to pull her to the side." He sets his cup down. "So, yes, I am going to use Ashley to break the ice for me again. I am back at square one with her, and I have no idea how to get back in her good graces.”

"Back in whose good graces?" Ashley walks up to the desk with Alex. They stare between Stacey and Erik, and the distressed looks on their faces.

“Good morning Stacey,” nodding towards him, “Erik.”

"Good morning Mr. Green and Ashley," Stacey responds.

“Morning Green,” Erik looks at Ashley, “Ashley.” He picks his coffee back up, “I’m gonna head downstairs to wait for LaNyah to arrive.”

"Have her come up as soon as she does, thanks." He two-finger salutes everyone before heading to the elevators.

---

Erik has been waiting by her office door for two hours, and LaNyah has not appeared. He called Stacey half an hour ago, and she said LaNyah never came upstairs either. No one has seen her yet today. He decides to try his luck and call her cell phone. It goes straight to voicemail.

“Hey LaNyah, it’s Erik. Where are you? It's 11 am, and no one has heard from you today. Please just give Stacey or Ashley a call to let us know you are ok. Thanks.”

He texts Stacey letting her know to call LaNyah and see if she gets an answer. He gets up and tosses his cold coffee out on his way to the elevators.

The elevator dings, and Erik walks out to see everyone looking his way. “No response?”

Stacey shakes her head, "It went straight to voicemail for me," pointing to her, "and Ashley, too."

“Do you think she turned off her phone?” Alex asks.

“NO!” They all blurt out.

“It’s her only form of communication. She doesn’t have a landline anymore.” Ashley answers.

“Well, let’s just give her the day. Maybe she is dealing with something and needed to take some time to herself. What is it you guys say, a self-care day?” Stacey stiffly smiles as Ashley runs her hands over her curls.

Erik looks around at them, “It’s me.” All eyes are back on him. “Let’s go to the conference room, and I'll explain.”

After everyone is seated, Erik opens up about his investigation into LaNyah’s whole team and how he came down hard on her during her interview. During his talk, he kept looking over at Stacey, who was paying attention to the wall. Ashley follows his eyes to Stacey and her attempt at avoiding his intense stare.  

Ashley jumps up, “OMG, you two fucked!” Alex grabs her hand to calm her down. “I want you both to look me in the face and tell me that you two did not hook up while we were gone.”

Erik looks at Ashley, "You know me." Ashley crosses her arms over her chest. "Ok, fine, Ashley. I did not sleep with Stacey." Rolling her eyes, he continues, "When I am on a job, I do not mix company with anyone I will have to work with regularly. I am not the same guy you remember Bridges."

“It’s true. We did not hook up. He's not my type, and he definitely is not checking for me." Stacey looks away.

“Ok, so what is with all the secret stares and sad faces I see right now?” Alex interjects.

Stacey looks at Erik, who nods her way, “Well, LaNyah has a crush on Erik.”

"Yeah, and?" Erik and Stacey look between Alex and Ashley, neither know who said it, but it wasn't them. "We already knew that." Ashley waves her on, "Go ahead."

“Well, Erik likes LaNyah too.”

Ashley gasps, and Alex chuckles. "Well, I'll be damned."

Irritated by being interrupted again, Stacey resumes, “I confronted Erik about it the morning he went in to question LaNyah. His actions during the interview –“

“Is how he protects himself and separates the personal from the professional." Alex stands and goes to Stacey, "I've known him a while; he's not that hard to read." He leads Stacey to a chair, walks over to Ashley, and holds his hand out to her. "Now, is as good a time as any."

Ashley takes his hand and stands, walking forward where they all can see her. “Stacey, I am about to share some things with you that cannot leave this room or be repeated anywhere. Do you understand?” Stacey looks around the room.

“Yes, I understand.”

Ashley shares the story from when she first met McCoy as her first commanding officer after she completed boot camp up to when he requested her for his special ops team on an overseas mission. She spoke about meeting both Green and Stevens and how they were her big brothers on the team, always watching out for her. Ashley discusses all instances of harassment at McCoy’s hands and then finally, the assault that ended her military career. Stacey is sitting next to Erik, who grabs her hands as she tears up listening to Ashley talk about that afternoon while everyone was out testing the communication buds.  

Alex stands at Ashley's side, holding her in his arms, wiping her tears as she continues telling Stacey about how Stevens and Green investigated McCoy and found out his history of harassment to any woman under his command. When she breaks completely, Alex finishes up. He reveals that he was out one night when he ran into Stevens, who had just killed McCoy for what he did to Ashley. They made a pact, and Green helped Stevens cover the murder to look like their enemy ambushed him

The other commanding officers never looked further into his case, and it was closed quickly. By then, everyone parted ways, and Green kept in touch with Ashley, who later disclosed to him that she told the investigating officers that it was McCoy who attacked her. She filed a formal complaint, and no one was supposed to know anything. While they were dating, she told him that she knows that he and Stevens had something to do with his death. He came clean and told her what they did.

Stacey grabs some tissue and wipes her eyes. “When was the last time you all saw one another?”

“Five years.”

“15 years.”

“Seven years.

Stacey laughs at all the different answers that came out. They all look at each other and laugh along with her.

“Erik, I told you that you weren’t the only one keeping tabs on everyone.” Alex smiles at him.

"Ashley, I was at your graduation for your Masters," Erik says. "I wouldn't miss that for the world. It was a proud moment to watch my friend walk across the stage, looking like herself again."

“Why didn’t you say something?” He walks over to give her a big hug.

“I was between other jobs and could only fit in the time for your ceremony and then leave. I am shocked that Green didn’t say anything to you. He spotted me when I came in.”

“Yeah, the starter dreads did nothing to cover up that build,” everyone laughs at Alex’s comment.

"Stacey, if we are being completely honest. We were never supposed to see one another again, except for Alex and me since I married him."

“Our pact included a one-time favor, and Alex called it in when he brought me on to investigate this case.”

“Protecting LaNyah from whatever you found during the investigation?” Erik nods at her. “You gotta make this right.”

"I know, I know." Erik walks towards the windows, looking over the city. "I can care for someone I protect as part of the job. But this is different and has been from the moment Alex called me.”

“You were attracted to her before I told you she was the favor.” Alex sighs, “I never in a million years would have thought you or LaNyah would like one another.”

"I tried to warn you about LaNyah's feelings, and you laughed." Ashley pushed him.

“Well, all I know is that I need to focus on protecting her before McCoy’s sister tries to go after her.” Erik turns back towards them, “I’ll work on getting back on her good side once this is all over." He looks at Stacey, who smiles at him.

Alex claps his hands, “Sounds good. So, let’s give her the day and if no one has heard from her by tomorrow-”

"I'm on it," Erik replies. "Now, let's figure out how much this Gina chick knows about all of us."

"I think that is a great place to start," Ashley says.

“I’ll get some menus and order lunch while you all set up the conference room as our war room.” Stacey laughs to herself but stops when she notices the three sets of eyes on her. “Sorry.” She scurries out of the room.

--- Tuesday Morning ---

“When does LaNyah get in today?” Ashley asks Stacey as she prepares her tea.

Checking her calendar, “It’s Tuesday, so we usually see her after her team meeting around 11.”

“Ok,” Ashley takes a seat at Stacey’s desk. “How bad was it?”

"Was what?" She flinches at the look Ashley gives her, "She called me, but I was at lunch. As soon as I got back, I went to check on her, and she told me what happened. We colored, and I listened to her talk about how his turnabout made her feel. She feels like he betrayed her, got her to get comfortable only for him to make it seem like this was somehow her fault."

“She really shared all of that with you?” Stacey nods, “Wow, she is growing into her own.”

“Ashley, you have done great work with her.” Grabbing her hands, "I hang out with her often now, and she is my friend. We go out with her team and have movie nights." She smiles, thinking of how she has watched her grow over this last month. "She has been living, and even though Erik hurt her, she has not let that stop her from growing. She just chooses to ignore him as she does with Matt."

“Speaking of that ass. Is he the inside guy?”

“Yup, it was easy to trace all changes to him since LaNyah doesn’t know how to use all the access Green gave to her," Erik answers as he approaches them. "Good morning."

"Morning, Erik." Stacey responds, "Mr. Green is waiting for you in his office. Have fun." He mushes her in the head as he makes his way towards Alex.

Ashley giggles into her tea as Stacey mean mugs her, “Those big brother tendencies die hard, huh?”

“He is so annoying.” Stacey turns to her monitors to watch the accounts while she and Ashley wait for LaNyah to arrive.

Chapter 10

A/N: I wanted to get more of this story out before the end of the year. Thank you for all the support. I appreciate all of you and look forward to more with this crew in the new year.

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[engagedtobefree]

Scott’s Departure

Friday was a bad dream I still have not been able to wake up from. 

I haven’t written about Scott much on here anymore, and I have been less active on tumblr anyway. but now I need this site right now to process some very heavy feelings.

The last time I had previously seen Scott was mid-March. I was standing in his office at the end of the day as he packed up his laptop and anything else he needed. I hadn’t been approved to work from home yet. I was down about him having to work from home, but he told me to message him any time. I said I would. I messaged him a day or two later, telling him I’d also be working from home for the time being. My work gave me a laptop to take home. My first day working from home he messaged me to ask how I liked working from home. I told him I hated it and he said hopefully he’d get to see me in a week or two. It was the only time during these past 7 months the he reached out and messaged me. At one point during this time, I got annoyed that I was always the one reaching out. I felt like we had gotten to a point in our relationship, whatever it was, that I wouldn’t always be doing all the work anymore. So I didn’t talk to him for two months. Then I missed him too much and started messaging him again. He actually became more receptive to me reaching out and was always quicker to answer me. It was nice.

I missed him a lot these past months. Eventually I got approved to come in for 2 half days every week, which eventually turned into 3 full days. Scott had come to the office twice for stuff; the first time I was in the office but had left before he came (I didn’t know he was coming) and the second time was a day I was going to go in but decided not to. The office has been strange without anyone really there. Even weirder without Scott there. I have had to go out to the boxes in the warehouse a few times, and I turn around and Scott’s office is dark. I have to go and grab a water jug, and I look into his office but he isn’t standing there smiling and waving at me. My heart ached so much that I began to feel like we’d never go back to normal again. I hate that I was right.

About 2 weeks ago, Scott put his away message on for about 2 hours in the middle of the day. My first thought was, “He’s interviewing.” I shook off those thoughts because I absolutely did not want to entertain the thought of losing him. I had this worry pop up before, that Scott might leave, and I was wondering if I manifested it, or if it was something deep inside of my soul that was trying to prepare me for what was coming. I don’t know for sure, and I don’t know if Scott was interviewing that day or what, but he has a new job now and he won’t ever be back.

Friday, I see Scott go offline about 45-50 minutes before the work day ends. I don’t think too much into it; it is a Friday so maybe he just logged off early. Still, something was bothering me, but I had no idea what. I stayed 10 minutes late to make up the rest of the time I had missed due to an emergency vet visit with Weasley (he’s totally okay). My longing to see Scott was stronger than ever. I literally thought to myself as I walked out that day, “If I don’t see Scott soon I feel like my chest might burst.” I had been parking on the main entrance side of the building instead of the back, since we had to come in through the front and leave through the back per my work’s covid policy (plus it was weird getting in my car without Scott there coming out behind me). I come around the building and it takes me a moment to take in what I’m seeing. There is a car parked in front of the entrance that looks like Scott’s car, and there is a man standing there talking to Linda that looks like he could be Scott. I put my things in my car and just stare. I’m too far away to hear his voice, and he is mostly blocked by the large stone railing, and his hat isn’t black like usual, but I know it’s him. I wonder if I should just leave and wave. Then reality hits me: Scott is here, in living flesh right in front of me and I’m just going to casually drive off and wave after not seeing him for 7 months and after missing two other opportunities to see him?? Am I insane?? Then reality hits me again: there is only one reason Scott would be here today. I start to walk over but realize I forgot my mask, so I go back and grab it. Neither Scott nor Linda noticed my presence until I was maybe 12 feet from them. Linda sees me and she says her goodbyes to Scott, tells him good luck, and they exchange a quick little hug. I barely notice Linda though; I only have eyes for the man I have adored for so long.

Scott and I greet each other and I ask him what he’s doing here. He tells me he was dropping off his laptop and desktop. Me: “You got another job?” Scott says he did. I knew this was coming. Me: “Why didn’t you say anything?” Scott: “It just happened suddenly. I just found out today actually.” Me: “You didn’t tell me you were leaving.” Scott: “I gave my two week notice and next week was supposed to be my last week, but HR told me today to just make today my last day.” Me: “This makes me so sad.” Scott: “Yeah, I’m not happy about it. I’ve been here 9 years.” Me: “Really? That long?” Back when Scott and I first started talking to each other it was 6 years. I can’t believe 3 years had gone by. Scott: “Yeah, I mean I wasn’t looking for a job, but this just fell into my lap, ya know?” Me: “Where is your new job?” Scott: “Ca*********r in Ha*******. A guy that used to work here went there and I asked him to keep me in mind if any job came up and it did and they offered me more money. I couldn’t say no. They weren’t bringing us back here. They were going to keep us remote permanently.” Me: “They were?” Scott: “Yeah.” Me: “Yeah, you know I was walking by the empty cubicles earlier and I was thinking how depressing it will be if they don’t bring anyone back.” Scott: “It is. It’s dreary.” Me: “This makes me so sad.” Scott: “Yeah, I’m sad to be leaving.” Me: “So will you be doing the job you were doing before they started changing it?” Scott says he will. Me: “Yeah, you know I’ve been thinking about leaving too lately. It’s not the same and my raise last year was terrible.” Scott: “Oh yeah, the raises here suck. That 2% or whatever it is, it’s bullshit.” Me: “This makes me sad.” Scott: “Yeah, I didn’t want to have to leave.” Me: “Can we keep in touch?” At this, Scott turns to look at me. He has his sunglasses on and I can just barely see his one eye lock onto mine. I can’t read his face since he also has his mask on, but I know I wouldn’t be able to read this look of his anyway. It’s the blank look I’ve seen 100 times, the one that can mean 100 different things. And as he stands there, not answering me right away, there are several things I notice: how sad I had sounded when I asked him the question; how he is obviously taken aback that I asked him this, so it probably didn’t cross his mind to keep in touch with me; he is thinking over how to respond to this, and possibly get out of having to ever speak to me again once he leaves here. Scott: “Yeah, we can keep in touch; just hit me up on instagram you know I’m on there.” (More on this in a future post). To me, it’s not the most hopeful answer, but it isn’t flat-out rejection at least. Me: “I’ll miss you.” Scott says something about how he hates having to leave everyone, or something along those lines. I wasn’t fully listening because I was shocked by what I just allowed to come out of my mouth. Then several things happen all at once: Scott says, “I’ll miss you too” and he starts to turn his head toward me, but before he can even finish what he’s saying I begin to move toward him, and he opens his arms to receive me. Scott, the closed-off man, the man who has his arms folded so much of the time, immediately opens his arms to me the very exact moment he sees me move toward him. I slam into him and wrap my arms around his neck, and his upper body sways back slightly from the force, but he’s strong and steady and stays rooted to the ground. He wraps his one arm around my mid back, and the other arm beneath it, just above my lower back. I have waited for this moment and also feared it. I expected any hug from him toward me to be loose and uncommitted, or quick and half-hearted. But Scott’s embrace is firm yet gentle, and he just stands there holding me while my arms are wrapped around his neck, my chin resting on his shoulder. We just stand there like that, not moving for many moments. I could’ve stood there with him like that the rest of the day, but eventually I say, “You smell so nice.” Scott: “What?” Me, louder: “You smell so nice.” I hold him for another few seconds and then begin to let go. My lips flare, wishing to kiss him, but we have masks on and I wouldn’t make that move anyway. Scott had let me be the first one to break away from our hug. We say a few more things to each other and then begin walking. I poke him in the arm and playfully say, “Don’t ignore me either.” Scott says he won’t and as I bring my hand back, my fingers lightly graze his forearm. I start to walk toward my car and look back over my shoulder. Scott has his head down. I turn back forward and then look back again, but his head is still down. My heart sinks. I get back into my car and he does too. I pull out and watch Scott in his side mirror. He took his mask off but I can’t see his face. His hands are moving and I recognize that he is using hand sanitizer, but my brain doesn’t send that signal to my hands because as I pass I wave to him and he is watching me in his mirror and he waves back. I wanted that moment to feel like something, to feel like a permanent goodbye, or to feel like a talk to ya later. But it didn’t feel like anything. I just felt empty and sad.

I make it a little bit up the road before I have to pull over and cry. Several cars pass, and one looked like it could’ve been Scott, but I’m not sure if it was him or not. I don’t think it was. I send video snaps to Stacy and Amanda, in tears, crying about how Scott is leaving and I’m heartbroken. They don’t know. Both of my best friends, and they don’t know that I am in love with a married man. I decide to send the rest of my snaps to only Amanda, and I apologize for never telling her the truth, for never telling her the extent of my feelings for him. Then I head home and try to calm myself down enough so that my mom can’t tell I’d been crying.

I lay awake and cry in bed for hours that night. I think about Scott not telling me that he was leaving, that he saw my car in the parking lot and still did not seek me out. I think about our last conversation, from Wednesday, when he was giving me back a one to three word responses, and how he said he’d hit me up when he wasn’t busy, to which he never did. I think about how I didn’t even get to see his face one last time, and how I could only barely see his one eye through his sunglasses at that one moment and how I had to keep looking at the mole on his forehead because it was literally the only defining feature I had of him to take in and focus on since the rest of his face was completely covered pretty much. I think about if he meant what he said about us being able to keep in touch or if he was lying. Then I think about the other times when he told me we couldn’t talk anymore, so I’d hope he would be telling me the truth now. But I sounded so sad that it could’ve influenced his answer, and he won’t have to see me again so he could lie and not worry about it because there’d be no consequences. But then I think about him saying he’ll miss me too, and I know he definitely meant that. He didn’t have to say it back, but he did, and Scott has never ever said anything like that to me before.

I think about our hug, and how I got to stand there, up on my tippy toes, with my arms around his neck and his arms around me. I can still feel the light pressure of his arms around my body and I don’t want that feeling to ever go away. A man I have dreamt about kissing, and laying next to, and having sex with, and the thing that matters to me most is that I at least got to hug him. I know that I will cherish that moment forever. If I never see Scott again, if I never talk to him again, I will remember that hug still 50 years from now.

Saturday I spend a large portion of the day with Amanda. She lets me cry when I need to and she takes yoga photos for me later. When we go back to her apartment later, I go through photos I took of conversations between Scott and I, and I notice how in so many of them I had gotten a portion of the conversation in the photo where he is talking about how he wants to go back into the office. I knew we talked about it sometimes, but I never realized just how often it was, and how much he really, really wanted things to be better in some way. At one point, he is told they should be able to go back in once or twice a week, but then that changes to never. Scott says at one point he might consider leaving, but when I send a crying emoji he tells me to stop and that it won’t be anytime soon. But it was soon. And I’m angry. Not at Scott, but my company. I’m angry because he was all but forced to leave. He complained about them breaking up his department for no reason, and they didn’t care. He complained about not being able to go back into the office, and they didn’t care. He complained about them adding to his position and changing it, and they didn’t care. He complained about the daily zoom meetings which later became daily trainings for a role he didn’t want, and they didn’t care. Scott wanted to stay, he wanted to go back, but he was being forced into this corner and I honestly cannot blame him for leaving. Scott is very tolerant, but he’s also rational and level-headed. He wasn’t going to keep giving his time to a company where they didn’t truly care about him or listen to what he had to say. And I’ll be leaving too. I knew it Friday, that I cannot stay here. The main reason I stayed for the shitty pay and the bullshit was because of Scott. I couldn’t leave him, but now he’s gone and there’s nothing left for me there. I love Pete and Joyce, and I’ll miss everyone else, but it’s never going to go back to normal there, and even if they did bring everyone back it wouldn’t matter, because Scott would no longer be there. There would always and forever be a huge chunk of my work life missing, and it would be the most important part to me. I’ve spent these past 7 months wondering when we could have some normalcy back, when I could once again see Scott walking about the building, interacting with him like I used to. But it was never coming back. Everything we had there is permanently gone, and unless some miracle happens, I will probably never see or hear from Scott again. 

I sent him a message on Instagram Saturday afternoon, since I felt inspired to do so: “Hi, Scott. I’m sorry yesterday, I don’t think I told you good luck at your new job. I was upset by the news of you leaving, but I’m happy for you that you found something better and I hope it works out well. I’m also sorry for when I said don’t ignore me. I was just scared that you would, so that’s why I said that, but I also don’t want you to feel obligated to keep in touch with me if you don’t want to. I just wanted you to know that I appreciated our time at work together and how I will miss our talks and your company. I don’t expect anything beyond a friendship, so I wanted to clear that up. I wanted to keep in touch cuz I truly value your friendship and I admire you for who you are as a person. Work won’t be the same without you, and I have felt lately it’s my time to pursue something else too. I hope we can keep in touch though, but I’m leaving that decision up to you. Anyway, I hope you have a nice day and enjoy the rest of your weekend. :)” He hasn’t responded and it isn’t marked as read, but I know the message will probably come through as a request, which he can then accept, deny, or leave sitting there in limbo, and I’d never know which he chose. I also requested to be his friend even though his page is private and he has no photos up, but he hasn’t responded to that either. He told me before he’s never really on there, but I know if he has the app that he got the notifications. I’m not dumb. But what I don’t know is what is going through his mind. Maybe he plans to just ignore me, or maybe he is taking time to think things over, or maybe he truly has not been on there. In any case, I was going to send him one final message when I felt like it was the right time to. I’m not expecting him to respond to my first message, so I know I’ll probably be sending the second one, to which I’d be very surprised if he responded to that either. I have it ready to go, as I typed it out in a moment of clarity, but I don’t want to send it yet in case Scott does happen to respond to me. 

I pulled oracle and tarot cards Friday night too. Amanda got me a tarot deck for my birthday, so I did a past-present-future spread and here’s what I got: Past - a woman sitting in a cell, feeling sorry for herself, not realizing that she holds the key to her own freedom (this was most definitely past me before Scott.) Present: heartbreak (obviously true - and this card flew out of the deck and onto my lap so I didn’t even have to pick it). Future: A man coming to offer stability and loyalty (is this Scott? or some other unknown man?) I decided to do a past-present-future with my traditional Ryder-Waite tarot, which paralleled my first reading a bit: Past - I pulled the High Priestess, which stands for secrets and an unknown future, though she could also represent intuition and the subconscious (this makes sense too because I always felt like the future with my situation with Scott was unknown and that I was left in the dark about things; the intuition and subconscious also makes sense because after I began interacting with Scott and slowly learned to free myself from the chains I placed upon myself, our connection grew and I could connect to my intuition more as well). Present - 8 of cups, which could signify feeling dejected and giving up because of having to deal with abandonment (Scott leaving could def be interpreted as abandonment). Future - Ace of swords, meaning triumph (Honestly, I could interpret this in so many different ways, but I have no idea how a triumph would play out for me, but it is a positive at least, so that’s all I need to know). I also pulled 3 oracle cards from my Inner Compass deck (not a past-present-future thing but I was just feeling the 3s) and they each revolved around manifesting my dream life, following my inner guide, and taking control of where I go from here. Oddly, though it was 3 different things, they all somehow tied into each other. I pulled 3 cards from my rebel deck and got “You are talented and fucking amazing”, “You are loved”, and “Love”, all of which seemed to somehow tie into each other as well. There’s also words on the back of those but I wasn’t feeling drawn to that in this moment. In any case, my future might be looking good, but it still doesn’t change the present of me hurting right now.

I want to post more about this, and on my feelings about today and going forward from here, but I will do that some other time this week. I’m tired and I’ve cried so hard writing parts of this. I was able to schedule an emergency therapy session tomorrow with my therapist, so that’s much-needed right now. Then tomorrow I have to brave facing my computer screen, looking at my contact list, and seeing that Scott is no longer with the company, and seeing the chat bubble I left open where he said he’d hit me up, and seeing that he never got the chance to. I’m going into the office tomorrow too so I can do my Duo therapy session and cry freely without my mom knowing. So I also have to face the office at the same time, his forever dark and empty office, the hallways he once walked and won’t walk again. The ghosts of past memories of him were already there on a normal day, so I have a feeling tomorrow I am going to spend more time crying than working. 

I never wanted to lose you, Scott. I love you.

[maladaptive-ninja-returns]

The Siren & The Healer (2)

Natasha Romanoff arc

Chapter 2: The Stranger

Platonic Natasha x fem!Reader, Loki x fem!Reader (soulmates?)

Theme: With cracks between the most powerful superheroes of the earth, Natasha Romanoff does not find rest when she is assigned on a mission to find the missing pieces of a puzzling power that once nearly got into the hands- rather, tentacles- of Hydra. In order to unearth the pieces, she must dig through her own past and make a decision that might decide the fate of the earth in the coming wars.

Series: Will contain violence, death, destruction, softness, fluff, smut, friendship, and whatnot

Chapter warnings: it does not have floof. or smut. or Loki.

A/N: This was written a few years ago with an OC in mind so reader has a name but it is a reader insert.

Word Count: This weird pain in my heels has not gone away and it has been six freaking months! And I keep missing making appointments! With either of the doctors! I am so mad at myself. And I am trying to take vitamins for the same and I keep missing them too! Which reminds me I should put alarms. Which reminds me I should put alarms for this. ...and I keep missing putting up those too.

MASTERLIST in bio, love

Time: 2200 hrs

Location: Vienna

The little Iron Man funko pop had been entertaining you for the last two hours when the remaining contents of Harry’s table could not. By now you were practically half lying on his table, the chair rolling to and fro while you hummed the tune to Tender’s Nadir, bobbing your head like your little friend to the rhythm. Harry’s colleague- another assistant professor in the department- had come by to collect his stuff from his desk while you waited. “Why don’t you leave and he’ll come when he can,” he had mentioned, drawing a stare of judgment from you. Leave him? What am I? A monster? I can’ just ‘leave’ him. He’s Harry, man! Shut your trap hole!

"I'm so sorry Koshu. I had to collect some assignments from the students." Harry started with loud gasps of breath before he’s even entered the room. You were kinda bummed he knew you were there. You really wanted to surprise him. Though you had to say, you loved seeing him all flustered. It was quite a rare sight for you. You always so calm and composed friend never broke a sweat no matter how hard things were. Well, the things that were hard for you were a smooth sail for Harry. Even though you’d both come here to study and research in artificial intelligence, you had just dropped out of the course after the first semester and taken to teaching minor courses and skills while learning some yourself. He, on the other hand, had been acing it ever since he got here, winning scholarships and accolades. Not to mention the hearts of all ladies and interested men. And what did Harry do about it? Be as innocently unaware about it all as your crush on him. Stupid son of a sexy goofball!

"Look at you, all red and sweaty! I bet Sammy would love to have you now." you giggled.

Harry stood beside you for a second, blank, until he realised what you meant and flushed a fresh batch of red. Yeah, exes tend to have then effect sometimes. A part of you was glad to have that woman out of the picture- that part being the whole of you. No one wants a toxic girlfriend who wants you because you’re hot and then thinks she rather not because ‘I don’t know, Harry, you’re not as outgoing as I thought my boyfriend would be.’ She should have been glad you were on another continent at that time.

"Yeah. Whatever. Hey, I have to grade these assignments so why don't you head home. I'll finish these and then come back,” Harry admitted before wiping the sweat off his forehead. Ugh! Stop it you tease! Your inner voice was really having a day.

"What? Take them home! I'll cook us some pasta or Indian if you are craving some. Get comfy and then grade these bitches."

Harry raised his brows at you.

“That was for the papers. Not for you students....who do comprise of certain stuck ups if you ask me.”

He blinked before shrugging and nodding in agreement. Hesitating for a moment, he remained quiet, the corner of his lips twitching where it met his beard.

"Yeah, I'm comfy here. You go ahead."

It was your turn to raise arch your brow at him.

"Dude! Stop it!” you lectured, raising her hands in the air. “It’s okay for you to do the laundry but it’s not okay if I cook food for the both of us? And it’s not like I’m a bad cook that you avoid eating my hard work. This is called sharing responsibilities, something, I clearly remember, you lectured me on when we first came here. And I like cooking, it’s like a stress-buster. And I make awesome Indian food and a mean Chicken Alfredo."

“...”

“I do...don’t I?”

"Yeah, that you do."

"Thank God. So come home, you twat. Pack those things and let's move. I'm hungry. Let's go before I eat your brains."

Harry smiled sheepishly at his failed attempt for a second and then beamed with happiness from within.

"Alright. Go heat up the car. I'll bring all the material with me.”

You got up with a gush of new energy flowing inside you. Taking the keys from him, you walked for the door.

“Oh! And don't leave without me okay?" He called out from behind you, making you stop, turn and give him a narrow-eyed look. Harry laughed and dodged the duster you threw at him. "Jerk," you hissed through your teeth as you started walking towards the parking lot.

It was only seven in the evening but the sky had already bid goodnight. There were barely any students on the campus. You could hear EDM being played at a distance at some frat house or in someone's dorm. Kids, you thought to yourself, as if mocking them. And then again, you thought to yourself, kids- but now with wistful faraway happiness.

There were only four cars in the parking lot. An old Camry that belonged to a history professor who took night classes. Another one was a Bentley that belonged to a highly infamous professor of Personality Development. The man taught more about himself than about personalities. You never liked that guy.

This guy creeps me out from a mile away, your insides would always remind you.

The last one was an unknown SUV that stood a few meters away from Harry's car. It did not belong to any student or staff you knew.

You took a good look at it as you crossed it and moved to Harry's second hand, Honda. If there was anything Harry and you loved in common more than food, and a bit less than animals, it was this sweet lady. One could find notes, spare T-shirts, cologne, deodorants and much more in there. It could easily be called your second home.

Both of you had spent nights sleeping through all the tipsy- after wild parties during the first year- in this baby. This one had been with you when you’d got here and did not have a dark corner to cry in. Or when you and Harry needed to run away from the buzz of the city and escape into the mountains to rest under the stars and talk about all your deepest desires, darkest secrets and nethermost questions about life and purpose. Not to mention, you’d cleaned up this baby on Harry’s first date just so this guy would get some action- which clearly didn’t happen for this terribly shy guy.  This car had been a constant in it all and had even been knighted with a name.

“Hey Bunny! Did you miss mama? How was my girl today?” 

You were about to open Bunny’s door when your eyes went back to the SUV.

Matte black. Alloy wheels, clearly not of cheap quality. Weird number plate which was not from the state and a little metallic sword that hung from the rearview mirror inside- reflecting the lights from the parking lot right into your eyes.

Something did not feel right. You stood there for a few seconds looking in the parking lot for any sign of the owner.

“It is supposed to look intimidating.”

You jumped at the voice behind you.

A man came out of the shadows of the trees. He was wearing a grey suit and a pin bent in the shape of an eye with what seemed to be a ruby in the middle.

You closed Bunny’s door and locked the vehicle, carefully placing the car keys between your fingers so as to point them away from you and put the other hand around your bag. You took two steps back into the middle of the parking lot, standing visibly under the lights.

“I’m sorry, Sir, do I know you?”

The man stepped into the light. The wrinkles on his face made him look a bit over forty but his well-fitted suit around his body made him look younger and muscular. His grey eyes looked right into yours with a hint of a smile on his thin smooth lips.

“No, ma’am. But I have heard about you.”

You stepped further back into the most lit part of the lot.

“Can I help you, sir?”

You just now noticed the restraint in your voice- into a softer, smoother version of how you normally talked. This always happened when you were intimidated by the person standing in front of you.

“I have been looking for someone who could help me with this concept that is completely out of my league. But considering the things that are at stake, I was hoping you could help me.”

You looked in his direction, confused. More than that, you were frustrated, wondering where the campus guards were.

“I am talking about healing and meditation studies. A few kids who are visiting Europe on a foreign exchange program have shown some interest in getting certified in the course. And I heard you have some sort of experience with that thing.”

The man smiled, this time, his lips extended a bit more while his eyes still stayed grey. Your entire body feel a cold jitter all at once. His eyes. There was just something unsettling about them. Like they were looking right through your clothes, skin, flesh, and bones. 

“Oh! I’m sorry sir. I taught last semester and that was that. I no longer teach or practice it. But you can find teachers for the same more capable than me in the classes going on right now. In fact, the students can directly contact them. Their information is available on the university website.”

The man tilted his head a little as if he was questioning something you just stated.

“Really? You stopped teaching the course? But why? I met some of your students and they gave me really amazing reviews regarding your teaching methods.”

You felt drops of sweat trickle down your back. For a few seconds there, all you did was just blink and feel the fierceness of your heart trying to rise up a little. Finally, you gave a weak smile before answering. “It wasn’t suitable for me. I mean the timings and the hours I had to put in. It was sort of taking a toll on my health. So I don’t do it anymore. I don’t take classes. Neither do I freelance.”

The man was silent for a second while you felt her phone in her jacket. One wrong step and you were ready to press the button of wrath.

“So you’re telling me that healing and meditation took a toll on you.”

You let out one long tired sigh. Here we go. You’d heard that phrase before, more times than you could count.

“Yes, sir”, you muttered, your voice suddenly growing tired, “it does take a toll on you if you’re not careful.”

You wanted to take a look behind you to see if Harry was approaching but did not turn for the fear of the unknown now standing in front of you.

“Careful about what?”

“The things you work on, the ailments for example, who you work with, what energy you are going to work upon slash with,'' you stressed, though stressing as little as you could on the ‘energy’ bit.

“Oh! Like if someone was, say, in an accident, you wouldn’t treat them because that might take a toll on your health. So, you’d rather that person suffer than be treated by you.”

The statement took you by surprise. You had been thinking the man was a sceptical old pervert but here he was asking you questions a healer’s heckler noob does not play with so early.

“Excuse me?” you lost your voice a little. “Sir, it’s a lot more complica—”

The man looked away from you to take out a card from his jacket and hold it out for you to take.

“Why don’t you tell me all about it tomorrow at 8:15 am? Your ride’s here so let’s continue this tomorrow. I’m sure being a healer you have a good reason to not heal someone. Even a…” he paused, his dead eyes looking straight into yours, “loved one.”

And suddenly you were not standing in the parking lot anymore. The dead eyes stayed there with you as everything around you seemed to fade into the distance. Only the eyes, your cold body sweating and a familiar old voice shouting out for you from somewhere far away were present in the void.

Keosha.

You could almost recognize that faint noise accompanying it. A fade white noise was what it seemed to be initially. A part of your mind tried to filter out where exactly where it was coming from. 

Keosha.

It grew closer but now it was somewhat different. You thought you heard someone scream somewhere in the distance.

“Keosha!” Harry shook your arm.

You jumped back into reality, nearly a feet away from Harry’s grasp.

“Hey! Daydreamer!” He called out for you, taking one careful step towards you so as not to scare you away again. “You okay? Where did you go?”

You supported yourself on Bunny. Harry noticed the slow blinks, realising you had been living through some part of your wayward imagination that was not a pleasant one. So, he did what he always did during such times. Rubbing your back to soothe you before taking you in a light embrace.

Your heart was comforted by Harry’s presence, thanking him repeatedly for being there. Your mind was all over the place, looking around you for the cause of this sudden crack inside your mind. The old man was gone.

“Sorry I just got lost in…something. Should we go? We should go.”

Your body worked on its own, getting into the car, closing the door, putting on a radio station to drown out the echo of words left behind.