#might be able to hae one next week.

[swagging-back-to]

okay update i just did sooo much budgeting my head hurts.

[clandonnachaidh]

Light Across The Seas That Sever (Ch4)

AO3

When he woke the next morning in Amsterdam, his feeling of utter contentment quickly gave way to dread as his hand eagerly searched the space in the bed beside him only to find it empty. Immediately, his eyes snapped opened and he looked around the room for her, for his Claire.

His heart sank at the sight.

The twin bed that she had slept in for the night prior to the one they shared was made, her suitcase gone from its spot by the door. He stumbled as he got out of bed, his limbs not quite awake yet as he burst through the bathroom door and he noticed that her things were gone. It was as if she’d never been there.

If not for the taste of her still on his lips, he’d have wondered if he’d dreamt the whole thing.

He spun around the room in a flurry, unsure of what he was looking for or what he planned on doing once he found it.

Then his eyes fell on the slip of paper that sat on the windowsill, the sun casting its rays down on her pen strokes.

I can’t bring myself to wake you. I have to catch my flight. I’ll let you know when I land in Boston.

Jamie’s heart clenched in his chest and he used the palm of his hand to rub at his sternum without thought. He knew that she was gone. He cursed himself for being such a deep sleeper, wished that he’d had the awareness to know that she had been moving around the room silently, packing her things to leave. But in the afterglow of their love making, having released tension and anticipation that had been building inside of him for years, sleep had taken him down and down until he was oblivious to the world. The last thing he remembered was the ghost of her fingertips on his cheekbone and his jaw as he whispered to her once in his mother tongue, the language of his heart that he knew she didn’t understand but hoped that she could feel the meaning of, before falling into a deep sleep.

“Mo ghaol ort, mo Sorcha.”

He had to find her, had to make her understand that he loved her and had loved her since the moment he saw her. Scrambling into the same clothes from the day before, he tore out of the hotel, not caring that they’d charge him for another night when he would inevitably miss check-out. He rushed to the train station and bought a direct ticket to Schiphol, his shaking fingers calling her repeatedly and his heart falling every time it went to her voicemail.

He left his third message, laying his heart out for her to hear, “Claire, please just answer the phone. Talk to me. I winna ask ye to do anything ye dinna want to do but I have to say it, Claire. And I refuse to say it on your bloody voicemail so answer yer phone, tell me where ye are. I’m on my way to the airport. I’m coming to find you.”

Once he arrived, he pushed his way past the crowds of holiday goers, businessmen in their suits and parents trying to corral their children into order. Suddenly thankful for the view that his height gifted him, he searched frantically for any sign of her. He’d found her flight on the departures board and raced to the terminal, praying to God that something had delayed her and she hadn’t had time to make it through security yet. The panic bubbled in his chest as he began to breathe heavily, black dots appearing in his vision. It took everything in him not to simply start shouting her name in the hope that it would bring her to him.

A furious hysteria was beginning to claw its way into his nervous system, controlling the frantic jerks of his long limbs that felt too heavy for him to carry. He dialled her number again and was astonished when she answered.

“Jamie,” she whispered and he felt his heart shatter at the pain in her voice. “Oh, my Jamie.”

“Claire, where are ye? What were ye thinking running off without saying goodbye?” His voice sounded desperate and angry as he spun on the spot, knowing that the compass in his heart that always navigated him to her side would point him in the right direction. Still, his eyes weren’t able to land on her. “Damn it, Claire, tell me where ye are!”

He heard her let out a sob.

“I’m at my gate. You won’t be able to get through.”

Unable to remain upright at her confession, he slumped against the wall beside him and let his head hang, releasing tears that he had been keeping at bay from the moment he had realised that she had left. He cried with her, not caring if people saw.

“Why did ye do this?”

“I couldn’t stand to say goodbye.”

“Claire, I lo-“

“Don’t,” she cried softly, only speaking when he went to say it again. “I’m begging you, don’t say it. If you care for me at all, don’t make this harder.”

He restrained himself from driving his fist into the cement and pushed his forehead against it as his fingers gripped his phone tighter in his hand.

“I canna believe ye weren’t going to say goodbye,” he whispered with a voice full of hurt and not devoid of anger. “Do ye regret it? Last night?”

Her answer came out in a burst, “No. No, I don’t regret it. But you’re my friend. My best friend and with everything changing… I’m going to need my best friend.”

“Yer being selfish, Claire. To give me hope last night and then to pull it out from underneath me, to leave me wi’out breath,” the words were spilling out of him, not caring if he hurt her. She had hurt him well enough.

“Jamie, I thought-“

“No, ye didna think at all. Only of yerself getting to have a wee bit of fun before running off and settling down a whole fuckin’ ocean away.”

With a man who’s not me, he thought.

The line went quiet apart from the gentle sound of her crying and the odd ragged breath that he drew into his lungs to try and settle his racing mind. He screwed his eyes shut and banged his head lightly against the wall.

“Claire, forgive me, I- fuck, I just dinna ken what tae do.”

“They’re calling my gate, I have to go,” she whispered.

“Please, I didna mean it, I was sore and said more than I meant,” he desperately tried to explain himself.

“I’ll let you know when I land. Goodbye Jamie.”

“Claire—”

When she hung up the phone, he sat on the floor and went to pieces. An hour passed before he was able to bring himself together enough to make his way back to the hotel, gather his things and get his own flight back home. With one look at him, standing on the steps of Lallybroch with the spirit of a broken man, Jenny set her mouth in a straight line. In a feat that would’ve astounded Jamie had he the energy to care, she kept her words to herself and brought him a bottle of whisky as he sat in front of the fireplace, somehow managing to keep her children from pestering their uncle. He spent days moping around the estate, barely speaking a word but she made sure that he knew that when he did want to talk, Jenny Murray would be there to listen.

It was two weeks after Claire had left that Jamie heard from her. It was early evening and he had just punished himself with a 10km run around Lallybroch’s grounds, thinking that if his muscles were screaming in pain then he might get some distraction from the dull ache that had set up shop in his chest. The minute he stepped into the hot stream of the shower, his phone pinged with a message. How he would kick himself afterwards that he hadn’t given it a cursory glance because when he exited the bathroom ten minutes later, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him when he saw it.

Sassenach: Message

He opened it greedily, desperate to receive any sort of contact since the painful last phone call that would play on a loop in his mind every night as he lay in bed, sleep evading him.

It was a picture of a bouquet of flowers, a huge arrangement made of foliage and sea holly, thistles and white calla lilies that he knew were her favourite. He’d spent more time than he’d like to admit picking out the perfect flowers for her and knew exactly which bottle of whisky to put in with it (the one that they’d drank together the night that he’d teased her that she had no friends before she replied with a blinding smile and said the words ‘I have you’). She had photographed them prettily displayed on a windowsill that was drenched in sunlight. Underneath she had simply written the words ’Thank you!’ and he realised that he had forgotten that he’d even arranged for the gift to be sent. It was meant be a moving in present, a little reminder of home and the people that she’d left. Now it seemed sad and it made Jamie and his bruised ego feel a bit pathetic.

But it was a start, a small plaster on the gaping hole that was their friendship but one that he was determined to improve on. Anything to keep her in his life, in whatever capacity. He replied to her message with hopes of her having had an easy move, asking whether she was settled in yet. Claire replied almost instantly and so begun the back and forth, both of them trying to be painfully normal as Jamie paced in his bedroom, naked as the day he was born and dripping water all over the floorboards.

When he slipped on a puddle of his own making, he chucked his phone back onto the bed and set to rummaging amongst the old clothing in his drawers in an attempt to find something clean. He really needed to help out around the house more, he thought. Jenny had been rushing around after a husband, two children and now her brother and she deserved better. He had started to deal with the pile of unwashed material that had accumulated on the floor by his bed when he heard his phone ring.

Without even looking, he accepted the call.

“Aye?”

“Hi! It’s Claire!”

As if she needed to tell him that. The minute that he heard her voice he felt like he could breathe that little bit easier for the first time since being in that fucking airport, the gentle lilt of her English accent making him picture the shapes that her lips made. The memory of it stabbed him in the gut and he took a calming breath, turning from his discomfort into the humour that they both teased each other with.

“Sorry whoever ye are, I dinna ken anyone with a Boston accent, ye must hae the wrong number.”

“Asshole,” she snorted. “I sound exactly the same as I always have. It’s… it’s good to hear your voice.”

He smiled into the phone, letting his voice soften and convey the sincerity of his words, “Aye, Sassenach, it’s good to hear yours too.”

An hour or so later, when Jenny Murray went up to her brother’s room to let him know that dinner was on the table, the sound of her brother laughing halted her hand just before she knocked. For the past fortnight, Jamie had been dour, sullen and more prone to tantrums than Wee Jamie and Maggie put together. Getting the two of them fed tonight had been a battle, Ian trying his best to wrangle a teething Maggie as Jenny had an entire bowl of mince and tatties spilled down her front by her son. It had been a tiring night but now, the two wee ones were in bed and her brother was laughing again. Her heart lifted at the thought and she sent a prayer of thanks up to her parents for giving him a bit of a reprieve from his heartbreak.

“Sassenach, ye ken fine well…”

As soon as she heard him say it, she spun herself from Jamie’s door, cursing under her breath about her eejit brother who didn’t know what was good for him and definitely not what was bad for him. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Claire, in fact she had been glad knowing that there was someone to look out for Jamie when he’s was away at university. Jenny always knew that her younger brother was more green behind the ears than he was willing to admit. When he had nonchalantly mentioned that he’d be bringing home a friend for the summer of his first year at university, Jenny had pulled Claire into a hug on the steps of Lallybroch, welcoming her with literal open arms and finding Claire to be a quick witted, intelligent woman but with a softness behind her eyes that Jenny hoped would lend her to being a good friend to her brother. The problem, Jenny quickly realised the first night they’d all sat down to dinner together, was that Jamie had fallen head over heels in love with her.

She tried her hardest to lighten her step as she made her way back into the kitchen, knowing that she would not react kindly to any teasing about her ‘stomping’ around the house. Instead Jenny took out her frustration on the chicken curry that was bubbling on the stove, whirling the wooden spoon around with a little more force than was needed.

“Did I miss saying goodnight tae the bairns?” Jamie’s voice rumbled against the stone walls of the kitchen, pulling her attention away from the storm cloud that was brewing in her stomach as she plated up for herself, his large frame appearing over her shoulder. “Smells fine.”

As the full plate slammed down on the countertop, Jamie frowned in confusion as Jenny turned, her hands set at her hips in a way that still put the fear of God in him.

He took a step backwards (out of her reach if she decided to brandish the spoon at him), his eyebrows raised along with a single hand. Jamie knew from experience that it was better to pip her to the post before she got into the swing of an argument, “Before ye say anything, I want tae apologise first.”

“And just what will ye be apologisin’ for this time, mo bhràthair?”

“For treatin’ this place as a hotel, havin’ ye run after me like I’m one of yer bairns,” he had the foresight to look genuinely penitent and it softened her a bit. “I promise ye I’ll start pullin’ my weight.”

“Well, I canna say that I disagree wi’ ye. And I’ll be thankful of the help, Ian was just sayin’ the west gate needs mending. About time ye bucked up and started helpin’ wi’ the jobs around here,” she said firmly. Jamie’s eyes narrowed in at her face, confused. He’d apologised before she even asked but there was clearly something still there that he hadn’t addressed, that she was expecting him to bring up.

“Is there somethin’ else?” He asked carefully, fighting the urge to pull up the door to the priest hole that he was standing on in an attempt to hide from her wrath.

Instead, she sighed and handed a second plate to him. Her hands went from her hips to the table in front of her as she manoeuvred herself to sit. He followed her lead and sat down across from her, watching closely as she began to eat after expelling another pregnant sigh.

“Will ye give me a hint as to what I’ve done tae piss ye off?” He grumbled as he began to eat himself, trying his hardest not to cower as she sent him a death glare from across the table. Suddenly, the space between her brows furrowed and she let the weight of her head slump into an upturned palm.

“I’m worried about ye, Jamie. I’m always worried about ye but still,” she said in a quiet voice.

“I ken I’ve no’ been out of my room much and I’ve been a right miserable sod. But I’m starting to feel better… I think.”

Jenny narrowed her eyes at him, trying hard not to let the judgement seep in as she quickly placed her hand over the top of his, rolling her eyes when he jumped at the sudden contact.

“I think ye should stay away for a while. She’s in Boston wi’ Frank and havin’ tae adjust to her new life, ye should give her the space to do it.”

Realising that she’d overheard their phone call, Jamie shifted uncomfortably in his seat, fighting the urge to pull his hand from underneath hers as she tightened her grip.

“She was just phonin’ to say thanks for the flowers,” he mumbled, spooning a large helping of his dinner with his free hand into his mouth to try and shut down any need for a further explanation. Sadly, his big sister wasn’t buying it.

“I ken that yer finding it difficult, mo bhràthair, but maybe this is the opportunity tae find someone. Someone who’ll have ye. Ye’ve pined for Claire for so long but she’s never—“

“We slept together. In Amsterdam.”

The words hung in the space between the two siblings, heavy as lead. Jamie had felt the twist of his stomach at saying the words out loud and shot a glance to his sister’s dumbfounded face as the information permeated her thoughts.

“Ye glaikit bastard,” she finally exhaled softly, earning herself a sad smirk from her brother. “Why would ye dae that tae yerself?”

Jamie shrugged his shoulders, “It seemed… it felt like the right thing to do in the moment. And then I woke up the next morning and she was already gone. Chased her to the airport an’ aw but I was too late.”

Jenny huffed again, leaning back in her chair.

“I just thought if I could tell her that I loved her, that I’m in love wi’ her, maybe she’d have stayed. But she didn’t let me say it.”

“Aye, sounds like Claire,” Jenny scoffed, quickly composing herself at the glare she received. “Suppose it makes mare sense for all the mopin’ ye’ve been doing.”

Jamie humphed and rubbed a hand roughly over his face, sinking his fingers through his hair.

“It’s fine, it’s done and I canna change it, wouldn’t change it anyway. It was a very special night for me.”

“I ken but, Jamie, she is gone. She has made her choice. And it’s coorse of her to dangle herself in front of ye when she’s away living her life and yer here, where she left ye.”

His bright blue eyes bore into her, a warning, “Careful, Janet. Claire is my friend and I wilna let her navigate this on her own—“

“She’s nae on her own, she’s wi’ Frank!”

“Aye, she is. And there’s fuck all I can dae about it so this is where I find myself. I wilna let my feelings get the better of me. I will be her friend, as I have been these past years.”

Jenny knew that there was no point in pushing. It was a Fraser family trait, digging your heels in, more often than not to your own detriment. And if there was one topic that Jamie wouldn’t budge on, it was Claire. She got to her feet and grabbed her plate, moving around the table to press a single kiss into the mop of his red hair before leaving the room.

“Ca canny, mo bhràthair.”

[yslkook]

#corporate synergy (9)

#corporate masterlist summary: you’re making many strides- this month brings new work milestones and new personal milestones. after a night with new friends, you find yourself in jungkook’s arms. word count: ~5.6k warnings: cursing, alcohol/drinking, suggestive content in the form of making out, grinding, this is an 18+ story dont forget a/n: ENJOYYYY and thank you to @cutechim​ for your endless support <33

Work isn’t so bad in the coming weeks, you quickly decide. When you have colleagues around you who have become your genuine friends, it becomes a little more bearable to tolerate your ungrateful boss.

Even his snide comments haven’t been able to bring you down as of late. 

Your midday pick me up often comes in the form of lunch with either or including Jin, Namjoon, Sana and Jungkook and whoever they bring along.

Jungkook. Since you had stopped by his apartment when he had been sick, something definitely shifted between you both. If he had been running through your mind before, he was a near constant presence in your mind now. This crush of yours has morphed into something unrecognizable and unfamiliar to you. It scares you, the intensity and the suddenness of it.

But your fear is outweighed by your affections for him, and it’s something you find yourself wanting to embrace. The instinct to run, to bury it and ignore it had reared its head more than once after you had made the bold move to visit Jungkook in his own apartment.

Well. It was bold by your standards. Spontaneity doesn’t come easily to you, but it seems like Jungkook has you breaking your own unwritten rules. And he doesn’t even know. He doesn’t even know how your lips break into an easy smile when his name lights up your phone or how sending a good night text to him is your favorite part of your night routine.

When you had told Jin that you had visited Jungkook when he was sick in his apartment, even Jin couldn’t mask his surprise-

“You brought the guy soup?! Are you kidding me?! What if he was a murderer? Then what? I can’t believe I’d have to explain your murder to Grandma. Why would you put that burden on me? I’m too hot for that-”

“Seokjin!” You shriek through laughter, “You’re being so dramatic for no reason! Besides Jungkook is too soft to be a murderer-”

“Oh, well, I don’t know if I trust your credibility anymore. You’re the one who’s in so deep that you went to visit the man when he was sick,” Jin says, “Though, that’s very cute and domestic of you to do so. Did you bring him Grandma’s galbitang?”

“Obviously.”

“Damn. Now I’m not the only one who gets the galbitang treatment, huh?” Jin says knowingly, “You’re a sucker.”

Despite your protests, you know he’s mostly right.

Jungkook stopping by your cubicle during quiet, uneventful afternoons is more often than not. Or, you find yourself in his cubicle with two cups of steaming hot tea. One for you and one for him. Sometimes you both gossip in whispers about the members of your respective teams or do some impromptu work on the submissions project. Or you both just talk- about anything that comes to mind.

It’s so easy to laugh with him, to tease him like you would a friend, and to look at him like you would a lover-

“I heard there’s gonna be a big re-org by the end of this quarter,” Jungkook whispers, as if it’s a secret. And honestly, it probably is.

“Oh? Which little birdie told you that? Namjoon? Or Yunho-”

“Namjoon did, but you can’t tell anyone,” Jungkook insists.

“You’re lucky I don’t have a big mouth,” You roll your eyes.

“You’re lucky I trust you,” Jungkook shoots back immediately, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. Your heart is suddenly in your throat but you maintain an unaffected facade.

“You think people will lose their jobs?” You whisper incredulously, “Re-orgs are so hard to stomach sometimes…”

“I hope not,” Jungkook sighs, “We’re all just cogs in the wheel that is capitalism, huh?”

“Well. I’m glad we’re cogs in this shitty wheel together, Kook.”

And there had even been several times when you had both found yourselves at the gym together, a happy coincidence as it was. Jungkook had felt much more comfortable with correcting your form, and seeing him sweaty with strands of dark hair plastered to his forehead only sent a string of lewd thoughts into your empty head.

If you nearly dropped a dumbbell from your sweaty grip onto your chest as he spotted for you because you caught a glimpse of Jungkook’s flushed cheeks and his easy smile directed only at you, then that was your own business.

And to your surprise, you’ve been getting meeting invites on your calendar from Hae-ri, the head of business development, herself. You’ve always hated networking, but Hae-ri had seemed so genuine when you met her in Tokyo that part of you wanted to maintain that relationship with her.

For some reason, it seemed that she had taken an interest in you. You’ve had many quick chats in her office or virtually if she’s traveling. You’ve come to think of her as a mentor, even if it’s only been a few months of getting to know her. The initial awkwardness you felt, the need to fill in the gaps of conversation had slowly washed away the more you talked to her. Your conversations mostly consisted of work topics- things that you found curious, or things you felt could be improved. You always leave her with a small idea or a thought to chew on until next time. But surprisingly (at least to you), she starts asking you for your perspective and your advice on challenges that she’s having.

It gives you something to ponder about, something that you haven’t allowed yourself to ponder about since you left school and took this job.

It makes you wonder if you’re meant for more. For so long, it felt like you were only surviving. Only trying to keep your head above water. But if you’ve learned anything over the last few months, it’s that it’s okay and encouraged to want and seek more.

High risk, high reward. But with high risk, comes the potential for things to fail. With high risk, comes the potential to be hurt and let down. Is it worth it? Is the journey worth it?

You think it might be, for how good you’ve been feeling lately (for the most part).

Yuna had quickly brought you into her own friend group, as if you’ve known her and Yuri, Seohyun and Sooyoung for as long as they’ve known each other. You’ve never had a group of close friends like them, let alone a group of girlfriends.

Now, you knew what people meant when they said that every woman needs a group of women around them. It hadn’t made sense to you before, but now… Now it does. And you’re not especially close with them, but they make you feel good. They make you laugh and they make you want to be close with them.

It’s an unfamiliar feeling, but it’s a feeling that gives you those familiar first date jitters.

So when Yuna had asked you to join them for a Friday night out, your first instinct was to hesitate and decline. But the more you started thinking about it, the more you found yourself wanting to go and enjoy a night out with new friends. And you had asked Jungkook for his opinion-

“Should I go? I mean, I don’t want to like… Be the pity invite. They’re all already so close…” You trail off a little nervously, itching at your chin.

“Being a pity invite fuckin’ sucks,” Jungkook agrees, “But it sounds like Yuna invites you because she genuinely wants you there. I don’t think she would’ve asked you to come if she didn’t want you there.”

“But what if it’s only because of Jin-”

“Even if it is only because of Jin,” Jungkook says, “Does it matter? Besides, you talk about things outside of Jin, right?”

“Yeah-”

“Just go. You’ll have fun, sweetheart. I know you will.”

You contemplate sending a picture of your outfit to Jungkook as you get ready- and why did you want to send a picture to him- for what? You don’t know. But you do know. You look good, you know you do- with the silky navy blue of your blouse a pretty contrast to your skin and your makeup done meticulously well.

In the end, you get distracted by Yuna’s texts that she’s arrived at your home. You told Grandma you’d likely be staying the night with Yuna. Grandma had only looked at you fondly, with unsaid pride in the lines of her eyes and her smile. You had made her promise to call you if anything happened, to which she promptly shooed you out of the door and into Yuna’s car.

Yuna grins at you and helps you put your bag in the backseat- which you really don’t need help with. But you appreciate the gesture anyway.

And so the night begins.

It’s three tequila shots, half a glass of soju and some water later before you realize that you’re well on your way into the warmth that comes with being drunk. 

Your lips are permanently etched into a smile, laughter tumbling out of your throat easily and genuinely as you stand with Yuna and her friends in her apartment. Her apartment itself is so very her- very colorful and vibrant, with baby blue throw pillows over a pink couch and a mint green rug. Her apartment is relaxing and inviting, much like her. It’s only fitting.

You had learned about Yuri, Seohyun and Sooyoung- how they had known each other since college but Seohyun and Yuri hadn’t really connected with the group until after graduation. When they had all moved to Seoul for work. There is clearly a deep, understanding bond between the four of them and you’re benignly envious of it. But you don’t let it get you down- not the way it might have before.

You’re also happy that you and Yuna can get along outside of Seokjin. If you’re being honest, that was one of your main worries. That you would need Jin to act as a buffer for you and Yuna. But Yuna brings you into their tight knit circle with her innate warmth, and you want to feel it, too.

“Pick your poison, babes,” Sooyoung grins wickedly at you, standing behind Yuna’s kitchen island. Behind all of her bottles, laid out neatly for your consumption.

“I think you can venture a guess,” You say, handing her your cup.

“Tequila,” Yuna and Sooyoung say together.

“Wow. You know me so well.”

Sooyoung clearly has a heavy hand- you wince when you sip your mixed drink but you’re no quitter.

“Cheers,” Yuri says, “Cheers to us, and cheers to the fountain of youth, in the form of tequila and soju.”

The rest of the night goes in a blur of dancing, loose limbs and close touches. You can very clearly remember sending selfies and videos to Jungkook, who instantly replied with heart eyes and words that made your face heat up in the crowded bar.

“Who you texting,” Yuna says, wrapping her arms around your shoulders so you’re facing her. She holds you close and you have to steady yourself by holding her waist. 

“Jungkook,” You say quickly, “Just wanted to say hi.”

Yuna looks at you knowingly but says nothing, only dancing with you. Yuri joins you from behind, holding your own hips tightly. You sway with them, throwing your head back happily and singing along to the song blasting on the speakers.

Your head feels hazy, but you feel happy. 

“G’nna call Jin,” Yuna slurs to you, “T’ pick us up-”

“Wanna see Kook,” You say stubbornly, already pulling your phone out. You have to close one eye to see the words on your phone screen, and even then, it’s kind of blurry. 

You call Jungkook, or at least you think you do. But he answers, a sweet sound of your name ringing in your ears.

“JK,” You breathe into your phone, as if he can hear you over all of the noise. 

“Hi, sweetheart,” Jungkook says smoothly, “Having fun-”

“Jin’s comin’ t’pick us up,” You cut across him, leaning against the wall for some stability. You can’t tell if you feel this weightless because of your drunkenness or because of him. “But… I don’t wanna g’home with them. Wanna go home with you.”

“You want me to come pick you up?” Jungkook asks. Anticipation and then happiness blooms in his chest, that you want to see him. 

“Yeah,” You reply instantly, “Wanna see you. Miss you.”

“You saw me a few hours ago, at work,” Jungkook teases and laughs when he hears your noise of protest.

“But I wanna see you,” You’re on the verge of whining, and you’re not above it.

“You’re obsessed with me,” Jungkook says, unable to keep the smile off of his face, “I’ll be there in twenty.”

Jungkook has a small smile on his face the entire drive to the bar.

Jin and Jungkook both arrive at around the same time, parking a few blocks away from the noisy bar and hopping out quickly.

Jin looks at Jungkook as if he is transparent, and it unnerves him. Jin says your name first and then, “You’re here for her, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, she called me,” Jungkook says, not backing down from the obvious heat in Jin’s eyes.

Jin looks at him, long and hard. Despite the bustle of people around them on the busy street, Jungkook knows what this is. It’s one friend, a brother really, looking after another.

Jin claps his hand over Jungkook’s shoulder, and the tension immediately evaporates as if it had never existed. 

“Let’s go get our women, huh? Jin says with a grin.

Jungkook lets out a sigh of relief.

Jungkook sees you before you see him- your head tipped back in laughter, alcohol slick in your eyes and you nearly stumble but maintain your balance by holding Sooyoung’s shoulder for stability.

You look so pretty, as you always do. But tonight, you look relaxed and carefree and it looks nice on you.

And you sharply turn your head to him when Yuna whispers in your ear with a smug grin of her own and your eyes connect with his. You take him in unabashedly, leaving the conversation you were in to be next to Jungkook.

He meets you halfway, threading through the few people standing in between you both. 

Your smile is blinding, full of flowers and tequila- of course, you nearly lose your balance trying to get to him as fast as possible. Luckily, he’s close enough to you that he can grab your waist before you fall on your ass.

It seems that almost happens all too often in his presence.

“It appears,” You murmur, “That I’ve almost fallen for you.”

“Yeah, how many times do I have to catch you before you bust your ass?” Jungkook says, eyes dancing and it’s the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen.

“A million and one,” You reply. You’ve had plenty of water from when you had called Jungkook to now, and while the tipsy haze has begun to lift, you still feel the edge of alcohol clouding your mind.

“Cheesy,” Jungkook rolls his eyes. He doesn’t mind the way your hands slide up his arm, as if reassuring yourself that he’s right there. That his hands are really circling your waist and that he had really come to pick you up.

You wrap your arms around him for a wordless hug and sway for a moment in his arms. He smells nice and he feels safe. He tightens his arms around you, wrapping himself around you almost completely.

Your heart flutters at how nice he feels, his chest slotted against yours.

“I’m glad you called me,” Jungkook murmurs, only for you to hear. 

“Glad you picked up,” You reply sincerely, meeting his eyes, “And glad you’re here.”

You shine in his arms, bright, bold and beaming. You surprise him again and press your thumbs to his cheeks, before pecking his cheek quickly.

“Let me get you a water and then we’ll go,” Jungkook murmurs, his hand drifting to the small of your back. The satin-y material of your shirt is thin in his fingers- where is your jacket? Had you even brought one?

“Okay, Bambi,” You reply dreamily. You lean against him at the bar, head on his shoulder as you both wait. You tighten your grip on his bicep and he moves his hand to circle your waist and pull you into his side. He likes the way you slot next to him, your quiet heat something he doesn’t know if he’ll ever get used to.

The sparkles in his doe eyes never seem to fade away when he’s with you. Your head is filled with nothing but his reddened pout, the way his hair falls into his eyes, and the way his palm feels on you. His lips move as he speaks to the bartender but all you can feel are the absent circles his thumb makes on your hip.

Your throat goes dry, and the urge to cling to him and hold him close, for you and your eyes only is too great. The man contains a universe in those eyes, and you always want to gravitate towards the magnetic pull of his axis. The overwhelming urge to kiss him washes over you in gentle waves, the desire igniting your veins. 

But you wait. In your tequila-addled mind, you decide to wait. Not here, not now. 

“Here, princess,” Jungkook says easily, the pet name slipping out without him meaning to. You gasp in surprise with wide eyes and your cheeks light up. Something in your belly is satiated by that and Jungkook knows it.

Interesting. You never fail to surprise him.

“Thank you,” You mumble, “Honey?”

Jungkook’s heart skips a beat and he squeezes your waist in approval. You smile at him, a little bashfully and god, does he want to kiss you. He wants to kiss the gloss right off of your lips, he wants to taste the tequila on your tongue. He just wants you.

But not here. Not now.

You’re trying your best to not be handsy in the car. What is it about a man with one hand on the wheel? Specifically, what is it about Jungkook, with one hand on the wheel and the other dwarfed over yours in your lap?

His hands were big. That much you knew. But having his hand in yours like this, encased over yours- they just seemed that much bigger. The feeling of his hand in yours sends sparks through your skin. You melt with his touch, with the soothing sound of his voice.

You have to ask him to repeat himself more than once, because you’re too busy enjoying the feeling of his hand in yours.

He chuckles to himself, already aware of your apparent distraction. The tips of his ears are warm and his belly is fluttering. But he’s not ready- when Jungkook parks his car and helps you out of the passenger seat, you don’t let his hand go. Instead, you bring his knuckles to your lips and kiss it softly.

“Thank you,” You mumble, meeting his eyes, “For taking care of me, Kook.”

Jungkook doesn’t let go of your hand after that, not in the lobby, not in the elevator, not even as he unlocks his door. Not even as he gives you water and a snack to chew on. You watch him with hearts in your eyes, looking at him as if he’s hung the moon and stars for you.

“D’you have clothes? I left mine at Yuna’s,” You ask once your face is freshly washed. Despite your difference in skincare routines, you had not so secretly stolen some of his cleanser and moisturizer. 

You suppose you’ll have to skip on toner tonight.

“No, I don’t, even though you’re standing in my bedroom,” Jungkook rolls his eyes and you swat his shoulder.

“You can just say yes-”

“It’s more fun to stress you out,” Jungkook says and rummages around for a shirt and some shorts for you to wear. He pulls out a freshly washed pair of shorts and an oversized grey t-shirt for you, but you’re smirking at him deviously.

“What,” Jungkook says flatly, “Why are you looking at me like that-”

“I don’t want those clothes,” You murmur, mischief swirling in your eyes, “I want the shirt you’re wearing.”

“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you,” Jungkook says, hoping you don’t catch the stammer in his voice. He moves closer to you, curling a hesitant hand around your cheek. You lean into his touch, tilting your head just a fraction and hum at the warmth of his palm against your heated skin.

He pulls away just for a second to peel his shirt off of his torso and despite your bravado from earlier, you’re not prepared to be met by his bare chest or the full breadth of his tattoos.

In fact, you squeeze your eyes shut to cope with the sudden sight of his beautiful, golden skin and the lines of corded muscle. 

“If I didn’t know you, I’d be offended,” Jungkook’s voice comes from right in front of you. He puts the fresh shirt on and his hand resumes it's comforting place on your cheek.

“Shut up,” You muster out, “Turn around, Jeon.”

And he does, hearing your pants drop to the floor, along with the rest. You neatly fold your clothes and place them on his chair before changing into his clothes. And Jungkook hears you inhale deeply- his clothes smell so much like him, the scent of his cologne heavy in the minuscule fibers.

“You can turn around now,” You mumble softly, “Honey.”

If Jungkook thought he was ready to see you looking at him with tired eyes and a tired smile wearing his clothes, he was kidding himself. He won’t deny that he’s daydreamed about it before- seeing you in his clothes, in his bed, in his arms, in his arms, in his arms…

And now you are. Even if you’re a little tipsy. He can’t wait to kiss you, feel the mold of your lips against his, feel how they slot against him- but not now, not tonight.

“Jungkook,” You say, tugging your hand in his. He doesn’t miss the way your eyes are still mischievous. “Should I sleep on the couch? Is it untidy of us to sleep in the same bed?”

“Haven’t even taken me out on a date yet and you’re already trying to bed me, huh?” 

“It didn’t take much, Kook,” You laugh.

“No,” Jungkook says, “I suppose it didn’t.” 

You’ve never been this close, this open to anyone. It unnerves you a little, even in your foggy mind. But maybe not as much as it would normally. 

You feel like you can just be with Jungkook. Without questioning it, wondering if it’s right or wrong. And you think he might feel the same way, too.

You’re “sleeping” on your side, facing away from him. Jungkook notices how rigid you are, as if you don’t know what to do. He also knows you’re still awake, even if you pretend not to be.

He touches your shoulder tentatively, reassuringly. “Hey,” Jungkook murmurs.

You hum in acknowledgement, feeling like a live wire about to explode. What do you want? What are you doing?

Nothing. It’s so easy with him. What are you so nervous for?

Jungkook can read your thoughts easily, your body language a practiced poem to him. “You alright? Is this too much?” Jungkook murmurs, pulling his hand away.

You miss his warmth already. No, you realize. It’s not too much… You want more. You want more, you want everything he’ll give you.

But he misunderstands, taking your silence for hesitation. You feel him begin to slide off of the bed, likely to take the floor or the couch. But you turn abruptly, shooting up and grasping his forearm tightly.

“No,” You say softly, “Don’t go, Jungkook. Stay with me.”

“You sure?” Jungkook hesitates, “Whatever you’re comfortable with, I’m comfortable with.”

“Yeah,” You breathe, “I’m sure.”

And so he settles in his bed once more, and you still sense apprehension radiating off of him in waves. 

“Are you sure?” You murmur, turning to face him. You’re close enough to him that you can see the count of his long eyelashes fanning his cheeks. Maybe you’ve rushed into this, whatever this is. Before you can spiral down that train of thought, Jungkook cups your cheek and your breath hitches.

“I’m sure,” Jungkook says, his cheeks tinted a dusky red, “I… I like seeing you like this. In my clothes, in my bed.”

“I like seeing you like this, too,” You whisper, feeling a little shy. But you return his gentle caress with a warm hand over his chest. Your touch sends happy little shockwaves pulsing through him, and he wants to chase that feeling with you.

“Thank you,” You whisper, somehow even softer, “For taking care of me. I probably interrupted your night...” You shift closer to him, plucking the courage to allow the press of your chest to his and to gently run your fingers through his soft hair.

More shockwaves.

Jungkook resists the urge to say what he really wants to say. Instead, he gives you a blinding smile, one that has you smiling back. “No, there’s no interruption. There’s only you.”

The sheer conviction of his words leaves your entire body buzzing and your face aflame. You’re not sure of many things, but you’re sure of this-

“I’m gonna kiss you,” You mumble sleepily, “Tomorrow, I’m gonna kiss you.”

And somehow, with that declaration, you fall asleep with your head tucked on his chest and he’s left with a small smile on his face.

Jungkook is awake before you. It’s a cloudy morning, shades of grey hidden behind his blinds. It makes him want to curl into you, just how he was moments before. He had woken up to his arm loose around your waist, his chest around your back. You were so warm, so pretty in his clothes. So unassumingly his, if you’d have him.

He peels away from you hastily. His face immediately heats up, he’s certain the tips of his ears are red from his proximity to you. 

Specifically, your ass is pressed into his half hard cock, and he can’t bring himself to pull away. Not when the sweet image of your ass swallowing his cock is a previous fantasy that is so close to becoming a reality.

You squirm in your sleep, or at least, he thinks you’re asleep. You sigh lightly before getting comfortable and Jungkook knows he’s in trouble. With you, he’s always in trouble.

Your hand comes forward to your face and you rub your eyes tiredly. Jungkook’s throat goes dry- what should he do? Feign sleep? Roll away from you? Or-

You make the decision for him though, and lift your hand behind you to feel around for him. A satisfied sigh escapes your lips when you find his chest, and then a soft murmur. A complaint.

“What?” Jungkook chokes, “I can’t hear you.”

“Come closer,” You mumble, your voice hoarse. It sounds like thick, golden honey and Jungkook wants a little taste. He envelopes you, encasing you with his legs and his arms around your waist. Your hand drops on top of his much larger one and you sigh dreamily.

“Jungkook,” You say, not really sure where you were going with that train of thought, because the warmth of his body against yours feels too good to do anything but sink into.

Jungkook nearly purrs into your neck.

“Good morning, princess,” Jungkook says. God, he wants to get used to this.

“Morning,” You reply, threading your fingers through his and squeezing. You push back against him, grinning to yourself when you feel him freeze up behind you. He holds your hip tightly, to stop you from moving.

Jungkook is only a man, only a man with a giant crush that he knows you reciprocate.

“What are you doing,” Jungkook asks breathily.

“I’m just lying here,” You say innocently and grind into him. Jungkook takes the bait, of course he does, and melds his hips to yours. A sharp exhale tickles your ears when he rocks into you lightly. It only lasts a few moments, a funny, sweet feeling swirling in your belly. It spreads to your toes- it’s all because of him, because of his touch. His touch sends a warm buzz all over.

You never want to let it go.

“You remember what you said last night?” Jungkook asks breathily, his lips nearly pressed to your neck. Remnants of your perfume along with the scent of his sheets lingers on your skin.

“I said a lotta things last night,” You tease, reaching behind to thread your fingers through his hair lazily. He groans, bucking his hips just a little faster. A breathy moan escapes from your throat and you’d be a little more embarrassed if you weren’t enjoying how he felt around you so much.

“You did,” Jungkook hums, “You were really talkative-”

“I remember,” You say and finally turn in his arms to get a good look at him. His cheeks and the tips of his ears are tinted a pretty pink. But your gaze immediately lands on his eyes, his beautiful, big, brown eyes. The same eyes that look at you with something similar to magic in them.

“Said I was gonna kiss you,” You continue, “So ‘m gonna kiss you. Can I? Can I kiss you?”

He nods eagerly, eyes wide and lips parted in anticipation. He wonders if you know how long he’s thought about kissing you, about feeling those surely soft lips against his.

And now his dreams with his dream girl are coming true. You press your lips to his, almost bashfully, and gasp into his mouth when he grabs your waist as if he can’t get enough of you. And he can’t- he can’t believe this is real, you in his arms, you kissing him like this.

It’s soft, it’s magnetic, it’s you.  Your skin is soft under his fingertips as his hand shifts to cradle your cheek. Your hand is fisted in his shirt before you wrap your arms around his head and push your fingers into his hair hurriedly.

Your hands are everywhere, trying to hold as much of him as you can. You can’t get enough either- the warm heat of his mouth is too enticing for you to let go of. You’re on a cloud, in a daydream all on your own. Filled with nothing but pastel stars and dark skies and him.

Jungkook devours you, slowly, surely and all at once. He slips his tongue into your mouth and you sigh, swallowing his own moan. Jungkook holds you close but presses your back on the bed and hovers over you when he pulls away slightly to catch a breath.

But you pull him back towards you impatiently by the collar of his shirt and press your lips to his. Jungkook re-centers you, slowing your impatience and kisses you languidly as if you have all of the time in the world to learn the soft lines of his equally soft lips. His name comes out of your mouth in a breathy whisper- he’s on his knees to hear you say his name like that as many times as he can.

Jungkook pulls away for a longer breath, peering down at you with wide eyes and bitten lips. 

“J-Jungkook,” You say with a splitting grin. It just feels right, it feels natural with him. “That was fun. I wanna do that again... baby.”

He laughs, eyes crinkling and honest and it makes your heart flutter. Jungkook presses his lips to your forehead, your cheeks, your chin, your nose- and in between you laugh airily, wrapping your arms around him to keep him as close to you as you can. Wrapping your legs around his tiny waist, you keep him molded to your chest.

He loses himself in you, in the gentle but firm caress against his heated skin. 

“Your hands,” You murmur with a smirk, “Your hands are so big…”

Jungkook snorts and rolls his eyes, nipping at your neck playfully. “Shut up,” He says, voice muffled.

“You’re really hot,” You say a little more seriously, “Like…  really, really hot.”

“Thank you,” Jungkook says almost shyly.

“So you agree? You think you’re really pretty?”

You screech with laughter when he playfully pinches your waist. “You’re really pretty,” He repeats to you, “Like… really, really pretty.”

“Oh, I know,” You grin and cup his cheeks for a quick kiss. You won’t deny the way your heart pounds at his quick, genuine declaration. You wrap an arm around his broad shoulders, rubbing the expanse of his back and enjoying the feel of his thick muscles under your fingertips.

“Kiss me again,” You demand softly, “You’re good at that. We’re good at that.”

And so he does, he kisses you softly, deeply and pulls peals of laughter and soft moans of his name from your throat and into the minuscule crevices between both of you.

Jungkook wonders if his past self would’ve ever dreamed of this moment- of his dream girl in his bed, wearing his clothes, kissing him as if he was the sweetest nectar to grace your lips.

tags: @koo-zy​

[btsqualityy]

Heaven Sent; Part 9

Jin x Reader

Genre: Angst, hurt/comfort, fluff

Warnings: None to note.

Three months later, it was a year to the date of your husband’s death and you found yourself standing in front of his gravesite and headstone with Aera and Jin next to you. You hadn’t been to the cemetery since the day that Hae-il was put into the ground and you wouldn’t have come back if Jin didn’t convince you. 

Although you allowed him to convince you to go, it was a harder fight to get you to agree to bringing Aera. You weren’t sure if she was ready for that, with her still being so young but Jin pointed out that, just like you, Aera probably had things that she wanted to say to her father and denying her of the opportunity wouldn’t be setting a good precedent. Needless to say, you relented after hearing him explain it that way. 

“Do you have anything that you want to say to your Daddy Little Heart?” Jin asked her and Aera glanced up at him, her eyes wide.

“I can talk to him?” She asked and you and Jin both nodded. “Will he be able to hear me?”

“He’s always able to hear you Love, even though you can’t see him. Remember how we talked about that before?” you reminded her gently and she nodded her head before looking back at the large marble headstone in front of her.

“Hi Daddy,” she begun slowly. “I miss you a lot, and wish that you were still here with me and Mommy. I miss your hugs but Mommy and uncle Jinnie give me a lot of them so I feel better about them. I miss how we used to laugh a lot and how you made me feel special but Mommy and uncle Jinnie do a good job just like you did. I love you Daddy.”

“Good job Love,” you praised her, squeezing her hand firmly. “I think Daddy liked it.”

“Good,” Aera grinned widely. 

“Go ahead Jin,” you encouraged him and he nodded before turning to the headstone and taking a deep breath before beginning to speak.

“Hey Hae,” He smiled softly. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year but I guess what you used to say is right: time waits for no one. I’ve been doing my best to try and live more in the moment, the way that you used to always tell me I needed to. I guess spending time with Y/N-ah and Little Heart has kind of helped me with being able to do that too. You always used to brag and talk about how amazing it was to have a loving family and I think I’m starting to understand what you meant. Just know that I’ll do my best to keep taking care of your girls and making sure that they’re safe and happy. I miss you man, always.”

“I think that was good,” Aera spoke up, making Jin smile as he looked down at her.

“Thanks Little Heart,” he chuckled before looking over at you. “Y/N-ah?”

“Actually, I kind of wanted to talk to him alone,” you confessed. “Give me a minute?”

“Of course,” Jin agreed easily. “Come on baby, we’re gonna let Mommy talk to Daddy by herself for a little while.”

“Ok,” Aera nodded, letting Jin lead her back towards the direction of the car. Once you were sure that they were far enough away, you stepped forward and kneeled down, settling yourself right in front of the headstone.

“Hi baby,” you whispered, reaching out and placing your palms flat on top of the headstone. “I’m sorry that I haven’t come to see you, but it’s just been too hard. Seeing you like this, especially knowing that you shouldn’t be like this....it just breaks my heart. I miss you so much, just as much as I did that first night you were gone and I don’t think I’ll ever stop.”

“You probably have figured it out, but I’m seeing Jin now,” you confessed softly. “It’s still so weird because I’ve been seeing him officially for 3 months now and at this point, I’m pretty sure that I love him but I still feel so bad for moving on so quickly. It’s crazy because I know you’d probably be like ‘if that’s how you feel, then why stop yourself?’ but it’s hard when I know that I wouldn’t have even looked his way if you were still alive. I guess that’s the point though, huh? You’re gone and things have changed.”

“I’ll always love you Yoon Hae-il. You were my first love and the father of my daughter. However, I know that you would want me to be happy and in order to do that, I have to let myself be with Jin because he’s what makes me happy. You always told me that I have a tendency to get in my own way so I’m finally gonna listen to you and get out of my own way,” you smiled sadly. “You’ll always have a piece of my heart, I promise. I love you baby, and that’s forever.”

Taking one last second to let your fingertips run over the engravement of Hae-il’s name that was etched into the stone, you hauled yourself off of the ground and blew one last kiss to the headstone before turning and walking away. Once you made it to Jin’s car, you saw that he was just finishing strapping Aera into her booster seat. 

“Hey,” he muttered, shutting the backseat door before gathering you up in his arms, hugging you tight to him. “You ok?”

“As much as I can be,” you replied lamely as you hugged him back. “Felt good to say what I needed to though.”

“I figured it would,” Jin said, pulling away from the hug a little bit so that he could look at you. “I wasn’t going to tell you this, but I used to come out here almost every week for the first 6 months.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “It was just so hard for me to really grasp that he was gone so I started coming out here so that I could get used to the idea but then I’d start talking to him and the next thing I would know, I’d spend two hours out here.”

“That’s understandable, it was probably much easier to talk to him without him being able to interrupt like he always did,” you giggled, making Jin laugh as well.

“That’s very true,” he nodded. “That’s why I figured you needed to come out here though. I got the feeling that you were still a little unsettled when it comes to us, so I figured that the only person who could give you any type of reassurance would be Hae.”

“And you were right,” you smiled. “Thank you so much, for being there for both Aera and I this past year. I didn’t know that it would happen as quickly as it did, but you gave us the love and laughter that was ripped away from us when Hae died and I’ll never be able to repay you for it.”

“You don’t have to repay me, because I wanted to do it,” he swore, leaning down and pressing a quick kiss to your lips. “Now, why don’t you and Aera come back to my place for tonight? I can cook for us and we can have a cozy night in, just the three of us.”

“That sounds amazing,” you nodded instantly. After you and Jin had both gotten into the car and he had pulled away from the cemetery, your mind began to wonder as he drove through Seoul back to his apartment. The day that Hae-il was buried, you had cried out wondering why he had left you alone with Aera. However, it wasn’t until now that you remembered that he’d always used to say “everything happens for a reason Y/N-ah. You have to trust the process, even if it hurts”. Just maybe, even though Hae-il didn’t have any control over how he left the two of you, he made sure that you both wouldn’t be alone for long. 

You weren’t too certain on how true that might be but admittedly, when you thought about the possibility that your husband had sent someone new to love you and your daughter as well as someone that you could fall in love with....well, you weren’t mad at it. In fact, you couldn’t be more grateful. 

[peachymarkeu]

𝓟𝓪𝓲𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰: NCT 127 x OC

𝓖𝓮𝓷𝓻𝓮: Fluff, Angst & Suggestive

𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂: What is it like being an 18 year old girl that had just moved into her new apartment and then suddenly meeting the people she would consider to be her brothers while being away from her parents?

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 6: 𝓞𝓾𝓻 𝓛𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓢𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻

“Um… Nae Oppa I know NCT” I said to them.

An awkward silence enveloped the place.

“Uh… don’t worry I’m not the type of fan that would announce to the whole world that I’m living right next to NCT. Y-you all don’t have to worry. I won’t be taking pictures of you guys as well.”

“Thanks Yuna for telling us that. We’ve been having great trust issues knowing that we are idols that want to keep our privacy.” Yuta Oppa said.

“Ah, I understand. I also wouldn’t want people going around telling me where I live. I respect your privacy and deeply understand their importance to you.” I told them as a reassurance.

Silence surrounded us once again. I slightly bowed my head hoping that we wouldn’t have to say our goodbyes already. In great honesty, I like being with them. They act like the big brothers that I’ve always wanted. I’m an only child so I never experienced having a sibling so being with made me feel as if they are actually my siblings.

“Yuna” Jaehyun Oppa called my attention. I turned my head to him.

“I know that look. There’s a lot of things going through your mind. Don’t worry, you don’t have to stop seeing us because you’re a fan. The whole time you were here we felt quite comfortable with you. We trust that you won’t be going around telling people about us” he said with a small smile.

“Gomawo Oppa. I was actually thinking if we had to cut ties already. I don’t want that since I actually find you guys fun to be with. It's as if you were brothers I never had.” I told them while looking at all of them and saw that they all had a smile on their faces.

“Ok enough of all the serious talking. My gosh the mood went down so quickly. Let’s go play or something.” Jungwoo Oppa said while standing up.

“Let’s jam out to our songs. Yuna you know our songs right.” Mark Oppa asked me and I nodded.

He started to strum the guitar and I immediately noticed what the song was. He was playing Love Song by NCT 127. 

neoreul hyanghae giun usani

ireoke ttaemachim

cham jagaseo dahaengiya

Taeil Oppa sang with his very angelic voice which made me sway my body.

Hoo ireon geon

yesanghaji mothan sanghwangiya

eokkaega daheun i sungan

Jungwoo Oppa sang Haechan Oppa’s part which surprised me since it sounded so good.

‘eodi deureogal del chatja’

malhamyeonseodo nae georeumeun

Mark Oppa then sang Doyoung Oppa’s part and he surprised me again with his vocal’s

jakkuman hayeomeopshi neuryeojyeo

I can’t stop I can’t stop this feeling

Jaehyun Oppa started with his one and only baritone voice and blended with Jungwoo Oppa in the next line.

neoye sumsorido deullyeo

ireoke gakkaunikka

Yuta Oppa continued and I admired his very unique voice. Jaehyun Oppa then nudged me telling me to go next.

idaero tumyeonghaejin chae

shigani meomchwosseumyeon hae yeah

I sang Taeil Oppa’s part effortlessly but still being cautious knowing that I am singing right in front of the very people who originally sang this song. In the corner of my eyes, I see them all looking at me. I even saw Taeil Oppa open his mouth while I was singing. We then continued to sing the chorus of the song all together which was really fun. Surprisingly we sounded so good even when I was part of it. We continued to sing and Jungwoo Oppa  and Taeil Oppa started to make funny choreography which made me giggle. We ended the song and we all cheered for each other.

“Wah, Yuna-yah you have a very nice voice” Yuta Oppa said which made me blush slightly. Can you believe it? The Nakamoto Yuta said that my voice is nice.

“Yeah, yeah. You can actually be part of NCT. Uwa the very first girl member.” Jungwoo Oppa said with a smile.

We continued to sing a few more songs until our vocal chords got tired. Yuta Oppa decided to get us some drinks to replenish our throats. He opened the refrigerator and checked if there was any delicious drink inside.

“Ok who wants to have beer and who wants to have soju?” He asked which made the boys laugh and I smiled at them. I’m still a minor so I can’t have any of those drinks.

“Yah Yuta, Yuna here is still a minor she can’t have any of those.” Taeil Oppa said.

“Then water it is” he said while getting the pitcher and wine glasses.

“Um… why do you guys use wine glasses to drink water?” I asked them quite curious since wine glasses are for wine not for water.

“Ah, it's a thing here in our dorm” Mark Oppa said while rubbing the back of his neck and the members agreed with him so I just let it go, not asking any further.

Yuta Oppa poured us all glasses of water and handed them to us one by one.

“Oh, Yuna I forgot to ask, how come you're living alone at the age of 18?” Jungwoo Oppa asked.

“Ah, my parents gave me the apartment as a gift on my 18th birthday and out of nowhere told me that I would be moving in just a few weeks. I was shocked because I never knew why they wanted me to move and live alone so early. But, I thought that maybe this was a way for me to grow up or something like that.” I told them.

“Wah, I never envisioned myself living in an apartment alone at that age. I mean yeah I did move away from my parents at a very young age but I have my hyungs with me all the time.” Mark Oppa said.

“Doesn’t it get lonely?” Jungwoo Oppa asked.

“Well, I’ve only been here for a very short time so I haven’t really gotten homesick so much. But, I have been missing my parents a lot these days.” I told them with a sad smile.

“You don’t have to worry Yuna.” Jaehyun Oppa said while placing his hand on my shoulder as a kind gesture.

“We’ll be your family while you live here as our neighbor. Just as you said earlier, think of us as if we are your brothers.

“Yeah! And you’ll be our beloved dongsaeng.” Taeil Oppa said and I smiled at him.

“Well then, are you guys ready for another round of singing?” Jungwoo Oppa asked.

I looked at my wrist and saw the 10:00 pm flashed on my digital watch.

“Shit” I muttered quietly although Jaehyun Oppa still heard me.

“Why? Is there something wrong?” Jaehyun Oppa asked.

“A-aniyo. Um… Oppa mian, I actually need to go home already. I still have a lot of homework to do hehe.” I told them slightly embarrassed that I didn’t do my homework right away and it was already really late. Well, guess who’s staying up all night.

“Aigoo, arraseo, I’ll lead you to the door.” Jaehyun Oppa said while getting up from his seat.

I got up as well and said my goodbyes to the other members. Taeil Oppa and Jungwoo Oppa gave me a very friendly hug while Mark Oppa and Yuta Oppa just waved me goodbye. I followed Jaehyun Oppa to the door and put my shoes on and set my slippers to the side. Before he could open the door for me, Jungwoo Oppa called out to me.

“Yuna-yah jamkkaman.” Jungwoo Oppa said while jogging towards us with his phone in his hand.

“Nae Oppa?” I said to him.

“Um could you give me your phone number. The others and I want to make a group chat with you.” He said while handing his phone out to me.

I got my phone and punched in my number and saved it as ‘Kim Yuna’. I gave it back to him and said my last goodbyes again. Jaehyun Oppa gave me a side hug before I went out of their unit.

“It was nice hanging out with you Yuna!” he said to me with a smile which showed me his signature dimples.

“Thank you Oppa for letting me stay in your unit.”  I said and smiled and proceeded to go inside of my unit. 

I went inside of my apartment and got my bag so that I could start doing my homework.

“Aish, why did Mr. Park give so much homework.” I said while trying to figure out what I was going to do first.

I decided to do the longest homework first then the shorter one’s so that in case I won’t finish tonight, I’ll be able to do them in school before classes start and during breaks in between classes.

I was reading my text book and was getting quite drowsy until my phone flashed open. There, I said that this was a sign that I can take a break. I know I’ve only been working for ten minutes. I got my phone and checked the notification that made my phone turn on and saw that it was from an unknown number.

+127-09682679

Annyeong Yuna! It's me Jungwoo :-)

Kim Yuna

Annyeong Oppa!

I put my phone down to get some water in the kitchen. When I came back I saw that my phone was bombarded with text messages.

Kim Jungwoo added you to the Group Chat

Kim Jungwoo

Yuna is here!!!!

Mark Lee

Annyeong Yuna!!

Moon Taeil

Aye Yunaaaa!!!

Nakamoto Yuta 

Hai!!

Jung Jaehyun 

Yah, you guys. Yuna still has homework to do and you guys might be distracting her.

Also hi Yuna!

Mark Lee

Oops mian Yuna

Kim Jungwoo

Wait wait I gotta do something

Kim Jungwoo changed the Group Chat’s name to 10th Floor Brothers

Kim Jungwoo

There you go

Kim Yuna

Hey guys! Thanks for adding me to the group chat. Really like the group chat name, it has a ring to it Jungwoo Oppa (n_n). 

Sorry I can’t really talk right now. Gotta get this homework done so that I wouldn’t get scolded by my teacher (-_-)

Good night guys sleep tight!

Jung Jaehyun

Night Yuna! Fighting!

Kim Jungwoo

Jalljja! <3

Mark Lee

Night and peace out!

Yuta Oppa

Night Night!

Taeil Oppa 

Good night Yuna!

I turned off my phone and focused on my homework while listening to my playlist. 

Now playing Whiplash by NCT 127

‘Damn it’s gonna be a long ass night’ 

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

A/N: Hi guys! Hope you are enjoying this series. For the record this is the very first series that I have ever written so if ever you have any suggestions or advice you want to give me so I can improve my writing you can send me a private chat or comment in this blog. I would really appreciate them and I would also want to communicate with you all. Thank you all so much for all the likes and re-blogs! Hope to hear from all of you. ALSO don’t forget to stream NCT 127′s upcoming Japanese comeback. That’s all!!

[marshmallow-phd]

What the Future Holds

Part of The Untamed - EXO Wolf Universe

Genre: Supernatural, Wolf Au

Pairing: Luhan x Reader

A/N: The promised Bonus chapter. Just so you know, this takes roughly during chapters 13 & 14 of Midnight Hours. Enjoy! 

**

There was no way you were going to be able to keep this a secret much longer. Perhaps because it was your own body and you knew the details of yourself, but you would swear that you were already beginning to get that small rounded bump near the lower part of your abdomen though you didn’t think you were far enough along.

Lying there in bed, face towards the ceiling while Luhan slept soundly beside you, completely unaware of the third person who occupied the room, you wondered what the future held for you now.

You were going to be a mom.

In your days with the organization, that had never been in your plans. Sure, you figured someday you might find someone to settle down with and maybe start a family. But it was always just a maybe, an afterthought. You had more pressing matters. Other objectives took precedent.

Even after meeting Luhan and seeing the happy little family that Kris, Evie, and Mei had created, you still didn’t get those kinds of visions. Adjusting to life here among what used to be the enemy was emotional enough. Thinking of anything beyond becoming comfortable with your new family, let alone starting one of your own, was too much.

Letting out a sigh, you sat up and swung your legs off the bed. It took you another minute or two before you were able to actually stand up. There was nothing wrong with you; nothing but the burden of when to tell Luhan.

By now, you were sure that he would be happy, ecstatic even at this unexpected news. How could he be anything but? You’d seen him with Mei. There were times he’d get that look in his eyes, the far off kind that made it obvious what was on his mind. You knew he was imagining a child of his own, one that was made from the two of you.

But eventually he would shake his head, tossing the image away. There were even times where he joked about being too young to take on that kind of responsibility, disregarding the fact that he was older than and Evie both.

On the other hand, though, he would certainly be upset once he learned that you’d known for a while and waited to tell him until after the danger had passed. You weren’t going to do anything stupid or irresponsible, but you were never the kind who could just sit back and do nothing. You weren’t sure what help you could possibly be – then again, no one truly knew what would be coming when it did.

Needing space to clear your head, you finally landed on your feet, stretching your arms and back as you shuffled over to the closet to get dressed. You snatched up your favorite bow sitting in the corner of the room before going back over to the bed.

Luhan was still peacefully snoring away, his blonde hair ruffled from his constant tossing and turning. In the space you’d previously occupied, Luhan’s arm was outstretched as if he were reaching for you even in his sleep. You couldn’t help but smile. A sigh escaped and you leaned over to gently press a kiss to his cheek.

“Mmm,” he groaned satisfactory. In a flash he had your wrist in his grip in an attempt to keep you there. “More.”

It wasn’t that hard to free yourself. “When I get back. Maybe.”

One eyelid slowly opened. “Where are you going?” he asked.

You held up your bow. “To get some practice in.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Luhan mumbled. He was already falling back asleep, weakening his argument.

“I know,” you said, “but we’ve already had this talk. You’re still not going to win.” For good measure, you leaned down again and kissed his lips this time. “I’ll be back in a few hours. Get some more sleep.”

He murmured out something along the lines of “okay” and flipped over. The poor thing had worked last night and it was too early for him to be fully awake.

As quietly as you could, you made your way through the basement, up the stairs, and out through the back kitchen door before bee lining for the trees.

It was still early morning, the sun barely shining in the hazy sky. Beams of light cut through the trees, giving the forest an almost fairytale-like quality. Ahead, though, clouds were growing and darkening. So a rain was coming. Looks like you wouldn’t be out here as long as you were hoping.

To get to your hidden practice range, it was at least a forty minute hike with twists and turns that anyone who followed you lost. The only way you remembered yourself were the small, insignificant notches you’d carved into the trees at interval heights. Luhan was the only one that knew to follow them, in case of emergencies. He tended to leave you alone – struggling against his instincts – when you came out here. Often times, you found yourself needing space.

Saying your world was flipped around when you joined the pack… it felt laughable, understated. Your parents always taught you to be prepared to deviate from the plan, to have other options open to you, and to accept that you can’t control every turn life takes. As a hunter, that was easy enough. Variables were always being thrown in. Wolves are chaotic by nature – just living in that house with twelve of them was proof enough. It wasn’t a bad kind of chaos. Not all being of mayhem and pandemonium were. They simply existed without real order. But you were used to that as an outsider. Now you were among them.

It was a lot to get used to – so different from your structured life before - but you thought you were doing an okay job at adapting. Sure, you still tended to cling to Luhan at times like a frightened child. And, okay, your only really good friends among the mates were your cousin Hae In, Lottie, and Nia. Family, the one who arrive around the same time you did, and the resident witch. Not too bad of a group, if anyone asked you. Who better to surround your baby with?

As the thought crossed your mind, your hand gently touched your stomach. Funny how before this, you were barely aware of that particular area of your body. Now that’s the only thing you seemed to think about. It was like an invisible protective bubble hovered around that area and whenever your mind drifted to your baby or if you accidentally ran into something, immediately you had to check that it was alright. Not that you could tell with just your palm, but it helped.

Finally arriving at your spot, you found the hole in the tree where you stored your practice arrows and stepped up to the mark. Months ago, Luhan had surprised you with a nice shooting target – cubed and stuffed with straw. The boys had been a bit nervous when he’d showed it off to you, but they were reassured it was simply to help your bored mind. You did not plan on shooting any of them with your arrows – again.

You still felt terrible about that. Jiyeon was only barely starting to treat you cordially and you suspected that was more at Evie’s insistence. Minseok, however… he was also nice to you. He never held a grudge about what you did. Part of you wondered if that was his plan all along because his kindness just made you feel worse about it.

Only an hour or so went by before you were tiring out from the constant motion of firing off the arrows. It must be the pregnancy or lack of consistency in your sessions because in your past you could do this all day without hardly any breaks. Heck, you had gone through a whole day of shooting practice with barely a lunch squeezed in there.

Finding a good stopping point, you gathered up the arrows and put them back in their little cubby in the base of the tree, covering the area with foliage and leaves. It made the boys feel better, you keeping the dangerous part of your favorite weapon out here and away from the house.

Slowly, you made your way back down to the house, already feeling better. Sore, but much better mentally. There was something about the continuing motion of docking the arrow, pulling it back, and letting it fly that was soothing to you.

To your surprise, Luhan was waiting for you when you broke through the trees. Usually he was inside when you returned, but today he was leaning up against the house, arms folded so tightly over his chest that you could see the tension from where you were. As soon as his eyes caught sight of you, he pushed off the siding and stormed towards you.

“Luhan, what’s- hey!”

He took you by the arm, not too hard to bruise, but certainly enough to pull you back into the woods. You roughly yanked your arm from his grasped, heated.

“What the hell!”

“When were you going to tell me!” His eyes shimmered bright amber, causing you to take a step back.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It was probably the worst lie you’d ever told, but in the moment it was the best your brain could come up with.

Luhan held up your phone, the reminder to take your prenatal medicine blinking on the screen. In the other hand, your medication from the doctor.

Crap.

You had completely forgotten to bring your phone with you. And how did he find your pills?

Luhan’s next question came out quiet and defeated. “How long have you known?”

You whispered back in an equally soft voice. “A few weeks.”

“A few weeks?” Water began to pool in his eyes, breaking your heart. You knew he would be upset that you didn’t tell him earlier, but… well, you’d hoped that it wouldn’t be like this. Luhan shook his head in an effort to fight back the tears. “Were you ever going to tell me?”

“Of course!” you argued. “Of course I was going to tell you. I just wanted to wait until after everything had settled down. The last thing the pack needed was to be worrying about me.”

“Fine, but you still could have told me,” Luhan countered. “It’s my baby, too.”

You threw your hands in the air. “I didn’t want you locking me away in the basement like I can’t take care of myself!”

“I know you can take care of yourself.” Luhan’s eyes were settling back into their normal brown, which was a good sign. You hoped. “But what about the baby? They don’t get a choice of what happens around them. If this thing comes to some sort of fight, you don’t need to be in it. You can’t just think of yourself right now.”

You scoffed. “Oh, so you think I’m selfish? You think I don’t know that I can’t go charging in like I want to? I’m not a complete idiot, Luhan.”

“No, but you are reckless!”

That was it. Straw? Meet the camel’s back.

Snatching your pills and phone from Luhan, you shoved passed him back to the house.

“(y/n)! (y/n)!”

You ignored him. How dare he? How dare he question your ability to protect your baby, to think of it before yourself? Of course you would want to do your part in protecting the pack when the blood moon came along, but it wasn’t just you anymore. You understood that. So why did he think you would do anything different?

**

You were not going to cry. You were not going to cry.

Crap. You were going to cry. Stupid hormones.

It had been nearly a whole day since Luhan had confronted you about the pregnancy secret and you’d hardly spoken a word to him. You’d been fairly successful at avoiding him, even sleeping on the pull out couch to not be in the same room with him (that is, until halfway through the night, while you were still asleep, Luhan carried you back to bed). But when Kris called a full family meeting the next day, you were obligated to join. Luhan took his normal spot standing next to you, but you refused to look at him.

You were doing absolutely fine until Kris dropped the bomb that Nia was gone. Sehun looked like an absolute wreck as he stared out the kitchen window, watching the rain come down. You could tell he was hardly listening as Kris explained to the rest of you how he, Sehun, and Jinyoung had gone to search for her before the storm started last night. There had been a small bit of hope that she would come back due to the weather, but since she still hadn’t, a plan of action was needed.

Desperately searching for a distraction, you started pacing the floor, ideas and possible avenues popping into your brain.

“Sehun, are you listening?”

Sehun whirled around so he was now facing the rest of the kitchen. “What?”

Junmyeon sighed, letting the attitude slide given the circumstances. “I know you’re worried. We all are, but I need you-”

“Do you really think your worry is as great as mine?” Sehun growled. Silence filled the kitchen. Because everyone knew that, no matter how worried or concern you all were, it was like a mustard seed compared to the mountain of anguish Sehun was going through. Realizing that the pack knew just that, he pulled back. Letting his gaze fall to the hardwood floor, he murmured, “Sorry.”

“It’s understandable,” said the fairy witch, Soomi. Her voice was always soft and comforting and this time was no different despite the current situation. “And it’s scary, thinking that she’s out there, alone in this. But she’s a survivor. She’ll be okay.”

Sehun shook his head. “I can’t just leave her out there while I’m here safe from the storm.” 

“There’s no way to find her,” Chanyeol whined. Lanie reached over and consoled Chanyeol with a slight squeeze of his hand.  

“Would you leave Lanie out there by herself even if you couldn’t follow her scent?”

“Leave me out of this,” Lanie begged. She let go of Chanyeol’s hand and leaned forward, massaging her temples. 

You huffed. All this talk of just leaving your friend out there… you could feel the hormones buzzing inside. “I agree with Sehun that we should go look for her, weather be damned.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” Luhan snarled at you. The only response you had was to roll your eyes and turn away from him.

“Is there any sort of shelter she might be able to find in the woods?” Lottie asked desperately.

“No,” Minseok answered with a shake of his head. “In these trees, there��s nothing but this house and the city.”

Suddenly, Sehun straightened up, the despair on his face gone and replaced with a look of realization. He was out the back door before anyone could even call out his name. For a moment, everyone just stared in shock as his rash decision. It only took a few blinks, however, before a majority of the pack was scramble to get through the door.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” Luhan stopped you before you could aid in the chase. The mates that had stayed behind were looking at the two of you with curious eyes so Luhan tugged you out of the kitchen and through the living room until you were standing on the front porch, the rain giving enough cover for no one to be able to overhear.

“What is it now,” Luhan?” you barked.

He looked at you with narrowed eyes. “You were about to do it again.”

“Do what?” you challenged.

“Be reckless.”

“Oh,” you faked sudden realization. “So, going after your pack member who took off into a storm and could get hurt is now considered reckless. Good to know.” You tried to head back inside, but Luhan stopped you with a gentle hand in yours.

No, no, no. That was how he always got you. With his soft touches, his skin against yours. Now that your body wasn’t going about its functions as normal, it was almost worse.

“I’m sorry about yesterday,” he said quietly. You didn’t say anything back. “I… shouldn’t have reacted like that. With everything going on… I’ll admit, I got scared.”

“And you think I’m not?” Seeing him before you like this, with his head bowed and breathing shallow, you did something that was a bit out of character for you. Taking your hand out of his, you stepped forward and wrapped your arms around his shoulders. “I worry every day,” you confessed. “I worry about what the blood moon means, I worry if I’m cut out to be a parent, I worry if this is even what you wanted-”

“Of course I want this,” he interrupted, pulling back so he could see your face. His hands were resting on your hips, his thumbs moving up in down in a way to try and calm you down. You usually didn’t get emotional like this, save for a very specific time or two.

“How the hell am I supposed to know that?” you asked. “We never talked about it before, the two of us. And you always joked about being too young to be a parent.”

Luhan shrugged. “I didn’t want to scare you off. You’d ran away before, remember?”

“That was a completely different scenario. I was trying to keep you safe.” 

He quieted you with a kiss. “It doesn’t matter now. If you thought you were stuck with me before….”

There were a million things you could blame for this sudden outburst of emotion: hormones, Nia’s disappearance, bottling up too much. Or maybe it was a combination of all three. Whatever it was, it caused you to hide your face in Luhan’s shoulder as you cried. He patted your back, obviously holding back laughs at seeing you like this.

“You’re going to be great, you know that?”

“Shut. Up.” You didn’t want another reason to start bawling while you just getting your emotions in check.

“I kind of want a boy,” he went on. “I think that’d be fun. Also, how big do you think you’ll get? Evie got pretty big. Kris had to carry her up the stairs for breakfast in the morning-”

You shoved back, playfully hitting him in the shoulder. “Luhan, if you don’t stop going on about how big the baby is going to make me, I’m tacking you to the wall with my knives.”

“Baby?”

Oh… great.

Cringing, you turned to find the pack – minus Junmyeon and Sehun – staring up at the two of you on the porch. So much for the rain being a cover for the conversation. Their faces were almost funny enough to send you into a laughing fit. The mortifying fact that they now all knew about your “delicate condition” was able to trump that urge.

“Luhan?” Kris raised an eyebrow. Your wolf nodded in confirmation.

“As if this month couldn’t get even more dramatic,” Jongdae rolled his eyes.

“Leave them alone,” Kris ordered. “Everyone just… get inside. We’ll deal with that later.” The alpha came up the steps and said, “Junmyeon’s out walking with Sehun right now to get him to calm down. When he gets back, you should update him. But don’t tell Sehun until after we find the witch. He’s a bit sensitive right now.”

“Sure thing,” Luhan promised. After a somewhat awkward half smile sent your way and a muttered “congratulations”, the alpha headed inside, sighing and shaking his head. The rest of the pack came up the porch as well, giving their own words of congratulations.

Baekhyun, who was behind the majority of them, shouted, “Is no one else worried that the highly trained assassin is now going to have mood swings?”

His point mostly went ignored by the others, though you had to admit, it was a little valid. You didn’t have the most controlled temper at the best of times.

“You know, this definitely means that you’re staying here until all this business is over, right?” Luhan said.

You nodded. “I know.” It went against your old instincts, but you had to protect your baby. Those were your new instincts.

A sigh fell out before you could stop it.

Luhan reached out and cupped your cheek. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh,” you smiled at him, “I just thought that now we have to do something almost equally as dangerous as whatever’s waiting on the blood moon.”

H frowned. “What’s that?”

“Telling Hae In.”

“(Y/n)!”

You flinched. “Too late.”

[ali-babbles]

flower of evil: ep 10

who’s the accomplice?

real baek hee seong

there’s something up with this guy - what woman was he going to meet? my first thought was either do hae su or cha ji won. i thought of ji won only because if he sees that hyun soo married the girl he liked, there could be drama there. but there was something wrong or weird with the way he said that everything would’ve been fine if he had just met that woman. 

it could’ve been hae soo as well - maybe he knew something about the murders and wanted to make sure she didn’t talk...

also, when the leader of the human traffic ring was like “it’s been a long time since i’ve seen his face” - it made sense that it could’ve been the real hee seong since he was in a coma this whole time and the one day he went out, it probs got his photograph taken.

baek man woo (fake father)

obviously he’s on the list because that wristband was tied to his hospital. he’s a doctor, he’s intelligent enough to memorize faces and all that but honestly, i think he’s too high profile to be the accomplice. 

it was revealed that do min seok and human traffic ring leader met at the child psychiatric center - but maybe that’s where do min seok met his accomplice as well? 

both the real baek hee seong and his father would have a reason to possibly be there - real bhs was known as a child genius and we know that the mother felt guilty about pushing him hard on his education when he was young. what if he had a psychotic breakdown? and was admitted to the children’s psych hospital? he could’ve met do min seok there.

and the fake father is a doctor and could’ve visited or had privileges at the hospital so theres a reason for him to show up there as well.

ji won has gone through so many emotions over the last couple of episodes and i have to praise moon chae won for her performance. keeping a steady head while suspecting your husband might be a murderer isn’t easy - the lies, the feelings of betrayal while still loving him, etc. that’s a lot to process.

but i’m so glad she finally realized than hyun soo isn’t bad - and that he probably does love her, he just doesn’t know what that is so he doesn’t know how to explain it or put it into words. i totally called that recording being his mother’s voice - it’s the only thing that made sense considering how attached to it he was at a young age and his reaction to his mother disappearing. ji won flipping out on the psychiatrist was something else (isn’t that the same one hae soo used?) - she finally understood that they didn’t even try to give hyun soo the benefit of the doubt, even from a young age. 

detective choi really pisses me off cause he doesn’t really evaluate the facts - he decides who he doesn’t like and goes with it. at least with this he has evidence but still, his arrogance and his entire demeanor is just gross. though i am biased because i know hyun soo isn’t in the wrong here - in real life, i guess that’s how a detective should be lol

as for hyun soo, he breaks my heart each week. he tries so hard to be a good person and live a decent life but at least ji won knows and next week we finally get to see him learn about the fact that she knows.

i was glad to see hyun soo calling hae su out on her emotional instability. he was right, she could’ve compromised everything but he could act a little nicer haha. i do believe that hae su is right and she could be a target - which again leads to my theory that the real baek hee seong is the accomplice. the only reason she’s been safe for 18 years or so is because he’s been in a coma. maybe he was going to meet her that day to kill her because he couldn’t risk her remembering his face but then the accident happened? but he’s back and still not able to walk but....

for once, i’m really excited for next week’s episode!

[stayrohazen777]

Run

-Moonbin-

In honor of Ddankong sub-unit (which btw teaser pictures are ouff and it’s only the second day)

female reader

Warnings: None

Enjoy!

Waking up to your friend screaming in your ear isn't necessarily what you call a good morning especially when it’s that time of the month 

“If you don’t leave my room in the next 5 second Na Jaemin I will throw hands at you. On god” 

“I’m just being a good friend waking you up before your classes”

“Hearing your voice cracks first thing i wake up isn't necessarily the nicest alarm now get out ” You sat up rubbing your eyes 

“How did you even get here?” You rolled your eyes 

“You gave me spare keys, remember?” He wiggled his eyebrows 

“Most regretful thing i did” You threw him your backpack and grabbed your water bottle to fill it up 

“Let’s go” You gave him a chocolate bar and wore your shoes 

“Is this a thank you for waking you up?”

“No it’s for shutting you up” You smiled and started walking towards the bus stop 

“Do you have dance class today?” Jaemin asked 

“Yeah I think?” 

“Are you questioning me over your classes?” 

“I dont know ill figure out when i get there” You shrugged 

“I swear to god one day you’ll end up regretting not getting your schedule” He said 

“It’s not that I didn’t want to Jaem it’s that I couldn't” You glared at him 

“Yeah because your beloved-” 

“Shut up” You covered his mouth 

You arrived at the university where surprisingly here were more students than expected which wasn’t exactly a good thing as you liked staying in the study room alone for a bit before chaos erupts 

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAH” You heard a high pitched laugh coming from someone you were very familiar with 

“Goodmorning Y/N” He greeted you cheerfully 

“Morning MJ” You smiled 

“Jinjin  wanted to ask you if there’s a meeting for the student council today?” He asked 

“I completely forgot about that shit” You groaned in dissatisfaction 

“So i’m guessing no?” 

“Yeah it’s a no for today” You told him 

After the first couple of classes were over you rushed to the cafeteria

“Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N” Jaemin came running breathless

“What now?” 

“Code Blue” 

“I will actually beat him up today” You furrowed your brows in anger 

“How many fucking times will I tell you to not use the council room for making out Mark and Hae-” You opened the door to confetti?

“CONGRATULATIONS Y/N” 

“Eh?” You asked confused 

“You have officially become the head of the dance team” Haechan announced

“No way” You covered your mouth 

“You’re joking right?” You asked 

“No way we would joke about this” Minhyuck told you 

“OH MY GOD” 

“As a celebration” MJ put cream on your face 

“Will you text him?” Jaemin asked once you were on your way home 

“Who?”

“The guy you always text but never talk to in person because you’re a coward Y/N” Jaemin rolled his eyes

“You can just say Moonbin you know you don’t have to call me out like that” You put a hand to your heart as a motion of being hurt but then glaring at him 

“I honestly do not get why you both are like this You make me cry” He wiped his fake tears 

“Because we’re both awkward and plus I don’t really pay much attention to that aspect” 

“Jaemin I really want to have a proper conversation with him. Jaemin what if he doesn’t like my personality that's why he's not talking to me in person?” Jaemin mocked your words from a couple of weeks back 

“I told you to stop calling me out didn't I?” You raised a brow 

“Coward” He stuck out his tongue

You glared at him for the nth time today 

“Cowardddd” He wiggled his eyebrows and ran away 

“NA JAEMIN YOU STAY IN YOUR PLACE RIGHT NOW” You started chasing him 

On your way you saw Jaemin talking to someone 

“Who’s the coward no-” You started but stopped once you saw the person he was talking to 

“Me” You said and walked away from the scene 

“Did you really just HAHAHAHAHAHAHA” Jaemin laughed at your embarrassment 

“Will you shut your trap? I already want to dig myself a hole and stay there” You whined 

“That was an amazing opportunity by the way” 

“Shut up you probably only were there because of Jeno” 

“At least I’m talking to him” He scoffed

“Good Morning” You said sluggishly 

“What is up with you?” Jaemin asked 

“It’s my second day” You put a hand on your stomach 

“Oh will you be able to go to dance class today?” 

“Yeah don’t worry I’ll be fine by then” You gave a smile 

“If you need anything call me okay?”

You hummed 

After class you were feeling dizzy which was normal but this time it was intense that you had to hold the railings as you went downstairs to the cafeteria 

“Hey are you okay?” Jinjin came to you with someone beside him 

“Yeah i’m fine just a little dizzy” 

“You want to go to the nurse?” 

“No no i’m fine don’t worry I just need to get to  the cafeteria” 

“Moonbin take her there while i tell Jaemin” Jinjin told him 

“Oh no it’s fine you don’t have t-”

“I’m okay with it” Moonbin spoke to you for the first time in the whole 5 months you were friends on the phone 

“O-oh o-okay then” 

“Y/N my baby are you okay?” Jaemin came over and sat beside you 

“I’m not your baby you idiot” You slapped his shoulder 

“What happened?” He asked 

“I told you in the morning and it’s probably the lack of water in my system”

“Where’s your water bottle?” 

“I forgot it at home I was rushing today” You said 

“Here drink this” Moonbin handed you a brand new water bottle 

“It’s fine I don’t want to-”

“Y/N” He said sternly 

“Fine Thank you” You took the bottle

“Is what i’m seeing right now real?” Jaemin asked bewildered 

“Jaemin I am warning you” You gave him a glare

“I am sorry” 

“You really don’t have to come today Y/N” Jaemin told you

“Jaemin i’m fine now i am full, hydrated and i took medicine for my cramps so calm down i’m going we need to get the choreography down by this week” You replied putting your backpack in the locker 

“Whatever” He sighed 

“Oh by the way there’s a new guy in the dance team” Jaemin announced 

“Who?” Jisung asked 

“Moonbin” Jaemin said slowly looking at you with a smirk 

“Moon-what now” 

Jaemin shrugged 

“Okay from the top let’s go” You clapped your hands 

Once dance class was over you passed water bottles and some snacks to the team 

“You all did so well I’m proud of you” You wiped your fake tears away 

“Well our leader is very talented and nice she even gives us snacks” Jisung gave you a smile 

“aw you’re adorable” Renjun pinched his cheeks

“Hi” Moonbin greeted as he opened the door

“Oh you’re here for the audition?” Jaemin questioned

“What audition?” You asked Jaemin confusedly 

He just put a finger over his lips 

“Ah yes” He nodded 

“Oh my god i just remembered i have to go my mom wants me to go the salon with her” Jaemin said looking at the rest giving them hints

“But your mo-” 

“Goodbye” 

“Oh right I need to go feed my pet duck” Jisung got up 

“So uh do I show you my dance or no?” He asked 

“Yea-ah sure g-go ahead”

To say you were mesmerised was an understatement 

His moves were so smooth yet so detailed with no mistakes 

“You’re in” You told him after he was done 

“Really?”

“Yeah”

“But since we’re halfway through the choreography already you'll have to stay back for a couple of days to get it down before the performance” You said passing him a water bottle and a chocolate bar

He nodded 

“I’ll talk to Jaemin or Minhyuck to help yo-”

“Can you help me?” He asked quickly 

“M-me?” 

“Yes I think you’ll be the best to work with” He rubbed his neck 

“O-okay I guess” You told him 

“Goodwork today” You smiled at him before leaving 

The next couple of days consisted of you teaching Moonbin the dance which was easier than expected since he was an amazing dancer 

You two got pretty close and your texts got more frequent as you talked more in person 

Your feelings were also getting bigger by every conversation you have 

“Y/N?” Jaemin waved his hand in front of your face 

“Hm?” 

“What is wrong with you? You keep spacing out” He said as he ate his ice cream 

“Jaem I think I really like someone”

“Yeah I know you’ve been liking him since the third month of you texting him I’m surprised you even got to the point of talking to him”

“Oh my god shut up”

“Honestly if it wasn’t for my amazing skills Moonbin wouldn’t be in the dance te- fuck” 

“You talked him into it didn’t you?” You sighed closing your eyes 

“I- No wait listen Y/N” He got up and ran 

“YOU JUST WAIT NA JAEMIN” You started running but you were blocked by someone 

“What’s up with you running after him?” Moonbin laughed 

“He’s a little sly bitch He won’t get out of this one” You blowed the hair strand out of your face 

“What did he do this time?”

“He talked-” 

Moonbin looked at you as a sign to continue 

“Nevermind he did nothing ha ha ha” You laughed fakely

Moonbin felt a bit upset over the fact that you might not trust him enough but he pushed it away 

“Y/N-” He started 

“Oh would you look at that I gotta go to class” You told him smiling as you walked 

“When will she stop running away?” He sighed 

“I am afraid to tell you that it’ll take a bit” Jaemin came from behind him 

“How the fuck?” 

“Y/N You really need to grow some balls and try to flirt with the poor boy”

“He doesn’t like me, why would I? We’re friends right now I don’t want to mess it up” 

“ For the millionth time You don’t know whether he does or not” He rolled his eyes

“Nana” You said with worry in your tone 

“What?” He looked at you 

“I got an email”

“Elaborate idiot” He told you 

“Mr.Park wants us to have a couple dance along with our group dance” You said whining 

“What? Why all of a sudden?” 

“I have no idea the performance is three weeks away this is on short notice” You rubbed the sides of your forehead trying to calm down 

“It’s okay for now we need to figure out who’s gonna do it” Jaemin said trying to calm you down 

“Wait-” He got an idea

That’s how you ended up in the practice room with Moonbin alone.

Your groupmates or actually your best friend had something up his sleeves and he made everyone vote for you two for the couple dance 

“Na Jaemin I swear to god”

“Anything wrong?” Moonbin came from behind you 

“Not at all i’m just a bit stressed because this came on such short notice” You sighed 

“I know that we’ll be able to do it. How about we dance a bit before we start to get you in the mood hm?”

“I would love that” You smiled 

Several days of creating and practicing with your group and with Moonbin you were finally done with both choreographies, what’s left is practicing the full dances and the performance was only a week away 

You were going to the practice room to just dance everything away 

As you were starting your dance the door opened to Moonbin 

“Oh you’re here? Sorry i’ll-” 

“No it’s okay we can practice together” You told him 

“Why are you still here though?” You asked confused 

“I had to stay late because it was my turn to clean and it started pouring outside so I thought i would practice for a bit until it stopped raining” He explained 

“Oh it’s raining?” 

“Yeah” 

You two ended up practicing your song, the groups song, and some random dances you both knew 

“I always wondered how you were so good at dancing” You asked Moonbin while you were taking a break 

“Oh i took ballet classes when i was younger and dancing has just stuck with me since then. How about you? I mean you’re in the student council and you’re pretty busy” He smiled

“I liked dancing ever since I was in middle school I taught myself how to dance by learning random choreographies here and there I guess it just became a stress reliever, something that brings my mood up when i’m upset or stressed because of studying or student council”

“Oh wow” 

You continued your practice but as you were dancing to the couple dance you were nervous and  blushing everywhere 

The part where he grabs your waist to spin you around gets you everytime 

Your heart was basically out of your chest at this point 

Even his, He was probably a bigger mess than you 

Scared of you hearing his heartbeat when he pulls you close for the dance or seeing his red cheeks when you turn towards him 

“O-okay I think that-t’s eno-ough for today” You stuttered 

“You’re telling me you were stuck with him in the practice room for hours and you didn’t make ONE MOVE” Jaemin scolded you

“Listen I couldn’t”

“You couldn’t my ass”

“Jaemin I am genuinely too shy and too scared”

“Scared of what?”

“Rejection”

“Y/N this is literally your one chance. If you get rejected then what? Will you really waste your chance of a potential amazing relationship because you're scared?” 

“I don’t know” You sighed 

But you did know that Jaemin was right 

You couldn’t be normal towards him. Jaemin’s words stayed with you but you couldn’t do or say anything 

“Y/N?” Moonbin came into the practice room 

“Yes?”

“Is everything okay?” He asked you 

“Yes” 

“You sure?”

“Yes”

“Did I do anything wrong?”

“No”

“Then why are you ignoring me?”

“I am so not ignoring you”

“I greeted you twice but you walked past me and you haven’t been replying to my texts” He said upset 

“I’m sorry I didn’t see you”

“Yes you did”

You looked at him apologetically 

“Will you tell me what’s up and stop running away? Please?” He pleaded 

“I am not running away” 

“Yes you are ever since we started talking in person you’ve been running away” He told you 

“Sorry”

“I don’t want you to apologise I want you to tell me what’s wrong” 

You stayed quite 

“Y/N” 

“I Like you” You stated 

“Eh?” 

“I like you Moonbin that’s what’s wrong” You said 

“Why is that making you run away from me?” He asked 

“Why do you think?” 

“Y/N look at me” He held your face in his hands 

“I like you too” 

“What”

“I like you too.” 

“Oh”

“That’s your reaction? Oh?” He mocked you 

“Shut up it’s the first time someone likes me back”

“Really? Who wouldn’t like your beautiful 

, amazing self?” He smiled

“Cheesy”

“You love it already” He teased 

“True” 

He pulled you into his arms into an embrace

“Fucking finally” Jaemin let out a breath of relief when you told him

“I thought you guys would never get together” 

“Thank you Jaem” 

“I knew this day would come” He patted himself on the shoulder 

“Nevermind. No thank you Jaem” You glared at him 

“We’ve practiced for a long while, I know you guys are gonna do so well with your skills. I’m so proud of you” You told them bringing your group mates into a hug 

“You also did well Y/N” Jaemin came to hug you 

The group performance went well however what you were nervous for was the couple dance as it’s the first time you do this type of dance

(If you listen to roleplay the middle part where it’s just music is what they’ll be dancing to basically)

“Y/N” Moonbin called you 

“Yes?” 

“ I know you’re nervous right now but trust me we’re gonna do well okay?” He put his arms on your waist bringing you closer 

You just nodded smiling at him 

“I’m proud of you love” He told you kissing your forehead

“Thank you. I’m proud of you as well you worked very hard in a short amount of time” 

“Moonbin and Y/N you’re up” Jeno came to tell you 

“We can do this” He held your hand 

“Wait Bin” He looked back at you 

You pressed your lips against his 

“A Goodluck charm” You smiled 

“I’ll ask for one everytime I have something important” He told you 

“You can get one anytime” 

He came forward and kissed you again 

“Less flirting more performing” Jaemin told you 

“I TOLD YOU TO STOP CALLING ME OUT NA JAEMIN” 

“You’re so cute” He laughed 

Moonbin gave you one last kiss on your forehead and short hug before you two made it on stage

[btswishes]

Are you for real?

Kihyun  (Vampire Au)

Part1 / Next

A/N:  Thank you for reading my stuff, I appreciate it extremely. I tried to put a twist on this a bit, hope you enjoy it Anony and sorry for any mistakes made.

Requested by: Anonymous 

Request: “ Hi! I was wondering if you could do a Kihyun vampire au? It can honestly be about anything! I love your work btw!  “

Word count:   2,304

Warnings: Swear words, blood, organs mention of death.

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

  The moon slowly rose from it’s place of slumber and illuminated the world underneath in a silver light. The night birds stepped into their spotlight and began singing the songs of their kind, accompanied by the gentle rustling of the leaves and the howling winter winds.

  You mumbled something under your nose, before slamming the books shut and stretching your back a bit. After a few small cracks ,you took off your reading glasses and looked outside the window.Night had fallen and you hadn’t even noticed where all those hours went.

  Studying for today was finished and you were swirling on the chair, thinking what to do now with your free time. You could watch\read something or just lay on the bed at stare at the ceiling for sometime. Not many good ideas where popping into your head ,when a pretty silent knock stopped your movement.

“Yes?” you said loud ,as the door opened with permission  

“You done with studying?” your mom asked noticing all the closed books and your kinda empty stare at the wall. 

“Pretty much yeah.” you could see a small piece of paper in her hand fluttering from the outside wind coming in through the open window “You want me to get something?”

“Yes.I am running low on a few things.” she explained, passing over the list

“Where is dad?” usually he was the errand boy for small stuff that didn’t need a lot of thinking or choice

“Your dad decided to show your brother a move and I think he broke his back. He will ok tho, just needs some time to get back on his feet....literally” your mother was obviously trying to suppress a laugh so strong it could shake the whole house.”Can you go?” You scanned everything from number 1 to number 10 fast and decided that it wasn’t something that will take a long time to get and you had nothing else to do anyways.

“Ok. The store is pretty close anyways, a few minute walk.” you jumped off the chair and walked over to your closet putting on some pants, a warm shirt and your hair in a high bun on top of your hair. 

  Going down the stairs you saw your dad on the couch, face down and ice on his back. You wanted to laugh too but kept your cool out of respect. Popping some shoes on you fixed your coat making sure you were nice and isolated.

“I can go get the stuff you know.” you were stopped by your brother, who as always was concerned about you.

“It’s ok Hae. “ unlocking the door ,you threw the shopping bag on your shoulder

“I can come with you! Muscle power.” he was trying to flex but you were already locking the door at this point. It wasn’t anything new to you, he has always been like this since day one. 

  The night was cold and you were nuzzling yourself into the coat, trying to stay as warm as you could. Both your hands were in your pockets trying not to fall off from the freezing temperatures. Everything around was pretty quiet and peaceful.Most people were already in their homes, trying to warm up and spend time with loved ones. It was Christmas and New Years week after all.

  From time to time someone would pass by you, but you weren’t fazed much by it. Humans lived on Earth after all. Of course some people walking were a bit sketchy and all, but you weren’t that worried. There have been sightings of some strange creature lately in your city, but this isn’t some kind of horror movie you were in, so you didn’t think much of the poster that pulled your attention for a split second.

  The supermarket was  illuminating the street in front of it so well ,you could almost see the snowflakes as they crackled under your boots. Stepping in the warm space, you grabbed a basket and went around searching for the items on the small list. It didn’t take long before you had almost everything in the basket, the only thing missing was the meat.

  You walked up to the section and began telling the worker what you needed. Your mom was very specific when it came to meat in your family. After some time the lady working behind the glass section passed over everything you had asked for. You wished her a happy week and went on your marry way. 

“Ok so, I have milk, eggs, the veggies and meat and.....oh liver, liver.I almost forgot the liver.” the paper went back in your pocket as you were once more running around in search of number 10. “Aha!” you gasped when the little packet caught your eye from the distance. You were so happy that you started running in its direction. There was a small moment where you hit something and fell back. Everything happened in a matter of seconds, but what you figured out was that the boy holding onto your hand, pulled you in time before you hit the hard floor.

  He had an intense stare that wasn’t moving away from your face. His grip was pretty strong and starting to hurt. The boy felt you flinch and let go.

“Are you ok?” he asked with a serious tone in his voice.

“Ah yes. I am sorry, I shouldn’t have been running in the first place.” you said sorry for the whole incident and reached out to grab a packet of liver. 

“You really seem to like...meat.” he was looking at the bags upon bags of it in your basket 

“It’s not only for me, my family eats it too.” the boy nodded, his eyes locked on your face “I am really sorry again for the mess I made.Have a goodnight.” you bowed a bit and snaked around the aisles. 

  It was pretty late, so not many people were at the cash registers. You placed everything in the bags and payed fast. Being around so much food made you pretty hungry. Stepping out of the supermarket ,you were hit by the cold air again. You had forgotten that it was winter for a second.Looking up at the moon you were able to clearly see your breath like small clouds disintegrating into the atmosphere.

“Going home?” you heard that familiar voice   

“Yes, have a good night.” the boy was standing close to you, with his hands in his pocked and surprisingly lightly dressed for the season you were in. You were giving him short answers. The boy was very handsome, his hair was dark and his eyes an interesting almost black tint mixed in with mystery. His skin was fairly pale and in a way there was something a bit unsettling.He didn’t seem bad, but at the same time not trust wordy in a way. Unknowingly to you, he had taken a liking to your existence. He was quite close when you felt his breath on your neck. You almost jumped when he grabbed you by the waist. 

“Wait, don’t move.” in his hand he had a small insect that had fallen onto you from a tree “I didn’t want to scare you, sorry.” he was painfully close and his eyes were fixed at certain points of your body, eyes and neck. In moment of shock you had dropped the bags, so he pulled them up, his head grassing onto your skin for a split second. Grabbing them tight you said a thank you and a goodbye almost at the same time, as you started walking in the direction of your house. The boy staid in the same spot and you could feel the intense stare he was giving you.

  It didn’t take you long to calm down and soon your walking pattern became slow. You fixed the shopping bags in your palm, moving them in a more comfortable position. The night had become darker and more cold than you remembered. The streets were empty and your only company at this point were the lights trying to keep the darkness away from the town. There weren’t people in sight and even the cats and dogs were hiding somewhere warm. 

  Yet you couldn’t shake this feel of being a sitting duck at this very moment. You felt a few chills run down your spine, but shook them away thinking it was the cold. They began from the back of your head, tingling to your ears and down your spine, coaxing a twitch in your neck. You sucked air in your might through your closed teeth ,as you rubbed the skin on the back of your neck, trying to calm the sudden jolt you had.You felt uneasy as if you were being watched and or followed, but there was no one around you or behind you. Then again it was pretty dark and you never know where one could be hiding. Your house wasn’t far from here and you had only 5 more minutes or so till you reached the front door. 

  In a way it felt calming knowing that you were almost home. Stopping on the step, you started fiddling in your pocket, trying to find the key to the front door. Even if you were relaxed that chill was still present in your body, like you were still being watched. For a second it felt like something cold was close, reaching towards your neck ,when the door opened wide and your brother grabbed the bags out of your hands.

“I was about to go and find you.Took you long enough.” he pulled you in and locked the door behind you. Your brother saw how much you were freezing and helped you take off your coat. “Where did you scratch yourself?” he pointed out the small red line of the back of your neck. You touched the spot and remembered the small insect that was apparently on you.

“There was a bug on me earlier, maybe the little thing bit me.” you shrugged your shoulders before your mom pulled out some ointment. 

  Dinner was normal, nothing special. You had a nice talk with your family.Afterwards your dad and mom sat on the couch to watch something on TV, while you and your brother get ready for bed. During your shower a stinging sensation took over the small scratch on your neck. You ran your fingers over it again, but payed it no attention as it was going to heal soon anyways. Wrapping a towel around you and stepping out of the bathroom, you called your brother to inform him that you were all done.

  Your room was nice and warm thanks to the heater, so you were able to comfortably take your towel off and get dressed without feeling like you are going to freeze to death. After brushing your hair and doing your night time routine, you were ready for bed. You had this habit where when you weren’t tired yet, you would turn on your nightlight and sit in bed, looking at your phone, reading something or just thinking about random things. It was nice to just listen to the sounds of nature. You could hear the wind moving the trees and bushes around, the flutters of small nighttime birds enjoying their life and also random sounds that are a bit similar to foot steps and also the smell of winter, wait....go back a bit!

  Your body stood up and froze with your back facing the wide open window. Sounds were mixing in with each other, making it a bit hard to identify which was what. You took a deep breath and pulled yourself off the soft bedding. It took a few seconds before you turned around standing face to face with the small square leading to the outside. Your room was in the back of the house that was opened to a very big field like garden. As much as you didn’t want to, you peeked a bit outside to see what could be making the sounds. Usually a lot of small creatures would pass by and deep down you thought that if maybe you saw one of them it would calm you down and let you sleep calmly. 

  There was nothing next to the house. You should have been happy, but then again something had to be making those sounds and it wasn’t something simple. You didn’t hesitate to close the window shut and pull the curtains as far as they could go.

  The warm bed welcomed you triumphantly, as it’s hands pulled you into a warm and long awaited hug.Almost instantaneously you drifted off into sleep. Your dreams were normal with the occasional appearance of that boy from the supermarket.He looked different this time around, his almost pitch black eyes and blood-red lips were contrasting his pale skin. He looked lifeless on more than one level, yet there was a prominent existence around him. You clearly saw a small talisman dangling on a chain around his neck, almost like a necklace. For a moment during your dream you could hear his deep voice. 

  Your eyes shot open and you found yourself welcomed by the morning rays. The sun warmed up your skin and the sound of birds calmed you down. You stretched your arms and took a deep breath, taking in the fresh air. Jumping out of bed ,you put on your slippers and grabbed the door handle, when your foot hit something small. Almost without a thought you looked down seeing a shining metal object.

“Hm?” your fingers quickly retrieved the material and let your eyes scan over it.It looked like a lock.As you were holding it, your mind went blank.Your body turned around slowly towards the room. 

 The curtains were pushed back.

                    The window was open.

                               The lock was in your hand.

[basketcase1880]

Well, who’da thunk it. I’ve only gone and managed to get chapter 13 typed up in 24 hours, so I thought I would treat everyone to chapter 12.

CHAPTER 12

Previous

The silence in the sitting room was deafening when Jamie made his announcement.

 “Pull the other one,” Willie said after a few minutes of awkward silence. “When would the golden child even have the chance tae take a lass out, let alone father a bairn.”

 “Wheesht,” Murtagh scolded as he slapped Willie around the head. “Let the lad explain ‘imsel’.”

 “Are ye really my papa?” Fergus asked as he looked up at Jamie with a look of hope in his eyes. “And that means you won’ send me away?”

 “Aye lad,” Jamie reassured as he kissed Fergus’ curls. “This wee bit o’ paper tells us that I’m really yer da’ and that will help us if yer mam ever came knockin’ on the door.”

 “Nuh uh,” Fergus said adamantly as he curled into Jamie even more. “I stay with my papa.”

 That one sentence, as innocent as it was, brought a huge smile to Jamie’s face. Claire’s smile was tender as she gazed at Jamie and Fergus, as was Ellen and Jenny’s.

“Want tae tell us how ye came tae be a father?” Jenny asked from her perch on the sofa next to Ian. “Save us from jumpin tae any conclusions.”

 “It was when I was workin wi’ Jared in Paris,” Jamie began. “I met a lass called Annalise…”

 “My mama,” Fergus muttered from Jamie’s lap.

 “Aye, turns out I left her pregnant,” Jamie said with an element of shame in his voice. “Tae be fair, I didnae ken she was pregnant until mam telt me she had had a phone call fae Jared.”

 “Jared called me to tell me that he had a young ward in his care whose mother claimed belonged tae Jamie,” Ellen continued. “So, Brian and I went over to Paris to discuss Fergus wi’ the French authorities. They said because Fergus had been left in Jared’s care, it was up tae Jared tae decide how tae raise the lad.”

 “After some discussions wi’ Jared, it was decided that we would bring Fergus over here,” Brian supplied. “I decided tae seek legal council on the issue and following Ned’s advice sent off a DNA test tae prove Fergus was a Fraser.”

 “How long have ye had the results?” Jamie questioned.

 “Just over a week,” Brian replied. “I was tryin’ tae figure out the best way tae tell ye, an I though’ Christmas Day would be the best. Though’ it would be the best present fer ye an’ Fergus.”

 “Ye called me Fergus, sean,” Fergus said from Jamie’s lap. “Ye’ve never called me Fergus before. It was always Claudel.”

 “Weel, lad, yer a Fraser an’ tae be honest, I dinnae think Claudel would really fit in wi’ yer classmates next year.”

 With that, Fergus jumped up from Jamie’s lap and wrapped his tiny arms around Brian’s neck now he had sat back down. “Love you, sean,” Fergus whispered into Brian’s ear, which brought tears to Brian’s eyes.

 “Love you, too, lad,” Brian said.

 “Weel, mo bhràthair,” Willie said with a smirk. “Ye start the day off as a heilan coo, an’ then ye become a da’. Anymore surprises ye want tae spring oan us?”

 “Shut it, Willie,” Jenny snapped. “Jamie has been a da’ for the past three year, we’re jus’ findin’ oot the no’. But Fergus is a breath o’ fresh air tae the family. An’ now we ken, if Annalise comes lookin’ fer the lad, she’ll see he’s weel kept.”

 “Da?” Fergus suddenly piped up. “Does that mean I’ll live with you now?”

 “Ye cannae live there a chuilien,” Ellen said, directing her comment to both father and son. “The flat is tiny an’ who’ll watch Fergus while yer at work?”

 “Mam, I’ve bought that flat,” Jamie said petulantly. “If I move back here what’ll I do wi’ it?”

 “I’ll take it,” Ian supplied. “I’ll pay rent an’ all. It means when I’m at home I’m no sponging aff Ellen an’ Brian. An’ I’ll no need tae stay in barracks. An’ ye’ll still get rent when I’m overseas.”

 “Guys, let the lad breath, will ye,” Murtagh said. “The lad’s just had his day made wi’ findin’ out he’s a da’. Why don’ we just have the day an’ think logistics after the holidays?”

 “Oui,” Louise said as she ran her new scarf through her fingers. “I for one would like to go back to bed for a few hours. This is such an ungodly hour.”

 Everyone laughed at that and began to disperse from the room as Ellen and Jenny began clearing up the torn wrapping paper and Claire and Fergus began to put everyone’s presents in specific bundles under the tree. Jamie and Willie cornered Ian and dragged him into Brian’s study.

 “Whit was that, ye eejit?” Willie said. “Ye were meant tae be proposing tae Jenny.”

 “I spoke wi yer mam an’ da before I left this mornin’,” Ian explained. “Tae ask fer their blessin, but I was advised tae hold off on it til the big Hogmanay party. Said they had a bigger surprise that needed tae be given this morn.”

 “So ye decided tae hold off on proposin’ on the say so o’ mam an’ da’?” Jamie questioned. “But then start askin’ tae rent my flat. Which ye obviously want tae set up as yers and Janet’s first home together. Ye need tae think right, Ian…”

 “I want tae rent yer flat fer the reason I already gave ye, Jamie,” Ian interrupted. “I’m a grown man in my twenties. I need tae ha’e my own space. An’ IF Jenny says aye, then we’ll make it our own.”

 There’s nae ifs about it,” Willie said as he cuffed Ian around the head. “Jenny’s crazy about ye, the only question she’ll have is ‘how soon can ye marry?’”

 “Weel, I’m goin’ tae ask her at the Hogmanay party,” Ian said. “So ye need tae keep yer gobs shut until then.”

 Jamie and Willie just gave Ian a cheeky salute and all three exited the study, with Jamie and Ian heading back to the sitting room and Willie heading to the kitchen to check on the food for dinner.

 “An’ mind,” Willie said with a warning. “Ye don’t tell mam what I’m daein’. She believes that I should hae Christmas off since I seem tae cook the rest o’ the year.”

 This time it was Ian leading the salute towards Willie with Jamie joining in.

Meanwhile, in the sitting room, Ellen, Jenny and Claire were sitting enjoying a nice cup of tea while watching Rabbie helping Fergus with his new train set.

 “So, it doesnae put ye off then?” Jenny asked Claire and Claire raised her eyebrow in question. “Jamie bein’ the lad’s da?”

 “No,” Claire said with a smile. “To be honest, I kind of guessed it and asked him about it last night.”

 “So, ye weren’t surprised by Brian’s present to Jamie then?” Ellen asked.

 “No,” Claire smiled. “If anything, I was pleased for Jamie. He told me last night that he felt ashamed to have bedded Annalise out of wedlock and leave her with child. Especially since she was seeing others on the side.”

 “He was worried about Fergus’ parentage?” Ellen asked and Claire nodded. “He had nothin’ tae fear, jus’ look at the lad. He’s got the Fraser hair, an’ if ye compare some of the family baby photos ye’d see Fergus in them. An’ no’ just Jamie’s photos.”

 “Where is everyone?” Jenny suddenly asked. “I know Louise has gone back to bed, but I can only count five o’ us.”

 “Yer da’ an’ Murtagh are out in the stables,” Ellen said. “An’ kennin’ Willie he’s prolly nosin’ about in the kitchen. I tell ‘im every year that the Christmas dinner is my work, but he always sneaks some wee ‘improvements’ as ‘e calls them. As for Jamie an’ Ian, it’s a’body’s guess.”

 “They might be talking about the flat,” Claire supplied. “Ian seems very eager to have his own place nearby.”

 “That must be it,” Ellen said in a way that made Claire think she knew that Ian was probably being grilled about the non-proposal. “But enough of the boys, I have tae thank ye, Claire, for the lovely necklace and the matching cufflinks fer Brian. They’ll be put tae use on Hogmanay, at the party. But ye needn’t have gone to any trouble gettin’ us all presents.”

 “It wasn’t any trouble, Ellen,” Claire smiled as she pulled her new shawl around herself. “I’ve never really had a big family celebration at Christmas. Uncle Lamb would try his best, but he would often loose track of the days at the dig sites. I wanted to give everyone a present. As for Murtagh and Louise, I got their presents when Jamie and I took Fergus to see Santa. Jamie’s present was the hardest to find though, I didn’t really know what to get him.”

 “But ye an’ Jenny seemed tae ha’e the same idea,” Ellen laughed. “Getting’ each other a set of the song books ye need fer the choir.”

 “Weel, Claire cannae guarantee she’ll be able tae attend choir fer the last six weeks,” Jenny explained. “I thought if I get her the books, I can help her practice.”

 “Aye, yer nursin’ placements,” Ellen said. “How many do ye have?”

 “I’ve nine in total,” Claire smiled. “Three in first year, four in second year and two in third year. Since I’m specialising in learning disabilities, and there are only two universities in Scotland that offer LD nursing, I could request placements all over Scotland. The three-week placement I have just after new year is in the epilepsy centre at Govan, but I don’t know where else I’ll be.”

 “Weel, if ye ever want tae ask fer any placements up this way, yer always welcome tae stay here,” Ellen offered. “As I said before, Janet has chosen ye as her sister, so ye’ll always be a part of this family. That plaid around yer shoulders testifies tae that.”

 Before Claire could say anything in reply, Jamie and Ian made their way into the room smiling like the troublesome boys they used to be.

 “I take it, yer brother is nosin’ in on my cookin’,” Ellen said matter of factly.

 “No mam,” Jamie said slightly louder than necessary as he nodded his head in agreement with Ellen’s statement. It was the same routine they went through every Christmas since Willie got his first job as a chef.

 “Scoundrel,” Ellen whispered as she shook her head with a bright smile gracing her face.

Next

[debcnairs]

( kim taehyung, cismale, he/him, 24. ) — i hear that PAK HAEIL has been living in seoul for around FOUR YEARS and works as an EXOTIC DANCER. rumor has it, they can be DEBONAIR & INSOUCIANT but also IMPETUOUS & MISCHIEVOUS which is why neon lights glowing at midnight, bodies entangled in silk sheets, sultry gazes & designer clothes makes me think of them.

its  me,  the  demon,  gem,  finally  making  this  demon's  intro  like  eight  years  later.  (  claps  for  myself  wow  look  @  u  go  !!  )  ANYWAYS... i  don't  have  his  entire  backstory  or  anything  like  that  figured  out  but  i  do  have  everything  i  know  of  below  the  cut  as  well  as  basic  info  /  plot  ideas  under  the  cut  !  it  kinda  sucks  and  i’m  sorry,,,,  love  me  anyway  pls  :/

SMASH  the  lil  heart  if  you  want  to  plot  with  this  shithead  !

                                        basic information.

full  name:  pak  haeil. nickname(s):  hae,  honey. age:  twenty-four. date  of  birth:  october  31st. birthplace:  london, england. current  location:  seoul,  south  korea. gender:  cismale. pronouns:  he  /  him  /  his. orientation:  bisexual. occupation:  exotic dancer  /  escort  /  sugar  baby  /  runs a  nsfw  twitter  acc. language(s)  spoken:  english,  korean,  french,  spanish.

                                   physical  appearance.

face  claim:  kim  taehyung  (  v  )  of  bts. hair  color:  changes  frequently,  currently  red. eye  color:  brown. height:  5  ’  11  ". weight:  165. build:  slender. tattoos:  far  too  many  to  count. piercings:  multiple  in  his  ears,  nipple  piercings.

                                                favorites.

season:  winter. color(s):  peach,  baby  blue,  purple. music:  not  picky  in  the  slightest. movies:  loves  comedy  &  action  movies,  starting  to  get  into   the  horror  genre. sport(s):  used  to  play  soccer  when  he  lived  in  london. beverage(s):  anything,  isn't  picky. food:  home  cooked  meals. animal:  cats.

                                                    family.

father: tba. mother: tba. sibling(s):  n/a. children:  n/a. pet(s):  an  egyptian  mau  named  diamond,  extremely  spoiled. family’s  financial  status:  upper  class.

                                                    extras.

zodiac sign:  tba. mbti:  tba. enneagram:  tba. temperament:  tba. hogwarts  house:  slytherin. moral  alignment:  tba. primary  vice:  tba. primary  virtue:  tba. element:  air.

                                               biography.

haeil  was  born  in  london,  england.  both  parents  moved  there  years  before  he  was  born  to  chase  their  dreams.

because  of  it,  he  grew  up  around  people  with  british  accents  &  picked  one  up  during  his  childhood  years.

his  parents  were  gone  a  lot,  both  of  them  working  but  he  didn't  really  mind  because  that  meant  he  could  go  do  whatever  he  wanted  to  do  without  any  consequences.

in  fact,  his  parents  were  the  ones  who  constantly  gave  him  permission  to  go  out  and  hang  out  with  friends...  all  that  good  stuff.

sure  they  didn't  really  KNOW  about  the  fact  that  him  &  his  friend  group  were   constantly  out  doing  things  they  shouldn't  have  been,  but  what  they  didn't  know  wasn't  going  to  kill  them,  right ?

he  was  basically  free  to  do  whatever  he  wanted  and  even  if  he  did  get  caught  doing  bad  shit,  his  parents  were  close  with  the  police  so  most  of  the  time  they  just  let  him  off  with  a  warning  and  sent  haeil  off on  his  way.

haeil  was  fifteen  when  he  experienced  his  first  party,  drugs  &  alcohol  within  his  grasp  and  the  peer  pressure  to  fit  in  with  his  friends  causing  him  to  cave  &  try  anything  and  everything  that  was  offered  to  him  that  night.

needless  to  say,  he  got  pretty  fucked  up  that  night  &  ended  up  sleeping  on  some  strangers  couch  after  passing  out  in  their  front  lawn  on  his  walk  home.

&  after  that?  haeil  quickly  became  addicted  to  the  atmosphere  &  the  way  that  drugs  /  alcohol  made  him  feel  so  he  continued  to  seek  it  out  with  each  and  every  chance  he  got.

that  lead  him  to  the  day  he  showed  up  back  at  his  home  at  four  in  the  morning,  drunk  &  high  out  of  his  mind,  parents  waiting  up  for  him  at  the  front  door  because  they  hadn't  heard  from  their  son  in  over  twenty  hours  &  were  beginning  to  think  he'd  gone  missing.

they  were  more  pleased  to  have  their  son  back  home  that  anything,  advising  him  to  be  more  careful  if  he  did  decide  to  go  back  to  the  party  scene  but  not  really  'punishing'  him  for  it  because  they  had  done  the  same  thing  as  kids.

hence  the  reason  that  haeil  continued  to  seek  out  anything  &  everything  he  could  that  would  get  him  to  his  next  high.

one  party,  though,  he  ran  into  someone  who  told  him  he  needed  to ��make  money  so  he  could  afford  the  "better"  stuff..  and  haeil  being  the  person  he  was  went  right  along  with  it..  ending  up  at  some  hole  in  the  wall  strip  club  in  london.

he  had  no  idea  what  he  was  doing  for  the  first  few  weeks,  sticking  to  table  running  more  than  anything  but  he  always  had  a  curiosity  &  that  lead  him  to  ask  one  of  the  regular  dancers  to  teach  him  the  ropes.

which  they  did,  without  hesitation,  and  surprisingly,  haeil  was  GOOD  at  it  right  from  the  start,  knowing  how  to  use  his  looks  to  his  advantage,  knowing  the  in's  &  out's  of  how  to  make  the  most  money  all  while  still  being  able  to  have  fun  with  it.

after  a  while,  though,  he  was  bored  of  the  tiny  little  club,  wanting  bigger  &  better  things.. so  after  a  few  google  searches,  he  decided  to  move  to  seoul,  hearing  that  the  underground  party  scene  there  was  unlike  anything  he'd  been  able  to  experience  before  then.

it  was  only  a  week  after  the  first  google  search  haeil  made  that  he  was  on  a  plane,  moving  his  entire  life  without  hesitation,  excited  to  be  able  to  explore  &  go  on  new  adventures.

                                      personality.

the  BIGGEST  flirt  you  will  ever  meet.

knows  how  he  looks,  uses  it  to  his  advantage  w  every  chance  he  gets.

is  so  unashamed  of  his  entire  life  it's  unreal.

takes  no  shit  but  also  doesn't  start  it  unless  it's  absolutely  needed.

actually  really  likes  the  "domestic"  things  like  cooking  /  cleaning,  loves  spending  time  in  his  penthouse  just  baking  or  cooking  for  friends  whenever  he  has  free  time.

a  shopping  FREAK,  he's  on  shopping  sprees  at  least  three  times  a  week,  and  if  he  isn't,  he  gets  grumpy  &  snippy.

will  buy  you  things,  constantly.  loves  the  fact  that  he  can  spoil  people  with  whatever  they  want.

also  LOVES  to  be  spoiled  (  hello  sugar  baby  life  )  and  loves  to  show  of  the  new  things  he's  been  gifted  to  anyone  who's  down  to  be  shown.

still  goes  to  parties  almost  every  weekend,  still  gets  just  as  fucked  up  as  he  used  to  as  a  teenager.

a  lowkey  petty  bitch  with  a  love  for  revenge,  even  if  that  means  helping  a  friend  get  it.

loyal  af  to  his  friends,  he'd  do  anything  for  them  tbh.

not  into  relationships  or  the  idea  of  love,  will  legit  laugh  in  your  face  if  you  say  something  about  him  settling  down  eventually  because  he  doesn't  believe  that  will  ever  happen.

spoils  the  FUCK  out  of  his  cat,,,, i'm  talking  got  the  cat  a  CUSTOM  diamond  collar  &  soooo  much  other  stuff  it's  unreal.

can  be  clingy  &  touchy,  esp  when  drunk  or  high... he  just  loves  skin  to  skin  contact,  it  doesn't  even  have  to  be  sexual..  he  just  thrives  from  it.

                                                  plot ideas.

someone  who  frequents  the  club  that  haeil  works  at  and  has  never  approached  him  but  one  day  haeil  finally  finds  the  time  to  go  over  to  them  &  wow  he's  really  interested  in  getting  a  friendship  out  of  this  person.

someone  who  doesn’t  care  about  haeil’s  lifestyle  but  is  there  for  him  constantly,  aka  his  rock  that  he  can  go  to  any  time  he  feels  like  he  might  need  to.

will  add  more  as  they  come  to  mind  !

[theguineapig3]

Tales Whump Week Day 1: Wounds

“Silent Treatment”

Tales of Symphonia Words: 1786 Characters: Kratos Aurion, Dirk, Lloyd Irving (mentioned)

Kratos didn't know which hurt worse- the wounds he sustained in his fight with Lloyd, or the suffocating silence he endured as Lloyd’s real father patched him up.

“You don't have to do this. As an angel, my body will heal quickly, even without treatment.”

Kratos’ words had been spoken almost as a plea when Dirk appeared with a first aid kit. Lloyd and his companions had left to confront Mithos, and Kratos’ attempt to leave and recover somewhere solitary was thwarted by his inability to stand without pain. It shot through his abdomen like receiving a punch, and he’d doubled over onto the table. The next thing he knew, he had been carried upstairs and laid out on Lloyd’s bed. Dirk was shuffling through his medical supplies, the smell of medicinal herbs filling the room and clouding Kratos’ thoughts. Dirk was saying something about internal hemorrhage and types of poultices that could help with the bruising. The scientific name Arnica unalaschensis was thrown around, and if Kratos’ thoughts hadn't been so muddled, he might have been able to identify exactly what the plant was. But with the pain, the thick haze of herbal smells, and the burning humiliation of being in such a vulnerable position, it was all he could do just to protest.

Dirk considered Kratos’ words for only a moment before he shook his head.

“Aye, that mebbe true, but Dwarven Vow 2 says ne’er abandon someain in need. Sae you’re stuck here wi’ me until yer wounds are healed.”

And for an entire week, that was it.

Besides a few single words here and there as instructions, Dirk didn't say a thing. At the beginning, Kratos didn't feel like making conversation, so he didn't mind the silence. But as the week continued, it became clear that Dirk wasn't staying quiet out of respect toward his patient. Kratos tried to catch his eyes, but Dirk was avoiding eye contact, and when their eyes did meet, the look Dirk gave him held none of the friendliness he usually expressed in his oft-quoted Dwarven Vows. It felt more along the lines of a lesser-known vow- 29, beware the anger of a patient man. Kratos didn't know Dirk well enough to assess his usual patience levels, but anyone could see right now that the Dwarf was angry.

Kratos could only think of one reason for that anger.

Lloyd.

But what was it about Lloyd? Was Dirk angry about Kratos’ initial betrayal of Lloyd and his friends? About his connection with Cruxis and the Desians? About his lies and secrecy to prevent his son from learning the truth about their relationship?

Or… was Dirk afraid of losing Lloyd now that his birth-father was in the picture?

The thought was chilling, and Kratos didn't want to dwell on it. But left with no other human interaction, the thought ran through his mind over and over until eventually he couldn't take it anymore.

“Dirk, I know you don't want to talk to me, but there’s something I need to say.”

No longer bedridden at that point, Kratos came downstairs for meals, usually eating in silence at the same table where he knew Lloyd had grown up eating. That day’s dinner was waiting for him as usual, and Dirk was at the hearth cleaning up the soiled dishes. At the sound of Kratos’ voice, he turned and looked up.

“Eat yer supper first. Ye donnae want yer food tae get cold.”

“I don't mind. This is important.”

Still holding a plate in one hand and a sponge in the other, Dirk stopped scrubbing to consider the statement. After a moment’s pause, he sighed and returned the plate to the pot of sudsy water. “Alrecht, what dae ye want?”

Kratos took a deep breath and plunged forward. “I can tell that you're angry with me. I don't begrudge you that; you have plenty of perfectly justified reasons to feel that way. If it's because of my involvement with Cruxis- with the Desians- I understand. If it’s for my betrayal of Lloyd and his friends, I understand. If it’s for my absence most of Lloyd’s life, I understand that too. But I want you to understand, I'm not here to take your job. You are Lloyd’s father. You have been for the past fourteen years and you always will be. I don't intend to come between you and Lloyd. He already has a father, and a good one at that. He doesn't need me.” Kratos stopped to catch his breath, lowering his gaze to the floor. “Once I’m fully healed, I'm going to leave you and Lloyd to live your lives without my interference. So if the thought of losing Lloyd is what’s troubling you, I want you to know that he’s yours. You have nothing to be angry about.”

There was a pause. Kratos felt his nervousness pricking against his skin, keeping his eyes glued to the floor. He had to force his head back up when Dirk spoke again, and immediately regretted it once he saw the fierceness in the Dwarf’s glare.

“Nothin’ tae be angry about? Nothin’?! This is exactly why I’m sae angry with ye! Ye donnae get it at all!”

“Wha-?”

Dirk approached Kratos, pointing an accusatory finger up at him. “I know I've nae been a perfect father tae him, but I believe Lloyd has grown intae a fine lad and I'm proud ay him. What is it about him that bothers ye sae much? Dae ye ‘hink he’s nae smart enough? That he’s tae reckless? Is he tae much of a goody-two-shoes fer yer likin’?”

Kratos took a step back, his brow furrowing in confusion. “What are you talking about? I adore Lloyd-”

“Then why are ye sae keen tae be rid ay him?”

The words cut like a knife. “Rid of him?” Kratos repeated. “I don't understand.”

Dirk stared for another tense moment before turning away and releasing a long sigh, his shoulders relaxing as if he were breathing out his anger and frustration.

“Ye… keep abandonin’ him. Ye left him behind, ye betrayed him, ye appeared only tae gie cryptic clues an’ then disappear again like it ne’er happened… ye were ready tae up an’ die on him. An’ now that he’s forgiven ye for all that ye’ve dain tae him, ye’re jist gonnae leave him?”

Kratos’ mouth hung open as he processed Dirk’s accusations. Lloyd had evidently told his dad more about his journey than Kratos realized. None of what Dirk had said was false, at least in terms of what had happened. But…

“Giving up my life was the only way to ensure that Lloyd’s group could make a pact with Origin,” Kratos explained. “I was trying to protect Lloyd, to aid him in his quest to create the kind of world he’s striving for. He’s worked so hard. He deserves that. I'm proud of him.”

“Bit nae proud enough tae stay with him?”

Once again, the room filled with tense silence. In contrast to the past few days of little to no eye contact from Dirk, Kratos now found himself under the full force of the Dwarf’s stare. It was scathing enough, but what really got to him was the realization that this had been the source of Dirk’s behavior the whole time. He hadn't been worried that Kratos would take Lloyd away from him- in fact, the opposite was true. Dirk wanted Kratos to be part of Lloyd’s life.

The fact that he had assumed otherwise sent a pang of guilt through Kratos’ chest.

“Dirk, I… I'm so sorry.”

“Sorry fer what?” Dirk asked, and Kratos realized he should have clarified.

“I'm sorry for… for thinking so poorly of you as to imagine you were jealous. You brought me into your home, took care of me even though I can heal on my own, fed me even though I don’t need to eat… I knew you were angry, but instead of asking you what was wrong, I let my wild fantasies take over.”

“I’m sorry tae. I let my anger an’ frustration gie th’ better ay me, an’ I treated ye poorly. I should hae been honest frae th’ start, scolded ye properly once ye were awake enough tae understand.” Dirk looked away. “I ken that Lloyd is a strong lad. I donnae want tae gie in th’ way ay his quest to save th’ worlds. I’m nae a fighter, I can’t gang wi’ him an’ his group. Stayin’ here an’ supportin’ him at my forge is the best thing I can dae fer him. Bit I’ve grown sae used tae his presence around th’ house these past fourteen years, I wake up every mornin’ an’ th’ realization that I willnae see his smilin’ face o’ hear his voice makes me want tae turn back o’er an’ gang back tae sleep. I miss him, an’ it’s like an awful weight on my chest ‘at makes it hard tae breathe, hard tae move, hard tae dae anythin’. Ev’ry time he comes home, I hope an’ pray ‘at he’s back fer good. It’s a selfish, unrealistic fantasy, an’ I would ne’er say it out loud tae him. Bit you…”

Kratos took a step forward to close the gap between them. “...I had the chance to be with him,” he finished, “and I didn’t. I squandered opportunities that Lloyd’s real father would’ve done anything to have. It’s no wonder he’s so angry with me.”

There was a pause, and Dirk finally allowed himself to look at Kratos again. “Ye’re nae less his ‘real father’ than I am. Dwarven Vow 162,” he began, “th’ best time tae plant a tree was twenty years ago; th’ second-best time is now.”

He didn’t need to interpret the proverb for Kratos’ to understand what he was getting at. With a smile, Kratos turned back toward the table and took a seat in front of his plate. Dirk sat across from him, motioning toward the food.

“I told ye earlier, supper’ll get cold if ye donnae eat it now.”

Kratos looked down at the meal- a simple plate of potatoes and minced meat. He’d made it clear to Dirk early on that he didn't need the food, yet Dirk had cooked proper meals for him every day despite the animosity between them. Maybe it was because of his adherence to the Dwarven vows, or maybe it was because he missed cooking for Lloyd, or… maybe…

“You know,” Kratos began as he picked up his fork, “earlier I said that my angel abilities help me heal quickly, but these wounds seem particularly severe. I may not be fully healed for a while- until Lloyd gets back at the very least.”

For the first time that evening, Dirk cracked a smile.

“That’s tae bad. I guess ye’ll be stuck here ‘till then, huh?”

“I guess I will.”

[verdigrisprowl]

Feb 11 Dancitron Movie Night - Venom

Due to the fact that rabb.it has fucked up its interface, it’s now impossible to copy/paste the chat more than a few lines at a time, AND it requires messing with the code to even copy/paste the names. Because I had to go the fuck to bed, @slenderwave compiled the log instead of me tonight. Thank u slendy.

Also we probably ain’t gonna have any more movie nights until we find a site without a fucked up interface.

Prowl liked the movie more than he indicated; while actually at the movie, though, he was mainly busy being shaken by the uncomfortable parallels between being Venomed and being Bombshelled/Devastatored. He probably said more to Soundwave tonight about what being under Bombshell was like than he has sum total to anyone else so far.

Specs– ((rabbit is such a shit)) Soundwave– *Soundwave–’s so on time this week it hurts. Everything’s set up, everything’s laid out, and he not only has himself parked at the edge of his couch seat, but he’s already nibbling a little silver ingot - one of several snacks on a small tray on his lap.* ((oh GOD the color)) Prowl– ((… fuck. FUCK.)) Specs– ((I had to manually type in the goddamn URL because trying to paste it in is apparently fucking illegal)) Prowl– ((you can’t copy/paste names anymore.)) SCProwl– ((ah fuck Soundwave– ((oh FUCK)) Prowl– ((it only copies the text, not the names. this is going to make logs impossible)) SCProwl– ((oh for fucks’ sake Specs– ((rabbit fucks up everything the movie)) Soundwave– ((i’ll take the logs tonight and look into how to make this work later in the week. don’t worry about it)) SCProwl– ((it looks like a text screen on a phone and i hate it Specs– ((I KNOW RIGHT)) ((oh and it doesn’t autoscroll at least for me so)) Soundwave– *Anyway, bad site design choices nobody asked for and possible future transfers to other sites if any of them are sufficient aside, here we are, and there he is, as ready as ready can be.* Swerve– //that was ridiculous and way more efort than needed rabbit Soundwave– ((deffo looking for another site before next monday. gotta see if anyone else got their shit together or if this is as good as it gets)) SCProwl– *i suppose that means she’s here as well despite rabb.it’s attempts to make that as annoying as possible* Swerve– //smokey mentioned cytube last week as an alternative? but i don’t know if they checked it out to see how it works yet Soundwave– ((noted)) *Soundwave– absently waves the little bar of silver in Prowl–’s direction as a greeting… then remembers WHICH Prowl– that is and pings her a proper Hello instead.* SCProwl– *nods and pings back before finding a place to sit* Twincast– ((*aggressively changes icon* Specs– *enter dragon! it is Palentine’s day, so she’s brought heart-shaped snacks with the Cybertronian word for “friend” carved, iced, and just generally placed on the centers. Other than the fun shape, it’s the same selection as usual. No magnets today.* Hello, Soundwave–! Windchill– (( Jesus H Crust you guys I leave for a few months and Rabbit goes to poop. More than usual. )) Twincast– ((ikr. I’m just glad the text wrap is apparently only broken on my desktop Swerve– //from what i’ve seen text wrap is more broken on firefox than chrome but seems to vary in general Soundwave– [[Greetings, dragon. Feeling filled with friendship today?]] Twincast– ((ah, yeah. I use FF exclusively, so : ’) RIP my soul *quietly enters room as if he doesn’t randomly disappear for months on end* Specs– Isn’t that human friendship holiday coming up? I don’t know if you theme for that one like you do for the human scaring holiday, but just in case, I thought I’d make them thematic. Soundwave– *Soundwave– glances at Twincast–, back to the screen, and then RIGHT back to Twincast–. Well that’s a sight for sore optics right there, isn’t it.* [[Greetings. Rumble is not in attendance tonight, if you have brought your… friends.]] Blaster– ((WHAT THE FRESH FUCK RABBIT!? Twincast– Nah, just me tonight. Though, I’m sure Rewind would be disappointed to hear that, if he was Soundwave– [[Frenzy requested he theme to this human holiday, yes. Said this one was perfect for it.]] ((rabbit is a pile of butts, i’ll be looking for alternatives as soon as i can after tonight)) Blaster– ((It went…badly, trying to get here Twincast– ((same. clicking the link kept redirecting me so I ??? had to pull some copy+paste black magic Windchill– (( It used to be a good livestream alternative, I don’t understand why they’d make it so hard to actually get into a room. ‘Cept it didn’t even ask for a name when I typed the url in, it just bypassed it so as best as I can tell the whole vetting process is entirely ineffective. )) Swerve– //same Blaster– ((ditto, kept redirecting me SCProwl– Which human holiday are we not observing this time? Specs– ((I had to type it in manually)) Windchill– (( Yup. )) Blaster– ((yeah Swerve– //i like how their 'this is the new rabbit’ window too was all like 'people asked for this!!’ no. no we didnt Specs– I’m glad I themed, then! I hope the snacks meet with Frenzy’s approval. Twincast– ((I think we’re perma invited to this group now, though? At least that’s how it worked for the subgroup I made the other day Blaster– ((literally did not ask for this, I liked the old one damnit Swerve– //seems so based on how i’m still in smokey’s from sat night Tarantulas (( is here ooc for the Good Goo Content and hopes rabbit doesn’t ruin the fun Soundwave– [[Valentines’ Day, as far as he knows. It is when humans consume large amounts of chocolate and appreciate their closest friends and companions. He is told the beings in this film adore chocolate as well and have very close relationships.]] Swoop– ((AHA!)) Twincast– ((WELCOME Windchill– (( YOU MADE IT )) Swoop– ((Dude. Fuck rabbit forever. I shouldn’t have to type the damn URL by hand.)) SCProwl– Chocolate is a type of food, right? Swoop– ((Thanks for coming to the rescue man 😮 )) Windchill– (( Ur welcome. )) Blaster– -don’t mind Blaster– making his way in, for once NOT looking half asleep/dead on his feet- Swoop– ((Wow. This update seriously sucks. It doesn’t scroll down when I send something to the chat. I’m manually scrolling. No way that’s going to get old. Bleh!)) Windchill– (( Gonna go grab a drink that fiasco has got me SWEATING brb. Or maybe it’s this houserobe but you know what. I’m gonna blame rabbit anyway. )) Soundwave– ((stop taking the remote, it may bug out and i can’t get it back)) ((not you, just a general thing)) Windchill– (( I was about to ask I didn’t even notice. )) Prowl– ((I fucked around with a rabbit style and got a way to copy/paste everything again)) SCProwl– ((it gave it to me automatically when i first jumped in, think it’s another issue with this new look Windchill– (( Could be, maybe they’ll get rid of the issue because I can’t imagine that it’s intentional. )) ((Or, don’t want to imagine. )) Specs– ((bots suck enough without having them able to control the remote)) Prowl– ((so we’re back in business, except now I’m fucking pissed off)) Soundwave– [[Yes, chocolate is a human fuel. It is easily melted and not of much value to their internal systems, but they seem to like it.]] Specs– It probably tastes good to them. SCProwl– Not unlike some of the things Cybertronians consume. Soundwave– ((i mistimed by two minutes but whatever - GRAB YOUR SNACKS AND USE YOUR BATHROOMS here are your warnings we start at 8)) ((VENOM // Violence, blood, and death, exposed broken bone, scientific/medical abuse, animal death, body horror, the general grossness of the unbonded symbiotes, seriously bad flashing lights (after eddie fucks with the keypad), moderately bad flashing lights (during a fight scene), I don’t know what you’d call eating out of the garbage but definitely that, vomit, misogynist language, people being in other people’s minds.)) Twincast– *finally slides into seated position–because guess who just realised they were still standing?–and waves at the other Blaster–!* Swoop– ((Dear god. Is everyone having to scroll to keep up with the chat or is it just me?)) Twincast– ((scroll is working… ok for me? my posts get slightly swallowed into the void tho Windchill– (( Mine is automatic, it seems to be affecting everyone differently. )) Swerve– //i’ve noticed that i only hae to anually scroll if i change tabs; as long as i stay in rabbit it auto scrolls Swoop– ((It doesn’t move at all when someone says something new. I’d refresh the page but I might never make it back here.)) Windchill– (( Sorry to hear it’s being an Extra Butt though. )) Blaster– -blinks at the other, waving slightly in confusion- Hi? Prowl– ((mine’s autoscrolling)) Windchill– *He’s here, uglier than ever and wearing one (1) more accessory than usual.*

Swerve– //are you using FF? from what i’ve seen people using firefox have more issues than people using chrome Soundwave– ((everyone. and because i really don’t want to spend all night on a good movie complaining about stuff none of us can change: - yes i will be looking for alternatives but i can’t promise they exist - yes the chat probably will not autoscroll for most of us - this update is a trashfire - i don’t know how to fix it and i’m sorry, i only found out about it an hour ago - let’s just do what we can with what there is tonight all right)) Swoop– ((chrome)) Specs– (mine isn’t autoscrolling even on the tab- and I’m using chrome)) Blaster– ((mine throws my replies into the void Specs– ((yessir slendymun)) Blaster– ((kaaay Swerve– //rip Twincast– @boom Sup? *he is reasonably sure you’re one of Nocturne’s… things. gotta say hi!* Windchill– (( Thank for subs. )) Swoop– *scampers in, oblivious to any theme or upcoming holiday* Windchill– *Ignorance is bliss.* Blaster– Um…. Swoop– HI : > Soundwave– ((no prob, i use them myself so i get it)) Windchill– *Will stop blocking the door with his butt maybe.* Blaster– Do….do I know you? Soundwave– *Soundwave– kicks back. It’s time. He’s been looking forward to this ever since it first appeared on his human datanet feed.* Swoop– *waves at said butt* Windchill– *His butt would reciprocate but that would be weird, so he waves with his hand instead.* Twincast– Maybe not, but–think you know'a friend of mine. Looks a lil bit like our host *kind of. Slendy is a unique beast* Windchill– Swoop–. Swoop– hi Blaster– …………….. Windchill– Hi, you Swoop–. Soundwave– *Glances to Twincast–. Now who’s he talking about over there?* Swoop– HI! Keheheh. You a bad door. No moving. Windchill– You know. I could make all sorts of inappropriate jokes about openings with that…but I won’t. Blaster– I’m…yeah, we met Swoop– Me Swoop– like jokes : > Windchill– *He’s gonna find a spot on the floor to sit instead.* Who knows, maybe you’ll hear some other jokes. Swoop– *scampers in and begins his Bird hunt* Blaster– …………….. Windchill– Ah, yes, the poison movie. Blaster– Hey, uh, Soundwave–? Twincast– Hope he didn’t traumatise you too much – Twincast–. Blaster– formerly Windchill– About poison. Soundwave– *There is no Bird tonight. There is enough trouble keeping up as is. Soundwave– wants to enjoy this his own lone self.* [[Yes, Blaster–?]] Windchill– Wait, no. *Has to cup his chin and recheck the definition of poison versus venom.* Eh. Swoop– *is CRUSHED by the lack of Bird and SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHHHS* Blaster– That…thing. Did it just posses the woman? Windchill– *Snickers.* Blaster– And no, he didn’t Soundwave– [[An investigative journalist breaking into scandals and coverups? He approves of such nosiness.]] Smokescreen– ((OH THERE WE GO Blaster– Just…um…wait Soundwave– [[And yes. It does seem it did.]] Blaster– You used to be named Blaster–? Smokescreen– /Smokescreen–’s running in and is hopping onto the couch./ Soundwave–! Soundwave–, how are you? Twincast– Yeah, changed it post-war 'n got this fancy, blue paint scheme to boot. Blaster– Ah. Thanks. Swoop– ((I was getting bacon what’d I miss)) Soundwave– *Soundwave– startles and automatically flips Smokescreen– overhead and down onto the floor. DON’T DO THAT TO HIM.* [[…He apologizes.]] Swoop– *climbs Windchill– to perch* This a GOOD movie? Smokescreen– /OW- Smokescreen–’s staying on the floor for a few minutes, but gives a thumbs up. That was pretty cool, actually!/ Soundwave– ((eddie brock is an investigative journalist, he’s picking up a big report with the guy at the head of the Life Foundation and doesn’t really want it cause fluff piece but has to do it)) Windchill– Dunno, Swoop–. We’re gonna find out. Swoop– ((thx)) Someone DIE? Soundwave– [[He is fine. A little surprised. Obviously.]] *Pause. Lean forward.* [[…Are you injured?]] Blaster– ….so, okay then… Windchill– I guess there was a rocket crash with dead people and a mention of some kind of murder, so yes. Someone died. Smokescreen– Haha, sorry, Soundwave–. Didn’t mean to surprise you! … I’m fine, probably. Just lemme lie down for a little more. Swoop– Crash and die means proooooobably good movie : > Smokescreen– … Can you show me how to do that, Soundwave–? Blaster– …. Windchill– It’s a great start. Prowl– ((as the child of a journalist I am personally offended by how shitty and immoral an investigative reporter he is)) Soundwave– [[All right.]] *He pauses again, then offers a small orange crystal.* [[…Snack? While you’re down there.]] Blaster– Okay, on the grounds that I used to be a reporter, don’t do that. Windchill– Earth is already in space. Everything is in space. Swoop– Them kissy facing. That gross. Windchill– You Swoop– gross. Soundwave– [[And he can show you how, yes. Not tonight.]] Prowl– ((to be fair: it is ENTIRELY valid for an Eddie Brock to be written as a shitty immoral investigative reporter.)) Swoop– Me Swoop– not in space. Me Swoop– on shoulder. YOU gross Windchill– I am gross, thank you for noticing. Soundwave– *Soundwave– would do that. … Not to Prowl–. He wouldn’t break Prowl–’s trust. But he’d totally do it to another bot.* Prowl– ((but the movie acts like we’re like… supposed to side with him for it.)) Blaster– ((Blaster– is just a lil offended. Not much, but just miffed at him Swoop– *points at Windchill–* Ew Windchill– *Sticks his gross glossa out at Swoop–. Likewise.* Smokescreen– Thanks, Soundwave–, that’d be a cool thing to know! And- and yeah. /Smokescreen–’s taking the crystal and is plopping it directly into his mouth./ Soundwave– ((i got the impression we weren’t supposed to like that he did it? everything points out he was a jackass)) Windchill– (( Yes, it bites him in the butt later. )) (( But I’ve seen this a few times so I’ll be quiet. )) Swoop– *blows raspberries* Soundwave– [[Hmph. No surprises regarding Drake’s reaction.]] Windchill– What a delightful sound. Right in my ear. I love it. Blaster– -sighs- Swoop– Kehehh! *points* No eaaar! Ear a human thing. ((eddie looks so shocked)) Prowl– ((so have i; i still feel like we’re supposed to feel bad for him. he doesn’t, like, change.)) Soundwave– *…Takes notes. DEFINITELY don’t do this to Prowl–.* Smokescreen– … Why is she giving him her ring? Windchill– I have audio receptors and they serve the same function as ears. Guess which one is easier to say? Blaster– ….. SCProwl– To end their courtship is my guess. Swoop– EeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeearrrrrUH Blaster– Oh. That really DID come back to bite him Prowl– ((see up here he’s getting consequences. that’s good, that’s valid. but it’s only at the start)) Twincast– Huh Smokescreen– Huh. So is that a ring he lent her or something? Windchill– Everything out of your mouth is an earful. You Swoop– noisy. Swoop– *licks Windchill–’s audio* *extra slobber just for you* Windchill– *SHUDDERS, complete with an ugly face.* Specs– She grabbed a… fish? With her bare hands? SCProwl– Courtship gifts are gifts. Meant to be kept by the receiver. Returning it is a clear gesture of rejection. Swoop– *chirps* Soundwave– [[The ooze creature is so…]] *Hand motion. What’s a word.* [[Oozy.]] Windchill– *Isn’t even going to try to wipe his ear off. Gross.* SCProwl– *not sure the ring was a courtship gift was but it seems like the most likely guess* Swoop– Booger Windchill– My thoughts exactly. A booger transplant. Swoop– Ewwwwwww *grins* Windchill– That’s quite an assumption but okay. Soundwave– [[…They have used precisely one animal. That is insufficient data.]] Smokescreen– He’s… Not a very good scientist, is he? Swoop– Me Swoop– an animal : > Blaster– -shudders- Soundwave– [[Not at all.]] Specs– Clearly not. How many people did he apparently kill? SCProwl– Impatient for the results he wants. Windchill– Are you Swoop– a wild animal? Blaster– That’s disturbing Soundwave– [[At least three.]] Swoop– *is so damn helpful tonight, it’s a shame Bird isn’t here to be helped* Me Swoop– VERY wild! Windchill– *Ear cleaning is so helpful.* I thought so. Swoop– *would lick Bird* Windchill– I’m empty, too. Swoop– Empty? Windchill– It’s a joke. I made it just for you. I thought you liked them. Swoop– ((Wow. He didn’t jump in and make it worse. I’m kind of surprised. I don’t know I’ve ever seen that in a movie before.)) Me do! :V Windchill– So, there’s a joke for you. First one. Swoop– Do it again Windchill– So soon? Swoop– Yah Windchill– These things take time… I’m not ready. Swoop– Slow keheh Windchill– Maybe so. Blaster– ….ow Windchill– Maybe…slow. Swoop– Slow *pokes* poke Twincast– *may be guilty of being that neighbor once or twice* Windchill– Excuse me sir that is my person that you are poking. Swoop– *bobbles his head in a nod* Soundwave– [[…Does he not know what he is there for?]] Smokescreen– Man, Eddie makes me look like I’m doing amazing in comparison Windchill– You making fun of me for being slow? Is that how it is? Blaster– He’s about to find out Swoop– *continued bobbling* Windchill– This man is very dramatic. Prowl– *arrives belatedly and reluctantly* Soundwave– [][][] I? [][][] Windchill– That’s the word I’m using because the others aren’t so polite. Soundwave– *Soundwave– glances at Prowl–’s late arrival. … Well, this isn’t the best scene to come in on, is it.* Prowl– *stops and stares at the screen* Windchill– Maybe you Swoop– slow. Swoop– No no no. Me Swoop– FAST!!! Blaster– -covers face- Windchill– Faster than I am? Prowl– *… tiredly closes optics. he chose a hell of a time to arrive.* Twincast– Mmm, no, that ain’t healthy Smokescreen– Is… Is that normal for humans Swoop– YAH! Me Swoop– waaaaaaaaaaaay faster. Fastest Best Windchill– Eh, you’re probably right. For now, anyway. Smokescreen– /Smokescreen–’s finally starting to get up from the floor to sit down on one of the arms of the couch away from Soundwave– Oh no Swoop– You Windchill– going to be faster later? Soundwave– *You know what, he’s just. He’s just going to make his greeting to Prowl– very subdued and start it with a mark of apology.* Windchill– When I can transform again? Yeah. Now I have to walk everywhere so I do it as slowly as possible out of spite. Swoop– Spite? Who you mad walking at? Windchill– Me probably. Swoop– *slow blinks his confusion out* Windchill– *Just smiles.* *Points* Cat. Blaster– ….huh Windchill– That’s not creepy at all! Blaster– That explains a few things Swoop– This movie so TALK. When Us do crash DEAD again? Blaster– -mostly about his own career, and the 'side-effects’ of it- Windchill– Uh, maybe later? Swoop– Fastforward Smokescreen– Hey! Cats have people they like Soundwave– [[That is a blatant lie. That cats do not like anyone.]] Smokescreen– Yeah! There’s a Ravage that adopted me! Soundwave– *…Cautiously invites Prowl– to come sit down? At least if he’s going to dislike the movie he can be seated comfortably while he’s uncomfortable with everything else.* Swoop– Sometime, uh, sometime Us watch COMP-i-lation videos. For fights and guts and stuff. That more fun than talk movie. Prowl– *starts. right, yeah, he hasn’t sat yet.* *sits stiffly.* Windchill– Then go watch one of those instead of complaining about what we’re watching now, Swoop–. Swoop– Nooo. *holds onto Windchill–’s helm* Us ALL do. Together. Fun. Soundwave– @P: [[If there is anything you need while you are here - /anything/ - …please, be certain to tell him.]] Smokescreen– … Eddie, Aliens are real Specs– Cats simply have standards about who they /do/ like. Blaster– …..wouldn’t this place have cameras? Windchill– Not when the plot demands it. Swoop– ((This seems like a talk y'all should have had in the car)) Smokescreen– Man, secret walls are always a bad sign, aren’t they? Swoop– Plot 😛 Smokescreen– Like, it was like that in Gotham too Soundwave– [[Always and ever, Smokescreen–.]] Windchill– Maybe we’ll see more goo. Prowl– ((they talked about the weather and how the LA angels were doing all the way here and then she was like “oh right shoulda mentioned the aliens”)) Smokescreen– … I guess no walls are secret for me, though, haha. Swoop– Goo is okay : > Windchill– Killer goo. Blaster– …….. Soundwave– [[…He assumes the goo motionless on the floor is de– oh, it’s the homeless human.]] Smokescreen– oh no Windchill– Why is she frozen? Blaster– ………. Swoop– ((omfg did he really just randomly mash buttons)) Prowl– *grimaces at the noise and lights* Blaster– -covers face again- Soundwave– *Of course they’re preying on those with no alternatives. Of course they are.* *Ugh, the lights.* Swoop– Her choke : V Prowl– *grimaces even harder at the living thing oozing over and under his skin* Smokescreen– Is… Is she gonna be okay Windchill– Dead people. Are you happy now? Swoop– *bounces a little at finally getting some fights* KEHEHH Yah! SCProwl– I sincerely doubt it, Smokescreen–. Smokescreen– He was like “I’ve never climbed a fence THAT high before” And then he woke up at home Windchill– What. Smokescreen– Oh… /Sad, Sad, doorwing droop/ Swoop– Kehaha! Him KILL tree. Soundwave– ((lmfao smokey)) Blaster– That’s…most humans should’t be able to do that Swoop– ((omfg)) SCProwl– ((lol smokey Prowl– ((lol)) Swoop– ((he is the most confused koala)) Soundwave– [[…He is going to go out on a limb and assume that none of this athletic ability is normal for Brock.]] Swoop– *immediately busts up* Out on limb Windchill– *Brows furrow.* Swoop–. Smokescreen– This is a mood Swoop– HI Windchill– *Shakes head.* Blaster– Um…. Smokescreen– … This is extremely relatable Windchill– Why are we being made to hear these gross eating sounds. Blaster– UM Swoop– Him Slag eat like that Smokescreen– oh … He’s kinda weak, huh? Blaster– Ah, there we go Soundwave– *Shudders. Disgustin– WELL THEN* Windchill– I mean, I eat off the floor and out of the trash sometimes. Blaster– !!! Prowl– *shudders at the voice* Swoop– *loses it again at the high pitched scream and KO* Smokescreen– Same! Sometimes, you just gotta have floor food SCProwl– Ugh. Windchill– Extra flavour. Floor flavour. Sometimes tastes oddly of feet. Smokescreen– I can’t say I know what feet taste like! Swoop– *holds his footsie up for Windchill–’s inspection* Windchill– They’re nothing spectacular. Swoop– *wiggles his borby toes* Soundwave– *Watching date Prowl– out of the corner of his optics. Part of him wishes Prowl– hadn’t put himself through this if it was going to be this tough. Another part of him appreciates the glimpse into what it must be like for Prowl– based on his reactions. Mostly, he just wishes it hadn’t ever needed to be a problem.* Windchil *Is immediately distracted by the foot in his face. You know he’s gotta do it.* Swoop– ((Lola, go fuck 'em up!)) Prowl– … That’s another one, isn’t it? Smokescreen– … /Watching Windchill–. Is he gonna do it??/ Windchill– *His glossa snakes out and strikes like a viper in case Swoop– tries to change his mind.* *Gotta lick fast.* Blaster– …… Soundwave– [[Yes. There is one that broke loose during the crash of the Life Foundation ship that brought them to Earth. It is that one.]] Swoop– *SQUEAKS but doesn’t pull away because he isn’t a putz* Blaster– I…what….what is going on here? Smokescreen– …… I’d do this Primus Windchill– *Is watching the debacle on screen with exactly one eye.* Swoop– ((omg I have never seen such a fantastic embodiment of the munchies)) Windchill– Your foot tastes exactly like a foot. Congratulations. Swoop– Good : > Windchill– What happens if you fart in a lobster tank? Smokescreen– /Oh dang he thought Windchill– was gonna bite Swoop–’s feet off or something./ Blaster– ….um… Windchill– Do they die? Well, that one’s dead. Blaster– Is……is he…. Swoop– Bubble Prowl– *it’s just a sustained grimace* Windchill– You can put your foot down, now. Unless you want me to lick it again. Which would be weird. Swoop– ((I’ve seen lots of characters called trash over the years but this man is the first one who is actual literal trash)) Windchill– *points* Dog. SCProwl– ((garbage man, dumpster fire trash loser Prowl– ((they do real good at making him look like absolute garbage)) Swoop– You Windchill– weird kehhehhh! *sets his foot on Windchill– for the grossest footprint* Windchill– You’re the one who wanted your foot licked. You think I lick things for fun? Swoop– Yes Windchill– You’d be right. Swoop– Kehehehheh Soundwave– [[…Is it the magnetic fields or sound?]] *Pity neither would work. He thinks. He hasn’t tried the sound, but Devastator’s a whole different thing.* [[Ah. Sound.]] Smokescreen– Liver failure? SCProwl– Fascinating. Prowl– *that was an amazing visual representation of what it feels like to have a monster in your head. and, of course, Prowl– hated it* Specs– I think human livers are also slightly mandatory, yes. Blaster– -he could do it- Smokescreen– What do they do? Swoop– ((this voice is a hair too close to Audrey II. It’s making me expect a song.)) Smokescreen– Do you have a liver, Specs–? Windchill– I leap up and act weird when I get hungry, too. SCProwl– ((feeeeeeed meeee, eddieeeeee Prowl– ((“does it have to be fresh? does it have to be mine?!” “actually lobster will do”)) Swoop– Weird how? Keheh Smokescreen– ((PFHPFHF Specs– I do! It processes methanol into formic acid, amongst other things. I don’t think human livers need to do that, though. SCProwl– ((bwahaha Windchill– Apparently eating garbage is weird. Blaster– ((HAH Smokescreen– Really? Why? Swoop– Me Swoop– BOMBER. Me do lots lots of flying and stuff. Soooo. *pats his belly* Weigh stuff for right amount things. : > Specs– Humans typically don’t have methanol in their bloodstream, right? Smokescreen– … Methanol? I have no idea, Specs–. Soundwave– *Slooooooowly tries to close his mouth as tight as possible.* Windchill– Because…nobody else wants to eat it? Are you implying that you poop on people, Swoop–? Windchill– It’s a biological antifreeze, for my species! But humans don’t live in the snow all the time. Swoop– *cackles* BOMB poops Soundwave– [[He is up to something. His voice suggests it.]] Smokescreen– Don’t trust him Prowl– His lab full of human experimentation suggests it. Smokescreen– oh no Windchill– Burnt. Swoop– Me : > Smokescreen– EDDIE Windchill– Some people never listen. Soundwave– [[The lab as well, yes. But he meant without seeing evidence of intention at the time.]] Swoop– *LOSES it* *this comedy is on his level* Windchill– Um excuse me that’s not a bug. Rude. Smokescreen– I wish I had goo Swoop– *stares, wide opticed and delighted* Prowl– *… Prowl– figures Soundwave– is probably dying of curiosity by this point, so…* @S «Devastator doesn’t talk to me.» Soundwave– *Lets go of the tray on his lap and pulls his feelers back in. Those will just be staying in his chest all night, yes.* Swoop– *in awe* Wicked! Windchill– I’m not even going to comment on goo right now. Smokescreen– Soundwave–, any idea where a bot can get some goo? Windchill– Just eat them. Swoop– *clacks his jaws together to let everyone know where he stands on the biting off heads discussion* Soundwave– *The tiniest blip of surprise. He wasn’t expecting that. He was wondering that, but he wasn’t expecting it.* @P: [[But you have reacted to architecturally destructive visuals before. Is it emotional instead of verbal, or…?]] Swoop– *is glued to the scrreen, loving this* Soundwave– [[He does not know where to find goo. He would not tell anyone here if he did.]] *That’s the last thing any of them need.* Swoop– *taps his heels against Windchill– as he chirps to himself* Smokescreen– Like- it doesn’t have to be that goo. Windchill– *Tolerates this.* Smokescreen– Just some goo to touch, 'cause it looks pretty cool. Prowl– @S «Emotional. Sometimes he makes… something like noises. But he doesn’t talk.» @S «… Bombshell talked.» Swoop– *claps* Windchill– *Could make jokes about lubricants…but is saving the dirty jokes for later.* Swoop– WHOOOOOO! Windchill– You like the explosions? Swoop– DUH! Windchill– I like the colour, it’s very fancy. Swoop– Me Swoop– could blue fire with some copper : > Windchill– Yeah, like how they make fireworks with different colours. Swoop– FACE fireworks! Soundwave– @P: [[Noises. Like screaming or growling, then?]] *That made sense. Maybe he needed everyone to have a coherent mind? No, Devastator had called him through Prowl– before. Someone not in control, then.* [[…Did he talk like this? Like the creature does to the Brock human.]] Windchill– Uh, yeah. Swoop– DEAD KAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA DEEEEEEEEEAD Soundwave– *…THAT is certainly one advantage of having one of these symbiotes.* Blaster– ….that oh wow Prowl– @S «LIKE that. It’s not actual audible sounds, but it /feels/ like roaring.» *he considers the question for a long moment.* «… No. It was a lot worse than this.» Windchill– That’s a lot of teeth. I approve. Swoop– KAH! BITE! Windchill– *Nods.* *He has a certain appreciation for biting the heads off of enemies.* Soundwave– *oh, it’s got Soundwave–’s teeth* Blaster– -actually squeaks this time- Windchill– I like this goo guy. Prowl– *shudders at venom’s little speech* Smokescreen– Rude! Swoop– ((Was that a NOSE BOOP?)) Smokescreen– ((YES Blaster– Yep, okay, no Soundwave– @P: [[He imagines there was never a 'we’.]] *Oh, did it HAVE to say it was in his head? Really?* Prowl– @S «… That was closer to what it was like.» Blaster– The CHILD SCProwl– That’s why this is called Venom? *Disappointed. There’s nothing venomous about the symbiote.* Smokescreen– Renal? Swoop– Gots Windchill– Hey no looking at your phone while driving, lady. Prowl– @P: [[That is - obviously you did not want a 'we’. He is trying to say, he doubts Bombshell spoke to you in any manner other than ordering.]] Windchill– I’m calling the police. Soundwave– *points to the police for Windchill–* Windchill– *He appreciates the assistance but refuses to look.* Prowl– @S «You’re correct. Nearly everything Venom said to him could have been something Bombshell said.» Swoop– ((WE <3 )) Smokescreen– ((WE SCProwl– Could they be poisoning their hosts? Would a compatible human even exist then? Blaster– -ohprimusheightsno- Windchill– Most things are less ugly from a distance. Blaster– Stop looking DOWN Windchill– Defeated by a plane. Smokescreen– Awww. Man, that is the nastiest sweatshirt ever Twincast– ((asfgh Prowl– ((i fucking love)) Swoop– ((are they fucking flirting)) Smokescreen– ((Yes Prowl– ((you know it)) Blaster– ((AWESOME Swoop– Whoaaaaaaa *starry optics* Swerve– //i know it’s canon in the comics that they;re like, married but sometimes i’m surprised that they allowed that much implied flirting in the movie Windchill– Oh, nice. Prowl– ((married with a BABY)) Swerve– //yea lmao Swoop– *in awe* Me Swoop– wanna do that….! : V Prowl– ((… multiple babies but like only the latest one counts)) Windchill– How did she get in? Soundwave– ((y'all ain’t wondered why i said venomtines day lmao)) Prowl– ((they weren’t ready to be parents before)) Windchill– You Swoop– do what? Smash people with other people? Swoop– *Snickers.* Yah! Soundwave– @P: [[He is sorry. That it was what it was. … And thankful that he can speak to you as he does. He often wondered, but - this is very - it is clarifying.]] *Oh, the scared and needing help bit tugs his spark. Damn it.* Swoop– ((And thus Eddie learns that it’s best to just listen to someone else because he has no goddamn sense)) Blaster– Oh, he’d /hate/ me Prowl– @S «This really doesn’t give a very good glimpse of it.» Soundwave– *Kind of glad she’s trying to help, at least.* @P: [[It was more than this?]] Swoop– ((Omg Venom and Annie fuckin got each other’s backs)) Swerve– //venom a+ wingman? Swoop– ((dealing with this terrible garbage man they love)) Prowl– @S «God, yes.» Windchill– Fantastic. Prowl– ((see that there is kind of the beginning and end of his entire self-reflection on the fact that he screwed things up royally)) ((and it came with prompting and didn’t really indicate that he has any understanding that everything ELSE he did was wrong)) Windchill– Gross. Swoop– Punch it Prowl– ((the rest of the movie is like “oh… yeah… this dude really IS a villain… eddie was good for standing up for him, probably, and isn’t it sad that he doesn’t have a job.”)) ((like he’s explicitly characterized as a “loser.” as a person who failed. not as, for instance, an “asshole.” losers are victims of circumstance, not the architects of their own failure.)) Blaster– ((DOGGO Windchill– Oh joy, this is gonna be an interrogation scene, isn’t it. Swerve– //i love the movie but yeah in this case he’s only seen as a loser because he was an asshole in the first place and didn’t really seem to grasp that entirely Swoop– Whoo! Swerve– //still love that doggo tho Prowl– ((that’s why I said i’m disappointed at how we’re expected to sympathize with him. they started off strong–making everything his fault, having him say everything is drake’s fault and annie calling him out on it–that was great stuff)) ((but by the end it’s Poor Eddie The Loser Was Right All Along)) Soundwave– @P: [[Is it permitted for him to ask for more explanation? He knows you do not like to discuss this business in detail, and would ask the alternates of his that were controlled, but he has not encountered any in person. He would like to understand more - understand you. If you are able at this point in time.]] Windchill– *Smacks lips at villainous monologue.* Swoop– *leans over to see what the smacking is about* Windchill– *Smacks more.* Prowl– ((and maybe symby sees him as a loser because he sees himself as a loser, rather than as an asshole–but the more the movie goes on, the more that “eddie is the jerk here” narrative fades away)) Swoop– *mimics the smacking* Soundwave– *Starts at Riot’s appearance* Blaster– …….. Swoop– ((gay)) Windchill– *It’s a chorus of smacking with no snacks to smack on. Tragedy.* Smokescreen– Is… Is that where they’re stored Swoop– *doesn’t know what we’re doing but it’s a team sport now* Windchill– *Smack smack smack.* Prowl– @S «… For starters, Bombshell didn’t let me copilot.» Windchill– *Stops smacking.* Blaster– HOLY-! Windchill– Wow, boobies. *Resumes smacking.* Twincast– ((weakass ladyvenom design Blaster– Um…. Swoop– ((does this count as a threesome)) Prowl– ((i choose to believe that kiss was entirely symby)) Windchill– WHAT. *Fluffs up.* Swoop– King Blaster– I’m… Okay… Windchill– *Grunts in displeasure.* Blaster– Not going to ask Swerve– //i think i like the comic version of klyntar’s more tho than the mcu version Windchill– Awkward, but I’m going to laugh at this. Yes. Smokescreen– ((awwww Prowl– ((i prefer comic venom entirely)) Swoop– Laugh at what? Windchill– My mate’s name is Riot. Prowl– ((the movie version is fun but it’s not my preference)) Swoop– Sweet : V Swerve– //i havent read enough of the venom comics to know him outside the mcu but i do at least know the klyntar in the comics enough to prefer them to mcu’s SCProwl– ((this isn’t mcu. it’s its own thing Prowl– ((~*venomverse*~)) Blaster– ….-muffled snicker- Swerve– //gfhbg yeah i just. refer to all of the live action superhero movies mcu at this point lmao Windchill– …My Riot isn’t that goopy, though. Swoop– You suuure? Windchill– Not usually. Maybe sometimes. Prowl– ((*sees a new batman movie* “grimdark mcu is at it again”)) Windchill– Can’t fight for shit either. Swoop– Whoa! Him get BUTT kicked! Blaster– ….. Swerve– //lmfao i mean Windchill– What a mess. Blaster– What the heck? Windchill– Well, that didn’t last long. Blaster– Annie! Swoop– You Soundwave– can beat up EVERYONE in this movie. Prowl– ((two nerds pathetically smacking each other is the best part of the fight)) Soundwave– @P: [[You have great willpower; the amount of control he would have to have taken - what he’d have to exert to keep you held in–]] *He’s thinking about how much it would take from himself.* [[…You saw Unicron’s control of Megatron. Could you speak to - or at - him as Megatron did? Or were you denied even that?]] Swoop– ((is it just me or is everyone else waiting for venom to get all hot and bothered by his host beating up someone elses’ host?)) Windchill– Dead. Soundwave– [[Perhaps. He’s never encountered a symbiote.]] *And he didn’t do so well against the Unicron up close.* Swoop– D E A D Windchill– Is… Is the sound of the rocket not enough? Prowl– @S «Willpower shmillpower. He didn’t have to exert anything. That’s not how the mechanics of it works.» Swoop– KA BOOM! Windchill– Double dead. Blaster– -covers face- Swoop– drown dead pretty boring dead Soundwave– @P: [[Hm. Closer to a virus?]] Windchill– If you say so. Swoop– Do Do say so Windchill– Not enough explosions? Swoop– Drowning boring. Blub blub fish nibbles. Windchill– Okay. Why are his lips so big Prowl– @S «He severed the connection between my brain and my body.» Soundwave– *Sits up straight.* Tarantulas (( OOPS SORRY (( didnt mean to take remote Smokescreen– ((theif,, Tarantulas (( stealin spide Swoop– ((venom omg buddy)) Smokescreen– ((sneaky spide Soundwave– @P: [[…That is more horrifying than anything he had imagined it was.]] Swoop– ((this is a real romcom good god)) Windchill– Dog. Blaster– ((STAN LEEEE Windchill– *Gasps.* Swoop– Nom nom bite Windchill– There are rules about eating people? That’s news to me. Swoop– Me Swoop– bite LOTS of people Not eat tho Windchill– Luckily, I don’t care much for rules so like, whatever. Just bite? Why? Are you mean? Swoop– ((I hope that writing job pays well because his food budget just went through the damn roof)) Yah, mean : > Windchill– Cool. All of my friends are mean. Smokescreen– “I have a parasite” Man, what an excuse Blaster– ((not hungry anymore Prowl– *mutters* I’m calling Devastator a parasite from now on. *it’s not a term of endearment.* Swoop– ((Wait wait… that was the line from the trailer that they made all ominous.)) Prowl– ((the trailer was so misleading)) Swoop– ((no kidding)) Windchill– (( Oh yeah I’ve had discussions about that one. Marketing at its finest, as usual.)) Blaster– ((it was Prowl– ((venom is menacing toward eddie for all of five minutes and then immediately starts falling in love with him)) Swerve– //yeah when i went to see it originally i expected that scene way way earlier Specs– ((that’s the power of tom hardy)) Soundwave– *Approval ping after the parasite Devastator comment.* Windchill– Edgy. Swerve– //this def sets up for a sequel tho so i’m curious if they’re gonna follow thru on it Swoop– Him not very red ((little on the nose but I’m okay with it)) Prowl– ((i’m disappointed that eddie wasn’t a beefy mulleted blond, but tom hardy is just SO GOOD at being gross in that hoodie, i’ll take him too)) Blaster– ((HAH Swerve– //lmao Windchill– *Stretches exactly one leg.* Smokescreen– ((im still so glad the lobster tank scene was unscripted and he just did that Windchill– That sure was gooey. Prowl– ((I KNOW it was brilliant)) Swoop– ((Tom Hardy did a good job for sure. Normally, when people say “you look terrible” to someone in a movie, it’s a cue on how we should be reading things. In this movie, he actually looked fucking awful.)) Prowl– ((he did. he looked nasty the whole movie)) Swoop– ((Was it really? That is beautiful)) Swerve– //im so glad it was god Specs– *the dragon stretches* Thank you for having me, Soundwave–! Swoop– It pretty good fights : > OH! Us do Mad Max now : V That good fight movie : > Windchill– Had some explosions. Soundwave– [[You are welcome, dragon.]] Swerve– //is this a deleted scene //also wow rabbit did u need to cut off the last post of the chat Soundwave– ((yes)) Prowl– ((this is a great scene and i’m so upset they took it out)) Blaster– ((pffff Swoop– ((So damn good)) SCProwl– ((Venom is gonna make Eddie a better person via cannibalism and tater tots Swoop– ((I saw pics of Eddie getting carried away fro mthe lobster tank too)) Soundwave– ((public stream end marker: 10:00)) Windchill– *Rolls his shoulders. Will this dislodge the dinobot?* Smokescreen– So, uh, Soundwave— you up to maybe dance again sometime? Swoop– *has stayed on a bucking T-rex trying to dislodge him, this is nothing* Windchill– *Sways from side to side.* Soundwave– [[Another time, Smokescreen–. Not tonight.]] *And not to this, for sure.* Swoop– What you dancing for? Windchill– Excuse me? Dance? How dare you suggest such a thing. I’m trying to get you off. Swoop– yuh HUH dance Windchill– Ineffectively. Swoop– Oh Then you suck at doing keheheh Smokescreen– Aww, okay. I’d be up to meet up with you to dance sometime, then! It’d be fun. Windchill– *Grunts his agreement.* Soundwave– [[Perhaps after a movie that is actually fun.]] Twincast– *staaaands. maybe he wasn’t so chatty tonight, but he’d be rude to not give their host a ping goodbye. Maybe next time~* Windchill– You’ll have to get off sometime. Soundwave– *Perhaps next time indeed. Farewell, Twincast–.* Twincast– ((I was so engrossed I forgot to RP. It was fun!! Thanks for streaming : D Swoop– ((I know the movie might have MEANT to imply that Annie was lying about the kiss being Venom’s idea but Venom literally never missed a chance to try to smash them together like Barbie dolls so I 10/10 believe her.)) Nuh uh Smokescreen– … I thought that was fun Windchill– Yuh-huh. Swoop– Not if us DIE here Soundwave– ((you’re welcome!)) Windchill– Oh. Well, sure, but why would we die here? Smokescreen– Oh! Oh, I know a good dance song for us, later. Have you ever heard of Cascada, Soundwave–? Swopp *is joking but he’s got a back full of missiles if we want to end it all* Blaster– ….-yawns and stretches- Swoop– so BORED from these songs us DIE Windchill– *Snorts.* I like them. Swoop– no Windchill– Yes. Blaster– Anyway, thanks for that, but I have to go now. Hopefully to sleep. Swoop– nO Windchill– I’m not having this argument with you. Blaster– Goodnight. Swoop– yes Soundwave– [[Goodnight, those leaving.]] Swerve– //nini friendos Windchill– No. Soundwave– [[And of course he has heard of that. Again, though: another night.]] Swoop– *squeaks* YES Smokescreen– Cool! I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for the crystal- and I still REALLY want you to show me how to knock bots down like you did earlier! Windchill– No, you can’t make me. *Squints at the squeaking next to his head.* Swoop– Can too Smokescreen– /Smokescreen–’s finally getting himself up, and is dropping by the bar to grab a drink before he finally goes home!/ Windchill– No. I have a date later and you, *he points over his shoulder at the Swoop– in question,* want no part of it, so you have to get off and like, not waste my time. *Stands up, Swoop– or no Swoop–.* Swoop– a DATE? :V Windchill– That’s what I said. Swoop– *PERKS UP* TOP GUN Soundwave–, us watch Top Gun? *bounces right off Windchill–* Windchill– *Oh, thank god.* Soundwave– [[No, not right now. Now it is time to leave.]] Swoop– : < But Top Gun good movie, Soundwave– Soundwave– [[Then go home and watch it with your brothers.]] Swoop– Them LAME No flying Windchill– Goodnight, thanks for goo movie, have fun telling Swoop– no for the next several minutes. Swoop– : > Soundwave– [[Goodnight, you are welcome, and he absolutely won’t.]] Swoop– Howwww about a LITTLE top gun : > Just flying parts! Windchill– I guess it’s not for everyone. Bye Swoop–, I’m leaving you here. Sucker. Swoop– *clearly has better taste than Windchill– since he is fighting for TOP GUN* Windchill– *Clearly.* *Waves, and backs for the exit.* Soundwave– [[On your way, now, Swoop–. There is no Top Gun here.]] Swoop– *gives the BIGGEST SIGH IN THE WORLD* fine Windchill– *Normally picks up straggler children to deposit home, but is apparently choosing to be irresponsible and leave it for Soundwave– to deal with.* Swoop– You Soundwave– boring boring Windchill– *And he’s gone before that can change.* Soundwave– [[Yes. What a terrible bot he is. Best you go and leave him to do dull paperwork and listen to people talking for hours without any fighting.]] Swoop– *knows he’s being teased but doesn’t NOT believe that’s what’s going to happen so he blows raspberries all the way out the door* Soundwave– *What do you know? That worked.* Prowl– *gives Soundwave– an expectant look* Soundwave– *Looks back and then around. He’s… he’s not actually sure what to do now. This was a Bad Night, movie-wise.* [[Do - would you like to clean, like the last time, or -]] *Twitchy fingers.* [[We could walk through the settlement nearby, or - anything else you would prefer to do. Actual paperwork, even. He does not know.]] Prowl– You mean doing paperwork and listening to people talking for hours WASN’T the explicit plan? Soundwave– [[Oh. He said that mostly to be rid of Swoop– in a timely fashion, but he has nothing against it if you would actually like that. He has plenty of the first, and the second could be either of us. Or someone else, if you had them in mind.]] Prowl– *… humor ping* Soundwave– *Oh, a joke. Okay, he’s got it now.* [[Ah. His apologies. That actually IS how he likes to spend his nights sometimes.]] *He forgets himself and smiles the teensiest bit.* Prowl– Me too. Sans talking, usually. Soundwave– [[He sees. … Do you have paperwork with you? We could work on that together. Sitting together, that is. Obviously, he is not entitled to type up your reports for you.]] *Pause.* [[Though he could do so with extreme speed.]] *Shakes his head.* [[A good and comfortable shared silence is never to be taken for granted.]] [[…Unless you meant you prefer someone else to do the talking, in which case he has plenty of tales he could tell you.]] Prowl– No, I don’t have paperwork with me. I—don’t know what I want to do. *it’s partially untrue. he does know what he wants to do—go home and be alone for a while—but he can’t have that. he’s never going to be alone again.* Soundwave– *Considers this.* [[You could do nothing, in a sense.]] *Small hand gesture.* [[Sitting and resting, sleeping, doing something unimportant for no reason other than it is fun. That sort of thing.]] Prowl– So, the usual movie night options. *beat.* … The usual besides interfacing. Soundwave– [[A fair point, if an important one. Such moments tend to be good for us both. Though he would like to clarify that he was not thinking of interfacing. He may not have the ability to sing, but he is not tone deaf.]] [[He will clean before it is much later. Experiment with what you care to do at the moment as you like; all he asks is that if you decide what you wish to do is something away from him, you interrupt to bid him goodnight first instead of simply popping away. An acceptable deal?]] Prowl– Mm. I’ll help clean. *that’s something productive he can latch onto. he doesn’t want to just sit and stare around* Soundwave– *Nods and motions toward the couches. Bridge away!* [[…He doesn’t suppose he could get you to help with the upstairs, the Kangaskhan, and the outer walls as well? Being away for a week tends to inspire his deployers to leave things undone.]] *Humor ping.* Prowl– Sure. Maybe not the—the Genghis Khan. I’d rather not have to worry about stepping on organics. Soundwave– [[Oh, they’re very sharp when it comes to not being stepped on - but better to err on the side of caution, yes. Still. He should introduce you to them some time, now that they have air masks.]] Prowl– Another time.]] Soundwave– ((aw man you can’t edit now? booooo)) [[Another time. Not now. Very well, here and the upper floors - and perhaps, if you still feel up to it and are not afraid of heights, he will show you how the deployers scrub the outer walls. And how he does. Both very entertaining.]] *Another small smile, because the first wasn’t as much of a problem as he’d expected. He’s trying to be a distraction. Primus only knows if it works.* [[Come, come. Everything to its place, now.]] *Affection, times three.* Prowl– I’d hardly call that “heights.” It’s only a few stories. *height’s relative and his universe’s Cybertronians are durable. he gets to work bridging the couches back where they belong; there’s a moment of hesitation before he remembers to return the three pings.* Soundwave– [[You’ve never met Blades, have you.]] *Soft huff.* Prowl– Sure. I’ve known him since before the war, we were in Security Services under Sentinel Prime. Starscream forced him into a combiner recently. Soundwave– *Puts the snacks he was crating back on the bar and turns to look at Prowl–, mouth in a small o and everything.* [[…Were it anyone else talking, he would suspect that of being a joke.]] *Shakes his head and goes back to packing.* [[Another reason to see Starscream deposed, he supposes. And he is sorry to hear of your - friend’s? - fate.]] [[He did mean his own, however. Grounder turned extremely unwilling helicopter turned grounder again. He would be surprised if Blades is even capable of jumping anymore. Poor mech.]] [[…Perhaps there’s a link somewhere in this misfortune of theirs. He’ll note it on the map.]] Prowl– I’ve never heard of mine ever being anything but a helicopter. And since I’ve known him since before extensive body mods were allowed, I suspect that’s his original shape. *all the couches are in place, he’s going to find something else to clean.* Not friend. Just longtime acquaintance. Soundwave– [[Longtime acquaintance, then. Still - he would not have wished that on him.]] *Mopping behind the bar while he’s there.* [[Do the two of you speak now?]] Prowl– He and his team have a standing invitation to contact me if they—need anything. They haven’t utilized it recently. Soundwave– [[Disappointing.]] *Maybe it would be good for Prowl– to have someone who Really, Really Gets It he could talk about it with, instead of Soundwave–’s fumbling attempts? Then again, that means someone else had to go through it. He doesn’t know. Unpleasant and sticky situations he never gave much thought to before the war ended.* [[But understandable, in a way. Some pains are too personal to share so easily.]] [[…Thank you for trying to explain it to him earlier, while he is thinking about it. He knows he does not fully grasp all of your situation, but he will continue to try. He would like to always be someone you can rely on to listen to and hear you when you speak about it. You deserve that.]] [[Enough of this room. Let us go clean upstairs. It needs it more anyway.]] Prowl– *a jerky nod* Thanks. For listening. *it sounds hollow right now, when he’s tired of thinking about it; but he knows that later on when he’s less exhausted he’ll be grateful for it.* Lead the way. *and up they shall go.*

[yoitsalec-blog1]

Review on “Serial” Season 1, “S-Town”, &  “The Horror of Dolores Roach” - What is a Podcast?

   I just want to start this out by saying I’m sorry I haven’t posted a blog in sooo long. I’ve procrastinated because I didn’t know what to blog about next! At one time I was going to make a blog about my Bloom Tour experience and another was a Bloom album review, but I decided to make another on these Podcasts. A week ago I have never listened to any podcasts or knew where to listen to them, I had no interest, BUT, these last few days it’s all I listen to on my phone, in the car, & on my laptop. What are Podcasts? They’re free easy to download audio books in a way is what I think of them as. I KNOW, audio books? Because myself personally am a book reader, I couldn’t listen and focus unless I see it in my hands reading with my eyes bobbing left to read like when you watch a tennis match just reading every sentence. You might not think there’s a difference between these and audio books, but you typically can’t subscribe to audio books as you can podcasts, and podcasts put the story into episodes; series. Every episode can be a different topic or a whole story that makes it into a season, whichever genres you’re into, there’s one for you. Okay enough of this, onto the reviews.

“Serial” Season 1

  Summary -  Season one of this Podcast show called “Serial” tells the story of a 1999 kidnapping and murder case of Hae Min Lee January 13th. This Podcast started their own investigation on this case in 2014, 15 years later, after Sarah Koenig receives an email about this case to try and prove Adnan Seyed innocent. Adnan was found guilty and convicted of murder and kidnapping of Hae Min Lee and was having to serve at first, the dealth penalty but was then changed to Life plus 30 years. (If i remember forgive me if that was wrong) Adnan was dating Hae Min Lee at one time 15 years ago. It’s a story that leaves you always wondering “Who actually did it?” and while you try and come up with your own theory, Koenig works on this investigation for atleast 2 years, reaching to past friends of Adnan’s and Hae’s back in highschool and Adnan’s family and childhood to learn who Adnan was really like. I cannot spoil anything for you in this podcast because it’s just a must-listen.

  Review - I loved this season out of the three “Serial” has produced personally because it’s a murder mystery case with unexpecting surprises throughout entirely. Because of this Podcast as you should know, Adnan’s case in 2016 was reopened for another trial. Nice fitting background music on pauses and suspensed moments. Professionals and experts were used in this series to give better understanding of what might to expect in situations like this. Just having real interrogations and court cases from back in 1999 that you’re able to hear yourself from everyone involved makes this season stand out and grab my attention and I know this deserved the ratings it got. Crazy amount of downloads this Series has received resulting in receiving the Peabody award and #1 on the charts.

“S-Town

  Summary -  “S-Town” comes from the same producers of “Serial” but a different host, Brian Reed. This is a 7 Chapter Series of what first seems to be about an email Reed received from a John B. Mclemore of Bibb County, Alabama, wanting Reed to investigate into a possible murder of a young boy in his town, but that topic changes. The Series follows as Brian travels to this small town in Alabama to learn more about this town, and eventually John. John is a very interesting man, even a genius as most have called him in this series, as the many revealings we learn throughout.

   Review - I have to be honest with you, at points in this series, i was left upset, even teary-eyed at how powerful this is, but that’s not the only feelings I had, no this series came at me at different angles, from laughing and happy and angry and sad. It’s a must-listen guys and definitely free to download. Also lives up to it’s ratings, not to mention how many downloads this got in a short amount of time resulting in receiving the Peabody Award.

“The Horror of Delores Roach”

   Summary -  This story tells of a Woman in her 30s, Delores Roach, just released out of prison after serving 16 years for a drug bust. The Setting: New York. being that she gets released after so long, she has no idea about the new technological world that we live in today. There’s different Broadways and stores around her that took the places of all the old shops there was before she went away. All except one, an Empanada restaraunt that her and her old boyfriend Dominik used to always go. She walks into the store and who does she find? A guy named Luis that used to buy weed from her back then, he’s the owner of this restaraunt. With only having $195 after giving $5 to the homeless man, Luis offers her a place to stay in the room below the restaurant. Since Delores doesn’t have a job, soon Luis and Delores sparks an idea for Delores to be a masseuse, a given trade she was taught back in prison, and man is she good! But one incident with a man by the name of Mr. Pearlman that winds up dead in the restaurant, things are looking badly and the body must be rid of. 

   Review - I felt if I continued onto my summary I could’ve spoiled more that you deserve to find out yourself. Furthermore this story contains adult content for the young ears out there so beware. I enjoyed listening to this story, would also hope for a following story after? Hint hint ;) I love the imagery I was able to produce in my head with sound effects and descriptions used. And the characters? Phenomonal! Well done! It honestly had me just stop in my tracks at times just focused on what’s next. Great acting, great story line and above all a must-listen

   Thank you for reading this review, hope you liked it, you can also like this post and follow me. And also tomorrow I turn 19

[mama-m1na]

Oh My Goddess...: Chapter 2

                                                     ~~~II~~~

It had been about a week since the prince had been staying with the tailor and her girls.

Ever since the first night Min-Ho and Jae-Yong had tried to get closer looks at the creatures without actually going to confront them again but to no avail.

“You want to what?” Rhamina asked as she looked up from the red silk she was cutting for a commission with her black shawl around her shoulders, “Your Highness with all due respect I can’t just allow you to roam the streets at night with those creatures. You’ve seen that there are more of them now and no one knows how to kill them or if they can even be killed.”

Min-Ho’s eyes flashed down to her hands which were almost healed completely save for the extremely light discoloration; which, according to Rhamina, would be gone in about two more days, before saying, “I can’t let more people get hurt like this and I mean no offence to you; however, you are in no position to stop me.”

The female took a deep breath before saying, “As you wish but first I have some things to give you.”

She then went into the backroom before coming out with a leather chest piece, leather wrist guards, shoulder pads, and shin guards.

“Their Saaki styled armor one of my friends brought me for whatever reason,” the girl explained as she held up the chest piece against Min-Ho’s torso, “It will provide better protection than just your normal clothes and it looks like it should fit you fine.”

“You’re such a caring person you know?” the prince chuckled, “You’re just like a mother.”

“I might as well be when I have to watch over five children,” she sighed going back to her work, “Also if something happens don’t hesitate to come back here immediately. I don’t want to lose a friend to those things.”

“You don’t have to worry about a thing,” Min-Ho promised as he looked down at the tailor.

When night came he stood alongside Jae-Yong who was dressed in all black garb that the female had prepared for him during the day.

Min-Ho wore the leather guards that Rhamina had provided and tied his long hair up in a ponytail.

Both were armed with swords that Jae-Yong had brought with them when they left the capital and they stood waiting for the creatures.

When the familiar screeches were heard both took hold of their swords as a group of shadows ran towards them.

Taking care not to be touched by anything of the creatures both males ran to slice up as many as they could; however, as soon as they stepped back to observe the damage the severed pieces would be roped back into place by shadows which reached out from the stumps.

“I figured that would happen,” Min-Ho huffed as he dodged an arrow shot by the Huntsman before slicing into the head of a creature that had yet to be named.

The fight continued like that for about ten minutes which left the two males exhausted.

“Your Highness, I believe it is time for us to retreat,” Jae-Yong said as he pushed a creature back with the dull end of his blade.

“I believe you’re right,” Min-Ho replied before the two males took off down the dirt streets.

They almost made it back; however, a black claw had clutched onto the prince’s right ankle, not touching skin, but it dragged him back and tossed him into the air.

As it reared its claw back it was suddenly encased in ice as a female form stepped out from behind it leaving the male to hit the ground with a thud.

“That’s enough playing around. You should be inside.”

The figure spoke with a voice that sounded like multiple overlaid on top of each other.

“Who are you?” Jae-Yong asked with his sword drawn standing over the prince as he stood up.

“That isn’t information either of you need to know.”

As the clouds drifted away from the moon the males were now able to see the form in front of them as made entirely out of ice; however, it moved just like a living being.

“What- how-” “Haha, you don’t really think that one Shrine Maiden couldn’t have survived in a forest where she was practically raised? How do you think that all of these people survived this long without magical protection? How these creatures haven’t ventured their way into your capital? This is your only warning to return back to the capital, I have the situation under control. Now go back inside.”

The figure then turned to leave by walking passed the other creatures who were encased in ice; which, slowly began to crack.

Heading the figure’s warning, the two males made their way back to the tailor shop and knocked on the locked door expecting to wait a while only to have the door open moments after they knocked by none other than the ravenette who had invited them in the first place.

“You’re still awake?” Jae-Yong asked as she led them back up the stairs into the living room.

“I was working on a commission,” she replied giving the two each a cup of water which was sitting on the table, “Now, none of you were injured right?”

“No, but we found out some more about the creatures,” Min-Ho said before taking a drink, “They can be cut; however, they regenerate almost immediately afterwards.”

“That’s… Unfortunate but good to know,” the female said writing down notes on a scrap piece of paper with the light from the single lantern she kept lit, “anything else?”

“There’s a Shrine Maiden who’s alive,” Min-Ho stated before Jae-Yong could say anything causing both him and Rhamina to widen their eyes in shock.

“Your Highness, you can’t just tell anyone about that information!” Jae-Yong scolded, “No offense to you, Ms. Rhamina.”

“No, I agree completely!” she added, “What if I was someone with bad intent? I could legitimately cause such a discord in the kingdom!”

“Rhamina, you are a trustworthy person I know you won’t do anything heinous with this information,” Min-Ho said earning a dumbfounded look.

“You never know! I could just be putting on an act so I can kill you!” she scolded.

“Fine, I order you to keep this information to yourself,” he sighed loosening the laces on his arm guards, “Is that enough for you?”

“So… What do you plan to do with that information?” Rhamia asked as she sat with her legs tucked under herself on the floor.

“If I’m to defeat those things I’ll need her help?” Min-Ho explained.

“And just how do you plan on getting her to help? Your Highness, that creation of the Shrine Maiden clearly showed a distaste for us,” Jae-Yong reasoned.

“We just need to convince her,” the prince replied, “She is necessary for this.”

“How do you know?” Rhamina asked wrapping the shawl tighter around herself.

“The snake you found, I’m pretty sure it’s a pet of the Maiden… It told me,” Min-Ho said.

“... Flora? Your Highness, are you sure?” the ravenette asked.

“One hundred percent.”

“... I should get to bed… have a good night,” Rhamina said with a yawn before making her way to her room as Min-Ho could feel the eyes of Jae-Yong around him.

“Your Highness, why are you telling her all of this?”

“She’s our host and a resident of this area she deserves to know.”

“You’re not going to tell this to the public so why are you telling her?”

“She’s just too easy to talk to.”

The next morning Rhamina was downstairs working as the rest was upstairs eating breakfast.

“Mina, did you already eat?” Hannah asked checking on the ravenette who was now making a green sash to match the red kimono she had made.

“Not yet,” she said pinning the raw edge of the green fabric to hem it, “I’m almost done. I’ll be up in a few minutes.”

“Who is that for?” Hannah asked noticing the choice of expensive fabrics.

“Ji-Hae,” Rhamina replied earning a sneer from the redhead.

“Eugh, Su-Won’s sister?” she scoffed.

“Yeah, but we’re getting a lot of money for it so I don’t really care,” Rhamina sighed removing pins and sticking them into the pin cushion as she reached certain points, “As long as she doesn’t cause a scene when she comes to pick it up tomorrow.”

As she reached the last stitch she tied it off and cut the thread before folding it and setting it in front of the body form which displayed the beautiful red kimono. She may have only had a week to complete it; however, she had to admit it was one of the most beautiful pieces she made and Rhamina was quite proud of it.

Unfortunately with who it was going to, a seed of worry began to sprout in her stomach for what would happen to it.

Min-Ho and Jae-Yong sat at the table dawning purple fabrics as a gift from the ravenette and as in her words it was improper for males of their status to be wearing burlap.

As the day passed Min-Ho spent his time walking around the city and talking to the people about what they knew about the creatures and maybe the ice figure without directly mentioning what it told him.

“Any luck?” Rhamina asked looking up at the two males who walked in the door from another commission.

“Unfortunately no,” the male sighed, “nothing other than descriptions we already had about the new creatures. Is your snake still here?”

“I’m sure she’s somewhere in the house, she likes to hunt for the mice,” Rhamina replied as she pinned a pattern onto a white cotton fabric.

“May I look through your notes again?” the prince asked earning a nod from the tailor.

Who kneeled in her spot with a white kimono and her shawl wrapped around her waist.

Her hair was down again; which, the males noticed was normal for her despite it reaching her hips as her unique irises focused completely on her work.

At this time it was barely noticeable; however, the marks on her arms seemed slightly darker than the day before but neither of the males said anything.

As they both walked up the stairs Jae-Yong went to their room while Min-Ho made this way to the living room where the ravenette’s notes were.

“Mi- who are you?” an unfamiliar male asked from the couch.

Min-Ho noticed that the male looked to be a few years older than himself and wore all black clothing made of a cheaper fabric. He also had shaggy dark hair that fell a few inches past his shoulders and black eyes.

“I should be asking you that,” Min-Ho retorted, “Does Rhamina know of your presence in her home?”

‘Aish, I leave for a few weeks and she lets nobles into her home?’ the male asked himself as he looked at the teen’s purple clothes an obvious choice for someone with money.

“Listen kid, just answer my question, who are you?” the man asked.

Before anything else could be said Chloe stepped into the living room to see both males and called, “Mina! Seung-Hyun is back!”

Both males looked back at the fourteen-year-old as a familiar voice called “What?!” from the first floor.

Soft thumps were heard as the female practically flew up the stairs and into the room to see the familiar man standing in her living room.

“You! What did I say about using the door?!” she exclaimed pointing at the man with a glare, “and you think you can disappear for two weeks without telling anybody that you were leaving or where you went?! Who do you think you are?!”

“One of your closest friends for about eight years now?” the male shrugged completely ignoring the female’s frustrated attitude.

“Oh no, you ain’t getting out of this without an earful, dammit! I was worried what if you died?!”

“I’m here now aren’t I?”

Min-Ho could only watch in silence as the female interacted with the new male. He didn’t trust him, at all.

“Oh so he’s back,” Sophie said walking into the room after hearing the ravenette yelling, “Don’t worry he’s Seung-Hyun, a friend of ours.”

In response the prince raised a brow.

“Actually he’s known Mina longer than most of us,” Sophie explained as the ravenette slapped Seung-Hyun in the shoulder before ranting on about him being irresponsible, “They both came here as a pair.”

“I’m fine, kid,” the male chuckled reaching up to ruffle Rhamina’s hair only to be deflected by her own.

“I’m not dealing with your shit,” she seethed before turning away from him.

“Aw come on, Mina,” he said trying to get into the female’s line of sight.

“Mina, you know you missed me.” “Does anyone hear something?” “Mina, really-” “Because all I hear is the sound of an insect buzzing in my ear.”

As the female made her way out of the room she was suddenly forced back by a pair of arms around her waist and someone’s chin on her shoulder.

“Let me go!”

“Not until you acknowledge me!”

“I already did you fudge nugget!”

“Nicely!”

“... Fine welcome back, Seung-Hyun.”

As the grip around her loosened she turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck before whispering, “I’m not giving you any of my candy.”

“Hey, that’s not fair!” he exclaimed as she walked back downstairs.

“Suck a fat one!”

“Aish, that girl,” Seung-Hyun sighed as he turned to the prince, “Now seriously who is he?”

“This is the Imperial Prince, Min-Ho,” Sophie introduced, “and this is Seung-Hyun.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Min-Ho said holding out his hand and biting back the want to chew out the man in front of him.

“So, what’s the pretty boy doing here of all places?” Seung-Hyun asked completely dismissing the prince’s gesture, “Don’t you have people’s lives to ruin up in Hanyang?”

“Seung-Hyun!” scolded Hannah, “I know you don’t like rich people but tone it down!”

“Why should I? If he’s going to be leading this country one day he should learn to handle criticism.”

“That is right; however, I would think that most humans knew of manners especially if they interact with someone like Rhamina, she seems to know of them,” Min-Ho retorted with narrowed eyes, “And I’m here to investigate the creatures.”

“Wow, going against your father’s orders to leave the situation alone? How bold.”

Feeling the tension in the room Sophie suggested, “Seung-Hyun why don’t you go harass Mina and I’ll get started on lunch.”

The male went down the stairs without another word as the prince glared at him the entire time.

“I’m so sorry about him, as you can tell he holds a grudge against the upper class,” Sophie said before entering the kitchen.

“... Chloe, are those two a couple?” Min-Ho asked after a few moments of silence.

“Huh? Oh no, a lot of people think they are though,” the female replied pushing her glasses up.

“Chloe, c’mon we have to get the gifts!” Aurora called running out of her room.

“Hoot!” Chloe replied, “I forgot!”

“Gifts?” Min-Ho asked.

“Yeah, the anniversary of all of us moving in together is in two days,” Aurora explained before running down the stairs and down the street to the markets.

“So where have you actually been, Seung-Hyun?” Rhamina asked the male who rested his head on her lap as she worked on a small table in front of her.

“I just went on a field trip through the forests,” he replied looking up at her serene expression.

“Which one?”

“Both.”

“Why were you in the Western Forests?”

“I don’t know. How about you tell me why you were messing with those things again?”

“What-” the male cut her off by grabbing her right arm and pulling back the white sleeve to reveal the extent of the faint marks.

“I have a job to keep people safe you know,” she quietly hissed taking back her arm back.

“Who exactly were you saving when that happened? The girls aren’t stupid enough to get near those things and you’re the one who told everyone to stay inside at night.”

“It doesn’t matter, I’m fine anyway.”

“It was that boy wasn’t it?” the male growled causing the girl to pause her work and pet his hair.

“Seung, he isn’t like his father, you know, he came here of his own accord and is actually pretty nice,” she whispered as she ran her fingers through his hair, “Try not to kill him, please.”

“I make no promises,” he sighed relishing in the petting.

“I should probably tell you now so you don’t get angry later but he knows.”

“What?”

“He knows that the Shrine Maiden survived but not who it is yet.”

To keep him from moving Rhamina kept her arms over him and continued, “He won’t find out. Even if he did I’m sure he wouldn’t report anything.”

“Rhamina, he is in direct relation to the court.”

“Yes, but he isn’t stupid. He said himself that she is needed to complete his goal here. He won’t give the orders for execution.”

“You know how risky this is?” Seung-Hyun asked looking into her eyes, “After all this trouble to stay quiet.”

“When was it ever safe? As long as either of us knew we would always be endangering our lives,” Rhamina replied touching their noses together for a second before pulling away, “But where’s the fun if we don’t?”

“Lunch is ready!” Sophie called after about half an hour.

The whole group gathered around the table with Seung-Hyun standing at the counter with his food due to there being a lack of room.

“Seung, I can just pull up a chair you know,” Rhamina suggested.

“No, thanks I wouldn’t want His Highness to get uncomfortable with my commoner presence,” the man replied earning a glare from the other two males.

“I’m-” “Don’t apologize for me, Mina,” Seung-Hyun scoffed.

“Anong, yari sayo? Ha?” Rhamina asked in her native tongue, “Magpakita ng paggalang sa prinsipe.”

“Bakit? Ano ang ginawa niya para sa akin?” he answered back, “Tarantadong bata lang siya.”

“Oh, shit,” Chloe whispered understanding what they were saying clearly.

“What are they saying, Chloe?” Kerstin asked watching her ‘sister’ get more and more upset.

“I shouldn’t say that in front of His Highness,” she whispered back.

“Is is about him?” Sophie asked earning a nod.

“Hoy, ako din yun!” she exclaimed, “Sa ka ikaw din!”

“Aish, whatever just eat your damned food,” she huffed once she saw that he completely ignored her last statement.

Turning back to the table she sighed before saying, “I’m sorry about my outburst it doesn’t happen frequently.”

“Oh yeah, like the other day with Su-Won-” Chloe’s mouth was immediately covered by Sam and Kerstin’s hands but it was too late.

“What happened with Su-Won?” Seung-Hyun asked as he looked up at the group of females who avoided his gaze; meanwhile, Min-Ho could tell that they didn’t plan on actually telling their companion of what happened on the day they had first met.

“Nothing,” Sophie stated.

“Nothing at all,” added Hannah.

Turning to the one who began to blab Seung-Hyun asked, “Chloe, what happened with Su-Won?”

“Nothing happened with him,” Kerstin said as neither she nor Sam dropped their hands from the child’s mouth.

“If it was nothing then you wouldn’t have your hands over her mouth still.”

“I just happened to slap him last week, that’s all,” Rhamina said sipping on her tea, “I don’t know why the rest of you are so worked up.”

“Ramen, you got fucking tackled.”

“What?!”

“... Shit.”

“Dammit, Aurora, I almost saved it,” Rhamina sighed as she looked up to the man who was now beyond furious.

“Seung, you are not going to kill him,” she ordered as the male began to walk towards the stairs.

“I wasn’t, but thanks for the idea,” he said continuing down the stairs.

It was silent after he left with Rhamina silently eating.

“He won’t actually hurt Su-Won, he isn’t stupid,” Rhamina said in order to ease the tension.

“Neither are you but you still slapped Su-Won in front of his entourage,” Sophie commented.

“Wrong, I am stupid,” Rhamina chirped, “Plus he deserved it.”

“Rhamina, you aren’t stupid,” Min-Ho stated earning a chuckle from the female.

“Your Highness, if you knew me better I’m sure you’d agree,” she smiled as she continued her meal.

Once the afternoon came Rhamina went into the back where there was a small shed that housed a tub that was connected to the river, a floor length mirror, and all of her skin and hair products.

Everything was made by her of course since she knew what her skin and hair worked best with.

As she allowed the tub to fill, Rhamina brushed her silky hair carefully as not to rip much of it out.

Once the tub was filled, she stripped and draped her clothes on a bar connected to a side wall and slipped into the tub.

She first cleaned her hair and conditioned it before cleaning her body, taking care to keep her hair out of the water with hair sticks while the products soaked in.

As she washed her face free of product, Rhamina let her hair down into the water and began to wash out the conditioner as well.

When she was finished, Rhamina drained the tub and stepped out as she dried herself.

With a towel draped around her shoulders she stood in front of the mirror and brushed it again before applying a mix of oils in it.

Once she wrapped her hair in the towel she began to apply her skin products onto her face before putting her sleeping clothes on with the shawl now around her hips as a skirt, and taking down her hair, brushing it out one last time before returning back into the main house where they once again began to prep for the night.

The night passed as it usually would with the windows closed, doors locked and lights turned off. Except there was one difference, Seung-Hyun was now in the house occupying the room next to Min-Ho’s and neither were happy about it.

Luckily there were no incidents; however, once the morning light came Rhamina couldn’t help but want to stay in bed and pretend she didn’t exist.

“Rhamina,” came Min-Ho’s voice from behind her door, “You have a customer picking up a kimono today don’t you?”

She groaned in response before he asked, “Are you not feeling well?”

“No, I’m fine,” she said getting out of her bed, “I just don’t get along well with this specific customer is all.”

“Alright, I’ll be in the market today,” Min-Ho said before Rhamina heard his footsteps going away from her door.

She then got dressed in a simple, black kimono which was made of cotton before tying her shawl around her waist again and walked to her small vanity.

Rhamina then applied a bit of a wine colored lip tint before tying her hair up with black and gold sticks.

Looking in the mirror she found herself caught in a trance as her eyes caught onto small wisps in the mirror.

Hiss!

Flora slithered her way onto the female’s lap with a seemingly happy expression as the female smiled down at her.

“How have you been, Flora?” she asked as the reptile rubbed against her hand.

“I’m sorry, Hun, but I have to work today,” she sighed before going downstairs and waiting for her dreaded customer.

“Welcome,” Rhamina said with a bow as Ji-Hae and her assistants walked in through the door.

Rhamina stood off to the side with a small frown as the younger female inspected her piece.

Ji-Hae was beautiful to say the least with porcelain smooth skin, plump lips, and eyes that could see through one’s soul; however, she had one large flaw.

“Is this what you call quality work? How disgusting.”

She was stuck up and biased as all hell.

“Just what I’d expect from a half-assed tailor like yourself.”

She did this all the time just because Rhamina and her girls were technically considered  peasants in their financial status.

“Honestly, I don’t get why you still try.”

“If you don’t like it then I guess Kerstin will get a lovely kimono,” Rhamina said walking up to the form which held a red silk kimono with embossed patterns and an emerald sash at the waist to compliment the fiery color.

“Excuse me?”

“I mean you never paid for it at the beginning of commission like you were supposed to so it isn’t yours yet,” the ravenette spoke running her fingers over the fabric.

“It would look much better on her anyway. Look, wouldn’t you say the red silk matches her personality perfectly?” the ravenette smirked as the fifteen-year-old glared.

“Who exactly do you think you’re talking to, Wench?” Ji-Hae hissed, “I am-”

“A human just like my girls or the ones who serve you,” Rhamina interjected as she stood straighter, “And I will treat you as such. A human. An equal. I would’ve thought you learned that by now I don’t care about status or money. If you’re a human then I will treat you as I do everyone else unless you do something to me.”

“You cannot talk that way to someone of my status!”

“I just told you that I don’t care about status, Ji-Hae, if you’re not going to buy the kimono then please leave.”

“I will have this whole shop go bankrupt!” she threatened while getting up in the ravenette’s face, “Unless you get on your knees and apologize.”

The sixteen-year-old only blinked and gently nudged the girl away earning gasps from those who accompanied the noble.

“I don’t get on my knees for people like you,” Rhamina stated bluntly, “Plus why would I do that when I obviously wouldn’t mean it?”

“You need to give some respect!” a woman from Ji-Hae’s group hissed, “You are speaking to Lady Ji-Hae!”

“I know what respect is and I have it but I only give it to those who deserve it,” Rhamina replied, “and from the way she’s acting she deserves none of mine.”

“How dare you!” Ji-Hae screamed as she moved her hand to slap the other; however, her wrist was stopped by Rhamina’s hand around it.

“I thought I told you to get out already,” Rhamina spoke looking her in the eyes.

Ji-Hae was frozen on the spot with her eyes widened in fear. In the light the golden flecks in Rhamina’s brown irises looked like flickers of a flame and she felt helpless.

In Rhamina’s eyes she saw no fear, no emotion, no rage, just calm and that… was terrifying.

~~~Fin. Chapter 2~~~

[deanogarbage]

find me in the drift (FiKi)

FiKi Week Day 4: Science Fiction or Fantasy.

Anyone who knows me knows that Pacific Rim has slowly consumed my life and I am trapped in the perpetual hellscape that is Newmann. So of course I’m going to pick sci-fi and finally write my Pacific Rim AU that I’ve told @safarikalamari that I’m going to write for over a year. I wrote this in one sitting again like a crazy person.

If you’ve never watched Pacific Rim, I tried to explain the best I could within the fic so watching the movie isn’t necessary but it sure would help. Plus I need more people to join in the sadness of Newmann.

Pairing: Fili/Kili Rating: T Words: 2k-ish Summary: Pacific Rim AU. K-Scientist Killian Durin is thrust into a new position when his uncle is injured and his brother needs his help. The drift reveals some things.

2025. Hong Kong Shatterdome.

Other worldly creatures, known as the Kaiju, have been terrorizing cities on the Earth’s Pacific Rim for nearly ten years. The human world has not sat idly by and let these monsters destroy the world. Jaegers, large human operated robots, have become the saving grace of the world. These Jaegers are each powered by two human pilots through a neurologically controlled processed called the Drift. The Drift allows the pilots to move in sync to operate the Jaeger, but not just any two people are able to drift. A compatibility process is necessary. Jaeger pilots often being siblings or lovers. While the Jaegers, their pilots, and the science around them are important, there are also scientists dedicated to understanding the Kaiju and how to help the Jaeger pilots find their weaknesses and eradicate them for good.

Dr. Killian “Call me, Kili” Durin was one of the leading K-scientists in the world. He held several doctorates in several fields of biology having gone to and taught at some of the most prestigious universities of the world.

While he was proud of his job and the research he had provided toward the Kaiju Wars, he was still the black sheep of the family overall.

Back when the Kaiju had first attacked ten years prior, his two uncles became the heroes of the First Kaiju War as the top Jaeger pilots. It was assumed that he and his brother would follow in their footsteps, but that didn’t seem to be his plan.

On the other hand, his brother Philip “Please don’t call me, Fili” Durin was perhaps the best Jaeger pilot to have ever existed, or so he thought. After their Uncle Frerin’s untimely death at the end of the First Kaiju War, Fili became his Uncle Thorin’s copilot.

The Second Kaiju War had unfortunately began, the giant Godzilla-esque monsters had been spotted outside of Sydney and all hands were back on deck after a decade of relative silence.

Kili was excitedly elbow deep inside part of a kaiju carcass when one of the floor assistants came in with a worried look.

“Dr. Durin, there has been an incident with Oaken Shield. It was severely attacked by one of the Category 3 kaiju. Your uncle and brother are being transported to med bay as we speak,” her voice is worried and a little frantic.

Kili hardly has time to clean himself off before he is running off to the medbay demanding to see his family.

Fili turns out to just have minor injuries that will heal up over a week or so of rest (Kili heard that as a day or two, knowing Fili). His uncle however was not as lucky. He was suffering from some major, but not life threatening injuries.

His piloting career was over at the worst possible time.

Kili knew that there would be knew kaiju coming any day, any moment, and they were officially one Jaeger team down.

Fili had healed up in a matter of days and was already back training. He had been a Marine recruit when the First Kaiju War started. He immediately was deferred to the PPDC’s Jaeger piloting bootcamp. He was never on the deployed teams, having struggled to connect with another pilot.

It was the cruel twist of fate that his career began at his uncle’s end. He finally made a drift compatible match with his uncle. They were able to take down some of the smaller Cat 1’s and the random kaiju sighting over the past decade.

This kaiju was the largest either of them had seen and it was their undoing. While their drift was compatible, it wasn’t the strongest. Now he again was copilot-less and would have to try to find some random pilot to try and bond with.

It was his first day back from the accident, he was healed up but his muscles and body were still sore from a combination of disuse and the injury itself. Many other pilots and crew members filled the on-base gym full of machines as well as a private sparring room.

Kili is working on a punching bag with another scientist when he sees his brother walk him. He excitedly launches himself in his brother’s direction, hugging him tight.

“Look at you! Good as new!” Kili grins patting his cheek teasingly.

Fili chuckles and peels him off gently.

“I need to spar, but I need to start easy. Think you can handle it?”

Kili scoffs in offense crossing his arms.

“May I remind you that I went through all the same martial arts classes as you when we were kids. Ask Hae-Won, I was tearing that bag up over there,” he scrunches his nose.

Fili grins clasping his shoulder and pushing him toward the sparring floor.

“Well then you have nothing to be scared of then!” He pulls his own curly blond hair into a bun and slips padded gloves onto his hands.

“Jiu jitsu rules?” He offers to his younger brother who shrugs with a smile and a nod.

“Sounds good to me.”

The two meet on the middle of the floor, one of the other pilots playing referee. Kili ignoring the whispers of mostly the other pilots.

“He’s a scientist, Philip is going to kick his ass.”

“Ah, he’s injured. I bet the kid gets a good hit or two in.”

“Injured or not, I wouldn’t want to be on the opposite side of Philip.”

They bump their padded knuckles against one another before the reffing pilot signals for them to begin.

Fili easily takes Kili down on the mat within the first few second, Kili nervous about hurting his already injured brother. The knock of air out of his lungs is enough to light the spark in him.

Kili is surprised himself when he is able to go toe to toe with his brother, each fighting and maneuvering easily around one another on the floor. When Kili finds an in and has Fili pinned to the ground and having to tap out, there is nothing but a bit grin and excitement.

Less than an hour later Kili finds himself in his uncle’s hospital room as Fili and Thorin are in the throes of an argument.

“It only makes sense Thorin! Who else better for me to drift with?”

“He isn’t like us Fili! This isn’t the life he signed up for!”

Kili clears his throat realizing he must be the topic of the argument.

“He can talk for himself, you know? Fili, you want me to...drift with you?” His voice is almost incredulous.

“You’re an amazing fighter, Kili. Sure, you need some training and some finessing, but I think you could make an amazing pilot.”

“But I’m a scientist.”

“Yes, but you can be more too! Please Kili, we can do a practice drift and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. But I can’t not let us try,” Fili begs with a renewed energy.

“I don’t like this,” Thorin says resolutely from his bed.

“You don’t have to like it, Kili just has to. You’ll give it a shot, won’t you Kee?”

Kili looks between the two of them before focusing on Fili.

“One time. I’ll give the practice drift one shot, if I don’t like it, I’m not doing it,” He says seriously to his brother, “I’m only considering doing it because I want to see a kaiju up close and personal.”

Fili rolls his eyes but is beyond excited at the idea of having a true drift partner.

They schedule the test drift in one of the Jaeger practice pods the next day. Fili unable to wait any longer.

Even though it is just a practice, the idea of drifting has always scared him a bit. He’s heard the pilots coached enough to know that you don’t hang onto anything in the drift, you just let it ride through.

The drift exposes each pilot to the memories, thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the other. There are no secrets in the drift. Both pilots share an intimate and genuine connection where their minds temporarily become one.

Kili swallows nervously as he steps out in the Jaeger operating outfit, his worried eyes finding Fili who offers a reassuring smile.

“These outfits are ridiculous,” Kili nervously laughs as some of the J-tech crew shows him how to get set up in the mock Jaeger unit.

Fili laughs a little in response, needing no help himself. “Yeah, they are. Hopefully, you’ll get used to it.”

Fili’s voice switches over mid-sentence to the comm link within the helmet.

“Okay Kili, just trust me. Follow my lead and don’t hold onto anything in the drift.”

“I feel like I should start a confessional for all the fucked up things you might see in the drift, so I’m apologizing now.”

Fili laughs again as he speaks in to the mic, pushing in buttons on the HUD of the Jaeger interface, “Activating neural handshake. In 3...2...1…”

Kili gasps as a wall of blue hits his vision and he feels like he may be sick from the spiraling feeling as memories and feeling flood him.

He sees first days of school, Fili fighting bullies, their first martial arts classes, their sleepovers they share as children, Thorin yelling at them.

“You are teenagers! This childhood dependency stops now.”

Fili being sent away for military school. Both sobbing at night, the intense heartache, emptiness.

They feel their first hug in Hong Kong, they hadn’t seen each other in years. A decade spent making up for lost time in their childhood.

Accidental drunken kisses. Fear, shame, they have to hide, if anyone were to know. Their lives would be over. He’d ruin Fili’s life. Fili he loves Fili but he can’t love Fili. Brothers, they are brothers and brothers aren’t like this why is he like this? Why can’t he be better? Fili don’t go-God, ithurtsithurtsmorethananythingwhycanttheyjustbetogetherwhydoesithurtsomuchmakeitstoptheblueisswallowinghimmakeitstopbrotherfilifilifilifilif-

“Kili, let it go! Kili you have to LET GO!”

He surges forward, gasping for air as he makes it onto the other side of the drift. Fili looks concerned at him from behind his helmet.

“Kee, you okay? You made it through. You’ve let it go, now let’s focus on the mission okay?” Fili orders in a reassuring tone as Kili nods catching his breath.

“Yeah, I’m good,” his breath evens out some before he pushes a smile on his face, “Let’s kick some virtual kaiju ass.”

Kili isn’t surprised when they take down the kaiju with relative ease, his mind feeling clear and strong with the guidance of Fili there. It’s reassuring and calming. Like he doesn’t have to think as hard with Fili doing half of the work as well.

Kili however is surprised when the J-tech crew excitedly clap them both on the back.

“You guys just beat the current record of beating Knifehead! With minimal damage at that! It was incredible!”

They both are helped out of the mock Jaeger, the drift ending. Kili searches Fili’s face when he hears a soft rushed voice in the back of his head.

So proud. I love him so much. Kili, I love you.

Fili takes off his helmet not saying anything at first.

“Well then.”

“Well then what?” Fili says softly looking at him.

“I’m going to really, really miss my lab,” Kili sighs holding the helmet under his arm.

Fili couldn’t possibly grin brighter hearing in his own head a soft, I love you too.