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sorryimananti-romantic · 2 days ago

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The Leaders | Chapter II

"this is the underworld that no one escapes from."

masterlist

ot8!ateez x f!reader, mafia au

chapter warnings: drinking, smoking, illegal businesses, mentions of gangs, war/military and weapons, hongjoong is the designated asshole in this chapter

chapter wc: 10.9k

chapter synopsis: you learn more about ateez from your housemate, wendy, and from kihyun of mx pharmaceuticals who is also the crescent’s business partner. you get familiar with your new job at the crescent company’s main office and learn about their deal with secretary park. wanting to stop them from that harmful deal, you finally speak up only for the boss, hongjoong, to remind you that you are just a bookkeeper.

prev chapter recap: an attack on the crescent bar prompts you, the bookkeeper of the crescent bar, to carry out yeosang’s order and flee with the contents of the safe. however, you have discovered a secret package which leads you to a confrontation with the underboss, park seonghwa, who has no choice but to kill you. to save yourself, you reveal that you possess some information about the elites that could be useful to them, and that you are willing to exchange this information for your life. that lands you a job at the crescent company’s main office and you have a rocky first day, getting to know the ins-and-outs of your new workplace and colleagues.

For the beginning of a new chapter of your life, which could take a very sinister turn, it sure was awfully sunny today, the pigeons on your window sill taking great joy in the way you would pause in the middle of getting ready and reconsider all your life choices so far. Their cheerful chirps were starting to annoy you and you couldn’t help but shoot deathly glares in their direction.

It was your first official work day as the bookkeeper in the main office of the Crescent Company, and you were done getting ready– as ready as you could be with your heart threatening to burst out of your chest. It didn’t help that when you exited your room, you immediately had your housemate’s attention who let out a dramatic whistle at the sight of you.

“Woah. That’s quite a formal outfit for the bar,” Wendy said, stopping in the middle of stirring the pot, the fragrant scent of rosemary and chicken broth filling your nostrils. “Also… why are you still home?”

You turned to the full-length mirror in the living room, inspecting your outfit for the day– a pleated navy blue skirt that reached mid-calves paired with a blue tweed jacket, your feet clad in ivory kitten heels. Just the right outfit to make good first impressions, yet it was a struggle to ignore the urge to go back to your closet and restart the lengthy process of choosing another outfit.

“Uh…” you took a deep breath while tucking the stray strands of your hair back in the half-tied hairdo, bracing yourself for her reaction. “I may have gotten a new job at the Crescent Company.”

The room fell awfully silent and you turned to Wendy, finding her deadpan staring at you.

Odd.

“Something wrong?” You frowned in confusion.

“The Crescent Company?” Wendy repeated and you nodded. It was strange, the soberness in her tone, when you were expecting enthusiastic theatrical reactions from her. “When?”

“Literally yesterday,” you turned your full attention to her, wondering if she was cross with you for not letting her know earlier. “I start working officially from today.”

“How did you get this job?” Wendy asked, finally doing something else other than assessing your form. She turned the stove off, setting the pot on the table where you joined her for breakfast.

“Well… one thing led to another. Some gang attacked the bar two nights ago and when I carried out my instructions– which were to get the contents of the safe and run– they decided… that I am good at my job and would do better in some other environment.”

“I heard about the attack, yes,” Wendy said, munching on a piece of bread. “But I thought it was a fight outside the bar, not an attack inside. Is that how you got these tiny scratches all over you?” You pursed your lips in answer and Wendy continued. “Are you sure this is the right job for you? Because let’s be real– we all know who Ateez is. You should be avoiding that gang– didn’t you want to lay low?”

Ateez. Known throughout all the eight sectors of Eden and its capital, the gang formed after the Battle of the Eight Hills and layed a vital role in the rebuilding of Eden afterwards. Really, you wondered if they had done so much for Eden, why were they feared and labelled as a criminal organisation?

“I am laying low,” you sipped the broth as you said, “It’s just an office job– paperwork.”

“I don’t know, Luna,” she said, clearly worried. “I’m not sure about this.”

“Do you know something you’re not telling me?” You asked but Wendy kept a straight face which meant there was something. “In fact… refresh my memory a little since I wasn’t here when Ateez was at the peak of their career, but who is Ateez? What do they really do?”

Wendy took a deep breath as if contemplating opening her pandora of secrets for you but then she checked her wristwatch to your utter disappointment. “Next time or else we’ll both be late. Just… stay safe, will you?”

“Oh, I will. I keep the gun in my purse, you know,” you smirked and Wendy finally relaxed, smiling back. “See you tonight if you aren’t snoring by that time– my shift ends at the strike of midnight.”

“Heavens, that’s late,” Wendy winced. “What are you doing up so early then? You should have slept some more.”

You should have, but you had a little stop to make before you clocked in at midday at your workplace– the stop being at the office of MX Pharmaceuticals located in the heart of Sector 1 with all the other businesses and offices. It was only the Crescent Office which was situated right outside that hotspot, and you were starting to think that it was a calculated move on their part. With their status, they could be situated in the slums and still be flourishing– the leaders of Sector 1.

It was a bit strange to walk the streets of your block and not allow your muscle memory to take you in the direction of the Crescent Bar. It felt alleviating, even, to not cross the old lady on the pavement selling crocheted goods to make a living. Somehow, she always made you feel guilty about having the privilege of connections. You could very well have been sitting there at the corner of the road instead of her, selling your paintings or embroideries if Kihyun hadn’t helped you land a job when you came back to Eden from Wonderland just a few years ago.

Because your father always made sure you would never be in the spotlight. There was a reason he basically shipped you to Wonderland– though you often wondered if that was justification enough. He claimed that you could study more if you wished to while you looked after your aunt but really… you knew that he wanted to get rid of you because you found out his dark, dirty secrets– things you were never supposed to find out. It was a shame he couldn’t kill his own daughter and bury those secrets along with her. Maybe his humanity awakened when he thought about his children.

You could spot the MX Office when you took a turn left into the busy, bustling street with corporate slaves ready to sign in for their daily dose of torture. To your demise, you were blending right in. You walked towards the office, which was a brick-coloured building just like the rest of the offices in this street. The guard at the front door recognised you and nodded in greeting, as did the receptionist and a few employees, aware that you had some sort of a relationship with their boss, though no one dared to ask the nature of it.

The boss, Kihyun, was a respectable figure in all of Eden as a powerful businessman and a former gang member. Each connection he made was for a reason, but you were not just a connection. You respected each other far too much to refer to each other as just a ‘connection’.

You were being accompanied to Kihyun’s room when on the stairs, you encountered Hyungwon.

“Miss Jeon– what brings you here?” He asked. It had been a while since you saw the manager of MX Pharmaceuticals. He was usually found at one of the labs or warehouses that MX owned. “Good to see you.”

“Hope you’ve been well,” you smiled. “I’m here to see Kihyun.”

Hyungwon nodded at the assistant who left and you followed Hyungwon upstairs. “Kihyun just arrived. How has it been?”

“I’m doing good. I got a new job so I was going to tell him about that and discuss a few things.”

“Oh, that’s nice to hear,” Hyungwon knocked at Kihyun’s door before opening it for you. “I’ll send some tea. And you know that if you need anything, we’re here, right?”

You nodded, smiling earnestly at his reminder. “Thank you. Have a good day.”

You entered Kihyun’s room, closing the door behind you. His room was as neat as ever with a variety of indoor plants lining the huge windows that provided a view of Maddox Street. You walked past that window, drawing the cerulean curtains away and Kihyun tsk-ed at you.

“You’re back at it, eh?”

“You need someone who will pull the curtains open every day. I can’t keep doing that for you,” you grinned, joining him at his desk. He was clad in a navy button-down shirt, his hair combed back. “How have you been?”

He spread his arms in answer. “Right in front of you. As good as ever. But I’ve heard you are doing better lately.”

“Heard the news already?” You shook your head. “Once I find your informant, I’m gonna give them an earful.”

“We’re the Crescent’s business partners. I should know the happenings,” Kihyun said, waiting for the assistant to leave the tea for you before continuing. “Tell me… how did it happen?”

“Let’s say I passed a trust test,” you said, adding a sugar in your tea and two in his, just as he liked. “I’m the Crescent’s bookkeeper now.”

“That must not have been easy.”

“Actually, yes,” you took a sip of the black tea. “I almost got killed. I had to win their favour.”

“And how did you do that?” Kihyun frowned.

“I played a few cards,” you admitted and he groaned in disbelief. “It was that or I die.”

“They would not have killed you–”

“They knew we were acquainted, and they were ready to kill me,” you interjected. “I only told them that I’m aware of Assemblyman General Wi’s artefact gallery.”

“Luna,” Kihyun leaned forward, clasping his hands. “You know the game you are playing right now is a dangerous one–”

“I know that I have to keep my identity hidden, and I’m sure they only know what’s on the documents–”

“Let me finish,” Kihyun said in a low voice and you slumped back. “It’s not just about your identity. You know who they are, don’t you? Ateez? They were once a gang, and they always play dirty.”

“So were you, Kihyun,” you reminded him. “Back in your early days, before my father took you under his wing.”

Kihyun clenched his jaw– he did not need to be reminded of his ugly past. “We were not children of war when we were a gang, Luna. The Crescents– Ateez– they are children of war. They served the army when they should have been fooling around with other kids their age or studying. A nineteen year old Kim Hongjoong became a well-known military strategist in the Battle of the Eight Hills. Another nineteen year old Park Seonghwa became a sniper and a medic– a god awful combination, don’t you think? And an eighteen year old Jeong Yunho became an honoured lieutenant colonel, for heaven’s sake. Those are the people you have involved yourself with.”

That was the first time you heard about their achievements during the war and you realised with a creeping dread that Kihyun might be right about this.

“Us? We were just a street gang, Luna. We were kids who rebelled, who got lucky because your father, a politician, saw potential in us and hired us as his informants. Ateez are different, and it would do you better if you stay aware of them.”

You took a deep breath. “Do you think they will dig into my past?”

“I can’t promise they won’t,” Kihyun relaxed, finally smiling and drinking his tea. “But I’ll see if I can do something. Just make sure to stay in the shadows.”

“Until it’s time,” you reminded him.

His expressions didn’t change. “Still conjuring up revenge plans?”

“You know how stubborn I am,” you traced the gold outline on the cup. “I cannot forgive my father for taking my identity and shipping me to Wonderland as if I meant nothing to him.”

“I’m sure you mean something to him. You are his daughter, after all.”

“I’m sure I don’t, and I don’t need him,” you said, looking at the boss of MX. “You are my family if I ever had one, Kihyun. I am in your debt for everything that you have done for me.”

“Nonsense,” he waved his hand and you stifled a smile at the way he always got a little shy when you called him family or brother. “You don’t owe me anything. I would have done that for anyone.”

“You risked your business and your life for me. You don’t do that for just anyone,” you concluded and he smiled in answer. It was a truth that he could not deny. “You can call it whatever you want, but let me feel about it however I want too.”

“I can see how you might have talked them out of killing you, you stubborn brat,” Kihyun said, laughing. He stared into the distance, taking a few moments to think. “I heard you will be answering to Park Seonghwa and Jeong Yunho. That worries me.”

“It is just work,” you told him, though you were wholly aware that it was not just work. “You don’t need to worry too much.”

After a busy midday shift at the Crescent Office with Eunha and Jihoon, you decided to pay a visit to the Crescent Bar– you were free for the rest of the afternoon and could squeeze in a lunch with your friends. Plus, you were not sure that you could do the night shift without some liquid courage in your system.

The bar was as lively as it could be during day hours, with people popping in from work to get a drink or a meal. The employees– your old coworkers– warmly welcomed you and you went to sit at the counter with Eunbi and Jeonghan, just like the old times.

“How has it been without me?” You teased Eunbi who wrapped her arms loosely around your waist, snuggling beside you.

“Boring. Jeonghan is always pretending to sleep so I can’t really talk to anyone anymore.”

“I am actually asleep,” Jeonghan raised his hand as a sign that he was alive. He looked like a corpse, actually, if you could put it nicely. Eunbi gave you a pointed look.

“Got a new bookkeeper yet?”

“Not yet,” she said, going back to the cash register when she saw a customer approach. You walked to the staff room, catching up with Yuju who ordered your favourite grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch with Black Shadow– probably the best wine you had tasted in your life, if you were objective. You knew there was a backstory to how Ateez made that wine their staple, but you figured you would hear about it someday later. For now, you had another purpose that led you to Yeosang’s office.

Yeosang opened the door when you knocked, blinking in surprise. “Aren’t you supposed to be at the main office?”

“Good evening? How have you been doing? How has work been?” You glared at him. “I’m good, thank you for asking.”

Yeosang snickered, letting you in and you took the seat in front of him. You sighed deeply, folding your arms. “I kind of miss this, I won’t lie. I feel like an outsider there, and it’s only my first day. Shift doesn’t start for another hour, by the way.”

“Would you like a drink?” He offered and you shook your head, telling him you just had lunch. “Well, Miss y/n. How can I help you today?”

You passed him the side-eye. “It’s still Luna for you. And I wanted to ask you a few things that I really should have asked before.”

“Ah… is it time for those questions?” Yeosang relaxed back, resting his hands behind his head, his muscles poking out from under the ivory dress shirt. You watched him for a moment, wondering what his accomplishments during the war were. Could he be holding a scary title as well, or was it something worse?

“Yes. You can’t blame me for being curious after the stunt the underboss pulled that night. True to your name, Ateez.”

It was the first time you ever referred to them with their gang name and he only watched you in silence, waiting for you to continue. It irked you that his expressions gave away nothing. Trained to give away nothing, a distant voice in your mind said.

“Just tell me if there’s anything I need to know for now. I’m reporting directly to Mr. Park and… Mr. Jeong. I really don’t want to make a mistake.”

“You weren’t worried when you started working under me.”

“That’s because… you are you,” you tried to explain, ignoring the faint ache in your heart. “You don’t go around wearing formal suits and looking down on people and being… weird.”

“We don’t look down on people,” Yeosang sighed, though he was smiling at your admission. “Was Yunho weird towards you? What did he do now?”

“How did you– he didn’t do anything,” you told him. It was uncanny how well they knew each other. “I just want you to tell me if there’s something I should be aware of so I don’t make a mistake.”

Yeosang thought it was strange that you were asking such a question. He wished he could ask you what exactly you meant. Just what mistakes were you so afraid to make? Why did you always have to be cautious and walk on eggshells, even around him, even when you claimed that you were comfortable with him?

“I don’t think that you realise that Yunho is the only one of us who will forgive you even if you betray us in the worst possible way– he would still try to understand your reasons.”

Your eyes went a little wide as you let his words sink in. “Lieutenant Colonel Jeong Yunho… is forgiving?”

“I don’t know what you’ve heard about us,” Yeosang leaned forward, speaking gently. “But I can promise you that it’s not the entire truth. We are more than what you people make us to be, if you care to look past the ranks and titles.”

You didn’t understand what he meant by that, and you were too scared to ask. You couldn’t stop thinking about his admission about Yunho. You really couldn’t see it– he always looked so strict, in the traditional sense. Even when he had a hint of a smile on his lips last night, you couldn’t envision him to be someone who could sympathise with the ugliness of the people who were driven into the corner. Perhaps, because Yeosang was his friend, he was able to look past everything and see the lieutenant’s true, unmarred nature, but to you…

To you, he was Lieutenant Colonel Jeong Yunho. And you intended to keep it that way, for everyone’s sake.

Later, when you were at work and taking a breather, having just finished recording the day’s transactions, you reminded yourself that your relationship with Yeosang had turned too casual. Sure, it was the way he was with everyone at the bar– almost everyone. It was different with you, whether you liked it or not. Even though you had wanted to keep a distance from Yeosang, you just couldn’t. After all, you went to him right after hearing about their old gang days.

You made a mental note to learn more about Ateez and the Crescent Company, and to learn about the extent of their involvement in Eden’s business world. You needed any information you could get your hands on, every detail whether true or not. If you were going to play this game and use them for your goal, you needed to know that the Crescents were not involved with your father and his business in any way.

You needed to know if what they did was truly moral and right. And if you needed to sneak into places where you weren’t meant to go and possibly risk your life again… you would.

It took you about a week to fully get the hang of things at the office. While Jihoon was still being an arse– at this point, you were starting to consider that it might be a part of his personality– he never refused to guide you or help you when you were stuck. Eunha was just as helpful and you were actually starting to like her a little. She wasn’t very talkative but considering that she was able to make Jihoon laugh… you were tempted to take pointers from her. Jihoon had worked the longest here and you needed to crack him to get him to talk.

In that one week, you got a chance to go into Mr. Jeong’s room twice, when he was not present to take the report from you himself. You made it quick– unlock the room, unlock the cupboard and place the report inside, look around if you had a few seconds and get the hell out. It was too soon to make a mistake so you only dared to make note of what the office looked like. There wasn’t much to it anyway– just the usual workspace, and it frustrated you that his workspace gave away nothing about him.

Mr. Jeong, you noted, usually came to the office during your shift at the late hours of night, presumably after dinner. You learned that Kim Hongjoong was out of station for some business dealing which was why the office was mostly empty, but also that this was where they usually gathered to meet up and discuss things. This office was sort of a base and if not here, they would be at the bar, though they generally avoided it because of obvious reasons. There was no saying when a drunkard fool, or two, would dare to interrupt them.

Yunho usually locked himself inside his office (Eunha was very suspicious that he usually napped there, claiming to have heard light snores sometimes) and Seonghwa came by twice that week, greeting you and asking if you were adjusting well. Neither of them had interacted with you much during the week but…

You recalled two nights ago when Yunho came back to the office just as it was closing time. You handed him the report and he called you inside his office to discuss a few things. When he was going over the report, he asked you if you had any problems with work recently.

“None at all,” you assured him. “It is manageable.”

He flicked through the pages, the white sleeves of his shirt rolled up over his sleeves, baring his veiny arms. You resisted the urge to trace all those veins on his arms– Jeong Yunho was one handsome man. It didn’t help that he had such beautiful hands either. Why were you assigned to submit him the reports every night? What was this new form of torture?

He caught you staring at his hands but he didn’t comment on it. Instead, he finished checking the report and shut the folder, running his hands over the cover once before clearing his throat to get your attention. You met his stare, pretending that you had not been ogling at his hands and arms– or at least, fake confidence that you were normal about it.

“You were right about the artefact gallery,” Yunho said and you straightened. “It is indeed a money-laundering business. He is an assemblyman, a potential presidential candidate and, well, that’s a bad look for him with the elections right around the corner. How did you know when even his enemies aren’t aware of this information? And more importantly… do you want us to do something about it?”

“How I know does not matter,” you shook your head, adamant to not tell them your source. “It is just a piece of information that might be useful to you later. I am aware that your leader has been well involved with politicians– for connections, to secure deals. If you ever need leverage over General Wi, here is what you can use.”

Yunho took a deep breath at your response. You watched him scan you slowly, his eyes unreadable. “Is your source Yoo Kihyun of MX Pharmaceuticals?”

You looked down to hide your smile. “I have heard that you are well acquainted with him. He was more of a recipient than a source until a few years ago. The tables have turned now, but we still share information, and I was told that you could be trusted with the information I have. Is that still true?”

He rubbed his chin in thought. “That depends on how useful the information you possess is. And it also depends on how loyal you are.”

“I am loyal to anyone who is loyal to me,” you said with a certainty that surprised him. “I know what it is like to be betrayed by blood and water both. To me, loyalty is the highest virtue.”

“Higher than morality?” He asked with a certain nonchalance, perhaps expecting to pin you in a corner, but…

“And what is morality, in this era?” You mused. “I’m sure you ask that question yourself often… Lieutenant Jeong.”

You seemed to have hit the nail because his gaze darkened. Perhaps, you should not have reminded him of his military rank, but to be Eden’s honoured lieutenant colonel and possess some fair morals? It didn’t add up even after Yeosang had said all the good things about him.

“I know what my morals are, Miss Jeon,” Yunho leaned forwards, locking his eyes with you and you wish some of his dark tendrils hid a bit of his eyes because that gaze was damning. “Do you? Or do you like to make yourself believe that you are the only virtuous one in the room?”

Maybe it was a dangerous game you were playing but you mirrored his position, your clasped hands almost brushing his as you said, “Oh, I have the lowest moral standards. In order to survive in Eden, especially when you’re on your own… you can’t go around possessing such foolish things as virtue, isn’t that so?”

Yunho looked down at your clasped hands, spotting the fading scar that ran along your thumb down to your wrist– one that you had gotten the night you lost everything.

And then he ran a finger across it, ever so slowly, sending a trail of fire in its wake before getting up and wearing his coat, indicating that the meeting was over.

Damn him. Damn him and his stupid, beautiful hands–

“Goodnight, Luna,” he said in a low voice and you got up as well, gathering your wits before exiting the room.

“Goodnight… Mr. Jeong.”

And that had been the last time you saw him. It was Mr. Park who took the reports from you the day after, and last night you locked the office yourself about half an hour after midnight– you did not know why you stayed waiting for somebody to show up, but you felt a bit stupid afterwards. You should have clocked out on time.

You did not know why you waited.

You were so lost in your thoughts that you almost did not hear the sound of footsteps skittering in the direction of the office rooms. You looked up, gaping at what had to be a fifteen year old considering his scrawny appearance, moving not towards Yunho’s office but Kim Hongjoong’s. You frowned– how did he get past the guard?

“Oi,” you called but when he proceeded to knock at the boss’ door, you decided you had enough and slammed a hand on the desk to get his attention. “Oi, kid!”

“Is the Captain not inside?” he turned to look at you, looking as surprised to see you as you were. “Who are you?”

“Who are you?” you beckoned him to come nearer and he obeyed this time. “How did you get in?”

“I have something the Captain might like,” he grinned. “Still not back from his little trip to Edenary?”

So that’s where he was. The Capital of Eden, the land of the elites. “Uh… nope. Why you calling him ‘the Captain’?”

“Because that’s who he is?” He shook his head in disapproval. “New here?”

You scoffed in disbelief. “Kid, if you don’t tell me who you are, I’m going to have to escort you out.”

“No need, I’ll see myself out,” he winked at you and you laughed this time. You had to admit he was kind of cute for a kid even though you wanted to smack him on his head. You didn’t recall seeing him on the streets– his loose flannel shirt and newsboy cap was a look you thought you would have remembered. “I’m Jaemin, the informant. I answer directly to the Captain, so don’t even think about asking me what this was about.”

“You could still tell me, it could be our little secret,” you smirked but he shook his head. You stuck your tongue out at him. “Alright then. He’s supposed to come back tomorrow, I think. Should I let him know some kid was looking for him?”

Jaemin narrowed his eyes. “You haven’t met him yet, have you?”

“No,” you said. “Why?”

Jaemin only smiled condescendingly in answer. “You’ll find out. No need to tell him, I’ll be back soon.”

With that, the kid disappeared downstairs, leaving you wondering why he called the boss ‘the Captain’. It didn’t refer to his military rank because you knew that he was an honoured military strategist and colonel. You recently heard from Wendy that he had played a vital role towards the end of the war before the treaty between Eden and Halaland was signed. At such a young age, it was impressive. He was only a year older than you so he must have been about twenty when he earned that honour.

You distantly wondered if you ever came across him during the war. You had volunteered as a medical assistant– almost a nurse– in the latter half of the war. You had spent two whole years training medically and assisting the doctors and nurses. There weren’t many people in Eden so you might have encountered one of the Ateez men there, though you weren’t sure if you would recognise each other now.

Moments later, you heard another pair of footsteps coming, this time familiar. Mr. Park, dressed in his usual black three-piece suit, met your gaze and sent a warm smile in your direction before he approached you.

“How are we doing tonight, Luna?”

“Good, Mr. Park. How about you?” You asked, taking tonight’s report and following him to Yunho’s office. “Did you perhaps see a kid leaving the building?”

Seonghwa chuckled at that. “You might find it hard to believe but that kid has saved lives with the information he shares.”

So the kid had not lied. “Impressive.”

Seonghwa waited until you took the seat in front of him. “He is like a stray cat who has marked us as his owners. We cannot take him in– he is too young, and he does not need to share the same fate the rest of us did, yeah? But he is a kid that nobody notices, and he uses that to his advantage. Next time you see him, ask him how he struck a deal with his ‘captain’.”

You laughed softly at that. “I will.”

Seonghwa nodded and started skimming through the reports. You told him that the new batch of liquor– specifically Black Shadow– had successfully been shipped to Mist Island. The shipment of their latest copper bullets was on the way too. You were surprised when you first found out that Mist Island was willing to trade weapons for liquor. Mist Island had a strict liquor import ban so the smuggling was being done secretly from both sides. It was impressive what money could buy.

Silence, Jihoon had told you one day when he was in a good mood. Silence of the police force.

You still hadn’t figured out what exactly they were doing with the weapons– you were aware that a lot of their money was being used in their business partnership with Pledis Manufacturers who were producers of machine parts. Your best guess was that they were involved in the weapons business and doing something undercover. You couldn’t question anyone about that yet. It was too soon.

“Good job, tonight,” Seonghwa said his usual words but this time, he did not dismiss you. Instead, he rested his back on the chair to look at you. “There are a few questions about your background that I must ask you before our boss arrives tomorrow, Luna. I’m hoping you will cooperate.”

There it was. They must have been done with the background check now. You wondered how much they found. “As best as I can while protecting myself, I will.”

Seonghwa smiled at that. “It’s not that I don’t trust you. Neither is it that I trust you already– Yeosang did, but that was different. You are now involved in the heart of the business that the Crescent Company does, so I have to make sure you’re suitable for this job, right?”

You were glad it was Mr. Park who was asking you these questions right now. Something about his presence was utterly calming and you could relax a little while talking to him. If you were objective, you could say that perhaps, it was his strategy to get you to lower your guard. But still… he was always soft spoken and kind. That did not change.

“I understand, Mr. Park,” you assured him.

“I could not find the records of your family… Miss Jeon,” he emphasised at your surname and you nodded. “You’re not a Jeon, are you?”

“It is a surname I borrowed around the time of the war, but I can assure you that I am from Eden. I was born here and have lived here all my life, at the Sector 1 border… save for a few years that I was not here.” Almost the truth. You had lived in Edenary, at the outskirts that met with Sector 1.

“And where were you? Where did you go in 1963?”

You exhaled. “Wonderland, to look after my sick aunt and get some further education.”

“Where, in Wonderland? Can I confirm that?” Seonghwa asked.

“The capital, Wonder City” you told him. “I’m not related to that aunt. She’s just an acquaintance who was willing to take me in. I looked after her and she gave me the financial help I needed.”

“Financial help,” Seonghwa repeated, glancing at your pearl ring that you always wore. He had an eye for things, and he knew that the pearl could not be in the hands of someone who was struggling financially. You could not have worn it so proudly if you had stolen it, so was it a family ring? A normal middle-class family could not afford such a pearl.

Just who were you?

“Yes,” you confirmed, willing him to trust you. “I might be wearing a pearl from Maddox & Co., Mr. Park, but that does not mean that I was showered in luxuries all my life. You must have found out that I was desperate for a job when I came back in 1966.”

Seonghwa nodded, swiping his hair back and exhaling. “Alright, I’ll let it be for now. You only need to tell us if you are related in any way to our rival gangs or the Sirens Rebel Party.”

“I am not your enemy,” you confirmed. “I cannot be acquainted with Yoo KIhyun and be in cahoots with any of your enemies. You have the same rivals.”

“Today’s friend is tomorrow’s rival,” Seonghwa mused. “Today’s enemy might be tomorrow’s lifesaver.”

“Then it is up to you, whatever you want me to be,” you smirked. “Rival or friend.”

Seonghwa nodded in thought, a bit amused, proceeding to pour you both some wine. While he downed it in one gulp, you sipped on it slowly, anticipating his next move.

“Do you perhaps have another tip for us?” Seonghwa raised a brow, amused.

“I might have, regarding your latest dealings with General Wi, but I will wait until both sides are clear.”

“Good,” Seonghwa shut the folder in conclusion. “I will take the leap of trust in you, Luna. Maybe you can do the same for us?”

“For you… yes, I can,” you told him. “I have one favour to ask, though.”

“Another one, already?” Seonghwa teased.

“You have a meeting scheduled with Secretary Park Byung Eun on the 14th, right?” You asked, the name leaving the most bitter taste in your mouth.

“President Lee’s secretary, yes,” Seonghwa nodded. “Do you know him?”

“Everyone knows him,” you said. While he was the President's current secretary, his name was well-known before that as one of the most successful businessmen in Eden. “You must be meeting because of a potential pharma-collaboration?”

“That’s right,” Seonghwa frowned, anticipating what was next.

You took a deep breath. “Do not reveal all your cards to that man. Do not let them know what you are up to.”

“Is that your way of telling us to be careful?” Seonghwa snorted. “We never show all our cards in the first meeting, Luna.”

“Neither do they,” you warned him and his smile fell. “Secretary Park’s team has a penchant for tricking you into deals. I’m just asking you to think this deal through. Whatever they are offering you won’t be very beneficial in the long run.”

“And how do you know that?”

“That doesn’t matter,” you told him. “If you need sources, or funds, you don’t need to rely on the Secretary Park.”

“You don’t know what business we conduct here, Luna–”

“I don’t need to know to warn you,” you insisted, feeling that tight knot of frustration build up in the back of your throat now. “I’m only asking you to think this through and take my words into consideration.”

“Your words, Miss Jeon, lack credibility right now,” he stated in a finalising tone, a pang of hurt shooting through your chest for a moment. He was right, though. They had no reason to trust you and to them, you must be seeming like someone who was looking to jeopardise their deal. “If you really want us to take you seriously, you would have to start giving us more.”

“I cannot give you more if I don’t know what you will do with the information,” you told him, sighing deeply. “Forget it, just… can you please let me know what you will be gaining and what you will be losing after your meeting with Secretary Park?”

“You’re assuming we will lose something,” Seonghwa noted. You didn’t answer and Seonghwa scanned your face, almost detecting fear in your eyes. Just what were you so scared of? “Is there any way you can trust me and tell me what this is about?”

“Not so soon, no, sorry,” you smiled sadly. You wanted to trust that man, you wanted to trust someone, anyone. “I don’t know what I’m waiting for, if I have to be honest. I’m probably asking too much considering that I am a mere bookkeeper.”

“We may have ranks here but we’re all equal, in the end,” Seonghwa said and his words tugged at your heart. There was rarely anyone who didn’t bring rank into everything. “I know you have no reasons to trust us either. Let’s work through our differences first before we make such demands, alright?”

You smiled at him and got up to leave. He followed, locking the doors and you both exited the building together. You shivered when the chilly night wind hit you.

“The weather is getting colder. Bring a jacket or a scarf next time, will you?” Seonghwa said and you nodded. “Goodnight, Luna. I hope we are able to overcome all that is keeping us from mutual trust.”

“Goodnight, Mr. Park. Thank you for taking my words into consideration.”

He nodded, patting your back affectionately before you separated ways. That night, when you went home, you found Wendy getting ready to go to sleep. You didn’t get much of a chance to talk to her the whole week, considering your conflicting schedules, but you needed some answers right now so you sat at her bedside and she groaned in defeat.

“You need to tell me every detail, every rumour you’ve heard or any information you have on Ateez and what they do. Now.”

It was quite the busy day at the Crescent Office today.

During the midday slot, you were packed with the new reports you had to make regarding the recent trade dealings with Mist Island, and you also needed to compile a transaction history before the Crescents were going to finalise their new deal with Utopia– both dealings happening undercover. You realised just how much work this job was– you had to create a pretty seamless legal report that was going to be used officially and make it seem like all their money was being circulated in their manufacturing business or the liquor business.

Seonghwa and San arrived when your shift was about to end. San waved at you, promising to catch up later and Eunha looked at you with a scandalous smile.

“Do you know the Choi San?”

“I literally worked at the Crescent Bar, Eunha,” you laughed. “I had to work with him.”

“He’s never waved at me like that. I’ve been here for a decade,” Eunha pouted.

“Maybe you need to work as a cashier at the Crescent Bar in order to earn that privilege,” you told her, though you felt a bit pleased to hear that San had formal relations with the staff here.

Why were you pleased to hear that? You wondered but not long enough to make sense of it, soon getting caught up in more work.

You went home after your midday shift, hoping to get some rest before your night shift because you knew it was going to be packed. You had no idea when the boss was supposed to come to office but you just hoped you would go unnoticed today– you had far too many thoughts that needed some sorting from everything Wendy told you last night– another reason you wanted to get some rest because her words kept you awake for the most part of the night.

You made sure to dress properly today though, in any case. The weather was starting to get a bit chilly– summers were usually chilly in Eden. You wore a grey plaid suit that you kept for days like these, when you needed to make a good impression. You had fond memories with the two-piece– it was the first gift Wendy got you and it was more than she should have done, but she insisted she earned enough to buy gifts like these for the few friends she had. That made you wonder why she lived in a lousy shared apartment. You knew that her actual residence was in Sector 8 and she sometimes joked about how she lived here because it was ‘convenient’.

You wore white net gloves over your hands before going out, donning a matching grey hat. Eunha noted the new additions to your outfit and whistled as she shut her registers, groaning in satisfaction when she stretched her back.

“You did right with the gloves, but it’s a shame the boss isn’t here to appreciate them.”

“Eunha,” you glared at her and she giggled. She had warmed up to you– a bit too much, if you had to say, because she made jokes and teasing remarks like these often now that she was comfortable with you. You took off the gloves and spread them on your desk, grinning at her.

“I think they look pretty good from here too.”

You both shared a grin at that and Eunha wore her overcoat, saluting mockingly before leaving. Just before she was about to go downstairs, she turned in your direction, her doe eyes gleaming. “Luna!”

“What now?”

“If you see the boss… don’t take his words to heart,” she said. “He may sound like a complete arse but he cares for all of us.”

“It can’t be any worse than Jihoon, can it?” You joked.

Eunha was right, though. At around 10 pm, you finally heard a few sets of footsteps ascend up the stairs and you took a deep breath, fixing your gaze on the stairs. To get to his office, the boss would have to walk past you so you fixed your half tied hair and arranged your desk a bit. Yunho’s head was the first to pop up, followed by an unfamiliar man and Seonghwa. They went inside Yunho’s room first, absorbed in heated discussion and you took a deep breath.

It was clear as day who Kim Hongjoong was. If it was not his appearance that betrayed him– dressed in a luxurious three-piece suit with the chain of a golden pocket watch visible, dark brown curls falling stylishly over his forehead– it was his unmistakable aura, the way he carried himself and his confidence. You felt it even if what you got was only a glimpse.

A few minutes later, the trio popped out of Yunho’s room to go into Hongjoong’s room. You continued scribbling this time. You were going to remain in the shadows and go unnoticed–

“Get me the tax files,” the boss said. “I will personally make sure everything is seamless because I cannot have anyone messing it up– ah. Who is this again?”

Seonghwa cleared his throat. “Miss Jeon y/n. The bookkeeper– I thought Yunho told you already?”

Yunho looked guiltily at Seonghwa and you stood up in greeting, meeting the boss’s sharp eyes and internally gasping because oh, good heavens. He was inexplicably gorgeous–

“Good evening, Mr. Kim. If you need the tax files, I can get them for you.”

Hongjoong’s eyes betrayed him for just a second as he scanned your form, finding something oddly familiar about you. But his steel expressions returned and he shrugged lightly. “Yeah, well. I’ll have Yunho deal with that. You can get back to work.”

With that, he went towards his office and only waited a moment for the others to follow before he shut the door.

What a snob, you thought. His new bookkeeper and he didn’t even acknowledge you. Had Seonghwa and Yunho really not told him about you, or was he above these meagre details? You were aware that you would have to work with the boss now that he was back, but… how?

Later, you found yourself at the Crescent Bar instead of your room. Perhaps, here you could get something that would make the bitter aftertaste in your mouth after tonight’s shift seem like nothing. Eunbi’s shift was over so you just found an empty spot in the corner and instructed one of your old colleagues to get you some Black Shadow and to make sure no one would bother you. He gave you a thumbs-up and a few minutes later, you were sipping at the rich drink while recalling the events of today.

Kim Hongjoong. Ateez’s boss, the brains behind the entity of the Crescent Company. A force to be reckoned with. A trickster, a manipulator, a true businessman, you had heard a while ago from the mouth of the elites who came here to drink. A man of his principles, Wendy had told you last night. He was rigid with his principles and that was what got him so far. You supposed he had to be all of that in order to survive after coming back from the war.

Wendy said she wasn’t worried that you were working with him– at some point in this small sector, everyone had or would encounter him at least once in his life, directly or indirectly. However, she was worried that you would catch his eye, because according to her, you did not want to be involved with him personally in any way. He was a calculating and ruthless businessman with an ambition, and according to Wendy, that was something you were better off staying away from.

You considered everything you knew about the Crescent Company now that it had been a week working with them. They had partnered with Pledis Manufacturers to produce machine parts but you now knew that it was an undercover business for their weapons assembling. They had recently signed a new deal with Utopia to export these weapons in exchange for the Utopian wine– Black Shadow– which was a trademark of the Crescent Bar.

And it was Mist Island that provided the Crescents with the bullets and some metal for weapons production in exchange for Eden wine. It truly was a well-thought out business.

But that could not be all. You still did not know what the small packet– the powdery thing that got you here– was. Was it just a drug they used for pleasure purposes? You had never seen them in such a state, nor did the Crescent Bar tolerate druggies, though deals happened there, just like at any other bar. Nobody seemed to talk about it, there was no record of such an object being traded or produced– so what was it? Why had they almost killed you when they learned that you saw it?

And if it was a drug, why did they need to make a business deal with Secretary Park Byung Eun and have him fund MX Pharmaceuticals, of which they owned shares of? Kihyun knew that Secretary Park was not a man you should involve yourself with, so was he not aware of this new venture or was he turning a blind eye to it because they needed Secretary Park? Why would they need him of all the people in this world?

“If you glare at your glass any longer, it will shatter,” a familiar voice said and you looked up, mouth parting in surprise.

“San!” You got up, straightening your clothes. “What are you doing here?”

“Uh, I literally own this bar?” San chuckled, noticing the almost empty bottle.

“I mean, here here,” you pointed at your table. “I was just… drinking, as you can already see.”

“Long day?”

“Kind of,” you nodded.

“Can I join you then? I’ve had a long day too.”

“Sure,” you said and he settled down in front of you, tossing his jacket on the other chair, now in a half sleeve black shirt. You poured the drink for him and he swirled it a few times before downing it in one gulp. You filled his glass again and motioned one of the waiters to get you a new one.

It felt a little strange to have him seated like this in front of you. Sure, you had shared drinks countless times, but that was when you worked here and were serving him. There was also a shift in your interactions ever since that fateful night at the bar– somehow, that had turned your conversations more casual. He caught you staring at him but he didn’t comment on it.

“I’m assuming you met Hongjoong?” San asked and you exhaled, making him snicker. “What?”

“He’s… definitely the boss,” you laughed shortly. “He scanned me once and was like, okay, time to move on.”

“That’s him,” San laughed. “But that little scan he does means that he has memorised who you are and won’t forget. He’s got quite the memory.”

“I would expect nothing less, but San,” you sighed. “I miss being here. Even though I acted all professional here for the sake of formalities, it wasn’t ever suffocating being here.”

San frowned at your admission. “Do you not like where you are now?”

“It’s not that,” you shook your head. “I like the new job. It’s testing my capabilities, and I like challenges. It’s just that… you aren’t there. Yeosang isn’t there. You both are Crescents too. You both are also Ateez, so… how are you two so different from the rest?”

A smile creeped up on San’s lips and your heart did a little somersault– you hadn’t forgotten how handsome he was, but it had certainly been a while since you admired his charms. “Just say you miss us and move on, Luna.”

You laughed at that and San joined, the two of you chuckling for a few moments. “Yeah, I kind of miss being here and reporting all the gossip to you,” you said. “I miss working in silence with Yeosang too– don’t tell him I said that. It’ll get to his head.”

“I won’t,” he grinned. “Shall I tell you the gossip?”

“Oh, please, I’ve been starving,” you said.

About an hour passed over gossip and drinks, switching from wine to plain soda. San told you the latest happenings of the area– they had a little fight with Chan’s gang and had settled the matter about the attack on the Crescent Bar, making them pay for the damages. Yuju had gone to different bars to do a survey of what was trendy and come up with nothing, and you joked about how she was only good at doing what she knew– managing the staff, something she was an expert at. San said he would be sending Jeonghan and Mingyu next– perhaps, they would come up with a better report.

It was the first time you talked to San as a friend, and though you had always found it quite easy to talk to him, you liked that just like Yeosang, he didn’t make it feel like there was a distinction between you two. Perhaps, you wondered, it was because of the nature of your work- after all, you couldn’t be too formal in a place like a bar. Maybe if there was no Crescent Bar, you really would have found San intimidating and unapproachable, just like people claimed he was. You still couldn’t believe them– not when he had the softest gaze when he paid attention to you, not when his eyes curved into moons when he smiled or laughed, and certainly not when he whined like just another adult with problems.

When you checked the time on your wristwatch, you whistled– it was almost 2 in the morning. “Well. Time flies.”

“The night is still young, but we’ve both got to get up early, don’t we?”

“We sure do,” you nodded. “Well, this has been… a pleasure, San.”

“Likewise,” he propped his chin on his hand as he looked at you. “We should do this again.”

“Complaining about work?” You laughed. “Complaining about my bosses slash your friends?”

“Oh, so when you do it, it’s complaining, but when I do it, it’s whining? Noted,” San shook his head in disappointment and you grinned. “Can I tell you something, Luna?”

“Sure.”

“The hyungs– Yunho, Seonghwa and Hongjoong… they’re just like me and Yeosang. You just don’t know them yet.”

You looked at him for a moment. “I would have believed you if you had not included Seonghwa in that list.”

“Why?”

“You’re nothing like Seonghwa,” you joked. “He’s far too kind and refined.”

San’s loud laughter filled the room and you looked around, making sure no one was being disturbed. You leaned forward to tap his hand and make him stop laughing.

“I’m not lying, Luna,” San wiped his eyes. “Seonghwa… he may look refined but he can be very playful and childish when he wants to be. Yunho… well, once he warms up, you’ll know that he is the best kind of person you can have by your side.”

Somehow, his words wrapped around your heart like a promise. “You care about them a lot, huh?”

“I do,” he nodded. “They’re my friends, a part of my heart. I would do anything for them.”

“And… Hongjoong?”

“Hongjoong, well…” San smiled. “You find that out for yourself.”

“Not helping, San,” you folded your arms but he shook his head.

“All I can tell you is that if you’re lucky enough to break his walls… if he takes you under his wing, he won’t let anything hurt you. That’s the kind of person he is. He is the boss but he acts like a shield for us, and I wish I could do the same for him.”

You took note of his words. Did you trust San? A bit, yes. If he said all those things about Hongjoong, they must be true– at least according to his perception. But could you trust Hongjoong? Could you act as a shield for them so they could protect you in the future?

You made the decision before you slept that night.

During your night shift the next day, you waited for the office to get a bit emptier. When there was only Seonghwa and Hongjoong on the upper level, you took a leap of faith and knocked on the boss’s door. It was now or never, and you had to make your move.

“Come in,” Seonghwa’s voice sounded and you opened the door. Seonghwa was seated at the couch while Hongjoong was at the end of the room in his chair, scribbling on paper, not bothering to look at you.

“Can I talk to you for a moment?” You asked Seonghwa.

“Sure, have a seat,” he motioned to the couch in front of him and you did, sliding the report to him and glancing at Hongjoong once. “Is everything alright?”

“It is, but… I must warn you of something. You cannot proceed with the deal you’re making with Secretary Park Byung Eun.”

Seonghwa settled the pen he had been playing with on the table, taking a deep breath. “What is this really about?”

“Secretary Park is aiming to become the Minister of Health, isn’t that right? All of the ex-president’s team has either retired or left their posts, replaced by President Lee’s people,” you said. “Is that why you need Secretary Park? Because you have no other option?”

Seonghwa narrowed his eyes– how did you find out that he was aiming to become the next Minister of Health? It wasn’t publicly announced yet– he had yet to sign up as a candidate for that post.

“You must have one hell of a source,” Seonghwa looked amused, glancing at Hongjoong who was smoking a cigar and now looking at you with mild interest. You gathered your nerves before continuing.

“He is not a good candidate for the position, but that is not what matters right now. I would have gone to Kihyun but I decided to confirm with you first because I’m not sure if he’s aware of your plans, but… you must need Secretary Park to approve some drug in the future, right?”

Seonghwa’s brow rose ever so slightly and you jumped a little when Hongjoong slammed the pen that he had been holding on the table. He cocked his head as he glared at you.

“Miss Jeon,” he said in a warning tone. “If you don’t stop talking in circles right now and tell us what this is about, I’ll have to deal with you myself. You don’t want that.”

You gritted your teeth, unafraid for the first time in a while. “Do you want this business deal with Secretary Park to be legal? Just answer my question first, Mr. Kim.”

“That’s right,” Seonghwa answered for him.

“You should know that Secretary Park already has some business deals with Strictland officials going on,” you said in a low tone and the two looked at each other in surprise, clearly unaware. “You know how it will look for you if word comes out– Strictland is already an occupied state on the verge of military dictatorship. You can try to verify it for yourself if you want, but whatever deal Secretary Park has going on with Strictland… it’s not legal in any sense, neither is it moral.”

Seonghwa took a deep breath. “Our meeting with Secretary Park is scheduled for tomorrow.”

“And I thought you should be aware of this before the meeting,” you locked eyes with him, hoping he could see the desperation in them.

“Jeon y/n, was it?” Hongjoong called and you looked at him. He was squashing his cigar in the ashtray on his desk. You nodded and he finally smiled, though it looked almost devilish. “Why would you care to tell us this information?”

“You must have heard from your underboss,” you said. “I am willing to trade information with you in return for protection.”

“And power,” he pointed out the missing part. “You mentioned power.”

“I only desire power in order to survive in Eden,” you said.

“So why protection?” Hongjoong asked. “You can’t be a powerful figure in Eden and not have everyone targeting you.”

“Being a part of the Crescent Company is protection enough, I suppose,” you rested your hands on the soft material of your black pants, subtly wiping the sweat off.

“Protection from whom?” Hongjoong asked, his gaze set on you. You found it overwhelming almost to the point that you considered answering– he had a commanding presence.

“I… can’t say. Not yet,” you said and Seonghwa shook his head, having already known your answer. “I don’t expect you to tell me what the deal is about– after all, I’m only a bookkeeper. But I can give you better options– ex-president Mr. Son, for instance, or Assemblyman Kim Jooheon.”

“Assemblyman Kim is a nobody in the political scene if we are being objective,” Seonghwa said. “I don’t think he will have much to offer to us.”

“He will have something to offer to you if you give him something in return– maybe something that pulls him out of the shadows and into the spotlight of the political scene,” you said, recalling how the politicians in Edenary always thought Assemblyman Kim had the potential but lacked the resources.

“Why would Mr. Son ever associate himself with us?” Hongjoong got up from his seat, slowly walking towards you, hands in the pocket of his striped black suit. “We may be owners of a legal business company now, but everyone knows of our mafia ties and background.”

“You are an honoured military strategist who played a vital role to end the war, isn’t that true?”

Hongjoong chuckled at that, nodding slowly to confirm that and settling down next to Seonghwa. “Not everyone is aware of that, Miss Jeon. I don’t like people talking about it.”

“But Mr. Son was the president at that time, and he honoured you with a badge,” you kept his gaze. “I think he will agree that a person who did everything in their power to end the feud between two nations would not be making a deal that would harm his motherland and its people… don’t you agree?”

Hongjoong stared at you while considering your words. “You have a lot of audacity to come in here and make claims about a business you are not a part of, and people you don’t know enough about. Possessing such audacity is what almost cost you your life that night, and what is tempting me to retract the deal my partners made behind my back.”

And there it was. A stark reminder that you may have struck a deal with the queen, but you were still just a pawn in this game of chess where the king ruled. Weak and expendable– that’s what you were.

“Hongjoong,” Seonghwa began but Hongjoong raised his hand in the air to stop him from speaking further, his eyes still locked with yours. You didn’t feel shame nor fear in that moment– just regret that maybe you had trusted the wrong people.

“You are a bookkeeper, and you can remain so. Goodnight, Miss Jeon.”

You nodded slowly, letting his words sink in and then you got up, bowing in greeting. “Good night, Mr. Kim, Mr. Park. Thank you for hearing me out.”

With that, you left the room and Seonghwa looked at Hongjoong. “You did not have to put it like that. I know she got you.”

Hongjoong slumped down on the couch in front of Seonghwa, cracking his knuckles while he thought about his next move. “Is there any way we can verify the information about Secretary Park without anyone getting a whiff?”

“I don’t know,” Seonghwa admitted. “I’m wondering how she knows that– if that was the truth. If Secretary Park really has a business deal with Strictland officials… I don’t think even his wife would know about that. If anyone gets a whiff of that, it could cost him his position and cause President Lee significant harm too, since Park Byung Eun is his secretary. You know how Strictland is still a sensitive topic after the war.”

“Then how does she know?” Hongjoong looked at Seonghwa. “Is she a spy?”

“She can’t be,” Seonghwa shook his head. “Luna worked as the bookkeeper at Crescent Bar for two years–”

“Luna?”

“That’s what everyone calls her,” Seonghwa said, a hint of a smile on his lips.

“She could be a mole, then,” Hongjoong sighed. “But no. Even a mole could not possess this information. What do we do?”

“Kihyun was Secretary Park’s former business partner. I’ll ask Yunho to check with Kihyun and confirm if Secretary Park is the right man for this deal, but that means we will have to let Kihyun know that we are intending to make such a deal.”

“We were going to tell him anyway, let’s proceed with that plan. And Seonghwa?”

“Yeah?”

“Contact the RV spies and get any information you can on your little bookkeeper.”

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lucygraysboy · 3 days ago

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billy notices the subtle change in lucy gray’s pronunciation and can’t help but lift an eyebrow, a little confused but eventually figuring it suits the character. he attempts to make his own voice lower, more raspy, since most pirates weren’t strangers to alcohol and rough weather and yelling over the waves. “how cruel is that of us,” humans, “to capture and hurt innocent beings simply because they’re different. don’t you worry, i won’t alert no one.” he figures the pirate prince would be very much enamored by the mere sight of the mermaid, in love with her beauty, and so he lets all these deeply hidden feelings come up to the surface. his eyes brimming with adoration as they continue to study hers, thinking they’re brighter now, out here in the sun, reminding him of dark ambers. “rewards? the only reward should be havin’ their heads taken right off their shoulders,” he huffs, upset by the mere idea of someone capturing this beautiful creature and expecting praise and riches. “it’s beautiful, so very beautiful.” cooing absently, his cheeks aflame when she suggests he kisses her wound better. the water here, at the shallow end, is much warmer but suddenly it feels… scorching. “yeah, that’s a… well-known remedy.” a kiss of true love. he rests his hand on her ankle, pale blue eyes never leaving hers as he leans in and pecks, shyly, barely brushing his lips against her skin, the spot on her knee that she’s pointing to. his heart hammering, mind involuntarily wondering what it would be like to truly kiss her. leave a trail of warm, sweet kisses up her thigh, over her hip bone and the soft skin on her belly. stop thinkin’ ‘bout that, you idiot, the voice of reason rings in the back of his head, and he’s quickly straightening up. “months to heal? and can you swim with a torn fin? that’s must be painful and difficult. you got lucky today, little mermaid. oh, right,” slapping a hand over his forehead, as to saying silly me! “where are my manners? my name’s tristan. i used to be a sailor, but my ship got attacked by pirates… i was given a choice, surrender and join ‘em or — well, i wasn’t willin’ to give up my life just yet. and now i’m the captain of this might ship over there. worked my way up from the bottom. what’s your name?”

“well. that’s because…” trying to hide some of the twang in her voice because mermaids don’t live in the south and come from hills, they would have a more clear way of speaking she imagines. “we have been trying to keep it hidden well from humans for years and years. after we were discovered, getting caught, much like this… once or twice before. and humans, time and time again, have proved they want to hurt us because they don’t understand us. or bring us in for rewards.” rainmist explains, then lucy gray giggles and will go ahead and say rainmist would too at him asking if it’s real since a mermaid could find a human’s innocence funny. “of course it is.” he sounds so innocent asking if it’s real. arms slip from his neck once he places her down on the sand and water, honey eyes flickering up on his face, “they say kisses heal everything. so i guess you’ll have to test it.” pointing to her tail aka her knee, gesturing there to kiss. “let’s see…” she moves her head side to side. observing for any tears on her fin. “no tears. so that’s a good sign, those take a month to heal. and—- well, okay, i shall believe you. you seem kind enough even though i won’t trust your crew all the way. what is your name? who are you?”

#billysgirllol #FJSNKDF PLS THATS THE CUTEST THING EVER :"))) billy should do the same and write down all the cute things lucy grays told him #LETS PRETEND HE DIDNT JUST THINK ABOUT /KISSING/ HER THIGHS IM #boy pls chill or its gonna be embarrassing for you lol

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echo-riot · 18 hours ago

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No Turning Back

Synopsis: Umm…scissoring with vi? Littreallt that’s all (I’m disgusting)

Warnings:

• Explicit content

• Sexual themes

•|||——————————————————————||•

The air between you crackles with unspoken desire, the kind that lingers in the spaces where your gazes meet and your bodies brush. Vi’s usual swagger—the one she wears like a second skin on the ice—has softened tonight. Her confidence is still there, but it feels... different. Raw. Vulnerable, even. The way her eyes linger on yours, the way her voice drops just a fraction lower when she speaks to you—it’s enough to make your stomach flutter.

She leans in closer, her breath warm against your lips, and you can feel the tension building, like a taut string about to snap. “C’mon, babe,” she murmurs, her voice husky, almost a growl. She doesn’t wait for an answer before her hands are on you, quick and sure, tugging at the hem of your shirt. Her fingertips brush the bare skin of your waist, and the touch is electric. You shiver, and her lips curve into that lopsided smirk you know too well.

Her mouth finds your jaw first—soft, fleeting kisses that trail down to your neck. When her teeth graze your pulse point, you feel it everywhere, a spark that shoots straight to your core. “Missed you,” she whispers, her voice muffled against your skin. There’s something in her tone, something low and hungry, that makes your heart skip a beat.

She pulls back just enough to look at you, her grey-blue eyes dark with want. They flick down to your shirt, silently asking for permission. You nod, and without hesitation, she tugs it off, tossing it aside. Her gaze rakes over your chest, and the way she looks at you—like you’re the only thing in the room—makes your breath hitch. “Perfect,” she mutters under her breath, almost reverent, before leaning in again.

This kiss is slower, deeper, like she’s savoring every second. Her hands slide down your sides, firm and deliberate, as she works to unbutton your pants. The fabric slides down your hips, and you shift beneath her, giving her room. She doesn’t hesitate, pulling them off completely before shedding her own with practiced ease. The sight of her—all lean muscle and soft curves, her skin flushed and glowing in the dim light—makes your throat go dry.

When she pulls away for air, her chest rising and falling, her lips curl into that familiar grin. But there’s something else in it now—something possessive, almost primal. She hovers over you, her body pressing into yours, and you can feel the heat radiating from her. Her hands, rough from years of gripping hockey sticks, slide over your skin with purpose.

Her lips find yours again, this time more insistent, and she nudges your legs apart gently. It’s almost like a dance, the way she guides you, her movements confident but careful. The friction between you builds slowly, deliciously, and you let out a shaky breath. She chuckles, low and throaty, and the sound sends a jolt through you.

“Want you to feel good,” she murmurs, her breath mingling with yours. Her lips trail down your chest, each kiss a promise, and her hands follow, moving to your waistband. She unhooks your underwear with precision, her fingertips grazing your skin with light, teasing strokes. “Vi,” you breathe, your voice trembling, and the sound of your name on her lips makes her smile.

With a final tug, she has you bare beneath her, and she pauses, hovering above you for a moment. Her eyes roam your body, dark with desire and something softer—something tender. “Look at you,” she murmurs, her voice hushed and full of awe. “So fucking beautiful.”

Her calloused fingers skate along your hip, the touch surprisingly gentle for someone who’s usually so rough around the edges. Vi doesn’t rush, even though you can see the tension in her jaw, the way she’s barely holding herself together. Instead, she takes her time, watching your every reaction, mapping out what makes you tick

When her hands find your thighs, she gives them a squeeze, her grip firm but grounding. “Think we can try something?” she asks, her voice dipping low. There’s a hesitance there, a rare moment of vulnerability breaking through her usual bravado. You nod, your heart hammering in your chest, and she grins, that same cocky smirk that made you fall for her in the first place.

“Alright,” she says, her tone light, but you catch the edge of anticipation in it. “Let’s see if we can make this work.”

Vi shifts her weight, her body moving with the kind of controlled precision you’ve only seen on the ice. Her muscles flex as she guides one of your legs over her hip, her other hand steadying your lower back. Her touch is deliberate, firm but never forceful, and the sheer strength in her movements makes your breath hitch.

You feel the press of her thigh against you, warm and solid, and the friction sends a spark through your entire body. She adjusts herself slowly, her lips quirking as she watches your reaction. “How’s that feel?” she asks, her voice soft but teasing, like she already knows the answer.

When you let out a shaky exhale, she chuckles, low and throaty, her confidence surging. “Yeah,” she mutters, more to herself than to you. “That’s what I thought.

It takes a moment to find the right rhythm. There’s some fumbling—your legs tangling awkwardly, a soft laugh escaping her lips when she has to pause to readjust. “Hold on, babe,” she says, her tone playful as she shifts her hips, her hands gripping your thighs for leverage. “I think we’ve almost got it.”

And then you do. The friction builds slowly, deliciously, as your bodies slide together in perfect sync. Vi’s movements are deliberate, almost calculated, but there’s an underlying desperation in the way her breath catches each time you grind against her clit. Her hands roam your body, alternately gripping and soothing, like she can’t decide if she wants to hold you still or keep you moving.

“Fuck,” she groans, her voice rough and unrestrained. Her head falls forward, pink hair brushing against your skin as her lips find your neck. She presses open-mouthed kisses along your collarbone, her breath hot and uneven against your skin. “You’re driving me insane, you know that?”

Her words only spur you on, and you can feel the tension in her body as she starts to lose her composure. Her usually cocky demeanor is slipping, replaced by something raw and unfiltered, and the sound of her moans—low, guttural, and completely unguarded—makes your heart race.

“God, you’re so fucking perfect,” she mutters, her voice barely above a whisper. You respond with an almost desperate-sounding whine, and her grip tightens on your waist, her thumbs brushing circles against your skin as if to ground herself. “Don’t stop, babe. Don’t—”

Her movements grow more frantic, her body trembling with the effort of holding herself together. You can feel her shaking, her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps as the heat and slick between you builds to a fever pitch. And when she finally lets go, it’s with a shuddering exhale, her whole body collapsing against yours, her head falling to your shoulder.

For a moment, neither of you moves, the only sound in the room the soft hum of your breaths mingling. Then Vi lifts her head, her face flushed, a satisfied grin spreading across her lips. “Damn,” she says, her voice hoarse but dripping with amusement.

Her fingers trace lazy patterns along your side as she pulls you close, her body still warm and solid against yours. And as she presses a soft kiss to your forehead, you can’t help but smile, knowing that beneath all her bravado and tough-girl exterior, Vi is completely, hopelessly yours.

#arcane #arcane x you #arcane drabbles #vi arcane #vi x y/n #vi x reader #vi imagines #vi headcanons #violet arcane #vi x you #vi smut #arcane smut

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dulcescorderitas · 2 days ago

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𝓬𝓵𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓪𝓭𝓶𝓲𝓽𝓼 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 C.Kent

warnings: fluff

clark stood at the edge of his loft in the barn, the familiar creak of old wood beneath his boots grounding him. his telescope, a constant companion for years, was pointed toward the heavens, but his mind was far from the stars. the cool night air swept through the open window, ruffling his dark hair as he gazed into the vast expanse, the glow of smallville faint in the distance.

you stepped into the barn, your presence a quiet whisper against the symphony of nocturnal sounds. clark turned, a small, almost shy smile playing on his lips as he caught sight of you. "couldn't sleep?" he asked, voice soft and warm like the summer breeze.

you shook your head, moving closer until you stood beside him, your shoulders nearly brushing. "i could ask you the same thing," you replied, your eyes searching his face.

for a moment, silence stretched between you, filled with the hum of crickets and the distant rustle of the wind through the cornfields. clark turned back to the telescope, fiddling with the focus as if it could distract him from the storm inside.

"i’ve been thinking a lot lately," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "about everything. about you."

your heart skipped a beat, the weight of his words settling over you like a blanket. "clark..." you started, but he shook his head, his gaze unwavering.

"let me finish," he said, a soft plea in his tone. "i’ve tried to keep these feelings in check, to just be your friend. but every time i look at you, every time we laugh together or you brush your hand against mine... it's like i can’t breathe." his blue eyes, so clear and earnest, met yours, full of a vulnerability he rarely showed. "i’m in love with you. i have been for a long time."

the air between you seemed to thrum with electricity, every word sinking deep into your chest. you reached out, fingers trembling as they brushed against his cheek, tracing the line of his jaw. clark leaned into your touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment, savoring the feel of your skin against his.

"i feel the same," you confessed, your voice shaking with emotion. "i’ve been waiting for you to say something, anything. i thought... maybe you didn’t feel the same."

his hand covered yours, his grip firm and reassuring. "i was scared," he admitted. "scared of losing what we have, of not being enough for you. but i can’t hide it anymore."

you smiled, leaning in until your lips hovered just above his. "you’re more than enough, clark. you always have been."

and then, as if pulled together by some unseen force, your lips met. the kiss was gentle at first, a tentative exploration, but it quickly deepened as years of pent-up longing and desire flooded between you. clark’s arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer, his body warm and solid against yours. the world outside the barn faded away, leaving only the two of you in a cocoon of shared confessions and newfound passion.

taglist: @legalmente-loca

#lamy garden #clark kent #clark kent smallville imagine #clark kent x reader #clark kent x you #clark kent x y/n #superman comics #clark kent x female reader #smallville #superman #smallville clark kent #smallville 2001 #tom welling #red!clark #red!clark kent #red!clark kent smallville

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salty-autistic-writer · 18 hours ago

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For @captainrockley, Happy Birthday Mako! ❤️ Inspired by your drawing: Deleted Scene from s07e03

Sometimes, Buck and Tommy like to play the “do you remember?” game.

It usually starts with one of them asking while they are cuddling on the couch or before they fall asleep in bed together. They like to remember the little things. Like all the firsts they have had so far.

“Remember our first meeting?” Buck asks, threading his fingers through Tommy’s curls.

Tommy blinks up at him with a drowsy smile. “How could I ever forget that? You crushed my hand.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t the other way round?”

“Okay. We crushed each other’s hands.”

Buck laughs. “Yeah. And hearts.” *

The sight of the helicopter is enough to make Buck’s heart beat faster in nervous anticipation of what’s about to happen. But then he gets distracted. Because a brick wall of a man approaches them, wearing a blue flight suit and a smile that makes his nose scrunch and the corners of his eyes wrinkle.

Buck stares. Notices he’s staring. Quickly stares at the helicopter instead.

“Hey, Tommy!” Chimney says, grinning. “Nice to see you!” He hugs the guy, who looks down at him fondly.

“Heard you need a helicopter? I hope y’all made your will, didn’t eat anything that might slosh around in your stomach, and like to cuddle. Because this ride will get bumpy and you’ll be packed in like sardines in the back.”

Eddie and Buck share an uneasy glance. Chimney just chuckles, apparently not concerned at all.

Tommy shakes Eddie’s hand first, briefly. Then it’s Buck’s turn. And somehow, when he looks at the very blue eyes of the man who is even bigger than he is which really doesn’t happen often, his heart jumps up, his ears burn and he feels kind of … stupid.

“Tommy Kinard.”

Buck stutters, “Uh. Bu - Evan Buckley.”

“Nice to meet you, Evan!” Tommy beams at him.

And they’re shaking hands. Still.

Buck can’t stop. He’s not letting go. Why isn’t he letting go?

Tommy’s smile doesn’t falter when he notes, “Strong handshake. Great. I like it. You can let go now, if you want to, Evan.”

Buck’s face heats up. He pulls his hand away, scratching the back of his head in a frantic skipping action and then asks, just so he can get rid of the embarrassing silence, “So, uh, what are the chances of a helicopter getting hit by lightning while flying through a hurricane?”

Eddie raises a wondering brow and Chimney tilts his head, his arms crossed over his chest. But they don’t say anything. They just shrug and climb into the helicopter. *

“Remember our first kiss?” Buck asks.

“It was better than fake mouth static,” Tommy says teasingly. An echo of the past.

Buck chuckles, reaching out to draw circles on Tommy’s naked chest. “Hmmm. It was. I wanted more.”

“I know,” Tommy says. “You were staring at my lips.”

“Oh. Well. You do have pretty lips. Did you want more too?”

“Hm. Not immediately. I … didn’t want to overwhelm you. But I was thinking about more. Later. The whole evening and night and the next days.”

Buck feels warmth coiling in his stomach. “Want some more right now?” He asks, raising a brow.

“Please,” Tommy breathes, pulling Buck in for a kiss. *

Tommy closes the door. Buck’s lips are still tingling. He touches them with a fingertip, still kind of frozen. In the silence, he can hear himself breathing.

Tommy kissed him.

He kissed Tommy.

And he already wants to do it again.

He is going to do it again. Soon. Right?

Buck really wants to. Wow. He feels floaty. Like a teenager with a crush. Feels like something heavy fell off his chest.

Smiling, he goes to grab his laptop. He has to figure out what restaurant he’s going to take Tommy to. *

After they collapse on the couch, filled with lasagna, Buck kisses Tommy’s nose and asks, “Remember our first time?”

“You mean our first whole night of sex. In which you showed me what my libido is still capable of.”

“It was kind of cute when you asked me again? like that. Slightly panicky,” Buck says, chuckling.

Tommy snorts. “You were absolutely insatiable.”

“Too many new sensations. New possibilities. I wanted everything at once,” Buck admits, marvelling at the memories.

“And did you get it?” Tommy asks, raising a brow.

Buck smirks. “Oh. I got it good!” *

“Again?” Tommy breathes in disbelief. “I don’t know …”

“You do have one more for me, don’t you?” Buck lowly whispers into his ear, hands stroking down Tommy’s sides, rubbing at his nipples, lips wandering down to his neck, leaving another mark. “You can do it, I know you can.”

Fuck.

Tommy moans helplessly as he shivers and writhes, Buck’s words going right to his groin, his spent cock giving a feeble twitch. “Okay,” he agrees. He could be safewording out, they talked about it, talked about everything, but he doesn’t want to.

He’s an overheated, sweaty mess, out of breath and energy. It’s too much, but he wants all of it. Especially when Buck is looking at him like this. With hunger and adoration in his eyes.

Tommy wraps his arms around Buck’s warm body, pressing them together until they’re breathing a moan into each other’s mouth and says, “Let’s do one last round.”

It’s two in the end. *

“Remember our first I love you?”

“Of course. It was so dramatic.”

“You were being dramatic, Evan.”

“No. I was being serious and realistic, Tommy .”

“Do you really want to fight about it?”

“No. I want to kiss you and remind you how important you are to me.”

“Oh … Come here. You’re important to me too, Evan.” *

“What were you thinking?” Buck huffs, hands on his hip, eyes narrowed.

“That I was saving the day?

“You could have died!”

Tommy winces and tries a weak smile. “Well, that risk kind of comes with the job, right?”

Buck shakes his head. “Still. Tommy … I can’t stand the thought of losing you. Listening to you crying out over the mic, thinking you might not come out of that building alive … Those were the longest minutes of my life. I was so scared. I couldn’t … My heart, Tommy. My heart was being crushed.”

Tommy looks at him, eyes open and wet. “Evan. I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to worry. And I promise, I will always try my damndest to get home to you. I promise.”

He can’t do this anymore. Buck wipes tears out of his eyes, then climbs into the hospital bed, snuggling against Tommy, mindful of not putting pressure on his broken leg and ribs. He needs to feel Tommy. Needs to know he’s breathing. Needs to hold and be held.

“I love you, Tommy,” he breathes, hiding in the crook of Tommy’s neck. “I love you. I can’t lose you.”

Tommy exhales shakily and reaches for Buck’s hand, taking it and squeezing gently. “I love you too, Evan. I love you so much.” *

“Hey. Remember our first wedding?”

“Tommy … We are not going to have a second wedding just because you liked the cake so much.”

“Fine …”

“Oh stop sulking! I’m going to buy it for you.”

(AO3 Link)

#bucktommy #tevan #bucktommy fanfic #tevan fanfic #tommy kinard #evan buckley

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phoebepheebsphibs · 2 days ago

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OOH THIS IS INTERESTING…

My first (and current) fav superhero is Spider-Man. I loved how genuinely real he felt, how he was the only superhero (that I knew of) who would crack jokes mid battle. While most superheroes were portrayed as depressed or dark or overly serious or filthy rich, he was a broke high school kid and that was relatable (despite the fact that I discovered him when I was like 4 years old).

My fav turtle depends on the iteration. I’ve only really seen Rise and those two live action films from like 2014, though I’ve seen some of the 2012 series. Across the board, Donnie’s always been my fave — not just because of purple, but he was the only one who was actually concerned with the plot and he wasn’t completely incompetent lol. But Rise Mikey stole my heart instantly, which was a shock since usually he was my least favourite. Rise Donnie is my second fav tho.

Mm. Relax. What’s that?? (Not exactly joking, but I guess writing stories would be my relaxer. Or watching Agatha Christie murder mysteries like Poirot or Marple!)

I. Love. Platypuses.

Reading’s always been tough for me (undiagnosed ADHD), but my fav book series is definitely PJO. Currently my mom and I are watching Marple together each night!

I am an introvert. People exhaust me.

Fav thing in my room… apart from my bed and laptop…? Maybe my art board, or — oh, oh! I know! I have a giant post-it that has notes from old college friends and coworkers.

Uh…. I’ve never had cider and I’m not a fan of hot chocolate. I’ve been told I make the best coco, tho! Which is weird, considering I won’t drink it…

Fav dog breed would be my dog, Coulson. He’s a mixed breed, but we think he’s tiger-pitbull boxer mix with some beagle in him.

I do not know my zodiac, and I do not care. No offense to anyone, but astrology is not my thing.

And NOW FOR YOU UNFORTUNATE SOULS —

Name a core memory? (My first trip to Disney World and watching the fireworks on my father’s shoulders. 🥹)

Sweet or sour pickles? (Sour. Sweet pickles should not exist.)

What colour would you assign your soul? (I think like… purple or even a tealish blue for me.)

Dream job? (Animator/content creator.)

What’s a word you can’t pronounce no matter what? (I said “par-meeshian” instead of parmesan once. I have yet to live it down.)

A story — book or fanfic — you’d like to recommend? (I read “The Humans” for college and always recommend it for grown ups. It was a COLLEGE BOOK, so there are some moments that aren’t great for kids. Plus a lot of swearing. But overall an engaging and interesting story that I loved.)

Name a fictional character you would fight on sight? (Krang Prime. I’ve never wanted to annihilate a character so much.)

A message you’d want to give your younger self? (You aren’t a freak, you’re just programmed differently than other humans and that’s okay. Also, don’t hold yourself to achievements or standards that you feel make you important. You’ll be okay.)

A song you are OBSESSED WITH? (Creating Monsters by Set It Off)

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Or, the forbidden choice, POST MIDNIGHT SNACK??? (Lunch or post-midnight lol)

@boots-with-the-fur-club @daboyau @littlemissartemisia @truths33k3r4 @cheetochild989 @exhaustedwriterartist @psychologicalwarclaire

Ten questions to ask a mutual

Instructions: prev asks ten questions and you answer them, then ask ten new ones and tag ten people to keep the chain going! I’ll go first

What is the weirdest thing you’ve eaten? (For me it’s the time I accidentally drank ants)

do you like purple or green more? (For me it’s a 50/50 I love them both)

what is your favorite two color color combo? (For me it’s purple and gold)

are you a cat or dog person? (Dogs 100%)

what is your favorite painting (Miranda by John William Waterhouse)

Mountains or beaches? (Mountains)

what’s your favorite dessert? (Lemon bars)

are you right or left handed? (Right but I used to be left handed)

salty or sweet? (Sweet)

summer or winter? (Winter)

I’m tagging 11 people but it’s whatever

@wra1th-k1ng

@bladevoyager

@tragedyanddust

@kindred-spirit-93

@urfavgreekmythnerd

@sickneurotic

@ry-diggity

@we-are-but-dead-stars

@thestarryfalls

@tamaruaart

@hermesmoly

#tag game

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insomniac4000 · 3 days ago

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Can we get a whipped george having a crush on a new tiktoker/youtuber and being shy around them and fan start to notice 🫣🥹

I am so sorry! This has been sitting in my drafts for a few days.

George Clarke- Helpful but Shy

George Clarke sat slouched on the sofa in his shared flat, beer bottle in one hand and his phone in the other held precariously close to his face as he scrolled through TikTok. His usual cheeky grin spread wider as he landed on the profile he’d been secretly obsessed with for months. The page belonged to Y/N, a fellow TikToker whose dance videos, comedic skits, and contagious laugh had caught his eye the moment he’d stumbled upon her account.

“Mate, you’re at it again,” Chris laughed, leaning against the doorframe with a bowl of cereal in hand. “Do you even blink when you’re watching her?”

George immediately locked his phone and shot Chris a glare. “I’m just watching TikToks like anyone else. Calm down.”

Arthur, sitting at the dining table with his laptop, smirked. “Sure, sure. It’s just TikToks. Totally not the hundredth time this week we’ve caught you stalking—uh, I mean, watching her videos.”

George rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the heat creeping up his neck. He knew they were right. The mere sight of Y/N on his screen had him smiling like an idiot, and his flatmates never let him forget it.

A week later, George found himself at a TikTok influencer event, milling about a room full of creators. While he enjoyed chatting with friends and fans, his mind kept wandering, wondering if Y/N would be there. He hadn’t seen her name on the guest list when he tried to sneak a peak at it earlier, but still, he couldn’t help but hope.

And then, like a scene from a rom-com, she walked in. Y/N. In a simple but stunning outfit, blue jeans, cropped top and heels she looked even more incredible in person than in her videos. George froze mid-conversation, his heart pounding as he tried to muster the courage to say hello.

ArthurTV who was with George as well as Italian Bach noticed immediately. “Oi, George,” he said, nudging him. “Your crush just walked in.”

“Shut up,” George muttered, trying to act cool. But his palms were already clammy, and his mind raced with every possible way he could embarrass himself.

Eventually, fate intervened. As Y/N moved through the room, she stopped near George to greet a mutual friend. Before he could overthink it, she turned to him and smiled.

“Hi, you’re George, right? I’ve seen your stuff. You’re hilarious and don’t worry I won’t ask you to do your Will McKenzie.”

For a moment, George forgot how to speak. “Uh… hi! Yeah, I mean, thanks! I… uh…” He trailed off, his words stumbling over each other as his brain short-circuited, he was never good with women but this was on a whole other level.

Y/N tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips. “You okay?”

“Fine! Totally fine!” George blurted out, then panicked when he realized how loud he’d been. “Um, do you want a drink? I can get you one. That is if you want one and if you don’t that’s fine I wasn’t trying to…”

“I’d love a drink, thanks,” she said, laughing lightly.

George practically sprinted to the bar, cursing himself the entire way. “Get it together, Clarkey,” he muttered under his breath as he grabbed two glasses. When he returned, Y/N was chatting with someone else but turned to thank him warmly when he handed her the drink. Though their interaction was brief, George replayed it in his mind for days after, kicking himself for being so awkward.

A few weeks later, George was invited to a Sidemen shoot, he always loved appearing in their videos a big opportunity to collaborate with some of YouTube’s biggest creators people he had idolised since he was a teenager and even though he had been in their videos a few times now he was no less grateful for each one. As he arrived at the studio, he couldn’t believe his luck when he saw Y/N among the group of creators gathered for the video, a hide and seek.

His heart leapt, but so did his nerves. He hadn’t seen her since the event, and he was determined to make a better impression this time. As the group went over the plan for the shoot, George noticed Y/N standing off to the side, looking a bit out of place.

Mustering some courage, he approached her. “Hey, Y/N! Good to see you again.”

Her face lit up when she recognized him. “George! Hi! I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Yeah, me neither. I mean, I didn’t know you’d be here,” he said, stumbling over his words again. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. “First Sidemen shoot?”

She nodded, her expression a mix of excitement and nerves. “Yeah, I’m a little out of my depth here.”

George smiled, his confidence growing as he saw her vulnerability. “Don’t worry. They’re all sound. I’ll show you around, yeah?”

For the rest of the morning, George stuck close to Y/N, pointing out where to find coffee, explaining the shoot’s format, and cracking jokes to ease her nerves. Every time she smiled or laughed, he felt a surge of pride—and maybe a little bit of hope.

Of course, George’s helpfulness didn’t go unnoticed by the others. During a break, as he returned from fetching Y/N a coffee, Harry and Ethan exchanged knowing looks.

“She’s got him whipped, Y/N,” Harry teased, nodding toward George. “He’s never been this nice to anyone.”

“He’s never been this nervous before. I thought they were exaggerating when they all said he was shit with women but this is another level,” Ethan replied.

Chris was also in the video and he also couldn’t help but notice how George was.

“Mate there’s a spill over there on the floor just throw yourself onto it and let her walk all over you yeah?” The small man uttered, George rolled eyes at his flat mate and shook his head.

“At least I didn’t miss my friends wedding to get my dick wet,” George clapped back.

“Ouch,” Chris replied pouting.

Despite the teasing, George’s efforts to make Y/N feel comfortable didn’t go unnoticed. By the end of the shoot, they’d spent most of the day together, chatting and laughing in between takes. When it was time to leave, Y/N turned to him with a smile.

“Thanks for today, George. You made it a lot less intimidating.”

“No problem,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “Maybe we’ll bump into each other at another shoot.”

“I’d like that,” she said, her voice warm.

As she walked away, George couldn’t help but grin. Maybe, just maybe, he’d done enough to make a good impression this time.

Back at the flat, Arthur wasted no time interrogating him.

“So, how was it seeing Y/N again?” Arthur asked, his grin wicked.

George tried to play it cool. “It was fine. She’s nice.”

“Nice?” Chris repeated, raising an eyebrow. “You were practically her personal assistant all day.”

“Shut up,” George muttered, though he couldn’t help but smile.

“Admit it, mate,” Chris said, clapping him on the back. “You’re smitten.”

George sighed, his mind drifting to Y/N’s laugh and the way her eyes lit up when she talked. “Yeah, maybe I am.”

Fans noticed too, when the video was released people couldn’t help but comment.

George giving Y/N a boost up to help her over the fence? Cute

So are we just going to ignore the look Chris gave George when he went to pair up with Y/N.

Yes! Chris is all of us!

#george clarke #george clarkey #george clarke x reader #george clarke imagine

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elleirbagsstuff · 3 days ago

Text

"Distance"

It was Winter’s birthday, Karina’s bandmate, when she crossed paths with the most captivating girl she had ever seen. Her beauty was mesmerizing, but there was one hitch—she belonged to a world far from Karina’s reach.

The evening sky painted hues of gold and deep blue as Karina and her bandmates bustled around Winter’s cozy house, setting up for the birthday celebration. The living room was alive with the glow of fairy lights strung across the walls, the scent of freshly baked cake wafting from the kitchen, and the soft hum of music playing in the background.

“Do you think this is enough balloons, or should we blow up a few more?” Ningning asked, holding a half-inflated balloon in one hand and a pump in the other.

“Enough,” Giselle replied, her voice muffled as she balanced on a stool, trying to tape a glittery ‘Happy Birthday’ banner to the wall. “Unless you want Winter to swim through them.”

Karina laughed, carefully placing the finishing touches on the dining table. A small pile of neatly wrapped presents sat at the center, surrounded by pastel streamers and a bouquet of roses. It was a simple setup, but it felt warm, intimate—perfect for Winter.

Just as the clock neared seven, Winter emerged from her room, dressed in a casual yet effortlessly chic outfit. “You guys didn’t have to do all this,” she said, smiling softly, though her eyes betrayed her excitement.

“That’s what you think,” Ningning teased, throwing a handful of confetti at her.

Karina, standing near the window, took a moment to admire the scene. Everything felt perfect—until the doorbell rang, pulling her out of her thoughts.

“I’ll get it!” she called, walking over to the door. When she opened it, the cool night breeze greeted her, and standing there was a stranger. A stranger that oddly looked like Winter for some reason.

Her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. “Hi,” the girl said, her voice as captivating as her presence. “I hope I’m not too late for the party.”

Karina blinked, her mind racing as she tried to piece together how fate had brought this girl to her doorstep. “No… you’re just in time.”

Karina stepped aside to let the stranger in, her heart still racing as she tried to mask her surprise. The girl smiled warmly, stepping into the house with an effortless grace that made Karina's stomach flutter.

Winter, catching sight of her cousin, broke into a wide grin. “Y/n! You made it!” she exclaimed, crossing the room to embrace her.

“Of course I did,” Y/n replied, her voice light and melodic. “I wouldn’t miss your birthday for the world.”

Karina stood frozen, her mind whirling. Y/n. The name suited her—simple yet elegant, just like the girl herself.

“Oh!” Winter turned to the rest of the group, gesturing toward her cousin. “Everyone, this is Y/n, my cousin. I invited her to join us tonight.”

“Hey, Y/n!” Ningning chirped, waving from where she was still tying balloons. “Nice to meet you!”

Giselle offered a nod and a smile, still fussing with the banner.

Karina, however, felt rooted to the spot, caught off guard by this twist of fate. Winter’s cousin? How had she not known Winter had such a stunning relative?

“And Y/n,” Winter continued, placing a hand on Karina’s shoulder, “this is Karina, our band leader. She keeps us all in line.”

Y/n’s gaze flicked to Karina, her eyes shimmering with quiet amusement. “It's nice to meet you.” she said with a smile.

Karina cleared her throat, forcing herself to speak. “Yeah, uh, hi! Nice to meet you too.”

As Winter led Y/n toward the dining table, Karina trailed behind, her thoughts spinning. She wasn’t sure if this was a blessing or a curse, but one thing was certain—this night had just become a lot more interesting.

■■

The dinner was lively, filled with laughter and playful teasing as the girls dug into the spread of Winter’s favorite dishes. Karina sat at the far end of the table, quietly observing the group, but her attention kept drifting back to Y/n.

Y/n fit in seamlessly, her charm and easygoing nature winning everyone over in an instant. She laughed at Ningning’s jokes, complimented Winter on her taste in food, and even helped Giselle refill drinks. There was something magnetic about her presence that Karina couldn’t ignore.

Karina found herself stealing glances at Y/n—her graceful movements, the way her lips curved into a soft smile, the sparkle in her eyes when she spoke. It was impossible not to notice how effortlessly beautiful she was.

“Enjoying the view?” Giselle’s voice broke through Karina’s thoughts, low and teasing enough that only she could hear.

Karina nearly choked on her drink, turning to glare at Giselle. “What are you talking about?” she whispered, trying to sound nonchalant.

Giselle smirked, leaning closer. “Oh, please. You’ve been staring at Winter’s cousin like she’s the only thing on the menu tonight.”

“I have not,” Karina hissed, though the heat rising to her cheeks betrayed her.

“Sure,” Giselle said, dragging out the word. She leaned back, crossing her arms with a knowing look. “You’re not as subtle as you think, you know. It’s kind of cute, actually.”

Karina rolled her eyes, trying to focus on her plate, but her mind was already racing. Was she really that obvious?

At that moment, Y/n glanced across the table and caught Karina’s gaze. She offered a small, warm smile, her eyes lingering just a second longer than necessary. Karina’s breath hitched, and she quickly looked away, her heart pounding.

Giselle, watching the exchange, chuckled softly. “Yeah, you’re in trouble,” she muttered under her breath, shaking her head.

Karina didn’t respond, too busy trying to calm the flurry of emotions stirring inside her. One thing was clear: Y/n was already starting to unravel her in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

The party had slowly wound down, and the other girls had drifted off to the living room, their laughter and chatter now distant background noise. Karina stayed behind in the dining area, quietly stacking plates and gathering the leftovers.

“Need some help?” Y/n’s voice startled her, soft and kind, yet enough to send a flutter through Karina’s chest.

“Oh, uh, sure,” Karina replied, glancing up to see Y/n already grabbing a stack of plates with a practiced ease.

They worked side by side in comfortable silence, the clinking of dishes and the occasional sound of running water filling the space. Karina stole glances at Y/n as she worked, noticing how her hair fell perfectly over her shoulder and how her lips pursed slightly in concentration.

“Thanks for helping,” Karina said after a moment, her voice quieter than usual.

Y/n smiled, setting down a cleaned plate. “Of course. I couldn’t just sit around while you did all the work.” She paused, looking down at the counter before continuing, her voice dropping to a shy murmur. “Besides, this gives me a chance to talk to you.”

Karina blinked, her pulse quickening. “Talk to me? About what?”

Y/n hesitated, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. She set the last plate in the sink, drying her hands with deliberate slowness, as though gathering her courage. Finally, she looked at Karina, her gaze both nervous and sincere.

“Okay, so, um… this might sound silly,” Y/n began, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “But I’m kind of… your biggest fan.”

Karina froze, her hand mid-reach for a dishcloth. “What?”

“I’m serious,” Y/n said quickly, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I’ve followed aespa since your debut, and you’ve always been my favorite. Like, I’m Karina-biased through and through. So, meeting you today? It’s been… a lot.”

Karina stared at her, the words sinking in. Y/n, the girl she’d been quietly admiring all night, was her fan?

“And I’ve been trying really hard not to freak out,” Y/n continued, wringing her hands nervously. “But honestly, it’s not easy. You’re even cooler in person, and now I feel like I’m rambling…”

Karina couldn’t help it—she laughed, the sound soft and warm. “You’re not rambling,” she assured her, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I just… didn’t expect that.”

Y/n looked down, her blush deepening. “Yeah, I figured. But I had to say it. It felt weird not telling you, especially after how nice you’ve been all evening.”

Karina felt a strange mix of pride and tenderness blooming in her chest. She reached out, gently nudging Y/n’s shoulder. “Well, I think it’s pretty cool that you’re a fan. And for what it’s worth… I’m glad Winter invited you tonight.”

Y/n’s eyes widened slightly, her lips parting as if to respond, but no words came out. For a brief moment, they just stood there, the quiet intimacy of the dining area wrapping around them like a secret.

“Me too,” Y/n finally whispered, her voice barely audible but carrying so much meaning.

"Y/n! Karina! Come over here!" Winter yelled through the kitchen. Y/n and Karina both looked at each other before sharing a laugh as they headed together towards the living room.

■■

The night had deepened, the house quieting as the energy of Winter’s birthday party began to settle. Y/n glanced at the clock and sighed softly, standing up from the couch.

“I think I should head back to my hotel,” she said, smoothing out her jacket. “It’s getting pretty late.”

Karina, who had been lingering near the doorway, perked up at her words. She hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. “I’ll walk you out,” she offered, her voice casual despite the nervous flutter in her chest.

“Thanks,” Y/n said with a grateful smile.

The two made their way to the front door, the cool night air greeting them as they stepped outside. Y/n stood under the soft glow of the porch light, rummaging through her bag for her phone.

“So,” Karina began, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “I was thinking… maybe we could hang out sometime? You know, just us.”

Y/n froze, her hand pausing mid-search. She looked up at Karina, her expression flickering between surprise and something softer, more regretful. “Karina…” she started, her voice hesitant.

Karina’s heart sank slightly at her tone. “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“No, no,” Y/n quickly assured her, shaking her head. “It’s just… I don’t know how to say this.” She took a deep breath, her gaze meeting Karina’s. “I don’t live here. I’m only visiting for Winter’s birthday, and I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Karina felt the air leave her lungs, her heart sinking further. “You’re leaving? Like… far away?”

Y/n nodded slowly. “Yeah. I live overseas. This was just a short trip, and my flight’s in the morning.”

Karina tried to process the information, her chest tightening at the thought of Y/n being so far out of reach. “I didn’t realize…”

“I didn’t want to make it a thing,” Y/n said softly, her eyes apologetic. “Tonight’s been amazing, and I didn’t want to ruin it by talking about goodbyes.”

Karina bit her lip, feeling the weight of the moment settle between them. She didn’t want to let it end like this.

“Well,” she said finally, her voice quieter, “even if you’re leaving, that doesn’t mean we can’t keep in touch, right? I mean… I’d like that.”

Y/n’s lips curved into a gentle smile, her eyes shimmering with something unspoken. “I’d like that too.”

Karina reached into her pocket, pulling out her phone. “Here,” she said, handing it to Y/n. “Put your number in. Or your socials. Whatever works.”

Y/n hesitated for only a moment before taking the phone and typing in her details. When she handed it back, her fingers brushed against Karina’s, sending a spark through the quiet night.

“Thanks for tonight,” Y/n said, her voice soft. “It really meant a lot to me.”

Karina smiled, though it was tinged with bittersweetness. “I should be the one thanking you. Meeting you… it made tonight unforgettable.”

Y/n’s cheeks flushed, and for a moment, they stood there, the world around them quiet and still.

“Goodnight, Karina,” Y/n said finally, her voice barely above a whisper as she stepped off the porch.

“Goodnight, Y/n,” Karina replied, watching her disappear into the night, the ache of her absence already settling in.

Karina closed the door quietly, leaning against it for a moment as she tried to collect her thoughts. The cool night air lingered on her skin, but the warmth of her encounter with Y/n refused to leave her.

The moment she turned around, though, she froze. All three of her bandmates were gathered in the living room, grinning at her like wolves who had just cornered their prey.

“Well, well, well,” Winter began, crossing her arms with an exaggerated smirk. “That was a long walk to the door. Care to share, Miss Smooth?”

Karina groaned, already regretting her decision to come back inside. “Don’t start.”

“Oh, we’ve already started,” Giselle chimed in, waggling her eyebrows. “You and Y/n looked very cozy out there. Should we start planning the wedding now, or…?”

Ningning burst into laughter, nearly falling off the couch. “Did you see her face when Y/n smiled at her? She was gone!”

Karina felt her cheeks heat up. “I wasn’t—”

“Gone,” Winter interrupted, mimicking Ningning’s words. She put a hand over her heart dramatically. “My cousin smiled at her, and Karina looked like she’d been hit by Cupid’s arrow.”

“Enough,” Karina said, covering her face with her hands. “You’re all so annoying.”

“But you love us,” Ningning teased, scooting closer to her. “Seriously, though, you’ve got it bad. Y/n’s barely out the door, and you’re already mooning over her.”

“I’m not mooning!” Karina protested, though her voice wavered slightly.

Winter stepped closer, her teasing grin softening into something more genuine. “Hey, jokes aside… you like her, don’t you?”

Karina hesitated, the weight of her feelings suddenly harder to deny. She sighed, lowering her hands. “I don’t know. I mean… yeah, I guess I do. She’s amazing.”

Her bandmates exchanged knowing looks, their teasing replaced by a quiet understanding.

“Too bad she’s leaving tomorrow,” Winter said gently, leaning back against the couch.

Karina nodded, her chest tightening at the reminder. “Yeah. But we exchanged numbers, so… maybe it’s not the end.”

“Definitely not the end,” Winter said confidently, clapping Karina on the shoulder. “Y/n’s cool. And if anyone can keep her interested from a distance, it’s you.”

“Exactly,” Ningning added, grinning. “You’ve got that whole charismatic leader thing going for you. She’s probably thinking about you right now.”

Karina couldn’t help but laugh at that, her earlier tension easing just a little. “Thanks, guys. Even if you’re the most annoying hype squad ever.”

“That’s what we’re here for,” Giselle said with a wink.

As the teasing subsided and the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Karina found herself holding on to the hope that this connection with Y/n, no matter how fleeting, might just be the start of something more.

°°°

I really had no idea where i'm heading with this... i've been obsessed with karina lately and decided to write a fic abt her.🤓

#karina #yu jimin #aespa #winter #giselle #ningning #karina x reader #wlw #wlw post #kpop #idol x reader

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alexa-fika · 2 days ago

Note

hi! I love your whitebeard pirates stories.

Could I request child reader who loves Marco's phoenix form. Maybe they aren't aware Marco is the cool blue bird and keeps wandering around the ship with berries trying to lure the bird out.

Hidden in Plain sight (Thatch x child!reader x Marco)

A/n Well guys it’s official, I start work tomorrow 😞 I’m gonna try to get these updates going, plan is to write most of them in the weekend so that during the week I just have to edit them and proofread. I’m off to abadstart cause I just got two but i’m also not gonna push it cause I don’t want to fatigue myself or enter another writer’s block

Reader here is replaced by Dokucha which stands for Reader in Japanese for the enjoyment for Readers and oc characters readers both

Dividers by @/firefly-graphic

“Atch!”

“Hmm?” Thatch hummed, glancing at Dokucha with a smile. Finally done with the crew’s meals for the day, he was now free to enjoy his time in his kitchen as he tested new recipes, joined by Marco, as the two made small talk.

“Can I have some bread?” they asked, stretching their hand expectantly.

“Huh? I thought ya said ya were full?” He questioned, remembering how, only minutes prior, they had been pouting about not wanting to eat anymore.

“It’s not for me!”

“Then for who?” he called, sliding a cocktail to Marco, who gave him a nod in silent thanks.

“It’s for a bird!”

“I thought I told ya to stop feedin’ them seagulls. You keep feedin’ ’em, and they keep comin’ and asking for more,” he admonished softly.

“But it’s not for the seagulls. It’s for the pretty blue chicken!” they exclaimed, head snapping to the side as Marco began choking on his drink.

“That’s Gross, Marco,” they whined, sticking out their tongue and crunching their face.

“Hey, hey, ignore ’em; go back to the bird bit,” Thatch called, crouching down to their height and ignoring the scathing glare said bird sent his way amid his choking.

“It’s a bigggg blue fire chicken!” they started as they extended their hands as far as they could go.

“They have funny glasses and a small orange fire hat! They also have the longest tail, which looks so pretty when they fly.” they swoon.

“Well, I’ll be; that sounds like a mighty fancy chicken,” he drawled, standing up.

“But ya know what? I think I might know what a chicken like that might be like betta than some ol’ bread,” he told them. He began browsing through his fridge.

“Really?!” they beamed, hopping next to the man as they tried to take a peek at what he was digging out.

“Really! In fact, the Pretty Chiken’ told me he’s waiting for you and this treat on the upper crow nest.

“Waiting?” they awed, watching as he pulled out a small container from the fridge with a grin, crouching in front of the child and extending it to them

“Pineapple?” they asked suspiciously, glancing up at the chef.

“It might surprise ya, but he said this was his very favorite food.”

“in the whole world?” they asked, grabbing the container.

“In the whole world,” he confirmed

“Okay! Thank you, Atch!” they yelled, placing a small, sloppy kiss on his cheek as they ran off turning at the angry stomping that sounded behind him.

“Thatch you-

“Ah.Ah. This mighty blue chicken might want to hurry up, or he will break a three-year-old’s heart,” he tutted with a cocky grin as Marco paused in his approach; thinking his words over, he let out a groan.

“I’m going to get you back for this-yoi, Thatch,” he growled, backstepping out of the kitchen.

“Bye Bye, blue chicken.”

“Marco? What are you doing here?” Dokucha questioned, confused, looking up at the man who joined them in the crow’s nest

“How did you get up here?” they asked, standing on their tippy toes to look down the crow’s nest, wondering how the man had made all their way up there without being seen.

“I’m here to meet the blue chicken, so choo!” they ordered as they lowered themselves down, turning to him and waving him off.

“Oi...” he called, a tight smile on his face at both the erroneous nickname and the audacity the kid had

“You’re looking at him.”

“Hah?”

“I'm the bluebird Dokucha,” he clarified

“Blue chicken! It’s a blue chicken, and there’s no way you're the chicken!”

“You’re right. I’m not a chicken; I’m a phoenix,” he grumbled, holding the bridge of his nose.

“Liar”

“Dokucha, My epithet is Marco the Phoenix. Why do you think they call me that if not because I’m a phoenix?”

“Cause your kind strong, I guess...”

“Y-you guess?!. You know what, never mind, that's a fight for another day,” he called, crouching down in front of them and allowing the blue flames to envelope him

“AH! No way! There’s no way you can be the pretty bird!” they cried. They didn’t hate Marco; in fact, they quite liked their brother, but he was far from being their favorite sibling, often catching him at the worst times, leading the child to view the commander as less than graceful. Something that they left pretty clear in their interactions.

“Hmm, guess I won’t show you then,” he teased as he pulled the flames back into him, letting an exaggerated sigh as he stood up and made to leave the nest.

“No! I want to see! I want to see!” they whined, jumping up and down.

“I don’t know, you were being kind of rude to me all day,” he mused

“But I want to see it! I even brought you pineapple, see?!” they begged, lifting the small container of fruit towards the man who gave them a once over and stopped his actions, pretending to think the offer over.

“I’ll show you, but you have to apologize for not believing me and admit you were wrong about me.”

“No way!”

“Guess you won’t be seeing the blue bird anymore then,” he called, jumping on the railing and stopping as Dokucha ran behind him and took hold of his shirt

“Yes?”

..rry..ong” they mumbled.

Grinning, Marco turned around and sat on the railing, leaning his arms on his knees, his chin on his hand, and watching the child stumble over their words.

“Sorry, You’re gonna have to speak up if you want me to hear you.”

“I’m sorry for not believing you! I was wrong!..so let me see the bluebird?Please?” They called, starting with a loud yell of their words, eventually quieting down as they began fidgeting. Letting out a small confused whine as the doctor ruffled their head, letting out a gasp as he began transforming into the phoenix, blue flames shooting around them, slowly taking the form of the mythical bird.

Ngl I was going to leave it until Marco left the kitchen but I thought of that lil scene between them

Taglist:

@Imaginarydreams

@amethystviolin

@h0n3y-l3m0n05

@hannahbarberra162

@epochal-oracle

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jayhyunglover · 2 days ago

Text

Mr&Mrs

Pairing: Zayne x non MC! reader

Part 2 to Send my love to your next lover

Synopsis : is he really going to let her go (no MF go get your girl)

Content: angst , hurt/comfort , smut (I am still ovulating leave me alone) , oral sex , unprotected sex (p in v).

A/N : that's the fourth time I am uploading this if Tumblr make it disappear in a black hole I swear I am gonna...

Edit: hopefully Tumblr didn't make it disappear as I thought, here's part 2 finally finally . Y'all are lucky I am ovulating and boosting with energy if not you'd be getting triple dic- I mean triple angst (no I didn't) , also I just realized the song is send my love to your new lover and not next 💀 , any way I yap too much . Happy reading!!

Now playing : Send my love to your new lover by Adele

Send my love to your new lover played for the 17th time through your headphones, small droplets of tears falling off your cheeks on your lap.

This was for the best you thought.

He will be happy, now he will sign the divorce papers , you will be finally free.

Then why did your heart hurt so badly ? Why did it feel like it was getting wrenched out of your chest and tossed on the floor?

You wiped your small tears when you caught a little brown haired girl looking at you curiously.

You offered her a small smile trying to not appear scary but you knew with those heavy eye bags you looked more like a frightening panda than anything.

What were you thinking , crying your eyes out in a restaurant known for their family gathering while you just lost yours? Pathetic

To your surprise, the little girl approached you ,her fluffy brown hair bouncing with every step.

When she finally reached the table where you were sitting at , she pulled out a small flower from her pouch.

A fragile blue spider Lily, faded due to being confined in this small place, longing for sunlight and water just like your heart longing for Zayne's love.

“Mom said the best way to comfort someone is to offer them something meaningful” she spoke up , her small fluttery voice sending a pang through you.

“T-thank you” you murmured, sniffling before taking the small flower from her chubby hands

“You're welcome” she smiled, showing off small dimples that reminded of all the times you managed to pull out a smile from Zayne.

It always got your heart racing

“Also smile , pretty lady , crying makes you look ugly” she added, making your eyes widen.

“Oh sorry” you apologized, quickly wiping the remnants of your tears, your cheeks heating up slightly.

The little menace gave you a toothy smile before running off to her mom. Leaving you flabbergasted but less depressed.

With your flower clutched firmly in your hand , you walked down the street, intending to head to your best friend's house since you didn't want to see Zayne anymore.

The wounds were too fresh to throw salt in them.

“Fuck” you cursed , trying your best to cover yourself with your cardigan as the raindrops started to splatter on your face and hair.

“You shouldn't stay there , it's raining”

Zayne's words barely reached your ears too entranced by the sight in front of you.

“Don't you like the rain , Dr Zayne?” You offered him a sheepish grin , twirling like a fool under the pouring raindrops

“I dont like the prospect of you catching a cold” he retorted in that familiar monotone voice but the twinkle of concern in his hazel eyes spoke volume.

“Worried about me ?” You chuckled

“You know I am” he retorted without missing a beat , the words sending a warm feeling spreading throughout you despite the cold water soaking through your clothes.

“Let's get you inside Mrs Li” he grabbed your hand to intertwine your fingers and guide you back home .

Mrs Li . How you loved when he called you that?

You blinked back your vision, a shiver running through you as you realized you were still standing under the rain and there was no handsome husband/doctor guiding you back home.

It was all the past now.

You resumed walking, now literally jogging to get home as fast as possible.

You were lying on the couch , wrapped in a fluffy blanket while Queen of tears was playing on the TV.

Gulping down spoonful after spoonful of vanilla ice cream, you were trying to drown out your sorrow but it seemed like this K drama wasn't the right choice for your frayed nerves

Damn it I should've put Squid Game s2 and giggle at Goong Yoo hotness .

Maddie your bestfriend went on date with her boyfriend and won't come back until tomorrow which left you , your broken heart and this ton of ice cream in the otherwise empty house.

You were about to switch the streaming device and play Squid Game as you should've since 2 hours ago when a knock at the Dorado your ears perk up .

Did Maddie's boyfriend ditch her?

You didn't know why a selfish part of you was happy at this prospect but quickly squashed it down and got up from the couch to see who it was

The knocking got more fervent as if the person on the other side was desperate.

“I am coming” you gruffed out , making your way to the front door. Only when you opened it , you quickly closed it off .

Why on earth is your soon to be ex husband is standing in front of your (bestfriend) porch ?

Zayne's eyes widened when you slammed the door shut on his face , every last remnants of hope he had vanishing.

He was soaked through the bones , hair damp from running under the pouring rain , searching everywhere for you . He might've caught a cold at this rate but he didn't give a damn . He had to find you and now that he finally did you shut the door at his face.

“Darling” he rested his forehead against the wooden door.

The familiar nickname had your gut twisting in a very very painful way.

Why is he here? It hadn't been 24 yours since you left your shared house.

“I know you're behind this door” he continued. His voice was rough from exhaustion. He still hadn't has any rest since 24 hours and it was clearly taking a toll on him.

“Please let me in” he pleaded , small tears running down his cheek, heart squeezing painfully in his chest.

Your body slid down against the door , your head resting against the wood ina way that mirrored his own gesture without you knowing.

“I know I've hurt you” he choked out , voice roughened by his sobs “I know I don't deserve your pretty smile and your sweet laugh, I know I dont deserve you..”

Every words, he spoke was like a dagger they thrusted straight through your chest. It was burning, painful , making it hard for you to breathe, to speak.

“..and I understand if you don't want to see me anymore , I'll sign those damn divorces paper and set you free as you wish” he added , wiping his tears with his hands, hazel eyes growing red from crying and fatigue

“But I just want you to know that there won't be any next lover after you , you'll be my last , my love” he bent down to slide something under the door ,

A letter , no your letter.

“I love you Mrs Li” he whispered before turning on his heels intending to leave finally you alone

But you wouldn't let him , not after that, not after he went all this way under the rain , the rain he hated so much just for you.

Zayne's steps were resigned as he made his way out , heart heavy with sorrows.

Just as he stepped under the rain , the door fled open revealing your form clad in sleep short and an oversized shirt.

His breath got caught in his throat, his whole body going still.

It's been only 24 hours and yet it felt like forever since he hasn't seen you.

You approached him slowly, the letter still clutched tightly in your hand , your tears mixing with the pouring water as you stepped under the rain as well.

“You-” you didn't know what to sat what to do . Your mind was a whirlwind of emotions , sadness , anger ,relief, joy all mixing in a concoction that had your head spinning.

“I love you too” you finally spoke , your words nothing short than a shout under the rain that was getting more violent just like the storm inside of you.

“I loved you even when I felt I shouldn't anymore , even when you made me feel like I shouldn't anymore”

Zayne stood there listening to your heartfelt confessions not daring to move an inch or even breathe too loudly. His hair was sticking to his forehead, his work clothes damp , turtleneck sticking to his skin.

“I LOVE YOU ZAYNE LI” you shouted again , voice breaking at the end. Your heartbeat too loud to be drowned out by the sound of tha ragging rain , your feelings too raw to process . The man in front of you too still for someone you just confessed to.

Zayne always knew you loved him , you always said it and showed it in all the way you could but this felt different, raw , heartfelt.

Your eyes widened comically when Zayne closed the distance between you in 2 strides , capturing your lips in an heated kiss.

A kiss where he poured all his unspoken feelings, his longing , guilt , love , the love that made him.wa and fuzzy even under the cold rain . The rain that washed away your pain , sorrows , guilt leaving your blossoming love like spider lilies blooming in autumn.

“I love you too Mrs Li” he murmured against your lips before kissing you again more fervently, tongue licking the small droplets on your bottom lip “so damn much” he added between kisses, his hands cradling your head so gently as though you'd break.

“I love you” you whispered between needy kisses , lips devouring each other's as if you were starving , the weather didn't even matter in this moment, whether it was raining or snowing or even if an earthquake was happening you couldn't give a damn. Just you needed to keep kissing this man.

With your hands wrapping around his neck to bring him closer to you . His own on your waist to press your body closer to his. His wet hair tickled your skin when he started to pepper kisses down your jaw.

Only pulling away when he was sure you were a breathless mess , chest heaving up and down , droopy eyes that were filled with tears earlier looking at him in a way that made his knees weak.

“I love you , my wife” he whispered before leaving a small kiss on your forehead , thumbs stroking your cheeks gently

“I love you even more , my husband” you tiptoed to leave a small kiss on his nose

“I don't think this is a competition, Darling but trust me I can show you just how much I love you” his voice in your hear was low heated whisper that sent shivers down your spine . Shivers that has nothing to do with your damp clothes

“Then show me , husband” your hold on his neck tightened, bringing his face closer to yours.

You saw a look of surprise pass through his eyes but it disappeared as soon as it appeared leaving a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

“Oh I'll show you wife” the way he said those words, like a secret promise made your stomach twist in knots, the lower region of your belly heating up with the rest of your body.

His strong arms picked you up effortlessly, your legs wrapping automatically around his lean waist , sticky clothes clinging to you like a second skin.

Your lips reattached once again as he carried inside the house , his footsteps leaving a wet trail behind that will have Maddie shrieking out hysterically when she'd return but you'll deal with that later . Now all you could focus on was the man kissing you like this was the last time he'd able to.

By the time you reached the guest room you were staying on which was a miracle with how impatient he seemed to be- you and Zayne already shirt already lost your shirts leaving you only in your bottoms

He laid you gently on the bed before hovering above you , eyes gazing down at you so tenderly , so lovingly it made you look away.

“No ,my love. I want you to look at me” he turned your head back to him to plant a soft kiss on your mouth.

“don't hide this beautiful face from me” he whispered against your skin.

The adoration in his gaze and voice made your skin prickle , your mind growing hazier and more lightheaded.

“Let me admire you” his compliments and words of praise went straight to your heart , head and cunt making it twitch and ache for his touch .

His lips left a trail of torturous kisses on your neck chest and shoulders, his cold hands caressing your body as if he was mapping it out for the first time. His touch tended and reverent like he was worshipping every inch of you.

How could he had been so blind? Zayne thought.

How could hasn't he seen how perfect you were for him?

It didn't matter now he hoped at least he got you back right right ?

Distracting himself from his thoughts he wrapped his lips around the stiff peak of your nipple to suck harshly making you cry out loud

“Zayne” his name left you in a moan , hand reaching out to pet his damp hair. Your nails lightly scraping his scalp in a way that made him nearly purr against you.

See , so perfect to him.

“I don't deserve you” he murmured against your breast shifting to gave the other the same amount of attention

“Yeah” you breathed out in a small gasp “but I want you anyway”

Zayne's lips curved into a smile around your niple before gently biting on it in protest , earning a small yelp from you that was quickly quieted down when you felt his kisses getting lower. Teeth grazing against the soft skin of your stomach until he reached the waistband of your shorts .

He looked up at you waiting for your consent before going any further.

You gave him a small hazy nod and it was all he needed to peel out your shorts of your legs , leaving you only in your underwear , spread out for him like his Goddess, his sacrificial lamb.

He sat up to admire you like this , so beautiful and all his , his wife ( wife he almost lost but anyway)

You must have made a sound because it snapped him out of his trance . His body lowering onto the bed to wrap your legs around his neck.

His soft lips peppered small kisses along your inner thighs, mouth expertly sucking blossoming hickeys on your skin making you writhe beneath him

“Zayne” the words left your lips like a plea and a demand all at once.

“Yes darling?”

His eyes looked up at you twinkling with mischief and need

He knew what he was doing this gorgeous bastard.

“Touch me” you whimpered out , the heat in your belly growing unbearably hotter.

“But I am touching you darling aren't I?” As if to emphasize his words, his hands ran up and down your legs the touch sending shiver down your spine.

“Not here” you shook your head , lips jutting out in a soft pout

“Where then?” He whispered before leaving a small kiss on your lower belly “here?”

“No”

“Here?” another kiss on the right side of your hip

“No” you shook your head again , patience and sanity growing thinner at his teasing

“Here?” he kissed the inside of your thighs, so close to where you needed him the most

“Closer” you whimpered out , hips shifting to bring his mouth to its destination faster but he wasn't having in . His strong arms pinning them firmly on the bed.

“You're so impatient darling” he tsked before leaving a fleeting kiss to the damp center of your underwear

“here?” he whispered against your feverish skin while your head fell bavk.in bliss. You were so fucking sensitive that even the slightest touch sent your mind reeling

“Answer me , my love” he demanded before gently nipping at your clothed clit making you cry out

“Yes here” you moaned out , hips bucking against his touch.

This sight pulled a small smirk at the corner of his mouth before he greedily kissed your heated cunt. Small pecks at first then, sloppy , greedy French kisses that soaked your already damp underwear.

The sensation was way too much and not enough we the same time . His kisses were driving you insane but you needed so much more.

“Zayne please” you begged , hand fisting at his hair to bring him closer, push him away , you couldn't decide

“What is it , darling?” He spat into your clicking heat , thumb circling your already damp opening

“Need you” you raised your head to lock eyes with his .

And Zayne swears ,at this moment, you took his breath away.

With your hair dishelved, your eyes wild with lust and your kiss-bitten lips, you looked nothing short but angelic.

An angel sent by heavens just for him.

An angel he will cherish forever

Finally taking some mercy on you , he took off your flimsy panties , throwing them to God knows where across the room. Large palms spreading your legs apart while his eyes feasted on you

“Beautiful” he whispered before diving in .

His lips leaving a gentle kiss before literally devouring, feasting on you like he hasn't eaten for day.

His lips and tongue greedily licked and slurped everything down with fervor , leaving you a panting and sobbing mess. The only things leaving your parted lips were sinful moans of his name and some occasionally curses.

It felt so good , heavenly even , his mouth worshipping you like some divine being made you feel lightheaded.

When he inserted two fingers inside , your brain short circuited , stars exploded behind your eyes and before you knew it you were coming hard and fast. Your orgasm crashing over you like a sea storm that have you screaming his name so loudly you were sure Maddie would earn nose complaints from her neighbors.

Even so , Zayne didn't stop, tongue still swirling around your clit with fervor while his fingers probed at your walls.

It was only when you pushed his head off in over sensitivity he finally relented , sticky strands that connected his lips to your pussy breaking as he parted from you to sit up.

His usual stoic face wore a giddy smile , a pretty pink blush settled on his high cheekbones.

Why does he have to look so pretty? It's literally unfair.

“You're ok there , darling?” he asked after climbing up to hover above you once again He tucked a stray strand of hair behind your ear , eyes roving over your face with a mixture of affection and small concern.

After Finally regaining your bearings (and stopped getting distracted by his pretty face) you spoke up

“I am alright..” you replied, wrapping your legs around his waist to bring him closed to you , your bold action making his eyes widen for a fraction of second

“..but I think you haven't showed me how much you love me yet” you leaned in to whisper against his lips , index finger tracing a sensual path against his bare chest.

Of course his insatiable wife wouldn't be satisfied.

“I guess I haven't yes” he hummed thoughtfully , grabbing your hand that was tracing against his chest to leave a small kiss on your ring finger.

“Any suggestion to fix that wife?”

If you knew Zayne calling you wife after you left would have that effect on you you'd have done it sooner.

Because the way your insides were viscerally screaming for him wasn't normal at all.

Clearing your throat to get back a semblance of focus, and sanity , you spoke up again.

“I have a few , mind me if I show you..” you leaned in closer until your noses were now touching “husband”

Zayne must be losing his mind , maybe standing for too long under rain altered his brain chemistry because there's no way just you calling him husband in this sultry tone had him cumming in his pants or maybe it was your taste , your sounds , or just how badly he was infatuated with you.

His head fell in the crook of your neck as ropes of cum soiled his underwear and pants.

Your hand found his hair , petting it as he hid his face in the crook of your neck in embarrassment

“What do you think , husband?” you murmured before kissing his temple , earning a small whine from him

“Show me” he raised his head from your neck to look at you , hazel eyes nearly black from lust “show me what you had in mind”

He didn't need to tell you twice because as soon the words left his lips you were straddling him , legs resting either side of his muscular thighs as his clothed cock was nestled against your slick heat.

Zayne's hands automatically found refuge on your hips gripping them for dear life as his breathing got heavier and heavier

You were going to be the death of him.

You impatiently tugged his pants and boxers down , too impatient to take your time , you needed him right fucking now.

“Impatient are we ?” He let out in a breathy chuckle

“You're any better , Dr” you teased him , hand wrapping around his cock to pump it slowly.

His head fell back in ecstasy, an airy fuck leaving his parted lips. His chest heaved up and down as his pants and groans filled the room replacing your earlier sinful moans.

Zayne ran a hand through his already disheveled hair , body growing hot and bothered under your touch. And the way you were looking down at him didn't help his state at all

“D-darling” he breathed out in a moan , body growing taut with Desire and need

“Mmh” you hummed distantly ,watching fascinated how your hand slid up and down his veiny cock.

“Please” he begged , voice growing higher in pitch , his pleading hazel eyes looking down at you in a way that made you cave in so fast .

“How could I ever deny you when you beg so sweetly?”

It was simple you couldn't.

Straddling him , you lined his cock with your entrance, finally giving what you both wanted .

You both moaned in unison when you sank down all the way onto him , the stretch making your eyes roll back into your skull.

He felt as good and full as you remembered .

You stayed unvoming for a moment, letting yourself adjust to his size. But Zaybe was a patient man until it comes to you.

His impatient hips started moving in small jerky movements to fuck himself deeper into you. Each thrust pulling out a breathy whimpers from your lips

“Fuck Zayne” you moaned head thrown back as you bounced against his lap meeting his thrust halfway in a lewd symphony of skin slapping sounds.

Zayne was in heaven. The sight of you on top of him combined with each slow drawl of your lips had him gasping for air , mind growing mushy each time you ground yourself against him in small gyrations tthathas him gritting his teeth .

He had to recite every single artery he knew to not come inside you already .

That's just how good you felt around him.

“Darling” he whimpered the sound sending a jolt through you .

Fuck you couldn't take this torture anymore , he couldn't.

A small yelp left your lips when you felt your back hit the mattress. Zayne's hips just pounding into you.

“I love you” he whispered against your lips with every deep thrust.

“I love you my wife” he continued to pant into your mouth while his hips just rammed into you.

“I love you too” you struggled to breath, the way he was fucking you so deep inside the mattress made it unable to moan or even scream, now just struggling to breath.

His forehead rested against yours, his hands intertwining with yours as he continued his mean cadence.

“My wife” he breathed out , eyes closing as you both reached your peaks

You didn't even realize at first that you were coming , just your vision blacking out for several seconds by the intensity of your orgasm , Zayne's body collapsing onto yours as he pumped you full of ropes after ropes of his seed.

Zayne stayed there for several seconds, head buried in the crook of your neck , dick still buried deep inside of you.

“Darling” he looked up at you only to find your eyes closed, your body unconscious

“Darling , my love wake up” he shook you but no response came

Shit did you pass out?

He quickly got off you , hand frantically checking your pulse.

Fortunately you were still breathing, just passed out from exhaustion

Maybe he went a bit too rough? (Just a bit??)

He caressed your cheek tenderly before leaving a small kiss on it.

The first thing that hit you when you woke was this familiar scent piney and so so addictive that reminded you of….

You abruptly sat up only to be pulled back in bed by a sleepy Zayne

“Stay there with me” he grumbled out in a sleepy voivce that made your heart melt .

So it wasn't a dream, Zaybe really came all this way under the rain for you.

His arms on your waist pulled you closer until your back was flush against his chest , his hot breath tickling your bare shoulder.

You chewed nervously on your bottom lip , eyes roaming around the room , the sound was about to rise sun. You could see the pale hue of orange , pink ,violet and blue painting the sky outside.

A new dawn , a new beginning you hoped

“I can hear the gears turning in your head” Zayne spoke after a while making your eyes snap back to his face .

“What's on your mind ,wife?” He asked , resting his head against your chest to look up at you.

“I am sorry” you muttered after a while making his eyes widen in surprise

What on earth were you apologizing for?

Seing his puzzled look you clarified yourself

“For leaving you” you added ,looking away from him.

“Darling” he sat up, taking your hand to caress your knuckles

“You don’t need to apologize_”

“But I put you in pain_”

“So did I” he cut you off making you seal your mouth shut

“Darling..” he let out a small sigh before continuing, his fingers still tracing small reassuring patterns on your hand “marriage is about communication, understanding and forgiveness, I haven't beenuch understanding of your feelings lately . I should be the one apologizing not you”

You listened intently to his words not daring to say anything.

“i should have take your feelings in more consideration please forgive me” he finished his eyes looking at you so earnestly it made your heart ache

“I already forgave you but” you sat up as well to wrap your arms around his neck “I don't want us to fight like this anymore”

“Me neither’ he shook his head, wrapping his arms around your waist

“All good?” You tilted your head at him

“All good” he nodded before pecking your lips gently “Just please don't ever scare me like that , my hear can't take it” he pleaded against your lips making you smile

“Can't promise anything Dr” you grinned

“Now it's doctor huh?” He sighed indignantly making you giggle at his pouty expression

Akso's chief surgeon pouting ? What a cute sight to behold .

“Fine, husband” you rolled your eyes playfully at him before pinching his cheek

“Much better” he smiled before capturing your lips in a passionate kiss.

“I love you Mrs Li” he mumbled out through the kiss

“I love you too Mr Li” you responded before pushing his back against the mattress

Under the dawn's sunlight Mr and Mrs began a new chapter one they hope won't involve a certain Adele song and Goodbye letters

...*...*...*...*...*...*...*...

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#love and deepspace #lads Zayne #lnds Zayne #loveanddeepspace Zayne #Zayne smut #Zayne fluff

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