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watsittoyah · 1 year ago

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Along Came A Spider…2099

Warnings-Sexual content, and adult content. Some mentions of multiple dimensions. Some anal play, full nelson, penetration, sad moments...

(My Spanish isn’t great, so I did use google translate to help…)

Chapter 13- And The Truth Comes To Light…

Your whole body felt heavy and your ribs felt like they were on fire every time you inhaled. You feel as if your back was pressed against something solid.

A wall, maybe?

You open your eyes and instantly you remember what happened with Dana in the bathroom and you feel terrified.

Dana was standing there with a pumpkin in her hand. She was studying it for a bit and that’s when you see she’s no longer wearing her lime green dress. Instead she was dressed as the green goblin. You look around and see you’re on a roof of some kind.

Her ghoulish green eyes finally look at you and she places the pumpkin down. “Did you know there are over 150 type of pumpkins in the world. Yet here in this country, they’re mostly used as decorations. A pity watching these precious things rot on a stoop. But I found better use of them. This one…this one is going to be my greatest joy.” She kneels down in front of you an grips your face. “The fear in your eyes right now is pretty. Then again, I like to see fear in the eyes of the people I despise.” She lets go and walks away from you.

“Wh…why are you doing this? If this is all because of Miguel and me-“ She laughed throwing her head back. “Tommie, you are looking at all of this but you’re not really seeing the whole picture. This is all going to make sense once you get those memories back.”

“What are you talking about? Dana we can talk about this pl-” She was suddenly in front of your face causing you to jump. “Miguel hasn’t told you anything? Huh, maybe all of his memories aren’t back either. He has told you that he is Spider-man though right?”

How does she know all of this stuff? You wonder as you glance around trying to see if Miguel was around.

“What are you talking about?” You ask trying to fake being confused. “Lying to me won’t save you Tommie. I’ve been watching you. I know how he touches you. I know how he feels about you and oh god…do you know how hard it is to not cave your skull in right now? I just want to hurt you and laugh at your lifeless body. But I have to wait for the right moment or else my plan won’t fall into place. Then again…maybe I can snap your knee cap out of its socket? Nah that’s not good enough.”

You feel that your hands are tied behind your back and you think maybe you can get them loose if she just keeps talking. You catch movement in the corner of your eye and internally you’re happy because you see Miguel in his spider suit.

You had to keep her distracted long enough to let him do a sneak attack or at least until you could get free.

“You’ve been the green goblin this whole time? Why? why would you hurt those people? You almost killed a child.” Dana shrugs. “I honestly just wanted to get to you. Those people? That child? Were just casualties. This is something you need to understand when it comes to Spider-people lore. They will always have a green goblin in their story because the goblin is their demon they have to kill. I became the green goblin just to haunt Miguel. But I didn’t want to stop there. No, no, I wanted to seep into the back of your mind and make you hate your own existence.”

As she monologues Miguel makes eye contact with you and nods.

“And how were you going to do that?” You ask as she goes to turn but she stops and faces you completely. “By taking your heroes away. Your parents, they died in a car crash back on I-97. You were hmm thirteen at the time…”

How the fuck did she-

“You’re thinking how does this bitch know that? I know because I was there. I won’t get into the complicated details just know that your parents are far too trusting to young girls on the side of the road. They didn’t see it coming. Honestly I was quite impressed with the fight your mother had. Your dad? Oooh one stab to the back of the head and he was gone. And the way they crashed in that shitty car was beautiful. All your mother did was scream. She even screamed your nam-”

You had no clue you had such super human strength, but you dislocated your own wrist and you punched her clean in the nose, causing a huge crunch on contact. From your knuckle or her nose? You don’t know.

But what you did know was you saw red.

“You son of a fucking bitch! I’ll kill you!” You yell as you tackle her to the ground. Dana was laughing as you swung on her. You feel someone rip you away from her.

Everything seemed to be moving fast. One second you’re being ripped away from Dana and the next you’re being pushed out the way. When you blink you see what happened.

Dana had somehow launched a hovering device with spikes in the front and it was aimed for you. However Miguel pushed you out of the way and he was pierced in his shoulder, pinning him to the wall.

“No!” You get up to help him but you get yanked back. Dana was holding you from behind and she was laughing. “Don’t you just love a man in uniform?”

“Get off of her, Dana! I should’ve known you were the green goblin the whole time.” Miguel said as he rips his mask off. “Awe but Miguel I wasn’t don’t playing with her. But now that you’re here, I can show her what you’ve been hiding. Tommie take a deep breathe for me.”

The next second she had thrown a strange black powder in your face. Your reaction was to inhale and as the powder enters your air ways you heard Miguel scream.

Dana lets you and you sway on your feet until your knees give out. You fall on your side and the powder causes a foaming reaction in your throat.

You try to spit it up but your body feels weak. You lay on the ground and you see Miguel had ripped himself away from the wall and he had punched Dana in her face.

You then look up into the sky and that is when you see a strange glowing light…

••••

Earth-957

The lights in the building were oddly bright as you ran to your office. “I’m late, I am so late. Out of all the days for my car to break down.” You mutter as you turn the corner.

You almost collide into Erica and she holds her hands up. “Whoa T, if you run any faster there’s gonna be a collision.” She jokes as you catch your breath. “Sorry! My dad had to give me a ride over. My car had broke down, but he said he would fix it.”

“I could’ve gave you a ride you know.” Erica says as the two of you walk down the hall. “I know but I didn’t want to bother you since you just came back from maternity leave. How is DJ anyways?”

“She is doing great. She’s finally sleeping through the night. Dennis is already scheduling her first dental appointment.” She says rolling her eyes. “I need to come by and see her. I’ll bring a gift. Maybe a stuffed animal?” You suggest. “That would be great. I’m sur…”

You glance at the main room where a few of the scientists are and someone had caught your eye. You didn’t even notice that you had stopped walking and you were just staring.

“E, who is that?” You whisper to her. She turns around and walks back over looking at who you were staring at without shame. “Oh the brooding guy in the corner? That’s Miguel O’Hara. He just started working here a while ago. I hear he keeps to himself though.”

You see by his profile how handsome he is. “He’s cute.” You say as you keep staring. “Alright enough ogling him. If he catches you staring he might get a restraining order on you.” Erica says as she tugs you away from the glass.

Miguel suddenly looks over and you duck down. “Look at you. Get up!” Erica grabs you and pulls you away. But as you do you look back and Miguel was staring back at you…

It was after work and you were on the phone with your mom at the bus stop. It was pouring rain and your mother was trying to come and get you but she was stuck in traffic. “Mom, it’s okay I can wait for the bus it should be here in a few minutes.” You look down the street and see a silver car drive past you.

You had accidentally bumped into your water bottle that you had sitting on the bench beside you. “Mom I’ll call you back.” You slide your phone in your pocket and you go to reach for the bottle but it rolls into the street.

The silver car drives past and you step back. The person inside gets out of the car and picks up the water bottle, handing it to you. When you look up you’re met with a pair of hazel eyes.

“Would you like a ride?” Miguel had asked. You were about to decline but stop yourself. “Sure.” He takes his jacket and puts it over you so you don’t get wet and he leads you into his car. He walks around and gets in as well.

“Thank you. I normally have my car but my dad is fixing it. Hopefully not now because then he would get hurt, you know from the rain and the car parts being exposed. Oh um I hope you don’t think I get into cars with strangers all the time. But I feel like I can trust you.”

“I’m just happy to give you a ride, Tommie.” Your face lights up. “You know my name?” You can see his cheeks redden. “Sí. pero solo porque-I mean.” You stop him. “It’s okay I know Spanish, Miguel. And I know your name because the women in this company talk about you. Nothing bad I promise.”

“Ah, well I know your name because I had seen you in the building and asked a colleague.” You feel your cheeks warm and turn to him, putting your hand out. “Well let me formally introduce myself, my name is Tommie Valentine.” You thought he wasn’t going to shake your hand at first but he gave a firm handshake and smiled.

His smile looked genuine.

“I am Miguel O’Hara. It is nice to formally meet you Tommie Valentine. And now I’m curious. Qué se dijo de mí?”

“Just that you’re broody, and you’re new. Oh and you might be single.” You throw that last part in there but then you notice he’s still holding your hand.

“I wouldn’t say I’m new, I just dropped down in positions.”

I’d like to drop a few positions on him. You think to yourself.

You then give a scoff. “There’s no way you’ve been working at Columbia Tech. I definitely would’ve noticed those pretty hazel eyes sooner. Wait oh no.” You cover your face and Miguel gives a hearty laugh.

“You’re funny, I needed a laugh it’s been a while. Gracias, amor.” When he called you that the blood in your ears just roared. “Happy to put a smile on your face and a laugh in your heart.” You smile at him and he stops laughing. He stares for a moment and you feel as if you did something wrong.

He leans over towards you and you glance at his lips. Is he going to kiss you? Do you want him to kiss you?

You had leaned in as well, closing your eyes waiting for the kiss but he clears his throat. “That seatbelt sticks, so I’d figured I would help you out.” Your eyes open and Miguel was close. But he was also reaching for your seatbelt.

You shrink back from embarrassment and just shut your mouth.

Of course he wasn’t going to kiss you Tommie. You just met this man. He is going to give you a ride home and hopefully you’ll forget about this.

“Thank you.” You mutter as you look out at the rain. After he clicked the seatbelt you notice his scent. You squeeze your thighs together because his scent made you wet. You then inhale deeply. Trying to figure out what he smells like. Cinnamon and sage.

Yeah that’s what he smelled like. You started to wonder then what did he taste like.

You bite your bottom lip and turn to him and he was still close. Which took you by surprise. You go to speak but your mouth felt like it had peanut butter stuck at the roof of it. Instead Miguel reached up and moved one of your wet curls out of your eyes.

“Me gusta tu pelo. Do you always have it up like that?” He asks as he moves back just an inch back. “Yeah, I think I look pretty with my hair up.”

“Se ve hermosa. With it up and down.” He moves back and he puts his car in drive. You can’t help but watch Miguel as he drives. There’s something about him that’s very comforting. Like you’ve been around him all your life.

“So, you’re in the science department. Do you like it?” You ask just to have some small talk. “I do. It helps me with my…after work activities. You’re in tech engineering?”

“Yup, I honestly should thank my best friend, Erica. She told me about the job. I just love to be hands one with the projects there. And if you ever need help…I’m available.” You flirt. “Oh I will take you up on that offer…to help me in the lab I mean.” You can see Miguel’s lip curl into a smile and you two continue with the conversation as you tell him where to go.

When he gets to your place you sit there not wanting to leave and you feel as though he feels the same. “Well this is my stop…” Miguel looks past you and nods. “That’s a nice place you got there.”

“It is, well I should get going.” You say as you continue to sit. “I could walk you inside, you know just to be sure it’s safe.” Miguel offers making your face light up. “Yeah, I would love that. Oh, I wouldn’t suppose I could interest you in coming inside? I made a pretty big tres leches cake, and it’s only going to go to waste.”

“Funny, I actually love tres leches cake.”

“Would you look at that. I can pay you back for the ride with my goodies.” You wince because that sounded terrible out loud. He simply laughs and he leans over unbuckling your seatbelt. “No me importaría probar tus golosinas.”

Oh you couldn’t wait for this man to taste you-your goodies.

You two get out of the car and as you walk up your steps you catch Miguel looking at your ass in the reflection of the door. You smile wide and turn to him. “Now when you eat this cake don’t ask for the recipe, it’s a family secret.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it’s been in my family for years. So if you want the recipe you’re going to have to marry me.” You joke. But Miguel wasn’t laughing, instead he was just staring at you. “I’ll stop talking now, sorry.” You go to open the door but he stops you. “No, amor. Please keep talking. I like your voice it…feels like home.” You smile at him and let him inside of your house…

••

FOUR YEARS LATER…

“I will be home in fifteen minutes, mi corazón.” You were on the phone with your husband and you were feeding your three year old son, Xavier. “Miguel O’Hara, you better not be web slinging while talking on the phone with me.” You scold as you wipe Xavier’s face clean from his dinner. He was laughing as he did an up motion with his hands.

“Qué? I don’t know what you’re talking about, amor. I am walking like a normal person.” You switch your phone to your other ear as you pick up your son from his high chair. “Miguel O’Hara, no me mientas. You and I both know you are not a normal person.” You hear keys jiggling at the door and Xavier points. “Mama mama!”

Miguel opens the door and Xavier claps his hands reaching for his father. “Hola papa. Come here.” Miguel picks him up and gives you a kiss. “You said you’d be home in fifteen minutes, baby. What did you do? Fly?”

“I power walked.” You rolled your eyes at Miguel and he gives Xavier kisses all over his face causing him to laugh. “Mama! No!” Miguel places him down but Xavier clings to his leg. “Mama up!”

“Say papa.” Miguel has been trying to get Xavier to call him papa but so far Xavier just keeps calling everyone mama since you were his first words. “Mama.” Miguel sighs but picks him up. “Un día dirás papá.” Miguel says as he looks at Xavier. Xavier just smiles and looks over at you.

“Mama.” He holds his little hand out to you and you take him from his father. “Let’s get you ready for bed, while papa gets some work done.” You kiss Miguel on the lips and he makes you linger as he plants several more kisses across against your full lips.

“I’ll be in the study doing some reading, amor.” He tells you as he gentle caresses your face. “I’ll check on your later then.”

After Xavier had his bath and was put him to bed, you peek in on your husband and see he was reading. You give a gentle knock and he looks up. “Mind if I interrupt?” You as as you walk into the study. “Nunca podrías interponerme, amor.” You stand behind him and peek at what he’s reading.

“Black holes and other phenomenons?” You question. “It’s just some light reading for when I go to my other job.” Miguel answers as he pulls you over onto his lap. “That’s interesting, other husbands read comics, or mysteries. Mine reads scientific fiction for leisure.” You joke as he snuggles his nose against the back of your neck. He inhaled before answering your joking comment. “You know I’m not like most husbands, amor. Mmm you smell good.”

“That I do know, baby. And thank you, I got a new lotion and body wash set, it’s banana milk with a hint of honey.”

“Bueno, hueles delicioso, solo quiero comerte.” Your lower lips throb as you feel his fangs trace one of the veins in your neck. “Then what’s stopping you, Miguel?” You challenge as you slip your night gown up past your thick thighs.

“Goodness…” Miguel whispered out as he see your pussy between your parted legs. “I really should finish this book…”

“But?” You ask as you feel your husband cup your still clothed breasts. “But I want to satisfy my beautiful wife. Mmm stand up for me, amor.” You do as you’re told and you hear Miguel unzip and shuffle out of his pants. You feel a smirk on your face as he positions you and he whispers for you to sit.

You let out a whimper as you slide down on his dick and you grip the desk in front of you. Once you’re settled down he grips the nape of your hair and he kisses your neck.

“Now I can finish the last chapter while you fuck your self. Doesn’t that sound fun?” Your eyes roll back as you nod and you feel him smirk against your neck. “Go ahead…have fun. I’ll get back to you in a mo…moment.” Miguel moans as he picks his book back up.

You bite your bottom lip and you rock your hips in circles as you feel his dick throb inside of you. “That’s my girl, just like that.” Miguel moans out as you hear him turn a page. You rock your hips a bit faster as you grip the desk with a more firm grasp.

You look back at Miguel and he was no longer reading. He was looking down at your ass and when his gaze met yours, his eyes were blood red.

You see him place the book down and he licks his thumb. You feel as he takes that very thumb and he rubs your perky asshole, causing you to bite your bottom lip. “Should I play with you hear…or here?” He takes his other hand and he placed his index and middle finger on your slick clit.

You go to speak but he leans forward and captures your lips with his fangs. “Mmm, don’t answer that, amor. You know your husband loves to please his little wife.” He plays with your asshole and clit while your rock your hips and you lean your head back, feeling the build up.

“Baby, don’t stop, don’t stop.” You moan out. “Shh, shh, princesa. If you’re too loud you’ll wake up our son. And I’m sorry but I won’t be able to stop at that point. Now take it just like I know you can.” He moves his hand from your asshole and he grabs the small fat connecting your hip and thigh and he pulls you down harder. “Shit.” You say through your teeth as you feel yourself about to come quickly.

Miguel then grabs you fully but placed your legs up, so you’re in a full Nelson position. “Rub that pussy for me while I fuck another baby into you, amor.” Miguel says as he bucks up inside of you.

You give soft moans as you do as you’re told and Miguel fucks you hard, causing the chair to squeak. “Me encanta ver a mi niña bonita ser follada mientras juega consigo misma. Es tan sexy.” He moans as you feel his dick twitch inside of you.

You clench and soon after you both are coming together. You feel several ropes spurt inside of you and you two kiss passionately. “Baby, I want more.” You coo as he lets your legs down. “If you want more I’ll give you more.” Miguel kisses your neck but then you two get interrupted.

Just then Lyla materializes. “Miguel, Tommie I’m sorry to interrupt alone time but you need to turn on the tv.” You both straighten up and Miguel grabs the remote and flick on the tv and across the screen was a this just in banner playing on the bottom of the screen.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s been reported that there are strange portals opening in random spots and sucking people in. This is a strange phenom-” A portal opens behind the news anchor and sucks them clean through.

Miguel and you made eye contact. Both of you had a panicked look in your eyes. “Amor, I’ll be back. You go grab Xavier and go to the lab. Please stay there.” He helps you up and you quickly go towards your sons room to go and get him. Before your husband leaves you stop him. “Miguel, be careful.” He gives a fake smile.

“I’ll be careful, mi amor for you and for him.” Miguel kisses Xavier on his head and he kisses you on your lips. “Baby, if…if this doesn’t work. I just want you home with us. I just want you home.” You tell him as you grab his hand. “Amor, I will fix this. Don’t worry. I always save the day.”

He lets your hand go and Lyla tells him that the threat of this situation just spiked. “Come on, papa. Let’s go to the lab so papa can save the day.” Xavier just leans his head on your chest and points to Miguel saying mama in a sleepy tone.

You grab a bag for your son just in case and you head down the hall, and towards a door that lead to the lab Miguel had built the second year after you two had gotten married.

You look back one more time at your husband and he touches his wrist causing his Spider suit to form to his body. He tells Lyla to open a portal to the main source and you close the door behind you…

It wasn’t suppose to be this way. It wasn’t suppose to end up like this. You made sure to keep calm for your son but you were scared.

You watched on the news that the portals were getting more frequent. You look down at your son and he was sleeping in your arms. “I don’t know what to do, but I know that if…if anything happens I will make sure you are safe, that you are loved. I will make sure we stay together because you are my world, Xavier C O’Hara. And I know your father? Your father will find us. Because he is Spider-man, and he had beat the impossible before.” You sniffle back the tears and you tap your wrist.

“Yes Tommie?” You had called up Lyla and you wipe your face. “Lyla, how is he?” Lyla gives a head shake. “He is doing his best, he’s found that the portal source came from Earth-199999. He’s trying to shut it down but it’s with some difficulty.” You look down at your sleeping son and then back at Lyla.

“Lyla, I don’t know when a portal will come for us, but when it does and I know it will. Make sure Miguel finds us.”

“Tommie don’t talk like that. Miguel is going to stop this.” Lyla says in a slight panic. You smile sadly at her. “Miguel said it was unnecessary to create you with feelings but I think that’s your best feature because you care. Now I know my husband has faced the impossible and he’s beat it time after time but I’m not him. I’m not a super being. I’m just a wife and a mother and the best I can do is prepare him. These portals are other dimensions that are spreading across this earth. Make sure…make sure he doesn’t forget us. Make sure he finds us and make sure when he does that he lets me figure it out. I don’t want my other self to freak out and regret him. Because Miguel is the best thing that’s happened in my life and I want him happy.” You smile through the tears and you feel the vibration in the air.

“No! I’ll go get him! I’ll get him here now!” Lyla dematerializes and you look up. You can feel the portal coming for you. Maybe if you’re lucky you can start over with Miguel. You can have a reset and have those happy moments with the man you’ve loved since you seen him brooding in the corner at work all those years ago.

“God I’m so proud of the man he’s become.” You say as you hear Miguel calling you. You stand up and he ran into the lab. As he reached for you you, you feel your molecules vibrating. His hand had passed through you and Xavier.

“You’ve done a good job, I want you to know that, Miguel.” You hold back the tears as your husband keeps trying to reach for you. “No, no, no. I can fix this amor I can fix this.” The panic in his voice was heartbreaking.

“Baby, I know you’ll fix this. But remember what I told you, when you came home covered in blood? That you some times you won’t be able to do it all. You’ll have those days where you’ll have to choose. I want you to save the world.”

“The world means nothing if you and Xavier aren’t in it. Por favor, no te vayas, mi amor. Just stay. I can fix this, everything will be back to normal.” If you could hug your husband you would but a flicker happens above you and you feel the portal about to take you.

“Miguel, I’m still proud of you, you’ve done great things. That angry person you thought you’d be forever? He’s not here in front of me. You make me so proud to be your wife. Now stand up and save the world. When you’re done, my love…come find me. I’ll be waiting in the universe for you.”

And just like that, you and your son were taken by the portal, leaving your husband behind..

••••

(Present Earth-928)

You seen it all. You see every multiverse of yourself meeting Miguel, being together, falling in love and having happiness. You two are cannon lovers in the universe.

But one, one universe, Earth 616, he was with Dana. They were together, they were happy. He was going to marry her until you ran after a baby bottle that belonged to a baby. It fell into the street and a car had almost hit you. Miguel was wearing his Spider Suit when he saved you.

The moment your eyes had locked, it was set in motion that you two were meant to be.

Miguel left her for you and you two were going to be happy. But Dana, because she had a brilliant and dangerous mind she had came up with an idea that would make her life better. And that included having Miguel.

With her inheritance, she had hired the best scientist in Alchemax to create a device that would open up a portal where you didn’t exist. Where she could be happy. But you existed, every single earth, every single dimension you existed and that had twisted Dana’s mind to the point where it snapped.

With the Super Collider, she had decided she was going to ruin your life just like how you ruined hers. She picked a world where you didn’t have anything established yet. That mattered to her. She sent her consciousness to that world where she would became the villain of the story all because you took the life she had.

She figured if you didn’t have the loving parents, the tech engineering career, and Miguel she could easily drive you insanity, just to the point where you would end yourself.

Every bad thing that happened in your youth up to your adult life was planned out for her to hurt you.

Those nightmares? She caused them. Those moments you felt as if you were being watched? She did that. Those nights in your youth where you contemplated on ending it all, she was the reason behind that all because she had a glimpse of happiness and it was snatched away from her.

You lay there on the ground processing everything you know, and you felt bad for Dana but you felt anger because she just took and took from you just to benefit herself.

You turn to the side and you throw up what was in your mouth. You sit up carefully and you see Miguel had Dana pinned to the wall, her mouth bleeding but a smile still in her face.

“…I know you want to do it, Miguel. I know you want to kill me so what are you waiting for? Don’t be the hero, be the man who got his happy ending!” She yells in his face. Miguel had raised his claws to her throat. You can see in his blood red eyes he wanted nothing more than to rip her throat open and watch her bleed out.

“If you think you’re going to get away with what you’ve done to not just me but to her? Then you are mistaken, Dana. Death is too good for you, but I know the perfect place for you to go.” Miguel webs her up tight and drops her on the ground.

“You’re making a mistake! Any chance I get Miguel I will make her life a living hell! You were mine! And you will be mine if you allow me to live. I will never give you a moments rest. I will keep coming and coming until I have snapped that bitches neck! I will hurt your future, I will hurt your children! I will cause you misters because you are mine!” Her eyes were so green they almost looked white.

As Miguel turned his back to her he went to you and you stand on wobbly legs. He reaches out towards you and that’s when you see Dana kicking the pumpkin she had sat down earlier.

A strange smell was coming from it and you knew that smell. You’ve mixed those chemicals by accident in high school and it caused the lab equipment to explode. “Miguel watch out!” You get up, using the last bit of the adrenaline you had left and you launched yourself over the soon to be exploding pumpkin.

“No! Don’t stop! This is the best part!” Dana and flung her self onto you and you both tussle until you both go flying off the roof.

You never known you could see your life flash before your eyes like that. Let alone every single one of them. You see Dana laughing as she falls to her untimely demise. And you look up to see the love of your life launch himself after you.

You reach your hand out, praying to God that he will catch you. You were begging for time to stop so this man would get to you. But as you stare in horror you feel your life slipping from his grasp.

Miguel shoots his web at you and just when you feel as if you’re safe…

You hear a snap…

Previously, Next

#miguel o'hara #watsittoyah #along came a spider #along came a spider 2099 #miguel o'hara x reader #miguel o'hara x tommie valentine #miguel o'hara smut #miguel o'hara x black reader #tommie valentine #spiderman 2099 #spiderman #spiderman smut #spiderman 2099 smut #spiderman 2099 x female reader #marvel #across the spiderverse #oscar issac hernandez estrada #oscar isaac smut

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obsidianstrawberrymilk · 7 months ago

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omg I never see anyone talking about fukuzawa and kunikidas background but I agree with you so much I think he met him as a teenager if not younger. I've always liked to think that kunikidas parents know fukuzawa somehow and he kinda grew up knowing him. kunikidas whole background and family is such a mystery it drives me crazy

DUDE SAME HOLY SHIT I'm so curious about Kunikida's background because!! We know!! So little!! Like the only reason we know he used to be a math teacher is because he was literally working as one when Dazai's entrance exam happened - what was he doing before?? How did he discover he has an Ability?? Considering it's basically canon Abilities come from trauma, what even happened to him so his own manifested?

People talk about how Dazai is so careful on what he tells the agency but ngl, the agency know jack fucking shit about each other lmao. It's not just Dazai - we still have no clue what the fuck is up with the Tanizaki siblings or how Kunikida joined the agency. No one knew about Yosano's backstory before she shared it with Tanizaki and Kenji sans Ranpo and Fukuzawa because they RESCUED HER. Its confirmed no one sans Ranpo and Fukuzawa (possibly Yosano) know how the agency was founded in Untold Origins; and so much around Kenji is a mystery as well. We know about Atsushi because of his trauma dumping (as he deserves) and Kyouka because her joining the agency was so dramatic - everyone else though is far from an open book. Especially Kunikida.

Also - Kunikida's so fucking WEIRD, right?? Like people talk about him like he's the 'sane' one of the agency, but that's just because he's next to Dazai fucking Osamu, who makes anyone look normal. Kunikida is way too down with violence - hell, the first appearance we get of him he pins a starving orphan to the floor, it's noted he's not allowed to ask questions to clients because he gets violent, and he's told to cool it by Dazai of all people. Like?? He's passively suicidal with a HUGE guilt complex, and like, that obsession with his ideals can't come from nowhere. Like Kunikida's commitment to his ideals to the point of self destruction is shown to be bad for him, the center of his character and his flaws, so where does something like that come from? People also skip over the specifics of his moral code - because that's not clear cut either lmao. He breaks into weather stations because they reported wrong, steals cars when people have insurance, is just kinda like -_- when Atsushi and Kyouka are in danger in the start of the manga, and really, he's just... his morals don't align with the law. Period. Nor do they seem simple, despite how people want to read him.

So how the FUCK did that happen?

Because like I said, we know so little about Kunikida!

I really like the idea you said, about Kunikida having grown up knowing Fukuzawa! That's definitely interesting, I don't think I've heard that. It would make sense if Fukuzawa started training Kunikida early - because he's way too good for someone who started training at say, 18. In Dazai's Entrance Exam he wipes the floor with an opponent who has a significant weight and size advantage over him, and I actually think he could match Chuuya in terms of pure martial arts (maybe not beat, but it would definitely be a close fight without Abilities). That's too good for someone who only started training hardcore when he hit adulthood.

Also - I think Fukuzawa was the one who gave Kunikida his Ideals notebook. I don't think he was there when his Ability manifested or anything, but I do think he was the one who gave Kunikida that direction, that sense of purpose. It makes sense to me - Kunikida's dislikes have authority listed (considering the author irl, that makes sense), and he's got one of the most vulgar speech patterns in the series and comparatively rarely uses honorifics... yet he respects Fukuzawa so much?? He defers to him so much?? He's his successor, outright stated? What caused that type of loyalty, that type of deference?

Was Kunikida the first person to take an entrance exam, considering the agency was started for Ranpo and Yosano definitely didn't? What was his even like?? WHY did they make him the first one to take it, if he did?

Idk, I REALLY hope we get more on Kunikida's backstory soon. There's so much that's implied, and at the least I hope we get more on his relationship with Fukuzawa.

#please ask me about kunikida i have so many thoughts and rambles about him #bsd #kunikida doppo #bsd kunikida #doppo kunikida #bungo stray dogs #thanks for the ask!#fukuzawa yukichi #bsd fukuzawa #yukichi fukuzawa

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coff-in · 5 months ago

Note

HIII ITS ⭐️ ANON AGAIN!!!!

I'd like to request a Reader who is Ashleys twin x Ashley and Andrew were she's worse than Ashley (to an extent) like we're she'd basically bully Andrew but in a loving way y'know?

Ashley and Reader grew up differently, Reader was Non verbal for most of her life (only in child hood), she also was a bit more nicer and accepting but acts like Ashley when it comes to Andrew. Reader would have a bunch of friends but she counts Ashley has the bestest friend of them all

This is after the sacrifice. Readers gift is regeneration or super healing but comes with the cost of needing to eat human flesh or else she black out and devours someone even if it is her beloveds. Also she would say the most out of pocket stuff

For example were Andrew would TRY to assert dominance but would get absolutely flamed by reader, she'd say sum shit like "I am starting to think your not the top...your like at the way bottom, like your the dirt me and Ashley walk on."

Reader would also be a biter too. Andrew probably has a faint scar from her biting him.

SORRY IF THIS IS TOO MUCH 4 YOU

notes from coff-in: :( i'm sorry this took so long!! that's on me, sincerest apologies ⭐️ anon.

[fem] reader-insert, brief NSFW mention (the word sex comes up like twice), incest (due to the NSFW mention)

i remember jumping on top of this older guy in elementary school because i liked him and he told me off by saying "people don't bully the people they like." this is the same with [reader] and andrew except andrew lets it happen because he doesn't wanna deal with [reader] pitching a fit later at home when he denies her. [reader] biting is something he'd have to teach her how to curb, though, especially once they get older and people start getting the wrong ideas... he'd let her bite him at home though. ashley doesn't mind the biting at all and may even bite back. so what if people look at them weirdly? this is how they show love to each other! who cares what those fucking hussies and whores think anyway?

one thing ashley does mind is [reader]'s friends. there's a deep possessive jealousy that courses threw her when she sees [reader] with her friends. she'd tell [reader] that they only hang out with her because they're a bunch of fucking floozies that are using her! they don't care about her like leyley does or like andy does! and of course [reader] would listen to leyley, because she's her best-est friend, her #1!

andrew would get pissed off at [reader] back/shit talking. "you're the fucking dirt me and ashley walk on" and he'd just grasp her face like he did ashley on the bridge in decay and whisper to her "you wanna fucking try me?" god the hate sex would go crazy... the thing is, it might not even be hate sex per say. i doubt either of them genuinely hate each other but they just can't be honest about their feelings. andrew constantly denies and deflects his feelings while [reader] shows her attraction by bullying, belittling, or biting him. though if she's like ashley in the way she acts then she's pretty open with her attraction/attachment to andrew, maybe it's just her insecurity that flares up into violent aggression.

[reader]'s gift of regeneration would... be a bit of an issue. i think andrew would like to stop killing people if only because it could cause issues down the line if they get caught. i think ashley is all down for carving humans for dinner. there's definitely a small argument between them whether or not they continue their group cannibalism or they just kill for [reader]. i could even see them trying to make a deal with the entity to get rid of the "black out at eat the nearest human" part of the gift/curse if not all of it all together. like, sure it benefits them in the short term but what about after killing their parents and getting new IDs? it'd be kinda suspicious that these new neighbors just move in and then suddenly people start going missing. it depends on how often [reader] has to feed, too. maybe they could keep some (hu)meat in their freezer.

i wonder what andrew and ashley would taste like... i keep thinking salty. idk know why. maybe due to sweat or smth

----

coff-in

#cobweb in the coffin #⭐️ anon visits the coffin #tcoaal #the coffin of andy and leyley #andrew graves #ashley graves #tcoaal x reader #ashley graves x reader #andrew graves x reader #the coffin of andy and leyley x reader

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j0kers-light · 1 year ago

Text

His Lighthouse: Mind Games (LedgerJoker x f!reader)

Mind Games

series summary:

Y/n is an aspiring writer living in Gotham City and struggling to find her next muse. Her recent novel is getting all the buzz, earning her far more attention than she signed up for. But when a chance encounter results in her nursing The Joker back to health, will she find the time to write another best seller or will her own story become front page of the Gotham Gazette?

chapter summary:

The mind is a dangerous weapon, you should know this firsthand. Surely this all can't be real? But if so.. then who's lying? And who's telling the truth?

author's note:

Its been far too long loves! I'm back with a new update and boy is this one a doozy! Forget everything you thought happened last chapter and just read from the top! Things will slowly start to make sense or trick you. I hope you enjoy either way! I had a song selected for this chapter but in the end, it didn't fit the overall mood. Maybe next time.

taglist:

@blackreaderatrisk @twinkledinkle @clemdango04 @l3ejm @tears-of-amber @what-an-angel @darthjokerisyourfather @thatsnoteii @dollster @cheetahspy @kaidennnnn @urdariingdoll @motivation-idontknowher @ins0mniac-whack

Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!

Last Chapter | Next Chapter

When did your mind start playing tricks on you? Did you hallucinate the entire conversation or just bits and pieces? When did it all go horribly wrong?

Your head was pounding and you didn't remember a thing after Bruce stepped closer to you.

When your back hit the balcony railing, it set off a trigger that made you instantly disassociate. You didn't hear Bruce's smooth voice after that as it was replaced with another from your past— one that you tried so hard to forget. It was sickly sweet and made you feel dirty inside and out.

Words and phrases were twisted around until you didn't know what to believe anymore. The background changed from your rooftop balcony to that damp and dark alleyway and that's when you knew nothing beyond this point was real.

Deep down you knew Bruce would never be this cruel but you couldn't be too sure. He was a gentleman... this wasn't real, but your mind made it seem very realistic.

Your memories from that night were back and you couldn't bear to relive it again.

'It's not real.' You repeated over and over as your mind spiraled out of control.

Bruce noticed you were shivering and covered your shoulders with a heavy blanket. He sighed when you tensed up and wrapped the fabric around yourself like a shield. You were so jumpy lately, it really had him concerned.

He didn't understand why you were so distant towards him. Bruce could be the bigger person here and ask why despite the awkward tension festering between the two of you.

"How do I say this? You've been distant lately. Especially to me." He said. He wasn't expecting your timid voice to respond so quickly.

"Uh.. yeah? I hope so since I broke things off with you and if you haven't noticed over dinner— I've moved on. You're the one that keeps being nice and trying to get along with my parents.."

Bruce strained to hear what else you said under your breath but he caught your eyes blinking a mile a minute. That was unusual.

"Y/n, are you alright?" He asked.

"Yeah." You said without missing a beat.

He frowned and stepped closer, causing you to back away and hit the balcony railing with your hip. You slurred more of your words together.

"Are you sure? You look unwell, Y/n. Perhaps we should get you inside."

You were mumbling under your breath but Bruce couldn't hear a word. He knew something was wrong when you held your head and started hyperventilating. Then it hit him. You were having a panic attack.

His Batman instincts immediately kicked in.

"Breathe in and out, Y/n. Whatever it is, it's not real. Can you hear me? Y/n?" You avoided his touch but Bruce was persistent in trying to calm you down.

"Whatever is hurting you Y/n, please let me inand—"

Bruce never heard a scream as blood curdling as yours.

It's like he said the magic words and triggered old memories, for you immediately began fighting his hold, kicking and screaming with all your might. Bruce was a strong individual, with or without the bat suit, but he struggled trying to keep you still. You were too close to the balcony ledge for his liking so he corralled you back towards the apartment to keep you safe.

Everyone in the penthouse heard your horrified scream and woke up out of their slumber to investigate.

Your mom and dad were unfortunately veterans to this and knew exactly what was going on so they rushed straight to the scene.

Barbara, Morgana, and Dick however stumbled out of their rooms and followed the commotion out onto the balcony, not truly understanding what was going on in.

They all arrived to witness you screaming at the top of your lungs and clawing at Bruce's arms like a feral cat. He was trying to calm you down but the scene looked rather odd without any context.

Your parents would walk in while the two of you were in a suggestive position.

Bruce did a double take at the shocked audience and shouted, "Don't just stand there, help me!" You resorted to biting him and he almost lost his grip on you again if not for his leg pinning you down.

Your mother panicked seeing you in a fit of hysterics and she couldn't blame you. You were being manhandled during such a delicate situation.

"Let go of her!" She rushed to Bruce's side and snatched you out of his hold.

The second you felt a female presence, you stopped fighting back but continued to cry uncontrollably.

Your father slid to your side but kept his distance as to not set you off again. He felt useless not being able to help in your time of need yet your mother quickly stepped up to the plate in his stead.

"It's okay sweetheart. It's over, it's over. He's gone. You're safe now. It's all over." Your mother shushed in your ear. She rocked you like a baby as you choked back tears.

"P-Please stop! It hurts!" You wailed. Your mother blinked back her own tears while rubbing your back in big comforting circles. Your father met her gaze as they held a private conversation.

It's happening again.

"It's not real, Y/n. You're safe now." Mom glanced at Bruce's bloody arms and winced. "Babe, can you go find the first aid kit for Bruce?" She whispered to your dad so you wouldn't hear.

Everyone's eyes focused on the angry red claw marks your nails left on Bruce. Just what happened here? Your father grimaced at the bite mark but stood up to make himself useful.

You pleaded again, trapped in a distant memory and Morgana choked back a sob hearing her friend in so much pain.

It was too much to witness and she turned away to cry. Dick stood off to the side, oddly quiet, but concerned for his sister. Everyone was.

Barbara couldn't stand the silence and cried out, "What happened Bruce?"

Multiple curious eyes watched the billionaire rub the back of his head. Your father came back with the first aid kit and started accessing the damage you left. "She's still a fighter (mother's name). I bet these hurt like a mf, lemme see."

Bruce had suffered worse injuries but your nails were rather sharp so he let your father dab alcohol on each scratch to flush out the blood. Bruce had yet to answer the question on everyone's mind.

Your mother looked Bruce dead in the eye and arched an eyebrow. He thought he was gonna get the scolding of a lifetime at the intense e/c staring him down.

He started from the top and explained.

"I genuinely do not know. It's chilly out so I came to offer Y/n a blanket. I tried striking up a conversation about what happened over dinner but she started blinking excessively and clutching her head as if she had a headache. Her back hit the railing and I think she began to have a panic attack. When I tried to calm her down, she became combative."

You whimpered in your mother's arms as you finally fell asleep. She sighed in relief and swapped places with your dad.

She knew he felt useless and he gladly held you close now that you were unconscious and unaware of a male's touch. Your mom waved Bruce over and set about applying Neosporin to his scratches.

They were rather deep but they would heal in a few days time. He declined bandaids and she snapped the first aid kit closed and spoke.

"Don't blame yourself for this. Y/n had a very stressful day and her mind isn't functioning properly because of it."

"That doesn't explain what happened? Is Y/n okay?!" Morgana returned to the conversation with tear tracks still visible on her face.

She never seen you so distraught before. It was like a completely different person possessed your body just then. What kind of friend was she to not notice how much pain you were hiding? She wasn't any better than Florence.

Barbara was thinking the exact same thing. You needed solid friends right now and she was the worst one imaginable.

Your mother took a look around and sighed at the somber air on the balcony. She was emotionally drained after consoling you and it appeared that everyone else was drained as well.

"I think it's time to address the elephant in the room." She sighed. Your father shared a look with his wife. "You think Y/n will like that?"

Mom rolled her neck and snapped.

"D__n it, (father's name)! These are her friends! This episode clearly shows she's been suffering alone! They can help if they know what's going on! She can't keep bottling this up forever; it's killing her. Do you like seeing her like this? Reliving that night every time she's touched the wrong way or backed into a corner?"

Your father bit out his reply. "Of course I don't! But when Y/n wakes up and sees everyone eyeing her in pity, she'll recluse herself again. It's why she moved in the first place. Not everybody heals the way y'all doctors assume people should!"

Dick sighed and stepped in between the feuding couple. This could go on all night if someone didn't stop them.

They both eyed Dick, wondering what the charismatic boy was fixing to say.

"Unofficial, but official, adopted parents please. Go get Y/n situated then meet us back in the living room." Dick didn't wait for them to respond, he just asked Morgana and Bruce to follow him inside as he helped Barbara's wheelchair get over the balcony's sliding door hump.

Your parents didn't dispute his request. They got you settled in bed before coming back out into the living room with no further arguments.

Your friends were gathered around your living room in various stages of alertness. Dick handed out drinks to go with the sweets Barbara baked earlier.

After being woken up so abruptly, sugar was vital to stay awake.

Exhaustion was all around but this was an important meeting that was about to transpire. Not a second could be missed.

Your dad sat down with a sigh and pulled your mother into his lap.

They finally looked their age as they gathered their thoughts to begin. The air in the room was heavy for the next hour and a half as they explained everything to your closest friends.

What they had to say was absolutely horrifying.

"You sure you'll be alright dear?" Your mother asked.

She stood in the foyer as Dick and her husband loaded the car downstairs with leftovers early Friday morning.

The morning came with hushed trepidation but the crew was forced to eat breakfast without you.

You had slept on through the night without any other episodes and your mother didn't anticipate for you to wake up until late this afternoon.

Her and your father had to head back to Blüdhaven and Dick offered to drive them so they didn't have to catch a train. Bruce had to head into the office for board meetings and after apologizing to your parents, (your mother assured the billionaire that this wasn't his fault) he left with the promise that he would check on you later today.

Barbara wanted to stick around but she had to return to work herself which left Morgana volunteering to stay at your penthouse to take care of you.

The perks of being your own boss, she joked. 'You make your own hours.'

Morgana smiled at your mother and nodded.

"Yes ma'am, I'll be alright. Dick showed me around so I got a feel of the place. Leftovers are in the fridge so if she wakes up, I'll make sure she eats and provide her lots of emotional support. You told me what to do if she... that happens again." Morgana scratched her cheek, still processing all that was discussed last night. Or rather this morning.

Bruce, Barbara, Dick, and Morgana saw you in a new light after your parents revealed your dark past and they each swore not to cast a shred of pity on you.

You needed them more than you let on.

Barbara and Morgana were beside themselves hearing about your past and they felt awful for almost ruining a friendship over a silly rumor Florence hatched up. That was the least of their concerns right now. Getting you back in high spirits was the only priority.

Morgana called her employees and asked them to deliver a crate of assorted flowers to your apartment building.

You loved her creations so she would surprise you with a giant bouquet for your apartment. It was a tiny gesture in the grand scheme of things but Morgana was willing to do anything to make you happy after last night.

Flowers could liven up the place and ward off bad spirits. She made a mental note to water your sunroom plants while she was here.

"Well dear, you have my number if you need me." Your mother hugged Morgana right as Dick came through the door saying they were ready to go. "You take good care of my baby! We'll be back in a few more weeks." She said.

"Call me if you have a question, Morgana!" Dick offered to the florist.

Morgana waved them both off and closed the door after more pleasantries were exchanged.

Your parents were super cool. Morgana was lucky to have met them even despite the terrible circumstances. She sighed to herself and thought aloud. "What a day.. and it just started."

She had the place to herself until you woke up so she went about accessing the state of your household plants.

They looked a little worse for wear and could stand a special treatment.

The day trickled on and Morgana spent the majority of it working on the lush floral display her employees dropped off at your place. She twisted exotic and local flowers into a gorgeous statement piece but something was missing.

Morgana was wracking her head around exactly what when she swore she heard your bedroom door close.

"Y/n?"

She looked towards the hallway but didn't see anything. A glance at the clock set the day around one in the afternoon.

Your mother was right about you sleeping in. It meant this happened numerous times in the past for her to have a predetermined schedule.

Morgana shivered. How long have you suffered like this?

She saw a blanket-clad figure float down the hallway and set a pink rose down to follow you.

"Y/n are you..." You slammed the door shut right in her face.

Morgana stuttered in shock but pushed it back open only to watch you crawl under the covers. This was so unlike you. "Y/n are you hungry?" She asked hesitantly.

You shifted under the covers away from Morgana's gentle voice.

Your mom warned her that you'd be antisocial for the next twenty-four hours but urged the florist to get some food and water in you. You lost a lot of fluids from crying last night and needed to replenish yourself or risk getting sick.

Morgana sighed at your lack of response but left to fix you a simple plate of food to eat with some water. You were still a hermit when she returned to the bedroom. You were gonna make this babysitting thing difficult.

Morgana sat the glass of water down on the nightstand should you wake up thirsty.

"I left some water and a plate of food if you feel up to it, Y/n." She said.

You remained buried under covers with no plans of returning to the real world. Dick had invaded Joker's room and erased the comforting scent of lighter fluid and cinnamon from the bed sheets.

With the sea of uncertainty floating within your head, you needed something familiar to ground you to the present. You craved Joker and his unique scent but he was nowhere to be found.

You whimpered dejectedly and Morgana's heart went out to you.

She wanted to offer you some emotional support but decided to leave you be. No words of encouragement could help the pain you were in.

She checked on you one last time before leaving your room. Her mind was focused on you and not her surroundings. She received the jump scare of a lifetime when she turned the corner.

"Holy s__t!" Morgana yelped.

Joker pursed his lips and watched your friend try to scramble away. Morgana knocked a figurine on the hallway table over but remained on her feet for the most part. The bauble smashed onto the floor in several pieces and Joker hummed offhandedly at its demise.

"I uh li-ked that one. So! I'm guessing you're the... florist friend."

He blocked her escape and tilted his head in a show of intimidation. It worked like a charm. Morgana's brown eyes were wide like saucers.

"Y/n likes your work. The uhh.. arrangements.. from Arrange Me NoT.. ya see. I wasn't ex-pect-ting visitors so uh sorry bout this..." Joker went to grab Morgana but she shoved the decorative table in his direction and bolted down the hallway.

Joker sighed and gave her a head's start before he easily caught up to her in the living room.

He yanked her back by her hair and Morgana, ever mindful of you trying to sleep, stifled her scream with her palm.

Her back collided with the wall as Joker held a knife up to her throat. It was natural that she panicked but she did so for an entirely different reason.

"You can't kill me, it'll tear Y/n apart!" Morgana looked Joker dead in the eye and pleaded her case. He rolled his eyes and nudged her jugular with his knife.

"S-She's hurting! She's hurting and we didn't know!! If you kill me it'll only make things worse on her! Please, I want to take care of my friend, I won't tell a-anyone! I-I-I promise!" Morgana started to sob but Joker could care less.

He furrowed his brows and gripped his knife tighter, "Whaddya mean.. 'Y/n is hurting?"

Morgana scanned Joker's face. His makeup was more terrifying in person than on tv.

The clown looked serious but she didn't know the guy well enough to know for sure so she asked aloud. "Y-You don't know?"

J rolled his eyes again and smacked his lips. "I wouldn't asK if I diD, now would I? Who. HurT. Her?" Morgana flinched every time he stressed a syllable.

Now, Morgana was a sensible woman. She was book and street smart and used them well in life.

Even with her back literally against the wall, she wouldn't show fear; it wasn't in her free spirited nature. She faced fear with a straight face and dealt with the consequences later, however; this man was worse than fear.

The Joker was unpredictable and unnaturally calm with everything he did. He held her at knifepoint with a lazy grin as if it didn't matter if she answered or not.

She would die regardless.

Her life didn't matter to him so she had to think smart to stay alive. She resorted to her business savvy skills.

Morgana had information that Joker didn't know about and that put a value on her life. It would buy her some time to escape at least.

She nodded to herself and began to work.

"Will you let me go? I-I'll tell you anything, just.. not while being held at knifepoint." Morgana glanced at the weapon resting precariously on her jugular. Any more pressure and the edge would puncture the skin.

Joker narrowed his eyes but guided Morgana over to the kitchen island by her arm after thinking things over. He wanted to hear what she had to say.

He pushed her towards a barstool and leaned down right in her face.

He hoped his fear tactics weren't rusty from misuse yet Morgana looked ready to pass out. His presence alone had her on edge.

"Start. Talking." Joker ordered.

Morgana nodded and closed her eyes. He wasn't giving her any time to react to any of this. She was face to face with the infamous Joker inside her friend's apartment. It was a lot to digest. Just what business did he have with you?

But suddenly, everything made sense.

The reason why you became so secretive out of the blue. Why you denied having relations with Bruce Wayne, how you survived the attack at The Prosperity, and why you wanted privacy at your apartment, now more so than ever. She thought back to when this all started; right after Joker escaped from Arkham Asylum.

You were keeping Joker a secret this entire time right under everyone's nose.

Morgana had to give you props; you did an amazing job but she still had to ask.

"Before I start, I have to know. Are you just using her or are you and Y/n like.. together together?" She made a lewd gesture with her hands. Joker wasn't amused. He clicked his blade back out with a sigh.

"I won'T ask again. Talk or the uhh knife? This one! It comes back." He shook it playfully and its sharp edge gleamed in the kitchen's overhead lights.

Joker wouldn't hesitate plunging the knife into her neck. The clean up would be a pain but nothing he couldn't handle. If she didn't want to willingly talk then things could shift to a more tortuous method of communication.

It was all up to Morgana to decide. Comply or be difficult. He let her mull it over.

Watching Joker's fiddle with his knife was enough to get her talking. This madman would not hesitate in killing her and she knew it. She'd tell him anything as long as that knife kept a safe distance from her. "I'll talk."

Morgana sighed in relief when Joker backed off.

"Okay, wow um, you might wanna sit down for this. It's.. a lot to take in. Ugh, where do I start?"

Joker watched Morgana stall and decided to help her along. He sighed and pulled up a seat in front of her.

"Let's start... righhhht after Florence left yesterday." Joker fixed his suit collar before crossing his ankles. Morgana was in disbelief by his extensive knowledge of the situation.

"How do you...?" Joker sent her a glare.

"You're right, I don't wanna know. Okay, so apparently Florence knows about you and Y/n. F__k, I do too! This is crazy. You and Y/n.. are dating. Anyways, Flo stormed out of the apartment with Neo hot on her heels. It was crazy with everyone talking over themselves and Y/n fainted but thankfully Bruce caught her. We were so worried about her but when she came to, she was still hung up on Florence. Then Y/n and Dick were yelling at each other until her mom broke them up."

Morgana ran a hand through her silk press. This was a lot harder to explain than she thought.

She quite honestly didn't know if The Joker wanted a short summary or a detailed explanation but she continued nonetheless. She chose to info dump to save her own hide.

"We all went into the kitchen– Y/n's parents, Barbs and I, while Y/n, Dick, and Bruce were still arguing in the dining room. Y/n walked past all angry at something Grayson said and slammed her bedroom door close but her mom left us in the kitchen to bring Y/n a plate of dessert. I guess they patched things up. They were up in her room for the—"

Joker had to interrupt. "Y/n let someone into her room?"

Morgana slowly nodded. He had been quiet as she rambled, she wasn't expecting him to interrupt to clarify such a useless detail.

"Yeah, it was her mom so guess it was okay? Well, now that I think about it, Y/n didn't appreciate them 'invading her safe space.' Her words not mine. It was around that time we all decided on staying over for a sleepover and Y/n made sure we were all situated before going to bed. I swear everything was fine when we went to sleep but we woke up to Y/n screaming her head off."

Morgana began to tear up. Joker felt indifferent to the sight since it wasn't your tears. Seeing Morgana's just annoyed him.

She took a deep breath and Joker knew she was getting to the important part.

"When we got to the balcony, Y/n was fighting with Bruce and crying her heart out. She was reliving everything that happened that night and... h-hey woah!! Where are you going?!"

Morgana panicked when Joker shifted to get up from his chair. She blocked his path and he eyed her in disgust.

"Move." Joker could not stand Wayne and his obvious lovesick attraction to you.

You had relations with Bruce that Joker didn't know about and it irked him to have competition for your love.

It was already bad enough that Wayne was at your apartment, that he spent the night, and then had the audacity to put his hands on you. But he messed up by making you cry. The man was begging for death at this point.

Joker would enjoy murdering Gotham City's most upstanding citizen. He already had a thousand ways to do it brewing inside his head. However, Morgana was in his way.

She hesitantly pushed him back and apologized when Joker gave her a harsh glare. Note to self: do not touch the psychotic clown, she thought.

She tried to calm down his murderous campaign by telling the truth.

"It wasn't Bruce! He was only trying to help!" Joker rolled his eyes (what help has Wayne ever been) but she put her foot down and continued.

"IF YOU STOP JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS AND LET ME FINISH, YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND!" She slapped her hands over her mouth and looked up at Joker.

She did not just yell at this man. Morgana did some questionable things in her life but that had to be the most reckless of them all. She glanced towards the bedroom and hoped that she wasn't too loud.

Joker was seriously considering snapping her neck for raising her voice at him.

His patience was thin today and this girl was testing it to the limits. Although he was curious as to why she stifled her voice.

He followed her gaze and eyed her quizzically. Morgana answered his unspoken question.

She dropped her hand, "Y/n is sleeping. It took forever to calm her down last night."

Joker closed his eyes and sighed. He was so busy handling the Florence situation with Neo last night, he didn't stop and check on you. And that proved to be a big mistake.

Once again, when you needed Joker the most, he was nowhere to be found. His sweet Bunny was terrified last night and had to rely on Wayne of all people for comfort. Joker had failed you yet again. It left a sour taste in his mouth.

He assumed guilt and vowed to atone for his failure in blood.

"Uhhh what, errrr rather who made her cry? Who I'm killing?" Joker asked out of the blue.

He sat back down on the barstool and Morgana eyed him briefly as she thought over her answer. If she told the truth, then he would go out and start a murdering spree.

"No one I think? Like I said, Y/n was in total hysterics last night. Her parents knew exactly what to do to calm her down from her episode. She... she had a panic attack about the night she was—" Morgana stopped and looked away.

The most important part and she couldn't say it aloud. She fought back tears and faced Joker.

He needed to know but the words were caught in her throat.

Joker wasn't a fool. Something was hurting his Bunny that he didn't know about. Correction; He knew something from your past still haunted you for a while now.

There were signs that he picked up during his brief time with you.

You were a recluse despite being so young and you avoided all types of human interaction outside of your close circle of friends. He also noted you did not have any male friends, except for the Grayson boy.

You visibly became uncomfortable around the opposite sex. Him included at times.

Joker knew about your claustrophobia and anxiety in tight spaces. He noticed you would eye him warily when the two of you would take the elevator, or that you preferred open floor plans, and most of all– he remembered the conversation the two of you shared after he rescued you from Two Face's warehouse.

Joker couldn't ignore the fact that another man was on top of you earlier. "Did he.. uh you know.." Joker brushed your thigh in passing.

"No and could you just drop it? I-I don't want to be a victim again."

And Joker would be a fool not to remember the comment you made as he prepared to take you for the first time that same night.

"Um.. almost two years. B-Before I moved to Gotham. It's one of the reasons why I moved." You met Joker's knowing gaze and weakly smiled. "It's in the past. I'm okay. Really. You can touch me.. I ahh I like it when you do."

Two years. You didn't want to be a victim again. You moved to a different city to get away from the trauma someone inflicted on you.

You liked Joker's touch but it took him forever to acclimate you to it without flinching.

You still did every now and then but he paid it no mind since you would relax after a second or two. Joker noticed every little thing about his Light but he dismissed all the warnings signs.

The truth was right there. He was just too selfish to address them.

All the times he was too rough in bed or grabbed you unexpectedly, came crashing down on him. What if he pressured you into something you didn't want? What if he triggered old wounds and made things worse?

His Light, his ray of hope in this bleak existence of his, deserved to be happy and loved.

Without your smiling face by his side, Joker would be a ruthless madman again; only wishing for the world to burn with no true endgame in sight.

He spent too much time bathed in your light to return to his pointless crusade. What a lonely life he lived before you came and gave it purpose.

Joker didn't know what to do with the fact that his Light was miserable inside.

Morgana watched him slip down a mental rabbit hole. He looked lost in thought as a weight settled over his brow.

She wondered what you saw in the man but the longer she stared, she could see some of the appeal. He was hot if she squinted. Joker obviously cared a great deal about you and his eyes were a complex shade of green that Morgana had never seen before.

You had a thing for eyes.. but the fact you made someone like The Joker have feelings for another human being was an achievement in itself.

Morgana hated to interrupt his thoughts but she finally found the courage to continue. She cleared her throat to continue but Joker cut her off.

"Don'T say it. I know. I've.... known for a while now." He swept his arm across the kitchen counter and sent items crashing to the floor.

Morgana jumped at the unexpected action and watched Joker stand up and begin pacing the room, mumbling to himself.

He was about to start breaking more things when Morgana stole his attention.

"Now you see why I asked you earlier?" Joker shot her a glare. She swiftly changed her tone. "Are you just using Y/n... or are you going to be there for her? Y/n needs us, all of us, and if you're just using her, I'm sorry but I can't allow that!"

Joker laughed, "What are ya gonna do, hmm? Stop me? Now.. that? That is funny. But don't worry– I'm not using Y/n.. I lov—"

Joker stopped himself mid sentence and Morgana caught onto what he almost said. Her jaw dropped in disbelief.

You could hear the fridge humming in the background, it was so quiet in the kitchen.

"O-Oh. Well, um that wasn't on my monthly bingo card but alrighty now." Morgana fell back onto the barstool.

This was awkward. She stole a glance at the criminal frozen in place as he registered what he just confessed to.

He finally almost said it aloud. He'd been struggling for days to tell you in person but managed to say it to your friend, no sweat. She had to die now. No one could know he had feelings.

Joker turned his head like an owl and Morgana instantly picked up on his murderous intent.

She moved so there was an island counter in between Joker and her. She valued her life, thank you very much.

"Hey now! No need to get all murder stabby stabby on me! T-That's amazing! H-have you told Y/n yet?"

Joker curled his lip. "No. Where is she?" He glanced down the hall and was about to storm off when Morgana flailed her arms.

"Wait! Don't wake her up!!" Her shout worked in getting Joker's attention but now she had to do damage control. Joker did not like her ordering him around. Morgana could work on establishing an acquaintance later, your health was more important.

"You can't just drop an L bomb after everything that's happened, are you crazy?! Now is not the time and news flash! She doesn't need— Uh excuse you?! Hey, are you listening to me?"

Morgana dashed down the hallway to catch up to Joker. She slipped past him and blocked the door frame with her body. "Listen to what I'm saying!"

Joker eyed her like a pest. Did she seriously think she could stop him?

"Y/n can't stand men right now. She drew blood trying to get away from Bruce and she couldn't tolerate her own father's presence. You don't know what her ex did to her. You don't want to see her like this."

Joker stared at Morgana as her warning sank in.

If he had any clue what your sorry excuse for an ex did, then you needed someone to comfort you more than ever. Isolation was the last thing you needed right now.

As someone who frequently battled voices inside of his head, silence was the enemy and made matters worse. Joker knew that for a fact that you don't handle separation well, so why did Morgana think leaving you to your thoughts was a good idea?

It was a recipe for disaster.

He understood why you're terrified of men but you never feared him before. Why start now?

Joker smacked his lips and shoved Morgana aside. She yelped as he opened the bedroom door and glanced around.

Same original hardwood floors, same vegan cowhide rug.

The leather couch with two accent chairs, one slate grey, the other sage green, were still over in the corner by the electric fireplace and the view of Grant Park from outside was half obscured by the curtains. A single beam of sunlight was the only source of light within the room.

Everything was the same yet vastly off due to the fact that your aura wasn't thriving in the room.

It felt cold and bereft of life.

Joker was eyeing the open closet door when he saw something shift on the bed.

There was a sizable lump in the middle but he recognized the shape from anywhere. You were buried underneath the covers and doing your best impression of a blanket burrito. He could tell that you were awake.

You were timid but curious of the presence that entered the room. Subtle movements revealed you were tracking his every footfall.

Joker exhaled before walking over to stand beside the bed. He rather rip the band-aid off than freak you out by stalling.

Morgana picked herself up from off the floor and entered the room, only for Joker's eyes to force her back out.

She understood the message within the greenish hue.

"I was neva here." She said as she walked backwards out the door. It clicked shut behind her.

With her gone, Joker could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

He wasn't out of the woods just yet since Morgana would surely stay inside the apartment, (little did he know, she was cupping her ear to the door, trying to eavesdrop) but he could be more forward with his actions. It was a relief that your rooms were soundproof; Joker had a lot on his mind.

"I know you're awake."

The pile of covers flinched and shrunk in on itself. Joker shrugged off his coat and tossed it onto the leather couch. It landed heavily with a distinct metal clank.

"You probably need, uhh, space but I can't leave ya alone. NoT now. I'm here. If you need me." Joker sank a knee onto the bed and crept forward until he bumped against you. He heard the sharp inhale you made upon contact and wisely backed off.

You were a gentle soul both inside and out. You didn't deserve to be frightened of something as simple as human touch. He wanted nothing more than to spoil you with affection, however Joker would be patient and regain your trust again. You were worth the wait.

Just like the bunny he named you after, he would wait until you came crawling out of your hiding hole, curious to explore.

And just like he expected, you slowly poked your head from out of the covers before looking around the room. He stayed out of your eyesight so he wouldn't startle you, but somehow, you knew he was there.

It wasn't that dark in the room but he was hesitant to turn on a light until you asked him to.

"W-Who's t-there?" You turned your head and locked eyes with pools of jade.

Joker didn't move a muscle as you lookedbut didn't fully see him. He noticed you shaking. You probably saw someone else with your unstable mind.

"Y/n, it's me." J waved at you but you shrunk back further into the covers.

He had to think fast and jog your memory. He was the one that gave you a slew of nicknames but you didn't have one for him. He was just J.

Not very helpful in this current predicament.

Joker still had his makeup on and it would remain until Morgana left the penthouse for good. It eliminated him from showing you the constellation of freckles you loved so much on his face. That for sure would restart your memory.

What was something the two of you shared that could help familiarize Joker to you?

He had yet to give you anything of sentimental value so he striked that off the list. He was shifting his weight on the bed when you tensed.

Your nose flexed just like a bunny, he thought it was cute.

"I should ahhh–"

You cut Joker off. "Lighter fluid and something.. metallic. It.. it smells like that when I'm safe with.. J? Where, w-where were you? Why didn't you stop him..?"

There were many things in this life that Joker overcame. He been in the world's most toughest jails, endured inhumane torture methods, and fought against the greatest superheroes and lived to tell the tale. Yet despite all of those feats, he was brought to his knees at the sight of your tears time and time again.

They were daggers straight to his heart. He couldn't bear seeing his Light in so much pain but despite the agony, he couldn't look away.

You clung tighter to the comforter around you.

"I-I don't know what's r-real anymore! I can hear him telling me it's okay but it's your hands hurting me. You wouldn't do that! Your hands are warm w-with callouses on the palms and index fingers. I begged you to stop! Why won't you s-stop?! Please.. just.. Why weren't you there when I needed you?"

Joker hated to admit it, but Morgana was right. He didn't need to see you like this.

He was living in a nightmare seeing his precious bunny struggling to see the truth. Your mind was all mixed up, fighting both the past and the present.

He had to do something although he didn't know what.

"I.. I wasn't here last night, but uhh, I'm here now. C'mon, Y/n, tell me what ya need me to do."

Joker would give you the world on a silver platter if you asked for it, but he felt utterly useless watching you spiral into madness. His heart stopped beating after he heard your watery plea.

"It hurts, please stop." You weren't thinking clearly and he began to worry when you started to breathe erratically.

He couldn't sit around and watch you suffer. Joker threw all caution to the wind and pulled you in for a hug, covers and all.

At first you resisted– Joker thought he messed up big time– but you sagged further in his arms and buried your face into his chest.

You grabbed fists full of J's suit and inhaled.

The unique cocktail that only Joker possessed, helped you recognize who held you tightly. You sobbed knowing that your Dark Prince was finally here. You thought Joker abandoned you.

"I don't want him to come back, please don't go!" You looked up at Joker.

Your big e/c were frantically staring into his. He sighed and tucked a wayward curl back into place under your bonnet– for once, you didn't flinch, rather you leaned into his touch. Your cheek felt so cold against his hand.

Something in J gave way to the moment.

"If you'll, uh let meee, I'll never let you go. Is that okay?" Joker asked. You looked away and he quickly added. "I won't do anything else, doll. I just wanna be.. here for ya. Let me ahh hold you so... he.. doesn't hurt ya. I won't leave you."

You bit your lip. Joker's arms were soothing for now but you were wary of them.

He could turn violent at a moment's notice. "You promise you won't hurt me?"

You gasped when Joker rested his forehead against yours. It didn't matter that his white paint transferred onto your skin. You weren't expecting such a sweet gesture from him.

It pained him to hear your plea. He feared you were broken beyond repair. But Joker could fix you; he could fix anything if given enough time.

"I'd let Bats drag me back to Arkham Asylum before I'd lay a finger on ya. Never again." He kept eye contact with you as he grabbed your hand. You surprised yourself by letting him do it.

Baby steps, Joker thought to himself. His eyes squeezed shut as he kissed the fading scar that he made on your palm.

You saw the anguish take hold of his features. Since when was Joker so open to show his emotions?

Joker dropped his usual dialect and talked to you straight. You knew he was serious when his voice also dropped an octave.

Gone was the clown that Gotham City feared, this was just J, a man secretly in love, speaking to you in the hushed air of your room.

"You're my Light. My everything." He used your fingers in his grasp to wipe your tears away.

More rushed to the surface hearing his sincere words but he diligently kept wiping. "These tears I swear, they'll be the death of me. I know it's scary and you have every right to fear me, but if you don't remember anything else– know this Y/n." He waited until you looked at him.

A kaleidoscope of green greeted you and you swore you would never be the same.

"I will never hurt you again. I promise."

Joker whispered your name when you lost concentration and he patiently waited until you looked into his eyes again.

They pleaded with you to understand the unspoken truths his heart was too weak to voice.

Screw what Morgana said about bad timing. He wanted you to know. He had to tell you the truth. Joker cupped your face, "Y/n, I lo—"

You wanted to hear what Joker had to say but your eyes grew heavy all of a sudden. The last thing you ate was that plate of sugar Mom brought you last night. Your body burned through it and demanded more fuel to keep you functioning.

You were dehydrated and your mind and body were running on fumes. You couldn't keep up, so you crashed.

Joker panicked when your body swayed slightly before you fell back. You were unconscious by the time he could react.

He cursed at his failed attempt but recovered quickly to dote on you. Declarations of love would have to wait. His Light was running the risk of being sick.

Joker laid you down and tucked you into bed properly before heading over to the door. Much to his surprise Morgana was there, doing a terrible job of hiding that she was eavesdropping.

She pretended to straighten the abstract artwork hanging outside the guest bedroom as Joker walked by.

She glanced inside and saw you sleeping but knew something happened behind closed doors.

Instead of being a blanket burrito, you were tucked in bed like Sleeping Beauty with the pillows and covers around you almost picturesque.

Joker had a soft side after all. She just witnessed it firsthand.

Maybe she should tell him everything your parents disclosed last night after all. By the time she caught up to Joker in the living room, he was mid-call.

He saw her approaching and held up a finger.

Morgana dealt with many rude people in her line of work but Joker was probably the rudest of them all.

"... Mmhm, make sure she's discreet this time. One of Y/n's friends is still here. Yeah.. about that.." Joker locked eyes with Morgana. "She's alive. For now."

She froze on the spot. What did for now mean? Was there some kind of 'how to stay alive' program she needed to know about? He had some nerve and this was the man who claimed to love you.

How comforting.

Morgana bounced on the balls of her feet hoping to be acknowledged soon.

Joker discussed some more minor details with one of his henchmen before hanging up. His eyes then flickered over to the vibrant bouquet of flowers Morgana was working on.

She thought he would destroy her hard work but he leaned over to sniff the delicate flora instead.

"For Y/n?" He scanned the work for any imperfections; there weren't any.

He wanted nothing but the best for his bunny. He stared at Morgana, arching an eyebrow when she didn't respond.

"Y–Yeah." Morgana said, "I'm not finished yet! It's gonna be double in size with more Queen Anne lace and roses to r-round it all out. Y/n loves roses and the Eucalyptus will be good for her exhaustion. Its scent is known for its aromatherapy powers plus its good for rejuvenating the spirit and overall elevating one's mood."

Joker nodded and backed off. It was nice to know one of your friends was looking out for you in your time of need.

He was wary of keeping Morgana alive but she was proving to be 'good people' as you had a habit of saying. A far cry from Florence.

Joker grumbled to himself just thinking about the Haitian.

Morgana jumped hearing a rare chuckle from the dark clown. "She'll like them. Now! Let's dis-cuss you. Sit."

Joker clapped his hands and pointed to the blue couch in your living room. He didn't wait for Morgana to act, he was already walking towards the kitchen to grab a water.

He noticed the leftovers in your fridge as he rummaged around for a drink. You probably needed to eat but he'd wait for the doc to look you over and decide what's best.

He snagged two water bottles and headed back to the living room but arrived to witness Morgana swirling a tumbler glass in her hands.

She took a big swig from it as he sat down opposite of her in an accent chair.

She wiped her mouth and tried to explain, "Don't judge me. I need hard liquor after all of this. Want one? I'm great at mixing drinks." She shimmied her shoulders but Joker wasn't amused.

He heard stories from Y/n about Morgana. Her and Florence were the heavy drinkers of the group.

"Y/n doesn't keep alcohol in her apartment." He noted.

Morgana laughed once and polished off her drink. She set it on the coffee table that separated them both. She noticed the clown was right at home in your place but had yet to find her and Flo's numerous stashes of liquor.

"What Y/n doesn't know won't kill her." She failed to dodge the water bottle Joker threw at her face. "OW! What was that for?!"

He sipped on the water while rolling his eyes. Morgana rubbed at her cheek and waited for the clown to finish. He drank the entire bottle in one pull before recapping the top and setting it down.

"Y/n likes to recycle. Ya know- saving the.. turtles, uhh, one plastic at a time. That's my Light. Always caring for others; failing to take care of herself."

"Isn't she caring for you until you no longer need her?" She interrupted.

Joker licked his scars. Have patience. No need to take your frustrations out on others, he heard your voice recite in his head. He took a deep breath before smiling at Morgana.

"I'm noT leaving Y/n so that means I have to, uhh, geT along with the people in her life. So! This can be a lit-le experiment of sorts between usss. Let's see how long you can keep your mouth shut and I'll.... see how long I can tolerate you without murdering ya! Deal?"

Morgana was at a loss for words. What kind of agreement was that?

"I need another drink." She sighed. Joker's laugh was far more creepier in person than on tv.

The sound of the doorbell startled Morgana out of her task. She set the spray bottle down and jogged over to the front door to answer it.

She was pleasantly surprised when a beautiful woman was standing outside, chewing on bubble gum with an attitude.

"Can I help you?" Morgana asked.

The female looked up from her phone and glanced down the short hallway, at the elevator, and then back at Morgana.

"Tis boy better not have given me da wrong address. Hold on." She dialed a number and brought it to her ear.

Morgana was left awkwardly holding the door when the mysterious woman began arguing with whoever she called.

The commotion gained Joker's attention all the way in the living room. He recognized the woman at the door instantly. She did the same the moment she spotted Joker.

"Well well! If it isn't my sorry excuse for a patient! I see you're not restin' your leg like I told ya." She sighed.

Joker smiled and leaned on the door frame. "Be glad I didn't kill you after my checK up, doc." He fired back.

Morgana glanced back and forth between the two. "Uhh do you two know each other or something?"

The woman looked Morgana dead in the eye. "I don't know who this man is. I mean, he could be walking down the street, I wouldn't. Sorry to this man."

Joker laughed and she joined along but swatted his hands away when he tried to grab her neck.

The pair walked inside, leaving Morgana utterly confused in the foyer. She watched them talk amongst themselves like two old friends and caught up to them mid sentence.

"..and her hands are sooooo cold, doc. She's been crying her little heart out and passed out in my arms. Whatever can ya do?" Joker pouted as he held the bedroom door open for his esteemed guest.

She walked in and looked around. Leave it for Joker to find some chick with money. She sat her bag down on a nearby table and dug through it for some gloves.

"Sounds like dehydration. When's the last time she ate?"

Morgana walked in and answered for Joker, "Last night around eight ish? It was a plate of dessert but she ate dinner too. Hi, I'm her friend and you are?"

"Name's Sarai. I'm this idiot's on-call doc." Sarai dabbed Morgana up before facing her employer. "Now, where's my patient?"

Joker was too busy stewing in jealousy. He liked secret handshakes too. What gives?

"You don't do that with me doc. I thought we were errr close."

She eyed him like a fed up mother would her child. "You ain't black, Joker. Now move." She pushed him aside and approached the bed, but stopped as if she saw a ghost.

She treated hundreds of patients a day but she never forgot a face. "I remember her."

Sarai picked up your hands and sure enough, the jagged cut that she treated almost a month ago was still there. Your hands were cold to the touch just like Joker said and also a bit clammy.

"Did you do this?" She pointed at your palms. Joker sat down by your side and had the decency to look ashamed. He sighed before nodding.

Both Sarai and Morgana stared at him in disbelief. He looked so remorseful.

Joker was such a man child at times. One would have thought Sarai scolded him with the way he was acting. She flicked her braids over her shoulder with a huff.

Today they were blonde butterfly locs reaching down to her waist. When she shook her head, they moved with her. Joker eyed them curiously. How did she work in the hospital with such long braids?

"I knew I shoulda filed a police report. Her shoddy story bout mistakin' the pepper grinder for a knife was too sketchy."

She donned her pink gloves before she gently opened your mouth. "Ah, as I thought. She's dehydrated. You want an IV in her?"

Morgana stood on the other side of the bed to watch this interaction up close. There was actually a person not afraid of The Joker!

This supposed doctor was talking to him any kind of way and he paid her no mind. She would demand something out of her bag and he would grab it, no questions asked.

But he pushed Morgana to the ground and threw water bottles at her when she raised her voice at him. This man was truly unpredictable.

Morgana let her intrusive thoughts get the better of her. "So you're a real doctor and you willingly work for him?"

She slapped a hand over her mouth after she spoke but it was too late. Sarai was inserting an IV into your arm but chuckled at the insult. She admired her handiwork before replying.

"Dr. Sarai Obukofe, chief trauma surgeon at Gotham General. Joker's house calls pays more tho. Don't give me dat look. I'm from Blüdhaven, his crimes ain't nothin' n' Jokester here won't hurt friends of da family. Won't ya now?" She nudged his leg with her own.

Joker hummed. It was neither affirmative or negative.

Morgana slowly nodded. She picked up the thick Blüdhaven accent at the door but she was still confused.

"Friends of the family?" She questioned.

Sarai rigged the IV bag to your bedpost. It would have to do since she didn't pack an IV pole. Not like she could.

This was an off the books house call after all. She received a text from her cousin saying to come to an address with her crash kit– strictly on the low.

Sarai automatically knew it was for Joker. She couldn't refuse the job even if today was her rare day off.

She blew a bubble and popped it sharply before eyeing Joker. "How deep is she?" She jerked her head at Morgana.

Joker didn't look away from you to answer. "Accident. I'm con-sider-ing offing her later."

Sarai grimaced and cast sympathetic eyes on Morgana. "Ouch, so an outsider then."

She checked you over when you began to shiver. "Frost mentioned on the phone that she had a 'traumatic experience.' Care ta explain that?"

Morgana had enough. She cut through the air with her hand in a fit of rage.

"No, no! Go back! I thought we had a deal, Joker! We shared a drink together, you said you'd keep me alive if I helped you with this 'get along with others' experiment of yours. Now you're thinking about killing me again? Make up your mind!"

Joker was about to when you whimpered and stole everyone's attention. They were being too loud.

"You're disturbing my patient. Either lower ya voice or move dis conversation elsewhere." Sarai hissed at Morgana.

The florist was trying to keep her cool. These two strangers just barged into your place as if they owned it and had the audacity to boss her around!

She couldn't even defend herself! Morgana wished she'd let Dick stay behind instead. He probably would've handled this situation a bit better than her. Sure he would've fought with Joker and possibly died in the process, but he wouldn't have sided with the madman to stay alive. GCPD would have the place surrounded with Batman en route by now.

She had half a mind to sneak away and call the authorities but one look at you had her second guessing that decision.

The last thing you needed was more stress and strangers surrounding you and your space. You required peace and quiet to heal.

But this clown was on thin f__king ice with her.

It was a lot to handle on a Friday afternoon and Morgana wasn't about to let Joker or this doctor mess with her energy. She took a relaxing breath and found her center.

"I will not let your indecisiveness get the better of me. However if we're to get along– whatever the hell that means, you gotta stop threatening to kill me." Morgana said.

Joker looked at Sarai as if she had the answers.

The doctor was putting away her tools and had no parts in this. She'd stick around until Joker called her back to remove the IV. Other than that, her job was done.

That is until you groaned and blinked your eyes open.

Everyone held their breath in anticipation. You squinted your eyes a few times until you felt a tightness on your forearm.

Much to your horror there was a hospital IV inserted in your vein. You began to claw at it when Joker reached out and stopped you.

"Hey. Hey.. leave thaT alone, baby doll." Your eyes darted up to him.

It took you longer than he liked to recognize him again, but you were slowly coming back to yourself.

"J.. it's cold." Your fingernail picked at the tape Sarai attached to keep the needle in place.

You hated doctors and you hated medical treatment. It reminded you too much of that night and the following weeks thereafter. You didn't want to think about it again, and Joker was right there to distract you from it all.

His hand rested atop yours and squeezed. He felt like a furnace. He sighed, "I knooow but, it's gonna make ya feel better. You uhh want me to hold you? Promise I'm warm, hmm?"

His thumb rubbed circles on your darker skin as you thought over his offer. You relented with a weak nod.

Joker stood up to climb into the bed with you but looked up at something within the room.

"Close the door on your way out. Now."

You wondered who he was talking to and followed his gaze. You and Morgana locked eyes. She was calm, way too calm to be in Joker's presence and the crazy part– he allowed her to be.

Your eyes went back and forth between her and Joker as the wheels in your brain spun out of control. Surely this was a dream.

There was no way Joker would let another one of your friends in on his secret. Then you spotted a third individual standing off to the side. She looked familiar but you couldn't place her at present.

Your mind was too busy grasping at the reality of Joker and Morgana being in the same room without the latter being murdered.

That dream you had of a little boy by the river whispered in your mind.

'She knows and now she has to die.'

He wasn't talking about Florence. He was referring to Morgana.

You shot forward and grabbed a hold Joker's suit vest in a surprisingly strong grip. He looked down at you in intrigue as you started spouting nonsense.

"Not her! Please don't kill her Joker! She's my friend. Y-You promised me!" You were leaving wrinkles in Joker's shirt as Morgana rounded the bed to enter your line of vision.

"Y/n! Calm down, I'm right here! I'm okay!" She stole your attention but it came with a price. You let go of Joker to whirl on Morgana. It was her turn to hiss at your vice-like grip.

"You can't be here! You have to leave Gana. You didn't see nothing! Deny everything! Please.. I-I can't lose you too. I can't lose another friend.. Please."

You sobbed into her arms and she glared at Joker who was still standing off to the side, speechless.

He was coping with the fact you begged him not to kill someone and that he felt obligated to obey.

He wasn't going to let Morgana leave the apartment building alive but the moment you begged him, Joker's hands were tied. He promised he'd never hurt you. That meant physically, mentally, and emotionally. You stopped The Joker with three simple words.

You promised me.

He stood frozen, awaiting your next orders for he truly did not know what to do after discovering the power you held over him.

Morgana managed to get you to lie back on the bed as your burst of adrenaline died out. You felt sluggish all of a sudden.

Sarai stood watch as the pain meds she added to your IV line started to kick in. You fought against the fog and looked over at Joker.

His eyes instantly found yours and thus the staring match began. Your drugged induced gaze had a clear warning in them and you made sure to declare it vocally.

"You hurt my friends.. and I'll never.. forgive you." You fell back asleep and the room breathed a sigh of relief.

Joker feared nothing in this life but your warning hit him like a ton of bricks. He hoped you would forget all of this when you woke up.

If not, then he was in deep trouble.

#ledger joker x reader #ledger joker #black!fem!reader #heath ledger #reader insert #joker x y/n #joker x reader #romance #angst #cross posted on wattpad #cross posted on ao3 #heath joker #mental health #dark knight joker #his lighthouse

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12pt-times-new-roman · 1 year ago

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c3e78

(this was 4+ hours of heavy RP so have a read-more)

oh boy! time to find out who's gonna get angriest at Ashton!

Alright, Imogen's coming out first with a pretty standard "there were so many warnings!" but nothing too bad.

But Fearne, after kicking Ashton to unconsciousness, takes the hammer, strikes him with it, and slams it over and over again into the top off the ziggurat, screaming, trying to break it. She takes the harness and storms off. Chetney follows.

Laudna goes immediately to feeling betrayed. Everything is telling her that Ashton and Fearne should die, but she knows that's not a rational thought. Delilah wants the crystal -- with a moment of hesitation, Laudna turns and walks away seething.

Imogen uses detect thoughts on Ashton. "I think I've seen a pattern in my life. It's the realization of hubris and temptation and blame, an epiphany of violent levels of projecting responsibility. A very wide thought of not being responsible for what happened, and suddenly going through that, one by one." It's the realization that, within one week of knowing what happened to the Hishari, Ashton did exactly the same thing.

As they sit up, and the shard of Ka'mort is waking up now, too. It feels like the rock around them is breathing and another pain burns in their chest, they seize, shudder -- they cough, a horrible sound, and from within them, the shard of Raushan falls to the ground. Though Ka'mort's shard is on its way to awakening, the shard of Raushan was rejected, and with it a heavy cost. Their CON is permanently reduced by 2.

Ashton was stupid, but they weren't power-hungry. But in that moment of being dead, Ashton saw themself as who they would've been if nothing went wrong that day at the Hishari village, they met their parents and themself-- and they were vicious and cruel. Ashton wanted the crystal because they thought it would fix them, thought it would somehow give them their family back, but in that vision, they saw that it wouldn't and never would have, and that even if it could they wouldn't want it.

They wanted to feel robbed, and they wanted someone to blame other than themself, and they thought that this would make them whole and unbreakable because their cracks were evidence of weakness. Now, they realize they need to focus on understanding what they are instead of trying to become what they maybe were supposed to have been.

"How could you hurt Fearne?" "The same way anybody hurts anybody: a moment of weakness."

Chetney catches up to Fearne. She says she's going to destroy the harness, and Chet doesn't roll high enough insight to see any different.

She's beating herself up because she said Ashton could take it, but she never wanted it -- Ashton didn't coerce her or anything, she was genuinely afraid of it and wanted someone else to take it. Fearne was afraid that she'd turn into a terrible version of herself because she saw what she became if she took the Circlet of Barbed Vision. She feels her sadness and guilt as fury.

I love that Chetney is doing far better at diffusing this extremely emotional moment than anyone else could've, and he gets the harness away from her.

Chetney points out that Fearne fucked up, she heard the warnings and was naive, and she didn't trust the Hells enough to air her fear in front of them. But she has a crush on Ashton, she wanted them to like her back, and she was afraid of the shard anyway so why not let them have it? "Ashton is wild. And if there's any part of either of you that wants out, you can talk to me. That can mean a variety of things, and I'd be lying if I hadn't thought about it before, but don't fuck around, 'cause Ashton almost found out." Chetney dad friend confirmed--

They leave to go find Fearne something to break.

Laudna was following them, listening in. She uses form of dread and runs through the tunnels -- she knows them, she lived here a while before she had to leave, and she goes to places where no one could find her.

Ashton steps up to Allura. "I fucked up 'cause I'm an idiot! I fucked up bad." "Ah. Standard fare for adventurers at the crux of our plans, I suppose."

Imogen gives the bag of holding to FCG and heads into the tunnels, while FCG, Ashton, and Orym head to the surface to get some air.

Ashton apologizes for making fun of FCG's new faith, but FCG asks if they really care. "I care about all of you, so much -- I care about everything I can see, I just don't care about me, and I think that might be a problem." HEY! character growth! and acknowledgement that they projected super hard onto FCG!

After breaking some windows, Fearne goes for a walk, and promises Chetney she won't leave. She goes to the temple of the Matron of Ravens and offers a prayer.

"Hello, I guess. I don't really know what I'm doing in here, but... I made a bad decision, and I'm kind of scared about what I could turn into. So I guess I'm maybe asking you for some guidance. I don't really know how to do this, but I kinda like your vibe that you were normal and then weren't because you wanted more out of life, which I totally get. Anyway, I don't know, but--" She takes her postcards and leaves them as an offering, then leaves. When she leaves, she sees a little adolescent raven with one leg, its parents come and drops berries for it to eat, then all 3 make eye contact with Fearne before they fly away.

Laudna knows of a secret passage that leads into the woods, and she's gone. She's losing herself to Delilah, to what she once was, and is trying to remind herself of how far she's come since then.

Ashton talks to Percy. "We all make terrible mistakes, especially those of us who want to make a difference. The first key is to make sure nobody sees them; should that fail, you do everything you can to make up for it... punish yourself as much as you need to. Trust me, it's good for the soul. Some of us never stop. But don't drag them down with you -- only you are allowed to push your bruise."

Imogen goes looking for Laudna and finds nothing.

They go to dinner, bar Fearne and Laudna. I love that Allura is so resigned to the fact that all adventuring parties are weird as fuck all the time regardless of the time or place.

FINALLY Chetney casts grim psychometry on the shard of Raushan! "You see lands of rolling flame, a valley that is an inferno, the ground cracks as magma spews forth, a majestic kingdom of fire in an ancient time when the elements ruled Exandria. You see creation abound -- beings, life, pre-pantheon. Spirits walk in this land, though not the shapes that you know, elemental-like. Society and life before. Then flashes of conflict, feelings of benevolent frustration, emotional bursts of anger. Fiery conflict with beings of light and shadow, and then a cold place beneath, where you are alone. Half-asleep, half-awake, frozen, tethered in a lightless space -- until the chains break, and the blue sky guides you up, surrounded by arcane light, you are free once more and you reach out to grasp the hand of another like you from beneath the twin mountain, and then nothing." (For clarification, the twin mountains were one from above and one from below -- Cathmoira and Avalir.)

Oh, FCG gets actual answers from Matt when they flip a coin now! I wonder if this has something to do with their mystery 8th level cleric feature.

Chetney calls Ashton out. "You should leave. You should go. I mean it, don't come back either. If you're gonna do things for yourself, then do them, but don't risk us. I understand what it's like to look out for yourself, to try new things, but if I thought I couldn't control this, I would've fucking left. I don't trust you. You could've hurt Fearne." "I don't know if I'm going or staying yet. I think, honestly, that's not up to me. I'm thinking about it, and I don't trust me either. So I'm trying something. Actually, I've got a question: what did you do before you could control this? I've seen you lose your shit once, but what did you do?" "I killed things. I hurt people. A lot." "I'm glad you stopped. And I'm processing a lot right now, but if I do stay -- if you let me stay -- the day something happens and it goes bad for you, and you hurt a lot of people for any reason, stay or go I promise that I will stick around and help clean it up, and you'll get no shit from me. None. But for now I'll go."

(this is rich coming from Chetney, tbh, but it tracks with how much he cares for Fearne. however. Ashton is one of the only people in the party who hasn't been forced to make a saving throw to see whether or not he loses control and attacks the party. I get the sentiment, and Chetney needed to let off steam in his own way, but his point is definitely hypocritical.)

the absolute emotional whiplash going from that convo to Laudna asking Delilah for relationship advice and then resolving to "make Ashton a doll" in her old cabin--

break time!

We open on Fearne. She goes into the woods and uses plant growth to make a little hut and sleeps there for the night.

Laudna returns to her cabin and finds it partially collapsed. She uses charred wood with a curse word on it as the base for her doll of Ashton. Once it's done, Delilah says she can give it to them, keep it to remember them by -- or trade it for the shard. "Laudna... I need, and the power that helps me grow and thrive, it helps both of us." "No--" "Fearne didn't want it, Ashton couldn't have it. You have hurt so much. Why not stand up for yourself and take what is rightfully yours?" "Ashton hurt Fearne, they hurt us, why would I do the same? If Ashton can't learn from this lesson, shouldn't I?" "There are two kinds of people in this world: those who get hurt and accept it, and those who get hurt and retaliate. Who are you? Who are we? Matilda is dead. You are something more."

(Listen, if Laudna listens to Delilah and takes the shard without asking anyone but Imogen, she better get the same fucking level of backlash that Ashton did.)

In the morning, Imogen is panicked about Laudna, and tells FCG that they woke Delilah up. So at the very least, someone else is gonna be suspicious if Laudna suddenly wants the shard.

When Chet and Ashton wake up -- "you're still here! That's a good start." And Chetney.... immediately attacks them? just to see what their new arm does? OKAY???

but hey. Ashton rage build update: their damage bonus is +12 somehow? their new arm doesn't do anything yet, but when they hit with it, they do feel like there's a little box in their heart that hasn't been opened yet.

Everyone gathers up, and Fearne joins them at the gates of the castle. She's explicitly ignoring Ashton. With FCG's locate creature, they find Laudna pacing just inside the edge of the forest, trying and failing to will herself to enter the city.

When she sees Ashton, she turns and runs, because if she gets too close to Ashton she'll kill him? Chetney tackles her pretty easily, and even though Ashton could gain ground, they keep pace with the back of the group, but Imogen sends them away. for. A Reason, I guess?

"I gave Ashton some shit last night, I told him he should leave, permanently -- but he was there this morning, first down at the table. And that means something, 'cause he could've cut and run, been a coward and left, but he stayed." as suspected, Chetney saying what he did to Ashton was partially airing his grievances, yes, but it was also partially a test for Ashton.

Honestly, I'm really glad that the group is acknowledging that Fearne should've spoken up too. Obviously Ashton was the primary instigator, but Fearne still didn't say anything to them and didn't protest Ashton taking it.

Fearne suggests going to Nana Mori's for a while (which Matt strongly hinted at, btw) so they can work out all their shit, since she can manipulate the time difference. They agree to take an emotional retreat to the Feywild, and figure that Allura can either send them there or send them to Keyleth who can.

Ashton, meanwhile, puts their hand to the ground and feels warmth. "You absolute fuck-up. Maybe I deserve this -- no one deserves anything. What the fuck do I know? Maybe they do."

Laudna asks for the shard, and Imogen refuses to tell her where it is.

"Here, I made you this. It's a doll, for children, because you're a child. But I like children." "I hate children. They're awful." "They can be. Do you remember what it's like to be one?" "I do. It wasn't great." "You should find joy in your inner child." "This is the greatest thing anyone's ever made for me." Ashton is on the verge of tears here yall--

I fucking told y'all that Ashton's journey of learning to care for themselves wasn't going to be gradual like Caleb's was, it would be like the snap of tectonic plates when they cause an earthquake.

"I'm so sorry. I'm going to try so hard not to be that person, because I hate that person... If I am allowed to stay, and I understand if I am not, I will never, ever forget that this is the first group of people who didn't make me leave, and I will work so hard to make sure you don't. No matter what happens, I won't leave if I'm allowed to stay. No matter what we do, the mistakes we make, I will stay, I will be there, and I will not away. I don't know what love is, but I'm going with this."

Laudna is still angry, she still doesn't trust them, but the foundations for rebuilding that trust are there. And that's the opinion of most of the group!

Allura can send them to the Feywild, but -- "Your nana is the Fate-Stitcher, Morrighan? You are tremendously strange..." If Allura is going to send them there, then she also has to accompany them so she can send them back out, since they can't communicate!

Imogen asks Allura in her head who Morrighan is. "Your friend's nana is a notorious figure in the Fey Realm, but if they are indeed an ally, strange bedfellows I suppose?"

Ashton tries to pull Fearne away in the most conspicuous way possible -- "I'm looking for a book on apologies. I'm gonna start with 'I'm sorry.' If I had any idea... I don't know what I would've done, but I'm sorry. You were just being a good friend, and it felt right, but it wasn't, and you were being a good friend." // "I was being a dumb friend." // "No, I was being a dumb friend. This is on me. I didn't think, I... I fucked up really bad, and you had to be there, and I am so sorry. There is no way I'm ever going to forget the feeling of... the shard hurt, but knowing you were there was worse, and I'm not looking for forgiveness, I don't need an apology, I just need you to know that goodness doesn't necessarily lead to the right place. Sometimes we are good, and it works out poorly, and you were good -- it shouldn't have been like that, and it had to be, I guess. But I'm going to try so hard to never do that again. And i understand if you want me to go, or if you never want me to make eye contact again I can do that, but you're the only person I even vaguely understand in this group. I think I like them, or even love them, and I just want them to be safe from everything--" // "I didn't like that at all. That was awful to watch." "It was. And awful to feel too." // "You did the same thing that your dad did." // "Yeah, I've been thinking a lot about that. He's not my dad, he's nothing to me -- I don't even think I hate them, they are just a cautionary tale I did not listen to." // "That fucked me up a little bit. I think I'm still a little mad, and I don't think I can talk about it right now 'cause I don't really like you right now." // "That's okay." // "And I have a feeling that you feel the same way about yourself." // "I've never liked myself that much. If anything, this is the most I've liked myself in ages, and that's a bad sign." // "We'll talk about it sometime. But I'm glad you're still alive." // "I'll wait."

Allura comes back wearing battle-ready gear and adventuring clothes, and planeshifts them to the Fey Realm. (Ashton ties the doll near the collar of their jacket.)

With a quick incantation, they arrive at the base of the familiar tree that forms Ligament Manor. Bounding from the door is one of Fearne's animal friends -- Peepers, a jackrabbit with fingers for teeth and eyes on his ears. Within, Nana Mori is having a conversation with (and being tended to by) Birdie, Fearne's mom! (Ollie is upstairs tending to the garden.) She appears to have sustained some wounds, but nothing too serious. Birdie and both Mori's mouths greet them, much to Allura's horror.

"I am Allura Vysorin of the Tal'dorei Council, and I have multiple powerful friends who know where I am and who will come looking for me if I vanish." Damn, I almost completely forgot that it was the Arcana Pansophical who led the charge in identifying archfey, so of course Mori would know who she is!

Mori: is this a RETREAT?! how FUN! Allura, immediately: *mage armor*

At FCG's mention of time dilation, she slows time around her, and says they can take as long as they need. But Fearne asks about Ruidus, and Mori tells her what she knows:

"As [Ruidus] is held there, the very magic of Exandria is strained... the longer this tether holds to the moon, the more it tangles and stresses the flow of magic within and between the realms. So it's no surprise of mine that my lovely Fearne would be the one to set things right. The odd, if often fun, thing about being able to touch Fate itself is rarely knowing the outcome; it's like a strong hunch. But being able to see the distant ripples is like being able to give the weather direction. I can pluck a tune on the thinner strings. Some threads run a very taught path, carving through history to a powerful destiny; those threads, only she [the Matron of Ravens] can view, only she can cut and weave. Sweet Fearne, your fate is in flux; like your very whims, it vibrates with uncertainty, impulsive, darting in and out of darker paths, turned back by the shadow spaces of the skein. You've always been a beautiful paradox, and it's why I knew I had to keep you safe, and keep one finger on your thread. Your true heritage required my attention. So, I'm happy to help, for now it seems that maybe now is the time it has all been heading toward. Maybe we're at the end of the strain itself. I'm glad you're here, sweet girl."

Fearne asks about the Shadow Fearne she saw way back in EXU: Prime. She seemed sad and angry, so when Fearne feels those things, she gets afraid that she'll become that. "You require answers, but not all answers are mine to give. Your mother keeps a deep, dark secret -- one you deserve to know, and one that is not my place to reveal. Perhaps you should speak with her. It might be illuminating."

Fearne asks about Morri's opinion on the Matron. "She is complicated; the pinnacle of ambition. There are things I dislike, as the places I like to walk are under her purview and she doesn't like uninvited visitors and we don't meet eye to eye; but she can't fully reach me here either, so we have an understanding... she's fine."

Then she asks about Asmodeus, Tevon, and produces the kiss -- "I thought I smelled sulfur. Oh, Fearne, you've been dallying! I now understand the context for some of these pluckings. You and your mother are more alike than you know. What that mark is, is a promise. An audience, and a chance to gain and give -- a trade." It's an invitation to make a deal with the literal devil, essentially.

Birdie returns with Ollie, who offers to cook a meal! And Morri offers to wipe FCG's memory after they plan the scavenger hunt so they can participate too.

But in a "proper place to patch things up," as much as Ligament Manor can be that, we finish out the episode.

#critical role #note watches c3 #critical role spoilers #critical role campaign 3 #critical role c3 #critical role liveblog #WHOOF #WHAT A FUCKING EPISODE #it had everything but combat and even then Chet gave us a little piece of it #by the way can I just say that I fucking LOVE Chet and Ashton's dynamic in this #it is SO GOOD

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heronoegg · 5 months ago

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could we know what the backstory behind mina getting autopsied was? i know you said her mother permitted it while under the influence, but why? and who is "some people"?

doesn't have enough backstory to back up what im saying but the long story short is somebody once had a AU where Mina was a real alien and she had an autopsy and i just thought the idea was neat cause she's a alien girl there was never really any thought behind me giving her autopsy scar but i have to make something up

I HOWEVER DO HAVE SOME BACKSTORY FOR HER MOM

I HC Mina was on accident, didn't mean to have another kid, cause they already had one which is Mina's big bro, so her parents accidently had another kid which is her.

Mina reminds me of Amy rose from Sonic in the sense that she says she wants to fall in love one day but can't really do it (its somewhere on her wiki that Mina said this in the novel i think. That she likes to match make her friends but falling in love herself is tough to do DONT QUOTE ME I MIGHT HAVE READ THIS SOMEWHERE ELSE), it reminds me so much of Amy, and i have headcanons for Amy that her parents aren't so in love the way she wants a relationship, like "wow, my parents are the opposite of in love when i grow up i want to be in a loving famliy"

so that carried over to Mina, my version of her mom for one reason or another she's for a lack of a better word is one of the those mom's who drink alot and is never truly sober. she is not the worlds most awful mom but she doesn't really take care of her kids and she ignores them a lot when they were little cause she didn't want to take care of them resulting in the kid's liking their dad more cause he was an awesome dad, Mina remembers her dad, she was a daddy's girl

KEYWORD: WAS

Mina's dad dies idk going to a location maybe work and gets in the middle of a hero fighting or something. leaving the kids with their mom, Mina's brother at the time is old enough to go to school and take care of both mom and Mina so hes the one doing everything. ima say he's like 16 when she's 5 he doesn't go to hero school he's just a cool dude

---warnings of me not having enough knowledge on a subject so i keep saying "i guess" or "i don't know" cause i don't know and this is just off the top of my head thoughts, if somebody could truly come up with a better reason im open to listen cause these are just not well put together thoughts ----

as for the Autopsy thing it sounds stupid but like ya know, gotta come up with a reason for stuff i guess im perfectly fine with having 0 explanation and just doing stuff but i'll give you my thoughts i had while trying to find a reason before i gave up.

Mina's mom is a alcoholic, she's gonna come home wasted, she's gonna come home barely able to process anything, in her drunken state she mistook Mina for a alien cause she's like a weirdo (no offense to people who do believe in aliens) who believes in aliens but it's not that far fetch when mutants can look like anything. and im under the assumption that she associates with weird people who also believe aliens are real, so she takes her daughter to them while she's drunk and tells them this is a real alien.

Mina is extremely confused

im unsure how the autopsy situation happens but it probably traumatizes Mina if they didn't knock her out with some strong meds, they cut her to look at her organs and was like "Yo man this is normal, nothing here is alien" my next thing is after they fix her up somebody probably uses a quirk to either make her forget this happen or something like this cause they don't want the police on them so it's like this never happened, but Mina has the scars but never ask questions about it

How this even happen and Mina lived, i don't know, how this even happened and her mom didn't go to jail? Maybe she did go to jail, cause theres this whole other idea i have where Mina gets put with her auntscause her brother for some reason or another can't keep her legally? idk and mom is probably in jail so she gets put with her aunts who dislike children like actually are bad people and mistreat her HOW SHES GOING TO UA LIKE THIS IDK but it's a blessing to her moving into the dorms

the bad part about this is Mina's mom's spiraling and she probably does have good memories with her mom it's just she has a really bad drinking problem and i feel like i can see Mina now, as a hero in training going to see her mom and asking her if she would like her to help her go clean and get her life back together, cause Mina doesn't hate her mom, she just dislikes her aunts cause they were created to be garbage that's why i didn't name them cause i dont care about them and im the one who made them exist lol

this is unfinished ideas, don't know why they are semi-morbid and strange it just b like that sometimes

#mina ashido #i promise im not trying to offend anyone if i did im sorry

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ashintheairlikesnow · 2 years ago

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how do you stop missing someone, especially when they arent really gone gone you just aren't in each others lives anymore and neither of you can go back to how it was in the before times recent community grief got me thinking and im sorry if youre not the person to ask but idk maybe you have thoughts?

So, I have this friend who just went through a pretty nasty divorce. And even before the separation and the filing, the man she married and the man she was currently married to were not the same person. This man had changed in only a few years, and not for the better. He had spent time in some pretty gross places and picked up some pretty gross ideologies, and he treated her pretty terribly. She filed for divorce, and then one day asked me, "If he is so terrible to me, why do I keep feeling like leaving him is like someone died?"

And my response to her was honestly more or less a paraphrase of something I had read in a book after my dad died that was about grief and got into grief that isn't necessarily caused by a death, but instead a separation of people for any number of reasons. Could be immigration takes you so far away from each other that you don't have the ability or money to visit, it can be a divorce, it can be cutting off toxic parents that you still love, it could be the loss of a friendship... Any number of things.

So what I told her was when you lose someone, you don't necessarily have to lose them to death to feel like you have lost connection to a life.

My friend wasn't mourning the loss of a man who treated her like shit. She was grieving the loss of the man she had originally married, the man she fell in love with, the man she dated. And she was grieving the loss of the future she had pictured having with him.

That's grieving a life lost.

I have lost a few people in this way. Sometimes to a conflict, sometimes to simply losing touch over time. The funny part is that I still sometimes have dreams where I'm just hanging out with them. Or in the case of an old boyfriend, I sometimes have dreams even now about apologizing for some of the things I did and hearing him apologize for some of the things he did. That conversation is never going to happen, not through any fault of either of our own, it just isn't. But the mind still wants things to wrap up, it wants to be able to categorize events and people and places in our lives and file them neatly away.

Life is too messy for that.

What has worked best for me, and it may not work for you but for me... I allow the grief and the mourning. I make space for it. I acknowledge that it's real and it's not lesser than other forms of grief just because it isn't necessarily as permanent. Pain is pain, and this isn't Sadness Olympics.

So for me, being able to think about it and work it out and go over what happened and what I'm sad about helps me because I'm not repressing and pushing it down, which only makes me dwell on it. Instead, I might notice something and think, Dustin would really like this song. And then feel a moment of melancholy for the conversations we never got to have. And then I move on.

If the loss is fresh, acknowledge that it's fresh, and that it's going to take a while to feel any better than you do right now about it.

It will stop being a fresh loss. But it may still come to mind from time to time, and that's okay, that's normal. Grief and loss are not linear. They are circles, they are rivers, they wind around and double back on themselves. They come in waves, they come in hailstorms, they come in the tide making its inexorable way up or down, they come sometimes in droughts.

Sometimes it can help if you have someone to talk to about it, or just write down what you're feeling even if you never show those writings to anyone else. Make space for the feelings, make space for the thoughts. Play music that resonates with how you feel, read books that fit the mood, maybe draw pictures. Just let your brain do what it will with the emotions.

It helps me. I don't know if it would help you.

But those are my thoughts.

#grief #ask ash something and she'll answer #ash rambles

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panda-writes-kpop · 2 years ago

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Detective Lee

A/N: Hi guys, girls, and non-binary pearls! First of all, Happy Dami Day! I’ve been waiting for this day so I can release my pride and joy of a fic that I’ve been holding back for a month or two. I hope you enjoy this, and let me know how you like it! I enjoy reading the feedback and asks you send me about fics! :) Also, this is a long one, so grab a drink and something to eat if you’re going to read this in one go.

WARNING: This fic is VERY LONG (21.9k words to be exact) so this may crash your app if you’re a mobile user. I’d recommend viewing this fic on a computer or a mobile browser.

TW: A bit of Gahdong and a lot of Suayeon, Suayeon angst, SuA and the reader get into it for a hot minute but then they make up, alcohol, plenty of food mentions, 17th/18th century AU with a bit of period-relevant misogyny, the romance may be a bit cringe, reader has MAJOR mommy issues (same tbh), missing parent trope, based on Enola Holmes 1 + 2 since I’m obsessed with those movies, this fic is completely self-serving and I’m not sorry about that :D

Summary: (Lord help me how do I summarize 21.9k words into two sentences-) A detective’s first case always leaves a mark on them. Dami’s first case involves chasing down a mysterious individual that’s consumed her waking nights and days, and the completion of this case leads to a sequence of events that even the great Detective Lee could not predict.

♡ Masterlist ♡

"Be careful around those Lee girls, Y/N-ah, because they, along with their mother, are nothing but trouble! Don't let those Kim girls influence you too much either because I do not trust them as far as I could throw them." Your mother scolds you as you readjust your outfit.

"Yes, mother. Would you like to criticize anything else about me and the company I keep?" You harshly say before backing away from the mirror.

"You could use a haircut." She blankly says as you sigh deeply.

"I think you know where I am headed, mother. I will be home before dark." You tell her before grabbing your satchel along with the handheld mirror that your father gave you before his disappearance a few years ago.

Oh Father, you have no idea how much I miss you… Mother does too, but her way of showing it is much different than mine.

"Do not let Kim Bora ruin that outfit of yours!" She yells as you open the door to your family home.

"I will sow it back up if anything happens to it." You reassure her before heading outside.

"And if Lee Siyeon tries to make any moves on you, you tell her that she can-"

You sigh before slamming the door behind her.

Maybe that will give her my true opinion on her nagging.

You hike up the bottom of your outfit before running along the dirt road that leads from your house to the main path that connects the country homes to the city. Along that main path was the Kim residence, where you met up with SuA nearly every day.

You'd usually head into town together, arm-in-arm in order to discourage suitors from trying anything. Today, however, SuA had told you that she planned on visiting the Lee residence, or rather, planned on trying to woo her way into the Lee residence.

Despite what your mother thought, the Lee family was very private. Besides an occasional carriage, no one really came in or out of the giant mansion that the three girls and their mother lived in. This had caused many rumors to float around about the four residents, which you and SuA had been eavesdropping on while in town.

Their mother, Mrs. Lee, had the most interesting rumors by far. People had constantly been gossiping about her husband, since he hadn't been seen in the city in years. There were rumors of a mistress that had taken his attention, or maybe he worked overseas and sent money to his family in order to support them. Some even assumed her to be mad since she had some radical views for such a time period. You doubted that rumor since her kindness could be seen through her many donations to the city and its welfare.

Lee Siyeon had captured SuA's curiosity the most, and you didn't blame her. Siyeon was the resident who made the most appearances by far. She was a charmer, which had rumors of witchcraft floating about every time she came into town. Her wink had once sent a woman into cardiac arrest, but that was just a coincidence in your mind. SuA had tried to capture Siyeon's attention multiple times, and succeeded once on your most recent trip into town. A kiss on the hand and sweet promises had put SuA into a spell, which was the main cause for today's outing.

Of course, you couldn't mention Lee Siyeon without bringing her main accomplice, the youngest sibling, into the picture. While Lee Siyeon was dignity and grace personified, Lee Gahyeon was the troublemaker of the family. Running through the stalls and grabbing whatever she fancied was a favorite pastime of hers. Most let her get away with it because, like her sister, she had a charming smile and a way with words that would bend anyone to her beck and call. You and SuA had bumped into her once while she was running away, and you helped Gahyeon up as SuA distracted the guard chasing after her long enough for the young girl to make a quick escape.

Lee Yubin was the girl that not even the gossiping townspeople could figure out. She made less public appearances than her mysterious mother, which had people assuming that the middle Lee sibling was most likely dead, or had gone off with her father to god-knows-where. Although Siyeon and Gahyeon were quick to correct anyone who called her Yubin since she preferred the name Dami, or at least, that's what you heard from other people.

The dirt road that you were following quickly swallowed your small home up as you glanced behind you.

Thank goodness Mother is not following me… but I should keep moving because I don't want to be late again.

You cringe at the thought of another lecture from SuA as you pick up the pace. The spring weather was pleasant enough for you to admire the scenery as you turn onto the main road.

You don't have to think as your feet have memorized the path to the Kim household.

You might not have known much about the Lee sisters, but your mother was right about the Kim sisters: they were nothing but trouble.

Kim Minji was the ringleader, although she managed to talk her way out of most of the trouble that she dragged her sisters into. You heard from SuA that lots of suitors would come knocking on the family's door because Minji had been described as the most beautiful girl in the world. You'd definitely agree with them, but Minji has been like an older, wiser sister to you since you were younger.

Kim Yoohyeon was the youngest in the family, and her jokes and charm constantly captivated the younger gentlefolk in town. Since she was still finishing her studies, Yoohyeon had claimed that she was too preoccupied for a relationship, but you could've sworn that you once saw her sneaking into town with a rose in hand when you were walking home late at night.

Mr. and Mrs. Kim had become like a second set of parents to you, especially after your father disappeared from his business one night. Mr. Kim had a soft spot for you, and he'd teach you many of the activities and life lessons that your father missed out on. Mrs. Kim was a strong baker as well, and you were her favorite kid to test new recipes on.

"Hey, you are late!" A loud voice yells, and you turn your head towards the sound of her voice.

Ah, of course, how could I forget about my partner-in-crime?

Kim Bora, or SuA, as you often called her, had become synonymous with your name. Wherever one of you was, the other was just behind. Besides that, you and her didn't have much of a reputation in town. Sure, SuA got into the occasional scuffle with a drunk gentleman, but she was a good woman with a good heart.

You, however, knew a different version of SuA - the true version. She was loud and eccentric, and her scolding became a way to mock your overbearing mother. You were there for her nonetheless, as she was with you.

This, however, had led you to this moment, where you were wondering what exactly you were doing with SuA.

"Sorry, I got lost in thought while I was heading over here." You shyly admit as she scoffs.

"I can tell. You are still spaced out. Good thing I am here to bring you back!" She says as you smile at her enthusiasm.

"Are you sure you want to do this? We could get in serious trouble if we get caught sneaking into a much richer residence-"

"Oh, cut the bullshit, Y/N. We will be fine!" SuA pulls a piece of paper from her dress pocket before handing it to you. "Besides, who said that we were sneaking in?"

You unfold the crumpled paper before reading the words on the paper.

You have captivated me, like no other has before.

Would you do me the honor of joining me at my humble estate?

Best, L.S.

"That was short." You say before handing her the paper back. "Guess she is not much of a poet?"

"Not everyone can be like those romantics that you read about in novels!" She yells, and you don't cover your ears in time.

"Yeah, SuA, I know. I am still waiting for someone that is worth my time." You say after SuA takes your hand in hers. "Why do you want me to join you?"

"I need some emotional support." SuA softly whispers as the wind blows her dark brown hair. "Besides, are you not just a little curious if those rumors are true?"

"Okay, maybe I am… but I am not a gossip, I swear!" You plead your case as SuA pulls you down the road. "Hey, do not drag me down the road! I can walk by myself."

You brush off the dust on your outfit that SuA had left in her wake.

I wish I was as careless as she was…

"Walk faster, then. We do not have all day." She scolds you again as you chuckle and catch up with her pace.

"You've got this, SuA. You are as charming as they come." You look over as she lets out a shaky breath.

"You think so?"

"Oh, no…" You pause as SuA looks at you with nervous eyes, "I know so."

You yelp after she smacks on the shoulder.

"Yah, you are so mean to me!"

You both look up at the large metal gate that keeps you and SuA from entering the Lee mansion.

"This was such a bad idea… why did you encourage me to do this?" She accuses you as you gasp in response.

"Me!?!? You were the one who wanted to come here. You dragged me along to go on your romantic escapade, and now I am making you go through with it." You firmly say as she tightly grips onto your arm.

"But whyyyy~" She whines, and you sigh.

"You will complain if we do or do not go in, and I would rather you have regrets over bad memories than 'what-ifs'." You nod towards the gate as SuA looks away from you. "Besides, someone is unlocking the gate right now."

She yelps as you watch a man unlock the gate and open it for the both of you.

"You are SuA, and her guest, correct?" He says, and you nod on SuA's behalf.

"Allow me to welcome you to the Lee residence." He quickly locks the gate behind you and SuA, and you stare at the wonderland of apple trees and rose bushes in front of you. "I will escort you to the residential section of the property."

"There is more than one part of the property??" You whisper to SuA as she lets go of her death grip on your arm.

"Yeah, they're rich-rich. Did you not know this?" SuA softly chuckles as you shake your head. "You are so naive that it is cute."

She pats your head, and you huff as the two of you walk towards the giant mansion in the distance.

"Excuse me, sir, how long have the Lee's occupied this home?" You ask, and the man thinks for a moment before answering.

"I have had the pleasure of serving three generations of this wonderful family, so I would say that it has been a long, long while." He laughs to himself. "Although the children have been in more trouble now, I can remember seeing the Mistress of the house running around these halls as a child herself."

"You are a loyal butler, I can tell." You say, and you see him crack a quick smile before returning to a stoic expression.

"This family has been nothing but good to me. I have no complaints at all." He says before stopping at the entrance of the mansion. "This is your stop, Ms. Kim. May I escort you inside?"

SuA nervously gulps as you squeeze her arm in reassurance.

"I would like that."

She quickly lets you go before taking the arm of the butler. He walks a few steps forward before turning back to you.

"Oh, and if you would like, there are more apple trees around the back of the property. They look quite pretty this time of year." He smiles at you, and you offer a small one back.

"I might just have to check it out, then." You say as you watch SuA and the butler walk into the house.

She's charming in her own respect, and I know she can handle her own. I just hope this works out for her since I want to see her happy.

You know that SuA will no't want to make this encounter quick, so you decide to follow the butler's directions and head around the back of the mansion.

Wow… this place is so scenic and wondrous… I wouldn't want to leave if I lived here either!

Apple trees were randomly scattered around the back, as if they were trying to direct you to something that was beyond comprehension. If you were younger (and braver), you'd climb one of those trees, but your balance isn't as good as it used to be, plus your mother would kill you if you managed to put yourself in harm's way while out with SuA.

She'd kill me if she knew that I was here, so it doesn't really matter anyways.

The daylight only enhances the beauty of the backyard, so you quickly find yourself exploring as if you had become a child again. You weaved through the trees, and you might have stolen an apple to snack on, but who would notice when there was a full forest of apples ripe for the picking?

After finishing the apple, you toss it aside before placing your hand on one of the trees.

Nature really is a modern wonder… I can't believe people would rather spend time in the city than be out here.

You pause after you spot another figure resting against a tree that was just a bit too far away for you to make out any of their features.

Maybe it's a servant taking a break? I wouldn't mind doing that if I worked here.

You sneak closer before ducking behind a nearby tree.

I hope they didn't see me!

You spare a glance, but you find yourself gawking at the stranger as you realize that a beautiful woman is resting against the tree while writing in a brown journal.

Oh my goodness…

Her soft brown hair carelessly floats in the wind, as if that's where it naturally belongs. Occasionally, she brushes a piece of it out of her face or mouth before continuing to write. Circular glasses frame her small face and deep brown eyes.

She scrunches her nose when she vigorously crosses out something in the book before continuing to write in ink. She does pause to admire the scenery, and to dip her quill in the ink pot that is balanced on a couple of books that are sitting next to her.

The white blouse that she's wearing is slightly unbuttoned, and her brown pants are stained with a mixture of dirt and grass. Her messy appearance would give the notion of improperness, but the way she rolls her shoulders back and calmly breathes when frustrated with something in the journal tells you that she's as refined as they come.

Mother did say that money can't buy class, but she seems to be doing just fine as is.

She looks up again, and this time, she looks in your direction. You gasp before trying to hide behind a tree.

"Is someone there?" She softly calls out as you hear shuffling from behind you. "Are you lost?"

You remain quiet in the hope that she'll just forget about you, but the footsteps continue to approach until they stop. You guess that she's just a foot or two from the tree that you're using as cover, and the volume of her sigh is enough to prove your point.

Your heart pounds, deep and heavy, inside of your chest. A million possibilities run through your mind, but the one that comes from her lips doesn't cross your mind at all.

"Gahyeon, if that is you, can you please stop spying on me? I told Mother that I like to be left alone." She waits for a moment before letting out another sigh. "Or, at least, can you tell Siyeon to stop asking me about a suitor? I am busy trying to start a detective agency, and I don't need any distractions."

Detective agency, huh? So, that's what the middle Lee sister has spent her time doing here… it's ambitious, but I like it.

You wait for Dami to walk a few steps away, and then you call out to her.

"You should start that detective agency. The city could use someone that is looking out for the people who are too busy to watch their own backs."

"Who are you?" She asks before turning around.

"Wait," You say while continuing to hide behind the tree, "do not come any closer."

"Why not?"

A devious idea forms in your head.

"Every great detective has to solve the first mystery, right? That mystery that launches them into the rest of their career."

"I don't think I understand what you are saying… do you require my help?" She gently asks, and your heart softens at the selflessness in her voice.

"No, Dami, not in that way. Your first mystery is to find who I am… if you want to, of course." You tease while still offering her an out.

The silence is unbearable until Dami begins to speak again.

"I am interested… do I have any clues to work with, or am I just supposed to listen to the sound of your melodic voice?"

You laugh before smacking a hand over your mouth.

"Nevermind… I think I just got one." You hear her run off before quickly returning.

You wait before hearing the sound of her writing in the journal as you try to keep your cool.

"Easily charmed, and a sweet laugh… is there anything else I should add to this list?"

Your face heats up at her words, but you push down the flustered emotion inside of you in order to tease her just a little more.

"My friend is interested in being courted by Siyeon." You say, and Dami laughs.

"That really narrows it down."

"Well, detective, have you figured it out yet?" You sweetly ask.

"Not yet, but I do have a lead to chase."

You laugh again before slowly backing away from the tree.

"The game is afoot, Dami… I look forward to hearing from you again."

You don't bother to hear what she says next as you, as quietly as possible, escape into the maze of apple trees.

You retrace your steps, and you find yourself in front of the mansion as SuA exits the manor with a big grin on your face.

"How did it go?" You excitedly ask as she gives you a big hug.

"I think she is the one… I am being serious, you know." SuA looks in your eyes, and you give her a warm smile.

"I am glad to hear that, SuA."

"What about you? You did not just stand out here all by yourself, did you?"

"No…" You bite your lip as you think back to your encounter with Dami. "I just got myself into a good sort of trouble, as you would expect."

"You are being mysterious… I like it!" She cheerfully says. "C'mon, let us go home before your mom hates me for the rest of our lives."

"I hate to break it to you, SuA, but she already does not like you."

"Damn it."

"You are not going into town like that, you-"

"I will see you when it gets dark, Mother." You darkly say before grabbing the satchel and stuffing the handheld mirror in your bag.

Father, wherever you may be, give me the strength to deal with your horrible taste in women.

"Do not be seen with that Kim-"

"Oh, hush, Mother!" You scold her for the first time, and the surprise in her eyes is enough to motivate you to leave the house immediately.

I've never done that before… it felt kind of good, to be honest.

You nearly smack into SuA as she pulls you down your porch and down the dirt road.

"What are you-"

"We are going into town right now! There's something that you've got to see!" She yells, and you flinch as her voice reverberates in your ears.

"I can hear you quite fine from here, SuA-"

"Lee Dami made an appearance in town!"

You pause in the middle of the road, and SuA huffs before trying to pull you along again. You're like a dead weight at the bottom of the lake, or a sturdy oak in a strong windstorm, and you refuse to move as you comprehend the words that just came out of her mouth.

"I beg your pardon, Bora, can you repeat yourself?" You ask in disbelief as SuA stops trying to pull you for a moment.

"Lee Dami is out with her sisters in town, but trust me, it gets better! I heard from Minji, who heard it from that cute florist that she is looking for a suitor who came to visit her yesterday."

You cough as you try to hide your shock.

"Oh my… I hope the fruits of her labor are merry." You softly say as SuA squeezes your hand.

"You know we can gossip and walk, right?"

You shake the nerves out of your system as you nod and begin to walk alongside SuA.

"Yeah, I know." You observe the afternoon sun, high in the sky, before directing your attention to SuA. "What happened between you and Siyeon yesterday?"

"Oh, you would not believe me if I told you! It would seem like something out of your fantasy books." She softens as she recalls the memory. "We had a good, long chat about the future and what we are both looking for. She says that she is open to courting, but Siyeon wants to explore the world a little more before settling down."

"How are you feeling about that?" You ask to keep yourself engaged in the conversation, and to keep your mind from wandering to her.

There's nothing to think about, and besides, you're the one who challenged her to this game. You should see if she's a good detective or not.

You smile to yourself as SuA begins to talk again.

Focus, Y/N! You can't be distracted around SuA, or she'll never let you live this down.

"I am actually okay with that. We still have a bit of our studies to finish before we can fully put ourselves out there, you know." She offers you a wink, and you scoff.

"It is bold of you to assume that someone has caught my heart." You say as SuA pokes your side. "Now, what was that for?!?"

She laughs after you hollered at her touch.

"You seem different from when I was with you yesterday. Who knows, maybe you snuck off with some gardener while I was talking to Siyeon yesterday…" She trails off while observing your reaction.

You try to remain stoic, but your hand shakes as you comb a piece of hair out of your face, and SuA yelps before pointing an accusing finger in your face.

"I KNEW IT!"

"SuA, please stop yelling. We are almost in the city." You point at the approaching tall buildings as you and SuA navigate to the side of the road in order to let a horse and carriage through.

"Okay, right, who was it? I need a name, address, family history if it was given, and-"

"SuA! Do you really think I know that information?" You ask before letting go of SuA's hand and folding your arms into your chest. "You are blowing this way out of proportion, plus you have not told me everything about your face-to-face meeting with Siyeon. Who knows what you two were doing behind closed doors?"

SuA sharply smacks your shoulder, and you yelp in pain as she turns her head away from you.

"How dare you accuse me of being improper! You know I am as proper as ladies come."

You try not to snort as you laugh.

"Good joke, SuA. I heard the taverns are looking for a jester, if you're interested."

SuA slaps your shoulder again, and you grumble this time as SuA defiantly sneers at you.

"Oh, you deserved that one."

"C'mon, we are not going to find Siyeon if we keep fighting like this." You say as SuA looks around like a lost puppy.

"Siyeon? Where is she?" She softly asks as you cackle.

"It appears you have fallen for another of my tricks."

You wink before running through the busy crowd of people in the city.

"HEY! GET BACK HERE!" She screeches before quickly chasing after you.

You laugh like a maniac as you listen to SuA's footsteps while running. She's still trailing behind you, by a far distance, but she'll catch you if you stop soon.

I know exactly where I'm gonna lead her.

You smirk as you continue to weave through people. Most let you through with a grumble, a chuckle, or a sweet smile. You reciprocate whatever they give you with whatever energy you have left before you take a sharp left into the business district.

The businessmen pay you no mind as you continue to run straight past them. You slow down as you see exactly what you're looking for.

It's the only tavern on this street, and Siyeon is known to frequent it. SuA'll thank me later.

You calmly walk into the bar, as if you're not sweating up a storm. You take a seat at the bar as a bartender approaches you.

"What can I get you?"

"A glass of water will be fine." You say between sharp inhales.

They chuckle before bringing you what you requested.

"Sounds like you need it. Do not work too hard, alright?"

"Trust me, I do not plan on doing so." You joke before nearly finishing the glass in one sip. "Thank you, by the way."

"It is no issue, alright? Let me know if you need a refill, or if you would like to order anything else." They say before walking over to a customer on the other side of the bar.

You relax as you enjoy the atmosphere of the bar, and shortly after, you hear SuA come clattering through the door like a tornado coming to wreck whatever was in its path. Unfortunately, for you, you're not a mighty oak in this scenario, but rather, you're a flimsy leaf that will be torn apart by the windstorm that the tornado creates.

SuA stomps over to you, and she opens her mouth to tear you and your dignity into pieces, but luckily for you, a savior with a blonde wolf-cut comes to your rescue.

"Ah, SuA, I did not know you went here!" Siyeon smiles before leaning against the bar.

"Oh, you know me, I visit this place all of the time!" She excitedly says before giving you a death glare while Siyeon isn't looking her way. "I did not know that you hung out near this part of the city."

"Yeah, I come here a lot too. It's a shame we have not run into each other more since this is my escape from the main part of the city." Siyeon sighs before taking a drink out of a small glass. "I do not mind the attention from time to time, but I would like to not be surrounded when I leave my house, you know?"

"Absolutely!" SuA cheerfully says. "Could you spare some time for a drink or two?"

"I would like that, but I would also like to know who your friend here is. You were the one who came with SuA to my home, right?"

"Oh, me?" You say, surprised that she even noticed you. "Yeah, I am. You take such good care of your property."

"I know. We are so lucky to have such a great team of gardeners and housekeepers. There's no way we could keep up with the maintenance without them." Siyeon smiles before taking another sip of her drink. "Would you like to join us?"

"Oh no, I would not want to be a bother-"

"Please join us, it would be my pleasure. If money is an issue, I can-"

"No, Siyeon, I have money. I would just rather observe than be involved in any antics, that is all." You say, and Siyeon nods.

"Excitement is not for everyone, I get it."

"Excitement is for me, however. What do you fancy, Siyeon?" SuA saddles up to Siyeon's side as you scoot into a chair farther away from the two of them.

"Well, besides you, I am a fan of scotch and beer."

"Oh, you flirt~" SuA playfully hits Siyeon's shoulder, and the other girl laughs before SuA lays her head on Siyeon's shoulder.

You finish your water as you smile at the two of them.

I guess that was one productive chat that they had…

The door to the bar opens again, and you sneak a quick glance at the pair who's entering.

Well, look who it is… I guess good things really do come in threes.

Gahyeon storms through the door so she can give Siyeon a surprise back hug, and Dami slides in with a slight smirk on her face.

You nervously bite your lip as you direct your attention back to Siyeon and SuA.

"Ah, Gahyeon, you came early." Siyeon chuckles before rubbing Gahyeon's hair. "This is SuA, the girl I invited to our home."

"Ah, it is great to meet you! Though, I swear, I think we have met before…" Gahyeon trails off before letting go of Siyeon.

"Yeah, I was one of the two people who helped to save your ass when you were running from the cops in the market." SuA jokes as the bartender hands her a glassful of some brown liquid.

"Gahyeon, did you get in trouble again?" Siyeon tuts before shaking her head. "You really are your mother's daughter."

Dami silently approaches behind before slipping between you and SuA.

Does she really have to position herself right there? Now I can't help but stare!

"You are surprised by this behavior, Siyeon? You know this is how she acts without a chaperone around." Dami mutters before readjusting her glasses.

"I do not need a chaperone!" Gahyeon huffs. "Besides, you're one to talk about behavior. You never leave the mansion… like you are some sort of shut-in!"

"I prefer my own company rather than the company of others. It is nothing personal to them." Dami shrugs before refusing the drink that the bartender offers. "No thank you, I only drink on special occasions."

"We have company around, you two." Siyeon gestures to SuA first before nodding at you. "Can you save the squabbling for home?"

"Fine." Gahyeon reluctantly agrees before turning to SuA. "You are so beautiful, by the way."

"Oh, thank you, but I think I am a little too old for you~" SuA teases as Gahyeon immediately backpedals.

"Wait, no, I did not mean it like that-"

"Aww, Gahyeon, you are trying to court someone who interests me? Well, as a big sister, it is my duty to fulfill your wishes above mine." Siyeon adds on as Gahyeon turns pink.

She squeals as Siyeon and SuA burst out laughing. You smile at the interaction before pulling something special from your satchel.

You lose your nerve a bit as your heart beats out of control, but Dami is so focused on the conversation going on next to you that you'd be surprised that she even noticed you at all. You feel yourself deflate at that revelation, but you shake off the feeling of rejection in order to give yourself courage for what's to come.

Just breathe, Y/N, and let your heart take control. You've got this, don't lose your cool.

You slip the bundle of calla lilies next to Dami as quickly and quietly as you can before slipping out of your barstool. No one notices you leaving until you hear Siyeon say something to Dami.

"Hey, when did those flowers get there?"

You escape from the building without hearing another whisper about what was going on inside of that bar.

"You have done so many favors for me that I'm not sure how I should pay you back." SuA mutters as you help set the table.

"Please do not mention it. I like being around you since you drive me less up-the-wall than my mother does." You chuckle to yourself before adjusting the position of the silverware on the table. "We did a good job. The house is spotless, and the dinner table looks great."

"I am going to take that as a compliment, whether you meant it that way or not."

You laugh before peeking your head into the kitchen.

"Do you need any help, Mrs. Kim?"

"No, I have it all handled. Everything has been prepared in advance. Thank you for the offer, though. I appreciate your willingness." Ms. Kim smiles when SuA walks into the kitchen. "Can you get your father from the backyard? I want him to be here when our guests arrive."

"Of course!" She smiles before leaving the room and the house.

"Thank you, again, for all you do for SuA and the rest of our family. I don't know how I can thank you more than I already have."

"Do not mention it, Ms. Kim. I just want what's best for SuA, that is all." You sweetly say as you hear a knock on the door. "Would you like me to get that?"

"Yes, please! I am still adding the finishing touches to the ham." She excitedly says as you head towards the front door.

You take a deep breath before opening the door.

Siyeon is the first person you see, and she offers you a warm smile.

"You look well. I have not seen you in a long time, so I feared that something may have happened to you." Siyeon admits as you place a hand on her shoulder.

"I appreciate the concern, but you need not worry about me. I am grown, you know, plus someone has to take care of SuA when you are not around."

Siyeon laughs as you allow her to enter the house.

"I promise to take good care of her, now and always."

Gahyeon is the next one who comes out of the four-person carriage, and she offers you a toothy grin.

"You are the other person that was there when I was trying to get away from the police, right?"

You nod as she giggles to yourself.

"Thank you for helping me that day. Your kindness really influenced my decision-making from then on."

You raise an eyebrow at her, and she gives you a subtle wink before slipping inside of the house.

She's a sneaky fox, alright.

Mrs. Lee and Dami walk to the house arm-in-arm, and they both stop a foot away from you.

"Are you a member of the Kim family, or a servant, perhaps?" Mrs. Lee asks, and you shyly smile as your eyes focus on your feet instead of her.

"No, but I do know SuA quite well."

"She does have siblings, right?" You nod as you continue to look down. "You can make eye contact with me, dear, I do not bite."

You cover your face in order to hide your embarrassment as Dami sighs.

"Mother, I think you are going to scare them off."

"Oh, I am so, so sorry! Please excuse my forwardness, I did not mean to offend you."

"No, no, you are quite fine." You softly say before making eye contact with Ms. Lee and Dami.

See, you have not burst into flames! This is fine, you will be fine.

"The Kim sisters… well, Minji is studying abroad and Yoohyeon went to boarding school for the season, so it is usually just SuA and her parents here." You explain as Ms. Lee nods.

"A home is only a house when everyone is gone, right?"

"Mother, you are speaking in riddles again…" Dami gently warns as Ms. Lee shakes her head.

"Ah, what was I thinking? You have not met Dami yet, have you?" She lets go of Dami's arm before giving her an encouraging smile. "I will let you two chat since it would be rude of me not to introduce myself to SuA's parents, given the matter we are discussing."

You look at Ms. Lee with confusion as you let her walk past you.

I'm not going to even ask about that one since I'm not sure I want to even know.

"Ah, I know your name, but you have not a clue about who I am." You quickly introduce yourself as a small smile spreads across her face.

"Do not feel the need to be so formal around me. I like to keep up appearances for my mother's sake. She has enough trouble on her hands with Gahyeon and Siyeon, not including her own struggles." Dami says before offering you her arm. "Will you show me around the property? I would love to see this place through someone else's eyes."

"I would be pleased to do so." You quickly take her arm before leading her around the back to admire SuA's backyard.

A few rose bushes and a couple of small trees dot the backyard, but the main attraction is the mighty oak that rests directly in the middle of the backyard.

I remember when SuA and I used to climb that thing as kids, when we were less afraid of being hurt… those were simpler times, for sure.

"Do you live around here?"

"Yeah, just down the road." You bite your tongue in an effort to keep the words from spilling past your lips like a broken faucet.

"I apologize for my lack of manners, but may I ask you a question?" Dami suddenly says, and your feet pause along with any sort of coherent thought.

"I see no issue with curiosity." You say after mentally scrambling to figure out what to say.

"Do you admire flowers past their physical form?"

"As in symbolism?" You ask for clarification, and she nods. "But of course! I like to read in my free time."

"You do?" She pauses for a moment as another smile graced her lips. "What do you like to read?"

"Oh no, my taste in books would bore you." You confess before Dami gently squeezes your arm.

You hate the way that your heart rate speeds up at such a simple touch, but you have to remain calm and focused in your efforts to not make a fool of yourself.

"Now you've only made me more curious." She says, and you laugh.

"Well, if you insist, but you must not be too surprised by anything I say." You let a smile rest on your face as you recall some of your favorite books. "I like to read a bit of everything, but romance is my favorite."

"A romantic, huh…" Dami softly says before mumbling something incoherent under her breath.

"You are not a fan of romance?" You cock your head at her, and she shakes her head.

"No, it is quite the opposite. I can be a bit too traditional when it comes to romance, I am afraid."

"And there is nothing wrong with that. Love is timeless and endless." You find yourself drifting into a dream world, but you quickly snap out of it. "Ah, I mustn't bore you with such chatter."

"I like discussing such topics with someone new. It keeps my mind fresh, plus Siyeon has not stopped talking about love since she became entranced with your friend." Dami admits, and you giggle.

"SuA does tend to have that effect on people. She is quite the charmer." You say with a dreamy smile. "I am envious of her at times, if I were to be honest."

"I would not doubt your abilities. You can hold a conversation well, and you manage to be captivating in your own right."

"Ah," You hide your face with one of your hands, "thank you for the flattery."

"No, I would be flattering you if I did not return these to you." Dami retrieves a bundle of dried calla lilies from her coat pocket before handing them to you.

Stunned, you look at her before carefully grabbing the flowers from her.

"How did you figure it out?" You mutter as Dami smiles a little wider.

"Well, I was clueless until you left me these flowers at the bar. After a few too many drinks, SuA was open to questioning, and she eventually, with her answers, led me to you." Dami explains as you nod along.

"That sounds like something SuA would say while drinking." A mischievous smile appears on your face. "So, detective, what is your next move since you have solved your first case?"

"For now, I will be working on my sleuthing, and I will be shadowing some of the greats as I chase after something I never knew that I needed." Dami looks at you with a soft tenderness in her eyes as you dare to ask the question that's sitting on the tip of your tongue.

"Oh, and what would that be?"

"You."

"You seem so star-struck… are you sure you are feeling alright? If you do not feel well, I can send word to your mother and I-"

You wave your hand before looking at Mrs. Kim.

"I am well, but my thoughts are a bit distracted at the moment… perhaps it's best for me to take my leave before I cause my mother any more worry." You gather your satchel before glancing around for SuA. "Where is SuA?"

"Oh, you did not hear, did you?" Mrs. Kim laughs to herself. "Siyeon asked SuA to enter a courtship with her."

"And?"

"She has not left her room since the Lee family has left."

You chuckle to yourself as Mrs. Kim cleans the final dish.

"Thank you again, Mrs. Kim. I appreciate the invite."

"Oh, you know you are always welcome around here!" She excitedly says before setting the last dish out to air-dry. "Besides, you seem to have taken a liking to one of the Lee girls as well, hm?"

"Ah!" You exclaim before covering your face. "Was I too obvious?"

"You both were. The subtle glances and hidden smiles… oh, the two of you reminded me of my husband and I before we began courting. You fancy her, right?" Mrs. Kim blankly asks as you uncover your mouth.

"I-...I do."

The words stumble out of your mouth as you admit to her, and to yourself, how deeply you were infatuated with Dami.

It was all going to come to a head sometimes. Why not let it be now?

"Oh, you and SuA are growing up far too quickly! I remember when you both were barely tall enough to reach the cookie jar on the counter…" Mrs. Kim giggles at the memory. "In all seriousness, that girl seems to be just right for you. Not too bold and exciting, but not too dry and dull, if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, she is perfect."

"You should head home now, and I will tell SuA where you went. I think she just needs some time to… process everything." Mrs. Kim explains.

Yeah, well, she's not the only one in that situation.

"I will see you soon, Mrs. Kim. Thank you again." You say before placing a hand on the door.

"Oh, do not thank me at all! You are welcome here any time, plus we will see each other at the ball, no?"

"Ball? What ball?" You turn back to curiously gaze at Mrs. Kim.

"Oh, Mrs. Lee wanted to celebrate the courtship with a ball, and I agreed. It would be good for everyone involved, plus Minji and Yoohyeon will be home in time for it as well."

"Are you trying to marry off all of your daughters at once?" You laugh along with Mrs. Kim as she shyly nods. "You must like the idea of an empty nest."

"I want my girls to have the best life possible, and that applies to you as well. You're basically my child, whether or not your mother realizes it."

You hold back a chuckle before opening the door.

"See you soon, Mrs. Kim."

"I look forward to seeing you all dressed up in a fortnight!" Mrs. Kim calls out to you before you close the door and begin to make the trek home.

"You are not going to a ball, especially not looking like that-"

"What is it, Mother? Am I not to your standard of beauty?" You scoff before slipping your handheld mirror into a pocket that was built into your outfit. "I am taking my leave, no matter your opinion on me or my affairs."

"You will regret this! What if you end up like your father-"

"Do not speak of my father in such a tone!" You hiss at your mother, and she jumps back at your venomous words. "He was a good man, and if I am to be true to my vow of honesty, I see why he 'disappeared' from your icy glare and harshness towards others."

Your mother stands down for a moment before going back onto the attack.

"What if some suitor takes you away from me? What then?"

"I am not your property, Mother!" You scream before taking a few hurried steps towards the door. "Banish the thought from your mind, immediately, before this becomes the last moment that we spend together."

You do not bother to listen to her rebuttal as you slam the door shut behind you. The door creaks because of how much pressure you applied to it, but you continue to storm towards the carriage that SuA had prepared for the two of you.

The driver quickly steps down to let you in the carriage, and you slip in the empty seat as SuA stares at you with concern and sympathy.

"What did your mother say?"

"It does not matter, and I shall not let her ruin this night." You calmly say as the driver closes the door. "That shade of violet looks nice on you."

"Thank you! Siyeon suggested that I dress like royalty, since that is what I am to her."

You cringe at the statement as SuA laughs.

"I am glad that she has charmed you so much. You deserve someone who shall love you until the end." You pause as you hear a whip crack in the evening air, and you feel the carriage lurch forward after a moment of silence.

SuA nearly tumbles into you, but you catch her in your arms before she can harm herself.

"Thanks for that." She quietly says before staring out of the window. "Are you excited to see the inside of the mansion?"

"Yeah, it will definitely be an adventure." You mindlessly say as your mind drifts towards Dami, which seemed to be a common occurrence since your last meeting.

I wonder if she will make an appearance tonight… I certainly hope so because I would love the chance to speak with her again. She’s so different from everyone else, I… I don’t know what to say, really.

“Do you have someone to fill your dance card, or will you be floating around the entire night?” SuA nudges your shoulder as you shrug.

“We shall see where the night takes us.”

“Ah, so mysterious~ I love it! I am glad to see that you are open to courting.” SuA excitedly starts talking about potential suitors, which is when you mentally exit the conversation.

I am glad that SuA is getting the fairytale that she deserves… we all could use a break since life has felt so nonstop.

You admire the scenery that passes by before the carriage slows, which causes you to crash into SuA. She howls in pain as you grumble and rub your elbows, which had collided with her shoulder blades.

“Sorry, SuA, I did not mean to hurt you.” You softly apologize, and SuA mumbles a curse before looking at you.

“It is not your fault. The carriage driver is simply too reckless, and I can only hope that I have not been bruised.”

You laugh before opening the carriage door. You hop out and offer to help SuA out before the carriage driver can move from their post.

“Thank you!” She gives you a warm smile as she takes your arm.

You make sure that her long, lilac gown is fully out of the carriage before you wave the carriage driver off. They nod before taking off, and the two of you stare at the mansion for a moment before beginning to walk towards it.

You see Siyeon expectantly waiting at the front steps of the mansion, and she becomes visibly excited when SuA comes into her view. SuA blushes before waving, and you softly chuckle at the encounter.

“You two are adorable.” You mumble under your breath before SuA elbows your side. “Yah! Why was that necessary?”

“I swear,” SuA mumbles your full name under her breath before continuing on, “I will make your life miserable when I find out who has you so transfixed.”

“Well, it looks like you will be waiting for a long, long time.” You tease as Siyeon makes her way down the stairs to meet you and SuA at the bottom.

“I hate you.” SuA says at a soft volume before excitedly greeting Siyeon. “Siyeon~ How have you been?”

“I have been well, but I have missed you too much for my heart to handle.” Siyeon takes SuA’s free hand before kissing the back of it. “May I escort you inside?”

SuA squeals like a schoolgirl before letting go of you.

“Of course you can! Lead the way.”

The pair begin to idly chat before walking up the stairs and into the mansion. You admire them for a moment before heading into the mansion as well.

You thank the servant who opens the door for you as you gawk at the interior of the mansion.

Dear God, I do not think we could afford a single candle on the chandelier, let alone anything else in here.

Someone in the distance calls out your name, and a flash of black hair is enough for you to recognize them.

“Kim Minji!” You call out her name in response as she quickly makes her way towards you.

She offers you a warm embrace once she comes close to you, and you happily accept before she tightly squeezes you.

“You have no idea how much I missed you. The letters from my family were enough to tide me over, but it wounded me greatly to not know how my favorite sibling is doing.” She rubs your hair before smoothing it out. “How have you been? Everything seems to have changed so much since we last saw each other.”

“I have been well, Minji, although I missed you a lot more than I usually do. Have your studies been fruitful?” You ask as Minji hands you a drink. “Thank you. You seem to know what I need, and when I need it. I missed that part of you when you were gone.”

“Well, the institution has asked for me to come back for another semester, so I would say that I have done well.” Minji giggles as you clap for her achievements.

“I am so proud of you, Minji. I cannot wait to see what you have been working on. When will you be able to take your family, including myself, back there?” You take a drink as Minji sets her glass down.

“I have to have three semesters behind me in order to receive guests, so in a year’s time, you will be traveling alongside me.”

“I look forward to it.” You finish the drink before setting your glass down next to Minji’s. “Has Yoohyeon arrived home yet?”

“Yes she has, but she has clung to my parent’s side since the moment she came home.” You both laugh before Minji continues to talk. “Yoohyeon is with my parents, if you would like to speak with her.”

“I would like that. If you would excuse me, Minji, it has been a pleasure to see you. We will have to have dinner before you head back in autumn.”

“I will hold you to that offer.” She smiles as you slip past her.

You hold your breath for a moment as you do your best to navigate through the large sea of people who have congregated in the first of many rooms in the mansion. A hand grabs yours, and you have no time to react as you’re pulled through a crowd of people.

“Hey, you remember who I am, right?” Gahyeon faces you, and you sigh in relief at the sight of her face.

“I thought someone with… poor intentions had taken a hold of me. Thank the heavens that it’s just you, Gahyeon.” You softly say as Gahyeon leads you through the mansion. “Where exactly are you taking me?”

She winks at you before turning back towards the front.

“It’s a secret!” Gahyeon giggles before squeezing through more people. “Excuse me, pardon me! I’m coming through.”

Most people offer her a kind smile or a laugh, and some shoot you a sympathetic look as Gahyeon continues to drag you behind her.

Why would she do this? What is her goal?

The sea of people begins to thin as Gahyeon takes you deeper into the mansion.

Thank goodness that people are congregating more towards the front. I’m glad that I have a chance to catch my breath.

Eventually, Gahyeon turns down a random hallway, and everyone else in the world disappears as the only chatter comes from the sound of feet hitting the ground.

She stops at a certain doorway before letting go of your hand.

“Well, this is your destination!” She happily says before skipping away.

“Wait, where am I-” You pause as Gahyeon disappears into thin air.

I guess I have no choice but to go in.

You enter the room while keeping an open mind, and you gently close the door before looking around at the room.

Gahyeon must have led me to the wrong room because this is definitely someone’s private chamber!

You stop moving once you realize that someone is sitting at the desk directly across from the door. A soft sigh escapes them as they stop writing and lift their head up towards you.

“Gahyeon, I told you that no one was to be in my room during the hours of the ball.”

You softly gasp as you recognize the sound of Dami’s voice.

Well, it’s nearly impossible to make her out in this dark room. The only light is right next to the door and to Dami.

“Dami?” You softly say, and Dami grabs the candle holder before turning to face you.

“You are not-” She pauses and softens once her eyes scan you. “My goodness… you look wondrous.”

“I-” You shyly hide your face as Dami blinks before standing up.

“Ah, where are my manners? I apologize for my improperness.” She moves away from the desk before gesturing for you to sit. “You must be uncomfortable in that. Please take a seat.”

“Oh Dami,” You sweetly say, “there’s no need to be so formal with me~”

Her eyes widen before a smirk rests on her lips.

“Ah, you do remember me fondly. That pleases me.” Her hand rests on one of her bed posts before she takes a seat on her bed. “I insist that you take a seat and rest.”

You awkwardly bow, and she chuckles at the gesture. You quickly scurry over to the chair, and you sigh in relief as your back touches the chair.

I did not realize how much pain I was in before I sat down.. But then again, I was just dragged around by Gahyeon, and that is enough to wear anyone out.

You admire the way that the candlelight manages to perfectly highlight every part of her face.

I doubt that there is a scenario where she does not look good. It seems to be impossible for her to look less than divine.

Dami’s outfit is similar to the one that she wore when you first met, except her shirt and pants are both black this time.

“How long have you been here?” Dami inquires.

“Just for a few moments. I was catching up with an old friend, and then Gahyeon dragged me to your front door.” Your face becomes heated as you realize how improper your current situation is, and how your mother would definitely kill you if she found out about this. “I apologize for intruding. You were busy working, and I have ruined the mood-”

“No, I needed the interruption. My mother has asked me to compose something since she found out I was taking music lessons from a family friend.” Dami explains before pointing at the paper. “Feel free to read it, if you wish.”

You take the parchment in your hands, and you hum the melody on the paper.

It’s very simplistic, but the melody is very catchy.

“You know how to read music?” Dami asks with a hint of surprise in her voice.

“My mother and father insisted that I had a well-rounded education.” You nonchalantly say before setting the paper down. “I like it. What are you composing?”

“A wedding song.”

Ah, that explains it.

“Your mother has high hopes for SuA and Siyeon.” You note as you gently set Dami’s quill back into the ink pot.

After a few failed attempts, you manage to make it stand up straight before Dami speaks again.

“I do as well. It would be nice to see a new face around here.” She wistfully says before standing up again. “I should not be monopolizing your time. You came to a ball to dance and socialize with others, and I have taken that chance from you.”

What is she talking about?

You pause as you hear a familiar piece being played from a distance.

Ah, so the dancing has begun.

“No, Dami, that is not the case.” You stand up and take a step towards her. “I came to see you.”

“You did?” The weakness in her voice is unmistakable, and you quickly take the chance to say what’s been on your mind for weeks.

“Somehow, you have managed to enchant me, despite our limited encounters. I do not know why, but something about you has changed so much in me. I am less afraid, and more willing to chase what I desire… which is why I am here, now, with you.” You confess before reaching out to Dami. “I do not wish to be another feeble memory in your mind. I want to take everything slow, but I just cannot stand the thought of not seeing you again.”

“I… can say that I feel the same as you. No one has challenged my mind like you have, and I quite enjoy getting to know who you truly are.” Her hand meets yours, and she interlaces her fingers with yours. “I will give you as much time as we need.”

“Thank you, Dami.” You softly say before grabbing the quill and an empty piece of parchment with your free hand.

You scribble your address down on the paper before handing it to Dami.

“Since I have seen how you live, maybe you could come to see me sometime?” You say as she takes the paper with her free hand. “I live nothing like you, but I think that would give you an idea of who I truly am.”

“I would enjoy seeing how you live, and the wonderful people who have raised you.”

You do your best to hide the grimace that appears on your face at the last part of her statement.

I can tell her about my mother and father at another time.

“I-” You pause as a piercing scream comes through the near silence that you and Dami were in.

You look around, alarmed, as Dami looks out of her window.

“No one’s outside.” She mumbles before sighing. “I bet someone had too much to drink.”

You pause, awaiting another scream, but you hear music continue to play.

“You are probably right.” You bite your lip before taking a step towards the door. “I should be taking my leave. SuA is probably worried sick about me.”

Dami lets go of your hand with a sad look in her eyes.

“Oh, alright. If you need an escape for the rest of the night, you are more than welcome to come back here.”

“I might have to take you up on that offer.” You brush a piece of hair out of your face before exiting Dami’s room. “Goodbye, Dami. I hope that our paths cross again.”

“Who is knocking at our door? Did you invite SuA over again?” Your mother angrily asks as you shake your head.

“Not exactly, but I ask that you give her a chance.” You plead as she sighs.

“Is it a Lee?”

You nod as your mother gasps in horror.

“Absolutely not! I will have no daughter of that heathen of a woman in my home!” Your mother spits out as you continue to walk towards the door.

“Listen, can you put your history with her mother behind us for just one meal? That is all I ask for, Mother, and I would be forever grateful if you could grant this simple request.” You softly say, and your mother sighs before agreeing.

“One dinner, then I will return to my rightful disliking of that family.”

You cheer before turning back to the door.

It’s one meal, that’s all.

You had begun to exchange letters with Dami after you met with her during the ball, and your mother had quickly grown suspicious of the amount of time you spent inside instead of being out with SuA, so you had confessed that you had fallen for someone.

Your mother, surprisingly, did not overreact and was, in some strange stroke of luck, quite excited to meet this suitor. So, you had set up a meeting between Dami and your mother, but you had yet to tell your mother who this suitor was.

You open the door, and a bright smile appears on your face when Dami appears before you. You do not hesitate to give her a big hug, and she pulls her hands away from her chest before hugging you back.

“I hope your mother is not allergic to flowers.” Dami mumbles before you let go of her. “Have you been well?”

“I can say that I have been well since I have seen you last.” You take her free arm before leading her into your home. “Are you well?”

“I have seen better days.” She chuckles to herself. “The detective agency keeps me quite busy.”

“I am well aware. You still travel from here to the city, and back again?” You ask before closing the door behind the two of you

“I have been looking for different accommodations, but I have a few more arrangements to make before I can fully adjust to city life.” Dami admits as you turn into the kitchen. “Ah, you must be the mother I’ve heard so much about.”

You do your best to hide the mischief in your eyes as Dami politely shakes your mother’s hand.

“Unlike your mother, you appear to have manners.” Your mother grumbled, and Dami simply cocks her head at her.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Dami, my mother and your mother have a… complicated history.” You gently explain in an effort to diffuse the tension that has slipped into the room.

“I do not understand what you mean.”

“A long time ago, my mother and your mother were competing to win the heart of a certain suitor that you may or may not know very well.” You say with a smile. “Anyways, my mother failed to capture his heart, and she married my father while your mother fell in love with the man that is your father.”

“I never knew that about Mother.” Dami softly says under her breath. “You know Mrs. Kim too, right?”

“Yes, she was my closest friend.” Your mother says through gritted teeth. “Unfortunately for me, she sided with your mother instead of me, and look where we are today.”

“So that’s why you and SuA are so close…” Dami acknowledges your mother with a nod before changing the subject. “Can I help with dinner?”

“No, I have it handled. Please take a seat and enjoy yourself.” Your mother suggests as you lead Dami into the parlor room.

“That went about as badly as I thought it would.” Dami whispers under her breath as you softly giggle.

“Dami, that’s the best my mother has reacted to someone that I have brought to the house. You should have seen the look on her face when I brought SuA over to my house for a night spent at my house. My mom nearly made the poor girl cry.” You explain before resting on a loveseat.

Dami sits next to you as you grab a dusty book from next to you. You blow the dust off of it before carefully opening the book.

“What is that?” Dami inquires.

“It’s a journal that my father kept that recalls his memories from the day I was born to the day he disappeared. This is not the only journal, but it is the last one I have.” You hand Dami the journal, and she looks at you with confusion in her eyes.

“Why are you giving this to me?”

“You should read it. He gives some great advice, especially to my future suitors.” You take the book back from her before opening it to one of the back pages.

You read from the book with a steady tone as you imagine your father’s voice speaking to you in the present moment.

“My sweet child, oh how I wish to see the world you shall leave in your wake. You are brighter than every star, sweeter than a freshly-picked cherry, and warmer than the sun on its best days. I cannot imagine a world without you, without the changes that you shall make.

You are barely old enough to understand the world that you live in. Someday, you will understand the sacrifices I have made for your comfort. You are my everything, my light and my joy. I wish nothing but the best for you in everything that you do.

I know that you are approaching a special age, one that is very thrilling but very isolating. You may begin courting, and your mother and I may not agree about who you are courting. This, however, should not persuade you or your lover. The only person who can write your destiny is you, no matter what your mother may demand of you now.

As a father, my only wish is that the person that you marry will appreciate you for who you really are: a shining star. You, my dear, are so special and deserve nothing but the best. You can accomplish anything that you put your mind to. You have made friends with your mother’s sworn enemies, but you don’t know that now. You will most likely marry someone that your mother hates, but you will never know, or you will just be old enough to know better.

Please, my child, heed my warning: Be everything that me and your mother were not. Be in love with the person you marry. Do not accept less than perfection because you deserve to be treated with respect and love, as does your lover. You can be different, you can change, you can be better than us. I just know it.”

You shudder as you finish reading your father’s last written words.

‘You can be different, you can change, you can be better than us. I just know it.’ Father, I hope I have made you proud.

“Was your father a scholar?”

“A writer, actually, although he was not very popular.” You correct her before grabbing another book from the pile of books besides you. “We have been living off of his trust funds and royalties since his disappearance, which explains the state of the house.”

It was no secret that your home was not in the best conditions. From the creaky floors that could give out at any time to the paint chippings on the wall, the house needed an overhaul that you could not provide without a quality education or a rich suitor.

“Ah, I see.”

You set both books down on the ground before turning to Dami.

“Do not let my mother phase you. She is all bark, no bite.”

“I certainly hope that her bark is not strong enough to blow me away.” Dami mumbles under her breath as your mother calls out from the kitchen.

“Dinner is ready! Come in and get it while it is still hot.”

You slip out of the room, and Dami follows behind.

“Did you show her the parlor room?” Your mother asks as you silently nod. “Good, it could use some guests since we barely have anyone over.”

Well, I wonder why that could be the case…

“Do you like to read?” Dami attempts to engage and connect with your mother as you serve yourself dinner.

“I was never a reader like my husband and my child. I often had social hours with my friends who lived in the city while my husband was still around.” She explains as Dami grabs a plate as you sit down at the dinner table. “Are you as studious as my child is?”

“I think you already know the answer to your question, but if you are looking for an answer from me, then yes, I have been educated by tutors and self-studying on my own.”

“Self-studying, huh? So you are trying to become a scholar?” Your mother asks with a sliver of curiosity, but Dami shakes her head.

“Oh, I have recently opened my detective agency in the city. You may know-”

“You are Lee Dami, correct?” Your mother cuts Dami off, and Dami nods before your mother continues on. “I have heard all about you and your expeditions.”

Here we go…

You take a sip of water as Dami sits to your left, and your mother sits to your right.

“I have consulted your child for multiple cases. They have been quite useful, and they have been helping me with some of the more difficult problems that I face.”

“So you’ve been putting my child in danger?” Your mother’s pitch rises an octave, and her eyes twitch as Dami immediately backtracks.

“Oh no, that is the last thing I would want to happen. I assure you that their safety and comfort comes first before my work or anything else in my life.” Dami places her hand over yours, and you shyly smile at your mother, who looks very unimpressed.

“How should I be sure that you do not have poor intentions with my child? Many have tried to pursue them before, but what makes you better than them all?” Your mother tries to provoke Dami as you intervene.

“Mother, that is enough! Dami is a guest, not a criminal. Please stop investigating her.” You plead with your mother before shooting Dami a sympathetic look. “I am so, so sorry-”

“No, your mother has a point, although her intentions may not be innocent.” Dami clears her throat before squeezing your hand. “I want nothing more than to provide your child with everything that they need in life. Love, safety, commitment, money - whatever they want is what I want to give them.”

“Are you… asking for their hand in marriage?” Your mother prods, which causes Dami to blush.

“Ah, no… but I am interested in courting them.”

“Oh, you’re old-fashioned.” Your mother thinks for what feels like a century before answering. “Yes, you may court my child… but there is to be no tomfoolery in this house! Are we clear?”

Dami lets out a sigh of relief before glancing over at you. You grin at her before looking over to your mom.

“Yes, Mother!” You excitedly say before working on finishing your dinner.

Dami chuckles to herself as your mom shakes her head at you. Everyone eats dinner in peace as the tension finally evaporates from the air.

“Siyeon-ah!” SuA cries out before laughing. “You are supposed to be kind to a woman, not bring harm to them.”

“So your fencing skills are not as strong as you thought they were, hmm?” Siyeon teases as SuA throws her sword to the ground.

“You are simply no fun!” SuA exclaims before huffing and backing away from the small white cement circle in the middle of the courtyard.

“Has she always been this good at fencing?” You mumble into Dami’s ear before linking your arm with hers.

“Siyeon has the most physical strength out of the three of us.” Dami states as you lean against her.

“So you are admitting that she is better at fencing than you are?”

“I did what I needed to in order to get a seal of approval from our fencing instructor.” Dami sighs in disappointment before you squeeze her arm.

“I assure you that you make up for a lack of physical strength in many different ways~” You teasingly say, and Dami blushes as you let go of her arm.

“Your praise is the sweetest melody in my ear, and it is all I ever want to hear until the end of my days.” Dami gently grabs your hand before pulling it up to her lips. “I suppose that you feel the same?”

You pause as she kisses your hand, and that action only fuels the burning flame in your heart.

“You are as charming as your sister, I assure you.” You say while trying to hide how flustered you truly are.

“Ah, have I driven you away with my outward affection? I only wish to please you, my dear.” Dami pulls you close as your mind scrambles from the words that come from her lips.

I absolutely should not let her have this control over me, but I enjoy it so much. I would love to stay like this until the end of time.

You play with the seams of your outfit as you shyly look Dami in the eyes.

“I adore you, Dami, even though I may not express how I truly feel to you.” You mumble against her body, and she stops breathing for a moment before you feel her chest rise and fall again to a steady rhythm.

“My adoration goes farther than any complex arrangement of words could suggest, and I wish for you to take your time in expressing how you feel. We have the rest of our lives to look forward to.” Dami says as you watch SuA mournfully approach the two of you. “I only wish that I would gain your mother’s full approval.”

“Hell will freeze over before that day comes, Dami.” SuA grumbles before you hand her a glass of water. “That old woman does not like anyone, so having a luke-warm reception from her is about as good as you are going to get.”

“My mother may be a nightmare to handle, but she still is my mother. She raised me after my father disappeared, and I only have her left to support me.” You bite your lip as SuA pats the back of your shoulder.

“My mom and dad would love to take you in. We love you as you are. There is no need for you to put yourself through torture because you feel like you owe your mother a part of yourself.” SuA says before taking a sip of the water. “Besides, I had promised you that I would help you look for your father, and I fully intend to keep that vow.”

“Yeah, but what if what I find is the opposite of what I need?” You softly ask. “What then, if uncertainty strikes my vulnerabilities?”

“I assure you that everything will be fine. Once I have finished my current work, we can start working towards reopening the case, if you wish.” Dami rubs your back as you shake your head at her.

“I could not ask you to abandon your work like that-”

“No amount of coins and notoriety is worth the price of a good night’s rest. You need answers, and I will happily help you find them.”

“Dami, I do not think I can thank you enough…” You trail off as she takes your free hand in hers.

“Think nothing of it. I want to provide for you, to prove to your mother and to everyone else that I can care for you and myself.” Dami admits as you and SuA nod along. “I will see what I can finish tonight, and I will hopefully be able to start working towards finishing everything tomorrow.”

“Really?” Your eyes shine brightly, which makes Dami smile.

“Of course, dearest. You are my priority now, as I am yours.”

“Did you not say that you would never fall for someone who was not like a person in your fantasy novels?” SuA teases as you quickly become embarrassed.

“Priorities and preferences change, plus who said that Dami was not everything I dreamed of and so much more?”

“Ah, you have not changed at all, dear friend! I love to see you so happy and content.” SuA slaps your back, and you jump as Dami laughs. “Siyeon! I am challenging you to another round!”

“Are you sure that you can take another loss, my love?” Siyeon playfully says as SuA grabs the sword from the ground.

“Who says that I will lose?”

Siyeon and SuA ready themselves as you and Dami continue to watch.

“En garde!”

The clashing of swords causes you to pull your attention to Dami, who looks deep in thought.

You place a comforting hand on her shoulder, which causes her to look at you.

“Is everything alright?” You ask.

“Yes, I am quite fine, but I worry that I am taking too long of a break.”

“I think you are committed more to your detective work than you are to me, dear.” You wink at Dami as she eyes you up and down.

“I assure that a greater fallacy has not been spoken since-”

You interrupt Dami by softly shushing her.

“I know that your mother’s departure has been rough on all three of you. It is okay to admit that you miss her, you know.”

“I wish she would have told father to meet us here, to want to see his children again, but instead, mother bent herself to his needs again.” Dami sighs before continuing to speak. “Siyeon and Gahyeon have adjusted well, as have I. Our mother has not been involved in our affairs since we were young, so it is not like there is much missing. I just miss the smaller moments, like the weekly book recommendations and family tea time.”

“I am sure that she misses the three of you as well.” You reassure Dami before a figure approaches from the mansion. “I think that is Gahyeon in the distance, right?”

“Yes, it would appear so. I wonder what she is looking for?”

You hear Siyeon laugh and SuA angrily shout as another sword flies through the air. Siyeon helps SuA off of the ground, and the two of them intimately look each other in the eyes as Gahyeon approaches you and Dami.

“I am sorry to interrupt-”

“Gahyeon, you are more than welcome to join us at any time.” You correct her before gesturing for her to continue.

“We have guests.” A grin appears on her face as she looks back at the mansion. “Handong has come to visit us again, plus she brought one of her friends from the academy. Correct me if I am wrong, but the friend is the youngest sister of the Kim family, right?”

You allow Dami to lead you to the front door as you walk arm-in-arm. SuA, on the other hand, drags Siyeon to the door as Gahyeon instructs the butler to open the door.

SuA was never one for tradition.

You smile as the shadow of Yoohyeon and another girl appears in broad daylight. Once Yoohyeon makes eye contact with you, she nearly runs over SuA, who had her arms extended towards Yoohyeon, in order to reach you.

You let go of Dami as Yoohyeon tightly hugs you.

“You are home, Yooh.” You mumble softly before playing with a few strands of hair and wrapping an arm around you. “I missed you to the moon and back. How has your schooling gone?”

“I seem to have more focus since I have left my house, so I have been flourishing academically. You and SuA have completely finished your studies, if I have my dates correct, which means that you two…” Yoohyeon trails off before backing away from you and eyeing Dami. “Oh, I see what is happening here. I never thought you were one for courting.”

“I… have changed for the better since your departure.” You shyly say as Yoohyeon raises an eyebrow at you.

“Are you implying that my absence was the cause of your sudden shift in behavior? What a menace you are, you-”

You squeal as Yoohyeon laughs at your state.

“You have no manners, Yoohyeon!” You tease before glancing at Dami. “This is Kim Yoohyeon, one of SuA’s sisters.”

“I can see the resemblance.” Dami gently shakes Yoohyeon’s hand. “My name is Dami.”

“Ah, you have taken an interest in my sweet friend. Tell me, what is the secret to getting them to fall for you?”

“Yoohyeon!” You whine as Dami smiles while lovingly gazing at you.

“They have enchanted me far beyond what should be considered normal, so I had no choice but to be as charming as possible in order to keep them by my side.”

“A lover and a romantic, huh? Have you considered learning a card game or two? Your luck is so good!” Yoohyeon cannot help but laugh as you take Dami’s arm again.

“I shall look into it.” You say before waving her off. “You should speak with SuA. I am sure that she is dying to see you.”

Yoohyeon rolls her eyes as you sweetly giggle.

“You act as if we are not like oil and water when mixed together.”

“Just say hello, and then you can take your leave.” You encourage her as Yoohyeon nods and calmly walks over to her sister. “She is very special, is she not?”

“The Kims, strangely enough, remind me of my family. I do not mind the teasing or games since they enjoy it much more than I do.” She vaguely gestures to the scene of Yoohyeon and SuA wrestling on the floor in front of you.

Siyeon watches and laughs as the girls holler and pull each other’s hair.

“Dami? Is that you?”

“Ah, Handong, it is great to see you!” Dami greets and welcomes the other woman at the door while gesturing her to come in.

She quickly walks over to the two of you in order to avoid the debacle happening in the middle of the foyer.

“Who might this be?” Handong asks before you introduce yourself. “Oh? Is that so? It is great to hear that a friend of mine has found someone to take care of her.”

“Handong, I assure you that I can take care of myself.”

“I know, but you can distract yourself with your work and lose focus from time to time. You need that person to pull you back and remind you what life is about.” Handong wistfully says. “While we are on the subject of work, how has your business been doing? I have seen you on the front of many newspapers, but gossip means nothing to me nowadays.”

“As strange as it may seem, the articles themselves are very, very true. I have made myself a name in this city-”

“-and I could not be more proud of how much great work you have done.” You admire Dami before sheepishly backing off. “Sorry, I did not mean to interrupt. Continue on as you were.”

“No, my dear, you are welcome into the conversation at any time. You are right, though, I do not do such strenuous work for the satisfaction of money, although that is a plus. I like to help those in need when possible.” Dami lets go of your arm in favor of holding your hand, and you notice Handong smile at the gesture.

“As much as I wish to keep speaking with both of you, this is a business visit, unfortunately.” Handong sighs as you cock your head at her. “My family and the Lees have been working together for centuries on developing the land. That is how we ended up with such fortune, after all.”

“So you need to speak with Siyeon?” Dami inquires, and Handong nods.

“Yes, I do. Perhaps we could do so over dinner?”

Gahyeon jumps into the conversation by leaning on Handong’s shoulder.

“Absolutely! I will tell the chefs to prepare dinner for seven!”

Handong laughs at Gahyeon’s sudden appearance before giving her a warm hug.

“Now, where did you come from?”

Dinner goes smoothly as you sit in-between Dami and Yoohyeon. Conversation flows like a flowing river on a sunny day, and you are more than content when Dami reaches over and places her hand over yours.

The same cannot be said for SuA, who is sitting across from you with a grimace on her face. Not once during dinner has Siyeon acknowledged her or turned her direction, and all of you have been sitting at the dinner hour for over two hours.

I do not want to be here when she finally says what is on her mind. That will be a world-ending experience.

You shoot her a sympathetic look as she continues to absentmindedly pick at her food as Gahyeon chatters on about something that SuA really does not care about. After looking over at you, she rolls her eyes and angrily eats a piece of steak. Siyeon and Handong calmly chat at the other end of the table, as if they are completely unaware of SuA’s burning gaze.

Eventually, to everyone’s surprise but your own, SuA suddenly stands up and carelessly tosses her fork on the table.

“My love, is everything alright?” Siyeon reaches for SuA, but she takes a step away from Siyeon.

“It is late. I should be arriving home with Yoohyeon before my family worries.” SuA coldly states before glaring at Yoohyeon. “Let us go.”

“But I have not finished my-”

“Now.”

You shiver at the anger in SuA’s tone as Yoohyeon sets her fork down and stands up alongside her sister. The two of them silently leave the room as everyone stares in disbelief at the situation that unfolded right in front of them.

Siyeon stands up after SuA slams the dining room door shut, but you gesture for her to sit before standing up yourself.

“Let me talk her down a bit, okay?” You offer her a weak smile before taking your hand away from Dami. “I will be back in a while, dear.”

You quietly slip out of the dining room before entering the foyer. You catch SuA dragging Yoohyeon out of the door when you call out for her.

“SuA? Why are you running away?”

SuA immediately lets go of Yoohyeon and directs her anger towards you.

“I am not running away from anything! Siyeon refused to acknowledge my existence!” SuA raises her voice as you attempt to calm her down.

“I know, but-”

“No, no you do not! You have not a clue what it feels like for someone to abandon you, to leave you out for the wolves!” SuA hisses as Yoohyeon gasps.

“SuA, their father-”

“-will never return home, and honestly? I will never blame him for doing so. Your mother is a nightmare, and you are simply too scared to stand up to her fully in the fear of being kicked out. Your father would be ashamed of the person you turned out to be!” SuA’s words hit you hard, and you cover your face with your hand so she does not have to see you cry.

“SuA, that is enough!” Yoohyeon raises her voice, which causes you to jump. “You are taking out your anger on the one person who would do anything for you within a heartbeat. Are you sure you want to throw that all away over someone who may only have a temporary residency in your heart?”

“If I cannot have the woman I love, then what does it matter?” SuA weakly says as she holds back tears. “Love is sickening, Yoohyeon, do not let the pretty flowers or lovely notes fool you.”

“Yooh, she is misguided by her emotions.” You softly say while trying to wipe the tears from her face. “You have to give love a chance in order to decide if it is for you or not.”

“I am not misguided! One day, Dami will ruin your life by falling out of love with you. Maybe she already has, and you are just stringing yourself along until she finally has the courage to end things with you-”

Your sobs are what push Yoohyeon to back away from SuA and pull you into her arms.

“Go home, SuA, and get some rest.”

“What will mother and father-”

“I will happily explain to them what you said if you will not tell them yourself. You are a grown woman, SuA. You should know better than to take your anger out on an innocent party.” Yoohyeon harshly critiques SuA as their carriage pulls around. “Now, go before you can cause any more damage.”

SuA huffs before turning towards the carriage. She enters it without a word, and the carriage drives away as you collapse into Yoohyeon’s arms.

“I am so, so sorry for her behavior… I have never seen her act like this.”

“Neither have I.” You croak out in between sobs.

“Do not speak. I will call a separate carriage for us, and-”

“Yoohyeon?” Handong calls out from the dining room, and she pauses before looking back to the dining room. “Yes, Siyeon, everything is alright. I will be back in a minute.”

“Handong, go back and enjoy dinner. This is not-”

Handong waves a hand at Yoohyeon before calling over a butler.

“Call my carriage over, and have the driver take these girls wherever they wish to go.”

“No, that will not be necessary-”

“Yoohyeon, I insist. I bear some responsibility in this, anyway.” Handong guiltily says before looking at you. “You should have come out here with someone else, someone who could have helped you calm her down faster-”

“No, she would have gotten in a screaming match with you or Siyeon, and Gahyeon or Dami would not have a clue what to do. It had to be them, in one way or another.” Yoohyeon wraps her arms around your neck as you lean into her touch.

“Home. I want to go home.” You mumble into her neck as she nods.

“Do you want to say goodbye to Da-”

“No, I cannot face her after what SuA said.” You bite your bottom lip as you try to stop more tears from falling out of your eyes.

“Dami adores you, and unlike SuA, I will not allow you to push her away when you need her most.” Yoohyeon glances over to Handong, who nods and quickly heads back into the kitchen. “You are allowed to need her as much as she needs you.”

“I feel guilty for monopolizing her time-”

“You are courting, for heaven’s sake!” Yoohyeon exasperatedly says. “Of course you will take up much of her time, but that is because she wants to be there for you. ‘For better or for worse’, right?”

“Is SuA right? Will she eventually lose interest in me?” You ask, scared of what the answer will be.

“To be very honest, SuA was talking out of anger and jealousy. She told you what she felt was happening to her.” Yoohyeon explains as you steady yourself. “Are you better?”

“As good as I will be after that verbal lashing.”

You and Yoohyeon awkwardly laugh as Handong returns with Dami in tow. As soon as Dami comes into your line of sight, you somehow find your way into her comforting arms.

“Please never leave me. I do not know what I would do if I never got to see you again. You are a piece of me that I wish I could keep forever.” You mumble into her neck as she comfortingly rubs your back.

“I will stay with you as long as you will have me by your side. I am yours, now and always, and that will never change.” Dami softly whispers as you tightly hug her.

“I love you.” The words slip out of your mouth before you realize what you have said.

You feel Dami’s breath hitch as she processes what you just said.

“I… I love you too.” She parts from you, only to give you a kiss on the cheek. “Go home and get some rest, alright? I will come to see you tomorrow, I promise.”

“You promise?” You repeat as you watch Handong’s carriage pull up to the mansion.

“I will never let you down, my dear.”

“So, you have finally gotten rid of that Kim Bora for good?” Your mother asks after knocking on your door. “That is a step in the right direction! Now, if only that pesky Lee girl could let go of her claws in you, and we would be set to-”

“Leave Dami out of this, and set my food by the door.” You loudly mumble from your bed.

You had not gotten out of bed nor had you changed out of your sleepwear. You only felt like reading one of the journals your father had given you, trying to sleep, or staring at the wall and replaying last night over and over in your mind.

“But you have not touched breakfast at all-”

“I will eat something today, I promise.” You weakly say, which causes your mother to leave, and for you to sigh in relief.

I just want the rest of the world to fade away as I stay in bed for just a while longer.

You hug the stuffed animal that SuA gave you when you both were children, and it brings you a moment of comfort before you hear your mother calling out for you again.

“I know you are in no state to be seen, but Dami is here to see you. She says that she has something to speak with you about.”

Your eyes widen when you realize that Dami is in your house and awaiting you, so you quickly ready yourself before calling out to your mother.

“You can send her up! I am ready to be seen by my company, whether or not you think so.”

You open the window in your bedroom and adjust the hem of your outfit before you hear a single soft knock on the door.

“Dear, may I come in?”

Dami’s sweet voice floats through the cracks in the doorway, and you sigh before sitting down on your bed.

“Yes, you can come in.”

The door creaks open, and Dami stands there with a plate of food in her hands.

“You should eat, even if you do not feel like it. You will make yourself more ill if you refuse to take care of yourself.”

“I- Thank you.” You briefly say before extending your hands towards her.

She softly smiles before walking over to you and handing you the food, along with a set of silverware.

“I like the decorations in your room… it is fitting for your personality.” Dami comments as you take a bite of food.

When the taste of your mother’s cooking hits your tongue, the knot in your stomach unravels and you’re suddenly hungry enough to eat the food that has been prepared for you.

“Thank you…” You say in-between bites of food. “My father gifted me most of it, and the rest is from Minji or Bora.”

You soften once her name comes from her lips, and Dami sits next to you before placing an arm around you.

“Siyeon visited SuA before I came to see you.�� Dami looks out the window as you stare at her in curiosity.

“What happened?”

“SuA cursed her out before throwing her promise rings at Siyeon.”

“So they are no longer courting?” You feel sad when you ask Dami that, even though you already know the answer.

“Although Siyeon is awaiting a direct answer, I believe it is fair to say that the two of them are going separate ways, at least for a little while.” Dami explains as you nod along.

“I know that SuA can overreact at times, but that was extreme, especially given the scenario-”

“No, I think she was in the right.” Dami states as you furrow your eyebrows.

“What do you mean?”

“Any reasonable person would have been upset with a lover if that lover had been ignoring them. SuA should not have directed any anger towards you, which is something we will both agree on, I am sure.”

You set the empty plate on your nightstand before grabbing the gifted stuffed animal from the back of your bed.

“Yeah, she has never gotten so angry with me, and not over something like that. She must have been feeling so upset, and I tried to reason with her, I did, but-”

“She was in no mood to hear you out, but SuA should have sent you away if she knew that she would explode like that.” Dami pulls you closer before rubbing your shoulder in reassurance. “I heard from Gahyeon that the two of them have been arguing over small things for a while, so I guess this was the tipping point for them.”

“And Handong? Is she alright? I know she must feel awful for what happened.” You show concern for the black-haired girl, and Dami sweetly smiles at you.

“After everything that was said to you, you still worry about how others feel. That is how I know that you are just perfect, not for me, but in general.” Dami shakes her head as a light chuckle falls from her soft lips. “Yes, Handong is staying with us for a while. She wants to bridge things over with Siyeon, but I think her efforts will be fruitless. I think it is best for all of us to leave this whole mess where it belongs.”

“In the past?” You ask as she nods.

“As a bad memory. There are things that cannot be fixed, of course. You and SuA, you have not-”

“No, I think she will need more time before I reach out to her. I know that Bora is upset over all of this, and I would rather not start another fight.” You bite your lip before squeezing the stuffed animal in your arms. “I wish I could go back and fix everything, but I need to look forward. You are right, Dami, like always.”

“I know, but now is not the time for that. As I told your mother, I have something to speak with you about.” Dami pulls away from you for a moment, and you find yourself craving her touch as you force yourself to respond.

“Yeah, did you not mention something about my father last night?”

“I did, but that only partially relates to what I was referring to.” Dami fishes a key out of her pocket before handing it to you.

“Dami, sweetheart, what is this for?” You examine the key before you notice that Dami is staring at you with a hopeful look in her eye.

“I… put a month’s rent down on an apartment in the city.”

“Dami, are you serious?” You tightly grip the key before looking her in the eyes. “My mother, she will not be happy when she hears about this. Besides, what will people say? What about your sisters and your parents?”

“I assure you that many more scandalous acts are happening in that city. I am not asking for a long-term commitment, my dear. Just come and stay with me in the city for a month. It will be a nice change of pace, plus you can help me work on a few cases in more depth, like-”

“-my father’s disappearance?” Your voice jumps up in pitch as Dami nods in agreement.

“As I said early, just give it some thought. I do not wish to rush your decision-making. When you are read, send a letter to my residence and I will-”

“Yes, I will live with you.” You do not blink or move a muscle as Dami stares at you.

“Are you sure about this? If you need more time, I can-”

“No, you are right. I could use some space from my mother and everyone else in my life. I think this will be good for me… for the both of us.”

“I will take you to visit the property tomorrow, and we can slowly move in from then on. Does that sound okay?”

You slip your hand into Dami’s, and you give it a gentle squeeze.

“That will work well for me. What about my mother?”

“I will take care of it, I promise.”

Although your mother was not the biggest fan of you leaving the house at such a young age, she did like the idea of you staying in the city.

“Maybe you could meet another lady at that time… one that is richer, and not related to the Lee family-”

“Mother, I am crazy about Dami, whether or not you approve of it. I am going with her, no matter what.”

She sighs before waving you off.

“I was afraid you would say that. Be safe, and come to visit often, alright? The house feels less like a home without you.”

You had given your mother a tight hug, the first one you’ve shared in many years, before hopping into a carriage to spend a month with the person who made your life exponentially better.

You could not resist saying your goodbyes to the Kim family, even though your relationship with SuA had not fully recovered at the time.

“You will still come to visit, right?” Mrs. Kim asks after letting you out of a tight hug.

“Yes, I will, as long as you will have me. I will even bring Dami, if you will have both of us.”

“It would be my pleasure.” She pinches your cheek before walking off.

You jump slightly as Mr. Kim gives you a firm but reassuring pat on the back.

“You will be okay out there, kid. You are smart enough to do anything that you wish. Do not forget us when you get mesmerized by everything the city has to offer, alright?”

“I will not, I promise.” You firmly shake his hand as he gives you a softer pat on the back.

When Mr. Kim moves, Minji rushes up to you and gives you a sweet, warm up.

“Ah, you are growing up too fast!” She teases as you hear Yoohyeon approach from the kitchen.

“I know, Minji, it feels like yesterday when we all were playing outside in the garden.” Yoohyeon sighs before leaning on the doorframe. “Do not forget to invite us to the wedding, alright? I would like front row seats, right next to your mother-”

“Yoohyeon!” You squeal before letting go of Minji. “There is no wedding in my future.”

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that~” She winks before giving you a quick embrace. “Tell me all about the city when you get back… if you come back.”

“I will, I promise.” You turn to Minji with a warm smile on your face. “Please come and visit us while you are still here for late spring and the whole summer.”

“I cannot think of a better way to spend my time.” She smiles as Yoohyeon points at the stairs.

“Well, look at what the cat dragged out of bed!”

SuA slowly walks down the stairs while avoiding eye contact with you.

“Yoohyeon, be nice. SuA has been having a rough time as of late. We should not be contributing to her stress.” Minji walks away from you before grabbing Yoohyeon’s arm and leading her outside.

“SuA… I am sorry that I did not come to see you earlier. I was worried that I had upset you past the point of no return, and I-”

“Oh, please do not apologize to me. After all, I should be kissing your feet after the shit I said.” SuA chokes back some tears before looking over to you. “You will find the willpower to forgive me, right? I was so incredibly misguided when I projected my anger onto you, and it was wrong of me to do so.”

“SuA, I will always be here for you when you need me.” You open your arms to her, and she gladly gives you a strong hug.

“Are you really going away to the city?”

“Just for a month, and then I will be back here.”

“What makes you so sure that you will dislike city living?”

“I…” You pause before letting go of SuA. “I do not think I will dislike it at all. I just hope Dami and I are compatible as roommates and lovers.”

“I do not think there is an area where the two of you are not compatible.” SuA chuckles before looking at you. “I am so happy that you are living your life with the girl you have dreamed of for years. Continue to be that way for me, alright?”

You tilt your head at her.

“Will you come and visit me sometime?”

“You know I cannot resist an offer like that~”

One month had turned into two, and before you knew that, spring had shifted into summer, and summer flew by without a second warning. The only event that made you realize how fast time was going was the annual send-off for Yoohyeon and Minji that was held at the end of summer. That was when SuA had brought up that you and Dami had been living together for over half of the year, and you had to dodge more proposal and engagement questions than you could reasonably count.

“Is it so wrong to be curious about my friend’s marital status?” SuA teases as you brush her off with a scoff.

“No, but telling lies and spreading my private business everywhere is not at all what I want!”

As autumn approaches, you have been working long hours to find some sort of information in the case of your father. Dami was right by your side, but you still were unable to make any progress.

After searching through the hundredth newspaper, you sigh before collapsing on the couch in your shared apartment.

“Giving up so soon?” Dami asks before removing the glasses from her face.

“We have looked in thousands upon thousands of newspapers, yet there is no news of his disappearance. It is almost like he did not want to be found…”

Your shoulders slump after you toss the newspaper on a spare end table. Dami is quick to comfort you as she sits next to you and takes your hand in hers.

“We will keep looking, as long as it may take. I know a few people who may be able to get us some travel logs from the last ten years. If he went through the city, then he is in there, I assure you.”

You do not get your hopes up as you briefly glance at Dami before squeezing her hand.

“You think we will find him?”

“I cannot assure you of that, but I will not rest until we find out the truth.”

You take a sip from the teacup in your hand as you sit next to the window that faces the main road of the city.

I wonder if it is always this peaceful in autumn, or if the city is just begging for me and Dami to stay here.

A small ‘click!’ pulls you back into reality as you turn towards the door. You set the teacup down as the door opens to reveal Dami. Before she can step inside, you grab her wrist, pull her inside, shut the door, and bury yourself in her arms in one clean motion. Dami laughs at your swiftness before hugging you back.

“Did you miss me that much, my love?” Dami softly teases before pressing a kiss to your face.

“You ask me that question every day, Dami. I am surprised that you, the famous detective, have not figured out the answer.” You shoot back before slightly pulling away from her.

“Some things are better left as a mystery.” She shows you a warm smile, and you reciprocate it before pulling her in for a kiss.

You and her both sigh as you melt into each other. She still smells like freshly printed books, but it is mixed with an indescribable ink smell and a whiff of some expensive perfume.

It must be from one of the secretaries at her office, or a potential customer, perhaps?

You have to push Dami away from you when you realize that someone is knocking at the door. She looks hurt at first, but when you gesture towards the door, she relaxes.

“I thought I had offended you in some way.” She mumbles before fixing her clothes.

Did I accidentally untie her necktie while I was in that haze? What strange behavior for me to engage in!

“You? Never.”

Dami bites her lip and blushes before gesturing to your lips.

Is there something on my-

“Oh, dear…” You laugh before rubbing a bit of her lipstick off of your lips with a napkin.

I guess I was not the only one, then.

The knocking continues, and you clean up the apartment a bit as Dami answers the door.

“Siyeon?” Dami tilts her head before Siyeon comes crashing into her arms.

“Oh, dear sister, you must forgive me!” She wails as Dami looks at her in pure confusion.

“I do not think I understand what you mean…”

“It is Gahyeon! She has run off, and Mother will end me when she finds out!” Siyeon cries as Dami pulls her over to the couch.

“I will go make some tea.” You quickly say before exiting the living room.

You listen into their conversation as you set the kettle, filled with water, on a metal stove.

“When was the last time you saw Gahyeon?” Dami asks, and you hear a few papers shuffling around as Siyeon sniffles and tries to recollect herself.

“Two nights ago, when Handong came to visit. She has not been around since.”

You hear Dami write on a piece of parchment paper before stopping.

“Has Handong received word of this incident?”

“Yes, and she wishes me nothing but the best in the effort to find my sister.”

Dami sighs before continuing to write.

“I do not know why I expected something better than a non-committal answer from Handong.”

“So you’ll help me?” Siyeon hopefully asks.

“Of course, Siyeon, Gahyeon is our sister. After your nerves calm, we will take a trip to the mansion and take a look around. Is that alright?”

“Yes, but I must ask, are they going to be coming with us?”

You try to hide in the kitchen because you think your cover is blown, but luckily for you, the kettle whistles and you quickly pull it off of the stove as Dami answers.

“Do you not want more help?”

“No, I want them there. They make you a better detective, in all honesty.” Siyeon briefly chuckles before blowing her nose. “Thank you for taking me in, Dami. That is something I have always loved about you.”

“Siyeon, you are my sister. You can count on me when you need me.” Dami sets a hand on Siyeon’s shoulder as you walk into the room with two teacups.

“It will help with congestion.” You softly say before handing her the cup.

“Thank you for your consideration. I appreciate the thoughtfulness that you always seem to show.” Siyeon expresses her gratitude, and you bashfully smile.

“Ah, thank you for your praise.” You hand Dami her cup with a smile. “It is exactly how you like it.”

You grab your cup from the windowsill before taking a seat next to Dami.

“Thank you again, to the both of you. I do not think I will be able to thank you enough.”

You notice the way that Dami softly stares at her childhood home, and you reach over and grab her hand.

“Nostalgic? I do not blame you at all.”

“A bit, but if I had the choice between staying here or being with you, I would choose you over and over again.” Dami interlaces her fingers with yours as you both walk towards the entrance.

“Ah, you romantic! You always know how to woo me~” You giggle before leaning on her shoulder. “I love you, now and forever.”

“I shall love you, forever and always.” She repeats back before holding the door for you.

“What a lady~” You tease before pulling her inside with you. “Do you know where you want to start looking?”

“She liked to hang out in the common room, so I will start there. Siyeon is going through her private office, but you are free to wander where you wish.” Dami explains before letting go of her hand.

“Are her private quarters off-limits?” You ask, and Dami shakes her head.

“She is not here to tell you otherwise, so you are more than welcome to look in there.”

“I will let you know if I find anything.”

The two of you part, and you slip into a familiar hallway as you look for the entrance to Gahyeon’s room.

Dami’s old room was not that obvious, but maybe Gahyeon’s will be harder to find-

You pause as you stare at a door that has her name engraved in the wood.

Okay, maybe I was wrong…

You open the door, and it softly creaks as you take a peek inside. It looks much like SuA’s room when you would come to visit her, except there were a few more items of value in here than you expected.

What catches your eye, however, is the stack of parchment paper sitting on her vanity. You take a seat before picking up one of the papers.

My Dearest Fox,

Oh, the day shall come when the moon and the sun shall eclipse, and we shall meet again. You, my sun, make the world bright, and I, the moon, cast shadow wherever I go. We work in tandem, like a perfect pairing made from above.

Tell me you will come and see me again?

Your Darling Cat~

You place the letter aside before grabbing another one.

Is it a love letter? Has Gahyeon found someone that has interested her?

You scan this letter more carefully, and another paragraph jumps out at you.

Fox, you continue to amaze me. The way you move captivates me beyond what is normal, and the way my heartbeats confuses my common sense. I feel sick at the thought of you, but I would rather feel like that than feel nothing at all. Do you feel the same way I do? A silly question, I know, but I must know that my love is to be received, and your love is to be given.

You shuffle through more of the letters, but it is more of the same.

Gahyeon must have run off with this ‘cat’... but where did they go? Why did they feel the need to run?

You collect the notes as you prepare to talk to Dami, but you pause when you see that you have left one behind.

Now, what is this?

You set the other papers aside, and you gasp when your eyes flicker to the last figure on the paper.

Gahyeon drew everyone with an animal beside them, and the last girl has a cat next to her… but that is not any regular girl.

It is Handong!

“Did you find anything?” Siyeon softly asks as Dami shakes her head.

“No, did you?”

“No.”

“So we are at a dead end?” Dami sighs before combing a hand through her hair. “She has done an excellent job at covering her tracks, I must admit.”

“WAIT!” You yell before rushing into the common room with a bunch of papers in your arms.

“Is everything alright? You look-”

“It does not matter. You need to see this.” You hand Dami the three documents that you looked at before handing Siyeon the rest.

“Darling, what am I looking at? Is this a love letter to Gahyeon?”

You nod before pointing at the drawing.

“I-” Dami’s eyes widen as she has the same realization that you do. “My God, that is why Handong would not give you a straight answer.”

“What do you mean?” Siyeon asks before Dami shows her the drawing. “My goodness, I never expected Handong, but why did she feel the need to run off?”

“I am not sure, but we can ask her when we find her.” Dami hands the other remaining papers to Siyeon as she carefully puts them in order.

“I will put these away. Good work, detective!” Siyeon sends you a wink before walking away. “You should consider putting their name on your building too, Dami, because they are just as smart as you are.”

“I have, but they refuse.” She answers before turning to you. “I am in disbelief that you found that. How did you know where to look?”

“I was once young and believed that I had to hide my love from everyone else.” You wistfully say as Dami bumps your shoulder.

“How did that turn out for you?”

“Quite well, but I think you will have to ask my lover if you want a concrete answer.”

You both laugh as Dami wraps an arm around you.

“I am proud of you, and who you have become.” She says as you look up at her. “I suppose this means that we should visit Handong. Will you come with us?”

“I have housework to catch up on, so I think I will pass on this adventure.” You admit as Dami leans her head against yours.

“Are you sure that you do not want to come along?”

“I should stay home because you have to earn your title of ‘The Greatest Detective Of The Civilized World’, Dami~” You tease before pressing a kiss to her face as you wait for the carriage to take her and Siyeon to Handong’s residence.

You thank the carriage driver for taking you to the apartment before you slip inside of the building. Although only two couples lived below you and one old lady lived in the apartment next to you, the building could be busy at times, depending on the season or if someone had plenty of company over.

Today, however, there was pure silence as you climbed up the stairs and grabbed the keys to your apartment. You go to unlock the door, but you notice that the lock has been picked, and the door opens with ease.

That was not how we left the apartment…

You pull your coat open as you grab the knife that Dami had gifted you when you had first moved in together.

“Dami, this is completely unnecessary.” You had said as you held the heavy knife in your hand. “I can take care of myself, and it is very unlikely that I will ever get into a situation where-”

“I know that you can protect yourself, darling, but I worry about you so much. This is less about your safety and more about giving me peace of mind while I am away.”

“So you worry about me?”

She places a hand on your cheek as she nods.

“It is only natural that I worry about you. I love you, and you will forever be one of my main focuses in life. I can teach you how to defend yourself, if you’d like.”

You smile before placing your free hand on hers.

“I would love that.”

The knife still feels heavy in your hand, as if the weight of using it for harm would drag you under the surface of the ground. Your tight grip on the knife remains as you slip inside of the door. Your eyes dart around the living room as you look for any signs of an intruder, but you sigh in relief and shut the door when you realize that your apartment has remained untouched.

Papers are still scattered around Dami’s desk in the study, and not one book has been touched in her personal library, so you continue to walk through the house before you reach the bedroom.

When you reach the bedroom, you yelp before putting your knife away as you come face-to-face with Gahyeon.

“Gahyeon! You should not be here!” You gently scold her before closing the blinds in the bedroom.

“Why not? Am I not welcome in this house?” She teasingly asks, and you resist the urge to smack her as you pull her into a tight hug.

“Your sisters are worried sick about you. Where have you been?”

“I was with Handong, I promise.” Gahyeon watches as you nod. “Did you figure that out from looking through my bedroom? I am impressed!”

“Now is not the time for congratulations or compliments. Why are you here?” You bluntly question her before pulling away from Gahyeon.

“As I said, I was with Handong before I realized that she was hiding something from me.”

You raise an eyebrow at her.

“Have you figured out what that would be?”

Gahyeon smirks before grabbing a folded paper in her pocket. She hands it to you with conviction as you grab it with confusion.

You carefully unfold the paper, and as you scan the paper, you gasp.

“It’s a wedding invitation…”

“Yeah, but not any wedding invitation. It’s yours and Dami’s. Care to explain?”

“Ah!” You cover your hand with your face as you realize that Gahyeon has probably figured it out by now. “So you know…”

“How long, though? And, most importantly, why wouldn’t you invite me?”

“We did not want the word getting out.” You admit as Gahyeon places a hand over her chest in offense.

“You think of me as a gossip?”

“If it makes you feel any better, it was not me.” You mutter as Gahyeon scoffs.

“Dami is so mean to me!” She whines, and you laugh as she collapses onto the bed. “Do you have the rings?”

“Of course I do.” You play with the collar of your shirt before walking towards the nightstand on your side. “I suppose now I can actually start wearing it…”

You pull out a silver box, and you set it on the bed as Gahyeon watches you open it. She squeals as you hand her Dami’s ring, and you put your own on your finger as Gahyeon admires the ring.

“The invitation said this wedding happened a day before JiU and Yoohyeon left… Were one of them your witness?” Gahyeon inquires.

“Yeah, they both were. I am guessing that you figured out that Handong was Dami’s witness?”

“Handong told me everything once I found this invitation and confronted her about it… I just wanted to hear it from you to confirm that the wedding really did happen. Does SuA know?”

“She is as clueless as Siyeon is, believe it or not. I have come close to telling her, but my lips have been sealed.” You smile at Gahyeon before putting the box away and closing the drawer. “Did you really stage your disappearance so you could talk to me alone?”

She sheepishly laughs before raising her hands in the air.

“Guilty as charged~”

You take Dami’s ring from your hand, and you admire it for a moment before heading into the kitchen.

“Dami and Siyeon will be back here soon after they figure out what you have done. I will prepare a meal for four, then.”

“Are you going to tell Dami what I know?” Gahyeon calls out to you as you grab a kettle.

“I trust that you have that covered, Gahyeon.”

When the bell tower tolls three o’clock, the sound of gentle knocking on the front door causes you to set the plates down and answer the door.

“Dami…” You mutter softly before pulling her inside. “We need to talk.”

You gesture for Siyeon to enter as you pull Dami aside, and Siyeon silently closes the door before heading into the kitchen.

“What is the matter?” She softly asks, and she takes your left hand in hers. “Your ring… you’re wearing it?”

“Gahyeon sniffed us out.” You say before handing her the ring that belongs on her finger.

Dami stifles a chuckle before taking the ring from your hand.

“I had no idea she would figure us out so fast… I thought we would have more time.” Dami looks remorseful, but you’re quick to comfort her with a warm smile and a soft kiss.

“C’mon, I made everyone something to eat.” You lead her along with your hand in hers, and you glance back at her before heading into the kitchen. “How long did it take you to figure out that Gahyeon came back here?”

“Handong is honest, so after a nice cup of tea and a quick chat, she told us of Gahyeon’s plan.”

Gahyeon flinches at the mentioning of her name, and Siyeon places a gentle hand on her back.

“Do not worry, sister, we are not mad at you. We just wish you would tell us before you run off to your lover.”

“We are not-”

Siyeon laughs at Gahyeon’s defensiveness.

“Do not be so foolish and angry, Gahyeon. Enjoy being in love. It is a special, wonderful thing.” Siyeon looks saddened at the thought, but she quickly lightens up once you begin to serve food.

“Siyeon, I have something I wish to tell you.” Dami softly says, and you carefully observe as Siyeon looks at Dami.

“Do tell.” Siyeon places her elbow on the table, and she rests her head on her hand as Dami places both of her hands on the table.

“I… We-” Dami pauses as Siyeon takes Dami’s left hand in her free hand.

“Is that a wedding ring?”

“It is.” Dami softly says, and Siyeon smiles as she squeezes her sister’s hand.

“I am happy for you. I just wish we could have been there.”

You cannot help but to smile as you serve Dami a plate. You kiss her cheek before taking a seat next to her.

Her hand meets yours under the table as Siyeon turns her attention to you.

“I guess that makes us family now… Gahyeon?”

“Yes?” Gahyeon says in between bites of food.

“Is this the reason you ran from Handong’s estate to here? Did you wish to harass two innocent people-”

“Siyeon, please, it’s alright. She was just curious about what her sister was doing, especially when said sister tends to keep her affairs under wraps.” You say in defense of Gahyeon, and you speak again before Dami can get a word in. “There is nothing wrong with Dami wanting to be more private, but, if it is not too bold of me to say, I think the three of you should open up to each other more.”

“No, you have a point. We are sisters, after all.” Siyeon says, and the other two girls nod as someone knocks against the door again.

“I will get it. You three should talk.” You reassure them, and Dami pulls you in for a quick side hug before completely letting you go.

You quickly make your way to the door before opening it. You observe the man standing in front of you with a sense of familiarity. It was almost as if you had seen him before, as if you had known him a long, long time ago.

“Papa?” Your voice went soft as the older gentleman gently combs through his hair.

“I was not sure if you would recognize me since you had grown up so much, but I-”

He pauses when you give him a tight hug before wrapping his arms around you.

“Where have you been all of these years?” You mumble into his chest.

“I went out of the country to do some underground business with an old friend of mine… I believe your wife will know him very, very well.”

“Mr. Lee?”

“You were always a bright kid, but yes, that is the truth. I decided to come back when I heard that your mother was giving you some grief, plus I heard the news of your marriage from her father.”

“My father?” Dami softly says as she walks over to you.

“Yes, your father and I had many different ways of still learning about the two of you.” He reassures you as you let go of him.

“Would you like to come in?” Dami asks, and he shakes his head.

“I believe I have a visit to arrange with their mother, but I am more than happy to have that offer another time.”

“Another time, then.” She nods, and he bows before leaving the two of you alone.

“Case closed, I guess.” You shrug before closing the door behind you. “Are you surprised?”

“My father was a mysterious man, as was yours. I do not believe this behavior was above either of them.” Dami takes your hand, and she pulls you into her arms. “Our fathers had to take care of us in some way. Did you never think about how we were able to live such promising lives, despite the fact that neither of our mothers worked?”

“I… I had not thought of that before.” You put your coat on a hanger before taking Dami’s off of her. “Good work, Detective Lee~”

“I would not be able to do anything without you, love.” She gently says as you wrap your arms around her.

“Ah, as charming as ever, dearest.”

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