#people be praising the other side of the door in the same breath they’re bashing the debut

[taylorswiftdebut]

the other side of the door is just a compilation of references that tie directly back to taylor’s debu—*gunshots*

[bakudekushimasimp]

Pairings: katsuki bagukouxy/nxkirishima

Warnings: 18+, MINORS DO NOT INTERACT, threesome, vaginal sex, anal, DP, mild degradation, unprotected sex (wrap it, before you tap it), oral

Summary: you walk into their dorm while they’re comparing sizes 👀

*A/N: yes they are in a dorm but they are also aged up, however old reader thinks is appropriate for people to have sex at, I don’t see grown men comparing sizes so of course they’re still younger. (I’m thinking around 18) can be older! It’s all up to the reader!

Mina and you are walking down the hallway about to turn in for the night, discussing improving your quirks and how your internships have been going. Everyone was either already in their dorms, washing up, or chatting it up in the lounge area. You both pass by the boys restroom as Todoroki steps out in only a towel hanging on his hips. Mina, being the overly confident one, praises him for his fit figure and tells him she might need his ice quirk with how hot he’s made it in the hallway and it wasn’t because his fire quirk. Shouto’s cheeks turn a bright shade of pink as he slips past you two and crosses the hall to his dorm. You both continue walking as you both giggle at his cute reaction. Mina then decides to bring up the topic of who the cutest boy was in your class. You roll your eyes and look at Mina,

“Mina, we are not 13 anymore.” She only nudges you and laughs. “That doesn’t mean you haven’t thought of any of the guys being insanely attractive, or their quirk just interest you more than others..” You think about it as you watch your feet, and slow down your pace. Now that you thought about it you have been paying more attention to someone than usually. Not being able to take your eyes off them while training. Or in class. A blush creeps across your face and Mina shouts, “See! I knew you had a little crush on SOMEONE!” You jump and quickly tell her to quiet down. You did not want to draw attention to yourself. Before you can say anything Mina turns to you abruptly, “Y/n I totally forgot. Kirishima has my *insert subject* book from class he needed to borrow it to finish up some of his homework do you think you could grab it for me! I need it before tomorrow!” An image of Red Riot smiling flashes across your mind and you start to stutter, “I s-suppose.” She jumps a little and claps her hands. “Thank you y/n” she quickly gives you a hug, your now standing in front of her dorm room door. “I’m going to bed, but you can leave it outside my door I’ll grab it in the morning when I wake up!” You hesitantly smile, hoping that the boys weren’t busy or asleep so you didn’t disturb them over a silly book. Mina retreats into her room, as you turn around to head back towards the boys dorm.

You stand in front of there door hearing muffled voices on the other side. You figure it’s better to get it over with, and since they both seem more than awake you’d just grab the book and go. You take a breath and twist the door knob open.

Your breath catches in your throat and your mouth hangs slightly ajar. Your face turns a fiery red. Both Katsuki and Kirishima stand their with their manhood in their hands. It looked as if they were trying to compare sizes, you only heard a brief “mine is definitely bigger,” before they turnt to the side snapping their heads towards you. You never knew someone could be that big. Kirishima’s cheeks flush and he quickly pulls his shorts up and over his cock only leaving his perfect v line and a red trail to view. Katsuki still holds his and isn’t so quick to move but eventually tucks himself back into his sweatpants. “What are you staring at idiot!” He practically barks at you. “Never seen a dick before?” Your throat is so dry your eyes quickly shift to the floor and you simply croak out, “M-m-Mina sent me to get her book from Kiri.” You see Kirishima tense at your cute nickname you’ve always called him. Katsuki rolls his eyes and grunts plopping onto his bed. “Well.” You look up from your feet and make eye contact with Kiri. He chuckles and scratches the back of his neck, “I guess I did forget to give that back to her,” he then turns walking to his desk and grabs the book. But before he could make it to you, to hand it to you, Bakugou stops him. “Wait,” you both turn and shift your attention to him. “so you obviously just saw us both just now when you walked in so..” you look down quickly twirling your thumbs around each other. Kirishima shifts back and forth on his feet feeling embarrassed by the whole situation. “Who looks bigger to you.” You stop twirling your thumbs at the same time Kiri stops shifting on his feet. You look up at Katsuki who is now leaned back smirking with both hands behind his head. You can’t help but look at his muscular arms twitch, and your eyes trail to his shirt that is lifted revealing a peek of his toned abs and blonde patch of hair that leads to the monster he was hiding in his sweatpants. You hurry and snap your eyes back up to his face where his smirk has now widened he knows what he’s doing, he licks his bottom lip and brings it under his teeth. His look sends a rush of heat straight to your core, dampening your panties. You then look to Kirishima who’s print is revealing itself in his shorts. He licks his lips, “You don’t have to answer that we all know the answer.” Katsuki sits up breaking his seducing pose and shouts “Oi!” You giggle and they both can’t help but let out a groan at the cute sound leaving your mouth, thinking of how nice your moan must sound. Katsuki’s cock twitches underneath his sweatpants and he stands and walked towards you like a lion prowling on its meal.

“We’ll see about that, Y/n can decide who genuinely has the bigger cock here.”

Kirishima tosses his book to the side and slowly approaches you never breaking eye contact as Katsuki makes sure the door is secured shut. Kiri comes up and gently cups your face and your legs start to tremble. Katsuki comes up behind you pulling his shirt off on the way, and soon enough you are pressed between both guys. Bakugou runs his hands down your arms and over your hips as Kirshima leans in only an inch or so away from your parted lips. Bakugou leans into your ear after places a few sloppy kisses up your neck, “tell us you want this..” your eyes are fixed on Kirishima’s and you can’t believe this is happening. “Y-y-yes.” Bakugou nibbles and your ear and then bites your shoulder leaving a love bite. “Yes what?” Kirishima is searching your eyes waiting for the words his erection raging underneath his shorts, he gently pressed it into your stomach as he is taller than you. “I want this, I want you, both.” You finally manage to get out. Katsuki hums into your skin as he grabs your ass and slides his hands around your thighs feeling all your curves. Kirishima takes the opportunity of your little moan to kiss you letting his tongue slip into your mouth. You both start kissing wildly and passionately as if you’ve both been waiting for this moment. Bakugou’s hand slips into your pants as he continues to leave his marks over your neck and shoulders, he feels just how wet him and his roommate have made you. “Already s’wet for us, you came here wanting to get fucked didn’t you, you little slut.” He pulls his fingers out of your pants covered in your slick and brings it up to where you and Kiri are lustfully exploring one another’s mouths. He pushes his finger in the mix of both of your tongues letting you both have a taste. You let out a whimper as Kirishima groans into your mouth. Katsuki pulls his finger back and takes it into his own mouth sucking in the mix of saliva and juices. “S’good” he groans as he pushes his erection into your ass.

Kirishima pulls away from you a string of saliva drawn between both of your lips. You look at him dazed with hooded eyes. He pulls your shirt over your head as Katsuki unhooks your bra from behind you and they let both pieces of clothing fall to the floor. Katsuki grabs your breast and squeezes tightly, “who knew you were hiding such a sexy body underneath that hero suit of yours, you’re always so shy and bashful but look at you turning into our little whore.” Katsuki slaps one of your breasts causing you to let out a whimper. Kirishima slips his shorts off along with his boxers and pumps himself with his fist watching as Katsuki plays with your hardened peaks. You rub your thighs together trying to give some type of relief to your aching sex. Bakugou makes eye contact with kirishima and it’s like they exchanged words because next thing you know Kiri was sweeping you up and bringing you to the bed. Kirishima lays you on the bed and helps you out of your remaining clothes, while Katsuki is removing his sweatpants and boxers from his godlike body. Kiri crawls between your legs letting your thighs rest on his as he spreads you out in front of him. You bring your hands over your eyes to hide your face and Kiri leans down next to your ear. “I’ve only dreamt of this happening, I can’t believe I can really enjoy you like this y/n. Don’t worry I’ll be gentle.” You remember the length and girth of his member from early and all you can think is of how no matter how gentle he was he’d still tear you open. Your pussy clenches around air, your stomach in a knot.

Katsuki makes his way over to you and stands next to where your head lays on the bed. He strokes himself and reaches out removing one of your hands from your face. “Don’t be shy now.” Kiri takes your other hand and lets it run from his chest to his rock hard abs. You shutter at the feeling sending goosebumps up your body. You look at Bakugou’s stuff erection and watch the precum drips from his tip down his shaft. He lets go of your arm and grabs a fist full of your hair pulling you to the perfect angle. He slaps his member on your cheek, “open.” You look at him through your lashes and open letting your tongue roll out. He wastes no time shoving his cock into your mouth letting his head fall back at the sudden warmth. Kirishima kisses his way down your body to your core, but before ravishing you he doesn’t hesitate to leave some love marks/bites all over the insides of your thighs. You try to refrain from squeezing his head between your legs as he then licks straight up your slit and starts to suck on your swollen clit. You moan letting your eyes roll back, the vibrations around Katsuki’s cock driving him wild. He thrust in and out of your mouth matching your head bobs. Kirishima uses one of his hands to slip a finger into you to prep you for what was to come as his other hand went to work twisting your nipple and palming your soft tit. You were drenching his face as you reached your high, it seemed Bakugou was coming close to his as well. Kirishima added another digit to your cunt and curled his fingers pressing against your sweet spot. Your back arched off the bed and not much longer you were coming unraveled. As your throat opened and you hummed against Katsuki’s cock he took the opportunity to shove his entire length down your throat, thrusting into your face until he exploded forcing you to swallow every drop he gave you. He pulled out of your mouth and tapped you on the face wiping saliva and cum across your cheek. “You liked me fucking your pretty little face didn’t you slut.” You nodded your head yes licking your lips, kirishima came up from devouring you to bring you into another hot steamy kiss both of you tasting you and Katsuki on each others tongues.

Kirishima then rolled you both over pulling you on top of him. Your breast hovering over his face and his cock at your entrance. “Are you ready, y/n?” He then took a nipple into his mouth and sucked gently. You brought a hand up to tangle in his hair, and you stammered out “y-y-yes Kiri, I’m ready” he nipped at your nipple at released it from his mouth. He looked at you to check if there was any doubt in your eyes but all there was was the reflection of lust and desire. He slowly started to push himself into you and you could already feel the stretch. He placed his hands on your hips easing you down gently. There was pain mixed with pleasure. All your wetness from the orgasm made it a little easier. Katsuki was on the bed and had positioned himself behind you. He reached around and cupped one of your breast while the other hand rubbed circles over your clit creating more slick for kirishima to push himself into you. You eased yourself all the way down, letting Kiri bottom out in you. You moaned his name digging your nails into his chest. His quirk activating at the sensation making you moshing even louder as you felt him harden and pulse inside you. He pulled you down into a sloppy kiss. Katsuki took the opportunity to massage your bottom as Kiri started his movements thrusting into you. Suki spit letting it drip down onto your lower back he rubbed his thumb in it dragging it down to your puckered hole. He eased his thumb inside you stretching you. You gasped at the feeling of something penetrating you there. “You like that dirty slut?” He slapped your ass cheek with his other hand. You grinded yourself against Kiri moaning into his mouth. “I’ll show you who’s dick you like more, princess.” With that Kirishima broke the kiss and moved to your neck finding your sweet spot and not moving. Katsuki removed his thumb and ran his length up and down your ass. He eased himself into you giving you time to adjust. He groaned as you sucked him in to your tightness. Kirishima was panting as you had your mouth agape tongue hanging out. Kiri took two fingers and hooked them into your mouth as Bakugou reacted up and grabbed your throat bout of them penetrating you at the same time. The tension in your stomach built as you felt another release coming. Kiri’s thrusts we’re turning sloppy as he starting mumbling to himself. “Fuck…s’tight..you like taking both of us…our little slut..all ours.” Katsuki smirks and slams himself into you causing your back to arch higher. “Look at you bringing Red Riot to his knees.” You tighten around both of their cocks as you reach your release. Kiri squeezes your thighs hard as you clench down on him. You see spots of white as you squirt all over his cock and Katsuki’s balls.

Katsuki pulls out of your ass looking at the gaping mess he’s left you, grabbing your hair and pulling you up to his chest. He grabs your thighs and pulls your body off Kiri holding you as Kirishima gets up on his knees. Bakugou puts you back down on the bed, your knees and arms wobbling as you are on all four. “We’re not done with you yet, princess.” He grabs your hair and slips himself inside your drenched sex. “Fuck.” He moans bottoming himself out. You can feel your stomach bulge as he fills you up. Kiri swipes your hair out of your face and caresses your chin pulling your face up he gives you a lazy smile before licking his bottom lip and pushing himself to your mouth. As Katsuki starts to relentlessly pound into your walls he uses the grip on your hair to help you suck all your wet juices off his friends dick. You gag slightly as he forces your head completely down his length. Tears brim your eyes at the complete euphoria your body is going through. Katsuki shoves your head down several more times before kirishima throws his head back loudly moaning your name. He pulls out and paints his seed across your beautiful face. The sight pushes Bakugou over the edge and he releases his vice grip on your hair to dig his fingertips into your hips, he was sure to leave bruises. He sloppily pumped into you until he pulled out and fisted himself until he released all over your back.

You collapsed onto their bed making sure not to lay your face directly onto anything. Katsuki chest is heaving as he climbs off the bed, kirishima holding you somewhat in his lap. Bakugo grabs a towel and hands it to Kiri for you both to clean up while he cleans himself up. After you all are wiped clean you all lay on the bed. Your whole body is tingling and your mind is spinning. You lay between Dynamight and Red Riot amazed that you of all people just got to experience them both at the same time. You lay on Kiri’s chest as Bakugou rubs circles where he had just spread his seed on you only moments ago. Didn’t take him long to break the after care silence when he clears his throat, “So who do you think was bigger?”I

[lunaastoir]

Hi! I really enjoy your writing so is it alright if i request xiao, diluc, childe with an idol s/o where one of their old stalkers come back or they just recently had a stalker in general but with how busy they were since they’re an idol they don’t even notice? And something bad happens (i cant think of anything</3) Thank you very much !!

hi anon!! a million apologies since this is so late but i hope you like the fic <3

there also aren’t any explicit details for anything bad happening - i briefly touched on subjects that you may not have control over, i hope that’s ok! 

warning (?): struggled a bit on this prompt so i apologize in advance if this isn’t my best work LMAOO

gn! reader

tw: hints of assault, slight angst, very light abuse if you squint

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xiao

now xiao is a very observant man but he's also extremely busy keeping liyue safe

he makes it a point to always come to your shows even if you don't actively see him bc he cares a lot abt you and he enjoys listening to your music ‼️

it's normal for him to sometimes get lost between his own world of demonslaying and the world he shares w you

so one night, he's hanging on the rafters of a house with the perfect view of your singing

everything goes smoothly, he sets his spear down while lightly swaying his head to the music

the concert ends and fans disperse after you say your farewells

a night like this is rare since for once, xiao can walk home w you back to the inn sweet boy really cleared out his schedule for you huh

you're unsurprised when you see him materialize next to you, opting to flash him a smile and a hello

his cheeks are lightly flushed as he crosses his arms before talking quietly about how well you did

he relishes in the wide smile you give him as a result of his praise and he lets the corners of his lips curve upwards slightly

the quiet bustle of the harbor seemed to slow down as the night grew longer

since this was a fairly large concert, you had boxes among boxes of equipment so xiao decided to make your life easier by quickly flying them to their appropriate locations

when he got back however, he was surprised to see you talking animatedly with someone

he didn't think anything was wrong until he saw the person trap you between the stage and words filtered into his ears

your back was painfully pressed against the stage wall as you defiantly met their gaze. after xiao had left, they had immediately come over to you: first introducing themselves as a fan and making amiable conversation, before divulging in personal details of your life that made your skin crawl. you weren’t helpless, you always had your weapon on hand regardless of whether you were performing or not. the way they pushed you against the wall however, made it near impossible to summon your sword should you need it. 

they leered down at you while balancing an arm against the wall next to your head. you had dealt with things like this before so you weren’t overly worried; you could defend yourself. you almost felt pity for the person in front of you as they asked for your number with a sadistic grin, disgusting words tumbling off of their lips. however, that was before you felt their cold fingers idly make their way to your stomach and you felt your breath hitch. oh no

the telltale sound of whooshing alerted you of xiao’s presence, and the press of the tip of his spear against their jugular brought you relief. 

“back away” he tightly growled while his golden eyes narrowed into slits. they stared at him in shock before holding their hands up and moving to step a foot away from you. 

“farther” he motioned with his spear before stepping in front of you as you attempted to collect yourself. 

“ok ok, i’m far away can you put your spear down now?” 

“no.” 

you mentally cursed as you watched the two of them glare at each other. this was supposed to be a carefree night but this unfortunate twist made the air thick with tension. you could feel the anger radiate off of xiao in waves and in an effort to deescalate the situation, you spoke. 

“i’m glad to meet such an...avid fan but i’m sorry the two of us must get going now” you hastily said before attempting to grab xiao’s hand and walk off past them. 

the next words had you halt your steps as they divulged their secret. 

words painted in careless arrogance with hints of violet overconfidence flew out of the person’s mouth - “judging from the weeks i’ve been following you, it didn’t seem like you had a boyfriend”

at the mere mention of prolonged stalking, xiao immediately lunged to pull you behind him. god, he didn’t kill mortals but he swore if he plunged his spear into this human being right here, no one would even blink twice considering how low of a person they were. 

“if i ever see you near them again, i will not hesitate to kill you. i won’t blink twice, i already have blood on my hands.” he ground out.

at the threat, the person grudgingly turned their back to you before leaving the two of you alone in the quiet harbor. 

you carefully reached a hand out to touch your boyfriend’s shoulder, but stopped after you saw the expression on his face. the mix of rage, sadness, and anguish imprinted his features as you watched his chest rapidly rise and fall - a result of his emotional battle. 

“i’m sorry i didn’t notice them before. i should’ve been paying more attention to you” he whispered before silently striding away from your grasp 

you knew that no matter how many reassurances you gave him about how, “it’s not your fault xiao, i didn’t notice them either” he would still blame himself. 

he was supposed to protect you right? so why couldn’t he sense the danger beforehand? what would’ve happened if he wasn’t there?

it’s still a learning process for him to realize that things happen, and he inevitably couldn’t be there to save you from everything. he needs time to understand and adjust. you’re willing to wait, patiently helping him through it. why? because love is worth it. 

god im sorry this ended up kinda sad whoops

diluc 

i swear everytime i say i’m a childe simp diluc kinda wrecks me

ahem anyways onto the hc!

he’s kinda never around but similar to xiao he will overwork himself to clear out an hour or two just to watch your concerts 

he’ll always stand off to the side too so if you tilt your head while you’re singing you can spy his red hair 

you always flash him the sweetest smile and this man blushes like CRAZY before quickly lifting his hand up to give you a thumbs up 

everyone watching the both of you like 😍😦

people think it’s the cutest thing i swear like c’mon the elusive “bachelor of mondstadt” being seen in public supporting you??? wow pls can we share him

he walks with you back to the winery, the entire time linking his hands with yours while gushing about your performance 

1939248/10 it’s literally the sweetest thing 

the next day however, adelinde brings you a pink letter addressed to you 

he doesn’t pry because it’s addressed to you and it’s your business but as the letters start coming by everyday, he starts to grow curious 

one day he straight up just asks you about it

“hey, you know those pink letters you keep getting? who are they from?”

you laugh slightly at his bashfulness and respond with a “just some overexcited fan” and he smiles before kissing your forehead 

he loves that people are noticing your talent 

loves it! until you get stalked by the same person who wrote you those letters while you were shopping!

diluc knows something’s wrong when you rush into angel’s share panicked after not returning his usual smile. 

“darling? are you ok?” he asks worriedly before quickly setting down the glass he was cleaning to move towards you. 

the widening of your eyes as you looked behind you at the sounds of someone else entering was all he needed to swiftly step in front of you, blocking their gaze of your face. 

the slightly panicked look in your eyes before you hurriedly whispered, “they’re following me” made diluc glance at them subtly out of the corner of his eye. he watched as they walked over to find a seat next to the bar, seemingly ready to order a drink. he quietly asked if you would like to sit in the room reserved for the employees, away from their prying eyes. your hasty nod was all the confirmation he needed for him to let you access the door behind him. 

the night went by fairly smoothly with kaeya’s usual teasing and venti’s usual begging for alcohol. diluc’s eyes narrowed however, when the person seemed to ask him questions regarding you. things like, “i heard you’re dating y/n... they’re amazing, how long have you been together?” and “do they live with you at dawn winery?” diluc answered these questions as short as he could, trying to convey with his body language that he truly did not want to talk to them. 

everything was going well until he made the mistake of leaving the bar unattended. he had briefly forgotten about your residence in the room behind him as his mind immediately gravitated to breaking up a brawl. when he returned, the half drunk glass of liquor combined with the person’s absence from their seat, caused sparks of worry to light up inside his chest. 

turning to the door, he knocked once. 

“is everything alright in there love?”

the sounds of things rustling about and the occasional muffled voice had him opening the door quickly. he saw you with your arm being held tightly in their grasp, your mouth muffled with their hand, while you strained against them by pulling at your arm. 

diluc immediately made his way over to you, quickly pulling your arm away before letting you enter into his embrace. 

“get out.” the venomous words clawed their way out of his throat as he looked at them with eyes that screamed hatred. his blood was boiling as his mind replayed the scene; your scared expression and their greedy eyes. 

diluc didn’t need to repeat himself twice as they ran out, trying not to trip over crates of wine. he made a mental note to find out who they were in order to make sure they never came near you ever again. 

he quickly looked down at your form, relaxing slightly at the sight of your tentative smile. “my knight in shining armor” you joked before softly nuzzling your head into his shoulder. the anger had yet to dissipate from his veins, and although he knew you were still shaken up, he was sure you would be fine. 

a pink letter placed on the table next to you caught his eye, and he made sure to quickly pocket it as he led you out, gently jesting with you about the “unnecessary amount of wine barrels in here, diluc this is a safety hazard!” 

he would deal with this person later. 

childe

ayo AYO ITS THE TOY SALESMAN

ok tbh he’s very rarely around so he unfortunately cannot make it to all of your shows 

dw tho, he will try his hardest to be there for the ones he’s in town for bc what is he if not your number one hype king??? 

ok kinda creepy! alert 

he’s tasked two of his subordinates to keep watch over you whenever he’s out of the harbor

it’s not anything creepy,,, he just gets extremely worried abt you and wants to make sure you’re safe 

sO when he gets a ransom note??? he’s understandably confused but also very much freaked out 

bc did they not know who he was??? the fact that they thought they could get away with holding you captive was quite honestly kind of funny to him 

very stressed and angry tho - hides it behind a facade of smiles but he’s raging 

takes him only a few hours to track you down bc he had everyone and i mean EVERYONE looking for you 

the note crunched in his hand as the harbinger made his way towards windrise. his pace was erratic, long legs rushing towards the small cave his agents had found. they were bordering the perimeter of the enclosure, careful to not alert you or your captor of their presence. childe’s subordinate head had calmly stated that childe need not come out to rescue you, the situation was under control and they could do it for him. however, childe’s sharp gaze along with his sickly sweet words of “thanks but no. i’m coming out to see this sorry asshole for myself” had the agent backing away apologizing. he wanted to see the look on this person’s face before he shoved their sorry ass into the abyss himself. 

as he reached the opening of the cave, he glanced over his shoulder at his head agent; a silent warning to keep the area sealed. his blue eyes glinted with a thirst for blood before making his way into the cave, sealing off the exit with his body. 

“well well, playing games with the love of my life are we?” 

his teasing words reached your ears as your eyes immediately found the face of your boyfriend. you weren’t horribly scared, just a little shaken up and sore from the bindings on your wrists. relief coursed through your body at the sight of him. you needn’t put in your plan of getting out of these bindings to fight your captor yourself anymore. 

childe’s eyes quickly scanned over your frame, making sure you weren’t hurt. at the state of you completely unharmed, the harbinger let his heart calm down slightly. you were completely ok. 

“wait a little longer, love? i promise this will be over soon”

the wink he sent you had you lightly rolling your eyes at his antics before he directed his attention back to your kidnapper. if your captor wasn’t scared before, they were certainly shaking in their boots now at the sight of childe’s twin hydro blades rotating playfully in his hands. 

“listen, all i want is the money-”

“and all i want is your head” 

your boyfriend smiled after cutting them off. the severity of the situation truly seemed to sink in at that moment before pleas of mercy fell from your captor’s lips, desperate to escape the bloodthirsty gaze of the harbinger. childe’s eyes flickered over to yours where you sat there, with your head ferociously shaking. a silent “no.” he sighed before swiftly bringing his arm up to hit your captor on the head, effectively knocking them out cold. 

his hands worked at the ropes holding you and he gingerly rubbed at your bruised wrists. you silently thanked the archons he could never say no to you. archons forbid what would've happened if you hadn’t said anything. while you were explaining what happened, the young man quickly scooped you up in his arms before walking out of the cave. 

you playfully hit his shoulder while muttering “drama queen” but you stopped when you saw his face morph into an expression of seriousness. you had informed him on the situation about your captor revealing themselves to be a recent stalker of yours, completely oblivious to the look of frustration on his face as he freed you from your bondages. 

“i was scared you know.” he quietly divulged. “i knew that it wasn’t anything extremely serious but i... i was still scared”

you swore as you looked at him in that moment, he had turned ten again. the youth of his face betraying his vulnerability. 

you quietly hummed before tangling your fingers in his hair. “i hope you know it wasn’t your fault. it wasn’t anyone’s fault. not even the two fatui agents who you sent to stalk me while you were away.”

he quietly laughed at that before mentally filing away a reminder for a lecture to those two agents in the near future. 

“i’m just glad you’re safe. i know you can save yourself but i’ll always be here. i still wish you would let me take care of your asshole kidnapper myself though.” he pouted jokingly. 

“i’m sure the millelith will lock them up for a long time.” you laughed sweetly. 

his usual smile reappeared at your antics. maybe he didn’t get to beat your captor up and do...much worse. however at the end of the day, your smile was still intact regardless of what happened. that’s all he wanted. 

[cowboy-canoodler]

Paying back what you owe (Adachi Koichi x GN! Reader) 18+ SMUT

Tags: Giving Oral, Giving Blowjob, Age difference, Walk into a bar, Alcohol, Reader, Reader-Insert, Gender Neutral Reader, Chance Meetings, Reunion, Praise Kink, Dominant Reader

—

Walking the streets of Ijincho at night was always a toss of the coin. One night it’ll be quiet, no thugs, perverts, or any distractions, but other nights? All of the above. You were walking home from work, a regular day job of typing in numbers that somehow made a difference to how the company operated. Not like you cared about your job as long as you got paid right and on time but today you were in a good mood, Fridays were always your favourite day of the week as you always walked to a bar to cap off your week of working with a pricey drink.

Perhaps a whiskey today.

You realised you had been walking around deep in thought for a while and had ended up by Fukutoku park, a spot known for perverts who exposed themselves to passers by with nary a bashful look in their eye. A chill ran down your spine and you looked around, expecting to see a man in a big brown coat run up to you but there was nothing there, just the far off noise of cars driving by mixed in with the nearby river.

“Sheesh-“ you sighed and began walking towards the Bar district, “I need to calm down.” Your usual haunt, Bar Rodriguez, was still standing but had become stale and small, meagre ambient music and even worse company so, without even thinking about it, you walked past and came up to Survive Bar, one you hadn’t drank at recently but you remember they had the most divine drinks.

“I think I’m sold” you whispered to yourself as a spring jumped into your step along with the excitement of trying out a new drink.

The bar was empty, a piano against the wall by the door, a couple of seats by the bar and low seats by another wall, and a karaoke stage in the corner of the room. The bartender raised his gaze from the glass he was polishing as you walked over and sat down at the far side of the bar, placing your belongings on the floor beside you.

“Whiskey please” you replied to the bartender's silent question, he nodded and turned to grab a bottle, “not that one, the ¥4000 one please” he placed the bottle down and reached for the one you had requested, still silent which was actually rather comforting as it gave you the opportunity to take in the ambience. The music was soft and inviting, perfect to accompany the soothing atmosphere you were about to create around yourself. Maybe this would be your new go to bar.

As he placed the drink in front of you the door opened and a ragtag team of four walked in laughing and joking, shattering what you were hoping to accomplish. You slyly looked over and was greeted with, what seemed like, a familiar sight. A man with fuzzy brown hair, a bright red suit, and a smile to rival the sun. A classy woman who held herself in high regard while also staying loose and carefree with her friends. Another man with fuzzy hair except he had glasses and a large, green overcoat. Then finally another man, tall and built well, you were pretty sure nothing could knock him down should it try, he had greying hair and lines on his forehead from years of frowning, but also a gutterly laugh that seemed to be infectious.

And what did you have?

Jealousy.

You had never had friends with whom you could act this way around, and a pit of envy formed within your stomach as you turned back and sipped your liquid gold. You heard them talk and laugh as they walked past the bartender waving and collecting a few bentos on the way, the only one of them that stayed was the older gentleman who sat down at the bar, an audible groan escaping him which caused your pit of envy to turn to a breathless thought of arousal. It had been a while since you had gotten any but hearing a man groan because his back aches shouldn’t have been the thing to let you know about it. He glanced over at you and caught you staring, but you didn’t shy away and look back at your drink like others would, instead you chose to look him up and down with half lidded eyes and a small smirk before gracefully returning your gaze to your own drink.

That was sure to catch his attention.

A gravelly voice coughed to clear his throat and then rang out as he ordered a drink of “somethin’ cheap” a stark contrast to the slightly expensive whiskey you were sipping. Once more the bartender silently agreed and turned around to pour out a cheap sake but you interrupted that with a request.

“Order something with a little kick and I’ll pay for it, my treat” you glanced over at his reaction as you took another sip of your drink. He who had taken your interest pointed at himself accompanied with a smile and a half-hearted chuckle.

“Guess I’m having what they’re having then” he stood up and walked over to you, gesturing to the seat next to yours which you agreed to let him take. The bartender agreed and placed the drink down, a soft “here” as your newfound interest smiled and took it.

“Thanks for that, real nice of you” he raised his glass and you raised yours, clinking them together and smiling. “I’m Adachi”

“Y/N, it’s nice to meet you Adachi-san”

“Likewise, say” he took a sip of his drink and turned towards you, “you buy people drinks at bars often?”

You chuckled and looked over at your drink, “no, I actually don’t, I prefer buying my own drinks” you raised the glass to your lips and took another sip.

“So, why me?” Adachi did the same and you smiled down at the glass as you set it down on the bar.

“You and your- uhh- friends?” You pointed upstairs and Adachi chuckled knowing whom you were talking about, “you guys saved me one time, y’know, on part time hero?.” Adachi’s eyes widened as he slightly choked on his sip.

“Shit- really?” He lightly banged his chest and coughed.

You chuckled with a slight heat coming to your face, “I know right? I was actually getting mugged on my way home from work, it all happened so fast I couldn’t thank you guys properly” you turned and gave Adachi a sincere, perhaps slightly drunk, smile, “but now I can”

Adachi laughed and raised his glass, “then I’m glad we could help someone as gorgeous as you then, means we could meet again”

“Gorgeous, huh?” You raised an eyebrow and smirked, lightly biting down on the tip of your tongue between your teeth.

He smiled back at you with an equally playful stare, “I’m not one to lie, especially when I’m bought a drink”

You both took a sip and a soft silence fell over you, the sound of laughs echoing from upstairs. “Say, why aren’t you with them?” You nodded upwards and Adachi followed, looking toward the ceiling and the source of noise.

“I wasn’t feeling it, plus there’s only one futon up there-“ Adachi gestured with his free hand and chuckled, “-you do the math”

“Four to one futon doesn’t sound comfortable at all,” you drank the last of your drink and placed the glass down, the previous light warmth of alcohol now replaced with a deepening heat of bad decisions and arousal, “how would you like to have just two in a futon tonight?” You stood up and smoothed down your clothes before grabbing your belongings and turning to Adachi who looked lost. “I live nearby, if you wanna join me that is?”

“Oh y-yeah!” Adachi perked up and drank the rest of his drink before standing up and walking over to the door, a small spring in his step. You smiled and reached for your money, sliding ¥20,000 towards the bartender who looked puzzled.

“That’s for our drinks, and use what’s left for their tab” you nodded to the upstairs once more and turned to leave, walking through the door Adachi was holding open for you.

Both of you walked along the river towards your apartment, the cool night air keeping you company as the silence became awkward. You coughed and playfully bumped your shoulder into your company, “I know I just did it but I- uhh- I don’t usually do this”

“Do what?”

“Pick people up in bars, buying them drinks and sweet talking them. This is actually my first time meeting someone in a while” you shyly itched the back of your neck and looked up at your companion, who had a genuine look of surprise on his face.

“If it’s any consolation, it’s been a while for me too” a noise mimicking a ‘huh?’ came from you and Adachi smiled, “probably around three years? Sheesh could even be more-“

“Three years?!” You stopped in your tracks as Adachi laughed.

“Yeah, haha, all clogged up and a guy can only do so much, y’know? Uhh- wait I probably shouldn’t say things like that-“

You giggled and started walking again, linking your arm through his and pulling him, “it’s fine, to be honest with you,” you stopped and turned him towards you, leaning onto your tiptoes and putting your lips against his ear, “I’m kind of hoping you’ll let me unclog you, if you get what I mean” you heard a light gasp escape Adachi as he struggled for words, you leaned back and spotted his cheeks heating up with a hot blush. “Hmm? Would you be interested in that, Adachi-san? It’s not like I wasn’t hinting at it before, at the bar?”

“Yeah no I- I did get it then, but I kind of assumed maybe you just wanted me to walk you home or something and then we’d get there and you’d say somethin’ like ‘well thanks for walking me home!’ and I’d be left in the col-” Adachi realised he was rambling and coughed nervously, you smiled at him as he noticed your faces were mere inches apart, whiskey soaked breath intermingling as you admired his handsome features.

“Of course I wanted you to walk me home,” you kissed his cheek and slid your hand around Adachi’s waist, pulling him closer, “so you could join me tonight, would you like to?”

Adachi cleared his throat and nodded with an affirmative hum, you smiled and leaned in to kiss him. His lips were soft within the scratching of his beard, your bodies pressed together as you pushed him towards a nearby wall, of which Adachi willingly complied. He allowed you to push him back as his hands rested on your hips, his own rolling into you and you both kissed within the moonlight. Gentle gasps and sloppy sighs resonated between the both of you as your hands explored each other, Adachi’s fuller frame a welcome feeling amongst the cool night air.

His hands manoeuvred you just the same, worn out leather sliding under your untucked work shirt, his other hand cupping the back of your head, keeping your lips locked against his as you both tongued and bit at each other. Breathless gasps interrupted the Ijincho sounds, the far off talk of passers by mixed with cars and the rolling of the river as you and Adachi ravaged each other, months and years of pent up sexual energy bursting out in the dingy alley.

“Wait-“ you pulled away but Adachi followed, his lips kissing your neck as you stood back, attempting to regain your composure within his grip was futile. Just having his beard scratch up your neck was driving you wild, not to mention the exploring hands and soft moans that threatened to put you onto your knees and worship him right now. “Adachi-san, wait-”

His voice was a hoarse whisper against your ear, “Hm? What is it?”

You breathed for a few seconds so you could at least try to sound composed, “I live nearby- hah- we should at least try to get to my apartment before- y’know.” Adachi agreed but not before planting another deep kiss on your lips and smirking, keeping that sexual energy brimming within you both.

While the walk was short, it was arduous. Your hand played around with his, kisses on the cheek were snuck in as well as playful pokes and jabs. Both of you desperately trying to ignore what was ignited within you, with no success, more than a few times you’d snuck in a look to Adachi’s half-chubbed tent within his trousers in the passing lights, each time reminding you, and your body, what you had to look forward to. A couple of minutes passed and you came up to your apartment complex, casually opening the door for Adachi, who thanked you, before following, taking the both of you to your living space.

Usually your apartment was cold and empty, but not tonight. Adachi complimented your clean living space and looked around happily taking it all in, the things you had thought as simple were stars within his eyes. “This is a real nice place, Y/N-kun!” Adachi turned to face you with a smile on his lips as you placed your things down and took off your shoes, a little more sober than you had been before.

“Is it?” You looked around confused as to what was standing out, “it’s a pretty normal place to my standards”

“I sleep in a room with 3 other people ninety percent of the time, this is some good shit” you laughed along with his wry chuckle and walked over to him offering a seat on your couch, which he gladly took.

You sat next to him, crossing your legs and placing your head on your hand, your other hand came to his jacket, fingers lightly playing around with his zipper “I suppose next to those standards I live in a palace” you chuckled and met his soft gaze, “kind of a lonely one though”

“Oh?” Adachi’s gloved hand came to your thigh, fingers resting lightly upon the fabric of your trousers, “is there something you’d like to do about that, Y/N-kun?” Adachi’s tone was playful, his hand caressed along your thigh which sent shocks through your legs into your spine, your body heating up at the physical contact and the promise of a sexual endeavour.

“Trust the ex-cop to read me like a book.”

He raised a curious eyebrow, “I didn’t tell you I was a cop.”

A small smirk tugged at the corner of your mouth as a hushed tone left you, “you didn’t need to.” In one swift move you lifted your leg over him and straddled his thighs, wrapping your arms around Adachi’s neck and kissing his startled lips through his heavy grunt of surprise. Your hands clasped and gripped at his hair, tugging and pulling as your hips rolled along his pelvis. You could feel him getting hard underneath you and it only served to make you want him more, your own body heating up the cold confines of your lonely living space.

Both of you moaned against each other’s lips, gasps and sighs filling the air as Adachi’s hands, once again, roamed your body. Sliding within your shirt like you hadn’t even left the dank alleyway, leather caressing along your back as his bitten to the bone nails attempted a light scratch. Your hands continued to tug at his hair, dominating the man below you and controlling just how he was allowed to kiss you, yanking on his scalp to drag his head back, with a horny gasp, so you could bite his neck, pulling him to the side just to kiss down on his jawline, but Adachi didn’t resist. In fact, he willingly let himself be controlled by you and he was enjoying every moment.

“I think,” you mumbled into Adachi’s neck before pecking kisses along his jaw, “-It’s time I cleared those pipes, hmm?”

“I think so too” Adachi pushed his dick against your ass and you got a slight feel for how big he was underneath those trousers of his. Just at the feeling of his dick on you your mouth was salivating, this newfound desire to have his flesh fill it to the brim before cumming down your throat. You wanted him moaning your name like a dog whining while waiting outside of the store for their owner to come back, you wanted his knees to twitch and his toes to curl, you wanted sweat to pool on his brow as he let go of the last 3 years.

One last deep kiss on his lips before you slid down his legs, getting onto your knees in front of him. He was out of breath already, face red and lips parted with sheen of saliva dripping into his scruff. You revelled in it, watching the burly man unhinged and shivering with anticipation of your mouth around his dick was a beautiful sight to behold, and the desperate feeling for you to satisfy him was only growing. Your hands worked quickly to unbutton his trousers and shuffle them down along with his underwear. Adachi lifted his hips to help and his cock sprang free, hitting the base of his jacket with a soft tap.

He was big. Bigger than you had anticipated, not long but god he had girth. At least 7 inches with a wide base and thick veins pulsating with his heartbeat. Your jaw was aching just looking at it but the saliva pooling under your tongue was telling a different story. You bit your bottom lip before licking them for lubrication and kissing the tip. Adachi let out a soft sigh and let his head roll back as you began to massage his dick, your hand gripping tightly as you licked and kissed at the tip, tasting the salty pre-cum on your tongue, a small appetiser before the main meal.

With innocent eyes you looked up, making eye contact with a bashful Adachi, before wrapping your mouth around his dick and taking him in as far as you could go. By the shriek of his gasp you had taken him by surprise, his hand gripped a fistful of your hair before he realised and let go, instead choosing to rest his hand on the crook of your neck, ready to push you down at a moment's notice should he feel the need to. You hoped he would feel the need to.

Each bob of your head threatened your gag reflex, his tip lightly grazing your gullet as a choke rose within your throat. His girth stretched your lips as wide as they could go as your hand massaged that which you weren’t able to reach. Saliva dripped down your chin as yours and Adachi’s grunts filled the room, yours being sloppy and wet, and Adachi’s full of pleasure and relief. You lifted your mouth with a satisfying ‘pop’ of your lips off of his tip and proceeded to lick up the shaft, your hand continuing to massage what your mouth had abandoned.

Adachi was already twitching, his heavy sighs and restless grip a clear indicator that he wasn’t going to last long. “You look so cute, Adachi-san,” you commented before returning to licking his dick, a surprised ‘huh?’ escaped him but not before it was replaced by a low moan, his hand slowly entwining into your hair ready to push you down when you returned to wrapping your lips around his sweet sweet dick, “-if I were a nastier person I’d tease your orgasm for hours just to see you squirm like this some more but-“ you licked up his shaft, tongue pressed firmly against his cock, and smiled “I’m a very nice person who wants to see you lose your fucking mind as you cum down my throat.”

“Hah- it’s gonna be real soon Y/N-kun” his voice was wavering with each word, sweat clearly beading along his brow as the heat radiated off of his body and the dick within your grip twitched, getting quicker and quicker as his heartbeat rose with the incoming orgasm. By now you had stars in your eyes, living vicariously through Adachi’s pleasure to relieve some of your own pent up horniness. He looked down at you once more and you met his desperate stare before pushing your mouth and throat to their breaking points by taking all of his cock in at once, gag reflex coming up slightly as you choked but you couldn’t leave. Adachi’s grip was keeping you thoroughly pressed against him and his hips began to roll into you, fuckinf your throat as he climbed and climbed to his climax.

No longer was he holding back moans, swears were mixed in with gasps, sighs, and whimpers of your name. You were almost choking, tears built up within your eyes but you held strong knowing that he was going to cum at any time now.

And he did.

Semen painted your throat as Adachi howled in relief, your neighbours surely hearing his rapturous sighs of pleasure, knowing it was you giving it to this mystery man by the tell tale sign of him almost screaming your fucking name. It was salty and unpleasant but you weren’t one to refuse a meal, he was cumming so hard you barely even had to swallow, instead choosing to let it drip down as you attempted to encourage it with his dick still inside of you. Adachi’s hand fell down and you were free to lift yourself off, a wistful sigh leaving you as you pulled your aching lips from around his milked dick.

You sat back on your ass, resting your knees for a moment, and wiped the mixture of cum and saliva from your chin. Adachi, on the other hand, was tucking himself away, a shy look of embarrassment on his face which worried you.

“Is something wrong Adachi-san?”

He looked sheepish, “I- uhm- I came really quickly and…” he sighed and leaned forward, placing his elbows onto his knees, “I don’t think I can go again, at least not tonight and-“

“I know” Adachi raised his eyebrows in surprise and you chuckled, “I came into this knowing that Adachi-san and, to be honest, just getting to blow you and see you cum has done wonders for me.”

“Oh… but now I feel bad cause-“ he gestured up and down with his hand, “-Y’know”

Another wry chuckle before you leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek, “I’ll be alright, consider this paying you back for saving me. Just you though, I’m not about to blow your entire friend group”

“After that display I wouldn’t let you, I’d prefer to keep you to myself”

“Well… maybe you can.”

[yourstrulytrinaextras]

Third Time’s The Charm: Best Man and Maid of Honor

“And when will it be your turn Zoey?” a few of Avery’s aunts teased the bride’s blonde best friend. Like always, Zoey took it in stride and flashed them a polite smile.

It was exhausting.

“When I meet the right person,” she replied easily, “I’m still waiting for the Leon to my Avery.”

A round of laughter erupted the small circle and Zoey held back from releasing a sigh, hiding her disdain behind her champagne glass as she took a sip. Don’t get her wrong, she was beyond happy for Avery and every moment watching her best friend fall in love with Leon had been nothing short of a great memory.

But she was admittedly jealous. No, not because she wanted Leon, but because she also wanted to fall in love and have that special person by her side. Her love life, in the simplest of terms, had been absolute shit.

Men would always approach her and she hated those leering looks. The one guy she genuinely liked, Christian, turned out to be an asshole. It was a miracle that she managed to salvage her friendship with Lauren, although it became a little awkward between them.

Should’ve listened to Avery when she said that he wasn’t good for me.

Right, her best friend was the one more experienced with love between them. She was one of those girls that constantly had boys chasing her, but she was oblivious to them most of the time.

Mostly because she had tunnel vision for the guy she liked.

She was loyal to Leon, even when they were apart for college. Zoey had lost count how many times she complained that some guy was hitting on her even after she told them that she had a boyfriend. Other times, she was oblivious that someone was already making moves on her. Her popularity surged a number of arguments between Leon and her.

Because even though Leon was handsome and had a lot going for him, he used his cold personality to shake off anyone who might be interested.

But Avery wasn’t like that.

She was warm, kind, and very welcoming. If you add that to her beauty, it would be understandable that it was easy to fall for her.

Perfect Avery.

And Zoey was so proud that her best friend was so admired, even if she felt left out at times.

Although she would have loved it if her aunts didn’t bombard her about the fact that she was single. With another internal sigh, Zoey hatched her escape plan, “I think the alcohol is getting to me. Mind if I step out a bit for some fresh air?”

Nobody opposed and she swiftly made her way out towards the back garden as elegantly as she possibly could. She had been busy during the weeks leading up to the wedding as the maid of honor, she would now use the remaining time of the rehearsal dinner to relax.

Once the outside air reached her skin, she finally felt like she could breathe. They’ve decided on a venue away from the main city and it was nothing short of gorgeous. Leon’s parents didn’t spare any expense for their only son and future daughter-in-law’s wedding.

Avy really did choose the best one.

Leon had many admirable traits, but the thing that she liked the most about him was how he treated her best friend. Sure, there were arguments here and there but that was normal for any couple. At the very end of the day, he was always attentive and loving. He made sure that Avery knew that he was hers.

Just as she repeatedly assured him that she was his.

“Zoey?” she heard someone call her name and she internally cursed. It was either one of the older relatives who would badger her on her relationship status or it was one of the men daring enough to hit on her.

But when she whipped around, she was instantly relieved at the man standing in front of her.

“Patrick,” she let out a smile, glad that it was someone she knew, “Are you also here to escape?”

Patrick Vincent was the groom’s best man. If she was being honest, a bulk of what she knew about him was from the past months they’ve been talking in order to help their best friends plan the wedding. Since he was the best man and she was the maid of honor, they spent ample of time together.

Whether it was accompanying Leon and Avery with choosing their reception menu or diligently sending off the invitations, they were together.

“If I get asked one more time when it’s my turn to get married, I might explode,” he chuckled, nervously eyeing the door as if another relative would jump out and ask him again.

“Seems like we’re in the same position,” Zoey laughed, “So shall we make a run for it?”

“What?”

She pointed beyond the parts of the garden that was visible, “There’s an area where garden chairs and tables are set up, I saw them when I was wandering around during daytime. Nobody will bother us if we’re there.”

A grin immediately found its way onto his face, “Lead the way!”

She walked ahead with him a few steps back, watching as her blonde hair swayed and the skirt of her dress moved with every step.

Beautiful.

He was admittedly attracted to her from the first time he saw her – that moment in the café. Avery, who had just rejected him, was sitting there on a table with a friend that had her back turned to him and Leon. Patrick saw the small pink hue tinting Leon’s cheeks as he looked at their brunette classmate.

Patrick figured it out before that Leon liked her and in fact, he felt guilty that he was openly displaying his affections in front of him. But when he realized it, and also that Avery might have felt the same way, the rejection became easier to accept.

Because at the end of the day, both Avery and Leon were his friends. Even though he was crossed out of the picture, he learned how to be happy for them.

He knew that Leon was too bashful to call her attention, so he took it upon himself to do it, “Avery?”

Just to save his best friend the embarrassment, he chose to ignore the small smile that appeared on Leon’s face when Avery acknowledged them and subtly gestured for them to go to their table.

“Hey fancy seeing you here,” Patrick greeted in an attempt to be casual.

“Pat, this is Zoey,” Avery said, gesturing to her friend, “Zoey, this is Pat.”

And that was the first ever time that Patrick laid his eyes on the woman who would soon turn to be his longest standing crush.

He was, to cut it short, smitten by her at first sight.

She captured him, she had his every single ounce of attention. At that very moment, the bustling café turned quiet and everything ceased to exist. All he could see was her – the way her lips curved up into a smile, the way her delicate fingers released the fork she was holding, the way her blue eyes became more prominent under the café’s lighting.

She was beautiful and that was the moment he knew that he was fucked.

“See?”

His dwelling on the past was cut short when he realized that they finally stopped. Zoey was gesturing grandly to the small chairs and tables, waiting for his reaction.

He plastered a smile and pulled out one of the chairs, bowing his head playfully, “Have a seat, milady.”

Her tinkering laughter entered his ears as she lowered to the seat, causing him to blush. He was glad that it was still rather dark even with the few garden lights so it wasn’t obvious.

Zoey finally released a sigh after masking her exasperation since the day started. Dealing with nosey people left and right was exhausting, she was glad that she could at least be herself even for a few moments.

Because Patrick was someone she grew to be comfortable with.

And a small fact that she desperately hid from Avery – she had a crush on him.

She didn’t know when it started but she found herself staring at him when she thought that no one was looking, she got all giddy if she heard from Avery that he would be accompanying them, she looked forward to the small moments that they were alone.

She started looking forward to seeing him.

He was a very sweet guy and treated everyone around him well. Leon was never short of praises for him and even Avery shared the same sentiment. She always said that she loved Patrick, as a friend of course, and always went on of how good of a person he was.

And he treated Zoey with nothing but respect, he never tried to test his boundaries.

Zoey, no matter how dense she was when it came to dealing with the opposite sex, figured out long ago that he liked her. He was so obvious with the way he constantly blushed and stuttered whenever they were talking. However, she was still stuck on her crush on Christian back then so she chose to pretend that she didn’t know.

Then years passed by and their interactions were limited to when Avery and Leon were there.

But when they started becoming close because of all the wedding prep, it was her turn to become a mess in front of him. It was a good thing she knew how to handle her emotions well so she was always composed around him, but if he only knew what was going on inside her head whenever she was in his presence.

She wanted to be with him.

And she prayed with all her might that he would ask her out. She wasn’t sure anymore what he felt – mostly because Patrick also learned how to control his emotions so now he was composed in front of her.

But the wedding was tomorrow and after that, they would no longer have any reason to be alone together.

As much as she wanted to be with him, she was afraid to make the first move. She was highly inexperienced with relationships and again, she was unsure how he felt towards her.

Was she simply his best friend’s wife’s best friend?

“I can’t believe they’re getting married tomorrow,” Patrick said, tilting his head back to look at the sky, “Seems like yesterday when Leon was throwing a hissy fit because Avery called him a pet name.”

“Wait, that happened?” she gasped. If Avery didn’t tell her that then it meant that it was a minute detail, so insignificant that it probably didn’t matter much.

But she was still excited to learn a new piece of information. She admitted that she was slightly upset that there were things she wasn’t aware of that others were, but it was understandable since they did go to different high schools.

“Yeah, it was the first time Avery called Leon angel,” he laughed lightly at the memory, “He was against it, but he was already weak to Avery’s whims even before they got together so he just allowed her.”

“It would have been so fun to watch them get together,” she hummed wistfully, causing Patrick to look at her. She had this small sad smile on her face, her eyes pointed towards his direction but her gaze went past him, “I’ve known Avery the longest but since we went to different schools, it felt like we both missed out on huge chunks of each other’s lives.”

She was also jealous of how easy it was for Avery to get along with people. She was definitely the more sociable one of the two and making friends was like breathing air for her. Zoey, even though she acted forward at times, was still rather shy compared to her. And even if she gained a friend, she would have a tough time deepening their friendship to the point that they would hang out beyond school days.

Lauren was the exception and she was so happy that she met her, but because of her fleeting relationship with her brother, that turned into dust.

“You know, Leon once told me that he thought he was the second fiddle,” Patrick spoke with a small hint of amusement, trying to get her attention away from her musings, “Because Avery always ran to you first before him. Whether it was good news or bad, you are the first person she would call.”

Funny, Avy said the same thing about Patrick and Leon’s friendship.

“Don’t stress yourself out too much that you never witnessed those moments, because you know more about Avery than anyone else,” he assured with a smile, “Even after your speech earlier, she called you her sister in front of all the guests. She loves you a lot.”

She knew already of everything he told her because she always felt so secure of her friendship with Avery. But to still hear it out loud brought a sense of warmth to her and it enveloped her being, stripping her away from her brief moment of sadness.

Oh no, I really do like him.

As if her first realization of her feelings weren’t enough, now she just had to remind herself all over again. Now it was her turn to blush and she internally cursed – it was his fault for being so kind and charming.

But Patrick, who had his gaze fixated on her face watched as her eyes widened and the skin on her cheeks to the tip of ears turned pink. He was sure that it wasn’t the make-up she was wearing.

It was his turn to be flustered.

No matter how much he liked her, he didn’t dare to get his hopes up. This was Zoey he was talking about, she was practically perfect in every way. No matter how confident he was in flirting with other girls, he was never sure with her.

No, she just might be touched because of what I said about Avery.

So he took a deep breath, willing his nerves to calm down before pushing himself up to his feet, “I think we should go back now. The maid of honor and best man shouldn’t be away too long.”

Right now, she really did hope that she had Avery’s bravery when it came to the guy she liked.

She remembered that Avery was the first one to approach Leon when she asked for his number. Zoey was envious how forward she could be.

“Just one time,” she whispered to herself, “You can do it just one time.”

Her hushed voice still caught his ears, causing him turn back to her, “What did you say?”

Her hands balled up her skirt momentarily, trying to pull out any guts she had in her, before standing up with this look of pure determination. She stared at him in the eyes, her face probably beet red at this point, “Please go out with me.”

And that one sentence somehow exhausted her because she collapsed back onto her seat, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. She had eyes trained on the hands on her lap because she felt like if she looked at him, she would faint.

He was silent.

Is this the part where I wave it off as a joke?

But then she heard movements and suddenly, she saw his feet right in front of her. She gathered whatever bravery she had left and lifted her gaze to meet his.

Shock, confusion, and pure unadulterated happiness.

“Don’t say it’s a joke,” he muttered, his knees bending so he could bring their faces closer, “Please, for the love of all things good in the world, don’t say it’s a joke.”

Zoey was mesmerized to see him this close and even if she was still a ball of anxiety, she didn’t move away. Instead, she dared to lift a hand and softly grazed his cheek, “I’m not joking.”

Without a moment too soon, he gently brushed his lips against her, testing the waters. She was taken aback at first, but she ached for more of that tingling sensation.

So she wounded her arms around his neck to pull him down to her and captured his lips. For him, it felt like years of tension melted away with the kiss and a wave of relief hit him. The girl he admired since high school liked him.

And for her, it was hope. She felt it in her that he was the one who would treat her well, that he wouldn’t hurt her. All those years of staying single, of those laps of heartbreak, were just a build up to this very moment.

He placed his hands on her waist and tugged her up to a standing position so it would be less comfortable for him. They briefly pulled away and when they caught each other’s eyes, they exchanged a small laugh before resuming their kiss.

Everything felt so right, like even the universe was waiting for this very moment.

Unknown to them, there was another pair hidden behind the tall hedges nearby, grinning ear to ear at them.

Avery and Leon started to get concerned when neither the best man nor the maid of honor was anywhere to be seen inside the venue. So they went around to look, holding back their gasps when they saw the two in a lip lock.

“Finally,” they whispered at the same time, causing them to rip their gaze away from the newly formed couple in order to look at each other. They laughed quietly at this as they slowly stepped away.

They were truly soulmates.

“Come on, we have to walk the aisle tomorrow,” Avery grinned, taking his hand and leading him back into the building, “My dear husband.”

“Yes, my dear wife,” Leon chuckled as a response, falling into step next to her.

Side by side, as the universe meant it to be.

[ladyboltontoyou]

Arthur Morgan x Reader: Farmer’s Daughter

Ask: Ok well I was wondering if you could write an Arthur Morgan x Reader where the reader is the daughter of a rich farm owning family and Arthur rides up to the farm/ranch one day to scope the place out and see if they're easy to rob but somehow ends up with heart eyes for the reader and starts sneaking around to see her. Doesn't have to be smut, but that would be awesome. Thank you!

Warnings: Probably cursing. A bit of an age gap since Arthur is, you know, like 30 something, and the reader is still living with her parents.

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x Reader 

A/N: So this turned out longer than I had originally planned oops. ALso apparently freezers were invented around the 1830′s so don’t come at me for having ice cubes in Arthurs drink ok. I really hope this is what you imagined and it doesn’t seem rushed, even though I spent like 4 hours on it. Hope it’s not too short or too long. OKAY I’M DONE RAMBLING YOU CAN READ NOW.

The last thing you expected to see on a Friday afternoon was a stranger on a white horse riding up your dirt road. You had been reading a book on your upstairs balcony when you saw him, at first just a small white speck a ways away. But when that white speck started making noise you looked up and saw it was a man on a horse, a visitor. You rarely got visitors here that weren’t two men on a wagon full of supplies. 

You set your book down on the table and leaned forward to get a better look as he neared the front of your house. He looked handsome enough, even though you were on the second story balcony and he was on the ground below. From what you could see he was a rugged man about thirty or so, not the kind of men your parents usually dealt with. Your curiosity got the best of you and you walked back inside and downstairs where you saw your father opening the front doors. One of his work friends stood beside him in case things were to go south, his hand sitting comfortably on his pistol as a gentle warning to the stranger that stood on your porch.

“Sorry to bother you folks, I was looking for the Braithwaite manor and it looks like I got myself lost. Do you know whereabouts that is?” His voice sounded so friendly and warm, you would never expect that he was there to see if you would be easy to ransack. You watched the conversation go down from the bottom step of the staircase and tried not to look too obvious. 

Your father was totally oblivious and way too trusting. “No worries friend, these back roads are tricky. Fancy a drink? You look like you’ve been riding all day. Come inside and I’ll have my wife draw you up some directions.”

The man looked hesitant but eventually shrugged. “You’re too kind. I’d really appreciate it.” 

You took the chance to walk into the tea room since you knew they’d come inside any minute, and you didn’t want to look suspicious. Plus, you wanted to be nosey, it wasn’t often attractive strangers came by. You sat down at the table and picked up the book from the table, something you had already read before, and tried your best to look as if you had been doing it for some time already.

“Who’s that man outside?” Your mother had snuck up behind you and scared the daylights out of you when she leaned down to whisper in your ear.

“I don’t know.” You said after you recovered from the scare. “But he sure is good looking.” 

She peaked at the front door and nodded in approval at your taste. “You’re not wrong about that.” Thank god it was your mother and not your grandmother, she would have chided you for hours about being indecent. 

Finally, they came in and the man took off his hat, looking around as his eyes adjusted to the change of light. He looked even better looking close up. His facial hair was trimmed neatly but looked like it had grown in a little, the hair on his head the same. His face was partially spotted from the dust in the air from horse hooves but he didn’t look truly dirty, nothing compared to your farmboys.

 He looked around and seemed impressed with the place, his eyes looking into every room he could see from his spot. When he looked into the room your father began walking into, the tea room, he only spared you a short glance. 

Alright, well, you weren’t used to that. Most men who saw you immediately started complimenting your parents on how gorgeous you were, praising you and never failing to remark some version of ‘You’ll make a wonderful wife/Someone a very happy husband/Beautiful children’. But he didn’t say a thing.

“Darling, would you be so kind as to draw some directions from here to Braithwaite manor? Our friend  here has gotten lost.” Your father asked your mother who smiled and obliged, heading upstairs to get some paper. “Oh! I didn’t even see you there!” He said when he noticed you sitting on the couch. “Could you bring our guest some tea?”

The stranger looked at you and looked like he was about to decline and tell you not to worry yourself but you were already standing up. “Sure thing daddy, need anything else?” You asked sweetly with a smile. 

Your father looked to the man who just shook his head and tried to say ‘I’m fine’ and ‘No thank you’ at the same time. “No, I’m, thank you,” He jumbled over his words and looked visibly embarrassed. “I’m alright.”

You smiled widely, amused by that. He looked away and scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Your father paid no mind and led him to the couch, talking about how harsh the month had been with no rain at all. 

When you got back from the kitchen with a glass of tea he looked up and accepted the glass from you happily, muttering a ‘thanks’ before he almost chugged the entire thing, even chewing on some of the ice. Your mother came down the stairs with a piece of paper in hand and one of your nice fountain pens in the other. 

“You’ll have to excuse my writing, I’m not the best artist.” She joked and sat on the single chair across from the couch. “You should have told our artist here to do it instead, she could draw him the best map he’d ever laid his eyes on.” She joked and you tried not to let them see how bashful she made you. She always bragged about you and anything you did, you could draw something purposefully awful and she would still treat it like a priceless painting.

“Oh it’s alright, I’m sure I’ll manage.” He chuckled, taking more ice into his mouth. 

You sat down on the other side of the couch and watched the man from the corner of your eye. He looked around the house while his jaw moved to chew the ice as if he was taking note of every single window and door. “Say, you folks-”

Your mother sighed in frustration, putting two fingers on her forehead in exasperation. “I’m sorry, I can barely draw a line. Darling, could you please?” She slid the paper across the table and gave you a sweet look.

“I’ll try.” You laughed and leaned down, taking the pen from her.

“What were you saying?” Your father asked from his seat and the man looked confused before he remembered.

“I was just going to ask if you knew of some good people to hire for security. Assuming those men at the end of the road are what I’m thinkin’ they are.”

“Yes, they work for a man named Michael, he hires men that used to be in the war and sells their services to those who can afford it.” Your father said proudly. Arthur just nodded.

“Here’s the house.” You said to the man as you drew a small house next to the scribbles your mother had done. He scooted closer to you carefully and watched as you drew. “And here’s the road. The corn fields are on the right, the tobacco on the left.” You kept talking as you drew and tried to focus on moving the pen instead of how close he was to you. His body heat radiated off of him and grazed your bare arm and neck, you could hear him breathing slowly. He smelt like smoke and day-old cologne mixed with the leather from his coat. 

As you gave him directions he would never need Arthur felt morality tug at his heartstrings. You were such good people, welcoming him into your home and showing such hospitality. He would have to tell Dutch there was no way, there were too many workers and guards, he would make something up. He came expecting a snooty rich family but was caught off guard by good people. You all had the generosity, kindness, and respect of poor folk.

When you finished you slid the map over on the table. “Let it sit for a minute before you touch it, the ink’s still wet.” You warned and put the cap back on the pen. “Especially here.” You laughed softly and pointed at the words of his destination where you had spelled it wrong the first time and scratched it out.

He nodded and muttered an ‘alright’, looking at you from a side glance. Your father talked for a while about the people who lived in the manor, not being shy about his opinion. Arthur couldn’t have agreed more but he kept up his facade and played dumb. 

“It’s dry now.” You said and Arthur looked away from your father. You were looking at the paper so he took the chance to actually look at you, unintentionally admiring you. Normally he was good about keeping his eyes where they belonged. If there was anyone who respected women it was Arthur, but it was hard not to appreciate your beauty. He figured your sweetness was the only reason he stared. It had been a while since he saw a sweet girl who wasn’t trying to pickpocket him or get him to spend a fortune in the saloon. 

“Thank you.” He picked up the paper and admired your work. One of the few things he could really appreciate was art. You drew so effortlessly, the small roads and hills looked like the maps he’d seen the professionals sell. “Well, I reckon I better be on my way, I’ve taken up too much of your time.” 

“Not at all.” Your father stood up and so did the stranger. They shook hands as he thanked your father who shook him off and pat his back a few times. “You sure there’s nothing else we could do for you?”

“You’ve done more than enough.” He promised and looked back to you and your mother, the paper held gently in his hands. “Thank you both for your hospitality. And for the map.” He held up the paper and you smiled, causing him to unknowingly do the same. 

When he started walking out the door with your father you ran upstairs and almost fell off your balcony to watch him ride off. The hot wind hit your face when you reached the banister, just in time to watch him ride off. He put his hat back on and took one last look behind him, not failing to notice the beautiful young girl watching him leave.

***

The frogs and crickets sang while the fireflies lit the black air with soft pulsating gold. You were on your banister half reading a book and half watching the farmboys work in the fields below, their lanterns bobbing gently through the rows of plants, stopping occasionally to pull up weeds or a dead plant. 

It was hard to read. It was stupid to even try. But there was nothing else to do to take your mind off of your thoughts, even though reading wasn’t doing a good job at that. At least it was something.

A dog barking in the distance made you set your book down. It was the dogs they kept up at the end of the road to warn when someone was coming. You waited a minute to see if they would calm down but they didn’t. You heard your father yell downstairs to the men at the end of the road, and they responded with something about deer in the woods. 

You believed it for a moment until you heard rattling from the other side of your balcony. The first thing that came to mind was some kind of greasy gunslinging bastard but before you could start screaming two arms hooked over the side of the ledge, covered by that same damn leather jacket you had been so close to earlier. 

It shouldn’t have made you feel any better considering his original intentions were to rob your family for everything they had. But for some reason you had a feeling he wasn’t a threat to you. That made you incredibly stupid and naive but thankfully, for once, you were right in this situation. 

When he finally pulled himself over he looked surprised to see you standing there watching him. “Now, before you start screaming,” He said as he reached up to grab the lantern that hung above him. “I’m not here to hurt you or anything like that.” He blew out the small flame and the two of you were suddenly surrounded by darkness. 

“Then why are you here?” You asked cautiously. It wasn’t like you didn’t want to see him again, but the last thing you expected was this. If anyone saw him your father's politeness would be out the window as well as Arthur.

He sighed as if he didn’t know why himself. “You been on my mind girl, and I don’t know why. I don’t know why my dumbass thought it would be a good idea to risk not only my ass but yours, just to come back up here and ask for your name.”

You covered your mouth to stifle that bubbled in your throat. “Truly? That’s why?”

Arthur laughed softly, shaking his head when he realized how ridiculous it was. “I suppose so. And I wanted to ask for another one of those hundred-dollar drawings you make.” 

You laughed again and put your fingers on the bottom lip you held between your teeth. “Oh yeah? Was my map that good?”

He grinned and looked down at his boots, kicking them against the floor to kick some pebbles loose from the bottoms. He couldn’t believe how young he felt then, like he was only sixteen again flirting around with the farmer's daughter. The only thing different from that was he was much, much, much older. If the other men in the gang saw him they’d make fun of him till the day he died for sneaking around for a girl. 

“Well, okay, I guess I can make you something.” You smiled while biting your lip. He put on a show of acting grateful, clasping his hands together and placing them in front of his forehead. When you recovered from quiet laughter you went into your room to get some paper and a pencil. You made sure both your doors were locked before you went back onto your dark balcony. You stopped in the open doorway, noticing how little you could see. There was no way you could draw anything out there unless a lantern was lit, but that would be too bright and anyone nearby would be able to see the two of you. “I can’t see out here, maybe we should go in my room.” 

He was reluctant for a minute, considering how fast he’d be able to run and jump out the balcony if need be. “Yeah, sure.” He sighed and walked towards the doors. The spurs on his boots lightly jingled and you could hear fabric moving against fabric as he moved past you into your dimly lit room. “Been a while since I’ve been in a room this nice.” He admitted as he looked around your room. 

“You live in a barn then?” You teased and sat down at the table near the windows. “Oh, I never told you my name. It’s (Y/N).” 

Arthur leaned against the wall near you and crossed his ankles, nodding as he thought over your name. “(Y/N). Never met anyone with that name before.”

You smiled proudly, twirling the pencil in your fingers. “And yours?”

He paused, considering while he looked out the window. “Arthur.” He said finally and looked back to you. 

“Arthur.” You mused before remembering what you were supposed to be doing. “Ah, sorry, what did you say you want me to draw you?”

He snorted and crossed his arms. “I didn’t give that any thought, do anything you’d like.” 

You bit your lip and looked him up and down. “Okay. It might take me a little while though.” He wanted to say ‘good’, but held his tongue and settled for a ‘That’s okay’.

After about an hour of talking, constant talking, you were finally finished. “If I had longer I could have done better, but, here.” You slid the paper across the table to him. After a while, he got tired and had sat down across from you.

He took the paper in his hands and squinted before his eyes widened. “Christ, girl.” He breathed and looked over the lines and shading. “You’re better than me.”

“You draw too?” You asked with sudden interest but he didn’t respond, he was too caught up in the paper in front of him. 

“I can’t believe this. Did you take a picture of me when I wasn’t looking?” He shook his head and scratched his chin as he continued admiring it. 

You blushed and ran a hand through your hair, he made you into a flustered mess with those praises. They were different when they were coming from someone who wasn’t kin. “Thank you.” It was all you could say. You didn’t expect him to like it that much, it was a hurried sketch of him leaning against your wall, but as much as you liked to pretend your art wasn’t that good there was no denying that this was an exceptionally realistic drawing. You were almost sad to see it go.

Arthur shook his head and looked up from the paper, looking at you completely different. Like how your father looked at your mother the first time he saw her shoot a gun. Newfound respect and admiration glinted in those pretty blue eyes of his, all directed to you. He was going to say something else but the sounds of heels coming up the stairway stopped him. 

“(Y/N)! I just found a letter from June, it came yesterday but-” She grabbed your doorknob and tried to open it, only succeeding in causing the door to shake slightly. Arthur looked at you with wide eyes as she called out your name a second time. 

“Go, hurry!” You whispered and he sat up as quickly and quietly as he could, tiptoeing to the open doors. “One second, I’m changing into my nightdress!” You called back to her as you rushed the grown man out of your room.

He paused in the same spot he had climbed up, one hand on the jasmine covered lattice he had used as a ladder. “Could I come see you again?” He asked boldly, the paper in his hand slightly moving from the breeze. 

You laughed in disbelief. “There’s no way I could say no to that. You better.”

Arthur smiled then, the widest and cheesiest smile he had worn in a while. If it wasn’t for the lantern sitting inside your room next to the window he stood near, you wouldn’t have seen it. You wanted to say more, but he swung his legs over the edge and left you to explain to your mother why you spent so long doing something so simple.

[elyssebeeart]

What About Us

A writing commission for @visionsofwings (PDF on dA)

Series: Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go Pairing: FandomxCanon (MhairixGibson) Word count: ~4.5k Rating: G Previous: Starlit Garden Next: Just the Two of Us

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

“You’d think they’d take better care of these. They’re relics of our past, links to our history.”

“Well they are relics, Uncle Strix. We don’t usually find them in excellent condition.”

The white colored Grypherian with red markings let out a snort and grumbled as he continued to clean the artifacts that presently required his care, his purple eyes focused. “No excuse for some of their conditions. I think some of this wear is neglect from its previous owners long ago rather than age.”

“I imagine they weren’t thinking much of the future in having their descendants digging up their past.” Mhairi tried not to smile at her uncle’s fussing as she hovered over a strange spherical object set before her that was projecting a hologram of various dots that signified planets and galaxies. She tapped a talon to her chin, thoughtful before typing in an additional entry to the currently selected planet. “I guess I should be thankful the language hasn’t changed too much but it’s still a challenge to translate it from ancient Grypherian to modern Grypherian to Universal.”

“Our very own Mhairi Key.”

Mhairi let out a laugh as she typed more text, adding it to her built-in map cipher. “Stop teasing!”

“Me, tease? Really Mhairi, know me better than that. Besides, why not? You’re the pride of our family and have contributed much for our people.” Strix glanced at her as he paused his careful restoration of an artifact that came from the ancient Grypherian spacecraft they had discovered in the underground ruins. The rather serious Grypherian looked at his niece with pride. “Your mother would be proud, as your uncle, aunt and I are. It’s okay to indulge and name something after you.”

The younger yellow Grypherian flushed at the praise, the fur on her cheeks puffing slightly. “I’m just doing what I can so our race can learn from our past and travel the stars once again. I just hope my translation of the Map will make it easier for future Grypherians and other races to read. There is so much to translate, I don’t know if I’ll finish it within my life time.” She reached up and tapped a dot, expanding it into a full galaxy depicting more planets that were unknown. “It would be wonderful if other races besides ours can use it. Programming it is going to take a lot of time though.”

“You’ve done more than I ever could, Mhairi. You deserve all the credit. Just be sure to stay humble.” Strix wagged a claw out of caution though he smiled despite his serious tone. Mhairi opened her beak to say more when a new voice cut in.

“I’m here for Professor Mhairi.”

Mhairi and Strix turned around to see a Royal Guard standing in the entranceway, looking uptight with serious green eyes and a buffed breast. The newcomer’s presence caused them to raise their eyebrows.

“Yes?” Mhairi inquired as she fought a wave of anxiety at the sight of a member of the Royal Guard who was not her aunt. Why would any other member be present if it weren’t a crisis?

“Is Wavery alright?” Strix inquired, worry coloring his otherwise dry tone as concern shone in his purple eyes. The same thought was clearly on his mind as he thought of his mate’s health. “Or is something else the matter, soldier?”

“The Captain is in fine health! Her Eternal Majesty Queen Sahara requests an audience with you.” The guard announced with vigor and a salute, her eyes wandering toward the holographic map before snapping back to meet Mhairi’s gaze in proper fashion. “I am to escort you to the palace posthaste.”

“Not another crisis regarding the universe, I hope.” Strix muttered, annoyed at having been worried for nothing yet concerned for his niece’s wellbeing given her last off world adventure. However he looked over at Mhairi, gauging her response at the summons.

“Really?” The question slipped out despite knowing it had to be the Queen who’d sent the guard. After all the fancy ceremonies for saving the universe alongside the Hyperforce, she thought all the pomp and circumstance would be the end point of her interactions with the revered monarch despite familial connections. She blinked and looked at her uncle who gave her a nod in support. “I better get going then.”

“Take care.” Strix called as she walked over to the guard who pivoted and began leading her to the palace. As Mhairi followed her guide she couldn’t help wonder, confusion washing over her as well as slight panic. Subconsciously she reached for the bell around her neck, trying to get a sense of reassurance and calm.

What could the Queen want?

* * *

“Okay, team. Let’s go over our mission report. That last mission was a bit of a doozy.” The black haired teen sat at the table with three of his companions with folded arms. “Everyone is okay though, right? Sparx, Otto, Nova?”

“You’re telling me, I’m still cleaning slush out of my circuits.” Sparx complained, the red cyborg monkey smacking the side of his head for emphasis as it discharged a glob of purple goop. “Maybe next time we should scout it out beforehand. You know, avoid some grim and nasty creatures if it can be helped.”

“Really, Sparx? Shying away from a challenge? You’re just upset I got a higher count than you.” Nova teased, the yellow cyborg monkey grinning at the other. “I’m fine, Chiro. Someone’s just being a big baby.”

“But it was so much fun!” The green cyborg monkey exclaimed, bouncing in his seat with glee. Otto, ever the fun-loving one, beamed at their human leader. “We should do it again!”

“No!” Came the chorus from the other three, causing Otto to look bashful as he playfully stuck out his tongue. Nearby a gray aquatic alien stood, clothed in purple and sporting a helmet as she held a small red dragon with closed eyes. Echo watched the scene with an always present impassive expression, her red eyes hooded. In her arms the small dragon known as Flint suddenly perked up, his head whipping toward the elevator inside the Super Robot and Echo turned her attention to it as well.

Within seconds the doors opened and Mhairi appeared, looking slightly distraught. The Grypherian seemed distracted given she didn’t acknowledge anyone inside the room. Instantly Flint let out a chirp and jumped down, rushing over to her, making various noises to get her attention. Mhairi blinked and smiled at his display for affection, picking him up and allowing him to lick her face as he purred. “Hi, Flint.”

“Mhairi!” Nova exclaimed, noticing the other yellow member of the team had arrived.

“Yo, if it isn’t my favorite feathered friend!” Sparx grinned as he and Nova hopped down from their seats at the table to greet Mhairi. “It’s been a week, you doing good?”

“Well-”

“Mhairi! Mhairi! You missed out on a cool mission! There was a bunch of squishing and splattering and ‘oos’! And ‘AAAHS’ though that was mostly Sparx!” Otto jumped up and down as he leapt down to join the others, Chiro right behind him. “I should have saved some in a jar…”

“I think she’s good, Otto.” Chiro gave the green monkey a pat as he smiled at Mhairi. “It’s good to have you back, Mhairi. You must be busy with your uncle and working on translating the Map. Can’t wait to see it and be able to read it for myself.”

“R-right. Thanks.” Mhairi gave a smile, nodding as she was surrounded by most of the Hyperforce. Her blue gaze shifted around, looking for the missing two members though her expression was pinched. This earned a head tilt from Echo, red eyes locked onto the Grypherian.

“What’s wrong?” She asked bluntly though her ‘voice’ carried a slight worried tone as it was projected from her helmet to translate her thoughts.

The question startled Mhairi who blinked, her blue eyes shifting to meet the red gaze. “Echo. It’s…” She took a breath, holding Flint close to her chest as Echo watched intently, concerned as the others look surprised at her now clear distress. “I-”

There was a whooshing mechanical noise that interrupted Mhairi and the others looked to see the doors slide open to reveal the rest of the team: Gibson and Antauri. The blue cyborg monkey and the silver robotic monkey looked up from their apparent conversation, seeing the group before them.

“Mhairi!” Gibson exclaimed, a smile forming. The blue monkey hurried on over with Antauri tailing him, “I wasn’t expecting you! I thought you said another few days.”

“Someone’s happy.” Sparx muttered, earning an elbowing from Nova who shushed him, a disapproving and concerned look on her face.

Mhairi didn’t say anything, instead looking at Gibson before her eyes moved to the floor then looked back at the others as she took a deep breath, “I have something to tell everyone.”

“Oh, is it a story?” Otto looked excited to which Antauri shook his head, sensing the unease.

“What is it? Are you alright?” Gibson inquired with a worried expression, confused as to why she was acting so distant.

“Queen Sahara requested an audience with me.” Mhairi blurted out, making Flint squeak in surprise as she squeezed him accidentally.

“And that’s… good or bad?” Chiro tentatively asked, confused as well as concerned. “I mean she seemed nice at the ceremony?”

“It’s…” Mhairi took a breath, “The Queen is still without a Councilor since the previous one betrayed her. Meaning there’s an opening within the Court.”

“That sounds like a dilemma.” Antauri voiced, folding his arms in thought as he watched. “Was she consulting you on the matter?”

Mhairi looked as if she would shrink into a yellow fur ball right there but didn’t. “Um, yeah. Actually… she said in light of my accomplishments she would like me to be the new Councilor.”

“Wow! Really? That’s great news!” Nova exclaimed bowling past Sparx to hug Mhairi, causing the red monkey to spin. “That means you can really help your people with that position! You’ve worked so hard for this!”

“Wow, that is great news.” Chiro beamed, “Congratulations!”

“It sounds like a big position but I know you can do it.” Echo chimed in, sounding encouraging with a small smile on her face.

Mhairi seemed to blush at the praise, her fur puffing as a slight red tint seeped into her cheeks, but her gaze shifted down to the floor once more. “Th-thanks. It is… except...” Flint let out a peep as her gaze move back to the others, her blue eyes serious, “It’s a great honor. I’m honored, but I would be required to be by the Queen’s side and be head of the Court.”

“Wait, then that means…” Gibson began, his face tense while the others seemed to sense his worry, glancing at one another.

“I can’t leave Kanoni.” Mhairi shifted her gaze to him, her voice low as her eyes darted away again, “I would no longer be able to assist you all on missions, or come to Shuggazoom for visits anymore.”

“So this is goodbye!?” Otto blurted, looking horribly distraught. “But you just got here! And I didn’t get you any goop! You can’t leave now!”

“N-no! Not yet… the Queen gave me a few days to make my decision so I thought I would stay here until I have to give my answer. To have one last off world venture.”

“A few days…?” Gibson repeated, his voice full of disbelief while he looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

Mhairi nodded mutely, not daring to look at him as the floor was apparently far more interesting and far less anxiety inducing as it lacked a pair of eyes and feelings. Nova glanced back and forth between the couple with an evaluating gaze before taking action.

“Oh! Speaking of ventures, our mission briefing! We should probably finish that.” Nova announced, looking at the rest of the group with a certain expression, nodding toward the doors, clearly trying to segue. “Antauri can share his insight with us regarding what we faced.”

 “Ah yes, excellent idea, Nova. We can use my quarters.” Antauri agreed, glancing at Chiro who seemed to catch their drift. The teenager nodded, unsure of how to ease away from the subject let alone excuse himself from the obviously needed private moment.

“Right! Since none of us got hurt we can catch you up later, Gibson. No need to come.” He informed, giving a small wave as he moved to follow Nova and Antauri.

“Why would—Oh… Oh!” Sparx exclaimed, holding up a finger out of realization, earning a facepalm from Nova. However Gibson didn’t seem to hear the others, still staring at Mhairi with a dazed expression while the Grypherian looked as uncomfortable as possible.

“Come on, Otto. You promised to bake those special cookies after, remember?” Echo coaxed the teary eyed green monkey who sniffled. However at the mention of cookies he brightened and dashed off, apparently forgetting his sorrow for the time being. Echo glanced over at Gibson and Mhairi before following, seemingly giving silent wishes to her best friend. Flint gave one look at Mhairi before letting out a peep and licking her talons. He then squirmed out of her grip to run off to join the others.

“I… I guess we need to talk.” Mhairi weakly stated, daring to look at Gibson as they stood alone in the room. The blue monkey was avoiding her gaze, pointedly looking at the floor as his hands curled and then loosened. 

“That would be an understatement.” He replied though his voice carried no sarcasm, only disbelief. He turned away for a moment, muttering under his breath and Mhairi took it as a chance to summon some courage as she swallowed.

“Gibson-”

“What about us?”

Mhairi blinked at the question as Gibson looked at her, his face tight. “What does this mean for us, Mhairi? If you accept this position then…” He gestured loosely to the two of them, his voice almost pointed though it sounded more desperate despite the logic behind it.

“I-I know. I know.” Her voice trembled as she tried not to cry. “I don’t know, I haven’t made up my mind yet. This is such a huge opportunity, beyond what I could even dream of. But at the same time it means we… we can’t be together.” The words barely made it out of her mouth without a hitch.

“Even if you can’t leave we can always still visit you.” Gibson proposed, instantly formulating a plan as his heart raced. “Sure you can’t come to Shuggazoom but it doesn’t mean we can’t go to Kanoni. It would just be a really long distance relationship.”

Mhairi shook her head as she grabbed her arms to comfort herself, suppressing a tremble. “It won’t work. What you and the rest of the team do is so important to the universe, to all of existence; I can’t ask you to come to Kanoni every spare minute you have. You all are welcome to visit anytime but that’d be selfish of me to expect that of you… I…” She turned away, trying to hide her forming tears. “I just want to do what’s best for my people, but I don’t want it to end like this. I don’t want us to end.”

Gibson was quiet, watching her back as her shoulders trembled slightly, signaling she was indeed crying. He reached out a hand toward her but stopped, his heart squeezing as she was obviously trying to steel herself. “Neither do I… Look, you still have a few days. Let’s make the best of them, whatever your decision. This is all so sudden I can’t ask you to make up your mind right now; it’s a lot to process, for the both of us.”

Mhairi shook her head and rubbed her eyes before turning to look at him, sniffling. “I’m sorry, Gibson. I just… I need time to think. I’m sorry.” He gave a curt nod, bracing himself and she bolted from the room, leaving him standing there alone, both of them feeling their hearts about to break.

The call of duty could be so cruel with its necessity.

* * * * *

“I don’t know what to do, Echo.” “And you’ve talked to Gibson already?”

“Kind of? It’s…” Mhairi let out a frustrated sigh as she placed her head in her talons, her best friend watching. “It’s been days and it’s not getting any easier! Just looking at him hurts, and it’s not fair to him that I can barely utter a hello without becoming a mess or running away. Especially if this is…” She didn’t finish as the words died in her throat at the thought of the impending goodbye.

“It sounds like you’ve already decided.” Echo tilted her head, her red eyes probing as she sat with Mhairi in her bedroom, resting on the Aquarian’s bed. Nearby Flint was swatting at a ball that had a treat inside, currently preoccupying the small dragon to retrieve the impending reward.

“I don’t know!” Mhairi explained, looking up with tears in her eyes. “I feel like I should take the position. I mean, the things I could do as Councilor! What it would mean for my people… The Queen herself requested me! Me! Someone who people wrote off as crazy and an obsessed dreamer!”

“But what would it mean for you and Gibson? Or the rest of your friends on the Hyperforce? Which are you willing to put aside? One has to be chosen over the other.”

“I don’t know! I don’t want to choose! Why is this so hard?”

“You know… I might not be the best with emotions, but I think it is a hard crossroads you’re at. Right now your head and your heart are at odds.”

“You’re one of the Aquarian leaders. How do you do it?” Mhairi sniffled, looking at her friend for some wisdom and reassurance. “Indeed, I am part of the Assembly. However, despite it being similar in its position of authority, our situations are different.” Echo responded calmly, smoothing out her bed’s comforter as she handed Mhairi a box of tissues. “I had no hesitance in accepting as it would not only honor my… my mother’s memory, but I could also remain an ally to the Hyperforce. I am permitted to leave my world and be here with you all while still being able to help rebuild what was lost in the war with the Dark Ones. The Assembly can take care of things on their own without needing me around all the time; we work as a unit. That is not the case for you.”

“What should I do? I only have until tomorrow morning to make my decision.” Mhairi dabbed her eyes as fresh tears formed. “It feels like there is so much to gain but at the same time lose what I have.”

“To gain is to lose, to lose is to gain.” Echo watched patiently, sympathetic as she patted Mhairi’s arm. “I never said it’s easy. But I think you know deep down which you feel more called to, which one hurts more to let go of. Each choice has its own responsibilities and opportunities; it’s just different. For me joining the Assembly was what I could do to best help my people.”

Mhairi let out another sniffle as her shoulders shook. She dabbed at her eyes once more, not looking at Echo as she seemed to be mulling over what had been said.

“Either way, we’ll still be friends and we can still see each other even if not as much. Things change, that’s life but it’s what you choose to do in the face of change that matters.” Echo’s eyes softened while Flint paused from his toy to look over at the two. “Sometimes you have to listen to your heart rather than your head. Other times you have to go with reason. It’s a matter of which one you can live with. It’s not the end of the world, we’ve already been there and stopped it.”

Mhairi exhaled through her shaky breaths, smiling at Echo through her tears. “Thanks, Echo. I… I think I can figure this out. I just need a little more time.”

“I know you can.” Echo smiled faintly and embraced her friend while Flint, successfully retrieving the treat, hopped on the bed with them and began to purr.  Mhairi returned the hug, some anxiety remaining but feeling a bit calmer overall.

She had to make her choice.

* * *

Gibson stood in his lab fiddling with various vials as he tried to occupy himself. However perhaps handling unstable substances was not the best idea presently given his distracted state. He let out a sigh and put the glass instruments back on their racks as his hands shook slightly, his mind wandering and his heart aching.

Mhairi had been noticeably absent in the morning. At first Gibson had thought it was because she was still avoiding him and was keeping to her quarters. However as late morning rolled around, Chiro had decided to wonder out loud where Mhairi was and Echo had informed them all that she had left earlier to return to Kanoni and give her answer. Gibson had almost dropped his cup of tea at the news—Sparx on the other hand had spat out his coffee while Otto yelped “what” as Chiro and Nova looked stunned while Antauri, ever tranquil, simply nodded—but Echo had smoothly added Mhairi would be back later regardless.

Now it was close to dusk and Mhairi still hadn’t returned. Gibson at present was a nervous wreck as he felt a pang of longing and anxiety. The blue monkey shook his head, “No, no, Mr. Hal Gibson. Pull yourself together! I can’t be selfish and keep her to myself as much as I want to because I love her.” He stared at the beaker before him, gazing at the liquid inside. “I have to respect her decision; it’s her life and her choice. I can’t hold her back because of personal feelings. Coming between her and her people…” 

He let out a sigh as he stood by one of the lab’s tables, closing his eyes in an attempt to quiet his thoughts. Things never were easy with the Hyperforce, and this should have been expected territory when he entered a relationship with an alien. Even Chiro had to deal with some long distance woes with Jinmay, but the boy took it with stride. This however… was this really going to be the end? He had to let her go, for the sake of her people. It wasn’t fair for her, and she as well as her people needed what was best.

The sound of the lab doors whooshing open caught his attention and he bit back a grunt. It had been a constant in and out of the other team members as they seemingly just wanted to “drop by,” when in fact they were clearly checking on him. It was as frustrating as it was endearing, his mood worsening as his anxiety increased.

“Look, I know you’re all concerned but I-” He started to turn around, but suddenly stopped at the surprising sight of Mhairi in the doorway, looking nervous. Gibson nearly choked on his words as he stared at the Grypherian, still trying to compute that she was really there. “M-Mhairi.”

Mhairi looked up at him shyly, her face red. “H-hi. Is this a good time to t-talk?”

Gibson gulped and nodded numbly, gesturing for her to come in as his heart thundered in his chest. Mhairi slowly entered, twiddling her talons as her gaze went back to the floor as she approached. The two stood opposite of each other for what seemed like long moments of silence, Mhairi looking like she was working up courage to speak while Gibson was afraid to hear the words come out of her mouth.

“I-”

“It’s alright, Mhairi.”

“H-huh?”

“I know how much this decision was weighing on you, but I didn’t do anything these past few days to help. I thought space was needed and then I realized it was selfish of me to put it all on you to choose.” Gibson spoke to the bewildered looking Mhairi who blinked at him. “Just know I support your decision and that I don’t regret the time we had together.”

 “Gibson.” Mhairi breathed but he pressed on, afraid of losing his steam.

“It wasn’t fair to put the choice about us all on your shoulders. To put your people after us when all you’ve ever done has been for your kind-”

“Gibson.”

“But I don’t regret our time together, really. Well maybe the time we wasted fighting and being at odds, but that doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is I understand and you don’t have to say anything. I know things will be different, but if this is going to be goodbye I-” “Gibson! I turned it down!” Mhairi blurted, suddenly covering his mouth with one of her talons, cutting him off. He startled at her touch as well as her words, making a surprised noise as he blinked, trying to process. Instantly Mhairi flushed again and pulled away, leaving Gibson floundering.

“Wh-wha? Why?”

“After I talked with Echo I realized being the Councilor isn’t the only way to help my people. And honestly the position isn’t for me. Have you met me? I probably would want to throttle the Court every single day if not minute since I would be with them on a daily basis when not assisting the Queen. I’m not that much of a people person.” Mhairi hastily explained, waving her talons as she was still red. However she took a breath and said in a stronger voice, looking at Gibson, “And I decided that working on the Map, traveling across the stars to gain more knowledge for the Grypherians, and encouraging space travel again is what’s going to help my people best.”

“B-but as Councilor you’d have more say to enforce those ideas-”

“As Councilor I’d be cooped up in a building getting involved with politics and having my ideas pushed back for a vote or ‘consideration.’ Even though the Queen’s say is law, she now listens to both the Councilor and the Court.” Mhairi explained, her expression serious as Gibson gawked. “Last time she let a Councilor have too much sway he kinda tried to put her in an eternal coma. Plus I’m not someone who just sits back and talks; I like being hands on and out in the field. But most importantly… I love you too much to not have you in my life.”

At that last statement she looked at him with a pinched expression, clear emotion shimmering in her eyes. Gibson in turn stood with his mouth hanging open, not believing his audio receptors.

Seeing him motionless prompted Mhairi to continue before he could say anything, gushing, “I’m so sorry for putting you through so much the past few days! But I realized my place in the universe. And ultimately, that place has been and will always be with you. I don’t want to say goodbye to us, Gibson. Not after all that we've been through together…”

Suddenly Gibson’s arms were around Mhairi and he was pulling her close, a sigh of relief escaping him while she let out a squeak of surprise. “I must be a truly selfish primate. No matter how much I told myself it was the best thing, I didn’t want to let you go. But I was prepared to and…” Mhairi’s eyes softened as Gibson pulled away slightly, looking at her face. “I’m not ready to give up on us. I want to see how far we can go together. And even if our paths diverted, I would still always love you.”

“Gibson…” Mhairi murmured, tears welling up as she threw her arms around him to further the embrace. “I’m so sorry I even considered saying goodbye. I know I must have broken your heart with this whole thing and I-“

“Shhh.” Gibson suddenly shushed and his mouth was against hers, stopping her apology. “Mhairi, shh.” Instantly the Grypherian relaxed, almost melting into him as she cupped his face in her talons, pulling him closer. The two sank into the kiss they had been starved for, the intimacy momentarily sating the need both had been denied the past few days.

“So, does this answer your question?” Mhairi smiled, eyelids low as the two finally separated after a minute to take a breath.

“Question?”

“’What about us?’”

“Yes, I would say so.” Gibson grinned as Mhairi’s eyelashes fluttered, her blush growing. The two then embraced once more, hearts racing as relief continued to spill out after days of worry.

“I love you, Gibson.”

“I love you, Mhairi. Forever and always.”

Mhairi let out a giggle, kissing his cheek. “Really? Beyond forever? That seems highly illogical for you, Mr. Hal Gibson.”

“Being with you makes me feel illogical. And it’s not a bad thing.”

As they stood there alone in the lab, away from prying eyes and responsibilities of the world, Gibson had a thought. Perhaps… there was something he should ask her in the near future. A rather important question for the two of them.

But for now, this was enough.

[jungkookienoona]

The Meme and His Tutor

Part 33: The Day The Tutor Met The Trainees

Co-written with @tragicshadows

Recommended Song: Crazy In Love by Seventeen

|All Chapters|Masterlist|

Summary:

With an upcoming meeting with Bang PD-nim later that day racking your nerves, you weren’t putting up with any bullshit.

Genre: Fluff, comedy

Pairing: Jungkook X Reader (Y/N)

Warnings: Swearing

Word Count: 4876

Length: 33/?

"Good morning, Ko-"

"Do you have makeup on?"

You raised an eyebrow at Jungkook who stood frozen in the doorway, eyes scanning your features having not even wished you good morning.

"I thought I'd give eyeliner a go...why? Does it look bad?" You said, colour staining your cheeks under his intense stare.

He shook his head, "No! No. Not at all." His gaze turned to the floor as red also dusted his cheeks, "You look really good."

Mumbling a thank you, you grabbed a hoodie from a hook behind the door and shrugged it on. With over a dozen hoodies in your possession, you basically lived in them. And why wouldn’t you? They were comfortable and warm. Who cared if a few were stolen from your ex-boyfriend.

"Yoongi said he'd look after Miri again while we have our meeting with PD-nim. I think she reminds him of Holly."

You giggled. "They're both small adorable puppers."

As if sensing you were talking about her, Miri appeared in the doorway and Jungkook clipped on her lead. Standing back up, he cradled your head in his hands and pressed a kiss to your forehead.

"You look lovely, Jagiya. You always do. But if you did it out of nerves because of today's meeting, you have nothing to worry about."

You gave him a grateful smile. "I know. There's just so many big changes with uni and work and being able to afford it all..."

"I promise you everything will be fine." He tucked a curl of dark hair behind your ear. "I'm pretty sure we thought of everything for you."

He dropped his hands and you went about putting your trusty converse on.

"You mean you thought of everything since it was your idea for me to move here. You basically had to do a business pitch to PD-nim to convince him."

He chuckled. "I was gonna share the credit but yes, it was me...now let's go."

After making sure you had everything you needed, you shut the door and let Jungkook walk Miri to the elevator.

The smile on his face as he watched her was adorable and you felt yourself turn into a puddle of goo on the inside. When did he start making you feel so soft? It also didn't help that he looked much younger with his darker hair. He must've let it air-dry after a shower for it fell in loose waves over his forehead.

"Cute,” You muttered under your breath.

Jungkook stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at you.

"Cute? Miri or Me?"

The dog yipped at the sound of her name and excitedly twirled in circles. You awed and looked back at your boyfriend with a soft smile.

"Both. Your hair suits you."

He cocked his head. "You really like it messy like this, don't you?"

You nodded. How could you not? The beachy waves fell just over his eyebrows and softened his features; rounding his big brown eyes and giving the illusion of chubbier cheeks. He looked youthful, and so effortlessly beautiful it took your breath away.

But of course you couldn’t confess that to him. You saved the flowery romanticism for your fics and instead settled on saying, "I love the coconut, but wavy hair is my favourite."

"Fucking coconut," He muttered, shaking his head in annoyance and walked off down the corridor.

You giggled and jogged to catch up with him, threading your arm through his for warmth. He slowed his pace to match yours. His bottom lip was caught between his teeth and you made a mental note: Jungkook is sensitive to coconut jokes.

"The coconut is handsome too."

"I'm not a coconut," He grumbled. Yep. Definitely sensitive.

"You're right. You're a KooKooNut."

"Aish!" He tried to pull his arm from yours but you held on tight. He knew you were teasing. "You're as mean as Jimin-hyung."

You pulled a face. "You're mean too!"

He punched the button to call the elevator to your level and pulled Miri back when she tried to attack her reflection in the mirrored doors. "How? I've been nothing but nice since you got here."

"You stopped calling me Noona."

"Because I'm the same age as you." He shot back with a cocky smirk. He thought he was such a smartass.

"That's not how it works. You're just taking advantage of me being foreign."

He threw his head back in laughter before picking up Miri when the elevator arrived.

"Can you let me have just this month of calling you Y/N?" He asked resting his weight against one wall of the elevator.

You pressed the button to the underground parking before folding your arms with a pout. You'd never admit to it, but you missed hearing him call you Noona. But he seemed to be coming up with even more names for you to make up for it.

“Please~”

You sighed. It was only a few weeks. You could deal with that. "As soon as midnight strikes on my birthday, I'm your Noona."

He gave a curt nod. "Yes, Y/N"

You walked down one of the many hallways in the BigHit building together, hand in hand, heading towards Yoongi's studio. You had to stop on more than one occasion so staff could pet Miri. She was a little charmer, politely offering her paw in greeting whenever someone said 'shake'.  

Arriving at the studio, Jungkook pressed the convenient doorbell. It was a minute until the door was unlocked and a tired Yoongi was revealed. A tired Yoongi who broke out into a gummy smile as soon as he spotted the little fluffy cloud that was Miri. He crouched down and ruffled her fur with both hands. When he stood back up you handed over the lead.

"Thank you for offering to take care of her, Oppa."

"It's no problem. She's a good girl." He dropped to his knees again to unclip her lead, praising the pupper in an oddly sweet voice that made you giggle.

"We'll only be a few hours," Jungkook called over his shoulder with one foot out the doorway.

Yoongi was oblivious, too busy being generous with the belly rubs to reply.

The door clicked shut and you set off towards the elevators that would take you up to Bang PD-nim’s office. You attempted to push away any anxious thoughts that plagued your mind.

"I'll never understand how some people don't see how soft he is. They call him cold and unfeeling. Have they seen his gummy smile?"

Jungkook shrugged. "ARMY sometimes forget we're not 2 dimensional people and that there's more to us than what they see."

"It's sad."

"I know."

His hand made it's way into yours and gave it a small squeeze. You felt his thumb brush over the back of your knuckles in a soothing manner.

"But most ARMY remember there's different sides to us. Hopefully they'll accept the side of me that loves you... well it's not really a side because all of me loves you, but you know what I mean."

You nodded, bashfulness fixing a smile on your features. You'd never tire of hearing him say he loved you.

"And because the media outed us before we even began dating, I don't have to worry about how much I love you."

He shot you a beaming smile as you continued down the corridor towards the elevator. He began to swing your joint hands and you slowly began to feel the nerves dissipate.

"Y/N, how much do you love me?" He suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

You tried your best to create a bored expression and tone of voice, "Enough to move my ass all the way to the other side of the world for you."

He rolled his eyes at the sarcasm. "So~ like a lot, then."

"Yeah, I guess." You said still pretending to be disinterested in hope of winding him up.

"Why?"

"I wanted to hear you say how much you loved me."

You stopped and tugged on his arm to get his attention. He seemed confused as he turned to face you.

"This much."

Leaning upwards, you gave him a lingering kiss on the lips, enjoying how soft and plush they felt against yours. You went to pull away when his hand went to the small of your back, holding you in place to kiss you again. A loud cough echoing down the hall caused you to jump away from each other.

Namjoon stood a little way down the corridor, hand rubbing the back of his neck as he looked between the two of you awkwardly.

"Could you keep the PDA to a minimum while in the company building?"

Jungkook smirked and shook his head. "Afraid not, hyung. I still have 67 days to make up for."

He sneakily pecked the corner of your mouth before taking your hand and walking over to his leader who was coincidentally also waiting for an elevator.

"I heard you have a meeting today, Y/N. Excited?"

"I'm nervous. What if there's rules I have to follow in order to stay here?"

Namjoon placed his hand on your shoulder and you felt Jungkook's fingers tighten around yours.

"You'll be fine. Jungkookie wouldn't have made you up and move your life to Korea if he wasn't sure the situation was right. He spent so long planning it all."

Jungkook pulled you closer to him. "Why would I give my own girlfriend rules? Well actually... here's a rule. You have to let me have at least one kiss a day."

"I like that rule." You smiled.

The elevator dinged signalling its arrival and Namjoon cleared his throat before hurriedly walking inside, you and Jungkook joining him. Jungkook turned you to face the door before slotting in behind you, his arms wrapping around your waist to pull you closer as his chin came to rest on your shoulder. Out of the corner of your eye Namjoon shifted, eyes cast to the floor. You noticed he'd pressed the button for a different floor and asked him where he was heading.

"I have a schedule with hair and make-up." He ran a hand through his bleached blonde hair. "I might look a little different when I next see you."

"I hope they don't do what they did for ‘Fire’."

He laughed, his cheeks dimpling. "I made them swear never to make me look like an egg again."

You giggled. "I liked the ‘Not Today’ grape look."

You felt Jungkook's nose nudge against your neck. "Do you like my hair colour, Nabi?"

"I love it, Kookie. You look very handsome." You said before looking back at Namjoon, "As I was saying, purple looks awesome on you."

"Nabiii~ what do you like about it?"

You sighed and raised a hand to ruffle his hair. "You look younger. You're back to being a baby."

"B-b-baby?"

The elevator dinged before you had a chance to reply and Namjoon stepped forward to exit.

"See you two later, maybe meet for lunch in the cafeteria?"

You nodded and Jungkook muttered a 'maybe'. Namjoon gave you a tight-lipped smile before slipping through the doors and turned down a corridor.

You waited for the doors to close before letting out a long exhale. "Did you really have to act like a toddler? I thought this all got sorted when Namjoon gave you that speech about sharing last time I was here."

"I don't know what you mean."

His arms tightened around your waist but you loosened his grip with a sigh, stepping forward to turn and face him.

"I'm not gonna put up with you acting jealous and possessive whenever I give other people my attention. That's not how this is gonna work. That's my rule for you."

His hands fell to his sides before running through his hair, leaving it a curled mess.

"I'm sorry...I just..." He sighed. "I'm really sorry. I know I shouldn't act like that. It's wrong and selfish of me... I'll work on it."

You let out a sigh and brought him into a hug. "I know you like having me to yourself, but think of all the fun we could have if you allowed them to spend time with me- with us. Think about Mario Kart nights and stuff like that."

"Like the movie nights... even if I did get injured and you fell asleep..."

"Exactly!" You pulled back to cup his cheeks, looking him dead in those big brown eyes, "Your hyungs are your family. They've been by your side for years, brought you up and helped you become the man you are today. I know you love me. But you love them too. Don't push them away."

"I didn't realise I was pushing them away... And I guess I'm worse around Namjoon-hyung because... nevermind... it's not important anymore."

Your brows furrowed. "Because of what?"

"Nothing."

You felt the elevator come to a stop and instantly your stomach dropped. All conflicts between Jungkook and his hyungs aside, you were shitting yourself. Stepping out into the corridor, you once again found yourself in Jungkook's embrace.

"It really is nothing to worry about. It's just a meeting about when you'll start attending classes and the comeback."

You pulled back with a pout. "You could've told me that sooner."

"I'm sorry."

You took a deep breath and felt your heartbeat return to it's usual pace.  "It's okay. Let's go. He's probably wondering where we are."

He nodded and led the way to Bang PD-nim's office, refusing to let go of your hand that he had claimed. You faced the heavy wooden door again and Jungkook confidently knocked, opening it when there was a shout from the other side.

"Remember last time?" Jungkook mumbled. "He's a teddy bear."

"Teddy bear. Right."

You took a deep calming breath then followed Jungkook into the office. Bang PD-nim gave you a warm smile from behind his desk.

"The latest addition to the BigHit family is finally here!"

You let go of Jungkook's hand to give a polite bow. "Good morning, PD-nim."

He directed you and Jungkook to the two leather armchairs before him. The PD's arms were folded atop two dark folders on his desk. You assumed one for work, the other for university.

"Good morning Y/N. How are you? Settling in well?"

You eagerly nodded. "I'm very well, thank you. We finally managed to unpack everything yesterday." You briefly cast a smile at Jungkook. "The apartment is lovely. I can't thank you enough."

"Our Jungkook picked it out. He wanted it to be 'small and homey'. He even gave himself a budget to stick to with some to spare for any renovations he wanted done."

You chuckled. "The addition of the bathtub was a thoughtful touch."

The PD nodded. "Ah, he told me about how you have tubs in the UK. He was so insistent his 'lovely Jagiya' be reminded of home."

From the corner of your eye you noticed Jungkook's proud smirk but also how his cheeks had dusted red.

"He's so sweet."

"Indeed." The PD nodded with a smile. "Now onto more important topics: university."

You sat up straighter, ready to give your full attention to what he had to say.

"Since you're an international student, you won't attend classes until the start of October. In the meantime, your lecturers have given me work and reading for you to undertake in preparation."

You nodded and took the folder he passed over to you. So you didn't have to start straight away? That was a relief.

"Just like every Korean university, you are expected to live up to their standards and not do anything that will affect their reputation. This will be more difficult for you since you're dating our Kookie."

And...there were the rules.

"No scandals," Jungkook piped up.

"No failing classes," was your addition.

Bang PD-nim nodded. "Exactly. This isn't a free pass for either of you to take advantage of. This is both of your lives and careers. Any wrongdoing is on your heads."

"Understood." You and Jungkook said in unison.

"The 'no scandals' part is going to be very important over the coming weeks. Once the music video for their title song is shot and edited, BTS will be making their comeback."

With such heavy emphasis being placed on the possibility of a scandal, you wondered what one would consist of and how easy it would be to get into one. Damaging Jungkook, BTS' and the company's, reputations was the last thing on your mind.

Bang PD-nim cleared his throat before continuing, "That being said there are ground rules to try and help prevent scandals. No nudity or inappropriate content to be posted online." You felt your face heat up. "No public indecency. Basically nothing sexually explicit. You're both adults."

He paused and you both nodded.

"Y/N, since you are now a member of BigHit staff, you will be expected to sign a confidentiality agreement." He tapped the remaining folder on the desk. "It breaks down company rules and regulations and how you are expected to act as a representation of our name. It's nothing to worry about. We'll leave that ‘til last."

You shifted slightly, a question niggling away at you, "What exactly are my employee duties?"

He handed over the other file, "In there are profiles of BTS and our current trainees. It tells you their age, average academic performance and their current proficiency in English. Since you did such a good job teaching Jungkook, you will be tutoring those in the folder."

Flipping the cover, you were greeted by Jin's profile first and then the other members before there was a break and it went into trainees, all of which were males.

"If you have any issues adjusting to the schedule or dealing with your workload, please don't be afraid to let us know. We understand we are asking quite a bit of you and that it may be overwhelming."

Closing the file, you placed it on top of the other one he had given you.

"I'll try my best to make myself a worthy employee and investment. I know that my coming here was not cheap nor are my tuition fees."

He nodded, sitting back into his seat and steepling his fingers beneath his chin.

"I have confidence in you. You're a smart girl, you'll do well. Don't let me down."

You didn't know how you ended up like this but, for some reason, when you entered the cafeteria after your meeting with Bang PD-nim, Jungkook was giving you a piggyback ride. His level of PDA and skinship was surprising to say the least. Even after your previous trips to Korea. From your perch, you were able to see Jin, Namjoon and Taehyung at a bench near the centre of the room. You pointed them out to Jungkook who galloped over.

You heard Tae's shout of "Ah! It's Y/N-dongsaeng!" He was practically bouncing in his seat as Jin pulled a box decorated with bear faces out of his bag. Once you reached the table Jungkook crouched to let you down but before you could set one toe on the ground Taehyung had swooped in and pulled you into a bruising hug.

"We didn't see you at all yesterday."

You laughed and poked a finger into his side.

"That's your fault. I was too busy repainting my room, Oppa."

He pulled back, a sheepish smile on his lips.

"Sorry...again."

"Why did you pick pink?"

"Because my little sister likes pink... I thought you'd like pink too."

Despite the slight disappointment that he’d assumed instead of asking Jungkook, a part of you felt honoured that he’d extrapolated information from his sibling- someone that he was close to and meant a lot to him- and applied it to you. Did that mean he viewed you as a younger sister? You hoped so. Taehyung had already managed to secure himself the position of playful older brother in your mind and it would be nice if he felt the same way about you.

Jungkook cleared his throat. Without a word needing to be said, Taehyung let go of you. Since you were already there, you took the seat beside Taehyung while Jungkook sat opposite beside Jin. Namjoon was the other side of Taehyung and you leaned forward to catch his eye.

"Oppa, your hair looks great!"

His hair reminded you of a unicorn. There was a mesh of colours such a silvers, lilacs and eggshell blues. It looked good. Magical in a way.

"Thanks. They couldn't decide on one colour." He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck.

"He looks like he should be dipped in glitter," Jungkook scoffed, chowing down on a seaweed chip he'd stolen from Taehyung.

"I had hair like his once!"

All heads swivelled to look at you in shock. Jungkook coughed as he almost choked on his snack.

Namjoon seemed the least taken aback by the news. "Really? That's cool! I imagine it would have suited you."

You nodded. "My hair was a tad shorter than Kookie's back then. I got a lot of compliments on it. It happened because I had used a bright purple semi-permanent hair dye and it faded over time."

"Would you ever dye it again?" Jin asked.

You wrinkled your nose and ignored the quiet 'aw' from your boyfriend.

"I dunno. The maintenance annoyed me." You curled a strand of your hair around your forefinger. "This colour is easy to manage."

Jin passed you the bear box. "So that isn't your natural colour?"

You unclipped the lid to reveal a homemade lunch. How thoughtful.

"It is and it isn't. About the bottom third is dyed. The rest is natural from where I let my hair grow."

They all hummed in understanding and you took the lull of silence that ensued as a chance to tuck into your lunch. It was then you were approached by some younger, kind of familiar boys. Trainees! Your quick flip through the file telling you as much earlier.

"Y-y-you're the Noona who will be tutoring us, right?" One of the three teenagers asked. He stood slightly ahead of his friends and you assumed he was either the leader or the eldest.

Jungkook's eyebrow twitched. "She is, and you will address her as such."

The boy nodded and gave you a polite bow.

"It's nice to meet you, Noona. I'm Kang Woosung, a sixteen-year-old aspiring rapper and leader."

"Yah! She's seonsaeng-nim to you. Don't address her so informally." Jungkook narrowed his eyes, making sure to look all three boys in the eye.

You couldn’t help but be surprised by his attitude. Where had your sweet BunBun gone and why was he being so rude to the trainees of all people. Wasn't he supposed to be setting an example? Jin placed a hand on Jungkook's shoulder and gave him a look that had the younger of the two males mumbling under his breath and stealing a seaweed rice roll from one of the sections of your lunchbox.

You gave an awkward laugh before putting on a smile. "It's nice to meet you too. I'm Y/N L/N. Though for professional purposes please call me L/N seonsaeng-nim."

The trainees nodded, and Woosung apologised for forgetting the formality. You told him not to worry and bit your lip watching them shift from foot to foot at the end of the table.

"Do you want to have lunch with us?" You asked with a smile. "I don't bite."

"Jungkook-hyung does though. We've seen him bite the other hyungs."

Jungkook smirked. Probably at being called hyung.

"Well if I move to sit next to him then he can't bite you."

You pushed your lunchbox across the table and stood up. Woosung had picked the chair beside Namjoon and they high-fived before starting up their own conversation, Jin adding a punch-line every so often. Lee Jinwoo, a sub-vocalist and maknae of all trainees according to your file, took your previous seat and the remaining trainee, whose name you couldn’t quite place, sat beside him.

"Seonsaeng-nim, do you like younger men? Cause I'm better looking than Jungkook," Said Jinwoo with a cock of his eyebrow.

You were stunned into silence and mentally clocked him as the cheeky type. You’d have to keep an eye on him. The table went silent as the members looked to Jinwoo in shock. Woosung chuckled and the other boy held his hand out for a high five. One glance at Jungkook told you he was not happy. His fists were clenched, eyebrows furrowed making his eyes appear as jet black as his hair.

"Listen here you cocky dongsaeng. She is not here for you to flirt with. She's only teaching you because BigHit is paying for her university and living. And she's here for me."

The venom in his voice made your cheeks burn.

"Kookie!"

Woosung muffled his laughter into the sleeve of his hoodie and you looked around the table at the others who were also starting to giggle.

"Sorry, hyung. I was only curious." Shrugged Jinwoo

Taehyung tapped your ankle with his foot beneath the table.

"Don't worry. They're always like this."

Jungkook took your hand in his, giving it a light squeeze before taking a deep calming breath.

"She likes older men. But I'm an exception. You're too young for her anyway."

You attention stayed on Taehyung. "They are?"

He nodded, taking a sip of his drink. "They bicker whenever they see each other."

Jinwoo gave you a bright smile and Jungkook shifted in his seat so his arm was pressed fully against yours. Namjoon shook his head at Jungkook while Jin rolled his eyes and shovelled more food into his mouth.

"See, Jinwoo is also from Busan. So he, Jimin and Jungkook have a rather...playful relationship."

"That doesn't sound playful at all though."

Jinwoo ran a hand through his dark hair. "Hyung is jealous of my good looks."

Jungkook snorted and reached across the table to pinch the trainee's cheek. "You're just so cute it makes me mad."

He spoke through gritted teeth and you awkwardly chuckled. What the fuck was with those two? Woosung and Namjoon hit their respective maknae's on the arm.

"Stop acting possessive!"

"Stop being a little shit!"

Oh wow. The leaders were in sync. The two shared a look before apologising to the rest of the table. You picked up your chopsticks to get back to eating now their little moment was over. You glanced at Jungkook who had only eaten a few stolen snacks since sitting down.

"Kookie, go get some food. You must be hungry."

A small smile appeared on his lips before he got up and kissed your forehead, making his way over to the buffet.

"Seonsaeng-nim, I think Jungkook-hyung wants to be the only one to call you noona."

You shrugged. He wasn't exactly wrong. You'd have to have another word with Jungkook. And you could see a future conversation happening with Jinwoo too if he carried on with his flirty attitude. It wasn't exactly appropriate.

Taehyung beat you to answering.

"I think it's fair. At first, he called her ‘seonsaeng-nim’ alongside ‘noona’. He worked up to an informal title and asked her to be his friend. Now they're dating and I haven't heard Jungkook call anyone else ‘noona’ since. He still addresses them politely but he now uses 'ssi' instead."

Jinwoo nodded in understanding and you smiled. When Jungkook said you were his noona he really meant it. He didn't want anyone else to be his noona but you. It was kind of sweet.

Jungkook jogged back over with a mini mountain on his plate. How could he eat so much yet have such a tiny waist? But then again, between going to the gym and dance practice he probably burnt off a lot of fat.

"Need to make sure I have my energy up for the comeback."

You giggled and pinched a mini sweet potato pancake off his plate, shoving the entire thing in your mouth so your cheek bulged.

"Yah! What did I just say?! Eat the lunch hyung made for you."

"Stuff that is stolen tastes better."

His disapproving glare dissolved into a playful grin.

"It that why you stole my heart? So you could eat it all up?"

The whole table was too occupied in their own conversations to react to Jungkook's cringey comment. All of them except one person. Your head turned when someone began violently coughing. It was the third trainee. Somehow you'd forgotten he was even there.

A lightbulb went off in your head as his name suddenly came to you."Are you okay, Hyukbae?"

His eyes widened when he realised you were addressing him. He nodded, cheeks suddenly growing red. So, he was a shy one. No wonder you had forgotten about him.

"I-I'm f-f-fine seonsaeng-nim. I-I was s-s-startled by h-hyung's behaviour is all."

You gave him what you hoped to be a reassuring smile.

"He's cringey, right?"

Jungkook gasped in horror. "I am not!"

"You just said the cringiest line I've ever heard!"

"You've written stuff that was more cringey!"

You narrowed your eyes at him. "Fair enough."

Hyukbae muffled a giggle against the palm of his hand, eyes crinkling at the corners. "You two are funny together."

A/N: Little fact - The recommended songs for chapters 5 up to 24 of Arc 1 were chosen to reflect Jungkook’s feelings. Also we understand that this new system will take a while to get used to and may be thinking "Why didn't they use the first system when MC and Jungkook were alone?". Well, it was because they went from talking to Yoongi, to being alone, to talking to Namjoon, to talking alone again then finally to talking to Bang PD-nim in one scene. We felt it would've confused you further if we tried to use both systems at once. I hope this explanation clears it up a little.

This work of fiction is copyright © JungkookieNoona and protected under UK and international law. All rights reserved. Any unauthorised broadcasting, copying or reposting will constitute an infringement of copyright.

[crystallinecrimsonmoth]

Future Serial Killer [ongoing]

Chapter 30

A month after their engagement in front of the whole Sanctuary and the consummation that came after it, Carl and Negan tied the knot. It was a quick event, not too flashy, but the strawberry cake with fresh cream was made by Rose as promised, and Carl got more than enough attention from Negan to make him the happiest boy on earth.

They were named the official King and Queen of the Sanctuary, at Daniel’s suggestion, and Ada forced Carl into a tiara she found in storage. Both of his best friends had taken to bowing to him every chance they got just to piss the teen off, and despite all his complaints to Negan, the man just laughed and let it continue, watching Carl’s rage simmer like a pot but never overflow. They both knew he wouldn’t hurt his friends, which is why Ada and Dan both found it so funny to tease him about being a Queen.

Negan, on the other hand, had taken up the hobby of calling Carl his wife every chance he got, claiming it was just to piss him off but really loving the red haze that covered the younger man’s cheeks whenever he used it.

Carl was nineteen now, according to the calendars, but he didn’t feel like much had changed. He was still stuck in the world of the walking dead, killing corpses each day, but slowly life got easier at the Sanctuary. They’d built the wall that Negan had always talked about, securing heavy concrete bricks they had found on an old construction site with the waterproof cement cans that were still sitting there, unused and ready to be built with.

The wall was tall enough to reach higher than their lookout posts so they lifted them up for security to still do their jobs, and the entry gate was reduced to the size of a human being, much like a front door, with barbed wire on either side of it so enemies couldn’t stick their hands through.

Entry for trucks had been moved to the back of the Sanctuary at Carl’s suggestion, making it easier to unload supplies into the storage rooms and putting both King and Queen at ease that no one could get into the compound unless they really tried to look for the way in.

It was extra security, but also extra comfort. This way the community was enclosed in a bubble of concrete and barbed wire that only very determined enemies would be able to break through, and there were always back-up plans for that. The road leading up to their front door was lined with tyre spikes, ready to puncture any wheel that rolled over them and send the vehicle it belonged to crashing into the trees at the side of the road.

The Sanctuary had become a safe haven for its citizens, and Carl finally felt like he could sleep at night without worrying about whether some crazy bastard was going to climb the fence and shoot the place up. The only crazy bastards they needed were the ones on the inside that looked after everybody else. That was the way Carl liked it.

‘We’re going to Hilltop today, my love, do you want to come?’ Carl called into the bedroom of him and his husband, glimpsing the man with a straight razor in his hand as he shaved off his beard once again.

He never bothered to trim it when it got too long, worried about the hair being uneven, so he simply shaved it all off and let it start again, enjoying the way Carl purred at the feeling of his growing stubble on his inner thighs.

Negan’s eyes flickered to Carl in the mirror as he leaned against the bathroom door frame, hair tied back with black eyeliner around his one blue eye and blood-red gloss covering his lips. His young Saviour had become the epitome of murderous since he started training with the security team and Negan just relished in it, amazed that the teen could look so gorgeous while being so deadly.

He noticed a little smirk on his wife’s face when he didn’t answer the question right away, the boy clearly amused by Negan’s entranced stupor as he blew a kiss to his husband, approaching him and leaning upon his tiptoes to kiss the back of the man’s neck.

‘Do you want to come or not? We’re leaving in five minutes.’ The low purr reverberated down the older’s spine and he suppressed the shudder that came with it, shaking his head as he went back to shaving his beard away.

‘No, darling, I’m teaching a class with the kids today. They’re all excited to learn about planting our food in the greenhouses.’ He smiled, taking a fingertip of shaving cream and smearing it on his lover’s nose, watching it scrunch like a little rabbit.

Carl let out a little huff but the smirk returned to his face as he kissed Negan’s naked shoulder, sighing.

‘I’m married to an old grandpa now. Tending your garden and playing with kids.’

‘Yeah, well, my hair’s still black, I can still bash people’s heads in like the flick of a light switch and you still beg for my cock every night, so I’m thinking I’m not that old yet.’ Negan grinned, leaning down so Carl could kiss his wet cheek and leave a red lip print there for everyone to see later when he went downstairs.

The teen leaned his head against Negan’s temple for a moment, quiet as he breathed in and out before whispering to him.

‘I love you to the moon and back.’

‘I love you more than all the stars in the sky.’

‘Together to the end.’

‘Forever.’

It had become a ritual of theirs. Anytime either of them went out on the road, even if they went together, they would always take a moment to lean into each other and breath those words, reassuring each other that the road would always lead home, no matter if death took them before they met again.

Carl stayed there an extra few seconds before planting his feet flat on the ground again, pressing one more kiss to Negan’s bicep.

‘I’ll be back before dark, my King.’ He purred, making Negan smirk and kiss his forehead.

‘I’ll be waiting with your dinner, my Queen.’ He murmured in reply, smacking his ass with his free hand as Carl left the room.

The teen let out a giggle at the smack, wrapping himself up in Negan’s leather jacket and wandering downstairs to the courtyard behind the factory. Three of his men were leaning against a truck, weapons in hand as they waited for Carl to approach before getting into the vehicle.

The journey to Hilltop was long, but the truck made it feel like less time than the car Maggie had driven in, so Carl was quite happy to nap and twiddle his thumbs while Rory drove. After what felt like a day but had only really been five hours, they finally reached Hilltop with all their faculties still in order and their guns raised while Carl knocked on the gate.

‘Open up, daddy, we’re here for your taxes!’ He called into the community, scraping the edge of his dagger along the metal gate as he waited to be let in.

It took a moment of metal against metal screeching before Rick’s face appeared and he wrenched the door open, a fake smile plastered on his face.

‘Carl.’

‘It’s Negan to you now, actually. I know it’ll be hard to get used to but get used to it, you most certainly will.’ The teen chirped, his language the same as Negan’s on the night of Glenn and Abraham’s death while following him inside with Rory and the other guys close behind him, glaring at the Hilltop citizens that got too close.

The supplies that were to be offered to the Sanctuary were sitting in a pile in front of the big house, looking as plentiful as they should have been when Carl approached the mini-mountain and then gestured to Heather and Oliver, waving to the supplies.

‘Check the list, count it all up. They know the rules if something’s missing so don’t hesitate.’ He told both of them before linking his arm through Rory’s and following Rick to the house he shared with Michonne.

‘Lead the way, Rick.’ He smiled at the older man but it was so fake, his words dripping with venom.

Rick was the number one threat to Negan’s life and Carl did not like that, so he kept his eye on him despite the new security precautions around the Sanctuary, radioing Michonne whenever he had a spare moment on the lookout posts to get updates about Rick’s mental status and whether he was planning to hightail it to the Sanctuary in a car and attempt a murder.

Nothing had happened yet so Carl felt satisfied, but he always got those updates just in case, and Michonne was more than willing to oblige in order to keep Rick from doing something he might regret in the future.

When he saw his adoptive mother, one of three including Rose and Gwen, the nice blacksmith who engraved his pistol for him, he felt a rise of emotion in his throat. He didn’t miss anything about his old group other than Michonne. She was the only one who trusted him enough to make his own decisions, praising his marriage to Negan as a logical next step in their relationship rather than damning it to hell like everyone else had.

He let go of Rory to run at her for a hug, thankful that nothing bad had happened to her while he was away.

‘You’re still alive.’

‘So are you. How’s Negan?’ She asked under her breath, offering him a sympathetic smile and stroking his cheek when Rick glared at the two of them on his way back into the house.

‘He’s fine. Still teaching the kids about gardening like an old grandpa. They all love him though.’ He smiled back, just a little hint of something worrying and sad in his tone.

Michonne watched his reaction for a moment before replying.

‘Let’s go for a walk.’ She told him in a soft tone, letting Carl wave off Rory and leading him to the gardens further into Hilltop so they could talk the ‘raising children’ topic out.

[werewolfdays]

Coming Out

part 3 of 3 for visiting Nadya’s parents! (here’s part 1 and 2) 

This whole storyline has been the hardest for me to write and this part in particular has been the most difficult so I hope you enjoy it and happy holidays for people celebrating! (Content Warning: abuse mention) -

“Shit!” 

The shrill curse alone would have pulled me out of my dreams, but the bed shifted so suddenly that it forced my eyes to snap open. 

I took a second to get my bearings, blinking at the wall for a few disorienting moments. Then I remembered that I was at my parent’s house. Remembered the night I just had with Jayde. My body had that slight satisfying soreness that I only get when we made love, making the first emotion I felt contentment. 

The confusion hit me next and I flipped over to face what had woken me while I curled deeper into the warm blankets to shield my naked body from the slight chill in the room. I became more puzzled when I saw Jayde frantically pulling her clothes on like the house was on fire. 

I frowned deeply, “What’s wrong?” 

“It’s almost eight-forty.” She said after she shrugged her flannel on and pointed at the clock. 

Even with my blurred vision, I glanced at the clock on my nightstand and saw that she was horrifyingly correct. My stomach dropped. Sure, I wanted to finally come out to my parents today, but being caught naked in bed with my girlfriend was exactly the opposite of how I wanted it to go. 

I sat bolt upright, quickly snatching the clothes that Jayde was handing over to me, “Did you leave Ruben’s door open?” I asked, grasping for any hope that my parents wouldn’t know Jayde had spent the night with me, and pulled her shirt over my head. 

Much to my relief, Jayde shook her head while rushing to button her shirt up, “No, I closed it just in case, but they could still see me leave your room.” 

I slipped my underwear on and attempted some cautious optimism, “Just be extra quiet, I’m sure they won’t notice.” 

Now that I was mostly clothed, I took a few seconds to sit at the edge of my bed and take a few deep breaths. I needed to regain my calm so I could convincingly act like nothing happened. If I walked into breakfast looking guiltier than when I got caught raiding the secret candy stash as a small child, then that would definitely raise suspicions.

Jayde hesitated by my door with her head tilted to the side, listening and waiting for the coast to be clear. She looked a little ridiculous with her unevenly buttoned flannel and her sleep pants slightly askew on her hips, but nothing that couldn’t be explained away with a hard night’s sleep. I watched on as she carefully opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, sighing in relief when it silently shut behind her. 

Still in nothing but my underwear and Jayde’s shirt, I stood and went to my bag to retrieve something a little warmer to wear. Did we really get away with it? I thought to myself as I rummaged for some clothing. 

On the one side, getting caught like this would be mortifying beyond belief, but at least it would be done and over with. Of course, on the other side, I probably wouldn’t get a chance to explain myself at all before Jayde and I were kicked out of the house immediately. No, it was far, far better to have this situation in my own hands. 

Then Jayde came back into my room, looking more than a little alarmed, and I held my breath for the worst case scenario. 

“Um.” The word came out of her mouth so slowly that I was certain we had been caught, “Your mom wants you to know that breakfast is ready.” 

“Uh…” I just stared at her with my mouth agape for a moment, trying to process what she said, “So, you’re telling me that…”

“I’m telling you that breakfast is ready,” She repeated, taking a couple more steps into my room, “And nothing else.” 

The breath of relief I released was so big that I ended up backing up a few feet to sit down on my bed again. Jayde came to a stop directly in front of me and I looked up to see both an amused and bewildered expression on her face through the veil of lingering panic. 

A light chuckle came out of her mouth, “She caught me right at the top of the stairs. I must have looked like the biggest idiot, standing there with wide eyes and unable to say a damn word.” 

Picturing that made me laugh softly too. After another sigh, I reached out to start fixing the buttons on Jayde’s shirt so she wouldn’t look too haggard once we got downstairs, “It’s a good thing we won’t have to worry about close calls anymore after today.” 

She went quiet for a few seconds, not speaking again until I glanced back up at her, “I know you have a plan and everything, but… you don’t have to do it today if you’re scared.” 

I gave her a grateful smile, “I’m going to be scared no matter what. It’s not about that, it’s about whether or not I’m ready.” 

Her hand came up to tuck some of my hair behind my ear and then rested on my cheek, “And you’re sure you’re ready? There isn’t any shame in realizing you aren’t.” The sincerity I saw in her midnight blue eyes warmed the inside of my chest. 

“I’m ready, Jay.” I told her confidently, finishing with her shirt. I took another moment to twist the waistband of her pants back into place, tying the cord. Then I turned my head and pressed a kiss to her palm before standing up and heading back over to my bag, “Just… make sure we can leave quickly if it ends badly…” 

“I know how to make a fast getaway.” She quipped while I slipped some pants on. 

I let out a soft breath in amusement and followed Jayde out of my room and downstairs. The entire house smelled of cooking breakfast. Sausage, eggs, hash browns, toast. My mouth watered at the thought of eating it, having expended a lot of energy the previous night. I headed straight for the coffee pot to fill up a mug, and grabbed a plate to pile high. Both of my parents were sitting in the same seats they always sit in during meals, my dad with his newspaper and my mom nursing a steaming cup of tea. 

“I didn’t think I’d see either of you this morning.” My mom said with a lighthearted tone. 

Jayde offered a bashful smile, “I’m usually an early riser.” 

“It’s true.” I confirmed, “Jayde has tried to make me a morning person without any luck. She’s almost always up before dawn.” 

“Ruben’s bed must be very comfortable for you, then.” 

“Yeah, I guess it must be.” Jayde replied, turning away before my mom could see her clench her jaw. 

The urge to reach out and soothe the brief rush of anger I saw from her at the mention of my brother caused my hand to twitch in her direction, but I stopped myself. Then I wondered if it would matter whether I stopped myself or not if our relationship was going to be revealed in a few hours time. Jayde was right in assuming I was scared. I was terrified. The bubble of secrecy was where I felt the safest in this household, and I just wanted to feel as safe as possible until the very last minute, even if it felt cowardly to hide.

I was halfway through my breakfast, too deep in my mind to pay much attention to the morning small talk around me, when a particular question directed at Jayde suddenly pulled me out of my thoughts. 

“What happened there?” My mother asked.

My head snapped up and I looked over at what she was motioning at on Jayde. My heart dropped like an anvil as soon as I saw that Jayde’s hair had been brushed over her shoulder to expose her neck, mortifyingly revealing the faded bite mark I left on her last night. Our luck was really unfortunate. The mark was nearly healed. In a couple hours, it would most likely be completely gone, but right now, it was just visible enough to be noticeable. 

I swallowed hard, trying to conceal the rapid flush of heat to my face and ears. Jayde seemed to be struggling just like I was, her hand shooting up for the bite mark and repositioning her blonde hair over it. 

“Oh- uh,” Jayde cleared her throat to hide her panic, “I, um, I sometimes scratch myself in my sleep. It’s nothing, really.” 

Before I could be relieved by the excuse, my mom started to lean over the table to try and get a closer look, her concern deepening, “Is it a rash, you think? Are you allergic to any fabric softeners?”

“No, no,” Jayde answered quickly, trying not to be too obvious in leaning away from her, “It’s just a little tick. It’s fine, I swear.”

I noticed my father started to take interest in this new topic, his eyes shifting from my girlfriend to his wife and back again. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he watched the two, almost as if he was trying to decipher something. 

“I can give you some cream for that, if you like.” 

“That’s very generous of you, Mrs. Bishop, but I’ll be okay.” 

“Winona, please.” My mom reminded her.

“Right, Winona.” Jayde was sounding more flustered with my mom’s hospitality. “Thank you, but it really is fine.” 

I nervously took a sip of my coffee, suddenly remembering the hickeys Jayde gave me and being beyond grateful that the majority of them were on my back. Though I did subtly adjust the collar of my shirt to make sure the one at the base of my neck and shoulder remained hidden. My peripheral vision stayed on my dad, noting his line of sight was solely on Jayde now, and I worried that he was realizing too much. I needed to change the topic. 

“Okay, if you say so.” My mother politely relented.  

“Mom, I meant to ask you how work is going.” I interjected, “How are the students this year?” 

I nearly thanked God himself when that drew her attention like a charm, making her forget about Jayde’s neck in a blink. 

“Oh, you know how teenagers can be. They’re a challenge, especially some of the boys, but every student is different and it’s so nice to talk with them one-on-one and find a system that works.” She answered proudly, “A lot of these kids don’t know just how smart they really are. Reminds me of you.” 

My small smile came across my lips. It wasn’t particularly strange to receive praise from my mom, but it hit a little different after the conversation I had with my father yesterday. I had hoped that maybe I could make at least one of my parents proud. In one way or another. 

“You’re a teacher?” Jayde asked, looking a little less tense at the subject change. 

My mother nodded, “Yes, I teach history at the local high school. You know, I was Nadya’s teacher when she was attending.” 

“They let you do that? There weren’t any concerns with nepotism?” 

“There were.” She confirmed, “I had to be a little harder on her to stop the rumors, but Nadya handled things just fine.” 

“Apart from the popular kids trying to be friends with me just so they could get a better grade.” I added. 

My mom raised a finger at me, “It didn’t work though.” 

“History is an interesting subject to pick, how did you decide to teach that?” 

I risked a glance towards my father at Jayde’s continued questioning. He resumed reading his newspaper, having no interest in our conversation anymore. I thought a silent prayer in hopes that he’d let go of any suspicion towards Jayde until I officially came out. 

“Well, history is such a rich subject, and a surprisingly repressed one in this country.” My mother answered, happy that she had the opportunity to explain, “I mean, just our history alone is being taught in such a watered down version that the majority of the people don’t have a full understanding of how this land came to be. You wouldn’t believe the amount of convincing it took to change my curriculum for a more accurate account.”

“I’m glad that your students have someone like you to teach them the full truth.” 

“I was supposed to go back home and teach after university, but Richard and I made this family together, and the children on the reservation know their histories already. I figured my knowledge would be best passed on somewhere like here.” 

Jayde actually looked very impressed, “That’s very admirable.” 

My mother gave her a grateful nod. Really, I was just beyond pleased that she was getting along with my girlfriend. Jayde mentioned last night that my mom liked her, even said that she shared old photographs of me with her, but seeing it for myself lifted some of the pressure off my shoulders. If my mother had a good impression of Jayde, then maybe it would be easier for her to accept that I was in love with her. 

After breakfast, my father retreated into his office, and Jayde took on the chore of cleaning the kitchen while I helped. My mother seemed to have disappeared, but then I spotted her through the kitchen window having another cup of tea on the back porch, peacefully enjoying the late morning sun. The urge to grab my own cup and go out to sit with her tugged at the back of my mind. I hadn’t really desired quality time with either of my parents since I was very young. It was a rare feeling, but I knew I shouldn’t ignore it. I might not get the chance again after today. 

Turned to Jayde, “Do you mind if I…?” 

She paused washing the dishes, looking out the window, and understood what I was requesting. Her smile was soft as she nodded, “Yeah, go ahead, I got this.” 

“Thanks.” I told her, glancing around to make sure it was just us before I leaned in to give her a quick peck on her cheek.

Once I steeped a mug of tea, I tentatively made my way out of the back door. The sky was mostly cloudy like it had been all weekend, teasing an oncoming storm from the north, but the sun’s rays still peeked through the cracks in the heavy blankets of gray hanging above us. 

My mother sat comfortably in her deck chair, rocking slightly as she breathed in the fresh air, looking almost like she was meditating. She was alerted to my approach when the screen door creaked closed behind me and her face brightened up when I sat down in the empty chair beside her. 

“It’s a pretty day.” I noted with a nod at the clouds, “Think it will rain?” 

She nodded, “I’m thinking maybe a bit of a drizzle.” 

“I do miss splashing in the puddles out front as a kid.” 

She chuckled knowingly, “You’d get so muddy and your father would lose his mind every time you came running back in the house when you heard a big thunderclap.” 

I smiled too, “Thunder doesn’t scare me anymore.” 

“I can’t imagine anything does, dear.” Then she gave me a meaningful look, “Not after the risks you’ve taken.” 

“You’d be surprised, mom. A lot of things scare me.” 

“That’s what makes you brave, Nadya.” Her hand reached out to hold mine, “You are a very brave young woman.” 

“What makes you think that?” I asked curiously. 

My mother pursed her lips, her eyes dropping for a moment, “Leaving home was the hardest and scariest thing I’ve ever done. Just to get enough money to do it was far from easy, and I had so many people try to talk me out of it, but ultimately, I knew that it was the best decision I could make for myself. And it was. It led me to this life I have now. It led me to having you.” Her thumb lovingly brushed my hand and I held her gaze, “Now you’re following in my footsteps, whether you know it or not. I know your father is worried, but I’m proud, Nadya. You recognized the hardest choice was the best one for you and that makes you brave.” 

“Thanks, mom.” I said through a strained voice, holding back some tears. Hope bloomed in my chest, knowing that I had one parent on my side. 

Her hand, warm from holding her cup of tea, moved to cup my cheek, “Never ignore how you feel inside.” 

“I won’t. It’s gotten me this far.” 

“Good girl.” My mother praised affectionately, patting my cheek and pulling her hand away to resume cradling her mug. 

I took a sip of my tea, savoring the comforting feeling it filled me with, “I’m really glad I came home.” 

“I’m glad too.” She said after a drink, “Maybe… maybe you could visit more often. I know you're busy, but I love seeing you and how grown up you’ve become. Your friend is always welcome here too, if she likes.” 

“That sounds nice.” Despite how unsafe this house made me feel, I couldn’t help but hope for things to be okay after today. I tried so desperately to ignore the fact that me coming out could destroy the foundation I built this weekend. That it could ruin this moment between me and my mother. 

“What time are you leaving?” 

“Soon,” I replied, focusing on the reflection of the clouds in my tea, “It’s a long journey back home and we have work and I have school.” 

“Of course.” She nodded. 

We fell into silence and I realized I could just allow myself to enjoy it for a little while. After all, if everything was going to be ruined soon, I should take advantage of the peace now. 

Getting showered and dressed and packing my things seemed to go by both too slow and too fast. I must have rehearsed what I was going to say dozens of times. Must have replayed every possible outcome. I rummaged through my old desk, sifting through piles of old notes, until I found a blank piece of notebook paper. Once I had a pen in my hand, I chewed on my bottom lip and put my glasses on. 

Dear, Mom and Dad,

Leaving a letter was the safest way to go. I wouldn’t have to witness any sort of disastrous fallout. I continued to write.

I’m a lesbian. Jayde is my girlfriend. I’ve been gay my whole life and thought you should finally know…

Quick and to the point, can’t go wrong there. Then the tip of the pen hovered over the paper. What else was there to add really? Certainly not the fact that Jayde was a werewolf and I’ve been living a far more dangerous life than they could ever imagine. I groaned at myself, realizing this was a stupid idea and crumpled the paper in my hand, tossing it in the garbage can. My mom thought I was brave. Jayde thought I was strong. I wanted to prove them right. I had to do this face to face. 

“Can I take your bag to the car?” Jayde asked behind me.

I jumped a little in my chair, not having heard her enter my room, but I turned around and nodded, “Yeah, that’d be nice, thank you.”

She shouldered my bag and lingered for a moment. I felt her eyes studying me, but couldn’t bring myself to meet her gaze for several long beats. When I did, Jayde offered a smile, “Having second thoughts?”

“Not exactly,” I answered, looking down and chewing on my lip some more, “Just feels like I’m about to kick down a house of cards I spent forever constructing.” 

Her footsteps came towards me, but I still looked at the floor. Then her finger tapped underneath my chin, gently urging my gaze upwards. My eyes found hers again, and I saw nothing but love in them. “One way or another, everything will be okay.” 

In this moment, I knew she was right. I could lose this family today, but it wasn’t really one I actually had in the first place. Not like I have with Jayde. The worst case scenario could happen soon, but I would still have a home to go to. A real home. A place where I felt safe and happy and truly loved. 

“I know it will.” 

A quiet beat passed between us, followed by Jayde leaning in to place a warm kiss to my lips. It was brief, and even chaste, but it still made the butterflies in my gut flutter. She pulled back, her smile beautiful, and she stepped away from me, backing out of the room with our bags and disappearing around the corner. In the final minutes of silence I had in my bedroom, I gave myself time to take deep breaths and prepare. 

Once I mustered the nerve to go back downstairs, I saw that my mother was the only one waiting in the living room. My dad must still be in his study, doing whatever it is he does in there for hours at a time. This was my last chance to back out. I could just say goodbye and leave, Jayde wouldn’t judge me for it. But no. That wasn’t what I wanted, and more importantly, it wasn’t what I needed. 

“Hey, mom, could you go get dad? We’re gonna leave in a minute here.” 

“Sure, I’ll be right right back.” She said. I could tell she was sad to say goodbye, but she seemed more hopeful after our conversation. I had to push through the lump that formed in my throat at the thought that what I was about to say soon might tarnish her sentiments. 

Jayde came back into the house, closing the front door behind her, and made her way to me, “Is this it?” 

“This is it.” 

“Do you want me to leave?” She asked, shifting in place like she was getting ready to go wait in the car. 

“No.” I quickly replied. My hand caught hers, just in case she disappeared, “Please stay with me.” 

Her fingers laced with mine, her thumb caressing the back of my hand, “I’m right here.” 

I held on to the lifeline that she was for me until I heard my parents return to the living room. My father’s expression was neutral, but his eyes landed on Jayde before they settled on me. I found that slightly odd, but tried not to dwell on it. 

“You heading out, sweetie?” He asked me casually. 

“Yeah, we’re heading out. Um…” I started subconsciously wringing my hands, massaging my thumb in small circles over the palm of my hand, “Do you think we could sit down for a second? I have something to say.” 

“Is everything alright?” My mom questioned with a worried frown as we all found places to sit. 

Jayde sat closer to me than she has all weekend. She still didn’t touch me, but her presence gave me a desperately needed confidence boost. 

“Everything’s fine, it’s just… well I need to tell you something.” My heart started to race, faster than it had when my dad called me out yesterday, and I took in a deep breath to try and calm it. “I’m, uh…” Then I looked over at Jayde, seeing that her gaze was firmly locked on me. When we met eyes, I took the leap. No turning back, here it goes, “Jayde isn’t my friend. She’s my girlfriend.” My gaze drifted over to my parents again, noting their unreadable expressions before continuing, “We’ve been together for over a year, and I’ve known that I’m a lesbian for… a lot longer than that.” 

The entire room- the entire house- was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Quiet enough that I thought I could hear my own heart pounding. It was almost as if the outside world went still as well. The silence lingered unbearably as I was torn between waiting for their reactions and letting my gaze fall to the carpeted floor in front of me. One thing was for certain, a pause like this was not a good sign. 

The first person to react was my mother. As I was about to open my mouth and beg for either of them to say something, she suddenly shot up from her seat and stormed away towards the stairs with a weak sob. On instinct, I stood up to rush after her. 

“Nadya,” I heard Jayde say, feeling her hand gently grab my arm to stop me. 

I only gave her one brief pleading look over my shoulder. “Please don’t.” I begged softly, pulling free of her grasp and chasing after my mother. 

I found her standing in the middle of the master bedroom upstairs. Her face in her hands in what I could only assume was despair. It hurt my heart to see, though I wasn’t about to give up just yet. I can and I will mend this. Make her see that this wasn’t as awful as she believed. 

“Mom, this isn’t a bad thing.” I said, taking a few hesitant steps into the room, “I’m happy. Jayde, she’s—”

“This is all my fault.” My mother cried. 

I blinked, “This isn’t anyone’s fault, mom, this is who I am. Who I’ve always been.” 

“No,” She insisted, finally facing me so I could see the tears of guilt on her face for myself, “No, this is my fault.” 

This reaction wasn’t what I was expecting. It just didn’t make any sense to me. I shook my head and reached for her, “Why would you say something like that?” 

What she said next stopped me right in my tracks and made my blood run cold, “Ruben has messed you up more than I thought.” 

“What?” I asked through a wheezing breath of air. 

“I was so optimistic when you came here talking about school and your work, but…” Her expression became contorted with pain and she had to look away, “The damage done to you is too deep.” 

For several moments, I couldn’t even breathe, “Mom… what are you saying?” 

“I’m saying I never should have listened to your father!” She snapped, but not at me. She was angry with herself. “I wanted to get Ruben real help! But he told me he would take care of it. Said he didn’t want his only son to be locked up in a nuthouse. Ruben is his son, I didn’t have any right to tell him what to do.” 

All I was capable of was standing there. Still as a statue. Breath caught in my closing throat. 

“I should have fought harder to protect you, I see that now. You’ll never know how sorry I am. Goodness, Nadya, look at what you think of yourself.”

It was a feat to try and process what I was hearing. My mom reached for me, as if to comfort me, but I stumbled a few steps back, not wanting her anywhere near me, “You’re saying you knew? You and dad?” 

Her shimmering eyes bore into mine, “We tried to protect you from him, Nadya, please believe me. All of those summer programs, all of those sports, encouraging him to enlist, they were all supposed to distract him from you.” 

“They didn’t work.” I whispered while shaking my head. My eyesight became blurred with my own tears. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was starting to crack something inside of me, I could feel whatever it was splitting me open more and more after each passing second. My voice trembled with my next words, “You don’t even know what he did to me, do you? You don’t even know that he threatened to kill me! Did you?!” 

My mom covered her mouth in sorrow and horror with a shaking hand, more of her tears falling down her cheeks, “Nadya, I am so- please forgive me—”

“No!” I screamed. That crack shattered me in two, releasing an emotion that I didn’t have a name for, but it made me sick. “No, you don’t get to beg me for forgiveness! You let it happen! Both of you, you let him do whatever he wanted!” 

“Nadya—”

I couldn’t hear any more of it. Not at all. Without another word, I stormed out of the room, leaving my mother a sobbing mess behind me. Only the burning need to run pushed me forward. I had to get away from here. I had to put this place behind me too and never, ever look back again. 

——

Nadya gently pulled out of my grasp and raced up the stairs, leaving me alone in the living room with her father. I tried to ignore him, pacing back and forth while keeping my eyes glued to the upstairs so I could listen, just in case I should intervene, but his glare was so hard that it was all I could feel. It was like his eyes were drilling into the back of my head. 

I was torn between focusing my hearing or not. I didn’t want to intrude on their conversation, I only wanted to make sure Nadya was safe. My chest ached for her because this was not how I wanted things to go. I just couldn’t understand it. How any parent could turn their back on their child like this. My parents would never do such a thing. They would accept me, and Nadya, with unconditional love. Of that, I had no doubts. 

Richard’s eyes still tracked my every movement and I had about enough of it. 

When I turned to face him, throwing my own glare to rival his, he spoke, “You’re the reason, aren’t you?” 

“Excuse me?”

His scornful stare did not waver, “You show up and she suddenly leaves everything behind, giving up her life and her promising career. It was because of you, wasn’t it?” 

I despised it, but he was correct. Maybe not in the way he was assuming, but that hardly mattered. If I hadn’t asked for Nadya’s help that day in the hospital, she would still be working there, still going to a real school, still enjoying a normal life. My eyes dropped and I turned away in shame, clenching my jaw hard. 

“Don’t think I don’t know what you did under my roof either. You didn’t hide it as well as you think.” 

I figured he must be talking about me sleeping with Nadya last night. The urge to throw it in his face very nearly made me impulsively say something vulgar about my intimacy with his daughter, but I would never degrade her like that. Instead, I rolled my eyes, “Grow up, Richard.” 

“You’re taking advantage of her.” He said, his words dripping with the disgust he had for me. 

My gaze snapped back up at him. Even though I still blamed myself for dragging Nadya into my life, I couldn’t fully hate myself for it. Not when I was as happy as I am with her. Not when I could feel how much she loved me in every kiss. See it in every smile I received. I was convinced, despite it all, that we still had a good life together. It was something worth fighting for, something I was willing to die for. Something I’m still willing to die for. And here was her dickbag father, trying to tell me I was taking advantage. 

I took an aggressive step towards where he was still seated on the leather chair, looking down at him as I bared my teeth, and spoke slowly to get my point across, “Everything I do is to make sure she’s safe. Make sure she feels happy. And loved.” My next sentence came out in a growl so low that if anyone else were in the room, he would have been the only one to hear it, “Do not come at me like you know what’s best for her. You don’t know her at all. She is my first thought. I can tell she isn’t yours.”

He didn’t seem to have anything to say about that, apart from looking like I backhanded him, so I scoffed and resumed my pacing while keeping a close eye on the top of the stairs. Then the sound of shouting made my steps falter. Specifically the sound of Nadya shouting. She’s always been such a soft spoken person, rarely ever raising her voice, and when she did, it was calm and firm. There was nothing calm about the muffled yelling I heard coming from upstairs. I couldn’t imagine what must have prompted her to be reacting in that way. 

Nadya came storming down the stairs not long after, crying and looking more upset than I’ve ever seen her. She didn’t bother looking back, didn’t even look at me, just made a beeline straight for the front door. The force with which she tore it open was so violent that it slammed against the wall hard enough to shake the whole house and bounce back closed right behind her. I was so baffled by that behavior that I stood there for a few seconds, blinking in confusion and wondering if that was really Nadya I just saw. 

I shook myself out of my shock. That was probably a good sign to leave. I casted one more furious scowl over at Richard, silently letting him know that if I had it my way, I’d knock his teeth out, and then I went after Nadya. Before I reached the front door, I glanced up the stairs once more, but Winona must still be hiding out in her room after her confrontation with her daughter. A part of me wanted to stomp up there and drag her downstairs, make her apologize for whatever she said, but I knew that wasn’t a realistic solution. So I left the house. 

There was a fear in the back of my mind that worried Nadya had just run off on foot, but I found her waiting in the car, sitting in the passenger's seat. Her feet were propped up on the glove compartment, forearms resting on her knees with her head in her hands. I opened the door and settled into the driver’s seat, studying her carefully. Every breath she took looked painful and she continued to cry, not trying to hide it from me. 

I could sense every single negative emotion, feeling it as my own, as it hung around her in an invisible cloud. It was powerful enough that her usual soothing scent was buried deep underneath it all. 

“Nadya,” I struggled with what to say. 

“Just get me out of here.” She mumbled into her hands. 

That, I could do. “Okay.” 

We weren’t on the road long before her miserable sobs were becoming too heartbreaking for me to bear. I was waiting as patiently as possible for Nadya to tell me what happened during her conversation with her mother, but she didn’t say a single word. All Nadya did was continue to weep into her hands while curled up in a ball of misery. It was horrible to see. Horrible to feel that cloud of grief around her grow until it consumed the whole car. I had wanted to give her some time to calm down, but that didn’t seem like something that would happen any time soon. 

“Nadya, what happened? What did she say to you?” I prompted gently, keeping a close eye on both her and the road ahead. The only answer I received was a single shake of her head and a quiet whimper. She was never one to completely shut down, not like this, which just made me more concerned. “Nadya, please talk to me.”

When I still didn’t get a response, I knew I had to do something. Whatever happened was really bad and I wasn’t about to just let her suffer through it by herself. I pulled the car over and parked it in an alley. Probably not the safest one in this area, but for the moment, it would do.

Nadya finally looked up when the car stopped moving. “No, Jay, what are you doing?”

“I just need you to tell me what happened, that’s it.” I requested as carefully as possible. The desire to comfort her in any way I could was tugging at my heart, pulling me towards her, but I held back in case that would make her uncomfortable, “You’re scaring the hell out of me. I want to be here for you, I want to help you, but I won’t know how until you tell me what she said.”

She sniffled, wiping away her tears even though they continuously fell, “They knew.” 

My frown deepened, not fully understanding just yet, “They knew? About us?”

“No,” Nadya shook her head and looked at everything besides me, “Ruben. They knew what he was doing to me. The whole time, they knew.” 

It was like she just spoke in a different language. There’s no way that was true. Because, if that were true, then her parents allowed Ruben to abuse her for years. They allowed their child, their own flesh and blood, to be harmed under their roof where they had the audacity to call themselves a family. I couldn’t think of anything more despicable than that.

The same rage I felt when I had Ruben by the throat the other night started to boil up from my chest in a growl I was unable to contain. I turned my attention back to the vehicle, putting it in reverse and pulling the car out into the street. I did not continue our journey home. Instead, I turned the car back in the direction we came. Back to that fucking house. 

“What are you doing?” Nadya asked when she realized. 

“They are not fucking getting away with this.” I snarled through clenched teeth.  

“Stop.” She commanded so firmly that my foot hit the brake pedal without me telling it to and my fury actually started to fade like a flickering flame. I would have dwelled on how weird that was if Nadya didn’t sound so distressed when she continued, “No, don’t take me back there, take me away. Take me far fucking away, alright? That’s what I need from you.” 

I looked at her and she looked right back at me so intensely, her brown eyes bright with tears, that I knew how important it was to respect her wishes. “Okay,” I agreed, the flickering flame blowing out completely, and I flipped the car around, “Okay. Let’s go.” 

The drive fell into silence. Nadya didn’t completely stop crying, but she no longer sobbed, which was slightly encouraging despite the fact that she fell silent once again. After a while, a few droplets of water pelted the windshield, soon turning into an outright downpour once the thick roiling clouds fully blanketed the sky above us. The gentle rhythm of the storm against the car seemed to soothe her, and me, even more. I sensed her own dark invisible cloud start to dissipate, washing away with the rain, and was grateful to the sky for offering her comfort. 

It took more than a couple of hours for her tears to fully subside. Half of my attention was on the road and the other half was spent glancing over at her to check on how she was doing. I was so relieved to see the reflection of dry eyes in the window as she stared outside at all the passing scenery. Sure, she was still unusually quiet, but I had been worrying that she would never run out of tears to shed. She did look exhausted though, rightfully so. 

When I pulled over to refuel the car, I stepped out into the pouring rain to stop by the little coffee shop next to the gas station for some sustenance. While I was waiting for my order to be prepared, I took a moment to study the map I had and make sure we were still headed in the right direction. In my close inspection of various routes, I noted a spot on the map that called to me. A place that wasn’t too far from where we were currently stopped and wouldn’t even be out of our way when we ventured on. It might even be the kind of place to put a smile on Nadya’s face. 

I collected our drinks and made my way back to the car. Nadya didn’t give any indication that she noticed my return, so I held out a cup to her, briefly bumping her on the arm to gain her attention. She shook out of her trance with a small jolt, looking over at the cup I was offering her. 

“It’s tea.” I told her, “I thought you could use some.”

The plastic lid had collected a fair bit of rain drops, but that didn’t seem to bother her. She accepted it with a weak, but grateful smile. 

“You should eat something too.” Next, I offered a small brown bag that was warm to the touch, “Muffin?” 

Nadya took that too, putting her drink in the cup holder so she could peek inside the bag. My spirits were lifted when her smile became more genuine at the sight of her favorite type of muffin, prepared nice and warm just for her. 

Once the gas tank had been filled, I put us back on the road again. Thankfully, Nadya was nibbling on her muffin and sipping her tea. I could sense a tiny bit more tension leaving her body. The anxieties making both me and my wolf restless began to quiet with them. 

“I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier.” Nadya said in a slightly hoarse tone from all of her crying. 

The sound of her voice made my heart skip a couple of beats. “Don’t be. I wouldn’t have listened to you otherwise.” 

“What would you have done? Beat them up or something?” She let out a breath that would have sounded amused if she wasn’t so drained. 

“I’m not sure…” I answered honestly, “I didn’t really have a plan, I was just seeing red. I would have at least handed your father his own ass.” 

The next quiet scoff she released had some more life to it and I glanced over to see a brief hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth. “That would have been a sight to see.” 

A quick smirk flashed across my lips, “No, it wouldn’t have. He’d be knocked out in two seconds flat. And that’s only if I went easy on him.” He’d be grateful that he’s a dentist, that’s for sure. 

Our surroundings slowly turned into trees that were growing taller and taller by the mile. It was like we were being swallowed by a whole other world. A world where giants roamed. Nadya strained in her seat to see the tops of the redwoods through the sheets of rain running down her closed window. I smiled to myself as I drove on, knowing that she would love this. 

I pulled the car over when we entered the state park, easily finding an empty space park. There were maybe two or three other cars around, the rain serving as a deterrent for hikers not keen on getting soaked and muddy. Nadya and I weren’t the type of people to mind that sort of thing. 

I looked over at her again after I shut the car off, “Will you take a walk with me?” 

She nodded as eagerly as she could manage. 

All of the foliage from the trees gave us more cover from the rain than if we had been out in the open, but we still got decently drenched in less than ten minutes of walking around. The trails weren’t very long or complicated at all, I could tell this was mostly just a casual tourist spot, but it was still soothing beyond words to be away from a congested city and surrounded by nature. The trees themselves were more like natural skyscrapers, reaching so high into the sky that the tops were hidden in the mist. Wherever the other hikers were, I couldn’t say. The park was big and empty enough that we didn’t see any signs of other people. It was just me and Nadya, strolling through an oasis of green and scents of earth with the chorus of rainfall. For a little while, I could almost forget anything bad happened today. 

Nadya eventually sat herself on a fallen log. Our pace had been too relaxed for her needing a rest, but I sensed she did need a break to be still for a moment. I sat myself right beside her, taking in our surroundings in comfortable silence. 

“I can’t tell if going was all a big mistake or not.” She finally stated. 

I turned my head towards her, “Well, at least you know.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself. At least I know…” The tip of her boot dug into the soft muddy earth at her feet and she stared at it, deep in thought. “I went because it felt like the right thing to do. I know what it’s like to lose someone important to me after I lost you. And when I got you back, I realized how lucky I was for getting a second chance. Not many people get that. Then I thought about your parents, how you didn’t get to say goodbye… My parents are still alive. You don’t have the same privilege that I do and it felt wrong to ignore that.” 

“But, Nadya,” I started carefully, “My parents weren’t anything like yours are. In a way, that makes me more privileged than you.” 

“I didn’t know just how different. Or how… bad. That’s what’s eating away at me. I didn’t actually want to come. I didn’t want to open myself up to them.” A grimace came across her face as she shook her head, “I mean, I do want the kind of relationship that you had with your parents, but I think I knew, deep down, that I wouldn’t be able to have that with them. Like, I would have to have different parents. If that makes any damn sense.” 

I nodded, “It does.” 

“I thought I had gotten through to my mom, but…” Her shoulders lifted in a hopeless shrug. 

I had to admit that I thought the same thing. It actually felt like a betrayal to me after getting to know her mother. “That was really disappointing.” 

“I could have just left it alone. Kept the distance I had with them.” Nadya let out such a large sigh that her whole body deflated. “Ignorance really was bliss.” 

“But knowledge is power, right? You’re stronger now that you know.” I pointed out. 

She shook her head, “I’m not so sure…” 

Despite her doubts about herself, Nadya reached up to touch the necklace I gave her. The one that was a symbol of strength. The one that reminded me of how strong I knew her to be. Her thumb brushed over the pendant like she was trying to convince herself that she was wrong. If she couldn’t, I would. 

“Nadya, look at me.” 

It seemed like she had to force herself to do so, but those warm brown eyes slowly traveled up to meet mine. Their color was as beautiful as the surrounding redwood forest. As calming as the gentle patter of rain all around us. 

“You are the strongest person I’ve ever met.” I told her with unshakable certainty. “After everything you’ve been through, after everything that’s been done to you, you’re still true to who you are. Someone who is kind and brave and smart. You’ve never wavered for a goddamn second. Sure, the world changes you in some ways, and it’s tested you, but you’ve always been you, Nadya. That is strength.” 

I watched as her eyes misted again and became momentarily worried that I had said something to upset her, but then she smiled at me. The biggest, most genuine smile I’ve seen from her all day. A smile that I was scared I wouldn’t be able to see for some time after recent events. It filled my heart with hope and joy. That expression on her face, damp chestnut hair peeking out from under the hood of her jacket and clinging to the sides of her face, made her the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. 

Just when I thought I couldn’t love her any more than I do right now, she kissed me. Her taste was mixed with the freshness of rain and the comfort and sweetness of the tea she had been drinking. My hand reached up to cup the side of her neck and pull her closer to me. The action caused her lips to part mine, deepening the kiss, and my senses became blurred to my surroundings so they could be completely focused on her. I felt just how cold her hands were when she gripped my wrists in a gentle grasp, but the rest of her was warm, including her mouth and every soft sigh I swallowed. 

“I love you.” She whispered, giving me a few more delicate strokes of her lips before pulling away to rest her forehead against mine. 

“I love you too.” I replied, leaning back to look at her. 

My hand went from her neck to the hand holding my wrist. There I captured her freezing fingers, cupping them in both of my hands and breathing hot breath on them to warm her up. Nadya watched me with a small smile lingering on her lips, allowing me to do the same to her other hand. Just a short time in contact with my unnatural body heat started to bring some life back into her cold digits. Satisfied that frostbite wouldn’t take them, I simply held onto her and brushed my thumbs over her knuckles, enjoying the comfortable silence we fell back into. 

Nadya looked around some more, enjoying the scenery. “You know what?” 

“Hm?” I asked curiously. 

“I think this is where that Star Wars movie was filmed.” 

I gave her a puzzled blink and looked around. That’s when I noticed the vague familiarity of the place. A crooked smile tugged at the corner of my mouth, “Empire Strikes Back…?” 

“Return of the Jedi.” She corrected.  

“Return of the Jedi, that’s right.” I nodded, “With the teddy bear people.” 

That made her chuckle, “I think they’re called Ewoks.” 

“Sure, that tracks.” I said sarcastically. 

“I had a crush on Leia.” She told me with a cocky grin. 

A moment passed before I said, “I think I did too.” 

That made her chuckle turn into an outright giggle. Her giggle was infectious, making me giggle too. Soon, our giggles evolved into outright laughs that neither of us could shake. It felt so good to hear her laugh, to laugh with her after such a stressful weekend. It only cemented the fact that there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do for this gorgeous girl beside me. I’d move mountains to hear her laugh if I had to. Fight a whole army to make her feel safe. Tell her every single day for the rest of my life that I loved her just so she would feel it as I do. 

[theawkwardladyjay]

The House on the Hill part 2

This is the continuation of this post. There’s going to be one more part after this but it might be a little while before I get it finished. Also, this is my first time writing something this dark, so any tips are greatly appreciated. I’m always down for constructive criticism

Warnings: Suicide, a little bit of suicide taunting, gore, blood, violence, murder, major character death and manipulation

“Anti, why are you always staring at that mansion? You know it holds nothing but bad things,” Robbie asks, stopping by his brother. His face is smeared with dirt and his fingers rest loosely around his hoe.

Anti turns to him and ruffles his hair. A small smile appears on his face, “I’m just curious, little dude. Nobody knows what’s actually in there. It makes me wonder if there’s anything in there at all.”

“Well, standing there and daydreaming about that cursed house isn’t going to get rid of these weeds,” Jackie interrupts, tossing a hoe to Anti, “Once we’re done with this, you can wonder about it all you want. Now get to work.”

Anti sighs and rolls his eyes dramatically at Robbie, making the young boy laugh. Jackie shakes his head but Anti can see the small smile that graces his lips. It’s no wonder. Robbie has a contagious giggle, after all.

They work at the field for a good part of the day. By the time they’re done, it’s too dark to see the mansion on the hill. Anti still can’t help but glance at it, however. It’s been there since anybody can remember. Some of the older patrons of the town believe it’s older than the town itself, despite the amazing condition it’s in. However, no one ever leaves or enters the building. It’s the town mystery and everybody is okay to leave it that way.

Except for Anti. Ever since he and his brothers moved here, the mansion has bothered him. There’s something about it that almost calls to him. The fact that they live basically right under it doesn’t help. It’s the first thing he sees when he wakes up and it’s the last thing he thinks about when he goes to bed.

When the three of them walk into their small little home, they’re greeted by the sweet smell of pork stew. Chase is bent over the fire, slowly stirring the concoction. He glances over his shoulder and smiles at them, “Hey, dudes. How are the fields doing?”

Jackie sighs and shucks off his boots, neatly placing them by the door. He glares at Anti and Robbie until they do the same. “As well as you can expect in this heat. We’re lucky this isn’t a full-blown drought, otherwise, we wouldn’t have any crops.”

Chase hums and sips from the spoon, grinning in satisfaction, “Or pork stew. The butcher is trying to up the prices again. Lucky for you, I am an excellent barterer. Even if our crops fail this year, we should have enough pork to keep us through the winter.”

Robbie claps his hands excitedly, “I love pork stew!”

Anti chuckles and sprawls in one of the chairs, letting out a long groan. Jackie and Robbie soon join him and Chase passes around bowls for everyone. He takes his own seat and they all dig in, exclamations of joy going through the room at the wonderful taste.

Chase blushes at their praise and hides behind his bowl. His eyes bashfully wander past Anti, who is seated in front of the window facing the hill. An odd expression crosses his face, all embarrassment disappearing.

He stares out the window for a little too long before he shakes himself out of whatever trance he had found himself in. His smile returns and he joins in Jackie and Robbie’s conversation about the difference between pork and beef as if nothing happened.

Anti watches him. Something about that moment makes him uncomfortable. It’s not uncommon for Chase to zone out but it’s odd for him to do it during dinner. Anti shakes away the worry. He’ll check on the younger man later.

“Bad decision.” A voice whispers from right behind him.

Anti flips around, his eyes wide. There’s nothing there. He turns back to his brothers, who are still talking. He opens his mouth to ask if they had heard anything but the voice interrupts him.

“Bad decision.” It purrs this time, right into his ear. He flinches away from it. “Bad decision.”

He doesn’t know where the voice is coming from. He stands, his bowl falling from his hands and shattering on the floor. Pork stew spills over the floorboards, seeping into the cracks. His brothers keep talking. He looks around the room desperately. He doesn’t know what’s going on. His eyes catch sight of the spilled pork stew and his lungs stutter.

A red pool is staining the floor. The scent of iron hits his nose and he gags. Automatically, a hand comes up to cover his nose and mouth and he screams. Blood covers his hands, coating his palms and dripping from his fingers. He looks back up at his brothers, terror dragging him into a panic.

Finally, they’ve stopped talking to each other. They look at Anti, their faces completely expressionless. Tears are streaming from Anti’s eyes now and he whimpers, holding his bloodied hands out to Jackie. He was the most experienced. He would know what to do.

Instead of giving comfort, like Anti expects, Jackie crinkles his nose in disgust. “You didn’t save him, Anti.” He stands and grabs Anti’s wrists, shoving his hands back towards his face, “You promised you would bring him back. So where is he, Anti? Where is Chase?”

Anti fights against his brother’s grip, confusion filling him. His eyes flash to Chase. A chill travels through him, turning his blood to ice.

Chase is still sitting in his seat but blood drips down his cheeks. Black holes stare out of his head where his eyes should be. His mouth is open slightly and Anti can see his tongue is gone. Blood has dried around the edges of his lips. His head slumps to the side and a pained cry escapes Anti. Blood is splattered through his hair, matting it into a dirty rat’s nest. In the center of the mess is a single bullet hole.

A broken sob rips from Anti’s throat. He tears himself from Jackie’s hold and runs. He doesn’t know where he’s going but he needs to get away. The sight of Chase’s dead expression is stuck in his memory and he only runs faster. Jackie’s voice follows him, crying out into the night.

“You said you would save him! So why didn’t you? Why didn’t you, Anti?”

Before Anti knows it, he’s at the entrance to the mansion. He barges through the doors. He doesn’t care what the house holds anymore. He just wants to get away.

As soon as he steps into the building, the voice is back but now it surrounds him, reverberating off of the walls and slithering into his skull. “Bad decision.

He slams his hands over his ears, a shattered scream clawing from inside him. His legs give out from underneath him and he crumples to the floor. With his arms over his head, he curls into a sobbing ball.

Footsteps come close before a hand is slowly pulling him to his feet. He meets cold, brown eyes and a devilish smirk. “You should have listened,” the man growls, “This was a bad decision.”

Anti feels his insides shrivel in fear and he squeezes his eyes shut. Surely this is just a bad dream. If he concentrates hard enough, he’ll wake up and Chase will be alive and he’ll be out of this hell.

However, when he opens his eyes, he’s simply in a new place. Dark stands next to him, one hand clamped securely around his wrists. He looks around and swallows when he realizes they’re on the top of the mansion.

Dark looks at him from the corner of his eye and smiles. “Do you want to see your brother again?”

Anti doesn’t look at him. Somehow he knows not to answer.

The man’s fingers twist painfully into his skin. “Do you want to see your brother again?” he hisses.

Anti inhales slowly and nods. He can feel tears prickle the corners of his eyes.

A satisfied breath leaves Dark’s nose and he pulls Anti to stand in front of him, “Good. I have the perfect thing for you.” His smile twists into something horrible and he yanks Anti close and whispers into his ear, “Maybe you should actually try to save him this time.”

Before Anti can respond, Dark shoves him backward. He gasps and claws at the man’s suit, trying to get a hold. Dark takes a step back and stands just out of reach. He places his hands behind his back and watches as Anti falls.

His mouth doesn’t move but Anti can hear his voice slinking through the air. “Bad decision.”

He slams into the ground with a smack. He feels his ribs crack and his spine snap at the impact. His head bashes against the concrete and his brain jolts inside his skull. The last thing he sees is Chase’s eyeless face hovering over him, his empty mouth moving uselessly.

He wakes up screaming.

His fists thrash at the air uselessly, trying to punch something that isn’t there. When he realizes where he is, he sits up and drags a hand down his face. It comes away wet. He looks down at it warily, expecting his fingers to still be drenched in blood. He feels the tears on his cheeks moments later. He curls into a ball, ignoring the aches in his bones. Would it really be so bad to just give Dark what he wanted? If it would make the pain stop? If it would free him from the unending nightmare? Was fighting it really worth it?

The cellar door screeches open but Anti doesn’t move. Dark saunters down the stairs, face emotionless as ever. His eyes wander over Anti’s curled up body and he sneers. “You are pathetic.”

Anti meets his gaze solemnly and doesn’t respond.

Dark snorts and steps up to him. A strong hand fists in his ragged shirt and drags him to his feet, the chains digging into his wrists. “Have you changed your mind?”

“If you want this rotten place gone so bad why don’t you burn it down yourself?” Anti asks listlessly, “Why lure people here only to get rid of them eventually anyway? Why not just light a match and leave?”

Dark growls and throws him back against the wall. A horrible snap comes from his shoulder and a pained gasp leaves him. Dark stalks over to him and lifts his face with a single finger. His eyes are blood red and an odd flickering blurs his edges. A high pitched ringing echoes off the walls. He glares down at Anti, the flickering growing stronger until red and blue lash around him. The ringing slowly gets stronger until Anti is sure it will burst his eardrums.

Then Dark speaks and his voice echoes off of everything, seeming to come from everywhere at once, “This is a cursed place. It does not allow death or destruction. It only allows pain. I am trapped here like a bird stuck in a cage. I cannot free myself from my prison. Only someone willing to join me can do that. This house must burn before I can get my revenge on the bastard who put me here and I will get my revenge. So, Anti, are you willing to help me or are you going to be just like your brother?”

Anti freezes, his eyes widen and he stares up at Dark pathetically. He feels something break inside him. “Chase?” he whispers.

The red and blue outlining Dark grows stronger, lighting up the room with their colors. He laughs, “Yes Chase. Don’t act surprised. You knew he was here. You followed him, after all.”

Anti’s face twists in fury. “What the hell did you do to my brother?”

Dark sighs and moves away from him. The ringing grows quiet enough to disappear into the background. “He wasn’t the one I was aiming for when I sent out my call. You were the one I was really going for. However, he responded.” A sinister grin slithers across his lips. “Do you want to know how I convinced him to come? How I lured him here?”

A sick feeling rises in Anti’s stomach.

“I told him the truth. I whispered to him that if he entered this house, he would die. It took about a week before he came trundling up the hill to me.”

Anti wanted to throw up. He shakes his head and cards trembling fingers through his hair. It couldn’t be true. Chase wasn’t… he wouldn’t…

“You’re lying,” he snarls, “Chase didn’t want to die! He would have told one of us!”

A terrible light flickers in Dark’s red eyes, “Are you sure about that? Are you sure he would have told his three brothers who were all happy that he wasn’t? How could he have known that you would understand? How do you know that you would have understood? You didn’t even notice that he was suffering. And yet you think you would have supported him through it?”

A shuddering breath wrenches through Anti. “Of course I would have supported him! All he had to do was ask!”

Dark chuckles, “But you know as well as I do that he would never have done that. He wanted to die. Basically begged for it when I first brought him here. All you wanted to do was get as far away from the farm as possible. If he had asked, your dreams would be slaughtered, tied down by his desires.” He leans forward, devilish smirk in place, “Face it. He wanted to die more than anything and you were too stuck up to notice.”

Anti bites down on a fist to stop the sobs trying to break from his chest. He thinks back to all the times Chase seemed off. He always said that nothing was wrong and he, Jackie, and Robbie all believed him.

What fools they had been.

The clatter of metal on stone makes him jump. He looks up to see Dark’s knife resting on the floor in front of him. The man himself is already walking back up the stairs. He turns and grins down at Anti, “Something tells me you’re going to find a use for that.”

He disappears and Anti’s eyes wander back to the knife. He knows what Dark wants him to do. But he won’t do it. He picks himself off the floor and begins to pace. His chains rattle noisily behind him but he’s grown used to the sound. An idea begins to broil, chunky and unfinished, but possible.

If the house is really cursed to keep its occupants from dying than it’s more than likely that Chase is still alive. Anti smiles. If he can manage to free himself and find Chase, he might just be able to save them both.

His eyes land on the knife again and he carefully picks it up. It’s a sturdy thing, heavy and sharpened to perfection. He eyes the handcuffs that tie him to the wall. The metal is thick but he can see several weak points. With a huff, he sets the blade against the metal and begins to saw away.

When he gets free, he’s going to make sure that Dark regrets the day he ever gave Anti a weapon.

Hours pass. Despair begins to fill Anti when he realizes that, despite his rigorous back and forth motion, there isn’t even a chip in the metal. With an angry cry, he slashes at his bonds. Sparks light up the room but the metal doesn’t falter.

“That’s not going to work, you know.”

He freezes at the voice. He knows that voice. He slowly turns towards a darkened corner of his prison, tears filling his eyes.

“Remember, nothing can be destroyed here. Or did you stop listening halfway through Dark’s speech?” a light giggle, “That sounds like you. I’m glad to see that some things never change.”

Chase limps into view. A choked cry escapes Anti at the sight of him. Blood drips from a hole in the side of his head, the red liquid matting in his soft, green hair. Red tears flow down his face, running from the gaping holes that have replaced his eyes. His lips and cheeks are split in several places, the marks an angry red against his pale skin. One of his legs is twisted backward, the bone pressing against the skin but not breaking it.

Despite the horrific state he’s in, Chase is smiling.

“Wh-what the hell did that bastard do to you?” Anti snarls.

Chase laughs, “The exact same thing he’s doing to you. He tortured me until I finally begged for it to stop.”

Tears roll down Anti’s cheeks, “I thought you were dead. I thought I was too late.” Suddenly, he’s moving. He wraps his arms around Chase and clutches onto him like a lifeline. “We have to get out of here, Chase. If you can find some way to unchain me, I can get us both out.”

Chase pulls away and gives him an amused look, “But you were too late.”

Anti feels his blood run cold. His fingers curl into Chase’s arms, his nails digging into his freezing skin. “What?” he whispers brokenly.

“You were too late. I’m already dead,” he points at the hole in the side of his head, “I got my hands on a gun and sent a bullet through my brain. The only thing keeping me alive right now is the curse. As soon as you give in to him, I’ll finally be allowed to die.”

Anti shakes his head, “No. I’m never going to give into him. I don’t give a shit what you say, either. I’m going to get us both out of here and take you home. I promised Jackie I would save you.”

A malicious grin spreads across Chase’s face, “Still making promises you know you can’t keep. You didn’t come here to save me. You just wanted to prove Jackie wrong. Don’t deny it. You hate the fact that he’s better than you at almost everything. He’s more heroic, more attractive, the family favorite. For once, you wanted to be the hero so you came running to save the brother that you never really cared about.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Anti spits, “Of course I care about you! Why the hell do you think I’m here?”

Chase snickers, “I just told you. You’re tired of being the joke of the family. Poor little Anti, not good at anything but causing trouble. The eldest son who can’t even get a girlfriend. Maybe, if you saved your little brother, Mom and Dad would finally be proud of you. Maybe you could finally be better than Jackie. Maybe you could finally be the hero you’ve always failed to be.”

The chains rattle behind Anti as he moves towards Chase, his tears drying on his cheeks, “You’re one to talk. You haven’t done anything with your life other than you’re stupid trick shots and getting your girlfriend pregnant.”

Chase doesn’t even flinch, “But at least I’ve done something. You’ve just proved again and again that you’re not worth more than the muck on the bottom of Jackie’s boots.”

Before Anti is fully aware of what he’s doing, the knife is back in his hands. He lunges at Chase, a scream ripping from his throat. Chase easily side steps his attack, that malicious glimmer still present in his eyes.

“See? You can’t even do this right. You really are a screw-up.”

Anger dries the tears and all Anti can see is red, “I came here to save you,” he grits out, “I endured all of that just to get you out of here and this is all you have to say to me?”

Chase’s laughter rings through the room, “This is all you deserve.”

Anti lunges for him again. This time, Chase doesn’t move fast enough. They fall to the ground, the knife lodged in Chase’s gut. Anti stares down at it. A sick lump forms in his throat when he realizes the sight doesn’t bother him. He should be horrified. He just stabbed his brother. But there’s nothing but a sick satisfaction filling him.

Chase laughs, blood staining his lips, “There it is. You’re a sadist, Anti, and you’ll never be anything else.”

Anti’s mouth twists into a grimace and he yanks the knife from Chase’s body. The metal gleams red as he brings it up to his brother’s neck.

Chase doesn’t react when it presses against his skin.

The knife doesn’t draw blood immediately, the skin compressing under the pressure, but soon a dark, red line appears. He draws it all the way across Chase’s neck. His lips twitch up into a smile. He never realized how good it felt to stop someone else’s noise.

Blood drips down Chase’s neck and he smiles at Anti, his eyes victorious, “I always knew you were a monster. It’s just too bad that you’re such a fool.”

The smile drops from Anti’s lips. He growls and stabs the knife into Chase’s neck, pinning him to the floor. “I’m not the one who killed himself.”

“No? Maybe take a closer look.”

Pain suddenly blossoms through Anti’s body. He gasps and clutches at his neck. Warmth drips through his fingers and he looks down at Chase in horror. His legs give out from under him and he screams, the sound warbled and pained.

Chase is no longer laying on the floor. Instead, a familiar set of blue eyes stare back at him. The face has sharper angles, the hair is slightly darker. If it wasn’t for the blood, Anti would think he was looking in a mirror.

Blood drips from his stomach and neck, a small puddle forming below him. He falls to the floor, a horrified sadness filling him. Darkness plays at the edges of his eyes. He can tell that this death is different. He won’t be coming back this time.

His blood soaks into his pants, warm against his cold skin. He wonders, idly, what death will be like.

The door at the top of the stairs opens and Dark saunters down. An exuberant smirk covers his face. He bends down in front of Anti, his fingers clasped in front of him, “I was beginning to think I would be locked in this godforsaken house forever. Then you came along. I knew you were perfect from the moment I sensed you. Your soul is almost as dark as mine, and trust me, that is quite a feat. You certainly put up a fight, though. I almost got rid of you like the rest of them. But just look at this. You came through for me. Now, when you wake up, we’re going to do amazing things together.”

Anti closes his eyes and smiles sardonically. Little does Dark know that he’s not waking up this time.

[wristic]

Helpless (Part 2)

Pairing: Jerome X Reader X Barbara

Word Count: 2600

Warnings: possessive behavior is possessive.

-Part 1- -Part 2- -Part 3-

You knew Gotham had its underground world, you never imagined actually setting foot in it. The club he snuck you in was filled to the brim with bodies jumping and slamming into each other, low red lights mixed with quick flashes, the beat almost nonexistent under the mess of other instruments and the song being screamed out.

Jerome lead you to a thin but long hall guarded by a rather large man, his face stoic and thick. “Hey Ted-!” In a hard swing Jerome’s head snapped to the side. You waited stiffly, him rolling his jaw before coming back to the bouncer with a smile. “Good seeing you again too!”

“That’s a warning, you start the shit you did last time and I’ll beat you until Princess here has to take you to the hospital in a body bag.”

Glancing down at your glittery blue show dress you pulled the tux coat you stole from Jerome tighter, whispering what you wanted to mock, “Bit redundant.”

“Come on Teddy! I thought we were friends-” Ted hit him again in the same place and you worriedly brought yourself close to Jerome, keeping your voice as low as you could without being drowned out.

“I’m sure there are other places to go. You don’t have to-”

“Just let him get it out of his system.” Jerome waved, a spot of blood on the corner of his teeth as he rubbed his quickly darkening jaw. He huffed dramatically, but smiled, “Can I speak with Jeri now?”

Ted snorted, but stepped aside, Jerome grabbing your wrist and dragging you forward past him. As you walked down the hall together things got quieter and quieter until there was only a deep beat and for some reason the sound made your stomach turn, some primal feeling feeling you you shouldn’t be there. Coming to a door decorated much in the same manner as the rest of the club Jerome didn’t even knock before bursting in and throwing his arms wide. “Hey~ Jeri! Ya miss me!?”

The woman who was reapplying her harlequin-esc makeup halted before melting into a big excited smile. “You crazy son of a bitch!”

She jumped up and crashed into him, crushing each other in a bear hug that felt something like family. To your surprise she was a bit older than him, patting him hard on the back before breaking and shaking him up. “We���ve been watching everything! It’s been absolute chaos out there! Seriously kid this is magnum opus level hellish!” 

Jerome swayed around like he was being bashful. “Oh you know~.... I could of killed more.” 

“You haven’t heard?” She held all his attention while you looked concerned between the two, wonder what kind of world you were getting into. “People have been going nuts on the streets, random acts of violence has skyrocketed since your video in the police station, they’re painting your face on the gutter walls!”

“No!” He gaped excitedly.

“Yeah! We’re thinking of adding your face to our aesthetic, the ‘lose your mind’ aesthetic.” Jerome slapped his heart utterly flattered. “I know I know, just wait till you see the finished product.” Jerome tipped out of the way enough for Jeri to catch sight of you still by the door, “Well if it isn’t the hero of the hour!”

You wanted to make some stark about ‘hero’ not being the right word but thought better on it seeing as Jerome was right there. “That’s me.” You dipped meekly.

“I loved your work by the way.”

“My... work?”

“Killed twenty seven people in two months?” Your heart sank but she didn’t seem to see it, “And then you went off about how an evil twin did it!” Both her and Jerome laughed at such a ridiculous tale. 

You despised the saying ‘truth was stranger than fiction’.

Feeling agitated, forgetting to manage yourself, you forced a cough and asked above their laughter, “Not to be rude, but we are kind of on the run. I’d hate for us to be the reason the police broke up the party.” 

Jeri chuckled at that thought, “Oh it would be far from the first time. But you’re right, that is why your here isn’t?” She looked above her glasses at Jerome who played along by clapping his hands together and making a pleading face. She smiled and lightly punched his shoulder, “Oh you know you’ll always have a special place in my heart. I reserved just the spot the second I saw you parading around on the T.V.”

It was small, cracked, abused and crowded. The air was humid from being next to a boiler room but Jerome breathed it in, smiling, taking left over trinkets and tossing them with no care if they broke. It became apparent that while it was fully furnished, the reason no one was living in it was likely do to foul play as a large circle of rusted red sat alone in front of the television, a bullet hole in a poster next to it. You couldn’t stop staring at it, unmoving and holding yourself tight in the coat despite how warm it was.

“Is it the bean bag?” Your eyes jumped to Jerome and you glared at him as soon as you realized he was teasing you. “The lava lamp not doing it for ya?” He snickered, walking to you and unbuttoning his white dress shirt to breath a little easier in a white tank. “Oh come on~, you’ve seen plenty of blood. You can’t tell me a ketchup stain is really going to make ya squeamish.”

“It’s not just that.” You mumbled, picking up a lighter from a bowl of keys by the door. “It just feels like whoever lived here was so young, maybe our age...”

Jerome paused in shedding off his shirt, “Okay, just so we’re clear, it would have been totally fine to kill an old person instead.” You gave him a terse look making him laugh. Tossing the shirt he stepped forward, cradling your face with both hands, “What’s got you so wound up huh? We made it out alive because of you, you should be happy!”

You looked around the room, feeling a little hopeless. “How long are we going to have to do this? Even if Galavan backs down-”

“Galavan won’t. And the cops won’t. You’re really bad at this whole, realizing you’re a fugitive thing.”

“But I’m not-”

“They don’t care.” He chuckled, rubbing your cheeks. “You wouldn’t be here if a single person cared enough to listen to your defense and look into it. There isn’t anything you can do to change their minds now.” He pulled your glum teary eyes intimately close to him, “All you have is me now, and I’m here because I’m the only one who cares. Not even Barbara could stay with you if it meant a dusty bed.”

It didn’t make you feel better, the tears building up higher. The look didn’t bargain any sympathy, Jerome smiling and kissing your forehead. The affection eased you, giving this backwards sense of safety. He went to turn from you but you quickly grabbed his shirt by the stomach. Patiently he waited, you needily embracing him with your head against his chest. You felt him sigh before holding you back and lightly swaying to further soothe you, make you feel like you were with a normal person. 

“I guess I’m just a bit scared. I don’t know whats going to happen to us.”

“I’ll take care of you, just like at Arkham, just like with Galavan.”   

An ache surged through you and the tears welled up again, “Why?” Jerome tried to look down at you but you didn’t want to face him, holding him tight. You felt so stupid, playing into the pathetic pawn everyone saw you as and yet it felt good to know you would be praised for it. “Why protect me? I have to be more trouble than I’m worth.”

“Oh you are all kinds of trouble.” You looked up at him, Jerome still smiling but it took an oddly genuine edge, his features softening in a way you both hated and loved. He was lying now, but he was so beautiful when he did. “The second I saw you I just knew you’d be nothing but trouble. You know how I love trouble. We’re meant for each other. I know you can’t see it yet but I know it. You’re perfect, not for them, but for me. And we’ll find a way through this I promise.”

You forced yourself to smile, knowing he didn’t want out of this, that the only thing he saw in you was a perfect toy. Your hand came up on his bruised jaw, gulping to feel how hot the skin was under your fingers. “Doesn’t that hurt?”

“Not really.”

You were still feeling heavy-hearted but you smirked, teased him. “You ever try not pissing people off?”

He shrugged. “People punch me when I’m talkin’, they punch me when I’m not. Guess I just have one of those faces everyone likes to punch.” 

The sympathy bubbled up on it’s own, conceding maybe the question was a bit insensitive given what you knew of his history. Trying to control the impulse you remembered Barbara and how she was always telling you to use your instinct, to stop suppressing it. Like you’d unlock some treasure of your true self by doing things without questioning them. That always sounded like a good way to be embarrassed at every turn but for a brief moment you thought to kiss Jerome’s bruise, and you couldn’t deny it curioused you how he’d react to that.

You slowly leaned into him. Jerome watched you, smiling more to feel the air thicken from your doing this time. As you tilted your head to kiss the heated wound, he turned his lips into you, the kiss falling almost naturally. For the first time you didn’t stiffen or hesitate, feeling the soft warmth drip down your spine and raise the hair on your neck. As gently as it started you drifted away, gulping hard at the surge of butterflies in your stomach as you lingered, a small request for him to make the next move.

But when he went to fall back into you you pulled away, bowing your head like you were feeling embarrassed, giving him a simple grin before whispering, “I should go change.” 

Only once in the bathroom did you really smile and blush. Something about the whole interaction tickled you. How you initiated it, how you teased him, how he wanted more but didn’t force it like he usually did. Covering your titter by turning on the faucet, you wanted to tell Barbara. She would be so proud of you and you already missed her praise.

There were very few hours in the day Jerome slept, and you took every opportunity to enjoy a simple stress free moment, but not today. You found a measly stash of cash hiding between the mattress and set out, braving the outside of Galavan and every cop at his beck and call. But it was so early in the morning it was still dark, and life just hated this hour too much to be on the look out for someone dressed in clothes that clearly wasn’t their’s with a hat pulled low.

The gas station attendee was half asleep, not caring to even look at you as you paid for two cellphones. Glancing to the hanging television you gulped to see your own face, dropping and looking around anxiously. 

As you walked out of the gas station, you spotted a pitch black car, sleek and new, far too expensive for this area of town. Taking a slow breath you walked to the very edge of the property, stopping right beside it and waited.

In a loud click the divers door swung open on the other side, Tabitha giving you an indifferent glance before rounding the vehicle. Leaning against it in front of you she crossed her arms and waited for you to explain yourself.

Instead you fished through your paper bag and handed her a phone. “Here.” Tabitha looked down at the cheap cell you presented, raising a brow to you. “So I can keep in contact with Barbara.”

Tabitha scoffed, “And what makes you think I’m going to deliver this for you and not just kill you right here, right now?”

You glanced around at the empty parking lot. “Because if you came to kill me, we wouldn’t be having this conversation?”

Tapping a finger on her arm, she shook her head and stood up. “If you’re going to be doing this than at least get her a good one.” Tabitha marched into the convenience store, you jogging to keep up and she bought two of the most expensive that she could find, tossing one at you and holding onto the other once you two got back outside.

You held onto it awkwardly, “I know you don’t care but, thank you for this.”

Tabitha leaned in close, her glare steep and making your skin cold, “The second she grows bored of you, or you break her heart, you’re done.” 

You gave a weak smile as she turned around back to her car. “Thanks again Tabitha!” She didn’t so much as glance at you before speeding off. 

A part of you ached to go with her, a little wish that you could have gone back to Barbara. She recognized your boundaries, knew when you needed space, let you roam and breathe more than Jerome did. Her jealousy and anger could be easier soothed with a sad face and a small play into her fantasy. If it wasn’t for her choice in company, you might have just gone with her last night.

Coming back to the room, Jerome scared the hell out of you by slamming both hands on the door and banging it shut. “Where did you go?” he asked unnervingly calm.

Without thinking you answered, “To get some phones.”

His eyes didn’t shift from you in the slightest. “Which one’s mine?” 

You looked down in the paper bag, “Well, it was just for Barbara but-”

Tossing himself back, Jerome was smiling but his eyes were glaring. “Oh. I see. That’s just for Barbara.”

“I have two more!” It didn’t humor him any, turning his back to you and slamming on the ratted futon like a pouting child. Tossing the bag on the beat up coffee table in front of it you crouched down at his knee, the one stopping its bouncing as you put your hands on him.

“Oh come on...Darling.” His brow raised at the attempt even you felt awkward hearing, but he glanced at your hand that came to cover his fist, brushing your chest against him as you inched just a little closer. “I’m just trying to look out for us.” You rested your chin on his knee like a wounded puppy, “You know, Tabitha met me at the station...” He finally took back, his brow furrowing in thought. “The fact I was allowed to come back at all says a lot. Right now we need Barbara liking us, well, me, enough to keep them preoccupied. And she can’t keep liking us if we just disappear on her.”

He thought on it, his lips tense though they still tried to smile. Finally he huffed and uncurled his hand, interlacing yours, trailing his thumb along your little finger. “I suppose you’re right. Besides,” Jerome pulled your hand up him and over his shoulder, forcing you in his lap and close enough his nose brushed yours and growled, “You picked me.”

The kiss he gave you had a stronger bite than usual, and yet you stayed longer than usual.

[sithlordintraining]

She’s No Angel (Part 6)

A/N: I’m back . . . by popular demand. So I made a playlist to help get me into the groove of writing this ridiculous story that I change the plot to every day 🙄. I converted it to Spotify, if you have any songs you think fit, please let me know.

She’s No Angel Mix

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5  Part 7

You have no recollection of what Kylo Ren did to you. Let’s commence Kylo Ren’s second first impression.

Lucky made his way down the silent corridor towards your quarters. He was very surprised that you were going, you were shy and kept to yourself and maybe about 5 other people, including himself. With a gentle knock, the door slid open with you making a brisk exit. “Lucky what took you so long? The more I sit in this dress the more I regret coming up with this silly idea.” Straightening your dress you stopped to look straight at his helmet. You knew he was staring. Looking down the hallway, you whispered “Stop staring. If this is how it's going to be all night, I might as well not go at all.” Turning around to open your doors, you were stopped by Lucky's soft lock on your wrist. “I'm sorry. It's just . . . You've always been beautiful to me and now . . . I . . .” You felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You looked back at the expressionless mask, feeling the blue eyes lock with your (y/e/c). “Y/N I’m sorry to make you uncomfortable, I’m just nervous that’s all. The first day on the job and I have to protect my Angel.” You bit your cheek and looked down to stop the blushing. “Let’s go get you to your ball.”

The only sound to be heard was the click of your heels down the recently abandoned hallway. This sector had been marked off as vacant for a few years, so why not use the large room to host probably the only ball the First Order has ever seen. They made their way towards the entrance of the doors, you could see some of the guests begin to fill up the room and hear the musicians playing. You soon approached the doors, when the door was replaced by a black cloth wall. Peering up through your lashes, you saw it was the Commander. Lucky seem to grow to his full height and seemed ready to attack. The Commander shifted his view to Lucky and it looked like a standoff. Your breath hitched knowing this wouldn’t end well. “It’s ok, thank you trooper.” you barely managed to get out. Lucky turned to you, hesitating to tilt his helmet in confusion, but just nodded and left the two of you alone. A Black arm was placed in front of you and you slowly placed your arm in his. Your nerves started to work up as the doors opened. You wanted nothing more than to hide behind this man, maybe even steal his cape and disappear. If the room wasn’t filled with talking and music, you probably would’ve heard the man next to you try to suppress a laugh.

Entering, you let your eyes wander at the sight held before you. You did this and you put all of this together. And people seemed to be enjoying, both parties. “Y/N, you look beautiful.” Your wandering eyes were interrupted by General Hux’s rare proud smirk. He gave Kylo a stern look as he held out his arm and you quickly made your way to the general. Kylo watched you descend the few stairs that lead to the vast court. Phasma silently made her way to his side. “Commander?” she held out her arm and he put it on top of his. Following behind them, Kylo tried to listen into the little conversation you and Hux were having. It was mostly praised, by your coy smile; you looked around in amazement as if you weren’t the one who made all of this happen.

‘She’s so cute.’ Kylo thought to himself. You glowed in the dress that he had picked out for you. Red was his favorite color and he just knew that it would look nice on (y/s/c) skin. With your hair up, he could smell the perfume linger off you, making it rather tempting for him. And the lace, it just seemed to show everything your uniform didn’t. Since you forgotten everything that happened between you and him, why not start with a clean slate. This was like a game to him, he wanted to see how long he could hold off. But, who was he kidding, if he wanted you, he could get you. Plus, there was always Matt. And you rather quite like Matt. This would be a fun venture.

It was well into the night, or so you thought. The whole time was spent following the General. He didn’t mind. He basically showed you off like a proud parent boasting all your achievements to the higher ranks of Ruhma. You glanced around the room, observing at all the people. Hux seemed to be enjoying his talk with the older gentlemen, Phasma was loving the attention she was getting from both men and women, and then there was Kylo Ren; standing in a corner very statuesque. He was talking to no one and seemed to stare, at something. You slowly made your way over to him Getting within a few steps in front of him, you entered his ‘personal bubble’. You could feel the anxiety radiate off of him.

“Are you having a good time?” His mechanical voice rang out. “Yes.” You hoped your soft reply reached his ears. He scoffed “It doesn’t look like it.” Your face twisted up. This conversation seemed vaguely familiar. ‘I can say the same about you’ you thought. You were drawn out of your thought with a glass of champagne floating, by itself, in front of you. “Drink. It will calm your nerves and your loud thoughts.” You grabbed the glass and quickly apologize, forgetting about his special skill. Cautiously sipping the drink, you saw many people look over at you. “They’re looking at me, don’t be so conceited Consultant.” He said, as you looked down clearly embarrassed.

It was a few minutes of comfortable silence that you two shared basically hiding in the corner before Hux found you and dragged you away. The whole time Hux introduced to these people, you felt a tugging sensation in the back of your head. Of course, you regarded it as the champagne as you found yourself on your third glass. But looking behind you, you saw Kylo Ren surrounded by people, who seemed to be fascinated by him. That could only be the reason the were talking to him. “What is going on over there?” Hux was now looking in your line of view. “I-I think they’re talking to him.” Both you and the General brows had furrowed. “Y/N-” “I’ll go save this before we lose them.” The General let out a sigh. You always knew what to do and was glad to see competent people in positions they deserved. Once more, you made your way through the crowd towards the seething man. How could they not see he was bothered. He was clenching his fist! Taking a deep breath, you opened your mouth to speak only to be pushed backwards. Everything seemed like such a blur.

He needed to get away before he could lash out and he saw you. You would be his way out. Rushing towards you, he held your waist tightly and pushed back into the dance floor. Your (y/e/c) were wide and shifty once you settled and realized what just happened. Kylo stopped and adjusted you in his arms. The hand still around your waist still held you tight. He was thankful for the mask because he was nervously scanning your face and mind for any indication if you would run away. You moved a little closer and rested one hand on his shoulder, keeping distance. With this touch, he seemed to relax and loosen his grip.

You looked around the room to see everyone’s eyes on you. The General watched you two carefully, almost as if Kylo was handling his fragile prized possession. Phasma and her drunk companions gave a supportive look. You looked up to where the troopers were. You saw Lucky shift forward and then move back in line with the others. “Your rescue was very efficient.” Kylo vocoder rung against your ear. It was an uncomfortable feeling and you squirmed, creating more space between you two. “Thank you?” you said.

Kylo tried to sort through your thoughts as you swayed in his arms. You never really been to formals or balls and he saw how uncomfortable all of this made you. And he could also feel how uncomfortable you felt having that mask peer down at you. “You didn’t go to many of these, did you Consultant?” He asked. “No sir.” was all you answered. Your eyes still wandered throughout the whole room. “Well, you are well versed in this.” For the first time, you finally looked him in the eye. “I know who you were before and what you came from. Before did you—did he, go to these things?” Kylo stopped and inhaled sharply. He wanted to be mad, truly he did. He wanted to make you regret even asking. A silly young girl inquiring about what he did in his past. Kylo wanted to tell you while others were dancing and being carefree to the ways of the universe, he was forced as some sort of security for “higher-than-thou” nobles when he was still a jedi or before he was sent off, how he was paraded around with his mother to these things that seemed to last all day. But instead he chose a simple answer, which he knew would have a follow up: “Yes.” He watched as the corner of your lips twitch and then he saw your thought of child size version of him dancing the night away, mask and all. He couldn’t help but let a small smile fall across his lips. “I didn’t have a mask back then.” He said so low it could be mistaken for a mumble. You tried to hid your bashful smile, but a laugh escaped, causing him to see your whole face light up. Kylo bit his lip as he registered what he just did. He was somewhat proud of himself, but mostly astonished.

Collecting yourself once more, you noted that you were in the center and there were more eyes on you than ever. “Are all these stares normal?” you asked your Commander. “We are in the center of the dance floor, Consultant . They don’t call it the eye of the hurricane for nothing.” Looking around at the faces, you saw men and women gawking at you. The looks were uncomfortable, you knew what those look meant. Kylo felt you tensing up and brush gently into your mind. “You think you know what they think of you?” He asked perplexedly. Looking up to his visor once more you spoke “I don’t need to know how to read minds to know what those looks mean. I worked to hard to just be ogled as something to be used and then thrown away. I’m one of the youngest working officers, I can tell you the history and currents events on over half of the known systems and their habitants and yet I’m still rejected to this. My mother always told me ‘If you rely on looks, you’ll end up lying on your back. If you rely on smarts, you will rule the galaxy.’”

A split second of silence passed, before his cape billowed passed you as he made his way to the General. Your anxiety shot up once again, as the two men lowly bickered and looked in your direction. Captain Phasma retreated to your side. “Y/N are you okay? What happened?” she asked. You turned to her shaking your head, your weren’t able to speak. The two men made their way to you and Phasma and signalled for you to follow. You briskly followed as know the whole room was on you. ‘If he could read minds, then why would he put me in this situation.’ you softly groaned. Ascending the stairs, you stood uncomfortably nestled between the General and the Commander. “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention.” The General voice carried through the hall. “Before we continue our successful night, I would like to remind everyone the real reason for this success: Miss Y/N L/N, Chief Consultant to the First Order and Galactic Relations.” The room roared in applause. You were still tense and didn’t relax until someone whispered ‘Breath’. But, it sounded like a thought but it was someone else’s voice. General Hux went on about your accomplishments and accolades that you have achieved in your very young life. It was definitely like a proud father doting on about his child.

Kylo watched your face, trying to hide your happiness as you looked into the crowd. They were very impressed and couldn’t help but talk about your crowning glory. This is all you wanted and he gave it to you. Of course, Hux was the one giving the speech, but he was the one who told Hux to do it. Honestly, if Hux thought you were as competent as he says you are, he wouldn’t keep you in a job where you were locked up under his control. He finally ended his speech with a toast to you and you giggled a thank you and held your hands not knowing what to do.

A small yawn slipped passed your lips. Turning to Hux, you spoke “Thank you, General. Truly, I’m thankful and honored, but I can’t lie, I’d wish to retreat to my quarters.”  Before he could reply, Kylo made his way in front of you and the General. “I will escort the Consultant to her quarters.” He said sternly. Hux rolled his eyes “No, you will stay here and make sure this deal falls through.” He waved his hand and Lucky came to your side. “Well, these past few weeks have been very straining. A day off is much deserved. FN-0777, you will escort her to her quarters. And it’s a pleasure, Y/N.” You simply nodded and turned on your heel. But, you spun around once more calling out for the Commander. With a small smile, you sent him a thank you and made your way out the door.

The walk back to your quarters seemed shorter. Halfway there, you took off your heels to get there much faster. Lucky strode by you silent, almost nervous. Reaching your quarters you turned around and engulfed Lucky’s armor tightly. “Aren’t you glad you went?” He said snaking his arm around your waist. “Yes!” you giggled. Letting go you looked at the large red lapel hanging on his right shoulder. “You know, you look very handsome in your new uniform.” He let out a chuckle as you punched in your passcode. The doors slid open and he called out to you. Turning around you were met with the helmetless blue-eyed trooper. Slowly he closed the gap between you two and pressed his lips to yours. He held onto your face gently and you could feel his eyelashes brush against your cheek. Pulling back, the blush illuminated the freckles on his cheeks “Goodnight, Angel.”

The blast doors closed and you turned around breathless. Entering your bedroom, you jumped back on your bed as you reminisced about tonight. You thought about a book you had enjoyed so much as a child. A princess, at a ball for her birthday; dancing the night away with a prince and later kissed the kitchen boy, who she was truly in love with. You guessed that you were the princess, Hux and Phasma were your mother and father, Kylo Ren was the dark prince who almost ruined this magical night, and Lucky was the kitchen boy who ended your night with a kiss. Opening your eyes wide, you thought ‘Wait, am I in love with Lucky?’

P.S: If you don’t mind, I would really LOVE to hear your thoughts and opinions on this, the playlist, the characters, why you like it anything. Please don’t be shy, I really like talking to you all!

[thewomenofthedas]

When Fantasy Becomes Reality

Chapter 4: Unto The Breach

“Maker it’s the end of the world!” A soldier screamed as he ran past the women paying them no mind.

 “Well that’s cheerful.” Aurora muttered to her sister. Blaire shrugged as they continued their jog. Another bridge came into view just as the marks on the woman’s hands spit causing that unbearable pain to crawl up their arms again. Their knees buckled underneath them as screams tore from their throat and once again collapsed into the snow.

 “The pulses are coming faster now,” Cassandra stated as she helped them up. Blaire fought the urge to roll her eyes. “The larger the breach grows the more rifts appear; the more demons we face.”

 “How did we survive the blast?” Blaire asked genuinely confused and interested. They made their way onto the bridge.

 “They said that both of you stepped out of a rift then fell unconscious. They say there was a woman in the rift behind you two.” Cassandra said just as a green energy hit the bridge causing it to cave in. Blaire and Aurora were sent rolling and then were left sprawled out on the ice Cassandra on their left. A black figure was making its way towards them when they stood up. A look of panic crossed the girls face as they looked at each other however the seeker was already charging at a second one that they just noticed.

  “Stay behind me!” Cassandra shouted.

 They scanned the area when their eyes landed on some daggers and a sword and shield. Aurora and Blaire lunged for the weapons. Aurora had grabbed up the sword and shield as Blaire was left with the daggers. Aurora charged and smacked the shade with her shield and then slashed at it as Blaire snuck up the flank and sunk the weapons deep into the demon. Suddenly a hiss filled their ears as the demon crumpled to the ground. They made their way to their jailer as she yanked her sword free from the now dead shade she was facing.

 “Drop your weapons!” She screamed turning towards them sword still drawn. A panic filled the girls’ hearts for a second.

 “Do you honestly think you could protect us!?” Blaire growled.

 “We need these weapons!” Aurora stated at the same time. Cassandra’s shoulders sagged in defeat, a sigh leaving her lips.

 “You’re right.” She sheathed her sword. “You need them I cannot protect you both. I should remember that you have come willingly.” She popped the snap open on a small bag on the side of her belt. “Take these potions. Maker knows what we will face.” She said handing some potions to each of them. They made their way up the hill, and down onto some more frozen water. Where surprise they faced more demons.

 “Where are all your soldiers?” Aurora asked.

 “At the forward camp fighting. We are on our own for now.” They ran up the frozen steps and then down a hill where it was surprisingly clear. A blast of green energy hit the ground and some demons materialized out of it just as they almost passed the area.

 “AH!” Cass screamed.

 “They’re falling from the breach!” Blaire yelled. Aurora and Cassandra handled the shades while Blaire slipped up behind the wraiths effectively taking them out. They sprinted up the staircase, and up a hill to another staircase.

 “We’re getting close! You can hear the fighting!”

 “Who’s fighting?” Aurora asked

 They came upon a group of people fighting demons that seemed to be pouring out of what the girls knew was a rift. It looked so much more daunting in person. They couldn’t waste any time though so they charged into battle beside Cassandra, a dwarf archer, and an elven mage. Blaire hacked and sliced dancing around demon claws, and side stepping others. Aurora charged others shield bashing, and sword swinging proudly. It was as if their bodies were made for combat considering they were only in London hours before. As the last demons were dispatched the elven man’s hand snaked around Blaire’s wrist.

 “Quickly! Before more come through!” He screamed as he held her hand up towards the rift. A tingling sensation lit her nerves on fire, arm shaking in the man’s grip slightly as the others watched the mark knit the rift closed and pop out of existence with a small explosion. The elven man left her arm go albeit slightly roughly as Blaire jerked her arm away arm tingling albeit the explosion hurting only slightly. The feeling was mostly pleasant.

 “What did you do?” She breathed.

 “I did nothing. The credit is yours.” He stated.

 “At least it is good for something.” Aurora stated looking at her and her sisters marks.

 “Whatever magic opened the breach in the sky also placed those marks upon your hands. I theorized the mark may be able to close the rifts that have opened in the breach’s wake and it seems I was correct.”

 “Meaning it could also be used to seal the breach itself.” Cassandra replied coming up behind the two girls.

 “Possibly.” Solas replied. “It seems you both hold the keys to our salvation.” The girls gave him a look.

 “Good to know here I thought we’d be ass deep in demons forever.” A semi gruff voice sounded from somewhere behind them. “Varric Tethras. Rogue, story teller, and occasional unwelcome tag along.” He smirked and winked at Cassandra. Cassandra was glaring daggers at him.

 “Are you with the Chantry or..?” Blaire asked. The elven man chuckled.

 “Was that a serious question?” He asked laughing slightly. Blaire felt her cheeks turn pink slightly embarrassed.

 “Technically I’m a prisoner just like you.” Varric replied adjusting his gloves.

 “I brought you here to tell your story to the Divine.  Clearly that is no longer necessary.” Cassandra replied.

 “Yet here I am. Lucky for you considering current events” The dwarf teased.

 “It’s good to meet you Varric.” Blaire replied.

 “You may reconsider that stance in time.” The elven man said to Blaire.

 “Awe I’m sure we’ll become great friends in the valley, Chuckles.”

 “Absolutely not!” Cassandra chimed in. “You help is appreciated Varric but-“

 “Have you been in valley lately, Seeker? Your soldiers aren’t in control anymore. You need me.” He smirked. Cassandra sauntered away with a disgusted noise left in Varric’s wake.

 “My name is Solas if there are to be introductions. I am pleased to see you both still live.” The elven man chimed.

 “He means I kept those marks from killing you while you slept.”

 “You seem to know a great deal about it all.” Aurora said.

 “My travels have allowed me to learn much of the fade. I came to offer whatever help I could give to help with the breach. If it is not closed we are doomed regardless of origin.”

 “That’s a commendable attitude.” Aurora stated.

 “Merely a sensible one, yet sensibility seems to be in short supply right now. Cassandra you should know the magic involved here is unlike any I have seen. Your prisoners are no mages, indeed. I find it difficult to imagine any mage having such power.”

 “Understood. We must get to the forward camp quickly.”

 “Well Bianca’s excited.” Varric tried to lighten the mood as she gestured to his crossbow. The prisoners followed the small party over some wood planks to a small path.

 “We need to get to the forward camp.” Cassandra said.

 “We need to move quickly.” Solas replied glancing to the women whose lives were in danger. They all began to jog down the embankment. “Demons ahead!”

 “Glad you brought me now, Seeker?” Varric called as he sent an arrow into a greater shade demon. Aurora and Blaire hopped into the fighting on the ice as Solas and Varric fought from the ledge.

 Aurora and Blaire were working on the same demon, as Cassandra tried to cut down the other. Varric and Solas shooting spells and arrows at the wraiths. The shade the girls were working on was finally cut down, so Blaire turned around to rush the demon that was battling with Cassandra when her heart skipped a beat. Not even a step behind her was a third shade, and before it could maul her she watched it turn into ice before her eyes. Her breath caught in her throat as Aurora cracked the ice with her sword. She looked towards the embankment where she noticed the mage watching her intently. A shiver ran down her spine as he hadn’t even tried to look away.

 “I think we should scout that cabin, see if any supplies are in there.” Aurora replied.

 “Good thinking.” Varric clapped her on the back. The small group entered the cabin to find nothing but a couple gold pieces. Aurora shrugged and pocketed them.

 “It’s more than I had.” She smiled. Everyone began the trek up the snow covered staircase.

 “So are you two innocent?” Varric piped up

 “I don’t remember what happened,” Aurora stated.

 “As neither do I.” Blaire shrugged.

 “That’ll get you every time. You should’ve spun a story.” The dwarf replied.

 “That’s what you would have done.” Cassandra sneered disapprovingly.

 “It’s more believable. And less likely to end in premature execution.”  Varric shot his cross bow at a wraith perched on a boulder. Cassandra scowled and charged the demons her irritation at the storyteller flowing through her veins. Aurora charged after Cassandra. Blaire was left to her devices of shimming out of the way of demon claws, and twirling out of the way of wraith energy bursts as she quietly and swiftly took down some demons.

 “I hope Leliana made it through all of this.” Cassandra worried as they dispatched the last demon.

 “She’s resourceful, Seeker.” Varric uttered trying to sound reassuring.

 “We shall see when we get to the forward camp, we are almost there.”  Solas chimed.   It didn’t take long for the party to advance to the next group of soldiers securing a door. With a rift blocking the way. “We must seal it quickly!”

 “They keep coming help us!” A soldier cried. Just as the mark sputtered and more demons poured out of it. The four demons were easy enough to kill. Suddenly the rift changed shape, and had no known shape. It was just an open hole.

 “Quickly! Use the mark!” Solas urged as Aurora held her hand up. Instantly a connection was made between her palm and the rift. Once again it closed with a tiny explosion. “We are clear for the moment! Well done!” the mage praised as he looked between the women.

 “Whatever those marks are on your hand they’re useful.” The dwarf added as he was almost cut off by Cassandra demanding the guards to open the gate. They joined some more soldiers on the bridge until they had all caught sight of Leliana and some man who looked like a church official.

 “You have already caused enough trouble with- “The man’s voice carried before he caught sight of the prisoners. “Ah here they come. “

 “You made it!” Leliana simply greeted them. “Chancellor Roderick these are-“

 “I know who they are! As grand chancellor of the chantry I hereby order you to take these criminals to Val Royeaux to face execution!”

 “Order me?! You are a glorified clerk! A beaurcrat!” Cassandra exclaimed outraged.

 “And you are a thug! But a thug who supposedly serves the chantry.”

 “We serve the most holy Chancellor, as you well know.” Leliana argued.

 “Justina is dead! We must elect her replacement and obey her orders on the matter.”

 “Isn’t the breach a more pressing issue?” Blaire asked rolling her eyes.

 “You! You and your sister! You brought this upon us in the first place!” Roderick roared. “Call a retreat, Seeker, our position here is hopeless.”

 “We can stop this before it’s too late.” Cassandra stated.

 “How? You won’t survive long enough to reach the temple not even with all of your soldiers.”

 “We must get to the temple it’s the quickest route!”

 “But not the safest. Or forces can charge as a distraction while we go through the mountains” Leliana replied.

 “We lost contact with an entire squad on that path. It’s too risky!”

 “Listen to me!” Roderick demanded with the grace of a father scolding his children. “Abandon this now before more lives are lost.” Suddenly both marks flared up again.

 “How do you think we should proceed?” Cassandra asked turning her attention to the prisoners.

 “I say we charge! We won’t survive long enough for your trial. Whatever happens happens now. ” Aurora answered.

 “Charge!” Blaire agreed. Cassandra told Leliana to bring absolutely everyone left in the valley in.

 “On your head, be the consequences, Seeker.” Roderick sneered. Blaire just wanted to punch him in the face. Aurora I’m sure did too but had a better control over her facial expressions. The thoughts were bouncing around Blaire’s head as they trudged uphill to meet with the soldiers. They made it just as a burst of fade energy killed a soldier. The girls looked around the number of bodies on the ground made their breath hitch. If they failed how many people would die?

They couldn’t dwell as Cassandra hopped right into the action. This rift had the most demons spilling out of it so far, and had two waves of demons. It was a good thing they had such a good party and a number of soldiers with them. Blaire sealed the rift as Aurora made sure Cassandra was okay.

 “Sealed as before. You are becoming quite proficient at this.” He nodded.

 “Let’s hope it works on the big one.” Varric sauntered over.

 “Lady Cassandra, you managed to close the rift? Well done.” A blonde man said as he made his way over to the Seeker.

 “Do not congratulate me, Commander. This was the prisoners’ doing.”

 “Is it? I hope they’re right about you two. We’ve lost a lot of people getting you here.”

 “You’re not the only one hoping that.” Aurora replied.

 “We’ll see soon enough won’t we? The way to the Temple should be clear, Leliana will try to meet you there.”

 “Then we best move quickly. Give us time, Commander.”

 “Maker watch over you- for all our sakes.” He muttered backing away and then running to help an injured soldier to safety. Aurora watched him go. She pondered what he said as the group hopped down into what appeared to be a pit of smouldering bodies. She tried not to look at them directly. Although she swore she saw Blaire wipe a tear from her eye.

 “The Temple of Sacred Ashes.” Solas breathed.

 “What’s left of it.” Varric muttered kicking up some ash.

 “That is where you walked out of the Fade. They say there was a woman in the rift behind you two, nobody knows who she was” Cassandra added.

  They continued to a small hall that lead into what used to be the sanctuary of the Temple of Sacred Ashes. They all took in the massive hole in the sky above them.

 “The breach is a long way up.” Varric mused. The prisoners looked at the daunting task set before them. They didn’t get too long to dwell on that before they were interrupted.

 “You’re here! Thank the Maker!” Leliana exclaimed from behind them with a volley of soldiers on her heels.

 “Leliana have your men take up positions around the temple.” The red head nodded and went to give her men orders.

 “This your chance to end this. Are you ready?” Cassandra asked turning her gaze to the concerned women.

 ‘We’ll try. But I’m not sure if we can reach that, much less close it.” Aurora answered as Blaire nodded.

 “No, this rift is the first, and it is the key. Seal it and perhaps we seal the breach.” Solas added.

 “Then let’s find a way down and be careful.” The seeker said looking around. The ragtag group made their way around the temple.

 Bring forth the sacrifice.” A booming disembodied voice echoed around them.

 “What are we hearing?” Cassandra asked looking around her.

 “At a guess, the person who made the breach.” Solas replied coolly. There were shards of deep red looking rock veins bursting through the ground.

“You know this is red lyrium, Seeker?” Varric asked concern etched upon his face.

 “I can see it Varric,”

 “I know but what is it doing here?”

 “Magic could have drawn on lyrium beneath the temple, corrupted it “Solas answered.

 “It’s evil whatever you do don’t touch it.” The dwarf warned.

 “Keep the sacrifice still!” The disembodied voice boomed as the group raced down a stair case and then jumped to the bottom of the sanctuary. As the prisoners approached their marks vibrated with magic. Another voice rang out from the rift.

 “Someone help me!”

 “What’s going on here?” Aurora’s voice hung clear in the air, Blaire’s following immediately after.

 “What is this?!”

 “Those were your voices. Most holy called out to you, but..!” Cassandra began before a vision was filling the air around them. Divine Justina was suspended in the air by some shadow man with glowing eyes.

 “Someone help me!” She cried. Suddenly the prisoners jogged through the doors.

 “What’s going on here?”

 “What is this?!”

 “Guards we have intruders! Slay the humans.” The shadow man answered pointing to them.

 “So you were there!” Cassandra yelled. “What happened? Who attacked?!”

 “We told you we don’t remember what happened!” Blaire replied as she watched the mage get closer to the rift,

 “This rift is not sealed, but it is closed temporarily. You could use the marks to open it, but I suspect this will draw attention from the other side.”

 “That mean’s demons! Stand ready!” Cassandra barked at the soldiers.

 The girls nodded at each other before each raising their hands, the rift popped open and a huge demon sprang out of it. Arrows wouldn’t effectively penetrate it’s hide. Swords were better but not much better.

 Blaire and Aurora disrupted the rift and discovered it weakened the demon, what others had called a pride demon, but also drew more demonic attention. Blaire was slashed by a shade demon when she disrupted the rift for a second time, as Aurora thrust her sword into said shade. The group working on distracting pride. Cassandra sank her blade in between the demon’s scaly, plated hide as they worked to weaken the giant demon. Varric was sent crashing to the ground by the demon’s electric whip, Aurora cursed as she narrowly missed it. She took her turn disrupting the rift this time. Pride was almost defeated when some of his siblings came leaking through the rift.

 She barely side stepped a shade when Varric sent a couple arrows into it. She added that to a long list of thank yous she had to give. Solas and Cassandra along with Leliana’s men focused on big bad, and soon the girls heard Cassandra yell:

 “Quickly! Disrupt the rift!” The girls lifted their hands disrupting the rift that seemingly had sucked pride’s essence back into it, and effectively knit back together. The explosion however sent them flailing backwards. Their vision began to blur at the edges before the darkness consumed them completely.

[idolizerp]

[ LOADING INFORMATION ON MSG TRAINEE EUNJU…. ]

DETAILS

CURRENT AGE: 20 TRAINEE SINCE AGE: 15  SKILL POINTS: 04 VOCAL | 03 DANCE | 03 RAP | 05 PERFORMANCE

INTERVIEW

her trainers poke and prod and evaluate her every other week, with keen eyes and a familiarity with every aspect of her existence that she both fears and admires, and realize that what you see is what you get. it’s not a bad thing.

she learns her greatest gift is her charisma. she’s a beagle: naturally funny and generally easy to like and get along with - infectious. she’s upbeat and relatable, hip to fan culture and aware of what it’s like to be someone cheering in a sea of thousands of others, so they figure she’ll be well-suited for fan service and variety shows, a natural at aegyo and quick-witted to boot amidst her whimsy and coltish inconsistency. making people happy makes her happy and her stubborn temperament makes her eager to succeed - a rascal with a fighting spirit and an unshakable optimism. she’s youthful and approachable, nerdy and boyish but also bashful and feminine; paradoxical in her lack of poise and natural grace. visually, she promises conceptual versatility, but is generally consistent in her brightness during performances.

off-stage, they fear that her weakness is her sincerity, her reactions too authentic and raw, her emotions clear as day in any given situation. she can’t help but be herself and that’s dangerous. she practices, trains herself to be a closed book and only partially succeeds - she’ll do better, she tells herself, knowing all too well the backlash that idols get for breathing the wrong way in the public eye. she’s not quite poised and polite enough, perpetually the fifteen-year-old girl that walked through the doors those years ago. her parents warn her early on not to give too much of herself away.

it’s hard to look at herself critically, the way other people might interpret her; her only fear is coming off the wrong way.

BIOGRAPHY

one. she grows up in downtown buk-gu, gwangju, the first and only child born to a scrappy boy from seoul and a country girl who’d been born and raised in south jeolla. it’s fate, really, that brings them together or - rather, the fall semester at le cordon bleu, sookmyung academy. they fall in love over fine dining and the course of six months that are spent in bliss. they’re are engaged, young and dumb and expecting, before they graduate that same year. it’s fate.

she’s born a month early, just shy of the new year, frail as anything but loud. when the nurse checks her vitals, her dad sleeplessly jokes that she’d been sick of missing out on all the fun. her parents name her eunju and she falls in line as their pride and joy, a happy accident. oh eunju is a healthy baby, despite being premature, and save for a few allergies, her lungs are strong. she screams her way through infancy and comes out on the other side, spoiled rotten and utterly loved.

two. as a child, eunju thinks she’ll become a chef like her parents but they all quickly learn through trial and error that she’s much better with crayons and paper than she is with sharp knives and fire. she creates, with a passion matched only by her restlessness, shaky masterpieces that hang proudly on the entrance walls of her family’s restaurant. her grandma commissions paintings for pocket change and eunju glows, validated. she’s young but she flourishes, already a glutton for praise.

she’s raised on sunny summer afternoons shooting baskets with her older cousins, getting hoisted up on her dad’s shoulders to dunk balls into the ten foot hoop that had once upon a time seemed so impossibly high up while her mother and aunties titter over buckets of kimchi - red paste up to their elbows as they call her back inside to help with dinner; cold winters spent at the ice rink that quickly turn into every-other-week days where she gets lost in the sound of her skates on ice weaving through the candied beats of the stale pop music that plays on the speakers overhead. she sings along, remembers hearing stories about her aunt’s failed attempts at getting picked up by agencies in seoul in her prime. she boasts with little modesty that she’d been too much: too big, too loud, too imperfect to make it in a world like that. she’s proud of it, her failure. eunju thinks she suits nursing better anyway.

still, she watches music shows and buys merch and watches the idols glow and wonders what it’s like, mostly wonders what it’d be like to lock eyes with kim heechul.

three. things have a funny way of working out. it happens at a convention.

aside from being talented chefs, her parents have a passion for fan culture that eunju inherits. for her father, it’s his extensive collection of old foreign funk records, groups like the condors and the spinners that served as the soundtrack to her upbringing alongside the likes of kim nam mi and min hae-kyung; for her mother, it’s an extensive knowledge of male actors in dramas that eunju’s never even heard of. for eunju, it’s idols - and anime. she goes to fan meetings and cries over new hair colors and comebacks and learns the lyrics to ensemble anime openings, cosplays and does covers at school talent shows with little shame.

by now, she’s taken her passion for art and honed it into making fan content for the internet. she posts her tablet drawings and animations on tumblr, twitter and youtube under the pseudonym jubean_17 and gains a modest following for it, basks in the praise of strangers and builds a portfolio. her hard work comes to a head when she gets a table in the artist alley of an upcoming convention. she accepts the opportunity with the mindset that it’d look good on college applications; her eyes are set on seoul national university. (it’s a longshot.)

still, she’s anxious. eunju had made it a point to maintain her anonymity online, save voice acting in some of her original mini-projects, not just to keep her content as the focal point of her social media activities but to shield herself from the negativity that comes with having a public presence regardless of how small and to hopefully avoid the prying judgmental eyes of her schoolmates. she’s a young and insecure fifteen year old - and despite her ambition to make a living doing what she loves, she’s hesitant to put a face to the art. she’s personable but she’s shy and she frets over making conversation with strangers the entire trip.

regardless, the convention happens without any real hiccups. her best friend tags along for moral support and her mom comes along as a chaperone, hesitant to let her teenage daughter take a trip into the big city for the weekend on her own, and she does alright. they decide to celebrate a job well done with beef and it’s on the way to the restaurant that she’s scouted by a company recruiter.

eunju auditions with her friend on a whim when the convention comes to a close, waits in line for hours just to see if they could even make it. they do. it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. things change.

four. she’s sure belting songs in the car with her friends and learning the dances from popular kpop groups doesn’t count as experience and it shows in the way she performs in her early days as a trainee. she’s sloppy and unrefined, a pretty face with pretty eyes and a personality with little else in the way of actual indisputable talent. her nights are spent with tireless rehearsals spent to catch up with her peers, she cries her eyes out but pushes forward determined to prove that she was worth the opportunity despite not working toward it her entire life. years on, she tries to find a balance but art takes a spot on the backburner while she works to become a better, more marketable version of herself, though she tries to maintain her abilities. it’s nice when she finds the time for both.

she wonders if it’s worth it.

the friend she’d come into the company with has long since parted ways, not fit for the critical evaluations, the diets, the deconstruction of old habits. it becomes expensive in more ways than one and eunju has to ask herself why she’s doing it all. life changes, she grows up quickly but hardly at all. it’s worse than she’d thought it’d be, but not impossible. she wonders a lot, but mostly if her stubbornness is the only thing keeping her here or, naively, if it’s fate. she wonders but then she gets her answer when she sings and dances and gets nods of approval when she shows growth, potential to be more than a sub member. her confidence grows with every bound she leaps and she’s learned by now how to make them like her. she’s mostly herself.

better, she loves who she’s becoming.