#people literally dropping shit on the floor of they aren't interested

[unbidden-yidden-deactivated20240]

You know when this all started coming to light, I fully expected that leftists would try to downplay the horrific violence by acknowledging that it was "bad and our hearts go out to the victims and their families, but......" or by making a sharp distinction between civilians and soldiers (or even like, minors and adults), but the thing that's fucked me up is that nope! We sailed right past any attempt to even pretend at human decency and cut straight to "they deserved it."

Even the kids?? Yep, even the kids.

Like Jesus H. Christ y'all.

I'm used to people feeling like they need to at least gesture vaguely in the direction of giving a shit about Jewish lives and not justifying actual terror tactics and war crimes on civilians (you'd think for consistency's sake they might care about looking like they care for the credibility but..) even if we both know they really don't actually care about antisemitism in a meaningful way. We both know that they won't be there when it actually counts, and they sure as fuck aren't going to interrogate their own personal or group's antisemitism. But usually there's a fig leaf. There's at least a baseline assumption that they should care about antisemitism and Jewish people staying alive, even if they don't actually, so they'll say the minimum amount of correct sounding words and then quickly skedaddle onto whatever it is they actually care about.

And like, is that good? No, it's not. It's not good enough. I'm sick and fucking tired of people doing juuuuuust enough to pretend to care without ever addressing the real underlying issues.

But this? This totally floored me. This drops that baseline assumption that antisemitism and murdered Jews is a bad thing entirely and blatantly sides with literal actual terrorists committing unspeakable horrors while holding it up as "liberation."

And what's worse? Most of those were the further out fringe types (although there were a horrifying amount more than I expected) right? Most everyone else wasn't spouting off about how happy they were that vive la révolucion, right? You know what was really deafening?

The silence from everyone else.

Literally everyone except for maybe one or two gentiles I remember seeing kept their mouths shut. Everyone else? Not a goddamn word about how fucked up it was that people were crowing over our people's fresh corpses. The bodies hadn't even cooled yet and we had jackasses on here publicly celebrating with memes and gore videos, and not a word from 99.9% of you.

The people who did speak up? You have no idea how much it means, and I'm grateful. Truly.

Everyone else who was too gutless, spineless, or oblivious to realize how critical a moment this was for support and/or was more interested in protecting your image or whatever?

Let's just say: duly noted.

I may continue to work alongside you (what choice do I have?) but the trust is gone.

We're clearly on our own, with rare exception.

(This is a vent post I will not be adding any caveats to it and I will be blocking anyone who tries to be an asshole. I will lock reblogs if there's any discourse. Our lives are not up for debate you sick fucks.)

[mins-fins]

everything is romantic — [ na jaemin — 엔시티. ]

where a vampire asshole and an immortal asshole have a centuries long situationship | now playing ❆

you've gotten good at fucking with people.

it's fun to watch the momentary victory someone has when they think (and think is really the key word here) they murdered you, just for you to rise from your place with blood staining your shirt. it's amusing, the horror that is. you aren't a psycho or anything, the fear that crosses each of their features is simply satisfying.

you aren't a murderer either, the blood painted on your hands is yours, the guy died from shock.. literally. you're afraid he might've had a heart attack just now.

that's rich.

and then, a round of applause.

you can't even get a lick of peace, fuck your life (life is an ironic word choice). his laughter is reminiscent of a curse, maybe you should start praying, grab a piece of garlic or some shit.

or maybe you should entertain his escapades for today.

"you murdered someone! it's a start!"

"technically he killed himself" you click your tongue. "..inadvertently" is the final addition to your sentence, indignation your main emotion as you face a certain vampire asshole.

na jaemin is elated by your irritation, his smile growing as yours continues dropping. he settles his hands onto your hips, gaze still. "you miss me?"

"jaemin" you say, each of the individual letters sticking together. you raise an eyebrow, eyes rolling. "you don't look a day over seven hundred fifty two".

his snort is moving. "you missed me!"

"not what i said" you chastise in retaliation, now rolling your eyes as you remove yourself from his insanely tight grip.

he takes a swipe at your stained shirt, sucking your blood from his pointer finger. he places his chin on your shoulder as he observes the blown out eyes of the dead man on your floor, that must've been a traumatizing way to go. "you planning to keep him or something?"

"he died like.. five minutes ago" you scold, lord sometimes you feel like his mother. "you are so impatient".

"not impatient, i know you won't let me take him anyway so it doesn't even matter".

your tongue prods at the side of your cheek, now it's your turn to laugh at his face. "don't tell me your angry" you begin, and he presents a pout.

you have to resist yet another eye roll.

"not mad" he kisses his teeth, dragging his index finger down the side of your neck. his fingers are always so fucking cold, he really just hammers in that vampire shit to 100%. "you could just let me.. a little bit" he whispers, pleading eyes on full display, pressing a kiss to the side of your neck.

you whistle in feigned ignorance, and his hands again settle on your hips as he forcefully turns you around. "you like me so much.."

"mm, and how do you know that?"

it's a useless inquiry, he can read your mind, he knows exactly what you just said. his grip bruises your hips, courtesy of his vampiric smile. "i know everything" he simply says, face stretching into a grin full of teeth, of course including the fangs.

he leans closer, and you lean back to tease for a moment. "i don't want a kiss" your smile betrays the urgency you attempt to display.

"liar".

"i'm not lying". you are, you really are.

jaemin merely hums, quick to press his lips to yours. it hurts, but you guess that's apart of his.. "charm". you assume his eagerness is due to the wait, which is stupid considering he doesn't do much, he could choose to follow you around all the time but no! he simply appears whenever he wants to (and it's not like you'd be pleased if he followed you all the time, your words may get twisted).

and in the most jaemin fashion, he bites, drawing blood from your bottom lip. your wince is quickly replaced by your glare, yet he seems so pleased. "did i hurt you?"

you scoff, rolling your eyes. he swoops forward to lick the blood from your bottom lip, eyes lighting up. "you're in love with me".

you raise an eyebrow, suddenly very interested in your hardwood floors. "that's debatable".

"i think it may be true".

he clasps his hands together, pressing a kiss to your cheek. you simply stare, attempting to see through him yourself.

it's stupid trying to decipher the mind of na jaemin, especially when he get decipher yours so easily in this moment.

"okay.. sure".

you'll let him entertain himself with that one, it's not like it's true anyway!

"i heard that".

you scowl. "fuck you".

he shrugs, seemingly pleased with that response. "sure, i'll wait for you upstairs".

and there's something a little amusing about that smile of his.

[guppygiggles]

Like Real People Do, Part 3! ♡ (Casper x Avery)

☁️ Summary: Avery explains where he's from and why he lives in the lighthouse. Casper takes Avery to the fair. Things get a bit more interesting between them.

☁️ Warnings: Very mild suggestive language, mild emotional scene, Real Actual Tickling™ This is a series now!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3 *you are here

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

If you just got here and want to know more about my characters, you can read my comic starting right here!

"Wait, what? If you can do that, why didn't you do it when we met? Weren't you afraid I'd freak out?"

"Well... it takes a lot of energy, and it's not something I can do at the drop of a hat, either. It takes time to spin up. It also wears off after about an hour," he explained, pausing for a moment to take a sip of his drink, "and, yes... I was afraid you would freak out, but I also didn't know how long you would be unconscious. You were out for about twelve hours... I can't hold it for that long."

Avery shifted pensively on the couch, his eyes not meeting mine. My heart sank. He'd only been in my apartment for half an hour, and I had already upset him.

"Look, we don't have to do this if you don't want to. Please don't feel pressured to agree, okay? I won't be upset. We can do something else."

"Please don't misunderstand. I really want to go! I've admired the Ferris wheel from my lighthouse many nights; I've always wanted to see it up close. It's just that, I've never been around that many humans at once before. I'm concerned I won't... behave correctly. Casper, I... I don't want to get you in trouble, or embarrass you."

I stared at him, dumbfounded. I had to admit, it did make sense for a man whose only social interactions were Internet-based to be concerned about his first social outing. I just couldn't believe he was worried about embarrassing me. I shook my head, snorting.

"Dude, there's nothing you could do that would embarrass me, I am so cringe already on my own. As far as getting me in trouble, eh. I've been in trouble before," I said, smirking coolly. That was a lie. I was a total goody-goody who'd never gotten so much as a speeding ticket, but I was willing to risk it for him.

Avery chuckled uncomfortably. He still would not look at me. "So have I."

My eyes widened.

"Holy shit, like, with the law? Avery, you? What did you do?" It was hard to imagine this straight-laced man, in his neat little button-down and slacks, had done anything wrong in his life, much less run into legal trouble.

Avery looked down at his hands, then inhaled deeply. "To answer that, I think it would be appropriate to first explain why I'm here, living in that abandoned lighthouse, in the first place.

"I am from a place called Cirropa, way up in the mesosphere: The highest level of the atmosphere where clouds can still form. Your scientists think that noctilucent clouds are the only type that form there -- that isn't true. Above that layer is where sentient variants, like myself, are born. We just aren't detectable by human technology at that altitude. When you see noctilucent clouds, you are really just seeing the "floor" of Cirropa," he explained.

"Though clouds can't die of illness, pollution can still make us sick, just like it makes you sick. It also prevents new clouds from being born; sentient and mundane alike. A little is tolerable, but too much has a major impact on clouds as a whole. Your industrial revolution in the 1700s had such a deleterious effect on our population that we are now on the verge of extinction: That is why I'm here. I research weather patterns and pollution relief strategies, and collect data that your scientists don't have the technology to obtain, then anonymously provide it to organizations that are trying to enact change. I wanted to ensure that currency would never be a barrier for entry in terms of obtaining my services, because for me, the situation is quite literally life-and-death. So, I do it for free.

I don't often have need for physical things, but when I do, I steal them. Books, clothes, parts to maintain the devices I use to collect data, et cetera. I never take anything I don't need, including food -- I only know that I can eat food because I have occasionally found wild berries and such while conducting research, and, well... I'm a curious fellow."

He brightened a bit, to my great relief, then continued, "Despite the pollution and damage you cause, I still find humans endearing and fascinating. I know you are not all the same, and I feel true sorrow for those who are suffering like we are. The work I do is for them, too. But yes, I have been caught stealing before; I've even been chased by your authorities once or twice! I try not to steal from local businesses when I can avoid it, though. I don't want to hurt small shop-owners with families to feed. Robbing big-box stores is more dangerous, since it's easier to get cau- Casper, are you okay?"

When Avery finally looked at me, my eyes were glassy with tears that I was fighting to prevent from rolling down my cheeks. I hated crying in front of other people, but when I got emotional, it was impossible to hide -- my face flushed when I cried, too. Quickly, I turned into my shoulder and rubbed my tears on my sleeve. He was just so compassionate. My species was destroying his, yet he still held such tender curiosity and empathy for us; he still wanted to be there in my apartment, spending time with me. What could I say to that?

"Avery... whatever you need, just ask me, okay? I'll give you my phone number."

"Casper, I couldn't possibly-"

"Yes, you could. I'm not rich, obviously... but I make enough money. The work you are doing is so important, more important than anything I've ever done. I can't bear the thought of you putting yourself at risk when I can do something about it... especially since I literally owe you my life. I would have drowned yesterday if not for you. Please?" I implored from across the coffee table, my hands fidgeting in my lap.

Avery fidgeted a bit, himself, looking out the window for a moment.

"Alright, dewdrop. If you insist," he relented, smiling a little now.

"Yesss! Here's my number." He typed it into his phone, then gave me his. "So... we got a little off track. Do you still want to go to the fair? Like I said, no hard feelings if not."

He perked up again, his big smile a salve for my aching heart. "Yes!"

"Cool, let's do this transformation thing."

+++

"Erm. Could you turn around? I've never had someone watch me do this before," Avery asked, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh, yeah, of course."

I spun around, facing the kitchen. From behind me, he took a deep breath.

"Remember, once I'm transformed, we have one hour. Okay?"

"Got it, no problem. The fairgrounds are a short walk away, and I'll set a timer on my phone."

"Okay."

First, there was silence. Then, a sound like crackling fireworks, which grew progressively louder until it was so loud, I was concerned my neighbor might hear it. In the blurry microwave window, I could see flashes of light, followed by the faint chlorine-like scent of ozone. The microwave clock informed me that this went on for three minutes, during which time the urge to peek was nigh-unbearable, but I stayed put. Then, there was silence again. After what felt like ages, Avery spoke, "Okay, you can turn around now."

I whirled, instantly catching my breath.

His face was essentially the same, but his puffy head shape had been compacted into that of a human skull, the top of which erupted in a cloud of fluffy, curly white hair. Peeking out from his curls I spied two delicate ears, and his previously white irises were now a playful cerulean, glimmering above his round, cherub-like cheeks. It took me a moment to realize my mouth was open, and close it.

"Do I look human?" He asked.

Avery didn't look human at all, he looked like an archangel, perhaps even a god in this form. 'Celestial' was the only word that seemed appropriate to describe his beauty, and yet... I felt a pang of regret. Though I was excited to take him to the fair, and I accepted this as the only way he could attend... I already missed his cloud form, and the soft, elegant curves of his real head.

So distracted was I, that I forgot to temper my response.

"You're the most beautiful person I've ever seen," I said, and in my heart I knew that I wasn't just talking about his face.

Avery flushed, and despite his human countenance, his blush was still blue.

+++

The glowing arc of the Ferris wheel grew larger as we approached, LED lights illuminating it in a rainbow of colors. It was a Monday night, and I noticed approvingly that the crowd had thinned considerably from the mass of patrons I had seen on weekends prior. As we walked under the colorful welcome awning, the aroma of popcorn, frying oil, and spun sugar engulfed us. The night was warm, and as I looked at Avery, his blue eyes reflecting the many lights looked like a sea of stars.

"What would you like to do, first? If you don't know, I'm happy to lead on," I offered.

"Oh, I'm so excited to ride the Ferris wheel, aren't you?"

I had been on Ferris wheels plenty of times in the past, but I had never been so excited to ride one as I was right then.

There was a short line for the attraction. I bought our tickets and we climbed into the colorful metal cart, which I noticed with delight was painted with a cheeful cloud motif. Unlike other Ferris wheels I had been on, this one had old-fashioned style carts with a single seat and an open top. I climbed in, and as Avery sat beside me, my heart fluttered nervously as his hip pressed against mine. The gate closed and we were off.

Though the night was warm, a gentle breeze caressed us as we ascended to the top of the wheel. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply the heady bouquet of food, sea and ride machinery. After a moment, I turned to Avery.

"Aren't you able to fly much higher than this thing can go?" I joked.

"Well, yes, but... it's nice to rest and take it all in, you know? Flying is fun, and freeing, true enough... but it can be tiring as well," he said, alabaster curls spilling over his shoulders as he looked up at the stars. Recalling how it felt to ride my skateboard, I could relate.

An unexpected sound broke my reverie.

"Hehe, stop it!" a female voice cried from below us.

I looked down, where two women were cuddled together in the next cart, seemingly on a date. Like Avery and I, they were pressed together in the confined space of the cart, and it seemed one of them was taking advantage of the other's immobility. I watched with a cocktail of elation and horror as she squeezed her partner's sides and scribbled fingertips on her kneecaps, making her squeal with laughter.

"Whatever they're doing down there sounds like fun," said Avery, elbowing me playfully. His nudge to my sensitive ribs sent a shockwave through my whole body, and it was all I could do to endure it without jumping, petrified to tip him off.

"I am going to DIE. How does this keep happening?!" I thought, feeling in that moment as though I were a character in the story of a tickle-obsessed blogger.

"H-haha, yeah, I think they're on a date," I choked.

"Are we on a date, too?" asked Avery, his innocent eyes now trained on me.

Sweat broke out along my hairline, my palms slick as I gripped the lap bar, my heart pumping like an engine piston. In my panic, my internal monologue rang out.

"Say something, quick! If you take too long to answer, it might make things awkward!"

"What do I say! What if I say it's a date and it makes him uncomfortable!"

"What if you say it isn't and he's crushed because he feels the same way you do!"

"BOTH OF THESE OPTIONS SUCK!"

"Do you want us to be?" I asked, summoning all of my courage to look him in the face. Even with his altered visage, behind those eyes, it was still him. There was no going back, now. Whatever he said was going to mean something for our relationship... whatever kind of relationship it was going to be.

"Hehe, well, I... I'll admit, I'm... I'm quite fond of you. But, I've never done this before, especially not with a human. I want to keep going, but, do you think we can take it slow? Isn't that... what real people do?"

"Avery, we can take this at whatever pace you want. I've got nothing but time, and I'm not going anywhere. We don't have to do anything you're not ready for," I replied, trying to hide my breathlessness. "And, for the record... I'm quite fond of you, too, cloudboy."

Avery flashed me his signature grin, making me melt like a snowcone in July.

"Then, it's a date."

He shifted a bit. Then he gently leaned his body against mine, and as he did, my heart soared like a kite off its string.

[teenandbeyond]

May I request a Lord Beerus with a Male God of Life s/o?? I always liked the "opposites attract" trope

Beerus x M. God of Life Reader

Made it hc style, wanted to finish before I got too sleepy. This was cute, I low-key wanna make a part two.

Want more from me? MASTERLIST

☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆

🥢Life and Death🥢

Warning(s): Fluff, Mxm

Beerus brings destruction wherever he goes, you leave behind life whenever you leave. So how in the universe did you fall in love?

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

You've been aware of each other since you were children.

So a while.

But as time went by, you never saw each other again.

Just did your jobs.

Beerus would destroy

You would create

One day, your routine that had been the same all your lives changed when Goku accidentally appeared in your realm

In your bathroom, while you were in the bath to be more specific

You were not pleased in the slightest

And you literally scared the shit out of him when your power level spiked and it was already intense enough

Literally, the man stumbled to the floor, frozen

"W-wait! I was just trying to get to Lord Beerus's realm! I promise I didn't mean to come here!"

With annoyance, you got out of the comfort of your large bath (that might as well have been a wide pool) and toss on a towel

"How did you mix the two of us up?"

At the last second, he said your power level spiked a little which threw off his accuracy and focus.

You grabbed the back of his collar, lifting him up with an arm before transporting him to the realm this mortal was supposed to be going to. You hadn't been there personally before, but you'd sent your assistant before to handle something.

Luckily you appeared in front of the god himself

"Here. Your package went to the wrong house."

You let go, dropping Goku on his hide.

"Interesting...so this is the God of Life?"

Was he checking you out?

Yes, he was. Because your name was accurate, you were certainly giving his hormones life right now. He didn't even know he had any.

"And you're the God of Destruction...you're certainly...smaller than I imagined."

You quite literally towered over everyone there

"Anyway, nice seeing you and all, but I was enjoying a once bath with Gajua berries so--"

Beerus decided he wanted to try these berries, he'd never heard of them before

You refused and went home

Only to be followed just as you shed your towel, making you fall into the bath at the unexpected visitors.

You grumpily sit in your fluffy robe as your berries get eaten

You let it slip about a few other foods he's never tried.

Expect random drop-ins

Which annoys you

Despite being a bringer of life

People annoy you, mainly when they aren't wanted

But...he slowly melts down that wall

And the annoyance becomes pretend

The weirdness becomes...strangely adorable

And you're completely clueless about his crush on you and attempts to court you

Until he gets pissed one day and lets it slip, oops

"You're an idiot you know that?! You make my body hot and my heart beat out of my chest but you don't even notice!"

When you say you'll give it a shot, his cheeks turn the darkest shade they ever have in his life

Quickly you get protective.

If he's woken from a nap, you'll be more pissed than he is, especially if the nap is with you.

And he totally makes you soft.

Like when he nuzzles into your neck

Gives you cuddles

Or when you pet him and make him purr

He totally didn't get flustered the first time he did this

Or when you give him kisses

Especially when you kiss every inch you can

He's a little spoiled brat, too

You always share your food

Give in during his clinginess

Or just doing things for him

But you truly love him

And he's utterly in love with you

And hey, who said life and death can't work in harmony?

[eldritch-spouse]

okay- I have a scenario for the bastards at the clergy…

Let’s say a human child gets thrown into the maw of the clergy by people trying to kill them (idk why but uh…just humor me) This poor kid got dragged inside TCE and was dumped there

How would TCE members react to seeing this kid who…obviously shouldn’t be there.

Would anyone help them since they’re a child or would this poor kid become a small appetizer

Like all I can imagine is Gallon just tending the bar, as usual, and then this 5 year old comes around, crying and obviously fucking terrified.

It’s just some food for my own thoughts don’t mind how rambley this is

[Odd scenario, but interesting. Admin!reader for this one.]

The kid could almost go unnoticed upon entry, being that they'll be running amidst a crowd of comparatively massive monsters whose eyes aren't really cast down most of the time. But Gallon, who is almost always at the entrance floor, needs to have a very sharp eye and he will no doubt notice the odd little monster sprinting around- Oh no no, that's definitely a human. A human infant trying to hide behind his bar counter.

Under normal circumstances, Gallon wouldn't care much about loose humans running amok the place. They'll eventually get snatched, it saves him the trouble of calling Admin and having to report the entire ordeal. However, this is a child. The Clergy does not allow minors within its walls, be they monsters or otherwise. The slime is sure some sick fucks would still reach for the kid, but that's not happening under his watch.

Since Gallon has little idea how to handle human children without scaring the absolute shit out of them with his huge glowing eye, the slime focuses on calling you to the scene immediately. You're the only human around, and you're friendly-looking enough, this infant will latch itself to you without a doubt. To keep the child distracted, Gallon will resort to manipulating the shape of his tendrils into different animals and hope that's enough to captivate them for a couple of minutes.

Once you're on the scene, the kid becomes almost entirely your problem. And you know there are certain monsters that cannot know of this, mostly Morell- Heavens forbid, he might try to cook the poor child. And Vinnel, who might not discriminate in his torture. Santi is of no danger since he actually avoids infants like the plague, but Grimbly might let his blood-sucker tendencies get the best of him, children are easy prey even if he's small.

Your best bets here are Patches and Nebul. Patches because he's actually had contact with human children before (even if they make him nervous) and Nebul since he has good enough self-control to not do anything stupid. Plus, the wraith might help to calm down the child with his abilities.

Ultimately, The Clergy has its hands on a hot potato here, because they cannot let the kid stay around for too long. Not only will the sights there most likely scar this poor child well into adulthood, this is also an extremely dangerous environment and quite literally no one has time to babysit a lost child.

As the only human, you'll have to leave with the kid. Try to work something out with them, a location to drop them off where you will not be seen by the general populous, and some sort of bribe (like candy) so the poor kid doesn't go around telling anyone the establishment they were tossed into. It's a sad situation, but you ultimately don't have the time or permission to delve into more personal matters, such as discovering who abandoned their child here and why. Krulu wants this nonsense solved as soon as possible, children are of no use to him.

[starlightxsvt]

3 dates | c.sc

pairing ➳ badboy!Seungcheol x female!reader

genre ➳ badboy au, romance, some fluff, angst, bad attempt at humour, gets spicy at the end.

word count ➳ 12.4k+ (i have NO idea how this became so long so strap in for a ride)

warnings ➳ cursing, mentions of killing, mentions criminal activities, slight violence(non explicit), smoking, ma man Seungcheol ain't your typical badboy, self doubt, blackmailing, reader does all sorts of risky things cuz she's a SIMP, blood(nothing explicit), kissing, marking, some breast worshipping, grinding, reader is horny lol. (Please lemme know if I forgot anything.)

synopsis ➳ after one fateful encounter with him you cannot get him out of your head. so you opt to do some crazy things to catch his attention and even snag a few dates with him. only trouble is he isn't the type to stay after the whole disposition is over.

Swirling the third drink in your hand you heave yet another depressed sigh. You are so tired that you feel like you can just slump on the counter and pass out. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to stop for a drink, you alcohol riddled brain thinks.

The plans you had with Katelyn was cancelled last moment; she called to tell you that her thesis submission date was moved forward and so she couldn't hang out with you tonight. You're in the middle of an existential crisis quite literally, the too many part time jobs yet still lack of money and copious amounts of study getting to you. Staring hard at your drink you contemplate if it is worth giving up on college and your dream of becoming an arts major. It sure feels tempting right now, the long hours at the diner and not enough sleep at night proving to be the worst nuisance.

Sighing you put down your drink. It's still early, you should go home and try to catch up on the much needed sleep. You really had no intention of grabbing a drink tonight; you have morning classes tomorrow but you made a last moment decision to stop for a drink on your way back home. You didn't take your usual route to home today, and while trudging through the streets tiredly you came across this bar called Seventeen's. You've heard stories about this place, how it is the home to local gangs and how it's bad people's turf and what not. Your curiosity, probably too much of that made you get inside for a drink even though all the bones in your body ached. The inside is what you expected, nowhere near fancy but dingy, just decent enough. The people inside didn't look friendly and if the chains and tattoos on them gave any indication you'd say the rumours are true; this is the turf of gangs. The drinks taste decent, not the best but not the worst and from the overall look of this place you don't really have a reason to come back.

You're about to stand up from your stool when a large, clammy hand grabs your wrist out of nowhere, making you jump. "Hey sexy, sit down. Let me buy you a drink," the owner of the hand, a large, tattooed middle aged man slurs making your nose scrunch out of disgust. You're wearing nothing that can be called sexy; a plain cardigan and jeans and the way he looks you up and down makes you want to poke his eyes out.

You really shouldn't have come here. Clenching your jaw, you meet his eyes, "What makes you think I'm interested to have a drink with you?"

"Oh come on, why would you be here then, lookin' all nice? Just sit down," the man drawls, an ugly smile on his face. He still hasn't let go of your wrist and it's making you impatient. Looks like you're gonna have to kick his balls tonight. Maybe the self defense classes didn't completely go to waste.

"Get your disgusting hands off me while I'm being nice, sleazeball," you hiss at him, trying to get his hand off. The man stands up growling, "What did you say you bitch?" You're preparing to break his nose when out of nowhere a punch lands on his face that sends him tumbling to the ground. The attacker gets on top of him and twists his arm and you can literally hear a bone snap.

Shit.

"I think she said she is not interested," the man hisses, landing yet another another hit on his face before kicking his groin and getting up. When he turns around and his eyes meet yours, your heart skips a few beats and you almost The man is drop dead gorgeous, someone you would not expect to see here but probably on the cover of a high end magazine. His blond hair is long, crossing the nape of his neck as well as some covering his forehead. What takes your breath away the most is his eyes, the most beautiful pair you've ever seen. They seem to have their own galaxies in them, so deep and mesmerising and decorated with lashes long enough to make you jealous. His dress up, black jacket and jeans, immediately tells you what he is; a gang member.

"You should get home, lady," He speaks in a no nonsense tone, his face cold as ice. But you're offended. "Excuse me? Who are you calling lady? You make it sound like I'm old." You puff your cheeks and cross your arms, trying to appear intimidating. "Besides I had the situation under control, you didn't need to butt in." The man keeps looking at you with that no nonsense look, his features displaying annoyance if you are right and he's clearly not intimidated. The dude on the floor grunts and makes an effort to get up, only to be kicked by your saviour once more. "Hey Mingyu, get him out of here. What was this piece of trash doing here anyway?" The man orders to someone before turning to look at you, "Do you live far?"

"Uh- no, a ten minutes walk from here maybe," you reply unsurely, surprised at his question. The blond haired man nods before grabbing your wrist, "I'll walk you home. Hurry up, lady." You have a feeling he's purposely calling you that and though you start following him out of the bar, you make grunts of protest.

"Oh yeah, why? Trying to find out my address? So you can come later and hurt me like that guy?" You would not be this brazen if it wasn't for the alcohol in your system, after all the man next you isn't a friendly one if the rumours are true. The man raises a brow at you, "Did you do something that requires me to beat you up?" You hiccup at his serious tone. Does he not get a joke? He lets go of your hand now that you're at a safe distance from the bar but still stays close enough to you as your steps are rather stumbling and messy. You aren't fully drunk but your body is tired and feels like will shut down any second.

You really need some sleep.

"You know I'm not that drunk. You don't have to walk me home." You complain. "I'm walking you home because this isn't a nice place you should be alone at night. What happened earlier could happen again." He says not looking at you. "Mhmm," you keep on trudging behind him, "Thank you so much for your kind gesture, sir." You mock him but he doesn't reply, staring straight ahead, completely ignoring you as he walks quietly. In silence you two walk the rest of the path, before finally stopping as your apartment comes into view. At this point it feels like your bones will break and you will plop down on the concrete any second, but you manage to keep standing. "Well, thanks for walking me home." You shift your weight from one foot to another. "And for helping me back there." He shrugs coolly, a bored expression on his face. He's turning to walk away when you call, "Hey- I didn't get your name."

"What do you need it for?" He side glances at you. You shrug, "I don't know. You helped me so I thought it'd be nice to know your name." "You don't need to. Go inside, lady." He says, his tone final and starts marching away. You wait a couple moments before yelling, "Asshole!" and quickly rushing inside your building, partly afraid he's gonna come back.

You won't be surprised if you get killed tonight.

-

"So you are telling me Choi Seungcheol walked you home?" Katelyn screams in your ear, jolting up from her seat, earning glares from other people at the library in the process. "That's his name?" You whisper-yell, grabbing her hand to pull her back down. "I'm guessing from the blond hair you said," Katelyn shrugs. "Uh huh." You mean back in your chair, "He was hot though."

"Is that seriously all you have to say?" Katelyn whines exasperatedly. "No, I mean, if it wasn't for the way he dresses or talks I would have thought he's a model or something." You murmur.

"Are you sure he didn't hurt you?" Katelyn questions. "Hell no!" You frown. "He saved me from that creepy old dude. I was surprised too. I wish I didn't drink so much, I could have gotten a better look at his face," you sigh. "Seriously?" Katelyn raises a brow at you.

"Girl, you should have seen him. His aura and the way he carried himself was...so hot." You grin to yourself. Katelyn watches you like you've grown two heads. "Are you trying to tell me you have a crush on that gangster?" You smile sheepishly, "Maybe, I mean it's harmless. He was broody yet charming and I'm a girl so.... Also, it's not like he likes me too and is gonna come running whenever I ask him to bang me." You mutter.

"Oh he's gonna break your bones and bang your skull against a wall. That's what he's gonna do."

"Come on! Maybe he isn't so bad. Maybe the rumours are just rumours. Maybe he just looks intimidating and dresses up like that and people thinks he's a gangster." "Really? His name is on every bad thing that happens around here. From illegal racing to murders. Do you know that people say he has killed too?" "Like I said, rumours," you shrug being your stubborn self. Katelyn holds her hands up in surrender, "You know what? It doesn't matter. I'm glad you're alive so let's just put this behind us, shall we?" You don't reply but wiggle your brows at her, a conspirational look on your face. "Oh no, don't look at me like that," Katelyn warns. "Let's go to that bar tonight. Please?" You give her your best puppy eyes. "What are you? Fucking crazy? You wanna get killed?" She whisper-yells, scowling at you. "No. I just wanna take another look at him. Without the alcohol in my system you know. Besides, the place isn't that bad." You reply.

"Well then get killed by yourself. I'm not coming with you."

"I'll help you with your papers for the rest of the semester."

"Shit."

-

"Well, looks like your wish won't be coming true," Katelyn muses chugging down her fourth glass as you keep playing with your first one. It's nearing an hour since you've come to the bar and there has been no sign of the man you desperately seek. The place is exactly like it was the other day, filled with people who you wouldn't want to mess with.

Yet here you are.

"Let's call it a night," Katelyn sighs. "We're just wasting our time." You know that too but you don't want to leave; not just yet. You are well aware that this is just pathetic but you've this crazy urge to see that man once again. You don't know why you feel this way; you never felt like this before. Why are thinking yourself to death about a complete stranger? Has some kind of spell been casted on you?

"Yeah, let's get going," you murmur half heartedly. You help your friend stand up as she's a little wobbly on her feet and together you make your way through the door. "Should we call a cab?" You ask Katelyn. She shakes her head no and you nod, you arms wrapped around hers to support her in case she looses her balance. You start stepping away from the bar and towards the road to her place until a noise from behind makes you stop in your tracks.

"Did you hear that?" You ask, whipping your head behind. There's no one around and the street is mostly dark other than the light flashing from the name of the bar. You hear the sound once again and this time you can locate where it's coming from. There's an abandoned playground at the back of the bar and you've a feeling that's the source.

Katelyn hisses as she sees you step towards there. "What are you doing!"

"Didn't you hear that?"

"Yes I did. That's why I say we leave!" You ignore her and cautiously keep on stepping forward, mentally cursing yourself for wearing heels. Katelyn follows behind you murmuring all kinds of warnings. "You know curiosity killed the cat, right?" She whispers.

You roll your eyes, "Well I'm not a cat. Just- be quiet. It can be nothing." You both move past the bar gingerly and towards the playground at the back. There are old gallons of oil and abandoned materials just around the corner and you two quickly hide among them. It takes you a while to get adjusted to the low light after you poke your head up from the hiding spot.

You're eyes fix on him immediately. His blond hair makes him easily recognisable amid the darkness. There is a few more people around him, all kicking something in the ground. Not something, but someone. The man lying on the ground groans in pain and you realize this is what you both heard. "Shit," You hear Katelyn curse from beside you. "We need to get going." Instead of replying, you keep your eyes trained on the scene unfolding, holding your breath. You're tranced. Seungcheol lands continuous punched on the guy laying below him and after a moment his writhing frame seems to stop moving as it falls limp.

Fuck.

"You know in movies this is the part where people get caught." Katelyn whispers, her voice hoarse and her hand clutching yours in a tugging motion. "Uh-huh. But I can't seem to move. I wonder if he's... really dead." You whisper back. "Are you fucking crazy!" She hisses. "You wanna witness murder?"

Before you can reply you hear a sound that echoes through the empty field and it takes a second for you two to realise that it came from any one of you two. You don't have the time to figure out who made it as you both are crawling away from the playground without looking back, head crouched low to avoid being seen. You don't know if they heard that or if they're coming behind you, you both just keep scrambling, moving until you're past the corner. As soon as possible you both get on your feet and run like the grim reaper is chasing you, stopping only when you are far enough from the bar.

"I am never listening to you again!" Katelyn yells.

-

It's been a good few days since your near death experience and you somehow find yourself in front of that bar once again. You and Katelyn have not brought up that incident after that night. You made yourself believe that it was over and came to a conclusion that it is better to forget that man and leave all of it behind, no matter how much your heart disagreed. But it's easier said than done; you may not mention him out loud but in the back of your mind you think of him. He's like a ghost, haunting you all the time, plagueing your thoughts when you go to bed at night. It felt like he was ever existent and there was an itch in your heart that drove you insane.

Maybe that's why your subconscious brought you here, in front of Seventeen's, once again. You were on your way back home from library and you thought you took your usual route, until you realized you were standing in front of that place. But what is even terrifying is that the man haunting your mind stands in front of the entrance of the bar and you blink a few times to make sure you are not hallucinating. He's leaned against the entrance door, cigarette between his lips and from his pocket he fetches a lighter to light the poison in his mouth.

Damn, lighting up a cigarette never looked this sexy.

He hasn't seen you yet and you contemplate running the other way. That's the sensible thing to do but you, not being a sensible person, start walking towards him. Your footsteps make him look up and notice you and like the last time, there is no expression on his face. It's the same bored yet handsome face except now in daylight you can take a better look at him and this time, you notice a little mole on the left of his face, by his nose. Realising he's gonna stay silent you decide to speak, "Hi... It's me... Do you remember me?" Wow. That's such an intelligent thing to ask.

With the monotoned yet serious expression on his face, he goes, "Why won't I? I don't have Alzheimer's."

So he can joke.

You laugh, an awkward, probably exaggerated laugh. "What are you doing here? Did you not learn your lesson last time?" He cuts to the chase, his voice brassy and deep, almost threatening. You want to roll your eyes. "Who are you to say? I can be wherever I want whenever I want, thank you very much." "Well then, have fun getting in trouble like last time." He's nonchalant as he blows a smoke right past you and stands up straight, turning away. "Wait!" You almost grab his hand, desperate to stop him.

What is wrong with you? Your subconscious slaps her forehead. What are you holding him back for? To say 'hello sir, I think you're hot, can you please put your dick inside me'? Seungcheol turns his head back, his eyebrow cocked up.

Why do you find everything about him so attractive?

"Um...I know your name, Seungcheol." You speak, trying to sound intimidating, like knowing his name gives you some power over him. There's something definitely wrong with you which is why you don't want him to leave just yet and which is why you're stalling time. But it seems to have done the job as he pulls the cigarette out of his mouth and turns towards you, an annoyed look on his face. "How do you know that?" The timbre of his tone is deep and it rakes shivers down your spine. "Well, you've built quite a reputation for yourself so it isn't hard to get your name." You shrug coolly. "Well, if you know so much about my reputation, you should know what I'm capable of." His lone is low, almost threating as he starts to take slow steps towards you making you step back out of reflex.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Maybe you will also end up like the curious cat.

"Oh yes, I know. People have got a lot to say about you," you try to sound unfazed, not meeting his eyes that you feel are burning holes on your face. "What are you doing here, lady?" he asks slowly, pausing between each word and glaring at you as he continues to step forward. You can feel his patience thinning.

"I swear to God if you call me that-"

"What are you doing here?" This time his tone is scary, too scary. It makes you lose the ability to speak for a second as his dark gaze bores into you. He has backed you up against the wall behind you and you swallow. Right, what are you doing here? It probably has something to do with a very hot individual and his insanely attractive aura. Scratch that you are a hundred percent sure it has something to do with the blond haired, enticing man in front of you. He's driving you mad and you need to get your fill of him.

"Go out with me," you state and you are sure you've never spoken words more stupid than that. Internally, you cringe and pray that the ground below you would open and take you straight to the fiery pits.

This is the first time you see some sort of expression come across his face; surprise. He looks utterly shocked and somewhat confused. His mouth opens just a little and he squints at you, "What?"

There's no going back now.

"Go out with me. Let's go on three dates." you say once more, looking him in the eye. He seems to appear even more surprised, a dumbstruck look sitting on his face. He observes you quietly for a while and you can feel the gears in his head shifting. You wonder what he's gonna say next. Or maybe he won't say anything but bang your head on the wall and leave you to die alone. "I'm sorry I'm not following," he looks genuinely perplexed. "I want to go on three dates with you. They say after three dates you can figure out whether you like that person or not and I think I like you so..."

I think I like you.

The biggest understatement of the year.

Seungcheol tilts his head, an amused expression on his face as he studies you, those sharp eyes of his settling on yours, "What is your deal, sweetheart?" He crosses his arms, a brow raised. Sweetheart? That's new. And definitely better than lady. You can't deny how hearing him call you that makes your insides melt. "Nothing. I just want to date you," you shrug, trying to keep your wits together. His proximity is driving you wild; you can sniff a faint smell of cologne and cigarette, him being inches away from you. This time he laughs loudly, a mocking laugh you'd say. "Who sent you?"

Oh my god.

You roll your eyes. "Nobody sent me! Do I look like I'm a gang member or something?" "Then I don't see a reason why you'd want to date me," He states, throwing a challenging look at you.

"What if I said I have a thing for bad boys?"

He snorts. "You don't look the type to date bad boys," he mocks. "Who are you to say that?" You cross your arms. "I want to date you because I think you're hot, okay?" You can not believe you just said that. Looks like you don't have control over your mouth anymore. Warmth spreads throughout your face like a forest fire.

Seungcheol narrows his eyes on you, his tongue poking his cheek as he stands in front of you as if trying to read your mind. After a beat he sighs before looking at you, his eyes becoming darker than usual and his gaze unforgiving. "Hey. Does it look like I'm playing house here? Do you have any idea about the shit I do? The dirty work I do? I don't care if you have a fucking fetish or whatever but this is the last time I'm warning you. I don't want to see you around again. If I see you here once more, you're in fucking trouble," he spits and starts stomping away. His tone is serious and you know very well he is not joking, which is why you use your last resort. You're embarrassed at yourself for being so desperate but at the same time you feel shameless. It has almost turned into a game at this point, you want to make him surrender. That's right, you want him to give in. "You shouldn't be like that with me. I saw you, a few days ago. That night, when you and your friends were beating up that guy...in the playground," you casually stroll to come stand right behind him.

You can't believe you are blackmailing a gangster. Your death must be near.

Seungcheol whips his head back, his eyes glaring at you and you can almost see fire in them. Finally, you got his attention.

"My friend also saw it, we both did. You killed him, didn't you? Me and my friend witnessed a murder. What do you say? Should we go to the station?" You can see his jaw clench and you can't hold back a victorious smirk. Moments pass by as your words hang in the air and the tension between you gets thicker. Yet once more he surprises you, breaking the silence with a chuckle, "Well I killed one person, what makes you think I can't take care of another?"

You swallow.

"Well, my friend already knows so if I go missing you can be sure that the cops will come to you first." You throw back at him.

When did you get so wreckless?

Seungcheol stares at you for a few more seconds before shrugging and moving his hand dismissively, "Well then go tell the cops. I don't give a shit." He starts walking back to the bar leaving you starstruck. He stops and turns towards you before opening the door, "Also, I meant it. I hope I don't see you around. Otherwise I may just have to hurt that pretty face."

-

You don't show up after that.

Mostly because you are embarasssed.

It's been a good while after your last encounter with Seungcheol and you didn't go to the police, obviously. Because you don't have evidence and from what you've heard Seungcheol is pretty influential around here and you don't need to go to an extent to get on his bad side. You're definitely gonna end up dead if you do so, which you don't want just yet.

Classes have just finished and you and Katelyn step out of the classroom together, walking through the hallways and into the main campus. She rambles on about some bad sushi she ate yesterday while your mind remains preoccupied. Maybe you need to get laid. Maybe that'll make you forget about Seungcheol. You just need good dick that's probably why you were so desperate for him.

That's just a stupid lie.

You don't realise Katelyn is calling you until she shakes you by the shoulder and you snap back into reality. You notice her face is as pale as a ghost and following her line of sight your eyes stop on him.

Him. Seungcheol.

What?

You double take, blinking furiously to confirm your vision. He's standing there, in the parking area of your uni, leaned against a convertible Ferrari, a cigarette between his lips. He looks relaxed, like he does this regularly. Students whisper in each others ear while gawking at him curiously. "What did you do!" Katelyn yells. "Nothing!" You hiss back.

"Then why is he here!"

"I don't know!"

Your eyes meet with Seungcheol's and a smirk spreads across his face making you shiver. He stands up straight and tilts his head, an indication for you to come closer to him. "Fuck, he's here for me," you mumble. "Of course he's here for you, dumbass," Katelyn snaps. "Well, if I don't return, you know who killed me." You sigh starting to walk towards him. "Wait- you're going with him?" She asks incredulously.

"Don't worry. I'll keep my phone on. I don't think he's gonna murder me, I mean there are so many witnesses." You inhale deeply, leaving behind a lost looking Katelyn.

Seungcheol says nothing as you stand right in front of him raising an inquisitive brow but he only holds open the door for you to get in. Deciding to follow him you enter the car quietly and a wave of gasps go through the crowd.

There's gonna be talk about this tomorrow.

Seungcheol, still smirking victoriously for some reason rounds the car and gets inside and within seconds you're hitting the road. There's a thick silence for a while, which feels like ages to you. You're overwhelmed, bewildered to say anything; your poor brain still processing what is happening. You're nervous, jittery as you fiddle with you bag and look out on your side, for some reason scared to look at him.

What if he really kills you? He wouldn't, right?

"You're awfully quiet," Seungcheol says matter of factly as he spares you a glance while driving.

"I'm... processing."

"What are you, a robot?"

"Why are you doing this?" You question instead.

"Doing what?"

"Okay, you know very well what I mean. Why are you picking me up from uni all of a sudden? How do you even know I'm a student there?" "I have resources and...you didn't protest at all. You came along nicely," Seungcheol raised a brow at you, a cocky smile on his lips. You don't answer but continue to stare at him, trying to pin him down with your gaze. He finally sighs and pulls the car to a stop by the side of the road, the sudden brake making you slightly jerk in your seat. "I've decided to give you those 3 dates. That's why," He is calm, unreadable and you wonder if this is a prank. Then again, he has no reason to prank you, does he? "Really?" Your voice comes out breathy. "Yes. I thought I'd give you a taste of how it feels to be with someone like me. I can scare people without physically hurting them you know," He says in a menacing tone.

"So what? You're taking me to an underground fight or something?" You question. "Nah, we're keeping it simple today." He smirks as he starts the car again and turns on the radio, an indication that he doesn't want to converse anymore.

Shamelessly you take a good look at Seungcheol; he's dressed in another jacket today paired with a black tee underneath. Today, you notice he has upped his accessory game, his fingers full of rings and chains dangling from his neck. But what catches your attention is a tattoo, something like a dragon and words written in a language you don't understand, peeking from underneath his sleeve. You almost ask about it but decide it'll probably be too much and he wouldn't answer you anyway.

As you do so, in the back of your mind you think you should have dressed better, something cuter, more appropriate for a date rather than a plain blouse and jeans. But then again who knew Choi Seungcheol was gonna show up out of the blue. You're gnawing at your lower lip, lost in your thoughts when the car is pulled to a halt and you realize your ride is over. You're parked in front of a diner called Lacy's and from the vibe that the place is giving, you can tell that this is place where people like him hang out. You raise a questioning brow at Seungcheol who says, "I know it doesn't look fancy but trust me I has some of the best food I've ever eaten." Taking his words for now you quickly type out a text to Katelyn letting her know you're in one piece and get out of the car.

Once you're seated you look around the place which is relatively empty except some men playing pool at the far end. You watch Seungcheol who has gone to the reception booth to place your orders; his posture relaxed as he leans against the counter and talks to the girl standing there. They seem to know each other because their chat takes longer than it should and the girl has a shy, almost flirty smile on her face.

He probably fucks her.

You shake the thought off your head as the gangster comes back and sits in front of you. There's silence for a second as you wonder if you should just ask the questions that run free around your mind. "Are the rumours true?" You blurt out. He's raises a brow.

"About you. You know..."

"Do you want them to be true?" He asks back. "I don't...know," you reply. "Well, I think it depends on each person. If you want it to be true it is true, if you don't it isn't," he shrugs, leaning back in his chair. "Why don't you just give me a straight answer?" you snap. He smirks as if he's having fun but doesn't reply, watching you with his arms crossed. You roll your your eyes, blowing out an exasperated breath. "You know, I haven't seen one like you. Willingly hanging out with dangerous people, going to dangerous places. You say you saw me kill someone yet you're here. You're almost desperate to get in trouble," he observes. "I'm not desperate to get in trouble. I just...I'm just- attracted to you alright?" This is so embarrassing. You need to shut your mouth. "You've been on my mind ever since that night. I wanna see exactly how deep I'm into you." You bite your lip.

That's enough. You will boost his ego through the roof like this.

Seungcheol studies you for a bit before grinning cockily, "Well, if you didn't know, I am trouble baby. Just you being with me might end you up in a mess." Before you can reply, your food is served, that same girl from the booth setting down your plates and looking at Seungcheol for a bit too long with that same stupid smile which he returns. You don't know why but you feel jealous, jealous of whatever these two share, whatever she has with him.

You've lost your mind at this point. You're on a high that is Seungcheol. He has made you forget your morals, made you completely lose your mind. Or maybe you've been too good all your life and seeing him brought out that crazy, thrill seeking part of yourself.

Silently you dig into your food and as Seungcheol said, the food is really good. This is one of the best meatloaf you've ever had and you can't help but moan. Seungcheol watches you with an amused smile before popping a fry in his mouth.

"What's your major?" Seungcheol asks out of the blue.

"Uh- sociology."

"Mmhmm."

You're about to ask him what he studied in college but you assume he probably never went to one so you seal your lips. You wonder what his background is and who his parents are but you don't want to get too personal on the first day. So you ask something else, "How old are you?" He laughs out loud before he deadpans, "Thirty five." "What!" You almost choke.

There's no way he's-

"Why? What did you expect?"

"I... I don't know! A few years older than me? You're kidding right? You don't look thirty five." He has to be bluffing. "And how old would you be?" "You shouldn't ask a woman her age," you try to make a point. "Don't you have any manners?" He smirks,"I don't, sweetheart. To answer your question, I'm twenty eight."

Uh huh.

"Well, I'm twenty one," you mutter under your breath. You don't know if he hears it because he doesn't give any reaction, busy twirling a fry in sauce. The rest of your meal is full of silence as you wonder if your date will end like this; dry and boring. He's awfully silent and seems to be lost in thoughts as he doesn't engage in a conversation. You're about to take your last bite when the silence is broken by him.

"What did you see that night?" He leans over, his elbows resting on the table as he suddenly regards you with a sombre look, his earlier cockiness vanished. His eyes have once again gone dark and his demeanor says he's not being superficial right now. You're caught off guard as you cough loudly, reaching for your glass to take a sip of water. "What?"

"You heard me. What did you see that night? Exactly how much did you see?" He repeats. You're confused. You thought he didn't care about it. He said it didn't matter. So why is he bringing it up now? You've worked hard to push that night in the deepest part of your brain, pretending it didn't happen.

And then suddenly it clicks.

"You!" You point an accusatory finger at him as you catch on to his plan. "You've agreed to go out with me so that you can find out what I saw that night!" Seungcheol groans, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Ugh, just fucking tell me!" He snaps, annoyed that you've found out his little scheme. You scoff, "I thought you said you didn't care? Besides it's not like I'm going to tell the police." He rolls his eyes and leans back into the couch. "Just tell me and let me go."

You're baffled. His actions didn't make any sense and you actually thought he had no other intentions behind dating you but holy shit this sneaky bastard. "You sly little asshole!" You hiss at him. "Call me that once more and you'll regret it." He threatens. You roll your eyes sagging back into your seat, "Whatever." Then an idea hits you. "You know what, I'll tell you exactly how much I saw that night." You have Seungcheol's full attention now as he stares intensely at you, waiting for your next words. "On our third date. When this whole deal is over, I'll tell you. But in return you'll have to keep your promise and take me out on two more dates."

"Oh fucking hell," he groans rubbing his face in frustration. His state makes you smirk and you feel accomplished.

Choi Seungcheol is stressed because of you.

What a day to be alive.

You murmur, "Besides this isn't even a proper date. This was more like an interrogation. But I'll go easy on you and won't make you redo this date." You give him a sweet smile and he sees red. You can literally see fury blaze in his eyes. "Whatever!" He yells and abruptly stands up. "I don't have time for this. Your stupid play date is over. I'm dropping you home."

Before you can reply, he's marching towards the door. You've to admit this wasn't the best date but at least you've trapped Choi Seungcheol.

-

It has been a good week after your so called date at the diner and you haven't heard from him. You expected him to call or text you since he was gracious enough to ask for your number but he didn't. You now realize it was a mistake to not get his number; you had asked him for his when he took yours but being the prick he is he denied to hand over his number to you. You should have forced him to, you sigh. As you sit in the library the ping of your mobile distracts you from your racing thoughts as you realize you have a message. Picking the device up you tap on the notification. Even though it was from an unknown number, you have no trouble figuring out who it is from. A smile graces your lips as you read the words over again.

I'll pick you up from your house tomorrow evening at six.

That's all it says and that is good enough to send a thrum of excitement throughout your body.

-

You have not held back in dressing up today and you realize it's been a long time since you've dolled up yourself. A long before the clock strikes 6 you are ready; dressed in a cute pastel top and a matching skirt. You've also went ahead and applied makeup, not too much but just enough to maybe catch his eye. Maybe.

You wonder what he has planned for today.

A text from Seungcheol saying he's here has you flying out of your apartment as fast as your feet can carry your desperate self to see him. He stands in front of your apartment with his convertible, dressed in a white jacket that matched his pants. You take a deep breath before walking towards him, trying to calm all your nerves down.

"You know I expected to hear from you earlier. I've been waiting all week," you voice makes his head turn around to meet your eyes as you are skipping towards him with a teasing smile in your face. "I've been busy," he shrugs coolly, his eyes going over your whole body, from your legs to your face. He doesn't hide that he's taking a good look at you, in fact does it unashamedly.

You wonder if he likes what he sees.

Someone dressed up today," he comments. "Too bad we aren't going to a place where you can show off your pretty clothes." You frown, "Where are we going?" Seungcheol holds open the door, a mischievous smile on his face. "I've decided to grant your wish." With a confused face you get inside the car, the gears in your head running. What does he mean?

"I'm taking you to an underground fighting ring," he says with smirk as he reaches for something behind his seat. He pulls out a large hoodie and tosses it towards you, "Put this on. Otherwise you are going to attract a lot of attention and you don't want that." You gulp, taking the hoodie and putting it on you. You're slightly embarrassed. You were so excited to try this outfit but it's not like you knew he was taking you to a fight club. Hell you would have dressed like a guy if you knew. You shrug on the hoodie and it falls almost to your knees but it's huge and comfy and most importantly it smells like him. There's a hint of cologne, nothing too strong; a subtle, expensive scent that makes you want to take a deeper sniff. You wonder if you can keep this with you.

Stop it, pervert.

Seungcheol's voice pulls you out of your haze, "You can take it off later. Just wear it until we're out of there," he says and brings the engine to life.

Then you actually think about it. Underground fighting ring? Holy shit. You were only kidding when you mentioned it. Admittedly, you're shocked, somewhat horrified. Everyone knows it isn't the best place to be at especially for someone like you who never had such an experience. Seungcheol must have seen your expression because the smile on his face gets bigger, "Why? You not up for it?" His voice is teasing.

He's challenging you.

Oh well.

"Of course I'm up for it," you square your shoulders, keeping your voice cool. "Bring it on."

-

Seungcheol leads you into a bar and then through a door at the back that leads down to a lot of stairs, reaching a place similar to an underground parking lot. Quietly you follow Seungcheol, staying as close to him as possible, your bodies occasionally touching. He leads you to a pair of double doors and from the other side you can hear men shouting and chanting.

This is it, I guess.

Seungcheol throws one more smile at you before pushing open the doors as you scramble to follow him closely. The sight that greets you something you only see in movies. There's a boxing ring where two people are throwing punches at each other and surrounding them from all sides is a wild, loud and excited crowd. They continue to cheer loudly as the two men in the ring continue to box and you hear their grunts and groans.

Holy shit.

Swallowing your eyes meet Seungcheol's who is regarding you with curiosity. "What do you think?" He has to speak loudly for you to hear over the screaming throng. "Uh... It's loud," you say dumbly as you try to think of a reply. But it's too loud for you to even think properly as you take in your unfamiliar surroundings. You see a tall man approaching towards you and out of reflex you shuffle closer to Seungcheol until you realize it's his friend. The guy from the first night. He and Seungcheol grin at each other, patting their backs as they talk close to each others ears. You gawk at them curiously and realize they must be talking about you because his friend takes curious glances at you occasionally. His friend is tall, really tall and well built but unlike his body his face is sweet and puppy like, almost cute. When he grins his canines pop up just like a puppy and you wonder if all his friends are good looking.

After he's done chatting with his friend Seungcheol pulls you close and says, "This is my friend. Mingyu. Always stay near him, you hear me? Don't stray away unless you wanna get hurt." His eyes are stern as he pins you down with his stare but you have other thoughts running in your head.

"What do you mean? Where are you going?" You yell over the noise.

He just smirks at you and starts taking his jacket off. "About time you see how we do it around here." His tone is cocky as he hands his jacket to you, "Hold this for me. And stay close to him."

Giving a look at Mingyu Seungcheol starts walking away towards a door that you're guessing is the changing room.

He's gonna fight.

"Wait- but-" Mingyu stops you with a hand on your shoulder and offers you a kind smile. "It's fine. Just stay with me." He then ushers you towards the crowd, spotting a place where you can get a good look at the ring. "Do you guys do this often?" You look up at Mingyu. He smiles sheepishly, "Not me. I tried a few times and I always end up beaten to a pulp. But hyung does this often, he's really good."

"Uh huh, I'm sure he is," you smile dryly. "This is your first time watching a fight, no?" "Definitely." He grins, "Watch carefully then. It's really fun."

You have your doubts on how watching people beat each other up can be fun but you don't comment anything, instead chew on your lip anxiously. Seungcheol really didn't have to go this far? What if he gets hurt badly? Is he trying to impress you?

Don't flatter yourself, your subconscious rolls her eyes.

As the loud cheering that had died down ensues again, your train of thoughts are halted as you see Seungcheol in shorts and his hands covered in boxing gloves, step into the ring. You can't help but ogle at his naked torso, his finely defined and chiseled muscles. He has the perfect body, not too bulky, not too lean just the right amount that gives you a hard time taking your eyes off him. He seems to have noticed your gaze because the second your eyes meet, he throws a haughty, knowing smirk at you. Embarrassed you avert your gaze elsewhere.

His opponent is a muscular man who's growling and banging his chest with his fists, a gesture of intimidation, you suppose. You are definitely intimidated and you wonder if Seungcheol can actually win against him.

The fight starts with a whistle and in mere seconds they are on to each other, throwing punches left and right. Your eyes have a hard time keeping up with them and their fast reflexes and your hands fly to your mouth as a punch lands on Seungcheol's face, followed by repeated blows as Seungcheol falls back. There's a moment of silence as he wipes his bottom lip and you realize there's a cut.

He tilts his neck, popping the bones and glaring at the other man before launching himself on top of his opponent. The next moments are a blurry mess, Seungcheol beating the guy repeatedly until he ends up on the floor but he doesn't stop there. Seungcheol ends it with a sharp jab to his spine and you have no doubt the other man has broken bones with the ways he howls in pain. The match comes to an end like that as the people cheer wildly while Seungcheol steps down from the stage. Mingyu grins at you happily as if what you witnessed was just a regular occurrence, something you should be cheerful about. Shaking your head at the situation, you let out a deflated sigh.

Their life is really so different than yours.

-

Seungcheol seems to be in a very good mood after the fight as he buys you both some sandwiches and drinks from a deli after you both step out of the bar. You both sit down at a park nearby to eat and watch the night sky. "You know, I thought you were gonna lose," you speak after taking a few bites of the sandwich. Seungcheol scoffs, "You underestimate me, sweetheart. I've been doing this for a long time."

"Do you enjoy it?" You ask quietly, focused on peeling the wrapper from your food. You feel Seungcheol's stare on you. "Yes. Why? Are you scared already?"

"No. I was just... curious. Your definition and my definition of fun is totally different." You murmur. "Of course. What did you think? I go to the mall and shop and watch movies with my friends when I'm bored?" His tone is sarcastic. You bite your lip. "No I didn't. It's just...I feels different now that I have experienced it first hand." Seungcheol offers nothing more, taking a sip of his coke and leaning back into the bench. A silence stretches between the both of except the rustling of the wrapper of your food. "How long have you been doing this?" You blurt out. He frowns at you and you don't expect him to answer but he surprises you.

"For a long time."

He doesn't offer anymore and you don't have the heart to prod him for an actual answer. "And how long do you plan on doing this?"

"What?"

"I mean... don't you have any other plans. Like...do you wanna keep doing what you are doing for the rest of your life? Don't you wanna like... settle down maybe?" Your voice is soft as if you are talking to a child. Seungcheol looks annoyed. He doesn't speak for a while as he stares at the ground, a frown etched to his face. You're about to take back your question when he replies, "I really don't think you understand. I've been trying to tell you that my life is completely disparate to yours. So I don't think like you. I don't have plans like you but neither am I expected to follow a certain pattern like you. I can do whatever the fuck I want, ___. So don't look at me like you pity me. I'm the last person here that should be pitied. " His tone is sharp and it makes you feel bad, like a sensation of needles pricking your heart. "I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry," You whisper, feeling timid as you look down at your lap. He mutters, "Don't go poking your nose in other people's business. Specially people like me."

He's right. You shouldn't have asked that. You are not close enough to ask things like that. After that there is a silence, this time, an awkward one. There's palpable tension in the air and you feel jittery. Should you just ask him to take you home?

It's still early and truth be told, you don't want to leave him just yet. You only have one more date to go and judging by his reaction, he is in no way interested in a relationship. You heave out a long sigh. You knew very well what you were getting into, yet you couldn't stop yourself. Seungcheol is like a poison, the sweetest one, the one that has you addicted and unable to let go, no matter how much it hurts.

This is a fucking mess.

"Let's get going. I have plans," Seungcheol announces, standing up. You want to protest but you feel like you have ruined the mood, so you follow him mutely to his car.

The drive to your house is awfully quiet, to the point you want to scream out of frustration. Seungcheol seems to be lost in his head as he makes no move to talk. It's like you are alone, but you're not and it's worse, the air full of tension. Soon you have reached your house and he stops the car but keeps the engine rolling, indicating his rush. He keeps still and stares ahead while gripping the steering wheel as you step out of the car in silence. "Thanks for dropping me home," you say lamely, your voice meek. You turn around to walk away but his voice stops you in your tracks.

"I promised you three dates and I will keep my word. I expect you to keep yours, ___. I hope you will tell me what I want to hear when we meet next time." His tone is sharp with an edge of threat and you barely get to nod before he drives away.

It's not until you're inside your apartment that you realize you still have his hoodie on. Quickly fishing out your phone you type out a text.

I'm sorry, I forgot to return your hoodie.

After a while, his reply comes.

Keep it.

-

You watch Katelyn as she fills her lunch tray with food before walking over and taking a seat opposite to you. She looks extra radiant today, which probably has something to do with the way she's dressed; a bright colourful outfit which undoubtedly she put a lot of time into considering. She has a date, with a guy she has been talking to for the last few weeks. It reminds you of your pitiful situation and you sigh, trying to shrug off those thoughts.

It has been a good couple weeks since you last saw Seungcheol and you have not exchanged a word after that night. In the back of your mind you wonder if he is even alive. You want to message him, you really want to because you are going crazy but after how your last date ended, you can't bring yourself to. You are scared, exactly of what, you can't put your finger into.

The entire situation you have put yourself into is fucking scary. They say you become sure of your feelings after three dates but it did not take that much for you. You already are very certain about your feelings for him and how deep they run exactly and you also know that in the end you will be left scarred. He would never be yours. He has probably forgotten about you or decided that it is not worth another date to figure out what you saw that night.

You let a desperate, pitiable sigh.

"I know you are hiding things from me but I understand that you are not ready to talk yet. But I want you to know I am here for you okay?" Katelyn's voice makes you blink your way out of your thoughts. She squeezes your hand tightly and gives you a reassuring smile and you're left feeling guilty.

"I ...I will tell you. Soon. Just give me a bit more time," you whisper. She nods in understanding. A grateful smile touches your lips as her words make you emotional. Then there's a ping from your phone letting you know there's a message. Without giving it much thought you open the device and your eyes go wide.

I'll take you out for dinner tomorrow night. Wear something formal.

-

You wait outside your apartment for Seungcheol. Your day has passed by in a flurry of excitement and nerves as you carefully picked your outfit and did your hair and makeup. A soft baby pink dress that stopped just above you knees adorns you as your hair rests just above your neck in a loose bun.

You are fiddling with your fingers as you think about how this night is gonna end and wether you will ever see him again when a car screech that grabs your attention.

Seungcheol's convertible has taken a stop in front of you and you see the man getting out the vehicle and take big steps towards you.

You're mesmerized.

Perhaps there is not enough word in this world to describe his looks or perhaps you've simple lost the ability to speak; either way, you just stand and stare, drinking the godly man that stands in front of you. He looks delectable, completely flawless and agonizingly gorgeous in his sharp black suit and pants, with a silk black shirt underneath, the top couple buttons undone that reveals a beautiful porcelain skin. His hairstyle completes the look, parted to one side in a sleek way and showing his forehead and oh god is it sexy. You realize you have a forehead kink, if there is anything as such.

If you weren't in love with him before you are now.

He looks ravishing, and you wonder why it isn't illegal to look this good. It should be because you have completely lost control over yourself. Nothing exists in your world except for him and you feel paralyzed, unable to do anything but drink him in. You wonder if you are even worthy to stand beside him.

"____?" Seungcheol calls you, snapping his fingers in front of your eyes. He must have been calling you while you were eye fucking him. "Oh! Um, hi." You're flustered. "You- you look really, really nice." It isn't enough but it's what you can get past your lips. A knowing smirk kisses his lips before he teases, "Well, you look really, really nice too." Motioning you to his car he says, "Shall we? We'll be late for our reservation."

"Yeah, of course," you say, hurrying over to his car, embarasssed at your foolery. Seungcheol must have noticed you ogling him like that. But you don't really care when he looks like that. It is his fault for looking so devilishly handsome and idly you wonder if he did that on purpose. If he's deliberately teasing with, trying to make you the most miserable before letting you go with a slap of reality to your face. Pushing away those plagueing thoughts, you sit up straight and clear your throat as Seungcheol comes to sit beside you and brings the engine to life.

A decently long and quiet (except for the music from the radio) but not quite uncomfortable car ride later, Seungcheol stops in front of a really fancy and expensive looking restaurant just by the sea. You did not except him to take you to a high end restaurant, otherwise you would have put some more effort in your looks.

Feeling slightly out of place you quietly follow Seungcheol into the beautiful European styled building after he hands his keys to a valet. The interior is dripping with polished furnitures and extravagant chandeliers and marble floors as guests dressed elegantly have their dinner. As you look around the place in awe Seungcheol talks to the receptionist who then guides you towards a staircase that leads to a pair of large double doors decorated with gold which then, opens to a large balcony. In the middle of it sits a table with two chairs and an unceremonious gasp escapes your mouth as you realize this is where you will be having dinner.

The man from earlier takes his leave as Seungcheol helps you sit down before taking a seat for himself while you take in everything, overwhelmed with all your surroundings. Why did he put so much effort for a lousy and fake date?

"What do you think?" He asks with a smirk as he rests one of his elbows on the table.

"I'm overwhelmed," you reply quietly, honestly. He chuckles, "Well this place has really good food and a fantastic view so I thought it wouldn't bad for our last date."

Last date.

"It's really beautiful. I don't know why you did this but thank you, really," you murmur, eyes on the satin table cloth with intricate golden lining. Everything about this place is so pretty.

"Well, I decided it would be beneficial for me to extract words from you if you are wooed," his words have a teasing tone to it and his demeanor is completely different from last time, giving you a whiplash but you are not sure if he's fully joking. Before you can say that you are definitely wooed, a waiter appears to take your order and you leave the duty of ordering to Seungcheol since he seems to frequent this place. Prior to his leave, the waiter pours you Seungcheol's champagne of choice and then, you two are alone once more.

Reaching for the flute, you quickly gulp down the champagne to soothe your dry throat and to calm all your nerves.

Over dinner you talk about your uni and your parents back home and the farm they own. While Seungcheol mostly keeps quiet he doesn't ignore you but listens carefully, occasionally passing glances your way or commenting. He does not offer anything about him, which you expected and you don't ask any questions about him either. Instead you try your best to keep his interest in your words despite the lack of it from his side.

After a hearty meal of poached lobsters and wagyu beefs and creamy soups comes dessert; a chocolate orange mousse with spiced fruits and yogurt sorbet. You start eating your dessert in silence, the occasional crashing of waves filling the complete lack of sounds.

This location is truly magnificent and breathtaking, almost having a feel like you're in a fancy resort in a luxurious tropical island. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful place you have ever been, let alone have dinner at and you wonder if you would ever have the chance to visit some place like this had you not met Seungcheol. The man in question, continues eating quietly, seemingly lost in his thoughts. He looks lovely as always, if not more and you try to burn this image in your mind for you to look back at later. You want to ask him so many question, you want to tell him so many things but you're scared. Sacred if you do so this moment will break, scared it will annoy him and end your final date all too early. So you bite your tongue and finish your food as he does and after your plates are cleared away, you are served another expensive champagne as an end to your luxurious dinner.

Even though Seungcheol doesn't say anything, you assume it is time to spill the beans, to say what he has been wanting to hear from the beginning. You have teased him enough and it is time you give him what he deserves. Taking a deep breath, you open your mouth. "Me and Katelyn heard noises from the playground that night so we decided to check. It was pretty dark and we were tipsy but I recognized you and you were... beating someone up. We stayed there and watched until one of us accidentally made some noise. We were scared that you heard us so we ran. That's all that happened."

You have Seungcheol's full attention now as he listens cautiously, his sharp eyes trained on you. Gulping, you clench your hands together underneath the table, waiting for his reaction. There seems to be an eternity of silence as Seungcheol simply stares at you as if he's debating whether your words are true or not. It's torturous, awfully agonizing and when you can't bear it anymore you're about to speak but he beats you to it.

"I didn't kill him." His voice is quiet. You let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding. Somewhere in the back of your mind you believed it, you believed he wouldn't be cruel enough to kill someone just like that and as soon as he speaks those words you believe him, without a doubt, without a second of delay.

"I believe you." You whisper, holding his gaze. "That asshole deserved what he got. He shouldn't even be alive but I let him go. He's in a hospital now, if you are wondering." You nod quietly. It's scary how much you believe him, how much you trust him even though he is pretty much a stranger.

There's a moment of silence as you bask in his presence before he speaks, "____, men like me, we aren't the nicest people. But we are needed, the cops need us around. People like me do the dirty works for people like you so y'all don't face troubles. We do things in an unconventional way but that's just who we are. We aren't as bad as the rumours say but we definitely aren't someone you should be with." You open your mouth to protest but his sharp gaze makes you stop. "If you have not understood it yet, let me say it out loud. I am trouble. People like me is always bad news. Whatever we did until now, I hope you forget. That's the best, ____ trust me. I think we both got what we wanted so let's call it a night." Just like that, he stands up, not waiting for your reply.

You gawk at him, baffled as he pays the bill and starts walking away. Tears burn the back of your eyes and you bite your lip to hold them back. The ending that you had expected has taken place but you are having a hard time accepting it. Your subconscious reminds you that you deliberately got yourself into this even though you saw this coming. So there is no one to blame for it but you. Grabbing your purse, you stomp your way out of the restaurant and towards Seungcheol's car.

Seungcheol barely acknowledges you as you both get in the car and he presses the key to the ignition. You are fuming in your seat, his words and the way he dismissed you cutting you deep. His words come to you, I think we both got what we wanted. You want to laugh. How can he possibly think that? Is he really so stupid or is he deliberately ignoring your interest in him? You want to smack his perfect face, curse and scream at him but all you can do is sit still with your arms crossed as steam comes out of your head. Is he really not curious about your feelings? Does he possess none for you? Does these few days with you mean nothing to him? You have so many unanswered questions. Leaning back into your seat, you close your eyes and let out a frustrated sigh.

It feels like in the blink of an eye the drive to your place is over as Seungcheol halts his car in front of your apartment. He does not utter a single word, doesn't even spare a glance at you while patiently waiting for you to get out of the car.

Asshole.

You inhale deeply, trying your best to gather yourself together as you take off your seatbelt and turn towards him.

"Seungcheol?" Few seconds pass before he looks at you. Words are stuck in your throat. When your eyes meet his, you become mute, overwhelmed with emotions as your words die in your tongue. He keeps staring at you, not opening his mouth but waiting for you to speak. "Is this goodbye?" Your voice breaks.

"I believe we don't have any reason to see each other. We both got what we wanted," He says without batting an eye. You're left bemused, one step away from landing a slap on his face. How dare he say that?

"Do you really believe that?" Your words come out as an accusation. "I wanted to go out with you because I thought I have feelings for you! And I do! And my feelings have only increased since I first saw you. I want to see you again, Seungcheol. You may have gotten what you wanted but I didn't." Your fades into a whisper as tears burn the back of your eyes.

Seungcheol stays quiet, staring ahead, his brows knitted as if he's annoyed. "I promised you three dates, ____. And I gave you that. It's over. Your feelings? You'll get over them. It's better to be in pain for a while that be with someone like me."

"You can't say that! I get to decide for myself!"

"____," he sighs, rubbing his temples. "I'm a bad man. You should leave while you still have a good image of me. You'll get hurt because of me and I've caused enough pain to enough people. Just...go. Just forget me." You stare at him as frustrated tears roll down your cheeks. He doesn't meet your gaze but turns his head the other way. You are angry, infuriated and heart broken all at a time. Clenching your fists you inhale a shaky breath before reaching for him.

Before you can chicken out, you tilt his face towards you and quickly press your lips against his. Seungcheol seems to be shocked as a small gasp leaves his mouth but you don't let him push you away. Instead one of your hands come to rest on his thigh as he other cups his face to keep his mouth against yours. You kiss him with all you have left, pouring in every bit of passion and love for him as your tongues intertwine. By the time you are both breathless, Seungcheol gently pushes you back and peers into your eyes. "That's all I can give you, ____." He says, his voice the softest you have heard. You are broken into a million pieces and as much as your heart wants to cling to him, you suddenly feel tired, deflated like a popped balloon. Your emotions have drained you out and left nothing and right now, breathing almost seems too painful for you. Taciturnly, you grab your purse and step out the convertible. You hear another door shut behind you but you don't look back as your heavy steps carry you to the entrance of your building. When you are about to enter your apartment, you accumulate all your strength and courage to spare one final glance at him.

Turning around you see Seungcheol standing by his car, hands in his pockets, simply watching you. Even though your eyes are locked on each other, you don't see any emotion in them. He looks like the same expressionless, mysterious man you saw the first day. The man you fell in love with. Taking in his gorgeous features one last time, you bite your lip and turn away, forcing yourself to walk inside your apartment building.

Your chapter with Seungcheol ends here.

Epilogue

A/N : Okay so idk why this fucking app is being like this but it says I reached the maximum of 250 blocks but I thought tum1r didn't have a word limit?? Anyway so I've decided to break it up and put the rest of the fic in another post. Please click epilogue to read that.

Taglist: @koo-18 @shiningstar-byulxx @pcisonedhaos @happyvitamin @yoongischeeksluv @haluim17 @nayam14 @horanghae-gumanhae @cottonsthings @hotcheetosnorter99 @peekabooseoksoon @acapellaanna @amixoferrthang

[alstroemeriadissonance]

Chiaroscuro (Part 3 of 3) (NSFW)

Marius x Vyn; Marius x Rosa

In which Marius finds he has to deal with crap whether likes it or not. Big sister Rosa helps him process his feels, because Vyn isn't of any help despite his two doctorates.

WARNING: NSFW; angst. (Possible) emotional manipulation.

Previous parts at Pt 1 | Pt 2

I really need to stop writing angst. But here it is, with some spicy bits.

Lemme know if you'd like more of these stuff, it has been an interesting experience trying my hand at BL.

"Cancel all of my engagements for today til the end of this week, Vincent."

Marius, after sincerely trying to concentrate at work, gave up once he accepted the realization that he was practically a lost cause and could not think of anything else other than castigating himself over the events involving his tutor--and Rosa by extension, no thanks to said tutor.

"I can't work like this," Marius literally banged his forehead onto his executive table with such force that a stack of files fell off the edge, spilling all over the floor like oversized confetti. "If I continue I may end up selling entire PAX for a--a--fucking ice cream truck. Or something."

"Master Marius!" Vincent, his secretary, ran over from his own table situated by the corner of the young acting CEO's office. "Are you alright?"

"Please tell me that was a rhetorical question, Vincent," Marius muttered, his face still full of table. "Of course am not.

"Is why I'm asking for a five day break. It's five days from today til Sunday yeah?"

"Yes." Then, "Wanna talk about it, man?" Vincent dropped his voice to his whisper, and along with it the formalities he put on when they were around other people. This was Marius, his closest friend who he grew up with, after all. "You've been out of it for weeks now. No one's asking questions yet but...I've had to refile some papers you've signed. I don't think you've really read their terms."

"Yeeaaaah. I need to mentally reset, Vince." Marius removed his face off the table's surface, rubbing the red spot located right smack in the middle of his forehead where his face made impact with teak.

Vincent smiled wryly as he sat on the edge of Marius's executive table. "Yeah, about that. That's exactly why I 'accidentally' lost one of those papers I had refiled. You were going to sell off Pharmaceuticals to a proverbial ice cream truck."

"What."

The secretary cleared his throat. "Well not exactly in those terms, and it would need board approval to formally take effect of course but, if I didn't catch it you probably won't be sitting in that chair right now."

Marius sighed, and was about to slam his head against the table again, if Vincent didn't catch him by pressing his palm against Marius's already red forehead.

"Stop it. I'll cover for you, okay?" Vincent furrowed his brow. "You want me to call Dr, Richter for you? He--"

"NO!"

Even Marius was surprised about how forceful his interjection was, and both he and Vincent fell silent for what seemed like forever.

Vincent was the first to break the silence. "If I have to hazard a guess, Dr. Richter is part of what's...plaguing you?"

Marius could only grumble in response.

"I had a hunch you were trying to avoid him when he called me. He told me you weren't taking his calls. I just told him that you had back to back board meetings recently."

"You're a lifesaver Vince."

"About that...I don't think he believed me. One of those supposed "back to back meetings" would have happened at 11 pm for my cover story to fly. He was calling at one in the morning."

"Wait. Vyn called you at one. In the morning."

"Sounded slightly...tipsy." Vincent's expression was a tad amused.

"When was this?" Marius's eyes narrowed.

"Last night. I didn't tell you because, to be honest...you aren't in such good shape to get saddled with drunk tutors."

"Shit." Marius fumbled for his smartphone from his back pocket and checked its call history. He didn't get a chance to check his phone since waking up this morning; in these instances the protocol was that if the matter was urgent and Marius couldn't be reached, they could dial Vincent instead.

And sure enough, there were more than ten missed calls from Vyn, from 11 pm last night til a few minutes before 12 midnight.

"Shit. Shitshitshitshitshit." Marius was about to throw his phone away but he wasn't going to throw a tantrum in front of Vincent. The poor secretary already had a lot of crap to deal with.

"...should I know what's up with you two?" Vincent now seemed genuinely worried. "I mean, just enough info for me to work with so I can cover for you if he calls again."

Marius pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to calm himself down. What the fuck is he thinking, trying to drunk call me? "We're just haunted by my brother's ghost." It wasn't exactly a lie, but not entirely true, either. "Is all."

"Okay," was all Vincent said, not quite convinced but wisely knew when to back off. "Should I just tell him any random excuse that seems plausible?"

"Yeah. Also," Marius handed Vincent his smartphone. "You hold onto this. I don't want to take any calls from that phone.

"From today until Sunday I'm to be reached only through the burner number, okay? Call me only when it's necessary. Like if someone tries to murder Dad or something."

"Fine," Vincent said as he pocketed Marius's smartphone. "Let me know if you need anything arranged, like transportation."

"Ehh...tell anyone who asks that I fucked off to Nosta or eloped with some chick. But I'm really just going to stay in my room and sleep til Sunday."

===

Before he entered his hibernation period, Marius decided to pay someone a visit to straighten things out with her.

Once he confirmed that Rosa was already home by five in the late afternoon, he jogged his way from where he was wandering aimlessly in the CBD to her nearby apartment.

Taking a deep breath, he rang Rosa's doorbell and hoped for the best, like not getting the door slammed on his face once she saw who dropped by her doorstep, unannounced.

"Who is it?" came Rosa's voice as she opened her door. "Marius?!"

Nice. At least she didn't sound hostile.

"Come in, quick," she pulled Marius in by the lapel of his jacket and slammed the door behind them.

"Missy?" Marius blinked, a delayed reaction. "What's wrong?"

"I really don't want to make the rounds in the tabloids again," Rosa groaned. "That last time when you picked me up from one of your satellite offices was pretty bad already."

"Oh." And Marius did tell Vincent to throw random tidbits to inquiring reporters including eloping with a girl. He had to fire him off a text to not do exactly that. "Yeah, that was careless of me. Sorry, miss."

"Marius? What's up?" Rosa peered at him with those curious, inquisitive, caring eyes that made the entire NXX team fall for her. Even Vyn, who treated her like a precious specimen that should not be sullied. Well, until the other night happened.

Vyn was already a tad touched in the head at the time.

Marius was trying to find the words to tell her--he only realized at that very moment that he was so caught up in his thoughts that while he somehow instinctually sought Rosa's presence, he did not exactly know how to articulate why.

Keeping his emotions hidden was so ingrained in him that he could not properly talk about them, at least not without the risk of being misunderstood.

He didn't have to worry however, as Rosa did not wait for his reply and instead held him in a tight hug.

"Rosa, I..."

"It's okay Marius," Rosa cooed as she gently patted his back. "You look terrible. Had a bad day?"

Marius, shocked at the heartfelt, open, non-judgmental gesture, found his lips curl in a small grimace that he struggled to unfurl into a twisted smile, to no avail.

And tears trickled across his cheeks, down to Rosa's shoulder.

She must have felt it, as she disengaged from her bear hug and held Marius at her arm's length, to have a good look at his face struggling between letting everything out or bottling his actual feelings inside.

She reached out to wipe his tears with a gentle touch. "Oh, Marius.."

Marius tried to edge out his depressing visage with a failed attempt at slipping on his little brother act. "Missy, I--"

"Hush. You know what you need?"

"What?"

Rosa grinned. "Junk food."

===

Marius somehow found himself stretched out on Rosa's sofa, which was shorter than his height, and so a good part of his lower legs were hanging off the edge off one end.

In the other end of the sofa sat Rosa, whose lap Marius used as a pillow. Both were munching cheese curls as their eyes were glued to the screen playing a random period action flick that neither of them were paying full attention to.

They were merely enjoying each other's presences with relative silence and comfort.

"Missy." Marius checked the back label of the cheese curl can. "Where's your brand loyalty? This is an import--PAX Foods has something superior, y'know?"

"Pfft." Rosa smirked as she chewed on the crunchy snack. "I'll consider once PAX comes up with a white cheddar flavor. Then we'll talk."

"Fiiiine, white cheddar it is, then, for the picky Missy Lawyer." Marius huffed. "What other flavors d'ya like, Miss?"

"Hmm, I wonder," Rosa tapped her lips with a fingertip, pretending to think out loud. "Strawberry?"

"Strawberry...cheese curls? Okay, that...sounds plausible." Marius was inwardly cringing at the thought.

"Coffee!"

"Yuck. Are you serious, Missy?"

Rosa sighed. "Okay, for serious serious this time: Matcha."

"Ehh. Vyn must have rubbed off on--"

Marius realized what he just said, and his voice abruptly stopped.

"I knew it," Rosa whispered, letting her fingers comb Marius's dark hair. "Is it about Vyn?"

Marius took a deep breath. "Yeah. I can't...I don't know. It's hard to explain, Missy." He bit his lip. "It's so hard to explain, when I tried to tell Vyn the first thing he did was make me kiss the floor."

"Um." Rosa blushed. "What does kiss the floor even mean?"

"Oh, I meant he kicked me down to the floor and almost beat me up."

"What the hell?!" Rosa exclaimed. Marius felt thoroughly vindicated by her show of indignation. "Were you hurt?"

"Yeah, a bit," Marius winced at the memory. "I guess one of the perks of being a doctor is that you know where to...inflict pain."

Rosa shook her head. "That sounds terrible, Marius. I didn't know the fight between you two was that bad."

"To be fair I did, uh." Marius gulped, suddenly finding it hard to confess what it was that precipitated everything. "I did force myself on him before that. Just a kiss, but...yeah."

"Huh." Rosa reached for the remote control and turned off the screen. Clearly the talk was becoming more and more serious. "Do you want to talk about it? Like from the top. I'm here to listen, you can stay over if you want."

"You're an angel, Rosa," Marius murmured as he adjusted himself on the sofa so he could better face her, his head still on her lap.

Marius proceeded to pour his heart out, at first struggling with his words, but once he saw that Rosa never gave off any reaction to whatever he said, just listening quietly, never judging...the words came more freely, like a river breaking through a dam.

Like how his feelings for his now tutor started since they were young. How he had to bottle up his feelings, how he was trained to bottle up his emotions, until his emotions exploded and led to the catastrophe that took place in his atelier.

How he found out, too late, that Vyn was in a relationship with his brother. That he was able to put two and two together on how affected Vyn must have been with Giann's disappearance and that he was not...quite the same ever since, with all of the walls he had erected.

And how Marius believed he did Vyn harm with the stunt he pulled in his atelier, kissing him on impulse.

Rosa listened to Marius intently, and at some point her hand found his, holding it firmly as he revealed his vulnerabilities to her, the very thing that his teachers and advisors warned him not to do.

At that moment, they fell into the roles of little brother Marius and his big sister Rosa.

"I could see it, you know. Months after Giann went missing, when people shifted from the mindset of saving my brother, to just finding him..." Marius tightened his grip on Rosa's hand. "Vyn just grew cold and his cruel streak got worse, to whoever was on the business end of his hate."

He chuckled derisively. "I didn't expect I'd be a recipient of that hate."

Marius felt Rosa's hand stroke his hair. He could not help but bunt his head against the gentle touch.

"What's sad is that Vyn really was gentle and kind back then. You know?" He smiled, waxing nostalgic. "I think Vyn deliberately does it so people back off. I dunno. Just...throwing guesses here."

"Hmm. I think so too," Rosa murmured, now letting herself speak. "So what do you want to do now, Marius?"

"For starters," Marius said as he pushed himself up to a sitting position to properly face Rosa, hard as it were to extricate himself from the comfort of her lap. "I want to apologize to you."

Rosa's head tilted to the side. "Apologize, why?"

"Because Vyn got you involved into that messy affair the other night?" Marius blushed. "Which I think started because I was dumb enough to force myself on him."

Rosa averted her eyes, laughing awkwardly as heat rose to her own face. "Well, I did...I did like it, you know? No regrets here."

"Really?"

Rosa faced him once again, an impish smile on her face. "Really. I mean. It was pretty hot."

Marius did not expect Rosa to say something like It was pretty hot especially when talking about a three-way they both participated in. His blush deepened. "Ahaha."

"Haha, yourself." Rosa flicked a finger squarely onto Marius's forehead, the same spot that was still sore from being slammed against his desk that morning. "Ow, missy! It hurts!"

"Huh, you're already hurt by that?" Rosa asked, tone incredulous. "Weakling."

"No, really!" Marius was still wincing in pain. "I hit my head on my desk. I was getting really frustrated."

Rosa blinked. "Eh?" Then, seeing that Marius was not acting, she started fussing over him. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry!" She was about to stand up, presumably to grab an ice pack, when Marius grabbed her wrist, not letting her go.

"Kiss the boo-boo Missy" Marius pouted at her. "Make it feel better?"

Rosa sighed. "Marius. Von. Hagen."

"Yeeeess, Missy?" Marius smiled, hopeful.

"As if!" Rosa then proceeded to tickle Marius, reaching out to let her fingers slip inside his jacket and have her fingertips flutter lightly along his sides.

"Aah haha Missy, that's cheating! That's low! You're cruel!" Marius cried, but this time the tears were of laughter.

Somehow in the throes of Rosa tickling Marius they ended up tangled on the sofa, with Rosa lying on top of him.

Before they could realize the position they were in, Marius enveloped Rosa in his arms, holding her close to him.

"Hey, Missy," he breathed next to her ear. "Thanks. I mean it. I...I really feel better now."

Rosa, whose head laid on his chest, could feel Marius's heart thump wildly. "No problem. I mean, I care about you, you know?"

Something inside Marius's head clicked, as Rosa's words reminded him of what Vyn said the other night.

"Missy...when Vyn said he saw how you look at me, and him...did he mean...?"

A couple minutes passed before Rosa finally replied. "Yeah. I have a crush on both of you," Rosa buried her face against his chest, to hide her blushing. "I mean, aside from both of you being really good looking, you guys were really kind to me. Even Vyn."

"Well...Yeah, I think Vyn likes you too," Marius murmured. "I guess he was just pushed over the edge with what was happening."

"So. Um."

"Hey, Rosa," Marius gulped. "Want to do it?"

Rosa froze in his arms. Uh-oh. Not good. "I mean, if you want to. Tell me how you want me to make love to you. I still think Vyn hurt you back then--I want to make it right."

Rosa giggled, then let her body relax again in his arms. "Vyn was rough, but I uh...Um. I don't exactly...dislike being handled like that."

"Wow. Missy really likes it rough, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Do you want to do it?"

"...yes. Again, you ask too many questions, Marius."

Marius took her hand and placed it over the hard on straining against his pants. "Let's go."

===

"...Marius..."

While Rosa did say that she liked how Vyn railed her from behind the other night, somehow she ended up mounting Marius in a reverse cowgirl position, giving the younger man a good view of how his cock slipped in and out of her as she gyrated her hips over him.

"Shit. This is such a good view, Missy," Marius hissed under his breath, overly aroused at the sight of his favorite lawyer's ass bounce on his hips. He felt his cock twitch inside her as she fucked herself using him, letting out her moans that sounded like a full orchestra in his ears.

He drove the back of his head deeper into Rosa's soft memory foam pillows, letting himself drown in pleasure--Rosa, who brought him emotional comfort by way of her openness, non-judgmental presence; Rosa, whose inner walls at that very moment felt exquisitely delicious and hot around his shaft; Rosa, whose soft, feminine cries spurred even more sexual arousal in him--

--a stark contrast to the lovely bouquet of roses and thorns that was Vyn, the man who occupied his thoughts day in and day out, the man who made himself out to be appreciated only from afar, the man who tortured him unintentionally with his walls when he tried to get close--

Marius wondered if he can have Vyn singing for him the way Rosa was doing right now.

His thoughts cut abruptly when Rosa started begging Marius to fuck her this time, that she was near...

"Ah, Missy...so delicious, so fuckable," he whispered as he sat himself upright, pushing Rosa all fours on her bed. "Do you want me to do you hard like how Vyn did you back in the conference room?"

"Yes! Do me hard, Marius, please."

Marius licked his lips, plunging in once again into Rosa's sopping wet sex. "You better get ready." He pulled back his hips just enough to leave the tip inside her pussy, then snapped his hips back forward with such force that made her mewl in aroused delight.

"This hard?" Marius bit his lip, he was near...

"Yes!"

"Fondle yourself, Missy," Marius grunted as he started railing her hard in a similar fashion as Vyn did the other night, "I'm about to come myself."

"Marius, ah--" Rosa's hand slipped to her mound, and, quite teasingly let her fingertips flutter around his shaft that was violently fucking her in the pursuit of his orgasm.

"Shit, missy, don't do that, I'll---"

"Marius, it's okay to shout Vyn's name--ahn--when you--come..."

"What?"

"Hahh--I can tell he's on your mind," Rosa moaned as she furiously flicked her fingertips at her sensitive bud. "So go ahead, cry his name out loud for me, will you?"

"Damn, missy, Vyn really IS rubbing off on you," Marius moaned, finding himself turned on by her unusual request. "Shit...!"

And his mind blanked out, his load coming out in violent spurts; Marius did as Rosa requested, repeatedly chanting Vyn's name as he emptied himself inside her.

===

"Man, Missy," Marius groaned as he rolled over Rosa's bedsheets. "You're really sexy in bed, y'know?"

Rosa giggled. She sat upright by the edge of her bed, watching the night cityscape, her back towards Marius. "I think it's just natural for me being touch starved all the while surrounded by incredibly attractive and unattached men day in and day out. It makes a woman just want to fuck, you know?"

"You mean the NXX? Us four?"

"Mhm."

"Eheh~ don't tell me you have designs on Luke and Artem too," Marius wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Such a smutty lawyer, you."

"I'll take that as a compliment," came her coy response.

Marius straightened himself rested his back against the headboard. Then, arms outstretched, he formed a rectangle frame using the thumb and forefingers of both his hands, capturing Rosa in the middle and the night cityscape beyond.

And, came his reverent whisper, "Beautiful."

For against the dark backdrop of the city at night, Rosa's bare skin, loosely framed by the pale pink blanket draped around her hips, gave off an exquisite illumination accented by the bronze highlights of her loose auburn hair.

Marius took the time to take in all of her curves and dips, the shadows that pooled in between soft flesh and delicate bone structure; he committed the details to his memory for painting later. No, impasto would not do. Sfumato, though... Light and shadow interplaying in fragile smoke and haze wrapping her graceful form is more befitting her than the roughness of impasto, Marius decided.

Sfumato it is.

"Missy...Rosa," Marius found himself freely pouring out his honest emotions in her presence with nary a thought. It felt quite liberating, exhilarating. "Damn it, Rosa. It's going to be hard seeing you snagged by another man," he said wistfully. "I wish...I wish it was you I fell in love with."

This made Rosa turn to face him on the bed. "Mm. Would have been nice, but I'm okay seeing you with Vyn." She laughed coyly behind her hand. "Besides, both of you will still be around me, right? I mean..." her voice trailed off. We already fucked, us three, Marius knew she meant to complete her sentence with those words.

"Ah, man...but Rosa, you're worth more than a sidepiece," Marius slides across the sheets to give her a hug.

"Stop it, you. You guys didn't make me feel like one." Rosa smiled. "In fact, thanks to Vyn's antics both you and Vyn are now part of my little harem I'm trying to build up for myself."

"...Damn. Well played."

===

Thanks to Rosa, Marius went through the first days of his emergency leave with relative peace of mind.

Handing over his phone to Vincent, letting his trusted secretary and friend deal with the calls and shield him from aggravation from work and possible emotional turmoil proved to be a very wise decision as well.

After the trip to Rosa's apartment Marius holed himself up in his room, never even leaving it to work in his atelier. The emotions stirred by the fresh memory of what took place in it was still a bit raw, and so Marius decided to avoid his atelier for now until he was sure that he could make peace with what had happened.

He did start on the prototype sketches of the painting he planned to gift Rosa, but these he did in the small, cramped desk in his bedroom.

Marius had spent his time so far playing games, watching mindless shows, and, inspired by Rosa, allowing himself to munch on junk food as he nursed his bruised heart. Training can come later, he promised himself.

Of course, he also slept a lot, in between those idle activities. And dreamt, also a lot.

His dreams flipped between Rosa and Vyn, the two presences who made the most impression on him for the past few days. Rosa, with her warm, calming and somewhat voluptuous presence; Vyn, whose cold, tumultuous, yet alluring existence colored most of his dreams night by night.

In what he thought was still one of those dreams, he saw Vyn sitting by the end of his bed, looking at him. Marius groaned, and shifted under his blanket, willing himself to go back to sleep...

Then his eyes snapped open, training his gaze once again by the foot of his bed.

Vyn was indeed sitting there, and, after a confirmatory pinch on his arm, not a part of his dream.

"Hello, Marius," said Vyn, clad in a more casual outfit of loose sweater over a collared shirt, and jeans.

Marius pulled his bedsheets closer to him, suddenly feeling vulnerable, exposed, right in his own sacred space. He did not like it one bit. "Vyn. What the hell are you doing here."

"You did not return any of my calls." Vyn crossed his legs by the edge of Marius's bed. "So I saw it fit to pay you a visit. I was worried when I heard from Artem that you could not be reached directly for the past few days."

"I believe I had Vincent tell everybody that I was on an emergency leave, Vyn," Marius murmured, voice shaky. "I just needed sometime for myself, right now." Why the hell are you here? He wanted to scream at Vyn. You're the very man I don't want to deal with right now!

"From how I understood it, Marius, your order to Vincent was merely to screen your phone calls. You never did exactly had him turn away visitors."

Marius's mouth gaped open, then closed. "Y-yeah. Fuck that. You're right." He muttered as he sunk deeper into his pillows, willing himself to be swallowed up by the earth for such an elementary lapse of judgment.

"So, what the hell do you want?"

"That's no way to talk to your tutor."

"We're not exactly on professor and student capacity at the moment, Vyn."

"That is true. But," Vyn shifted himself on the bed to better face Marius. "That does not change the fact that we are worried about you." The golden eyes behind his glasses indeed looked concerned, but Marius didn't want to trust anything concerning the doctor at the moment. Not now. He was still too raw.

"I'm fine, Vyn. Like I said. I just need some time." Marius wrapped his arms around himself.

"I apologize." came Vyn's sudden pronouncement.

Marius blinked. "What did you say?"

"I said, I apologize." Vyn repeated his words, his facial expression solemn. Marius would have pegged his visage for an angel's face from a renaissance painting, but the night at the NXX headquarters with Rosa happened and it had greatly shaken how he viewed the doctor in front of him.

"I am not going to make excuses towards how I treated you and Rosa," Vyn whispered. "Nor am I going to promise to make things right. I just want you to know I am aware that...my behavior has been inexcusable as of late."

"Yeah, well, I'm not exactly blameless either," Marius sighed. "So? You said your piece, Vyn. What else do you need from me?"

Vyn fell silent.

Then, after a few minutes of utter silence, "I need to know what you want to do with me, from now on." He faced away from Marius, looking pensive. "If need be I can assist with having your private studies under me transferred to another tutor. I cannot remove myself from my NXX duties, but I can--"

"Stop. I thought you were asking me."

Marius pushed away the blankets wrapped around him and stepped off the bed, walking towards where Vyn sat by the edge. "Do I really, really have to decide now? Just when I'm trying to clear my head?"

He stood right in front of Vyn, towering over him, arms crossed, feeling pretty pissed off.

"Did Vincent even tell you why I had to pull this long break?" Marius's teeth gritted, bile rising from his throat. "Did he tell you that I was already signing papers without actually reading them, and if it wasn't for him I would have had my ass chewed by the board and kicked out of the group?"

"...no. This is news to me."

"Well," Marius bent low, hands on knees, his eye level with Vyn's. "You're hearing it straight from me, Vyn. Thanks to this fuckery going on right now--and yes, I admit I started it, which is why I want to drop off the face of the earth--I can't think, I can't function, I have to resort to shutting myself in my room so I can have headspace to process this shitty thing I started, but really, I didn't want this." Marius's voice dripped with pure misgiving. "I didn't want to fall for you, Vyn, if I could choose I would have fallen for someone sweet and caring like Rosa instead. But no. I had to fall stupidly in love over a cold, cruel bastard like you."

Vyn averted his eyes, shifting his sights to the floor. Once again, his face was unreadable.

"So now you're here, invading my space, and I am sure that shrink brain of yours knows what's been happening to me. Admit it, Vyn, you came here for your own sake."

An almost inaudible, yet sharp gasp escaped Vyn. It was so soft that Marius could have mistaken it for another sound in his room, but his face was so close to his tutor's that he even felt the breath expel as he gasped.

Clearly, Vyn himself did not realize it.

Maybe Vyn did go here under the intention of checking whether Marius still wanted to continue studying under him or not. Maybe his desire to do whatever he wanted to do to Marius overrode his usual impeccable judgment.

There were so many maybes, but all of them academically moot now that Vyn has already given away that Marius's assessment was spot on.

"Face me. Look at me, goddamnit." Marius grabs Vyn's face by the chin, forcing his gold eyes to look straight into his purples. "I was licking my wounds, Vyn. But you just barged in here like it was nothing. You better have something with you to show for it. Now, tell me, what did you really want to do here?"

Vyn stared back at him, but with his usual cold, steely demeanor now replaced with a slightly wide-eyed blank slate.

"Well, Vyn?" Marius prodded, his face still only a few inches away from his tutor's.

Nothing prepared Marius from what happened next: Vyn leaning forward ever so slightly, capturing his lips with his.

It was a soft--even polite--kiss, with Vyn's cool lips only brushing lightly against Marius's heated ones; bereft of malice that had colored Vyn's touches from that night in the NXX headquarters. If Marius had his eyes closed during that kiss, he wouldn't have thought that it was Vyn's--the light, soft touch was unlike anything he had ever received from his tutor.

Almost a complete 180 turn.

Marius pulled away, and beheld the face in front of him: eyes still half-lidded, obscured with his long, silver eyelashes; glasses askew; and a somewhat helpless expression that he had never, ever seen on the doctor who was always composed, always put-together, ever.

And Marius realized--was this what Giann, his brother, saw whenever he looked at Vyn?

He was still Vyn, still the same man with the silver hair and pale gold eyes whose gaze can easily turn razor sharp upon command, but overlaid with that one single layer that changed everything: vulnerability.

This time, Vyn was showing his vulnerable side. Marius gulped. Was this one of those instances where Vyn let slip something in a calculated manner, to lead the situation into an outcome of his own choosing? Marius wouldn't put it past his tutor. He'd seen Vyn pull that off one too many times; some attempts were done on Marius himself, only to be realized on hindsight.

Is this what Giann sees when he looks at you?

Marius reached out a tentative hand to Vyn's face: fingertips tracing jawline; thumb running across his lips.

Vyn's now-wide open eyes, stripped of its usual passive scorn that served as his thorns, made him look younger.

"Do with me as you will, Marius," Vyn whispered as he inwardly burned under Marius's scrutiny. "If that would satisfy you."

Something in Marius snapped.

"Like hell it would," he hissed as he pushed Vyn down to the bed by his shoulders, with such force that it completely dislodged the doctor's glasses from his face.

"Ah--!"

Despite himself, Vyn's distressed yelp surprised even Marius. It was something he had never heard from him before; who was this body snatcher, and why did he choose Vyn's body to take over?

"My, how the tables have turned, Professor." Marius's lips suddenly curled into a twisted smile, attempting to channel Vyn's cruelty. "I wonder what you were thinking when you decided to go here. You know how much you pissed me off."

The student was now the one pinning the teacher to the bed--Marius held both of Vyn's wrists to his sides, straddling the older man--and with the taller, younger student's weight not even Vyn's well-trained core strength could push him off...that is, if Vyn even tried to struggle.

The doctor just laid passively, body limp, not even meeting Marius's gaze.

"Just do whatever and get it over with," murmured Vyn. Even his voice was limp, resigned.

"..."

Marius let go of Vyn's wrists, and covered his face with his hands. "Ah, shit, I can't do this." He rolled off of Vyn, giving up on his hold over his erstwhile tormentor.

"How do you even do it, Vyn?" Marius said, voice plaintive. "I--I just don't have it in me. Not when you're as good as dead, even on my own bed."

"It just means you are a better person than I am," came Vyn's flat voice.

"Yeah?" Marius let out a short, self-derisive laugh.

"So, what now, Vyn? As much as the thought of you lying down on my bed, ripe for my taking is irresistible, I really, really don't feel like it right now." he sighed. "I would have been all over you, maybe if this happened before the entire shitshow. God that would have been mindblowing."

"Probably. Maybe," Vyn pushed himself back onto an upright sitting position and faced his student. "So, I take it that you are no longer...interested anymore?"

"I wish I can give you a straight answer, Vyn. Not kidding when I said I need to collect my thoughts."

"Ah." Vyn moved to get off the bed, but somehow he settled on sitting by the edge of the bed again, his back towards Marius, shoulders slightly hunched over. "I-I will get going, then."

Marius felt despondent by the turn of events. But it was true--he didn't feel like doing anything to Vyn at all, neither retaliation for what the doctor did to him in the atelier, nor to get intimate with him.

He was just emotionally spent.

He was already closing his eyes when he heard a muffled sound coming from Vyn, who still sat there by the edge of his bed, back still facing him, shoulders still hunched over.

Then he saw the nigh-imperceptible shuddering of Vyn's shoulders.

"Vyn?"

No reply from the doctor.

"Vyn?" Marius rolled over and pulled on his tutor's shoulder so that he faced him. "Ah--shit."

Vyn was crying silently.

He bit at his finger to suppress the sound, but tears came flowing copiously down his cheeks, the neckline of his sweater now damp.

"Fuck, don't pull this on me, Vyn," Marius combed his fingers through his hair in sheer, utter frustration. "God, please. I can't take more of this."

"I-I am sorry," was all Vyn said, choking on his words. "...sorry." His crying already discovered, he gave up all pretense of concealing his sobs, the quiet, pitiful sobs that now filled the sacred quiet of Marius's bedroom.

"But why are you crying, man?" Marius was slowly losing it again, clearly not equipped to navigate through the intricacies of fucked up people and their fucked up lives. "H-how can I make it stop? How can I make you feel better?"

Marius's desperate questioning only seemed to make Vyn's sobbing worse.

"I-I am going now. I best be on my...way," Vyn hastily stood up to leave--still crying--but before he could take even three steps away from the bed Marius grabbed him by his waist and threw him back onto the bed.

"The fuck you're leaving my room in that state!" Marius hissed at him. "Are you trying to start rumors about Marius von Hagen...I don't know, abusing his private tutor or something?!"

Vyn visibly winced at Marius's heated words, as if he was indeed physically struck.

"Shit. Shitshitshit." What would Rosa do?

What did Rosa do?

Ah.

Taking a deep breath, Marius reached out with his arms and pulled Vyn towards him, letting the other man cry against his chest. Being the taller one, he let his chin rest atop the silver head as his hands tried, rather clumsily, to soothe Vyn's shuddering back.

Christ. What the fuck is happening.

"Look--Stop crying, okay?" Marius said in the most neutral tone that he could muster, while at the same time groaning inwardly. "Sssh. Come on, Vyn."

Vyn's hands gripped at Marius's shirt, his face still plastered against the student's chest.

Marius closed his eyes, silently counted from one to ten as slow as he could, and upon reaching ten, he said,

"Look, Vyn. Listen to me."

"I hear you."

Marius then gently, yet clumsily extricated Vyn from him, holding him at arm's length--a faithful imitation to what Rosa did for him--and looked at Vyn in his reddened, tear-stricken eyes.

"Vyn, I am going to say this only once, just so we're clear," Marius began, "I still am very, very, wary of you, and let's not kid ourselves, we know that you're good at manipulating people."

Vyn bit his lip, obviously hurt at what Marius outlined for him.

"Now, despite that, I will do this, because regardless of why you're crying, you're still crying, and I swear to god someone crying around me messes me up. Okay?"

Marius didn't bother waiting for Vyn's answer--there was no way the other man didn't hear him.

"That aside, let me make it clear that it could be you crying right now, it could be Rosa, or it could be any cute woman I know, and I will still do this. Okay? Okay."

With all the preamble done, Marius then tipped Vyn's chin towards him and enveloped him in a deep kiss.

His arms slid around Vyn's upper body as they kissed deeply, similar to what happened in the atelier, only this time they were both sitting on Marius's bed.

Deeper, yet gentler. Marius's hand slid upwards to the back of his tutor's head, fingers tangling with the wispy silver strands as he pushed Vyn's mouth closer to his--his tongue sliding past those lovely lips, the lips that he paid great attention to when he did his underdrawing for the portrait--greedily tasting the man who sent his life hurtling to the great uncertainty and beyond.

"I--I do not need your pity--" Vyn tried to break off from the younger's embrace, only to be pressed to his lips once again.

Marius slipped his hands underneath Vyn's layers, caressing his bare skin underneath. "Too late to back out now," Marius whispered as he pulled on the hem of Vyn's loose sweater and slipped it off over the older man's shoulders and arms. "You came here. What did you expect?"

"I only wanted to apologize," Vyn murmured as he averted his gaze from his student who was in the process of peeling off his layers. "That is all."

"It could have waited til I came back, Vyn." Marius's fingers deftly worked on the shirt buttons. "There was no real reason to come here." Finally done with the buttons, he parted Vyn's shirt, letting it slide off the man's lithe arms.

Despite all the talk of him being emotionally spent, the very sight of Vyn's supple, well-toned, naked torso made certain parts of Marius throb.

"Shit. You're really pretty," Marius licked his lips as he dipped down to plant small kisses along the side of his neck. The man smelled of sandalwood and roses--did Vyn specifically put perfume on for him before coming here? Marius thought it made Vyn extra suspicious, but at that point he did not care, not now when the man who filled most of his dreams was now moaning underneath his touches, moans that he never knew he was capable of--oh, indeed Vyn did sing delightfully--and Marius's cock throbbed achingly for him.

One of the things he learned about Vyn from that fateful night in the NXX headquarters was that the man loved to work with his tongue, the man loved to taste, the man loved to tease with that delightful pink tongue of his and so Marius wanted to try it for himself, himself now running his own tongue along the pale-skinned man's collarbone, taking his own sweet time now that they are in his room with no upcoming obligations--not that Marius would even care, anyway.

As far as he was concerned, the only important thing in the world right now is Vyn trembling in his arms.

Marius shifted Vyn so the older man leaned further back, supported by his strong arms. This gave him better access to Vyn's chest and stomach; the student slowly licked his way down from the secret beauty mark off the side of his tutor's right collarbone, down to one of his nipples now captured by his lips.

Marius gave it an tentative lick, feeling the nub harden underneath the wet touch of his tongue-tip. "M-Marius..." Vyn moaned.

Spurred on, turned on by Vyn moaning his name out loud--his name, and not his brother's--he lightly sucked on the nipple as one of his hands found the other, gently rolling it with a thumb and forefinger.

The shuddering now came strongly; Vyn now writhed in his arms, the trembling coming in sweet and enticing to Marius's sense of touch. He started craving for more of that heady, intoxicating, erotic reaction from the very object of his confused obsession--the delicious, sweet trembling under his fingers so palpable Marius almost believed he can make a sculpture inspired by it.

"Please..." Vyn's voice barely carried underneath his fast, shallow breathing.

"Please?" Marius whispered, still taking his time tasting the man's fragrant skin. "Please what." His lips left a trail of small, reverent kisses down Vyn's stomach.

"Take me."

"Ah, shit." Marius once again pushed Vyn down onto his bedsheets--gently, this time--and beheld the very evidence of the older man's arousal. The hard on straining through Vyn's pants was unmistakable. "You really want me, Vyn?"

"Yes."

Marius remembered that he had to say something before things went further.

"Full disclosure, Vyn," Marius gulped. "Before that time in the headquarters, I haven't touched another man. And my own sexual escapades has been limited. I was not lying when I said I wasn't a playboy like the tabloids make it out to be.

"So yeah, while I was walking around with this desire to fuck you for all these years, I actually am. Not experienced on how to actually fuck you."

Marius expected Vyn to laugh at him, but what he got instead was a faceful of Vyn Richter throwing himself at him, kissing his face all over with abandon. "Really now?" Vyn murmured as he licked the side of his student's face. "You're inexperienced?"

"The life of a serious art student isn't all parties and orgies, Vyn--ah---god, that's good." Marius tilted his head back as Vyn licked into his earlobe.

"But you want to fuck me?" Vyn whispered urgently as his hands slid down to his waist to undo his own belt buckle and the buttons of his pants.

"Yes, Vyn, I've wanted to fuck you senseless ever since you took my hand and invited me to come mess with the man who bullied Giann," Marius whispered, referencing one of his earlier memories with Vyn as a younger teenager.

He helped Vyn slip out of his pants and underwear.

"That was a long time ago, Marius."

"Vyn..." Marius leaned over to give his tutor an openmouthed kiss, their tongues sliding against each other, tasting each other, his hand sliding down to grasp the older man's cock.

"...you were my first sexual awakening."

"Hahh--I...I did not know..." Vyn shivered as he felt Marius's hand pump his shaft on a slow, measured, sensual pace. "Marius, I..."

"Teach me, Professor," Marius panted as he continued his ministrations on the other man's shaft. "Teach me how to fuck you."

"Very well."

Vyn laid down on his back over Marius's pillows. He reached out for one of Marius's hands, bringing it to his lips and slowly, languorously licked and sucked each of his fingers.

"Fuck, Vyn," Marius felt his cock strain harder against his pants as it twitched. "You look so sexy doing that. Ah, shit..."

The tutor kept at slathering his student's fingers with copious amounts of his saliva. Then, finally satisfied with how saturated Marius's fingers were with his spit, Vyn adjusted his position on the bed, lifting his ass a little bit, and guided his student's fingers down towards his entrance.

"Go ahead," Vyn's breath hitched in anticipation. "Slide it inside."

Fingers slightly shaking, wondering it he may accidentally hurt the other man, Marius carefully prodded the tip of his middle finger against the pert ring of muscle. To his surprise it slid inside easily, and Marius, for a single, delicious moment forgot how to breathe, his attention rapt at watching his very own finger fuck Vyn in the ass.

Gulping nervously Marius slipped his index finger next, both of his fingers inside Vyn carefully sliding in and out--

"Don't be so--ahn--afraid, Marius," Vyn now bit his finger again, trying to suppress the moaning that increasingly became louder and more frequent. "You have to--ah--loosen me up..."

"Shit," Marius's breathing transitioned into panting, increasingly turned on with the heavenly sight in front of him: Vyn writhing ever so deliciously over his pillows, his pretty cock at full mast; Marius's own fingers sliding in and out of Vyn's hole.

"God...Vyn, think you can take a third finger?"

"Y-yes..." His tutor now grabbed at the bedsheets, biting his lip as Marius tried to insert his ring finger as the third. "Aah--!"

Marius, now concentrating on loosening the tight muscle clamping down on his digits as his tutor had instructed, pressed down bit by bit until all three fingers are buried knuckle-deep.

"God, Vyn, please, let me fuck you now," Marius rode his thumb into the garter of his lounge pants and pulled out his own cock: painfully erect for some time now, tipped with precum, and quite ready to fuck his Professor.

"No not yet," Vyn moaned out loud. "Come here."

Not pulling his fingers out of Vyn's ass, Marius shifted to Vyn's side and could only groan in response when Vyn leaned slightly forward to take the student's cock in his mouth.

"Aaaahh shit," Marius panted, a loopy grin on his face, not entirely believing that he was on the receiving end of Vyn's blowjob. "This--should be fucking illegal."

Having slathered Marius's shaft with enough spit, Vyn finally let go. "If you were four years younger, yes it would be illegal," Vyn said, a touch impatient and horny. "Now feel free to fuck me. Legally."

"Yes, Professor Richter," Marius hummed as he carefully slipped out his fingers from his tutor's ass and replaced it with his cock, sitting along the entrance of his ring of muscle at first, then with slow, careful movements prodded forward inch by voluptuous inch.

"Oh, fuck," Vyn moaned, as if in pain.

"Vyn," Marius managed to stop himself from wrecking his tutor's ass with abandon. "Are you alright? What am I doing wrong?"

"N-nothing!" Vyn winced. "Continue fucking me!" His hands left the bedsheets, instead throwing his arms around Marius's shoulders to hang onto him tightly, so tightly that his nails dug into his student's flesh at the back.

It felt so amazingly, wonderfully hot, the way his inner walls clamped tightly around his shaft, yet even Marius could tell that Vyn needed to relax a little.

Would this help? Marius slipped a hand between them to work Vyn's cock with the same saliva-coated hand that he used to prepare him, and sure enough that distracted his tutor a bit, allowing Marius to fully hilt himself in one more thrust.

"Marius!" Vyn cried in response, then muffled his further cries by pulling his student in for another kiss. "Mmph--"

There was no need for further instruction. Marius started to move his hips, carefully and steadily, thoroughly enjoying the actual sensation of how it feels like to fuck his very own Vyn.

He frequently had wet dreams of him making love to his childhood friend, and now tutor, but the sensations in the dream were mere approximation of how he expected sex with him would feel like.

Now he was actually fucking him: Vyn's tight walls clamping down around his cock so deliciously, Vyn's sinful tongue thrashing against his in Marius's mouth, Vyn's fingernails digging desperately into the flesh of his back--Marius now has actual experience to base his future wet dreams on.

It felt glorious. Exhilarating. Manic.

"Mmph--Vyn, I'm about to come," Marius murmured against Vyn's lips. "Is--is it okay if I move faster?"

"Yes--ahh!" Vyn tightened his hold around Marius's neck as his student started to pummel him, each thrust hitting his walls hard.

To distract him, and also to help him chase his release, Marius pumped Vyn's cock on the same rhythm of his fucking--their hot, rapid breaths mingling, the sensations between them becoming more electric, their combined moans and cries filling the room wantonly, the bed frame creaking--

And the tide came, first washing over Vyn, a loud guttural moan escaping his throat. He arched backwards, losing himself to the strong climax that came in bursts of white and propelled with such force that a few white threads splattered his pale, previously pristine cheek.

"Hahaha, shit, you came a lot," Marius was about to laugh, but the erotic, dirty display of Vyn's cheek touched with his own sperm turned him on so much--"Oh shit, I'm coming too", he moaned with such urgency--that he came, his own come splashing inside Vyn, coating the man's inner walls white.

Both men--student and teacher--spent, they let their limbs stay tangled as they rested and caught their breaths on the sheets.

"Hahh--Vyn," Marius leaned over to lick the sperm off Vyn's cheek. His tutor's come tasted slightly bitter, tempered out with a little sweetness that was quite hard to catch. "Your sperm tastes just like you."

"You do not make sense, Marius," Vyn buried his face into one of the pillows. "Of course it would taste of me. It IS me."

Marius quietly beheld Vyn's face: flushed, forehead slick with sweat, his usually well-arranged hair now sticking out at odd angles, slightly dripping with sweat, his eyes, still slightly puffy from his crying earlier, hooded behind his silver lashes...

It was a beautiful, debauched sight. One that Marius thought would only exist in dreams.

But be that as it may, there were still things that need to be ironed out.

"Vyn."

"Yes?"

"I'm not my brother. How do you feel about me?"

"I do not know. I came here only to apologize, not fuck Giann's little brother."

"Fair enough."

"But," Vyn moved closer to bury his face against the crook of Marius's neck. "I suppose I will start seeing you. In that...way."

It's a start, at least.

===

Artem tapped the butt end of his pile of papers against the surface of the conference table, aligning the pages. "At least we know what to look for, and where to look for them," he said as he slipped the files into his binder. "Luke, where--"

"Holy shit, Marius! Is there something wrong with Marius, Vyn?!" Luke's voice carried through the corridor, prompting Artem and Rosa to run out of the conference room and join him in the corridor.

Marius was on the floor, Vyn on top of him. The way the doctor straddled Marius was a bit too odd for someone who was supposed to administer CPR.

This time, it was Rosa who cleared her throat, and swiftly dragged Luke and Artem by their arms, all the way outside the NXX headquarters. "Marius is fine! You did not see anything!"

"But--"

"He is fine, Luke!" Rosa interrupted, not letting her best friend get a word in edgewise. "Let Dr. Richter um, treat him!"

"Ookay?"

In the meantime, Artem was oddly quiet, a red flush creeping from his collar up to his entire face.

Rosa pulled on their arms--linked in arm-in-arm manner, as if they were middle schoolers on the way to the ice cream shop and not members of an elite investigative team--all the way to the parking lot.

"You guys feel like eating out?" Rosa asked her two colleagues. "I know a nice place where we can drink afterwards too!"

"Oh, uh--I'm not very good with alcohol, so..." Artem mumbled, wanting to join in but exercising prudence with alcohol.

"That's fine!" Rosa smiled, still keeping her arm-in-arm hold on Luke and Artem--making sure their upper arms pressed against her breasts--you guys can totally crash in my place if you get too sloshed."

"Er, that's not, uh--" Artem stammered.

Luke, however, being the platonic best friend so far, was keen on the idea. "Yeah, that's a great idea, Watson!"

"Yes," Rosa smiled immaculately. "It'll be fun."

[daryl-dixon-daydreams]

Did not mean to come off as rude, it was a genuine question. I just noticed like very watt-pad esc sort of like… curt no elaboration writing. I don’t know how else to describe it without being rude— but like what I mean is lack of detail etc etc, it just seems like when I read you seem tired of writing or your writing is half done etc

No, no, anon... These are genuine questions coming from a place of genuine concern: "Hey! how are you doing? Is everything going okay? What's new in life?" Don't pretend like there isn't a very obvious better way to approach someone you are actually worried about. And shockingly it doesn't involve commenting about the quality of what they create at all... And do you want me to give you a shovel? Because you really are just digging yourself a deeper hole here... I tried to dismiss this and let it go with the first message, but I guess it now warrants a longer response. I'll be kind to the best of my ability and give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you had no real malicious intent here, but you sort of missed the entire point of my last response. The point is I didn't ASK for your assessment... I didn't post about wanting critiques. I didn't open the floor for feedback. I didn't say, "hey! anybody feel like my writing has been shit lately?" So sending a creator giving you free content a weird, unsolicited, backhanded message about what you perceive as some drop in the quality of their work (a creator you literally don't even know, by the way—I know sometimes the internet makes it seem like you know people you follow, but you are a stranger to me) is hella strange and rude. It'd be like someone walking up to you on some average day and going "Wow. You look awful today." Does anyone EVER want to hear that? Is that a thing that should be happening ever? And like... I have no fucking idea where this is coming from or where you're even getting it? So I'm just... annoyed and confused mostly. And then the idea that this "change" in my work is anything other than just your perception apparently never crossed your mind? Like, if you feel a certain way about my recent writing, it has to be that the writing is "unfinished, undetailed, vague, disinterested, curt". It couldn't be that, I don't know, maybe you're in a weird mood or just aren't that interested in the recent plotlines... Maybe you just don't care for my writing anymore! That's fine! But I don't need to hear about it in a rude way... Just move along... I'm a pretty confident and secure person. I know that I'm a good writer and I have absolutely no feeling that the quality of what I'm creating has lessened recently, but for others in the tumblrsphere, or creators ANYWHERE, you need to be more sensitive and aware of the effect that your words can have on someone who already is struggling with self-doubt, which ALL creators do at times. It could be what stops them from creating or putting themselves and their work out into the world, and no matter what the quality of what they produce, that's a loss. Creators manifest things from thin air. They hand you something from nothing. That alone is a huge challenge. So, just.... maybe think for a mo' next time.

So. I don't know. Maybe my writing has become "vague" or "curt" or "disinterested" or "undetailed" (<- this one had me laughing because I literally fill my fics with so much detail that a drabble becomes a one shot and a one shot becomes a miniseries and a miniseries becomes a 29 chapter series...) or maybe you just need to like... chill and move along. Or get better at asking the question "how are you?" without fully inserting your foot into your mouth.

[train-wrecc]

ALPHA.

• hamish duke x fem!reader

warning(s) ⚠️: none? somewhat angst (not really), death, mentions of blood

pairings: vera x niece!reader, hamish duke x reader

summary: y/n is vera stones niece who had been inducted into the hermetic order of the blue rose 4 years ago (senior in college) however when reviewing books in the reliquary/vault for an assignment she stumbles upon a certain fur coat, the hide of alpha.

wc (word count): 2.2k

gc (gif credit): unknown/google

-

y/n had barely set foot into the temple before alyssa almost tackled her to the floor. "geez, medicum, watch where you're going."

"magistratus! you're just the person i was looking for! im so sorry for bumping into you but uh, " the blonde gestures behind her with a hand, "the temple magus would like to see you..." she says, before plastering an awkward smile and walking off.

"and i thought today couldn't get any worse..." y/n mumbled.

y/n walked down the corridor before stopping at the large doors which the temple magus who just so happened to be her aunt, sat behind.

the doors opened before her, and she was met with her aunt and a large older man. "temple magus." y/n said nodding her head, glancing at the man that was stood beside her aunt in confusion.

"magistratus, welc-" vera was interrupted by the older man beside her.

"vera quit with the formalities, she's your niece!" he chuckled.

"edward coventry, the grand magus." edward extended his hand out for y/n to shake. she embraced his hand with hers giving a firm shake.

"your aunt has told me a lot about you y/n,"

"all good things, i assume." y/n responded.

"yes, of course, you could say im intrigued... meet me in the temple tomorrow afternoon. I have an interesting assignment for you."

-

the door clattered open as alyssa made her way into the temple where y/n and a few other magistratus' stood.

the others glanced in shock, "what is a medicum doing here?" selena questioned as she snickered at kyle as alyssa walked past the group.

"she's here like the rest of us, the magus wouldn't have allowed her to be here if she hadn't proven herself." y/n said in an attempt to get selena to shut up.

"are you sure? the only reason you're a magistratus is because of your auntie." selena continued.

y/n rolled her eyes tired of dealing with selena, "you're right, who else promotes us besides the magus? selena, why don't you keep your mouth shut, before i shut it for you, after all, my aunt is the temple magus."

before selena could utter a snarky remark edward strode in.

"okay! vera says that you're the ones with the most potential. potential will get you into the door, but it will not guarantee you a seat, " edward rips off the cloth which was obstructing the view of what appeared to be an obsidian block, "at the table." he continued.

"this obsidian block is estimated to be between, mhm, 1,500 and 2,000 years old." he gesticulates to the block.

"but spoiler alert. this is no ordinary... hunk of rock," he says, dropping a bug onto the rock which in turn burst.

"something is inside this obsidian that people don't want others to have. i want you to reverse engineer the magic protecting this stone."

y/n notices alyssa begins to write "deleatur?" on her notebook, as kyle glances at the word on the book before speaking up.

'of course he would, arrogant prick....' y/n thinks to herself.

"magus?" kyle steps forward, "with your permission?" he continued, as edward motioned towards the rock, as a signal to continue.

kyle raised a knife to his right hand before slicing it and muttering "deleatur", flicking his wrist toward the stone.

shortly after the flick of his wrist, his right forearm collided against his upper arm, his limb broken now, bone sticking out.

he gasps in pain, which puts a small smirk on y/ns face, 'serves him right...' roaming in her mind.

"you know how to heal that?" edward breaks the silence. kyle responded with a shake of his head 'no'.

"right. my driver will take you to the hospital."

kyle walks out of the room, hunched over, cradling his right arm the best that he can.

edward picks the obsidian up from its frame, "now that you know what you're dealing with, impress me." before he follows behind kyle.

"alyssa. make sure the temple gets a proper cleansing." are his last words.

"at once, magus." alyssa replied.

"now we know why she's here." diego called, his arm around selena's shoulder calls, a smirk on his face as she laughs before they continue to make their way out of the temple.

a sigh falls from alyssa's lips.

"don't worry about them medicum, you're not here for that. they just feel threatened by you." the y/h/c (your hair colour, i.e. brunette, blonde) girl spoke up.

"thanks, magistratus." alyssa responded.

y/n simply nodded in return, before stalking off to go pester her aunt, she had an idea about an incantation that might work on reversing the magic which was protecting the obsidian.

-

next day...

y/n's fist met the door as she knocked.

she could faintly hear the word "aperiatur" slip from her aunt's lips, as the doors opened.

"magistratus." vera greeted y/n.

y/n rolled her eyes, her aunt had always been so persistent in remaining professional at the temple, so that other members never thought y/n only got in due to vera.

"hey auntie vera," y/n says her words practically covered in honey.

"one. what did i tell you about keeping our professionalism and two. what do you want?" vera smirked knowing her niece too well.

a sigh came from y/n's lips, knowing her aunt had caught on.

"you're aware of the assignment of edward's that i'm apart of?" her aunt nodded in respond to the question.

"well i need to get into the vault, and before you interrupt me there's a book in there that i want to examine and see if i can find an incantation for the assignment." y/n explained, she had been planning on talking to her aunt the day before but something had come up.

"no." vera gulped knowing well she had given alyssa, a medium, access to the reliquary the day before. however the vault is different she reassured herself.

"of course, god forbid you do me one favour." y/n said her voice sour, her head nodding in false understanding.

"y'know ive worked my ass twice as hard as anyone else to be here, and yet i'm always getting criticized the most for every simple mistake that i make which aren't very many..." y/n began, her aunts answer irking her.

"and you decide to do alyssa the kiss ass a favour and give her access to the reliquary when she's a medicum, however, you can't do me a favour and let me use the vault once." y/n finishes brows furrowed, done with her aunt at the moment.

y/n began to stalk off before vera stopped the girl.

"y/n. you may use the vault." vera murmured.

the y/h (your height i.e. short, tall) girl returned to the room silently.

she handed y/n a necklace with a pentagon-shaped charm attached to it. "repeat after me. sanguis meus tuas laminate acuit." vera says the incantation.

"sanguis meus tuas laminate acuit."

with the movement of vera's hand, the bookshelves began to separate and opened to a corridor.

"y/n, sweetheart, you know i love you. the only reason i criticize you, harshly at times, is because i know you have the potential to be twice as great as you already are. greater than me." her aunt said dripping in sympathy and love.

however, y/n doubted that.

"of course i know because you remind me so often." the words slipped from y/n's lips, filled with sarcasm.

y/n made her way through the fear corridor and into the vault clutching the pentagon necklace as vera watched from the entrance.

-

y/n had been searching for the incantation for a few hours now and had yet to find the incantation.

she had rummaged through all the books that were out in the open and visible before deciding maybe there were some in hiding.

she had scoured high and low for books and had nearly given up before her eyes caught a rugged brown chest of some sort.

"this has to be it!" she exclaimed to herself, noticing the lock on the latch of it.

she'd assumed vera had left a while ago, and figured she'd have to talk to her about it the next day.

however, before she could even reach for the lock, it burst and the top of the trunk rose.

all she could see was some kind of fur coat before it had engulfed her and her vision was captured by darkness as she gasped.

(a/n: thank the lord she's a werewolf now, we can now get to the good part!!!!! 🥳)

-

a groan emitted from the y/h/c, as she began to stir. she felt like she was repeatedly getting pricked by something.

sweat dripped down her trembling body, teeth chattering from the cold. her eyes peeled open, vision fuzzy before it cleared. she wrapped her arms around herself, her arms met her bare chest.

her eyes widened in realization, she was naked.

eyes gazing down, she took in her bare body, painted red. her fingers met the dark red, substance. blood. blood, that was not her own.

"no, no, no, shit! what the fuck did i do?" y/n says in disbelief, hands twitching, as panic fills her veins.

she retrieves herself from the dirt of the forest as she makes her way through the large trees, hiding behind them every so often in order to not expose herself in case anyone were to be in the forest.

she nears a tent not too far from where she awoke and evaluates the area for anyone. it appeared to be vacant, so y/n made her way toward the tent in search of something to cover her bare body with.

however, when she neared the tent, her vision was once again met with blood. on the ground lay a man a hole where his heart should be. her vision became blurred by the tears that filled her eyes. this was the persons life she had took. a young man, who had his whole life ahead of him.

and it was put to an end because of her.

his blood was on her hands. literally.

though her hands trembled y/n had managed to rummage through his things, and find a change if clothes which we had immediately put on.

the pieces of cloth, which caressed her body, aided in warming her. she didn't waste another second and got to work quickly, digging somewhat of a grave for the male.

once she had covered the now cadaver-filled hole, y/n gathered a few leaves which took the place of which would ideally be flowers.

she sniffled, viciously blinking to try and rid her eyes of tears. y/n gently pressed the leaves into the soil, before getting up from her knees.

next came getting rid of any evidence that the man had ever set foot in the woods. she used a simple incantation to rid the small area of any objects.

after she had done so, she mad her journey near the edge of the woods, which she was quite familiar with, being in the order and they tend to venture in the woods often, especially when recruiting neophytes.

however, around fifteen minutes had passed, and y/n's eyesight was no longer a captive to the never-ending trees.

she no longer knew where she was... she'd never seen a house on the outskirts of the woods. she wondered if it had always been there.

y/n hadn't thought up a plan, before she knew it her legs were carrying her to the front door, and her curled fist met the wood of the door.

she truly hadn't thought about what she was gonna say, until she had knocked on the door.

what would she do? how would she explain her dishevelled appearance? the blood... oh god she had forgotten that she was practically drenched in the dark fluid from head to toe.

-

a/n: y'all this is so bad I'm sorry and it's on the longer side and like for what reason? 🤨😂

like literally nothing happened im so sorry this is literal shit...  obviously there WILL be a PT 2,

& sorry if the spacing is weird i’m on the mobile app...

also this is the only part that’ll be in third pov, i normally write first person but i was trying something different & i didn’t like it

& IM SORRY HAMISH WASNTIN THIS PRT HE'LL BE IN THE NEXT ONE I PROMISE !!!! 😔❤️🤞

[barnesandrogersfanfics]

Ocean Eyes - Part 7

When we finally arrived at Sue's house Chris walked with me to the front door... i nearly tripped at one point but luckily he managed to grab my arm and keep me upright! I had whispered a quiet 'thanks' before knocking lightly on her front door. Sue opened the door ushering us inside and leading the way to the living room where i saw Mason curled up on the sofa. He was asleep but he looked white and sweaty, there was a bowl on the floor beside his head incase he was sick again.

"He hasn't been asleep long, i think he wore himself out crying"

"Chris can you get Mason please? I can't carry him like this...."

"Yeah sure, i got him" he quickly moved forward and scooped Mason up into him arms.

"Mama...." Mason moaned looking around for me.

"Im right here baby, your dads gonna carry you out to the car".

"God you weren't kidding bout that fever" Chris added looking down at Mason in concern.

"Im gonna get him home, thanks for watching him Sue"

"Sure thing hon, hope he feels better soon. Here, take the bowl incase he gets sick on the drive home" she smiled passing me the plastic bowl that had been next to Mason.

The drive home i had Mason cradled against me as he slept, the seat belt going around the both of us being as we had no car seat in Chris's car!!

God i felt like a crappy mom tonight!

When we got home i sat with Mason on the sofa and stripped him down to his underwear to try and cool him down.

"Chris could you get me a cold washcloth please, there should be some in the pile of laundry on the table"

"Sure" he rushed off to grab the cloth, Mason was just laying against my chest, whimpering slightly.

"Here you go" Chris passed me the cloth and sat beside us "i got him some water too, he should be drinking plenty of fluids"

"Thanks" i smiled before folding the cloth and laying it over Mason's forehead. He moaned at the coldness but soon settled again clinging onto me, it didn't take long until he was asleep. I sighed in relief and carefully moved forward in my seat so i could lay him down.... i was desperate for the bathroom!! Mason stirred and held on tighter, for such a little thing he had a grip on him.

"Can you try taking him i really need to pee!" I looked at Chris with desperate eyes. He chuckled and managed to pry Mason off of me and into his arms.

While i was in the bathroom i wiped off my make up and tied my hair up before getting changed into my pyjama's.... it was gonna be a long night. Once i was done i headed to the kitchen and made coffee, hopefully it would help sober me up a bit more.

"Ah fuck!" I cursed as i sloshed the coffee onto the floor while making my way back to the living room "i made coffee, you might still have some left if you're lucky"

"Thanks" Chris looked up and smiled, i didn't miss the way he looked me up and down either.

"Does he still feel hot? If his temperature doesn't start to go down soon we'll have to try a lukewarm bath maybe give him some Tylenol...."

"Yeah his still hot, but it doesn't seem to be getting worse"

"This is so unlike him, Mason never gets sick. I can literally count on one hand the amount of times his been sick" i shook my head "i'm so close to freaking out right now you have no idea...."

"Calm down sweetheart, he'll be fine"

"Thank you for staying with us, i probably would've been calling my mom in hysterics if you hadn't been here"

"There's no where else id rather be" he said looking down at Mason lovingly.

"Right.... i should probably text Scott let him know we're home" i got up to grab my phone from my purse and started a text to Scott. We had dropped him at his place on the way to collect Mason.

There was a message from Derek on my phone too which i quickly skimmed, he was saying how much he enjoyed meeting me and wanted to know if i wanted to get dinner with him sometime!! I decided i'd reply to him in the morning and put my phone on the table, Mason was the only thing i could deal with right now.

I applied a fresh cloth to Masons forehead and checked his temperature, slowly but surely it was going down. I sat beside him and Chris on the sofa and sighed in relief.

"Looks like his fever is easing off finally" i said yawning and letting my head fall back against the sofa, we'd been up for hours now keeping watch on Mason.

"Yeah, thank god" Chris mumbled as he carefully tried to move Mason in his arms.

"You want me to take him?"

"No no, i'm good, my arm has fallen asleep is all" he smiled.

"You sure? i don't mind...."

"We're all good".

We sat in silence with the TV on low for some background noise and i couldn't help but look at Chris and how natural he was at being a dad.

"You should get some sleep, you look exhausted" Chris suddenly said interrupting my internal thoughts!

"You trying to tell me i look like shit Chris?" I asked raising my eyebrows at him.

"What?? No!! I didn't mean that..."

"Im fucking with you relax" i chuckled shaking my head.

"You looked beautiful tonight" i heard him say quietly, maybe i wasn't supposed to hear him but i did.

"Its amazing what you can do with some make up and clothes that aren't sweats and t-shirts"

"You look beautiful without make up even wearing your sweats and a t-shirt, i just meant that you looked good. I personally prefer this version of you"

"Haha, now i know your just trying to make me feel better....i'm a mess!"

"Prettiest girl i know" he said giving me that smirk of his.... my god damn weakness!!

"Are you just saying this because you think i'm drunk and wont remember?? Because i'll have you know i have mostly sobered up by this point"

"Im well aware, i just..... never mind. You should try and get some sleep".

I nodded agreeing with him, the conversation was about to turn awkward and i wasn't ready for that!

"Wake me up if Mason needs me...?"

"Of course".

When i woke up again i had somehow ended up cuddled up against Chris! He had his arm around me, my head resting on his chest, Mason still sleeping on his other side. To anyone who saw us and didn't know better we looked like the perfect little family. I felt myself start to panic..... i shouldn't have let myself get this close to him! It was too easy to fall back into that comfortable routine we always had..... but we didn't have that anymore, at least i didn't think we did. I carefully eased away from him making sure he was still sleeping and made a quick exit to the kitchen, he didn't need to know about this!

As i started making some coffee and toast i heard the soft voice of my baby boy. As i stuck my head round the door i saw he was sitting up talking with Chris, he looked so much better this morning thank god.

"Where's mom?" I heard him ask and i stepped into the living room giving him a smile.

"Im right here bud, how you feeling?" I asked as i sat in front of them on the coffee table, i reached over to hold the back of my hand against his forehead "looks like your fever is almost gone"

"Im hungry"

"I bet! But its dry toast for you buddy. You've gotta go easy for a little while.... are you still feeling sick?"

"No, not anymore"

"Okay thats good!".

"Dad are you staying for breakfast?" Mason asked.

"Um...."

"Pleaseeee" Mason begged looking at him with those eyes that were exactly like his dads, Chris looked at me waiting for my say so.

"Its fine with me, if you have time..."

"I do! Yeah of course!" He said quickly nodding his head with a huge smile.

After we had all eaten Chris took Mason for his bath after Mason insisted he go with his dad. While they were gone i sent a text to Scott with an update and saw a missed call from Hannah, i sat at the kitchen table and quickly called her back.

"Hey! Hows Mace?? My mom said you had to come get him last night"

"Yeah it was eventful, he had a fever and was being sick" i sighed "Chris stayed to help out with Mason... i had had so much to drink Han"

"You let him stay..."

"To help with Mason yeah"

"Hmmm of you say so" she laughed

"Shut up, what happened to you last night, huh?? You disappeared with Troy"

"I know, im sorry but did you see him?? I knew you were okay with Scott. So what about you and Derek?? He seemed very interested"

"He was nice" i nodded "he texted me last night but i haven't had a chance to reply yet"

"But your gonna right??"

"Yeah...."

"Y/N text him back!! That man was gorgeous!!"

"I will"

"Don't make me come round there"

"Oh god Han, your so pushy" i laughed.

"Only because i love you"

"I love you too, i gotta go though i'll speak to you later".

When i walked into the living room Mason was sat on the sofa watching cartoons and Chris was gathering his things.

"Your leaving already?"

"Yeah i've got a meeting at 11:00am..."

"Okay, well thanks for last night"

"Sure, anytime" he smiled "hey, i was wondering if next weekend i could take Mason to meet my mom? She's been asking when she can meet him...."

"Um.... yeah sure"

"You can come too if you want? I know my mom would be happy to see you" he said with a smile.

"Okay" i nodded "it'll just be us though right? I don't want Mason getting overwhelmed with too many new people"

"Yeah of course, maybe Scott too if he finds out you know what his like"

"Thats fine" i nodded with a smile knowing exactly what Scott was like.

"Thank you, i should go.... can i come by later though? Id like to check in on Mason"

"Sure, i'm sure he'd like that"

"I'll see you later then" he smiled before heading over to Mason "bye buddy i gotta go to work for a bit but i'll come see you later"

"Okay, bye dad".

Everything taglist: @jesseswartzwelder @dumblani @barnesandrogersworld @patzammit @rynabarnesrogers-reading @rainbowkisses31 @rororo06 @supernaturalwintersoldier

Ocean eyes: @supraveng @michelehansel @melissaglenn5 @denisemarieangelina @mrsjeffwittek @mery-be @marvelfansworld @cmalass @capstopavenger @fallenoutofrose @kelbabyblue @biebsmylife95 @loser-alert @traceyaudette @w3lissax @jennmurawski13 @ford66steal @saiyanprincessswanie @christocrave

[jimjamthehorrorman]

Unconditional Love

This was the first time you let the big man in the mask around your dog. You were anxious because she was jumpy and you don't know how HE will react to HER.

You bought a beautiful Husky three years ago, prior to your move to Texas. You wanted a "guard dog" but you ended up with a sassy, lazy dog who steals crackers from the counter when you aren't looking. She's absolutely a sweetheart to everyone she meets in your little town, but she is afraid of masks and intimidating people. Halloween is her least favorite time of year and everyone knows because while you're handing out candy to the few kids around, there's a deep bellowing bark coming from the windows on your porch.

You met the Sawyers when you picked up a side job at their gas and barbeque shack about thirteen miles down the way. Drayton was a blessing, overly polite and insistent upon you working as little as possible.

"Y/N, you oughta head on home now and get you some rest you're looking awful weak."

"No, I'm alright! I've only got about an hour left and I wanted to lock up with you-" you felt as weak as he thinks you look. You'd been sick all day, lightheaded and spiraling. "-It's fine, I'm fine!"

Drayton looked you up and down.

"Alright. Just don't come crying to me when I catch you sleeping on the job!" He chuckled as he started taking the meat off of the hooks inside the glass case.

"Taking it home to the family?" He never talked about his family and you were curious. You could not keep yourself from asking. Everything was such a mystery, hell, you didn't even know the man who sat outside washing the cars that came for gas.

He stuttered, holding the back of his neck like a child caught in a lie. "H-Ha! I've got to feed grandpa and my brothers. They usually go hunting for their meat but no one can resist my barbeque! It's the best meat-" He smiled coyly. "-Anyhow, you need to head on home young m/w. I've got my brother coming up to pick up some firewood from behind the shack. He's a skittish fella and not real good at talkin so I don't want to embarrass him. Now head on out! Tomorrow we'll make a big jar of Sun Tea to sell and I'll save some for us. It's gonna be hot as hell out!"

He nearly shoved you out the door. It's obvious either you looked like you were DYING or he had a BIG SECRET to hide.

"Alright, I'll head out. Tell the boys I said hello!"

He smiled and shut the door behind you. You started to hop in your truck and realized your keys were still inside.

"Shit."

You tried to slide in the backdoor before Drayton saw you were there, but getting back out of the truck you felt awful dizzy and fell to the ground on the way in. You felt yourself falling in and out of consciousness and the as you finally start to lose the battle, you hear a rattling.

You lose the fight and the next thing you remember is waking to the face of a dissapointed and fuzzy Drayton helping you out of your own truck with a man with a very deformed face, but maybe it was just your eyes.

The deformed man was incredibly tall and squealed like a child as he sat you on the porch swing. He patted your face to try to fully wake you. A man with a strange mark on his face drove Drayton's truck all the way here.

"What a fall huh?! Rough fall, hard fall. You must be tired or something. He/Her/They must be dying. Looks sick, pale like Grandpa."

"Nubbins, you and Bubba help Y/N into the house. They're my best employee so you better not screw this one up! If you drop them I'll beat the tar out of you fools!"

You could tell Drayton was serious. Who knew he appreciated you that much.

Barking eminated from the house. A horrible screech. You knew that sound.

"DON'T OPEN THE DOOR!"

"What?" Drayton looked confused.

"I'll go in on my own. I'll go lay down don't worry about me. Thanks boys I really appreciate the help but you can't come in. I've got a dog that might eat you alive!" You hurriedly told them, finding your way to the door in the dark. "I'll see you tomorrow Drayton! I'll see you boys again sometime soon!"

They all stood in disbelief on the porch as you slammed the door and turned the light on so they could get to the truck safely. Your dog met you at the door and she was PISSED. Not only did you keep her from seeing guests, but you're late and she's hungry.

"Sorry -pet name-, I'll get you some food."

You poured the bag of kibble quickly and clumsily, half of it on the floor. She could tell you were off and after she ate she climbed up on the couch and laid beside you. It was a long night for you both.

---

It had been two weeks since the incident, Drayton laughs it off that he went through all the trouble to take you home and make sure you were safe. Perhaps he had invested interest in your health, perhaps he had no friends but you and the gas guy. Either way he appreciated you. A lot.

"Y/N, I'm making dinner tonight do you want to back here this evenin'? Now you don't have to come, and you don't have to feel pressured to come over but I wanted to have you over. Just remember to feed your vicious pup before you come!" He chuckled, clearly nervous.

Shit, does Drayton like you?

"Now don't you worry this isn't a romantic thing, no, my brothers and I wanted you over to be sure you're eating good. You living there alone, you ought to have you a good meal!"

He wants you to come back to the gas station for dinner? What's wrong with his house? Doesn't matter, you won't turn down homemade food. You've been living off of cheap pot pies and snack foods. Your stomach rumbles at the thought of fresh steak and vegetables.

"I'll be here! Don't you worry." As the words escape your lips he gives you a huge smile and waves you off.

You feed your pup, give her a good pet and head out the door.

The sound of sizzling comes from the kitchen, but Drayton is sitting beside you.

"Who's our chef tonight, Drayton?"

He looks at you smiling ear to ear.

"My youngest brother Bubba wanted to make sure you eat well. He felt so bad about you being sick and all that he made you something special."

The boy with the strange birthmark comes out of the back room smiling. He's so strange and erratic that it's almost comedic.

"Bubba makes good food! Normally Drayton is 'The Cook' but tonight me and Bubba made some good meat! Not quite headcheese or anything real tasty but we got some good uh.. some good steaks! Yeah steaks!"

You laugh. Drayton makes a face at him real fast thinking you didn't see. You did.

Your stomach growls, the smell from the tiny kitchen is alluring. Savory, like good meat with flavorful spices.

"Nubbins go tell your brother our guest is getting hungry! I knew I shoulda made dinner you two bafoons!"

Nubbins blows a raspberry at Drayton and runs into the kitchen, he yells at Bubba and you hear a grumble.

Nubbins returns a moment later with a bunch of full plates. Steaks, potatoes, greens, hell even a pan of brownies. As you're perusing the food, a large man in a painted mask and suit comes walking out of the kitchen, barely clearing the door frame.

He's looking you over and honestly you aren't sure if you're frightened or bashful. A tall and burly man just made you dinner and yet you sit in silence trying to make out the face behind the mask. When he sits down across from you, you can barely see facial hair poking out of the side of his mask.

You bet he's cute under there, you're practically sure of it. When he looks back at you, you smile sheepishly and start eating.

Wow, he has some beautiful eyes behind that.

"I love your mask, Bubba." You were nervous. Flirting with a literal mystery, also your boss's brother.

Bubba hid his face in his hands and made little noises. Drayton chuckled.

"You made his day Y/N, he damn well may never take that thing off!"

---

Dinner last night was great, and you shared some eye contact with a presumably handsome masked man.

Drayton picked up on this, as your face was as red as the lips on his mask. You entered work with a smile on your face, until Drayton smiled back. Your heart sank nervously. What if you lose your job? What if he hates you for it? He grabs your hand.

"I think my brother may like you. He's not a talker and he's not too keen on people, but you're different. Anyone else woulda looked at his mask and said 'oh hell what a freak' but you were very kind to him. He'd been bothering me all night and morning to ask if you'd have him over to see your dog. See we've only had pigs and chickens and cows. Poor boy has never seen a pet type'a animal."

Oh god this is moving fast. You aren't sure how that's gonna go.

"I don't know Drayton, she's not good around strangers... especially ones who have such a... strange look."

Drayton frowns. You feel sick to your stomach. Not like the night you forgot to eat and passed out, but like guilt was building up inside and about to explode.

"Okay okay... I'll try to get her to work with me. Can you bring him over this afternoon? I know we close early today so that would work,...right?" You feel yourself pulling at the edges of your shirt. You're nervous she might hurt him and then Drayton would absolutely KILL you.

"I'll bring him up and take him around to the back porch, you just have him home after dark. People don't take kindly to a giant with two faces." He smiles.

---

You are in a panic. Your dog is already stirred up, she can sense the fear and is acting up in rebuttal. You hear a knock at the back door.

Oh god it's them.

They're here.

The dog.

You put her on a leash and keep her inside, meeting the giant man outside.

"Hey Bubba! How are yo-" he lifts you into a tight hug when you close the door behind you. He is squealing and laughing in joy. He's wearing his suit and mask from the other night. The one you said you liked. "-ou! Wow you're strong big guy! The pup is inside and she's a little wild today.. I'll bring her out here. No one should see us in the side yard. Okay? Just stay right here!"

You can tell he's as nervous as you are. When he sat you down he gave you a look that said "I'm alright!" But.. You weren't so sure.

When she barked coming out the door he held his ears. You tried to quiet her down but relentlessly she barked and howled in the sight of this massive man.

He didn't know anything else to do so he began to whistle and coo at her.

She quieted down, practically crawling up to him. He held his hand out and she snapped like she was trying to bite and instead of jumping back he just cooed louder. Eventually she started to smell him, walking around him in circles.

Please don't hurt one another. That's all you want is for them to be civil.

Then it happened.

She PULLED until you couldn't hold her leash and you screamed. You closed your eyes and waited for the worst.

Once your heart had slowed to near silence, you heard chuckling and the sound of your dog panting.

"Bubba! I think she likes you!" You yelled with a shaky voice. You were still nervous but he was having a great time and so was she. He was petting her and she didn't even care he had a mask on. Hell, she even licked him! You were in the clear, and you had never felt so relieved in your life.

This big man was petting your dog and having a blast, and just watching and hearing him laugh... You were too.

Damn. He's pretty cute.

(This is my first time trying to write a fic so I apologise for it's length and content 😂😂😂)

[whitelippedviper]

Andrea Pazienza's "Mardi Gras Night": Can't Say Shit If You Aren't About Shit

I think in western comics the images are trapped in echo.  On facebook I belong to a comic fan group that posts a lot of Marvel, Image, and DC stuff, mostly geared toward people excited about superhero comics.  Which...I just like that there are people excitedly talking about SOME kind of comic.  Anyways, the other day someone posted a pinup that Amy Reeder had done, and Reeder is a good artist, I like her work fine, I was a really big fan of that Madame Xanadu work she did ages ago--but it was this pin up she did of Swamp Thing.  And it’s just Swamp Thing walking through water in black and white pen and ink.  It’s very by the book both in terms of a pinup and in terms of what you would expect from a Swamp Thing drawing.  It’s this character people like, positioned centrally, doing something vaguely like what they would do--and someone liked it enough to save it, and then share it to the group.  And I thought--what if this image wasn’t of Swamp Thing? What if it was just some guy Reeder made up, in the same pose, drawn the same sort of way--would people still care?  Would as many people still care? I think that’s the edge of something that really strikes me about artists right now in the west.  It’s why there’s usually this huge drop off when an artist goes from drawing superhero stuff for DC and Marvel to doing their own thing.  It’s why you see a lot of artists at cons kind of chained to their table having to draw more DC and Marvel stuff for scratch.  When I tabled with Katie Skelly a few years back in Seattle, that was something that really struck me, because she does commissions--and a lot of the people who would buy her commissions wouldn’t pick up her books as well--or ask her to just draw whatever, or even draw her own characters.  They wanted to leave the con with an icon of their favorite character in a style they thought was nice enough at a fair price.  They don’t really want Amy Reeder’s Rocket Girl, at least not as much as they want her Supergirl.  Which is a thing larger than fan culture.  It’s like you just want that poster of Christ to hang on your wall, and you don’t care if it looks like dumb as fuck.  The image isn’t really there, just its placeholder.  And that’s inside of comics too.  I read a lot of comics where people are doing images in certain spots because that’s the spot they are supposed to be in, if that makes sense. Like for example, a last page shocking reveal has a formula that the audience reacts to and artists play to, especially in event books. This emptiness becomes especially problematic given the homogeneous nature of the demographics of the people most visibly making comics, particularly when married to their newfound predilection toward branding themselves as allies to the marginalized.  It’s like, I need a black body in this space, and it doesn’t matter how or why or in service of what--just so long as I put it in there, then job done.  The  recent(note: originally wrote this when it was recent) ignorant bliss podcast on the Dilraj Mann Island cover gets into this quite a bit.   A society built on vacuous imagery will BE vacuous.  If our images lose value, then we lose voice, art loses meaning, and you end up fucking with people for no reason to no end, just because you have nothing to say.  And I’m not even saying this as like a social justice position.  Take that iconic page Ditko did of Spider-man trying to push up this huge machine while water floods in around him--a page so iconic that if you’ve seen it at all you automatically know exactly what image I’m referring to.  You don’t have to know Spider-man to get that page.  To feel the heroic effort, and weight of pushing against that machinery.  That image isn’t just an echo or placeholder.  It is the thing it’s depicting.

So I’ve been reading the Andrea Pazienza Zanardi collection that Fantagraphics put out this year.  And this question of value to the image comes up in my reading.  Because to me, Paz is this unrestrained expressionism in comics--his devotion to the image is so total that style cannot contain it.  There’s almost a mania to his work trying to exorcise these images from his soul.  “Mardi Gras Night” isn’t the work that’s the absolute best example of this because the linework is mostly taking a backseat to the painting--but I think of all of the comics in the Zanardi collection, it’s the most interesting to me because even though it is a very base, mean, nihilistic story about some cute italian boys pillaging a religious all-girls boarding school it is also a comic of completely holy images.  Stuff that you can only explain with the image itself.  Stuff that sticks with you for days on end, rolling around in your brain.  These aren’t empty placeholder images, even though they are in the service of a story that is so debauched.

This image in particular is the one that haunts me.  It’s this silent panel of Petrilli and Zanardi pouring alcohol on the floor of this boarding school, that they plan to ignite.  I think in general when “Mardi Gras Night” pivots from boys sneaking into an all-girls school to see naked women, to like...arson is generally the point in the story, where you are kind of stop like “wait? What the fuck?  Surely not” and right before they set the fire it’s this panel.  It’s like the way that the alcohol matches the leotards, but also sits on top of the floor like blood, and that it’s pissing out of Zanardi in the foreground...and the way that Zanardi and Petrilli are leaned like they are performing some kind of ritualistic dance.  This pagan thing in the middle of all of these crosses.

It’s this moment where the story turns from “boys peeping on girls” to a story of ecstatic religious terrorism.  There’s a pit here that you fall into.  And the pages after this are panel after panel of the boys grabbing panicked women by the hips and breasts and running around like sexual mass shooters against the backdrop of crosses and screaming nuns while the fire they’ve started grows proportionally like a bright purifying jizz.

And you’re like “what the fuck am I reading?”.  It’s beautiful and insane, and then as the boys get away from the fire, the colors cool for a minute, and the weight of the human repercussions of their actions hits Petrilli so hard he folds himself over at the crotch in anxiety before running back in to save the trapped Roberta.

  And even as he is carrying her through the flames like some great hero, he’s still grabbing at her naked breast and butt--and it’s such an insane space to be in, because Petrilli CAUSED the fire.  It was him and his friend’s raging boners that started the whole thing.  Petrilli manages with one last grope of Roberta’s ass to push her to safety, as he is now himself closed off within the burning building.  And the comic warps into this hell.  Petrilli’s leotard and hair melt off.  His skin boils and pops.  His eyes become orange and red pools of pain, and when he finally gets out of the main part of the fire, it’s to these steaming tiles which scald him further--he’s become this grotesque impotent goblin man, screaming to God to give him mercy and end his pain, and then Paz draws him in this blasphemous Pieta pose of tiny dicked broiled Petrilli before the building collapses in on him.  Grace, Paz style.

Even without Cola’s deeply ironic “moral” of the story where Petrilli becomes a lionized hero of the community the fucking like...old school profanity of the thing hits like a wall of bricks.  It’s such a vicious repudiation of heroism, of religious morality, and even of masculinity(here masculinity manages to encompass both rapist and heroism very comfortably!).  And it’s for sure incredibly base, with panels of Zanardi sniffing women’s underwear--but it scales so quickly to these holy images.  I don’t think I’ve read anything like it before.  I mean there are other great Zanardi stories that I’m going to write about eventually, but “Mardi Gras” is a really special comic. I keep coming back to this, which I spoke about in my Ranx article, when we talk about transgression in comics, for a lot of people, that just means they get to say “faggot” or draw a lynching of a person of color, or like draw muslims in horribly hateful ways.  But their shit is so stupid.  They don’t really care about any of this shit.  They might as well write their scripts in tongues for how articulate they are--for how much value there is behind what they’re doing.  It’s empty and passionless iconography done simply to continue an echo.  

But Paz says shit.  I mean like it’s literal shit, but it’s the truth of the shit.  The shit has weight and stench.  You can hold it in your hands and you won’t forget the day you held this shit.  The man has seen a good painting in his life.  He’s read a book or two.  He’s not saying shit just because he has nothing to say, but somehow since he can draw, he has to fill up the page and do the job--there’s so much force behind his work.  Even when it is ridiculous, style can’t contain him.  That’s what the page says to me. There’s meaning here, even if it was just “I felt the conviction of this line, this story, this thing and so I made it”--it’s not cynical, it’s pure.  And not only that, it’s pure AND the man is a master artist.  Which I think is something of a theme for the work I’ve focused on this year in my comics criticism.  And I do it because that’s what I see as lacking for the most part.  Like a lot of comics day to day I feel like is asking me to read books that are both compromised AND look and read like shit.  And there’s things like this that come out and you don’t hear a single peep about them.  A quick glance at google only turned up one review, a negative one on Paste that complained about how the book was too mean with a closing paragraph about the art being “somehow compelling”--which someday I need to write an essay about how for as supposedly progressive as people in comics position themselves as, their POV on a lot of things just sounds like your parents.  I swear comics these days is a lot of adults wanting themselves to be raised by comics they can aspire to, rather than art they can think about.  I mean imagine being an adult unable to process art because it is too violent, or has sex in it.  I had parents growing up, I don’t need a comic critic parent as an adult, thank you very much.  But I mean that goes back to it.  When the shit that is being put out are these empty echoes bereft of anything but their iconic placeholders it’s hard to really say there is much there to consider as an adult.  But then when there is stuff like this put out, it’s not shared around, no one reads it or talks about it, they’re too busy swapping icons of their childhood--and I’m just like...wtf are you here for?  You know you don’t get to actually be a kid again, and that time is ticking, death is coming--demand something so great that you sound like an idiot trying to explain it to anyone!

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