#posting this out of nowhere since i finally continued writing the next chapter

[fischerfrey]

HPHM SUMMER CAMP AU: CHAPTER 3

Summary: Muggle!AU. Verna stumbles upon a secret and a party.

Pairings: OC/Merula Snyde, background OC/Bill Weasley, and others as the story progresses

Word count: 1.8k

Warnings: Alcohol

A/N: I’m not a horror writer so this might be a complete mess. Also I did zero research for this and I refuse to be held accountable for any camp-related falsehoods I might perpetuate.

MCs used:

Colette Belrose by @gcldensnitch

Jules Farrier by @cursebreakerfarrier

Indigo Silverwood by @indigobackfire

more to be added in future chapters!

Previous / Next

[From the Beginning]

Chapter 3

That night, Verna was walking back to her cabin from the showers. She was still in a sour mood after what had happened with Merula. She knew that if she hadn’t hit Merula, maybe the camp director would’ve taken her accusation more seriously but sometimes she couldn’t control her temper. Penny had been in a state when she returned from the main building. She had been sure Verna would get fired but when Verna told the others that instead she got paired up with Merula as counsellors, they all seemed to agree that that was an even worse punishment. She was annoyed, sure, but not as annoyed as she would’ve been if she’d lost the job.

~

It had gotten dark while Verna had been trying to wash her hair, and Penny had already headed back earlier to get ready for a little bonfire meetup amongst the counsellors. She shone her torch around to see where she was going. The sounds of the forest were somehow louder this late, once most of the day-time noise was reduced to minimum. It was a bit of a trek back to their cabin. The cabins were built a good distance from each other and from the main building to apparently give off an authentic experience but right now Verna really hoped it would be a bit closer. Suddenly she heard movement from the direction of the woods to her left. She peered towards the sound but saw nothing. Against her will, the story Charlie had told the first night came to her mind. This really was the perfect place to scare kids out of their mind. And unwitting camp counsellors as well, apparently.

“Hello?” she called, and the sound started to resemble footsteps. Verna resolved to follow. It was probably just some of the other counsellors messing around, but she didn’t want to take the chance that there was an intruder. Shutting off her torchlight, she left the path and, as silently as she could, followed the sound.

~

For a while the footsteps continued without a pause, and then came to a sudden stop. Verna hid behind a huge tree and waited. Seconds later she saw the person she’d been following step out into her field of vision, accompanied by someone else. Verna wasn’t sure if there’d been two of them all along, or if they were meeting out here. The pale moonlight shining through the canopy didn’t illuminate enough of the forest for Verna to make any sort of guess as to who these people were. She thought for a moment that the one she’d originally being following was wearing a camp counsellor t-shirt. She nearly breathed a sigh of relief and started to head back, when she heard something that made the hairs on her neck stand up.

“Something’s different this year,” a voice was saying. Maybe a girl’s. She was whispering. “That girl almost drowned and it’s not even the end of orientation yet.”

Another voice replied, also in a hushed whisper: “Something must’ve gone wrong.”

“It doesn’t make any sense,” the first one spoke again. Verna dared to peek from behind her tree ever so slightly more to see who were talking. In her eagerness to have confirmation, she stepped on a twig, which snapped in half a little too loudly in the quiet forest. The two people immediately looked her way, and Verna, not wanting to get caught eavesdropping, hid completely behind the tree again. She heard two sets of footsteps beginning to close in and so she made a decision to run for it. Neither of the shady people had a torch so they might not be able to tell it was her. She was also fast, and she knew it. She could make it back to her cabin using a detour to set her pursuers on the wrong trail.

~

It had seemed like a good plan at first, but after running for what felt like several minutes and still having not had made it out of the woods, she begun to think she was lost. On a positive note, she didn’t hear anyone following after her anymore. She stopped to catch her breath and look around, still not daring to switch her torch back on. Had those really been counsellors? And what the hell had they been talking about? There was something deeply unsettling about it’s not even the end of orientation yet. Verna shivered, even though it was a warm night. At random, she chose a direction and begun to walk towards it. She had no idea where she was, but soon she started to hear music. She headed towards it, hoping it came from one of the buildings at the camp. She had not walked for long, when she saw firelight, and heard people talking and laughing. When she emerged from the forest into a small clearing, it was packed with people chatting, dancing, and drinking beer. For a few seconds she was taken aback by all the noise and excitement that she didn’t notice Colette and Rowan heading her way.

“Verna! Where have you been?” Colette asked, throwing a hand around her shoulder. Verna was suddenly very self-conscious about her shower-damp hair and the soggy towel she was still holding.

“We tried to find you from the showers when you didn’t come back,” Rowan said.

“Oh, I just got lost, I think…” Verna muttered.

“Are you okay?” asked Rowan.

Verna didn’t know what exactly to say. Rowan and Colette seemed to be having fun and she didn’t feel like spoiling their night by sharing something that might’ve been nothing in the first place.

“Well, you’re here now! Jules is around somewhere, I saw her earlier with Charlie and Bill,” Colette continued when Verna didn’t make a reply.

“Penny invited us all here and then almost stayed behind herself,” added Rowan.

“Weird,” Verna said absent-mindedly.

“She’s a stickler to rules, but maybe she’ll come around during the summer…” Colette mused and then started to drag Verna towards the cooler bag holding a bunch of beer bottles.

~

Several hours and beers later, Verna had pretty much convinced herself that what she saw in the forest was her imagination playing tricks on her. She was sitting on a big rock, talking to Charlie and Jules, when Merula and her dark-haired friend appeared into the clearing. They were both dressed for the party, as well as one could in the middle of nowhere, too. The other two noticed Verna staring.

“I can’t believe you punched her,” Charlie said, but he sounded impressed.

“She deserved it for messing with Rowan,” said Jules.

Verna turned her eyes back to her friends and grinned. “Glad to be of service!”

“No but seriously, the way she acts like she owns this camp is ridiculous,” continued Jules. “She has to be over eighteen to be a counsellor here, right?”

“She’s nineteen, I asked Penny,” Verna explained.

“I guess some people never get over secondary school…” Charlie mused and took a swig from his beer.

~

Verna wound up dancing with Indigo and Colette for so long her feet ached and she felt dizzy. The three girls looked for somewhere to sit and Verna walked straight into someone while not looking. That someone being Gael from Charlie’s cabin. He spilled some of his beer all over his t-shirt, and gave Verna an annoyed look.

“Hey, do you mind?” he asked, irritably.

“Oh, whoops, sorry…” Verna said and heard giggles from Indigo and Colette behind her.

“For fuck’s sake…” Gael muttered, clearly not impressed by the situation.

“Oh c’mon, she said she was sorry,” Colette interjected. “And it’s a party, after all!”

“A shitty party,” replied Gael and left without another word. Verna turned around to the other two and they all burst out laughing.

“That was awkward,” said Indigo.

“It’s the first week and I’ve already made like, three enemies,” Verna laughed.

“Merula, Gael, and…?” asked Colette

“The other girl, Merula’s friend.”

“Ooh, you mean Ismelda,” Indigo realized. “She and Merula seem to be doing everything together so that checks out.”

“Ismelda. I have to remember that,” Verna said. “I’ve been calling her The Dark-haired One in my head this entire time.”

They burst into giggles again, and Verna had the vague feeling that none of this would’ve been half as funny if they hadn’t been emptying beer bottles left and right. She wondered where the beer had even come from, as it was sternly forbidden. It was probably better if she didn’t know.

~

It was nearly 2am, when Verna and Colette saw it fit to start heading back. Rowan had left shortly after midnight, but Jules must’ve still been around. The girls split up to look for her, and after ten or so minutes Verna found her deep in conversation with a certain Head Counsellor. Neither seemed to notice her.

“Hey,” she said cheerily, as she walked up to them. Jules and Bill looked up. “Am I interrupting something?” Verna asked, just to be a bit of a twat.

“No, not at all!” Bill said bashfully.

“I just thought I’d let Jules here know that Colette and I are heading back.”

“Okay,” said Jules. She didn’t seem that drunk or ready to leave yet. “I’ll stay for a bit.”

“Gotcha,” Verna replied and started to head back to look for Colette. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” she called back to the two.

“Shut up Verna,” Jules laughed back.

It didn’t take as long to find Colette, who had forgotten all about finding Jules, and was instead talking to Jae Kim from cabin six. Verna rolled her eyes, amused. “Ready princess?” she asked Colette.

“Oh, hi! Yeah,” Colette exclaimed. “Did you find Jules?”

Verna nodded. “Hi Jae,” she said to the boy.

“Hi Verna,” Jae replied politely enough, though he didn’t seem particularly thrilled to be interrupted.

“Sorry Jae, gotta go. Good night,” said Colette and Verna echoed her. Then the pair headed away from the clearing towards their cabin. Verna didn’t have her torch or her towel with her anymore and wondered where they had gotten to, but she was too lazy to turn around and get them.

“Hey Verna?” Colette asked after a while.

“Mm?”

“I left my torch at the clearing…”

“Motherfuck---”

“It’s fine, we can make it,” Colette said and continued on with determination.

“We’re going to fall and break our necks,” Verna laughed, jogging after her.

“Oh, that would be really bad.”

“Yeah, very bad indeed.”

“Do you think that Penny’s cute?” asked Colette, changing the subject on the fly.

“Uhh, does it have something to do with breaking necks?”

“Oh no,” Colette said, giggling. “I just think she’s pretty.”

“Yeah, sure,” Verna agreed. “She is.”

Colette, seemingly satisfied with the answer, started to sing something in French under her breath and Verna tried to focus on staying upright. As they walked through the deepest, densest part of the forest the path ran through, she could’ve sworn she saw someone or something from the corner of her eye. But when she stopped to look, there was nothing there. In the end, both girls made it back to the cabin without an incident and as quietly as they could, crawled to their bunks.

[thegirlwhorideslikeasamurai]

Writing update

Today, I've finished the revision of my YOI post-canon story Did My Heart Love 'Til Now. At least, there's nothing I could do to improve the story any further at this point. I have already one person volunteering to beta-read it, but as this story is massive and includes quite a number of themes (not to mention that English isn't my first language), I will need a second beta.

After I emergency-fixed some scenes of the next few chapters of Can You Hear My Heartbeat, I received feedback from my beta that with those changes, the character in question now is more in-character in those chapters and that he's more consistent with how I've wrote him in the story so far. This reinforced my decision to follow this path even though it's a difficult one that will continue to demand educating myself and introspection. I hope that my sensitivity reader will approve of my characterisation as well.

I applied the same changes to DMHLTN in the final stage of this latest revision. Next will be checking all the scenes in the 18 chapters of CYHMH I have yet to post and correct them as well before I send the updated document to my beta. That shouldn't take much longer than one week, and then, I'm free for work on another YOI fanfiction.

As starting this month, I'm going to divide my spare time between writing and working towards a career change, I won't yet resume writing the third instalment of my A Dream Too Large To Bear Alone-series, In Love and War. It's too long and too complex to work on when my time is limited. Instead, I will write the coming-of-age/coming-out story for young Vitya which I've been looking forward to since the idea struck me out of nowhere two months ago. I have yet to write a more detailed outline that I will divide into chapters. And I have a ton of research on post-Soviet Russia ahead. As it turned out, my recent revision of DMHLTN has proven helpful because of all the cues on Viktor's backstory it contains.

[ilykazashi]

crown of thorns: chapter one

desc: fantasy story featuring my own ocs. 2.1k words.

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a/n: this is the first chapter in a new series of mine, crown of thorns!! i'm very happy to have this finished and i pray to find a constant rhythm to continue writing and posting!! i might edit this post a few times, since this isn't beta read :') hope you all enjoy!

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tw: descriptions of blood and injury, cussing, and physical violence

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The rain fell heavily that night, soaking everything in Huosea City: skyscrapers, city-goers, plants, and one unfortunate young woman— me, Tanaka Ayaka, a newcomer to the city. The night was stormy, yet the air smelled like the familiar rain of the countryside far away. The urban cityscape was colder and wetter than it usually was, even in the rainy season of the year. Skyscrapers stood tall against the busy people of the city, people who traveled from one place to another with the utmost urgency.

I sigh, opening up a simple black umbrella. Rain pitter-patters on the umbrella, a sound that would usually be comforting to me if my apartment wasn’t another ten minutes from here. The bright lights of billboards shine down on the puddles of the wet streets. I had studied at the library later than I usually did to prepare for the upcoming finals that my school seemed determined to pile onto every student there. Wiping the fat raindrops off of it, I check the time. 11:38. Great— it was almost midnight and I wasn’t even close to feeling ready for tomorrow. 

A feeling of hopelessness settles within me. I had spent all this time and money trying to get into this university which made my mental health feel like it was slipping more and more every week I attended. Was this really what my family had helped me to do? If I didn’t pass these tests, these finals, I would be done for. Everything I had worked so hard for would be gone and I would be forced to go back home, to face my shame knowing that I had used all my family could give me and couldn’t even repay it. I should have been able to help them— no, I should be able to help them. This feeling, this shame, is not something so easily escapable. 

The looks I imagine would cross my parents’s faces are things I never want to see. To think that I had wasted the little money that they had is an extremely disconcerting thought for me. I attempt a few deep breaths, but the anxiety resides within me. Cold rain slides down my cheeks. I look up and reposition my umbrella even though I’m already dripping wet. I’m stewing in my thoughts and shame until I feel a light tap on my shoulder. I turn around and my gaze meets that of a guy around my age. He has the familiar dark hair, wide eyes, and spattering of freckles of the student I sit next to. It takes me an embarrassing moment until I realize that he is in fact, my classmate. 

“Don’t you sit next to me in Historical Studies? You’re Ryou, right?” I looked at him and realized that he was about to say something to me before I cut him off. “Oh, I’m sorry. Were you about to say something?”

He smiled sheepishly. “Yeah. I noticed you were walking back to the dorms. It’s so dark out here, I figured you could use some company.”

I nod and thank him. We walk and talk together, lost in conversation. I got to know him better, so eventually I mindlessly placed my trust in him to lead me in the right direction.

What a mistake that was.

I somehow came to my senses after an extensive debate with Ryou over which of our classes is easier. Looking around my surroundings, I realize that the dorm building is nowhere in sight. Where am I?

“Are we lost?” The question falls out of my mouth, sounding scared and timid. Ryou shakes his head. 

He turns to face me. “You’re right where I need you.” A sharp glint of steel cuts through the darkness of the alley. My understanding of the situation finally came. I’ve been tricked.

Ryou thrusts the knife at my head and I dodge, somehow, but my umbrella suffers a gash through the top. I step backward, almost falling into a rotten dumpster. The stench is awful, coming from a heap of black trash bags. I gag a bit at the sight. A second knife is pulled from the pocket of his rainjacket. Ryou extends his arm towards my neck, gripping the knife in his hand. I’m so done for. What a terrible way to go out, killed and maybe thrown into a stinky dumpster full of who-knows-what. I close my eyes and prepare for a slash in the next, but it never comes. I open my eyes to see Ryou holding the blade to my throat, his eyes full of what looks like… desperation. He speaks, trying to hide his cracking voice.

“Ayaka, I’m sorry— you don’t understand how badly I need this.” His voice shakes. “How badly I need you.” 

My eyes widen at the statement. I’m of average looks, pretty to some, but no stunner. There are hundreds of other girls at my university, hell, in the class Ryou and I have together.

“Why me?” My voice shakes at the threat of a polished blade against it.

“I can tell there’s something… special about you. Not in how you look, but deep down.” His hand moves to my face, cupping my cheek. When Ryou speaks, his voice isn’t like anything I’ve heard from him. It’s quiet yet crazed, talking to me like I’m some sort of lab experiment. “Have you ever heard of abilities?” 

“Abilities? Like what a person can accomplish?”

“No. Not like that. Like a magical power. People who can wield it are very rare… very rare indeed. And I suspect that you have an ability yourself.”

I look at him, not hiding my expression of confusion. “And you think I’m one of them? Why does that matter?”

Ryou speaks in a voice that is somehow more hushed. “Do you not know what I am, Ayaka? I am first and foremost a scientist. Assuming you are an ability user, you have a bodily system superior to mine and every other average human’s. And people like me are very interested in that sort of thing. Your organs, your body parts would sell. How about that, hm?”

My response comes without much of a thought. Not that it ever needed one. “No. No, I am not selling my organs or my body parts for research, no matter how much it helps.”

Ryou’s gaze does not falter. “Please. Please reconsider.”

“No. I will not.”

His eyes narrow, a cold gaze crossing his face. “Then I suppose I’ll make do with your dead body.” He swipes at me and I dodge, dropping my umbrella. A fight in the rain, great. Ryou attempts a punch to my gut. I step back, missing by a hair as his fist grazes my stomach. He tries to knock me down by swiping at my feet. I retaliate with what I believe to be a weak punch to the face, but it sends him crashing into the wall. His face is bruised and covered in blood, his nose shattered and arm broken from the impact. Surely I didn’t hit him that hard. I look at my fist which feels like it's coursing with energy. I doubt that I’ve ever hit anything quite as hard as I did then. Was that what an ability felt like? My attention flips back to Ryou. He grimaces, shakily standing up and clutching his shoulder. His once-clean face is ruined by bruises, blood, and a disgusting look of contempt.

“You bitch. I’ll get you for that. I’ll get you now!” Ryou screams hoarsely at me. Rage fills his eyes as his hand flies towards a small pistol in a murderous rage. He points the weapon at me and I hear the familiar click! as it’s aimed right at my forehead. Ryou’s finger rests on the trigger, ready to shoot, until something stops him— the clicking of heels against the street of the alley. It comes from the shadows, a corner that no one bothered to look. A strange sound ensues, the unsheathing of a blade; but it wasn’t the sound of any familiar edge. It was long and drawn out, like a sword unsheathed. Before I had time to uselessly contemplate it any further, the sword, or more specifically a katana, lit the dark alley. The metal glowed a warning shade of red, electricity crackling up to the hilt like some sort of taser-sword combo. Who the hell would use that, and how did it light up like that? Was this woman an ability user?

My answer becomes clear as the wielder’s face is lit in red, revealing to be a dangerous-looking woman. The lightning illuminates her lanky silhouette and strange attire that resembles the armor of the House of Cobra where the Emperor lives. The woman looks older and definitely taller than me, maybe in her thirties, and battle-hardened. A faded yet visible scar runs from the bottom of her left eye down to the collar of her long coat. What a strange person, I think to myself before my thoughts dissipate when she thrusts the sparking sword at Ryou’s head. His eyes widen and he yelps, barely dodging the blade as it passes by his shoulder. The woman’s dark eyes narrow, clearly unhappy with his survival. 

“Leave her be,” Her voice is harsher and raspier than I expected, but the urgency is clearly there despite her haughty and cold expression. Ryou foolishly lunges towards the woman, hoping to land a punch, but is met with failure as she dodges easily. A look of annoyance yet confusion crosses his face.

“How did you—” His query is interrupted by the woman’s swift grab of his dirtied shirt. With a strange amount of ease, she throws him back to the wall. I watch from the other side with a mix of fascination and fear that I’ve never felt before. This woman was handling Ryou like a sack of potatoes. A few punches and dodges ensue until Ryou takes advantage of the woman’s position, using an opening to grab and unsheath her sword, slashing her face. The woman’s face does not lose its grace as she takes him by the arm, throwing him down to the hard, concrete ground and most likely breaking a fair amount of his bones. Ryou’s eyes roll to the back of his head as he spits out a mouthful of blood from the impact, cursing under his breath as the same sword he attempted to steal was pointed right at his throat. 

“Ryou Watanabe. You have committed multiple crimes worthy of imprisonment and possibly even death, which include but are not limited to multiple counts of murder, fraud, assault, breaking and entering, embezzlement, and theft. Do you accept these charges?” She spoke as if she was justice herself. “If you accept, you will be taken to trial in front of the House of Viper. If you deny, you will be taken there forcibly after questioning with my colleagues and I of the Red Moon Syndicate.” Ryou’s face paled at that last statement, one that I don’t understand. 

“Fuck. You’re from the Syndicate? I thought you were just some try-hard police officer!” Ryou sounded more scared than ever. “Just who the hell are you?”

“Aikawa Kazashi. Future leader of the Syndicate, noblewoman, and if you slip up, your executioner as well. So, do you accept or deny your charges?”

“I deny.”

One swift kick to the head and Ryou was out cold, leaving me with whoever this Kazashi woman was. My legs shake as I try to stand up and step away from the situation, but not before she speaks to me. Chains and metal clink as she walks closer to where I stand.

“And who are you?” Kazashi looks down at me with her arms crossed, practically oozing hostility. Despite her fight with Ryou, she barely has a scratch or bruise on her. This woman was unreal. I don’t wish to be executed, so I maintain an air of dignity in my response.

“Tanaka Ayaka. I’m a university student.” My gaze flits to her sword, which is sheathed and not electrified anymore. I bring up the question that had been burning in my mind since I saw her. “Who are you?”

Her voice does not falter in her next words. “I am a killer.”

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any notes are appreaciated!! copyright: floptr3eaa 2024

[stagefoureddiediaz]

Fuck it Friday!

Thanks for the tag @honestlydarkprincess @spotsandsocks ☺️☺️☺️

It feels very odd having actual writing to share with people rather than me just posting half finished paintings or embroideries 😂

This fic has me in its strangle hold and has gone from what I thought was going to be a fun little 20-30k 15 chapter fic to mark my entrance as a fic writer, to a full blown monster that looks like it will be closer to 100k and 30 chapters - make of that what you will!

Again it is unedited at the moment, but here is a little section from chapter two when we meet Margaret and Philip Buckley and yes they are just as terrible in my fic as they are in the show!!

As expected he was met with the unimpressed stares of both his mother and father. Daniel was nowhere to be seen and Buck assumed he was breaking his fast in his bedroom, tired out from expending his energy in attending the ball last evening. Buck perused the sideboard and selected what he wanted for breakfast before taking his seat at the centre of one side of the table, his mother at one end, with his father at the head. A servant stepped forward to serve him coffee before withdrawing back to stand next to the sideboard. Buck began to eat his selections while he waited for one of his parents to strike the first blow of their vitriol over his behaviour. 

He didn’t have to wait long, he was just buttering his breakfast roll when his father turned  and signalled for the servant to leave the room before turning to Buck and asking  ‘what were you thinking, leaving the assembly as you did last night and walking home on foot?’ ‘Do you deliberately spend you time coming up with new ways to vex us Evan’ his mother chimed in ‘waking home in the middle of the night, you could’ve been mugged or kidnapped. you have no compassion on my nerves and no consideration for how we appear to society with you galavanting about as you do.’ Buck looked at her as she built up a head of steam, before turning back to look down at his bread roll, when she got like this it was better to let her get it all out. He was in for a long morning.  'We are here for Daniel, to improve his health, and you constantly going off without a thought for anyone. You should be focused on helping him and putting your energy into making sure he gets well. You abandoned him at the Assembly rooms - what if he had a turn?’  

His parents continued to expound how much of a failure and a problem Buck was in their eyes, his mother getting increasingly distressed and her admonishing tone increasingly shrill while his father just sits there looking disappointed and displeased.  ‘This is your last warning Evan’ his father finally says ‘you cannot keep behaving in this manner, distressing your mother when she has enough to worry about with Daniel. You are supposed to be here looking after him and his health while we try to fins a cure and if you can’t do that I will send you back to Boston and have you put under the care of Gerrard.’ Buck looks at his father, who returns his gaze with a hard stare and Buck knows he will make good on his threat. Mr Gerrard is his fathers steward and Buck has never liked or got on with him.  A former army man, he is set in his ways with a hardline and barbaric attitude who has clipped Buck around the ear at any and all opportunities since before Buck can remember and Buck has seen him beat servants for the smallest thing. Gerrard has never had the time of day for Buck, his beady eyes always searching for any minor transgression that he can use to persuade his father of the need for punishment. He rules through fear and with the rod and Buck is fully aware that should be sent back to Boston, Gerrard would take great delight in beating Buck for any transgression, real or imagined. 

‘I’m sorry’ he says, ‘I promise I’ll do better’ ‘See that you do’ His father says over his mothers sniffing.  Having lost his appetite, Buck asks to leave the breakfast table and when his father nods as he returns to his newspaper Buck quickly gets up and leaves the room.

I hope you're enjoying these little snippets. I don't know when I'll post this to AO3 - it all depends on how productive i am becasue I don't want to start posting and then not be able to keep to a schedule 😬 or leave it as an unfinished fic!

Tagging anyone who has something to share this fine friday and hasn't been tagged!

[bluujaee]

The Blindfolded Dumbass 4

Previous Rating:E -minor language

BluuNotes- Sorry for the late chapter been going through alot but I will be posting regularly from now on and I am currently writing yall ask.

When you wake up from the alarm you set the previous night, you realize that the spot next to you is empty. Normally, Gojo would be cuddled up against you or at least have a leg. You quickly sit up, and the cover drops revealing the events from the night before. When you look, all his luggage is missing, and he is nowhere to be found. Frantically you look for your phone, the only notification you have is Iichji sending you your plans for when you return. You call Gojo 5 times, but each time you get no answer, you decide to call Iichji. 

Hello, Ms. L/N. I was just about to call you. How may I help? ’ The timid man answered. 

‘Goodmorning Iichji have you heard from Satoru? I haven't seen him all morning and I've been calling him.’ you say trying to mask your anger.

‘Ah yes, That’s what I was intending to call about. I've just spoken with Gojo he’s already at the airport, and he told me to relay the message to you.’ Iichji says realizing mid-sentence that Gojo has fucked up.

‘Thank you very much Iichji’ you say through your teeth before hanging up before the man on the other line can say anything else. 

You get ready, pack up all your stuff, and quickly make it to the airport. Once you get inside and make it to your gate you see Gojo mansplaining in the seats eating from a box of donuts. 

‘What the hell Satoru’ you say punching him in the shoulder, hitting his infinity. 

‘Ouch.’ he mockingly says rubbing his shoulder before going back to eating his donuts.

Trying to stay calm and not draw attention ‘Why the fuck would you leave me?' you ask quietly.

‘You were sleeping’ he says nonchalantly 

‘What the fuck is your issue?' You seeth. He doesn’t answer just continues eating and staring ahead. While scoffing, you turn around and find a seat far from him until they let you board the plane. Of course, your seat was next to his on the plane. You asked everyone you could reach if they'd like to switch seats, but all declined. You spent the whole plane ride in silence trying to stay away from him as much as possible. He seemed unbothered going as far as even going to sleep. When you finally landed you were met by Iichji who took you both home. The whole night you stayed up thinking about Satoru and the previous night. Upon arrival at the school, you were immediately brought to Yaga's office, where Gojo was surprisingly already waiting. Satoru glanced at you briefly, but neither of you said anything, and you felt a strange tension in the air.

"I realize you just returned from a mission, so I would have let you all have a day off. However, Nanami has stated that he will not work a minute overtime. However, I hope your vacation strengthened your bond since you'll be spending so much time together from now on. Okay? Okay. Ms. L/N, If you are ready, Satoru will take you to meet the first years.’ Yaga says moving to the door and opening it before you could even respond.

Satoru walks out without saying anything to either of you, so you decide to just follow him. A couple of minutes later, he stops in front of a door and walks inside, letting the door close causing it to hit you. Trying to calm your anger before you present, you hear a mixture of children yelling at him for being late and another asking who was behind him.

'Helllooo Children! I know you all miss me, you can tell me all about it some other time, but first I have a surprise for you all' you hear Satoru excitedly say. Taking a deep breath, you open the door and step inside. As you reach the center of the room, all the children’s eyes were on you, their faces filled with curiosity. Looking at the children, you see a brunette with a bobbed hairstyle who looked at you with an expression that you could not understand. Also, a pink-haired boy looking at you with excitement, and of course sweet baby Megumi looking as bored as usual. 'This is why you were late. You were too busy with your girlfriend!' The bobbed brunette yelled standing up while slamming her hands on the desk. Her outburst left you speechless, and it was clear that the atmosphere had suddenly changed and everyone was looking at you with anticipation. 'Who? Her? Pfft. Not even.' Satoru laughs while pointing his thumb at you. 'what is that supposed to mean, you wish I was your gir-' 'ANYWAYYY' Satoru interrupted ' This wonderful but not wonderful as me lady is will now be your teacher from this day forward, but don't worry kids I will still be your teacher as well!' he said grabbing your shoulders while comically pointing at you.

'This man is insane. He was rude at first, and now he's acting like you're his best friend, you think to yourself. You just can't make this stuff up! ' His mood swings are gonna give me whiplash, you mistakenly say out loud. He then looks at you with a mischievous grin and says "Don't worry, I provide free neck massages!" You can't help but laugh; his unpredictable behavior never ceases to amaze you. 'You're not right in the head, are you? You reply 'Nope' he replies 'Anyway the lesson today is to get to know your new teacher' he says pushing you forward. While you try your best to resist, the brunette and the pink-haired boy start bombarding you with questions.

'Are you strong?'

'How long have you been a Jujutsu sorcerer?'

'Did you go to this school?'

'How did you become a Jujutsu Sorcerer?'

'Are you stronger than Gojo sensei?'

Uhmm, I would like to think so, since I was like 12, Yes, I became a Jujutsu Sorcerer when Gojo saved me from a curse, and not really but I kicked his ass a few times' you answer proudly.

'HA, you wish! ' Gojo commented

"Oh really! You knew Gojo sensei when he was younger? I was wonder how he was at my age?' The pink-haired one exclaimed.

This gives you an idea. You look back at Gojo Even through the blindfold, you can tell Gojo warns you not to speak. Smirking you turn around and ask, "What do you want to know? I have plenty of stories!' You say before rattling off a few of your favorites.

Let the games begin!

Taglist : @lady-cryptstone

[torilaa]

The Memory Shaper Blog

So, recently, I was combing through my files of writing - trying to break out of a nasty bit of writer’s block for my fun kotor fanfiction project - when I found an ancient piece of text. The novel I tried writing in college. I made the mistake of reading it and once I did I kinda…missed it. So. I dug through all the world building docs I made - the terrible first draft that I discarded (where the plot went nowhere literally what a load of junk). Then found the second draft which also went nowhere. And finally I found this. I wrote it in 2018 in an attempt to restart and since I had no one to hold me accountable to continue I stopped. Also thanks to my general depression at the time…well it didn’t help.

I think my New Years resolution is going to be to update this blog post with my progress on completing this science fiction/fantasy novel I dreamed up years ago (this doesn’t mean I’ll abandon my other projects of course. Actually I’m half way done with the next chapter of Fragmented so I’d say it gave me a boost of creative energy).

So, here you go! The first pages and first draft of The Memory Shaper. Many things will be subject to change of course and I’ll talk about the world I made in more blog posts. I hope sharing will help egg me on to complete this finally 😅!

Snow slapped into Martin's face—adrenaline peaked—noise became next to nothing against the 200 kilometer-per-hour winds. His stolen pilo-bike self-adjusted for the city's outer-limit weather, and he climbed high above the mountains towards the countryside. It was only in the snow and trees where he felt like he was free. Not stuffed within bare walls. Not nodding his head at the instructors who drolled on about how his “sacrifice” would mean future generations could control the depths of their minds like ant farms. No, within the winds, the trees, nature, he could watch whatever he wanted and believe in whatever he pleased. Maybe even…forget what he wanted like he used to. 

Now? Now he had no choice but to remember. 

The pilo-bike jolted as his mind wandered. A memory would come to him each time he rode. He could never use his Omitral to forget it.

(Not that he could use it to forget anyway).

Dad had smiled down at him as he adjusted the speed of the engine of his old rusted bike to match the tolerance level an eleven-year-old would have. He remembered (yes, remembered) how he got onto it before Dad finished the adjustments.

“No, no, Martin.” Dad chuckled. “Get down.”

He didn't get down. Dad never forced him off though. Instead, he worked around him and continued making adjustments—licking his lips as always did in concentration. His long red tangled hair—like Martin’s own—had been pulled back in order to avoid being caught in parts. It revealed the scar on his forehead that he rarely if ever showed. It was the one he got from an explosion during “the war.” 

Martin gripped the slim handlebars and imagined how riding it had looked in the O-Vids.

“I wanna go fast.”

“No.

“Please.”

Dad huffed. “You'll forget if you do, son.”

“But I'm eleven.”

“Eleven. Twelve. Until you're fifteen, your brain chemistry will work against you. Last week you stubbed a toe. You forgot it and lunch.” He sighed. “It was a good lunch too.”

“I won’t forget, I promise!”

Dad gave him that look.

Martin looked back. 

Dad won the looking contest. 

He groaned.

Dad knew everything about the Omitral—he worked within the Order of Representative's laboratory in New Arizona when Martin had been too young to control his memories during “the war.” Even though Martin couldn't remember most of his early life, he remembered how little he saw his father then compared to how much he saw him now. And now (then) they lived in the middle of nowhere. The middle of nowhere in a redwood forest on a planet Martin…didn’t recall.

Dad grinned and patted the pilo-bike’s hover modules. “Ok! Now, let me squeeze on...”

Martin bloated his cheeks as he remained still—refusing to move. He wanted to ride it himself. Experience the control himself. He yelped when Dad picked him up by the armpits and sat him down this time with enough room for both of them.

Instantly, blue-colored HUDs glowed near the handlebars and multiple numbers and dials swirled in the dash that hadn't existed before. Martin fought against reaching out to touch the HUDs—they didn't exist after all, and he didn't want to look like a little kid that still thought the images produced by the Omitral were real. So, he faced forward and waited for his father's instructions.

“There really isn't much to it.”

Martin blinked in surprise. “Really?”

“Really. It's more of a...feeling. Like when you want to watch an O-Vid or read, do you have to think hard for it to happen?” When he shook his head, Dad placed Martin’s smaller hands onto the handlebars. “Just feel and it will happen, Martin.”

And it happened, first, with slow spurts. Martin imagined the pilo-bike rising off the ground and it did. Then, he imagined the revving of the engine, and Dad flinched when it revved a bit too loud. Finally, he imagined moving forward and—

“Prouset? Hello! Martin Prouset?” A crackle. “Fucking neurotic—are you kidding me right now?”

The world came back and wet snow slammed into his face. Too cold. He cursed and lowered the guard of his helmet before ignoring the annoying blare that erupted in his ears.

A hiss. “I know you can hear me, dipshit. Where the fuck are you? I've been trying to reach you for five minutes. Don't tell me you're out in that storm because if you are...oh shit, please don't tell me you are. No. Why did I get assigned to someone crazy like you?”

Martin pushed his ear with his helmet but it wouldn't stop the sound of Jax's grating voice. Someone hacked into his Omitral again to stop him from muting. Or it was getting fried.

Great. 

“Yes, I am. In the storm—that is. Cold but I’ve felt worse sitting inside that fridge of a building.”

“Are you insane? These snow storms kill people. And they won't give us our assignment until you come back so unless you want to—”

“Be exiled and live on Earth? Probably better to live in that warzone than here at this rate.”

Instead of continuing the fast path over the trees, he flipped over and began the trek back to base. Jax wasn’t going to shut up anytime soon and he couldn’t mute the bastard.

“Is this a joke to you?”

“I mean, you're a joke so yes.”

“Ha, ha, very funny. Prouset is a clown.” 

“That isn't my name.”

Jax went silent. “This again?”

Yet, Martin didn't say anything back to his partner's annoyed retort. Because no matter how many people insisted that his last name was Prouset, he wasn't going to believe it.

Unfortunately, Jax wasn’t going to be silent on the way back. “This is the third time this week you’ve stolen a patrol’s pilo-bike for a joy ride. Don’t you have an icar? And how did you steal it anyway—it’s biometrically locked.”

“I asked for a favor. And I can’t exactly feel my own mortality in an icar, Jax.”

“Oh, so you do want to die.”

Maybe. Once.

“Can you stop whining in my ear? I can’t…mute you. Omitral on the fritz.”

“I told you to let Doctor Bennet look at that.”

Martin scoffed. “Doctor Bennet is a drunken hack. The Reps barely pay him so he gives less than two shits.”

“It’s better than having an episode, Prouset. Remember Thom? He went crazy…jumped off the top of the tower...”

“It’s fine.”

…

And that’s all I had. There are other drafts of this concept - of a universe where people can control their memories with the Omitral. None of them reeeeally got the concept across though and Martin was a boring plank of wood in those. And Jax too really. And the plot made no sense. Honestly this may not be the first chapter - I might write something with the villain’s POV as the first chapter. But anyway…this post was mostly self-indulgent and a way to motivate myself to keep going honestly. I’ll keep updating as I keep writing!

[brakingpoint]

18, 22

18. What is a line/scene you’re really proud of? Give us the DVD commentary for that scene. i want you all to know that i fully intend on doing a free for all director's commentary session after i'm done with rep lol bc i love talking about this fic SO much. but i'm really proud of this passage from chapter 11 in particular:

The week continues to spiral along the same relentless trajectory. They visit the market on Tuesday more for the atmosphere than anything else seeing as they have nowhere to cook at the hotel, and Aiden catches Devon checking his phone one too many times beside a fruit stall and takes his hand, manually guiding it back into his own pocket.

“Just keep the ringer on,” he says, seemingly unaware of how close his hand is skirting to Devon’s crotch. Devon begs his body not to respond accordingly. “They’ll call you. You’ll know when they do. But you’re on holiday, okay? Stop worrying about it.”

i really wanted to keep making references to devon keeping the ringer on his phone bc it's so pivotal in the next chapter but i also wanted the reader to be blindsided by the twist. so it was a very delicate balancing act of putting the chekhov's ringtone work in there while not making it too obvious that this would come back to bite them. i hope i managed this by putting most of the attention on devon trying so so hard not to get a boner

At the same time they both spot someone staring, phone camera trained on the two of them, and Aiden dutifully leans forward and gives Devon a sweet, chaste peck on the lips.

all through the fic there's this conflict from aiden where he is the most enthusiastic to go along with the PR aspect of the relatonship but thinking it's all a PR thing is what drives him to break up with devon. let's be honest it's because he knows he's helping devon out of love but he has absolutely no clue that those feelings are reciprocated

That night, they fall asleep separately, and Devon wakes up in the middle of the night with his head on Aiden’s chest and Aiden’s hands weaving slow, careful patterns through his hair.

He slips out of bed, panicked, and Aiden, half asleep, does not stir.

i'll be honest i'm not sure how aiden can be half asleep and also not stir but i've posted the chapter now. whoops

Devon makes his way out onto the terrace and watches the sea glistening ink-black before him, the tiniest waves lapping towards the shoreline and echoing the sudden sensation that he’s being pulled, one tiny repeated motion at a time, towards something dark and hopelessly inevitable.

He wonders, as he turns and crawls back into bed, if this is how it would feel to drive a race you know would kill you, watching the lap count tick down and knowing, every time you skim past the same barrier, that one of these times it will catch you in your tracks, crushing your organs together and forcing the air from your lungs in one final, strangled cry.

you might notice that i use a lot of racing and especially crash metaphors in this fic. they're all over the place. part of that was absolutely unapologetic foreshadowing for chapter 13 (in all honesty i wish i'd tied it together with this paragraph a little more strongly by really honing in on t14 as a point of focus for devon during the race!) but a big part of it is also that extremely specific metaphors are a quintessential feature of my writing style and when i'm writing third person limited pov i like to shape them around the narrator's own worldview/frame of knowledge; devon has been living and breathing racing since he was teeny tiny so it makes sense that this would be his first point of comparison for any especially strong emotions.

one part where i deviate from this and use my own lived experience is the stage kissing metaphor in chapter 5. imogen is a drama student almost entirely to give devon a reason to have that idea in his head because i was so desperate to use it.

On Wednesday, they visit the butterfly museum.

100% one of the most deliberately pretentious and Author-y things i have ever written. the stark contrast between the run on sentence of the previous paragraph and the brevity of this one. the triple meaning of the mundanity of their activity vs how apparently twee it is in comparison to devon's spiralling thoughts vs the persistent morbid undercurrent bc they are still spending their time looking at thousands of dead specimens of these beautiful, fragile, ephemeral creatures. when i wrote this paragraph i was right back in my gcse english class trying to nail every one of my assessment criteria. 22. Have you cried while writing a fic? i've not cried while writing but i'll tell you i had a really close call like two days after publishing chapter 12 when i went to work and perfect strangers came on the shop radio

[taestefully-in-luv]

The Hero's Countdown | PJM (One)

Summary: Soulmates: The one you are bound to. In this world, you feel everything they feel. Their joy, their pain, everything. Once day you feel the most excruciating amount of pain only to find out your soulmate has died. What happens when the God’s of Time offer to turn back time so you can make things right and save your soulmates life?

Pairing: Jimin x Female reader

Genre: soulmates au, Gods au, fluff, smut, angst, crack

Word Count: 9.4k

Warnings: swearing, suicide, mentions of sex, oc is kinda a bitch

Notes: And the first chapter is finally here! Sorry it took so long!! I don’t know why I have been so nervous to post this…but It’s going to be a fun journey! Send an ask if you want to be added to a taglist or if you just want to chat:) (Remember this is all fictitious)

Taglist: @mawwnsterr @fancycollectormoon

© taestefully-in-luv

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

June 21

Pain. Excruciating pain. You feel it in your chest first, then the intense feeling travels from your beating heart to the tips of your fingers. You choke on air trying to compose yourself, but the pain is so unbelievably powerful that you struggle to catch your breath. Something’s wrong. Something is terribly wrong. Your hand goes to your chest, you pull at your shirt as you try to breathe and then suddenly it stops. Just like that. Something happened. Something happened to him.

~

Soulmates: Two people with the soul connection who feel they are linked on a soul level in a significant or extraordinary way. In this world that means the person you are bound to. When you meet you feel an incredibly intense pull of instant recognition and intense attraction followed by intense emotions. And you feel everything they feel. Their joy, their pain, just everything if it’s considered intense. Physically and emotionally. And that doesn’t stop until you officially “connect” with your partner. What does that even mean? Connect? Does that mean fucking? That sounds like it means fucking. It probably means fucking. You don’t believe in all this bullshit though. The universes predestined bullshit can kiss. Your. Ass.

You’ve learned the hard way that even destined soulmates can’t always make it work…and leaving it up to fate leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. So you ignore fate. You do the very opposite of what fate wants. Fate is strong though and very hard to ignore. It pulls you in the direction of your soulmate constantly—quite literally. Whenever you get the urge, like urge to do something—like out of nowhere get the idea to visit the new bookstore down the block…even though you don’t care for reading. Yeah, that’s a sign that fate is trying to work its magic but you resist that god damn urge and do your own thing. And that’s just one example.

Feeling all your soulmates feelings wouldn’t be so horrible if the man you are destined to be with wasn’t so god damn emotional. Fucking Park Jimin. Yes, you’re well aware who your soulmate is…how else do you know how to avoid him so perfectly? As much as you can at least…considering… But he doesn’t seek you out either—thankfully. But you know he wants to. You can quite literally feel it…his yearning is so powerful it makes you nauseas. But he agreed to stay away. So now you live your life however you please! You have an amazing job that you love, a fantastic group of friends and a hot man you sex up on the regular. Things are good!

The only thing that isn’t good is that you still haven’t bought Isabelle a gift for her birthday party tonight. You’re walking on the sidewalk back to work from getting a coffee on this breezy Monday afternoon when you are hit with realization that you are the worst best friend ever. She always goes above and beyond for your birthday but you can’t even think of a decent gift for her! You listen to the click clack of your heels hitting the pavement as your mind wanders…what could you possibly get her that she doesn’t already have?

You feel your phone buzzing and speak of the devil.

“Hello?” You bring the phone to your ear and your coffee to your lips.

“Please tell me you didn’t invite Julio to my birthday event? Because I just got a text from him asking if he needs to bring anything.” You hear your frazzled best friend on the other line.

“He’s my date tonight.” You say nonchalantly. “Come on, when you guys drink together you…kind of…get along.” You shrug even though she can’t see you.

“Good lord, y/n. You know I can’t stand him. I know he’s got “that good dick” but couldn’t we have went one night without him.” she whines into the phone and you chuckle.

“I’ll make sure he behaves.” You promise. “Now tell me,” you stop at a cross walk and wait for the little person to light up. “What the hell do you want for your birthday?”

“…classic y/n.” Isabelle sighs out, “Just do what you did last year and buy me yet another scarf for my collection.”

“Okay I’ve only bought you like three scarves.” You defend with a pout.

“Four actually, but okay.”

“I’ll just figure it out. See you tonight boo.”

“Fine, see you tonight.” And then you’re bringing the phone down and clicking the end button. Isabelle and Julio (your fuck buddy) don’t necessarily get along. They’re both too similar, you think. But neither will admit that. You’ve been seeing Julio for a few months now, it’s nothing serious of course. He has yet to meet his soulmate and you’re just totally against soulmates. So it makes for good sex.

You walk up to your building and take a deep breath, time to get back to work. You love your job, you really do. But you constantly put your job before your sanity. Because—

“Oh hey.”

Him. You felt him before you even saw him…that’s how strong the pull is. Fate is a funny thing. It brought you to this job, and it brought you to him. But instead of purposely choosing another path and avoiding him like the plague you chose to endure. Because you fucking love this job.

You write scripts for video games and it’s the most fulfilling thing in your life right now…yes even more fulfilling than Julio’s dick. But seeing him 5 days of the week and feeling how he yearns for you is really fucking your head up.

“I said don’t talk to me, remember?” you say with a tight smile. “Seeing you is hard enough.”

Jimin’s eyes soften as he looks at you and he offers an apologetic smile.

“Goodbye, y/n.” and he’s walking past you as he decides to take the stairs while your lazy ass waits for the elevator.

Pain. You feel his pain. And you wince at the overwhelming feeling. But you have to endure and move forward!

“Afternoon y/n.” Your boss comes up to you as you both wait for the elevator. “You got that new script ready for me?”

“Yes sir, I’ll bring it up to your desk before I leave work today.” You offer him one of your sweeter smiles and he brightens.

“Great!” he chuckles wholeheartedly and pats your back, then he’s walking forward once the elevator arrives.

You sigh out in relief that he didn’t question you further…because in truth, that script is not ready and you’re about to have to work your ass off for the rest of the day.

~~~~~

It’s pretty chilly for being an evening in the summer but hey, you won’t complain. It’s better than the blistering heat from a few days ago. You have the address on your phone for the restaurant you’re meeting Isabelle at for her birthday bash. The streets are busy as usual since the city never rests. You walk towards a group of people when you suddenly are hit with an intense feeling of…despair? God, it hurts. But it’s over just as quickly as it started. You compose yourself and continue walking…a few worried looks from strangers but you brush it off.

“She’s finally here!” Isabelle slurs out, “My best fucking friend bitches!”

“Oh my god who let her get drunk before dinner?” you ask, scratching the top of your head as Isabelle rushes to hug you.

“It’s my birthday, I can do what I want.” She drunkenly giggles. “Hurry, hurry.” She ushers you to take a seat and you do. You plop down in the spot next to her, setting your birthday bag down on the ground.

“Another scarf?” she teases, pointing at the bag.

“And if it is?”

“Then I’ll love it you predictable bitch.”

“Hey gorgeous.” You feel a pair of lips kissing your cheek and you know just who they belong to.

“Hi.” You breathe out, “just getting here?” you ask and Julio nods his head yes.

“I didn’t want to get here way earlier than you…I wouldn’t have a friend to hang out with.” He playfully pouts, “But you’re here now.”

“Yes, now you have a friend.” You wink.

You’re about to speak again when another wave of pain hits you. You throw a hand over your racing heart and breathe out heavily.

“Hey, you okay?” Julio rubs your back, “y/n?”

And then it disappears as quickly as it came…

“Yeah, yeah.” You gasp out, “Jeez, wow.” You whisper. “I’m fine.”

Julio gives you a look of concern before he’s nodding his head slowly and turning his body to grab a drink.

“If you say so.” He mumbles.

You try to shake off these strange feelings, and try to have a good time. Isabelle is throwing back drink after drink and after dinner you join her. You begin to loosen up, the alcohol working its drunken magic on you. Isabelle is dancing on a table as the restaurants staff tries their best to get her down, you just watch and laugh like a maniac.

Everything is going good, really good…until pain.

Pain. Excruciating pain. You feel it in your chest first, then the intense feeling travels from your beating heart to the tips of your fingers. You choke on air trying to compose yourself, but the pain is so unbelievably powerful that you struggle to catch your breath. Something’s wrong. Something is terribly wrong. Your hand goes to your chest, you pull at your shirt as you try to breathe and then suddenly it stops. Just like that. This wave felt like death itself. Something happened. Something happened to him.

“y/n? y/n?” You hear Julio call out for you desperately as you try to even out your breathing.

“Hey, you okay?” his voice sounds so distant, like he’s getting further and further away from you. “Get out of my way!” You now hear Isabelle’s voice, she’s pushing through the crowd that surrounds you. “I said, get out of my way!”

Then finally she’s at your side, you are heaving, you are struggling to breath. You feel your cheeks wet from the tears that managed to escape your eyes unknowingly.

What the fuck happened? What’s happening?

Finally, after several minutes of gasping for air, you manage to relax.

“What the hell happened? Are you okay?” Isabelle looks at you with worried eyes, her hand on your back as you straighten yourself.

“Isabelle…I think something happened.”

“What?”

“It’s Jimin, I can feel it.”

Isabelle’s eyes widen and she nods her head in understanding. “Let’s get you home.”

“You have reached the voicemail box of…” you slam your phone down on your coffee table and sigh out in frustration. You have called Jimin maybe 10 times now but it just keeps going to voicemail. What the hell happened? Is he okay? This feels wrong, you feel wrong. You feel empty for some reason like someone stole your life away, like they sucked it right out of your body. You feel weak. You are barely able to move from the coffee table from how fucking weak you are.

You decide to call it a night, you will just confront Jimin at work tomorrow and ask what the hell happened. You drag your weak, weak body to your bed and try your hardest to fall asleep. But all you can think about is Jimin, he’s taking over your mind. Like, you can’t control it. You see images of him and images of his life, maybe you are just imagining it? But you’re sure these are images of his life…is that something soulmates can do? You toss and turn for hours, until finally you see the sky turn a dark blue and eventually the sun is rising.

You decide to just say fuck it, and get up. You’ll get to work early today. You have so much trouble getting ready, you feel ill. Like, a demon sucked you dry of your energy. But you endure because you really need to see Jimin today.

You grab a coffee on the way to work when you feel yourself being pulled into the direction of your office—Jimin must be there. You walk a little faster and when you finally reach the building you notice something is off. There’s groups of people gathered around the building and police officers inside, you walk in and see your boss talking to one of the officers.

“Oh y/n!” your boss calls out to you, his hand raised up to get your attention, and then he’s waving you over.

“Yes?” you look between him and the officer, “What’s up? What’s going on?”

“Did you know Park Jimin?” The officer gets straight to the point.

“I…do…” your eyes scan the inside of the building and you notice a couple of women that work in your office crying into each other’s arms.

“Do you know if something was going on his life? Something that could lead him to commit suicide?”

“C-Commit?” you look around the room again, you notice your boss looking antsy and the couple of women crying did happen to work in Jimin’s department.

“Yes mam, we understand this is difficult. But any information you have could be crucial. We need to make sure we can rule this out as suicide and not something more serious.”

“He loved his job.” Your boss cuts in nervously, “So it’s not because we didn’t treat him well or something…”

“I’m sorry,” you mumble, “Commit suicide?”

“We found Park Jimin’s body this morning in his apartment. Overdose it seems. His elderly neighbor usually brings him breakfast in the mornings and when he didn’t answer she got concerned. She was shocked to say the least.”

“He-He’s dead?” you blink at the officer repeatedly, “He died?” you are in a state of shock yourself. There’s no way…you just saw him yesterday…but…but those waves of pain you felt then that huge wave that felt like…death itself.

“I think you’re wrong.” You say, in a state of denial now. “Jimin was just here…I just saw him yesterday.”

“Time of death is some time last night.” The officer confirms. “That’s her!” you hear the voice of a woman scream out. “That’s that bitch!” you turn around in a daze, trying to find the source of the screams.

“You fucking bitch!” you see a woman charging at you, screaming at the top of her lungs with her finger pointed in your direction.

“M-Me?” you point at yourself in confusion.

“He just…why couldn’t you give him a chance?” The woman breaks down, falling to her knees in front of you. “You’re his soulmate for fucks sake. This is all your fault!” She cries out, defeated.

You stand here, confused as hell. He told people? And how is this your fault?

“H-He’s not gone.” You say weakly, your shock still very fresh. “I’ll call him.” you quickly grab your phone from your pocket and dial Jimin’s number.

“You have reached the voicemail box of….”

You gulp, trying again…

“You have reached the voicemail box of….”

And again.

“You have reached the voicemail box of….”

Fuck, why isn’t he answering? You start to panic now. You blink back growing tears, your body seems to be growing weaker and weaker.

“He’s just…”

“He’s dead!” she screams out, looking up into your eyes, her own eyes bubbled over with tears. “And it’s your fucking fault!”

The officer is helping the women off the floor and escorting her outside the building. You stand here in complete shock still, your body about to give out on you. There’s absolutely no way Jimin is dead. And there’s absolutely no way it’s your fault. Right?

~~~~~

Your limbs are so overwhelmingly heavy as you are draped over your sofa. You are unable to move. You can’t sleep, you can’t eat. You are unable to form sentences at this point, you feel drained. Completely drained. You still can’t believe the news. Jimin is gone. You don’t want to believe it but you do feel heartbroken…you feel so lost and empty and incomplete.

You close your eyes, hoping to drift off into a deep, deep sleep.

“We should let her sleep…”

“No! Girl needs to wake up and we need to get this show on the road!”

“Jin…”

“What? The more time she sleeps the more time she wastes.”

“We literally control time we can let her sleep for 5 more minutes.”

“Exactly, we control it so you know how precious it is, Namjoon.”

You swear you hear voices but you’re too fucking tired to open your eyes, they sound so far away…

“Listen I’m only letting her have these 5 minutes because girl needs her beauty sleep. Do you see those horrible dark circles?”

“That’s what you’re concerned about?”

“Okay, she has like 30 seconds left and we are waking her ass up.”

“Fine.”

“Hey! Hey!” your shoulders are getting fucking rocked as somebody tries to wake you. “Wakey Wakey, hands off snakey!”

“She doesn’t have a snakey dude.” You hear another voice.

You slowly begin to open your eyes when you see a man with his hands on your shoulders. You scream. You scream bloody murder.

“Hey, woah, woah!” The guy puts his hands up in surrender. “Not going to hurt you!”

“We’re just here to talk.” The other voice cuts in, you snap your head to the side and notice another man. You scramble on the sofa, getting into a defensive position as you scream again.

“Have ourself a screamer, don’t we?” the first man winks, “Huh? Huh?” he opens his arms wide and shakes his head around. “No? Tough crowd.”

“Who the hell are you two? Take what you want! Please just leave me alone!”

“We don’t want anything and leaving you alone isn’t something we can do.” The second man says, he sighs out and crosses his arms. “Look, we need to talk.”

“Oh!” the first man quirks a brow, “We don’t want to take anything…no offense, maybe a little offense, but your apartment isn’t that ni—”

“Jin, now is not the time.”

“What the fuck is happening?” you yell out, “Who are you two?”

“Right.” The first man says, “Introductions. Should we just say who we are or should we do our little number that you refuse to rehearse?”

“We aren’t singing as our intros, Jin.”

“Why not? So unfair, Tae and Hobi do it.

“They’re a special breed.” The second man releases a long breath, “I’m Namjoon.”

“And I’m Jin.”

“And we’re—”

“The Gods of Time!”

You blink at the two psychopaths in your living room with your mouth wide open. What the fuck?

“How did you two get in here?!” you ask, deciding to ignore their little introduction.

“Walked through the front door.”

“But it’s locked—“”

“No, like literally.” Jin states, “We walked through it. Because we’re you know, Gods.”

“Shut the fuck up.”

“Did you just tell a God to shut the fuck up?” Jin grins, “Brave girl.”

“We have an order of business.” Namjoon rolls his eyes at Jin, “We need to talk.”

“We aren’t talking until you tell me how you got in my apartment! And what you fucking want!”

“He told you already,” Namjoon sighs, “We walked through the front door and we want to talk.”

“You walked through? Because you’re Gods? Right, like I’m supposed to believe that.” You huff out and Jin lights up with an idea.

“Here.” He’s suddenly handing you a knife. “Stab me.”

“What the fuck?” You hold the knife in your hand, where did he even get a knife so quickly? “I’m not going to stab you!”

“Just do it!”

“No!”

“Yeah, just do it.” Namjoon encourages you with a tired face.

“No!”

“Come on just a little stabby wabby.” Jin sings, “Come on!”

“Fine!” you stick the knife in Jin’s leg and he starts screaming in agony.

“What the hell!!!! Why would you really stab me?!?!? Oh MY GOD?!!!”

“YOU TOLD ME TO?!?!” you stand up in panic, rushing to his leg and seeing if it’s something serious.

“YOU MANIAC!!!! YOU REALLY STABBED—” then he’s laughing hysterically as Namjoon just claps his hands with an unimpressed face.

“Great performance Jin, but can we get to the point?”

“Performance?” you stutter, “You’re not hurt?”

“No, I’m a God. You think a little human knife can hurt me?”

“Wait, wait, wait! You really are okay? I stabbed you! Oh my god,” you start spiraling, “I stabbed someone.” You whisper. “Oh my god. Are you okay? I am so sorry!”

“Once again, we are God’s.” Namjoon states matter of fact. “Human weapons do not hurt us.”

Your eyes widen in complete shock, you look between the two men and start shaking your head—spiraling even further.

“God’s? God’s of what?” you breathe out. “This is…this is impossible.”

“God’s of time.” Jin snaps his fingers, “and do we have an offer for you.”

“W-What offer?” you plop down on your couch, your face has gone pale. What the hell is happening?

“Your soulmate, Park Jimin…” Namjoon begins. “Committed suicide last night.”

“And full offense girly, but it’s sort of your fault.” Jin chimes in. You feel your entire body go weak again.

“But we want to offer you something. We will roll back time by one month. Giving you the opportunity to make things right and save his life.”

“Turn back time?” you mumble, “That’s impossible.”

You watch as Jin rolls his eyes and with his pointer finger he’s making small circles.

“Turn back time?” You mumble, “That’s impossible.”

Suddenly you’re hit with Déjà vu. “Wait, didn’t I just say that?”

Jin grins and making small circles with his pointer finger again.

“Wait, didn’t I just say that?”

Your eyes go comically wide. “Woah. How did you do that?”

“God’s of Time, it’s literally our specialty.” Namjoon says.

“This girl really don’t listen.” Jin sits down on the couch next to you and you try scooting away.

“Okay…say you really can turn back time…why one month? And why are you giving me this chance?”

“One month because that’s how long it will take to change Jimin’s mind. And because…” Namjoon’s eyes slide to the side…”We were sort of pressured into this.”

“By who?”

Ding Dong

“Great, they’re here.” Jin whines, “I was hoping we would have more time with the human by ourselves.”

“Who’s here?” you start to panic, “Who pressured you?”

“Pressure? That’s not very nice to say.” You hear a new voice and it startles you. “Hi there.” You look up to see two new bodies in your living room. “We are—”

“Great, they’re going to sing.” Namjoon sighs. “On with it then.”

“Taehyung and Hoseok!” They say as melodically as possible, “God’s of Fate!” You swear you can see flowers and hearts and stars surround them.

“And we are not happy with you!” Taehyung dramatically pouts while pointing at you, “We have set up such a nice life for you but you always do the opposite. You really hurt our feelings.” Hoseok smiles a huge ass smile, ultimately confusing you further.

“God’s of fate?” you stand up and shake your head frantically. “What’s happening? What’s happening?”

“If you would have followed our path—the natural path—then you and Jimin would be happily together right now.” Taehyung lightly scolds you.

“But instead…” Hoseok begins, “You did the opposite of what we wanted and now look what happened.” He says with a smile still. “You messed with the natural order of things.”

“You’re saying it’s my fault? That Jimin is…”

“Didn’t I literally say it was your fault?” Jin questions and Namjoon swats his arm. “It’s okay though girly, we are offering you a chance to fix this. You can save his life.”

“He’s right y/n.” Namjoon walks closer to you, “You can save his life.”

You can save Jimin? How is this even possible? Suddenly, you hear faint knocking on your front door.

“Oh man. They’re here.” Taehyung looks towards the door.

“Well, we knew they would show up.”

“Who? Who?” you ask, clearly not ready for more guests.

“May I?” Hoseok gestures towards the door, asking if he can open it. You just shrug at this point.

Hoseok walks to the door and swings it open, revealing two more men.

“Oh if it isn’t mister sunshine and sunshine Junior.” The shorter man says under his breath as he walks past Hoseok and Taehyung. Another man following closely behind.

“We actually like those nicknames.” Taehyung says with a smile. “But yes, what are you doing here?”

“You know why we’re here.” The taller man smirks. “We have a soul we don’t intend on returning.”

“Who the fuck are you two?” you grit out, clearly tired of everyone at this point.

“Yoongi.” The shorter man states like he’s bored.

“And I’m Jungkook.”

“Okay? And?”

“Introduce yourselves properly you fools!” Jin yells out.

“Right right.” Yoongi nods his head subtlety, “God’s of Death.”

Your eyes widen in terror. God’s of Death? “So you kill people? Oh my god…you killed Jimin…”

“Okay, one… we don’t kill people.” Yoongi states and Jungkook jumps in.

“But we do like it when they die.” He says with big doe eyes and Yoongi’s expression changes like the realization has hit him.

“Yes,” he admits. “We do like that.”

“Actually we love it.” Jungkook pipes in again.

“Yes, we do love it.” Yoongi comments nonchalantly.

“And two… Jimin offed himself, we just wait to retrieve his soul.”

“His soul is all we’re interested in.” Jungkook chuckles darkly. “That’s all.”

“Oh? Is that all?” Taehyung mutters underneath his breath.

“Can someone please explain to me what the hell is going on and why you all are in my apartment?”

“Damn girl, you really don’t listen.” Jin puts a hand on his hip.

Namjoon steps closer to you again and pats you on the back, urging you to take a seat.

“Taehyung and Hoseok are the God’s of fate, they want to bring you and Jimin together for your epic love or whatever…Jin and I may owe them a favor. So here we are, the God’s of Time…offering you a chance to turn back time and save Jimin’s life. But the God’s of Death over here…” he gestures towards Yoongi and Jungkook, Jungkook looks at you with a wink, “…don’t want that. They’re here to stop you so they can keep their soul like the soul hungry bastards they are.”

The other 5 men nod their heads in agreement as you look at each of them incredulously.

“And you expect me to believe this?” you wipe your sweaty palms on your pants and sigh out heavily, not believing a word.

“Should you stab me again?” Jin offers with a grin, showing you his little human knife you just stabbed him with earlier.

“What??” Jungkook slumps his shoulders, “Jin got stabbed and I missed it?” Jungkook frowns, “I always miss the good stuff…anyway, I vote you stab him again.”

“No!” you’re quick to yell out. “No more stabbing.”

Jungkook physically deflates once again, clearly disappointed.

“y/n…” Namjoon puts his hand on your shoulder, “Make your decision. Do you want to save Jimin or not?”

Of course you want to save Jimin…you don’t want someone you know dead, like come on. But what does it mean to save him?

“Follow our path.” Taehyung whispers to you, “The natural path.”

“You mean your predestined bullshit?” you spit out and Taehyung and Hoseok frown.

“It’s not bull…” then he whispers, “shit.”

“You can say cuss words sunshine junior.” Yoongi smirks, “come on, say ‘fuck’ just once.”

“No!” Taehyung whines

“Stop trying to make our Taehyungie do bad things!” Hoseok stands in front of Taehyung, defending him.

“I’ll say ‘fuck’.” Jungkook looks around the room raising his hand, offering his foul language.

“You already say it all the time, doesn’t count.” Yoongi rolls his eyes, “Get sunshine junior to say it though and I’ll give you 5 bucks.”

“Come on bro, say ‘fuck’ let me get 5 dollars.” Jungkook begs.

“Human money literally means nothing to us?” Jin questions.

“I still like to collect it.”

“Collecting souls isn’t enough?” Namjoon deadpans.

“I’m a collector, leave me alone.”

“More like a hoarder…” Yoongi cuts in, sighing out.

“Okay!” You stand, “Enough!”

“Finally, someone with some sense.” Namjoon says, “So are you taking us up on our offer? Going to save Jimin’s life?”

“Listen girly, take the offer. Be a hero. Because right now you’re technically the villain.” Jin says matter of fact, his hip poking out as his hand rests on it.

“Or live the life you want. It’s not your fault lover boy offed himself.” Yoongi walks closer to you. “He basically gave his soul for free.”

“You know Jimin was a good person…” Hoseok tells you, “You could feel it.”

You feel yourself grow guilty…this should be a no brainer right? You may not like the idea of soulmates but Jimin doesn’t deserve…this. He deserves to live.

“I’ll do it. I’ll make things right with Jimin, I’ll save his life.” Your firm voices echoes throughout the apartment and Jungkook scoffs.

“You think you can change his mind in a month? He’s set in stone, sweetheart.”

“One…gross, don’t call me sweetheart, and two, I can try.”

“Have fun trying with us by your side.” Yoongi states, a scowl taking over his face.

“She will have us buy her side as well.” Taehyung offers, “We will guide her every step of the way. You can rely on us, rely on fate.”

You roll your eyes, you don’t want any of these guys by your side.

“Is this your final decision?” Namjoon asks, he looks at you with a serious expression and you shudder.

“…Yes.”

“Did you hear that besties? Girl has made her final decision. Shall I do the honors?”

“Yeah, yeah. Go ahead. When you wake up y/n…it will be one month ago yesterday. Are you prepared for that?”

“Will I be aware?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I’m ready.”

“Remember you have 30 days to make things right.” Namjoon reminds you and you nod your head.

“Okay, here we go!” Jin spins in circles and you all watch him …it’s lasting for several seconds too long, you grow confused. Jin keeps twirling around, doing little curtseys and now he’s doing the fucking robot…until Namjoon stands up.

“For heaven’s sake.” He uses his finger to spin in circles and things start fading to black, time slowly turning backwards.

May 21

It’s morning. You check your phone and it’s around 7am on Friday, May 21st. What the actual hell. It worked? You went back in time, right? This isn’t just some really incredible, elaborate prank right?

“If you’re thinking if this really happened…it did.” You hear Namjoon speak up from across your room.

“And if you’re thinking ‘wow these two super handsome guys really did that?’ we did.” Jin says hovering over you in bed. You can’t help but yelp, still surprised of their presence.

“Why are you guys here still?”

“Oh honey, it’s not just us.” Jin says matter of fact.

“It’s us too!” Hoseok says cheerily.

“Hoseok and Taehyung too?” you question slowly, your eyes scanning the room.

“Please,” Taehyung throws a hand over his heart, “Call us Hobi and Tae.”

“It’s just you four—”

“You really need to go grocery shopping.” Jungkook walks in the room with an apple in his hand, he brings it to his mouth and takes a crunchy bite.

“And as expected of the human world, the TV is trash.” Yoongi walks in after him, throwing your remote on your bed.

“Why the hell is everyone still here?” you yell out, grabbing at your hair. “I thought I was on a solo mission now!”

“Oh baby girl, it’s not just you anymore” Jungkook smirks, taking another obnoxious bite of his apple—your apple.

“Okay, if I didn’t want to be called sweetheart what makes you think baby girl is gonna pass?”

“I don’t know, thought I’d give it a shot.” He shrugs.

“Anyway,” you roll your eyes. “What do you mean it’s not just me?”

“You insist on saving Jimin’s life…we insist on keeping his soul. We have opposing goals here.” Yoongi explains, a bored expression drawn on his face. “We are going to make sure you are not successful. We can only interfere so much though.”

“And we,” Hobi cuts in, “Are here to make sure you are successful. You see, we are here to guide you on your little journey.”

“Think of us as your friends.” Tae grins at you.

“Yeah, I’d rather not.” You deadpan.

“And you two?” You point at Namjoon and Jin. “What is your purpose?”

“To make sure you don’t fuck up, to put it simply.” Jin states. “You do that a lo—Ow!” Namjoon hits Jin in the gut.

“What Jin is trying to say is, we are giving you a total of 3 mess ups. Once you strike through all 3, you’re on your own. We won’t manipulate time any more for a human like you.”

“A human like me?”

“I just mean, a human in general.” He clarifies and you relax.

“Can others see you?” You ask, quite curious. This whole thing is curious actually. You have 6 God’s chilling in your room right now and you are surprisingly chiller than you thought you’d be.

“They will…” Hobi’s eyes slide to the side. “Listen,” he sways on his feet. “We are going to be spending a lot of time together this next month so let’s all get along.” He smiles that big ass smile and you roll your eyes.

“Yes, let’s all get along!” Tae chirps, “Except maybe not with these two.” He points at Yoongi and Jungkook. Jungkook narrows his eyes at Tae and slumps his shoulders.

“I’m gonna get you to say ‘fuck’ sunshine junior, mark my words.”

“Not likely.” Tae narrows his own eyes before he’s spinning on his heels to face you again happily. “y/n.” he sings out, “Our new companion!” Hobi joins in on his song, they both start humming and whistling and suddenly Hobi is rapping. It’s all too much, really.

“Yo yo yo, Jin is in the house too—OW!”

“Anyway,” Namjoon brings a small book from his pocket. “There’s rules. Just a couple.”

“Rules?” you mumble, “What rules?”

“Rule number 1,” Jin starts, “You can’t tell Jimin you’re aware of his suicidal thoughts—this can just have more negative effects. Keep his little secret.”

“And rule number 2,” Namjoon closes the little notebook. “You can’t tell anyone about us.” He gestures towards all 6 of them. “You have to swear on this book.”

“What happens if either of those things happen?” You ask.

“Oh they won’t girl.” Jin shakes his finger at you. “Once you swear on a God’s book…you are bound to secrecy. You will literally not be able to talk about it. Your mouth will physically shut.”

“Jin’s right.” Hobi says, “That’s the law of the God’s promises.”

“And you are promising to us.” Tae adds in.

“That’s just the way it is.” Yoongi comments nonchalantly as he picks at his nails.

“Fine, fine. I get it. I’ll swear on the book.” You get up from bed and walk towards Namjoon, you eye his little notebook and then you look at him incredulously.

“Book of the God’s my ass! You can buy this exact notebook from the dollar store!”

“I like human objects too.” He mumbles shyly, “But it is property of the God’s so…are you going to sign it or not?”

“Do I…do I have to like sign with my blood or some—”

“—Yes.” Jungkook says.

“No, no. Stop that Jungkook,” Namjoon pulls out a pen from his pocket. “Just a regular pen. Also probably from the dollar store you speak of.”

“Okay, I got it…” you grab the pen from him and sign your name to the paper. The notebook starts shining a bright gold, almost blinding you. Then the glow fades and you see your signature in gold letters.

“It is done.” Namjoon says, nodding at the others.

“We are going to be with you as much as possible.” Taehyung smiles at you, “So please take care of us.” He bows his head towards you and you wave him off.

“You guys do realize I still have to work right?”

“Oh,” Namjoon’s eyes slide to the side, “We are prepared for that.”

“How are you prepared for—”

~~~~~

You sit in your little cubicle in complete and utter shock, your jaw literally on the floor.

“And this is our new team of writers, editors, and soundtrack producers. They’ll be working on a new game that is still under wraps.” Your boss gestures towards 6 men. The same fucking 6 men that were just in your apartment. Can you even call them just men? They are God’s!

“Please introduce yourself to the rest of the staff.”

“Right, I am Namjoon in charge of writing along with my partner Jin—”

“Jin is me, yes hi. Call me Worldwide—Hey!” Namjoon swats Jin’s stomach. But Jin recovers quickly, blowing a kiss around the office.

“I’m Tae.” Tae brightly waves at everyone, “In charge of editing scripts. Please take care of me.”

“And I’m Hobi, also in charge of editing! Let’s get along everyone!”

“Yo. Names Yoongi.” He quietly says, waving like a shy child.

“I am Jungkook, I am single and I—”

“They’re in charge of soundtrack production.” Namjoon cuts in. “Nice to meet you all.”

The office starts to quietly applaud, nodding their heads in approval as you sit here with your jaw on the floor. There is no way…absolutely no way this is happening.

“Ah, y/n!” Your boss calls out for you, he’s already walking to your desk. “Namjoon here says you all know each other, so I would like for you to help get them get settled in.” The group of 6 men follow behind him. You look at Namjoon like he is absolutely insane.

“Help them how?” you ask quietly. “Like, show them where the coffee maker is? Oh, look. Its right over there.” You point to the left of you. “You’re welcome.”

“Oh y/n! You’re so funny!” Jin slaps his knee, “I need help with some formatting on the first script I have…apparently you know a thing or two about that.” He grins at you and you roll your eyes.

“Don’t worry…” Hobi begins, his eyes looking around the office. “We won’t just rely on you for help around here…ah! There he is!” Hobi nudges Tae shoulder. “Jimin!” he begins waving the man over.

Jimin looks around the office as if he isn’t the only one with that name. He points at himself and mouths ‘me?’ Hobi and Tae smile widely and nod their heads in unison as they wave him over.

“Yes?” Jimin walks up to you all, his eyes on you…he feels himself grow nervous. “Can I help you?”

“Actually yes.” Tae starts, “Boss man here says you’re an editor just like us, maybe you can show us the ropes.”

“Ah.” Jimin slowly nods his head with his mouth slightly open. “I see.” Then he is nervously looking at you again. “Is that okay? For us all to be working together?” he looks at you while asking this and you scoff.

“I don’t control your life Jimin, do what you want.” You spit out and Jin hits your arm.

“What she means to say is, yes of course we can all work together!” he sings.

You release a long breath, remembering you are on a mission. You muster the fakest smile you can and make eye contact with Jimin.

“Yes, that’s what I meant.” You continue to grin and Jimin scrunches his brows as he slowly nods his head again.

“O...kay…”

Hobi jumps in excitement and repeatedly hits Tae’s arm, like he just got an amazing idea.

“Why don’t we all go out tonight to celebrate?”

“What are we celebrating?” you deadpan but Jin hits your arm again and leans down to whisper in your ear.

“Remember…fate is guiding you. Do as they say.” He says through a tight lip smile.

“Yeah…” you find the energy to say, “Sounds fun…let’s do that.”

You hate this. You are only barely talking to Jimin but you can feel the pull intensify with every word you say to him and every word he speaks to you goes straight to your heart and your fucking vagina.

To call Jimin attractive is an understatement. He is beyond that…he is beyond handsome, beyond cute, beyond gorgeous and beyond sexy. He has a charming way about him, his sharp jawline, his smile with those full, full lips, his eyes. He is effortlessly beautiful…and it drives you absolutely insane.

You remember the first time you saw Jimin…love at first sight? Also an understatement.

He was blonde then. His hair swept across his forehead, you would almost think that was his natural color because it looked that god damn good on him. Now his hair is black and holy hell, it is also his color. But you might think any color is.

“Celebrate how?” Jimin speaks up, his eyes going to Hobi.

“Drinks!” Tae chimes in, “But only one because we all have to work in the morning.” He chuckles and the rest of the boys join in.

“I don’t believe in hangovers.” Jungkook says with his arms crossed over his chest, a smirk gracing his features.

“You literally had one like 3 days ago.” Yoongi comments, “You also said ‘I’m never drinking again’”

“That was a different Jungkook.” Jungkook snaps his fingers, “I’ve matured since then.”

“Yeah, right.” You laugh. “Also you guys realize tomorrow is Saturday…”

You actually laugh and the 7 boys snap their heads towards you and smile. All but Jimin…and kind of Yoongi.

“What?”

“You can laugh!!!” Jin takes your hand and high fives himself with it. “Amazing.”

“And you laughed because of me!” Jungkook cheers. “God, I knew I was fucking hilarious.”

“Chill out, kid.” Yoongi shakes his head.

“Anyway,” you clear your throat. “There’s a bar in the building next to us. We can meet at 7.”

“Actually let’s meet right after work, we can all walk together.” Hobi looks at you knowingly and you roll your eyes.

“Right. Okay, after work then.”

“Sure…” Jimin says slowly, “I will meet you guys here then.” Then he’s taking one last look at you before walking away back to his side of the office.

“Are you guys fucking insane?!” You whisper shout towards the 6 gods. “You work here now?!”

“We have to keep an eye on you and make sure everything goes smoothly…” Tae pouts, he messes with his neck tie nervously. “I even bought these cool human clothes…I thought maybe you would notice.”

“Yeah, yeah. You look nice.” You gesture towards his body and you swear you can see puppy dog ears and tail wagging behind him from how happy he is.

“What about me? What about me?” Jin motions towards his own body as he winks at you.

“You? Fine you look nice too.”

Jungkook slowly walks in the middle of your circle and shows off his outfit to all of you, spinning in a few circles.

“And me baby girl?”

“Call me baby girl one more time and I swear I will kick—”

“Jeez, no need to be aggressive!” Jungkook puts his hands up in surrender. “I’ll take the L for now.”

“Namjoon, please say something as the only person here who is sane.” You turn to face Namjoon and he is looking down at his own outfit.

“Human clothes are so boring.” Is all he says.

You can’t help but groan…then you feel it. Eyes on you. Not just any eyes. His eyes. You follow the feeling until your eyes meet his, he immediately looks away and you feel a sense of guilt. Jimin is going to kill himself? And it’s supposedly your fault? Can you fix this? Can you change his mind? Can you save his life? Can you?

~~~~~

The bar is quiet, well it is only like 5pm. But you assume in the coming hours it will be booming thanks to it being a Friday night. You are seated between Tae and Hobi as they fill your mind with thoughts of Jimin while he is in the bathroom.

“Can’t you just feel how badly he wants to sit next to you? His jealousy that you’re between us?” Tae giggles. “I can’t technically feel his yearning like you can but dudes, it’s so obvious.”

“I get it, I get it.” You groan, “So what’s the plan?”

“Oh that? You are going to ask Jimin out on a date.”

“A d-date?!” you feel the heat rush to your cheeks, “Isn’t that a bit much?”

“Not at all…” Hobi takes a sip of his beer with a fucking straw. “Trust us.”

You’re really about to trust mister sunshine and sunshine junior? They are drinking their beers with straws. Fucking straws.

“ You don’t owe Jimin anything.” You hear Yoongi’s voice from behind you. “You don’t want to be here y/n. Why are you forcing yourself?”

“She just wanted to hang with me.” Jungkook nudges Tae out of his barstool seat and takes it.

“Heeeey…” Tae pouts as he is left standing, watching Jungkook take his chair. “I was sitting there.”

“Say ‘fuck’ and I’ll give it back.”

“You’re mean.”

“Anyway,” you cut them off before they can continue, “Why do you want his soul so bad? Aren’t there more souls out there?”

Yoongi for the first time curls his lips upwards and smirks at you.

“Jimin is a pure soul. It’s worth more. And he gave it for free, his own will. That much more worth it.”

“Pure soul?” You raise a brow, is Jimin really that perfect? You can’t help but scoff.

“He’s a really good person, y/n.” Hobi says softly, “You know you can feel that.”

He’s right. When you first met him and you had that instant recognition, you could feel just how good he is. It hurt even more, considering how things went…

“I have shots!!!!” Jin comes up to you 5 with a tray of shots, “As the kids say, I am trying to get lit!”

“Barely anyone says that anymore dude.” Jungkook frowns, “Which is unfortunate because it… was…lit...”

“Where’s Jimin?” Namjoon asks, grabbing a shot from the tray, he takes a sniff and fake gags.

“Jesus Christ, I told you anything but Tequila, Jin.”

“He’s in the bathroom…” you say, your head falling in your hand on the bar top. You stare at all the bottles on the shelves and wish you could drown yourself in each one.

“I’m back.” Jimin says from beside you and Jungkook.

It looks like he washed his face with cool water, his bangs slightly wet. He’s nervous, you can quite literally feel it…that’s how intense it is.

“Jimin…” you say his name and it sounds and feels so weird on your tongue, his head whips in your direction with wide eyes and he tilts his head to the side.

“Yes?”

You two lock eyes, his gaze is intense. You can’t help but feel like you’re falling for some sort of spell as you stare at him. The pull between you two only grows…you find yourself leaning in closer to his direction before you’re shaking your head, clearing your throat and looking towards the other boys.

“Uh, there’s shots.” You point at the tray Jin is holding. “Let’s hurry up and take them.”

~

A few hours pass and your group is collectively drunk. Jimin seems to be the only somewhat sober one. Even Yoongi is shimmying to whatever song is playing! You look at Namjoon who is smiling at Jin as they talk to one another and you wave them over.

“I thought human things didn’t effect God’s? Why are you all so drunk?” you laugh, slurring your words.

“Alcohol is alcohol baybey!” Jin throws an arm around your neck as he continues to dance.

“Jin is right.” Namjoon points at him, “Alcohol is the same for us.”

You only nod in response as you eye the bar, Hobi and Tae are dancing with Jimin and he actually looks like he is enjoying himself. You stand from your stool and walk to the dance floor and join them, surprising Jimin.

“Came to hang out with the fun go—guys?!” Hobi moves his body expertly as he speaks.

“Just came to talk to Jimin…” you admit shyly and Hobi and Tae nod in understanding with their eyes wide.

“Good idea.” Tae yells out, “We will keep Yoongi and Jungkook distracted.”

“Thanks…”

“You want to talk to me?” Jimin says over the music, “Me?” he points at himself and you chuckle.

“Yes, you.” You reach down to grab his hand and fuck. You feel like you are being shot with electricity. “Uh,” you quickly drop his hand and gesture for him to follow you. “Come on.”

You and Jimin walk outside the bar, the night is a little chilly, even for May.

“What’s up?” Jimin asks nervously, he sways back and forth on his heels and you can feel his anxiety and it’s making you nauseas.

“Go on a date with me.” You blurt out.

Jimin is silent. His eyes harden as he stares at you and he breathes out roughly.

“You’re drunk.” He states.

“Don’t be difficult.” You begin, “Go on a date with—”

“No.”

“No?”

“You think I can’t feel it?” he asks quietly. “How much you…hate me…?”

You automatically get hit with a wave of guilt. He releases a few shaky breaths and continues. “You are forcing yourself…I don’t want to make you more uncomfortable around me.” He gives you a sad, soft smile and turns around to head back inside, leaving you out in the chilly May air.

~

“I thought you guys were fucking gods? I did what you told me and he fucking rejected me?!” you slur out angrily. Tae and Hobi exchange awkward glances before smiling for you.

“You have to put a lot of effort. Remember…you are working hard to change his whole mind. It isn’t going to be easy y/n. Even with us helping. We lead you on the right path but ultimately you humans do have free will.” Hobi says quietly, he looks around the bar to make sure no one can hear.

“And like Jungkook said…at this moment, Jimin is set in stone. It’s going to take some convincing.” Tae finishes. He messes with his neck tie some more before he is loosening it all the way. “And you better hurry to talk to him because he is with Yoongi and Jungkook. Who knows what nonsense they are feeding him!”

You look over your shoulder and Tae is right, Yoongi and Jungkook both have an arm draped over Jimin’s shoulders and chatting away. They both have sly smiles as Jimin nods his head in drunken concentration.

“Help me get rid of them…” you roll your eyes as you begin walking towards the God’s of death and their meal.

“You got it!” Hobi yells out brightly. “Let’s go TaeTae.” He grabs on to Tae’s arm and drags him towards the death gods. You follow closely behind eyeing Jimin carefully.

It’s a lovely spring day, the flowers are in bloom and the sky is blue with splashes of pink now that the sun is beginning to set. You finally found your dream job that you start in 2 weeks and an affordable apartment. It’s not thaaat much nicer than your previous place but still, an upgrade nonetheless.

Today you woke up feeling…different. Fuller, more whole. Something completely unexplainable. Once you stepped outside even the world looked more beautiful, colorful, vibrant. Your chest is warm and buzzing and you can’t help but fall in love with the feeling. What is going on?

You walk the streets in your restless city and you feel it. The pull. The pull is practically dragging you around without you totally realizing. You just walk the streets in a daze, the pull becomes more and more intense the closer you get to the main park downtown. You realize you don’t visit this park often which is such a shame because it is beautiful.

You stroll around, feeling yourself being pulled closer and closer to this gigantic tree in the center and then you feel your insides burst. Your eyes land on a figure, you can only see his back but you just know. He must feel it too because he is quickly turning his body around and facing you. His eyes find yours immediately and holy fuck.

You know him. As soon as your eyes meet you feel like you fucking know him. You feel yourself being drawn to him like there is spell you are both under. You don’t stop your feet from moving as you walk closer and closer. He only stares at you with wide eyes until his thick lips curve up into the most beautiful smile you have ever seen. Little did you know, this would be the only time you will see him smile like this.

Love at first sight? He is the most gorgeous human being you have ever had the pleasure of your eyes landing on. His blond hair swept over his forehead, his piercing eyes, his full lips, his entire figure. His beautiful, beautiful smile. He has charmed you. And it doesn’t help that you feel that instant attraction. That recognition and the intense, intense burst of love you feel.

But it is not your love that you are feeling. It is his. Because you feeling love for a someone you don’t actually know is impossible…that this is just some forced, predestined façade. And you are hit with the reality and the truth. You feel your insides turn from a gooey mess to hard. You feel yourself grow angry, you feel hatred grow within you and it must be intense because Jimin must feel it too. The way his smile drops and how his face goes pale. He takes a hesitant step away from you and looks at you with so much question. He feels how you loathe him.

You continue to look at Jimin as you walk closer and closer to him in the bar, Tae and Hobi pulling Yoongi and Jungkook off his body as you make your way over. Even walking closer and closer to him you feel all of your confusing feelings. You hate him yet you are drawn to him.

“Jimin.” You say his name, it comes out rough and breathless and he pinches his brows together.

“Yes?” he asks softly, he walks closer to you as well. “Is everything okay y/n?”

You swallow down your pride as you stare into his eyes. They look sad…empty even.

“Date…” you murmur. Jimin’s sad, empty eyes flash with a sliver a hope before they turn dark again.

“Why?” he finally asks…he walks just a bit closer to you and you step back, feeling suffocated. If he gets any closer you…

“I want to make things right.” You admit between a few breaths, “I want to get to know you.”

You aren’t lying, you do want to make things right. He doesn’t necessarily know what you mean but that’s okay. “I haven’t been the nicest to you but I want to change that.” You mumble.

“You want to know me?” he gulps, “You want to…spend time with me?” you can feel how nervous he is and you can’t help but chuckle just a bit.

“Coffee? We can start there.” You say, feeling your own nerves spiking. Who knew talking to your fucking soulmate could be this hard.

Jimin bites down on his thick bottom lip, his cheeks warming up as they turn a lovely shade of pink.

“Okay….” He says, trying to hide his growing smile “Coffee.”

[snowdice]

Big Bang Editing Story [Day 98]

I started writing this fic while editing my Big Bang story, but am going to continue doing it for other things now that Kill Dear is out. I will write and publish 100 words of the story every time I finish doing whatever task I’m doing. If you’d like to block these proceedings, please feel free to block the tag proofread stories. I will reblog this post with the parts of the story I do today. Edited chapters are linked; everything else I’ve done so far is under the cut.

My Master Post Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30 Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34 Part 35 Part 36 Part 37 Part 38 Part 39 Part 40 Part 41 Part 42 Part 43 Part 44 Part 45

Hey! Guess who’s actually using this to edit again! We’ve actually come full circle since I’m participating in the Big Bang this year and will be using this to proofread that. Today I’m proof reading the Labeled Sequel though. :)

Also, my internet’s been meh today so if I disappear... you know why.

Chapter 46 (Patton)

Patton hadn’t been aware until Virgil came along what exactly Mr. Deknis did in the winter. Most of his staff had gone home or had winter tasks unrelated to gardening to do, but Mr. Deknis and a few choice members of his staff still apparently did a lot despite not being able to plant anything.

He frequently invited Virgil to join in on these tasks, and Virgil often accepted. Patton wasn’t sure why he seemed to enjoy things like deep cleaning gardening tools and checking over equipment, but he did, so Patton was glad.

“Alright, that’s enough of that for today,” Mr. Deknis said once Virgil finished brushing off the paste that had been applied to remove rust from a hoe.

“Are you sure?” Virgil asked. “I have more time to work. Even if you need to go, I can still work on something. Unless you don’t want me messing with things without supervision…”

“I’m not telling you to leave, Virgil,” Mr. Deknis said with a half-smile. “I just thought you might want to help me out with something else today.”

“Oh, okay. Sure,” Virgil agreed, sounding just a touch excited.

“Let’s put all of this away,” Mr. Deknis said.

Virgil and Patton helped him put things away, though Patton felt more like a hindrance as both Mr. Deknis and Virgil seemed to know exactly where everything in the room went whereas Patton wasn’t sure about some things.

Patton didn’t always come with Virgil when he was helping Mr. Deknis. Sometimes Logan would come instead, and Virgil had been coming alone with increasing frequency over the last month or so.

He seemed to like it. He always seemed to look forward to spending time with Mr. Deknis and not only because Mr. Deknis often bribed him with snacks of dried or pickled fruits and vegetables.

Once the tools and cleaning equipment were stored away, Mr. Deknis led them down the hall. Mr. Deknis had an entire hall to himself on the first floor of the castle which included his bedroom as well as places to dry and can things.

Where he was leading them now was a small study next to his bedroom. Patton had never been there before and by the way Virgil was curiously looking around, neither had he. It was a cute little area with a small desk and a bookshelf full of books that seemed to all be on plants.

“I’m starting to think about what I want to grow in the gardens next year,” Mr. Deknis explained as they crammed into the small office. He pointed to a large piece of paper on his desk.  “This is the plan at the moment, though it’s nowhere near finalized.”

He pointed at an empty square sketched on the large paper. “I was thinking I wanted to plant something new here, but I don’t know what. It’s just a small patch between the vegetable and flower garden. It’s sort of by the one three teared fountain. I usually use that patch for newer plants, so it could be a vegetable or a flower. I was thinking you could help me pick out something to put there.”

Virgil looked up at him, eyes wide.

Mr. Deknis smiled at him. “Would you like to?”

“I…” Virgil said. “I wouldn’t have any idea what to put.”

“Well, I have a few different books of plants you can flip through,” he said. “Any idea what kind of plant you’d like to grow?”

Virgil shrugged.

“I’ll just give you a few for now,” Mr. Deknis said, selecting three different books. “If you can’t find anything you like, just let me know and I’ll give you another book. There are plenty of different types of things to grow. This is just a start.”

“Thank you,” Virgil said, eyes staring down at the field of flowers drawn on the cover of the book on the top of the stack in his arms.

They spent the afternoon on the floor of Mr. Deknis’ living room. The gardener made them some lavender tea and let them eat some candied walnuts and then retreated to an armchair to read his own book about plants.

Patton and Virgil laid on the floor flipping through the different books. Virgil still wasn’t very good at reading, so Patton would read the descriptions of the plants that caught his eye to him. One of the books was about different vegetables and one was about herbs, which of course, did catch Virgil’s attention a bit because of his love for edible things. Yet the pictures of flowers seemed to interest him the most.

They ended up eventually looking only in the flower book. A while after that, it became clear that he preferred flowers in the orchid family verses composite flowers because he liked the shape of their petals better. So, then they focused more on looking at the different types of orchids that existed.

“There are a lot more types of orchids than I knew there were,” Patton said.

“It’s the second largest family of flowers,” Mr. Deknis told them from his chair. “There’s a lot of different kinds, over 28,000 species at least. Vanilla comes from an orchid plant. If there are none in that book you especially want, I could get a book specifically on orchids.”

Virgil, having already flipped through the book multiple times looking at the orchids in it, looked up at him with a bit of excitement in his eyes. “I would like that,” he said. “Yes, please.”

Mr. Deknis’ eyes softened on him, and he got to his feet. “I’ll go see what I have in the office.”

“Getting to grow something in the garden is exciting,” Patton said once Mr. Deknis left.

“Yeah,” Virgil agreed. “It is.”

It was very nice of Mr. Deknis too, Patton thought. He didn’t have to offer to let Virgil plant something, in fact, him happening to have an empty patch in his plans was probably a little bit of a fib, but it was a nice one.

Virgil liked plants, and it would give him something to look forward to over the winter and then something to do in the spring and summer. Honestly, Patton couldn’t wait to see him experience the castle in the spring. He’d already loved it in the fall, let alone when things started to grow. Patton had a feeling he’d be spending a lot more time outside this summer.

Mr. Deknis came back with a good-sized book filled with pictures of flowers. “Why don’t you take this with you for tonight,” he suggested. “It’s almost dinner time. We can talk about it more when you come to help me again on Saturday.”

“Thank you,” Virgil said, taking the book. “I will see you Saturday then.”

“See you Saturday, Virgil,” he said with a smile.

  Chapter 47 (Logan)

Logan and Virgil had gotten into the habit of having reading lessons in the afternoons 3 times a week. They would sit in the small library near the royal wing for an hour or two and do different things related to increasing Virgil’s literacy.

Logan had started with just teaching him letters, but he’d memorized those long ago at this point. Now, Logan would spend most of the time having him read simpler books out loud and correcting any mistakes he made along the way. Improvement was surprisingly fast, though in truth, Logan hadn’t had any measure for how long it would take a teenager to learn to read and Virgil was quite dedicated.

Usually, their lessons ended with Logan reading a more complicated book while letting him follow along. The last week, they had been reading the library book Virgil had chosen for himself, Into the Mist. It was an interesting book to read to Virgil, though Logan was unsure if it would be as interesting if he were to read it on his own. In truth, it was a good, but rather ordinary fantasy book. Virgil, however, seemed incredibly fascinated by it. He had never heard a high fantasy story before in his life and he was constantly comparing and contrasting things in the book to things he understood in real life as well as asking Logan about them.

It also became clear that Virgil did not quite understand real life fully. He attributed the same amount of awe to hearing the ocean being described as he did to the main character’s climb up the sky to a cloud city in hopes of saving his love interest’s life. In fact, he seemed more in awe of Logan’s explanation of the ocean since it actually existed.

Logan had a sudden intense urge to plan a trip to see an ocean at some point in the future. Lamir was a costal country and its castle sat on top of a cliff that overlooked the sea. It would be easy enough to take a trip to their ally’s country at some point.

“So, cloud mites don’t exist?” Virgil confirmed yet again.

“No,” Logan said. “They don’t. In fact, their existence would go against all magical laws since they are sentient without being alive.”

“But crabs do?” Virgil asked.

“Yes.”

“How?”

“Crabs do not go against the natural order of things,” Logan said.

“But why?” Virgil asked.

“I… don’t understand the question.”

“They don’t have the right number of legs.”

“W-what do you mean by that?” Logan asked, confused.

“Animals can only have an even number of legs on either side.”

“No,” Logan said. Virgil nodded vigorously. “What about beetles? Those have 6 legs. Three on each side.”

“But beetles are bug,” Virgil pointed out.

“Bugs are animals,” Logan argued.

“No, they’re not.”

His face was so serious, and he was so sure, that it was funny. “Bugs are animals,” Logan said.

Virgil seemed confused by this. “But they have 6 legs.”

Logan couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Virgil, what do you think and animal is?”

“Well, I don’t know,” Virgil said, pouting slightly at being laughed at. Logan leaned over to bump their shoulder together which seemed to pacify him. “Cows. Birds. Frogs.”

“I think we need to get you a tutor. You are missing some fundamental building blocks in your education.”

He huffed, peering at the book.

“It’s no fault of your own,” Logan assured. “You are not born with information like that. People were just negligent in teaching you these things.”

Virgil nodded. “That actually reminds me of something.”

“Mmm?” Logan asked.

“There’s something I need to teach you.”

“And what would that be?” Logan asked.

“Survival instincts.”

“What?”

Virgil slammed his hand down on Logan’s desk. “You have no survival instincts,” he declared. “I bet you don’t even know what hemlock tastes like.”

“Isn’t that poisonous.”

“Yes,” Virgil said.

“Then of course I don’t know what it tastes like.”

“Exactly! That’s the problem.”

“I don’t need to know what poison tastes like, Virgil,” Logan said.

“Yes, you do,” Virgil argued. “It’s an important skill.”

“I think your view of what constitutes as an ‘important skill’ may be skewed,” Logan said.

“You’re a prince,” Virgil said. “Knowing about poisons is an important skill for you.”

“It’s really not though.”

“You’re at war,” Virgil reminded, “and they already tried to assassinate your father. Do you think they’re not going to send someone else when your father is alive at winter’s end, and they’ve heard no word from their assassin? Do you think if they realize you’re not easily manipulatable, they won’t come for you too?”

“Well, I mean…” Logan said. “You do have a point there.”

“And you need to learn how to climb things and catch things.”

“Why do I need to know how to catch things?”

“We’ve already had this discussion,” Virgil said. “In case someone throws a knife at you.”

Wait. When had they had that conversation?

“And while we’re on the topic of knives, you need to know how to use a knife effectively.”

“I know how to use a knife,” Logan claimed even though he knew he didn’t know how to use a knife in the way Virgil was talking about.

Virgil, despite having no concept of taxonomic classification, was no fool. “Chopping things for potions doesn’t count,” Virgil said. “I’m talking stabbing lessons. For you and Patton, though to be honest, Patton has an advantage already over you when it comes to using weapons.”

“Why does he…” Logan thought. “Because he managed to get a hit on you with a cookie sheet one time?”

“His reflexes are better,” Virgil said, “as well as his ability to use his environment to his advantage. You’re always completely oblivious about what’s going on around you.”

“Excuse me. I am incredibly observant,” said Logan.

“How many chairs are in the dinning room we walked through to get here two hours ago?” Virgil asked.

Logan thought for a moment. “I’m not sure.”

“Exactly! You walk by them every day and you don’t even know how many chairs there are in that room.”

“I have no idea what that has to do with anything.”

“How would you know if someone tampered with the chairs if you don’t know how many of them there are or their positions.”

“Tampered with the chairs?” Logan asked. “What are you talking about? I filter out unnecessary information. That doesn’t mean I’m unobservant.”

“Yes, it does,” Virgil said. “Plus, half the time you don’t even know where I am when you know I’m in the same room as you,” Virgil said.

“Well, that’s because you climb on top of things and hide in walls!” Logan said. “That’s hardly fair.”

“You mean I’m quiet and good at hiding like… an assassin might be.”

Logan pursed his lips. Virgil tilted his head and smiled at him. “I am plenty observant,” Logan insisted once again.

“Prove it,” Virgil said.

“And how should I do that?” Logan asked. “Beyond simply memorizing the furniture arrangements?”

Virgil shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll get an opportunity soon.”

Logan wished he would have been observant enough in that moment to notice the determined spark in his eyes.

  Chapter 48 (Thomas)

Thomas was leaving his office when he ran into his son. Or more accurately, his son almost ran into him. “Is everything alright?” Thomas asked.

“I…” Logan said. His hand came out to grasp Thomas’s shirt sleeve, odd behavior for him at least at this age. He used to do such things when he was very small. “Yes,” he said anyway. “Everything is perfectly fine.” He glanced behind himself down the hall.

Thomas looked at him and then looked down the hallway, concerned by his strange behavior. “Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yes,” Logan said, but he wasn’t letting go of Thomas’s shirt.

“You seem a bit anxious, Logan,” Thomas said.

“I am not,” Logan denied, releasing his shirt. Thomas caught a glimpse of something moving above their heads. The hallway Thomas’s office was in had large pillars along the outer wall that really no one should be able to scale despite there technically being grooves in them. Yet, there Virgil clung to the chapiter of one of them. Even more bewildering, he was gripping a pouch of some kind in his teeth.

They met eyes briefly. Virgil tilted his head at Thomas. Then, he removed one hand from the pillar. How was he up there? He made a motion with his hand that seemed to be telling Thomas to step back.

Thomas looked back at his son. Logan hadn’t noticed Virgil, too busy glancing behind him and not looking up. Thomas looked back up at Virgil and took a big step back. The moment he did, Virgil grabbed the bottom of the pouch with his free hand and let go with his teeth. The pouch flipped upside down dropping its contents right onto Logan’s head.

Logan gave a high-pitched shriek that Thomas didn’t think he’d ever heard from him before. “Virgil!” he yelled, now absolutely soaked.

“Learn to look up,” Virgil said seriously, still clinging to the pillar.

“I hate you,” Logan replied.

“Don’t say things you don’t mean in anger,” Thomas reminded. He was a bit worried Virgil may overreact to Logan saying things like that to him, though he seemed perfectly calm at the moment.

Logan scowled at Thomas. “You’re on his side?! He just dumped water on my head!”

“He needs to be trained to be more observant!” Virgil said.

Logan turned his scowl to Virgil. “Come down here, you intolerable creature! I’m done with your so-called training!”

“And what would you do if I did come down?” Virgil asked while arching an eyebrow, wholly unconcerned. “Quote facts about animals at me?”

Thomas was unsure what about that comment angered Logan, but it apparently did.

“You little…”

“Boys,” Thomas interrupted. “What’s going on here?”

They both immediately started speaking at once, doing their best to talk over each other. Thomas didn’t catch much of either rants except something about ‘training’ and Virgil ‘stalking the halls’ and an “exploding muffin.”

“Okay, okay,” Thomas said, putting a hand up to tell both of them to be quiet. “One at a time. Virgil first.”

“Really?” Logan asked.

“Logan,” Thomas scolded.

He mumbled something under his breath, but he did quiet down.

“Virgil,” Thomas started again. “What’s going on?”

“I’m training him,” Virgil said.

“Training him?” Thomas asked. “Training him for what?”

“For life,” Virgil answered. “He isn’t observant enough.”

“Ah,” Thomas said, still fairly confused. “And how are you training him?”

“Right now, we’re doing situational awareness training,” Virgil said.

“And how does that translate to you dumping water on his head?” Thomas asked.

“He wouldn’t have gotten water on his head if he’d noticed me,” Virgil answered, seriously. Thomas tried not to laugh at the look on his face.

“That is, perhaps true,” Thomas said. “However, dumping water on people’s heads is not nice. Perhaps there is a nicer way to do this training?”

“People trying to kill them won’t be nice,” Virgil said.

“No one is trying to kill Logan,” Thomas said.

Virgil just pursed his lips. “Maybe,” Virgil said. “Not yet.”

Thomas was unsure where this fear had come from. Perhaps he had heard about the successful assassination of Lamir’s late queen. Thomas hadn’t exactly publicized the fact that the queen had been killed and not simply died when he’d returned, but he had told certain people including Logan and Patton. It was possible one of them had let it slip and Virgil had freaked out about it.

“Well,” Thomas said. “It still isn’t nice to ruin someone’s day over a threat that doesn’t exist yet.”

Virgil just huffed at him. He was being surprisingly petulant which actually made Thomas smile just a tad. He’d not even been able to imagine this side of him a month ago. “Why don’t you come down here?” Thomas suggested. “We can talk through the issue and come to a compromise.”

Virgil stared down at him with skeptical eyes.

“Perhaps with tea and cookies?” Thomas suggested.

Virgil tilted his head and slid down the pillar until his feet touched the floor. “What kind of cookies?” he asked.

“We’ll have to see what Helen has made lately,” Thomas said. He turned to Logan and frowned. “You should probably change before you get sick being wet and in the cold.”

Logan nodded and shivered a little bit while rubbing his own arms. Despite the castle being warm, it was no fun to be completely soaked during the winter. Thomas wasn’t even sure if Virgil would have thought to not use freezing cold water. Even with heating elements, the water in the castle could be very cold if you didn’t wait for a bit for it to warm up. Thomas didn’t think Virgil would have thought too far ahead in this ‘training.’

“I’ll take Virgil down to the kitchen and get some tea and cookies for all of us,” Thomas told Logan.

He gave his son a look trying to communicate ‘I’ll talk to him.’ Logan pursed his lips, but nodded, seeming to receive the message.

“Why don’t we meet you in the royal dining room, so the conversation is more private?” Thomas suggested. It would be a much calmer environment than the main dining hall or the kitchens.

“Sure,” Logan agreed, turning to walk off in the direction of the royal wing. The poor thing was huddled in on himself and cold.

Thomas looked over at Virgil and smiled at him softly as Logan left. “Let’s go see what cookies Helen has ready,” he suggested.

  Chapter 49 (Virgil)

“So,” King Thomas said as they walked through the halls towards the kitchens. The path to the kitchens from pretty much anywhere in the castle was familiar to Virgil now. Food was abundant in this place and there were no restrictions on Virgil eating it. There were no restrictions on anyone in the castle eating it, unless you counted Patton’s mother insisting people eat a more varied diet than only cookies. Personally, while Virgil did like cookies, he had no complaints over that matter. “You and Logan seem to be having a disagreement,” Thomas continued.

“I’m right,” Virgil insisted, and he was.

 However, explaining why Virgil was right to the king was a bit difficult when Virgil was hiding why he knew Logan developing survival instincts was important. It was clear that Virgil did not get his point across correctly because the king laughed slightly.

“Everyone believes they are right during a disagreement,” Thomas said. “I’m sure Logan has his own ideas about who is correct.”

Virgil frowned at him. “I am.”

“Perhaps you are both right,” the king suggested.

“But…”

“You cannot dump water on people’s heads in the castle hallways, Virgil,” the king scolded, but it was a gentle scolding and Virgil forced himself to not climb the wall and disappear. He had a point to make. “Especially not in the winter.”

 “He’s the prince,” Virgil argued. “He needs to know how to protect himself in case of danger.”

“That is true,” Thomas conceded. “You are probably correct that we should be making sure the royal family is well protected and can protect themselves. We have been safe for a long time, but there is always a risk.” He seemed contemplative for a moment. “However,” he continued. “The way you are going about it is not correct in my opinion. Clearly, it is not in Logan’s opinion as well.”

“But…”

“You risk making more problems than solving with your strategy,” the king said.

 “Like what?” Virgil asked.

“Well,” Thomas said. “Getting someone wet when it’s cold is never a good idea even inside a castle.” Virgil… could agree with that. “You also could accidently ruin something important by getting water on it if you don’t give warning. Even if you are doing something besides pouring water on his head, if you continue to do things to ‘train’ Logan in the same vein, he is likely to become more paranoid than vigilant.”

“What’s the difference?” Virgil asked.

“Being vigilant means you are prepared for danger around every corner. Being paranoid means you are expecting danger around every corner.”

 “There doesn’t seem like there’s much of a difference,” Virgil said.

“There is,” said the king, as they pushed through a set of double doors. “Take any of the royal guards,” he gestured subtly at the two people guarding the room to the hall they’d just come from. “If a guard is constantly worried that every little sound is a danger and every new person is an enemy, they will waste all of their energy and time chasing down stray rodents and interrogating maids that decided to walk a different path to their destinations. When real danger does appear, they may be too worn out or distracted to react.”

 “However, if the guards are calm and instead of instantly overreacting to every small thing, they make a note of it in case it ends up being something they need to react to later, then they will be prepared to act if there are any actual threats.”

Virgil bit his tongue to stop from mentioning that he’d managed to sneak by the guards to the royal wing the first night he was here. A boy with a cookie sheet had done more against him that King Thomas’s guards.

“That’s why I make sure everyone who works for the castle, especially the guards have not only time off to sleep and eat, but time off for leisure where they are not expected to be hypervigilant.”

 “All people need to have a time and place to feel safe, even the ones whose jobs it is to keep others safe. Logan’s job is not the same as the guards who keep the people in this castle physically safe, but he is training to be king. He needs time to perform his duties and to relax between them. Harassing him all day with survival training is not going to help him.”

“People don’t need to feel safe,” Virgil argued. “They need to be safe.”

The king stopped walking and turned to him. Virgil couldn’t help but cringe a bit as the king studied him.

 “You haven’t had a chance to feel safe very often in your life, have you?” the king asked.

Virgil shrugged, looking away.

“What would make you feel safe?” Thomas asked.

“Logan being safe,” Virgil said.

“Logan is safe, Virgil,” the king tried to argue.

Virgil scowled. “I don’t trust your guards. Even the best guard won’t be able to help if Logan gets trapped alone with someone. He needs to learn self-defense.”

“Well, I’m already planning to up security in the castle when spring comes. Would me asking if he’d be willing to do self-defense training with someone help?”

 He thought about it for a few moments. “Maybe,” he said, lips pursed, “but what if the person you get to teach him isn’t any good at it?” Honestly, Virgil wasn’t sure if he could trust anyone in this entire kingdom to do proper training.

Then again… Prijaznia had been holding its own against Mocnejsi for… Virgil didn’t actually know how long. He just knew that he’d always remembered there being a war going on between them for his entire life. And… while no one had ever actually said it out loud, Prijaznia was probably winning. It’s why Mocnejsi was going for things like assassinations and tricks instead of normal warfare.

 Not to mention Prijaznia was less… war torn. Sure, he’d been living in the castle recently, but even in his travel to the castle, people seemed to be a bit better off.

So, maybe there were some people in the kingdom who knew what they were doing when fighting. However, Virgil wasn’t going to trust the king to pick out who should train Logan.

“I’m sure we can find someone who is up to your standards,” the king said, though the curl to his lip seemed to indicate he wasn’t taking Virgil seriously. Of course, as far as he knew, Virgil was just a random kid his friend had befriended, so that was probably fair.

73711

It was a bit frustrating to not be able to tell Logan’s dad why Virgil was worried or how he knew how to help, but Virgil wouldn’t dare give him even the slightest hint of the truth. He respected the king. He was starting to like the king. Yet, Virgil was not a fool.

The king obviously misinterpreted the disgruntled expression on his face. “Maybe you can also do some of your training,” he said, “but there has to be compromise. You and Logan need to talk about it without fighting before anything goes any further. I can mediate. We’ll talk about what things might be okay and what things are off limits.”

“Okay,” Virgil said, still not happy, but knowing there wasn’t much else he could do.

“Okay,” the king agreed. They were now at the door to the kitchens “Now, let’s get those cookies.”

  Chapter 50 (Patton)

Patton was starting to get excited. There had been a small snow storm a couple of weeks before, but since then, the temperature had been on the rise with no sign of more snow on the horizon. It was still a bit chilly, but Patton only really felt the need for a light coat instead of any more extreme winter wear. It was great!

Usually everyone including Patton was relieved as Winter turned to Spring, but this year, Patton had even more of a reason to be happy about it. Virgil had gotten a tiny bit more comfortable going outside over the winter, but he still didn’t like it too much.

 Patton could almost feel the change in him as the warmer months drew nearer like a flower getting ready to bloom. He was happier and more energetic. Mr. Deknis was getting things ready to start planting as soon as his seasonal workers started to arrive in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Virgil helped him get ready with a lot of enthusiasm.

It was probably the warmest it had been today. It wasn’t nearly summer, but Patton wouldn’t call it cold. So, while Logan was off doing princely duties in the afternoon, Patton decided to test if it was warm enough now for Virgil to willingly go outside.

 Patton found Virgil in Mr. Deknis’s rooms a couple of hours after lunch, figuring he’d be done with whatever task they were doing that day by then. Patton ended up being correct as when Mr. Deknis let him into his living room, Virgil was busy flipping through yet another book of orchids, still trying to decide which he wanted to grow.

“Hi, Virgil,” Patton said, walking into the room with Princess Marisol on his heels. She had been lazing in a sunny spot by a nearby window but had gotten up to follow him as he walked by.

“Hi,” Virgil replied. He closed the book and set it aside.

“I was wondering if you wanted to go to the dovecote with me,” Patton said. “I wanted to send a letter.”

 Virgil thought about it for a moment, and Patton would swear he was using some secret weather sensing mechanism in his head to check the weather before saying, “Okay.”

“If you two are going to the dovecote, would you mind taking a letter for me as well?” Mr. Deknis asked.

“Of course,” Patton agreed.

Mr. Deknis turned to grab a sealed letter off his desk. “It’s for my daughter,” Mr. Deknis said. “The handlers should know the right pigeon to give it to.”

Patton nodded and took it.

“You have a daughter?” Virgil asked, sounding more surprised than Patton would have expected.

 “Yes, Darlene,” Mr. Deknis said. “I’ve talked about her. I thought I’d mentioned she was my daughter.”

“I didn’t know you could have children.”

The statement clearly rang with truth to Mr. Deknis’s ears, but it didn’t make him look any less confused. “Why would you think that?” he asked.

Patton’s eyes widened as he recalled a conversation from months ago where Virgil had been confused about why Mr. Deknis was allowed to be a gardener when he was a multrum. Patton didn’t know much about how multrums were treated in Mocnejsi, but it hadn’t sounded very nice and Patton could draw some conclusions about why Virgil thought that. The problem of course was that Patton was pretty sure very few people in Prijaznia would be confused about Mr. Deknis being allowed to have a kid.

 “You’re old,” Patton blurted before Virgil could say anything more. “Old people can’t have kids.”

These things were not technically lies. Mr. Deknis still looked at him like he’d just sensed Patton saying one though. He frowned and his eyes narrowed a bit. Patton had… never been as good at running around Mr. Deknis’s powers as Logan was.

“Patton,” Mr. Deknis said. “What?”

“You have to forgive Virgil,” Patton said, grabbing Virgil’s arm and tugging on it. Luckily, Virgil followed easily enough. “I’m pretty sure he doesn’t even know how babies are made.”

“That isn’t an argument, Patton.”

“Anyway, we have to go,” Patton said.

 Patton pulled Virgil out of Mr. Deknis’s living room and into the hallway. He slammed the door behind them. “Run,” said Patton to Virgil. They ran.

Luckily, Patton was right. Mr. Deknis was old and didn’t seem keen to chase them. However, Patton expected that the conversation was nowhere near over. This, even if it made their behavior even more suspicious, would give Patton time to think of something or, more realistically, talk to Logan and get him to think of something.

The ended up all the way outside the stable before the stopped. Virgil, while fast, was not a distance runner and Patton wasn’t exactly athletic, so they collapsed in an exhausted heap.

 “Why did we run?” Virgil asked after a few minutes of rest.

“People from Prijaznia wouldn’t question why a multrum can have a child,” Patton said. “They’re just normal people with some powers. If we’re not careful, he could have figured out you weren’t from here.”

Virgil grimaced. “That’s not good,” he said.

“It’ll be alright,” Patton promised. “We just need to ask Logan what to say. He’s always better at talking circles around Mr. Deknis.”

“He’s in a meeting right now though.”

“Yeah,” Patton said, “but that just means we have to be sneaking for a couple of hours.”

 Always one to make something fun out of a not so great situation, Patton glanced over at Virgil. “You’re pretty good at sneaking,” he said. “Why don’t you teach me something about sneaking by helping me sneak into the dovecote.”

“You want to do training?” Virgil asked.

Patton hesitated, having heard about ‘training’ from Logan. “Uh, only this type of training,” Patton said, “and only for this afternoon until we have a chance to talk to Logan.”

“The king told me I could train people if they gave me permission.”

Oh dear.

He seemed invigorated suddenly and popped to his feet even though Patton really would have rather rested for a bit more.

[nyctophilin]

Fake affection | I

sweet anon: Can I request a dom! Han Jisung smut? Where he and the reader are fake dating because Jisung want's to make someone jealous but ends up fucking the reader instead? I love your writings so much!!

Chapter I, Chapter II, Chapter III, Chapter IV, Epilogue

Description: Han Jisung has been rejected by the girl he likes one to many times. He decides that he has had enough and is set on making her want him back. What could possibly make her want him more than seeing him with her rival after she boldly assumed he can’t find anyone better. That way Jisung and Y/N are stuck in a fake relationship until Jisung’s crush falls for him. Or he falls for someone else.

All rights reserved © nyctophilin 2020. Re-posting, copying and translating any of my works is prohibited.

Pairing: Han x fem!Reader, Hyunjin x fem!Reader

Word count: 4.5k

Genre: College!AU, Fake dating!AU, Angst, Fluff, eventual Smut

Warnings: swearing, mention of masturbation

A/N: Wow, so it looks like I am unable of making short fics, haha. I planed for this to be a one-shot but it’s already this long and I don’t want to bore you guys with long fics so I will make a second part and a third if needed but I doubt. I really hope you guys like this one. Feedback is very much appreciated.

      Y/N was tapping her finger on the desk, her head resting in her palm. She was watching the professor walk around in front of the class explaining something but she wasn’t paying attention. Her mind was filled with thoughts about whether or not she was going to get the role. 

      Some people from her university that were majoring in Film Production had to write a script for a short movie and the best five got chosen to be produced. Initially, she believed that only Theater and Film Majors could participate at the auditions but the administration of the school made an announcement one morning informing them that everyone could take part in the audition process. That meant she had to deal with more competitors for the role she wanted.

      Initially, Y/N was the only one who wanted to audition for the main role of one of the movies since people didn’t really catch its concept that well. When the audition day finally came, one Modern Dance major showed up out of nowhere and auditioned as well. The apparition of that particular character made her blood boil with anger.

      Her competitor for the role was none other than Mina, her so-called enemy. They weren’t enemies in the real sense of the word. They just simply didn’t click with one another and silently agreed a long time ago to ignore each other. They weren’t pulling childish stunts on each other, they didn’t speak each other's names unless necessary, they didn’t try to win each other in grades or parties or body counts. They were just mutually ignoring one another. And everything was fine until she showed up there.

      Y/N wasn’t going to lie and say that Mina wasn’t good. Her performance wasn’t exceptional but for someone that has never done that before, she was fairly good. That had her worried about her chances of getting chosen.

      When the bell finally rang ending her suffering she got up in the split of a second and left the room. She could not bear to hear any more of the professor’s babbling. Her boots let out quiet thuds every time they touched the concrete floors. She found herself in front of the announcement board but the paper that was supposed to tell her if she got chosen or not, was missing. Thinking to herself that they probably will put it up later she turned on her heels and made her way towards the cafeteria.

      She met her friend Hayoon there and they sat down at a table situated in the centre of the cafeteria. They talked about how they had been up until then and Hayoon complained about one of her classes and how she’s going to fail it.

      The chatter in the cafeteria died down when the door was slammed open and Mina stomped in, a bitter expression on her face. “I can not believe that they made me a stunt double! What does that even mean?” Her voice was louder than it should have been as she addressed her friends. Her intention was most probably to attract attention.

      A smirk crept on Y/N’s face as she realised that she did, in fact, get the main role. She gave her friend a suggestive eyebrow raise as she slowly took the chopstick to her mouth. Her face dropped when she heard the stomping approaching her. “Hey, loser, what’s a stunt double?” Mina’s voice was scratching her ears. How she managed to sound like one of those toys for dogs sometimes, she’ll never understand.

      “I can’t believe you’ve auditioned for a role without knowing what a stunt double is.” Y/N rolled her eyes at the other girl and a few people from around them chuckled. Mina’s face caught a crimson colour as the embarrassment settled in.

      “Haha, you are so funny!” It was clear by now that the girl was trying to mask her flustered form by trying to embarrass Y/N back.

      The truth was that she didn’t mean to make fun of her. She just let her first thoughts leave her mouth. “I wasn’t trying to be funny.” A sigh left her lips. “A stunt double is a person that executes all the dangerous or action scenes for the main actor so they don’t get injured. Stunt doubles are usually gymnasts, people that know martial arts and all that jazz. They probably chose you because of your dance background.”

      “I can’t believe it. Not only they didn’t give me the role, but they are also going to use me to protect you?” Mina had an annoyed expression.

      “Oh please! Did you really think they were going to choose you? You entered that room without even knowing the concept and somehow managed to get the feel right a couple of times. Meanwhile, some of us actually prepared for that audition.” Y/N was fed up with Mina’s princess behaviour. Always thinking that everything is rightfully hers and expecting everyone to kiss her ass. All that just because her father was donating a big sum of money to the university every term. They are donations at the end of the day and she should not be expecting special treatment just for that.

      Mina’s face became a crimson red for the second time in ten minutes and she stomped away from Y/N’s table. The few people that were watching them averted their eyes when Y/N took a look around.

      From the corner of the cafeteria, someone was watching them with a smirk on their face. Oh, how he got just the perfect idea.

            Y/N sat in the second closest row to the professor. She was in “Canto class” as she liked to call it. It was one of the optional classes she chose to take that year. It wasn’t a compulsory class for Theater and Film majors since you don’t necessarily have to know how to sing to be an actress but she took it anyway because she thought it would be fun. And so far it was.

      A loud bang invaded her left ear and she turned to find Han Jisung having his back to her and chatting with his friends that were seated a few rows behind them. She raised her eyebrow but didn’t question it. It wasn’t like the seat was occupied and she definitely had nothing against him sitting next to her. He probably just wanted to pay more attention since he and his friends are always distracted during class. 

      Y/N turned back to her stuff and opened her notebook to take another look at the notes from last class. Soon after the professor entered the classroom and the chatter died down. 

      She was vigorously writing in her notebook everything the professor was explaining to them. Suddenly she felt a touch on her left elbow and stopped for a second. She immediately resumed her writing, convinced that he probably did that by mistake. Not even a minute later she felt another touch on her elbow this time more evident. She ignored it again not paying much mind to it. Jisung’s elbow collided with hers causing her to push her notebook and scribble on it.

      She snapped her head towards him and felt anger overcome her when she noticed the smirk on his face. “What?” She whispers yelled in his direction.

      “Hi!” He did a short wave of his hand in her direction and she clenched her jaw. She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply before going back to her note-taking. She had only five minutes of peace before he poked her side again. She smacked his hand away from her and continued to mind her own business.

      Throughout the class, Jisung kept bothering her and trying to talk to her despite her obvious wish to let her take notes. When the bell rang she got up quickly, her blood boiling and left the room in a hurry hoping she could lose Jisung on the busy halls. As she was hurriedly making her way between the sea of people she felt an arm going over her shoulders and she crashed with the owner of the arm.

      “Why are you in such a hurry babe?” Jisung’s voice rang in her ear as they were practically glued to each other. She grabbed his hand and swung his arm away from her shoulders.

      “For the love of God, what do you want from me Han Jisung?” Exasperation was present in her voice as she threw him an ugly look.

      She couldn’t guess what he needed from her to annoy her to that extent. They were acquaintances and nothing more. They knew each other from that one class they shared and the longest interaction they had was when the professor prepared an interactive class once and they had to work in groups of five.

      He was the university’s “heartthrob” as people liked to call him. Y/N personally thought that that title should be given to Hwang Hyunjin who was majoring in Modern Dance. He was more mature than the rest of his friends, he was friendly with everyone and wasn’t pulling pranks on innocent people to entertain some brainless creatures. But who was she to oppose the masses?

      On top of doing all those things, Jisung was also in a relationship with Mina. Every time they are together they will target someone and will start making fun of them. More Mina than Jisung but he was still entertaining her actions and that made him as guilty as she was.

      “I need to ask you something. Or better, make you a proposal.” He winked at her and she felt an uncomfortable shiver run through her. How disgusting.

      “Ok, and what is it?” She threw him an expectant look and he started looking around.

      “Let’s talk outside where there are fewer people. You got a free period, right?” Confusion made its way on her face.

      “How do you know that? Are you weirdo following me?” She has never talked with him as friends and they share only one class. How on earth would he know her schedule?

      “What? No! I see you hanging out around the university all the time after our class.” She rolled her eyes at his answer and gestured her hand towards the closest exit out of the building signalling him to lead the way.

      Very soon they were seated on a bench under a tree somewhere behind the university. It was her first time coming there. Y/N usually liked to remain at the front of the building since couples usually liked to come there and make out sometimes even fuck.

      “I think we should start dating.” He blurted out and she froze for a second before jumping to her feet startling the man.

      “I knew you were fucking weird. I’m leaving!” What in the actual fuck did she think when she came here. For a second she expected a real conversation but Jisung’s main skills were flirting and making bad jokes. She set her expectations way too high for that conversation.

      She picked her bag from the bench and started leaving only to have Jisung grab her wrist and stop her. “Wait, let me explain. I swear you’ll understand better after.” Y/n wanted to turn and leave but the puppy dog eyes he gave her made her stay and listen to him. Now, don’t get her wrong, his expression didn’t soften her but if he was desperate enough to try the puppy eyes on her then it must be important to him.

      She plopped down on the bench and waited for him to start talking. “Look, I’m pretty sure you know Mina. And I know you two aren’t on great terms. I say we date so you can get back at her for all the things she has done to you.” He raised his eyebrows at her and pursed his lips.

      Y/N was the one that raised her eyebrow next as she leaned her head to the side. “Aren’t you and Mina dating?” 

      “Obviously not.” Jisung used a tone that pissed Y/N off. A tone that said ‘It was so obvious, how can you not know?’ and she didn’t like it one bit.

      “Oh, I’m so sorry! I must have read the signs the wrong way. I mean, it's not like you are always together and you carry her backpack around and you hang out outside of school six days out of seven and kiss before classes and make out behind the university probably right on this bench.”

      A smirk appeared on Jisung’s face. “Who’s following who now?”

      “Don’t flatter yourself. Mina’s voice is so annoying I could hear her every time she talked. When I would turn to see what was up now you two were most times engaged in some sort of PDA.” She spoke fast trying to prove that she wasn’t following him. She didn’t know why she felt the need to do that but the thought of Jisung thinking that she has some sort of interest in him was terrifying. He completely humiliated the last “unpopular” girl that confessed her feelings to him and at that moment the last thing she needed was for him to go around saying she is a stalker.

      “Well, we are getting there. I asked her out and she said that she’ll love to but it’s too fun to tease me. When I asked her ‘What if I get a girlfriend?’ she told me I can not find anyone better for me than her. When I saw you fighting in the cafeteria earlier I knew I found my perfect girl. Not only are you hot, but she also hates you.” Y/N raised an eyebrow at his words.

      “Hot?” Her tone was untrusting as this was the first time someone from uni had said that to her. 

      “Yeah. You didn’t think that guys came to last year’s theatre spectacles because they were actually interested in theatre, right?” A laugh left his mouth at her dumbfounded face as she registered his words. A blank expression adorned her face immediately after trying not to seem so surprised.

      “Well, not anymore.” She let her tongue trace her bottom lip before biting the flesh. “Ok, so tell me what you actually want us to do.” Uneasiness settled inside Jisung as he watched her bored face.

      “Well, I mean what I said. We should date. Or fake dating if you will. That way I can make Mina jealous and push her to run into my arms. I bet she can’t stand seeing me with you for too long.” He looked into her eyes hopefully thinking that maybe he convinced her but his hope was quickly shattered when she opened her mouth.

      “What are you? Five? I don’t want to get back at her and I have absolutely no reason to help you in your sick plan. I’m out of here!” Once again she picked up her bag to leave only for Jisung to grab her wrist and stop her, again.

      “Please Y/N! I’m desperate. I’ve been trying to date her for a year and a half already.” That was pathetic. She had absolutely no reason to help him. None at all. But something pushed her to stay and accept his offer. Maybe she could take advantage of the situation.

      Turning her head towards her she tried to keep a straight face as best as she could. “What do I get out of it?”

      Jisung’s face brightened instantly at her question and he held her hand with both of his. “Anything you want. If it’s possible I’ll do it.” His eyes were pouring into hers and a stupid sparkle was present in them.

      “I guess you were going to do that anyway but I want you to present me to your friends.” The same bored expression that she had on for almost the entirety of their conversation was adorning her face. Jisung was amazed at the lack of emotions she managed to show but she was an actress. Maybe she’s just good at her job.

      “Why? Do you have a crush on any of them?” A smirk was enveloping his facial features and he had a teasing tone. Y/N rolled her eyes at his comment.

      “No. Some of them seem like really interesting people but their only defect was hanging out with you. Now that I have to hang out with you too I might as well start talking to them.” She shook his hands off hers before putting it in her front pocket. “Now I have to go to class cause my free period is almost over. See you later, babe!” She winked at him before turning around and making her way to her next class.

      The next day she met with Jisung in front of the cafeteria so they could walk in together and “announce” their relationship. Somehow he got hold of her number and they texted the night prior about the terms of their little deal. She felt like laughing when she saw how serious he was about it. If he really did end up dating Mina she’ll be convinced that both of them are idiots.

      His arm was over her shoulders as they walked through the tables. Multiple people were staring at them but she decided to ignore them. Upon reaching the table she placed her tray down and took a seat. The people at the table were looking confused at one another and some were throwing Jisung questioning looks.

      “Everyone, meet my girlfriend.” He spoke gesturing with a hand towards her. She smiled at them and waved her hand, muttering a soft ‘Hi!’.

      One of them, who she recognised to be Lee Minho, a Modern Dance major cleared his throat. “Hey. It’s nice to meet you.” He had an awkward smile on. “What are you majoring in?”

      “Yeah, I don’t recall seeing you around campus.” Seo Changbin, a Music Production major added.

      “Oh, I…” She started talking but a puff coming from her left stopped her.

      “Seriously dude? You share a class. She’s L/N Y/N from your Theory and Improvisation class.” The voice belonged to Hwang Hyunjin and she felt a funny feeling in her stomach at the realisation that he knows her. Everyone around the table was throwing him weird looks.

      “You are right but how do you know that? I’m pretty sure you don’t take that class.” There was a trace of embarrassment in her voice.

      “I don’t but sometimes when I wait for those guys outside of the classroom I see you walking out.” He said that with nonchalance taking a bite from his food.

      “And how do you know her? She’s not a Music Production major otherwise we would have known. And she’s not a Dance major either otherwise Minho and Felix would have known about her as well.”Changbin’s tone was almost provoking as if Hyunjin had done something bad and he was about to reveal it.

      “She’s a Theatre and Film major. Last year when we went to all those theatre spectacles to support Jeongin I was actually paying attention to the plays. She had either the main role or the lead. I remember her being really good.” She felt her cheeks heat at his comment.

      “Thank you!” She threw him a smile. However, she got ignored as Lee Felix started talking.

      “Do you know her Jeongin?” She somehow felt offended by his question. Maybe that wasn’t his intention but he should have used a different tone.

      “Of course I do. We share almost all of our classes and last year we worked on multiple plays together.” Annoyance was present in his voice caused by his friends' ignorance.

      She knew Jeongin from the first day. He was the first to speak to her although they didn’t exactly become friends. They kept on working on plays together throughout the entirety of the first year of college but they kept everything mostly professional since they both had their own group of friends and she kind of disliked most of his friends.

      “Then how come you never talk about her?” Now, wasn’t Changbin an annoying one? She rolled her eyes discreetly at his question.

      “Because we are not the best of friends. Why don’t you talk about Kim Gina from your degree?” The youngest question was a good one. They were acquaintances and barely knew something about each other. What was he supposed to talk about?

      “Gina is not hot. What am I supposed to talk about?” The older male said calmly with a shrug of his shoulders.

      The water she was just drinking got stuck in her throat and she started coughing violently. Jisung started hitting her back repeatedly trying to help her swallow. When she finally calmed down she looked at him annoyed.

      “Who she is, is not important. What’s important is that she is my girlfriend” he gave Changbin a side look ”and you have to accept that. Stop talking about her like she is not sitting right in front of you.” A few of them raised their hands in defeat while some of them averted their eyes. Minho and Changbin rolled their eyes.

      She felt her blood pressure spike up at their action. She remembered why she never wanted to talk to any of them. Arrogant pricks.

      “Ok, Mister protective boyfriend. Just tell us when you break up.” Minho took a bite of his food done with the younger man’s antics. Everyone knew that he was in love with Mina. The moment she shows some interest in him he would probably leave this one in a heartbeat.

      Y/N sucked in a breath discreetly. He really got her worked up and she hated it. She put an arm around Jisungs shoulders and yanked him towards her, his face close to her chest. With her other hand, she grabbed the sides of his face making him look up at her and forcefully pursing his lips. 

      “Break up? Do you wanna break up with me, babe?” Y/N’s voice was mocking as if she was talking with a child. Jisung swallowed hard before shaking his head. She smiled at his response and used the hand from around his shoulders to ruffle his hair. “That’s what I thought.” She placed a short kiss on his lips before releasing him and turning back to her food.

      Everyone at the table was looking at both of them shocked, especially Minho and Changbin. She wanted to let a proud smile escape her but she controlled herself.

      For the rest of the lunch, she decided not to engage in any more discussions with Jisung’s friends. She continued eating her food and listened to them talking about things that didn’t involve her, occasionally responding to Hayoon’s texts.

      She was the first one to get up, impatient to go to her next class and not have to see them. “Bye guys. It was lovely meeting you!” She smiled at them, a smile half true because she did like some of them. “Bye babe. See you later!” She grabbed the sides of his face again placing another kiss on his lips before taking her empty tray and leaving them alone.

      The men all watched her as she made her way out of the cafeteria. When she closed the door behind her they all burst into laughter. Jisung was biting the inside of his cheek irked by their action. When the laughter stopped, Seungmin that was sitting next to him put his hand on his shoulder.

      “I absolutely adore your girlfriend. She knows how to keep her ‘babe’ in check I see.” Seungmin tried cupping his face as Y/N did but Jisung slapped his hand away.

      “Are you her good boy, Jisungie? Does she give you rewards if you listen to her?” Minho cooed at him and Jisung held back an insult.

      “Shut the fuck up. It’s not like that. She surprised me as well. Who the fuck knew she was going to do that?” When he proposed the whole fake dating thing to her he thought it would be easier. Looking at it now he can’t understand why he thought that. He saw the way her fights with Mina unfold and he knew she was an actress which meant that she was probably either crazy confident or really good at faking it. For some reason, he thought she would be easier to tease and control but it would be a lie if he said it didn’t intrigue him. He liked a challenge and if the prize was Mina he would try his best.

      “And you man” Chan spoke for the first time “what the fuck was that? Do you know her entire biography?” He was looking at Hyunjin who rolled his eyes.

      “I told you I paid attention to last year’s plays. On top of that, she’s hot. I remember that after one spectacle I and the guys from my dance group at the time talked about her for like a month. She was so..” The man let out a groan and threw his head back trying to explain what he meant.

      “Sure, tell me more. Did you masturbate to the thought of my girlfriend? Perhaps got any wet dreams about her?” Jisung commented, raising an eyebrow.

      Hyunjin winked at him as a smirk made its way on his face. Some of the guys simultaneously let out disgusted sounds at his gesture.

      “But how did this whole thing happen? I can’t remember a moment when you talked about her or when you were together.” Felix’s deep voice rang making everyone pay attention to him.

      Changbin suddenly let a gasp out and dramatically covered his mouth. “Yesterday our little Jisungie sat next to her in Theory and Improvisation and when the class ended he ran after her. I think he might have had a secret crush!” The older man teased.

      “Yeah, but she looked really annoyed with him. Hence why she sprinted out of the class. Why would she accept to date him if she looked like she’d rather listen to Mr Jung talk about the first piano ever invented.” Chan intervened making Jisung shrug his shoulders.

      “She was annoyed with me but what can I say? I’m so charming she couldn’t refuse me.” He leaned back in his chair putting his arms over the back of the chair. 

      “I think she did it out of pity. When she realized you’ve been trying to get Mina for a year and a half now she probably felt so bad for you she decided to sacrifice herself so you look less like a loser.” Hyunjin said his tone way to serious to be a joke.

      Jisung threw the man a deadly stare. “At least I didn’t masturbate to the thought of her like a fucking virgin.” He spat in the other man’s face.

      “Touche.”

[thesoulspulse]

Danny Phantom Randomness (Why Vlad & Tucker Could Never Be Mayor!)

Before I get started, let me make a few things absolutely clear. Yes, I KNOW this is only a kid’s cartoon and I shouldn’t be thinking so hard about it. Yes, I KNOW Season 3 is the worst part of the series with only a few good things about it I am happy exist like Frostbite and such. And lastly, I am fully aware I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT POLITICS. But hey even I can do my research and besides, I think we can all agree that regardless of the fact that Tucker helped figure out how to save the Earth too in Phantom Planet, letting him become Mayor of Amity Park makes NO SENSE!!!

He’s 14 for crying out loud!

Anyways, I’m about to go on a bit of a rant/ramble here so if this isn’t your thing it’s ok if you want to ignore this post. Just do me a favor and don’t make fun of how little I know about politics or get mad at me for anything I’m about to say, ok? I did the best I could and wanted to share my findings.

If you don’t mind sitting through this tirade of mine, feel free to read the rest down below. But yeah, I’m about to get at least somewhat political and realistic here so you’ve been warned...

Now, if I haven’t lost you yet I kinda ran into a few major problems while researching a few facts for the next chapter of my fanfic “Ghost In The Machine” which takes place during and after the episode “Kindred Spirits” which is the 3rd to last episode in season 2. Basically, I’m doing something slightly similar to what I did in my fanfic “Nowhere To Run” where I blamed a lot of the extra aggression Danny has towards Vlad in Season 3 on the fact that he went too far by not only cloning Danny, but KIDNAPPING AND TORTURING A 14 YEAR OLD!

And likewise, Vlad is especially hostile towards Danny for more or less murdering his 'perfect half-ghost son’ too so after Danny pulls that ‘prank’ with the Guys in White that’s his excuse to make Danny’s life a living hell once he totally gives up on that dream of becoming a father. That brings us to our first point of why Vlad becoming Mayor of Amity Park also makes no sense!

Let’s sum up the episode “Eye for an Eye” first:

Day 1: Vlad's 2nd Castle is Destroyed (Note: This is probably when he goes to stay at the hotel)

Day 2: Danny's Bedroom is Raided by the Guys In White

Day 3: Vlad is Publicly Humiliated on Live TV

Day 4: Danny is Embarrassed at School & Vlad Travels to Amity Park after Purchasing the Nasty Burger and Destroys it. (Note: Hmm, another nod to Dan's timeline maybe?)

Day 5: Vlad Runs for Mayor as a Last Minute Write-In Candidate Then Overshadows All the Voters to Win.

Day 6: Vlad Makes a Speech About Danny Inspiring Him To Run for Mayor. (Note: I assume it's the next day but its hard to tell, I mean, they probably had to clean up the mess from their fight either way.)

Day 7-14: Vlad Puts New Rules in Place To Make Danny's Life More Difficult (Note: Ok, this HAD to have taken at least a week right? They can't enforce new laws THAT fast, right?)

Day 14-19: Vlad Uses the GIW to Capture Ghosts (Note: which Danny points out were totally staged since they're all the SAME THREE GHOSTS) for PR so People Think They Don't Need Danny Phantom.

Day 19 (Continued): Vlad Rebuilds the Nasty Burger as Mc Masters and Bans Teenagers (Note: Sadly this sort of thing actually IS legal, especially since I assume the Nasty Burger is a local fast food place that’s privately owned and not a fast food chain across the states in this world, but I can still see why it'd upset the local teens)

Day 20: Danny Convinces His Classmates To Help Protest When Vlad Refuses To Accept His Apology The Previous Day (Note: Yeah, Vlad was being extra petty at this point when Danny had to completely swallow his pride to even try to apologize for something he probably knows deep down WAS wrong no matter how evil Vlad is, you're better than that Danny!)

Day 21: Vlad Finally Lets Up After Danny Takes A Hit In Public AS Danny Fenton To Make Vlad Look Bad

Alright, now that we’ve summed up a time span for Vlad’s little tantrum more or less with a little bit of guess work, let’s address the problems with Vlad becoming Mayor which I’ll also apply to Tucker:

Problem 1 (Vlad Only):

“Many states require that residents spend at least 183 days or more in a state to claim they live there for income tax purposes. In other words, simply changing your driver's license and opening a bank account in another state isn't enough. You'll need to actually live there to claim residency come tax season.” ~ https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-establish-residency-in-a-new-state/

I know Vlad’s powerful and can overshadow people, but I have a hard time believing he can convince that many people he’s lived in Amity Park for 6 months when he was on the News when there was a broadcast about his castle getting demolished in Wisconsin, and I mean if the news was big enough for the citizens of Amity Park to see on their local news, chances are the whole country did too otherwise why would they show it? He was literally only in Amity Park for 2 DAYS!

Problem 2 (Vlad Only):

According to the math I did, there are 366 days in a year so 183 days is basically half of that which means Vlad would have had to have been a resident of Amity Park for 6 MONTHS before he could even run for election! But as you can see, he was only in Amity park 3 weeks at most, and that’s in total, not before he actually ran for election! And there are about 26 weeks in half a year. So yeah, none of it adds up...

Problem 3 (Tucker Only):

In every state I could find an answer for, you have to be at LEAST 18 before you can run for office. And honestly, what sane teenager wants THAT much extra responsibility managing a whole town once they’re old enough to vote when they have enough to worry about moving out of their houses and getting ready for college...?

Problem 4 (Tucker Only):

You have to at least have a High School Diploma before you can run for office at minimum, but it varies depending on the state. Most require some college education too.

With that out of the way, let’s move onto the last part with Tucker and why it makes even LESS sense for anyone in their right mind to decide it’s a good idea to make a 14 year old Mayor of a whole town no matter how smart they are! Sorry Tucker, you’re a great kid, but for your sake I hope the mayor thing was more like a “mayor for the day” kind of thing to reward you for saving the world.

Personally I think you should have asked for something more your style such as asking for your own private limo with a driver included until you can get your driver’s license or first dibs on the latest tech for the rest of your life, idk!

Going off of my earlier points, to be fair Tucker has met the residential requirement since I assume he’s lived in Amity Park all his life and has known Danny since the 2nd Grade, maybe even Kindergarten. That also means he’s lived there at least 14 years.

Tucker is not 18 so he can’t legally vote, obviously. So why would they let him become mayor when he’s still just a minor?

Tucker is very smart BUT, he hasn’t graduated high school and therefore doesn’t even HAVE his Diploma yet.

I assume when the show started Danny, Tucker, and Sam were all Freshman and since there have been at least two summer-themed episodes in the series, aka “Reality Trip” and “Claw of the Wild” they were probably only Juniors by the time the series ended.

And there you have it!

In conclusion, no matter how rich and powerful Vlad is I doubt he has the ability to alter enough memories to believably fabricate that he’s been a resident of Amity Park long enough to legally run for Mayor. And Tucker may be a very intelligent teenager, but he just doesn’t meet the other requirements needed to realistically become Mayor. Again I know it’s a kids show, but there’s a limit to how much you can ignore how to make something believable.

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Shaw’s 2021 Birthday R&S

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for an R&S which has not been released in EN! 🍒

Knowledge of Shaw’s 2020 Birthday R&S is highly recommended before reading this!

[ This R&S was released on 16 June 2021 ]

[ Chapter One ]

This is the fifth month that Shaw is learning how to skateboard. The little buddies who started out with him had given up one after the other because they couldn’t endure the bitter taste of tripping and falling. In the end, he’s the only one left.

The wheels grate against the ground in a regular rhythm. Leaping over the obstacle, it makes a swerve, accelerates, and flips... the skateboard is lithe and graceful beneath Shaw’s feet, akin to a reed leaf as it brings him into the largest skatepark in Loveland City with a wilful rush.

“Shaw! Shaw!”

Shaw halts the skateboard and turns around.

A little fatty with a band-aid on his knee walks over, smiling and revealing his missing front teeth. “Finally found you.”

Shaw laughs scornfully. “Why’s a defeated opponent looking for me? Do you want to lose the remaining half of your front teeth?”

“You!” Little Fatty flushes red in an instant. He straightens his neck and points to an area behind him. “I’m not competing with you. Someone else wants to!”

Shaw looks in the direction of his finger. A boy who is obviously taller than him by a head smiles at him, the skateboard beneath his feet sliding back and forth. At a glance, it’s clear that he’s experienced.

“My Bro Zhou is in the Loveland City Qing Xun Team,” Little Fatty hugs his arms with pride, as though he’s the one in the team. “So? Dare to accept it?”

So that’s how it is. He’s a scaredy cat who only dares to call in reinforcements.

Shaw purses his lips. He steps on the tail of the skateboard, and it responds by flipping upwards, the the edge of the board landing steadily in his palm. “Why not? What are we competing in?”

Bro Zhou shrugs. “I won’t make things hard for newbies. We’ll compete in tic-tacs and going over obstacles. How’s that?”

“Sure.”

[Trivia] Tic-tacs are a series of consecutive heelside-to-toeside kickturns where your feet remain on the skateboard. I copied this from Google and have no idea what it means LOL

-

THUD-

Losing his balance for just a moment, Shaw falls heavily onto the ground. His knees, elbows... waves of pain bloom on every joint. It isn’t a good feeling, but what makes Shaw even more frustrated is the arrogant laughter of Little Fatty. t’s even noisier than the cicadas from afar.

“HAHAHAHA Shaw lost! Let’s see if you still have the guts to be proud!”

He has a lot to say despite being a noob. Shaw rolls his eyes. Enduring the pain, he’s just about to lift himself up by the elbows when Bro Zhou walks over to him, offering him a hand. “Not bad.”

“Thanks.”

The other party continues. “But at your age, it’s best to stick to the basics. There’s no hurry to learn high difficulty moves like the dolphin flip. You’ll definitely fall.”

Shaw’s expression immediately turns cold. “I don’t need your pointers on what I can learn at whatever age.” He doesn’t touch the hand, standing up by himself. Lifting his head, he gives the other party a look over. “Do you come here often?”

“The Qing Xun Team practises here every day.”

“Okay. Next time, I’ll definitely win against you.”

Shaw doesn’t bother about the expressions on Bro Zhou’s and the Little Fatty’s faces after hearing his words. He casually pats off the dust on his body, picks up the skateboard which is flipped over on the floor, and leaves the skatepark.

-

[ Chapter Two ]

The moment Shaw enters through the doors of the antique store, the Old Man’s uproar begins. “Little Ancestor, did you wreck havoc in the Heavenly Palace again?”

[Note] Here, the Old Man calls Shaw “小祖宗”, which literally means “Little Ancestor”. This term is used in an affectionate way to address a naughty child

“Wrecking havoc in the Heavenly Palace” is a reference to a novel called Journey to the West (西游记), which features a troublemaking Monkey King Sun Wukong

“I’m hungry. What’s there to eat today?” Shaw doesn’t respond to the shopkeeper’s words. Placing his bag and skateboard behind the counter, he reaches out to play with the silly parrot at the entrance - it’s truly silly. Even after teaching it for a month, it can’t even say “welcome to the shop”. It causes Shaw to wonder if the Old Man was perhaps duped of his money once again.

“All you know how to do is eat...” The Old Man sets down the ancient text in his hands and props up his presbyopic glasses. “Old Qian from next door boiled chicken soup today and is giving us half. I’ll stir-fry two dishes. You can ask if the chicken soup is ready.”

Shaw makes an “mm” of acknowledgement, then turns around and heads next door.

The shopkeeper gets up and takes a few steps towards the kitchen. Then, he abruptly returns to the counter, reaching out to touch the coarse scratch marks at the edge of the skateboard. Inexplicably, he sighs.

The chicken soup is a little bland, and the stir-fried dishes are a little salty. Mixing and eating them together is just nice. Shaw lowers his head and pushes rice into his mouth with chopsticks. In his left ear, he hears the news of how the GDP of Loveland City has risen. In his right ear, he hears the nagging of his mentor:

“...I’m not discouraging you from playing with this thing. It’s good to toughen yourself up while you’re young and your bones and muscles are sturdy. But don’t be too rash. This... this thing of yours...”

“Skateboard.” Shaw speaks.

“Yes, skateboard. I remember that it’s only been a month since it was bought, and it’s already tormented to such a state. You have such an impulsive temperament. You should be more level-headed.”

What does this have to do with temperament? If I were to truly be impulsive, I wouldn’t need a month. Just three days would be enough to break a skateboard. Shaw looks at the chicken leg in his bowl, not saying these words aloud.

“Also, remember to report to the shop early tomorrow. Old Qian and I are preparing to head to the neighbouring city to look for goods. You should come along to broaden your horizons.” The shopkeeper taps his chopsticks against the rim of the bowl, signalling for Shaw to pay more attention. “Isn’t it your birthday tomorrow? I could pick out a gift for you! Sigh, I actually had my eye on an agate snuff bottle, but the guy suddenly decided not to sell it...”

“I’m not going tomorrow.” Shaw interrupts the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper furrows his brows. “Why are you throwing a tantrum?”

“I’m not. I have proper business to attend to tomorrow. The school organised a visit to the museum.” Shaw lifts his eyes, and his thin lips curve upwards. “The things I see there will be much more valuable than those trivial things you fiddle with.”

“You little rascal!”

Shaw laughs, wedging the chicken leg between his chopsticks and sending it into his mentor’s bowl. “I’m full, so I’m heading to the back to do my homework. Chicken legs are really nutritious, so you should have it.”

“Tsk tsk, and you still said you weren’t throwing a tantrum. You aren’t going home again?”

“I don’t want to go back today. I’ll definitely go back tomorrow.” Shaw has already walked to the entrance. He suddenly thinks of something, and turns his head to ask a question. “Mentor, your shop will always be open, right?”

These words came out of nowhere, and the shopkeeper isn’t able to comprehend them. “What?”

“Nothing much. I’m just worried that I won’t have a place to have dinner if an old man like you were to throw in the towel someday.”

The shopkeeper fumes with a glare. “What do you mean by that? You only care about the food? Also, my shop can continue running for a decade or two. I’m still waiting for you to bring back a disciple or a wife to serve me tea!”

Shaw lets out an “oh”, and his eyes crinkle. “In that case, you’ll have to wait for another twenty or thirty years.”

The eyesight of the shopkeeper is no longer as good as before, but he can clearly see that the smile of this child didn’t reach his eyes. After Shaw leaves, he suddenly recalls the fortune that he drew for Shaw half a year ago: “What awaits this catastrophe is a new beginning...”

This child is will meet his predestined fate this year, so what’s left is to see how he endures through it. The shopkeeper shakes his head, sighing once again.

[Note] The actual fortune is “河图数九，洛书数七，脐于九陵，七日来复” but I don’t have the energy to explain it so what I’ve translated above is the overall meaning :>

-

[ Chapter Three ]

When Shaw awakens on the next day, the shopkeeper has already left to inspect the goods. The shop is empty, and he’s the only one left.

Westmoon Street is lined with old houses, and there’s no soundproofing. Lying on the bed, Shaw can hear the chirping of birds outside the window, the yelling of people on the street, and the babble of the Chinese opera from the old bookstore next door: “I’m just like a caged bird with wings that can’t be outstretched. I’m just like a shallow water dragon trapped on a beach...”

Shaw rubs his face, then sits up on the bed.

The school had set the assembling time to be 9am. Heading out now will give him more than enough time. Shaw quickly washes his face and rinses his mouth. Just as he walks towards the front counter with some rice grains from the kitchen for the parrot to eat, he suddenly discovers that there’s something on the counter.

Walking over, Shaw sees that there’s a cake box as well as a t-shirt which has been washed clean.

There’s a slip of paper on the shirt. The strokes are clean and thin. At a glance, he knows that this is the Old Man’s handwriting: You need energy and drive to participate in the school activity. Don’t wear yesterday’s dirty clothes. Change into this.

The shirt look slightly familiar. He probably changed out of it one day and forgot about it, leaving it in the antique shop. Shaw pays it no mind, turning his head to that small cake once again. The various calligraphy and writings in the antique store are considered relatively charming. Yet, why does he always buy such unsophisticated cakes?

When his classmates celebrate their birthdays, what they eat are high quality custom-made cakes - red velvet, matcha crepe, chocolate molten lava... such a traditional longevity cake is probably found only in a place like Westmoon Street. It’s clear from the light red and light green colours that the embellishments on the cake were made by hand. Eating it would definitely dye his tongue. If he were to speak later, wouldn’t he get laughed at by his classmates?

Shaw bunches up his brows, but the fork in his hand doesn’t stop. The cream is plant-based and tastes bad. He eats a small egg shell at the base of the cake and it tastes bad. The “Happy Birthday” was written using peach jam, and it tastes really bad.

The silly parrot at the side tilts its head, watching as the boy eats mouthfuls while shunning it with every bite, finishing the cake entirely.

Shaw wipes his mouth, then rinses it with the barley tea on the table. Picking up that t-shirt, he returns into the house and changes his clothes. 

-

[ Chapter Four ]

“...this ‘Painting of the Elevated and Pre-eminent’ depicts four famous scholars enjoying themselves. Students, do you know who the Seven Sages of the bamboo forest are?”

[Trivia] If you’re interested in seeing the actual painting, search for “高逸图” (“gao yi tu”)

“It’s such a waste that you didn’t watch yesterday’s episode. That scene where the main lead destroyed the opponent like a boss is unparalleled!”

“Aside from the both of us, did anyone else have fun at Anime City?”

“Are you done with the math homework? Lend it to me - I’ll find a place to copy it.”

...

The question posed by the museum guide is drowned out amidst the laughing and frolicking of the kids. He forces a smile while shaking his head. All of a sudden, he notices that a boy with bluish purple hair isn’t the same as the other kids. He’s staring at an ancient painting in the showcase, lost in thought.

As though seeing a saviour, the guide quickly points at him. “Student, why don’t you give me an answer? It’s fine even if you get it wrong. Uncle will explain to you!”

“...” Shaw turns his head, opening his mouth to say some words, but his voice doesn’t reach the guide’s ears.

“Student, what did you say?” The guide raises his volume.

“I said that the four people in ‘Painting of the Elevated and Pre-eminent’ are Shan Tao, Wang Jie, Liu Ling and Ruan Ji.” Shaw’s face is pretty much expressionless, and there aren't many fluctuations in his tone. “The one sitting down with his hands on his knees at the far right is Shan Tao. The one holding the ruyi sceptre is Wang Tao. The one next to him and drinking wine is Liu Ling. A boy is serving him. The one at the far left needs no mention - he’s the first of the Sages, Ruan Ji. So this painting is missing Ji Tang, Xiang Xiu and Ruan Xian.”

“...”

The surroundings gradually quieten down, and only Shaw’s voice echoes in front of the showcase.

"The scholars in this painting evoke a refined and tasteful sentiment, and the lines are beautiful. This is an extremely precious treasure in the realm of silk scrolls. This is why the ‘Painting of the Elevated and Pre-eminent’ has always been kept in the royal palace. It’s a pity that in order for our predecessors to avoid taboos, only Si Ma Zhong’s inscription is left on it.”

The youth lifts his chin, shooting a playful smile at the guide. “Okay Uncle, you can explain the next museum piece now.”

“Shaw, you’re incredible!” His classmates flock over to him, bumping him on the shoulders. “You were staring at that painting for such a long time. Did you memorise the words on the museum label?”

“Tch. These’s no need to memorise the museum labels for such things. You’ll know it from a glance.” Shaw laughs. “Also, I wasn’t looking at this painting...” When he says this, he pauses for a moment, swallowing his words.

If he wasn’t looking at this painting, which one was he looking at? The students follow Shaw’s gaze, and realise that there’s a floral painting hanging next to the “Painting of the Elevated and Pre-eminent”.

“Painting of a Courtyard and Dayliles”, Northern Song Dynasty, Xuan He Imperial Art Academy, anonymous... The students read the explanatory note on the museum label.

[Trivia] If you’re interested in seeing the actual painting, search for “霜庭萱草图” (“shuang ting xuan cao tu”)

The painting seems to depict a corner of a courtyard. A few daylilies display the patterns on their leaves. One big and one small dragonfly are perched on the flower. Aside from that, there isn’t anything else interesting about it. This painting doesn’t seem to have a name or seal, neither does it have a detailed explanation. Even the guide skipped past it. Since it isn’t a rare and precious ancient painting, what exactly was Shaw looking at?

His classmates are a little puzzled.

-

[ Chapter Five ]

All the classes assemble in lines at the entrance of the museum. The teacher very patiently reminds the students not to forget to do their homework over the weekend, and to remember to write down their reflections about the museum. The students drawl out “got it”, but their hearts have long since flown a million miles away, ready to keep toys and snacks company.

“Shaw!” After dispersing, Shaw’s classmates wave at him.

Shaw walks over. “What’s up?”

“All of us know that you aren’t in a good mood because you lost to a senior in skateboarding yesterday. Isn’t it your birthday? Bro Lu bought the newest game, so let’s head over to play at his place.” His classmate smiles while putting an arm around his shoulder.

“Who told you that I lost yesterday?” Shaw speaks coldly.

“Who else but Fatty? He was so proud yesterday.” The classmate gives Shaw a pat. “Relax, we’re on your side. Don’t think about these unhappy things. Next time, we’ll have lots of opportunities to get revenge...”

“If I wanted revenge, I wouldn’t wait till next time.” Shaw purses his lips. “I’m heading to the skatepark now. You guys coming?”

-

Since it’s the weekend, quite a number of skateboard hobbyists are already practising by the time Shaw reaches the skatepark. Very quickly, he locates Bro Zhou from yesterday.

Shaw gets straight to the point. “I lost yesterday. Today, I want to have a race with you. Do you accept?”

A hint of shock is in Bro Zhou’s eyes. He has probably never met a kid who is this unwilling to lose. “You fell so badly yesterday but still want to compete with me? You should practise more!”

“There’s no need to practise more when competing with you,” Shaw says.

With this, Bro Zhou’s temper starts to flare. He tilts his chin. “Fine, come on. Just don’t cry if you fall and break your arm today.”

A short while later, the news of how a “junior high school newbie dared to challenge Bro Zhou from the Qing Xun Team” spreads throughout the skatepark. Everyone gathers at both sides of the race course, curiously sizing up the main lead for today.

“S-Shaw...” His classmate pulls on Shaw’s arm. Looking at the deep bowl in front, he gulps. “Are you sure you’re competing with him in this? It won’t be good news if you fall!”

“If I want to play, of course I’ll only play the fun stuff. Just watch.”

Shaw walks to the starting line and takes a deep breath. When moving his limbs, his hand subconsciously touches the hem of the t-shirt - there’s a small Chinese trumpet vine. The green leaves and red petals cover the hole which was originally on the shirt. It’s just that the stitches are crooked, and it’s incredibly crude. At a glance, it’s clear that it wasn’t sewn by someone familiar with needlework. 

[Fun fact] Chinese trumpet vine is 凌霄花 (“ling xiao hua”)

Shaw’s name in CN is 凌肖 (“ling xiao”)

Mentor is the best <3

He bites his lower lip.

The referee raises both hands. “The old rules apply. After getting past the Cola can obstacles, cross the bowl. The first person who reaches the goal will win. Ready... go!”

In the midst of a clamour, a bluish purple light rushes forward, taking the lead.

-

[ Chapter Six ]

The friction of wheels against the ground results in ear-piercing screeches. The skateboard brings Shaw forward at a high speed, and the cold strong wind accompanies the summer heat waves, brushing past his cheeks. The upright Cola cans aren’t enough to faze him. With the continuous twisting of his waist and a skateboard which moves naturally like flowing water, he and his opponent seem to bypass the obstacles comprising of twelve Cola cans at the same time-

There are three consecutive rows of Cola can structures in front of him. He has to use all sorts of techniques to jump over them. That way, he can rush down the bowl, and enter the final stage.

The arm he injured from the fall yesterday is still aching faintly. His feet seem to be protesting as well. He successfully jumps over the first row, the second row... Shaw holds his breath. He steps on the tail of the skateboard with his left foot. Gravity takes over quickly, and his right foot causes the skateboard to rise. The skateboard beneath his feet is akin to a flying fish jumping out of the water surface, creating a rotating arc above the Cola cans!

“It’s a dolphin flip!” Members of the audience exclaim.

Clack! Shaw’s shoulders wobble slightly when his feet return to the skateboard. When he finally stands steadily, he continues rushing forward. The final bowl is right in front of him. 

The moment the skateboard dives downwards, Shaw feels a brief moment of weightlessness. This feeling is reminiscent of being thrown out of the entire world, making one want to continue falling like this until they plummet into the bottom of the swamp. The deep bowl is like the trough he’s currently going through. If he’s unable to climb out of the trough, he will drown in hatred, anger, powerlessness, disappointment... and lose to that weak heart of his.

But he’s Shaw, and he won’t lose just like that.

With a rapid dash, he soars upwards without trouble - underneath the brilliant blazing sun, the youth leaps out of the bowl!

After flying out of the bowl, the inertia causes Shaw to stumble a few steps. He falls onto the ground, lying on his back while pressing the finish line.

At the same time, he hears a dull thud from the bowl - his opponent had fallen back into it.

“Shaw won!” “Shaw reached the goal first!” “That rascal actually won against Bro Zhou?” “This competition was so awesome!” ...all sorts of voices emerge in the surroundings in a disorderly fashion, and a set of footsteps walk towards him.

“Your name’s Shaw?” A masculine voice asks from above his head.

Shaw doesn't speak.

“I’m Coach Wang from Loveland City’s Qing Xun Skateboarding Team,” that voice continues. “I see that you have lots of talent, and will make a good young successor. Are you interested in joining the Qing Xun Team?”

While saying this, a registration form is handed to him.

The late afternoon sun illuminates the sheet of paper, reflecting a glaring light akin to snow. Shaw takes one look at the registration form, then shifts his lips slightly. “I don’t want to.”

“Why not?”

“My shirt’s really expensive, so it isn’t worth tearing them.”

The coach is rendered speechless.

Just as he’s about to say a few more words to persuade the kid, he suddenly spots the small flower at the corner of Shaw’s shirt from his periphery - this is clearly not an expensive t-shirt. These days, few shirts are mended using embroidery. And the fact that he’s willing to wear it despite the clumsy embroidery...

This kid has family members whom he cares very much about. The coach seems to understand this. His lips open and shut, and he swallows back the lines he prepared. In the end, he simply says, “...that dolphin flip you did earlier wasn’t bad.”

“Of course.”

The coach laughs as he leaves. Amidst the cheers from the surroundings, Shaw lies on the ground. Covering his eyes with his hand, he laughs.

“I won. Happy birthday to me.”

🛹 Shaw’s Date Prologue: here

[angstsfordays]

Beautiful Pain (4)

Chapter Four- Now or Never

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Enhanced! Reader

Summary: Post-Blip, you started to feel lost when most of the Avengers team are gone. Coping with your loss, you still find hope in the connection with your remaining friends. However, it is not easy as everyone is trying to figure their lives after the Blip.

Having a long history with Bucky ever since you both saved each other from Hydra, you were still glad you had Bucky after all this time. However, as you try to give Bucky space to find himself after being pardoned for his past, you start to wonder if you should ever cross the line of friendship before it’s too late.

That thought might have to be put on hold though, when you, Sam and Bucky find yourselves having to deal with threats that continue to rise in a post-Blip world.

Chapter synopsis: Your supposed ally leads you to an unlawful nation where danger lurks at every corner. Bucky starts to see you in a different light.

Warnings: Sexual objectification. Very bad undercover work. Calling Sam daddy. Sexual innuendos.

Word count: 4.8k

Notes: I am very humbled that people have been enjoying the story and liking it so far! This means to me a lot as a novice writer! ☺️

I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, felt like I got more to expand for the Madripoor episode. I love to know what y’all think of it so far! 😘

The tag list is still open! Let me know if you want to join with a message or comment in the chapters!

Previous: Prologue | Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three

Next: Chapter Five

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As Zemo made arrangements on his end, you did not know what to expect. You, Sam and Bucky were brought to the tarmac of a small private airport, your attention was brought to the private plane that Zemo was leading you towards.

Sam made a comment on Zemo’s wealth and the latter explained that he was practically royalty before the Avengers destroyed his country. Touché.

You took the seat right across from Zemo and you couldn’t help but put your guard up around the man. He could sense the tension all over your face and offered champagne to which you declined. You wanted to make sure you were fully sober around this guy.

As you looked on at the exchange he had with his steward, he almost looked decent for a moment. You wouldn’t have thought of this guy to be a manipulative and scheming man that caused that chain of events many years ago.

“You don’t know what it’s like to be locked in a cell.” Zemo started off after having a sip of his champagne. He then paused in his actions as he looked over all of you and corrected him.

“Oh that’s right, you all do. My apologies.” Rolling your eyes, you crossed your arms as you leaned into the comfort of the plush aeroplane seat.

Sam tried to get Zemo to start talking but the baron brushed it off for a moment as he looked at a book in fascination. As Zemo brought up a familiar notebook, he asked who Nakajima was.

Your eyes perked up at the familiar name and you immediately turned to look at Bucky who instantly pounced on Zemo and grabbed him into a chokehold. Bucky warned him not to touch his notebook or he would actually kill Zemo, probably with his bare hands.

As Bucky settled down in his seat once more, you gave him a knowing look but he averted his eyes to avoid eye contact. The conversation then took a more light-hearted turn as Sam tried to describe how Steve noted down his suggestion of the Trouble Man soundtrack in the notebook that now was passed onto Bucky.

Sam asked if Bucky liked it too and the super-soldier replied that he liked 40’s music to which Sam look almost offended that Bucky didn’t share his taste in music. Bucky looked like he didn’t even want to bother but he clarified that he indeed liked it just to get Sam to back off.

Zemo decided to join in the conversation and put his two cents. Sam was surprised at how Zemo managed to eloquently describe the music style. Afterwhich, Sam went on to say how everyone loved Marvin Gaye while Bucky agreed that he did too.

Sam added that Steve adored the singer too. Hearing this, Zemo commented that Bucky must have looked up to Steve very much.

Yes, we all did. You wanted to add that in too.

Zemo, however, then took the liberty of giving his view on Steve. He talked about how dangerous it could be to idolize super soldiers like Steve and start to disregard their flaws, thus allowing him to not be held accountable for the repercussions that stem from his actions. Even if that meant the formation of movements, the fighting of wars, the loss of innocent lives.

Sam gave him a warning to better stop talking but Zemo continued on. When Zemo noticed how you started shaking your head in dissatisfaction, he gave a light chuckle before speaking directly to you.

“Miss Y/N. Contrary to my own personal views on enhanced individuals, I do find you fascinating, The files I read on you only make me more curious. Can I ask some questions?” You could feel the attention being put on you in the room and you grew slightly uncomfortable.

“What do you want?” Hoping to act nonchalant to mask your nervousness, you crossed your legs and leaned back into your seat.

“You have no family history. You grew up in an orphanage, am I right?” Nodding at the facts he laid out, Zemo carried on.

“You couldn’t have possibly been experimented on. You have gotten into any accidents?” You shook your head in response.

“Chemical exposure, radioactive bites, cosmic ray exposures….those are the possibilities that an ordinary person could obtain superhuman abilities according to the theories online.” Unimpressed, you continued to shake your head at him.

“Tell me. I’m curious.” You couldn’t entertain the likes of him but seeing how he was leaning in to wait for your answer, you gave an indifferent expression before speaking.

“It appeared out of nowhere. Someone committed arson in the local convenience shop where I was at the time. I was trapped with the elderly shopkeeper and I thought we were both going to die. A burning beam was falling onto us and I thought that was the end. I suddenly emitted a burst of energy that managed to put own the fire and incinerate the beam into ashes.” As you retold your story, memories of your fear from that time came back.

“The shopkeeper lost consciousness but I saw everything. I wasn’t sure if it was me but I ran away. I couldn’t’ return to the orphanage because I was afraid the police would find me. I lived on the streets for a week before my powers manifested again.” Your eyes fall to your fidgety hands, cracking your knuckles as it gave you some sort of relief.

“A kid was crossing the street without his mum knowing and a car was speeding on the road. I tried to reach out and pull him back in but the car was just inches away from us both. I caused a scene that couldn’t be ignored. S.H.I.E.L.D managed to find me and took me in.” Zemo’s eyes were tracking your every movement and expression in a way that Bucky didn’t like. As if you were something up for display and Bucky put his foot down.

He was getting protective of you and did not want Zemo to harbour any hidden intentions. Who knew what Zemo was thinking of?

Zemo spoke up before Bucky had the chance.

“Fascinating just fascinating. It’s like your powers had been dormant inside you all along. Are you even human?”

“Last time I checked, my blood is still red.” Your sarcastic response earned a laugh from Zemo and he stroked his chin as he continued to observe you quietly. Sensing he had more thoughts in his mind, you returned the questions back to him.

“You hate enhanced individuals so much, would you get rid of me if you had the chance?” Growing a smirk, Zemo wasn’t expecting you to ask him that and he was more than eager to give his reply.

“I am undecided, but you’re different. I can see you are more discreet than the others, just like Bucky over here.” Zemo made his final remark before he moved on to talking about the location that you were headed.

His words sunk in and you kept on thinking about how he hit the nail on the head.

Yes, you had to be more discreet. You could never proudly show off what you had, instead, you had to keep yourself hidden in order to protect yourself.

Recalling your S.H.I.E.L.D days, you remembered how you were told to keep your powers on a low profile by Director Fury himself.

Your lab results came back and it was discovered that you had a special gene in your DNA that could be identified. There weren’t any references or connections to existing research and findings so you were viewed almost as an abnormality.

It was then later discovered that your powers were connected to your life force and if you ever over-exerted yourself, you could possibly die. That almost happened back during the civil war between the Avengers. It was the first time you ever used your powers on a larger scale and you had even passed out at the end of the battle.

You remembered waking up in a hospital bed on the raft.

When you found refuge in Wakanda, you got to learn more about your powers with Shuri’s help. She believed as long as you trained your stamina and built up your strength, you could control your powers without ever worrying about being drained. That’s how you found yourself the privilege to receive special training with the Dora Milajae under King T’Challa’s request.

You definitely owed the Wakandans big time.

Seeing how you were uncharacteristically down, Bucky wanted to check in with you out of concern. However, he chose to restrain himself, thinking that you probably one to be left alone. He wished he could do more for you like you do for him.

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Before you knew it, you landed in Madripoor. An island nation that was lawless and dangerous, yet home to the darkest of black markets and underground businesses. Zemo said that all of you could not go in as yourselves and had to basically go in undercover.

You couldn’t hold back your laughter when Sam changed and came out in a fancy printed suit. He was to act as a real life promiscuous and rich man who really could have been his doppelgänger when you saw a picture of the man.

However, you weren’t one to laugh when Zemo asked you to act as one of Conrad Mack aka Smiling Tiger’s fling for the night. When you first received your outfit, you threw it back in Zemo’s face.

You were not the most comfortable with sexy and revealing clothing personally so you couldn’t imagine yourself wearing it at all. Zemo tried to convince you that Smiling Tiger’s women were all of a certain type so you had to go through with it in order to fit in.

Letting out a groan, you snatched the little champagne dress with an open keyhole back. The front was designed to give a loose look that shyly reveals your cleavage. The dress held onto your shoulders with thin straps and it overall gave the impression of a silk slip dress.

When you put it on, you wiped your clammy hands on the silk material and grimaced at how it barely covered your ass. You were grateful that the shoes you received had thick block heels as you had forgotten how to even walk in high heels anymore.

Swiping on the red lipstick for the final touch, you took a deep breath to calm your nerves as you looked in the mirror. You got this.

Stepping out of the changing room, you were met with the full attention of all three men and you put a finger up to warn them of making any unneeded comments.

“Damn Y/N. I mean this in the nicest way possible but this is an entirely different look for you. In a good way, of course.” Sam tried to compliment you seeing that you weren’t fully into your outfit.

“Thanks, Sam.” You knew his intentions were always pure and good, so you didn’t mind it much. As he and Zemo went off to discuss something, you saw that Bucky was still looking at you intently. He must think you look weird, you thought.

In all the years that Bucky have known you, it was the first time he has seen you looking like this. You always had gone for casual and comfortable looks in your daily life. The only time he has seen something different was when you put on your tailored suits for formal events.

He had to do a double-take when he saw how the little dress number hugged your figure in the right places.

Bucky knew he shouldn’t continue looking but his eyes fleeting quick glances when you were looking elsewhere. He always felt that you were one of the most beautiful people he knew on the inside, the fact that you could look past what he did and accept him for he was. He never felt that he had to pretend to be fine when you’re around because you were there to accept him for better or worst.

Seeing you now stirred up a different feeling inside of him. Why did you suddenly seem so attractive this time? He did not want to be that guy who viewed women differently because of the way they dressed. In fact, he was never the kind to like someone because of the way they look but more of how they make him feel.

However, observing how bashful and shy you look in front of him, Bucky suddenly felt rather nervous himself. He saw you taking a step towards and he swore his breath hitched as his mind was registering this scene in slow-motion.

Your hands came up to put his dog tags inside his black shirt before going for the zipper of his jacket. Your eyes fleetingly met his for a moment before you started saying something.

Bucky wasn’t able to process it as he was entirely focused on how you were casually helping him as you normally did, but his mind can’t help but think of it as an intimate gesture.

You continued to buckle up the belts of Bucky’s harness and couldn’t help but to relish in the act of caring for him. This was probably the only time you could fulfil your feelings of wanting to be close to him without crossing the line.

“All done.” Once you have adjusted the straps on his shoulder to make sure they were comfortable, you glanced to see Bucky looking down at you in a daze.

“Hey Buck, you there?” Calling for his attention, Bucky snapped back to reality as he saw you staring at him with a curious doe-eyed look. Clearing his thought, Bucky scrambled to recall what you had said and just continued looking at you in question.

You went on to ask if the straps were comfortable to which he nodded curtly. You grinned in satisfaction for a short moment before it fell into a tight-lipped smile.

“Bucky, are you really ok to go into character? I know how hard you worked to get away from all of that.” Implying how he had to act like the Winter Soldier for this undercover mission, Bucky took a deep breath before answering you.

“I’ll be fine. It’s just for this mission.” You just silently nodded at his words before signalling that you two should get a move on.

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All of you were heading to Low Town as Zemo named to find his informant, Selby. Zemo reminded everyone to stay in character regardless of the situation, if not the mission would be compromised and your lives could be at risk.

Zemo gave you a personal warning to avoid using your powers if possible. If your powers were revealed publicly, there was a high chance you were at a bigger risk than the rest because people would want to take you for their own.

It was not every day an enhanced individual with superpowers walks into Madripoor and you would definitely become a prize to be coveted.

You were first greeted by the hustle and bustle of the nightlife crowd. The neon signs lit up the incredibly dark streets followed by the loud booming music that could be heard from some of the places that you passed. Your eyes were focused on Zemo’s back as he led all of you to the location, refusing to make eye contact with anyone else.

Entering the crowded bar, you could hear Zemo speaking Russian to Bucky. You weren’t familiar with the language but you could make out one world, Soldat.

Sneaking your arms around Sam who was caught off, you gave me a pointed look that told him that the undercover work starts now. He gave you a brief nod before rolling out his shoulders and you pressed yourself closer to him, putting your acting face on.

All of you stood by the bar where the bartender greeted all of you.

“Hello, gentlemen. Wasn’t expecting you, Smiling Tiger.” The bartender nodded to Sam. His eyes moved over to meet yours before greeting you, Miss. You gave your best smile in return.

“His plans changed. We have business to do with Selby.” Zemo told the bartender. You could see the shift in his eyes and saw someone from out of the corner of your eye moving away. Shifting your stance, the bartender didn’t acknowledge Zemo’s words and glanced back to you again.

“New face?” His comment was directed towards Sam but seeing how Sam was hesitating, you realised that he hadn’t had much experience with undercover work at all. He was a military man not a spy or agent after all.

“Hopefully, the last.” You giggled shyly and looked up to Sam with an affectionate gaze before giving the bartender a wink.

The bartender nodded curtly before asking Sam (Smiling Tiger) if he wanted his usual. Sam nodded silently in an efforts to prevent himself from doing anything out of character.

You caught Bucky looking at you as he leaned sideways on the counter. Your silent exchange was a way for you two to check in with each other and a brief smile mirrored on both of your faces before you turn to see the bartender taking out a snake from a big jar.

Trying to control your expression at the disgust coming up your throat, you subtly swallowed heavily at the sight of how the bartender slit the snake open. Sam who had his back turned for a brief moment was shocked to see what was presented on the counter in front of him.

Zemo tried to continue to put on the act and acted like it was nothing out of the ordinary. Your global knowledge and several visits to Asia made you realised why this was the Smiling Tiger’s favourite. Snakes infused into wine was touted to be an aphrodisiac to help a man increase, ahem, stamina.

Bucky felt almost bad for Sam and looked away briefly. You could see Sam gulping down nervously when the bartender added the finishing touch to the drink and you gently rubbed his arm for emotional support.

“I love these.” Sam managed to say through gritted his teeth and clinked his glass with Zemo. Your own bile almost resurfaced and you quickly turned your head to hide your nervous gulp.

Putting up a thumbs up awkwardly, you wanted to facepalm when the bartender looked back at Sam with a dubious expression.

You knew you needed to do something so everyone’s covers won’t be blown. Putting on a sly smirk, you let a hand move up Sam’s chest slowly and sensually before resting it where his heart was.

“Looks like you and I will be in for a long night.” Adding a slight giggle, you pretended to act shy after you spoke your words. Sam was trying his hardest to not look bewildered at your act while Bucky was trying to suppress a sudden wave of annoyance that washed over him.

He knew that this was an act but he still didn’t like it for some reason. He had to admit that he was not expecting you to get into character so well, seeing that this image you were presenting was the furthest cry from who you actually were.

The bartender looked slightly less suspicious of all of you before he went away. You could feel Sam heaving a sigh of relief beside you and you did the same alongside him.

Another man came up to Zemo, telling him of how he was unwelcomed in the area. Zemo putting up a cool façade, explained he had no business with someone named the power broker. Zemo restated his business here once more before the guy left.

Zemo explained that the power broker runs Madripoor and it was best you all stayed under his radar. Moments passed before another guy came up behind Zemo and Zemo turned to Bucky talking in Russian once more.

The instant the man placed his hands on Zemo, Bucky went into winter soldier mode. Everyone’s attention was directed to the scene happening. The whirling sound of Bucky’s vibranium was heard clearly as he was nearly crushing the man’s hands and went ahead to knock him over.

More and more people started to gather fool’s courage to take on Bucky. You saw how he easily took down everyone with barely any sweat.

“Didn’t take much for him to fall back into form,” Zemo commented to you and Sam, and in all honesty, you wanted to choke him like what Bucky was doing to another guy on the bar’s counter.

Hearing the continuous clicking of guns from everyone in the bar, your senses were now alert at the possibility of having to break character and use your powers.

“Stay in character or the whole bar turns on us.” Zemo whispered into your ear and grabbed onto your hand before you could even think of doing anything.

Zemo got Bucky to back down and the bartender told you all that Selby was ready for your visit. Sam checked in with Bucky to which he responded with a curt nod.

As you made your way along the back end of the bar, you could see the stacks of cash all over a table and the armed guards that filled up every corner of the room.

“You should know, Baron. People don’t come into my bar and make demands.” Selby turned out to look like what you would imagine her to be. She sat comfortably on her couch with a dominant presence and seemed like she was not someone easy to deal with.

Zemo tried to reassure her that he was making offers not demands to quell her mood. Selby asked how Zemo was able to escape from prison and Zemo replied smugly on how people like them always found a way.

As Zemo tried to shift focus onto the order of business, Selby wasn’t still into it. Making a comment about Sam’s taller than usual height, Sam not knowing what to respond just nodded in silence.

She even purred at him teasingly before her eyes landed on you.

“Who’s this pretty little thing you have here? Where are you from?” Selby’s eyes narrowed in as you sense everyone starting to look flustered by the unexpected question. You were just meant to play a background character but didn’t expect the sudden attention.

Biting your lips into a furtive grin, you snaked your hands around Sam’s biceps. “Daddy picked me up from the club that I was working at. He says I am his one and only now.”

The men all tried to stop their jaws from dropping to the floor at your sweetly coy act. Who were you?

“Hmm…” Selby hummed while she looked you up and down. “You can do better, sweetie,” Selby remarked smugly before giving a subtle gesture to herself.

Lips forming into an ‘o’, you feigned a surprised reaction at the flattery. You tried to send a flirtatious look back so that Selby would be in a better mood.

Your act was rewarded when Selby grinned wider and asked Zemo for his offer. In exchange for information on the super-soldier serum, Zemo was willing to trade Bucky in pretence. He added how he would give Selby the codes word to control Bucky, treating him like an object.

A wave of anger started rushing through you as the scene unfolded and you glanced to see how Selby became more intrigued.

“Hmm, I have plenty of strong men already working for me. What else can he offer?” Zemo was taken aback by Selby’s words, thinking that she would already be interested in Bucky.

As the men were grappling to come up with a good response, you went on your first instinct and spoke up.

“Well he is rather handsome, isn’t he?” Everyone’s focus turned onto you and you took a breath to continue as Selby gave you an expecting look.

“Not as handsome as my daddy here but-” Walking around Sam, you headed towards Bucky who was trying to look unbothered but dying of curiosity on what you were about to do.

“He seems like fun to play with.” You purred as you gazed at Bucky’s profile. You gestured for Bucky to face you and could see how he was still staying in character. Running your fingers down his five o'clock shadow, your eyes glinted as you batted your lashes flirtatiously before looking over your shoulder back at Shelby.

“You can’t help but imagine having a good time with him. Super soldier serum should have some perks, no?” Your hidden innuendo was loud and clear to everyone in the room. If this didn’t appeal to Selby, you didn’t know what will.

Sam was trying his hardest to maintain his expression as he couldn’t believe his ears. Never in a million years would he think the sweet and innocent Y/N he knew actually dared to speak like that.

Bucky did his best to tighten his jaw and continue his stoic facade to hide the shock from what you had just said.

Never did he thought you would take the situation to such a turn. Your improv was unexpected and he couldn’t believe the woman in front of him was actually you.

Your sudden bold and cheeky persona was doing something to him. Your innuendo about him started to make him feel hot in his ears. Bucky had to clench his fist tightly to get himself to hold it together as he felt his heart racing out of nowhere.

He didn’t know what was happening to him but he knew you were having some sort of effect on him.

“Of course, that’s my silly opinion.” Turning to face Selby with a mischievous smile to keep up your character, you noted her looking at you thoughtfully as she rubbed her chin.

“Not just pretty but you’re witty, aren’t you?” Selby noted as she grinned like a Cheshire cat. Satisfied with your input, Selby then revealed what she knew about the super-soldier serums.

Apparently, there was a doctor, Dr William Nagel who has been helping the power broker to create the serums here in Madripoor. When Zemo tried to probe further about Nagel’s location, Selby decided that Zemo was overstepping.

In the very next moment, you could hear a vibration of a phone and saw Sam reaching out to his jacket.

Great, all of your covers might be blown. Selby demands that Sam answered it on speaker. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. To carry on the act, Sam reluctantly proceeded to answer the phone.

A woman’s voice came up and in the next sentences spoken, you realised that she was his sister, Sarah. Oh boy, this wouldn’t end well. You closed your eyes in prayer as you hoped it can go over smoothly.

Taking a sharp intake of breath, you looked to see Bucky glancing down in shared unease. Sam was doing his best to make sure his cover won’t get blown. You thought all was going well but when you heard Sam’s name from Sarah, you knew you were all toast.

Selby immediately called for all of you to be killed and in that moment, all hell broke loose. Selby got shot in a blink of an eye and her guards were up in action. Bucky pushed you behind him protectively as he fought off Selby’s men.

Once all her guards are dealt with, Zemo called for weapons to drop and you took the back exit.

Making a swift escape, all of you tried to play it cool while taking long quick strides. The sound of the first gunshot made you jumped and sprang into a run. You saw Zemo took off in another direction but you didn’t have time for him.

You, Bucky and Sam decided to sprint ahead. “I can’t run in these heels.” Sam cried out and you retorted in annoyance.

“How do you think I feel? Mine’s twice as taller than yours!”

Bucky reached over to grab your hand and interlocked your fingers together. His super-speed was practically lifting you off the ground, dragging you like a rag dog.

"Hey! What the hell man? What about me?" Bucky ignored Sam's whining and focused on not letting your hand go.

Not knowing where you are headed, a sense of dread started pouring on you and you grew anxious by the second. People on motorbikes were starting to drive up behind you three.

You were wondering if it’s time to not give care and actually use your powers for real this time. All of a sudden, the two people on the bikes behind you have been shot by someone from above and you stopped in your tracks to locate that individual, fearing you were next.

Zemo reappeared from the shadows and claimed that you all might have a guardian angel.

“Drop it, Zemo.” The familiar voice brought relief as you matched it to the face that emerged into your sight.

Your smile at the thought of a friendly face faltered when she continued pointing a gun towards all of you. Sharon didn’t seem as pleased as you were. Turns out she had to fall off the grid and found herself in Madripoor after the turn of events many years ago.

"Y/N, is that you?" She took a double-take on you, probably not used to seeing you dress up like this.

"Hey." You awkwardly replied. The moment didn't last as Sharon trained her eyes on the men and continued to be hostile.

Your heart dropped as you hear her telling of how she was unable to be in contact with her family anymore. She had become a fugitive and still is. An immense amount of guilt washed all over you when she retorted about how she wasn’t backed by the Avengers.

You weren’t batch mates with Sharon back in S.H.I.E.L.D academy but you became friends when you crossed paths during work. You could not believe you haven’t reached out to her all this time.

Bucky pleaded with Sharon for her help and Sharon gave a thoughtful look at all of you. When she saw you with your uncomfortable expression, she gave a sighed and stated that she wasn’t done discussing the topic.

Offering refuge in her place at High Town, all of you accept it.

You sat beside her in the front and the two of you exchanged silent looks before she started the engine. What were the odds of seeing her again in Madripoor?

You hoped to be able to get a chance to talk to her later.

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Tag list: @tanyaherondale @spookycereal-s @cataves @conflicted-noxsirius

[masterjedilenawrites]

Golden Linings: Chapter 1

Cal Kestis x reader

Series Summary: You and several of your friends have been captured for unknown reasons. After being rescued by a rag-tag trio on the hunt for Force-sensitives, you all strike a deal to aid in their quest while searching for a way back home... though your own priorities threaten to shift as you grow ever-closer to the sweet redhead Jedi called Cal.

Chapter Content: Some fighting and creepers being creeps

AO3 Link (In case you like it better over there, it’s okay, no judgement)

A/N: I don't really know where this story will go but I've been wanting to write a multi-chapter fic again (don't worry, I'm still working on my Thrawn & Eli one too!) and I wanted to do something with our precious Jedi cinnamon roll, especially after writing this post, which may or may not be woven in later, we'll see. I'm striving for a gender-neutral reader but may update to fem! since this is very self-indulgent I'm so sorry, sometimes you gotta write for yourself ya know?

Chapter 1: Fight and Flight

You were scared.

Terrified.

There almost seemed to be a disconnect between your body and your mind. The one was on auto-pilot, unable to stay still, taking you through street after street as if it actually knew where it was going. The other was shutting down, incapable of processing anything around you in a clear or productive way. Your eyes scanned buildings and faces and signs, but not a single one registered to you.

You were lost.

Scared.

Alone.

It had been a normal day at the start, the kind of normal that wouldn't have planted itself in your memory had it remained a normal day. It would've been indistinguishable from all the other normal days you'd had just like it in your life, and you would've continued on to live even more of them without a single care about it. That's how it should have been.

But now, now that you had been unexpectedly ripped from that sense of normalcy, thrown into this strange place with no options or even an explanation as to how any of this could have been possible, you were forced to accept your life was not as it should be, and that you had to do something about it.

Your feet halted at the thought. You had to do something. All this walking and wandering wasn't doing something... if anything, it was only a distraction, a way to postpone the inevitable acceptance of the situation for what it truly was. A scary, terrifying situation you wanted nothing to do with but had absolutely no choice. A lonely and confusing situation that was going to challenge your strength in a way you wished you didn't have to face, but secretly suspected you needed to. That's why bad things happened to good people, right? To test just how good they really were?

You had stopped at a street corner, one of the quieter intersections in this new town. Instinctually, you'd been trying to get away from the overwhelming hustle and bustle you'd initially found yourself in. Though, now that you were finally letting yourself process your surroundings, you realized that instinct, while good in intention, had actually led you to a not-so-great part of town that was starting to make your skin crawl.

There was litter in the gutters and grease on the walls of the buildings around you. A burst pipe was spewing from somewhere close by, and though it was open daylight, the amount of shadows seemed to have grown. You gulped nervously, not sure if you'd be able to come up with a plan here, or if you'd fare better back to the crowded parts you'd came from.

A whistle came from behind and your spine tingled unpleasantly. You knew what it meant but whirled to face it anyway. A couple of hunkered, wrinkly creatures seemed to be sliding toward you, their humanoid eyes narrowed but openly scanning your body.

"Lost, pretty thing?" one of them almost seemed to hiss.

You responded the way you'd done earlier, when you'd woken up in that dungeon of a room and realized your day had changed from normal to scary... you ran.

Your feet pounded the ground beneath you, sending jolts of pressure painfully up through your tired body. You didn't dare look behind to see if you were being pursued. You didn't hear anything, no further taunts or laughter, but that didn't mean you were completely free. And now you were running deeper into the more desolate parts of this unknown city. If you stopped, you may just find even worse threats waiting. That's what your stressed mind reasoned, anyway.

On and on you ran, one foot in front of the other, until your chest felt on the brink of bursting. You didn't want to, but you let yourself slow back to a stop, and as soon as you did, your legs immediately gave out beneath you. Your knees slammed on the ground and you'd probably feel the sting in them for a while, but you didn't care. Not when you couldn't catch your breath and that nagging sense you were being watched from the shadows sat uncomfortably in your thoughts.

The buildings were taller here, towering so high they blocked out most of the sky and gave the impression it was much later in the evening than you knew it to be. But everything was boarded up. Not a soul was in sight. What even was this place? Was it truly abandoned, or only made to seem so?

You were right to be suspicious. Your paranoia bubbled within you like a sixth sense, turning your head in the proper direction before you were aware of what you were doing. Just on the other side of the street before you stood a tall, glowering man dressed all in blank, flanked by IG droids. The man you didn't recognize, but there had been IG droids guarding that room you'd escaped from. You knew they weren't a common model of droid, so what were the odds they weren't the same as the ones you'd slipped past earlier?

"There you are," the man growled, confirming your suspicion. But what surprised you next was the glowing red light that suddenly jutted out from an object in his hand. It hummed menacingly, threateningly. You knew there was a word for it but couldn't quite call it to mind at the moment. All you knew was it was a weapon, and if you could summon back your breath, you should definitely start running again.

A blaster shot fired out of nowhere and you saw the man raise his stick of light up to block himself from it. How had he known to do that? You didn't have time to fathom it, instead watching as a couple additional figures rushed out of the shadows and toward the man and his droids. One of them hung slightly back, a blaster raised and firing at the droids. The second went straight for the man, producing a beam of light of his own, and clashing enthusiastically against his opponent.

You took the opportunity to put some distance between yourself and whatever this fight was about. You crawled down the street, pushing your back up against a wall you deemed safe enough, though on what criteria you weren't really sure. At least it provided a sense of stability in this otherwise chaotic situation. You didn't know who any of these people were; who the man was and why he was after you, who your rescuers were and whether they were actually friendly or merely enemies of an enemy. Heck, you were still trying to figure out who had captured you earlier that day and why. This fight of lights and lasers was mesmerizing, but incredibly overwhelming.

"So eager to prove yourself," you caught the man growling out. His red light had paused in its assault against the blue one, in favor of taunting the boy who held it instead.

"Oh, this is just good practice," the boy said, matching the man's pacing with his own.

His comment earned a gravely laugh. "Your eagerness makes you sloppy, and your over-confidence makes you weak. This is what happens to students without masters."

It was odd, but though the boy was several feet away from you, half-obscured in shadow and definitely hard to discern through your labored breathing and confused state of mind, you could still somehow tell the man's words upset him. But maybe you were just projecting. You'd be pretty pissed if someone called you weak, too.

Whether the boy would've snapped and resumed the fight or not, you'd never know. What little sliver of sky still remained above was then blocked out by the mass of a ship. It lowered itself as far into the narrow street as it could and sent bursts of wind of hurtling down, your hair whipping about in protest. You braced a hand in front of your eyes, peering through your fingers to see a ramp had been lowered, waiting.

The other figure, who'd made short work of the IG droids, was running toward you now. The man with the red light was temporarily stunned by the sudden arrival of the ship but quickly recovered. He swung his light at the boy and their fight recommenced. Your observation of it was interrupted, though, by the arrival of the woman who'd now reached you.

"Come on, dear, we gotta get out of here!"

She grabbed hold of your shoulder, prepared to help you stand, but you immediately flinched and tried to crawl away. You didn't know her, you didn't know anybody out here. How could you possibly decide whether you should follow her or not?

"Please," she implored, not chasing after you, but holding out her hand and urging you to take it. "We don't have much time. We can get you to safety."

You glanced over at the boy who continued to hold his own against the man who'd been after you, despite having been labeled as sloppy and weak. Surely these people were good, right? At the least, the blue color of his weapon seemed kinder than the red of the other.

The woman was right, there wasn't much time. And you didn't have much choice. You shook yourself, as if trying to physically dispel your own doubt, and stood. You took hold of the woman's hand and let her lead you toward the ship's ramp.

"Cal!" she called back toward her friend as the two of you ran.

If the boy heard he didn't seem to mind, continuing his fight with a determination you still weren't sure how you could detect from such a distance.

The woman jumped effortlessly onto the ramp and turned to hold her hand back out to you. You jumped as you reached for it, but your frazzled nerves must have gotten the better of your strength, as you weren't quite able to hold on for long. You teetered dangerously on the ledge of the ramp where your feet had only barely connected but couldn't quite get enough traction. One part of your mind was bracing itself for the impact of your inevitable tumble backward; the other part had the gumption to ignore the fear and think only of how embarrassing this would be.

And then something warm and solid pressed into your back, and an arm was wrapping around your middle, practically sweeping you away from the edge and up the ramp. You only barely registered a streak of ginger hair next to you as you allowed yourself to be helped into the ship. The ramp closed behind, sealing out the harsh sounds beyond and all the dangers it represented. Your ears seemed to ring from the sudden cut off, but you could hardly shake yourself free of it while you fought to stay balanced as the ship maneuvered itself upward and onward. It was a fleeting fight; you immediately stumbled toward the floor and slid back against the ship wall.

You were safe now. At least that's what you told yourself as you surrendered to your slouched position on the floor of this strange ship, and finally let yourself breathe.

[axoxtxhxh]

(Rain) Not Without Trying - Chapter 1

So I read the story Snow by SasageyoWrites and LOVED it. I will link it here. I definitely recommend reading it. It’s a super cute Levixreader story and while I was reading it, I wanted to make a similar story with Reiner since it was so fluffy and warm.

I started writing a LevixreaderxReiner love triangle chaptered story and it’s actually my first chapter, but also works as a one shot. I’m nowhere near being done with the whole story, but I do have some nice little chunks I can post. Let me know what you think!

Summary: Reiner and reader get rained into a cabin for the night. Reader is a captain. I also made Reiner a bit older than 17.

ReinerxFem!Reader          Fluff, slightly suggestive, mentions of virginity          Word Count: ~4,000

What a nightmare Y/N thought as she pushed harder through the thick mud, her boots getting harder and harder to pull out the more they walked. She could barely remember how she got here. Shivering in her cloak and light jacket, they weren’t expecting the heavy rains to pick up this quickly. She turned back looking at the only soldier she should be able to see, Reiner.

At least he was big enough to wade through the mud, she thought. She was the one who volunteered to search out the furthest knowing a thunderstorm was coming. She wasn’t too worried because she knew there weren’t many titans out in this area. She had chosen Reiner to come with because if something did happen, she would need someone big enough to get them out. However, the rain wasn’t supposed to start getting bad until much later, but now that the sun was going down and their feet were getting stuck in the ground, she realized they needed a plan. And fast. The dropping temperatures weren’t helping.

What a great Captain I am, she continued worrying. Get lost and freeze to death with a cadet. Wonderful. She had worked so hard to make Captain and work alongside Levi, Hange, and Erwin for so long. She was different from the three of them though. None of it came easy to her. She wasn’t brave, she wasn’t smart, she didn’t really have much talent at all. She was a hard worker and always tried her best. Even if her best got her lost in a storm.

She took one more look behind her to see how he was doing. They had been walking by foot, the horses needing a break from pushing through the thick mud, for nearly an hour now. She shivered, pulling her soaked coat a little tighter.

“What’s the plan, captain?” Reiner called shakily from behind her. Even he was starting to quiver with the cold. They both knew they only had a short amount of time before they were in complete darkness and big trouble following that.

“There should be a cabin not far from here,” She called. “It used to be an old safe house for scouts.” She squinted her eyes trying to see further in the distance, not actually sure just how far this cabin would be or even exactly where they were. After a couple more minutes of walking, she noticed a darkness up ahead.

“Up there!” she pointed and Reiner let out a small sigh, picking up his pace clearly excited to be almost out of the cold. The rain falling was nearly blinding, but after a couple minutes, they were at the front door of the cabin, pushing open the door. Looking around, their faces fell.

“When did you say this was last used?” Reiner questioned. They both stepped in a little further.

“Honestly,” She started, “Way before me. I think even before--” In the darkness of the cabin Y/N walked right into a spiderweb and started shouting while flailing her arms around. “Reiner! Get it off! It’s all over me!” He tried wiping her face, but her arms kept swatting him out of the way.

“Hold… still… Captain...hold…” He rumbled. “Y/N!” Finally, he grabbed her arms and forced them to her sides until he could see her face. The little bit of moonlight shining through the open front door lit up her face. He picked off any little pieces of spiderweb that he could see and looked at her. “All gone,” he chuckled lightly, “I didn’t realize you were scared of spiders.”

“Just the webs, really.” Y/N said with a shrug. The horses made a noise outside and Y/N turned to the door, “I’ll get the horses somewhere warm.” As she walked towards the door, she felt a pull at her belt.

“I can do that. How about you find something useful for us in here.” He motioned to the room.

“There should be a small stable around the back,” she said already searching for a light in the cabin. And Reiner was out the door. Y/N looked around the cabin with the small lantern she had. There were some candles she was able to light to give the cabin a glow bright enough to look around.

A bed in the back corner with a layer of dust covering it at least half and inch thick, a tiny fireplace next to that with a couple pots and a kettle, a chair to the right of that. On the other side of the cabin was a tiny kitchen with an even tinier table. Not much, but it’s only for the night and the fireplace should offer some sort of warmth. She set off to light the fireplace and see about using the kettle to heat up some tea. Surely there had to be some tea in the cabinets.

She moved to the open cabin door and filled a kettle up with some rainwater and began heating it over the now lit fireplace. Digging in the cabinets, she wasn’t as lucky. She did manage to find some black tea, which was quite a rare find, but nothing in the way of food.

With a gust of wind, the cabin door banged against the wall as Reiner walked in. “Whoa!” He exclaimed pulling the door away from the wall to get it closed. After a couple tries he got it to latch closed. “The horses are good,” He knocked the excess mud off of his boots, “There was some old hay left there that they might eat. I think they were just happy to be out of the rain.” After failing to get all the mud off his boots, he settled with taking them off at the door.

“They are better off than we are. Nothing to eat in here.” She sighed. “I did manage to find some tea though.”

“You think it will be clear by morning?” Reiner questioned looking through the window.

“I certainly hope so.” The tea kettle started whistling and Y/N ran over to get it off the heat. “Someone should get sent out to get us if not.” Setting out two cups, she started getting the tea ready. Loud coughs started behind her and she turned quickly to see what was happening. Reiner had hopped on the dust-coated bed and created a huge puff of filth that swirled around his head.

“This,” cough, cough, “is so…” cough, “disgusting.” He waved his hand in front of his face trying to clear the air. “Are people expected to sleep on this?” he coughed out.

“It’s not so bad, “Y/N laughed bringing over the tea. “We will have to pat the dust out of it, but it sure beats the floor.” She said sitting on the floor, “We will be fine.” She looked at the fire and warmed her hands which allowed Reiner to hide the slight blush that appeared on his cheeks.

Did she say we? He thought. As in, WE will sleep on the bed. Together? He shook it off. No way, there’s a chair in the opposite corner. He will definitely be on the chair. That seems like a better option either way. He coughed again.

“This fire really isn’t helping how cold it is, huh?” Y/N shifted trying to get warm.

“I’m feeling warmer,” Reiner quietly added watching her rub her hands together. He noticed how long and slender her arms were. She wasn’t too slender though. She was one of the taller members of the survey corps and he liked that. His eyes travelled down her waist and onto her hips. Yeah, she had a nice amount of curves. He watched as she reached towards the fire to shift around the wood, eyes moving back up her waist. He tried to look away, but could only manage a couple slow blinks and continued watching her.

“Well that makes one of us,” She smiled and his heart started beating a bit faster. It never occurred to him that she always wore her hair tied back. Walking through the storm filled her hair with water leaving her hair wet and falling loose, drips of water rolling down her neck. Reiner followed one of the drops as it rolled over her collarbone.

“You look pretty.” He said lost in a daze. Y/N quickly looked at him. He nearly shrieked and tried to correct himself. “I mean you look warm-- I mean, no, it. IT looks warm. Damn it! The fire… the fire looks pretty warm…Fuck.” Y/N laughed quietly watching him bury his face in his hands. “I’m just going to pat this off in the other corner.” He grabbed the blankets off the top of the bed and walked to the kitchen and hung it on a line. He found a stick to use to release the dust and began hitting until the dust started coming out. Hoping he would choke to death on it.

Why am I thinking like this? He thought. She is a captain. Not that he couldn’t think about her. In fact, he thought about her quite a bit. He took a quick glance her way and saw her take a small sip of tea. She was rather remarkable. She was the smartest next to Hange and the toughest next to Levi. He had heard that she was also second when it came to strategizing. Regardless of her position, she was much more approachable than all of them. Since she had been in the survey corps for quite a while, she spent more time with the cadets. After being promoted, most of her time was spent with the other captains. So she was much older than Reiner, but not too much older, he assured himself.

He couldn’t get himself to look away from her. She did look really pretty trying to keep herself warm. Reiner could help her get warm if he just sat next to her. No, no no. I can’t think about this.

“So, do you have any siblings?” Y/N’s voice called over from the fire place breaking Reiner out of his thoughts. He looked over and she was getting up off of the floor and walking towards him.

“Uhh, me? No.“ He looked away from her as she sat at the tiny kitchen table across from him. “I have a cousin, but Bertoldt is the closest thing to a brother.”

“You two are close,” she took a sip of her tea, “That’s really nice.”

“What about you?” He said trying to keep the conversation going.

“I have a lot of siblings.” She laughed. “Lots of girls. Two sisters and a younger brother.” Reiner looked over at her.

“I always wanted a sister,” he revealed. Y/N smiled at him. She looked at his eyes and saw how even thinking about a younger sister made his eyes twinkle a little. He smiled back at her. She could imagine him being a really great older brother. He may be annoying, just like all the younger cadets, but she could definitely see his desire to take care of people benefiting a younger sister. She noticed herself falling into a daydream and quickly jumped up.

“I’m so sorry!” She put her cup down and stood up, “Let me finish dusting the blankets and you sit with your tea.” She took the stick from his hand and pushed him to the chair she was sitting in while she picked up his patting. After a couple of hits, she realized there wasn’t any dust left in the blankets. “Huh, I guess you finished.” She picked up the blankets and carried them over to the bed and laid them out so they could use them. When she turned around, Reiner was putting both empty mugs into the sink. He walked over as Y/N took off her boots.

“We should probably get some sleep.” They both said in unison. They laughed at their similar thoughts. Y/N started taking off her jacket. Reiner noticed how nicely her shirt fit and how tightly it hugged her curves.

“Uh… I can—I can take the chair,” Reiner stuttered and looked toward the chair across from the bed, clearly too small for him.

“Nonsense!” Y/N snapped. “We’re trying to stay warm here.” She started unbuttoning her shirt and Reiner quickly looked away.

“The uh… the fire is already really warm,” He motioned at the slowly dying fire, “You can even keep the blankets.”

Y/N laughed, shirt fully unbuttoned revealing an even tighter tank top underneath. “This is why you would make a great brother.” She pulled her shirt off the rest of the way and began unbuttoning her pants, “But don’t be stupid. That fire is dying and we don’t have any more wood. Plus, our clothes are soaked. Once you take them off and sit on that chair, you will freeze.”

Reiner could barely bring himself to look at her or breathe. His eyes were wide as he leaned over the fireplace. Take off our clothes? Like, all of them?? Y/N could tell he was uncomfortable.

“Look…” she walked over to him, putting a hand on his arm, “I know it’s not ideal and it might seem a little awkward.”

“Ideal?” He looked at her, questioning, trying not to imagine anything.

“Yes, but I promise you, it won’t matter once we’re both warm.” She pulled him over to the bed. They both sat down. “I promise, I won’t even look.” She covered her eyes so all he could see was the big smile she had on her face. The light from the dying fire was dancing on her skin. The orange glow creating shadows along her jawline that he wanted to touch and trace down her long neck all the way to—

“O—okay… Um,” He broke away from his thoughts and started removing his jacket, then shirt and finally his pants. He laid down, covering himself with the blanket.

“Can I open my eyes yet?” Y/N wondered. Reiner noticed her take a peek through her fingers just to check and laughed.

“Yes, you can look.” She smiled down at him, stood up and without pause, took off her tank top to reveal only her bra underneath then took off her pants. Reiner let out an inaudible gasp, but this time he couldn’t look away. He watched as Y/N climbed over him to get to the other side of the bed, climbing under the covers and letting out a small shiver.

“You warm yet?” she asked. Reiner tried to find the words, but nothing came out. “I’m kidding. Obviously, it’s still cold.” She adjusted the blankets next to him. “Do you mind if I hug you from behind?”

“I—uh… I mean... if we—you…” He stumbled over his words, “If… you need…”

“Relax…” Y/N turned her body to face Reiner, “It’s half the reason I am behind you. You youngins. “She chuckled. “I won’t have any idea what’s happening in your pants… Well, your pants are on the floor, aren’t they?” She laughed. “I’m only hear for your warmth and what little I have to share with you.” She put her arm around Reiner’s waist and he felt himself tense up immediately. “You weren’t lying, you really are warm.” She held tightly and all Reiner could think about was her body pressed up against his back.

How can she just lay in bed with me like this? Half-naked?! She’s half-naked. Oh God, she is half-naked touching me. Oh God. Oh God. Oh God. Reiner couldn’t think about anything except their bodies pressed against each other. He was starting to feel very thankful she thought to sleep behind him.

“Reiner?” Y/N broke the silence. “I have something I have to tell you.”

“oh—okay,” he nervously replied.

“I peeked.” She told.

“Huh?”

“When you were taking off your shirt earlier. I said I wouldn’t look, but I did.” It was silent until Reiner started laughing, his body shaking in her arms.

“That’s it?” His laughing slowing down. “It’s okay.”

“Oh good,” Y/N sighed. “I felt the need to be honest with you.”

“That’s admirable.” He felt her snuggle into the blankets more.

“Reiner?”

“Yes?” Pause.

“Good night.”

“Good night Y/N.” She pulled him in a little tighter.

She had to give herself a little pat on her back. Laying here in this bed in a cold room isn’t so bad having Reiner next to her. She could have asked to have Connie with her and they would both be freezing. Reiner was much bigger than her and seemed to have an endless supply of body heat. She took a deep breath, breathing him in. There was the faintest hint of his sweat. He smells really good, she thought. Why is it always the ones you never expect to smell so good? She wrapped her arm a little tighter around him, moving her arm to rest on his left arm.

She wasn’t lying when she said she had peeked at him, what she failed to mention was how much she enjoyed the peek. Reiner was tall and had a great build. She had definitely noticed him before, but they don’t have much time for relationships. Plus, he was much younger than her, but he honestly didn’t look it. She had to remind herself why her arm was around him and it wasn’t for the reason she had hoped. Trying to push back her own lustful thoughts, she closed her eyes, forcing herself to be tired. Resisting the urge to nuzzle her entire face into his back, she settled for her forehead and fell asleep.

Reiner felt Y/N press her nose into his back and realized she had fallen asleep. Her skin was so soft and it did feel warmer with them touching. He could feel her breath on his neck and back each time she breathed. And just as quickly as he tensed with her touch, he felt his body relax. He leaned back into her arms with an odd feeling of security. He moved his hand so it rested on hers. Slowly, he felt himself drift further into relaxation and then finally off to sleep.

…..

The sun started rising around 7am which caused Y/N to start stirring, not wanting to open her eyes just yet. She felt so comfortable resting on her warm pillow. She pulled it a little closer and it started moving, pulling her closer. She quickly opened her eyes trying to figure out why her pillow was moving at all. Reiner was gradually waking up as well. He was laying on his back with his arms around Y/N while she lay cuddled to his side, her head on his chest. It took them a while to realize what was happening before they both shot up.

“We were cuddling,” she said, confused. Then climbed out of the bed and slowly backed away.

“No we weren’t!” Reiner shockingly refusing.

“You’re really going to try and deny it?” Y/N gestured towards the bed, an obvious tone in her question. When Reiner didn’t say anything, she rolled her eyes. Reiner stood up. He was staring at her. He was still shirtless, in his underwear with his pants on the floor, revealing his muscular legs. While she searched for their clothes, she noticed him staring and realized he was gawking at her chest, still in her bra. “Oh grow up!” She threw his shirt at him and searched for her tank top.

“I’m sorry, I’ve just never…” He mumbled, pulling his shirt over his head. Y/N found her tank top and was putting that on as well.

“Never what?” She questioned, confused where he was going. He pulled on his pants, buckling as he tried to explain.

“You know…” Y/N’s eyebrows drew together having no idea what he was talking about. “This…” he indicated waving his hand up and down at her body. Her eyes slowly searching back and forth trying to understand what he was getting at.

“Had sex?” She said a little too excitedly with wide eyes waiting for his confirmation that she guessed correctly.

“Well—I… I meant more,” more gesturing and hand waving at her, “seen… a woman… naked, but yeah,” He nodded hesitantly, “had sex.” Her eyes opened even wider and she followed him as he crossed the room to get his boots, sitting in the chair to put them on.

“You’ve never had sex?” This was the conversation she liked. She sat on the bed forgetting about getting dressed, continuing to question him. “You’re young, but you’re not that young. How old are you? 18? 19?”

“20,” he zipped up his boots.

“20 and you’ve never had sex?” She thought out loud and quickly realized how judgmental she sounded and tried to correct it. “It’s not bad, I didn’t have sex until I was 23.” She shrugged, disclosing the information so he didn’t feel uncomfortable. “I’m just a little surprised.”

“I’ve been training to be a soldier for a long time,” he stood up looking for her shirt so she could continue getting dressed. “I guess I just didn’t have time for a girlfriend.” He handed over her shirt and she put it on.

“Wait! You’ve never even had a girlfriend?” Again, she tried to correct herself. “I’m sorry, it’s just really hard for me to believe. You’ve kissed someone before though, right?” Reiner looked at her, handing Y/N her boots, his mouth open trying to explain, his shoulders mid-shrug. Y/N’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh! Reiner!” She took her boots from him, her mouth agape and eyes following him as he walked back and sat on the chair. Once he was facing her, she smiled and shook her head while pulling on her boots. “You definitely took last night like a champ then. Sorry, I was trying to be playful, but it was probably terrifying.”

“It wasn’t too bad,” he smiled at her. She smiled back at him and they stayed like this until they heard a splintering crack and both their expressions turned to concern looking around to see what it was. Reiner flew back with an, “Oh fu…” as the chair he sat on collapsed into a pile of wood under him.

“Reiner!” Y/N jumped up and ran over to see if he was okay. He erupted in a loud, hearty laugh, holding his stomach trying to contain his laughter. Y/N smiled at him and started to laugh with him, enjoying the sound of his amusement filling the cabin. She reached down for his hand, pulling him up. “And you wanted to sleep on that.”

It was only about 10 minutes later that Levi arrived, opening the cabin door searching for them.

“Oh good.” He stepped into the cabin further. “You guys are here.” They were both sitting on the bed in the corner and stood up when Levi walked in. “Are you ready?”

They made their way out of the cabin to where Levi left his horse. The rain had stopped, but the mud hadn’t quite dried out completely.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to bring more than one horse so we are going to have to double up. We can come back later for the other horses when the terrain is a little clearer.” Levi informed them. “Reiner, you can take this horse and Y/N, you can ride with me.”

“I don’t mind Y/N riding with me,” Reiner interjected as he climbed up on the horse.

“Are you some kind of idiot?” Levi narrowed his eyes a little. “I wasn’t basing my choice off of your comfort. That horse doesn’t need to be carrying two giants. It makes much more sense for Y/N to ride with me.”

“Do I need to remind both of you that I haven’t eaten since yesterday’s breakfast?” Y/N interrupted. She reached for Levi’s hand and sat behind him. “And in the three years of knowing each other, I have never skipped dinner.”

“Is that why you won’t stop growing?” Levi related as he started riding back towards the base.

“Aww, your jealousy is showing?” Y/N laughed.

“Tch.” Levi reached into his pocket and pulled out a bread roll and handed it to her. Her eyes lit up as she grabbed the roll.

“Levi!” She smelled the roll, eyes rolling back at the smell. “You do care about me.” She ripped the roll in half.

“Don’t let it get to your head.” Levi slowed the horse down to Reiner. “I know how you get when you’re hungry.”

“Reiner!” Y/N looked back at him and handed him the other half of her roll.

“Thanks!” He took it and finished it off in two bites.

“Let’s go.” Levi turned and led the way with Reiner following behind.

A/N: Please Please correct my warnings if I don’t do it well enough. I’m still getting used to making sure I properly inform everyone what to expect before they start reading.

[goldfishlover73]

It’s been a while...

“I really hate when people start time travel Kakasaku fanfictions and never finish them. I’m going to write a time travel KakaSaku fanfiction and show these people how it’s done!”

And then I did. It is called “The Misadventures of Kakashi and the Girl from Nowhere.”

And I abandoned it.

Until now.

Over the last *ahem* 8 years I have thought of it often. I have even gone back to it, told myself “I’m going to do it, I’m going to finish it!” Three times I have gone back and updated a chapter or two, revised and edited. And then I would abandon it again. I kind of stopped writing because I told myself I need to finish Misadventures before I start anything else. (Life also took over and I didn’t want to write anymore/didn’t have any motivation).

But I always wanted to finish Misadventures. I knew how I always wanted it to end. The last few chapters were written shortly after I started. Odd and end major plot points written out and labeled, but the inbetweens were never done. I didn’t want to half ass it and give it the time it needed to flush out and become the story that it deserved to be.

So I have.

And I finished it.

Officially, it’s done. 77 (or so) chapters, over 300 pages. It needs to be revised, spelling and grammar, make sure it’s cohesive in all parts, but it’s done. I think that what’s most important about this story is that it’s something that I’m proud of for myself. I kept getting stuck in this idea I have to finish it for ‘others’ (whoever those faceless people are) and I forgot that I started it for myself and I needed to end it for myself.

It didn’t quite end the way I planned, but, I suppose, when you take 10 years to write a story, no one is the same as they were before, even the characters on the page.

During my revision I had to make a decision. When parts of this story were written, the fucking manga wasn’t done. Continuity was off and I had to decide if I wanted to follow the manga or not.

I said fuck it. I tore the story apart and rebuilt it.

Ultimately, the story wasn’t written particularly well. Lots of errors and some of the sentences were unclear or missing words. I do think that it’s a lot better now. and after I finish this last revision, I think it will only be stronger.

I am quite happy with it.

The ‘story’ is the same. A strange woman named Sakura crashing into young Kakashi’s life, but how we get there has changed. Even the first chapter has been greatly altered twice since this major revision I’ve been working on for the last three months. I have even contemplating changing the title, but I’ve grown so attached to the title and what it means to me, and what this story means to me I feel like I have to keep it the same. Though it’s a little more dramatic than what a story called “Misadventures” should be. But again, it does take place in Kakashi’s dramatic past.

Like I said, the story is complete, but I won’t post anything until the final revision is done. I’m about 10% done with the final revision, but I’m hoping to start uploading it to AO3 in the next month (or less).

It’s funny to think about it since when I first started writing this story AO3 might not have even existed.

I haven’t decided what I’m going to do with the FF.net version. I don’t know if I should replace what’s there or remove it and just start fresh. I thought I would be able to just covertly update and start again since it’s been so long but I have comments from this year, which blows my mind.

So yeah! Misadventures is complete. I’ll continue my revisions and hopefully the Kakasaku world will be able to enjoy it soon.

During this revision I wrote another time travel fanfic (God, I love them so much). Not KakaSaku (there is no romance) but it is Naruto. It was supposed to be a quick drabble-ish story and similar to Misadventures it got a life of it’s own and ended up being much longer than that. Again, I’m quite proud (Something that doesn’t happen to me often, if I’m honest). I’ve been wanting to post it, but I’ve kept it for myself. I’ll post it eventually. Hopefully not in 10 years.

HA!