#seeing vanessa struggle like this has been so hard i just want to lift the weight of the world off her shoulders

[taestefully-in-luv]

Always You | JJK (Eight-Part 2)

Summary: you and Jungkook have been best friends since freshmen year of college, there’s a lot of unsaid feelings and tension but neither make a move. what happens when his friend Taehyung (also your crush) needs a fake girlfriend?

Pairing: Jungkook x Female reader

Genre: friends to lovers, idiots to lovers, slight slow burn, roommate au, college au, SMUT (starting ch2), fluff, angst (in later chapters) slight crack, lots of drama

Word Count: 20.5k

Warnings: Swearing, alcohol consumption, sexual tension (!!!), mentions of sex, oc struggles with her future, mentions of vibrator, mentions of cum eating, dirty talk, vaginal fingering, oral (female receiving), masturbation, swallowing

Notes: woooaahh we got only one chapter left guys! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter:) feel free to send an ask if you want to be added to the taglist or just want to chat about the story:) I LOVE talking with ya’ll!

Taglist: @mooniyooni @thisartemisnevermisses @giadalin @kookiebunny097 @cosmosjk @moonchild1 @just-jeon @anpanman-sonyeondan @starlight-night0 @yessii-i @apollukee @mikasaredscarf1 @kaye-rosales @bunnyjeonjk @dyriddle @aclowe13 @bishuthot @271101 @seagulljk @hass-mich-los @peachy-skz0325 @wonusbitch @not-your-lion @flowersgirl02 @justinetingball @fiantomartell @fairysunooo @taebae19

© taestefully-in-luv

Previous

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

November

It shouldn’t be this hard. Figuring out your entire future as a human being should not be this fucking hard, but it is. It’s not that you mind making cookies, or that you look down on yourself for it but it’s not what you want to do forever. Actually, you aren’t sure you want to do anything forever. You wish you could just travel, and that’s how you live life.

“What’s on your mind?” Jungkook asks from besides you. You two are at your favorite coffee stop, Jungkook is working on his laptop for work and you are journaling in your cute pink notebook.

“What do you mean?”

“I can tell something is bothering you…” Jungkook closes his laptop and gives you his full attention.

“It’s nothing.” You say nonchalantly.

“I’m all ears baby.”

“Okay…” you set your pen down and look into Jungkook’s eyes.

“I’m struggling with what I want to do.”

“About what?”

“I don’t know, my whole fucking future. I don’t know what it is I want!” your head falls into your hands, “I hate marketing.”

“Wait, what? You hate…what you got a degree in?”

“I kind of told you before…I only got a degree in it because I knew I would be able to find a job in the field. But that’s not exactly going as planned.”

Jungkook bites down on his lips as he watches you, you look lost and confused and frustrated. It makes his heart hurt.

“How long have you been feeling this way?”

“Forever but it only got worse after graduation.”

“And you didn’t tell me?”

“No offense Jungkook but you kind of stopped talking to me for three of those months.” You snap at him and he winces, “Sorry…” you shake your head, “I’m just irritated right now.”

“How can I help?”

“You can’t.” you groan, “No one can help me. I’m fucked.”

“y/n that’s not true.”

“What do you want in life? What makes you happy?”

“I don’t know, Jungkook. That’s a part of my problem, I don’t fucking know.”

“We’ll figure it out.” He reaches his hands over the table to hold on to yours.

“Easy for you say,” you snap again, “You are living your dream. The film company you interned for during college hired you on as a permanent employee.” You complain.

“Doesn’t mean I don’t feel for you y/n.”

“Right, we can feel bad for me but you don’t get what I’m going through.”

Jungkook winces again at the sharp stab of your words, “I’m trying to understand though.”

“Forget it.”

“No. y/n, I want to help.”

“Maybe I need to go home.”

“Huh?” Jungkook’s hold tightens on your hand. “Go home?”

“Just for a visit. I miss my parents, I think. They may be able to help.”

“For how long?”

“Just for a few days, nothing crazy. Don’t worry, you won’t miss me too much.”

“I always miss you.”

You laugh at Jungkook’s pouting face. He looks so cute.

“Why don’t…why don’t you come with me?” You try asking. “You have weekends off, right? We can go next weekend?”

“Wait,” Jungkook looks at you with his bunny grin. “You want me to come? And meet your parents?”

“Isn’t it a little weird, you’re my best friend but they’ve only ever heard about you. So yes, you can come and meet my parents.”

“Are you sure?” his grin widens. “You really want me to go? For a whole weekend?”

“I mean, as long as Vanessa is okay with it…”

“I’ll talk to her about it,” Jungkook smile fades just the slightest. “But I am sure it will be fine.”

“My mom thinks you’re very handsome.”

“Your mom is on to something.” He jokes.

“My parents are a little protective over me…just a warning. And they might tease us…only because you’re a boy!”

“Tease us how?”

“Oh come on, you know how it is…I bring a boy home…blah blah blah.”

Realization hits Jungkook as he sips on his coffee and he starts laughing.

“Like, they’ll want me to be your boyfriend?”

“Something like that.”

You and Jungkook share a look that you don’t really know what it could mean but you tear your eyes away from him and pick up your pen again.

“We can decide on the details later, talk to Vanessa first.”

“Got it.”

~~~~~

“Teaching nine year old’s is easier than teaching you.” Jimin says out of breath, his hands on his hips. “How do you not get this? Move your left foot here then your hands go…” he tries reteaching you the steps, “No, not there.” He groans out.

“Jimin, it’s hard! Use someone else at your test subject!”

“Jungkook is busy with what’s her face, Trina and Holly are doing god knows what, so tonight you are all I’ve got.”

“Thanks, I’m flattered. Also, you literally have a million friends.” You point out.

“But you’re my favorite.” He winks at you, he runs a hand through his hair and he sighs out again. “Let’s take a break.”

“Sounds good to me.” You chirp happily. “So, did Jungkook tell you he might be coming with me to my parents this weekend?”

“He what now?” Jimin gives you a concerned look, “Babe…”

“What?”

“Actually,” Jimin allows a smirk to play on his lips, “I like this idea, maybe it will get you guys one step closer to getting together.” He shrugs.

“That’s—that’s not the point. I’m going because I miss home and honestly it would be nice to have Jungkook there but also he’s never met them!”

“Yeah, that’s weird.”

“But I told him to get the ‘ok’ from Vanessa.”

“You’re so respectful. I could never.”

You two plop down onto Jimin’s sofa, a water bottle in hand as you gulp it down. The fresh liquid making you feel revived again. It’s been a couple days since you saw Jungkook, you asked to hang out tonight but he already had plans with Vanessa. You try so hard not to be hurt by that because why would you? What were you expecting? For him to cancel his plans with her and run off into the sunset with you? Yes, you silently think to yourself.

“What made you want to go home anyway?” Jimin asks, tilting his head to get a good look at you.

“Quarter life crisis, no biggie.”

“Makes sense.” Jimin stretches his arms out over his head and yawns. “What’s the crisis?”

“All my friends are passionate about what they do and here I am.”

“Babe, don’t compare yourself to others…I hate when you do that. Also, I’m not sure my passion is teaching clumsy nine year old’s how to do a simple dance move.” Jimin huffs out, “I wish I was the one on stage…”

“Jimin…sorry, I know this isn’t really what you wanted…”

“It’s okay…the kids are cute, I guess. And they’re faster learners compared to you.”

“Hey!” you fuss, “These kids are in advanced classes, okay?”

“Babe, this is for beginners.”

“Whatever.”

“So, marketing ain’t it huh?” Jimin asks and you nod your head, “I could of told you that five minutes after I met you.”

“Maybe you should of.”

“But you already knew it wasn’t for you though…why did you keep at it?”

“I don’t know anymore.” You whine, “I wish I could just do something a little meaningful then have enough money to travel!”

“Why don’t you teach English abroad?” Jimin turns on his side to face you, “You get to travel and do something meaningful.”

Your head tilts to the side as you process his words, was that kind of a good idea?

“Hm…” you bite on your lip. “That’s—that’s not a bad idea actually.”

“But you would leave us all behind, you get that, right?” Jimin chuckles, “Not sure Jungkook would let you leave.”

“It’s a lot to process and think about, but it’s a cool option.” You admit, stretching your arms out in front of you, “Shit, that dance was a work out!”

“You barely did anything though…”

“I did enough to make me feel this soreness creeping in.” you defend yourself quickly, “So, do you think Vanessa will give Jungkook the ‘ok’ to come with me?”

“I don’t see why not, she doesn’t seem like the controlling type, right?”

“Not really…she’s kind of odd. I’m trying so hard to understand her but she makes it kind of difficult.”

“Didn’t you say she didn’t want to interact with any of us at JK’s party because she’s only there for him?”

“Yup.”

“Damn, I don’t know if I should be mad at that or like, salute her for it.”

You start laughing and Jimin joins you but tells you he’s serious, you just keep laughing and nod your head.

“I kind of get that.” You giggle. “I want to ask Jungkook if she has some sort of social anxiety, it’s the only thing I can come up with on why she’s so…her.”

“Why don’t you?” Jimin asks, and he’s right, why don’t you? You’re just afraid of offending him about her and you don’t want to deal with that…

“I don’t know.”

“Just because you’re trying to be cool about everything doesn’t mean you have to try and be friends with her…it doesn’t seem like she wants to make any friends with any of us, so don’t try to push it.” Jimin advices and you hate that maybe he’s right.

“I know but…”

“No but’s!” Jimin cuts in, “The only butt that matters is mine.” He says giving his ass a little spank. You chuckle and hit his arm and shake your head at him.

“Fine.”

“So, what would you do if Jungkook confessed his feelings to you?”

You lift your head to face Jimin, your eyes filled with surprise. You close them and shake your head a little bit and try to form some words very pathetically.

“W-What? W-Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why are you asking that?”

“Just curious…” Jimin sucks in his thick bottom lip and pouts.

“I would…I don’t know what I would do.” You respond honestly. Jimin rolls his eyes and stands from the couch and places his hands on his hips.

“You would return his feelings wouldn’t you? Jump in his arms? Kiss him?”

“Jimin…” your tone warns him to chill out, “I would be shocked probably. But if he was serious…of course, I would do all those things…” you finish shyly.

“Perfect. Now just tell him all of that.”

“Jimin…”

“You have til the end of the year.” Jimin states confidently, “then I am forcing you two in a room, revealing everything and making you talk.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Mark my fucking words bish.”

Dude…Jimin sounds and looks fucking serious.

“Jimin seriously, don’t do that. Don’t put me on the spot like that.”

Jimin plugs his ear holes with his pointer fingers and starts singing a beautiful ‘lalala’ and proceeds to ignore you as you try to get his attention.

“Jimin, seriously!”

“y/n.” he takes his fingers out and becomes more serious, “I said mark my fucking words.”

~~~~~~

Jungkook and Vanessa lazily lay on her bed, his arm draped across her waist while she plays some music game on her phone.

“I’m sorry again.” Jungkook whispers out, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me…”

“It’s okay.” Vanessa says softly, “You just aren’t in the mood tonight, and that’s okay.” She continues to look at her phone, her fingers going at it on her game.

“Maybe we can try again la—”

“My Jungkookie just doesn’t want me tonight.”

“Vanessa…don’t say it like that.”

She lifts her head up to smile at him, it’s one of those coy, secretive smiles and Jungkook feels worse.

“So about this weekend, you’re wanting to go with y/n to her parent’s house?”

“I don’t have to go, I know we had plans on Saturday.”

“No, no. Don’t be silly, I don’t mind.” She says smoothly, “It sounds like a good idea.”

“Good idea how?”

“Oh nothing.” She says, going back to her game. “You should go.”

“Okay, I’ll let her know…” Jungkook pulls out his phone to send you a text. You text back within seconds sending him the thumbs up emoji. He feels his entire chest go warm at the thought of going with you this weekend.

He’s never met a girl’s parents, not like this. Not with someone that means as much to him as you do. So he feels as nervous as he does excited. He wants to look his best, he wants to present himself maturely. What does that even mean? Not even Jungkook knows but he thinks it makes sense.

“I can go down on you Vanessa…” Jungkook offers, still feeling guilty.

“No need, I’m not really in the mood either.” She says nonchalantly, too focused on her game at hand.

He has vowed that he won’t think of you while being with Vanessa and usually that would be no problem but tonight…he couldn’t get in the mood at all. All he wanted to do was think about you.

Sex with you…is just different. It feels so fucking good on all levels physical but also all levels emotional. He knows exactly what it feels like to have his cock between your lips and down your throat, he knows exactly what it feels like to fondle your breasts and suck on them too. He knows exactly what you taste like, and god, it is his favorite flavor. He knows exactly how you sound when you’re being fucking pounded and exactly how you sound when you come.

“Is this okay?” Jungkook keeps asking you, his fingers bunching up your hair and you nod pathetically.

“Do you know how long I’ve wanted to kiss you? Since I fucking met you.” He admits, his fingers traveling down to your panties, he pushes them aside as he dips a finger into your wet hole. You moan out, your moan loud and high pitched and Jungkook can’t help but smirk.

“Please…”

“Please what?”

“Another finger.” You practically fucking beg, and Jungkook complies quite easily. He slips another finger into your greedy fucking pussy and you yelp. He moves his fingers inside you so fucking expertly, making your toes curl.

“You make me feel so good.” You whimper out.

Jungkook can’t help but reach down and rub his aching cock through his briefs, he wants to feel good too. He is absolutely aching for you, wanting to be touched by you so badly.

“Stop touching yourself” you command and Jungkook being the good boy he is, listens.

“Make me come, Jungkook.” And once again, he complies. He makes you come all over his fingers and then he makes you come again on his tongue and then for a third time, he makes you come on his tongue again making you feel fucking spent.

“Lay on your back.” You order and his eyes go wide with excitement. You lay down next to him and your fingers very delicately dance across his lower stomach. He sighs out heavily, releasing long breaths one after the other. Your fingers reach the waist band of his briefs and you begin to slowly drag them down. His cock springs free and your mouth waters at the sight. There’s no way he is this blessed. He’s so incredibly long and thick, the head of his cock swollen and leaking with precum.

“You wanted to touch yourself right?” you tease. “Now’s your chance.”

“W-What?”

“I want you to touch yourself, Jungkook. You can use my juices as lube,” you say, spreading your legs, your own cum sticky against your inner thighs.

Jungkook’s doe eyes turn sharp as he stares at you and he whimpers. Fucking whimpers. He is quick to gather your juices in his hand and start jacking himself off. He holds on to his cock tightly, rubbing it viciously.

“Ah. Ah.” He groans out, his eyes never leaving yours as he touches himself.

“Such a good boy, Jungkook. God, can you imagine if this gorgeous cock was in my mouth right now?” you whisper in his ear.

“Can you imagine my pretty pink lips wrapped around you, my head bobbing up and down? Can you hear me choke? Choke on this pretty cock?”

“So close, y/n. please don’t stop.”

“You’re not allowed to come yet. Can you imagine fucking me, Jungkook?

“God, yes, yes, yes.”

“Can you imagine thrusting into my pussy? My walls getting tight around your cock? Making us both come?”

“Fuck, y/n. I’m gonna come. I’m gonna come.”

You raise yourself, leaning away from his ear and smirk down at him.

“Since you were so good for me, I’ll reward you. I’ll let you come. And I’ll let you come down my throat.”

You move until you’re on top of him, you lean down until you’re replacing his hand with your mouth. He groans out loudly when he feels his cock enter your warm mouth and you moan into the feeling.

“Fuuuuuck.”

And Jungkook is coming so fucking hard, he doesn’t think he has ever come this hard before. He shoots his cum down your throat and you swallow it all, not even a drop left behind on your lips.

You rise from his cock and smile down at him and he lifts himself up and his lips crash into yours.

Jungkook pulls away for a moment, his eyes dark and his voice low,

“Now I am going to fuck you.”

“Since I’ll be gone this weekend, should we go on a date tomorrow night?”

Vanessa pauses her game and looks straight ahead, she zones out for a few seconds before she’s quietly clearing her throat and looking Jungkook’s way.

“No…I have plans, sorry.”

“Plans?”

“Yes, plans.” The ‘s’ leaves her lips sounding so silky. “You should find something else to do.” Then vanessa exits her game to send a quick text to someone. After a minute or two passes she’s looking at him again.

“y/n’s free tomorrow night, you should just hang with her.”

Jungkook pushes his head back in disbelief, did…

“Did you text y/n…for me?”

“Yes.” Vanessa looks at him, her small eyes going wide, “I was just trying to find you something to do.”

Jungkook stares at her in shock and then bursts out into laughter.

“Sorry, sorry. I just…never thought you would do something like that but somehow it feels on brand.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Her innocent voice making Jungkook smile.

“Nothing, nothing.”

“Okay, I’ll send her a text…”

Jungkook 10:13pm

So, I hear youre free tmrw night lol

y/n 10:13pm

you hear right lmaaoo

Jungkook 10:14pm

Should we do something?

y/n 10:14pm

I think Jin says he’s having a small cookout at his place, should we go?

Jungkook 10:15pm

Sounds good, I’ll drive. Pick you up at 6?

y/n 10:16pm

yay! Yeah 6 works for me. :)

Jungkook slides his phone into his pocket and looks at Vanessa with a confused expression…

“Why do you want me to hang with y/n?”

“She’s your best friend.” She responds easily. “Plus, since I am busy I feel bad to leave you hanging.”

“You’re not seeing him…right?”

“It doesn’t matter who I am seeing.” She opens the music game app again and starts focusing on beating her last score.

Jungkook sighs out in defeat, sometimes talking to Vanessa gets him nowhere. He pulls out his phone again and checks the time.

“Maybe I should head home…” He begins to say, “I’ll text you throughout the weekend and I’ll see you after.”

“Don’t be rude and be on your phone while you’re in her parents company.” Jungkook scoffs, that’s super rich coming from her.

“Okay, I won’t text so much, but I will see you after the weekend okay?”

“Sure.” She uses one hand to wave him off but he still leans over to kiss her cheek.

~~~~~

You still can’t get over just how huge Jin’s house is! You are currently lost trying to find the bathroom again. You open up a door to a bedroom and get reminded of the night you were with Tae. It’s the same room. Wow, that feels like a lifetime ago.

You continue strolling down the hall until you come to the last door—the bathroom.

You use it quickly and head back outside to join the rest of your friends. Jin saved a seat for you next to him and you can’t help but smile.

“Jungkook says you two are heading to your parents this weekend!” Jin exclaims excitedly.

“I wanna meet your parents too!” Hobi whines, “I am great with parents!”

“I’m sure you two will have a lovely time.” Namjoon joins the conversation.

“By the way y/n…” Jin looks awkwardly to the side, “I invited Tae, I know you two are broken up…”

“Oh no, it’s okay. We’re friends.”

At this, Jungkook ears perk up, “Friends? Since when?”

“It just happened like that.” You shrug.

Jin claps his hands together, “Perfect. And then Jimin should be here by now, let me call him.”

Jin takes out his phone and dials for Jimin.

“So, you two are friends now?” Jungkook pries, “Since when?”

“Since a little while ago. You should think about chilling out too.”

“Pshh.”

“Jimin is arriving, let me go let him in, I’ll be right back.” Jin says, standing from his chair.

“So y/n, how’s the job hunting going?” Namjoon asks, his leg crossed over the other as he leans forward to give you his full attention.

“Umm…” you bite your lip, Jungkook goes rigid at his question…knowing this is uncomfortable for you.

“it’s sort of on pause,” you admit, “Yeah, on pause.”

“Oh thank god!” Namjoon laughs, “I thought I was the only one!”

“I told you, you weren’t.” Hobi laughs too, patting Namjoon on the back.

“You too?” you asks, sighing out in relief. “It’s annoying, isn’t it?” you also laugh.

Jungkook visibly relaxes as he watches you chilling and having a good time.

“Look who else is here!” Jin comes back with Jimin, and behind Jimin is Taehyung and also…Yoongi?

“Yoongs?” you give him a confused look before breaking out into a smile.

“Hey everyone, nice to see you all again.” Yoongi gives everyone his gummy smile and a small wave of the hand.

“Yoongi!” Hobi yells out, “I’m so glad Tae brought you!”

You remember them two hitting it off at Jungkook’s birthday party, so you nod in approval.

“Hi Tae, hi Jimin.”

“Hello beautiful.” Jimin comes to you, leans down and hugs you. Taehyung waves at you excitedly.

“Hi Jungkook.” Taehyung offers a greeting quite awkwardly but Jungkook nods his head and smiles,

“Hey man.”

You tilt your head to look at Jungkook, surprise written all over your face as you smile wide at him.

“The gangs all here!” Jin yells out, the happiness evident in his voice. “Let’s start cooking!”

The evening sun is your favorite, the way it sets the sky on fire with its beautiful rays of gold. It gets really chilly, especially at night since it is the middle of November. You stand next to the pool in the backyard when you feel a jacket get draped over your shoulders.

“Hi Jungkook.” You say without looking who it is, somehow you just know.

“Whatcha thinking about?” He asks, coming to your side.

“Life, and everything in it.”

You turn around to get a look at all the guys, Jin and Namjoon at the grill, Yoongi and Hobi discussing something dealing with music, Tae and Jimin playing rock, paper, scissors and Jungkook here at your side. You feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such great friends. These 7 men making it hard to leave.

“I’ve been thinking about teaching English abroad…nothing is set in stone, it’s just an idea. But I kind of like it.”

“Abroad? Like away from here? Away from me?” Jungkook whispers out as he realizes what that means.

“It’s just an idea.”

Jungkook looks at your side profile and smiles, he leans into your side and wraps the jacket even more snug against your body.

“Whatever will make you happy y/n.” he says softly, and you know he means it.

“Let’s go join the other guys.” You say, you grab a hold of Jungkook’s hand and you two walk towards the other boys. They’re loud, rumbunctious and some of your favorite people. You couldn’t feel more at home and at peace.

“Okay, so who wants a sausage? I cooked them perfectly.” Jin shows a plate of meat, showcasing how absolutely perfect they are to everyone.

“Hey, I helped.” Namjoon pouts.

“Yeah, he……….’helped’” Jimin uses air quotes emphasizing ‘help’.

“Hey I did!”

“Moral support barely counts as help dude.” Hobi says, cracking up.

“Fine, nobody eat this hamburger patty,” he points to one single patty. “Because I cooked it.”

“Nobody wants to eat that hamburger patty.” Taehyung teases.

“I’ll eat your hamburger patty.” You chirp.

“Kiss ass.” Yoongi chuckles, walking up next to the grill. “Oh Jin, don’t forget to give me your number later so we can plan that fishing trip.”

“You two are planning a fishing trip?” You eye Yoongi, “I see you’re making friends.”

“Shut up.” He smiles shyly.

“So Jungkook,” Taehyung faces Jungkook and smirks, “Are you nervous about meeting y/n’s parents?”

“Yeah, Jungkookie, are you nervous?” Hobi chips in.

Jungkook’s eyes fall to the ground as he chews on his lips, he scratches the back of his neck and smiles softly.

“Maybe a little.”

“Why?” you ask, leaning into Jungkook’s frame, “Nothing to be nervous about.”

“Are you sure y/n?” Yoongi begins to tease you, “You are their little ‘miracle’ baby.”

“Shut up!” you laugh, “It will be fine, Jungkook. I promise.”

“I’m not too worried.” He says, he looks down at the ground still, his smile growing.

~~~~~~

You wait by your front door with a small suitcase in hand, humming some song. Jungkook should be here at any moment! He said he was on his way after work about 15 minutes ago and you know it shouldn’t take too long.

You cannot wait to see your parents, if you’re honest. You haven’t visited them in almost half a year! What you need is your parent’s loving embrace and also their wise words.

And it is pretty damn exciting you get to finally introduce your best friend to them. It’s a 4 hour drive, so you have a lot to catch Jungkook up on, you know, what your parents are even like up close and personal.

Your phone starts buzzing, and you pull it from you back pocket to see Jungkook sent a text that he has arrived.

“See you, Holly!” you yell out, but she’s in her room with the music on so you doubt she hears you. You think she said Trina is staying over for the weekend, so you know she won’t be lonely without you.

You make your way to Jungkook’s car (he offered to drive to your parents, which you do not mind in the least.) and see him waiting outside of it for you. He’s leaning against the car like a fucking stud. Yes, you just said fucking stud. Because that’s what he looks like. You hate that your god damn vagina reacts first! That bitch is booming as you eye him up and down. His tight jeans, chunky boots and striped sweater are a good look on him. His hair is pushed away from his forehead, split down the middle and he looks so fucking hot.

“Hi.” You call out, joining him at his car.

“Hey there.” He says cooly, grabbing your suitcase from you. He opens the back door and sets it inside next to his, “You ready?” he asks with a smirk.

“Yup” you pop the ‘p’ and smile back at him.

“Okay and my mom is sweet, I swear. But she sort of has no filter. My dad’s really laid back and wont tease as much…probably.” You say, stuffing your mouth with bagged popcorn.

“Probably?” Jungkook chuckles, he reaches for a handful of popcorn himself.

“Meaning he will probably let my mom do all the talking for the most part and he will only make somecomments.”

“What sort of comments should we expect?”

Suddenly, you feel your cheeks flush and you become a little shy.

“I don’t know, figure it out.” You whisper, digging in the bag for more of the snack.

Jungkook laughs at you, he thinks you’re being too cute right now. He turns his head to get a look at you and he smiles.

“Okay baby.”

“And maybe don’t call me ‘baby’ in front of my parents…they will definitely get the wrong idea.”

Jungkook playfully raises a brow at you, “And what idea is that?” he teases but it goes over your head.

“Jungkook.” You groan out, “Use your head.”

“Honestly, I’m just excited to meet your parents.” Jungkook admits happily, “I wish I could have introduced you to mom.”

“…Yeah, I would have liked to have met her. She raised you really well.”

“Honestly, she would have adored you. And…dad would have really liked you too.”

You retreat your hand out of the popcorn bag and wipe your dirty fingers on your jeans, you lick the remainder off.

“What was your mom like?”

At this Jungkook beams, his smile so bright and beautiful.

“Mom was an angel. Want to know the first time I lied to her?” Jungkook asks excitedly, “And how she reacted? It was like a movie.”

“Sure.” You chuckle.

“I was in the 8th grade,” he begins but you cut him off.

“You didn’t lie until 8th grade? That’s hard to believe.”

“I was a really good kid!” he whines. “Anyway, me and two of my buddies made plans to hang out but they wanted to hang out with this group of girls…at a girls house. I didn’t know if I was allowed at a girls house…so I lied and said we were all going to a carnival.” Jungkook starts cracking up as he recalls the memory.

“Mom believed me, gave me $20 for the wrist band to have access to all the rides, you know? Well, one of my friends wasn’t allowed at a girls house so he lied and said he was going to be at a birthday party at my house. Anyway we went to the girls house and all hung out, very innocent, I swear.” He continues laughing, his eyes crinkling.

“Anyway one of the girls mom was dropping me and that buddy off at my house when we see my mom pulling up at the same time while his mom was already parked in front of my house! Oh my god it was awful.”

“Holy hell, then what happened?” you ask.

“Well, we say thanks and get out of the car and he rushes to his moms car and my cousins were outside in my front yard talking to his parents about how there was no birthday party here.”

“And then?”

“My mom asked what was going on? I said my buddy wasn’t allowed at the carnival so we lied. But then my older cousin goes ‘Where’s your wrist band at Jungkook?’ And I wanted to strangle her! How could she out me!!! So I broke down crying to my mom and told her the truth.” He laughs, then he smiles fondly. “She told me it’s okay and that she forgives me. She said it’s not a big deal to hang out at girl’s houses as long as they’re just friends and I should never lie to her again.”

“Wow, an angel indeed.” You smile at Jungkook and he catches it from the corner of his eye.

“Yeah.” He smiles back.

“Where else my mom? She would of kicked my ass.” You laugh out loud and Jungkook joins you.

“I can’t wait to meet her.”

It’s a little after 8pm when you finally arrive to your childhood home, it’s nothing fancy or big or tremendous in any shape or form but hey, it’s home.

Jungkook pulls into the driveway and you notice your parents car isn’t here so you pull out your phone and call your mother.

Apparently they went to go pick up dinner for you four, but there’s a bit of a wait so they’ll be home in a little while. You tell her you understand, and remind her you still have a key.

“They’ll be home in a bit, why don’t we go inside and I can show you around?”

“Sounds good.” Jungkook has the car in park, and he’s quick to turn off the ignition. He gets out of the car and opens the back door to grab both of your suitcases.

“Jesus woman, what did you pack?” Jungkook complains.

“Yeah, yeah. Come on.” You usher him inside as you’re opening the front door.

It smells like your moms apple cinnamon candles have been lit up all day, the scent bringing you back to your childhood days. It smells like home, you can’t help but grin as you enter through.

“Let’s start by putting our stuff in our rooms!” you begin walking up the creaky stairs and Jungkook follows you with your bags in hand.

“This is your room,” you open the door to some lousy guest room but the bed is made and it smells nice. Jungkook nods while setting his suitcase down.

“And this…” you walk out and go to the room right next door, “is my room.”

Jungkook eyes go wide as he enters your room, he sees the posters on your walls, your baby pink duvet with a million pillows and the string of fairy lights above your bed and window.

“This is pre college y/n?” he asks, amused.

“Yup.”

“Oh my god, you had a boy band phase?” he touches the many posters on your wall.

“Who said I ever got out of it?” you tease.

Jungkook smiles as he observes your room, walking around slowly like he has all day. His fingers drag across your desk and all the things that occupy its space until he stops when he is touching a journal.

“A diary?” His amusement is out of the roof by now. “Let me read.” He asks with playful, pleading eyes.

“Hell to the no!” you rush to his side and grab the journal. “I don’t know what the fuck is in here.”

“Then it’s fun for both of us!” Jungkook reasons, “Let’s see what was in teenage y/n’s mind.”

“Probably lame stuff, I wasn’t very interesting.”

“I’ll see about that,” he takes the journal back and begins opening the journal and you grumble, trying to object. But in the end you let him open the journal, you wait patiently to be totally embarrassed.

“Okay this is from senior year…” he says, “Ryan wasn’t here today…” Jungkook starts laughing, “I was going to tell him I like him but it’s like the universe doesn’t want me to.” He reads out in a girly voice and you cringe. “Should I just move on?” he mocks.

“Okay, that’s enough!” you try reaching for the journal, your arms getting tangled with Jungkook’s. He can’t stop laughing as you whine out loud, your body bumping into his as your arms continue to battle one another.

“Jungkook!” you cry out, “Seriously?!”

You two continue to wrestle for the journal, spinning around until your feet tangle too much with his and he’s bumping into your bed, he falls over bringing you down with him.

You land on top of Jungkook, settling between his spread legs. The laughing and screaming absolutely stops when you find yourself in this position. Jungkook face is centimeters from yours, your breaths hot and fast and mingling together, he looks into your eyes with a troubled look. His tongue darts out to lick his bottom lip and your eyes can’t help but follow his movement.

“y/n…” he whispers out, still out of breath from playing around.

You look into his eyes again and he’s gone completely dark. His pupils start blowing out and his breaths become harsher.

“Jungkook…” You say lowly, your voice even surprising you. “Oh,” you blink at him when you feel his member hardening against your core.

Jungkook gulps, as if embarrassed. His eyes dart all around the room until they’re back on you.

“Sorry I—”

“I should get up.” You whisper.

Jungkook gulps again, his spit making his Adam’s Apple bob. “Yeah.”

But you don’t move, you continue to lay on top of him, you close your eyes as you feel his dick poking you at your center. You hate yourself but you can’t help the fact that you’re breathing deeper than usual and you really hate yourself when you grind yourself rather gently into Jungkook’s crotch.

And you really hate yourself when you hear Jungkook fucking moan. A real life moan escapes his parted lips. Your eyes shoot open to see his screwed shut. He lightly thrusts upward in response, his strained cock hitting your clit just right that you whimper out. You immediately throw your hand over your mouth and regret everything until Jungkook moans again.

Fuck, what do you do? You want to keep going and you almost do when—

“Honey! We’re home!”

You quickly scramble off Jungkook and stand to your feet. Fuck, your parents are home.

Jungkook awkwardly stands up and tries to adjust his pants so his fucking boner isn’t totally visible. He does not want to meet your parents with a fucking boner. No way in hell. He’s got to think of gross things. Diarrhea. Yeah, he will think of people shitting themselves, that’s pretty gross.

“Coming!” you yell out. You smooth down your clothes and your hair and turn to face Jungkook. “Ready?”

He smiles kind of awkwardly but nods his head yes regardless.

You two exit the bedroom and head down the stairs, your parents waiting at the bottom.

“If it isn’t my pain in the ass?” your mother’s jolly laugh fills the room as she goes in to embrace you.

“Hi mom.” You say into her neck, you can smell her sweet perfume and it reminds you of home times a million.

“You mean your miracle baby! Our miracle baby!” your dad chimes in gleefully, going in to hug both you and your mom.

“It’s a miracle she hasn’t killed me yet.” Your mother comments playfully, “Going a whole half year without seeing her mother?”

“It has been since May hasn’t it?” Your dad asks. “Too long.”

“And you must be Jungkook! The boy our daughter ditched us for on Christmas!” your mom pushes you to the side and goes in to hug Jungkook.

He stumbles back in surprise, but wraps his arms around your mother with his bunny grin plastered on his face.

“That’s me.” He laughs.

“Next time, just come here for Christmas, okay?” Your mom pouts playfully.

“Now, that’s not a bad idea.” Your father cuts in, extending his hand out for Jungkook to shake.

“Nice to meet you Mr.y/L/n.” Jungkook goes in to shake his hand with a firm hold, “and of course you too Mrs.y/L/n. “ Jungkook smiles in her direction.

“My goodness,” your mother swoons, “You’re so handsome!” then she turns to you, “He’s so handsome y/n. How haven’t you snagged him yet?”

“You two aren’t already a couple?” your father adds in.

“Mom! Dad! No!” you run a hand through your hair, “I told you already a million times on the phone, we are friends. Best friends.”

“That’s too bad…” your mom says, “I would like him for a son in law.”

“Yes, it’s too bad.” Your dad continues where she is going, “He’s got a firm handshake.”

“You guys don’t even know him.” you deadpan.

Jungkook only chuckles as he watches you interact with your parents. He wishes he had this kind of relationship with his parents but he’s glad you do.

“Are you guys ready for dinner or what?” Your mom picks up the bag of food off the entry way table and brings it to her nose, “Smells delicious.” She sings with a smile.

“Lets eat honey.” Your dad gestures your mom to the kitchen and then gives you and Jungkook a wink. “Come on kids.”

You didn’t know coming home would feel this good. Just being in the same room as your parents makes you feel whole again. Talking on the phone every week just isn’t enough.

You and Jungkook set up the table as your parents start taking the food out of the bag, they place it in the center of the table and your greedy little hands can’t help but pick at the side dishes.

“Hungry?” Jungkook teases.

“Starved.” You respond.

“Well, let’s all sit down and dig in!” Your father pulls out a chair for your mother so she can sit, ever the gentleman.

The food is delicious. You really wanted your moms home cooking but she promised you that’s for tomorrow night. You eat to your hearts content, getting so full. You’re not just full of food but full of your parents love and joy. Jungkook laughs along to your mom and dad’s stories and even shares some of his own. You guys talked about your group of friends and how you’re each others support systems.

Your parents are ecstatic to hear you have such great friends where you live, they even promise to go visit you soon so they can happily meet everyone. You agree wholeheartedly and stuff your face with more food. The night goes on like this for quite some time, everyone yawning but no one wanting to go to sleep.

“Let’s clean up and take this party to the living room.” Your mom suggests.

“I’ll clean up mom.”

“Me too.” Jungkook offers as well.

“Good kids.” Your dad says with a chuckle and heads to his designated spot (The recliner in the living room.)

“Are you having fun?” You ask Jungkook once your parents are out of the kitchen.

“I’m having a really nice time y/n.” Jungkook blushes as he answers, he fucking blushes and you feel the heat creep up your cheeks as well.

“I told you, you had nothing to be nervous about.”

“I’m still nervous, to be honest. But it feels nice actually.” He admit, his blush only deepening.

You two reach for the drying towel at the same time, your fingers brushing against his and you feel a spark of electricity.

“Sorry.” You sputter out, “You take it.”

“Okay…” Jungkook feels his face get even more red, just brushing fingers with you making him feel hot and dizzy.

“I think it’s clean enough,” you wipe your hands dry on your jeans, “Let’s go.”

The living room is as cozy as you have always remembered it to be. The recliner that your dad always falls asleep in is in the same spot as always, the two love seats taking one corner of the room and the TV on the center of the back wall. You decide to sit next to your mom on one of the love seats, you immediately drop your head on to her shoulder and breathe her in.

“What’s wrong my miracle?” she asks softly. “What’s going on?”

You suck in a sharp breath and start sniffling. Yup, you have decided on being a baby.

“I—” Your eyes immediately water and you give your mom a pathetic look, “I don’t know what I am doing with my life.”

Jungkook watches you and he frowns, he wishes he had all the answers for you.

“Oh baby,” your mom cradles your head, “I’m an old woman and even I have thoughts like that.” She laughs. “You’re going to figure it out, even if it’s not right now.”

“How do you know?” you look up at her with snot running down your nose.

“Do you remember when you were in high school you went from being in the drama club to the art club to the debate team to the…god, who knows what? You just kept jumping from one thing to another but then you finally found what you liked. Which was, swimming right?” She rubs your back soothingly, “It just takes time.” She says, “Maybe right now you’re just in the ‘art club’ part of your life. You still need to experience other clubs and teams until you find your swimming.”

“Mom…” you cry, “Thank you.”

“Your mother is right,” your dad decides to jump in “And whatever you decide we will be there cheering you on.”

Jungkook feels his heart swell. Watching you with your parents has been nothing but an amazing experience so far. He doesn’t feel bitter that he didn’t have this sort of relationship, instead he wishes he could have it even with someone like your parents.

“Now go sit with your bestie, he looks lonely over there by himself on the other couch.” Your mom scolds you lightly. You hug her tightly before letting go and walking to where Jungkook is.

You sit right next to him, not leaving any space—your knees and shoulders rubbing against one another quite innocently.

“So Jungkook,” Your father begins, “tell us about your family.”

You feel yourself go tense at the mention of Jungkook’s family. What will he say? Or will he say anything at all? “Mom’s not with us anymore.” He smiles softly, “And I don’t talk to my dad.”

“Oh honey, I’m so sorry,” your mom places a hand over her heart.

“Sorry to hear about that, son.” Your dad shares a look of pity with your mom.

Jungkook on the other hand lights up when he hears your dad call him ‘son’.

“It’s okay.” Jungkook smiles, “I have y/n and Jimin and the rest of the guys.”

“And you have us too, sweetie.” Your mom cuts in. “We were serious about Christmas, why don’t you two come here?”

“Mom—”

“I’d like that.” Jungkook looks at your for approval, “It sounds nice, right y/n?”

You feel your heart begin to glow.

“Yeah.” You yawn out. “It does.” You lay your head on his shoulder and he wraps an arm around your waist. You miss the way your parents share a knowing look as they watch you two.

“We weren’t supposed to have any children…” Your mom starts to say, “She really was our little miracle.” She comes down into a whisper as she notices you starting to doze off.

“She’s our pride and joy.” Your father beams.

“I’m glad she isn’t lonely. Growing up, we were so worried she would become a lonely only child, but she had lots of cousins thankfully and she always had it easy when making friends.” Your mother smiles as she recalls little you.

“She’s so special, isn’t she?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook looks down at your sleeping face, he smiles shyly and caresses your cheek. “She is.”

Your parents share another knowing look and grin.

“When did you realize she was so special?” your father crosses a leg over the other.

“About the time she ditched you guys for me.” Jungkook’s looks at them and smiles cheekily.

Your mother and father laugh loudly, waking you from your quick nap.

“What’s so funny?” you ask groggily, you kind of drooled on yourself and Jungkook’s shoulder. You wipe at the corner of your mouth and mutter an apology to Jungkook for wetting his shirt. He only giggles at you and pats your head.

“Maybe you two should head to bed for some rest, hm?”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”

You and Jungkook agree with your parents, standing from your place on the love seat and say your goodnight’s.

“Goodnight sweetie.” Your dad goes in to hug you, “Sleep well.”

“Night dad, night mom.”

“Goodnight Mr. and Mrs. y/l/n.”

“Night kiddos.”

Jungkook follows you up the stairs as he enters deep thought mode. He has only spent one day with you and your parents but he feels like he has fallen in love all over again. His love for you deepening by the minute, the way it blossoms like a beautiful, enchanted flower. The petals are bright, colorful and full of life. Nothing, he means nothing can shrivel up this rose. It is enchanted after all.

You stand outside your door, waiting for Jungkook to finish his journey up the stairs. When he finally makes it to the top he walks to you, standing outside your bedroom door.

“Goodnight Jungkook.” You whisper out, a blush painting itself on your cheeks.

“Tonight was nice.” He says instead of ‘goodnight’.

“Yeah, I think my parents like you a lot.”

“And I like them a lot. I felt…so…at home.” He admits, his soft breath hitting your lips and you breathe out heavily.

“I’m glad.”

“I like you when you’re with your parents.”

“You like me?” You tease, and Jungkook goes as red as a fucking tomato.

“Like, like—”

“Chill, I know what you mean.”

Jungkook scratches the back of his neck and huffs out, “Right.”

“I like you around my parents too.” You lean back on the bedroom door, and Jungkook steps closer to you.

“You like me?” he teases back and you blush even harder.

“I just mean, it’s cute seeing you nervous and flustered for once.” You say.

“I’m cute?” Jungkook takes another step towards you, backing you even further into the door.

“You know what I mean.”

“Do I though?” he leans his head towards your face, his lips hovering over your left ear and he whispers…

“I won’t tell anyone you find me cute y/n.” he continues his teasing. He leans back and watches as your face goes unbelievably red.

“Shush.” You push his hard chest back and he darkly chuckles. “It’s not like you don’t find me cute as well.”

“Oh baby, I find you very, very cute” he leans in again and you scoff, giggling to yourself.

Jungkook chuckles as well, he feels himself growing hotter by the second, he pushes you back more into the door and he reaches for the doorknob and opens it, but catches you from falling inside.

“Let’s go inside.” He says lowly. “Wanna keep being with you.”

“Jungkook,” you whine, “I’m sleepy.”

“I can watch you sleep.” He teases and you cringe.

“That’s creepy!” you laugh, you two set foot inside the room and you close the door behind you guys. “But maybe we can chat for a little bit.”

“Hey!” Jungkook juts his lip out, “It’s not creepy, I just really—” love you, he wants to say. But he doesn’t have the courage but god, Jimin is right. When will he have the courage?

“Really what?” you ask innocently.

“It’s nothing.” He says. “Anyway, let’s sit.” He plops his fine ass on the edge of your childhood bed—a twin bed. You sit down next to him and you lean back until your back is laying against the soft mattress. Jungkook follows you, laying down as well.

“Thanks for making me feel like I’m a part of your family y/n.”

“You are a part of my family Jungkook.” You whisper to him and he flips on his side to get a look at your face.

“Your parents are awesome.” He chuckles.

You playfully roll your eyes and smile, “Yeah, they’re something.”

“They want you to bring home a boyfriend.”

“Too bad all they got is you.”

“Yeah, too bad.” Jungkook grins at you, he lifts his hand to your face and caresses your cheek. “You’re so pretty. I wasn’t lying…I do find you very, very cute” he says softly and you fucking melt. You sigh out and he leans in closer, you aren’t entirely sure but it feels like he’s about to kiss you.

He leans in so close until he’s raising his face just a bit and he kisses the top of your forehead.

“I think I’ll go to bed now.” He whispers.

“Wait—” You grab on to the material of his sweater, accidentally bringing him too close to you, his mouth bumping into yours.

You immediately begin to panic, your eyes shoot to Jungkook’s and he looks as surprised as you. He is silent for far too many moments until his eyes crinkle and he’s laughing, his bunny teeth on full display.

“Oops.” He says, still laughing.

“I am so sorry, oh my god.” You get up slightly, leaning on your elbows. “That was an accident.”

“Well,” Jungkook brings his fingers to his lips, “It’s not the worst thing that could happen.” He says, his shy tone making you melt all over again.

“Sorry again, wow.”

Jungkook stands from the bed and you follow his lead, walking him towards the bedroom door.

“Goodnight Jungkook.”

This is it. The moment Jimin was talking about. A moment where he can have courage.

“y/n…I just…can I tell you something…?”

“What is it?” you raise a curious brow.

Jungkook looks into your eyes for several moments, taking long, deep breaths.

“I love you.” He finally admits, after years of keeping that to himself he finally told you he loves you. He loves you with all his fucking heart, he loves you more than anyone else in his entire life. He loves you. This? This is courage.

“Huh? I love you too, JK.” You give him a weird look and laugh. “Goodnight.” And you shut the door.

“No, I…”

Was he not clear?

“I love you y/n…” he whispers to himself, “Like, really really love you.” He says to no one but the ghosts that haunt this house.

“Goodnight y/n.”

[erekiosuncreativeideas]

Being Human - Chapter 19

<= Chapter 18

Summary : The group goes back to Subcon... And discovers a terrible sight. Also available on AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/24826561/chapters/71797488

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HELLO GUYS, NEW CHAPTER, WOOHOOOO

I'm so so so sorry for the delay. I've had quite the writer block, and uh my mental health wasn't so great either (it still isn't but my meds are working better)... Now I'm feeling better, and I finally managed to finish that chapter I've been stuck on for a while. I hope you'll like it !

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments, they bring such joy to me, you have no idea. Thank you so much. I know I take some time replying to them, but I do read them as soon as I receive them. They really mean a lot to me.

Anyway... Happy reading, I hope you'll like this chapter ! I tried putting more descriptions, hopefully this improved my writing style !

The “Oh The Humanity” AU belongs to @doodledrawsthings​​ !

Happy reading !

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Chapter 19 - “Send me back there!”  

Snatcher didn’t want to believe it. It was the materialization of his nightmares, of all he had started to fear the very instant he was back in his old body- This couldn’t be happening, no, not this way!

And yet, here it was, right in front of his eyes. The moment he saw that white stain slowly progressing through his territory, his heart had stopped beating, the air got stuck in his throat… And it was like a bucket of icy water had been thrown on his now trembling shoulders. He was not ready for any of this to happen.

This was the worst-case scenario.

Suddenly, memories of what had become of Subcon after he managed to flee the manor came back to him, blinding him from how intense they were. Visions of frozen corpses, dwellers stuck into ice forever and killed for a second time, all souls drained away from a village that was once so full of life, a wave of cold and death transforming Subcon Village and Subcon Forest into forgotten places, devastated places.

And now, his minions and other dwellers were in danger again, at the mercy of what was left of a crazy Queen- one he hadn’t had the courage to kill when he could have done so. Fear had always paralyzed him, the thought of facing Her again, after all these years, after everything that had happened, after everything he had been forced to go through… He couldn’t, he just couldn’t imagine that!

But despite this… Snatcher still had a kingdom to save- his kingdom and all of its undead inhabitants. And so, without hesitation but still with a deadly pale face, the man turned to the little girls, an expression of panic clearly visible on his features:

-“Send me back there!” he yelled at them, urging them to help him to save Subcon. Without thinking much either, the kids nodded with determination and dashed into different directions, most likely to bring weapons and such with them. The bow-wearing child ran to the machine room while the hatted brat ran to her bedroom. The young man glanced back at Moonjumper next to him, whose eyes were still fixed on the white stains representative of Vanessa’s intrusion in Subcon.

-“Hey!” he called out to his counterpart -this wasn’t the time to be stuck in thoughts!-, quickly catching the other’s attention. Soon, two very panicked eyes settled on him, and Snatcher couldn’t really blame him.

He was rather terrified, himself.

-“Can you fight?” he asked the one who had stolen his corpse, despite already knowing the answer. He had witnessed the corpse’s powers and how devastating they could be- Moonjumper had even destroyed some part of his forest at some point! But still… He had to make sure. Against a strong and unpredictable opponent such as Vanessa, they couldn’t allow themselves to take any risks… And anyone ready to fight her was more than welcome.

Unsurprisingly, the corpse paled even more than what he already was, his eyes widening in terror and his mouth gaping as he struggled to find an answer. But then again… The young man was scared to death too. Ha.

Not the time for puns.

-“I…” Moonjumper gulped down saliva he didn’t even need, looking away : “Yes,” he answered, his tone trembling and hesitant : “Yes, I… I can.”

-“Will you?” wondered Snatcher with a lower tone, directly addressing how scared the corpse seemed to be at the idea of facing Vanessa. He… Was giving him a choice, sort of. He knew the time was not for choices, but… He knew what it was like to be pushed into fighting when one wasn’t ready for it. It was exactly what his counterpart had done when it came to relearning how to summon his fire.

And Snatcher didn’t want to do that himself.

Moonjumper seemed to catch this and guilt crossed his features, frowning as he looked away once more. Eventually, not saying another word… Moonjumper nodded. Fear was still very much visible on his face and from his body language… But he seemed more determined than before, as if Snatcher’s questions had made him realize something.

-“This is my home too,” said the other, gravely: “I’ll do what it takes to protect it. You can count on me.”

The young man nodded, a wave of relief hitting him. The thought of facing Vanessa was not an easy one… But knowing he wouldn’t be alone made the whole thing less… Unbearable, somehow. At least, they had more chances than if he had gone there alone.

Just as he finished this train of thoughts, the little girls came back running, both carrying things with them. The hatted brat was the first one to reach them, holding her own blue umbrella and the other’s pink umbrella… As well as a baseball bat, which she handed to him.

-“You’ll need this,” she told him. He was about to refuse… But he interrupted himself: she was right. His powers were too weak to be used in a fight. Sure, he could summon little flames, but this was hardly anything compared to the Queen’s blizzard. No, if they wanted to have a chance to fight her… They’d have to use their brains and physical weapons. While magic wasn’t completely out of the line thanks to Moonjumper… He knew what Vanessa was capable of, and didn’t want to take any risks. And so… He took the baseball bat, holding it in front of him. It was… Rather heavy, but in a way… That only reminded him of his old sword training. Sure, it had been quite a long time since then, but… Perhaps it would be similar.

At the same moment, the bow-wearing kid stopped to them, holding in her arms… The Time Piece? What did she want to do with it ?

The little girl seemed to catch the question in his expression and lifted the powerful hourglass as she spoke:

-“We didn’t have the time to modify it,” she explained, her expression serious: “but it might be useful to us if we ever get in trouble. Hat and I will use it in that case.”

Snatcher nodded and once more asked the brats to teleport them down there. And, in the click of a button… It was done. Of course, the previous Prince felt terrible from the teleportation, his stomach threatening to make him throw up… But he didn’t have the time to worry about that. When he was finally able to look around him, what he saw turned his blood to ice.

The group had appeared in the swamp area… But it barely looked like it anymore. The swamp had been completely frozen, hands coming out of the surface, turned into immobile ice statues. The trees had lost all of their purple hues, looking white from the snow and ice that had now covered everything. It was hard to tell the difference between the ground and the frozen swamp, but for the members of the group, this wasn’t impossible. They knew the forest quite well, after all, especially Snatcher. Still, the sight that was in front of them was terrifying. It was snowing, a lot of flakes falling and making it hard to see what was far away. Furthermore, it was cold, very cold… And the three humans couldn’t help but shiver from how low the temperature was.

But it wasn’t like they had had the time to prepare for such a situation.

-“Where are the subconites? What about the dwellers?” asked the bow-wearing kid, horrified by what she was seeing. Snatcher couldn’t blame her: he was, too.

-“Hiding, or…” Or frozen to death. Again. He didn’t finish his sentence, and no one insisted. The rest was just painfully obvious.

The man tightened his grip on the baseball bat. His old self would have never even thought of hurting Vanessa in any way, especially physical- but things had changed. A kingdom had been lost. People had been killed. Children had been murdered.

Things were much, much more different now.

-“Let’s go,” he murmured darkly, his voice barely audible through the wind and snow… But it seemed enough, and the group started to walk, careful of where they put their feet. Who knew what could be hiding below the snow…

-“Should we split ?” asked the hatted brat, glancing at her contractual BFF: “We don’t know where she is, or what she’s planning to do…”

The former spirit wanted to tell her this was a bad idea, considering the strengths and powers of their enemy… But he couldn’t find any good alternative. He knew she was right, the Forest was big enough for her to be anywhere. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack… Considering their lack of time, they needed to be quick to find her and neutralize her, in whatever way they could, temporarily… Or permanently.

-“Fine,” he agreed reluctantly: “We’ll have more chances on finding her that way.”

-“Are you sure?” asked Moonjumper, visibly against that idea: “We know what she’s capable of. If we split up, we need a way to alert the other group if something goes wrong.”

The corpse had a point, and the group thought for a moment. But soon enough, the face of the bow-wearing child lightened up, as if she just had a revelation. She lifted her umbrella as she opened her mouth, decided to explain her idea:

-“What if we used our projectile badges?” she offered, pulling a badge out of the pocket of her jacket, before replacing one of those already in place on her weapon: “If something happens, we can give the other group a signal. That way, we’ll know if one group found her, or needs help.”

The entire team nodded, and Snatcher was rather surprised: this… Was a very good idea, actually. But…

-“So that means you won’t be together, then,” pointed out Moonjumper before he was able to, gesturing at the two: “That… Reassures me, in a way,” he admitted, looking away: “I don’t like the idea of you two going out alone and risking to fight her. She’s stronger than she looks.”

It was easy to see that his contractual friend wasn’t happy with his words, but she held her tongue. She was probably remembering their trip to the manor, and how scared they had been. Here again, he couldn’t blame them. Vanessa was terrifying after all.

-“Yeah,” she eventually sighed, though it was easy to say she was trying her best not to show arrogance or imprudence. The situation was too serious for that. However, she thought for a moment, before glancing back to the previous Prince:

-“Bow should go with you,” she suddenly told him, lost in thoughts.

-“Why?” he retorted, a bit lost. To be completely honest, he had expected her to go with him, considering there had always been some kind of rival complicity between them. So, it was safe to say he was a little surprised by her suggestion.

-“Bow has the Time Piece with her,” she replied, gesturing to her friend, who soon elaborated on that point:

-“It’s the best defense we have,” she explained, lifting the Hourglass as she spoke: “If something happens to one of us, I can rewind time and change the course of events.”

Snatcher had no problem figuring out what the two children had really meant, and he narrowed his eyes in response. Now that he was a human, unable to use his magic except for summoning a small flame, he was pretty much harmless against Vanessa, even with a baseball bat. This was their nice way of saying “you can’t fight so this will help you to stay alive”, and this honestly infuriated him. He was not useless, he was not weak!

… But as much as he wanted to argue, Subcon was still very much in danger, and they already lost so much time deciding of their plan. There was no time for bickering when half of the Forest had already been frozen, from what they had been able to see so far. Maybe more, now.

-“Okay, fine,” he grunted, before gesturing to where his home was. There was a possibility Vanessa was looking for him there, so this would most likely be the first strategic place to invest : “We’ll check my tree first, then the Subcon ruins. As for you, check the Subcon Well and the village. If you see anyone, tell them to hide until we get rid of that… Infestation,” he spat.

-“Very well,” answered Moonjumper, nodding with determination. The hatted brat imitated him, and wished them luck. The duo then got to work, leaving them to go search for any clue leading them to Vanessa. It was hard to find her in all this snow, in this blizzard… And it was so cold, it was hard to focus.

The bow-wearing kid was the one to pull him out of his thoughts, patting him on the side. The contact immediately brought him back to reality.

-“Let’s go,” she offered, decided to find their enemy despite the unnatural icy cold of the Forest. Snatcher merely nodded in response and the two of them left to explore the places they had in mind. It was, however… Much harder than they had first thought, and especially what Snatcher had had in mind. First, he had had to come to the fact that a large part of his kingdom had been affected by now. The snow was deep, showing it had been snowing a lot for a while now. The places were desert. His home had been entirely covered in snow, the furniture barely noticeable under the thick layer of flakes. No matter how much they looked around them, they couldn’t discern any suspicious silhouette in their surroundings, and they couldn’t hear anything either. All they could perceive was the sound of their own footsteps in the snow, which was crackling under their shoes. Snatcher’s feet were wet, his sneakers not adapted to this type of weather at all. The little girl accompanying him seemed to be fine in that regard, though she was holding the Time Piece against her, probably because she was cold. Well, he was too.

-“You seeing anything?” he asked her, narrowing his eyes as he tried to see what was in front of them, the falling snow making it hard to detect anything at all.

-“No,” she admitted, her teeth chattering as she held the magical Hourglass closer: “I don’t think we’ll find her here.”

The former ghost frowned, but nodded nonetheless. He had been so sure they would find her there… After all, if she wanted to find him, wouldn’t it make sense to check his home first ? Then again, the place was already covered in snow which, when he thought about it… Showed that she had already been there before. And now, there was no sign of the Ice Queen there. Plus… Did she really know who he became after his death? Why his corpse had disappeared from the cellar? Did she put two and two and figured out the other ghost haunting the forest was the Prince she had murdered? She was so unstable… It was hard to figure out what she was thinking.

The new team moved in direction of the Subcon ruins. Just like his home, the landscape had been more than affected by Vanessa’s passage. The buildings were all covered in snow, now deeper than ever. Maybe she had been there before, but it wasn’t the case anymore. The place was deserted. Sure, Subcon Forest had become quite the deserted place after Vanessa’s outburst, but this was a whole new level. There weren’t any spiders, any subconites, any dwellers… Any lifeform, whether alive or undead, had left this place.

They were the only ones near the Ruins, he was sure of it. A sneeze forced his mind back to reality, his body contorting as he expulsed the air out of his lungs. Ugh… It was getting very, very cold, and Snatcher couldn’t feel his feet or his fingers anymore. His body hurt, like a burn, but in a whole, new different way.

Something that only reminded him of terrible memories.

He glanced to the kid next to him, who had stepped away to search around the Ruins. Her face was getting… A bit blue, and she was definitely trembling. Now Snatcher was not an expert in human health or their abilities in surviving in extreme conditions, but he had seen enough as a ghost to know it was bad. And as a human… Well, he had had the opportunity to find out through real experiences.

-“Kiddo ?” he called out to her, only to find out his voice was rasp from the cold. His throat hurt, the icy air burning his throat and his lungs. They needed to find Vanessa, and quick… Otherwise, they’d turn into ice cubes before getting the chance to fight her. And, more seriously, they needed to find her while they were still able to move and fight. Otherwise… Well, being too cold to move would just make the fight even more unbalanced than it already was.

The bow-wearing child lifted her head at his call, having found nothing of interest either. She came back to him, some ice hanging from her nose. Heck, they really needed to find something, anything!

-“You okay?” he asked, without any hint of sarcasm or mockery this time. The situation was too serious for that.

-“Yeah,” she answered, probably lying: “You?” she asked back, worry clearly visible on her face.

-“I’m fine,” he lied too, though it was not really out of worry for her, but more about preserving what was left of his pride. He was not weak, he could do this, no, he had to!

-“I wonder if they found something…” added the little girl, rubbing her hands together as she looked around them, hoping to find a sign. But nothing came: “Where should we look, now?” she asked expectantly, though he could see that she was definitely tensed. Who knew how long they’d be able to stay and continue their search with such low temperatures…

Snatcher still took the time to think about her question. If he ever chose the wrong place again, then… Then they might be too cold to be able to fight, should they find her after that. They could look around the bridge, but this wouldn’t make much sense. Why would Vanessa go back ? No, she couldn’t possibly be there, and she apparently wasn’t where the other two we-

However, before he was able to finish that train of thought… A loud sound echoed around them, making the ground shake a little. Snatcher’s heart missed a bit for a second, and he looked around him, panicked. Was it Her? Was she there, ready to attack them? What else could it- His thoughts fell silent as he noticed the little girl pointing at the sky. Careful, slowly, his eyes followed her arm, then her hand, then her pointing finger… Until he noticed a large white beam illuminating the whole Forest like a new Sun, before slowly disappearing as if it had never been there in the first place.

Silence fell between the two as they had to process this terrible realization.

The hatted brat and Moonjumper had used the signal, they were in trouble, they needed help… But this wasn’t all it meant, no… Far from it.

This also meant they had found Vanessa.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- 

Oh boy, another cliffhanger :)c I sure wonder what's going to happen... Thank you so much for your patience and your support, it means a lot to me. "Being Human" now has more views than "Reliving An Old Nightmare", and it's really an accomplishment for me, as it means I'm getting better at writing stories. Thank you for helping me improve, really.

See you guys on the next chapter ! Stay safe everyone !

=> Chapter 20

[artificialqueens]

Heaven, There's Nothing Better (Branjie) - Holtzmanns

Maybe it’s the blonde locks. Maybe it’s the pencil skirts, or the red lips. Maybe it’s the way that she always tosses her Birkin on the counter without any qualms at all, because she can most certainly afford to replace it if she needs to. But there’s something about her, something about Brooke, that has Vanessa mesmerized every evening when she comes home after a long day at work.

AN: Haven’t written a smut oneshot in little while, but inspiration sometimes strikes in the strangest of places. That being said, enjoy this complete pwp! Let me know any thoughts you have after reading, because I’d love to hear em. Thank you writ for betaing and being the best <3

The fat paycheck isn’t the only reason that Vanessa has stayed at her nannying job for so long.

Sure, the money keeps her on time for rent payments every month, as well as giving her the chance to plan for grad school in the future. And it doesn’t hurt that Rosie is a sweet kid who keeps Vanessa’s job from feeling like actual work, the hours in the day passing by without any hitches most of the time. But truth be told?

What really keeps Vanessa at her nannying job is Rosie’s mom.

Maybe it’s the blonde locks. Maybe it’s the pencil skirts, or the red lips. Maybe it’s the way that she always tosses her Birkin on the counter without any qualms at all, because she can most certainly afford to replace it if she needs to. But there’s something about her, something about Brooke, that has Vanessa mesmerized every evening when she comes home after a long day at work.

Tonight, despite being Friday and the end of the work week, is no exception. It’s already nine by the time Brooke’s unlocking the door and kicking off her Louboutins in the entrance, and Vanessa’s heart flutters in her chest when Brooke shoots her a smile.

“Rosie already asleep?”

“Bedtime an hour ago,” Vanessa nods from her stool at the kitchen counter, and she can’t help the way her eyes trail over Brooke’s figure as she hangs up her coat.

“Wish I didn’t have to have so many of these late days. I feel like I’m missing out on her sometimes,” Brooke’s voice is tinged with a bit of regret as she walks further into the penthouse, towards Rosie’s room. “I’m going to go say goodnight.”

Brooke’s soft voice emanating from behind Rosie’s door makes Vanessa wonder what it must be like, for both of them. She’s not sure if she’d be able to pull long hours the way that Brooke does, having to miss out on so much of her future kid’s life, but hey, it’s made Brooke richer than rich, so maybe it’s not so bad after all.

When Brooke comes back into the kitchen, the softness in her face is replaced by a furrow of her brows as her eyes dart across her phone screen. Half of Vanessa wants to ask what’s wrong, but the other half of her is distracted by the way that Brooke tosses her hair over her shoulder as she walks over to one of the kitchen cabinets.

“I need some red,” Brooke mutters under her breath, pulling out a glass and a bottle of wine and setting them down on the counter.

The way that Brooke pours the wine is purposeful, determined, and makes Vanessa’s eyebrows raise higher and higher on her forehead when the glass has enough wine to get her slurring her words, at a bare minimum. But Brooke is unfazed, her grip on the stem of the glass delicate as she lifts it to her lips, draining it in one go without so much as a wince.

Well, damn. That shouldn’t be as attractive to Vanessa as it is, but she can already hear Silky’s voice in her head teasing her for the way her stomach is doing flips.

Brooke traces her finger along the rim of the wine glass, an expression of distaste flashing across her face when her phone lights up once more on the counter. “You want a word of advice, Vanessa? Never marry a man. Getting out of it is a miserable nightmare that drags on for years.”

Damn. Vanessa doesn’t even want to think about those settlements and divorce proceedings.

“That bad, huh?” Vanessa asks, her eyebrow raising when Brooke reaches for the wine again. “Though I wasn’t planning on it.”

Not that Brooke really needs to know. Vanessa shifts in her chair when Brooke looks up at her with a wry smile, because she’s definitely noticing the way Vanessa’s cheeks are heating up, but then Brooke taps her nails on the side of the bottle of wine. “You want some? You’re off the clock now.”

“I’m good,” Vanessa’s reply comes out in a bit of a squeak, but maybe Brooke hasn’t noticed, if she’s lucky.

Except that Brooke is full-on smirking at her now, her lips pressing together as her eyes flit across Vanessa’s face. It’s as if she knows exactly what she’s doing, and what sort of power she has over Vanessa.

It’s too much. It’s intoxicating. And honestly? Vanessa doesn’t really want to go home yet.

Brooke comes around to Vanessa’s side of the kitchen island, and even without the stilettos she manages to tower over her. “I always noticed that my divorced friends looked so much happier than those who were still married. No longer tied down to their shitty husbands, who were already cheating on them anyway. After divorcing they could put themselves first, y’know? They didn’t have to listen to their husbands and just went after whatever they wanted.”

Vanessa feels like she’s going to pass out, with Brooke close enough that she has to crane her neck to look up at her. “Oh yeah?”

“Mhm,” Brooke’s laugh is light, airy, almost as if they’re having a conversation about the weather. “Do you find that, too? Is your man holding you back, or are you having a good time by yourself?”

“Oh, I’m not…dating anyone.” Vanessa has to keep her gaze from dropping down, because there is definitely a hint of cleavage peeking out from Brooke’s shirt, and nope, she’s not gonna look. She has self control.

Until her eyes flick down and there’s definitely lace behind Brooke’s shirt buttons.

So maybe Vanessa has the self control of a teenage boy. Not that Brooke seems to notice, from the way that she sidles up to her, a contemplative look in her eyes.

“A girl like you isn’t seeing anyone? Not going after what you want?” Brooke says it like it’s a challenge, and her perfume as she takes a step closer is making Vanessa feel a little heady.

“No, I…” Vanessa’s train of thought comes to a stop because Brooke is close to her, real close, her face a few inches away from hers as she leans down to be at Vanessa’s eye level, and god, she really is hot.

Fuck.

Brooke stays where she is, just a smidge far enough away to make Vanessa want to close the distance between them, except she feels frozen, rooted to the spot, her racing heart the only part of her with the capacity for motion.

Brooke doesn’t seem to share the same struggle because she’s smirking, mischief in her eyes as if Vanessa is a target that she’s been waiting for. “I’ve seen the way you look at me. You think I haven’t noticed? You’re not exactly subtle about it, Vanessa.”

Oh, shit.

“I didn’t…it wasn’t…”

Vanessa trails off again, because it’s hard to think of an excuse when the smile on Brooke’s face looks almost satisfied. Brooke’s gaze drops down to her lips, then back up to her eyes, as if she knows Vanessa’s going to break first without her having to do anything,

Brooke’s going to kill her, she really is, because Vanessa feels like she’s about to combust, and then Brooke bites her own bottom lip and shit-

Vanessa surges forward to close the gap between them because she can’t hold back anymore, she can’t, and Brooke’s ready for it, her hands bracketing Vanessa’s waist and holding her steady. Brooke tugs her off the stool so that she’s standing and oh, she still has to tilt her head up because Brooke is so tall, invading all of her senses when she pulls her in closer by her belt loops. Brooke kisses like she knows what she wants, like she’s here to take it from the way she nips Vanessa’s bottom lip and smirks into the kiss when it makes Vanessa gasp.

There’s no way Vanessa’s not asleep, she’s decided as such. She wouldn’t put it past herself to have a spicy dream about Brooke, but this? The way Brooke’s pushing her back until she’s leaning against the counter, the way her hand is winding into her hair, it’s all more than her imagination would even be able to conjure on its own.

Brooke tugs on Vanessa’s hair lightly by her scalp to expose her neck and shit, she’s right on track to turn Vanessa’s legs into jelly, pressing kisses against her skin that make her shiver. “You’re cute when you’re all worked up.”

Brooke lifts her head up and she’s looking smug, too smug, for her own good and Vanessa wants to retort, but then Brooke’s kissing her neck right under her ear and she can’t help but moan, and how has Brooke found one of her weak spots already?

“I’m-”

Vanessa’s half-hearted attempt to reply cuts off when Brooke pushes a thigh in between her legs, and shit, she can’t stop herself from grinding against it because it feels so good , especially when Brooke lightly nips at her skin like that. It makes no sense that Vanessa’s senses are overloaded already from just some simple making out, for God’s sake, but somehow, Brooke elevates it to a level that makes her head spin.

Brooke pulls her thigh back, and Vanessa’s surprised by the whine that leaves her own mouth. She’s usually better than this. Hell, most of the time she’s the confident one. But there’s just something about Brooke that draws Vanessa to her like a magnet, that makes her want more and not be ashamed to have to beg for it.

Jesus, it’s been too long since Vanessa’s gotten any action.

Vanessa doesn’t have to wait for long, because Brooke’s replaced her thigh with her hands at the edge of her shirt, fiddling with the hem as if she has all the time in the world. Vanessa wants to go and take the shirt off her damn self, speed things up a bit because Brooke’s having too much fun, from the way her lips are curving up.

“Easy,” Brooke mutters into her ear, but then she’s tugging on Vanessa’s shirt, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction when Vanessa lifts her arms up for her.

Maybe it’s a good thing that Vanessa hasn’t done laundry in ages, and that the only bra option she’d had to wear this morning was her lacy one that frames the girls nicely, because the way that Brooke’s eyes widen is enough to make her want to squeeze her thighs together. Brooke wastes no time, her hands raking up her sides and leaving goosebumps along her ribs and cupping her tits as she presses kisses down Vanessa’s collarbone, along her cleavage. Vanessa sends a small thank you to the counter that she’s leaning against because there’s no way that she’d still be standing without it, not when Brooke is so determined to turn her into a puddle on the floor.

“Keep going,” Vanessa gasps out when Brooke pulls back, her eyes gleaming and her lips pursed as if she already knows how she has Vanessa wrapped around her finger.

There’s an excitement in Brooke’s eyes, as if pulling Vanessa apart is for her own pleasure as much as it is for Vanessa. Brooke’s the type to enjoy the process, the type who wants to play with her food before she eats it. It’s a far cry from what Vanessa likes, that’s for sure, not when patience is overrated and the fact that they could just be getting to it instead.

But Brooke doesn’t seem the type to give in to Vanessa’s pleas, not her hands go back to trailing along her sides and making her shiver.

“C’mon,” Vanessa mumbles, turning into a whine when Brooke lets out a little laugh.

“I never pegged you for the begging type. All it took was some kissing, huh? That’s all you needed to turn into a little mess? Cute.”

The worst part is that Brooke’s not wrong, not when she’s somehow figuring out Vanessa’s buttons before she even realizes. Brooke’s words shouldn’t be making her even more wet, but Vanessa takes pride in being a sucker for punishment.

“I…”

Vanessa wants to defend herself, she really does, but then Brooke is undoing the button on her jeans and tugging on her zipper, and the slow smile on her face when her fingers trail along the outside of her panties makes Vanessa’s cheeks heat up.

“Someone’s worked up already,” Brooke murmurs into Vanessa’s ear, and Vanessa has to grip the counter behind her when Brooke starts to kiss her neck again while stroking her through the fabric of her underwear.

A part of Vanessa, the one that surfaces occasionally in the shower or when she’s under her covers late at night, has always wondered what it would be like to hook up with Brooke. Of course, that part of her had assumed that it would forever remain a fantasy, that there would be no way for her to know what it would feel like to have Brooke’s lips on hers, Brooke’s hands teasing her and working her up. That same part of her now feels like it’s short circuiting inside of her brain, with sparks that light up and travel along her skin and set her on fire.

Brooke finally, finally tugs Vanessa’s panties down, and the touch with which she traces along her folds is quite confident - she’s definitely not inexperienced, not when she’s already playing Vanessa like a finely tuned instrument, keeping her strings taut and under her control. It makes Vanessa wonder, through the haze of her brain and Brooke’s movements, just how Brooke had ended up settling for someone like her ex husband.

Not that it’s Vanessa’s place to ask - she has more important things to worry about, anyway, like Brooke’s teasing as she circles around her clit without giving her the relief that she needs. Vanessa can feel her hips lifting off the counter to get closer to Brooke’s touch, and the way that Brooke holds her down with her other hand makes her need it even more.

She’s gonna have to beg some more because she’s not going to be able to take it for much longer, not when she’s this wound up. The world feels fuzzy around her, save for snapshots that cut through the clouds in her brain - Brooke capturing her lips with her own, Brooke’s thumb finally brushing against her clit, Brooke’s fingers teasing at her entrance.

“Please,” Vanessa’s voice is breathless when Brooke pulls back from the kiss, when the corners of her lips turn upwards in a satisfied smile.

“I do love it when you’re polite.”

Maybe that’s all it would have taken in the first place, because Brooke’s finally pushing a finger into her and the heel of her palm is on her clit and it makes Vanessa gasp, because finally. It’s a good thing that Brooke has her up against the counter, because she’s not sure if her legs would be able to hold her up on their own anymore.

Brooke licks into her mouth as she gets into a rhythm, pushing another finger in and scissoring them apart inside of her. The noises coming from in between the two of them are enough to make Vanessa want to blush, hide on a normal day, but right now? Vanessa needs it to continue, because the more that Brooke continues the closer and closer she’s getting, and the familiar tightening in her abdomen makes her whine against Brooke’s lips.

There’s no respite as Brooke keeps a steady pace with the pumping of her fingers, and Vanessa’s squeezing around them when she comes, her grip on the counter slipping a little when her legs shake.  Brooke keeps her pace up until Vanessa’s gasping and she can’t stay quiet anymore, unsteady on her feet when Brooke pulls her fingers back.

Despite the breathlessness in Vanessa’s lungs and the beads of sweat along the back of her neck, she takes Brooke’s two fingers into her mouth, her tongue swirling around them as she licks them clean. Brooke’s eyes twinkle almost with pride.

“Well, aren’t you something?”

The words are confident when they leave Brooke’s lips, but Vanessa can also see how her pupils are blown, the way her chest is rising and falling as rapidly as Vanessa’s. Behind her facade she’s as worked up as Vanessa is, just as affected and maybe, just maybe, Vanessa can pull her apart even further.

If Brooke’s this worked up already, Vanessa’s going to take the chance she’s been given and make the evening just as memorable for her, too.

The buttons on Brooke’s shirt are hard to undo when Vanessa’s still shaking, but she works her way down until she’s pushing the fabric off of Brooke’s shoulders. Brooke lets her do it, her breath hitching in her chest as if she wants to find out exactly what Vanessa has in store.

“Let me return the favour.”

Brooke’s pliant, letting Vanessa maneuver her towards one of the stools at the counter. “Yeah? You wanna do that, angel?”

“Please.”

Vanessa lets Brooke pull her onto her lap, grinding her hips down a little and maybe there’s going to be a wet patch on Brooke’s skirt underneath her but hey, Brooke’s the type who can afford the dry cleaning. Brooke doesn’t make it easy for her to focus though, not when her hands are raking up Vanessa’s back in a way that makes her shiver. She slides back off of Brooke’s lap so that she’s on her own two feet, and Brooke’s groan of frustration is short-lived because Vanessa wastes no time in tugging on the zipper of her skirt. Brooke takes the hint quickly enough, lifting up her hips so that Vanessa can slide off her skirt and her panties. Pushing Brooke’s thighs apart and stepping between them is worth it to Vanessa despite the cold tile against her knees when she crouches down, especially when Brooke looks at her with hooded eyes and her bottom lip between her teeth.

Vanessa keeps her hands on either of Brooke’s thighs, pushing them apart when they squeeze together as she licks up her slit. Brooke’s breathing comes out in pants, with a moan that she tries to hide behind the back of her hand when Vanessa looks up. Vanessa decides to skip the teasing, the working up, because seeing Brooke fall apart has suddenly rocketed to number one on her bucket list.

She circles her tongue around Brooke’s clit until she’s mumbling under her breath, and Vanessa can pick out just like that and you’re so good before her murmurs turn into a blend of whines when Vanessa trades the circles for sucking on her clit instead. It’s not hard to tell that Brooke’s close, from the heavy breaths and the squeeze of her thighs and steam that has to be emanating from between them, because Vanessa can feel herself already burning up into a pile of ashes.

Her jaw is sore and her knees are aching from being down against the floor, but Vanessa doesn’t waver with her pace, her fingers marking half moon indents against Brooke’s thighs while keeping them apart. It’s worth it, after all, when Brooke’s legs are trembling and she’s inching forward on the stool to get impossibly closer to Vanessa.

“Baby,” Brooke gasps out, and maybe it’s the breathlessness, maybe it’s the pet name, but it’s enough for Vanessa to double down on her efforts, until Brooke is letting out a fractured moan and pushing her away from between her legs.

It’s hard for Vanessa not to feel smug when she stands up, nearly at eye level with Brooke as she catches her breath. She tucks a lock of Brooke’s hair behind her ear, and the sudden intimacy of it makes her pause for just a moment.

She has a second to wipe her mouth on the back of her hand before Brooke’s tugging on her waist and pulling her closer and kissing her. When they pull back, Brooke looks as spent and sated as Vanessa feels, her shoulders relaxed and her posture less tense as compared to when she first came home.

“Feel like I may have you give you a raise for that performance.”

Vanessa makes a face, flicking Brooke’s shoulder when she grins. “You wish. I ain’t a hooker.”

“Sleep over, then? It’s getting pretty late. I’ll even make you a nice breakfast with Rosie in the morning.” Brooke intertwines their fingers, and it’s enough to pull Vanessa in, trap her in place.

“How are you gonna explain that to her?”

It’s a valid question, because the implications of sleeping with her boss are starting to sink in, now that her brain isn’t clouded by lust.

Whoops.

Except Brooke looks unfazed, her smile light and easy. “Rosie’s always asking for you as soon as you leave. I’m sure she’ll be delighted that Miss Vanessa has decided to visit on a Saturday morning.”

“You make a compelling argument,” Vanessa concedes, and maybe just this once will be fine, especially when Brooke is looking at her like that and Vanessa has always wondered what it would be like to sleep in a king sized bed.

“Mm, I’ve been told. Now I have a question for you,” Brooke starts, and the sudden seriousness in her face makes Vanessa stand up a little straighter.

But it’s all for show, really, when Brooke suddenly smiles.

“Pancakes or waffles for breakfast?”

Tell me what you think! And find me as usual at @plastiquetiaras on tumblr.

[four-loose-screws]

FE8 Novelization Translation - Chapter 2, Section 2

If you would like to start from the beginning, read a missed part, etc., click here!

FE Game Script Translations - FE Novel Translations - Original FE Support Conversations

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———————————

I call this a “section” because it is not a separate part of the chapter in the book, but divided from the rest of the chapter by a scene break.

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Chapter 2 - The Blood of a Warrior (con’t)

Tana dismounted Achaeus in the palace garden and handed his reins to a soldier, then, without showing any signs of exhaustion from their trip, eagerly rushed ahead.

She turned around for a moment, said, "Hurry, Eirika!" and offered her hand. Eirika quickly got off Seth's horse and followed after Tana.

Those in the palace had already been informed that Tana made it home safely. The door was wide open, and in the reception room and on the stairs before them stood a servant and a maid, ready to greet them.

"Welcome home," they said, then bowed their heads.

Eirika was embarrassed by her ragged appearance from the fighting and travel, but Tana had no reservations. She rushed into the throne room, still wearing clothes covered in dirt, and said, "We're home, Father!"

The man on the throne stood up.

He was Hayden, the king of Frelia, known for his wisdom and mild manner. His eyes, full of kindness, slowly widened, and he greeted his daughter with open arms. 

"Oh, Tana, I'm so happy you have made it home safe! When I heard the news that you were kidnapped at Mulan Castle, I thought it would crush my heart."

"I'm sorry for worrying you."

"It's alright now that you are home safe. But you must never, ever leave the palace without my permission ever again."

"I've come bearing good news, Father! Come this way, quickly!"

Her Father's words went in one ear and out the other as she turned around towards Eirika with an excited look on her face. 

Eirika stepped forward quietly and bowed deeply at King Hayden. "It's good to see you again after such a long time, King Hayden."

"Princess Eirika, you're safe as well! I've been worried ever since I heard of Renais's fall."

"Yes, I escaped before the palace was taken. Father stayed behind…"

The moment she said those words, King Hayden's face darkened. Eirika remembered the bad feeling she'd had before. It made her cut off her words and stare straight at the king.

"...We received a report about that as well. My lifelong friend, King Fado…" King Hayden showed hesitation, but he stared straight back at Eirika, and continued speaking. "He was unable to defend the castle, and perished along with it.”

When the king's words reached her ears, she stopped breathing.

It was the news that she’d feared most. The one message she did not want to hear. Every time she concealed her emotions, she told herself everything would be okay. The thought that she would one day reunite with her father and brother supported her, allowing her to fight this far and keep running. And now, she'd lost that one thing supporting her.

The room around her started to blur. The color drained from her face, and her feet became wobbly. If Tana's thin arm, and one other muscular arm hadn't each supported one side of her, she likely would have collapsed where she stood.

The person who supported her other side was Seth. He'd been standing on guard behind the two princesses, and immediately rushed up to her.

Eirika leaned against his arm and managed to stay standing.

She felt like crying, so she clenched her teeth to hold the tears back. Her father surely would have scolded her for bursting into tears or losing her composure...

King Hayden looked at her with eyes full of deep love and compassion. "My country of Frelia will avenge the loss of my dearest friend. We will not tolerate Grado's acts of violence!"

But even the king's powerful words could not comfort her in that moment. 

She opened her mouth, but what she wanted to say got caught in her throat, and nothing came out.

In her place, Seth asked, "King Hayden, do you know anything about Lord Ephraim's whereabouts?"

"I received a report detailing that Prince Ephraim won the battle at the border, then marched into Grado. Within Grado's territory is a Castle named Renvall. He seems to be fighting near it."

"So, Brother… He's safe?”

"I received this information from Frelia's elite pegasus knights. However, it has already been several days since the report. I know it’s frustrating not to know exactly where he is at this moment, but… that is all I can say for sure.”

"King Hayden!" Eirika managed to say.

She pushed herself up out of Seth’s grip and managed to stand on her own, then lifted her head up with determination on her face.

"I will go to Renvall Castle, then. If Brother is struggling all on his own, I must go help him…"

King Hayden's brow furrowed in pity, and he shook his head. "I know how you feel, Princess Eirika. You're feeling impatient and anxious, but still, there's nothing you can do. I want you to leave this to the Frelian Army. We will do everything we can to aid Prince Ephraim."

"Thank you. But I cannot wait around. I want to go out to the battlefield myself." As she spoke, she felt that someone’s eyes were on her, and looked at Seth.

He was sure to disagree with her. He would agree with King Hayden's words, and try to change her mind.

Or so she thought. However, the opposite of her prediction was what actually happened. Seth did not say anything, rather, he looked back at her, and nodded slightly.

King Hayden still did not give up trying to convince her. "I cannot allow it. If anything were to happen to you, I would never be able to face Fado."

"King Hayden, we're twins. From the moment we were born… no, since even before that… we've always been together. When Brother is in trouble, it feels as if I am experiencing the same pain. Please let me go."

"Father, please listen to her! Have the Frelian Army go with her as her guard to Renvall Castle!” Tana backed her up from the sidelines.

Still, King Hayden's tough expression did not crumble. "But… we do not have enough soldiers for such a purpose right now. My son Innes is currently leading the main force of the army, holding back Grado's invasion of Frelia. I have very few soldiers I could send as your guard…"

"Of course, I do not want to trouble Frelia at all. Just a very small force would be fine. Either way, I will go save my brother."

"It seems it doesn't matter what I say. All of my words will fall on deaf ears." King Hayden frowned and looked past Eirika. "Are you here, Vanessa?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." She responded, cool and calm.

Eirika turned around to see a woman wearing white armor. She had refined features, making her a very beautiful knight. 

'She's probably a pegasus knight too…' Eirika thought.

"Moulder."

"You called, Your Highness?"

The next person the king called responded. He was a middle-aged man with a moustache.

Compared to Vanessa standing next to him, he was short, stout, and very plain-looking. However, if one looked into his eyes, they could see a glimpse into his vast intelligence.

"Gilliam."

The last name the king called was that of the knight who'd marched with Eirika from Mulan Castle to where they currently stood. He'd been standing guard near the door to the throne room, but came forward when he heard his name. He bowed with the same rough expression on his face as always.

"This order is for all three of you. Aid Princess Eirika and save Prince Ephraim, who is fighting at Renvall Castle on the Frelian-Grado Border.”

"Yes, Your Majesty." All three of them bowed their heads. 

King Hayden turned his gaze towards Eirika.

"These three are my most trusted retainers. Vanessa is a pegasus knight, Moulder is a priest, and you should already know of Gilliam's bravery. They will no doubt be of great assistance to you. While I may have only a few soldiers left to spare, in return, I will prepare ample funds and supplies for you."

"Thank you."

For Eirika, who was tired from fighting and running, and had just been hit with the news of her father’s passing, King Hayden's consideration for her calmed her heart more than anything else in the world could. She knew it would fill her broken heart with strength.

Her dream of reuniting with her father could now never be achieved. But she would save her brother, without fail, then, they would free their father of his regrets.

They decided to set out in two days. Eirika needed to rest, Seth had to let his wound heal, and they needed to prepare their equipment, so even doing the bare minimum would take time.

Though they were worried, they stuck with their plan, and spent two nights at the royal palace.

☆

"You're finally going to leave, Eirika!" Tana whispered to Eirika the night before she was to leave Frelia, while walking together down a long hallway in the castle.

"It seems like it’s going to be a long trip! I want you to take me with you if you can, but…"

"I'm really happy to hear you say that, but it's impossible. King Hayden won't allow it."

Tana nodded, but looked disheartened. "Yeah, I know… I will stay here and pray for your safety. Please find a way to bring Ephraim back safely."

"Of course!"

"All three of the guards Father left you with are really reliable! Vanessa is especially talented, even among the pegasus knights, and everyone respects her. She’s so serious that she’s a bit stiff and formal, so you might have a hard time getting to know her at first, but she’s really a kind person. Moulder looks laid back, but he's smarter than you could ever believe! He has the heart of a doctor, so he'll surely be a big help to you. And you already know all about Gilliam."

"Yes, I do. And I have Seth and Franz with me as well"

"That's true! So long as they're all with you, you'll be safe.”

Tana finally smiled. However, her expression quickly darkened.

"Still, I wonder why the Grado Empire is doing such terrible things. I've heard that Emperor Vigarde is a wise, benevolent ruler loved by the people, so even now, I cannot believe it."

"...I can't, either."

"And I feel the same way about Prince Lyon! I've never met him, but he's close to you and Ephraim, right? So why…?"

"I don't know, either." Eirika looked down at her feet and sighed.

Ever since the war had started, she'd been worried about that. She'd been friends with Emperor Vigarde's only son, Prince Lyon, since long ago. He was kinder than anyone else he'd ever met, and always been considerate of others. She thought of him as a very precious friend.

She was concerned about what he thought of this war. She couldn't possibly imagine that he supported it. Everything happening surely must be causing his heart to ache. He might even be blaming himself for not being able to stop his father.

She wanted to meet with him to talk to him. He was the only one who could stop the emperor's tyranny.

When she safely saved Ephraim, then she would tell him what she was thinking. If anyone could talk to Lyon and persuade him, it would be Ephraim.

That night, she couldn't sleep even when she laid down in bed. And when she did doze off, she had a dream about her brother and Lyon, which woke her up completely.

Morning came without her ever properly falling asleep, and she and her army all left together to travel towards Grado territory.

[loekas]

Web Of Secrets

Summary: Alright, let's do this one last time. Name's Aaron Davis, and for the past ten years, I've been the one and only Prowler.

(Or, in a world where an adult Gwen is the one pushed into the collider, the Prowler and Spider-Woman are enemies)

(Aaron Davis and Gwen Stacy aren't)

Link to the rest of the fic

Spider-Woman always gets away. That’s what Aaron tells himself as he walks through the ruin caused by the collider going out of control. Spider-Woman always gets away.

He keeps telling himself that even when they find the Green Goblin’s corpse. Don’t matter he thought that beast was indestructible too, Spider-Woman always gets away. Sure, she’ll be injured, but her healing will take care of that. She’s fine.

His denial gets broken by a wet cough echoing through the dust. Even then, he can’t accept the truth until it’s shoved in his face.

There she is. Suit torn and covered with blood, a leg pinned beneath a large piece of ruble. Her breathing is ragged, chest heaving with the effort it takes to keep her lungs working. One of her lenses is broken, revealing a too familiar eye.

“Now isn’t this a pretty sight?”

Part of Aaron is aware of the boss speaking but most of him can only look at the sight he’d hoped to never see. The worst part is that she ain’t even trying to get up. It's almost offending. After all she’s been through, all the crap he himself threw at her, this is when she decides to call it quits?

Get up. Push off that rubble and swing out of here. Go. Just go.

“I could get used to seeing you like this, little spider.”

“I'm not surprised.”

Her voice modulator still works. That’s good. Keeps the boss from running voice recognition.

Aaron realizes how stupid that thought is when the boss moves forward and pulls off Spider-Woman’s hood and mask.

It’s like getting punched in the gut. Every denial, every dumbass justification he ever made gets torn apart.

Spider-Woman is Gwen. The hair falling to her jaw, the faint freckles dotting her nose. The eyes closed in a pained grimace. It’s a face he knows as well as his own. And he knew who she was, has known for half a year now.

It feels like when he first found out.

Part of Aaron is aware he can’t throw up here. Another part notes that Tombstone is watching him, instincts tipped off by something in his body language. 

He can’t look away from Gwen. Gwen, hurt and exhausted and defiant as always.

“Going straight for the kill then?”

Her voice modulator still works. Not bound to her mask then.

“Oh honey.”

The sheer venom makes him look at the boss for real.

Vanessa is standing like a model and wearing a lethal smile.

Her eyes are alight with madness. She’s enjoying every moment of this. And she’s only just gotten started.

Vanessa leans towards Gwen, barely staying out of grabbing range. A risk she never would have taken before.

“By the time I’m through with you, you’re going to wish I’d killed you here.”

It’s a promise, not a threat. Ever since losing her husband and son, Vanessa has wanted nothing more than to make Spider-Woman suffer. And now she can.

Vanessa straightens back up, eyes still on Gwen.

“Lock her up. And cut off her arms and legs.”

The words snap him out of his shock. It’s clear what he's gotta do.

He's gotta save Gwen.

“It would be such a shame to have our little spider escape before we can play,” Vanessa says with a picture perfect smile. Savoring the horror Gwen is showing.

Aaron steps forward, plans taking shape. Vanessa will expect him and Tombstone to lock up Spider-Woman, and the transit will provide the best window to work with. Will be tricky to pull it off with Tombstone there but not impossible. Now, does he go with Gwen when she escapes or does he pretend to get overpowered?

Go with Gwen. The old Vanessa might have forgiven him for losing Spider-Woman but the new one won’t. Worse, she’s gonna go after his family and make him watch.

He's gonna need to kill the Black Queen. Damn.

All this runs through his mind as he nears Gwen. Who’s struggling to get free now. 

She fails. He’s relieved. If she gets out now, the odds will be against them. Better to have her unconscious for the first part.

He's really not looking forward to cutting off her air—choking her, hurting her, watching her struggle like an animal and it's  Gwen—but it's better than knocking her unconscious. Too much risk of giving her a real head injury.

Gwen lets out a frustrated cry—a pained cry. So pained. Just how hurt is she?—as the rubble refuses to budge before she clenches her jaw and looks back at Vanessa.

“Don’t you want to know what I saw?”

"Wait."

Aaron smoothly steps back. Gotta act normal. If he shows his hand now, there’s too much risk of him or Gwen ending up dead. 

Gwen takes a steadying breath. He worries over how it rattles. Pierced lung?

Gwen looks at Vanessa, determined. 

“I know what you’re trying to do. It won’t work. They’re gone.”

Aaron keeps a close watch on Vanessa. Normally he’d feel confident in predicting her response, but she’s been acting out ever since losing her family. Gwen driving in that knife even deeper? It’s gonna cause the Queen to lash out. Don’t know in what way though. She could come up with more torture for Gwen, but she could also lose her temper and shoot her in the head.

Vanessa shifts her weight, tense and trying not to show it. She places a hand on her waist, close to her gun. Shit.

Aaron don’t get a chance to come up with a course of action before Gwen speaks again, and what she says causes a wave of panic because he gets what she’s trying to do now.

She’s trying to goad Vanessa into killing her. 

“They’re going to hate you. And you’re going to hate them back.”

He’s gotta step in  now. Starts doing just that when Vanessa raises her hand and shit, if he don’t obey, she’s gonna know something is up.

“Because they’re copies,” Gwen says and Aaron curses her for doing this. Can’t believe this is happening really, Gwen and Spider-Woman ain’t ever read as suicidal to him. 

Spider-Woman has never been trapped like this.

Aaron’s mind races, weighing risks before settling on a plan. He moves forward despite Vanessa’s command, planning to cut off Gwen's air and claim he did it so Vanessa wouldn’t regret killing her too soon.

Tombstone grabs his arm before he can take more than a single step. Aaron glances at him, sees that Tombstone is holding a gun—not the armor piercing one—with warning but then his attention is drawn back to Gwen.

“Hollow, broken fakes. No matter how long you search, you’ll never get your family back.”

For a moment, Aaron has hope Vanessa won’t snap. Then she takes hold of her gun and he knows it’s all over.

He fires his boots, the force letting him rip his arm out of Tombstone’s hold, and tackles Vanessa, crushing her gun and breaking his fall by rolling off her. Gotta keep moving, Tombstone will pump him full of lead if he don’t. 

As expected, Tombstone starts shooting with both guns. Only the right contains armor piercing rounds, but while a hit from the left won’t be fatal, it’ll slow him down enough for Tombstone to get in a kill shot.

Aaron darts around and grabs the first piece of rubble he can, throwing it at Tombstone. Need to create an opening so he can close the distance.

The rubble don’t create that opening, but the web bullet splattering all over Tombstone’s eyes does. Spider-Woman quick to adapt as always.

Aaron closes the distance, but even blind, Tombstone knows him well enough to avoid the claws aimed at his guts. There’s no room for another kill shot, so Aaron settles for kicking Tombstone in the side, enhancing the hit with a repulsor and using the other to spin to his feet.

Tombstone hits a slab of concrete hard enough to crack it but Aaron knows that won’t keep him down for long. Could go after him and get in a kill shot, but that would mean leaving Gwen. In her trapped state that holds too much risk.

He runs to Gwen, gets his claws underneath the concrete and lifts the rubble keeping her trapped. Needs both gauntlets and boots to do it. Shit, that’s heavy. Also jammed, preventing him from just throwing it off.

Gwen gets her leg out and takes hold of his arm, using him as support to get to her feet. She's confused and alert and shows no sign of recognition. 

She’s trusting him despite only knowing him as an enemy. Would be a dumbass move if he weren’t saving her for real.

His attention is drawn to Vanessa. She’s gracelessly getting to her knees and pressing down the gash he caused with his tackle. She’s looking at him with shock and hate.

He’s never gonna get a cleaner shot than this. Unfortunately, Gwen wraps an arm around his shoulders and a leg around his waist, making him shift his balance and get an arm around her on instinct, and then she’s shooting a web and yanking them up with a cry—a pained one—and Aaron is firing his boots and moving with the force before he even realizes what he’s doing. By the time his mind catches up to his body, it’s too late to go back. Tombstone will have recovered before he can make it to Vanessa.

Aaron turns on his night vision and looks for an exit. Should drop through one of the holes, the tunnels are the fastest way to his bike, and if they’re gonna get away, they’re gonna need speed.

Spider-Woman curses. With his visor in night mode, he can't make our Gwen's features. It's a relief.

“Shit, the kid.”

What kid?

He don’t get a chance to figure out the answer before Spider-Woman shoots another web and swings them back the way they came. Part of Aaron is cursing her even as he moves with her. She just had to make things more difficult.

The only reason he stays put after landing is cause they don’t end up quite where they came from. But they gotta hurry. Even with the echoes making it hard to locate the source, Vanessa’s voice is too close. And he’s pretty sure she’s calling for Octavius. No way in hell is he fighting that crazy bitch. 

“Kid, get over here.”

Aaron has just realized that some kid has somehow gotten caught in this whole mess, meaning Spider-Woman and her bleeding heart need to save them, when the kid in question scrambles into view, clumsily sliding down a slab of rubble. Another body to carry. Great. At least the kid ain’t big. 

Should switch to normal vision. Best to get a good look at the kid, to make sure he knows what to look for if they get separated. A real possibility, what with the route they’re taking. 

He could lose the kid on purpose. Will be easier to get away if it’s just him and Gwen. That's the thought running through his mind when his optics change and everything slams to a halt.

“Miles?”

What the fuck is Miles doing here?

“How do you know my name?” Miles asks because Miles is here and how the fuck is Miles here?

“Aaron?”

His eyes dart to Gwen and she’s looking at him with shock and denial and  shit. 

Alright, get it together. Miles and Gwen are both here, meaning he’s gotta get them both out. Everything else can wait.

“We've gotta go,” he says and doesn’t give Gwen a chance to respond before moving to Miles. Gwen, still wrapped around his side, makes an aborted move of some kind. Aaron would have paid more attention to that if it weren’t for one thing.

Miles is backing away, afraid. It makes Aaron freeze, a whole new terror gripping his throat. Miles should never be afraid of him.

His nephew is never gonna think him safe again.

Get going. Get out first, all else second.

“It’s okay, he’s on our side.”

Spider-Woman’s voice is steady. Part of Aaron wonders how much of that is thanks to her modulator, Gwen’s face shows just how not alright things are. 

Most of his focus is on Miles, who hesitates a mere moment before running at him fast. Too fast. Miles shouldn't be that quick.

And then Miles is jerking to a stop in front of him and babbling in a far too loud voice.

“Are you alright, I saw—why did you do that?” 

That last is aimed at him.

“You’re the Prowler, and you know my name and seriously, how do you know that?”

“Miles, shut up and get on.”

Aaron is grateful for Spider-Woman’s firm interruption. This is his worst nightmare come to life.

Miles hasn’t realized who he is. Didn’t hear the name Gwen used. He can still save this.

“I’ll explain everything after we’re safe,” Spider-Woman continues in a gentler voice. Aaron holds out a hand—not a hand, a gauntlet, a weapon he’s used to kill and now he’s aiming it at  Miles—and mentally begs Miles to take it. 

Gwen moves, messing with his cape and crawling on his back. Flexible as ever even with her injuries. Part of Aaron realizes she’s doing it cause he can’t hold Miles and her both, and he shifts his position to accommodate her. 

Most of his focus stays on Miles.

Miles hesitates, but when a loud yell echoes—the boss losing it as she never has—he jumps onto Aaron’s chest.

Reflex is the only reason Aaron don’t fall straight down his ass. That was a hard hit.

His hands are halfway up to support Miles when he remembers his gauntlets. Aaron adjusts his move so only his arms are touching Miles. 

Miles has his arms and legs wrapped around him hard. Too hard. Even with armor, the pressure is almost painful. Miles shouldn’t be capable of that. 

“Still got the key?” Spider-Woman asks, helping him get his head back in the game.

“Yeah,” Miles says, voice tight with fear. Aaron wishes he could comfort him but he’s busy switching to night vision and making sure they haven’t been found yet. Wish he could use heat vision, best way to keep from being ambushed, but turns out machinery that rips open dimensions runs hot and it don’t fade fast. Night vision will have to do.

“Good. Let’s go.”

With that, Spider-Woman shoots another web, and Aaron fires his boots when she yanks, taking some of the strain off her. Making sure his hold on Miles stays secure, he looks for the nearest exit. Don’t think about Gwen knowing, don’t think of how he’s gonna keep Miles from finding out. Just get them out of here. Get them somewhere safe.

For the most part, Aaron succeeds in staying on task. The skill is one of the many reasons he’s so good at what he does. But there’s a tension that’s never been there before.

He’s always known things were gonna fall apart one day. 

He never imagined it would all come crashing down like this.

[lantur]

royai week 2020: day two, “little pistol”

summary: Riza works for the Fuhrer for two months before she cracks. 

rated: t for teen

tags: canon-compliant

words: 3122 | read on ao3

Riza works for the Fuhrer for two months before she cracks. 

The Fuhrer dismisses her late. It’s the most petty of the several little power plays that he engages in. He always has her work late, and not in a predictable fashion, either. Sometimes he keeps her half an hour past five; sometimes he keeps her until eight or nine at night, despite the fact that she reports for duty at seven every morning. 

Riza hadn’t minded the occasional late nights when she had been her Colonel’s assistant, but this is different. This is so different.

Half the times that Bradley asks her to stay late, he only has the most menial, inconsequential tasks for her to do. Hardly anything of urgency. It’s nothing more than a reminder that she is utterly at his disposal.  Riza is careful never to reveal her irritation or impatience, or her worry for Hayate, alone for so many hours and probably in desperate need of a walk. She schools her expression into blankness. She doesn’t pick at the skin underneath her fingernails or tap her fingertips against the desk, or twirl her pen through her fingers (a habit she had unconsciously picked up from her Colonel, and never realized until Havoc had pointed it out. She misses Havoc.) She doesn’t look at the clock. 

On this Friday evening, two months to the day that she had first reported for duty in his office, the Fuhrer dismisses her at half past six. “Have a good evening, Lieutenant.” Bradley glances away from the window, giving her a small, genial smile, the corners of his visible eye crinkling in the same way Lieutenant General Grumman’s eyes crinkle when he smiles. It looks so human.

Riza salutes him. “You as well, Fuhrer.” 

She walks home briskly, her heart in her throat. The sound of the cars speeding past on the road makes her startle. When one of them honks, she nearly jumps out of her skin. 

Normally, spending time with Hayate, stroking his soft fur, admiring the shine of his warm brown eyes, watching his tail wag and his nose twitch as they walk together, is enough to soothe her. Center her. It doesn’t, this evening, though Riza takes him for an extra long walk. They get home and she measures food out into Hayate’s bowl and stands and watches him eat. Her shoulders feel rigid and achy, her nerves rubbed raw after another long week in such close proximity to the Fuhrer. 

Riza pets Hayate for a few minutes, and then grabs her keys and her access card to the range.

It’s nearly empty, at this time on a Friday night. Riza normally enjoys the solitude, but tonight, she keeps looking twice at every shadow. No witnesses, she thinks, every time. 

She stays until closing, trying to take comfort in the muffled sound of the gunshots, the subtle kickback of her weapon, the smell of the gunpowder, even the weight of the protective coverings on her ears. It normally helps her feel calmer. More in control. Tonight, when every shot hits its target, Riza just sees Lust and Gluttony in front of her, advancing on her, completely undeterred.

It’s almost ten when the range closes. She should go home and try to sleep. She can’t remember the last time she had a good night’s rest. It must have been back in East City, before Hughes was killed. But she isn’t tired. The shooting had burned time, but not energy.

It’s impulsive, it’s not like her - at least, not like the old her - but Riza takes the train, the Sanderson Line, to the very outskirts of Central. She gets off at the last stop on the line and she just wanders, for a while, her hands shoved in the pockets of her coat. It’s a chilly night, and she lets her hair down to warm her neck, relieved that she had thought to put on tall boots underneath her skirt before leaving her apartment. The warmth of the Nimble Bar, when she steps in, is a welcome sensation. 

Riza takes in her surroundings at a glance. It’s a large space, but somewhat run-down. It’s dimly lit and smoky - good for privacy. It’s busy, but not too busy, which is another point in its favor. The deciding factor is its distance from Central Command. She doesn’t see a single familiar face here. 

Thankfully, no one pays her much attention as she walks up to the bar and orders her drink, or when she takes it back to a corner booth far away from the billiards tables. It’s white lightning moonshine, stronger than what she normally likes. She hasn’t had this particular drink since returning from Ishval. Something inside Riza is telling her that this isn’t a good idea, but she ignores it. 

It’s good moonshine. It’s smooth. It’s potent. It burns. Riza curls her hands around the glass and takes a deep breath, and she savors the way it burns all the way down. It nearly hurts. 

She sits there, nursing her drink, and she lets it all wash over her. She thinks of the Fuhrer, and of Selim Bradley, and Gluttony and Lust, and the Philosopher’s Stones, and Ishval. 

Riza finishes the glass faster than she should, and goes back for a second. She is close to finishing her second glass, and is staring into it, contemplating ordering a third, when a man slides into the booth beside her, without even asking if she would like company.

Riza looks up a second too late, and her angry words die on her lips. 

“Drinking alone, Elizabeth?” Roy gives her an affable smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “That’s very unlike you.”

He’s wearing his usual, overly formal, civilian clothes, and he looks so out of place here that Riza blinks, wondering if the moonshine is hitting her too hard (now that she thinks about it, she hadn’t had dinner), and whether she’s seeing things. Colonel, she almost says. She catches herself, just in time, but she can’t bring herself to think of a codename. 

“What are you doing here?” This isn't one of his usual haunts. As far as she knows, he’s never conducted business on this side of town before. It’s clear on the other end of the city from Chris Mustang’s bar. 

“I came to find you, of course.” Roy studies her glass. “Is that white moonshine?”

He sounds a little shocked. Riza closes her eyes. “How did you know I was here?”

“Vanessa was here, on a date, when you came in.” Roy’s voice is low. “She gave me a call. She said that you looked down - that you were probably having troubles with your new man - and suggested that I check in.”

She doesn’t even know what time it is. It could be close to midnight. It could have taken him half an hour to get here. Riza rubs her temples. “You shouldn’t have.” Her voice doesn’t sound quite right. It’s less steady than usual. “I’m fine.”

“Are you?” 

She doesn’t want to argue. She’s too tired, all of a sudden, for that. Riza lifts her glass for another sip, and her Colonel presses a gentle hand to her arm, lowering it. “I think that you’ve had enough for tonight.”

She wants to snap at him, like he has done to her whenever she’s tried to cut him off - so many times, over the past years. Especially after Ishval, and after Hughes. But Roy’s hand is lingering on her arm, and he’s sitting so close that she can smell his aftershave and feel the warmth radiating off him, and he’s wearing that dark coat he always wears, the one that’s as familiar to her as anything she owns. Riza feels the tears burn the back of her eyes. She sets the glass down. She presses the heels of both of her hands to the skin underneath her eyes and takes a deep breath. 

“That’s better.” Roy pauses, and she wishes he wasn’t sitting so close. The temptation to lean against him, to press her aching head to his shoulder, is almost overwhelming. “I don’t think I need to ask you what’s wrong.”

“No.” Riza actually laughs, though she feels anything but happy, and she wipes her eyes as discreetly as she can. “You don’t.” 

“Talk to me, Elizabeth,” Roy says quietly. “Has anything happened? Did he do anything to you?”

Their shoulders are mere inches from one another. She feels how tense he is; how tightly wound. Riza shakes her head. “It’s more about what I want to do than anything he’s done.” She struggles with the words; with her thoughts. “Every day. Every hour. I think of going to the mansion, at night, and burning it down. I’d pour gasoline around the perimeter, first. All it would take after that is a couple of matches and a lighter.” 

A lighter. Riza thinks of Havoc, and the desire to cry returns. She looks at her Colonel. From the expression on his face, he seems to have had the same thought.  

“Fire kills them,” Riza explains, as quietly as she can. “You remember what you did at the Third Laboratory. But my guns are useless against them. I’m useless against them.” You wouldn’t be, a voice inside her says, one that sounds like her father, if you’d only been able to learn alchemy from me; if only you weren’t such a hopeless pupil-- and Riza nearly sobs. 

She can’t remember the last time she had seen her Colonel look so concerned. Maybe it was on the day that they had all received their transfer paperwork. He moves as if he would touch her shoulder, and then stops short. “Elizabeth--”

“I can’t accept it.” Riza buries her face in her hands. “I can’t get my head around it.”

“What? What is it?”

“All of it, Roy.” She hasn’t called him by his first name in ten years, but it just slips out, and she can’t put it back. “The fact that he is - what he is. Ishval. For all the years since then, I thought he was a person, a person who gave that order, a misguided person, a person who made a terrible, cruel decision, but a person. To learn that everything in Ishval happened not just because a human made a terrible decision - as all humans are capable of, as even you and I would be capable of - but because it was calculated is just…” Riza chokes. “He used us to murder the Ishvalans, not out of his own human cruelty and frailty - but as a deliberate sacrifice to get what he wanted.”

“I know.” Roy’s hands tighten into fists. “I know.”

“I can’t stand it.” It’s taking everything in her not to cry. “I hate it. It makes me want to kill. And all of the senior leadership who know the truth of what he is, who accept having him as the leader of our country, using the people of Amestris as pawns in his game…” Riza’s stomach heaves, and she bites the inside of her cheek to suppress the wave of nausea that washes over her. “Every day, I have to sit in on his meetings with them and take notes, and there’s nothing I’ve ever wanted more than to take out my gun and put a bullet in each of their brains. It scares me, how much I want it. I’ve never… Killing is something I do, it’s something I’ve done for years, but I’ve never wanted to do it so badly before. Does that make sense?” 

There’s such compassion and empathy in Roy’s gaze. “It does.”

“I don’t just want to put a bullet between his eyes. Even if that would do anything.” Riza rakes her fingernails through her hair, against her scalp. It doesn’t burn in quite the same way the moonshine does, but it’s an acceptable substitute. “I want him to burn, and to suffer. Like Lust did.”

“I know,” Roy repeats. “But you have to let this go.”

The words, the sentiment, is so unexpected from him that Riza stares, taken aback. “What?”

“Anger isn’t your vice. It’s not your burden to carry. It’s mine, and it always has been. It’s not…” Roy hesitates. “It’s not what’s best for you. I know it’s difficult, but you have to put this aside and focus on surviving. It’s going to be a long winter, as it is. It’s going to be a hundred times longer and harder if you’re dealing with all these thoughts every day.” 

A number of retorts rise to her lips, and Riza swallows them down. “You think that you can bear this burden better than I can?”

“I always have.” Roy rests his hand on the table, a hair’s breadth from hers. “With you to keep me in check. With you to pull me back whenever I’m close to doing something dangerous or impulsive. It’s not an option for both of us to be so compromised.”

Riza exhales slowly. She thinks back to the past five years, since Ishval, to all the times she’s warned her Colonel against being too rash, too impatient, too bold, too borderline insubordinate to senior staff. To all the times she had chided him for drinking too much. “I’m sorry. I should have been more understanding of you, in the past.”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Roy says, at once. His tone brooks no argument. “And you can let go of the idea that you’re useless, as well. There’s nothing further from the truth. You should know how valuable you are to me.” 

“I--” Riza looks at him, and then looks away. I miss you, she’d almost said. Because she does. That’s the steady undercurrent that runs through every single one of her days, now. Like the background music on a radio drama or a television program. She goes about her work, taking notes at the Fuhrer’s meetings, creating his schedule for the days, making him tea, helping him prepare for his upcoming meetings, filing his paperwork, and she misses Roy Mustang, every single day. “Thank you.”

“Is there anything else on your mind?” Roy presses. “While we’re here, and able to speak a little more openly then we can, closer to home?” 

He knows her so well, and Riza can’t help but smile, for the first time in what feels like months. “I miss the unit.” That’s an acceptable thing to say, and it is true. She stares at her moonshine, wishing she could finish the last sip, even though it’s really hitting her, now, and she doesn’t need any more of it. “And Rebecca. And Edward and Alphonse.” Even though she’s surrounded by the Fuhrer’s associates and the Fuhrer himself all day, and she has Hayate for company at night, she feels alone. Alone with her thoughts, her feelings, her anger, her fear. 

“They miss you too. I’m sure of it.” Riza glances at him, and Roy smiles, and this time, it does reach his eyes. “You’re not alone, I promise.”

Underneath the intelligence, the sharp wit, the strength of his convictions, the confidence, the charm, this is what had made her fall for Roy in the first place, more years ago than she cares to remember. His quiet, subtle kindness. It’s been so long since her world has had any kindness, any tenderness, any soft moments at all, and Riza looks away from him abruptly. Her breath actually catches in her throat, embarrassingly, and she hopes he hadn’t noticed it.

Roy reaches out without another word and rests a hand on her back, rubbing gentle circles against it, and Riza goes still, because this isn’t something they do. They never touch, unless it’s necessary. But it feels so comforting, so soothing, and all the breath leaves her body in a shuddering exhale. She lets Roy draw her close against him, holding her like a man would hold his girlfriend, like he’s sheltering her, like he would protect her. Riza presses her cheek against the wool of his coat and breathes him in. He’s still rubbing her back, and she can feel the weight and warmth of his hand through her coat and her sweater, and she’s had sex less intimate than this feels.

Riza rests her aching head against his shoulder. “You know,” she murmurs, a thought suddenly occurring to her. “Maybe there’s one small silver lining to all this.”

“Hmm?” Roy smooths her hair out of the way, moving his hand further up her back, and Riza closes her eyes, savoring the sensation. 

“We’re not in the same direct chain of command anymore,” she says, as quietly as she can. “You’re not my commanding officer. Not for the rest of this winter. Not until spring.”

Roy’s hand stills for a moment, and then he resumes. “That’s a good point.” His voice wavers slightly. 

She pulls back, just enough to look him in the eye. They’re close enough to kiss. Under normal circumstances, she would never be so bold, but there’s a great deal of white moonshine in her system and all of the want, the need, the craving for destruction and violence that had dominated her earlier, pressing into her ribs with every breath she took, is taking a different direction. 

“Take me home, Roy,” Riza says softly. That’s the second time she’s called him by name in a decade, now. She has to be careful. She loves the way it feels in her mouth, on her lips. It’s strangely addictive. 

Roy closes his eyes briefly, as if to shield himself against whatever he sees in hers. “You’re drunk, Elizabeth.” 

“That doesn’t change anything.” 

Roy opens his eyes, and she can see his frustration, his indecision, as plainly as if it had been written all over his face. His hand is still on her back, thumb caressing down her shoulder blade. “It does.” He takes a deep breath, and she can see it on him, that he’s come to a decision. “We’ll meet at Madame Christmas’s bar tomorrow at nine. For now, though, let me take you back to your place so that you can rest.” 

It’s what she’s wanted - what both of them have wanted - for so long. It’s a win, after a devastating streak of losses. A silver lining amidst the gathering storm. Riza nods. Roy stands, and offers her his hand. The world spins alarmingly when she rises to her feet. She takes his hand, grateful for the support, and they walk out together, into the cold night. 

-

and I, well, I want what's best for me / and I, I think I know just what that means / just what that means

-

The title of this fic on ao3 and the lyrics at the end are taken from “Little Pistol,” by Mother Mother. It’s a fabulous song and I highly recommend giving it a listen! 

[anothersuperstition]

okay so i had a Moment about my best friend who died almost six years during famous last words at the show on friday and it’s something i’ve been struggling with for a long time so i wrote about it and it’s long and obv talks about death/suicide so please don’t read it if that will affect you badly and also u don’t have to read it at all but i wanted to share because i’m sure a lot of other people have had big profound moments like this because of mcr and i think some of u might appreciate it (if u feel comfy sharing those moments i’d love to hear !) also i was a newspaper kid in high school so if this reads like an article that’s why sjhfkjsfd

The beginning of Famous Last Words is something that strikes like a punch every time it comes on. The chugging guitars and Gerard’s low, fierce voice make my heart skip a beat every time, without fail, no matter how many times I hear it.

Nothing has ever struck such a chord in my heart like that song. Maybe it’s that it was the first My Chem song I heard when I was seven years old, maybe it’s that it was the song I listened to most from the ages of 13 to 16 when I was struggling the most, or maybe it’s knowing why Gerard wrote the song. Whatever the reason, nothing else has ever hit so close to my heart, and at the My Chem reunion show in Los Angeles on December 20th something happened that ensured nothing else will ever hit so close to my heart again.

The week after I turned 15 my best friend at the time, Katie, who was still 14, committed suicide. We had been best friends since we were five years old and met at kindergarten. She moved to Los Angeles when we were about seven years old and our parents were friends so we managed to keep in touch through them until we were old enough to have our own phones and the rest is history.

My freshman year I almost moved to LA to go to a high school for the arts but I let my friends and boyfriend at the time convince me to stay here and when Katie died I blamed myself heavily for not being there. I know she’d made her decision but I felt like if I'd been there like I wanted to be then maybe I could have done something or changed her mind or shown her that life was still worth living.

Gerard wrote Famous Last Words for Mikey. Mikey was struggling badly and wanted to leave the band, or even the earth entirely, and Gerard wrote the song to convince Mikey to stay.

It’s a complex song. It has maybe a little bit of animosity (“…where’s your heart?”), some conflicted exhaustion at the lives they were both living (“a life that’s so demanding, I get so weak”), overarching statements that say ‘I made it’ (“can you see, my eyes are shining bright, ‘cause I'm out here on the other side”), and an undeniable optimism that you can take anything life throws at you (“I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone”).

Those last two hit home at the show and I started thinking about Katie.

I went to the show with my best friend Vanessa. Our first matching tattoos together are lyrics from Kill All Your Friends and seeing My Chem together was the highlight of our friendship and I'm so thankful we got that experience together.

I'd already told Nessa that I'd cry during Famous Last Words if they played it and she knew I would because she knows how much the song means to me, but neither of us were expecting it to hit me as hard as it did.

The second those guitars came in alongside Gerard’s aforementioned low, fierce voice I was hit with a wave of emotion so intense that if I think about it for too long even now I feel like I'm about to start crying again. I didn’t think I was going to live until I was 18, but all of a sudden I was at that show and almost 21, seeing my favorite band in the entire world live at their historic reunion show and they were playing my favorite song of all time.

30 seconds in and I was just sobbing into Nessa’s shoulder saying “I miss Katie” while she just held me and let me cry. I lifted my head up to try and get some air while these huge, heaving sobs wracked through me and as everyone else around me was jumping and screaming along and pumping their fists, I was just stood there, still as a rock, crying and trying to breathe. I looked up and Gerard was in front of us and for a brief second I caught his eyes and he gave me this just… small, sympathetic smile, barely noticeable, so small I’ll admit maybe I imagined it, before he whirled off to the other side of the stage and I started wiping at my face to try and repair my smudged makeup because I felt like I'd been caught.

It was the briefest of moments but it was enough to shock me out of my stupor, the fact that Gerard had seen me in that incredibly personal moment. I'm not sure he really registered what was happening and he probably only noticed me because I was the only person standing still, but he saw me, and he made sure I knew he saw me, and it felt like he was right there with me. It shook me out of my tiny breakdown and I reached for Nessa’s hand and grabbed it tight and held our clasped hands up in the air and finished the song screaming “I am not afraid to keep on living, I am not afraid to walk this world alone” along with everyone else and it was the most intense and cathartic moment of my life.

It was releasing every conflicting emotion I've had about Katie’s death since I was 15. It was accepting that I couldn’t have changed her mind even if I had been there, it was accepting that she wasn’t going to get any of the new experiences I was, it was accepting that I'm going to have to go the rest of my life without her next to me.

Gerard wrote that song for Mikey; he wrote it to convince him to stay and to show him that if he could make it to the other side then Mikey could too. I never got the chance to try and convince Katie to stay, I didn’t get that with her. But on Friday night in that venue, surrounded by thousands of other people experiencing their own kind of catharsis with Gerard screaming 20 feet away from us, with my best friend’s hand clasped tightly in my own, I got to tell Katie that I made it to the other side. I got to scream up to the heavens that I’m out here on the other side, and now I'm not afraid to keep living and I'm not afraid to walk this world alone.

So maybe it was the fact that it was the first My Chem song I heard when I was seven years old, maybe it was that it was the song I listened to most from the ages of 13 to 16 when I was struggling the most, or maybe it was knowing why Gerard wrote the song. Whatever the reason, maybe that’s why, before Friday, the song Famous Last Words always hit me like a punch to the face. But now I know from here on out that it’s because that song, that moment at the show, gave me the acceptance and closure I've been grasping at for years. It was like taking my first breath of air since I was 15.

So I know from here on out, the reason Famous Last Words is going to make my heart skip a beat whenever it comes on, is because it’s going to remind me of the time I felt most alive.

[shadowthrone-ammanas]

Can we get a sequel to Chat? If possible?

Thank you both for the request!

Something’s Off

Cooking was one of the things Hat Kid just wasn’t interested in. Food was great, she loved eating, but making it was a real pain and not fun at all. But it was Cooking Cat’s thing and she’d gotten Mu into too. So Hat Kid let the two of them to play around in her kitchen while she translated a recipe from her one and only cookbook for them.

Their enthusiasm made it the most fun cooking session Hat Kid had ever had. Not that that was saying much because cooking just wasn’t fun to her. But she was still grateful for the distraction when the sound of the kitchen door flopping open came from behind her.

She placed the cook book on the counter before snapping around to see who it was. … “Snatcher!” She hadn’t expected to see him here ever. Normally when he wanted to talk to her, he went to his spot in her room and waited. He’d had to shrink quite a bit to fit through the kitchen doors too, something she’d never seen him do before.

“Hey kiddo,” she said with his usual cocky grin though.

“You,” Mu said with a huff, crossing her arms and glaring at him. “You’re garbage.”

“Uh… Mu, maybe don’t insult the powerful specter,” Cooking Cat said with a grimace as she put a hand on Mu’s shoulder.

“I’ll do what I want. He’s a bastard and I hate him.”

“Eh, it’s whatever,” he said with a dismissive handwave. There was something off about it though? Like, the movement didn’t seem quite right. Though Hat Kid couldn’t pin down exactly why, maybe she was just imagining things. “Hate me if you wish, I can’t be bothered to care.”

“Please be nice Mu,” Hat Kid said. “He’s my BFF so you guys need to get along.”

“You’re insane, befriending him. But whatever, we all knew that already. Let’s get back to cooking.” Mu turned away to face the stove again.

“You want to help us cook Snatcher?” Hat Kid was pleased by the idea of spending time with multiple of her friends at once, it didn’t happen often.

“I’m a ghost kid, what makes you think I’d have any interest in cooking?” He moved his arms as he spoke, not too unusual but… still it still didn’t seem right.

A tad worried now, Hat Kid jogged over to him. She might be imagining things but more often than not when her instincts told her something was off, it was. “Are you okay?” she asked, leaning to whisper so Cooking Cat and Mu wouldn’t hear. “Is something wrong?”

Snatcher’s grin widened. “You really do care about me, huh? How sweet!”

“Um… yes of course I care about you, you’re my BFF. But you didn’t answer my question. You seem a bit off today so… what’s up with that?”

“Oh, lots of stuff really. I’ve been having a rather bad day, things just keep going wrong.” Okay, yeah, he wasn’t just a bit off, he was super off. He would never be open like that. “It’s about to get better though.”

He snapped forward, wrapping a hand around her throat before she could react. Squeezing, he lifted her, leaving her feet to dangle several feet off the ground as she pawed at his hand.

“Hey!” Mu shouted from the other side of the room followed a second later by the sound of magic blasting.

“Let’s not anger the powerful specter,” Snatcher said. “It’s not a smart idea, especially when I have a hostage.”

Mu growled in frustration, meaning she thankfully probably hadn’t been hit by the blast. Vision starting to grow fuzzy already, Hat Kid pulled out her umbrella and whacked Snatcher with it.

“Nope, can’t hurt me,” he said with a giggle. Not how he normally laughed at all.

He ducked back through the kitchen doors into the central area and tossed her. She hit the glass window with a thump before falling to the floor. Gasping for breath, she struggled to stand up and retrieve her umbrella from where it had fallen. She straightened in time to see Snatcher had jumped down from the balcony and Mu and Cooking Cat and run out of the kitchen to watch what was going on.

“It’s not him,” Hat Kid said. “It’s someone pretending to be him.” Another ghost probably, they could shapeshift after all and change their voices. So, she knew it wasn’t Snatcher.

“Nope, kiddo, I assure you, it’s me. Want some proof?” He shapeshifted to look an awful lot like the pictures she’d seen of the Prince in Vanessa’s mansion. “Let’s have some fun though.” He snapped, forming a magic barrier just in time to block Mu from jumping onto him with her teeth bared, it would’ve been funny under different circumstances.

More barriers popped up, boxing the two of them in. Hat Kid rushed him, smacking him with the umbrella. It did nothing of course, he was a ghost, without the blue potion she couldn’t hurt him. He giggled again as he summoned a pecking sword into his hand.

“You know,” he said with a grin as he lifted it, “I never actually learned how to use one of these. You’d think I would, being a prince and all, but nope, no one ever taught me. I learned to play the cello instead which honestly is more interesting anyway, more useful, less cliché. But that should make this interesting.” He swung at her.

She jumped back, avoiding it quite easily because it was slower that she would’ve thought. “You’re a bastard! Why are you doing this?”

“I’m bored and it’s fun.” He swung again, sloppy and slow, far too easy to dodge. He really didn’t know how to use a melee weapon. So why was he using one? Especially when he had magic.

He insisted on it though, slashing at her some more. If she didn’t know better, she’d said he was purposefully making it easy to dodge his attacks. He wasn’t even using magic other than for the barriers. She attacked back at every opportunity, smacking him with her umbrella, throwing her own exploding cocktails at him with the brewing hat which did nothing. But what else could she do? She was boxed in with him, she was going to fight.

“You know,” he eventually said with a sigh, “I was expecting you to call out to me during this battle. Appeal to the ‘real’ me and all that, normally when one’s loved one attacks them, that’s what they do. But you’re just wailing away at me like it’s no big deal if you hurt your BFF or not.”

“Huh? What are you talking about asshole? You’re not giving me any choice! Stop impersonating Snatcher and trying to hit me with your sword and I’ll stop attacking you.” She ducked in to whack him again, hard as she could in the midsection.

“I told you I’m not impersonating him, I’m the real Snatcher. I even proved it to you.”

“You didn’t prove shit! If I can find out about that, so can other people and ghosts. So stop impersonating him, it’s rude!”

He sighed again and stopped attacking. She came in for another whack but this time he caught the umbrella, dropping the sword to do so. He lifted it, bringing her up with it, kicking as she clung to the umbrella’s handle. “I could kill you but… I have a bit of a soft spot for kids. And you’re an alien, that makes you interesting. I suppose instead, I shall reveal the game, you’re lack of understanding makes it less fun. Though, I suppose I can’t blame you for that, one would not normally think a powerful ghost could be possessed or controlled by another being. It’s unprecedented for sure.”

Before she could ask what the heck that meant, the air above and a bit behind Snatcher shimmered. Another being faded into existence faded into that space. Gray and misshapen hands, face, and head, in dirty once regal clothing. There were red strings coming form his fingers, going into Snatcher’s back. He moved his fingers and Snatcher moved, letting go of the umbrella. Hat Kid somehow managed to land on her feet and not lose balance, barely though.

“I’m Moonjumper. I hail from the horizon.” He bowed slightly. Snatcher, still obviously in his control mimicked the move, a bit slower and stiffer. … That explained the odd slow movements, he was being controlled like a puppet.

“Let him go!” Hat Kid pointed her umbrella at Moonjumper, still ready to do battle. He may be floating too high for her to reach but she’d find a way if she had to.

He giggled, very similar to the way he’d made Snatcher giggle. “I suppose I can. I had my fun and he was vulnerable to your attacks so you gave him quite the beating so at least someone’s hurting. Maybe we’ll play this game some other time and have a real fight. I think I’d win. Bye!” He lifted a hand and waved, making Snatcher do this same.

“It was fun,” he made Snatcher say before vanishing in a puff of fog.

Free of the red strings, Snatcher slumped limply to ground with a groan. He mumbled something that was probably a curse word but Hat Kid wasn’t sure.

“Ha!” Mu shouted. The barriers were gone too, allowing her and Cooking Cat to see what was happening. “You won Hat Kid, good job! Take that you dumb noodle ghost! It’s what you get!”

“Like I told you, it wasn’t him,” Hat Kid said, glaring at her. “You didn’t see, but it wasn’t him. So be nice.” She crouched down beside him as he shifted into his normal shape. “You okay?”

“No,” he said with a groan. “You hit real hard kid. And as a whole, being puppeteered ain’t fun.”

“I thought you were immune to physical attacks most of the time.”

“Most of the time yeah, not all the time.”

“Oof.” Hat Kid grimaced. She’d hit him an awful lot, huh? “I’m sorry.”

“Whatever.” He vanished, teleporting away like a jerk. He could’ve stayed and explained things more while he rested some. She’d have to track him down later for answers and to make sure he was okay.

“You okay hon?” Cooking Cat asked from across the room with Mu. “You maybe want to explain what just happened?”

With a sigh, Hat Kid stood up. “I’m fine. And uh… basically Snatcher was being controlled by a guy named Moonjumper. He was a real jerk and I hate him.” If he ever showed his face around here again, she’d smack it with an umbrella. He deserved no less.

For this request event.

[taestefully-in-luv]

Always You | JJK (Eight-Part 1)

Summary: you and Jungkook have been best friends since freshmen year of college, there’s a lot of unsaid feelings and tension but neither make a move. what happens when his friend Taehyung (also your crush) needs a fake girlfriend?

Pairing: Jungkook x Female reader

Genre: friends to lovers, idiots to lovers, slight slow burn, roommate au, college au, SMUT (starting ch2), fluff, angst (in later chapters) slight crack, lots of drama

Word Count: 11.5k (part 1)

Warnings: Swearing, alcohol consumption, sexual tension (!!!), mentions of sex, oc struggles with her future, mentions of vibrator, mentions of cum eating, dirty talk, vaginal fingering, oral (female receiving), masturbation, swallowing

Notes: I am having to post this chapter in two parts, I am so sorry about that! But here it is!! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter:) feel free to send an ask if you want to be added to the taglist or just want to chat about the story:) I LOVE talking with ya’ll!

Taglist: @mooniyooni @thisartemisnevermisses @giadalin @kookiebunny097 @cosmosjk @moonchild1 @just-jeon @anpanman-sonyeondan @starlight-night0 @yessii-i @apollukee @mikasaredscarf1 @kaye-rosales @bunnyjeonjk @dyriddle @aclowe13 @bishuthot @271101 @seagulljk @hass-mich-los @peachy-skz0325 @wonusbitch @not-your-lion @flowersgirl02 @justinetingball @fiantomartell @fairysunooo @taebae19

© taestefully-in-luv

Previous ---- Next

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

September

“What about this one?” You hold up another birthday banner, showing Vanessa yet another option.

“Ugly.” She says.

This is the fourth fucking birthday banner you’ve shown her and she doesn’t approve of any of them. But you have to admit this one is a little ugly.

“Vanessa…” you groan out, getting very obviously frustrated.

“I like this one.” She points to a banner. The very first one you showed her.

“Seriously?” you grab the banner and place it in your cart. “Okay, we still have to pick up the cake at 3. And we need to make sure we have enough plates for everyone…oh! We also still have to pick up the bottles at the liquor store.”

“I can get the cake.” She replies smoothly.

“We can just go together?”

Today is Jungkook’s birthday and you and Vanessa have been (Kind of) texting throughout the last week trying to find a good day to meet up. The day happened to be today of all days, so you’re feeling quite rushed.

“Fine.” Vanessa picks at her cuticles, just standing here looking gorgeous.

You on the other hand…were not expecting this to be a fashion show! You’re in shorts and a t shirt while she wears a flowy green dress and sandals.

“I want to be the one to present his cake to him though,” Vanessa begins, her eyes never leaving her fingers, “I am his girlfriend after all.”

You hate that your chest tightens at her words, you hate how her words affect you like this, how she affects you like this. Just being in her presence alone makes your heart twist.

“Got it.” You place some birthday plates in the cart, “So…what did you get him for his birthday?” you try to make conversation.

“A cologne.”

“You know he’s sensitive to smells—”

“He likes this one.”

“Oh.”

“I know him better than you think y/n.” her smooth voice cuts you like a butcher knife.

You nod your head, not knowing what to say. Maybe she does. But like, you still know him better right? You got to, right?

“What about you?” Vanessa lifts her eyes to meet yours, her eyes are small and dark and inviting.

“Uh, to be honest…I’m meeting with Jimin after this so we can go shopping for his gifts. So, I don’t know yet but I have an idea.”

“And what’s your idea?” her eyes go back down to her nails that she keeps picking at.

“Friendship bracelets.” You state.

“Hm.” Vanessa pushes the cart forward and walks towards the isle with candles. “We still need nice candles for the cake.”

“Right.”

~~~~~~~

“It couldn’t have been that bad, babe.” Jimin holds up a plain black hoodie and nods approvingly. “Another one for his collection, what do you think?”

“Looks like something I’d steal, so yes.” You give him a quick thumbs up, “And it was bad dude. She’s so hard to talk to!”

“Yeah, I could see that.” Jimin stands in front of a full body length mirror and checks himself out, pushing his hair out of his face. “Forehead or no forehead, tonight?”

“Hmm, no forehead.”

“Forehead it is.”

“Wow, you never listen to me!”

Jimin chuckles wholeheartedly, shrugging his shoulders like he agrees with you.

“So, where are these bracelets you keep going on about?”

“That one weird shop buy the smoothie place has these cute bracelets with letters for names on them! I was thinking I could get him a black one with my initial on it and I would get myself one with his initial.”

“You guys are so…that’s cute I guess.” Jimin giggles, he holds up his wrist as if imagining himself with the bracelet. “I want one too!” he whines.

“Maybe for your birthday.” You wink. “Anyway, do you think Vanessa knows Jungkook better than me?”

Jimin stops walking to get a look at you, an expressions that reads: Are you serious? Plastered on his face.

“It’s a valid question.” You say.

“No one knows Jungkook like you honey.”

“Okay…Also, you’ll be meeting my friend Yoongi tonight!”

“The not date, date guy?” Jimin pouts, “I thought you weren’t going to lead him on…”

You scrunch up your face in confusion,

“I can have friends Jimin, I’m not leading him on!” you try to defend.

“If you say so. Just like, try to focus on one boy at a time, you know?” Jimin teases.

You two walk to the shop that sells the bracelets and go inside. You find the bracelets you’re looking for rather quickly, feeling nice and lucky. You grab them and go to pay, when you finish up at the register you notice a Jack Skellington key chain and add it on to Jungkook’s gifts. You always have trouble finding good gifts for people, okay? You take what you can get.

“Shit, it’s already 6. I still need to go home and get ready!”

~~~~~

Nick lets you and Vanessa use their place as the spot to celebrate, it’s bigger than your place and Vanessa agrees saying it’s bigger than hers as well. Nick and his bro that believes in aliens (You really got to learn his name but at this point you are too afraid to ask) are the only ones here as you and Vanessa set up.

“Bro AI is out to get us man—” Aaanndd you are tuning him out, you watch as Nick listens closely, nodding his head every few minutes and whispering ‘Bro’. You and Vanessa hang up decorations in silence, the sound of Nick and his bro chatting away filling the room.

“People should start arriving soon…” you try to make small talk with Vanessa, she only hums in response not even sparing you a glance.

“You look nice.” You try giving her a compliment, she turns her head to the side to look at you and a sly smile grows on her face.

“Do you have feelings for Jungkook?”

You immediately choke on your fucking spit, what the actual fuck? You try to compose yourself when you hear the front door opening. Thank God.

“It is I!” You know that voice. “Where is my Jungkookie?” You hear Jin entering the living room along with Namjoon and Hobi.

“Jimin should be bringing him in the next 30 or so minutes!” you yell out. Once Jin and the other two boys spot you they light up.

“y/n!!!” Jin hurries to your side and bring you in for a quick hug. “How are you?!”

“Good, good.” You laugh, hugging him back.

“Good to see you y/n” Namjoon says with a soft smile and then you hear your named being shouted even though Hobi is a foot away from you.

“Long time no see!!!” He hugs you, shaking you around in his embrace. You can’t help but chuckle at your friend.

“Hi guys, I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Would we miss our Jungkookie’s birthday? No way.” Jin says.

“Oh,” you turn around to see Vanessa just standing behind you, not saying anything just staring. “This is Vanessa. Jungkook’s—”

“We know!” Hobi says, “Jungkook has brought her to Jin’s. Nice to see you again Vanessa!”

Vanessa tilts her head and nods, her lips not even attempting to curve into a smile.

“You too.” She finally says.

This girl either has no manners or just does not know how to properly socialize? Maybe she gets anxiety being around too many people?

You feel your phone buzz.

Yoongs 7:14pm

Im outside

“Be right back guys, a friend of mine just got here.” You try talking over your group of friends. You head towards the front door, swinging it open to a Min Yoongi waiting patiently.

He smiles at you when he sees you, he holds up a bottle of wine and shakes it around a bit.

“For the party.” He says.

“Perfect, let’s pour us a glass right now!” you gesture him to enter the apartment.

You two walk into the kitchen, and you start searching for a wine bottle opener but can’t seem to find it.

“Hey Nick!” You yell out, hoping to get his attention, “Where’s the wine opener?”

Nick shuffles into the kitchen and gives you an expression that screams he has no idea.

“I know where it’s at.” Vanessa’s silky voice fills your ears as she enters the kitchen.

“Oh.” Of course she does. Why wouldn’t Vanessa know? She probably comes here more than you do…

“Thanks.” You finally say when she hands you the wine opener.

“Well, let’s open this baby up!” you turn to face Yoongi and he smiles at you.

“Hi Vanessa.” Yoongi waves at the girl and she hums in response, walking out of the kitchen.

“Sorry, she’s…” but you don’t know what to say. Also, why are you trying to excuse her?

You pour you and Yoongi a glass and gulp it down quickly, you finish your first glass in just seconds.

“I need another one.”

“What’s got you so stressed in a time of celebration?” Yoongi casually sips on his wine, one baby sip after the other.

“Nothing, nothing.”

“y/n…” his soft tone makes you feel comforted already and he hasn’t even said anything yet.

“I don’t know how to say it without sounding psychotic.” You admit, pouring yourself your second glass of wine.

“Try me.”

“I feel like I am competing…with…”

“With Vanessa?” He gladly finishes for you.

“Yeah, like…I don’t know, I feel like she’s trying to take my place. But my place isn’t ‘girlfriend’ so I don’t know what I’m freaking out about.”

Yoongi sets his glass down and studies you for a moment, you begin to feel antsy under his gaze.

“I’m obviously on your side,” Yoongi begins in a hushed voice, “But maybe she’s worried too?”

“I wish I knew if she felt worried, or felt like, anything. This girl is hard to crack!” you quietly say.

“Just try to enjoy the night, okay?” Yoongi smiles and you don’t even feel like smiling back but you do. Suddenly, you feel your phone going off.

Jungkook 7:32pm

Why is Jimin making me dress up? I thought it was just a couple of us? Why do I need to look nice, I’m tired from work

Jungkook 7:33pm

Seriously y/n…it’s just a couple of us, right?

y/n 7:35pm

omg yes Jungkook it’s nothing big I swear, he just wants you to look nice for pictures

Jungkook 7:36pm

I always look nice for pics lol

y/n 7:38pm

No comment

Jungkook 7:40pm

Don’t be fukin rude

` y/n 7:40pm

Can you guys hurry up?

Jungkook 7:44pm

Jimin is in the mirror deciding if he’s showing his forehead or not

y/n 7:45pm

classic Jimin

Jungkook 7:45pm

Classic Jimin

You stuff your phone in your back pocket and grab your glass of wine and begin sipping on it again. Yoongi eyes you up and smirks.

“That the birthday boy?”

“Hm? Oh, sorry…yes. He and Jimin should be here soon.” You watch as Yoongi nods his head and then you realize…”Oh my god, let me introduce you to the guys!” you set your glass down on the counter and reach for Yoongi’s hand and pull him towards the living room. Unfortunately for you, you miss the way Yoongi blushes at the contact.

“Guys, guys.” You interrupt the boys from their conversations, “This is my friend Yoongi…” you gesture towards the boy, “Yoongi, this is Jin…Namjoon, Hobi, and Nick and his pal, uh…” you blink at Alien Dude and he just grins at you, not realizing you don’t know his fucking name. “Yeah, anyway.” You decide to move on, “Jungkook and Jimin should be here soon—” Suddenly, there is soft knocking on the door. You raise a brow because who else could it be?

You walk towards the front door and look through the peep hole and much to your surprise you see Holly and Trina waiting outside the door. You’re quick to open it with a wide smile on your face.

“I thought you didn’t want to come?” You ask, your question directed towards Trina.

“I…” her eyes slide to Holly, “…Had a change of heart.” She huffs out quietly.

“You’re going to be civil?” you smirk at your friend and she rolls her eyes at you.

“She’s going to be more than civil.” Holly pipes up, “She’s going to be nice.”

“Hey we never agreed to that!” Trina crosses her arms over her chest, “But whatever.”

“Thanks for coming T.” your smirk transitions into a soft smile. This means a lot to you, that Trina is trying to accept Jungkook.

“Well? Are you going to let us in or what?”

“Right, right.” You move to the side and let the girls through. They step inside and make their way towards the boys.

“Oh? You must be Mister Oatmeal Raisin!” Trina grins towards Yoongi, who stands here chatting with Hobi.

“You’re…let me guess, Trina? And you must be Holly?” he nods at both girls, “I’ve heard a lot about you two.”

“I hope good things?” Trina teases.

“Only the best.” Yoongi raises his glass to her and she turns her head to smirk at you.

You watch as everyone gets along, talking, laughing and having a good time—all except Vanessa. She is sitting on the sofa on her phone, tapping away. She doesn’t even try to converse with any of Jungkook’s friends? Strange. You hate her, technically. But you can’t help but feel bad? Like, why does she isolate herself so much? Does she really just have some social anxiety or something? There’s got to be a reason for her odd behavior.

“Hey.” You say, sitting on the sofa next to her. “You okay?”

“Hm?” Vanessa doesn’t look up from her phone as she barely acknowledges you.

“Why don’t you come hang out with the rest of us?”

Vanessa tilts her head to get a look at you and she blinks at you repeatedly.

“Why?” she finally asks. “I’m only here for Jungkook.”

Okay, ouch.

“Oh...well—”

“You never answered my question from earlier,” Vanessas coy smile begins growing on her face. “How you feel about Jungkook.”

You feel your palms get sweaty when you process her words. How the hell do you respond to that?

“I—I…” Then the front door is opening and you hear Jimin obnoxiously announce their arrival, that he has the birthday boy.

You immediately jump to your feet and rush towards the entrance of the apartment to greet your friends.

“Too bad you can’t admit it, “ Vanessa whispers, her eyes going back to her phone, “I could help you too.”

“JUNGKOOKIE!!!” Jin opens his arms wide, “Come and embrace me! It’s your birthday gift.” Jungkook stumbles in the apartment with wide eyes as he searches the living room. His eyes find yours and he smiles. He shows you his bunny grin and you can’t help but smile back. He looks breathtaking, Jimin didn’t play around picking Jungkook’s outfit. Ripped black jeans, chunky boots, a plaid shirt with a leather jacket—he looks hot as hell. Vanessa is a lucky girl, you think bitterly to yourself.

Jungkook greets his friends one by one until he sees Yoongi walk from the kitchen into the living room. Yoongi has refilled his wine glass and stops just in front of Jungkook and bows his head in greeting. You rush to the two boys, joining them in this awkward encounter.

“Oh, I invited Yoongi.” You begin to explain, “You remember Yoongi, right?” you ask Jungkook.

“Of course…” Jungkook tries smiling but it’s tense and strained. At this, Yoongi smirks.

Yoongi steps closer to you and wraps an arm around your shoulder and he smiles at Jungkook.

“I’m y/n’s plus one tonight—or I guess her…date?”

“D-Date?” You and Jungkook both stutter out.

Yoongi brings you in closer, nice and snug against his shoulder as he chuckles.

“Something like that.”

Jungkook tries releasing a breath but finds it to be troublesome. He looks at you with an expression you cannot really decipher, but he doesn’t look all too pleased.

“That’s nice.” He finally says, scratching the back of his neck.

“What’s nice?” It’s a smooth and silky voice. Vanessa. “Happy birthday babe.” She joins your circle next to Jungkook and places a kiss on his cheek.

“Right…” you butt in, “Happy birthday Jungkook.” You smile, still in Yoongi’s arms.

“What do you want to do first?” Vanessa links arms with Jungkook and you feel your body go tense. You don’t want her to touch him.

“Eat.” Jungkook laughs, “I’m so hungry.”

“Well, we have pizza for everyone.” You say loudly, getting the rest of everyone’s attention.

“You say pizza? Hell yeah.” Trina walks towards you four with Holly following behind her.

“Oh hey Trina…” Jungkook says, not entirely too sure how to talk to the girl that hates him.

“Hey Jungkook,” she says quickly with a smile, “So where’s the pizza?”

Jungkook and you share a look of pleasant surprise. Trina? Being nice?

The rest of the boys follow and you all head inside the kitchen to snag a few slices of pizza from the pizzeria that Jungkook is fond of. Vanessa stays close to Jungkook’s side, not that you are surprised. But what is surprising you is that Yoongi has suddenly become slightly more affectionate with you?

Yoongi takes any chance he can get to touch you in some way, whether it be picking a piece of thread off your shirt, or placing a wild strand of hair behind your ear. He doesn’t really strike you as the type to be so openly affectionate…at least not the one to initiate it.

But can picking a piece of thread off your shirt really be counted as affectionate? Maybe he’s just trying to help. What you don’t know though…Jungkook has picked up on too. He has watched as Yoongi smiles at you and you smile back, he has watched as Yoongi subtlety touches your arm when he talks to you and how your hand finds his shoulder when you laugh.

Jungkook sits on his couch, chowing down on a slice of pizza as he glares at you and Yoongi. He doesn’t mean to glare but why is he here? This is a small get together between close friends. How close have you and Yoongi gotten?

“And then bro, I was like no fucking way bro.” Alien bro talks animatedly, his hands motioning all around the place.

Nick stuffs another slice of pizza in his mouth, nodding along to Alien bro’s story.

“That is fucking wild.” You hear Trina pitch in, “Like, did that really happen to you?”

“It may have been a dream, but let me tell you…” Alien bro closes his eyes, “I think it was real, like a memory.”

You internally laugh, because this dude has got some wild fucking stories and you don’t know how to take him seriously. But everyone seems to be enjoying it.

“Let’s do cake!” You hear Jimin yell out, “I have such a sweet tooth right now.”

At this you see Vanessa actually light up, like she has been waiting all night for someone to mention the cake. You two agreed she could present it to Jungkook, maybe that’s why she’s so visibly excited.

“I’ll go get it…” She speaks up, “I’ll be right back.” She says, facing Jungkook. Vanessa stands from her spot next to Jungkook on the couch and heads towards the kitchen.

A few minutes pass by when you hear your name being called. You get up and walk to the kitchen when you see Vanessa with the cake in her hands, the candles already lit up.

“Can you turn off the lights?” she asks, “And you can start the Birthday song.”

You nod your head, walking back into the living room to switch the lights off.

“Okay, ready Jungkook?” you smile at him and he rolls his eyes with a smirk.

“I guess.” He says, amusement laced in his voice.

“Happy birthday to you!” you begin singing, the rest of the gang joins in and the living room is soon being filled with the sound of everyone’s voices singing Jungkook a happy birthday. You pull out your phone and begin recording, Vanessa walks in with the cake and she keeps her face neutral. She doesn’t even sing, wow. You can’t help but kind of laugh, that’s so in character for her.

“Happy birthday dear Juuuungkoook, Happy birthday to you!” You all finish up and start whooping and hollering.

“Make a wish.” Vanessa sets the cake down in front of him and Jungkook nods his head. He takes a deep breath before his eyes find yours. You guys share a brief moment before he’s blowing out his candles.

“What did you wish for?!” Hobi asks, excitement filling the room as everyone agrees that they want to know.

“Secret.” He says, still looking at you.

“Here,” Vanessa nudges a perfectly wrapped box in Jungkook’s hands, “Present.”

“You didn’t have to Vanessa.” Jungkook grins at her but he’s already unwrapping his gift, he throws the wrapping paper to the floor and takes a look at the cologne box.

“This is so expensive!” he whines, “But thank you!” He looks at you for a moment when he awkwardly pecks Vanessas lips in front of everyone.

“My turn!” Jimin shouts, “My turn, my turn!” he stands up and walks by the front door where he left the gift. He picks up the bag and walks back into the living room, standing in front of Jungkook, handing him the bag.

“You’ll love it.” Jimin wiggles his brows at the boy.

Jungkook wiggles his brows back as he opens up the bag and pulls out a black hoodie.

“Fuck yeah.” Jungkook stands up to hug Jimin, “This one is so soft.”

The rest of the gang gives Jungkook a gift one by one until all eyes are on you. Suddenly, you feel super fucking shy and lame that you got matching bracelets.

“Uh, I haven’t gotten anything for you yet…” you lie. “But I will soon, promise.”

Jungkook’s bunny smile begins to fade as he processes your words,

“No worries, y/n.” he smiles again, “You don’t have to get me anything.”

“It’s just a little late, is all.” You shift awkwardly from one foot to another. You wish you weren’t such an idiot. You notice Jimin staring at you from across the room, he looks disappointed.

“What about the bracelets y/n?” Vanessa’s voice can be heard by everyone. She looks at you with a blank expression and you never wanted to strangle someone more.

“What bracelets?” Jungkook’s curiosity showing.

“It’s nothing.”

“It’s not nothing. They’re friendship bracelets. Such a sweet idea.” Vanessa smiles at you.

“You got me and you friendship bracelets?” Jungkook stands up and walks to you, he extends his right hand out and waits expectantly.

“Thanks Vanessa.” You deadpan.

“No problem.”

“It’s really nothing Jungkook…”

“I want the damn bracelet y/n.”

You stare at him for a moment, his big doe eyes making you feel like you must give in.

“okay, they’re in my bag…” you turn around and search for your purse. You notice Yoongi trying to hand it you and you smile at him gratefully.

“Here.” You hand him his bracelet and he inspects it, rolling it through his fingers.

“Your initial?” Jungkook clenches the bracelet in his fist and looks up at you.

“I fucking love it.” He brings the bracelet to his heart, “I will wear it every day.”

“I have one too…” you pull it from your bag and dangle in around.

“It has a J?” Jungkook bunny smile grows ten times as wide. He takes the bracelet from your fingers and chuckles at the two bracelets.

“I love it.”

“I’m glad you like it—”

“No, love it. I love…” Then he’s clearing his throat, remembering he is in a room full of people.

“Thank you.”

“Oh! There’s one more thing…” you pull out the key chain and you watch as Jungkook’s face lights up. Of course he is more excited about the key chain, you laugh.

“Fucking awesome!” Jungkook takes it from you, “I’ll put it on my keys!”

“That’s the idea,” you chuckle. “Anyway, let’s play games now.”

You and Jungkook stand at the front of the living room, in front of the T.V in battle mode.

“You’re going down Jeon.” You snicker at him, he only rolls his eyes at you as he readies himself.

“I’m just glad I’m not going against Jimin.” Jungkook shoots Jimin a look and Jimin winks.

You two have to chug an entire beer can, trying to beat the other.

“Honestly, same.” You admit, if anyone can down a drink in seconds—it’s Jimin.

Trina stands up and joins your side,

“Okay, are we ready everyone?”

Everyone begins cheering, the sound motivating you and making you feel excited.

“Okay. When I yell…BAM…you start drinking and don’t stop until that can is empty…got it?”

“Yes, we know how to chug a drink, Trina.”

“Damn girl, I was just sayin’.” Trina throws a hand on her hip, “Okay, 3…2…1…BAM!”

You and Jungkook scramble to start drinking, the chilly liquid making its way down your throats. The drink is cold and carbonated and you’re trying to ignore the way it sizzles, instead pretending it’s as smooth as water and you down it back.

“Jungkook is going to win!” Namjoon yells out, he has risen to his feet, the excitement too much.

“No, y/n is! Look how much her head it tilting back!” You hear Jin chime in.

Truth is, you aren’t really sure how much you’ve drank, or how much is left! You’re just wanting it to be over!

“Holy shit, they’re both so close!”

“Broooooooo”

And right as you’re about to finish your drink you hear the sound of a can being crushed right next to you. He won.

“WHAT’S UP…LOSER!” Jungkook shakes his empty, crushed can in your face as you finally finish your own drink.

“Okay, okay. Literally only let you win because it’s your birthday.” You snide playfully.

“Sure y/n, sure.” Jungkook grins down at you, his laughter bounces off the walls and you feel so whole when you hear the sound. He leans forward until his arms are wrapped around you in a quick yet loving hug.

“Whatever you got to say to yourself…loser.” He chuckles out, letting go of you.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Your pout is so cute, Jungkook thinks.

Yoongi stands up, his gummy smile lighting up the room as he approaches you two. He stands next to you and asks if you’re alright.

“You’ve already had so much to drink, I’m just making sure you can make it back to the sofa.” Yoongi’s shoulders shake as he laughs.

“She can handle herself.” You hear Jungkook say in a somewhat serious tone, “She knows how to drink.” He tries to say a little more lightly.

“But she doesn’t really have to do the penalty, right?” Yoongi asks.

“No, I definitely do.” You laugh out, “Where’s the shot, huh?”

Jungkook gives you a silly looking smirk as he heads towards the kitchen to fetch you that shot. He’s only gone for a moment when you realize he has returned with the liquid of fire.

“For you, princess.”

You roll your eyes at his little nick name he’s given you but you cannot help the blush that creeps on your cheeks…

“Please…please.” You pant, rolling your hips into his as you meet his desperate thrusts.

“Please what, princess?” he breathes out heavily, “Told you that when you’re with—” He begins fucking into you faster, “When you’re with me…to use your words.” His pace is bruising, causing you to choke on the air around you.

The little nick name causing you to remember something you have tied burying.

“I think you should take one too, since it is your birthday after all.” You tease.

“But I’m the winner…” Jungkook pouts, his bottom lip jutting out so far.

“Come on, I bet you won’t.” Jimin pipes in.

“Yeah dude.” You hear Nick say.

“FINE!” Jungkook throws his hands up in defeat, “But you have to go pour it for me.” He says, looking at you.

“Done deal, baby.”

“Pour me one too.” Vanessa walks up to you, her strap on her shoulder sliding down.

“Oh?” you ask, but you nod your head in approval and head towards the kitchen to pour two more shots.

You return with the shots, but feel your stomach drop when you see Jungkook and Vanessa laughing together, her hand laying on his chest, his arm wrapped around her waist.

“Oh!” Jungkook looks at you and smiles, “The shots!”

“Yeah…”

And then Min Yoongi is at your side with his own shot, he looks at you and gives you a sweet smile and eyes full of understanding.

“Let’s take them.” He says. His hand going to yours, he squeezes it tight and you feel yourself trying to breathe.

“Here you go.” You hand the two shots to Jungkook and Vanessa, they take them and you four look at one another before raising your glasses.

“Happy birthday, Jungkook.” You whisper, taking the shot.

Hours pass, and things are starting to wind down, you think. Jin, Namjoon and Hobi are at the front door saying their goodbyes and you feel your time is coming soon too.

“Us too.” Trina says, “Our uber is almost here.” Her and Holly gather their things and make their way out the door.

“Jimin, you coming with us?” Trina asks.

“Um, what about you y/n?” Jimin makes it to your side, his hand going to rub your shoulder.

“You guys go without me, I’m going to help clean up. Hostess duties!” You salute towards your friends and they giggle.

“Okay babe, I’ll see you soon?” Jimin goes in for a tight hug and you hug him back even tighter.

“Yeah.”

“I’ll help you clean up.” Yoongi offers, but you shake your head.

“No, I couldn’t ask that. Me and Vanessa got it. You go home too, it’s so late. I will come by to see you soon though.”

“Are you sure?” Yoongi asks as he catches Jungkook watching you two. “Well, if you insist y/n.” he inches towards you and to your surprise, you feel his lips leave a small kiss on your cheek. Yoongi smirks when he sees Jungkook react. Jungkook glares at the boy and Yoongi feels like hopefully he helped enough tonight.

“What was that for?” you feel yourself turn red.

“Nothing.” He whispers before he’s turning around and walking out of the door.

You are left here shocked and confused but you cannot help but smile at Yoongi’s small gesture. He really is too sweet.

“Well,” you turn around to face Jungkook and Vanessa, “Let’s clean up,” you say to Vanessa, “And then I’ll get out of your hair.”

“Actually,” Vanessa curls her lips upwards, “I am feeling quite tired.” Her eyes find yours, “So maybe Jungkook can help you clean up.”

“You’re going home already?” Jungkook looks confused. He was probably expecting birthday sex or some shit.

“Mhm.” She breathes out easily, “See you later babe.” She leans over and pecks his cheek, you immediately twist your head to look away. Vanessa notices and she fucking smiles that sly ass smile. “See you later, y/n.”

And with that she is out of the apartment, leaving just you and Jungkook and Nick and Alien Bro.

“We will be out on the balcony smoking, if you guys want to join.” Nick offers to you, but you’re shaking your head no.

“Nah, you guys enjoy.” Jungkook says. Nick and Alien bro (You really got to learn this dudes name) are opening the back door and leaving you guys for the balcony.

“And then there was two.” Jungkook jokes, he chews on his lips as he watches you begin the cleaning up process. You get a large black trash bag and start throwing away the empty beer bottles and other trash around the living room and kitchen.

“Help me clean, birthday boy.”

Jungkook grins at you and starts helping, he’s gathering the shot glasses and setting them in the kitchen sink. You two work like this for around 10-15 minutes when the place is finally looking like his apartment again.

“Well, I guess that’s it.” You set the last trash bag in the kitchen, “You and Nick can take these out later, right?” “Yes, y/n. You did enough, I swear.” Jungkook smiles at you. “Hey, where’s your bracelet?” he dangles his wrist around, showing you his.

“Oh…” You dig around in your pockets until you finally find the piece of jewelry.

“Let me.” Jungkook stands closer to you, reaching his hand out, expecting you to hand over the bracelet. You place it in his hand and he grabs your wrist and clips the bracelet on.

“There.” He breathes out, “Never take it off.” He half jokes.

“You really like it?”

“I really love it.” Jungkook pulls you in for a hug, but he’s letting go much faster than you would like.

“Wanna chill for a bit?” He asks you, his hands still on your arms from your hug that you just shared.

“For a bit, sure.”

You two walk to the living room sofa and plop down, the long day finally catching up to you. It’s around 1 am now, you’ve been running around all day.

“So…” Jungkook looks at you with an unreadable expression, “What’s going on with you and this Yoongi guy?”

“What do you mean?”

“Was tonight like, a date for you two?”

“What? No?”

“Really? Could of fooled me and like, everyone else.”

“He was just joking…I think.” You groan into your hands, and laugh. “Why?”

“I was just wondering.” He turns to face forward, his face hardening as he thinks. “Is he going to be like, your boyfriend?”

“What?!” you choke on your spit, “Yoongi is my friend.”

“Does he know that?” Jungkook continues to look forward, “He was all over you.”

“He definitely was not all over me. Oh my god. What are you getting so crazy for?”

Crazy. That’s the word you use, but he knows you mean jealous. Jungkook sits here, biting on his bottom lip. He has to admit, he doesn’t like this ‘crazy’ feeling. He feels like he’s suffocating just remembering you with Yoongi tonight. He has no right to feel crazy or jealous. He has a girlfriend for fucks sake!

“I just hope he’s treating you right.”

“He’s just a friend Jungkook. But you know what? And if he was trying to date me?”

Jungkook feels his chest tighten, not liking the idea already.

“Then like I said, I hope he’s treating you right.” He says more softly, turning to look at you again.

“Did you enjoy your birthday?”

“It was nice, thank you.”

“What’s your favorite birthday in your life so far?”

Jungkook tilts his head as he thinks, rocking it side to side. He folds his arms behind his head and lets out a long breath.

“There’s two I can think of.” He says, “When I was 10 all I wanted to do was see one of those drive thru zoo things. But I wasn’t expecting much because I guess birthdays and holidays were stressful for my parents…” he takes a deep breath, “they always fought so much and so I didn’t think we would be doing anything for my birthday at all. But they for once, they got along this day. They took me to the zoo and I just remember being so on edge like something may go wrong…but it never did, it was a perfect day.”

“I bet 10 year old Jungkook was so cute.”

“I was the cutest!”

“And what’s the second?”

“Sophomore year of college.” He states quickly making you choke on air. Really? That birthday of all birthdays?

“Jungkook, there has to be a better one than that…” you begin, “We literally didn’t even do anything.”

It seemed everyone happened to become busy the day of Jungkook’s birthday, everyone except you. You and Jungkook spent the day just the two of you in his dorm room watching movies and playing video games. You didn’t even buy him a present, much too broke!

“That day meant a lot to me.” Jungkook explains, “You didn’t leave my side, no matter what.”

“Well, you were my best friend.”

“And now?” Jungkook turns his head to face you, “Am I your best friend now?”

“Jungkook…” you caress his thigh, “Of course.”

Jungkook throws his head back as he smiles that bunny smile and you can’t help but giggle.

“Were you worried?”

“So worried.” He continues to laugh, “You’re my best friend too.”

~~~~~

October

“I don’t know guys!” you whine, bringing the cup of coffee in for a sip. “Marketing…can someone even be passionate about that?”

“What did I say y/n? You’re so concerned if you’re passionate or not, why don’t you start off small—finding something you just like.” Yoongi offers his piece of advice but you groan.

“What do you think Tae?” you point your head in his direction, “Wait, I am asking one of the most passionate people I know.” You complain.

“I agree with Yoongi, y/n.” Taehyung says, he drinks his water in gulps.

“Of course, who wouldn’t agree with Yoongi?” You hit your head on the table a few times.

You three are seated in Yoongi’s record shop in the cozy corner of the store, discussing the burden of dreams.

“I mean, guys.” You begin, “I don’t want to be making cookies forever.”

“But I really like them.” Yoongi whispers.

“Me too,” Taehyung says as he shoves a sugar cookie down his throat. “So good.”

“Guys, you aren’t helping.”

“Honestly y/n…” Yoongi stands from his seat to get some more coffee, “Stop trying to force a dream to happen. It will come to you naturally, just trust in that.”

“You make it sound so easy.” You hand Taehyung another cookie and he takes it with a grin.

“So y/n…” Taehyung swallows down the last bits of the cookie before he’s turning to face you in his chair, “How was Jungkook’s birthday, I forgot to ask.”

“It went really well actually.”

“Why do you say ‘actually’?” Taehyung laughs, “Were you expecting it to go bad?”

“It’s not that…I don’t know. Maybe.”

“Is it because of Vanessa?” Yoongi comes back with two fresh coffees.

“Maybe.”

“That’s his girlfriend, right? I just don’t get it. Should we come up with an evil plan to break them up?” Taehyung snickers.

“Tae, chill.” You giggle.

“I’m joking but I am also totally serious.” He comments. “Anyway guys, I gotta head back to the museum. But same time next week?”

“You know it.” You blow on your hot coffee, waving him goodbye.

The last few weeks the three of you meet up for coffee (Tae usually brings his own drink of choice, says coffee is too bitter for him) and chit chat just like now. It’s an interesting group but you feel comfortable. After time has passed, forgiving and moving on from Taehyung’s crushing you has gotten easier and now you even find his friendship to be quite valuable. You guess they weren’t kidding when they say time heals all wounds.

“Are you two ever going to tell me what happened between you? You were so tense when he first started hanging out.” Yoongi says, observant as usual.

“I will. But another day,” you smile.

“No rush.” Yoongi drinks his coffee slowly, “Whenever you’re ready.”

“By the way, did it work?” Yoongi asks between sips.

You can’t help but raise your brows in question,

“Did what work?”

“Did Jungkook say anything? About being jealous?” He gives you a smirk.

“What are you talk—wait, were you purposely trying to be affectionate with me to see if Jungkook would get a rise out of it?” You ask, completely shocked. That seems almost out of character for Yoongi!

“I tried. I’m a little awkward being the first to show affection, “ he admits, “But for you, my friend, I was willing to try.” He gives you a shy smile and you feel your heart race.

“Yoongi—”

“You really don’t even have to answer because I know the truth. I could see it on his face, but I was curious if he said anything to you.”

You think back to Jungkook’s birthday and well…he technically did say something to you. He was being a little crazy (jealous) but you cannot understand why. Jungkook is your friend and not to mention he has a girlfriend.

“Sorry to disappoint Yoongs, but he did not.” You decide to say.

“Did you know you avoid all eye contact when you want to lie.” Yoongi takes another sip of his coffee, his sly smile telling you he knows the truth.

“Jeez, why do you pick up on things so quickly?!” you groan, “I can’t even tell one little nothing lie in front of you.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t try to lie to me then.” He laughs. “So what did he say?”

“He just—I don’t know. He just…wanted to know what was up with you basically.”

Yoongi opens his mouth to say ‘Ah’ and then continues to drink his coffee.

“He’s not going to be rude to you or anything!” you quickly say, “he’s just a little protective over me, is all.”

“Oh? That’s all?” Yoongi teases.

“Hey…” you set your cup down and fold your hands in your lap, “What makes you think Jungkook feels the same way?”

Yoongi breathes out slowly, his fingers tapping against his mug when he looks up at you and smiles.

“There’s an obvious tension between you two, “ he starts, “The way he looks at you. That honestly gave everything away. His eyes always find you, no matter what.” Yoongi quietly chuckles, “The way he’s threatened by me. He doesn’t even try to hide it.” Yoongi thinks for a moment, “And…you two, the way you are together…god, it’s like watching two people who are in a relationship but don’t know they’re in a relationship.”

“What—what do you mean by that?” you pry further. Curious about your own dynamic with Jungkook that maybe even you can’t see.

“I don’t know like, you guys act like boyfriend and girlfriend already!” he laughs, “That’s when I knew I didn’t stand a chance.”

“Yoongi…”

“It’s okay,” his gummy smile lights up his whole face, “being your friend has been so much more rewarding.”

You feel yourself smile at his words…although, you do feel bad. But keeping a friend like Yoongi around has been amazing. And maybe if you weren’t already in love with someone else…no, you shouldn’t even think that, that’s not fair.

“Thanks Yoongs.”

~~~~~~

“We need to talk.”

Jimin is shoving his way through Jungkook’s front door, his hair pushed back in frustration like his fingers have been running through it for hours.

“Jesus man, it’s like 8 in the fucking morning.” Jungkook’s low, groggy voice booms from his chest.

“This couldn’t wait. I have to be at work at 9 and I’ve been up all night with the same one thing on my mind.” Jimin takes off his shoes and makes his way to the couch.

“And what’s that?” Jungkook asks, clearly annoyed.

“You need to tell y/n how you feel.” Jimin decides to go with the straight forward approach, he does not have the time to beat around the bush today.

Jungkook closes the door and swings around to face Jimin,

“Huh?”

“Listen man, I’ve been racking my brain about it all fucking night. It’s got to be you. You have to do it, she won’t.”

“Why the fuck would I do that?”

“Grow the fucking balls, man!” Jimin sits back on the sofa, his head falling into the cushion.

“Look dude, I don’t know what you—”

“You’re in love with her, you have been since freshmen year. You guys fucked, I know. She didn’t talk to you for however long, I know that too. But come on man, it’s so clear how you both feel.”

Jungkook continues to stand here, not knowing what to say. Where is all this coming from?

“I have a girlfriend, Jimin.”

“Oh please, give me a fucking break.” Jimin stands up, walking towards Jungkook. “There is almost zero chemistry between you two. Like emotional chemistry…I don’t know what your sex life is like…” Jimin holds up a hand, “And I don’t want to know.”

“Wasn’t going to tell you anyway,” Jungkook pouts. “Listen, how can you be so sure y/n would even feel the same way?”

“Can’t you just fucking trust me?” Jimin yells out, exasperated.

“Did she say the words Jimin?” Jungkook becomes very serious, making Jimin shudder. “Did she tell you she has feelings for me?” his dark eyes pierce into Jimin’s.

Jimin looks down at the ground, feeling defeated.

“You know I can’t tell you that.” Jimin finally says, “You just have to have the courage man. Are you really going to go your whole life not telling her? Why torture yourself like that?”

Jungkook stands here feeling so lost, and fucking emotional. Like, he could god damn cry about it.

“Because,” Jungkook sniffles into his sleeve. “It’s guaranteed she would be in my life. I can’t risk losing her. I couldn’t handle that man…” Jungkook begins to choke up.

Jimin walks closer to Jungkook and pulls him in for a tight hug, Jungkook keeps his arms to his side.

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Jimin whispers.

“I think though…that there will be a moment where you finally have the courage…”

“I don’t know.”

“You will, Jungkook. When the timing is right…but I don’t know when that is for you two.”

“I really do love her…” Jungkook allows a few tears to slip from his closed eyes into Jimin’s shoulder. “I’m so frustrated like, all the time.” He admits, “Seeing her, talking to her, I just want to tell her how I feel. I hate how hard I have to try just to stay in the zone of friendship. But you don’t understand the risk…” Jungkook leans back, pulling away from Jimin. “If she doesn’t feel the same, I could lose her.” His puffy eyes avoid Jimin. “Can I handle a loss like that again?”

“But she…” Jimin has to bite his tongue…seeing his two best friends like this hurts his heart beyond belief.

“Yeah, I understand.” Jimin decides to say, “But I think you might be surprised.”

Jungkook pulls his brows together, his face scrunching up and he scoffs.

“Maybe, but maybe not.”

“I’m sorry to bring this all on you so early in the morning…I’ve just been so worried about you two…” Jimin starts to put his shoes back on.

“Maybe you could stay until you really need to leave for work? You still go like 45 minutes, right?” Jungkook practically begs with sad, soft eyes.

“Sure.” Jimin takes his shoes back off and grabs a hold of Jungkook’s shoulder, “Let’s sit down for a while.”

The two boys head to the couch and take a seat, leaving little space between them. Jungkook needs the presence of another human being right now, he needs to feel real live warmth. Jimin wishes he could mend Jungkook’s cracked heart but he knows only you can do that. But Jimin can try his best. The two sit in comfortable silence, the only sound that can be heard is Jungkook’s light sniffling and Jimin humming a soft tune.

“It’s almost 9.” Jimin mentions regretfully.

“I know. Thanks for staying for a bit.”

“Of course.” Jimin rises from the couch, “You guys are my best friends but you two sure are fucking idiots.” He smiles and makes his way to leave.

~~~~~~

Bored. So fucking bored. Trina and Holly went out for dinner tonight and you were not invited! You kind of wonder what’s going on between them…but that’s a thought for another day, right now you are so fucking bored.

It’s Friday night and you don’t know what to do with yourself. Jimin has some party he’s going to tonight but you didn’t really feel like going so you rejected his invitation, Jin and the guy’s invited you over for a cookout but you said no because you didn’t feel like driving all the way to Jin’s place—you know, lazy.

And you haven’t heard from Jungkook all day so he’s probably tired from work or worse—with Vanessa. But would it hurt to try? To see what he’s up to?

y/n 9:04pm

hi

Jungkook 9:10pm

Hi

y/n 9:12pm

Whatcha up to tonight?

Jungkook 9:13pm

Nothing really, you?

y/n 9:13pm

nothing either…

y/n 9:13pm

Wanna have a movie night with some wine?

Jungkook 9:20pm

Sure:)

Jungkook 9:23pm

Lemme guess, I have to bring the wine

y/n 9:23pm

Bingo!

Jungkook 9:50pm

I’m almost there

Not even 5 minutes later you hear your door being knocked on, and you yell a ‘come in’. Jungkook pushes the door open and finds you sitting on the couch wrapped up in your favorite blanket. He shuts the door behind him, and walks to the kitchen for some wine glasses. You two only nod at one another in greeting, getting comfortable in each others presence.

“I brought 2 bottles,” Jungkook says, “One for you, one for me.”

“Wow, you’re so smart.” You smile up at him and his heart clenches in his chest. Your smile is so special, it’s so soft and so fucking pretty he almost cannot handle it.

“Y-Yeah.” He sets the glasses down on the table that sits in front of the sofa. “What movie do you have in mind?”

“You can choose.”

“Iron Man?” “No, not that.”

“Fine.” He pouts, “Let’s find something new on Netflix.”

An hour into some random drama, you find yourself getting sleepy.

“Wakey wakey.” You feel Jungkook’s breath on your ear, you open your eyes a little wider to prove your consciousness.

“I am awake…hey,” you suddenly get an idea, “Remember a little while ago you said you felt like our friendship kind of started over?”

“Hm? Yeah?”

“Would if we do?”

“I don’t get it?” Jungkook asks clearly confused.

“Let’s play a game! Of getting to know each other better. Everything out on the table.” You say with a pleased smile, obviously loving your own idea.

“hmmmmm…” Jungkook wraps his blanket closer around his body, “Sure.”

“Yay! I’ll pull out a list of questions from the internet.” You get your phone and google a list of questions. “You ready?” you say with a wink.

“I guess so.” He playfully shrugs his shoulders and shows you a small smile.

“Okay one…What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?”

“hmm…sleeping in, working out, playing video games, making videos, sleeping some more, hanging out with you.”

“Wow, honored.” You tease. “For me, it’s sleeping all day.”

“That’s it? That’s your whole answer?” Jungkook giggles.

“What type of music are into to?”

“y/n…” Jungkook whines, “You already know these answers…”

“We’re pretending we don’t!”

“Fine, I like almost all genres but I really prefer ballads.”

“I like music with meaningful lyrics,” you say.

“I agree.” Jungkook grins at you.

“Next…Do you have a favorite holiday. Why or why not?”

Jungkook nibbles on his lips as he thinks…is he honest?

“I use to hate holidays.” He admits softly, slightly slurring thanks to the wine, “But now it’s Christmas and New Year’s. And why? Both reasons are because of you.”

You feel your cheeks become warmer and probably pinker.

“Mine too.” You say quickly, “Next,” you are in a rush to change the subject. “Do you want a family of your own?”

“One day, yes. With the right person…”

“I’m the same.” You scroll through the questions, “If you had only one sense…hearing, touch, sight, etc, which would you want?”

“Touch. Imagine not being able to feel things?” Jungkook asks, he thinks about not being able to feel the soft touch of sheets on a bed, the feel of your hair between his fingers, your skin, your lips—wait, he needs to chill. “Yeah, touch.”

“Really? I would choose sight.” You say, “Who do you admire most in this world?”

“Mom.” Jungkook whispers, “She was so strong, she went through so much yet still found the strength to love me.”

“You.” Your hand finds Jungkook’s, you hold on to him softly, “My answer is you.”

“y/n…” Jungkook leans into your side, “Thank you.”

You clear you throat and continue scrolling through your phone, looking for the next question.

“If you found out today is your last day on Earth, what would you do?”

“Exactly what I’m doing right now.”

“Honestly? Me too.” You whisper, you feel your heart beginning to race as you and Jungkook admit that if it were your last day, you would spend it together. Somehow the thought almost seems romantic to you…that’s obviously your imagination but you can dream.

“What’s the last thing you do at night?”

Jungkook wiggles his brows at you and you hit his arm, laughing.

“Gross.” You giggle. “Something besides that.”

“What? You think it’s gross to mast—”

“Don’t!” you yell out laughing. “Don’t be gross.”

“Everyone does it y/n…I bet even you.” Jungkook voice goes low. “in fact, I have a question for you.” Jungkook scoots closer to you, “When was the last time you got yourself off?” your eyes go wide, “It’s not like you’re seeing anyone…unless you and Yoon—”

“No!” You begin to panic, “I’m not seeing anyone, you’re right.”

Jungkook releases a long breath and he smiles, “Thought so.” Then he’s scooting even closer to you.

“How do you touch yourself y/n?” He slurs out, “With your fingers only? Perhaps you use a vibrator?”

You push your head back in shock, there’s no way in hell Jungkook just asked you that? Is he drunk? Barely.

“Why do you want to know that?” you scoot a little closer to him too.

“Best friends know this type of stuff about each other all the time, don’t they?”

“Not really…but I’ll play. I use both.”

Jungkook raises a brow in amusement, he bites on his bottom lip as his smirks at you.

“You own a vibrator?” Jungkook chuckles darkly, “How come I didn’t know?”

“Why would I tell you that?”

“I bet Jimin knows.”

“Fine, he does.”

Jungkook narrows his eyes at you as he tries to hold in his slight laughter, his hand comes to his mouth and he chuckles into it.

“Thought so…when’s the last time you used it?”

“Last night before bed.”

“So, it’s the last thing you did at night?” Jungkook points his finger at you knowingly and you can’t help but laugh.

“Okay, I see where this is going. Fine, I get. We all masturbate. It’s completely normal and not gross and a totally valid answer for something you do before bed.” You throw your hands up as you giggle.

“Thank you.” Jungkook knees touch yours as he scoots just an inch closer, “But I wasn’t trying to make a point, I was genuinely curious about you.” He admits in a deep voice and you squeeze your thighs together, an action that does not go unnoticed by him. His eyes land to your lap and he chuckles. His voice is so low and inviting as he speaks, “Are you curious about me too?”

“What do you mean?”

“About when’s the last time I—”

“Fine, when’s the last time?” you ask lightly.

“Right before I came here.” He admits easily.

“Interesting.”

You and Jungkook stare at one another for what feels like at least an hour but in reality probably seconds. But his dark gaze is so raw and powerful, you find yourself leaning into his space.

“The last time I used my vibrator was yes, last night. But the last time I touched myself was tonight. Before you arrived.”

Jungkook nods his head in understanding, or maybe it’s approval? Either way he nods his head as a sly smile creeps on his lips.

“Can I ask you what you thought about?” Even Jungkook widens his eyes in surprise as he asks that. Where did that confidence come from? “Sorry that’s TMI.” He quickly rushes to say, not wanting to really hear your answer because he shouldn’t know what you fantasize about especially if he’s not in said fantasies.

You lean your head back and snicker. You wish you had the fucking courage to tell him the truth. Him. You thought about him.

In your fantasy his head was between your legs, licking you up and making you squirm. He would moan into your greedy cunt, basking in your juices. God, you can just picture it now. His mouth and nose covered in you, the shine on his face evidence of how well he’s eaten you. His fingers still buried inside you as he lifts his head up to smirk down at you, his hair a fucking mess from how much you have tugged on it.

You’d be lying if you said you weren’t thinking about it right now and getting so heavily turned on. Your chest heaves just a little more than usual, and there’s an ache between your legs that you wish Jungkook would soothe. Your fantasy of him going down on you? You took that straight from your memories.

“Not going to say anything?” Jungkook leans in a little closer.

“Sorry, just thinking.”

“About…?”

“You.”

Jungkook’s eyes expand as he processes what you just say until—

“Wait, wait. That came out wrong.” Your hands scramble to hold on to his shoulders. “I mean, I was thinking about you. But not like that.” You lie. Because you have to lie.

“Oh…right, that makes sense.” Jungkook visibly deflates at your confession.

“Anyway, yeah. That’s a TMI for sure.” You laugh awkwardly and Jungkook leans back away from you.

“For sure.” Jungkook leans back on the sofa, “So, what’s the next question?”

“Ever had a threesome?” you ask from your own brain.

“You already know I have.”

“With two girls or with another guy…?”

“Two girls.”

“Would you ever with another guy?”

“Maybe if it’s with a girl that doesn’t mean something to me…but if it’s with someone I care about, probably not. I think I may be too possessive. Don’t wanna share.”

“Ah, I see.”

“What about you?”

“I would do both.” You admit. “Sounds like fun…”

“It is fun,” Jungkook laughs, “But there’s something special about just being with one person, if it’s special…”

“Have you ever had sex with someone special?”

“Yes.”

Oh. Jungkook’s never been in a serious relationship since you’ve known him so you weren’t expecting him to answer that with a yes…but he is with Vanessa now. So obviously…

“I see.”

“What’s the next question?”

“I’m looking up a new list. It’s kind of sexy, is that okay?”

“A list of dirty questions? I’m down.” Jungkook smirks and you feel the heat between your legs grow.

“Okay the first one is asking if you’re a virgin and I think the whole town knows the answer to that…”

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?!”

You laugh out, “Nothing, nothing.” Then continue scrolling, “Okay, opinion on shower sex?”

“Hmm, I’ve done, and I will do it again.”

“For me, it’s a little uncomfortable but I’ll do it,” you say, “boob or butt guy?”

“Fuck. Both of them, can I say both?” Jungkook pleads and you giggle.

“Sure, both.” Your eyes light up when you find the next question. “Oooh. What is your most embarrassing sex story?”

“Oh god…okay. When I was in high school I was getting head from this girl…”

“Uh huh…and then?”

“We got caught by our teacher and that’s a total mood killer right?”

“Right?”

“Well, when the teacher was scolding me I popped another boner. And I was wearing sweats so it was super obvious and she was trying so hard not to make it obvious. But I don’t know, my body betrayed me.”

“You got hard from getting scolded?”

“Apparently.”

You burst out into giggles, the story absolutely killing you. Who does that? Who pops a boner from getting scolded…by their fucking teacher?

“Your turn, your turn.”

“Okay…one time I was giving head…”

“Uh huh…and then?” he copies you.

“And I guess I swallowed his cum too fast because it shot out of my nose like milk.”

“What the fuck y/n.” Jungkook laughs out hysterically. “That’s so awesome.”

“It wasn’t awesome Jungkook, it was embarrassing.”

“Perspective.”

“In what world is someone’s perspective on this awesome?” “Mine.”

“Well, you’re fucking weird.

“Maybe so.” Jungkook continues to laugh, “What’s next?”

“Do you prefer to give or receive?”

“Who doesn’t love to receive? That’s obvious. But me? I am a giver, 100%”

And he’s right. Hence why you’re able to use the memory of him going down on you as good masturbation material.

“I see.”

“I think I am a giver too.” You look down at your phone, “But who doesn’t love to receive?”

“You do give nicely.” Jungkook whispers, “Anyway what’s the next one?”

“Do you like sexting?”

“Fucking love it. I love the dirty words and pictures.” He admits.

“Yeah, me too.”

What would it be like to be texting Jungkook throughout the work day, sending one another your dirtiest fantasies and pictures to go along with it.

“I’ll read the next one now…If I came home from work stressed, how you do you relax me?” your eyes go wide when you realize, “Wait, pretends it’s asking about someone else. So a girl you’re with comes home from work stressed, how do you relax her?”

Jungkook is quiet for a few moments, he chews on his bottom lip and breathes out heavily.

“How would I relax you? I mean, some girl?”

“Y-Yes.”

“First, I would kiss you breathless.”

“You mean her.”

“Right. I would kiss her lips over and over, taking off one article of clothing at a time, sit her down on the couch while I make my way into the kitchen…pour her a glass of her favorite wine and hand it to her. Then I would kiss down her body, telling her sweet words. How much I love her, how much I missed her today, how much she means to me. I will kiss down until I am taking off her pants along with her underwear…” “And then?” you breathe out.

“Kiss her sweet, soft skin…taste her. Taste how fucking good she tastes. Eat her out while she sips on her wine…”

“Oh nice.” You laugh a little.

“Make her come all over my tongue, getting her drunk on her orgasm.”

“And her wine.” You point out.

“Yes, both. After she comes, I will kiss back up her body and hold her.” Jungkook releases short breath after the other. “Make her feel wanted.”

“That does sound relaxing…”

“You like?”

“Yes.”

“Then maybe—”

“Next question is ‘What turns you on almost instantly?”

“Dirty talk.”

“I see.”

“What—”

“You have to answer too, remember?”

“My stomach being touched.” You admit. “How do you feel about toys?”

“Not against them, could be fun to try out.”

“I agree…how do you feel about blindfolds?”

“You answer first.” Jungkook says shyly.

“I’m into it.”

“Being blinded? Or blinding someone?”

“Both? Yes, both.”

“Fuck, me too.” He folds his arms behind him as he leans back further into the sofa.

“Both for you too?”

“Yes. It would be boring if I was only into one thing right?”

You laugh, “Yes, I think we think similarly.”

“Interesting.”

“Very.” You smile at him and he smirks, “Would you like to watch me touch myself?”

“Yes—”

“—Wait, like your partner, not me.” You both say at the same time.

“Oh, well yes.” Jungkook says again. “Watching your fingers travel down to your pussy, rubbing your clit…well, not you but you get my point.” He says, his breathing becoming heavy again.

“Oh. I would also like to watch you.”

“But not me.”

“Exactly.”

“Spit or swallow?”

“I like a girl who swallows.”

“I like to swallow most times and if I don’t swallow it’s because I’m letting the guy come on my face or my tits or—”

“God damn it, y/n.” Jungkook breathes out erratically. His hand goes to his crotch as he tries to hide his growing member.

“Rough or sensual?”

“Fuck. Both, definitely both.”

“I agree. Why not both all the time?” you squeeze your thighs together again as you watch Jungkook shift uncomfortably in his seat on the couch.

“Would you let me pleasure you as you drive? I mean, your partner. Sorry it’s just the way the questions read…”

“Yes. I would.”

“Seems a bit unsafe…but I would give it a try.” You say, “Do you like your hair to be pulled?” you ask with a smirk, already knowing the answer.

“Fucking love it.” He admits between heavy breaths, “But I like to pull hair too.” He winks.

“I do too, but I prefer being the one pulling.” You wink back. “Are you quiet during sex?”

“I—I don’t know…Am I?” Jungkook looks into your eyes, and you blank. Is he actually referring to the time you two had sex? Without him getting weird? “You aren’t the quietest.” You admit, “But it’s so fucking hot.”

“Well, you definitely aren’t quiet.” He says, “Can barely touch you and you’re already whimpering out.”

“Depends who the guy is.”

“Well, when it’s with me…sorry, I shouldn’t bring that up.”

“Right…” your fingers find their way into Jungkook’s hair, “But why not?”

“y/n…” he warns and you chuckle.

“What?” you decide to play innocent. “It was so long ago, Jungkook. We should be able to talk about it by now.”

But Jungkook can’t. Because although it’s almost been 4 years, it’s still so fresh for him. Not just the feeling of being inside you but the emotional shit he was feeling too.

“I’ll tell you one thing and one thing only about that night,” Jungkook decides to say, his hand goes to yours and gently places it back in your lap. “It felt so fucking good.” He whispers out and you feel all the heat in your body rush to your aching pussy.

“Oh.” You breathe out erratically. “I guess, I would have to agree.”

“Should we sleep soon?” Jungkook leans back as he asks you this.

“Don’t you want me to share one thing about that night?”

“…Sure.”

“You…felt so…good…inside me…” you say between deep breaths.

“You felt even better, y/n.”

It’s Saturday morning, and you find yourself waking up on the couch, a big blanket draped around your body and you can’t help but snuggle into it, not wanting to get up quite yet.

On the other side of the couch is a still sleeping Jungkook, his light snores filling your ears. You two didn’t even finish your wine last night, so you are waking up hang over free. The sun is shining today, it’s rays peeking through your window blinds and you want to throw the blanket over your head to hide yourself from the brightness but you decide to actually wake up and get up instead.

You throw the blanket off your body and on to Jungkook, who gratefully takes it and cuddles deeper into the covers. You stand up and head towards the bathroom to wash up, turning on a hot shower.

You wonder what you’ll be up to today, will you stay in? Go out? Hang with the girls? By the way, did they ever come home last night? You stop by Holly’s room to find it empty. Interesting, you guess they went to Trina’s.

The shower is ready for you so you slip in and let the warm water cascade over your tired body. You shampoo, condition and wash your body, when you hear insistent knowing on the bathroom door.

“y/n!!! I gotta pee!!” Jungkook’s worried voice is heard over the running water, “That’s it, I’m coming in okay?!”

And before you can respond, you hear the door being swung open and Jungkook lifting the toilet seat lid up and releasing himself. You fucking laugh. He literally says ‘Aaahhh’ for the same amount of time he is peeing.

“Fucking finally, I thought I was going to piss myself.” He says when he’s finishing up.

“Sorry.” You reply lamely. “Shower felt too good to leave.”

“Well, hurry up so we can go get something to eat. I’m so hungry!”

“Okay, okay.” And with that, Jungkook is leaving the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

You finish washing up, stepping out of the shower and drying off. You quickly leave the bathroom in just your towel to head to your bedroom. Thankfully, Jungkook is on the couch watching some show on Netflix—too busy to notice your half naked state.

You get dressed in a rush, not wanting Jungkook to wait much longer for you. You settle for some jeans and a cute yellow shirt.

“I like yellow on you.” Jungkook says when he sees you. “Pretty.”

You are sure your cheeks are turning a nice shade of red at his compliment but you cover them with your hands to hide yourself.

“Thanks JK.”

[thisstableground]

If you can remember, what was the first scene you really wanted to write for each character? The one that made you start writing about them/start including them in stories?

oooh this is such a good question. i’m assuming you mean trio, since they’re my main go-to.  this will be an absurdly long post, i apologise, but honestly if people don’t expect that of me by now then i don’t know what to tell you. really it’s kind of hard to explain for any of them, because most of my early writing wasn’t planned in advance and i didn’t know them that well, it was through writing them that i really started to understand them and also to develop my own specific versions of them.

so ruben was first, and i basically slammed out the entire lengthy first chapter of maps won’t show us where we’re going (aka, the What Happened In Jamaica thing) in one sleepless night. i hadn’t  intended on writing any ruben fic at all, but i’d only discovered the DNH supercut maybe a few weeks before that and had been drawing ruben a lot and making lots of anguished posts about him, and i got an ask that was something along the lines of “okay but imagine how Traumatised and Terrible things are if he did survive jamaica” that like, listed off a bunch of potential bad things and it was partially my heart just breaking over the idea of him struggling so much and a little bit of “actually i want him to HEAL AND GET BETTER” spite that fuelled me because tbh the ask hit a bit of a nerve. 

so i didn’t exactly have a single scene in mind well in advance, i just knew when i started i wanted it to reach a point where he wasn’t better but where there was hope that he could be one day. and there’s a lot in that first chapter that was very much just lifted from personal experience which really opened the pandora’s box on realising how cathartic writing post-DNH ruben could be, which i think is the appeal of ruben to a lot of people. plus i got a lot of messages in my inbox going “OH MY GOD, POOR RUBEN??? YOU HAVE BROKEN MY HEART” and i absolutely bloody love people giving me attention for the things i make and having big emotions about it, so that definitely encouraged me to write him more

there was a little not-90verse DNH/ITH crossover which was my first venture into usnavi writing! i’d had a some run of art prompts in my askbox for various combos of LMM characters meeting and then got into a conversation about how usnavi would be the Best person for post-jamaica ruben to meet because he’s just so goddamn nice? and then i wrote a couple of very short little potential fics about it one of how things would go if jason showed up at the bodega which i cant remember much of but i think sonny was in it too and they pretty much told him to get the fuck out, and one was about ian tracking ruben down to the barrio and mistaking usnavi for ruben. sadly the actual fics are lost to my old blog/dead laptop but i can remember the details on the ian one pretty clearly, which is funny because i’d entirely forgotten it existed till just this second. they probably weren’t all that well-written anyway.

i hadn’t even considered any kind of non-platonic ruben/usnavi interaction when i wrote those and then i got an ask in my inbox that was like “you’re making me ship usnavi and ruben now” and i was like “only if vanessa can come too” and the whole thing was a joke i had no intention of writing but then a few people were like ‘i’d genuinely read that tho’ and that’s how your body is a triangle was writ, which is when vanessa came into the picture!

i think the first scene i ever decided on with her was the one where she accidentally triggers ruben into a panic attack and then goes  round his place to try and make amends. i found vanessa so fucking difficult to write at first because she’s very, very different from me in terms of both personality and voice. but even though YBIAT was just gonna be a silly crackship one-shot (oops what happened) i think the best crackfics are the ones where the characters are still in character, and i’ve always loved vansnavi as a ship so i didn’t want it to be one of those OT3s where it’s really just a way of writing two guys making out and the girl may as well just be a potted plant in the corner. so giving her proper motivation and characterisation was really important (i actually put way less effort into exploring the usnavi/ruben aspect of it in that particular fic, you might notice).

so i was trying to figure out how and why her and ruben connect, and it was on the point of  them both being more closed off than usnavi and really struggling sometimes to express things, but underneath the defensiveness and the walls being really caring and trying very hard. if there’s anything that you could call a theme for 90verse it’s the idea of effort, and how important trying is even when you’re not good at something or when life is hard. vanessa struggles with emotional expression but she’s also very determined and uses that to push through her discomfort when it really matters, and that’s something i fell so in love with so quickly when i started writing her. this mixture of cool and dorky and awkward and poised and prickly and good-hearted, she’s so complicated and wonderful. i have a line from usnavi in be right-right where you step, that people don’t always see past what’s on the surface with her when there’s so much there if you’re just willing to put in the effort, which i think is very true of their relationship (and also a reflection on similarities between ruben and vanessa, which i think came up a lot in earlier stories in particular) but was also totally a meta-comment on how vanessa did not come nearly so easily to me as usnavi or ruben did (and i know some other writers found her difficult to figure out, too) but she has always been so worth the effort of figuring her out.

there’s a postscript to the usnavi writing - i loved writing him in YBIAT because he’s kind of just silly and goofy and sweet, and i still love writing that side of him because it’s so much fun, but like i said, that was supposed to be a oneshot. so i think for usnavi the real moment was when i wrote that lil fic about him and all the ways that coffee has been important in his life, and that’s the first time i addressed the whole Dead Parents thing and it was that fic that made me really realise that just like vanessa, he’s got way more layers as a character than i’d originally thought about and that’s what made me want to explore him as more than just the funny, sunshiney one (and now i keep accidentally writing things where he’s sad and stressed and i don’t know how that keeps happening, but he is also still a smiley goofy sunbeam, so i haven’t broken him entirely)

[erekiosuncreativeideas]

Reliving An Old Nightmare - Chapter 22

<= Chapter 21

Summary : Things start to go south. Also available on AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/22337299/chapters/58744024

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New chapter ! I hope you'll like it !

Thank you so much for all your support ! Your comments mean so much to me, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU !

The drawing in this chapter is a bit old but still, I'm happy on how it came out.

Happy reading !

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Chapter 22

The secret passageway was extremely narrow, dusty and the air inside was humid. While the hatted brat could make her way inside easily, Snatcher and Vanessa had a little more trouble doing so. It was dark inside and the light emitted by the ghost’s face didn’t help very much, as all he could see was the kid’s behind as they all moved forward, crawling on the ground. The tunnel went on for a while and Snatcher couldn’t help but wonder if Vanessa knew what she was doing or… If she was planning to put them in another trap. The only thing preventing him from asking the Queen directly was the fear of being heard through the walls.

The spirit let out a huge feeling of relief when, finally, the tunnel ended. The kid stood up in front of him and he did the same as soon as he didn’t need to crawl anymore. The trio was now in a small room, full of dust and spiderwebs. There weren’t any windows and the only thing in there was a wooden ladder. The wood seemed rotten, probably an effect of the time and the humid air.

-“Where are we?” asked Snatcher, wary, as he tried to look where the ladder would take them. No matter how bright his face was, all he could see was darkness. Apparently, climbing was going to be long. It worried him a little: his body looked like his ghostly form, though the shade still needed to breathe, to swallow his saliva, he could smell things, feel things… And physical pain was one of them. His arms and shoulders hurt from all the time he had remained shackled to a wall, fortunately unconscious for most of the time. Would he be able to climb that ladder? But then a more awful thought hit him: would the kid, who had experienced the same situation as him, would be able to climb it?

She didn’t seem to be in pain, though the ghost could see that her posture was much more tensed. She didn’t show it, but she was probably suffering in silence. Normally, this should make Snatcher happy, it should be hilarious to him! Except it wasn’t.

Was it because he wasn’t the reason for the brat’s pain? However, before he was able to think more about it, Vanessa answered his previous question, silencing his inner monologue:

-“We’re just below the attic. Now, we just need to climb and we’ll get there.”

The little girl nodded and determination appeared on her features, as she changed her usual hat for the alchemist one. A poof sound resonated around them, soon followed by words full of resolve:

-“And then we’ll take the Time Piece and smash it onto the ground,” she declared: “After that, everything should be back to normal.”

Snatcher was about to comment on the “should” in her sentence but decided against it. She had been through a lot, mostly because of him, he had to admit… So he kept his mouth shut, for once.

Vanessa pushed herself on the side of the ladder, as an invitation for the other two to go first. Snatcher couldn’t help but find it extremely suspicious. He couldn’t say he fully trusted her, not after everything she did. The ghost gave her a dirty look and nodded to the ladder as he started to speak again:

-“And why don’t you go first?” he questioned with a suspicious tone. The woman only replied with an unimpressed look and pointed to the bottom of her nightshirt. It took the spirit a few seconds to understand what she was implying. He felt ridiculous for asking and blushed angrily, while the hatted brat giggled at his reaction.

-“Okay, okay, fine, I’ll go first!” concluded the shade, hoping for them to quickly forget what had just happened. But, deep down, he knew the kid was going to mock him for days. When he heard her trying not to laugh, he glared at her as a warning. He was nice enough to keep his mouth shut, but if it wasn’t mutual, then it wouldn’t last for long. His glare apparently worked and he saw the child looking somewhere else, caught red-handed.

The shade sighed, exasperated, and started climbing, soon followed by the hatted brat and his ex. And, just like he had thought… This was hard. His muscles hurt from the efforts and he couldn’t help but be discouraged as he glanced into the darkness above him. This was going to be extremely long and painful, wasn’t it? Plus, the wood was in poor shape and Snatcher couldn’t help but be afraid to fall. As a ghost, he could fly… But in this human body? He would just fall down and take the other two with him in the process. Not a good scenario.

Nonetheless, the ghost kept climbing, clenching his jaw as the effort became more and more unbearable. He could feel his arms getting weak, his muscles hurting… He huffed, as his heartbeat quickened. He dared to glance below his feet, watching the kid struggling just as he was. He had been right to think she was in pain as well. She was used to physical efforts but this was much different, considering how straining it had been, to be shackled to a wall like that…

He would never, ever forgive Vanessa. The idea of the child experiencing that, when he knew how hard and painful it was… It made him livid. The only reason he was listening to the Queen right now was because it might be their only chance of escaping. But as soon as they were out of there… Snatcher would certainly not allow her in his part of the forest. Nothing would ever change that.

The shade was suddenly brought back to reality as he felt something bumping into his head. It was a wooden trapdoor, illuminated by the yellowish glow of his face. The surprise caused by the contact almost made him let go of the ladder. He heard the kid give a sigh of relief, as she probably thought he would fall as well.

-“Why did you stop?” asked the little girl with a curious yet anxious tone.

-“I…” the spirit gulped and tried to push the trap door very cautiously: “I think we’re here.” Another sigh of relief left the child’s lips, and Snatcher could absolutely relate to her. He was exhausted too.

The small door didn’t give him much resistance. The wood was in poor condition and it felt strange on his skin. A ray of light lightened the secret passageway as Snatcher opened the trapdoor completely. Snatcher squinted his yellow eyes and entered the room, soon followed by the kid as well as Vanessa. They were indeed in the attic and the Queen apparently didn’t lie. They were alone, surrounded by old pieces of furniture, forgotten paintings, crates, all dusty from the effects of time.

The spirit dusted his clothes and made a few steps in the attic, careful not to make too much noise. He certainly didn’t want this Moonjumper guy coming after all the trouble they went through to get out of here! The ghost scanned the room quickly: no Time Piece in sight. Well, it wasn’t that surprising, considering how precious it was. The evil spirit possessing Simeon surely hid it well to avoid risks of it being found too easily. Maybe Vanessa knew where it was. With that in mind, he turned to his ex and asked her about it. Her reply didn’t surprise the shade in the least, though:

-“No… He told me it was in there, but he didn’t want me to know where exactly,” she explained, before trying to justify herself: “Sorry. At the time, it wasn’t something important to me…”

The spirit frowned: this wasn’t helping very much. He was about to turn to the hatted brat next but the said little girl moved quickly in the corner of his vision. It caught Snatcher’s attention and he noticed the small child running towards what seemed like an ordinary crate. But before he was able to question her about her intentions, he saw her materializing an explosive potion in her hand, which she put on the top of the wooden box. That’s when the shade understood what she was trying to do and, despite his body looking like his ghostly form, his face turned pale immediately. He extended a hand in her direction, trying to stop her, but it was already too late.

-“No, no, no, no! We don’t want to attract att-” he tried to yell in a hush, however, he was soon interrupted by the sound of an explosion resonating in the room.

A huge cloud of smoke appeared because of the blast, mixing itself with the thick layers of dust already in the attic. The noise was loud, too loud, and soon, Snatcher’s eyes stung from all the particles floating in the air. In the same way, his lungs were quickly filled with them and he couldn’t help but cough as tears rolled on his cheeks. His chest hurt so much… Behind him, he could hear Vanessa coughing and whining just as he was.

Despite how painful it was, Snatcher tried to open his eyes again and saw the silhouette of the brat behind the clouds of smoke. How was she even able to breathe in there?! Though, his question was soon answered as he saw two green lights appearing through the smoke: of course, she was wearing her dweller mask. The shade had no idea this thing could protect anyone from being asphyxiated, but it’s not like he was a specialist on the matter! He was just a dead prince and lawyer!

The child looked like she was searching for something inside what was left of the crate. After a few seconds, she seemed to take out something, a very shiny object, which she lifted in the air with a loud and proud “ah-ha!”

The Time Piece. It was there, in her small and little hand!

The ghost let a relieved smile appear on his features as he realized what it truly meant: it was over! They would finally leave this rotten and -oh so wrong- place! His smile widened as he watched the kid smash it onto the floor. Sounds of broken glasses echoed in the room as the bright sand spread on the ground. And then, pure silence. A deafening and awfully long silence.

Was it normal? Was it supposed to take that long?

The little girl’s gestures through the smoke seemed to show that she was confused as well. She kneeled down next to the broken shards and the shade could hear her mumbling things for herself. However, Snatcher was able to understand some bits of it: “I don’t understand!”, “It shouldn’t do that!” and many other sentences like these.

This was not good.

-“What-” The ghost coughed as dust entered his throat when he tried to speak: “What’s happening, kiddo?”

Seconds passed, and he could hear the child panicking more and more, her breathing rhythm quickening as she started to fidget. She wasn’t listening to him. In fact, she probably didn’t even hear him, given how distressed she appeared to be. Whatever was happening, this was not normal, especially if his ex-contractor had no idea how to solve a situation like this one.

Plus, he had no idea how much time they had left before this Moonjumper guy came to stop them… For some reason, Snatcher had a very bad feeling about him, though he couldn’t tell why.

He coughed again and tried to catch the brat’s attention once more, speaking up this time:

-“Kid!” he yelled, loud enough for the child to turn her head towards him: “What’s happening?”

The insistence and urge in his voice brought the kid back to reality and she stuttered an answer:

-“I- I don’t know!” her voice was muffled through the fox mask but he could still understand her perfectly: “It should have brought us back by now! I don’t understand, I don’t-!”

However, before she could add anything else, a cruel and unknown laugh resonated in the attic. It seemed to come from all directions at once, echoing all around them. The trio went silent as a mix of surprise and horror engulfed them all. Vanessa made a few steps to Snatcher, confirming his suspicions:

-“It’s him,” she warned him as she prepared herself for the imminent battle. The air became suddenly colder around them and the blackness of her hands spread on her forearms as she did so. As for the spirit, he wished he could use his own powers, but he still couldn’t sense them inside of him. But he needed them so much right now!

The unknown voice spoke again, with a fake disappointed tone that was everything but reassuring:

-“I thought we were a good team, Vanessa!” cooed the evil spirit, still nowhere in sight: “Weren’t you happy with everything I did for you?”

Vanessa’s face contorted in anger and frustration as she replied darkly:

-“You lied to me.”

Her voice, surprisingly calm, was enough to make Snatcher extremely ill-at-ease, as it reminded him of very bad memories he wished he could forget. His body tensed up more because of her, rather than because of the presence of an enemy they couldn’t see yet.

-“Did I?” wondered the stranger to himself and he continued after a pause: “Yet, I remember you accepting my help without any question… Am I wrong?”

His mischievous tone was getting on Snatcher’s nerves, but apparently even more on Vanessa’s. She squinted and gritted her teeth before throwing an attack at random. Pillars of ice erupted from the floor, shattering the wooden planks of the attic one by one. Vanessa was fighting an invisible enemy but, to Snatcher, the guy wasn’t only invisible.

He just wasn’t there at all. He just knew it, maybe because of a ghost instinct he ignored he had. Yet, he was still sure their enemy was not in the same room as them.

The evil spirit laughed again, clearly finding the Queen’s attempts at murdering him quite funny. Snatcher, on the contrary, knew that those certainly weren’t. The other seemed to see the woman as a harmless threat, which wasn’t reassuring at all, seeing that she was the most powerful being among the trio.

-“Oh, really, Vanessa? After everything I have done for you? Is this what I get in return? Tsk, tsk, tsk…”

The Queen’s rage intensified and she threw other, similar attacks at random around her, one of them almost hitting the hatted brat, who managed to dodge the ice pillars by very little. A little shriek left her lips, as she avoided the attack. As for the woman, her monster from was now spreading to her arms and soon it would reach her shoulders. Snatcher felt a huge feeling of panic settling over him: he had to stop his ex from becoming crazy once again! If he didn’t, he was sure she would either hurt him… Or the kid by accident.

The ghost reacted quickly and grabbed her shoulders, turning her to him, despite how afraid he was to do so. The eyes that met his were red and full of hatred. The Queen tried to push him away, almost roaring from the fury she was feeling, but the shade forced her to look back at him.

-“Vanessa!” he yelled: “Snap out of it!”

She didn’t seem to hear it at first but when he shook her again, Vanessa’s stare finally fell back on him. Rage was soon replaced by confusion and then horror as she realized she had lost her temper once again.

-“I’m…” she apologized softly, stepping away from Snatcher as she noticed how much her body had been corrupted by her new outburst: “I’m so sorry!”

Snatcher said nothing, too overwhelmed by his emotions to speak up. At least, Vanessa’s anger hadn’t been for nothing, as it allowed the dust to float away, giving everyone a much better look of the room. The other spirit, on the contrary, found the situation extremely amusing and snickered cruelly.

-“Oh, the Ice Queen being sorry! Isn’t it ridiculous?”

Vanessa’s expression darkened, both upset and frustrated, but she remained calm nonetheless, to Snatcher’s great relief. The hatted girl took advantage of the woman’s newfound calm to join back her companions. She adopted a fighting stance, since she didn’t have her umbrella anymore, yet Snatcher didn’t feel like it would work on a being like their enemy.

If this guy was a ghost like him… Then hurting him physically wouldn’t work under normal circumstances. Vannessa would be the only one able to hurt him if she used her magic. He and the kid, however, would be completely useless in battle. The trio changed positions to be back to back with each other, ready to fight the powerful stranger wherever he would come out from. Snatcher couldn’t help but feel like he was the most harmless of the three.

-“Aw, how cute! I must admit, I find your vain persistence quite amusing!” bragged the evil spirit, then changing his intonation completely, choosing a much more threatening tone: “However, I think now is the time for you to stop resisting.”

A weird static noise echoed in the room and Snatcher turned his head to the direction of the sound. On the ground, the previously smashed Time Piece was now affected by glitches until it disappeared completely in a blink as if it had never been there in the first place. Next to him, the kid’s face crumpled in terror as she was now realizing the exact same thing as him.

The Time Piece she had smashed onto the ground had been fake. It had been a lure to trap them. And they all fell right into it.

Another static noise resonated in the attic and, not too far from the now inexistent Time Piece, a whitish breach opened, tearing reality apart. Some particles of dust were sucked into it and completely disappeared as they entered the hole. For a brief moment, Snatcher thought the rift was collapsing, that they were going to die now with the Time Rift… But suddenly, a grey hand grabbed one of the edges of the breach, soon followed by another one. Their claws were trying to get a solid hold on the reality and, after a few seconds of huge efforts, a silhouette slowly dragged itself from the whitish void. The figure was unrecognizable and belonged to a spirit Snatcher didn’t know. The stranger was wearing a long red coat with yellow buttons and stripes on the top of his sleeves. He didn’t seem to have legs and had a yellowish kind of tail instead. It looked like he used to have legs but they had been ripped off him.

The evil spirit’s skin was grey and his head had a strange form, like a crescent moon form. The trio was unable to move, too astonished to do anything. And, after what felt centuries to the shade, the other lifted his head and looked at them with an insane expression. His right eye had red diamonds in them while his left eye had a red pupil and was staring at them in a crazed way.

-“Oh, it’s so good to be back,” sighed the other spirit before laughing maniacally.

Snatcher knew that whoever this guy was and whatever were his motives… He was clearly decided to murder them all. But the ghost would not let him.

This was absolutely out of the question.

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HEHEHE, WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THAT CLIFFHANGER ? I hope you liked this chapter ! Thank you so much for all your support !

Take care, everyone !

=> Chapter 23

[artificialqueens]

losing all my cool (branjie, oneshot) - holtzmanns

Here's a oneshot full of headassery to tide you all over until the next multichap. Thank you all SO much for all the support that you send my way both on AO3 and here about my fics. It makes me so happy and really motivates me to keep writing more. So, this exists because of you, in a way. 

 Writ is the bestest beta and friend and cheerleader in the world and I love them. Also the title of this fic is from Cool by Dua Lipa. 

 NOTE: The mug bit at the end - you'll know when you reach it - is inspired by a scene in a ghostbusters fanfic that I read years ago. So. Just wanted to make it clear that I can't take credit for that idea. That being said, enjoy!

Brooke Lynn Hytes is a lesbian. A premium cut, 100% Canadian beef hunk of lesbian, and everyone knows it.

Brooke wouldn’t necessarily say that it’s a big factor of her personality, per se. She just makes sure that it’s abundantly clear for any potential ladies around her to catch on. Plus, she fucking rocks a good beanie, oversized shirt, jeans, and docs combo and really, who wouldn’t know it from looking at her? Having a flashing neon sign above her head reading ‘GAY’ would probably be a little bit more subtle.

Despite the blatant display of her sexual orientation, it’s been awhile since Brooke has dated anyone seriously - a year and a half, to be exact. The time since has been a lament of Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, swiping right and left but not really ever clicking with anyone. Going out to the village but not really seeing anyone past a second date, because none of them really feel right.

Who would have thought that the dating scene in the city would have such slim pickings after awhile? Brooke feels like she’s wading through the same bunch of faces that she’s already seen before, way too many girls that have dated her exes or are her exes and really, she’s tired of it.

It’s a hard dilemma to explain to her friends, too, all of them either in long term relationships and happy or straight and having a way easier time finding guys for themselves. They don’t get the lesbian dating struggle.

“These apps are so dry. I’m going to be seventy years old and attending aquafit classes before someone pops up who’s going to actually catch my interest.” Brooke doesn’t mean for her words to come out in a muffled groan, but it’s hard for them not to when her face is buried in her hands.

“Aw, don’t be like that, B.” A’keria’s sympathetic hand reaches out to pat her shoulder, and it’s a little comforting, but not that much, not when A’keria’s other hand is busy texting her man. “You’re a catch.”

“I know I am. Problem is, I can’t find anyone else who is too.” Brooke shoves a forkful of pad thai in her mouth as she shrugs.

They really did all luck out, working in the same plaza. Brooke loves being able to catch up with the friends she’s made over lunch, Nina coming over from her bakery and Monique and Monet from their boutique and A’keria, Silky, and Vanessa from their salon. Having food options never hurts, either.

Brooke hears a snort as she takes a sip of her water, and looks up to see Vanessa rolling her eyes across from her, shaking her head.

“What?”

“You are so full of yourself, miss thing.”

Brooke shrugs, sprinkling more peanuts over her food. “I know my worth. A little bit of self confidence never hurts anyone.”

“Apparently, it hurts your dating life.” Vanessa grins, raising an eyebrow, and Brooke can’t help but pout.

“Hey! You don’t get the struggle. It’s harder when you date girls.”

It’s true. Straight people have it better. Straight people can pick each other up off the street, in the line for Starbucks. Straight people never have to wonder about if someone they’re into is also like them, if they’re even remotely interested. Straight people never have to look for smoke signals from potential people to date as clues. So Brooke’s not saying that Vanessa hasn’t been through it like she has when it comes to dating, but she’s also not not saying it.

Besides, Vanessa’s taking a break from dating, anyway. At least, that’s what she’d told their group after she’d broken up with her last boyfriend a few months ago. That she needs to go back and find herself or something.

Vanessa, though, seems unperturbed as she clacks her acrylic nails on the table. “Is it, now? Tell me, Brooke. Tell me about your struggle being a lady Casanova.”

“Okay, now you’re just making fun of me.” Brooke sniffs, leaning back in her chair.

It’s fine, really. She’ll find a girl eventually.

Maybe before she’s seventy.

If Brooke is the world’s most obvious lesbian, Vanessa is the world’s most incognito bisexual.

To most people, at least. Sure, Silky and A’keria know that Vanessa had dated some girls back in college, that her Tinder is set to both guys and girls. But everyone else?

Vanessa hasn’t seen the point of revealing it yet. What’s the rush, if she’s not dating a girl anyway?

Nor is she dating a guy right now either, but that’s beside the point.

Vanessa gets how she’s perceived. Face always beat, hair always styled, an aesthetic that’s femme as hell. Long ass nails, because why wouldn’t she get acrylics if she’s not getting coochie anytime soon? She looks good, but she also understands why she has had to be the one to hit on girls in the past, rather than the other way around. Because they always think that she’s a heterosexual.

And here Brooke is, doing the same thing. Not that Vanessa is interested in her - she needs a little bit more time with herself before dating again, especially after the drama of her last boyfriend. All she needs in bed is her rabbit toy, and it gives more pleasure than she’s gotten from her last two partners put together.

But she knows how Brooke sees her - straight, because Brooke’s playing into her own stereotypes about how girls interested in other girls look, how they act. Brooke would be the last person to guess that Vanessa’s bisexual, that she enjoys going down on a girl just as much as she does. Brooke, sweet lumberjack Brooke in her ripped jeans and her plaid as if she’s about to go chop a tree down with her nonexistent biceps. Classic lesbian, practically begging to be messed with.

And Vanessa has an idea. It comes to her as she’s walking back to the salon with Silky and A’keria after their lunch break, their friend group dispersing towards their respective businesses around the plaza. Vanessa finds it hilarious that Brooke’s a ballet teacher, going over releves and arabesques while looking like she can’t lift her own leg over her own head in those jeans. Though Vanessa knows she can, from one too many drunk nights out when Brooke’s old ballet dancer persona shines through as they stumble from the bars.

“You’re gonna what now?” Silky’s brows are furrowed, her eyes slightly squinting - partly from the sun, partly because she doesn’t seem to be following Vanessa’s train of thought.

Vanessa pats her arm as they swing open the salon doors once more. “I’m gonna confuse the shit out of Brooke. Shove all of her sapphic stereotypes up her ass.”

“As if she wouldn’t like that.” A’keria snorts, and Vanessa groans.

“Nasty. Point is, bitch has no clue I’m into ladies too. So, it’s time for me to get in her head. Make her reconsider how she sees other people.”

“How you gonna do that? Hytes is sharp. She’ll figure out something stupid in no time.”

Silky has a point. How can Vanessa fool Brooke in a way that won’t make her figure out what exactly is going on?

Except Vanessa, despite her normal state of being a bull in a china shop, does know subtlety, especially when it comes to displaying signals.

Which means she knows just how to get under Brooke’s skin.

The beanie from the top shelf of Vanessa’s dresser feels weird on her head the next morning. It’s one that she hasn’t pulled out since her college days when she had been trying to figure out her personal style and what suited her. Vanessa’s not mad at it, though, as she looks in the mirror. She’s still curled her hair and she’s still wearing heels but the button down she’s wearing with her sleeves rolled up is miles away from her normal aesthetic.

Not that she doesn’t rock it.

“Phase one, ladies.” Vanessa strides into the salon with a swing in her step, a coffee in each hand. Her first client isn’t coming in for another forty five minutes, but she’s here early for a reason.

“One of those for me?” Silky holds a hand out but Vanessa’s quick to lift the cup high in the air, out of her grasp.

“No can do. This one’s for someone in that dance studio four doors down. You know exactly who.”

Brooke’s fiddling with her phone, swiping through songs that play on the overhead speakers as the dancers in her studio warm up on the hardwood floor. Vanessa has to hold back a flinch at the way the dancers bend in half, pull their legs up higher than they ever naturally should be.

“Morning, Brooke!” Vanessa’s voice is faux cheerful, a smile on her face to hide the way she already wants to crack up.

“Morn!” Brooke’s none the wiser as she puts her phone down on the speaker system, turns around to face Vanessa before she pauses, eyes wide.

Bingo.

Vanessa can feel Brooke’s eyes trail up and down her frame as she hands Brooke her coffee. “You good? Looking a little spaced out there.”

“What? Yeah, I’m good.” Brooke sputters, taking a sip of her coffee to mask it but Vanessa catches it, of course she does. “What’s the coffee for?”

“Oh, no reason.” Vanessa shrugs, leaning against the wall. “Just thought I’d grab one for you, that’s all.”

“That’s, uh-very nice of you.” Brooke’s eyes are still as wide as saucers, and Vanessa has to hold back a snicker, because she’s so easy. “I like the beanie. Never seen you in one before.”

“Yeah?” Vanessa reaches up, fiddles with it, as if she hasn’t noticed it today at all. “Found this old thing in my closet and my hair was a mess this morning. Figured I’d bring it back, y’know?”

Sure, it’s a lie. Vanessa’s hair is meticulously styled as always, but Brooke doesn’t need to know that.

“Sure.” Brooke pauses on her words before continuing. “That shirt, too. It’s a nice one.”

Vanessa crosses her arms, the rolled up sleeves along her forearms showing off the simple black watch on her wrist. “Yeah? Didn’t think you ever liked what I wear. Or that you ever paid attention to my outfits. But it’s nice to know that you do.”

Checkmate.

Vanessa turns on her heels towards the door before Brooke gets to say another word, turning back towards Brooke as she’s about to step out. Brooke’s eyes are still on her, a crease in her brows, and Vanessa has never wanted to crack up harder.

“See you at lunch, Brooke.”

Lunch feels like it’s hours away, and it doesn’t stop V from fiddling with excitement throughout her morning appointments. The moment she gets to drop her styling shears and comb on her table is a relief, because it means that it’s time to execute the next part of her plan.

A’keria had originally made a face this morning when Vanessa had roped her into it, but Vanessa knows that she’s going to come through. Because A’keria is reliable like that.

Vanessa’s halfway through her dynamite rolls, but she feels like she has to scarf them down before the shenanigans unfold. She can’t focus on the conversations being held at their table, even though Monique’s story about their ridiculous customer from the morning is pretty funny. Especially because Brooke keeps peeking over at her while she picks at her tempura, which Vanessa catches because Brooke’s never been this quiet during their daily lunches before, so lost in thought with her brow furrowed.

Vanessa nudges A’keria beside her, their little signal. A’keria sighs a little before nodding, reaching for her phone, dialing Vanessa’s number. Just as they’ve planned.

Vanessa has to keep a snicker from getting out as Pussy Is God by King Princess starts blaring from her phone, because what better ringtone to choose for a scheme like this? Brooke’s head snaps up almost immediately, her eyes darting around the table to look for the source, and Vanessa takes the opportunity to stand up, hold out her phone.

“Gotta take this one, guys. I’ll be back, though!”

Vanessa has to try her hardest to not turn back, not peek at Brooke’s expression as she heads for the hallway with the sushi restaurant’s bathrooms, where she can answer A’keria’s fake call. “Thanks, bitch! I owe you one.”

“You really fucking do-”

Vanessa hangs up before A’keria’s done her sentence, and she can’t resist doing a twirl in front of the bathroom mirror, almost wanting to pat herself on the back. Because everything is unfolding exactly as planned.

She touches up her lipstick, dusts some more highlighter on her cheeks because she’s in front of a mirror, anyway, waiting for the time to pass. She watches the minutes tick by on her watch, and it’s hard, really, not to run outside right away, to see what Brooke’s face looks like at this very moment.

Kiki: what u got massive diarrhea in there or some shit

Kiki: come out already

Okay, maybe Vanessa should be waiting less than fifteen minutes.

It’s worth it, though, when she traipses out, sits right back down across from Brooke at the table, especially when Brooke’s face has about a million questions written across it.

“Sorry for leaving like that.” Vanessa holds out her phone, shrugs as she picks up her chopsticks once more. “Call from my ex, they’re in town. Wanted to catch up.”

“Oh?” Brooke’s face perks up in the most predictable way, and it’s exactly what Vanessa wants. Excellent.

Vanessa’s as cool as a cucumber on the outside, though. Quite an actress.

“Mhm.” Vanessa nods, grabbing an edamame bean as she does. “Think I’m gonna make plans with them for later this week. Our breakup was pretty chill.”

Brooke leans forward in her seat, ever so slightly. Just as she should. “What happened with you two?”

“We were just better off as friends.” Vanessa shrugs. “One of those people you still vibe with, y’know?”

“Sure…” Brooke trails off, tilting her head ever so slightly. “What did you say their name was again?”

“I didn’t.” Vanessa grins before standing up, tapping her watch with her other hand. “Though it’s almost one. Lunch is over, y’all.”

The corresponding groans echoing from the table, mostly from Monet, are worth it when Vanessa peeks at Brooke’s gobsmacked face.

She loves throwing her for a loop.

Brooke’s going to go insane. She really is. It feels like she’s in an alternate universe, where things are just not quite right, or maybe she’s been blind this whole time to it until now, but-

There’s something up with Vanessa.

It had started simple enough to be a coincidence. Vanessa in a button down shirt and a beanie. Sure, not her usual style, but we all experiment now and then. But then Vanessa’s ringtone had blared and it had been a fucking King Princess song, and she’d talked about an ex when she usually never does. Brooke had been listening, she really had, to see if she had been talking about a guy because, well…Vanessa’s straight, right?

But Brooke hadn’t been able to tell, and she’s still not sure. Because from how vague Vanessa was, she could have easily been talking about a girl or a nonbinary ex, for all that Brooke knows. But would Vanessa date someone who’s not a guy?

Brooke has no idea, and the mystery is killing her. Because Vanessa’s not gay. She can’t be. Can she?

Brooke needs to find out.

It’s a little while before Brooke sees Vanessa again, mostly because she has brainstorming lunch meetings with Detox before her friend begins to work on her dancers’ costumes before their spring showcase. It’s only for a few days, but Brooke feels like she’s going nuts, like she needs to investigate more or she’s going to lose it.

Detox notices, from the way her eyebrows are raised as she sits across from Brooke at her makeshift office in the studio. “Got ants in your pants, or something?”

“Detox.” Brooke rests her elbows on the table, leans forward slightly. “How good is your gaydar?”

“Gaydar isn’t a thing, dumbass. Straight people invented that.” Detox snorts. “If it was real, I’d be way better at hitting on the gay girls instead of the straight ones.”

“You just have a type, and that type is ‘not interested,’ apparently.” Brooke winks at Detox when her eyebrows raise. “Don’t forget, I was there all throughout undergrad when you’d cry in the bathroom after another straight girl turned you down.”

“Undergrad was traumatic. Don’t remind me.” Detox shudders, before holding out her hand. “I won in the end, though.”

Brooke fakes gagging upon seeing Detox’s shiny bling on her ring finger, as if she doesn’t want a girl for herself, too. “Don’t remind me. We know you’re married.”

“You’re just jealous of how cute we are. Now tell me, which girl has gotten your panties in a tizzy?”

“Tizzy-no, she hasn’t gotten them in a tizzy. Gross.” Brooke makes a face. “It’s one of the girls in the salon over there. I thought I had her figured out, but…”

“But now your signals are crossed?” Detox looks delighted, a little too delighted, by Brooke’s plight.

“But now my signals are crossed.” Brooke sighs, leans her cheek on her hand. “What straight girl likes King Princess?”

Detox shrugs. “I dunno. She’s getting kinda mainstream now, isn’t she? I swear I heard her play on the radio once. I think you gotta keep investigating, Sherlock Holmes. Find out more.”

Brooke gets her chance to do just that when Nina texts their group chat to make a plan for drinks after work on a Friday afternoon. She’s never said yes faster because she knows Vanessa is going to come, which means that Brooke will have the chance to dig a little deeper.

The bar that they choose is blaring tunes on their overhead speakers, making it hard for Brooke to hear anything aside from the bass of the latest top forty song, but she leans in nonetheless over the table Because Nina is bringing up plans for Pride this year, and Brooke’s especially interested in the answers of one specific person.

Vanessa’s wearing Doc Martens and the sight had been disconcerting when they’d walked into the bar, because Brooke’s never seen her without heels. The plaid shirt tied around her waist is taunting Brooke, confusing her even more because it’s the type of shirt that Brooke herself would wear. She’d never thought that she’d have anything in common with Vanessa’s style in the past, though evidently, her closet has some exceptions.

“I’m thinking we can hit up Garage and O’Grady’s for sure. Crews is going to be too busy during Pride, it’s packed to the brim on a good day.” Nina has her notes app open as she makes their itinerary, and it almost makes Brooke want to crack up, how organized she is.

“What about The Drink? Shouldn’t be as crowded there, either.”

Brooke’s head pops up from her appetizer of mozzarella sticks to see who’s given the suggestion of one of her favourite venues - it’s not A’keria, who’s on her phone, not Monique or Monet, who’d both disappeared to the bathroom together ages ago. It’s Vanessa, leaning forward expectantly to peek at the list on Nina’s phone, and Brooke feels like she’s about to do a spit take.

How has Vanessa heard of The Drink? Brooke would get it if Vanessa’s heard of the popular gay bars in the village, the one that straight people tend to go to more often than not, but The Drink?

“You’ve been there before?” Brooke can’t help but internally curse at herself when the words slip out of her mouth but she can’t help it, because she’s more confused than ever.

Vanessa’s eyes are sparkling just a little too much, and it’s making Brooke’s head hurt, just a little. “One of my fave spots. Why, wanna go there sometime, B?”

Brooke doesn’t miss the way Silky snickers into her nachos, and she has to run her fingers through her hair, rub her temples a bit to clear her head. “I’ve been there plenty.”

“I’m sure you have, but that wasn’t my question.” Vanessa raises an eyebrow as she takes a sip of her drink.

Brooke pauses, because she can’t understand what Vanessa means with her statement, unless…

“Wait, are you asking me out?”

“You wish.”

And Vanessa’s winking at her, turning towards Silky and A’keria, and Brooke’s going to go grey, really, if everything keeps going on like this.

Vanessa’s having fun. Way too much fun. Enough that she’s going to be laughing about it for weeks, because getting under Brooke’s skin has never been so entertaining.

Brooke is lost. Dazed and confused. Vanessa’s plan is working out perfectly, because Brooke already seems to have been turned on her head, not quite sure what is going on anymore. Vanessa almost wants to take pity on her, reveal her ruse, that no shit she’s also into women. But it’s fun watching Brooke struggle a little bit as she tries to figure it out.

When Monique texts their group chat a day later that it’s been too long and she needs to go out before she absolutely loses her mind, Vanessa jumps to say yes. Because she knows Brooke’s going to come too, and she can pull another fast one on her.

Kameron’s quick to agree when Vanessa texts her about it, saying yes before even hearing the full story, but calling Vanessa nonetheless.

“You want me to-”

“Help me pull a stunt on my pal. Just be at the club around eleven tonight.”

“You’re a crazy bitch, and I love it.” Kameron’s laughing into the phone, and Vanessa knows she has her intrigued. “I’ll be there.”

Vanessa’s back in an off the shoulder top and tight skirt for their night out, because sure, they’re going to a lesbian bar, but a part of her has missed her own style. Besides, she’s not trying to pick up anybody tonight, anyway. She’s just trying to get the attention of one specific person.

A’keria and Silky slam their shot glasses down at the bar, and if this were any other night, Vanessa would join them, even though she’s the lightweight of the group. But she’s keeping her eyes peeled, listening to Nina and Brooke talk about their current Netflix obsession as she waits for Kameron to show up and set her plan in motion.

Kameron sits herself down at the end of the bar, and the way she chugs from her beer bottle, muscles flexing, is already making girls turn towards her, trying to bat their eyes at her.

Vanessa knows that Kameron’s more than whipped for her girlfriend, Asia, that she doesn’t really have eyes for anybody else. Which makes the way she pretends to check Vanessa out hilarious, with a smile cast towards her that must have worked well on Asia back in the day. Vanessa wastes no time in winking back, and by the time the bartender slides a drink to her (‘compliments of the lady at the end of the bar’) Vanessa’s already slid off her barstool, meandering over to where Kameron is sitting.

“So who’s the one you’re trying to get the attention of?” Kameron’s grinning as she sips her beer, and Vanessa can’t help but make a face at her wording.

“I’m not trying to get her attention. That makes it sound like I’m into her.” Vanessa scoffs, before taking a sip of her gin and tonic. “Just trying to teach her a bit of a lesson.”

“Sounds like a lot of effort to put in just to teach someone a lesson.” Kameron lifts her chin slightly, gestures to where Vanessa’s friends are sitting. “Is it the blonde?”

“I can’t turn around and look right now, but - yes, it’s the blonde.” Vanessa wants to fidget on her chair, turn around and see Brooke’s reaction for herself. “Why, what’s she doing?”

“She looks kinda pressed. You’ve definitely gotten her attention, alright.”

“Really?” Vanessa leans in closer to Kameron, trying to see if she can decipher what Brooke is up to from Kameron’s reactions. “How so?”

“Looking like she wants to come over here and give me a talking-to.” Kameron snorts. “Think you’ve made her jealous.”

“Jealous, huh?” Not Vanessa’s initial intention but…she’s not mad about it.

Brooke’s used to getting every girl she wants. Maybe this will be a change for her.

“I’ve missed you and your weird schemes, V.” Kameron clinks the neck of her bottle with Vanessa’s glass. “How’s the salon?”

“Good. We still all miss you, though.” Vanessa pouts, crossing her arms.

Kameron raises her eyebrows. “It’s been three years since I’ve worked there with you guys.”

“And yet no replacement employee has ever been the same.” Vanessa gives her best dramatic sigh, and it has the intention of making Kameron crack up. “How’s Asia doing?”

The telltale smile that rises on Kameron’s face at the mention of Asia is heartwarming, Vanessa can’t deny it. “She’s good. Currently watching Jeopardy reruns and she’d told me not to wake her up when I get home.”

“You guys are the cutest. I want me a girl like that.” Vanessa sighs, almost wistfully. It really has been awhile since she’s had a girlfriend, and she’s never had a relationship as adorably hilarious as Kameron and Asia with their bickering.

“Yesterday we started fighting over the proper way to pronounce ‘caramel,’ and I almost had to sleep on the couch.” Kameron’s deadpan voice makes Vanessa giggle, because the sight is so easy to picture. “But pause that conversation. Your girl’s walking over.”

“She’s not-”

“Hey Vanessa, everything okay?”

Vanessa spins on her stool to face Brooke, and Kameron plays her part by edging ever so slightly closer to her. Not quite with her arm around her, but enough to catch Brooke’s notice.

“Everything’s great.” Vanessa’s voice is chipper than usual, and she doesn’t miss how Kameron holds in a snort. So much for acting.

“Cool. Just checking.” Brooke looks like she’s on edge, like she’s biting her lip to keep herself from saying something.

Vanessa slides off the barstool with her drink in hand, trying to ignore the fact that she loses a couple inches off her height when she does despite the heels. “That being said, we’re pretty much wrapping up. Talk to you later, Kam?”

“See you around, V.” Kameron winks, winks, and Vanessa really does have to applaud her dedication towards acting the part.

Brooke follows behind Vanessa as they walk back towards their friends. Vanessa looks up at her as they weave through the crowds, tugs on her hand so that she doesn’t lose her. She plops back down on her original stool and Brooke sits down beside her, looking a little grumpy for a night out.

“Kam’s nice, isn’t she?” Vanessa watches Brooke’s face closely as she asks the question, sees the way she scowls.

“Sure.” Brooke grunts. “Do you guys know each other?”

“Nope.” Vanessa pops her lips on the final ‘p’. “She bought me a drink, so I went to talk to her. Turned down her offer to dance, though.”

Brooke looks up from her drink, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Because you weren’t interested?”

Vanessa shrugs. “Nah. Because my feet are tired in these heels.”

“Oh.”

“Wouldn’t say she’s my type, though.” Vanessa keeps her voice as light as possible, leans forward in her seat.

“No?” Brooke’s breath looks like it hitches in her throat, and Vanessa can’t help but tuck a lock of hair behind her own ear, drum her fingers on the tabletop.

“Nah. I like blondes, not redheads.”

The noise that Brooke makes as Vanessa walks away to join A’keria and Silky’s conversation is worth it.

The only thing worse than Brooke’s pounding headache from her hangover is the way she can still absolutely remember everything from last night.

She feels stupid, she really does. What made her go up to Vanessa like that? They’re friends, she’s not into her like that. Not when Vanessa doesn’t even like g-

Brooke doesn’t know anymore.

Her brain feels like it’s being pulled into a million directions, and Silky and A’keria had been no help, telling her ‘we’d know if Vanessa was gay, wouldn’t we? She’s our friend’ and ‘I dunno B, better go to the source yourself,’ and now, Brooke has no idea at all what to believe anymore.

Silky and A’keria wouldn’t steer her wrong, would they? But that redhead had clearly been flirting with Vanessa, and Brooke’s not sure why it had bothered her, really, but still. Brooke had only gone over to see if Vanessa was okay, if she was in a situation she didn’t want to be in, but Vanessa had been plenty enjoying herself. Maybe Vanessa had thought the redhead was being friendly.

But it’s too much for her brain to untangle during her late morning class, the blaring of the music over the speakers hardly a distraction from the way Brooke just wants to go back to bed. She can’t even imagine moving like her dancers are doing so on the floor, trying to twirl herself around. She needs more coffee.

The end of the class can’t come soon enough, and by the time the dancers are cooling down, stretching, Brooke’s heading for the Keurig machine in her office to fill up her cup again. The first sip burns her tongue and she yelps as she steps back into the studio, grumbling to herself as the dancers leave one by one.

Running a class on a Saturday at 11 a.m. had been a mistake.

Brooke doesn’t get to focus much on her scheduling shortcomings, though, when the door opens, the jingle of the chain making Brooke’s head snap up.

Of course Vanessa still looks put together the morning after a night out.

Vanessa pauses once she reaches Brooke, taking in her appearance. Brooke knows it’s nothing to write home about - her button down, her leggings, her ‘say hey if you’re gay’ mug that she’s clutching to like a lifeline - but hey, not everyone is capable of putting a full face of makeup on after getting hammered the night before.

Vanessa has a smile on her lips that Brooke doesn’t really understand, one that her brain isn’t working enough to decipher anyway. But then Vanessa sits down beside her, casts an eye to her mug.

“Hey.”

Brooke makes a face. Why is Vanessa being so weird in the morning? “Hi?”

Wait. Hold on.

Brooke can feel her jaw drop just as Vanessa begins to crack up, pointing to her mug. “You take a long time to realize things, y’know that?”

“But…what…how?” Brooke’s looking down at her mug, looking up at Vanessa, and Vanessa’s just said hey which means-

“Bi, not gay. But close enough.” Vanessa has a shit eating grin on her face but Brooke can’t really unpack it now, anyway, because her brain is just…mush.

“Wait…so you’re not straight?” Brooke needs another sip of her coffee, maybe another cup, because she’s not quite sure if she’s still asleep or not, because maybe she’s still dreaming, maybe the entire week of Vanessa acting strange has been a dream-

But Vanessa rolls her eyes. “No, dumbass. And when did I ever tell you that I was?”

“But you had a boyfriend-”

“Bisexuals exist, y’know.” Vanessa’s raising an eyebrow, and Brooke gives her a sheepish smile, because she absolutely has a point. “That’s what happens when you assume things about people.”

“Wait. That explains-”

“The outfits, the King Princess?” Vanessa snickers, and she really does look happy with herself. “Thought I could teach you a little something about not always following stereotypes.”

“Okay, but A’keria and Silky-” Brooke pauses, remembering their words. “They’d say they’d know if you were gay.”

Vanessa shrugs. “They didn’t lie. They’d know if I was, wouldn’t they?”

Brooke frowns when Vanessa cracks up, because it had been a play on words, sure, but absolutely made Brooke believe something else. “That’s fucking sneaky.”

“Sorry, B.” Vanessa’s the one looking a little sheepish now, scooting a little bit closer, and Brooke’s never really noticed how good her perfume smells, really. “Didn’t mean to deceive you. I mean, I did, but y’know.”

“I can’t even be mad, it was clever.” It’s true. Brooke’s lowkey impressed that Vanessa’s pulled it off, that she’s been duped to the high heavens and it makes her wonder if anyone else from their friend group had known. “Was anyone else in on it?”

Vanessa shrugs. “A’keria and Silky helped a bit, no one else from our friend group. Kameron did, though.”

Brooke pauses, remembering the redhead. “So wait…that chick. You knew her?”

“Kameron’s an old friend who is happily taken.” Vanessa winks at Brooke as she says the words and Brooke’s not sure why her heart feels a little bit lighter after the admission, but it does.

“Oh.”

“You look pleased to hear that.” Vanessa’s looking at her with an expression that is knowing, way too knowing, and Brooke scoffs.

“I’m happy for her happiness, that’s all.” It’s a flimsy excuse, one that Vanessa appears to see through right away, from the way that she scoots a little closer, resting a hand on Brooke’s leg. “But y’know, you did pull quite a fast one. You’re lucky my feelings aren’t hurt.”

Vanessa snorts. “What, would you want something in consolation?”

Brooke shrugs, looking at Vanessa properly. She sees the way Vanessa’s eyes are sparkling, the way there’s a smile threatening to light up her face that she’s trying to hold back.

So Brooke may as well try.

“Going on a date with me would help to soothe this wound, for sure.” Brooke gives Vanessa a fake pout, puts her hand on top of Vanessa’s. “Y’know, to make sure I’m okay and all that.”

“Just to make sure you’re okay, huh? No other reason?”

“Oh, I can think of plenty of reasons.” Brooke can’t help the cheekiness that pushes through, the charm (or lack thereof) that never seems to fail with the ladies. And it seems to work with Vanessa, who’s rolling her eyes but nodding her assent.

“Well. Fair’s only fair, I suppose I can out of the goodness of my heart.”

“The goodness of your heart, hm? As if you haven’t been flirting with me for the last week.”

Vanessa gasps. “I have not!”

Brooke grins, because now that she thinks back to it, it’s all beginning to make sense. “You totally were. You’ve been trying to get my attention this whole time.”

“As if.” Vanessa crosses her arms, and the pout on her lips somehow makes Brooke want to kiss her.

“So you don’t want to go on that date, then?” Brooke’s barely gotten the words out before Vanessa’s sputtering again.

“I didn’t say that.”

“Thought so.” Brooke grabs Vanessa’s hand, tugs her closer until she can see the gloss on Vanessa’s lips, the highlighter sparkling along her cheekbones.

“Shut up.” Vanessa’s lips are upturned as she says it, as her eyes drag down to Brooke’s lips. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

With that, Vanessa stands up, turns on her heels to leave the studio. Brooke can’t help but watch the view as she leaves, shaking her head.

She has no idea what she’s getting herself into with Vanessa, but she’d be lying by saying that she isn’t completely ready for it.

[winesympathy-blog]

Wine & Sympathy - Episode 1: Welcome to Wine & Sympathy [Transcript]

Show Notes:

In this inaugural episode, you'll learn a little bit about Asabi and Ness and why they have decided to enter the world of podcasting. Asabi & Ness introduce themselves using a series of questions about their lives, likes, wants, and history.

Social Media & Website Links

Facebook: www.facebook.com/winesympathy

Instagram: www.instagram.com/winesympathy

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sympathywine

Website: www.winesympathy.page

Co-host: Asabi Goodman

Co-host: Vanessa "Ness" Bristow

Listen to us on iTunes, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, or your pod catcher of choice!

[BEGIN]

Ness (NB): Hi, everybody! This is Vanessa.

Asabi (AG): And this is Asabi. And welcome to Wine...

Both: & Sympathy!

NB: So, I think we should probably explain a little bit about us. Obviously, I know you, you know me, but there are things that we don't know about each other.

AG: That's true. And there's things that people don't know about us. I don't know if I want people to know about us.

NB: [Laugh] How about we just put the shiny stuff or the stuff with the filter on it, the stuff we would normally put out on Insta (Instagram).

AG: Yeah! I think that's a great idea. Just the glittery, happy go lucky...yeah!

NB: I'll start off. Tell me a little bit about you.

AG: My name is Asabi. I'm from America, and I live in Brisbane [Laugh].

NB: Well, thanks. We kind of grabbed that one already. So, we're hear to talk about what we're like as 40-something, gorgeous women in the entertainment industry. What made you want to do this podcast?

AG: I just enjoy talking [laugh]. Can I say that? I just like talking. Do I like the sound of my own voice? Not always. But, in all honesty, I wanted to be able to reach out to people that might be in a similar position as me, and just let them know what life is like, and that things will be fine, in most cases. It is a hard struggle. I do hustle. I do the hustle.

NB: I know you do, and I'm super proud of you. Watching you deal with this Covid-19, bullshit quarantine - sorry, I might swear - and the fact that you've done live shows, live feeds to America, that you've created income when you've lost everything. I'm real proud of you.

AG: Thank you!

NB: It's a real tough situation that we're in right now. Not only are we 40-something and we don't look it...'cause it's really hard to cast.

AG: It is hard to get cast looking the way I do. That might sound arrogant. Let me explain it. So, most people don't realise my age. When I meet most people, they think I might be in my late 20s - that's a stretch - early 30s, mid 30s - I could get away with that. But, you know, I'm mid-40s, and one of the issues that I have with casting is that I get put out for these roles between 40 and 60, and they're looking for a mom, and then I don't get them because they're like, "...wait a minute, you don't look old enough to be in your 40s." But I am. I'm what a 40 year old looks like. This is what 40 looks like in my life.

NB: It's weird, because they're not really casting for 30s. If they were casting for 30s, we'd be sweet.

AG: We would be sweet, and there aren't many casting for 30 year olds. You just don't see a lot of it. So you see a lot of 20-somethings. You see a lot of 40 and older, but I've always known that people in their 30s tend to get overlooked. At least, that's how I feel.

NB: Look. I agree. I feel the same way. It's really tricky. And we are hustlers. We're out there. We're pushing ourselves every day, and our agents are as well. But, I think together, living together and doing this podcast, I think we will really lift our game art-wise...

AG: I hope so. That's part of it as well; just to get out there a be a bit more present, if you will, in the industry. So, whatever we can do to make ourselves more present, and then not just tell our stories, but tell other people's stories as well.

NB: Because there's so much about being an artist that I think is not just always about yourself, it's about understanding people around you, meeting people around you, loving people around you, and experiencing, you know, all of these great things that we get to know, because through the arts we do.

AG: And experiencing those things just makes you a better artist as well. You get to see these lives and eventually step into them in different characters and it's like, oh! I know someone like that! And it helps you develop that character and play that character out. So, it's good. And then of course showcasing what other people do just allows them to get out there as well. There's a bit of a [struggling] philanthropic - philanthropic, can I say that - side to my nature where I have this desire to help people achieve. I'm a huge advocate of doing what you love - something that my father instilled in me. And, I just want nothing more than for other people to also be able to do what it is that they love. So, I'm a huge advocate for that.

NB: I think we both have that in common, which is a really good starting point for a good friendship.    

AG: Yeah! It is.

NB: And...[struggling] collaboration. What's with our words today?!

AG: Collaboration. I don't know. I think this social isolation has caused my tongue to go soft [laugh], which can be good and bad. Let's not go there. That's a different conversation [laugh].

NB: It is. Alright. So a little bit about me. So, obviously I am 44. I'm single and ready to mingle!

AG: Oh, girl! [Tongue trill]

NB: I just came out of a break up. I really don't want that. So, moving on. [laugh] I've been an actress, singer, dancer, performer, pretty much my whole life - I mean, just ask my mom [laugh].

AG: Moms always know.

NB: I know. I think dance was a big thing for me when I was little in New Zealand, and then coming to Australia, and then when I eventually stopped dancing, I moved into performing. I did perform on stage or act on stage anyway, but it was more musical theatre or things like that, so it was a bit different.

AG: Still acting.

NB: But, I won a scholarship for TAFTA, and it opened these doors for me.

AG: What does TAFTA stand for?

NB: The Australian Film and Television Academy.

AG: Ok.

NB: Cool, right? So, that just opened and that was in the 1990s. I think it was 1999 that I graduated.

AG: I've seen videos of her too, on some dance show. It was very...amusing. So 90s [laugh]!

NB: So blessed to have the 90s in our lives, because that was a crazy, fun time.

AG: Like almost dirty, but still pretty clean.

Both:  [Laugh]

NB: I find it really hard...like last year, 2019, was good for me. I did three feature films; small to large parts.

AG: Independent.

NB: Independent. Yes. They were independent films. There was no money in there. I did do some MCing work and there was money in that. I did a couple of little commercials, and there was a small amount of money in that. But, I actually feel like as a 40-something woman, I was starting to be looked at last year, and I felt good in my skin. I think that comes with age. I do wanna also give back. Very much like you, I believe in helping others, and you'll often find me giving advice on healthy medications or...[laugh].

AG: Yes! She tries to help me a lot, which I very much appreciate. I sometimes feel like I'm living with my mom [laugh]. But, at least I can still breathe.

NB: Hello! At least your sheets are clean and I just Glen 20'd your bed!

AG: That's right. Thanks, mom!! [laugh]

NB: Your'e welcome. I believe everyone can live up to their potential; to be healthy, and wealthy, and...

AG: Wise! [Laugh]

NB: Wow. Nice one! Did you just make that up? [Laugh]

AG: No. I think that's a saying. I have no idea. [Laugh]

NB: Yeah. I want everyone to be good and kind to one another.

AG: I think that's beautiful. That's beautiful sentiment.

NB: And you want to lift everybody up to be their best.

AG: And I agree with that. I do want everyone to be kind, and healthy, wealthy, and wise. And yes, I do want to lift people up. I want to lift you up!

NB: See! Oh my god! We're like super human powers! What would be our name if we were super heroes?

AG: Wonder Twins! [Laugh]

NB: The Wonder Twins! Oh! I love it!!

AG: I think that's already taken. [Laugh]

NB: Oh, shivers! [Laugh]

AG: Do you not know the Wonder Twins? Wonder Twin powers activate!! They have the ring.

NB: No. That's not. That's Power Rangers!

AG: No. NO! Wonder Twins - way before the Power Rangers. Well, maybe not. I don't know when the Power Rangers came out. But the Wonder Twins...

NB: If anybody knows any two females together that are super heroes, shoot us an email.

AG: There's tons of female super heroes. There's...You know what? There is Wonder Woman and her twin sister Nubia.

NB: What?

AG: Yes!

NB: Wonder Woman has a twin sister? Where have I been??

AG: She does and she's black!

NB: Oh my god! I'll be Wonder Woman!

AG: Goria Steinam was the inspiration behind that. She talks about it.

NB: I don't mind being Wonder Woman and you'll be Nubia!

AG: Well, definitely!!

Both: [Laugh]

NB: Right! I think this is cause for celebration. I'm gonna open a bottle of wine!

AG: I don't even have wine.

NB: What?!! What is the name of this podcast?? [Laugh]

AG: I know. I need to get some. I'm fine for now. I'm fine for now.

NB: That's alright. I'll get us a drink. I've got it.

[Clinking of glasses and laughter]

AG: Thank you. That was very quick. That was a very quick getting of wine.

NB: I often have wine. [Laugh]

AG: She does. There's so much wine in our house. I thought that I had a lot of...I do.

NB: You have a lot of booze, dude.

AG: I have a lot of liquor. Yeah. I do. I have a lot of booze. But, Ness has lots, and lots, and lots, and lots of wine.

NB: Not at the moment. Due to this self isolation thing, I've already gone through a whole case. So, if anyone out there is a wine representative or knows somebody who would like to sponsor us, we would desperately love some wine.

AG: Send us wine. All kinds. We'll drink it!

NB: What's our email?

AG: Our email is info@winesympathy.page. That's info [spelled out] I-N-F-O at wine sympathy dot [spelled out] P-A-G-E, page.  

NB: Well, I think this is a pretty good intro. I think we have got a rough...

AG: An introductory episode.

NB: Yeah. We've got an idea of each other.

AG: Yeah. I think we've told some people about us.

NB: Do you think we'll probably learn a little bit more about each other as we go?

AG: No.

NB: Nah. Oh. We're done? We're done?

AG: Of course not! [Laugh] Of course we will.

Both: [Laugh]

AG: I mean, we live together, in case y'all didn't know.

NB: We shower together.

AG: What? Hey!

Both: [Laugh]

AG: TMI, Ness. TMI! People don't need to know that. They're gonna start getting pictures in their heads!

NB: [Laugh]

AG: That's not how this podcast works, but you can send us questions, comments, anything you like. You can write on our Twitter page. You can write on our Instagram. We've got a few photos up on Instagram. Nothing of us yet.

NB: Yeah. And also on Facebook. We've got a couple of photos from when we did a little make shift photoshoot in our beautiful lounge.

AG: Our lounge is beautiful. It's very beige!

NB: So beige! I love it! [Laugh] It's good though. It blends.

AG: Yeah. I love it. It does blend. We blend.

NB: We blend.

AG: Yeah. Vanessa's tan. I'm...

NB: Beige. I'm beige.

AG:..Brown. Vanessa's beige. Ok. Yeah. She kind of blends in with the light coloured couch.

Both: [Laugh]

AG: If she sits on it, I can't see her.

Both: [Laugh]

AG: And then if I sit on the brown couch, I just disappear. [Laugh]

NB: Oh my god! I can't believe you said that!! [Laugh]

AG: Yes. I said it. I said it.

NB: Well, we've got really nice throws and some really nice cushions, so I think we kind of do stand out.

AG: Lots of cushions.

NB: Plus we have tits...

AG: Yes. We have lots of that.

NB: So they often stand out.

AG: They do. I try to hide them.

NB: Please don't.

AG: I know. But you know, sometimes...[Laugh]

NB: Ah. Be proud.

AG: Anyway! Thanks so much for listening to us, guys. We are Asabi and Ness, and this has been Wine...

Both: & Sympathy!

AG: Catch us on regular episodes when we have some guests that will come by and chat, and...

NB: And you'll learn some more about us as well.

AG: That's right. And about them, and what they're doing. And, yeah, like I said, contact us on the socials.

NB: Alright. Until then, wash your hands and be safe.

AG: Wash your hand and be safe.

NB: Be safe.

AG: Be safe.

NB: Be safe.

AG: Alright.

[END]

[alexsfictionaddiction]

Alex Recommends: April Books

First of all, I want to offer my apologies for this post being a couple of days later than usual. I’ve been feeling pretty down for the last few days and I’m only just starting to step into the light again. Not being able to see so many people I love is starting to take its toll on me and I can feel myself getting irritable over small things. Whenever I realise that I’m being petty or getting annoyed over silly things, it has a knock-on effect on my self-esteem which then causes me to berate myself and hate anything I try to produce. So as you can imagine, the recent past hasn’t been full of ideal conditions to write anything good, whether that be blog posts, cover letters or my own fiction. I’ll get there though, I’m sure.

If you missed them earlier on this month, I wrote two posts full of books that are highly appropriate to our current situation. One is full of the best novels that centre on pandemics and the other is full of books to lift your spirits. Check them out, if you haven’t already cause I guarantee that one of them will have exactly what you need. 

I have read some other great books too and as ever, here are five that I haven’t reviewed or mentioned already this month but that you should definitely pick up. There’s a great mixture this month too, so hopefully one of these might pique your interests. Till next time, stay safe and take care! -Love, Alex x

SHOULD HAVE READ IT YEARS AGO: The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night by Jen Campbell

Jen Campbell is a very respected BookTuber and author. Hers was one of the first BookTube channels I began watching around eight years ago and I learnt so much about various mythologies and original folktales from her. I’ve had a copy of this book of her short stories for a little while and something compelled me to pick it up this month. My favourites include the title story written as a conversation between a couple as they discuss various theories on the beginning of the world; Margaret, Mary and the End of the World which details the parallels between a young pregnant Catholic girl and the immaculate conception in a very clever way and Aunt Libby’s Coffin Hotel, where those with a fear of death can experience a simulated version of it every night of their stay. Glittering with glimpses of traditional fairytales, myths and folklore, these strange, dark and whimsical stories are the perfect companion to a lonely night.

FICTION: Dominicana by Angie Cruz      

On New Year’s Day 1965, 15-year-old Ana is forced to marry Juan Ruiz, a man twice her age who will take her away from her humble home in the Dominican Republic to an apartment in New York City. Her parents have assured her that it is the best thing for the family and that she will create a better life in the States which they will all eventually be able to join. But with political turmoil bubbling away in her homeland and feelings simmering for a man who isn’t her husband, Ana realises that perhaps her life won’t quite be the simple comfortable one she has been promised. Full of forbidden doomed romances, Dominicana is a beautifully written novel about a culture and time period that I’ve never read before. I learnt so much about the struggles and emotional pain that girls like Ana suffer. Forced marriages aren’t something that have been left in the 1960s, so although the book is set over 50 years ago, it actually reads as somewhat contemporary. It’s not hard to see why it was recently shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction.

MIDDLE-GRADE: TrooFriend by Kirsty Applebaum

Ivy is Sarah’s TrooFriend 560 Mark IV, a highly sophisticated android who doesn’t harm, lie, steal or envy. Advertised as the ‘Better Choice For Your Child’, the TrooFriend is flying out of the factory doors, thanks to eager parents. However, rumours that the TrooFriend 560 Mark IV can experience real human emotions and could potentially be dangerous are stirring but that’s not true of Ivy... is it? Told from Ivy’s perspective, my heart went on a crazy ride with this one! It raises questions about rapid developments in AI and the potential relevance to human rights and ethics that comes with that. It brings up the idea that the technology industry has multiple dark secrets that the average consumer has no idea about. It’s easily the most unique middle-grade book I’ve ever read and I couldn’t put it down. Perhaps the perfect (very gentle) nudge into worlds like Black Mirror for 9-12 year olds.

YA: Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen

Ever Wong’s strict Chinese parents try their best to nip their daughter’s dancing dream in the bud by sending her to Taiwan to study Mandarin. Highly reluctant Ever finds herself spending her summer amongst over-achieving rich kids but what her parents don’t know is that this is actually Loveboat, a study program where clubbing and romance is much higher on students’ to-do lists. Intense friendships, a love square, the fake-dating trope and drama after drama, my bleeding heart was hooked. There is a lot of adult content in this book which could potentially class it as ‘new-adult’ rather than YA and I’d definitely say that this is for readers aged 16 and over. However, it does have some of my favourite elements of YA -self-discovery and pushing through the boundaries that have been set for you. Bonus information nugget: Loveboat is actually a real study and social program for Chinese-American students!

LITERARY FICTION: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

In 2000, when she was 15, Vanessa Wye had an intense passionate affair with her English professor, 42-year-old Jacob Strane. An affair that went on intermittently for years. In 2017, another of his students has accused Strane of sexual abuse and she wants Vanessa to tell her story and testify against a man she has been in love with since she was a teenager. There is so much explored in this breathtaking novel including trauma, obsession, consent, abuse of power but also the complexities of who truly holds the power in a relationship. I’ve never read a sexual abuse story where the lines are so blurred or a character quite as fresh and inherently believable like Vanessa. You’ll need to set some time apart to inhale this heady intense cocktail of a novel.  

[thegirl20]

Vanity Valentine’s Day ficlet

Just a wee thing since we didn’t see them together.

“I am stuffed.” Charity groans as she helps Vanessa into her coat. Lifting Vanessa’s hair out of her collar, she drops a kiss on the side of her neck. “Tonight was amazing, babe. Thank you.”

They’ve had a wonderful meal with good wine and easy conversation and it’s left Charity feeling warm and satisfied. At first, when she’d got together with Vanessa, she’d mistaken the ease they have with each other as a sign that the relationship wasn’t anything serious. All her life, she’d associated love with push and pull; demands and sacrifices. Love had never come to her easily before. The longer she’s with Vanessa, the more she thinks that she’d never actually loved anyone properly before. How could she, when she was holding so much back? She was never able to fully give herself over to anyone until Vanessa came along.

Vanessa turns and smiles at her. “You’re very welcome.” She pecks Charity’s cheek. “It was amazing to get to spend time with you, just the two of us.”

Charity nods. “Been a while, hasn’t it? Between one thing and another.” They make their way out of the restaurant, into the cool evening air. Vanessa takes Charity’s arm with both hands, leaning into her as they walk. Whether it’s the wine, or the company, or just all the daft hearts and flowers everywhere, Charity finds that she doesn’t want their evening to end just yet. “D’you fancy going for a couple of cheeky cocktails? Since we’re out anyway?”

“Love to.” Vanessa squeezes her arm. “And I can because I’m finally off the tablets!”

From the day she got out of the hospital, Vanessa had been insistent about lowering her dosage and coming off the painkillers as soon as she possibly could. Even when it had meant she was in more pain than she should have been, at times. She’d told Charity about Rhona’s struggle and how she didn’t want to risk that; having to leave Charity and the boys to go into rehab. Though it had been hard to watch at times, Charity had supported Vanessa’s choice. Mostly because the thought of Vanessa going anywhere without her fills her with terror, these days.

She smiles. “Right, dirty martinis all round, then.”

They’re on their third cocktail when Charity realises that the stronger drinks are going to Vanessa’s head quicker than usual after her bout of medication enforced sobriety. Her words are stretching out and blending together, her eyelids growing heavy. Despite some earlier heavy innuendo and flirting, Charity’s fairly certain that the only thing the pair of them will be doing when they get to bed is sleeping. And that’s just fine with her. They’ve got a lifetime of nights to come to do whatever they want with. They aren’t one of those couples where sex is relegated to birthdays and other special occasions. They don’t have to have sex just because it’s Valentine’s Day. Falling asleep with Vanessa snoring in her ear sounds pretty damn good right about now.

Vanessa’s slowly been leaning more and more heavily against her shoulder as the night has gone on, so she nudges her gently. “Oi, lightweight. I’m gonna call us a cab for after this one, yeah?”

“M’not a lightweight.” Vanessa drops her chin onto Charity’s shoulder and looks up at her, frowning. “I can hold my ale.”

“Usually, yeah.” Charity smiles and kisses Vanessa’s nose. “And you’re right, you’re more like a bantamweight, I’d say.” There’s a long moment where Vanessa doesn’t say anything, just studies Charity’s face intently. “What? Have I got spinach in my teeth?” She pulls her lips back, baring her teeth in a pantomime of a smile.

“You didn’t have any spinach,” Vanessa points out. “And no. I was just thinkin’.”

Charity’s arm tightens around Vanessa’s waist, her thumb stroking lightly over her scar. “What were you thinking about?”

“What if...what if we hadn’t-” Vanessa blinks a couple of times and Charity frowns; she’s going to cry.

Turning in her seat, she cups Vanessa’s face. “Babe, what’s wrong? What is it?”

Vanessa shakes her head and shrugs, pressing her face into Charity’s hand. “I just...I sometimes think about what my life would be like if I didn’t have you. If I’d never- if we’d never found out-” She turns and kisses Charity’s palm, keeping her lips pressed to her skin. “I just...I sometimes think about that, that’s all.”

Relieved by this revelation, Charity laughs, softly. She worries about all sorts of things. All the things that could go wrong and all the ways she could possibly ruin everything good in her life, like she always seems to. But she doesn’t waste energy thinking about things that could have gone wrong in the past.

“Well, that’s a bit daft, isn’t it?” she chides, gently. “Thinking about stuff that didn’t happen?”

“But what if we’d never found out? That we’re so good together?” Vanessa seems to be getting genuinely distressed by this completely hypothetical situation. “What if I hadn’t followed you into the cellar that night? Or the door hadn’t closed behind me? Or the lock had been working properly? Or if I hadn’t come over that next day? Or if we’d just let everything else get in the way and it had fizzled out before it got started?”

Charity shakes her head. “It wouldn’t have just gone away, babe.” She swallows, unable to find an explanation that feels descriptive enough for what they have. “It’s...it’s too much, innit? What’s between us is-” She sighs. “I was going through a pretty hellish time back then, with Debs and Joe and all the family stuff. But I still found time to-” She presses her lips together, spurred on in this overly soppy confession by the light reflecting in Vanessa’s eyes. “You were the one bright spot in all of that. Seeing you come into the pub...getting a smile or a wink off of you, that brightened some pretty dark days, I can tell you. And as much as I was kidding myself that you were just a bit of fun, I knew it was more than that.”

Nodding, Vanessa smiles. “Me too. I knew it was too.”

Charity rolls her eyes. “And here we are, a year down the line, practically an old married couple.”

“Not old!” Vanessa protests. “And not quite married yet.”

Charity laughs. “Yeah, not quite.” She sobers. “If it wasn’t for you, I’d be the same bitter, twisted person I’d been since I was fourteen. Full of anger and spite and secrets. I wouldn’t have Ryan and Bails would still be out there somewhere.” She shrugs. “So there, that’s what my life would be like without you.” She swallows. “Whereas, you wouldn’t have been stabbed and your kid wouldn’t have-”

“I wouldn’t be happy,” Vanessa interrupts, shaking her head. “That’s what my life would be without you. I’d still be lying to myself about what I wanted and how I felt and I’d be going through the motions.” Swallowing, she strokes Charity’s face, tilting her head. “You know, Tracy once said to me that I’d be okay if you dumped me because I’d still have my business and I was independent and all that.” She shakes her head. “But that’s not true. I wouldn’t be fine. I’d be devastated.” She lifts Charity’s hand and presses it against her chest. “Because I’d go back to going through the motions, only this time I’d know what proper happiness felt like.”

Sliding her hand up to the back of Vanessa’s neck, Charity pulls her in for a soft kiss. She frowns and pulls back. “Why’s Tracy talking about me dumping you?”

Vanessa shakes her head, pulling Charity back in. “Never mind that now.”

The cold air seems to exacerbate Vanessa’s level of intoxication, and the whole taxi journey home is spent necking like teenagers. When Vanessa’s hand starts to slide up her thigh, Charity begins to doubt her earlier prediction of their bedtime activities.

After shoving far too much cash into the taxi driver’s hand, Charity allows a giggling Vanessa to pull her through the back door, stumbling over a pair of Noah’s trainers that they’ve both told him not to leave there. They get rid of their coats.

“I’m just gonna grab a glass of water to take upstairs,” Vanessa says, opening the living room door and flicking on the lights. Charity walks into her back when she stops short. Chas lifts her head off Paddy’s shoulder, both of them blinking against the light.

“Oh!” Vanessa covers her mouth. “Sorry! We didn’t mean to interrupt!” Charity puts her hands on Vanessa’s hips and gently coaxes her further into the room so she can move around her to get the water.

Chas smiles and shakes her head as Paddy pauses what looks to be a slasher film. “S’fine, love. Did you have a good night?” She tilts her head at Vanessa. “Oh, you’ve got a little.” She indicates the area around her mouth. “Or...a lot...or all of Charity’s lipstick, really.”

Vanessa grins like this is a badge of honour. “S’cause we were snogging in the taxi.”

“Right. Yeah. That’ll be why, then,” Chas says, with a nod.

“When are you not snogging?” Paddy mumbles.

Charity hides a smile as Vanessa plops herself down on the couch between Paddy and Chas. “I never said thank you, did I?” Vanessa muses, patting their legs. “For letting me move in. And for sitting with me when I was...when I got hurt.” Charity’s heart speeds up and she takes a drink of water to calm it down. “And for being nice to me when I was scared about the noises in the cellar.”

Chas meets Charity’s eyes and smiles as she pats Vanessa’s hand. “No need to thank us. Part of the family now, aren’t you? You and Johnny.”

That’s as much of a curse as it is a blessing in this family, Charity thinks, but she can’t help her smile at the delight on Vanessa’s face at Chas’ declaration.

“Who’d’ve thought, eh?” Paddy puts in. “Both of us marrying Dingle ladies.” He laughs. “I mean, you’ve definitely gone the more challenging route.” Charity narrows her eyes at him, but Vanessa’s already sitting up, turning a scowl on him.

“Oi, you.” She pokes her finger into his chest. “Charity is the best person in the whole world.”

“Ness.” Charity rolls her eyes, picking up the bottle of water and walking to the couch, holding her hand out. “C’mon. Let’s leave these two in-” But Vanessa’s just getting started.

“She’s kind, she’s funny, she’s beautiful, she’s clever-”

“All true,” Charity says, flexing her hand. “Come on, let’s-” Vanessa keeps going, now using her fingers to count off Charity’s virtues.

“She’s thoughtful, she’s strong, she’s amazing, she’s loving, she’s considerate…”

“How much has she had to drink?” Chas murmurs.

Charity sighs. “Okay, even I’m finding this a bit of a stretch, babe.”

“I-” Vanessa’s hand thuds against her own chest as she glares at Paddy. “-love her.”

“Yeah, well, pretty sure the feeling’s mutual, kid.” Chas says, with a wink at Charity.

Charity holds out her hand again and this time Vanessa takes it, allowing Charity to pull her to her feet.  She wraps an arm around her shoulders and kisses her lips. “Oh, she’s well aware it’s mutual, aren’t you?”

“Too right I-” Her words are cut off by an enormous yawn and she covers her mouth with her hand, blinking sleepily up at Charity. “Sorry. I’m-...I’m not tired.”

Charity gets them moving to the door, waving goodnight at Chas and Paddy. “Course not, babe.”

Vanessa’s still yawning as they make their way up the stairs, leaning heavily on Charity. “Honestly, I’m not tired! I’ve got really sexy knickers on and I’m not having them going to waste!”

Charity closes her eyes, her heart full of love for this ridiculous drunkard who’s going to be her wife.

[squirrelly831]

Birthday Surprise [Mark, Jaebum, and Jackson]

Not gonna lie, these got long.

Enjoy~

Moving to South Korea was one of the hardest things she had done. She left behind her parents, family, and some of her closest friends. If it wasn’t for her best friend, Amber Liu, who lived in Seoul near her, she wouldn’t have adjusted as fast as she did. Through her friendship with Amber, she met idols and non-idols. One group of people she grew relatively close to was the members of Got7 before ultimately dating one of them. Due to her teaching job and her relationship, she extended her stay in South Korea for another year.

As her birthday and Christmas neared, her boyfriend wanted to do something amazing for her. She didn’t have the money to go home to see her family and he knew that she was feeling homesick, so he called her mom. His original plan was to fly her mom out to celebrate her daughter’s birthday as well as Christmas. Luckily, while talking to her mom, her boyfriend found out that her dad would be returning home from his deployment.

Her father has been in American Army and ever since 9/11, her father was deployed several times to Afghanistan. It had been three years since she last saw her dad when she graduated from her university. He was gone most of her childhood and teen years, but he was her hero and she loved him to pieces.

Her boyfriend knew his girlfriend’s biggest wish was to see her father again and now he had the once in the lifetime chance to make her dream a reality. He booked the flights for her parents and anxiously awaited for the day of their arrival which fell on his girlfriend’s birthday…

Mark

Cassidy had sighed for the hundredth time that day. She didn’t want to have a birthday party, so she tagged along with her boyfriend, Mark, and his members. It wasn’t her plan originally, but Mark had begged and asked her to tag along. Between her idea of staying in bed and cry about not being with her family or going to a concert where she could forget about her pesky homesickness for some hours. The choice was obvious.

She was sent off in the front row so she could enjoy herself during the concert. She had a blast being with the fans who knew who she was and listening to her favorite songs from Got7. It was all great and the thrill definitely lifted her mood.

It was the intermission in the concert. The lights on the stage turned on as a security guard escorted Cassidy backstage. Jaebum moved closer to the edge of the stage to speak to the fans, “Thank you for being here with us. Mark has a special gift for a very special person.” He stepped back and Mark moved forward.

Mark looked to the side to see Cassidy backstage with a questionable look. “Cassidy, can you come over here?” He waved for his girlfriend to go on stage encouraging cheers.

Cassidy stood with wide eyes and shook her head in a panic. Mark looked to Youngjae and Jaebum who made their way to her and led her unwillingly on stage. Cassidy wasn’t one for being the center of attention.

Mark met Cassidy half way and brought her back to where he stood before, “You guys already know my amazing girlfriend, Cassidy, yea?” Loud cheers and screams gave him his answer. “Well today is her birthday and being the amazing boyfriend that I am, I had to do something big. Let’s sing her happy birthday, yea?” Mark grinned as the members and fans began singing with him. Yugyeom wheeled out a birthday cake with candles lit on top.

Cassidy laughed as she tried to ease the tension in her shoulders and when the song came to an end, she blew out the candles. She received a round of applause and cheers from the fans.

“Now time for your birthday gift!” Bambam grinned and Cassidy looked back at Mark suspiciously. He pointed to the right where the other entrance of the stage was and Cassidy let out a gasp then a sharp cry.

Cassidy was overwhelmed seeing her dad that she collapsed in her spot and broke down into tears. Her dad approached her with her mom trailing behind. He took her in his arms and she immediately wrapped her arms around him. “You’re here!”  

“Happy birthday, Cassie!” His voice boomed through the concert hall. Mark knelt beside them and patted Cassidy’s back lovingly before the two of them helped her stand back on her feet.

Her eyes sparkled with joy and wonder as she thanked the fans and headed off stage with her parents on either side of her. She couldn’t have a better birthday than this moment. She looked back to see Mark staring at her. Cassidy mouthed a thank you before she blew him a kiss. His lips curved in a lopsided smile as he flashed her a peace sign.

Jaebum

Jaebum was upset he couldn’t meet Rebecca’s dad in person, but he was able to correspond with him via video calls and phone calls. Jaebum had high respects for her dad even before he had met him since his girlfriend only spoke highly of him. Lucky for him, Rebecca’s dad really liked him and would message him to keep in touch which made Jaebum feel cared for.

Jaebum had planned to be home in time of his girlfriend’s birthday, but JYP added a few more additional concerts in Japan and much to his dismay, one fell on her birthday. Jaebum was upset, though Rebecca reassured him that it was okay and she understood. He was the leader of his group and Rebecca knew his members and the fans would come first.

Rebecca was a teacher and her birthday back home used to fall on a school day, but teaching in Korea she was blessed with two weeks off. So, when her break began, she was already in a great mood.

Rebecca woke to a start with her phone vibrating on the night stand beside her. Sleepily she moved her hand around to find the phone before grabbing it to see the caller id. Jaebum’s name flashed on the screen and she slid the answer button, “ollow?” She mumbled half asleep.

“Hey sleepy head, why are you still in bed?” He chuckled, “Your hair is all over the place too.”

She ran her hand through her hair as she turned to rest on her stomach, “I think I deserve the right to sleep in on my birthday.”

“You’re right. Happy birthday, baby! I love you.”

“Thanks. I love you too. Wish you were here to celebrate with me.”

He gave her a small smile, “I’d give anything to do that.”

Rebecca dragged herself out of bed and headed to the bathroom to brush her teeth as Jaebum told her about the concert he had. However he checked the time and paused, “Your gift should be at your apartment soon.”

Rebecca was struggling with her sweat pants to get them on when she stopped. “What gift? What’d you buy me?” She asked with a bit of annoyance laced in her words. “I’m glad you think about me, but you know you don’t need to spend money on me.”

The doorbell sounded and Jaebum’s smiled pulled apart, “This was worth every penny I spent. I promise.” Rebecca grumbled as she made her way to the door and threw it open.

She was greeted with a huge bouquet of flowers and her mother’s bright face, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY GIRL!”

Rebecca’s eyes watered as she hugged her mom, “Mom! You’re here! What the–” She buried her head in her mom’s shoulders as her mom patted her back. “Come in come in.” She pulled away and lead her mom inside.

Her mom plucked her phone from her just as she entered the apartment and turned the camera to face Rebecca. “I’m not the real surprise and I don’t want to see you break your phone with your reaction.”

“My reaction to?”

“Can you believe my little girl isn’t so little anymore” a deep voice shook Rebecca to the core.

Her eyes widened afraid if she turned the person she wanted it to be wouldn’t be there. Slowly, she turned prepared to feel crushed, but when she saw her dad’s grinning face she burst in tears. “Dad!” She rushed her dad and threw her arms around him. He immediately took her in his arms and held onto her tightly as she cried feeling his own few tears fall as well. “How are–You’re here.” She couldn’t make sense of it as she let go of her dad. He said nothing as he pointed at the phone in her mom’s hand. Rebecca went back and took the phone to see Jaebum again.

“I’m glad your present got there in time! Have a great time with your parents, love. I’ll see you as soon as I get home” he waved before he hung up to give her a chance to catch up with her parents.

Jackson

When Jackson was 100% sure Vanessa’s father was coming to Korea, he wanted nothing more to tell her. He knew how much his girlfriend loved and admired her dad. He was a man who would always be number one to her and Jackson wanted nothing more than to meet the man who helped raise his amazing girlfriend. As much as he wanted to see that smile on Vanessa’s face, the idea of seeing her look surprised was something he wanted to see more. So, as hard as it was for him, Jackson keep tight lipped and refused to spill his hard work.

Jackson was able to trick Vanessa into going to the airport with a lie that his mom was coming in. She had met Jackson’s mom several times as they couple had been together well over a year. So, to greet her at the airport would be nothing new for Vanessa.

The two stood in the airport as they searched for two different people. Vanessa had flowers in hand to present Jackson’s mom when Jackson took them from her casually. “I’ll hold them, babe.”

“Why? She’s your mom. You’ll need free hands to hug her” she laughed as she tried to take them back. “You’re going to accidentally hit her with them and we both kn–”

“That she is” Jackson grinned widely as he pointed ahead.

Vanessa turned back to the crowd of people who exited customs trying to see Jackson’s mom only to lock eyes with another familiar person, “Mom?” She saw Vanessa and waved wildly before she reached back and hit her husband’s stomach to get his attention. Vanessa swallowed as she looked at the face of her father, “DAD!” She sprinted towards her dad and hugged him. Her father held on to her tightly as he hugged her like no tomorrow. “What are y’all doing here?” She as she let go of her dad and hugged her mom quickly. Vanessa wiped her tears as her boyfriend reappeared at her side.

Jackson held out the flowers to Vanessa’s mom, “These are for you for coming all the way out her.” He extended his hand out to her dad, “Hello, I’m Jackson Wang. It’s nice to finally meet you in person, sir” he introduced himself respectfully.

Vanessa’s dad took his hand in his and pulled him into a hug, “We hug in this family, son!” He patted Jackson’s back hard, “Thank you, Jackson, for taking care of my princess.”

When Vanessa’s dad released Jackson, Jackson looked at his girlfriend with a giant grin. He was excited that her family had already accepted him as part of the family. He lead the family out to the car and took the suitcase from Vanessa’s mom as the two women caught up with one another.

Part II || Part III

Credit to gif owners

Written & revamped by Squirrelly831

♕ REQUEST

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