#shaped like a barrel and filled with a fondness for violence

[deadwooddross]

Looking through some old art and realizing: I don't think I ever posted some of my favorite Castors? And a couple pollies too Huge mean tarantula woman, her personality is essentially that of Mr. Hyde from the one Van Helsing movie, you know the one. For every character I get attached to and make a little more tender soft, she gets one additonal bastard point added to her mean meter

[velvetsehun]

Born to Die| OSH | 06

pairing: Oh Sehun x Reader genre: Mafia!Sehun rating: 18+ warnings: violence, gun use, mature language, smut (in future chapters), slow burn. words: 13.4k summary: a collusions of worlds is supposed to kill, but what if it can do something else? A/N: chapter 06, who would of thought huh? i certainly didn’t think anyone would care about this fic to begin with but here we are... 6 chapters in and 14 left to go! I hope you all enjoy, remember feedback is appreciated so drop into my askbox, lets chat ;)

TW// Warning this part contains some material that might be sensitive to readers as it depicts scenes of blood and violence, readers discretion is advised.

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The sound of wet shoes slapping against the pavement and the overwhelming humidity laying itself thick on his lungs was often something that Chanyeol liked to cherish about summer evening – to feel the season in the air and know that you were set for a long break away from the burdens of life, but what Chanyeol didn’t cherish was the pelting of rain whipping against his face in those summer evening as he ran for his life. 

The thickness in the air made it almost impossible to breathe at the rate he was going, the feeling of his blood carting around his veins at impossible speeding making almost impossible to keep running; but he had to keep going. 

“Come on…” He panted to himself, shivering at the feeling of his clothes clinging to him in such an awful way that he wanted to shed the damn second skin immediately. 

The screeching of his shoes against the pavement as he rounded the corner reminded him of just the predicament he was in; homeless, alone, and wondering when whoever was looking for him would eventually catch up. It was a lot for a 20-year-old, a lot to think about and a lot to deal with, but Chanyeol made his own decision to leave home and he had to live with it. 

They say the best things in life are often not planned, and to Chanyeol at one point that might have been true – but he knew deep down as he waded through the rain for his life, that every moment he spent fucking up got him here. Leaving your 20s was supposed to signify leaving behind adolescences and entering adulthood, but for him, it meant leaving behind his mistakes in the teens and carrying that burdens into his adult life. Glancing behind him briefly, he winced softly at the rain pelting against his flushed cheeks, the skin raw with the force of the water, but through the blurriness of the weather he could still spot the distorted shaped following him; clothed in black and hungry for vengeance. 

“More like hungry for money,” Chanyeol corrected his inner monologue softly, taking a moment to shove his hair out his face as he kept running. 

The streets were barren of people, the occasional passing car showing the thickness of the rain that coated the ground – the lights glinted off it like stars passing, Chanyeol liked the city rain but he liked living more. 

“Shit.” The young man swore, hearing the boom of a gun before a bullet whizzed past him lodging in the pavement in front of him, his tattered shoes skidding to a stop in freight. 

Eyes glancing at the cracked gravel where the smoking bullet laid now – its world took a complete turn as his running stopped, unsure if the chase was worth it anymore. Glancing around the street Chanyeol took in what he thought could be his final moment, the rundown restaurants and homes witness to his life. He could hear the footsteps rushing closer and his eyes shut softly as his neck went limp, shaggy hair falling into his eyes as the strands clumped together in a wet mess that dripped onto his face. 

“I’m sorry...” He thought to himself, sighing softly at the sound of footsteps nearing closer, he was bracing himself for the impact when his eyes burst open.

The feeling of a hand grabbing his sleeve and yanking him sideways sent him tumbling behind however done it, the familiar sound of a gun clocking filling the small ally – he winced softly at the impact his body to the ground but his eyes still flicked up to see who done it; a rather well dressed guy who looked around the same age as himself had his back to Chanyeol, now looking at the guy who was chasing him with his gun pointed. 

“Give me the kid,” The guy asked gruffly, nodding behind the other man, “And I won’t hurt you either kid.” But the man holding the gun merely giggled, much to Chanyeol’s shock.

“I can’t do that…” The giggling man teased, and honestly, Chanyeol wasn’t sure if he’d lost his mind. 

“And why is that,” Chanyeol’s assailant demanded, a look passing over his face.

“Because I don’t want to.” The giggling man stopped giggling, but he still had an amusing edge to his voice. 

“Fuck this,” The assailant tried to push past the other man, and Chanyeol felt himself scuttle back slightly but that grip of fear didn’t last long as the smaller man pushed the assailant back with a hard shove. 

“Now now,” The younger man toyed, “Let’s not get violent...” He sang softly like a mad man. 

“Step aside, kid.” The assailant, who truthfully Chanyeol didn’t know the name of demanded again, raising his own gun at the younger man, “Or I’ll shoot you instead.”

“No, you won’t,” The man said melodically again, and Chanyeol caught a glance of his face as he flicked the barrel of the gun that was pointing at him away like it was a fly much to Chanyeol’s horror. 

“And why is that.” The other man demanded, whoever was defending Chanyeol was clearly getting on his last nerves, but the younger man merely giggled again. 

“Do you see that car over there,” The young man pointed to something that was out of Chanyeol’s eye line, and he watched as the two men looked in the same direction. 

“Not saying I wouldn’t shoot you,” The young guy laughed softly, “But if you even lay a hand on me, there are going to be two very angry men ready to beat the shit out of you in that very car.” He giggled again. 

“Who the fuck are you?” The other man demanded, trying to distance himself away from the other guy, but the other man guy merely leaned in closer with a smirk whispering to him. 

“Who the fuck is this kid…” Chanyeol thought to himself, glancing between the two of them. Chanyeol kept watching in some twisted horror as the other man backed off with a blanched expression. 

The man backed away slowly before bolting out of the ally, the younger guys shoulders slumping in a sigh before he turned around fully to look at Chanyeol, a small smile gracing his mouth as he held out his hand to help him up. 

“You’re welcome,” He grinned slightly, still holding his hand out to Chanyeol who looked between the hand and his face in slight horror.

“Who…” Chanyeol stuttered slightly, but he was soon cut off as the other guy laughed. 

“I should probably introduce myself, I’m Byun Baekhyun.”

Baekhyun wasn’t sure if he’d ever have kids, but if the man had to name anything as his child then he’d say that Electric Kiss was as close as it was ever gonna get – albeit it was a booze-filled, drug flourishing child, but his none the less. It was something Sehun had given him as a side project to keep the man busy during the slower times that they faced every so often, not every day was shooting and plotting, it was a small sense of normality in Baekhyun’s otherwise weird schedule, it was something he could call his own. With tensions running high between the members of Exodus at the moment, he had expected tonight to be somewhere he could “let loose” for a while but his glass ceiling was shattered as he watched with annoyed eyes as his loving boss made his way into the establishment – security scattering around him like he was the president of some foreign country, not just a gang leader entering a club.

“Smile now,” Kyungsoo scoffed softly from his place in front of Baekhyun’s desk while the latter looked out the tinted glass to the empty dance floor where his boss was currently making his way through, “You’re normally happy go lucky,” Baekhyun rolled his eyes at that.

“Happy go lucky,” He repeated annoyed, “When did you become such a nice person,” He scoffed back.

“When Junmyeon decided to promote me,” Kyungsoo teased with a small smirk gracing his lips.

“Promote,” Baekhyun turned around with an eye roll, “Junmyeon also told Sehun to stay inside the compound but the giant idiot is here, so let us not call Jun’s word as bible now.”

“Did you think for one minute he’d listen to him?” Kyungsoo asked honestly, the scowl on Baekhyun’s deepening slightly as he plonked himself down at his desk with a grunt, “Sehun is in charge after all…” Kyungsoo ended with a small drawl.

“I’d hope he might have,” For the first time, Baekhyun looked put out, “Even I listen to Junmyeon.” The man exclaimed softly but Kyungsoo raised an eyebrow at him.

“Okay, sometimes I listen to him,” Baekhyun corrected, “But I don’t currently have a bounty on my head, do I?” His eyes were blazing with concern for his younger boss.

“Idiot,” Baekhyun scoffed, picking up a random ornament on his desk to play with, “He’s going to get himself shot,” Kyungsoo hummed.

“Aren’t you like his bodyguard or something,” Kyungsoo asked, but there was a teasing edge to it – an enjoyment that he was undermining his job.

“He wishes,” Baekhyun huffed, “Glorified babysitter for a while but not his bodyguard, I’m his brother.” A small fondness glinting in his eyes.

“Brother…” Kyungsoo thought about it, “Isn’t that just a fancy term that says you have to take a bullet for him?” Baekhyun rolled his eyes to his company with an unamused look.

“I’d take a bullet for him, yes,” Baekhyun began with a pointed look, “But typically bosses aren’t supposed to be out in the field, and certainly not out in the field when some mystery person is out to get them,”

“Even I know he doesn’t like the compound,” Kyungsoo reminded Baekhyun, who huffed.

“None of us like it,” Baekhyun drawled, “Fuck, I’ve been there nearly every day of my life since I was a kid, I hate the place as much as the next person”

“Explains a lot,” Kyungsoo laughed softly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Baekhyun furrowed his eyebrows.

“You grew up around Sehun didn’t you?” Kyungsoo asked honestly, he was never one to ask too many questions – especially questions about the past but he’d been in the gang so long that it didn’t matter anymore.

“Well, yes…” Baekhyun nodded, “My father was Sehun’s fathers second in command…” He looked confused about where this was going.

“Have you ever thought that he gets it from you?” Kyungsoo smiled slightly, drawing the commonalities between the pair – recklessness being a big factor.

“He wishes,” Baekhyun laughed softly, “That’s all his own, even I was still doing as I was told back then.”

“Hard to believe” Kyungsoo tsk’ed softly.

“I was a good kid,” Baekhyun mumbled softly looking off into the distance, “Shame really, this is how I turned out.”

Kyungsoo frowned slightly, even if he didn’t always toy around with the man like he often wanted him too, Kyungsoo could see that Baekhyun’s actions always head somewhat good intentions – it was family first, and he’d seen first-hand the lengths he’d gone to for someone before.

“You’re a good man,” Kyungsoo assured him, but it didn’t sit right with Baekhyun.  

“A bad man that does a good deed isn’t a good man,” Baekhyun sighed softly, “He’s still rotten at the end of the day, it just shows he can think of something else besides himself for once.”

“Do you really believe that?” Kyungsoo asked with a raised brow.

“I don’t exactly have a clean record,” Baekhyun tutted softly, “Sometimes if I look hard enough, I think my hands might be permanently stained with someone else’s demise.” He frowned softly staring at his hands.

“I know a few people that might beg to differ,” Kyungsoo said almost softly to the older man, much like how he’d seen his companion speak to their boss sometimes, “He’s not here right now, but I know Chanyeol thinks the world of you,” Baekhyun chuckled softly at that.

“Right place, right time,” Baekhyun said honestly, “Not that I’m not glad, but that’s not redemption.” He kicked his legs up on the desk.

“Who said you need redemption?” Kyungsoo asked honestly, “You’re not exactly the average person to begin with,”

“The second heir to the Byun estate,” Baekhyun mimicked his father’s voice with a sarcastic edge to it, “Not like that shit matters now,” Kyungsoo looked slightly interested in that.

“How so?” Kyungsoo was always a questioner and Baekhyun chuckled at that.

“The second son gets nothing in our world,” Baekhyun laughed slightly but there was no humour behind it, “I’ll serve Exodus till my untimely death with no land, barely any family and no life” He sounded a bit put off by that.

“No marriage on the cards?” Kyungsoo asked, he knew it was common for the sons to get married off to affluent daughters.

“I’m sure If my father cared enough, I’d be married by now,” Baekhyun rolled his eyes, “But I don’t think he remembers I exist at this current moment,”

“Does anyone in this damn gang have a nice home life?” Kyungsoo rolled his eyes slightly and Baekhyun chuckled at that.

“Ask Yixing, I’m sure he’ll regale you with tales of his adoring family,” A new voice entered the conversation and the two men jumped too caught up in talking to each other. “Or maybe Jongdae, that man is always smiling for a reason.”

“Oh, so the prodigal son has decided to make his grand appearance,” Baekhyun raised his eyebrow looking at Sehun who had decided to make himself known to the two men, “Weren’t you told to stay home?” Baekhyun tutted.

“I’m here for business,” Sehun rolled his eyes while leaning against the door to Baekhyun’s office, “And I can handle myself,” He reminded them.

“Business in my club?” Baekhyun raised a brow, “Do I get to know about it?” Sehun smirked softly at that.

“Where’s the fun in that?” Sehun teased, a lot more jovial in demeanour than when the two men had last seen their boss.

“I don’t fancy having my ass handed to me by Jun because I let you do something stupid,” Baekhyun’s eyebrow twitched slightly as the younger man merely hummed in a soft laugh.

“Just tell me where the bartender is, Baekhyun.”

Despite being a 25-year-old man, Sehun still found himself bossed around from time to time from his older brothers – the irony of it laying within the fact that he was at the end of the day still their boss, and by obligation, they were supposed to do what he says but regardless, he says nicely and listened to Junmyeon rant to him again.

“Please Sehun,” Junmyeon had a sternness in his eyes that Sehun knew he got from his father, “For the time being, just say out of the light for a while – we can handle the heavy lifting.” Sehun hummed at that, say at his desk gazing at the man who was flanked with their tallest member.

“And what if I don’t want to?” He argued slightly, his hands resting on his stomach as he lounged in his chair, “Last time I left you all to do your work it didn’t exactly go to plan” He tweaked his brow at them.  

“Sehun,” Junmyeon warned, Chanyeol looking almost uncomfortable beside him.

“Junmyeon,” Sehun pointedly said back, “I am not a child.”

“Then stop acting like one,” Junmyeon argued, Chanyeol flinching slightly at the heat in his boss’ eyes.

Sehun stared darkly at his second in command for a second before collecting himself, he detested being labelled a child, but he wasn’t about to cause a scene in the compound – he was better than that and doing so would only solidify Junmyeon’s statements.

“Fine,” Sehun grumbled after a beat of silence, “I’ll stay here if you wish me too,” He rolled his eyes slightly, Junmyeon deflated slightly at that – curious to how he gave in so quickly.

“You will…?” Jun quizzed looking at him sceptically.

“Yes.” Sehun affirmed, “I’ll stay out the light for a while if you’re so worried.” He pushed his tongue into his cheek in thought, clearly still not happy.

“Thank you,” Jun nodded glancing back at Chanyeol for a second, “I’m taking Minseok to scope out some of our casinos, you and Chanyeol try to get more out of our guest.” Junmyeon sighed slightly.

It wasn’t uncommon for the second in commands to overstep their places, Sehun’s had seen his fathers’ SIC do it all the time – but that still didn’t mean it didn’t grind his gears a bit. At times it felt like he was just the face for the gang, an affluent name that took “control” while the others schemed behind the curtains.

“Who am I in this game instead of the king?” Sehun thought wistfully while Junmyeon ran Chanyeol, who for the last few hours had been choosing to remain silent in the house, past everything he had to do.

The last few day’s had been tolling on everyone so it seemed, most of his men being sent off every direction in the city to just and find out how someone could infiltrate their shipments, while he stayed behind and handled the numerous phone calls from his head underlings about why his men were sniffing around their territory – Sehun hated the phone calls more than anything, but he had to but on a tone and brave it while he explained that his men were doing intake since he’d felt like things were “getting sloppy” within his ranks. No one really dared question him too much, he was their leader at the end of the day and if someone blinked wrong at him, they’d be taken out, but that still didn’t mean he enjoyed listening to them grumble.

“You get that, Sehun?” Junmyeon interrupted his thoughts while the younger man merely hummed and looked at him.

“Yes,” He grated out, waving his hand at his counterpart to just leave already, “Loud and clear, stay here, do this and most importantly keep out of trouble.” He rolled his eyes.

“Sehun…” Junmyeon warned slightly, but Sehun paid it no mind.

“I’m sure Chanyeol will make a fantastic babysitter, Jun” Sehun huffed, fixing his suit slightly in a fidget, “Go before I change my mind and elect to completely flout your warnings.”

Junmyeon merely gazed at the two with a pointed look before nodding slightly, making haste to get out the room with his phone already glued on his hand – the fluttering of his conversation bouncing around the empty hallway as he departed.

There was an air of silence before Sehun stood up from his desk, making sure his suit jacket was buttoned slightly and his phone was pocketed before he spoke.

“Tell someone to get my car ready, Chanyeol,” Sehun asked while he rounded his desk, much to the other man’s shock.

“But didn’t Junmyeon just say…” Chanyeol began but was promptly cut off by Sehun.

“Don’t go out in the light, yes I’m aware,” Sehun smirked softly before gesturing to his window – it was well past daylight and the moon had taken her role in the sky for the night, “But that doesn’t look like going out in the light to me.” He remarked as Chanyeol’s face dropped slightly.

“I won’t be able to stop you, will I?” Chanyeol asked honestly, crossing his arms over his chest

“Nope.” Sehun popped his lips slightly, “I’ve got business to attend to.” Chanyeol’s brow quirked.

“Business?” Chanyeol asked, “What are you up to now?”

“I’ve got a bartender to talk to,” A look passed over Chanyeol’s face at that.

“Why?” Yeol was getting defensive again, but Sehun merely chuckled.

“You’ll find out eventually,” Sehun hummed touching the older man’s shoulder as he walked past him, “Do me a favour, integrate our guest with Jongdae, if he’s still not talking after a while kill him” A dark look past over Sehun’s face.

“We have no use for him if he won’t talk,” Sehun said to his companion, “Understood?”

“Understood,” Chanyeol mumbled back, nodding slightly.

Sehun merely nodded back at him while patting Chanyeol’s shoulder as he finally walked past him to the door of his office, there was a brief pause at Sehun’s door while he thought for a second.

“I say this from a place of care, Chanyeol,” Sehun spoke honestly while looking over his shoulder, “Whatever’s in your head about this girl, let it go.”

“There’s nothing in my head,” Chanyeol grumbled back, “I just think your plan is stupid, what do you gain from this?” But Sehun merely chuckled.

“It’s not often I see your heart bleed,” Sehun hummed, “I’m trying to keep my men in check, you included”

“I am in check,” Chanyeol frowned.

“Really? You could have fooled me,” Sehun tutted softly, “I’ve watched you beat a man within an inch of his life and then some, but you’re choosing now to grow morals about who we involve?” Chanyeol’s eyes darkened slightly at the jab.

“I just think…” Chanyeol started but Sehun cut him off quickly.

“No Yeol,” Sehun began with a slight frown, “You’re not thinking, not at the moment – I don’t know what that girl triggered in you, but you need to sort it out, otherwise you’re going to get yourself killed or maybe even her.”

“I won’t.” Chanyeol tried to reason with his boss.

“Civilian relationships in any form don’t work.” Sehun reminded him, “Ask some of your brothers, your enemies don’t care who they are to you, as long as they’re something”

“Sehun...” Chanyeol started but again he was cut off.

“I did you a favour by making sure your family was protected the first time around, I can’t extend my kindness any further.”

“Sehun…”

It felt like a hit to your soul when you met eyes with the man situated at the bar, your physical body stagnant in the present while your soul decided to bolt out of there, leaving your flesh with a cold tingle to it. He looked a bit more casual than the last time you’d seen him, an all-black suit tailored perfectly to his lissom body; sans the tie and shirt unbuttoned three from the top, he looked like a walking piece of opulence, especially with his hair messily pushed back – a far cry from the hardened exterior of a man you’d seen before.

There was a cocktail of not only fear but anger swirling in your vein’s as you keep your gaze locked with the very man that caused it, his eyes dark and strong as the whiskey he was asking you for and settling straight onto your own, they were reading you; that much you could tell, the subtle twitch of them told you he was reading your face.

“I see you’re still alive,” He spoke, his tone deep and smooth as you remembered.

“No thanks to you,” You gritted slightly, hands wringing the cloth you were carrying like it was his neck, “What the fuck was that,” You leaned closer to him, his eyes dancing with a verge resemblance of shock at your tone before he straightened himself out.

“Be thankful you’re alive,” He drawled to you, leaning in himself as a challenge to your currently strong demeanour, “Some people aren’t always that lucky.” You could feel his breath hitting your cheeks, he smelled vaguely of mint and something stronger.

“I don’t think I should be thankful for almost suffocating in a plastic bag,” You hissed, eyes flickering to a group of people that were seated in a booth not too far from the bar.

“And what are you going to do about it,” He challenged you, his brow raised, his shoulders were squared but he wasn’t trying to threaten you, but you felt yourself stutter anyway.

“I…” You sentence dropped off, what were you going to do about it? It’s not like you could hit him like Chanyeol, the security guard in the corner was glaring at you enough to know that if you raised your hand, you’d lose it, not if Sehun himself didn’t get you first.

“Can I have my drink now?” His brow plucked up again, “Or will I have to tell Baekhyun to fire you on your first day?” You shook your head at him, spinning around to grab the fucking bottle of booze he wanted and a glass.

You weren’t light as you slammed the crystal onto the wooden bar counter, Sehun’s eyes following you as you poured it straight into the glass not bothering to glance at him. Sehun was intrigued, to say the least, his eyebrows furrowing slightly as you placed the bottle back onto the counter with a huff.

“That’ll be –.” You were cut off by Sehun.

“Free,” He smirked slightly, “Owner perks”

“Of course, he was the owner” You bit down on your tongue as your inner self cursed him out.

“Of course, Sir.” You gravelled out, “Will that be all?” Your eye twitched slightly while he hummed, taking a sip of his drink, glancing between the amber liquid and you.

“Leave the bottle,” He requested with a look, your head nodding before you sighed – spotting some patrons making their way to the bar.

You didn’t spare him a second glance, as you went back to work; the feeling of his eyes following you sent a small chill down your spine but you tried to shake it off, a small smile gracing your lips as you tended to other paying customers. It was strange, having him right there when he’d told of so many threats to your life every time you saw him, it was even stranger than you were now working in a club that was affiliated to him – a small calling that Chanyeol could have warned you echoing on your head, but why exactly were you here? Sehun made it clear he wanted nothing to do with you so why hire you at a club he owned.

There was a thick emotion coating your throat as you tried to focus on serving customers, all while the man that shook you to your core sat on the other end of the bar – checking his watch every so often that it had you on edge; Baekhyun had yet to see you again after you stole his drink for him, leaving you here with a bunch of rich twenty-somethings and a syndicate boss. You were leaning against the back of the bar, the music thumping slightly in your brain as you watched the intoxicated customers dance and laugh with their friends – something you haven’t done in a while, you noted to yourself.

The night had only really just begun and you were already ready to go home, your body still emotionally tired beyond belief and your wits at their end at the idiocy that was this bar; you were hired here for a reason and that was fraying your nerves, you didn’t believe for one second that you were hired here out of kindness, the men you had seen behind this all didn’t look like someone that extended their kindness beyond their gang.

“Let’s just say, Junmyeon likes to keep all his cards together,” Chanyeol’s lips pursed together in a look you couldn’t place, it was vague, but you nodded anyway.

Chanyeol.

You remembered his face as he handed you the job description letter, he looked put off giving you it, but you couldn’t argue and seemingly neither could he.

“Think any harder and you’re going to hurt yourself,” The voice from the corner drawled lazily again, glass raised to his mouth and an amused look in his eye while your own eyes flicked to him.

“Shut up,” You scoffed, crossing your arms tighter over your chest in a glare, “Don’t you have lives to be ruining?” Sehun hummed at that.

“Is that what you think I do?” His eyes danced with mirth.

“Monsters prey in the dark, but here you are” You rolled your eyes, “Which means that you’re up to something.” Sehun’s eyes narrowed slightly at your wording, his lips pursing together slightly.

“I’m here on business if you must know.” Sehun scoffed, “Not that it matters to you, bartender.” His jaw was set slightly, and you flinched at the fact you’d put him in a mood.

“Business,” You sneered slightly, “Gonna shoot up this place too?” Sehun rolled his eyes.

“I think you’d know if I was, darling,” He jeered back at you, “I might not be as nice to tell you to get under the bar next time.”

“There’s going to be a next time?” You bantered back to him, disregarding the fact your heart was hammering in your chest at the dark look in his eyes.

Setting your jaw, you walked back over to him with a pointed look; the cloth that was in your hand was tossed on the counter as you leaned.

“Tell me,” You asked honestly, “Why am I here?” His eyes met your own, no emotion being given away behind them.

“Because you work here,” He deadpanned like it was the simplest thing in the world, and that made your jaw tick.

“Chanyeol told me that Junmyeon likes to keep all his cards together,” You gritted slightly, “What does that mean.” Sehun mouth ticked slightly in a sneer.

“Why don’t you ask your buddy?” His eyebrows were raised.

“I’m asking you.” You swallowed thickly, “Now answer me.”

“And what makes you think that you’re in a position to tell me what to do?” Sehun tested you.

“Sehun,” You said his actual name to him for the first time, a tone of stress coating the words like honey, “Please.” Your eyes softened slightly.

Sehun looked conflicted for a second, his eyes skittering around your face trying to look for anything that told him you had other intentions; there was a beat of silence between the two of you before he sighed annoyed. You watched him toss his drink back before he reached into his inner suit pocket to retrieve his phone, a look passing his face as he did; it was just as quickly pocketed as it was taken out while his eyes flicked to you, an unresolved emotion waving in them.

“Stick around after the bar closes,” He grumbled out, standing up from his stool, “I’ll answer your questions then.”

“But…” You began, your mouth slightly open in protest when he cut you off.

“No buts.” He snapped lightly, “I’ll answer your questions then or not at all.” His eyes were angry, but you could tell it wasn’t at you.

“Fine…” You deflated slightly, shoulder slumping slightly as you watched him turn on his heel.

Curiously, you looked at his back as he retreated from the bar without a second glance at you, looking as he passed his security guard to walk over to one of the private rooms on the VIP area that you had been told was used for business meetings, he stopped slightly before the door, look off to the side and our brows furrowed slightly at the person that walked up to him.

“It’s the girl from the house…” You mumbled to yourself slightly, watching as she strutted up to the man; her head very much held high.

She looked gorgeous, made up in a dress that seemed to almost glitter in the light; she practically glowed under the strobe lights of the VIP room, she was a beautiful woman – and when you had seen her last you could tell she suited Sehun a lot, the two of them had an aura about them that matched. You didn’t mean to stop and stare at them, but as the girl entered the room before Sehun you caught the latter turning around to give you a pointed look; a sheen of embarrassment coating your cheeks at his stare.

“So this was his business huh…”

It wasn’t long before Irene was making her way up to the VIP room, a soft smile gracing her face at the sight of you working like you belonged at Electric Kiss; she had been sceptical at first since there was already a tightknit of people that worked here, not just anyone was hired, but when Baekhyun approached her and told her, she knew she’d try to be as welcoming as possible. But the devil in her ear currently was stopping her from greeting you like how was wanted too. 

“Is Sehun anywhere around?” She rolled her eyes as she heard Baekhyun through her earpiece, something she used in case of emergency and she needed to get security quickly.

“We have security cameras, Baek,” She grumbled slightly, making sure no one in VIP heard her talking to herself, “Check those, I’m busy.” She smiled at a customer who walked past her. 

“But you’re my informant on the ground,” Baekhyun teased softly, treating it like he did when he was probably on missions. 

“Baekhyun,” She warned with a look, even though he couldn’t see her. 

“I would be he’s not down the stairs,” Irene could hear the roll of his eyes, “There’s a reason he hangs around up there.”

“It was your choice not to put camera’s up here,” She sniped slightly, “But for your information, his guard is still up here.” She confirmed to him, watching the man she only knew as Johnny walking around. 

“And the He in question?” Baekhyun pressed a bit, much to her annoyance. 

“I don’t know, probably one of the private rooms.” She tutted, gazing around the room looking for the infamous boss – Irene had only met him a few times through Baekhyun, but he’d never really said much to her. “Have one of your men check it.”

“He’s been a foul mood the last few days, lovely,” Baekhyun huffed, “I don’t fancy facing any wrath.” 

“Chicken.” She teased with a smirk.

“Am not.” He snapped, but there was a playful edge to it. 

Irene hummed softly, her eyes flickering around the room at everyone that filled the VIP section; she could spot the security guards a mile away, they stuck out like a sore thumb but none of the socialites that gathered up here bothered, if anything they ate it up when anyone from Exodus visited, they were Royalty here after all. Irene’s eyes did widen slightly as she caught sight of the very man, she was looking for storming out of a private room; a glance at a familiar woman sitting at the table before the door slammed shut. Sehun looked mad, and she could see him storming down the staircase that leads to Baekhyun’s office. 

“Uh Baekhyun,” Irene chirped quickly, “Problem.”

“What?” Baekhyun quickly responded, “What is it.”

“Found Sehun, and he’s very mad.” She shuffled quickly of the way of one of the security guards who was rushing past her. “And currently on his way to you.”

She could hear the slam of a door from the audio of the earpiece, Baekhyun yelping slightly in freight, herself jumping at the sound of it pathetically. She tried to listen in for a second but before she could hear anything the call cut – one last word passing from Baekhyun before it dropped.

“Oh shit.”

Truthfully, your first at Electric Kiss had been an eventful one, and eventful couldn’t even fully sum it up. Working at the bar of the VIP section truly showed you a life that’d you’d never know, rich kids were willing to throw their money at anyone that served them drinks and you heard all kinds of gossip through the night that you honestly had no business in knowing; Joohyun was right when she said you get tipped well up here, and it wasn’t just in case. You had seen your manager briefly before you took a small break earlier, she looked a bit frazzled but she kept her composure as she questioned you on how your first night was going here, she’d been nothing but kind to you since you started, so you felt a sense of connection when you did manage to talk to her again.

Aside from that, you never saw anyone again for the remainder of the shift – Sehun never graced your presence again and Baekhyun was MIA, it was truly just you and the customers up here, and it was strangely nice. However, what Sehun had said to you was still echoing in your mind as you slowly shuffled to get your things from the breakroom.

“Stick around after the bar closes,” He grumbled out, standing up from his stool, “I’ll answer your questions then.”

It was 3:30am now and the bar was closing early for the night since it was the middle of the week; Irene had been gracious enough to let you go straight home since you’d turned up early for training while herself, Joy, and a girl you’d not met yet cashed out for the night. They gave you soft smiles as you left but your eyes were scanned around the bar.

“He never said where to meet him…” You thought to yourself, “Or maybe it was just a ploy to get you to shut up.” That was probably more likely.

The annoyance was radiating off you slightly when you decided to leave the warmth of the bar and step into the biting cold of the street; the sounds of customers that still littered the place echoing into the frosty air, there wasn’t anyone around, something you noted as you stood on the sideway next to the club – taking in the scene of it all.

Electric Kiss was on a very nice side of town, surrounded by affluent shops and restaurants for the rich, and apartment buildings for the even richer; it wasn’t your usual side of town, the elevators probably worked in the buildings here. It was always a fantasy to think about what it would be like to own a home here, to see the city in its full glory every day and not have to worry about making rent.

“Must be nice…” You commented softly into the air, looking up at one of the bigger apartment complex buildings; the skyscraper-sized tower glittering with thousands of little lights in the early morning.

Winter had its grasp around everything you looked at, the faint sight of steam covering windows while the pavement froze over with a shimmering frost; it was truly beautiful but the beauty was interrupted by the sound of a car engine so much so you rolled your eyes. Thought you thought of it as just a passing car you jumped back slightly from the edge of the sidewalk when a sleek black car pulled up in front of you, the passenger window rolling down so you could peak in. Leaning down slightly, you almost choked at who was driving the car.

“Get in,” Sehun grumbled out, one hand on the wheel while the other used a finger to prop his head up while he leaned on his door, he looked a bit annoyed.

“Why?” You stuttered slightly, confused at what was going on, but he only rolled his eyes before he looked at you.

“You wanted to talk, so we talk,” He sassed you slightly, “I said get in.” He nodded to the door.

You were gaping at him slightly, so much so that you forgot to answer him straight away – his handsome features pulling a face before he shook his head.

“I don’t have time for this shit,” He grumbled, reaching over the dash to creep the window back up – he stopped slightly when you jumped, placing your hand on the closing window to stop it.

“Wait.” You yelped softly, “Just wait.” You huffed before looking around at the empty street, shaking your head you grasped the door handle to the car, pulling it open with a bit of effort before you sat down in Sehun’s passenger seat.

His car was warm and smelled vaguely like cigarettes, not that you minded, but the focus was the man who was driving; the fact that his eyebrows were pulled together in a frown as he looked again.

“Where are you taking me?” You asked softly, keeping your eyes on him; his own flicking to you slightly before he put the car in drive.

“Home.” He grumbled slightly like it was paining him, “Put your seat belt on.” You rolled your eyes at that.

“You’re one to talk,” You sniped slightly, doing what you were told anyway, “Haven’t you been drinking?” He rolled his eyes.

“One drink,” He scoffed, “I’m a busy man, I can’t exactly afford to drink on the job.” You shook your head at him, watching at the night started to pass by you from his tinted window.

“You had questions,” He sighed, “Ask them.” Your eyes flickered back to him slightly while he drove; like everything he did, it was attractive.

“What did Junmyeon mean…” You sighed slightly, settling into the leather of his car seat; it was all black interior, but it didn’t feel cold because of it.

“About the cards?” Sehun hummed while you nodded.

“It would seem, miss bartender…” He began with a sigh as he stopped at a stoplight, “That we have use for you yet.” You frown at that.

“What?” You hesitated slightly, “What do you mean by that?” His face pinched slightly as he turned to you, tiredness settling in his eyes.

“For once, you know a lot more than we do,” He started, glancing at you before his eyes settled back on the road and the driving started again, “That man that was showing up at Oasis, we need to find him and currently you’re the only one in existence right now that knows what he looks like.” Sehun didn’t look proud to admit that.

“Me?” You frowned, “Surely someone else does?” Sehun hummed.

“You’d think,” He started, “The only person that might, won’t tell me, and we can’t find anything on him anywhere.”

“Oasis wasn’t the only joint of mine’s he was… looking into,” Sehun frown, hand gripping the wheel a bit tighter, you listened to eagerly as he spoke, “A few days ago, a few weapons from my stock went missing – the same man that was stealing stock at Oasis was behind it.” You frowned softly as he continued.

“He’s been redistributing the stolen and tampered drug stock at clubs around the city; his latest was Teardrop,” His eyes flicked to yours.

“I’ve been there once or twice, yeah…” You said softly.

“No security cameras could catch him and no one in the crowd could point him out,” Sehun shook his head, annoyed.

“But how does this involve me,” You frowned. “If he’s bold enough to walk into my establishment once, he’ll do it again.” Sehun spoke simply, “We think he’s going to turn up at Electric Kiss, he’s been in clubs in the surrounding areas.”

“And you need me to spot him out?” You asked, clocking your head to the side, “How do you know he won’t just hide from me? After all, he knows what I look like”

“He seems like he loves a thrill,” Sehun glowered slightly, reaching into his glove compartment to retrieve a small box; cigarettes.

You watched in some weird fascination as his free hand managed to get on out of the box and lifted it to his lips, before he quickly grabbed the lighter that was sitting in his pocket and lit it, the waft of expensive cigarettes filling the car before his window was left slightly ajar, so it could filter out. His tongue running over his teeth as he took a draw had you turning away slightly, a blooming of red covering your cheeks at the simple movement.

“Why didn’t you just ask me to help you,” You asked softly.

“Would you have?” He quizzed slightly, ashing his cigarette out the window.

“Maybe…” You stuttered softly as he chuckled.

“It was easier to trick you than to ask you,” He said simply with a slight shrug.

“What about back at the warehouse…” You swallowed thickly, “You didn’t kill me, why?”

“Because I didn’t have to.” He sighed, “Believe it or not, I don’t like shedding unnecessary blood, plus I had my own plan that I had to see come to fruition.”

“I timed everything for a reason,” He continued, “I knew as soon as I put the bag on your head, I only had a few minutes before the police showed up – I knew you weren’t going to die.”

“But the police…” You started before he cut you off.

“To some degree were in on it,” Sehun hummed, “Some of the higher-ups were sniffing around your case, it got worse when our name got tagged to it, I needed you gone quickly and your boss in my possession before someone started sniffing around my business.” He told you honestly.

“I couldn’t just let you go,” He told you, “We all knew the police would find that far too suspicious and you’d be tied to all this, it was easier to stage something”

“But during the interrogation, the officer was saying all this stuff.” You shook your head while he smirked softly, eyes glancing at you.

“I knew you’d crack under pressure, that’s why I had the commissioner interrogate you and lead the thing along,” He chuckled, “It was also a test.”

“A test of what…” You mumbled.

“A test to see if you’d heeded my warning,” He glanced at you again, capturing your eyes with his own, “I wasn’t kidding about the bullet between your eyes.” He smirked darkly.

“I hate you…” You mumbled softly looking out the window, “Like a lot.”

“I’m not too keen on you either, sweetheart,” He hummed, looking at the road with nothing but boredom.

“So, I keep an eye out for your mystery guy, then what?” You grumbled, biting your lip softly as you watched him flick his finished cigarette out the window. “I get fired?”

“If we find him then whatever you want,” He shrugged, “Work at Electric Kiss or leave, I don’t really care, just as long as you keep your mouth shut.” He tapped softly on the leather of his steering wheel.

“Right,” You rolled your eyes, “Charmer aren’t you.” He smirked softly at that.

“You mean you don’t love our talks,” He quizzed with humour behind it, “Or are you upset that I’m not Chanyeol right now?”

“You’ve threatened me every time I’ve talked to you so no, I don’t like our talks,” You huffed, “And I’m not happy with Chanyeol either, he lied to me as well.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll survive,” He mumbled as he pulled into the street that held your apartment block, not commenting further on it.

“I’m sure I will…” You muttered back.

The car dropped into silence as he pulled into the parking lot that sat outside the back of your building, his fancy car probably looking entirely out of place in the shithole that you lived in – for some reason you almost felt embarrassed as he gazed up at your building.

“Not all of us can live in luxury,” You said quickly before he could get a snippy remark in, but you were left a bit confused when he frowned softly.

“You work for where you live, that’s respectable enough,” He muttered, “And luxury isn’t worth what you think it is.” He had a faraway look in his eyes that you couldn’t place.

“I don’t know, you live a pretty comfortable life,” You commented slightly, and it was true – the man probably had more money than you’d ever own or work for.

“Something like that,” He muttered, deciding not to comment any further on your claim. The brief silence you both went into was enough to make you want to crawl out your skin, but you held your composure as you sighed softly.

“Thank you, Sehun…” You said lowly, you hated feeling like you owed someone something and the idea of thanking him after everything he’d done to you left a bad taste in your mouth, but you did it anyway, “For answering my questions and driving me home.”

“Think of it as payment,” He remarked slightly while turning to you, “For almost suffocating you to death,” You chuckled at that.

“It’s going to take more than that to make up for it,” You smiled slightly, locking eyes with him.

He was doing the thing again, where he was trying to work you out from merely just looking at you; his almost black eyes flicking around your face to try and find out your intentions, it was almost flattering but it was also uncomfortable. While you enjoyed looking at his face, you’d rather someone just ask you a question than try to sus you out but knowing what you knew about this man; that wasn’t going to happen.

“I should go…” You spoke softly, “Its late.” Whatever he was into, he snapped out of it while he turned around humming in agreement with you.

“You should,” He nodded keeping his eyes forward.

You looked at him softly, taking in his ridged side profile before you smiled a bit, nodding slightly while you pushed his car door open.

“Goodnight Sehun…” You spoke softly, glancing back into the car as you stood up, you didn’t bother to listen to his reply but you caught it anyway as you slammed the door shut, a small smile lifting your face.

“Goodnight…”

It felt as though you had been punctured but something as you watched his car drive away from you, the feeling of your blood rushing out your veins and leaving your body with that cold feeling of hollowness all while your eyes glanced at the vehicles retreating from. It was an indescribable feeling flooding you every time you found yourself near him, but it was a feeling that all though you’d never admit; you lusted to feel again.

“I wish I could understand you…” You whispered softly, small tuffs of white curling in the space surrounding your mouth; almost like a soul leaving the body, the words falling onto no one but mother nature.

The air was biting as you stood in the small carpark that laid itself out in front of your apartment but despite the chill, you found yourself not whiling to move; you had a lot to take in, and even more to process. It had been a very long night, the timepiece on your wrist reminding you that it was in fact very early morning. It was hours to be alone, but for some reason, a chill crawled its way up your spine that wasn’t an effect of the cold; the eerie feeling of someone else being in the barren car park with you.

Glancing back at the building behind you that held your home, you blinked slowly at the idea of just running into it but foolishly your steps carried you carefully into the middle of the empty lot; borrowed heels crunching on the gravel cracking into the night as you spun slowly to observe what you could.

“Hello?” You spoke softly, looking around at any hideaway spot you could; the balconies that held all the doors and the small allies that cut into different ways to get out the building, “Is anyone there?” Sheer stupidity seemed to be a trademark for you at this point, but after the last few days; if something was going to get you, you’d rather it showed itself.

You were met with silence, the deafening silence that was known as 4:00am and nothing else; barely any light or movement, it seemed like it was just you and your thoughts. But it wouldn’t be out of style for you to jump when you felt the vibration of your phone in your pocket, the new device spurring to life in an angry notification that said you were getting a call. You didn’t even bother to check the caller id before you clicked accept but after what you were met with, you wish you had.

“Where the hell are you!?” Jeonghan snapped on the other end, as your eyes widen.

“Woah…” You began slightly shocked at his tone, “What do you mean?”

“I’m here,” He grumbled, “At Electric Kiss, I said I’d pick you up?” You blanched slightly.

“Jeonghan, I’m so sorry…” You began softly, “I’m already home,” Your eyes scattered around while you made a gentle walk back to your apartment, the familiar feeling of being watched not leaving you.

“How the hell did you get home?” He sounded shocked, and you sheepishly responded.

“A uh… Friend from work drove me,” You lied to him, a small gnaw of guilt eating at you, “I’m sorry I forgot to tell you.” You pouted softly down the phone in the hopes you’d pick up on your tone.

The sigh you heard on the other end confirmed that it worked.

“It’s alright…” He grumbled softly, “Sorry for snapping at you,” He said as you shouldered your way into your apartment, a small grunt passing your lips as you did.

“You’ve only just come home after being kidnapped,” He sighed, “I was just making sure you’d get back alright.”

“Hannie…” You said softly, honestly feeling your heart melt, “It’s okay, I’m okay…” You assured him.

“Do you want me to come over?” He asked while you walked up the stairs to your apartment, choosing to forgo the elevator, “I’m sure I can pick up some food.”

“Hannie, don’t worry about it,” You told him with a small smile, “Go home and get some rest, I’m a big girl, I can stay by myself.” He sighed at that.

“Okay,” You could hear the small smile in his voice, “Just message me tomorrow okay?” You laughed slightly at that.

“I will,” You smiled softly, “Get home safe Jeonghan,” He sighed softly.

“You too…” The call cut off after that, you were in a rush to get back home that you booked it up the last 3 flights of stairs to your floor, your chest-puffing slightly as you scurried to your door – after the car ride with Sehun, you had a lot to look into.

After practically falling into your apartment, you kicked your shoes off and made your way into your bedroom – making haste to boot up your laptop while you sorted yourself out for the rest of the morning. Electric Kiss needed you in by 7 tomorrow to work a short shift since they were working out your rota, so you had time to do what you needed, and what you needed right now was not to go to bed.

The blinking of the cursor of the search engine you were using was taunting you as your fingers hovered above the keyboard – the limps twitching to write; you were doing your own research since you couldn’t trust anyone to tell you anything anymore, so you wasted no time in typing what you needed into the search bar.

‘Oh Sehun’, You bit your lip softly as your eyes tried to take in the search page.

You weren’t sure what you expected, he wasn’t a celebrity by any means, but the cloud of news articles that littered the page was a bit overwhelming.

“New heir of Oh Industries takes over after Owners death.”

“Owner of Oh Industries, Oh Dae-suk, passes in a drive-by murder, rumours of son to take over.”

“Oh Sehun named CEO of Oh Industries after legal battle.”

The search was littered with dozens of pages about how Sehun came to be the heir of the company he fronted, something that was clearly a decoy for whatever Exodus was. But you could feel a slight tension in your shoulders as pictures of him from the past popped up; one, in particular, was a photo of a teenage Sehun at his father’s funeral, a far cry from what he looked like now.

Shaggy haired and red-eyed, Sehun looked miserable as they caught a photo of him coming out of a funeral car; flagged by a woman you could only guess was his mother, your heart bled a little as you looked at him, he was so young. Flickering down you read the passage under the photo.

Heir to the Oh family, Oh Sehun, and his mother Oh Jieun pictured stepping out for the first time in public after the death of the CEO Oh Daeksuk – flagged by family and friends the mourning family attend the wake in his honour.

You felt a bit sick reading how the family were being hounded even on such a sad day like a funeral, but you clicked out the article anyway. Another one instantly catching your interest.

Rumour: Oh Sehun tied to gang affiliation after leaked photos show millionaire CEO partying with Criminals?

Rumours broke Saturday night after Oh Sehun was pictured partying with suspected drug cartel member Jung Insik in Rouge lounge earlier in the week. The two seemed friendly on the couch of the VIP section, sharing drinks and laughing with each other, although partiers claim there was nothing suspicious going on between the pair it's suspicious that the CEO of a medical company is hanging around with a suspect in a large drugs case – Oh Industries couldn’t be reached for a statement.

You puffed air out of your mouth as you read it, already in the know to what the young CEO gets into behind closed doors – to you it was clear that Oh Industries seemed to be front for Exodus, they were rarely in the news for anything else with the last article on Sehun being nearly a year ago about his charitable donations to an organisation; it made sense that they’d hide in plain sight, no one could accumulate that much money and not be talked about in some regard.

It was interesting to read, but it told you nothing about the man in question; just that he liked to party, his father died when he was young and that the new suspected him of doing dodgy things but nothing had been given as solid evidence to confirm any rumours. Sehun and his gang were truly an enigma, not even a mention of any of the other members anywhere associated with his name.

It was very early in the morning at this point, but you had no intention of stopping anytime soon; you were going to find out whatever you could about this man, even if it meant a sleepless night.

“Who are you, Oh Sehun…”

The next day, for the first time in forever, felt completely and utterly normal; you woke up at noon after staying up most of the morning doing research and you could leisurely get ready for work after eating a huge breakfast since you declined to eat anything last night. It was nice to not have anyone hounding you or jumping you for once, it was that peaceful that when you did eventually turn up for your shift it flew past in a breeze. Neither women from the night before were working with you today but you were introduced to both Seulgi and Yeri, both of whom welcomed you with open arms when you came through the door. It was nice, and it was a peaceful day at work, or as peaceful as it could be working in a bar, but you enjoyed it none the less; it was a lot less stressful than what Oasis had been.

What you didn’t prepare for was what was waiting for you at home.

You had got home just after midnight after sharing a cab with Seulgi who lived near the complex that you lived in, the street was as always quiet as it normally was at night and honestly, you felt like nothing could go wrong when you go into your apartment, but that hope was shattered after 15 minutes after getting home; 3 weak knocks sounding at your door.

“What the…” You spoke softly to yourself, barely getting a chance to settle into your couch before you were called up again.

Freaked out and slightly scared, you grabbed you keys as a form of defence while you slowly opened the door but they were dropped in an instant when your eyes caught sight of what was on the other side.

Chanyeol, hunched over and holding his side with one hand while the other kept him steady on your door frame, the strong stench of metallic filling your nose as you watched his stained hands slip slightly on the wood of your door.

“Chanyeol,” You yelped rushing to catch the 6 foot something man that started to tip over, “What the hell happened to you?” You stressed trying to tug him instead, your nose curling at the smell of blood.

“Ran into slight difficulties on the job,” He wheezed slightly, tripping up while trying to walk with you; flinching as you slammed the door behind him.

“Difficulties?” You snapped a bit scared; your eyes were wide as you tried to get a look at him.

It was clear that he’d been stabbed in the side, the way he was clutching the area was a dead giveaway; along with the blood that stained his fingers. He looked ashen and pale while he tried to look at you; a cold sweat clouding over his skin, something you could feel as you tried to hold him up.

“Why didn’t you go to the hospital?” You demanded, dragging him to your small bathroom; his body wincing softly at the bright light that emitted from the room.

“Can’t,” He wheezed again as you managed to get him to sit on your counter, your small hands pushing him back completely so the wall could support him, “They ask too many questions.” He winced again at your pushing.

“And you think I can handle this?” You gestured wildly to his wound, in this light you could see he had a few bruises and cuts on his face, “How did this happen?” You demanded softly, raiding one of your bathroom drawers for the first aid kit.

“Baekhyun and I were on a job not too far from here,” Chanyeol could slightly, groaning while he pulled his shirt over his head knowing he had to, “We were following a tip-off that was given to us, but we were jumped.” You jumped slightly at his bare torso but puffed out air to try and compose yourself, the man was possibly dying on your counter.

“Where’s Baekhyun now?” You stressed slightly, wetting a rag to try and clot his wound.

There was a massive gash on the lower right side of his stomach, it looked deep, and he groaned loudly as you pressed down on it, your own mouth shushing in slightly as you did.

“I don’t know,” His face was screwed up in pain, “We got separated.”

“Right,” You swallowed thickly, “Chanyeol, I don’t know what you want me to do about this, I’m not a nurse…” He looked down at you with a sad smile, something flickering in his eyes, he was extremely pale right now, almost deathly.

“Just try and stop the bleeding,” He rasped out, unaware that his hand was clutching the sleeve of your shirt, “Do you have a needle?”

“Yes, but I don’t know how to stitch a wound,” You panicked out, watching his eyes flutter shut softly, “It’s like sewing a shirt…” He sounded a bit far away now like he was having a conversation, but it wasn’t with you.

“Chanyeol,” You shook him softly, “You have to stay awake.” He was slumping slightly, the blood lost evident on his face.

Taking your free hand, you slapped him softly on the cheek trying to coax him into staying up, “Chanyeol, please…”

“Hmm…” He hummed softly trying to move his face away from the slap, “Please just hurry…” He gargled softly while you started to panic.

“Chanyeol.” You snapped slightly, hitting him a bit harder but it wasn’t working.

You gruntled when he suddenly slumped forward, his head banging onto your shoulder with a hard thump as you winced; the feeling of his hand letting go of your sleeving extremely worrying.

“Chanyeol…” You could feel his soft breaths on the exposed skin of your neck before your eyes widened something spilling out his lips that’s clearly wasn’t directed at you.

“Don’t worry Yoora, I’ll be okay…”

[touchmycoat]

hey~ Ask and I will always be willing to send you a prompt XD But how about SaboAce with “You fainted…straight into my arms. You know, if you wanted my attention you didn’t have to go to such extremes.”

thank you thank you thank you <3 I’m determined to practice prompt-filling to get my creative juices flowing 😩😩😩

from the Pirates of the Caribbean AU. SaboAce, rated T for gratuitous swearing and violence.

((send me a ship and a number and i’ll write you a drabble))

This was shaping up to be, by far, the worst party of Sabo’s entirelife.

“Fuck.” He’dlost his sword in the fight with the big masked bastard. Not that theguy got the upper hand on him or anything. It had been pure luck—agust of wind and a speck of dust well-landed, Sabo cringing andgetting the sword smacked out of his grip, the door slamming shutjust before Sabo could reach through and grab hold of his weapon oncemore.

(Sabo probablycould’ve made it with a bruised wrist, had it not been the wristthat wore Ace’s compass; a hundred masked bastards could stab Sabothrough the chest and still Sabo wouldn’t risk damage coming tothat compass.)

So there he was,sprinting through the back gardens that were not open to the guestsyet, a cackling madman chasing after him keen on murder. There weredetours Sabo could’ve taken, subpar swords not of his own making hecould’ve yanked out from the sets of armor lining the inner castlewalls, but he had a timetableto keep, dammit. There was a Single Super Important Don’t You DareBe Late Sabo key in his possession and Koala was waiting; he didn’thave the time to properly fight and dispose of his assailant.

“Doublefuck,” Sabo spat, because of course the southeast servant’sentrance was locked. He and Koala had calculated roughly a 20% chanceof this happening on the night of the revolution and had came up withcontingencies, but neither of them had calculated for the actualbloodthirsty pirate on Sabo’s tail.

“Listen,I don’t even know who you are,” the masked man cackled as Saboveered off into an alley that, likely, both of them knew was a deadend. “All I know is that it’ll be awful fun to kill you.”

Brightbrass music was playing from inside the main building, and Sabowasn’t even wearing his nice cravat. Triple fuck.

Buta dead end was a dead end, so Sabo had no other choice but to shimmyhis way up the nearest tree as stealthily as possible and vault hisway through the nearest window.

...Onlyto slam face-first into Ace’s chest. Ace stumbled back with an oof,but caught Sabo by the shoulders before either of them had to hit theground.

“Welllook who it is,” Ace laughed. Sabo forced himself to peel his faceoff the front of Ace’s regal coat, sure that the shiny gold buttonshad left unsavory indents along his cheek. “Where’d you comefrom?”

“Thetree,” Sabo answered immediately, gesturing with his thumb at thewindow. Faintly, he could hear the lumbering steps of the murderouspirate-creep-shitstain traversing the grounds outside. Quadrupleinfinity fuck. “I um, fainted.”

“You…fainted. Straight into my arms.” See Sabo would’ve been justfine, had the Duke of Baterilla been just a nice guy with solidpolitics and economic policies that actually supported the peasantry.He would’ve been just fine, had Ace just been cheery and supportiveof Sabo’s little blacksmithing gig. But no, Ace had to be fuckingbeautiful as well,with all that sun-blessed brown skin and eyes that lit up withdelightedirony at all of Sabo’s jokes and in moments like this. Sabocouldn’t afford to be compromised right now, dammit—but it’snot like he could do anything but be helplessly slack in Ace’s arms(absurdly buff for a theoretically useless member of the gentry) asAce grinned.

“Ifyou wanted my attention you didn’t have to go to such extremes.”

Sabowanted to swoon. Sabo wanted to laugh hysterically. Oh he’d showAce extremes, whetheror not he actually wanted to. There was a key in Sabo’s pocket anda murderer right outside the window; shit was about to hit the fanand here he was making moon eyes and being perfectly useless at Ace—

“YourGrace.” A light frown line appeared on Ace’s brow at the title,but he allowed Sabo to guide him by the elbow down the hall, awayfrom the window-slash-ticking time bomb. “Listen, you… You toldme once that you consider me a friend. Is that true?”

NowAce pulled away, looking fully offended.

“Ofcourse it is. The only thing in question has only ever been whetheror not you consider mea friend.” And how it hurt to hear Ace snap at him like this, butSabo knew he fully deserved it. This wasn’t even the worse thingthat was about to take place at this party tonight. Far from it.“I’ve asked you time and time again to call me by my na—”

“Sabo.”

Koala.Mothershitting fuck lord—

Sabowheeled around just in time to catch the musket Koala flung his way.She’d shed her maid’soutfit, now that the infiltration has begun. Stompingforward, Koala barely paused at the sight of Ace. Shejust thrust her hand out and waited for the key.

“Wegot word of a pirate invasion from—”

“Thesouthern docks, I know,” Sabo finished. Before Koala’s eyes couldnarrow, there was the loudsound cracking wood, like a door being smashed open from the outside.People were screaming.

“That’snot one of ours,” Koala declared, probably actually for Ace’sbenefit.

“Iknow. A pirate followed me here.”

Itwas truly amazing how witha single paused breath and aspecifically paced blink, Koala could convey awhole nuanced sentiment: this is so not the time or placebut be sure I’m gonna get on your ass about how you managed to makesuch a foolish mistake on one of the most important nights of ourjoint careers. Koalatook her key, shot one more glance at Ace, then started jogging away.

“We’restill on track for the time table Sabo,” was her parting warning.“You know what’s atstake.”

Really—morethan anything, Sabo knew the stakes. Couldfeel the stakes, a pair of betrayed eyes stabbing into his back.

Aceslapped his outstretched hand away.

“Sabowhat the fuck.”

Whatwas more than the already-existing infinity of fucks? Sabotook a deep breath.

“I’ma Revolutionary.”

“Yeah,”Ace scoffed, sounding much more hurt about being deceived thanderisive. “I kind of pieced that together. Alsokind of pieced together that the coup is tonight—as in, rightnow. Gonnastring me up and out Sabo? Makean example of me and my family for your Revolution?”

Witha wince, Sabo took a step back from the wrists Ace thrust out at him,daring him to bondage.

“Youagreed with me,” Sabo said warily. “Inever hid my politics from you Ace, andevery time we talked—”

“Thisisn’t about your politicsSabo, it’s the fact thatyou lied to me—”

“Aha,there he is, the little blue boy!”

Themasked pirate back again. Except this time, Sabo had a musket and Aceto watch out for. He didn’t even bother letting the manapproach—just shouldered his way in front of Ace, cocked the gun,and shot the pirate dead.

Acehad one hand clawing hard into Sabo’s shoulder, and even then Sabowas grateful for that reengaged point of contact.

“—whenI’ve expressly asked, and then vouchedfor you when you said you weren’t doing anything sketchy!” Acefinished, like the little interlude with the gun and the murder neverhappened. Sabo had to givehim credit—whatever peopleliked to say about faint-hearted and useless royals, Ace was notthat. In fact, Ace wasstrong, and Sabo wassure there would be a bruise on his arm tomorrow.

Downstairsin the main hall, the musicpetered off to an ungraceful stop. There wasn’t any screaming,which probably meant it was Dragon’sdoing, not the pirates. Good.That meant Sabo could stillafford the time to explain.

“You’reright.” Lowering the gun, Sabo turned and let himself standchest-to-chest with Ace. Hewas just the bit taller like this, and tookquiet, fond pleasure at the pinking of Ace’sears when Ace realized. “Ilied, and I’m sorry, I really am. ButI swear I was going to tell you tonight.”

“Beforeor after you overthrew me and my family?”

It’s not evenabout you, Sabo wanted toprotest, but that was more ofa we-have-an-entire-afternoon-to-debate-this sort of argument, not athere-are-two-separate-attacks-being-mounted-against-you-and-your-guests-so-can-we-please-move-along-already-no-matter-how-much-you-hate-me-I-need-to-get-you-to-safetysort. So Sabo didn’t say it. Instead,he forced himself to stand still and keep his expression open,letting Ace see all the barrel-bottomhonesty Sabo was still capable of.

Ace’s fingers grazed the compass still strapped to Sabo’s wrist, and his glare began to falter.

“Ace,”Sabo said, dropping his voice low, “look—”

“Ooh,that smarts. You little bitch.”

Aceand Sabo’s head snapped toward the corpse—or, what should’vebeen a corpse—in twin,dread-filled tandem as themasked pirate sat up. Bullets, bentand blood-stained, scattered to the floor.

“Seenow I’m gonna kill your little friend too,” the piratecackled, fully and impossibly alive despite his centerof mass riddled with bullet holes.

Downstairsand not-so-distantly, the partygoers began to scream.

[astronomyparkers]

Silence {X}

Warnings: Language, violence

Pairing: Vigilante!Tom Holland x reader

Word count: 2.4k

A/N: I updated sooner than three months!! Can you believe? I was checking my stats on this story, and I started it ten months ago. wild. just goes to show how long it takes me to finish things when I’m in school full time :))) but anyways, this is not the end!! There will be one more part to Silence, and part 11 is going to be.......a little different. You’ll see. As for part 10, my apologies for the cliffhanger in the last part, but hopefully this makes up for it! Let me know what you think, and thank you so much for all the things you’ve sent me about silence! I see every moodboard and art you tag me in, and i love it all <3 And finally, a reminder: I do not have a tags list. The reason why is in my FAQ. Any/all messages regarding a tags list will be deleted.

{masterlist}

When you had accepted the job of assistant curator at the Museum of Modern Art eighteen months ago, you knew the job would be a strange one.  It would require you to travel all over the world to check out potential art, monitor the wellbeing and care of priceless pieces, and associate with some of the most elite art collectors in North America.  All of that, however, was a far cry from where you were now: standing in your office with a gun pointed at you by a man who supposedly went missing almost a decade ago.

“Oh, Y/N.  Why did you leave my house?” William asked, leaning forward in the office chair. Your office chair. “Things were going so well, darling.  No one suspected a thing.”

“You—you’re—” You struggled to get words out.  The gun William was pointing at you was taking up all of your concentration.

“I went to your apartment, but you weren’t there.” William spoke casually. “So that begs the question…where did you go?”

You swallowed hard, but your mouth felt like it was filled with cotton. “It’s none of your business.”

“That’s code for you were with Tom, yes?” He let out a small laugh. “I suppose I can give up the act.  You know the truth.”

“Yes, I do.” Anger began to course through you. “I know you attempted to have Tom killed in your place.  That you stole his identity and—and forced him into hiding—”

“No, love, I thought he was dead.” William interrupted you. “I had my suspicions, of course.  And you, you precious thing…you confirmed them.  That he was alive, that he was that vigilante, trying to get revenge on his family—”

“Does your father know?” You asked the question you had been wondering since you found out the truth. “Does he know what you did to your brother?”

“No.  No one in my family does.” William shrugged. “Not that it would matter.  Tom was going to go to the police.  Even if my father did know, he would be thanking me for what I did.  I saved this family.”

“You saved a criminal.” You spat. “You are a criminal.  I can’t believe it took me so long to see how different you and Tom really are—”

“We’re not so different, actually.  That’s where you’re wrong.” William stood up and walked to the front of the desk, leaning against it casually.  He kept the gun pointed at you. “We’re two sides of the same coin. Both passionate for what we believe in. And I’m the better drinker, out of the two of us.  We used to compete to see who could finish a pint the fastest, back in boarding school. Of course, it’s been a while since we competed…maybe he’s gotten better.”

“How can you speak so casually about him?  After what you did?” You asked, disgust apparent in your voice. “He’s your twin brother, and—and you betrayed him for money.”

“Not at first.” William shook his head. “No, at first, I tried to reason with him.  I was going to convince him to join us, to participate, but that bloody fool wouldn’t see reason.  He kept insisting we had to go to the police.  I couldn’t let that happen.”

“You set up a hit on him!”

“I did what I had to do to save my family and my future!” William lost his composure for one moment. “If Tom had gone to the police, our family would have been ruined!  My future, Sam’s, Harry’s, Paddy’s…all gone in a flash.  Everything our family had worked for.”

“So instead you traded Tom’s life.” You shook your head in disgust. “Your own brother.  You traded his life for your future, you selfish—”

“I traded his life for multiple futures.  I didn’t sleep easy after it, but it had to be done.” William straightened his jacket. “I had to think of what was best for my entire family. This was the answer.”

“You’re sick.” You said in a low voice. “You’ve spent so long rationalizing your actions that you’re actually convinced what you did was right.”

“And you think Tom is any better?  Your precious Silence?” William snorted. “Despite what he’d have you believe, he’s no saint.  He’s killed too, to get what he wants.  Just like me. As I said…two sides of the same coin.”

“Tom is ten times the man you are.” You inched forward slowly. If you could just get the Holland file…

“Ah ah ah.” William straightened his arm, pointing the gun at you again. “Really, darling, you’re making this more complicated than it has to be.”

You paused your movements. “Am I?”

“I must admit, over the past few weeks I’ve…grown fond of you.” William’s voice took on a softer tone. “Your wit, your resilience…tonight, when I spoke with my father, I was…striking a deal.”

That made you pause. “A deal?  What kind of deal?”

“To call off the hit we placed on you.” He replied simply. “You’ve proven to be valuable.”

A chill ran down your spine. “You placed the hit on me.  I knew it.”

“Of course.  With things like these…” William held up the Holland file. “Well.  You were getting much too close to the truth.  All this evidence in one place…it makes a man sleep uneasily.  You had to be taken care of.”

“Oh, I had to be, did I?” You repeated in a mocking voice. “I’m sure.”

William chuckled dryly. “That right there, darling…that attitude…it’s drawn me to you.  I convinced my father to call off the hit…if you’ll join us.”

You weren’t exactly sure what you had been expecting William to say, but it certainly wasn’t that. “If I…excuse me?”

“Join us.” He repeated. “Come with me.  Once Tom is gone, things will continue as normal. We’ll continue our relationship, you’ll continue to expand this museum that you love so dearly—with very generous donations from the Holland family, of course.  You’ve already proved yourself to be a match for me in every way. I find it…engaging.”

“If you…” You took a deep breath to steady yourself. “If you honestly think I would agree to that, then you’re crazier than I thought.”

William sighed heavily. “I would suggest you reconsider, darling.  This is the best deal you’ll get.”

“And if I refuse?  You’ll what, kill me?” You eyed the gun in his hands.  Inside, you were terrified, but you refused to show it outwardly. The last thing you wanted to do was give him the satisfaction of knowing how scared you were.

“I’m afraid I’d have to.  You’re too much of a liability.” William stepped forward towards you.  His free hand came to rest on your cheek, and his other hand pressed the gun into your side. “But what a waste it would be…”

You focused on your breathing.  You could feel the hysteria coming closer and closer, and it was amplified by the barrel of the gun in your side. “William, you are…a monster. A sociopathic monster.  I would rather burn in hell than be with you in any way, shape, or form.  Do you understand that?”

William closed his eyes for just a moment. “Wrong answer, Y/N.” He said simply. “Such a waste…you could have done great things.”

“Just get it over with.” Your breathing was shallow. “Come on. Do it.”

William removed the gun from your side and moved it to your head. “I wish you wouldn’t make me do this…”

You closed your eyes.  You weren’t going to dignify him with a response.

“Such a pretty face.” He sighed. “It’s a shame I have to—”

The sound of a gunshot made you jump, your eyes snapping open as William grunted.  He was clutching his shoulder as a dark crimson stain began to seep through his suit, and behind him, Tom stood with his gun in his hand.

“Drop the gun, William.” He said in a menacing voice, clear even beneath his mask. “Now.”

“Tom.  Is this how you greet your brother?” William said through gritted teeth. “After so many years—”

“It is when your brother did what you did.” Tom spat out. “Now drop it.”

William sighed and nodded, reaching to set the gun down on your desk.  At the last moment, he grabbed you, pressing you tight to his front as he held the gun to your head.

“Let me go!” You thrashed in his arms, but William held you tight.

Tom took a step forward, making William tut his tongue. “Watch your steps.  One more, and the pretty curator loses her head.” He said in a teasing voice. “Does it make you angry, Tom?  Knowing you’ve put her in such danger?”

“I’ve done all I can to protect her!  You’re the one who’s been putting her in danger!” Tom’s eyes were flickering between you and William.

“Take the mask off.” William said suddenly, his demeanor shifting. “I want to see the look on your face when I kill her.”

Tom hesitated, but William squeezed you tighter. “Take it off. Now.”

Tom did as William said, pulling off his mask and letting it drop to the ground.  His mouth was set in a pressed line. “There.  Now let her go.  This is between you and I.”

“Not anymore.  She’s involved now.” William began. “You know, being the hero isn’t becoming of you, Tom.  You’re just as much a villain as me.  You…”

As William talked, you made eye contact with Tom, trying to pass along a message.  You knew that Tom wouldn’t shoot William until he had released you; it was too risky. Once you caught Tom’s gaze, you flicked your eyes down to Willian’s foot.  You repeated the motion over and over until realization overcame Tom’s face. He gave the slightest nod.

When the bullet hit William in the foot, he yelled out and reflexively let go of you.  Before he could do anything else, you pulled away from him.  You grabbed the Holland file that was still sitting on your desk as another shot rang out.

“Behind the desk, Y/N!” Tom yelled. “Now!”

You didn’t even think about arguing.  You quickly dropped behind your desk as three more shots rang out; you weren’t even properly crouched yet.  You waited another moment before rising to your feet, taking in the scene before you.

William was on the ground, dead.  He had a new bullet wound in his chest, located directly over his heart. His jacket and shirt were completely saturated with crimson, and more was soaking through to the floor of your office.  There were two bullet holes in the walls, directly to Tom’s left.  Tom himself had a gloved hand pressed to his arm as blood seeped through his fingers.  His expression was unreadable.

“Tom…” You stepped forward. “A-are you hurt….?”

“Bullet grazed me.  Nothing serious.” His voice was low as he looked at his dead brother.  His identical twin.  The second side to his same coin. “Are you alright?”

You nodded. “I-I am.  Thanks to you.” You wanted to hug him, comfort him, be comforted by him, but he was immediately in business mode.

“The file.  Give them to me.”

You handed it over without argument. “What are you going to—?”

“Call the police.  Tell them you came back to your office to pick up files you left.” Tom surveyed the state of your workplace, walking over to your filing cabinet and pulling out files.  When the names caught your eye, you recognized them as the same ones Tom had been tracking. “When you arrived, you found…you found Tom Holland dead.”

“I…I don’t understand.” You said slowly. “He’s not Tom.”

“He is in their eyes.  I’ve been gone too long to—” Tom inhaled deeply. “Look, Y/N…the real story is too far fetched.  It needs to be watered down for it to be believable and have any impact.  I’ll make sure these files get into police custody. Combined with all of my evidence…it should be enough to bring Corewell down.  My father with it.”

“But if—if I say that this is Tom, then….you…” You reached out to touch his cheek. “You won’t be able to…?”

“I wouldn’t be able to, anyways.” He said gruffly. “My family would barely be able to accept it, but the world?  It’s not worth it.”

“Tom—”

“Call the cops.  You need to do it now.” He pulled away from you and picked up his mask, pulling it back onto his face. “Get home as soon as you can.  The police will question you, but after…go home.  Now that this is all done, you should be safe there.”

“What about you?” You asked softly. “Will you come see me?”

Tom hesitated as he tucked the files into a bag. “I’ll…maybe. I’ll see.”

“But—”

“I have to go.  Call the cops.” Tom disappeared quickly.

You glanced at William’s body, and that was the only push you needed to pull out your cell phone.

 It wasn’t hard to act shocked, terrified, and exhausted in front of the police.  They questioned you for what seemed like hours, but you stuck to the story Tom told you.

“Whoever killed him must have taken my files.” You said, wrapping your hands around the cup of coffee one of the detectives got for you. “I-I don’t know why.”

“I just got word twenty minutes ago that the Silence dropped your files off at our station.  We believe he did this.” The detective said.  She leaned forward.  “Ms. Y/L/N, are you familiar with a company called Corewell?”

You shook your head.

By the time you were cleared and allowed to go home, the sun was rising over Manhattan.  The police had given you money for a cab ride, which you took in silence.  You weren’t sure you would have enough energy to make it to your apartment, but you did.  You stumbled inside, tossing your keys down and making sure to lock and deadbolt the door behind you.  

You crawled into bed, exhaustion overtaking you.  You had wanted to stay up and wait for Tom, but it was only a few moments before your eyelids drifted shut.

They just barely flickered open in time to see a shadow move on your fire escape, hiding the silhouette of a man debating with himself. But sleep was a rolling sea, and you were drifting into deeper tides.  Your eyes shut again, and the shadow disappeared.

{part XI}

[mi6-cafe]

The first week of writing for LDWS participants has come to a close. Now it’s time for the next bit of the competition: reading and voting!  

prompt: just around the corner  Word count: 100

Note that although many writers included the exact words, this was a theme prompt, not an exact dialogue prompt. 

Voters–after you read, check out this form to vote for your top three drabbles! You can also leave anonymous feedback for the writers! 

Who can vote? Anyone who’s read the drabbles! Yes, that includes YOU!  

Writers–you may also vote, but we do ask that you vote for three drabbles other than your own.  

The voting period ends at 11:59 PM EST on Sunday night. Results will be posted and anonymous feedback will be emailed on Monday. 

Remember, readers–it’s up to YOU to decide who will wind up on top at the end of the competition!

Drabbles are under the read-more:

#1 

Title: Just around the corner Author: Susspencer  Warnings: none Relationship: Q/Bond Fandom: James Bond Movies (Daniel Craig) Tags: Pre-Slash, loneliness Characters: James Bond, Q, Alec Treylain

Q sipped his tea.  Spring was just around the corner.  He felt that he would never feel warm again.  Sadly, but a bit less cold, he headed home..

Alec sat with Bond, who was nursing a drink.

“‘Love is Just around the corner’, if you keep looking.”

James scoffed. “ I've been around the corner more than once, nothing there but trouble.”

Bond paid and headed home.  James barreled around a corner.  He plowed into Q, with them ended up on the ground entangled.  

“James, let me get you tidied up and warm. My flat is, well,  Just around the corner.”

#2 

Title: Committment  Author: Sunaddicted  Rating: G Warnings: none Summary: you can't separate the cheesiness from James Bond

Q struggled to elaborate the sight of James Bond getting down on one knee, in the middle of a swanky restaurant "What... are... you... doing?"

James didn't let the panicky quality in Q's voice deter him "Even if I didn't deserve it, you always waited for me just around the corner" waited for him to come back from a mission even when the odds weren't good; waited for him to see his enduring love; waited for him to get over his commitment issues "And since I have bad knees, I'll cut this short: marry me?"

Q smiled "Yes, I will"

#3

Title: Knobheads Author: Venstar  Warnings: implied violence? boo-boos? adult language. Summary: An attempted kidnapping.

Footsteps pounded down the dark alleyway. Closer and closer, until they came to a complete stop. Q shut his eyes briefly and offered up a silent prayer. “Please keep me hidden.” Q had a dislocated shoulder, broken glasses and a hangnail. He wasn’t in any shape to fight back. He peered out from his hiding place behind a dumpster. So far so good, only one knobhead. His attempted kidnapping had happened just around the corner from MI6. “Q?” 007 asked, his voice low and quiet. Q’s eyes popped open, oh thank God, it was HIS knobhead! "007. What kept you?"

#4

Title:Coming Home Author: IrishWitch58 Warnings: None I can think of Summary: Bond has a destination in mind after a hard mission

Everything ached. The mission was over, successful as Bond almost always was. But he had been faced with another predator as determined as he was and they had played a mad game of tag across North Africa. He had debriefed and changed his clothes at MI6. Now all he had to do was get home and home was now Q's flat. He had walked the last few blocks, not wanting the driver to know his destination. Q would be home now and 007 could be James for a bit. Peace was just around the corner. Peace was wherever Q was.

#5

Title: Reflection Author: Ato  Warnings: none Summary: While on mission, James loses a mark.

“Where is she?”

“There’s too much smoke. I can’t tell.”

Bond pants beside a stone wall amidst the mayhem of the bazaar.

“Q!”

“I know.  CCTV is almost clear.  She’s… shit, she’s waiting just around the corner.  If you’d barrelled onward she’d have—”

“Shot me in the alley.  Yes.  But how do we get her?” Bond scans the buildings.  No stairs.  No balconies.

“The lorry.”

A flatbed of plate glass turns at the intersection.   When the mark appears in the reflection, Bond fires.

The resulting cacophony offers Bond cover to round the corner, shoot, and flee.

“Ta, Q.”

“Anytime, 007.”

#6

Title: Proximity Author: Kiddohno  Warnings: None Summary: James is back.

A few hours ago, his phone had pinged with a proximity alert. James Bond was back in London.

Now, according to his Smart Blood profile, James Bond is just around the corner.

Unfortunately, so is Q’s flat. He takes a steadying breath before turning it. And there the man is, and there the car is, and--

“Bond,” Q says.

“Q.”

“Do you need something?”

He’s not going to make the same mistake, thinking that the former agent has returned, or that he's sought Q out for anything other than a favour.

“Yes,” he answers. Q despairs. “I need your help.”

#7

Title: Warmth Author: Solarmorrigan  Summary: Q wasn't built for winter weather Warnings: None

Q could hear Bond chuckling, mocking him every bit as much as the wet snow spattering the bedroom window. Oh, he could laugh; bloody field agent was used to subzero temperatures. Q, on the other hand, was not built for this sort of weather. “You know, Q,” Bond said, and there was tangible fondness beneath the teasing, his voice leagues warmer than the air outside, “spring is just around the corner.”

Q cast a withering glare, unamused from beneath the extravagant nest of blankets he’d constructed on their bed. “Shut up, James. Just come over here and keep me warm.”

#8

Title: Bang! Author: Solitaryjane Warnings: none Summary: Bond and Q trying to escape from a failed mission.

Q blinked, rooted to the spot, his own Walther clutched tightly in his fingers. It just couldn't be. James had turned the corner a few feet in front of him, all cocky stride and poised gun. Q could practically see the exit. Then there was a shot, a thump, and a splash of blood so close that it landed on Q’s shoes. He didn’t scream, like he thought he would in his worst nightmares. Instead his mind was stuck on a loop of Jamesohgodnothisisnothappening as he watched the rapidly growing puddle of red, and realized he'd forgotten how to breathe.

#9

Title: Close Author: Vellesian  Warnings: none Summary: How life goes when your luck in life only applies to your job

There was a time when James thought the whole world was within his grasp.

One time, he held all he needed in his hands... and then she slipped his grasp completely. 

It taught him quickly that nothing was his to keep. He still had the whole world to run through, see and experience but what he truly wanted would only ever stay just within sight. He didn't dare touch it anymore.

Hearing Q's voice coming from afar but so clearly in his ear, James thought that for him, things that were just around the corner had to be close enough.

#10

Title: Exploring Tips Author: Azure7539arts  Warnings: None Summary:  Hi! Welcome to Twilight Castle, where you can book yourself a room in the castle itself for all your exploration needs. All available services are included in our brochure, but you can also find said information on our website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the front desk. We will be delighted to help you out to the best of our abilities.

-

You are welcome to explore the castle on your own, sure. Although, it’s best to stay away from the West wing after nightfall. Unless you’re hardcore, of course. Not that they’ve ever caused any serious harm, the Prince and his knight, and they only appear on particularly cold, foggy nights anyway. But just… if you do see them, don’t stare at the Prince’s broken spectacle, or the Knight’s blood-stained armor. They never really like it when they feel like you’re looking at the other one of them wrong. So, remember, keep your eyes to yourself when you’re turning a corner.

#11

Title: Medical  Author: Gwylliondream  Warning: None Summary: Being MI6’s Quartermaster comes with certain risks and benefits.

Fuzzy cotton filled Q’s head.

He hadn’t recognized the pinprick of the assailant’s needle in the Tube station. And now, it was too late.

His knees buckled and he collapsed onto the workshop floor, his cheek resting on the cool concrete.

“Bon-n-n-n-d?” he gurgled.

He berated himself for calling out to <i>him</i>. Bond would never let him forget it… if he survived.

“Never-m-m-m-mind…” Q muttered.

Bond’s footsteps grew louder as he crossed the workshop to where Q lay.

“P-p-p-p-poisoned,” Q gasped, barely breathing.

Bond hauled him up and threw him over his shoulder.

Fortunately, Medical was just around the corner.

#12

Title: Battle Royale Author: Iambid Warnings: None Summary: James is fighting, Q is guiding him.

“For God’s sake man, get up! She’s just around the corner!!”  Q shouted at James.  How on earth the enemy had managed to get so close to him without either of them spotting her, Q had no idea.  James crawled forward under the watchful eye of the CCTV system and for a moment Q thought he might make it but then;

“I’ve been hit.  Agent down.”

Q took his headset off and threw it down onto his desk in disgust.  He shook his head. So close.

“Sir?” R asked nervously.

“Bloody Moneypenny’s won the annual paintball challenge again.”  Q grumbled.

#13

Title: Waiting Author: Melynen  Warnings: none Summary: Bond waits for an answer from Q.

Q isn’t fond of questioning, hesitation, or second-guessing. He isn’t keen on insecurity either.

Yet, here he is, staring at his office window, the opaque surface reflecting his mirror twin instead of showing the man he knows to be standing outside, patiently waiting.

For him.

For them? Q isn’t at all sure, anymore. All he knows is Bond, that infuriatingly frustrating man he still loves, has returned, has asked him for… what, exactly?

Q never gave him an answer.

But deep inside, he knows that he is waiting, just around the corner.

Q supposes he never really stood a chance.

#14

Title: En Faite Author: Beaubete  Warnings: none Summary:  Turn Left.

Perhaps in this universe, he doesn't go to uni.  Skips a class.   Doesn't meet the stern, intimidating woman sitting in his proff's office chair.  Perhaps in this universe, the money's too good.  

"Shit," he mutters to himself.  He's up to his elbows in secret government systems; there's no pretending innocence as he finds himself scrambling back from thirteen stone of Her Majesty's finest as the man pushes forward, prods his shoulder with the barrel of his rifle.  

"Unarmed?"  It's more statement than question, but the boy nods anyway.  It's pants-soiling fear, but the man pauses, winks.  

Perhaps in this universe.

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Mario Dies: The Character’s Most Painful Deaths Ever

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Fans everywhere are declaring March 31st to be the day that “Mario Dies” since that’s the day when Nintendo will inexplicably stop selling Super Mario 3D All-Stars, remove Super Mario Bros. 35 from the eShop, Super Mario Game & Watch system, and shut down the original Super Mario Maker‘s servers. It’s a series of controversial decisions made all the stranger by the fact that they’re falling on the same day.

While Mario isn’t actually “dying” on that day, let’s not pretend that we haven’t seen Mario die countless times before. From running into that first Goomba to falling off a cliff in Super Mario Odyssey, Mario games are practically defined by the ways that we have contributed to the character’s death over the years. Estimates suggest that Mario has likely died billions of times across the various games when you account for the actions of everyone who has played them.

Of course, when it comes to Mario’s deaths, it’s really about the quality and not the quantity. While I wouldn’t wish most of the ways that Mario dies on anyone, there are some deaths that stand out over the years as being particularly brutal.

Getting Hit So Hard With a Barrel That He Does a Flip

Donkey Kong may not have featured the parade of hazards seen in future Super Mario games, but Mario’s debut does include a clear candidate for the plumber’s most painful deaths. I’m of course talking about the all-too-common sight of watching Mario get hit by one of Donkey Kong’s barrels so hard that he does several flips and then dies.

Besides taking the idea of a barrel roll a little too literally, the most remarkable thing about this death is the idea of Mario getting hit so hard with a barrel that the impact breaks every bone in his body along with the laws of physics. It doesn’t even look like the barrel is “tripping” him, which means that Mario is hit so hard in the chest that he starts performing Olympic-level gymnastics in response to the pain. 

Being Eaten by a Cheep Chomp

While many early Mario enemies were able to defeat the hero seemingly by touching him, the Cheep Chomp went a step further by simply engulfing Mario if the player got too close to them.

The comparatively explicit violence of that moment helps it stand out, but what really puts this one over the top is the size and shape of the Cheep Chomp’s teeth. Unlike the Pirahana Plant’s sharp teeth which were clearly designed for efficient enemy eating, the Cheep Chomp’s blunt bucktooth would likely take a little more time to finish Mario off. 

Swimming in Super Mario Sunshine’s Graffiti

Many early Mario deaths were quick, but by the time that Mario got a health bar, Nintendo’s cruelest designers and artists really took the time to let us watch his deaths slowly play out.

One of the best examples of that painful period has to be the graffiti in Super Mario Sunshine. That stuff can kill Mario in a variety of ways, and if you wander into a huge patch of it, you’ll have to watch as Mario struggles to escape whatever it is that the goop is doing to him. I imagine it functions similarly to the creature in The Blob remake which eats and disintegrates its victims but hey, that’s just me. 

Falling Into an Infinite Void

Mario does straight-up fall to his death in later games, but the early Super Mario titles will always be remembered for the times that he falls into what seems to be an infinite void. 

While not necessarily “painful” in the physical sense, the idea of falling forever means that Mario most likely hoped every day would be the day he finally saw that bottom swiftly coming up at him. Some games even highlight the fall by having Mario say “Oh no,” which is seemingly the moment that Mario realizes the nature of his twisted fate but only has time to express his horror in the form of a final line whispered with despair.

Being Hit by Whatever Those Spinning Fire Bars Are

The logistics of the rotating fire bars seen throughout the Super Mario series (though they were initially created for the Legend of Zelda franchise) remain frustratingly unexplained. What is producing the flames? How do they stay in place? WHO PUT THEM EVERYWHERE?!?!?

One thing we can safely assume is that getting hit by one of these fire bars probably hurts. They seem to combine with the thrill of being hit with a large spinning object with the fun of being set on fire. Just imagine what one of these things would look like in real life and the terror you’d feel staring at a room full of them.

Being Flattened in Super Mario 64

Objects have always threatened to crush Mario, but Mario 64 upped the ante a bit by suggesting that some of these objects can actually hit Mario so hard that they completely flatten him.

It’s one of those bits of cartoon violence that becomes much more horrifying when you apply it to real life. Maybe you’d be lucky enough to have the object flatten you in an instant, but the game implies that Mario may actually survive the initial impact and linger on with the knowledge of what it’s like for every part of you to be squished but not the ability to convey that pain to anyone and relieve himself of the madness of that knowledge. 

Anything Involving Those Spikes

Spikes are hardly the sole property of the Super Mario franchise, but there is something about the way the Mario games utilize them that fills you with dread whenever you enter a room filled with them. Maybe it’s the knowledge that even a single mistake could send Mario into the spikes and force him to endure a truly terrible death.

Again, the best hope is that these spikes kill Mario quickly, but the thing about walls and pits of spikes is that navigating them rarely goes according to plan. It’s far more likely that Mario remains alive in these spike traps for an unfortunate amount of time. 

Getting Falcon Punched to Death

Despite his fondness for jumping and the consequences that can have for Goombas everywhere, Mario doesn’t strike us as a fighter by nature. He certainly feels physically underqualified to properly defend himself against some of the heaviest hitters of the Nintendo universe.

Just imagine how confused Mario must have been when he found himself face-to-face with renowned humanoid bounty hunter Captain Falcon only for Falcon to straight-up punch him in the face with such force that Mario is sent flying into that good old void before being greeted by the sweet release of an explosive finale.

Being Run Over by a Shell

Considering that Mario is almost comically fragile most of the time, you’d think he would know better than to start kicking shells around and bouncing them off walls at high speeds. Then again, he is searching for those sweet coins, and you don’t get paid if you don’t put the work in.

Even still, the pain of being hit by one of these shells must be tremendous. They’re not as big as a car or truck, but the fact that the impact of them is enough to kill a man means that they must be traveling at speeds high enough to convert them into a lethal weapon.

Getting Bullied by the Sun

I don’t know why Mario has as many enemies as he seems to have (he seems like a nice guy) but I’ve really never understood why a giant, angry sun tries to kill Mario in Super Mario Bros. 3.

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Whatever that sun’s problem is, I can only assume that it must hurt like hell when a celestial body decides to break into the atmosphere and take all of its unfulfilled dreams out on you. It also has to be terrifying to watch that process play out before your eyes as you try to comprehend this moment while the increased heat boils you from the inside. 

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