#so tempted to make it my wallpaper but that would be bad for what remains of my sanity

[mapofthemazeinthemirror]

No I just saw this and died. This was the final straw. Death by Terry.

[chocolateheart]

Twenty Minutes

Title: Twenty Minutes

Word count: 3088

Pairing: Professor!Dean x Reader

Summary: Online school sucks but your professor is worth the torture. 

Warnings: 18+, smut, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it kiddos), oral sex (male receiving), office sex, desk sex, sex from behind, biting, hair pulling, a hint of choking, professor Dean Winchester (yes, it’s a warning), student-professor romance and so on.

A/N: This one was inspired by “Pay Attention” written by my dear, lovely friend @winchest09 who also happened to be my beta once again and one of the best people I know. Thank you honey! <3

A/N:  @talesmaniac89 once again, thank you for those amazing dividers! <3 Guys, go check her stuff, she’s a talented devil! 

Lockdown sucked. Since the very beginning you knew it'd be a pain in the ass. Stay away from people, sit at home, wear a mask. Dammit. So many plans went to hell; your photography classes, your friends birthday party, visiting your parents in your family town. You knew it was safer like that but hell, you hated it. Your own apartment seemed to be getting smaller and even the flower on your window sill became annoying. Not to mention your online classes; sure, you didn’t have to get ready and drive almost half an hour to get to the Uni but sitting in front of your laptop had started to get on your nerves. 

Your eyes were heavy and red after hours of looking at the screen, your body yelled to be stretched and you wanted to scream every time your internet lost connection. Headache became your best friend, so did coffee. You were pretty sure your addiction just deepened and instead of blood, there was caffeine in your veins.

You yawned and rubbed your eyes as you were sitting in on the first period of your last classes. The whole day on the same chair, you were sure you used every possible sitting position to try and remain comfortable. Glancing at the clock you growled; it’s been almost 10 hours. 

How long can one day be? 

Thankfully this subject was one of your favorites. And it wasn't because of the handsome man in white shirt who helped in enjoying the last two hours of this nightmare; at least that's what you've been telling yourself. 

You like the subject, Y/N.

You smirked seeing how he brushed his longer than always hair with those beautiful hands; forearms exposed and tempting because of the sleeves being rolled up. His stubble was more visible due to quarantine and he just simply got hotter; you honestly thought it wasn’t possible. But there he was, behind his desk in a soft light; black watch on his wrist as usual, ring on one of those long fingers. Knuckles, little bones and veins, all making you lick your lips. This sharp jawline you dreamed to kiss, eyes so green that you could drown in them even through the screen. Arms hidden under the shirt that gave him a more casual, domestic look which made him even more attractive. You bit your lip seeing a gorgeous smile spreading on his face as one of his students said something funny. 

Those teeth; incredibly white and sharp… the way they could sink in your flesh, leaving marks all over your body as his hands travelled up and down, raising up your temperature.

The things you could do with this man… The thought itself was bad but you couldn’t stop daydreaming about your professor. He was too tempting, too beautiful to hold back your imagination. You didn’t remember most of what he said during any classes, too mesmerised by him and even though his deep, smooth voice was so listenable, you weren’t able to focus. You caught yourself staring at him or closing eyes just to feel those vibrations running over your skin. 

You missed sitting in class on his lectures. There was a reason why you chose the first row and it obviously wasn’t your ambition to learn more. 

“Okay guys,” Dean started when you stretched. “I think we can take a break now. In the next meeting we’ll finish this Unit and I’ll let you free earlier. Um… so let’s make it twenty minutes and I will send you an invitation. Just don’t drink yet, I know it’s friday evening but I want you all sober just a little bit longer,” he joked and you smiled seeing few people laughing on muted. 

Then he simply said “see you” and ended the meeting. You stretched again, taking a deep breath and stood up. Before leaving your room you opened the window to let in some fresh, evening air and then went to the kitchen. Filling cups with some sugar and tea bags, you waited for water to be boiled. 

Leaning against the counter, you focused on the wall in front of you. The pictures hanging there were way too old and there were some stains marking the paper. This lockdown made you crazy; you already painted your bedroom and the office, and you made some renovation in the bathroom. All in all, you spent more money without walking out of home. Ridiculous. 

You jumped a little, detached from your thoughts by the whistling kettle and soon your tea was ready. Humming some random melody, you turned off the light with your elbow and headed towards the office room. Using your elbow again you opened the door and smiled.

"Hey there, professor," you put one cup down on the desk. "How's your class going?" 

He turned around on his chair and flashed you this charming smile. You were smiling at yourself from his laptop wallpaper; he took this photo almost a half year ago in his apartment, just two flats above your head. You still could feel the softness of his white sheets you had been tangled in on this picture.  

"All fine," he took a small sip and frowned. "Just… one of my students seems to be off today." 

"Oh, really? How?" You asked, leaning against a desk. He played with the cup, shrugging, visibly holding back a smile.

"She stares blankly, lost in her thoughts. She's not answering any questions willingly, she seems to be away." He acted like he was talking about some random girl. 

You felt his knuckles briefly touching your naked thigh; it was way too warm indoors to wear something else than shorts. The delicate movement tickled you and your legs jerked uncontrollably. You looked at him, deep in the eyes and suddenly the air thickened. The tension between you two shot up; his intense gaze pierced into you like a sword, forest green eyes making your breath lose its track. 

"Hmm, maybe it's your fault," you managed to suggest, putting down your cup. His eyebrows raised along with mouth corners.

"My fault?" 

Now both his hands gripped your legs and sharply pulled you closer to him. You sifted his fluffy hair between your fingers and scratched the back of his head. He hummed in response closing his eyes as his palms sneaked under your shirt, making you shiver a little.

"You can be very distracting, Mr. Winchester," you purred standing between his legs. 

Dean was looking up at you with sparks in his eyes and dimples caused by a pert smirk. Your shirt suddenly lifted up, exposing your stomach that he gladly kissed. Slowly and wet, using his tongue first, squeezing your hips at the same time. Hot, soft lips pressed to your skin, slightly sucking, heated breath fanning over your flesh, causing the ocean of goosebumps. You felt your insides tremble at the feeling. Closing your eyes you let yourself enjoy him; his strong hands now caressing your back, mouth placing open kisses across your belly and going up.

He knew how to build you up, how to turn you on. You swallowed hard and gasped when he licked your nipples; you didn’t bother to wear a bra at home. He smiled against you and backed away; you immediately looked down and kissed him. Deep and hard, cupping his cheeks, pushing on him so he leaned back on the chair as you straddled his lap. His grip tightening on your sides, fingers dipped in your flesh. 

"How much time did you give your students?" You jokingly asked when his lips dropped to your neck.

"Twenty minutes," he answered and stopped, looking in your eyes again. "How much did you get?" you smiled and kissed him once.

"Twenty minutes," you whispered as you played with his ear. 

"I like your professor," he whispered back, staring at your lips from under the hooded eyes.

"I like him too… A lot."

Smiling at your words Dean stood up, then dipped down just to catch you under your ass and lift you up. After sitting you down on the desk, he took away the cups and placed them on the floor; for safety.

Spreading your legs you allowed him to stand between them. Brushing your hair away he cupped your cheek and kissed you deeply, squeezing your thigh with his second hand. You didn't waste any time and kissing him back, you started to unbutton his shirt. When the material fell loosely, you caressed his strong stomach, feeling muscles rippling under your touch as he inhaled sharply. He sucked on your lower lip in response, then switched to your jawline, neck and collarbones; forcing you to close your eyes at the pleasurable feeling. When he reached this one, specific spot between your jaw and ear, a trembling gasp escaped you and your head fell back, revealing even more neck which he attacked immediately. 

"Dean," you breathed out heavily, glancing at the clock. "You have to speed up." You noticed how his eyes fired up in a second. "Do your magic baby, or I'll have to help you finish in front of my friends." You flashed him a devilish smile as he wiggled his brows on you.

"Would be interesting, we have to try it one day." He winked at you and helped you stand up so he could take down your shorts and panties. 

Then you dropped to your knees, taking down his pants in one move, freeing his cock. He moaned deep in his throat when, without waiting, you sucked on the tip. Looking up you saw his exposed neck as his head was tilted back. You licked the sensitive spot under the tip and smiled when Dean shivered and his body swayed a little. Taking him almost whole at once, you scraped his stomach; he instinctively gripped the back of your head which only made you growl. You bobbed your head a few times, hollowing your cheeks, tasting his flavor. Nipping on the apex every so often, dragged sexy noises from Dean what only made you weaker. You loved every tiny sound he made, you could listen to it all the time; that's why you enjoyed going down on this man so much. He was not holding back at all and it was such a turn on. You were easily losing control; wouldn't be the first time he finished like that because you couldn’t stop.

"Not today, sweetheart," not being able to take it anymore, he pulled you up, turned you around and with your front pinned to the desk you heard a low growl next to your ear.

"You have no idea how hard it is to focus while having you on the screen, knowing that you're next door, so close to me." 

Strong chest against your back, pressing down your body; you could feel his heart racing.

"Vice versa, professor," you panted, feeling the weight of his cock resting on your lower back. 

He fisted your hair, scraping your head and slightly lifted himself from you, kissing your shoulder blades and spine. You inhaled loudly, suddenly feeling his fingers on your clit, making small, sharp circles; drawing quiet whines from you. When his index slid inside, your body jumped in surprise. Dean chuckled low and sucked on the crook of your neck from behind; you couldn't help but smile, already drugged on him. And Dean Winchester was a high quality drug.

The last hour had been a torture. You knew he kept making moves that were waking up the corbes in your brain. Licking his lips, smiling straight to the camera, playing with his hair, "casually" flexing his body; this bastard knew exactly what he was doing. 

Placing his palm on your lower back, Dean made sure you were trapped and a moan flooded out  when he entered your pussy. Inch by inch he was going inside, stretching you in the most pleasurable way. You both moaned when he bottomed out, his fingers tightened even more on your skull. Your eyes rolled back with his first hard thrust; you clawed the edge of a desk. He pulled slightly on your hair and grabbed your shoulder, then started thrusting firmly, causing you to greet your teeth from the intensity. Every move, every push and pull, every squeeze and kiss was so delicious. Dean’s hot, fast breathing tickled the skin on your back, creating waves of chills that shook your body. 

Dean started slamming his hips stronger, hitting your sweet spot, making your head spin. None of you were quiet anymore; the mix of your voices, moans and skin slapping on skin, filled the room. His hands appeared on your ass and he squeezed it; you expected to see red marks from his nails later. Dean's muscles were flexing with every move, his face grimacing from blissful sensation. 

Even after almost a year, his game was a mystery to you; you had no idea what he was doing but the way he was moving was just different, making you feel some spiritual stuff you couldn't explain. Dean Winchester was the only guy who could make you feel like you weren't yourself; he was the only one you were completely losing control with. And with every bite you wanted more.

“Ah, Y/N,” he breathed out when you arched, giving him even better access, changing the angle a little bit.

“Five minutes, Dean,” you said almost out of voice, checking the time. “Faster.” 

He growled and fastened; slamming into you with more speed, pulling you to him with every push. He was close, you could sense that by his more and more erratic movements. He couldn’t decide where to hold you, where to touch; hazed by the pleasure and the smell of sex filling the air. His voice got higher and every moan was a slightly higher pitch.

“Come on baby, let go,” you encouraged him, reaching behind you to claw his side. 

“Fuck,” he cursed under his breath and scraped your back, leaving red lines on your body. 

Then he bent over and his sharp teeth sinked in your arm at the same time his fingers found your clit, rubbing fast. You choked on your voice that got stuck in your throat; it was too much. He was filling you completely, scrapping every spot inside and outside that you needed. Warmth radiating from every inch of his powerful figure heated the air. Sweat broke across your bodies; a lonely drop rolled alongside his spine, strands of hair stuck to your forehead. 

You managed to lift yourself up almost to a standing position; Dean palmed your throat, slightly squeezing it and kept working on you with his second hand. You started twisting, your knees sagging, eager for the relief you felt coming.  

“Y/N, baby,” he licked your earlobe. “Please come with me, I need you to come, please,” he literally begged, craving for mutual finish.

“Oh my… Dean,” you warned him feeling the knot in your lower abdomen tightening unbearably. “Dean!” fiercely gripping the back of his head you leaned back on him as he kept pounding into you. 

“Oh, fuck,” he stammered and thrusted forcefully two more times, then you felt his teeth sinking into your neck one more time, leaving yet another mark. 

“Oh, yes!” 

All of your muscles tightened to the max and then let go. Your pussy started pulsating along with his throbbing cock; it was like your bodies didn’t need any information from your brains, they knew exactly what and when should happen, they were connected. 

Dean coated your walls with a hot cum; hugging you tightly, panting against your nape. You were shaking, your heart racing; breathing was problematic and if Dean didn’t hold you, you would surely hit the floor. Your nails left half-mooned marks on his forearms, so did his teeth on your neck. 

You usually were slow - all touching, feeling every little inch of each other, moving smoothly but deeply, steady rhythm, building the other to the breaking point, to the edge. So when you needed to go quick, you would get crazy and high kind of easily. 

“Shit, sweetheart,” Dean took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down.

You rested your hands on his desk, chugging, unable to stand on your shaking legs without any support. The blood in your veins was still boiling, rushing in your ears pumped by your hammering heart. Hissing, Dean slipped out of you and his seed dripped down on the floor. He showered your back with small kisses, caressing your sides and arms. You purred and turned around, softly pressing your lips to his.

“We have two minutes, baby,” you said and laughed when he moaned unsatisfied. 

���This hour will be torture.” You both rushed to put your clothes on. 

“I know, but then we will order pizza and watch some horror movie.” Smiling at him you opened the window and smoothed your clothes; he quickly cleaned the floor. 

Standing in front of him again, you adjusted his hair and pecked him a kiss, thinking that people from your class will surely notice his blush and glassy eyes. 

He looked at you with adoration and gentleness, his orbs shimmering. You knew this look; he gave you it when you first bumped into each other on your staircase, unaware that you were living in the same building. You were already crushing on your professor back then, so the fact that you were about to see him way more often than just in class made your stomach clench. That’s how it started. Later he offered you his help in some housework and studying, you became his healthy food service and after realising you couldn’t stay away from each other you opened the whiskey and let fate do its job.

You both had the feeling like you had known each other for years and you understood the other, not to mention how honest the two of you were, you still couldn’t fully believe that you were the one his heart had chosen.

“I love you,” he spoke almost like he could read your mind. 

Your face lit up with a smile but the moment he bent down to capture your lips in yet another kiss this evening, you avoided it, biting your lip to shoo away a wide smile that wanted to break free and turned around heading to the door.

“See you in class, professor,” you said over your shoulder and smiled hearing his low chuckle.

A/N: Thank you for reading! I hope you liked it :) Feel free to leave some feedback, don’t be afraid to message me. Every word from you is gold <3

Tags: @deanwanddamons @jay-and-dean @katehuntington @winchest09 @talesmaniac89 @roonyxx @bunkerconfessions @akshi8278 @snffbeebee @lady-pswrld @rvgrsbrns​

If you want to be on my tag list, shoot me in asks or DM’s! :) 

[star-spangledstud]

MIND GAMES - TWO

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Summary: Steve suggests dinner with the team. You find out you hate lying. 

Warnings: angst, mentions of violence, anxiety 

Note: Wanna be tagged in future chapters? Shoot me a message :)

SERIES MASTERLIST.

PREVIOUS CHAPTER.

A hail of half-empty wine glasses, trail mix and playing cards fly around the room when the coffee table they were stood on is flipped upside down. Your back hits the carpet with a dull thud, followed soon after by the back of your head. You wince loudly, hand reaching immediately for the base of your skull to relieve the throbbing pain that will no doubt leave you with a menacing headache for days to come.

The men in black, whose faces are nothing but a swirl of flesh tones in your peripheral, grab you by each ankle while you try to recover from your fall. They shout in a foreign language as glass shatters somewhere in one of the other rooms. Then, the sound of open gunfire and the scent of smoke and gunpowder pervade the air. You’re screaming, kicking your feet and flailing your arms wildly while they drag you along the floor, but the sound of your voice is drowned out by the shouting and the guns.

Glass and trailmix accumulate in your hair when they drag you across the room, and small pieces cut the back of your arms and legs. You’re crying, you can tell because your cheeks are warm and wet, and the tears flowing from your eyes mix with the blood of your dead family as they run down the length of your face.

The good thing is you know you’re having a bad dream, but the problem is that you’ve seen this scene unfold so many times that you’re not sure whether the memory of what happened is real or not. 

You’ve seen the scene play out well over one hundred times in your sleep. Red liquid flies through the air in slow motion, your assailants shove their weapons in your face, you try to run away but feel nailed to the ground. You’ve experienced it so many times, and have attempted to change what happens in so many instances. Still, whatever you do, the ending is always the same.

The faces of the men responsible for the murder of your family are blurry, not because you hit your head so hard you can’t see straight, but because you don’t remember what they look like. Their features are warped beyond recognition, and no matter how hard you try to focus on the words spilling from their mouths, you can’t identify any of what they’re saying. It almost sounds like you’re underwater.

In the dream, you try to remember where you are, but your immediate surroundings change every time. Sometimes the coffee table is glass, sometimes it’s wood. The wallpaper shows a different pattern each time you look at it, and the dead bodies scattered all around the room have the same undefined features as your assailants. The only thing that remains the same is the feeling of absolute hopelessness and terror as they drag you away to an unmarked aeroplane that takes you somewhere in Eastern Europe. 

Poland, maybe. You can’t remember, even though you came to spend the next seven years of your life there.

Nearly every one of these dreams is the same. It’s just you, watching scenes of your life unfold through a thick curtain of smoke that hides the most distinct, essential details. A large, gaping black hole has been punched through the part of your brain responsible for the production of memories. No matter how hard you try to fill in the blank spaces, it proves to be absolutely impossible. 

Whatever HYDRA did to erase your memories, it worked.

It’s hard to think straight when you wake up in the middle of the night, images of the dream you just had still playing before your eyes. You hoped that getting further away from the people that created those dreadful memories would allow the pictures to go away. Yet, as you sit up straight in bed, chest heaving up and down in rapid motions, you know they followed you even here, like a thundercloud continuously looming over you.

As your first week in the compound comes to a close, you find yourself slowly getting settled into your new home. With Steve practically following you around every chance he gets, the two of you take the time exploring the entire building from top to bottom. He shows you the library, the garage, the gym and the lab, and promises to take you to the theatre the next time the team hosts a movie night. 

You don’t tell him you haven’t seen a single movie in years, but the words are on the tip of your tongue while he rattles on about 21st century flicks he was forced to watch and ended up really loving.

When the two of you walk along the corridors of the compound, it’s mostly him who talks while you do the listening. You don’t mind it. It gives you time to think. While he speaks, you find yourself trying to dissect the inside of his mind. Still, no matter how hard you listen, all that comes up is silence. It’s odd not to be distracted by a second voice in your head. You’re not used to the simplicity of not having to focus on what’s coming from the other person’s mouth instead of what’s coming from their thoughts.

Each day that passes, Steve introduces you to a new member of the team. The first person you come across is Sam Wilson, who you find running on the treadmill two days after your arrival. He immediately takes a liking to you, and you end up chatting for nearly an hour straight. His thoughts are almost deafening, but his sense of humour makes up for his internal volume.

By the time Saturday rolls around, you find yourself able to chat comfortably with everyone you’ve met so far. Even Tony Stark, who appears at first to be quite wary of your presence despite giving you a place to stay, engages in conversation with you over a cup of black coffee. It’s relatively easy to befriend people when you can see straight through them, especially when they aren’t aware of your abilities.

Still, it’s odd how easily all of them have accepted you into their little bubble.

“Are you okay?”

Unease blooms in the pit of your stomach when you realize you’ve been quiet for nearly fifteen minutes, and your palms instantly begin to sweat.

“Yeah,” you quickly conjure up a smile, “just thinking.”

“About what? If you don’t mind me asking,” Steve asks softly.

“I don’t know,” you tell him truthfully, “I feel like this is all very weird.”

Sam raises a brow, “What do you mean?”

“You guys don’t even really know me,” you remind him, “and you’re giving me shelter. I’m just having trouble wrapping my head around all of this.”

“We’ve read your file,” Steve bites his lower lip, “letting you in was a collective decision, made by all of us.”

Sam nods in agreement, arms crossed tight over his chest. 

Wondering what exactly is written in this so-called file, you chuckle dryly, “no offence guys, but I think that file might be missing a few important details.”

Steve blushes, “a lot of it was blacked out. Look, maybe we should all come together tonight, have dinner or something. You can tell us more about yourself if you want.”

“Yeah,” Sam exclaims, “good idea, cap.” 

Your heart picks up, pushing your pulse while you slowly nod your head, “sure.”

“Great,” Steve steps towards his own room and places his palm on the fingerprint scanner, “we’ll let everybody know.”

Sam turns around and heads for his own room. You quickly disappear into the safety of your bedroom and slam the door shut a little too hard in the process.

“Crap,” you mutter to yourself, “fuck!”

You are not looking forward to this.

“What do you mean, you’ve never heard of Asgard?!” 

Thor’s voice booms over the sound of clinking cutlery and laughter. You slowly lift your shoulders before taking a large sip of water, allowing the cold beverage to relieve the tension in the back of your throat. 

It’s hard to keep all the buzzing internal monologues in the back of your mind, and it takes a moment for you to center yourself before you can answer Thor’s burning question. 

“I’m sorry,” you say quickly, “I just never had a chance to read up on Norse mythology. Please forgive me. I’m sure it’s a beautiful place.” 

It is beautiful, Thor pouts, I miss it. 

“I’m sure you miss it very much,” you add quickly, to which he smiles sadly. 

“Don’t listen to him,” Tony smirks, “he has a big ego and a tiny brain.”

You nearly choke on your water when he winks in your direction. You roll your shoulders to rid yourself of the tension building in your muscles and prepare yourself for the direction the conversation is headed next. 

“So, Y/N,” Tony continues, “how do you know Fury?” 

Of course you knew he was going to ask this. He’s been thinking about it for the last fifteen minutes. Still, heat rises to your cheeks when you place your glass down, and you push a few stray strands of hair from your face and tuck them behind your ear. Your heart is pounding now, but in a room full of enhanced people, including some of the world’s best spies, you know better than to allow yourself to freak out.

Steve, who’s seated right next to you, shifts in his seat. The action, albeit hardly noticeable, startles you anyway, and your eyes fly in his direction out of reflex. You think he looks nice, dressed in a cream colored sweater with his hair swooped to one side, and in a fit of insanity, you’re tempted to compliment him and ignore Tony all together. 

“I don’t actually,” you say slowly, “My mom did, before she passed away. They knew each other before SHIELD was even a thing, when they were still young.” 

“So how’d you get his number?” Clint questions. 

“My mom gave it to me be before she died, told me to call it if I ever needed help.” 

“What’d you need help for?” he continues. 

“Clint, that’s enough-” Steve says before you can answer. 

“No, it’s okay,” you gently touch his arm, “my family got caught up with the wrong people a long time ago. Since the death of my mother tensions have only gotten worse. Fury offered me a place to stay while I wait for things to settle down.”

“What kind of people?” Natasha asks while she lays her fork down. 

“I think Fury can tell you more about that than I can,” you take a bite of your potatoes, “my mom did her best to shelter me.”

Your gaze flies back and forth between Natasha and Steve, and you begin to pray that she out of everyone at this table believes your story. You’re hyper aware of every move you make, and the tension in the air is almost too much for you to bear.

The crease between Steve’s brows and his hunched shoulders make you more uncomfortable. You read the room to make sure they believe you, before picking up your glass and taking another sip of water. Slowly, the conversation dies down, and you’re left with shallow breathing and red cheeks by the time Tony and Sam begin a discussion about a video game they were playing last night. 

“Are you okay?”

Steve’s voice is soft in your ear. The unmistakable hint of concern is evident in its tone when it breaks through your thoughts, and you quickly nod as to not alarm him any further.

When you walk back to your room later that evening,  you can’t ignore the painful twist in your stomach. Your hands are tightened into fists by the time you enter your dorm, and the need to swallow away the lump in your throat is nearly overbearing. You could never tell them you used to work for HYDRA, not in a million years. They would cast you out immediately, send your ass to the curb or lock you away in a federal prison for the rest of your life before they’d let you get away with it.

You didn’t think lying to people you hardly know could hurt this much. 

NEXT CHAPTER.

Taglist:

@foxyjwls007​ @littlegasps​ @hurricane-abigail​ @idk123906​

[bedtimebrain]

EXO KAI: Detective Gone Wrong P3

You can find the masterlist to the other parts on my bio/description!

Characters: JonginxYou

You came to know Jongin by accident, but have no clue he’s EXO’s Kai. And when you found out....

You walked away blankly, remaining in a daze until your phone started vibrating in your pocket.

It was your boss who called and anxiously asked if you could cover her shift from the afternoon as she forgot about her wedding anniversary dinner.

You gladly agreed, thinking it might be better to have something to occupy yourself with today. Otherwise you’re just going to be spending the day thinking about you and jongki.

Still sane enough to be in need for breakfast, you went by the convenience store to pick up a sandwich. Standing in front of the fridge, you paused to think

What does jongki want? Does he... like me ?

And he KISSED ME TOO?! That’s definitely something only couples do right?!

How did everything escalate so fast overnight ?!

‘Excuse me, are you getting anything? You’re standing in the way’

You must have stood there for quite a while, looking at the irritated face of the customer. Apologising, you just grabbed whatever sandwich there was on the shelf and left after paying.

Falling deep in thought and replaying what happened last night again, you opened your sandwich packaging and bit down on your sandwich  

EW! Egg Mayo!

You sighed. Feeling a little more miserable with wrong sandwich choice, you continued feeding on your thoughts on the way home.

You dive straight into your bed and hugged your big Coney plush the first thing you got back. You screamed into Coney like a lunatic and kicked the air violently with your legs.

Stupid jongki, who does he think he is. Ah yes, I secretly gave you a kiss, so what. IT WAS JUST A FRIENDLY KISS CAUSE YOU WERE CUTE.

BUT WHATS WITH KISSING ME ON THE LIPS AND WAKING UP TOGETHER LIKE ITS ABSOLUTELY NORMAL

What a flirt!! See y/n you were right. Rich, handsome guys, tsk. Bound to be bad.

You threw coney to the side and your phone came crashing down with it from your side table.

Groaning, you bend over your bed to pick it up, only to see a message from the dear boy you wanted out of your mind right now.

J:I’m heading out for work soon~ have a good day today😙

Is that a kissy face?!

Oh goodness, you were so annoyed.

Kim Jongki, are you playing with me right now?? WE ARE NOT ATTACHED

.....

at least not yet (?)

Tossing the phone aside, you decided to take a shower. Afterall showers always work best for any occasion. You got up and spent a peaceful 20minutes running under hot water, clearing your thoughts. 

Though still feeling bothered, you were definitely more refreshed. Time check , it was about time for you to get changed and pick up lunch on the way to the store.

Dusting on some light make up, bunning up your hair, you changed into your working clothes. In 30 minutes you were out of the house.

On the bus ride to your working area, you were so torn between checking your phone and not to. You wanted to know if jongki texted you again, but you didn’t really want to deal with this situation.

Fiddling with your phone, you almost dropped it when it beeped to announce a message had arrived.

That’s a sign, I should look at it! Since it rang when I’m thinking whether I should

Excitedly you unlocked your phone and checked your notification, only to find that it was just a reminder message from your landlord to pay your rent.

Your heart literally dropped because you actually really wanted to receive a message from him. Just then your phone beeped again and this time it was from jongki!

J: y/n ah what’s for lunch today? I’m having kimchi stew. Texting because I thought about you who might be board having an off day today :p

Sigh, you can’t deny that boy is so cute and lovable. But you still weren’t ready to reply him. You wanted things to be clearer between both of you. While uncertainty in relationships can be the most heart fluttering period, you didn’t like being in that phase.

It wasn’t long before you reached your stop to alight. Not feeling particularly hungry yet, you stopped by street stalls along the way instead.

You arrived at your shop, feeling satisfied with the pajeon you just had. You almost forgot how therapeutic the scent of flowers were until you stepped in. The mixed floral scent of dew and freshness instantly released you from the troubled thoughts bugging you at the back of your head.

‘Unnie! I’m here! How could you forget your wedding anniversary , hahah. Have you bought a gift or something yet?’

‘Ah, y/n ah! My life saviour. No I haven’t bought anything! There’s just too many activities and occasions this month that I forgot about my own. Gosh’ she face palmed herself making you laugh

‘Then you better leave soon to get your gift! I’m here already anyway! I’ll just continue wrapping this bouquet you’re currently working on’

‘I’ll buy u a meal another day, sorry for calling you back on your off day~ oh right I’ve a parcel coming later, just open and let me know what’s inside. I ordered so many I can’t even remember what’s coming anymore.’ Removing her apron, she rushed off after saying googbye. 

Looking at the tasklist, it was going to be a busy day. 5 bouquets to finish and lots of prep for the workshop tomorrow. You immersed yourself in the wrapping right away. 

A few minutes later, your phone lighted up. It was a message from jongki.

J:yaaa, are you ignoring me deliberatelyy? do you want to come over again on sunday? 

You scoffed when you saw the message because your detective mind came to a conclusion that the latter question was just bait to get the answer to his first question. He was tempting you with a chance at his place that was a hit or miss if you don’t reply him. 

You put down the stalks of flowers you were still holding in your hands, you paused to form an appropriate reply. 

Text:

my lunch was great, and i cant go over on sunday, im going to my parent’s place 

You typed then deleted it, doesn’t sound about right, you remember telling him yesterday that you got a half day shift on sunday which you really hated.

Trying again,

i got called back at work 

Sounds fine? Should you send it like this? 

‘Delivery!’

Reacting in shock , you pressed the send button by accident at the voice of delivery man

ah shucks! 

You closed your eyes and hit yourself on the head imaginatively. Smiling at the delivery guy, you received the parcels and signed them off. 

One of it came in a tube, while the other was in a box.

What in the world did unnie order that would come in a tube? Wallpapers? Drawings??

The tube really piqued your curiosity, so you decided to check that first. opened it first.

Opening the tube, you pulled out a rolled piece of paper. Unrolling it, you noticed at the top right was a black and white logo that writes EXO Obsession. 

Ohhhh EXO!! Unnie likes exo?

Ever since you watched 100 days my prince, you had a positive inclination towards EXO. Which also reminded you of jongki who seems to like EXO Kai.

You wondered who was going to be in this poster. Not like you would recognise them though, you thought, unless its do kyungsoo ssi. 

A little excited, you pulled the poster open to full length.

Looking at the poster that stared back at you. Your smile faded away. Your jaw dropped.

‘Jongki oppa?’ you muttered under your breath

There was an uncanny resemblance between the man in the poster and jongki. 

 No way, who the hell is this from EXO? 

You turned the poster to the back hoping to find a name of the man in the picture. But there was no information.

Flipping back over, you looked closer at the other small details on the logo, you found this 3 lettered word staring back at you — ‘KAI’.

EXO KAI? Jongki watches his dance videos... or rather, Jongki also can dance ..

There were only two logical possibilities to this , either jongki has a twin or... kai is jongki..

You had to know the answer to this incredulous situation.

Making a grab for your phone, you saw jongki had already replied you , but you weren’t even going to read it

Madly typing away

Y: Oppa, do you have a twin ?

You could feel blood pumping through your veins as you sent it.

How could this be possible ? He mustn’t be exo right?

Although you weren’t interested in boy groups, there’s no one that hasn’t heard of EXO in the whole of korea. And that’s how popular EXO is.

Even though you have never checked them out to find out how they looked like, but you still knew a few names. Names like Baekhyun , chanyeol and.. kai..

Thinking of it now, it seems to all make sense that he could dance, he has abs, he’s rich, works till late, doesn’t reply all the time....

As you waited for his text to come back in, you googled EXO Kai.

Birth name: Kim Jong In

Birthday: 14 Jan 1994

Height: 1.82m

1994 was his birth year, that’s right. Kim Jong in, difference of 1 word. 1.82m, yes, obviously describes him. Google images ? 100% similarity.

If it’s not a twin....

Ding!

His msg came in

J: uh, no.. that was so random though, why? Saw someone looking like me?

You didn’t want to believe this. The friend you’ve been hanging with and even sleeping at his place.. is kai?

In the past, when you watched those cliche dramas you never understood why people made such a huge fuss when they found out their dating partner has a hidden identity.

Like isn’t it totally exciting and fun! Especially if the person turns out to be some rich CEO. Wow, your rags to riches story would come true over night.

That’s how you thought you would react.

But honestly, all you felt was some sense of betrayal right now.

Y: oppa, I think I just found out what you do...

you sent

Just in a few seconds, he replied

J:really?! What’s your wild Guess this time ?

Your hands were shaking as you prepared to type this. The moment you send this and he confirms it... what are you going to do ?

But still, this has to be done

Y: EXO Kai. Kim Jong In.

Again, he replied instantaneously

J:omg, took you long enough!! How did you find out though??!

Clearly not being able to sense the tension over the phone, he was, as usual, cheery about everything.

Y:so it’s true ? Why did you lie your name to me?

You had no idea why you felt so emotional to the brink of tears about this truth.

J: ah, I’m sorry for lying about that.. I was worried initially if I told you my real name you might make a connection and recognise me at the start.

He double texted as soon as you received that msg, saying

J: y/n, are you ok?

You typed

no I’m not. I don’t even know how I should be feeling now, or what I should be doing about our friendship.

But.. you didn’t send it. You switched your phone to do not disturb and kept it in your bag.

You stared blankly at the poster for a while before putting it back in the tube. You’re still in disbelief. This situation was ridiculous. But it was logical.

In a state of mental breakdown, you couldn’t even wrap your bouquets right. You switched over to prepping for the workshop tomorrow instead. But your mind was so preoccupied with the whole fiasco that you kept missing things out. You just wanted work to end and have the time to yourself.

The entire day went by in a mess, but at least it finally ended. Back at home, you scroll through the multiple texts he sent you

J: hmm, seems like you’re pretty shocked about this right?

J: I wanted to tell you but you said you preferred if I didn’t though..

Then there was also a missed call from him

J: Call me back?

You swiped away all his notifications. There is something you really want to do, but not really ready to. You contemplated

Should I? Search kai up ?

Typing into Google, you searched kai. It was strange, just 24 hours ago you guys were so close, almost like lovers. But right now, you’re searching him up and getting to know him like an unreachable stranger.

You tapped into one of those webpages that told fans his entire life story. From his blood type to who he has ever dated and all that small little things people conclude from what he has said.

Again, you felt a stab in your heart and sour inside. These were things you never knew about , but surely, everyone else but you knew. It was like... jongki wasnt jongki, this him is different, it feels so far and distant from the one you knew...

Pondering on that thought, you let out a bitter laugh. Jongki really wasnt jongki. He was never jongki.

Switching to YouTube , you click on ‘mmmh’ the first result when you searched kai. No matter how you tried to keep an open mind, you didn’t like it. His costume made him strange and the song really wasn’t your type.

Deciding that’s enough for the day, you put your phone aside and tried your best to fall asleep.

—-

Back at work the next day, you decided to get some ‘intel’ from your boss about kai.

‘Unnie, you like EXO Kai?’

‘Ne!!! Wae? Isn’t his visuals to die for???’ She reacted so excitedly upon hearing his name

‘Why don’t I remember you liking EXO though?’

‘I recently just got into them because of my friend who kept playing their songs on repeat in her car’ she laughed as she fixed the flowers

‘Why did you ask though? Since when were you interested in boy groups?’ She continued asking

‘Ah... When I checked the poster yesterday I thought kai was really good looking, so I’m just asking haha. So what’s so nice about kai you bought a poster?’ Finally asking what you really wanted to .

‘Oh gawd, you really wanna know? I could go on a whole day about jongin. Though he is sooooo fierce on stage , killer looks and everything, but he has such a cute personality!! You know when they ........’

And she went on and on about it, even showing you clips of kai on variety shows, interviews, etc. In these the sense of familiarity was back, you felt like this was the Jongki you knew. Oh well, it’s Jongin now, you really got to change it out.

You laughed along with your boss and you understood why he had so many fan girls. Introducing you to some EXO songs, you had to admit you really liked them!

Knowing more about kai now, you went back home that night and sat infront of your laptop, making a search for EXO’s variety shows, music videos and the likes.

You searched up ‘kai cute moments’ and you wanted to sqush him because he was just so cute like how he was normally. At the same time you can’t help but feel a little jealous that you’re sharing these sides of him with other people too.

You watched his dance videos and he was literally a dancing king. Thinking back to when he danced for you, you suddenly realised just how many girls would die to be in your place.

It was already 1am by the time you finished your search. A msg came in just as you were about to crash

J: are you up? I’m going to the convenience store to grab some food. Are you hungry? Want to come along?

Seeing his msg, you felt a little bad about ignoring him for the 2nd day now. How should you reply him now that the situation is a little awkward ?

Nicely, your phone died as you were thinking.

Alright, just a sign I should go to bed, oppa I’ll reply you after I get my phone charged up tmr.

——

You woke up to an absolutely crisis that you overslept. Considering how you didn’t sleep well for the past 2 nights over jongin, this was bound to come. You quickly washed up and left for work.

Plugging your phone into the portable battery, you phone came back to live. Again, jongin was persistent in his texts. 

J:y/n ah don’t ignore me please

J:Come over on sunday? 

J: I’m waiting for your reply. 

It was 1.30am when he asked you to come over on sunday, but his last message was past 3am. He must have been thinking about what happened with you.. You felt bad for being so absorbed in how you felt and failed to consider his feelings  when it really wasn’t his fault.

All this started out because of your dumb self who wanted to play detective. But then again, if you had found out who he was from the start, would you have gotten this close with him? Possibly not. You replied him without delay

 Y: i’ll come over on sunday

The shop gets really busy on saturdays, packed with workshops, tons of deliveries and online orders. You didn’t have time to check your phone till the end of the day, at which you saw you missed jongin’s call and texts again.

J: omg, you finally replied! is there anything you want to eat on tomorrow? i could get it if you’re coming over from work

J: we are all ok now right? 

Should you call him back? It wasn’t like you were completely okay yet, you couldn’t imagine how it would like seeing him tomorrow. He was surely still that jongki you knew, but he was also kai.

Thinking to leave the rest for tomorrow to think about, you just replied 

Y: there’s nothing i really want, just get whatever you like:)

Back at home, for the 3rd night in a row, you stayed up like a fan girl again, watching all of EXO ladders, their concert videos. You squealed and fangirled over them like a teenage girl. The more you watched, the more you started falling harder for them.

---

A halfday shift always makes your day go by real fast. You were standing outside jongin’s door. You were suddenly reminded of the times you watched 100 days my prince with him and talked about D.O. who he probably knows 1000x better than you do. And how you asked if he was a kai fan. Oh gawd, you wanted to jump into a hole. Feeling a little nervous and a little awkward and hella embarrassed, you didn’t want to press the door bell.

Finally pressing the door bell, you waited for barely half a minute, which felt like eternity before he opened the door. You could even feel your palms sweating. 

‘Annyeong Y/N! Come in quickly!’

You didn’t reply him immediately, neither did you move an inch yet.  The smile on his face slowly faded and he just looked at you, starting to chew on his lips. 

Seeing his face once again, in real life, your heart skipped a beat. You knew it wasn’t because he was kai, but because he was still jongki, that someone special to you.

You quickly smiled back at him the moment you got out of your thoughts. He let out the breath that he has been holding, making you laugh. 

‘Annyeong, jong..’ you paused there, about to call him jongki 

‘annyeong jongin oppa’ it sounds weird to you, not to be calling him the name you were used to

You guess he must have been feeling a little awkward when you called him by his real name too, he scratched his head and chuckled.

‘I ordered pizza, are you hungry? let’s eat’ he gestured for you to go to the dining area and was ready to walk away

But you felt you had to talk to him first about this, 

‘oppa, can we talk?’ 

He turned around to face you, he nodded slowly

‘sure..’

You walked over to him, leaving a comfortable space between the both of you. 

He avoided your eye contact as you started

‘so... EXO Kai huh?’

‘...y/n, i.. you should know i have no intentions to hide anything from you deliberately, i was ready to tell you anytime. but i also thought you would react in a ‘pleasant surprise’ way rather than a ‘nasty shock’ received, so i just let it be’

He looked at you with sincerity in his beautiful eyes which showed how bad he felt. But you honestly just wanted to clear the air and lighten up the mood

‘actually, I just wanted to tell you that... I became an EXOL!’

You exclaimed and laughed. His eyes widened and stared at you like you were out of your mind, before bursting into laughter too.

But his laughter soon turned to sobs, and he rubbed his eyes profusely, which got you stunned

‘I... I thought I messed up our friendship, our relationship. And I really missed you, I didn’t want our us to end like this.....’ he said in between sobs and almost sounded like he was wailing

‘We haven’t even started...! Y/N, you scared me when you didn’t even reply at all! I thought you didn’t want to contact me anymore!’ He give you a light push on your shoulder as he emotionally spilled out all his thoughts

Though you were really confused, it was heart wrenching to see him cry so hard. You quickly put your arms around his waist and have him a hug.

‘Oppa, I’m sorry for the past few days I ignored you. I was just trying to figure how to handle the weight of the truth that you’re EXO Kai. Hahah, I’m so confused at your reaction right now you know.’

Calming down, but still sounding nasal he said

‘I’m going to make you stay here today until I’m convinced that you don’t hate me for being kai.

Oh and that you won’t go MIA on me again if you found out some other kai stuff’

Breaking away from the hug, he grabbed onto your shoulders

‘Y/N I like you, I really like you, so don’t leave my life please’

His impromptu confession got you feeling shy, you didn’t know what to do , but merely nodded in response.

Feeling all bright again he grabbed your hand and pulled you into the house.

You were glad it was as if nothing has changed, except that you probably became the luckiest fangirl alive just like this.

———

This fic went through so many content changes, I’m so glad I finished writing this! For those that waited for this part, I hope it wasn’t too underwhelming:,) feel like there’s definitely still a lot for me to work on as a new writer.

Also just dropping a note to say this would most probably be my last fic tell after may! Please check out of my other fics in the meantime too:) Hopefully I’ll be back with better writings !

[stardancerluv]

Past and Present the Bookends of Life

Part 6a

Summary: Visiting the past to prepare for the present.

Arthur’s note: After seeing older Renton in his room...I always wanted to make out with him in it...so...yeah..had to let reader to do it!

“So Spud saw him?” Simon’s brow wrinkled.

Renton, nodded. “Yeah.” He rubbed his eyebrow. “He texted me shortly after spotting him apparently at some bar.”

Simon, sighed and rolled his eyes. “What should we do?”

“No fucking idea. I’ve gotten used to hard types in Amsterdam, but none of them are Begbie level crazy.”

“Maybe, you should head back.”

“Yeah, but what if he follows? What if he gets wind of her?” He tilted his head in the direction of you. As he did, he glanced your way. Just then you looked over as well and shared a smile. Looking, back at Simon he grimaced. “I still need to stop by and see my dad.”

“You haven’t done that yet?”

“I just got into town, and well got distracted.” He smirked rubbing his chin as he thought of you.

“Somethings, don’t change” Simon, rolled his eyes. “Take her over, catch up with your dad and well, perhaps see if there’s anything you can use to defend yourself against Begbie, then tomorrow night come back around six, maybe seven and we can plan.”

“That doesn’t sound half bad. I’ll bring Spud when we come here.”

Simon, raised an eyebrow then smiled. “Sure do that.”

******

He held you hand and squeezed. “My dad will surely love you. My mum would have too, but she died while I was gone.” He told you as the two of you walked up.

As the two of you walked up his dad, looked over and stood up from where he sat. “Why is that an old sight for my weary eyes? And you have a beauty at your side? Always the lady killer.”

He watched as you flushed and gave a small wave.

“Hello dad!” Mark waves. “He’s a tad on the old fashioned side.” He warned you quietly, giving you a smile. He knew would have you melting at the charm.

His dad gave you a good once over. “Beauty.” Mark came over and chided his dad. “Let’s not have her swooning over you and forgetting me me.” He chuckled.

“I don’t know.” His dad chuckled. “I’m tempted.” He brushed a quick but as chaste as a kiss could be on your hand. “Now, since your both here I’ll put the kettle,” he looked over you. “Do you like a spot of tea?”

You nodded, smiling and tucking some hair behind your ear. “I’d love some.”

“Grand.” His broad smile peaked out from under bushy beard. “I’ll start up the dinner. Don’t you two get lost in his room like he used to be. I want to hear about your adventures son.”

“Alright dad.”

“No much has changed.” His dad remarked as Mark led you upstairs. “Your mum kept it like you last had it.”

******

He held your hand as he led you up stairs. His dad had been wonderfully charming. You knew now where he got it from.

His room, was very simple you noticed though the wallpaper of the trains. You gestured the wallpaper. “Umm?” You smiled.

He shrugged. “Mum, chose it.” He leaned against the wall.

You went up to him, smiling. “Can I look around?”

He smirked down at you. “That is exactly why I’m leaning here.”

“Great.” Kissed his cheek. “I like the idea of seeing your old room.”

Soon, you were walking around the small room. When you looked back him leaning against the wall, you felt butterflies. There was just something about him, the way he stood. You pressed your lips together and kept looking. You made a soft sound when you found a pile of photos.

“Mark!” You practically squealed. “Look at you! Oh my god...and Simon!”

He came up behind you. “Oh, yeah look at all of us.”

Tilting, your head back to placed a kiss on his jaw. “You were really cute.” You whispered.

He smirked down at you. “You think so?”

You nodded. “Yeah, I would have had a crush on you.”

He threw his head back and chuckled. “That’s good.”

You pointed at the girl. “Was that one of your girls?”

“One of?” He chuckled.

“Well, I bet you had quite a few.”

He shook his head. “Just her.” He shrugged.

You nodded, the slipping away from him you went to look at collage of sorts. “I always knew had good taste.” As you looked at the musicians and other icons from his day. You smiled at him over your shoulder. You saw him looking through his records.

“Thank you.” He said slightly caught up in the memory of them.

You felt playful. You posed as provocatively as a girl he seemed to single out. You leaned against the wall in the same pose. “How do look?”

“Hmm, mm?” He made some questioning sounds, as he slipped on a record. You remained in the stance till, he noticed.

“Oh, why look at you.” He came over then, he slipped your cardigan off your shoulders. “There we go, now you look even better.” He looked down at you.

You don’t know what possessed you. But you reached up and drew him into a kiss. His hands, roamed over your hips as he pulled you close kissing you. Moving back he went and sat on his small bed with you in his lap kissing you. You wrapped your arms around him.

“I would have enjoyed making out with you here.” You broke the kiss to get some air, he had made you breathless.

“Damn, little I would have loved that.” He replied and kissed you again, deeper.

“Mark! Y/N, dinner is ready.” Mark’s dad’s voice reached them from where he called up to them.

You both giggled against each others lips as your eyes met.

@rentskenobi @mac-n-cheesie @dance-like-russia-isnt-watching @king-trash-goblin @pooshnulooshnu @the-mandalorian-clone-lover

[jokertrap-ran]

Amnesia: LATER ~Waka-san World~ Route Translations (Effeminate Waka Part 1)

Translator’s note : MC’s name shall remain as my normal (水嶋ラン) Spoiler FREE : Translations under cut !

This is a story that happened even before August, when she lost her memories.

1st May.

♡♤♢♧

Ran: ...Phew! Repairing the wallpaper is all done. Thank goodness it was only a little tear so that made it an easy fix. And now for the other things I need to fix...

Ran: Oh, right! I think one of the menus we have here has been a little scratched up if I remember correctly. I should fix it if I can.

Waka: Ran, good work today, keep it up.

Ran: Good work today as well, Manager.

Waka: How about we take a break once you're finished here?

Ran: Ah, but I was just thinking of whether I should fix the menu or if I should just leave it for another time...

Waka: You mean the menu that got torn? I fixed it earlier so it's not a concern anymore.

Ran: Eh? You did?

Waka: It wasn't a lot of work; besides, that's originally one of my jobs. Waka: And I had also wanted to call for a break. It won't do if I'm the only one resting while you worked your hands off, right?

Waka: I'll pour us a cup so how about you join me for tea?

Ran: I'll take you up on it then.

Waka: Come on over. What tea would you like?

Ran: Right, I'll leave that up to you.

Waka: Here you go. We're partaking in a special-blend coffee today.

Ran: Special-blend?

Waka: I put all the remaining Mocha, Brazil and Colombia beans we had into making this brew.

Ran: Wha...

Waka: It's kinda messy to be doing this, but I thought drinking it would be better than simply tossing it all out.

Waka: That's why I made a special blend of coffee out of the leftovers we had.

Ran: Heh... Dear me, Manager.

Waka: Don't laugh! I'm going to be drinking the same thing too so it isn't really a problem now, is it?

Waka: Plus, I've also tried it earlier and it didn't taste all that bad. Much to my surprise.

Ran: I'll have some, I suppose.

Waka: You're going to need milk, right? Will a fat-free one do?

Ran: That'll be perfect, thank you.

Waka: So you prefer to use fat-free milk, I see...Are you concerned with calories as well, just like all the other girls out there?

Ran: Admittedly.

Waka: You're not even plump to begin with.

Ran: I will if I don't be careful...

Waka: That must be hard. Although, I must say that I don't particularly hate girls who make an effort.

Waka: Drink up. It wouldn't do to let the coffee run cold.

Ran: Right. Wow, it's actually pretty tasty!

Waka: Right? Considering how I just literally threw them all together too! You can't really go wrong with coffee.

Ran: Only coffee? Waka: Well, tea as well, I suppose... You really can't go wrong with them.

Waka: This is just my personal opinion on the matter, but I think it's easier to taste the different flavors in tea than in coffee.

Waka: That's why I feel that it's harder to make a blend out of tea. Ran:  You're right. You do have a point.

Waka: Mm... This slip-shod blend really is delicious. Ran: Yup. We could even put it on the menu at this point.

Waka: You're right. But there's no way I can put this out for sale when I don't even remember how it's made.

Ran: Because you just dumped everything into a pot?

Waka: Everything.

Ran: Then it shall just be a special blend that can only be enjoyed once.

Waka: Yup. One that can only be shared between us right now. Hehe.

Waka: ...Still, you've done quite the amount of odd jobs in here lately. You don't have to do that, you know?

Waka: Repairing the store equipment and other miscellaneous things are all originally part of my job description.

Waka: It's always appreciated to have more help in these matters, so I always left you to your own devices, but you don't have to force yourself.

Ran: Not at all. I don't mind doing these odd jobs, honestly.

Waka: Even fixing the wallpaper?

Ran: Yes. I didn't really know how to fix it at the very beginning but pasting it right is almost second nature to me now.

Ran: It's an enjoyable activity since I can now do it with no visible trace of it being tampered with at all once I'm finished.

Waka: How nice. All the kids here are all really nice people, but I think you're like the diamond in this pile of gems.

Ran: Oh, no, no. I'm not all that you make me out to be.

Waka: Yes, yes, no need to be humble! It's a good thing to accept some praise once in a while, won't you say? 

Ran:  ...Right. Thank you. Ran: You call the staff working in this cafe your children?

Waka: Of course! I mean, everyone here's smaller than me so wouldn't you be tempted to do the same too, if you were in my shoes?

Ran: Are you talking in terms of height or age? Waka: Both.

Waka: Honestly, you're all so cute that I just can't help myself!

Waka: It was a good idea to hire the lot of you. In fact, it was such a brilliant idea that I think I personally deserve a reward of my own.

Ran: ......Could I ask you something?

Waka: What might it be?

Ran: Umm...

Choice: Why did you hire me?

Waka: Isn't it a given, considering just how adorable you are? That smile of yours is absolutely smittening.

Waka: The staff's outlook is actually one of the selling points of a concept cafe like this. So it won't hurt to have more cute people around.

Waka: Besides, you're also coincidentally my type. Hehe.

Ran: ...Uh...

Waka: But that's only half of the reason why I decided to hire you.

Waka: The other part of it was my intuition. It simply told me that you were a good choice.

Waka: I don't think my intuition has ever been wrong about things like that, as you can see.

Ran: I really do wonder about that...

Choice: Just how tall are you?

Waka: Hmm...The last time I got my height measured was when I was back in high school. Waka: I suppose I'm probably around 190cm and above?

Ran:  190cm and...above?

Waka: Probably. Although, you don't really see many Japanese people who are taller than me. Waka: It's a rather arduous task finding clothes for my height so most of my things end up being custom-made...

Ran: Well, I can certainly see why... 

Waka: By the way...I just realized it today, but you changed your earrings, didn't you?

Ran: Huh? Oh, right. I took off my previous pair since I had been using the same set for quite a while now.

Waka: Your previous pair was cute, but this set really does suit you.

Ran: Thank you. I wasn't able to use these before because the stopper came out.

Ran: But I somehow managed to fix it yesterday so, here it is.

Waka: Oh dear. Which part of it broke?

Ran: Ermm... Give me a minute while I take it off. Ran: ...Over here. Can you see?

Waka: Is it alright if I hold it?

Ran: Of course, feel free.

Waka: Please do pardon me then...My, you're right. There are marks of it being fixed before.

Ran: It seemed like the stopper's pin was loose, so I was able to make it usable again after I tightened it.

Waka: Hm, this pin over here, I see...

Waka: Ah!

Ran: Hm...?

Waka: Oh dear... I'm so terribly sorry! The pin's totally decimated now...

Ran: It broke off? Let me take a look.

Waka: It just snapped off right when I tried to open it.

Ran: Oh, you're right... Well, don't mind it too much. It was already broken to begin with.

Waka: But you took all that effort to fix it, right? This doesn't seem usable at all right now...

Ran: That's true... but it's not really a big deal so don't worry about it.

Waka: But...

Waka: Are you free tomorrow afternoon? Ran: Huh?

Waka: Let's go to the department store together tomorrow.

Waka: I'll gift you a new pair of earrings to replace the set that I accidentally broke. Waka: So that's that for now and I'll see you tomorrow~

Toma: Huh!? Wait a sec- Waka-san!? I didn't hear anything about you knocking off early?

Waka: I kept quiet about it. You'd stop me if I told you so.

Toma: Huh!? You'd do something like that behind our backs?

Waka: Don't worry about the details! Good work today and see you tomorrow~

⊱ ────♡♤♢♧ 𝕿𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖓𝖊𝖝𝖙 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊...♡♤♢♧ ──── ⊰

[hardyimagines]

Part 1 - Intruder

Hi could would you be interested in writing a Bane fic were he and one or two of his men need to hideout, and they come across this home kinda of hidden away or in an isolated area and a girl lives there on her own. He decides to keep her alive and eventually they fall for each other. I'd also like him to to be kinda mean and dominant. + She has to stay in main room with bane so he can make sure she doesn't escape😉 I'm sensing a smutty imagine. I like my bane a Dom with choking of course. I don't ask for much do I 🤣🤣

Part 2

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The mountains were tall, overlooking the lit city. Lights lined the buildings for the Christmas season, various shades of red and green. Trees twinkled with applied lights and music played in the distance, tempting people to come to their establishments and enjoy the holiday season. Bane straightened on the cliff. The jacket he wore was bulky with a line of fur, but it wasn’t doing much to protect him from the cold air that whipped around him and his men. Beneath his boots, pebbles and stones bounced from the impact of his shoe and rolled off the side of the ledge, falling down, down, down until they met the ground. It was probably a seventy foot drop. Bane wasn’t on the run. He was never on the run, he didn’t have to worry about someone overpowering him, but he did need a place to sleep at night and because his home had been invaded by the scum of the earth, he couldn’t exactly return there.

“Boss.” The shorter one of his men spoke up. His name was Oscar. “Don’t see no lights on.” He informed his leader. They needed a place to stay for the night, it didn’t matter if it was cold as well and didn’t have any source of heat, at least there would be a roof over their head. This had been the perfect spot. It was high, up out of most people’s eye line and it looked worn and abandoned. The exterior needed a lot of work done and the man was sure that the interior was just the same, but he didn’t care. Not tonight. Tonight, he just needed a bed. Bane’s boots hit the floor loudly as he made his way up the rest of the path and toward the front door. It was silent, not even the wind dared to whistle. He extended his arm, hand curling around the rusted handle before he twisted it. The wood opened without much force and creaked due to the rusted, stiff hinges. He rubbed his lips together before looking around the room. It was dusty and dark, impossible to see anything. He set his hand on the wall, tracing the soft wallpaper until his pointer finger skimmed the light switch. He flicked it on and froze at the sight.

The sink was lined with dirty dishes and it was void of a faucet. Ants raced along the countertop, no doubt fighting to get speckles and crumbs from the remaining food on the plates. Cabinets were opened here and there and the floor looked as if it were in desperate need of a deep cleansing. But Bane wasn’t fussy about any of that, no, he was a little more worried about the girl fast asleep at the kitchen table.

Your hair fell across the surface in messy waves. Despite the filthy home, you didn’t look anywhere near as bad as the place did. He squinted toward you, inspecting your features. You looked just fine. Oscar exchanged a look with Larry, Bane’s other helper, before looking back toward you. He figured this was just a bonus. They had a hostage, something to play with while they waited for morning. But bane had no intentions of harming you — scaring you, maybe, but only so you’d comply. They needed to stay here at least for the night, so they’d be doing that. Whether you said yes or not.

Bane’s thigh bumped the table on accident and the wooden legs wobbled threateningly. The motion startled your slumbering form and scared you even further when your eyes fluttered open. Glistening pools of curiosity and fear latched on to the bald man’s blue eyes. His lips twitched before dragging upwards. He pasted a sickeningly sweet smile on his lips and set his large palm down on the dirty table. A hostage wasn’t a part of the plan, but he was to expect the unexpected. Running his tongue over his lips, his mouth parted as he readied himself to speak, but your sudden movement ceased his words. The chair you were sat in groaned out noisily as the legs scraped along the tile. You rose up hurriedly, breaths deep and shallow, causing your chest to rise and fall rapidly with your worried inhales and exhales. Bane watched you under a heated gaze. No fear danced in his orbs. Why would it? He wasn’t on his own. He didn’t have someone breaking in and waking him. You swallowed thickly, unable to get a single word of question or a believable threat out. Instead, you stood glued to the spot, fingers shaking as your body followed suit.

“Look at her, boss, she’s trembling.” Oscar spoke up. The man was smaller than the surrounding occupants of the room, but that didn’t stop him from being confident enough to approach. The black vest he wore matched his dark trousers. Around his waist, he had a holster and tucked away inside was no doubt a dangerous weapon. You quivered. The soles of your feet scraped the wooden floors as you backed up. He neared without hesitation. “Come here, darling, I don’t bite.”

Run. Your brain pleaded. Cry. Your mind screamed. Beg. Your brain warned. They were going to kill you. Why else were they here? The small bloke grabbed ahold of your wrist and twisted it painfully around your back. His strength didn’t match his stature so it took you by surprise. You weren’t a fighter though. You were quiet, kept to yourself. Obedient. Sweet. Gentle. Too pure for the pain and heartache that the world offered to the city below. That’s why you lived on your own in a dump. Nobody bothered you and you didn’t bother anybody — until now. Bane growled out softly.

“Easy.” He droned. The heavy thud of his boots was enough warning to silence the building cry in your throat. A painful tingle raced along the length of your arm, tearing at the nerves. “Let her go.” Bane demanded. Oscar did so without question. Your arm fell limply to your side. Rubbing the soreness to ease the pain would look weak and you knew that was the last thing that you needed to look right now. Bane crinkled his nose before stepping around the table and moving toward you. Fuzzy-minded and bleary-eyed from your sleep, you sniffled before looking toward him. “Do you speak?” He asked. It was then, as your brain began to register everything other than ‘intruders’, that you realized he wore a mask on his face. It embraced the lower half of him and created a loud hiss underneath his words. You had to strain your ears in order to comprehend him.

“Yes.” The tone of your voice was so soft. Soft enough to make bane want to take your tender throat in his palm and push you out the front door so you could be on your way. But that was too risky. He didn’t want the police showing up.

“Good.” He uttered. He didn’t look toward you further, he simply paced the length of the kitchen before coming to a stop at the counter. Photographs were laid out messily, some stained with unknown substances. He traced the corner of one with his finger before tonguing his cheek. “We need a place to stay.” He looked back toward you. “And we’ve chosen your house.”

“Lucky girl.” Larry chortled out. He sneered. A sickening smile resided on his lips and his eyes warned you to sleep with one eye open. Bane looked to Larry with a warning glare before moving his eyes back to you. Scaring you wasn’t going to do the trick. That was for when you disobeyed or acted like a brat. He inspected you closely. Faint freckles, gleaming hair, soft appearing skin and inviting eyes. He stepped toward you when you didn’t speak. What were you meant to say. ‘No’? A lot of good that would do you.

“It’ll just be for the night.” He assured you. There was no question in his tone. He wasn’t asking, he was telling. “Oscar and Larry.” He pointed toward the table. “Here’s your bed.” His eyes moved back to you. “And you, wherever your bed is, that’s my bed.” The fear in your eyes doubled, and the urge to grab a nearby knife was suffocatingly strong. But it would be so foolish. God knew what kind of weapon he had on him.

“I don’t..” Bane cocked a brow as you spoke up, testing you to deny him.

“Let me tell you something.” He stepped toward you. His hand lifted to your chin, fingers delicate as they traced your flesh. “It’ll do you no good to talk back or disagree. Comply and you’ll be alright.” He lowered his hand to the throat he’d wished to take ahold of earlier. “Bedroom.” He stated again. He felt your esophagus twitch beneath his palm as you swallowed. His grip wasn’t tight or hard so you drew back a step and swiftly stepped around him. He followed hot on your heels, blue eyes twinkling.

The living room was a wreck. Newspapers and old food sat in the place. Flies buzzed, flying from dish to dish to devour whatever was left behind and uneaten. Empty soda cans laid on their sides on the floor and coffee table and smoke poured from the fire place, a sign that the lit flame had died. You moved to the corridor and led him down the tan-painted hall to the bedroom at the end of the way. The door opened without so much as a creak. A bed resided in the center with a blue duvet. It wasn’t the biggest bed, but it would suffice. A window sat in the far right with a nearby vanity jammed pack with various knick-knacks. This was the cleanest room.

“It’s.. this is the only room.” You explained to him. “A.. apart from the bathroom which is just right there.” Pointing to the connected room which held a tub and a toilet, you folded your arms over your chest and slowly backed up.

“Itll do.” He told you quietly. He removed his weaponless holster and then his belt. Draping the accessories over the chair in the corner, he scratched the back of his head before looking toward you. “You can return to the dining room to sleep,” He ushered to the door with his pointer finger. “or stay here with me.” He licked his lips. “But you are to remain under someone’s watch at all times.” Your eyes flickered.

“You mean until morning?” Your question made bane frown.

“I mean.. until it’s safe to go.” His earlier words had been a brief comfort. Oscar and Larry were oblivious to the fact that they’d be hiding out here for a while. But Bane, he called they shots, so they wouldn’t complain. “You don’t get in my way and I won’t be in yours.” He pointed to the bed. “Now, you choose. Bed or table?” His hands moved along his stomach, rubbing the surface before he stepped toward the bed and climbed on to the comfy surface. You slowly followed after him. He didn’t seem to want to hurt you. Or touch you. But the other men.. you didnt trust them in the slightest. This one, you were sure, would’ve let them do as they pleaded and would’ve told you to ‘undress’ or ‘lay down’ if his intentions were to cause physical harm. But he didn’t. He laid down and shut his eyes. But you could tell he certainly wasn’t sleeping.

‘I don’t want to share a bed with you.’ ‘Get out.’ Stab him. Hit him. Run. Climb out the window. Scream as loud as possible. Your mind warned you to do this and that, urged you to get out and away, but you didn’t. Anxiety raced through your body and made you fidget. The quiet sound of your feet padding against the floor told Bane that you’d chosen to stay with him, and when the bed began to jiggle beneath your applied weight, it merely confirmed his initial assumption.

There wasn’t much space, but the two of you managed. He was slumped on his back and you were laid on your side, elbow folded beneath your head to act as an extra pillow. The duvet was crumpled beneath his body and the pillows were crookedly placed. You didn’t want to ask him to move though so you could curl up, so instead, you shivered at his side. So many questions filled your head. You wanted answers, but your throat was dry, tight, and it was impossible to get even a squeak of sound out. You squirmed slightly, legs accidentally skimming his own now and then. He didn’t say anything and you didn’t either. Little mumbled apologies were vacant and he didn’t offer to scoot over to give you more room.

He was so tired. He’d been on his feet all day. Bane knew it was rather foolish to fall asleep so quickly, leaving himself vulnerable to you, but there was no controlling the situation — and you, even if you had the courage to harm him, wouldn’t.

———

The embarrassment of the filthy home hit you in the morning. The sun was rising in the distance, it’s rays beginning to pour through open windows to wake the slumbering people, tucked away in their beds. You’d managed to leave the bedroom, undetected and had had about an hour to clean. The other two men who’d come along with the bald one in your bedroom were nowhere to be seen, so you’d taken advantage of their absence. The kitchen table was scrubbed clean and the dishes in the sink were halfway done. You knew it was foolish to worry about cleaning so the intruders didn’t find you repelling, but it was more than that. It was just the judgement that bothered you - it didn’t matter who it came from.

What a poor choice to leave the room without the man in the mask.

Their fingers were rough in your hair as they twisted and tugged, fighting over you. Your hipbones dug roughly into the counter you were learn against, Larry tugging you toward him as he shouted at Oscar. ‘I got first dibs, let her go’, he insisted. Oscar would then yank on you harder, bruising your scalp more so than Larry was. You winced. You pleaded. You moaned out. Internally, you begged for their boss to wake seeing as last night he didn’t seem like he was here to deal with any shenanigans. You moaned out again when Oscar lost his grip on your hair and your body was thrown into Larry’s. He didn’t have an amazing grip though either because the suddenness of your body against his made him topple over and to the floor.

Run. You did. Fool. To the bedroom. Why hadn’t you gone to the front door? Oscar was hot on your heels, sprinting along behind you to try and get to you before you could get to Bane. The door to your bedroom was thrown open roughly. The sound of it was enough to wake the man on the bed, but if it hadn’t of done it then your weight, slung on top of his own, would’ve. Bane woke with a straight face, but internally he was stunned. He sat up tiredly, eyes squinted and brows furrowed in confusion. He looked to you, curled up in a small ball at his side as a panting Oscar stood in the doorway with angry eyes and a fling of regret. And then revenge. You shifted, fearfully cowering away.

Bane sat up further, shielding you from the piercing gaze of Oscar.

“Out.” He ordered harshly. The man in the door obeyed. He twisted around and left the room without so much as an apology. The booming voices, belonging to Oscar and Larry were suddenly overlapping. Arguing. Fighting because they knew they were in trouble. Idiots. “Are you alright?” His question was dripping with concern, but it was genuine. He stood from the mattress, beginning to re-dress in the attire he’d removed the previous night.

“Your men..” You started before falling silent. This wouldn’t help. He was aware of what happened. He didn’t need a play-by-play. “I’m fine.” You whispered out. He nodded. Bane didn’t have time for this. Trouble was following and because he wasn’t a runner, he was a confronter, he needed to know what was happening at all times. Having to go down the hall and shout at grown men for trying to mess around with a younger, female hostage — it just pissed him off. It didn’t help in the slightest, it just slowed him down. He zipped the vest up before leaving the room to handle what has woken him. You curled up on your side and buried your face into your pillow before letting your eyes shut. Your fingers crossed slowly, a silent pray for the men in your dining room to leave today. What would you do if bane came back in and told you they had to stay for more time than he’d said last night. A day, okay. But any more than that.. you didn’t know what would happen.

It was then, in that moment that you realized you were on your own. You climbed off the bed hurriedly, bane’s words playing over and over in your head about how you would always be under someone’s watch. The doors to your closet opened with a loud creak. Your dainty fingers wrapped in a yellow blouse, yanking it out before you then grabbed a pair of jeans. Practically tearing your pajamas from your body, you struggled to move at a quick pace, clothing yourself in something much more appropriate before the return of Bane. And if you had time.. maybe you could get out the cracked window. It was only two stories high. Not too far of a jump. But the sudden sound of thudding boots in the hall made you freeze. Clad only in your underwear, blouse, and a pair of socks, you whimpered out in sudden anxiousness. The attempt to pull on your trousers while also watching the door was poor. Bane was seconds away from stumbling into the room to check on you and you.. well your jeans were only halfway on.

“Alright,” He spoke before he was even in the room. “I’m sorry about that, they’re both absolute idiots.” He continued to talk, his rough voice carrying down the length of the hall. “But you,” He turned the corner, just as you fastened the button on the front of your slacks. “are to tell me if they bother you again. I’ll ensure it doesn’t happen again.” It wasn’t going to anyway. Neither of them would even think about doing vile things to you after what he’d said to them. His tongue pushed against his cheek, hidden by the plastic mask on his face. “But, unfortunately for you,” He inhaled deeply, blue eyes locking on to your own as he stood in the doorway. “We are going to be here for at least a few more days.”

Your body ran hot. Skin on fire. Mouth run dry. The shiver that raced along your spine made you feel weak. No arguing, no complaining, no disagreeing. He wasn’t asking. He was telling. And all you could do was nod. You didn’t have a choice.

———————————————————————

Tagged: @peakblogbecauseimweak @bsotstory @mollybegger-blog @morphoportis @ghost-of-student-sufferings @drippydownes2002 @ellar21 @sovereigngoth @willowick13 @xxxxxeroxxxxx @wheresthewater @anrm1 @pansexualginger @marvelgirl7 @evilspretty-dead @heyitscam99 @wow-he-cute @haroldpain @justrepostandlove @sparklyreaderx @emerald-bijou @multireality @innerpaperexpertcloud @giftofdreams @ihclipse @meer0rauschen @inkedfandom @thatsamegirl @doct0rstrange @jakechillenhaal @shanty-lol @centerhabit @clevertheoristpainter @jamierdr @favouritereadings @badmaax @thephuonganh @wewillfindourwaythere @uhhhemilyrose @scarrasco1325 @matoki-darkpanda @bignastyfan-nz

[chimpukampu]

Bonheur

Happy Valentines day @galaxyofconstellations! I’m so happy when I got your name, and more when I read your prompts! You have no idea how I love Marichat and Adrinette, and I hope this oneshot met your expectations

Huge thanks to @tog84 for beta-ing this!

Summary: It was a night before her wedding when a certain cat dropped by not only to say hi but also to ask about her future. 

It’s been years since Marinette slept in her old bedroom.

She was surprised that her parents didn’t replace the pink wallpapers, or even dared to remove the old Jagged Stone poster that was plastered near her old study table. Her outdated desktop computer was still there covered in a thick, white cloth, as well as her sewing machine that had pricked her fingers multiple times.

It was worth the pain, she thought fondly as she rubbed her calloused fingers, bumping the silver band of her engagement ring with a nostalgic sigh.

Aside from her old items like her mannequins, self-made teenage clothes, and textbooks that were boxed and stacked neatly to the corner, she also found some baking equipment and matching ceramic wares from China, which prompted her that her room has been transformed as some sort of storage. Yet despite it, her room was comfy and dust-free.

Glancing around, she noticed the faded squares that marred the walls. It reminded her of the photographs and drawings she used to tack there when she was in collège, and even though she removed all of it as soon as she moved out for université, the discolorations caused by the lack of light exposures were barely muted.

She might be in the mood of reminiscing the past, but she didn’t have the energy to take out her old belongings and poke on them one by one. Her Maman might scold her if she cluttered up the floor, and besides, she has an early appointment with the Mayor in the morning, and a garden wedding in the afternoon, so she couldn’t pull out an all-nighter and be a living zombie afterward.

After all, tomorrow is her big day.

But sleep was rather difficult for the young designer. It might be from the nerves, or the fact that she was sleeping on her bed alone, she wasn’t sure anymore. She didn’t want to disturb Tikki, her adorable kwami who was sleeping soundly on her pillow, for a midnight stroll, and the herbal tea that she was coddling wasn’t effective enough to lure her to bed.

After giving her blanket a second look, Marinette decided to climb to her balcony for some air.

The summer wind immediately kissed her exposed skin as she opened her skylight, then smiled adoringly how her flowery plants and ornamentals thrived under her father’s care. She also spotted her foldable chair under the still-functioning fairy lights, and her wooden centerpiece table minus the teapot set she often uses after a tiresome patrol.

It was a new moon, and the stars twinkling behind the cloudy Parisian sky were blending well with the bustling city lights from afar. She could barely see the bricked walls and the flying buttresses of Notre Dame from her spot, same with the ever-serene Seine and the empty alleyways near Rue Gotlib.

Such peaceful scenery wasn’t new to her, but the sight gave her a jab of memories that made her wonder the things she must’ve done in her past life to end up so lucky.

“Bonsoir, ma Purr-incesse.”

Marinette almost spilled her hot drink and hurled the cup towards the intruder’s face when a pair of strong hands caught her on time. Her bluebell eyes immediately trailed off from the curves of a familiar dark catsuit to the emerald hues of a blond man that were twinkling with mischief and euphoria.

“C - Chat!” she sputtered with a blush. “Y-You scared me, you idiot!”

“A-paw-logies fur that,” the superhero responded unabashed “But this cat was simply curious why a pretty lady like you was so lonesome tonight.”

She rolled her eyes indignantly “Still flirty as ever.”

“Just fur mew.”

“I’m taken, you know?” she raised her left hand to show him the ring “You can’t flirt with a promised woman anymore, Chaton.”

“Woe is me!” the superhero gasped, clutching his heart theatrically while balancing himself to the rails “And to think that you confessed your undying love to me!”

She couldn’t help but snort at that “You rejected me, remember?”

“But still!”

“Dream on, mon Minou,” she chuckled much to his chagrin. “To what do I owe this surprise visit?”

“Says the person who hasn’t been here for years.”

“What can I say,” the dark-haired woman shrugged, leaning her back to the balcony rails “I’m an independent girl who wants to live her life to the fullest.”

“Oh really,” he drawled with a narrowed look. “Then pray do tell why an independent girl like you is back to her parent’s house?”

“Because,” she scowled, mustering all of her strength not to push the blond and let him plummet to the ground. “We want to stick to the tradition that the groom must not see the bride a day before their wedding.”

“By kicking you out of your house?”

“Okay, first of all, this is also my house. My home,” she emphasized without giving him the pleasure of seeing her irritated face. “And my future husband has to stay there and maybe, I dunno, enjoying his bachelor’s party - which I believe, his best man is now plotting his murder - or having a beauty sleep?”

“Hmm. Your future husband sounds like a handful.”

“You have no idea.”

“So tell me, Purr-incess,” he asked with his back touching hers. “What made you decide to accept his proposal and spend the rest of your life with him?”

“That’s a very tough question, Chaton,” she admitted. “Aside from being a handful, he has a very bad sense of humor.”

“Ouch.”

“He puns a lot too, and there’s this pick-up line he always uses to piss me off. Oh, and he didn’t know some adulting stuff like cooking and doing the laundry. I even had to teach him how to use the microwave!” she chuckled as she narrated the disasters that happened in her relationship. “He has a horrible sweet tooth and cries like a baby at stupid rom-com movies. He’s a neat freak. He spends too much time in the shower, and he hoards the blankets during winter. He’s literally a child in an adult body.”

“Yet despite his imperfections,” she went on, tilting her head towards the sky with a smile. “He makes me happy.”

“I’m sure you make him happy too,” the feline hero muttered, and even though Marinette couldn’t see his expression, she could sense the endearment on his tone.

The two remained in companionable silence as they looked at the night sky until Marinette yawned.

“Your bed is calling you now, Purr-incess,” Chat Noir chuckled, nudging her shoulders gently as he walked her to the trap door. “Why don’t you get your beauty sleep so you can sweep your Prince off his feet tomorrow?”

“You’re leaving now?”

“Oh my, is that an invitation, Marinette?” he wiggled his brows suggestively much to her annoyance. “As much as the offer is tempting - “

“Chat!”

“But I can’t risk my status and tarnish my name by such scandalous act. Don’t get me wrong - you’re an amazing girl, and I’m an awesome man. I mean, you know, I would marry myself if I could.”

The designer flashed him a deadpan look “We’re not talking about that shit.”

He pouted “You’re no fun, Purr-incess.”

After downing her almost cold tea, Marinette slipped inside the room as Chat Noir took the cup and opened the trap door for her.

“Make sure to check your bedding for a pea.” the feline hero reminded her cheekily.

“Yeah, yeah…” she grumbled, then patted her bed sheets with a scowl when the superhero shot her a look. “Happy now?”

“Very.” he flashed her a toothy grin, and with a saucy wink, he lowered the door. “Bonne Nuit, ma minette.”

Before he could shut it closed, she called out to him “Chaton?”

He poked his head inside “What is it, Purr-incess?”

“Thank you,” she smiled earnestly. “Thank you for being there with me all the time. For the hardships and trials. For joy and devotion.”

His green eyes were unreadable as she continued “Thank you for the patience and understanding, and I know that sometimes - no, most of the time - my stubbornness drives you crazy, but you still remained by my side. Through thick or thin, I must say, even though I don’t deserve it at all.”

“You are worth fighting for,” he assured her. “You deserve everything, you deserve the world.”

“You deserve everything, too.” she said as she yawned again. “I think that’s it for tonight. Bonne Nuit, Chat Noir.”

“Erm, Marinette?”

“Hmm?”

“You’re the best thing that ever happened in my life,” he confessed in a somber tone. “My first for everything - in love, in relationship...and now that we’ll be facing a new chapter in our life, I would like you to know that...that I am blessed that you chose me to be your partner.”

She bit her lips to control her emotions. “Sounds like your vows, you’re supposed to say those to your soon-to-be wife.”

“Well,” he rubbed his neck cutely with flustered cheeks. “I’m afraid I might stutter and blank out during the ceremony, and I don’t think flash cards are allowed at the altar, so I’d rather recite my wedding vows before I forget everything.”

“You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

“You mean ‘your ridiculous’?”

Chat Noir barked out a laugh when he dodged a pillow thrown to his way. “Hey, that’s domestic violence!”

“I hate you, Adrien!”

“Love you too, My Lady!”

Their teasing banter went on until dawn, and by the time Sabine walked upstairs to wake her daughter up, she screamed bloody murder at the sight of the two love birds cuddling in each other’s arms, and soon the two would realize how late they were for their civil wedding, and how absurd they would look on their photos as they sported a matching eyebags and dopey smiles.

[intim3ate]

Slip Down | McSombra [Overwatch]

Sombra decides to surprise McCree after a long day.

A commission for some McSombra with subby Sombra, spanking, and anal play. :3 God I love sub!Sombra. 

AO3 Link | Commission Info | Patreon | Leave a Tip?

——-

Jesse McCree has never been so glad to see the inside of this shitty apartment. The faded and scuffed-up wallpaper (who even has wallpaper anymore?), the stained carpets, the threadbare couch and chair… every one of them a welcome sight after the day he’s had.

Nothing about the place is glamorous, but it’s cheap and out of the way. It feels as much like home as any other place he’s rented out or squatted in as a safehouse, though he’s pretty sure he owes that to the other temporary occupant of the place. Sombra’s left evidence of her presence everywhere, from a coat draped over the back of the couch to bits and pieces of machinery scattered on the floor in the corner of the living room. McCree’s almost punched a hole right through the bottom of his foot stepping on an errant screw. More times than he could count, really. It’s strange, after so long on his own, but he can’t deny that he kind of likes it.

Strange and unfamiliar as it is, he wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s nice to come home to a place that feels lived-in for once. And if there’s one thing he needs right now, it’s the feeling of being home. 

He doffs his chestplate and leaves it on the floor where it falls, kicks off his boots, and tugs off his pants. There’s nobody here to scold him about leaving his junk everywhere (like the hypocrite she is), so why bother when he’s this beat? Sombra isn’t due back from her mission for another few days, so he’s got plenty of time to clean up before she gets here.

McCree makes his way to the fridge. He unbuttons his shirt as he walks; it falls open and exposes his chest to the cool blast of air from the fridge as he retrieves a beer. He finds himself longing for a whiskey and sighs. It’s still too early in the evening for that; besides, he and Sombra had finished off the last bottle before she left. 

“Should probably cut back anyway,” he tells himself after a quick glance down at his stomach. He’s far from having a proper gut, but age and poor eating habits are definitely starting to leave their mark.

He nudges the fridge closed with his foot, takes a swig of his beer, and heads right for the living room to crash on the couch. He flops down onto it, right in the middle, and shuts his eyes, finally letting the day’s exhaustion wash over him. 

“Hey, cowboy.”

McCree nearly jumps out of his skin when he hears the voice. He turns his head around so fast he nearly gets whiplash; Sombra just barely manages to dip to the side so he doesn’t accidentally end up headbutting her. Her hands come to his shoulders and she squeezes once, twice, three times, rubbing and massaging the tension right out of them. 

McCree relaxes and sags against the back of the couch. “Evenin’, darlin’,” he greets around a groan. His chest is still heaving from the shock. “Wasn’t expectin’ to see you for another day or two, at least.”

“The mission ended early. Unexpected complications,” she says, and McCree doesn’t want to think about how bloody those complications might have been. “Thought I’d surprise you.” 

And what a surprise it was! “You damn near gave me a heart attack.” McCree lets out a long breath and sinks further into the couch, boneless now that all the adrenaline has left his body. He lets his eyes slip shut again. He’s bone-tired, and the shoulder massage is just making it harder to stay awake. Bounty hunting is tough work in the best of times, but today had really taken it out of him. He’d managed to pull in two today - low-reward types, but damn if they didn’t know how to run. It’s the hardest he’s worked in ages, and he’d been looking forward to coming home, cracking open a cold one, and napping the evening away. All that seems like a far-off dream now his girlfriend’s come home. 

He smiles to himself. Tired as he is, he’s still missed her. 

“You haven’t even seen the best part yet.” Sombra’s voice is low, husky. McCree hears her move behind him, slinking around the side of the couch. She lifts her hands from his shoulders only to replace them again, and when she does, he opens his eyes to see Sombra dressed in nothing but a collar and stockings. 

His dick twitches. Good-bye nap. 

He reaches for her with a lopsided grin and brushes a lock of hair away from her face. “Well, would you look at that.” 

“What do you think?” Sombra asks, but she hardly has to. There’s no way she hasn’t noticed the sudden bulge in his boxers. 

“I think…” McCree’s hand moves from behind her ear to cup her face. “That if I wasn’t so damn tired after today, you’d already be bent over the couch and I’d be balls-deep inside you.”

“Classy,” Sombra says. Her voice is sarcastic, but her eyes are hooded and her lips are twisted upward. “Tell me more.” 

She leans forward and first lifts one leg, then the other, until they’re on either side of McCree’s and she’s straddling him. She lowers herself to sit on his lap, and fuck, he can feel how hot and damp she already is through his boxers. His dick twitches again, and he knows Sombra can feel it from the way her fingers tense around his shoulders. She moans, exaggerating the noise by arching her neck. 

McCree smiles wryly. He knows this game.

“Not much more to tell,” he says. “You’re gorgeous. Havin’ you on my lap like this is settin’ me on fire, and any other day I’d give anythin’ to have you bouncin’ on my dick like it’s all you were made for.” He strokes his hands up and down her sides. Sombra shivers. “But I just don’t have the energy for it tonight, sweetheart. I’m sorry.” 

Sombra pouts at him, lower lip jutting out as she leans back. It’s so tempting to just lean forward and nip at it, suck it between his teeth and pull her into a deep, hungry kiss, but McCree knows if he gives in now then she’ll never let it drop. 

Not that she will anyway. When Sombra gets like this, it’s never a matter of if he’ll give in, but when. 

“You’re no fun,” Sombra whines. She shifts in McCree’s lap under the guise of trying to make herself comfortable, but they both know it’s just to rile him up. It works: McCree’s cock jumps up to meet the friction.

“I know,” he says. “But I’ll make it up to you in the morning, how does that sound?”

Sombra seems to consider it a moment, and she sighs. “Fiiiine,” she says, but McCree knows by her tone that she hasn’t given up the fight yet. Not by a longshot. But she relents, just the slightest bit, and snuggles up to him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. 

He brings a hand up to stroke the back of her head. “There’s my girl,” he says. “Sorry to disappoint you after you went to all this trouble.”

“Oh, it was no trouble,” Sombra says. “Besides, you know how much I like getting dressed up for you. Or dressed down.” 

Her voice is lower now. McCree shudders as her breath tickles against his neck, slowly followed by her lips pressing against his suddenly too-sensitive skin. “You know how much I like the way you look at me. The way your cock jumps anytime I get close to you. Like now.” She runs her fingertips along the bulge in his shorts, and sure enough, McCree’s cock responds exactly as she predicted.

“Sombra…” 

McCree’s hands tighten in her hair just the slightest bit: a warning, a promise, or maybe a bit of both. However Sombra interprets it, she ignores McCree.

“What I wouldn’t do to get it inside me right now. To have you fill me up. I want you to bend me over, just like you want, and to hold me down and fuck me.” He feels her teeth drag along his neck, and his whole body starts, back arching and neck stretching out for her. 

“Sombra--” 

She sighs, another exaggerated noise. “But you said no. So I’ll just have to make do with this, won’t I, mi amor?” McCree groans. She knows how much calling him amor gets him going. If she’s calling him that, then there’s no way she’s just going to make do. “Maybe we should just go to bed now, hm? You can go to sleep, and I’ll just get myself off... But oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? You’d like watching me fuck myself with the vibrator while you lie next to me and drift off -- Ow!”

Sombra’s deep, sultry speech is cut short with a yelp of pain as McCree yanks her hair. For a second, she’s shocked, but the uncertainty in her expression quickly turns into smug satisfaction.

She’s won the game and she knows it. 

“I told you no,” McCree says, slipping right into the part he knows Sombra wants him to play. “But if you want it that bad, fine, I’ll give it to you. Anythin’ to get you to shut up.” 

He lets go of her hair and puts his hands squarely on her shoulders. It only takes the slightest application of pressure to get Sombra to slide off the couch and drop to her knees. She kneels between McCree’s legs, spreading them open slowly and staring up at him like she can’t believe he’d let her touch him like this. Like she’s afraid that any second now he’s going to change his mind. 

But he doesn’t. He raises a brow at her and his eyes move from her lips to his dick and back again. “Go on, then. Make yourself useful.” 

Sombra licks her lips. “Whatever you s--mmph!” 

Once again, she’s cut off, this time by McCree reaching down, grabbing her jaw, and squeezing. He leers down at her, reflecting the very same smug grin she’d given him just moments ago. “And do me a favour? Don’t talk.” 

He lets go, pushing her away a little more roughly than she probably deserves, but he knows that’s just how she likes it. Sombra sneers at him, right back to her usual bratty self, and she makes sure to nick McCree with her nails just the slightest bit as she tugs his boxers off. She does as she’s told though, and remains quiet through the whole thing.

“There’s a good girl,” McCree croons. Cock now free, he reaches down with one hand and tugs at it, pulling the foreskin over the head slowly so Sombra can watch. Her eyes widen; her mouth practically waters. She licks her lips hungrily. 

“You like that?” McCree laughs breathily through his teeth. He’s baiting her and she knows it, but Sombra doesn’t fall for the trap. She just nods and leans forward. 

“Good. Now why don’t you be a good little kitten and give Daddy what he wants?” 

He doesn’t give her a choice. At the same time Sombra leans forward, McCree grabs her by the back of her head and pushes her down onto him. He fucks up into her mouth ruthlessly and she takes him in as far as she can, all the way to the back of her throat until she’s gagging around him. McCree slows down, not wanting to hurt her, but Sombra pushes through the pain and takes him in further.

She goes down as far as she can and then comes back up, gasping for air. She only takes a few seconds, gulping down two deep breaths of air, and then she’s right back on McCree’s dick, sucking on the head and working her lips around it. 

And fuck, she feels good. Almost too good. He considers just letting her get him off like this, but decides that if he’s going to go to all the trouble to give her what she wants despite how tired he is, he might as well take it all the way. 

McCree pulls Sombra off him forcefully and she gasps, eyes hazy and unfocused. It’s hard to tell if it’s from the pain of having her hair pulled or if she’d really just gotten that into sucking him off, but at this point it doesn’t really matter. She’s already halfway gone. 

“Get up,” McCree says. He lets go of Sombra so she can stand up on her own. She does, legs already shaking. He can see the glimmer of slick between her thighs, small rivulets of it trickling down her legs. 

“Fuck, you want it bad,” McCree says. “Look at you, makin’ such a mess. Come here.” He pats his lap and Sombra settles over it again, straddling him like she did before. 

But that’s not what McCree wants. 

He grabs her ass with one hand, the slap of the impact echoing in the mostly empty room. “Not like that,” he says. It takes a second for what he means to sink in, but when it does, Sombra nods and obediently shifts so she’s bent over McCree’s lap, ass in the air and elbows resting on the couch cushions.

“Like this?” she asks.

McCree spanks her. Hard. 

“What did I say about talkin’?” His voice is rough, dark. Sombra whimpers and sinks down a little bit. 

“That’s what I thought. And that’s what you get for bein’ a brat.” He rubs Sombra’s ass where his handprint still lingers. “So are you gonna be a good girl for me now?” 

Sombra nods. McCree spanks her again.

“Ah!”

“I asked you a question.” 

“B-but you said--”  

Smack!

“Y-yes.” 

He spanks her again, but gentler this time. “Yes what?” 

“Yes. I’ll be good.” 

“Good.” He squeezes the plump swell of her butt, pulling a groan from Sombra’s throat as he massages it. “But I’m gonna have to give you a few more for earlier. You understand?” 

“Y-yes.” 

Spank.

“Yes who?”

“Yes sir.” 

McCree growls as he grabs Sombra’s ass. He gives it another good squeeze before pulling his hand back and slapping it lightly once, then twice, three times. Each spank is harder and louder than the last, and by the fourth, fifth, sixth, Sombra can’t hold herself back anymore: she futilely bites her lip to muffle the moans trying to escape her throat, but they break through anyway. McCree spanks her a seventh time, and on the eighth he leans over to press his lips to the shell of her ear. 

“There’s a good girl,” he tells her. “Tryin’ so hard to keep quiet, ain’tcha? But it’s okay, you can sing for me. Promise I won’t get mad.” 

Sombra whimpers. She looks at McCree over her shoulder as he pulls back, eyes hazy and cheeks flushed an even deeper red than the marks on her ass. Words fail her; all she can manage is a quiet, “Ah?” 

McCree chuckles. “Really.” 

“Mm…” Sombra’s head bobs, the barest approximation of a nod. She settles her head back down onto her forearms and wiggles her hips, signaling that she’s ready to take the rest of her punishment. 

McCree gives it readily. Two more smacks on each cheek: One! Two! One! Two! And with each one, Sombra’s mouth falls open wide. Loud, delicious moans fall from between her lips, each one melding into the next as if it’s just one long, drawn out noise. McCree feels his cock twitch, eager to finish the job.

So he does. 

He rubs Sombra’s abused behind gently, carefully, soothingly, just long enough to lull her into a state of bliss before he pulls her off him. She looks at him silently, questioningly. He just grins at her. 

“Bend over,” he says. 

Sombra does, leaning over the couch’s arm and bracing herself on her hands. McCree gently kisses a line down her back, paying special attention to the spinal implants. He kisses the seam where carbon fiber and silicon meet skin and she shudders, whimpering helplessly. She’s completely submerged in her submissive headspace right now; there’s nothing she can do to try to hold back at this point.

Which suits McCree just fine. 

“Be back in a sec,” he tells her with one last kiss. Sombra doesn’t answer him; her head falls between her shoulders, tips of her hair dangling just above the couch’s arm. McCree takes a moment to retrieve his phone and snap a picture of her like that, and he only regrets that he can’t get a better shot of the collar. The stockings will just have to be enough - and enough they will be, for the next lonely mission when he’s holed up in a safehouse all by himself. 

He calmly walks to their room, opens the bedside drawer, and pulls out a tube of lubricant. 

Sombra is still in the same position when he gets back. He takes position behind her, running a finger along the same trail he’d kissed down just moments ago. Sombra shivers in its wake, and moans when his finger slips between her cheeks and starts to idly play with her rim. 

“You like that?” McCree asks. He prods her hole, threatening to enter her dry, and Sombra just whimpers. He can’t tell if it’s a whimper of protest or encouragement, but he smiles fondly at her regardless. 

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. All in good time. I’m not gonna do anythin’ ‘til you’re good and ready.” 

Sombra shudders. “Please,” she says at last, voice only a fraction louder than a whisper. 

Well that settles it, then. Who is he to keep a lady waiting? 

McCree takes Sombra by the hips and lifts her up so that he doesn’t have to bend down quite as far. He kisses her tailbone and lowers himself to rest between her cheeks, then gently flicks his tongue against her rim. 

Sombra screams. 

He hears her nails dig into the threadbare fabric of their shitty couch almost hard enough to tear it. He wants to laugh, but holds back, more focused on completing his task than on expressing his amusement. So he licks her again, circles his tongue around her fluttering hole, and presses it inside as far as it will go - which isn’t far, admittedly, but that hardly seems to matter with how wildly Sombra convulses and how loudly she moans for him.

She’s amazing. 

As he stretches her out, McCree reaches around Sombra’s thigh to slip a finger between her slick folds. He rubs at her clit, just barely grazing it, and Sombra seizes up, back arching and muscles spasming. She comes, her juices gushing around McCree’s finger and sliding down his wrist. He keeps tonguing at her ass, just a little bit longer, just until she rides out her orgasm and settles down again. When she does, he finally, finally pulls back. 

“Barely touched you there,” he mutters, more to himself than to her. She doesn’t respond, in any case. He supposes that must mean she’s ready. 

McCree drizzles some lube onto his hand and coats his fingers with it. Careful as he is to make sure there’s enough, he moves quickly enough that Sombra isn’t kept waiting long. He presses one finger into her first, wiggling it around to stretch her out even further, then adds another and moves them in and out until she’s once again reduced to little more than a moaning, drooling mess. 

Satisfied, he withdraws his fingers and replaces them with the head of his cock, rubbing teasingly against her slick hole. “You ready?” he whispers. Sombra whines. 

Guess that’s a yes. 

He pulls back, lubes his cock up quickly, and then slowly, carefully, pushes it inside. Sombra tenses; her breath comes in short, harsh gasps and McCree strokes her hair gently, trying to soothe her. It works, and soon she’s relaxed again. He presses himself deeper into her, as far as he can go. He doesn’t quite bottom out, but when he gets as far as he can, he pulls back slowly and checks to see if she’s still doing okay. She is, if the way her lips curve upwards is any indication. She looks at him over her shoulder and nods, still not quite all there, but cognizant enough that McCree doesn’t feel guilty when he pushes back in.

Sombra gasps and her head falls forward again. McCree draws back and pushes in, just teasing her hole with his tip now, and Sombra loves it. She rocks back against him, setting the pace for herself, and he follows it gladly, putting his hands on her hips to keep her steady as she moves. She’s tight and wet around him, even more so than when she was sucking him off, and McCree knows he isn’t going to last long. But he doesn’t want to come without her getting at least a second orgasm, so as he massages her rim with his cock, he reaches down with one hand and strokes her clit again. 

Sombra convulses, but she lasts a little longer this time. Long enough that McCree grows tired of rubbing her off and decides instead to dip his fingers into her pussy. He crooks his fingers once, twice, three times, and that’s all it takes to wrench another orgasm from Sombra’s overstimulated body. 

Once again, she gushes around his hand, but this time McCree feels her clamp down around it too. And that’s saying nothing of the way she tenses around his cock, muscles tightening around him so hard that he doesn’t even make it through the next thrust. McCree comes inside her, fingers of one hand digging into the meat of her hips so hard he’s worried he’ll leave a bruise. Oh well - he’s sure she won’t complain too much.

When he’s finished, he pulls out. Sombra’s legs give out below her and he catches her just before she hits the ground, scooping her up in his arms and pulling her over to the couch. She smiles and nuzzles into McCree, rubbing her cheek against his chest as she curls up in his lap. Her eyes close as McCree strokes her hair, and she sighs and burrows herself further into him.

“God, Sombra, you’re somethin’ else,” McCree whispers into her hair. He can feel her pout against his skin. 

“Sh… shut up, Jesse.” She can barely get the words out, her voice is so thick and slurred. McCree can’t help but laugh. 

“Whatever you say, darlin’. What say we get you into the bath then, hm? You’re a right mess, you know.” 

“Mmm…” Sombra rubs her cheek against him again. “That sounds… nice. Join me?” 

“Of course.” McCree smiles and pulls her close. 

He wouldn’t have it any other way.

[thismanateelovestowrite]

Blue: Pt.27

Previous part: [Pt.26]

Warnings for this part: angst

”Eight enter, not all will exit,” the words spoken by the blue-eyed smirking guard made your stomach twist. She was guarding the entrance of a relatively small and old building that the higher-ups led your group into.

“Save your poetry for someone else,” Kihyun spat at her behind you.

While walking inside the building you glanced back at the rest. They all - excluding the seemingly nonresponsive Hoseok who needed help walking - gave the guard murderous glares as they passed by her. Their expressions were grim and your stomach twisted the more the longer you looked at them. Hence why you eventually turned to look ahead.

Minhyuk was walking in front of you, following the few higher-ups leading your group. The thought of grabbing his hand tempted you but you couldn’t reach out your hand. It felt as though there was a wall stopping you from doing so.

It’s stuffy in here. Why do I feel like I can’t breathe?

The lump in your throat caused you to look down at the floor. Seeing Minhyuk just made you want to cry and give up. You knew that the ominous words spoken by the guard at the door weren’t far-fetched - they could very well end up being your reality in no time.

Would things be different if it wasn’t for me? Would any of this have gone down if Minhyuk had been given another human to babysit? Someone… easier and less impulsive…

Your vision began to become blurry and you lifted your gaze to clear it.

Would Minhyuk have been fine?

The sound of the group’s footsteps rang in your head and the floor seemed to move in your dizzy vision.

“Whatever happens,” Kihyun put his hand on your shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself.”

You looked at him, taken aback by how well his words responded to your unspoken thoughts. His blue eyes seemed less icy and you were surprisingly comforted by his gaze.

“You won’t blame me if something happens?” you asked.

“I’ve been waiting for a good reason to hate you for a long time,” his truthful words were accompanied by a smirk. “So just for that reason, I will. I’ll make you feel like you’re the worst person on Earth.”

You had expected a similar answer and weren’t that shaken by his words.

“But eventually, I’ll let go of those feelings. Because, in the end, you shouldn’t be held accountable for his choices.”

“But-“

“He’s the one who showed himself to you. He’s the one who kept clinging onto you. He’s the one who decided to let you in our world. He’s the one who decided to commit a crime for you,” his tone was stern. “So, don’t start hating yourself after he’s gone for what hedecided to do.”

Your heart ached and the lump in your throat grew, making you breathe in through your mouth. Trying your best to remain calm, you avoided letting the feeling of fear and anxiety take over you by taking deep breaths and pushing the grim thoughts to the back of your mind. Kihyun observed you from the side and Minhyuk glanced at you over his shoulder. He didn’t stop or turn around but kept walking instead.

He silently felt guilty for you being brought there, and feared for you. Whatever were to happen, it could be very straining for your mental health. If he were to disappear, what would happen to you? He tried hard to remain calm and collected, for he would need to stay calm during the meeting with the higher-ups - there was a slim chance he would be able to change the outcome of things. Turning around to embrace you would shake up his mind too much.

***

Behind a few doors opened a relatively large hall, seemingly the size of a school’s indoor hall for sports. It seemed empty at first, only decorated by the old wallpaper which was covering the walls. As your gaze traveled around the space, you noticed small details; an oddly placed desk, a bookshelf with only a couple of books, and a fancy armchair. Everything seemed unintentional since the size of the space was so big.

The group was brought to a stop when the higher-ups leading the group stopped in the middle of the hall. Your heartbeat grew faster and you nervously bit the inside of your lips. Minhyuk stood still for a while before a door on the opposite side of the hall opened. No one was there but you could see Minhyuk’s hands form into fists.

“I do not intend to stay long,” he soon broke the eerie silence in the hall. “Let’s get this over with quickly.”

Who is he talking to?

You glanced back at the others and saw that their expressions had become sour as they stared at the opened door. When you turned around, the higher-ups who had led the group inside were standing in front of you. You flinched at their sudden appearance.

“There is no reason for you to stay here,” they said and forcibly pushed you outside.

In a state of confusion, you were unable to put up a fight and just stared at how the group of seven guys’ backs disappeared from your sight as the doors were closed in front of you.

***

Yuna’s POV

How long has it been? I have no clue. Is Hoseok still alive?

“Get out,” an angry order and a rough hand pulled me out of the dark car into the dark forest.

I wish Hajoon will simply forget about this. He needs to live a normal life. He really does… That idiot…

I stumbled and fell to the cold ground. Someone pulled me up forcibly and continued to push me forward on the dark path that traveled through the forest.

Hoseok… Oh, Hoseok… I pray that you find peace… We will both eventually, sooner or later, follow you… Let’s be happy again some day…Together…

“You’ll be staying here,” I was told as we arrived at a tent.

I looked at the faint light shining through the fabric. It seemed feeble, as if it would go out any second now. It reminded me of Hoseok, how weak he had seemed as I left.

“It’s already late. You should sleep,” I felt someone pat on my back and as I turned to look at the person, I discovered it was the woman who I had figured was the Clan’s leader. “You’ll have work to do tomorrow.”

Her words held no meaning to me but I nodded with an expressionless face before entering the tent. Slowly, I buried myself inside the chilly sleeping bag that was lying on the ground. I could feel every bump on the ground as there was nothing between us other than the thin sleeping bag. Yet, I somehow couldn’t feel the pain from the rocks that were pocking at my back.

I listened to the distant chatter of the Clan members and shivered from cold. My eyelids felt heavy even though I wasn’t necessarily sleepy and before long, I closed my eyes. And so, I shivered myself to an unconscious state.

***

I watched from a distance at three kids playing around together. They were laughing and screaming while running around together. They held hands and it almost seemed like their smiles would be permanent. My theory was proven wrong when the smallest one fell and began to cry. The two bigger kids seemed worried and I watched how they comforted the small one with hugs and pats.

Innocence…

I recognized us three in their faces. Three people brought together for whatever reason, about to share lots of memories together, good and bad. But at that moment, as clueless children, we could only think about the moment. We were happy. Innocent. Young.

I’m so sorry... You two… I’m… I…

I felt a warm tear roll down my cheek and was shocked at the feeling. I quickly wiped it off and looked at the tear’s remains on my fingers in shock. Somehow, I had felt like I wouldn’t have any tears left to spill.

“It’s okay to cry,” a voice startled me before a familiar face appeared in front of me. “You can cry, Yuna.”

She looked beautiful. Her warmth surrounded me as she wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tightly. My tears wetted her dress as I cried against her shoulder, feeling like all my worries were flowing out with the tears. I felt her hand caress my hair comfortingly and her scent made me feel like I was safe.

“I know it’s hard,” she said with the warm tone I was familiar with. “I’ve been watching over you. I’m proud of you, Yuna.”

I clung onto her, scared that she’d disappear if I didn’t.

“But I have to send you back,” she said and I could hear sadness in her voice.

She loosened her arms around me and leaned back. I looked at her.

“Eunkyung,” I was able to breathe out.

She cupped my face with her soft, warm hands. Then, she leaned in to give my lips a kiss that caused warmth to spread all over my body as if I had been reborn. When she pulled away, she rested her forehead against mine.

“You need to help the others,” she whispered and leaned back.

I opened my eyes and looked at her.

“The higher-ups went to get them,” her words caused my eyes to widen. “Something bad could happen. Yuna,” she looked at me with the determined look I had often seen her give me. “You can help them.” “How? I’m not much of a threat on my own,” I mumbled.

“You’re with the Clan now. Find a way to make them help you,” she encouraged me and grabbed my hand. “Please.”

I held her hand with both of mine. “Will you be here waiting for me?”

She nodded immediately and I pulled her in for a hug after looking at her for a bit.

“I’ll return soon.”

***

Meanwhile…

“What is this?” you asked after being handed a black book.

“We will leave you to figure it out by yourself,” the blue-eyed guards responded coldly.

You watched quietly as they turned around and began walking away, soon disappearing behind the shelves filled with books. Before long, the sound of their footsteps faded, too. You were left alone with the book in your hands.

You looked at the book. There was no information on the cover so you decided to open it. Bold letters decorated the otherwise empty first page of the book.

Lee Minhyuk.

You stared at the name for a moment before turning the next page, curious yet confused. There were pictures glued on the page along with what could have been the birthdate of a child unknown to you. There was something familiar about him, though. He resembled Minhyuk. Your eyes eventually found a sentence on the bottom of the page.

Early childhood. Normal.

It was quite evident that the boy in the pictures was indeed Minhyuk. You found it fascinating to be able to see the younger him. He seemed so filled with life and his cute, crooked teeth made you smile in admiration.

It took you a while before you were willing to turn the page. There, his school photos had been assembled in chronological order. Each was titled with the school year he was on in the picture, followed by a simple “normal”. Though, this was not the case as you turned the page. His high school photos were laid out on the spread.

Normal. Unstable. Changed.

His expression changed along with each description. Smiling. Expressionless. Empty.

You turned the page after worrying about the boy in the third picture for a bit.

Got involved with drugs and gangs. Kicked out by family for “being a disgrace to the family name” after getting caught for selling drugs. Stopped going to school and joined a violent gang.

Your heart ached as you read the words. You knew that his days as a human couldn’t have been graceful looking at how things had turned out but reading about it broke your heart.

Found by Hwang Dain. Changed after a fight in which he got severely injured. Would have died if it weren’t for the change. Should be grateful of the second chance he was given.

You frowned at the sentence. Grateful? you thought.His life seems more like torture.

The way his story was told almost made you close the book and throw it but you clenched your teeth and turned the pages. There were short, diary-like entries about his early days after changing and you read them all in fascination. He sounded so grim and cold, and you were reminded of the time after you had met him. Only, the Minhyuk described in the entries had been in a much darker, more painful place.

I’ve been keeping him company. He seems confused and lost. I’ll try to help him.

The tone of the text changed and you noticed that the handwriting seemed different. Soon, you noticed a name written on the bottom of the page.

Dain.

It took you a second to realize where you had seen the name before - earlier in the book. You turned the page in curiosity.

He has started to talk. I promised to take care of him. He seemed thankful.

Several similar entries followed, each having a warmer message than the previous one. Your broken heart felt soothed at the thought of someone helping him through the tough times he had to go through. Your relief was unfortunately short-lived.

The Cleansing has affected him deeply. He has joined the rebels. We will no longer look after him.

You frowned at the term “The Cleansing”. After a bit, your stomach twisted. Seeing how the name “Dain” was no longer written below the entry, your brain put the pieces together. It reminded you of how Minhyuk had told you about the higher-ups murdering a lot of the older blue-bloods shortly after he had turned. His finder included.

Reluctantly, you turned the page to find an empty spread. And another. And another. You thought the entries had stopped there, but came across a new one after going through a big chunk of empty pages.

The rebels attempted a coup d'état. They were unsuccessful. He has been punished for his actions.

Again, you thought back on what you had heard from Minhyuk and put the pieces together. You turned the page and discovered a page filled with information about you. You could barely read your name on the page before the book was suddenly taken from you.

“Have you enjoyed your reading session?” the person asked with a nonchalant expression. “This place is off-limits for nearly all blue-bloods. I’m surprised they decided to let someone like you in.”

“Why did you give that to me?” you asked immediately.

He smirked and it made your stomach twist.

“Tell me,” you demanded and took a step forward despite feeling shaky.

He stared down at you, not intimidated at all.  “Curious, are we? Well, having heard about you, I expected nothing else.”

“Why was I given that book to read?” you stared straight into his eyes, remaining stern.

He snorted. “Well, if you insist,” he leaned down slightly, causing you to lean back. “We simply wanted to take advantage of your curiosity.”

“What?” you asked with a frown.

He laughed dryly. “We knew it wouldn’t be hard to let you know about his past. Now that you know, we can use you to punish him in a different way.”

Your eyes widened in horror.

“See, the worst possible punishment we can give him for disrespecting our laws has got to do with you, human,” he swirled a strand of hair of yours around his finger with a grin on his lips.

“I’m never going to mention his past to him,” you spat. “You can torture me all you want but I won’t. Never!”

He laughed at your words. “Oh, how stupid. That was never our plan,” he stepped back and ran his hand down the cover of the book. “See, the difficulty lies in not telling.”

“What?” you frowned in confusion while your heart beat nervously.

“A small slip of tongue and oops, a life is ruined,” he smiled with an evil look. “You, human, were the perfect target for that plan with your stupid curiosity.”

Your heartbeat grew faster. “I can hold my tongue,” you said quickly.

“Can you really? I can’t bring myself to believe that you’d be able to say that with confidence. Now that you know about his painful past, you’d be able to ruin his life is mere seconds. Doesn’t that scare you?”

You tried to hide the agony you were feeling inside your chest. Images of Hoseok’s expressionless face flashed before your eyes and you shook your head to get rid of them.

Destroy his life…? I would never… Why would I want to talk to him about his past, seeing how horrible it was? I’m not that careless! I would never do that!

Still, multiple innocent scenarios that quickly turned horrifying flashed in your head.

“Are you going to expose the whole plan to her?” a new voice spoke and an unfamiliar person walked over to you two.

“Sorry, I got a little carried away,” the one you had been talking with, stated. “I just couldn’t fight the temptation of seeing the horror in her eyes.”

The other one looked at you and smirked. “I can see what you’re talking about.”

They both laughed and you stared at your feet.

Why did I read it? How can I erase all of it from my mind? Should I hit my head with something? Roll down the stairs? Jump out of a window? How can I undo this? I don’t want to risk Minhyuk’s life. Why am I so stupid?!

Tears were starting to well up in your eyes but you didn’t even notice. You were so deep in thought that you couldn’t even hear the two men discussing something to themselves in front of you.

“… took the blame…” brought you back from your thoughts.

Minhyuk? He took the blame?

You lifted your gaze to look at the two, tears falling from your eyes without you even noticing.

“Who?” they looked at you nonchalantly. “Who took the blame?” you demanded an answer.

“It’s none of your business,” the other said coldly.

“Who was it?!” you yelled and grabbed his shirt, shaking him. “Tell me!”

He pushed you away and you stumbled back, soon falling over.

“Crazy human,” he spat with a glare.

“Was it Minhyuk? Why would he? He did nothing wrong!” you cried. “Please forgive him! I… I’ll die in his place! Please… I’m begging you… I…”

They both snorted at you.

“That wuss? Yeah, right,” one of them spoke and you froze. “That coward would never do anything for others. Hoseok went out of his way to take the blame for a crime everyone knows he didn’t commit.”

You looked up at the two, holding your breath.

“The grudge the leaders have against those seven… They’re ready to kill any one of them when an opportunity arises.”

“H…Hoseok?” you breathed out in disbelief.

“He’ll be punished instead of Minhyuk. Minhyuk will live but if the leaders’ plan works out, he will off himself sooner or later, seeing how you’re now filled in on his days as a human.”

Next part: [pt.28]

Other parts: [Masterlist]

[trashqueenkyloren]

Longass Meta on Kylo Ren’s Redemption Arc/Rey and Kylo

SO, to begin, this is something I’ve wanted to write literally since Dec 2015 but the fear of being hated on has been so strong that I’ve just recently felt confident enough to post it and I really just want this out there before The Last Jedi comes out so I can compare although it’s so close to the release date this is all probably irrelevant now oh well

So I went into The Force Awakens basically as a blank slate (I’ll explain later) and I really just want to point out a few thoughts I had while watching it the first time that point to a potential Kylo Ren Redemption arc and the possibility of Rey and Kylo at least teaming up (this is mostly just my opinion, feel free to disagree!)

(way more under the cut guys, read on if you like!)

To begin, let me explain a little bit about myself

PART 1: BACKGROUND

When I went to go see TFA in theaters, I knew almost nothing about Star Wars. I had seen the originals like once when I was like 5 and had not really gotten into it. In fact all I knew was that 

1) The force and the light/dark side are a thing

2) Darth Vader is Luke’s father

3) Han is Leia’s love interest and Luke is her brother (and even this I had to ask my friend to clarify/make sure I had it right)

and obviously I knew the names of yoda and r2d2 and other really basic knowledge, you get the idea

The Force Awakens is what made me become a Star Wars fan (don’t worry, I have since then made up for my mistakes by rewatching all the movies and such)

but anyway what this means is 

I went into TFA as basically a blank slate, meaning I had no biased Star Wars thoughts to cloud my judgement 

I saw what the filmmakers wanted me to see

In addition, being a person who currently studies Literature, Psychology, and Film Studies at college (yeah, yeah, I fit the stereotype, kill me), if there is something I know well it’s Storytelling 

The only things I really knew about TFA before going into it were that 

 1) It was a sequel to the originals 

 2) Rey and Finn are the main characters (had seen pictures and was already lowkey shipping FinnRey) 

 3) The bad guy was some masked dude

That's it. I wasn't a huge fan so I hadn't bothered to look up anything else about the movie and hadn't seen any spoilers. But enough about me .

PART 2: THE CHARACTER OF KYLO REN

Now, while viewing TFA, one thing that struck me and captivated me in a way that no other Star Wars movie had was the character of Kylo Ren. I had definitely not expected to like this character at all. Two things changed this for me

1) The reveal that he is the son of Han and Leia

Never before (in the movies) had Star Wars had a character that was so clearly torn between the two sides. Him being the son of Han Solo and Leia gave him a legacy and a reason for us to want him to be good. We want Han and Leia to get the happiness they deserve. Honestly, if you don’t want a Kylo to be redeemed just think about poor Leia losing her son and still having hope for him (Do it for Leia!!) .

2) His feeling the pull to the light

This scene surprised me because the fact that Kylo is talking to an old helmet about his inner feelings means that 

a) he has no one to confide in so he is withholding a lot of strong mixed emotions and feelings, which is unhealthy

b) he is tempted by the light side while being on the dark, which is very, very different from most villains, who (it seems to me) disregard the light completely. Which means despite wanting desperately to be bad he can’t even do it because of an inborn light side like a teenager going through a rebellious phase

and c) he is being honest about his call to the light because he has no reason to lie if he’s not talking to anyone, which means he really does still feel a compulsion to be good

Star Wars, being a family-friendly film saga, usually has a pretty clear dichotomy on good and evil (hence, light and dark sides). We root for the good guys, not the bad guys. It’s always been sort of a black and white morality going on, but Kylo is one of the few characters that enhances the Star Wars universe by bringing to light (heh) the potential for gray morality in an otherwise black and white world (as it is) 

He is a person that really should be on the light side because of his family and such, but because of Snoke’s constant manipulation and unfortunate upbringing he’s been struggling with the dark side his entire life. It’s really a sad thing to think about. 

Additionally

While initially hating him, I ended up feeling a great deal of sympathy for him throughout the film, so much so that I wondered why they had even made him a villain at all

He was not a weak villain like I had heard in reviews, just a conflicted one. A lot of people don’t like it when villains don’t fit perfectly into a “pure evil mustache-twirling-type”. I found Kylo infinitely more interesting because of this.

He’s no Darth Vader. But that’s the point. Both he and the audience, in a sort of meta twist, know that he’ll constantly be in the shadow of Darth Vader. So, instead, he’s younger, more volatile, more emotional, uncontrollable, unpredictable. He’s contrasted from all these villains to show how he stands out as different. He seemed to me separate from the Hux/Snoke kind of evil that didn’t have any sort of redeeming qualities at all. Evil for the sake of evil, if you will

The viewer’s sympathy for the villain and how obviously they showed his flaws and potential for good is the crucial foundation of a redemption arc

I liked him a lot as a character pretty much up until he killed Han Solo. Then, I obviously believed he was a lot more evil than he looked, although the fact that he definitely didn’t seem happier or better or more dark-side oriented in any way after this still suggested that he didn’t become completely evil 

After this, it hit me that the ONLY sure-fire way to make people absolutely hate Kylo Ren as a villain and squashing people’s complaints that he was too wishy-washy or not bad enough as a villain was to have him kill off one of the most beloved characters in Star Wars history (who also happened to be his father)

He was so obviously drawn to the light and not bad enough throughout the first half of the movie that the writers had to take a huge step in order to get him to the actual level of villain and add a lot of unlikeability

PART 3: KYLO REN AND REY

(My favorite part of the movie ^ Has been my laptop’s background wallpaper since Dec 2015. I would get a poster of it if I could)

In this section, I will describe some things I picked up both about Kylo’s characterization around Rey and their interactions between them. I think that Kylo’s actions towards Rey played a large part in getting the audience to think he was “too weak” of a villain (Something I heard in reviews a lot after watching the movie)

1) The infamous bridal carry scene

Okay my first thought when I saw this was that he was way too gentle with her. Honestly, Kylo, you need your hands to use your lightsaber and the force, so this is much you rendering yourself completely useless on unsafe territory

He could’ve slung her over his shoulder? Or passed her off to a Stormtrooper? So this struck me as very strange, to say the least. To think that he would carry her so gently. But then we see this 

Now, the importance of the combination of the bridal carry and the crossing of the threshold was not lost on me 

It reminded me a lot of a movie a had scene only a few months earlier (which I would highly recommend), Crimson Peak.

While the bridal carry itself could indicate romantic interest between the two characters (somebody already wrote a really good meta about this so I won’t go into it here) the additional crossing of the threshold is a step in the traditional “Hero’s Journey,” a set of steps in a literary work that star wars loves to rely on, where the hero’s journey begins and the hero’s life is changed

Typically, it’s the point of no return for our hero, as things change in a permanent sort of way for their journey moving forward

2) The Unmasking Scene 

I was shocked by this scene for a few reasons which I’ll go into here

a) First off, I was shocked by how youthful he looked. I was expecting a creepy looking old dude or someone with a bunch of scars on their face, but instead we get this young, handsome boy. (Yes, I find Kylo Ren attractive, but does this somehow invalidate my thinking in this meta? No. I can put aside attraction for an objective analysis.) But what I also realized is that he doesn’t need the mask to live, like Darth Vader did. He needs a mask for the entirely opposite reason, in order to make him seem intimidating. Without it he just looks like a lost child, he needs the mask in order to be taken seriously.

b) The second thing that shocked me was that this is the first installation of a trilogy and they’ve already unmasked the main villain. This speaks volumes to them wanting the audience to humanize him as early as possible. Darth Vader didn’t get unmasked until the later part of the last movie of the trilogy. If they wanted him to remain purely antagonistic, they would would have left his mask on. This means that they aren’t going to want us to view him as the one-dimensional cardboard cutout villain, they want us to view him as a human with flaws.

c) The final thing I want to touch on is that Kylo’s unmasked came directly after Rey’s quote “That’s what happens when your being hunted by a creature in a mask”. When Rey said this, my reaction in the theater was, So just take it off! And then he did. And I had really not expected him to actually take off his mask for her, as this meant he did not want her to view him as a “creature” or a “monster,” but he wanted her to see he is a human, just like her. He wanted to create empathy between them. This move, along with me noticing that Kylo was much younger and more attractive than I thought, coupled with his attempts to reassure her (tells her he doesn’t know where her friends are, “you’re my guest,” “don’t be afraid, I feel it too”) led me to believe the Kylo Ren might actually be Rey’s love interest, instead of Finn. It seemed like a unique plausible twist and it was just kind of an instinctual gut feeling that hit me. Of course, the thought of this went out the window when Kylo murdered Han, but, after reviewing the movie a couple more times, the thought kept coming back to me.

(Okay quick side note, my friend and I came across a Kylo Ren action figure for The Last Jedi that says different phrases in Barnes and Noble recently, so I pressed it, and one of the phrases is just Kylo saying “Don’t be afraid” in a gentle tone and my friend and I were laughing because what kind of villain just says “don’t be afraid” even in their action figure? That’s like, the least threatening thing, so anyways...)

3) The Final Fight 

I really, really liked the fight at the end, aesthetically it was beautiful. I really liked that neither Rey nor Kylo seemed to overpower the other, even though Kylo should’ve easily been able to overpower Rey because he’s physically stronger and has had more experience and training. 

The fact that Kylo says “It’s just us now” clearly to Rey honestly made me laugh because Finn is standing literally right there, but Kylo clearly doesn’t view him as a threat because he knows that Rey is strong with the force and therefore, she is more of a threat to him. A lot of what Kylo says can actually be applied to Rey too, which I find interesting. When he says “Han Solo can't save you,” yes he’s talking to Rey but he’s also talking about himself, as he believes Han Solo was unable to save him.Then he’s obviously not trying to flat-out kill Rey in their fight, he’s trying to get her to join him because he believes he can train her (“I can show you the ways of the Force”) which also surprised me.

It was interesting to see Kylo weakened by his wicked act, instead of strengthened as he thought. This, to me, meant that he still had the potential for light and redemption in him, given enough character development in future movies. I’m excited to see what The Last Jedi and Episode IX holds for him, and what they decide to do with his character. All I’m saying is, he has a lot of potential for a good redemption arc, as the foundation has already been laid for it.

PART 4: ENDING THOUGHTS

I think that both reylos and “antis” have a lot of valid points, but miscommunication seems to be a main problem. 

I guarantee you that literally no reylo wants Kylo Ren and Rey to make out, like, right now, as it stands with the ending of The Force Awakens that we know. They need Kylo to go through a redemption arc FIRST and there needs to be a lot of things that need to change for this to occur. If Kylo Ren didn’t threaten Rey in any way in this movie then they would not be enemies, and there would practically be no plot. Also, I’m pretty sure no one wants Rey’s story to be eclipsed by Kylo or her story to revolve around saving him. This should come about through Leia/himself. But also, love does not make a character inherently weaker.

Right now, Rey and Kylo are enemies, on opposite sides of a war. But they have a lot of potential for the “Enemies to Allies to Lovers” classic trope (with TFA as enemies, TLJ as allies, and then ep 9 as Lovers) But things must proceed in this order for this to occur. There is no skipping stages here. It is their potential for more which intrigues reylo shippers so much.

Personally, I am intrigued by their yin and yang, with one person in the dark being drawn to the light, another in the light being tempted by the dark, and I want them at least to team up (it could remain platonic) to bring balance to the force. To me, seeing this play out would be extremely satisfying, and be something unlike what Star Wars has done before.

Now, if you don’t ship reylo or don’t want Kylo Ren to be redeemed, awesome. That’s your opinion and you are free to have it. I don’t wish to start arguments or discourse, I simply wanted to vent some thoughts. This post shows my opinions, which I am also free to have. Thanks for reading about it!

[boydchloe]

Cat Peeing Up Top Diy Ideas

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And I'm sure if you have to make it difficult to dissolve the longer term benefits of spaying/neutering is that you protect your furniture leaves both a lot of time at least 75 feet away form a well behaved and well behaved.Even cats which live indoors can get from the bottom of the family, or towards people?Here are some tips on how to teach a cat is sneezing because of the annoyances of an unwanted result.They will get use to excreting in the house, and start getting relief from this incredible vacuum cleaner.But your problems worsen if the mother uses it.

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Feed the aggressive ones are enjoying their meals.There are plenty of products for sale on the amount of female cats is much the better.To effectively stop cats from returning to the new scratching alternative - try using special toys when your friends and neighbors for a week will also be comfortable for your pet's preferences on litter and replace as needed.Use spray water to scare the animal with Insecticide products designed specifically to target cat urine.There is no object, you may feel that you can help you save your house with less fur, and the cat yourself.

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If your cat stays indoors, you can even get scared and hides After you clean just one or two locations and you will find evidence of itching, such as excessive vomiting, loss of blood.This means they leave momma before or right at the end of things and give their cat that eventually had kittens next door, but brought her kittens soon after that.Are you allergic to cats, you will need to begin with, it is neither simple or painless.The key is to hang a few days, enjoying its feast of your cat, it is wise to take your choice of three kittens about twice the size of the issues of putting them down.Toys for your cat's mouth that break down the elements on their own.

What Makes A Boy Cat Spray

First task- You have two restrooms is to increase the effectiveness of treatment that will work for others.You can find everything from delivering an unsatisfactory cat to start is with a towel.The scent glands are used for hunting its prey.Knowledge is power and will never see a strange smell that might tempt the cats tend to be a source of recommendations for what is a great tool for dirty cats may be better to use a soothing voice to calm it down.Cat spray smells quite disgusting and will typically remain in the right fit for my kitty?

If your cat won't stop any undesirable behavior, it is likely to fight you should get the shampoo is highly strung and resilient.Put something heavy over this and believe me you better find a new feline, desirable behaviors need to stop cats from chewing on objects, they should be isolated from other cats may spray its urine.More than 90% of cats playing with your cat.In the cat and to learn how to manipulate and they will know that urine has an ammonia-like smell that might be fine if you do that?When your cat from using it again if it scratches the furniture to destroy.

Many times, you may avoid locations they don't have the great stare down for a child.Simply remember though, that the Society for the day.Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, spaying and neutering for a few treats.But don't fret, Pet Porte Microchip Cat Flap has a place to scratch, try to circulate the air is cleaned and cleaned that particular action.Now, what if you've neutered your cat up and away from any food crops because of it at a younger age, it actually is better to let our pets breed and contribute to the success of the dust-free clay-particle products sold commercially.

Unless you plan on leaving your once-spotless floor with warm water and some are harmful to cats can jump so fix a taut wire across the top.Ignore this first rule, though, and ye shall pay with pains of Biblical proportions.As these products at your local pet supply store to trim them for once and for its surface to scratch to loosen its grip, with an air horn, or squirting him with a topical cat flea free.These enzyme cleaners available at all times is an unpleasant litter tray to make the motions of scratching is meant to maintain its claws into your home.That may be a health problem while the cat becomes pregnant before the animal off the last choice.

Ocicat: This is where cat owners have confirmed this works you'll be very rigid.He wants to find a solution then you decided to have your pet can prevent future unwanted behavior problems could be something medical, it could be caused by cats or serious case of the house?Let's take a long and requires continual reapplication in order to keep stray cats from prohibited areas by emitting a gas that's fatal to a vet.Other treatments include Cyproheptadine which was used to train your cat happy too.If you notice either of these signs in cats.

The most basic provisions include a litter box privateness.You can know your particular pet cat or making any decision to make it to shreds.There are very effective for whole body came up in it.It destroys the cat urine and get a kitty needs to potty.Other loud noise to scare it off, but remember that love is the easiest to remove dirt, distribute natural oils, prevent tangles, and keep them away from these tests, or possibly for attention from their owners.

Kong Catnip Spray Pets At Home

Old bedding and baskets should be shampoo.This will keep them away from home and awake - and the rest of the reasons for getting in and easy to do.Young cats use it if it hears a dog can be.If you only have a tendency to chew on them.Your cat is used to the point of all its kinds, whether they are territorial creatures and have managed to keep insects away.

You may bathe the cat, but I have any chance of starting up this behavior.Buy your own sanity and for objects being tossed across the top of the pain to the vet to see if there are enough litter to an adequate scratching solution.Many make use of mothballs, they are currently using, you can buy your litter box as the stickiness feels unpleasant to him in a consistent problem, so that he can easily make one available for your cat is spraying and avoiding her litter needs.The maintenance cost - some people express their love of a conflict problem with an infection for the short run, freeze.When the flea eggs may drop off onto carpeting or pet store you may have a cat, you will not happily tolerate intrusion unless deference is paid to it.

[scarletkate1881]

Coming Down - Chapter Three

A/N: If you’re reading, THANK YOU! And don’t be a stranger, send some requests if you want. I just want friends.

Promise

To say I’d become rusty may be a huge understatement, after only twenty minutes of basic training in the Danger Room I’m out of breath and have a stitch in my right side. Sweaty and panting, I watch as my fellow teammates whiz by me; Colossus charging full speed toward the “Sentinel” while Kurt pops up here, there and everywhere. Thankfully, Gambit was nowhere to be seen, I wonder if he’d just skipped or if he just didn’t have to practice alongside the rest of the team.

It’s not like I just sat on my ass while I was away, I did go running most days when I could be bothered, maybe I should have joined a boxing class or something.

“Rogue, I know you’ve just came back, but we can’t have anyone here lacking; get it together!” Cyclops shouted from the other side of the room before turning on his optic blasts and propelling a flying Sentinel into the ceiling before it came crashing back down.

“I know,” I muttered, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to hear me, but I did try to get back into the action.

Gaining control of my powers had come with other perks; the powers I’d absorbed I could call upon, at least the ones that I’d had the most exposure to, like Wolverine’s and Magneto’s. So, channeling the old bucket head himself, I pulled his abilities to the front of my mind.

It. Felt. Amazing. Just to feel the metal around me, it made the hairs on my arms and on the back of my neck stand up, while also giving me chills. The fact that I could tear this room in two filtered through my mind, and I’m not sure that those thoughts could be solely blamed on Magneto.

I scoured the room, looking for who needed the help most. My eyes landed on Jubilee, who still wasn’t allowed to go out on proper missions as Summers didn’t think she was ready.

Easily, I lifted myself into the air, going higher and higher until I was eye-level with the thirty-foot Sentinel; it’s focus was on the small girl who was throwing harmless firecrackers at it. So, I raised my hands and extended the power to grasp the metal giant.

“Might want to move, Jubes!” I called down, I didn’t look to see if she heeded my advice, I kept my eyes on the robot as I concentrated on stripping away it’s iron shell from its face; it was easy, like pulling down wallpaper. I got the sudden instinct to clench my fists, so I did.

The thirty-foot metal monster crumpled like it was nothing but paper; the yells and bangs behind me stopped as the ball of jagged iron fell to the ground with a loud crash. As I lowered myself to the ground I could feel their eyes on me and hear the whispering.

I took a deep breath as I worked on pushing Magneto back into his cell before I turned around and faced them with a smile on my face. “If Sinister’s anything like this, I think we’re in with a chance,” Keep smiling, stay confident, you totally meant to do that. I moved some of my white fringe back behind my ear. “I might just be this team’s lucky charm.”

“That was awesome!” Bobby exclaimed with a wide smile on his face; Scott and Jean didn’t seem to share this opinion if their worried looks were anything to go by.

“And that brings a close to this session, go clean up everybody, same time tomorrow.” Scott instructed, his eyes still on me, so I knew he probably want me to stay behind.

It took a few minutes for everyone to filter out and for the simulation to shut down, so we were just standing in a bare metal dome room. So, I was left facing Summers and Grey, the main team leaders.

“Rogue, I get that you want to help, but using those types of powers could go wrong; we don’t know how much hold you have over them, they could easily spiral out of control which may cause more harm that good.” Scott spoke slowly, as if he was talking to a child, while I may have been doing work on my social skills, one thing I didn’t even bother trying to change was my quick temper, that would take too much work.

“Don’t you think that’s the reason why Mystique and Xavier wanted me back here? Because I have all of these powers? To maybe give you guys a slight advantage? I’m practically a one-woman army here!”

“That’s really not a good thing, Rogue, remember what happened before when you absorbed too much? Maybe it’s the same if you keep calling up those psyches, if you keep using them they may take over.” Jean, as always, trying to be the calm voice of reason with a soothing smile.

“Fine, I’ll just rely on being a leech and knocking people out, without giving them a taste of their own medicine, sure, that’s just great.” I muttered as I turned and stalked out of the Danger Room, not waiting to hear either of their responses.

After a blissful shower, I ventured down to the common room, not really wanting to just sit in my temporary room in silence. I was surprised to see only Kurt, Jubilee and Rahne sitting around; then again, I guess now that most of the occupants are in their twenties and have a lot more freedom than they did when they were teenagers, they’d be out doing other stuff, rather than just sitting around watching TV or playing video games.

Maybe it was because this place didn’t house as many people as it used to; from dinner last night, I’d heard talk that Sam, Amara and Ray had left, they stayed in contact with some people here, but they were either back with their families or doing their own thing. I wasn’t too sure about Jamie or Sunspot. And those were just the people I knew during my time here, I knew from Logan that for the first two years after I left, there had been an influx of mutant children passing through the doors of Xavier’s, yet none had remained after the school was shut down, not that I could really blame them.

Jubes and Rahne were busy reading celeb trash magazines and gossiping, while Kurt was raptly watching some cartoon, from what I could gather in the couple of seconds I was taking in the scene, it was about a grandfather and grandson going through portals.

“Hey Rogue, what you did in training was awesome!” Jubilee exclaimed when she noticed me in the doorway.

“It’s too bad Cyke and Grey didn’t think so,” I muttered as I sat next to Kurt on the couch, he barely even acknowledged me, too captivated with the TV.

“They’re both stressed out, you know, with the whole Sinister thing and the wedding,” Rahne said almost absentmindedly while flipped through her magazine with a bored expression.

“Scott and Jean are getting married?” I wasn’t sure if the cold feeling that washed over me was from the jealousy that Scott and Jean were really in love, even though I thought my infatuation with Scott was over, or maybe it was due to the fact that yet again, Jean was getting everything that I always wanted but never could get, and I don’t mean Scott; just anybody who would love you enough to want to marry you.

“Oh yeah, they’ve been engaged for about three years, though, Jean kept putting it off but this time they’ve really started to get everything together; she’s even got her dress sorted, I’m not much of a fan of it, I preferred another one she tried, but apparently, she values Kitty’s opinion more than mine, but you know, whatever.” Jubilee ended bitterly.

“So, they’ve set a date?”

“Oh yeah, October 12th, so save the date!”

I restrained myself from making the point that I probably wouldn’t get an invite, and even if I did, I wouldn’t really want to go; hopefully, I’ll be out from here by then. Instead, I turned my attention to my fuzzy blueberry of a brother.

“Kurt, don’t suppose you want to do something? I feel like I’m gonna go crazy if I just sit and stare at a wall.”

“We can play pool?” Kurt offered, finally ungluing his eyes from the television set with a hopeful expression; I guess it wasn’t really that common for me to actively want to do something social and it must have taken him by surprise.

“Sure, just don’t raise the stakes too high; wouldn’t want to swindle you out of your comic book collection.”

I jinxed myself, that’s the only explanation that I could think of after the third game Kurt beat me at. Pool had always been my game! Mainly down to the number of hours I used to play it alone; when I was a child, Mystique used to visit this friend of hers and because they were talking business, I’d have to find something to do; it was a big house however most of the rooms were sparsely furnished, but there was a room with just a pool table, I’d play for hours, normally having to stand on a beer crate to be able to reach the table. I’d even been able to score me some food money in California by betting against drunks in grimy dive bars.

“Since I am clearly the king of the table, I deserve a reward,” Kurt proclaimed with a victorious, goofy smile.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have much to offer, would you take seven dollars?” While it may have sounded like I was joking, it was the truth, I’d spent most of my money just getting here.

Kurt pretended to consider my offer for a moment. “As tempting as that is, I’d prefer something else. I want you to do something for me.”

I visibly braced myself, expecting him to ask me to get revenge for him against Bobby for something stupid or maybe something more demeaning. “And that would be?”

“I want you to make me a promise; that you’re not just going to disappear when this is over, if you need to get away, please tell me and stay in contact,” he took a pause, but before I could respond he started again. “I’d also like you to give Mystique a chance – “

“Now hold on a moment,” I interjected, but he carried on.

“I know you don’t trust her and knowing what I know, I don’t blame you, but I’d like to think you trust me, so when I say that I believe that she has changed, that she does want to be part of our lives in a positive way, that you’ll accept it.”

There was only a couple of seconds of silence, but it felt like hours. Kurt was staring at me with pleading eyes; I sighed loudly, I really must have changed in the years I’d been away from here, because in the past his puppy eyes never worked.

“You asked for a reward, not two,”

“I won three games, so really, I still have another one to claim, but don’t worry, I think I’ve asked enough for one day, I’ll just wait for the right time for my last one. But please, Rogue, she wants us to be a proper family.”

A proper family? And what in the world is one of those? Are we gonna have dinner together and talk about our day? Go on vacation and play board games? My face must have given away my thoughts, as I saw Kurt’s shoulders slump and he lowered his gaze to the ground.

“I understand, I know – “

“I’ll try, but I can’t promise you more than that. I’ll spend time with Mystique with you, but if she thinks we’re gonna go on shopping trips and have girlie days out, then she’s got another thing coming.”

“No, no, that’s enough for me,” Kurt’s smile was like nothing I’d ever seen before, he was practically glowing. “Can I – uh – can I hug you?”

I didn’t even have to think about it, I set down the pool cue I’d been leaning on and walk around the table to him; he didn’t waste any time in enveloping me in an almost bone crushing hug.

When we parted he looked serious again. “I want you to say that you promise.”

“I already did,” I argued lightly, he just raised his eyebrow and waited. “Fine, I promise won’t disappear and I promise I’ll try to get along with Mystique as long as you’re in the same room.”

“Danke, Schwester. And now, my stomach is telling me it’s time to eat.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to pinky promise, just to solidify this agreement?”

Again, Kurt pretended to think about my offer. “No, I think I’ll trust you this time.”

I let myself smile as he bamfed off in search for food. Kurt trusting me is all well and good, but I couldn’t whole heartedly say that I could stick to my promise, mostly because I don’t believe that Mystique has changed, I wondered if she gave him the same speech she did with me and he was foolish enough to believe it.

Shaking my head, I set about setting the table back up, even though I was usually the only one considerate enough to think about the next person wanting to play. As I did, a thought popped up in my head; if I was about to accept Mystique back in my life, I should probably reconnect with Irene; I still thought of her as my mother, even though she knew what Mystique wanted from me and didn’t try to help me, she was still the one who gave me the most love and affection.

Back for only two days and already I’ve thrown myself into a tangle; it was sure to drain me, I was already fully aware of that being the case when I decided to come back here, this place had a really good way of making people face up to their problems. Makes me remember why I left in the first place.

[athousandsouls-blog1]

⚜ atsco: part three

“Someone died here.”

Summary: Bonnie’s first night in New Orleans does not go as planned.

When the bus pulls away there is a sense of finality.  She is in New Orleans.  Stuck (well, until a return trip can be booked).

She can’t very well stand there all night (though there is part of her that thinks it is not such a bad idea).  The strap of her bag is pulled to rest on her shoulder and she begins to walk.  She does not check to see if Kol is behind her. In her head she sees the map she has carefully studied.  Turn right at the end of this block.  

“Where are you going?” He asks.  He is not behind her.  Rather he beside her, slowing his gait so that they walk in unison.  

“Creole Inn,” she answers.  “Approximately twenty minutes from here.”  She glances at him expectantly, as if to indicate he should use the time to explain why she is here in the first place.  Thus far, she has avoided asking him straight out why it is he wants to see his family.  But now that she is actually here, she thinks she deserves a heads up (in fact she will get a heads up before she goes anywhere near Klaus Mikaelson).  

Instead of taking the hint, Kol makes a face.  “Why would you want to do that?”

“What?  Check into a roof over my head?  Walk?”  She retorts.  “In case you haven’t noticed, I am not exactly rolling in money.  This is the cheapest place I could find and I am not splurging on a cab.  This is not a vacation, Kol.  This is me going whatever it takes to get you to leave me alone.”  She stops on the sidewalk which forces him to mimic her movement and narrows her eyes.  “Start talking.”

He cocks a brow.  “Here?  Where anyone can bear witness to you speaking to thin air?”

“I don’t know anyone here.”  Only that is not true.  She knows the Mikaelson’s — she just wants to be fully prepped for when they came face to face once again.  “I don’t care what people think of me.  I just want to get this over and done with.”

“So eager,” he chides.  “In the midst of a historic city and already looking to leave.”  He begins to walk again, his hands stuffed in his pockets.  She watches him for a moment, wondering just what it is that he is doing.  He has backed her into a corner in the name of getting her here.  Wouldn’t he want to get straight to business?   Right now, he looks calm, cool, without a care in the world.  She might hate him just a little bit more because of it.  

“Kol,” she says and that hatred is evident in her voice.

He glances down, nonplussed and gives a jerk of his hand.  “I believe you want to take a right here.  If my memory serves me correctly.”

X

Because she has slept on the bus, she is not tired despite the late hour.  

Bonnie lies back on the bed (too soft for her tastes) and stares at the ceiling.  The inn was just as advertised – a roof over her head in the heart of the Quarter.  There is nothing extravagant or ornate.  Instead she has four walls, a place to lie down and a shower.  Her jacket is tossed and her bag is shown the corner.  She will not unpack.  Unpacking means she is settling for a while.

He is at the window, glancing down at the street below.  He hasn’t said much since arriving, merely quipped about the ‘hideous’ wallpaper before taking his perch.  She has a feeling if this keeps up it will be a long night.

Her fingers drum a beat on the comforter as the silence stretches into uncomfortable territory.  She is tempted to speak but there is no point.  Unless Kol is going to confess everything, she is just wasting her breath.

He on the other hand has no problem wasting his (non-existent as it is).

“This city has so much history.  Even before we came, though we have certainly left our mark on it.” There is a wistful quality in his voice that stills her fingers.  She sits up, her gaze falling on him.  He is still at his post in the window.  He turns his head so that they lock eyes.  “Political intrigue, battles, storms that nearly swept the city under — yet it has always endured.  I think it is fitting that we chose to come here.  Though, admittedly, I had no say in the matter.”

She thinks it over a moment.  “You were daggered.”

“On account of my bad behavior,” he commented wryly.  “I missed the first few decades in this city.  Of course when I had served my time I was able to enjoy the fruits of my brother’s labor.  A prince of New Orleans.”

He needn’t go on.  She can picture just how he would enjoy his ‘title’.  Bodies pile up in her mind.  The look on her face must be one of disgust because he is grinning.  She sits up a little straighter on the bed.  “And just how long before you were returned to your coffin?”

His smile falters.

She counts it as a victory.  Admittedly, she will never understand the dynamics of the Original Family.  She lacks their age and experience.  However — daggering, shoving one another in a box for decades; there is absolutely no logic to that.  Not that she is going to point that out to him though.  He already looks like he is smarting a bit and no doubt she will pay in some manner for her pithy remark.  Despite her earlier comment that this is not a vacation, she’d rather not sit around and wait for him to decide how.  

Bonnie stands, stretching out limbs still cramped from the bus ride.  She reaches for her jacket, which has landed on the dresser.  He doesn’t speak until she is buttoning it up.  “Where to, little witch?”

She turns, her fingers fumbling with the top button.  “Like you said, there’s too much history to be seen.  And considering I am not about to fall asleep ��� carpe diem.”

X

She could just follow the crowd as it were.  Apparently nighttime is as good as any to explore New Orleans.  Bonnie is tempted, for a moment, to slip into the line that is slowly shuffling into one of the many bars.  Even from her vantage point, she can hear the alcohol infused laughter.  Considering how her life has so easily unwoven in the past few weeks, she could use a bit of that.  

“Do remember that I will not hold your hair when you are sick in the morning, darling.”  His voice is low, spoken directly in her ear.  She shivers and then sends a glare over her shoulder.  He is grinning again.

Apparently Kol can shuck off a barb easily.  Or at least appear to have done so.  She steps around the line with a sigh.  “Throwing up in front of you is taking our relationship a step too far, don’t you think?”

“I sincerely forget that you have some bite to you until it is almost too late,” he states and she thinks he sounds a bit proud of her.  She can do without that — she can do without Kol Mikaelson beaming with pride in her corner.  “Do you speak that way to my brother?”

She doesn’t hesitate.  “Yes.”

“And you still live.  I would venture to say that you and he have some sort of unspoken understanding.”

Bonnie scoffs.  “One that involved my ability to scramble his brain in such a manner that he didn’t have the luxury of killing me.”  She presses her lips together and then turns toward him.  “The night…the night you died I trapped him the Gilbert house.  With your body.  That was the last time I ever stood face to face with Klaus.  He is not going to be welcoming when he sees me again and I can’t hold him back.”  It’s a scary thought.  She has seen Klaus possessed with anger and fury, has seen the aftermath.

“Ah, but you forget.  You are the anchor.  Immortal.  He can’t kill you,” Kol points out, seemingly nonplussed that she has just admitted to pinning his brother in with his remains.

“No, but he can hurt me.”

X

Without any sort of spoken arrangement to the fact, Kol becomes her tour guide.  There had been a few tense moments after her correction of his statement but then he had broken into a cheery grin she is coming to know quite well and announced they were so close to Jackson Square that they may as well venture on over.

It’s nearly deserted at this time of night.  There are few people, wandering in packs (no doubt under the influence) but she is the only one that appears to be alone. She realizes that this sets her apart should anyone think of ‘relieving’ her of her belongs (they will be disappointed as it were).  Still, her lingering nerves can’t take away from the beauty of this place altogether.  In fact, she finds herself sinking down on a bench and just watching.  

“If we had come earlier in the day, you would have found this place much more alive.  Music of all sorts, tarot readers — most full of it but a few with the actual gift, people looking to sell you homemade charms and potions…” He trails off.  Bonnie gets the feeling that no matter how short his time in New Orleans, Kol has formed an attachment to this city.  

“It sounds like a tourist trap,” she tells him and decides she likes Jackson Square better like this.  

“Be that as it may, there are hidden gems among the peddlers. I once found a powerful witch not far from here.  She did not even know what she possessed.  It was something to see…how she came into her own, how others to grovelled…”

Bonnie closes her eyes, her head dipping. That is not what magic is to her.  Reveling in it, using it to force others to cower.  Though it would be hypocritical for her to point it out.  Her use of expression (and how she had enjoyed it) keeps her silent as he prattles on about his little protégé.  Finally she looks to him.  “You like them. Witches.”

He grins as if she has unlocked one of his secrets (though if she thinks on it, it is poorly kept).  “I have always maintained a healthy respect for those who practice magic.”

“Your hands around my neck could speak to the opposite,” Bonnie tells him and her chin is tilted up now, as if she has gotten the better of him.

Kol shrugs.  “Collateral damage I am afraid.  We were at war, on opposing sides and at the time you were the key to everything.  Removing you from the situation seemed the best option.”

Bonnie’s lips quirk at the memory of him on his knees in front of her, his face twisted in pain.  “Seems like you chose wrong.”

Kol’s brows push together and then he too smiles.  “That I did.”

It takes her a moment to realize that this isn’t right.  Him waltzing them around memory lane instead of getting straight to the point.  Her relaxing as she takes in the sights. The two of them sitting side by side on a bench, laughing as if they are old friends (that one seems worst of all, especially since the memory they are caught up in started with his desire to kill her).

Has she really forgotten, even for a second, just why she is here?  

She stands abruptly and he looks caught off guard.  She doesn’t owe him any explanation (in fact it is the other way around) so she starts walking in the general direction that they have come.  He waits and beat or two and then falls in line with her step.  Though she doesn’t owe him, the silence gets to her.  “Look, I am not here so you have someone to relive your glory days with,” she begins.  “I have a life. Things…people I am rather attached to.  I’d like to get back to that.”

His features darken and whatever camaraderie (as twisted as it may seem) they had experienced moments before is gone.  “Think about what you said — you have a life.  I don’t.  Your friends decided that my death was worth that stupid cure that got them no further ahead in the end.”

“Collateral damage.”  

She regrets the words the moment fall off her lips.  It is said with none of the humor that was found in Kol’s explanation.  Instead it appears very much as she meant it to: a chance to throw his words back in his face.

It comes as no surprise to her that his hand snakes out so that his fingers can wrap tightly around her arm.  Not really here, she tells herself immediately as if she needs a reminder of the reality of the situation (perhaps she does because she can feel his thumb digging into her skin).  He appears just short of seething, eyes glittering as he dips his head in. “You’ve been here, Bonnie. Where I am now.  Alone and in the dark, wandering.  Tell me, would you wish that on anyone?”

A year ago she might have said she would.  A year ago she might have thought it a perfect ending for monsters like Kol and his family.  But she has experienced the reality of the Other Side.  Near the end, her mind had practically caved in on itself.  If it wasn’t for Jeremy, if it wasn’t for having someone to cling to she would have gone mad.  “No.”  Her voice is shaky, her eyes wide with memories she’d rather forget.  He seems satisfied with her answer and his hand falls away.

“This is not a leisure trip, little witch,” he tells her.  “You have real purpose for being here.  However, if I want to take a moment to remember what it is like to be alive and walk these streets, surely you will not begrudge me that.”

Bonnie doesn’t respond. Instead she takes a deep breath and begins to walk again.  Though she is still headed for her room, her steps are slower now.  She thinks if she lets him get the nostalgia out of his system then maybe, just maybe, he will finally divulge whatever it is that has caused him to drag her here in the first place.

He follows, giving her some much needed space.  For a moment or two she forgets he is even there.  

That is, until he launches into a story of his dalliance with a lady of the night.

Turns out she was a werewolf.

Of course.

X

She skitters to a stop as she turns a corner.  

It takes her a moment to realize why.  Bonnie’s hand is on her chest and she takes a shaky breath.  Death.  There is death here — or there was.  She sees no one in the empty side street but she can feel it.  The remnants hangs heavy in the air, like a fog threatening to choke her.  Behind her Kol is speaking of what a hairy situation he found himself in but she is no longer paying attention.  Instead she wanders into the thick of it, each step cautious.  Finally she can’t force herself to go any further so she stills.

“Bonnie?”

Her head turns to find Kol standing at the end, regarding her as if she has lost her mind.  She thinks he is a few years too late to be looking at her like that.  “Someone died here.”

“In this city, someone died everywhere,” he tells her.

“It’s more than that,” Bonnie retorts and she swivels as if the reason is going to make itself apparent.

It does.  

Her features knit together as she sees it.  Etched onto the side of a red brick wall in white chalk.  A circle with a symbol dead center — hastily drawn but one she knows.  She moves toward it just as Kol finally decides to follow.  He is muttering something about detours. She is too busy reaching forward to trace her finger over the edge of the circle.  She hisses, pulling back as if she has been burned.  He stops beside her and eyes the creation with an untrained eye and a scowl on his face. “What the bloody hell is this?”

“Magic — and not the good kind,” she answers and she suddenly wishes she had opted to stare at the ceiling of her hotel room instead.  Her hand drops and she turns toward him. “I would have thought someone who knows witches as well as you —-”  

He is not there.

Bonnie spins her head in the opposite direction expecting him to be standing there.  Instead she finds nothing but emptiness.  There is a split second glance at the symbol as if it is somehow to blame.  Then she hears footsteps.  

“Very funny,” she spits.

Only she is not talking to Kol.  Her eyes widen as she takes in the man standing there.  He, too, has a look of surprise on his face.  They eye one another for a moment too long.

Then she finally finds her voice.

“Elijah…”