#stop assuming bottom is helpless and always good challenge

[fujoshimayor]

Not the girlies turning on Jo after this latest episode of Wetsand. Why are readers so married to green flags/red flag dichotomies? Anyhow I think this makes Jo somewhat interesting now that he's becoming a little more possessive. TJ betta watch out.

[donutloverxo]

No more waiting

Please note that my work is not to be reposted or published anywhere other than my Tumblr or AO3 account without my permission. Reblogs are most welcome though!

Note - Part two to Pink Lady.

Dividers by @whimsicalrogers

Summary - Andy is determined to wait. But will he be able to?

Warnings - 18+ only smut (m/f), professor/student relationship, unprotected sex, dom Andy, many mentions of spanking but no actual spanking, sir kink.

Pairing - Andy Barber x reader

Word count - 3320

Masterlist is linked in the bio!

You groaned as you tossed out yet another piece of clothing. Professor Barber had asked you to come to his house, so he could give you ‘private lessons’. Obviously, you had no interest in actually studying. Especially with a man who looks like Andy Barber. You intended on milking the time you did have with him by getting what you wanted.

You settled on a tight skirt that hadn’t fit you in years. It was sexy enough to be enticing but innocent enough that you could claim plausible deniability.

You are not trying to tease him. You would never! You’re just wearing a normal skirt and taking lessons like the diligent and sincere student that you are.

You whistled lowly, pulling over in front of his house, impressed by the sheer size of it. He was an actual adult with a big, sophisticated house in the suburbs. The most valuable thing you owned was a Louis Vuitton bag an ex gave you.

You couldn’t be intimidated. Not now, when you were in this deep. Checking your lipstick one last time you rang the bell, holding your books up and eagerly waiting.

After a minute he opened the door. Leaning over the frame and examining you.

You felt butterflies pool in your stomach at his casual loungewear. His sleeves rolled up, exposing his tones arms to you and those dark jeans hugging him so perfectly. You really couldn’t decide if you preferred this or those business suits.

“You’re late.” he scolded you as you rolled your eyes. Of course that’s the first thing he'd say to you. “What have I said about rolling your eyes at me?” he cocked his head to the side, as if daring you to provoke him.

You hummed in thought, “I don’t remember.... Oh yes!” you beamed as if you’d had an epiphany “to do it as often as I can!”

He stared you down for a moment before shaking his head as he chuckled. “Get in here. What am I going to do with you?”

You were about to be a smartass some more, cooking up a dirty response in your head, just to see how far you could push him but then he put his hand on your lower back. You felt shivers run up your spine, goose bumps all over your skin as you squirmed under his touch.

“Is everything okay?” he asked, shutting the door behind you.

You gulped as you nodded, “Yeah, why wouldn’t it be? I’m just here to study.” You laughed to ease your own nerves.

“Go sit on the table,” he instructed.

You pulled out a chair, placing your books on the dining table. He sat in front of you, nursing a beer. “Let’s start. Where do you struggle the most?”

“Can I have one too?” You were about to take the bottle from him to take but he swatted your hands away.

“Absolutely not. You need a clear head to study. And we both know you can’t handle your alcohol.”

You scoffed incredulously, “I can so! And if I can’t have it then neither should you.” you puffed your cheeks before mumbling “beer tastes gross anyway.”

“Why do you have to make everything so difficult?” he groaned pinching the bridge of his nose. “Let’s not forget, I’m doing you a favor here.”

“I know, maybe I could thank you for it.” you licked your lips. Thinking of his heavy cock in your mouth, the biggest you’ve ever had, it was a challenge to deep throat him. You weren’t one to just give it away for free and not expect anything in return. But... anything for professor Barber.

“That’s cute,” he said condescendingly, giving you a fake wide smile. “Now start studying or I’ll have to spank you,” he warned.

“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” you giggled shamelessly, not really understanding how that would be a punishment, but then opened your book when he gave you a stern look.

He got up and walked to the stove check on his sauce. He just needed to get away from you for a moment and take a breather.

He hasn’t thought this through.

His original plan was to tutor you and get your grades up. So that you could graduate and he could ask you out without endangering his job and reputation. He intended to keep his hands to himself till then. One slip up and you both would have to face grave consequences.

The blow job in his office - was a mistake. Although it was too good to be something he mourned or regretted. He should’ve said no but you knew just to push his buttons. Just like the ridiculous schoolgirl skirt you were wearing tonight. Or how your tight shirt and cleavage left nothing to his imagination.

Worse of all was that fucking red lip. He hated that you had tasted him and he couldn’t even kiss you. What he wouldn’t give for just a quick peck.

“Mr Barber,” he heard you call for him and groaned as his cock stirred at your chirpy tone. He loathed just how far gone he was for you. You, sitting up so sweetly with your breasts pushed up together, certainly don’t make it any easier.

“I’m all done. Can we get on to the fun part now? Pretty please?” you cooed batting your lashes at him.

“The fun part is studying - keep telling yourself that and you might actually like it.” he suggested and you rolled your eyes again. He had half a mind to bend you over the table, lift up your skirt and pull down your panties, even though he was pretty sure you weren’t wearing any, and teach you a lesson. “Careful. Or they’ll get stuck up there.” He tapped your forehead with his finger.

“I meant the actual fun part.” Boldly, you reached over and palmed his crotch through his jeans. Not really surprised to find him aroused.

“Stop,” he gritted as he grabbed at your wrist with a bruising grip. “I told you, we’re not doing that. Not till you graduate or I’ll lose my job.”

“What about what we did in your office?” you pouted.

“That was a mistake. You left me no choice.”

You frowned, “Right. I overpowered you because you’re so weak and helpless.”

“Enough. Now study and then we can have dinner.”

“And then we have dessert?” You wiggled your brows suggestively.

“No. Then you drive back to your dorm.” he ignored your pitiful puppy eyes and sat across you, working on his cases. Maybe that would inspire you to actually get some studying done.

“Do you not like law?” he asked after over an hour.

You hummed as you heard him. Too engrossed in studying, you didn’t even register his words. You didn’t remember the last time you had concentrated so well. “Meh. It’s alright I guess. I wouldn’t wanna go to law school though.”

“Then what do you want to do?” he dropped his pen leaning back on the chair, crossing his arms across his chest.

“I don’t know. I guess what you do sounds nice,” you mumbled making notes with your glitter pens.

“Being a DA?”

“Yeah. It just sounds so hard though. Like going to law school and then being an intern for years and then working for like eighty hours a week...”

“Anything worth having is always hard to achieve.” he stated. Aware of how the same applies to his situation. He wants, no needs you, but if he wants to do this the right way - he has to wait.

“I guess you’re right.” you agreed.

After going over your notes and quizzing you, he was satisfied with your progress. He set the table for dinner.

“Good job,” he smiled, feeling his heart swell with pride. “See, you put your mind to something and you can absolutely achieve it.”

You squinted your eyes, “No spanking then?”

He chuckled “Nope. Not for now. I’m your tutor, that’s all.” he said more so to himself, to remember, to have some self control, it will pay off.

“Oh my gosh!” you moaned as the creamy tangy sauce burst your taste buds “I can’t remember the last time I ate something that wasn’t ramen.”

He shook his head “You need to eat better to study better.”

“But I don’t know how to cook!” you whined.

“Then I guess I’ll have you teach you that too.”

He helped you pack your things up, moving as slow as a sloth. Not wanting you to leave just yet. He couldn’t have enough of you. Maybe he’d ask you to stay in the guestroom. He had a perfectly good excuse, it was late. But he wasn’t sure he could trust himself to keep his hands off of you.

“Goodbye then. I’m going to quiz you tomorrow. Don’t forget.” he said walking you to his door. He turned to see you blinking up at him.

He never thought he’d be so smitten with someone so different than him. All his life he dated women his age or older. They suited his old soul much better, none of his relationships really went anywhere, maybe he was too cautious to actually let someone in. To open up enough, to reveal his true self to anyone.

But you were unlike anyone he had ever met, it was as if you were exotic. So bright - almost blinding. So young and sweet. You made him feel things he never thought he could. You could be the proverbial ying to his yang.

“Yeah yeah, I remember,” you waved him off. Still salty that you didn’t get to do any of the naughty stuff you had planned. “Is there something on my face?” You touched your cheek when you caught him staring at you. Letting out a shaky breath and cowering under his predatory gaze.

“I’ll try harder next time!” you panicked, assuming you did a bad job at studying. You tried your best. What else were you supposed to do? The idea of a spanking sounded more scary than sexy to you now.

“Fuck it,” he gritted as he crashed his lips over yours, grabbing your waist and your hip to still you. He invaded your mouth with his tongue, taking his time to explore all your nooks. Sucking your bottom lip between his lips before releasing it with a smack he pulled away. Both of you heaving and trying to catch your breath.

You threw your arms around his neck, pressing hot and quick kisses “I thought we were going to wait,” you said against his lips.

“I can’t. I thought I could. I’m only a man, you know?” he sighed as he pulled you in, exploring your body with his hands “What do you want to do?” As impatient as he was, he would never force himself on you or do anything without your permission.

“I just... I - ” Your cheeks instantly heat up as you stutter. As naughty as your filthy mind was, it had to choose this moment to betray you. “You know, you know! Oh my god,” you smacked your forehead “Are you really gonna make me say it?”

“Yes,” he breathed, leaning down to suck your earlobe “say it.” He peppered butterfly kisses on your jaw and down your neck. Sucking thoroughly on a spot that made you moan.

“Fine!” you huffed. Feeling his fingers ghost over your inner thighs. “Professor – sir, will you please fuck me. As in put your man missile in my special princess place.” you said in a mock seductive tone.

“Don’t sass me.” he groaned, pushing his erection into you, he put his hands on your shoulders to turn you around, lightly smacking your butt he urged you to go upstairs. “Come on, hurry up. We don’t have all night.” You did have all night but his patience, as it often did with you, was running thin.

You made yourself comfortable on his bed, working on his belt and unzipping his pants. “I’ve never been this addicted to a cock before, professor,” you husked pulling him out of his underwear and licking a firm stripe up his slit, his hand holding onto your head. “I hope you know you’re special.” you beamed at him through hooded eyes. Wrapping your lips around his weeping tip, about to swallow him whole but he pushes your head away.

“Right back at ya, honey. Now,” he laid down on his back beside you as you stared at him, so adorably confused, “come sit on my face.”

“What?!” you unintentionally screamed -in delightful horror. It had always been a fantasy of yours, so downright dirty, and you have a chance to do it with your dream man? You would be a fool to turn him down, but you were anxious, that beard between your thighs would be a bit too much for you to handle.

He didn’t give you any time to think about it, grabbing your hips and swiftly placing you on top of his head, “Oh!” you yelped at the coarse feel of his whiskers against your pussy. You held onto his short silky locks for support as he worked on steadying you “That’s - ” you were cut off when he wrapped his mouth around your clit, sucking it harshly.

“You’re already so wet,” The vibrations from his words sent a jolt up your spine “And you’re not wearing any panties,” he tutted before diving back in, determined to not stop until you’re seeing stars.

“Are you really surprised - holy shit,” you gasped as you felt his tongue prodding at your entrance before slipping in. It was so strange and new, the velvety warm feel of it was almost too good. “Oh, I’m gonna come.” you whimpered.

“No,” he pulled away “you don’t come without permission. Is that understood?”

You frantically nod your head, under any other circumstances you would’ve argued, who the hell does he think he is to deny or control your orgasms? But you were putty in his hands and desperate to have that sweet release. “Please, sir, can I come?”

“May I come.” He corrected you “You need to learn some manners.”.

And you had to supress the urge to call him names, “May I come, sir? Please.” you said breathlessly as he lapped you up.

“Yes, you may.”

You sobbed, his fingers digging into your ass and his tongue working magic on you was too good all at once. A string of curses and loud moans left your mouth, your climax hitting you in waves of pleasure, you held onto the headboard as your legs turned into jello.

“That was amazing,” you panted, mewling as he nipped at your sensitive flesh.

You got off of him, kneeling beside him as he got up, his beard drenched in your juices which he rubbed off with the back of his hand. Placing a sloppy kiss on your lips, to make you taste your own arousal, he pushed you down on his mattress and worked on ridding you of your clothes.

You pulled the helm of his shirt up “Off!” you whined. He was too far gone to chastise you so he took off his clothes, throwing them away before he got a good look at you.

He groaned at your naked form. He had thought of you while pleasuring himself more than once. He wouldn’t even be bothered to be ashamed of it. He thought of your lips and small hands wrapped around his girth, how tight and hot your cunt would feel, but most of all how beautiful you’d look when you were completely bare.

He painted a pretty picture in his head, but really, he never could do you any justice. His imagination could never be that strong.

“Is something wrong?” you bashfully averted your eyes from him.

“No. You’re just so... perfect.” he couldn’t come up with a better word.

You scoffed, “You’re just saying that. There are a million things I’d change about myself. I’m not the one who’s perfect!” you frowned. Tempted to touch his defined abs. His broad shoulders and bulky form looked ridiculously big between your legs.

“I don’t have time to argue,” He absolutely would not have you or anyone else, putting you down. Bur right now, his cock was aching to be buried in your heat. If he waited any longer he was afraid he’d burst. He lined his cock up to your entrance, watching intently as he slowly pushed in “but we will have a discussion about that, later.” he groaned as he bottomed out.

“What?” You had no idea what he was even going on about. His cock was stretching you out “It’s too big,” you cried. You felt as if you were being split in half.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. You can handle it. I’ll be gentle.” He was aware that he was much bigger than average. So he stayed inside you for a few moments, letting you get accustomed to his length. He slipped a hand between your joined bodies, spreading your lips open with his fingers.

“Don’t - don’t do that.” Him looking at your pussy like that, when you were so vulnerable before him made you flustered.

“Look,” he told you and you only shook your head. He sternly said your name and ordered you to look again.

You propped yourself up on your elbows, gulping as you sneaked a peek, whimpering at the sight of his girth buried inside you.

“You have such a pretty pussy you know that?” He gushed before making a ‘tch' sound and stilling your hips, stopping your pathetic attempts at wiggling them. “Wait a minute, will you?” he wasn’t done admiring you and savoring you.

“Please,” you begged as tears fell down your cheeks.

He grumbled something under his breath before pulling out of you, his tip still buried in your heat, he pushed back in forcefully.

You threw your head back, clutching your pillow tightly as his hips rutted into you. His pelvis rubbing your swollen clit every time he bottomed out.

“Can I - can I come?” you remembered to ask him even though you were too delirious to even comprehend what you we’re sayings. Everything around you slipped into an abyss. His groans echoing in the room, his bruising grip on your hip, and his cock driving into you again and again, touching all your sweet spots.

You weren’t sure you could stop yourself even if he said no. But you knew he’d never be that mean. You vaguely heard him say ‘yes' before you let go. Clenching around his length as you slapped a hand over your mouth to keep from screaming anymore.

His hips stuttered, pulling his length out of you, he stroked himself above you. Your fucked out state only fuelling his aggressive jerks as spurts of his seed landed on your stomach and your titts.

He held onto your knee, swirling his cum that painted your skin so beautiful with his fingers, “Looks pretty on you,” He smeared some on your nipple before pulling it between his fingers.

“Ouch,” you grimaced as he released it. “Too sensitive right now.” you closed your eyes, already feeling drowsy.

He hummed “I’ll let you sleep for a few hours.” He used his discarded shirt to clean his cum off of you before throwing it away and pulling you in his arms. He nuzzled his nose in your hair, feeling satiated with your soft warm body against him.

“You have god tier stamina, man.” You murmured “Andy, you couldn’t even last a day. What happened to being patient? What will people say?” you giggled, burying your head in his chest.

“That’s Professor Barber to you.” he smiled, kissing your temple. Even tired, you were still a spitfire. He’d deal with all that the next day. “It was worth it.”

Tags will be in the reblog! Click the link in the bio to be join the taglist or shoot me an ask/dm.

Comments and reblogs are really appreciated! ❤❤

[dreamdropxoxo]

22 for the kisses prompt??

Hi and thank you sooo much for the prompt! I loved writing it ❤️ I had so much fun. (I just assumed the prompt was for Laurent/Damen)

The prompt is from the list here. (Original post here)

22. A kiss that is leading to more, but is interrupted by a third party.

“Enter.“ Damen watched the door open with an impassive face. He had no meeting scheduled and whoever would enter now must have convinced his secretary that it was important enough to interrupt him. No easy feat and there were only few people who could manage that.

His father, for one, obviously his mother, Jokaste on a good day, Auguste, Nikandros and-

“Good evening, Damen.“ Laurent entered his office with his usual self-confidence. As if the place belonged to him. The wooden door closed behind him with a soft ‚click‘.

Nothing about this was in any way remarkable. They had met on the job, after all. So, Damen wasn’t surprised about Laurent walking in and not even the time managed to surprise him anymore because they were both used to long hours, very long hours. However, what was rather unusual was Laurent‘s outfit. He didn’t wear his usual suit, but a long, black coat, his black boots disappearing under the hem. Damen sat up straighter without thinking about moving.

Laurent slowly advanced into the office and towards Damen. He appeared unhurried, his fingers trailing over the backrest of an armchair, over Damen’s desk and finally over Damen’s shoulder.

“Good evening, love.“ His own voice sounded rough. He couldn‘t look away from Laurent‘s fluid movements. He looked elegant, unattainable and so very gorgeous, Damen doubted for a fleeting moment that this, right then, right there, was real. 

Laurent‘s fingers grew more insistent against his shoulder and Damen was spun around. Now facing the blond man, who stepped closer between his spread legs. The outsides of his thighs pressed firmly against Damen’s legs. It was unbelievably hot. 

Damen reached out and settled his hands on Laurent‘s hips. 

“Still working, I see.” Laurent placed both hands on Damen’s shoulders. He had shed his jacket some time ago and he could feel the heat of Laurent’s fingers through the tin material of his dress shirt. 

“Not anymore.” Damen angled his face up in the hopes of enticing Laurent to kiss him already. His hands slipped lower and he drew the blond man even closer, until he had to balance on one knee on Damen’s chair. 

He risked one glance down and saw the pale, naked flesh of Laurent’s muscled thigh. The breath caught in his throat. Especially when he followed the expanse of naked skin towards one black stocking, held up by equally black suspenders. 

Damen gulped and looked up again, meeting Laurent’s intense, blue eyes. His pupils were blown and a slight flush tinged his cheeks red. Damen’s brain short-circuited. Laurent’s thigh pressed up against his crotch and he felt himself harden. Laurent smirked, feeling the pressure against his skin without a doubt. 

He leaned down, both hands still supporting his weight on Damen’s shoulders, his fingers were hot like a brand through the shirt. 

Damen couldn’t tear his gaze away from Laurent’s mouth. He knew that right now the world could end and he wouldn’t care. Not with the way hot breath hit his lips and blue eyes bored into him. 

The anticipation was killing him. He was sure he couldn’t stand the tension even one second longer. Laurent’s lips met his right when he thought that.

Like always, Damen marveled at the way Laurent’s mouth fit so perfectly against his own. However, the moment lasted only a second, because he wanted more, he wanted to devour him. Damen moved one hand to Laurent’s hair and pressed their lips together more insistently. He tugged at Laurent’s bottom lip with his own, opened his mouth and bit him lightly. Laurent gasped softly, his grip on Damen’s shoulder’s tightened. 

Breathing hard, and it was still not enough. Damen licked over Laurent’s lip, coaxing his mouth open. He groaned when he felt Laurent’s tongue meeting him and stroking his own. His hand on Laurent’s hip pulled him closer until the other man climbed into his lap. The pressure against his cock was delicious. Almost equally delicious as Laurent’s soft gasp against his mouth. 

He tightened his hold in the silky blond hair and pulled him even closer. He couldn’t stop kissing him. Laurent’s tongue against his felt so good, Damen was afraid he might lose his mind. 

Just when he moved one hand to the belt of Laurent’s coat, the door flew open.

“Damianos, I need-“ Nikandros’ voice trailed off. With some difficulties, Damen wrenched his mouth away from Laurent’s mouth. He was breathing hard, his chest practically heaving, and he knew he had to look completely out of control. He certainly felt like it.

Nikandros gaped at them. In the first moment too shocked to react one way or another. Rapidly, his cheeks darkened and it wasn’t really clear if the flush was caused by anger or embarrassment.

“You… Seriously?” He sounded so done for, Damen felt helpless laughter rise in his chest, but Laurent beat him to a reaction.

“State your business and then get out of here. Damianos is currently otherwise engaged.”

“I can see that, for goodness sake. You know what? I’m going home now. I need to bleach my eyes. For goodness sake, you two are worse than teenagers.” He was still ranting when he left their office and closed the door behind him with a bang.

“Now then, back to the issue at hand.” Laurent raised one challenging eyebrow and ground down on Damen’s still very present erection.

[soul-scenarios]

Onsra | Part XIII [final]

(v.) - to love for the last time; a bittersweet feeling of knowing a love won’t last

Words: 15.8K

Genre: Demon au, heavy angst, smut

Read: For previous chapters, click here: Masterlist

A/N: It’s finally coming to a close! Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy reading the last chapter of Onsra.

“Do you really hate me? I remember when you promised you’d love me no matter what. Haven’t we all made mistakes before? I really am just so sorry, baby. I took the time to seriously reflect on how much I’ve hurt you. I think we should start over.”

Beep

“Why do you keep ignoring me? Answer my calls. I fucking swear... You don’t want to know what I’d do. I’ll tell her everything.”

Beep

“Look, I’m sorry. Please, can you let me see you one more time? I just have to speak with you. That’s all I want, ok? Then, I’ll leave you alone. I’ll leave her alone, that’s what you want, right? I’ll text you when and where to meet. Please be there. If you really ever loved me as much as I loved you, you’ll be there.”

Beep

“You’ll come, won’t you? If not, maybe I’ll have to find her. It won’t be hard. Do you think she’ll be disgusted with you if I tell her everything we did? God knows she wouldn’t still be with you if you did. But wait— Oh, baby, no way. You didn’t tell her? Should I then? What do we think? Should we hurt her? Now that I have your attention... you know I’m serious, you’ll come see me, won’t you?”

Beep

Jungkook’s face pales, brows drawing together as his hand holding his cell phone drops like heavy weights to his side. It was voicemail after voicemail, one torturous one after another. She was going to tell you everything? What did that even mean? What was she going to tell? There was nothing to... absolutely nothing.

For fucks sake, she was just a human after all, and him— a demon. Yet she always managed to pull off making him feel like he was weak, like he was inferior and powerless. Why was it that somehow he was always unexplainably right where she wanted him to be: at her beck and call? While her words shouldn’t have affected him in this way, especially with all that she had put him through, he somehow felt exactly the way she wanted him to should he even consider defying her.

What she felt towards him wasn’t even remotely close to love; it was an obsession. That’s what made her even more dangerous, but he just couldn’t believe even for a second that she’d cause any physical harm to you. He just couldn’t. He wouldn’t allow it.

Jungkook grits his teeth, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he raises his phone, the nonstop buzzing from the device ringing in his ear. His expression hardens when he reads the dreaded text message from her indicating the meeting place and time. As much as he detested the predicament he was in, he didn’t have much of a choice; this was all his fault after all. Was he doing this to protect you? Or to protect himself?

Fear instills in him as he ponders in absolute silence: Was this it? Would you really leave him this time?

You would. Earlier he was able to alleviate any suspicions and worries you had by promising he wouldn’t see her again because there was no need to. If he chose to defy her, Yoojung would hurt you. What would she do? What exactly would she tell you? Would you believe her? If he chose to submit to Yoojung’s demands and you found out, he’d hurt you because he would have misused and betrayed your trust... But that was only if you found out. His eyebrows crease as he squeezes his eyes shut.

I’ll be there. There was just no other way, was there? Jungkook presses his lips firmly together, shoulders dropping as an exhausting and shaky breath escapes. Would you still love him? His feet feel heavy as he begins to head into the classroom. Don’t let her find out. Don’t let her know something is wrong.

He manages to pull his eyes from the floor to see your friend, Jieun, twisting her body to turn around in her seat to tease you no doubt. She had to have been, especially at the way you were tugging at your turtle neck. The weight on his chest seems to lift at just the sound of your soft and melodic voice. He could never really pin point it, but something about your presence always seemed to put him at ease.

Then the thought crosses his mind: what if he had never met you? Perhaps all this could have been avoided if he had chosen someone else to go after, yet at the same time, he couldn’t imagine not having you in his life now. This was selfish of him, he understood that much. You would’ve been fine without knowing of his existence, of demons. You never would have been involved or dragged involuntarily into this mess of his. Maybe you would be dating someone else... something else... someone human.

There was no use thinking that though; there was no turning back. If only he had known earlier, he would have held you a little bit longer, kissed you a little bit harder... Or if he had known just how deep he’d fall in love with you to ultimately just hurt you and lose you... then maybe it would’ve been better off if you were never his.

“I don’t think he’s quite like that,” Jungkook’s train of thoughts are quickly interrupted when he overhears you bark back at Jieun, catching you quickly roll your eyes.

“I don’t even want to know what Jungkook looks like... Oh— speak of the devil,” Your friend raises her eyebrows inquisitively when she spots Jungkook heading in your direction. She turns back around in her seat to face the front of the classroom with a mischievous and sly grin. When he sees you hiding your face with your hands in embarrassment, he can’t help the way his mouth curves up into a genuine smile for you. He always loved how easily embarrassed and flustered you got whenever anyone teased you, whenever he teased you.

“Hey, good morning,” Jungkook mumbles softly, brushing the hair gently behind your ear as he sits down in the seat beside you. Your hands drop to your lap as you cutely pout at him, a clear indication that you were just being made fun of by Jieun. God, you were just so beautiful... Jungkook feels his heart skip a beat in his chest and that’s when he knew he wanted absolutely nothing more than to savor this moment with you.

He can’t help himself and leans over to press his lips gently against your forehead. A pink blush dances across your face and a small laugh escapes your mouth at his endearing act of affection; it was absolute music to his ears. But his facade ultimately falters for a just split second, the smile slipping from his face momentarily as he’s reminded perhaps this would be the last time he would ever hear it. Perhaps this was it...

I’ll be there

—

“Y/N... I can explain.” The demon musters the strength to say, his mouth falling open at the sight of you before him. This was not how it was supposed to happen; You weren’t supposed to be here. The color drains from his face and his mind goes completely blank. He feels his heart and stomach dropping simultaneously.

You couldn’t take your eyes off of what seemed to be utter betrayal before you.

“I’m sure you can,” Your lower lip trembles and your voice shakes as you snap at him. It wasn’t your intention to condemn without hearing him out first, but you were finding it difficult to think straight with Jungkook standing so close to her, with her hands touching him... What were you supposed to think? Your words were more than enough for the demon to look down with what you would’ve assumed to be remorse and shame; any longer and he thought he’d crack and simply fall apart under your pain-filled and murderous gaze.

“She’s fucking lying.” The words are violently spat out with pure, unadulterated rage by the demon.

Lying about what? Did he have any right to say that? He also lied to you about seeing her again. Was that all he had to say to you? Did you even want to know? You watch on in a complete loss for words, before turning to look at the woman standing beside Jungkook.

That devilish, twisted smile you had seen once before spreads like the fucking plague across her small, doll-like face. Her taunting gaze nothing short but piercing as she silently challenges you to speak up, to step forward and approach them both, but you don’t. Your eyes follow hers as she finally breaks eye contact with you, her fist tightening around the bottom of Jungkook’s shirt to pull him closer to her as if to show you who he really belonged to. That didn’t bother you for long as you watched her slowly drape her other hand on her stomach.

“I-I don’t understand,” No, you didn’t want to understand. You feel your knees giving way, as Jungkook takes a step forward instinctively before being stopped by Yoojung. Her hand tightens on his shirt, pulling him back towards her. “D-Don’t. Don’t come any closer. Why? Why are you here? You told me you wanted me to be honest with you. I asked when you were going to see her and you said you weren’t. You were the one to get upset with me because you said I was dishonest. I-I told you how I really felt— that I didn’t want you to go. You should’ve just told me if you wanted to. Why are you here?” Your hand shoots out, palm facing him to stop him in his tracks as your anger slowly settles in. Why didn’t he say anything to you? He didn’t want you to know, was that it? He didn’t trust you?

“He’s here to take responsibility.” Her smile darkens as she quickly chimes in to speak on his behalf before he even had the chance to answer for himself. You couldn’t help but feel helpless as you watched the demon finally speak up for himself.

“I don’t know how many times I have to tell you. What are you not understanding? It’s not fucking mine.” Jungkook retorts through clenched teeth before grabbing her wrist to forcibly remove her hand from him. Her eyes narrow at his action as everything begins to sink in for you all at once...

“Let go. You’re hurting us...” She enunciates the ‘us’ and you watch as he releases her wrist quickly.

Us.

Us?

“No... oh— What the fuck?!” You scream in shock as you begin to step away from both of them. This was madness, what the hell was she going on about? “She’s not... You didn’t...” You couldn’t even find it in you to even say it out loud. It couldn’t be. Just the thought of Yoojung and Jungkook together was vile enough but they... he... No, it couldn’t be.

“I swear to you, I didn’t. We didn’t. God, I wouldn’t do that to you, Y/N, please!” Jungkook shouts abhorrently, eyes pleading with you as he takes another step towards you. Everything was all unraveling and falling apart before him and he felt helpless to it all.

“I don’t understand anymore,” Your voice breaks, tearing your eyes away from the both of them.

“Really? What don’t you understand, Y/N?” Yoojung finally chimes in. “We fucked, simple as that. Is it that hard to believe? Did you think you were special? Is that what he told you when he was screwing you? That he wanted you and only you? Some thing tells me that you believed it.”

“S-Stop...” You cry, knees beginning to buckle. This is what she was good at: getting into people’s head and messing with your emotions. As much as you ddin’t want her words to affect you, it was.

It wasn’t true, it couldn’t be true.

“Oh that’s precious. There’s no way those thoughts didn’t run through your little head when you were with Jungkook. He did so well convincing you. Just look at you. Did he tell you what you wanted to hear? Sorry, but it was only to get his dick wet, to get his temporary fill while he waited for me to come back. You were only a replacement, and that’s all you’ll ever be. This is proof of that. You’ll never take my place. You really thought that he wouldn’t jump at the immediate chance to be intimate with me again? Multiple times at that and it just so happens that now we’re—”

“Please, stop it!” You scream, covering your ears in the hopes to silence once and for all the ringing from her shrill and diabolical voice.

“Shut the fuck up, Yoojung! Will you just shut the fuck up for once with this deranged bull shit?!” The demon raises his voice, his hand curling tightly into a fist by his side as he watches your body beginning to shake, frustrating tears falling down your face. “It’s not true, Y/N. Absolutely nothing she’s saying holds any truth. She’s making this all up. Y/N... please...” He calls your name and hesitantly begins to approach you again. He swallows difficulty, the lump in his throat growing when he realizes you inadvertently were stepping backwards, farther and farther away from him.

Is that all he could say: it’s not true?

“I...” You bite down on your lower lip, hating the fact that you were succumbing to the hurt and letting the words of a notorious manipulator and liar affect you. As much as you didn’t want to believe it, your eyes could not betray you. Not while Yoojung was standing there with her wretched hand on her stomach before you spewing knife cutting words which awoken once more all your insecurities and fears that Jungkook had put to rest. You wanted to run away. Maybe this was all a mistake. Maybe it would hurt less if you just listened to what Taehyung had to say.

“You know me, Y/N... Better than anyone. I wouldn’t do this to you, to us.” His pained voice softens and just as you draw in a deep breath, an ear piercing laughter rips from the back of Yoojung’s throat. She keels over, her arms crossing over her stomach as she continues to burst out in fits of delirious laughter.

“Oh my god. This is just so sad. Oh, how pathetic. She knows you better, Jungkook? How long has she known you for? Oh Y/N... Do you think you know best about his whereabouts 24/7? Well, I’m sorry to break it to you, but when he wasn’t playing the devoted boyfriend role with you, he was underneath me... in me.”

“I didn’t lay a hand on you, and you know that.” He seethes.

“So why are you here? Just tell me why you’re here with her, Jungkook...” You had enough of Yoojung speaking on behalf of him. You weren’t even sure who to direct your anger at anymore.

“Because I knew she would tell you lies if I didn’t meet up with her. She told me she wouldn’t hurt you if I came. She said it was the last time. I didn’t mean for this to happen— you weren’t supposed to be here.” He answers straight away, shoulders dropping in defeat. “You... were supposed to be in class. You weren’t supposed to be here.”

“So you were never going to tell me that you secretly met up with her?” You ask him quietly and as fast as he opens his mouth to object, he closes it, lips pressed together. He didn’t have to answer.

“That’s right,” Yoojung interjects once more with her unnecessary commentary. “So why were you conveniently here, Y/N? Jungkook says you were supposed to be in class, so what were you doing instead? Who were you with instead of attending class like you were supposed to?” Your eyes widen and your breath gets caught in your throat.

Was she trying to corner you?

“I was with Taehyung.” You answer calmly and quietly, refusing to look away from Jungkook and Yoojung as you stare at them head on. You weren’t so sure they heard you from the unexpected lack of reaction from Jungkook.

“Who?” She sneers, her wild smirk spreading from cheek to cheek as she laughs madly. “You were with who now? Say it louder. Go ahead, tell us. Tell us!” You could see her body almost trembling with excitement, like she was getting off on this.

“I was with Taehyung.” 

You didn’t do anything wrong with meeting up with him. You didn’t break Jungkook’s trust, nothing. There was no need to panic, but why did it seem like she knew? Like hearing the name of another demon leave your lips would cause Jungkook to react without question?

She must’ve known you were with him.

Then, was Taehyung somehow involved in this whole thing of his own volition? Could she have forced him? It didn’t make sense. Yoojung.. all of this. Then was he speaking the truth about Jungkook? Or did he have some responsibility in scheming with her?

“You were with Taehyung.” Jungkook’s eyes darken immediately as he repeats what you say. You couldn’t tell if it was disappointment or hurt written on his face by the way his jaw tightened, but if he had anything to say about it you wouldn’t back down. Not after seeing him here with Yoojung; he’d really have the audacity to yell at you for just simply conversing with the other demon? He had no right to be upset if that’s how he felt. 

Yoojung laughs loudly again, breaking your train of thought.

“So you’re fooling around with both Jungkook and Taehyung? Yet you come here all high and mighty asking why Jungkook’s here with me. Look at you getting caught.”

“Caught? I have absolutely nothing to hide. I’ve never fooled around with Taehyung. I’ve never fooled around with him or been anything more than just— acquaintances... contrary to what he said to make you believe that.” You stumble over your words and bite on your lower lip as you look over to make eye contact with Jungkook, directing your attention to him as you continue to speak. “You know we didn’t do anything. You can sense that, can’t you? He just asked to speak with me before class started, that’s all. I saw you and her from the window from where we were standing— from the hallway Taehyung brought me to.”

Your eyes were now pleading with him to understand. If anything, Yoojung must’ve whole heartedly believe that you and Taehyung actually had something going on since that run in between the four of you. Jungkook knew there was nothing going on between you and Taehyung.

You wouldn’t do that to him.

And he wouldn’t do this to you.

“Fuck. Did you get Taehyung involved in this? Was this your plan all along?” He grimaces, hissing under his breath as his attention now focuses on the girl beside him, but she doesn’t answer. “Fucking speak up!” He raises his voice, but her silence and inability to answer says it all.

“Come on now. You think I forced him? He just wanted to show Y/N the truth, about you and me.”

“There is no you and me and there is no us! When will you get that delusion out of your fucking head?”

“Do you really believe her? That nothing happened between them—”

“I do, because I trust her.” Jungkook interrupts her again, refusing to let her finish her sentence. His fists loosen by his side and his shoulders drop as he looks in your direction, refusing to meet your eyes. “She’s given me no reason to stop trusting her.”

“A-And what, Y/N, you believe him? Do you trust him the same way he trusts you? Knowing everything that you do? Please.” She scoffs devilishly from the side and shakes her head slowly as her attention turns from Jungkook to you now. “When will you learn that you’ll be nothing but second best? You can’t possibly think to replace me.”

“I know what it means to be second best. I’ve felt it before. You held a special place in his heart, and for the longest time, and even now still. I was jealous of that, but I’d never want to replace you, especially since you were the person to hurt him so deeply.” Your jaw clenches as you take a step forward. That’s all she was capable of; Manipulative words to feed your biggest insecurities was her tactic. It was to make you feel smaller than her, to feel weak, insignificant and beneath her. She was all talk. “You need to let him go and move on. You’re holding onto whatever you and Jungkook had in the past.”

“You do realize that he is the one who came back to me.”

“After you threatened him!”

“Did I? With what, threatening to expose the truth about us? So who is it that isn’t letting go of the past? Need I remind you that he and I will be sharing a future together?” She challenges, and you look disgustingly at the way her eyes travel down to her stomach again to use as leverage.

“Will you stop fabricating these deranged narratives? There is no way that belongs to me because I. Did. Not. Fuck. You.” Jungkook enunciates each word for emphasis. “I never touched you. I didn’t lay a single hand on you like that. It disgusts me to even think about it.” The demon growls threateningly. A cold chill runs down your spine despite him addressing Yoojung and not yourself. She spins on her heels to face him before jabbing her finger accusingly at him.

“You don’t remember? You wanted this as badly as I did. This whole thing of starting over and this is what we decided on.” She motions to her stomach. “Jungkook. You told me you still loved me. You said you wanted me. It was you who bent me over and had your way with me. You didn’t even want to use a cond—” Yoojung begins before being cut off mid sentence.

A loud and surprised shriek leaves her mouth all of sudden. Even you jump in shock, a scream leaving your own lips as Jungkook’s right fist slams against the brick wall right beside her head. You watch in absolute horror as pieces of mortar and cement fall to the ground from the impact of his fist.

The look on his face was dark and murderous, a look you were unfamiliar with as he stares down at her. With that kind of strength, it wouldn’t take much for him to just simply— you shake the thought from your head quickly. He wouldn’t hurt her... he just wouldn’t.

Oh god.

Jungkook didn’t wince at all from the pain, his body completely numb with rage. He was angry at everything but mostly at himself in believing that there wasn’t a grander scheme in play when he agreed to seeing her. He should’ve known somehow Yoojung would’ve gotten you involved to sever whatever trust left you had in him. This whole thing was his fault for underestimating how truly conniving and manipulative she was. No, he should’ve told you. This is where everything went wrong. He had nothing to hide, so why didn’t he just come straight out and tell you?

“Oh? Now you’re fucking silent? Are you taking me seriously now?” Jungkook chuckles darkly as he tilts his head menacingly and begins to make disapproving tutting noises. “You’re really getting on my last nerves and I’m running out of patience for these fucked up fantasies you’re creating between you and I. What are you trying to accomplish here? Coming to me saying that whatever it is inside you belongs to me when you and I both know I didn’t once lay a hand on you since your unasked return. Did you completely lose it? You were the one who tried to force yourself on me. Either you’re lying, or it belongs to someone else. With your history, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were some other bastard’s, huh? Or maybe you don’t even know who it belongs to? That would be quite something. You think you can just come over here and claim that it’s mine? You’re fucking out of your mind.”

He was completely unrecognizable. This wasn’t the Jungkook you knew. He wasn’t the Jungkook you had grown to love, and that was what scared you. You were finding it increasingly hard to breathe, the air seeming almost thick surrounding the three of you as you stared on at the events unfolding before you.

“J-Jungkook,” You call his name hesitantly but it was rendered inaudible in the demon’s rage.

“Oh? You’re so quiet all of a sudden. Is it finally my turn to talk without interruption?” The demon scoffs under his breath as his free hand slowly creeps up, fingertips trailing up her fragile and small neck tauntingly. Yoojung swallows visibly in fear, but says nothing. His mind was clouded, all he knew was that he wanted to shut her up. How blissful would it be to never have to hear as much as a squeak of his name from her lips. Yes, he was certain he’d like that very much. Then, in much of your horror, an unfamiliar sinister smile spreads across his face. “This is over. How easy it must come to you to spew whatever nonsense comes into that head of yours. Do you think of me as something you can own or can just play around with whenever you want? You think I’m at your disposal? Did you have fun messing around with these mundane human feelings I have? You forget what I am. One more filthy lie, Yoojung, and I won’t hesitate to take these hands and snap that little annoying—”

“Jungkook, stop! That’s enough!” You scream, unable to see this side of him anymore. This wasn’t him. You knew he was angry and you knew he was in pain, but he’d absolutely regret hurting her like this regardless whether or not he felt she deserved it, regardless of what she’s done to him... to you... Tears roll down your face, the icy chills running down your spine not even slightly subsiding due to the dark aura emanating from the demon. “Don’t hurt her. You don’t want to do that. Jungkook, hurting her will do nothing...”

“You’re wrong... You have no idea how badly I want to just...” Anger was still lingering in his eyes, but his hands immediately drop to his side when he sees the tears trickling down Yoojung’s horrified face. He backs away from the frightened girl and exhales sharply, feeling instant regret over losing all sense of control. A defeated and gutted look dawns on his face before he grits his teeth, ripping his eyes away from Yoojung’s figure and not daring to look into yours. “Are you afraid of me now? Do you think I’d hurt even you?” He asks quietly giving you his undivided attention despite not looking in your direction.

Somehow deep down he felt he already knew the answer to that, especially with what just happened now. The decision to come see Yoojung had him already preparing all different types of scenarios in his head, all of them ending with you parting ways and not forgiving him. He broke your trust and saw Yoojung. Hell, she even claimed she was with child— his child. How preposterous. Would you believe what she said over him? As much as he adamantly tried to argue against it, you were going to believe what you wanted to in the end. In fact, he must’ve put the nail on the coffin by letting his emotions get the best of him by threatening Yoojung just now. You deserved better than this.

Yet there you stood, unmoving with your chest heaving up and down as you stare blankly in his direction. Your dainty fingers were fisting your shirt tightly as if clenching your fist tighter would simply put a stop to your incessant shaking. Your inability to answer his question said it all. A grimace quickly forms on his face, his jaw clenching.

“Go on then. You better fucking turn around and don’t look back.” Jungkook forces himself to mutter out. He wasn’t sure why he was telling you this when it was the exact opposite of what he wanted to really say. Please stay with me, Y/N. Don’t leave me. I need you. I’m so sorry. But you don’t move. “Did you hear me? Fucking leave if you’re so scared of me! Just go! You see what I’m capable of. Did you also forget what I was?! You think I’m going to apologize for scaring you? For scaring her? For threatening her life after she’s sought to ruin all that I have? This is who I am. This is what I am. I don’t need your sympathy. I don’t need your pity. I don’t need your acceptance. I don’t fucking need anyone, I don’t need you! Whether you believe me... or trust me after all this doesn’t matter to me anymore.” His voice cracks and his chest aches having said those cruel words, none of it holding any truth.

There was no easy way getting over you, he knew that much. If he had to imagine that you hated him to get through it, he would do just that.

“Is that really what you want me to do? You really want me to leave you just like that?” His ears perk up at your unexpected voice, and he looks your way. His gaze finally meets yours. “I don’t need you to apologize for who you are. I’d never ask that of you. I-I understand you’re angry, but I know you wouldn’t hurt me. You promised.” You take in a deep breath before slowly approaching him, your eyes only breaking away to see what a wreck Yoojung was: Her knees must’ve given in by the way she was sitting slumped to the ground, back pressed against the wall with a hollowness in her eyes as tears continued to run down her face. As horrified as you were to witness such a demonic side to the man you loved, you couldn’t really find it in you to feel sympathetic towards her, especially not with what she’s put him through again.

“D-Don’t come near me.”

“Or you’ll hurt me?”

“Y/N...” Your name is all he can find himself saying when you finally stand before him. You look up at his shaken figure and slowly reach out to take his trembling hand in yours.

You weren’t scared of him.

“You didn’t break anything, did you? It must hurt a lot,” You say quietly while examining his skin torn bloody knuckles. His fingers moved slowly in your hands and you sigh a breath of relief. “Oh... Th-Thank god,” You stammer, tears welling up in your eyes and you weren’t sure whose hands were trembling more— yours or his. After everything that happened just now, your first instincts were to make sure he was alright and that he didn’t hurt himself; what did he do to ever deserve you?

“Y/N...” He mumbles your name softly again as you look up at him through tear filled eyes. “I’m so sorry... Oh god, I’m so fucking sorry... I didn’t mean to— just now I...” He didn’t know what else he could say as he takes his free hand and ashamedly covers his eyes. Jungkook flinches when he feels your warm hand come up to touch his, your dainty fingers gently removing his hand from his face.

“You don’t have to apologize anymore. It’s ok, Jungkook.”

“I don’t get it. I don’t understand you. I don’t understand at all!” The outburst makes you jump as you step away from Jungkook, almost forgetting that Yoojung was still here. The small girl slowly stands, steadying herself before tightening her fists and stamping her feet immaturely. “I don’t get it one bit. H-He went behind your back to see me... We even... You’re supposed to leave him! You’re supposed to—”

“It’s just that I don’t believe you,” You finally answer her.

“I love you the most, Jungkook! All this time, I... I never should have hurt you or cheated on you. I didn’t feel anything with anyone else, like I did with you. I don’t want anyone else to have you if I can’t! I can give you more than she can, just give me another chance. Don’t leave me for her!” She cries erratically. You unconsciously look on with disgust written all over your face, but before you can even echo Jungkook in calling her delusional, someone calls your name.

“Y/N.” Jungkook’s hand inadvertently tightens around yours as you spin on your heel to see the demon standing not too far away from the three of you.

“Taehyung,” Jungkook growls his name under his breath. How dare he show his face here?

“T-Taehyung...” Your stomach drops as you recollect his involvement in Yoojung’s scheme. You had a feeling from Jungkook’s death grip on your hands that he was going to lose it any second now at the other demon’s presence. In return, you give his hand a reassuring squeeze.

“I was wrong. I was blinded by so many things. It was my lack of judgment and I... I just have no excuse for my actions. And for that, I am sorry for my involvement. I never wanted to take part in harming you or hurting you like this, Y/N.” Taehyung’s head hangs low apologetically. “I’m sorry it took me so long, but I’m here to tell the truth.”

“What a convenient time for you to also show up,” Yoojung lets out a laugh. “You’re no better by manipulating and trying to get Y/N to trust you and leave Jungkook for good so that she’d run into your arms instead. No one is going to believe what you have to say.” His eyes narrow but he simply exhales and shrugs his shoulders. He had nothing to lose at this point. She had nothing else on him or to use against him.

“She’s not telling the truth about Jungkook sleeping with her. He never did. She just wanted it to seem that way, and to push it one measure further by saying she was pregnant to get you to leave him. She told me when and where she’d be meeting with him, and told me that this was the last straw— that she was certain you’d leave him after this. It was all meticulously planned out to ensure you were at that very spot with clear visibility of the both of them,” Taehyung looks up to the building, eyes glancing right at the window where both you and him stood not too long ago. “I... I wanted to tell you up there, Y/N, to confess everything, but you left wanting to hear nothing more from me, but from Jungkook himself.”

“Are you fucking serious?!” Yoojung screams mercilessly now. “No one is going to believe you, Kim Taehyung!” But, you did. He had no reason now to fabricate a lie, especially knowing the history he had with Jungkook and with Yoojung. He wasn’t going to protect her.

“Maybe they won’t believe me. But you have to know by now that you’ve clearly underestimated Y/N’s commitment and feelings for Jungkook, and vice versa. Can’t you see that? This is why your plan won’t work... it will never work. Just give it up. I have as well.” Taehyung answers calmly in response.

“I-I can’t... I love him...”

“You’ve hurt him too many times for it to be love.” You turn your attention back to her. “You were just looking to say anything and do just about anything to isolate him, to make him feel alone so that he’d run back to you... so that he’d need you and only you. I’m sorry, but that isn’t love.” After putting him through hell, she had the audacity to still call whatever she was feeling love? The thought was infuriating and you wanted to put her in her place, especially with her fucked up misconstrued idea of love.

“J-Jungkook...” She looks pleadingly at him, hope in her eyes that he would say the opposite of what you had to say. “She doesn’t deserve you! She’s—”

“Yoojung, for your own good, please don’t show up here again.” Jungkook finally speaks up beside you, a calm demeanor washing over him as he squeezes your hand in his. “You can’t be doing this anymore. You need to move on. It’s over. It’s really time you let go of me. Whatever you and I had was in the past. I cannot see a future with you in it, because I really can’t see anyone else but Y/N by my side... I... I really love her.” His voice trails off, eyes distant as he wonders whether anything he just said regarding his future with you would hold true after this. Your mouth falls agape as you watch her finally break with his words, collapsing to her knees speechless with what looks to be acceptance. “And you’re wrong. It’s I, who do not deserve her.”

“Wh-What do you mean you love her? You love her?” Her brown hair cascades over her eyes, her head hanging low and she continues sobbing uncontrollably. Just as you were about to open your mouth to speak, the demon begins to step away, his hand still firmly holding onto yours. “No, no. I-I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I love you, I’m sorry.” She continues, her apologetic chant echoing in your ear as she tries to reach out for grab his wrist. Jungkook swiftly moves aside and forcefully past Taehyung, not giving her even the slightest opportunity to touch him ever again. You try to meet the other demon’s eyes, just for a second... but he couldn’t tear his eyes from the ground. As upset as you wanted to be with him, you couldn’t help but think Taehyung too somehow got manipulated into this.

You say nothing more as you continue to mindlessly follow Jungkook’s foot steps, still hearing the sound of the girl apologizing and crying from far away. She wasn’t following you both though, that’s what surprised you the most. What a huge commotion it was, yet conveniently there were no wandering eyes, that you knew of anyways to have witnessed that whole fiasco.

“Your keys, Y/N,” Jungkook says softly as it snaps you out of your overwhelming thoughts. He removes his hand slowly from yours, stepping back to allow you more than enough space to access the lock on the door. You mumble an ‘oh’ incoherently as you reach into your pocket, realizing that you both were standing before your dorm room. You slowly open your door and spin fast in your heels to quickly look at Jungkook upon noticing no following foot steps behind you; He wasn’t going to come in?

You hold onto the door frame tightly as you watch the demon stand at the entrance way, hands fisted tightly by his side. His dark hair covers his eyes as he actively attempts to avoid looking in your general direction. You feel a tightening yet aching sensation in your chest as you peer outward to look down the hall, wondering out of habit if it was alright for him to be lingering outside of your room for so long.

“Jung—”

“She won’t follow you here... not anymore. You’ll be safe.” He says softly, his chest slowly deflating as he attempts to step away from you.

“But how do you know for sure? I don’t care about her following me, but how do you know she won’t follow you?”

“She won’t. Just trust me. You’re safe now.” At this point you weren’t sure if he was trying to convince you or himself. You sigh, a small breath of relief escaping and you hope he’s right. As you look down, you quickly catch a glimpse of red splotches on the ground. Was that blood?

“Hey! Your hand, Jungkook! You’re still bleeding, here let me—“ Just as you reach out, he backs away fast, flinching away from your touch as he quickly puts his already bruising and bloody fist behind his back. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t feel a sharp pain in your chest at his immediate reaction to reject your touch.

“I’m fine.”

“What? No, you’re not! Let me just—“

“I said I’m fine, stop.” He lies as he continues to reject you and takes another step back. Just what was he doing?

“No, you stop!” Your hand shoots out to grab the front of his shirt, clutching onto the fabric tightly as your lower lip trembles. He doesn’t even have the chance to object or remove your hand as you take a large step forward to close the gap between you both. Your arms reach up to wrap themselves around his torso, wanting nothing more than to hold the broken man before you. Your forehead presses against his chest as you familiarize yourself once more with his beating heart, the thumps against his rib cage quickening as you pull him tighter against you. “Don’t push me away... Don’t go, Jungkook.”

He says nothing for the longest time as you continue to embrace him tightly, afraid if you loosened up and let go even for a second that he’d simply slip away from you. It wasn’t until finally you felt his hand hesitantly come up to caress the back of your head that you loosened your hold on him slightly.

“Please don’t leave, Jungkook,” You whisper against his chest quietly before pulling away slightly to grab hold of his uninjured hand. Your fingers quickly intertwine with his as you begin to back up towards your room now.

Don’t leave? You were telling him not to leave? His chest aches at your words, yet he still refuses to make eye contact with you, a hollow expression and lifeless look on his face. You continue to take small steps backwards, your arm fully extended as you give a little tug to encourage him to come with you. Then finally, he’s lifting his seemingly rooted feet from the ground to take a small step forward.

As soon as he’s fully in your room, you rush to close the door and lock it behind you. Maybe you were afraid maybe he’d change his mind and choose to leave.

“Sit on the bed, Jungkook,” You instruct him, but look on with defeat as he just stands still, completely lost. Not leaving you with any other choice, you pull strongly on his arm with urgency as you force him to sit at the edge of your bed like a child. “Ok, ok. I’m sorry, Jungkook, I don’t know if this is going to help too much but I-I know I must have some bandaids somewhere.” You inhale and exhale deeply before quickly throwing your hair into a messy pony tail to get it out of your face. Jungkook sits quietly and motionless as your hands carelessly scramble through your drawers until you manage to find some ointment and bandaids; they’d have to do for now. “Give me your hand, ok?”

You kneel on the floor, noticing almost immediately how he stubbornly turns his head sideways to avoid your gaze despite being directly in front and below him. You hold out your palm but he was reluctant to receiving any medical help it seemed, refusing to put his hands in yours. You sigh quietly at his childish behavior and reach out to take his hand gently in yours, the blood beginning to dry up slowly alongside his bruised and cut up knuckles as you grab a Kleenex to dab gingerly at it.

“It looks bad. Does it hurt? If I’m pressing too hard on it or it stings, just tell me ok?” You ask, looking up in the hopes for a response. Nothing, not even a nod. It looked awfully painful so you expected him to wince, but all you get is more wretched silence and you try not to feel disheartened. His mouth stays pressed shut. This was unfair for him to give you the silent treatment, and as much as you wanted to express your discontent towards how he was behaving right now, his wounds needed immediate attention.

You try not to get carried away with the ointment you put on his cuts, putting as many bandaids as you could to cover the open wounds. When you’re finally done, you let go of his hand and it stays limp on his lap.

“I tried my best, but I still think you should still see a doctor... it could be fractured, and it would be really bad if you were to get an infection. Do you understand?”

He says nothing, a lifeless look in his avoidant and empty gaze.

The uncalled for silence continues until you simply just can’t take it anymore.

“Look, I don’t know what you want from me, Jungkook. I know we need to talk about what just happened. I want to say, let’s talk when you’re ready, but I just feel like we need to address things now... Can you just talk to me? Say something, please.” You huff in annoyance and swallow nervously, wondering if your attempt to initiate the conversation would do any good if he was insistent on keeping up with this silent treatment. “Hey, ok look, if you’re upset—”

“Why aren’t you more angry with me?” Jungkook finally asks, his voice low and uncertain. “Her accusations that I slept with her—”

“But you didn’t.”

“Did you believe me?”

“What?”

“Did you believe me when I said it?” He asks again, his jaw tightening as he enunciates each word. What was he even trying to get at?

“What’s that supposed to mean?” You challenge him, eyebrows knitting in the center as your eyes narrow.

“Did you believe me when I told you? Or did you only believe that I didn’t sleep with her because Taehyung confirmed it? It makes a difference!”

“What are you even saying? Of course I believed you! Do you even hear yourself? Why else would I had stayed there to take each and every attack and insult Yoojung threw my way? If I didn’t, I would have fucking run away from both her and you. You’re suggesting that I didn’t believe you and rather trusted the words out of Taehyung’s mouth over yours?” He goes silent again.

“But even so, you saw me there with her after I told you I wouldn’t go. You should be furious with me.”

“Are you looking to pick a fight? Do you want to hear me say, I hate you? Or you want me to tell you that I actually don’t believe you and that I trust Taehyung over you? You want me to tell you I’m so angry and that I-I don’t want to be with you anymore? Is that all of what you want to hear me say? Anything more?!” You carelessly stumble over your words in confusion, your voice rising unnecessarily out of frustration towards the end. You didn’t understand him at all. Why was he saying all this? It was as if he was purposely looking for something— anything to punish himself, to make him think you hated him.

“I don’t understand how you could even stomach being here with me. You shouldn’t be here tending to my wounds. You shouldn’t even think to forgive me because I don’t deserve your forgiveness or your kindness. I don’t deserve any of this!” He raises his voice all of a sudden, pain lacing every spoken word. If anything, all of this only proved to him even more just how unworthy and how undeserving he was of someone like you. “So go on then. What are you waiting for? Fucking yell at me. Fucking tell me how angry you feel and how you hate me for having hurt you time and time again... how you feel betrayed and how you deserve more than a fuck up like me. Just tell me to leave.”

Jungkook was breaking your heart.

“Ok, first of all, look at me... Jungkook,” You straighten your back, hands coming forward to press against the sides of his face to make him look at you. “Stop saying I deserve more and that you don’t deserve me... just stop. You keep saying that but I’m right here, aren’t I? I’m still here and it’s my choice to be here with you. Listen to yourself. You’re the one who keeps pushing me away...” You reassure him, your heart aching at the sight of finally meeting eye to eye with him.

“I... I...” He stammers at a loss for words and then he finally breaks down in front of you. Tears fall uncontrollably from the corner of his eyes as his body begins to convulse and tremble as the stress and pressure cracks and washes over him.

“Do you want to hear the truth? You’re right. I felt everything you said the moment I saw Yoojung with you— anger, hurt and betrayal. I felt like I had nothing to worry about because you promised me, but then I saw you with her. She managed to single handedly bring up all my insecurities right in front of me... all the ones you’ve comforted me about and put to rest. I-I wished you would have told me, confided in me. I didn’t know what to think. All I know is that I trusted you and I had to hear your side regardless of what I was seeing, regardless of what I was hearing come out of her mouth. So of course l was upset, Jungkook. Then to hear Yoojung say you slept with her and that she could’ve been pregnant, that hurt the most. I didn’t know what to think anymore.”

“Y/N...”

“Maybe it was you who didn’t trust me...” You whisper softly to him. Jungkook exhales sharply and places his bandaged hand hesitantly over yours.

“It’s not that. Or maybe it’s just... I-I’m so sorry, Y/N. She left me voicemails, threatening for me to meet up with her one last time otherwise she’d say what she could to hurt you. I do trust you, I... I just didn’t want you to worry... I was scared of what she might say, scared you might believe her. Please know that I didn’t sleep with her. I didn’t. And I made a horribly wrong selfish decision to not tell you I was going to see her, even if it was supposed to be the last time. I didn’t want to because I was scared to lose you. I was wrong and it just made things worse.”

“I don’t think we’d be having this conversation if you just told me.” You mumble quietly under your breath, your lips pressed in a thin line and quirking to the side as you watch him slowly nod his head slowly in agreement. “It really made it that much harder to believe you. Thoughts like, why didn’t he say anything? Why is he meeting her here secretly? Was therefore anything she was saying true? Standing there and watching you with her made me feel like, this wasn’t enough for you. I wasn’t enough for you.”

“That’s just so far from the truth. Is that really what you thought? Not enough?”

“How could I not think that at that moment? I know it was just her words getting to me, you know? I guess everything went according to Yoojung’s plan. She wanted me to ‘catch you’, especially if she knew you wouldn’t say anything to me.”

Of course she knew Jungkook wouldn’t say anything to you about meeting up with her, otherwise there would’ve been no need to think he betrayed you... there would be no need to believe that anything she possibly had to say could’ve been remotely the truth.

“I’m so sorry... for everything, Y/N. I should’ve told you. I made a horribly bad decision and I just thought this would be it. One last time and you’d never have to know and that would be it, but then there you were. It was selfish and I should’ve known better. She just kept spewing lies and I felt myself getting so angry with every little thing she had purposefully said in your presence. I just couldn’t take it anymore. The more she spoke, the more I thought it was going to drive you away, that you’d hate me just like she wanted. I’ve never acted out on my anger in that way before. I felt trapped, like I had no other option, and the thing is, I felt like I was in control for once.” Jungkook places both his hands on his lap before hanging his head low apologetically. “I’m sorry, I-I’ll understand if you’re scared of me because of that. Just know I never want you to see me like that again.”

You had never seen that side of him before, that much was true. Carefully, you pull yourself to your feet to sit beside him on the bed. A small sigh leaves your lips as you lean slowly over to your right, your head resting gently against his shoulder.

“I’m not scared of you, Jungkook. Do you think I’d be here right beside you otherwise? I think if anything I feared for her actually, but I didn’t think she was undeserving of your lashing out after all the hurt she’s put you through.” You place your hand in his on his lap, fingers intertwining quickly and you sigh quietly again.

“Why? When everything was working in her favor, why did you—“

“Because I love you.” You say without even the slightest hesitation. “It’s because I love you...” There’s a long drawn out silence before Jungkook slowly moves his shoulder away from you to turn and face you properly.

“Y/N. Do you regret having met me?” His hand unconsciously squeezes yours, waiting for your answer with uncertainty laced across his face. He’d understand if you did.

“No, I don’t,” You reply confidently, taking your other hand to brush at the hair covering his eyes. Jungkook leans into your touch as your finger tips gently trace his cheek, down to his jawline, then over to his slightly parted lips. “To regret meeting you, would mean I regret ever having fallen in love with you, and I don’t regret that.” You feel his jaw tighten as he swallows and adjusts his throat, taking now your hand away from his face.

“Don’t you think your life could’ve been easier without me in it? Without ever knowing of the existence of demons? If I didn’t pursue you for energy and just left you alone when you told me to, you probably could have potentially fallen in love with someone normal... it would’ve prevented all this hurt that I’ve put you through...”

“I don’t think it makes sense to look back and think that way. That’s like if I say, don’t you think your life could’ve been easier without Yoojung in it? I wouldn’t be here if I wanted to even entertain that thought. You’re certain she won’t come find you anymore?” You wouldn’t put it beside her to still persist in trying.

“I don’t think she will,” The demon’s eyebrows furrow and he shakes his head slowly. “Not with the fear I saw in her eyes. I had never seen that look on her face before.” It was probably because he had never shown that side to her before, because he was never able to stand up against her before.

“Good...” You mumble under your breath, a sense a relief washing over both you and Jungkook.

“Honest to god, Y/N, I don’t deserve someone as understanding and kind hearted as you.”

“When are you going to quit saying that?” Your eyebrows furrow and you sit back, hands pressed firmly in your lap now. You hated this mindset he had, always feeling he was inadequate of receiving your love, like he was unworthy of being with you.

“I’ve hurt you so many times even though I keep saying I won’t. What I did in the past even with other girls... I used them and hurt them too. How could I hate Yoojung for what she did, when afterwards I was no different? My actions were inexcusable and I regret having acted that way. I am not good enough for you.” He grits his teeth as he turns away from you in shame. It wasn’t that he was insecure or uneasy about your feelings for him; He was insecure about himself. He just felt like there was someone more deserving of it than him.

“You’re beating yourself up about the past and about what just happened. It’s not like either you nor I can change any of it, so why? You’re not the same as when I first met you either, you know that right? You’ve grown so much, and you’ve changed...”

“Have I? I still—”

“We all make mistakes though. It’s unfair of you to just punish yourself like this.” You reach out to cradle his face in your hands, chest aching again when you see him shy away slightly from your touch. “And don’t compare yourself to her. Because you are caring, you feel remorse and I know how hard it is for you to trust and open up to others. But you’re trying. You’ve come a long way, Jungkook, can’t you see that? The past cannot be changed. Maybe we never would’ve met if it played out any differently than it did. I guess what I’m trying to say is, you deserve to be happy. You do deserve me, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“I don’t want you to go anywhere. I just... Thank you, Y/N...” Jungkook mumbles quietly before reaching up to hold your hand. He gives it a reassuring squeeze, his lips still pressed into a firm line as he exhales quietly. His shoulders falling from the release of tension and he shuts his eyes. “I’ll work hard to make you happy if you let me.” 

“Yeah.” you smile softly, leaning towards him to gently trail your fingers against his jawline.

Jungkook opens his eyes slowly, his hand coming up to hold yours as he leans into your touch.

“I love you.” His genuine eyes meeting yours, and he holds you gaze as you nod in acknowledgement. A small laugh escapes your lips and you press your forehead against his. “I’m really inexplicably in love with you, Y/N... and I just can’t imagine life without you. I’m sorry for trying to push you away earlier. I’m sorry for a lot of things, but still, I love you so much.” He felt like his heart was going to burst and as foreign and out of character as it was, he begins to tear up at the wash of overwhelming happiness and relief you weren’t going anywhere; you were going to stay by his side.

“Jungkook, I love you too.” You murmur softly under your breath as he leans towards you, his lips urgent and finally meeting yours. You kiss him back gently, relishing in the way his mouth fit perfectly with yours, in the way he made you feel just from a simple kiss. Jungkook pulls away slowly, a comforting smile on his face and your heart sings.

“You’ll stay by my side?”

“As long as you’ll stay by mine.”

Jungkook’s smile spreads and he reaches carefully over towards you, placing his thumb gently against your chin to tilt your head upwards before capturing your lips with his again. Your heart races as his mouth moves effortlessly against yours. Your fingers quickly grab hold of the front of his shirt. You fist the fabric tightly before pulling him in your direction, wanting nothing more than to be even closer to him than you already were.

“Ow—” He winces against your lips when you catch him off guard and your eyes fly open. You didn’t realize how hard you had pulled him in your direction, noticing immediately how despite hovering over you now, he was putting a lot of weight on his bruised hand. “I’m sorry, I lost balance just now... my hand...” He murmurs under his breath, licking his lips and wincing again slightly as his chest heaves for air.

“I’m sorry, I was too... too into it,” You mumble shyly under your breath, scooting backwards to sit up with your back pressed against the backboard it your bed. He follows suit, carefully maneuvering to sit beside you.

Jungkook reaches over, pulling the hair tie from your hair and laying it cascade and fall gently down your shoulder. He carefully brushes your hair behind your ear as he brings the strand slowly to his lips.

“You’re so beautiful, Y/N, and I’m so lucky to have you.”

“I’m very lucky too,” You say back to him and reach to take his injured hand carefully in both of yours. You gingerly raise his hand, pressing your lips lovingly and carefully against his bandaged knuckles before setting his hand back down to rest on the bed.

“Is it ok if I... if we just— can I hold you?” He turns to you and stumbles over his words, asking whole heartedly and opening his arms.

Your mouth quirks into a lopsided grin, wondering why he felt like he had to ask. Was the Jeon Jungkook asking to just simply cuddle? Your grin widens at his horribly awkward phrasing and gesture but there was no way you could reject him, especially not with that genuine and hopeful look on his face.

Nonetheless you find yourself nodding and you reach for Jungkook, your arms quickly wrapping around his torso as you melt in his warm and safe embrace. You found comfort in laying against him, your ear pressed gently against his chest listening to his steady heart beat. It wasn’t long until you find yourself closing your eyes.

“Of course,” You whisper, tucking yourself into his arms as you look up to press a loving kiss to his jaw. You peer up sneakily to catch a glimpse of a rare, breath taking smile spread from ear to ear on Jungkook’s face. “Always...”

You had lost track of time laying there, your fingers calmly running through his hair absentmindedly as you listen to Jungkook’s soft snores. Maybe he hadn’t slept well these past couple of nights, especially with everything he was keeping to himself. It must’ve been exhausting and burdening. Somehow he had shifted himself to laying in your arms instead of the other way around initially, his face pressed into the crook of your neck. He looked so at peace sleeping; you couldn’t bring yourself to wake him up, not that there was anything to really wake him up for. Maybe for once he felt completely at ease.

You gently brush the front of his fringe back to press a small kiss onto his forehead, but he didn’t stir even the slightest. Carefully, you lift his draped forearm from your torso and cradle his head until you’re able to slip out from underneath him. You heave a deep breath, placing his head back gently onto your pillow and brushing his hair out of his face. Jungkook continues to snore away contently, his nose twitching ever so slightly and it makes you smile.

He had gone through a lot, hadn’t he? He needed his rest...

“I’ll be right back,” You whisper, quietly slipping on your shoes and heading for your room door. The door squeaks as you pull it towards you to close it as slowly as you could, all while keep lying a close eye on Jungkook continuing to sleep completely undisturbed. A breath of relief escapes your lips as the door clicks with a shut.

You just needed some air, maybe a drink from the vending machine, or maybe just a much needed walk alone. As much as you wanted to tell yourself you fully processed everything that just happened, you just honestly needed a moment now. You lean forward, pressing your head slightly against the closed door and shutting your eyes. A shaky exhale leaves your mouth and you wonder if everything’s going to be ok after this. While you were fairly confident your relationship with Jungkook was going to be ok, there were quite a few other things on your mind.

“Sorry...” A voice comes from behind you as your eyes shoot open, ripping you out of your contemplative thoughts. You spin fast on your heels, back pressed against the door when you recognize fully whose voice that belongs to. Standing not too far from you was none other than Kim Taehyung, his fringe covering his eyes, his hands shoved deep in his pocket with his shoulders hunched over.

“Y-You really shouldn’t be here.” You say hurriedly as you look cautiously around. You couldn’t help wondering if this was another stunt he was pulling, it Yoojung hadn’t given up like Jungkook had confidently thought. Where was she? Was she standing at the end of the hallway? Or the other end?

“And shouldn’t you be in there with him?” Taehyung wearily asks, still not looking up at you as you click your tongue in annoyance. “If you’re looking for her, she’s not here.”

“I don’t owe you any explanation. In fact, I don’t think we owe each other anything. You should go.” You respond sternly. “I’m not really in the mood to argue anymore, especially with you. You understand that right?” You don’t wait for his reply as you begin walking away.

“I’m not here to argue. And you’re wrong, I do owe you an apology at the very least, if you’re willing to hear me out... which I guess you’re not but I....” The demon mumbles under his breath and you sigh, realizing he was trailing behind you, albeit at a distance. “I-I guess I could’ve waited but I felt the need to apologize right away to you.” You stop in your tracks and chew at your lower lip, craning your neck slightly to look at the demon behind you. His mouth was slightly parted as he waited for your reply, as if he was waiting for your permission to proceed.

“I’m listening,” You mumble as you motion your head for him to catch up and walk with you, and exasperated sigh leaving your lips. As upset as you were with him for his involvement, you just couldn’t bear a grudge against him. He had come to apologize, hadn’t he? You could at least hear him out. You cross your arms over your chest, watching Taehyung swiftly catch up to you through the corner of your eye.

“Yoojung approached me after that whole debacle, you know, the one where I mentioned you and I were together upon seeing her and Jungkook together,”

“You know that probably made things worse. I’m pretty sure I told you that.” You mutter as he sheepishly nods. “She had her suspicions already after all,”

“She wanted Jungkook to be hers alone. She figured if you caught him with her for some reason, it would make you leave him and... make you come to me... Saying it out loud is making me realize now how that would never have worked, but I don’t know, I guess she made me believe that it would.” Taehyung covers his mouth with his hand in embarrassment and continues to walk beside you.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, so she decided that whole shitty ordeal about faking a pregnancy in the hopes that it would catch Jungkook and most importantly you off guard. You know, to think he betrayed your trust and all. Thing is, she’d know it was a lie, so would Jungkook. She was just banking on you leaving him after hearing it is all.” It was like you had thought; she wanted to turn you against Jungkook. You sigh before slowly taking a seat at the bottom of your dorm building’s staircase. “I shouldn’t have gone along with it. So I’m sorry. I’m really sorry...” He mumbles, sitting beside you hesitantly eyeing to ensure respectable distance between your body and his.

“So why did you?” You finally ask him with a sigh, hugging your knees to your chest.

“I don’t know, maybe part of me still thought Jungkook wasn’t good for you, that everything I’ve told you about him before still held true to his character now. Because somewhere along the way of teasing you, I guess somehow, I just wanted you to look at me.” Taehyung confessed and your eyes widen as you look over at the demon in shock.

“Um... I...” Oh god. You had absolutely no clue how to answer him now.

“Don’t worry, it’s really nothing I expected a response to. I know and acknowledge your feelings for him.” He chuckles and ruffles the back of his hair. “After all those things I said about Jungkook, not once did your feelings for him sway. You know, truthfully I only approached you initially in order to steal you away. It couldn’t have been anyone else but you, because you’re the one Jungkook wanted. I just... wanted him to know what it felt like, you know? When he took Yoojung away... I guess somewhere along the way, it became more—”

“I can’t respond to your feelings, Taehyung. I-I have to say it.” You blurt out, unable to listen to anything else he had to say as you squeeze your eyes shut. This is not what you were expecting to happen. He had fucked up listening to Yoojung just to try to separate you and Jungkook, yes. He wanted to you for himself, yes, because it was part of some stupid fight and ordeal to get back at Jungkook— but not because he somehow felt something more for you. “I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t... You don’t have to apologize, jeez.” The demon shakes his head. In the end, even if he was the one to hurt you, even if he was the one trying to tear you and Jungkook apart, you were here apologizing to him. You truly were something else. “I realized too late that what I was doing was wrong. I don’t expect for you to forgive me for all those things I said about Jungkook, for all the hurt I ended up putting both of you through. So I’m sorry, Y/N.”

“You know, the one who you should be speaking with is Jungkook.” You rest your chin on your hand and turn to him as he raises an eyebrow. “If you want to apologize, then wouldn’t it be more meaningful if you say it to Jungkook directly? I don’t know if you’re trying to apologize because you feel guilty, but you know, if you speak with Jungkook... As much as you may have hated him in the past, wouldn’t now be best to make amends?” Taehyung says nothing and looks at the ground between his feet.

“He wouldn’t want to speak with me, Y/N, you know that, much less want to hear an apology from me.” Taehyung mutters under his breath and you sigh quietly. “How could he forgive a man for wanting to take away his girl? Or for plotting to with his ex?”

“I mean when you put it that way, all hope seems lost... But you were friends before. I think it’s worth a try,” You answer and tilt your head, your lips curving up slightly. “I do forgive you by the way. You had a change of heart and you’re here apologizing so that’s what matters most to me. It would mean a lot more to me, and to Jungkook I’m sure, if you would speak with him.”

“You forgive easily for someone who tried to assist with tearing you apart from your lover for revenge.”

“Perhaps we’d be having a much different conversation if you had succeeded.” You answer and stand up, Taehyung watching you as you put your hands in your pocket. “So, won’t you also issue this same apology to Jungkook as well? Don’t tell me your ego is preventing you from doing so.” You challenge him and he shakes his head.

“You make it sound like he’ll be receptive towards even wanting to stand in the same room as me voluntarily. I tried to take you away from him... he won’t hear me out, Y/N, seriously.” You simply smile down at him before turning and heading back towards your room. A low grunt leaves Taehyung’s mouth as he stands up, trudging behind you. Why did he have a feeling even if Jungkook didn’t want to hear him out, he might just do it for your sake? Was there anything he wouldn’t do for you, Taehyung thought.

The walk back to your room was silent, and you were wondering if Jungkook would get upset at you for meddling between him and Taehyung’s affairs. Ultimately, if Taehyung was here to apologize to you, then Jungkook deserved to hear it too. If he didn’t want to forgive or accept, that was on his terms.

Just as you reach the front of your room, you hear Taehyung swallow nervously behind you.

“This isn’t a good idea.”

“Just wait, ok?” You ask him quietly as you turn to look at him, hand pressed against the handle of your door. He looks away, semi-questioning how exactly you even managed to convince him to be here ready to apologize to Jungkook’s face. If anything, he had hoped to apologize to you, to speak with you, and that’s it. Yet, he knew you were right.

All the demon does is nod, his hands shoved deep into his pocket.

You slowly push open the door to your room, your eyes tracing the still-sleeping figure in your bed. A quiet sigh leaves your lips as you quietly kick off your shoes to walk over towards Jungkook. Maybe he didn’t realize you had left? Most likely not. You feel the mattress sink beneath you as you scoot yourself beside him, fingers reaching over to comb through his hair as his eyes flutter open.

“Mhm... Why did you leave?” He groans and asks suddenly, his hand reaching up to remove yours from his hair as he sleepily presses his lips against your open palm. The way his mouth ghosts over your skin sends shivers down your spine as you try to keep yourself composed.

“I was hoping you wouldn’t notice.”

“Of course I did,” He mumbles softly. “I noticed the absence of you immediately, Y/N.”

“You were sleeping so peacefully. I didn’t want to disturb you and I just needed to get some air, that... and Taehyung is outside. But ok ok, before you—“ You tried to speak fast but nonetheless couldn’t finish your sentence; Jungkook has his hand around your wrist as he swiftly pulls your body towards him. With ease, he manages to flip you onto your back, your back now pressed firmly against the bed as he hovers above you resting on his elbows. You didn’t even have time to react much less blink before you were under him. Now he was wide awake, and you had his fully undivided attention.

“Yes, I know he’s outside. Why exactly now is he out there?” He raises an eyebrow, jaw clenched ever so slightly with irritation as he tilts his head in annoyance. Nothing could get past him... He must’ve sensed him already; of course you didn’t have to tell him a demon was standing right outside your door.

“When I left earlier, he was standing there. He apologized to me for trying to tear us apart. You know, for working with Yoojung.” Jungkook’s eyebrow twitches, eyes narrowing as he makes a tutting sound with his tongue. Why did he seem unconvinced?

“How do you know he meant it? Was this before or after he told you his feelings for you?” Your mouth drops open in shock, your eyes never leaving his. God, the look on your face made it so obvious just now, Jungkook thought.

“Wait. How do you know about that?”

“I didn’t. You confirmed it just now though.” You raise your hand and shove at his chest. “Come on, Y/N, why else would he try so hard and agree to scheme with Yoojung? Didn’t you say it before? That he wanted you for himself?” Jungkook sighs, wondering if you were maybe the only one who didn’t realize it.

“There’s more to it than that... he told me just now. And before you ask or even think about getting upset, I responded to his feelings and told him no.” Jungkook places his hand gently against your cheek before leaning in to kiss the tip of your nose.

“I know that too.” Jungkook answers smugly and confidently and you roll your eyes at him.

“You know, I can’t remember if you ever did tell me why you and Taehyung had a fall out... but you know he had feelings for Yoojung, right? Then you... well... you kind of went ahead and went after her anyways.” Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow as he sits back on his heel, allowing you to scoot yourself into a seated position yourself. You lean your back against your bed frame as you watch confusion rise on Jungkook’s face. “You didn’t know?”

“I... He might’ve mentioned it briefly, but I didn’t think anything of it— I didn’t think he thought anything of it back then.” He mutters, voice trailing off as he looks towards the door. It was her energy they were both after, how was he supposed to have known that Taehyung liked her more than that? How was he supposed to know that he too would’ve felt something more for Yoojung back then?

“Well, he was confident you knew. He was just trying to get back at you.” You mumble and reach out to take his hand in yours. “Maybe talking to him won’t be such a bad thing.” His eyes narrow suddenly, a disgusted look rising on his face as he shakes his head stubbornly.

“After what he did? Getting involved with Yoojung to try to push you into his arms? How do I forgive him for that? For hurting you? How did you even forgive him?” Jungkook argues. Weren’t you trying too hard to mend this broken friendship between him and Taehyung? He had been fine without him all this time.

“He felt like you took Yoojung away from him—”

“Well I didn’t realize that at the time. Are you sympathizing with him?”

“No, I just can see his side as well. He already apologized to me, Jungkook. You know how manipulative Yoojung is and he admitted to having bad judgement earlier. I just... think it’s a misunderstanding that can be cleared up. I don’t know if you have to necessarily forgive, but you can bear it and just hear him out, can’t you?” You take his other hand in his and pull him towards you. Both your forearms now resting against his shoulder as his hands are placed firmly on the bed to support himself.

“Does it really matter that much to you?”

“I think it matters to you more than you’re willing to admit it.”

“You didn’t answer my question,” Jungkook huffs.

“And you didn’t deny my statement,”

“Fine, if I tell you it doesn’t matter?” Jungkook’s face nears yours as he tilts his head, his lips mere inches from yours. “Then you’ll drop this whole thing and let me just love you right here and now?” Your eyebrow raises as his hand slowly begins to caress your thigh.

“Not with Taehyung waiting outside.” You hiss at him and pinch at his hand to stop him from traveling any farther up your thigh...

“I mean, I think he’ll get the message and leave.”

“Not the point. After, ok?” You smile and press your lips quickly against his. “Then I’m all yours.” You don’t miss the annoyance on Jungkook’s face as you pull away from him only for a split second, for he hurriedly chases after your lips again, pressing his mouth urgently against yours as you laugh in your attempt to resist him.

“Don’t have any expectations that he and I are going to suddenly be friends again, but I’ll listen, alright?” Jungkook grumbles, his teeth pulling gently on your lower lip. “You’re mine afterwards,” The demon growls as he forcibly removes himself from the bed and begrudgingly heads towards the door.

“Promise... and good luck,” You call from the bed as Jungkook shakes his head as if refusing to acknowledge your words of encouragement and quietly slips out of your dorm room. Your door closes with a soft click as you slowly exhale the breath you had been holding.

You truthfully weren’t sure how much you even convinced him, or if ultimately just talking it out with him allowed him to go hear Taehyung out of his own volition. Either way, you were certain they’d be able to close this chapter out together, that they’d be able to put Yoojung and everything behind them. It seemed like a misunderstanding after all.

In the end, it was hours before Jungkook let himself back into your room... quite the contrary to what he tried to lead both you and himself to think. The conversation between them both lasted long enough for you to even fall asleep waiting for his return. Jungkook slowly makes his way over to your bed as you scoot over, gesturing with your hand for him to join you. His lips were pressed tightly together as he slowly obliges, hands immediately seeking yours. Your fingers intertwine with his as he settles himself behind you, your back pressed against his chest and his chin resting gently on the top of your head. He says nothing and simply holds you close to him.

Then he finally speaks, admitting to the misunderstanding and lack of communication between the two of them, and how they were driven apart by something, no someone, that seemed so trivial to them both now. It wasn’t according to his plan to apologize either, but he had found himself apologizing to Taehyung as well. Did Jungkook forgive him? It was hard to say; Even when you asked him if he did, Jungkook’s answer was a quiet scoff, a long pause and an ‘I guess’. The demon’s reasoning was that he couldn’t bring himself so quickly to forgive and forget after Taehyung’s countless attempts to take you away from him which had you rolling your eyes. To which you reply, his attempts were futile as you never once entertained the thought of being his.

Of course in saying this, you could feel Jungkook gloating over that as he contently hums in satisfaction behind you. A smile spreads to your face when you hear him bring up how Taehyung confirmed Yoojung wouldn’t be coming around anymore, especially not after how humiliated she was rendered by everyone.

“So that’s good then,” You smile, maneuvering yourself in his arms to turn and face him. Jungkook nods with a soft exhale as you bring your hand up to gently caress his face. “You have nothing to worry about anymore when it comes to her, really.”

“Especially with you by my side. I can’t imagine where I’d be, who I’d be, if you weren’t by my side all this time.” It was one thing to finally feel free from his haunting past, free from the trauma of his first love, another to feel safe and accepted in the present, and to feel worry-free about the future. It was all thanks to you. The only thing he wouldn’t admit out loud to you, is that he was thankful you gave him that push to speak with Taehyung because on his own, there’s no way in hell he would ever. Just like there was no way right now, he was going to tell you you were right about that... maybe another time. “I love you, a lot.”

“I know, and I love you too. I love you, Jungkook.” You say to reaffirm just as Jungkook’s eyes darken, a desire and sudden lust taking over him. He leans down eagerly, mouth hungrily crushing yours as you laugh at his sudden urgency and at the shift in mood.

“We both know that talk went way longer than planned. Remind me of what you had said before I left the room?” Jungkook raises an eyebrow before rolling over on top of you and pressing his thumb to your chin.

“Watch out for your hand, Jungkook... Oh, and the part where I said I’m all yours afterwards?”

“Yeah, that part.” Jungkook growls as he tilts his head, his mouth so close to yours you could feel his shaky exhale. You want nothing more than for him to hold you now, as you raise your hands, fingers grabbing the front of his shirt tightly. “Say it again, won’t you, Y/N?”

“I’m yours, Jungkook.” Your eyes begin to flutter shut when his lips finally graze yours once more. “Your turn.”

“I’m yours.”

-

-

It wasn’t long until the semester was finally coming to a close. And while you had missed more classes than you could count, you were pleasantly surprised how prepared you felt going into the final exams week. Nonetheless, what wasn’t a surprise was that you owed the saving of your GPA and mental soundness after everything to Jungkook. Of course you had to give yourself some credit for the late nights of studying and playing catch up.

Even with a busy schedule and all, you still made sure to find time to catch up with Jieun. She wouldn’t have it any other way if she could help it. More than once she’s already dramatically emphasized and teased how you’ve spent more time with Jungkook this semester than you have with her your entire college career prior to meeting him, which was obviously an over exaggeration on her part... but that’s what made her your best friend. As brutally honest and trusting you were with one another, telling her Jungkook wasn’t exactly human wasn’t your secret to tell; it wasn’t like she’d ever ask anyways.

In fact, she never even suspected Taehyung to be a demon either. Again, not that even he had given any hints to having been one either. Oh, and after numerous efforts to flirt with him, Jieun took the loss, fairly confident that perhaps he just had a different ideal type when it came to girls in mind... hm...

As difficult as you may have thought mending your relationship with Taehyung would’ve been, it truthfully wasn’t as hard as you thought. You feared about the possibility of awkwardness of it all more than anything, but it wasn’t like that at all. Maybe it helped as well that there wasn’t much lingering tension as Jungkook made sure to somewhat put Taehyung in his place when it came to making a move on you ever again. It was a good thing the two of them were able to reconcile in the end, maybe they weren’t as good friends as before, but you could at least consider them friendly acquaintances with one another. In your books, that was definitely a step up from before.

Despite all of that, the one who ultimately showed the most support was still Park Jimin. That’s right, as shocked as he was to hear from you and Jungkook about all the shit that happened upon Yoojung’s return, he couldn’t have been happier for Jungkook and yourself. As someone who had been by Jungkook’s side, especially when he was going through a tough time during and even after being with Yoojung, he simply couldn’t believe his ears.

‘I’m really glad he has you now, Y/N’ you remember hearing him say to you. As unsure as he was initially with one, Jungkook being so adamant in pursuing you, and two, you growing feelings for him, he was proven absolutely wrong. It was nice to hear though, you had to admit. Not saying that you were looking or needed his approval to be with Jungkook or anything like that, but it brought a big smile to your face whenever you thought about it... After all, Jimin had been Jungkook’s closest, most trusted friend for so long, had been with him through everything; it meant a lot to you.

“What are you thinking about? You look like you’re in deep thought about something.” You look up suddenly at Jungkook. His eyebrows were raised as he glances down in your direction.

“About you,” You hum teasingly, eyes darting away playfully from Jungkook as the demon scoffs in annoyance as you swing your hand in his back and forth.

“Yeah, ok.” Jungkook says in disbelief as you laugh at his eye roll. “You worried about the exam tonight or something like that? You shouldn’t be. You’re prepared.”

“No, I’m not too worried about that,”

“What? You aren’t? Why are we heading towards the library to study more then? If you’re just stressed, I can think of a few better ways to relieve it.” Jungkook smirks to himself, the corner of his lips upturning and it doesn’t take a genius to know exactly what he’s referring to. He leans down suddenly, his mouth next to your ear as he whispers, “All you need to say is ‘yes, Jungkook, please’ and we can be on our way. My room’s not too far away from the exam room. We can take our time.”

“Stop teasing!” You blush and quickly pull your hand away from his, giving him a playful shove to his shoulder as he laughs. His laughter was warm; It was music to your ears every time you heard it, each and every time pulling on your heart strings. You find yourself involuntarily smiling fondly at him as he makes his way down the stairs in front of you and you suddenly stop. “Jungkook.”

“What? Did you change your mind? That was fast.” He turns to briefly glance over his shoulder at you as he stops just a few steps ahead of you.

“This is where I fell back then. This very spot.” You mumble, your eyes looking down at the staircase before you.

“Mhm, well, aren’t you glad it was me who was there to catch you?” Jungkook smiles up at you, turning fully around to face you now.

“This is where I met you... where it all started,” Your voice grows quiet as Jungkook continues to look up at you, an inquisitive look on his face as he wonders what you were trying to get at. The corner of his lips suddenly fall, the smile disappearing in split seconds when he notices how watery your eyes had gotten.

“What’s wrong? Hey, Y/N...” He calls out to you as you take the back of your hand to wipe at your eyes, unsure why you were overwhelmed with emotions all of a sudden.

“I love you...” You sniffle and as quick as Jungkook was to panic at the sight of your untimely tears, his shoulders drop, a soft exhale leaving his lips. “I know we’ve said it to each other before, and we’ve said it so many times already but I really love you...”

“I know you do. That’s not something to cry about now, is it?” You shake your head slowly. Maybe it was because this was where it all began for you. When you fell, when Jungkook caught you, and when you followed him. You didn’t know what you were getting yourself into, but you wouldn’t change a thing. “If you keep crying, your eyes are going to swell up, and your head is going to hurt. You’re not going to be able to focus nor be able to read the exam questions. Then you’ll have something to cry about.” He teases you in the attempt to cheer you up. It works and you nod with a small laugh, wiping the remainder of your tears with your sleeve.

“Fuck, I know. S-Sorry, no I don’t know why I’m crying...”

“There’s nothing to apologize for, Y/N.” You look down at him as he holds out his hand to you, palm facing up invitingly as you put your hand gently in his. “I really can’t imagine where I’d be without you too. And I’ve told you countless times before, I can’t imagine a future without you by my side. You accepted me, cared for me, understood me, and loved me, flaws and all. Thank you, Y/N. I love you more than I can express in words and I am just so happy and lucky to call you mine.”

He was so grateful for you, for just being the lovely and kind you; you made him feel deserving of happiness, and deserving of love. He never felt deserving of any of those things. He never thought he’d feel something like love ever again. Most of importantly of all, he was learning to forgive himself and to love himself, both of which he also thought once were unachievable. 

But you proved him wrong.

“St-Stop, you’re going to make me cry again if you say anything more...” Your heart begins racing in your chest, the water works starting up again as more happy tears roll down your cheek. He gingerly raises your hand in his, pressing his lips against your skin and you find yourself smiling down at him.

“Alright, alright,” He chuckles as he pulls you slowly towards him, his heart singing in his chest upon seeing that lovely and bright smile of yours. How is it that even with tears in your eyes, you were the most beautiful thing he’s ever laid eyes on? “Now, don’t cry anymore, alright love?”

You gradually take a step, then another, until you’re just one step above and slightly towering over him.

“Demon or not,” You whisper just loud enough for him to hear. “I love you for you, Jeon Jungkook... everything and all that is you.” Your other hand comes forward to brush the hair covering his forehead out of the way as you press a chaste kiss against his skin. Your lips linger there for a second before pulling away. His golden smile widens, his nose crinkling ever so slightly as his promising eyes gaze up lovingly into yours.

“Always?”

“Yeah, always.”

-

[dust-broken-berry]

Part 9 is here, second post will be out up

Part 9: The Wanderer 

    PJ had to stay in the hospital for around two weeks and now he finally was able to leave. He still had a hard time moving so he was given crutches. He didn’t want to use them but knew that he had to and that his parents would make him even if he was bakery able to walk. Ink was still worried, helping PJ do just about everything despite PJ saying repeatedly that he was fine.

“I’ll be fine mom, you have to go back to everyone else.”

“They can wait a bit longer”

“They’ve waited for two weeks”

“I know...it’s fine though, again they can wait.”

“Mom there’s alot going on and all I’m doing is going home. I’ll be fine, ok?”

    Ink was still hesitant to leave PJ, but slowly nodded and said-

“Fine I’ll go, but be carefull”

“I will”

    Ink gave PJ a hug and hesitantly left. Fresh walked back in the room and asked.

“You ready?”

“Yep let’s go”

    Fresh helped PJ out of the room, it took a minute but he got used to his crutches.

    They both made it out of the hospital and started walking to Error’s and Ink’s house. But as they walked PJ saw something.

“Hey Fresh look over there, through the trees.”

    Fresh looked and saw some guy lying on the ground.

“It’s probably just some bum”

“No...I don’t think so they look different”

“Hm, what do you mean?’

“Well look, they don’t fit AU.”

    Fresh looked back at the guy on the ground

“I kinda see it”

    They were just leaving Underswap where there were cheerful and happy monsters, normally wearing bright and happy colors. While this guy appeared to be wearing rather dark and dreier clothes.

“We should go check it out”

“Fine if you want. Just be careful going over there.”

    They went over to the monster that laid on the ground. They were now able to see that it was a he and that he appeared to have passed out. PJ looked at him confused

“He kinda looks like Nightmare…”

“Ya I guess”

    The monster slowly opened his eyes and said-

“Ugh...my head”

    He turned and looked up at Fresh and PJ

“Where am I? Who are you two?”

“Well I’m PaperJam”

“And I’m Fresh. Right now you’re in Underswap.”

    The monster rolled over and shakely stood up. Fresh asked-

“So who are you?”

    They stayed silent, Fresh just shrugged

“Well ok?”

    There was just silence as they stood there, PJ saw that the guy's clothes were burnt, ripped, and torn. PJ didn’t want to just leave the guy here, so he said-

“Uh...how about you come with us? It looks like you need some new clothes.”

    The monster looked down, seeing the terrible state of his clothes. He was hesitant but said-

“...Ok”

“Ok, then just follow us”

    The monster started following PJ and Fresh hesitantly, eventually making it to PJ’s home. They walked inside and PJ said-

“Just go wait on the couch, me and Fresh will go get you something to wear.”

“Er...ok”

    The monster said as he quietly went over and sat down. PJ and Fresh made their way up into the attic, Fresh needing to practically pick PJ up to get him up there.

“Ok go look in that box over there for something, and I’ll look over here.”

    PJ said, Fresh nodded as they both began to look through boxes. Fresh asked-

“Why do you have so much stuff up here?”

“My mom always brought stuff back from the AU’s, we didn’t have anywhere to put it so we just threw it up here.”

“Ya I can see that”

(I want you to try and guess the character before I say it. Just as a little challenge, it should be easy if you already know the character. So good luck and hope you enjoy.)

    Fresh looked through the box for a little bit longer, then he pulled out a zip up hoodie with a top black hald, and a lighter purplish bottom, with one more layer of black on the sleeves. The hood had a light purple fuzz on the edge of the hood. Fresh asked PJ-

“What about this?”

“Ya that’s good, I have a dark purple sweater from Underfell.”

    PJ handed Fresh the sweater. 

“Ok now all we gotta do is find him…”

    PJ’s words tralded off as he looked through a box, he then pulled out some black pants.

“Pants, and there we go.”

    Fresh took the pants

“Ok let’s go back down stairs.”

    PJ said as Fresh once again helped him get down, then jumping down himself. They went over to the monster and Fresh handed him the pile of clothes.

“There you go, there’s a bathroom around the corner so you can go change over there.”

“Ok...and thanks…”

“Don’t mention it”

    The monster quietly stood up and went around the corner.

“He’s definitely a bit...strange to say the least.”

    Fresh said followed by PJ nodding.

“I guess, but he was in pretty ruff shape”

    PJ said as he walked over into the kitchen and picked up his phone that was done charging.

“I’m gonna order some food, ok?”

“Jammy you could have just told me that, you didn’t need to get up and go over there.”

“It’s fine, I’m just a bit sore. That doesn’t mean I’m helpless.”

“Fine, if you insist”

    PJ started ordering pizza, as he did the mysterious monster walked back out in his new clothes. His old burnt and torn ones flooded into a neet stack. PJ quickly finished ordering, wanting to ask-

“Oh hey, do you like the new clothes.”

“Ya I do...thank you…”

    PJ again used his crutches to walk back into the living room and sit down.

“Well I order some food so that’ll be here soo-”

“You….wanted to know my name right?”

    It was quiet, so the monster just continued-

“My name…

...My name is Crescent...but you can call me Cres.”

(Shortly after this story is done I’ll do a mini book on Cres’s backstory. But if you have questions now feel free to ask.)

“Hm...Crescent...never heard that one before.”

    Fresh said, still trying to think of where he would have heard that name. 

“I have once”

    PJ said, Cres was surprised saying-

“Really?”

“Ya um my parents talk about the multiverse, and I think they’ve said your name before.”

“Strange..Nightmare told me that I wasn’t widely well known.”

“So your multiverse had a Nightmare too?”

    Fresh asked followed by Cres nodding. With a depressed expression on his face he said-

“Yes sadly...he is my father…”

“You refer to him so bluntly…”

    PJ said, Cres sighed

“Well I assume that you are aware that there are many of me, just like there are many of you that exist in different multiverses.”

“Ya I am”

“So you would also know that you aren’t always the same...you aren’t always how you are now… My father could be kind in some of these places...but others like mine… Both parents tended to be bitter, whether they intended to or not.”

“Why?”

“It’s just the place that I grew up in...it was normal for everyone to be that way.”

    Fresh seemed confused, wondering why this guy was suddenly letting on to anything about himself. So he said-

“Hold on a second, just wait. No more than ten minutes ago were you letting on to anything about yourself, and now you're just telling us all of this?’

“I wasn’t sure about this multiverse, I had no clue if it was like mine or if it was different.”

“Was your’s bad?”

    PJ asked, Cres nodded

“Terrible unfortunately”

“Ok then how bad?”

    Again PJ asked, Cres thought of a good way to explain it. He then said-

“It was one of war, and plague. Murder, assult, and rape were all normal things that would happen, most would dy others would barely try and hold on…”

“Then...how are you-”

“I was one of very few that lived with someone that could...keep you breathing. But of course the ones I lived with were the fuel to the flame of the internal hell known as my home…”

“Geez man…”

    Fresh said

“So far though...I’ve realized that this place is different...in a better way…”

“Was everything like that there?’

    PJ asked but Cres shook his head

“Ni, at one point I had friends that were kind and considerate. But their parents were on...the other side, and as we got older we weren’t allowed to see each other.”

“Other side?”

    PJ said confused, Cres just sighed again.

“In everything in life, including the multiverse there are sides that start trouble, and ones that try to stop it.”

“Oh ya now that you mention it I guess we do.”

“Ya my parents try to stop those bad things from happening.”

“Your parents are Error and Ink, yes?”

    Cres asked, PJ surprised that Cres knew said-

“Am I in that multiverse too!?”

“Haha when I left you weren’t born yet… But technically speaking yes you are.”

“Am I there?”

    Fresh asked, Cres thought but wasn’t sure he said-

“Well when I was there I never saw you.”

“Probably for the better”

    Fresh said just shrugging it off. PJ though thought, and asked-

“But Cres if you were just there, then how did you get here?”

    Cres sulked not wanting to answer that question, he told them

“...I don’t feel comfortable sharing that yet...sorry”

    All PJ did was smile reassuringly 

“Oh it’s fine, you looked pretty beat up so it’s reasonable if you don’t want to tell us right now.”

After PJ said that there was a knock at the door. PJ said-

“That must be the food”

“Ok I’ll go get it”

“No Fresh you don’t have to”

“It’s fine”

Fresh stood up and gave PJ a little kiss on the head.

“Don’t get up, I’ll be back”

“O-Ok” 

    Fresh walked over to the door

“He seems nice”

    Cres said, PJ smiled and said-

“He really is…”

    Cres smiled a bit, happy to be in a place that is safe. Where no one would try and hurt him.

    While this was going on with PJ, Blue was also finally home and Nightmare was asking Blue about what happened earlier at the hospital with Error.

“So earlier this week, what happened to you when you walked past Error?”

“Hm what do you mean what happened?”

    Blue asked confused, Nightmare continued

“You kinda just fell, and Error seemed to freak out after you said something.”

“I don’t think it’s what he said, I think it’s how he said it.”

    Dust said, just confusing everyone.

“How does how he said it have to do with anything?”

    Horror asked followed by Dust answering-

“When Blue talked...he had some stutter kind of thing.”

“Well ok? But still everyone stutters once in a while, hell even Nightmare does.”

    Killer said, and he was right. So Nightmare thought about that day and said-

“No...it was different, not really like a stutter.”

“Ssooo...what?”

    Killer asked, Dust didn’t answer instead he just put out another question

“Well think about how Error talks sometimes”

“Oh he has the glitchy voice”

    Outer said, making himself and everyone else confused even though he was right. Blue said-

“Ya but he doesn’t talk like that all the time.”

“You’re right, from what I can remember his voice only gets like that when he’s freaked out, or stressed, or god forbid someone rubbed shoulders with him.”

    Dust said, then making Nightmare asked-

“Are you saying that Blue had a glitch moment like Error?”

“Maybe…”

“But how? I’m not a glitch like Error?”

    Blue said, making Dust sulk and have a grim expression. Blue realised and asked-

“Dust what is it?”

“Blue do you remember when It said before he left?”

“Um ya a bit”

“Yes, he didn’t tell us everything but we at least learned something.”

    Nightmare added, Dust tried to remember the words It used to describe then said-

“Do you remember the last reason he said he picked Blue?”

“Vaguely yes”

“All he did was give us a hint, saying something like ‘Who else do you know that can go through empty space’? Or at least something along those lines.”

“Ok...and?”

    Outer said not really asking as a question because he already knew the answer. Dust still answered-

“I think the space he was talking about was the Antivoid.”

“Ya ok, but what does Error, and the antivoid have to do with what happened.”

    Blue asked, now being the only one that was confused. Dust wasn’t sure if he should say it but did anyways-

“Blue...do you think that there’s a chance that you might’ve gotten stuck in the antivoid...for a long time?”

“No there is no way that could’ve happened, I would’ve remembered something like that.”

“Ya you’re right and I don’t really know how or why your memories were taken. But I have a sneaking suspicion of when.”

“Ok then when?”

    Blue growled, not wanting to hear anymore of Dust’s speculations of what happened to him.

“The two years you stayed with Ink to try and raise BluePrint.”

    Blue was now even more confused and upset

“Ok. Ok, let’s say for instance that your rambling means anything, ok? Let’s say that somehow for those two whole years that instead of me being with Ink as a friend, that I was instead stuck in the antivoid? Dust do you know how crazy that sound-”

“It isn’t so hard to believe if you think about it…”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Let me ask you this...do you remember having BluePrint, or making BluePrint or how ever he was-”

“Dust, why would you ask that!? I mean really he’s just in the other room! And even if he wasn't, why would you think that I wouldn’t remember that?”

“Because you said that you didn’t”

“I-...I what?”

“You guys weren’t there but when Blue was having Sprinkle he was understandably nervous, and when I told you about BluePrint and said you already did this or at least something along the lines of it. You said that day was fuzzy, even saying that you don’t remember at all…”

    It was quiet after Dust said that. Then tears started to run down Blue’s face.

“Geez...now look, just, what were you trying to say…”

    Killer asked, as Dust went over to Blue. Blue still crying said-

“I...I think he’s trying to say that those memories were fake…”

    Dust hugged Blue while Nightmare tried to sumurrazie what Dust was trying to say.

“So you’re saying that all of Blue’s memories of that time were fake? And in reality those memories were made to cover up what had happened during those two years.”

“Sadly…”

    Dust said trying his best to comfort Blue, when Blue had a scary realization

“Does that mean BluePrint isn’t mine!?”

“What? No, no he is still your kid Blue...he was probably just made differently…”

“From what Ink told me he was...but still you don’t know if he is…”

“...Ya...I don’t, but then again I don’t know if any of what I’m saying is true-”

“Dust...I...I wouldn’t be surprised if it is…not anymore.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re right, I don’t remember BluePrint being born...and most other memories of that time are also....fuzzy.”

“Then it sounds like most of the pieces fit.”

    Horror said but after that it was just silent again.

“Well what do you want to do now? Dust obviously isn’t sure of everything and this could be something important if what little he thinks is true.”

“Gee thanks Nightmare, way to be blunt.”

    Dust grumbled, and Blue just sighed letting him go.

“I’m going to need to talk to Ink and Error.”

“Blue you don’t have to, we can probably just-”

“Dust even though we think that you're right doesn’t mean that you are. I want to hear it from them...and just get this over with. We have more important things to do and with this distracting me it may be more difficult to get things done.”

“Probably shortly...you guys are all here so I can just tell you if it’s true, and I don’t want to leave BluePrint and Sprinkle. It’ll just be easier.”

“So you’ll go see them?.. Or have them come here?”

    Horror asked, making Blue grown.

“I just said that I didn't want to leave, so get the dust out of your ears and maybe listen a bit.”

“Ouch ok”

“And for having them come here that probably isn’t a good idea either… So I’ll just call them, it’s not like they can’t tell me over the phone, and besides I do want you guys to be aware of what is happening.”

“You want us to hear about it? Why?”

    Nightmare asked, confused 

“Well ya, I’m here now with you guys and since Ink and Error are both starting to get nervous it can put me and you guys in risk.”

“Aw how nice you care about us.”

    Horror said snarky,

“If i’m being honest ya, I know it hasn’t been long but I have to say that I do. And I am concerned…”

Blue said, as they all continued to talk.

In the other room however was BluePrint, he had heard what was said earlier and he was crying.

“H-How?...”

BluePrint sat on the floor now curled up in a ball.

“Is...d-dad not my dad?.. Do they not know?..”

As BluePrint tried ro contemplated what he had just heard, someone walked in front of him.

“Hello BluePrint”

     BluePrint looked up and saw It, he was only able to spawn one bone but he still grabbed it and pointed it at It. BluePrint looked scared but he also seemed confused.

“What’s with the look?”

[enneagramwingmiranda]

Friends: The actual enneagram types of Rachel, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey

The Protagonist Friend: Rachel Green [Type 3] 

“You know what I figure, if I can do laundry, there's nothing I can't do.”

Enneagram Wing: 3w4 (Achiever along with an individualist)

"It's like all of my life everyone has always told me, 'You're a shoe, you're a shoe, you're a shoe, you're a shoe.' And then today I just stopped and I said, 'What if I don't want to be a shoe? What if I want to be a purse, you know? Or, a hat?'"

Core Fear: Of being worthless

Core Desire: To feel valuable

Childhood wound: You must be extraordinary to deserve love. 

Rachel’s deepest fear is not reaching her full potential in life and this is the driving force behind all of her actions. The symbolism of her being a runaway bride in the pilot episode demonstrates just that, she doesn’t want to settle or live a mediocre life. In adolescence her need for value and significance is demonstrated in her popularity, being head cheerleader, and holding a legacy of being the mean girl. The mean girl trope in pop culture often shows that the meal girl’s deepest vulnerability is feeling as if she is less than others. Being mean to others is her coping mechanism to continue feeling superior. In adulthood, Rachel leaves behind a life of privilege she finds unsatisfying and chooses the ‘road less traveled’ for individuals of her upbringing in which she must achieve things on her own. We see Rachel start from the bottom and make her way to the top. Her career becomes a big part of her identify in that she even neglects her first true love for it. We see that Rachel’s father instilled this childhood wound of valuing superiority in his mistreatment of the lower class. 

The Best Friend: Monica Geller [Type 1]

“And remember, if I’m harsh with you it’s only because you’re doing it wrong.”

Enneagram wing: 1w2 (Reformer along with a helper)

“I've got this controllable need to please people!”

Core Fear: Imbalance

Core Desire: Balance

Childhood wound: You must always be better than you are.

Monica’s defining trait is her need for order in her life and environment. She notices all inconsistencies and errors in not only her home organization but the state of her friends appearances and actions. Her OCD tendencies is a running gag in the series. On the contrary, Monica is very caring and nurturing. She is always there to lend a helping hand and advise her friends. Unlike the rest of her friends, Monica is very aware of where she wants to be and what she wants in life. She feels a sort of instability when her life doesn’t go according to the plan she envisions. She has a hard time adapting to change shown the mourning of Richard and her roommate Rachel. However, she’s not afraid to walk away from things that she knows won’t serve her in the long run even if its hard to do. She cannot relax unless she feels she is living up to the high standards she has set for herself and others. She does not hesitant to let others know where they fall short. Not only does she calls others out but tries to steer them in the direction to what they deserve. We see that Monica’s perfectionistic ways are rooted in her childhood wound from her mom’s constant criticism of her.

The Friend Who Loves Hard: Ross Geller [Type 5]

“You’re means you are. Your means your!”

Enneagram wing: 5w6 (Investigator along with a loyalist)

“You know what the scariest part is? What if there's only one woman for everybody, you know?”

Core Fear: Incompetence

Core Desire: Proficiency

Childhood wound: You must acquire all the knowledge otherwise you are helpless and incapable. 

Ross’s defining trait is his intellect. He often annoys his friends with constant talk of paleontological topics and his need to always be right. Ross not only values education and knowledge but also security. He fears being alone and often takes the leap of faith with romantic partners, however, his trust issues get in the way and result in self sabotage. He exposes his childhood wound in later seasons: his father made him feel incompetent due to his love of dinosaurs and playing with dinosaur toys as a child. Ross also struggles with feeling less of a man and this can be linked to his enjoyment of role playing as a woman as a kid and being ridiculed for it. 

The Friend Who Opens Up: Chandler Bing [Type 6]

“Until I was 25, I thought that that the only response to ‘I love you’ was “Oh, crap!’”

Enneagram wing: 6w7 (The loyalist along with an enthusiast)

“I’m full and yet I know if I stop eating this I’ll regret it.”

Core Fear: Isolation

Core Desire: Comfort

Childhood wound: You must succumb to your doubts because the world is not a safe place anyways.

Chandler’s defining trait is his pessimism. He uses sarcasm and humor as a defense mechanism for his deep insecurity and fear. Chandler longs for closeness and security in his relationships but often sabotages any chance at lasting love. He sticks with what is known and comfortable because it’s predictable (he constantly reconnects with Janice despite his dislike of her). He knows he is a lot to handle so he greatly values his friendships because they accept him for who he is and provide him support and validation. It makes sense that he ends up with Monica because their foundation being built on the already existing trust from friendship, thus providing him safety to trust and open up. Despite Chandler’s neurotic tendencies, he is a fun loving person. Joey, being a 7 himself brings this out in him. 

The Friend With A Heart of Gold: Joey Tribbiani [Type 7]

“I like it. What’s not to like? Custard? Good. Jam? Good. Meat? Good.”

Enneagram wing: 7w8

“You can’t just give up! Is that what a dinosaur would do?”

Core Fear: Being unfulfilled

Core Desire: Contempt

Childhood wound: You must sow all your wild oats or you will be eternally unhappy.

Joey’s personality is defined by his enthusiastic yet easygoing nature. Joey’s main concern is to go out and have a good time. He wants to enjoy life however when things don’t go his way he never lets this get him down. He is quite dimwitted but often acts as the wise fool encouraging his friends and sticking up for them whenever needed. He never really commits to anything, bouncing from job to job and woman to woman. He is essentially always looking for the next big thing and he seems to never find it. Joey’s lack of commitment also demonstrates that he doesn’t really desire the security that comes with it. He subconsciously feels as if he is completely self-sufficient (8). His childhood wound is exposed when discussing his family line. He was the only boy out of 7 sisters and felt as if he had to set up and be the protector. We can assume that his parents having so many children to resulted in him lacking the attention and nurturing a child is supposed to have then. 

The Intuitive Friend: Phoebe Buffay [Type 8]

“If we were in prison, you guys would be like my bitches!”

Enneagram wing: 8w7/8w9 (Balanced: Challenger along with an enthusiast and peacemaker)

“That’s not running, let’s goooo!”

“I have to go before I put your head through a wall.”

Core Fear: Being harmed

Core Desire: Self-protection

Childhood wound: You must be totally independent because relying on others only results in harm.

Phoebe shows many traits of several enneagram types, for instance she shows hints of a 7 and 9 but her assertiveness and independent nature stands out from the rest. Her childhood wounding defines her personality traits, quirks, relationship dynamics, and her lifestyle. From a young age she had to learn how to defend herself and take care of herself due to the abandonment of her caregivers. She is the least connected to her friend group and for a long time lived on her own while the rest of the friends were each others roommates. She refrained from developing any long term relationships and we can first think that it’s because she doesn’t want that. It is later revealed that she never put much thought it which suggests that her independence is engrained into her being. It’s simply all she knew. However, Phoebe’s challenging nature is balanced out by her wings. She can stay positive and be fun loving (7). She develops a alias, Regina Phalange to get in and out of mischief. Her wing 7 is why she identifies with Joey so well. She also can play the role of the mediator to help her friends work out their issues (9). Phoebe also desires to be at peace with all, even her sister Ursula who is totally disinterested and uncaring. She desires world peace and advocates for animal cruelty and vegetarianism. Phoebe is probably the most emotionally healthy character despite having the roughest upbringing. 

[cipherstarker]

Can you pretty please do a prison au with SIM!Tony? Xxx

Hi, I got way too carried away with this and there will definitely be more parts so keep an eye out! This is also my first prompt so thank you! Also, warning there are mentions of rape/non-con so be careful! Part Two is now up!

Peter knew that one day his baby face was going to get him in trouble. He always thought it would be from being in a club, probably drunk, only looking like an 18 year old. He was wrong. Oh so very wrong.

Peter kept his head down and picked up his pace when the guard stabbed him in the back with a baton. He remembered he once dressed in a smaller version of the overalls he was now wearing one Halloween, playing criminal to Uncle Ben’s cop. Peter laughed quietly, under his breath. There was no playing now. He was a criminal. He tightly closed his eyes for a second as he rounded another corner to show more lines of cells. His closed eyes brought no respite, instead it brought to mind the haggard image of Aunt May, so small and weary in the court stands waiting for the verdict. Weary because of him.

He tried to throw the thought away, into a black box never to think about again in the back of his mind, as the inmates started to shout obscenities at him – about him – that caused his stomach to twist and bile to rise in the back of his throat. He hoped he didn’t look at scared as he felt, but he could see how pale his skin looked, how large his eyes wear, in the reflection of the shiny, metal bars. Even if he didn’t look like that, he couldn’t stop the slight shaking of his hands.

The guard shoved him into what looked like a random cell. The door closed with a bang and locked with an unsympathetic click and Peter could hear the guards outside placing bets on how long he would last. 

Peter bit his lip and looked at his new cellmate.

The guy was huge, lying on the bottom bunk with his eyes closed. He was tall, his feet almost hanging over the edge of the bed, and with shoulders so wide that Peter felt that he could probably crush him like a nut. Dark hair with an ever so slight wave, neatly trimmed facial hair and pouty lips with slightly tanned skin. He looked about 30, but Peter knew better then to assume age based on looks. 

“Are you done yet?” the guy asked, almost politely, without opening his eyes.

Peter couldn’t contain his flinch, God dammit he probably already pissed the guy off. “Y-yeah, sorry,” Peter stuttered.

“Top bunk is mine.”

He wanted to ask why he was lying on what was supposed to be his bunk then, but bit his tongue. He already pissed the guy off by staring at him, it was probably best he kept his questions to himself. 

“I’m Peter. Peter Parker.”

The guy opened his eyes. They were blue, icy cold and intense.  His gaze swept Peter up and down making him feel oddly exposed in his new overalls and causing goosebumps to settle over his arms (Definitely from fear, not anything else, nope, not at all) before they stopped at his lips. Peter automatically ran his tongue over them and the man’s eyes heated.

“Tell me Pete, how good do you suck cock?”

Peter choked slightly on his own salvia. “Oh, I’m, I’m straight.”

The guy lifted an eyebrow, a cruel smirk curling his lips. “Everyone’s straight in here, Bambi,” he sat up and leaned towards Peter, “doesn’t stop me or anyone else.”

“I have a girlfriend!” Peter shouted a bit too loud, as though to make sure that the very ominous anyone else could also hear.

The man looked unimpressed and then he let loose a mocking chuckle. “Girlfriends. Wives. Doesn’t make a difference in here, Bambi.” He got out of the bunk and he was so much taller standing up. A predator in a cage, and Peter was trapped inside with him. Peter couldn’t help but step back, natural instinct kicking in and telling him that he wouldn’t win in a fight against this man.

Instead of pouncing on him, the guy held out his hand, making the overalls look like a three piece suit. “I’m Tony.”

Peter shook the hand warily, half expecting to be pulled and raped on the bunk beds.

“It’s probably been a long day for you Bambi,” Tony said. “Get some sleep, nobody bothers around here on a night.” 

Peter wanted to ask why nobody bothered around here on a night, when he walked in all the men seemed rowdy and ready to fight but now you could probably hear a pin drop. In fact, it seemed that they were the only ones talking. 

“Alright,” Peter sighed, almost relieved to be given an order. Tony was probably just joking around. A bit of a laugh at his new cellmate.

Tony leaned in, next to his ear and Peter struggled to keep his composer, now so aware of how much taller, broader, the other man was. “I’m not going to fuck you tonight, Bambi, but I will fuck you. Goodnight.” He placed a kiss behind Peter’s ear and Peter felt his arms come up in a pathetic attempt to push Tony away. Tony backed away. Peter felt like he could think again.

“You’re not fucking me,” he bit out, aggressively baring his teeth.

Tony smiled. It was a surprising nice smile, all white with no gaps, but all Peter could see was a panther smiling at its prey. “I won’t force you, Bambi. I wouldn’t hurt you that way. But, if you’re a good enough fuck, I’ll protect from the others who won’t be as nearly as nice as me. Stick with me and you’ll be fine.“

“If you won’t force me, then it’s not going to happen. I have a girlfriend who I am very much in love with, and I won’t whore myself out for some protection.” Peter kept his voice firm, even though deep inside something screamed that he would in fact need Tony’s protection. 

Tony chuckled again. “I love a good challenge, Bambi.” 

Before Peter could think of something clever to say, Tony climbed onto the top bunk bed and was silent. Peter stood still, staring at nothing for a long time, Tony’s even breath the only noise. When he did crawl into bed, it was too hard, too cold, too not home. He barely slept all night.

—-

The morning came with guards banging on every jail cell door with their batons - every door except their door. After a horrible breakfast of sludge, which he thinks was supposed to be porridge, he was set to work. He was ogled at, groped at, leered at more than ever before but it never went anywhere. The guards were also keeping a close eye around him but Peter didn’t know why. Yeah, he was the new guy, but what did they think was going to happen?

After work, it was shower time. Just great.

Once in the showers, Peter didn’t know which way to turn. His hands were loosely covering his cock in a false sense of prudency, yet he didn’t want to turn his back to anyone. The inmates seemed more disorderly, in a way which they seemed to know that they could get away with anything in here. In the corner, there was a big man with blonde hair forcing his cock down the throat of another dark haired inmate. The guards didn’t seem bothered. Peter tried hard to keep his gaze from wandering that way; he thought he might be sick.

There were a couple of guys eyeing him as he finally started to wash himself. One guy was even roughly stroking his cock as he looked Peter up and down, but no one tried to touch him. Peter would like to think that it was because he was glaring at them but he knew it was because of Tony, who stood near him, his face blank.

Peter glanced at Tony, he didn’t seem interested in what was going on around him. It was this quiet confidence that Tony exudes that made Peter relax. It was a mistake. 

He was just about done cleaning himself, just a few soapy suds clinging to his skin when he felt it: a hand on his arse. A big, warm hand that squeezed ever so slightly and broke Peter out of his frozen state. 

“Keep your hands to yourself,” he hissed quietly, his head tilted towards Tony. He knew better than to cause a scene, it would only end up with Tony having to prove he was top dog in their little part of the prison and Peter didn’t feel like getting beaten to a plump in the shower.

Tony looked at him calmly, his eyes betraying his mirth at seeing Peter in this situation. “You need everyone to know you’re mine, Bambi, or they might start to get ideas,” he said slowly, his eyes raking up and down Peter’s body, “You don’t want that now, do you?” The question was said mockingly.

Peter glared at him. He hated that Tony was right. A hand on his arse versus being gangbanged in the shower. It was an easy choice to make. It’s not like Tony was going to go any further, a hand on his backside should be enough to let people know that he was under Tony’s protection….right?

So he stood completely still, with a warm hand on his arse and his gaze cast downwards. It was humiliating. Tony’s possessive hand was huge and cupped one of his arse cheeks fully. In this moment, he felt like he belonged to Tony. A pet that he had to keep happy and fed.

When shower time was over, Peter shook off Tony’s hand, dried and got dressed before quickly walking back to the cell. He kept his gaze lowered and out of the corner of his eye he noticed a guard following him. When he got to the cell, the guard stood outside with his back to him. The guard was silent and clearly observing everyone who walked past. Why was there a guard outside his door? Was this normal?

When Tony finally returned (No, Peter was definitely not waiting for him) the guard nodded at Tony and then left. What the fuck? Peter gripped the book he was trying – and failing – to read tighter.

“Relax, bel ragazzo,” Tony smirked.

“What does that mean?” 

“Pretty boy.”

“Don’t call me that,” Peter snapped.

“I’ll call you whatever I want bel ragazzo because you are mine.”

Peter felt a surge of helpless anger, but he didn’t do anything because he knew Tony was right. In here, he was Tony’s property. Not to mention that Tony scared him. He was so different from the other inmates, as though he was better than them, and he had seen the way the others had acted around Tony: scared and respectful. 

“What did you do?” Peter asked, no longer able to push his curiosity down.

“Excuse me?” Tony sounded almost offended.

“I mean, why are you in here? What did you do?” Peter clarified.

“Went on a killing spree. They found 35 of them.” Tony looked him in the eye.

Peter blinked. “You’re joking, right?” Surely, Peter would remember something like that being on the news.

Tony made a gesture with his hand that could be interpreted either way and climbed onto the top bunk.

—–

Days passed and Peter settled into something of a boring routine. Not that the routine was his choice, everything he did was controlled by someone else and it was slowly driving him insane. He missed the days where he could just go for a walk because he wanted to. Sometimes, he wanted to throw something, punch someone, just do something uncontrolled to break the regulations. He never understood why there was so much violence in prison until he was there: it was just a way for them to entertain themselves, to break the tension surrounding them.

The other inmates mostly left him alone, but that didn’t stop the stares. He was too damn “pretty” for them to stop and Peter hated it. Hated the way they looked at him, as though they were watching a stripper give them a free show, their eyes always hungry for more. The most fucked up thing was that he had started to become thankful to Tony, to his heavy hand that was always on him in the shower, as it stopped the other guys from trying anything. He knew everyone thought he was Tony’s bitch, he just never expected anyone to call him that to his face.

“I’m not his bitch,” Peter snapped.

Bucky – the guy who he had formed a tentative friendship with, who happened to be the guy who had sucked the blonde guys (Steve’s) cock in the shower – just looked at him with a confused smile.

 “Okay then,” Bucky paused for a moment and then looked him in the eye, “His whore then, whatever he calls you when he fucks you.”

“He isn’t fucking me,” Peter said through gritted teeth.

At that Bucky gave him an odd look, as though he just said that pigs can fly, and didn’t respond. Instead, Bucky put down his two cards showing pontoon and they continued their game.

When he went back to his cell later that same day, Tony stood in the middle of it like a brick wall. His arms were crossed, eyebrows furrowed and his lips pressed together. Peter paused and his hesitation brought Tony upon him, pushing him up against the wall with his hand around his throat. Peter’s automatically came up, scratching at Tony’s arm, wrist, hand, anything that he could reach until Tony grabbed both of his wrists in his left hand and forced them above his head.

“Do you want me to kill you, hmm? Is that it?” Tony growled out.

“N-no,” Peter choked out as he started to feel light headed from his air being cut off.

This answer didn’t seem to appease Tony, who pressed against him even harder until Peter could feel Tony’s breath on his face.

“Then why are you making me look like a fucking liar?” Tony’s eyes were alight with anger.

“I-I didn’t think- think he would tell anyone,” Peter replied, his eyes going wide as what he had done setting in; if he loosed Tony’s protection – stopped being his “bitch” – then it was going to be open season on him. That is if Tony didn’t kill him first.

At his reply, Tony’s eye seemed to soften.  “You’re so naive Bambi. So naive. Never trust anyone Peter, got it?” Tony released his throat but kept his arms up.

Peter gasped for his breath. “Not even you?”, he breathed out, his eyes looking up to meet Tony’s.

Tony leaned in so their noses were brushing against each other in an Eskimo kiss. “Not even me, Bambi. Especially not me.”

“What if I do trust you?” Peter asked, but it felt more like a confession. 

Tony smiled, an actual smile that caused wrinkles around his eyes. “If people call you my bitch, my anything, then you say yes. Okay?” 

Peter couldn’t help but notice that he didn’t answer the question. “Let me go,” Peter struggled against Tony’s hold but instead of breaking free, he just ended up rubbing himself against Tony, “fuck you!”

“Oh, Bambi, I will,” Tony murmured into his ear, biting the lobe.

Peter hid his whimper with a “Fuck off.” It lacked conviction though.

“I bet you’ll be begging me soon, Bambi, what a pretty sight you’ll make when that happens.” Tony pressed harder against him. His warmth, his weight, his strength, his scent… it was all so overwhelming to Peter’s senses, made him weak in the knees in a strange, disturbing way.

“Never,” Peter sighed in bliss.

Tony moved away. Peter could breathe again. 

“Fine. You don’t want my protection, I’ll let the others know that you’re free.” Tony clenched his jaw and turned away, walking over to the bunk bed.

Peter felt his lip quiver at the thought, if he wasn’t under Tony’s protection it wouldn’t be long before he was pushed to his knees in the shower. “Wait, don’t, I-,” Peter didn’t know what else to say. 

Tony didn’t respond but his shoulders relaxed. 

“Get some sleep, Bambi.”

Peter did what he was told.

Part Two

[daresplaining]

Could you maybe make a post with some of the most inspiring Daredevil pages? Stuff like him overcoming the Purple Man making him more depressed and hopeless in Waid's run, or the "I am Daredevil, and I am not Afraid." page from Soule's run. Those kind of pages always help me when I'm feeling down, it would be cool to see more in that vein.

    I love this request, and yes, I can definitely do that! I draw a lot of inspiration from Daredevil too (and superhero comics in general; that’s one of the purposes of the genre, in my experience), and refusing to give up when everything is falling apart is one of Matt’s trademark moves. Here are a few of my favorite moments– and I’m including the ones you mentioned, since I love them and want to make sure other people have seen them too. 

[ID: The Kingpin is brutally beating up Matt, who is in civvies. Matt falls on his back, his face bloody.]

Matt: “Never give up– never–”

Let’s start with a classic: 

[ID: Daredevil is fighting Namor. He tries electrocuting him, but the blast knocks him to the ground. As Namor walks away, Daredevil reaches out and grabs his ankle before passing out.]

Namor: “This is madness!! Does your own life mean nothing to you!?? Have you no sense of fear??”

Matt: “Sure! But I seem to have carelessly misplaced it somewhere! Now, just stand there for a second, fella– I want to try something!”

Caption: “Taking one last desperate gamble, Daredevil joins the two live wires, hoping to stagger his super-human foe! […] But, once again, the power of the Sub-Mariner is greater than any could suppose, and it is he who recovers first– while the Man Without Fear, despite his insulated gloves– lies weak, and dazed, and helpless…! Yet, how can one measure the limitless courage of a fellow human? Although on the brink of unconsciousness– although racked with pain and fatigue– still the sightless crusader reaches out–!”

Matt: “Come back! You– you mustn’t fight the others–! They’re innocent– mustn’t be harmed– mustn’t–!”

Namor: “[…] I have fought the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and other super-powered humans, but none has been more courageous than he, the most vulnerable of all! And out of respect to the courage of Daredevil, I shall not injure any humans! I shall fly above the waiting armed forces– and return to the sea where I am supreme!”

Daredevil vol. 1 #7 by Stan Lee and Wally Wood

    The issue that introduced the red Daredevil costume also crafted one of the first memorable depictions of Matt’s boundless resilience. Namor the Sub-Mariner comes ashore to sue the human race, and hires Nelson and Murdock to represent him. When the situation goes awry, Namor becomes violent, and Matt tries to subdue him. While he gets thoroughly thrashed in this fight, Matt’s persistence impresses Namor enough to make him leave the human race alone (for now). That image of a nearly-unconscious Daredevil clinging to Namor’s ankle is fairly iconic, with– I feel– good reason. 

[ID: The Hulk backhands Daredevil a good distance, where he crashes into some trash cans. He is injured and bleeding, but he struggles back to his feet as the Hulk stands over him, deciding whether or not to finish him off.]

Hulk: “NO! Banner made the Hulk a monster and Hulk will find him, even if it takes forever!”

Matt: “Hulk… *koff*… you won’t find Banner… *koff*… this way. You can’t… *koff*… find Banner this way. The police… the authorities.. I-I want to help them understand… *koff*… and… *koff* … I want to help you. …But you’ll have to trust me.”

Daredevil vol. 1 #163 by Roger McKenzie, Frank Miller, and Glynis Wein

    This is, thematically, a very similar situation to the first scene. The Hulk goes on a rampage and Matt tries to stop him. Just as in the Namor situation, Matt loses this fight– he is nearly beaten to death, and is confined to a hospital bed for quite a while afterward– but his courage breaks through the Hulk’s rage enough to calm him down. This is a recurring theme in their friendship. Matt first meets Bruce Banner when he is hired to represent the Hulk in court, and from the beginning, Matt has been vocal in his support of Bruce and sympathy for the Hulk. Despite the danger, Matt never hesitates to put himself within smashing distance of the Hulk for the sake of helping him. 

[ID: A taxi is resting at the bottom of a river with its hood bashed in. Matt Murdock is unconscious in the front seat. We see a close-up of his eyes as they open in a defiant glare. The next few panels show the Kingpin standing at a window looking out, and photos of the cab after it has been pulled out of the river.]

Caption: “Unconscious but living, Murdock is placed in a stolen checker cab… The cab is driven off Pier 41 into the East River. Its safety belt and doors are corroded shut by a chemical process that is identical to rust. Murdock is drenched in whiskey. A bottle, open, is laid in his lap. The owner of the cab is beaten to death by Murdock’s stolen billy club. Days pass into weeks. Still Murdock is never far from the crimelord’s thoughts. He imagines one last, terrible moment of realization… of Murdock thrashing wildly, desperately, hatefully… screaming soundlessly into the poisoned water… The Kingpin shudders at the thought, in pleasure… The world seems flooded with sunlight. Daily business becomes a joyous, childlike game. He has disgraced, destroyed and murdered the only good man he has ever known. This is his triumph of the spirit.

“At last the cab is discovered. There is blood, and bloody evidence of a struggle. There is a shattered windshield… a safety belt, severed by the windshield’s glass and what must have been a hideous effort of will. There is no corpse.”

Daredevil vol. 1 #228 by Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli, and R. Lewis

    This is, of course, from the famous “Born Again” arc, and I had a hard time choosing a scene, since the whole story is essentially a seven-issue-long depiction of Matt being knocked down and then standing back up. (I highly recommend reading it if anyone hasn’t, and I also summarized it here. I also cheated by including another scene at the beginning of this post…). However, the scene above is a turning point and possibly my favorite moment in the whole story. At this point Matt has lost it all: his friends, his career, his reputation, his money, and his home. In a fit of desperate, delirious anger, he attacks the Kingpin, who beats him unconscious and then– in the scene above– tries to kill him once and for all. The above issue starts with Matt curled up on a bed in a hotel room, unable to force himself to even move. He seems thoroughly beaten, and the Kingpin assumes the same, which is why he decides to stop toying with his victim and just finish the job. But in spite of all of this, Matt freaking Murdock refuses to die, and he somehow finds the strength to physically fight his way out of this seemingly unsurvivable situation. The fact that we don’t see him do it– that we only get the Kingpin’s reaction and that panel of Matt’s defiant glare after regaining consciousness– makes this act of resilience all the more powerful.       

[ID: Daredevil is fighting the Vulture (the Spider-Man villain). Daredevil pins him to the ground and starts punching him in the face.]

Matt: “A while ago, you said I secretly wanted to die. You were wrong. Cowards want to die. I’m no coward. I’m proving it– to you and to myself– by beating you… you– and everything you represent… the death and decay that eat away at a man until he surrenders… the horror that pulls you down into the pit! Well, I’m not the surrendering kind, mister! Got that? I never give up!”

Daredevil vol. 1 #225 by Denny O’Neil, David Mazzucchelli, and Ken Feduniewicz

    Matt is not at all a suicidal person (I’ve seen some fans claim otherwise, but he really isn’t), and this scene comes from a rare issue that covers that topic. It takes place shortly after Heather Glenn’s suicide, and it explores how the spectre of her death haunts Matt and Foggy’s lives afterward. In this story, the concept of death is represented by the Vulture, who Matt discovers trying to rob Heather’s grave. Later, he appears at the offices of Nelson and Murdock, which have just gone bankrupt. Upset by this loss, Foggy wanders up to the roof and contemplates his life, at which point he encounters the Vulture. Matt, fearing that Foggy might kill himself, goes up after him in costume and tries to fight the Vulture off. For a moment, during the fight, Matt contemplates whether he actually wants to lose, before returning to his senses and defeating both the Vulture and his own dark thoughts. 

[ID: Daredevil is fighting a huge crowd of grotesque-looking demons while carrying a lit torch. He holds up the torch and the demons scatter.] 

Matt: “My whole life, endless fighting. What a fate. I wonder, could I change that fate? No matter how many I kill, they keep on coming.”

Mephisto: “Ha ha ha ha ha! I love it! That’s it, you big hero. Keep fighting. Fight till you drop that torch.”

Matt: “What if… what if I just stopped? If I just stopped fighting. If you stop fighting, isn’t the fight over? Yes. Yes, yes, yes. They can’t touch me. Okay, Mephisto. I’m coming for you. You made a mistake. You believe your evil breaks a man. Sometimes it does. But when it doesn’t break a man– it makes him even stronger.”

Daredevil vol. 1 #281 by Ann Nocenti, John Romita Jr., and Christie Scheele

    This is from Matt’s literal trip to Hell in Nocenti’s run (Hell is a cosmic setting in the Marvel universe, and Mephisto is a recurring antagonist, so this isn’t quite as bizarre as it sounds…). While trapped in a seemingly endless wasteland and attacked by hoards of demons, Matt musters enough free will and spirit (as represented by the fire he’s carrying) to not only survive, but to actually challenge Mephisto. It’s great. 

[ID: Matt is crouched on the side of a building at night, in the rain. He is wearing the Daredevil suit but has taken the mask off. He puts his hand to his face in emotional anguish.] 

Matt: “I’ve got to pull myself together. My world is falling apart and I am helping it every single step of the way. I have to focus. Focus. Foggy is right. My entire life– everything is up for grabs. Everything I’ve built– everything I am– can be taken away from me. Have to center my energies. Have to think. Focus. Center and focus. Center and focus. Don’t listen to their camera motors and their cell phones. Don’t listen to them. The phone calls. All I hear is my name over and over: Murdock. Murdock, Murdock. That name is not theirs to say. It’s not theirs! It’s mine. They’re stealing it from me. No! Stop it. Center and focus. Center and focus. Center and–”

Mugging victim (off-panel): Noooo!”

Matt: “Focus.”

Daredevil vol. 2 #35 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, and Matt Hollingsworth

    I love this little moment from Bendis’s run. It’s small and subdued, but highly moving in the context of what Matt is dealing with in this story. His identity has been made public, there are crowds of reporters camped outside his home, his entire life is at risk of falling apart, but he takes this second to pause, think, and regain some sense of control.  

[ID: Matt stands up and prepares to fight. He is armed with two tonfa, and is wearing black clothes reminiscent of his Man Without Fear costume, but without a mask. His head is bandaged.]

Matt: “You think you can… turn me into a blubbering wreck… by preying on my fears… but I’ve already faced them– and come out the other side! You understand me, Calavera? I know what I am… who I am… and I am not afraid!”

Daredevil: Reborn #4 by Andy Diggle, Davide Gianfelice, and Matt Hollingsworth

    The Reborn mini-series follows Matt’s attempt at emotional recovery in the aftermath of “Shadowland”. Having quite literally lost his identity and had his spirit broken by getting possessed by a demon, he goes out west and, through helping right some wrongs in a small town in New Mexico, he reaffirms his sense of self.  

[ID: A stormy winter night. Ferry pilots (Sid and Ronnie, off-panel) are waiting for Daredevil to resurface from the river. As their ferry moves away, Daredevil hauls himself out of the freezing water and onto a dock.]

Sid: “It’s been a while, Ronnie– think he’s still down there?”

Ronnie: “Sid– you a moron? Where else would he be?”

Sid: “Beats me. Just askin’. It’s too bad– looks like he went back down there for nothin’. ‘Cept maybe to die.”

Ronnie: “Well, I’m not givin’ up just yet.”

Sid: “No? Why not?”

Ronnie: “’Cause I don’t think he would.”

Daredevil: Dark Nights #2 by Lee Weeks and Lee Loughridge

    The first Dark Nights story is a celebration of Matt’s willpower, as he travels through a blizzard to deliver a heart transplant to a dying little girl. I particularly love this scene, in which Matt dives into the river to rescue the heart and the pilots transporting it from their crashed helicopter, and despite the cold and his exhaustion, he powers through and survives the experience.

[ID: Daredevil is bleeding and horribly injured, and crouched in the mud under a bridge. The Purple Man is standing above him, about to hit him with a plank of wood.]

Purple Man: “Shouldn’t you be angry? Shouldn’t you put up a struggle?”

Matt (caption): “But that’s how far down the pit I’ve fallen. I can’t even respond to his orders. 

Purple Man: “Come on. This is too easy. Don’t rob me of a victory I’ve waited years for.”

Matt (caption): “All I can do is sink into the blackness. I can’t feel pain. I can’t  move because I have nothing to push against. Nothing.”

Purple Man: “Show me some fear.”

[ID: Daredevil kicks the Purple Man, then falls back to his knees. ]

Matt (caption): “That. That, I know how to fight. Get up. You have momentum now. Don’t lose it. Don’t let the shadows pull you back in. Inertia is the enemy. Do something. Move. Move, Matthew.”

Daredevil vol. 4 #10 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, and Matt Wilson

    I’m glad you mentioned this scene because it’s one of my favorites too, as is this story arc as a whole. Waid’s depiction of depression is visceral and heartrending because it’s something he himself suffers from, and that realism makes Matt’s struggle to move forward and fight against his despair all the more impactful.  

    As an extension of the above moment, Matt’s decision to talk with Kirsten at the end of the issue (which I discussed at length here) is also breathtaking.  

[ID: A black page with a red heart monitor readout at the bottom. It flatlines, then spikes once.]

Matt (caption): “I cannot see the light. So I will be the light. I am Daredevil. And I am not afraid.”

Daredevil vol. 5 #612 by Charles Soule and Phil Noto

    And this moment– there’s nothing more badass than Matt literally willing himself back to life! “I am Daredevil. And I am not afraid” is a refrain that is repeated throughout Soule’s run, which is a neat way of tying his run together and emphasizing Matt’s relentless determination. 

[ID: Matt is alone in a gym, struggling to walk between two parallel bars. He falls, then, with a huge effort, pulls himself back up.]

Jack (off-panel): “Fear’s of no use to us, Matt. We have to live with it, but it’s not for anything. But pain? What’s pain for, Matt? What’s pain for?”

Matt: “Pain keeps us going.”

Man Without Fear vol. 2 #5 by Jed MacKay, Danilo Beyruth, and Andres Mossa

    The new Man Without Fear was another great recovery story, and gave us this really great moment when Matt, after suffering through the physical and emotional destruction of being hit by a truck, finally regains his fighting spirit.

    I also wanted to include a few scenes of other people being inspired by Matt’s courage and resilience, because there are some great ones. Here’s one of my favorites, from Waid’s run:

[ID: Foggy is sitting in a circle with a group of fellow cancer patients. They are all wearing Daredevil shirts.]

Foggy: “Ah, excellent. You all dressed for the occasion. I’ll be straight up with you folks. I have a friend. He’s probably the bravest man I’ve ever met. And no matter how much I beg him to teach me to be like him… in the whole time I’ve known him, I’ve learned only one thing about fearlessness: it’s contagious.”

Daredevil vol. 3 #31 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, and Javier Rodriguez

    I love this aspect of Foggy’s cancer plotline– the fact that Foggy uses Matt as a source of inspiration for facing his own fear. These two have always been emotional anchors for each other, providing moral support and guidance in difficult times, and that’s part of what makes their friendship so powerful. Here, Foggy is largely on his own. Matt can’t punch cancer, and Foggy doesn’t even tell him about the symptoms at first. But from the very beginning, Foggy latches onto Matt’s fearlessness as a way of fending off his own terror about the diagnosis. As I said at the beginning of the post, part of the purpose of superhero stories is to serve as inspiration for their readers to be kind and courageous in their own lives, and it’s wonderful when characters within those stories are impacted in that same way by the superheroes around them. To take this concept one meta step further, Foggy’s cancer story– the whole thing, including his drawing strength from his best friend– is in itself a hero story for readers who may be going through similar experiences. 

[ID: Flashback panels colored in black and white with hints of red. Matt (in civvies) is attacked by a group of ninjas on a city street. He fights them while Foggy runs and hides around a corner.]

Foggy (caption): “When you were around, it was different. The fear wasn’t so real. I was still freaked whenever anything happened… my nerves were a car wreck… but even as I was sweating bullets, I somehow knew I was safe. Because of you.”

Daredevil vol. 2 #88 by Ed Brubaker, Michael Lark, David Aja, and Frank D’Armata

    …And another great Foggy and Matt scene, this one from “The Secret Life of Foggy Nelson”, one of my favorite issues of Brubaker’s run. Foggy has been separated from Matt against his will, and in his isolation and fear, he reflects on their friendship and draws strength from Matt’s example. 

[ID: Luke Cage is sitting comfortably in a chair, legs crossed, directly addressing the reader.]

Luke: “Daredevil. I know him pretty well, actually. Well, as well as he lets anyone know him. End of the day, without question, he’s one of the best. Ever. I’m not going to get into who he is and how he became who he became. And I know there are a lot of people who think they know all there is to know about Daredevil and all of his secrets. But I can tell you from personal experience that the information that’s out there about him is pretty much crap. Let’s just leave it at that. All you need to know about Daredevil is that this man has sacrificed everything to try to make this city safer. He has lost more and suffered more for his dedication to you than, well, anybody I know. And I know some people who’ve suffered and lost. He ain’t the strongest of us, and he ain’t the flashiest… but Daredevil cannot be brought down. It cannot happen.”

New Avengers vol. 2 #16 by Brian Michael Bendis, Mike Deodato, and Rain Beredo

    And last but not least, here an excerpt from a great speech Luke Cage gives after Matt joins the Avengers. Even other superheroes– all of whom tend toward superhuman resilience– are impressed by Matt.  

[sparda3g]

Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Chapter 281 Review

“Soma and other Elite Ten members did a great job for making a great comeback; even surpassing the expected number of $27,000. While that’s all nice and all, it’s sad to know the arc will go to another serious threatening arc that will probably use the ladder routine like one hero will say, ‘You guys go ahead and save Erina. I will take him on!’ Oh well, it was fun while lasted.”

That quote was my early intention to write. I was certain that it was going to be the case. I was wrong. I was so happy to be wrong. This chapter is an example of what if you wait for a little longer and see what this arc is truly capable of. By no means, it did start fishy with the Noirs and the Underworld concept, but this chapter is what I would like to think the one that pulled 180 for the greater good. Needless to say, I am excited.

The chapter begins with Soma and others celebrating for passing the exam. I was beginning to wonder when we will get to see Erina, but in due time. Polar Star Dorm also passed the exam, which is expected but good to know. Elite Ten is being heavily praised by Yuki because it’s in their title. I love Alice taking it all in and gloat about friendship power, even though Nikumi knows that’s not completely true.

I like the fact Hayama and others elaborate Megumi’s accomplishments in the exam. If you thought she was only greeting them, think again because she was everyone’s waitress. That’s incredible; hospitality at its finest. It shows how great she has improved. I can’t say she can do Shadow Clone now, but give her time. She will soon enough.

Always the charming Alice thought she can go on a vacation, but because she’s an Elite Ten member, there’s no time for that. She got all pouty about it, which is always adorable. If she wants freedom, got to drop the title then. Not that I want her, I’m just saying. It is now that Soma realizes Erina has been missing for a while. Judging by the chapter’s title, I thought it will mean he will suffer the blue for her disappearance.

Megumi suggests that she could have gone to the Mountain Course and it appears that they buy into that story. Now I get why we have a small mention of Hisako at a different location. That being said it dismiss the idea of Soma feeling the blue, let alone anyone. It’s as if the writing wants everyone to take time before realizing her disappearance, and then engage the rescue mission. After reading this whole chapter, it doesn’t appear to be the case. In fact, it’s far better than I expected.

Most of the chapter is technically a flashback, where Erina was locked up a day ago. Erina gathers all the information from the past and quickly discovers the identity of the group. I know Saiba exposed himself, but Le Cuisiners Noirs was something she learned from her grandfather, Senzaemon, so she is very aware of their capabilities. What’s hilariously cute is the fact she learned about them when she was a grade-schooler. He told her stories in a most haunting and disturbing way possible; so much so, she couldn’t sleep for a while. And you thought Azami was evil.

Seriously, why would you tell her stories so violent at a young age? I know we all eventually learn outside world isn’t all sunshine and rainbow, but goodness gracious, talk about traumatizing a kid to her sleep. Poor little Erina. It is comical how her visual of Noirs being cliché criminals seem to be accurate with drugs and deadly weapons on the floor like no one’s business. What a friendly home.

Saiba finally speaks up to advance the plot or exploit the reason behind the kidnapping. He wanted to settle the point that he’s a bad dude and what better way to do so than a place filled with bad stuff. Plus it does make conversation easier for him. In case you’re wondering, the guy with black hair and glasses was the kidnapper. I know it because Saiba flat out said it. This series is so self-aware. The guy sounds very loyal to him; I’ll bet he’ll be shouting, “Boss!” So now come to the real meat of the chapter.

Saiba challenges Erina. Oh no, that means he’s going to derail her hype. That means for the time being she will suffer a disorder where she was once showed greatness, but once she becomes hostage, all of her “power” will be wiped out and cry someone for help. It looks like it was starting already with Erina asking him for why he did all of this mess. I got to admit, I do like how Saiba is self-aware that there are things that can’t work the way he wanted, so he’s just like, “Yeah…I’m just going to kidnap you and demand a challenge.” Way to go, guy…

It’s like what he said, he truly wants to marry Erina for supremacy. His bet is if he wins, she will marry him. The whole reason why the Noirs spread out earlier was to test her; uncovering her prowess to be legit and not a rumor. If it’s Erina, anything incredible is true. Once he confirms the truth, that’s where he begins to go after her at Tootsuki Academy. It doesn’t explain the ordeal with him and Joichiro, but in due time, especially with that ending.

Apparently, the members he sent out weren’t their best, rather their worst. Who said they’re the true pillars? I assume the ones in the room are among the best. It’s expected Shounen formula to hype the real threat. So what Erina can do about this? Surely, she has to stay and feel helpless; unable to do anything. This is what fans feared the most: unable to stand up for herself.

Well thank God, she broke the so-called code of WSJ Heroine of remaining hopeless as a damsel in distress, because she does stand up for herself, literally!

This is what fans was hoping for, myself included. Not only she exploded with rage, but she wants to slaughter the hell out of him. He wants challenge? He sure damn got it. Keep in mind, she didn’t know he was Saiba back then, so there was no reason for her to take in charge. Now that she knows, she won’t let him get the best of her. She was ready to throw down a face down (yeah, I said it). Hell, it’s even better that she mocks his agenda as a foolish act, which we can all agree on.

She didn’t back away one iota. I thought she will just break free and win; I can buy into that. I don’t know why but when she asks for a knife, I can’t help but vision in my head, thinking she said it like, “Give me that f*****g knifc!” Talk about close call before making her return to the state during Azami’s reign of terror, which was understandable at the time. It’s good to see some series in WSJ not succumb to the so-called “Heroine doesn’t matter” law. I don’t need to be SJW to know that’s nonsense. That’s nice and all from her, but she’s going to lose to him right now, right? Not exactly.

As much as I enjoy the characters, the arc could have been rough if it was following the Shounen law of escalation or tower of doom system. Plus, it would have been less believable to buy in characters taking on one enemy at a time where everyone could just barge in and rescue Erina altogether. It’s like some form of Yu-Gi-Oh! Why let card games stop you? Punch him. The world literally depends on you. Ahem. Bottom line, it would have been odd. Thankfully, not only there’s another (better) way, but it’s at this moment where my interest increased tenfold.

Saiba challenges Erina, but not in a form of Shokugeki. Instead, he actually has a good idea for once. It goes through a slow hype build to the revelation, starting with the mention of The Blue. How foolish I was that I didn’t think of the grand competition, The Blue, rather the mood. It’s one of the fans’ most anticipated tourney, so when he brought it up, he got my full attention. In case you don’t know it, it’s a tournament that gathers the top-tier chefs from around the world; as long as he/she is younger than 35 years. Sorry, no Joichiro.

This begs one question: why would Saiba brought it up if it’s a tourney for legal chefs only. This year however is different because Chief Executive changed the policy to go beyond. The rules no longer has a limitation, which means Noirs can in fact enter the tournament. That Chief has gone mad. What does this all means? Saiba will challenge her through a genuine match at The Blue, and everyone will be at the tourney to claim the best of the best title. This is surprisingly a great move.

This removes the idea of rescuing Erina at the Tower of Doom system, because everyone, including Noirs, will be at The Blue. It’s like Tsukuda takes the best aspect of “serious” arc and tournament arc. The serious side is the personal bet between the two and the tournament side is self-explanatory. We don’t have to worry about the world ending stake or anything too dramatic. It’s inserted within The Blue. It’s more of character’s subplot than the main plot.

The best part is the tournament. We’re going to see plenty of new/old characters across the world, so we can expect plenty of new style/type of dishes. Another good part is it removes the complete predictability as there will be other characters to worry about. As long as it doesn’t format the predictable straightforward Noirs versus Elite Ten. It could mix up with some other character(s). There are tons of possibilities. I got to hand in to Tsukuda to pull a 180. First the pairing moment, now this. Well done. Of course, Saiba really believes he’s going to win and marry her. Haha. Okay. Maybe if she was in another manga, she would easily lose, but here, well, we’ll see, buddy.

If that whole revelation wasn’t good enough, the chapter ends with Joichiro arriving to the beach to meet Soma at the shop. He looks rather happy after losing his knife to Saiba, let alone losing. This is a great time to clear out some confusions with his ordeal with Saiba. There’s a good chance that he will avoid it, but I’d prefer to clear it out now. Either way, I look forward to the next chapter.

This was one of the best chapter that involves with Saiba and Noirs. While I didn’t mind so much back then, it wouldn’t be my ideal of introducing a new arc involving with another dark storyline. Instead, it’s more of a personal grudge manner and that’s how it should remain. What better way to settle it than at the Blue. And some people thought it wouldn’t happen at all, because “it’s Soma lol.” I suppose so. Still waiting on that “moon mission” in that other series.

Hm. I feel bad for that shot fired; I apologize.

Anyway, Erina remains great as I was expecting. I told you, fans. Don’t let mainstream series get to you. She is above that, believe it or not. The artwork is solid and comical with Erina exploding like a volcano. Seriously, I think she can kill them by herself. With Joichiro arriving, this arc is looking very promising. Let’s hope Tsukuda can keep this momentum strong. We’re counting on you.

[abassi-okoro]

14 YEAR OLD WHITE BOY BEATEN FOR WEARING MAGA HAT.

When white parents send their kids out into the world whether it's to school or to the mall allowing them to wear a MAGA cap, they have to assume that this will invite conflict. I'm not sure if white America got the memo but the rules have changed. This is not 1924 where you could comfortably put your racial ignorance on display and not worry about anyone batting a eyelid.

We seem to have a difficult time comprehending the concept of 'Causality.' This bold freedom to wear what many people find is a symbol of hate (the MAGA cap which some have even compared to wearing a Klan robe) invites challenge and challenge almost always end in catastrophe. We are dealing with a NEW type of intolerance to Racism or as Alain LeRoy Locke once called it, "The New Negro" who refuses to submit quietly to the practices and laws of white supremacy and white arrogance. This is the biggest oversight of white folks. Taking for granted the idea of oppressed black people once being prey, now becoming the predator.

It is astonishing that the parents of this MAGA hat wearing teen could not have expected at least some sort of backlash. Or perhaps the family is so immersed in their own white privilege that the idea of this child being physically attacked never really occurred to them. It seems that stupidity and overconfidence have at least one similarity. The mother stated that her son purchased the hat with his own money and he was proud to wear it. Well there's your problem right there - PRIDE! While I do understand and somewhat agree with, "Freedom of Speech," I also understand Cause and Effect and regardless of what illusory "liberty" a government grants you, the Universe works with a different law - the law that states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. What goes UP must come DOWN!

This Law of Causality isn't concerned with right and wrong or what's moral and just. In fact, it has no concept of good and evil. It only knows Action - Reaction, Cause and Effect, the only things that really matter. It is unfortunate that this kid was attacked and I feel for the parents of any child who is so brutally beaten by a group of kids however, Langston Hughes (one of my favorite poets and social activist) wrote a poem back in 1951.

His poem entitled, "Warning!"

"Negroes, sweet and docile - meek, humble, and kind,

Beware the day they change their mind.

Wind in the cotton fields, gentle breeze,

Beware the hour it uproots trees!"

This simply means that black people have reached a point in their very troubled history in this country with the systems and injustices and various programs of oppression and industrial complexes in place that such ideals as conformity, humility, being agreeable and being compliant has become something of the past. Kindness has been replaced with aggression, humility has been replaced with rage and gentleness has been replaced with animosity. So with this in mind, I encourage white folks to pay close attention to what I'm about to say next.

ADVISE TO WHITE PARENTS:

White parents, do not send your little smug white kids to the slaughter over something as meaningless as white pride and white privilege. It goes far beyond the matter of right or wrong or even Free Speech. If you love your children (and I assume you do) and you care about their well-being, and if you don't want to spend a few nights in the hospital with your severely beaten child then I urge you to put your ego aside and worry more about your kid's safety and preservation and less about your kid's right to wear a cap. In the 80's and 90's many black kids couldn't wear certain colors in certain neighborhoods (Red and Blue) because these colors would most likely get them killed. So we understand having to, "Lay Low" and survive and sometimes that's just what you have to do and so you have to teach your white children to not invite confrontation - something black kids had to learn very early on and now YOUR kids have to learn it.

Lastly, if you're unsure whether or not to send your white kid to school wearing a MAGA hat, let me clear up any confusion and answer any questions you may have. Don't do it! These black kids today are no joke! They don't listen to authority, they don't listen to their parents. They WILL absolutely kill your goddamn kid, bottom line! This is not an exaggeration, I'm not using the word "KILL" as a figure of speech, I mean they will straight up MURDER (187) your clueless white kid's ass and you will be on the six o'clock news crying until your eyes bleed. Yes the killers will go to prison but how does that help you? That won't bring back little Jimmy or little Becky. And it would be YOUR fault for sending your arrogant weak cub out among fearless apex predators who now hunt in packs and will attack your kid at the slightest whiff of fear or in this case, stupidity. I'm afraid that these attacks will continue until white folks stop throwing their white privilege and their white arrogance in the face of people who already feel oppressed, stressed, exploited, persecuted, tyrannized and helpless. If you do not stop, you will be putting your children in harm's way. This is MY warning, you can heed it or not - that's up to you but what's it gonna take, one dead white kid?

https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-teen-maga-hat-bullies-bus-attack-video-hamilton-county?fbclid=IwAR0OzaI-z88LezmKKSGfMpOi5bzNUXMwzKTAQOAX_an3L7rVCi1FRBjl2xA

[itswomanswork]

If You’re Going Through Hard Times, Watch This!

Hard times are a normal part of life. When you get hit with them, you can either fall down or rise up.

Everyone experiences highs and lows. However, some people cope better than others. In studies of people facing trauma, many describe their experience as a catalyst for profound change and transformation, leading to a phenomenon known as ‘post-traumatic growth.’

The most successful people in this world are those that have known defeat. They have been at rock bottom and have been able to make their way out of the depths of their own despair. These people were not born with this skill. Rather, they developed it over time. In doing so, they developed a greater appreciation for life.

Are you ready to learn how you can boost your resilience during hard times and come back stronger than ever before? As the old Japanese proverb states, “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”

Watch the video below:

(Click here to watch on YouTube)

(Podcast Coming Soon)

Are you ready to learn 21-powerful morning rituals that will take your life to the next level? CLICK HERE to receive instant access to my free cheat sheet!

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I only ever endorse products that I have personally used and benefitted from personally. Thank you for your support!

Hard times are the key to a happy and healthy life.

This sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Not according to science. Recent research indicates that psychological flexibility is the key to greater happiness and well-being. For example, being open to emotional experiences and the ability to tolerate periods of discomfort can allow us to move towards a richer, more meaningful existence.

Sure, it’s easy to feel like giving up when the world continues to throw you challenges. That being said, it’s up to you how you are going to respond to life’s setbacks. Struggling is a choice.

One of my favorite quotes about strength in hard times is by Joel Osteen, who said – “When you face difficult times, know that challenges aren’t sent to destroy you. They’re sent to increase and challenge you.”

If you are going through a difficult time in your life right now, I want you to know that you aren’t alone. I’ve been there. We all have. I know what it feels like when your entire world turns upside down and you don’t know where to turn.

I won’t begin to claim that I understand your pain, because everyone has a different life story. That being said, I can share with you the knowledge that I have learned from my own experiences. I made it through the hard times in my life and so can you. You are still standing and there is a reason for that. Sometimes we all need a friendly reminder of how strong we really are.

Here are 5 ways that you can thrive through the hard times.

1. Accept That Hard Times Will Happen

Why is it so hard to accept that hard times are a part of life? Well, it’s usually because our ego tells us that everything should be perfect. If life doesn’t go our way, then we assume that there must be something wrong with us.

In her book, Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow, Elizabeth Lesser says that “When we resist change and loss, we bring more pain onto ourselves. We become hardened, angry, resentful.” 

Accepting something doesn’t mean that you have to like it. Rather, it simply means that you have made the choice to stop resisting it. Instead of forcing an outcome, you let go of control and embrace what is.

Randy Pausch is a shining example of this idea. Randy was a leading professor at Carnegie Mellon, a husband, and a father of 3. In 2007, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The doctors only gave him a few months to live. Instead of curling in a ball and giving up, he decided to accept his illness and live out his remaining time on earth in a positive and purposeful way.

In the words of Randy himself – “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” 

If you have yet to watch his Last Lecture, I encourage you to do so.

2. Be Proactive 

When hard times hit, it’s the proactive people that are able to get through challenges with grace and ease. They don’t allow struggles to define who they are because they refuse to be defeated. Nobody said that life would be a walk in the park. However, many of us are ill-prepared from an early age to get through hard times.

I know what rock bottom feels like. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was the beginning of me questioning everything that I ever thought was true.  I was faced, head on, with the disempowering belief systems that were keeping me locked away from living my life to the fullest.

Sometimes we need to hit our emotional threshold in order to light a fire under our butts and change our lives for the better. Every struggle in my life has shaped me into the person that I am today. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, but you’ve got to find it. Don’t you want to become the CEO of your life?

Nobody is going to fix your problems for you. Rather, you need to take action and create the change that you want to see. You can learn about all the strategies in the world for getting through hard times, but none of them will matter unless you actually apply them in your life.

3. Have Faith

Hard times can challenge our faith if we allow them to. Hard times are, in actuality, hard. That being said, how we choose to approach these moments in our lives ends up determining whether or not we merely survive or thrive through life. Having an unshakeable faith in our strength is the answer, and it starts with gratitude.

Numerous studies have proven that when you adopt an attitude of gratitude, you are a happier person. However, when people are trying to get through the hard times, they usually don’t reflect upon how grateful they are. Why?

Because challenges don’t feel good. I get it. However, if you only rely on your anger and frustration to get you through the bad times, you won’t do yourself any good. This mindset will only get you stuck in a negative spiral that will feel impossible to get out of. When we feel sorry for ourselves, we become a victim of our circumstances. This is no way to live.

Have you ever had an experience in life where something didn’t work out, but as a result, something better came from it? When you believe that everything is a blessing in disguise, that’s exactly what the Universe gives to you. By adopting this positive perspective on life, it motivates you to view every challenge as an opportunity to grow and become more. Have faith that in yourself and in a better tomorrow. That alone will make the invisible, visible.

Nicole Reed said it best – “Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.”

4. Focus on What You Can Control

If you think that you can control everything in your life, you are setting yourself up for failure. The harsh reality is that you have zero control over many of the things that happen in life. This is where people get into trouble. They think that if they can gain enough control over people or a situation, then they can prevent hard times from happening.

This is far from true.

When you are going through hard times, the natural response is to try and fix whatever it is that feels bad. However, the longer that you linger here, the more helpless that you will feel. We tend to forget that the only thing that we have control over is our inner world. It is your reaction to life that matters most. Two different people could experience the exact same challenge but have a drastically different response to it.

Attitude is everything. Hard times will happen throughout your life, but it is up to you how you will interpret them. You are always in control of your emotions, no matter how difficult the situation may be or feel. When you are able to change your reaction to people and events, don’t be surprised if you see a massive shift take place in every area of your life.

5. Develop A Morning Ritual

Ever since I was 17 years old I’ve committed to a morning ritual. It is the most important part of my entire day because it is the time at which I prime myself for success. By conditioning my mindset, I am prepared to tackle whatever challenges may come my way. You may be wondering, “How is this possible?”

Well, when you take the time to engage in rituals like reciting positive affirmations or doing a meditation practice, you feel more positive and calm. When hard times hit, you are more equipped to handle them because you have done the work to master your emotional state.

Sure, some days I wouldn’t mind sleeping in an extra hour, but I have committed to not getting caught up in these moments of pleasure because I know how good I feel when I stick with my routine. It helps to put me into an optimal state of mind. When I’m energized, focused and inspired, I feel unstoppable. It’s as simple as that.

I’m not saying that I don’t get frustrated when challenges occur. However, every time that I engage in my routine, I am making subtle mental and emotional shifts in how I think about life and hard times. As a result, when the shit hits the fan, I am prepared. Instead of freaking out, I make choices and decisions that serve my highest self.

I hope these words of encouragement for hard times have inspired you to keep moving forward.

We all face hard times. Ultimately, we all become stronger and wiser as a result. It comes down to adopting a positive mindset through every challenge that you face in life. Will it be easy? No. When we face difficulties, it’s easy to get sucked into a negativity trap. However, this is the moment at which you need to believe in yourself and search for solutions that will allow you to weather the storm and come out the other side, happier and healthier.

In his final Rocky movie, Sylver Stallone says, “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. But it ain’t how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It’s how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.”

If you want to learn more about how you can become the master of your life, check out my Life Mastery Accelerator program.

Whatever you are going through, never forget that don’t hard times don’t last. This too shall pass and the skies will shine again. Until then, pull upon your inner strength and trust that you have everything inside of you in order to get through the hard times. You are stronger than you know. 

Are you ready to learn 21-powerful morning rituals that will take your life to the next level? CLICK HERE to receive instant access to my free cheat sheet!

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HomeFront: 36. There Wasn't Anything

The run felt like it took him an hour. Trying to get over the fact that he was always on the edge of falling down a mountain wasn't a good feeling at all. The best they could have done was make the path wider for a person to pass and carry a load behind them. But, no. No passing room (thank you nobody was coming in the other direction) with just barely enough space for his shell to jab at the Rock every now and then as his body bounced side to side with his movements. It felt like he had just hit a home run when he had the Wu Kwan in his sights with all the flat space stretching far and wide. Upon his arrival, his teacher opened up the door to the porch and stood in the doorway. With a cup of tea in her hand, she advised that he should take a moment's rest and come back. Apparently, she had a surprise in mind and wouldn't want it to be spoiled for him. Although he smiled and took off with it, he felt like it was go no to be very unpleasant. If anybody says there's a surprise briefly after getting cross with the other, there was nothing fun about the outcome. With the break, he had a good moment to dawn on the thought in the comforts of his home of a few months. When he first arrived, Leonardo dwelled on the fact that Venus may be home. She probably woke up and noticed that he had gone by now. Probably doesn't even want to see him right now. He had to admit, that was a really… um… Not really nice thing to do to her. Every morning they woke up together, so he sure wouldn't have gone unnoticed. He better try to make peace with her at least. Alas, wherever he looked, the lady turtle was nowhere to be found. Not in her room, not in her father’s room, not even in her glorious backyard. Venus probably took off somewhere. Miwa didn't mention whether or not she was in the Wu Kwan, so maybe she's somewhere else? The hole? An old friends? Oh no, what if she's with Yujin? She hadn't talked about him much since, but that couldn't mean that she's forget about him. Leo jumped onto the couch. He wished he could say that he cared whether or not it would break under his sudden weight, but now he could care less. Could he really have driven her back to her.. Her guy-friend? That was the last thing he would want and it was entirely his fault if she did. Oh, man. He may have messed up big time. The whole point of him going home for a while was a time for relaxation, but how was a turtle honing to relax with these thoughts through his head? He tried calling her, but with every call there was no answer. Typical. Well, if he wasn't going to relax, might as well go back and meet up with Miwa. Besides, keeping further bottled up feelings without blowing off some steam will make him repeat the same actions that brought him here in the first place. He went through the back entrance to where Miwa had sent him off from earlier that morning. On the walk there, he tried to drop the subject altogether in order to keep from taking his frustration too far in the face of his teacher. It wasn't her fault anyways. It was nobody's fault that he felt such a way. Nobody's fault but his. A careful hand turned the knob and pulled the door open. The creak of its hinges notified that someone was coming in. Upon closing it behind him, he stood there as he waited for the incoming footsteps to meet up with him. As spritely as ever, it was Miwa. Her cup was no longer in her hand after having finished it a while ago. Updated nag her face was a black mask made of some type of netting by material like chiffon of some sorts. The black shadowed her sharp eyes outlined by her edgy makeup. A torso of a silver plate adorned her along with strapped pads on both her shoulders and forearms. She looked ready for a fight. “Welcome back.” Her words were mellow. “I have someone in the dojo for you.” She didn't explain her new get up, which was odd since he had seen her wear nothing else but black pants and shirts. Something was definitely up. Good or bad for him, it was seriously leaning towards the bad side in his stomach. Like a good student, Leonardo followed as she led him to the other room. A lump in his throat went down as they neared the dojo. “Is Venus here? She wasn't back at the house.” He forced himself to say. Maybe talking could calm him down for the possible worst behind the door. “I don't want you thinking about her right now.” She snapped, letting half of her covered eye pierce his soul. “In other words, she brought him in for you.” Her face disappeared behind her head. “Him?” Leo questioned with a raised brow. His teacher did not answer. Miwa opened the door to the dojo and walked in. A small panic surged through the brave turtle for the surprise was just beyond this point. With a careful mind followed by confident steps, he tip toes into the room. Miwa was looking at one sode. A smile plastered on her red lips with her hands holding her hips. The turtle sealed a big lump of courage before looking at what she looked at so smugly. “There's the monkey boy!” The familiar, frog like croaking of the Ancient One sang so brightly. A squint in his eyes observed him more carefully. “You look sweaty, like a freshly washed cucumber only rotten looking.” He referred to his glistening state from walking over in the hot sun in addition to the anxiety he had coming in here. Normally, Leonardo would make some type of assurance that he heard his critique loud and clear, but for now, he was a little preoccupied. After hearing the Ancient One announce him, it turned around to see. The man had to be at least eight feet tall; a staggering giant next to the little old man. Was it right to refer to it as a man, as in, a human being? The creature wore a getup of blue pants and golden boots that curled at the toe. Not even the elf-ish style of his footwear made him any less intimidating. His physic was rock hard, rippling muscle everywhere including his four arms. Yes, his four, muscled arms shaded in the same blue-gray color of his body. Here and there, tufts of blonde hair lined his forearms and shoulders. He fancied a rather bushy beard that stopped just before the rope of his cranium. If he weren't interesting enough, a long tail with a striped pattern limped behind him. Mona had nothing on him when it came to length, but hey, she's supposed to have an adequate length and more thickness as a mixed salamander turtle. But this guy, what was he? “Heh. Just a little boy I see.” His haughty laugh frightened the confused turtle even more. He stood there like a dork, mouth still agape. “W-what? Who…?” Leonardo stammered. He couldn't function. The creature rendered him helpless, trying to comprehend his state of being. Was this what it's like when people meet him? Letting him suffering for a good few seconds, Miwa gave in, but with a sly smile. “This is D’Jinn.” She presented the strange creature with an extended hand. Her student continued to stare blankly. The teacher took hold of his bottom jaw and pushed it up. The click of his teeth snapped him out of his trance for he looked into her eyes and off the visitor. “You are going to be fighting him today.” Wait. Fight, him? The eight foot, four armed dude? Fight him? “Y-you mean like… right now?” Leonardo asked, wondering if he understood her right. With closed lids, she lowered her head. It's as bad as it sounded. “Whats the problem?” He laughed. “Afraid to get pummeled by an old timer?” His voice mixed of old and smoker, yet the deep bass surely did justice for his size. Leo gave his opponent another look over. In confusion, his eyebrows furrowed. Green lips pursed into an ‘o’. “Who?” The turtle almost sang as he liked back down to his teacher at his side. “What is he?” “Later. For now, prepare yourself Leonardo. This is one of your final tests. So far, you have learned and progressed with the new techniques I have taught you, but there is only one lesson left.” She approached the creature with amazing confidence. A space was created In the middle just before the Ancient One and the large gray man.“Defeat D’Jinn and you pass. If not, you are not the ninja we thought you were.” Well, that was encouraging. The student terrapin took one last look a D’Jinn before taking his place on the other side of the room. A list of advatnages and disadvantages went through his head. Master Splinter always warned him of never to assume anything during a fight, but if Miwa wanted him to fight him and apparently Venus did too, this guy had to be pretty good to pose a challenge to him. Leo walked to the other side of the dojo. Miwa and the Ancient One took refuge to a far corner of the room. ready to judge and spectate. D’Jinn casually sauntered to his place, letting his tail drag behind him. Leaning against the wall was a large, wooden bat that had the appearance of that of what a caveman would use. He chuckled as he grasped it and played with it childishly, showing off to the already worried terrapin. He turned around and face the turtle, smiling all the while. His nose stuck into the air. A couple audible sniffs went up his nose. “I can sense your fears, and your failure.” Two grey fists from the same side of his body formed, clenching at ‘failure’. The ninja turtle growled, teeth clenched so tight that his lips couldn’t hide his slight overbite. His animalistic voice grew higher in volume as he charged the awful creature. A leap in the air, he held out his katanas. A quick fip was added to assure a kick to the upper torso. Unfortuantely, his scheme was all too predictable. Before he could get a hit, he could see D’Jinn smile before winding up his bat and swatting him down. The flying turtle plodded onto the floor facedown. He tried to get up with his shaking arms, but D’Jinn gave hima brutal kick to the side of his shell. The power behind it sent him flying into the rafter. Thankfully, the wood barely splintered and kept the place upright. The shock was absorbed through his back armory, so it was more of a pinch than it would if he actually hit his skin. The terrapin caught himself and stuck the landing on the floor. When he looked up from his crouched position, he was less than pleased.“With everything that has happened, you are doomed to fail both yourself and others.” The blue bandana turtle stood up straight, katanas at his sides. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!” Again, he charged with great fury. Miwa and the Ancient One looked on in silence as the two got into a brief slashing battle before D’Jinn’s bat stopped the two katanas from cutting him vertically. Leonardo pushed down with all his might while the creature pushed up to hold him there. “Believe me, I do!” Suddenly, he pushed him back, shaking off the angry turtle. Then, he pulled hit bat over and behind his back, ready to spring. He swung down. Leonardo’s blades formed an ‘x’ in an attempt to guard against it. Suddenly, there was a bright flash. Donatello was in front of him. The cattle-like prods from the Foot shocked his already wet body in painful ways. With the addition of rain and the tech already on him, he was taking it the most. His grunts and held in screams were clearly audible, as if the Foot took the all over again. Then, there was Michelangelo. With the blood slowly withdrawing from them, he was the first to partake in its effects. Before Raphael had shown up, Leonardo looked to his right. His youngest, the happy one was pulled forward in a slumped position. Never had he seen his head hang low so involuntarily as his juvenile life was being sucked out of him and flowing through a tube. Another flash and he was back in the dojo; Right back into the middle of the fight. It was weird, but there was no time to register what happened as he found himself perfomring a double backflip to make space between his opponent. His hard footsteps shook the ground as he would up his bat again. Raphael, beaten to the floor and all he could do was watch his little brother fly and be humiliated by that monster. The sound of his bulky armor clinked and haunted his memories as he drew closer to his fallen brother. A foot pressed against his shell with hydronic force. More and more pressure pushed him down. The sound of the cracking bone that would soon become a crack in his shell began to break open under his shoe. The visions. Was this his mind playing tricks on him? Surely none of these thoughts were remotely near his brain at this time, but there there were. Clear and vivid. Such gruesome sights, he shook his head, hoping it would stop regenerating his past. Another charge came from the turtle, With his head in the clouds, he could think of no other tactic. It bothered him like crazy, but there wasn’t much he could do. He had to pass him test. D’Jinn waited patiently, which irked the turtle more as he pounced at him. With his legs curled back as well as both him arms, he wanted to dice up the arrogant alien. Before he could knick his skin. Two arms stopped him in mid air, gripping at his shoulder and the other at one of his legs. In a fit of rage, the D’Jinn wound up and smashed him into the floor, shell first. Then, there was Master Splinter. His body was being suspended by the same monster who did them wrong. As crisp as the real thing, his metal arm moved back and swung with the momentum. Splinter grunted as the blades cut at his stomach. So carelessly, was his body tossed to the floor. More flashes as he watched he and his brothers dropping like flies as they were attacked from behind until they blanked out. If it could become any more disturbing, their faces and bodies began to melt. Slowly, their distraught expression dissolved into the air along with the Foot holding them hostage. He was alone in their old home; Alone, with the exception of D’Jinn taking up the space the Shredder was once in before dissappearing. He laughed haughtily, letting his bat fall playfully into one of his palms. The memory was worse than the real thing. It all felt too real. The feelings and pain returned once more. The top of his head showed because her dropped his chin to his chest. His hands clenched the edge of the broken cemented floor while his knees scratched along with its jagged surface. “I’m- i’m so sorry!” He apologized out loud. His strong voice now shook. “I’m so sorry.” D’jinn continued to laugh, obviously enjoying every moment of the powerful leader breaking before him. Leo cold hear him, but it didn’t matter. Appologizing to his family was his biggest concern. “I- I’m. I did the best I could!” Suddenly, it hit him. He looked up. D’Jinn was still in his same, overconfident state. “I did the best I could!” Leonardo yelled with power behind his voice. The katana on the floor were picked back up as kickly as he got back onto his feet. The creature had to rush to gain better control of his bat as the mutant turtle came running at him like a freight train.“There” Clash! “wasn’t…” Block! “anymore…” Clash! “that I could’ve done!” His voice rumbled animalistically as he held the surprised creature in a deadlock. “If there was nothing more that you could have done, why do you punish yourself so?” An inquiry posed upon by the Ancient One pierced the imagery. The turtle paused. Blades lowered to his sides, shoulders relaxed. Before long, a smile warmed up his face. He got it. He understood. As quickly as it arrived, the awful background melted around them. They were back at the dojo, or , at least, could see it since they've never left. D’jinn backed off from the turtle. His large torso gave him a slight bow. Leo, now knowing he was no longer a threat, placed his katanas in the sheaths of his back. When the last one fell to the bottom on the carrier, he squared himself up with the noble creature and bowed with him. A few seconds and the two rose up. Suddenly, a blue aura surrounded him. His body was engulfed by a blinding light as he grew shorter and thinner in stature. At 6ft, he stopped changing and the light faded away. There stood Venus, smiling with all of her heart. It was her. She was him the entire time! Before he could say a word of disbelief, the female turtle engulfed him into a bear-tight hug. Her face pressed into the nook between his shoulder and neck. The move stunned him massively, but it didn't take long until he embraced her just the same. “I didn’t know it was that bad.” She was referring to what had happened between him and the Shredder. Surely, she knew of the story, but she had never seen it with her own eyes. “You needed help, but you wouldn't let us.” It sounded like a soft sob while she spoke into him. Leo nodded, agreeing fully. She pulled away, using a hand on his shoulder to distance herself and use the other to wipe her face. “Leonardo, you have so much promise and you're a great leader, but you thought you needed to be perfect in order to live a wonderful life. It's okay for a glow stick to break. Eventually, it will shine.” The sincerity. Such truth passed from her lips. It felt so good for him to hear words of praise towards him after a while of nasty remarks about his behavior. Assuredly, this feeling was way better than being angry all the time. “And you have proven yourself today.” Miwa chimed in. The two turtles turned their attention to their approaching teacher. The Ancient One was escorted by her side, arms wrapped around hers as she led. “Under my wing, you have learned many lessons in aikido, judo, Kung fu, and contact caopeira, as well as two important lessons that were personal.” “What were those?” “Lesson 1: taking critism and handling it nicely. Neither The Ancient One nor I thought you were a terrible prospect when we first met you.” “I did.” He raised his free hand proudly. Miwa chooses to ignore him after giving him a passing glance. “It was discouraging critism meant to break you down. At first, it did not seem to bother you but over time you applied it to getting better rather than expecting encouraging word and believe you were perfect. Lesson 2: don't let everything fall on your shoulders. I know you are the leader of your clan, but you can't be held responsible for everything. Some things are just beyond our control. When something as bad as that happens, accept that it happened and move forward. You are an exceptional student, Leonardo, and probably the best of students I've had. Your training is complete.” Those words. Leonardo has been waiting for them for the longest time. He accomplished his purpose of coming. Now, he can go home. Now, he can see his family again. Now, he can be at peace. Leo took a step towards the two mentors. Both Miwa and the Ancient One lifted up their chins to see his face. A calm exchange of facial expressions created a tacit treaty of peace. The terrapin took a deep breath before taking a bow. His hands were stiff at his sides as he lowered himself almost to the Ancient One’s height. In mutual respect, the two teachers bowed their heads, forgiving and congratulating their student. A few seconds passed until both parties straightened back up. Leonardo had the sweetest, most assuring smiles youve probably ever seen him have. This was what he wanted, and he got it. It took some blood, sweat, and quite a few tears, but he got there. Breaking his train of thought, a hand firmly grasped his chin. The beholder of it turned it abruptly towards her at his side. Venus smiled brightly. “Ready to lead a mission again?” A/N: Back at it again with the 2k3 references! The Character “D’Jinn” is from the Battle Nexus episodes. The action sequence comes from The Ancient One. Ok… be honest… how many of ya’ll did I trick from those last three sentences…? I know I did :p