#the world was beginning to fluoresce into wounds

[reiding-writing]

I need Spencer and cold reader to kiss so badly, please

HOW PITIFUL — SPENCER REID!

a case hits you harder than it should, and spencer shows his concern in a very spencer way.

spencer reid x cold!reader | 3.4k | h/c | cold!reader masterlist.

main masterlist.

WARNINGS | mentions of misogyny and victim blaming, cold!reader has an internal mental breakdown but it isn’t that bad, spencer rambles a lot and gets interrupted, romance

a/n — and so it begins

The station is quiet now, except for the faint hum of the overhead lights and the occasional groan of the building settling.

You’re the only one left, which is exactly how you planned it. The case file lies open on the table, the pages curling slightly at the edges from the weight of your touch. Every word you read feels like a fresh wound, an insult to your sense of justice, to your very humanity.

You’d thought you were used to this. You’ve seen the worst the world has to offer—bloodied crime scenes, shattered families, lives stolen for no reason at all. But this? This feels different.

The evidence isn’t just ink on a page or photos in a folder. It’s venom, bile spewed out by others—an entire community that believes the victim deserved what happened. That she asked for it. That her pain was a punchline.

Your chest tightens as you think back to the interviews, the smirks, the dismissive shrugs. One man even laughed when you pressed him about the threats. Laughed. It’s that sound, the callousness of it, that keeps replaying in your mind, like a cruel joke you can’t escape.

You shove the file shut and push it away, but the words are still there, seared into the back of your skull. Slut. Tease. She should’ve known better. You clench your jaw until it aches. The nausea sits heavy in your stomach, rising every time you breathe in too deeply.

The world outside your office window is cloaked in darkness, the streetlights glowing faintly against the fog. You want to leave, to go home and bury yourself under the weight of silence, but you know it’ll follow you there. You’ll see their faces when you close your eyes, hear their voices in the stillness.

You lean back in your chair and scrub a hand down your face, as if you could wipe away the ugliness clinging to you.

Your anger bubbles just beneath the surface, a volatile heat that threatens to explode. But what would it solve? Who would you even direct it at? The man who laughed? The ones who sent those vile messages? The whole damn system that let this happen?

A sharp, involuntary laugh escapes your throat—bitter, hollow. You feel like a hypocrite. You’re supposed to be the one who holds it together, who doesn’t let the darkness seep in. But right now, you’re failing.

You’re just as rattled as anyone else would be, maybe worse because you can’t let it go. It’s lodged deep, and no matter how much you want to dig it out, it stays.

The fluorescent lights above seem too bright, too sterile. You reach for the lamp on the table and switch it off, plunging the room into shadows. It doesn’t help. You’re still here, trapped with your thoughts.

You bury your face in your hands and sit there, breathing slowly, trying to remind yourself that you’ve faced worse. You’re strong enough to carry this, to keep going.

But even as you think it, you’re not sure you believe it anymore.

—

You sit cross-legged on your bed, staring blankly at the TV. The volume is low, the flicker of the screen the only source of light in the room. It’s playing some mindless late-night rerun, but you haven’t absorbed a single scene.

Your hands are clenched around the edge of a blanket, and you’re biting the inside of your cheek—a nervous tic you didn’t even realize you’d picked up today. No matter how hard you try, the day’s events won’t fade. Every time you try to push the memories down, they claw their way back up, sharper and uglier than before.

You should’ve turned your phone off. Every notification you’ve ignored only adds to the noise in your head. Half the messages are from teammates checking in, the other half from your own thoughts screaming at you to keep moving, keep going.

But the weight of it all has pinned you here, frozen in your own room, wishing the world would just stop.

When the knock at your door breaks the silence, your first instinct is to ignore it. Whoever it is can wait, or better yet, leave.

You pull the blanket tighter around your shoulders and stare harder at the TV, pretending not to hear.

The knock comes again, firmer this time. You know exactly who it is.

Spencer.

Of course, it’s him.

He’d been watching you all day. You caught his gaze more than once, his brow furrowed with concern, his hands twitching like he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the right words.

It wasn’t just the way he lingered when the case files were open or the way he sat beside you at lunch, silent but present. It was his whole demeanor—thoughtful, calculating, but never overbearing. He knew something was off, even when you tried to keep it together.

You let out a groan and swing your legs over the side of the bed. You don’t want to deal with him right now, not in this state. Sympathy feels suffocating, and his particular brand of quiet kindness would be unbearable tonight.

When you yank the door open, Spencer is standing there, awkwardly shifting from one foot to the other. His hands are buried deep in his coat pockets, his hair slightly mussed from the wind outside. He looks at you, and the worry in his eyes cuts deeper than you expect.

“Hey,” he says softly. His voice is low, like he knows you might slam the door in his face.

“Leave me alone.” Your words are sharper than you intend, cutting through the air between you. His expression flickers, but he doesn’t move.

“I—” he starts, but you cut him off, the anger and frustration bubbling over before you can stop it.

“I don’t need your pity, Reid.” Your voice rises, brittle and full of venom. “I don’t need you standing there, acting like you have all the answers. Just—go. Please.”

Your fingers tighten on the edge of the door, ready to shut it in his face. But he doesn’t flinch, doesn’t leave. He just stands there, his shoulders sagging slightly, his lips pressed into a thin line.

“It’s not pity,” he says quietly, and his calm tone only makes your anger flare brighter. “I just—” He pauses, searching for the words. “I thought maybe you didn’t want to be alone tonight.”

For a moment, you’re caught off guard. There’s no judgment in his voice, no condescension. Just a simple truth that sinks into the silence between you.

But you’re not ready to let go of the anger. It’s the only shield you have left. “I’m fine,” you snap, though the tremor in your voice betrays you. “I don’t need you to check up on me like I’m some—”

“Some what?” he interrupts, his voice still gentle but firm enough to stop you mid-sentence. “Like you’re human? Like you’re allowed to have bad days?”

His words hang in the air, and you feel the sting of them in your chest. You want to argue, to push him away again, but the fight drains out of you before you can even begin.

He doesn’t move. He stands there, his lanky frame awkward in the doorway, one hand clutching the edge of the doorframe. “I know you’re angry,” he says softly. “You should be. What happened today—it wasn’t just wrong. It was vile. And I know how hard it must’ve been to deal with all of that and still hold it together in front of the team.”

You blink, startled by how well he’s read you, but it only makes you angrier. “You don’t know what it’s like,” you bite out. “You don’t know how it feels to listen to that filth, to see people laugh about something so—” Your voice falters again, the words sticking in your throat. “I don’t want to talk about this. Not with you. Not with anyone.”

“I know,” he says quickly, his words spilling out in that nervous way of his. “I know you don’t want to talk. I just… I’ve been thinking about you. All day. You looked… tired. No, not tired. Worn down. And I thought maybe—maybe you needed someone to remind you that you’re not alone in this. That it’s okay to feel angry. To feel hurt. Because what happened today—it wasn’t okay. None of it.”

His rambling catches you off guard. You’ve seen Spencer nervous before, fumbling over his words or retreating into his mind to avoid confrontation. But this? This is different. He’s standing here, vulnerable, raw, and refusing to back down.

Spencer takes a shaky breath, his gaze flickering between yours and the floor. “You know,” he begins, his voice trembling slightly, “I’ve always thought you were the strongest person I know. The way you carry yourself, the way you handle things when everything’s falling apart—it’s… amazing.” He stumbles over the word, as if it doesn’t quite capture what he means, but he presses on. “But even the strongest people need someone sometimes. Even you.”

You feel the words like a punch to the chest, your breath hitching as the cracks in your defences widen. You don’t want to hear this—not now, not when you’re trying so hard to keep it all together—but Spencer doesn’t stop.

“What you did today…” he continues, his voice growing steadier, more confident, “the way you confronted those people, the way you kept pushing even when they were throwing all that hate at you—it was incredible. You didn’t let them win, even though they were trying so hard to break you. I just…” He pauses, his brow furrowing. “I hate that you had to face that alone. I hate that I didn’t know how to help.”

Your arms are crossed tightly over your chest, your fingers digging into your sleeves as you lean against the doorframe. His words hit harder than you’d like to admit, and you’re not sure if it’s because they’re true or because you’ve needed to hear them all day. Maybe both.

“You’re stronger than anyone I’ve ever met,” he says softly, his voice almost breaking now. “But even strength needs to be seen and heard sometimes. It’s okay to feel this, you know. It’s okay to need someone. And, if you want to…” He trails off, his lips twitching nervously before he finishes, “I can just… be here. No pity, I promise.”

His sincerity hangs in the air between you, raw and unpolished, and you feel your throat tighten as the weight of the day presses harder against your chest. For a moment, you don’t say anything, your eyes fixed on the floor as you try to process his words.

Every instinct in your body is screaming at you to shut him out, to push him away before you let yourself fall apart. You’ve built walls so high and so thick that letting someone in feels like an impossible risk.

But then there’s Spencer, standing in front of you, his awkward but unwavering presence cutting through the noise in your head.

You glance up at him, your gaze locking onto his. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

“I know,” he replies without hesitation. “But that doesn’t mean you have to do this alone.”

His words crack something inside you, and for the first time all day, the anger and frustration you’ve been clinging to start to dissolve. You don’t know how to respond, don’t know how to let him in, but there’s a quiet part of you—small and fragile—that doesn’t want him to leave.

You’re not sure if you’re angrier at him for coming or grateful that he cares enough to show up. The conflict twists inside you, sharp and raw, the words bubbling to the surface before you can stop them.

“I’m not broken, Reid,” you say, your tone low and sharp, though your voice trembles with exhaustion. “Just… leave me alone.” The words feel hollow even as you say them, and part of you hopes he’ll listen. But part of you hopes he won’t.

Spencer doesn’t move. He stays rooted to the spot, his face softening as he looks at you. His hands ache at his sides, one lifting slightly as if he’s reaching for you, but he stops himself before getting too close.

“You’re not broken,” he says, his voice quiet but certain. “You’re not. And I’m not saying that because I feel sorry for you or because I think you need to hear it. I’m saying it because it’s true. You are one of the most capable, brilliant, compassionate people I’ve ever known, and—”

“Reid.” Your voice cuts through his rambling, but he doesn’t stop.

“And you have every right to feel the way you’re feeling right now. After what happened today, after what they said, anyone would feel this way. It doesn’t make you weak. It doesn’t make you any less—”

“Reid.”

“You handled it better than anyone else on the team could have, and even though I don’t know how to make it better, I want to try. I want to—”

“Spencer.”

Your voice rises just enough to get his attention, and his words falter. Before he can say anything else, you step forward, your hand lifting to cover his mouth. It’s not a gentle gesture—it’s deliberate, meant to shut him up before the cracks in your defenses grow any wider.

The warmth of his breath brushes against your palm as he freezes, his wide, startled eyes meeting yours. For a long moment, neither of you says anything. The room is quiet except for the faint murmur of the television, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on both of you.

“Stop,” you say finally, your voice trembling with frustration and something softer, something you can’t quite name. “Just… stop talking.”

For a moment, Spencer stills, his breath quiet against your hand as you hold it over his mouth. The air between you feels thick, heavy, like it could crack with the wrong move. You want him to understand that you’re not shutting him out because you don’t appreciate him—it’s just that you can’t bear hearing any more words right now.

And then, impulsively, as if in a mixture of frustration and gratitude, you lean forward slightly, pressing a soft kiss to the back of your hand, the one that still rests over his lips.

It’s not a real kiss, not in the way it might be if you were feeling any less broken, but it’s something. A gesture—an odd, intimate way of sealing the words you’ve never wanted to say.

The kiss lingers for a second, just a moment of softness that feels like it carries the weight of everything you’ve been holding back. It’s unexpected, vulnerable, and somehow it says more than you could with words.

You pull back slowly, and under your breath, you mutter, “Thank you.” Your voice is filled with a mixture of appreciation, irritation, and something else you’re not ready to admit.

Spencer is still for a long moment, his eyes wide, as if trying to make sense of what just happened. He doesn’t speak. He doesn’t move. He just stands there, processing. And when his lips finally twitch into a soft, knowing smile, it’s not the playful one you’re used to. It’s quieter, more understanding, more real.

“I didn’t mean to push,” he says quietly, his voice soft, but the words don’t seem to need a response anymore. He just stays there, letting the silence settle between you.

You let out a deep breath, feeling the tension in your chest slowly ease, even if just for a moment. The weight of the day hasn’t disappeared, but something in you shifts, as if, in this strange, small way, a layer of your walls has come down. He doesn't push. He doesn’t ask for anything more than what you've given, and somehow, that makes all the difference.

You move toward the door, still not quite sure what to make of everything. The space between you and Spencer has shifted, changed, but the connection lingers, quiet but undeniable. You open the door, pausing before you step through it, glancing back at him.

“Goodnight, Reid,” you say, your voice a little softer than it was before. You don’t know if he’s still standing there, watching you, but you don’t really need to. The fact that he’s willing to be there, even when you’re at your worst, settles into your chest like something warm.

Spencer’s voice is low as he responds, the sincerity still present but tempered with a sense of respect for the boundaries you've drawn. “Goodnight.”

And when you close the door behind him, you feel the familiar weight of solitude settle around you. But that’s not it anymore.

You sit back on the edge of your bed, your legs stretched out in front of you, and you absently rest your hand on the blanket.

It’s the same hand you kissed, the same one that had covered Spencer’s mouth in a way that felt more vulnerable than you ever intended. Your fingers curl in on your palm, as if the warmth of his breath is still there, as if the weight of the moment has left something behind. The room is quieter now, almost suffocating in its stillness, but there’s a strange calmness to it.

The memories of the case—the insults, the threats, the vile words—are still etched in your mind, too fresh to forget. They swirl around you, pressing down like a heavy fog, and for a brief moment, you wonder if you’ll ever be able to shake off the disgusting remnants of the day.

You should feel angry, should feel more resolute than ever, but right now all you feel is drained. Every part of you is tired, not just physically but emotionally, as if every ounce of your strength has been used up.

You close your eyes and lean back against the headboard, letting the tension melt away as you focus on the sound of your own breathing. You don’t know how long you sit there, but the noise in your mind has quieted. The anger isn’t gone, but it’s no longer the loudest voice.

With a sigh, you pull the blanket up around your shoulders and close your eyes. For the first time in what feels like forever, you let yourself rest. You’ll deal with the case tomorrow. You’ll face the world again, as strong and determined as ever.

But for now, you let the silence embrace you.

[gyu-tori]

Beneath the Bite | C.BG

Pairing: non-idol!beomgyu x fem!reader Genre: Angst, Romance, Apocalypse

Summary: In a world where the dead don’t stay dead, Beomgyu has mastered the art of survival—alone and emotionally guarded. But that changes when he discovers Y/N, there’s something different about her. She’s resourceful, determined, yet there's one problem that changes everything: she’s been bitten.

Bound by an uneasy alliance, the two navigate not only the dangers of the undead but the fragile trust growing between them. As Y/N tries to hold on to the last bit of humanity she has left, Beomgyu begins to question the walls he’s built around himself.

How far would you go to save someone who might already be lost? And in a world teetering on the edge of ruin, can hope survive alongside love?

Warnings: zombie apocalypse, survival, blood, injuries/wounds, zombies, gore, descriptions of killing, let me know if I missed any!

Word count: 13k

The fluorescent lights of the abandoned hospital flickered, casting eerie shadows across the desolate corridors. Beomgyu moved through the hallways with practiced stealth, his backpack slung over one shoulder and a makeshift weapon gripped tightly in his hand. His breathing was shallow, each step careful to avoid the debris scattered across the cracked and bloodied tiled floor. The world had fallen into chaos, and this hospital, like so many other remnants of civilization, had become a graveyard—a silent monument to what once was.

Months of survival had stripped away Beomgyu’s optimism, leaving behind a man hardened by loss and desperation. His sharp eyes scanned every corner, his ears tuned to the faintest noise. He’d learned to live moment by moment, scavenging for supplies and avoiding the ravenous undead that now outnumbered the living. His mind was a steel trap, blocking out memories of his family and the life he’d once known. To dwell on the past was to invite death.

The hospital, eerily silent, held an unspoken threat. Every room was a gamble—empty or infested. Beomgyu moved with precision, his steps muted by his worn sneakers. The familiar weight of his crowbar brought him some semblance of comfort, though he knew it would only be useful against a few of the creatures at best. The undead didn’t tire, didn’t hesitate, and didn’t feel fear. A mistake here would cost him everything.

As he pushed open the door to the hospital’s pharmacy, the stench of decay hit him like a wall. Shelves were overturned, their contents long looted, leaving behind a wasteland of shattered glass and torn packaging. Beomgyu covered his nose with his sleeve, his stomach churning at the rancid smell. 

He crouched down, sifting through the debris. His hands moved with practiced efficiency, brushing aside broken vials and expired medications in search of anything useful. Just as he found a small stash of unopened bandages and a bottle of antibiotics tucked behind a counter, a faint sound stopped him in his tracks.

A cry of pain.

Beomgyu froze, his muscles tensing as adrenaline surged through his veins. The sound was faint, almost drowned out by the distant groans of the undead outside. His grip tightened on his crowbar as his eyes darted toward the door. He strained his ears, heart pounding, as the sound came again—a low, guttural moan mixed with the unmistakable note of human suffering. 

Against his better judgment, he stood and crept toward the source of the noise. The hospital was a maze, its once orderly layout now a chaotic ruin of overturned furniture and shattered glass. He kept his footsteps light, his weapon raised, as he followed the sound down a dimly lit hallway.

The noise led him to a room near the end of the corridor. The door was slightly ajar, the flickering light casting distorted shadows across the floor. Beomgyu hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to turn back. He’d learned the hard way that curiosity in this world often led to death. But something about the sound tugged at him—a reminder of the humanity he’d buried deep within himself.

He pushed the door open slowly, his breath hitching as he stepped inside.

Y/N sat slumped against the wall of a makeshift shelter she’d crafted from hospital curtains and overturned furniture. Her arm throbbed with pain, the crude bandage she’d wrapped around her bite wound soaked through with blood and pus. She’d been hiding here for days, fighting off the infection with whatever scraps of medication she could find. But it was a losing battle.

Her body burned with fever, her vision swimming as she struggled to stay conscious. Her hands trembled as she clutched a piece of metal piping, the only weapon she had left. She’d heard the moans outside the room, the shuffle of feet, and now footsteps—steady and purposeful—approaching her hiding spot. Whoever it was, or whatever it was, they weren’t stopping.

The door creaked open, and Y/N’s grip on the pipe tightened. “Stay back!” she croaked, her voice hoarse from dehydration and disuse.

A man stepped into the room, his silhouette sharp against the flickering light. His eyes, dark and calculating, scanned the room before settling on her. He looked like he belonged in this world—worn clothes, a weapon at the ready, and a demeanor that screamed survival. But he wasn’t undead, and for that, Y/N felt a small flicker of relief, quickly drowned out by suspicion.

“You’re hurt,” he said, his voice low but steady. He took a cautious step forward, raising his free hand in what he hoped was a non-threatening gesture. “Let me help.”

Y/N pressed herself harder against the wall, the effort sending a wave of pain through her injured arm. “I don’t need your help,” she hissed, her tone defiant despite the weakness in her body. “I’m fine.”

The man’s gaze flicked to the bandage on her arm, his lips pressing into a thin line. “You don’t look fine.”

“I said I can handle it!” she snapped, her voice cracking. But as she tried to raise the pipe higher, her strength gave out. The makeshift weapon clattered to the floor, and she slumped forward, barely catching herself before hitting the ground.

The man hesitated, his own instincts warring within him. He could walk away. Leave her to her fate. It wasn’t his problem—nothing in this world was anymore. But as he looked at her, pale and drenched in sweat, something inside him softened. Against his better judgment, he crouched down, keeping a safe distance.

“I’m not here to hurt you,” he said, his voice gentler now. “But if you don’t treat that wound, you won’t last much longer.”

Y/N’s eyes flickered with mistrust, but she was too weak to argue. After a long pause, she gave a small, reluctant nod, her head dipping forward in exhaustion. The man moved closer, his movements deliberate as he reached for her arm. He worked quickly, unwrapping the bandage to inspect the wound beneath.

His expression darkened at the sight of the bite mark. It was deep, the edges inflamed and oozing. He’d seen this before. He knew what it meant. But he didn’t say anything, his mind already racing for a way to help her.

“What’s your name?” he asked as he reached into his bag for supplies.

“Y/N,” she muttered, her voice barely audible. “And you?”

“Beomgyu,” he replied, pulling out a small bottle of antiseptic. “This is going to hurt.”

Y/N let out a weak laugh, the sound hollow. “It already does.”

Beomgyu couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips, though it quickly faded as he focused on cleaning the wound. Y/N flinched, biting back a cry of pain as the antiseptic burned against her skin. Beomgyu worked quickly but carefully, his hands steady despite the chaos around them.

As he finished rewrapping the bandage, he sat back on his heels, meeting her gaze. “You’re lucky I found you,” he said, his tone matter-of-fact. “This place isn’t safe.”

“No place is,” Y/N replied, her voice stronger now but still tinged with exhaustion. “But thanks.”

Beomgyu nodded, rising to his feet. He offered her a hand, and after a moment of hesitation, she took it. Her grip was weak, but there was a spark of determination in her eyes that hadn’t been there before.

“Let’s get out of here,” Beomgyu said, his voice firm. “Together.”

For the first time in days, Y/N allowed herself to hope.

The hospital walls felt like they were closing in, the air thick with the stench of decay and despair. Beomgyu and Y/N moved cautiously through the hallways, their steps echoing in the oppressive silence. Beomgyu took the lead, his crowbar at the ready, while Y/N followed close behind, clutching her injured arm. The fever had sapped her strength, but she refused to slow them down.

They paused at a junction where the corridor split into two directions. Beomgyu held up a hand, signaling for Y/N to stop. He tilted his head, listening intently for any signs of danger. The distant groans of the undead were ever-present, a haunting reminder that they were never truly safe.

“This way,” Beomgyu whispered, pointing to the left. He glanced back at Y/N, noting the paleness of her face and the sheen of sweat on her brow. “Can you keep up?”

Y/N nodded, though her legs felt like lead. “I’ll manage.”

They pressed on, weaving through the debris-strewn corridors. Beomgyu’s eyes were constantly scanning their surroundings, his grip on the crowbar firm. Y/N couldn’t help but admire his focus and determination. He moved with the precision of someone who’d survived countless encounters with the undead, each step purposeful and calculated.

“How long have you been on your own?” Y/N asked, breaking the heavy silence.

Beomgyu glanced at her, his expression guarded. “Long enough,” he said simply. 

Y/N frowned but didn’t press further. She understood the need to keep certain things buried. In this world, memories were often more painful than comforting.

They reached a stairwell, the metal steps leading both up and down. Beomgyu hesitated, weighing their options. “The roof might give us a clear view of the area,” he said. “But it’s a risk. Zombies could be up there too.”

“And downstairs?” Y/N asked, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

“Could lead to an exit,” Beomgyu replied. “Or a dead end.”

Y/N leaned against the wall, catching her breath. “You decide. I’ll follow.”

Beomgyu studied her for a moment, then nodded. “We go up. If it’s clear, we can rest for a bit.”

They ascended the stairs, each step creaking under their weight. The tension was palpable, every sound amplified in the oppressive silence. Beomgyu reached the top first, pausing to listen before cautiously pushing open the door. The rooftop was empty, bathed in the pale light of the setting sun. 

“It’s clear,” he said, holding the door open for Y/N. She stepped out onto the roof, her breath hitching at the sight of the ruined city stretching out before them. Buildings stood in various states of collapse, their skeletal remains silhouetted against the fiery sky. Smoke rose in thin columns from scattered fires, and the distant moans of the undead carried on the wind.

Y/N sank to the ground, her back against the low wall surrounding the rooftop. Beomgyu joined her, setting his crowbar aside as he rummaged through his bag. He pulled out a water bottle, handing it to her without a word.

“Thanks,” she said, taking a grateful sip. The water was lukewarm, but it was a welcome relief against the dryness in her throat.

Beomgyu leaned back, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “What were you doing in the hospital?” he asked after a long silence.

Y/N hesitated, her fingers tightening around the water bottle. “I got separated from my group,” she said finally. “We were scavenging for supplies when we got ambushed by a horde. I ended up here, hoping to find something to help with this.” She gestured to her bandaged arm.

Beomgyu’s jaw tightened. “And the bite?”

“Happened during the ambush,” Y/N admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been trying to keep it from spreading, but…” She trailed off, her eyes glistening with unshed tears but she quickly blinked them away. Her survival instinct had long since overtaken any remnants of vulnerability, but the reality of her situation was starting to sink in. 

Beomgyu watched her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he reached into his bag again and pulled out a small, battered notebook. It was clear from the wear that it had been used frequently, though its pages were mostly blank. He flipped it open to a page with a few hastily scribbled notes. 

“I’ve been on my own for a while too,” he said quietly, his fingers tracing the faded ink. “The first few days, it was just panic. Trying to find my family, trying to understand what happened. I’ve lost a lot since then.” His voice caught slightly, but he quickly masked it with a tight exhale. “But... there’s always this small part of me that keeps thinking if I just push a little harder, if I just survive a little longer, I’ll find something worth holding onto.”

Y/N turned her head toward him, the weight of his words sinking in. It was something she understood all too well—the constant pushing forward, driven by the hope of a future that didn’t seem to exist anymore.

“I know the feeling,” she murmured, taking another slow sip of water. “I keep telling myself that if I just survive, if I just make it through today, maybe tomorrow will be better. But... I don’t know if that’s ever going to happen.” Her gaze dropped to the bandaged wound on her arm. “Sometimes, it feels like it’s already over.”

There was a long silence as the city stretched out before them, silent except for the occasional moan of the undead and the distant sounds of fires crackling. Beomgyu remained still, deep in thought, but his mind was far from the immediate danger surrounding them. The words shared between them felt heavier than the building tension in the air. 

Y/N’s hand trembled slightly as she placed the empty water bottle on the ground beside her. “What if... we don’t make it out of here?” she asked, the question heavy with unspoken fear.

Beomgyu’s eyes softened as he turned to face her, the weight of the question sitting between them. “Then at least we’ll have each other’s backs until the end,” he said quietly, his voice steady but laced with a rare, unspoken promise. “Maybe that's enough.”

Y/N blinked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. In a world where trust was a luxury most couldn’t afford, the offer of even the smallest measure of support felt like an unexpected lifeline.

She nodded, though her throat tightened at the thought. They were both out here for different reasons, but in the end, it didn’t matter. Survival had become a shared goal. And for now, it was enough to know that they didn’t have to face it alone.

The sound of shuffling feet below broke their reverie, and both of them stood up in an instant, ready to face whatever new threat might appear. Beomgyu gripped his crowbar tightly, scanning the horizon for signs of movement. Y/N’s hand instinctively went to the pipe by her side, her muscles aching with the effort but her resolve unbroken.

“Get ready,” Beomgyu whispered, his voice calm but urgent. “We don’t know how many are out there, but we’ll need to move fast.”

Y/N nodded, pushing herself to her feet despite the dizziness threatening to overtake her. She didn’t have much strength left, but she wasn’t about to let that stop her. She wasn’t going to be the one to slow them down.

The two of them moved cautiously to the edge of the roof, watching as a small group of undead shuffled aimlessly through the street below. It wasn’t a horde, but they were numerous enough to pose a threat if they drew attention. Beomgyu’s eyes narrowed as he assessed their options. 

“We need to find another way down,” he muttered, scanning the area. “Too risky to go through them.”

Y/N took a deep breath, her mind racing. “There’s a fire escape on the side of the building. It’s not ideal, but it’ll get us down without alerting them.”

Beomgyu’s eyes flicked over to her, his gaze calculating. “You sure?”

Y/N gave a small nod, though the tremor in her hands betrayed her uncertainty. “We don’t have much time. If we wait here too long, we’ll attract more.”

With a shared look, the decision was made. They both moved toward the edge of the roof, crouching low to avoid detection. As they reached the ledge, Beomgyu carefully lifted the fire escape ladder, testing its weight to ensure it would hold. Y/N hesitated for only a moment before climbing down after him, her injured arm flaring with pain but ignored in the rush of adrenaline.

The moment they reached the bottom of the ladder, the silence shattered as the first of the undead moaned loudly from above. It was a warning that they couldn’t afford to ignore.

“Let’s go,” Beomgyu hissed, motioning for Y/N to follow as he darted into the alley.

They sprinted through the dimly lit streets, their footsteps barely audible over the noise of distant shuffling. Every corner was a potential trap, every shadow could hide an enemy. The world had become a labyrinth of danger, and every step felt like a gamble.

Y/N felt the strain of exhaustion pulling at her, but she pushed it down, focusing on the sound of Beomgyu’s footsteps ahead. They moved as one, two survivors clinging to the hope that they could escape the nightmare that had consumed their world.

For now, that hope was enough.

The world was an endless expanse of decay, and every corner they turned seemed to offer only more ruin. The distant groans of the undead echoed through the streets, a constant reminder that nowhere was truly safe anymore. Beomgyu led the way, his footsteps light but determined as he navigated the crumbling cityscape. Y/N followed closely behind, her breath ragged, but her resolve unwavering.

They had been running for what felt like hours, weaving through alleyways and abandoned buildings, always listening for the telltale shuffle of approaching undead feet. The fire escape had provided a temporary reprieve, but they both knew it was only a matter of time before they ran into more danger. The constant pressure was like a weight on their chests, never allowing them to breathe easy.

But in these moments of relentless survival, small victories meant everything.

Y/N’s injured arm throbbed with each movement, and the fever burning inside her was becoming more unbearable with every passing minute. Her body was losing the fight to the infection, but she refused to acknowledge it. It wasn’t just her life at stake anymore. Beomgyu had become an unexpected companion in a world where trust was a dangerous luxury, and that bond—fragile as it was—meant survival.

She glanced at him as they paused for a moment in the shelter of an old, collapsed storefront. He was scanning the area, his eyes sharp despite the exhaustion lining his face. Beomgyu had been the one to keep them moving, always a step ahead, always focused. His ability to remain calm in the face of danger was something she envied. But there were cracks in his armor, moments where his steely exterior faltered. She’d seen it when he looked at her bandaged arm, and she’d caught the fleeting flash of regret in his eyes when he’d taken the water bottle from his bag and handed it to her without a word.

She knew he wasn’t invincible. Neither of them were.

“Do you think we’re getting any closer to a safe zone?” Y/N asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she leaned against the remnants of a brick wall.

Beomgyu didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a slow breath and ran a hand through his disheveled hair, his eyes distant as he stared down the alleyway ahead of them.

“It’s hard to say,” he finally said, his voice low. “The whole city’s been overrun. There’s no telling where you might find a safe place anymore. Most of the military zones have fallen, too. I heard a rumor once that a group of survivors managed to hold out at a high school on the other side of the city, but... that was months ago. Who knows what’s left?”

Y/N’s heart sank at the mention of the military zones. She’d heard the stories too—how the government forces had initially tried to contain the outbreak, but eventually, they’d been overwhelmed. There was no hope left in those places now, just memories of a world that once felt like it could be saved.

“We keep moving,” Beomgyu added after a long pause, shaking off the thought. “At least we’re alive for now. That’s enough.”

Y/N nodded, though the exhaustion gnawing at her body made it hard to keep her focus. Her head felt fuzzy, her vision wavering at the edges. The fever was beginning to cloud her thoughts, and she knew it wouldn’t be long before she could no longer ignore the infection eating at her. She just needed to survive long enough to get somewhere safe... wherever that was.

"Let’s go," Beomgyu said, snapping her out of her spiraling thoughts. "We’ve still got a ways to go before we can find cover for the night."

With a grunt of effort, she pushed herself off the wall and followed him once more into the abandoned streets. They passed through another alleyway, the shadows growing deeper with each step. Every creak of a broken window, every distant thud sent her heart racing. The fear of being discovered was constant, gnawing at her every step.

Beomgyu led them through another series of alleys, his sharp gaze scanning the rooftops and windows as they moved. They came to another intersection, and he paused, raising his hand. His eyes flicked left and right, searching for movement.

“Stay close,” he said quietly, his voice tense.

Y/N did as he instructed, staying just a few steps behind him, her hand tight around the metal pipe. She couldn’t remember the last time her heart wasn’t hammering in her chest. Every sound, every creak and groan felt like a threat, like the world was conspiring to tear them apart.

Beomgyu’s sharp eyes darted to the left, and his posture stiffened.

“They’re close,” he whispered, barely moving his lips.

Y/N’s eyes widened as she turned her head toward the sound. Through a broken window across the street, she could make out the silhouettes of a small group of the undead moving slowly, aimlessly, through the rubble-strewn street. They were close—too close.

Beomgyu gestured to the right, motioning for Y/N to follow him. They both slipped into a nearby doorway, their bodies pressed against the cold stone of the building. The undead were barely thirty feet away, unaware of their presence.

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat as she held perfectly still. She could hear the rasping breath of one of the creatures, the groans as it shuffled aimlessly past them. It was like a nightmare, the way the monsters just wandered, unaware of the world around them. Every step felt like a ticking clock. It was only a matter of time before they noticed something amiss, and when they did...

Her mind raced. They couldn’t afford to be spotted. They couldn’t risk a fight with this many.

Beomgyu looked at her, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he raised his finger to his lips in a silent command for her to stay quiet. She nodded imperceptibly, then turned her attention back to the group of undead.

Minutes felt like hours, but eventually, the creatures drifted past without so much as a glance in their direction. Beomgyu exhaled slowly, his posture relaxing just a fraction.

“Let’s move,” he whispered, stepping out of the doorway cautiously.

They continued, more cautiously now, slipping through the deserted streets. The sun had dipped low in the sky, casting long, skeletal shadows across the landscape. The air was thick with dust, and the distant hum of the undead was never far behind. Each step was a risk, but they didn’t have a choice. They had to keep moving.

After what felt like hours of walking, they came upon an abandoned store. Beomgyu motioned for Y/N to follow him inside. The shelves were bare, but the place offered shelter. A few broken windows let in the fading light, but it would do.

“We’ll stay here for the night,” Beomgyu said as he dropped his bag by a corner and began to scan the room for anything useful. “We need rest.”

Y/N nodded but didn’t sit down. Her legs felt like lead, and the pain in her arm had become a dull throb, but there was no time to rest. She needed to keep her guard up, needed to make sure they were safe before allowing herself the luxury of sleep.

Beomgyu noticed her hesitation and gave her a look. “You’re not fooling anyone. Sit down. I’ll keep watch.”

Y/N opened her mouth to protest but stopped herself. She was too tired, too weak to argue. With a small, resigned sigh, she slid down against the wall, wrapping her arms around her knees.

“Thanks,” she murmured softly, closing her eyes for just a moment. "For everything."

Beomgyu didn’t answer, but she could feel his gaze on her. His silence was enough.

The night was their only reprieve in a world that never stopped hunting.

The faint sounds of the world outside seemed to grow distant, as though the city itself was slipping into an eerie silence. For a moment, the only thing that remained was the sound of Beomgyu’s steady breathing and the soft rustle of Y/N’s clothes as she adjusted her position against the wall. Her body ached, and the fever burned like fire from within, but she forced herself to focus on the here and now. Her survival instinct was the only thing keeping her tethered to this crumbling world.

It felt strange, sitting in the stillness of the store. For so long, her days had been defined by constant motion—by the pursuit of food, shelter, safety—anything that could prolong her life just a little bit longer. Now, with nothing to do but wait, it was as though time itself had slowed. A dangerous kind of stillness, one that could only mean one thing: They weren’t safe, not truly, not yet. But exhaustion was creeping into her bones, and no matter how hard she tried to stay alert, her body betrayed her.

She glanced over at Beomgyu, who was seated at the far end of the room, his back against the wall as he surveyed the room with a look of quiet vigilance. His eyes flicked to every corner, every shadow, his focus razor-sharp despite the fatigue written all over him. His crowbar rested against the floor next to him, his fingers occasionally tapping the handle in a rhythmic, almost absent-minded way.

"How long do you think we'll stay here?" Y/N asked quietly, her voice hoarse from the strain of the day.

Beomgyu’s gaze shifted slightly to her, and for a moment, the hardness in his eyes softened. "We leave before morning," he replied, his voice low but resolute. "We can’t afford to stay in one place too long."

Y/N nodded, her eyes drifting to the cracked window that let in the last of the fading sunlight. Night was creeping in, and soon they would be submerged in complete darkness, with only the sounds of the undead to keep them company.

“I don’t want to keep you waiting,” she said, forcing herself to speak through the growing fog in her mind. "But I need a moment…"

Beomgyu didn’t respond at first. He just continued watching her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he gave a slight nod, a rare gesture of understanding that made her heart skip. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for her to feel a quiet comfort settle over her.

She leaned her head back against the wall, letting her eyes flutter closed for a brief moment, too tired to keep them open. For the first time in what felt like days, she allowed herself the luxury of rest. Even so, her mind remained alert, always calculating, always prepared for the worst.

Minutes passed. Or was it hours? Time seemed irrelevant in a world like this. The shadows shifted, deepening as the sun disappeared behind the horizon, leaving only the pale light of a dying world. The noise outside was still there—faint moans in the distance, shuffling footsteps. But it was far off, at least for now. They were safe, at least for the moment.

Suddenly, the sound of shuffling footsteps broke her fleeting peace. Beomgyu was on his feet in an instant, his body tense, his hand gripping the crowbar with practiced ease. His eyes darted to the door, alert, listening.

Y/N’s pulse quickened. She rose to her feet with a grimace, pain shooting through her injured arm, but she held back a gasp. Every part of her wanted to rest, to ignore the world outside, but the reality of their situation couldn’t be ignored.

Beomgyu motioned for her to stay quiet as he moved toward the door, crouching low as he peered through the cracks in the old wooden panels. Y/N’s heart hammered in her chest, her breath shallow as she held her position. Her eyes searched the room, but all she could focus on was the sound—the unmistakable shuffle of undead, growing closer.

Minutes stretched out before Beomgyu slowly withdrew from the door, signaling for Y/N to remain still. His face was set, his jaw clenched. He looked back at her, his eyes sharp.

“They’re close,” he whispered. “We’re not alone in this building anymore.”

Y/N’s chest tightened. They hadn’t come all this way just to be cornered now. The shadows in the room felt heavier, and the stillness only made the threat more palpable.

"We can’t fight them here," Beomgyu continued, his voice low but firm. "We need to get out. Now."

His words jolted her into action. Y/N nodded quickly, pain flooding through her as she grabbed her weapon—the metal pipe—and moved toward the back exit with Beomgyu in tow. They had no time to waste.

But as they turned the corner to make their way to the back, a deafening crash echoed from the front of the store, followed by the unmistakable sound of low, guttural growls. The undead had found their way in.

Y/N’s heart leapt into her throat. She could hear the scrabble of their feet against the floor, the sickening sounds of their teeth gnashing. She had to focus. They couldn’t let themselves be trapped again.

“Through here!” Beomgyu barked, pointing toward the back exit that led into a narrow alley. He didn’t wait for her to respond, already sprinting toward the door. Y/N followed, pushing through the pain in her arm, willing herself to keep up.

Just as Beomgyu reached the door, it suddenly crashed open, and the first of the undead spilled into the room.

“Go!” Beomgyu shouted, barely turning his head as he swung his crowbar, knocking the creature back into the pile of its companions.

Y/N sprinted toward the exit, ignoring the burning in her legs, the weight of her injury. She had to get out of there. The sounds of pursuit were getting louder—she could hear the shuffle of footsteps, the sickening moans, but there was no time to stop. She couldn’t afford to look back.

They spilled into the alley, the city streets stretching out before them, darkened by the encroaching night. Beomgyu kept a sharp eye on the surroundings as they ran, pushing her ahead of him, making sure she didn’t fall behind. She was struggling now, her strength slipping away, but she refused to stop. She couldn’t. Not when they were so close to escaping.

Behind them, the undead were closing in, the shuffle of their feet a constant reminder of how much danger they were still in. But the alley was narrow, and the buildings crowded together, creating shadows that could offer them a momentary reprieve.

Beomgyu’s voice broke through the pounding of her heart, sharp and urgent. “This way!” He turned sharply, heading toward a set of crumbling stairs that led to a rooftop access.

Y/N’s mind was barely keeping up as they ascended, her legs threatening to give out with each step. But the urgency in Beomgyu’s movements kept her going. She wasn’t ready to give up—not yet.

As they reached the top, Beomgyu gestured toward a large metal door. “We can secure this—at least for a while,” he said, panting.

Y/N nodded, stumbling forward. She was barely able to focus, her vision blurring, but her determination remained unwavering. She just needed to rest. Just for a moment.

Beomgyu was already securing the door, blocking their only way out with whatever he could find. The noise of the undead grew faint, and for a fleeting moment, Y/N felt something close to safety again.

She collapsed onto the ground near the edge of the roof, finally giving in to the exhaustion that had been clawing at her for hours. The sky above them was dark, but the city below was alive with danger. Still, for a brief, precious moment, they had found a sliver of peace.

Beomgyu crouched down beside her, watching her carefully. His face was tense, but there was something softer in his eyes now.

“We’ll make it through this,” he said, his voice steady.

Y/N nodded, even as she felt the fever burn hotter in her veins. She didn’t know what the next day would bring—if they’d make it out of the city alive or if their fight would come to an end here.

But for now, she was alive. And that was all she could hold onto.

The cold night air was a harsh contrast to the feverish heat coursing through Y/N’s body. She could feel the sweat on her brow as the wind tousled her hair, and the sudden chill made her shiver despite her exhaustion. The rooftop offered them a temporary haven, but it also felt like a precarious perch—like standing on the edge of a cliff, knowing the fall could come at any moment.

Beomgyu paced back and forth, his figure silhouetted against the city’s dim skyline. His eyes scanned every movement in the shadows, every flicker of light that passed beneath their vantage point. The tension in his posture never eased, as if he was always expecting something to go wrong. Y/N could sense it too—the constant, gnawing anxiety that something worse could be lurking just around the corner.

She had to fight to stay awake. Her limbs felt heavy, like weights attached to her body, and the dizziness kept threatening to pull her under. Every breath was a struggle, each inhale sharp with the sting of pain. Her arm, the bite wound, was burning, feverish, the skin around it hot and swollen. She hadn’t been able to tell Beomgyu the truth about how far the infection had spread. He was trying to help her, but there was only so much he could do.

Beomgyu stopped pacing and crouched next to her, his eyes softening as he watched her struggle to stay upright.

"Hey," he said gently, his voice low enough that only she could hear. "You need to rest. We’ll keep watch, but you have to take care of yourself. If that infection gets worse..." His words trailed off, but they didn’t need to be said. They both knew what would happen.

Y/N shook her head weakly. "I’m fine. I can keep going. We need to stay moving."

"Resting doesn't mean you're giving up," Beomgyu countered, his voice firm, yet there was something in it—something that spoke of a quiet understanding. "You can’t help anyone if you’re dead on your feet."

She met his gaze for a long moment. There was no argument in his eyes—only that steady, silent insistence that she take care of herself. She wanted to protest, to argue that they needed to move now while they still had the advantage of surprise, but the exhaustion was overwhelming. The fight drained out of her, leaving only the raw need for rest.

She nodded finally, leaning back against the cold stone of the rooftop wall. Beomgyu moved away, continuing to keep watch, but now at least Y/N felt the weight of the world ease, just a little. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore the uncomfortable throbbing in her arm, the heat of the fever. She tried to focus on the sound of the wind, the distant groans of the undead below, but her mind kept wandering to places she didn’t want to go.

Her family. Her old life. She had to push it all away.

But it was impossible.

A sharp pain cut through her thoughts, and she winced, her breath catching in her throat. She had never felt so vulnerable—so alone.

She squeezed her eyes shut tighter, trying to block out the images, trying to force herself into a deep sleep. But it was no use.

The hours dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity. The night was still, but the air was thick with the tension of uncertainty. Beomgyu was still vigilant, but his movements had slowed, and Y/N could tell the fatigue was starting to take its toll on him too. His eyes were darker, clouded with something deeper than just exhaustion—something she had come to recognize in survivors. It was the silent weight of everything they had lost, the things they had done, the choices they had made.

She could feel the change in him. He wasn’t just a man surviving; he was a man shaped by the world they were living in—a world that had stripped away everything but the will to survive. She could see it in the way he moved, the way he responded to every sound and shadow, like a hunter tracking his prey, even when there was nothing to hunt.

And it terrified her.

Still, the exhaustion dragged her down. Despite her best efforts to stay alert, to stay on guard, the world around her began to blur and fade.

Beomgyu didn’t look at her as she slipped into sleep—he knew better. There was no need to watch her, no need to ask her how she was. He knew what the infection meant. He had seen it before.

But he couldn't help it—he couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. Y/N had been so strong, so defiant, and yet now, she was becoming quieter, slower. Each hour that passed seemed to drain her of more life, until she was barely a shadow of the woman he had met hours ago.

Still, he watched her for a long time, torn between the brutal truth and the desperate hope that somehow, she would pull through.

Y/N awoke to the feeling of something soft against her forehead. At first, she thought it was the wind. But as she stirred, she felt Beomgyu’s cool fingers brushing the sweat from her brow. His touch was gentle, as if he were afraid to hurt her, and for a moment, she wondered if this was all some kind of dream.

When she opened her eyes, he was crouched beside her, his expression unreadable.

“How are you feeling?” he asked softly.

Her throat was dry, but she tried to swallow, her voice coming out cracked. “I’m... I’m alright.”

Beomgyu studied her for a moment, his eyes lingering on her bandaged arm. The wound had become worse in the few hours that they had been resting—she could tell by the way his jaw clenched when he glanced at it.

“I’m sorry,” Y/N said, her voice barely above a whisper. "For slowing us down."

He shook his head quickly. “You don’t need to apologize. You’re not slowing us down. We’re in this together.”

There it was again—the unspoken bond between them. A strange, fragile connection formed not by words, but by necessity. In this new world, alliances weren’t born from trust. They were born from survival.

Beomgyu stood up, his posture still tense, but there was a softness in the way he looked at her—like he was trying to decide if it was time to say the things that needed to be said.

“I think it’s time to move,” he said, after a long pause. “We can’t stay here much longer. But we can’t head back the way we came either. There’s a secondary exit in this building. It leads out toward the outskirts of the city.”

Y/N nodded slowly, the fog of sleep still clouding her mind. "Alright."

She didn’t have the energy to argue, not with the exhaustion that weighed on her, not with the knowledge that there was no safe place anymore. The world had become a cruel game, where survival meant never resting, never letting your guard down.

She slowly pulled herself to her feet, Beomgyu offering his hand to help steady her. Her legs trembled beneath her, but she pushed through it.

They had no choice but to keep going.

The descent from the rooftop was swift but cautious. Every step they took brought them closer to the unknown, to whatever awaited them in the darkened streets below. As they navigated through the narrow alleys and abandoned streets, the sounds of the undead grew fainter, as if the city itself was holding its breath, waiting for something.

For the first time since they’d met, Y/N allowed herself to look at Beomgyu with a bit more clarity. Despite the harshness of the world, despite the bleakness that surrounded them, there was a steady resolve in his actions that made her believe, just for a moment, that there might be something worth fighting for. Something beyond the next meal or the next step.

They had each other.

And maybe that was enough.

The city stretched out before them like a labyrinth of destruction, a silent witness to the horrors of the world. Buildings loomed like skeletal remains, casting long shadows under the pale moonlight. The streets were littered with debris—shattered glass, abandoned vehicles, signs of life long gone. 

Beomgyu led the way, his movements sharp and deliberate, while Y/N stumbled slightly behind him. The fever had taken a heavier toll on her since they left the rooftop, her head spinning with each step. She felt like her body was betraying her—her legs were heavy, her mind clouded by exhaustion. She clenched her jaw, refusing to show weakness. She couldn’t afford to. 

They reached the back entrance of the hospital, a side door barely hanging on its hinges. Beomgyu motioned for Y/N to wait as he carefully nudged the door open, peering into the hallway beyond. It was dark, the dim glow from flickering emergency lights casting unsettling shadows on the walls. 

“Clear,” Beomgyu whispered, stepping inside. Y/N followed closely, her footsteps echoing softly in the empty corridor. 

The air inside smelled stale, like death and decay. The walls were cracked and peeling, remnants of a once functioning hospital now reduced to a crumbling shell. The silence was suffocating, punctuated only by the distant moans of the undead somewhere outside, drifting through the broken windows.

They moved quickly, navigating through the building with practiced precision. Beomgyu’s eyes flicked from shadow to shadow, always alert. Y/N tried to focus, but the dizziness was overwhelming. She couldn’t ignore it anymore. Her body was starting to fail her.

After a few minutes of winding through empty halls, Beomgyu stopped at a door marked “Stairs.” He opened it cautiously, glancing up and down the stairwell. 

“Down,” he said. “We’ll get out through the basement.”

Y/N didn’t respond immediately. Her mind felt heavy, and the faint ringing in her ears made it difficult to concentrate. She wanted to protest, wanted to suggest another route, but she knew better. There was no time to argue. She pushed forward, forcing her legs to move, each step feeling like a mountain to climb.

Beomgyu led them down the stairs quickly but quietly. The basement was supposed to be an exit, but it was also a place of danger. The shadows here were darker, the air thick with dust and dampness. The faint glow from Beomgyu’s flashlight barely illuminated the path ahead, casting eerie shapes across the walls.

Y/N’s breath quickened as they reached the bottom. The walls here were lined with storage shelves, some toppled over, others empty. The floor was scattered with broken crates and debris, remnants of the hospital’s past.

“We need to move fast,” Beomgyu whispered. “There’s a service tunnel just ahead.”

They made their way deeper into the basement, the space growing colder with each step. Y/N’s mind was becoming foggier, her body losing its grip on reality. She could barely keep her feet beneath her, her vision swimming in and out of focus. The wound on her arm throbbed, sending waves of heat through her body.

“Beomgyu...” she said faintly, her voice barely audible.

He stopped, turning to face her. His expression was tense, his brow furrowed in concern. “What’s wrong?”

“I... I don’t feel so good,” she muttered, her voice slurring slightly. “I can’t... I can’t keep up.”

Beomgyu’s heart sank as he saw the distress in her eyes. Her condition was worsening, faster than he had anticipated. She had been so strong before, so determined. But now, she looked like she might collapse at any moment.

He moved toward her, his face softening as he reached for her arm. “Hey, we’re almost there,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “You’re not alone. Just a little further.”

Y/N shook her head weakly. “I don’t know if I can make it.”

“You’re going to make it,” Beomgyu insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument. He couldn’t lose her—not now, not after everything they had been through. “We’ll make it out together. I won’t leave you.”

Y/N met his gaze, her eyes clouded with uncertainty. She could see the resolve in his face, but she couldn’t help the doubt creeping into her own heart. She was tired—so tired—and the infection was spreading faster than she had expected. Her vision blurred again, and her knees buckled beneath her.

Beomgyu caught her before she hit the ground, his grip tight as he lifted her up. His heart was racing now, his mind spinning with the possibilities. He knew the risks, knew the chances of survival were slim if they didn’t move quickly. But he couldn’t let her go—not like this.

“Come on,” he urged, his voice a soft command. “I’m not leaving you behind.”

Y/N’s head lolled against his chest as he supported her weight. She was barely conscious, her breath shallow, and he could feel the heat radiating from her body. The infection had taken hold, and there was nothing he could do to stop it now. He could only keep moving.

They reached the service tunnel after what felt like an eternity, and Beomgyu pushed open the heavy metal door using his body with a grunt. The tunnel was narrow and damp, the air heavy with the smell of mildew and decay. It stretched into darkness, an unknown path toward freedom—or death.

“We’re almost there,” Beomgyu said again, though he wasn’t sure if he was trying to reassure her or himself. 

He moved quickly through the tunnel, his footsteps echoing against the concrete walls. Y/N’s breath was growing more labored, and he could feel her body growing heavier in his arms. The tunnel felt endless, the air oppressive, as though the walls themselves were closing in on them.

Suddenly, a noise from ahead made Beomgyu stop dead in his tracks. His grip tightened around Y/N  as he slowly turned to face the darkness ahead. The distant shuffle of feet reached his ears, the unmistakable sound of the undead closing in on them.

Beomgyu’s heart raced. He wasn’t sure how many of them there were, but there was no time to waste. He had to keep moving.

"Y/N, stay with me!" he shouted, his voice fierce.

But there was no response. When he looked at her, Y/N was barely conscious, her head hanging limply from his shoulder. Her body was growing cold, her breathing shallow and uneven. Beomgyu’s blood ran cold as he realized just how close they were to the brink.

“Please,” he whispered, his voice desperate. “Not now. Not like this.”

He scanned the tunnel ahead, his mind racing for a plan. He couldn’t fight them all. There was no way they would survive another encounter with the undead in their current state. But he had to get her out—he had to keep moving.

Without another thought, Beomgyu began to run, his legs burning with the effort. He moved through the tunnel as fast as he could, the sound of the undead growing louder with each passing second. They were closing in.

Finally, the tunnel opened up into a small utility room, its door cracked open just enough to slip through. Beomgyu wasted no time, pushing the door open and stumbling into the room. He found himself in a dimly lit alleyway, the city streets stretched out before them. 

But even as he stepped into the open air, he could hear the shuffling footsteps behind them, drawing closer. He wasn’t sure how much longer they could keep running.

Beomgyu’s heart thudded in his chest, each beat a relentless reminder of how close they were to the edge. His breath came in short, frantic gasps as he pulled Y/N further into the alley, her limp body weighing heavily in his arms. He glanced back, the sound of shuffling feet growing louder, the unmistakable groans of the undead inching closer. 

“Come on, come on,” Beomgyu muttered under his breath, willing his legs to move faster, to outrun the nightmare closing in on them. The alley was narrow, the walls of crumbling buildings on either side a silent witness to the chaos that had consumed the world. There was no time to lose.

His gaze darted around desperately, looking for an exit, a safe place to hide. But all he saw were empty streets, abandoned cars, and the dark silhouette of a world that had already fallen apart. There was no refuge here, only the looming threat of death.

“Just a little further,” he said softly to Y/N, even though he wasn’t sure she could hear him anymore. Her head lolled against his chest, her breaths shallow, each exhale a painful rasp, and her body was growing colder by the second. He had to get her out of this, he had to find a way to keep her alive.

He pushed forward, but the sound of the undead grew louder, too close, too close. He rounded a corner and nearly collided with a rusted dumpster, his instincts kicking in as he ducked behind it, pressing Y/N’s limp form against the cold metal. 

The distant groans of the undead were now close enough that Beomgyu could almost feel them, their presence suffocating. His grip tightened on the crowbar in his hand, and his mind raced. There were too many of them, and he was too exposed. The only choice now was to wait, to hope they wouldn’t notice them. 

Beomgyu’s heart pounded as he tried to steady his breath, every muscle in his body tense with fear. His eyes scanned the street, flicking from shadow to shadow, searching for any movement, any sign of danger. He couldn’t let them find them here. He couldn’t let them find Y/N.

Time stretched out like an eternity, the tension unbearable. Beomgyu could feel the weight of the world pressing down on him, the weight of survival, of responsibility, of the life in his arms that was slipping away.

The shuffling grew louder. The undead were almost upon them. Beomgyu’s pulse thundered in his ears, his grip on Y/N tightening as he readied himself for a fight that he knew he might not survive. He wasn’t about to let her die here, not after everything they had gone through. 

“Stay with me, Y/N,” he whispered, his voice raw with desperation. “Please. Stay with me.”

But there was no response. She was barely conscious now, her body trembling in his arms as if it were fighting against the infection that had taken root in her. The infection had taken her voice, taken her strength. She was barely holding on.

Beomgyu’s breath hitched as a low groan echoed from around the corner. He stiffened, his grip on the crowbar tightening as he listened. His heart skipped a beat when the shuffling sound came closer, the unmistakable moans of the undead growing louder.

He could hear them now, the scratch of their rotting feet on the pavement, the clicking of their jaws as they searched for prey. They were here. 

A figure appeared in the distance, its ragged, decaying form barely visible under the dim streetlights. Beomgyu’s stomach turned as he saw more figures behind it, their grotesque forms stumbling forward, aimless and hungry. He could count at least five of them, maybe more.

He had no choice. He couldn’t stay hidden forever. 

Beomgyu moved, crouching low to the ground as he slid his arm around Y/N’s waist. He didn’t have the luxury of thinking. His mind was a blur of instincts and adrenaline as he darted out from behind the dumpster, moving toward the nearest building. The undead weren’t close enough yet to notice them, but the moment they did, it would be over.

The alley was a dead end. But the building ahead of them had a door—half open, a glimmer of hope. Beomgyu’s breath came fast and ragged as he sprinted toward it, his legs burning with the effort. He reached the door and kicked it open with a force that echoed in the silent night.

Inside, the building was dark, its windows boarded up and the air heavy with dust and decay. The sound of the undead was still there, close, but muffled now. Beomgyu didn’t hesitate. He pulled Y/N inside with him, slamming the door shut behind them. 

For a moment, they stood there in the darkness, the only sound the frantic pounding of Beomgyu’s heart and the ragged breathing of both him and Y/N.

Beomgyu pressed his back against the door, his breath shaky. He couldn’t hear the undead anymore, but that didn’t mean they were safe. They had to keep moving. 

Y/N’s weight sagged in his arms as she slipped into unconsciousness. Beomgyu’s heart dropped. She couldn’t survive much longer without proper care. He had to do something, anything to help her. But what?

He looked around the dark room, his eyes scanning for anything that could be of use. The space was abandoned, nothing but old furniture, broken shelves, and discarded items. But his eyes landed on something—a faint glow from the far corner of the room. 

A small, flickering light illuminated the corner of the room, casting long shadows across the floor. Beomgyu moved cautiously toward it, his body tense. As he got closer, he saw a makeshift camp set up in the corner. It looked like someone had been living here—an old cot, a few scattered supplies, and a small lantern.

Beomgyu’s mind raced. Whoever had been here wasn’t around anymore. But they’d left behind supplies. His fingers trembled as he rifled through the abandoned camp. There were medical supplies—bandages, antiseptic, a few vials of antibiotics. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for now.

He grabbed what he could carry and hurried back to Y/N, who was barely breathing now. Her fever had spiked, yet her skin was cold to the touch. Her once fiery spirit seemed to have drained from her body.

Beomgyu quickly set to work, cleaning the wound on her arm and applying the antiseptic he had found. Her body jerked slightly as the alcohol stung, but she didn’t wake. He wrapped her arm as best he could, doing everything in his power to fight the infection. But even he knew this might not be enough. He could only hope it was.

As he finished, Beomgyu sat back on the floor, cradling her head in his lap. He brushed a damp lock of hair from her face, his thumb gently stroking her cold skin. His chest ached with the weight of everything he couldn’t fix. 

The moonlight shone through the cracks in the boarded-up windows, casting an eerie glow across the room. Outside, the world was falling apart, and inside, Beomgyu held onto Y/N with everything he had. The fight wasn’t over, not by a long shot. They had no way of knowing what the future held.

But in that moment, as he stared down at her pale face, he realized one thing.

No matter what happened, he wouldn’t let her die alone.

Y/N’s condition deteriorated rapidly. The night had been long, and the silence in the abandoned building had been oppressive, broken only by her occasional, shallow breaths. Beomgyu sat beside her, his eyes never leaving her fragile form as she lay on the cot he had managed to make for her from scraps of cloth and discarded furniture. He had done everything he could to help her—the wound was cleaned and bandaged, and he had given her water when she could take it. But it wasn’t enough. The infection had taken root, and it was spreading like wildfire.

By dawn, her breathing had become ragged, her body trembling uncontrollably. Beomgyu sat up straighter, the rising panic in his chest threatening to swallow him whole. He’d seen this before. He’d watched people he cared about slip away, their bodies ravaged by the same virus that was now threatening to claim Y/N. The fever was high, and her skin had taken on an unnatural pallor. It wouldn’t be long now.

But then, something changed.

Y/N’s eyes shot open wide, her body jerking as a scream tore from her throat. It was guttural, animalistic, and filled with pain. Beomgyu lunged forward, grabbing her shoulders to steady her, his heart hammering in his chest. Her eyes were wide, dilated, filled with terror as she fought against the convulsions overtaking her body.

“Y/N!” Beomgyu shouted, his voice frantic. “Y/N, look at me! Stay with me!”

But she couldn’t hear him. She was caught in the grip of the infection, her body twitching and convulsing as if the virus was trying to tear her apart from the inside. Beomgyu held her down, trying to keep her still, but she was too strong, too wild. He could see the change happening in her eyes—a blank, hollow look that he knew too well.

“Please… Y/N, fight it!” he begged, his voice breaking. His own heart shattered as he watched her struggle, his mind racing for any solution. Anything that could help her.

It was then that the memories came flooding back. The rumors he had heard, whispered in the darkest corners of the city—talk of a lab, a research facility, where scientists had been working on a cure for the infection before everything collapsed. The lab was a long shot, but it was the only hope left.

Beomgyu gritted his teeth, his determination flaring as he glanced around the room. Y/N was fading before his eyes, and there was nothing left to do but find that lab. He had to go. He had to try.

“I’ll be back,” Beomgyu said, his voice steady despite the rising panic. He pressed his forehead against Y/N’s for a brief moment, feeling the heat of her fever against his skin. “Stay here. I’ll find something to help you.”

Her hand reached up, weak but insistent, grabbing his wrist. Her fingers were trembling, but there was still strength in her grip. She looked up at him, her eyes clouded with pain and desperation, but she managed a whisper.

“Beomgyu…” Her voice was hoarse, barely audible, but the words hit him like a punch to the gut. “If I don’t make it… thank you. For everything.”

Beomgyu’s throat tightened, and he blinked back the surge of emotion threatening to overwhelm him. “You’re going to make it,” he said firmly, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “I won’t let you go. I swear it.”

Reluctantly, he pulled away, his heart breaking with each step as he moved toward the door. He couldn’t afford to waste any more time. There was a chance—a slim one—but it was all he had.

The world outside was a shadow of its former self. The once-thriving city had become a decaying husk, swallowed by the chaos of the apocalypse. Beomgyu stepped through the remnants of what was once a bustling metropolis, moving with purpose despite the growing panic gnawing at him. His only focus was Y/N—her life slipping away, and the antidote that might save her, locked away in the ruins of a laboratory somewhere in the city.

The path ahead was fraught with danger, but there was no choice but to push forward. The air was thick with the putrid stench of decay, mingled with the faint scent of burning rubble that lingered in the aftermath of past fires. The streets, once filled with the laughter and chatter of the city’s inhabitants, were now eerily silent—save for the distant groans and guttural growls of the infected.

Beomgyu gripped the crowbar tighter, the weight of it both comforting and heavy. He knew the stakes all too well. Every step he took could be his last. And yet, he couldn’t stop. Not now. Not when Y/N’s life hung in the balance.

The rumors he had heard were all that kept him going. Whispers of a research lab, hidden in plain sight within the city, where scientists had been working on a cure for the infection before the world had crumbled. It was said to be somewhere near the heart of the city, though no one knew if it still existed. The collapse of the government, the destruction of institutions, and the rise of the undead had made finding such a place a near-impossible task. But Beomgyu had to try.

His thoughts flickered back to the moment when he had left her. Her grip on his wrist, her voice weak but filled with gratitude, still echoed in his mind. She had been so certain, so willing to accept her fate if it came to that. But Beomgyu couldn’t accept that. Not when there was a chance, however slim, that he could save her.

He couldn’t afford to fail.

The road was treacherous, but Beomgyu moved swiftly, the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He was used to danger, used to fighting for his life, but today felt different. Every shadow felt like a threat, every noise felt like an omen. He had to keep his wits about him, and yet, the thought of returning to Y/N empty-handed was almost too much to bear.

As Beomgyu rounded a corner, his eyes caught sight of a group of zombies stumbling aimlessly through the street ahead. Their clothes were torn, their bodies decaying, but the hunger in their eyes was unmistakable. His stomach clenched in dread. 

Without hesitation, Beomgyu ducked behind a nearby car, holding his breath as the zombies shuffled past. The tension in his body was unbearable, but he kept himself still, waiting for the group to pass by. His grip tightened on the crowbar, his body poised to strike if any of them ventured too close.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly. Finally, the zombies continued on their path, oblivious to Beomgyu’s presence. He let out a quiet sigh of relief, but there was no time to waste. The lab was still a long way off.

He slipped from his hiding place, moving quickly but quietly, the weight of his mission pushing him forward. 

The cityscape grew more desolate with every step he took. The streets were littered with abandoned cars, some overturned, others left in disarray as if the occupants had fled in haste. The destruction of the city wasn’t just physical—it was a visual representation of the collapse of society, the sudden loss of everything that had once been normal. People had abandoned their homes, their lives, in search of safety, only to find that no place was truly safe anymore.

Beomgyu glanced around, his eyes scanning the surrounding buildings. There was a slight flicker of movement ahead. He froze, holding his breath as he pressed himself against the side of a nearby building. Another zombie. Or perhaps more. He couldn’t tell yet.

His heart pounded in his chest, every muscle tensed, ready to react. The sound of footsteps, slow and unsteady, drew nearer. Beomgyu’s eyes narrowed as he surveyed the area. The buildings on either side of him were empty, their windows shattered or boarded up. The street was an obstacle course of debris, but he couldn’t afford to be caught in the open. 

The zombie shuffled closer, its broken and bloodied body dragging itself across the street. Beomgyu gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on the crowbar. One wrong move, and he would be the next target. 

The moment the zombie was almost within arm’s reach, Beomgyu sprang into action. With a swift motion, he swung the crowbar and slammed it into the side of the zombie’s skull. The creature collapsed instantly, its body crumpling to the ground in a heap of flesh and bone. 

But there was no time to rest. Beomgyu didn’t wait for the body to hit the ground before moving on. He could hear more of them now—more groaning, more shuffling, more approaching footsteps. They were getting closer. He had to move faster. 

The journey felt endless. Every step forward felt like a mile. Beomgyu pushed through the wreckage of the city, his mind fixated on one goal: reaching the lab. The streets became more desolate, more dangerous as the days of chaos stretched into weeks, then months. The abandoned buildings were nothing but hollow shells now, echoes of a time long past.

As he neared the center of the city, Beomgyu found himself in an unfamiliar neighborhood, the streets narrower, the buildings taller. He could see it now: a high-rise building in the distance, its once-pristine surface now cracked and scarred from years of neglect. This had to be it. The lab had to be inside.

But as Beomgyu approached the entrance, he saw something that froze his blood in his veins. A group of zombies stood near the building’s entrance, their numbers greater than he had anticipated. It wasn’t just one or two. There were at least ten. Maybe more. And they were all clustered together, making any attempt to slip past them nearly impossible.

Beomgyu’s eyes darted around the street, looking for an alternative route. But there were no alleys, no side streets. The only option was to face them head-on.

Taking a deep breath, he pulled his jacket tighter around him and moved forward. He could feel the sweat gathering at the back of his neck, the adrenaline already coursing through his veins. His pulse raced, but he didn’t let himself falter. There was no choice. He had to fight.

With a low growl, he stepped into the open, brandishing the crowbar. The zombies turned toward him, their eyes blank and hungry, their groans filling the air. Beomgyu’s heart thundered in his chest as he charged forward, swinging the crowbar with all his strength. One after another, the zombies fell. His body moved on instinct, each blow a desperate attempt to clear his way to the building.

But there were too many. No matter how fast he moved, how hard he swung, they kept coming. And with every zombie he took down, it seemed like two more appeared in its place. Beomgyu’s muscles screamed in protest, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His vision blurred with exhaustion, but he couldn’t stop. Not now.

The end of the fight seemed like it would never come. His crowbar was slick with blood, his arms heavy from the constant strain. But he fought on, knowing that Y/N was depending on him. He had to finish this.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last zombie crumpled to the ground. Beomgyu stood panting, his body covered in sweat and blood, but he had done it. The entrance to the lab was clear.

The interior of the lab was a wreck. The once-sterile environment had been ransacked, the shelves now bare and the equipment broken or missing. But Beomgyu didn’t care about any of that. His eyes were fixed on the lab’s central table, where a collection of vials and syringes lay, scattered amongst piles of notes and research papers. 

His heart skipped a beat as he scanned the table. Among the chaos, he found it: a single vial of what appeared to be an experimental antidote. The label was faded, the text smudged, but it didn’t matter. This was it. 

His hands were trembling as he grabbed the vial, but he didn’t hesitate. He shoved it into his bag and turned to leave, his mind already racing ahead to Y/N. She was waiting for him. He couldn’t afford to waste a second more.

The return journey was a blur. His body was battered, his energy spent, but his mind was laser-focused. Nothing would stop him now. Y/N was waiting. And he would be damned if he let her slip away.

Beomgyu smiled faintly, his eyes full of determination. This wasn’t over. Not yet.

And with the antidote in his possession, they still had a chance.

The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a sickly, orange glow over the ruins of the city. The days and nights had blurred together, a cycle of death and survival, where every second felt like an eternity. Beomgyu was exhausted—his body bruised and battered from the constant battles with the undead. He had been running on sheer willpower, driven by one singular thought: Y/N. 

His heart pounded as he trudged back through the desolate streets, the vial of antidote clenched tightly in his hand. It was a long shot, an act of desperation. But it was all they had. She was running out of time. 

The building was eerily quiet as he pushed the door open, wincing at the creaking sound. The last thing he wanted was to attract any unwanted attention. His eyes scanned the dark interior, and there she was. Y/N. Still lying motionless on the cot. 

His stomach twisted in dread. 

He rushed to her side, his footsteps light but frantic, and knelt beside her. Her skin was colder than before, her breathing shallow, and the sight of her frail, trembling form nearly shattered his resolve. Her once-strong presence was now nothing more than a shadow of herself. 

He wasted no time, grabbing a syringe and filling it up with the antidote. There wasn’t much in the vial, but he made sure that not a single drop was wasted. With a deep breath, he injected the antidote straight into Y/N’s bitten arm. All he could do now was wait and hope, as he stared down at her pale and weak frame.

"Y/N..." he whispered her name, his voice cracking with emotion.

Her eyelids fluttered open, but her eyes were unfocused, glazed over in a way that sent a chill down his spine. 

"Beomgyu…" Her voice was so weak it barely reached his ears, but there was a familiarity to it—a comfort, despite the rawness and the pain behind it. "I don't know how much longer I can hold on."

Beomgyu’s throat tightened at the words. He could see the fear in her eyes, the fear that was mirrored in his own heart. How many times had he seen this happen? How many people had he watched slip away, their bodies ravaged by this curse of an infection? Y/N was different. She wasn’t just anyone. She was everything.

"No." His voice was firm as he leaned closer, brushing a lock of hair away from her forehead. "I won’t let you go. Not like this."

Her hand weakly grasped his, and her fingers trembled against his skin. She tried to sit up, but the effort was too much, and she slumped back, gasping for air.

"I never wanted this for you," she whispered, the words jagged as if every breath was a struggle. "You’ve done so much for me already. You’ve been through so much. If I—"

“Stop,” Beomgyu interrupted, squeezing her hand tighter. “You don’t get to say that. Don’t ever think you’re a burden to me. I promised I’d protect you. And I will keep that promise, no matter what."

Her lips trembled, and she closed her eyes, a faint, sad smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I know you would. But I don’t want you to lose yourself over me. We’re running out of time… the world’s already taken too much."

Tears welled up in Beomgyu’s eyes, but he refused to let them fall. Not now. Not when she needed him to stay strong. He had to. For her.

“No,” he said again, his voice fierce with determination. “I won’t lose you. We still have a chance.”

Y/N’s eyelids fluttered, and her grip on his hand weakened. He could feel the temperature of her skin rise and fall in a sickening pattern. The antidote wasn’t working fast enough. He cursed under his breath, desperation overtaking him. He had to do something. He had to fix this. He had to—

Suddenly, Y/N’s eyes snapped open, her gaze locking onto his with an intensity that sent a shock through his entire body.

“Beomgyu,” she whispered, her voice hoarse but urgent. “The antidote… it might not work. The infection—it's too advanced. It could… it could make things worse. You have to let me go.”

Her words pierced through him like a blade, but he refused to accept them. She couldn’t be serious. He wouldn’t let her be serious.

“No,” he repeated, his voice tight with emotion. “You’re not going anywhere. Not on my watch.”

Y/N looked at him, her eyes searching his face, trying to read him. There was a long, tense pause between them, both of them knowing what had to be done and yet unwilling to face it.

Beomgyu pressed his forehead to hers, his breath shaky as he whispered into the silence that followed. “I’m not losing you. I won’t ever lose you.”

For a moment, Y/N simply lay there, her body still trembling. Then, as if making up her mind, she lifted her hand to his face, her fingertips brushing lightly over his cheek. Her touch was soft, fragile, like a whisper of a dream that threatened to slip away at any moment.

“Beomgyu,” she said again, her voice barely audible now. “If… if we don’t make it through this… promise me you’ll keep fighting. Keep fighting for the people who are still left.”

His heart clenched painfully at her words. She wasn’t giving up, not really. She was asking him to be strong, to carry on, even if she couldn’t. He didn’t know how he would go on without her. But he had to. For her. For both of them.

“I promise,” he said, his voice breaking with the weight of it. “I’ll fight. And I’ll never stop loving you.”

Y/N’s eyes softened, and for a moment, the faintest spark of relief seemed to flicker across her face. She closed her eyes, her breath evening out, and Beomgyu held his breath as he waited for the antidote to work its magic.

Minutes passed like hours.

Then, slowly, ever so slowly, her body began to relax. Her hands, which had been trembling so violently, went still in his. Her chest rose and fell in a more rhythmic pattern. The faint sheen of sweat on her skin began to fade. Beomgyu couldn’t believe it. He dared not move, afraid that if he did, the fragile miracle that was unfolding before him would slip away.

He leaned down, pressing his lips to her forehead, his tears finally falling.

“I’m here. Always.”

The sun had risen again, and the world outside remained broken, a ghost of its former self. But inside the small room where Beomgyu sat, holding Y/N’s hand, there was a quiet peace. A tenuous sense of hope that neither of them had dared to dream of until now.

Y/N was awake, though still weak, her breathing steady. The antidote had worked—at least for now. She wasn’t fully recovered, but she was alive. And that was enough. It was everything.

Beomgyu had stayed by her side for hours, watching over her like a hawk. He wasn’t about to let her slip away again. Not after everything they had been through together.

Her eyes fluttered open once more, and she looked at him with a quiet smile on her lips. It wasn’t the radiant, full smile that had once been so familiar to him. But it was something. It was enough.

“You’re still here,” she said softly, her voice hoarse but filled with warmth.

Beomgyu chuckled, his heart light despite the chaos surrounding them. “I’m not going anywhere. You’ll have to kick me out if you want any peace and quiet.”

She laughed weakly, the sound soft and fragile, but it warmed him in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

“I think I can handle your company,” she teased, though the fatigue was evident in her voice. “But I’m serious. Thank you. For everything. You saved my life.”

Beomgyu shook his head, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead. “No. You’re the one who saved me. Every day, you keep me going. Even when everything seems lost.”

Y/N’s eyes softened, and she reached up, cupping his face with her palm. “I love you, Beomgyu. Always.”

And in that moment, in the midst of a ruined world, surrounded by death and uncertainty, Beomgyu realized that the promise of love was enough. It was the one thing that would keep them fighting.

“I love you too,” he whispered, his voice filled with quiet reverence.

They sat in silence, holding each other close, finding comfort in the warmth of the other. The world outside may have been broken, but together, they had found a way to survive. 

And that was all that mattered.

As long as they had each other, they would keep fighting.

© all rights reserved ─ @gyu-tori 2025

Rei's Notes ✎: That wraps up my first ever fic!! I never thought I would write my own stories, I was always just a lurker in the shadows, reading fics 24/7, and here I am now, sharing my first fic with you guys. English is also not my first language and this might not immediately be the best fic ever but I still had fun writing it and I hope you guys have the same amount of fun reading it too.

I was very much inspired by raya or @dawngyu so make sure to check them out too. I would love to here your thoughts and opinions after reading this so don't be afraid to comment or reblog!!

Taglist: @dawngyu @frankghgr @yunverie @usuallyunlikelyfox @woncheecks @yogurttea @beomsdoll @lonelylandofan @binluvsu @ahniboom @virtaideen @blossommi @whatblop @hhoneyhan @papichulomacy

[psycho-pills]

A Second Life for Strays! ฅ (•˕ •マ.ᐟ sylus x reader fanfic // prev // next

౨ৎ⭑˚ RATING; 18+ (mdni)

౨ৎ⭑˚ PAIRING; sylus x afab!reader (not the mc)

౨ৎ⭑˚ SYNOPSIS; you are a soldier reincarnated into the world of love and deepspace, except you're not the mc. she still exists. despite looking exactly like her, you don’t act or sound the same. and to make things stranger, cats follow you everywhere.

౨ৎ⭑˚ GENRE/WARNING; angst, hurt/comfort, slow burn, (mutual?) pining, eventual fluff, eventual romance, eventual smut, cursing, graphic descriptions of violence, blood, mental breakdowns, ptsd, death, isekai, reincarnation, cats/cat puns, mc is named serenophe to avoid confusion/reader is not mc

౨ৎ⭑˚ AUTHOR'S NOTE; a gentle reminder: this is written in third-person limited with she/her pronouns. only the prologue is written in second-person. i use the terms [name] [surname] instead of (y/n) (y/ln) because it's easier for me to write. also, i know this idea is kinda weird and outlandish, but i love cats and love and deepspace, so why not combine the two? ;v;

౨ৎ⭑˚ LINKS; ao3 // masterpost

ch. one — a cat-astrophic realization! ౨ৎ⭑˚ word count; 3.9k

Where… She thinks. Where am I?

Her eyes flutter open before immediately squinting from the fluorescent lights above. The constant beeping of the patient monitor spikes in sound as her heartbeat increases. Instinctively, her hand reaches to shield her eyes, only to stop short with a sharp tug. A flash of pain shoots up her arm, drawing her attention to the thin IV tube embedded in her skin. She grits her teeth and lowers her hand, squinting through the blinding lights.

Gradually, her vision adjusts. One eye peeks open, the other still closed in protest. She slowly sweeps over the room. As her surroundings come into focus, her heart rate steadies.

The hospital room is bathed in morning light that filters through the large windows. As [Name] glances toward the windows, long shadows cross the room. Outside, there's a breathtaking view of the bustling, futuristic city below. The overall view of the world is serene, completely unlike the storm of confusion in [Name]'s mind.

The room is comfortably sized. Modern yet contemporary furniture and pale grey walls accommodate the small space. Sleek medical equipment lines the side of the room, but there's a sense of luxury present. Crisp linen sheets, plush chairs, and a vase of fresh flowers on a side table. It's more like a boutique hotel than a hospital room. 

A soft beige blanket covers her body, and the scent of jasmine whiffs up her nose. An unoccupied recliner sits in the corner near the windows, perhaps meant for a visitor; however, the room is isolated. The medical equipment strap to her arm and chest drones on. The rhythmic beeping indicated the steady tracking of her vitals. A small monitor occasionally blinks, recording her heartbeat and oxygen levels.

As she begins to stir, her body drags her down. Everything feels heavy. Her limbs, her eyelids, even her thoughts. There's an overwhelming sense of disorientation like she's floating between worlds. Memories stir, hazy at first, but slowly they sharpen. One after the other, they trickle back—chaos, pain, death. 

Her death.

Her body feels sore, but her head feels worse. She remembers the battlefield. She remembers succumbing to her bullet wound. The sensation of death still lingers like a cold shadow. Yet now, with her eyes fully adjusted, she takes in the pristine hospital room, and it becomes apparent that something is wrong.

I'm alive. 

The thought feels impossible. Absurd, even. And yet here she is—breathing, heart pounding—fully conscious. It was like she finally woke up from a long, deep coma.

With more awareness, she takes in the room. Across from her bed is a small, flat-screen television, turned off, reflecting the room's dusky mood. Besides it, a small door leads to what she assumes is an adjoining bathroom. Everything about the room is carefully designed to be soothing, sterile, and impersonal. However, it's oddly welcoming in a way she can't quite grasp.

Her body protests as she fumbles to sit up, mindful of the tubes and wires attached to her arm and chest. As she adjusts herself, she catches a glimpse of her reflection on the dark, glassy screen of the television. With some effort, she leans forward to take in her appearance better.

Instantly, [Name]'s breath catches in her throat. She pauses. Her reflection stares back at her, but something is off. Her face is hers, but it's not. All of her features are the same. Hair, eyes, mouth, nose… However, everything is just sharper now. Clearer. Her skin smoother, and her hair fuller. If she didn't know any better, she'd swear she looks almost identical to the female lead of her favorite otome game. 

But that can't be right. Can it?

A chill runs down her spine, and her eyes dart downward to her chest. Panic flares in her gut as she remembers the battlefield, the bullet wound that should have taken her life. Slowly, as if afraid of what she'll find, she hooks a finger under the collar of her hospital gown and pulls it away from her body, expecting to see a scar, a wound, anything.

There's nothing. Her skin is smooth, unmarked. No bullet wound, no scar, no evidence that she has ever been injured at all. Her heart stutters in her chest, and the panic she's been trying to suppress starts to rise like a wave, threatening to swallow her whole.

"What the hell is going on?" She croaks.

Her throat feels dry and scratchy, like it hasn't been used in days. A rough cough forces its way up and makes her wince. She tries to settle her breathing, but it's no use. The confusion, the fear—it's smothering her.

Just as she's about to lose herself to the spiraling thoughts, the door to her room clicks open. She jerks her head toward the sound. A man steps in, tall and composed, his black hair framing his face in sharp, elegant lines. His demeanor's cool but professional. There is a slight air of authority that immediately draws her attention.

She blinks, and her stomach drops.

There's no way.

Her eyes widen in disbelief as she stares at him. It can't be. It can't be. But there's no mistaking the man standing before her, his confident stride, the careful way he carries himself. His gaze idles before settling back on his notes. She knows that face, that presence. She can practically hear her heart pound louder as the impossible claws at her.

She glances at the name tag pinned to his coat, just to be sure. Zayne. It's there, clear as day. The doctor with a cold exterior and a reputation for being emotionally untouchable. Yet beneath it all, there's a hidden tenderness. He was one of them: a character she had admired, the one whose storyline was as complex and fascinating as the others.

Her mind reels. Oh, my Gods. This can't be real. 

She blinks several times, expecting his face to change into something else, but nothing happens. He's still there, as composed and meticulous as ever. The exact character she once admired behind a screen now stands right before her.

The disbelief overtakes her. It's suffocating and all-encompassing. How can this be happening? She died—she remembers dying—and yet, she woke up here. Her body tenses. Her muscles tighten as the pieces of her situation fall into place, and realization sinks its teeth into her.

She can't breathe. It's impossible. All of this, everything around her, feels like a nightmare. A twisted dream she can't wake up from. There's no way, there's no way she's been reincarnated. And not just anywhere. In the world of Love and Deepspace, the very game she escaped into for fun is her new reality now.

"You're awake," Zayne says calmly, but verging on something more unreadable. Confusion? Suspicion? He takes a step closer, his gaze lingering on her face longer than a doctor's should. [Name] can tell he's trying to remain composed. However, his eyes hold hesitance, like he's looking at something he can't believe.

Slowly, as if worried she might vanish if he speaks too quickly, he continues, "I'm Dr. Zayne, and you will be under my care for the foreseeable future." His voice is smooth, but his words are cautious.

"And you must be Miss…" He pauses and glances down at the file. His eyes squint as if the name doesn't match what he was expecting. "…[Name] [Surname]."

She swallows, almost choosing silence, but her raspy voice escapes anyway.

"Yes?"

The word barely sounds confident. She's frozen under his gaze, trapped in disbelief. Zayne's sharp eyes roam her face, drifting down to her upper body. It's not the casual assessment of a doctor checking on a patient. No, this look—it's familiar. It's the same gaze she used to see when playing the game, the moments when his character's cold exterior would briefly soften during some of his bonds and memoria. Her stomach churns with anxiety.

What. The. Fuck.

Zayne pushes his glasses up, and his professional mask slips back on. He steps closer to the bed, his expression shifting, but she can sense the tension beneath it. 

"I'm just checking for any signs of concussion or physical injuries," he says. However, it sounds more like he's reassuring himself than her. 

He leans in, and his eyes dart over her face. He scans her features for any signs of bruises or swelling. "Given your condition when you were brought in, we need to monitor for potential head trauma."

[Name] stays silent as he gently lifts the edge of her gown at her shoulder. His fingers brush her skin as he places the cold metal of the stethoscope against her chest. His touch is light and purely professional, but she can't help but feel a rising discomfort. 

Zayne may act like this is routine, but she can see the tension in his posture and how his gaze keeps finding her face. He's trying to hide it, but she can tell—he's scrutinizing her for more than physical injuries. It's like he's trying to fit together puzzle pieces from different boxes.

The metal is cold and harsh. She inhales deeply without him even asking. Then she exhales, and the stethoscope leaves her chest not a moment sooner. He scribbles something down in his notes. Almost hesitantly. 

"Everything seems to be in order. There doesn't appear to be any visible scarring or physical trauma," Zayne mutters. A bit too neutral. As he steps back, his eyes idle on her a beat longer than necessary. "Regardless, we'll run a few more tests to be sure."

She gives a slow nod, observing how his jaw tenses as he adjusts the equipment by her bedside. He's trying to play it cool, but the cracks are there. Something is bothering him, and she knows exactly what it is.

He recognizes her face.

She looks too much like the heroine of the game, the one who's the center of this world's story. [Name] isn't supposed to be here. She isn't the main character of the game. She's something else—an anomaly.

Zayne frowns when he catches her staring at him. He quickly returns to his task, clearing his throat like it can shake off his weariness. "If you're feeling any discomfort, let me know. We'll have the results of your tests soon." He says calmly, but his eyes still carry that hint of confusion.

As he jots more notes on her chart, her mind spirals. This is far more than she expected, far more surreal, terrifying, and overwhelming. She never anticipated finding herself in this situation, least of all being reincarnated into her favorite otome game. But here she is, alive in a world she once thought was fiction. 

Zayne looks at her again, his lips parting like he's about to speak. His face is composed; however, there's a shadow of skepticism beneath. Yet before he can get a word out, the buzz of his pager cuts through the moment. Instantly, the room's atmosphere shifts and his posture straightens.

The hospital's overhead speaker crackles to life, the receptionist's voice urgent: "Code Blue. Code Blue. Paging all medical personnel to surgical room two, please."

His jaw tightens, and for a moment, he hesitates. Zayne gives her one last look, like he's trying to commit her to memory. When the voice over the intercom repeats the emergency, he finally breaks away. His eyes tear from her face with visible reluctance. 

"Please excuse me," he says with urgency as he prepares to leave. "If you need anything, Nurse Yvonne is down the hall." 

Without waiting for her response, he sharply turns and exits the room. His footsteps fade down the hall, leaving her alone with her racing thoughts. In his absence, the room feels eerily still, like the air is holding its breath. Then, the silence starts to eat away at her. The impossible truth digs into her, and something inside snaps.

In one swift motion, she throws the sheets away from her lower body. [Name] swings her legs over the side of the bed and stands—albeit too quickly. Her legs, frail from disuse, buckle beneath her. She stumbles, catching herself on the IV pole.

The cold metal anchors her as she settles down. Her muscles are weak, but determination propels her forward. [Name] drags the IV stand along as she shuffles toward the attached bathroom. Her steps awkward and sluggish.

Reaching the door, she kicks it open with the bare heel of her foot, too focused on her next task to bother with formalities. She lumbers inside, not even closing the door behind her. The thirst clawing at her throat is unbearable, a raw itch that she can no longer ignore. Like a starved animal, she ducks under the sink. She twists the faucet open and lets the crisp, refreshing water pour into her mouth. The liquid soothes her parched throat, the cool sensation spreading through her body as she gulps down as much as possible.

When finally sated, [Name] wipes her mouth with the back of her hand and turns off the faucet. However, just as she's about to leave the bathroom, her eyes catch something in the corner of the mirror—her own reflection. She freezes, seeing her face a lot clearer in the bathroom mirror than with the television's blackened screen. 

Slowly, she leans closer, her hospital gown brushing against the wet edge of the sink. Her breath catches in her throat as she studies herself. "It’s me," she whispers. "But… Different."

Her fingers rise to touch her face, to trace the contours of her facial features. [Name] turns her face left, then right, her brow furrowing. Despite the striking resemblance to the game's protagonist, there's something off—something that makes it evident that she's different. Something subtle but undeniable. She's not the protagonist, but she's dangerously close. It's like she's staring at a near-perfect replica with slight imperfections that make it clear she's an outsider.

A thought jolts her back to the present. Actually, she thinks, why did Zayne call me by my real name? If I look this much like the protagonist, shouldn't he have called me—

Her mind goes blank. She tries to recall the heroine's name, the one who should be at the center of this world, but… nothing. She can't remember. Her forehead creases as she struggles to dig the name out of her memory. Yet the name remains out of reach, like a forgotten word on the tip of her tongue. [Name]'s mind is foggy; that part of her knowledge yet to recover from her reincarnation. 

The blankness gnaws at her, but she pushes it aside. She can't focus on that right now. Her mind races to piece together what little information she has. Considering Zayne's reaction, he knew she wasn't her despite how closely she resembled the protagonist. That may be why he called [Name] by her real name instead. Yet this realization only poses more questions. How does he know her name? And, more importantly, who had brought her to the hospital? Zayne's words implied that someone dumped her here, but why?

Her thoughts swirl as she steps out of the bathroom, a little steadier now. [Name] is exhausted, mentally and physically, and all she wants is to make sense of this unfathomable situation. She heads back to bed, ready to collapse. But just as she's about to sit down, she stops dead in her tracks.

A plump tuxedo cat is lounging on the sheets. Its round face stares at her with a manner that borders on playful mischief. Its green eyes gleam with amusement at her shock. The sight is so unexpected that she blinks several times in a row.

"Um," she stammers, gesturing the cat away from the bed. "Can you move?"

The absurdity of talking to a cat doesn't even faze her anymore. After everything she's been through, who will judge her? She's all alone in this strange, new reality.

"Sure," the cat replies. High-pitched and child-like.

Her heart skips a beat. The cat just spoke. 

Like everything's normal, the plump creature hops off the bed and waddles to the counter. [Name] stills. Her mind struggles to catch up with the sheer insanity in front of her. She can only watch as the cat leaps onto the counter and grabs a clear plastic bag hidden in the sink with his mouth. The cat drags the bag out, dropping it unceremoniously with a dull thud. The contents of the bag spill out in front of her—her military uniform, stiff with dried blood around the breast pocket. The sight of the uniform jolts her, the memories of the battlefield flooding back too quickly for comfort.

"Change," the cat orders, his tone matter-of-fact. "We're leaving."

Her mind stalls. She doesn't move. She doesn't breathe. All she can do is stare in utter disbelief. It takes a moment before her body reacts at all. When it finally does, she starts laughing. It's loud and hysterical, almost tipping on sobs. She's dreaming. She has to be. It's the only logical explanation for everything. 

"I've officially lost it," she gasps between fits of maddened laughter, clutching her sides as tears sting her eyes. Suddenly, the room feels uncanny, like she's trapped in some B-rated horror movie. She crawls onto the bed with shaky hands, diving under the sheets and wrapping herself in darkness.

She shuts her eyes tightly, curling into herself and willing everything to disappear. A soft chant escapes her lips. Fragile. Desperate. "Wake up. Wake up. Wake up."

The silence that follows is almost palpable. Heavy. The only sound is the soft patter of paws on the tiled floor, growing louder as they approach. Suddenly, she feels the bed dip next to her head. The cat's weight presses into the pillow. Before she can react, the tuxedo cat tugs at the edge of the blanket, pulling it back just enough to reveal her face.

"Stop playing around, Human," the cat says impatiently. "We gotta scram before they find you."

Her eyes snap open, her heart hammering in her chest. The weight of reality—or whatever this is—crashes down on her like a tidal wave, leaving her breathless. 

"Who?" [Name] croaks out, barely above a whisper. "Who's coming to get me?"

The cat lets out a huff, a sound that might have been a purr if it wasn't laced with annoyance. "Do you really want to find out?" His tone is sarcastic like the answer should be obvious.

[Name] shakes her head slowly, her body unable to process the fear and confusion fast enough. She barely understands what’s happening, but something deep inside warns her that whoever—or whatever—is coming for her won’t be friendly. Sensing her resignation, the cat sits back on his haunches, his green eyes glinting with satisfaction.

"Good," the cat says with a slight nod. "The name's Spots, by the way. Not that you bothered to ask."

Another silence settles between them, until [Name] realizes Spots is waiting for her to get up. She stills for a moment, weighing her options. 

She could stay here, close her eyes, and hope this dream fades into nothingness. Maybe everything is just a product of her exhausted mind. A hallucination caused by trauma and stress. Maybe, if she holds on long enough, she’ll wake up in the real world, back to the life she knows. However, something tells her this doesn’t end with a simple waking.

The next best solution is that she could believe what’s happening. As impossible and terrifying as it seems, she could trust the cat—or at least trust that he knows more than she does. [Name] could just ignore the absurdity of a talking cat and follow him, because the alternative is facing whoever is coming for her alone. Zayne might return, but even that possibility feels unsettling. There’s too much confusion between them, and she doesn’t know if she could handle his reaction if he discovers what she’s beginning to accept: that she doesn’t belong here.

But Spots knows. He knows something about her situation. He knows what’s coming. And right now, that makes him the only source of guidance she has.

A frustrated heave escapes her as she finalizes her decision.

"Fuck it," she mutters.

Against her better judgment, [Name] slides out of bed, her legs no longer shaky as she drags the IV pole with her. She crouches down to pick up her clothes and combat boots. She glances back at Spots. He's swinging his tail lazily, eyes closed, a Cheshire grin permanent on his fluffy face.

Like ripping off a bandage, [Name] grits her teeth as she yanks the IV tube from her arm. The sharp sting makes her wince, but she pushes through the pain. She's quick to regain her composure. Without hesitation, she slips out of her hospital gown and into her military uniform. The fabric is stiff with dried blood, a cruel memento of her death.

But as she dresses, a disturbing thought begins to nag at her. If this is a dream, then… will she wake up back on the battlefield? Back in the grassy outskirts, far from the perishing city, fighting some meaningless war? Did she really want to go back to that? Can she even go back to that?

Her hand instinctively drifts to her heart, to the spot where the bullet pierced her. Her fingers brush over the dried blood. The hole in her uniform is the only proof of her last moments. She sighs and shakes her head, trying to dispel the unwanted thoughts. No. The mere thought of waking up back there—back in the war—terrifies her more than this new reality ever could.

Moving to the sink, she grabs a paper towel and runs it under cold water. Carefully, she dabs at the bloodstain, trying to clean it, but the water only spreads the mess. A frown tugs at her lips as she realizes her mistake. Spots hop down from the bed, noticing her frustration, and he is far too impatient to wait. He strolls over to her and stretches his paws against her leg, nudging her to pick him up.

Taking the hint, [Name] heaves and scoops the plump tuxedo cat into her arms, holding him close to her chest. Conveniently, Spots’ round body covers the bloodstain on her uniform.

"Ready?" Spots ask.

He gestures toward the closed door with his head, his green eyes narrowing to urge her forward.

Reluctantly, she nods and moves toward the exit of her hospital room. Her hand wraps around the cold doorknob, but then she hesitates. Frozen with uncertainty. Afraid of the unknown guaranteed outside this small, contained room. Her fingers still on the knob as she takes a shallow breath.

"Human," Spots purrs. It's a soothing rumble against her heart. "It's okay. Whatever happens, you have me now. You're not alone in this."

[Name] presses her lips into a tight line, reassured by the cat’s comforting words. Something about his presence, about his gentle confidence, calms her. It doesn’t make sense, but she doesn’t care to question it. Right now, she craves stability, no matter how strange the source. 

Without another word, she pulls the door open and peeks her head out. She scans the hallway. The sterile, quiet corridor stretches out in both directions. Unbeknownst to her, that first step beyond the door will set a chain reaction of events into motion, incidents and experiences that will shift the story she once knew, casting her into a role she never imagined playing.

"Here goes nothing," she whispers, stepping into the unknown.

ao3 // masterpost // prev // next

[cherrylibby]

Between Life and Love

The last thing you remember is shouting—urgent voices rising above the chaos, a cacophony of fear and desperation. Then, the sharp, searing pain as a bullet tears through your abdomen. The ground rushes up to meet you, cold and unyielding.

The world blurs around you, colors and sounds fading as your body grows heavy. Through the haze, you catch a glimpse of Spencer Reid. He’s rushing toward you, panic etched into every line of his face.

"Y/N!" he shouts, his voice cracking. He drops to his knees beside you, his trembling hands pressing down on the wound in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding.

"Stay with me," he pleads, his voice a mixture of panic and determination. "Please, Y/N. You’re going to be okay. You have to be okay."

His normally steady hands shake as he tries to control the blood gushing from your wound. Tears well in his wide hazel eyes, threatening to spill over as he stares down at you.

You want to say something, to tell him it’s not his fault, but the words don’t come. Darkness creeps in at the edges of your vision, and his voice grows distant, like a fading echo.

When you wake, the world feels strangely quiet. The harsh fluorescent lights above you cast a sterile glow, and the rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor is the first sound you register.

Your body feels heavy, the dull ache in your abdomen a reminder of what happened. Blinking, you manage to focus on your surroundings. You’re in a hospital bed, hooked up to an IV.

At your bedside, Spencer sits slumped forward, his head resting on the edge of the mattress. His usually neat hair is disheveled, and the dark circles under his eyes suggest he hasn’t slept in days.

"Spence," you croak, your voice hoarse and weak.

His head snaps up, and for a moment, he just stares at you, as if he can’t believe you’re really awake. Then, relief floods his features, and he quickly leans closer.

"Y/N," he breathes, his voice thick with emotion. "You’re awake."

Before you can respond, the door opens, and the rest of the team files in. Emily is the first to approach, her expression a mix of relief and gentle reprimand.

"You really know how to scare us, don’t you?" she says, brushing a hand lightly over your arm.

Morgan stands next to her, shaking his head with a rueful smile. "You’ve got to stop putting yourself in the line of fire like this. We’re getting too old for these kinds of scares."

JJ and Rossi linger near the foot of the bed, offering soft words of encouragement and teasing remarks to lighten the mood. Their presence is comforting, a reminder of the bond you all share.

But through it all, Spencer stays quiet, his eyes never leaving you.

Eventually, the team begins to trickle out, giving you space to rest. Emily glances at Spencer before leaving, her gaze lingering for a moment as if to say, This is your chance.

Now, it’s just the two of you.

Spencer pulls his chair closer, his long fingers fiddling nervously with the edge of his sweater. He hesitates, the silence stretching between you.

"Spence," you say softly, breaking the tension.

He looks up at you, his hazel eyes glassy with unshed tears. "I thought I lost you," he whispers, his voice trembling. "I’ve seen so many terrible things in this job, but nothing… nothing has ever scared me like that. I couldn’t stop thinking about all the things I never told you."

He swallows hard, his hands clenching into fists as he gathers his courage. "Y/N, you mean so much to me. More than I’ve ever let on. You’re the one person who makes me feel like I’m more than just statistics and facts. You make me feel… human."

His voice cracks, and he looks down, his shoulders shaking slightly. "I’ve always been afraid to say anything, afraid of ruining what we have. But after seeing you like that, I realized… I can’t keep this to myself anymore."

He lifts his gaze, meeting your eyes. "I love you, Y/N. I’ve loved you for a long time."

The raw vulnerability in his confession leaves you speechless for a moment. You reach out, your fingers brushing against his. He takes your hand in his, holding it tightly, as if afraid to let go.

"I love you too, Spence," you say, your voice soft but steady.

A tear slips down his cheek, and he lets out a shaky laugh, relief washing over him. He leans forward, pressing a gentle kiss to your hand.

"I promise," he murmurs, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I’m going to be here for you. Always."

And for the first time since waking up, you feel a sense of peace, knowing that whatever comes next, you won’t face it alone.

[itsgooditsbad]

When life gives you melon... | Jungkook x Reader | Prologue

Summary: A young resident doctor, worn thin by long nights and lingering family strains, braces herself for another routine emergency. But when an unexpected face from her past emerges in the hospital’s frenetic halls, she must decide whether to hold on to old wounds or open herself to something new.

Genre: boxer au

Chapter 1

It’s been three straight nights without proper sleep, and I’m beginning to forget what it feels like to be fully awake. My world has narrowed to the hospital’s fluorescent glare and the antiseptic scent clinging to everything I own.

I’m holed up in the resident on-call room, an old medical text balanced on my knees, a stale sandwich lying half-eaten beside me.

The hum of the overhead lights sets my teeth on edge, and when I close my eyes, all I see are afterimages of patient charts and test results.

My phone vibrates again. I glance at it and see “Mom” flashing on the screen—Mrs. Kim, to be exact. Seokjin’s mother, not mine.

She’s probably calling about some family matter, wanting to check in or ask why I haven’t visited. I’m too tired to consider giving her an answer.

These days, all I can manage is surviving my shifts and making sure I don’t collapse in the middle of a hallway.

I let the call ring out, then fade into silence.

I adjust my posture, rubbing the stiffness from the back of my neck, thinking maybe I can steal five minutes of rest—just five minutes.

But, of course, fate has other plans.

My pager goes off, shrill and urgent.

The intercom follows instantly: “Dr. Han, you’re needed in the emergency room. Please report downstairs immediately.”

Great. So much for five minutes.

I toss the sandwich in the trash, grab my stethoscope, and push off the bed.

My body protests with every step, knees threatening to buckle from exhaustion, but I shove that feeling down.

The patient waiting below is my priority now. I leave my phone behind, the missed call from “Mom” still glowing on its screen, unanswered.

Downstairs, the ER is chaos incarnate. Fluorescent lights glare off polished floors as nurses and doctors move in a frantic dance around a single incoming stretcher.

I hear the roar of the ambulance fading outside, the paramedics already rushing the patient inside, shouting vitals and conditions.

The air is thick with urgency, the sharp tang of disinfectant barely masking the coppery scent of blood.

I hurry toward the center of the storm. He’s young—oxygen mask strapped tight to his face, chest exposed, angry bruises already forming beneath the bright lights.

Machines beep and flash like anxious witnesses, and I focus on the rapid-fire medical shorthand swirling through the room.

I lean in to check his eyes, to get a better look at his face—and my heart stutters.

I know that jawline, the shape of those eyes, that scar at the brow.

It's like I’m back in high school again, I never imagined a reunion like this. My pulse thunders in my ears, and for a moment I’m frozen.

He’s older now, rougher around the edges, but it’s him. I’m sure of it.

A nurse jostles my shoulder and time speeds back up.

I inhale sharply, forcing my professional mask back into place. Focus, Jaehee. Don’t lose yourself now.

I turn to the paramedic, voice strained but steady: “What’s his name?”

The paramedic, sweat beading at the hairline, answers without looking up: “Jungkook. Jeon Jungkook.”

The name hits me like a punch to the chest. Jungkook.

It’s him.

And now, he’s here—on my table, in my ER, fighting for his life.

[mychoombatheroomba]

The Enemy of My Enemy

Between the Bones (Leon x GN! Reader) - Chapter 54

An unexpected ally gives you some insight, and the hunt begins.

(Cross-posted from Ao3)

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Chapter Index

After Raccoon City, in those first weeks of training - before he’d properly met you even - Leon had found a numbing comfort in routine. Wake up. Train. Eat. Train some more. A schedule had helped him. It broke up the day into predictable steps. In this facility they were in, wherever it was, there was no such luxury. Days after the interrogations and still, Leon was unable to leave his room without supervision. He ate there, slept there and tried to find a way to keep himself sane there. Easier said than done. The days fogged into one continuous expanse, each one longer than the last. 

Habit led him to train in the room’s limited space. Krauser had taught them enough that even four concrete walls and a shitty bed could become a usable work room. Still, there were only so many push-ups he could do before his mind started to wander. 

Didn’t matter if his eyes were opened or closed, now. He could see them. All of them. 

Marvin and Ada and the rest of the lives lost in Raccoon City had company. Uninvited, their memories made those four concrete walls their home too, stuffing in around Leon and suffocating him. Too many bodies. Too many faces he would never forget. 

Alejandro, staring into the dark sky in shock. 

Doc, his face torn and barely recognizable. 

Alenko, his eyes pleading and pained right up until-

You. Leon thought of your face just as much as he sat in that room. He thought of the smiles he’d coaxed out of you over months and months together. The way your eyes, normally, would soften when they turned his way. 

He thought of how you hadn’t even looked at him as you’d passed him in that hallway. 

Those were the thoughts he was stuck with for days. Right up until the door opened at last and Leon was ushered out of that little prison cell. He was marched down the hallway, falling in line behind a familiar friend, her broad shoulders bowed with the weight of the world. 

“Dina,” Leon said, his voice soft with wounded hope. 

Williams, for her part, managed a small smile as she looked back at him. “Hey, Kennedy.” 

More cells were opened. More of their squad joined them in the line-up. Valeria, Doc’s assistant, Grayson . . . and, of course, you were there, towards the other end of the line. Leon didn’t get more than a glimpse of you before you fell into formation. No, instead, it was Krauser’s eyes that caught his own. The Major was pulled from a cell just like the rest of them. His gaze passed over you, a direct omission. Instead, it fell on Leon. An accident, the younger man was certain, and one that betrayed too many emotions Leon had never thought to see on Krauser's face.  

Exhaustion. Pain. Rage. Leon saw it all as plain as day. 

He could sympathize. 

The contact was over in a moment, and Krauser filed in, Hellman joining from his cell last. 

All of the survivors. All that was left. 

“What’s going on?” The question was whispered to Williams as they began moving. 

She didn’t have an answer for him. 

He didn’t have to wait long for one. 

Benford was waiting for them in the room they all filed into, his glasses reflecting the fluorescent lights overhead. When he told them all to take a seat, Leon couldn’t help but feel he’d stepped into some strange new world as Major Krauser obeyed alongside everyone else. A world where everything was wrong - somehow turned upside-down and inside-out and even worse than he thought it could be. 

The only thing that seemed right was the moment Benford confirmed what he’d known in his heart. 

���Agent Andrew Reed is our chief suspect for the recent attack.” The air changed, then. How could it not, when a room was full of attack dogs that had finally been given a scent to go after? “Our intelligence has tracked him as far as Russia, but beyond that, we don’t know where he is.” 

Russia. Reed hadn’t just slipped away, he’d all but disappeared. Vanished. There would be no justice for what he’d done while he was there. 

“Then send us out.” Krauser spoke with a snarl. “We’ll have him in a week.” 

Benford’s expression was sympathetic, but his answer was predictable. It wouldn't be that simple. “We can’t sanction sending you all into Russia. Not on a wild goose chase. If we can find a more clear course-”

“Every day,” Krauser stood, “every minute we sit here and wait, that bastard has time to hide. To call all his friends in Umbrella and get protection. If we don’t move now-”

“I’m aware, Major,” Benford said, his tone cool. Even. Same as always with these suits. Bastards that they were. It had crossed Leon’s mind more than once in the past few days that he couldn’t trust Benford any more than he could trust Reed. That didn’t change the fact that the man in front of them all held their leashes, whoever might be holding Benford’s in turn. “We are moving as fast as we can. The moment we find anything, we will act on it.” 

That was all they were given, along with the freedom to roam the facility they were in now. A freedom that rang hollow as you were all dismissed and you slipped out of the room like smoke through fingertips. 

He could have chased after you. He almost did. 

Instead, he let you be. Leon would do all he could do. 

He would wait.

⧫⧫⧫

Sunlight bleeding into darkness. Blunted steel. Moves and countermoves. 

It was uncanny how so many familiar things could feel alien to you. That was all down to the man holding the other knife. Hellman moved differently from any of the other STRATCOM recruits. Different training. You’d seen some of his skills shared in Reed’s style, when you’d assisted him in training. That was the reason you’d sought the agent out. Well, one of a few. 

The other two reasons . . . you’d avoided them since Derek C. Simmons turned their names into weapons. Krauser and Leon, for their parts, had done the same. Had they been threatened too? You wouldn’t be surprised. Didn’t matter. Just like the comfort you longed for in Leon’s arms didn’t matter - the way you wanted to go to him. To pray that he didn’t hate you for what you’d done. Just like the questions you had for Krauser didn’t matter - the way you wished you could understand why he’d risked so much to protect you. Even if some part of you knew. That didn’t matter. Right now, only the knife across from you did.

You suspected Hellman had reasons of his own for agreeing to this. Shame, most likely. Good. You hoped he felt shame every time you managed to slip your knife past his defenses. 

Let him feel over and over again the cost of carelessness. 

Bruises were the best teachers, weren’t they?

Over the last few days, you’d had plenty to learn from the agent as well. Now, you were pulling your knife back as he pressed a counter-cut down where you’d gone to attack. Fast, just like Reed was. Calculating, too. Good at thinking a few moves ahead. He kept catching you in the same patterns. Old habits you’d fallen into since your injury. 

“You’re protecting your ribs more than anything,” Hellman pointed out. His notes weren’t as welcome as Krauser’s. You would take them, but not without biting back. 

“Someone broke them, remember?” It might get under his skin, childish as it was. Maybe guilt would make him sloppy. You hoped it would. Guilt likely wouldn’t work on Reed when you found him, but right now? You would settle for hurting Hellman in his stead. 

It nearly worked, too, as the agent just barely batted your attack away, a followup to a series of feints. Chest, leg, chest. Hellman stayed in place, trying to grab your arm. To run his knife up in a move that would have filleted the flesh from your bone. Your knee driving upward into his stomach stopped him. The knife dropped from your right to your left, stabbing towards his gut. Another near miss. 

You had him on the defensive.

“I shouldn’t have let him-”

“What?” you pressed, trailing after him. Each slash, each thrust, you paired with sharpened words to match. “Shouldn’t have let him break my bones? Cripple our soldiers? Poison an entire base of people?” 

Hellman’s skills as a fighter were all that saved him from bruising blows with your practice blade, and even as he managed to slash at your arm in a riposte, you kept advancing. Kept forcing him up against the wall of the facility that now housed you. 

You knew better than most how a cornered animal could fight, though. 

Krauser had often warned you not to let your feelings get in the way in a fight. Now, you paid the price for not listening to him and to Hellman both. Anger made you sloppy. As you blocked a high strike at your face, you realized his free hand was going low, a fist aimed at the ribs he’d just warned you about. You inhaled sharply, moving to defend with your other hand. His knife slipped around your upper defense. Yours moved in tandem. Then, you had knives at each other’s throats. 

A draw meant death, and your own stupidity had your anger rising. 

“I should have seen him for what he was,” Hellman panted, and you realized that he was feeling much the same way you were. You’d seen honesty from the agent plenty of times before, but nothing like this. Nothing so full of all-consuming remorse, because ultimately, he had been the best equipped to catch Reed before anything happened. He’d failed, and everyone else had paid the price. “I should have seen it sooner.” 

You were past the point of pity, your world reduced to red and black. So, you didn’t waver, even with a knife to your throat. “You should have,” you declared, sinking the blade of those words into Hellman’s heart. 

Your vengeance was short-lived. 

“Don’t be so hard on the agent.” You hadn’t even noticed someone approaching, you’d been so caught up in your fight. You didn’t know the voice, smooth and steady, and that made your head snap to its source. Your blunted blade fell away from Hellman and was now ready at your side. The man you found standing before you looked utterly unimpressed, the dark glasses that hid his eyes making disinterest appear effortless. Slicked back hair, a well-pressed suit . . . if not for the blond shine of that hair in the low light, you might have mistaken him for- “Reed was well-trained. You might be surprised how well Umbrella has embedded itself in the world. But perhaps you’d like to find out.” 

As if those words weren’t enough to make your grip on the knife tighten, Hellman tensed beside you. 

Tall, which meant a long reach. Not as well-muscled as Krauser, but it was hard to tell what physique hid beneath the suit jacket over the man’s shoulders. A jacket that could conceal a weapon as well. 

“Who the hell are you?” Hellman asked, his eyes narrowed.

Thin lips curled up before the strange man spoke. “An interested party. One with knowledge of use to you.” 

Not CIA. And anyone with knowledge of worth- 

“You’re with Umbrella.” The accusation was spat from your lips, your body thrumming with potential energy. The promise of violence, even as the man stood perfectly still and straight before you. 

His smile only widened. “Interesting theory.”

"How else would you have any knowledge of use?"

There was a moment of thought, the man choosing his words carefully. "Umbrella has outlived its usefulness. You and your government aren't the only ones interested in seeing it dismantled." 

You didn't have time to question what the hell that could mean. “Then you’ll have no problems coming in for questioning,” Hellman stepped forward, a warning buried shallowly beneath his words. 

“On the contrary,” the blond man tilted his head, “you won’t be taking me in, agent. You can have the information I’m offering, and you can determine what the cost of that information will be.” 

There were security cameras. Guards . . . and that hadn’t stopped this man from getting here. It hadn’t stopped him from not only finding this facility, but breaching its defenses seemingly unnoticed. You took a steadying breath, your muscles coiling, trying to put a plan together in your mind.

“I can’t let you leave,” Hellman said. “Not if you know what you claim you do.” 

The man took a breath, then sighed it out.

You knew when a fight was coming. You could feel the shift in the air. 

Even so, you never stood a chance. 

Not when the man, who had been a good ten paces away one moment was in front of you the next. Your knife arced up, your free hand moving to a defensive position, and none of it mattered when a hand closed around your throat, the force of it making you sputter.

No time to react. No time to question. 

You saw Hellman move, but a kick sent him flying back against the wall. Your air supply cut off, your only option was the blunted blade in your hand. One that you aimed straight for the dark lenses of the man holding you-

Only for him to catch it by the steel and, all while looking at you with a smug smirk, he squeezed. Your eyes widened as you watched the metal bend like dough beneath his grip, and then those same eyes bulged as his other hand tightened at your throat. You kicked as you were lifted easily off the ground, your free hand beating against his arm, terror setting in as your vision blurred. 

He could snap your neck like a toothpick. 

He could and would.

“I’ve wasted enough time talking,” the man said, looking down at Hellman as he held you, oblivious to your struggles. Kicks that landed like hammer blows on most did nothing to move him. 

You could die here, after everything, unless-

He let the bent knife go, then reached into his pocket. He pulled something small from it. Indiscernible in your wavering state of consciousness, your grip on his wrist tightening as you gasped for air. “Take this,” he said, tossing it at Hellman's feet. “Make good use of it.” 

Just as the world was about to go black, just as you felt your grip on his arm loosening, air rushed to you and you were falling. 

"You will need every soldier you can get." 

The ground met you without remorse and you grasped at your throat, coughing and sucking in air desperately. “Sergeant!” you heard Hellman, calling for you. Footsteps and scrambling against the dirt. Your perception was all hazy images and dying light, but you were alive. 

Still alive. 

Of course you were. 

Of fucking course you were. 

You forced yourself up, your arms full of pins and needles as you moved. You saw the warped remains of your knife, and empty space where the man had once stood. Too late. Not that it would have made a difference. You never could have won that fight. At most, you would have cost him a few seconds from his time to escape. He’d done what he’d come to do.

It lay in the dirt, sealed in a protective case. A little piece of what looked like plastic, wrapped around metal. Information, he’d said.

Information that a man who could crush steel in his hand was willing to give up. 

There was no doubt in your mind; that man had been a creation of Umbrella, in some way shape or form. He knew Reed at least by name. He was setting you all after something. Something he didn’t want to handle himself. 

Another player in a game you had no control over. Another person who’d taken your life quite literally in their hands without a thought or care. You were just a piece on the board. Always had been.

All it left you with, as your lungs finally refilled with air, was more anger. More rage. If this was what the world was? How your life shaped up to be? Fine. So long as you had something to sink your teeth into. 

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Chapter Index

A/N:

Wesker: Don’t go picking a fight with me. I could make your life difficult. Sarge, sarcastically: Wow. I wonder what it’d be like to have a difficult life.

You know I had to get the third blond freak in there somehow. Anyway I hope you enjoyed your mandatory dose of Deus ex Wesker, he will probably not be back lol. Literary structure can kiss my ass for this cameo in particular (meaning I know this is shoehorned in but ya know what, in the spirit of Resident Evil's goofiness, I kept the idea).

Anyway, APOLOGIES for the literal month this chapter took me to post, I was moving this last month! It was a lot of work but I'm very happy with my new place! Happy enough that I immediately left on a vacation - so I've been a little busy as of late. In any case, we're coming up on the end of this story here and I'm so so excited to finally write all the craziness I have in mind! Thank you all of you for your patience, hope you enjoy the end of the ride (and will follow me into the sequel when I get to it!)

Also, fun fact, apparently Wesker dropping off a flash drive could have happened if he's got cutting edge tech, the USB flash drive was invented in April of 1999! Bro absolutely stole the design for that. What a menace.

Tag List: @greywardensaywhat

[rustingcat]

Heist

She heard Lena's angry steps as she got closer to the med bay. She should've probably heard them sooner, but her current condition left her more exhausted than she realised.

The door opened with more force than necessary as a furious Lena Luthor headed in her direction. 

"Good luck sis." Alex provided her with a small pat on her shoulder before leaving the room. Giving Lena a small nod as she left.

"You better have a very good explanation for that." Lena's tone carried so much untamed anger, it almost sounded like a threat.

"It was just a heist gone wrong." She started, attempting to sit up on the bed and failing as she felt the wound on her stomach pulse in excruciating pain. She let out a small groan she tried her best to suppress, and continued with the best smile she could master. "I'm fine though!" She promised. "I just didn't know about the alien weapons. Don't worry Alex is looking into them."

"You were reckless and stupid!" she hurled at her. "You could've waited for reinforcement when you suspected they were using something bigger." She took the seat next to her, seemingly needing to ground herself.

"It was quicker that way! I had the element of surprise and as you can see I'm fine." Kara tried again, attempting to put a hand on Lena's before she shook her hand away.

"You're clearly not fine Kara! Look at you! You should've taken the safer option. Always take the safer option."

"Lena, I really am fine, I promise."

"No!" Her eyes were beginning to water when she met her gaze. "You listen to me Kara Zor-El Danvers! In a few months we are going to have children together, kids who are going to need both their mothers, do you understand that?"

"I– "

"And they don't need you to fighting criminals in the streets for them–"

"It was a heist–"

"They need you home with them!" She didn't think she’d heard Lena this emotional, not since the fortress. Kata turned off the sun lamp so Lena could get closer. Lena didn't hesitate and embraced her, making sure not to squeeze her too tightly. "I need you Kara." She whispered in her ear between sobs.

Something bloomed within Kara's chest and she didn't think it was the blast from earlier. Lena felt perfect in her arms, she always did, but there was something about that moment that  - Kara realised she didn't want to let her go. Simply holding Lena in her arms felt more healing than a thousand sun lumps.

"Sorry," Lena cleared her throat as she pulled back.

"No, no it's fine. I'm sorry." Kara smiled back, her heartbeat quickening all of a sudden. She moved a stray hair from Lena's face and felt as if the world stopped. Lena's face was all that existed, her eyes still red glistened in the fluorescent lights of the bay, they were the most beautiful things that Kara had ever seen. And her lips were so full and red. Were her lips always so soft looking?

"Kara!" Alex's voice broke her out of her haze. She wasn't sure when she got so close to Lena's face. "Are you okay? Your heart rate skyrocketed!" 

Despite not having superspeed, she moved back from Lena faster than she thought was humanly possible, her face red as a tomato. She groaned loudly as she did once the pain from the sudden movement surged through her body.

"Why is the sun lamp turned off? Kara, do you need me to remind you of the importance of continuance healing?"

"I know, it's just–"

"Sorry Lena, I think I might have to have some words with my sister."

"It's okay. I'll be on my way." Lena composed herself quickly and walked out of the room. Kara couldn't help but follow her figure with her eyes as she went, even after she left her field of view. 

She wasn't sure what, but something felt different.

Read everything in order on AO3

[pootimedes]

YAPPING ABOUT SCULK WOOOOO

i have this weird obsession with the deep dark. every time i start a new world, it calls out to me, like it's where i belong.

it all started back in early-ish 2023, when the animator for dan bull's "quiet, please" (warden rap) created a sculk themed smp to go along with the song. sculk could spawn anywhere, and spread on its own. based on the strength of the players on the server, mobs would have special abilities, and at a certain level, wardens could spawn at night like any other monster.

there was this roleplay that went on, about someone finding a "sculk soup", and taking it to their lab (or smth along those lines, i wasn't invited i just read the chat) and someone ended up drinking it, who we'll call 'drey' (he was the host's younger brother btw)

he ended up getting sone sort of infection that turned him into a sort of mini-warden (more on that later), with a strong drive to protect the sculk. his first words upon being fully overcome by the infection?

"want some soup?"

there were no takers. but can you guess who came barreling to the plaza for some sculky suspicious stew? me :3

turns out it had lasting effects that stuck even after the smp closed down.

anyway, i just thought it would be funny to be the only taker. i took the soup, and then let the spores eat my brain. after my magical girl transformation, me and drey reviled in our newfound power, and then drey went on to recruit other members of the smp to the way of the sculk. this is where the racism arc began.

everyone was fighting while my dumbass just sat in my house writing in my stupid girly diary with a fuzzy pen about my violent hallucinations and the hot wardens in my area. i can't remember all the details, but after a lot of fighting, a truce was called.

fast forward a month or so later, i start a sculk cult of my own, with a mini ancient city built by me. i ended up writing a whole biological analysis on the sculk creatures, which was unfortunately lost when the server was closed down, but i still have a good general idea of what it talked about.

That being said,

SCULK BIOLOGY

Sculk is a parasitic, mold-like fungus, generally found in deep caves, emitting a blue fluorescent glow. While beautiful from a distance, close contact without proper protection can pose serious risk. While most fungi are decomposers, sculk tends to go for living prey in order to spread, often favoring humans as its primary means of reproduction. It can enter a human host's body via inhalation, injestion, through an uncovered wound, or even enlongated physical contact, where it will begin the process to take over the host's body and mind.

STAGE 1. The host will start to notice symptoms such as itching, numbness, or chest and stomach pain, depending on how the sculk made its way into the host. These symptoms will start to start to devolve into those reminiscent of a flu, including, but not limited to;

-High fever

-Nausea and vomiting

-Sore throat and consistent coughing

-Dry, flaking skin and/or rashes

STAGE 2. Depending on where the sculk started in the body, the sculk will start to feed off of the corresponding areas. The host might notice unusual weight loss, and if they're experiencing rashes, a blueish discharge seeping out of them.

STAGE 3. Sculk starts to spread in patches on the host's skin. This stage is extremely painful, as at this point, the sculk starts to directly attack the host's nervous system, causing significant damage in order to numb the host.

STAGE 4. The sculk starts to take hold of the brain. It starts by forcing it to release mass amounts of dopamine to distract the host. At this point, the host's sense of touch is gone, unable to feel pain, as the sculk has near fully consumed their body.

STAGE 5. The host starts to experience severe memory loss, and begins to exhibit unusual behavior, such as extreme paranoia and heightened aggression. They start to feel the overwhelming need to wander into a cave, and return to the sculk, believing it's the only way they will be at peace. They will find a patch of sculk, lie down in it, and allow it to consume what remains of their body, and to absorb their soul.

The sculk surrounding the area the host dies in will condense into a catalyst, allowing sculk to further spread. Their soul will be stored in a nearby sculk shrieker, where it lay dormant for up to hundreds of years. As the soul rests, it grows stronger with time. And when the time comes, the soul will be granted a new physical form once the shrieker is disturbed by an outside force, causing the reborn creature of sculk to rise from the earth, known as 'sculklins'. These creatures are covered head to toe in sculk, dawning blue fluorescent antler-like tendrils on either side of their head, commonly having exposed bones on their arms and legs, and are completely blind. But their most notable features is the gaping chest cavity, with exposed ribs, and a glowing blue soul. This soul, along with the sculklin themselves, can vary in size depending on the amount of time their soul remained dormant, larger souls having been dormant for longer periods of time.

(im tired i might keep edit this or yapping later idk)

[a-h-h-h]

Shadows in the Winter

Chapter 8: Memory Is Punishment

  Tony watched as I.V.s and monitors were connected to Sage. She had been unconscious when Rhodes had found the two of them. He remembered Tony holding the back of her shirt closed protecting a wound that had already scabbed over and turned pink with healing. Tony hadn’t taken his eyes off her then, and wasn’t going to now.

  “Mr. Stark I must insist that you allow someone to look you over.” This nurse had been trying to convince Tony since the moment he stepped into the hospital. 

  “No, and shut down this section of the floor. Rhodes, I’m sure you’ve got some influence. You can get me two people to keep an eye on her at all times,” Tony ordered, his expression staying emotionless.

  “I understand, but. . .” the nurse tried to counter.

  “Then do it,” he waved her off.

  She huffed, clearly tired of having to reason with him.

  “I can get the protection both of you need,” Rhodes reassured. 

  “Not me, her. She’s a threat.”

  “A threat?” he was gobsmacked as he stared at Tony. “Listen, if you’re that scared, I’ll stay with her myself.”

  Tony snapped toward him, “No.”

  “No? Tony, you both almost died, she’s being hooked up to tubes and wires as we speak, and she’s the threat?” Rhodes gestured towards her through the window of the room. “She’s not a threat.”

  “She’s different and a liar. Everything she said and did was for her own benefit.”

  “Everyone lies. Name me one person who doesn’t”

  “Rhody, I swear, just listen to me.”   “Not when you have no reason to be acting the way you are, right now.”

  Tony pointed at her aggressively. “That cut on her back should have killed her. I was expecting to be the only one to make it home.” his breath shuddered as he put his other hand to his temple. “You found a pulse. You said she was alive.”

  Rhodes could feel the tension coming from him. “She was and she is,” he spoke calmly.

  “She's not human,” Tony was doing everything in his power to hide his emotions. “It’s all- I've only ever heard stories of one person like her from my dad. But he only spoke of Cap-” he stopped in his tracks. Realization sparking across his face. “I need a DNA test.”

  “I think she's a little old to be your kid,” Rhodes said in confusion.

  “I don't have any kids, and don't plan on ever having them. I remember dad talking about samples from a few missing people from during the war.”

  “The war? Which war?”

  “World War II. Keep up Rhody.”

  “World War II. Tony look at her. She couldn't be older than thirty.”

  “Just stay with her.” He shouted over his shoulder as he ran down the hall of the ICU, pulling his phone out.

  Rhodes gritted his teeth and looked back at Sage. Nurses were beginning to leave and he was getting a better look at her.

  He had noticed before, but was now able to study her auburn hair with her pale skin in perfect contrast. Her small features nestled into her high cheekbones. She was beautiful even with the scars that lined her face and short, but broad, frame.

  “You can go in,” a nurse startled him. She gave a small smile, “oh, don't act that way, everyone can see you stare.”

  “Oh, I, uh.”

  “Go. A doctor will be in shortly to explain the next steps.”

  “No, I,” he sighed. “Thank you.”

  The nurse opened the door for Rhodes and left after taking a moment to look at Sage.

  He found home in a chair that overlooked her bed and the door. She slept peacefully, only the sounds of the machines filling the silent void.

--------------

  Her eyes fluttered open, blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights above. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled her nostrils, and she realized she was in a hospital room. Her body felt heavy, the lingering stiffness from before still present, but less intense.

  She groaned as she pulled her arm up to shield her eyes.

  “Hey, you’re awake,” came a familiar voice from next to her.

  She looked to see Rhodes setting down a piece of paper, a confused look on his face that he did little to hide. “We found the both of you in the desert. You should have been dead according to Tony and based on the blood loss and scarring that was found.”

  “Tony?” she croaked, her throat dry.

  “He’s fine. But. . .he couldn’t be here.” Rhodes chose his words carefully. “He’s dealing with a lot right now.”   She nodded weakly, returning her arm to her side due to the dull ache from her I.V.s. “He thinks I’m a danger.”

  “That’s putting it lightly. He’s scared, confused. I know I am. We’ve only ever heard stories of you and your brother.”

  “What do you mean? My brother?” She couldn’t remember a brother.

  “Tony ordered a bunch of tests. Went into the archives to find the DNA samples to compare to yours.” Rhodes handed her the paper he had set down.

     FOLLOW PROPER PROTOCOLS WHEN HANDLING SERUM MATCHING

     FOLLOW PROPER PROTOCOLS WHEN HANDLING SUBJECT DNA

     SUBJECT A: SAGE BAKER

     SUBJECT B: STEVEN GRANT ROGERS

     RESULTS: TRACE OF FAMILIAR AND ENHANCEMENT MATCH

     SUBJECT A: SAGE BAKER

     SUBJECT B: SHILOH NICOLE BARNES

     RESULTS: COMPLETE MATCH

     SUBJECT A: SAGE BAKER

     SUBJECT B: JAMES BUCHANAN BARNES

     RESULTS: NO MATCH

IF MATCH RESULT IS FOUND TO ANY TEST YOU MUST REPORT TO THE STRATEGIC HOMELAND INTERVENTION ENFORCEMENT AND LOGISTICS DIVISION IMMEDIATELY

“What- what is this?” she looked towards him. “Rhodes?” She couldn’t understand. The names on the report were strangers.

  “All three of these people are heroes from a different time. Legends in the eyes of men and women around America. I grew up reading about them in the Smithsonian with my dad. They all disappeared without any children, and yet you show a match to two of them.” Rhodes stayed at attention in his chair, unsure of how she would take the news.

  “There must be a mistake. I-” she stopped in her tracks. What did she know? Was it a mistake? “I need to leave,” she calmed herself, making everything seem as normal as possible.

  “None of us understand. I have questions I don’t know how to ask, but you need to stay, both for health and-” he was interrupted by a knock at the door.

  The man who entered was balding and wore a pristine, gray suit. He held a thick file under his arm and what looked like an odd smile to her.

  “Agent Phil Coulson, I’m with the Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division.” he dropped the file on the table. “You must be James Rhodes.” 

  The two of them shook hands and the man turned towards her. “You must be Shiloh Barnes?”

  Her breathing was beginning to quicken. Confusion controlled her thoughts. The room seemed to close in around her, the walls pressing in as memories and the present blurred together. She could hear the faint echo of voices, orders shouted, and the sounds of weapons being fired.

  Sweat beaded on her forehead, and she clenched her fist tightly, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to scream, to break free from the chaos that continued to plague her mind.

  The images of faces she couldn’t fully recognize flashed before her eyes - blurred and distorted by the panic that was taking over.

  “No, no, no, no, no,” she whispered, her voice trembling. 

  She didn’t notice Coulson stepping closer, placing his hands on her shoulders and squeezing. He offered a grounding presence as he spoke to her, “Sage, listen to me. You need to breathe and focus on my voice. You’re safe here.”

  She blinked rapidly. Faces taking over the dark side of her eyelids, while the opening latched onto him. His voice mixing with the others in her mind.

  “Natalia is lucky to have you as an aunt.”

  “You may now kiss the bride.”

  “I’ve loved you since the moment I met you.”

----------------

  “Being part of the Howling Commandos won’t protect you from those who don’t care.”

  “I’m so sorry, Shy.”

  “Hydra has plans for you.”

  “What more could I have done to keep him alive, James?”

  “You aren’t my brother.”

--------------

  “Shiloh Nicole Barnes, are you operational or do I need to send you home to cry to mommy?” Coulson shouted through the voices in her head.

  She snapped to attention in her hospital bed and reported, “Fully operational. Mother is dead, sir. The only one to cry to would be you.”

  “Confirm identity. Report tag numbers,” Coulson ordered.

  She began rattling off a set of numbers. Coulson released her and checked with an identification sheet in the large stack.

  He looked at her in a stare of confusion, “How are you still alive?”

  “By breathing the air and taking it one day at a time.” her own confusion taking over as her voice began to shake.

  “James Rhodes, I think it best you leave.”

  “With all due respect sir-”

  “Respect acknowledged. Now leave.”

  Rhodes reluctantly did as he was told.

  The room was quiet. The beeping of machines once again filling the space between them. Coulson handed her the sheet that he had confirmed her numbers with.

Shiloh Nicole Barnes

DoB: April 18, 1917

PoB: Brooklyn, Ny, United States of America

Occupation: Nurse within the 107th (FORMER)  Howling Commandos (MIA)

Spouse: James Buchanan Barnes (May 7, 1942)

Affiliations: Steven Grant Rogers (Brother), Margaret Elizabeth Carter (SSR), Yelena Ania Kozlov (Fellow Nurse of 107th), Members of the Howling Commandos

Is known for her loyalty, being protective, and temperamental when orders and commands are seen as unfair. 

Has a record of breaking several Privates’ noses. 

Allowed the attack of a commanding officer after the deportation of Yelena Ania Kozlov. Refused to assist with medical attention that was required.

Was moved from the nursing unit of the 107th and moved to the status of Sharp Shooter due to the protection required by her affiliations with Steven Grant Rogers and James Buchanan Barens.

After the disappearance of Sergeant Barnes, Ms. Carter reported that the Barnes’ shared room was completely destroyed. Stating “It looked as if someone went in there with the pure intention of rage”. Shiloh Barnes was dubbed MIA after being seen leaving base with a Privot. This Privot is thought to be a German Spy. After an investigation, nothing has been confirmed.

  Coulson’s expression betrayed his true feelings of shock. She could see the questions form in his mind, mirroring her own confusion.

  Who was Shiloh Barnes beyond the mystery in these files?

  What was the soldier within her?

  Were the fragmented nightmares and visions just glimpses of a buried truth?

  She wanted to rip the file open. To absorb the answers they held. She wanted to know the life that she had somehow left behind. She wanted-

  “I’m going to leave these here. I’ve got a few things to take care of, but I feel like you could benefit from having these more than I would from placing them back in a cabinet.” Coulson didn’t let her answer before he had left the room. 

[sealingfan]

A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence

There are three things with which this film hits you over the head in its opening sequence: it is about death, the tone is lighthearted if miserable, and the use of sound, color, and still shots foreshadow a meticulous and deliberate symbolism. I have loved film, art, and media for some time now and recently have begun regulating my consumption at a new film a day. This film has inspired me to document my thoughts.

We are introduced not to our protagonists, but to the film as a character with simple and otherwise mundane vignettes of people living in a world whose color seems to vary widely between shades of beige. The color (or lack thereof) and apparently deliberate set dressing immediately prepares us for contrast: children blowing bubbles and playing in colorful clothes, a mother's red leggings with her stroller in the park, a red-haired woman stealing a puff off her lover's cigarette, a young couple making love on the beach, dressed in red, soldiers going off to war, men dying in literal representations of corperate machines. It seems color exists only in the lives of people with drama, with emotion. The gray-and-beige world of bar scenes, of our protagonists' flophouse, of shops and even streets are devoid of intensity and are bathed in an omnipresent fluorescent office lighting.

Our protagonists are door-to-door novelty salesmen, whos self-described purpose is to help people laugh. The obvious irony being that they lack energy and their wares are not funny. They move like mobsters, threatening their clients who are behind on payments for rubber masks. In essence, they are sad, poor, and unexceptional.

As we watch Johnathan and Sam fail their way through town, their pitiable sales pitch in yet another bar is interrupted by the army of King Charles XII of Sweden evidently marching to fight the Russians in the Great Northern War. If we payed attention in AP Euro, we'd know the young and inexperienced King Charles would force each member of the anti-Swedish coalition into submission save Russia, and upon invading Moscow would suffer wounds resulting in his army's defeat. As the young king is escorted into the bland, beige-and-pea-green bar, we see intense and bright color in the navies and golds of the Swedish military uniforms. This, to me, cements the presence of color as a physical representation to contrast the pervasive ennui and boredom of the protagonists with their lot in life. We know these soldiers will return from war wounded and defeated, if they return at all, and yet they follow a cause, they are inspired, and they have decided upon a meaning in life, disagreeable and tragic though it may be. They march to war singing a song introduced in a particularly characterful bar scene about "Limping Lotta" and her tavern in Gothenburg, with the lyrics changed to fit Charles XII's ten thousand men. We see here that persistence remains the same even when the nature of the struggle changes.

We continue to loosely follow Jonathan and Sam as Jonathan begins to feel a sense of existential aimlessness. He is listening to a song on repeat late at night when Sam comes to talk to him, concerned for his wellbeing. The source of Jonathan's misery is a fear of meeting his parents again in heaven; he is afraid of dying, and maybe even having died so plainly, in a place so dingy, without having been colorful, as those three mundane deaths we see in the beginning, set to insistent, even petulant music. He wears one of the play masks they had been trying to sell perhaps in an attempt at coloring himself so to speak.

Sam, however sympathetic to his friend, is uninterested in this childishness. They have work to do and the people they report to are on their asses about their low sales records. They end up fighting and we see them part ways and make up. The friends are frustrated with their lot in life. They are uncertain of what to do. They are lost but they are friends. They have to keep living and they will do it side by side. Sam's apology to Jonathan is really touching. It is clear he isn't sure exactly what he's done wrong but he won't do it again. It is genuine and confused.

The next time we see Johnathan, he is recovering from a vision of black men and women and children being forced into a huge brass contraption which is then set alight. It begins spinning after a while and we see the name of Swedish multinational metals corporation Boliden. This long, agonizing shot ends when we flip to a window, out of which appear the cast of background characters, dressed up in black and ivory. This shot begins to bring together the themes of the film. The senses of meaninglessness and alienation begin to become attributable to bureaucracy and the complexity inherent in global forces - forces too large to observe with ripple effects too broad-ranging and complicated to wrap one's head around. Why do we march to war? For our king! Why do we drink? Because it makes me feel better. Why do we sell our novelties? Because we are told to. Why must we continue? Because we must. This scene has music that is somber and contemplative and new. It is not a callback or a reprise. Sam wants to get to work but Johnathan is full of turmoil. He asks thrice whether it is ok to use others for your own benefit to no answer.

The film ends at a bus stop as a man waiting for the bus is confused as to what day it is. His intuition failed him. It's an understated but fitting end. One can't expect satisfaction out of a film such as this.

Ultimately, the film is a depiction of the confusion innate in life as an individual in a society too vast to understand. Systems and machines overwhelm. One scene begins with the words homo-sapiens only to show us a monkey, wires sticking out of its brain, screaming, as a scientist ignores it entirely in the background, on a phone call. This is an obvious depiction of the film's perspective on the state of the individual human in a global world: buffeted by forces beyond understanding, suffering and unable to escape. A mind-numbing, boring, purposeless suffering envelopes contemporary society and salvation lies in ignorance and the simple joys of company. One may find it comforting that those with means still wear black even if they have slightly warmer lighting.

I am still contemplating the scene from which the film draws its title. As I understand it, children play a rather significant role in the symbol language of the film which I've yet to parse through entirely but I'm certain the three bots that read this will figure that out and tell me.

Anyhow,

I give Roy Andersson's "A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence" flaming Kafkaesque brazen bull turbine out of 5

[liminalspace7]

"Can't be unhinged without loosening the screws a bit every day."

Kishibe - Chainsaw man

.

.

Screws keep things together. All wound up like a white-collar employee with deadlines. Bloodshot eyes, sweat between the brows, and yellow armpit stains that never seem to wash out on a shirt that prides itself on restricting movement with neat folds and stiching.

Spine in a perpetual crescent shape as the joints stiffen. Jaw biting down on itself, the tap tap tap of his heel—a staccato against the linoleum floors. 

The buzzing of the fluorescent lighting further agitates him, and the screws they’ve drilled into him can’t seem to contain the internal pressure.

Something wants to come out.

A little leaks out as some screws are pushed from their original point of capture. 

When the screws loosen, what do you find?

Something gooey and sticky? Maybe something sharp or blunt? Sweet or sour? Nuanced? Blatant?

The variety of what you find is much more enriching than the wound up casing it was in.

And what a funny kind of relief when it’s released. Like the feeling of menstrual blood and clots sloughing onto the pad in your underwear upon standing.

Relief as the pressure has been reduced, but an uncomfortable, unsettling, tingling sensation nestles in your gut as it feels as though the relief has gone against the grain.  

But sometimes, it's wound up so tight that it cannot be undone in a day.

It takes time.

Maybe so much has leaked out that the screws begin to rust in a final attempt to keep you trapped within their own decay. 

This is where many give up. People confuse the decay of the screws with their own, forgetting that something is inside. They forget that the screws work to hold a disguise in place. How disorienting it is to see what you think is yourself dying through eyes that don’t belong to you!

Just like newborn kittens, what’s inside is blind and deaf; its been closed off to the world for so long, it hasn’t had the chance to develop. At this stage, its only means of navigation are warmth, kindness, and love. 

It needs to be nurtured day by day until it becomes you.

Then other disguised people will point and jeer at you, calling you unhinged. 

[fudanshipoe]

the brightest star in the sky 🌌

— g rated, sigma & dazai pre-relationship, 1.7k

- they/them for sigma (Sigma is transfem nby in this au, but this is set pre-transition)

- pre-ADA member sigma

- stargazing, descriptions of hospitals and panic attacks

- day 5 of my fem sigma week event (stars)

- first in series of ada sigma au oneshots

- cross posted on my ao3

The first and last thing Sigma sees is a bright light. No light at the end of the tunnel, bit a blinding, fluorescent glow above them. What feels like needles prickles from head to toe, a dull throb vibrating through every vein in their body, somehow scalding hot and ice cold to the touch. They hear the faint, monotonous drone of a– heart monitor? Sigma was hardly familiar with medical equipment, but they were briefed on it concerning the Casino having a clinic room, and had limited knowledge from the past. They were watching their body behind a mirror, eyes cracked under the blinding– fluorescent?– lights.

A hospital. That was where they were, likely. It was the most they could deduce in the thick fog in their brain. Sigma stirs, their body heavy, all energy drained. Their eyes squint against the harsh light while they try hard to recollect their scattered thoughts.

A noise, someone clearing their throat, cuts through the monotonous buzz surrounding Sigma. They blink a few times, focusing their eyes and moving their head to the side. It's a hard feat, taking what nonexistent energy they have. Dazai smiles back at them. It's Dazai, Dazai is in their hospital room. A thick lump forms in their throat, and they swallow the questions crawling through their mind.

A weak groan bubbles in their throat, and the sound catches Dazai's attention. He speaks with an even tone, a reassuring demeanor carefully crafted through his relaxed posture, “Ah, I was starting to think you'd never wake up! A regular Sleeping Beauty, aren't you? Escaped the kiss of death, it's rather unfortunate, don't you think?”

What an absurd response, Sigma thinks somewhere in their clouded mind. Everything about this strange man was, from his mind to his behavior. It made Sigma more exhausted to even try to figure Dazai out. Their eyebrows knit together, and another low moan is all they can manage to respond with, but Dazai doesn't seem to mind. The book he held in his hand is set on his lap, Sigma doesn't bother trying to be nosy and read it from that far away. Not when their head is pulsing from the inside out. Dazai stands up, striding over to Sigma's bed.

Like the mind reader he is, Dazai begins to answer the string of questions circling through Sigma's mind. “You were in a coma for a few weeks. After that rat Dostoevsky left you for dead, Chuuya and I were able to take him down. The others took care of the rest. Everyone is in remission now.” His arms are spread out by now, and the high, overacted lilt to his voice grates Sigma's ears. They shift, pulling at the IV connected to their arm without meaning.

Dazai reaches out, putting a firm hand onto their shoulder, “Don't do that, you'll rip it out.” The tone of his voice drops, and Sigma can tell he is speaking in earnest now, “Things are still being figured out. I was able to get Yosano to help you, so that knife wound won't bother you.”

And he was right, they noted. Of all of the bone-deep aches coursing through Sigma's body, none of it feels at all like a stab wound. Yosano was the doctor, they were sure. None of this was important, though, and Sigma knit their brows together with hard focus, any effort at isolating their thoughts.

Sensing that Sigma could understand him just fine, Dazai continued. “Rest for a bit, alright? You can fill me in later, I've done my part."

There is nothing left in Sigma to refute him, so they reluctantly nod. Any conversation after that goes unheard by Sigma, blurring in the background along with their vision as the exhaustion overtook them.

The world continues to be dark, even after Sigma's eyes are open. It takes them a minute to register that it is late at night, or early in the morning, they can't begin to tell. A soft grunt escapes their lips as they arouse in a stir. It takes a valiant effort to brace their arms against each side of the hospital bed and pull themself upright. The one positive note Sigma can make is that they can at least sit up now. To Sigma's surprise, Dazai is still in the same chair as before. Sigma can see the vague shape of him in the darkness.

They struggle to untangle themself from all the wires, but Sigma takes caution as to not yank their IV needle. The room is eerily silent. The long twisted shadows of the surrounding medical equipment spurs an unfamiliar, dreadful sensation in the pit of their stomach. Sigma has dealt with being thrust into alien situations countless times, it's one of the simple things they experience being in their place. The uncertainty of it plummets them into emotional turmoil they know all too well.

Sigma makes the brilliant decision to slide off of the hospital bed, using the IV pole as a form of support. It slips from their grip a few times while Sigma tries to keep themself steady, though the effort proves failed. A soft thump is heard when they finally collapse into the chair next to Dazai's, all energy depleted by that little action. Hospital chairs certainly are uncomfortable. The cheap material sticks to Sigma's legs through the thin hospital gown material despite the low temperature of the room. They push the IV pole away from them finally to beside their chair.

Sigma folds their hands neatly in their lap, surveying their surroundings. Though the room is bathed in shadows, a bit of light spills in from the moon above, casting just enough so Sigma can see the room. Now that they're up and awake, they can really take it in. The room is falsely welcoming. A sterile smell lingers in the air accompanied by the blank wash of the room itself. Everything was white, except for some beige accents like the chairs, the small table between them, and the average looking painting of a flower vase above the hospital bed. Their eyes sweep over the room with disinterest until they look out the window. Sigma can only assume they're in Yokohama, which is evident by the amount of light pollution. Not that it was an obvious enough assumption to make beforehand, on account of Dazai's information earlier. The sky is muddled between hazy artificial whites and yellows against the stark black above. Blurred together in an unrecognizable mass. The stars are hardly visible beyond the clouds. It is a sight causes them to sigh.

A sudden interjection is heard, a sharp contrast to the thick silence from before, “I'm glad to see you're up and moving.”

Sigma's head whips over their shoulder to face the tired smile on Dazai's face. They swallow before they nod once, blinking at him. “You scared me.”

“I could say the same. My apologies, I'm a light sleeper. I haven't gotten any rest, cleaning up this mess has been so busy.” It's an awfully honest statement coming from Dazai. Sigma can't find any indication that he is trying to play a little game, which takes a bit of weight off of their chest to worry about.

“It sounds like it.” No other words can be said right now, so they relent to stare back out the window to avoid conversation.

Dazai, on the other hand, does the opposite, and continues to prod Sigma with a question, “Is there something interesting out there? I suppose you've probably never been around a big city before.”

Hesitantly, Sigma shakes their head. The reality is they haven't really done much in their life. What has there been to do? Three years of qualms over their own existence and place in this distant world doesn't exactly leave much time to experience regular life. A few awkward moments pass before Sigma is too antsy to let the silence hand over, “I was trying to see the stars.”

“The stars?” Dazai rubs the back of his stiffened neck, stretching his limbs from the ache of napping in a chair. Sigma watches him closely, and Dazai returns the favor back.

It's unclear what either of them are searching for anymore, so Sigma confirms his inquiry. “Mhm. I think they're pretty.” That was at least one of the things Sigma had time to do. Staring up at the sky, some silly attempt at escapism into their own imagination.

“I see.” The simplicity in that response can only irk Sigma. Their grievances dissipate quickly, for once, when Dazai continues. “Do you actually know anything about them?”

It's a difficult thing to answer. Knowledge about the nature of the world is understandably limited for Sigma. They start, “Oh, not much.” The conversation can't go dicey again, or else Sigma will die, so continue to keep up the impression that they can still feel their own limbs. That they aren't about to collapse under the weight of their own situation in front of someone else. “Um– they make shapes?”

Dazai squints his eyes against the darkness before a look of recognition forms on his face. “Constellations.”

“Con– constellations.” The word falls messily off of Sigma’s tongue. “Yes, those, thank you. I know a few by their shape, the um– the spoon one?”

Their face flushed when Dazai laughed at them. It was ridiculous to even try conversing with him, everything was a joke to this man. Thoughts race through Sigma's head while they curl inwards on themself, but those thoughts are quieted when Dazai's flurry of giggles dies down. “It's called The Big Dipper. There's the Little Dipper too, connected to the North Star.” A confused expression must be visible upon Sigma's features because Dazai continues on, “The very bright one, that you use for navigation.”

“I see.” At a loss for words, Sigma echoes Dazai's earlier remark. “Thank you for the information.”

“You're so formal about everything, you remind me of Kunikida.” Fondness colors Dazai’s tone now at the thought of his friend and partner.

A wall is put up in Sigma’s mind as they nod, the action catching Dazai's attention. He leans forward in his chair a bit, easing some of Sigma's worries as he speaks. “Don't worry, you'll be introduced to the rest of my coworkers some time soon. I know you've met Atsushi.”

Sigma casts a glance back out the window, before they nod curtly. “I would like to meet them.”

[mothsimp]

drive thru deez nuts: Jack in the Box x KFC mascots

experimental ai generated fanfic. credit to chatgpt. i am a worm and this is my purpose. enjoy at the risk of your own sanity.

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

Summary: In the bustling world of fast food mascots, Jack, the mischievous and lively Jack-in-the-Box mascot, finds himself in an unexpected encounter with the Colonel, the esteemed figure of KFC. What begins as a chance meeting soon develops into a curious friendship filled with laughter, secrets, and maybe even a hint of something more.

Chapter 1: Unexpected Encounter

The fluorescent lights of the fast-food convention hall buzzed overhead as Jack bounced through the crowded aisles, his oversized head bobbing with excitement. He couldn't contain his enthusiasm; these gatherings always brought a thrill of anticipation, a chance to mingle with fellow mascots and entertainers from the fast food world.

As Jack rounded a corner, his eyes caught sight of the regal figure of the Colonel, standing tall amidst a sea of attendees. The Colonel's iconic white suit and distinguished beard made him instantly recognizable. Jack's heart skipped a beat. He'd admired the Colonel from afar, always fascinated by his charm and authority.

"Hey there, Colonel!" Jack called out, bounding over with a playful grin plastered across his face.

The Colonel turned, a twinkle in his eye as he greeted Jack with a nod. "Well, well, if it isn't the lively Jack-in-the-Box. What brings you over to my neck of the woods?"

Jack shrugged, his springs creaking with each movement. "Just thought I'd say hello. Can't resist the chance to chat with such an esteemed figure."

The Colonel chuckled, a warm sound that echoed through the bustling hall. "Charmed, I'm sure. Care for a stroll?"

With a nod, Jack fell into step beside the Colonel, the two of them weaving through the crowd with ease. They exchanged stories and jokes, laughter bubbling up between them like fizz in a soda. Despite their vastly different personas, they found common ground in their shared experiences as mascots.

As the convention wound down and the crowds began to thin, Jack found himself reluctant to part ways with the Colonel. There was something comforting about his presence, a sense of camaraderie that Jack hadn't expected.

"Say, Colonel, would you be interested in grabbing a bite to eat?" Jack asked, a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

The Colonel's smile widened, a glint of mischief sparking in his gaze. "I know just the place."

And so, the unlikely pair ventured out into the night, their laughter echoing through the streets as they embarked on a new adventure together.

Little did they know, this chance encounter would be the beginning of a friendship that would defy expectations and bring joy to both of their worlds.

[the-uptake]

The only acceptable way to ring in 2052 is with a Manhattan Premier and a slap to the face hard enough to rip your spider bites.

[sacredflamingart]

can you feel me breathing down your neck? you’re just a perfect metahuman wreck but i like you enough to destroy you, tear you down

[that1emowitch]

OKAY SO i started writing this, and here's a little preview of the first scene! If anyone can think of a good name for this pls comment it, i have no idea what to name this

and yeah if there's anything i can do better, also lmk! :D

.

.

.

Martha remembered getting shot.

The cold grip of fear had frozen her limbs as she stood in that dark alley, her heartbeat thundering in her ears. She could still feel the dampness in the air, smell the faint stench of Gotham streets. Of Crime Alley. Thomas had been the first to fall, his body crumpling to the ground with a sickening finality. The mugger’s voice was a low snarl, scared but maddened, demanding her pearl necklace, his gun gleaming in the dim light. Her fingers trembled as she clutched the pearls, too terrified to move.

Her eyes had flicked to the side, to the small shadow hiding behind the dumpster. Bruce, her precious baby boy, cowering, his eyes wide with terror. She’d willed herself to move, to scream, to tell the mugger to take everything, just leave her family alone. But her voice wouldn’t come. She had been trapped in place, helpless. She’d begged in her mind—Don’t see him, don’t hurt him, just let him go.

And then the gun was pointed at her.

A sharp, deafening bang, the world tilted, and she fell. The last thing she saw was her little boy rushing forward, his small hands shaking her shoulders, his voice cracking as he called out to her.

"Mom, Mom, please!"

Then, nothing. Just darkness.

But now, there was light. Bright, sterile, too white. The sound of beeping machines pulled her out of the fog. Martha’s eyes fluttered open, her pulse quickening as the unfamiliar room came into focus. She was lying in a bed, the sheets stiff, the walls bare. A hospital. How am I alive?

She inhaled sharply, her hands trembling as she touched her chest. There was no pain, no sign of the gunshot wound. No blood. Was it a dream? For a brief, fleeting moment, she thought that maybe she had survived the unthinkable. Maybe she had been in a coma for a while, and recovered, and Thomas took care of Bruce, she’d get to see her baby again—

No. Thomas… Thomas was dead.

She remembered that first, terrifying shot too vividly.

Her eyes darted to the cot next to her, and her breath caught in her throat. Thomas. He was there, as pale and motionless as she remembered him when he fell in Crime Alley, trying to protect their family. But his chest rose and fell, the same rhythmic beep echoing from his heart monitor.

He was breathing.

Her mind raced. This can’t be real.

She sat up slowly, her body strangely stiff, her muscles unresponsive as if they had forgotten how to move. Panic swelled inside her chest. What is happening?

Before she could find the strength to call out, the door creaked open. A tall man stood in the doorway, his silhouette backlit by the harsh fluorescent lights of the corridor. His features were familiar, achingly so. For a moment, she thought she was looking at Thomas again, but there was something different about him. His face was chiseled, littered with pale scars, his eyes dark and haunted.

He stepped closer, a sense of desperation washing off him in waves, and her breath caught in her throat. It wasn’t Thomas. It was… him.

It couldn’t be. It didn’t make sense.

“Mom…” the man whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Mom, it’s me.”

Martha blinked, confusion clouding her thoughts. He looked so much like Thomas—like her. But older. Stronger. Sadder.

“Bruce?” she breathed, disbelief thick in her voice. He looked nothing like the boy she remembered. How could this man, this stranger, be her son? She didn’t even know why she’d called him that—but she had this gut feeling. 

Mother’s instinct, perhaps.

Tears welled in his eyes as he nodded, his lips trembling with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s me.”

Martha’s heart raced. Her mind spun with questions she couldn’t begin to ask. Why were they alive? How long has it been? What has happened to our son?

She slowly reached a hand to her face again, this time feeling her wrinkled skin. She wasn’t that old. She was barely 32, she wasn’t… old. Had she… had she grown? Had she been in a coma? Who’d taken care of Bruce? Had Alfred stepped in? Was Alfred still around? What happened to her baby?

As if sensing her unspoken questions, Bruce took a step forward, his hand trembling slightly as he reached for hers. “Mom, Mom… There’s… so much I need to explain,” he said, his voice tight. “So much has happened.”

.

.

Ik it's a lot of angst rn but im planning on adding a shit ton of cracks (re: batkids' antics) later on, and post the whole thing as a oneshot hehe

(taglist: @halfdeadjasontodd, @booksareportal, @vanaquetta, @discar, @whenicarusflies, @thursdaysworld right now, if u wanna be tagged or untagged just lmk :D)

What if by some magical whoosh martha and thomas wayne came back to life to find their son as a 40-something-y/o with two dozen kids who all dress up and play hero at night

YES. just YES.

I WILL WRITE THIS I SWEAR

if anyone wants to be tagged in this just lmk in the comments pls :)