#this movie failed to deliver on every single front :)

[tulisankuuu]

Catatan Koasisten: Return of Spontaneous Circulation

October 20th 2022, and my life has led me into the ICU with a pulseless patient in front of me.

I had been here many times before.

I had gotten used to the beeping of machines, the delirious patients drifting in and out of consciousness. I had gotten used to the scent of alcohol, the sounds of nurses pacing back and forth as they rush to empty urine bags and change bandages. I hated to admit the fact that long before today, I had already gotten used to death.

I now know of the signs: Empty-looking eyes staring at ceilings, an occasional tear making its way from the corner of the eye into the mouths that hang slightly open, the way heat leaves the body from its ends, making its way to the middle, the way consciousness comes back like a lightbulb right before it goes out completely. Then the drop of heat in the core, the vital signs plummeting, and then the beeping of machines and then the silence.

Very rarely do people come back after an arrest, at least in my experience. This is because after the heart stops and oxygen in blood fails to perfuse organs throughout the body, it will undergo irreversible damage. Organs like the heart, the brain, ones that do the most important work rarely regenerate.

I looked at my watch and subconsciously started counting, recalling something one of my senior consultants once told me: For every minute a patient is in cardiac arrest, 10% of life is lost. It had nearly been five, therefore somewhere near a fifty-fifty percent chance of life.

I stood by her bed, hands interlocked on top of one another, pressing into her sternum and then recoiling. Counting one to thirty compressions then followed by 2 breaths, then onto the next cycle of 30 compressions to two breaths. A fifty to fifty chance; a tug of war with death. The senior doctor had placed monitors on her chest, monitoring for rhythm.

There. The fibrillation of ventricle. One of two shockable rhythms we have come to know in medical school. This would mean that the senior doctor would then grab a defibrillator to deliver electrical shock, then wait for the heart to restart itself, but at the time, I had never seen it before.

As he placed the pads onto her chest I knew now it was time for me to let go, as it was soon time to deliver the shock. The senior doctor charged the pads and the machine made a buzzing sound.

"I'm Clear, You're Clear, Everybody's Clear!" He said as a machine delivered one single surge of electrical current. 360 joules aimed at restarting the heart rhythm. For a second, her body tensed under the pads the way I had seen in movies before.

We looked at the ECG machine. A steady rhythm.

I immediately placed three fingers on her neck right on her carotid artery, and I’ll to my surprise-- a beating. It was weak, but it was there. Beating slowly and steadily, as if saying "here I am". As the heart picked up its rate I felt it beating harder against my fingers. I let out a breath of relief.

It seems that nothing is as tenacious as life. It clings to organs with sizes blown out of proportion, to hearts and lungs no longer able to compensate for their own failure. Life persists despite terrible fates, and strange hematology results. Insistent it is, stubborn almost.

There I was, a medical student all of twenty three years of age, playing tug of war with the angel of death.

That day, I witnessed something truly important.

[restlessmaknae]

run for your life

The Maze Runner meets WEi (featuring other kpop groups).

➳ Characters: Runner!Junseo x female!reader/you

➳ Genre: the maze runner au, action, mystery, dystopian

➳ Words: 19.4k (oh lord...)

➳ Warning: mentions of injuries, blood, mechanical-animal beings, a virus, famine, death, being tested on, emotional manipulation, weapons (let me know if I’ve missed something)

➳ A/N: This story is a ‘The Maze Runner’ AU. If you haven’t read the book or watched the movie, you can still read the story, I’ll explain the details. However, to those who have read or watched it, I just want to say that this story is neither 100% like the first movie, nor the first book of the series. It’s a mixture of both, plus I’ve changed details and switched up the timelines. 

Also, no one in this story is equivalent to the characters in the books/movies!

➳ Dedicated to: @dat-town​​! Dear, I wish I could tell you how much you mean to me, but words would fail to deliver my feelings. Nevertheless, I truly, truly thank you for staying by my side and supporting me through thick and thin this year (as every other year). I love you, and I only wish the best for you! May 2023 be an easier year on you! I’ll try my best to make your days better and easier in whatever way I can. Here’s to many more memories (including memories shared over fangirling) in 2023 as well! 💕

One moment, it felt like you were drowning and the next, you were coming up for air, but there was no water around you.

After coughing up some more water and regaining consciousness, you looked around and almost fell when you tried to get up. The ground was moving beneath you. When your eyes got used to the dim lights in this box, you realised why: it was probably an elevator and considering the movement, it seemed to go upwards. But to where?

You had no idea.

Why?

You had no idea either.

Who you were?

That, too, was a damn good question.

When the realisation hit you that you didn’t remember anything - your name, your family or why you had felt like drowning and why you were going up -, you almost fainted. However, the Box you were in just halted at that moment and the shock of light filling up the Box jolted you awake.

When the brightness diminished, you took in what was above you, and the surprise from the other side was mirroring yours. the Box seemed to arrive a few feet down from the ground, making you have to look up at the others who had probably opened its top.

“It’s a girl,” someone said in a bewildered tone, and when you looked up at the shoulder-length haired boy, you almost scoffed.

“Yeah, well, surprise, I’m a girl,” you noted, lacing your arms in front of your chest when you realised that from all of the faces that looked back at you in shock, there wasn’t a single feminine one.

“A feisty one, on top of that,” someone else remarked and a low chuckle ran through the group of boys around you. You might not have had any idea why you were here, but the one thing that got to your mind was that it was so typical of boys to react this way.

Then, a sudden jolt of panic ran through you - because maybe it was their fault that you were here, they were the ones who had gotten you here, they had merely expected a boy -, but you tried to mask it by raising your voice and acting all confident.

“I don’t know who you all are, but let me go. Now!” “We wish we could,” the boy who was the closest to you said with a sigh, then looked above his shoulder. “We’re all trapped here.”

“What? Don’t manipulate me into thinking that you’re my saviour or something, so that you can do something to me, I’m-” You were about to go on with your monologue when the earlier boy cut you off. Instead of appearing frustrated or angry at you for such accusations, he was patient and resigned. As if he hadn’t been surprised by your words in the slightest.

“Look, we’ve all been there. We’ve all arrived in the Box one day, we’ve all forgotten who we are, how we got here and what our name is. We know how that feels and since we can only rely on each other, we won’t do anything to you. You’re a part of the Glade now.”

“The Glade?” You blinked in confusion, looking from one boy to another. A few of them exchanged glances before the earlier guy - was he their leader? - reached his hand out to you to help you out of the Box. You eyed him for a few seconds, hesitant whether you should trust them or not but he had just said that they had all been in your shoes and how could they have known that you didn’t remember anything if they hadn’t been like you once?

That thought finally prompted you to take his hand and hold onto it while you were crawling out. You arrived on solid ground and green grass, and looking around, it did seem like some kind of a farm with animals, barns made of wood, tall trees hovering above you, vegetables growing, handmade bunk beds and the remains of an ashy fireplace. Everything seemed pretty normal, except the giant walls on all sides.

“What are those walls?” You blurted out immediately, pretty suspicious of their purpose.

The leader-like guy didn’t answer at first. Instead, he turned to two other boys - namely Yohan and Donghan -, asking them to bring the supplies out of the Box. Then, he turned to you, introducing himself as Daehyeon and promising that he would tell you everything and show you around the so-called Glade, but before you could go on your little tour, Donghan exclaimed:

“We’ve got a note.”

“A note?” Daehyeon squinted his eyes, stepping back towards the Box. Confused, you followed his lead, joining the boys lining up around the Box. “What does it say?”

“She’s the last one. EVER,” Donghan read it out loud before turning the paper towards the audience to prove that he wasn’t lying. That just meant that you had more eyes on you than already even though all you wanted was to disappear.

“The last newbie? What does it mean?”

“I don’t know, Seokhwa. It’s not like we know a lot of things,” Daehyeon sighed in response, but even his calm demeanour was shaken up a bit by the note. Not to mention yours.

“Why am I here? Why am I the last one? What the hell is going on? Who the hell put me here?” You shrieked, desperation finding its way into your heart. Your head was filled with more and more questions, making it ache with the longing for answers - any answer would suffice at this point. You felt your heartbeat fasten, chest rising fervently, and there was a sudden loud ringing in your ears. Your hands immediately flew to your ears to cup them, but the ringing didn’t stop. Was it the ringing of machines? Why did it seem so familiar? And why did it sound so… Dangerous?

The ringing just got louder and louder despite your attempts to cup your ears. Faces and voices were getting blurry around you, making it seem like you were drowning. Drowning made you think back to how you had ended up here, flashbacks of being in a tube and drowning in water coming back, the same kind of suffocating feeling coming back even stronger.

Unbeknownst to you, you fell to your knees, and at the next moment, you completely lost consciousness.

When you opened your eyes again, you were in an unfamiliar room.

This fact might have made you alerted, but having no recollection of what had happened before you had come out of that box-like thing and possibly blacked out, you were merely surprised to find a decent level of cleanness around you. It wasn't something that you imagined after seeing a farm-like place before.

"Oh, hey," a gentle voice called from your left, and as you looked up, you saw another unfamiliar boy. He had boyishly short, somewhat messy blonde hair and he held a bowl in his hands.

"Where am I?" You asked immediately, looking around once more, trying to take in the shelves of bottles, drawings of odd plants, books and different bottled herbs. It looked somewhat like an...

"The infirmary. That's where we treat the sick at the Glade. In your case, you're probably not sick, just a little startled," he explained with an empathic smile, and put the bowl on the ground. He reached out and you immediately flinched, though he only grabbed the cloth from your temple which you hadn't even felt before. With ease, he squeezed the water out of it, put it into the basket, squeezed it a bit lighter this time and reached it out to you. He probably took notice of your weariness, so he waited for you to take the cloth from him instead of putting it on himself.

"Okay," you croaked out, still in disbelief over what had happened and what was going on. "Can you tell me more about this Glade? I've only just gotten here, and someone already told me that everyone gets here the same way and then there was the note too..." You tried to gather all your recollections from before, though you couldn't even tell just how much time had passed since the Box.

"Ooooh the note," someone cooed from behind the messy blonde guy, and actually there were two of them. The one who spoke up wore a playful grin and had sleek ashgrey hair while the one beside him rolled his eyes and put two bottles with some liquid on a nearby table. The latter had vividly red hair - like a strawberry's. Though you had no idea how you would even remember what strawberries looked like if you didn't even remember your name.

"You're scaring the poor girl," the messy blonde haired boy grumbled, and the ashgrey one as if woken from a daze, took a salute and introduced himself immediately.

"Hi! My name is Keeho. I'm a Medjack at the Glade, and trust me, if you need someone to treat your wounds or someone you can come to for the latest gossip, I'm your guy," he said with a wink, earning yet another eye-roll from the strawberry-haired one who also introduced himself - he was Taeyang. The third guy was Jiung, and just like Keeho had told you, they were all Medjacks at the Glade.

"What is the Glade, and how are you the Medjacks?" You asked through furrowed eyebrows, and as if sharing a super interesting story, Keeho plopped himself down on a chair beside the bed, and the other two followed his example.

"Okaaay, so please, don't freak out, but the Glade is where we are, and we assume we're all trapped here. We don't know why or who put us here, but periodically, the Box which we call the Box, I know, very creative," Keeho sent an amused smile in your direction at this part. "So it comes up, and a new boy comes with it. Plus, there’s always stuff in the Box that's useful. Some food, blankets, medicine... We don't know how they know what we want, but it always comes with a new Glader. Well, usually, it's a boy, but you're the only girl so far, and you only had the note on you and those two bottles with you in the Box," he pointed at the two bottles with the liquid inside that Taeyang had previously put on the shelf.

"I have no idea what they are for," you told them immediately as if they were about to accuse you, but Keeho merely shrugged his shoulders.

"It's okay. No one remembers their life from before coming here, so we didn't have high hopes regarding the origin of the bottles. Though they have WCKD on them, so we know it's from the ones who sent us here, not you."

"How do you know that? Who is WCKD?"

"We don't know who they are," Jiung justified this time. "It's just that WCKD is written all over the Glade. On the stuff they send us, on the Box, on the walls of The Maze... everywhere," he added patiently, but you were just more confused than before, so the three of them took turns to explain some more, filling in some information before you could even ask about it.

So this was what they knew: around three years ago, Daehyeon had arrived here with some stuff from the Box, but otherwise, he had needed to build this place from the ground, building beds, tending to the animals, trying to decipher what the walls were for. Then, supposedly every month (they didn't have anything to track time, it was because the packages from the Box had months on them), a boy came in the Box without absolutely no idea about their past, and then the Box went down and didn't come up until next month. They had built this place (barns, beds, the infirmary, weapons and so on), traditions (gathering around the fireplace whenever a newbie came), systems to make it work (different jobs assigned to everyone such as the Medjacks themselves, the Runners who went into the Maze every morning and came back every evening, the Cooks, the Gardeners, the Mapmakers, the Slicers, the Baggers and the Builders), but there was a question on everyone's mind: why were they there?

"Haven't you tried to escape?" You inquired though the look on all the boys' faces was identical: bitterness, resentment and a bit of hope, too.

"We've tried climbing into the Box and going down with it but it wouldn't budge with someone in it. We've tried climbing over the walls, the Runners are trying to map out The Maze, but it's no use. The Runners are saying that the Maze leads nowhere or you need something to open them up, but they don’t know what that could be," Taeyang concluded with a resigned sigh, and even though you hadn't spent too much time here, you felt that the whole situation was pretty crazy. Just who would put these boys here to make them survive on their own without leaving any clues as to how to escape?

"Who were the guys from earlier? The one who helped me out of the Box seemed like a leader of some sort," you couldn't help but muse out loud. You had no idea if you were right or wrong, or why it actually mattered in the grand scheme of things, but truth to be told, if you were stuck here, you would better get to know them, right?

"Yeah, the guy who helped you out was Daehyeon. He's the one who had come to the Glade first. There were the Runners there too, Junseo, Yongha and Seokhwa. Oh and some Builders, probably Yohan and Donghan. Because Daehyeon is also a part of the Builders and they kind of go everywhere together. I think I saw Taeyong and Kun too, they are the Cooks... Don't remember anyone else, we were only notified of your arrival when you collapsed," Jiung explained, listing everyone he could remember (some names actually did ring a bell) and at the mention of your arrival, your stomach churned with worry.

"How do you all know your names?"

"Oh, it comes back after a while. It might take you some days or weeks, but it'll come back. We had a guy named Frying Pan too who didn't remember his name, so we just named him based on his job, but he... he didn't make it," Keeho gulped at the mention of the said boy, and you could only imagine how many ways would there be for people to die here if they didn't die of losing all hope first.

"Yeah, the thing is... There's this creature in the Maze and-" Taeyang was about to get into something after exchanging a glance with his friends (you guessed they were friends), but there was someone calling for help nearby, and all the boys got to their feet. They left in no time, leaving you alone at the infirmary, but you felt like you needed this time to process everything that had happened.

However, one surprise followed another and once the boys were back, they were accompanied by three other boys, two of them holding the third by his arm. They were familiar, but you couldn't match the name to the face until they started talking. They must have been the Runners based on what you heard, but it seemed that this situation was new even to the Medjacks.

"What happened? He looks like-" Keeho started frantically, his whole face full of horror. The previous playfulness was long gone, and it was replaced by deep worry, something that didn't settle well with you.

"Seokhwa was stung," the boy whom you remembered as Yongha - the shoulder-length, raven-haired boy - said while panting heavily. He had some sort of a vest on him that held knives if you saw correctly, but otherwise, he was in a sleeveless shirt. Same went for the boy beside him - Junseo - and the so-called Seokhwa who had to be tied down with full force while he was biting the air and his head was turning in different directions in such a short span of time, yourows while trying to put the were worried that he would break his neck. His veins were eerily visible, they were vivid purple and basically popping off, but it wasn't what scared you the most. It was the huge, pulsating purple mark on his chest that you could see once his shirt was lifted.

"He was stung in broad daylight?" Taeyang furrowed his eyebrows while trying to put the ties around Seokhwa's wrists.

"Yeah. We don't understand either. We were running alongside him when a Griever showed up and stung him, then just left. It didn't even look our way," Junseo shook his head, pearls of sweat sliding down his cheeks - probably from running in the Maze and then doing so until the infirmary.

The Runners were at a loss of words and so were the Medjacks. You were no exception, but you were confused and horrified at the same time, so many questions swimming in your head.

"What do we do?" Yongha looked from Junseo to the Medjacks, but none of them seemed to have a good enough answer to bring up.

"We'll look over him, but someone needs to call Daehyeon," Keeho concluded after some time, and despite not knowing anything and being the newest one at the Glade, you felt this sudden spark of determination in you to be helpful.

"I'll call him," you announced after silence had settled on you all, and this was the first time the Runners seemed to take notice of you.

"But you don't even know where to look for him," Yongha muttered quite apologetically, but it's not look like you took it to heart. He was right after all, but still. You couldn't just sit there without doing anything when all these boys were worrying about Seokhwa whose grunts became stronger and stronger as time went by.

"I want to be of help."

Another heavy silence took over all of you, and you saw that Keeho was about to open his mouth, but Junseo was faster.

"Alright. She can come with me. We'll call for Daehyeon," the Runner announced, and you bolted to your feet immediately, throwing the wet cloth to the bed before joining Junseo. Then, you ran out of the infirmary together to look for their leader. Or well, your leader now, too.

“Can you keep up?” Junseo inquired while jogging towards the other end of the Glade, and he turned back for only a short span of time - when you nodded to him -, and then kept going. It felt nice and refreshing to run. You had no idea how much time you had spent without moving around before coming here, but ever since you got here, you were on bed rest, so your legs loved the little exercise. Besides, Junseo didn’t seem that fast.

You had no idea where you were going (you knew that it would be like this when you had volunteered), but once you got closer to the three boys you first saw when the Box had stopped with you in it, you caught sight of Daehyeon, too. They were all in sleeveless shirts, tools hanging from a leather toolkit attached to their pants and they had protective gloves on, proving to you that they knew what they were doing, and they had gotten used to how things were at the Glade.

Yohan and Donghan were pretty tall and Daehyeon was the shortest one out of the three, but he had a certain confident aura around him that made you think that it wouldn’t be sensible to comment on his height. When you got closer to their trio, you could catch some words from the argument between Yohan and Donghan, Daehyeon being a mere witness to it all.

“I’ve told you it’s not right this way. We need to angle it differently. Like this…”

“Yohan… This is exactly what I’ve told you before!”

“You’ve had dozens of suggestions, how could I remember all of them?” Yohan huffed, pouting like a hurt child. He kicked into the grass with his feet, sending glares at the piece of wood by his legs while Donghan was trying to put two slats together a bit further from him.

Daehyeon was looking over the scene with a resigned sigh, but as he caught sight of the two of you jogging up to them, he furrowed his eyebrows in question.

“We need you. Seokhwa was stung today, he’s currently at the infirmary,” Junseo let him know once you halted, and Yohan stopped sulking while Donghan looked up from arranging the wooden pieces. All of them seemed confused and worried at the same time, but instead of interrogating Junseo on the spot (or asking why you were there in the first place), Daehyeon joined you two to head back to the infirmary.

If anything, it seemed that Seokhwa was in a worse condition than before. He was panting, drops of sweat forming on his forehead while his eyeballs were taking on a different colour - a mixture of burgundy and purple, quite a scary combination to be honest. He was grunting as if he wanted to escape, but thankfully, he was tied to the bed pretty neatly. You were glad though that all of the Medjacks were looking over him because he did seem pretty violent.

“How could it happen in broad daylight?” Daehyeon inquired from the boys around him after having a look at the struggling boy. His face didn’t give away his anxiety - if he felt any -, but you noticed the slight tremble of his lips, and it was clear proof that this was new even to him - the one who had been here the longest.

No one dared to answer the leader’s question because probably no one had any idea why this was happening. Yongha shook his head fervently, Keeho sealed his lips tight while pondering and Taeyang was looking over the struggling boy instead of looking at Daehyeon. Jiung was the only one who seemed willing to think it over but even he stayed quiet.

Junseo looked at you for a few seconds, examining you as if he had seen you for the first time. You looked back at him, keeping eye-contact because what else could you do? You had no recollection of your past life, no idea why you were the last one ever and still no clue about a lot of things at the Glade.

The Runner, on the other hand, voiced out your worst fear without batting an eye:

“It seems like there's something wrong today. First, they send a girl instead of a boy and a note that she's the last one ever, then Seokhwa gets stung in broad daylight. All of these have never happened before, and if she's really the last one ever and that there will be no more Box visits, maybe they're connected. Maybe something is about to change.”

Coming from someone like him - someone who had seen his friend get stung in broad daylight -, it sounded like a verdict. Concerning your arrival, even more so. You wished so badly that you could help them, but you didn’t even remember your damn name.

“It seems like the Changing has started already,” Daehyeon pointed out, but when he caught your confused expression, he explained further. “The Changing happens after someone gets stung. They start mumbling odd things, become animalistic and slowly lose their minds. They attack people, even kill them if not caught in time, and there's no cure. We have to make them leave. By force most of the time.”

The way he said it so calmly, so solemnly made you wonder just how many times it had happened before that they had needed to make someone leave by force. You had no idea what it meant specifically, but you saved this question for a different day. If you lived to see another day, that is.

Beside you, Keeho was staring at the shelf of medicine - including some creams in little mismatched bowls, leaves of herbs, some fresh cloths and the two bottles that had been with you in the Box alongside many other liquids. He tilted his head in contemplation as he was looking at the array, but he didn’t speak up immediately, only a couple of minutes later:

“What about the two bottles?”

“What?” Yongha furrowed his eyebrows, clearly confused. Seeing the general confusion on everyone’s face, the Medjack pointed at the said bottles. 

“They’ve never come with anyone before, and they came today. With her. Another first.”

If anything, the mood got even gloomier. With Seokhwa’s whimpering in the back, it was no surprise that everyone was on the edge, avoiding eye-contact and sighing out of frustration. You even caught sight of Junseo’s shaky hands while he was running a hand through his maple locks. Everyone looked so down, so defeated, and it hurt for you to see them in such a condition despite not knowing them long enough. Deep down, you still felt that they were good people (maybe it was a hunch based on your past life?).

“Wait…” Jiung held his hands up in the air as if he was racking his brain to remember something and he wanted everyone to stay where they were. Turns out, you were right. “We haven’t gotten these exact bottles before, I’m sure, because they are blue. However, back when I was the only Medjack, Chan caught something, and we didn’t know what, but we got a bottle in the Box, and Chan accidentally drank it. The next day, he recovered. So I think… maybe these two bottles are actually medicine.”

“He accidentally drank it?” Keeho asked, dumbfounded, and it was almost amusing how he didn’t seem to get the other Medjack’s point. Almost.

“Do you think these might be for one of us?” Yongha guessed tentatively, averting his eyes from the boy tied to the bed to Jiung. The latter nodded quietly, but searched for Daehyeon’s eyes, you could see that. The leader seemed deeply worried, creases deepening on his forehead, and the tension was tangible in the air. You could literally feel your heart beat in your throat.

“Try one of the bottles on him,” Daehyeon concluded solemnly, but Yongha protested immediately.

“What? You could kill him! You don’t even know what’s in it!”

“We would have to kill him when he starts Changing, so with this, we might have a chance,” the leader reasoned, and if it hadn’t been obvious by now, now you would have been even more sure that there was no cure for the Changing, only death.

After his reasoning, no one objected, but the Medjacks still went over the decision with Daehyeon before injecting the content of one of the bottles into the boy’s body. Soon enough, he went from almost ripping his ties off to leaning back into the bed, his stillness pretty concerning compared to his previous state. His eyes were still a dark, vivid burgundy colour and his wound was still pulsating, but at least he didn’t want to attack anyone. For now, at least.

“We’ll look over him. You should go and get some rest,” Jiung turned to the two Runners, and despite Junseo’s initial claim to stay, Daehyeon steered the both of them out of the infirmary while he asked if he could speak with you in person. You nodded, following all the boys with one last glance at the now almost sleeping Seokhwa and his mysterious colours.

After what you had just seen and experienced in the last couple of hours, you were glad that Daehyon took the time to fill in the information that you needed. They didn’t know why they were there, they only knew that someone got to the Glade through the Box every month with supplies and sometimes medicine. Inside the Box and on some of the supplies, there were four letters: WCKD. What they meant, no one knew. There had been a boy named Jihoon who had babbled something about “wicked is good”, but no one knew why and whether it was actually related to WCKD, it was just a guess.

There was the Maze surrounding the Glade - there was no other exit, they had already tried everything from going to the top of the tallest tree to going back into the Box -, and every morning after the walls opened, the Runners went into the Maze to try and map out how it looked like, to see if there was a pattern to it. They kept track of it with maps and stored them in the Mapmaker bungalow. Usually, they got back on time before the walls closed, but sometimes, they didn't. When they didn’t…

Well, they didn’t return.

“No one had ever spent a night out there in the Maze and survived?” You furrowed your eyebrows, trying to put the pieces together. Daehyeon nodded, albeit a bit solemn.

“No one. The Grievers always come, and even if the Gladers manage to walk to the opening walls in the morning, they’ve already been stung,” he reasoned, adding that the only time anyone saw a Griever was when someone had managed to run away from them before the walls would close. The Grievers always came, and the walls always closed at night, so the Gladers put two and two together quickly: if they didn’t want to be stung, they shouldn’t spend the night out in the Maze. Based on the witnesses’ description though, the Grievers looked like gruesome creatures somewhere between robots and spiders.

Daehyeon reassured you that the Glade was a safe place in general. Everyone had their own job to do, they had their little traditions and they lived well together. Some newbies didn’t make it past the first few days because of the conditions they lived in and some who had been there for months or years committed suicide after losing all hope that they might be able to find a way out of the Glade, but otherwise, it wasn’t that bad of a place. They had each other to rely on and arguments were scarce.

With that being said, he took it upon himself to introduce you to the other Gladers who were doing their respective duties. Just as Daehyeon and the Medjacks had explained to you, every Glader had a job and they formed little groups with 2-4 people. Some of them had a Keeper as well - the leader of their little group - some didn’t, it wasn’t a rule set in stone. You had already met the Medjacks - Jiung, Taeyang and Keeho (their Keeper) - who took care of the sick and wounded and who made weird tasting teas, the Builders - Donghan, Yohan and Daehyeon (their Keeper) who built, re-built or fixed things in the Glade -, the Runners - Junseo, Seokhwa and Yongha - who went out into the Maze to map it out. However, there were the Slicers too who took care of the nasty part of raising an animal - Mingyu, Vernon, Seungcheol -, the Cooks - Taeyong, Kun, Ten - who made the meals for every Glader, the Gardeners - Sunoo, Jungwon, Heeseung - who tended to the flowers and grew vegetables and the Baggers - Bang Chan, Changbin, Minho - who helped bag the deceased and buried them and the Mapmakers - Yeonjun, Taehyun and Soobin - who helped put together the Map of the Maze directed by the Runners.

By the end of your trip around the Glade, your head was full of names and faces and positions, and it was all very confusing, so you were glad when you could take a breather by the fireplace at night. Usually, when a newbie arrived, the boys held a little competitive fight to welcome the new one into the team, but you were a girl, and no one dared to bring that up. The tension was already palpable with Seokhwa’s condition - he was still unconscious and merely lying still in his bed at the infirmary -, so no one really felt like celebrating a new arrival, including yourself.

Only after the boys started passing around some weird-looking drink did the tension ease a bit, but still, you were confused, scared and felt like the odd one out. It wasn’t that the boys gossiped about you behind your back, it was the uncertainty in their stares and the way they didn’t dare to approach you because of the conditions you had brought with yourself.

So you took it upon yourself to walk away from the group of boys by the campfire, needing some time alone to process everything. Your feet found their way back to the giant walls of the Maze, but this time, the doors had already been closed, keeping the Grievers away from your home. Or well… Well, it was your home now, it seemed, no matter who put you here or why you were here or what WCKD meant or anything. This was all you had now.

As you stepped closer to the walls though, you noticed letters carved into them. As you got even closer and the torch’s light in your hand shone upon the surface, you realised that the letters made up names - names of the boys residing here and ones you had not yet heard of. The latter ones were crossed out, and you wondered whether it was because they were no longer here. You couldn’t find another reason, but you didn’t have much time to dwell on it though because soon enough, someone stepped beside you, startling you.

“Oh, sorry,” the boy said apologetically upon seeing how your left hand flew to your chest while you shone the torch’s light on Junseo’s face.

“It’s okay,” you mumbled, still a bit shaken up because no matter how hard you tried to trust these boys, you couldn’t shake off this uncomfortable feeling that they blamed you for everything that had gone wrong earlier that day - from the note to Seokhwa’s condition.

No wonder you didn’t even find the will in you to break the silence, and Junseo didn’t seem to want to speak up either which was a surprise since he had come up to you himself. Given the light that lit up his face, you could see his features better - from the elegant arch of his brow to the defined muscles clearly seen under his long-sleeved shirt. He had such pretty features, and even the plain shirt and the messy condition of his hair didn’t fade over his beauty. There was something innocent and pure about the way he looked at you, it was nothing like the look he had given you when you had been confronted with the facts at the infirmary.

“Do you…” He started hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper. He had a silky yet firm voice, and you couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but it reminded you of something.

You raised an eyebrow, signalling that you were listening to him, but something in his face changed and he pressed his lips into a thin line.

“Nevermind.” He shook his head as if giving up on something, and you didn’t know what it was - the frustration bubbling up inside of you throughout the whole day and finally bursting or the kind of hurt in his eyes that you had a feeling that you caused yet you didn’t know the reason for -, but you couldn’t stand the tension lingering in the air.

“I know I’m different. I know there’s been no other girl here before, and I came here with the bottles and the note, and Seokhwa got stung after that, but I can tell you that if I knew anything, even if it means that I knew that I have something to do with this mess, I would come forward and tell you all about it. Until then, I would appreciate it if you didn’t look at me like I was the one who stung your friend because I’m telling the truth. I don’t even remember my name, okay? I would be the happiest if I remembered it.”

Or anything else, you bit it back before you could pour all your anger onto him. You saw worry flash across his eyes when you raised your voice, but it wasn’t until you started walking away that he put down the mask that had been shielding his true motif.

“It’s not about that. I know that it has nothing to do with you,” he called after you as you were walking away. Hearing his words, you stopped in your tracks and took a sharp turn. Instead of being touched, you were suspicious. Curious.

“What do you mean by that?”

Junseo looked at you, then down at his boots, his Adam’s apple bulging while he was contemplating whether or not to justify his words. You could see him struggle within himself, but you had no idea why. Not until he told you himself.

“I…” He started, then sucked in a deep breath before continuing. “The truth is, I remember you,” he admitted as he looked up at you for the briefest moment. You felt like the ground had opened up beneath you, your lips parting in awe. Just… how? Why? Since when?

“But the guys said that no one remembers their life from before coming here,” you mumbled, your voice giving away your confusion.

“Well, we don’t remember it fully, but some of us have very brief memories. Minho remembers a siren-like sound, Keeho says that he sees a control panel about his physical measurements and I… well, I remember your face,” he admitted, and the force with which he said it told you that he was being honest and serious. Maybe he had been bottling it up ever since he had seen you. “I’ve thought that I’ve only been dreaming, that maybe you’re not real, so when you showed up, I didn’t know what to do. I don’t even remember what we were… just that I know you, and that you’re a good person.”

Now the flashback of Junseo keeping that long eye-contact with you at the infirmary told a different story. Maybe he had been curious whether you remembered him as well or maybe he had been afraid that you didn’t. Because despite the other’s brief memories, he remembered a person and then, that person showed up.

“I…”

“I know it sounds crazy, and I’m sorry to bring it up. Today must have already been hard on you-” Junseo explained before you could do so yourself, and the genuine agony in his voice moved something in you. You might have had your guard up ever since you had arrived here, and you saw more suspicion around you than you shouldn’t have, but his words brought about a huge change in your arrival.

He knew you. He knew the person you had been before the Glade. He deemed you a good person.

You were one of them.

“I’m sorry. I don’t remember you,” you croaked out, your heart heavy with the confession that had already left your lips, just in a different context. You didn’t remember anything including him, but gosh, you wished you could have. He could have been anyone… a sibling, an acquaintance, a friend or even…

You blushed at the thought, and after exchanging another glance with a boy, you tried not to concentrate on the fact that you could have been lovers. Instead, you tried to change the subject.

“So what’s in that drink the boys are passing around? It seemed pretty odd,” you admitted with a little smile, and oh boy, it did shift the atmosphere completely. Junseo let out a loose laugh, and the sound of it - the delicateness of it - warmed your heart.

“No one knows. It’s Mingyu’s secret recipe, but it’s pretty strong, that’s for sure,” the boy replied in a lighter tone, and afterwards, you tried not to send him odd glances or anything, but it was difficult not to concentrate on him and his mellow lips and his warm brown eyes when he was oh so keen on helping you with your place in one of their wooden houses, dusting off your bed as if you couldn’t do so yourself and wishing you goodnight as if he had no idea that you would lay awake, hoping that you could remember anything about your life, but maybe, most importantly, about him.

Sleep didn’t come to you easily, and even when it did, you weren’t sure whether you were dreaming or remembering snippets of your old life. It was confusing, and when you woke up, it felt like you hadn’t slept for more than a couple of minutes, but the darkness was already starting to dissolve, so you believed that it was sometime dawn.

Not feeling like you could go back to sleep, you decided to go out of the wooden house that you shared with the Gladers who had come before you - Jungwon, Taehyun and Minho -, hoping not to wake them up. Daehyeon told you that they were filling up the houses in order of the arrival of the boys - or in your case, the only girl - and building more if it was necessary. There were still two beds left unoccupied in your house, but if the note was right, and you were the last one, no one would take them.

Gulping at the thought, you were welcomed by a light breeze when you stepped outside, and you took in a few, grateful breaths. You walked around the place peacefully and since everyone was asleep, your little stroll wasn’t interrupted by anyone until…

“Hey! Are you up already?” Junseo’s (by now familiar) silky voice was the first that you heard that morning, and you immediately turned towards him as if you were drawn to him. You were pretty twisted on how you should act around him - not only because of his confession from the day before, but also because of the scene in your dreams. Could you really have known each other before? That well?

“Yeah. I couldn’t really sleep,” you admitted, biting down on your lower lip as you were trying to shush away the remains of your dream.

Junseo looked like he was born here - there was no sign of fatigue in his features, he looked clean and collected. You had also been introduced to their shower booth where you could clean yourself with some water and Jiung’s special herb-infused soap, so you had been able to clean yourself as well the previous night, but since you hadn’t asked for a change of clothes, you had changed back into your clothes from the day before. Not like  anyone had said a thing about it. You weren’t sure that they had multiple clothes lying around here.

“Is it because of what I’ve told you?” He inquired, worried, his warm brown eyes turning into precious little jewels. If eyes were really windows to the soul, Junseo’s soul was pure, selfless and ever so considerate. You really didn’t know how not to waver under his gentle gaze.

“Not exactly, but it was connected to it.”

“You really don’t have to feel burdened. As I’ve said, I don’t even remember what we were, just-” The boy tried to clear the tension in the air, appearing ever so apologetic, but you couldn’t take his puppy eyes longer, you just blurted out in one go:

“I think we were a couple because I saw us kissing in my dream.”

If tension was tangible in the air before, now it would be filled with clouds of gooey awkwardness - the kind that sticks to everything, and it’s so overwhelming, but you just can’t escape it.

Junseo was literally frozen in place, his eyes twice their previous size, his lips - oh those lips - parted in surprise. Even his ears started turning red, and you didn’t know why, but this - the habit of his ears turning red when he felt nervous - felt familiar. It was like a distant feeling - you couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but it was there like a shadow hovering over the two of you.

“So we really knew each other,” was what Junseo concluded, and you didn’t know whether he was too embarrassed to specify the part about you two kissing or he was trying to save you both from further embarrassment, but he averted the topic to your duties at the Glade.

So you told him that Daehyeon hadn’t assigned you to any particular group for now - he said that you can try out the different ones and then decide on what you prefer or where you are needed. However, remembering how you kept up with him the day before, you inquired what were the rules of becoming a Runner. Junseo was taken aback upon hearing your question, but explained nevertheless that Runners were selected at the Gathering, votes collected by all of the Gladers including the Runners themselves, and they were usually fast for obvious reasons, precise to get back on time and strong to deal with any Griever that might come their way. Yet, no one could become a Runner in their first month if that’s what you were asking.

“Don’t you need a Runner though now that Seokhwa is still unconscious?”

“It’s too dangerous, especially with Seokhwa being unconscious,” he objected immediately, his voice solemn, but you could see worry flash across his warm brown orbs. You felt like you were being reprimanded even though his gaze was still as gentle as ever, it was just that his voice hardened. “We don’t know when another Griever might come out in broad daylight.”

“So why are you still going out today? Can’t it wait? Or is it because of the Maps?” You quirked an eyebrow, feeling equally uneasy about him entering the Maze after yesterday. You recalled Keeho telling you that the Runners memorised the different parts of the Maze, so that they could map it out in hopes of finding a way out.

“It’s not because of the Maps. We’ve already covered every part of it,” Junseo admitted, and only when he pressed his lips into a thin line did you realise that he wasn’t supposed to tell you this. Now that you were at the topic though, he explained to you that it wasn’t supposed to be known that the Maps were finished because if the others knew, they would lose all hope that there was no way out. Or they needed to look at it from a different point of view. All Junseo and the other Runners knew was that there were 8 sections in the Maze and they were open one by one during different periods, meaning that there was always a certain section open with the others closed and the order was always the same.

The Runners were going back into the Maze in hopes of finding something - anything - new, a clue maybe, something they hadn’t seen before and to make the others believe that they still hadn’t figured out the structure of the Maze - to keep their hope alive.

“Why are you going back today then? You’ve just said that it’s too dangerous.”

“I have to. I’m a Runner,” Junseo answered within a heartbeat, and the sad little smile he gave you in return was no solace to your worried heart. You had a bad feeling about this, especially with Seokhwa’s condition and the note.

You were about to open your mouth when Yongha appeared - albeit a bit tired - by your side, and asked what you two were talking about. Junseo reassured his friend that it was about nothing that he should worry about, and you almost scoffed. So it was too dangerous for you to enter the Maze but not for him when his friend had just been stung? You didn’t like it, not even a bit.

However, you didn’t have a say in this, and with the walls opening, you couldn’t even hold them back as they picked up some knives from the toolbar attached to their hips.

“Take care!” You wished nevertheless before the boys could start their day in the Maze, worryful creases dotting your forehead. Junseo nodded, letting his lips curl upwards a bit while Yongha looked from you to his friend, then back at you.

“Did I miss something?”

“Come on, let’s go!” Junseo patted the other Runner’s shoulder, and you watched them disappear into the mysterious, grand Maze.

You couldn’t shake off the uncomfortable feeling of something bad happening even throughout the day, but you tried your best to concentrate on other things. After your breakfast, you seeked out Daehyeon, asking him what you could help with, and he advised you to start at the Medjacks because you knew them already, and they might need a helping hand after some Gladers had taken the previous night too far.

So you visited the infirmary, helping with some odd-coloured drinks that they were making to ease the hangover from Mingyu’s drink and distributing it to the Gladers who came by. Yohan also came by during the day, having bruised himself while doing some woodwork. Of course, the piece of wood went straight into his skin because he was wearing a sleeveless shirt again.

“Don’t you have long-sleeved shirts?” You asked from the boy while Taeyang was fetching him up, and even though you knew that you weren’t helping, for the laughs that you earned from the boys at the infirmary - except Yohan’s -, it was worth it.

“Well, we didn’t have a girl here before to ask that question.”

“Is it too distracting?” Keeho snickered, directing an amused wink at you, but you just rolled your eyes. Thankfully, the boys weren’t too hung up on this question either since Yohan was busy whimpering, Taeyang had a bruise to take care of, Jiung was passing the antiseptic to him and Keeho was looking over the other Gladers who came by.

Whenever you weren’t helping out the boys, you couldn’t help but glance in Seokhwa’s direction. Even though Junseo had mentioned that he had a feeling you didn’t have anything to do with the Runner’s condition, you hated being the one who seemed to trigger this butterfly effect. If you hadn’t arrived in the Box yesterday, there would have been no note, no serums, no random Grievers during daylight. At least, that’s how it made sense to you, but you didn’t know what to think anymore. You were utterly, helplessly confused.

Nevertheless, to your greatest surprise, later in the afternoon, Seokhwa did open his eyes and sit up from his bed, surprising everyone in the room. His hands were still tied down, but it didn’t look like he was trying to run away. In fact, he began to sob.

The Medjacks immediately rushed to his side, asking about his condition, and when Jiung lifted the boy’s shirt, the bruise of his sting was fading away, its size reduced drastically from the previous day. Despite this, his face displayed a gruesome reaction, one that was far from happy.

“What is it? Why are you crying? I know you’re happy to see me… But it’s scary,” Keeho tried to joke around, but even he failed to mask his anxiety. When even people like Keeho were nervous, the situation was likely to be disastrous.

“We… We are parts of an experiment. We are being tested by an organisation. The control panel that you’ve seen in your memories with your physical measurements…” Seokhwa turned to Keeho who gulped upon the information. You remembered how Junseo had said the same about the Medjack’s faint memory, and you were beginning to wonder how it could go on. “I’ve seen it, Keeho. I remember it. I saw you coming here before I did.”

There was stillness in the room for a few, eternal seconds. You could feel your heartbeat pick up its pace, thoughts racing in your head. Now the assumption that you were trapped and used by someone wasn’t an assumption anymore, it was a fact. You were used. You were being tested on. All of you, and it seemed that before each of you had gotten here, you had seen each other go. You had a feeling that it could indicate that you hadn’t found a way out before being forced into the Glade, a way to go against the ones who were testing on you and escape being tested on.

“But…” Jiung started hesitantly, shaking his head in an attempt to collect his thoughts. Seokhwa was still like a statue, his expression mirroring someone’s who was about to face his inevitable, unfortunate destiny. “Why do they want to test us? What are the tests? The Grievers?”

All eyes were on Seokhwa who seemed like someone who had missed out on sleep a few days in a row instead of sleeping through the whole afternoon the previous day and half of the day today. He grimaced as if it hurt for him to remember.

“Everything is a test down here, us against each other, us building our own houses, us making our own food and yes, us mapping out the Maze and trying to avoid the Grievers. But it’s no better out there, the world is in chaos,” the boy continued, his eyes glassy. The teardrops that were rolling down his cheeks were like little pearls washing along the sand of a coast.

You shivered, thinking of all the boys whose names had been crossed out on the walls of the Maze - all of the boys who had not seen the light at the end of the tunnel or who had died trying to survive -, thinking of Daehyeon who had been here the longest and tried to take care of these boys like his family, thinking of Junseo who had possibly meant a lot to you before coming here and from whom you might have been separated even while being at this organisation - all for the sake of this fucking test.

All four of you were rendered speechless by what the boy had said, but Taeyang found enough will in himself to ask about the why - why was the world in chaos. How could being here - being tested on, being at risk because of the Grievers and awaiting whatever misery was about to come since you were the last one - be better than being out there? Whatever out there meant at this point.

Seokhwa answered, but it wasn’t the kind of answer you were expecting - not the one about sun flares and a virus that was spreading through the world. It was airborne on top of that, quickly infecting hundreds of thousands of people, and there seemed to be no cure. At least not for now. That’s why they were there - because they were immune, because this organisation that wanted to stop the virus was testing on young people who were immune to it.

Seokhwa was stuttering and trying to put the pieces of what he was saying together, but he didn’t remember all the details and his memories from the lab they - you - were kept in were still pretty unclear. One thing was for sure though: you were all kept there for a reason, and there was a way out. Plus, you were all much more valuable than you would have thought so.

Either way, you all needed time to digest the information you had just received, but you called for Daehyeon to hear what the boy remembered, so that he could decide what he would like to do with all the newfound information - and what he wanted all of you to take away from it. After all, this was on all of you, and now more than ever, you could only rely on each other.

Daehyeon decided that it would be sensible to wait for the two Runners to come back from the Maze before having another Gathering (as in the times the Gladers were gathered together to discuss important matters such as this one). Remembering how the boys had gone out in the morning and how bittersweet it had felt, you couldn’t help but be on edge throughout the rest of the day, fearing the worst. After all, what was the guarantee that they wouldn’t be attacked by a Griever in broad daylight after what had happened to Seokhwa? You could have seen with your own two eyes that they had gone into the Maze preparing for a fight with all those weapons they had on themselves (plus Daehyeon had told you the day before that they left weapons scattered around the different sections in the Maze in case they would run out of them, and the Grievers hadn’t yet seemed to mind them), but still… You were worried about Junseo.

This worry wasn’t a newfound feeling because ever since you had come here, you had been worrying over everything. However, since the boy’s confession and your dream from the previous night, you couldn’t help but feel that this worry wasn’t just common worry; the boy must have meant a lot to you, and you must have spent a lot of time together prior to this whole chaos. It was like knowing that you must have had a family and feeling homesick: even though you couldn’t remember them, your feelings were justified by the facts, now more than ever.

On the other hand, you couldn’t dare to bring it up to Seokhwa - whether he remembered the two of you and what you were - before coming here, so you couldn’t help but nibble on your lower lip while waiting for a word from the others regarding Junseo and Yongha’s arrival back at the Glade. You couldn’t stop yourself from glancing in the direction of the open wall of the Maze, and someone caught onto it.

“Don’t worry. They’ll make it back alive,” Jiung said with a reassuring smile as his eyes followed the direction you were looking at.

“And what if they won’t?”

“Well…” The Medjack scratched the back of his neck, a bit sheepish. “We have one more bottle of this possible cure, but let’s hope we won’t need to use it,” he reasoned, and despite it not being a huge consolidation, at least it was something. You could possibly save another person, but just one. What if something happened to both of them?

You returned to the herb shelf with Jiung, helping him with some kind of a cream that he was currently making to ease muscle pain. He said that he didn’t know how he got the knowledge to mix the right ingredients, he just did, and whenever the Box arrived with a medical supply, he tried to mimic what was inside, and sometimes that led to good results. You followed his lead while he was talking about his time at the Glade, and you could almost forget about the two Runners still out there - until they actually arrived at the infirmary with bruises and blood spots dotting their skin and clothes.

“What happened to you?” You immediately scurried to Junseo’s side, looking at his wounded self, and he gave you a weak albeit genuine smile. You were so glad to see him that you felt your heart drop, but it seemed like he had been through something serious in the Maze which didn’t ease your worry.

Neither did his next words.

“We’ve eliminated a Griever,” he responded as he held up something that looked like a tube. Everyone craned their necks to look at what it was, but all you could understand was that it had a red number displayed in the middle of it and it had cables by its end and some glue-like stuff sticking onto its surface.

“Where did you find this?” Taeyang raised an eyebrow in question, and Yongha and Junseo exchanged a glance.

“It was inside a Griever,” Yongha explained, and Keeho almost gagged upon the information while Jiung was more interested in the details of the device. Everyone forgot for a moment that the two were injured, and Yongha needed to ask for some antiseptic to divert the attention from the device to the two boys.

“You can help me fetch up your boyfriend,” Keeho grabbed your arm, flashing a knowing smile at you, and before you could protest, you had already found yourself beside Junseo who was strictly asked to sit on one of the beds and avoid moving. When he caught sight of Seokhwa’s open - yet distanced - eyes though, he inquired about the boy’s condition, and Keeho yet again told him not to move, so that he could work his magic.

You helped the Medjack with the things he asked for while explaining to Junseo what you had found out from Seokhwa. Even though he was deeply concerned about the boy’s emotional state, at least the Medjack could reassure him that the serum must have worked because he was doing fine physically - apart from being a bit drowsy. You then went on to explain that there would be a Gathering to discuss what Seokhwa’s words could indicate and what you were supposed to do now.

Fetching the boys up took some time because they had quite a lot of bruises, so while they were being taken care of, the two Runners explained that a Griever had indeed come out in broad daylight, yet they had managed to squash it with some rocks, and it’s probably because they had almost destroyed this device that the Griever had managed to stop. They assumed that this device was the heart of a Griever, and if it could be switched off or severely damaged, the Griever would stop.

“It’s not even the weirdest thing though. Although now we know that the Grievers are controlled and sent out purposefully these days in broad daylight. It’s that the same section was open today as yesterday,” Yongha pointed out while Taeyang was taking care of a bruise above his eyebrows, making the boy hiss in pain when the Medjack put on the antiseptic.

You already knew that there was a pattern to the Maze, and that pattern had been the same ever since the Runners had started mapping it out. The same sections opened up day after day without fail, but now, Yongha’s words indicated that the pattern was disrupted. Another first.

“The device started beeping more fervently when we went into a certain direction, but we had to come back before the walls would close, so we couldn’t see where it was. We might need to go back tomorrow though,” Junseo added ominously, and despite still worrying about him like crazy, you knew that he would still go back tomorrow to check up on it. His loyalty to these boys and his dutifulness was admirable yet deeply concerning when it came to the state of your heart.

As if he could sense your discomfort, he looked up at you - directly into your eyes - while you were putting a plaster on his chin, and reached for your hands to squeeze it gently. Before you could process what was going on, he had already let go of your hand, but the ghost of his touch on your skin was still searing. 

At this moment, Daehyeon walked into the infirmary, the creases on his forehead deep. He asked briefly about the boys’ state (you assumed that they had met when the Runners had come back from the Maze), and inquired whether Seokhwa was in a state to tell the Gladers about his memories. When the boys gave him the green light, all of you walked to a wooden building that you hadn’t yet been to, but remembered from Daehyeon’s little tour that he mentioned that they reserved it for special gatherings. Just like today.

You were under the impression that the boys would get into arguments when they heard what Seokhwa suddenly remembered and what the two Runners had gone through. Since you had already heard from both sides, you sat there quietly, examining the others’ reactions while trying to remember their names.

On the other hand, the boys were too shocked to get into fights or shout over each other. Instead, they were trying to make sense of the whole thing just like you had done so back at the infirmary.

“But why should we try to find a way out if the world is in chaos already? Aren’t we special, and that’s why they are keeping us here?” Yohan mused out loud, his expression displaying utter confusion.

“They wouldn’t send out Grievers in broad daylight if they wanted to keep us here,” Taehyun from the Mapmakers pointed out, and you had to give it to him that his reasoning sounded justifiable. No wonder the boys called him precise and intelligent, it seemed that he managed to find the connections pretty quickly, though the Maps still gave him a hard time. “And the Maze is always changing, there’s a pattern to it. It can’t be a coincidence, but we don’t know just when we could use it and how.”

“What pattern?” Bang Chan asked, and you realised that probably only the Mapmakers and the Runners knew about this before. You remembered that Junseo had confessed that they had already mapped out the Maze entirely, they just didn’t have the heart to tell the others because they might lose hope if they did tell them that they had been going around the Maze without finding a way out.

It seemed that it was time to let them know because the boys were already losing hope over the recent events.

“The sequence of the numbers of how the 8 sections are moving is always the same. If we put the numbers together, it might be a code of some sort, but the Runners haven’t found anything that they could crack with it,” Yeonjun added to his fellow Mapmaker’s explanation, and as expected, a wave of murmurs went through the group of boys present. You heard snippets of what others around you brought up - if they had known the pattern, why wouldn’t have the Runners told them before or that if the Mapmakers hadn’t found a clue, probably nobody could -, and one was more desperate than the other.

“Well maybe if there are people controlling this whole thing, they just didn’t want to randomly control the sections. It’s easier that way,” Keeho tried to lighten up the mood, but Taeyang smacked him in the chest, silencing him.

Another wave of murmurs. This time, the voices grew louder and louder until Daehyeon clapped his hands to regain everyone’s attention. Not immediately yet quickly enough, the boys followed his lead and shut their mouths. You wondered just what they had lived through and in what situations Daehyeon had shown his leadership skills in order for the boys to respect him so well.

“What we know for sure is that our newbie is the last one ever, that means something,” Daehyeon started, glancing in your direction. By this time, only a few people followed his gaze because so many things had already happened ever since your arrival, you were no spectacle anymore. Though the way the leader explained this, it was obvious that out of all your memories, your name still hadn’t come back to you. Instead, you had that dream with Junseo. 

“She arrived with the note and the bottles, and Seokhwa was stung in broad daylight following that. However, one of the bottles also helped him - it was like a cure. The section of the Maze that was open yesterday didn’t close from the day before either, it’s the same as yesterday which has never happened before either. Yongha and Junseo were almost stung in broad daylight, too. If it keeps going like this, the section might not close down anymore, and more Grievers might come out during the day, and we only have one more bottle of that serum left.”

From the way he said it, it sounded so pessimistic. Even though he was merely stating the facts, all of the events that had happened before were horrendous, and they didn’t forecast a more prosperous future either.

“Yet, Yongha and Junseo managed to eliminate a Griever, and they have this beeping device that could be a clue towards a way out.”

“That’s right,” Yongha followed Daehyeon’s words, nodding to prove his point. “We don’t know what this device does, just that it was inside a Griever. The number on it is the number of the section where we met the Griever, and it also started beeping more and more quickly the closer we got to this section of the Maze that has not opened up before, but we needed to come back before we could look around more closely.”

“So it only opened when you had the device in your hands, right?” Donghan furrowed his eyebrows, trying to put the pieces together just like everyone else. The Runners nodded fervently to his words.

“Yeah, as if it only opens for the Grievers.”

The Griever had to come from somewhere, especially now that you knew that they were at least partially controlled by someone. It also couldn’t be a coincidence that they had only come at night so far, but they had come during the day two days in a row. Since you had arrived. It was as if everything had picked up its pace of events now, and you had been the trigger.

“Maybe that’s where they are coming from, and if they can come in through that place, we might be able to escape the same way,” Daehyeon mused out loud, still puzzled. His explanation did seem doable though, no wonder a lot of boys bobbed their heads around him.

After that, you were too deep in thought to catch who was asking what, but one thing was for sure. When Vernon asked whether Seokhwa remembered how they could get out or if he had a clue, he said he had no idea. Just that the letters you were seeing everywhere - WCKD - had something to do with the organisation that was keeping them there, and that he had a bad feeling about this organisation.

“We need to leave, no matter what,” he ended his explanation, his words almost like a plea. He looked like a completely different person from the day before, but you weren’t surprised. Just how heavily the memories could weigh on him?

The Gathering ended with a plan to send out Junseo, Yongha and a few other boys who volunteered into the Maze the next day to go back to that unknown part of the Maze they had just found thanks to the device. If the 7th section still hadn’t closed like they would expect based on the past two days, they could easily do so. One thing that nobody questioned was at what cost? How many more Gladers needed to get injured or get stung to find a way out? What if it would lead to another dead end? What if the outside world wasn’t better than this one?

However, just like one of the boys said: you either get out or die trying. It seemed that there was no other way.

That night, you could barely sleep. Yet again. Not because you were in direct danger, but because you couldn’t help thinking about Junseo and all the other boys that would go into the Maze with the device that might help them find a way out. You were worried sick that something would happen to them, that another Griever would come out and maybe they wouldn’t be able to eliminate it like last time, but the thing that bothered you the most was that you couldn’t do anything. You knew that you hadn’t been here long enough to know the way around the Glade, let alone the Maze, so when you had asked Daehyeon after the Gathering what you could help with, and he said:

“It’s okay if you don’t go with them. Be careful, try not to do anything dangerous, especially without consulting anyone else, and don’t lose hope. That will be enough.”

You believed him, but still… Your thoughts kept going back to the what ifs, and when you couldn’t fall asleep, you went outside of your shared wooden house to find a few boys sitting around a campfire. When they saw you, they asked if you wanted to join them, and you did. Despite expecting them to be hopeless, they were pretty calm. If anything, they were nostalgic, sharing stories about the time since they had been here; about how surprised everyone had been when Kun had burned some food for the first time, about how a chicken had practically chased after Yohan during one of his first days, about how Minho and Mingyu had drunk fistfighted over the last piece of meat during a bonfire night or the song Yeonjun had been writing, trying to find something to rhyme to everything they grew or bred here.

While listening to them, you had to realise that these boys had actually grown close; they depended on each other just as much as they liked teasing each other. Judged by their voices even when they talked about someone’s messy habits, they loved each other like family, and yet again, you had this pang in your chest that they really, really didn’t deserve to be here. Yet again, you were overcome with this determination to help them and fight alongside them; whatever it took to get out and take down those who put them - and you - here, you were willing to go for it.

Maybe it was because of all those stories or this newfound fire inside your heart, but you managed to sleep a bit, until the two Runners (except Seokhwa who was still resting at the infirmary) and the volunteers started getting ready, making some noise. Before they could go out into the Maze, you jogged up to Junseo to ask him about his state and to remind him to be careful.

“Don’t worry. It’s not a goodbye,” he told you, reassuring, but your heart churned at the mention of the word ‘goodbye’. You wondered just how many goodbyes you could have had prior to knowing each other here, and it pained you to see him again. However, the smile that he gave you was at least enough to give you some boost for the rest of the day, and to believe that there was a hope; that they would find a way out.

That day, you were with the Builders, and the biggest thing about your job wasn’t the tasks themselves but the random bickering session of Yohan and Donghan’s, Donghan’s very impromptu cuddling sessions (with the boys, not you) and Daehyeon’s awkward laughter whenever he caught you staring at the guys teasing each other in front of you. At least, you had some fun that day, and you almost forgot about the whole fiasco the day before. Almost.

It seemed that there was nothing that couldn’t go wrong these days, not with the Box not going down for 3 days already and then the boys from the Maze coming back only to tell you that the Maze had almost trapped them inside. Once they got closer to this new part of the Maze that they hadn’t yet been to, a radar-like device scanned them and then started shutting down the section, so they ran back vigorously, but at least all of them were in one piece, and they were sure that it was the way out because it did have traces of the Grievers, so they might have come from the other side of this new part.

Since it was a bit like a checkmate after the recent events, another Gathering was held after the boys had come back from the Maze. Due to the fact that this newfound part of the Maze could be the key to their way out, today’s findings weren’t that promising, so for now, the plan was the following: gathering as many weapons around the wooden houses as possible in case they needed to fight against a Griever (and everyone had to have at least one kind of weapon on them); Yongha and Junseo going out into the Maze the next day with another handful of volunteers, looking for more signs and everyone having to have at least two others Gladers with them at all times, no one could walk around alone in the Glade.

Since you were with the Builders that day, Daehyeon asked you to be with them for the rest of the day as per the new precautionary measures, so you had dinner by their side, but almost everyone was gathered around the big pot of food Taeyong and Kun had made. It smelled amazing, and you were delighted to have some food again, especially because the two guys were great cooks. The boys were laughing and joking amongst themselves, and you smiled at their antics, your heart a bit lighter seeing their interactions.

However, your good mood couldn’t last long because a horrible scratching sound could be heard that was so loud that you needed to cup your ears to muffle it.

“What the hell is that?” You could see Donghan mouth the words, and you gulped. Yet another first?

The loud sound was followed by another identical one, and this time, it seemed that the boys found its source because they turned their heads towards the West side of the Maze that had suddenly opened. It was then that you realised that the main entrance of the Maze had not yet closed, and soon, three other entrances opened up.

“How come there are four entrances?” You shouted over the loud noise of the fourth wall opening, and Yohan could only stare with wide eyes.

“They have never opened up before. This is not good,” Daehyeon mumbled once the noise suddenly stopped. Within a heartbeat, he raised his voice and ordered everyone to gather the weapons they had already prepared, stick with their small groups and stay calm.

“How can we stay calm? What if the Grievers come out again?” Soobin pleaded, his voice trembling as he was looking around, hoping that his eyes were playing tricks on him. He was so panicked, you almost felt bad for seeing him in this state, but you weren’t sure that you were any better.

In the next moment, Junseo walked up to you, followed by a whining Yongha (“why are you running away? Daehyeon had just told us to stick to our groups”) and a deadpanned Sunoo. The boy looked at you, eyes shining with worry, and put a torch into your hands.

“Stay with Daehyeon and follow his lead,” he told you confidently, tone not reprimanding, but not that gentle either. His eyes told a different story though; they were like little stars - shining dots spotting the darkness of the night sky -, pleading and sparkling and oh so precious.

You nodded, but the words died on your tongue when something mechanical started approaching from the main entrance’s walls, then from the East side, too. First, you only heard that ominous sound. It was similar to the sound scissors make when they are clattering. Then, you could see its silhouette - like an animal but with robot legs, running quickly and something coming out of its mouth - you couldn’t tell whether it was glue or drool.

No one needed to be told what to do when the Grievers approached you - you fought with everything you had. Kun was throwing pots and pans at them, Donghan was using something from his toolkit, the Medjacks were making flammable shots with bottles and threw it at them while you were trying to push the nearest Griever away with a spear. When the spear broke and the Griever marched forward, you tried to reach for the knife in your pocket, but the Griever was faster, and almost got you - if it hadn’t been for Daehyeon reaching for your torch and throwing it onto the Griever, you wouldn’t have been able to get rid of it.

Indeed, the fire caught it off-guard and you could start running away. You remembered Daehyeon asking you if you were okay, if you had been stung, but when you saw Junseo fighting with a Griever, everything almost stopped for a bit. The boy was fighting alone vigorously while Yongha was trying to hold onto Sunoo who had been lifted up from the ground by another Griever, his feet sinking deep into the ground as he was trying to pull the boy back. However, the Griever was stronger, and in a blink of an eye, it got Sunoo and marched towards the Maze.

“Guys, get into the Box or the pantry!” Daehyeon shouted behind you, but all you could see was Sunoo’s body floating in the air and Yongha not being able to hold him down. Your eyes were glued to Junseo still, and despite Donghan pulling on your arms, you couldn’t just leave the boy there.

“Junseo!” You shouted as loud as you could amongst the cacophony of shouts, whimpers and mechanical clattering, and when the boy looked in your direction, you pointed at the Box. He nodded, then turned back to the Griever to pierce through its legs with a knife-like weapon.

You followed the others to the Box, almost falling over when your shoe got caught in a rock, but managed to make it to the Box with Yohan, Donghan and Daehyeon. The Box had pretty heavy bars on its top that you could open and close, and it was built into the ground, so it didn’t stand out. Meaning, that you could hide away from the Grievers because they couldn’t reach into it, and maybe they wouldn’t even notice that there were people there while they were walking over it.

Daehyeon, however, quickly got out of the Box when he led you to safety, and started going around - probably telling the others to find a shelter for themselves. He firmly told you all to stay there, but you couldn’t just stay still when others were fighting for their lives around you. On the other hand, the other two boys’ lives who were with you in the Box were precious as well, so you were in agony.

“Guys, open it!” Keeho drummed on the bars fervently, so you started to open up the top of the Box, but a Griever showed up behind the Medjack.

“Keeho, look back!” You exclaimed frantically, and the boy looked up at the exact moment the Griever opened its gruesome mouth - with too much teeth and drool.

“Jeez, you should have visited a dentist,” Keeho dared to joke around even at a time like this, but obviously, the Griever couldn’t care less, and smacked the boy’s side with one of its mechanical legs.

“Keeho, throw the torch onto it!” Donghan shouted beside you, and the boy didn’t need much convincing. While hissing from the pain of being kicked by the Griever in the side, he threw the torch in his hand onto the Griever, and crouched down to the top of the Box. You quickly opened the top, pulling the boy inside who landed with a loud puff - but in one piece. Then, you closed the top back down.

“Did you get stung?”

“No, but it’s really painful nevertheless. It has a pretty strong leg, not gonna lie. Thank god it wasn’t my face though,” the Medjack snickered, but hissed yet again when he tried to stand up. So he stayed in a fetal pose instead.

You heard shouts and screams, one more heartbreaking and desperate than the other, yet you managed to let two more boys - Yeonjun and Taehyun - in before everything got still and eerily quiet.

“What is happening?” Yohan asked, blinking rapidly - a thing he did when he was extra nervous, apparently. Everyone answered in uncertainty or they just merely shrugged, not knowing more than Yohan himself.

In the next moment, there was a loud thud on the bars above you, and all of you let out a shriek. However, it was only Daehyeon asking to be let in with Jiung and Taeyang by his side. Even though everyone was curious what was going on, the leader didn’t say anything until a few more minutes passed by in complete silence and then, he went out to look for any signs of lingering Grievers.

“They’re gone. You can come out now.”

“Are you sure? Because I would rather stay here than go out again,” Yohan mumbled, and despite the leader’s usual calm demeanour, he wasn’t so calm this time.

“I am not sure, but that’s the best answer I can give you. You can choose to stay there, but I’ll go around to see who’s missing and who might be injured,” he announced sternly before doing as he had said so. You followed his example, and got out of the Box, the Medjacks following you. You inquired if you should help them out with the probable injuries, and they were as glad as they could after being chased by Grievers.

Your remaining group - alongside Yohan as well - decided to help the Medjacks who were getting ready to treat wounds and injuries, but what they weren’t ready was to see Junseo tying himself to a bed at the infirmary. You didn’t need to think too much into what was happening - the boy had been stung, and he was trying to tie himself to not be able to hurt others.

“Taeyang, is the serum still here?” Jiung shouted indignantly, helping to tie Junseo to the bed even though it could be seen that he was trying his best to stay collected and unaffected by the huge purple mark on the Runner’s side.

Everything became blurred afterwards: voices, sentences, faces. All you could see was the veins popping off on Junseo’s arms and the boy’s eyes becoming glassy and unfocused before he was given the serum, and his whole body fell back to the bed, still.

Despite being aware that Seokhwa had needed almost a whole day to regain consciousness after he had been given the serum - could you call it the antidote at this point? -, you couldn’t leave Junseo’s bedside. Not even when the boys were distributing the late breakfast that arrived only by lunchtime because Kun and Ten had been mourning over the loss of Taeyong; not even when the Medjacks offered to stay there in your place.

You only got out when Daehyeon called everyone outside the following morning, informing them of the situation. Sunoo, Jungwon, Taeyong, Seungcheol, Vernon and Soobin had been taken away, Junseo was stung, Bang Chan had sprained his ankle, Seokhwa had probably broken a bone and almost everyone was covered in bruises. Even you realised that when you had nearly fallen over due to that rock, you smashed your knee pretty badly, and it swelled up and caused you to limp a bit. It wasn’t horrible, but it was quite painful.

Not as bad as being taken away or stung, so you had no reason to complain. Still, the Medjacks told you to rest your leg as much as possible, so you did as they had asked, sitting by Junseo’s bedside with your left leg propped up on a random chair. You didn’t even remember when you managed to doze off, but it might have been the previous nights’ lack of sleep or the shock numbing your senses, but you managed to sleep for a bit. Only a bit though because you were awakened by the Medjacks’ concerned questions.

“How do you feel?”

“Can you see and hear us well?”

“Did you also gain back some of your memories?”

You were jolted awake by the last sentence, and thrilled, you looked at Junseo, immediately reaching for his arm.

“Are you okay?” You inquired, your voice coming out hoarse. The boy looked at your hands clutching his arm, then looked up at you, and instead of bewildered, the boy appeared almost touched. He gave you a faint yet gentle smile, one that could thaw the ice around your heart that’s been hardening due to the recent events.

Aware of the Medjacks’ eyes on you, you tried to yank your hand away from the boy’s arm, but he caught it in the last second, and didn’t let go. Embarrassed, you looked away for a moment. Could he remember more memories with you two? Could he know just how close you two had been? Or was he just trying to make sure that you stood by his side after all that he had been (you had been) through?

“Should we leave you alone for a bit?” Jiung broke the silence after clearing his throat, but both of you shook your head.

“It’s alright. You should fetch him up. I’ll call for Daehyeon,” you announced, suddenly feeling all too aware of your face burning up. Despite Junseo’s grip on you, you peeled his fingers off, giving him a small smile as if to reassure him that you wouldn’t go away forever.

While you were searching for Daehyeon, you managed to pacify your crazily beating heart a bit. The thing was that you oh so wished to have some alone time with Junseo in case he remembered something more about you two, but you would have been selfish if you had done so. So many boys had been taken away (probably dead already), so many had been hurt, why would it be your priority to get something personal out of the boy? It could wait, but letting the leader know that the boy was awake couldn’t.

Daehyeon seemed almost relieved to hear that Junseo was conscious and the serum had worked yet again. He briefly asked if you had heard anything from the boy, but you shook your head, telling him that you wanted him to know of the news first. As expected, a lot more boys had gathered around the injured Runner by the time you made your way back to the infirmary, but a lot of them were there to change their bandages anyway. Or just worried. Both reasons were plausible given the circumstances.

Just like in Seokhwa’s case, Junseo hadn’t regained all of his memories either. A lot of the flashbacks he mentioned were scattered - without a beginning and an end, just something that he briefly remembered. He shared Seokhwa’s portrayal of the virus that was taking over the world, though he had more memories trying to survive in the excruciating heat - with you. At this point, everyone looked at you to see your reaction, but you prompted the boy to continue (especially after Keeho blurted out that no one was really surprised by this, you two were “waaaay too obvious” in his words).

“And you two,” he mentioned as he pointed at Donghan and Yohan. “You are brothers.”

Donghan’s jaw literally dropped while Yohan’s eyes grew twice their size. They then looked at each other as if they had seen each other for the first time, both in awe and in disgust. Now that was newfound information.

“Well, I guess it makes sense why you two are always bickering,” Taehyun shrugged, pretty amused.

After moving on from the facts - that you and Junseo were a couple while Donghan and Yohan were brothers -, Junseo also shared that he also had fractions of their time at the laboratory where they were being tested on. Being in tubes full of water, having to withstand mind games, doing painful physical tests.. And then he had awakened in the Maze just like everyone else.

“I also remember someone saying that we are the key to this virus. We might be immune, that’s why they are keeping us here.”

“What? We are immune, so they keep us here and send Grievers out into the Maze at nights and now even during the day and open up all of the entrances of the Maze? What kind of bullshit is that?” Changbin huffed, his voice almost flaring. Bang Chan tried to put a calming hand over his friend’s shoulders, but the boy shrugged it off.

“You know what I think? This whole organisation is full of psychos and they all want to kill us, they’ve just been trying to tell us that there might be a way out. Or since we can’t even fight against the Grievers as last night proved to us, they think we are disposable now, so they don’t care whether we survive or not.”

“Alright, calm down, Changbin!” Minho hissed at his fellow Bagger, but Changbin couldn’t be contained. He started shouting and spitting words that he probably didn’t think through, but nobody could blame him because what he was saying was partly true. It just didn’t make sense with the amount of and kind of information you had.

“Maybe he’s right, and they’ve sent out the Grievers at night to warn us that we shouldn’t try to get out,” Mingyu reasoned, quieter than usual, but you caught sight of a few others nodding to his words.

“What about the sequence of the Maze’s sections then? It doesn’t mean anything?” You found yourself saying, desperate to try to hold onto any kind of hope that was left in this situation. Changbin looked like he could kill you with his stare, but despite his indignation, it wasn’t him who went up against your words. It was Ten.

“Maybe it doesn’t, we’re just trying to make sense of it.”

After that, the whole conversation at the infirmary became a mess. Gladers tried to shout over each other, and each side had fair enough points to either stay or to try to find a way out. Yongha mentioned that maybe they were all supposed to leave the Maze together, that’s why they couldn’t get through that new section last time while Taehyun pointed out the fact that there had to be an end to this because you were the last one ever according to the note you had come with. Kun reasoned that the Grievers had come out only after the Runners and the volunteers had found that new section while Mingyu was of the opinion that the Maze was a way to keep themselves out of the real world - if Junseo and Seokhwa were saying the truth, the real world would be pretty chaotic, too. Plus, if you were all immune, maybe it would be sensible to actually keep you here.

On the other hand, Seokhwa said that these people at the lab kept them there against their will, even killing his parents to get him, and if Mingyu had seen what they had gone through even prior to the Maze, he would have understood his stance. To that, Changbin became even more aggressive and suggested getting stung, so that he could see what this whole “trying to get out of this mess to end up in another mess” was about. The boys even started to push each other, physically going against each other, and it wasn’t until Daehyeon shut everyone up and told them to come to another Gathering later that afternoon when everyone could calm down a bit, so that they could vote on it - whether to stay or leave, and what to do or prepare for in either scenario - that the boys stopped fighting.

After the announcement, everyone went their own ways, and you only stayed by Junseo’s side because he had asked you to.

“Look, I don’t want you to feel burdened by the memories that I can remember now. That’s why I’m not telling you all about them, but if you wanted to, I could tell you what I remember about us. It’s up to you,” he offered gently, and it was surprising to you how composed he was despite what he had gone through in a mere span of a day. It was so touching that he even took your preference into consideration at a time like this, you almost felt like tearing up.

“No matter what happened in the past, I worry about you right now, so please, rest up. We can talk about it a bit later,” you told him tenderly, and he nodded. Maybe he didn’t even expect a different kind of answer based on your shared moments, maybe he was actually glad that you let him rest or maybe it was because of something else.

Nevertheless, you let him rest, and helped out at the infirmary until Keeho firmly told you to get some food because he had seen that you hadn’t lined up for the late breakfast either. So you did as he said, wondering just how different this day might turn out depending on what the Gladers would vote on.

The Gathering was no less tense than that scene at the infirmary a few hours prior, but at least the idea of a consensus was there, so everyone could vote for what they wanted. Kun, Ten, Changbin, Mingyu and almost Yohan too voted for staying (in the end, Donghan convinced him, and since their sudden brotherly reveal, they seemed to take each other more seriously), but the others were for leaving. Since Daehyeon didn’t want anyone to feel burdened by the vote, what it all came down to was that the rest of the boys - the three Runners, the three Medjacks, the three Builders, Bang Chan, Minho, Yeonjun, Taehyun and Heeseung - and you were going to prepare to leave while the rest could stay. Obviously, it wasn’t that easy to not make it seem like you were abandoning the rest, but Daehyeon didn’t want to force anyone to leave, so this was what they could all agree on while respecting each other’s choice.

Since it was early afternoon when the Gathering was held, everyone went out to gather weapons and any stuff that they might feel useful to go into the Maze. The Maze still hadn’t closed since the night before, and Taehyun’s theory was that since the entrances hadn’t closed, more Grievers might come out during that night. A lot of Gladers agreed with it because it seemed reasonable despite nothing really making sense anymore.

So the plan was to go out before it got dark, but it wasn’t that easy to leave because everyone was exhausted, some were still bruised, and despite your ankle getting better, you also couldn’t run that fast. However, the determination inside all of you was uniform, so everyone stuck to the other, and you didn’t let anyone fall behind. Whether it was one of the Runners checking on the others or Daehyeon asking everyone if they were alright, you looked out for the other.

Despite the fact that it was your first time in the Maze, you didn’t try to take it in because it would take too much time. However, it was really just like a Maze with some tendrils running down the side of the concrete that were built to form devious roads. The number of the section that you ran through was painted on the walls several times as you passed corner after corner. The four letters that you had seen at the Glade too - WCKD - were written on some of the walls here, too, adding more proof to your theory that this WCKD was behind all of this, they were the ones who kept you there and built this Maze.

Your knee was burning as you were running, but you couldn’t care less: you wanted to escape. You needed to escape. You were in this together, and you knew that the boys who had been in the Glade longer than you had must have suffered a lot more, so you sucked it up, and kept your chin up high while following the others.

The Runners motioned you all to lean into a wall while they were looking into an alley. When Junseo looked back at the group of Gladers, he let out a long sigh. Yongha glanced at him, then at Daehyeon.

“It’s a Griever,” Yongha let everyone know why they looked so agitated. “It’s no surprise, but we need to be careful. There’s a rail-less bridge between this side of the Maze and the new section that opens up if we get close to it with the device we’ve got, so be careful of the edge,” he explained to you all, and you noted that Junseo had the said device in his hands. It was in good hands, you knew it.

“If we stick together, do you think we can push the Griever close to the edge, so that it would fall? Or is there something underneath that bridge?” Yeonjun mused out loud, and this time, it was Junseo who answered.

“We don’t know if there’s something underneath, but it doesn’t look like it. So yeah, it’s actually a good idea to try to push it towards the edge.”

“If it doesn’t work, can we throw this flammable liquid onto it that we’ve been experimenting on with Chan?” Minho inquired as if it had been the most natural thing to do in their free time - testing out flammable liquids -, but you knew that he was serious because Minho was said to be rarely joking.

“Sure. Anything that works,” Yongha left it at that because it seemed that fire was also something that managed to scare them off or slow them down, but it’s not like Yongha had more experience with Grievers. The one they had killed, they had killed it with rocks and tendrils.

Soon enough, silence fell over your little group because probably all of you felt the weight of what was about to come. You either managed to escape or not; you either managed to stay alive or died trying. There was no turning back from here, and from what Seokhwa and Junseo had said before, you knew that the outside world wouldn’t be a piece of cake. Yet, here, you couldn’t stay. It was no way to live: being tested on, made to suffer, used as lab rats.

“I want you guys to know that-”

“We have a girl with us, Daehyeon,” Keeho cut their leader off with a teasing little smile, but instead of frustration taking hold of the boy, Daehyeon actually let his lips curl upwards.

“True enough. So boys and our newbie,” he corrected himself as he glanced in your direction. “I’m proud of you for getting here, and I want you to know that whatever will happen after this, you can count on me. We can count on each other. We’ll get out of here as a team just like we’ve managed to survive together until now. This is the least we can do for the ones who have lost their lives to these tests including the one last night. We owe them and ourselves the chance to leave this hellhole.”

“I’ve never thought you would call it a hellhole one day, but I’m rather proud,” Donghan mentioned playfully, and all of you eased up a bit.

“Let’s get out of this hellhole then!” Taeyang announced and you all echoed before getting off to start running again. Before you did so though, you caught Junseo’s stare, and you nodded, signalling that you were ready to follow him.

When Junseo and Yongha bolted off, the rest of the group quickly followed. Indeed, from what you could see, there was a Griever going in circles on the bridge that Yongha had mentioned, and when it caught sight of your little group, it got ready to attack. So did you.

All of you had your spears and knives and other weapons, and that’s how you tried to push the Griever towards the edge or cut off its parts. It was difficult, the Griever was much stronger than you had remembered from last night, but with the help of everyone, you managed to push it over the edge.

“Well, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Yohan mentioned as drops of sweat were rolling down his pinkish cheeks, but the moment he finished his sentence, another two Grievers emerged from the utter darkness the last one had fallen into.

“Guys, stick together!” Daehyeon exclaimed, but it got caught in the air when another two Grievers emerged from the other side of the bridge. There was no way you could stick together against four Grievers, so you immediately joined a few boys who were pushing a Griever from the other side before it could get to one of them. In the intensity of the fights and the way it wasn’t a coordinated attack on your part due to the large number of Grievers, Heeseung was taken away by one of the newly emerged monsters, and you had no time to mourn his loss, even a scream got caught in your throat.

“The device!” Keeho hollered beside you, and you looked to where he was looking - the device rolling towards the edge of the bridge. Before you could react in any way, Keeho immediately jumped after the object, leaving you, Jiung and Taeyang behind to fight with the Griever.

You pushed with all your might, and amidst the grunts and screams and mechanical clattering, you barely registered when the wall at the end of the bridge was lifted when Keeho got close to it. He exclaimed that it opened, then ran towards the circular end of this newfound section.

When you and the two Medjacks managed to push a Griever over the edge, Jiung asked you to go with Keeho and watch his back. There was no time to counterattack him, so you did what he had asked you, and jogged to Keeho. When you two got close to this circular thing, it started beeping, then a red panel showed up with numbers scattered over the screen.

“There are 8 numbers. We probably have to put together a code,” Keeho said hastily, and as if lighting hit you, you shouted over to the remaining guys:

“What’s the sequence of the sections?”

“What?”

“The sequence of the 8 sections in the Maze. The Runners said there’s a pattern. 8 sections, 8 numbers,” you explained as briefly as possible, trying to catch your breath before you managed to get Taehyun’s attention. It was either the Mapmakers - Taehyun and Yeonjun - or the three Runners - Junseo, Yongha, Seokhwa - who could answer that, so when Taehyun started saying the numbers, Keeho immediately started typing it in.

“Seven… One… Five… Two… Six…” Taehyun grunted as a Griever got close to him and pinned him to the ground. Taehyun tried to push it off while Yeonjun and Seokhwa were trying to push it off from the side, but it wouldn’t budge. In the next moment, however, something caught aflame, and the Griever towering over the Mapmaker caught on fire. This way, Taehyun could slide off from beneath it, but before he could continue with the numbers, a Griever fell from above, straight onto Minho who had thrown the bottled liquid onto the previous Griever.

“Guys, the code!” Keeho reminded them frantically, and it was Junseo who continued with the last 3 digits: 483.

For a brief second, you thought that you had been wrong. It wasn’t the code because nothing happened. You had your heart in your throat while someone screamed desperately behind you. When you looked over your shoulder, you saw Seokhwa flying in the air in the hold of a Griever. The guys around it tried to hold onto the Runner, but it was too late: other Grievers came into view, and the boys were pushed backwards, away from their friend.

“It worked!” Keeho shrieked beside you, and in a numb state, you looked back at the screen that turned from red to green and read: COMPLETE.

As soon as you saw the screen, the walls of the section behind you started going down, so the Gladers ran towards you as fast as they could. You pulled on them as they reached for you - for safety - and watched as the Grievers got squashed by the closing walls. Then, darkness.

“Not to be that person, but does anyone have a lighter?” Donghan broke the silence that fell over you. You felt like you were on the verge of crying and throwing up. What? That was it? You didn’t even manage to escape.

But then a door opened a few steps away from your group and light shone into the room you were trapped in. Suspicious, the boys waited until Daehyeon made his way to the door and looked out. He looked left and right, and when he stepped outside, lights turned on in the corridor as well.

“There’s nobody here,” he noted as he looked back at all of you. Slowly, everyone made their way out of the room, and when your eyes got used to the bright light, the first thing you wanted to see was a familiar pair of chocolate-brown eyes. You panicked when you looked around, and Junseo was nowhere to be found, and you felt like sliding to the floor crying.

However, Junseo stepped over the threshold in the next second, and you immediately ran to him even though you had no idea if you were actually outside of the Maze or not, if you had more tests or not. He was there, alive and bruised, but he was there. You crushed him into a brief yet tight hug before letting go of him and looking into his eyes, deeply.

“I’m so relieved,” you breathed out, your voice giving way to your desperation.

Junseo smiled at you with his bruised lips, and reached for your hands to hold it before you ran after the others who started walking down the corridor. It wasn’t so long before you caught up to them, but it seemed that no one else was in the corridor because all you could hear were footsteps. As you looked around and looked at the guys, you realised that apart from Heeseung and Seokhwa, you hadn’t lost any more Gladers while trying to escape, meaning that 13 of you were left. You couldn’t bear to lose anyone else though. It was already too much.

You couldn’t help but look back a few times while you were walking and everyone seemed to be doing the same. You were alert, and for a good reason: there was no indication that it might be the last of your trials. However, it was definitely the last of your steps when you arrived at a door that read ‘Exit’ above it.

“Seriously?” Yongha huffed, not believing in the simplicity of it.

“What if it’s a trap?” Yohan inquired, indignant. You had to give it to him that it seemed oddly suspicious after everything that had happened. You couldn’t help the cold shiver running down your spine at the thought of this being yet another test, yet another chance of getting hurt or worse… dying in the hands of this cruel experiment.

“Well, I would definitely not love to go back there,” Donghan pointed behind him, and everyone knew what he meant by that.

There was a moment of hesitation in Daehyeon’s move when he reached for the doorknob, but he eventually did. Only to reveal an even more surprising scene on the other side of it: shattered glass, blood spots on the walls, men and women in lab coats dying lifelessly on the ground, remains of gunpowder and panels being broken. This was definitely the lab Seokhwa and Junseo had been talking about, and when you caught sight of bloody bodies on operating tables behind glass mirrors, you felt Junseo squeeze your hand.

You looked away, feeling like you could throw up any minute, not just because of the bodies on the floor and in the lab rooms, but because of what you could see for yourself: charts about you and the boys, brain signals, camera views of the Glade (so they were actually watching your every step), statics, measurements, charts… It was sickening how detailed they were, and what they were about.

As you were walking around trying to make sense of everything, a video started playing on one of the huge panels. A woman in a blindingly white coat who claimed to be the director of the Operations of the World Catastrophe Killzone Department congratulated you on finishing the Maze Trials.

“What the hell?” Keeho exclaimed, but the video seemed automatic instead of a video call because it continued without any care.

“I can assure you,” the woman continued, her voice void of any emotion. “That everything that has happened, everything we’ve done to you was all done for a reason. You won’t remember, but the Sun has scorched our world. Billions of lives lost to fire, famine and what we call The Flare. A deadly virus that attacks the brain.”

As she was speaking, there were videos of the blazing sun, of fires in big cities, people - presumably dead - on top of each other in piles, then images of people becoming animalistic and violent. If it was the Flare, then it must have been similar to the Changing after the Gladers got stung because those people looked eerily similar to the Seokhwa you had seen on the first day.

You glanced in Junseo’s direction who must have remembered some of the details, but he was already looking at you. You felt the first teardrop roll down your cheeks before you looked back at the screen.

“It was unpredictable and incurable. Or so we thought. In time, a new generation emerged that could survive the virus. Suddenly, there was a reason to hope for a cure, but finding it was not that easy. Young people had to be tested inside harsh environments where their reactions and brain activity could be studied. They had to be sacrificed for a greater cause, to understand what makes them different. What makes you different.”

Seokhwa and Junseo had been right. You were different. You might have been immune to this Flare, and that’s why you were tested. That’s why the tests were there. No matter how insane and unbelievable it seemed, it was the truth.

The woman continued to talk about how important you were to society, and how others disagreed with their methods, but what was most disturbing about it was what went behind her. People started shooting the ones in lab coats, there was glass and blood everywhere, sparkles of electricity and objects falling. Then, the woman also raised a gun, but not at anyone behind her, but at herself.

“Remember one thing: WCKD is good,” she said as WCKD was written on the screen before she pulled the trigger.

You couldn’t bear to look at her, you looked away. You unconsciously also squeezed Junseo’s hand in the meantime, and he pulled you closer, letting you rest your head in the croak of his neck. It was all too much. The Maze itself, the scene around you and the video, too…

In the next moment, doors opened somewhere close and people in masks and bulletproof vests marched in. One of the men from their group walked towards you all and asked if you were alright, promising that they would get you to safety, that they would get you out of here.

“Wicked isn’t good. We don’t stand with them,” he responded curtly, and in all honesty, you wanted to believe him. You wanted to believe them, but you had no idea what to believe anymore.

So you let the men escort you out and into a helicopter, and you let them take you to somewhere else. As the helicopter took off, you could have a better view of the place you had just left, and that’s when it all became clear: the whole Glade and the Maze was built inside this laboratory, it was really this WCKD’s creation, and you - you all were a part of it.

Because you might be the key.

You might be the cure.

A/N: Okay, so I’ve gotten a bit carried away, but can you blame me? This story needed to be long, so that I could add my own twists and scenes to the original storyline. *-*

Also, as the header suggests, this story was inspired by the ‘Spray’ MV and promotions. I know that era was more like a boxer concept, but when I saw the maps and bars in the MV, I just couldn’t not think of The Maze Runner, especially when Donghan lights that emergency light at the end (in the movie, they do light one as they are leaving the Glade).

Plus, fun fact that the first scene that came to my mind was the one when y/n asks Yohan if they don’t have any long-sleeved shirts because well... we’ve seen a lot of arms during the promotions. 😂

If anyone needs a recap of the jobs assigned to the boys:

Builders: Daehyeon (Keeper + first in command/leader), Donghan, Yohan

Runners: Junseo (Keeper), Seokhwa, Yongha

Slicers: Mingyu (Keeper), Vernon, Seungcheol

Cooks: Taeyong (Keeper), Kun, Ten

Gardeners: Sunoo, Jungwon, Heeseung

Map-makers: Taehyun (Keeper), Yeonjun, Soobin

Baggers: Bang chan (Keeper), Minho, Changbin

Medjacks: Keeho, Taeyang, Jiung

The 13 of them who survived until the end: y/n, Daehyeon, Donghan, Yohan, Junseo, Yongha, Taehyun, Yeonjun, Bang Chan, Minho, Keeho, Taeyang, Jiung

It was intentional that those who died during the story or stayed at the Glade didn’t have a lot of scenes (except Seokhwa), yet due to the au, I couldn’t let everyone live. I’m sorry if your bias didn’t make it to the end. 🥺

Anyways, hope you’ve enjoyed the story nevertheless! Thank you so much for reading it! ❤️

If you’re interested in more of my stories, consider signing up for my taglist here!

[galaxyedging]

Front Row Seat Part 2

Part 1 here

A little angst. A lot of fluff.

Javi's bombshell left you with a lot to think about.

It had been half an hour since you had been fired. Half an hour since your life as you knew it had been completely turned on it's head.

The first ten minutes you had just sat on your bed trying, failing, to make sense of it. Firing you made complete sense, as much as Javi was the kindest man you had even met, he was well within his rights to be upset with you.

Looking back you had always crossed the line with him. There was always something more under the surface of your interactions. In your job, you had always aimed to go above and beyond to please your clients. With Javi, you had gone even further. Dropping everything when he decided to entertain at the last minute. Working extra hours to make sure his favourite dishes were available. Shipping ingredients from around the world.

Returning from a trip he would often find you in the kitchen, knowing that's where he would likely head first. You wanted to be available for him to talk to. To upload any stress he was feeling. Then there were the movie night. Even when Javi was away, you would work your way through his favourites. Before you met, the you had only seen six Nicholas Cage movies. Now you had lost count. When Javi was there, you had snuggled up with him in the dark. Resting your head on his shoulder or cuddling into his firm chest. Every minute you spent with him, you wanted more. Wanted to be more to him. Wanted more from him. Wanted him. Then when he had offered that you turned him down.

After pointlessly turning things over in your mind, you had gotten dressed. Bracing yourself, you left the safety of your room to face the others. Had Javi fired them because of you? Had he told them? Making your way down the hallway, you saw Lina ahead of you.

"Lina!" The older woman stopped and turned at the sound of her name.

"Oh sweetheart. Have you heard?" she gripped your arms. Her skin was always so soft considering she worked with cleaning products all day. She was very proud of the hand cream that she made herself. The scent of coconut and honey soothed you.

"Not much. Javi said I was fired. He said everyone was fired." Tears welled in your eyes.

"Yes, but he told everyone not to worry. He told us all to meet in the courtyard at 10am. It's very strange. Javi has always been a bit eccentric but this is odd."

A smile crept onto you lips. Lina had never understood Javi's passion for movies.

"I'll go speak to him. Maybe he'll tell me what's going on."

Lina smiled at that, she always looked much younger than her years but when she smiled she looked younger still.

"Yes, am sure he will tell you. Of all people." Squeezing your arm reassuringly she carried on in the direction she was going. You didn't miss the way she played with the end of her intricate braids as she went, a sure sign that she was worried. That quashed any nerves you had about talking to Javi, this wasn't just about you.

By the time you had traipsed around half the grounds looking for Javi, anger had begun to build in you. Had he really fired everyone, even sweet Lina, because of you? Eventually you found him, he was on the veranda overlooking the bay. "Javi! What do you think you are doing?!"

Turning to you his face fell momentarily at your tone before his smile returned and he welcomed you.

"Come, I wanted to show you something." He bounded over to you taking your hand.

"I don't want to see anything Javi. I want to know why you are firing my friends. Some of them have been here for over a decade. Is this because of me?"

"Yes." The single word hit you in the chest like it had been shot at you, even with the cheery tone it was delivered in. Javi saw you visibly crumble. "No, no, no. Not like you think. Please, just come, look."

Taking the hand he offer you, you let him guide you into place. Following his gesturing with your eyes, you looked across the water. "Across the bay, there right in the middle. See the hotel they are working on?"

"The Lorenzo?"

"Yes. Well not anymore. That's what they are doing, removing the sign. I haven't settled on a new name yet but I have a theme and a staff..."

"Wait, is that why you are 'firing' us?"

Javi blushed slightly as your words. His handsome, angled profile soften as another smiled formed on his lips.

"I have been travelling more. There has been less and less work for everyone. Lina and Carlos have both expressed interest in working at the hotel. They would have more to do, keep them on their toes." Both Lina and Carlos were getting older. Neither of them had any interest in slowing down or retiring when the time came. Carlos had spoken to you about delaying his retirement

"My father was fortunate enough to be able to retired. He was always fit and healthy. As soon as he gave up his job he stated to age rapidly. I will work for as long as I can." Lina was of the same mind.

"Luca can run security. He is ready for the responsibility of a bigger team. He's very excited about it." Javi rocked on his heels, clearly pleased with himself.

"They know about this already? So why 'fired' them? Why not just tell us all?"

The excitement returned to his face. "For the drama. I have a big presentation ready too."

"What?! Javi! I thought I was fired. I thought I lost everything!" Tears filled you eyes, a mixture of anger and sadness.

"Oh sweetness. I am sorry. I got caught up in wanting to surprise you." His arms wrapped around you, you allowed him to pull you into him. "I've been planning this for a while now. There is a massive convention room that I am having converted into a cinema. Each room will have a theme based on a movie or an actor. The restaurant will have themed food. I've been reaching out to people in Hollywood to offer the cinema for their European premieres." As you stood in his arms, listening intently, his infectious energy seeped into you, excitement quelling your sadness. Javi had been struggling a little lately, he didn't feel like he had a true purpose in his life. Hollywood had always been his passion so he had begun taking steps to make connections there.

"It sounds great Javi." The tone of your voice didn't quite match the positivity of your words. It seemed like everyone had everything all planned out. Everyone but you.

He pulled you from his chest to look into your eyes. "So you'll run the restaurant?"

"What?! Javi I am a personal chef. I have catered large crowds on occasion but being a Head Chef for a restaurant is a completely different role."

"That's why I said 'run the restaurant'. You can be the manager. Working along side the Head Chef, you can create the menu, source the ingredients, cook only when you feel like it. You would be part of a management team so you would have lots of support. Your hours would be much more flexible than here. Allowing you more time for other things." His fingers laced yours as he said the last part. "Not that I would expect anything if you took the job. I wanted you to have it anyway." Javi's rational brain had finally caught up with him, releasing your hand he rambled. "You could take the job, stay with your friends. Oh, there's a whole row of bungalows on the property for senior staff but just because I wouldn't technically be your boss anymore, I wouldn't expect anything from you. Not that I wouldn't want to, you know, have more from you, er, with you." Javi was always easily excited but this nervous babbling was definitely reserved just for you.

"You have a presentation?" Relief filled his features as you gave him an out.

"Yes. Yes!" Checking his watch he added "it's almost time!"

You arrived in the courtyard to find a few people gathered there. Not the whole staff though. Lina, Carlos, Luca, Armand, Ada was making her way towards you all. Including you, Javi had gathered everyone who had been here the longest. Luca and yourself being the youngest, having taken over from people who had retired.

"Please." He motioned for you all to approach the same table covered with a crisp, white sheet. As he pulled the sheet off he whispered to you "What is this? A hotel for ants?"

That earned a chuckle before he moved away from you to launch into his pitch. After a few minutes you had to admit his idea was great. Themed places can be a little cringey but his themes were subtle, tasteful. The mock ups for the rooms were gorgeous. Who knew a bathroom based on The Matrix could look incredible? The green LEDs lighting the water as it rained from the ceiling mimicking the code from the film, was your favourite touch. The penthouse suite was Nicholas Cage themed, of course. Everything from Leaving Las Vegas to The Croods got a nod. You were so caught up in his expressive face as he sold each room to you, you thought you had misheard what he said. Only the gasps from the others, made you think you had heard right.

"Sir..." Ada began.

"Javi." He corrected.

"Javi. As your business manager I feel I have to say giving everyone equal shares in your hotel, as generous as that is and as much as I appreciate being included, is not the best business strategy." She concluded.

"This is why I need you all. Even when it went against your best interest you told me the truth. For this business to succeed, for me to build my new career, I need people I can trust to work in my best interest. By giving you equal shares you have even more incentive for the business to succeed. Everyone wins!" After the presentation, everyone slowly headed off, they all seemed just as overwhelmed as you. Even will all the extra issues the presentation had left you with.

Once you were alone, Javi made his way to you taking your hands in his. "So, what do you think?"

The answer was so many, many things. None of which you could form into a coherent sentence. "I think I'd like to finish our movie."

Back in the cinema room, Javi rearrange the blankets and cushions that you had abandoned the night before. Even though you still hadn't spoken to him, he made sure you were comfortable before continuing the movie. The movie was the last thing on your mind. Javi was laying next to you. The sage and mint tones of his cologne crossed the small space between you. The temptation to follow it to it's source and bury your face in the column of his neck pulled at you. The memory of the soft brush of his lips from the night before tingled across your own. Yesterday you had pulled away from him out of fear of losing what you had. Now with this new plan of his you had the chance to keep your family and a home. There was only one thing you could still lose if you crossed the space to kiss him. Javi.

Javi was the best thing in your life. As much as you were happy with your own company, he made everything brighter. You adored him. His kindness, his creativity, his relentless energy. He was also the most attractive man you have ever seen.

As much as the time spent with him was precious to you, now that he had made his feels known, those memories had a different tone. Now you saw all the missed opportunities. All the times you had both stopped short of taking your relationship further. Now your options were clear. Play it safe, stay as friends, now co-worked or start a relationship and risk losing him.

The movie drew to a close. Tristan and Yvaine got their happy ending. You vaguely remember some details from watching it before. There was no way you were watching it now. Not with Javi's weight pressing on top of you. His chest rising and falling against yours as his hands traced over the curves of your body and threaded into your hair. His lips moulding to yours over and over. After only knowing Javi a few weeks you had asked why he adored movies so much. "Everything is bigger in movies." he had exclaimed with his childlike energy. At first you were confused did he mean in size, the action? "All movies start with a human emotion. Like jealousy, fear, pride. Then it become something bigger. Wars, battles, quests. The simplest love story, even just 'boy meets girl' can become an epic tale. Even a story set in a galaxy far far away can have a core of emotion that we can relate to. They can comfort us. Thrill us. Even ignite passions or qualities in us we never knew we had. Some people think movies are an escape from the real world. To me, they are a compliment to it. They are how life should be lived. Big. Wholeheartedly. Growing old is a luxury afforded to precious few. You should strive to make each day you are blessed with you own movie. Epic in it's own way. Even if it's something as small as plucking up the courage to talk to a beautiful woman, rather than saving a whole planet."

Knowing all to well how fleeting life could be, Javi's point of view had made you smile. It inspired you to take a risk, moving into his huge villa to be his personal chef. Now, this new thing between you, might be a standalone masterpiece or it could be the start of a spralling franchise that spans decades. Either way you knew you had to have a front row seat.

Tags @thegreenkid @o-sacra-virgo-laudes-tibi

[renaerys]

22. for reds 🤡

This is 100% not what you asked for (yet...👀), but I give you part 1 of what we're calling the Weird King AU. I'm turning this into a proper multi-chapter High School fic because I love you and I'd jump on any bandwagon for you.

xxx

Like most young, conventionally attractive Supervillains, Brick had made a bit of a habit of failing upwards. It was pretty easy in a town full of simpering morons content to project their own narrative assumptions onto him, and who was he to crush their dreams when they made his life a little easier?

For example, dating.

“You can tell me, you know.” His cute date, Tracy, sipped her milkshake across from him.

“Tell you what?”

She softened and reached her hand across the table. “Your tragic backstory. I’ll listen without judgment, I promise.”

Brick tried to think of something tragic, but it all seemed pretty underwhelming as far as Supervillain origin stories went. “You mean like how I was born in a toilet?”

She made an oh shape with her lips. “We all have those days where we feel like we were born in a toilet, Brick.”

He’d dated Tracy for three months before she broke up with him out of the blue in tears: sorry she couldn’t fix his baggage, she just wasn’t strong enough to handle all that tortured darkness, but she wished him nothing but health and happiness. Brick deleted her number from his phone and spent twenty whole minutes staring at the toilet in his bathroom, wondering what the lesson here was.

But everything changed when Mojo got out of prison and moved Brick and his brothers back to Townsville, where he enrolled them in the local high school alongside their former arch nemeses, the Powerpuff Girls.

Suddenly, everything Brick did pre-supposed ill intent. These people remembered him as the pest who had graffitied their local monuments and blown up their cars and endangered their children. They held no love for him, and at best they feared him. This was not Citiesville, where he’d been a tall, cold glass of Voss water in a sea of recycled Dasani.

He found himself thinking about his birthing toilet again as he stepped into the cafeteria alone and the conversation quieted down as his new classmates watched him from the safety of their tables. His next moves here were critical. He was no longer at the top of the food chain, but fear and mystery surrounding his origins and character gave him a certain power over his peers.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of social suicide, I will fear no cringe,” he said to himself.

The jocks were out. Capable though he may be, Brick was not much of a team player unless there was a blood contract involved requiring his participation on pain of satanic torture. The drama kids were also a hard pass, not because he thought drama was lame, but because they had barely noticed him walk in, and Brick did not have the energy to deal with people more self-involved than himself. Some of the unaffiliated tables could be safe, but without a good understanding of the nuanced social dynamics in the high school, he could be heading toward irreversible doom, and that was a risk he was not willing to take.

He saw his salvation just ahead. It was the only option, all else being equal. In an environment where he couldn’t be certain of his baseline status and potential for upward mobility, there was greatness to be had only by association and certainty only in the devil he knew.

Brick helped himself to the empty seat directly across from Blossom Utonium to a chorus of gasps and staring.

Blossom did not startle like her table mates had. She watched him critically behind a head full of bangs as she balanced her soup spoon in her hand. “Really.”

Brick unwrapped the burrito he’d purchased in the lunch line and brandished it before him. “Really.”

He took a bite of the burrito. It was not hot enough. The two girls to Blossom’s left whispered to each other about that bad boy and he’s hot, though.

Blossom daintily spooned soup into her mouth without spilling a single drop as she continued to watch Brick for signs of his imminent dark side transformation.

The guy next to Brick was brave enough to ask him what his next class was. Brick had a mouth full of disappointing burrito, so he passed the guy the printout of his class schedule in lieu of answering.

“Wow, all APs, huh? Hey, we’re in U.S. History together next period, nice. I’m Mike Believe, by the way. Brick Jojo, right?”

Brick didn’t answer him immediately on account of the burrito currently occupying his mouth hole, and Mike took it the wrong way.

“Oh, yeah, we all know who you are. Blossom sort of filled us in.” He winced like he’d inadvertently revealed a terrible secret.

Brick swallowed his food and washed it down with a gulp of water. “Saves me some time.”

Mike looked super relieved. “For sure! Hey, I could lend you my notes if you want to catch up. Gershwin’s giving a quiz on the Progressive Era on Friday, and she’s a hard-ass who definitely won’t care that you just transferred…”

Brick chewed on his lunch as Mike continued to talk at him about classes and other vaguely helpful, albeit uninteresting, information. But Mike seemed normal enough, a little chatty but not in an overeager sort of way. Blossom was no longer clocking his every move and seemed to be absorbed in her friend’s latest swim team cheating scandal, until Brick reached for his water bottle and she suddenly laser-focused on his wandering hand.

Her keen attention to him was honestly flattering, if expected. It was in his nature to be noticed, and in this narrow respect she was no different from anyone else whose head he turned. If she chose to feed her interest with the flames of suspicion, then it was no difference to him.

But if she was anything like him—and on a chemical level she was probably the closest to him that a person could get—he suspected it took tremendous effort to hold her full and sustained attention. The world they inhabited was as vapid and mundane as the humans that surrounded them, and even the most gracious of gods grew bored of worship. Which explained all the smiting and fucking and generational curses upon entire households in everything from Greek mythology to the Old Testament.

Brick was pretty deep into a fantasy of Blossom going full Ixion and the Wheel on the swim team when Mike tapped his shoulder. “You ready to go?”

It took him a moment to realize the bell had rung and he had a class to get to—AP U.S. History with Mike, apparently. Brick gathered his tray and his bag and followed Mike. When he looked back at the table, Blossom was already gone.

xxx

That whole first week was painfully boring. No one bullied him, or pranked him, or picked a fight with him, of course. But no one really approached him, either. His brothers were more determined to make an effort. Boomer announced he was trying out for the soccer team because there was no rule saying a Super with extremely well documented ties to active criminals and the forces of Hell couldn’t kick a ball around a field. Butch had gotten himself invited to a midnight screening of Snakes on a Plane in some rich kid’s home movie theater, but only after that same kid had accidentally spilled milk on Butch and burst into tears in front of a cafeteria full of Juniors and Seniors. Brick declined the invitation Butch extended to him. He had that AP U.S. History exam to study for on Friday, anyway.

He shared all of his classes with Blossom. Even in the classes where her assigned seat was behind his and he couldn’t see her, he could feel her lobotomizing stare at the back of his head whenever she glanced up from her notebook. And while Mike’s notes were perfectly adequate and the friendly gesture counted for more than the content (a gesture Brick would not soon forget), there was a far more efficient way to accomplish his goal of murdering the class averages while also taking the edge off his loner doldrums.

“Can I borrow your class notes?”

Blossom rose from her seat and pulled her hair tie out to re-do her extremely long ponytail. She held the elastic between her teeth as she worked. Her teeth were very straight, he noticed. Some pretty nice girl-teeth, generally speaking.

“Which class?”

“All of them.”

He watched her wind the elastic around her hair with quick, adroit fingers. “That’s a lot of notes.”

“You’re the top of every class. No point in asking anyone else.”

She moved toward the hall. He followed her out. “Why would I help you?”

A legitimate question delivered without venom. Unlike her sister Buttercup, who’d “run into” Brick after school on Monday and told him to watch his back, Blossom didn’t have to do anything but maintain a general proximity to make her superiority complex known. Which was the kind of flex he could fuck with.

“Isn’t helping people sort of your mandate?”

They had arrived at her locker, which she opened with enough force to rattle the hinges. “I help the helpless. Are you helpless, Brick?”

Brick smiled at her baiting. Had she ever actually said his name at a normal volume before? It sounded good even in her baseline bitch timbre. “Critically helpless. I’m the new student who transferred in the middle of the semester, and you’re the only person who knows me.”

A couple other students clearly trying to get to the lockers Brick was blocking hovered just out of reach. They whispered to each other, but neither of them actually worked up the courage to ask Brick to move. He ignored them.

Blossom rummaged in her locker for the binder she would need for the next class. “Make friends.”

“Working on it.”

The locker door slammed and she faced him. There was something confrontational in the way she held herself before him that kicked him in the nuts back in time thirteen years to their more uncouth days when all he wanted to do was destroy her so he’d be the only one. Now they were older and wiser and he actually did need her notes to study, so destroying her was not high on his list of priorities.

“You want to be my friend.”

“We have so much in common.”

“So do lions and hyenas.”

“Both are apex predators, so.”

She took a step closer and peered up at him. Brick did not move, although he wondered what was so interesting about his face. She probably just thought he was hot. She was probably as bored as he was. She probably—

“You have lettuce in your teeth.”

Brick pulled back and covered his mouth on instinct. God fucking damnit.

Blossom was already walking away from him by the time he’d picked the food from his teeth. “I’ll expect my notes back in mint condition before first period tomorrow morning.”

Brick pressed a fist against the lockers and quietly fumed. “Dumbass…”

“Um, sorry, but do you mind…?”

The student who’d been waiting for her locker space to clear up had her palms up as if to assuage a feral stray. Brick pushed off the lockers, but his fist left a dent where he’d unleashed some of his impotent self-pity. He looked back at the girl, and she shook her head.

“It’s fine! It, uh, it happens sometimes.” She pointed a couple lockers down to Blossom’s, which was dinged up worse than the others.

Brick stared at Blossom’s locker, and then back at the girl. Her narrow, dark eyes were wide, but not out of fear. She was waiting for something, and like an idiot it took him a moment to catch up. “You’re trying to make me feel better about fucking up your locker.”

She laughed nervously. “I mean, it’s really fine! You just looked so miserable for a second there, and I just thought…”

Great, he was moping so hard he had an audience.

The five minute warning bell rang, and a flood of students rushed past them on their way to fourth period. Brick stepped aside so the girl could get to her locker.

“Hey, you’re the new guy, right?”

The new guy, yeah. How quaint. Except, she was waiting for a response, which wasn’t the absolute worst thing that had happened to him all week.

“Brick,” he said. But of course, she already knew that, and she was just being nice.

“I’m Kim. Kim Chan.”

“Okay.” He didn’t have anything else to say to her, so he decided to get his shit and get to his next class.

“Welcome back to Townsville, Brick.”

Brick shoved his hands in his pockets and stalked off. It didn’t occur to him until later that Kim was the first and only person who had properly welcomed him back home.

[cosmiclatte28]

Single (Jeno x you)

a/n : i may forgot how to write (?) anyways this is a jeno piece I work quickly today for @neopalette

hope this is entertaining enough and to all dream stans out there this is for you :D 

setting is all dream members considered to be in the same age as you. 

enjoy!!

People have been pestering you with the same question, “Why are you still single?”

Well you cannot really answer them and say, “I don’t know why don’t you date me?” As much as you want to shut them up with those words, you knew it’ll only turn awkward.

Well to be honest, you've been asking yourself that. It's not that you're unattractive or unsocial. You're the total opposite! Cute, caring, and fun.

You have friends or a group of school's princes as your hang out friends. It's just a lucky coincidence. You're the childhood best friend of Jeno and that guy’s really like your brother (despite the same age you share). He always brings you to his outings and you slowly develop a good friendship with the boys.

What irks other people is that the fact you're in a position every girl is willing to die for. Standing on the side of the class, leaning to the wall while laughing with a circle of the most popular guys in the school.

Now their question is, why are the boys so attached to you and why are you not dating anyone of them? Well, first you do want to date anyone of them. Literally anyone because you feel so chill and relax around them. They make you feel save too! But what is this? Friendzone? Maybe. Or “I see you as my sister.”

One day as you walk through the hall with one of the boys, Jeno, both of you overheard a group of girls talking.

“I know right, there's no way she is not leeching over them. Did she use some magic? She's so usual like us why do they choose her?”

“You're right its either she pays them, or she buys them with money. She came from a quiet decent family. No way she is not crushing anyone there. If she does not, she's crazy.”

You try to ignore them, but your heart is sad. No, you do not “buy" your friendship. They even treat you more than you did to them.

Jeno heard them and apparently, he was riled up and he went to the group of girls who looked shocked but tried to act normal.

“Excuse me pretty girls,” he nicely greets them with his smile and friendly composition. You close your eyes, knowing this will just give you trouble.

They look struck by Jeno’s close presence and melt into his charm. “I am here to remind you, what you’re doing is making false rumor and that is not good. It doesn’t suit you.”

Jeno forces a deadly smile and turns his heels back to you when the girls nod their head like they heard him clear. Their eyes found yours and you already gulp down the heavy lump in your throat when they send you a death glare.

“What are you doing?” you question Jeno once he returns to your side and starts walking as if nothing happens.

“Just reminding some girls what they’re doing is not good.” He shrugs his shoulder “You should speak up you know. You’re a great listener to us and what they said were wrong, so you should speak up.”

You nod “I know, it’s hard Jeno. I’ll let them think of me that way, besides you guys know my real side, why do I have to bother them.”

That actually makes a little bit of sense according to you and Jeno, but when you meet the gang during lunch break and Jeno told them what happened, well the boys cannot keep it low.

“I’m not going to help them anymore.” Renjun scoffs when he hears the story.

“You should really speak up (y/n)! You’re our amazing friend and we cannot let them think of you this way.” Jisung chimes in, which is something rare.

You smile and laugh “Thanks guys, but this doesn’t sound like you at all. I am the one getting judged, why are you the confused one? Besides what bothers me is not that, but something else.”

“And what exactly is that?” Haechan suddenly pops into the discussion. He surprised all of you, well earlier Mark and him were called for a help in the teacher’s room, and you guys were sitting on the backyard (a rare meeting place) so it’s a surprise they found you.

“I cannot tell you now. I promise I’ll tell you once I am ready.” You fiddle with your uniform skirt.

“Okay, we won’t push you.” Jeno smiles at you and you thank the others as the bell of the last quarter rang.

--

You spend the last quarter lost in your own mind. You keep on questioning yourself, is it true you look like that in other people’s eyes. Of course they do not know what happened between you and the boys behind their back.

You listened to every single problem they have, they share it to you through messages at the middle of the nights. Each slowly opening up to you, showing their vulnerable sides. You never judge them, instead you comfort them by staying with them. Just listening and being there for them. They like you because of that and you never share their secrets to the other. It started with Jisung opening up to you, then Chenle, then the harder shells to read like Jaemin Jeno and Renjun. Mark and Hyuck also lately come to you for sharing sessions.

You know people do not have to know that to clap and give you recognitions, you did this out of empathy and care. Plus they make a good gang to play and have fun with. Having a friendship bond with boys is less dramatic and more fun.

You push a smile back to hide your own emotion and luckily they bought it when you say “Let’s not bother or mind what others think about me. As long as you know the real me, I am glad with it.”

--

“You should stop acting like you’re fine.” Your longest best friend says when both of you have parted ways with the others and walk side by side on the empty road.

You look at Jeno and he doesn’t have his friendly smile on. His face looks serious.

“I am fine, but I could probably use a boyfriend card to take care of me and make me finer.” You joke around a little bit. Teasing the boys about you wanting a boyfriend is always fun.

They always say no but they never cross the line because they are afraid that being in a relationship with you may cut the nice friendship if things go wrong (break ups!)

“You’re still questioning that?” Jeno sighs, you’ve been talking about this to him. You always code him that you want to know what it’s like to be in a relationship, but Jeno just says “You’ll regret the drama”. He did date a few girls but finally settle on being single until he is ready for commitments. You, on the other hand, are single from birth. You always befriend boys to the point where they’re too comfortable with you to see you in a romantic way.

“Well I always wonder why and where did I do wrong.” You shrug your shoulder

“I want to be in a relationship! I want to know what it’s like to  have someone take care of me, or me taking care of them. I want short goodnight and good morning texts. I want to walk with them home and maybe grab some bite along the way while we discuss small things. Oh and I want to just you know sit together, listen to a music from a shared earphone and act like we’re the main characters of a movie!” you have stars in your eyes and as Jeno stares into the sky, he notices the beautiful sunset.

“You’re being single for too long. I tell you, that did not always happen.” He mocks your ridiculous idea and playfully ruffles your hair “You read too much fantasies.”

“I never read them.” You glare at him and he nods “Now that explains why you also sound so clueless about relationship. Look, it’s not as simple as saying I love yous and holding hands in public. There’s more and as much as I hate to tell you this… I have to.” He pauses and you stop walking.

You look at him. Waiting for Jeno to continue “Look, you don’t need a boyfriend right now. You’re taking care of so many people and that’s great, but that is time consuming already. If you have a boyfriend, then you will pay more attention to them and counting the time you spend taking care of us, will make you neglect your life and study and fail school. Which is something I do not want to happen.”

Your eyebrow raise “Conclusion?”

“You don’t need a boyfriend, or at least right now you should focus on taking care of yourself. You did a lot to us, let us take care of you in return.” Jeno whispers, and deep inside his heart he adds “or maybe let me take care of you in a way you always wish to get. You don’t know how much I love you and seeing you want a boyfriend only pains me. Will I be ready to lose you?”

“Fine. It’s not like I can buy one from a store.” You start walking again and Jeno follows you.

“Silly idea, ignore that okay.” You feel shy about saying that to him, what will Jeno think of you? A creepy freak.

NO. IN JENO’S HEAD YOU LOOK SUPER CUTE. WANTING TO HAVE A BOYFIE, EVEN GOING INTO THE DETAILS.

“Alright, this is it, good bye and good night (y/n)” Jeno waves as you enter your porch and open the door. You look to the house right next to yours, separated just by a wall. Yes he is your neighbor.

“Good night Jeno! Thank you for accompanying me.” You disappear behind the door and continue your lonely life.

“Hey Jaehyun hyung-“ you greet your brother who is amazingly already homed already at this time.

“Oh hey, dinner is on the table.” He juts his chin to the dining table and your eyes fall to the set of plates.

“You’ve eaten?” you ask while washing your hands, getting ready to change and eat.

He nods “Boss was awful today, I got home quickly and was hungry. Sorry I left you to eat by yourself.”

“Any news about mom?” you ask when you’re back on the table ready to eat.

Jaehyun still sits in front of the TV, looks like he is having a bad day and is afraid of lashing emotions to you, thus he avoids you.

“She’s probably with that man again. No news.” He sounds bitter. Well, after father left mom also left to find another man. You were left alone with your brother, who has to work hard for you and him.

“Help me with some clothes will you?” Jaehyun asks when you’re done cleaning up and washing the dish. “We need to deliver the laundries to the neighbors.” Jaehyun stands up from his seat and goes back to you with a packed fresh clothes.

You and your brother run a small laundry services for the neighbors here. Well, your family left both of you with the house and utilities inside them, one of which is a laundry machine and a dryer. So for additional income you and Jaehyun did laundries.

“It’s by the end of the road, can you please drop this tomorrow morning? I am taking the one on the other side.” He shows you which packages should go where and with that you leave to your room.

You’re glad your father still pays for your tuition, but you have to keep your scholarship going or you’ll be in trouble. Right as you finish studying and doing your papers, your phone vibrates and Jeno’s name appear.

“Good night (y/n), sweet dreams!”

You glance to the window and look into the window across yours, it’s Jeno’s room and you can see his silhouette sitting on his desk probably still gaming. You smile a little and text him back and the next thing you see is his room going dark. Oh he really is sleeping!

You set your alarm and also take the long awaited sleep you needed.

--

“Good morning (y/n) oh and Jaehyun hyung!” Jeno greets you and Jaehyun on the front of your house. Jaehyun’s locking the door and taking his bike to work.

“Morning Jeno.” You feel happier with this kind of small acts. It’s not new, but something about his smile and genuine happiness is making you energized.

“Don’t forget to drop the laundry.” Jaehyun said after hugging you goodbye.

You don’t forget. With Jeno on your side, you walk to the house on the edge and knock on their door to deliver the package and receive the money. It’s nothing big, but definitely enough to buy you lunch and safe some for the piggy bank.

“Still running the laundry business eh?” he looks surprised, guess you usually deliver them not in the morning or he’d known already.

“Yes, usually I send them near evening, but today is special. Imagine if the school finds out I am doing this, maybe they’ll stop saying I bought my friendship, right?” you try to liven up the mood but Jeno is in pain.

“Let’s just enjoy the day!” Jeno boldly hugs your shoulder from the side and drags you with him into the school.

“Woah what’s with the sudden closeness??” Jaemin interrogates once he saw you and Jeno entering the school in an uncommon way, which is Jeno bringing your bag and having you on his back.

“She fell on the way here, and I guess she has to check her ankles and clean her wound.” Jeno shuffles you up on  his back and you hide your face from the stares.

“Oh hurry then! I’ll help with the bags. Leave it here, Renjun can help me.” Jaemin takes over your stuffs and Jeno makes a run to the nurse office. There is still no one on duty, but he knows basic help.

He washes the blood carefully and puts disinfectant to your scrap, you almost kick him but his reflects are quick.

“I think your ankle is swelling. I am no professional but that is not normal.” He points to your ankle and right, its not.

“Do you want me to stay here? We can skip the first quarter and wait until you feel better. You fell hard earlier, did you black out?” Jeno sounds worried. Well he remembered how you suddenly wobble, lose balance and fell before Jeno could catch you.

“Forgot breakfast I guess.” You bite your lips and Jeno in a dash of an eye has fled from the room and return with a pack of milk and sandwich.

“Eat, or you’ll faint again.” He gently opens the wrapper for you and like his promise stays with you there.

“Want to listen to this?” he suddenly hands you one earphone piece and you pick it up carelessly. Not realizing that Jeno has been doing the things you wish to receive from a man.

“Nice song,” you comment as you focus with your left ear to the music playing. You don’t feel anything weird until break time comes and Renjun surprises both of you.

“Oh sorry for disturbing! I was just going to check on you but I guess I came in the wrong time.” He chuckles nervously and disappears before you can call him and say nothing is happening.

That’s when you lock eyes with Jeno, one piece of earphone connecting both of your ear and he was near to you. Oh now you understand.

“He thought we were in a moment?” you giggle

Jeno smiles, he loves seeing you this happy. He laughs too and brushes your hair away “This is it right? Something you want to experience. Getting taken care of, doing cheesy things like this.” He teases you

Realization hits you late and you laugh until a tear escapes your eye “You’re right! This… oh gosh! Jeno are you trying to let me feel this sensation?”

“What sensation?” his heart suddenly beats faster.

“Like I am treasured and getting taken care of? I feel loved??” you sound so happy and that makes Jeno both happy and sad. Happy to see your genuine laugh and sad why hasn’t he noticed this sooner.

“You deserve this (y/n), and I am stupid for not realizing this sooner.” He holds your hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.

You suddenly feel butterflies in your stomach, Jeno’s close body doesn’t help your heart beat slower and the music playing in your ear is no longer clear. You can only hear your heart beating faster and your eyes are only locked inside Jeno’s deep warm eyes. Why did you not notice this? His eyes are warm and comfortable. You never want to cut this moment.

“I’m going to break the rules, why don’t we try to step further like more than friends?” he turns red and you are sure your cheeks are also red.

“Guess we can try and see where it leads us to,” you sing song give him the green light.

“Okay then, from now on, don’t be surprised if I change into your dreamy boyfriend type.” He winks and you laugh. Life’s great and you’re happy whenever you are with Jeno.

Maybe you both did not realize that life brought you together for a long time not just to be friends but something more.

That something, is going to be decided when both of you are ready to find out!

For now, you’re glad that Jeno took the first step into getting to know you as more than friends, and you are more than ready to share what you’re dealing with to Jeno.

  end

[chimmyrockbison]

MASTERLIST Updated 03/20/2021

COMPLETED AO3 FICS [Kim Taehyung/Park Jimin]

1. The Sound of Your Heart

Summary: There was something so easy about it, it was almost scary. Taehyung didn’t want to feel this way, didn’t want to feel this overwhelming fondness; but not unlike his head, his heart was hard to persuade once it had decided a path. And Taehyung was scared that it had decided on the mute new boy with pretty features and a warm smile.

Words: 144,014

2. All the King's Men

Summary: Castle servants Jimin and Taehyung find themselves involved in a game with the Crown Prince.

Words: 52,531

3. golden haze

Summary: Taehyung watches Jimin’s mouth twist into a pout, forming the word ‘fucking’ with his thick lips before he’s whipping out his translation device again. Taehyung doesn’t have time to stop him when various pornographic images pop up on his holographic screen, Jimin’s eyes widening with intrigue, his mouth falling open at the suggestive images in front of him.

(or: lonely college student taehyung harbors an alien fugitive in his apartment. nothing goes as planned.)

Words: 34,850

4. Drag'on Together (Love Is Its Own Magic)

Summary: “I swear to God, Taehyung if you stop to pick up one more rock because you think it might be some sort of rare stone, I’m leaving you here,” Jimin huffs as he tries to sound intimidating.

“Jiminnie, we both know you wouldn’t survive a minute without me, so stop with the empty threats, okay?” Taehyung replies, happily ignoring his dark-haired friend.

Jimin would argue, he would, if it wasn’t for the fact that Taehyung was right.

or

The time Taehyung and Jimin finds a blue rock and it turns out to be so much more.

Words: 30,554

5. even the weariest river

Summary: It's moments like this that make Taehyung panic. The open derision on each courtier's face, the scorn of his brother as he turns from his prey. The slit of Park Jimin's eyes, just barely open and dark and hateful, as Taehyung swallows and squares his shoulders and says—

"I want to claim him."

The tides of war change, and sweep Taehyung and Jimin along with them.

Words: 152,979

6. i fell in love with the pizza delivery guy (and then i blew him in the bathroom)

Summary: Send your best delivery guy. Preferably cute, preferably packing.

“You're the one who ordered me,” Taehyung says. Not exactly a question; more of a statement.

“Well, I ordered pizza; you just happen to be a delightful bonus,” Jimin clarifies, lips drawn up in a smirk that sets Taehuyung’s blood on fire in a most delectable way. “Although, had I known a pretty face like yours was working there...maybe I would have been more specific with my instructions. At least I know for next time.”

(or, Jimin orders pizza and a little something extra, and Taehyung delivers without really knowing what he's signing up for)

Words: 18,438

7. Grand Jeté

Summary: Refusing to spend another night alone, Taehyung surprises his perfectionist of a boyfriend Jimin at his dance studio with the intent of dragging him home. But their pent-up emotions from spending time apart has the visit ending with a lot of kissing and a little experimenting.

Words: 8,200

8. Already Midnight

Summary: On New Year's Eve, Taehyung is drunk. So drunk that he doesn't recognize Jimin as his boyfriend. When Jimin kisses him at midnight, Taehyung threatens to call his man- aka Jimin.

Words: 3,951

9. Worth The Risk

Summary: The rules are simple: no kissing on the lips, no petnames, no cuddling after sex, no sleepovers, no labels, and no catching feelings.

It should be simple. In fact, it would be simple, if it weren’t for one tiny thing...Taehyung is pretty sure he’s in love with Jimin. And that’s absolutely against the rules.

Words: 23,645

10. Common Ground

Summary: Taehyung is rich, a little bit bratty, a lot a bit spoiled, and failing calculus. Jimin works full time, tutors, and is a straight-A student. There's a rulebook somewhere that states very clearly that people like Jimin should never associate with people like Taehyung. But rules are meant to be broken. And opposites always, always attract.

Words: 44,136

11. This is not a dream

Summary: He would think they were ships in the night if not for the fact that every night, Jimin lays his head in Taehyung’s lap and Taehyung runs fingers without nerve endings through his hair. If they didn't have this false, teasing closeness long enough to learn every detail of each other's lives, long enough that Jimin is the person Taehyung spends the most time with by a mile.

(Jimin leaves. Two months later, he falls in love with Taehyung.)

Words: 12,370

12. Shooting Stars and Silver Moons

Summary: Yoongi and Jimin make a bet, Taehyung makes bad decisions.

(Or: "I'm kind of pissed you didn't choose me to fake date, I'm your best friend")

Words: 20,206

13. the whole world is blue

Summary: Taehyung is not going to confess. That kind of thing never ends well. The movies are wrong. It doesn't always turn out to be mutual. Real life isn't so romantic like that.

Words: 10,829

14. Swipe Right

Summary: As a best friend, Jimin will do anything for Taehyung. This includes being his fake boyfriend to ward off the unwanted attention Taehyung is receiving after using a dating app and agreeing to meet someone.

Words: 26,085

15. Define Me in Terms of You

Summary: This is either Taehyung's greatest idea, or his worst.

“So, let me get this straight. You want me to teach you how to play guitar, join a fake band and enter a competition just so that you can impress a guy you like?"

Words: 9,808

16. i just adore you asking for more

Summary: Taehyung is a successful model looking for a discreet release. Jimin is a professional dom who won’t judge his browsing history.

Words: 90,201

17. Sirius

Summary: "Dude, our entire relationship could be an Ed Sheeran album."

Words: 16,955

18. it's your heart i wanna live (& sleep) in

Summary: The first time Jimin sleeps over at Taehyung's, it's an emergency. The other times after? That's a different story.

Words: 22,658

19. kissing up on fences (and up on walls, i don't want to fall)

Summary: They’ve always been close, Taehyung and Jimin. Where one went, it would be rare to see them without the other. This is a fact Namjoon knows better than most, having coexisted with them in close quarters for such a long time.

Namjoon had not, however, for all his proclaimed wisdom and prudence, had the foresight to see that they’d become this close.

(or: the five times the other members thought they were dating, and the one time jimin starts to wonder if they really are)

Words: 8,738

20. The Usual

Summary: Alternatively titled: The Regular

Jimin will date anyone, except for boys who serve coffee.

Words: 27,935

21. i'm so sorry but it's fake love (tbh, not really)

Summary: when chaebol/commitment anti-fan park jimin learns he's being married off, he does the smartest thing in the world: hire a fake boyfriend he found on the internet (aka Craigslist's personal ads)

all he needs is just three months with said fake boyfriend to convince his parents to leave him alone. after that, he'll get back to his regular programming.

except, not really.

Words: 209,565

22. Gravity//Oxygen

Summary: He already lost his parents.

He'll be damned if he loses Jimin's smile too.

We stay together.

Always.

Taehyung is out for revenge. And he'll do anything to get it.

Words: 180,321

23. A Screenshot of Youth

Summary: There’s a sharp intake of breath, Taehyung’s grip tightening over Jimin’s with a gentle squeeze. “Jimin,” his voice is serious, and Jimin watches him, strangely endeared. “Let’s be friends.”

And it’s like this, that they begin as friends in the heat of a sweltering summer, twelve years old and too young to think much of it, hands twined together under the blanket of a setting sun.

(In which Jimin and Taehyung grow up together.)

Words: 18,496

24. i'll take the desert, you take the coast

Summary: “Everyone I know is a candlestick nearing its demise. They’re afraid of bringing meaning into their lives, of cultivating that glow. But you, prince Park Jimin, you are different. You glow with the passion of more than a thousand suns.”

Words: 30,973

25. just to get a taste

Summary: The one where Jeongguk dares Jimin and Taehyung to kiss and it unravels a lot of feelings. But mostly more kisses.

Or the one where Jimin's heart is stupid and Jimin's best friend is actually irresistible. Who'd've thunk, huh?

Words: 24,375

26. tell them it's the end

Summary: Five months after Taehyung suddenly walked out on him, Jimin finds out that Taehyung has yet to inform his family, who absolutely loved Jimin, about their split.

Jimin tries to swallow his feelings as he once again “dates” Taehyung.

Words: 13,802

27. stay with you

Summary: Taehyung wondered why he always see this blonde man, getting wasted every night. Its such a shame seeing his pretty face wasting every single night of his life in this bar.

Until he saw his eyes, and he understood why.

(Or Jimin is broken and he wanted his happiness back.)

Words: 12,875

28. ring the changes

Summary: That's the nature of one-sided confessions. Things change.

Words: 45,248

29. summer, winter, spring (i'm falling for you)

Summary: The school starts to take notice of Jimin.

Taehyung has always noticed.

Words: 41,786

30. Make Me-al

Summary: In which Jimin starts to work at Jin's restaurant and there he meets Taehyung, the new rookie waiter that kinda gets him off his nerves (the feeling is mutual). Yet, the tension between them is hotter than the ovens from the kitchen...

Words: 26,886

31. such stuff as dreams are made on

Summary: "sir no one, may i have this dance?"

or: kim taehyung, a kitchen boy, sneaks into a royal masquerade. park jimin is the prince he never expected.

Words: 38,753

[girlgrouptrash101]

Hyewon (IZ*ONE) - Study Buddy

Request: “can i request for a soft hyewon whose girlfriend is studying but she really really wants affection tysm ily :D and also hyewon as your high school crush kdsjskd im hopelessly in love with her”

Word Count: 1,230 Words

Warnings: just fluffy mate innit

A/N: hi lol (yes this was definitely a very valuable and necessary author’s note. anyways stan iz*one)

- C

After finishing classes early on friday, you’d come home early to get a headstart on your studying for next week’s exams. While you usually walked home with your girlfriend, Hyewon, she had to stay behind today to go through a paper with one of her teachers, so you left without her. After a long walk home with a backpack full of books, you found yourself pushing through your front door and making a beeline for your bedroom, wanting to hit the books as soon as possible. You left the door unlocked as you went, knowing Hyewon would probably be coming right over to your place after she finished school anyways.

Not even bothering to take off your school uniform, you sat down in your chair, pulling out a copybook and your laptop to get to work. Your brows furrowed as you became immersed in your work, not allowing yourself to be distracted by anything or anyone around you. You didn’t even hear the front door close or Hyewon calling out for you as she came in, your books stealing every bit if attention you had. Hyewon came into your bedroom a minute later, greeting you and hopping onto your bed. Her eyebrow raised as you barely said hello; a small mumble coming from your direction was all she could get out of you. Your girlfriend decided to leave you be, kicking off her school shoes and getting comfy on your mattress.

After a while, Hyewon was getting frustrated. She hadn’t heard a single word from you since she’d arrived, and she’d scrolled through every social media and watched enough tiktoks to last her a week. Now she wanted you instead.

Hyewon sighed out as she lay on your bed, trying to get your attention away from your books and onto her instead. When you didn’t hear her, she sighed even louder, lifting up her arms and legs and dropping them down on the bed again to try and distract you. After her attempts to disturb you failed, she called out your name.

“Y/N, baby~” She cooed, rolling her head over to look at you.

“Mmm?” You replied halfheartedly, not really listening to the fed-up girl behind you.

“Can you finish up now? I miss youuuuu!” She called out again, doing her best to get you to give up your books and come to her instead. You put down your pen and turned to Hyewon, an eyebrow raised.

“Look, hye, you know I have to keep my grades up for these exams, and I can’t do that without putting the work in. We can do whatever you want once I’m finished. Okay?” You said quickly, not waiting for an answer as you turned around and began working again. However, that just wasn’t good enough for Hyewon. When she wants cuddles and attention from you, there’s nothing that could stop her.

Getting up off the bed, Hyewon walked over to your desk and spun your chair around. You tried to spin back to continue working, but she had a vice grip on the chair handles that told you you wouldn’t be going anywhere, anytime soon. 

Hyewon climbed onto your lap, your arms automatically moving around her waist to make sure she didn’t fall off. Your breath hitched you noticed just how close she was to your face now, her eyes scanning your features as she sat there.

“Uh, baby, what’s up?” You asked quietly, her dark orbs staring into yours. She smirked as you looked at her, her beauty always taking you by surprise.

“I told you I missed you, didn’t I? Is wanting to be with you such a crime?” Hyewon asked, leaning closer to kiss your temple, followed by her tucking strand of hair behind your ear. You shook your head softly in response, pulling her further into you as she kissed your cheek this time, dangerously close to your lips. You shook your head slowly in response to her question, your eyes locked onto her lips as she nudged impossibly closer.

“You can study later. Now, kiss me.” Hyewon demanded, and you closed the gap immediately. Your hands splayed across her back as you pulled her further into you, Hyewon’s hands lopping around your neck. Her lips felt insanely soft against your own; each kiss you shared with her felt like your first. Hyewon’s hands moved up to thread in your hair as yours dropped lower, playing with the hem of her plaid skirt. Your lips moved in such harmony, both of you losing track of time as you got lost in the blissful feeling of one another. Neither of you wanted to pull away, but eventually you had to breathe.

“Thanks baby.” Hyewon said, winking and jumping off your lap, walking back to your bed and sitting on the mattress.

“Hey! You think you can just do that and then get up like nothing happened? Come here you little-” Hyewon screamed and giggled as you jumped on top of her, your hands tickling at her sides as you teased her. You managed to pin her flailing arms around her head as you sat above her, both of you frozen again as you realised the implications of your current position. Grinning softly, you leaned down to capture your girlfriend’s lips once again, feeling her smiling back into the kiss as she leaned up to meet you. After releasing her hands, they automatically moved to pull you flat against her, holding your body against hers. 

“Hey, baby, hey!” You laughed as you tried to pull away, much to Hyewon’s apparent disappointment as she puckered your lips and attempted to sit up and pepper kisses all over your face. 

“Listen, you;ve got my attention now, there’s no way I’m going back to the books. Do you want to watch a movie or something?” You asked, leaning down to press another quick peck to your girlfriend’s lips as you waited for her answer.

“Of course I do babe, can we order food though? I’, starvinggggg~” She exclaimed, already reaching for her phone to call up the local delivery place.

“Hye, you’re always starving. But go ahead and order the usual, I’m gonna go grab my laptop and some drinks.” Hyewon nodded and you hopped off the bed, moving downstairs to grab the movie supplies. The food was soon delivered to your doorstep a few minutes later, and Hyewon answered the door and paid while you connected your laptop to the television in your room. Hyewon let you pick the film, not caring about anything else now that she had you and food by her side. What more could she want?

You couldn’t help but smile to yourself as you took in your surroundings. You had the love of your life nestled into your side, good food and a shitty movie on television that had the both of you cracking up every second. This was seriously the highlight of your life, and you absolutely adored nights like these when it was just you and your baby. 

You’d trade anything to spend every night like this, even if it meant sacrificing a few grades here and there.

[oyaterriblyfunnyreallywitty]

Breathe

Warnings: heartache

Word Count: 1577

Summary : Reader x Draco mini story based on the song Breathe by Taylor Swift

I see your face in my mind as i drive away

cause none of us thought it was going to end that way

Hermione hugged you tight as sobbed into her shirt, Harry kept glancing to the back seat, his own heart aching at the sight.

Ron kept turning too despite being your driver as you all coursed through the muggle world sky en route to Rons where the four of you would be spending the summer.  

“Y/n, he’s really not worth it. He’s the worst thing ever. Do you have any idea how much better you deserve? You’re like the best-“

“RON!” Both Hermione and Harry shouted making you glance up, tear streaked face breaking into a laugh.

Ron had been facing the backseat while delivering his heartfelt speech and almost driven you all into the side of a skyscraper which despite the car’s invisibility feature would’ve left a pretty visible dent.

They all looked at you again, all smiles at the sound of your laughter. This only made you crumple back into a ball of tears, remembering Draco dumping you not even ten minutes ago.

Hermione opened her arms letting you bury yourself once again, eventually falling into a restless sleep.

“That loathsome man child! I just knew he wouldn’t ever bring any good into our lives.” that was Hermione, her hand gently brushing through your hair unaware that you could hear them.

“It’s Malfoy, did we really expect he could ever care about anything? Much less y/n’s heart. That foul git.” said Harry through clenched teeth.

“Just wait till we get back, I’ll show him. That coward, smart of him to do it at the platform! He knows he wouldn’t have lived to tell the story had I gotten my hands on him!”

“Ron, don’t shout. You’ll wake her.” Hermione hushed, cupping her hand over your ear.

You smiled, despite the gaping hole in your chest you felt overwhelming love as you listened to your best friends sentiments finally falling into a deep sleep as you did.

Music starts playing like the end of a sad movie

It’s the kind of ending you don’t really wanna see

You stood across from your boyfriend at the platform, luggage in hands and goodbyes in mouth. He gave you a smile that didn’t quiet reach his eyes.

This should’ve rang alarms in your tiny love sick brain, but of course it didn’t.

He pulled you into the longest and tightest hug ever.

Again, this should've been another red flag since he’s never been one for PDA if only you hadn’t been so lovestruck with him.

“Wow, Draco. We’ll be back together in three months. Wouldn’t have guessed you’d miss me this much.” you chuckled against his shoulder hugging as tight as you could his broad shoulders.

Maybe if you’d paid more attention you wouldn’t have felt like a train just hit you when he said what he did next.

“Y/n,” he said gently peeling you off him, “there..” he swallowed and avoided your eyes, focusing on the platform 9 and 3/4 sign. “there’s no us when we return.” his eyes finally met yours.

Today they took on a grey tone. How fitting, just how your heart felt.

His mouth kept moving, perhaps an explanation?

You couldn’t hear what he was saying anymore.

Not that it mattered.

You turned on your heels at once, every sad song you’d ever heard playing in your head.

None of which could describe the heartache you felt as your boyfriend of two years dumped you at the train station.

You began seeing blurry when you bumped hard into someone were grateful it was Harry’s voice that came from them.

“Y/N?"

He wrapped his arms around you tightly, leading you out of the station and into Ron's car swiftly.

Ron and Hermione not far behind, each with part of your luggage, very much unaware of what was happening but hurrying to your aid.

People are people and sometimes it doesn’t work out

But it’s killing me to see you go after all this time

The first week was awful, you couldn’t even bring yourself to eat.

Ron attempting to spoon feed you was an epic fail.

Hermione’s health lecture on skipping meals only made you feel worse.

Even Harry’s cooking didn’t get you to eat more than a single strand of bacon.

On the 9th day of your cauldron cakes and licorice wands diet, they called back up.

The three cowards pretended not to hear as Mrs. Weasley called you over downstairs.

Unaware of the intervention you didn’t think twice about heading down without them, assuming they’d be close behind.

Mrs. Weasley sat at the kitchen table with what looked a feast placed in front of her.

Not even your sense of smell was working these days but you managed a, “Smells great Mrs. Weasley, I’ll go get them.”

“No, please y/n come join me.” she said waving her hand for you to come down.

You caught on to what was going on the moment you turned back and saw the three heads peeking from Ron’s door then duck when you saw them.

“Oh,” she scooted over on the bench patting the spot next to her, “heartbreaks can be a terrible thing. We are such complicated creatures really, and sometime we just don’t fit.” she said, voice filled with empathy as you took your seat next to her.

Your bottom lip quivered and you nodded.

She grabbed a plate and began scooping mashed potatoes and peas into it, “It is a long process y/n. It might be a while before you feel like yourself again, and even then, it’ll be a new self.” She added a chicken leg and set the plate down in front of you.

“It is very important dear, that you don’t forget who comes before any boy ever will.” She was now grabbing a bowl and pouring some type of soup into it.

Tears were freely rolling down your cheeks, and as she sat the bowl down next to the plate Mrs. Weasley caught sight of them. She promptly engulfed you into a motherly hug.

“You do darling. You beautiful, sweet, and caring girl. You must remember this always.” she said lovingly, pulling back to wipe the tears.

You only nodded, if words hadn’t failed you, you could’ve explained they were happy tears. Mrs. Weasley had reminded you there was a light at the end of this dark, and endless seeming corridor.

For the first time in days you ate actual food with a renewed appetite.

its 2 am, feeling like i just lost a friend.

hope you know its not easy for me

You woke up to Hermione shaking you awake, her face pale with concern.

Two very groggy Ron and Harry stood behind her, worry plastered all over their sleepy faces.

“You were screaming.” she said softly, pushing your hair out of your face.

You sat up, suddenly very embarrassed.

“I’m so sorry.” you said looking at each of them.

They all shook their heads, an apology wasn’t needed.

“We just wanted to know if you were okay is all.” said Harry, giving you a reassuring smile.

“Must’ve been a nightmare, what was I saying?” you said with a light laugh.

They exchanged looks, Hermione shaking her head at the boys.

“Oh you know, something about demento-oof” Ron shut up as Harry elbowed him.

“Nothing intelligible.” said Hermione with a faint smile, “Lets all head back to sleep its two in the morning, and tomorrow will be a long day.” she stood up off the edge of the bed. As they all began walking back out, you called on the worst one at keeping secrets.

“Ron?”

He turned, his face fell and he looked anywhere in the room but at you.

“Draco.” he said, the name being self explanatory of what your nightmare was about.

You nodded and then exchanged goodnights again wishing you hadn’t asked, Hermione always knew best.

Thankfully you couldn’t remember the dream but just his name kept you up until Harry barged in at seven telling you it was time to go down.

Today he was going to be teaching Ron tricks that would ensure he be on the quidditch team this upcoming semester, and you and Hermione got to watch it play out, lucky you!

Although each day was getting better, last night had been proof that some days the loss felt as raw as it did that day on platform 9 and 3/4.

You’re the only thing I know like the back of my hand

The four of you were having a picnic reviewing your upcoming classes and the supplies required as dictated by your Hogwarts letters. You spotted a strange recipe that you’d be required to buy the ingredients for to use in potions class.

“Draco was dreading this potion so much, this is literally his worst subject. I really don’t think he’ll make it out alive if we’re not paired up with them this semester.” you smiled to yourself remembering that specific talk that had taken place after he snuck you past the Slytherin common room and into his dorm room.

Your friends froze and you gasped at the realization.

“He’s pretty bad in all subjects.” joked Hermione, quickly rescuing you from that awkward dead end conversation.

The rest of the afternoon flew by and although your heart felt better than it had in weeks you couldn’t help but wonder what you would do with all these little things you knew about Draco and all this love your heart had for him.

Where would all of the stories and love go?

Would the stories you’d shared slowly become obsolete as you grew into different people?

Would the love just stop being there one of these days?

The answer was no, you realized a few days later as you spotted his platinum hair and your eyes met his from across the platform.

And I can’t breathe without you but I have to..

[lettrespromises]

> LettresPromises informs you : You have one notification.

💌.anon sent a letter:

❝hi there!:) do you think that i can request a headcannon with nishinoya and akaashi(separated) and how they would react when they find out the reader can sing? i’m sorry if i requested incorrectly!❞

💌.the author’s letter:

❝dear anon,

thank you for both requesting correctly and for trusting me with that wonderful idea of yours— i hope these letter will meet your expectations. take care of yourself!

sealed with a kiss,

nikki.❞

> Akaashi Keiji sent you a letter, would you like to read it?

I do believe that Akaashi has some sense of connection to arts whether it’s literature, music or paintings. He just appreciates various forms of arts as it matches his calm nature and he seeks comfort in art whenever he wants to take a mental break from school and relax.

So, naturally, Akaashi entertains a certain liking for music in particular. He also likes to create links between the emotions weighing on his heart and the musics he’s bound to choose. For instance, his musical genre of predilection when he’s studying is either classical music or lofi music. He just believes that studying whilst listening to music with lyrics will distract him from the dull alignements of sentences inked in his textbook.

It’s one of these moments— when Akaashi is at your place studying with you because you’re a firm believer that group studying motivates you as you’re under Akaashi’s watch. On the other one hand, Keiji doesn’t miss this chance to spend time with you, even if you’re studying.

You just can’t seem to concentrate, Akaashi does regularly use music to focus as his memory offers him the ability to remember things better when he associates informations to sounds but you unfortunately don’t share that.

So you’re just staring at the ceiling, hoping that in a way or another, you will miraculously be able to retain all the information at once.

Spoiler : it never works.

Akaashi, on the other one hand, is living his best life— the lofi music is echoing in the room, he can feel your presence, he has the sentiment that he’s actually remembering what’s on his notes, he even smiles at himself for doing so.

So eventually, you just decide to leave your bedroom with the excuse of saying that you’re going to take a break and have a snack but truthfully, you know you can’t stay in there any longer and need a distraction from this. 

As soon as you reach the kitchen and take a mug whilst the water is boiling, you hum to yourself the lyrics of a song you heard on the radio while your fingers tap the surface of the counter to set a tempo. 

You don’t know why this song in particular, it probably has the ideal rhythm to be stuck in your head subconsciously. 

But soon enough, as the boiling machine rivals the level of sound of your hums, you take it a bit further and apply more pressure on your vocal cords and find yourself actually singing in the middle of your kitchen. 

The words leave your lips in a magical manner, as if they were dripping in honey, and the soft sounds of your fingers tapping against the counter and the spoon hitting your mug give you the perfect musical set to continue.

Eventually, you become lost in harmony and continue doing so as you pour the scorching hot water in your mug as the bag of tea infuse and colors the transparent liquid. 

And you reach the extent where you become so lost that you don’t even hear the steps hitting the steps of the stairs, one must admit that your voice is covering the noise.

 Akaashi stops for a moment, truthfully, he wanted to come down to check on you and perhaps to give himself a little break as well as a form of guilty pleasure. But his orbs grow a gleam in their irises which reflects all the love he has for you and he’s wondering if you can feel how much he loves you just from that stare alone. 

He doesn’t dare to interrupt you, he just wants to bask in your glory and soak in the beauty of this instant as he finds his eardrums being blessed by your voice sent from heaven. He finds himself using his palm to rest is head on whilst his forelimb is laying on the ramp of the stairs to enjoy even further the moment.

But oh, as you turn around to put the assortment of teas right where it belonged, your eyes widen in surprise and the melody leaving your lips fades to allow the appearance of a sound of surprise instead. The grip. on the assortment tightens, the tip of your fingers turn white due to the pressure, it’s the sole way you found to evacuate how shameful you were.

“Why did you stop singing all of a sudden, love? I thought you sang beautifully.” Akaashi states and you could tell truth predominated his tone, he tilts his head ever so slightly to the side to emphasize his interrogation. 

“Keiji, um-... You weren’t exactly supposed to hear all of this.” You stutter and the words almost die on your lips due to how embarrassed you’re feeling and the rosy tone coloring your cheeks emphasizes that.

“I don’t see anything to feel ashamed of.” He continues as he’s reducing the space between the two of you ever so calmly not to startle you because you look like a deer caught in the headlights. “You have the sound of an angel, has anyone ever told you that?” Akaashi concludes his sentence with a smile, but you don’t fail to miss the genuine love showing through the corner of his smile.

You mirror the same smile in return but felt obligated to hide your face, now burnt by the compliments, in Akaashi’s chest. He considers each time he manages to successfully fluster you as a secret victory.

Akaashi lets his fingertips run through the roots of your hair and delivers a soft peck upon the crown of your hair, it was so light, you thought you had missed it for a second. 

“Will you sing for me more often, love? Call me selfish, but I just can’t get enough of your voice.” He asks as he is kissing his interrogation into your skin, and you just hum against his chest in response.

And ever since that day, Akaashi stopped listening to classical or lofi music, he only swears by your voice to study.

> Nishinoya Yuu sent you a letter, would you like to read it?

Now, now, this one is... Less calm than Akaashi.

Out of the two of you, he’s always the one who’s singing his lungs out until reaching the limits of his vocals cords: you can’t count the days where you had to nurse him by showering him in honey and warm milk to soothe his martyr of a throat.

Nishinoya will and can sing anywhere : training, in the hallways of school, at Tanaka’s place, in the shower. His... singing talents know no limit and he feels like he has the duty to share his “talents” with the rest of the world to make this world a better place.

You, on the other one hand, feel a bit more reserved to sing in front of him and always find the excuse that you don’t want to outshine his vocal abilities, something Noya will first pout at then grin in satisfaction. 

(He knows he’s a star, it’s just a matter of time until he sells out concert venues.)

So picture this— you’re coming back from practice with Noya, and like every Friday nights, the tradition states that the both of you spend the night together and watch movies while snacking and cuddling, a dreamy program, right?

And like every Friday night, you always take your shower before the movie starts because, deep down, you know you’re bound to pass out as you reach the first half of the movie (and Noya has to carry you back to your room, every, single, time.)

Anyone can agree on the fact that taking a shower equals being alone in the world and pure serenity enveloping you. In other words, the shower is the best stage you could have asked for to reveal your talents in singing. 

Your fingertips brush the tip of the shampoo bottle before firmly grasping it, and magically, the plain shampoo bottle turnt into the most sophisticate of microphones. 

And thus the concert begins, it’s a medley of all your favorite songs and the purity of your voice embraces perfectly the lyrics as they flow freely out of your mouth, as if you had written the songs yourself. 

Your grip tightens on the shampoo bottle until your fingertips turn white, but the passion running through this pseudo microphone echoes to the passion coursing through your vocal cords as you apply specific attention to match the higher tones of certain notes.

However, high notes, especially when they come from a room where the sound is muffled by the sound of the water hitting the tiles, may or may not sound like a scream of distress to a certain someone... 

... And by a certain someone, I mean none other than Nishinoya.

The latter slams the door open, the fantasy of being the brave knight in shiny armor and help his significant other is vivid in his head and truthfully, it added more fuel to the motivation of his deeds.

“Babe? I heard you screaming! Are you alr-...!” Noya trails off before being mesmerized by the sound of your voice enveloping his eardrums in pure bliss. 

But, that’s when you scream in surprise.

So Nishinoya also screams back in surprise. 

“Noya?! What are you doing here? I’m clearly taking a shower!” 

“You were screaming and I thought you hurt yourself or something so I came to check up on you, my beautiful significant other for whom I worship the floor you walk on!” 

“I was not screaming, I was singing!” And that’s how you threw yourself to the wolves, you secretly thanked the presence of the shower curtain to hide your embarrassment and the growing blush on your cheeks which was certainly not due to the heat of the water.

“Alright then! You take your shower and I’ll sit here while listening to the voices of the angels.” 

“Noya, you’re too much...”

And that’s how you spent the rest of your evening by organizing karaokes in the living room, and throwing aside the usual movie night, singing your lungs out until you both reached exhaustion. 

Needless to say, Noya was upset you hid this from him, but now he’s so glad he has a singing buddy.

[shiberpostshere]

The Kiss Thief - Park Seonghwa Social Media AU

38. Chapter Thirty Two: No, It’s Ryan Reynolds!✨

Previous Part✨            Next Part ✨

Masterlist of the AU✨ 

Word Count: 6.7K (Buckle up, its time for a ride)

This Chapter Contains: Giggle worthy chaos and tooth decaying fluff. (An Annoyed San too.) 

It’s a regular Sunday. A quiet regular Sunday. An unusually quiet, regular Sunday that you don’t experience often as a college student.

An unusually quiet regular Sunday except for Yeri and Jongho’s loud, harmonious snores that vibrated through the lazy (almost) evening silence of the apartment while you had sneaked out like a thief bound with tinkling shackles out of the front door. 

It was exactly five minutes before 5 O’clock and you knew what noise pollution would commence once the short hand stopped perfectly atop the number five. 

The neighbour above starts angrily vacuuming to release their pent up frustration of the day or maybe to act as a thoughtful warning alarm to wake the other residents who might be napping above the universal napping time limit and the snarky middle aged lady beside, who begins banging pots and rattling spoons to prepare either her dinner or for a secret time travel battle she has to attend every single night to save the history for the sake of the present. 

You have a generous set for neighbours. 

Thankfully, you aren’t currently present in your apartment to experience the brutal murder of your ears. 

Unfortunately, you’re sandwiched in between San and Wooyoung in the shared wide back seats of the bus, stuffed to the absolute brim with sweaty and jumpy people. 

The serenity of the weekend ended when you willingly decided to step onto the Bus No. 7 for the following reasons: 

Number One, You and Wooyoung don’t drive and San owns a motorcycle that cannot carry three people at once, not without getting an overloaded vehicle ticket by pulling a stunt like that,

Number two, you have nothing better to do on a Sunday evening other than watch Yeri and Jongho scream about the WIFI and college website because they couldn’t select the classes they wanted fast enough, 

Number three, you were unable to escape from Wooyoung’s persistence but you had to get out and inhale some fresh air of the outside. 

It is a secret that you had isolated yourself in the sweet ol’ bedroom (in the name of preparing for a workshop), to take a five minutes rest which gradually progressed into knotting up your bones by rolling on the bed 24/7 and temporarily disrupting the serotonin production while watching sad movies, and

Number four, San cashed out a favour from that one time he fetched a folder from your dorm and drove fifteen minutes to deliver it because your degree was on the line. Which is why, this particular evening you need to help him out with whatever he wants to do at this Garden plus Research Centre for Thesis purposes. 

“The Thesis and Freebies Date”, term coined by Jung Wooyoung, free entertainment, food finder and a plus one, on Sunday 17th of May, 5:30 AM on the dot. 

On top of all these reasons sat Seonghwa’s last text message like a cherry on top of a cupcake of complaints. 

He sent you a picture of his americano that was loaded with ten pumps of syrup, “I’m drinking coffee😇”  

What coffeeee????!!?!?!?

Everything has failed you today. The public transportation system, your emotional support boy and your unhealthy obsessive complex believing that anything above two pumps of syrup is not coffee because you cannot handle personal preferences. 

“Why on earth is this bus full like it’s the last bus available to escape a fucking zombie aopcalypse. What is this ‘Bus to Busan’?” Your voice comes out with pure seething under your breath for only your friends to hear but you catch the old lady beside San narrowing her eyes at you with suspicion. 

San, engrossed in scrolling through his twitter and sipping his (proper) americano is least interested about your discomfort. 

“Oh I don’t know! I did suggest taking the subway instead but two idiotic people whined for five minutes straight to get on this bus.” His response is monotonous, attempting to contain himself from bursting. 

The pinching statement is directed towards you and Wooyoung who grumbled about the group having to walk after getting off the subway when the bus seemed like a better option that stopped right on the street opposite of your destination. 

Wooyoung’s frame shifts slightly onto your small seat as the hefty man beside him wiggles for space. “Yeah, Jesus Christ, if only I had had an epiphany about how crowded the bus was going to be before we board it.” 

If only you had epiphanies. 

The bus was mildly crowded when all of you had entered but became packed within the next ten minutes of collecting passengers at merely three stations. 

Poor Wooyoung is scared for his life knowing he will be ironed flat by the man if the bus jumps over a speed breaker or God forbid, decides to halt abruptly. The fear is relatable because the boy standing in front will collapse right onto your already shaky lap under any abrupt movements made by the bus. 

After five minutes of distracting himself, San shoves his phone in the pocket of his jeans and leans into your space to jab a finger at two of you simultaneously. “Yeah, Jesus Christ, if only my lazy ass friends knew how to walk but they left their legs in the semester break.” He accuses.

He is absolutely right. 

Every student, excluding the few exceptionally productive ones, collectively lost the ability to walk unless the end goal was acquiring food, money, grades and work experience. 

Wooyoung throws his hands up out of exasperation, “And you’re hundred percent sure that the subway isn’t packed?” 

You nod vigorously, supporting his argument because it doesn’t lead to admitting that you’re wrong and not once you’ll acknowledge the possibility of the missed subway having much more space than this body heat microwave of a bus that you two insisted on boarding until San gave in and agreed. 

“Yeah. Also, we’re accompanying you for your work, San.” You chide in to transfer the blame like a ten year old child and nudge the grouchy boy away from the seat with your right arm. 

San’s left brow twitches. He is definetly holding back a snarky retort. 

“Yes, yes, it’s all my fault.” He drawls on his reponse and turns his head away to ignore your presence entirely.

Apparently, it was not an unusually quiet, regular Sunday for the residents of Unit 8181 also known as the occupants of the apartment of Seonghwa and Friends who have been on the edge due to a mysterious late night incident that was not revealed to you no matter how many times you pried. 

Mingi and Yeosang were sprawled together on the couch, hidden beneath a bunch of weighty duvets which did not look like it had two people sleeping underneath it until they started untangling themselves from each other. 

Wooyoung was showering, apparently for almost an hour to scrub away his drowsiness as stated by San who has been extremely cranky and constantly keeping himself occupied with his phone and swishing and fixing his posh, sky blue cardigan (until you entered the kitchen and he dragged you out with him, suddenly all smiles). 

Yunho was the only one who appeared somewhat himself, still in his pajamas, folding questionably large amount of laundry. He mentioned ‘monopoly game night’ but you didn’t buy that excuse.

They were engaged in constant back and forth, ‘Who Can Shut the Other Guys Up In The Most Creative Way’ contest. 

Yeosang won after a house slipper flew out of his room, wheezed past your legs and landed right near the shoe rack as you stood there frozen. The aim was commendable but the action was concerning. 

Other than sarcastic remarks, all of them shared swollen eyebags due to the lack of sleep. 

A sleepy Mingi glared at you with his droopy eyes for thirty seconds, mumbled out, “Oh, it’s just you.”, trudged towards his room and slammed the door behind him. 

The apartment floor was spotless, not one obvious clutter in sight. 

Seonghwa will surely name everything he owns to them in his will once he returns in the coming week and sees the glistening state of the apartment. 

It reminds you that you, too, need to take care of that one chair that holds the tower of toppling dirty clothes in your room before he sees them and gives you an earful of nagging. 

A bead of cold sweat travels down the crevice of your neck. 

“How much longer until we arrive?” You committ the mistake of directing the question to the volcanic mountain prepared to erupt any minute now. 

The bus jostles with a screech, collectively swinging everyone forward with a painful jerk.  Shared sighs and groans echo throughout the bus. 

Staying put in your seat in this bus is more challenging than a one minute plank.

“I don’t know, he probably knows.” Wooyoung responds with a shrug, holding onto his dear life. 

“Maybe you should walk through this sea of people and ask the bus driver himself.” San suggests with an imposed smile, causing your own lips to stretch into a false one. 

“What a fantastic suggestion! I would love to use you as a human shield to push through this crowd and get to the front.” You answer, crossing your arms below your chest.

He offers you his entire irked attention.

Wooyoung’s forehead dives into the palm of his hand. He’d rather hide than let the passengers of the bus know that he is associated with the two of you. 

The agitated boy rolls his eyes, lips pressing into a thin line before he launches his lecture. “Okay, you know what (y/n)---” 

“Oh for goodness sake! Young man and young woman! Resume your couple’s banter at your place, don’t fight in public places.” The old lady whose patience was being tested this entire journey voices out her protest. 

You’re stunned for a good moment before your heads snap towards the lady, wearing similar offended expressions. 

Meanwhile, Wooyoung is holding onto his bubbling laughter. His palms having slid down from his forehead to his lips to prevent himself from laughing out loud like a maniac. 

“We are not a couple!” You both answer in a hurried chorus. 

After the frantic clarification, your eyes meet and the absurdity of the old lady’s comment wipes every single trace of the previous exchange.

Both of you break together into timed, soft giggles and the chain reaction pulls in Wooyoung who laughs into his hands to control the volume. 

The lady shakes her head at your reaction. “Well, then, not a couple, don’t fight and let me ride to my book club meeting in peace.” She states her demand, expression indicating that she is cooking incorrect judgements about your group in her mind. 

San and you offer her a quick sincere apology, suppressing the amusement derived from her assumption.  

“You two in a romantic relationship? More like a disastorous pair of wannabe edgy emo and a pissed caffeinated fantasizer. Nah, totally incompatible.” Wooyoung mutters under his breath. 

“He’d get rid of me in ten minutes.” You whisper your reasoning.  

San feels the old lady’s eyes boring holes into the back of his head, his arm nudges yours gently, “Make that five. Okay now, zip up.” His eyes and voice both firmly plead. 

“Yes sir.” You reply and shrink in your seat further to make room for Wooyoung to breathe. 

They’re quite a handful duo, alright, but they’re your handful duo and they handle you as well.

After ten minutes of bumping, shoving and tossing around the entire bus like popcorns, the three of you miraculously step out in one piece. 

You take a good five minutes to regain your normal pace of breathing again.

The relaxing wind carrying the gentle floral aroma from the garden calms your suffocated senses. 

Ah, finally, freedom from people.

The bus was overdosed with CO2. 

Your lips were zipped for most of the ride in order to avoid receiving another sneer from the old lady and making sure you don’t run out of the very last oxygen molecule present in the bus.

Wooyoung is stretching every limb of his body after being pressed in between the sandwich grill consisting of you and the giant man.

“You know what?” He pulls out a little black hair tie to control the little locks ruffling against his eyes. “Ditch me the next time I whine about not walking because that was literal hell. I am never stepping into another bus, ever again.” The determination present in his voice is almost convincing. Almost.

“You’re going to start whining when it’s time to return.” Adds San, after double checking every pocket present on his clothing.

An overwhelmingly tiring yawn falls through your lips. 

“Yeah, dude, no false promises.” You inch closer towards San to show your support.

Wooyoung’s exhausted face transforms into an unamused one, “You’re shameless.” 

Harsh but true.

“No, no, no, you last minute side switchers, get away from me. I am not claiming you.” Ignoring your presence, he simply walks towards the main entrance of the garden. 

A sickeningly sweet smile appears on your lips. “Hey, wait, I promise, I won’t take Wooyoung’s side ever again!” You say in a singsong manner, taking wide steps to catch up by San’s side. 

“Where do you think you are going?” The betrayed one gets a hold of your backpack and pulls you back with a forceful tug. 

Your shoes brush harshly against the concrete pavement. He accomplishes the task of slowing you down and makes a run for San, wheezing loudly. 

“Jung Wooyoung!” You cry out loud at his actions, your backpack flailing out of your arms. 

He treads beside his unbothered friend, front facing you from a distance. “We need to meet the professor at the research centre anyway, keep yourself busy until then!” A wink and a cackle, then he grabs San by his shoulders and disappears inside at an astonishing speed. 

Like a little kid whose ice cream has been snatched away, you stand there watching San’s waving hand and Wooyoung’s bouncy ponytail fading away.

A strong inhale and a gentle exhale, you try to calm the rapid heaving of your chest. 

“Ah, whatever! They’ll text me once they’re done.” Uttering the assuring words to yourself, you fix the carelessly hanging backpack and set course to occupy yourself in the garden until they’re done with whatever they have to do at the research centre. 

This is not the first time they have pulled this prank of abandoning you just for laughs and then frantically calling with the classic bait of “yo, come over at this food truck, we’re paying😏” 

They throw the same bait under any circumstances and it works pure magic on any living being who lives for eating. Even Seonghwa caves in, and your willpower is -2 compared to Seonghwa’s 10+ patience. 

Once you step inside the garden, you’re sure they have ditched you with good intentions as your eyes take in the lavish surroundings.

The green of nature is widespread throughout in the form of sturdy and lean trees, recently mowed grass and snipped shrubs peeking in between, all sprinkled with colourful little flowers like twinkling stars on a clear night sky. A gentle breeze whistles by within small intervals, rustling the leaves with the faintest crackling sound. 

There are feeble chirps of birds, hiding in their nests to sleep for the night. 

It is heaven on earth as the golden glow of the sun settles upon the scene. 

The lulling fragrance of roses carried along with the wind urges you to roll on the blanket of the grass and maybe even take a nap after tiring yourself but you know you’ll be thrown out because there are watchful guards scattered around. 

For once, you’re grateful that they left you behind. 

You’d rather take a walk around the garden while listening to serene songs rather than awkwardly wait behind them as they converse with the said professor they’re here to meet.  

I should explore a little before San gets into his Plant Geek Mode. 

A major path from the main entrance splits in several small, stone tracks, like a maze to explore. 

The region is vast, tranquil and maintained, no wonder a research centre lies somewhere in this arboretum.

You notice the informative display of the map, standing tall, indicating what lies in between and at the end of every track, piquing your explorer fantasy. There is a stack of small, handy maps for visitors to carry as well. 

You grab one, deciding upon the center most lane with your earphones playing the enchanting tune of Like a Flowing Wind by Day6 in a low volume.

“The North Lane leads towards the green house and the research centre.” You murmur, studying the contents of the map with much concentration. “Wooyoung and San probably went that way.” You throw a quick glance behind before resuming your stroll. 

The trail you’re currently walking on is the West Way, sheltered with tall towering trees and the Grand Elixir Fountain that lies at the end.  

You neatly fold the brochure and tuck it safely inside your pocket, saving the next spots to visit together once you regroup. 

Surprisingly, the garden doesn’t have an overflowing crowd. 

There are quite a lot of people occupying the benches and seating areas, mostly couples. You notice quite a few students, assuming they are, with their laptops and notebooks, surveying or either sitting in a formation to share their findings. 

Everyone is invested in themselves, in their own little world due to which the place feels quite private, snug and pleasant. 

The greenery, the sounds of nature, the music and soft whispers creating one whole atmosphere of contentment. 

It has been named Golden Blooms for a reason indeed. Except the Research Centre part, we’re going to ignore that for now. 

Seonghwa would absolutely love this place. There is nothing not to love about this. You can sketch a million ways of spending time here together. 

You don’t want to be a girlfriend like that but you’re to be a girlfriend like that.

A picnic after a long hectic week of continuous classes to unwind while spending quality time together, under a birch tree that casts a wide shadow beneath to watch the sunset while sharing the most mundane and silliest stories of your week and snacking on the collective bag you two usually pack before heading out for your Saturday Sunset Dates.

Maybe you’ll have to give up the spot due to its popular demand but it’ll be alright nonetheless. Instead, you’ll resort to taking every lane to check what lies at the end as Seonghwa’s personal playlist will be the perfect background music. 

The day will end with a hearty dinner and crashing in either’s bedroom, cuddling together where he always insists on being the little spoon and you always give in. 

 Oh god, I went too far. 

If just the thought has you feeling immensely giddy, how exhilarating would it feel to actually spend a day like that? 

Back to present, (Y/N), back to present. 

The uneven stone trail comes to an end as your shoes sink into the bed of the grass. Your next steps feel extremely light. 

Walking on this grass is the closet one can experience how walking on a cloud feels like. You constrain yourself from removing your socks and shoes and running around on the grass like a madman--

Holy Shit. 

The Grand Elixir Fountain is a masterpiece. 

Rather than blindingly white, it is a comforting shade of evanesce beige. The sculptures surrounding the circumference are alluring rather than intimidating of mythical water creatures from numerous mythologies.

A water nymph settles at the heart of the fountain on a wave with water sprouting from the pot she’s embracing. 

The gurgling water simmers down onto another platform shaped like a lotus, little droplets splashing on the people standing close by the edge and then gliding down from the platform into the bottom expanse to become a slow, rippling stream. 

The Fountain is a high lord, you are a mere peasant. The Fountain is the moon and you’re a small star. The Fountain is queen bee and you’re a worker bee. The Fountain is a high quality gaming PC and you’re a laptop you had to buy with an acceptable graphic card because you’re a college student who is surviving.

Maybe you’re not the best with creative descriptions but it’s okay you’re a law student any way. 

Creative writing is Yeosang’s forte and he worries about it plenty. 

“Seonghwa can’t be here but I can send him some pictures.” Pulling out your phone, you scan the area. 

An old couple are seated on a bench to the far right admiring the view, bunches of people pass by once a while either to leave or enter the area and a small group of friends are circled in a corner preoccupied within themselves.

“Okay, nothing to see here, just a college girl fangirling over a beautiful fountain.” You say it with the intent of addressing the people present but it is mostly directed towards yourself to not get embarrassed before you engage in a long photo session full of fascination over a fountain at an arboretum.

Okay, alright, let’s get this over with.  

The cause of your dubiousness is Jongho. 

He has pointed out several times that while taking photos you tend to get absorbed and switch into questionable positions just to score a worthy shot. 

You somehow manage to capture moderate looking full shots without getting any uncanny looks from the visitors around with only one close up shot left. 

The star of the fountain, the water nymph. 

It’s alright. Hopefully nobody finds you getting on one knee to capture a decent picture of the fountain uncanny. 

You’re just a harmless college girl who wants to text her boyfriend, excite him about your possible future dates and hunt for food while waiting for the two little devils to return and get working before it’s too late. 

Gentle sprinkles splash onto your face as you move a little closer with careful steps to find the best spot. The water is enticing on this boiling day.

You hold your phone up, adjusting the angle to your liking. “Okay that’s good.” 

Before you can press the capture button, a pair of hands lock around your waist, someone’s weight settling on your shoulder. 

“No, shift it a little more to the right.” A voice, obscured by the earphones, speaks extremely close to your ear, sending a quivering sensation down your spine. 

The first instinct is to freeze, your entire body numbs at the sudden action, heart beating at an alarming speed. 

It is followed by a startling scream of having a stranger’s arms wrapped around your body. The scream pierces through the placidity of the garden, birds from the trees flying away to safety out of fright.

Finally, the adrenaline rush kicks in, your physical senses registering the situation and your reflexes activate. 

The phone still connected with the earphones flies out of your hands and ears, elbows diving back to land double smacks on the intruder’s stomach to get him off your back.  

The old couple look into your direction with a panicked expression and the entire group nearby jilts up and dashes towards you to investigate the source of the scream. 

You turn around to inspect the trespasser who has landed flat on his butt, clutching onto his stomach as continuous groans and curses fall through his lips. 

“(Y/N)! What the hell!” The obscurity long gone, you recognize the familiar voice and its owner. 

Losing the energy in your legs, you fall down into a squatting position. “Seonghwa?” In a panicked state and a hesitant voice, you call his name. 

“No, it’s Ryan Reynolds.” Mockingly, he whimpers, trying to regain his knocked out senses. 

It is indeed your boyfriend who is currently supposed to be in Japan but is in pain because you landed two good elbow punches right on his stomach after his 4 hours of excitement at the airport and two hours of flight and it is definitely, hundred percent confirmed especially, after his eyes meet yours, full of pain and shooting imaginary daggers at you. 

Seonghwa expected a surprised embrace on his return. Anything but two blows right on his abdomen. 

“Park Seonghwa!” You exclaim. 

“Nope, no, I am not Park Seonghwa anymore.” He states in a faltering tone. 

“Miss, are you alright?” A boy from the far away friend circle interjects, stopping in front of you. “Is he bothering you?” His fingers wrap around your arms to pull you up. 

His other two friends help Seonghwa but with a much constrained grab on his arms.  

You look at your boyfriend being held by the two strangers and then at the boy, eyes performing a few puzzled double takes.

“Miss?” The boy reiterates his query. 

You’re dumfounded, your thoughts hazy. 

Collecting the remaining strength in your body, your hands fly in gestures of denial. “No, no, that’s my boyfriend.” 

The boys appear skeptical. They exchange disbelieving glances. 

“Are you sure? If he’s really bothering you, we can call the police right now.” One of the boys holding your boyfriend suggests with the intentions of your safety. 

The frenzied senses simmer down second by second, your hand reaches out to free him from the strangers’ hold. “No, no. Thank you so much for your help but there has been an misunderstanding, that’s all.” 

The boys release him and you replace their hold by linking his arm. 

“He is really my boyfriend. I was just surprised.” You state with complete assurance. 

“It’s also my fault for creeping up behind her. Thank you for watching out. We’re sorry for the disturbance.” Seonghwa takes the cue and bows down a little to offer a sincere apology. 

His other hand rests atop your bound one. Your gaze stays taut on him, following his actions to apologize as well. 

The boys notice your relaxed figure beside him. “Ah alright, so it was a misunderstanding.” 

You nod frantically. “Yes, yes, it was. We’re sorry.” You say politely. 

Calculating the situation, the boys exchange final greetings before trusting your relationship and leave you two with a, ‘Be careful with your surprises!’ 

The surroundings stop still until Seonghwa unlinks your arms to intertwine your fingers instead and bends down to pick up your phone. 

“Should we sit somewhere and talk?” He suggests in a composed tone. 

“Oh, right, yes.” You answer, mentally occupied collecting the dispersed bits of your comprehension grip.

You two settle on the broad bench, previously occupied by the old couple who left after the ruckus, facing each other.

“Are you okay? Does it hurt?” You search for his eyes that meet yours in a span of millisecond after the raised enquiry.

Your fingers contract and expand with hesitancy near his abdomen where you, or more accurately, your reflexes stroke him a blow. Eyes fluctuate up and down, from his face to the injured area, teeth abusing the lower lip with worry. 

His hands catch and close around your awkward ones, “It hurts but I am fine. It might be bruised but it’ll be gone with time.”  

You look at him, face full of regret, “Seonghwa, I am so sorry.” 

“It’s alright, (Y/N).” He says with the most assuring look that there is in this world, “I mean it.” 

You were worried that he might be mad about the commotion but him unlinking your arms in order to hold your hand was an indication enough that he wasn’t. 

His anger is often intelligible. He needs the time to stay mad, cool down and talks only when he is ready. The time creates an emotional distance and that distance is unbearable until his heart is ready to resolve. 

He doesn’t hold petty grudges. He certainly forgives but he doesn’t forget. Instead, he draws the line in the relationship to grow apart naturally. 

You happened to experience it once when he was conversing with a senior who had given him a hard time and oh boy, the line he drew was fiery and bone chilling cold at the same time. 

“So, that was definitely not what I expected after I decided to surprise you.” He confesses, his eyes mellow, “I should’ve listened to Hongjoong when he said that the idea is too sappy.”  

While he speaks, you’re occupied with staring at him like a hawk with bulbous eyes. 

“What happened?” He prompts you to speak, a fond smile on his lips. “Cat got your tongue?” His fingers fix the disheveled hair resting on your forehead. 

His eyes hold such raw warmth while he merely tucks little strands behind your ears that you fail to realize you have tears streaming down your cheeks. 

“Hey, why are you crying?” His expression shifts into a concerned one. “What happened?” He probes further. 

Before you register your actions, your hand is flying to land a soft blow on his shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me you were returning today!” 

Maybe the volcanic eruption that was swirling inside San somehow descended into you. The difference is, his was motivated by rage and yours might be motivated by mortification.

He retrieves his hand to hold the area you’re attacking, gaping as he rubs the sore spot. 

“Why are you hitting me!” His expression is muddled. 

Seonghwa expected a surprised embrace on his return. Anything but you hitting him after he attempts to calm you down as his plan of surprise fails worse than the time he had failed history in sixth grade. 

Your hand reaches out to land another gentle smack. “What are you! A freaking saint! Why didn’t you tell me!” 

Even you are not aware why the outlet chosen by your feelings is hitting your loving and caring boyfriend who planned such a great surprise that you managed to ruin by knocking him straight into the abdomen with your pointy elbows. 

“Wait, what--” Your words only further deepen his confusion.  

The next smack or rather love tap, as per your definition, doesn’t get through as his hands are quick to catch yours by the wrists. 

“Why are you hitting me babe?” He tilts his head to the side. “You’re hitting me because I am nice?” He lifts his right brow. “What, a saint?” A playful smile lingers on his lips. 

The audacity of this man to act coy with you when you are full of all sorts of emotions whirling within you like a raging tornado. The audacity of this perfectly, perfect man! 

With your slightly puffy eyes and tears stained cheek, you profess. “I am embarrassed okay! I am really embarrassed, I screamed so----” 

A tch sound comes from him, followed by a, “Idiot.” 

He pulls you into him through the hold he has on your wrists, your chest colliding with his. His arms wrap around your waist in a secure manner, head resting sideways onto the comfort of your shoulder that he dearly missed. 

You melt like an ice cream on a hot day under his touch, taking no time to find content in his embrace, face nestling into his warm neck. 

“Don’t be embarrassed.” He removes one hand from your waist to offer comforting caresses on the back of your head. “I don’t know what I expected your reaction to be. Honestly, this particular one didn’t even cross my mind.” 

You lift your head from his neck but he quickly returns it down again. 

“I didn’t expect you to appear in front of me a week before your actual arrival either.” You speak in a muffled voice.

He pauses his stroking for a second, “I knew you were clueless but I didn’t know you were this clueless.” 

“Excuse me!” You shuffle in his hold but he has you latched onto him.

He nestles further into your hold, almost pulling you onto his lap out of habit. 

“Seonghwa!” Palms pressing against his chest, you try to scuffle away and receive a disgruntled noise from him. 

Having performed his action only halfway through, your right leg sits on top of his left thigh and you leave it there to dangle idly. 

“Dude, we’re in a public place.” You remind him, placing a sneaky little peck on his neck. 

It’s the courage after announcing you’re an idiot to the entire world.

He is astounded by your actions but definitely not as much as you are. 

Seonghwa expected a surprised embrace on his return. Anything but you mentioning that you’re in public and then proceeding to plant the softest kiss on his neck, not that he minds the latter. 

“Wise words coming from you in a public place.” His thumbs trace circles on your collar bones, voice adding an extra emphasis to the ‘public’. 

He squeezes you tightly and moves you in his hold like you’re his own personal teddy bear causing laughter to escape from your lips. 

“Giving you a basic hug after you come back after almost a month and a half?” You declare like you have performed some high and mighty act, “No, that is not enough to express my excitement, I had to smash out my love on you, babe.”  

His face dawns an unimpressed look. “Yup, I made a mistake coming home.” 

Your own words cause your face to scrunch up with cringe. “Yeah, that was too much, don’t talk about this in front of anyone, ever again.” 

You missed him. God, you missed him so much. 

His long hair is intact, not a single strand has been snipped. He looks as stunning as you imagined him to be. His navy blue coat may have been washed with a different detergent than the one you are familiar with but the earthy smell of his regular perfume is present. 

The only new additions on him that you can notice right away is the blinding glow on his sleep deprived face and the abstract patterned scarf wrapped neatly around his neck. 

“I missed you.” You wish to say it as softly as possible but you end up blurting out the words. 

He smiles with twinkles in his eyes. “I know, idiot. I missed you too.” 

You rest your palms on his cheeks and press them hard, lips protruding out in a pout. Pulling him in, you offer him a brief peck.

A long one is saved for later when in private. 

The heat on his cheeks is an evidence that he is taken aback by your bold actions. 

“First a kiss on the neck and now a long peck?” He smirks, eyebrows dancing up and down. “You’ve become quite gutsy within a month and a half huh?”

You fawn, “and you’re still carrying your mischievous habits with you! I was praying for you to leave them behind during your vacation. Did you achieve nothing?” 

“Come here you!” His hand clasps behind your neck but this time he connects his lips to the side of your forehead to plant the deepest kiss. 

You shriek as the prolonged peck soon transitions into pillowy lips peppering feathery kisses on every little endearing spot he discovers to shower his love. 

Unable to suppress your delight, subdued giggles bubble out of you.

The delight of having him by your side again is indescribable. The current state of happiness you’re feeling is indescribable. 

You feel his hovering lips expanding into a smile, foreheads faintly clashing together as you two laugh your heart out. 

There are tears forming in your eyes but this time due to happiness rather than humiliation.

Your eyes catch the sun dipping below the horizon, shooting colourful rays as it bids goodbye for the day. “Seonghwa, look, the sunset, it’s so beautiful.” You note while he pulls you into him sideways.

He hums, turning around to admire the view,  “Oh wow, that’s......beautiful.” 

Time slows down just for the sun to submerge into the horizon with its glory. The orange, pink, purples and blues of the sky press mute on the world for the briefest interval. 

He ruffles your hair, pulling you out of a trance, “And that’s our cue to leave.” 

It takes special effort to abandon his comforting hold and get back up on your two feet. 

The disappointment lasts a mere second as his fingers quickly interlace with yours. “Where to next?” He asks.

He takes slow steps. You stick close by, half of your body weight leaning into him but he doesn’t seem to mind. 

You consider your choices for a moment, the grin ever present on your lips, “How about we take a walk and then drive to the river side? I heard there will be star gazing event later at night.” 

He looks at you impressively with a questioning smile. “Oh really, who told you that?” A gentle gleam of fondness floats in his eyes. 

His heart is swelling with love, your presence is comfortable. 

You channel your best know-it-all face, “Oh, you know, Wooyoung, San and I were planning to--” 

The sentence stops midway as you remember, Wooyoung and San! 

Your movements halt, “Wait, Wooyoung and San!” 

He cracks up at your delayed realization. 

“They’ll be fine.” His fingers offer a gentle flick on your forehead, attempting to tap some sense into it, “Unless, you know, you want them to continuously comment during our date about how my arrival disrupted their last night’s sleep.” He reaches out for his pocket to pull out his phone but you’re quick to prevent the said action. 

“No, no, no, no.” Your reaction amuses him further. “That’s not what I meant. I am glad they ditched me, goodness, never been so glad that someone left me behind, swear to god.” The flurry of words scatter everywhere but the intended meaning has been received by him.

“And what else do you have planned for the night?” He asks, walking straight, exaggerating the breadth of his shoulders. 

“My fantastic company, Seonghwa, what else do you need?” In a wounded voice, you question. 

He shakes his head. 

“No?” 

“No.” 

“Fine, tonight’s dinner is on me, no budget. What do you want to eat?” You present your best offer in the most sugar coated tone.

His jaw drops in a dramatic fashion you’ve never witnessed in your life, “That’s it? Woman, I flew in today to surprise you today and that’s it?” 

You stand on your tiptoes to whisper a special spell in his ear. “Who said that would be it?” 

The rasp in your voice has goosebumps rising on his skin. 

“What do you mean?” He stares down, eyes wide. 

“Hey, by the way, how did you know I was near the fountain?” You quickly change the subject, your thoughts running wild and heart ready to pounce out to run a hundred mile marathon. 

“What do you mean?” He repeats, eager to receive an answer. 

His innocent smile has been replaced by a devilish smirk.

His constant questioning and hopeful gape has you regretting your previous words, causing warmth to spread on your face. 

Flustered, you recite your question for the second time, “Tell me, how did you know?” 

“It was a guess. I haven’t forgotten about your pigeon feeding adventures near the mall fountain” His answer is concise, to the point and hurried. “Now, tell me, what do you mean?” 

He finishes the topic within a few seconds, arm nudging persistently against the side of your stomach.

This man. Oh god, this man. 

“You have a great memory! You remember everything!” The fake enthusiasm and flustered laughter that is evident in your answer has him laughing. “Oh, look, we’re here!” You announce, feeling grateful once you spot the main exit getting closer with every step. 

“What did you mean?” He takes quick steps to stand in front of you, his hand leaving yours. 

“Seonghwa! Stop it, don’t get back on your teasing shenanigans so quickly, give it a day.” You say as casually as possible, stepping aside to continue on your way. “I’ve embarrassed myself and you quite enough for today.”

Seonghwa slings his arm around your shoulder from behind, “Yeah, alright, we’ll see about that later.” He mimics your casual tenure. “I guess.” He adds, hinting at your suggestive statement. 

You nod in agreement, appearing calm and cool, “Yeah, I guess, we will.” 

“You little tease.” His free hand gives your left cheek a little squeeze, leaving a light aching.

You stumble a little on your way out of the garden, “If I am a tease that makes you the devil that you truly are.” 

“I agree, I am a beast.” He really, actually, dares to say that with his whole chest, out loud.

“Yeah, sure, little baby.” Your fingers mockingly stroke his chin with a pout

He chuckles, changing his position to properly stand by your side. “Enough of that now, let’s go, I am starving.” 

“Yup, let’s go, tender beast.” You imitate his own words on him. 

“No, seriously, stop that.” He declares sternly. 

You do a motion of zipping your lips, holding your free hand up in surrender. 

Oh, how the tables have been turning constantly today. You can now understand why Seonghwa never gets off your back and it looks like you will not be getting off his tonight. 

Metaphorically and literally. 

Meanwhile, Woosan

San, who has been talking with the professor for almost thirty minutes now: It was pleasure meeting up with you Sir

Wooyoung, releasing a sigh of relief beside his friend because he didn’t understand a single word that was exchanged, internally: Finally 

Suddenly, San: Oh btw sir I had another question 

Wooyoung, ready to create a rampage right there and then, grabbing a chair to smash it on the ground: OH MY FREAKING GOD DAMNIT CHOI SAN YOU---

🌸

A/N: OH MY GOD I CAN FINALLY POST THIS, I CAN FINALLY BREATHE EASY

I started writing this last Saturday and it went through so many drafts and versions, getting cut down to this one. It took me a week mostly due to other commitments. I edited this once and I am sure it still has teeny tiny mistakes but please look past that for now. I will correct it whenever time grants me. 

Also, I would really love to know what you think about this chapter! Please let me know, I would really appreciate that 🥺🥺🥺💕

I know it has been a long time since the last update but I reposted the masterlist with the final update schedule and it will update and end accordingly as per that.

(Also the woosan scene is a little exaggeration, they had a rough night, as you will see in the bonus) 

🌸 Taglist: 

@enigmaticsal @stardusthyuck @missiopk @preets-kpop-world @sanisms @jiyeons-closet @hongjoongsnoona @veeeenus4 @mochibabycakes @vhschs @jaeminbluee @vantclavs @f-iyan @staywritten @yellow-wxve @uppiespuppy  @uppiespuppy @mingiflower @multiangell @quicklystickystarlight​ @kunhye​ @nekee-lilac02​ @peachyprincessminki​ @hidden-wildflowers​ @raysanshine​ @skzpleasestay​ @tearvantae​

🌸 Unable to tag: @mingiibabiee @dreamie-deonghwa @9songbird19 @retrofuture-ism @aratrikade

🌸

Please do not repost, modify or claim this work as yours. 

[flooffybits]

I Need You

Idol: Park Chaeyoung (Blackpink)

Request: Yep

Anon: a rosé angst to fluff scenario in which you think you’re doing the right thing by trying to move on “Don’t ask her out again, please… You’re killing me, every single time you do it.”

Author’s note: I wasn’t exactly sure if you wanted this to be female or gender neutral, so I kept it as neutral.

“Y/n, come on. It’s time to get up.” The sound of your roommate sounded so distant as you stared up at the ceiling. Despite the fact that it was summer, you couldn’t help but feel cold while you laid in bed, face void of any emotion.

Your phone ended up buzzing again and you didn’t need to check to know who it was. That was how it’s been for the past three days.

Even when you try to block the memories out, they replay in your head like a movie that served to break your heart because of the image of seeing her own heart break before your very eyes.

..

“I swear, it’s nothing. I can deal with it.” Despite her words, her voice shook and you could see in her eyes just how much she’s struggling to be calm when everything around you is crumbling just because of one picture.

Dispatch had caught the two of you together, and even when your face wasn’t seen, it was impossible to say that the other person there was not Chaeyoung, Blackpink’s Rosé.

“You know that it’s risky, we both do. This isn’t the first time they’ve caught us, and if this keeps going, you’re going to get in trouble.” You tell her as she desperately tries to hold her tears back. “Then what are you saying we should do? Break up?”

Your silence was enough to focus her attention on you as she stopped pacing. Her eyes scan your face and it’s clear as day, the regret that fills your eyes while you look back at her. “Y-Y/n, no, we can do something else.” She basically pleads with you, but you know that if this keeps going, she’s only going to get hurt even more.

It was already enough that YG refused to treat her better, but you just didn’t want to give them another reason to treat her worse than they already did.

“Chaeng, you’re at the peak of your career. I don’t want to be the reason that you lose it.” You tell her while taking her hands in yours and you can feel them shaking. You give them a gentle squeeze as a form of comfort, but you both know that your decision wouldn’t give either of you that.

A whimper comes from her and her lower lip trembles. She’s given up trying to hold her tears back while she holds onto you tight, not wanting to let go. “Please, don’t.” You don’t bring yourself to look at her, because if you do, you’re sure that you can’t leave.

So with a final breath, you carefully withdraw from her whilst she tries to hold on to you for as long as she can. “I love you. I’m sorry.”

..

Huffing, you get out of bed and try to get ready for work, brushing everything off and leaving them in your bedroom to focus on your own tasks.

After getting dressed, you walked out and greet your friend while grabbing an apple from the counter, checking your phone for any emails sent to you. You tried your best to avoid looking at Chaeyoung’s messages, but there was too many that it pushed work related notifications down.

Can we please tal…

I know you don’t wa…

I miss you Y/n can w…

Everything was in the same kind of context, but you didn’t want to ruin the progress you’ve been making. It was for her, you remind yourself. So while you cleared the notification bar, you exited the apartment and drove off.

Meanwhile, in the dorms, Chaeyoung stared anxiously at her phone, seeing that her texts were delivered, yet unread. She had to bite her lip while wiping away her tears, failing to notice her friends watching her from the side.

It’s been like this ever since the breakup and they weren’t too sure with what to do. They understood why you did it and they were thankful of how thoughtful you were of they friend, but they also felt pity with how you had to sacrifice the relationship you both valued so much over the year.

Looking to each other, Jennie let out a sigh as she took a step closer until she was standing next to the weeping girl. “Rosie, come on. I think that’s enough.” The older girl whispered softly as she rubbed her back in a soothing manner. “B-But I need Y/n.” She whimpered, clutching at her phone as she curled further into herself.

“Chaeyoung-ah, Y/n is doing this for you.” At Jisoo’s words, she shut her eyes tight as fresh tears cascaded down her cheeks. “But I don’t want them to do it.” She sobs and Lisa joins her on the bed and wrapped her arms around her. “You’re only hurting the two of you.”

Jisoo stood beside Jennie this time, arms crossed and lips pursed. “Chaeyoung, I know that it’s not want you want to hear, but think of this as a good thing. Maybe, somewhere down the road, Y/n and you will find each other again.” She offered, but it wasn’t working.

Chaeyoung might be a patient person, but you are the love of her life, something she’s realized when she came home one day and found you waiting for her despite the fact that it was almost four in the morning. Anyone would have just gone to sleep and spoke to her in the morning, but there you were, a plate of food ready for her as you spoke to each other about everything and anything.

You didn’t look tired at all when you spoke to her. In fact, it looked as though you had been recharged and she felt her heart fluttering because of how much you gave her all your attention and love.

“I just can’t.” Her eyes fell back to her phone screen and Lisa gently placed a hand over it, taking your name out of her sight. “Chae,don’t ask them out again, please.” Her best friend pleaded. “You’re killing us, every single time you do it.” She added and Jisoo nodded. “We love Y/n. We love them for you, but right now, we can’t risk the public catching you again.”

That seemed to trigger something in her as she pulled away from their hands. “Why do they have to tell me what I can and can’t do? I don’t owe the public anything.” She snapped. “I’ve been doing everything for everyone and for what? For them to stop me from being happy?”

The three were surprised by her sudden outburst. But at the same time, they could understand. It was tiring and frustrating to be an idol, so they valued their privacy that much to let anyone intrude.

Jennie let out a sigh as she ran her fingers through her hair and nodded. Lisa turned to her before the girl spoke. “Come on, get dressed.”

She didn’t even bother looking back as she made a move to grab her keys and wallet. “If you want to see Y/n and get them back, then get off your butts and let’s go.”

..

“Yo, L/n, I’m surprised you’re staying longer these days. What’s new?” Your co-worker called out as you signed a few papers. He was nice, very friendly, but you weren’t exactly that close to share things with him.

“Nothing much.” You shrug while grabbing another file. “Just thought that I should be a bit more focused with work.” You tell him as you scan over the contents, exhaustion clear on your face as he raised a brow. “You? Not focused? That’s a big ass lie. No one works harder, here, than you.” He tells you while taking a sip of his coffee.

You simply shake your head before there’s a tap on your shoulder. “Y/n, there’s someone looking for you outside.” One of the interns said timidly and you blink in confusion before nodding lightly, rising to your feet and dusting yourself off. “Thank you.”

Your colleague looks curiously at you while you shrug your shoulders and head for the exit. Who could be looking for you and couldn’t they have come inside?

But then, just as you reached the door, your phone began to ring. Inhaling sharply, you look down, only to find a name you wished wasn’t trying to contact you.

Incoming call from Aussie Princess

Suddenly, you could already tell that this was more than just a coincidence. Because looking outside, you could already see the familiar looking black van waiting outside, and if the windows weren’t tinted, you would already find your ex-girlfriend watching you from inside.

Hesitantly, this time, you answer the call. Bringing the device to your ear, you keep your eyes on the van and hear silence on the other end of the line. Maybe she just dialed your number by accident, you hope. But based on the past days, you doubt that it was that.

“… I didn’t think you would pick up.” Her voice is soft, broken, and tired. And it’s like a knife is being wedged into your heart because you know that it’s your fault.

“What are you doing here?” There’s no malice in your own tone, just mere curiosity and she takes that as a sign to press forward.

“I wanted to talk. Can you please come here?” A few people who passed by glanced oddly at you as you remained in front of the glass door. You want to decline, go back and forget this call happened, but you find your body acting on its own, leading you outside and cautiously walking closer. “You know that we can’t, Chaeng.”

“Then why are you here?”

Only a few feet away, the door of the van slides open and you’re soon face to face with the girl that’s captured your heart. “Because no matter how much I shouldn’t, I’ll always want and need you.” You slowly lower your phone, her doing the same as you stare at each other, reflecting the other’s emotions as though you were staring at a mirror.

“Stop pushing me away then. Because no matter what happens, I’m always going to be yours.” You’ve missed her so much. Her words only pulled out a shaky breath from you as your fingers twitched to reach out to her.

She takes note of it, and without waiting for a reply, she hops out of the van and latching onto you in a matter of seconds. Her face is buried to the crook of your neck, and just like the day you let her go, she was trembling.

Immediately, you hold her as close to you as possible and she holds back a sob that’s threatening to come out. “Please, Y/n, I need you. I can’t do this without you.” She whispers and you see her three members inside the van, smiling at you and nodding in encouragement.

“What about your job?” You ask and she pulls away to look you in the eyes. “We can make it work.”  There’s so much conviction in her tone that you can’t help but believe her.

A smile slowly comes to your face as you cup her cheek and she’s melting into your touch. “Let’s go home?” She asks quietly and you nod your head.

“Hey L//n, what are you-” But you wave to your colleague with a smile. “I’m gonna head home. Can you fix my stuff for me?” You don’t wait for him to reply as Chaeyoung drags you into the van with her, shutting the door behind you and cuddling with you on the seat.

“Hi Y/n.” The girls greet you and you smile at them. “Hey.”

“Glad to have you back.” Jennie tells you and you turn to the girl in your arms, your smile widening as she stares back at you. “I’m glad to be back.”

Chaeyoung pulls you into a kiss, your heart fluttering as her lips moved against yours, just like the first kiss you’ve ever shared while Lisa takes a quick picture as promised.

“I love you so much.” She whispers against your lips and you give her another peck.

“I love you, too.”

[goldenlaquer]

heyyyy I'm back from the dead😂 can you write joui4 reacting to their crush being injured during the war?

Welcome back!

Gintama Headcanons: 

Katsura Kotarou: 

His plan failed. 

It was supposed to be a simple one: a small, isolated platoon of fifty Amanto foot soldiers versus his company of two hundred strong. An easy win. In the grand scheme of things, the battle was not worth much anyway. But Katsura wanted to give his weary soldiers a victory, no matter how small, something to raise their depleted morale. He was confident that if anyone could conduct such an elementary operation, it would be him-- The Rampaging Noble, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, master tactician and expert swordsman. 

This is the classic tale of hubris, told over and over. 

The minute victory was assumed, they were instantly surrounded by enemy ships. There was only a single second of startling silence-- his eyes widened and he was running, futilely roaring out a retreat-- before the ships open-fired a blaze of bombs and bullets. 

They ran towards the nearby forest, hoping the thicket would cover them. Around him, the men he had laughed and ate with dropped like flies. Two hundred. One Hundred. Fifty. 

You were beside him, close to his heel all this time. You had also trusted his plan whole-heartedly. And it’s until he takes cover behind an oak tree, that he stops and realizes that you aren’t next to him any longer. 

I don’t have enough words to describe the pure panic that crashes down Katsura’s spine, settling horribly at his feet as he stumbles back in the direction he was fleeing from. His hair is loose from its tie, whipping his face as he runs, jelly legs leaping over branches and bodies. His plan. His men. His failure. And now you. 

After agonizing moments of nothing but death, he spots you lying on the ground, injured but alive, a shout of relief in the form of your name erupting from his mouth. He’s looping his arms firmly underneath your arms, whispering apologies into your sweaty hair as you groan and whimper from the sharp pangs of pain in your legs, dragging you along the dirt, away from the line of fire. 

Just a few more feet, he pleads. I’m sorry. Please endure the pain a little while longer. He drags you past the fallen. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. 

Sakamoto Tatsuma: 

Even if you do not see him through the smoke and blood, you can hear him. 

He is loud. So absolutely fucking loud that it takes no effort to sort through the sounds of steel against steel, the countless grunts of pain mixed in with shouts of adrenaline and fear, and the other noises of battle, to hear the deafening shrills coming from him. 

And sometimes, right in the middle of it all, Sakamoto has the audacity to boom out to you with his carrying voice stupid, stupid jokes that has no place on the battlefield. You find yourself responding though, shouting (practically screaming) back on top of your lungs to tell him to shut the fuck up and focus on the fight, and he’s responding with a sorry, sorry! but do you want to hear another one? and you’re telling him no, but he tells you it anyway because he’s a moron. 

It’s a back and forth, a full-on conversation of dumbness, as you both fight for your lives. It’s very odd. And very inappropriate. And you should probably stop before one of you gets really distracted, but

you can’t. 

Because if you can’t see him, how do you know if he’s still fighting? How do you know that, if he isn’t spouting out something stupid or managing to breathe out that distinctive chortle, he’s alive and breathing? 

And on the opposite side, Sakamoto feels the same. He likes the sound of your voice, even if it’s barely drowned out by the wind and straining to reach his ears. He likes it so much that he doesn’t want it to ever stop. So he keeps on yapping as he blocks and attacks the enemy, keeps on yapping as there are stinging gashes on his face and body, keeps on yapping as his muscles scream and beg him to shut the fuck up. He won’t stop. He definitely won’t stop. 

Then there is a lull. A quiet within the chaos. He can’t see you, so he shouts out a joke, hoping, dreading. No response. Another joke. No response. Your name. Your name again. There is no response. 

Of course you hear him. He’s loud as hell. As impossible as it is, he’s growing louder and louder too. But there’s something warm and sticky running down your temple and the cold ground against your cheek feels too comfortable and you’re suddenly too tired to open your mouth. Your eyes flutter, glowing bleary, and you wonder if it’s okay to take a little nap...

Something shakes your eardrums so hard that you can’t help to startle, staring up at Sakamoto who looks so fucking terrified, his very blue eyes wide and desperate. He’s got you safely tucked in his arms, your head gingerly supported as he pushes his long legs away from the front lines to the medics.

Even in your severe state, he babbles on and on like he always does, keeping you alive with trembling jokes and stuttered gasps of laughter. 

Sakata Gintoki: 

During battle, he is no longer the dude with unsanitary booger disposal habits, but the white demon with something to protect. The Shiroyasha, you think in awe, gripping the hilt of your sword hard before bringing it up to fend off an Amanto. You can’t afford to keep your gaze on him. 

There really are too many enemies. As soon as you strike one down, three more take their fallen comrade’s place. Your muscles ache and your breath is starting to come in as wheezes as you’re driven back by the flurry of attacks. 

Your back hits his. A brief moment of support. Getting tired? He sounds so infuriatingly goading. You reposition your legs, forcing your breaths to match with his, before charging forward. As if! 

Despite your words, you’re getting dizzier, the smell and heat of battle clouding your sense as your disobedient arms start to shake, no matter how much you urge them to keep on going. The adrenaline is wearing off fast and Gintoki somehow notices it all the way from where he is, barking out your name with a Oi! What are you doing? There’s no time-out! Focus! You’re trying. You’re really trying. You take a step forward but your foot unluckily slips on the soaked ground, and that’s when the pain hits, crimson blooming along the laceration that bisects your chest, the enemy taking advantage of your moment of weakness. Your cracked lips part to cry out, and Gintoki glances back at the sound just in time to see your sword fall and your knees crumple underneath you. 

It’s not like the movies or the books. Time doesn’t stop. It keeps on going. It doesn’t care that you’re on the ground, passed out and bleeding heavily, and that there’s an Amanto in front of you, eyes gleeful as it raises its axe high to deliver the final blow. 

Time is moving. He’s too far. He won’t make it. He won’t make it. What the hell is he doing? Wasn’t he here to protect what he held dear? Move. Move. Time is moving and it won’t wait for him. If he can’t make it, then his sword will. His hand hurls his weapon, pitching it forth with all his might. It soars and hits the mark, the Amanto falls down, but his job of keeping you alive, protecting you, isn’t over. You’re still unconscious and vulnerable, and there are still other Amanto eager to finish the job.

Gintoki punches and kicks his way through to get to you, his heart palpitating so harshly in his chest that it hurts far more than his cuts and his bruises and anything before in his goddamn life. 

Takasugi Shinsuke:

“Get up,” Takasugi hisses, his face pulled into a pinched snarl and his hand bunching the front of your collar. He tugs hard. A red droplet drips down from his cut cheek onto yours. “Get up.” He says again. 

Your body can’t comply with his authority. Your shoulder is badly throbbing, fractured maybe. Your hip is definitely dislocated. All your organs and limbs feel wringed out, like an old wet towel. Your legs-- just thinking about them sends every nerve in your body screaming. Everything hurts. When you try to tell Takasugi this, all that comes out is a dry sob. 

His eyes widen a fraction before narrowing. He’s never heard you like this. So broken, miserable, and hurting. Your injuries were far worse than he thought. Fuck. He lets go of your collar in favor of pulling your limp arm over his shoulder, ignoring your heart-wrenching groans of pain. His men are holding back the enemy, but just barely. His left arm is injured. He needs you to get up. It doesn’t matter if it’s painful. It doesn’t matter if you’re sobbing for him to let go, please let go, leave me behind. He’s not going to leave you behind. 

He’s never said he was a kind man. He’s going to bully you, mock you, use every dirty trick up his sleeve to get you up, to get you to keep on living. Pain is temporary, but you dying is 

Takasugi shifts you closer, carrying most of your weight as he slowly moves the both of you. Every strained gasp you make digs deep into him, but he keeps on going. 

If you died, it might just rip this unkind man’s heart into pieces. 

Takasugi’s part is the shortest because he is the shortest. But damn, Reader really be going through it huh. 

[cassidybueter]

A play by play reaction of the live-action FMA movie: because I hate myself and also you.

Oh good. It has English dubs. So it'll be a delight for both the eyes and ears.

Mama Elric dies from hugs.

NO CHARACTERIZATION. ONLY PLOT.

If I hadn't read the manga, I'd be totally lost. And because I read the manga, I know it's bad. Who was this for?

There are many female voice actors that can do convincing young boy voices. These... are not those actors.

Why is Father Cornello running around a clearly empty city?

I keep expecting Edward's discount bin Spirit Halloween wig to fly off.

The only people trying are the CGI animators.

Alphonse has said nothing and done nothing because animation is expensive.

And cover up the metal arm! Quickly! Before we have to figure out how to do a good effect!

Suddenly the town is filled with people.

Why is Mustang in Leore?

Why... is he arresting Edward?

The philosopher's stone is clearly red plastic.

Remeber how I said the animators were trying? I take that back. Al's animator is very drunk.

WHY IS WINRY IN LIORE?! What the fuck?

How are we in East City?! It's miles away. Did we teleport?!

And why is Edward's dialogue so muffled? Was it being recorded through a pillow? No one else's is this bad.

They ditched Al in Leore so they wouldn't have to animate him.

Damn. These characters really do telelort at the speed of plot.

Ok. Points where they're due: Hughes' actor seems good and the shadow of Gluttony eating someone is very intimidating.

Winry is a brunette. Which wouldn't be weird except that they put so much non-effort into making Ed blonde.

This would probably be great if it were, say, a comic book, or an animated TV show.

Truth: How'd you like it? Ed's actor: Well, it's a paycheck.

After they transmuted their mom, Edward turned into his teenage actor, because the little kids can't act.

"This house is huge" *doesn't show house.*

Anime Shou Tucker looked kinda creepy, but possibly friendly. This Shou Tucker is just some sleepy dude.

Mustang and Hughes walk down Generic Path of Exposition. Screw creativity, we pray to the ALMIGHTY PLOT.

Again: Why is Winry here?

I like how Ed just ditches his brother anytime the director thinks the budget is getting too big.

They got the most wooden VAs for like half the characters. And the shittiest microphone for the main character!

You know what the original story was missing? GOD DAMNED HYPNOSIS. THE LAZIEST TROPE.

Winry is the real main character. She does things and Edward/Alphonse follow blindly.

Edward's metal hand makes a very fleshy sound when slapped against the table.

Marcho's dead. Lol.

A man died in front of us and we found the secret to the stone. Next scene!

CGI dog Nina looks like Snuffaluffagus.

This scene was creepier when hand drawn.

Now that Winry has been so firmly established as the third Elric Brother, it's weirder when she's not around.

Okay, when the classic dialogue from the series is delivered without the emotional context of the story, it's suddenly very silly and emo.

Edward is studying. Alphonse is sitting, trying to move as little as possible.

God bless you, Maes Hughes, the best part of the movie.

Seriously, he's mostly on point. Everyone else can go to hell.

Ah yes, Laboratory #5, a totally safe place for Winry to be. Man, it was such a cool place in the real story. Here? Just an empty building. Then again, we can't figure out how to animate one armor, how would we do three?

Oh no, the brothers are fighting for no reason. If only there was emotional weight.

"It hurts to see you hurt." Bitch, it hurts to hear you speak.

Yeah, where's East City on that map, Hughes? Is it two feet away from Leore? No?

Remember when Envy transforms into Hughes' wife before killing him and how that was real imactful? They set that up by having him drop the photo, but then Envy turns into MUSTANG.

Tucker lives. It was stupid when the '03 series did it and it's stupid now.

Envy looks like he styled his hair with crude oil.

This movie's so LOOOOOOOOONG.

The shadow of Gluttony eating people looked good. The actual CGI... is grossly unfinished.

Shou Tucker tries and fails to be the main villain. It's almost cute.

Oh god. The cyclopse dolls animate like Going To The Store. This just looks silly.

Alphonse: I can't move my body. Animators: Oh. How convenient.

Oh yeah. Riza Hawkeye exists.

Aw, now that the movie's over they're trying to wring emotions out of every person's single character trait.

A bright light started shining on the cast and I prayed they were about to get hit by a train. Nope. It was the sun, rising on a new day.

In short: It sucks.

[marauder-exe]

AU list!

hi! These are a bunch of Au’s that i could write,and you could request! (reposting because it didnt work the first time)

General

Fake dating (My personal favourite)

Soulmates

Coffee shop

Modern Royalty

Rockstar

Running From The Police

Rebel Against The Goverment

High School

University

Law school

Delayed-Flights-And-Were-Stuck-In-The-Airport-And-Its-Like-2Am

Roommates

Road Trip

Arranged Marriage

Im-Arranged-To-Marry-Your-Brother-But-Were-In-Love

Amnesia

Tattoo-Artist-And-Coffee-Shop-Worker

Loved-Since-Childhood

Professor-Student (of age)

Met-On-Holiday

More detailed

21.You were singing/playing guitar/etc. in the park to protest the war and a policeman tried to dismiss you for 'disturbing the peace' but you argued that you were promoting peace and things got heated and next thing you know you're being arrested for assaulting an officer. You intrigue me, so I'm here to bail you out and maybe take you on a date?

22.the nice one who everybody loves with the grumpy and strict one that the students hate and the students wonder?????????how what the fuck

23.we just had a one-night stand but a massive storm hit so now we’re snowed in, hello awkward

24. i sit at the rental booth at our local ice rink and watch you teach children how to skate

25. alternatively, i watch kids teach you how to skate because you’re a terrible skater

26. i’m running late to an important interview/meeting and you accidentally spill your hot cocoa all over my outfit

27. you’re my hot ski instructor and i’m failing the bunny hill

28. i slip on some ice and you’re the stranger who catches me

29.  i gave my winter coat to a homeless person and come into your store to warm up

30. our friends rent a cabin to go skiing and we’re the only ones who stay inside

31. you’re the asshole of our group and we don’t get along, but then i find out you make soup for the local shelter

32.we’re waiting in line for the club when you complain that your roommate stole your gloves so let me warm your hands up with mine

33.my family invites you to join our holiday meal as an obvious setup and i’m so sorry

34.the power goes out in our apartment building, but i’m not prepared for this, and you come to check on me

35.i’m having a snowball fight with my friend in the park and i hit you instead

36.a storm is delaying our flight home and i’m afraid of thunder, please talk to me while we wait

37. we’re both in small claims court and i got into a huge fight with the person suing me but you stepped in to hold me back before security got there

38. i drove two hours to the closest video rental store that’s still operating and you were checking out the only copy of the movie i was after

39. i hit you with my car but luckily you’re okay, but we should still exchange information i guess

40. i was worried about buying something off of someone creepy from craigslist but oh no you’re hot

41. my friend talked me into playing a drunken game of spin the bottle even though we’re all adults and now we have to make out

42. we both decided to take a [yoga/fencing/cooking etc] class and we’re the only two assholes not taking it seriously and everyone else is giving us dirty looks but we keep grinning over at each other

43. my date just made a scene in public and got arrested and now i’m stranded in a city without a ride home

44. sharing a cab together

45. you’re trying to get me to sign a petition and i have no idea what you’re talking about

46. you’re drunk at this festival and dancing on the table and when you eventually fell i caught you

47. we both play this stupid game online and you keep beating me every single goddamn time so i called you out and you are pretty cute but can you not

48. im a bartender and you just came in here without shoes sat down and ordered a chocolate volcano and idk what the fuck that is and im scared to ask

49. we are neighbours and every night at 3:14 am you start yodeling for no fucking reason??? why???? is that you yodeling??? its been 2 months???

50.im a pizza delivery person and i just delivered a pizza to someone in the middle of a satanic ritual and they gave me their number???

51. i woke up this morning to find you sitting in my living room with a goat in a poncho??? who are you??? why is the goat wearing a poncho??? how did you get the goat in here i live on the 12th floor???

52. we work out at the same gym and you always look super legit but i know you sing hannah montana in the shower and you know i know

53. im a cashier and i saw you stuffing you pants full of potatoes and i would stop you but you already have 27 and i want to see how many you can fit

54. its 4 am and im drunk as fuck in a mcdonalds and you have been watching my trying to eat this burger for 30 minutes

55. i was playing beer pong with a coin and i accidentally threw it right into your eye at a party

56. i’m at the beach and some kids thought it was funny to bury me in the sand when i dozed off can you please dig me out

57. it’s unbearably hot and we’re both fighting over the last handheld electrical fan at the shop at the amusement park

58. hey i just met you, and this is crazy, but i get sunburned really easily so can you please help me put sunscreen on my back?

59. thunderstorm after a menacing heatwave and we’re both getting weird looks for dancing in the rain

60.i have no idea who you are but you just fainted right in front of me holy shit dude you need to drink more in this heat

61. we both chased after the leaving ice cream van like ten-year-olds and now we’re both out of breath and a bit embarrassed

62.i clearly reserved this deck chair by putting a towel on it why on earth are you lying on it who the fuck do you think you are

63. My friends bet I wouldn’t buy these three weird and questionable items and you’re my cashier.

64.Once a week I go visit the pet store just to stare at the cute kittens and puppies and you’re the nice employee who always lets me hold them and wait I think I’m going to cry hold on.

65.You’re the DJ of the University’s radio station and every time you give an opinion on a current event I have to call and argue with you because could you seriously be anymore wrong?

66.We both wait tables at the same restaurant and you’re always mad at me by the end of the night because I make more in tips

67.We have the same class and once a week you wear this graphic shirt I don’t understand and I really want to ask you about it.

68.We both work at the same craft store that literally has no customers so we have nothing to do and I’m always reading at the register but you always have to criticize my book choice what the hell?

69.I’m working the concession stand for this week’s home game and this is the fifth time you’ve come back for snacks wait are you flirting with me?

70. we’re at a bookstore and you and I seem to have similar taste in books have you read this one? How about this one?

71. you look like you need help and I’m a professional roller/ice skater but I don’t want you to feel bad about how much you suck but wow you suck

72. You ordered your food before me and they gave you a drink you didn’t want so you gave it to me

73. We’re sitting at adjacent computers in the library and I’m taking extra care not to look at your screen out of respect but what the fuck do you keep laughing at

74. as a joke I yelled out “happy birthday to someone!” in this store and you called back “thank you!” who are you

75. You heard me talking about a TV show in class the other day and now you’re passionately yelling at me about how good it is we’ve never actually spoken before

76. It’s 10:30 at night and I left my glasses at home so I can’t read any of these labels and you’re one of the only people in the grocery store and GODDAMMIT DO YOU HAVE ANY TOMATO SAUCE WITHOUT CHUNKS

77. We go to the same support group; I have social anxiety and you’re a kleptomaniac who sorta stole my heart

78. You thought you were alone at the bus stop so early in the morning so you started passionately singing Fall Out Boy but your Patrick Stump impression could use some work and I’m not really afraid to point that out

79. I’m an artist and you have a really nice face so would you mind if I drew you?

80. We’re rival up-and-coming singers and every time one of us releases a new single the other does a cover to try to make it better; we’re always trying to top each other and out-cute each other, but half our fans aggressively ship us; our agents use this to their advantage and decide we should do a duet because it’ll be popular; unfortunately now that we’re in the same studio and I’ve seen what you’re like I really wanna know what your lips feel like

81.PLEASE I REALLY CANNOT FIND MY CAT AND I KNOW IT’S THREE A.M. BUT NEIL CATRICK HARRIS AND I WOULD BOTH APPRECIATE THE HELP

82. We were both stood up for dates at the same nice restaurant so we decide to eat together and split the check but I dunno you’re pretty interesting aside from your distractingly enormous eyebrows

83. We met at a mutual friend’s cheesy masquerade party and we agree that the only good thing about this party is the masks so you can’t judge a book by its cover only now that we’ve been talking I want to see your face but I don’t know how to ask

84. You used to date my friend who absolutely hates your guts after a messy breakup and now you’re flirting with me and I really shouldn’t be so interested in you but I am

85.We pass each other every day while we’re biking on the same path so we’ve started smiling at each other and one day you’re stopped because you’re having an asthma attack so I offer you my extra water bottle and now we’re talking and now I’M the one who’s breathless

86.I lost my little sibling in IKEA and I need your help finding them

87.I'm a private detective hired to follow you, but you're endearingly boring and mostly I just like watching you and oops, I sort of find you adorable.

88. You've been sketching me for half an hour now, and just shuffled up to hand me the finished product and it's TERRIBLE but you just wanted an excuse to talk to me.

89.  I'm at an art exhibit and I just badmouthed the art, because I don't get it, okay? And it turns out you're the artist. I'm so sorry, maybe I could get you coffee and you could explain what it was supposed to be?

90. We're the only two people who turned up to an underground gig and it should be awkward, but the band is amazing and you asked me to dance and hey, there's nobody watching but us.

91.  You live in the apartment next to me. We're not supposed to have pets, but I KNOW you have a cat. I'll make you a deal, I won't tell, if you let me pet it.

92.  I punched you because I thought you were insulting my friend, but it turns out you know each other and it was an inside joke and I'm so sorry, let me drive you to the hospital?

93. We both wanted to rent a bike for an hour but the only one they have is a tandem bike

94. I’m on a terrible date and you’re my waitor please help me

95.Our dick landlord just evicted us both

96.I’m your neighbor and I can hear you fucking someone who  shares my name

97. You’re sort of famous and we vaguely know each other through bumping into each other all the time but the media thinks we’re dating

98. Your roommate cheated on me and I just threw your laptop out the window thinking it was his

99. It’s 2am on the night of my 21st birthday and we gotta fix this fucking mess by morning or else we’re fucked

100.Fuck you and your bee farm I’ve had enough

Feel free to use any of these as your own! If you wanna request you could drop an inbox saying ‘ could you do ____ AU with this character’!

[1962dude420-blog]

Today we remember the passing of Johnny Ramone who Died: September 15, 2004 in Los Angeles, California

John William Cummings (October 8, 1948 – September 15, 2004), known professionally as Johnny Ramone, was an American guitarist and songwriter who was the guitarist for the punk rock band the Ramones. He was a founding member of the band, and—along with vocalist Joey Ramone—remained a constant member throughout his entire career.

In 2009, he appeared on Time's list of "The 10 Greatest Electric-Guitar Players". He ranked No. 8 on Spin's 2012 list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and No. 28 on Rolling Stone's similarly titled 2015 list.

Alongside his music career, Johnny appeared in nearly a dozen films (including Rock 'n' Roll High School) and documentaries. He also made television appearances in such shows as The Simpsons (1F01 "Rosebud", 1993) and Space Ghost Coast to Coast (Episode 5 "Bobcat").

His autobiography, entitled Commando, was released posthumously in 2012. In the book, Ramone writes about his love of baseball and of collecting baseball cards and movie posters, particularly horror-related posters.

John William Cummings was born in Queens, New York City, on October 8, 1948, the only child of a construction worker (a steamfitter) of Irish descent. He was raised in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, where he grew up absorbing rock music. As a teenager, Johnny played in a band called the Tangerine Puppets alongside future Ramones drummer Tamás Erdélyi (better known as Tommy Ramone). As a teenager, he was known as a "greaser", though he was later described as a tie-dye-wearing Stooges fan. He was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. He also worked as a plumber with his father before the Ramones became successful, at one point attended Peekskill Military Academy in Peekskill New York, and briefly attended college in Florida.

He met future bandmate Douglas Colvin, later to become Dee Dee Ramone, in the early 1970s while delivering dry cleaning. They would eat lunch together and discuss their mutual love of bands like the Stooges and MC5. Together they went to Manny's Music in New York City in January 1974, where Johnny bought a used blue Mosrite Ventures II guitar for just over $54. On the same trip, Dee Dee bought a Danelectro bass. They collaborated with future bandmate Jeffrey Hyman, later to become Joey Ramone, to form the Ramones with Richie Stern on bass. Stern left after a few rehearsals. Tommy joined the Ramones in the summer of that year after public auditions failed to produce a satisfactory drummer.

Johnny was responsible for initiating one of the major sources of animosity within the band when he began dating and later married Linda Daniele, who had previously dated Joey. Though the band remained together for years after this incident, relations between Johnny and Joey remained strained. Years later, when Joey was in the hospital dying of lymphoma, Johnny refused to telephone him. He later discussed this incident in the film End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones, saying an attempt at such a reunion would have been futile. He did add that he was depressed for a week after Joey's death. When pressed, he acknowledged that this was because of the bond forged by the band. In their road manager Monte Melnick's book about his time with the Ramones, Johnny is quoted as having said, "I'm not doing anything without him. I felt that was it. He was my partner. Me and him. I miss that."

Johnny was one of the few conservatives in the punk rock community and was a staunch supporter of the Republican Party. He made his political affiliation known to the world in 2002 when the Ramones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After thanking all who made the honor possible—clad in his trademark T-shirt, ripped blue jeans and leather jacket—he said "God bless President Bush, and God bless America". He said in an interview, when questioned on his conservatism, "I think Ronald Reagan was the best President of my lifetime." This was evident when the band released the UK single "Bonzo Goes to Bitburg" in 1985; Johnny pressed for a name change, finding the title insulting to Reagan, and the song was retitled on American releases as "My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes to Bitburg)" after a line from the song's chorus. In this same interview he claimed that "Punk is right wing".

Johnny's father was a strict disciplinarian. Johnny is quoted as saying: "My father would get on these tangents about how he never missed a day's work. I broke my big toe the day I had to go pitch a Little League game and he's going, 'What are you – a baby? What did I do, raise a baby? You go play.' And even though my toe was broken I had to go pitch the game anyway. It was terrible. It would always be like that. I'm glad he raised me like that but it would always be, 'What are you – sick? You're not sick. What did I raise – a baby? I never missed a day's work in my life.' Then I went to military school, and in military school, you couldn't call in sick."

Johnny's early adulthood was marked by bouts of delinquency which he stated were inexplicable at the time. "I didn't become a delinquent until I got out of high school. I had a two-year run. I'd go out and hit kids and take their money and rob everybody's pocketbooks. Just being bad every minute of the day. It was terrible. I don't know what my problem was. Things that were funny to me at the time were horrible. If I found a television set sitting in the garbage, I'd take it up to the rooftop, watch for someone walking down the block and drop it in front of them on the sidewalk. It was funny watching them see a TV set come crashing down 30 feet in front of them. To me it was hysterical, but it was also a mean and terrible thing to do. I also found a way of stopping the elevator. I could open up the door and stop the elevator. I would wait for an old lady to get in and stop the elevator. They'd be yelling and pushing the alarm, and I would keep them there. At about 20 years old, I stopped drinking and doing drugs, got a job and tried to be normal."

In 1983, Ramone was severely injured in a fight with Seth Macklin of the band Sub Zero Construction. He was saved by emergency brain surgery. This incident was said to have inspired the next album's title, Too Tough to Die. He never spoke of the incident in the following years.

Johnny Ramone married his wife Linda in 1984 at the office of the city clerk in New York City. She had originally dated Joey Ramone but left him for Johnny. Joey and Johnny continued to tour as the Ramones after this, but their relationship worsened. However, despite reports that they had stopped talking to each other altogether, Johnny talks fondly of Joey in his book Commando. In the documentary End of the Century, Johnny told how Joey's death had a profound impact on him emotionally and that he was depressed for "the whole week" after his death.

On September 15, 2004, Johnny Ramone died in his Los Angeles home at the age of 55, 23 days before his 56th birthday, following a five-year battle with prostate cancer. Many of his friends and musical contemporaries came to pay their respects. His wife Linda kept his ashes

[adultswim2021]

Space Ghost Coast to Coast #85: “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” | December 7, 2003 - 11:30 PM | S08E04

Happy 20th anniversary, Adult Swim. And, boy, what a momentous episode of Ghost do we have here to celebrate. There are a number of episodes where the guest is an event unto itself and this is truly one of them. Frequent punchline William Shatner is an absolute cunt... and a proper legend. His cuntiness and legendary status are two things that seem to be at odds with one another, and the Space Ghost crew have managed to come up with an artfully idiosyncratic episode to match Shatner’s weird-guy-ness. It’s a classic for sure, and important. But (making a “smug dipshit” face) is it funny?

YES! It’s FUNNY! I will admit though, the first time I saw this episode I didn’t quite know what to make of it. This is partially because I’m very much a Star Trek agnostic. I’ve never been into Star Trek. In the last few years I’ve watched most of the pre-Next Gen motion pictures for inane list-making reasons, and I enjoyed them to varying degrees, but Star Trek is truly not for me. I’m more of a... well, I’m not a Star Wars guy either. What’s the other one? Uh... Spaceballs. That’s it. I’m more of a Spaceballs guy.

But I feel like I’ve absorbed a lot of Star Trek lore through cultural osmosis. I vaguely understand that William Shatner has had some deliberately-paced choreographed fight scene on those rocks from Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. When I hear music similar to the the music that Jim Carrey hums in The Cable Guy, I’m pretty sure whatever it is I’m watching is doing a Star Trek thing. And yes, I’ve watched every single Red Letter Media “Mike and Rich talk about Star Trek for 4 hours” video. But even today, after having picked up more Star Trek knowledge on my journey to the grave, I still have this nagging feeling of “I only sort of get this”.

Still, this episode has a handful of screamingly funny lines, and the episode ends wonderfully, with Space Ghost in his death throes, suffering the ultimate indignity of dying in front of William Shatner. There’s also the part where Zorak asks why everyone in Star Trek is black, and a part where Moltar nervously reads from his fan fiction (from a book labeled TARD WARS, hahaha). Shatner, who has a reputation for being arrogant and difficult, is as good a sport as one could hope. The show makes good use of his hammier moments, and only shits on him slightly in the process. The most notable moment is when Shatner says to Zorak “didn't you and I fight to the death?” to which Zorak replies “That sounds pretty dumb, man”. I’ve actually quoted this line many times. It’s one of the best.

Also, for those of you who like to track these things: the show features callbacks to other episodes and shows; the handimen at Zorak’s apartment are clearly extras from Sealab 2020/2021, one of the Leprechauns from Aqua Teen Hunger Force shows up, and there’s a poignant callback to classic Space Ghost episode “Banjo”. 

The title motif of this season is naming the episodes after Allman Brothers songs, and I always wondered about this one. Maybe I’m reaching, and it’s probably too disrespectful to be true, but I always thought that it was somehow a veiled reference to Shatner’s wife, whom he supposedly killed or let die. It’s simply too dark to be true, but it’s the first thought that immediately jumped to my mind when I first heard the title of this episode. Am I stupid for thinking this? Am I stupid because it OBVIOUSLY is a reference to that?? I simply do not know. I would like to know.

MAIL BAG

The big anniversary is upon us. What are your 20 favorite things about adult swim for 20 years going. Don't sleep on this question!

I gotta do SOMETHING special, so I might as well do this. More thought could have gone into this, but I spent about an hour trying to come up with episodes or moments from 20 different shows and putting them in rough chronological order. I limited myself to one episode/scene/moment/joke/whatever per show so it’s not all Space Ghost jokes. So, here we go:

Sealab 2021: “I, Robot”. Adult Swim proved it could be brilliant right out of the gate with the stealth premiere of “I, Robot”, but for Sealab it’s all downhill from here. (2000)

Space Ghost Coast to Coast: Space Ghost stops in his tracks to reminisce about the time Bobcat Goldthwait said "crack a window". The entire episode “Kentucky Nightmare” is brilliant, but this moment in particular so uniquely captures my sense of humor that it’s inexplicable. The dumb look on Space Ghost’s face when he stops in his tracks. Goddamn. (2001)

Aqua Teen Hunger Force: “Mayhem of the Mooninites” I tried very hard to make this all be individual jokes or scenes or whatever, but this is another episode where the entire thing is just line after line and I can’t really pick. This, “I Robot”, and “Kentucky Nightmare” is like a perfect trio illustrating how good Adult Swim really was right out of the gate. (2001)

Home Movies: Jason casually reveals that his parents have no idea who Brendon and Melissa are and that he spends most of his free-time making movies with them. This is the episode “Storm Warning” which is overall one of the best episodes of Home Movies, but this scene is probably my favorite. Illustrates how simple and hilarious the comedy is on this show. (2002)

Tom Goes to the Mayor: the end scene in “Undercover”, where they’ve shoddily reversed Tom’s various unnecessary surgeries and called him “Taumpy Tears” to boot. Positively sublime. (2006)

Metalocalypse: Dr. Rockso’s music video. From the episode “Dethclown”. I was never in love with this show as much as the true fans were, but there were a handful of incredible episodes. This episode basically tells one joke over and over and it’s very funny. It really ends with a bang showcasing Dr. Rockso’s shitty music video that celebrates cocaine use. His singing voice is hilarious. (2006)

Assy McGee: I am the only person in the world that defends Assy McGee as being “actually pretty good” and it’s all entirely due to this one line: Assy McGee (a pair of naked buttocks with legs, whose ass functions as his head) is forced to attend a black tie event and is just milling around wearing nothing but a black bow tie. Through clenched anus he delivers the line “I can barely breathe in this penguin suit”. The whole show is worth it for that joke. I don’t even know what episode it is except that it’s from one of the first few. I might not even have the line exactly right. But, I remember laughing so hard. I may not have laughed at Assy McGee again. (2006)

Saul of the Mole Men: The opening theme song. And nothing else. (2007)

Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!: Jim and Derrick. I should pick something more user-friendly maybe, since this episode almost entirely relies on being familiar with Tim & Eric’s previous episodes. But goddamn, this episode is such a funny concept (which is basically Tim & Eric doing an alternate MTV-ified version of Awesome Show) (2008)

Moral Orel: “Numb”. When Moral Orel suddenly stopped being a quirky Adult Swim comedy and suddenly started doing episodes that resembled art films. This episode is a fucking masterpiece. I remember sobbing the first time I saw it. There are a few in season 3 that are like that, but this one is my favorite. (2008)

Check it Out! with Dr. Steve Brule: Terry Bruge-Hiplo reviews “Dumpster’s Children”. Another bit of comedy that I’d describe as “inexplicable” and “sublime”, and it all hinges on an old man’s mouth. Holy fuck. I don’t think I’ve laughed harder than this at a TV show since. (2010)

Delocated: The ending of “Mole”, an extended Face/Off riff where Jon goes undercover as the scary mobster Sergei. In the final moments of the episode he marries a woman, fathers multiple children with her, and only then is pulled out of the mission. The episode is a tour-de-force of comic acting by Steve Cirbus, who is graciously allowed to shine for most of the episode. But man, that ending is fucking wonderful. (2010)

Venture Bros.: The ending of “Operation P.R.O.M.” a flurry of emotions hit me when “Like a Friend” by Pulp starts playing. The scene is so well done and weirdly touching. Brock realizes that deep down he gives a shit about the Venture family and is genuinely terrified something might happen to them. And then he gets to slaughter a bunch of Zorak monsters, which is also weirdly sweet. It’s even touching on a meta-level knowing that Jackson and Doc tried many times and failed to include licensed music in the show. I love Venture Bros, but I think we’d all be better off if this were the series finale. Sorry. I had to say it. (2010)

The Heart She Holler: The first scene with Patton being taught the way of the world posthumously by his father on a VHS tape. The first season of this show is amazing, but that scene, especially where Patton does a little Japanese bow and says “oh, hot dog!” is just hysterical. Literally every time a hot dog comes up in conversation my wife and I quote it. Please, do not scorn her, it’s not racist when SHE does it. (2011)

Eagleheart: The All That Jazz inspired finale. “Paradise Rising” is mostly a masterpiece, and how it ends is so fucking incredible. Easily the most under-rated show on Adult Swim and I’m not just saying that because... you know (mimes dick-sucking) (2014)

Rick and Morty: I watched the first two episodes of Rick and Morty, thought it was good, but for some reason didn’t become a devotee until my wife made me watch the Mr. Poopybutthole episode. It’s still my favorite episode, I think. (2015)

Brett Gelman’s Dinner in America: The “Dinner with” specials are all really good, but goddamn, this one hits. Should be shown in schools. I am going to go to every grade school in my county with an AR-15 (to get past the guards, of course) and I won’t leave until they call an assembly and they let me fumble around trying to find it on vimeo and play it for the students. (2016)

The Eric Andre Show: Eric interviews Steve Schirripa. The bit where he has an intern dip his balls in Steve’s spaghetti sauce is hilarious, naturally, but I’m here to showcase the running gag where every time Steve complains how hot the studio is, Eric just wordlessly hands him an ice cube until Steve explodes. It’s one of the most childishly hilarious things I’ve ever seen. It’s perfect. (2016)

Million Dollar Extreme Presents: World Peace: The Pick-Up artist sketch. I’m mostly unimpressed with MDE, and all but a few Sam Hyde bits leave me cold. But this sketch is a crowning achievement. I mean, I think these guys suck politically and are more mean than funny, but their sensibilities yielded one really incredible piece of comedy. Okay, I laughed at the blackface sketch too. There. You dragged it out of me. (2016) Joe Pera Talks With You: This show is beautiful and I love every episode. But the episode “Joe Pera Reads You The Church Announcements” Wherein Joe discovers a new-to-him song and can’t stop listening to it, is one of the most joyous episodes of television I’ve ever seen. A gateway episode. I tell everyone to please watch this one first. (2018)