#today I went for the longest successful walk since my feet started acting up AND I petted a deerhound. they're surprisingly fluffy!

[falderaletcetera]

okay so the need to write has been gnawing at my ankles again but the part of my brain that gets interested in things is still hibernating - if anyone wants to drop me a prompt, I promise I will pick one and at least try? barebones is fine, I just need the social pressure.

[astarinthevalley]

It Was Bound To Happen

Siblings get mad at each other, it happens. Siblings fight for silly reasons, it happens. Things can get out of hand, it happens.

Sebastian glanced at the clock on his computer and blinked a couple of times. Was it really 9:45 PM? It was only 4:30 PM a couple of minutes ago.

He pushed his chair away from his screen and looked around his abyss of a room, barely being able to make any piece of furniture out. He’d usually turn on the small TV by his bed for background noise and a source of light--one not too intense, but not too dim either--since he despised getting up and traveling across his room just to flip a light switch.

Sebastian stretched his arms high over his head, listening to the clicks his wrists made as he rotated them. He turned his head and his neck released a loud, satisfying crack.

He got up and heard his feet land on what remained of his lunch: empty, crumbled bags of chips. When did he eat those again? 11 AM? He should be hungry, his stomach should feel like it’s being ripped to shreds like it always does when he forgets to eat, but he felt fine. ‘I should eat something anyways.’ He thought to himself. His mom, Maru, and Demetrius probably already had dinner together, and had stored the leftovers in the microwave for him as they always do whenever he couldn’t--or didn’t--join them.

Sebastian began maneuvering his way through the dark room, shuffling his feet across the floor so he wouldn’t risk stepping on whatever trash he had tossed and forgotten about. He kept his eyes focused on the spot where his door stood and reached his hand out. The moment his fingers came into contact with the cold metal of the knob, he wrapped his hand around it, swung the door open, and was immediately blinded. Why were the house’s lights still on? His mom always turned them off at 9:30.

He walked up the stairs, hand on the railing, as his eyes adjusted to the sudden shift in brightness. As he ascended the stairs, he could hear his step-sister, Maru, talking aloud with the occasional giggle in between her pauses. She must be on the phone.

He reached the hallway and took a right, journeying straight to the kitchen, not interested in whatever Maru was blabbering about. Unfortunately for him, Maru also decided she wanted to spend some of her time in the kitchen. She was sitting on top of their kitchen table, wrinkling the pink cloth covering it that mom had washed today, phone pressed against her ear, and a big, stupid, punchable smile on her face.

Whoever was on the other side was taking their time talking, so Sebastian decided to ask “Where’s mom?”

Maru peeked at him and whispered a ‘Hold on’ to her friend. “They’re at the saloon, and hello to you too.” She said in a tone not nearly as enthusiastic as it was a moment ago.

His mom would always pop into his room to let him know she was heading off somewhere, why didn’t she this time? Or maybe she did and he had forgotten about it.

He brought himself to the microwave and opened it to see a bowl of pesto pasta sitting in the center. ‘Warm it up for a minute, stir, then cook again for another minute.’ His mom’s instructions rang through his head.

He shut the microwave again, set the timer up, got a fork from a drawer, then stood and watched the bowl rotate while listening to the low buzzing and the tiny pops coming from his dinner.

Sebastian always found the noise rather calming in a strange sense--that is until time had run out and his trance would be disrupted by the blaring beeps--but Maru’s rambling was impossible to block out.

“... And I got a letter from another college today--Yeah, yeah! I didn’t expect so many to be interested, I’m really overwhelmed!”

Sebastian couldn’t hold back his groan. She was bragging about her damn robot again. Normally he’d be mildly annoyed but understanding when it came to bragging about accomplishments, he was guilty of doing so himself, but to constantly hear someone praise themselves for well over a month would start to drive anyone insane. Maru had built a robot--with the help of Demetrius--that was about the size of a small dog. It was able to pick up certain objects, respond to commands, and write. She showed off it’s abilities to the whole town, and everyone, even Sebastian, was impressed with what she had created.

“... My dad said he was going to help me with future projects, but I need to be more independent.”

He expected the never-ending praise from his parents, and had prepared himself for the constant compliments Maru would receive throughout this month and the many months after. She could mop the floor and they’d shower her in affection for the whole week, it was something they were both used to. But what he wasn’t prepared for was everyone to constantly talk about Maru and her invention. Maru makes a dingy droid and you might as well have told everyone the second coming of Christ was happening in this very valley. Sure, they lived in a small town, and when anything slightly out of the ordinary popped up, it was bound to be talked about for a couple of weeks, but conversations about Maru have barely dwindled.

“... I still need to make some improvements on the little droid.”

The continuous praise at home was exhausting enough, so to hear her name in every passing conversation was a nightmare. He liked to leave his house to get away from her, to get away from his parents gushing, but now it felt like there was no escape. Even his best friends, Sam and Abigail, had mentioned both Maru and her machine during their nights at the saloon.

Three loud, obnoxious beeps finally escaped the microwave. That had to have been the longest minute of his life.

He took out the dish and stirred the contents recklessly, his fork clashing against the sides of the bowl and scraping the bottom, before placing it back in and setting the timer for another minute.

The second the dish is done, he’ll snatch it up, and rush back into the basement away from Maru. He wouldn’t care if the scalding ceramic would melt his fingers off, he couldn’t stand being in the kitchen with her for a second longer.

“... That’s the problem, I don’t know if I want to move out yet! I really love it here, and I know my parents would support me no matter what I choose, but…”

Is she capable of talking about anything besides herself? Everything has to be about her, her inventions, how her parents can’t get over her, her problems, her success, her feelings, her. Her. Her.

Sebastian hated it. When he stayed up countless nights programming with no help whatsoever, fueled by several cans of energy drinks and stress, all he’d receive were lectures. ‘Stop spending so much time on the computer’, ‘Stop playing games’, ‘Stop browsing the web’, ‘Staying in here for so long is unhealthy’, shut up. Shut up. Shut up.

Then when he was given the chance to share what he was doing, explaining how he tests and develops software with enthusiasm and bright eyes, he could see his parents’ lack of interest in their dull eyes. Their amazement and fascination was all used on whatever Maru had been doing that day, and all that was left for him was boredom and exhaustion. Even on the days he went outside to work on his motorcycle, Demetrius wouldn’t hesitate to bicker about how much noise he was making, how he was distracting Maru from her work, how he was making a mess. The man was impossible to satisfy.

“... Yeah, I’ll be able to come over tomorrow!”

Sebastian stared at the timer. There were 10 seconds left.

“... I was thinking of bringing some gadgets over--Oh! We could try…” He hated her. Perhaps that was a strong word, but it was the truth. Nothing good had ever come from Maru.

9 seconds.

“... I don’t mind what we do, I just hate being cooped up in my room all day…” He hated the bragging, he hated the never-ending praise, he hated how the moment she was born their parents shoved everything he had into the basement.

8 seconds.

“... My parents don’t mind…” He hated how she always acted so high and mighty.

7 seconds.

“... As long as I’m home before it gets dark…” He hated how Demetrius would treat him every time he was near her.

6 seconds.

“... I need a break anyways…” He hated how he was always blamed for any argument or feud that came between them.

5 seconds.

“... My wrists have been killing me…” It was never her fault. Maru can’t do anything wrong, it’s always Sebastian.

“... I swear, my projects will be the death of me...” He hated the mere sight of her.

4 seconds.

“... Oh, did I tell you about what I’m currently working on?” He hated her voice.

3 seconds.

“... I’ve been making these blueprints…” He hated her.

2 seconds.

“... For a new robot…” He hated her.

1 second.

“... And I’m hoping it’ll be able to do even more than my first--”

Without his command, his legs took him straight to Maru. He tore the phone from her hand and held it with a crushing grip.

Maru’s mouth hung open, processing what had just happened in those mere, few seconds.

“Please.” Sebastian started in a frigid hush, “Shut. Up.”

Maru blinked a couple of times and stared at him, dumbfounded.

She shook off her surprise and reached for the phone, “I was talking with somebody!”

Sebastian pulled it away and hung up on whoever she was speaking with, “Not anymore. You can call them another time.”

Sebastian turned back to the counter, ready to grab his dinner and leave. He threw her phone aside and heard it land with a gratifying ‘crack’.

Maru scrambled to pick it up, checking the screen to make sure it hadn’t been ruined, then looked back at Sebastian.

“What is your problem?!” She raised her voice, face tinting red.

Sebastian ignored her as he opened the microwave.

She placed the phone on the table and stood up, snapping her fingers to get her step-brother’s attention.

“Hey, hey! You can’t just treat me like garbage one second then pretend I don’t exist the next!”

“I said shut up.” Sebastian repeated coldly, facing away from the girl.

“No, I won’t!” Maru stepped closer, “I can deal with you acting like this most of the time, but these past few weeks you have been really, really--” She scrunched her face, struggling to come up with a word to perfectly describe his recent, foul behavior. “--Vile!” She finished, pointing a finger at him.

“Sorry I’m not kissing your ass like everyone else.” He rolled his eyes as he grabbed the hot dish. He set it on the counter and scanned the kitchen for napkins.

Maru watched him search for a minute, then the gears in her head started turning.

Her eyes widened, “It’s because of my robot, isn’t it--”

“No, that damned robot isn’t the issue,” He clutched the edge of the counter, “it’s you! That’s my problem, it’s always been you!” He growled.

A genuinely hurt expression flashed across Maru’s face before it was replaced with anger. Her hands curled into fists.

“I haven’t done anything wrong.” She muttered, her voice was shaky. “You’re… You’re just…” She hated these moments with Sebastian. She hated how often they’d come. No matter what she did, no matter what she said, the two of them always ended up arguing. She’d always lose. She’d always be given a repulsed look and grumbled cusses as he’d walk away. Sometimes her parents would intervene and defend her, but they weren’t here right now.

She can’t keep letting herself get stepped on.

“Because you’re jealous, aren’t you?” She finally said, her voice still unsteady.

Sebastian’s body stiffened.

“Because you’re in your basement all day, staring at your--your stupid computer, pretending everyone doesn’t exist…” She breathed in, “And while you were sitting around, being angry, I was out there doing something. I’m actually getting somewhere! I actually have the chance for a successful future, I have potential, and you--you--y…”

The confidence she was finally building up had been shattered into millions of pieces as she watched Sebastian reach over to the knife block. When his fingers curled around and held the grip of the nearest knife, she felt her blood drain from her face.

The world had stopped. Maru had stopped. She couldn’t move. She only stood and waited, hoping Sebastian would let go, tell her he’s kidding, or for him to go outside to smoke, anything. Anything.

Sebastian began to turn his head in her direction, the hatred in his eyes burned greater than the flames in the depths of Hell. The more he kept turning his head, the louder her heart banged in her ears. Her horrifying hypnotic heartbeat was soon overtaken by a single thought booming in her head: He’s going to kill me.

Maru made a dash to the hallway, hearing her step-brother’s footsteps right on her tail as he started shouting a slew of curses and threats. She had never heard Sebastian shout in such a terrible tone in her entire life. Even during their absolute worst fights, his raised voice would sound pissed at most. But here? Now? He was screaming. There were moments where his voice would strain as he swung the knife she barely avoided, threatening to hack her head off. Whatever restraint he had built up over the years, whatever had kept him sane throughout the entirety of their relationship had been thrown out. All that remained was a man who looked like her step-brother screaming bloody murder, fueled by pure hatred, and wanting nothing more than to see her bleed.

Maru saw the door to her parents room on the right and instantly ran inside. She locked the door and took lungfuls of air, hot tears running down her face as she almost choked on her own spit.

The knob began to wriggle faster and faster until Sebastian resorted to banging and kicking. He’d slam his body against it, causing the door to budge and Maru’s life to flash before her eyes.

“OPEN THIS DOOR!” She heard him scream, “OPEN THIS DOOR, OPEN THIS DOOR! I’LL KILL YOU. I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU.”

He kept shouting those words and other horrible threats at her. She needed to get out.

She whipped her head around, hoping to find any possible escape route, but a pit began to form in her stomach as she realized she had trapped herself in her parents’ room. This wasn’t like her bedroom, there wasn’t another door that led outside, and the only window in here wasn’t big enough for her to crawl through.

The banging on the door grew louder, so did Sebastian’s yelling.

“YOU BITCH.” Sebastian threw himself against the door again.

She couldn’t think straight. She couldn’t think straight. Block the door. She needs to block the door.

She saw two wooden chairs beside her parents’ bed that sat in the center of the room and grabbed one. She wedged the back of the chair underneath the doorknob, praying it’d be enough to hold back Sebastian.

She suddenly saw the blade of the knife jab through the crack of the door and watched it dragg up and down before being pulled back in. Whatever Sebastian was attempting to do didn’t go as planned; he resorted to charging against the door again, shouting, and now sporadically stabbing the door itself.

Maru would watch in horror as the blade made its way through the other side of the door with every other stab. She couldn’t tear her eyes off the door. She wanted to throw up.

“I HATE YOU.”

As Sebastian’s screaming and thrashing grew more and more voluminous, Maru backed herself against the wall, sat down, and brought her knees to her chest. She covered her ears, tears clouding her vision, as horrid thoughts and questions filled her mind. She remembered watching so many documentaries about serial killers with Penny, fascinated with how sick people could be. She never imagined her own step-brother would be the end of her.

“DO YOU HEAR ME?”

She wondered what it’d be like to have a knife plunged into her chest. Would it feel like a quick sting? Would it burn? Would her adrenaline prevent her from feeling anything at all, and she’d be stuck staring into her step-brother’s wild eyes? Would he drag out her demise? Or would he end her life as fast as possible?

“I HATE YOU.”

Maybe she deserves this. Maybe she should have treated him better. Maybe she could’ve tried harder. She should’ve kept her stupid mouth shut. She shouldn’t have said anything. None of this would’ve happened. Sebastian feels this way because of her. She deserves this. She deserves this. She’s going to die. She’s going to die.

She suddenly heard the front door open through Sebastian’s banging. Footsteps and muffled voices, which soon turned into shouting, grew near.

“Sebastian? Sebastian--oh my God, what are DOING!?” She heard her mom shout. Sebastian was rather too consumed with wanting to kill Maru, or no longer cared about the consequences, as his screaming and thrashing became more severe.

Demetrius’ shouting started clashing with Sebastian’s, and another, quieter male voice could be heard as well.

Sebastian’s ruckus came to an abrupt stop. He must’ve been pulled away from the door. She could hear his yelling, his legs kicking about, and--somehow--his knife swinging wildly.

Someone knocked on the door. “Maru, honey, are you in there?” Maru heard her mother ask through Sebastian and Demetrius’ shouting.

“It’s safe to come out,” Her mom said, “Dr. Harvey called the police. You’re going to be okay.”

Maru slowly got up and pulled the chair away. She cautiously unlocked the door and listened to the yelling grow louder as she opened the door more and more.

Maru was hoping seeing her mother would cause a wave of relief and security to wash over her, but Robin wore a false smile in a poor attempt to mask her fear, making Maru feel sicker.

Robin pulled her in for a tight hug and placed her hand on her head, whispering to Maru that they’re going to be okay, everything will be fine, it’s all over now.

Maru forced her head to the right and saw an enraged Demetrius and a terrified Harvey restraining both of Sebastian’s arms.

Sebastian had finally stopped shouting. He was sitting on the floor, panting through gritted teeth, tears running down his face, and staring at her with those horrible, loathsome eyes that wished to see nothing more than Maru’s demise.

[enrinkari]

Ambush

Note: YUP MORE TYRAJIN SHIT FUCK YOU.

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

Tyrathan was never a fan of the holiday Love is in the Air. It felt very fake and way too commercial for his liking. He participated in it, of course. His ex-wife and kids had loved the holiday, and he loved to see them happy, so he did it for them. Now, however, he was wishing the whole holiday would disappear.

"I don't be seein' why ya be actin' like this, love," Vol'jin sighed. They were in the throne room in Orgrimmar, Vol'jin sitting and Tyrathan standing far away, back turned to Vol'jin. "Ya know dese necklaces be meanin' nuthin' but a means for dese adventurers to get some of da tokens da vendor be needin'." Right as he finished saying this, a group of three female trolls came in to deliver their necklaces, giggling and blushing as they handed them to Vol'jin. One of them even blew him a kiss as they ran out, laughing at each other.

"Oh yeah, they seemed to be here just for the tokens," Tyrathan huffed. He didn't like that he felt jealous. He knew Vol'jin would never leave him, but he had also thought that about his ex-wife. "I'm going to go shoot at targets. i'll be back later." He stormed out of the building before Vol'jin could say anything, leaving the troll feeling very confused and, honestly, a little hurt.

When Vol'jin could finally get away from the adventurers a few hours later, he went immediately to the practice range. However, no one there had seen Tyrathan that day. Walking around the city, no one else had remembered seeing him. Starting to panic, Vol'jin went to their private dorm. Tyrathan wasn't there, but a note was.

Dearest Vol'jin,

I do apologize for how I acted today. This holiday just isn't a good holiday for me for various reasons. As such, I will be away on a hunt for the remainder of the holiday. Please know it has nothing to do with you, and I will return. I just need some alone time.

Yours eternally,

Tyrathan

Vol'jin felt his heart drop. Two weeks without his human? That was the longest they've been apart since they reunited after Vol'jin became Warchief. What was bothering Tyrathan so much, and why couldn't he talk to Vol'jin about it? Vol'jin flopped face down on their bed and sighed. His human was so confusing sometimes.

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

Fwoosh.

The sound of his arrow flying through the air towards his target was always music to Tyrathan's ears. The death squeal of the basilisk that the arrow hit was like a symphony. He walked over to his kill and started to skin it. He could sell both the skin and the meat for a decent price back in Orgrimmar.

It had been a week since Tyrathan fled to be alone, and while his heart ached to be back by Vol'jin's side, he knew it was better if he was away. Being alone also gave him time to try to sort through his issues and try to convince himself that what had happened to him before would never happen again with Vol'jin.

The snapping of a branch brought him back to reality. There was nothing - and no one - in sight, which made the snapping even more suspicious. Focusing intently, he silently drew his bow and let out an arrow. It landed in the arm of a stealthed Gurubashi troll, causing him to break out of stealth and cry out in pain. Tyrathan's eyes narrowed. He was about to be ambushed. Quickly he turned around and let loose another arrow, this time into the throat of another troll. Breaking their stealth, five other trolls ran towards Tyrathan, weapons at the ready. Tyrathan quickly sent arrows their way, and a few found homes in the trolls' bodies, but it didn't slow them down. One was quicker than the rest and raised his club up high, ready to smash Tyrathan's head in. He shot an arrow at the troll's feet, causing the troll to jump over it, surprised. As the troll was in the air, Tyrathan bent down and caught the troll with his shoulder. He then flipped the troll over his back and the troll landed with a thud. Tyrathan stabbed him in the neck with an arrow, taking care of one of his attackers.

The other four, now a little wary of this hunter with close combat moves, still charged at him but as one unit now. Tyrathan gave a leap backwards, firing off four more arrows in quick succession. Three of them landed in the legs of three different trolls and they stumbled to the ground screaming. As Tyrathan landed, however, his bad leg gave out and he rolled on the ground a few feet. When he finally stopped and tried to pick himself back up, he had just enough time to look up before the last troll brought his club down on head, knocking him out cold.

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

It had been a restless week for Vol'jin. Sleeping without Tyrathan by his side didn't feel right, and when he could sleep, he had nightmares constantly. Either Tyrathan was leaving him for good, or Tyrathan hated him, or worst of all, Tyrathan was dead. However he had to keep a happy face on for the adventurers. Walking towards the throne room, he rubbed his face with his hands. Just one more week of this. He could do it.

"My my my, someone been missin' dey beauty sleep," he heard a voice laugh behind him. Vol'jin knew that voice. He stopped walking and quickly turned around. "Bwonsamdi, wat you be doin' 'ere?"

"Can't I check up on one of my favorite trolls?" Bwonsamdi smiled. The smile gave Vol'jin the shivers.

"I not be dyin' today, Bwonsamdi, so ya should be gettin' back to wherever ya should be."

Bwonsamdi shook his head. "Vol'jin, do ya remember our last meetin'?" How could Vol'jin forget it. He had begged Bwonsamdi to return Tyrathan to the living world after the human sacrificed himself to save Vol'jin. "What I be tellin' ya dat day?" Bwonsamdi continued. "Dat it wasn't forever, right?" Bwonsamdi gave off a low laugh. "I wish I had known that ya not be keepin' him that long or else I might 'ave said no!"

Vol'jin looked at Bwonsamdi confused for a few seconds before he understood what the Loa of Death meant. He felt his whole body grow cold and felt his heart fall into his stomach. "Tyrathan..." he whispered softly.

"Oh don't be crying now, mon," Bwonsamdi teased, walking over to Vol'jin and putting an arm around him. "Your human not be dead yet. But he's almost there, and well... I be waiting for 'im." Bwonsamdi laughed again, but then yelped when Vol'jin held him against the wall by his neck.

"WHERE BE TYRATHAN?!" Vol'jin roared at him, his eyes almost glowing red with anger. "IF YOU NOT BE TELLIN' ME AND HE ENDS UP DEAD I SWEAR I WILL PERSONALLY END YOU MYSELF BWONSAMDI!"

For the first time in maybe ever, the Loa was scared. "Okay, okay, mon! I be telling you! Just don't be hurting my face! That's my money maker!" Vol'jin slowly put Bwonsamdi down, but stayed glaring at him. "He be in the Stranglethorn Vale. Look, I'll open a gate there, but that's it. Up to ya if he dies." He raised up a death gate from the ground. Vol'jin shot one last dirty look at Bwonsamdi and went through the gate.

-----------

Tyrathan's head was pounding as he slowly came to. He heard voices talking in Zandali, and decided to keep his eyes closed so they would think he was still out cold.

<This human is too dangerous! We can't keep him alive. We need to get rid of him.>

<I've always wanted to see what human tasted like...>

<You're always hungry! Stop thinking with your stomach for once!>

<Hey, wait a minute guys. I think I recognize this one.>

<What do you mean?>

<This one is Vol'jin's pet!>

<What?! Really?!>

<Yeah! I bet we could use him to get anything we wanted out of Vol'jin!>

<Or maybe... we could lure Vol'jin into a trap and kill 'em! They we can rule the Horde for the Gurubashi!>

<Now see what happens when you think with your head not your stomach?>

<You will NOT harm Vol'jin,> Tyrathan mumbled. He had no strength to fight, but he would do what he could to prevent them from hurting his troll.

<Whoa! He can speak our language!> One of the trolls walked over to Tyrathan. <I can't believe Vol'jin's pet knows so many tricks. Maybe he also knows how to sleep.> The troll punched Tyrathan in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to pass out again.

-----

The death gate had put Vol'jin at the sight of Tyrathan's attack. He couldn't help but be a little proud that his human had gotten some of his attackers, but he knew he didn't get all of them. He growled when he noticed they were Gurubashi. He wanted to wipe them all out here and now, but he had to first focus on getting Tyrathan back. He got down on his knees and began to "pray," as Tyrathan called it. <Gonk, the great hunter Loa. Please hear my plea. Help me track down and hunt the ones who took my mate from me. Help me save him.> Almost instantly he could feel Gonk give him a boost in power. He could see the way the trolls had taken Tyrathan. He began to run in that direction, hoping he wouldn't be too late.

He found them around a campfire in some ruins. There were five of them, though one of them was still healing a wound in his arm. He looked around and saw Tyrathan, tied up and on the ground, unconscious and breathing fast. Vol'jin tried to control his rage and think of a plan, but then he saw one of the trolls kick Tyrathan in the stomach, causing blood to come out of his mouth. Vol'jin felt the anger overtake him, and he roared, running into the camp faster than a troll should, eyes red with rage.

The five trolls jumped to attention, but before they could even think about what was happening, Vol'jin threw his spear at one with such speed it went thru him and pierced his heart, killing him instantly. The one closest to the now dead troll watched his buddy fall and turned back to face Vol'jin, but Vol'jin grabbed his head and slammed it into the ground, shattering his skull. He then turned to the other three and roared again, more animal than troll.

The three slowly started to back up, too afraid to run but afraid of staying too. One of them had Tyrathan's bow and quiver, and shot an arrow at Vol'jin. The arrow hit him in the chest, but he just pulled it out. <YOU DARE USE HIS WEAPONS?! YOU DARE HURT MY MATE?!?!> Vol'jin threw the arrow back at the troll, hitting him in the eye. Vol'jin used the distraction to run and remove his spear from the first troll's corpse. As the troll pulled the arrow out of his eye, Vol'jin slashed his throat open and watched the troll quickly bleed out.

The other two decided now would be the best time to run away. Vol'jin wouldn't allow them to, however. He tackled one of them and easily ripped his head off. He threw the head at the other head, knocking him down. Before he could get up, Vol'jin was on top of his, squeezing his throat and choking him. <WHEN YOU SEE BWONSAMDI, TELL HIM HE'S NOT IN THE CLEAR YET,> Vol'jin growled as he squeezed the troll's throat tighter and tighter until the troll no longer moved. Vol'jin stood up straight and roared, ready to kill the rest of the Gurubashi.

"Vol...jin..." he heard Tyrathan call out softly and all his anger, all his strength was gone. He quickly ran over to Tyranthan and carefully picked him up. His human was still breathing fast, but at least he was breathing. "Vol'jin...I'm..."

"Hush now, mon. Save what energy ya can," Vol'jin whispered, running a hand gently down Tyrathan's face. "You're okay now. We'll get ya to a nearby camp and then get ya home and 'eal up, okay?" Tyrathan nodded his head slightly before he lost consciousness again. Vol'jin held him tight and ran to the nearest camp. He had to get Tyrathan healed soon or Bwonsamdi would be getting six souls from the Stranglethorn Vale.

----------

This didn't feel like the afterlife. If it was, the afterlife felt like a giant bed. He slowly opened his eyes and realized he wasn't dead, but in his bed in Orgrimmar. He slowly sat up, then winced in pain. His head was still killing him, along with his stomach and leg. But he was alive. He looked around the room and saw that it was covered in the necklaces from the holiday. He picked up the closest one and his eyes got wide. It was for him from Vol'jin. Looking at the others that were close to him, they were also to him from Vol'jin. He guessed that his troll had made all of them for him. He went to get up but gasped at the pain in his body.

He heard frantic footsteps running towards the door, and it swung open revealing a very worried looking Vol'jin standing there, staring at him. Before Tyrathan could say a single word, Vol'jin rushed to his size and embraced him with a hug that was so tight Tyrathan thought he was going to break in half. "Tyrathan, ya okay!" The troll buried his head in Tyrathan's neck, and Tyrathan felt tears starting to fall from Vol'jin's eyes. "I thought I be losin' ya for good dis time. I be so worried. I... I...."

Tyrathan hugged Vol'jin back, rubbing his troll's back to calm him down. "It's okay Vol'jin. I'm okay, thanks to you. Once again you saved me."

After what seemed like an eternity, they let go of each other, but Vol'jin kept a tight grip on Tyrathan's hand. "Why ya be leavin'? Why can't ya talk ta me about it? Did I do sometin' wrong?"

Tyrathan shook his head. "Of course not. I just..." He sighed. "I am afraid you are going to realize one day that you are too good for me and I'm going to lose you. I've been left once before. That plus the fact this holiday has memories attached to her and my kids, and I just was a mess I guess. I knew it would be better if I was away." He chuckled. "At least I thought it would be better."

Vol'jin pulled Tyrathan into another embrace, but was more gentle this time. "Ya shouldn't be thinkin' like that. I be not too good for ya. Ya be too good for me! But I would never, and will never, leave ya, Tyrathan." He softly gazed into Tyrathan's eyes. "You be my home. My mate. And not even da loas themselves will keep me from being with ya."

Tyrathan snuggled into his troll and sighed happily. "Oh," he said suddenly. "What is with all these necklaces?"

Vol'jin smiled. "I be wantin' to show ya how much I care about ya'. I made dem all myself. And even though dere be many, it still not be enough to show ya' how much I love ya. I just ran out of supplies."

Tyrathan gave Vol'jin a kiss, which the troll returned with a hunger. "With necklace to token conversion, I think you have enough here for a mount. What do you say?" Vol'jin didn't say anything, he just began to kiss Tyrathan all over. His human was so confusing at times, but he loved every minute of it.

[kainks]

KAIROS. 1

Pairing: Hoseok x Reader

Genre: Sugar!Daddy AU, Fake!GF AU

Warnings: angst, smut, degrading names, mentions of cheating, dom themes, asshole hoseok

Words: 10k

Summary: Jung Hoseok is the devil in Armani. Self-entitled, rich, with striking good looks, there’s nothing he wants for with his parents’ money backing up his extravagant lifestyle. Yet when suddenly he’s forced to find himself a humble girlfriend or say goodbye to his monthly paycheck, he runs into you, lacking everything he possibly looks for in a girl. But he’s desperate, and being desperate makes a man do crazy things.

a/n: tysm to my irl bff @garbageeking for beta-ing for me and providing me with endless sugar!daddy hobi inspo to help me finish this chapter!!! ily!

The high chime of yet another eager customer ricocheted off of pale yellow walls, leather booths, and tiled flooring that was worn down with age. The quaint little shop lacked elegance, yet made up for it with charm. Watercolor paintings of sea cliffs, dipping waves, and golden sand hung from every corner of the small cafe, each dated and signed by a unique signature in the far left corner.

“Table three!” Your father’s gruff voice reminded from the back storage room, your attention once again redirected to the easily recognizable and overgrown mop of dusty brown hair, belonging to your best friend, who wore a forlorn frown, looking especially distressed as he sat himself into his regular booth. Red leather squeaked under the weight of his body as he threw himself down onto it, leaning his head against the cool glass of the large window that overlooked the crowded sidewalks and busy streets, a long horizon of blue easily noticeable in the distance.

“You look like you need some pie.”

Already cutting a slice of apple, made by yourself early that morning and still fresh from the oven, you listened to a dramatic sigh escape the mouth of Taehyung, who looked well and truly miserable. Just for that, you added a small scoop of ice cream onto the plate, not required, but due to the fondness you held for the sulking boy.

“Here.” Sliding into the opposite seat of the booth, you placed the pie in front of him, fork alongside it, waiting for him to direct his attention towards you, instead of sitting there with his eyes closed, looking especially pitiful.

“My brain says eat the pie, but my heart is saying no.”

Smile forming due to his dramatic antics, you lightly laughed, reaching for the fork yourself. “So you wouldn’t care if I….”

As if harboring a secret power, one that detected when his precious food was in danger, Taehyung’s eyes snapped open in a flash, hand instantly reaching out to gently prod your own away.

“Hand’s off sister, this is my pie.”

It also didn’t take him more than four bites to devour said pie, a sign that he was truly upset over the likes of something.

“What’s wrong?” Resting your head against your palm, you waited patiently as he silently went through the various steps in spilling his inner dilemma. Sadness, regret, anger and finally acceptance. All in the span of thirty seconds. Yet you knew how Taehyung worked, had for many years, and as his longest friend, you owed it to him to wait with patience until he was ready.

“It’s Yuna…” He trailed off, eyes focusing on the now empty plate settled on the table in front of him, as if dreading your reaction.

“Again? Tae...” Now it was your turn to frown, the name settling over you like a sickening poison, leaving you feeling ill with just the reminder of who exactly it belonged to. Lifting his eyes from the plate, he looked at you with a stare that read ‘don’t judge me’ because he couldn’t help who he yearned for, even if it was the bitchiest, most stuck up and conniving girl at the university you both attended.

Min Yuna was a third year, whereas you and Taehyung were only in your second. She stemmed from a large, rich, yet problematic family that owned half the beach town and workers within it. The same family that most likely left her with repressed issues that came out as snarky comments and twisted manipulation. People worshiped the ground she walked on, boys flocked to her long legs and slim waist like moths to a flame, girls stepped back in awe as she paraded through the halls, a silent action done by her humble servants, ones that screamed their instant devotion and subservience to the wicked witch.

It was the same girl Taehyung had decided years ago that he would altogether love and equally get his heart broken by. A boy that wore his heart on his sleeve, one that was two sizes too big for his chest; a boy that cared deeply for the people around him, talked to every stray animal he passed on the street, and helped every old lady that needed her groceries carried five blocks. The same boy that Yuna stepped all over, while knowingly getting away with it because any attention from her was better than none, in Taehyung’s words, not your own.

So in all, you deeply despised the bitch with an over-sized ego and five inch stilettos. She was a walking bomb, destroying everything in her wake, and in her crossfire your sweet friend was being broken down piece by piece.

“What did she do now?”

You were afraid to ask, as it was always something entirely new and twisted with her. Taehyung was a free spirit, one who didn’t let social norms and expectations keep him from what he wanted. So he pursued Yuna, since the tenth grade, and each time it left him with another piece of himself hollowed out.

“I bought her this bracelet at the stalls today, it made me think of her because of the little sharks that dangled from it. She’s like a shark, quick and stealthy, but sharks are often made out to be evil when really they're just wandering the ocean lonely, and by themselves.”

Your own chest felt tight as he retrieved a silver bracelet from his pocket, made of cheap metal, most likely sold by one of the little old ladies that opened their jewelry stalls every morning on the beach front, hoping to attract the tourists that littered by with their hats and cameras.

The little charms clanked together as he carelessly dropped it onto the tabletop, where it landed in the center; seven little blue sharks carefully spaced apart, with a single sea shell between each gap. It was cheesy, something meant for an overexcited child, yet if you had been in Min Yuna’s shoes, you would have accepted the bracelet with open hands and a smile, simply because it came from someone like Taehyung, who had nothing but love and fondness swimming inside of him.

Tack on another reason to hate the sea witch.

“She laughed when I tried giving it to her, threw it back in my face and said to stop wasting her time with cheap gifts.”

“I’m so sorry Tae…” You didn’t know what to say, knowing that another lecture on who he chose to love was not what he needed from you at the moment, and having been in the same situation many times before, you carefully slid the bracelet back towards him and reached for his hand.

“Keep it for now, who knows, maybe she’ll see the light one day and realize what a catch you are. Anyone would be lucky to date you, you take me out for ice cream almost daily, and I’m not even your girlfriend!”

You watched with success as his lips turned up into a familiar boxy grin, squeezing your hand in his larger one as an unsaid thank you for your attempts at brightening up his sour mood. You two continued to sit in silence together, the cafe vacant save for the both of you. It wasn’t unpleasant, and just what you’d expect from Taehyung, who often preferred to get lost in his own thoughts, yet didn’t like the idea of being alone. So with you sitting across from him, he felt compelled to relax into his seat, staring out the window with a soft sigh.

You let your own eyes wander out into the populated streets, a sinking feeling weighing you down into soft leather upon noticing not one person sparing a lingering glance towards the cafe, feet carrying them a further distance towards a more exciting, curb appealing, restaurant that would empty their wallets quicker than the plane ride that got them there in the first place.

You tried not to spare a glance at the showcase of fresh pies and sweet treats lined up perfectly at the front counter, ones that you had helped hand make yourself at six this morning, tried not to listen to the heavy breaths and small complaints of your father as he rolled out yet another slab of dough onto the back kitchen counter, limbs aching and fingers cramping from yet another day of hard work and no sales.

You tried to ignore the increasing stack of letters, with red bold print stamped onto the fronts, that were secretly tucked away from your eyes upon the old bookshelf lined with aged cookbooks. An attempt to keep you in the unknown at the financial crises the cafe was in, one that had been in your family for past generations, one that was laden with late night closings and early morning baking from each family to the next, one that had its heart and soul poured into every crevice.

One that was slipping away from you and your father, little by little each day.

/~/

Morning brought nothing but blue skies and soft winds, a perfect day for the beach, as almost every sign in town read, plastered about street corners and gift shops to the ever indulgent tourists. For you, it was just Friday, which meant your day off from helping run the shop and in turn attempting to keep caught up with the pile of homework that was steadily growing on your desk.

Finding your father in the kitchen with his usual cup of coffee, a cheap roast that was the routine start to every day, you greeted him with the usual smile, reaching for the orange juice sat on the counter for you readily. Another small act by your father, who still managed to smile despite the heavy weights perched on each shoulder hauntingly.

“You seeing your mom today?” He asked indifferently, which you supposed was for your own convenience. As if showing true emotion towards the predicament would ultimately upset you. Yet, being dismissive was just as bad. You decided not to voice your concerns though, as he was trying, in his own way. The situation was a sad one after all.

“Yeah, I’ll head over there before going to campus.”

He smiled at you over his cup of coffee, already dressed for the day, grey hair speckled against soft hazel, his eyes looking older than he was. You knew your father harbored troubles secretly, was not an open book when it came to you, because protecting you from the truth was easier than letting you in.

“I’ll tell her you said hello.”

“You do that darlin’, I’m sure she’d love to hear it.”

With that he was back to reading his paper, sipping dutifully from his cup, glasses perched low upon his nose.

/~/

Fluorescent bulbs made the room seem stiff, the cleansing smell of sterile sheets and floors making your nose itch from where you sat perched in a small lounge chair, your usual spot situated beneath a large window overlooking the boisterous town. The weight of a withering paperback sat comfortably in your lap, your feet propped up to the side of of the chair, the familiar symphony of beeps blaring out in the otherwise quiet room. Tubes of all shapes, all colors, twisted and bent together, all leading to one destination. The person in the hospital bed, eyes closed with faux breaths seemed like a mere stranger, had for the past six months. The tubes connecting to their body, head, arms, resembled vicious vines that were slowly closing in, sucking the artificial air right out of their lungs. The ICU was never over crowded, neither was the spacious hospital, fair in size compared to the one in the city, which was only an hours drive. Doctors often recognized you within the bleached walls, smiling a familiar yet otherwise empty greeting at you. It was common curtesy, came with the territory, you supposed. Mostly they knew you as the girl who visited her mother every Friday at ten in the morning, book clutched to chest and endless hope in your eyes. You knew they pitied you, it wasn’t hard to tell with how often the nurses came in to check on you during your usual two hour visits. You came to hate the sympathetic looks they’d send you every time you’d leave, hope once again shattered in disappointment. With a longing glance, you gazed upon the number of bodies swarming golden sand, kites of multicolors swaying through the wind translucently. You watched children splash through the waves, able to imagine the cheerful laughter bellowing from their little bodies at the pure joy that summer brought them, that your town provided them. Yet you couldn’t help but think how much pain it had brought you instead. “We never did learn to surf.” Producing the smallest of grins, your lips curling up in a reminiscent smile, you let your fingertips run over the smooth spine of the novel, a calming treasure that instantly stilled your rapid heart.

“We never did a lot of things, did we?”

This time you looked at her, truly saw her instead of pretending to look, just like you always did when you’d visit. The view from the twenty second floor had become your scapegoat during the long visits, your chest not being able to bear the sight of your own mother laying before you, unmoving and unaware.

“Hope I’m not interrupting?”

Two knocks tapped firmly against the slightly ajar door, a soft-spoken voice following soon after. You watched a tuft of blond hair peek around the corner, black thick framed glasses perched high upon the slope of a perfect nose; a man unknown to you.

“Uh, well… not really. Sorry, who exactly are you?”

Untucking your legs from the chair and ignoring the slight bouts of pain shooting through the muscles, you quickly stood, dropping your book into the cushioned seat of your absence. The man must have noticed your confused stare, since he muttered something to himself rather quickly, before letting out a somewhat embarrassed laugh.

“Sorry, you don’t know me, but I’m Doctor Kim’s intern.”

The man slowly pushed open the door, stepping into the room soon after, your eyes casting a study of the rather tall stranger from head to toe. He was young, had a boyish look to him that let you know he wasn’t someone to be intimidated by, especially with his Ryan printed dress shirt tucked into a pair of tight fitting slacks, a white medical coat finishing the rather bizarre ensemble.

It was obvious he dyed his hair, the pale blonde locks starting to darken near the roots, fringe styled up and away from his eyes, still allowing him to keep a speck of professionalism with him. You noticed his demeanor grow nervous, fingers fiddling with the three pens clipped into his coat pocket, instantly boosting your curiosity about the strange man.

“Intern? I didn’t know Doctor Kim had an intern, he never mentioned anything…” You trailed off, more so to yourself than anything else.

“Yes, well it’s only my third day so I’m sure he hasn’t had time to talk about me yet.”

He chuckled at his own joke, cheeks turning a shade darker while simultaneously prodding at his bottom lip, and you couldn’t help but crack a smile at the guys attempt at humor. It was no wonder he was so fidgety and nervous, being fresh meat and all to the higher ups who worked around the clock at the hospital.

“Is he not in today?” Furrowing your brows in confusion, you thought back to the brief conversation you had with Doctor Kim over the phone the day before, where he promised to update you on any latest concerns or improvements on your next visit.

Unless there was nothing to tell, then he had no reason to show face after all.

“He had a family emergency he needed to tend to, and told me to check up on you to let you know.” Taking a step closer, shortening the large gap, he shot a blinding grin your way, dimples and all, before sticking out his hand rather confidently.

“I’m Doctor Kim, but you can call me Namjoon, since I’m sure that would get confusing in the future.”

Placing your palm into his much larger one, you were surprised at how gentle he shook your hand, letting the tips of his fingers brush against yours as he pulled away. Your cheeks were suddenly hot, head slightly dizzy from how quickly the man, Namjoon, went from shy and reserved to anything but.

“I’m ____.” You smiled, letting your hand fall back to your side, still slightly warm from his touch. You mentally scolded yourself for acting so insane, like you were thirteen again seeing a handsome face appear before you. How long had it been since you’d even last held someone’s hand?

It was pathetic really.

“Umm, Doctor Kim didn’t happen to mention any news on my mom, did he?”

Your fingers interlocked together, resting against your fluttering stomach, nails digging into the skin of your palms as you watched his face dim from pleasantly happy to sorrowful. It was a face you were used to, could practically see upon any person you came in contact with.

“No he didn’t, I’m sorry.” He turned to take a quick glance at the patient lying in the bed, monitor displaying a steady pulse, and nothing else. No activity, no consciousness, nothing. When he turned back to you, your hands fell in slight defeat, not even remotely disappointed as you should have been. The answer was always the same anyways.

“If there’s any changes, I’ll make sure to call you right away, if not me then Doctor Kim.”

With a weak nod, and forced smile of gratitude, you let out a sigh of acceptance, while reaching down to grab your backpack from its spot next to the chair.

“Thank you, it was nice meeting you Namjoon.”

You watched him walk backwards, clipboard in hand, while faintly bumping into the counter behind him on his way to the door, an embarrassed chuckle leaving his mouth in a rush. Holding up two fingers, he slightly waved a brief goodbye.

“You as well, ____.”

After he slipped through the door, leaving you once again standing in an eerie silence of repetitive beeps, you quickly slung your bag onto your shoulder while your hands curled over the plastic railing at the foot of the bed.

Her hair was brushed, strew out across the pillowcase in thin curls, the tube down her throat making you shudder, eyes closing at the image you’d rather not see, not have to bear any longer. When you opened them again, you had hoped she’d be staring back at you, that your mere presence would have been enough to wake her from the induced sleep she’d been put into.

You weren’t though, you weren't enough.

“See you next time.”

Stepping away from the bed was like leaving her all over again, saying goodbye to her just like you had those six months ago after she insisted that you do it, just in case, because life wasn’t all that kind and you would need the closure.

Just in case.

“By the way, dad says he misses you. We both do.”

With that you turned and left, unable to spare a single glance behind as you did.

/~/

“Fuck, that’s it, yes.”

Drops of sweat lined his brow, ran a path down his neck while dripping onto tainted sheets dirtied with cum and sweat. The girl on his cock bounced beautifully, tits slapping in his face with every drop, throat exposed and littered with red bites that would blossom into bruises lasting for days, a little reminder of her endeavors in his bed.

“O-h, fuck me harder, god your cock is fucking heaven!”

Hoseok smirked, fingertips digging harder into her hips, nails leaving crescent marks into the bones that protruded in his hold, helping push her back down onto him. She had an unyielding grip on the tufts of his hair, pulling at his roots hard enough that his jaw clenched in discomfort, but being balls deep in a wet cunt was undoubtedly worth the pain, especially when the girl knew how to roll her hips in a way that had him snarling the filthiest shit into her ear.

Removing a hand from her waist, Hoseok gripped the long black locks cascading down her back in a tight fist, pulling her head back and body into a perfect arch. He reveled in the whimper of pain that left her cherry coated lips, an eye for an eye and all that. Sitting up straighter, Hoseok held her down onto his cock, instructing her to grind on him while he ravished her perky little nipples, his free hand running down her ass to grab a cheek full of flesh.

Wrapping his lips around a nipple, he let his teeth scrape against the supple skin, earning a high pitched squeal from her in return. His tongue laved over her, tasting the salty tang on his tongue while leaving small nips and bites in his wake. It was enough to have her shaking atop him, thighs trembling and walls clenched.

Releasing his hold on her, he was none the gentle pushing her off of him, ignoring the confused pout she sent him while toppling down onto the plush bed. She really was a pillow princess, preferred to be doted on while being fucked into earth shattering orgasms. Hoseok didn’t give a fuck in the slightest, as he could take her however he wanted, position her how he wanted, and she’d let him, as long as she got to cum in the end. It was like having his own personal sex doll, just a living and breathing one at that.

Details.

“Hose-”

“Turn around, wanna fuck you from behind.”

And like that, her eyes were lighting up like he’d just asked her to meet him at the alter. Inside, Hoseok scoffed, noting the girl to be nothing more than a two timing slut that was bored with her below average husband, coming to him to show her the finer things in life. Like his cum down her throat and his hand prints on her ass.

“Mmm, okay.”

On his knees, one hand stroking himself as he impatiently watched her situate her body to his liking, chest flush to the bed and ass high in the air. On the outside, Hoseok was delighted at how shameless she was, her plush cheeks parting to give him a glimpse of what she was offering. On his tamer days, he might have asked if he could bury his face between those cheeks, letting her coat his tongue as he toyed with her well beyond her limit, but Hoseok was feeling especially selfish at the moment and so was his dick.

“Your ass is to die for, jesus christ.”

After letting one ringing slap land on her ass that jiggled beneath his palm, he lined the head of his cock to her cunt, not delaying his pleasure for any longer as he slid into her with ease, her walls clamping down around him in sudden shock.

“Warn me next time!” She whined, like the little brat she was. Hoseok ignored her, instead let his hands run down the slope of her spine, before once again grabbing her hair, this time with both hands, as leverage to fuck himself into her.

“God damn, your pussy is gold Mina, don’t know why you let that thing you call a man into it every night.”

Groans slipped from his throat, jumbled with her own screams and squeals as he impaled her on him with every snap of his hips, shallow and quick, his end rapidly approaching. He could feel it building in his stomach, abs tensed and balls tingling with every slap against her thighs.

“Yes, yes Hoseok, harder, fucking wreck me!”

He snarled, lips curling in and darkened with his impending climax. Bending down so his chest was flush against her back, he slowed his pace to deep rolls, cock bottoming out with every grind, never fully leaving the warmth she provided him.

“Fuck, take my cock you little slut.” His teeth clamped down onto the skin behind her ear, her own eyes rolling back into her head at the sultry words that left his mouth like honey, coating her entire body in nothing short of ecstasy.

“I’ll have you coming back to me, every single night, worshiping my cock like you were meant to do.” Hoseok chuckled, voice graveled and rough. “After all, that’s all slut’s like you are good for, right?”

“Yes! Yes, I’m such a fucking slut for your cock! Please, god please let me come, I can’t-”

“No. You don’t come until I fill your filthy cunt up, I want it dripping out of you when you leave, that way your devoted little husband knows what his wife was really up to tonight. How you were- “

Returning to his previous position, on his knees behind her, Hoseok pulled out until only the sensitive head was enveloped by her cunt, lips puffy and red from his brutal fucking. With a satisfied look, he held onto her hips, thumbs digging in for aided emphasis.

“Getting ruined by a cock worth cheating for.”

Heavy breaths, skin slapping, throaty groans, they all echoed off the walls of the room as Hoseok fucked her from behind like a starved man, hips pistoning into her pussy as he hung on the brink of sanity. His mind was cloudy, in a blissed daze with how intense his orgasm was going to be, he was going to come so fucking hard. He wouldn’t be surprised if he passed the fuck out right after.

Which would most likely piss of the withering girl beneath him, but it’s not like he especially cared.

He could always compensate her in other ways.

“Fucking hell, I‘m gonna cum, fuck, fuck, gonna fill you and fuck it out of you…”

“Oh god, it’s so good, shit!” He could hear her cries, tears staining his pillow as she bit into the fabric to keep from biting her own damn lips. He swiveled his hips, fucking up into her while throwing his head back, releasing an audible groan that was most likely heard by the staff scattered around his house, but he didn’t care, because he was going to bust the biggest fucking nut in her in about two seconds and-

“Hello, Hello! How’s my fav- Oh, Hoseokie, I didn’t know you had company.”

The ever annoyingly grating voice of his brother was suddenly cock blocking his efforts, all singsong and sarcastic as he stood in the doorway with a grin that demanded attention despite his current predicament. It was obvious he didn’t care in the slightest about interrupting, with how he leaned against the doorjamb with his arms crossed, eyebrows raised expectantly.

Stopping mid-thrust, Hoseok eyed Seokjin over his shoulder with an annoyed look, hair disheveled and still balls deep in a now embarrassed and pliant girl beneath him. He scoffed. Now she chose to get all shy.

“Come along little brother, a family discussion is in order.”

Orgasm now miles away, cock softening instantly at the sight of his cheerful hyung in colorful prints and looking especially glowing despite having caught his baby brother mid-fuck, Hoseok let out a groan of frustration while removing himself from the bed, slipping back into a pair of black silk shorts.

“Really hyung? You couldn’t wait another ten fucking seconds?”

The girl slid out his bed soon after, wrapping a fluffy blanket around her body to maintain some modesty while averting her eyes downwards as she beelined it towards the door with clothes in hand, her escape being blocked by a broad shouldered Seokjin who eyed her with a faux smile, all judgement but too nice to let it show on his face.

“I’ll just umm, be leaving now. Hello Seokjin, nice seeing you again.”

Stepping aside to allow her room to pass, Seokjin gave a brief nod of his head, excellent at maintaining a nonchalant composure despite the situation. “You too Mina, do make sure and say hello to Charles for me would you?”

Hoseok outright laughed, shaking his head at the way his brother was able to execute an outright stab in the back while charming his words with a pleased smile. The girl look horrified, and the least bit ashamed as she sprinted out of the room, the front door of his house slamming only seconds later.

“That was low, even for you.”

“I don’t think you’re one to be lecturing me little brother. Downstairs in five, and wash your face, that color of lipstick doesn’t suit your complexion.”

/~/

“You really should work on not sleeping with married women.” Seokjin drawled on from his reclined position on Hoseok’s leather couch, legs crossed in a pristine professionalism that made the younger man roll his eyes upon entering the room.

Freshly showered and sporting comfortable clothing, black jeans and a matching hoodie, Hoseok had made sure to rub a quick one off before coming downstairs. To ease him into a more relaxed state, a nicer mood. Fuck knows he’d need it to deal with a temperamental Seokjin.

“You know me hyung, I never turn a willing participant away.”

He smirked, plopping down into the plush recliner across from the couch, making sure to keep his distance from the frown that was slowly forming on his brother’s face.

“She’s married you idiot, I thought you’d know better. If something like this gets out-” The older male shook his head at his brothers tendency to overlook the consequences that didn’t concern himself. It wasn’t often he received a call from his father telling him to go and scold the youngest of the family, even though Seokjin found himself doing that more than not on his own accord. Their father rarely got involved, and that simple fact made him just the slightest bit on edge.

“It’ll be bad for business, sales will go down, yeah I fucking know. You make sure and tell me every time you barge in here without knocking. This is my house you know.”

Hoseok’s irritation was slowly reaching its limit. Biting his tongue had never been a strong suit for him, and instead he chose to dig his nails into the fabric of the chair while giving his brother an annoyed stare.

“A house you didn’t pay for.”

“Details.”

“Father called. He wants to see you in his office tomorrow.”

He swallowed, pushed back the anxiety that instantly swarmed his body upon the mentioning of his sperm donor. Not like he had ever been a fucking dad to him anyways. Hoseok grew up with multiple nanny’s playing the role of mom after his birth one kicked the bucket after bringing him into this world. His step mom wasn’t any better, a statue could be more nurturing than that hellish woman.

“Why?”

Seokjin could hear the slight panic in his brother’s voice, simply because he knew him as well as he did. To others, it would come off as indifferent, uncaring of such an issue.

“Most likely another fuck up on your part.”

Hoseok let out an amused chuckle, while brushing away the fringe from his face and relaxing back into the chair, eyes closed and head tilted back into a temporary rest. He could hear the sound of Seokjin sipping at his coffee, the waves as they rolled onto the beach, with his house being only a few short steps away.

“Well, what’s fucking new.”

/~/

The campus was never overly crowded on Friday’s, especially during Summer term where people often chose to party on the beach instead of drowning in assignments and part-time jobs. You almost preferred the lack of people when you visited, it was easier to find unoccupied tables at ideal locations to study at instead of in the library that was suffocatingly stuffy, in a used books sort of way.

Noon was approaching as you sat under a large oak, hot sun blocked from view by the winding branches overhead. The grass felt cool against your bare legs, shoes kicked off to let your feet breath from the constant walking you had done earlier in the day, the strands of green tickling your toes whenever you shifted into a more comfortable position.

The courtyard was empty, save for you and one other person lounging at a nearby picnic table. You had been attempting to read the newest chapter of your economics book for the past half hour, yet your attention was always pulled back to the patch of yellow daisies to your left. Minor distractions kept pushing their way to the forefront of your mind, and sadly, you knew that you’d most likely get no studying done today with your ability to focus nonexistent.

Deeming it pointless to further pretend you were making any progress towards your studies, you slammed the heavy front of your textbook closed, shoving it back into your bag with a defeated look. You were about to reach for your phone to invite Tae out to lunch when a familiar high pitched, shrill voice, distracted you, your head peering around the edge of the tree to see Yuna herself talking carelessly loud on her phone.

“But Minnie! I was really looking forward to this trip with you!”

“Minnie! Don’t you care how I’m suffering right now?  Just cancel your meeting!”

“Forget it, there’s no way you can possibly make this up to me!”

“......Did you say Chanel?”

“Gold with glitter jewels?”

“You’re the best Minnie! I’ll see you tonight, and I’ll wear the red dress just for you.”

Min Yuna held a certain aura that demanded everyone’s attention, whether good or bad. It wasn’t hard to miss her extravagant appearance; styled voluminous curls cascading down her back, fire red faux leather jacket perched upon her shoulders with a tight black mini skirt to match, and you scoffed when you noticed how it barely covered her ass. Her legs looked even longer, leaner, in the five inch stilettos she sported, despite the uneven terrain of the college.

Speaking of college.

“Yah! Yuna, why don’t you shut up, some people are trying to get some work done here.”

It wasn’t a secret that you despised her, everyone in town knew it, she knew it, even the ocean knew it, as it often got an earful of your complaints whenever you were forced to be within five feet of the devil in Prada.

If looks could kill, you would have surely gone up in flames the minute her gaze found your own, already immensely irritated that you had even dared utter a word to her. She still had the phone pressed to her ear, yet glossy red lips were now set into a sneer at your rude interruption. Quickly muttering something into the phone, to whom you had no idea, she ended the call before strutting your way, that obviously meant your impending doom, in her eyes at least.

To you, she was the least intimidating person you’d ever met.

“Don’t you have anything better to do than bud into people's lives that aren’t your own?” Yuna snapped aggressively, standing to your left with her arms crossed and hip jutted out. Looking up from your spot on the ground, your eyes squinted at the blurry image of her angered face, the sun’s brightness blocking your view, which you quickly shielded with your hand.

“Don’t you know that your voice is annoying? No one wants to hear what the hell you’re wearing to the club Yuna, no one gives a shit.”

A small ‘hmph’ passed through her lips, eyes rolling at your obvious judgement towards her. It wasn’t like you to stick around, picking fights with her, because in your eyes it deemed you no better than her. Yet a large part of you was still upset over how she had treated Taehyung, had practically kicked him to the curb for the thousandth time. So maybe indulging in a petty feud, for the sake of your friend, was worth it.

“At least I have somewhere to be tonight. All you ever do is sit around with your books, all by yourself, don’t you care that you have no fucking life?”

Anger burned hot in your chest, hatred for the pest standing before you boiling over into your veins, making your fists clench with unreleased fury, because you were not a violent person, even though you wanted nothing more than to land a punch square in her perfectly, fake nose.

Slipping your shoes back on while zipping up your bag, your education the last thing on your mind now, you stood up with determined eyes, and maybe Yuna saw how clearly pissed you were, as she took a large step back, chin jutted up with confidence that she’d have the last say.

“Listen, people may grovel at your feet, but I’m not one of them. I don’t care what you have to say, and I don’t particularly care that I chose to focus on my future instead of acquiring a new STD every night. You’re nothing Yuna, and your words mean nothing to me.”

You were getting too heated, venomous words spilling from your mouth in uncontrolled rage. It bothered you that she was able to slither her way under your skin so easily. You weren’t a confrontational person, in fact you really hated calling out anyone on their mistakes. Yet something about Yuna made you angrier than you’d ever been in your entire life, and with that came the desire to confront her, to call her out for being a complete nightmare to anyone she crossed paths with.

Inhaling a few, much needed breaths of air into your lungs, rant now fizzled out into a simmering vexation, you watched on with satisfaction at the look of shock that crossed over her features. You had never dared to be so bold in the past, and could tell that a part of her was perplexed by it.

“Obviously my words do mean something, or else you wouldn’t be getting so upset by them.”

She smirked, eyes darkened and ready for the kill. A look of unfamiliarity settled upon her face, one that sent warning signals to your brain, that it was a good time to flee and accept your small victory. Though, a brief thought crossed your mind, that maybe you had underestimated just how cruel Min Yuna could truly be.

“Why don’t you run home and focus on your own life,  ____. With your father and his dying business. It’s obvious he could use the help, as his usual partner is well, a little preoccupied.”

A sickening sensation flared up in your chest, Yuna’s words snaked with thorns that tore into your heart, embedding themselves until you were bleeding openly from within. Recognition crossed over her face, a triumphant grin eerily stretching across her lips, a red that reminded you of the devil himself. All evil and no remorse, no conscious.

“H-how could you even say that to me?”

The unadulterated shock prevented the rage from overtaking you, stopped the tears from freely falling in response to her cruel words. Your family’s personal matters were no secret among the town, word traveled fast through a small vicinity, and people liked to partner gossip with their daily brunch. It was hard, receiving pitying looks from locals whenever you’d pass by, their condolences sent with the usual frown and diverted eyes.

Yet no one dared to ever ask you about your mom, not having the courage to shed light on such a sensitive topic. Except for Yuna, with unwavering confidence and a skill for mapping out a person's biggest weakness.

Now broken into a temporary silence, your previous fire having been diminished with icy words that cut across your skin like blades, Yuna gave a tilt of her head, hair flicking flawlessly behind her shoulder with one quick sweep of her hand.

“Oh darling, how could I not?”

Giving you one last glance with her eyes full of judgement and contempt, Yuna gracefully spun on her patent heels, strutting away through the courtyard with the final word, the shattered pieces of your armor trailing behind her.

/~/

“You’re going to be sweating whiskey and tequila if you don’t slow the hell down.”

The ever present, ever judging stare of Taehyung burned holes into the side of your face as you tipped another shot back of whatever type of liquor you held in your hand, the burn feeling similar to molten fire as it slid down your throat. You were not much of a drinker, in fact, the only time you had ever truly been three sheets to the wind was freshman year of high school, where you had discovered a forgotten bottle of Vodka underneath the kitchen counter during your parent's weekend getaway.

It was Taehyung too, that had saved you that time. When he had found you, upside down over the back of the couch with flushed cheeks and all smiles, he had broken down into hysteric laughs at the image itself. Sure, he had spent a majority of the night holding your hair back while both your lunch and dinner returned tenfold, yet he was there by your side, puke and all.

Now, he wasn’t exactly smiling. More like frowning intently at your drunken stupor, while watching you slip into an area of self loathing and regret. Typical actions for many on a Friday night, but for you, a rare occurrence. You were known for keeping your emotions in check, hardly letting anything break through the walls you had successfully built around yourself. Yet, such defenses had all been blown to bits by none other than the devil incarnate herself.

“Okay, that’s enough. Give me that!” The small shot glass was ripped from your lips, which you fought for rather diligently in return. Though your strength was nothing compared to Taehyung’s and you could only imagine what you both looked like, struggling over an empty glass of tequila like children.

“Yah! Stop, I’m not done yet! I could go all night!”

Hearing a frustrated huff fall from his lips, you finally let go of the glass with a threatening glare, yet Taehyung didn’t seem the least bit affected by your expression. Instead he stood up from the bar stool, sliding the glass along the counter, down and away from your prying hands.

“If you keep this shit up, you’ll be completely wasted within thirty minutes.”

You watched him lean his side against the bar, shaggy locks falling into his eyes which he blew away with a single breath. You frowned.

“What’s wrong with that? Can’t I live a little?”

“It’s nine thirty! Who the hell gets drunk off their ass at nine thirty at night?”

The club, il’Ricco, was nothing short of extravagant, far from the usual dingy and sketchy hole in the ground that people were known to visit on the regular. Honestly, it had been a surprise you and Taehyung had even been able to get into the place, as the line normally wrapped around the building and down the block with people waiting impatiently to have a night they’d never forget, or most likely would, when morning came around.

The both of you had only waited a short hour and a half to get in, with him complaining about his feet hurting every five minutes while leaning against your side like an overgrown puppy. You had just scoffed at his whines, since you had been the one in heels, not him.

From outside, the three story building looked rather plain, red bricks and a single sign that hung from above the entrance. It was nothing like what you’d find in the city, yet for a small town, its curb appeal had been better than expected. Upon stepping foot onto velvet floors encased within black walls, lights strung from ceiling to ceiling with refined elegance, you had seemed to enter an alternate reality, intruding into an atmosphere that you were clearly not a part of.

It was a palace for the elite, whose pockets were full of cash, with lives to match their frivolous spending. Where women were dressed to the nines in designer fabrics, and men were decked out in Italian and Rolex's that cost more than your tuition itself. Every single person looked pristine, flawless in their appearance, and you had instantly felt out of place within seconds.

Taehyung hadn’t cared that he was dressed in a pair of black slacks, baby blue shirt tucked in rather carelessly that hung from his shoulders in a loose manner. Somehow, he still managed to pull off such a look. Your friend was the epitome of beauty, you had discovered long ago. His features sharp and defined, gaze either cold or welcoming depending on his mood.

Maybe, if you hadn’t known him since the first grade, where you had caught him eating a stick of glue, while proceeding to cry because his lips were stuck together, you could have fallen hard for him. Yet some people were meant to last a lifetime, simply as each other's support systems, lifelines when things got shaky, someone to help you back onto your feet when things got rough. That was who Taehyung was for you, a constant in your life, a person you trusted one hundred percent and more.

You were almost jealous of the confidence he harbored within a single stare, and how he effortlessly seemed to fit into the atmosphere of people. You on the other hand, seemed to stick out like an unwanted scuff on their shoes. Or, that’s what it felt like to you at least. You had put on one of the three dresses you had hanging in your closet, untouched since you’d bought it last June. A simple off the shoulder black dress, that fell above your knees with a plunging v-neckline that showed a fair amount of cleavage, yet not too much that would be considered un-tasteful to your standards.

In reality, you felt rather naked. The most skin you were used to showing were your legs, whenever the off chance happened that you left your house in a pair of shorts. Taehyung had whistled when he’d picked you up, keys swinging around his finger from where he’d been leaning against the passenger door of his beat up Ford.

“Don’t you look hot. What’s the occasion?”

“I have a date with Tequila Rose.”

With Taehyung by your side though, you felt some of your worries melt away, with the aid of the alcohol currently brimming in your veins as well. You weren’t drunk, just carefree enough to forget about your day, and Yuna herself. Which had been your plan all along.

You felt a twinge of guilt creep up your shoulders though, because you were acting more of a nuisance than a friend at the moment, completely neglecting Taehyung’s own feelings in your search for intoxication. With a long sigh, and a look that screamed ‘forgive me’, you gently nudged his arm to gain his attention.

“Sorry.”

Upon hearing your apology, the permanent frown that had previously accompanied his face slowly morphed into one of reassurance, his hand coming out to shove your shoulder just the slightest, before pinching your cheek between his thumb and finger.

“How can I stay mad at this face?” He cooed, and you were quick to bat away his hand with a laugh, aware that people had been watching the whole interaction from the start. You could practically feel their judging stares burning holes into the back of your skull, yet the anxiety you had once felt had soon diminished and faded away into nothing. You were determined to have a good time.

“I’ll go get you some water okay? Dilute some of that tequila before you pass out.”

“But I’m not even dru-!”

You words fell into silence at his already retreating form, pushing through the crowd to hunt down the bartender for a bottle of water. You faintly smiled, thankful for having such a friend by your side, despite the troubles you put him through.

“Finally alone, I see?”

You felt your skin prick at the unfamiliar voice by your ear, a soft tone that you’d barely heard over the bass of the music. The presence of a warm body was felt behind you, looming over your shoulder, and you swore you felt a breath caress your exposed neck, causing a wave of shivers to fall over your body. You were quick to spin in your seat, hand supporting yourself on the edge of the counter as you came face to chest with someone entirely unknown to you.

The first thing you noticed were silver pants, taught against thighs that brushed your knees as you spun around. Looking up, you were met with blond hair, fringe styled into an uneven part away from his face, with mischievous eyes that seemed to consume your own in a heated stare. Drink in hand, the other resting casually in his pocket, you eyed the man curiously. You couldn’t help but notice how close he was to you, obviously lacking the knowledge of personal space.

“Umm…”

You felt rather small, looking up at the stranger. In your seated position, he stood with a grace that could only come with years of harbored confidence and luxury. His attire was exotic, making him stand out among the mass of people. The white dress shirt tucked into his pants stretched tight against his chest, the faint outline of his stomach seemingly noticeable with how near your eyes were to it, the first three buttons undone for people to catch a teasing glance of honeyed skin.

“What is it doll? At a loss for words?” Heart shaped lips turned up into a knowing smirk, as if he could tell where your eyes had been roaming for the past ten seconds. Seeing his eyes briefly flicker down from your face, with a dreadful realization you noticed that you provided him with a clear view of your chest from where he stood. Your cheeks flushed the slightest, unable to thoroughly cover yourself. You blamed the heat overcoming your body on the alcohol itself, instead of the painfully handsome male in front of you.

“You’re awfully close.”

You kept your tone light, despite the increasing anxiety pooling in your belly at how you were being looked at. For some reason, he made you nervous, provided you with the struggle of meeting his eyes when he was unwavering with his proximity towards you.

“I could get closer.” He teased, reaching behind you to place his glass of whiskey on the counter. You leaned back as he drew nearer to you, his hand hovering next to yours on the edge of the bar. Your pulse sped up to rapid beats, the stranger invading your senses in more ways than one.

“I’ve been looking at you all night sweetheart. You’ve been sitting here in your pretty dress, and no one’s come up to talk to you. How can that be?”

His head tilted to the side, eyes glinting playfully in the florescent lights of the club. You swallowed rather harshly at the tension forming between your body and his, his chest briefly brushing against your shoulder as he pulled away, before accompanying the empty seat next to yours.

You hadn't expected anyone to approach you tonight, as it was obvious you and Taehyung were outsiders in foreign territory. Though you hadn’t missed the many longing stares from women towards your friend, their interests obviously peaked at a new face, yet too shallow to talk with someone of such lower class.

“Can I buy you a drink?” He grinned, voice smooth and sharp as ice, slender fingers drumming on the counter leisurely. You watched the way the muscles of his forearm flexed from where it was perched on the edge of the bar, cuffs rolled up to his elbows tastefully.

“Sorry, I think I’m cut off for the night.” You sent him a sheepish smile, crossing one leg over the other out of nervous habit, the presence of such a man making you unsure. You weren’t timid when it came to flirting, yet you had never been approached by a person with a face belonging to that of a god, and irritatingly enough, it was overly intimidating.

“By who, that guy you came in with?” He scoffed, obvious judgement laced within his words, and instantly you were put on alert, fingers harshly gripping the counter. You could tell the man obviously thought nothing of Taehyung, despite having not even spoken a single word to him. His demeanor was relaxed, like he was just waiting for you to fall into his grasp so easily, as if it would take nothing at all.

“Yeah, that guy I came in with. Sorry, but I don’t want you to buy me anything.”

At the change in your voice, he sat up a little straighter, the shine in his eyes dimming down to a darker stare that held the intent to ruin and destroy. At the knowledge that his plans were not happening the way he had desired, you saw the apparent change in his demeanor, the playful glance he had welcomed you with still present, yet the conversation shifting drastically from light to defensive and unwelcoming.

“You sure about that sweetheart? You do know I can actually afford the drinks here, right?”

The endearment made your skin crawl, no longer wanting to be in the presence of someone so egotistical, despite how attractive you found the guy. You knew his type too well, and the obvious attraction you had felt towards him from the start was slowly being overshadowed with the want to completely leave his company altogether.

“What makes you think I can’t? I wouldn’t be throwing around your money so carelessly, especially when it comes to women. I’m sure you know firsthand how greedy they can be.”

Satisfaction ran through you at his obvious surprise at your words, as if he had never had someone speak so freely to him, especially a stranger no doubt. It was as if you could see the gears spinning in his head, deciding if he should proceed with you, or give up completely. Yet something told you this man liked a challenge, and that was what worried you most of all.

“Feisty little thing aren’t you?” He chuckled, leaning forward in his seat to once again invade your space, hand sliding along the counter to a resting position beside your arm. One leg was stretched out on the other side of your own seat, giving you a feeling of being caged in, caught in the lion's den with no escape. You prayed for Taehyung to make his return sooner rather than later.

“I’m just going to get straight to the point.” He spoke low, voice a smooth drawl that affected you in more ways than one, despite your apparent dislike towards him. “You look fucking delicious in this dress, and I’d like to take you home, and show you a good time.”

Shock crossed over your face at his boldness, words cutting against your resolve, leaving your fingers shaking just the slightest against the marbled counter top. His hand slid smoothly atop your own, stilling the tremors as you felt the sudden warmth of his touch against your fingers. You didn’t shake him off straight away, which he took as a sign to proceed, when in fact you were too stunned to push him away, gather yourself and head straight for the exit.

“I’d love nothing more than to bend you over this counter right now and have my way with you. You have a mouth on you sweetheart, and I’m dying to shove something between those pretty lips of yours to shut you up.”

Your eyes widened at the abruptness of his words, mouth parted in silent awe at the sheer filth that coated his lips deliciously. Harboring hatred towards yourself for being even the slightest bit affected by his desires, you quickly flung his hand off your own, resulting in him leaning back and away from you with a satisfied grin, one that clearly let on just how much he knew his words had impacted you. Grabbing at his drink once again, you ignored the way his throat flexed with every gulp as he downed the bitter liquid expertly. Pink lips curved over the rim of the glass, glistening and plump, with the intent to make your breathing uneven, your knees shake, despite your rising anger.

Determined to have the last word, at least once today, you stood up abruptly from your chair, legs just the slightest bit wobbly; determination presented itself across your face as you prepared to give the bastard one hell of a goodbye speech. Yet you never got the chance, as a hand suddenly encased your upper arm, the familiar touch of your friend grounding you back into a calm state, enough to instantly lose the need to buy an outrageously priced cocktail to spill over the man’s head with triumph.

“Turns out they ran out of water, let’s go.”

Without another second wasted, Taehyung was turning you around towards the exit, having witnessed the later part of your interaction with the stranger, though unable to have heard the words he had sultrily whispered to you with ambition.

“So, I’m taking your leave as a no?”

The man spoke casually from behind you, halting both your and Taehyung’s steps. The tone of his voice gave no hints at any harboring disappointment at the inability to win you over, as if he’d never expected to grace you with his time in the first place. Turning back around, you gave him an exasperated look, clearly annoyed at his undying persistence. Behind you, you could practically feel Taehyung glowering at the guy, and knowing how short of a fuse he held when it came to men bothering you just the slightest amount. The last thing you wanted was for him to cause an unnecessary scene.

“My answer will always be no.”

Sending him the sweetest smile you could muster up, despite your sour mood, you didn’t stick around long enough to witness his reaction at your words, knowing he was most likely unaffected at such a loss. He probably had women lined up to spend a night with him, and you highly doubted you’d leave him with any lingering thoughts of you afterwards.

“Come on. I have a bottle of wine at the house.”

It was your turn to grab Taehyung’s arm, gesturing towards the exit with quick steps, wanting to leave as quickly as you’d come. It had been a mistake to ever ponder into unwelcome territories, and you hated yourself for wasting your Friday night, and Taehyung’s, at such a place.

“I’m drinking the entire thing, you owe me ____.”

Taehyung’s brassy laugh was heard to your left, his form already retreating swiftly through the double doors, a neon green ‘Exit’ sign flashing above them. Your steps slowed, too lost in realization as you caught sight of Yuna herself out of the corner of your eye. The source of your bad night was sat sideways across the lap of an unknown man, who had his face buried deep into her neck as she shook with exaggerated laughs.

Once again reminded of why you had ventured out with the intent to drown your sorrows in alcohol in the first place, you practically ran towards the double doors that would offer you freedom and peace of mind once again. Nothing good had come from your adventurous night out, nothing at all.

As you quickly caught up with Taehyung waiting outside, you vowed to never step foot into il’Ricco ever again.