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openheart12 · 4 years ago

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I Did Something Bad

A/N: Today is my lovely adoptive mom’s @burnsoslow birthday! I never thought me making a post about yk what would lead to our friendship and Kryce! I hope you have the best day ever and that it is every bit as amazing as you are! I’m so thankful for your friendship and how you make me laugh until I cry or pee fvhujskdghfn and you’re the only one who could ever make me into a Drake stan. I love you so much! Eat all the cake you can for me! Happy birthday, love! I hope you know how much I adore you ❤

A/N 2: This is very much full of Donald Trump hate and despitement because who wouldn’t hate him anyways jkhkdjgh there’s also quite a bit of cussing

Word Count: 2,613

Thank you @rigatonireid for pre-reading!!

“This is bullshit,” Kurns exclaimed as Bryce and Dick were watching the events unfolding at the United States Capitol. “This is why you don’t vote for oranges.” She said while rolling her eyes.

“Agreed,” the two men replied in unison.

“Jinx!” They replied again at the same time that led to twenty minutes of them saying “jinx again” in response until Dick finally gave in and let Bryce win.

“You win, Bryce-y poo,” he had said. Kurns had kept her attention glued to the television during their little game.

“You okay over there, banana flavored moonpie?” Dick asked, directing his attention over to Kurns.

“No, look at all those turnips. And the cult leader himself told them to do this shit. People actually voted for this moron? They should all get head CTs to check for brain damage which they undoubtedly have.”

“Would it make you feel better if we overthrew the government while kidnapping Donnie?” Dick asked seriously.

“Yes, actually,” she answered with a wide grin.

“Okay, let me make a few phone calls and can you download some episodes of My Little Pony on Netflix for Bryce?” Kurns nodded her head in response, she also took the liberty of downloading Among Us on their phones so they wouldn’t be bored on the flight.

The flight from North Delanois was a little over eight hours and being on a plane that long with a toddler, well Bryce, was going to be a challenge.

It was a private jet so hopefully it would be more bearable, but just in case she also downloaded a few episodes of Max and Ruby and Yo Gabba Gabba. She also downloaded some episodes of Parks and Rec and Friends for herself.

After packing the essentials; clothing, toiletries, handcuffs, whipped cream, ice cubes -who knew- and My Little Pony gummies, they were off to the airport.

“Dick Kock,” Dick said introducing himself along with Kurns and Bryce.

Kurns was decked out in a Taylor Swift 1989 t-shirt and a pair of leggings with her trusty white vans whereas Bryce was dressed in a rainbow colored polka dot shirt, black and white striped pants, one blue croc and the other was yellow, and socks with weed on them. Him and Kurns had forgotten about meth since it already landed them in jail one. Chris P. Bacon was still a sore subject for the pair.

They boarded the plane and Bryce immediately went to find his gummies. Kurns took a seat next to Dick and pulled up CNN news to get an update on the attack on the Capitol.

Suddenly breaking news flashed across her phone screen: Taylor Swift set to release her tenth studio album later today.

“OH MY GOD! BRYCE LOOK!” Kurns exclaimed, jumping up out of her seat to show Bryce.

“OH MY GOD! TS10! TS10! TS10!” He chanted.

“Oh wow, that sure is exciting!” Dick chimed in.

“By the way, D, I think we should call this Operation ‘I Did Something Bad’ in honor of Taylor’s new album.”

“That’s a spectacular idea, Kurnel Mustard!” Bryce said with a smirk, it had been a new nickname he had given her after the three of them had played Clue one night.

“Shut up, Apple Bottom Jeans, Boots with the Fur,” she retaliated, mocking the Little Pony named Apple Jacks.

“Stfu,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“You must be really mad if you’re talking in text.”

“Dick,” he pouted, “she’s doing it again.”

“Be nice you two, we have a long flight ahead of us.”

For the first two hours, they each did their own thing; Dick was reading a hunting magazine, Kurns was watching the news, and Bryce had already finished the entirety of My Little Pony.

“Do you guys wanna play Among us?” Kurns asked out of the blue.

“Hell yeah! I just bought the baby crew mate and I’m dying to use it,” Bryce responded.

“I’ve never played before but sure!”

“Okay so you’re either a crew mate or impostor and if you’re a crew mate, you have to do these tasks whilst trying not to die and if you’re an impostor, you go around killing other crew mates trying not to get caught in the process. You’ll get the hang of it eventually,” Kurns explained.

“Thanks love bug,” Dick placed a quick kiss to the side of her head.

The three of them found an open lobby and talked in the chat box waiting for the game to start and when it did, Dick asked the question of, “why is my name red?”

“Oh my God, Dick! Don’t say that. It means you’re an impostor,” Bryce explained at the same exact time Kurns called an emergency meeting.

“It’s purple,” Kurns typed in the text box, referring to Bryce’s color.

“What the frick! It’s so not me. I’m not playing anymore,” he pouted, turning off his phone and crossing his arms over his chest.

“Now, children, can you two not get along? Think about the bigger picture,” Dick intervened.

“True, but I’m still not going to play with her.”

His statement didn’t affect Kurns in the slightest and she went back to playing the game. Dick joined her while Bryce was running away from an imaginary dragon and he ended up colliding into one of the seats, face first.

“Ow,” he rubbed his forehead that was now bright red.

“That’s what you get for being a baby,” Kurns said, not looking up from her phone while Dick went to go check on his blueberry muffin.

“You okay, strawberry flavored fig bar? That’s quite a hit you took.”

“Yeah, a kiss would make it feel better though,” he said, using his puppy dog eyes. Dick smiled softly at him before kissing his forehead all better.

The three of them spent the next six hours playing games, eating, and watching movies from the age of the dinosaurs that Kurns had saved since she was over 10,000 years old.

After landing in Washington D.C., the trio headed straight to the Whitehouse, if people could storm the Capitol, how much harder could it be to kidnap the president? That was Kurns logic at least and as it turns out, it wasn’t that much harder.

Kurns went to the Oval Office while Dick and Bryce went to the bunker since that apparently seemed to be Trump’s favorite place in the Whitehouse. But unexpectedly, Kurns found the Donald Duck under the office in the Oval, tweeting away on his iPhone 4s.

“Mr. Racist,” she called and he immediately turned to look at her.

“What? I’m tremendously busy if you can’t tell.”

“I see that, Mr. Pigman.”

“That is hugely racist towards me. I happen to be winning very bigly at the moment. I’m trending on Twitter!” He said proudly, he then proceeded to show Kurns his crusty ass phone.

“Come on, I have some candy for you if you come with me,” Kurns coaxed him out from under the desk and led him to the white van they had brought with them, you know, the kind your parents warn you to stay away from.

“Fake news!” Trump exclaimed with a huff. “You must be friends with sleepy Joe.”

“You’re right,” she winked.

“You know, frankly, this doesn’t make America great.”

“I disagree, I think this definitely makes America great again,” Kurns retaliated.

“Does Mikey know about this?”

“Yeah, we planned it with the fly,” she snickered.

“Well, it’s fake news, believe me.”

“What?”

“Nothing you libtards wouldn’t understand it anyways. Anyways, what's that thing on your face?”

“My mask?”

“Yeah, what’s that for?”

Kurns shook her head, not even being surprised by the question. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic, Donald Dump.”

“What’s a panoramic?”

“Don’t worry about it.” She got out her walkie talkie to talk to the boys. “The orange has expired. Over,” she said, their code word for getting Trump out.

“Okay, bet, we’re on our way out. Over.”

“Good job, K!” Dick said.

“See you soon and thanks! Over.”

Fifteen minutes later, Dick and Bryce arrived with a six foot cutout of Donald.

“What the fuck is that?”

“Hey, that’s me!” Trump chimed in.

“Shut the fuck up,” Kurns said, she was quickly losing brain cells being in his proximity.

“That is rude, quite frankly.”

“We found it in his bedroom… along with some other, uh, questionable things,” Bryce explained.

“Like what?”

“Like a, uh, dildo with Pence on it.”

“Ew…” they all turned to look at Trump who was looking away and whistling, trying to pretend he wasn’t there.

“Oh, um, about that. That was a tremendous invasion of privacy.”

“Shut the fuck up,” they all said in unison and he pulled an imaginary zipper over his lips and threw away the key like a literal child.

“I can’t be near him anymore,” Kurns said suddenly, getting out her phone to call someone.

“Who are you calling?” Dick asked.

“Joe, I was gonna invite him to go get some ice cream.”

“OMG! I wanna go too!” Bryce exclaimed.

“And me!” Trump said.

“No, to both of you. You two have to keep an eye on Don and make sure he stays off of Twitter.” She was explaining when Joe picked up the phone. “Hey, Joe, do you want to go get ice cream somewhere?”

“Duh! Taylor is actually here right now and you don’t care if she comes do you?” He asked to make sure.

“Of course not! You can bring Champ and Major too! I know Jill is busy right now.”

“Okay! On our way!” He said before hanging up.

“Where are you going to go?”

“Probably McDonald’s or something, Taylor is also coming with us, he said.”

“YOU MEAN THE TAYLOR?” Bryce asked in shock.

“Yeah, him and Taylor are like BFF’s.”

“I still like her music 25% less, okay?” Donald brought up.

“Shut the fuck up,” Kurns said again.

“Fine, fine. But could you make sure Barron is fed?”

“Oop,” Bryce slapped his hand over his mouth.

“Yes, now shut up.”

Kurns was getting ready to go meet Joe and Taylor when Melania walked up to the van. “You have Trump?” She asked quietly.

“Yeah, why? You need him?”

“Yeah, could you make him sign this?” She placed some papers in Kurns hand. She read them and wasn’t shocked after realizing they were divorce papers.

“No problem, hold tight real quick. Dick, make him sign these!”

“Of course, ladybug.” He took a hold of Trump’s hand and wrote his name for him since he wouldn’t do it himself.

“Here you go,” Kurns handed the papers back to Melania and she left without looking back. “Okay, I’m leaving. Be careful with that moron and for the love of God, don’t let his supporters know you have him.”

“Roger that!” Bryce responded.

“Don’t worry, vanilla brown sugar! We’ll hold down the fort while you’re gone. Have fun!” He called after her.

She met Joe and Taylor at a local McDonald’s and greeted both of them with a hug. “Congratulations on winning the election and congratulations on album number ten!” She reached down to pet both of the German Shepherds who happily wagged their tails.

“Thanks!” They replied in unison.

“So how are the boys?” Taylor asked.

“Good! They sent their regards. They’re actually, uh, holdingtrumphostage,” she said fast enough so hopefully they couldn’t understand but they are actually educated.

“WHAT?” Joe exclaimed.

“Miss gurl, how did y’all pull that off?” Taylor asked while hysterically laughing.

“It was easier than I thought! Either security sucks or they wanted Trump gone and I can’t blame them for that.”

“Amen sister!” Joe replied.

“Can we see him?” Taylor asked.

“I mean, yeah if you want!”

“Okay let’s go!” She went to get up when Joe gently grabbed her arm.

“But the ice cream…” He reminded her.

“Of course, how could I forget?” She playfully rolled her eyes. They all ate their ice cream before heading back to the Whitehouse.

Once arriving, Taylor and Joe headed straight to the front doors while Kurns stood there like 🧍‍♀️. “Hey guys, he's actually right there,” she said, pointing to the white van.

Taylor opened the door to find Bryce half asleep on the ground, Dick was listening to ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ and dancing in his seat meanwhile, Donald had his lips glued to the side of the door, making out with it.

“What the fuck?” All three of them asked at the same time.

“OMG TAYLOR! HI! HOW ARE YOU?” Bryce shouted, jumping up off of the floor and pulling her into a hug.

“Hi!”

“Hello, Ms. Swift,” Dick greeted, gracefully bowing. “Mr. President,” he nodded.

“How did you all meet?” Don asked.

“We actually just met, our hate for you is what we bond over!” Joe explained in terms he would understand. Hopefully.

“Oh,” was all he said and started to play with his fingers. “I don’t know if you knew this, but Washington D.C. is actually the capital of the United Stats. Did you know that?”

“What did you think it was? And it’s the United States, not… Stats.” Kurns asked in a surprisingly concerning tone.

“I thought it was like a stat… or well state. Whatever it is.”

“Oh,” Kurns said while Taylor called him an idiot under her breath.

“That’s embarrassing miss gurl,” Bryce chimed in.

“ARE YOU TALKING TIKTOK TO ME? I WILL BAN YOU,” Trump threatened.

“Please, these empty promises you keep making are getting really old just like your term,” Dick said, making the others die of laughter… no literally, some Trump supporter that had been walking by had just collapsed and died.

“And I oop-” Kurns and Bryce said at the same time.

“IFHCBXNZNZ, HAHAHAHA,” Bryce barked out.

“Can we get something to eat? I really want some Dino nuggies 🥺,” Trump pleaded.

“No,” they all replied.

“So what are we going to do with him?” Taylor asked.

“I don’t know, what do y’all want to do with him?”

“Excellent question, K, I say we feed him to some alligators!” Bryce exclaimed, flapping his two arms together to make an alligator jaw and started running towards Donald who jumped back in fear.

“That’s not nice,” he pouted, a lone tear trickling down his cheek.

“Fuck you, but not literally or physically,” Taylor said, making sure to explain what she meant.

“I want some My Little Pony gummies!”

“Me too!” Donald said with a smile now on his crusty, orange ass face.

“No,” they replied again.

“Fine,” he crossed his arms over his chest and turned his back to them, like the toddler he is.

“Anyways, y’all want to go get Cookout?” Kurns suggested.

“Yeah, of course!” Joe responded.

The five of them headed to the nearest Cookout to get food and milkshakes, leaving Trump behind all alone. After hanging out with Taylor and Joe, it was unfortunately time to head back to North Delanois. With promises to meet up soon, the trio were soon enough taking off at the airport.

“What ended up happening to Trump?” Bryce asked seriously.

“He went to prison.”

“As he should, period,” Kurns said with a smirk.

“What are we going to do when we land?”

“Sleep!” Kurns and Bryce said.

“Of course, my love doves. I’m going to try to do that right now, so please try to get along.”

“Promise!” Kurns said, holding out her pinky finger which he took and kissed. The rest of the flight was surprisingly peaceful, Kurns and Bryce were able to get along while Dick slept. It had been a fun trip, one they hoped they would actually never have to make again.

Tags: @burnsoslow @ao719 @callmeellabella @rigatonireid because no one else should have to read this :)

#kryce and dick chronicles #happy birthday burnsy!!

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blakemetothemoon · 4 years ago

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Love in a Laundromat - SaifahZon, T, Ch. 2/?

Summary: Zon's favorite place is a laundromat. That is until a certain tall, handsome stranger steals his washer and seems hellbent on making Zon miserable.

Notes: Chapter 2! Unexpected Zon Angst! This is lookin’ like it’ll be longer than 4 chapters now oops

Read below or on ao3! :)

“You one hundred percent overreacted,” Tutor says after Zon recounts the whole encounter at the laundromat the night before.

It’s Friday afternoon and they’re doing their usual study session. The two of them are in different majors, but Zon struggles with some general studies and Tutor appreciates Zon’s company when studying gets too heavy and he needs Zon to make him laugh.

“It’s a washing machine, Zon.”

“Yeah, but I alw—”

“If you say ‘always’ one more time,” Tutor says, gaze steady and scary, “then I’m never tutoring you again.”

Zon’s mouth slams shut.

“And even though you're complaining, I know you're feeling guilty so just apologize to him,” Tutor continues, returning his attention to the math notes he’s reviewing. “You’re good at it because you have to do it so often.”

Zon huffs and pouts. What Tutor says is true. Zon is stubborn and childish, but he knows when he’s messed up. Apologies aren’t easy but he always feels worse if he doesn’t do them.

“Who knows if I’ll even see him again?” Zon mumbles, twirling his pen around his fingers. “That tall asshole giraffe might be scared off.”

For some reason that makes Tutor perk up. “How tall was he?”

Zon’s nose scrunches as he thinks back. “I don’t know? Like, 192 cm?”

“Was he handsome?”

The guy’s face instantly flashes through Zon’s mind. Not that it ever left. It’s annoying, actually, how he couldn’t stop thinking about that stupid, cocky smirk, that taunting eyebrow raise, those nice arms and pretty lips and—

“Definitely not,” Zon snaps back but can’t top the tip of his ears from turning red.

Tutor gives him a look that says he doesn’t believe him. “Did he tell you his name?"

“No. Why?”

The sudden mischievous glint in Tutor’s eye puts Zon on edge. “No reason. Oh, if you want to apologize you should buy him an iced coffee with cinnamon and vanilla syrup."

Then, before Zon can ask what the hell he’s talking about, Tutor uses the I’m-never-tutoring-you-again threat a second time and flicks Zon in the forehead to prove he’s serious.

The next Thursday, Zon arrives a little later than normal. He's decided to take Tutor's advice (like he always does) and stopped by the nearest coffee shop. He's partially hoping Tall Asshole Giraffe won't be there, but when Zon steps up to the door and sees the back of the guy's head, his heart skips a beat. Zon has to turn away to calm himself down, then it takes a good minute to psyche himself up again.

Juggling a laundry basket and a large iced coffee while opening the door is an unexpected challenge. Zon steps backwards, preparing to push it with his shoulder, when it suddenly opens. Zon’s balance is thrown off, but a hand, large and warm, catches his lower back and steadies him before he can fall.

Zon looks to see who caught him and immediately goes back to unsteady.

"Careful,” Tall Asshole Giraffe says, “or you'll throw laundry everywhere again."

Zon sputters. Tall Asshole Giraffe is so close that Zon's back hits the door when he jumps away.

"Don't make fun of me!"

Now at least Zon is annoyed enough to feel less stupid about the coffee. He shoves the drink into the guy's chest.

"Here!"

Tall Asshole Giraffe hesitantly takes the drink, staring at it with utter confusion. "What's this for?"

"It's an apology." Zon shuffles from one foot to the next. His grip on his basket is starting to shake but he forces himself to look at the other's face. "Sorry for yelling at you last week."

The guy goes speechless for only half a second, but it’s long enough for Zon to feel proud he isn’t the one caught off guard for once.

“Is it poisoned?” Tall Asshole Giraffe asks.

“No!” Zon says, louder than he means to. “I don’t know how to poison things!”

With that Zon shoves his way forward, purposely putting his laundry basket between them so they don’t touch. He storms over towards his usual washer. Annoyance is already rising because he knows the asshole is probably using it.

Except the machine currently shaking and buzzing isn’t Zon’s; it’s the one next to it, placed between his and the wall.

“Wait…,” Zon says and swirls around, sneakers squeaking. He stabs a finger towards his washer, currently not in use. “Why aren’t you using my...this machine?”

Tall Asshole Giraffe shrugs and takes a sip of his drink. His eyes light up like a puppy. Guess Tutor’s input on the coffee order had been bang on. “I thought about it, but you seem to have a powerful connection to it.”

“What the hell, don’t make it weird!”

“Hey, hey, I get it, promise. We all have something like that.” Tall Asshole Giraffe takes another drink and smirks around the straw. “It was pretty fun to make you mad, though.”

The smirk sends Zon somewhere between angry and swooning. The childish side takes over and he yanks open the washer’s door, pointedly ignoring the laugh his annoyed, puffed out cheeks earn him.

It isn't until Zon is shoving his clothes into his washing machine that Tall Asshole Giraffe says, "I’m Saifah, by the way.”

‘Saifah’ is a much... nicer name than Tall Asshole Giraffe. Zon nods, trying to be casual despite the way his goddam heart jumps again at the new information. “I’m Zon.”

"I know."

Zon turns his head so fast he's pretty sure he gets whiplash. "You know?"

"You're Tutor's friend."

"I am?” Zon shakes his head, trying to get his bearings back and not sound like a complete moron. “I mean, yeah, I am. And you...You know Tutor?"

“We’re pretty close since we're in the same major.”

That gives Zon pause. Saifah... now that he’s heard it, that name does sound familiar. Then why hadn’t Saifah introduced himself the first two times they met, if he knew who Zon was? And why didn’t Tutor...

Zon glances at the coffee in Saifah's hand. Iced with vanilla syrup and cinnamon.

Oh, that little shit. Tutor is about to get fifteen texts. They will be single, angry emojis, and Zon hopes they wake Fighter up so that Tutor has to deal with his grumpy ass.

Saifah rests his shoulder against the empty machine next to Zon's. Even leaning like that, Saifah's a head taller than Zon. A mischievous glimmer makes Saifah’s eyes damn near sparkly. "I've seen you around."

Zon’s mouth drops open and his cheeks are going to be permanently stained red at this point. He starts to stutter out some response that was about to be far from eloquent. But then Saifah raises the iced coffee to his mouth again and holds Zon’s gaze as he wraps his lips around the straw—

Music suddenly bursts from Zon's pocket. Zon has never been more grateful for a phone call in his life.

Of course, Saifah quirks a smile when Zon fumbles to answer it without even checking the caller ID.

Then the voice on the other end says Zon’s name and he very much wishes he had checked it.

“Hi, Mom,” Zon replies.

“Your sister mentioned you updated your story yesterday.”

Welp, straight to the point like Mom always was.

Did you even read the chapter? Zon thinks. But he bites the words back like he always does. He used to ask but the answers have been, “I didn’t have time” or “It’s not the genre I enjoy” for so long, it’s pointless to hope for a different answer now.

“Mom, it’s late,” Zon groans. Sometimes he wishes he hadn’t inherited his mother’s night owl tendencies. If he hadn’t, he would be sleeping right now and not having this repetitive conversation they've had a hundred times before. “Do we need to do this right now?”

“Don’t try to hang up on me. I know you do laundry on Thursday nights and that laundromat is always empty, so I know you’re alone.”

Zon’s eyes shift to Saifah before he can stop himself. Zon is half-expecting to make eye contact with Saifah and his heart speeds up at the possibility, but the other boy is playing a game on his phone. Whatever’s happening must be challenging, because there’s a crease in his brow and his lips are pursed in a pout. Zon can’t stop staring at it, wondering what else Saifah’s lips can do—

“Zon!”

“Uh, yes!”

Oh, great. Now Saifah is looking at him. Zon blushes so hot he can’t even offer an awkward smile before turning away.

“Are you listening?” his mom demands instead of asks.

“Yes,” Zon says again and sighs. “Mom—”

“Honey,” his mom interrupts, “I know you enjoy writing, but you need to focus on your studies.”

And there it is. Only one minute, forty-three seconds in, according to the call time when Zon glances at it. Top three quickest times. Impressive.

“You’re going to law school because you’re good at arguing.” His mother laughs like her pride at that part of Zon should soothe away the sting of her words. “Focus on your strengths, alright? The semester is almost over, so you’ll have plenty of time for...” She hums, searching for the right term, “hobbies then.”

A hobby. That’s all they want Zon’s writing to be. That’s all they believe it ever can be.

Not like his sister. Zol is popular. Her stories get millions of views and she can run ads on them and she’s already making an impressive amount of money. The comments are always positive and “can’t wait for more.” His parents share links to her stories on facebook. When Zon goes home for dinner a few times a month, the conversation is always Zol describing the next chapter or where she gets inspiration from. He loves his sister. For siblings so close in age, they get along better than most. Sure, they bicker and Zol tattles on him more than she should, but they would go to the ends of the earth for each other. But it still hurts, knowing his parents are so enthusiastic about her writing when they haven’t bothered reading a chapter of anything Zon’s written in, what, two years?

And Zon doesn’t dare to bring up to his mom and dad about how he’s writing lyrics now and even sings made-up melodies sometimes. Both of his parents are musicians and Zon’s heart can’t handle the inevitable disappointment when they tell him his songwriting and singing should remain a “hobby,” too.

“Okay,” Zon finally replies. Somehow he manages to keep his voice from shaking. All he wants is for this conversation to be over. “Yeah, I understand. Love you, too. Goodnight.”

Zon’s finger is still lingering over the screen of his phone when Saifah asks, “You okay?”

Zon jolts. He forgot he isn’t alone. And he has tears in the corners of his eyes. And he’s seriously about to fucking cry in a laundromat in front of someone like Saifah who is probably judging him.

Shit, ever since Saifah appeared, Zon’s done nothing but embarrass himself.

Though it’s not like Zon’s life was anything but an embarrassment before.

A deep breath, then two. Zon wipes the tears away with the sleeve of his t-shirt. He quickly bends down to grab his headphones and notebook out of his bag, then settles down onto the bench without a single glance Saifah's way.

“Yeah, I'm fine," Zon says. He clears his throat. "Thanks though.”

There’s a moment of silence where Zon wonders if Saifah will make fun of him like he’s done the last two times they met. Zon really doesn’t think he can handle it and he just apologized for yelling at Saifah, he really doesn’t want to do it again. But his mother’s words have made him feel cornered and on edge, and he always lashes out when this happens.

Saifah picks up on Zon’s mood and doesn’t press the topic further. With soft eyes and a nod, he leans back against the wall, one long leg crossing over the other. He busies himself with something else on his phone and leaves Zon to his music and notepad.

Except Zon’s notepad taunts him. When he tries to scribble words, nothing comes except more tears blurring his vision. Each stroke of his pen adds to the pressure on Zon’s chest. An unrelenting tightness that makes it difficult to breathe, makes him want to run and hide away forever.

Zon spends the rest of the night with his notebook shut tight in his lap and tries to drown his thoughts in music until the dryer finally signals it’s done.

#SaifahZon #ZonSaifah #SaiZon #Why R U #why r u the series #why r u?#blakemetothemoon #fic #fanfic

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lapixie · 5 years ago

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Ten Years Later Chapter 5

Chapter 1 ll Chapter 2 ll Chapter 3 ll Chapter 4

Chapter 5

“I’ll be brave. Let’s go with dare.” Tony said with a small laugh.

“Oh, Tony, you are going to regret that!” Natasha positively cackled at him, “I dare you to tell us your most embarrassing moment to date.”

“Uh, Nat, that’s a truth…” Tony said, trying to get out of it.

“No, it’s a dare to tell us a truth. Keep up.”

Okay, what could he say that was bad, but wasn’t his actual most embarrassing moment? Oh, maybe that time he got shut down by the Playboy model for her to make a play for Steve, only to get rejected…

“When I was thirteen, my mom walked in on me humping my pillow, calling out my best friend’s name. I noticed she was there just as I was cumming. I couldn’t masturbate for a year, because every time I tried, I saw my mom in the doorway, staring at me horrified.”

Wait! He didn’t mean to say that! That was his actual most embarrassing moment! What the hell happened?! He looked at Natasha, who looked like that cat that just got all the cream, and just knew that she had something to do with it.

“Nat, what did you do?” He growled out darkly.

Looking innocently, too innocently, at him, she just batted her eyes (literally! Like that’s not suspicious in itself!) and replied, “Nooothinggg…”

“Yeah, that was convincing. Fine. Bruce, truth or dare?”

“Um, I think I’ll go with dare?” Bruce said timidly.

“Okay, I dare you to…” he looked around for inspiration, “pick a number, 1-9, and I’ll give you your dare.”

Giving Tony a suspicious look, Bruce finally ground out the number three. Counting three people down from him, Tony pointed at Rhodey and said, “I dare you to give him a lap dance!”

Bruce blushed, but gamely stood up and got in front of Rhodey. Before he could start, Tony stopped him, holding up his finger.

“Wait! I think we need music to set the mood! Friday, can we get a good song playing?”

With that, Pony, by Ginuwine started playing over the speakers, causing Bruce’s blush to deepen even more.

“Tony, I will get you back for this,” he said as he started gyrating above Rhodey’s lap. Rhodey just laughed and started pretending to smack Bruce’s ass. Tony made him finish the song. He thought Bruce would pick him next, but, instead, he chose Peter. Tony arched his eyebrow, mouthing ‘bold move’.

“Peter, truth or dare?” Bruce looked so innocent, Tony knew he was up to something.

“I’m gonna go with truth.”

Bruce smirked towards Tony, then replied, “What’s your darkest fantasy?”

Peter’s face went red as he opened his mouth to reply. “My darkest fantasy is to be held down and not allowed to move as I get fucked forcefully,” as he talked, his face slowly went from red to white, “I want to fight against it, but to have him put me in my place. I want him to put his hand around my throat and squeeze until I have to work just to breath. I want him to fuck me, caring only about getting off, not giving a damn about if I like it or not. I want him to tell me I’m a slut and that the only thing I’m good as is a cum dumpster. Then, when he comes, I want him to cuddle me and tell me what a great job I did and how proud he is of me.”

After he finished talking, there was silence. Then Flash whistled low under his breath and mumbled, “Anyone else completely turned on right now?”

Immediately, Steve, MJ, Tony and Bruce raised their hands.

“Well, maybe I’m bi?” Bruce questioned, breaking the tension.

“Holy shit Peter. That’s hot. That’s so hot. You sure you want to stay my ex? I could buy a strap-on…”MJ wiggled her eyebrows at Peter, causing him to laugh.

“Okay, and on that completely humiliating note, which I’m not even sure why I told you about,” he said looking towards Nat, who still sat there innocently, “I’m next.” With an evil look in his eye, he looked at Pepper. “Pep, truth or dare?”

Giving him a cold look, Pepper just replied, “Dare.”

“I dare you to go to the person you have feelings for and give them a big ole fat kiss!” Peter was almost chortling by the time he was done talking.

Giving a huff, Pepper got up and stalked over to Rhodey. Glaring at Peter, she leaned down and kissed the stunned man softly on his lips. As she walked back to her seat, Rhodey finally moved, whipping his head around to her, breathing out, “Really?”

Pepper rolled her eyes, replying, “Really. We can talk more after. There’s been some strange going ons and I want this conversation to be private.” With that, she cut a glance Nat’s way.

“Natasha, truth or dare?” Pepper almost purred out.

“Natasha just looked back at her, unimpressed, as she answered, “Dare.”

“I dare you to finish Tony’s drink. In front of us.”

Nat blanched a little, then gamely went and picked up Tony’s glass. As she raised it to her lips, she dropped it, spilling it all over the floor.

“Oops. Guess I’ll go make another,” Natasha said as she started walking towards the kitchen.

“Not so fast, Nat! It’s my dare, so I get to choose what you do since you “accidentally” spilled that one,” Pepper gave a hard look to Natasha. “You get to finish Peter’s drink now. And as a world class spy, it would be really suspicious if you spilled this one too.”

Natasha slowly walked over to Peter, got a grumpy look on her face, then downed his drink.

“Oh, and I think I will go refill the drinks. Have a seat, Nat, I’ll be right back.” With that, Pepper took Tony and Peter’s glasses and left the room. Natasha had no choice but to go sink back into her seat. When Pepper got back, she gave them their drinks, and then gestured for Natasha to continue the game.

“Steve, truth or dare?” Natasha turned to Steve and asked.

“Uh, I guess I’ll go with truth?” Steve said, as if he was confused by what had just happened.

“Okay, tell us the worst thing you’ve gotten away with doing.”

“Uh, well, I guess...back in the forties when I joined the army, it was still illegal to be homosexual, but I still fucked Bucky every chance I got.”

“Ooh, you’re so bad Steve,” Tony snickered. Like that wasn’t something completely obvious. Of course everyone knew Steve and Bucky were together back then. They were together until the day Bucky got snapped.

“Okay, um. I guess it’s my turn. MJ, truth or dare?”

“I’ll go with dare. Live dangerously,” MJ dryly replied, rolling her eyes. It was Steve, what was he gonna do?

“Okay. Uh. I dare you toooo…”he looked around and then smiled, “I dare you to change clothes with Flash for the rest of the game. Including underclothes.”

MJ burst out laughing, looking at Flash. “Oh, have fun wearing my bra and panties for the rest of the night!”

Flash looked a bit mutinous as he left the room with her, muttering under his breath, “It wasn’t even my dare!”

As they waited for the two of them to return, Pepper, Tony, and Peter shared a look, then looked at Natasha, then back at each other. They knew something was up. And now that Nat had finished Peter’s drink, they could figure it out.

MJ and Flash walked back into the room and sat down, Flash picking at the thong riding up his ass. “I really don’t understand how you girls put up with this!” he complained. Tony thought it was very interesting that Peter blushed at that.

“Okay, umm…Happy! Truth or dare?”

Happy looked over at Tony, grumbling, “Why do I do this? He’s lucky I love him,” then a little louder, he looked at MJ and said, “Truth.”

“Okay, have you ever cheated on a partner?”

With a look of relief, Happy answered, “No. That’s not something I would do.”

Peter looked over at him, pursing his lips, saying, “Good. Keep it that way when we get May back.”

Happy rolled his eyes, and looked at Flash. “Truth or dare, kid?”

“I’ll go with dare. Do you worst old man!” Flash never had been very smart. Happy knew just where to hit him.

“I dare you to take a selfie with your finger up your nose, and post it to all of your social media platforms. No explanations allowed.”

Looking like Happy had just killed him, Flash just sat there with his mouth hanging open, until Happy made a shooing motion to get him going. He slowly took out his phone and opened it up. Looking like he was going to cry, he stuck his finger in his nose and took the picture. A few clicks on his phone later, MJ and Peter got notifications on their phones, letting them know that Flash had updated. Laughing uproariously, they high fived as they took turns commenting on his different platforms.

Flash huffed, then looked at Peter and bit out, “Truth or dare, Pete?”

Knowing this was going to suck either way, with a butthurt Flash doing the asking, Peter chose dare.

“I dare you to perform a striptease in the middle of the circle to one entire song. The only thing you can leave on is your underwear!”

Peter blushed, but stood up and went to the center. Tony held up his finger, and said, “Friday, play ‘Nobody’, by Keith Sweat!”

The music started and Peter slowly started moving. He unbuttoned his shirt, still moving at a snail's pace. He shrugged it off his shoulders, and let it fall until it was hooked around his wrists. Taking it into one hand, he threw it at Flash, hitting him in the face, causing Flash to just laugh. Bring his hands to his pants, he unbuttoned them, and slooowly brought the zipper down.

Shimmying out of them, he left them puddled on the floor, and started moving his hips, running his hands up his body, but Tony couldn’t take his eyes off of the thong, the pink silky thong, that his boy was wearing. If someone had asked him what 2+2 was, he wouldn’t have been able to answer. Out of the corners of his eyes, he noticed he was not the only one shifting in their seats, trying to relieve the ache that Peter was causing.

Just when he thought it couldn’t get any better worse, Peter sank to his knees, crawled over to MJ, and proceeded to writhe against her. Laughing, she pushed him away, straight towards Tony. He couldn’t breath as Peter put his hands on his knees, pushing them apart, arching his chest against Tony’s hard cock. He knew he had to have felt it. Peter followed the arching of his body, standing up, and Tony thought it was over, but instead, he just closed Tony’s legs, placing his knees on either side of him, and ground down against him.

Tony could feel Peter’s own hard cock against his, and he knew it had not been hard when MJ pushed him over. That thong left nothing to the imagination. He was so turned on it was painful, as Peter started to give him the filthiest lap dance he had ever received. He was about to cum, and looking at Peter’s face, he knew he was too. Thinking fast, he gave a signal to Friday to cut the lights. As soon as they were in darkness, he grabbed a tissue from his pocket, taking both his and Peter’s cocks out, stroking them just once, causing them to both to cum into the tissue. He quickly put them both away, shoving the sticky tissue back in his pockets, and signaled for the lights to return.

“Huh, that was weird,” he let out breathlessly, “Pep, did you forget to pay the lights?”

Giving him a look, she replied, “Yes, Tony. I forgot to pay the lights. That are powered by an arc reactor. That you created.”

Finally looking at Peter, he almost got hard again, never-mind his middle age refractory period. The boy looked wrecked. In the best, most sinful, way possible. Giving Tony a secret smile, he mouthed ‘thank you’ as he backed away over to his pants, putting them back on as he walked to his seat.

Rolling her eyes, because nothing got past Pepper, she motioned for Peter to continue the game.

“Natasha, truth or dare?” Peter asked with an intense look on his face.

Shaking her head, muttering ‘great spy I am’ under her breath, Natasha finally answered, “I give. Truth.”

“What the hell did you do to mine and Tony’s drinks?!”

Giving a sigh, Natasha answered, “I spiked it with a new truth serum that SHIELD came out with.”

“What?! Why?!” Peter yelped out, causing Natasha to smirk and shake her head.

“Uh, uh, uh...one question per turn, Паук.” Turning her head, she added, “Rhodey, truth or dare?”

“Truth,” he said, while furrowing his brows, obviously thinking about what she had just said.

“Okay, who was the star of your last erotic fantasy?”

Rhodey flushed and answered bashfully, “Pepper.”

Pepper smiled at him as he continued, “Tony, truth or dare?”

“I’ll go with truth. Be nice to me honeybear!” Tony replied, throwing him a dazzling smile.

“Okay, we’ll keep with the old-school theme and ask a grade school question. Who do you have a crush on?”

Tony went silent, just looking at Rhodey, like he had been betrayed. Finally, he opened his mouth and with a wounded air, answered, “Pete.”

Natasha smirked to herself, Rhodey looked confused, Pepper looked pleased, Happy rolled his eyes, Bruce looked unfazed, Steve looked a bit upset, Flash looked mad, MJ looked smug, and Peter...Peter looked like he had just gotten hit by a bus. But in a good way. A smile slowly started forming on his lips, which Tony had every intention of licking off later tonight.

“Nat, last question, and then I’m done. Truth or dare?”

“It doesn’t matter either way, does it? Fine, I’ll make it easy for you. Truth.”

“Why? Why did you dose Peter and me with a truth serum?”

“It was fun? Okay, no, honestly, it was because you two idiots were pining for each other, but would have never admitted it without help. Also...yeah, it was fun.”

That was so...Natasha. He wanted to smack her upside the head (in a totally non-violent way, because he did not hit girls, even girls that could totally whoop his ass) at the same time that he thanked her profusely. Because now he had Peter looking at him, licking his lips, with bedroom eyes on full display.

And on that note…

“Okay, good games everyone! I had fun, you had fun, we all had fun, I feel very welcomed back, now leave.”

There was a mixture of laughter and grumbling, as everyone got to their feet and started to shuffle out, including…”Not you Pete. I have, uh, something I’d like to discuss with you.”

He could see the smirks on Pepper’s and Natasha’s faces, but he just didn’t care. Not when Peter’s face lit up and he immediately change course to walk to Tony, instead of out the door.

Waiting to speak until everyone else was gone, he just took his time looking at his boy. His moppy hair, his smile-crinkled eyes, his pert nose, his luscious lips that hopefully soon would be wrapped around his --

Clearing his throat, he continued his perusal, down past his muscled pecs, his six pack abs, his toned arms, his perfect thighs, his bubbly ass (which he couldn’t see at this moment, but knew from prior (covert) observation, was a thing of art).

As soon as the door closed behind the last person leaving, Tony stepped forward, reaching with one hand behind Peter’s head, his other grabbing his delectable ass, and brushed his lips over the others, lightly, once, twice, then again. Peter let out a small whimper, put both of his hands behind Tony’s head, and pulled him in tighter as he attacked his mouth. Grinding their cocks together, Tony let go of him long enough to reach down and lift his shirt up. Pulling away from Peter, he finished pulling his shirt off, throwing it somewhere away from them and reached for the hem of Peter’s shirt, when Peter spoke.

“I thought you wanted to talk? Isn’t that why you held me back?”

Tony held back a groan, reigning himself in. Yeah, of course, they should talk, it would be the smart thing, it’s just...he was so turned on!

He took a little step back, raising his head to look at Peter, and saw the little grin on his face. The little shit was fucking with him!

“Yeah, you’re right. We don’t want to rush anything. We should talk. In fact, I just got back, we should take this slow. Maybe save anything physical for at least a month or two…”

Peter’s face had fallen when Tony started to speak, and by the end, the boy looked positively horrified. Then he seemed to take in Tony’s face and huffed out a laugh. Tony smirked back, saying, “Never mess with the master, kid.” Then he leaned back in and started gently kissing up Peter’s neck, feeling him shiver.

“I won’t. Promise. Just don’t stop.” Peter was already beginning to sound wrecked. Finally lifting the hem of Peter’s shirt, he backed away long enough to pull it over his head, tossing it to join his on the floor.

“Oh God, Mr. Stark, I’ve wanted this for so long!” Peter moaned out as Tony’s lips latched onto one of his nipples. Hearing him call him Mr. Stark, in that breathless voice, Tony could feel his already hard cock give a twitch.

“Oh baby boy, anything you want, it’s yours,” he breathed out brokenly, reaching down and slipping his hand beneath Peter’s pants, feeling that silky material already getting wet.

“Oh, daddy, I want you to fuck me!” Tony almost came in his pants (again) hearing those words moaned from Peter’s mouth. He never realized he had a daddy kink before.

“Let’s take this to my room. I want to take my time with you.” Tony ground out, already pulling Peter with him, wishing he could just teleport them there.

Tag List

@stxrker-fan-xx @lokitonypeter @professional-fangirl75

#starker #starker fic #tony x peter #peter x tony #au #ironspider #ten years later

28 notes · View notes

kwanisms · 6 years ago

Text

Crossing the Threshold - Part 7

Difference threshold is defined as the minimum noticeable difference that someone will be able to detect at least fifty percent of the time.

⤑ genre: smut, angst, fluff, Best friend!Jihoon, Neighbor!Jeonghan ⤑ pairing: Jihoon x Reader, Jeonghan x Reader ⤑ warning: smut, angst, lots of angst ⤑ summary: After a sincere talk with Jihoon, it would seem that things are almost back to normal. The day of holiday party arrives and a power failure in the apartment building elevator brings (Y/N) and Jeonghan even closer, much to Jihoon’s annoyance which leads up to an explosive confrontation that will damage one or more of (Y/N)’s relationships. ⤑ word count: 10.8k (it’s a long chapter lol)

⤑ 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | {07} | 08 | 09

a/n: I know it’s been a while since I posted an update for this story so hopefully this long chapter will make up for my absence. Maybe you’ll hate me for posting this with no warning. I’m sorry guys. For this taking so long and for what I wrote haha. We aren’t done yet! There are still two more chapters!

It had been two days since Jihoon had slammed his door, leaving you and Soonyoung confused at his sudden outburst. You barely saw him in the apartment. It was usually in passing that you saw him. Soonyoung and you kept tabs on him to the best of your abilities but since neither one of you saw him, it was hard to pinpoint his exact location and what he was doing.

Soonyoung had a better chance of catching a glimpse of Jihoon since they worked in the same office. You however were left to the mercy of Soonyoung’s sporadic texts.

Squishy ☆ [12:08]: he’s staying in the building for lunch. I was going to follow him but I can’t be discrete in the break room. I’ll see you in 5. You [12:09]: it’s okay Soonyoung, you don’t have to go to so much trouble for me. Jihoon will come around. Squishy ☆ [12:10]: i know he will, i’m just stubborn (: You [12:10]: i know you are haha

Soonyoung met you for lunch that day and updated you on Jihoon’s mood and behavior at work. You were grateful for him, truly. Otherwise, you would never know if your best friend was eating or not. You and Soonyoung worked diligently to find out why Jihoon had gotten so angry and fortunately, you found out the reason why a few days later.

A few days later, You were sitting on the couch watching one of your dramas when the front door opened. You turned to face the door, expecting Soonyoung but were met with Jihoon. He froze, eyes landing on your surprised face before his brow furrowed and a frown appeared.

“H-hey,” you said timidly. Jihoon nodded and walked past the front room heading for his room but you reached out, stupidly, and grabbed his hand. “How are you?” you asked, desperate for his company. He was your best friend after all.

Jihoon pulled his hand away, almost ripping it from your grip. You flinched at his sudden crassness. “Fine,” he said shortly before he continued to his room and shut the door with a little more force than necessary. You sighed and pulled out your phone to see Soonyoung had texted you.

Squishy ☆ [17:32]: he’s in a mood today. Idk what’s up his butt. What’s her name dropped by during lunch to see him. You [17:33]: ...Soo-mi? Squishy ☆ [17:33]: yeah. Her. You [17:34]: oh… that’s nice. Squishy ☆ [17:35]: ... (Y/N)? Are you okay?

Before you could answer however the doorbell rang and you got to your feet to answer it. Swinging the door open you found yourself face to face to the exact person you were just texting Soonyoung about.

Jihoon’s ex-girlfriend, Soo-mi, couldn’t have been worse for Jihoon. She was self-centered, narcissistic, rude, and she nearly ended your friendship with Jihoon. She was controlling, manipulative, and had a way with charming men with nice words and then using them. Men like Jihoon.

“Oh, (Y/N)?” Soo-mi said, a hint of surprise to her voice. She must not have known you were living here. Which means Jihoon hasn’t been talking to her for long. “Hey, Soo-mi,” you replied as politely as you could. She was still just as slim and tall as she had been in the past. She was almost as tall as Jihoon.

She let herself into the apartment forcing you to take a step back to avoid being knocked over. She looked around the apartment. “Hoonie has done pretty well for himself,” she noted more to herself than anyone else. You bit your tongue, resisting the urge to fire back. The bedroom door opened and Jihoon emerged.

His eyes fell on Soo-mi and you behind her. “Hey,” he said walking over. “You ready to go?” he asked grabbing his jacket and keys. Soo-mi put on a fake sweet smile. “Of course!” she said in a saccharine sweet voice that made you want to gag.

Jihoon’s eyes glanced your way before he grabbed Soo-mi’s hand and led her past you and toward the door. He slipped on his shoes, not making eye contact and then opened the door for Soo-mi. You clasped your hands behind your back and forced a smile. “Have fun!” you said and Jihoon stopped, turning to look at you. There was something in his eyes. Regret maybe? You waved him off before sitting back on the couch. The door shut softly behind him and you picked up your phone.

You [17:40]: he fucking asked her out. Soonyoung. She came over here and they’re going out. Squishy ☆ [17:41]: ...are you fucking kidding me?! He H A T E S her! He even told me so! You [ 17:42]: if this is because of Jeonghan, istg I’m going to kick Jihoon’s ass. Squishy ☆ [17:43]: I’m almost home. We’ll order a pizza and watch movies. And make a fort. You [17:44]: Soo-mi isn’t invited. Squishy ☆ [17:44]: well duh. Just you and me silly. You [17:45]: thanks, Squishy Squishy ☆ [17:45]: anytime, muffin.

You went back to your dramas, but you couldn't focus. The thought of Jihoon out with the person he himself said he despised most got your blood boiling. You grumbled under your breath, eyes locked on the screen. Several minutes later, Soonyoung opened the door, stumbling into the apartment and kicked his shoes off.

“I fucking ran into them in the lobby. That bitch. I can’t stand her. I don’t know what Jihoon is thinking, letting her back in his life. She’s so shitty!” he spat as he made his way over to you carrying a takeout bag.

“I thought we agreed on pizza,” you joked as he set the bags down and shrugged his coat off. “Chinese sounded better. Make room,” he said and you looked at his slacks and button down. “Uh… don’t you want to change into something comfy?” you asked and he looked down. “Oops,” he said and ran to his room.

When he returned, he was dressed in his sweats and a tee shirt. The two of you used blankets and pillows to create your fort before putting on a movie and eating your chinese in your fort. You could always count on Soonyoung to let loose and be a kid with you.

You were on your second movie when the door opened and slammed shut followed by a slew of curses from Jihoon. He stormed past the couch only to stop and turn. You and Soonyoung peered through the window of your fort at him. He looked from Soonyoung to you and back. “What are you doing?” he asked, all traces of anger gone. He looked as though he was holding back laughter.

“What does it look like?” Soonyoung asked, narrowing his eyes. “It looks like two idiots in a pile of pillows and blankets.” You glared at Jihoon whose smile fell immediately. “Sorry. Only idiots allowed in Fort Stupid,” you snapped as you picked up a pillow and blocked the window, shielding you and Soonyoung from sight.

Soonyoung glanced at you and you crossed your arms angrily, your chinese food sitting in your lap. You were mad. He was just going to start joking with you after being a dick? No. You wouldn’t allow him. He needed to apologize first.

There was silence outside the fort before Jihoon sighed and opened his bedroom door, shutting it softly behind him. Soonyoung glanced back at you and you at him before you pulled the pillow down to sneak a peek outside. Jihoon had returned to his room. You and Soonyoung returned to your movie, finishing it before freeing yourselves from the pile and cleaning up.

After a quick shower, you returned to your room and started getting ready for bed. You heard the vibrating of your phone on your nightstand and walked over to pick it up. They were texts from Jihoon.

Hoonie [22:18]: i miss you… You [22:18]: i’m literally in the other room and you text this to me? Hoonie [22:19]: … forget it. I’ll leave you alone. You [22:19]: Jihoon, i didn’t say I didn’t want you to leave me alone. You [22:20]: I just don’t get why you couldn’t come to my room and say anything. Hoonie [22:20]: i’m too proud and stubborn You [22:20]: yeah u are

When Jihoon didn’t answer you, you assumed he fell asleep and also turned in for the night. This wasn’t like him. He didn’t know how to hold a grudge but he was incredibly stubborn. You weren’t sure how long this little spat with him would last but one of you would cave eventually and it wasn't going to be you.

Your fight with Jihoon lasted until the following morning. You woke up to the feeling of pressure on the bed next to you. Opening your eyes and blinking a few times to adjust to the light filtering in your room, you rolled over to find a sleeping Jihoon next to you. He was curled up on his side facing you with a pillow from his room tucked under his arms.

You looked over at your alarm clock. It read 7 am. You rolled back over to find your best friend stirring in his sleep. His eyes fluttered open and peered up at you sleepily. You watched each other for a few minutes before you spoke. “When did you come in here?” you asked. Jihoon stretched, a yawn escaping him. “I think it was around 2 am. I don’t remember exactly. I just couldn’t sleep,” he said softly. You said nothing, just watched him as he woke up.

“Are you mad?” he asked turning to look at you through heavy eyelids. He was always so cute and childlike when he first woke up in the mornings. Something you noticed throughout the years of friendship you had with him. You shook your head. “No, Ji. I’m not mad,” you said and a small smile broke out across his face. “Really?” he asked and you nodded.

There was tension between you, not like the past few days, but more like the two of you were on the verge of apologizing to one another but neither wanted to be the first since you both were stubborn. Your eyes searched Jihoon’s, waiting for him to say something. His eyes looked between yours before finally he spoke. “I’m sorry.”

He took a deep breath. “I'm sorry for everything. I got angry when I had no right to. You have every freedom to see who ever you want. You're my best friend and I need to support you. I'm just scared of losing you,” he said softly, looking down at the sheet hem he was currently playing with. A small smile broke out inst your face and you reached over, wrapping your arms around him.

Jihoon let out a sigh of relief before returning the gesture. “You'll never lose me, Ji. You're my best friend, you'll always take priority over any boyfriend,” you whispered, burying your face in his shoulder. Jihoon sat up, pulling you with him. The two of you sat like that for a while before there was a small “ahem” from the door.

The two of you looked over to find Soonyoung standing there, leaning against the frame, arms crossed with a grin on his face.

“Does this mean Fort Stupid has a squadron of three again?” he asked. Jihoon picked up a throw pillow and aimed it for Soonyoung’s head. The latter ducked and ran into the hallway, cackling. Jihoon turned to you and gave you a sheepish smile.

The two of you got out of bed and headed for the kitchen to start breakfast.

After a lengthy breakfast and a couple cups of coffee, you got dressed for your date with Jeonghan. Making sure to put extra care into your appearance. With your makeup and hair also done, you checked yourself out in the mirror and smiled.

As you stepped out into the front room, Soonyoung whistled, drawing Jihoon’s attention. “Where are you going all dolled up?” Soonyoung asked as you grabbed your purse and headed for the door to put your coat on. “Out,” you replied.

“With who?” Soonyoung asked. Jihoon snapped him with a towel. “Leave her alone, you vulture,” he said before flashing you a smile and giving you a wink. You returned the smile before you headed out the door and made your way to the elevator.

Down in the lobby you waited for Jeonghan.

Your phone buzzed in your coat pocket and you fished it out, unlocking the screen.

Jeonghan [11:45]: are you still in your apartment? You [11:45]: no i'm in the lobby Jeonghan [11:46]: oh okay! i'm on my way down now (:

You smiled and returned your phone to your pocket as the elevator dinged behind you. The doors opened and Jeonghan stepped out. Today he was sporting a black turtleneck sweater under a deep maroon coat, black jeans, and white trainers. In his hand was a covered basket. A smile spread across his face as he reached you, stopping just a few steps away.

“You look great,” he said looking you up and down. You opted for a black skater dress that fell just above your knees, the top was an illusion sweetheart neckline with a sheer black material making up the mock neckline and sleeves. Under the dress, you wore opaque burgundy tights. Over the dress you had on an ivory peacoat. You rounded out the look with a pair of comfortable brown boots.

“You ready?” Jeonghan asked to which you nodded. He led you to the parking garage and to his own car which sat parked a few spaces away from Jihoon's. Jeonghan opened the door for you, allowing you in before he shut the door and rounded the back of the car, getting into the driver's seat.

He pulled out of the garage and onto the street as he set the navigation on the GPS. The two of you sat silent for a moment before Jeonghan turned on the radio, letting it play in the background. “Did you sleep well, last night?” he finally spoke up.

You nodded. “I did. I woke up to find Jihoon in my bed,” you said almost laughing. Jeonghan chuckled. “I suppose this means he's forgiven you?” he asked and you nodded. “Yes, we had a little talk and he understands that he should be supporting me,” you replied.

The two of you continued to chat before Jeonghan pulled into the parking lot of a large mall. You looked at him curiously as he looked for a parking place. Upon finding one, he parked the car and turned off the ignition before getting out and hurrying around to your side of the car. He opened your door and shut if behind you.

“The mall?” you asked curiously as he held out his hand for you to take. You did, your small hand wrapped in his larger one as he led you to the main entrance. “Have you ever been to this mall?” he asked and you shook your head. Jeonghan smiled as he led you inside. “You're in for a surprise,” he said plainly before opening the door and letting you in first.

Your jaw dropped as you looked around, taking in your surroundings. It was definitely a mall. A huge mall with no less than 4 floors. Shops occupied all four levels with a massive food court on the second floor, the floor you were currently on. In the middle of the mall, nestled in between the 4 floors was a small amusement park.

You turned to Jeonghan who was watching you with amusement. The two of you approached a small house off to the side labeled “tickets.” Jeonghan purchased two day passes, handing one to you. He took your hand and led you to the entry gates.

Once both your passes had been scanned, Jeonghan took your hand and led you over to a small area for locker and stroller rentals. He rented a locker where you stored your cold weather items before locking it up and heading out into the main mall.

Your head turned every which way, trying to see everything at once. Jeonghan laughed, placing a hand on top of your head gently. “At this rate, you'll give yourself whiplash,” he said and you stopped, your cheeks turning pink. “Come on,” Jeonghan said pulling you along.

The two of you decided to walk around to check out some of the shops before heading to the upper floors. The floors seemed to be arranged by shop type. The bottom floor was entirely made up of the amusement park with all the big attractions in the center.

The second floor were the shops for men and women's apparel as well as host to the massive food court. On the third floor were the kids shops. Toy stores, kids apparel, and more. The top floor had the fewest shops. The stores up top were some of the most expensive stores. Jeonghan led you back down to the first floor.

You expected him to guide you toward the only roller coaster in the mall but instead, he took you toward a huge ice rink that you couldn't even see from above. The two of you picked out some skates and sat down to put them on. You'd never been ice skating before so to say you were nervous would be an understatement.

Jeonghan noticed and moved to help you with your skates. “Here,” he said gently taking the laces. “Let me help.” He tightened the laces until the skate fit snugly against your ankles before he tied them securely and stood up. Jeonghan reached out his hands to take yours and pulled you to your feet. “I won't let you fall, I promise.”

He made good on his promise and successfully led you onto the ice. Jeonghan positioned himself on your right as you held the wall with your left hand, your right hand in your date's as you stated off with small strides. You felt like a baby giraffe right after being born. Your legs were wobbly and your balance completely off.

Jeonghan never left your side and he didn't rush you. After you made one loop around the rink, you felt your wobbling simmer down and you were able to pick up speed. You made two further loops around before you felt confident enough to let go of the wall and rely solely on Jeonghan for support.

You felt like you were getting the hang of it before long. After numerous passes, Jeonghan led you off the ice so you could change back into your shoes. “I'm getting hungry, what about you?” he asked as he removed his skates. You nodded pulling your own off and pulling your boots back on.

The two of you returned your skates and headed upstairs to the food court. Eyes scouring for something that sounded good, your gaze fell on a stall that specialized in different types of bibimbap and you pointed it out to Jeonghan. He gave you a grin and led you through the crowd over to the line.

“Do you know what kind you want?” he asked, eyes flickering over the menu. You followed suit, searching for something that caught your eye. You found it in the tongyeong bibimbap. Once you found what you wanted, you placed your orders and after Jeonghan insisted on paying, you waited for your meals.

“After we eat, we can walk around some more to let our food settle before we dive into the rides,” Jeonghan said as he looked toward the roller coaster. “I would like to check out a couple of the shops,” you noted looking across the way at a few stores. Jeonghan turned as your order was called and took the tray.

You led the way to a cleared table and the two of you sat down. You dug into your food immediately and sighed. It had been a while since you'd had a meal this good. The two of you ate mostly in silence, occasionally uttering a few words and exchanging pieces of meat from your bowls. Once your hearty meal was finished, Jeonghan picked up the tray and took it to the return spot.

The two of you spent the next hour walking around, stopping in different shops, looking for something to buy your mom for her birthday since it was just around the corner.

“What about this?” Jeonghan asked nodding up at the sign. You looked up and saw you were standing outside of a jewelry shop. You led Jeonghan inside and started browsing. The two of you split up, you heading for the rings. You browsed and looked through numerous rings before your eyes settled on something.

“Would you like to see something?” the shopkeeper asked, startling you. “Yes please,” you managed to squeak out. You pointed to the ring that had caught your eye. The shopkeeper unlocked the case and pulled the ring out, allowing you to inspect it.

It was a very simple yet elegant band in sterling silver with a round cut gem. You looked it over carefully before deciding it was the one. The shopkeeper packaged it up nice and snug for you. The price was a fair trade for the ring. You paid the owner and took your purchase as Jeonghan approached from the left.

“Did you find something?” he asked with a smile. You nodded as you left the shop and continued walking before you came across a photo booth. You grabbed Jeonghan's arm and tugged softly. His eyes followed yours and he smiled when he saw the booth. “Come on,” he said, pulling you to.

You pulled back the curtain and stepped inside, Jeonghan right behind you. The curtain fell back in place, shielding you from view. Jeonghan paid the small fee and you searched for a theme. You found a cute border you both agreed on and pressed start.

The booth took a total of 6 pictures in which you made silly faces. Jeonghan put another bill in, selecting a different border and pushed start. This time, he kissed your cheek in the first photo. You turned to him, the second and third photos catching you looking at each other before Jeonghan went in, his lips connecting with yours.

It was a few moments before either of you noticed that the booth had stopped taking pictures. You pulled back to catch your breath, your cheeks bright pink, a smirk hiding just behind your semi calm facade. Jeonghan pressed another short kiss to your lips before pulling the curtain back and stepping out.

You followed, immediately grabbing the photos and looking them over. Jeonghan looked over your shoulder, smiling before whispering in your ear which ones he wanted to keep. You tucked them in your purse for safekeeping and continued on, your hand in his.

The two of you decided to call it a day and headed back toward the front, stopping to grab your things from the locker. You donned your cold weather clothes and headed out the front doors.

The parking lot was much fuller than when you initially arrived but Jeonghan found the car easily. The two of you piled in and were off. On the way back, you showed Jeonghan the ring you bought for your mother. He admired it as well as he could while driving. “I think she'll love it,” he said as he entered the freeway.

The rest of the ride was spent listening to music and speaking occasionally. Soon you were home and Jeonghan was pulling into his parking space. The two of you headed into the building from the garage and waited for the elevator. Once it arrived, you got on and pressed the button. You turned to Jeonghan.

“Thank you for today,” you said smiling at him. His lips pulled into a smile and he wrapped his arm around your shoulder. “You're welcome. Thank you for going with me. I haven't had a chance to go to that mall in awhile.” You leaned into Jeonghan, the scent of his cologne filling your nostrils.

The elevator dinged and the doors opened. You stepped off and walked down the hall, stopping at the door to Jihoon and Soonyoung's apartment. Jeonghan leaned in, his lips skimming yours briefly. “Thank you again,” you repeated. “I had a great time with you,” you added. Jeonghan pulled you in, pressing his lips fully against yours. Your stomach did flips as your heart raced.

When he pulled away, he seemed to take your breath with him. “I'll see you later,” he said, his eyes catching the light in the hall and making them twinkle. He backed away slowly, watching as you unlocked the door and let yourself into the apartment. You waved goodbye to him on more time before shutting the door.

Jihoon and Soonyoung were sitting on the couch, and upon entering, they both looked back from the TV. “Ooh! She's back!” Soonyoung said turning and leaning over the back of the couch. You smiled, removing your boots and coat. You made your way through the living room, stopping when Soonyoung grabbed the shopping bag in your hand. “Hey!” you shouted trying to snatch it back.

“Did Jeonghan buy this for you?” he asked looking inside. You grabbed it back and eyed him suspiciously. “No, it's for my mother. Her birthday is next week,” you replied, looking from Soonyoung to Jihoon. Soonyoung stuck his hands in his pockets and gave a very embarrassed smile. Oh, sorry,” he said quickly.

Jihoon nudged him with his foot and Soonyoung sat down quickly. “Did you have a good time?” Jihoon asked looking up at you. His expression seemed to be that of curiosity but he had a genuine smile on his face. You nodded. “Yeah, it was a lot of fun.” Jihoon's smile grew wider. “Go change into something comfortable and tell us about it,” he said and nodded toward your room.

You hurried off to change, setting your mom's present on your dresser before changing into a sweater and some leggings before rushing back to the front room and nestling yourself between the boys. You spent the rest of the evening telling them about the mall. You told them about the ice rink, the roller coasters, the shops, and the huge food court.

“That sounds amazing,” Soonyoung said in awe. “We'll have to go sometime,” Jihoon said smiling at you. “Just the three of us,” Soonyoung said turning his attention toward the TV. “Yeah,” you agreed, watching the TV, unaware of Jihoon's lingering gaze on your face. “Just the three of us,” he repeated before also turning his attention back to the television.

You sat in the living room staring at your phone. Waiting patiently for his reply which would come any minute. You were currently waging war with Jeonghan over text.

You [13:48]: bring it on! Han [13:48]: you're weak. You can't handle this You [13:49]: I SAID BRING IT ON YOON JEONGHAN Han [13:50]: img1759.jpg

You threw your phone on the couch beside you. The picture was of his dog wearing quite possibly the cutest hat you had ever seen. The two of you were fighting over who could send the cutest picture of their pet and clearly, Jeonghan had won.

Your phone buzzed again from the dark recesses of the couch cushions. You scrambled to pick it up to see it was a text from Jihoon. You opened it, reading his message quickly.

Hoonie [13:51]: Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I'm off early today. You [13:51]: okay (: Hoonie [13:51]: uwu

You smiled at Jihoon’s use of emojis before returning to Jeonghan's texts.

Han [13:52]: One word. Three syllables. Han [13:53]: ＶＩＣＴＯＲＹ You [13:53]: yeah. You win. Han [13:54]: you okay?? You [13:54]: yeah… just home alone Han [13:55]: want to come over and keep me company while I cook? You [13:56]: Seungcheol leave already? Han [13:56]: .....yes ㅠ︵ㅠ i'm so lonely You [13:57]: on my way lol

You got up and slipped on your slippers making your way to the door. Outside in the hall, you padded down to the neighboring door and knocked. Jeonghan opened it instantly, MiChan barking from her kennel. “Hi! Come in,” Jeonghan said waving you in.

You stepped in, sliding your shoes off and followed Jeonghan to his kitchen, the smell of something delicious hung in the air. “How long is Cheol going to be gone?” you asked reaching down to pet the fluffy cloud that left her kennel to sniff your socks. “A week,” Jeonghan answered.

You watched as he bustled around the kitchen, stopping to stir something in the pot on the stove occasionally. He wore his favorite pink apron with ruffles and you couldn't help but smile. His hair had been cut recently, no longer sitting at his shoulders. With his hair short, he looked much more masculine rather than feminine like when you first met. You sat admiring him as he worked.

Jeonghan looked up, eyes catching yours and he smirked. You looked away quickly but you weren't fooling anyone. “See something you like?” he asked, the corners of his mouth still pulled up into a grin. “What are you making?” you finally asked and looked down at the counter.

He had a bowl filled with some kind of filling, a spoon, and dozens of little circles of flat dough lying on the surface. “Dumplings,” Jeonghan said shrugging. “It’s for my company's holiday party. Every year I make hundreds of dumplings and bring them to the party. Apparently they're huge hit.” You smiled, watching him as he worked.

Your eyes trailed over his body again. His broad shoulders, toned forearms exposed by his rolled up sleeves, and his slim waist. You were weak for a man of his physique and he knew it. Glancing up at you occasionally, smirking as he did. Jeonghan knew how he affected you and he used that power for evil. “You just gonna stare at me?” he mused.

You slid off the stool and walked around to his side of the island. You ducked under his arm to wedge yourself between him and the counter. “Can I help with anything?” you asked looking at all the dumpling wrappers.

He let out a laugh, welcoming the intrusion by resting his chin on your shoulder. “I could use some help,” he said. You pushed your sleeves up. “What can I do?” you asked. Jeonghan backed up and nodded at the sink. “First, you can wash your hands. I have coworkers who are allergic to dogs,” he chuckled.

You rushed over to cleanse your hands of all traces of dog before returning to Jeonghan's side. He took a step back allowing you to stand in front of him again. “Here,” he said reaching around you to show you what he was doing. “You have to pinch them like this.” Jeonghan showed you how to pinch the dough together to make little pockets.

You worked slowly, trying to mimic what he did. Your first one turned out like a little lumpy pillow. You pouted and Jeonghan laughed, shaking his head. “It's alright. You can scoop the filling in and I'll pinch them.” You did as he said and put little scoops of filling on the centers and he closed them, setting them aside to make little rows.

When you ran out of filling, Jeonghan called a break. He checked on the pot on the stove, murmuring to himself. “What's in there?” you asked from your spot at the counter. Jeonghan pulled the spoon out and covered the pot. “Just some chicken.” He set the spoon aside and made his way over toward you. His hands resting on the countertop on either side of you, effectively trapping you.

“S-should we cook these?” you stammered nodding at the dumplings. Jeonghan shook his head. “No. They go in the freezer until I need to fry them for the party.” He started covering the dumplings, freeing you from your prison. “Could you set these to soak in the sink?” he asked handing you two dirty bowls. You nodded, taking them.

You returned to wipe down the countertops while Jeonghan put the dumplings in the freezer. You were drying the counters when he returned, hands resting on your hips, lips pressed against your hair. “Thank you,” he whispered and you couldn't help the smile that spread across your lips. “It's no trouble, really. I'm happy to help.”

You wiped the counters vigorously with the towel while Jeonghan watched you. After a minute or two, he took the towel from you. “I think it's dry now,” he chuckled tossing the towel in a small hamper in the dining room. You stood against the counter, Jeonghan behind you.

His fingers brushed against the nape of your neck as he moved your hair to the side. “Now what?” you whispered. “That chicken won't be done for a few more hours, so I have some time to kill,” Jeonghan answered, nuzzling your neck with the tip of his nose. A sigh left your mouth as you leaned back, your head falling to the side leaving it wide open for Jeonghan. He pressed sweet kisses along the skin trailing up behind your ear.

“Would you like a tour of the apartment?” he whispered and you nodded quickly. “Yes please.” Jeonghan smiled before kissing your shoulder. “Follow me.” He stepped away and removed his apron before grabbing your hand and leading him straight for the bedrooms.

You were about to enter one when he pressed you against the wall, his lips finding yours instantly and his hands at your hips, fingers digging into your skin. You moaned into the kiss when his thigh spread yours and pressed against your core.

“I've barely even touched you and look at you,” he said breathlessly, a chuckle escaping him. You pulled him back in for another kiss which he accepted eagerly. You were so consumed by his lips that you almost missed your phone ringing from the kitchen. “(Y/N), your phone,” Jeonghan said between kisses. You pulled back and ran to answer it.

“Hello?” you asked breathlessly. “(Y/N)?” you heard on the other side of phone phone. “Jihoon?” you asked quickly. “Hey, what are you doing?” he asked. “Nothing, I just… what's up?” you asked turning to look at Jeonghan.

“Is it Jihoon?” he mouthed and you nodded. He smiled, giving you a thumbs up before opening a door to his room and disappearing behind it. You sat down at the counter, returning to your conversation with Jihoon.

“I sent you a couple texts and you didn't answer so I thought I'd just check to make sure you're okay. Are you home?” His voice sounded worried. “Yeah, yeah, I'm fine! I'm actually on my way back to the apartment right now,” you said looking up when you saw Jeonghan emerge.

“Okay, i'm on my way home, too so I'll see you in a few. You haven't picked up your dress for tomorrow yet, have you?” he asked. The Christmas party was tomorrow and you had taken a dress to the dry cleaners the day before. “No, not yet,” you said, twirling a strand of hair around your finger. “I have to pick up my suit so we can go together,” Jihoon said. You could hear the sound of a car door shutting.

“Okay,” you agreed looking over at Jeonghan who attempted to look like he wasn’t eavesdropping.

“See you in a bit,” Jihoon said before he hung up. You dropped your hand to your lap. “Gotta go?”Jeonghan asked and you looked up at him, giving him a small smile. “Yeah, gotta go pick up my dress for tomorrow,” you replied. Jeonghan smiled and crossed the room as you stood up. He took your free hand in his and pulled it up to his face, kissing the back of your hand gently.

“Thank you for coming over and keeping me company,” he said, pulling you up from your seat. You smiled as he leaned in for a kiss before pulling back. “I better get back so I can change,” you said and looked down at your chosen outfit. Jeonghan smiled. “I think you look fine,” he joked before casting another glance down. “Although, you might want to change your shoes,” he added fighting the urge to smirk. You playfully shoved him. “You’re one to talk,” you noted after looking down and seeing his own slippers.

Jeonghan gently pushed you toward the front door. “Alright, alright,” he said, ignoring your giggles. You pulled the door open and stepped out into the hall. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked to which you nodded. “Yes, I’ll stop by before we leave tomorrow night,” you said smiling widely. Jeonghan waved you off as you headed back down the hall. Inside the apartment, you changed into something more suited for the cold and waited until Jihoon texted you.

Hoonie [14:57]: i’m downstairs (: You [14:58]: on my way down!

Once you made your way down to the lobby you hurried outside to find Jihoon’s car waiting by the curb. You rushed over, pulling open the door and getting into the passenger seat. Jihoon pulled out into the flow of traffic as you fastened your seat belt. “How was work?” you asked noting his expression. Jihoon groaned. “This is the third time this month I’ve worked overtime for them. I’m getting burnt out,” he said as he followed the GPS. In no time, you reached the dry cleaners.

The trip was a short one as you both got your items and then headed home. Along the way, you stopped by the grocery store to grab a few things for dinner. You helped carry the groceries from the car to the apartment. “What did you do today?” Jihoon asked as the elevator made its way up.

“I just relaxed, went next door to keep Jeonghan company while he made dumplings for his company party,” you said looking up at the numbers above the elevator doors. “Oh? Can he spare some of those?” Jihoon asked jokingly as the doors opened. The two of you stepped out where Soonyoung was attempting to put the code in. He glanced over at you and Jihoon and sighed in relief.

“I can’t remember the code!” he said as Jihoon walked past him to open the door. You shook your head and tutted as you passed Soonyoung and stepped into the apartment. You deposited the groceries on the counter before taking your dress to your room and hanging it up on the back of your door. You unzipped the dress and let it air out while you changed back into your comfy clothes and headed to the kitchen to start making dinner.

Jihoon and Soonyoung sat at the counter of the island, bickering as usual and it felt like everything was finally going back to normal. For now at least.

The next morning you woke to a slew of texts from Jeonghan.

Han [08:46]: good morning! The sun is out and the day is almost as beautiful as you Han [08:49]: ...wow that was lame. I am so sorry. I’ll see myself out Han [08:51]: don’t forget to stop by before you leave! I want to see your dress (: Han [08:55]: you’re probably sleeping and I’m being annoying. Wow, way to go Jeonghan. Han [08:57]: text me when you wake up so I don’t keep blowing your phone up

You laughed softly setting your phone aside and sitting up. There was a loud knock on the door before you glanced up and noticed Soonyoung. “Breakfast is almost ready my sleepy little croissant,” he said and you grabbed a pillow to throw at him but he was gone before you could carry out your assault.

You slipped on your robe before stepping out into the hallway and following the smell of food. Jihoon stood at the stove cooking eggs in one skillet. You made your way to the coffee maker and started your routine, making a cup of coffee while soonyoung reached across the counter and snatched a piece of bacon. You shook your head at him, narrowing your eyes. He silent pleaded with you to not say anything.

You weren’t having his treachery. “Soonyoung keeps stealing bacon,” you said loudly as the coffee maker dispensed your caffeine fix. Jihoon whipped around in time to see Soonyoung reaching for another piece of bacon. He slapped the back of Soonyoung’s hand with the wooden spoon he held. Soonyoung withdrew, pouting before he threw a dirty look your way.

With breakfast done, the three of you sat down to eat. You were checking the weather on your phone when there was a loud clap of thunder. The three of you jumped, eyes wide as you looked around at one another before getting up and racing to the balcony door. Outside, the clouds had rolled in but instead of rain, it was snow. “I’ve never witnessed a thunderstorm with snow,” Soonyoung said peering up at the clouds. “Not gonna lie,” Jihoon said looking around. “It’s pretty cool,” he added.

The three of you sat back down to finish your breakfast before you started on your chores. It was laundry day and you had been persistent in earning your keep so you did all the laundry in the house save for underwear and bed linens apart from your own. It was a fair trade.

Throughout the day, you texted Jeonghan. He had immediately texted you after the storm started stating “so much for the sun.” Time ticked by as you did the laundry, sitting at the kitchen table to fold everything and sort it into piles. You had finished Jihoon’s first and called him over to get his things. Soonyoung’s was next and he took his clean clothes to his room while you folded your own laundry.

By the time you had finished, it was time to start getting ready. You headed for your room to start doing your makeup and hair. You finished fairly quickly before getting into your dress, luckily, without help.

You stepped out of your room, and made your way into the living room where Jihoon and Soonyoung stood waiting, bickering over something you couldn't hear. They only turned when you cleared your throat to announce your presence. The two turned immediately and you savored their reactions.

Soonyoung’s jaw dropped as his eyes raked over your form, not having seen you in formal attire for a long time. Jihoon on the other hand could not take his eyes off you. His lips were parted slightly, eyes widened as he took in your attire. You opted for a fitted floor length garment that accentuated your features, with long sleeves that reached just past your wrists, a high collar, and a deep v cut back.

The crisp ivory color complimented your skin beautifully and contrasted well with the crimson color on your lips. You cleared your throat and the two snapped out of their trances. “Shouldn't we get going?” you asked and the two shuffled to the door. You followed behind sitting to put your shoes on.

Jihoon opened the door letting Soonyoung out into the hall first. You followed with Jihoon bringing up the rear. “We're going to get there a little early,” Jihoon noted looking at his watch while Soonyoung pressed the button. The three of you waited in silence for the lift to arrive.

You remembered that Jeonghan wanted to see your dress and told the boys you would be right back as you hurried down the hall to the neighbor’s door. You knocked on it and Seungcheol answered it, his eyes widening as he took in your appearance. “Wow,” he said and you blushed lightly. “You look good.”

“Thanks,” you said before peering into the apartment. “Is Jeonghan here? He said he wanted me to stop by so he could see this,” you said gesturing at the dress. Seungcheol shook his head. “No, he had to run an errand.” You sighed and nodded slowly. “He should be back in a few minutes though, if you want to come in and wait,” he added quickly. You shook your head.

“No, I should get back. Otherwise, we might be late,” you said gesturing at Jihoon and Soonyoung down the hall at the elevator. On cue Jihoon cupped his hands around his mouth. “Lift’s here! Let’s go!” he said. You nodded and turned back to Seungcheol. “Tell him I stopped by?” you asked and he nodded, smiling widely. You turned and headed back to the elevator which was thankfully it was empty.

You followed your best friends into the elevator and Soonyoung pressed the button for the lobby. The elevator started its descent and you held your breath, counting the seconds until it reached its destination. There was a flicker of the lights and the elevator skipped slightly, jostling you lightly. You grabbed the hands of both men on either side of you.

Jihoon and Soonyoung both gently squeezed your hands reassuringly as the elevator continued without problem and pinged when it reached the lobby. You stepped out of the elevator, following the two through the lobby and toward the front doors. “Where are we going?” you asked.

Outside on the curb, a very fancy limousine was waiting for you. You rounded on Jihoon. “We could have just taken your car!” you hissed and he smiled. “And try to find parking? No thanks. This way, we don't have to worry about it,” he said as he led the way outside.

The wind whipped, swirling snow around you and you shivered heavily. “Wait,” you said and the two men stopped turning toward you. “I forgot my coat! I gotta go back,” you said. “You want me to go with you?” Soonyoung asked stepping forward. You shook your head. “I'll be quick!” you said and turned to hurry back toward the elevator, pressing the up button.

You sighed, arms crossed as you waited for the elevator doors to open. “Come on!” you hiss noting how slow the elevator seems to be moving. You heard light taps of someone approaching. You glanced up to see Jeonghan.

“Oh, good evening, he said smiling. You returned the gesture. “Hey,” you said back softly, taking notice of what he's wearing. He has fitted black jogging pants with an oversized grey sweater. He was wearing a rather comfy looking coat with a soft scarf. “You look very warm,” you said amused to which he smiled brightly.

“Where's your coat?” he inquired looking down at the ensemble you're dressed in. “.....I'm an idiot and forgot it. I'm on my way back up to get it now,” you told him reassuringly. When the elevator doors finally opened the people inside got out allowing you and Jeonghan to step in.

You pushed the button for the 20th floor and the doors crept shut.

Inside the elevator was cold. Why the hell is it so damn cold? You tried to fight an involuntary shudder but failed as it rippled throughout your body. Jeonghan noticed and without a word, slipped his coat off, draping it around your shoulders. “Thank you,” you murmured, noticing it smelled just like his preferred cologne which was your favorite.

Glancing up, you saw that the floor reader indicated that you were currently passing the 12th floor. Jeonghan followed your gaze and said softly, “this thing has been moving so slow recently.”

That was when you heard it; a loud whirring followed by a clunk sound before you were thrown in complete darkness, a small gasp escaping your lips. Jeonghan swore loudly from next to you and you heard him patting his clothes in search of his phone.

Instinctively you reached into his coat pocket and your hand touched something smooth and sleek. You pulled it out and turned the screen on. Turning toward Jeonghan, you found him and he took the phone from you, sliding the status bar down and turning on the flashlight. A small but bright light dimly illuminates the elevator.

The realization hit you; you were trapped, inside an elevator, hanging 12 floors from the ground with no power. You began hyperventilating as panic set in, feeling your way into the closest corner. This can't be happening. You looked frantically around the box in vain as everywhere you looked was a corner or a wall. No way out, a little voice inside your head said. A soft sob escaped its confines in your throat as you closed your eyes as blood pounded in your ears.

“Hey,” you heard a voice but it sounded muffled, almost like it was distant. “Hey,” it said again, a little clearer this time. “(Y/N), look at me.” The voice was crystal clear this time as you came out of your trance. Jeonghan. You remembered you weren't alone. Jeonghan was standing in front of you, shining the flashlight on his phone in your direction.

“Are you alright?” he asked softly, brushing hair out of your face. You shook your head as you slowly slid into a sitting position against the wall, Jeonghan taking a seat beside you. He set his phone on the floor and pulled you into him, wrapping an arm around your shoulder and started whispered encouraging words to you as he stroked your hair.

“I forgot about your fear. Don't worry (Y/N). It's gonna be okay. You're gonna be alright,” he muttered.

The minutes ticked by, you didn’t know how long had been but slowly you felt yourself starting to calm down. “That's better,” Jeonghan said, turning you to face him. He had a soft smile on his face but his eyes were still full of concern.

“I’m sorry,” you said in a rush. “I was hoping this would never happen again but clearly the universe hates me,” you said burying your face in his neck. Jeonghan chuckled as he gently ran his fingers through your hair. He hummed a soft tune to help calm you down even more.

“Thank you,” you whisper in his ear, you face buried in his neck. With your breath fanning against the skin of his neck, Jeonghan let out a soft sigh escape his lips. Not soft enough since you pulled back to look at him. He stared straight back, thinking about the first time he kissed you in this elevator how he so desperately wanted to kiss you again, right now.

This is not the time or place for that, he had to remind himself so he was fine with just holding you close, trying to make you feel safe. Jeonghan was interrupted from his thoughts by the feeling of your lips pressed against his own and he forgot everything and kissed you back without reservation.

His hands found purchase in your hair and on your hip, your own hands making their way up to his shoulders. You broke the kiss only for a moment to readjust yourself in his lap, straddling him before you attacked his lips again with more passion.

Jeonghan's hands slid down your body, coming to a rest on your hips. His tongue glided over your bottom lip and you sigh, the parting of your lips allowing him access and his tongue found yours in a lazy and sloppy dance. His hands kneaded the soft flesh of your ass, pushing and pulling your hips so that you rocked against him, grinding on his painfully obvious hard on.

You thanked your lucky stars that you chose not to wear pantyhose today, the thin material of your lace panties allowing you some sort of release of weeks of built up sexual tension between the two of you.

Jeonghan moaned into the kiss when you grinded down particularly hard against him and you swallowed the sound with your lips. His hips bucked up into yours involuntarily and you moaned loudly at the sensation against your aching clit.

“Jeonghan,” you whispered in a shaky breath. “Yes, princess?” he answered in a husky voice, pupils dilated and full blown with lust, the name sounded so much more intimate when he said it. You stared into each others eyes for a few more silent moments before you whimpered, “touch me.” Jeonghan wasted no time, his coat was thrown off your shoulders, landing on the floor of the elevator.

He laid you back against his coat, his hands sliding down your sides until he reached your hips. He stopped, admiring how you look in this moment; your skirt falling up your thighs, flushed cheeks, slightly disheveled hair, but most of all, the wide doe eyed look you were giving him.

He loved how innocent you looked.

He dragged one hand lower and lower until his fingers were pressed against you, only thin lace separating his skin from your heat wet with want. He leaned down and pressed a chaste kiss to your lips. “Are you sure about this?” he asked, eyes searching yours for confirmation and you nodded, giving your consent.

Jeonghan traced your lower lips softly, teasing you slowly but you didn't want him to tease you. You'd waited long enough for this moment. “Please.” You had meant for it come out stronger but it came out as a whimper when Jeonghan increased pressure against you.

His fingers trailed up and down your slit. You were a whining, whimpering mess under his hand and he had barely even touched you. “Look how needy you are,” he whispered as he pressed soft kisses to your jawline.

He slipped his thumbs into the band of your panties and slowly pulled them down and off you, setting them to the side. His hand was back on your heat and he could feel how needy and ready for him you were. “Fuck,” he groaned as his finger slid easily between your folds.

“You're dripping. Is this all for me?” he whispered. You moaned in response as he dipped his finger into your dripping pussy again. “What do you want, baby? Use your words,” he said, his lips soft against your neck contrasting against his teeth biting down on the sensitive skin.

He soothed the bites with his tongue, alternating between the two, leaving spots that would turn into dark bruises tomorrow as his fingers never faltered against your clit, massaging in slow but hard circles, increasing pressure as he did.

When he inserted a finger into you, you gasped out his name and boy what an ego trip that was for him. He moved slowly, pumping the digit in and out of you. “Ah, please. Jeonghan, I n-need more…” you whined. He smirked against your skin and move his hand faster, pumping in and out of you until he felt you were ready for a second digit, never losing his pace.

Your moans increased as he continued his ministrations on your body, attacking your most sensitive areas. With his hand still pounding into you, he the added a third finger.

Gasping, moaning, and whimpering you begged him for release. “Please Jeonghan, please,” you whined. “What can I do for you, princess?” he asked slowing his hand. “...I want your tongue,” you said breathlessly and Jeonghan felt his cock twitch in his pants at your words.

He was painfully hard. He needed some sort of release, and you brought some as you had been eyeing him up the entire time. You reach down and palmed him through his sweatpants. He moaned softly, hips bucking into your hand. “Touch me,” he said. “Touch me and then I’ll do whatever you want.”

You slipped your hand into his pants and slowly stroked him through his boxers before finally sitting up and pushing him back before pulling his pants and underwear down his hips exposing his hard cock as it sprung free.

You took him in your hand and he hissed at the contact of your soft hand against the hardness of his member. You stroked him languidly at first, just soft touches until he grabbed your hand and forced you to touch him properly.

“Don't tease me, (Y/N),” he let out in a breathy moan. You picked up the pace, pumping his shaft with just the right amount of pressure. He groaned, bucking his hips into your hand, giving you enough confidence to speed up, rubbing the pad of your thumb against the tip of his dick, spreading the pre-cum that had gathered. Jeonghan threw his head back against the elevator wall, closing his eyes as he relished in the feeling of your hand.

Feeling powerful with the amount of control you held over him, you decided you lean down and give the tip a light kitten lick. Jeonghan's fingers immediately tangled in your locks when your lips wrapped around his throbbing member and he let out a strangled moan that had your walls clenching around nothing. You were literally dripping by this point. You need him and you needed him now.

You pulled away from his cock and straddled his hips again. “Wait,” he breathed grabbing your hips. “I didn't get to eat you out.” You positioned the head of his cock against your slit, teasing the tip with your wet folds. “I need you now,” you whined before sinking down on him slowly.

The stretch felt amazing. It had been such a long time since anyone had filled you up like this. Jeonghan grabbed your hips, stalling your movements just as you began. “Wait, take it slow,” he hissed. “If you go too fast, I might come right away, I don't want that.”

You waited a few more moments before Jeonghan continued, pushing your hips down until he was buried deep inside you. “Fuck, ah, (Y/N), you're so tight,” Jeonghan panted. You slowly rocked your hips back and forth before sliding up and down. Jeonghan pulled you in for a kiss, tongues dancing against one another, fighting for dominance, but in the end he won.

His hands gripped your ass tightly while you moved on him. Bringing one of his hands back he let it land on your rear end, the sharp sting making you inhale. He rubbed the spot, soothing it gently before repeating the same thing on the other side. You leaned forward, resting your head on his shoulder as your legs became weak, your muscles screaming in agony.

Jeonghan took this as a sign to take over and he took hold of your hips, thrusting up into you. You cried out as he hit deep inside you, brushing against your spot just right. “Oh my god, right there,” you gasped and he thrusted harder, hitting the spot again. “Like that?” he asked and you nodded, moans turning into whimpers as you drew closer and closer to your orgasm.

Jeonghan flipped you over so you were on your back on the elevator floor and started pounding into you. The soft moans whimpers replaced by loud high pitched moans and cries. “Jeonghan, .....I'm so close.” Your whisper just barely reached his ears.

One of his hands found yours and your fingers intertwined, the other reaching between you and you cried out as his fingers massaged fast circles on your clit. “Jeonghan, .....I'm gonna-" you started to say but he cut you off with “then do it. Cum for me, princess.”

Your orgasm hit you like a freight train and you came with a cry of Jeonghan's name, your walls clenching and convulsing around him that with a few more thrusts, he buried his face in the crook of your neck and came with a low moan, releasing deep inside you. He rode out both of your orgasms until you had to push him off. “Stop, I can't anymore, it's too much,” you whimpered, shuddering from the aftershocks of your climax.

“God, you're so beautiful,” Jeonghan whispered brushing your hair back so he could see your face completely. “We should probably get this cleaned up,” you said indicating the elevator around you. Jeonghan pressed a soft kiss to your forehead and nodded. “Yeah, otherwise what a surprise for the rescue crew,” he said with a laugh as he helped you up allowing you to put yourself back together.

He helped you into your panties and reached down to pick up his coat. “I wonder how much longer we're gonna be stuck in here,” he said with a sigh. You turn to him, resting your chin on his chest and looking up at him. “We could always go for round two,” you murmured cheekily, giving him a huge grin.

Jeonghan smiled and pecked you on the lips. “You’re such a dirty girl,” he said pressing a kiss to your cheek. The elevator started to whirr as the lights flicker back on. Jeonghan turned the flashlight on his phone off and looked down at you. “Your hair,” he chuckled and began to smooth it down. You glanced up at him.

He looked so ethereal and angelic. It must be that ‘glow’ you get after sex. You never thought it was real until you saw Jeonghan. “You’re quite beautiful yourself, you know?” you whispered as the elevator picked up and continued heading up to the 20th floor. Jeonghan looked down at you, smiling before leaning in for a kiss.

“Thank you,” he whispered against your lips. The elevator reached the 20th floor and with a ding, the elevator doors opened and standing on the other side was a very worried Soonyoung and Jihoon. Once their eyes landed on you, they started to relax until they realized who was with you.

Jihoon looked between the two of you before something on your neck caught his eye. A small red mark peeking out from under the neck of your dress. Soonyoung followed Jihoon's gaze, eyes widening when he saw the mark as they flitted between you and Jeonghan. An unmistakable scowl on Jihoon's face told you all you needed to know.

They know. Oh God, they know.

You stepped off the elevator before Jeonghan, noticing Seungcheol emerging from down the hall. “Ji, let me explain,” you started but he pushed you aside going straight for Jeonghan. His fist collided with the side of Jeonghan's face, catching him off guard as he stumbled.

“Hey!” Seungcheol shouted running down the hall. He tried to grab Jihoon but he shook him off. Jihoon lunged forward again. You screamed at him to stop, even trying to grab his arm. He threw you off of him, knocking you to the ground.

“Jesus, (Y/N),” Soonyoung said reaching down to help you up. “Jihoon just stop! Knock it off!” you yelled grabbing his arm. He threw you off again, this time his hand making contact with your cheek. He froze immediately, turning to look at you, eyes wide in horror.

You covered your cheek with your hand, Soonyoung rushing over to assess the damage. While he was distracted, Seungcheol stepped between Jihoon and Jeonghan, shielding his roommate from the angry shorter man. “This ends here,” he said, anger written all over his face. He pushed past Jihoon, carting Jeonghan with him.

“I can't do this anymore,” Jihoon said turning away from you and you looked up at him. “Do what?” Soonyoung asked. “You need to leave.” Soonyoung stood up looking at Jihoon angrily. “Now wait a minute,” he said and Jihoon rounded on him. “You want to leave to?” he snapped. You looked at Jihoon, holding back tears. “What is the matter with you?” you said, your voice shaking.

“I can't stand being around you anymore. I can't stand waiting around, watching you with another man and pretend like it doesn't hurt me.” He turned to face the hall. The three of you were silent. “Jihoon, be reasonable,” Soonyoung pleaded. Jihoon ignored him. “Pretending like I don't still love you,” he said, clenching his fists before turning to look at you. “Ji…” you whispered but he shook his head. “Jihoon, she’s your best friend,” Soonyoung reasoned.

Jihoon shook his head. “No, she’s your best friend. She’s not mine. Not anymore,” he said. You took a step forward but Jihoon narrowed his eyes at you, forcing you to halt.

“I want you out of the apartment tonight.”

p.s. I’m so sorry. It’s not over though! I promised there are two more chapters and I’m gonna live up to that promise! As always, please leave feedback. I love hearing from you all. Thank you so much for reading and for sticking around this long. I appreciate you. ~K♡

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asterinjapan · 5 years ago

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Museum day

Good evening again from a rainy Tokyo!

Well, I think it’s dry now, but it’s been raining for most of the day, I assume due to whatever remains of tropical depression ex-typhoon number 20 of this year. And of course, there is a very easy option to do on a rainy day: visiting museums! Or well, just the one today, haha.

On a rainy day and a national holiday, I for sure wasn’t the only one with that idea, but since Ueno Park houses a ton of museums and a zoo and what not, the crowds still spread out.

So, follow me into the Tokyo National Museum of Nature and Science today!

Actually, I’ve been sort of intending to visit this museum since my very first visit in 2010, when a trip via school let me see a glimpse of the giant blue whale statue (life size!) that marks the entrance. However, visiting a museum is never first on my list when I go to Japan, simply because I want to do so many things. With today’s weather, I didn’t think one of my planned side trips into the mountains was such a good idea, so it was finally time.

As it turns out, entrance for the permanent exhibitions (there was no special one at the moment) was free today! Today is the enthronement of the emperor, so it’s a national holiday, and apparently also a reason to call off entry prices, haha. Once inside, I did get myself a tablet with audio guide, because with this being a broad museum on eh, nature and science, I was already fairly sure my limited vocabulary wouldn’t save me here. The tablet (or plain audio device, you could pick) was 320 yen, and it was extensive. It also offered you guides through the complex, so I picked out the longest one that would lead me through all floors. This was my day plan, after all!

First, I visited the Theater 36◯ (yeah, a circle, not a zero, they’re too cool for a simple zero). True to its name, it’s a movie theater with a screen in 360 degrees all around. You get a free audio device here for languages other than Japanese, and since only 60 people can be inside at once, it’s a wait until you can get in. I killed time by checking the introduction movies on my tablet (featuring a very cute animated triceratops girl), and then I was allowed in.

You stand on a bridge that features glass on both sides, so you can watch underneath. The theater has rotating screenings, and for October, the movie clips are the deep sea and the mantle dynamics and evolution of the Earth. I was actually most excited for the former, but ended up being most impressed by the latter. I think the deep sea clip has been here for longer, because the quality was slightly pixelated at some points. The mantle dynamics movie took you to the center of the earth, and zoomed in and out to a degree that I suddenly understood the warnings that some people might feel light-headed or motion sick here, haha. It’s not that bad, but this screening definitely tricked my brain.

After that, it was time to explore the museum proper! Actually, it consists of two buildings: the global gallery, with 3 floors in the basement and 3 floors on top, and the Japan gallery, which has 3 floors with two wings each. The route I had picked sent me to the first floor of the global gallery first, going up and then starting back down on the third floor basement, and then leading me through the Japan gallery from top to bottom.

The first floor of the global gallery immediately featured the skeleton of an Allosaurus, the first dinosaur to ever be exhibited in Japan, back in 1964. This hall features the history of the planet since the very beginning until, well, now, so that’s a lot to cover and gives a starting point for the rest of the building. It showed off biodiversity, an interactive Tree of Life display where you could follow the lines to see which organisms were linked to each other, and the development of human kind starting with the very first primates to go bipedal. It was a lot, and I noticed my guide skipped some numbers here, but I quickly found out that was on purpose. If you want to listen to all the audio guide points, you need at least two full days here.

I made my way up following the guide to the third floor, where there was an absolutely massive exhibition of specimens of all kinds of mammals and birds, including the in the wild extinct Japanese wolf and tons of deer, bears, other predators, you name it. This was overwhelming and a bit creepy (these animals did die at some point, quite probably due to hunting), but very interesting and it was pretty cool to see these animals that close. There was a play corner around the, eh, corner, for which you need to make reservations in advance, and where kids can play in a climbing construction that seemed to be littered with specimens as well (I assume replicas), so they could get a hands-on approach.

The second floor was dedicated to Japanese inventions starting in the 1600s, and the interaction with other countries that brought this around. There were direct comparisons between Japanese and European measuring devices, which was very interesting, because similar museums back in Europe wouldn’t do something like that due to the distance. Also featured here were the first computers, a replica of the Himawari satellite, Japanese clocks (which are distinctly different, because the time during days and nights was measured at a different pace) and a Global Environment detector, featuring a giant screen that you could interact with to draw up measuring results on all kinds of topics, sometimes even being the actual measurements of that moment. It’s a pretty interactive museum, so there is a lot to see and do.

At this point I took a break, to find out I’d already been wandering around for two hours! And I was barely getting started, oops. So I quickly went down to the basement to find an exhibition on ‘exploring the structure of nature’, or ‘that part where I’m really happy I rented a tablet in English, because I barely even know these terms in English’, haha. It was super interesting though, showcasing a model of a particle accelerator, and a ‘cloud chamber’ in which you could observe cosmic radiation hitting earth, and actual moon rocks and the periodic table with all elements (except the radioactive ones) on display.

Another floor up is one of the more impressive ones, as it houses tons of skeletons of animals throughout the ages, including the biggest mammoth and the earliest human. They had some scarily realistic reconstructions of early humans, so lifelike that I was almost fooled into thinking they were actually people dressing up, haha.

One more floor up is one of the more popular floors, for a very easy reason: dinosaurs! There were quite a few on display, and I never fail to be impressed by the sheer size and variety of them. Not much to say here I guess, except me having a good time because dinosaurs, haha.

I made it back to the Japan gallery (the building I had started in) and after some latte, I carried myself to the third floor. I must confess I started rushing from now on, since it was already 3 PM, but this building is considerably smaller and the guide has fewer, if longer, audio spots. This building is, of course, more dedicated to the Japanese natural history, and guides you through the animals found in Japan’s waters until you find yourself facing a plesiosaurus, Futabasaurus, the first of its kind to be found in Japan. It’s reconstructed as if it’s swimming over your head, very impressive.

One floor down showcases the variety of animals found on the Japanese islands, and one of my favourites: Japanese people throughout the ages, starting in the Jomon period and ending in the Edo era (or the present, if you choose to go stand in the last spot, haha). These featured mannequins in daily life situations that were very realistic, I assume they used the same techniques as in wax museums, because I was seriously impressed, wow.

Near the end of this hall, a group of people had gathered to take pictures. You see, there was another very popular display: Hachiko. Yep, the same dog whose statue sits outside Shibuya station and of which I take a picture every time, so naturally I had to take a picture of the real deal. It’s almost weird to see him in white, his actual color, because the statue is cast in bronze. Hachiko is famous enough to get 2 plaques in English, rather than just a single line translated, haha.

On the first floor, you’ll find instruments from Japan used to throughout the ages to observe nature, including the very important ones of observing seismographic activity, rather vital in a country this active.

Finally, I was back in the basement, which has Foucault’s pendulum and uh, not much else, but I was kind of glad, because I was seriously tired and overwhelmed at this point. I learnt a whole lot today, and actually feel this is a museum you might want to visit in two trips rather than trying to stuff it all into one. I had a great time, though! I took a lot more pictures than I usually do in museums, there was just so much to see.

Of course there is a museum shop, and of course it has a special corner for Hachiko, and uh, now I have a plushie Hachiko, haha. He’s very soft and a very good boy!

It was almost 5 PM, though, so I rushed out and took a quick picture of the whale statue outside before making my way back to the station. The rain had stopped, so I walked from Ikebukuro station to Tokyu Hands to browse until dinner time, which meant I found their origami paper section, so I had a good time here, too, ahem.

Back at the hotel now, and time to go to bed, because it’ll be a long day tomorrow! It should be dry and even sunny, so fingers crossed, haha.

I’m not sure if I will update tomorrow, so for now good night and see you soon!

#report #report: japan 2019 #japan 2019

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steve0discusses · 6 years ago

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Yugioh S3 Ep 13 pt 1: Mokuba Finally Gets Stockholm Syndrome

So, I have today off work so lunchtime on a Thursday feels like a better time than ever to chime in on a 20 year old anime and say, uh this episode is nuts?

Like this whole arc has been somewhat tame compared to a lot of the stuff we’ve been dealing with in regards to Yugioh. Yeah, Tristan died, but like...Marik hasn’t murdered a hundred people lately so it’s been a pretty pleasant ride. And this was alllll part of Yugioh’s greater plan, Yugioh likes to do this, where it’s been overall a monster of the week Sat Morning cartoon type of affair, giving you a false sense of “I think I know what’s going on. I think I understand the logic of this show” before they start ripping the rugs out from under your feet with no other reason than to utterly confuse you.

And it’s like you just...you don’t expect this from a kid’s show.

And like don’t tell me you predicted this episode, guys, because it makes no freakin sense. I had to binge to the next episode just because I was like holding up all my paperwork of Seto Kaiba’s timeline and motioning at my brother “SHOW ME THE RECEIPTS!!” Because y’all this did not...

This just did not.

And like I’m very calm as I write these posts, but as I was watching this episode, I kept pausing it, turning to Steve-O and saying “NO.” Of course all of that drama goes on in the second part of this episode. The first half is still that somewhat tame area where it’s definitely very weird but it’s not...it’s not unpredictably weird yet, youknow?

So, to start out, Noah has given up on trying to persuade any of the Kaibas to change. It is not a thing Kaibas do.

He decides to show off his skills as a master manipulator, by manipulating one of the most manipulated boys on this entire show. The only person more manipulated is Yugi, who is has an actual brain parasite (and people might like the brain parasite more than him even so it’s like...it’s a situation up there).

Everything from here on concerning Mokuba is bizarre and kind of frustrating. Starting with the clone entering in from the black void.

(read more under the cut)

I like that we know this is Seto because of the 6 inch hip spike on his jacket. Yo if they ever did a Netflix Live Action Yugioh first off of all, they cannot do half of the hair on this show, second of all, this jacket. It can’t be possible. And like I’ve seen some pretty good high effort Seto Cosplay but the jacket spikes are like...that’s pretty rough youknow? First off, this custom jacket would take you like 8 months to sew, it’d be insanely expensive with the custom lining and the poofy everything, and then those spikes? Like what do you even do? I can’t even imagine.

One off screen slap by the clone, and then Mokuba decided his brother is now Darth Vader. Can’t believe it was that easy.

And then, to top off my frustration with how quickly Mokuba’s Stockholm Syndrome set in--Noah could do this the entire time.

Y’all I was so mad. It’s Episode 13 and he pulls this out now, are you kidding me? The entire time. The entire freakin time. This is like “and Bakura can just shoot lasers whenever but won’t be bothered.”

I still love this storyboarder but maybe they just don’t like drawing hugs? I mean, it’s supposed to be a spooky hug, but like...it’s more like a wrestling move that Mokuba has just decided to give up and lean into.

And you know what? I get it. Drawing affection freakin sucks. Hard to explain why but trust me--it’s freakin cursed. It’s worse than drawing cars. I’d rather draw like 3 cars. (And exactly 3 because it would take a hell of a lot of money to ever make me draw 4.)

Seto decides to run ahead although, and I just want to point this out--this bridge joins in the next scene so they can all reunite and there is a car right behind him.

There is a car and he uses his damn legs.

Smartest boy in Domino.

And off he goes, his wedding dress coat elegantly flapping in the wind as he...

runs...

...down a tunnel that is clearly marked with lane lines for cars.

Because Noah gave them a car.

Meanwhile, back at the car, Joey is Done and has found a great way to win the Battle City Tournament.

They did not. It was so weird. They took out most of the the slaps, but left in this monkey burrowing into Serenity’s chest for like 20 weird seconds. It made squeaky noises.

Serenity doesn’t seem to care by the way, it’s very, very 90′s.

Anyway, Tea’s decided she’s now done hanging out with these guys and the pervert monkey, so off these two go. Off to follow the plot. On foot.

The tunnel vanishes, and these four are left outside to continue...just doing nothing guess. Duke always ends up on the lowest effort team, youknow? I dump on Duke a lot but I’ve been kinda feeling bad for him.

Anyway, inside this tunnel, Noah is catfishing Seto as Mokuba and I gotta say, it’s way better than the shorts. Just put Noah in this outfit all the time.

And our heroes have decided to save the day by going the wrong way at the fork and completely missing Seto Kaiba’s loud booming voice. How do they get lost when Kaiba is being exploded just off camera?

Like it says a lot about these kids that they got lost down a tunnel with only 1 fork.

I had to look this up, and unfortunately this is not the same house as Kaiba’s Season Zero house. Would have been a neat touch but nah, it’s just a generic university style house that no one would ever want to actually live in.

ENTER MARIK. Thank all those gods, including himself, he’s finally here. To...not do anything. Especially since this is a 2-parter. He’ll do a little more next update. Still not much, but oh man, am I glad to see Marik. Am I glad to see that third eye is absolutely still glowing on his forehead. Can’t imagine how hard it is to sleep with that thing buzzing all day.

Back in VR land, I have been hit in the face with Seto’s design and it’s like the first time I’ve ever seen it.

Every single season of Yugioh spices up the character designs a tad and it takes a little while to get used to. I think Seto may have been slightly exaggerated in this scene but...he still seems way taller now. Like he’s basically Yugioh Pumpkin King at this point. Peak 00′s.

Anyway, was this why Noah said “Look down” ? Because like...that’s not really a hint if you throw him down a hole.

Seto’s reaction to this was “I’m just really tired of everything that’s happened today and I’m going home.” and he grabbed Mokuba by the hand to leave but, apparently Mokuba is too slippery to be abducted twice?

Weird that the only person who physically cannot abduct Mokuba is Seto Kaiba. The only person.

And just like that, Mokuba is now on team Noah and Seto is just...standing there. Noah is sort of a god person in this universe since he can code whatever he wants around him but like...

...still feels a little weird to see Seto go from “I’ll punch whatever I need to get Moki back” in S1 to “I guess Moki hates me so I’ll let him stay here now” when Mokuba is clearly possessed.

Anyways, this all gets much weirder next episode, but it was very, very long so I split it in two. Like I dunno how many of you want to read tumblr posts that rival Livejournal posts in length so...we’ll save that for next time. (in fact I was just telling bro that if Tumblr does go down, I don’t even know if there’s long-form blogging platforms left other than like webcomic sites and fanfic sites. We’ll cross our fingers that I never have to move this blog over to like...Tapas ((I would never do that ps, Tapas is a nightmare to upload to even if you just want to do comics and that is a whole story in and of itself)))

But ya. Noah could just mind control whoever.

Like whoever.

Y’all the past 12 episodes were kind of like Bakura level of “I could do something, if I felt like it, and it would take like 2 seconds max and nobody would stop me, but then I’d have to get off my ass, and I’m too busy watching the world burn to bother.”

Which is very much every villain in Yugioh, being real.

If you just found my blog, here’s a place to find all the episodes in chrono order from S1 Ep1, I apologize now that I never separated them into seasons, turns out a Yugioh season is just unapologetically long oops my bad.

#Yugioh #Yu gi oh #recap #tv recap #photo recap #S3 Ep13 #Feels like every episode 13 Yugioh likes to crank up the weird #like the first one was Bakura killing everyone #the second was when Yugi got strapped to bandsaws #This one is also very weird #yugi muto #seto kaiba #mokuba #noah #tristan taylor is still a robot monkey #tea gardner #joey wheeler #the other ones I don't even remember right now

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echodrops · 6 years ago

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The Promises I Made (2018)

For the past twelve years, I’ve spent every New Year’s Eve compiling a list of fifty promises I intend to keep or fulfill over the next twelve months. The results have been truly amazing, and I have kept some promises I never thought I could. Although this year was really, really bad, oh lord... This year, for New Year’s, there will be a new set of promises for to me keep, but here are the old ones, for review!

The Promises I Made (2018 edition)

1) I will be less anxious at work and not let passing comments from students or passive rudeness get under my skin as much. Status: Somewhat kept; I feel like I wasn’t as upset by students being rude this year as last year, but then again that might just be because I had better students. XD

2) I will be more proactive about my responsibilities for the college newspaper committee so we can make a great product. Status: Uhh… Can I count this as kept if the newspaper committee was put on hold due to decisions from the higher administration, so I didn’t have to be proactive about these responsibilities?

3) I will actually visit Mexico, not just accidentally take a wrong turn and end up there... Status: Broken. You know how some people like live next door to a restaurant for years but somehow never get around to trying it? Yeah that’s me, with the entire country of Mexico. Like, I literally live less than a mile from the border… I really should just go get lunch one day or something…

4) I will actually decorate my office with all the stuff I have had sitting around at my house for months. Status: Actually kept. I don’t feel like the decorating is really done in the office, but the decorations are no longer cluttering up my actual home instead of the office!

5) I will be better about focusing so that I can grade quickly and feel less overwhelmed throughout the course of the semester. Status: You know, it’s hard to say whether or not I did grade more quickly because spring semester I took on a really annoying class schedule and it screwed me over hard. I feel like I was a little faster this year, but I felt more overwhelmed than ever.

6) I will get the scratch on my Camaro buffed a bit to clear up the parts that can be cleared. Status: I just… didn’t do this. Broken.

7) I will repair the mortar on the fence outside the Utah house and seal the bricks on the window sills. Status: Somewhat kept/broken. I fixed the mortar on the fence outside but did not seal the windowsill bricks.

8) I will finish at least 26 books over the course of this year. Status: Look man. If my promise had been “Finish 26 fanfics longer than 100,000 words,” I would have blown this promise out of the water. But as it stands, I think I only made it to 10-ish printed books. I’m naughty. 9) I will retrim the grape vine at the Utah house and also spray/get someone to spray to kill the wasps. Status: Broken. I don’t know why I thought it would be smart to make a promise about trimming the grape vine, since that’s something you do in fall… when I’m not even in Utah… Hrmmmm… 10) I will get the mail man to stop delivering the wrong mail to my box because I’m getting ten times more mail for other people than for myself. Status: I had so many opportunities to do this, and I just didn’t. RIP.

11) I will have the fire escape window installed on the Utah house to make it legal to rent. Status: Broken. That’s a lotta money fam.

12) I will update Home and a Half at least four times (and no more double posts, just be chill Yehn, be chill for once…) Status: WOW. I was so, so optimistic, wasn’t I? 13) I will actually build all the furniture I bought for the Texas house and never assembled. Status: Mostly kept? I think there’s like one more thing I haven’t assembled (the spare futon), but up to this point I haven’t needed it, so...

14) I will actually watch Stranger Things since everyone keeps nagging me about it. Status: Broken. I just didn’t do this at all.

15) I will go to a dentist and get this annoying wisdom tooth removed and also see what can be done for my front tooth that got pushed out of alignment by said wisdom tooth. This really needs to happen ‘cause the partially erupted tooth is killing me. D; Status: Wisdom tooth is still hurting me… I am the worst at taking care of myself… 2019… the year of self-care?

16) I will take a road trip with my friend Karen like we’ve been talking about for a while. Status: Actually did this! Finally something completely kept. It was a great trip too.

17) I will continue to serve as the video game club’s faculty sponsor. Status: I was too busy… T_T Broken.

18) I will lower my credit card debt by at least $2000. Moving is so expensive. T_T Status: I ended up having major set-backs this year in the form of having to pay out of pocket for a new windshield in my car and also my Playstation flat out dying on me, so this goal did not get satisfied. But now that my car is completely paid off (hell yeah!), I’ll finally be able to start making big payments on this sucker.

19) I will have ALL my lesson plans planned out in advance for Fall 2018 so that I can just chill next fall. Status: YO THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED. There were still some instances of needing to fix things, but overall I did actually have all the lessons done in advance, and that was probably the only reason I survived fall at all lol.

20) I will finish painting the living room in the Utah house, finally. Status: I… forgot I even made this promise. Yikes.

21) I will be better about walking my dog because I have been slacking lately. Status: I wanted to be better, but every fucking time I go to walk my dog, the neighbor’s Chihuahua runs through their fence and tries to attack my dog, so literally every walk becomes a nightmare and there were a lot of days when I just didn’t want to deal with that stress… :/

22) I will finish a game other than FFXIV this year. Man, so many games have been piling up… Status: I couldn’t even find time to play FFXIV this year, let alone another game… 23) I will write a new, original short story. Status: I… did not write like at all this year. 2018 was just really hard for me. T_T

24) I will get my black glasses fixed this year, finally. Status: Uh… Kept… I think? At least I think this promise was referring to the damage to the frames of my black glasses, which I did get fixed. But now the lens has a scratch… V_V

25) I will attend more professional development/on-campus events and trainings to bolster my evaluation. Status: Eh, kept? I’m signed up for a conference and did some extra training thing that I can throw on the sheet, so I’m calling it good.

26) I will ink and color at least the one drawing of Yehn’zi that I finished sketching a while ago and did absolutely nothing with. Status: A whole lot of nope on this one.

27) I will really finish moving in to my Texas house, no more “I’ll fish out the clothes from the Space Bag when I need them but never actually hang them up.” Status: I’m counting this as kept, since the only thing that didn’t happen is that I never took the plastic wrap off the top of my nightstand, but like… hey that’s a really convenient way to avoid water spots so…

28) I will volunteer at a non-profit organization to fulfill my “service to the community” work requirement. I mean, I will volunteer from the goodness of my heart… yeah… Status: Shitttt this didn’t happen and it really needed to… Oh dear…

29) I will level ALL my classes to 70 in Stormblood. Status: This also did not happen. No time to play.

30) I will reach 1000 followers on tumblr. You should follow me. I’m only marginally a waste of time and space. Status: Kept and exceeded! I’m at like… 1540-ish right now I believe.

31) I will find a salon so I can get my hair dyed consistently instead of looking like a shabby blob half way through each semester. Status: Well, the good news is that my hair color fades so nicely that one of my students actually asked if the strawberry blonde was my natural color. But uh… no… it’s not… so…

32) I will find some way to pay back my coworker for all the incredibly nice things she has done for me already. Status: I mean, I took her out to lunch a lot but I don’t know if I really managed to feel “equal” on the debts I owe her for helping me out.

33) I will see an Anhinga (it’s a kind of bird!) in Texas. Status: Kept! The very first time I went looking for it, I found it, so score.

34) I will win Camp NaNoWriMo this year (because November might never be a possibility for me again, given how much grading I seem to end up doing during that month). T_T Status: Broken. Again, I wrote almost nothing this year. Too much stress. T_T

35) I will scout for new neighborhoods to move to with better internet access and closer to my work. Status: Kept. It’s still a bit too early for me to be looking for specific places, but I have a better sense of where I’ll be aiming for when I do go to buy something.

36) I will try to get better at Spanish, possibly by using my DuoLingo app more. Status: …Broken.

37) I will buy sod for the front part of the Utah house so that my house actually looks decent from the curb. Status: I COULD HAVE… But I didn’t.

38) I will be more proactive about commenting, reccing, and reblogging content I appreciate online because I find so many wonderful things but I rarely say as much about them as I should. Status: I think I was worse about this than last year. I miss the days when I didn’t feel like every five minutes taken to myself was stealing from my work responsibilities…

39) I will actually use my Instagram account to upload my photography somewhere public. Status: I forgot I made this promise too. Oops…

40) I will go dolphin-watching in the Gulf. Status: Somewhat kept? I mean… I stood on the pier… And saw dolphins in the Gulf. That counts, right???

41) I will clear all the photos and videos off my phone and camera SD cards because they are overflowing. Status: Kept but now they’re just sitting on the hard drive unsorted and in a confusing jumble of unnamed folders...

42) I will update my calendar with important dates—holidays, birthdays, etc.—and be productive about sending cards and well-wishes. Status: Broken, just totally broken.

43) I will complete my series of posts about Yato/Hiyori. Really. Status: >___> One day…

44) I will not work later than 10pm on any given work night. I can’t keep running myself ragged. I need to brake sometimes. Status: HA. I was really hopeful. More broken promises…

45) I will explore some new places/cities in Texas that I have not been before. Status: I… did not do this. I had a chance to do this and I didn’t. D;

46) I will get a gardener for the Texas house because the lawn is basically unmanageable by myself. Status: Kept. Because… the lawn really was unmanageable by myself so…

47) I will clean out the fridge more often. No expired milk or ancient leftovers this year please… Status: >_____> Ooopppssss.

48) I will get some sort of watering system set up so that the lawn at the Texas house isn’t a total disaster anymore. Status: Somewhat kept. I did buy hoses and sprinklers to water the lawn but mostly it’s just been raining a lot and that made the grass greener on its own.

49) I will help make one of the super complicated cookies from the new cookie cookbook I bought for Karen. Status: Actually kept! We learned much about the workings of cookie guns.

50) I will keep these promises. Status: Ouch, this one hurts a little.

Totals Kept promises: 12 Broken promises: 29 Somewhat kept/broken promises: 9

Y I K E S ™. I thought last year was crazy and was so hopeful for this year… I had NO IDEA how hard this last year was going to be. So many broken promises; I feel so guiltyyyyy. DDDD; Although I’m still at the same job and not planning on dramatically swapping entire career fields again, things are still in the process of settling and there’s still SO much more I feel like I need to work on. 2018 was the year of being constantly overwhelmed. Unfortunately, 2019 doesn’t seem like it’s going to be much calmer because I’m still working on designing classes and getting my lessons ironed out, but I at least no longer feel like I’m at rock bottom… So, I’m cautiously, very cautiously, feeling the tiniest bit optimistic?

Let’s do this, 2019! The new set of promises will be up by tomorrow.

#50 promises #new year's resolutions #2018 feels like a thousand pound weight on my shoulders #time to shake it off #new year #IRL stuff #welcome 2019!!

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james-bucky-barnackle · 6 years ago

Text

Two Night Stand (Part 3)

Synopsis: (AU) You can’t wait for your contract to end and get that recommendation to get an actual job as a writer so you found yourself at a club drinking away to forget about the stress of your shitty job as the assistant of the biggest Editor in New York, you end up hooking up with the man of your dreams only to wake up to a nightmare when you find out he’s the son of your boss.

PART 2 | 2NS Masterlist

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: none

Word Count: 4k

A/N: I'm sorry I took sooooo long to update this! I just had a writer’s block :(( ALSOOOO, this whole fic is actually inspired by Tove Stryke’s album - SWAY, so check that out if you want to know what I listen to when I write this fic ok bye. (gifs not mine its from tenor)

“This is me,” I say as we get to the front of Winnie’s building. He moves closer to touch my back and was about to plant a kiss on my cheeks, when he quickly realizes we’re on a hazard zone. We both laugh, I bite my lips, he is such a dream.

“Where’s your next appointment at?” I ask, as he fishes his pocket for his phone.

“It was actually the building next to where we did the fitting,” he scratches his head. What?! He sees my surprised face. “I just wanted to spend six blocks with you,” I blush for the nth time. He’s ridiculous, I shake my head.

“You sir are out of your mind,” his head is shyly hanging low.

“I’ll see you soon?” his blue eyes look into mine, does he have magic gems in them? What is wrong with me? This is unfair. I wish I could look at someone with puppy dog eyes and get what I want.

“Yeah, sure. Let me just turn in my resignation letter and we’ll be on our merry way.” Of course it’s a joke. I feel like I’m 12, hiding my middle school boyfriend from my parents. He laughs again, I’m pretty sure passers by look at us like we’re patients fresh out of the mental hospital. Especially with me, I’m probably the one with the stray jacket smiling like an idiot. Now he bites his lips, we both have places to be and yet here we are standing stuck on the concrete sidewalk like lamp posts oddly placed too close together.

“Y/N?” Shit, I whip my head and I see Nat. Holy crap I thought it was Winifred. You know what? I’m too jumpy and nervous that even if it was a grown man’s voice, I’d still think it was Winnie. “Good afternoon, Sir Barnes,” she greets Bucky as soon as she sees who I’m standing next to. She knows who he is?! I work with his mother and I didn’t know who he was. I immediately take a step away from him. Nat raises her eyebrows at me and gives me a suspicious look that says What’s going on Y/L/N? And I reply with a Don’t look at me like that! Look that has my nostrils flaring. I see Bucky try to hide his amused expression. What did he even find attractive about me? Probably my stupid expressions, right.

“I-uh have to go, thanks for helping me, Y/N.” He sneaks in, and in a split second touches my arm before he waves at Nat and I see Vision pulling up the driveway. When did that happen?

“Bye,” I reply as he gives me this look that I know already says a paragraph for my haywire brain. He gets inside the car and they start driving off. I smile like I’m waving off my husband before he leaves for work, like the pearl necklace wearing housewives from the 60’s cereal commercials.

“Why do I feel like you’ve had way too much fun on that errand?” Oh right, Nat. I quickly purse my lips together, blowing air into my cheeks as I try to hide my smile. Nat’s not stupid. Am I high? Is this what it feels like? The smile isn’t going away, my cheeks are filled with air. I shake my head like a five-year old. Nat pinches my side.

“Ow! Hey!”

“You’re gonna get into so much trouble.”

“I’m not! What for?” I play dumb with her, so far she knows the title of this suspicion, and not the content. I’m still safe.

“I saw how you two looked at each other,” okay, maybe she saw a little trailer too. We start walking towards the building’s doors.

“I just helped him with the fitting, he was just thankful for the help,” I’ve said help twice, at this point I might as well add one more, since third time’s the charm, am I right? Nat nods at me, she’s suddenly nonchalant. Wait a minute, that’s it? She quit? Normally, she doesn’t stop until she knows everything. Okay, I’m not complaining. Good, I guess my secret’s still safe, then. We enter the elevator, floor number thirty here we go.

*Ding!*

“You what?!” Whoops, guess not.

“Don’t tell anyone! I’ll take care of Bruce’s dog for you!” Bruce is her boyfriend, and he has this french bulldog that he’d ask Nat to walk every night. Nat would rather be staying at home binge watching the making of a murderer than walking that cute hound. She hated that dog. How could anyone hate that dog? Sure he jumps a lot at people, but it’s because he’s excited. He’s a dog, what does she expect it to do? Walk around at home on two feet and wash the dishes?

“Fine, and you better be the one to give him his baths as well,”

“What does Bruce even do?”

“He feeds him”

“Are we a committee? It’s one dog Nat, you don’t need a village to raise a dog.”

“Are you gonna shut up or am I gonna unzip my mouth, because there’s your boss.” Oh shit, I scowl at her. I walk and immediately follow Winifred just before she gets to the door of her office and open it for her. She walks to her table and I replace her coffee with a new one, thank god I didn’t forget to get one on the way with Bucky. She lowers her glasses and peers at me like I’m a parasite.

“Tell me your not wearing that to the dinner meeting.”

“I’m- uh not.”

“I didn’t think so.” she lifts her glasses back up. I sigh, and fake a smile and snarl as soon as I turn my back. My phone beeps, it’s Sam, saying he’ll be ready to pick us up in thirty minutes, I tell Winifred and leave to sit at my desk. I open my drawer and pick a mirror up giving myself a once over. Maybe, the messy bun wasn’t ideal for a meeting at the Eleven Madison Park. I look like a bozo, do people even still use that word? I shake my head. I hear steps behind me, I look to see that it’s Clint. Just the person I need to get me out of this wardrobe disaster.

“Clint!” He turns around, a sudden glee to his face. He already knows it’s for a makeover, he skips in my direction. I laugh at his expression and I lift one of my camisole straps to signal the SOS and he points to the elevator. I give him a huge grin as I follow him to the lift. He presses floor number twenty, my favorite floor; the best floor, to be honest. I’m already excited, and I can tell he is too. Clint’s the art director, he’s the kindest. The moment I got in the View, he’s been a hero to me. He’s really close with Winnie, that’s why I was really anxious around him at first. But he was the only one who ate with me the first lunch I had in the building and even gave me a tour, and showed me all the ropes so I didn’t have to be such a nuisance to Winnie, not knowing where each department was located and what they did. The elevator doors open and I gasp, I feel like I’m in heaven. Racks of clothes, shoes and bags all over the whole floor. This was a luxury I could never see myself have in a million years.

“Come, sweetie let’s fix-” he gestures his hands over me like he’s swatting a fly, “whatever that is.” I shake my head and smirk.

“I’m ready.”I blow air up the strand of hair that’s fallen in front of my face.

Everytime me and Clint are together, he always tells me the best gossip. I rarely have any to share, but I’ve definitely been more observant of our coworkers. We’re at the aisle where the dresses are all lined up neatly. I see this gorgeous white off the shoulder dress that’s fitted. Clint sees me eyeing it, and pulls it from the rack. I put my hands up,

“Oh, no. I can’t wear that. I might stain it, and I definitely don’t have the money to replace that.”

“Honey, it’s all yours. I didn’t even know we still had this, it was for a 2015 photoshoot with Natalie Portman.” I almost trip, I’m I really serious about this? He pushes the dress onto me.

“Just wear it.” It’s not like I didn’t have a hint of disdain for it, he didn’t really have to ask twice. I ran to the dressing room and hope it fits. I pull my hair tie letting my hair snake behind my back. Okay, this looks really good. I’ve never really worn white before, and now that I’m pretty much checking myself out in the mirror, I think I’ll wear white more often. When I open the dressing room curtains, I see Clint holding nude stilettos, he’s literally my fairy godfather. I hug him tight, and I break free when he taps my shoulders, “oops, sorry. Too much?”

“Too much,” he replies.

“You’re. The. Best.”

“You owe me-”

“I know,” I kiss him on the cheek, thank him and say goodbye. I think I’m gonna have to start making a list of people I owe. I make a quick stop at one of the vanity tables at the far end of the floor and put a light dab of makeup on my face. Mostly just highlighter, lipstick and mascara. I steal a few pumps of the perfume on the table too, what good would it be working at the View if you couldn’t take advantage of the makeup lying around the styling department? I give myself one more look in the mirrored wall, and then click on the elevator buttons, now we wait. When I get back to my desk, I grab my iPad and a notebook just because, and stuff it all in my bag. I check everything, Winnie included. Sam’s already texted me that he’s already downstairs. I open Winnie’s office doors just as I see her standing up, and she gives me a smile- it looks like a genuine one. I tried to look into what it meant, it can’t be a real smile. Does she know I stole Natalie Portman’s dress? Holy shit she’s probably going to fire-

“Someone’s finally looking like a real employee,” she says as she walks out the door, I clutch the door handle tighter. Did she just compliment me?! Oh my gosh I wish I had it all on tape. This is never gonna happen again. I nod and am not even sure if I should thank her, she might think I’m too low if I thank her for that, that was definitely a compliment. I close the door and lock it, and when I turn around, she’s staring at the bag sitting on my desk. It’s the canvas tote bag, there goes my compliment, gone in a second.

“Go back inside, grab my black Louis Vuitton hand bag, borrow that,” what have you done with my boss?! “And throw this dust rug out,” there’s my girl.

I open her office door again and go inside to get the bag, I can’t wrap my head around this. Is this really happening? Is she high? What is going on? I see the bag on her shelf and grab it, it’s light, I open it and voila! It’s already empty, okay no need to declutter. I clutch it and leave the room. As soon as she sees me lock the door for the second time, she’s started making her way to the lift. I grab my tote and dump everything into the Louis Vuitton. I can’t believe she’s letting me borrow her bag, surely this has to be broken, maybe there’s a hole in it. I jump when I hear her voice interrupt my silent inspection.

“It’s in perfect condition. Don’t - ruin it,” yes, ma’am I gulp.

“Hi Sam,”

“Good evening Winnie,” he nods his head at her. “--hot damn!” he says when he looks to greet me, I nudge him with my shoulders and laugh. He opens the car for us and we drive to the venue. I open my iPad and scroll through the people that will be present at the meeting. Winnie doesn’t really give a damn about remembering names, you only ever need to know hers. Looks like Ken doll’s gonna be there too, that’s neat. Lowkey wished he was there too. I mentally smack myself, I’ve had way too much of him already, I’m being so selfish. Or am I? It’s not everyday you get to meet a guy like him. Okay focus, I scroll through the agenda and the topics that will be addressed for the meeting- hmm, so there’s an announcement. Oh boy, Winnie does not like to be surprised, this better be good. In a few minutes, we arrive and Sam opens the door for Winnie while I help myself out. The place is perfect, the ambiance warm and elegant. Sam parks the car and I follow behind Winnie. The host immediately ushers us to the table, located in one of the far corner of the restaurant, the perfect place for privacy.

As soon as we near the table, a man dressed in a very expensive suit stands up and lowers his shades, of course he’s wearing shades at night, and indoors, beside him is a statuesque blonde angel. I raise my eyebrows and lower them quickly as I whisper onto Winifred’s ears.

“Tony Stark of Stark Industries and Pepper Potts, the new CEO,” Winnie fakes a smile like I’m telling her something else as Tony removes his shades and the two of them hug, she hugs Pepper just after. He helps her to her seat, and before he sits on his, he gives me a once over. Okay, big guy. I speak onto Winnie’s ears like I’m her conscience, but instead of giving her advice on how to be a more decent human being, I’m telling her people’s profiles. By the time I’ve finished introducing everyone to her seated around the table silently, not wanting them to know Winnie is completely unaware of who a lot of them are, it’s probably been 20 minutes. Food has started being served, and I’m allowed myself a salad, before Winnie judges my eating habits. The last time she saw me eating, it was at my desk, sneaking bites of my cheeseburger, she looked like she wanted to puke.

“What’s the announcement Stark?” her voice is cold.

“Don’t wanna wait until dessert?” Stark replies.

“I don’t do dessert, sugar is the devil’s work.” Well Winnie, if you really wanna know what the devil’s work is, you might want to look in the mirror.

“Okay, I want to sponsor the View’s annual fashion ball.” I almost drop my fork, I immediately grab the glass and drink water, not wanting to be asked my opinion. Winnie’s paused, she’s silent, but she suddenly huffs, a small chuckle escaping from her lips.

“What do you want this year’s theme to be? Bolts and screws?” Stark’s the lead innovator for technological advancements, Winnie’s such a drag.

“I thought the Winnie could make fashion out of anything, bolts and screws too hard for you?” I can hear the mortal combat narrator saying “fight”. Tony raises his glass, Winnie smirks at him.

“Very well, what purpose does it serve to sponsor this year’s ball?”

“I’m venturing out into other things,”

“Fashion being one of them?”

“Winnie, when have I ever looked bad?”

“Well you did have this one time where you wore that ugly-”

“Besides the point,” I hide a giggle as I lowered my glass to continue munching on my greens. “I’m trying to reach out to new demographics, and it’s good PR, trying to fix last year’s bad run,” he continues chewing on his steak. Last year was a mess, his prototypes were stolen which was ironic considering his inventions were designed to ensure safety and security. Getting those stolen without the alarms going off in his own house, doesn’t really speak reliable. I already know Winnie’s gonna accept the offer, it’s her plan all along, she’s had one of Stark’s board members talk the idea to Stark, and Winnie uses drama to spark attention to her projects. Looks like Stark’s gonna be this year’s headliner. Tony bids a quick goodbye right after Winnie says yes and leaves Pepper to handle anything else, and the meeting continues and I’ve noticed Steve isn’t here yet, that’s not good, Winnie’s not gonna like that. Dessert’s already on the roll and I try to ignore Winnie’s glare when she sees the waiter put down a slice of cheesecake in front of me. I deserve this, let me be woman. As I take a chunk in, I hear one of the other people in the meeting ask Winnie.

“I heard your son’s in town, will he be attending the ball?” I immediately bite the spoon at the thought of him.

“Of course he would,” Winnie answers as a matter of factly.

“Any idea who his date might be?” my stomach drops, now that’s sad. He’s probably not gonna ask me, I mean who even am I? We’ve just met last night, and I can already see every hollywood tabloid making all sorts of nasty titles if he brought an unknown to the red carpet. Why am I even thinking about this? Of course he’s not gonna ask me, I’m a nobody, and hello? Earth to Y/N? We’ve known each other for what, two days?

“Probably the girl he was caught kissing by the paparazzi,” a woman from the other end of the table sneaks in. Wait what? Why that motherfucker, I knew it! He’s such a playboy, why did I not see that coming?

“Who? When?!” I hear Winnie, she’s shocked too. I fish for my phone, and immediately ask good ol’ google who exactly this girl is. I start typing his name.

“Her identity’s still a mystery to me, I thought you’d know Winnie. Looks like young Barnes is keeping secrets from his mother now,” oh you bet, he is, who could this woman be?! This morning?! He probably went out with someone before he came by Winnie’s office.

“It was just this morning, I saw the photos on Twitter too,” the guy chimes in. I’m scrolling rapidly on one of ET’s website, and I gasp. Winnie looks at me and raises her eyebrows, probably wishing I was dead for sneaking a gasp in between their conversation.

“Sorry! I don’t hiccup like normal people.” She rolls her eyes at me, I’m glad she let’s it go and immediately goes back with her conversation. I quickly exit my browser and put my phone in my bag. I’ve seen the photo, of Bucky and the girl he was kissing. She was wearing an orange camisole, denim jeans with her hair in a bun and her hands on Bucky’s shoulders. My heart jumps out of my body. Winnie can’t see that photo. I am dead. My face wasn’t seen, my back was turned to the camera, but I’m now time travelling through earlier events in my mind, did she know what I was wearing?! Okay, I came to her office, with the coats from Balmain, so I was covered, right? And when I excused myself out of the office, she didn’t even notice me that much since she was so focused on her dear Bucky. And now, I’m wearing this white off shoulder dress… Holy fuck, “Tell me your not wearing that to the dinner meeting,” my jaw drops, her voice repeats through my head over and over again. She’s seen me, in those exact same clothes, in that exact same hairstyle. I wished I was a different skin color right now, that would’ve saved my ass. But no, my palms suddenly feel sweaty. I’m thinking of what I could do. This is not happening, not yet. Oh my gosh, I can’t even think straight. Great, now I have to keep Winnie from ever seeing those paparazzi photos, which would be fucking hard because she’s got eyes everywhere! I’m surprised she hasn’t even seen it.

“If she’s got her back turned, what good would it be for me to look at it?” WHAT? I’m gonna start putting fruits on the altars of every religion I know. I’m thankfully confused, I have no idea what just happened. Why does it feel like I’m gonna get away with this? “She’s probably just one of my son’s models.” Okay this is gonna sound very contradictory, but 1) models? She thinks I’m a model? No wait, she hasn’t seen the photos; 2) his models?!

But being in this situation, sitting next to Winifred, iPad on my lap recording the meeting for me to type the transcript on my laptop later, Bucky’s sort of fading away, he sure is an eye candy… well, an actual candy… But my fear of Winnie definitely defeats dating him. These two Barnes are pulling me on two opposite directions, and I’m whacked not knowing where to go, I’m not so excited about meeting Mr. Barnes now, which direction is he gonna pull me into? I try not to even imagine. My heart is still pounding like crazy, Winifred wins - for now. Maybe try not to walk and kiss him in public, Y/N? That’d be great.

“Well Winnie, looks like the tabloids are not gonna let that paparazzi photo slide,” Pepper chirps in. No Pepper, shhh, be on my side, I thought you were an angel? I’m having your wings cut. She looks like she enjoys this topic. A voice jolts my body just as I try to grab my glass to have another drink.

“One week and I’m already the talk of the town.” I pull my head up slowly as if a camera’s zooming in to capture my blank expression. I’m wiped clean, how many emotional roller coasters do I have to experience? I want out. Of course, he’s here, of course.

“James!” Winnie kisses him on the cheek as he takes a seat just in front of me, great. Steve quickly follows behind him. “Steve,” Winnie grunts, “where have the two of you been? We’ve already finished the meeting!’

“Had something to turn in the office, I borrowed Steve for a bit,” Bucky replied as he gave me a wink, I kick him from under the table and gave him a quick stare. He looks to his side laughing. Steve takes the seat beside Winnie.

“Learn to look at the time James, and Y/N” I look up way too fast, “just email the transcript to Steve after you’ve done it.” I nod robotically.

“So who is it?” Pepper’s voice hums in the air.

“Who is?” Bucky answers, as he calls a waiter.

“The girl in the pap photo.” Pepper smirks.

“They’re that fast?” I’m about to burst into flames, in 6 months, I thought I’ve gone through the worst working in the View, but this boy right in front of me, has been giving me both heaven and hell. He really wants me to get in trouble.

“Stop making it longer than it has to be,” Steve interrupts, I look at him and see him smiling right at me. Oh. My. Gosh. He. Knows. I feel like my makeup has peeled off my face.

“Why don’t you guys just mind your own business?” he laughs as he points an accusing finger at Steve and shakes his head at Pepper.

“Guess Bucky’s already booked for this year’s ball,”

“Only if she agrees,” Bucky replies as I feel his feet playfully swinging at mine underneath the table. Oh my, here we go.

PART 4

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ifishouldvanish · 6 years ago

Text

The Boston Hour (19/?)

In which Belle is an Antiques Roadshow super-fan and Gold is her favorite appraiser.

CHAPTER SUMMARY: Belle arrives in Syracuse on Friday, which is just fine. RATING: T WORDS: 10,132 TMI’s: [boop] A/N: So... apparently it's been almost 2 months since I updated this updated literally anything? Oops.

[Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three] [Part Four] [Part Five] [Part Six] [Part Seven] [Part Eight] [Part Nine] [Part Ten] [Part Eleven] [Part Twelve] [Part Thirteen] [Part Fourteen] [Part Fifteen] [Part Sixteen] [Part Seventeen] [Part Eighteen] [Read on AO3]

Rumford was only pretending to read the arts and culture section of the Syracuse Tribune.

What he was actually doing, was sneaking glances across the table at his son, who he was pretty sure was only pretending to be preoccupied with his phone.

Rumford would let his eyes glaze over a review of the local theatre’s production of A Doll’s House for a few minutes, then chance to peer over the A2-sized newsprint held taut in his hands. Their eyes would meet, and Neal would hurriedly take a bite out of his bagel and snap his attention back to his phone– as though he were engaged in some lively conversation via text.

Which was preposterous, because it was only seven-thirty in the morning.

Rumford had chosen his outfit with confident care last night– his purple shirt and his black pinstriped suit (not that pinstriped suit, but the other one, with the finer, more subtle pinstripes)– and as he got dressed this morning, he felt certain that Belle would fancy him quite a dish when she arrived in the afternoon.

Was downright giddy with the thought while he made himself his morning cup of tea.

Neal had dragged his feet down the stairs and into the kitchen some minutes later– and after watching him stare blankly at the open fridge for far too long, scratching at the patchy bit of scruff that had only begun to properly grow in last year, Rumford realized the unique opportunity that had been presented to him.

He’d still been waiting for the right time to share his special bit of news. And between his son’s groggy state, and his own unusually optimistic disposition, Rumford thought he just might be able to get the damned words out before his nerves caught up with him and ruined everything!

He could sneak it in somewhere, undetected, perhaps. “Good morning, son! I’m bisexual! D’ye sleep well last night?”

And Neal would grumble and shrug. “Huh? Oh, yeah, whatever, sure.”

And that’s when he would make his exit– “Anyway, I’d better get going! Shop isnae gonna open itself!” (That Miss Halloran had a set of keys and came in the same time he did was beside the point.)

It probably wouldn’t be until hours later, that Neal would even realize what he’d heard– and by then, Rumford would safely be twenty or so miles away from his son’s reaction, writing an insurance valuation for a collection of authentic German cuckoo clocks!

Yes, yes. That was how it was all supposed to unfold.

But what Rumford hadn’t counted on, was for Neal to be on such high alert. It was putting him on high alert.

Killing the vibe, as his son might say.

Rumford skimmed over the newspaper spread again.

An advertisement for the local symphony orchestra. A rundown of affordable entertainment in the area this month. An interview with Cora Mills, touting on about the new collection she was unveiling at the museum of fine arts next week. He’d actually read that one– curiosity having gotten the better of him. The thing was riddled with all her name-dropping and humble-bragging about what a challenge it was to curate the thing; casual mentions of how a not-so-modest personal contribution from the Mills family had made it possible for the museum to acquire that Picasso– which really ties the whole collection together, don’t you think?

Rumford let out a derisive huff through his nose and peered over the top of the newspaper again.

His own eyes looked back at him.

They darted away again, and Rumford’s finger twitched– hand reaching for his teacup to take a sip. This too, was preposterous, because his teacup was already empty– and had been the last four times he’d tried to drink from it.

He managed to stop himself, and drummed his fingers on the table instead.

The whole scenario was preposterous, damn it.

He’d come out to Belle like it was nothing that night in Storybrooke. So why was it, that he couldn’t get the words out in front of his boy?

He just needed to say it. Get it over with and off his chest.

So he coughed.

“Son,” he began before he could change his mind, “There’s… something I’d like to… discuss with you.”

Neal looked up at him, chewing on his everything bagel. Thoroughly.

Far more thoroughly than Rumford had ever seen him chew before.

“What’s up?” he finally asked, swallowing and dusting poppy seeds off his fingers. “Is it that renaissance artists-Ninja Turtles meme I posted on Facebook?”

Rumford furrowed his brows.

“‘Cause look–” Neal continued, “I know their namesakes are completely wrong. How they named the turtle with the short temper after Raphael and not Michelangelo– or the nerdy inventor turtle after Donatello and not Leonardo– is a massive oversight. I mean, Donatello was one of the forerunners of the Italian Renaissance! Why they didn’t name the leader of the turtles after him is beyond me! But it’s just a kid’s show, Pop.” He shrugged and tore another bite off of his bagel, returning to his phone. “Try not to look at it too closely.”

Rumford tilted his head. Was willing to admit he was at least mildly curious about these turtles now.

To himself.

He scowled back at his newspaper and turned the page. “No. It’s… I uh…” He shook his head, growing so terribly annoyed with himself. “Well, the thing is, is that… I um…”

I want you to know that I’m bisexual! I like men! And ladies! I used to have a big, fat crush on Jefferson, and in retrospect, I have definitely on at least two occasions purchased a new shirt and tie specifically because I thought he would like them on me!

Rumford swallowed hard. “I just…”

Did he? Did he used to have a crush on Jefferson? Or did he still have a crush on Jefferson?

How did these things even work?

Surely an attractive, charming person didn’t cease to be an attractive, charming person just because you met another attractive, charming person with whom you shared something special. Right?

Did it even matter?

After all, what was a silly crush compared to what he shared with Belle? Compared to love? To that feeling of trust and being wholly accepted by another person? Belle had said it herself, how she hadn't even told her best friend about her bisexuality because it felt like it just didn’t matter– so why should it be anyone’s business but his own that when he checked his emails every morning, he used to secretly hope there’d be one from Dr Bellamy? And how he'd quietly relished the first time he closed one of those emails with not just regards or warm regards, but warm-est regards.

“I…” Rumford began reaching for his empty teacup again.

Neal looked up from his phone again with raised brows, and Rumford could feel his nerves dragging the words back down to the pit of his tempestuous stomach.

There were some things that not even pinstripes could help.

“...Pop?” he asked. “You okay there?”

“Ah– yes!” Rumford cleared his throat. “See, I… I wanted to tell you... that I… love you very much!” he blurted.

There was a beat of silence, and Neal smothered a snort. “Uh… okay.” he said, easing his shoulders and taking another bite out of his bagel. “I love you too, Pop.”

The moment gave Rumford enough of a false sense of relief to nod and smile. But soon the table grew quiet.

Much too quiet.

“And–” he added, “I’m very, very proud of you!”

“Oh.” Neal covered his mouth as he mumbled around his food. “Cool. Thanks.”

“I just… wanted you to know that,” Rumford said– and he finally cracked and took that imaginary sip from his empty cup. “I-in case I don’t say it enough.”

Neal nodded slowly. Had the mind this time to finish chewing and swallow before reassuring him with a, “You do.”

“Good.” Rumford coughed and glanced at the watch he wasn’t wearing. “Anyway, I’ve got to get going. Open the shop an’ all that.”

“Yup. You go do that, Pop.”

“Aye,” he said, rising from his seat. “Gonnae… do that.”

Neal rolled his eyes and dropped what was left of his bagel onto his plate with an exasperated sigh. “Are you alright, dad?”

Rumford pretended to be too busy tucking in his chair to answer.

“...Aye. Aye!” he answered belatedly. “Of course!” Added a, “Why do ye ask?” for the effect of it.

Neal froze, a flash of sudden terror striking his eyes.

“Uh– Because– No reason!” he stammered. “You just… I don’t know! You’re like… quiet lately! And? You… you keep saying everything is fine! Which is like, highly suspicious. Because you’re you.”

Rumford darted his eyes around the kitchen and pouted his lips, feeling too exposed to deny anything.

Neal slowly relaxed back into his chair. “Is… is everything okay? With that… lady?” he whispered, as though someone might be eavesdropping.

Ha! Rumford thought. Of course!

His behavior had nothing at all to do with his semi-closeted bisexuality! He was just nervous about his visit from Belle!

A perfect alibi!

“That lady’s name is Belle,” Rumford corrected, grasping onto the red herring just handed to him. “And rest assured that things between us are…”

Magical?

Pure bliss?

Like a warm ray of sunshine on even his dullest of days?

Serious?

“Well, they’re more than fine.”

Neal eyed him skeptically for a moment, then smiled. “...Gross.”

“Make sure your room is nice and tidy, by the way,” Rumford said. “She’s–”

“I know, I know. This is your–” Neal took a deep breath and sighed. “Big weekend.” he finished with clearly feigned enthusiasm. “But don’t worry, Pop– my room will be the perfect balance of clean, yet lived-in.”

Rumford smiled. “I would appreciate that, thank you.” he said, beginning to clear the table.

“Uh… hey.” Neal coughed. “Why don’t you go on and head to the shop already? I can clean up.”

Rumford proceeded to wipe the crumbs off the edge of the table and onto his empty plate. “No, no. It’s fine. I still have a few minutes–”

“But I want to.” Neal insisted forcefully, donning a stiff smile.

Rumford paused and tilted his head at him. Could feel another knot beginning to form in his stomach.

“You’ve been cleaning up after me for eighteen years, Pop. It’s the least I could do.”

“Oh.” He blinked, shakily setting his plate back down. “O-okay.”

What was this? Rumford thought. Was there some kind of covert Stepford Sons program happening under his nose?

“I can sweep the floors and shi– stuff, too.” Neal offered. “Even pick up your dry cleaning– that way you’re all set to look sharp for your girlfriend this weekend.”

Rumford scoffed. “Now you’re beginning to sound highly suspicious.”

Neal stood up and crossed the table, maintaining an unsettling degree of eye contact while he took the plate and teacup from him. “Yeah, well… I start moving into my dorm next week. If I’m going to survive art school, I need to learn how to give off an air of mystery.”

Rumford cautiously slid his jacket off the back of his chair. “Alright… well that case, the baseboards in the bathroom could use some mystery.” he said, poking his arms through his sleeves. “We should make it back here at–”

“Perfect.” Neal smiled. “Say no more, this place will be spotless for when mom gets here.”

Rumford stopped buttoning his jacket. “What?”

Neal froze. “...What?”

“What did you just say?”

“Nothing.”

“You said–”

“I said the place’ll be spotless.” he repeated.

Rumford took a deep breath. Considered his next move.

“Your… mother told me she was staying at a hotel,” he said innocently, as if the whole thing was of no concern to him– but make no mistake, it very much was of great concern.

There was an uncomfortable stretch of silence before Neal barked out a laugh. “Did I just say mom? I meant Belle, obviously.” he scoffed. “God. So embarrassing, right? You ever call a teacher ‘mom’ on accident? It’s so weird!” He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “S’like, ‘Thanks brain! Just what I needed! Another horrifying memory to keep me up at night twenty years from now!’ ...Right?”

Rumford slowly resumed his buttoning. “Right…”

Neal noisily tossed the dishes in the sink and spun around. “Anyway, yeah. You should get going.” he said. “Wouldn’t wanna be late– Boss’ll never let you hear the end of it, am I right?”

Rumford brushed his hair out from his collar and scoffed, ignoring the sinking feeling in his stomach. “I’ll have you know that I am very lenient with my employees, thank you very much.”

“Yeah, but it’s best to lead by example, I always say.” Neal said, beginning to shoo him out of the kitchen and down the hall. “Have a great day, dad! Sell lots of old stuff!”

Rumford balked at the front door, refusing to step outside just yet.

His son never said “ best to lead by example”!

“Neal. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

He scoffed. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

Rumford’s hand drifted up to his lapel, but there was nothing there– no pink and purple and blue to answer for him– so he just narrowed his eyes, ignoring the way his conscience wrenched his heart in protest of the lie he was about to tell his son. “...No.”

“Then neither is there nothing I’m not telling you, either.” Neal said.

Rumford furrowed his brows, trying to decide whether or not that response was even grammatically correct.

Decided it was too early in the morning for that.

“...I have to get to the shop.” he said at last.

“Okay!” Neal said, already closing the door in his face. “Later Pop! Have a good day!”

“You too–”

Thwack!

Rumford flinched and blinked at the door in front of him.

His son was up to something. Hiding something. Of this he was certain.

Nevertheless, a smile soon crept over his face, reflecting back at him in the glass.

Belle was coming today.

He was going to woo her. Sweep her off her feet. Tell her little nothings that would make her giggle and blush.

He was going to have a great day.

*****

MR GOLD

PAWNBROKER • ANTIQUITIES DEALER • PERSONAL PROPERTY APPRAISER • CONSERVATION & RESTORATIONS Certified and accredited by the ISA, ASA, and AAA.

Belle smiled at the lettering on the shop’s window, feeling a ridiculous sense of pride over Rumford’s qualifications. Personal property appraisers in the United States didn’t require any state or federal licensing in order to practice, so that Rumford still took the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice seriously enough to maintain membership in all three major professional personal property appraisal associations was, well– undeniably sexy.

It had been a long, albeit scenic drive from Storybrooke, and as Belle had made her way down South Salina Street, she found it no wonder that Rumford had chosen Syracuse’s historic district to open his shop. She could recognize all sorts of architectural styles from the buildings she passed– Victorian Gothic, Art Deco, and Beaux-Arts! Italian Renaissance Revival and Italianate!

She’d found Rumford’s shop in a charming Federal style building and managed to secure herself a parking spot right in front.

Her man was waiting inside.

All there was left to do was walk in.

Oh, she’d dreamt of this day. More than a few times.

She’d open the door and step inside, her heels thumping loudly on the hardwood floors announcing her arrival. He’d be in the corner, dusting off some trinket, and pause to look at her.

“Hello,” he’d say. “Please, come in. Is there anything I can help you with?”

As a matter of fact, yes– there is,” she’d say, approaching him closely. “...Dr Gold.”

He’d admire her chutzpah. Stop and set down the piece he was dusting. Wet his lips. “And what might that be, dearie?” he’d ask with one of those crooked smirks on his face.

She’d gently drag a finger along the length of his tie before giving it a sharp tug, pulling him toward her. “This,” she’d tell him, and she’d press her lips to his, and he’d be totally into it, and they’d make out and end up doing it in an antique chair or something.

At least, that’s how it usually played out in her dreams. But this was no dream. She was really here, and she’d already made out with Rumford one and a half times in actual, real life.

No, no. This would be very different.

Because she was in love.

She was going to walk in there and give him a peck on the cheek– and he was going to blush and smile and just look so cute!

Belle opened the door, and a bell jingled musically overhead.

It was bigger than she was expecting, filled with bookcases and cabinets that blocked her view. They were all filled to the brim with little trinkets in a charming cacophony of sizes, colors, uses, and styles. The shelves and armoires formed little walls around staged dining and living room sets– some matching, while others were made up of eclectically paired end tables, sofas, and accent chairs, forming their own little found families. Heavy oak desks were scattered about, each of them topped with an old typewriter and no less than two antique lamps. Clocks and paintings covered the walls, while little frames and other such Objets d’Art covered every available surface.

Belle’s eyes settled on a glass cabinet filled with books, and she drifted toward it without a thought. Encyclopedia sets and atlases took up most of the shelves, but the remaining space was occupied by the likes of Mark Twain, Hannah Crafts, Louisa May Alcott, and Edgar Allan Poe.

She couldn't help herself. Reached a hand out to open the cabinet and–

“Looking for Mr Gold?”

Belle jumped and pulled away from the case, finding a young woman with blonde hair smiling at her. Her loose flannel and combat boots were a far cry from Rumford’s suits, and a stark contrast to the elegance and delicacy of the furnishings that surrounded them.

“Well– you won’t find him in there,” the girl chuckled, leaning against the case and patting an hand on it. “This here is just reference books and American literature.”

“...O-oh.” Belle managed. Words were hard when one's heart had just leapt out of their chest.

“In fact, you won’t find Mr Gold anywhere,” she said, hiking her brows.

“I-I’m sorry,” Belle said, “This is his shop, isn’t it?”

“Well, of course it is.” She nodded at the lettering on the window. “It’d be bonkers if it wasn’t– seeing as it’s got his name on the window an’all.”

Belle looked back and forth between the window, the girl.

This wasn’t how she imagined her first visit to Rumford’s shop at all. Was expecting a lot more… Rumford.

“You’re Belle,” the girl said, and extended a hand. “Name’s Tilly.”

“It’s… lovely to meet you, Tilly.” Belle slowly shook her hand, feeling more confused by the second.

Where was Rumford?

Sure, she was over an hour early– but she had an excuse for driving well over the speed limit!

Whoever decided that sixty miles an hour was an appropriate speed for a three lane highway, clearly never had to drive an excess of 400 miles to spend time with a man as charming and sexy as Rumford!

Anyone would develop a lead foot!

A set of heels began clacking across the floor, and Belle snapped her head around to look. Strutting toward them was another young woman, with bright red hair. She was dressed far more professionally in a pencil skirt and silk blouse, but as she got closer, Belle noticed she was wearing glasses with magnifying loupe attachments that made her look like some sort of mad scientist.

“Welcome to Mr Gold’s pawn and antiques!” she greeted brightly, extending a manicured hand. “I’m Ariel. What can I help you with today?”

Belle glanced anxiously around the shop– hoping a familiar, handsome face would come and sweep her away. “Um… well, I–”

“Psst.” Tilly nudged Ariel’s side and whispered something into her ear.

Her brows creased. And then, “Oh!” she gasped, “Are you sure?”

“Uh-huh,” Tilly nodded and cupped her hands over Ariel’s ear, whispering something too hushed for Belle to make out– something about pie?

A smile slowly spread across Ariel’s face. “You’re Belle?” she asked, and Belle didn't have anywhere near enough time to answer before she went, “Oh, this is so exciting! I mean, wow! Look at you! You're like, really cute!”

“Oh.” Belle chuckled uncomfortably, wrapping her arms around herself. “Uh… th… thank you?”

“But gosh!” Ariel shook her head, as if snapping out of a trance. “You must be looking for Mr Gold!”

“Yes!” Belle leapt at the mention of his name.

Yes, yes! Rumford! Where was Rumford? She needed to give him a kiss so she could see him blush! And maybe tell him she loved him! Was it too soon for that?

“I mean, yes,” she cleared her throat and smoothed out her skirt. “I um... I am.”

“I’m sorry!” Ariel laughed. “You're a bit early. Mr Gold is out on a house call at the moment. He should be back in–” she squinted at her wrist watch, blinking and shaking her head before adjusting one of the loupes out of the way so she could see properly. “...About fifteen minutes.”

Belle frowned. “A house call, you said?”

Ariel struggled to blink her eyes into focus a second time before giving up and taking her glasses off. “Yeah! We get a lot of those, actually. If the client has like, I dunno–” she shrugged, “something big that would be too much of a hassle to bring in?”

“Or a lot of something smalls.” Tilly said. “We once had a guy with a collection of over six hundred model trains.”

Belle’s lips parted, her eyes glazing over as she tried to picture it.

A house call.

Perhaps another place, another time, another universe.

Herself, with a massive collection of things in need of appraising. Rumford knocking at her door, prepared to take inventory of it all. He’d probably walk around with a little clipboard as he inspected each item with care, and she could offer him a cup of tea as he worked. Maybe a storm would hit, and it’d be far too dangerous for him to drive. She would have no choice but to insist he stay for dinner. He’d have no choice but to accept. And then she could ask him if he’d mind it if she changed into something more comfortable. Like a silk négligée.

“But, don’t worry!” Ariel said, squaring her shoulders. “Mr Gold gave me a specific set of instructions for what to do in the event that you arrived before he got back!”

“Oh.” Belle tucked her hair behind her ear, and her silly scenario behind a polite smile.

“The first of those instructions was to offer you a bottle of water and-or a snack.” Ariel explained dutifully, lifting her chin.

She could be the lonely, recent divorcee looking to part with all her ex-husband's material possessions (now hers, of course) so that she could finally pursue her dreams of traveling the world. Rumford could be… Rumford. He'd have to stop by the house a few times– because there'd be so much for him to appraise– and they'd strike up a heated romance. There'd be conversations that got too intimate, looks that lingered too long, until finally– on the last of his visits– they'd fall into bed together. They’d lie in each other's arms afterward, and she'd lace their fingers, look into those brown eyes and whisper, “Come to Paris with me.”

Ariel cleared her throat. “...Might I interest you in a bottle of water or a snack? Belle?”

“Oh. Oh, no thank you.” Belle chuckled and shook her head.

“Mr Gold ordered a charcuterie board fresh from the deli a few blocks down just for the occasion, that's got six different cheeses!” Tilly added to tempt her. “...That’s how you know he cares–” she winked. “He tries to feed you.”

Belle nibbled her lip. “Well, maybe when he gets back,” she said. “We can um, try to feed each other.”

Tilly scrunched her face. “Huh?”

Surely little cuts of cheese would be as sexy and fun to feed Rumford as cookies or strawberries, right? Maybe a dollop of Brie on her finger so he could–

“Alright then!” Ariel clapped her hands together, snapping Belle out of her fantasy again. “The second thing was to give you a brief tour of the building, starting with showing you where the restroom is in case you’d like to use it before we begin.”

“Oh, I’m fi–”

“Right this way, please,” she interrupted, spinning on her heels and heading to the back of the shop. Belle followed after her, dividing her attention between her host and the lovely bits and bobs everywhere. They neared the sales counter, and rows of sparkling watches, rings, and pendants lined the glass case.

“This building was built in 1847 and originally served as the offices for the Syracuse Times newspaper,” Ariel began. “The newspaper went defunct in 1923, and the building was abandoned until 1930– when the city took ownership and repurposed it into low income housing.”

There was sound of a car driving by, and Belle quickly looked over her shoulder to see if it was a certain black Cadillac.

It was a just a Honda.

“During the war,” Ariel continued, “the units were vacated and the building faced neglect, which led it to condemnation in 1944. But then– in 1948– it was purchased back from the city by the Mills family as part of a historic preservation effort. After the repairs were completed, it served as a department store, and throughout the seventies, the upper floors were renovated and converted into luxury apartments. However– as the other buildings in the area continued to decay, so did the value of the here’s the bathroom on your right.”

Ariel stopped abruptly at a door marked Women, and Belle almost stumbled right into her.

“Oh. No, I’m fine.” she assured. “Please, go on.”

Ariel blinked. “Right, then. Where was I?”

Tilly slumped against the wall and folded her arms over her chest. “The part where they tried to gentrify the block for the third, fourth, and fifth times, I believe.”

“Ah.” Ariel smiled. “Yes. You see, this retail space was an art gallery in 1989, a designer boutique in 1993, a posh nightclub from 1994 to 1998, and then another art gallery– all before Dr Gold first leased it in 2003 after having moved from Glasgow with nothing more than his wife and son, two PhDs, three Master’s degrees, and a dream. It’s been Mr Gold’s Pawn and Antiques ever since, making his shop the longest-running business on this block in over fifty years!”

“Oh wow…” Belle marvelled– not that Rumford being a sensible and successful business owner came as any surprise!

“Mr Gold’s Pawn and Antiques has become quite a fixture here in Syracuse’s historic district.” Ariel boasted. “You’ll find it mentioned on several tour programs in the area, and has been featured in several national publications dedicated to the fine practices of pawnbroking, antique collecting, and antique restoration.”

“Some of which I hear have readership in the dozens,” Tilly deadpanned.

Ariel pursed her lips and slowly turned to Tilly with a scolding look. “Anyway, Belle,” she said, “Feel free to have a look around, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to–”

“What's it like working with Rumford?”

The question had leapt out of her mouth without her permission, but all her enthusiasm. “You know. Out of uh, curiosity. Because… sixteen percent of couples meet at work? And it's… a side of Rumford I haven't really…” she cleared her throat, “Well, I mean technically he was working when I met him, but–”

“It's amazing!” Ariel squealed. “I was only hired as an assistant, but over the years, Mr Gold has taught me all sides of the business. Pawnbroking, market value appraisals and insurance valuations, jewelry and watch repair...” She leaned in and lowered her voice to a whisper. “He started letting me make inventory purchases last year– I don't even have to check in with him if it costs us less than five hundred dollars!”

Belle laughed with giddy excitement. Could it be, that Ariel shared her enthusiasm for all things Rumford?

“He must think very highly of you,” she said. “I don’t imagine Rumford would entrust such responsibilities to just anyone.”

“You think so?” Ariel asked, and Tilly rolled her eyes. “Because I mean, it’s such a privilege working with Dr Gold. He’s just… the best in the business. You know, my father always used to tell me I was wasting my time hoarding junk. But then one day I saw Dr Gold recount the provenance of a fork on TV– and that’s when I realized I could actually make a career out of it!”

Belle gasped and inched closer. “I remember that episode!”

Of course, she remembered all the episodes– but it wasn’t every day (or any day, for that matter) that she got to talk to someone about the Roadshow!

“Milwaukee Hour Three in 2012?” Ariel asked.

“Mhm! That’s the one!” Belle nodded. “He was wearing a navy suit that day,” she sighed. “Looked so handsome...”

Ariel opened her mouth to speak, but cut herself off. “I… can't say I noticed. But–” she continued, “it was the same Milwaukee event where he appraised a set of antique corkscrews!”

“The ones that came in the cool wooden box!” Belle remembered.

Ariel gasped and pointed an affirming finger at her. “Yes! My favorite was the brass one that looked like–”

“A seashell!” Belle finished.

Ariel’s mouth opened wide into an awestruck grin, and Belle could only mirror it right back.

“I’ve never watched an episode of Antiques Roadshow in my life.”

They deflated then, their little moment over, and turned to look at Tilly.

“Mr Gold caught me trying to steal a Rolex.” she said. “Well, six Rolexes. ”

“Oh my.” Belle raised her brows and blinked. “That sounds like quite a story.”

“Mhm.” she nodded. “He asked me how much I expected to sell ‘em for, and when I told him, he laughed and said they were worth at least a hundred times as much– and that if I wanted to sell them, I might as well do so from behind the counter and earn a proper commision.”

Ariel wrapped an arm around her shoulders affectionately. “Tilly here snuck her way into our jewelry case and into our hearts.”

Tilly returned the gesture, and Belle thought the two of them looked liked sisters, hugging like that. “Working for Mr Gold is like having a second dad, really,” she said. “An awkward, fancy, dad.”

“He is, isn’t he?” Ariel thought out loud. "You know, I had my first Marine ball with my boyfriend last year, and I was telling Mr Gold how nervous I was, because I’d never been to anything fancy like that before? He spent the rest of the week teaching me table etiquette and how to Waltz!” she laughed. “Had me reformed into a proper lady come Friday!”

Belle drew in a deep breath, her mind already sprinting through the possibilities. “...Rumford knows how to ballroom dance?” she asked.

“Mhm!” Ariel nodded. “Said his aunties taught him.” She stared ahead blankly for a moment, then clicked her tongue. “I remember his allergies were really bad that day…”

Tilly snorted and traipsed back over to the sales counter. “I don't think those were allergies.” she said, pulling up a chair and sitting down.

“Uh-huh,” Ariel nodded. “Oh yeah. He said the ragweed was making his eyes–”

“If those were allergies, then he must have also been allergic to the time I told him I got my GED.” Tilly said, slipping her phone out of her pocket and tilting back in her chair.

“No…” Ariel dismissed with a playful roll of her eyes. “He just got a little emotional that day because he was so proud of–”

Tilly raised a brow at her, and Belle found herself smiling again. Did Rumford know his employees saw him as a father figure?

Oh, how she had the mind to kiss him! Again!

...Had it been fifteen minutes yet?

Ariel perked up and pointed a thumb at the door behind the counter. “Anyway, hey– I gotta watch in the back I'm working on right now. You wanna see? It's a vintage Cartier from like, 1930 or something.”

“Oh, I'd love to!” Belle nodded. Here she was, being invited to the back room of Rumford’s shop! Who knew what wonders lied beyond that door!

“Gah, it's so cool!” Ariel squealed, waving Belle over. “Come, come!”

She thrust the door open, and as Belle followed her inside, she didn't know where to look. There were boxes piled high on sturdy shelves and pieces of furniture covered with heavy tarps– some labeled with what she could only imagine were clients’ names.

A stately desk sat to the left, backed by a row of file cabinets, and Belle decided it must be where Rumford spent the better part of his days carrying out the less glamorous side of his work– hunched over a ledger or scattered pages of research with a creased brow.

Ariel led her to a long, wooden workbench on the opposite side of the room. The wall behind it was lined with crowded shelves and cabinets, and tools ranging from the tiniest forceps to the heaviest rubber mallet hung from a segment of pegboard.

“Customer brought this in last week,” she explained, taking her seat and putting her glasses back on. “Now, we only do quartz watch servicing in-house– we don't have the proper facilities to do mechanical watches– but we're taking care of all the cosmetic work on this one before we sending off to our watch guy.”

Belle sat beside her and it was only then that she saw it. The thing had a distinct rectangular face framed by white diamonds and a mesh link band in gleaming white gold.

“It’s beautiful,” she said in a whisper, scooting closer for a better look. “You know, for all the jewelry I've seen on the show– I’ve never actually seen what goes into repairing it.”

Ariel picked it up and held it under the light. “Few of the stones were missing, and a whole bunch of them are loose,” she explained, using a tiny pair of tweezers to point. “It’s a pavé setting, so the tricky part is tightening the prongs for one stone without loosening the stone next to it.”

She gave one of the outermost stones a wiggle to demonstrate, then swapped her tweezers for a pair of pliers and carefully nudged the prong into its rightful place. Belle watched her repeat the process a few times, moving from one stone to the next. At one of them she hesitated, and inspected the watch more closely. “See now, this one’s gone flat,” she said, and Belle tilted her head, squinting to see. “It can’t grip the stone at all, so it's gonna have to be retipped, and that’s a whole other–”

“Miss Halloran?”

Belle’s ears pricked at the sound of his voice.

Rumford. Rumford was back!

“Back here, Mr Gold!” Ariel hollered. She continued to work for a few seconds, then suddenly dropped her tools and jumped to her feet. “I mean, is there anything I can help you with, Mr Gold?” she offered, scurrying to the door. “Hang on, I'll be right–”

Ariel bumped into him at the doorway and froze, but that didn't keep him from peering over her– or rather around, as he she was considerably taller than him in her heels.

“Belle.” he smiled, face poking through the doorway.

Smoothing out her blouse, Ariel took a step back and let him in, Tilly following close behind.

Belle rushed to her feet, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Hi, Rumford,” she smiled back, but her voice only came out as a whisper as she drank up the sight of him.

Oh, what a dish he was! Looking so wonderfully kissable in his purple shirt and pinstripes!

“Oh, Belle,” he smiled again, making his way over and wrapping his arms around her.

Belle closed her eyes, relishing how warm and cuddly his hugs were. And how yummy he smelled. And–

“How was your trip?” he asked. “Didn't get lost on the–”

She cupped his face in her hands and reached up on her toes to peck him on the lips. “It was just fine,” she assured him.

“I-I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. I tried to be quick, but I-I–”

“Hardly at all.”

“Good,” he relaxed. “That's good.”

Belle swept a lock of hair away from his cheek. “You look really handsome today.” she said softly.

He scoffed and looked away, cheeks shy and pink when he looked back at her. “You have a habit of saying that.”

“Well, you have a habit of looking handsome.”

His smile widened, and Belle felt him grasp her hand– and a tell-tale brush of his thumb against her knuckles let her know what was coming next. “I’d say you have a habit of looking beautiful, but I’m afraid it would be inaccurate; you, sweetheart, simply are beaut –”

Rumford paused with her hand only halfway to his lips when someone cleared their throat, robbing Belle of her kiss.

“You know what, Tilly?” Ariel said. “I think it’s past time we dusted the showroom.”

Tilly frowned. “What do you mean? I just did it the other–”

“I said I think it’s past time we dusted the showroom.” she repeated, jerking her head toward the door.

“Oh!” Tilly gasped. “Right, right.”

Rumford furrowed his brows. “The showroom looks fi–”

“Filthy! I know!” Ariel rolled her eyes emphatically.

“Shameful.” Tilly agreed.

“Anyway, it was lovely to meet you Belle!” Ariel said, opening the door to the closet and grabbing an armful of various cleaners, furniture polishes, and rags.

“Mhm! Charmed!” Tilly added, rolling out the vacuum. The wheels got stuck on the door trim, and she hoisted the thing up, dropping it noisily onto the hardwood floor.

“Easy now!” Rumford winced, “Watch the... floors.”

They hurried out of the room, hollering further niceties until the door slammed shut behind them, leaving Belle and Rumford standing in silence.

He darted his eyes back and forth between her and the door, rubbing a hand over his neck.

Belle bit back a smile, slowly wrapping her arms around him for another hug. She nuzzled against his shoulder and let out a happy sigh when she felt him hug her back.

Rumford's hugs had a way of warming her from the inside out and the outside in! Oh, if only she could fall asleep in his arms like this!

Well, she supposed that in a few hours she probably would be!

Belle slowly pulled away to see his face, and he stared back, the corner of his mouth giving a slight twitch– as though whatever he was feeling couldn’t be contained by his smile. He wet his lips, parted them as if to speak, but hesitated.

“What is it?” she asked.

“I-I got something for you.” he said at last. “A-a gift.”

Belle tried not to grin too widely. “I um, got something for you too,” she said.

“Oh,” he chuckled nervously. “You see, I– well, I was debating when I ought to give it to you, but… well, now you’re here, I– It seems silly to wait.”

Her grin broke free as she laughed, and his cheeks rounded into a smile.

“Well, my gift is um… perishable?” she said. “So–” she slipped away to dig through her bag where she’d set it on the workbench, carefully pulling out a white box. “It's um… Not much, but… well, I tried to remember your favorites.” she said, holding it out to him.

He hesitated, then opened the box.

“Oh, Belle…” he chuckled and shook his head, and Belle’s cheeks were already becoming sore from smiling. Had anyone ever given her as much cause to smile as her Rumford did?

She had a smile on her face yesterday, when she'd stopped by the bakery. But it wasn’t the promise of taking home some white chocolate raspberry cookies that had her in such high spirits, nor the mint chocolate chip, or the salted chocolate chunk and almond. No, no– it was the thought of the look on Rumford’s face when she gave them to him!

“I thought we could um, enjoy them later.” she said, licking her lips while she stared at his own.

“Sweetheart, this is too much.” he smiled.

“We’ll have to share them with the ladies, then.”

“P-please.” Rumford shook his head and walked over to his desk. Setting the box of cookies down, he unlocked one of the drawers and retrieved a small, oblong box adorned with blue ribbon. He had his own eager smile on his face as he walked back over and handed it to her. “O-open yours.”

Belle hesitated before plucking from his hands, immediately noting its weight– and a slight rattle inside that made her heart tingle and her palms sweat.

Jewelry, jewelry, jewelry!

Belle scolded herself for the thought. She was far from materialistic– but the significance of being gifted jewelry by one’s sweetheart wasn’t lost on her, either. Jewelry was serious! They were serious!

“I’m um… guessing it isn’t cookies,” she chuckled, tucking her hair behind her ear.

He wet his lips and blushed, rubbing the back of his neck again. “‘Fraid not.”

She slid the ribbon off the box, and her fingers trembled as she pulled the lid off.

“Oh, Rumford…” she gasped. “It's beautiful.”

A bracelet! A bracelet! A bracelet! Gold! A string of gold with little flowers dangling like fairy lights! Roses! Gleaming! As if the petals had been kissed with morning dew! Jewelry! Shiny!

“I-I saw it and I just… well, I knew I couldn't let it leave this shop unless it was on your wrist.”

She blushed and nibbled her lip, fighting back another smile.

Rumford gave the box a pointed glance. “May I?”

Belle offered her wrist to him and nodded eagerly.

She watched, practically vibrating, as he gingerly removed the bracelet from its box. Sucked in a breath when his fingers brushed against her wrist, warm and rough next to the cold, smooth chain. There was the gentle click as he fastened the clasp, and there it was! A little piece of Rumford she could have with her wherever she went!

She played with one of the little rosebuds, poking it with her finger, and smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

“D-do you like it?” he asked.

“Rumford, I love it. It’s perfect.” she assured him.

She admired it on her wrist again and had a fleeting thought, but oh no. She couldn’t dare.

He caught her sideways glance and tilted his head. “What is it?”

“Could you um… tell me about it?”

A small smile slowly bloomed across his face. “Oh, darling, I'd love to. Please– sit,” he said, gesturing at a lavish settee on the far wall. Its wooden frame was intricately carved with scrolling flourishes and acanthus leaves, and the whole thing looked like it belonged in the decorative arts wing of the Louvre more than it did the cluttered back room of a pawn shop.

Belle stopped short of it and turned around. “I feel as though I shouldn’t be sitting on this,” she admitted.

“No– go on,” he chuckled. “It’s fine. We’ll be reupholstering it next week.”

Belle frowned. “Why? What’s wrong with it?”

“It’s a French Rococo piece,” Rumford shrugged. He stared at it for a moment and scowled. “That Jacobean upholstery the previous owner had it fitted with is hardly appropriate,” he explained disdainfully, taking her hand and inviting her to sit. “It’s appalling, the sort of things people think they can get away with.”

“Oh,” Belle giggled. “Well, in that case–” she dropped herself onto the seat cushion unceremoniously.

He smiled down at her as he unbuttoned his jacket, but Belle's imagination only had but a few seconds to run with that particular visual before he finished and took his seat beside her.

She gave him a moment to smooth out his tie before squirming against his side, at which point he laid her hand palm-up in his lap and tucked his thumb beneath the chain of the bracelet, rubbing her pulse point.

There was no way he didn't realize what he was doing.

“Perhaps first, sweetheart,” he said, “You might... humor me?”

Belle shifted to face him better and wet her lips. “I'd love to humor you, Rumford.”

He scoffed and looked down at their hands. “I was actually wondering if... you might describe it to me.”

She smiled and tilted her head at him. “I don't understand.”

“For you to look at me and see someone worth your while, Belle– you must see the world far more beautifully, and in such more vivid color, than I do. The things in this shop have become so pedestrian to me over the years. I can't help wondering what it must be like, to see things through your eyes.”

Silly man! she thought. Did he really think she was going to let him get away with speaking such ill of himself?

Belle reached her other hand up to cup his cheek, searched those brown eyes for any hesitation, and when she found none, pressed her lips to his.

“Of course you're worth my while, Rumford,” she told him as she pulled away, and he blushed and smiled just like she imagined he would.

“Oh, Belle, I...” he trailed off and rubbed his thumb into another little circle on her wrist. “Thank you.”

“But let's see now...” Belle pressed her lips together and studied the thing closely. “Well, um… I'd say it looks like an art nouveau piece.” she decided.

He lifted her wrist up and lowered his head to peck it with a kiss. “Then you'd be absolutely, one hundred percent correct, sweetheart.”

“Oh,” she giggled. “Rumford…”

“Go on.” he said. “Explain your rationale, Miss French.”

Belle fought back a smile.

Miss French.

“Well… if it came from this shop, I imagine it must be from no later than than the mid twentieth century, and a floral motif like this would have gone out of favor come the 1920s.”

“Very good.”

“But um… other than that, I'm not so sure. It just… doesn't look like it could be any older than the mid-nineteenth century. I'm afraid I can't articulate why, though.” she admitted with a frown. “I just can't–” she shook her head and laughed. “Oh my, this is going to sound silly, but I just can't picture it being worn by one of the heroines of my Regency novels.”

“That's fine,” he smiled, and shifted beside her. “And perfectly accurate. You see– enamel first surfaced in European jewelry during the baroque period, pioneered by the French artist Jean Toutin of Châteaudun.”

“Oh,” she gasped, feeling her arm break out in goosebumps at his effortless pronunciation.

“However, its popularity never quite rivalled that of diamonds and colored gemstones. Enamel was prone to chipping, and so come the eighteenth century, innovations in cutting techniques made bright, sparkling pieces with brilliant-cut diamonds the standard. Little of these pieces survive, though. Diamonds– due to their immense value– were often refitted and reset into new, more fashionable pieces over time, rather than kept as heirlooms.”

“That’s a shame,” Belle frowned.

“Indeed. You'll find such pieces in museums, but they're incredibly rare in the antique market.”

“Do you have any?” she asked. “Here, in the shop?”

His eyes drifted up to the ceiling as he thought about it. “...Not at the moment, no.”

“Hm,” Belle accepted simply.

He smiled and wet his lips. “Now, while floral motifs gained popularity all throughout the nineteenth century, it wasn't until the rise of art nouveau that jewelers began to really revisit enamel for their designs. The avant-garde weren't concerned so much with the value or longevity of the materials used, as much as they were the merit of the designs themselves. Diamonds were used as accents rather than centerpieces–if at all– as you can see here,” he explained, rolling one of the small rosebuds between his fingers so that the small stone in the center could catch the light.

“I like that about it,” she decided. “Not so flashy.”

“I agree,” he said, and they were so close, and he was so close.

Belle laid her free hand over his, slowly brushing her thumb back and forth over his knuckles.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

Her heartbeat quickened at the warmth and nearness of his voice, and she glanced back up at him. “Could you tell me more?”

Rumford scoffed. “Of course,” he said, wrapping his arm around her a little more tightly. “You see, many of these designs possessed all the… eroticism one might expect of any work of art from the movement. Nude women, mermaids and fae– all things far too scandalous or otherwise ostentatious for the average wearer. As a result, art nouveau jewelry was most often worn by glamorous showgirls or demimonde, who were–”

“Unmarried women with sugar daddies.” Belle cut in, wetting her lips.

Rumford smiled. “...That's right.” he said, wetting his own lips and brushing his thumb over her wrist again. “Good girl.”

Belle sank her teeth into her bottom lip and shifted in her seat. “I um, once read a book, where the protagonist was one such woman.”

His mouth curled into a crooked smirk. The same kind of smirk he wore in her dreams, right before they made out.

“That doesn't surprise me one bit, Miss French,” he said.

“Oh?” she teased. “And just what are you saying? Dr Gold?”

Was he being naughty?

“That one often becomes what one reads. And that you, darling, are as ethereal and bewitching as–”

The door to the showroom cracked open, and Ariel's arm reached through the opening, groping for the keyring hanging just beside the light switch.

“Sorry!” she hollered from behind the door, before knocking the keys off of their hook and onto the floor. “Forgot the– Whoops!”

Her hand withdrew, then reappeared along the floor, reaching again.

“Just ignore me!”

“Miss Halloran.” Rumford sighed. “For the love of– just come in, will you!”

Her hand froze, then disappeared again. “Okay!” she said. “I'm coming in!”

The door opened slowly and Ariel tiptoed inside, clearly trying to avert her eyes. She inevitably found them on the settee, and raised her hand in a tiny wave. “...hi.”

Rumford furrowed his brows. “Why is everyone behaving so bizarrely today?”

Ariel tilted her head. “I'm not– Oh!” she giggled and nearly dove to the floor for the keys. “There they are! Sneaky things!” She snapped back up and needlessly smoothed out her blouse. “I’m sorry– Wh-who's being bizarre?”

Rumford looked at the clock and sighed. “It’s four o'clock on a Friday.”

“Mhm,” she nodded. “Sure is, Mr Gold.”

“I think we're all eager to see ourselves home, no? Why don't you and Tilly start closing up?”

“Okay, sounds great.” she said, but made no move to leave.

Rumford raised his brows. “Miss Halloran? Was there something–?”

“Yeah. Yes. Um… Tilly was wondering if maybe she could uh–”

“Yes,” he smiled. “Yes, she can take the charcuterie board home.”

*****

Neal stopped scrolling through the app on his phone when he heard the front door crack open.

Over an hour earlier than expected.

Quickly plugging his phone into its charger, he jumped off his bed and bounded for the stairs.

“Hey, Po–” he froze midway when he saw her.

Tiny. Tiny brunette. In an even tinier skirt. The only thing about her that wasn't tiny were her shoes. Big, platform, stripper shoes. And yet, even with them on, she was still tinier than Pop.

So, so tiny.

Neal quietly retreated back up the stairs and watched the woman smile as his father gently removed her jacket. He pressed a doting little kiss to her shoulder and she spun around, giggling and making a comment about what a gentleman he was. He scoffed and Neal caught him blushing when he turned to hang her tiny jacket on the coat rack.

Pop turned to face her again and cupped her elbows, leaning in closely and rubbing little circles into her skin with his thumbs. Neal couldn't make out what he was saying, but given the context and the way she was blushing and demurely looking away, he had a few ideas.

He shook them away.

The tiny brunette nodded, they shared a quick peck on the lips, and Pop settled his hand on the small of her back, leading her toward the kitchen.

Oh, no.

This couldn't possibly the librarian he'd been telling him about. Pop told him she was younger and that she was beautiful– but surely this woman was too young, too… well, he wasn't about to use the word hot to describe a woman his dad was seeing but, if the platform shoes fit…

Neal finally continued his trek down the stairs, stomping loudly to alert them to his presence. He didn't need to walk in on anything he wasn't meant to see, after all. But when he rounded the corner to the kitchen, he caught his father in the middle of–

Grabbing a glass out of the cabinet.

“Ah. And here I was beginning to think there was an elephant in the house,” Pop deadpanned, stepping over to choose a bottle from the wine rack. “How many times do I have to tell ye tae stop stomping around like that? Old house like this, it–”

“Carries, I know.” Neal rolled his eyes.

Pop shot him a scolding look. “Do you?”

No correct answer to that, Neal quickly decided, and didn't say a word.

“Well, it's not important.” he dismissed, setting a bottle of wine out. “Son, I…” he spun around and rubbed his hand over the tiny woman's back, smiling at her. “I'd like to introduce you to Miss French.”

Yup.

Definitely his librarian.

This was no good. He wasn't supposed to be home for another hour, but she definitely wasn't supposed to be here for another hour.

It took Miss French a moment to finish making eyes at his father– a moment Neal used to muster as much calm as he could. No matter the fire and brimstone waiting to rain down on the three of them, the occasion called for politeness.

“Hey.” He finally offered his hand out. “S’Neal.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Neal.” she smiled, giving a startlingly firm handshake. “Your dad's um, told me a lot about you.”

“Oh. Great.” he said. “Miss… French.”

“You can just call me Belle.” she said, looking back at Pop expectantly.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “I'm sorry, darling. You keep telling me and I keep–”

“Rumford, it's fine,” she hushed, taking his hand and smiling up at him. “Besides–” she whispered without really whispering at all, “I think I might like it when you call me Miss French…”

There was a flash of something strange in Pop's eyes, and the corner of his mouth tugged into a crooked smirk. “Is that so?” he murmured in her ear and tugged her a little closer. “...Miss French?”

“Rumford!” Belle giggled and smacked his arm. She suddenly fell silent and nibbled her lip, and good God, Pop was smoldering at her.

Gross.

Neal cleared his throat loudly. This was fine.

He would just need to act as surprised as they were when the time came. “...Right, well. I just came down to grab a soda, so–”

“Please–” his father cut in, “stay. We're about to start on dinner. We're making your favorite pork chops with red wine sauce, you know.”

Oh, hell yes.

“Hmm… pass. I uh, have homework?” He lied, quickly nabbing a soda can from the fridge and making a bolt for the stairs.

“Homework?” Pop asked. “Son, your classes haven't even started.”

“Oh, right. Homework… I meant, I have um…” he snapped his fingers, pretending to think of something.

Pop sighed. “Have you heard from your mother?” he asked.

“Uh… yeah!” he answered too quickly, laughing nervously. “Yeah, she landed like, half an hour ago.”

“Well... aren't you picking her up?”

Neal took a few heavy gulps from his soda can. “No. Why?”

“She's your mother.”

He shrugged. “So? She's a grown woman. She knows how to get an Uber– which is more than I can say for you.”

“Unbelievable.” Pop shook his head, but Belle giggled.

She had a sense of humor.

This was good.

“Hey– mom's the one who wanted to move back to Livahpool,” Neal said. “That she has to hop an eight hour flight and an hour cab ride every time she decides she wants to see me is her problem.”

Pop pressed his lips together. “So you're meeting her at the hotel at least?”

Neal's mouth hung open.

That was it. He was cornered.

“Uh… see, here's the thing about that,” he said. “You uh… you said Belle was coming this weekend.”

“Aye.”

“Well, today's Friday , so… technically… not the weekend?”

Pop wet his lips. The way he always did whenever he was pretending to not be angry about something. “What are you saying?”

Neal took a deep breath and braced himself. “I... might-have-told-mom-it-was-cool-if-she-came-over-for-dinner-tonight.” he blurted out as quickly as he could.

“What.”

“I was trying to be nice!” Neal said in his defense. “I thought– you know! Family dinner! All three of us! A one night offering to appease the gods!” he explained, gesturing wildly with his hands.

Pop tilted his head. “Your mother is… on her way to this house? Right now?”

“...Yes?”

“Oh, bloody hell.” Pop groaned. “She was supposed to– she was supposed to stay out of my hair.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “You know what? It's fine. This is all… going to be just fine.”

“Yeah! It's just like, Christmas came early this year!” Neal said. “But… you know. Just the bad parts.”

Pop sighed again. “No communication in this house.” he muttered under his breath. “W-when did this happen? Ye didnae think to tell me, son?”

“It… slipped my mind?”

“Did it?” he asked, and that was also definitely a rhetorical question.

“It did until this morning!” Neal admitted. “And I was going to tell you before you left so you'd have time to mentally prepare yourself, but you were acting really weird and it was killing the vibe!”

Pop reeled back, clutching a hand to his chest. “I was killing the vibe!?”

Neal snuck a glance at Belle– who, to her credit, seemed more entertained than anything.

“I didn't think it would be a big deal?” he grasped. “I mean it sucks, but it's not like, an emergency.” He swallowed hard, and pulled his trump card– “Look on the bright side: It's not like my life was in danger!”

The corners of Pop's mouth pinched in a way that said, I'm not angry. I'm just disappointed.

“What!?” Neal whined. “You're always telling me to like, be nicer to her and crap!”

Pop sighed. “I know, son. I know…”

“Oh! Oh!” he clapped his hands together, “I’ll just call and tell her not to come!”

Pop glared back at him like he had two heads. “No… don't... do that.”

“Why not?”

“‘Cause it's no’ proper!” he cried. He took a deep breath, and then another. “Look. It's… it's not your fault.” Pop said calmly. “She should have checked with me first.”

Belle rubbed his shoulder and hushed a few words of comfort into his ear. He looked back at her with a weak smile, which grew stronger when she pecked him on the cheek.

The whole thing felt so weird and foreign, and yet… nice, Neal thought.

“I'm sorry,” he mumbled. “It's just– you know how she does that thing. Where she's all, ‘I miss you, I don't see you enough…’ And then you feel guilty, so you just agree with whatever she's saying, and next thing you know, you've sold your second born–”

“It's fine.” Pop said, with all the acceptance of a man prepared to face his death. “It's just one meal, as you said. After all, what's the worst that could happen?”

Neal knew better than to answer that.

A/N: Thanks for sticking with this story y'all. u da real MVPs.

There's lots of big things on the horizon here, but updates will probably continue to be slow while I work on my Rumbelle Big Bang fic.

#rumbelle #rumbelle fic #fic: the boston hour

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staycalmandlovekpop · 6 years ago

Text

Who You Are Pt.2

Scenario: Im Jaebum has a dissociative identity disorder/multiple personality disorder and he meets this girl that he didn’t know was his private therapist.

A/N: It’s been quite a long time since I posted! I’ve never done a series before and it’s not easy to update/write often cause of life and responsibilities (Kudos to all the writers out there that update frequently!) I won’t make any more promises on how fast I can release these chapters, but if you’ll be patient with me I will continue this series over a period of time~.

Read Pt.1 Here

JB’s eyes widened in shock. You were the only woman that rejected and was repulsed by his flirting. He couldn’t believe that you actually believed him (ish) and is willingly kissing him now. Although JB wanted to enjoy this moment of victory longer, he knew that he would have to go back into Jaebum’s consciousness if was gonna score another kiss from you in the future.

As you pulled back from the kiss, you watched as Jaebum’s body went limp and caught him before he fell over.

“I’m not getting paid enough for this...” You murmured to yourself as you managed to prop him against the wall.

You were about to call GOT7’s manager when you suddenly heard footsteps coming towards your direction. You began to panic. What would other K-pop idols think if they saw you with Jaebum passed out like this? Without thinking straight, you quickly wrapped your arms around Jaebum's waist tightly. "Hey, I heard some commotion back here so I was going to check it out and see if-WHOA" The owner of the shop stopped talking when he saw you and Jaebum "cuddling" by the corner. "Oops haha nevermind. Sorry~. Get back to what you guys were doing~."

You pulled back once the owner and left and sighed. Is it possible for you to get Jaebum out of here without looking suspicious? You dialed GOT7's manager when Jaebum suddenly started to stir awake.

"Hello?"

"Hi, um...So he kind of dissociated into JB and then he passed out again. Is there any way you can come and help me bring him back to the dorm?"

"Okay. I'll be there in 15 minutes." GOT7's manager answered.

"Thanks. I think he's waking up right now, so I'll try to keep him calm for now." As you hung up, Jaebum's eyes fluttered open and his gaze landed on you.

"Um excuse me, but what are you looking at?" He asked in a sassy tone.

"Uhh...Jaebum...?" You said with uncertainty.

"Pfft no. I'm Nora."

Your eyes widened. NORA??!!

"Nora...Nora as in Jaebum's cat??"

Nora brushed her hair behind her ear. "I'll take that as a compliment that you think I'm cute and pretty like a cat."

DID A NEW PERSONALITY JUST FORM? OH BOY. You weren't too excited to get to know more about this one.

As Nora busied herself by taking selcas next to the ice cream shop's decorated walls, you texted the manager.

"Um nevermind...She-” You caught yourself and deleted “she” and replaced it back with “he” to not worry their manager. “He just woke up...We’ll meet you back at the dorms soon."

You turned your attention back to Nora who was busy scrolling through Instagram. “Hey Nora? How old are you?” You asked. Might as well get as much information on the new personality as possible.

“I’m 12...and a half.” She replied, not looking up from her phone.

“Okay...Do you know why Jaebum created you?”

Nora scoffed. “You think that I would tell you our secrets? Think again, old hag.”

Old hag? Technically, she’s physically “older” than you because she’s in the body of an 25-year-old man…

“You know, I’m only-”

“22? Yeah, I know.”

“Yeah! So don’t go calling me a-. Wait...how did you already know? I’ve only told JB my age because he wanted to see if he could make me call him ‘Oppa’ (which failed cause there was no freakin’ way you were going to call him that).”

“Cause we all share Jaebum’s general knowledge, duh~.” Nora said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

You figured that you weren’t going to get the answers you wanted if you got up all in her case, so you decided to take advantage of her pride by playing dumb.

“Uh general knowledge...?”

Nora crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. “Uh yeah, it’s exactly how it sounds. It’s the common knowledge that we all have access to.”

“What? I don’t get it... Then why didn’t Jaebum know who I was when all the other personalities did?”

“O H M Y G O O D N E S S. Aren’t you a nurse? Shouldn’t you know about this?”

“Actually, I’m a first-year psychiatry resident.”

Nora rolled her eyes again. Wow, what a sassy pre-teen…

“Jaebum didn’t know about it because we’ve all been blocking that knowledge from him. We knew he would freak out like this, but we also knew that if he doesn’t get help now it might be too late to work on integrating.”

Integrating, the process of all the personalities combining back into one main personality. You wondered if Jaebum tried or even wanted to try integrating. Though you suppose he should be a part of this process too since it’s a team effort. Was he trying to do it by himself without any psychiatric help? Did he give up? You had so many questions for him, but you were stuck with bratty Nora for the time being. Maybe you guys should just get back to the dorm first and get Jaebum his meds.

You linked your arm around Nora’s and gave it a small pull. “Alright, cmon Nora. Let’s go back home.”

Nora made a face and shook her head. “I don’t want to leave just yet! Just look at all the cute boys here~.”

Your eyes widened at her comment as you looked all around to make sure it wasn’t loud enough for anyone else to hear. “Shhh!! Keep it down! You don’t want to start any rumors.”

“Oooh rumors~? Can you help me start one of me and G-Dragon dating?” Nora said with lit up eyes.

“No! Just come with me!” You whispered loudly, tugging her arm harder.

“I don’t want to!”

The both of you were starting to get some weird looks from the other customers. You had to get Nora out of there FAST.

“Tell you what, I’ll buy you another ice cream if you come with me.”

“How old do you think I am? 5?” Nora scoffed.

“You can get three scoops with unlimited toppings.”

Nora thought for a moment with pursed lips before giving in. “Call~ (Deal).”

After getting Nora her ice cream, you called a cab to take you guys back to GOT7’s dorm. Even though their dorm wasn’t that far away, it was safer than walking on the streets and being caught by the paparazzi. You don’t know Nora too well yet, so you can’t really trust that she would act normally in public. The cab then pulled up a few steps ahead and you guys scurried in. As the cab driver began driving, you noticed that Nora was surprisingly silent. You looked over at her and saw her eating her ice cream while looking outside the window. Man was it a good idea to give her ice cream, keeping her preoccupied and not making the cab driver suspicious by being her sassy self. You noticed that she could pass for Jaebum himself when she's not talking. What kind of person is he? What's going to happen when he comes back?

In no time, you both arrived at the dorm and Nora finished her ice cream. Once you guys were at the front door, you did the secret knock. * knock. knock knock knock. knock. knock knock *

"Hey..." You said awkwardly as GOT7's manager opened the door.

"What happened...?" He asked nervously, letting you two in.

"Uhh soo..."

"Oooh there's a cute little butterfly clip on the floor!" Nora shouted as she ran passed and picked up something from the floor.

You looked down at your feet as you felt something nudge your leg. "Oh Coco~, you're here!!" You picked her up and held her in your arms. The clip must've belonged to her.

"Oh yeah, Youngjae is staying here for the weekend because his brother went out of town." Their manager explained. "Umm...did something actually happen?"

You both turned and watched as Jaebum/Nora clipped the clip onto her hair. You sighed. "It's a long story....You might wanna gather everyone and sit down for this."

"Oh Y/N? Is that you?" Jinyoung asked as he popped his head out from his room.

"Oh hey Jinyoung." You said with a wave.

"Hey! So uhh do you happen to know where my movie script went?"

You facepalmed yourself. Must've been freakin Seo Mijoon again. "Try checking Jaebum's room under the bed."

Jinyoung snapped his fingers and smiled before walking towards Jaebum's room. "Thanks!"

You and the manager sat on the couch as Nora examined herself in the mirror hanging near the T.V.

"So, as I was saying...."

Mark suddenly comes out into the living room, drying his wet hair with a towel. "Hey manager hyung, is Jaebum home?"

Nora turned in the direction of the sound of his voice and literally froze in place once she laid her eyes on him. She watched as Mark shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair in slow motion in her head. When Mark glanced at her, she heard a choir of angels as a nonexistent light shone on him.

" O M G." Was all she was able to say as she stared at him with sparkling eyes.

"Is he okay?" Mark asked, noticing the weird look Nora was giving him.

"Maybe you should go back to your room for now..." You said, getting up to block Nora's path from Mark just in case she was going to jump him.

"Okay..." Mark said as he picked up Coco and went into his room.

"Bye Oppa~!!" Nora shouted after him.

The manager stood up with his hands on his hips. "Okay, now you really have to tell me wtf is going on. Why is Jaebum putting on hair clips and calling people 'oppa'?"

"I've got his medicine!!" Youngjae shouted as he walked out from his room. "Oh hey Y/N!"

"Hey Youngjae~." You walked over to him and took the pill bottle from his hand.

"Thanks~." You said with a smile.

"Alright Nora, time to take your medicine." You said, walking towards her.

"No, I don't want to!!" Nora shouted, backing away from you.

"I got the water!!" Jackson exclaimed as he came running from the kitchen with a water bottle.

You poured out a pill and shoved it toward Nora's face. "Just swallow it!"

Nora shook her head frantically, dodging your attempts to put it in her mouth. "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"

While struggling with Nora, you felt a tap on your shoulder. You turned around and see Jackson standing there with a serious look on his face. "Let me handle it."

You slowly handed him the pill and stepped aside.

"I'm sorry Hyung, but this is for your own good." Jackson then took a deep breath before stomping on Nora's foot. As she yelped in pain, he quickly shoved the pill into her mouth. "Quick! Help me get this bottle opened!"

You reached over to the water bottle Jackson was holding and twisted off the cap as fast as you could. Both you and the manager watched in amusement as Jackson proceeded to pour water over her mouth. Nora swallowed the pill along with some of the water, letting out a cough when the bottle was empty.

"3, 2, 1." Jackson counted before Jaebum passed out and fell into Jackson's arms. "We're in the clear now."

As Jackson set Jaebum down on the couch, the manager gathered the rest of the members into the living room. "Well now that there are no more distractions...Y/N, why don't you tell us what happened."

And so you told them about Jaebum hit his back, how you thought JYP came out, how Jaebum got so furious after finding out that JB came out, and how this new personality suddenly appeared.

The manager was distraught and confused. "What?! A new personality? How is that even possible? He's 25-years-old."

"Maybe being halfway to 50 is a big milestone of his life." Yugyeom joked, bursting into laughter along with Bambam.

"In the past, a personality would only form after a traumatizing event. Are you sure that nothing like that happened?" Jinyoung asked.

Traumatizing? Your thoughts go back to the kiss that you gave JB. Seriously?? Was that really THAT traumatizing for him to experience??

"Uhhh not that I can I think of..." You lied, protecting your pride and erasing that horrifying image from your mind.

As you told them more information on Nora's personality, Jaebum began to stir. "Look, he's waking up." Bambam pointed out.

Jaebum rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up. "What happened?" He asked with a groggy voice.

He immediately froze in place when he laid his eyes on you. "Um, guys...Why is there a sasaeng in our house?"

"She's not a sasaeng…” Mark began. “She’s a-”

"She's your private nurse." Their manager flat out said. "Or more like private psychiatrist to be exact."

Jaebum furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "What...? Wait wait wait...You hired a private nurse without my consent? How long has she been monitoring me?"

"It's been 2 weeks. And yes, you need the help." The manager said sternly.

Jaebum’s scoffed, with his mouth agape. "I told you already that I don't need it. I don't need anyone to help me!! I can do this on my own! Did you guys know about this too?" He turned to look at his fellow members who all just awkwardly avoided eye contact. "Wow. Just wow."

You could tell by the sound of Jaebum's voice that he felt betrayed and frustrated.

"Hey, don't blame them...They're just trying to help." You said softly.

"Well, it's unwanted. Also, I don't mean to be rude but...you can leave now. You're no longer needed here." Jaebum said, gesturing you towards the door.

"Hyung...it's way past midnight. Are you really going to send her out alone during this time of day?" Jackson asked.

You sat there staring at Jaebum with hurt eyes in silence. Is this really what the real Jaebum is like?

Jaebum looked over at you and clenched his fist. "Fine. I'll leave instead." He said through gritted teeth. Turning around, Jaebum went out the front door and slammed it behind him.

Jinyoung sighed. "Don't take it personally Y/N. He just needs to cool down. I'll talk to him."

As he got up and followed after Jaebum, Youngjae scooted over to you. "Hey, you okay?"

You let out a sigh. "Maybe I should leave...The contract has already been broken anyway since he found out."

"What? You're just going to give up like that?" Youngjae said with a tad bit of disappointment in his voice.

"Well, you heard him. He doesn't need me. So what's the point of even trying?"

"He DOES need you. He's just too stubborn to see it."

You stood up and threw your hands up in the air. "Why bother to help someone that doesn't want to be helped?"

Youngjae gave you a long and serious look. "But then who will help them? If we choose to ignore people who claim that they don't need help, they who will be there for them? Nobody else is going to ever know how they truly feel and they will end up facing their sufferings alone."

You sat back down and lowered your head. Youngjae was right. You felt guilty for even just thinking those kinds of thoughts.

"I do...I really do want to help him. I just don't know how or if I even can do anything to help. I'm just a first-year psychiatry resident with no real experience...For undergrad, I just managed to pass my classes. I may have the knowledge, but I don't know how to utilize it... "

"Hey now~." Youngjae patted your back. "You're doing the best you can. You're doing a great job. You being here right now and trying to help is already more than enough."

You looked over at Youngjae and smiled. "Thanks."

A few moments later, you heard the front door clicked and Jinyoung came in. You and Youngjae stood up simultaneously.

"Where's Jaebum?" Youngjae asked.

Jinyoung sighed as he thought about the heated conversation he just had with him.

"Hyung, get back here." Jinyoung had called out after him, as he ran to catch up with Jaebum who was walking towards the subway station.

Jaebum just kept on walking without looking back. "Just go back home Jinyoung. I've already made my point. You can't change my mind."

"Why can't we just sit down and talk about this? Hm?" Jinyoung finally caught up and went in front of him to block his path.

"There's nothing to talk about. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I don't need her or anyone's help! I can and will overcome this on my own."

"It doesn't hurt to try!! Maybe she's different than the past therapists you've seen?"

Jaebum put his hands on his hips and shook his head, chuckling to himself without any humor in it. "Different? Haha. You make me laugh. She's the cause of why this new personality formed isn't she?"

Jinyoung stared at him in shock. They haven't told Jaebum about Nora yet or about what happened.

"Yeah, that's right. I can feel it. I can hear and feel that there's another personality that has taken a vacancy inside my mind. And all this happened right after this girl showed up. Coincidence? I don't think so."

As Jaebum walked passed Jinyoung, Jinyoung clenched his fist in anger. How could Jaebum say such things about someone who was just trying to help him?

"Quit being so temperamental and stubborn!!" He shouted, making Jaebum freeze in his tracks and turn around.

Having Jaebum's full attention, Jinyoung continued. "H-how about us?! We're sick and tired okay?!?!" Jinyoung took a breath as he started to choke up. "We're sick and tired....of watching you suffer and not knowing how to help you...But she knows how."

Jaebum just stood there in silence, astonished at Jinyoung's outburst and seeing tears welling up in his eyes.

"Please, Hyung...The six of us really care about you and want the best for you..."

Jaebum let out a deep breath and turned away. "I'm...I'm just going to spend the night in my studio." He then walked away towards the subway station, leaving Jinyoung standing there in defeat.

And that was how Jinyoung ended up returning to the dorm alone. Maybe one night outside will give Jaebum some time to clear his mind and think about it.

"Where did he go?" You asked.

Jinyoung looked over at you. You looked worried. Worried that Jaebum went and did something stupid and that everything was all your fault. He gave a little small reassuring smile before saying, "It's okay. He's just going to spend the night in his music studio."

You and Youngjae looked at each other and smiled in relief.

Jackson then popped his head out from one of the rooms. "Hey Y/N, you can sleep in my old bedroom. I can sleep on the couch tonight."

Your eyes widened and you shook your head. "Oh no, no. It's okay, I don't mind sleeping on the couch. You guys are the ones that need a good night's rest. You guys are K-pop idols with packed schedules every day!"

Jackson raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

You smiled."Yes. It's totally fine~. Thank you guys for letting me stay."

Mark then came out with a pillow and a few blankets, followed by their manager. "It's no problem. We'll discuss more about what we're going to do with Jaebum tomorrow." The manager said as he helped Mark set up your "bed" on the couch.

You thanked them once again and said your goodnight's to each member before laying on the couch. You would wash up, but you just felt so drained after all the craziness that happened today. What an emotional roller-coaster. You tossed and turned to the other side and sighed. Will you be able to say the right words to Jaebum to convince him to let you continue being his therapist? You got up, took out your laptop from your bag, placed it on the coffee table next to you, and started looking through all the notes you took on each personality. Will you ever get the chance to meet each one of them again? While scrolling, you stopped at Jaebum’s name and stared at the little information you had on who he (the main personality) was. You knew that there had to be more to him than what you saw tonight. Although you thought you would stay up all night thinking about it, you eventually drifted to sleep after staring at your screen blankly.

Meanwhile, Jaebum was trying to get some sleep himself on the couch inside his music studio. But he couldn't help but think about what Jinyoung said to him. "We're sick and tired of watching you suffer and not knowing how to help you....but she knows how."

Honestly, Jaebum had his own reasons of why he has been so stubborn like this. But maybe it was time for him to consider other people's feelings too. The next morning, Jaebum carefully entered the dorm quietly to not wake anyone up. After closing the door ever so gently, he began tiptoeing around until he spotted you sleeping on the couch. The hurt expression you gave him last night when he told you to leave flashed through his mind, making him feel guilty for his immature actions. Jaebum then noticed your opened laptop on the coffee table. He turned the laptop towards him and began to read through all your notes. He was shocked and amazed at how much information you were able to gather on each personality in the span of two weeks. Based on the descriptions you wrote, it seemed like you were able to read each of them well. Jaebum looked over at you and sighed. He could really see how much effort you put into this. Pushing the laptop back towards your direction, he softly knocks on the manager's bedroom door.

The door swung opened and there stood a sleepy manager. "Yes?" He answered groggily, with his eyes slowly widening at the realization that Jaebum has come home. "J-Jaebum you're back."

Jaebum nodded before saying, "I'll do it. Let's keep Y/N as my private nurse."

Part 2 END (A/N: Five stars for you if you caught on to a GOT7 reference ;) )

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