#what a pleasent arrangement!

[noira-l]

Just the Two of Us

chapter summary: a nice summer day, just what you needed... why is Satoru looking at you like that?

pairing: gojo satoru x f!sorcerer reader

wc: 6,6k

warnings: fluff, slightly kinda suggestive?, blind to love, slight mentioning of sexual activity, spoilers (manga, anime, movie).

author's note: a pleasent day with satoru that is definitly not in love, you are definitly just his "partner", and he definitly don't want to kiss you ;*

s.masterlist

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐 '𝐖𝐞 ��𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐛𝐫(𝐞)𝐚𝐤𝐞'

Satoru yawned with fatigue. It was his 3rd day without sleep, during these miserable days: he had pursued the curse that kept eluding him, solved the problem of the cursed object locked in the wall of the mountain, and additionally travelled half the country to find the cursed womb that was registered, to his misfortune it arrived as it hatched and he had to fight it.

All he dreamt about now, was going to bed and get some sleep.

"Why did you stop, Ijichi?" he asked, tipping his head to glance in his direction. Satoru was now on his way home, the road was getting awfully long, it was late at night, and besides, Ijichi didn't seem to be in much of a hurry.

"We have to wait for someone," he announced in a trembling voice. He still didn't know if this was a good idea, he hadn't been given official orders from above, and yet he obeyed. Satoru furrowed his brow in astonishment.

"If anyone would like to see me, have them make an appointment with my secretary, preferably after I've slept a bit. I'm not in the mood for it" he was getting weary and it was no surprise to anyone. Maybe he could get out of this car before this person arrived?

Suddenly, he heard the boot open and immediately afterwards, someone forcefully opened the door. shit, too late.

"Hello Satoru~" you said in a cheerful voice getting into the car with your backpack. You glanced at his face. "Surprised to see me?" you asked.

You knew that this nightly sneaking out could have serious consequences, but at that moment, you totally didn't give a damn.

"Quite a lot." he replied "What do I honour this visit with? Higher-ups have sent us on missions again? How wonderful" his voice was tired, but still gravelly and bored to the point of pain. Looking at him, you are unable to tell how many days he has been without sleep.

"Well not this time." you replied "We're going on holiday." you said it with a smile, as if it wasn't you at all.

"Ee- what?" he probably couldn't have been more confused. He was too tired to process it.

"You hear right." you started to pull something out of your backpack "Ijichi, to the train station!" you said it quite loudly. Gojo didn't know if he was dreaming or already hallucinating, it had been a long time since he had seen you so happy. A packet of sweets appeared in your hand, you reached out, to hand it to him with a sly smile.

Apparently that was enough to make Satoru shut up and focus his attention on something other than complaining. He was tired enough that he didn't want to pursue the subject. And your presence made him go on autopilot and not care about anything as long as you were close and full of strength.

You knew the mission was hard for him, especially as he was silent the whole way to the station, eating the sweets you had bought him. All the way from the station to the small village where you had a rented a cottage, Satoru slept, resting his head on your shoulder. When you got off, you just had to drag him with your luggage for some time, but you managed to endure it.

He really was like a child sometimes, you stated as you opened the door and threw your luggage on the floor. It took about 20 minutes before you'd got your head around everything, in which Gojo managed to slide off the couch you'd arranged him on. Fortunately, all that was left was to put him to bed, which you had done more than once, you had experience of managing him in his almost dead-sleeping state when he returned from a mission. This activity, without you being surprised, took the least amount of time. You both found yourselves in your pyjamas, snuggled together on a nice and cool bed.

----

Satoru was slightly awake, not wanting to open his eyes, he started to adjust the pillow under his head. He tried to arrange it a few times, each time it didn't work out the way he wanted this pillow doesn't arrange like the ones I bought last year.

Then it dawned on him that he wasn't in his bed. He opened his crystal blue eyes to looked around the room. It was definitely not his bedroom. He furrowed his brow, lifting himself off the pillow completely, finally connecting the dots in his head and remembering what had happened.

You took him on holiday. That much he managed to remember.

After his morning visit in toilet, he head to the kitchen, following a pleasantly sweet smell.

There you stood, in a summer dress he had never seen before, arranging various desserts and many types of sweet bread on a large, decorated tray.

"Good morning, how did you sleep?" you sensed his presence immediately, besides you also heard him going to the bathroom.

The white-haired man looked around the kitchen and the connected dining room. Everything was clean, neat, well decorated, you could feel the atmosphere of the countryside and the remoteness from the city. This house looked like one where one could truly relax.

"Well, I finally got some sleep. This chasing of curses is such a pain." he sighed straightening his limbs after sleeping.

Just then you put the trays of baked goods on the table "I'm glad, I asked my friend to buy us fresh baked goods in the morning, I didn't think he would bring so many." you giggled clearly embarrassed. That's not what I had in mind, when I asked him for variety.

Satoru sat down on a chair, crossing his legs. ''And why are we even here? Not that I'm complaining, I'm happy when my wife visits me at work and then takes me out into unfamiliar territory when I'm practically asleep...but it's not in your style."

You sighed as you poured portions of fresh juice into your glasses. He's been calling you his wife more and more lately, and you wonder if this is getting under one of his taunts.

"I've decided we need a holiday. Both of us. Away from everything for a while." you said putting your glasses on the table.

"Megumi?" he looked concerned.

"With Shoko" you answered. Satoru noded in understanding.

"Back to the topic. It's well known if we're gone for a long time, the world will come crashing down after all, so I told the higher-ups that we're just going on a weekend of well-deserved rest." Satoru started laughing, your head turned towards him.

"You're joking. They'll probably find out now by questioning Ijichi where we are." he took one of the baked goods in his hand. As soon as he bit into it a wave of flavour spread over his tongue. Wonderful.

"Well no, I payed them a visit myself." you sat down close to him, he reached for his glass at the time "I expressed my opinions on some things and said we were going on holiday." Satoru listened intently unable to believe a bit of what he was hearing. Since when did you stop being so conciliatory?

"Of course, they didn't agree at first. Stubborn, old fools." you mumble the last part "For two days of our absence, the world won't collapse, come on." you took a cupcake yourself "Besides, I said that if they tried to stop us, their walls would have a new, more hmm.. purple colour." you bit into the baked goods and he almost choked on his juice.

Are you capable of such things? Yes, you are, he knew that. He knew you enough to also know, that you avoid such solutions and consider them a last resort. Unlike him.

"I'm sick and tired of them bossing us all the time, treating us like their property. If you wanted to, you could smash them with one finger and you wouldn't even break a sweat, they know it well, and yet, we let them get on our heads too much." you drank a glass of your juice.

Satoru was still silent, his eyes glancing once at you and then another sweet roll on the tray. You're probably right, he's been more stressed lately, the pressure is overwhelming, it's taking its toll on your relationship. It spoils the blood not only for him, but also for you, who also have to deal with them when he's not around. Although it doesn't matter now, these two days should pretty much reset him, bringing him back to his open to fun and confident self.

Damn. He is indeed too serious lately.

Fortunately, here with you, he can relax and let himself be carried away by the programme you have planned for him, because he knew you had something planned. You handled such things well, unlike him. His speciality was spontaneity and unscripted decisions.

"So what's the agenda for today, sweetie?" he said while shoving another sweet roll into himself, not wanting to pursue the uncomfortable topic any further. It was his sixth roll somehow.

"I'll explain. A friend of mine is coming over in an hour or so, he's going to give us bikes and we're going to ride around, I've got a couple of spots we might like. And tomorrow we will go to the hot springs and then I have a surprise planned for you." you replied with a wide smile pleased with the plan. Gojo was happy with it too. "I want to have fun." you smiled to yourself.

"So a bike tour, huh? Just don't complain if I leave you behind or your legs hurt, we both know I'm faster." another cupcake was in his hand. who makes such yummy food?

"I have one more thing for you, a request actually."

"Hm?" he paused devouring a sweet roll to look at you. His white hair were still messy and his crystal eyes aroused, from the amount of sugar he had consumed. There was frosting from the baked goods at the corner of his mouth, and scattered crumbs on his bare chest and belly.

Does he always have to look captivating in all conditions?

"This trip is because we both need a break from our duties. And this trip is primarily for you, Satoru.'' he looked at you as if you were a freak, and it was him that the strawberry filling fell on his stomach.

"Duh~ Of course even the strongest need a break. They think this perfection keeps itself going?" he said scooping the filling from his skin with his finger, licking the contents as soon as he put his finger around his mouth.

"Please listen." you looked at him seriously "This holiday is not because 'the strongest needs a break', no." You got up from your chair and quickly walked over to the linen bag hanging on the chair, pulling something out of it and tucking it behind your back, walking over to him again. "This trip is because Satoru needs a break." you stood next to him, placing your hand on the back of the chair behind him.

Your other hand revealed a pair of round, dark, blue tinted glasses.

You both knew what those glasses were. They had belonged to him back in his high school days, the exact pair you had once taken from him during training as a trophy for beating him in melee training. Six eyes was shocked when you knocked him to the ground. You used trickery of course, but you didn't set the rules, so the prize was yours. Now he's surprised too, at how good a condition they're in, and that you kept them at all.

You found them recently in one of the boxes you were afraid to look in, because all the stuff from your dorm was there, including Suguru's stuff. But you'd been cleaning recently and decided you should finally do something with it. That's where you noticed the pair of glasses that were lying right on top. There were some other things besides, but you didn't pay any attention to them anymore. These glasses reminded you so much of the good old days, that you just stood there for a few minutes in thought, simply holding them in your hands. They reminded you of all the beautiful moments, hardships and fun you had as a teenager, even though you spent most of your time with Suguru, Gojo also fulfilled some small role in your life back then - when he wasn't teasing you - of course.

It dawned you. That's right! Fun! You closed the cabinet, taking only that item, running to your computer to start planning everything.

"So for the duration of this trip, I'd like you to be exclusively yourself. Not 'the strongest', not 'Six Eyes', not 'the greatest sorcerer of modern era'. No. Please." he parted his lips slightly, his face expressing a lot of emotion as you put your glasses on his nose.

"Just be Satoru. That's all you need to be for me." a gentle smile dawned on your face.

You glanced at him from a little further away. "Look at you, you haven't changed a bit." you brushed his hair with your hand gently. Indeed, he looked the same as he did in his school days, only his boyish features had matured over time. Those are still the same blue eyes that made you dizzy, whenever you tried to focus and glance deeply into them. You noticed something.

Why is he blushing?

Why does his face look like that?

After a long moment, in which his eyes completely failed to leave yours, he burst out laughing. He corrected himself in his chair, at the same time putting his foot back on the floor.

In one swift movement, his hands grasped your figure, making you sit sideways on his lap. His face moved dangerously close to yours, one of his hands was on your back, the other on your exposed thigh.

What is he doing?

You were surprised at how easily he was able to seat you and with what gentleness his arms embrace you. His hand moved from your thigh to his nose, as he lowered his glasses to look at you. His eyes literally scanned yours, your bewildered face beginning to take on colour, a little more and that deeply hidden blush would come out into the world.

"Only if this miserable girl from my class joins me too, heh." his shit-eating grin made you hot. Your heartbeat drowned out your thoughts for a moment.

Wait - what did he call you?

You gave him a gentle nudge, standing up from him, pouting.

"Idiot."

His retch filled the silence completely.

----

The forest through which you passed seemed endless. Beautiful colours surrounded you all over. The perfect weather only accentuated them. You drove a little uphill the mountains, sun peeking out from behind the leaves, leaving glowing glimpses on the forest road.

Satoru was riding ahead of you, not holding the steering wheel with his hands at all. His legs holding the bike frame were enough for him. You wondered if he was even looking at the road, he had his phone in his hand, playing some kind of mobile game. Occasionally he would stop with a squeal of brakes, to take a picture of what was a nicer bit of terrain. The real revelation was, when he spotted a bird playing with a stick a few good metres away; you didn't notice it, but he had his eyes and a pretty good zoom on his camera.

However, you had been on straight road for a while, so his full attention was focused on the phone. You came up with a slightly crazy idea. You made sure that your backpack and the contents of your basket were well secured, and then you started to speed up rapidly. You passed him very quickly. When you were in his line of sight, you showed him your tongue and continued your fast ride far ahead of him.

He quickly tucked the phone away, you had caught his attention enough, that he saw your haste as a challenge.

You don't know how long it took you to race him. You could say that you quite matched his pace, overtaking him every now and then, or he was gaving you a head start, there was that option too. You didn't want to let go too easily, although you were slowly running out of strength, you were glad that your cursed energy was helping a bit with that. Sometimes he tried to disturb you, for example: trying to poke your cheek, he had long enough arms to reach easily. You did not remain indebted to him, by trying to ride close enough to him, that you had to step back slightly.

This situation was no different. You overtook him again, this time quite a bit, you turned around when you noticed that he didn't manage to overtake you. His smile was the same one you remembered from the better days of your high school. His whole look was practically the same, you're sure it's a matter of those glasses.

Was he the same? It was hard to tell. You thought for a bit and stopped looking at the road.

Quickly turning your head to notice a pretty big turn. Really close to you.

“Shi-” you had already prepared for the fact that you might fall off a cliff. You already wanted to use your technique, when suddenly something pulled you back with considerable power. Your back hit something. The white-haired man pulled you towards him with the whole bike, a couple of meters away from the turn, completely stopping you in the process.

“Did you just use your blue on me?” you asked, quite shocked.

He answered you nothing and silence, you couldn't read his smile. Without a word, he rode quickly away from you gaining a murderous pace, ringing his bike bell cheerfully in the process.

----

A shadow perfectly enveloped your figures as you sat down by a tree together to rest for a while. Satoru asked for moments to pause, wearing his old glasses, while pleasant and nostalgic, put him into a slight migraine overtime. Though he didn't want to admit it to you, you knew him well enough by now to wordlessly hand him banages from his backpack with a slight smile.

He accepted the material, wrapped them around his eyes, giving him a long sigh of relief. He was truly grateful to you for understanding his needs, giving him a moment's pause whenever he needed it. He put the cloth over his eyes, closing them and trying to fight the migraine that was slowly growing inside him. He concentrated for the moment on his own thoughts, which were mainly focused on you. Were you always so caring? No wonder Megumi came to you more often with most of his needs.

The minutes passed at a fast pace, for that, his migraine refused to pass so quickly. He was replaying some memories in his head that had just flown by. He didn't even notice when he started to fall asleep, surrounded by the hum and soothing gusts of wind and the pleasant scent of nature.

----

He was awakened by a gentle nudge from something near his leg. Satoru opened his eyes and looked quickly at the scene before him. You sat down in front of him, still with the same soothing smile. When you noticed that you had woken him up by accident, you put your hand on his leg, muttering a quiet "sorry''. He noticed you were tinkering with something, by the fact that were sitting a piece away, with your back to him, he was unable to notice what, he was too sleepy for that.

Satoru took off his banages completely, depositing them in the backpack beside him, and in one efficient movement put his glasses on his nose. His migraine had stopped finally, he felt extremely relaxed and rested.

The view was beautiful, the picturesque fields and mountains seemed endless. For moments he stared at the white clouds, absorbing his six eyes with this view, waiting for you to finish working on something. Which you did literally moments later turning to face him, draping the fruit of your labour behind your back.

"I have something for you." you said. The smile wasn't coming off your face today, usually you were much more serious, thoughtful and even sometimes sad, in contrast to him, he was never serious, thoughtful or sad. At least that's what he tried to pretend. Today was different though, today he didn't have to pretend his happiness even a little bit.

"A gift. For me? You spoil me completely today." he chuckled with his confident smile, simultaneously interested in what she had prepared for him.

"Close your eyes." without thinking, he followed your command with his smile. He listened as you moved closer to him, he even felt your touch on his leg again, when you needed a gentle support. Your hands moved closer to his face. He felt something on his head, a very gentle weight, barely perceptible.

"You can open now." So he did, which was met with the sight of you taking a picture of him.

"Wait a minute, that's what you pay for! Do you know how many people want a photo with that georgous face?" he reached out to take the phone from your hands, you responded by giving the phone behind you as much as you could. This light-hearted tug-of-war didn't last long, at least not until out of the corner of his eye he noticed the screen with the photo you'd taken earlier. He moved away in amazement.

A crown of flowers? And not just any crown, you could see the craftsmanship of its creation, the blue and white flowers matched himperfectly. He also noticed, that there was another one lying next to you, with flowers perfectly matched to you.

Without thinking much, he took it in his hands and placed it on your head, just as you had done before. Satoru tried to hide the blush that appeared on his pale cheeks, again this day. For that, you hiding your blush and sweet sigh proved to be impossible. Not when your heart was suddenly beating harder, you didn't quite understand why again. Perhaps it was the fact that Satoru slid his hands along your cheeks, gently stroking them with his thumbs, gazing at you intensely with his sparkling blue eyes. You put your phone down.

Definitely Gojo Satoru was enchanted by the sight. The sight of you flushed cheeks, slightly parted lips and beautiful eyes. You are so mesmerising. The thought crossed his mind that he wanted to keep such a sight of you just for himself.

So this is what Suguru must had seen every day.

He froze, letting go of your face. You glanced at him confused.

Ah yes, one of that thoughts.

You were Suguru Geto's girlfriend in your high school days. You were his best friend's girlfriend. Totally in love with each other, inseparable, always together. Satoru remembered it perfectly. He will never get out of his memory when you came to school together, at first as friends, you and Suguru were already inseparable. He knew that you both came from the same village. It was hard not to notice how condescending, affectionate and absolutely in love with you Suguru was. At least Gojo noticed it right away, you didn't necessarily. His best friend finally dared to confess his feelings to you one day and so you became a couple. The world's most oversweetened, loved, adorable, romatic couple. The amount of this love made Satoru want to vomit. Geto mentioned more than once that he wanted to marry you right after you graduated.

Oh, how fate can be twisted.

After the incident of star plasma vessel, even you were unable to save him. He knew that you tried but failed, he is sure that you are still blaming yourself to this day. The amount of pain the raven-haired man caused both of you was indescribable.

Still, Satoru couldn't get the thought out of his head that he was somehow betraying his best friend by being with you like this. You were Suguru's girlfriend. What is he doing here with you under such circumstances?

Well, that's right - you were.

Suguru was long gone, he knew that. You hadn't been with him for a long time. He broke your heart. He knew, he wasn't coming back. And yet, out of sentiment and out of some strange sense of duty, that one conversation had brought out of him, where the raven-haired had asked him to take care of you, as if something had happened to him. Satoru seems to have taken it too much to heart: by taking care of you for years, befriending you, marrying you and falling in love.

You were his wife now.

You went on dates with others, when you hadn't yet convinced yourselves as much. Everything around you and him screamed that you had come to terms with the situation. Although it took a long time, you had succeeded. He loved him too, in a way. You, in a slightly different way, even though he rarely admits it.

How could he think you had no feelings for him? He didn't know himself. At some point, he had already stopped deceiving himself, when he glanced at the obvious evidence you had substituted for him.

Heck! You even ended up with him for your fifth anniversary. He never felt so good in his life. He is He was asbolutely in love with you, that moment and that feeling. He could be with you like that every day. He wanted to feel vulnerable again, weak and absolutely susceptible to your touch and every feeling you evoke in him.

But he couldn't. He would have fallen impetuously into your arms long ago, for all the years you spent together, for every thing you did for him and taught him. He was so grateful to you.

But...he couldn't. Every time there come situations at which his heart begins to sing, there is also an image of you and his friend together - happy, in love.

And he felt like the total garbage of a person, when he experienced similar feelings with you.

Not because of you, but because of his sense of duty and the awkwardness of the situation. If you continue, as you are now, he will find it hard to control himself. He will end up clingy again, like on your memorable anniversary, and won't be able to stop. Really funny thoughts, considering how close to each other you really are.

Satoru moved away from you, leaning against the tree again.

"Do you miss him sometimes?" You weren't able to hide your confusion when you saw how he completely changed his tone and mood in a second. He removed the crown from his head.

He had to be sure.

"Who?" you asked, not knowing what had suddenly sprung to his mind. He just sighed, looking to the side. "I don't know what you're talking about, Satoru, I'm not sitting in the inside your head." You really hoped this wasn't going to be some kind of argument, that would ruin the good vibe you were so desperate to maintain.

"Him. I'm talking about him, (Y/N)." finally the cogs in your head came together. You sign.

"Ugh, do we really need to talk about him? I don't want to spoil the good times with you." you said laying down entirely on the blanket with a disgruntled expression, you closed your eyes. "I haven't thought about him like this in years, I want to keep the streak."

A long moment of silence passed before you spoke up "..but I've been thinking a lot about you, Satoru." The corners of your mouth lifted. He needs to calm down, he's an adult now and he blushes as often as a teenager.

You lay in silence with your eyes closed, trying to chase all unnecessary thoughts out of your head, repeating to yourself that you should focus on the here and now. You're not going to change the past, there's no point living in it.

After a while you felt movement on the blanket, you opened your eyes slowly, only to see his face above you, he was leaning with one hand over you, the other stroking your cheek. His crystal blue eyes were watching you again. He ran his thumb over, hooking the corner of your lips, making you part them. Why did you even let him do such things? You had stopped asking yourself that question for some time. It seemed somehow unnecessary to you.

"I've been thinking a lot too…" his gaze focused on your parted lips and the uneven breathing that was beginning to build in you, he moved closer.

"...and what were you thinking about?" you said it so quietly that it might as well have been a whisper. You also put your hand on his cheek. Warm, you thought, and noticed too. You looked at his lips.

He pressed his thumb against your lip making you bite down slightly. His hand moved from your face, down your neck, to your collarbone, eventually ending up as a support for him, right next to your head. He was even closer.

"I think I want to keep racing with you." His nose rubbed against yours, playfully, he began smiling goofily again.

Then he rose and stood up, as if he hadn't just given you a heart attack, shaking the remnants of grass off himself while putting on his backpack.

"So, shall we go?" his tone was the same as ever, he had already started to walk towards the bike, as you continued to lie on the blanket, blushing feeling some sort of need that had built up somewhere down.

----

The day was enjoyable.

You rode a bike, took beautiful photographs, had a picnic in a large meadow full of flowers. Just the nice calming things.

Satoru was surprisingly calm until your return home. That was odd. He still radiated a smile, but it was different. Usually he was broad, sometimes arrogant and confident, at times teasing, but this one was smaller, calmer. More affectionate, as if he was smiling half-cheekedly.

His eyes did not leave your side. Which was not new to you, he has a habit of following you around like a stray cat, crying for your attention. Now, however, it was not like that. He just stared, still smiling, responding calmly. Well, maybe not always, because when you were playing Mahjong in the bedroom, he was a bit in over his head, at certain points.

"I can't understand how you win in this game." You scratched your head while glancing at the board. The white tiles were arranged in patterns.

"And I can't understand how you can cook so well. What you prepared today was delicious." he moved the tile on the board.

It was quite late in the evening. A warm summer rain was falling outside the window, irrigating the fields of crops and plants. The sound of soft bells was barely audible from where you were. The two of you were sitting in the bedroom, opposite each other, at an undersized table, drinking tea that you had brewed quite a while ago in a small, decorative teapot. It wasn't long before you had dinner; before heading home, you managed to visit a small farmers' market near the centre of town. You bought all the ingredients and made it into something from an old recipe you got from someone you knew back in middle school.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." you smiled slightly. The image of him devouring the dish you had prepared always touched your heart in some way. Especially since Satoru, never spared a comment describing the wonderfulness of the dish you had cooked.

"When we get home, please make it again, I think Megumi will be pleased too." his gaze stopped on the piece you had just selected.

"You just did a stupid thing." his voice was quite calm. You analyse a bit.

"I still don't know how to play this game." You paused for a moment from making a move to reach for the teapot and pour yourself some tea. His hands overtook you, lifting the teapot and pouring the hot liquid directly into your porcelain. You thanked him quietly, enjoying his kind gesture.

"Mahjong is a Chinese game, it's possible you might not have known it, it's not so often played in our country." He put down the teapot to the stand, returning his gaze to your face.

"I am not surprised by its presence in this house, even the porcelain we drink from comes from China. So is the owner." You glanced at his cup to see if you should pour it for him too, but the cup was almost full.

"How did you meet him?" he raised his hand to take a sip of cooling tea. You were surprised at how gracefully he does it, as if he has a habit of manners. We're talking about the same Satoru who sometimes played with his food, along with Tsumiki.

"I exorcised the curse that tormented his brother's house not far away. As a token of gratitude for saving his life, he said I could use his summer house. So I did. Although I really resisted it at first, I didn't want him to feel indebted to me. As it turned out, this is a man who feels indebted if he doesn't return the favour."

You pulled the night dressing gown tighter over your body. His blue irises fixed on the board.

"You always take care of others." he said it as if more to himself.

"It's my duty, besides, I like doing it." You lifted your cup up. He continued to stare at the white tiles on the board.

"How did you learn to play Mahjong?" you asked him, the cup clattering against the stand. He signed.

"When I was young, I played this game with one of my teachers." Satoru turned the plate in his hands, examining it from all sides.

"What was his name? What did he teach you?" the white-haired one said nothing for a long moment.

"I don't remember his name or where he came from. My teachers changed quite quickly, no one would stay to teach me for longer. My skills developed rapidly." A white plate rose up in front of his nose, began to rotate by his blue force, and he continued, "I remember him teaching me object control. In the beginning, he showed it to me on the tiles from Majhong, which is why I learned." The tile began to fall, and he caught it in flight. You began to wonder.

"Is there a teacher you particularly remember?" you wanted to find out a bit more about. It seemed pleasant to you, personal enough to get to know him at the same time, but distant enough to be safe.

"No."

"You haven't managed to build a relationship with anyone?" you asked softly, trying to catch his gaze, which was still fixed on the piece in his hand.

"No. My needs changed quite quickly, as did the people around me." he replied dryly, his uncovered eyes expressing more emotion than tone of voice.

You knew that Satoru had been pampered from a young age, spoilt, honoured, he had been so special that everyone had done everything possible to ensure he was looked after in the best possible way.

You were at the headquarters of his clan, you experienced the assessing gaze that measured your worth equally with your strength level. Satoru had the most of it.

You knew he had had a difficult childhood, it wasn't hard to guess. What you sometimes managed to forget through his playful and confident nature, was how lonely he was from the start. You weren't surprised at how much he was affected by his best friend leaving. And now, despite this knowledge, you shouldn't be surprised that he doesn't bond with most of the people he's met. Since he had always been put on a pedestal, it was hard for him to look for commonalities in people or look at their worth, regardless of strength. You experienced this yourself from his side. After spending years with him, you are able to conclude that he has changed that a bit in himself. This does not change the fact that it came with great effort on his part. He is a diffrent man, but still alone with his strenght.

"It must have been lonely." voice betrayed your thoughts, as did the compassion that slipped from your gaze.

Satoru rose from his seat. Instinctively, you reached out to grab him. Afraid that you somehow hurt him. You said something wrong, didn't you? You didn't manage to grab his hand, you were already about to start apologising to him, but he circled the table and found himself sitting on the floor, close to you, hugging you and pressing your head against his chest.

"Satoru? What are you doing?" you lifted your gaze to find his eyes staring at you.

"You said that when you are sad, sometimes instead of saying something I should hug you." his voice was so sincere, open in a way. You smiled slightly, surprised that he didn't understand.

"That wasn't…" he pressed you tighter against him, suppressing your urge to correct what you meant. You embraced him too, putting your arms around his waist and laying your head on his shoulder. You chuckled.

It finally clicked in your head why he did what he did. You couldn't hold back a smile.

You laughed in your soul, at how often you wonder if his touch is typically friendly, caused by years spent together, or if there is something more behind it. Knowing that his touch sometimes put you in a palette of different emotions.

Constantly reminding yourself that by definition you are friends, nothing more, was becoming increasingly difficult for you. Maybe because it was becoming more and more of a lie. At least on your part, you no longer knew how to look at him as a person with whom you only shared a bed and goals. You no longer knew, how to look at him other than as your partner. Hiding it often worked out terribly for you, so you stopped. You didn't want to hold yourself back anymore.

That was your situation. You knew Satoru wasn't the best at expressing his feelings. Often in difficult situations, he falls silent, doesn't know what to do, freezes in place. So you just give him time until he comes to you on his own sometimes. And when he comes, you hold him all the time, promising not to let go.

You are happy that he came to you with this kind gesture.

Even if you think his intentions are different from yours.

"If you want a hug, just do it, anytime, 'Toru." you started stroking his hair, the way he likes it best. You felt his body relax under your touch. White curls escaped through your fingers, soft and pleasant to the touch.

"I'm not surprised you're losing, your positioning is wrong. It's no fun, when you don't even know how to play." he said in his normal voice, then with an efficient movement he planted you between his legs, facing the board. He reached with his long arm for the tea cup on the other side and placed it next to yours.

He pulled you closer to the table, put his head on your shoulder and began to teach you, showing you, explaining everything. He made his movements in game using his power and you listened bravely and attentively to what he was saying. Although it was quite difficult when sometimes he nuzzled into your neck more, tickling you and distracting you with his warm breath.

That day, despite the obstacles, you learned to play Mahjong.

© noira-l 2024 | all rights reserved. do not copy, translate, modify, or redistirbute my work without permission.

[wol-fica]

-ℙ𝕦𝕝𝕔𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕦𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕤-

part 1 - part 2 - part 3

——————————

pairings - jennaortega x fem!reader

summary - sweet moment with your favorite girl

warnings - none

an - missed writing for my Rechazame series, so i wanted to bring back our ever favorite personal assistant R

——————————

You groaned, throwing an arm over your face to shield your eyes from the bright sun. 

It was an early morning, birds chirping and dogs barking as the world began to wake up. Thankfully it was Saturday, which meant you didn’t have work and could sleep in as long as you want. 

You rolled onto your side, blinding reaching around in front of you to find the warmth of your girlfriend, only to be met with the dip of a mattress and cold sheets. 

You peeled your eyes open, squinting to see around the sun-filled room. Everything looked normal, bookshelf filled with a multitude of literature, closet open and presenting the pale arrangement of clothes you and your girlfriend owned, and the bathroom door wide open, the sound of someone humming a small tune sneaking out. 

Your body moved, arms pushing you up and out of bed. Once your feet hit the floor, you closed your eyes and took a big stretch, sighing when your back popped pleasently. After you cracked your neck, you moved towards the bathroom in just your boxers and a sports bra, and you were greeted with the smell of vanilla and coconut bodywash wafting through the open door. 

On the edge of the bathtub your girlfriend sat, facing away from you as she shaved her legs. The room was warm and a tad bit humid, clear signs of Jenna taking her routine shower that she does almost every morning. The light from the sun was creating a golden hue on her skin, her features seeming to glow from your perspective.

She wore a white t-shirt, black shorts, and her signature black headphones, nodding her head along to whatever song that was playing in her ears. You stood for a moment, taking in the fact that you could admire here without her knowing. 

After a few more seconds of silent ogling, you moved towards the sink, grabbing your toothbrush and toothpaste to start your day. You scrubbed away the grime and bad breath, rinsing your mouth with a cup of sink water before gurgling it and spitting it out into the basin. 

You glanced towards Jenna, noticing that she still hasn’t turned around or noticed you yet, so with a small smirk of deviancy on your face, you reached and took her jaw in your fingers. She jumped at your touch, brown eyes looking up just in time to catch you leaning in to press your lips to her cheek. 

You kissed her warm skin, inhaling her bodywash with a pleasant sigh. She smelled sweet, and just like how she always smells like. A small giggle escapes her mouth at the feeling of your breath on her skin, causing you to smile. You pulled away, gently caressing her shoulder with your hand as a silent ‘hello’ before you left the bathroom and headed for your closet. 

Not sure of what to wear, you decided on some grey sweats and a plain white tank top. You easily threw each garment on, and was now reaching up to grab some slippers from the top shelf. Unnoticed by you, Jenna walked in and slid under your outstretched arms, wrapping her arms around your waist to gain your attention.

You looked down, catching her looking at you fondly before she stood up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to yours. You responded immediately, hands dropping down to cup her face. Your thumbs rubbed on her soft skin, pulling her closer and letting yourself melt into her hold. She tasted delicious, her cherry chapstick soothing your own dry lips from just waking up. 

“G’mornin’.” You mumbled, giving her lips and forehead a peck before reaching up for the slippers, “Did you sleep well?”

“Mhm, I did.” She replied, letting go of your waist so she could take her slippers from you, “Did you?”

“Yeah, I think I fell asleep on top of you.” You said, sliding the comfy shoes on your feet.

“You did, we never finished that movie because of it.” Jenna giggled, sliding to stand in between your open knees, “It’s fine though, I got to cuddle you.”

You snorted, leaning back up to meet her eyes. She was already staring at you, her hands coming up to cup your cheeks. You leaned into her palm with a sigh, letting your eyes close at the feeling of her soft touch. She cooed at you, choosing to thread her fingers into your hair to detangle its morning mess. 

Her nails scratched at your scalp, massaging and relaxing you quite quickly. She expertly removed all the knots from your hair, knowing the tricks on detangling your fluffy locks. Once she finished, you wrapped your arms around her waist, pulling her in to you.

Your face buried in her stomach, practically purring at the warmth she provided. She cradled your head, leaning down to kiss your ruffled hair. You sighed in contentment, happy that she was here and holding you.

“Do you want breakfast?” You asked, leaning your head back to look at her, “I can make you something.”

She mumbled a ‘yes please’ but didn’t let go of you, instead pulling herself into your lap so she could rest her head on your shoulder.

“Baby, you gotta let me go so I can go cook.” You chuckled, holding her thighs.

“No.” She said, burrowing herself further into your shirt.

You smiled, patting her butt lightly before standing up with her in your arms. She wrapped her legs around your waist, tightening her hold on your neck before you took a step. Your hands slid under her thighs, giving her some extra support to hang onto you while you walked to the kitchen.

“Okay beautiful.” You said, setting her down on the counter, “What do you want to eat?”

“Pancakes.” Jenna stated, swinging her feet while she stared at you lovingly.

“Pancakes.” You repeated, leaning in to give her a quick kiss before getting to work on making the requested dish.

You moved swiftly, pulling all the ingredients together and creating the batter in less than ten minutes. Soon, the pancakes were cooked and crisped to perfection, looking quite fluffy on the plate when you handed to Jenna.

“For the girl that looks so gorgeous on this fine evening.” You said cheekily, sliding the plate towards her and leaning in to nuzzle her cheek with your nose.

She laughed, taking the plate whilst blushing heavily. Carefully, she stabbed it with her fork and ate a piece, sighing in satisfaction at the sweet taste on her tongue.

“It’s delicious baby.” She praised, taking another bite, “So yummy.”

You internally high-fived yourself for being such a damn good cook for your girlfriend. She always loved what you created in the kitchen, and you loved having the label of the masc bisexual housewife; it just felt right to you.

“Here, eat.” Jenna said, holding up her fork to you.

You complied, opening your mouth so she could feed you. The pancake was perfect, fluffy and sweet with just the right amount of chocolate chips.

You really outdid yourself.

“Mmmm.” You nodded, happy with the salivating taste, “That’s good.”

“It’s cause my beautiful girl made it.” Jenna cooed, reaching out to pinch your cheeks.

You flushed red, shaking your head at her comment. She just laughed at you, hiding her smile with her hand while she did. You grinned, pressing a kiss to her cheek before leaving little pecks all over her face. It felt perfect, just you and her giggling as the sun rose on your love.

Just how Jenna wanted it to be.

———————

taglist: @cartierdreamx@tundra1029@red1culous@vorsdany@andsoigotabutterfly@theafterofnevermore@yomomisgay@house-of-lovin@slvt4lanadelrey@thenextdawn@nepobaby08@dunohilly@somekindofpoet@alexkolax@cinffy23@pedrosprincess@amberfreemansburntface@myfturn

[thepaleys]

Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna on meeting the Hohenfelsens

(safe to say she was not impressed 🤣)

Paris, 16 June 1908

The young Swedish couple" has arrived in our hotel. Little Marie is a very sedate and calm little person, but she poured her heart out to Baby: she feels it terribly meeting here her step-mother and suffers greatly under it. As to poor little Dmitry, he is in perfect despair. He hates the whole thing and loathed the idea of seeing his new Geschwister [siblings]. He comes to me to talk about it.

Of course Uncle Paul and wife manquent de tact [are tactless] in every way: for instance, last Tuesday he arranged a big luncheon with quantities of his French acquaintances and asked us too. It was the first time poor Dmitry went to his house here and Uncle Paul presented him to all the guests as "mon fils aine" [my eldest son]. The boy simply se tordait de désespoir [curled up in despair], we observed it all and in the middle of this unknown company appeared these second children and all the affected French people went into loud ectasies about them [at this time, Vladimir was 11, Irina 4 and Natalie 2], whilst poor Dmitry was pale with concentrated rage and moral suffering.

Marie told Baby that she never would have come here, had she known, how it would be. And people are wonderfully taktlos. They all praise her to the skies when they talk to me, cette charmante Comtesse Hohenfelsen, "elle est adorable, cette femme". Vous trouvez [that charming Countess Hohenfelsen. She's adorable, don't you think?]. I answer, oh! Bien pour moi, c'est très pénible [for me it's all very painful] and I tell them a few truths. Then they at once turn the conversation, as French people hate when they are found at fault et ne désirent pas du tout en savoir d'avantage. [and don't want to be wrong in any way].

As to Uncle Paul, I cannot support at all him here; his whole attitude and tone I find detestable, I don't show it, à quoi bon and I am simply polite with his wife, like with any lady in society I don't care for. I simply writhe when I see in his house portraits of my mother, what a desecration! And he pointed them out to me! I thought one moment I would like to insult him before all his idiotic French guests.

"Dear Mama" - Diana Mandache

This is what I love about digging into original sources. When we read Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna's memoires, the idea we get is that she always had a pleasent relationship with her stepmother, but here (at least according to Maria Alexandrovna, who clearly still held a deep resentment towards her brother and his second wife) it seems things were not so smooth.

It's also interesting (and sad) to notice how she doesn't really consider Grand Duke Paul's children from his second marriage worthy of any note and is even annoyed that the French fawn over them and that Grand Duke Paul introduces Dmitri as his "eldest son", which seems to imply she doesn't consider Vladimir to be his son at all.

It kind of shows what the rest of the family thought about Grand Duke Paul's second family: so irrelevant that it was as if they didn't exist.

[sourkannas]

Loosely inspired by villainess manhwas I've read.

Sukuna x reader kinda (not a lot in here if any at all), reader refered to as 'Madam', existence and use of concubines, can be considered isekai but not for reader, pregnancy, reader is a little mean

Being Sukuna's wife barely gave you any perks, he didn't love you more, he didn't care more, you were just a means to an end. He still had concubines, still ate people and barely went to you out of his own volition.

These acts didn't mind you, with the bar being in hell for him, this was a plus. You didn't have to do chores, which was really the only plus of this marriage besides your own servants, serving you mostly and Sukuna if he asked for them.

The concubines and your relationship is fine, now at least, you've come to realize that most of them were women who had no other choice, this was a better arrangment than living on the streets. The women were convinced you were going to throw them out and were pleasently surprised when weeks passed and you didn't.

It wasn't uncommon for Sukuna to lay with the concubines, the fact didn't bother you. If anything, it pleased you. Any heir would be demanded by your family and your worst enemy wouldn't deserve this.

But this time was different, the words that Uraume had told you rang in your mind like an incessent buzzing.

"A—a concubine is with child?" You asked again, Uraume had a pinch of annoyance in their face at your repeated question. "From, lord Sukuna?" You ask, Uraume nodded.

"Who else would it be?" Uraume answered your question with on of their own, but you didn't mind the sass. "Yes, it's Lord Sukuna's, fornicating with other men is a death penalty." They say, for the nth time, studying your laxed position. "Any problems?" They're eyes narrow, like a silent promise.

You scoff in amusement, waving your hand. "Of course not, I'm just surprised." You giggle, eating your breakfast happily. "Send my regards to the mother." You chime, cu55⁵tting up your food.

Uraume raised a brow. "The to be mother wants to see you, now." They say blandly, like this is just another order. You sigh and finish your food, wiping your mouth.

"Why? I don't have a gift if that's what she wants." You mumbled, wracking your head for any gift ideas.

Uraume rolled their eyes. "She just wants to see you." They say and before you bother them with more questions, they leave and come back with the woman, black hair, blue eyes, a simple robe covering her body. Uraume leaves soon after, leaving just you and the woman.

You guesture to the seat opposite of you. "Don't stay standing, sit sit." You hum, the woman quickly sits opposite of you, she seemed, squirmish, like a rat, or a bug. "Congratulations, I hear your with child Mrs....?" You give her a look.

The woman perks up. "Oh uhm, Kira, my name is Kira." She said quickly, still stiff before her face hardens. "I—I need a favor." She said, gripping her lap.

Your eyes widen slightly, asking for a favor on the first meeting, though you can't say you hated the bold.

"Oh my," You hum, stirring your tea. "That's a little ill-mannered, can't you ask how I am first?" You joke, chuckling softly, but Kira doesn't seem very amused, frowning instead.

"I'm sorry madam, but I..." She takes a pause, looking away before turning to you with a determined look. "I need to become Lord Sukuna's wife!" She yelled, standing up, shocking the maids standing near the wall and even yourself.

You blink once, then twice, then a third time but your lackluster reaction didn't stop Kira.

"I'm sure you love him—" You don't, you love the privledges you got by being his wife. "—but I'm having Lord Sukuna's heir! I should be his wife!" She said eagerly, slamming her hands on the table, looking you dead in your eyes. Your mouth open and closes like a fish out of water.

"I know your jealous—" You'd like to think your above jealousy. "—And maybe you want him!" You can't remember the last time you wanted a man in any capacity besides amusement or plain bullying. "But, Lord Sukuna is mine!" She yelled, there's a small thud outside, a servant no doubt falling over at the noises coming from your room. Not to mention your maids weren't very welcoming.

"Is—is she serious?"

"Maybe madam is pranking us...?"

"Oh, she has been into those light novels lately, maybe it's that?"

Your face tightens, to think your growing like of light novels is being used against you. You snap back into reality as Kira began to poke you.

"Watch the finger," You say, sighing as you rubbed your forehead. "You...you do know Lord Sukuna can take on multiple wives, yes?" Kira nods, her hair bouncing in waves. "Then, then why do I have to leave?" You ask, tilting your head in annoyance.

Kira, for all her faults (which your thinking might be endless) looked as determined as can be, staring straight at you.

"It isn't common for the woman having the heir to be the second wife!" She said sternly, while you could name 8 people that had wives that went up to the twelfth be the ones to give them children, you stay quiet.

"Even if that is, what makes you think I'll leave?" You ask, sipping your tea again, Kira looks shocked and her hands shook.

"Shouldn't..." Her voice trailed off as she began to shake in anger. "Shouldn't you want to help me?! I'm giving your husband a child!" She yelled, panting from using her lungs so much.

Your lips form a thin line. "Even if I wanted to divorce Lord Sukuna, I can't." You say plainly, standing up and brushing off your robes of any dust. "If he wanted me gone, he'll just kill me." You say, like this was common knowledge, (it was, but you didn't think Kira was all that knowledgeable) but Kira only grit her teeth.

"Then, I'll have to be the second wife?" She asked breathlessly, to which you nod, for some reason, looking at her gave you a odd feeling in your throat. "But, but..." She collaspes to her knees, all the mood swings were making it hard to take everything in, so you didn't.

"Don't worry Kira," You coo, a hand under her chin to force her to look at you. A grin spreads across her face and Kira hates the sight. "I know how to share~" You chime, eyes half lidded in amusement before you stand up. "You've said your piece, now leave." You hum, walking back towards the bed.

Kira doesn't know when she was standing up and standing in front of the door, two of your maids flanking her. She never felt so unwelcome, the othet concubines were guarded yes, but she never felt so alone.

"Oh, Kira?" You call out and she stiffens, her heart beat thumping loudly, she can only imagine what type of horrid grin you have. "I probably said it already," You say, voice soft and relaxed, your steps drawing nearer until your chin was resting on her shoulder. "Congrats on the pregnacy." You chirped and Kira all but ran out of the room.

You tilt your head and gasp. "Oh my! She must've been tired." You say, shaking your head as you turn to your maids. "I think I should take a bath." The maids break from their confused shock and nodded.

"Yes madam!" They say in unison, helping you into the bathroom.

Sitting in the warm tub of water, you frown, thinking about the interacting between you and Kira. You had been sent, like Sukuna, every letter from families or women themselves asking to be Sukuna. Most times, Sukuna would let you take the reigns, something about you having good judgement. But you never got a letter from Kira or about a Kira. Maybe, maybe you overlooked something?

[tabulaatlas]

Hsr Voicelines about...

Voicelines from the characters from Honkai: Star Rail about the player/reader. Written as platonic.

Part 3.2: <Belobog>

Bronya

About You: Another kind-hearted guest from a distant planet. They said they had never seen a tragedy like the one that happened here in Belobog, but their eyes told a different story. Maybe they just wanted to comfort me… or themselves.

Chat-Regard: They are so kind, but I worry that they don't show themself the kindness they deserve. As the supreme guardian and host of this planet, it's my job to make sure they enjoy their visit! Don't you worry, I'll see to it that they have a pleasent time!

Added to Team: Let me repay the kindness you have bestowed on my home.

Parting: On behalf of the people of Belobog, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your willingness to stay and assist us. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

Pela

About You: The museum is their favourite place, I think. At least that's where I usually run into them.

Chat-Regard: They love to draw and create! We drew each other once and it was so much fun to see our different styles. I hope we can do this again in the future to see how much we have improved.

Added to Team: You have my assistance!

Parting: It's freezing outside Belobog, here, take this scarf with you

Seele

About You: They have seen hardship, that's for sure.

Chat-Regard: They help around the underground. Being an outsider, I wonder why they help so much. But then again, they came on the Astral Express, so I shouldn't be too surprised.

Added to Team: Hey, let me help. Don't burden yourself with everything.

Parting: Be careful if you are out here alone, you never know what might be lying in front of you.

Clara

About You: When the borders between the Overworld and the Underground were opened again, we met. She's not from here, but she knows things about my planet that I didn't even know about.

Chat-Regard: I tried to show them how to fix one of the robots here in the settlement, but… somehow they managed to break its arm. They were crying and couldn't stop apologising to the robot.

Added to Team: Is everything all right? We can ask Mr Svarog for help if we need it.

Parting: Thanks for all your help today, I hope it wasn't too much trouble.

Hook

About You: They destroyed the evil witch's hut! Eh I um I mean, Miss Natasha's clinic. Destroying things isn't nice, but it was the witches…

Chat-Regard: They didn't accept my invitation to the Moles! They quickly came to realise the glory of us Moles and accepted the titel of 'Honorary Mole'.

Added to Team: Let's defeat those bad guys!

Parting: You are off duty for today, brave soldier! Oh, don't forget to bring the cake, you promised!

Natasha

About You: The first time we met they came in with a dislocated arm. When I mentioned that I could numb the pain with an injection and showed them a syringe… well, they weren't awake much longer after that.

Chat-Regard: The clinic is usually with at least one patient at a time, so I appreciate any help I can get, as long as it's real help. The second time they fainted, I sent them outside to play with the children. I could tell they were happier with this arrangement.

Added to Team: Help me look after the others during the battle.

Parting: Your help is greatly appreciated. I hope we can work together again in the future.

[kyokyo866]

Will you ever publish the story in Hetacaptivity? It was super intriguing and I loved the game so much!

I'm surprised that anyone's actually into it! Pleasantly! I'm more than happy to talk about it!

It's funny, this is actually a pic for a plot point in it

Originally the game was called 532, or 5.32, but thats not very catchy so we went with HetaCaptivity, and by we, i mostly mean me. I'm sure one day I'll make a video about it but for now I hope you can enjoy this text post

So as you know in the story, Germany is trapped in this pleasent facility and drugged to keep sleeping. The calender keeps marking down to something but its a mystery to what, and depending on the stuff he does, his fingers start to go missing. Thats as far as we get to establish in the demo.

From there we try to still explore more, it turns out that zombie thing was one hell of a hallucinations by a blow dart of drugs to keep you from escaping, and your finger was surgically removed, as a warning. I mean your a nation, it'll grow back. You need to be even more sneaky to find the mysterys of this place, finding more notes.

After a while, you start to find Italy around the facility, but the moment you leave and come back or turn your back hes gone, making it seem like he's just a mass hallucination as well (hence the picture) or that hes another subject trapped here.

Also you begin to find out, this isnt your first time here, you've been here several times. Each note you find with hints left behind has been a previous time that you've spent in this place, written strangely because he barely had any fingers to hold a pen with in. The thing you find out youre counting down to is 'harvesting day', which... you guessed it! harvests your innards, and then when you recover enough from it you have your memory wiped and turned loose back on the world until next year

You want and need to stop this cycle, and through again, the puzzles and drug trips, you find the main office and whose there but Italy, because... dundundun this was all his idea

this is where it gets a little shaky with character motivations but follow me here. Italys inital goal was about cooking with the flesh and innards, because it provides a taste that very little else can replicate that his gourmet senses can notice. Back in the way way day, he'd use human death sentance prisoners to get his fix but Germany found out and intervened, saying thats super wrong to use humans like that. Italy seemed at his wits end about his addiction issue, and Germany offered himself since he can grow back. Italy kept to the promise, but he wasnt able to act on the promise until a decade later, by then Germany had forgotten about it and he just thought Italy kicked the habit. hahhaha he didnt. Italy assumes Germany knows about the arrangement so he doesnt bother to bring it up, until... you know, this point where Germany confronts him about it. Italy and Germany have a 'yearly camping trip' where they go off the grid for a few weeks and everyone knows it, thats when this takes place.

There's three endings depending on your path of rebellion or going along with it. Ending one, nothing changes and you go through the cycle with a wiped memory again. Ending two, Germany is set free, but now Japan is the one going on the 'yearly camping trip'. Ending three, the hardest of the endings, is to finally convince Italy how fucking insane this is and he has a problem, and get him to a rehabilitation facility, the game ends with them going on an actual camping trip when Italys released.

So with these theming you may have realized why the original title was 532, or 5.32... it was meant as a reverse situation of episode 23.5. Dig and I thought of a horror game, cuz I wanted to make one, and someone who was not usually in a antagonist limelight was Italy. With those two it was REALLY hard to think of a plot, then I was like "... well germany ate him once, how do we get italy to eat germany" and this was born!

Well, thats about all of it. If you have any questions or comments please hit me up! It was fun to talk about this wacky thing again!

[pyro-doll]

hello there! I saw your request are open and i’m really interested in it soo,, I like to request kaeya x gn!reader short fic + taking care of readers when they’re injured or sick (as in like fever or such). Thank you very much, have a pleasent day/night ahead!

Omg i am a sucker for one person taking care of the other while they're sick it's just so soft. And I love kaeya sm. Ty for requesting, I hope you enjoy. 💕

Ahaha btw when I saw ur name in my inbox I went AH bc you are, so swag, and I literally love ur writing sm HELLO?!!!!🎀💫 All of the love to u my friend. sorry it took so long but hopefully I did you well.

Kaeya x Sick!Reader

Summary: Pretty much what the request said! Reader is sick and kaeya comes to comfort them and help them get some much needed sleep.

Content/Warnings: Fluff, kisses, sick reader

Reader Pronouns: Not mentioned / Gender Neutral

A/N: Everytime I write kaeya I'm reminded just how much I am in love with him. This took way too long j,, the past week I've had 0 time to write I'm so sorry

(More content below cut! 🎀💫)

Sleep evaded you, as you drew the covers back over yourself knowing you would get too hot soon enough and throw them off once again. You were lucky not to have been more injured traversing in dangerous territory like Dragonspine, and it was good fortune you could handle yourself well. Despite the luck you had to navigate the frosty slopes escaping from a couple cryo Abyss mages without serious fault, at the moment all you were feeling was dejected and painfully tired.

Having gotten struck by one of the mages you had been left with an injury to your right leg, and cryo induced fever which was doing absolutely nothing to help your mood. Either way, you would have been bed ridden but with the way you went from feeling too cold to too hot in minutes you couldn't even sleep. So you lay, restless and shivering as your eyes pulled closed hoping for a sleep that still did not come.

Soon the focus on your predicament was broken by a quiet knock on your bedroom door you rolled over peering at the door which was slightly Ajar and spotted your boyfriend who was leaning against the door frame. Upon making eye contact with you through the small space he pushed the door open taking in the huddle of blankets on the bed that was his significant other.

"You're not asleep?" He said with a chuckle as he gracefully stepped into the room. He squinted when you ignored him and followed your eyes to his hands. Kaeya was holding a cup of tea, he had just finished making it as was evident from the steam still rising off the surface. He raised it at you questioningly and you pushed your arms out from the blanket reaching out, signaling you wanted the cup in his hands.

"What's the magic word Y/n?" He teased holding the tea out of your reach. He had made it for you, but of course couldn't resist the chance to tease you. Besides, perhaps some joking would make you smile. He always seemed to crack more jokes when you were under the weather.

"Not now Kaeya-" you said with a groan. Usually you had the energy for his antics and would banter back but you were simply too tired. He raised an eyebrow at you and you grumbled something before giving him a very dry: "Please."

He smiled in approval and set the glass down beside you, arranging the pillows in a comfortable position behind you as you sat up to reach the glass. You gingerly grabbed it, making sure it wasn't too warm and to your delight it was the perfect temperature. Bringing the cup to your face you took sniff at the drink and caught a faint whiff of your favorite tea. Whatever sickness plagued had unfortunately stunted your smell for the time being but it was recognizable nonetheless.

You took a sip, the tea soothing your aching throat. Kaeya sat down on the edge of the bed and turned towards you asking once again; "It's rather late, why aren't you asleep yet. Waiting for me perhaps?" He flashes a signature charming smile at the last bit and you giggled.

"In your dreams." You said with humor. "I just couldn't get comfortable and... Well yeah I guess I was waiting for you a bit." You took another sip of tea and Kaeya's smile softened.

The man brushed the back of his palm against your forehead, frowning a bit at the apparent warmth. Taking your free hand he gently rubbed your palm with his thumb. His hands were cooler than yours and the slight relief from the heat was welcome as you gently squeezed his hand.

"Thanks for the tea." You sighed setting the cup down on the table again. You leaned back against the pillows only feeling a bit better. You hated being sick, you felt so useless and stiff all the time. Kaeya was well aware of this as he lifted up the covers and crawled into bed next to you. He was careful taking notes of how you lay as to not accidentally touch your injury.

He hummed and brushed off your thanks. "It was nothing. Just remember I'm here if your need anything else." He leant over kissing the top of your nose making you scrunch your face. This made him laugh and you poked his side reproachfully.

"No kisses Kae, you might get sick." You said weakly, voice still hoarse despite the tea.

"Okay okay, no kisses then." He leaned back away from you, keeping his eyes trained on you as your expression fell slightly at the sentiment. To be honest, you had expected him to fight back more against that.

"Well, maybe a few kisses..?"

Kaeya would usually have burst out laughing but could only manage a small chuckle seeing how tired and worn out you look. "All you had to do was ask n/n." He said kissing your cheek this time, relishing in the way you leaned into him, face lifting.

You pressed into him head resting on his chest and he brought his arms around you, rubbing your aching shoulders and back. His expression was soft, a look saved only for you as he adjusted himself in the bed so you would be more comfortable.

"Now angel, don't go falling asleep on me." He joked and he felt you give a quiet laugh against him.

"Was that not your goal?" You nuzzled into him and he laughed giving you another kiss, to the top of your head this time. His arms felt so comfortable against you, the slight weight relieving some of the tension in your fatigued muscles. You could feel the difference in how he held you when you were sick. It was softer, less playful as he pulled you close yet still not to tight.

"Guilty as charged." He said and you laughed more genuinely this time, meeting his eyes to catch the soft smile on his lips. Something in his gaze felt off as he brought one of his hands to gently press your head against him, keeping his fingers in his hair. "Just, be more careful next time."

The playful tone in his voice was gonna as he whispered the words to you. Ah, so that was it. You thought. He must have been worried, after all you weren't able to send a message to him when you got back in your condition, receiving news to come see you in the cathedral had made Kaeya jump to a number of conclusions. He had lost everything before and he didn't want it to happen again.

"Yeah.." you murmered as sleep starting catching up to you. "I'll be more careful from now on."

Kaeya nodded nestling his chin on your shoulder as he moved you into a better sleeping position. Sure you hated being sick, but it never hurt to let your boyfriend dote on you.

NOTES

I really was about to talk about Diluc here. On a KAEYA post? Ridiculous. My diluc brainrot is so strong.

Anyways I would kill for a hug from kaeya I just, think it would be so comforting and say 1000 words he could never say normally,, hhbnnga

[the-fiction-witch]

You Could Marry me?

MOVIE BRIGHT STAR

COUPLE: SAMUEL X READER

RATING: FLIRTY

Writers notes: Yes! you read that right! I am making even more work for myself! like I haven’t got enough to do! lets add another lesser known TBS character to the list! why not! 

I stood as I often did in the corner of the large regal house by the window watching the sunset across the gardens. I avoided people as if they carried the second plague the women in there fine dresses, men in there perfect suits chatting and dancing sipping at there wine and nibbling at the fresh strawberries. The music was pleasent enough to listen to, but still I avoided everyone's eyes even if there's didn't avoid me. People looked at me often and glared whispering amung themselves about me.

They all knew I was getting old to be unmarried, that I should soon be having one of these deput parties even if I ditested the idea. But I knew the gossip my dislike would stir.

I heard a voice which made me roll my eyes and my soul hurt if it had been socially acceptable I would have thrown my empty crystal glass into the face that homed that voice maybe the glass would shatter into his skin and murder him

"Good evening my lady" 

"Good evening" I answered already trying to escape this conversation

"May I fetch you another drink?"

"No thank you"

"Very well" he says "now if I may say so my lady, I believe you have been avoiding me?"

"Silence is golden Samuel" I told him turning to see him stood as he usually did in his fair finery not as much as the other men here but to be fair to him he had barely half the wealth they did, his hair fixed neatly a wicked smile across his lips 

"Indeed it is, seldom seen in this day" he laughs offering his hand I sighed and offered my hand over to which he smirked and pressed a gentle kiss to my hand "but you have been avoiding me"

"I did not want to fuel talk" I lied 

"I understand my lady, unmarried girl in conversation with a married man. Stirs the pot thick with gossip" he smirked 

"Precisely, should you not be working?" 

"I am,"

"You need a new wife samuel. You don't want them to talk"

"Samuel pleasure to see you again" the young lady Lillian smiled as she came getting samuel it was her ball and she was egar to be married off he took her hand and have it a kiss shorter and more reserved then the kiss he gave me 

"Yes pleasure to be seeing you again my lady" he smiled

"Awfully terrible thing to happen," she says holding his hand sweetly "your poor elizabeth" she says 

"Yes, I mourn for her daily and light a candle beside my bed for her nightly"

"Such a terrible sudden tradgedy, and only moments after your wedding" she cooed stroking his hand she was doing as I had often seen girls do to samuel playfully comforting him after what happened to elizabeth 

"I know, meer moments after our wedding barely three steps from the church, my dearest elizabeth was taken from me, but I know she is still with me and I'm sure she would be thrilled to see me happy again"

"Of course," she cooed before she had to hurry off to greet someone else and I smirked to myself

"You despised her"

"My preference towards her is irrelevant. I had to marry her"

"And you did"

"And I did…" he smirked "church walls can be very flimsy you know" 

"Or they can be pushed, much like beautiful girls in wedding dresses easily pushed into the right place"

"What exactly are you insinuating my lady?" He smirked 

"Nothing." I smiled 

"Pray tell then. When shall you debue? Or to you have a nice little arrangement to finalize"

"Never. Not if I can help it" 

"Darling. If I can't get out of getting married again you certainly can't get out of getting a ball"

"I will try my very hardest"

"I know a way we could both avoid what we don't what?"

"And what prey tell is that?"

"You could marry me?" He smirked "I'd be happy with you as my pretty little wifey" he smirked grabbing my butt thought my dress

“Dream on Samuel.” I said pushing his hand away and marching off

[sanstropfremir]

definitionofcasualstan submitted:

Hey, I just saw your review on ep. 3 and goddamn, I am so happy I finally get to read a review from someone who sounds like they actually know what they are talking about. Idk if you watched road to kingdom, but the overall feel I got, was the groups trying to outscream each other with loud performances and every time someone tried something different, they were literally booed off. For eg. Golden child or even the boyz when they did that colab. And kingdom is boarding the same train. Take sf9 in ep. 3. It’s not that I understand performing that well, but them not getting a single vote was really a bit too much. I found their performance easier to follow. They had a clear story, there weren’t too many distractions and the song arrangement was actually pleasent on the ears, not just epic. I think they should have been at least fourth. Does mnet think loud and flashy performances are the only kind people like? I just can’t understand.

Not gonna lie, i was scared for ep 3 too, because in the preview jongho sounded so off key it made me cringe. I don’t how that happened, since the actual performance was great.

Anyway, my rant is over. If you read all the way here, thank you 😅 btw, I watched the s*ju performance and I really liked it. It was simple and well executed.

—

i know you submitted this but i’m just gonna respond to this like an ask lol. don’t worry this isnt even remotely close to the longest rant ive received, thank you for sharing! i did watch rtk but just the stages and not while it was airing, so i have no idea what any of the drama was. i thought there was a fairly good variety of stage themes i’d have to go back and watch them all through again to actually pick out the details and who did what because my memory is a sieve. i do remember that all of those collab stages were really strong so i’m not surprised that the oneus tbz stage ranked last even though it was probably one of my favourite stages. 

i also think that to some extent we’re all kind of projecting a bit: there’s only been one full stage so far and there’s already been a fair amount of variety in theme, but not so much variety in aesthetic. also, i just finished watching the full episode and people are really skimming over what i think is the more bombshell ranking: the fucking experts panel! where in the FUCK do they think they can get off putting btob LAST?!? the experts ranking was:

1. ateez 2. skz 3. tbz 4. sf9 5. ikon 6. btob

which i actually think is like, partially close: ateez did deserve first and i think sf9’s stage was worth a 3rd or 4th like i said in my review; it’s a really good stage, just ateez and btob were slighly more polished. but btob last?!?! i’m going to have an aneurysm none of these people are experts i dont care what mnet says. because these performance style stages are stll somewhat of a novelty within the kpop scene it makes sense that the spectacle sells so that’s what mnet is trying to optimize. it sucks, because it really narrows people’s perceptions of what a spectacular (as in spectacle, not as in cool) stage can be. like i said in the replies of hanya’s post here, the ateez stage looks that good not because it was over budget (it definitely wasn’t), it was because they hired a designer that knew what they were doing and likely either had theatre training or is a theatre designer. i’ve been saying this the whole time, but these kpop stages are trying to reinvent the wheel when korea has literally a MASSIVE musical industry they could be tapping for ideas and production staff. also, you can do beautiful and spectacular stages for ballad songs, it happens super frequently in musical theatre. a good example is on s'aimera quand même from cléopatre la dernière reine d'egypte, because even though i dont respect france in the slightest their spectacle musical industry in the 2010s was ANOTHER LEVEL. a love ballad where the dude just flings his partner around the stage attached to a fly harness? incredible. but ballads do actually require the performers to be able to sing and have good stage presence, which is lacking in some of these kingdom groups. also thank you for trusting me burn the floor is excellent and i wish kpop would do more experimental stuff like it, but that might require idols to look unattractive or not show their face so i guess we can’t have that…

[heartwoodventures]

Primary Access Required: Run, Rabbit, Run

Aislinn made her way into the room, giving a wordless nod of greeting to those already gathered. She zeroed in on a chair and sat slowly and stiffly down onto it, letting go a breath as she did so.

Alexi took a glance around as he came down the stairs. "Oh! So there are others around. I was beginning to wonder."

Aislinn lifted her gaze to the Hrothgar as he appeared at the edge of the room. "Aye. Here and there. As I understand it, there's to be a meeting shortly." she said, her subdued voice barely carrying across the way.

Alexi quirks a brow and leans against the door frame, arms folding. "A meeting? What about?"

Haila glanced back to nod in greeting towards Alexi. "A discussion of a not so recent expedition that one of our members organized. But I'll wait for the news to be given more officially in a few moments."

From where he sat on the couch, Mivo'to flickered his eyes, his red companion finally coming to rest atop his waist after a handful of stern glances. "Business as ever. 'Twould seem Heartwood is not to be offered reprise by the Twelve."

Aislinn nodded, glad to let someone else do the talking.

"As much as I wished to call this business the usual... 'Tis not anymore. Not after the near endless time I had with our little mechanical guests to figure out more. But once more, time to wait just a tiny bit for those coming." Haila explained, sighing as she reached for a small canteen on her side to open and take a few sips. Of what, only she knew.

Alexi Grenasch: "Either way, I've been looking for M'shara. She left the Bozjan front before me by quite a while and I had hoped to find her upon my return this morning. She wasn't at her home, so I decided to just wait here for her."

Mivo'to offered a single blink before the Hrothgar's ponderance, his still expression drifting to the slumbering rodent atop his legs. Nary a twitch pulled at his lips, thoughts drifting elsewhere as he offered an idle scratch to the Panda.

Aislinn's gaze skated away from Alexi, also avoiding his words. She just didn't have it in her to say more.

Rising Lotus was mostly watching the fish swim about as she sat  on the counter before the tank, she wasn't quite sure what the latest had been with the whole situation as of late.

Once more, Haila's ears twitched, this time at the sudden sound of the front door bursting open. She stood quickly and rushed to the lobby to check. Upon seeing Altani out of breath on the floor, she went to her side, gently tapping the Viera on the shoulder as if to let her know that they were there.

Alexi sat up straight, his ears perking up at the sound from the other room! With a grunt, he stood and followed...

Mivo'to followed the attention of his Panda as its eyes snapped to the thunder of the door, swiftly exiting from its brief slumber as it scampered forth. "Twelve's name..." He murmured softly, chasing after the inquisitive beast - Only to grind to a halt upon the scene.

Altani rolled onto her back curling her fist into a ball smacking herself on her chest another loud cough coming out of her, she stayed silent for a moment before sitting up glancing to the crowd facing her, she never did much like crowds and now it only made her feel even worse as she tried to speak up "W-We...Shite...W-We went l-look for Vanriri..." Whatever she was trying to say it clearly wasn't easy as she choked up looking down at her thighs.

N'yami ears flicked as her ruby gaze turned towards the Viera who came bursting through the door, pushing herself off the pillar the Seeker turned to see what was going on. Why was Altani out of breath? The hell's happened? The confusion was clear on Yami's face, maybe she needed to come around the house more to keep up with everything.

Aislinn pulled herself to her feet, her expression blank as she followed in the others' wake.

Rising Lotus followed suit, wanting to see the commotion her self, and it felt kind weird to just be sitting there alone.

Mivo'to Laaski twisted his figure around, eyes falling upon the recently vacated study. With a raised finger, the Keeper would gesture forth, ears flapping through the air. "Pray, might we make arrangement for the Miss? She is clearly in a state of shock." He spoke, attention trailing to and fro between the trio and their newly arrived Viera. "I shall fetch water - Poor Miss is probably running on naught but willpower."

Haila Wetyios 's expression turned rather grim, so the news she'd suspected and found data on were probably about to be confirmed. She looked up towards Mivo'to and nodded. "Aye, bring some water quick. And you, take a breath first... We'll need you to tell us what happened with a clear head."

Aislinn stared at Mivo'to a moment, as if it was taking her time to process his words. Then, with an inhalation of breath, she pushed herself forward towards the Viera. "Can you stand? Do you want to come sit down?" she asked with perfunctory calm, eyes moving critically over the woman, looking for any glaring injuries.

Alexi just stood back, letting clearer heads and more careful hands tend to the woman. He just watched. He'd been waiting all morning for M'shara after he'd returned and been told she'd gone out to help someone. Now, he was getting a bad feeling from this new arrival...

Altani shook her head after a few moments, listening to reason for once she tried to simply breath, but as Aislinn spoke to her she gave a light shrug "I-Im fine...j-just-" She coughed again her throat was probably akin to a desert at the moment, but at a glance she seemed to be fine more or less, her boots were caked in mud and her clothes were drenched as she reached up pulling her goggles down around her neck, a clear ring of dust and grime surrounding her eyes "N-Not good news ive got..."

"Aye... Such seems to be the only thing that comes through these doors these days. Here, can you stand?" Haila offered a hand to the woman, then nodded towards the library." I think everyone present needs to hear what you've been through." she added, still looking intently at the Viera.

Rising Lotus inched in a bit closer to hear the woman speak, keeping enough distance where she wouldn't be in the way. She had only spoke with Haila breifly about the whole big thing they were dealing with early in the week, so she was curious what the latest was.

Aislinn's lips twitch downward at that. The only sign of any sort of expression at all. Haila was right, and though Aislinn had no idea what news Altani brought she could only wonder how many hits Heartwood would be required to take. Awkwardly, she pulled herself back to her feet, trying to be mindful of her injuries that were still on the mend. "Aye. She's right." Looking over her shoulder, she saw that Mivo'to had reappeared and made way for him.

Mivo'to reemerged after sometime, a swooshing wooden tankard clasped tightly between his palms. "Apologies, apologies, nary a clean mug in this-" He rambled, taking a plunging step forth to present the tankard of water before the Viera. "Easy does it, my Lady, easy does..."

Altani glanced away from the gaze but she took the hand shakily standing slowly pushing most of her weight onto Halia slowly wandering wherever Haila took her, but at the sight of the tankard she didnt wait a moment before grabbing it from Mivo'to chugging it down in seconds not even thinking as she dropped it the the floor "O-M-My bad..."

The uncanny speed at which the tankard had been down at least brought Haila a brief smirk. Altani didn't seem injured, that was enough for her. "Don't worry about it. Come along.." she said, leading the Viera back into the library area for her to take a seat.

Aislinn trailed after them and returned to her seat, watching Altani with a note of trepidation. She knew she had best steel herself for whatever was coming next. Mivo'to positioned themself far from the scene, arms folding upon his chest as an askewed gaze met the two Viera.

Alexi was the last to follow, taking his previous spot against the door frame. His tail tip still flicked harshly back and forth, telling of his anxiousness.

Altani let out a quiet sigh, knowing everyone's eyes were on her as she leaned back, she new it was pointless to beat around the bust so she simply let it out "...Vanriri, M-M'shara a-and...G'lewra were all...taken by the u-uh..the spider shites....allagan things...a-ate em or something...?" She didnt really know how it worked or what the hells she'd seen "T-Think they arent dead though like...ate em weirdly...pulled em into its guts with lie...m-metal tendrils or something..."

Haila nodded slowly as Altani spoke, even opting to cross her arms as she leaned absentmindedly against the couch, piecing together Altani's tale in her mind. "It took them then." she merely commented, waiting for the rest to process what had been just said before sharing what she knew.

Mivo'to lifted a brow, lips parting as an ever concerned breath passed between his fangs. 'Ate', was it? He had little knowledge on their machinations, but such a description can hardly mean anything pleasent. "Miss Haila? Any trace of what she may be describing?" He questioned, turning to their resident expert.

Aislinn tensed as she stared at Altani. So that's where G'lewra had gone. Rushing headlong after Vanriri. She shot a glance to Haila, recalling the dissection they had previously performed. "Wonder if that's what the thing's blasted cavity is for. Hauling people."

"I wouldn't put it past it's design. Who knows, maybe one of Dellont's projects for the future was to design a creature that could carry the injured back into safety like that.." Haila then shook her head some, clearly the woman had disdain for all these machinations. "How twisted can something get from it's original intention? But then again, it wouldn't have any Allagan in it if didn't do that..."

N'yami's tail tip flicked and her eyes narrowed into slits, the corner of her mouth twitched as if wanting to curl into a snarl but she controlled herself. She wasn't mad at the Viera but mad that the allagan bastards had taken those precious to her.

"They're eatin' folks now? Wern't they jus'..." Rising Lotus twirled her hand around as she tried to remember "Drainin' em before?" she shifted a bit at the thought of being eaten by one of those things, shuddering a bit.

"They were probably secured after being stunned." Haila explained as she heard her name being called, then glanced over to Altani. "Did they all fall in combat? Or was something shot akin to a lightning shard that made them fall and unable to move? Or did you see anything like I described?"

"Mayhaps it is a method of entrapment, Lady Lotus. A means to save them for a later date?" Mivo'to offered.

"I 'spose they are spiders...sorta...an' real ones do that too, web 'em up an' all." Rising Lotus replied.

"I can only fathom why - Least they are in need of a sudden surge of aether." Mivo'to paused, a chill creeping upon his neck as a shudder passed over his shoulders, head shaking to and fro as he turned centerward. "I would rather not ponder the possibilities of such a cause..."

Alexi tensed as soon as he heard M'shara's name. His lips peeled back slightly and every exhale of breath carried the low rumble of a growl. His gaze flicked between Altani and Haila. "Took them? Took them where?"

Altani nodded softly at Halia "They seemed to be uh...sleepin I guess, was to busy running and all to look...but uh...they were headed for Coerthas...n-now that im im thinkin about it..." She shook her head for a moment "W-well...honestly think its was a trap...soon as we found Vanriri they were on us..." She cursed herself, in hindsight it seemed so obvious to her that it was some sort of trap she'd done similar in the past now she was falling for the same trick.

Haila nodded once more, then looked down at the ground for a few moments. Where to even start? First, she looked up at Alexi, the one who probably needed the most answers now. "So the team that G'lewra assembled a bit recklessly didn't go too well... As far as we know, those creatures prey on any that have a gift for magic. So no doubt they had a field day.." she told him before looking back over to the group. "I won't bash G'lewra for going off like this, she must have had a plan to be tracked---at least... But are we all in agreement that no groups will be formed to go after them unless we have a clear countermeasure to their stun shots and the hordes in which they come?"

Mivo'to pursed a bottom lip, fangs pressing softly into its purplish flesh. It was clear the Miqo'te was in thought, off-colored eyes raging with one another as Haila's words echoed upon his pointed ears. Sit back? How could they? Every hour, every minute might very well stand as the last, a fate let pass. "I doubt we can sit idly by. I have no intention of rushing headlong, but surely there are measures that can be taken now - Learn our enemy's weakness, locate where our friends are kept."

"It does seem out of character for her, to be so reckless." Aislinn allowed. She didn't really need time to consider Haila's words, to her mind it was just logical. She nodded in agreement with the Viera. "I think that only makes sense." she turned her attention to Mivo'to. "Most of us recall rushing headlong into a fight not too long ago with no idea what we were dealing with. We'll work fast, but we need a plan." she told him.

Rising Lotus nodded, as much as she was generally all for jumping head first into danger, a whole swarm of was a bit out of her comfort zone, and Haila knew what she was talking afterall. "Before they only went after folks that used uh, healin' magic right? Or mostly seemed, so does that mean they've gotten a bigger...appetite?

Alexi calmed somewhat as Haila gave him her brief explanation, his fangs retracted though that growl in his tone of voice persisted. He gave a slight nod to Haila. "Agreed. We wouldn't want to walk into another trap..." he said, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "Though I WILL be assisting in the rescue effort. And anything else I can do to help prepare, I will."

N'yami kept her mouth shut as she listened but not only was her mother taken but so were her friends, her tail flicked behind her as plans started form in her head and what she could possibly do to save those that were taken. She would need to go track down her husband after this.

"We won't stand idly no, but at least it would be better to have countermeasures. At least a suit that is impervious to their stuns or a disruptor of the signal they all exchange." Haila commented, looking over to the Miqo'te. "If no one was drained of their aether there and then like the bodies reported around Coerthas, we can assume everyone that was taken is needed alive at the very least."

Altani stayed silent for a few moments as she recalled what all had happened, she then recalled something G'lewra had said "They did somethin odd, they just ignored me, as if I was a rock in the middle of a river they just went around me, even if I was fightin think its the only reason im here right now...but Lewra said it was my lack of mis-er Aether...?" She didn't seem so sure of herself as she finished speaking "Maybe...could send some of us...non spell casters lovers in to scout around...?"

Mivo'to offered a silent glance upon the room, an idle hand draping free of his chest, and upon his hilt, squeezing upon its worn, sturdy pommel. "Would it be unfounded to say your previous specimen has provided all it may, Lady Haila? Such a scouting party could also look to procuring another - Preferably intact."

"If that's the case, that they just flat out ignore those with lower registers of aether, then that might be best." Aislinn sighed. "As it is, I only have one aether dampener prototype ready to go."

"It's...given me quite a lot of data yes. We currently have three in our posession, two that I've almost finished fixing, and one intact. But they're all rather small." Haila informed them. At Aislinn's new information though, she glanced between her and Mivo'to. "While I would be opposed to you trying to find one by yourself given that you can be a target for them as well Mivo.. If you had a way of cloaking some of your aether, that would change things. A medium sized one would come in handy right now. Even if to establish a stronger connection to their base."

"How do you capture such things, aside from jus' smashin' 'em. Is there some way to jus' turn them off?" Rising Lotus asked.

Mivo'to trailed his gaze between the studious Haila and Aislinn, a faint hum occupying his throat. One, two, three blinks before he parted his lips, a rush of air passing between them. "Have you any means of baiting such contraptions out?" He questioned, furthering a nod to Rising's own inquiry.

N'yami raised her hand. "Can use me as bait." She said speaking up for the first time since the meeting started. "I have a lot of aether but it's not exactly aether they'd want to get their hands on."

Aislinn considered that a moment. "I would think a large discharge of aether in the area of Coerthas we know them to be should do it." she mused. "If the party is made up of those of a less magical bent, crystals might work." she stopped and looked over at N'yami. "Ahh...even better."

"As far as I'm concerned... Only aether draws them out, and they seem to be expanding territory too. Unles..." Haila trailed off, ears perking at a reckless idea that didn't seem too bad anymore. "Unless you use the smallest spider in our posession to send a signal to bring in a bigger one. You'd need to be aware of where their territory ends, but it could work. As for disabling them, while I don't have full access to this scientist's signals, the core is allagan, faking a signal from their original creators could work."

Haila glanced over to the volunteer for baiting. Her gaze softened a bit with a glint of worry. "You must be G'lewra's daughter right?... If only our reasons to meet were brighter than this..."

"An' if that don't work at least we could jus' break it's legs off, probably not too much important in those right?" Rising Lotus nodded confidently at her idea, cocking her head a bit as she thought it through a bit more. "..Though they could probably still call for it's friends if the main part is still squirmin'. Only if the first part don't work then."

Altani got a rather dumb idea but she spoke up anyway "Could get a uh, cage split it in half stick on of you in one side and the spider thing in then other? Dunno how strong the cage would have to be though." Alt shrugged lightly glancing around the room "Dunno about the things calling for its friends though...suppose just have to be faster then them? Or could bring a carriage?"

Alexi was doing his best to follow along, just listening to what the others were proposing. "Hm... if you already have specimins, broken or not, why do you need another? How will it get us into their lair to free the others?"

"'Twoud be a swift operation, nary a Ilm for failure. It would serve well if both our 'bait' and our poacher be familiar with Coerthea's terran - Or, at the very least, capable of quickly traversing the snow." Mivo'to openly pondered, flickering his attention to Altani. "Aye, holding a party in reserve would be in good order - Provide a swift getaway, and ensure the path is clear." The Keeper agreed.

"Probably wonderin' how in the hells someone so gentle and well spoken ended up with me as a kid." N'yami sighed softly to more or less collect her thoughts. "But yea, I'm her daughter, but from what you and the Old man has said these things detect aether and they go for ones with large amounts of it. If I can get a decent sized one to come after me I should be able to lock it down."

Haila nodded towards N'yami, "Aye, that would be of great help." she said to her before turning over to Alexi. "Because I need a bigger one to test their abilities... And because I may be able to snatch more data from their creator from here already." she explained, clearly reluctant as she stepped forward and opened up her strange tome as she set it down in the middle of the room. Holograms and formulas coming to life as very blurry images started to project among a constant flickering. The images in question being brief sights of doors and tubes, yet their contents were too blurred to see, one would say it wasn't even enough to call it proof of their friend's whereabouts. "I managed to get this from the smaller ones, but I can't clear the images or any recordings yet... There's also unfinished words encrypted, but I need more data to decipher them."

Alexi stepped closer as the display lit up, resting his hands on the back of the sofa and leaning forward to try and see better. He breathed a sigh as it all seemed to sink in. "Apologies, this is all quite new to me... So, we don't even know where they've been taken, other than somewhere in Coerthus?"

As Aislinn watched the flickering images a furrow formed between her brows. She couldn't be sure of what it was she was looking at. "Are these...visual recordings from the bioweapons? ...spiders. Old footage of their return point?"

Rising Lotus watched all the information float around, eyes darting around from image to image but not really understanding much of it.

"I'd say recordings, or images exchanged with the other ones. But we might be able to see where they go if we snatch a more intact and bigger one. Their signal reaches so far that even from here I can catch small bits of it. But yes, all we know so far is that it's somewhere in Coerthas, and a tad deep into that land at that." Haila said.

Alexi takes another deep breath and lets it out slowly to try and calm himself. As much as he wished it wasn't so, this plan was their only chance. "Sorry to interupt. My worry seems to be getting the better of me. Please, continue."

Altani squinted at the floating images, not really being able to make much sense of any of it she simply listened along whatever it was from the sounds of it it was promising, trying to not let herself fall asleep as her exhaustion caught up with her

Mivo'to trailed his eyes through the rough visuals, lips parting in a silent murmur, seemingly in a deep reflection with himself as he made note of what he may - Which, admittedly, was hardly much.

Aislinn nodded. "Alright, so if I'm understanding this, we need another one of those bioweap...spiders in order to collect more data and pinpoint where our members were taken. Then, the plan is to send in a team made up of non-spell casters on a rescue mission?" she asked for clarification. Just to be sure she was following all of this. Admittedly, she hadn't been her best lately.

"You've all the right to feel like that. I just wish I had more answers for now. But the images I got are very little right now." Haila said, nodding once as she waved her hand at the images, some of the clearer ones coming into view. There was a clear vision of a snake in one, and another one showed wings, and then a random scalekin that you could find anywhere in the land. "Tis the plan I can offer, at least for now. Lest I choose a more reckless option."

Aislinn made a low, uneasy noise in the back of her throat. "Well, let's try not so reckless first."

"I doubt we are short of volunteers for our first undertaking...Tis only a matter of who we choose to send." Mivo'to said.

Rising Lotus looked to Aisllinn "An' like you said, we only got one uh...anti...magic...thing, that we can use. Shouldn't be too hard to choose the non-magic folks, it's jus' that one we need to be considerin' a bit more."

"It wouldn't hurt to have a backup group watching over those that go and try to bait too..." Haila added

"Of course, I volunteer. Aside from ammunition imbuement, I've little in the way of aetheric skills or magick." Alexi spoke up.

Aislinn looked over at Rising. "Aye. Just the one. And like anything having to do with aether, it comes with a price. Can't get something for nothing. In this case, it'll dampen a person's signature but in return casting anything is that much harder. Like wearing weights." she paused. "But if it's needed, we have it."

"So you or N'yami could do it then..." Haila said, trailing off.

"Makes sense...Jus' like usin' armor I guess." Rising turned her attention back to Haila. "I can help out too, I'm used to travelin' over there, an' I ain't ever really done much magic ever."

Mivo'to curled his digits across the hilt of his blade, a rhythmic 'slip' sounding as he idly removed and insert the blade from its sheath. "Should you be in need of a soul to physically render the target null, I would like to volunteer. Familiar enough with those snow-touched wastes to make a swift departure."

Haila glanced between the two new volunteers. "That would be good then.. I'll have a device ready to try and disable the spider, at least on a small scale. I doubt it is possible to down the whole horde unless it's a direct command from their creator." she sighed. "I wished I could be of help there, but all I can do is give the tools. Lest we give that mad man more reasons to toy with Heartwood." "Probably goes without sayin, but well I can help, figure I can just scout around or whatever's needed, done a few jobs in the area so I’m a little familiar." Altani said.

"You also were the last person that saw how far they've reached into the Shroud if I'm not wrong. Drawing a small map of the route G'lewra's group did could help, as well as noting down where any report of dead bodies has taken place." Haila noted as she nodded once more. "I won't accompany you, so I believe you all who wish to go should decide on the roles each one will play. All that I ask is that no one is reckless and to withdraw immediately if more than one spider shows up."

"We've a plan, and we have our players." Mivo'to said, a previously lost spark returning to their tone as they lifted their arms, a closed fist punching into an open palm. "Let's get our girls."

Haila couldn't help but smirk a bit. "Aye, time to get everyone back safe and sound."

Alexi grunted and gave a nod to Mivo'to, then looked around to the others. "Agreed. Our friends must come home."

Rising Lotus grinned at Mivo's enthusiasm. "Aye, we'll get them back in no time, an' squash any of them things that stand in our way!"

"But I do get the ok if a large group of those spider things come that I get to at least blow up a few, yea? Don't worry I'll make sure the large one stays safe." N'yami asked.

"As long as you don't let them overwhelm you. Or get anywhere close enough to shoot a stun bullet at you, I won't complain. A whole horde coming at you isn't pretty, and I wouldn't doubt that the man behind this would still go for someone with aether related to one of his captives."

"Might be smart to have someone high up watching over everything, so if a horde of em shows we know before theyre all over us." Altani said.

Aislinn gave a single nod of her head. She turned to pass N'yami a look over her shoulder. "Before you go, the prototype is on your mother's desk." her gaze faltered a moment. "Just... cuff it to your wrist. The stone will take care of the rest."

N'yami offered a small nod. "I'll be sure to grab it, if any of ya need me I'll be in my shop off in the Goblet."

"When do we leave? Tonight? First thing come morning?" Alexi asked, eager to get moving.

"I'd say first thing in the morning. Give Altani some time to rest at least." Haila said, nodding towards the half dozing Viera. "The quicker the better, but as always, don't rush in, that goes for everyone involved."

"Agreed." Aislinn added firmly.

"Plenty an hour for rest - With such an undertaking, I would do well we all approach as alert as we may be. Our present optimism can turn head in a mere moment." Mivo'to nodded.

Alexi gave a nod and a grunt. "Then I'll be staying here to be as prepared as I can be for the morning."

Haila nodded "There's a few guestrooms open, and more than enough supplies to stock up on before leaving."

"If no one has much to share, I'd say we're set for now. I may need to find an extra hand on Allagan work though if anyone has any good contacts to put to use..."

"I can take ya to the Old Man one of these suns, he's been workin' on one of those spiders as well and he's been researchin' allagan for gods knows how long." N'yami offered.

Haila Wetyios blinked in surprise. "Please do... Two or three heads are better than one, especially when this is getting more and more personal with each loss."

If Altani had much to say she wasnt going to be saying much as she slumped over on the couch a low snore could be heard as she dozed off.

"Pray, if I may trouble you for your notes later this evening, Lady Haila. I would much prefer to know the workings of a contraption I will be so 'intimately' close to." Mivo'to asked.

Haila nodded, "I'll be sure to pass them onto you as soon as I can."

Alexi huffed out a breath. "If that's it then, I'm going to retire for the evening. I'll be in one of the guest rooms if anyone wants to go over strategy."

Mivo'to nodded, adjusting his coat. "May Twelve grant you their blessing - Heavens know we will be needing it."

N'yami pushed herself off the wall and gave a small stretch. "I'm gonna head back to the Goblet, if any of ya need weapons to pierce through the metal those things are made of give me a call and I'll work on somethin' for ya."

Rising Lotus looked to be mulling something over during the tail end of their meeting, but seemed to shake off whatever she was thinking of. "Tomorrow then, spider catchin'. Spose I ought to make suer everything is in workin' order."

Alexi quirked a brow at N'yami. "Are their hides any tougher than Garlean steel? Because I have no problem with that."

N'yami grinned. "In my shop there is, ya wanna come to the shop? I got extra beds so ya can crash there if ya like and we can work on somethin' for ya."

As the others worked out the details of their plan of attack, Aislinn rose from her seat. They appeared to have it from here and she still wasn't 100%. She needed to find some rest. "Just...try to all come back in one piece. Aside from the obvious reasons, of not wanting to lose another person, the clinic is short-staffed." she said as she made her way out. "Be safe."

Mivo'to lifted the Panda of his shoulder by its scruff, setting it beside his boots. "Pray, should any update arise, reach for my shell - I shant be but a hour's travel away." He spoke, drifting from the study.

N'yami offered a small wave. "Take care and get some rest."

Alexi nodded to N'yami, the first hint of a smile cracking the corners of his mouth. "Sounds like a much better option. Lead the way."

Rising Lotus started her way off. "See ya'll tomorrow then, I'll should be up in time otherwise jus' come get me."

[cantteachanoldguardnewquotes]

Together

Please enjoy some fluff I wrote while stressing about stuff.

Comments always appreciated

Summery: It has been a hundred years and it's the first night Booker is back with his family.

Warnings: nightmares, mention of death, mention of torture, both brief, some violence but it gets better.

A/N: Andy is immortal again in this.

Features: So much fluff, cuddle piles, flirting, acceptance, comfort, forgiveness, family love, happy ending.

Word count: 2555

It was the first night of having Booker back from exile. He was trying to figure out where he stood after so long and the rest of them were doing there best to make him feel welcome. After all, he had served his sentence without complaint even after Quynh had left him to stay with Andy. He had really cleaned up his act and was still working on being better.

Nicky and Nile were making hachis parmentier, french onion soup, and cherry clafoutis for dessert all on honor of Booker's return home.

"Nicky, if you were a fruit you'd be a fineapple." Joe teased popping another cherry in his mouth.

Nicky grinned, narrowing his eyes thinking of the perfect response. "And if you, Joe, were a vegetable you'd be a cutecumber."

Joe barked out a laugh, closing the distance between the two of them and wrapped his arm around Nicky's waist. "Is that right?" He cocked an eyebrow. "You think I'm..." He paused biting his lip seductively. "Cute?"

Nicky's eyes sparkled with delight at his husband's reaction. "It's crossed my mind on occasion." Nicky wiped a smear of floor on Joe's nose.

"Ok, that's enough flirting. Save it for after the meals done please." Nile interjected when she realized they would do this all night if she didn't put her foot down. "Nicky has work to do and you aren't helping one bit." She pulled Joe's arm off Nicky and started pushing him toward the dining room.

Joe gapsed in mock surprise and let her push him out of the room, out of the corner of his eye he saw her trying not to laugh she was in just as high of spirits as the rest of them.

Booker, Andy and Quynh sat around the table playing some blackjack before dinner.

The kitchen and dining room were connected so they all could see and hear everything that was going on.

"I see nothing's changed?" Booker smirked keeping his eyes on his cards. He was trying not to show it too much, but oh he'd missed his family. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

Andy chuckled. "Never."

"Joe, you can join us." Quynh patted the seat next to her.

He accepted and sat down finding himself kitty corner with Booker.

Booker in the short time he'd been back was still walking on eggshells around Joe and Nicky. He knew they had forgiven him but he was being cautious all the same. He wouldn't blame them if they had any hard feelings.

Joe had mixed emotions about Booker being back. His betrayal still stung but he was happy with how far Booker had come. The truth was he had missed him, sometimes more than he cared to admit, so he was doing his best to let bygones be bygones, it would just take a little getting used to having him back.

They played a few more rounds before Nile came out of the kitchen carrying food. "Dinner is served!"

Quynh jumped up and ran to the kitchen to help carry everything over.

Joe went and got drinks and cups, while Andy cleaned up the game.

It took no time and they were all sitting around the table with the food steaming in front of them.

Nicky smiled at everyone's anticipation, taking in his family's warm energy. "Dig in."

"Oh babe, you've outdone yourself." Joe said closing his eyes and savoring the hachis parmentier.

"Hey now, Nile helped too." Nicky said.

"Nile, this is outstanding." Joe grinned ear to ear at her.

"Thanks, it was fun. This was my first time making it and Nicky helped a lot."

"Well I would have never guessed you hadn't made it a hundred times before." Quynh chimed in.

"How does our French guest of honor feel they did?" Andy asked Booker.

Booker had been touched, even moved, when Nile told him they had picked out some of his favorite dishes for dinner tonight. He had offered to help but Nile and Nicky would hear none of it. 'Perhaps tomorrow' Nicky had teased.

"It is..." He shook his head a little, almost as if he was in disbelief. "The best I've ever had."

Nile beamed, and Nicky happily took another bite. They were both glad their efforts had turned out so well.

They talked and they laughed, told stories about their time spent apart, teased and joked. It was wonderful getting back to a new normal.

"Here I'll get the dishes." Booker volunteered after dessert.

"Someone's on their best behavior." Andy teased.

Booker wasn't sure how to respond, he really was still trying his best to make amends.

"Hey." Andy saw his hesitation and grabbed his arm so he would look at her. "I'm glad your back Book."

Almost as a reflex his eyes darted to Joe and Nicky, but there wasn't anything unpleasant in their expressions. "I'm glad to be back." He said refocusing on Andy.

"I'll put the food away if you've got dishes." She patted his arm before getting to work.

Quynh helped as well with cleanup while the other three went into the living room to pick out a movie.

"No horror, not tonight." Joe said.

Nile grabbed the remote before they could. "But I love horror movies." Nile grinned an evil grin. She knew Joe could only take so much before he was out, even with Nicky holding him. "What are you feeling Nicky?"

Nicky shrugged. "Maybe something funny?"

Nile nodded her head. "Hmm, a comedy does sound pleasent." She agreed.

Joe squeezed Nicky's hand so Nile wouldn't see, grateful for the light-hearted suggestion.

Quynh came into the room and saw Nile scrolling through the comedy section. "Nice." She liked watching almost anything so long as there weren't people drowning. Nile could always talk her into watching horror movies unlike the rest of them who were more hit or miss.

Quynh looked at the seating arrangements, and thought for a moment. "This won't do, Nicky will you be a dear and come help me?"

Nicky didn't even ask, just followed her out of the room.

They came back a few minutes later with an armful of comforters and pillows. She began making a pile on the floor against the couch so they could lean on something and Nicky dropped his armful of blankets and pillows where she directed.

"There are too many of us to sit comfortabley on the couch, we'll have to improvise." She stood back to admire her handiwork.

Joe chose a spot and pulled Nicky down beside him so he could lay his head on Nicky's shoulder.

Nile curled herself almost into a ball and rested her head on a pillow on Nicky's lap. "What about one of these three?" She asked.

The rest of them read the descriptions.

"The one with the cruise ship." Nicky suggested.

"I second that." Joe said.

"Sounds good to me." Quynh added. "We're gonna start the movie!" She yelled to the slowpokes in the kitchen.

Andy came around the corner followed closely by Booker.

He paused, trying to decide where to sit among all the blankets.

"Don't be shy." Andy said guiding him over to where Quynh was sitting pressed up against Nile.

Quynh pulled him down so he was sitting right next to her and Andy sat down on her lap and rested against Booker's shoulder.

"Ready?" Nile asked before pushing play.

She got a chorus of confirmations from everyone and started the movie.

Nicky had been right a comedy was just what everyone needed on a happy day like today. They all enjoyed it and relaxed.

Quynh joked she was going to buy Andy some of the ugly outfits the characters were wearing.

At one point Nile had to sit up because she and Nicky were laughing so hard at one of the jokes.

Booker and Joe had a debate on how long someone could live on a cruise ship without getting caught by staff.

Andy fell asleep with a fourth of the movie to go.

When it was over they laughed and carried on about some of the jokes and how unrealistic the ending had been.

When the concern died down they all bid each other goodnight going to their rooms.

Nile, relaxed as she was and as tried as she was, still couldn't fall asleep. She finally gave up after two hours and went to the kitchen to get some water.

Andy was already in the kitchen which at this point never surprised Nile.

"Can't sleep?" Andy asked.

Nile shook her head.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Why is it even, on happy days, does it feel like nothing can chase away the dark?" Nile asked taking a drink of her water.

Andy studied her for a moment. "The last job still bothering you?"

Nile swallowed hard and looked down at the floor. "I know it probably shouldn't, but yeah."

Andy gently lifted Nile's chin. "I wasn't asking you to justify anything Nile. I'm asking if you're ok." She said kindly.

Nile sighed. "I guess the answer is no."

Andy pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry."

The last job had gone all wrong. The person they were trying to rescue was killed before they had made it in, they had to fight there way out through tear gas and ak-47s, Joe had died horribly, Nicky had his face bashed in guarding Joe while he was out, Quynh lost an arm, and that didn't even cover how many bullets they'd all eaten.

No one who had attacked them survived.

It was a terrible job and the noise and confusion still troubled Nile.

It might still haunt some of the others as well but if it did she felt they were better at hiding it.

"Will I ever be able to see that stuff and sleep after?" It has been a hundred years already, her hopes weren't high.

"With a heart as big as yours I doubt it. Believe me, we all struggle with nightmares, your not alone in this. Will it lessen as time goes on? Maybe, probably, but it will never truly go away. That's just the curse we are forced to live with." She kissed the top of Nile's head. "That's probably not the answer you were hoping for."

"You never give me the answers I want to hear." Nile said teasing her.

"But like I said you don't have to face this by yourself. Come sleep with Quynh and I. It helps when you're not alone." Andy took her hand and led her to the room they were sharing.

Quynh was asleep and didn't wake up when Andy laid down next to her. Nile laid down next to Andy and they were both out in no time.

Around three in the morning Nicky woke up to the sound of a shout. His hand flew to his gun and he pressed into Joe feeling him at his back to make sure he was safe.

He'd recognize that cry anywhere and jumped up running straight to Booker's room.

He kept a sharp lookout for any intruders in the house and swung Booker's door open while keeping as much of his body hidden behind the door frame as he could.

The lights were still off and he didn't see any signs of something being wrong. With great care he peered around the door and stepped further into the room.

A lamp snapped on and he pointed his gun at an apologetic Booker, who had his hands in the air.

"Ah, Nicky, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to alarm you let alone wake you up, sorry about that, you can go back to bed, I'm alright." Booker was talking fast, trying to get all his words out at once.

Nicky did one more sweep with his eyes around the room before putting his gun down.

By now Joe had made his way down the hall and peered into the room. "All clear?" He asked gun in his hand.

"We're fine." Nicky assured him. "What happened?" Nicky asked turning his attention back to Booker.

"Nothing but a nightmare." He said waving them off, he attempted a small smile but it looked more like a grimace.

Nicky wouldn't budge, there was still the faintest hint of terror in Booker's eyes. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "Tell me, if you can." He laid his hand on Booker's arm.

Booker squeezed his eyes shut, and shook his head. He couldn't tell them how he'd tried to do a job and got kidnapped then tortured for nearly two year. How every night for two years he had wished for death more so than usual and knew that neither death nor help was coming. But it still haunted him, tormented his dreams, sometimes he could even feel imaginary pain from the things they did to him. He couldn't tell them, he wouldn't, that was the same fate he had signed them up for and he couldn't bare to live with it if they told him it was karma. He knew it was.

"It's nothing." He whispered, not looking at either of them.

"You don't have to face it alone anymore." Andy said, she had joined Joe by the door and had watched most of the interaction. "You're home Book." She walked over to him and took his hand. "Do these dreams happen often now?"

Booker hesitated he still didn't feel like this should be any of their problem. He wanted to be able to carry this on his own, no matter how heavy the load.

Joe narrowed his eyes, not without kindness, studying Booker. "Be honest."

Booker looked at him, and saw all the concern and sincerity he thought he might never see again. "Nearly every night." He admitted.

None of them were a stranger to night terrors it came with the job, but dealing with them on your own, they haven't had to do that in a long time, they knew how difficult it was.

"Come, join us." Andy gently tugged on his hand. "Nile is already sleeping with us it won't make any difference to add more."

"I-" He started to protest, he couldn't put them out on his first night back, they'd already gone above and beyond for him.

"She's the boss." Joe grinned.

"Don't argue." Nicky added, he was smiling as well.

Booker didn't say anything just stood up to follow her.

Nicky grabbed his pillows and blankets so there would be enough.

Nile and Quynh were both awake when they walked in, Andy had asked them to stay so that Booker wouldn't feel too overwhelmed.

"I'm sorry for waking everyone." Booker said sheepishly.

"Don't give it another thought." Quynh insisted and the rest of them agreed.

Nicky laid his stuff down by Nile but didn't turn to go back to bed just yet.

Nile noticed his thoughtful expression. "You can stay too." She offered squeezing his hand.

Nicky looked over at Joe.

Joe smiled and walked over to kiss Nicky's temple. "Room for two more?" He asked Andy.

"Always."

They weren't exactly sure how, but they got everyone to fit in a comfortable enough pile with Nile and Booker in the middle, surrounded by their family.

This was safe, this was home, and the nightmares stayed away.

[nthngbxtfanfics]

Be my desire - Kihyun Scenario

How long do I have to be patient with you?

How long should I keep my heart caged?

I want you to be mine, only mine.

Kihyuns gaze landed onto the counter of the cafe. On a woman in her 20s, black attire with an apron hugging her waist. Hair slightly messy after 8 hours of work. His heart started to race, excitement filled his chest. Eyes followed every movement she made, every stranger that catched her attention. His face becoming sour when men surround her presence. When she smiles at their disgusting faces. He wishes so dearly, to have this smile for himself and only, he wishes to be the reason for this change of shape on her lips.

This woman was the only thing on his mind, since the first day she took his order in this newly opened cafe. He simply wanted to explore this new place, but didn’t expected to find his biggest desire.

This desire was you.

Kihyun watched you from his main spot, where he could watch you from the most perfect angle. He just finished his second cup of coffee and waited for the ending minute that signaled your finish of work for that day. To not be too suspicious, Kihyun stood up signaling his leaving. Kihyun knew perfectly well, about all your daily schedules, when you woke up, when your shifts start and when they end. What you do after every shift and today was no different, that’s what he thought first, until he saw your face lit up, when your eyes met his moving form. 

You rounded the counter as fast as you could, trying to catch up on him. Kihyun lifted his face seeing your beautiful smile right in front of him. His eyes widened, when his heart started to beat faster like it’s in a race of time. His chest burning, breathing caught in his throat. Swallowing hard, the heat in his chest transferred to his cheek. He never thought, that you would approach him first, his plan was different. Now he’s anxious, scared that his plan to win you for himself, would fall to pieces in that exact moment.

“Excuse me! Ehm - Hi, my name is Y/N. I noticed you here for a while now. You’ve been spending a lot of time here. My boss is really glad that you visit us so often. They’d like to treat you for something as a ‘Thank you’. And since Christmas is soon, you know? Maybe treat you with a gift.” You fiddled with the hem of your apron. Kihyun saw how nervous you were around him and his body relaxed and a smile creeped up on his face.

I’d like to have you as my gift.

He wished to spell his wish into reality, but tried to cover it up.

“Ah, you don’t have to. I really like this place and it’s already a pleasent gift to be here.”

Those words tasted sour in his mouth. Too much for his liking, but he knew he has to say them. Or it’ll be harder to win you over. His cheesy comment made you giggle. He loves the fact that he was the reason for that sweet sound, coming out of you. The strong force within him, wanting to kiss your lips and make you his was too strong. But he kept himself in place, knowing it would be too soon and you might take everything the wrong way and that’s the least he wanted.

“Well if you think so, my boss might feel a little sad but I hope you wouldn’t mind anyway.”

“Well let’s not make your boss upset. I’ll gladly take anything they give me.” Y/N’s smile grew wider as you lifted your head to look into his eyes. Kihyun had a hard time to keep his excitement at a low level.

“Oh I forgot to ask for your name, that’s so impolite of me. I’m really sorry.” Y/N’s face turned from a smile to a worried expression. Kihyun laughed in return.

“Don’t worry, I ain’t mad. My name is Kihyun, it’s very nice to meet you.” Kihyun stretched out his hand for you to shake it. As you touched his palm, Kihyun couldn’t hold back his wide grin. His palm was tingling from the connection of both your hands. He never felt that before, he knew you were the person he was long yearning for and he wouldn’t let you slip out of his hands so easily now. Unintentionally, his grip on your hand got stronger. Soon he noticed your little nervous laugh and he let go. His hand still warm from your touch, the feeling of your hand still lingers, still fresh.

“I know it might be pretty bold of me now, but I think you’re really cute. I was wondering if you’d like to spent some time together. Watch a movie for example.” Kihyun couldn’t believe his ears. Did he heard right? His face showed obvious disbelieve. He couldn’t form a straight answer, his plan turned a 180 degree. As if it would be so easy to get you, that’s all too easy, there must be something wrong. 

“If you are not interested, it’s ok.” He was awakened by your words and started to panic, finding his voice.

“Wait! No, I mean yes! I’d love to spend some time with you.” your smile returned and his small panic attack stopped immediantly.

“Great! Well maybe tomorrow? I have a day off.” you exclaimed. Kihyun already knew it. He actually planned on meeting you tomorrow by accident and ask to hang out together. But he never imagined to arrange a meeting with you so soon.

“Tomorrow sounds good, I have time though.”

“Cool! Could I have your number? So we could text and arrange some more?” You took out your phone handing it towards him, his smile not leaving one bit, but getting even stronger. Your phone number wasn’t unknown by him and already saved on his phone, but he never used it. He wanted to wait a little longer, he waited for the best opportunity to text you and now you are here, right in front of him, asking for his phone number. His day couldn’t get even better. His fingers worked fast, typing in the numbers and finishing it with the save button and his name on your phone screen. Y/N took the phone back, typing a bit on it. Kihyun felt his phone vibrating in his backpocket, your name plastered over the screen. The light of the screen shined over his face, highlighting his features.

“Now I got your number. I’ll text you then.” He looked back at you.

“Great, ok I need to change real quick. See you tomorrow?” you asked, ready to leave. Kihyun fighted with himself to offer you, to walk you home. He couldn’t, it would be too strange, he doesn’t want to seem suspicious and ruin the moment. Should he wait for you to return and walk you to your bus-stop? Or just end here and leave the cafe?

Leaving the thoughts on his mind, he lifted his head, noticing your missing figure. He looked around, cursing at himself. Until he saw your returning figure, a coat hugging your body and a big scarf around your neck. You looked back at him with a big smiling.

“Where do you live? We could walk together, if you don’t mind. It’s pretty dark outside and I feel a little uneasy walking around alone at this time.” Your surprises didn’t stop and he felt excited. He nodded and threw his coat over his shoulders and wrapping his own scarf around his neck.

“So where do you have to go? I don’t want to be some kind of burden to you.” You both left the cafe and stood in front of it.

You’ll never be a burden to me!

“It’s completely fine, I actually wanted to ask you first. Since it’s pretty late, you never know what will happen if you’d go alone. I don’t want something happening to you.” Your smile grew bigger at his words.

“I actually need to go that way, my bus stops at the station right there.” You pointed at your usual bus stop. Kihyun acted oblivious and followed your pointing finger.

“My bus stops at the same station.” he lied, he knew which buses he needed to take. To be able to go from the same bus-stop as you. He planned everything through and was glad, he could use it now. But it didn’t change the fact that he would take a longer time to reach his own home. He didn’t cared, he since he could spent some more tome with you.

“Really? But I’ve never seen you there.” you questioned.

“I leave earlier than you. I always take the bus at 5pm.” he grew nervous for a short time and relaxed after seeing your knowing look on your face. You both made your way towards the bus-stop.

As you reached your spot, Kihyun studied your features. His eyes roamed over your frame, a small smile broke through his lips. He never saw you that up close. You both always had a certain distance, either a counter or a table. But never did he came as close as now. Your scent of freshly made coffee filled his infected his senses. His eyes landed on your lips, he outlined the plump cushions with his gaze. His pupils became bigger and his eyes darker, the feeling in his chest became stronger. Kihyuns self-control was challenging him and he hated it. He wanted you to be his, now.

“Kihyun-ssi” his dark thoughts got interrupted by your sweet voice, snapping him back to reality. Your smile grew as Kihyun looked into your eyes.

“Yes, Y/N?”

“The us is here.” You pointed at the arrived vehicle, a small giggle escaped through your smile. You were amused by Kihyuns confused expression.

“Oh really, I didn’t noticed it.” His laugh was nervous, he made a fool of himself and he hated it even more. You laughed at his remark and went forward, gesturing him to follow you.

Kihyun tried to shake off this weird feeling in his body and walked up to you. As you entered the bus, you sat down next to each other.

“It’s really nice, to have you next to me. Lately I’ve been not feeling save on my own. I know that we’re complete strangers, but I felt like I could feel save around you.” Kihyun listened to your concern and made sure to take notes within his mind. A smile creeped up on his lips again. “I guess I sound really strange, I’m really sorry I I made you uncomfortable.”

“No it’s fine, it’s natural to feel unsafe alone. To be honest, I kinda feel glad that you feel safe around me.” Kihyun turned his gaze towards you to face you. This time, your eyes were studying the mans face with a smile. Your only response was a small giggle.

A sound Kihyun could always wake up to. His mind went crazy again, imagining all crazy scenarios, where you are his. What he would do for you or what he could do to you. He wanted you and it was clear.

His mind started a new plan to win you over. A plan where you would fall for him, as much as he did for you. A plan where you couldn’t refuse to leave him. A plan where you would stuck onto him, cling onto him. He would be the only person in this world that you needed. No one else.

You are his desire and he will be yours.

next part

[jinxthequeergirl]

Not the villain (pt.2)

Crowley x reader

Summary: you set out to get to know Crowley more while he attempts to follow through with his plan but you make it difficult for him

Warning: none

(not my gifs)

~~~~~~

You had lead Aziraphale to a pair of large doors that sat at the end of the hall that came of the the throne room.

"Alright now I need you to know I worked very hard on this just for you."

"Ok.."

"Now I took what you told me about you loving books and wanting your book shop so on and what have you-"

Aziraphale looked at you with an arched eyebrow and anticipated look.

"Alright well in any event I'll get on with it." you turned and pushed the two large doors opened and lead him inside. "Aziraphale my friend, my faithful companon, my guardian I give to you your very own library!"

You stepped aside presenting the large room with shelfs upon shelves filled with books. Aziraphale stared in awe as he followed you in.

"Now this library has been in the family for years! I just added a few things."

Aziraphale had been sent as your guardian for well over a week now he helped with a lot of things and put up with a lot of things. So you wanted to thank him in advance dealing with it now and in the future.

You guided him through the library showing him things you added to make it more fitting.

"I had a few of my men get a new seating arrangment I thought matched you better.. Oh! And..." you ran across the large room to a shelf where a latter leaned against it. You stepped up and pushed yourself to slide across the room. Until you stopped at an opening to another leavel of the library. "If you will so kindly follow me you will find not just more books but! Your very own bedroom!"

The second leave did in fact have more books but off to the side right under one of the large Windows was a bed, wardrobe, chairs all set up.

"Oh...y/n There was no need for this at all! The room I'm staying in is more than enough!..."

"Please don't be so modest Aziraphale! How else was I supposed to thank you?"

He smiled and walked over to the near arrangement and you followed. "Well...what do you think? You like it I hope?"

"I do my lady..thank you very much!"

You grinned and walked over to a chair sittinging in it with your legs draped over one of the arm rests.

"Good. Now I've been meaning to ask you something.."

Aziraphale was already pulling books from there respective place on the shelves and admiring them. "Yes?"

"Tell me about your friend Crowley...there's something about him that's was very-"

"You will stay away from him!" he snapped causing you to jump. Forgive me but... during these hard times with your father in bed an army not ready to be comanded by you who knows what he might pull!"

You sat up intreuged. "I thought you said he was a friend?"

"He is."

"Well then why do you speak of him so illy? Has he wronged you? Is he really that dangerous? OH! Is he a sourcer who's not to be trusted because just like in the stories he's sent to curse me?"

"What? no! that...that's ridicules!"

"Then tell me why stay away? Why won't you talk to me about him?" You had gotten up and crossed the room to him now. "He's...he's done some not very good things in the past...and I wouldn't trust him."

"He could be a changed man."

"Perhaps.... but not now." you frowened deeply. "Alright well then...you ought to make me warry of places I might happen to stumble upon him...you know for my saftey." you smiled sweetly at him as he thought for a moment knowing your plan had worked. "Well stay away from that castle on the outskirts of town...that looks like a place He would hide out...and any pubs-"

"Lady y/n!?" both of you ran to the railing and looked over it seeing a maid.

"Yes?"

"Are you aware of the time? Either of ya?"

Aziraphale gasped as he spotted the time on the grandfather clock in his new room. "Good heavens you should be asleep by now!"

"Aziraphale I'm not a child I do Not need a bed time!"

"You do when you've got plans arranged for tomorrow. Hurry up off to bed with you!" Aziraphale quickly ushered you down the latter.

"Alright I'm going!" you slid down the latter and followed the maid out of the library and too your room.

As soon as your room door was shut you locked it and ran around your room gathering a few things before pushing open your window and tossing a rope from it. You grabbed your lanttern and began the climb down the rope to head to the stables.

Meanwhile Crowley sat distraught on the throne in the old dark and dank castle. He finally sat up in the chair and snapped his fingers lighting the rows of candels lining the wall's. The castle had been abandoned for years leaving it in awful shape.

He had checked and all the rooms where still intact for the most part as of the former owner just vanished along with the staff.

He stood up from the chair and walked through the castle coming across and old shattered mirror. "What happened to you? You used to be good at this stuff." Crowley examined himself in the thousands of fragmented pecies sadly pulling his shaded off to look at his yellow eyes.

"Crowley!" he jumped back from the mirror as another less than pleasent to look at demon made an appearance in the mirror. "Haster!? What are you doing here?"

"I'm calling to check and see that you finished the job?"

"No....not yet...but I'm getting there! It isn't easie killing a princess you know!"

Haster frowned. "If you don't do it soon some one will be forced to take over the job for you!" and just like that the reflection melted back to his own. Crowley growled and kicked the mirror causing shards to fall to the floor.

He slid his shades back as he storemed out to the garden at the front of the castle. Which was probably the best looking part it the entire place. And the only thing Crowley cared about taking care of.

Besides a few over grown vines and weeds here and there.it was absolutely beautiful. Stone paths separated different patched of plants, marble benches sat in between a few of the plant arrangments and on the other end sat a gazebo which had lights strung up on it's railing leading down the step and into the other thousands of lanterns that lit up the stone paths.

Crowley sighed sitting on a bench looking at one of the many over grown flowers that had climbed it's way into the bench. "You don't understand...she had these big beautiful eyes..." He brushed one of the petals with his finger and continued. "They where filled with excitement! And-" he groned and got up quickly. "How is it a girl stopped me!?...I need to figure this out!"

"I believe I hear a damsel in distress." Crowley stopped and turned towards the gate's where you had entered holding your lantern up illuminating your face. "Perhaps I may be of assistance?"

"Princess Y/n? What brings you here? And in the dead of night?"

"I am queen I have the right to go where I please do I not? Besides I got curiouse about you sir Crowley."

He smirked. "You do know what curiousity did to the cat right?"

"Lucky thing they have more than just the one life."

"I suppose it is a lucky thing." you pulled your hood of a smiled. "You have a wonderful garden here...could use some tending too. Crolwey watched you carefully as you admired a rose Bush.

He could do it now he thought. Aziraphale wasn't with you, You where distracted no one not a soul would know. Instead he plucked a lilac from it's stem and sat next to you offering it to you.

"Oh thank you!" you took it turning it over in your hand. "Now tell me again your higness why go out of your way this evening to find me? Have I really made such a lasting impression on you?"

He flashed you a charming yet hopeful grin You in turn rolled your eyes. "No I'm afraid to inform you that you where not as charming as you be live...actually I wanted to know more about you...Aziraphale told me you two are...where? Friends-"

"We are."

"Then not very good ones if he wants me to stay away from you."

Crowley frowned. "He said that?" you nodded. "I mean you don't plan on cursing me do you?"

He stopped and looked at you with a serious menacing look. "If I did I wouldn't tell you now would I?"

You hummed. "I suppose not..." you both looked at each other before laughing about it a bit.

"Crowley...sir-"

"No no it's alright call me Crowley."

"Fair enough you may call me y/n No princess bussnies...but I do really want to know what happened between you and Aziraphale."

He stopped and thought for a moment. He couldn't just come out and say. "Oh well you see my lady I'm actually a demon and well your guardian there is an Angel."

No so instead he thought something up quickly.

"Well me and Aziraphale where knights at one point...and during that we where fourced to separate sides I was fourced to do things I'm not exactly proud of or wanted to do...and Aziraphale had other holyer than thou duties to fufill....so We sorta just separated."

You frowned. "Well...maybe...What if! I convinced Aziraphale you aren't bad! You can be trusted! Then you'd have your best friend back...not to mention me!"

"Thank you but no thank you." He got up and started heading back into the castle. "Come on!" you stood up and followed him.

He stoped outside of the doors and looked at you. The idea that he could get close enough to you and earn back Aziraphale trust just enough to finish the job was the only reason he said. "Alright fine I'll let you try."

You lit up and something in Crowley fluttered upon seeing you so excited.

"And I know just how to do it!"

"Oh really?" he steped inside and you followed. "My coronation is coming up. You should be there! Give you the chance to prove you aren't evil like he believe's!"

"Tell me something y/n why do you care?"

In all honesty you wheren't sure why you cared. There was something about him that intreged you. "Consider it a thank you for the other day."

°

°

°

Tagging:

@writer-of-camelot

@a--1--1--3

@sophiematskiv

@ibjessjess

@lemoncitrusgurl

[captiancap]

Man-eater

(this is more of a Prolouge I guess? know I said part 2 of I notice you was going to happen but ive also been wanting to shed some light on this particular boy so here you go pls forgive. TW: Arachnophobia)

Being a security guard means you've seen some odd things. It paid well and you didn't actually have to use the taser as much as you first thought, so you kept doing it. You got recommended to different places but never to far from home.

But seeing weird things was pretty normal. People making out in places they shouldn't be, people doing drugs in places they shouldn't be, people just generally being in places they shouldn't be. One time you actually managed to stop what you think was an attempted kidnapping in a warehouse.

That warehouse has always given you strange vibes even before that incident. It seems to attract all the weirdos, which made some sense because the guy who owned it was a big weirdo too.

Or well... Actually that's false. He wasn't a weirdo. A bit quiet, okay, very quiet, and an odd sense of fashion but he was always polite. Greeting you when you happened to cross paths and occasionally thanking you for keeping watch as well as you do.

You never bothered to ask his name. Why would you? Besides he was easy enough to point out to anyone who wanted to know for themselves.

He's a big guy. Very big. Towering over even your tallest coworkers at a good 7 feet tall at least. And as impolite as this may sound, he was fat, definitely. Dad bod on point, as the kids say. Lots of pitch black hair all over his body covering extremely pale skin , messy and unkept. But you could tell he was strong.

He has to be what with him constantly carrying large containers to and from the warehouse. You've offered to help a few times but he's always brushed you off. Simply saying it wasn't a problem for him.

Alright, whatever Mr. Strong Man.

That was all you really knew about him. He was polite, big, quiet, and could probably bench press two of you. It's not like you chatted with him everyday, infact he only came around about 3 times a month.

It's silly really but after awhile, around summer, you developed a bit of a crush on this mysterious man. You contemplated asking him out, if only just to get to know him more, but didn't want to seem like a creep. In all honesty it was probably very hard to creep him out.

One hot day while he was taking a break from un-loading a few of the usual large containers, you decided to make a move. If it could even be considered that. No dinner or movie offer but you did ask his name.

He turned his head to face in your direction, the dark hair covering his eyes swayed slightly. It felt like he was analyzing you. Like a highschooler analyzed a frog just before cutting it open to get to the real stuff. You waverd, thinking that maybe 'prosuing' him wasn't such a good idea.

"Mastiff." He replied. Russian accent thick, but not incomprehensible. You chuckled nervously and introduced yourself. "I already knew your name" He says. You ask him how that is, a bit confused.

He pauses, then smiles, the slightest twitch of the lips. He points to his own chest and says "Name tag."

You mentally face-palm so hard you get dizzy for a second. Laughing it off once again you apologize for being an idiot. The feeling of being picked apart by his eyes leaves and you two actually have a decent conversation till he finishes packing things away.

You've never seen him smile that much before.

You've made a habit of talking to him when you get the chance. He doesn't seem to mind and is actually very good at conversation. You find out he's a writer and that some of the containers hold large amounts of books he has already read. Not all of the containers though.

He shows up more often, almost once a week. It actually catches you off gaurd when he's the one to ask you for a date. Of course the little crush hadn't gone away but you forgot about actively going after him in favor of enjoying conversation. You agree and he asks when you would be free.

You set up a time and date and for a while its all you think about. You two were going to see some old movie at a drive in who's whole thing was 'the movies are crap but hey free fireworks!'. Mastiff said he went there once as a child and it had scared the Jesus out of him, not the movie, but the fireworks. It sounded exciting.

On that night you tried to dress nice but not over dress. The line between which was very blurred that evening. Mastiff had picked you up at the park a few blocks from where you lived. His car was black, much like everything else he seemed to own.

He looked very nice, or that might be the fact that's you've only seen him in dirty jeans and T-shirts. He had on a simple undershirt and cardigan as well as some actually clean jeans. All of which were, of course, black. Maybe it was a goth thing. He could definitely be a goth.

The conversation as always was enjoyable and relaxed. You learned that he had many siblings, the exact number never specified, and two fathers. Of course he inquired about your family and you told him what you were comfortable with for the time and place.

You arrived after another half hour and parked in the nearly deserted lot. A few kids were running around waiting for the movie to start. Mastiff sets up the blankets on the trunk and you take a seat.

You pat the space next to you but he shakes his head. He says he needed to stretch his legs for a bit. 15 minutes later he's still standing. You scoot across the trunk to be closer to him.

Halfway through the movie you start to hear him mumble when certain things happen. You try to hear what exactly he's saying but it's rough and forgien. Russian probably.

The movie ends and people start to move around and set up fireworks. Mastiff goes to the back seat, bringing back a pack of rainbow sparklers.

"I didn't want to bring anything too illegal." He jokes. He takes a lighter out of his pocket and hands you the sparkler just as the colors start to change. Funny, you didn't take him for a smoker.

You two go through the whole pack while watching people who did bring more illegal items shoot them off into the sky. You look over and see the colorful lights illuminate Mastiff's profile. He should wear color more often, it's nice on him.

He drops you off at your apartment building after it's well into the night. You attempt to give him a small kiss on the cheek but he's so damn tall. He notices your attempt and instead of just bending down to make it easier for you, he lifts you up by the waist and places a soft kiss on your jaw.

You're a bit surprised, flustered, as he sets you down gently. He smiles, "I had fun tonight, when would you be available again?" You stutter out that you would be getting a day off next week, which you have yet to actually ask for. "Perfect. May I see your phone?"

You hand him your phone and he puts his number in. "Call me with the details when you have them alright?" You agree and take your phone back. You say you're goodbyes, he drives off and you head into your apartment.

You scream into your pillow with excitement. Why are you like this? You're an adult, you've had tons of kisses. No one has ever lifted you as easily as he did before but that wasn't so bad.

You spend a few minutes debating if you should text him tonight. No, no, can't be to clingy, plus he's probably driving still. Can't endanger a possible future boyfriend.

Sleep doesn't come easy that night but when it finally does it isn't pleasent. You have a nightmare, a very vivid one. You're actually in Mastiff's warehouse, peeking around with a flashlight. You look at one of the larger containers in the room. You remember this container, Mastiff had said that it held something that used to belong to his father. Something scuttles across the floor.

You whip around and shine your light across the room. Empty. It's just you there. You turn back to the box and everything in your body is telling you to leave it alone and walk away. But you don't listen.

You un-latch the sides and open it.

Suddenly you are hit with the horrid smell of rotten, burned meat. You watch as millions of spiders crawl out of the container and cover the floor. They crawl up your legs and bite you mercilessly. You're forzen as the spiderlings make thier way up your arms and to your face. They dig at your eyes and crawl into your ears and nose. You suffocate.

You jolt from your sleep and make a loud gasping sound. You'll never take air for granted ever again. You lay there for a few minutes, the sun barely peeking in from your window, still feeling frozen but thankful for the lack of billions of legs and tiny teeth scampering across your body.

The horrifying dream began to fade as you started your morning routine. Your shift didn't start till later in the day so you had a few hours to kill. Once again you debated texting Mastiff but decided against it.

You made food and checked all your social media while lounging on the couch. When that got boring you called your boss to actually ask for the day off next week. She agreed rather easily, though the comment about how you've been looking stressed lately wasn't very appreciated. You felt fine.

You did. You swear.

Work was the same as usual. Mastiff didn't show up which was also normal. You found yourself glancing at his warehouse more than usual. You weren't permitted to enter anyone's personal storage but you kept inching closer to it's entrace without knowing.

You stopped yourself before you could open the door.

Next week rolled around and you had finally gathered the courage to text Mastiff. You learned he preffered to call, that's cool, you like listening to him. He told you he was a bit concerned that he scared you off after you not contacting him for a few days. You reassure him that you are in no way scared off and that you were just, once again, being an idiot.

You two arranged to meet at a nice local cafe that Thursday. Once again the line between dressed appropriately and over dressed was unclear to you, but you managed. You walked in and immediatly you saw him. Gosh he sticks out like a sore thumb in a place like this.

Black, as always, is the preferred hue. But he looked good and comfortable so you suppose that's what matters. You walked over and sat across from him. He smiled at you, which still felt odd to see.

"You look nice, what's the occasion?" He asked. You joked with him saying that you had a date with a really cute guy and wanted to make a good impression. He chuckled, "I'm sure he already thinks you're great."

You blushed.

It was a nice brunch. Excellent conversation as always. You didn't bring up the dream but you did tell him about that one secret hobby you're embarrassed to tell most people about. He thought it was charming. You blushed alot that day.

You noticed he didn't eat much yet still paid for everything. You told him you felt a bit guilty about that but he brushed it off.

"It's no problem. Really." He would tell you. You weren't so sure about that but he shut you up real fast with another gentle kiss. You swore that he would be the death of you and he laughed.

That's how it went for a long time. Dates happened more frequently, you learned more about him but not enough for him to lose that mysterious air that drew you too him in the first place. You shared embarrassing stories, him admitting that before taking it seriously that he used to write for smut magazines, and you confessed that incident in school where it was totally you who did it but you just kept your mouth shut and someone else got blamed.

You got close. Not -let's move in together and have babies- close, but close enough that you've spent a few nights at his house and vice versa. It was one of those Saturday mornings in his kitchen that he officially asked you to go steady with him.

It didn't take much convincing for you to say yes. You really liked Mastiff, and from the sounds of it he really liked you. Being able to call him your boyfriend was like iceing on the cake. And you called him that alot.

'Boyfriend' often took the place of his name in conversations. It annoyed him a little but you were having fun so he let you get away with it. He had his fair share of nicknames for you as well, some of the Russian ones weren't all that appropriate but he wouldn't tell you which ones.

It was comfortable. Very comfortable. For awhile. He hid it well, but not forever. It actually surprised you that he told you of his own accord more than what he told you.

He realized one night while eating that if he wanted to be serious with you that he needed to confess something. You got the call and headed over to his house right after your shift ended.

He didn't look... Guilty. He looked calm and stoic, like when you first met him. You took a seat at the dinning table and asked him what was wrong. He said nothing. He just leaned over the table and kissed you. That's when it hit.

A strong taste of iorn. Of blood. You reel back and see the small stream of red coming from his mouth. Of course you freak out and start asking if he's hurt. He shakes his head and tries to explain but as he opens his mouth you see long, bulbous blood stained fangs.

And you're frozen again. You're standing frozen in your boyfriend of 8 months kitchen, watching as he tries to explain that he isn't human all the while small streams of blood run down his jaw.

That's the first time you see him get close to crying. He doesn't actually but he gets close. His voice wavers and his hands shake only slightly. But he gets through it. He gets through his confession of being... Something you can't remember... And waits for your response.

You run.

What were you supposed to do? Stay? Hug him and tell him it's okay and you still love him? He most likely just ate someone.

You can't go back home so you stay with a friend for a few days. You're still in shock for the most part and she's kind enough not to ask questions. It's on the 4th day of this hiding out plan that he contacts you. It's a simple text just saying 'Please'. Your heart hurts a little when you read it.

You know he prefers to call, to hear your voice.

You type back 'what'.

You and him talk but it's mostly him trying to explain again. He asks to meet up, somewhere public so you can be comfortable, and you stare at the screen of your phone.

You take a deep breath, then write out your reply.

[tinabritton-photography]

Still Life and Product Photography

New brief called “Cheap”, but there is nothing cheap about the objects I acquired during the object finding exercise at 3 different pound shops. First shop was PoundBasket in Port Glasgow, 2nd was a pound stretch shop next to Tesco in Irvine, and 3rd was a pound shop at Irvine Mall. Ok, so what have I learned thus far? Well, I’ve learned that I am bipolar all over again. Bipolar people have difficulties with their moods, and their mood swings from different poles, but they also have problems mangaging money and making decisions.

Those last 2, yeah, that is me through and through the last few weeks. I bought enough stuff, and I am broke, to cover the entire class. That being said, much of it is fun, and you too could find this in your xmas stocking this year once this brief is finished ;). Yeah, I mean you.

This all being said, and, I digress, were some of the items a bit more than a pound? Yep, I won’t lie, but it astounds me what kinda-cool stuff you can get for £1 pound here in the UK, because in America your hard earned $1 gets you diddly.

Soon I will share an image of all the stuff I bought. LOL, yep, the horror :D.

This little guy below is so cool. You open it up and pour him into your hand and let the fun commence!

I told you! I cannot get everything I bought on this A1 sheet of white paper! The yellow bottle is the coolest, except, someone had stolen one of the batteries. There is a tiny wire inside with very small inline fairy lights. I had to order new batteries. They will be to here tomorrow. I have no idea whether it works or not yet. I walked up to the counter and asked the lady, ‘Is this really £1?”. She said, “Uh, yeah?” Ok, Sold! The Daisys on a stick, well, those are so cute, and the green bottle, it is shiny and has a skull hanging from it. Decisions, Decisions!

The first photographer and image I want to speak about is Laura Letinsky, a still-life photographer and her image “Untitled #54 from Hardly More Than Ever series 2002″.

When I first saw this image I felt like I walked into a room where there had been an indoor picnic happening, that must have ended because the ‘2′ people went outside to enjoy the sun after the rain had stopped. I say 2 people because there are 2 plates, however, could this be only a small section of a larger table? There is a sensuality about the scene. Peaches have long since represented the feminine. So what does the lollipop represent?

Being a dark person, I was pleasently surprised at how much I loved the colours in this image. In the background, the white looks muted green which is beautiful against the delicate oranges and reds in the image. Even the shadows appear a bit green. I even love the wrinkles in the make-shift table cloth and used napkin beneath the melon. I am actually waiting for someone to walk back in and grab one of those peaches or that lollipop before anyone else can.

What also catches my eye is the wonky line of the sloping table and the asymetric hanging of the back of the table cloth and leaving a bit of floor to give us a feeling of stability even though it appears there is none. There is a haphazardness to the whole seen giving the implication that the festivities are still going on elsewhere, otherwise, this would have already been cleared away.

Laura Letinsky,  Untitled #54 from Hardly More Than Ever series 2002. Courtesy of the artist and Yancey Richardson Gallery, New York. (//www.umanitoba.ca, 2019)

Laura Letinsky was bornin 1962 in Winnipeg, Canada. She attended the University of Manitoba in 1986, and Yale School of Art in 1991.

Another of her works I really like is below . . .

It this too considered a still-life? I think so, yes, even though these are images of objects arranged. What brings these pieces together are the colours set against the vast violet white of the background. 

Untitled #40, from the series Ill Form & Void Full, 2014. Archival pigment print. 49.5 x 58.12 inches, edition of 9.  (Yanceyrichardson.com, 2019)   

I am trying to stretch my mind and my acceptance around the fact that this is truly still-life. As an artist, I rail, however, I cannot deny that this is a spectacular still-life . . .

The colours, the placement. You can almost taste colours of the fruit. There is a depth to this piece, yet it is composed entirely of images cut and arranged on a surface.

(The Photographers' Gallery, 2019)             

The second photographer I would like to take a look at is Peter Lippman.

The first image below is so apt; ash covering the old mechanical camera. A death of the analogue. But for me, not quite yet. The image is almost in total -grey with a very hint of blue? Subtle soft light causes a gradation across the still life and picking out highlights here and there. It could be natural light, or a soft box on low power. Even though the camera lies amongst the greys, there is good contrast, and the image gets its meaning across.

(Harvey et al., 2019)

The title of the image below is Banane. Apparently, it is a plantain fruit/pod from the banana family. This image is the plant on black background.The deep contrast and muted reds and purples coupled with the green of the stem really makes this image come alive. It reminds me of the human heart. The subtle smooth texture of the leaves juxtaposed with the texture at the crown of the plant is a visual treat.

(Harvey et al., 2019)

First of all, I actually love the colour of the background in this next image by Lippman. Is it the true colour of the scene, or is it burned in, a gradient as it gets darker toward the bottom? The broken glass provides visual texture and interest. Since these are fragrances for men, I think it adds a sense of danger to make men want the products. Heavy shadows weight the objects to the background. As for lighting, it could be continuous, but probably flash. I am not yet proficient enough to make that decision yet. 

The 3rd photographer I’ve decided to write about here is Guido Mocafico. Mocafico is an Italian photographer. Though he now is getting more into the fine art of photography, he has been working as a commercial photographer with such names as Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Ralph Lauren and Chanel, just to name drop a few.

The image below is stunning. As soon as I saw it, I was intrigued, not only about the watch, but about that gorgeous shiny material it is sinking into. The highlights in the ‘goo’ mimic the hightlights of the watch and the white of the Roman numerals on the watch face. This makes the product really pop in my opinion. I can’t find a thing to criticize in this product image. The blacks and whites are perfectly balanced.

Heure noire. Numéro 122. Avril 2011. (Mocafico.com, 2019)

The image below feeds the need for black in me. The contrast, the middle tones, the grays, the highlights. I really am pulled in my all the textures and shapes. The smooth of the watch-face, the different directions of the toothed gears and motorcycle chain or timing belt, whichever it is. The glossy motor oil spills across the gears causing them to become something more beautiful than grimy metal. The solid blacks in between all the shapes makes each piece stand out to be counted.

Les temps modernes. Numéro 129. Décembre 2011 - janvier 2012. (Mocafico.com, 2019)

References

//www.umanitoba.ca, U. (2019). Laura Letinsky: Still Life Photographs, 1997-2012. [online] News.umanitoba.ca. Available at: https://news.umanitoba.ca/laura-letinsky-still-life-photographs-1997-2012/ [Accessed 27 Oct. 2019]. (//www.umanitoba.ca, 2019)

Yanceyrichardson.com. (2019). Laura Letinsky - Artists - Yancey Richardson. [online] Available at: http://www.yanceyrichardson.com/artists/laura-letinsky [Accessed 27 Oct. 2019]. (Yanceyrichardson.com, 2019)

The Photographers' Gallery (2019). An interview with Laura Letinsky. [image] Available at: https://vimeo.com/57683797 [Accessed 27 Oct. 2019]. (The Photographers' Gallery, 2019)

MCA. (2019). BMO Harris Bank Chicago Works: Laura Letinsky. [online] Available at: https://mcachicago.org/Exhibitions/2012/Laura-Letinsky [Accessed 27 Oct. 2019]. (MCA, 2019)

Peterlippmann.com. (2019). PETER LIPPMANN. [online] Available at: https://peterlippmann.com/ [Accessed 27 Oct. 2019]. (Peterlippmann.com, 2019)

Harvey, O., Naroop, A., Matthews, D., Dumontet, E., Almas, E., Walker, M., Riches, N., Lippmann, P., Douglas, W., Lippmann, P. and Lippmann, P. (2019).

Still Life/Food/People Photographer - Peter Lippmann - Trayler

. [online] Trayler & Trayler. Available at: http://traylerandtrayler.com/artists/peter-lippmann-2/ [Accessed 29 Oct. 2019]. (Harvey et al., 2019)

Maree, S. (2019). Peter Lippmann – Sophie Maree. [online] Sophie-maree.com. Available at: https://sophie-maree.com/portfolio-item/peter-lippmann/ [Accessed 27 Oct. 2019]. (Maree, 2019)

Milkbooks.com. (2019). Guido Mocafico. [online] Available at: https://www.milkbooks.com/blog/photo-wisdom/guido-mocafico/ [Accessed 27 Oct. 2019]. (Milkbooks.com, 2019)

Mocafico.com. (2019). Heure noire – Guido Mocafico. [online] Available at: http://www.mocafico.com/projets/photography/still-life/numero/heure-noire/ [Accessed 27 Oct. 2019]. (Mocafico.com, 2019)

Mocafico.com. (2019). Les temps modernes – Guido Mocafico. [online] Available at: http://www.mocafico.com/projets/photography/still-life/numero/les-temps-modernes/ [Accessed 27 Oct. 2019]. (Mocafico.com, 2019)

[cazziamo]

Runaway [6]

Requested: No

Group/Member: Exo/Baekhyun

Word Count: 3.9k words

Summary: All it takes is being at the wrong place, at the wrong time for you to be dragged back into the world you had tried so hard to leave behind.

"This is so fucking stupid!" You burst out, pointing angrily at the neatly folded pile of clothes.

"It's necessary." Suho responded absentmindedly, sifting through some paperwork.

"I get being the bait, I really do. I can defend myself, they can defend themselves. But why do I need to be dressed like a goddamn hussy while we do it?" You started out angry, but by the end of your small rant, your voice lilted upwards into a whine. He snickered but otherwise didn't respond, keeping his attention on his work.

The reason you were in his office in the first place was because he had told all of you it was almost time to leave, and yet you two were the only ones in here. Even that was fine with you, despite your not-at-all-hidden dislike for Suho. But then the almighty prick himself had smirked at you, gesturing simply to a pile of clothes sitting on the chair nearest to the door. He had reclined back in his stupid chair, that stupid smirk still on his stupid fucking face-

"This is so fucking stupid." You hissed at him again, snatching the clothing up and quickly heading to the door. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Suho shaking his head.

The door shut hard behind you, not quite a slam but definitely enough to give another obvious sign of your displeasure. You shouldered the nearest door open and slipped in, kicking it shut and being sure to lock it. You undressed quickly and kicked your discarded clothes into the corner, before turning around to grab the new shirt.

You were pleasently surprised to find an actual shirt. What you had een expecting was some kind of tight, scanty piece of clothing that exposed way too much. What you were holding was tight, yes, but it was actually a pieve of athletic clothing- a dri-fit t-shirt. It was fitting and comfortable, most likely sweat-proof as well. The pants looked like just a normal pair of jeans, but when you picked them up your found that they were actually stretchy. They reminded you of 'jeggings,' the denim-apearing leggings, and the thought made you snicker. You dressed quickly, tucking your shirt into your pants, and then your pants into your socks for good measure. You pulled on the boots (steel-toed, by the way, with a small, cute heel) and tucked the laces in before heading out.

The room you had chosen was only about eight feet or so from Suho's office, so you arrived back in no time at all. But somehow in the time it had taken you to change the other members had all already made their way there, leaving you to be the last to enter.

"Finally, the hussy arrives." Suho called out teasingly as you closed the door behind you. You shot him a withering look, not really appreciating having your words thrown back at you. He snickered, but otherwise left it alone.

Of course, nuisance number two had to butt in, however. "Looking comfy, huh?" Baekhyun asked, wiggling his eyebrows. You rolled your eyes at him but otherwise didn't respond.

Ever since the night in your room a few days ago, you had made sure to keep your distance from Baekhyun. The other guys had all assumed it was because of your extreme dislike for him, and had they asked, you would have ran with that until death. Because for some reason, you couldn't handle the fact that you had been weak in front of him, that you had cried and been vulnerable and told him about the one person you swore to protect from this life. You couldn't handle the fact that he hadn't thrown it back in your face, that he hadn't tried to take advantage of it, that he had been kind to you. You couldn't handle it, so you didn't. Instead, you pretended that it didn't happen.

"So," You dragged the word out, letting it catch everybody's attention before continuing on. "Are we going with Plan A or Plan B?"

Suho hummed in thought, standing from his chair and walking to the front of his desk. He leaned back against it and crossed his arms. "That depends. I trust that you'll be able to tell the situation enough to know. You remember the phrases, right?"

"Yup." You responded, popping the 'p.' "For plan A, I have to just insult him, and for plan B I have to suck up."

"Please don't pick Plan B just because it involves me getting shot." Baekhyun whined.

"Pretending to be shot, not actually shot." You corrected him, rolling your eyes. "Anyway, how long do I need to hold out before you guys start shooting?"

"We won't keep you waiting too long, don't worry." Tao responded eagerly, practically bouncing on his toes. He was the heavy hitter, you remembered, fighting was probably the one thing he looked forward to. You still couldn't believe it, considering how cute and innocent he looked.

You shrugged, taking that as an affirmative answer. "Let's go then, I guess."

You grabbed your jacket (you had been wearing it when you first came to his office, but had left it when you changed) and took the gun that Luhan offered you, tucking it into the waistband of your pants. You had two extra clips in your inside jacket pocket, and for emergencies, a knife that you kept literally up your sleeve. The guys began to file out of the room, Tao practically shoving the others out of his way. Grinning, you just shook your head at his antics before going out yourself. By now, you knew your way around the whole complex, and you began to race for the front of the pack. You couldn't deny it anymore, really- this was the life you were best suited for, the life that had your blood pumping, the life that made you feel strong and independent and tough. It made you feel like everything you had wished to be, everything you could never be at home. Your father was too old, too big, too strong for you to be those things, and your little brother to weak for you to leave alone. This life let you feel like you could protect him. Like you could protect yourself.

The cars were already loaded and ready when you got into the garage, and the boys began arranging themselves into the two large vans. You just squeezed yourself wherever there was room, which so happened to leave you pressed against Chanyeol and the door, your legs squeezed between your seat and Sehun's (because he just had to have the seat as far back as it goes).Most of your ride there was spent hitting Chanyeol for pinching you and kicking the back of Sehun's seat to make him give you room, up until Xiumin had enough and started yelling at you.

"What are you gonna do, hyung?" Turn the car around?" Sehun sassed. Xiumin didn't respond, but he did snap his right arm out and smack Sehun on the head, You snorted, and earned yourself a smack on the leg.

It was weird, you guessed. You were on the way to basically slaughter a group of people, on the way to lure them out and then gun them down, and you guys were laughing and joking with each other like you were on the way to an amusement park. Maybe this was why your brother hated this side of you- there was no guilt, no regret, no fear. You didn't care.

The slow rolling stop caught your attention, and you realized you were at the parking point. From here, the guys would all go get into their positions, and you would continue on to meet Hyojin- the guy who started the rebellion against Han- on your own. As far as Hyojin was concerned, EXO didn't know that you had the key. He thought that they thought he had it, and that by giving you over to them he would give the key to them. You figured he had some fake key, thinking that EXO would be none the wiser. You would keep them going until someone started shooting, and you would get your payback in the end.

You climbed out of the car (more like tumbled out since the door wasn't holding you anymore) and stretched gratefully. Chanyeol snickered at you as he got out, and Xiumin shook his head at you.

"Well," You grinned at them, giving them a mock salute. "I'm off. See you in a bit, boys."

"Good luck, socks." Xiumin grinned at you. The other boys echoed the sentiments, the rest of the boys calling after you similarly as they climbed out of their respective cars. You turned and waved again, before turning the corner.

Naturally, Hyojin had to be cheesy and pick some cliché run down warehouse for the meeting. Maybe this was to provoke you, since it was Han's favorite place to do his meeting as well. He had always loved clichés and tropes and the like. What a sap he had been. The thought made you chuckle.

You stepped inside the large heavy door, letting it swing shut with a loud slam behind you. You weren't trying to be sneaky, actually it was better if they had their attention on you. "Hey, assholes!" You called as loudly as you could, listening to your own voice reverberating back. "Hyojin, stop sucking Jungmin's dick and come meet me already!" You kicked a large crate that was next to you for good measure, the explosive cracking sound as your foot went through the wood echoing.

"Stop yapping already." Hyojin yelled from the back of the warehouse. You started to make your way back there as he continued.  "It's been a while, huh? How's your brother doing. I saw that he started his next semester already. Top of his class, huh?"

You froze for a moment. How was he keeping tabs on your brother? You had been so sure that he was safe from these people, so sure that they hadn't known.

"What?" Hyojin started laughing, just as he came into your field of view. He came out of nowhere, grabbing you from the side and pinning you against a shelf. The metal bars were digging into your back as you began to struggle, but with his leg pressed against yours, he had you trapped. "Don't tell me you haven't seen dear old brother. Has he stopped talking to you?" The fake shock in his voice slowly dwindled down into baby talk, warping his words as if he were talking to an infant.

"My brother and I are doing fine, thanks." You grinned, answering happily. You had to stay calm, if Hyojin knew he was under your skin you were dead. "Well, I'd be doing better if that prick wasn't trying to sell me off to you. Does he think you have the key?" You snorted incredulously.

"I know, a real moron." Hyojin laughed heartily, letting you go. You rubbed your wrists discreetly, checking to see if the knife in your sleeve would have been to obvious for him to feel. "Anyway, just give me the fucking key, please. I'd like to go home early tonight."

"Home? You have one of those?" You teased, stepping closer to him. "I'm surprised, considering you burnt the last one to the fucking ground."

"Well, Han was a piece of shit. Kris has to go to. It was a shame you survived." He shrugged. "You were supposed to be the first to die actually. Those hit men were just real fucking tots, huh. And like a goddamn cockroach, here you are again."

This time, you didn't laugh. "You didn't think I would go down so easy, would you?" It was obviously a question, but the way you had said it didn't seem like so. Your tone was harsh, and you stepped even closer to him, reaching a hand out and trailing it over his chest.

"I was expecting it, yes." He responded, letting his arm hang over your shoulder. "It's okay, though. Some people actually like roaches enough to keep them as pets."

You snickered, wrapping your arms around his waist. "I miss the time before, Hyojin. Training days, the annual fucking cookout Han always insisted on because 'a gang was a family, for life.' Why would you-" You stopped yourself.

"He needed to go. He was weak, he made us weak. We should have always been fighting, we shouldn't have to take shit from anybody else. He had all of this leverage and he never used it. Han was a fucking moron, and so were you and so was Kris for following him. They deserved it." Right after he harshly delivered those last words, he was shoving you away from him, gasping in pain. As you took a step back to look at him, you twirled the knife in your fingers.

"Just like you deserve everything I'm about to do to you." You snarled, flexing your grip around the knife.

"You bitch," he seethed, reaching around to feel his back. His hand came back covered in red, and this just made him angrier. "There's no running for you now."

"Oh trust me, even if I wanted to I wouldn't. Besides, those dicks who handed me off to you are still here, of course. If I try and run, they'll shoot. Watch." You turned around and started running towards the doors, and just as planned, gunshots echoed in the warehouse, and bullets hit the floor all around your feet. You stopped in your tracks and turned back around to face Hyojin, shrugging. "See?" The doors behind you slammed open, and Luhan and Baekhyun came walking in, guns trained on you. Baekhyun grabbed your arm harshly, dragging your forward. You felt Luhan press his gun into the back of your head.

"Walk." Baekhyun barked. Inside, you were snickering. You really couldn't take him seriously knowing how much of a whiner he really was.

Hyojin was laughing at you. It was a crazy sounding, hysterically happy laughter. "Finally! Finally, someone to just hand you over. Oh man, I've been waiting for this." He reached out to grab you, and just as he did, Luhan shoved you, sending you flying at him.

You grabbed his shirt with both hands, hooking your leg around his and dragging, knocking him to the ground. You were on top of him in a second, knees on his arms to keep him pinned, knife against his throat. You leaned down, close enough that your noses were touching, your hair falling over you shoulder like a curtain. "Oh man, I've been waiting for this." You snarled.

He bucked his hips, nearly knocking you off of him, but you managed to stay on. He rolled over, sending you flying into the box right next to you. You kicked the box at him, watching it hit him in the legs, giving you enough time to stand up.

He threw the first punch an you ducked around it, kicking out. Your foot slammed into his gut, and he doubled over for a split second, letting you whirl around and throw another kick into his side. He stumbled to the side, but stayed upright, charging at you. Before you could move he had his arms around your waist, slamming you up against the wall. He pulled away only slightly, slamming you up a second time. The breath whooshed out of you, and you were struggling to gain it again.

"This!" Hyojin yelled, grabbing a fistful of your hair and slamming your head down, throwing you to the floor. "This was Han's fucking legacy! He was weak, this is why I took over." He kicked you in the side, and you used the momentum to roll over on to your hands and knees, forcing yourself to stand. Your ears were ringing horribly, between the gunshots all around and your possible concussion, but you still trained your eyes on Hyojin.

"You're a fucking piece of shit," You breathed. "A real fucking moron if you think that's enough to take me down. the difference between me and you is that you only worry about yourself, you have no loyalty. How can anybody fucking trust you when all you're good for is stabbing people in the fucking back?"

"Its a gang, sweetheart, not a damn school club. Worrying about others gets you killed!" Hyojin pulled out his gun slowly, cocking it and pointing it right at you.

"Go ahead and shoot me." You said. "The second you do, you'll have six bullets in your head."

"Oh honey," Hyojin waved his gun dismissively. "That's fine. If I go, someone takes my place. However, when that person takes my place, they have orders. Orders that involve a small apartment on Sagwa Street."

"Leave him the fuck out of this!" You yelled, pulling out your own gun. "He has nothing to do with this!"

"Oh, but he has everything to do with this, doesn't he? I thought you would understand this the most. What did Han teach us? Leverage. Is. Everything."

"If you lay even a single finger on him so help me god," you spat out. "I will fucking torture you in ways worse than you can imagine."

"Call off your side of things and then we can talk." Hyojin grinned.

You knew it was a trap. You knew that as soon as you asked EXO to stop, he would probably put a bullet in your head. Worse yet, he would most likely play with you for a bit before he killed you. You knew that no matter what happened, no matter what you agreed on, if you died, your brother was done for. The only way you could even think of helping your brother now would be to get the hell out of here and go get him. He would hate it, and he would probably hate you, but you wouldn't have a choice. It was either he hates you, or he was dead, and at this point, you'd rather have him alive than love you.

You lifted your hand, palm towards Hyojin and fingers splayed, the sign for hold. You could only hope that they would trust you on this and listen. One by one, you saw guns go down, and soon the warehouse became silent. You couldn't be more thankful.

"You and me, Hyojin. No rules, no interference, and absolutely no going back on your word." You demanded. "If I win, then you or your gang or anybody will touch him."

"Okay, fine!" Hyojin agreed brightly, lowering his own gun. He tucked it into the waistband of his pants, and spread his arms wide. "Just you and me. Come on, then."

Quicker than lightning, you raised your gun and fired a single shot, right into Hyojin's chest. He stumbled backwards, grabbing his chest. "You... you fucking bitch!" He roared. "It was supposed to be a fair fight, just you and me!" He leaned against the wall, breathing heavily.

"Nowhere in there did I say it would be a fair fight. I did say me and you, but that's all it was. You trusted me, which was mistake number one. Mistake number two was putting down your gun. I never said I wouldn't be using it." You stepped closer to him, waving your gun around. "Han took me in. He gave me food, clothes, a place to stay. He was the father that I wish I had. He built me  up, taught me to be strong. He taught me that loyalty is the most important trait, hand in hand with trust. When you started that rebellion, you betrayed us. So, I thought it was only right to lie to your face like you did to us, to make you believe me and then stab you in the back. Or in this case, shoot you in the chest." You said cheekily.

"When I get my fucking hands on you-" He crumbled to the floor as you fired off another shot, this one into his leg. And then another one into his shoulder, and then another and another and another.

"I had everything taken away from me once, you prick." You spat. "And just when I get my life together, you think its okay to just fucking rip it all away from me again!" Another shot. He was unresponsive on the floor now, coughing and spluttering blood as he tried to catch his breath. "And then, and then-" You were laughing hysterically, feeling like your head was about to explode. Your chest was tight and you were finding it harder to breath with every breath that he took, as if he was stealing your air. "And then you think you can just steal it all away from me again, and get away with it?" You shrieked, firing again. "I hope you die in pain. I hope you die and go to hell and experience this pain again and again. I hope you fucking rot." One more shot was fired and the spluttering stopped. The breathing stopped. You were breathing heavily, gasping for breath. You could finally breathe again, now that he wasn't.

Suho stepped forward from his place on the balcony, leaning on the black, metal railing. He began to speak to the remaining members of Hyojin's gang, telling them that they belonged to EXO now, but you weren't listening. Everything was muffled, your ears still ringing. You could feel the adrenaline still racing through your veins, causing your hands to shake and for you to nearly drop your gun.

Baekhyun grabbed your gun from you, tucking it into the back of his pants. "Hey," He said quietly, placing his hands on both sides of your head, holding you steady. "You good?"

You nodded, finding it hard to speak. "Baekhyun," you choked out. "My brother, he had people on my brother-"

"I know, I know. We'll talk to Suho, okay? We'll figure something out." He smoothed down your hair, patting your cheek gently. "You kept him safe for now. You handled it well. Up until the end, I guess. You looked kind of psycho." He joked. You raised your hand and punched him weakly in the chest. HIs laughter was contagious and you found yourself giggling as well.

"What if I have to bring him here?" You asked him quietly as you guys turned to leave. He was the only other person who knew about your brother, and consequentially, his absolute hatred for this type of lifestyle. You weren't sure who else you could ask, or who to confide in.

"If that's what we have to do to keep him safe, then we do it. He'll realize that we're just protecting him, I'm sure of it." Baekhyun responded kindly, rubbing your arm. "We'll take it one step at a time. That's really all a dumbass like you can handle after all." He snickered. This punch wasn't so weak.

"Shut up, you ass." You shook your head at him, trying not to grin. "Get in the damn car. I wanna go home already." He fake saluted you and hopped into the drivers seat of the car, while you climbed into the passengers seat. Lay, Chen and Kyungsoo were in the backseat, Chen already attempting to mess with Kyungsoo. You laughed at them, calling them a bunch of children.

"Alrighty!" Baekhyun said brightly, shifting the car into drive. "Ninety nine bottles of beer on the wall, ninety nine bottles of beer-"

"Shut up, Baek."

"Yes, ma'am."