#would have taken more than 5 min from the surface

[trashy-milifilou]

If a creeper could get me, it meant I was having so much fun that I let my guard down in a dark cave. I normally get far too anxious in vanilla to get that far.

Hey, I really like your modpack!

Playing the pack has basically been the first time ever I played more than one session in a non-peaceful world, just cuz I wanted hunger/food to mean something, so I got to organically experience the notorious cave creeper for the first time. That teaches me to play with no sounds or subtitles.

Sorry about the creeper but I am glad to hear you are enjoying the pack

Modpack found here

[shallowoak]

Little Words in the Small Hours

>> Or read on AO3 here! <<

Summary: Finding himself as Law’s guardian and father figure, Rosinante ponders the nature of parenthood through his own experiences. With thanks to @lunarforrest for proofreading! ❤️

Word Count: 6.9k Rating: Mature, No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Donquixote "Corazon" Rosinante, Trafalgar D. Water Law, Donquixote Doflamingo, Sengoku The Buddha, Donquixote Pirates (One Piece), others mentioned - Character

Additional Tags: Rosi-centric, rating is for themes and explicit language, descriptions of physical abuse, descriptions of childhood trauma, Canon-Typical Misery, Canon-Typical Violence, Pre-Canon, One Shot, Character Study, Introspection, spoilers for dressrosa, both Rosinante and Law are autistic, it was just going that way, Autistic Trafalgar D. Water Law, negative views on the military, though this is OP so I don't suppose you were willing to accept authority anyway, but just in case, headcanons galore, what can you do when your fav is taken away 5 mins after being introduced, yes I'm fine thanks for asking, yet another excuse to write a blonde man having a crisis, use of Den Dens as assistance animals, we love worldbuilding, Medical Inaccuracies, (X Drake drowning in the pool) this ain't about him

Through the gap in his cabin curtains, Rosinante watched as snow fell. Aboard passenger ship “The Mixer”, the gentle sway of their overnight crossing should’ve rocked them to sleep hours ago.

Swaddled together under his feathery coat, Law’s breathing was barely visible. Sat upright, one arm supported the small of Law’s back, the other gently petted his hair. Head limply resting against the cabin wall, the scratchy boat-issued blanket was used instead as a foot warmer for Rosi’s too-long legs. Staring unseeing into the dark, unable to find rest, Law clutched Rosi’s unwashed nightshirt as though it were a lifeline.

Not many moons ago, he would’ve craved a journey like this. No knots to tie, no Marine business, no family matters. Just quiet days for reading and long nights for chain smoking with a stranger. Enjoying the easy sounds of a cheap musician as the crew changed over. The liminal space of getting to know a ship, people, the bottom of a glass he knew he’d never see again.

Now, he despised that quiet. The pair could only hold one another as the boy’s laboured breathing filled the room. Quiet gave intrusive thoughts leverage, the pain and lethargy seeming worse at night. Free from the day’s rush of route planning, hospital visits and running, all they had to think about was reality. The increasingly rapid deterioration was more apparent as Law’s skin became less and less his own. The kid scratched it compulsively, wanting to be free of his discomfort, to somehow peel away the poisoned flesh and see himself underneath. He’d tried to teach Law to ground himself, to hold something comforting when he felt the need to itch. His little body had no extra energy to keep stitching up his arms.

An early night had turned into all night.

Nearing thirteen, most kids Law’s age would recoil at the idea of cuddling as the awkwardness of puberty set in. Too proud, too independent to need his love. On the surface, Law was certainly no different. He left a strong impression on everyone he met, unafraid to challenge the world and every blind adult who inhabited it. He’d sooner carve a hole through Rosi’s coat than admit he wanted to be underneath it.

The dark, the relentless cold, the long, fruitless search and endless hours of travel… These things had an effect. One that even Law was not immune to. As extraordinary as this kid was, he was still just a child. A child who had seen and been through things that would leave an adult scarred. A child who needed a gentle hand and comics as a reward for visiting the Doctor.

Over time, his beautiful brown skin had become ashen and cold, all the warm tones cruelly drawn away as the poisoning progressed. White spots-turned patches became increasingly prominent. All but impossible to ignore in the low light.

So, they did the only thing they could do. Wordlessly try to comfort one another, afraid to speak the truth. It did precious little to stop the long note in the back of Rosi’s mind filling him with dread.

Public transport and cosy overnight cabins were a luxury the pair could ill afford. Too traceable, far cheaper and easier to steal a vessel. Between being a Marine and a pirate, manning a small one single-handedly should be a cinch. Equally, it would be easier and safer to leave Law to die. For him to carry on undercover, to not cause a fuss. To let fate take her course and let Law succumb- or live his remaining years believing dying for Doflamingo was ‘love’.

As the deadline loomed, Rosinante’s heart grew fonder. Softer. Determined. It wasn’t justice nor kindness to leave Law to the wolves. It was unbearable to leave Law alone overnight while he manned a stolen boat.

He wouldn’t go down without kicking and screaming, even if he failed. If they couldn’t secure a cure, Law would pass peacefully by Rosi’s side, knowing he was loved. Safe from having to commit atrocities to live. If his brother got hold of Law, he’d sooner shoot the boy himself. He’d choose Law over himself in any situation.

The easiest option was rarely the right one. Rosinante tried to tell himself he deserved to sleep in a bed.

Until a year ago, Rosi had never imagined children in his cards. He’d never enjoyed being a kid, let alone seen the appeal of raising one. He’d never even entertained the idea of a girl -or boy- friend. Before all their strife; Law had been one of two. Rosi was one of two. He did not doubt that Doffy had fathered many more kids than he adopted. People chose to do this all the time. But it never crossed his mind that it was something for him.

A small part of him wished he had a better childhood, a normal one. A small part of him yearned to understand what kind of life Law had led before the disease ravaged his homeland. Maybe then he’d feel more ready for this. Others his age had tried to kill him, just as their parents encouraged. The brothers had been hunted down and punished for their father's and their community's sins rather than their individual actions. He only had Doffy for guidance, a boy brutalised by their ordeal and forced to turn to violence to cope.

They were both changed for the worse. What part of that experience was supposed to help him here? There was so much to fuck up with child development. So many ways to permanently damage a young psyche. So many of Doffy’s learned, twisted ideals he didn’t want anywhere near Law at the most impressionable time in his life. Rosinante hardly felt better. He didn’t feel as though he’d ever truly recovered from his childhood traumas, and now he was tasked with guiding Law through his own. Poor kid had already been through so much. Rosi couldn’t afford to lead him astray.

He’d known a few families in his life, but he wasn’t quite sure what to make of any of them. There was a memory of his birth parents trying to provide Doffy and him with a real life. With more than what they had. To try to give Law more than what he had wasn’t saying much- yet still felt like a mountain to climb. Sengoku had made it look easy, taking in someone so young and vulnerable with only the simple job of raising them on the line.

As a child, he thought Sengoku was awesome. The shit, invincible. He was like a Dragon, rich and powerful with the world at his feet- but he got to blast bad guys, too. He got to go wherever, command whoever, have whatever. For all their birth parents wanted Rosi and Doffy to lead a normal life, he had fallen on his feet with Sengoku. After months of abuse, mouldy food, loss and sleepless nights in drafty shacks, he’d been comforted to find a familiar home with hot water and soft sheets. In the end, what he knew was luxury.

As an adult…? He wasn’t so naive as to think a family had to be nuclear to work. A family could be a single father and his adopted son. That was his normal; lived it. If he had his way, he’d be reliving it for many years to come. But nothing about his life with Sengoku was normal, really. An admiral for a father figure, almost twice Rosi’s current age when he’d chosen to adopt. He was wise and sound, and he had access to the most powerful support network in the world for anything he needed.

Except… Many of Rosi’s first months were spent not in his care- but in that of a hospital or visiting specialist. After that, he was often away on duty for weeks or months at a time. Even at home, he worked long hours, hardly seeing Rosi as he chipped away at his desk. With Sengoku, he’d been shielded from so much of the world he’d known on the streets. That had been nice at first, but he came to miss someone to play with, regular schooling, and unlimited family time. There was good reason why any sensible Marine took leave or retired to raise their family.

But one of the things he’d never wanted for was medical care. Having found a random child on the street, Sengoku had been wise in getting him checked out. The fleet of Navy Doctors had returned him billed with a long receipt of new diagnoses.

A catalogue of the extensive wounds from his clear history of abuse. Horrific, ugly, burned into the memory of the physicians who saw them. But easy enough to identify and begin to treat. Physiotherapy for his torn shoulder muscles, from where he had been strung up for hours on end. Careful reintroduction to food after malnutrition, a specialised diet to build mass and strength. Extensive grafting and liberal use of creams for his burns. Bedrest for his angry bruises and burst eardrums. He was littered with so many cuts, holes and scrapes that just needed respite and time to repair themselves. For months, he’d looked like a moth-eaten quilt while he recovered. Sengoku amused him, studying the diagram on how to wrap bandages on awkward areas of skin like he would a battle plan- hunched over his desk with his brows furrowed.

Then, there was the acceptance of the permanent hearing loss brought on by prolonged -close-range- exposure to gunfire and explosions. His left ear now heard nothing, whilst the right teetered in the 40-50% range. Therapists helped him learn to live with the difference but there was no cure for clumsiness, only fuelled by the new lack of balance.

He’d been offered something special, a then-experimental surgery. A surgery Vegapunk’s team had been fine-tuning for public use by implementing it in Marine hospital trials. An implant into his left cochlear would allow him some hearing back. A specially shaped Den Den Mushi earpiece would sit on the shell of his ear and act as a receiver and interpreter for sounds. The telepathic snails were billed to provide an overall clearer, more stable sound to the internal components -adapted from the telephone originals- than using electronics alone.

At the time, he’d been sick of surgery. The seemingly endless cycle of groggy pain, tubes, and check-ups. Being stuck inside, summer days wasted with their melding together. Adults looked at him with concern as they kept turning up shrapnel in his scans, time and again. Phrases like ‘implant’ and ‘clinical trial’ had been too much for him then, and he’d been quick to turn down any added grief. The Snail solution was also not a perfect one, as it needed rest and to be fed. It would be closer to working with a service dog, and he’d need to learn how to look after it. He wasn’t sure how to look after himself. No, the old wounds were enough.

Perhaps he would’ve taken it now, having felt the impact of hearing loss in his day-to-day life. Perhaps he’d been a stupid, rash kid. He’d often looked back on himself that way. Though if he had taken it… He couldn’t have cheesed the Marine health check. The external components were much too obvious for even Sengoku to be able to hide on his record. He never would’ve gone through basic or field training, never deployed to spy on his brother. Never would’ve come to meet Law. If he’d made the choice he’d always scorned himself for? His dad could still probably swing him a desk job for the Marines: pencil-pushing anti-scurvy fruit deliveries. Safe. Sonless.

On the mental side, there were long-term conditions to contend with. The aspects of Rosi that were harder to pin and even slower to treat. Hordes of unprocessed grief, paranoia, generalised anxiety, insomnia. It culminated with a healthy topping of PTSD. Rosi’s schedule of pills and appointments rivalled Sengoku’s business calendar for a time. Finally, the one that stumped his father the most. Autism. He’d always remember the look on his father’s face as they sat in that office.

In time, it would be something he’d come to learn he shared with Law, although the two experienced it differently. Rosinante’s own was sensory-biased, his social symptoms negligible before the abuse exasperated them. Noise, light and touch. All things he struggled with. Some days, he’d shriek in the bath, find the hospital too bright, or try to bolt when Sengoku hugged him. It had taken a monumental amount of trust and gentle convincing for the hair to be removed from over Rosi’s eyes. He’d resented the sharp, unfamiliar equipment, the feeling of little prickly hairs against his skin, and the prospect of more light hitting his eyes. Audio processing issues combined with hearing loss made calming explanations difficult to understand. Things often needed to be repeated and for a time, the world only grew more terrifying. Sengoku didn’t recommend him for undercover work because he was good with the sounds of battle or because he could process new information quickly. In battle, there was a real chance he’d be stabbed long before he noticed the wielder’s approach.

From what he could gather, Law’s experience was more socially skewed. He struggled to both display and understand emotions. He took things literally and spoke bluntly, the heart on his sleeve sometimes seeming unforgiving to the uninitiated. Law tended to fixate, tunnel visioned for months on end. He could tell you in (literally) nauseating detail about his favourite medical processes. Or his favourite writing techniques used in the comics he liked.

They both found change hard, their new circumstances confusing. Their lack of routine or stability, the constant new faces and towns, made Law antsy. As their journey continued, Law had less to say. Less patience to spare. As a self-conscious teen, Doctors often assumed Law was brought in to be referred for counselling- that he needed help accepting his Autism or ‘Vitiligo’. He probably did, but it was never the main issue. After a while, Law stopped correcting them and stopped speaking up. He let his dad run him through the motions.

It was hard for Rosinante, too, to see and understand that pain. Not being able to do anything to alleviate it. Forced to carry on with the only option they had. He was starting to resent himself for the quiet his power created. For taking Law into a place which made him uncomfortable. For feeling like he wouldn’t be enough.

Sengoku was neither detached nor the most gentle of hands. His job was to be confident and turn the neurotypical into soldiers. He represented the World Government and expected others to fall into line. But even when he wasn’t sure what to make of Rosinante’s behaviour, he’d always been enough. A warm hand to hold, a secure home, a steady job.

Despite his choosing to tackle Rosinante’s trauma response with navy indoctrination. Despite his belief that regardless of Rosinante's disposition- discipline and structure were sure to yield results. That in Sengoku's mind, it was business as usual.

Despite his numerous faults, Sengoku had been a good father to him. He diligently and often single-handedly took care of Rosi when he was around. Rosi had been a quiet, sensitive child, and Sengoku had always been firm enough to slowly push him out of his shell.

Once he’d been deemed old and fit enough, he’d been allowed to accompany his father on safer voyages. Time on the sea had been presented to him as part of his recovery, that it would be good for him to get fresh air and see some sights after being inside for so long. Whilst not untrue, both father and son knew it was cover so they could spend more time together.

His days as a glorified ship’s mascot had been a blast. He had no official job, but he spent his days soaking up information, experiences, and affection from his crew. He got to see his dad daily and get tucked in every night. They played board games in their quarters and identified sea mammals together. When the cannons were tested, Sengoku comforted and taught him how to protect his ears. And why Marines needed those loud sounds he was so afraid of. How they could be used to protect. They bonded, truly, as father and son.

The books and globes in the map room showed him the world, the navigation crew was only too happy to show off what they knew. Having only known sunny, moderate climates, places like deserts and tundras seemed like that of myth. Watching the cadets work by day, he got a good feel for terminology, knots and drills. During mealtimes, they'd chat about daily life back home and regale him with fanciful tales of mermaids and adventure. Being with them was the closest he got to normality his parents dreamed of.

Hanging around with his Dad gave him exclusive access, too, to explore the private areas of a ship without being summoned there for punishment. Eventually, he even learnt what it was that his Dad actually did.

He'd never thought of it as conditioning, but at 16, with a gentle push from dad, he’d signed up for basic training to join the crew full-time on the other end. And sure, he did turn out to be a decent Marine. He never fought back on Sengoku’s ideas. Eventually, they even put him in charge of others, which had always seemed like a mad decision to him. Being a Marine gave him something to do and a way to make his father happy. Being with Law now was the first time he’d ever carved his own path.

Rosinante still felt young in the only way he had left. Even after years of therapy, he felt no closer to true normalcy. Too much to reflect on, much more to learn- and precious little time. His kid couldn’t afford for him to be lost in his head, reeling from the past- wondering if Sengoku was any parent worth replicating. Wondering even if he could. Law needed his guidance, his support, and his answers now. Could Rosinante be trusted to provide a good life for Law- where professionals had failed him?

Thinking back, he was starting to feel that Sengoku had been this way, too. He’d loved Rosi unconditionally but hadn’t really known what to do with him. Nor had he the time to learn. For all his good intentions, it had been easiest to put Rosi into a box of his ideals and call the job done.

Bringing his mind back into the present, he held Law closer, resting his chin on the crown of the boy’s head. As if he wasn’t already too late to shield Law from anything.

Maybe enlistment was the only way Sengoku could think of to keep an eye on his vulnerable son. Maybe he was actually insane, thinking the military was any autistic person’s first career choice. His head spun listlessly. What the hell did either of them know about raising kids?

Shifting at the pressure, Law looked up at Rosinante.

“Toilet.”

Right. They’d been lying here awake for four or five hours now. He should probably go himself. Smiling gently, Rosi shifts the arm supporting his back to scoop up Law, his rear now resting on his arm. Law clings to him like Koala joey as they leave the cabin.

He thinks it sweet that Law still wants his security. That a kid so willing to kill still doesn’t want to walk an unfamiliar hall alone at night. He has to have hope that there’s still time to fix this. Law might not have his sea legs yet, but Rosi isn’t much better. Thank goodness it’s a calm night; he’d rather not go ass-over-hat with his kid in hand. That clumsiness never failed to amuse his fellow seamen. He traces along the wall with his free hand until they reach a small communal washroom.

The pair leave each other to their business, taking a stall each. He takes a longing look at the showers, knowing he’ll have to take a bath stool to fit under the shower head. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough. He’d been putting off washing and using the laundry service so their clothes would stay clean for longer once they were back on dry land.

Eventually, the two finish washing up, and Rosi scoops Law back up to pad back to their room. Even if Law wanted to walk, Rosi couldn’t reach down far enough to hold his hand. Somehow, he feels more tired after having gotten up. He’s thankful every night that Law came into his life not needing to be fed at 3 am.

He lifts the feather coat left on the bed, gently depositing Law underneath it. The small lump on the mattress doesn’t move. Rosi stares blankly at the dozing lump before tucking it in and arranging the sucky boat blanket as a pillow on the floor. For such an underdeveloped kid, be sure does take up a lot of space. He doesn’t mind, though. He’d known this was coming; he’d been too tall for the standardised mattress from the start. Besides, Law had the rule of cute and couldn’t be moved.

Only as Rosi shifts to curl up on the floor does Law stir, shuffling the coat to stare at his dad. Rosi stares back. A little hand appears from under the fluff, patting the bed and making a grabbing motion. His whole body then scoots closer to the inside of the bed, up against the windowed wall.

How can he say no to that? He’s so proud of Law for considering him!

Feeling sufficiently sleepier, Rosi opts to lie down facing towards Law, his knees bent and feet hanging out of the covers. The position isn’t optimal but it makes Law happy. His arm finds Law’s hat and passes it to him before loosely resting on the coat in a gentle hug.

Like them, that hat had been through a lot. It was the one thing Law still carried from his home island. He used it as a plush toy at night and thumbed it during the day when he was nervous or needed to itch. Frayed patches in the brim were already starting to appear. If it wasn’t being held, he wore it as though he’d crumble without its presence.

When Law joined the family, they’d tried to prise it from him. Tried to burn it with the rest of his old, corpse-stained clothes. There was no way they’d ever been clean, healthy enough to wear again. He wouldn’t say exactly how many days he had hidden in the corpse pile, let alone how long ago they had been fresh on. The rest of his wardrobe had been replaced, and Giolla and Baby 5 loved the opportunity to start fresh and dress Law in the same fun patterns as their Corazon. But taking the hat crossed a line. Even for the eccentric family, that hat was disgusting. It still had old, caked in blood on it. It reeked of sweat, bile and death. Turns out Law liked the stench of death. That was what home smelt like.

Law had bitten Diamante several times for trying to take it, threatening to eat his fingers so that Doffy couldn’t sew them back on. Ultimately, Doffy had to oversee an ‘intervention-negotiation’ to sort the matter out. Gladius tried to convince him a replica could be made, as his own clothes often needed replacing. Pica suggested some form of resin encasement. Baby called him a rat boy. No dice. Eventually, they’d reached the compromise that Law could keep the hat after a thorough washing. Sugar was picked as most suitable for the care of materials, and her soul was bored by gold eyes during the entire process.

After the washing, Law wasn’t happy for days. Not until the hat smelled right again- if a little less like death this time. But much to Rosi’s horror, Doffy’s intervention on Law’s behalf had only strengthened their bond.

There was real irony in how Law and a surprising number of other kids liked Doflamingo so much. A man equally damaged by his past as Rosinante and Law, only his trauma had manifested itself in a far more dangerous way. The way Doflamingo dealt with his issues made self-destruction look preferable. It was endlessly worrying to Rosi that these strays found care and support from an adult, he would argue; was the worst he knew. That Doffy would radicalise these kids like Trebol and the others had done to him all those years ago. He could see that cycle beginning to continue and it horrified him.

In trying to appear ruthless, to protect them, there hadn’t been any room for bonding. Even for their safety, he couldn’t allow himself to slip. But being so close to Doffy did allow him to learn the patterns.

He'd never anticipated this many when he’d agreed with Sengoku to ward off kids and stop the crew from growing. For all his brother did underground, he was far from subtle with his daily persona. Dressed loud, laughed loud, dreamed and dealt loud. Where he went, people took notice. People got ideas.

Kids whose parents had chosen the pull of the tide over them. Brave, stupid kids who egged each other on to test their mettle talking to a real captain. Desperate mouths who needed feeding, thinking they could learn his underhanded methods. Those were the ones who were easy to scare off, to knock sense into.

It was the ones with nothing to lose and everything to gain that were dangerous. Doffy was drawn to the ones with strong ambitions and no inhibition. He had been that child. He knew how to exploit brave souls who ignored all the red flags for personal gain. Letting Rosi scare off the ones with sense was an effective screening method, cutting out a lot of legwork for Doffy. Anyone who stuck around after being beaten by the ‘half-giant brute’ was the most vulnerable. The easiest to manipulate.

Easy to manipulate… Diamante's harsh criticisms of Rosi being 'damaged' and 'unintelligent' rang through his mind.

Mariejois was a strange place. Eerie, dreamlike. Nightmarish. It stood perpetually in the witching hour of the Gods, within the veil of unreality. A confusing place. The inhabitants were supposedly the freest, most powerful, most important people in the world. But still, they had to conform. Rosinante and Doflamingo had been expected to dress the same way as their parents and attend the same functions from birth. They were expected to live outlandishly, frivolously, in the same manner as everybody else. Their personalities and futures had been decided from the start.

Their father had been cast out for his sensitivity, for thinking differently. For wanting differently. Ultimately, he had died for it. Doflamingo didn’t think differently. At first, he had wanted back in, more than anything, to ascend both figuratively and literally. Even for a choice the child didn’t make, Doffy’s bubble of conformity burst. Forever outcasted and angry, he was going to destroy them.

Even if Rosinante had never left, he would’ve never truly fit in. No matter how many years passed, there would be no closure as to whether his emotional sensitivity was natural or an effect of his abuse. Attuned over the years to look for imminent threats, the slightest changes. If his difficulty speaking -the ease with which he slipped into his role- was a product of being unsocialised as a child or through trauma. Could even his clumsiness be a mask? A learned behaviour to appear less threatening, less deserving of abuse? He was frequently described as aloof. Off-putting. People thought of him as abnormal, unhinged, and incomplete. Lacking in personal style. That was before he put on his undercover persona. He was still adjusting. He’d never stop adjusting.

It was neither here nor there. Being autistic was not the prescribed way to be a Dragon. There would be no understanding or adjustment. Not if the material of his clothes made his skin crawl. Not if the frequent parties burnt him out or tripped him into social faux pas. He’d be laughed out without ceremony, and for all the power his father didn’t hold, Rosi may have found himself as a servant or even a slave.

For what it was worth, those loyal to Doffy were supported and accommodated. He’d never let anyone talk shit about Pica’s voice or show discomfort around Trebol’s mucus. He happily facilitated Diamante’s weird need for both approval and bloodlust. The kids he took in were provided for and protected by their elders. Despite popular belief and countless reports, he’d defended Law’s right to exist without hesitation. With his countless connections and eye for cutting through bullshit, he’d learnt the truth and dispelled fear from the family. Just once, he’d used his powers for good. But it was useless to imagine his ways ever changing as he welcomed Law’s nihilistic ideals with open arms.

For what it was worth, Doffy had always defended Rosi. From when they were small and Rosi could do nothing to defend himself. To now, riddled with afflictions, real and fake, even if Doffy saw through them- he still accommodated all of them. He never assumed Rosi could do or be less. Didn’t assume Rosi wasn’t listening just because he couldn’t speak. Always checked in after a briefing, explaining things slowly and giving Rosi time to write. He kept the other members off his back and ensured he was comfortable.

It was easy to see why troubled kids liked him, really. To come from nothing and find sanctuary, understanding- and power. To not be dissuaded but enabled. To be pushed to new heights was to serve his needs. Most troubled adults still couldn’t see past his platitudes. But that was how he got people. He lured children, Law, further and further into this underground world of terror, from which they would never be able to escape. Doffy’s latest scheme, to groom Law to die for him as another cog in the Donquixote machine, was perhaps his most heartless yet. How little another Human life meant to him.

Manipulation had always been one of Doffy’s strong suits; he knew what buttons to push. Try as he might to mask it, he had not returned unscathed from their ordeal. It was an open secret among the family that their head was legally blind. He saw in tunnel vision, the dark surround of which flashed with half-processed light. Though his fashion sense was widely regarded as worse than Rosi’s own, the bright colours were easier for his eyes to detect. For a time before his Haki was fully developed, he used the parasite puppet to see his new members. Not accommodating other’s needs would be hypocritical of him.

Physical health aside, that plague-drenched rat of a man had been more apparently damaged in his psyche. He could no longer truly care for anyone except himself and would never be able to put another before him. The last time he had done so, he had lost his entire family. Never again would he be controlled or outplayed. Understanding his people was only a means to an end; allowing them to work harder for him. Making them believe they couldn’t live without him. Trust Doffy to put sanctuary seekers under his thumb. Those with issues were just easier to manipulate. They both knew that from experience.

He knew from the first utterance of ‘family’ that there was more to the dynamic than met the eye. He and Doffy were thankfully dissimilar in all the ways that mattered, but in the end, they both still value family. Doffy had always yearned for what he had lost, forever unable to escape the past fully- and what that companionship and validation meant.

It was foolish to expect it to be innocent. True, you could take the reading that ‘family’ was perhaps more fitting for a crew who largely did not sail. And yet. Whitebeard rather famously referred to his men as sons. Germa was publicly a royal family but presented itself as an army and force first. What his brother had was not a family. It was a collection of people who ate his lies and believed the hype. It was a crime den more akin to a cult than a family. A ring of false promises and safety in numbers, impossible to leave once entered.

In becoming a family, he’d tapped into something more akin to the mindset of Big Mom. With family came loyalty and expectation. It was much harder to betray a family member than a disembodied leader. Not that he’d have any experience with that. He had no doubt he was doing the right thing by running off with Law but ‘family’ always left niggling doubt. No matter how far they ran, the Marines and Donquixotes would always be his family. It would always hurt more to think he was disappointing Sengoku by running. To disappoint mother by harming another. That was a sick power only madmen like Doflamingo would think to wield.

For all those doubts and feelings of self-hatred, Rosi was proud of how far they’d gotten. So far, Law was safe. In another life, he’d take Law further. Keep him safe forever. Truthfully, he knew there was no way they could both survive this. Not for any extended length of time. Even if he cured Law, there was no way Doffy would let Rosi live to see it. He wouldn’t take kindly to his scapegoat being influenced by outside forces or his plans being ruined. Doffy was the type to hold grudges, even if he had to hunt them down for years to come. If Doffy couldn’t live forever, he would at least take Rosi’s years down with him.

But seeing Law peacefully asleep, he allowed himself a small moment to imagine their future- how he’d establish them. A timeline in which this accursed boat wasn't taking them to some dark, Arctic recess of the North Blue.

Naturally, they’d hide in the East Blue. Skip seas to be far away from the family’s eyes. With any luck, the fabled ‘safest sea’ would have a lessened military presence. He’d pick some relatively safe, nowhere island where they wouldn’t be recognised. This meant nowhere too noteworthy or prosperous, lest it attract the attention of pirates and Marines. They’d be poor but happy; nothing wrong with that. He’d known rock bottom before and it wouldn’t be that way again. He wasn't a Dragon now. He was safe, could hold a job and had military training. He could protect them.

Somewhere completely average for a perfectly normal family.

Requirements aside, he wasn’t looking for much from the island itself. All he really wanted was other kids for Law to learn and play with. His mind’s eye chased the fantasy. A quaint schoolhouse of just two classes. Well-used blackboards and slightly rocky seats, old names and jokes scratched into the desks. A quiet, undemanding school where all the parents and kids knew each other. Surrounded by friends and well-meaning adults. Seas, he hoped Law would be able to make some nice friends. How lovely would it be for him to be influenced by normal kids? Kids who hadn’t grown up like Rosi and Law had? Kids who shared games, got messy outside and would copy Law’s homework…

A library or bookshop would be nice, if not a formally organised school. Law had already come so far with self-study; he’s sure they could make a form of homeschooling work. By the time Law was old enough for medical college, they should be safe enough to move island.

His boy graduating. All grown up and helping others. Successful in keeping a heart full of love and compassion. A prodigy who would continue to research new methods of recovery. This fruit could change everything. How nice it must be to be a parent with normal ambitions. He’d love to be there for as long as Law would have him.

As for himself? Well, he’d need a new identity to start. He’d seen enough witness protection procedures to know that much. Easy. Just become someone new. Someone far removed from the records, the bounty posters, the divine descension. Trafalgar Rosi had a cute ring to it. Rosey. Rosy. Rossi. Rosie? Rosie. Then it would look different on paper, enough to deter anyone who didn't already know the name Trafalgar Law.

Of course, it was only practical to change his name if he were to be inconspicuous as Law's father. Father... the thought made him giddy. Maybe he'd finally try growing that beard Sengoku had always warned him off.

As for his career… hm. He’d need something very ordinary for that, too. After burning down so many hospitals, he could definitely have a future in demolition. The medical circle probably wouldn’t want to see his face as a nurse. But then, what peaceful village would have steady work for him? Equally, they were unlikely to need his skills as a trained gunman except as a game hunter in Autumn. There was always childcare; after the kids of the Donquixote Pirates, nothing these ragamuffins had could phase him.

He could set up a Den Den switchboard and direct calls. Plenty of islanders didn’t keep them due to the care and set-up costs weighed against the usage. A small fee to use one when needed was preferable to most. Communication was at the crux of his role as a spy, so he may as well lean into his training. Plus, he’d get to take care of lots of cute Snails. He could see himself whiling away an afternoon painting one or making up the accessories.

Maybe there would be some kind of neighbourhood watch or council? Then he could do all these odd jobs. Get involved with all the news- a good source of information and an easy aid for his sense of security. Sounded peaceful enough.

A peaceful life was all he really wanted. Having tasted freedom from The Family and Marines put things into perspective. Travelling with his son and making his own choices, it becomes harder to want to return to work. Risking his life was a thankless task, one he likely wouldn’t see the benefit of whilst he still drew breath. He’d be excited to be a homemaker. Get to know some people his age and settle into a community. Share fruit and books and make-up tips whilst their kids hang out. Feel his presence in a space. To truly matter to people.

If only they lived in a world where all they had to worry about was where to settle down or which school to send Law to. The worries everybody else had-

Rosinante wiped the growing tear from his eye, holding Law ever so slightly tighter. Enough.

There is nothing material he can guarantee. As with his own parents, there is no home to return to. No money, no power, no community. For better or worse, there is no one to fall back on but themselves. Like Sengoku, he cannot magically fix what is broken. He succeeds or Law dies. Like Doffy, he cannot force Law’s hand. It must be guided.

But. Equally.

Like his own parents, he can hope for a better future for his child. Like Sengoku, he can offer all that he can within his power. Even, like Doffy, he can open Law’s heart to the concept of family once again.

There is no guarantee that he’ll be able to undo the damage done, but there’s hope. Maybe, like Rosi, Law will always be recovering. Maybe that constant growth isn’t a bad thing.

The only promise he can make is that his love will never waver, that he will always try his fucking hardest for his son. With an open mind and heart to go forward in their relationship, with whatever time he has left.

For that, he can't be as bad as he thinks. Surely.

Increasingly tonight, he was getting the impression no one knew what they were doing. That all anyone could do was try not to repeat the mistakes of those before them. To treat each other as equals. They were both different to the others around them. But in that way, they understood each other. And through each other, they found the other was every bit as deserving of love as they were. Rosi would be happy if Law came out the other side of this with even an ounce of love and humanity left in his heart. He would’ve succeeded.

Being around Law brought out the best in Rosinante. Law gave Rosi the courage to follow his idea of justice and choose a path for himself. For Law, he would betray everyone he’d ever known. Start a new family. Law gave his life meaning and purpose and made him smile again. Around Law, Rosi knew no bounds.

Rosinante brought out the best in Law. Rosi gave Law energy and brought out the kid in him again. For Rosi, Law would smile and talk about his fixations for hours. Would show compassion and trust. He would give people, and life, a second chance. He’d hope- and dream of a future. Around Rosi, Law was happy.

Together, they were free.

[spacenutspod]

5 min readPreparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) Some of the same properties of light and optics that make the sky blue and cause rainbows can also help scientists unlock mysteries about cloud formation and the effects of tiny particles in our air. NASA’s upcoming PACE mission will offer important insights on airborne particles of sea salt, smoke, human-made pollutants, and dust – collectively called aerosols – by observing how they interact with light. With PACE data, scientists will provide better answers to key questions such as how aerosols affect cloud formation or how ice clouds and liquid clouds differ. Understanding the nature of airborne particles and clouds is crucial to deciphering how climate and air quality are changing. Two instruments on NASA’s upcoming PACE mission will look at aerosols and clouds – the A and C in the name of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem satellite. After launch in early 2024, the PACE mission will scan the Earth and gather data on the chemical composition, movement, and interaction of aerosols and clouds through the use of two cutting-edge polarimeters – instruments that measure light properties. Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight CenterDownload this video in HD formats from NASA Goddard’s Scientific Visualization Studio: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14454/ There are characteristics of light that we can see with our eyes, such as color. Other characteristics are invisible to the human eye, like what scientists call polarization. “Polarization is something that we don’t have an intuitive sense for because our eyes don’t see it,” said Kirk Knobelspiesse, polarimetry lead for the PACE mission at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “If you saw the world through eyes that could see polarization, like our sensors can, you would see rainbows everywhere.”   Light leaving the Sun moves in all different directions like a wave – this is called unpolarized light, said Brian Cairns, deputy project scientist for PACE. When it interacts with something like a cloud or an aerosol particle, however, light can oscillate more in one direction than the others: It is now polarized light. This quirk of light behavior can help scientists learn more about the characteristics and interactions of aerosols and water droplets in the sky. Polarimeters measure the angle at which the light is polarized, which reveals specific characteristics of whatever the light had bounced off of. With these instruments, scientists can piece together the size, composition, abundance, and other traits of the particles in the atmosphere.  An example of a cloud bow, taken late on a winter afternoon in Santa Cruz, California. The cloud in this case was light coastal fog, so this could also be referred to as a fog bow. In the scene, the sun was positioned low in the sky directly behind the viewer so that backscattered light is observed. While this observation geometry is rare from the surface of the earth, it will be common for PACE/HARP2.NASA/Kirk Knobelspiesse The two polarimeters on PACE – HARP2 and SPEXone – make a great pair because of the complementary differences in what they measure. HARP2, built at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will observe four wavelengths of light from up to 60 different angles. SPEXone, built at the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) and Airbus Netherlands B.V., will peer down at a narrower swath, using five viewing angles but looking at light at hyperspectral resolution – the full range of colors in a rainbow. Together the polarimeters will offer a picture of Earth’s atmosphere in unprecedented detail. Scientists have been observing aerosols from space for decades, though the community has not had polarimetry data for a decade, noted Otto Hasekamp, senior scientist at SRON. PACE will provide polarimeter data from multiple vantage points and, due to technological advancements in the instruments, the data will be of better quality than ever before. “It’s exciting to see the culmination of working actively on instrument models and prototypes,” said Jeroen Rietjens, instrument scientist at SRON, “then finally seeing it end up on a real satellite.” Jeroen Rietjens in Goddard cleanroom with PACE. “Very proud to be in the Goddard cleanroom and to pose with the fully assembled and tested PACE satellite, which hosts our small SPEXone instrument. The instrument is neatly wrapped in grey thermal blankets and still has the red radiator cover in place. It is surreal to realize that In a few months it will be staring at the Earth and collecting multi-angle spectro-polarimetric data that will enable scientists to infer the amount and type of aerosols in the Earth atmosphere and contribute to a better understanding of the effects of aerosols on climate,” said Rietjens.NASA/Denny Henry After PACE is launched in early 2024, the satellite will scan Earth every two days, gathering immense quantities of data on the chemical composition, movement, and interaction of aerosols and clouds. “We want to measure properties of aerosols because aerosols affect climate,” said Hasekamp. They reflect light back into space and can also absorb it, which plays a role in how much of the Sun’s energy reaches Earth’s surface. Aerosols also affect cloud formation and properties, but the details of these relationships are not fully known to scientists. The data PACE collects will help to clarify some of these unknowns. The new polarimetry data will also offer real-time insights on air pollution. “PACE measurements will not only answer fundamental science questions, but will also improve people’s quality of life,” said Marcela Loría-Salazar, assistant professor at the School of Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma and PACE early adopter. The PACE Early Adopters program promotes the integration of PACE data into practical applications of science. Loría-Salazar is particularly interested in how aerosols change over time and with location, with an extra emphasis on the altitude of aerosols over the middle of the United States. There, PACE will allow scientists to identify aerosols, while also deciphering what they mean for air quality. The measurements from PACE’s polarimeters will also help improve our understanding of Earth’s climate. By adding PACE atmospheric data to models, scientists will be able to replace the estimates now used to fill data gaps in those models with data from current measurements. “I’m hoping to help gather the data that will reduce model uncertainty and help us make better predictions for how we expect our climate to play out in the next decades and centuries,” Knobelspiesse said. By Erica McNameeNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Share Details Last Updated Dec 12, 2023 EditorErica McNameeContactErica McNameeerica.s.mcnamee@nasa.govLocationGoddard Space Flight Center Related TermsEarthGoddard Space Flight CenterPACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem) Explore More 5 min read NASA Sensor Produces First Global Maps of Surface Minerals in Arid Regions Article 1 day ago 5 min read NASA’s MAVEN Observes the Disappearing Solar Wind Article 1 day ago 6 min read NASA’s Webb Stuns With New High-Definition Look at Exploded Star Article 2 days ago

[samanthadalton]

Star Crossed Lovers (part 14)

Do my eyes deceive me???? part 14???? we did it. im so sorry its taken forever, i will try my best to be more consistent with my writing. love yall for being patient with me it means the most. thank you, thank you. 

warnings: throughout this fic there will be mentions of substance abuse, homophobia, sexual abuse, violence, NSFW, mentions of abandonment, depression and death including suicide

reader discretion is advised

warnings: angst, swearing (lots of it) 

taglist: @drmmyrs @cloud9in @somewillwin @save-me-the-last-dance @baexpoppy @stanzoeywade @ognenniyvolk @thepotatobleh @crazzyplays @fall3ngods @helpconfusedpersonhere @clowneryme @dopeyouth @boys-girls-i-cant-help-it-baby @vonda-b-real @uselesslesbianfr @veenast @cloakanddaggerthings @somethindarker (sorry again if ive missed anyone, if you wanna be added on this taglist or my general one just let me know 😊) 

word count: 4k (i feel like its short considering how long it took me to write but i still hope you guys enjoy) (also i didnt check for grammatical errors properly so sorry if you find any) 

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6 part 7 part 8 part 9 part 10 part 11 part 12 part 13

The first steps to moving on 

“Bea please,” Poppy whispers, a repentant look creeping up to her face as she looks away from her girlfriend. “It can’t wait.” 

Bea sighs, her shoulders slumping as the last remains of her anger disseminates from her body. “Okay fine, lead the way babe.” 

Poppy stiffens that the pet name but she doesn’t let her awkwardness slip as she leads Bea to a secluded classroom, far away from prying eyes. Both her and Bea turn to look at each other, and both simultaneously open their mouths to talk. 

“I know you wanted to tell-” 

“We need to talk-” 

Both clamp their lips shut, a mutual smile playing on their lips as they look at one another. 

“You go first,” Poppy gestures towards Bea, as she moves to sit on the edge of a desk. 

Bea inhales softly, her tongue darts out licking her lips as she looks down at the ground, her face calculating. “Why does Chloe hate me?” She looks up to Poppy, her eyes boring into the strawberry blonde’s, sadness swimming inside of them, “I just don’t get what I’ve done for her to hate me.” 

Poppy sighs heavily, her eyes awkwardly darting away from Bea’s. “It’s complicated Bea.” 

“Complicated?” Bea lets out a humourless laugh, “I almost just went off on Chloe after she gave her condolences for my mom dying because I just felt she wasn’t genuine and you wanna tell me it's complicated?” 

Poppy sharply inhales, contemplating for a few moments before saying, “it’s because of your mom.” 

Bea scrunches her brows up in confusion, “my mom? What the hell does she have to do with this?” 

Poppy ineptly plays with her hands, not being able to look Bea in her eyes, “at first it was just a classist thing. When you first came to Belvoire, she just wanted to make herself feel superior over you, but in the last year you’ve noticed her getting more mean right?” 

“Right.” Bea stares at Poppy, her expression emotionless. 

“Chloe’s parents have been fighting non stop recently, and it’s been affecting her a lot.” 

Bea’s brows furrow in confusion, “what does that have to do with me or my mom?” 

“Just let me explain first before you react, please.” Bea’s eyes bore into Poppy’s for a few seconds before she nods understandingly. “Her dad cheated on her mom. A lot of times actually. But he was blackmailed by one of the women he slept with.” Poppy pauses for a few seconds, “your mom.” 

Bea lets out a shaky breath, her eyes blinking in disbelief, “no, you’re lying.” 

Poppy nervously bites her bottom lip, “look Bea-” 

“How long have you known?”

Poppy’s face scrunches up in anger, “this isn’t my fault Bea. I only found out that day I went to talk to Chloe about us. Chloe made me promise not to say anything to you-” 

“Poppy! My mom OD and I don’t even know why. And now you’re telling me she was blackmailing the St James family and it doesn’t occur to you that might have had something to do with her death?” 

“They’re not the fucking mafia Bea, jesus. They were trying to settle it quietly by giving your mom some money and make her sign some stuff so she couldn't threaten them anymore.” 

The devastating ramification of Poppy’s admission hangs in the air as the two girls let the words settle into them. “Chloe really is sorry about your mom Bea, we all are.” 

Bea sighs, staring off into space, as a few tears begin to fill up in her eyes. “I just don’t know what to do.” Bea begins sniffling, but Poppy makes no movement to console her girlfriend. Bea notices and her expression sobers, “so, uh what did you wanna tell me?” Bea sniffs a few more times, before looking up at Poppy, giving her a small encouraging smile. 

Poppy looks away, guilt creeping up on her face, as she tries her damndest not to catch Bea’s small smile on her face. “Bea…”. Bea carefully assesses her girlfriend’s demeanour, noticing the similar body language during when they first asked to take a break, she thinks back to the last couple of days, she had barely heard from her girlfriend, and now she’s not affectionate, even after she almost had a mental breakdown in the middle of the hallway and her smile drops. “We have to break up,” Poppy says, her tone so monotone and dry as if she didn’t mean the words she was saying at all. 

“I don’t understand,” is all Bea can muster, evidently hurt by Poppy’s admission. Poppy winces slightly at Bea’s tone, finally breaking her robotic demeanour as she lets out a few sniffles. “So is that it? We have to break up,” Bea retorts mockingly, “is that all I get after all these years?” 

“Bea..” Poppy reaches out but Bea immediately takes a step back, tears flooding in her eyes. 

“No,” she holds her hands up, “I don’t get it, things are going good, or at least whatever twisted definition of good we’ve made up. Where the hell did this come from?” 

“Bea my dad-” 

“Of course! Hayden Min fucking Sinclair had something to do with this. Why do you still live under his shadow? You talk all this shit about breaking out of your father’s prison and wanting to achieve your own goals but he sucks you back in.” 

“That’s not fair Bea,” Poppy interjects, balling her hands up into fists in an attempt to subdue her trembling, “my dad has given me so much and he’s threatening to take it all away.” 

“Yeah, all you have to do is get rid of me. Me or the Min Sinclair name.” 

“Bea this is the life I have, okay I’m not like you, I’m not built like you.” 

“So what? I can grow up without a dad and now without a mom but it’s okay because I’m used to pain and disappointment?” 

“I didn’t mean it like that, you have a plan, things you can achieve, I need the Min Sinclair name, I’m nothing without it.” 

“Wow.” Bea shakes her head, “So I just meant nothing?” Bea wildy throws her arms in the air, anger bubbling under the surface of her demeanour. “We’ve practically been together since we were kids. And you’re just gonna fucking throw that away? And for what? Fuck you Poppy.” 

Poppy takes half a step back, dumbfounded by Bea’s outburst. She scrunches her brows, evidently hurt, “you don’t get it Bea. Even though your mom wasn’t the best, she still supported you, even if you didn’t know about it. My dad he- my mom what would she think?” 

“Your mom? Poppy what kind of shit is your dad brainwashing you with? Your mom is dead! You have no idea how she would react to having a gay daughter, but I know she’s probably disappointed in you.” 

“Fuck you Bea.”Poppy runs out of the classroom, tears streaming down her face, leaving Bea on her own. 

“Shit,” Bea whispers to herself before throwing a bunch of punches at the wall, each more cathartic than the last until she can’t physically hold herself up anymore. Bea defeatedly slides into a chair, cradling her head in between her hands, letting the tears free fall, as reality begins setting in that she lost the one thing in the world that was her everything. Poppy Min Sinclair was her rock, the girl who she gave her heart to, the love of her life and just in a matter of moments it was over. Maybe it was too good to be true. The beautiful, perky popular rich girl and the girl who had almost nothing, complete polar opposites, it never should’ve worked. But time and time again when faced against the world they persevered so why was this time different? Poppy had chosen her namesake over the love of her life. She chose the life of glitz and glamour over the girl who gave her her entire heart. Bea feels her entire world crashing down, how much more heartbreak could she take? Was her life always going to be so hard? So full of hurt? Full of pain? She winces at the thought, her head hammering as she comes to the realisation that she understood her mother’s pain more than she thought. 

…. 

Bea hops off her bike, parking it in front of her house, as she pulls her phone out to look at the time. ‘It’s lunch time,’ she thinks to herself. After the day she had today, school wasn’t the best option for her right now. She makes her way to her front door but stops in her tracks when she realises her front door is slightly ajar. Her survival instincts kick in as she effortlessly pulls out her pocket knife, carefully pushing the door fully open. As she steps into the living room, her eyes dart to the closed door of her mother’s room, but when she hears a creaking sound coming towards her bedroom, she cautiously moves towards the source of the noise, the grip on her knife tightening. As she creeps up, she sees the door of her room half opened, a hooded figure standing by her bed with their back facing her. 

Bea stealthily sneaks up to the figure placing the knife a few inches from their throat before lowering her voice to a threatening tone, “who are you and what the fuck are you doing?” The figure gasps, dropping a bag that’s in their hands with a deafening thud before raising their hands in a sign of surrender. 

“It’s me, it’s me,” the voice whimpers out. 

“AJ?” Bea raises her eyebrows, retracting the knife from his throat while pulling down his hood with her other hand. “What the fuck are you doing?” Bea takes a step back while AJ scrambles grabbing the bag he just dropped moments before. When he turns to face Bea, his eyes are wide, filled with fear as he clutches the bag closely to his chest. 

“I have to go,” he says as he attempts to run out of the room, but Bea pulls him back, her face crumpled in suspicion. 

“No we’re not doing this, give me the bag now,” Bea snatches the bag out of his hands before he can protest and opens the zipper to find it filled with cash. She grits her teeth, anger settling into her features as she whips her head up to AJ, “is this my fucking money?” 

“Bea, I- I can explain-” 

“What the fuck AJ!” Bea throws the bag onto the bed, the cash spilling out as she jabs an accusing finger at AJ’s chest. “You’re stealing from me now? I haven’t seen you in god knows how long, you don’t call, text nothing. Even after everything that’s been happening in the last few weeks but you have the audacity to fucking steal from me? Money that I’ve spent years saving? Money that I’ve bussed my fucking ass off for, are you serious right now?” Bea’s voice is filled with rage as she’s practically screaming, her voice now thundering. AJ winces, guiltily averting his gaze to the ground, unable to meet Bea’s eyes. 

“I’m sorry about your mom Bea, I wanted to visit-” AJ croaks out.

“But you didn’t,” Bea interjects, her voice lowered but filled with hurt. “And now you’re taking money- I mean what is so important you had to steal from me.” 

AJ paces towards the bed, hanging his head in shame, when he speaks his voice is quiet, full of fear, “I’m in some bad shit Bea. These guys aren’t playing around.” 

“I told you not to fall into the wrong crowd, I warned you this shit would happen.” 

“Bea please, I’ll pay you back I just need it.” 

“No! What the fuck, when will you pay me back huh? This is my college money, I’m not letting you give that away to your crackhead friends.” 

“Bea please,” AJ clasps his hands together, his tone pleading, “I don’t know what to do.” 

“AJ I have too much shit on my plate right now, I can’t deal with this. You need to find something else, I can’t help you.” 

AJ’s face pales but he stands up, and makes his way towards the door, before leaving he turns to look back at Bea, “I’m sorry about everything.” 

Bea keeps her eyes trained on her bed where the money is sprawled all over the mattress, “yeah me too,” she replies quietly. Bea hears the front door close and she collapses to the ground, letting the tears flow. 

……

A few days later, Bea sits in her dark living room, curtains shut and lights completely off as she wallows in her sadness, drinking from a bottle of cheap beer, as she stares absentmindedly at the ceiling, so drowned in her thoughts she doesn’t hear the resounding knocks on her door until she hears a voice call out, “Bea! Are you there?” 

Bea crumples her brows, forcing herself to stand as she makes her way to the door, she wearily makes her way to her front door only slightly opening the door before poking her head out. “Veronica?” Veronica gives the girl a wide smile before pushing the door more open, ushering the figure behind her into the house too, “Carter? What are you guys doing here?’ 

Veronica looks around the dark room, noticing the pile of empty beer bottles on the floor, “yikes, drinking on your own on a friday night Hughes? That’s really sad.” Carter stands near the edge of the living room, as if he’s an explorer, his eyes darting all over the living room as he assesses this new environment. 

Bea on the other hand scowls at Veronica, “what the hell do you want Veronica, I’m not in the mood.” 

Veronica frowns slightly, pouting her lips together, “we heard about you and Poppy.” 

Bea rolls her eyes, “yeah well I’m trying to forget about her.” Bea picks up her beer bottle from the ground and makes a show by exaggeratingly drinking from the bottle until it's empty. She discards the empty bottle along with the other ones before turning to look at Veronica and Carter, “so if you’ll excuse me.” 

Veronica steps towards Bea, wrapping her hand around the brunette’s arm, “we’re not here for Poppy stupid, we’re here for you.” 

Bea raises an eyebrow, “for me?” 

Veronica turns to look at Carter, beckoning him forward, Carter breaks out of reverie and clears his throat, “yeah uh, we wanted to take you to a party.” 

“A party?” Bea looks between them confused, “I’m not that interested guys.”

“Wait, wait, wait Bea,” Veronica pleads, pulling Bea closer to her, “you’ve never been to a Belvoire party and the year is almost over, we thought we should take you to at least.” 

“I don’t know guys,” Bea says skeptically, “a lot of people don’t like me.” 

“Who gives a shit? You just had your heart broken and you need to let loose.” 

Bea sighs, pulling away from Veronica, “I don’t think it’s a good idea.” 

“Come on, it beats drinking in the dark on your own.” 

Bea sighs, dropping her shoulders, “what about uh Poppy?” 

“Poppy?” Veronica arches a brow, “her and Chloe are staying in tonight, she said she needed to catch up on homework or something.” 

Bea purses her lips together in thought before sighing,  “fine.” Veronica cheers, “but,” Bea over enunciates, “only for a few hours and if I don’t like it I’m going home.” 

“Okay, deal,” Veronica squeals, wrapping Bea in a big hug. Carter chuckles as Veronica gestures for him to join the hug, he awkwardly wraps his arms around the two girls, before pulling away. 

“Okay, I’ll wait in the car while you girls get ready. Just uh don’t take too long.”

Veronica playfully rolls her eyes as she Bea towards her bedroom, yelling back “thanks Carter.” Giddy, she rushes to Bea’s closest, assessing her clothes until she finds a short red dress hidden in the back. “This!” 

“No, no, no,” Bea shakes her head, pulling the dress out of the ombre-haired girl’s hands. 

“Why not? It would look so hot on you,” Veronica’s eyes trail down Bea’s body, as she sharply inhales. “Bea, you’re single and sexy, stop holding yourself back okay?” 

“I’m not,” Bea pushes back defensively, “I just-” she sighs heavily, “no one at Belvoire has ever seen me dressed up, I’m just- I’m nervous I guess.” 

“Then we have to show them what they’ve been missing for the last three years,” Veronica gives Bea a devilish smile as she takes the dress from Bea’s hands, sliding the dress off the hanger before handing it over to Bea. 

“Uh you gonna stay in the room?” Bea nervously wrings her hands together. 

“Why, are you offering a show?” Veronica lifts a teasing brow, noticing Bea’s cheeks redden slightly, which prompts her to let out a small laugh, “I’m kidding, don’t worry I won’t look.” Veronica makes a show of raising her hands to cover her eyes. Bea laughs as she slips out of her clothes and into the dress, she awkwardly clears her throat, grabbing Veronica’s attention. 

“Hey, uh help a girl out with her zipper?” 

“Sure,” Veronica moves to stand behind Bea, her hands ghosting around Bea’s exposed back, her breath momentarily taken away. She sturdies herself and places one of her hands on the small of the brunette’s back while the other moves towards the zipper, zipping the girl up. Bea smooths the dress down with her hands appreciating herself in the mirror, “you look gorgeous,” Veronica whispers into the shell of her ear. 

Bea’s face completely flushes red and slightly jerks at Veronica’s admission, “uhh thanks.” 

Veronica notices the awkward shift in the atmosphere, and promptly changes the subject, “so where’s your sister?” 

Bea sits in front of her mirror, a comb in her hand as she brushes her long locks, “she’s staying at a friend’s tonight.” 

“Cool,” Veronica answers back but her tone falls flat. The girls bask in the awkward silence as Bea continues to get ready but when Veronica notices Bea struggling to do her winged eyeliner she breaks the silence. “Hey do you need help?” 

Bea smiles bashfully, “yeah.” She rubs the back of her head with her hand, “sorry Poppy used to help me with my makeup.” 

“Right,” Veronica’s face slightly falls but she quickly covers it up, ushering Bea to come and sit on the bed. “Come on, I don’t bite,” Veronica bites the bottom of her lip, “unless you want me too.” Bea laughs but obliges sitting on the edge of the bed. Veronica clambers onto her lap, her thighs settling on the sides of Bea’s legs, and in response, Bea’s eyes widen in surprise but she remains glued in her spot, too shocked to move. 

“V, what are you doing?” Bea whispers, her voice attempting to come across as reprimanding but it comes out as breathy. 

“Relax, I’m just doing your eyeliner.” Veronica plucks the wand from Bea’s hand and angles herself close to the brunette’s face, as she begins drawing on the wings on Bea’s eyelids. Bea steadies herself, as she feels the heat of Veronica’s body so close to hers and when Veronica is finished with putting the finishing touches on her eyelids, she hops off Bea’s lap, making her way towards the desk, scuffling through Bea’s makeup bag before taking up her place on Bea’s lap once again. “Now I think this colour would look good on you,” 

“You don’t think it’s too much red?” 

“Oh babe, red means power, dominance, you don’t wanna be thinking about Poppy the entire night, you wanna have all eyes on you Bea Hughes.” Veronica uncaps the lipstick, her eyes burning into Bea’s lips as she carefully applies the red colour to her lips. “Perfect.” 

Bea smacks her lips together, evenly spreading the red on her lips. “Thanks V.” 

Veronica’s eyes dart to Bea’s lips, her tongue slightly running along her bottom lips before she breaks out of her reverie flashing Bea a smirk, “don’t thank me yet, thank me when you’re having the time of your life at the party.” Veronica slides off Bea’s lap, holding her hand out, “come on let’s finish up because Carter’s been waiting for a while.” Bea smiles up at Veronica, taking her hand as she lets the ombre-haired girl pull her off the bed, as they continue getting ready. 

………

Once they arrive at the party, Carter drops the girls off at the front of the huge house before telling them he will park the car. Veronica’s gaze darts to Bea, who’s nervously toying with her hands, looking up at the intimidating house, the lights blaring and as the music echoes throughout, the bass thumping in their ears. Noticing the nerves settling into her, Veronica slips into Bea's, giving her a reassuring squeeze, “hey, it’s okay, it’s just a bunch of drunk, preppy uptight teenagers, nothing you don't usually face everyday.” 

Bea lets out a small laugh, “just in a big ass house,” she jests. 

“Yeah, just in a big ass house,” she gives Bea a light squeeze as she starts pulling Bea into the house with her. Automatically, they’re met with stares and whispers, as the students look astonished at Bea, some appraising her outfit, while others are confused about her presence. “Hey, just stay with me okay?” Veronica whispers over to Bea. Bea nods, her eyes roaming the room. “I’ll get us drinks.” The ombre-haired girl gives Bea a reassuring pat on her arm and leaves her side and Bea walks into the living room, observing the difference between the vibes of the party between the north and the south. Her thoughts then move to think about Poppy, how Poppy would love going to parties in the north but Bea couldn’t find the appeal in it. Poppy. Poppy, who broke up with her. She’s interrupted from her thoughts by a tap of her shoulder, and Bea turns around to see Veronica offering her a red solo cup, Bea takes a sip and winces. 

“What the hell is this crap?” 

“Yeah for a bunch of rich kids, their taste in beer isn’t the best,” Veronica jokes, slightly nudging Bea. 

“We have way better beer in the south side.” 

“That I can agree with.” Veronica looks over to Bea who looks lost in thought, “hey what are you thinking about?” 

Bea sighs heavily, “Poppy,” she mutters. 

Veronica nods once, “right, yeah.” 

“Poppy would’ve loved a party like this, big fancy house an-” 

“Bea,” Veronica says, her tone slightly agitated, “this,” she gestures around the room, “is a no Poppy zone. That means we don’t think about Poppy, only about fun.” 

Bea nods, “fun. I can do that.” Veronica lifts her cup in the air, “what are we cheering to?” 

Veronica gives Bea a smile, “here’s to the first steps in moving on.” The girls tap their cups together before downing their drinks. “Now if we wanna get drunk, we’re gonna need a lot more of these.” 

The party is still ongoing, and Bea sits in a circle with a few girls from the volleyball team and a few of the football team and other people she doesn’t recognise while Veronica sits beside her. 

“Bea you look so pretty,” one of her teammates says. 

“Yeah Bea your makeup is literally gorgeous,” another chimes in. 

“Who knew strip tease can clean up well,” Ford jests, but Bea slumps her shoulders a little, remembering that these people are not her friends. 

Carter enters the circle slapping Ford on the head as he goes, “shut up, Hughes is cool.” Bea gives Carter a nod of appreciation before looking down at the drink in her hands. Her thoughts move a million miles a minute, but there’s a constant one stuck in her brain, Poppy.

Veronica looks over at Bea, frowning. “Hey come with me.” She stands, excusing herself from the group and Bea follows her close behind. 

“Where are we going?” 

“We’re gonna play a private game of truth or drink.” 

[jonathananubian]

Rules: DON’T REBLOG THIS ONE, MAKE A NEW POST! List the first lines of the last ten (10) stories you published. Look to see any patterns you notice yourself, and see if anyone else notices any. Then tag some friends.

I was tagged by @wrennette, because they opened it to everyone~

1. The first time he set eyes on Lak-min Honlak it was behind the stark serenity of a training mask. The man was in his training block and slept in the bunk across from him in the trainee barracks. Ner Cabur, Gar Cabur

2. Vokara Che looked over the results with a tired sigh. The boy couldn’t have been older than 14 and yet he was acting more like a traumatized Knight than a newly minted Padawan. So far he had remained tight lipped, either from fear or trauma she couldn’t be certain. They hadn’t even been able to get his Master’s name from him, or whether they were still alive or not. You are NOT your DNA

3.Standing behind the pilot Jango stared out at the verdant world below and let out a harsh sigh. Off to his left Myles leaned casually against the side of the cockpit, arms crossed and a smug grin on his face as the surface of the planet, and Jango’s doom, loomed ever closer. “If this all goes to hell I’m laying all the blame on you.” He said with a huff. Ner Mirjahaal

4.On a world abandoned by sapient life a small ship set down on an ancient landing pad. Inside the cockpit the senior padawan let out a slightly shuddery sigh as she shut everything down. Protostar

5 The distress signal had come out of nowhere one cycle, lighting up their systems and blaring through their headsets. Whatever was causing it was old, ancient if Ironhide was to be believed, and nothing they tried could turn the damned thing off. Protection Protocol

6. Spots danced before her eyes as the blinding myriad of colors finally began to fade. Her head felt as if someone had split it in two and shoved something inside her body, something that was too large for her small frame. Starstruck

7. Obi-jul of the Major House of Harobi, last child of Obi-lum and Obi-pej, spent the morning of that fateful day with the remnants of House Harobi. In the last year the power of their House had diminished, though they still retained their status as a Major House through sheer competence and a connection to the Stars. Kar'alor bal val Stewjoni

8. At first Kom’rk couldn’t be certain what he’d heard, the sound was foreign in a world where everyone shared the same voice. But as the door opened and he looked up from his datapad he stopped dead in his tracks. Her Laughter is a Revelation

9. With a tired sigh they who had been crowned Mand’alor looked over the verdant world with a serene expression. When they had taken up the mantle of Mand’alor they had chosen to take on the burden of leadership, and all that it entailed. Disregarding the repercussions and the things that would be demanded of them. Ner jate’kara

10. He really shouldn't care, such things were beneath him now, but as he stood there he couldn't help but to ask. "Why do you call me that?" He finally voiced the question that had been bothering him for some time, crossing his arms and glaring up at the Dashade. "Little Sith." He said, Imperial accented voice dripping with disdain. "Was Tulak Hord so much larger than I am?" Little Sith

I have no idea what any of this says about me. Someone else want to try analyzing this? XD

I’m opening this to anyone who wants to take a crack at it.

[britmall]

5 days away #Tarlos

He couldn't sleep knowing he'd have to leave in the morning. He wasn't sure why his Dad, Captain, had signed them all up to arrive at the training seminar on different days and times. He was the only one that was arriving Saturday. Matteo and Marjan weren't coming until later Sunday and Cap and Judd were coming together sometime late Sunday evening or first thing Monday. All he was told, was to make sure that they had all the materials sent to them, and to make sure they had at least one formal outfit. Tk hated that. He like to just wear a sweatshirt(unusually one of Carlos') and a pair of joggers. And at work it was his work gear.

***

He slept maybe 2 hours and had to get up a little bit early to head to the shops to get a formal outfit. When he made his way downstairs, Carlos had breakfast made. He made TK's favorite. Eggs, toast and chocolate chip pancakes. Carlos made them into a heart shape, which Tk scoffed at. He made his way to Carlos and met his lips with a kiss. "Thank you Papi." "So nice of you to make breakfast." Carlos nodded his head and handed Tk a cup of coffee. They chatted and TK's eyes welled up. Carlos noticed immediately. He asked Tk why he was crying and Tk wiped his eyes. "III I...am not." Carlos knew him better than that. "Just worried about this seminar." "They will probably have everyone sitting there with drinks flowing and I am worried I will be tempted." Carlos didn't know that Tk could be tempted that easily. Carlos grabbed Tk in close and said, "call me if you feel that way." "You can do it." "You're strong." "I have every faith in the world, you'll be fine". "Besides, your Dad will be there". "He can help you". Tk knew that, but he was worried that if his Dad saw his weakness, he would hover. Tk leaned in for another kiss. "I have to go, I have to drive into town to get a suit". "Which I hate". "But, it was stated on the invite, that we needed one formal outfit."

Carlos, walked to the coat closet and pulled out a garment bag, and it had a new suit in it. He handed it to Tk and Tk couldn't lift his jaw up. He stood there speechless. "Babe, you shouldn't have". Carlos responded, "that he knew that Tk wouldn't have time and he wanted to have as much time with Tk as possible, before Tk left". "So he bought it. So, Tk didn't have to leave as early".

Tk pushed Carlos back into the kitchen counter, kissing him passionately, pushing his tongue in. Knowing now that he had extra time. He could definitely take advantage of it. Carlos pushed him away, and told him to "settle down"."He needed to finish getting ready".Tk kissed him more and harder. Taking Carlos' joggers off...making a reference that if Carlos had a shirt on, his curls weren't all messy and he wasn't stood there after having done something so nice for Tk, Tk wouldn't feel so much pressure to want to Thank him like this.

Carlos mumbled through the kisses..."You're unbelievable, you know that"? Tk said, "You love it".

Carlos said, "Yes, Tiger..I do, but you have to go". Tk said "not for another forty minutes, that leaves us with plenty of time". Carlos knew Tk wouldn't give up. So, he let Tk have his way. Knowing exactly what he could do to get Carlos to stop talking. He kissed his way down Carlos' stomach and slowly kissed all around the trail where Carlos' pants would sit. It didn't last long and Carlos was ready. Tk's mouth being so close to that area he couldn't help it. Tk slowly took the whole cock in his mouth. A feat that didn't happen often because, much to TK's liking, Carlos was huge. Biggest Tk has ever had. He didn't complain, but very much so, he couldn't always fit the whole thing in his mouth. He did this time, and Carlos buckled at the knees. Tk lifted him onto the counter. Carlos loved it. Tk didn't take charge often. It felt scary, and worrisome to Tk. He was scared that if he took charge, that it wouldn't be enough and Carlos wouldn't be satisfied and would end up leaving him. That brought up too many bad memories for Tk. But, today Tk took charge and Carlos was more than okay with it. Tk finished and threw a kitchen towel to Carlos, made his way to the door and told Los to "clean up". "He had to go".

****

Tk was driving, music fully blaring to try to distract himself from the boner he had , just thinking about earlier. He hated this. Five days away from Carlos. That would be hard to do. The most they've ever been away from each other was twenty four hours, and the longest they've ever gone without sex is forty eight hours. Another reason that Tk was very worried about leaving. Another reason he was crying earlier. He trusted Carlos. He fully trusted him, but damn, Alex made it hard. He knows deep inside that Carlos would NEVER look elsewhere, but, those feelings still come to the surface. Especially now, knowing they will be away from each other for so long.

Tk got to the hotel after the 2 hour drive, which seemed like 4 hours..and immediately called Carlos. Carlos didn't answer. Tk needed to hear Carlos' voice and needed to tell Carlos thanks for setting him off and making him drive the whole way with an erection.

He called Carlos again, no answer. So he decided that he was feeling feisty and took a picture of himself, without his pants on. Sent it to Carlos and said "this is all thanks to you". Carlos still didn't answer! All those thoughts kept going through Tk's head, but he kept saying to himself that maybe Carlos was working! Even though, he knew Carlos wasn't supposed to work until later. Something didn't seem right, but he decided he now needed to take care of something. And, would try to get a hold of Carlos later. He got onto the bed and started to undo his belt and his phone rang, he looked down and it said Papi❤. He immediately answered it, as he was about to say, "it's about time," Carlos shouted "Tyler Kennedy what on earth were you thinking sending me that picture"?. "Do you know what you've done to me?" "My sister stopped over and wanted to talk about planning Avó's birthday". "And then the picture came through and I could barely contain myself". "Keep it up and you'll be in the dog house". Tk couldn't stop laughing. "How did Lucia react?" "Really Tk?" "You can only think of how Lucia reacted and not that you shouldn't be sending pictures like that?" "Yessir!" Tk was loving this. "Oh meu Deus". Carlos said! Carlos shook his head and asked if Tk "had taken care of it yet?". Tk replied with, "I was just starting when you called me back". "Wish you were here, so I didn't have to do it like this." Tk proceeded.

***

That was the first time either of them ever did anything like that over the phone. It felt almost sinister, but Carlos had loved it. More times than none, he was the more adventurous one when it came to trying new things. Phone sex is definitely something they will have to do again.

The next morning at exactly 6am there was a knock at Tk's door. He woke up, all groggy and half out of it, stumbled over his suitcase that he didn't even put away(which he was mad about, because after his conversation with Carlos he did nothing the rest of the day before.). He got to the door and the hotel staff member was standing there with a tray with food on it. Tk could smell bacon and coffee. Along with the tray there was a single rose and a card that had something written on it. When he took the tray and sat down at the table in his room, he read the card. It said, "Dear Tk, I am so sorry, I can't be there with you." "I bought you breakfast and had it delivered, I knew you would sleep late and wouldn't make it down to breakfast at the hotel". "And I don't want you eating from some fast food restaurant, or skipping breakfast". "So, I wanted to make sure you were taken care of." "Eu te Amo, Tiger." "Enjoy your day." "We'll talk later."

Tk texted Carlos: "Thank you Papi for breakfast and for looking out for me. I love it. Love you."

Carlos never messaged back, but Tk was okay with that. He ate, got in the shower and then got ready for what he thought was to be one of the most boring days of his training. As he was getting ready, he got a message from Paul...he had wondered why Paul wasn't coming to the seminar. Turns out, Paul had to take care of some elderly lady that was back at home. Paul recently saved her from a fire and she has no one around. They texted back and forth for about 20 mins. Then Tk left and had to go two buildings over. To some building which seemed huge. There was a gym, a common room, and looked like conference rooms from what he could tell. He made his way to the common room where there was other people, waiting for the speaker to come in.

The day was dragging on, he hadn't checked his phone or anything the whole 10 hours he had been sitting in the class. Wondering why Marjan and Matteo didn't have to be there for that class.

***

After the class/speaker was done, Tk had decided he would hit up the gym in the building he was in and then head back to his hotel. On the way back to the hotel, he got a text from Carlos..it said: "Hey Babe, I've thought about our conversation on the phone yesterday, all day today." "And I can't stop thinking about it." "I need to do it again." Tk called Carlos.(was easier than texting his response)..."oh this is coming from the guy who was all embarrassed by it." "Now you want to do it again?" "You make no sense." Tk laughed. Carlos said, "It was hot Tk, just like you." "I couldn't resist it." "It's truly all I thought about, all day today." "While on the job, while at the gym, all day" "Oh, Los I get it, but take a breath." "I am not back at the hotel yet." "I am walking there now, but I would like to get in to the room, before I get all hot and bothered and ready." Carlos said, "Okay call me back as soon as you're in your room and settled in." Tk said, "okay, I will order some food and call you back we can do that while I am waiting on the food." Carlos bit his lip. Tk had gotten out the room key and when he first opened the door he looked down to see that the mess was cleaned up. He thought housekeeping had been there, but he was surprised to look up and see Carlos sitting there on the bed...fully unclothed.

His jaw dropped, he dropped the key and his phone on the floor.

"Wha...wha...what are you doing here?" Tk stammered. "I thought you couldn't join me at all, because you had to work the whole time." Carlos said, "No, I lied about that. I wanted to surprise you." Tk came over and straddled Carlos, he was mad....( but not really mad) Carlos had lied to him. He decided that that meant Carlos would have to be in trouble...he knew Carlos always had a pair of handcuffs on him and he had every intention of using them. But little did he know, Carlos had other plans. He was taking Tk's shirt and pants off..although the yellow hoodie Tk had on is Carlos' favorite. He almost didn't want to take it off of Tk, but Tk had already started to himself. So Carlos helped. Carlos slid out from under Tk. Tk tried to turn on his back, but Carlos pushed him down onto the bed. And kissed Tk's neck, all the spots of the neck, Tk lost his mind when Carlos kissed. He started to make his way down Tk's back and stopped right at the small of Tk's back, because Tk had been mumbling something. Carlos stopped kissing and Tk turned his head enough so, Carlos could hear him. Tk said, "I went to the gym before I came back here. I need to shower." Carlos had known Tk wanted to, but there was NO TIME for that. Carlos said "we can shower together afterwards, this isn't the first time I've seen you sweaty."Tk was surprisingly okay with that. Carlos pushed Tk's head back down so it was laying on the sheets and massaged Tk's back. Tk was always so tense. That's the only thing that bothered Carlos about Tk. He made his way down to Tk's arse and stopped, looked at it, and bit his lip. That was his favorite part of Tk. He wanted to admire it for just a bit. He slowly rubbed his finger all around it, sending shivers up Tk's spine. He arched his back as to lean into Carlos' finger. Carlos was always so gentle and careful when he was on top. He was bigger than Tk had ever had and he always wanted Tk to feel okay. To feel loved, to feel needed, to feel like he was enough. Tk always felt that way, when Carlos was the top. Carlos is amazing at what he does. He always, looks out for Tk and that isn't something Tk ever experienced before. Tk could do rough, could handle rough, he just didn't put feelings into it that way. Rough and rushed is always how it was before they were boyfriends. And although Carlos was more adventurous, he always, always, always, made sure that Tk was satisfied. And that Tk satisfied him.

As, he started to enter Tk, he pulled away and Tk was scared for a moment. He wasn't sure what was happening. Carlos said, "we can't do this like this. I forgot the lube and I didn't bring any protection." He knew the burn Tk felt even with those, he couldn't imagine how it would feel without it. Tk didn't care. He wanted Carlos so bad. He needed Carlos. Carlos asked "only if Tk was sure". Tk nodded and said "he was more than sure".

Carlos started out very slowly, he didn't want to enter Tk too fast, and hurt him in anyway. So, after he got past the part that burned the most, Tk had him stop, but not pull out. Tk needed to let the burning sensation settle for a minute.

He started to move on Carlos...Carlos knew TK was ready. He still went slow and Tk was moaning and breathing like he never had before. Carlos knew he could speed up, and Tk would tell him if that wasn't okay. It was the greatest they both ever had. The sounds that came from their room, could probably be heard all the way downstairs at the front desk. But, they didn't care. They were fully succumbed in the moment. As soon as they both finished Carlos rolled off of Tk and Tk rolled on to his back and Carlos' phone was going off. It was Captain Strand. He answered, "Hi Capt". "How are you?" Tk immediately reached for his phone, wondering if he had missed calls from his Dad. Remembering that he dropped his phone when he saw Carlos. Carlos wouldn't let him get up to get it. He still had his legs wrapped around Tk's.

Carlos had said to Owen, "Yes, he had NO idea so thank you." They hung up and Carlos looked over at TK. Tk asked "who had no idea, about what?" "And why were you thanking my Dad?" Carlos explained that Owen and Carlos had set this whole thing up. They knew Tk needed the seminar, but they both knew that Carlos wanted to have time away with TK. Tk needed that. Tk was so happy. Happy that Carlos was thoughtful enough to care, thoughtful enough to know exactly what Tk needed. Tk got up to get his phone, and to get ready to get in shower. Carlos asked "if he could join" and Tk said "yes, and that when they were done, it was time for round 2 and Tk was in charge".

Tried to write a thing. Hope you all enjoy it.

[misslisterkeepsajournal]

1831 Thursday 6 October

8 3/4 10 20/..

Ready at 9 5/.. at which hour Fahrenheit 64°. and small rainy morning as it has been since 6 a.m. - rather unlucky - an end I fear to all my walking schemes - breakfast at 9 1/4 to 10 5/.. - saw and spoke to the man the waiter recommended as guide to walk with me - much more like postboy than guide - would not do at all - went to a bookseller's shop close by - Bought Brannon's guide and miniature map of the island and saw a 4to. [quarto] volume of views of his (50 views) at 40/. with text - not dear - ordered a one horse car -

Cameron and George inside with me, and off from West Cowes at 11 20/.. - still raining - a hopeless day - yet better as we proceeded and not rain to wet us tho' our has only a square top over our heads, and all the side curtains undrawn - west and East Cowes with the castle of the latter (Mr. Nash) peeping out from the trees, very pretty - losing sight of these no beauty to Newport about a mile before the town (right) pass the barracks, like a square village of one story brick houses - the 14th. regiment there - a little farther (left) the neat large good looking brick house of industry or, as we in Yorkshire should call it, workhouse for the whole island -

Newport a tolerably good looking town - neat Ionic porticoed town hall with market and shops on the ground floor - goodish looking old gothic church - Charles the 1st's. 2nd daughter Elizabeth who died at Carisbrook castle was buried here - her lead coffin found about 30 years ago - Carisbrook Castle about a mile beyond Newport - drove up the hill to the castle gate or heavy wooden door of the time of Edward 3 and therefore said to be about 500 years old - 3/4 hour there - mount 40 steps up to the Keep tower said to have been built by the Romans - a well at the top said to be 300 feet deep, covered over for fear of accident - very fine view - Carisbrook (Cary's brook) a picturesque little town at one part Newport and its river medina (medeena) the town-like barracks, looking very well - could have seen portsmouth and Spithead -, and the tower of Xst.chch. [Christchurch] church but too hazy and very windy - the inside of the tower grown round with the most magnificent tree-like ivy I ever saw - Lord Bolton the late governor laid out a great deal of money on the castle planted the trees, and shut it up - it was open to the public before who did much damage - Lord B- [Bolton] had thought of making a gallery from one of the house windows (he lived in it) to the Keep Tower - would have spoilt the look - Lord Malmesbury present governor £1200 a year and a lieutenant governor at 20/. a day - the tilting ground taken in by queen Elizabeth and converted into a bowling green for Charles 1st. when prisoner here is now turned to an archery ground and the archers dine in the great dining room now only used for this purpose - the duchess of Kent and princess Victoria at the last meeting - Miss Ward whose father had so much property in the island and whose brother is M.P. for the city of London won the last prize - the best lady archer here as at Southampton (at Southampton ladies bows 30lb. [pound] for 50 yards gents. [gentlemens] 50lbs [pounds] for 80 yards) -

Carisbrooke Castle [Image Source]

A farm of 300 or 400 acres belonging to the castle and some forest land - have planted some of the latter with firs - say oaks will not grow - the castle yard small and rather choked up with building - saw lamp let down to the water's surface of the fine old Roman well 300 feet deep - cut thro' solid rock at about ten or 12 yards from the surface of the castle yard - 90 feet deep of water - saw the poor ass turn the wheel - this one 3 or 4 yards [sic] old - much trouble to teach it - the last about above 40 years old - the window from which Charles tried to escape is stone mullioned in 3 divisions above and 3 below each division having 3 iron stauncheons - this suite of rooms quite gone - saw the little white wainscotted room in which the princess Elizabeth Stuart died - the 2 little round towers in advance of the great entrance gate the most perfect part of the remain -

Old looking gothic church at Carisbrook - from the hill above the town (on our road to Freshwater gate Inn) very fine view of the castle - narrow good downy road - at least, down for the most part and 1 or 2 farm houses left right and fields and very thinly scattered farmhouses and cottages were on the right - not much wood to be seen save once or twice round gentlemens seats - distant views of Newtown and Yarmouth and the sea (right) -

The village of Freshwater merely a few scattered cottages and farm houses - the neat little picturesque Inn 1 1/2 mile off close on the sea at Freshwater bay - a bold high perpendicular chalk recess in the cliffs - from here to the needles a very fine bold range of chalk cliffs - went into the 2 caverns close by here which can be entered at low water a fine arch in the cliff, but caverns of no great extent -

Then took George and off at 4 and in an hour walked over the down (3 miles) to the Lighthouse -  a circular 2 story high round tower - 10 fixed reflecting lights - burn 500 gallons oil a year - the people man and his wife and 6 children have 20/. a week and coals and house found them - much sitting up at night - lamps must be trimmed every 3 hours in winter -

Lighthouse at Freshwater [Image Source]

The woman went down with me to the needles point (3 needles) - the little bay (left i.e. south) that looked like a fantenil from Hengistbury or Xst.chch. [Christchurch] head is Scratsell Scratchell's bay at the bottom of which the cavern not so large, the woman said, as the cavern at Freshwater gate in Freshwater bay and she had been in both - was in the former in August last - could only be entered in a boat when the water was very smooth - It is in this bay that the sea gulls build in such numbers and the men are let down by ropes to get the eggs - the Eider duck too comes here, and the men seek the down - the bay on the right north is alum bay - very pretty little bay - the western half precipitous white chalk the Eastern half streaked all colours with coal, clay, pink sand, etc. etc.

The Needles at Freshwater [Image Source]

35 mins. [minutes] at lighthouse and looking about and back again at the Inn in 8 mins. [minutes] under the hour at 6 27/.. - tea at 7 - settled accounts - wrote the above of today till 9 1/2 -

[Margin] Rainy day till about 1 1/4 afterwards pretty fine - very high wind on the down this evening - Fahrenheit 66°. now at 9 1/2 p.m. at which hour went to my room -  

Reference: SH:7/ML/E/14/0128

[flipomatic]

Internship Chapter 24: Day 19-20 - Emira

Author Note: This chapter marks the end of what would be the second arc.

First Chapter Previous Chapter

____________________________________________________

It was Friday night, and Emira planned to sleep in tomorrow. She was currently working on her illusion magic, touching up on spells she’d been neglecting for the firework spell.

The most important of those was an invisibility spell. The layers of it had to be just right, or being invisible turned into being very easy to spot. She was practicing outside in the dark, using a light spell to cast a shadow. She could look to see if it was completely gone or not, while the spell was cast. The set of spells she had been using still left a hint of a shadow, so she wanted to work on improving it.

That was easier said than done, as the shadow was turning out to be quite persistent.

Emira had been working on it for a while when something at the house grabbed her attention. One of the upstairs windows had been opened, and a paper airplane came flying out of it.

It flew in a steady trajectory directly towards Emira. She raised a hand to catch it; it was light and empty. She unfolded it and saw that there was a note. It said, “attic, 5 min” in Ed’s scrawled handwriting. After she looked at it for a moment, it burst into a puff of magic smoke.

Edric had seemed put off when she talked to him earlier, and said it was a long day. It seemed like she would get more details now.

Emira deactivated her light spell and walked back into the house. She passed by where her parents were in the study, declining to speak with them, and headed up towards the attic.

Ed was already there when she climbed up. He had changed out of his Emperor’s Coven uniform and was wearing his casual outfit. He looked at the attic wall while he waited for her, sitting on a box that could barely hold his weight.

“You called?” Emira grabbed his attention as she shut the attic hatch.

And then Ed told her the story of what happened that day. He told her about how strangely the dispatcher was acting that morning, how he was sent with Frederick to bring a dangerous witch in for questioning, how Luz and Amity had been at the construction site, and how they had fought with the suspect. He mimed holding the sword in defense as he recounted the battle.

“It was so weird, after.” He mimed putting the fake sword back on his belt. “Frederick’s arm got burned, but he didn’t heal it until way later.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Emira didn’t know enough about Frederick to cast judgement.

Ed explained, a slight frown on his face. “He specializes in healing, it would’ve taken him like 60 seconds to take care of it.” He crossed his arms, slouching against the box once again. “But no, he was so focused on going to yell at the dispatcher that he didn’t.”

“What did he say?”

“That the job was too dangerous.” Ed shrugged. “Which, yeah I guess it was.”

He didn’t seem too committed to that notion, but Emira agreed with Frederick. “The suspect was armed; I’d say that’s pretty dangerous.” She wondered if it was more dangerous than the slitherbeast they had fought at The Knee.

“Yeah…” Ed’s voice trailed off and he looked down at his hands as he thought. Emira waited for a moment, allowing him to process. “He said the order came from the Emperor, but I really doubt that. So, here’s what I’m thinking.” He looked up at Emira and continued speaking. “There’s something weird going on, and I need to know what it is.”

A smile crept onto Emira’s face. “Time to snoop then?” She asked, already knowing where Ed was going with this.

Despite often cutting class, the Blight twins were no slouches when something needed to be done.

Ed’s smile mirrored hers. “You know it.” He straightened up, brushing off the back of his pants.

They started to make their plans, when and how to investigate. They settled on the next day, a Saturday. They would figure out what was going on in the Emperor’s Coven.

Emira had a couple things she needed to do to prepare before the event.

__________________________________________________________

Emira slept in the next morning, as she always did on Saturday. Sure, she needed to get ready, but she had plenty of time to do it.

She had one spell to practice for today, an illusion to make her look like an Emperor’s Coven member. Edric had created a photo for her to model it after, an image Frederick. Emira would try to match it perfectly, so she could enter without facing resistance.

She practiced it during the day, and was able to replicate the look with just one spell. It even made her look taller, to match Frederick’s height. The spell was intangible, so it wouldn’t hold up under contact, but it would do just fine for some sneaking.

They waited until the evening to go, when there wouldn’t be as many coven members in the building. It was easy to get out of the house; nobody cared what they did on the weekends.

The twins arrived at the jail as the sun was setting over the horizon. Ed was wearing his coven uniform, so he didn’t need a spell to blend in. They stopped out of sight of the jail to finalize their plans.

“Just follow me once we’re inside.” Ed had spent his day drawing a small map of the building. He had labeled a couple locations with stars, which were the places he wanted to investigate. “We’ll stop at the dispatcher’s office first.”

“Did you really spend all day on this?” Emira squinted at the hand drawn map.

“Isn’t it great?” Ed ran a finger over his creation, showing the route.

Emira didn’t quite agree. “It’s fine I guess.” She drew a spell circle, casting the illusion spell necessary for sneaking in.

Ed nodded at her as it took effect. “Lookin’ good.” He said approvingly. “Just don’t say anything and no one will notice.”

Emira gave a mock salute, and then they set off towards the building. Ed led the way into the lobby, then through the Emperor’s Coven door. The lobby was empty except for one clerk, who didn’t so much as glance at the two as they passed by.

Once in the wing, they passed the offices and walked to the dispatcher’s office. Emira had to admit, the map Ed drew was pretty good. He had drawn the right number of offices in the hallway.

When the reached the dispatcher’s office, Edric knocked on the door. As expected, there was no answer. He tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Locked.” He muttered, bringing his hand up to cast a spell. After a spin of one finger he tried again, successfully pushing the door open. “Bingo.”

They entered the room, both casting a light spell to help in their search. Ed went over to the desk and started ruffling through the papers on it. There were papers scattered across the surface, a very messy display.

“What exactly are we looking for?” Emira asked, figuring it was safe to talk for the moment.

Ed didn’t bother to look up as he replied. “Anything out of the ordinary.” That wasn’t terribly helpful.

Emira walked the outside of the room, trying to find anything that matched that description. There were closets full of palisman staffs, various weaponry, and what looked like car keys. None of those things struck Emira as abnormal.

She joined Ed at the table, where he had flipped through a number of the papers. Emira picked one of them up and read it over. It looked to be some kind of criminal profile, listing details and the last known location of a suspect. The next page had a schedule that was full of names. Emira handed it to Edric, to see if that helped.

“This is from last week.” He said as he looked it over. “Wherever you see Anderson on these, that’s Frederick and I.” He dropped it back on the table, leaving it behind.

They looked for a while longer, but it all looked normal to Emira. Profiles, schedules, and a few flyers littered the table. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary to her.

“I’ve got nothing.” Ed admitted after flipping through nearly every page on the table.

“Same here.” Emira stepped back from the table. “Should we keep looking?”

“Yeah let’s go.” Ed ruffled the papers one last time, trying to return them to the same level of disarray as before. He led the way back to the door, and when they exited he cast a spell to relock it.

They walked back towards the offices; he had marked Kikimora’s office on his map. If they were to find anything, that was a good second place to look.

They hadn’t counted on Kikimora actually being there. When they neared her office, they could see that not only was the door shut, but light was coming out from underneath it.

“She’s never here.” Ed whispered, gesturing for Emira to come closer to him. “Can you make us invisible?”

Emira nodded, and started to cast the spells. It was harder with two people, but she could do it by casting more powerful versions of the usual layers. She even implemented the layer she was working on yesterday.

While she did so, Ed was activating a spell of his own. He cast a spell on the door, which made it so they could hear what was happening on the other side.

Much to their surprise, Kikimora’s voice wasn’t the only one present. A male voice was with her, one Emira didn’t recognize.

“Isn’t it about time to finalize my promotion?” The male voice sounded agitated.

“That’s a patrol witch, Nick, I think.” Ed whispered, quietly as not to be heard by those inside. Emira wondered what kind of promotion he wanted.

“Finalize? How presumptuous.” Kikimora’s voice was scathing. Both voices were clear and easy to understand through the spell Ed had cast.

“The role of coven leader has been left empty long enough.” Nick countered with a hard tone.

Kikimora tutted at him. “That is the Emperor’s decision to make.”

“Well it’s time for him to make one! Despite all of the secrecy, I’ve been doing a great job running things.” Nick’s composure was slipping, the volume of his voice rising.

“I’m not so sure.” Kikimora, on the other hand, maintained a level tone. “The dispatcher was complaining about your orders the other day.”

“He doesn’t have the authority to…” Nick’s voice cut off mid sentence.

“And, you have yet to recapture the Owl Lady.” Kikimora had cut him off, lobbying another criticism his way. Emira didn’t know much about the Owl Lady, besides the fact she was teaching Luz magic and had recently escaped from being turned to stone. “Let alone Lilith.”

“I have my best officers working on it.”

“With no results. The Emperor was right to put you on a probationary period. He is still considering others for the role of coven leader. If you want it, you’ll have to earn it.” Kikimora was starting to sound irritated with him.

Nick’s response came after a pause. “Yes Ma’am.” He finally said, voice much quieter than before.

The sound of footsteps moved quickly towards the door. Emira stepped quickly out of its path before it opened, barely avoiding getting smashed in the shoulder. A man dressed in the coven uniform stepped out and shut the door behind him, his face concealed by the mask. He turned down the hallway, luckily away from where Emira and Ed were hiding, and walked away. His steps were short and tense.

He disappeared into another office, leaving the twins again alone in the hallway. Emira double checked that he was gone, and then dropped the invisibility spell. Once it was down, Ed signaled for her to follow him towards the exit. They tried to maintain a casual pace as they left the wing and crossed the lobby. The same member was there as before, still not paying them any mind.

Once they were outside Emira allowed herself to walk a little faster, to work through the jitters she’d developed while trying to avoid being noticed. She dropped the final illusion spell once they were far enough away from the jail, the coven member façade melting away.

“I knew it wasn’t the Emperor.” Ed started the conversation, bringing up what he’d mentioned earlier.

“That guy, is he important?” Emira knew very little about the coven structure at the Illusion Coven, let alone the Emperor’s Coven.

Ed shook his head. “I didn’t think so, but I guess I don’t know.” He crossed his arms. “The strange orders came from him.”

“What’s next?”

“I’ll keep an eye on him.” Ed didn’t even stop to think about it. “And I’ll try to get some info out of Frederick. Discreetly, of course.”

Emira would keep an eye out for information as well, though she didn’t expect to find anything.

The twins walked home, continuing to discuss the topic. How strange it was that Nick was making decisions for the coven as a probationary leader, who the other candidates for coven leader could be, and why he had sent Ed on a dangerous arrest.

They had come away from the evening with more new questions than answers.

Next Chapter

[thebiasrekkers]

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Plot: “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

Rating: NC-17 // NSFW

Genre: Series | Mafia!AU | Crime!AU | Angst | Romance/Fluff

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Slow Burn, Smut

Previous Chapters: Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin E’s AO3 || Admin E’s WP || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 2,168

Tag List: @prisczero​, @pinkpjmin​, @btsaudge​, @flowerwrites06​, @unoriginal-username15432, @halussali​

CHAPTER 35:  House of Cards

“As time passes by We only mess it up even more.”

© thebiasrekkers (Admin E). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Yoongi didn’t look back even once to see if Yoo Kihyun was following him. He didn’t have to. He already knew that the man would follow because his twisted curiosity wouldn’t allow him to ignore Yoongi. There were questions that the man would have and the only one who could give him the proper answers would be The Lightning Claw.

No one else. Just him.

Ducking into a nearby lounge bar, the barkeep greeted them and told the two men they could sit anywhere. Yoongi plopped onto a stool at the bar, ordering a glass of cognac. Kihyun sidled into the seat next to him, ordering a whiskey sour. Neither of them cared that it was the middle of the day and that they weren’t on vacation. This was business; at least it was for Yoongi. He only had a semblance of an idea of what Kihyun’s agenda was.

The two men sat in silence; the soft clinking of ice in their tumblers the only noise either made between them. A soft jazz medley played in the background, barely audible over the sound pounding inside the shell of Yoongi’s ears. His eyes zeroed in on the amber colored liquor in his glass, his fingers pressing into the brim of the glass. There was an ache in his chest from how the heavy thrum his heart and he clenched his jaw; an almost vain attempt to quiet his ire that was beginning to escalate.

Mentally chanting a mantra to himself, Yoongi lifted the glass to his lips to take a generous sip. The alcohol slid down his throat smoothly, the burn curling into the pit of his stomach. Closing his eyes, he fought back an oncoming migraine as he set the glass on the coaster. Just as he was getting a handle on his anger, Kihyun decided to speak up.

“It’s almost a shame, you know,” he said gently, casting Yoongi a sidelong glance, “if you all decide to leave Seoul.”

Yoongi’s eyes narrowed slowly as he looked at Kihyun. “And why the hell would we do that?”

Kihyun laughed softly, as if he’d heard an interesting joke. “You don’t have to play dumb, Yoongi-ah. We both know you’re aware of what’s going on.”

“You never answered my question, Kihyun-ah,” he said evenly, “what were you doing there?”

“I thought I gave you an answer already.”

“It wasn’t good enough.”

He shrugged. “I’m afraid it’s going to have to be. I don’t know what else you want me to tell you.”

“Stop messing around,” Yoongi growled, grasping Kihyun’s shoulder so he could force the other man to face him, “because I know you better than that.”

Kihyun’s eyes took on a wet sheen in the low light of the bar. His smirk remained, practically screaming that he knew something and wasn’t willing to share. It pissed Yoongi off and he dug his fingers into Kihyun’s shoulder to emphasize his displeasure. But nothing could wipe the other man’s smirk away, though a brow did twitch in response.

“Do you? I was beginning to think you’d forgotten all about me.” He laughed. “About us.”

Yoongi pulled his hand away, like he’d touched an open flame. Kihyun looked completely satisfied with himself, turning away to face the bar and take another drink. The blood roared in his ears, muffling all sounds once more while taking measured breaths to alleviate the strain on his nerves. Spinning in the stool, he hunched over the bar as if to shield himself.

“That was a long time ago,” he muttered, feeling a cold sweat break out along his temple, “you’d do well to forget about it.”

“Well, that’s not fair at all.” Yoongi heard the ice in Kihyun’s glass clinking together. “I look back on those days quite fondly.”

A mild ache pulsed at the bridge of Yoongi’s nose, attempting to control all thoughts clambering to the surface.

“Well, you shouldn’t.”

“But I do.”

Yoongi whirled around in his seat, leaning forward to press into Kihyun’s personal space. “Goddammit, Yoo Kihyun!” he growled under his breath. The other man continued to smile. “Stop with your stupid fucking games!” He reached out slowly, curling his fingers into the lapel of Kihyun’s coat. “I mean it.”

For a while, neither of them spoke a word. The silence that existed between them was deeper than any chasm. The barkeep watched them out of the corner of his eye but continued polishing glasses and serving other customers. Yoongi felt his lungs beginning to expand with each breath he took, as though he’d been climbing a mountain and was only just now stopping to rest.

He almost jumped when Kihyun pressed his hand along the back of his wrist. Yoongi reeled backward, his heart rate escalating all the way to the vein in his neck. Kihyun laughed, shaking his head while shifting his body to face the bar again.

“You’re a mess, Min Yoongi. You make it too easy.”

Yoongi scoffed and drained the rest of his drink. “Shut-up.”

“Seriously, someone will start thinking you actually care.”

“I said shut-up.”

Kihyun sighed gently. “Do you ever think about how things would have been different had you come with me back then?”

It was Yoongi’s turn to laugh, though there was no amusement behind it. “If you ever thought, for one second , that I’d ever leave the Golden Jackals—”

“If I wasn’t a Jade Fang, you would have.”

“Fucking as if.”

“We didn’t need the underworld to thrive,” he whispered, “we made enough trouble all by ourselves.”

“You lived in a fantasy world, Kihyun-ah. You still do.”

Kihyun leaned back and shrugged. “Dreams become reality eventually.”

“Not this time.”

The bartender refilled Yoongi’s drink. Just as he was about to take another sip, he heard the other man laugh loudly, causing his shoulders to tense up on reflex.

“That’s where you’re wrong, I’m afraid.”

Yoongi glared at Kihyun, seeing the icy expression replacing the jovial one. He felt a lump of ice forming in the pit of his stomach and Yoongi sat up straight in his seat. Again, Kihyun looked as though he knew something and wasn’t willing to share. He didn’t like being the butt-end of a joke and he hated it more when someone was able to hold something over his head. In this instance, it seemed like both were happening simultaneously.

He had half a mind to punch Kihyun straight in the mouth.

“Changkyun-ah is still trying to put the pieces together. We all are.” Kihyun waved to the bartender so that he could refill his glass. “I’m sure you’ve managed to figure some things out. You’re not a moron.”

Yoongi said nothing. His eyes shifted to look at Kihyun’s profile, watching as he took a slow drink from his glass.

“Some things I’ve kept to myself.” Kihyun craned his neck to look into Yoongi’s eyes. “For personal reasons, of course.”

He wasn’t going to fall for this bluff. Kihyun did this to him all the time years ago. He would feed just enough information to a person to get them to slip up, divulging more than they’d intended. Observant and being petty were his strong suits, to the point that Yoongi often had to keep his guard up just to avoid falling into a trap.

…he doesn’t have anything, he thought, pursing his lips together, he’s fishing. If he had something, he wouldn’t be dancing around like this.

“I have to say that I never pegged you for the type to give up.”

Yoongi blinked, leaning back to gauge Kihyun’s expression. It was placid, almost bored-like. This unnerved him, but only slightly. Was he trying to play the game another way?

He decided to test the waters. “…what do you mean?”

“Eden McGee.”

His mouth went dry as a throbbing sensation exploded near the back of his head. Yoongi felt heat rising through his intestines, against his chest and into his throat. His shoulders shook, trembling in tandem with his fists as they curled near his thighs. There was a distinct ringing sound in his ears, and he swallowed the lump that managed to form near his Adam’s apple.

“What did you just say?”

Kihyun’s smile returned and Yoongi realized too late that he’d fallen for his trick. “Eden McGee,” he repeated slowly, rolling the vowels around on his tongue, “I’m surprised you gave her up so easily.”

“Ya, Yoo Kihyun,” Yoongi managed to huff out, “do you have a death wish?”

The other man clapped his hands together, leaning back in his chair to laugh in triumph. It was too late for Yoongi to take anything back. Even if it wasn’t, he wouldn’t have bothered.

“See? This is what I meant when I said you were making this too easy.” Kihyun narrowed his eyes as he lazily propped his cheek into his palm. “She was the one, wasn’t she? The one you turned your back on me for?” The question held no warmth to it. Kihyun quipped a brow while Yoongi did everything he could to tether his anger to the heels of his boots. “I never would have guessed you’d let her run to the arms of your little brother.”

“You keep her name out of your fucking mouth or I will make sure you won’t live to regret it.”

Kihyun shrugged as if the threat didn’t matter to him.

“I’d say I’m jealous, but it’s clear you’re not the man I once thought you were.”

“Come off it,” snapped Yoongi, “there was no reason for me to join hands with you back then. Nothing’s changed.” He stood from the stool, placing a handful of bills on the bar counter. “And it won’t change. You better tell Im Changkyun to get his fucking head out of his ass. We’re not going to play his stupid game.”

Yoongi started to walk away. But just as he passed Kihyun, the other man chuckled softly. Pausing in his steps, Yoongi continued looking forward. He wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of knowing that he’d gotten under his skin.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Yoongi-ah.” There was the soft clinking of ice on glass as he heard it being set down on the counter. “You already are.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” Yoongi spat as he looked over his shoulder.

Kihyun stood from his chair, placing money on the counter. He stood in front of Yoongi, hands stuffed into the pockets of his jacket. A chill raced down his back as he stared into the confident expression of the man he once thought he could love. But it was a lie; a house of cards built on a cheap, rickety folding table.

“Nothing is going to come of you staying here,” Kihyun said simply while shrugging one shoulder, “except for a lot of pain. What affection I have left for you doesn’t want to expose you to that.”

Yoongi was rooted to the spot. Even as he watched Kihyun approach him, he couldn’t move. It was like someone cemented his boots to the ground, restricting all movement from him. Kihyun gently pressed his shoulder against his, turning his head so he could lean forward and whisper softly into the shell of Yoongi’s ear.

“Be selfish, Yoongi-ah.” Goosebumps peppered along the back of Yoongi’s neck as he spoke. “Take that woman from your little brother and leave this place. Otherwise—”

“Or what, goddammit?!” He hadn’t meant to bark the question, but there was a heavy feeling weighing inside the center of his gut.

“…otherwise,” he said slowly, moving around Yoongi to head for the exit, “you’ll shed tears of blood.”

As he watched Kihyun exit the lounge, Yoongi could only stare in wide-eyed shock. Long after he was gone, he remained – spine ramrod straight as a cold feeling washed over him. He wasn’t sure what he should have been doing, but his legs trembled slightly as the very weight of Kihyun’s words fell on top of his shoulders. Suddenly, his knees buckled and his hip crashed into the bar counter – an almost vain attempt to keep himself upright.

Yoongi clutched at his chest, his fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as a sharp pain sliced through his chest. Slowly, he took a breath only to wince in pain as the feeling worsened instead of ebbing. It felt like needles spreading out through his lungs, causing a ragged cough to explode from his body. The barkeep asked if he was alright, but Yoongi couldn’t hear him. He couldn’t hear anything. Nothing save for the drumming pulse of his own heart increasing its tempo with every passing second.

Pulling out his phone, he scrolled through his contacts with a shaky hand. Seeing Jungkook’s picture, he slid his thumb over his brother’s name. But before he could hear the first ring, the world blurred in and out of focus – the shadows creeping around the corners of his eyes.

His consciousness was gone long before he hit the ground.

[lumaejin]

Happy Halloween?

↬ Rating: General Audiences

↬ Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

↬ Genre:  Fluff. Halloween themed BTS housemates AU

↬ Category: M/M

↬ Relationship: Sope (Jung Hoseok x Min Yoongi)

↬ Word Count: 3.6k

↬ Summary: The maknaes are once again playing matchmaking by sending Hoseok and Yoongi to a funfair. On Halloween. While it's raining. Oh, and Yoongi totally doesn't want to kill them at all. Who would have thought that it would have actually initiated something between the two of them?

gif made by me - story written in 2020

(cross posted on AO3)

The rain clouds loomed overhead, darkening the sky and obscuring the sun from view. Aside from a few lone cars passing by, the roads were completely empty. Not that it surprised Yoongi; no one in their right minds would be driving to a funfair on a stormy day. Specifically, on Halloween.

"We should have never given in," Yoongi said, his hands on the steering wheel.

Hoseok glanced at the downpour, his eyes moving up to the ever-darkening sky. A frown appeared in place of his usual smile, though he covered it up quickly.

"Come on, don't be like that. It'll be fun!" Hoseok said, "Besides, they would have never stopped bothering us if we didn't agree. It's better to suffer now than for the rest of our days."

"We're going to a fair. In the rain. Because the maknaes forced us to. And you're telling me it's going to be fun?"

"They weren't the only ones forcing us to go..."

"Missing the point."

"Right," Hoseok said, "What I mean is: make the best of the situation, you know? We both know what's going to happen if we come back earlier than planned."

There was a moment of silence. Both of them did know. Very well in fact. They had had enough of Jimin, Jungkook and Taehyung's devilry to last them a lifetime. Their plans of revenge were feared by all (Hoseok, Namjoon, Seokjin and him) and could last weeks on end. Of course, Yoongi felt some sort of affection for the three and all their "punishments" weren't really punishments. That still didn't stop their behaviour from being a right pain in the butt, though.

This time, however, it wasn't just the maknaes they needed to be worried about. Seokjin and Namjoon had been hell-bent on making them go too, and Seokjin, especially, had more power in the household than all the others combined. To have him somewhere in the equation made everything so much more dangerous and Yoongi could already see the mountain of dishes he'd have to wash. Every day. For five weeks.

"We're not risking that," Yoongi said with a sigh, "But I might or might not beat them up once we get home."

"No objections," Hoseok said, "Um I mean, don't go too hard on them."

A roar of thunder interrupted their conversation and Hoseok shuddered at the sound. His eyes once again found the darkening clouds, his eyebrows furrowing. Rain was okay, but thunder and lightning though...

"They really had to pick today," Hoseok said, shaking his head. Not only was it Halloween (a festival he disliked simply because it was rather... frightening), but the weather was at its worst. They hadn't had a storm like this in weeks, not since the thunderstorm which had nearly blown away half of the country.

Yoongi grumbled in agreement, catching sight of a neon sign at the side of the road. So this was it... Seoul Fun Fair? He'd never heard of it before, which, in itself was rather unusual. After all, Jimin had claimed that this fair was pretty popular.

"What are the chances that they have a tracker on this car?" Yoongi asked. He had half a mind to continue driving -- maybe to a nearby village -- but the thought of being found out loomed over his head like a dark rain cloud.

"Do you even have to ask?" Hoseok said.

He was right, of course; both of them knew the maknaes well enough by now. In fact, Yoongi would be extremely surprised if they didn't have a tracker on the car. Shaking his head, he exited the motorway and stopped the car at the traffic lights.

The sky had darkened considerably, causing an unnerving feeling to settle in the pit of his stomach. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel as he looked back towards the main road.

"The rain's getting worse," Hoseok said.

"Do we have an umbrella?"

"Yeah. I think there might be one in the trunk... but um... I think it's that small and pink one."

Yoongi raised an eyebrow at this. Typical of the maknaes. Typical. It was one of their many "grande" schemes and he knew for a fact that Jin and Namjoon had become a victim of this one in particular before.

"Those three boys are unbelievable," he muttered, starting the engine of the car again.

Another 15 minutes passed before they arrived at the funfair, during which Yoongi swore that he felt the temperature drop by at least 20 degrees. The trees rustled wildly, casting large, ominous shadows on the roads, which most certainly did not help to ease the feeling of dread. In short, Yoongi very much felt like punching the three maknaes in the face. For real. No joke.

The parking lot was empty when they arrived (surprise, surprise!), though pumpkins of different sizes and shapes had been strategically placed on the lawn. Hoseok had to admit that they fulfilled their purposes well; he was much more scared than he would like to admit. It didn't help that the sky was almost completely dark now, meaning that the candles inside the pumpkins were one of the only sources of light.

After coming back with a parking ticket, the two of them decided to walk towards the fair in search of warmth. Neither wanted to budge, but it turned out that the car they had taken -- Jin's to be precise -- was the one with the broken heating system. (Hoseok had to give the maknaes credit; they seemed to have gotten better and better at planning. Though, at the moment, he'd rather they were terrible at it.)

As they walked towards the gates of the funfair, Hoseok was very much aware of how close the pink umbrella forced them to be. He was terribly aware of how their arms touched more than usual, how he could smell the light hint of cedarwood. He knew one of the maknaes had given them that umbrella on purpose, and while he did curse them, he also felt slightly, just slightly, grateful. It wasn't every day that he got to walk this close to his crush- no, roommate.

A mantra of "I don't like Yoongi this way"s started playing in his mind, well, because he definitely didn't like Yoongi that way.

Nope.

He totally didn't sometimes stare at Yoongi in his sleep. And he absolutely didn't hang on to every word the latter said. Oh, and he most definitely did not want to cuddle him. Not at all. No.

It was simply a light slip up, one which didn't mean too much. It was normal for friends to occasionally find themselves in a dangerous zone, right? Though now that he really considered it, these thoughts never seemed to surface when he was thinking about Namjoon or Seokjin or Jimin or Jungkook or Taehyung... No- he needed to distract himself. This wasn't a topic to ponder on and he was bound to overthink it.

"How did the maknaes even get Jin and Namjoon involved?" Hoseok asked, grabbing at a random question in his head. Anything was good, as long as he was distracted.

"Probably by threatening. Or Jin and Namjoon just felt mischievous. Though they most likely told Jin that they were gonna cook something in his kitchen."

"They're not that terrible at it. Jungkook makes food every now and then," Hoseok said.

"It's not that. It's when they're together that they make a massive mess," Yoongi said, "Once, I walked into them having a food fight and it took Jin 5 days to scrub the kitchen clean. This was before you moved in."

They stopped at the gates of the fair, looking beyond it sceptically. A few lights were on, but most of the booths seemed to be closed. That wasn't the concerning part though because neither of them had expected large crowds anyway. What was surprising and slightly off-putting, was the fact that all of the stands and the attractions looked worn down and old. *What type of fair was this, if they didn't make sure to repair their equipment? *

Come to think of it... he hadn't heard about this fair before the maknaes mentioned it. Hoseok had always been under the impression that he knew Seoul well and if this funfair was as popular as they said it was, he should have heard of it at some point, right? The thought made him unconsciously step closer to Yoongi.

"Um Yoongi," Hoseok said, "Have you ever heard of this fair before?"

"No," Yoongi said, "Why the sudden question?"

"Don't the booths look a bit run-down to you? It just feels like they're gonna fall apart at any moment," Hoseok said, pausing for a second as he looked around anxiously.

Silence.

"Where did those three discover this fair anyway?" Hoseok asked, "They said it's really popular, but it doesn't really look that way. It seems more like business hasn't been good for years or something."

"They wouldn't send us somewhere dangerous," Yoongi said.

"Not on purpose," Hoseok countered.

Yoongi scanned the fair again with caution, before abruptly turning back to Hoseok. "It's fishy. But we should stop worrying before it drives us crazy. Let's just find somewhere warm to sit and wait it out."

He had a point of course. The rain was relentless as it pounded against their small umbrella and though they tried to stand close enough to prevent it, at least half of their shoulders were already drenched. If they stood here any longer, their shoes and trousers were bound to get soaked as well.

Yoongi reached out, opening the rusty gate and wincing slightly as it creaked loudly. Even though Hoseok tried to get his mind off of it, the way everything looked worn down continued to bother him. The paint was fading and there was rust everywhere; it honestly creeped him out. Or maybe it was that, paired with the fact that it was Halloween.

Or maybe it was Hoseok's sneaking suspicion that they were the only customers the shopkeepers had seen in years. Something about the way their eyes glinted just seemed off...

"I think that booth over there has a place to sit," Yoongi said, "And there's a fireplace behind the counter so it's bound to be somewhat warm."

"Sure," Hoseok agreed.

As the two of them crossed the lawn -- still followed by the stares of the funfair staff -- a peculiar shape caught Hoseok's eye. It looked sort of like the shadow of another person, maybe of someone walking towards them. As he turned to point it out to Yoongi however, it was gone.

It must have been a trick of the light, Hoseok thought as he shook it off. He had a tendency to imagine things when he was paranoid and even though Yoongi had told him to pay it no mind, he really wasn't succeeding. After all, everywhere he looked, something or someone creepy seemed to stare back.

Reaching the shelter of the awning, Hoseok put down the pink umbrella and greeted the lady behind the counter. He sighed in disappointment; the booth didn't offer coffee. Instead, the two of them ordered two cups of hot chocolate and sat down.

Even as the warmth of the booth simmered out towards them, Hoseok couldn't stop shivering from the cold. It was like sitting in a pile of snow and even the hot chocolate couldn't do much to help.

It was so cold in fact, that his tongue stopped perceiving the sweetness of the drink, leaving only an unappetizing blankness in his mouth.

"Do you think Namjoon and Seokjin will kill Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook if we come back home with a cold?" Hoseok asked.

"They won't. The brats will feel bad enough on their own, so they won't need reprimanding."

Thunder and lightning interrupted their conversation and Hoseok turned back towards the stands and booths opposite them. The sight made him freeze, his cup pausing by his lips. A shadow had appeared... the same shadow he had seen while crossing the lawn! It was lurking in front of the two, before making its way towards them slowly.

Once the initial shock of having seen the shadow of another person had subsided, however, he'd managed to calm himself down quickly. After all, it was normal for someone to come towards this booth; he and Yoongi couldn't be the only ones at the fair.

Just as he was about to turn away, however, the shadow started morphing. Morphing, and not in a normal way. Rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn't hallucinating, Hoseok stared avidly at the monster-like form.

"Yoongi," he whispered, his voice trembling as he pointed towards the lawn.

He glanced sideways to see Yoongi's eyes widen in shock and confusion. Hoseok had no idea what to do. Was this some sort of supernatural thing that only happened in movies? What were they to do in a situation like this? Shadow-monsters or whatever that thing was didn't exist in real life, right?

It seemed, however, that Yoongi had the answer. In the blink of an eye, he had started dragging Hoseok by the arm, not caring about the rain or the way both of their clothes were starting to get soaked. He fumbled around for the small umbrella, only to find that he had left it behind. His heart pounded heavily as he turned around; the shadow was still there.

It was following them.

He tapped Yoongi again, but the latter only looked ahead. He was moving the two of them forward at a constant speed and Hoseok really didn't mean to notice the way his hands gripped Hoseok's wrist tighter than ever before. Or the way he felt Yoongi's shallow breaths on his face. Or the fact that his t-shirt was starting to become really see-through. It really wasn't the time to worry about things like that, but sometimes, Hoseok couldn't help it.

"Yoongi," Hoseok said breathlessly a few minutes later. They were mindlessly rushing around the fair, looking for a place to hide. But the shadow was hot on their tail. Every time Hoseok looked back, it was there. Was this how the main characters in those goddamn horror movies Jungkook liked to watch felt like? He'd never appreciated being forced to watch them, and he certainly didn't appreciate the experience either.

"Come on," Yoongi said, tugging at Hoseok's hands. He had stopped to scan the area around them, his eyes finally landing on a small shack in the very centre of the fair.

Then, just as he was about to turn around again, a funny feeling made him stiffen. Was something behind them? Of course, the shadow was... but had it come nearer? He automatically looked towards Yoongi for reassurance, but the expression on the latter's face didn't help one bit, nor did the way Yoongi was staring at the ground behind Hoseok, or the way he was muttering something under his breath (something which sounded oddly like "Maknae" and "Kill").

Hoseok opened his mouth to ask, but before he could even form a word, they were running as fast as the muddy ground would allow them. Mud was splattering all over Hoseok's trousers and shoes, as they raced towards the small shack Yoongi was pointing at. The shadow was falling behind, but neither of them dared to slack off. In fact, though Hoseok had always been a hard-working person if he did say so himself, it felt as though he had never been this diligent before.

"Hide," Yoongi said, panting heavily. His hair was matted to his forehead as he pushed the door open, moving behind one of the many crates.

Hoseok stepped in behind Yoongi, nearly tripping over a long piece of fabric on the ground. Clown costumes were carelessly placed over the crates and straps of silk littered the floor. It creeped Hoseok out, though he tried to hide that as best as he could.

"How are we supposed to hide from a shadow?" Hoseok said, forcing out a shaky laugh. His heart was pounding against his ribcage like a hammer. His attempts to push the fear aside and lighten the mood were unsuccessful. "I think I've seen enough of Jungkook's horror movies to know that shadows can never be outrun."

Yoongi ignored him in true Yoongi-fashion, but Hoseok didn't mind. He hadn't expected a reaction or a reply, and he had most certainly not expected his half-assed attempt at a joke to actually elicit some type of reaction, especially when the atmosphere was as tense as it was.

As the two of them huddled behind their respective hiding places, Hoseok tried to keep still. It was hard. Really hard. How was he to control his shivering? Or the loudness of his heartbeat? Or the raggedness of his breathing? He was afraid the shadow could hear it. Or maybe even scent them. Or maybe it was already in the room. Maybe it had already found them, but they didn't know?

What if they were caught by this shadow? What if it killed them? Devoured them? Turned them into beasts? Ghosts? Undead? He shuddered as the idea of never being able to live normally again engulfed him. His heart accelerated and all fears, which had been ignored initially, surfaced. He gasped for air frantically, his senses going numb.

He and Yoongi were going to be turned into monsters. They would hunt their friends down, they would do horrible things, they would-

A cold hand grasped his shoulder and Yoongi's familiar presence appeared behind him. Hoseok was turned around slowly, his eyes catching Yoongi's warm brown ones. It brought him so much comfort that he almost forgot about the whole situation altogether. At that moment, only the two of them existed. No one else. No ghosts, no shadows. No monsters, no Halloween.

"We've lost the shadow," Yoongi said.

Hoseok snapped back to reality.

His breathing was slowing down, the pounding of his heart was starting to calm. It was as if Yoongi had flipped off a switch in Hoseok, as if he alone had the power to do so. As they sat in the same position for the next few minutes, Hoseok was very glad indeed that Yoongi was with him. Otherwise, he was sure that the bout of anxiety would have been much more nerve-rattling.

"Thanks, Yoongi," he said, as his breathing returned to normal. He noticed only then how close the two were... and how Yoongi's hot breath was caressing his neck. His cheeks warmed immediately.

"It's no problem Seok," Yoongi replied. His gaze lingered on Hoseok for another moment, before they looked back to the door.

"Where are we?"

"I don't know," Yoongi replied, "I just saw a door and ran."

"It could have been locked," Hoseok said.

"It could, but it wasn't."

"Well thank god for that. I don't what I would have done if we hadn't been able to enter," Hoseok said, his voice still slightly shaky. He was doing his best to keep it steady, but it was easier said than done. "How long do you think we should stay here?"

"I don't know," Yoongi replied, "But what I do know is that Jimin, Jungkook and Taehyung are dead."

There was a dangerous glint in the older's eyes, one which hadn't been there before. In fact, Hoseok had a sneaking suspicion that it had something to do with his anxiety attack. He blushed even darker as he imagined how horribly embarrassing it must have looked.

"They didn't know there was going to be a creature lurking here," Hoseok said carefully. He was annoyed at them, sure, but he couldn't just let them suffer a sure death without protesting at least a little. Yoongi's threats before had been mild, serious, but mild. Right now, however, Hoseok was sure that they were very much dangerous (loud-telling-off-and-death-glares-for-the-rest-of-the-year-dangerous and doing-all-chores-for-the-rest-of-their-lives-dangerous). He could already hear the shitstorm the maknaes would be subjected to as soon as he and Yoongi arrived at home.

"But you had a panic attack because of them!" Yoongi burst out angrily.

"It's fine... They couldn't have known," Hoseok said.

"It's not fine! They should have checked that this place was safe!"

"Once we tell them what happened, they'll regret it enough. There's no need to make them feel even worse."

Yoongi huffed in response. For a moment, the two of them just sat there unmovingly. Thunder was booming outside and lightning illuminated the room suddenly and repetitively. The world around them was both loud and silent; it made the hairs on Hoseok's arm stand on end.

"I care about you," Yoongi said, "and it hurts to see you in that state. I..."

A small bit of hope surfaced within Hoseok, but he did his best to push it down again.

"I would hope you did, we are friends after all," Hoseok replied, forcing a small smile.

They were friends, nothing more.

"No, I think I should have told you this a while ago," Yoongi said. He was still staring at him with an expression Hoseok had never seen him wear before. Yoongi was biting his lip and avoiding eye contact. And then, Hoseok saw the blush. Min Yoongi was blushing. "I'm sorry if this ruins our friendship, but I can't hold it in anymore."

"You're scaring me," Hoseok laughed nervously. Lightning flashed behind him, It made the situation seem much more unbearable than it was.

Behind all the joking, however, his whole body reacted to the words. Was it really possible? Did Yoongi really have some sort of non-platonic feelings? As quickly as that hope surfaced, however, Hoseok let it go. It was never going to happen.

Yoongi hesitated, his mouth opening and closing every few seconds as Hoseok tried his best to concentrate on the sound of the rain. He tried desperately to distract himself from the scene playing out in front of him. Yoongi was giving him too much hope. Too much hope. He was going to fall. He was going to fall and crash down if he didn't control himself.

"I- Seok, I like you a lot," Yoongi said, stumbling over his own words, "And not in a platonic way."

The world seemed to stand still as if had been captured by a camera and all Hoseok could do was stare at the photograph. The patter of the rain disappeared and he stopped registering the lightning or the thunder. This was the moment he hadn't even dared to dream about.

Yoongi had just confessed to him.

He had... right? This wasn't some sort of hallucination? No... this was real, very much real. And all he could do was blankly stare. Then, as if he had been freed from a spell, he lurched forward and hugged Yoongi.

"I'm sorry really," Yoongi said, "For ruining our friendship."

"Oh god," Hoseok replied, "you don't get it, do you?"

"Get what?"

Hoseok pulled out of the hug, holding Yoongi's shoulders tightly. He was scared that if he let go, everything would disappear, that he would wake up in his room. With a deep breath, he pulled himself together, "I like you a lot too..."

They were close enough for their noses to touch. Yoongi's eyes flickered down to Hoseok's lips and Hoseok really couldn't help it. The urge to lean forward was strong, and then... he just gave in. Their lips met in the span of a millisecond. It was as if they had been made to fit together.

If it hadn't been for the overwhelming need to breathe, they might have stayed like that forever, heck, Hoseok was ready to give up the rest of his life to stay like th-

Click.

Flash.

They froze in their rather compromising position. Had that just been a camera? Who was there taking pictures of people kissing... More importantly, who was at this fair, on Halloween, standing in the downpour to take pictures outside the storage room of a haunted house?

Hoseok dreaded turning his head and when he did, he had to suppress a scream. What looked like a massive monster, at first sight, turned out to be three people. Three people Yoongi and he knew very well. His dongsaengs were standing in the doorway, dripping wet and smiling like madmen.

"What are you three doing..." Hoseok began, before trailing off as he looked down to the ground. Their shadow looked awfully like...

His head snapped to Yoongi. He could hear the growling and the older's quickening breathing.

This was going to be a massacre.

"Happy Halloween?" Tae said uncertainly.

[lejoursdor]

I feel so fucking violated.

For the last few weeks my landlord has been harassing me - passive aggressively texting me about things that could and should be taken care of after a single conversation but instead were drawn out through multiple, long, inappropriate (not to mention rude) texts at ALL hours of the day (including 3 different instances between 2-4 AM). I have had to put my phone on DND just so I could get some sleep/peace of mind at night because I have been having sleeping problems for MONTHS due to my autoimmune disease/fibromyalgia and most recently good ol’ fashion insomnia. 

I thought this morning the whole situation was finally over and that I could finally move on and focus on centering my self and nothing else today. I was unexpectedly forced to go off my depression/anxiety meds due to issues with my insurance and have been working HARD for the last month to monitor and work through the side effects that stopping that kind of medication can cause. Luckily, I had started back on birth control a month or so prior so my hormones were already in the process of getting regulated so it hasn’t been THAT bad. I only had maybe 2 days where things were scary/alarming. But otherwise it has been okay considering. A lot of bursting into tears and taking much longer to bounce back from negativity entering my life (AKA: my landlord) but I’ve been praying no sort of suicidal tendencies/ideations spring up but so far okay but I’m still on high alert just in case.

So since this drama was seemingly over and she would have literally NO REASON to contact me, at least for the day - I decided I would make today a ME day. To try to get me back on track as much as possible. I went to the pharmacy to try to straighten out some stuff with my meds but there was a setback and it’s gonna be a little bit trickier for me to get back on my anxiety/depression meds than previously thought. But I wasn’t feeling defeated so I switched gears and chose to decompress and get all the bad energy out. Maybe after 30 mins of leaving my place, I come back from the pharmacy to check my phone and i have two texts from her about the electricity temporarily being turned off & some other unimportant shit. Quickly texted that I wasn't home yada yada didn’t care byeeee. 

Shortly after I started to drive around aimlessly and listen to music. I drove through my high school best friend’s old neighborhood, by her old house and down the street to the park we used to always go to. I parked and sat there in my car for maybe 45 minutes. Just thinking of what my life has been for the last 15 years since I first went to that park. That no matter how many years have past, I still feel everything from back then, I still feel her. That I will always love and miss who she was in that snapshot in time even though I know she is no longer that person, without even having to know who she is now. That this void that she left can never be filled again, not even by her because that person, the person that I formed quite possibly the closest bond I’ve ever made - is gone. She’s so gone, she may as well have died. It happens and is a part of life and I’ve long since accepted it but that doesn't mean it doesn’t still break my heart. 

After the park I made my way to the city where my mother grew up and unintentionally ended up in the neighborhood of my grandmother’s old house. Maybe I wasn’t cognizant of what I was doing in the moment but maybe somewhere in the back of my mind I purposely led myself there. As soon as I saw the sign for Kelley Ave. i immedietely started tearing up and I just needed to see the house. Even if it doesn’t look the same, even if someone else lives there now. I drove by and it set off a bunch of emotions at once. Every couple of years I hit this point where i really miss her. The last time it was like this was my 25th birthday that I ended up spending alone. On my way home it was like a dam had burst and I couldn’t stop crying. I got home and decided I would take the rest of the afternoon to go for a walk, focus on getting through my emotions in peace. I walked to a park not too far. I ended up laying down, listening to music and bawling my eyes out. I started running all these memories of her through my mind. I wouldn’t say I came to the realization but in reflecting on the last 15 years it’s become glaringly apparent that the only safe space I’ve ever had was with her, in that house. Not the one I grew up in and definitely not where I am now. I kept trying to imagine what it would be like for 31 year old me to be able to show up at her house, walk through the door, into her kitchen, straight towards the sun soaked living room where she would be sitting in front of the glass coffee table like she always was. She’d probably be writing on napkins in Japanese, with the TV on, not watching what was on. I would sit down next to her and hug her and she would hug me back and tap my shoulder and say “Hi Chantel.” like she used to, in her strong accent, with her warm smile. And we would sit next to each other in comfortable silence like we always did and I would watch her as she scrawled her native language on leftover McDonald’s napkins. My grandmother was and still is the only family member of mine that I was ever allowed to be myself in her presence. Maybe it was a cultural thing, it just never crossed her mind that I needed to change/fit a particular mold because it wasn’t an idealogy she was familiar with, unlike my ant’s, parents, uncle’s etc. We had a great relationship, I was her first grandchild and I know that had a lot to do with it. I knew her relationship with my mom and my ant’s/uncle’s were more complicated, so not everyone has the same feelings about her as I do. But I was her favorite and she was mine and it is the only time I have ever been anyone’s favorite. She died when I was 14, she’s been gone for basically half my life now but I still would give anything to see her now and I don’t think I will ever get used to her being gone, no matter how long. All I want is to be next to her, we don’t even need to talk, I just want her to be able to be here now. I miss her so much, all I want is the chance to be with her again...

After an hour or so I walked back and started to feel a little better. Maybe not better but felt like I was able to let a lot out. All I wanted to do was go home, wind down and salvage the rest of the day and indulge in much needed self care. Where I currently stay, I have my own separate entrance attached to the main house but in order to get to my entrance I have to pass by the front of the house which currently has one of those doorbell’s with a camera attached that alerts people on their phone when there is any movement. I unlock my door and get inside. I literally put my keys, phone etc down and maybe 5 seconds pass since I’ve gotten inside and a text pops up from my landlord. 

“Nothing like fresh air for the soul! Hope your feeling better. I have good and bad days too!” 

I think this is the only moment I've ever wanted to murder someone.

I just came back from spending two hours mourning my dead grandmother, after a day filled with repressed emotions coming to the surface due to an awful few weeks (mostly due to my landlord) and I can't even come home with the expectation that I wouldn’t be bothered by her for the rest of the night. 

Today was just not the day. 

Not the time, place or her business. 

I feel like I have no peace anymore, the little I was able to grasp on to.

She has stolen it from me with her unchecked neurosis, constantly invading common boundaries. 

I’m at my wits end, truly. And I’m not sure what to do.

AND GODDAMN. I CAN’T EVEN FINISH THIS FUCKING POST WITHOUT MY PHONE NOTIFYING ME I’VE GOTTEN A TEXT FROM HER.

GTHGTYYJ$%$%$$#$#!@@@@!!!

(Insert the dog surrounded by fire “I’m fine” meme) 

Singing off with whatever’s left of my sanity.

xx. 

[copperbaker39]

The Sarm Holy Bible.

Ostarine

Content

Kate Somerville Peptide K8 Power Lotion.

Production Of Bioactive Peptides By Lactobacillus Species: From Gene To Application.

Peptides Established Of 12 ₤ 220.

What Are Sarms?

Vip Whatsapp Team For Inner Promotions And Sarms Online Forum.

The partner or combining particle may be carbohydrate or non-carbohydrate in nature. If the outcome of UCPCR runs out maintaining with various other scientific finding then we would certainly recommend duplicating the test particularly if it is suddenly reduced. People tipping out boric acid preservative from urine collection tube, in an example taking greater than 3 days to reach the laboratory can lead to unnaturally low outcomes. A control experiment is one that is treated in the same way as an actual experiment, however is not exposed to the speculative agent. There are two kinds of controls for experiments, positive and also unfavorable controls.

Nate Diaz tested positive for trace amounts of a SARM, not suspended for UFC 244 - Bloody Elbow

Nate Diaz tested positive for trace amounts of a SARM, not suspended for UFC 244.

Posted: Fri, 25 Oct 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]

It is a weird kind of glycosidic bond in which the sugar moiety is attached straight to the carbon atom of the other molecule. It is formed as a result of the response between the carbonyl team of a sugar particle and an alkyl substance like methane and so on . This bond is developed as a result of a response between the carbonyl team of a carbohydrate or its derivate and also a hydroxyl team of a few other substance. The carbonyl group of carb might be a part of an aldehydic group or a ketonic group. A molecule of water is released in this procedure, making it an irreparable reaction. It is a main bond or a covalent bond that offers to connect carbohydrates to other groups or particles.

Kate Somerville Peptide K8 Power Cream.

This slide collection is appropriate as an intro to the subject of peptide ligands. When the charge is related to the electrodes, the various amino acid will certainly move at different speeds to the corresponding electrode. The rate at which they move as well as to which electrode they take a trip to is recorded as well as compared on the glass substrate. Series of bands are developed from their motions which are called Electropherograms. Electropherograms are lines that are created from the motion of the healthy proteins to the electrodes. is the molecular mass of the neutral N-terminal group, is the molecular mass of the neutral C-terminal team, is molecular mass of the neutral amino acid deposits. To acquire m/z values, add or deduct protons as required to get the required charge as well as divide by the variety of fees.

The types of piece ions observed in an MS/MS spectrum rely on lots of variables consisting of main sequence, the quantity of inner power, exactly how the power was introduced, cost state, etc . The approved nomenclature for fragment ions was very first suggested by Roepstorff and Fohlman, as well as consequently modified by Johnson et. Along with the structural characterisation of healthy proteins the center also provides high-throughput protein-ligand testing. Commonly, 10-20μM of protein is required with a 100-fold excess of ligand Using automation multitudes of compounds can be swiftly screened. Hits can be further verified making use of protein-detect methods (1H-15N or 1H-13C HSQC).

Manufacturing Of Bioactive Peptides By Lactobacillus Varieties: From Genetics To Application.

A positive control experiment is one that uses a representative understood to generate a measurable and well recognized effect on the system. In contrast, an adverse control experiment is one that makes use of the same treatments as the real experiment, however has no additional treatment or utilizes an agent that is anticipated to be inactive. Kathy Taylor-Brewin of Biography Active Elegance is a specialist in peptide skin care, distributing the Hydropeptide array in the UK.

To obtain a2-, subtract 2 protons from the Mr worth for an as well as divide by 2. The structures showed above recommend ions with a single positive charge. Mascot likewise consists of assistance for adverse ions, as well as the unfavorable ion types are the same as positive, however with one proton per fee deducted instead of included. We welcomefeedbackconcerning any kind of added ion types that must be taken into consideration. One of the most bountiful fragment ion types observed in MALDI-TOF PSD are a, b, and also y. If accident gas is made use of, after that the ranges look like high energy CID.

Peptides Established Of 12 ₤ 220.

" Hydropeptide integrates each classification of peptide in its VLR technology," comments April Zangl, Chief Executive Officer of Hydropeptide. " VLR technology is made to improve peptide efficiency optimising anti-ageing results. Comparable to a lock as well as secret, peptides call for a certain range, concentration degree and repetition for noticeable age opposing outcomes. N-terminal professional B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a non-active peptide released along with the active peptide hormone BNP when the wall surfaces of the heart are extended or there is pressure overload on the heart e.g. by liquid overload. BNP then acts upon the kidneys triggering fluid as well as sodium loss in the pee as well as moderate vasodilation so launching the pressure.

Furthermore, more studies are needed in connection with the possible use of collagen supplements in skin problem like eczema. As a matter of fact, collagen is thought to compose around 75% of our skin's completely dry weight. Kind I collagen is crucial for skin flexibility as well as stamina, and a loss of collagen in the skin, which happens naturally with aging, can result in wrinkles. Hydrophobic interactions are important in maintaining the tertiary and also quaternary structure of healthy proteins. The variety of hydrogen bonds formed by an electronegative atom depends upon the variety of totally free electrons present in its outer covering. Oxygen has two cost-free electrons and thus can create 2 hydrogen bonds while nitrogen forms just one hydrogen bond because of one free electron.

What Are Sarms?

Glycosidic bond undertakes deterioration in a process called glycolysis. It is a hydrolytic process in which a water molecule is utilized to break the glycosidic bond as well as release the carb and various other residues. The substances with S-glycosidic bonds are called S-glycosides as an example Sinigrin. It is a harmful compound found in some plants like seed of black mustard etc . In this sort of glycosidic bond, the sugar residue is affixed to the sulfur group of the non-carbohydrate compound. It is developed when the carbonyl team of sugar reacts with the thiol (- SH) group of the other compound.

What is Ostarine used for?

Ostarine is used by mouth to improve athletic performance and for involuntary weight loss in people who are very ill, also known as cachexia or wasting syndrome.

There are no well-known medication interactions and we do not yet recognize what the most effective dose of collagen is. Research studies have used everyday doses of in between 1-- 10 g collagen hydrolysate as well as 0.1-- 10 mg of chicken or bovine kind II collagen. It's been recommended that taking collagen hydrolysate can enhance the signs and symptoms of osteo arthritis by promoting your body's manufacturing of joint collagen. Rather than MHC course I, MHC course II particles do not dissociate at the plasma membrane. The systems that manage MHC course II deterioration have not been developed yet, however MHC class II molecules can be ubiquitinised and then internalised in an endocytic pathway.

Vip Whatsapp Group For Inner Promos And Also Sarms Forum.

Austria bpc157 how does it work of basic NMR ranges extracts from a couple of mins to 3/4 days for every experiment. A complete collection of experiments for protein structure decision typically takes concerning 7-14 days. When it comes to reasonably small healthy proteins, current innovative multidimensional information acquisition plans have been successfully used to decrease speculative acquisition time by approximately an order of magnitude or more. There was no evidence of increased side-effects in individuals taking kind II collagen, although trials did report individuals withdrawing due to the fact that they thought the collagen had not been improving their symptoms. Although individuals in both groups enhanced in the kind II collagen and also methotrexate test, the methotrexate individuals revealed the best enhancement.

Is SARMs considered natural?

Short for selective androgen receptor modulators, SARMs are synthetic drugs designed to have effects similar to those of testosterone. SARMs are still in the research and testing stages for various medical conditions but have not been approved yet for any other use.

It can form extra phosphodiester bonds at both ends due to having a complimentary hydroxyl team at the 3' end as well as a complimentary phosphate group at the 5' end. The ester affiliation is a really high-energy bond launching a remarkable amount of power upon hydrolysis. Like the remainder of the bonds talked about previously, it is additionally damaged down by incorporating a water particle.

Fragments will only be spotted if they carry at least one charge. If this cost is kept on the N incurable piece, the ion is classified as either a, b or c. If the charge is retained on the C terminal, the ion kind is eitherx, y or z.

Hormone or peptideMajor cells places in the gutPrincipal recognized actionsGastrointestinal peptides, their website of expression as well as significant functions. The gastrointestinal hormones make up a team of hormones secreted by enteroendocrine cells in the tummy, pancreatic, and also tiny intestine. This team of hormones regulate different functions of the digestion organs. This 60-slide slide collection available from Slideshare.net gives a great introduction of endogenous peptides and also choose instances of useful drugs. Medications reviewed consist of those that imitate the impacts of endogenous peptides and also those that are villains.

All ion collection can be come with by composition dependent satellites as a result of loss of ammonia or water. Collision induced dissociation of ions at keV energies can generates extra ion types because of side chain bosoms,. Keep in mind that these frameworks include a single charge carrying proton. In electrospray ionisation, tryptic peptides usually lug 2 or even more fees, to make sure that piece ions may carry more than one proton.

Cardarine is a pharmaceutical grade PPAR agonist which has some extremely useful effects for professional athletes.

Because some SARMs are best for bulking as well as others are shown to be specifically efficient for cutting, they're sometimes combined, or stacked, in research studies.

These manufactured SARM-derived metabolites can conveniently be utilized as reference standards for routine mass spectrometry-based doping control analysis of at the very least three generally used performance-enhancing drugs to unambigously recognize misbehavior.

RAD 140 SARM-- a SARM with effective anabolic impacts for improving muscle development, as well as appealing benefits for your mind.

We have actually made a team where sarms users can share their progress, experiences as well as to talk with each various other concerning their cycles and also progress.

view site will be noticeably lowered which means you can boost the intensity and period of your exercises.

An ester bond is formed when a molecule having the carboxylic group responds with an additional molecule having a hydroxyl group. The carboxylic group loses its hydrogen as well as oxygen while the alcohol loses hydrogen of its hydroxyl group. Consequently, a water molecule is released, and the two carbons are linked using an oxygen bridge creating a -COC- link.

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Tinkable Visual Facility.

Cryo Lipo Fat Freezing

Content

Coolsculpting Client.

Just How Does Coolsculpting Vary From Various Other Body Contouring Treatments?

Cryolipolysis Wales, Uk.

You won't really feel any type of pain yet you will really feel cold as the therapy starts. After a few mins, the area will go numb and also you will not feel any type of pain for the remainder of the session. Throughout the therapy, you can loosen up, as well as a number of our clients check out a publication or see a film throughout of the treatment as the therapies fit as well as pain-free. Prior to your treatment, stay clear of destructive or bruising the skin in the area that's going to be dealt with-- damaged skin could indicate you have to delay the treatment till it's healed. It's ideal to avoid tanning instantly before treatment too, as sunlight exposure can increase your skin level of sensitivity. Your body shops fat in fat cells located in various parts of your body. Some individuals naturally have more fat cells than others and the variety of fat cells you bring tends not to alter, even when you drop weight.

Before you start any type of therapy at Springwell Facility you will certainly have an at no cost examination with your specialist. This provides you the moment to discuss all facets of the treatment programme as well as its' expenses. A medical history is taken as well as a plan is produced to ensure that you are totally notified as well as familiar with your trip in advance. When I got back to England, I did some study as well as thought that fat freezing would be the solution specifically as I was too nervous to go under a basic anaesthetic for liposuction surgery.

Coolsculpting Client.

Fat Freezing uses an extremely effective, non-surgical method to eliminate unwanted body fat to give you a firmer, smoother number. Cryolipolysis has actually ended up being a preferred means to successfully target persistent fat, offer you an extra contoured silhouette and also more self-esteem. With treatments lasting as little as 35 mins, you'll be able to resume your daily activities immediately. The neighborhood blood and also lymphatic circulation is promoted, clearing the cellulite dimples. Pressotherapy sessions can additionally help further detox the lymphatic system in order to help with the results for Cryoslimming fat freezing as well as Cryotoning treatments - These session are half an hour at ₤ 30 a session. Regrettably, Cryolipolysis is not made to tighten up loosened or extended skin.

However, they differ from one person to another based on specific elements, for example, way of life and also medical history. We have seen approximately 20% fat decrease is seen with this treatment and optimum results have actually been visible when following our post-treatment suggestions including remaining energetic and complying with a healthy diet plan. The fat cells that will be crystalized through the Cryolipolysis treatment are absorbed by the bodies all-natural processes. If you would love to reserve an assessment to review your suitability for fat freezing, Bournemouth people can reach us by calling. The ideology of "science meeting nature" is one that is very important to us, with natural-looking results being our focus. When undertaking therapy for fat freezing, Bournemouth patients will certainly go to the hands of physicians that made their name on Harley Street in London. After entering into the city's 'little black publication' of aesthetic experts, River Visual appeal increased right into Hampshire as well as Dorset.

Exactly How Does Coolsculpting Vary From Other Body Contouring Therapies?

This may require even more intrusive methods such as lipectomies or our cavitation and also skin tightening up therapies. Nonetheless, if you are still unclear please do not hesitate to call us for a conversation, as well as we will identify whether or not our procedure appropriates. This treatment is different for each and every client as well as Bolton Charm Facility can not guarantee particular results. The outcomes depend upon a number of factors such as the targeted locations, the number of targeted areas and also lifestyle. However, usually each session can cause around a 24% reduction of fat cells. Following this, the accumulated fat is frozen at a regulated air conditioning temperature for around half an hour.

Using cryolipolysis technology - we make use of cooling scientific research to decrease the appearance of stubborn fat areas. The fat cells that are exposed to the cold will start to degenerate with a natural process of cell fatality called apoptosis. With the help of a normal exercise as well as healthy eating, results can be long-term. Our fat freezing therapy gets rid of persistent fat in position you simply can not obtain seem to get rid of. la-lipo.co.uk LA Lipo Cryolipolysis Northamptonshire website 'll obtain the confidence to shake those clothing you have actually always wanted to use. The results are on typical most noticeable after 2-- 6 months post-treatment.

Cryolipolysis Wales, Uk.

Fat ices up at a higher temperature level than various other body tissue, so body fat can be iced up safely using this method without harming any one of the bordering frameworks or the surface of the skin. It likewise keeps the skin cozy whilst freezing takes place significance even deep existing fat cells can be damaged. The number of CoolSculpting therapies will certainly rely on the size as well as location needed to be dealt with so it is impossible to forecast how many cycles you may require. Please publication a cost-free assessment to comprehend the number of treatments you would require.

This can make it incredibly hard for some people to attain a smooth, toned number via just diet plan and also exercise alone. Are https://banbury.la-lipo.co.uk/before-after-cryolipolysis struggling to move those stubborn love handles, bags or that dual chin?

They were so pleasant at Springwell Facility and I had not been made to really feel dumb for wanting it done. The therapy really felt a little unusual as it was extremely chilly and drew a little but after 15 minutes I could not really feel anything as well as it was extremely stress-free.

Is CoolSculpting worth the money?

It's an easier body contouring procedure than surgical liposuction, with no anesthesia, incisions, or downtime. Once your skin adjusts to the cold, treatment should be relatively comfortable. RealSelf members who said CoolSculpting was “Worth It” saw good results that lasted over time.

On consistent air conditioning at a particular temperature level, the fat cells are destroyed and also flushed off through the metabolic system. During therapy, the fat is drawn into a suction mug prior to cold. The hand item will be on the location from 30-- 60 minutes to relying on the dimension of the area being treated. Study programs, when you have a boost in weight or fat, the number of fat cells in your body do not boost-- the fat cells simply get bigger. The number of fats cells you have is identified by your childhood and genetics. Researches reveal that people who are overweight, tend to have extra fat cells than those who are not.

While every treatment differs, CoolSculpting is relatively painless, with a minimal expected downtime. That implies you ought to have the ability to return to your normal lifestyle nearly right away, although intense exercise ought to be stayed clear of for a couple of days after that. Dr. learn more about Thame Cryolipolysis treatments work is a fully-trained and also highly-experienced visual physician, who works vigilantly to make certain a 5 star quality service, and also brings a straightforward and ethical strategy to each of our customers. If you have actually been taking a look at non-surgical liposuction therapies and also have actually been inputting Fat Freezing right into Google then you have actually most likely discovered both "Coolsculpting" and also "3D Lipo".

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The White Home

Content

Specialist Teeth Tooth Whitening Gel, Bleach Whitener For Salon Laser Light 0%.

Oral Clinicians.

Make Lister House Dental Centre Your Essex Dentist Of Option For Leading Teeth Whitening Therapy.

Teeth Whitening Portishead.

The Enlighten Whitening Process.

Wearing your personal bleaching tray to bed with a gentle whitening gel provides significantly whiter teeth in simply a fortnight. Ash Dental's whitening treatments are accomplished by skilled dental specialists. Our teeth can become much more discoloured as we age and years of drinking tea, coffee and red wine may tarnish the teeth. Tooth whitening is a safe and also basic, yet an efficient way of lightening the colour of your teeth without eliminating any of the tooth structure. It must be kept in mind however, the process is only reliable on your natural teeth, implying crowns and also fillings are not impacted by the tooth whitening process. This will, obviously, be explained by your dentist before any kind of therapy beginning. As you can see various aspects effect on the expense of teeth whitening treatments.

BlancOne ® CLICK is a rapid whitening therapy created for those that are seeking a sensible as well as fast means to acquire a whiter smile after an oral health session. From avoiding teeth whitening chelmsford to at-home whitening treatments, there are many ways to expose an extra radiant smile. Before going through therapy spots may be removed from your teeth by the hygienist to prepare your teeth to finest obtain the whitening application and also makes sure the right color is accomplished. We do not use this as part of the therapy, however it is readily available as well as can be reviewed before reserving your teeth whitening therapy. Your smile is distinct to you, and also Smiles Better Dental & Implant Facility dental practitioners recognize that your factors are individual as well.

Specialist Teeth Tooth Whitening Gel, Bleach Whitener For Salon Laser Light 0%.

Our 100% all-natural teeth whitening products get rid of stains and discolouration from the surface of your teeth to dramatically lighten as well as brighten your smile. Depending upon which therapy is best for you, your teeth could be whiter and brighter in as little time as mins. Nevertheless, for the most significant whitening it might take as long as two weeks. Your dental professional will discuss your different choices as well as with each other you can decide which therapy is best for you. Get a brighter, whiter smile at home with our series of teeth whitening products.

Dental Clinicians.

Veneers and crowns are an outstanding option to oral lightening for seriously damaged or severely stained teeth. While these therapies are a lot more pricey than the expense of teeth whitening, they might be your only option of whitening your teeth without damaging your teeth additionally. Prior to you obtain your teeth whitened, you must visit your dentist for a basic examination. At the visit, your dental practitioner will be able to examine the general condition of your mouth, teeth and gum tissues. Your dental professional will certainly likewise be able to correctly clean and also prepare your teeth before the whitening treatment begins.

It can be utilized to reward individuals for finished treatments, motivating them and enhancing their all-natural teeth shades alongside or before restorative job. In the growing field of dental appearances, there are various business advertising and marketing items to the industry.

If you struggle with gum tissue condition, have cavities, oral crowns or persistent sensitivity, then you would certainly not be an ideal candidate for tooth whitening treatment. Specialist teeth whitening therapies, utilizing the greater dosage of hydrogen peroxide, can occupy to 6 weeks for you to attain your wanted shade. It is necessary to recognize that oral whitening is not a long-term treatment. While you will certainly begin to see a distinction in your smile within simply a couple of short weeks, you will need to keep up with therapies to preserve the effect. If you were to stop your treatments, even after you had accomplished the wanted level of whitening, your teeth will certainly start to progressively end up being discoloured once again. Just how much teeth whitening prices depends completely on the sort of treatment you choose and also exactly how discoloured your teeth are to begin with. Here at Revitalise Dental Centre, our teeth whitening treatments begin with ₤ 500 as well as we are a main provider of the extremely concerned Shop Whitening remedy.

With surgery-based whitening you can see impressive results immediately. With supervised residence whitening you can quickly start to see outcomes.

This personalized teeth whitening kit promises results in just six days - Yahoo Sports

This personalized teeth whitening kit promises results in just six days.

Posted: Tue, 22 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Yet just like any type of various other oral item, seeing proof of efficacy is a leading demand. Dental experts will appropriately expect a high standard from all their products, including their teeth whitening gels. Complying with a preliminary consultation † with your dentist, when you have your Philips Zoom!

How can I make my teeth whiter naturally?

6 Natural Ways To Whiten Your Teeth 1. First things first, brush your teeth regularly: 2. Oil pulling: 3. Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: 4. Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels: 5. Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: 6. Go to the dentist:

Our dental experts will expertly evaluate your teeth to make sure they are suitable for a whitening therapy. If you are dreaming of a whiter smile, we at Smiles Better Dental & Implant Center in Kings Lynn can make it a truth. Please fill in the kind to learn even more regarding teeth whitening treatments at White & Co . All our teeth whitening treatments take about two weeks completely.

What to Know About At-Home Whitening Products When You Have Sensitive Teeth - POPSUGAR

What to Know About At-Home Whitening Products When You Have Sensitive Teeth.

Posted: Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]

therapy, it takes a hr, as component of a two-hour appointment, so you'll simply relax and also relax while your dentist deals with every little thing. We'll additionally provide you some top-up trays to utilize at home to help preserve your whiter smile. Or else, teeth whitening by a dental professional or various other dental specialist can just be done privately since it's taken into consideration to be an aesthetic treatment.

Teeth whitening treatment is a simple and also minimally intrusive means to brighten your smile as well as change the look of your teeth. No, the whitening gel only impacts natural teeth-- so if you are having oral repairs such as crowns as well as bridges, ensure you talk with your dental expert about whitening as well. It's advised that whitening is executed initially so that repairs can be colour-matched to your recently brightened teeth. Your smile is one-of-a-kind to you, and also Courtrai Home Dental & Implant Facility dental practitioners comprehend that your reasons are individual too.

If you are dreaming of a whiter smile, we at Courtrai Home Dental & Implant Facility in Henley can make it a truth. Reserve your teeth whitening treatment with one of our neighboring Enlighten accredited dentists. Your smile is special to you, and also 23 Aesthetic Dental & Implant Facility dental experts recognize that your reasons are individual also. Whitening trays with teeth whitening gel are one of the most usual method of whitening teeth. You'll have the option to take a kit home or have in-clinic treatment. Fortunately, the negative effects of teeth whitening treatments are reasonably small. Common side effects are sensitivity to chilly, as well as discomfort in the gum tissues.

Progressively move stains and discolouration on your teeth to expose a Hollywood-worthy smile. Whitening gels just lighten the colour of your all-natural teeth to their base colour. Generally the necks of the teeth always stay the darkest components, as much less light has the ability to transfer through these parts and also enamel goes to its thinnest or out-of-date. Restorations, crowns and veneers do not whiten as well as might need to be replaced if you want them whiter.

Make Lister Residence Oral Centre Your Essex Dental Practitioner Of Selection For Leading Teeth Whitening Therapy.

White Dental Appeal is currently a globally leading teeth whitening brand name, renowned for giving high quality, ingenious as well as scientifically enhanced whitening products with 4 whitening gel strengths. In addition to having a commitment to creating quality and also reliable items, the White Dental Charm objective is to assist methods deliver a client journey like no other. Fuelled by this, they have developed a devoted advertising and marketing support bundle to boost the client experience and develop your practice with professional teeth whitening. Due to the substantial allure of tooth whitening, the therapy can be made use of to draw in brand-new patients as well as maintaining existing ones.

Does banana peel whiten teeth?

Unfortunately, there's no evidence to suggest that banana peels really do whiten teeth. While the minerals in bananas promote dental health, they're unlikely to brighten your smile. There are two main ways to whiten teeth: abrasion and bleaching.

Teeth Whitening Portishead.

Something to keep in mind is that tooth whitening only lightens natural living teeth. This implies that any type of other dental work in your mouth, such as crowns or dental fillings, will not change colour after the therapy. The colour of your teeth might seem whiter at the dental professional's workplace as well as you will need to wait a few days to see truth outcomes.

Teeth Whitening Kit Led Laser Light Mouth Tray Oral Gel Lightening Tooth White.

How can I make my yellow teeth whiter naturally?

Remedies for yellow teeth 1. Brushing your teeth. Your first plan of action should be to brush your teeth more often and in the correct manner. 2. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. 3. Coconut oil pulling. 4. Apple cider vinegar. 5. Lemon, orange, or banana peels. 6. Activated charcoal. 7. Eating fruits and vegetables with a higher water content.

Costs differ and laser whitening is more costly than specialist whitening. The dental expert will take an impression of your teeth to make a mouthguard and also inform you how to utilize it with a lightening gel. Then, utilizing your mouthguard in the house, you frequently use the gel for a given amount of time over 2 to 4 weeks. Some whitening gels can be left on for approximately 8 hrs at once, which shortens the treatment duration to 1 week. Some salon supply teeth whitening, yet this is illegal if there's no dental professional existing, and it may put your oral health and wellness in jeopardy. For more information on Ash Dental's teeth whitening therapies as well as get a FREE consultation, call us on or contact us with the call kind on this page. Our trained dentists begin by taking an impression of your teeth to create a personalized deep-bleaching tray moulded to your shapes.

A whiter smile can often boost your confidence, especially if you really feel uncomfortable about the colour of your teeth.

Recognizing just how and where to obtain your teeth whitened securely and successfully is not always noticeable.

The main reason over the counter whitening packages are less expensive is due to the fact that they have a reduced dose of hydrogen peroxide and can as a result be sold without the guidance of a dental expert.

specialist teeth whitening, which can lighten your teeth in technique, in just one hr ‡.

The whitening gels used in house packages, both nonprescription and also from your dental professional, contain hydrogen peroxide.

Legally, just certified dental experts can administer teeth whitening therapies.

You'll also have the reassurance of being dealt with by among our certified dental experts.

At SW9 Oral we are pleased to provide a series of cosmetic oral therapies to clients from Stockwell as well as past.

Aesthetic dentistry entails a range of treatments made to boost the appearance of your smile.

If you feel you desire them whiter, you can have additional therapies. Your specialist teeth whitening at the dental practitioner's workplace can be done over your lunch break. Depending on how learn about a laser teeth whitening wakefield desire, it doesn't take up much time at all.

The Enlighten Whitening Process.

We show and also assist you with the use to minimise these negative effects so this is unusual. As we age, our teeth normally end up being darker, as well as based on discoloring from way of living habits such as consuming specific foods, drinking tea and also coffee, and also smoking cigarettes. Fortunately, dentistry has actually created the technology to wind-back the clock and also boost the shade of your teeth, offering you a whiter yet naturally-looking smile. We offer 3 extremely efficient teeth whitening treatments which address a wide array of demands. Total Orthodontics is using new people free teeth whitening at the end of their correcting therapy at picked techniques till 31st December. For more details and also terms and conditions visit our teeth whitening section.

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Exactly How Laser Teeth Whitening Approaches Function.

Content

Everyones Teeth Respond In Different Ways To Whitening Treatments.

Mouth & Teeth Makeup.

One Size Fits All Treatments.

Frequently Asked Concerns Concerning Laser Teeth Whitening.

Publication Your Cost-free Consultation!

Should You Have Laser Teeth Whitening?

Everyones Teeth React In A Different Way To Whitening Treatments.

Both treatments are based on a whitening procedure which utilizes a peroxide based compound which differs in strength. The greater the focus of peroxide in the substance the more powerful the whitening substance is. Nonetheless current regulation FROM THIS YEAR enables us to just utilize carbamide as much as 18%. Belle Facility brings you the next generation of laser teeth whitening procedure. We are one of the best teeth whiteners London, for your recommendation please see our gallery. Whether you intend to lighten your teeth for an unique wedding event or event, or merely to give on your own confidence in a work or social environment Belle Facility can help.

Our laser teeth whitening treatments are really affordable, with costs starting at just ₤ 199 for about an hour-long session. Our prices are very competitive and fairly valued contrasted to other dental clinics in London. "Laser teeth whitening in-clinic actually just deals with the surface. of the teeth, so this will certainly provide excellent results however they will not last. Residence whitening with the dental quality gel and also trays alone will lighten the inside of the teeth, but not so much the surface. For that reason, when making use of a combination of professional laser in clinic whitening with top-up trays you have the ability to whiten both the inside of the tooth as well as the tooth surface area. This provides amazing, long-lasting results that are a lot more uniformly spread out along each tooth.

I have actually tried a lot of various teeth whitening therapies from whitening pens, whitening strips, custom-made trays, residence whitening kits, coconut oil as well as of course laser whitening. This is just a personal opinion however I really do not get along well with these residence whitening kits.

Is teeth whitening and bleaching the same thing?

Whitening is the umbrella term whereas bleaching is one form of whitening. Teeth can be whitened by physical removal of superficial stains using abrasive agents such as toothpaste or prophy paste, or through bleaching processes, which rely on chemicals to penetrate enamel and dentine.

X White Pro is one of the most effective tooth whitening therapies readily available on the marketplace today. It has actually been formulated by a team of leading aesthetic dental professionals in the UK and also is the most prominent teeth whitening therapy offered at Brite Oral centers. Laser teeth whitening is a procedure which is done by applying a whitening item to the tooth and afterwards beaming a laser light right into the mouth to stimulate the whitening. This is a prominent therapy picked by individuals who wish to attain a brighter smile or eliminate discoloring from their teeth.

Along with this, Optident deal Ultradent whitening with Opalescence and Opalescence Go whitening gels.

Teeth can end up being stained or dimmed over an amount of time because of a variety of factors such as age, smoking, or drinking tea and also merlot.

If you are cleaning as well as flossing two times a day, but still really feel that your smile is not as brilliant as you would like, then our professional teeth whitening treatment might be of a passion to you.

Opalescence teeth whitening gel has PF, Potassium Nitrate and also Fluoride, which aids maintain the health and wellness of enamel throughout the whitening process.

Opalescence Tooth Whitening gels are developed to provide fantastic results and person complete satisfaction.

Possibly you smoke, or your teeth have actually been discolored by tea, coffee or merlot.

Substantial study and medical studies show that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dental expert is safe. As a matter of fact, lots of dentists think about whitening the most safe cosmetic dental procedure available. is not suggested for youngsters under 13 years old and expectant or lactating females. Laser tooth whitening occurs at the dental surgery as well as utilizes a light activated lightening gel to lighten your teeth. The lightening representative consists of a high portion of peroxide therefore the gums and also lips are isolated and shielded. This usually takes regarding an hour as well as the teeth can lighten several shades. In our experience with this therapy there can be fairly a level of sensitivity as well as it can last for longer.

Comprehensive Report on Teeth Whitening Pen Market 2020 | Size, Growth, Demand, Opportunities & Forecast To 2026 | DenMat, Dental, Sunup, HongYu, Philips - Factory Gate

Comprehensive Report on Teeth Whitening Pen Market 2020 | Size, Growth, Demand, Opportunities & Forecast To 2026 | DenMat, Dental, Sunup, HongYu, Philips.

Posted: Wed, 30 Dec 2020 13:03:00 GMT [source]

Tray style-- Whitening tray layout is important in any kind of lightening procedure. There must be an excellent seal around the gingival margin, despite reservoirs on the labial surface area pH level-- Peroxide is most efficient as well as energetic at a neutral pH of 7.0 or above. Make sure powerwhitening.co.uk laser teeth whitening hertfordshire image select a gel with a near neutral pH that has actually as a boosted alkalinity as soon as used. We want to encourage patients that numerous photos as well as videos utilized throughout our website were taken and generated prior to the COVID-19 episode. As a result social distancing rules and also additional degrees of PPE are not presented. Consumer Treatment Team Arranging treatment can be stressful, we're here to aid.

Mouth & Teeth Composition.

Comprehensive Report on Teeth Whitening Products Market 2020 | Size, Growth, Demand, Opportunities & Forecast To 2026 | LM, LUSTER, Lion, GSK, Unilever - LionLowdown

Comprehensive Report on Teeth Whitening Products Market 2020 | Size, Growth, Demand, Opportunities & Forecast To 2026 | LM, LUSTER, Lion, GSK, Unilever.

Posted: Wed, 30 Dec 2020 15:05:00 GMT [source]

We attempt laser teeth whitening with the UK's leading celebrity dentist. If you want whiter teeth, fast, we can lighten your teeth by approximately eight tones in just one 45-minute session with the Philips ZOOM! With teeth whitening in Essex at Lister Home Dental Centre, following a basic first appointment, you can access a tailor-made tooth whitening treatment that appropriates for most clients. The products we use are just readily available through a GDC-registered dental practitioner and also deliver fantastic results.

Some systems do not use a triggering laser and lots of dental professionals argue that the laser is not required for activation of the whitening substance. The dental expert will finally clean off the whitening gel as well as eliminate any kind of gum tissue protection before examining the final result by taking a picture or utilizing a color graph. A set for whitening in the house is additionally offered which is supplied with custom-made made trays and also whitening gel.

Based in Leeds, our Customer Treatment Team offers totally free recommendations and also assistance whenever you require it. This gift bundle coupon for simply ₤ 448 will cover the full expert 90 min whitening treatment with a dental professional AND custom-made whitening trays to make use of in your home. Your trays are moulded in our surgical procedure as well as can be accumulated 4-5 days later. For those living a busy way of life and that want fast lead to simply one hr, why not try the chairside laser teeth whitening treatment at NW1 Dental Care. Offer us a hr of your time, and we will assist you attain whiter teeth for that necessary interview, confidence or merely to cover up on your normal whitening regimen. This dental treatment takes place under appropriately checked problems that allow the risk-free use bleaching gel. Many cosmetic oral methods use a mix of in-surgery instant teeth whitening as well as professional take-home tooth whitening sets with custom-made made trays.

One Size Fits All Therapies.

At Lister House Dental Centre, we provide a mix of in-practice laser teeth whitening as well as take-home professional tooth whitening packages. Depending on way of living (eating/ smoking) we recommend laser teeth whitening top-ups every 1-2 years, to your teeth always look white.

At Laser Bright, we offer the best laser teeth whitening in Manchester as well as surrounding areas. Our knowledgeable team of specialists have several years of experience, promising that your teeth will certainly boost between 4-10 shades whiter after the procedure. We have one of the most as much as date modern technology offering you assurance. Tooth bleaching has actually come means throughout the years as well as will aid you get rid of spots from your teeth. Connect with us today if you wish to find out more concerning cosmetic oral care or among the different services we have the ability to carry out. Our professionals have worked with many customers to offer a bespoke solution which ensres they get the appearance they want at an inexpensive cost.

What is the best laser teeth whitening system?

Actually, most dentists use ZOOM and it's the most popular laser teeth whitening service out there. If you ask most any cosmetic dentist in your locality for laser teeth bleaching services, they'll likely give you the ZOOM treatment.

The gel made use of in the home kits often tend to have a lower focus of peroxide (3-10%) than that used in our dental clinic. Our unique, gentle tooth whitening gel removes not only surface area tooth spots, but likewise stains found deep inside the teeth. When integrated with sophisticated laser innovation, the gel makes your teeth whiter faster, and also stay whiter much longer.

It's mainly since I actually dislike the preference of the gel and also when providing it myself in the house, I always obtain that horrible taste in my mouth which truly puts me off using them for maintenance. You're busy so for your comfort our mobile laser facility runs outside functioning hours 7 days a week 8.00 am to 10.00 pm to fit YOUR schedule! You also might have brighter, whiter teeth and also the self-confidence to smile at the globe. Our laser teeth whitening costs are really budget-friendly, especially for team reservations. Whitening your teeth in your home, you can achieve the same dramatic results that are possible with in-office teeth whitening. This therapy, the original method of eliminating discolorations from enamel, entails the day-to-day application of a powerful whitening representative by means of custom fit trays.

For more information concerning our solutions, don't think twice to connect with us by phone on or by filling out and also sending your inquiry using our on-line contact type. Merely fill out the kind listed below and one of our product experts will certainly be in touch to publication in your appointment, completely free of charge. In practice advertising can be a really efficient and valuable method to advertise brand-new solutions without the demand for heavy financial investment. The secret is to highlight the benefits of the product, showcase the results as well as encourage queries. STEP THREE-- The perhydroxyl ion breaks down the huge natural molecules that create discoloration of the teeth.

Often Asked Inquiries About Laser Teeth Whitening.

An expert dental expert can perform an evaluation for you as well as decide what will certainly be the most effective course of treatment. Providers can vary in price however we'll try to keep within your budget plan as well as use you a fantastic value therapy that you'll be happy with. Professional house whitening packages include the dentist taking an impression of your teeth and obtaining the technician at the dental laboratory to create customized tooth whitening trays. These are used for regarding two hrs a day or overnight and also contain a professional tooth whitening gel provided by the Portishead dentist. These are put on until you more than happy with the results which normally take in between 2 to 6 weeks depending upon the specific conditions. This has long-term price effectiveness as well as you have much more control over the last color that is delicately attained and with a neutral ph buffered item.

In-office laser teeth whitening is excellent for a number of our people. The expedited procedure allows you attain the outcomes you want in one day instead of a couple of weeks. The in-office whitening treatment is excellent for people with active schedules that would certainly inhibit the everyday application of whitening gel, along with for those that have an important event turning up. Even if your reason for desiring in-office whitening is simply that you don't intend to wait to see your brightest smile, we enjoy to suit you! It is important to note that in-office whitening may not be the most effective remedy for the client with sensitive teeth. In assessment, your dental professional will discuss methods for decreasing level of sensitivity while allowing you to enjoy your most attractive, many positive smile.

Should You Have Laser Teeth Whitening?

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[thebiasrekkers]

Make It Right [BTS Mafia!AU]

Plot: “It’s always darkest before the dawn…” It’s a dog-eat-dog world in Seoul, South Korea. One has to dwell in the shadows in order to reach for the light. What are you willing to sacrifice in order to feel the sunlight on your face? What will it take to drag you back into darkness? How long will the journey be to make it right?

Rating: NC-17 // NSFW

Genre: Series | Mafia!AU | Crime!AU | Angst | Romance/Fluff

Pairings: Jin x OC | Taehyung/Hoseok x OC | Yoongi/Jungkook x OC

Warnings: Graphic Violence, Heavy Language, Angst, Slow Burn, Smut

Previous Chapters: Prologue 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin E’s AO3 || Admin E’s WP || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 2,163

Tag List: @prisczero​, @pinkpjmin​, @btsaudge​, @flowerwrites06​, @unoriginal-username15432, @halussali​

CHAPTER 36:  SAVE ME

“I want to breathe, I hate this night. I want to wake up, I hate this dream.”

© thebiasrekkers (Admin E). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

When she saw Min Yoongi being wheeled into the hospital’s emergency room, Raelyn pulled herself away from her assigned task almost immediately. Her heart hammered heavily against her chest and her forehead broke out into a cold sweat. She couldn’t hear the people calling her name and she blindly began digging through her pockets for her cell phone.

Did any of the others know what was happening?

Because she wasn’t his assigned nurse, there was no way for her to be directly involved in his treatment. Half an hour later, she was handed a coffee by one of her co-workers as they attempted to quell her concerns. They didn’t know what her connection with the patient was, but Raelyn knew not to open her mouth. The less they knew, the better. Everyone was better off that way.

Raelyn wanted to call Hoseok on instinct. She stopped herself, swallowing the heavy lump in her throat. Instead, she called Taehyung. He did his best to get her nerves to settle, telling her that it would take an act of some deity to pull Min Yoongi into his grave. He was just that stubborn. This got her to laugh a little and she sighed, feeling a little better than she had a few minutes earlier. Unfortunately, Taehyung was in Osan and wouldn’t be back in Seoul until later that afternoon. However, he did promise that he’d get one of the guys over to the hospital when Yoongi was cleared for discharge.

Her friend and fellow nurse, Seyeong, approached her just as she hung up with Taehyung. “Raelyn-ssi,” she called softly as Raelyn slipped her phone into her pocket, “are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, though she didn’t feel it, “how is he doing?”

“It was fatigue mixed with an anxiety attack.” Raelyn’s brows furrowed as Seyeong continued. “He experienced some shock, but he’s stabilized and resting.”

“That’s good.”

It was the only thing that Raelyn could say without falling apart herself. She nodded her head at the appropriate moments when Seyeong explained his condition, but the woman wasn’t really listening. There were too many other things filling her head. Mostly questions that she knew she wouldn’t be getting the answers to anytime soon.

Why the hell does this keep happening?

Once she was left alone, Raelyn unconsciously bit her thumbnail as her eyes narrowed. This was crazy. Anyone would think this was crazy. Who would go out of their way to bring someone back into the fold when it was obvious that they were competition? Wasn’t it normal to want to wipe out any obstacles that would potentially stand in a person’s way, no matter what avenue it was in reference to?

While a more twisted and jaded side of Raelyn could understand the thrill of wanting to taunt and torment an opponent, this seemed just shy of overkill. Yoongi was in the hospital because something shook him to the point of falling out. That or he was stressed and doing a terrible job of burying it down inside of himself. She hadn’t wanted to bother him with twenty questions, allowing him time to relax and to put whatever disturbed him out of his mind if even for a moment.

She toyed with the idea of calling Eden, but after the altercation she had with Yoongi at the hospital last time, she decided against it. The two of them would just wind up arguing about why he was in the hospital in the first place. Both of them would stroke out before either of them was able to get a word in edgewise.

Sighing, Raelyn angrily began scratching at the back of her head. No. This wasn’t going to work. She had to get the answers straight from Yoongi himself. Taehyung was sweet, but he always tried to cover things up as best he could. Mostly because he knew how much their old life stressed Raelyn out. They were supposed to be finished with that life and things continued to seemingly spiral out of control.

Making her way toward Yoongi’s room, she looked over his chart to see what medication they were giving him. It was a mild sedative, enough to get him to relax and maybe help him sleep. Who knew how long he’d been doing things without sleeping at this rate? Once she was able to ascertain that it was the proper dosage, she quietly slipped inside.

It took her a minute for her sight to adjust to the low light of the room provided by a small lamp. The ECG monitor beeped steadily, his heart rate normal and showing that he was, indeed, resting. Raelyn closed the door quietly behind her, the latch catching with a soft click. There was a humidifier by his bedside and his attendants seemed to have adjusted his bed so that he was sitting up as he slept.

She sighed again. Okay, maybe this wasn’t a good idea after all.

As someone in the medical field, the last thing she wanted to do was pull someone out of the comfort of sleep.

Raelyn turned slowly, intent on leaving the room, when she heard movement behind her. Her hand froze, hovering just above the doorknob.

“Raelyn-ah,” he heard Yoongi grunt. She turned around to see him sitting up full, the blankets shifting around in his lap as he did so.

She turned back around to face him. “Did I wake you?”

“Who can sleep when you exist so loudly?”

Raelyn frowned, unsure of what to make of that statement. Yoongi’s wistful smirk, however, showed that he was merely teasing. She crossed the room, plopping down into a nearby chair as he pressed a hand to his forehead. She noticed the look of disapproval on his face at the IV attached to his arm. When Yoongi attempted to remove it, Raelyn smacked his wrist on reflex.

“Don’t even think about pulling that out until you’ve been discharged,” she snapped, giving him a warning glare which he huffed at.

The two of them sat in silence – both probably processing the moment shared between them. It wasn’t often that Raelyn spent time with Yoongi alone. When Hoseok and she were still together, she interacted with all the other boys – lower and upper tiered alike. But rarely was she allotted alone time with any member as an individual. In fact, she felt she’d gotten to know them better when she was no longer the boss’s girl. The title came with its privileges, sure, but that also meant she was placed on a glass pedestal that she felt would shatter at any given moment.

Truth be told, she always felt Yoongi disliked her; for reasons completely all his own. On the flip side, she never really tried to bridge the gap between them either. Yoongi kept to himself, busy moving in and out of the thick of things alongside Jungkook. He never once hinted that he knew any of Raelyn’s friends, let alone that he was even dating Eden back then. Then again, she’d kept her own connection to the Golden Jackals a secret herself.

Now that everything was out in the open, Raelyn wondered where the time had gone.

“Yoongi-ah,” she murmured while looking at him. He raised a brow, silencing urging her to continue. “What happened?”

For a long while, all Yoongi did was stare at her; as if he was mentally cracking the cogs in his head to determine how to best answer the question. He blinked a few times, brushing his hair out of his eyes before folding his arms across his chest.

“Nothing you need to concern yourself over,” he answered simply, causing the muscle near Raelyn’s jaw to pulse angrily.

“Are you fuckin’ kidding me, Min Yoongi?” Raelyn’s voice went up an octave as she rose from her chair. He followed her with his eyes. “You are now the third person connected to me in some way to wind up in the fuckin’ hospital! Why should I not be concerned about this?”

Yoongi frowned. “Because there isn’t a single thing you can do about it.” The directness of the statement was like a punch to her gut, causing her to take a step back. His expression was icy and so was his tone. “Telling you what happened won’t change anything, so why bother?”

Raelyn felt her heart sink to the bottom of her stomach and she fell into the chair, semi-defeated. Why was he the second person to seemingly knock the wind out of her sails? What was so damn heavy that they felt the need to try and chase her off like none of this mattered? Raelyn clenched her jaw, furious at being dismissed in such a way.

“Listen up,” she said, her ire bubbling near the surface, “there is only so much that you guys can do to keep us in the dark. We’re going to find out eventually.”

He scoffed as he cut his eyes at her. “You find out and then what? Huh?” Raelyn blinked, unsure of what he was getting at. “You’re either going to get caught up in this nonsense until it settles, or you’ll turn tail and run. Those are pretty much your only options.”

She opened her mouth to say something, but found she couldn’t find the right words to throw back at him. Didn’t she have a rebuttal for this? She normally did. In this instance, however, Yoongi seemed to knock the fight right out of her.

“So, I guess the only real question you should be asking yourself now,” he broached, causing her to meet his gaze, “is how long do you plan on sticking around this time?”

Even though Yoongi was a few feet away from her, when he leaned forward, Raelyn instinctively leaned back in her chair.

“Because I can tell you right now that things aren’t going to be pretty. Not for a while.”

Raelyn’s vision began to swim momentarily. It was like she was hearing Jimin’s words all over again. They held a different tone, but the implication was still there. Each of them were telling her to make a choice. Even Taehyung had asked her to believe in her, to have faith that she wouldn’t be left alone. She wanted to believe him. There wasn’t a reason for her not to. They’d proven time and again that they were steadfast and willing to walk the hard road together – side by side.

So why was she so afraid to walk with them?

“I don’t know what’s going to happen from today on,” he said, cutting through her thoughts, “and I don’t want to think about it. I tried to keep Eden as far away from this nonsense as possible and she still managed to stumble her way into this shit.”

Relieved that the pressure was off her, even for a moment, allowed Raelyn the chance to regain her voice. “That is her choice, Yoongi-ah. You tried to take it from her once already. She’s a grown ass woman and can make her own decisions.”

He rolled his eyes, averting his gaze to stare at his phone on the nightstand by the bed. It vibrated relentlessly as Jungkook’s name flashed across the screen. Neither of them made a move to answer it.

“Yeah, well,” he finally said after the phone stopped buzzing, “she’s made that clear enough. I don’t need you to remind me of that.”

Raelyn narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t let your own regrets get in the way of other people’s progress.”

There was a flash of anger that danced over Yoongi’s gaze as his eye-line met hers. She didn’t waver, despite how scary he appeared at that moment.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“I’m not stupid and I’m not blind,” she said, pushing her glasses up along the bridge of her nose. Raelyn’s arms folded across her chest slowly. “You may have messed things up with her, but that doesn’t mean Jungkook will.”

“Raelyn…” Yoongi growled out her name in warning but she didn’t heed it.

“Their relationship has nothing to do with you.”

“Jungkook is my brother!” he bellowed, causing her shoulders to tense up slightly.

She took a breath. “Stop using him as an excuse.”

Raelyn knew she was treading on dangerous ground, but this was something she’d been wanting to say to Yoongi for a while. Ever since she found out that he was the Yoongi who’d broken her best friend’s heart.

“Eden is choosing to stay by Jungkook’s side. After everything that’s happened, she’s making the choice for herself. Something you never took the chance on.”

Rising from the chair, she could feel Yoongi’s eyes following her. “And you’re right about one thing, Yoongi-ah.” Taking a moment to look over his monitors, she let her gaze linger on his for a moment longer before making her way toward the door. “It’s time I made a choice of my own.”