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[1plus1kiyoomi]

Chapter 9: Plans

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“Hey, love. I saw this Tiktok...” You sigh heavily as you hear the words come out of Kuroo’s mouth. Every time he shows you a video from that app, he follows it up with a, “let’s do it.”

“What is it this time?” Your eyebrows are furrowed, expressing your disagreement already. You’ve been peacefully relaxing on the bed and your husband really wants to destroy that peace of yours.

“So you rate my exes, and I rate yours. Out of 10,” Kuroo says and you squint your eyes at him in suspicion. There has to be something behind the sudden interest in remaking it.

“Why?” is all you can say at his request.

Kuroo shrugs, a smug look on his face. “Why not?”

He takes out his laptop and opens a social media platform. Placing his laptop on his lap, he pats the space beside him, a sign that he wants you beside him. You sit beside him and he immediately types out a name.

“This was my first girlfriend back in middle school.” He describes and clicks on one of the girl’s posts.

“She’s so pretty. Is that her kid?” You point at the child his ex is holding in picture. Kuroo nods. “So was she nice? I have to rate her through her personality.”

“She was nice. But she left me for a college student,” Kuroo explains.

“Oh, so she’s a victim?” You snicker, and Kuroo chuckles at your statement. “A 6/10. She's pretty and she looks nice. But minus points for dating a college student while she was in middle school.”

He proceeds to search for his next ex. “I know her,” you say as soon as you see the picture. “I was the one who planned her wedding a year ago. I believe she gave birth just a month ago.”

“She did. She was my upperclassman in Nekoma when we dated. I think I was in my last year of middle school and she was graduating high school,” Kuroo elaborates and you laugh. “What?”

“You’re also a victim.” With that, Kuroo starts laughing with you. It takes some time before the two of you stop giggling like kids.

“Since I know her, a 7/10. She was really polite when I was planning her wedding,” you explain while panting, recovering from your fit of laughter.

“This is the last one,” Kuroo says as he searches and you look at him in shock, not believing him.

“You only dated thrice?” You ask him and he nods proudly. “But you did have a lot of flings so still a bad boy,” you tease and Kuroo rolls his eyes. He shows you his screen and you look at the girl in the picture intently.

You glance at him and then his ex, and then him again, then back to the screen. “You’re lying.”

“About what?”

“Are you sure you dated her?” You point at woman at the screen.

“Yes. Ask all of my friends. They’re witnesses.”

“You dated a famous idol...”

“Was an idol,” he corrects you. “She’s quitting the industry because she’s pregnant.”

“I love her group’s songs. I give her a 10/10. But I still can’t believe you managed to pull someone like her. Kenma said that you weren’t famous amongst girls in high school...” you state, remembering his best friend’s words when you had dinner together just a few nights ago.

Kuroo simply shrugs, “I guess she really liked me then.” He lays his gadget on your lap, waiting for you to type in. You become nervous. How are you supposed to tell him that you’ve only dated seriously once in your life? And it’s someone he sees quite often in your workplace.

“I only dated once,” you tell him calmly, trying to conceal your shaky fingers as you type. Pressing enter, your eyes immediately look away. “You know him, right? He’s our cake maker at work.”

“How was he as a boyfriend?” Kuroo simply asks and you nod nonchalantly. “He seems like a nice guy whenever I see him at your office.”

“Really sweet. Baked me goods everyday and even brought me lunch boxes,” you reply rather confidently. “We dated back in high school.”

“9/10.” Kuroo rates with a pout. He knew he was going to get jealous, but he still dug his own grave for his. His plan being:

‘To subtly hint that he wants a baby.’

All of his exes now have children, and he is not competing with them at any means, but maybe you’ll get an idea about his baby fever if he shows you that most people at your age have children.

Now that his Plan A has failed, he’ll have to proceed to his Plan B.

Kuroo patiently waits for you at his car, ready for your first date after a long time. As he sings along with the song on the radio, he scrolls through his Instagram and sees Sakusa’s post about her daughter.

“Must be nice to have a kid,” Kuroo sighs. Seconds later, he realizes what he said and puts his phone down. “No. No. No. I can’t feel this way yet. It’s too early. But we’re already in our mid-20s so a kid won’t be weird. No... Does she even want kids? My kids?”

A knock on the car window disrupts his soliloquy. He turns his head to the glass and sees you waving outside. He quickly unlocks the door, allowing you to enter. “Hi, love. Who were you talking to?”

“I was talking to Kenma,” he reasons before he leans in to capture your lips into a greeting kiss. “How was work?”

“It was tiring. The Kitas sent an invitation by the way,” you answer as you pull away from him. “It’s for the triplets’ first birthday.”

“Should we buy their gifts today?” Kuroo asks you, starting the engine of the car. “I think we’ll find something while roaming around. What about you? You said you had to buy something.”

“Bikinis,” you say nonchalantly and don’t see Kuroo’s eyebrow raise from your response.

“Are you going somewhere?”

“I forgot to tell you. I’m going to Okinawa with my high school friends next week. You know them, right? Makki, Mattsun, Iwa, and Oikawa,” you respond and Kuroo becomes silent, not knowing how to react. He doesn’t care that you’re going with guys, but how did you forget to tell him something important?

The ride is serene. Kuroo’s hand not leaving your thigh the whole time. Your hand is on top of his, your fingers tracing the protruded veins in his arms. Landing on his ring finger, your eyes scanned the body part. You don’t have a wedding band yet. The two of you have never thought of getting a pair.

The two of you arrive at your destination so get out of the car. Kuroo takes your hand immediately, sliding both of your hands into his jacket’s pocket. You smile at the romantic gesture, something you’re yet to get used to.

“Should we buy your stuff first?” Kuroo questions, looking down at you. Nodding, you lead him to a bikini boutique.

As soon as you enter, Kuroo closes his eyes. The store you entered doesn’t only sell bikinis, but lingerie as well. He has to keep his lids shut or his imagination will go everywhere. Noticing how wary he is about the surrounding, you smirk.

You hook a finger on his collar and pull him down. “Choose anything you’d like to see me in.”

After the not so quick shopping trip at the garment store, you have noticed how fidgety Kuroo is. He wouldn’t stop squeezing your hand and giving you cheeks kisses. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Just excited to see you in this,” he reasons, lifting the paper bag with sets of lingerie he has chosen. You hum, your attention going back to the racks of baby clothing in front of you.

While you’re focused on the baby items in front of you, Kuroo is panicking. In his mind, he’s about to explode. You in lingerie + his baby fever= a kink he thought he’ll never have. He’s trying so hard not to think about your mini me’s, but seeing the tiny pieces of garments is making it hard for him.

“My love, the triplets are boys. But knowing the Kitas, they wouldn’t mind dressing up their sons in that dress you’re holding,” you point and Kuroo snaps back to his senses. He looks down and sees that he is holding onto a yellow dress with ribbons and ruffles. He didn’t even know how he got the dress on his hands.

“Oh,” he chuckles awkwardly, putting the dress back on the rack. “I just thought it was cute.” You raise an eyebrow at him in confusion and he forces out a laugh. “It would look cute on Sakusa’s daughter. The two of us are kind of close.”

“Really? I always see him post about her. She would look very cute in that. Should we buy it?” Your confusion about his actions are thrown away by his reason. He sighs in relief as you look away, the dress now in his cart.

‘Our daughter would look cuter,’ Kuroo thinks and he smacks his cheek, causing you to look at him in shock. It was a rather loud and heavy smack. “Mosquito.”

His Plan B is a fail.

You’re eating lunch together the next day at your office as usual. It’s quiet before he flashes his phone screen in front of you, showing you a picture of three familiar small boys. “Look at the triplets.” You continue to eat after taking a look at the picture, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. Kuroo hums happily. “Aren’t they cute?” You only nod to his question.

“Look at Sakusa’s daughter. I met her last time and she’s such a charmer,” Kuroo narrates, letting out a giggle. The interaction replaying in his head. The interaction that caused his sudden baby fever.

It was a busy day at work since the Olympic team had to take their profile and poster pictures. Kuroo was talking to Bokuto when a child suddenly latched onto the spiker’s leg.

“My favorite teammate, you’re here!” Bokuto beamed and picked the child up. As she rested in his forearm, she looked at Kuroo in curiosity. Normally, children would get scared of him, but she wasn’t, which made Kuroo happy.

“Hi. My name’s Kuroo. What’s your name?” Kuroo asked the girl. She smiled at him before answering.

“Kia! Do you have a girlfriend?” Kia asked, taking Kuroo aback. It’s not everyday that a 4 year old would ask you about your relationship status.

“I don’t have a girlfriend, but I do have a wife,” Kuroo replied, which made the little pout.

“Since you only have a wife, I can be your girlfriend,” Kia proclaimed. Kuroo smiled at her statement. The girl suddenly made him think what his daughter would be like if he ever gets to have one.

“I’m sorry but my wife would be upset if I have a girlfriend, so I can’t be your boyfriend,” Kuroo explained to her, hoping she’ll learn something from it. You could subtly teach them about what’s right and wrong at a young age.

“Then, I’ll date your child, father-in-law,” Kia claimed which Kuroo patted her head for.

“I’ll remember your words, future daughter-in-law.”

“What are you smiling for?” You ask Kuroo and he looks up to you, his attention now on you.

‘It’s now or never. This is the perfect chance.’ Kuroo thinks, placing his chin on the palm of his hand. “I was just thinking about how cute our children would be.” You ignore his words and proceed to clean up your lunch box. As result, Kuroo frowns. He mirrors your actions, keeping quiet. Maybe it was wrong to mention it.

Your secretary knocks on your door before announcing that your client is already waiting outside. Kuroo put back the chair back to its proper place before walking over behind the table to give you a quick hug. You can feel his sadness radiating off him and you’re sure it’s from your silence.

His baby fever wasn’t unnoticed. In fact, you knew about it the moment you saw him scrolling through baby videos. He wasn’t very subtle about it, too. From showing his exes, to bringing you to the baby store, to sending you pictures of babies, to mentioning children all the time, you definitely knew about his baby fever.

But you don’t want a baby yet. You had just gotten steady recently, and having a child will wreck that steadiness for sure. You want to keep him to yourself as much as you can, and a child will take your time with each other away. Yet, you don’t know how to tell him that, because he’s determined to have one as soon as possible.

“I’m leaving now. I’ll pick you up later,” Kuroo speaks. He plants a kiss on your forehead before turning away. The way he turned his back at you, the way he frowned a little, it broke your heart. So you grab his hand and pull him back towards you. “Yes, my love?”

“Should we start trying for a child?” You look up to him with shaky eyes, and he saddens at your expression. He wraps his arms around you, your head falling onto his abdomen, while his hand pets the back of your head.

“Love, I’m not asking for a child immediately, so don’t get pressured. Just take my baby fever as a promise that I want to start a family with you and only you,” he reassures you, but you know he’s partly lying about it. Kuroo is a man who doesn’t give up until gets what he wants.

Kuroo’s Plan C has failed. He has no choice but to do his Plan D. (Will be posted soon 😉 if you know, you know.)

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Facts:

Fevers turn on the body's immune system. They help the body fight infection. Normal fevers between 100° and 104° F (37.8° - 40° C) are good for sick children.

Fevers only need to be treated if they cause discomfort. Most fevers don't cause discomfort until they go above 102° or 103° F (39° or 39.5° C).

Most fevers from infection don't go above 103° or 104° F (39.5°- 40° C). They rarely go to 105° or 106° F (40.6° or 41.1° C). While these are "high" fevers, they also are harmless ones.

Fevers that don't come down to normal can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The response to fever medicines tells us nothing about the cause of the infection.

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Taglist: Still can’t tag smh T^T the app keeps crashing every time i tag more than 5 people 😭

[btssk]

Ms. Dokkaebi - Part One

Series Summary: You are the nanny for J-Hope’s older sister Jung Ji Wo. And while you’re great with her kids, best friends with J-Hope, and considered apart of his family, you seem very rude and stand-offish when it comes to the rest of BTS. There’s a tense relationship between you and the other members but when shit hits the fan, they'll realize just how wrong they were about you. But will it be in time.?

Notes: I’m new ARMY who doesn’t know everything there is to know about BTS as individuals so I may not accurately depict them in my writings, but as a FanFic writer who’s found her new muse, i’m just jumping right into it! This was originally going to be a one shot but then I started having too many ideas and points to touch on so I’m turning it into a series. And heads up, i write longgg posts regardless. I’ll probably comb through this a few times after I post to tweak some things. Also, this is obviously written in english but imagine that they're speaking Korean. This is my first BTS fanfic,

Hope you enjoy!

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Pairing: (Platonic) J-Hope x Reader

Summary: You've come to visit your very own personal ray of sunshine Jung Hoseok while on vacation. Despite his unbridled joy at your arrival, the other members of BTS struggle to understand how such terrifying opposites could be attracted to each other.

Warning: swearing, violence

"Here, place these on the table, Canola flowers are her favorite." Hoseok wipes the remnants of soil off his hands and smiles proudly at his personal efforts. "Their train should be arriving shortly, if you still plan to meet them at the station sir." "Right, i'll leave first then. Thank you ladies." The maids bow as he gives his final nod of approval before rushing to the waiting car. "Step on it Dae-Hyun, we can't be late." "Of course sir." "Dae-Hyun," "Yes sir?" "How do I look?" The driver smiled at the multimillionaire international superstar, sweating and squirming in the backseat. "She's going to be thrilled to see you sir."

…

"Does that mean I don't look good?"

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"We're here! Everyone come welcome our special guests!" Two little kids fly into the house faster than Hoseok could finish announcing their arrival. Next came their frantic mother scrambling to collect them and scold the poor manners they were presenting.

Jin gets up from sitting in the living room with both arms open wide, inviting the kids to jump into them. "It's okay Ji Wo, i've missed my little feathers." "We're not little feathers!" "Of course you are! See, I can do this!" He starts spinning around as fast as he can. Hoseok stands besides his sister smiling at his niece and nephew flying in circles. "Too fast!" "No more Ahjussi!" Jin stops spinning, "Ah-Ahjussi? Ahjussi?! Who are you calling Ahjussi? You think i'm so old that I deserve to hear such things?! Ya! You think you'll be young forever?" Jin begins tickling and shaking the two until they're begging him to stop. "You'll be my age soon and let’s see how you like being called Ahjussi! I'm not even that old!"

Jin's signature 'eldest-rant' calls the rest of the members into the living room. "I don't know Jin, i'm starting to see some grey hairs." Jungkook joins in on Yoongi's joke, "Oh, there on the sides right?" "Mm, yeah." "Stob it!"

By the time you entered the room, everyone had already shared their hello's with Ji Wo. Her kids were outside running around with Taehyung, Jungkook, and Jimin. Jin was still fuming over being called Ahjussi despite Namjoon's best efforts to calm him down, while Yoongi stood by doing his best to turn Jin into a talking tomato.

Busy helping his sister move the luggage to the guest house, Hoseok left your welcome party in the hands of dumb and dumber, plus one. The three kept at their bickering until Namjoon finally noticed you. You dropped two large duffel bags at your feet and wore all black, head to toe. No makeup, hair in a half-assed updo, and shoes still on after entering the home? You weren’t here to impress and currently, were not impressed either.

Namjoon straightened up his appearance before nudging Jin and Yoongi to follow suit. Yoongi hid his smile and offered a very sweet and shy apology. And while Jin was obviously embarrassed to have been caught acting so childish in front of a stranger, this fact presented a dilemma. Why was there a strange woman in his living room? An American woman, with a very unpleasant look of irritation and disapproval on her face? 'Does she not see how handsome I am?' Remembering that he was in his own home and the eldest person present, he chose an informal tone. "Ya. Who are you. How’d you get in here?" No response. The only change being your eyes now solely locked onto Jin. A slight relief to Namjoon and Yoongi. "Did you hear me? Who are you, what do you want?"

"...."

"What you don't speak Korean?"

Silence.

"Aishh," Jin put his hands on his hips, "So, You American came to Korea just to step into a Korean household and not only refuse to address your senior, to state your business, or atone for these things, but can't even speak Korean to begin with? Unbelievable." After another chance to explain yourself, yet remaining silent, Jin rolls his eyes and grabs his phone. "Fine. I'm calling security." Now you looked pleased, almost amused. Did you understand what he had said? Clearly not since you were smiling, but, did you? The three members wait with you in the deafening silence.

A couple minutes and guards storm into the room scanning for the intruder. Jin immediately starts yelling and pointing for them to take you away. Yet you don't move an inch as the guards surround you. Instead, you smile sweetly in return for their low bows. The member's are stunned as the head of security addresses you and you only. "Our apologizes for this mishap Ms. Y/n, it won't happen again." You nod, accepting his notion, and Jin couldn’t take it anymore, "What! what is this?! Who is she that she can enter my home uninvited with more authority than me?!" The guard's explanation is interrupted by Hoseok's return. "Oh good, you've met y/n!" He smiles at his friends indifferent towards the scene he interrupted. "Y/n hand me your bag i'll carry it," he gives you his other arm to escort you outside, "Ji Wo and the kids are already unpacked. I'll help you with your stuff. I made sure your room had those pillows and comforter set you really liked from last time-oh! And I have a surprise for you! I went and picked them myself, your favorite! Then we can talk about what you want for dinner tonight..." The three ‘men’, who were correctly feeling as less than such, watched you step into the guest house as if you owned that too.

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"Explain."

"Oh good, I needed a second opinion! I like the yellow shirt but it's a bit much for dinner at home right? Then there's the blue but it doesn't compliment my eyes very well. Maybe the white one then? You can't go wrong-"

Jin slaps the shirts out of Hoseok's hands.

"No! Explain the woman who just walked into my home with zero etiquette, highjacked my home, security team, and is now downstairs with her bare feet on my coffee table!"

"So you're thinking the blue one."

"Hobi!"

"Jin can you keep it down, i'm trying to take my pre-dinner evening nap," Yoongi throws himself on the bed, "But to his point; Who is she?"

Hoseok picks up the blue shirt and pulls it on. "Uh, well that's a loaded question. I know that she can be very, well, i'm sure you've noticed,"

"Yes, continue."

"But, I guess, she's my best friend." Every remaining member bursts through the door, silently threatening him to say it again. Even Yoongi twisted his head, "The hell did this bitch say." Jin takes the lead scolding Hoseok's blasphemous comment, with the others suddenly becoming faithful followers of their beloved Ahjussi. Once finished fiddling with his shirt, Hoseok addressed the room full of crybabies. "Maybe 'best friend' wasn't the most appropriate label, but she IS someone very special to me. So please, all of you go get dressed and be ready to eat dinner in an hour. I need this to be perfect. It's important, please." He hurries out of the room to find you, leaving his very much so established and unquestionably best friends unsatisfied with his explanation.

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"Tell me to hurry up...look nice...feet on my table!...she's the mean one...I don't even like spicy food...Will you come help me already you see me struggling!" Namjoon was certain his hands were going to fuse with his face if he listened to this for another second. He gladly stood up to help Jin with his tie, "If it'll end your ranting about y/n-"

"Stupid name"

"You met her once for five minutes; you don't even know her." "Ah, five minutes was ten minutes too long." "That still doesn't make any sense," Namjoon grumbles for the billionth time since meeting his friend, "There, done."

"And why are we wearing ties anyways? We're at home! Ji Wo's family! I'm expected to look Grammy's ready for that…that Dokkaebi!?" Yoongi sits up from Jin's bed laughing, "That what?" "When did you get there?" "Did you just call y/n a Dokkaebi? I haven't heard name calling like that since primary school." Jin charges at Yoongi shaking his finger, "You know it! You were there, both of you! You saw her smiling at us; like a blind person winking. Just, empty." A chill runs up Jin's spine that Namjoon and Yoongi have to admit they also felt. "Hear me, that goblin will only cause us problems." "You're overreacting-"

"Her.bare.feet! On.my.coffee table!"

"Look she's special to Hobi, that means she can't actually be that bad right? And again, we only met her for five minutes-" "That was ten minutes-" "DO NOT say it again it makes NO sense! We didn't make a very good first impression either, so let's consider dinner a fresh start." Namjoon and Yoongi guide a still disgruntled Jin down to dinner. They can hear the kitchen is already crowded with conversation, children laughing, and food on the stove. Namjoon takes a deep breath, "Fresh start boys. Be nice." They round the corner to see your eyes already baring deep into their souls. Jin leans into his friend’s tiger grips on him and whispers, "See, see! Some of her goblin tricks already. Evil little mi-chin nyeon-" "You sure you want to finish that sentence." Your comment draws Hoseok’s attention to his friends, "Hey guys! Come have a beer, we're almost done cooking." The trembling mice men find a safe distance from you on the other side of the island and Hoseok hands them each a drink. But Jin’s eyes never leave yours, except to make sure that the knife in your hand is still chopping vegetables and not plunging into his chest. "So, you can speak Korean." "Of course, what kind of American would I be to come all the way to Korea, enter a Korean household, and not be able to address my senior. The honor is mine, Ahjussi." You throw in a lopsided bow at the end but Jin is far from impressed. Namjoon grabs another beer, "Here we go..." Before he has the chance, Jin's attention is on his legs. "Do the funny walk!" "Yeah, the funny walk!" "Oh, I think i'm too old, now that i'm 'Ahjussi Jin'." The twins plead with him until they're disappearing down the hallway, holding on for dear life as he flails his legs as much as possible. You finish cutting the vegetables and hand them to Ji Wo at the stove. Before you have a chance, Hoseok takes the dishes from your hands, "I can clean these too y/n, you go grab a drink and hang out while Ji Wo and I finish up. Your seat is right there next to mine!" If he could walk for you he would, even if he didn't have legs himself. Annoying and embarrassing at times, like now, but at the end of the day you loved that about him; so unashamedly sweet to you like no one else would dare to be.

You go slip into your Hoseok-assigned seat at the table next to Yoongi and count how long it’ll take him to grow a pair and say what's on his mind.

"So y/n,"

27 seconds,

"how do you know Hobi?" "I work for Ji Wo." "Oh, like a secretary?" 'The fuck?,' "Or not. Then, some security guard? No! Not that i'm saying you’re manly or anything, you're very attractive-not that i'm attracted to you-NOT that there's a reason I shouldn't be!" Yoongi chokes on his words long enough for you to respond. "I'm her nanny." You see the first unpetrified emotion cross Yoongi's face since meeting, "Really? You…like, kids?" "Of course. They're adorable." He'd have an easier time believing you if you didn't look like you were recounting the hells of war. Lost on how to continue the conversation, Yoongi tries a new approach.

He moves a tray of assorted fruit towards you, "Here. Do you like fruit? We bought all of this fresh from the local market." "I already had some." "Oh. Okay, good.. Um, I love the tangerines. I bought a whole bundle...where'd they go?” Yoongi notices that his dozen of tiny orange babies are the only fruits missing from the tray. Once again your eyes were waiting for his to catch up. "Did you-" Without breaking eye contact, possibly without breathing since Yoongi’s doubting you even have a heart right now, you peel the last tangerine. You do it slow enough that if you listened closely, you could hear it crying for 'papa Yoongi' to save it. "My...you ate...all of them." The poor boy looked like he went bankrupt with a wife and kids to feed back home. Ironic maybe? He tried his best to swallow his emotions, "That's okay. You're our guest; I'm happy to share anything with-" You pop Yoongi's last little baby into your mouth and he snaps, "That's it. Who hurt you. I demand to know." A slightly sweaty Jin joins the stand-off over his friend’s shoulder with the same scowl on his face, "See...Dokkaebi." Yoongi swears his loyalty with a single word. "Dokkaebi.."

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"Y/n i'm going to the restroom, can you-" "Got it." "Thanks!" Ji Wo runs around the corner leaving you in charge of the children. All, of the children.

Most are taking their seats, Hoseok is practically in your lap talking your ear off, and Jin is trying to shake off the two urchins still stuck to his legs. "Please!? Where is your mother it's been hours, days even!" The twins laugh at his joke and Namjoon again tries to convince Jin that he doesn't make any sense.

"No, more more!"

"Yeah more!"

"More!"

"More! MORE!"

Hoseok eventually nudges you, "Come on y/n, enough fun, the foods going to get cold." 'We never do what I want.' You snap your fingers and point to the chairs across from you. The two tumble over each other trying to see who could be the fastest. So competitive. You were proud. "Whoa, could you train Yeontan to be that obedient?" "You calling my kids dogs." There's a slight breeze behind you that could only be from Hoseok's frantic motions for Taehyung to stop talking. "I, no...nevermind."

Ji Wo comes back and sits next to her son, "Okay, let's eat!" Everyone starts to fill their plates and converse amongst themselves. Hoseok is making your plate while you're busy making the kids'. Sitting on the other side of the twins is Jungkook. He gives himself a pep-talk until he's confident that he's about to do the right thing. Yet, across from him, Yoongi and Namjoon shoot him every desperate facial expression that they know. Whatever Jungkook is about to do, they're sure it's a bad idea. 'What are they mouthing? "Dok...Dokkaebi?" What? That doesn't make any sense.' He gives them a curt 'I got this' smile so the two give up.

'Poor bastard.'

'It's always the innocent.'

Jungkook grabs the bowl in front of him and holds it out towards you. "Y/n, I made this dish specially for you. It takes a few hours to prep and another two for cooking, but Hoseok spoke so fondly of you I knew it was worth the time." You feel the pride radiating from Hoseok when he places his hand over yours. The whole thing's silly, but you let your little sunshine have his moment. "The sauce is my grandmother's secret recipe and I made the noodles from scratch. It's always a crowd favorite when I make it. I'd love it if you had some! Let me put some on your plate." "No thanks." Jungkook stops mid-reach across the table and his doe-eyed smile falters. "I, uh, promise you'll love it. It's the best dish on the table! Please, just try it-" "You trying to kill me (?) I said no" "But-" "And I won't say it again."

A pained silence falls over the group, but nothing compares to the hurt on Jungkook's face. Defeated and humiliated, he slides back down into his chair too embarrassed to lift his head. Then, "I want some!" the little girl next to him slaps a smile back on his face. "Of course sweetie, here!" This time Hoseok and Ji Wo are the ones quick to speak up in a panic. "No hun, you can't." "Jungkook don't-"

*CLINK!*

Your eyes snap to the spoon still spilling pasta on the plate. The sound rings out and fades away without a single interference. Jungkook's frozen in fear, everyone is, as they should be. You can feel Hoseok desperately squeezing your hand, silently begging you not to cut off his friends'. Ji Wo's face is pleading the same case. You listen to Jungkook's heart beat out of his chest for a few more seconds, watch his life flash before his eyes to truly remember this moment by. Removing your hand from Hoseok's, then placing it over his, is reassurance that he and Ji Wo can stop shaking. As for everyone else, they're nothing more than deer caught in headlights. "There's shrimp in that. She, and I, are both allergic to shellfish. If you feed her that, she'll die in minutes, and then you would die in seconds. Am.I.clear." There was another silence while Jungkook struggled to keep his soul from leaving his body. He couldn't believe what he had almost done and begged forgiveness from Ji Wo, "I-I'm so sorry! I had no idea, honest I wouldn't have-" "It's okay Kook, I know that you didn't know. It was an accident," her eyes drift towards you, "right y/n."

She's weary. She can tell that you haven't calmed down, not enough at least. You take your job very seriously; you love her kids as if they were your own. And if you ever did have kids of your own, then god save us all. You really were like a second parent to the twins. The kids once asked if the two of you were going to get married some day. You and Ji Wo were both laughing your asses off until you realized that Eun had fallen out of her chair. Her face was turning purple and her throat had nearly swollen shut. She laid motionless on the floor with her eyes digging into y/n's, begging for help. But no one saw what happened and didn't know what to do. Y/n took a gamble since it was their first time having lobster and gave her her epi-pen. As relieved as Ji Wo was to hear her daughter start breathing again, it would be a few weeks for her, and you, to completely move past what happened. That was the first and only time Ji Wo had seen you so unnerved; truly afraid. And right now she saw that same memory flash over your eyes in a blinding loop. She tries again, "Y/n, it was an accident…It's okay now."

"Y/n," Hoseok's gripping your fist with both of his hands, "She didn't eat any, she's okay. Jungkook knows now, they all do. Right." Every head at the table shook furiously, but you saw none of it. Your eyes locked onto Jungkook and debated which fingers to break first.

Then you felt Hoseok's grip on you change. It loosened, and his fingers gently ran over the back of your hand, something that always forced you to relax. "Angel," One of your biggest weaknesses, "please, for me." was hearing him beg. 'And that dang pet name.' You let out all of your pent-up energy into one labored sigh, finally releasing the dinner guests as hostages. Yoongi jumps from his chair as you abruptly stand. "What did you learn Jungkook." "She's-you both!-are allergic to shellfish," poor thing had been on the brink of crying this entire time, "I swear that I will never forget it-" "No. You don't question me. Ever again."

While you're turned to grab a clean plate for Eun, "Chin-hae don't stand on your chair-!" you hear the sweetest voice back you up. "Yeah! You don't ask y/n questions!" He's all but using his sister's head as a prop while sticking his sticky finger in Jungkook's face, “giving him the business” about not asking anymore questions or trying to kill his sister again. You motion for him to sit down once you're back and shoot a wink. 'That's my boy.'

——————————————————————

"Again, Ji Wo, I am so sorry for earlier at dinner. I still feel absolutely awful about it."

"It's okay Jungkook, honestly. Y/n always carries an epi-pen for both of them. Even if Eun had eaten some, she would've been okay."

"So then, that whole "she'll die in minutes, you'll die in seconds" thing was y/n just messing with me, right?"

"Of course, no chance she'd let Eun get even close to dying."

Jungkook relaxes just enough sipping his coffee to choke on it when Ji Wo continued, “But she might still kill you, that wasn't a joke." Jimin smacks his friend's back until he settles.

After dinner, you took the twins to the guest house to get ready for bed. Everyone else stayed behind and congregated towards the living room to properly catch up with Ji Wo. Before getting married, the boys saw her around all the time. Since then, they only see her on the rarest occasions. It sucks, but that's the way it has to be.

"Anyways, thank you all for letting us stay here. I know it's not everyday you guys get the chance to go on vacation."

All of you were staying at BTS's vacation home out on Daecheong Island. Technically it was Jin's vacation home, but since he always said yes when the member's wanted to use it, no one bothered listening to his empty protests anymore.

The island is located in northern South Korea; just west of Seoul. The home was well secluded, on the coastline with plenty of space and privacy, about an hour or so from the nearest town. It was a favorite place for the boys to get away since they had true privacy while there, but could still feel like they were at home. And rarely if ever would they draw attention while in town. The locals knew who they were but lived their own lives on the island and didn't care to bother them.

Namjoon pats Ji Wo's back, "Don't worry about it. We're happy to have you." "Yeah. No filming, practices, recording schedules," Jin stretches back in his chair, "no responsibilities what so ever. Plus now, you and the little ones are here? Talk about a good time." He turns towards Ji Wo though, momentarily becoming serious, "And no one knows where we are. Promise." The rest of the group offers reassurance to Ji Wo.

Hoseok leans in close to his sister, "You didn't tell anyone where you were going right? Didn't have any issues?" She shakes her head no. Anyone else would think that the boys were worried about people finding out where they were. But Ji Wo knew the truth. They wanted to make sure no one knew where she was. Especially her children.

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

Flashback

You remembered the first and only time that you had met Ji Wo's ex-husband. It was the twins' third birthday party and the first of many without their father. Ji Wo pulled out all the stops to try and make it as special as possible. There ended up being just enough commotion for him to sneak in through the side gate.

You'd heard plenty about how he lost custody of the twins due to his alcoholism, and how more than once it led him to put his hands on the them. Not to mention the few screws he had loose in the head. He'd never do anything less than swear he loved his children more than anything and just wanted to be a family. But after putting Ji Wo and the twins in the hospital, twice, he didn't stand a chance in court. At the final hearing he reeked of alcohol and rambled on about making Ji Wo pay for stealing his children from him. He was detained for disorderly conduct and Ji Wo won sole custody.

There wasn't a word from him after that so no one expected him to show up that day.

You didn't know what he looked like, but the new stench of alcohol in the air and screams from Chin-hae was more than enough information. "Oh come on son, I brought you a present...I think?" The drunk stumbled around trying to feel for the nonexistent gift. Every child ran to their parents as you ushered them all inside the house. Ji Wo didn't have security then, and this was the moment to change that.

Chin-hae and Eun clung to Ji Wo's legs, remembering enough of their father to be afraid. "Seo-Jun. What are you doing here." He acted genuinely offended by her comment, "Is it not my children's birthdays? Their father should be here." He staggered closer and Ji Wo struggled not to shake more than she already was. "N-No. You, should leave. The restraining order-" "TO HELL WITH THAT PIECE OF PAPER!" His outburst even made you jump. You needed to hurry and make sure everyone was safe inside before going to help Ji Wo. Only a few more people and then you would be free to kick his pasty ass.

"Seo-Jun please, you're drunk; you're scaring the kids." "Oh, well then," his posture straightens and eyes go dark, "i'm suddenly feeling very sober. No need to be scared now. Come on kids, give your dear old dad a big hug." Only a sour breath away from them and both kids were soaked in their tears. They cried "Mom no! Don't make us!" "We'll be good! PLEASE!!" "MOM!?" Ji Wo clung onto them as hard as she could without hurting them. She took two steps back for every one Seo-Jun made. "Come on guys, you're not being very nice. You can't still be mad about last time right? I said sorry. And hey! I have some new friends for you to meet." Three men entered the backyard with eyes glued to the kids. "Seo-Jun please! Don't do this!?" "Ji Wo. Honey, you know I won't ask again," he holds out his arms, "Hand them over." When the men start advancing Ji Wo drops down to her knees to shield her children as best she could. But she was crying just as hard as they were, just as terrified.

One man had his hand on Eun's flailing leg for less than a second before being drop kicked by you running at full speed. He didn't get up until the ambulance arrived. Without hesitating you go after the next one, throwing hit after hit until he falls and doesn't get up. The third pulls out a knife and you see red. Knives, real knives like these, sent you into an unstoppable rage. You had plenty of reasons to hate them, and even more to hate Seo-Jun. The man took a few swipes at you before taking a misstep and gives you the opening you need. A single move and you get ahold of the knife, toss it, and start breaking as many of his bones as possible. This wasn't just about stopping a kidnapping anymore, it was making sure they suffered as much as time allowed you.

This would be the first time Ji Wo and the kids see you fight; see you turn into a monster, "Y/n?" and Hoseok. The look on your face must have terrified him because he stumbles back before being able to focus on the situation. Hoseok runs to help Ji Wo, taking Chin-hae so the four can make a faster break for the house.

Seeing his plan go to shit, Seo-Jun makes a last ditch effort to grab at least one of the kids. He takes after Ji Wo and Eun but luckily he's a lot slower than you are. You drop the near lifeless body you'd been breaking and sprint after him. He sees you coming and his desperation overtakes logic. Seo-Jun reaches into his jacket, "You're not taking them away again bitch! Let's see how you like it!!"

*CLICK*

"Y/N!!"

*BANG!*

A silent cry forces its way out. You're hands radiating fire from the new hole in the side of it. Your panicked reflex led to sloppy technique in redirecting the barrel of the gun from Eun. you can't let it slow you down. A left hook and solid kick to the side of his knee and Seo-Jun crumbles. Working through the pain, you knock the gun out of his hand and jump on top of him, hitting him with everything you've got; every punch you know with all the strength you have left. You couldn't feel anything from your right hand up to your elbow, 'guess I'll just have to keep going until it comes back.'

-

You don't know how long it's been, could be minutes maybe only seconds, but Seo-Jun had stopped moving. You know that you should probably quit now, but hearing Eun scream for you a moment ago was far too close to home. You knew that sound; you're brother made that sound. And the more you remembered it, the more it seemed this high you were on would never end. You didn't want it to. You hated Seo-Jun for everything he's done and for everything he reminded you of. The life you fought through Hell to escape from. If he lived through this, you swore you'd finish him off for good one day.

Your ears were still ringing from the gunshot but a voice fought it's way through. "y/n...Y/N! You have to stop! It's okay now! You need to calm down! Please!" If Hoseok would be honest with himself, he was too afraid of you to do more than scream from a safe distance, let alone try and touch you. The way you weren't letting up on Seo-Jun's body even for a moment. He looked over at the man you had been beating up when he arrived. His body was crumpled and folded over like a distorted carcass. It was inhumane; indigestible. He knew parts of your past but seeing it manifest in front of him? he didn't imagine being this afraid of you. Would you ever hurt him? How thin was this line you toed? Did he know you at all- "AHH-!"

*BANG!*

Hoseok doesn't move when blood splatters across his face. He can't even will his tears the courage to fall. He had been too lost in thought to realize the second man you attacked had gotten up. How he had only been step or two away from him, gripping his partners knife. He didn't notice how swiftly you turned and shot him with Seo-Jun's gun. Square between the eyes without blinking your own. You killed a man without hesitation, totally relaxed with zero remorse.

The only thing strong enough to pull you out of your rampage was someone you loved being in harms way. No amount of rage could trump the urge to protect them, and only once they were safe would you feel yourself come back to earth. You stood up, back in reality, but Hoseok was still lost in the clouds. Only a few moments ago he was debating the origins of your soul, now he knew you were his guardian angel. If not for you he would be a pile of sliced meat right now, or Ji Wo, or even the twins. They could have been taken like Seo-Jun wanted or worse, also like Seo-Jun wanted. Ji Wo was helpless to stop it and he arrived too late regardless. You knew all of this already, that's why you fought for them. With all of your heart you protected Hoseok's family; his whole world, and now him too. He'd never be able to repay you.

"D.I.P.D.! Drop the gun! Hands up both of you!"

"Backyard is secure."

"Roger that. Civilians are all accounted for and inside of the home is secure."

"We've got four bodies; call for another ambulance." "Yes sir."

"Check for pulses and take those two into custody already!" "Sir!"

The next month was nothing but back to back court hearings, being shuffled to and from your holding cell, and meeting with lawyers before and afterwards. Everyone who was at the birthday party had to testify in court, then they were free to go. But almost every one stayed throughout the entire trial. Your motives weren't lost on them; they knew what a monster Seo-Jun was and it was obvious what he was there to do. Each testimony painted you as the selfless hero who saved the day. Mounted against Seo-Jun was a multitude of eye witness testimonies, means and motive, forensic evidence, the crime scene report, and the irrefutable security camera footage. Seo-Jun's remaining accomplices got 18 months by accepting a plea deal while Seo-Jun himself received 3 years, eligible for early release after 2 on good behavior.

Normally with the amount of evidence against Seo-Jun, this case would have been open and shut in a matter of days. But in private you were being psychologically evaluated and cross examined by both teams and the judge personally, to determine your own fate. Your personal file, although sealed from the public and PI Investigations, had to be taken into consideration. In the end you were cleared of all charges and free to go. If anyone asked, the delay in your release was due to some "administrative issue with the paperwork or whatever" and so you spent that time just sitting in your cell counting sheep.

During your release, "We know who Seo-Jun is y/n. Be careful," the judge leans in close as you walk past her and whispers, "stay close to those kids." That decided your fate, whatever that may come to be. This wasn't over; Seo-Jun would be back, so not a day would go by that you weren't by their sides.

You were prepared for the worst when you saw the Jung's again. You thought they'd call you a monster and tell you to stay away. But tears poured from your eyes when Chin-hae and Eun crashed into your legs and refused to let you leave them again. Ji Wo's hug surprised you most, you two had never hugged before. She immediately hired you as the kids' personal bodyguard but if anyone asked you were their nanny. (A secondary role you fell into). She moved you into one of the spare bedrooms of her new undisclosed address and location home, just down the hall from the kids' rooms. She told you to do what you want with the room; paint it, rearrange it, knock out a wall, you name it. Then gave you a personal black card to use how you like. You told her it was all too much, trying to remain humble and modest, but it just made her cry. She couldn’t comprehend how else she could repay you for what you did for her and the kids, not that she felt this even amounted to enough.

Next you hand picked her new security detail. Each candidate had to fight you in hand-to-hand combat as the final test, and whoever didn't go down in 30 seconds made the cut. One of them managed to land a hit and became head of security, also your fill in whenever you weren't around.

Hoseok hadn't come around the first few days after your release. 'Why would he, he saw what I can really do. What i'm really like.' Ji Wo would tell you not to worry or think too much, that he probably just needed a bit more time to process some things.

You woke up on morning and were instantly suspicious, "What?" Ji Wo just kept smiling ang giggling to herself on the couch, "Oh, nothing. Just a funny book." "You're not reading a book-" "Oh the door! I wonder who that could be." You turn to the guard stationed in the main hallway, "She hasn't been drinking has she?" "No ma'am."

Ji Wo prances back into the room, "It's for you!" then off into the kitchen. "Ji Wo I know you're pretending; you haven't cleaned a single dish in 6 years." "Just go to the door?!" You shuffle down the hall, "I hope your mystery guest doesn't mind me looking like hell!"

"They don't,"

you stop.

"They think you always look pretty great actually."

"Hoseok..."

He stood at the door holding your favorite flowers and dressed to the nines, "What is this, what are you doing?" He stepped through the threshold, "Can I come in? I don't want to end up like the last guy who didn't ask you." His joke was stupid and inappropriate but he laughed like a goofball all the same. You tried to smile but couldn't stop the frown from forming. You look down at your feet suddenly feeling ashamed and embarrassed in front of Hoseok. He closes the door and puts down the flowers. He holds your hands in his, "What's wrong?" "Nothing I," 'I was afraid you hated me,' "I just missed you. You haven't been around since..." The words were stuck in your throat and you were at a loss at how to get them out. "I thought..." He understood, "Hey no, no. I'll admit I did need some time to process what happened but, I could never..." 'I'm not afraid of you,' He cupped your face and lifted it to make sure you heard this next part, "I owe you my life y/n. You saved all of us, and that's not something that a bad person would do. I could never be afraid of you; I love you." You wiped a stray tear and playfully punched Hoseok in the shoulder, "Hobi don't," "What? I don't mean like that!" You both laughed. It was a relief to feel like things were back to normal between the two of you.

"You know what I mean." "Yeah I do. I love you too Hoseok. Now seriously, what is all of this; what's with the get up?" "Oh, well I was worried that you might be feeling a little down so I wanted to treat you to a day out! Starting with breakfast at that fancy restaurant you like." "The one with the giant fish tank? And we get to pick out which fish we want to eat?!" "Yes now hurry up and go get dressed, our reservation's in 45 minutes." Your sprint towards your room looked the exact same as the twins. Passing the kitchen you hear Ji Wo, "He's feeding you isn't he." "YUP! My favorite!" “Bring me back some-" "Absolutely not!"

20 minutes later and you're speeding back down the stairs dressed and ready to go. "There's no need to pull me out the door like this! We have a reservation; we won't have to wait to eat-"

"But all the good fish could already be gone! I want one so fat and juicy it has rolls!"

"Fish don't have rolls-y/n you're drooling on my sleeve-Ew it's on my hand! Let go already!"

You shove his body into the car and jump in after him, "Let's go Dae-Hyun! Get us there in 10 minutes and i'll get you whatever you want to eat." "Deal."

"Don't you mean i'll get him-?"

"Not now Hoseok I have to focus. Momma's going fishing."

Hoseok rolls his eyes at your theatrical evil grin, "For someone with a shellfish allergy you're too excited to eat fish."

"What can I say, I go wherever the spirits lead me."

"You're not spiritual."

"I am when they lead me to fish."

End of Flashback

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

"Good night honey. Sweet dreams." You had already finished tucking Chin-hae into bed and now it was his sisters turn. "Sweet dreams y/n. You'll be here when I wake up right?" "Always." You kiss her forehead and turn off the lights when you leave. You went down the hall to your room to change into something more comfortable before heading back out to the main house. Security had already been stationed around the guest house, so you felt okay leaving the twins here alone for a while. On your way out, you passed by the kid's room once more, 'Eun must have been really tired. How has her snoring never woken up Chin-hae before.’

You smile thinking about those rascals on your walk back to the main house.

Jung Chin-hae and Jung Eun.

Your favorite people in the whole world. A fact that hurt Hoseok's feelings even though he felt the same way. He never knew if because of his lifestyle, he would ever actually find true love, get married, and have children of his own. So his niece and nephew were the closest that he was going to get, and he loved them with all of his heart.

Ji Wo chose Chin-hae's name because it means 'depth of the ocean.' Going to the beach and being on the water was something that she craved constantly while she was pregnant with them. It was her escape and sense of peace while she faced struggles in her personal life. She had recurring dreams about sailing off with her children, away from their problems, and starting new lives as mermaids living happily in the sea. When they were born Chin-hae came out first, technically making him older, and it's how he acted. He was a textbook caring and protective big brother to his sister. His emotions could sometimes get the better of him (as demonstrated at dinner) but he had the biggest heart and was so thoughtful. Especially when it came to Eun.

Eun's name was chosen without a second thought. As soon as she opened her eyes, she looked up at Ji Wo with shining silver eyes. As beautiful as they were, there was concern. The doctors did some tests and found out that Eun was colorblind. They explained, in laymen's terms, that the parts of the eye that perceived color hadn't developed and therefor lacked pigment. That's why her eyes looked silver, and how Ji Wo chose her name.

When the two got older, Ji Wo tried explaining that Eun was colorblind, but Chin-hae didn't understand and thought that she meant Eun was completely blind. This misunderstanding created many memories that you'll never forget. You laugh to yourself thinking about one of your favorites. Chin-hae was constantly by his sister's side since learning that she was 'blind'. He was always holding her hand, trying to do everything for her, even tried brushing her teeth every now and then. One time you had called them to dinner but heard the two yelling at each other in the other room.

"Careful Eun! You have hold my hand, there's a step, you'll fall!"

"No I won't! I do it myself!"

"You can't! You're blind!"

"Nu uh! I see you!"

"No! You not see anything!"

Eun gasped, "I not see you?"

"No!"

She immediately started bawling her eyes out, "No oppa, I not see you!"

Chin-hae did his best to comfort her and grabbed her hand, "Hush Eun, it's okay. You always just hold me, like this."

He walked her over to the table and sat like nothing had happened but you couldn't wait to relay it all to Ji Wo. It was the sweetest thing watching him make her plate and then try to feed her. Ji Wo had to explain things a few more times before they finally understood what she meant. Even so, he still describes every color that he sees to her whenever she asks. You often daydream that that's how things could have been with you and your brother.

You let the bitter-sweet memory fade away when you enter the living room and take a seat next to Hoseok. ‘Of course he was saving me a seat next to him.’ He nuzzles himself into your side and carries on talking about the upcoming festival on the island. No one listens to a word he says because how could they? Did he just willingly throw himself into the lions den? What were you going to do they thought,

‘is she going to gouge out his eyes?’

‘Stab him for invading her space?’

‘Pull out his hair?’

‘Use his bones to make her bread-? Oh wait no that’s Shrek.’

Your only reaction though is to put your arm around him and listen to his rambling about this festival. You never bored of your ray of sunshine. You could always count on him to lift you up or calm you down. Of everyone you knew, no one was able to explain how the two of you could be so close. With seemingly nothing in common, you were total opposites and not in a cute Christmas romcom type of way. But maybe that was why you loved him so much.

The expectation is that the people who’d like you would look just as scary, be just as off putting, just as much a monster as you knew you really were. Yet it was someone like Hoseok to welcome you into his life. He saw the sliver of a good heart that you still had and spoke life into it.

“You’ll never leave us again.”

“We owe you our lives.”

“You’re not a bad person.”

“I love you y/n.”

Even though you weren’t into holding hands, snuggling on the couch, or going to whatever festival Hoseok was talking about, you’d do it for him. For all of them. So you let him snuggle into your side while you run your fingers through his hair like he liked, and Hoseok plays with your free hand. “-that sound good to you y/n?”

‘God knows what he’s talking about’

“Yeah sounds good Hobi.”

[fruitymimi]

Free Bird 2 - keigo takami x reader

free bird masterlist

keigo’s behavior is becoming  unhealthy & endeavor finally notices

pairing: keigo takami x gn!reader

warnings: mentions of murder, YANDERE HAWKS, cursing, mentions of trauma & abuse

a/n: pls im hesitant on posting this chapter i feel like its so badddd & corny lmao. but next chapter will be present time! i decided this is enough of the flashbacks for now >:)

To say the least, Endeavor was pissed. Throughout Keigo’s entire life, he’d never developed any feelings towards people his age due to Endeavor and his parents, and that’s the way he wanted it to stay. Enji didn’t want anything or anyone to distract him, that’s why Keigo no longer went to public school, Keigo wasn’t allowed to consume any alternative media, this included TV shows, movies, the poor thing wasn’t even allowed to explore literature, only things Endeavor and the hero commission approved of. 

Not all heroes were in on this, either. This was something that was kept a confidential secret. Had heroes like Eraserhead, Present Mic, Ms. Joke, or Fatgum just name a few, heard about the exploitation within the hero community, they surely would have left without hesitation. As silly as it sounds, Keigo hoped that he would be saved by one of them. That is until he turned 15 and realized that there really was no getting out of his situation.

Keigo even remembers one time when Endeavor was scolding him in the hallway, his eyes were trained to the ground, his hands were shaky and he was picking at his nails, a bad habit he’d developed while with Enji. He didn’t even do anything! He just forgot that their training session started earlier than usual and he accidentally slept in! He didn’t expect Endeavor to be so angry, but apparently, Enji missed an important meeting while waiting for Keigo.

Keigo didn’t know what to say. He just kept his eyes on the ground until he saw a pair of yellow shoes walk past and stop behind Endeavor. Keigo looked up at the tall person behind Enji, his eyes brightening when he saw who it was. It was All Might! Maybe he’d at least get Endeavor to stop yelling at him, he looked so fragile and hurt by his words, it’d take a fool to not notice.

Toshinori made eye contact with Keigo, turning away immediately when he’d realized Keigo’s attention was on him. He clenched his fists, walking away slowly. Keigo’s mouth fell open, his brows furrowing, bottom lip quivering. 

Even the Symbol Of Peace didn’t care…?

Keigo carried this with him for years. He never liked the man, but this was just the icing on the cake. Now he knew, he really only had himself. No one was going to save him. No one was his friend.

** 

It’d been about two weeks since Keigo met Y/N. Keigo never felt happier, he was friends with someone he had feelings for. He could actually consider someone a friend, something he hasn’t had for a long time. Of course, Endeavor always looked at him with a scowl whenever he’d be out with them, but he didn’t care. He was actually living somewhat like a teenage boy, even if he was 19.

Keigo could explain what he was feeling now. He knew that he was in love with Y/N. He knew that he had feelings for them, he wanted to see them as more than a friend. But he didn’t know how to process it. 

He’d find himself watching what they were doing throughout the day, learning their routines and how they were after each training activity. He could almost sense when something was off, he’d instantly be at their side, asking how he could help.

When Y/N would ask him how he knew something was wrong, he’d just shrug and reply with something along the lines of, “Maybe it’s just something special birds can sense” and it would make them smile, Keigo wanted nothing more than to see that look on their face forever.

When in reality, Keigo knew almost everything about them. He learned it all in the short few weeks, all by watching and listening to what they said. He knew what their favorite color was, what time they’d usually fall asleep, what time they’d usually wake up, what their favorite food was. Keigo kept mental notes about everything they did, everything they said. After all, that’s the least he could do as their future husband, right?

Endeavor did notice Keigo’s behavior becoming worse and worse. Keigo would purposefully hurt himself during training to get Y/N’s attention. They’d always run to his side to give him a bandaid or to help him up, Keigo would just be beaming the entire time they unwrapped the bandaid and placed it on his broken skin. 

That wasn’t even the worst part. As time went on, Keigo would become aggressive when other people would flirt with Y/N. Of course Keigo wouldn’t do it in front of anyone else, but Endeavor wasn’t a damn fool. Some random student would flirt with Y/N while they were training in Endeavor’s building, Keigo would notice and his face would get all red, fists would clench, and then somehow the student would end up slipping over a puddle in the hallways, or they would trip over something in the middle of the running track, or worse.

But of course, at the end of the day, Keigo was the one walking Y/N back to her dorm room, putting on a pretty smile to make it seem like he wasn’t planning something terrible. He was so good at covering his tracks as well, Endeavor had to admit. He knew Keigo was using his feathers to harm people who even so much as looked at Y/N in a way he didn’t like.

The day Endeavor knew it had gone too far was when a group of students were following Y/N around the halls, giggling and making jokes about them. It was comments about how their uniform fit their build, obviously making Y/N uncomfortable. 

It didn’t take long for Keigo to notice, and obviously he’d remembered and made mental notes about who it was harassing what was his. Keigo waited until late, late night, running into one of them on his way to the kitchen. The student was holding a glass of water, glancing up at Keigo when he walked in.

“Hey, you know Y/N, right?” Keigo asked, grabbing a glass from the cabinet. He turned on the tap, waiting for their response. 

He heard the student’s glass clink against the table as they put it down. “Mm, yeah. I know them. Why?” The student was oblivious to what the man was planning in front of him.

Keigo hummed, placing his cup on the table. “What do you think about them?” Keigo sat on the barstool at the table, his face blank as he stared at them. 

The student clicked their tongue as they thought. “Well… I think they’re pretty cute. They seem a little easy, don’t you agree? I think I could get with them.” The student giggled, looking down at their glass.

That is until they felt a sharp object at their neck. One of Keigo’s fucking feathers. Their eyes widened as they looked up at him. “Woah… chill out, man. It was a fucking joke.”

Keigo stood up, walking behind them. “Don’t fucking move. I won’t hesitate to do it. Don’t ever speak about Y/N like that again. They’re mine. If you want to live long enough to become a hero, you’d better leave them alone. They’re mine.”

The student swallowed. “Dude, I’m sorry. Just don’t hurt me.” Their voice grew shaky.

“You’ll fucking leave them alone then?”

“Yeah, dude. Just let me go… I promise I won’t talk to them again.” The student said, clenching their eyes shut.

Keigo took in a deep breath, opening his mouth to speak until he heard someone calling his name.

“Keigo! Stop!” Endeavor yelled at him, yanking at the boy’s shoulder. “What the fuck are you doing?! Call off your feathers.” Endeavor cursed. Surprisingly, Endeavor couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He knew Keigo was going a bit crazy, but he didn’t expect to walk in on him threatening someone’s life. 

Keigo looked up at Endeavor, then back down at the student. He let them go, watching the student almost fall out of their chair trying to get away from him. Keigo turned to Endeavor, crossing his arms.

“I knew what I was do-”

“No. I’ve ignored all of this longer than I should have. You need to take yourself to your dorm, don’t fucking come out until I say you can. This was completely unacceptable. You could have killed that student!”

Keigo blinked. “I wasn’t gonna do it. I just wanted them to leave Y/N alone.” He responded.

Endeavor’s nostrils flared. “Y/N? Are you fucking serious? What you’re doing is crazy. This is not how you show someone that you like them! You need to stop.”

“Marrying someone to breed your children isn’t how you show someone that you like them either.”

Endeavor’s brows raised as he stared at Keigo. “Get out of my face. Do not leave your room until I send for you. Go!” Endeavor pointed down the hall.Endeavor watched him walk away, pressing his lips together. He knew he needed to put an end to this now. He couldn’t just ignore Keigo’s rapidly declining sanity any longer. 

So what did he do? He called All Might and told him that he was sending Y/N somewhere else if he didn’t come and get them. Of course Endeavor wasn’t going to finally sit down and have a talk with Keigo and explain why his behavior was wrong, Endeavor wasn’t his father. Even though the hero commission robed the poor boy of countless life lessons, Endeavor would be damned if he sat down and had a talk with Keigo about his behavior.

**

“His feather? Like it was a knife?” Toshinori stared at Endeavor in disbelief, walking through the hallways with him. It was the next morning, Endeavor wanted to tell Toshinori the full story before he took Y/N.

Endeavor nodded his head. “Yes. I told you, he’s obsessed with them. I don’t know why, it’s like as time went on, he became more and more possessive. I don’t know why he’s acting like this, either.” Endeavor said, taking a sip of the coffee in front of him.

Toshinori looked up from his cup, brows furrowed. “What do you mean ‘you don’t know why he’s acting like this’? You act like you didn’t take his childhood from him, he was forced into hero work, what did you expect? He doesn’t know how to process his feelings because you’re too prideful to sit down and have a conversation with him or teach him about anything.”

Endeavor scoffed. “I’ve already got kids I have to worry about. I can’t go and act like I’m his father, too.” Endeavor told him, sitting back in his chair.

“You don’t even act as a dad towards them. All I’m saying is, if you don’t get that boy in check, you’re just training a villain. Anything that he does will be pinned on you. Not the hero commission, they’ll snitch faster than you can react.” Toshinori stood up from his seat, “I have somewhere to be in a few hours, I’m going to take Y/N back and let them get settled in before we have to leave.” he said, walking to the door of the conference room.

And with that, Toshinori led Y/N to the car he came in, deciding it was best if they didn’t say anything to Keigo.

But Keigo knew. Keigo knew it was Endeavor’s fault they were getting taken away. Keigo knew that Endeavor had something to do with it. He just got the love of his life taken away from him, all because of Endeavor. Keigo wasn’t going to take any of the blame, either. What he did wasn’t even that serious in his mind!

For the next few days, Keigo barely left his room and Endeavor didn’t bother him about it. Endeavor had to admit, he wouldn’t have taken Y/N away so quickly and coldly had Keigo not made that comment about him breeding his children. It was true, but Endeavor couldn’t handle the truth.

And like that, Endeavor watched Keigo shut himself off again. Everyday he woke up with that same dead expression, going back to how he was before. Going back to the ‘normal’ Keigo. Endeavor was just glad he could finish training him how he’d intended, there was no more distraction.

Still, he never seemed like he was the exact same. Like something sparked inside of him. Endeavor just didn’t know this was only the beginning.

[ka-writes]

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Notes: I had already started on the second chapter before I posted the first one, so don’t expect updates every day... I also had to do a lot of googling for this chapter.

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Chapter 1 in case you missed it:

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Inspired by:

Humans are Space Velociraptors

By:FreshRoses_InMyGarden_NeedTheRain

Some kids come from storks, others come from crashed spaceships

By: mmmajora

Home Again, Home Again

By: teeth_eater

All works can be found on Ao3

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Warnings: Cussing, needles, character conflicts, intentional poisoning, poisoning, Jaws reference

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“Humans are [and text here]”

Chapter 2: What is this, an interview?

Tommy was now restrained to a chair six feet away from the weird scientist alien. He had a dark brown lab coat with a fuzzy yellow sweater underneath, matched with black pants and black leather boots. His gold rimmed Harry Potter glasses slipped down his nose bridge a bit before he pushed it up and shuffled through papers. He wore a red beanie with a big whiff of his curly chocolate hair. His skin was a weird translucent grayish color with blue speckles decorating it. He had deep brown eyes with an odd electric blue circle outlining the pupil.

His tongue licked his finger as he turned the page. This was a habit that most of the weird teachers and counselors did. It always annoyed Tommy. This time fear was also mixed into that annoyance. His saliva was tinted blue and he had sharp teeth which immediately reminded him of a shark.

“You have shark teeth.” Tommy stated absentmindedly. Clearly, this caught the scientist alien off guard.

“I have what?” The alien asked, confused.

“Shark teeth.. ya know like the weird fish creatures that eat people.” Tommy started rambling causing the shark-alien to become even more confused and slightly alarmed. “I mean I think they eat people. That’s what the shark movie showed… what was its name, Jaws I think? I dunno, my foster mom freaked out in the middle of it and we went home. That lady was weird.. She made us wear itchy clothes and take weird photos before she sent me back to the group home.”

“What?..” The shark-alien asked. Tommy jumped a bit. He forgot he was rambling to a stranger. Alien stranger at that.

“Doesn’t matter.. What's the first question bitch-boy?” Tommy liked the way the alien jumped at the randomly timed insults.

“Er- right.. First off, what’s your name?” The shark-alien asked after collecting himself.

“Tommy Innit. Yours bitch-boy?” Tommy replied.

“Wilbur Soot. Stop calling me bitch-boy!” Wilbur huffed.

“Next question, bitch-boy!” Tommy emphasized the name, getting an even angrier expression in return. Wilbur’s weird blue circle flashed red for a second which caught Tommy off guard.

Wilbur took a shaky breath before asking the next question. “How old are you?”

“Old enough! I am a big man!” Tommy stated. Yet another thing that pissed him off.

“Age?” Wilbur asked, clearly irritated.

“18.” Wilbur raised a brow, “14.” Tommy huffed. His age should only be his business not some alien-bitch who didn’t even have his file.

“If you keep lying, I may have to get the truth serum from the back.” Wilbur half-heartedly threatened. Tommy, the big man that he is, did not get scared at that statement, only slightly unsettled which clearly showed on his face.

“Now, do you have a family?” Tommy tensed at the question. It was a touchy question and was not one that was asked often especially with his reputation.

“I am a big man. I don’t need a family to be great.” Tommy stated, happy with the answer. The alien-bitch shifted awkwardly.

“Right… What is your diet?”

“Umm.. I dunno, whatever I can find. I am allergic to nuts though..” Wilbur nodded in understanding and wrote things down in his notepad.

“What plants are poisonous to you?” Wilbur asked without looking up from his notes.

“Ermm, poison Ivy, poison oak… uh I think parts of rhubarb, and most wild berries. I am not sure other than that.” Wilbur nodded while adding bits to his notes.

“What was the place you lived like?” This time Wilbur glanced up to look at Tommy. This was again another touchy subject… How many times would this alien bitch get into the sad background?

“Shitty.” Tommy snapped. That was the only response the bitch was gonna get.

“Right.. Do you have music on Earth?”

Tommy scoffed, “Of course we have music, dumbass!”

“Can you tell me about the animals there?” Wilbur asked, almost hopeful.. which was weird. What was he hoping for?

“Erm I guess..” Tommy mumbled, trying to figure out where to start, “There’s a bunch of animals. Mainly on land. My favorite would be the cow.”

“What’s that?” Curiosity stained Wilbur’s face. This got Tommy excited; he was practically beaming as he started talking.

“Well they are these big ruminants that make milk and have horns. There are a bunch of types too like the highland cow, which obviously is the most poggers one. They are a Scottish breed with really long hair. I met one once, on a field trip his name was Henry.” Tommy rambled on for the next two and a half hours, jumping from topic to topic and explaining anything that wasn’t personal. He usually ended those paths with short insults.

——————

Wilbur hated to stop the kids' detailed story, but two and a half celestial hours had already passed, and Dream would be coming to check soon. Luckily, he had a couple new poisons that could pass off as a research development. He had even managed to send the distressed signal and no doubt Phil would already be there with the SBI craft ready to fly at any given moment.

“Alright Tommy.” His voice dropped to a serious tone causing the kid to stop his story of how he got poisoned by mushrooms on a camping trip. “You’re gonna have to trust me just for a bit. I am going to get you off the ship at the next stop but in the meantime I need you to tell me how allergic you’re to nuts.” The kid immediately tensed at the question.

“I am mainly allergic to tree nuts.. almonds being the worst. After a few minutes I can’t breathe properly and I usually pass out. The doctor said if I don’t get it treated within 15 minutes, death is most likely.” He took a moment to go through the information. The kid most likely has an anaphylaxis reaction to tree nuts. Meaning either he would have to know the exact time of landing and exactly where Phil was or he needed another poison that was less severe.

“Alright, here is what we’re gonna do. I have a chemical mixture that is similar to that of rattlesnake venom. I also have a chemical substance that numbs any pain you may feel. Side effects would include being very very tired and delirious over the next few days. Along with being knocked out for a good ten hours. To put it simply I am gonna fake poison you, in order to get you off the ship. It’s your choice if you’re willing to do it.” Wilbur paused to study the kid still restrained in front of him. It was odd how relaxed the kid seemed to be in a situation like this. He had no urge as far as Wilbur was aware, to fight against anything that happened. His complaints only being those that touched on personal matters. It was unsettling to say the least, and intrigued Wilbur. He really wanted to unravel the life the kid had lived before this and how he was actually dealing with the situation.

There was a long pause before the kid spoke, “I wouldn’t mind getting away from the weird smiley bitch.. plus you seem nice and to know what you’re doing so sure. Poison me bitch.” He said the last sentence with an enthusiasm Wilbur wasn’t expecting. He took a moment to rethink his plan, which was interrupted by a knock at the door.

“Dream says you better have advanced in your stupid testing. Otherwise he’s gonna kick you off the ship at the next stop.” Stated the rather rude blazeling, Sapnap. The blazeling never liked Wilbur and made a point to argue against any advancements at meals. That led to Dream installing a new system of emails and Wilbur eating meals alone.

“Yea yea, it’s going!” He yelled through the metal door.

“Better be.” The blazeling snapped before making a non quiet track back to his quarters.

“Stupid blazeling.” Wilbur grumbled as he sorted through vials and picked up new needles and measured out the substances. “We are going to start with the anesthetic then move onto the poison.” He softly addressed Tommy.

Wilbur swiftly disinfected Tommy’s shoulder and gave the needle. He then gave the second needle. Immediately Tommy slumped over. Wilbur swiftly took off Tommy’s restraints and moved him on to the patient bed in the back corner of the room. After the transfer was done he clipped the body restraints around Tommy and waited for the alert signaling landing.

After about five minutes the light next to the door turned blue. He moved over to his seat and clipped on the safety belts. The light turned green and the ship shook momentarily before a thud could be felt. Quickly as Wilbur could, he emptied the needles into the waste bin and waited for his soon-to-be-ex-boss to arrive.

Dream stepped through the door and glanced around the room before heading to Wilbur for his report.

“Report.” The dreamon commanded.

“The subject's body would have gone through a painfully slow death and have multiple organ failures if I did not intervene. The chemical mixes used created a conflict in the patient’s body which resulted in the patient falling into exhaustion as they recovered.” He responded in a monotone tone. Dream looked over Tommy. He flinched back in disgust as Tommy grunted in his sleep.

“Is that all?” The dreamon questioned.

“No.” Wilbur swallowed down his panic, “This is the last testing I will be doing with this crew.” The dreamon scoffed.

“I am assuming you’re getting off at this planet?” Dream spit. Wilbur knew he absolutely hated when people left his crew as he saw it as a direct violation of his loyalty.

“Yes.” The phantom stated, keeping his even tone apparent. With that Dream stormed out cursing in Siestian. Somewhere in the mess of words he told Wilbur to get his things.

Without hesitation he grabbed his bag from his quarters, which was held in a small room that branches off the lab. He half sprinted down the short hallway and straight to the bed Tommy was on. He swiftly unrestrained the human and sat him up. He slipped on boots and gloves then tied a cloak around the kid. He pulled the hood up and carried him off of the closest exit. There were faint yells from Dream down the hallway and reassurances from the only two beings that put up with him. And with that Wilbur was off to find the only craft he had ever called home. The SBI ship.

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Chapter 2- End

Words~ 1774

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End Notes: ‘‘twas to lazy to reread... sorry for minor mistakes. Also suggestions are always appreciated!! Please reblog...

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Chapter 3:

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Wilbur:

[id-never-letyoudown]

Part 2

@mystic-majestic @youcanteverknowenough @vanillamaa @randomwriter90 @freezing-blue @liawinchester67 @randomwriter90 @bevaause @occulta-lacrimarum13 @capsicle-the-fabulous @juhavs

part two because I! shall not sleep

Finding a mage in town was hard-in fact he had to travel quite a ways to find one. But getting together the coin for it was even more so. Jaskier hadn’t sang at the inn in ages, his coin was low. Had been for a while. He had reason for it.

When he first found out he was with child his thoughts turned immediately towards being rid of it. He couldn’t raise a child on his own. Growing up a bastard child himself he knew the scrutiny the poor thing would be under. And his mother was a countess! Imagine how the bastard child of a male omega would fair. It made him sick. He didn’t want that. And he wasn’t keen on abandoning the poor thing either. He knew he wouldn’t be able to if he ever saw their face.  

So he turned to the only solution he could think of at the time. See, he didn’t just have to pay for the supplies and the procedure, he had to pay to keep the mage’s damned mouth shut. He couldn’t let word get out that he was an omega. It was hush money.

He was covered head to toe in the dullest rags he had buried in his closet, face well obscured save for his eyes. He didn’t want to chance it. “There’s your coin. When can we do this?” he held himself tightly, hunched over without his lute at his back. His fingers dug into his arms. He had to sell it. He could always get a new one. Sure, he’d miss it. It had been a great comfort. Hell, he even slept with the damn thing cradled in his arms a few times. Though that was mostly to keep it from being stolen. 

Now look. He felt like a damned traitor.

He made the mistake of giving them his coin far too early on. 

When he was up on that table all he could think about was a pair of piercing yellow eyes. The same pair that had been plaguing him for weeks now. In his dreams. His nightmares. Even whilst he was still well awake. They never left the back of his mind.

He wondered, would a child of the witcher share his white hair as well? Or would they take more so after Jaskier himself? It was a shame he’d never find out. Never get to hear their laughter. Their first song. Never get to teach them how to play the lute.

It wasn’t until he heard the scraping of metal did he jerk up. “Nope! Sorry-no. I’ve changed-hng-” he struggled to pull his slacks back up on his way off the table, “-my mind!” this might have been the stupidest, most ill-conceived plan he’s ever come up with. But damn it, it was his. And he was willing to try to be the best damned father he could be. That was more than he could say for his own father.

Turned out the mage didn’t do refunds. Jaskier had to hitch a ride all the way back to Posada.

And now here he was, in a dingy squatter’s shack after overstaying his welcome at the local inn. Turned out they didn’t take too kindly to bards who wouldn’t sing. And why would he? His muse was long gone now. And he hadn’t a lute to play neither. He had to sell most of his finer clothes just to make sure he had enough supplies and food. And he wrote to his mother, like hell was he not going to tell her his woes. If she heard it from anyone else she’d have his head.

He’s yet to hear back from her, but she lived so far, it was bound to take a while. He’s had to stop taking his herbs, but he still wore them in a pouch to cover up the scent whenever he went out. And he never strayed too far from the shack. He only went far enough to pick berries. Berries that he only knew weren’t poisonous after Geralt damn snapped at him for almost eating a few that were and then giving him an entire lesson on foraging. He didn’t think it’d actually come in handy.

He was perhaps a month or so along. And he was already ravenous. Not even a ghoul’s appetite could compare to his own. He knew he was going to have to figure something better out in terms of food. Perhaps he could go back to singing again-

Jaskier froze.

Another twig snapped. His gaze followed the sound to the treeline, just a few feet away from where he crouched beside a berry bush, fingers stained red. He cautiously brought another berry to his lips, eyes scanning through the trees until he was met with a shock of white.

He scrambled to his feet, “No-”

“Jaskier.” Geralt began.

“You are the last person I want to see!” the bard stumbled over his own feet, kicking up clumps of grass in his wake. He made a mad dash to the shack, but he aught to know Geralt was far quicker than him. The witcher had him caught by the back of his tunic and spun around with his back against a post in a hot second. “Let me go, witcher. I’m not one of your beasts.” the venom he held did not surprise Geralt, not in the slightest.

It was the lingering scent. Something… something that was just on the tip of his tongue. It reminded him of warm milk. And honeysuckle. And-

His eyes snapped down, wide with the sudden realization. “Jaskier…” funny how this was the first time he felt so hesitant and unsure of himself.

Meanwhile the bard’s face was burning. With rage. Embarrassment. And something else. “Geralt.” he spat out, like the name was foul tasting.

Geralt shuffled, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. His hands left Jaskier’s shoulders, one bracing himself against the post and the other hesitating mere inches from the man’s stomach. No attempt were made of Jaskier to move. “You’re-”

“With child? Yes, so I’ve noticed.” he could only imagine it was one of those damned witcher things of his. Of course he would have been able to tell.

“And it’s…” ‘Mine’, he wants to say, but it doesn’t feel right. Not just yet. 

“Yours.” Jaskier smacks Geralt’s hand away, stepping out from under his looming presence. “Aren’t you clever?" 

It’s quiet outside his measley little shack. Save for the wind in the trees, the only thing which was keeping his calm in the moment. There was some sort of serenity to the place. Jaskier hadn’t felt uneasy once. Until Geralt came into the picture.

All is quiet and still, until Geralt asks the question he’d been dreading, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t know, Geralt. You know, and even if I had I wouldn’t have told you. You made your stance on me pretty clear last we saw each other.” he scoffed, arms crossing over his chest. "I’m just a lousy shit shoveler, aren’t I?”

He watches something flash across Geralt’s face. And he swears it’s guilt. “I shouldn’t have said that, Jaskier.” Well, that was probably just about as close to an apology as he was going to get out og him, he figured. His shoulders untensed, yet he still refused to look Geralt’s way. “I…”

Jaskier does  glance over now, if only to see what the hesitation was for.

“I hope you know this doesn’t make us mates.”

That made him scoff, “Of course it doesn’t, we had a deal.“ Frankly it hurt that that was the first thing to come to mind at the news. As if Jaskier would pull such an act. "Not going to force you to make an ‘honest’ omega out of me. Besides, you have your head too far up that mage’s backside.” 

“Don’t bring her into this.” 

He threw his hands up, “I will bring her into this. I-I don’t like her!” 

“… And?” 

“There is no 'and’, I don’t like her. I don’t trust her. And she hasn’t given me reason to.” 

It felt like they’ve been over this about a dozen times beforehand, Geralt was tired of it. “She saved your life.” And he expected it to end there, like it always had. But there was a fire burning in Jaskier on this day, and Geralt had a feeling he was more than to blame.

So when Jaskier barked out a sour laugh and turned on him, hands on his hips, he drew up his eyebrows. “Oh, yes! I’m sorry, hard to remember that when she scared the daylights out of me, probably would have killed me! Brought the whole damn house down with you in it. Which she has yet to apologise for, oh-unless you call what you two were doing in the rubble 'apology’. Then everything’s good and well!” he clapped his hands together for good measure, stomping a foot into the earth.

“… You done?” 

“Not even. For a man who doesn’t 'feel’ she sure broke your heart, and I just got caught in the crossfire. Two hearts were broken that day, Witcher. And you were only concerned with yours.” He felt the wetness of his cheeks before he even realized he was crying, and possibly had been throughout that entire speech of his. "Oh this is fantastic-don’t look at me.” he turned away, only now spotting Roach just a few paces away. “You either.” He sniffed, but Roach just came closer. 

“I’d compose a song about that woman if I had my damned lute.” Jaskier growls, turning to the horse, who now nudged at his arm. “Now you, you I could never be angered with.” He coos, stroking the horse’s nose. “I don’t have any sugar cubes to sneak you today.” it was a whisper, but Geralt caught it.

Eager for a change in topic, Geralt broached the subject. “Where is that lute? And why haven’t you been at the tavern?” That lute had been practically glued to Jaskier from the start. And now he stiffens at the mention of it.

But the tavern. Did Geralt go looking for him? Had he actually been worried for his well being? It all seemed a little far fetched from where he was standing.

“… I sold it.” He turns, one hand still on Roach’s side. “I… was scared when I found out about… you know. So I scrapped together all the coin I could. I wanted to be rid of it. And the rest of the coin was to keep the mage’s lips sealed. And obviously I didn’t go through with it. Damn thing. Got attached. Bastard kept my coin.” he grumbles the last bit bitterly, pressing his face into Roach’s coat.

Jaskier’s stomach suddenly let out the fiercest rumble, loud enough to cause the horse to become alert even.

“We should head inside.” Geralt prompts, “Get you fed-”

“I have food. I don’t need yours.”

“And how long is it going to last, Jaskier? You’re carrying, without a job, and I don’t think berries are going to do either of you any good in the long run.”

He couldn’t argue there. Knowing Geralt he was well stocked. Meats, cheeses-oh gods, cheese. And liver. 

Geralt ended up visiting quite often after that, and soon Jaskier warmed up to him once more. Hard not to. Especially when there was food on the menu. And Geralt always brought so much. He stayed in that shack for a month more, until a parcel arrived with the witcher next. Two, technically, but Jaskier was more interested in the one with his old family crest sealed in wax on the parchment.

“It’s from my mother, bless her… she wants to chew your head off.” he looks over the letter to the witcher, who sat before the fireplace keeping the flames lit. When he got a grunt he continued, “She says my old nanny has a farm down in Kagen, the coin should be enough for traveling and expenses…” there was still something else amongst all this paper as well. He dug around for it while Geralt spoke. 

“How long has it been since you’ve last seen her? Your mother.”

“Oh, years. The earl kicked me out and shunned me once I presented at sixteen-late bloomer. He would have done so regardless though, considering he was many things but my father was not one of them.” he paused, fingers coming into contact with something soft. When he pulled it out he nearly wept. “Oh, Geralt…” it was a blanket, one of his own from when he was a child. His mother kept it all these years.

The witcher looked up, and there was just something about the bard’s face that made him grow softer by the day. By all accounts it was bad for him, but for now he cared not. “It looks well made.” he commented, “Why don’t you take a look at what I brought for you?”

“Oh? Is it my birthday?” he chuckles, folding the blanket up nice and proper before he stands up-until he sees that Geralt has already beat him to it. “I’m not helpless, you know. You can’t even tell I’m pregnant." 

"Just making up for lost time.”

He rolls his eyes, flicking the latch open and popping the lid off the crate. And as soon as he set his sights on that polished wood and long neck he burst into tears. Geralt was almost worried he didn’t like it. But the bard smiled, so big and wide. “Geralt, you didn’t have to.”

“With a voice like yours you can’t sing without being accompanied.” that got him a light slap on the arm.

Now with this beauty of a lute-which had a wolf so delicately carved into the frame, he noticed-he could easily earn himself a good living. Up until he couldn’t hide the pregnancy anymore, which was why he planned on going to Kagen. And he told Geralt as such on his next visit. 

“I’ll be nice and safe on the farm, Nana’s a mage. If something happens when the time comes she knows how to deliver and do so safely.” Jaskier had all of his things well and packed, which wasn’t much, thankfully. “I just need help getting there. Bandits and whatnot-I’d pay you.”

“Keep your coin, Jaskier. I already have business that way, as long as you don’t sing the same three songs I’ll get you there.”

“Is this your way of telling me I need new material?”

[jeongyunhoed]

Two Mutants are Better than One

Chapter: 1 / ?

Member: San - Mutant/Metahuman!San, Hitman!San Genre: Mystery / Fantasy 

T/W: Mentions of murder, possible mentions blood and gore. Possible mentions of graphic violence. Possible. Still, just keep that in mind! Content: EXTREMELY Multi-fandom, but it mostly centers on San and the main character. Replace the OC with y/n if you wish! 

A/N: I’m trying this again after not posting any of my works online for a while (out of frustration). So, here I go again. This is under my very very wide superpowers au (you can find the entire AU on my Ao3: yeojasamho). Please keep in mind that this chapter is quite lengthy because I wanted to give readers an idea of who the characters are and some events that have occurred even without going into the rest of the stories in the au. I hope you all like it! 

Summary: Mirae is forced to revisit her past when her half-brother San shows up at Bermuda Investigations. As the two of them try to establish a relationship that they never got to have, a case pushes them to work together while realizing that they have a lot more in common than they expected.

Lee Mirae was sitting in her office at her record store that she now owned with her adoptive brother Park Jihoon. It was just another day at the store, and another day in the mostly-quiet offices of Bermuda Investigations. It had been quite some time since she was last on a case, since she was last on a mission. Her colleagues and friends Jaehwan, Chanyeol, and Hyuk decided to go on a trip together with Jaehyun, Changmin, and her boyfriend Younghoon, partly a way for them to bond and take a break and act like normal guys for once. 

Normal. That word took on a different meaning around here. 

They were mutants, all of them. People that had abilities beyond what was once humanly possible. To a few people she knew, they were the next stage in an evolved humanity. To one person she remembered, they were oddities of nature that should’ve never existed. But nevertheless, they did, and they lived quietly among the rest in South Korea, trying to make a living, act like normal, upstanding citizens. 

But Bermuda Investigations also gave that word a different meaning as the cases they took as private investigators were at spy-levels, or even, dare she think it, cases only mercenaries were equipped to do. Then again, Mirae practically was one given her abilities and capabilities. She had the ability to manipulate energy, specifically turning potential energy into kinetic light energy, that often came across as explosive. Anything she touched could turn into a projectile that could cause an explosion. She also channeled this ability of hers through her card-throwing, and her staff that Junhong made for her. The amount of energy she could charge her staff with was enough to destroy a building, something that was proven during the Seoul attack. 

She also spoke several languages, after unknowingly being able to understand people in whichever country she went. This capability was part of the assassin program she went through when she was interned in the sanitarium by her parents. She was brainwashed and transformed into a killing machine by people who would later make themselves out to be her adoptive parents, cult leaders Lee Miran and Go Changseok. But after an extensive reframing by the powerful psychic Lee Sangyeon, the trigger no longer worked on her, but it left her with a strengthened psychic block, making her mind impenetrable to telepaths. 

As she was turned into an assassin, she was a master fighter, knowing all the fighting forms even as far back as the days of the Hwarang, much to her memory. Anything she touched potentially turned into a weapon, and everyone around her who knew about it were convinced that no one could surpass her. This motivated Jihoon to learn how to fight as he wasn’t a mutant, but he wanted to protect her just as much as she fiercely did for him. Should she be wounded, her healing abilities would take hold, and it was her healing abilities that made her almost immortal, aging very slowly compared to the rest of the people her actual age. 

Unusually, the Bermuda mission also showed a newfound ability within her, and it was that of taking a person’s soul and trapping them in the cards should it touch them. It manifested whenever her eyes would turn black. It also resulted in a white streak in her hair that she never bothered coloring to have covered up. 

She heard a knock on the back door that was the entrance of Bermuda Investigations. Mirae got up, closing her laptop to pass through the store and towards the offices. “It’s open, come in” She announced, closing the other door behind her. As the door opened, her expression fell, and her eyes widened at who was standing behind it. 

It was a man, his face incredibly familiar to her, with small, upturned eyes, a prominent jaw, and he had a few purple streaks in his jet black hair that was slicked back. “Mirae? Noona?” He said. She said nothing, and instead tried to study his face. “It’s me, San.” 

“San? San...Choi San?” She said, and he nodded. Mirae was still quite taken aback at the sight of him, and instead stepped aside. “...Come in.” San went inside and she closed the door behind him. “So, what are you doing here?” She asked, leaning against a desk. 

“I just came to see you, and now I finally found you, it’s been a very long time since we last saw each other-well, I was just about to stop by here to ask for help to find you” He said quietly. 

“Almost two decades later,” Mirae said. “How did you know I was here?” She asked. 

“I asked around where I was, and they said if I needed to find someone, I had to come here because the private investigators are good. I just never thought you’d be one of those investigators” San replied. 

“Judging by what looks like the end of a harpoon gun on your back, are you planning to kill me?” Mirae asked. 

He shook his head frantically. “No, no, that’s unrelated, completely unrelated, I kind of do the same thing you do now, I guess. Only I get my jobs in another way” San explained, almost a little hesitant to reveal much. 

“...You’re a hitman, aren’t you? A harpoon gun being your signature weapon, then?” Mirae asked, figuring it out. 

“Yeah, after I ran away from home when my powers first came, I wanted to find you, and I asked the sanitarium where you were and they said you were discharged, and I was looking for you in between jobs,” San said, making Mirae look even more taken aback. “Yes, I’m a mutant too. See?” 

His eyes and fingertips began to glow yellow, and he picked up the pencil from the nearby desk and threw it towards the curtain, the pencil glowing and disintegrating with a boom just before it hit. Mirae stared at him. The door leading back to the store opened and Jihoon rushed inside, looking alarmed. “What happened? Did something hit?” He asked, but stopped when he saw San. 

“Nothing happened, I just found out that my own half-brother is a mutant too and he showed me his powers,” Mirae explained quietly. “Jihoon, this is Choi San, my half-brother, we have the same father. San, this is Jihoon, my best friend and little brother” She said, introducing the two. Jihoon looked a little taken aback, and so did San. “Jihoon and I go way back, at the sanitarium, and I take care of him now” She explained. 

“Yeah, which says a lot compared to someone who is actually related to her” Jihoon glanced at him. 

“It’s not his fault, he was a kid at the time, and if I have a problem, it would be with my birth parents, not him” Mirae patted Jihoon’s shoulder. She turned back to San. “...So now that you’re a mutant too, you’ve come to find me, now what?” She said, a little unsure. “...Do we celebrate?” 

“I was thinking more of getting dinner somewhere. I know we’ve never been close and I’ve never been able to do anything for you, but seeing as we’re both on the same page in our lives, I was thinking maybe that could change now,” He replied. “Make up for the time we lost, I suppose.” 

Just when Mirae was about to speak, there was another knock on the door. “Yes?” She called out, and the door opened. She turned to Jihoon. “Go back inside, I’ll see you later” She said quietly, and the younger boy nodded, leaving the room to go back into the store. 

In came a postman, who brought in several boxes. Mirae signed for the boxes and San helped place the packages on the breakroom table. “Where are the other people you work with?” He asked curiously, looking around. 

“Oh, uh, Chanyeol, Hyuk, and Jaehwan went on this trip together. They’ll be back in a few days. Juyeon’s busy with his shifts at the restaurant, though but I’d rather not disturb him for now” Mirae replied. 

San nodded in understanding. “I see. Well, at least now that I’m here and we’ve finally met after all these years, let’s get lunch” He said. 

“Okay, where do you suggest we eat?” Mirae nodded. 

“What’s good to eat around here?” San asked. 

Mirae shrugged. “We can go to Viva Polo, Chanyeol’s mom’s Italian restaurant. It’s right next to his dad’s live cafe” She said. 

He smiled. “That sounds good. My treat.” 

~ 

They got themselves a table at Viva Polo, with Chanyeol’s parents immediately greeting them and Mirae introducing San to them. They were seated at their usual table she would be whenever the four of them gathered for an after hours dinner every week. “So, I guess there’s no other way else how to start...How did you get your powers?” Mirae asked curiously in between ordering their food. 

“My powers came in high school, or just before I got into high school. Dad always kept going on and on about how I needed to be top of the class so I can make it into med school. He wanted me to become a doctor like him, can you believe it? But when it happened, I realized I didn’t care for that anymore, so after my first year, I decided to pack my bags and run away.” 

“You really dropped out? Dad must’ve taken you to a private school anyway” She raised a brow. 

“Yeah, and I had good grades and all, but I was still trying to figure out my powers, you know?” He said with a chuckle. “I never want to go back to that time in my life when it first came.” 

The server came in moments later and brought in their food, setting it down in front of the two of them and walking off. “So, I doubt dad did not take you running away very well when it happened,” Mirae said as they tucked in. 

“Definitely, you of all people know how he can be,” San replied, twirling his pasta noodles around his fork. “But it is nice to see that you’re here, and out of that place he put you in.” 

“It’s been years since I was discharged, and a lot has happened since then, from the Seoul attack, the Utopian cult, the Bermuda mission, the Kang mob, the Sharks…” She recalled. 

Her brother’s eyes widened. “You were in all of those?” He asked. San remembered seeing the news of those events on television and even on the internet. “Really?” He asked. “That really changed everything, you know.” 

Mirae nodded. “The Utopian cult hits home most of all, I guess. When I was discharged, I was adopted by this couple, who turned out to be the leaders of that cult, and put me through the assassin program while I was in the sanitarium,” She explained. “Imagine, turning you into an assassin while under drugs, and they kept subjecting me to electroshock therapy that wiped out a lot of my memories in doing that… at one point I couldn’t remember a lot of people, except Jihoon, of course.”

San’s expression fell. “...What happened to the cult leaders?” 

“I...I killed them. It turns out that those instincts of mine came out when they used one word on me. I nearly killed my friends, you know, but eventually, after some help and two weeks of falling unconscious, that trigger was removed. But it kind of made my mind even more unreadable” She shrugged. 

He looked down at his food then up at her. “...Knowing what happened to you, makes me wish I did something to keep you from getting taken away. I’m sorry.” 

“Now you’re feeling guilty?” Mirae raised a brow at him. “What could you have done? You didn’t understand much of what was going on. If I was going to resent you for suddenly showing up, I would’ve told you to leave the moment I remembered who you are.” 

“That’s true. But even then, I wanted to see you, make up for lost time, be actual siblings than strangers to each other” San looked down at his half-finished plate. “

“I appreciate you wanting to find me, though. But I doubt both our parents would never want to know that you came to see me,” Mirae said. 

“How would you know I still contact them?” San raised a brow. 

“You’re especially close with them, the favorite boy, even with my mom” She pointed out. “You could never lie to them, I know that. At least I think I know that. I bet they even know that killing people under orders is what you do for a living.” 

“That’s what you think,” He said. “They have no idea, I haven’t spoken to them after I joined this group of people who do what I do.” 

“What do you call yourselves? I’m guessing you guys have a name.” 

“Sleepers. Corny, I know, but there’s no other way to describe putting someone to sleep...permanently,” San replied, a slight smirk crept up on his face. 

Mirae shrugged. “I guess you’ve made billions of won by now, haven’t you?” She asked. 

“Oh yeah, totally, but I’d rather keep that part on the down low. Harpoons don’t come cheap and I think I even need a permit for each one” San pointed out, lowering his voice so as not to be overheard. 

“Seeing as you’re here, I’m guessing you’re taking a break from jobs, aren’t you?” Mirae said, taking a sip of water. 

“You could call it that. Things have been quiet, a little too quiet, around here.” 

“That’s never a good thing” She shook her head. “At least in my experience, it isn’t. It just means the bad things know how to hide.” 

San stared at her. “To me, people are just becoming more aware that people like us exist. Sooner or later, more people will come for us, just as the people you dealt with did” He finished his food. 

“I know, and if it happens, I’m not sure how I’ll handle it. If my powers were taken away by the Sharks, I would’ve been dead by now, and you wouldn’t see me like this, if you got to see me anyway” She muttered. 

A silence ensued between them, and they turned to each other. “...Well, that got dark” San tried to lighten the mood, and Mirae just smiled. “Do you still have work to do?” 

“I have to stay until closing time at the store and at the office,” Mirae replied. “Are you heading back to wherever you came from?” 

“No, I figured I could stick around, and…” San looked a little hesitant to say what came after. “Well, you see, I had to move out of my apartment-” 

“You need a place to stay?” Mirae raised a brow, and he nodded. “Well, I don’t think there’s an extra unit on my floor, but I’ll have to see if there are vacancies upstairs or downstairs.” 

San looked surprised. “You own a building too?” 

“The landlord passed ownership to me. He passed away.” Mirae replied. “Heart attack.” 

“Heart attack?” 

“Yeah, just a heart attack. I didn’t kill him if that’s what you’re implying” Mirae pointed out. 

“Of course, of course, I didn’t mean to-” 

“I may have been turned into an assassin, and whatever probably happened during the time I was one, I can’t remember anymore,” Mirae cut him off. “The trigger is out of my head, San. I don’t do that, anymore at least if I did anything.” 

“I know, I know, I’m sorry if I made it seem like you did-” 

“The difference between us is that I’ve made a life for myself doing what a normal person does. You do what you do and you’re aware of what you do,” Mirae snapped. 

“I do what I do because it’s the only thing I am damn good at,” San argued back. “But please, don’t get off your high horse.” 

“You say that like you don’t know the things I had to do to atone for my mistakes when I just told you a few minutes ago what I’ve been up to,” Mirae countered. A brief silence ensued between them. “...Maybe this was a bad idea,” She looked up at the clock. “I need to go back, San.”

San stared at her, and fished out a wad of bills from the pocket of his bag to pay for the meal.

~ 

Mirae and Jihoon were in the separate office going over the money made for the day. “So, what happened with San?” Jihoon asked, watching her write down everything on a thick wad of paper. She didn’t answer. “...Did you two fight?” 

She didn’t answer again and instead kept writing. Jihoon’s brows furrowed and he covered the paper with his hand. “Well? Did you?” 

“We got snippy with each other, well, me more than him. He implied that I killed the landlord” Mirae said softly. 

“That’s impossible, the maintenance guy was the one who found him,” Jihoon recalled. “He even went up to us and we had to call the police about it.” 

“Exactly. I think he’s got this impression that I’m still what our adoptive parents turned me into, trigger or no trigger,” She said with a sigh. “But honestly even just seeing him reminds me of what my dad did, what my parents did. I can’t even remember what they look like anymore, I just remember what they did.” 

Jihoon patted her shoulder. “It’s kind of unavoidable isn’t it? No matter how much you try to convince yourself that you don’t resent him, you still kind of do because of what your father did to you” He said softly, and she nodded. “What are you going to do now that he’s suddenly back into your life?” 

“Find him a place to sleep. He moved out of his apartment” Mirae replied. 

“He can sleep on the couch” He suggested. “Or even in the breakroom or something. There’s a bathroom by the big computer upstairs anyway” Jihoon shrugged at the thought. 

“Yeah, he’ll have to stay on the couch for a while. At least until he finds a new place or something, or until we find ourselves a new place” Mirae said. She frowned. “I guess I’m going to have to do the whole making up for lost time bit with him. We’re practically strangers to each other because he was so young when I left…” 

“Well, there’s nothing much you can do. It’ll be nice to have another brother, who also fights just as well as you do...He does know how to fight, right?” Jihoon raised a brow. 

“Yeah. He’s a hitman, he’s still one” Mirae said. 

“Oh, but at least you two will be able to really bond this time. Both of you hate your father, so there’s something you can build on” Jihoon said wisely. 

She ruffled his hair. “Smart guy” She teased. Jihoon laughed. “Come on, we’ve done enough work for today and San is waiting in the other office” She said, and led the younger boy out and into the back door that led back into the offices. San was already lying down on the couch, his bags and harpoon gun already next to him. Mirae sighed, making him sit up. 

“Hey, you’ll stay with us,” Jihoon said right away. “You don’t mind sleeping on the couch, right?” 

“No, not at all, I was sleeping on a sofa bed in my apartment,” San shook his head. “There was a guy that came by and asked that you call them, it’s about a murder or something, I couldn’t understand much, he was talking fast like he was in a hurry,” He pointed to the slip of paper on Hyuk’s desk. 

Mirae reached over and looked at the paper. It had the person’s name and number. “Park Cheondung?” She read it aloud and reached over for the phone, dialing the number that was written on it. “Hello, may I speak to Park...Cheondung? This is Lee Mirae from Bermuda Investigations- Oh,” Mirae paused when she learned it was the guy. 

“I need you to come by and investigate. My father, he was found in his study...dead… come to this address” Cheondung told her. 

Mirae frantically wrote down the address on the piece of paper and her eyes widened at the location. “Yes, yes, I got it.” She repeated the address again. San and Jihoon looked puzzled until she showed them the address. They gaped at her. 

“Come quickly!” Cheondung said, and hung up. 

She put the phone down. “Whoa, high-profile case,” she said, staring at the address Cheondung gave her. “He wants me to come down there right now,” she added. 

“Then what are you waiting for? We have to go now!” Jihoon said, and Mirae and San quickly picked up their bags, hurrying out of the building as well.

“Do we have time for a stopover?” San asked as they were outside. 

“We? This is my case,” Mirae raised a brow at him.

“You’ll still need help, no matter what that is,” San pointed out. “If there’s anything I’ve learned about my stakeouts is that-” 

“I know, but as you can see, my friends aren’t here, they’re on vacation, which means I’m doing this alone” Mirae argued. 

Jihoon rolled his eyes. “Just let San go with you, you said yourself you two need to do the whole making up for lost time thing, this is where you start,” He said, giving Mirae a look. “San, just put the rest of your bags in the lobby, but bring your harpoon, you’ll probably need it,” He said, and rushed into the parking lot. 

San followed suit and Mirae sighed as she followed the two boys back, moving ahead to the parking lot where they parked the car. “A murder in a place like the one we’re going to, must be a prominent family” She read the address again and got into the driver’s seat. 

“It has to be otherwise they would’ve called the police” San suddenly spoke, having heard them as he got in the car. 

“Yeah, let’s hope this is nothing like the Kang mob, or else I’ll have to kill some people,” Mirae drove them out of the parking lot. 

“Wait, that was you too?!” San was surprised. “I mean, yeah you did say Kang mob earlier but I didn’t think it was that same mob?!” 

“Yeah” Mirae glanced at the address again. 

San looked amazed. “You’re like a superhero then” 

“Doubt it, no one knows it was us,” Mirae shook her head as she drove. “I’d rather it stay that way, for everyone’s sake like you told me earlier” She added. “Jihoon nearly died because we tried to stop them, and so did many other people we love.” 

“Hey, don’t forget how I fought a few,” Jihoon pointed out, beaming at the memory. “It’s still one of the times I’m so proud I got to fight back!” 

San chuckled as he fastened his seatbelt. “I heard they had their own private army.” 

“Yeah, and now most of that family’s in maximum security under solitary confinement” Mirae pointed out. 

“The only girl and the only other son testified against her brothers and her father. What happened to the mother?” San asked curiously. 

“She’s under witness protection, or something like it. I’m not sure, but she’s never shown her face again, hopefully,” Mirae explained. “I’d ask Jaehwan about it but he might not want to say anything, after what happened to Jinyi…” 

“I’m sure Jaehwan hyung’s okay enough to say something now, it’s been two years” Jihoon assured her leaning over to hers and San’s seats. 

“Jinyi?” San looked puzzled. 

“The daughter who testified,” Mirae pointed out, and her half-brother nodded in understanding. “Jaehwan dated her. Months later, she went missing and then she died… that’s pretty much it,” She muttered while she drove. “He came back from that worn out.” 

“She was his case. He had to find her also for her brother’s sake, but when he came back, Hyuk hyung found out and they knew something did happen to her,” Jihoon explained quietly, frowning as he recalled what happened. 

It was the night after Hyuk went on his case, and the four of them met up again at Viva Polo after being away from each other after some time. Mirae came back from her vacation with Younghoon, and Chanyeol was busy with the restaurant as they found out. They later told it to the rest. 

Kwon Hyuk was a powerful telekinetic that also had telepathic abilities. He ran his own entertainment agency, TRBL Music with his best friend Woo Jiho, and was producing for the groups they had; AB6IX and Silver. He was also Mirae’s longtime best friend as he previously worked in Mirae’s store before leaving to pursue his music. He released his albums, but decided to work behind the scenes instead. 

Park Chanyeol was a pyrokinetic, but created fire as well. He could turn himself into a fire being if he needed to, and if he was one, he could fly and was even invulnerable as any projectile thrown at him would melt from the temperatures. With his ability, he was also able to withstand extreme heat. He worked with Mirae back in their days at the Center of Paranormal Research and was one of the few who made themselves known to be alive following the Seoul attack. He helped in his family’s restaurant and live cafe as a server and occasional chef. 

Kim Jaehwan, had extremely enhanced senses. He could see and hear things far away which made him extremely good at tracking down people. He was also gifted with super strength, which made him invulnerable in hand to hand combat. He signed onto TRBL Music after his graduation, which was when he met them and helped in stopping the Utopian cult. His best friend in college, Kim Dongyoung or Doyoung, was also an artist in TRBL Music, where he returned after quitting to try and become an investigator full-time. Like Hyuk, Jaehwan was once an artist that released some albums, but chose to work behind the scenes as well. 

Mirae pulled up in front of a large, white gate that had the name of the community on it in gold letters. Whisper Heights. The guard stepped out of his post and went up to the window that rolled down. “Yes?” 

“I’m called for by,” Mirae reached for the slip of paper. “Park Cheondung, I’m Lee Mirae of Bermuda Investigations” She showed the guard her official ID. 

“One second please,” The guard took her ID and went back inside his post. A few moments later, the guard returned and gave her back the ID. “Thank you, you are expected,” They said, and pressed the button to open the gates. 

She thanked the guard and drove on. There seemed to be an eerie silence within the suburban village. All the houses were separated by huge vacant lots, and some were built on top of hills. To them, it looked like no one made under a million won a month in the district from how lavish the homes were. Even the smaller houses had luxury cars parked in front of them. Jihoon and San gaped when they saw one particular house. It was so big it was almost like a resort. “You think they’re old money or new money?” San asked. 

“Probably new money. People who come from old money live in older and probably smaller houses that aren’t in here,” Mirae replied, pulling up to a cul-de-sac road that was lined with cars from small limousines to sleek, black vehicles. They stopped at the house and got down and noticed that the small gate was open. 

“They really are expecting us” Jihoon said as they approached the gates. San slung his harpoon on his back, while Mirae’s fingers were poised over the silver object that was in her bag. 

[awkwardnessandbaseball]

I can't believe we're here at the end!!! The good news is that the 1-2 chapter (just deciding how to split it up) companion piece from Killian's POV will be posted on Monday! Thank you so much for reading this story that I truly never thought I would finish. It means everything to me that people liked it even the tiniest bit, and I hope this last chapter is as satisfying for you to read as it was for me to write. (Also, I took some liberties with the whole house-purchasing process, so... bear with me, okay?)

Once again, so many thanks to: @cspupstravaganza, @sherlockianwhovian , @lassluna

Tag list: @quirkykayleetam, @squidvisious, @carpedzem, @revanmeetra87, @kmomof4, @capnjay21 

AO3 if that’s your jam: Prologue | Ch1 | Ch2 | Ch3 | Ch4 | Ch5 | Ch6 | Ch7

I’d Pick You (and Your Little Dog, Too)

A Captain Swan Pupstravaganza Story

Summary: According to everyone in the known universe, Emma Nolan’s dog is supposed to lead her to her soulmate. But she’s not even sure if she wants that. Soulmates are pretty idealistic, don’t you think?

Chapter Seven:

Killian is going to propose.

Emma can feel it in her bones. No, in her very soul. Which makes sense since, you know, soulmates and all.

She can’t figure out when he’s going to do it, or where. He hasn’t asked her to go out to any special dinners. They haven’t made any plans to take the boat out yet, as apparently Killian wants it to be perfect before they take her on her maiden voyage as The Jolly Roger.

She supposes that could be why he wants to make it perfect, if he wants to propose on the boat. But she really just wants him to do it already and stop making her wait.

It’s probably her own fault, really. The way she’d taken ages to let him in, and then when he’d given her Liam’s ring, she’d probably looked about ready to run straight across the town line and never look back.

But she’s ready now.

She wants to be married to Killian Jones. She knows, now, that the feeling she’d had when she watched her brother get married has a name. It’s called jealousy, and she’s ready to stop feeling it. She wants to be married, too, not on the outside looking in on a happy couple with rings and on their way to starting a family.

Emma has thought about this a lot, and she’s decided that the best way to tell Killian that she’s ready is to show him. He’s given her a sentimental ring, bought her a freaking boat. He’s waited for her at every step of their relationship. So it’s time for Emma to pull off some big grand gesture or make a romantic speech. Or something.

The problem is that Killian seems to have an endless well of sentimental items and stories to give as romantic gifts, and Emma has none.

Until the house goes up for sale.

The house that she and David grew up in has changed a lot over the past fifteen years. The couple that bought it after their parents died apparently almost tore it down entirely, but decided on a simpler remodel. A paint job, a new fence, and a wraparound porch are the most obvious changes that Emma’s noticed over the years, but she has no idea what it looks like inside. She’s walking past it, as she does on her morning walks with Rascal, and she sees the For Sale sign out front, along with a small “OPEN HOUSE TODAY!” sign beside it.

It won’t hurt to look, Emma tells herself, so she texts David that she’ll be late to work -- or later than usual, really.

The inside is different. The shape is the same, all of the walls and doors exactly where she remembers them. But the colors are all off. The walls were all pale yellows and blues, with white trim, but now everything is a stale gray. Where the floorboards had been faded with time, now they’re stark black.

We’ll fix it up, Emma thinks. And then she stops the self-guided tour and freezes for a moment. She waits for the lead ball in her stomach to form, or for the stutter of her heartbeat that accompanies frightening thoughts about the future. But none of it comes.

“Excuse me,” she calls when she finds the realtor. He’s from a company called Ozman Realty from the next town over, so she doesn’t recognize him. “What’s the asking price on this house?”

“Two-hundred-thousand,” the man tells her. He smiles, but it’s hard and somehow almost… slimey. Emma doesn’t like it, but she doesn’t really have a choice in who’s selling the home she wants to buy. “I should tell you, we’ve already had an offer today, and the sign only went up this morning.”

“Dammit, David,” Emma grumbles “One moment, please.” She pulls her phone out and angrily dials her brother.

“Are you even going to bother coming in today?” he teases her.

“Are you trying to buy the old house out from under me?” She has no time for the teasing. She’s doing this, dammit.

“Wait, what?” David pauses. “Mom and Dad’s house is up for sale?”

“Yes, David! Keep up!” Emma yells into the phone. “Are you telling me you didn’t put this bid on it?”

“No, Emma, I had no idea.” He sounds sincere.

“Well… do you… I mean are you going to bid on it? Now that you know?” Emma runs a hand through her hair, finally letting her nerves catch up to her.

“No, Mary Margaret and I are uh… we’re building our own house, actually. We bought some property on the edge of town. We were hoping to keep it a surprise until, you know, there’s actually a house there.” David stops talking and Emma can picture him leaning forward on his desk, brows creasing together. “Are you going to buy the house, Emma?”

“Yeah, I think I am.” She bites her lip. “Or at least I’m going to try! Someone’s already put a bid on it, so I’ve gotta go.”

“You can use the inheritance.” David blurts out before she can hang up. “I used some of it to buy the property, but the rest is yours.”

When the Nolan twins had turned 18, they’d been shocked to learn that their parents had had a large amount of money set aside for them. They’d lived modestly, taken few family trips, so their parents must have spent all that time saving up without their children's knowledge. Emma had wanted to take a vacation immediately, somewhere warm and tropical and distinctly far away from Storybrooke just for a week, maybe two. But David had insisted that they save it.

“Mom and Dad would want us to use it for our futures, Emma, don’t you think?”

Reluctantly, Emma had agreed. But what was more ‘for our future’ than this house?

Still, she felt… wrong using so much of it.

“That’s our money, David. Not mine alone. How much did you use?” It’s way too early for this conversation -- Emma has only had one cup of coffee, courtesy of Killian. It’s not enough.

“I used fifty-thousand. There’s still a couple hundred thousand left. Seriously, Emma. Use it. I want you to. And if we need more down the line, we’ll figure it out.”

“I’ll think about it. See you soon.”

Emma wanders through the house, looking for the realtor again.

“I’ve got the full amount in my bank account. I’ll pay it up front. I want this house.”

She knows it’s not a good technique. You’re supposed to low-ball or pretend you’re not as interested as you are. But truthfully, Emma doesn’t care. She wants this fucking house.

The realtor looks thrown off by her forwardness, but he puts on his fake smile quickly.

“I’ll have to contact the buyer from this morning and give them a chance to counter,” he tells her.

Seriously?

“Yeah, sure, fine.”

He steps out of the room to make the call and Emma wanders through the living room, pointing out memories to Rascal.

“There was a dent in that wall from when David and I got into a wrestling match once. His head hit right below that window. He needed stitches.” Rascal sniffs the part of the wall she’s pointing to. “And over here--”

“Miss, uh, I didn’t catch your name,” the realtor calls.

“Emma No-- Emma Swan,” she tells him. Storybrooke is a small town, and while most of its inhabitants know her mother’s maiden name, it won’t be their first thought if word gets out that there’s a bid on the house. She just doesn’t want this to get back to Killian.

“Well, Miss Swan, the other bidder has backed down. We’ll just need you to get the money and sign some paperwork, and the house is yours. You skipped quite a few steps by having the money up front,” he jokes. “Why don’t we meet at the seafood restaurant I saw by the docks at 7 tonight and make everything official?”

“Why would we meet at a restaurant?” Emma asks suspiciously.

“Oh well… I was hoping we could…,” he stammers out.

“I don’t even know your name. And you’re asking me on a date?” She crosses her arms and arches an eyebrow. Rascal comes up beside her, sensing the tension.

The man, undeterred, simply holds out a hand.

“Walsh Ozman, of Ozman Realty,” he’s grinning, as if expecting Emma to be impressed.

“Emma Swan, sheriff and home buyer. As in, customer. As in, inappropriate to ask out.” She takes his hand and shakes it firmly, hammering her point home: I’m in charge, not you. For good measure, Rascal growls and stares at the realtor, unblinking.

Walsh clears his throat and takes a step back, eyeing both Emma and Rascal warily.

“Here’s my card. You can come by my office this evening.”

“Thanks.”

*****

Emma’s practically vibrating with excitement for the rest of the day. Creepy realtor aside, she’s bought her old house. For herself. For herself and Killian.

If this doesn’t show him she’s ready to move forward, nothing will.

When she gets home that night, brand new house keys in hand, Killian’s camped out in front of the TV holding a beer. It’s not unlike him to have a drink to unwind after work, but the fact that it’s a beer instead of a nice glass of rum makes Emma think that he’s been stewing on something all day, and he doesn’t want his anger to get the best of him. And drunk Killian is a bit more emotional than the sober version.

“Hey, babe,” Emma calls from the doorway. She begins the process of untying and removing her work shoes in favor of putting on her more comfortable sneakers. “How was your day?”

“Fine,” he answers, not even trying to convince her that it’s true. “Yours?” She hears his footsteps coming towards her.

“It was great, actually. You okay? You look…” Emma can’t quite put her finger on how he looks. Disappointed? Angry? Tired? A combination?

“Aye, I’m fine, love. I just… had a bit of a disappointment today.” He steps towards her, pulling her body flush against his. “I’m glad you’re home.”

She kisses him slowly, just for a moment or two, before pulling back. He looks down at her curiously.

“I wanna show you something,” she whispers. “Put your shoes on.”

“It’s nearly eight, Swan.” He seems to realize what an old man he sounds like, because he shakes his head. “I was just hoping we could stay in tonight.”

“Do you trust me?”

“Implicitly,” he answers automatically.

“Then put on your shoes.” She punctuates the sentence with a quick kiss on his cheek, scruff scratching at her lips.

She’s not sure how they figured out the logistics of getting into a car with two humans and two dogs and not a bit of thought. She opens the driver’s side door and both Rascal and Procella scramble in and hop in the back seat, lying more on top of each other than next to each other. They’ve done it since the first time they got into the same car, back when Emma and David had gotten the call about loose dogs at the park. It strikes Emma how long ago that was, how much things have changed, and her excitement is renewed.

Killian doesn’t complain on the drive over, despite his initial hesitation. Emma can tell he’s had a rough day, though she’s not sure why and she knows she should have asked. But… this is important and huge and hopefully it’ll make whatever it is that happened not even matter anymore.

She bites her lip as the niggling little voice in her head, the one that’s been quiet since the moment she kissed Killian’s cheek in the park on one of their first lunch dates, suddenly starts screaming inside of her head.

What if he thinks I’m crazy? What if he doesn’t want to move into the house? What if he isn’t ready? What if he’s not planning to propose, and I’ve done this huge gesture and he doesn’t get it? What if he wants to keep things the way they are? Or what if he takes one look at the huge house -- clearly meant for a family -- and runs straight out of town? What if it’s too much? What if--

“Swan, where are we going?” Killian’s voice jolts her back to reality. He’s quiet in the darkness, a softness to his voice that she can’t quite figure out.

“I bought something I want to show you.”

“Emma, did you--”

“We’re almost there,” she says, and she feels Killian staring at her. Her voice cracks at the end, and her knuckles are white on the steering wheel. What have I done?

If he leaves, she doesn’t know what she’ll do.

She pulls up to the curb across the street and climbs out without looking at him.

Before she even reaches the gate, he’s laughing. She can hear him start to chuckle, and then it grows into a full-on belly laugh.

Oh God, he thinks I’m crazy. Why did I--

“Swan, you bloody brilliant woman!” He’s right behind her now, grabbing her around the waist.

“You don’t even… what?” Emma is so very confused.

“You’re the buyer? I should have known.”

And then the pieces click into place.

“Were you the first bidder?” She turns around in his arms. He’s smiling so wide it nearly reaches both ears, and finally that loud voice in her head quiets down again. She smacks his chest once for good measure. “I was so angry!”

“How did you pay the whole thing up front?” He’s still laughing as he reaches up to brush a loose strand of hair away from her face.

“Inheritance,” Emma says simply. “Why were you trying to buy my house, Killan?”

“For you, of course.” His smile changes then, and his face turns serious. “I work with the man who lived here, Kris. He and his wife are adventuring around the country or something. They’ve been talking about it for weeks. So I knew the house was going up.” Killian shrugs. “I wanted to surprise you, but it seems you got me first.”

“They moved out last week, before it even went up,” Emma tells him, and he’s already nodding because he already knows. “So, we can go in. If you want.”

He smiles again, and she wonders briefly how she could have ever doubted him. Because of course he doesn’t think she’s crazy. Of course their minds were in the exact same place.

Soulmates, she thinks to herself.

They step inside the house, and Emma flips the lightswitch on. It’s still empty, of course, and for a moment, the space feels cavernous and huge. But then Rascal and Procella run out in front of her and start sniffing every corner, every inch of the baseboards. And it’s strange that something so simple eases Emma’s mind, but it does.

“I’m glad you brought me here, Swan,” Killian whispers from behind her. “I had big plans for this house, and I thought they’d all been dashed.” He kisses the skin just underneath her ear. “But now, hope is renewed.”

“Big plans?” Emma asks.

“Oh, aye. In fact, now seems as good a time as any, don’t you think?”

He moves out from behind her and she feels an immediate sense of loss when the warmth is gone. But then he’s in front of her, that same nervous look on his face that he’d had the first time he asked her to lunch.

Emma loves being right.

He gets down on one knee, and in a move that’s so natural that it seems rehearsed, Rascal and Procella come up on either side of him and sit patiently. There are six eyes staring at Emma and watching her start to cry.

“I feel like we’ve done a lot of things backwards, Swan. We met before I even knew I had a soulmate. I thought I’d be alone forever, adrift at sea without anyone for company. But then you and Rascal came along, and you brought me Procella. And then, by some miracle, you let me in. And you gave me something I never thought I would have: true love. And now, Emma Nolan, I have to ask you a very important question.” He pauses, tears threatening to fall from his eyes as well. “Will you marry me?”

He’s barely gotten the question out before she’s whispering yes. And then screaming it.

“Yes! Killian, yes.” And then they’re kissing, in the living room of their house, and it is, without a doubt, perfect.

[vylad243]

Morro and Harumi Headcanons.

Might include spoilers? Maybe? I don't know what you've seen.

There may or may not be over a hundred:

• Morro called Harumi 'Jade' instead of 'Princess'

• Harumi calls him 'Breeze' in return

• Morro and Harumi's friendship started because of their hatred of the FSM

• Morro helped reconnect Harumi with her parents when she died

• Morro braids Harumi's hair

• Harumi taught Morro how to dance

• Following a certain theory that I might post soon, Morro and Harumi visit Ninjago to make sure everyone is okay.

• Morro and Harumi greet the bounty every time her op ass dies

• Harumi likes to see how far she can step before she pisses Morro off

• Harumi tries to convince Morro and the FSM to fight all the time

• Harumi will use Morro as a "Date" for dances and parties and such whenever she gets the chance

• Harumi and Morro are constantly sassing each other

• Harumi likes Morro's elemental dragon and she tries to talk him into always having it out.

• Harumi once tried to get Morro to visit his parents in the departed realm but when he kept refusing she gave up, not wanting to push him.

• Morro once called Harumi his cousin and she freaked out, forgetting he was adopted by Wu, he hasn't done it since.

• Harumi called Morro 'Sour Green' once.

• It bothered Morro because there is a colour called 'Lime Green'

• Harumi will walk up to Morro with random rocks and ask him to identify if because he was once a miner and probably knew a lot about rocks

• Harumi found out Morro really like Amethysts and likes to say his favorite colour is purple, which he never denys 🤔

• Harumi likes to watch Morro's and the FSM's arguements and will occasionally eat popcorn during these

• Harumi is a bit afraid of how Powerful Morro is compared to the Ninja

• Morro showed Harumi all the best places in the departed realm and also showed her how to look upon other realms

• Harumi clings to Morro like a bat whenever they past the Great Devourer in the departed realm, the snake is surprisingly chill

• Morro has slight PDST from the cursed realm and Harumi feels useless whenever she watches him slightly freak out when it's mentioned

• Harumi learnt Morro likes hugs.

• She recently learnt only she can hug him.

• No matter how mad Morro gets at Harumi, he'll never let her suffer alone and will always be there when she needs someone

• Harumi hates that she can't help Morro in return though because he doesn't tell her anything, but she doesn't know that just her presence helps him

• Morro strongly recommends avoiding Harumi's adoptive parents in case they snap at her and he knows she's not emotionally prepared for that

• Harumi thinks Morro should get a service dog if they ever permanently stay in Ninjago

• He disagrees with her about that.

• Harumi and Morro get into alot of arguements about his safety once she found out he was actually allergic to a common metal found in alot in caves, hell if I know what it's called.

• Harumi feels like she's become a little too protective over Morro until she remembers the dumb shit he pulls

• Morro think that he's under protective of Harumi

• Morro tried his hardest to hide the fact he's half blind from her, the scar is so close to his eye, and how he moves his head, he feels like she already know, but she hasn't yelled at him yet so he's unsure (My headcanon hiiissssss)

• Harumi likes to call Morro 'Mini-god' and the Bounty 'Big God'

• It really gets him mad, but he loves her to much to say anything about it.

• Harumi likes Horror movies, but won't watch them, mention them, or talk about any near Morro because they scare him to no ends.

• It makes her really curious of what's in the Cursed Realm though.

• Morro likes puns.

• Harumi doesn't

• Morro can sing

• Harumi is mad he never does sing

• Morro can speak so many different languages it's ridiculous. He can speak Oni and Dragon too.

• Harumi want him to teach her, but she hasn't convinced him to yet. In reality she just wants to understand what he's saying half the time.

• Harumi and Morro insult each other every chance they get

• They don't do well separated

• English actually isn't his native language, he just learnt it at such a young age from Wu

• Morro is short and Harumi makes fun of it every chance she gets

• Harumi's favorite colour is actually yellow

• Harumi comes up with the craziest nicknames for him and he can't come up with any good ones, her personal favorite that he gave her was Onyx, but she really likes Jade too.

• Morro insults her in different languages

• Harumi doesnt like the second largest snake either

• Each time Harumi sees Morro cry she tries to cheer him up by saying "It's okay my life sucked too."

• He will passive aggressively say that she died when she was older then fourteen and she'll just hug him.

• Harumi and Morro's favorite spot is the waterfall in the departed realm despite Morro's anxiety with water

• Morro has heterochromia eyes, one green and the other is silver

• Harumi has pretty sky blue eyes

• Harumi and Morro like to insult Misko, the FSM, and Wu.

• They're both pretty socially awkward

• Harumi has tried to get Morro to tie back his hair

• Morro will stay up all night just to watch Harumi and make sure she's doing okay and not having any nightmares while she sleeps

• Harumi loves to sleep

• Harumi doesn't like fire to much, and ironically, Morro doesn't like water

• Harumi likes to lean against Morro

• They actually ignored each other's existence at first

• The first person Harumi saw in the departed realm was a childhood friend of her's

• The first person Morro saw was the FSM

• Yes they immediately got into an arguement

• Morro makes jokes about how Harumi took his plan, but little does he know his plan was the base to Harumi's plan, just different objectives, and outcomes, and boring stuff like that.

• Morro hates sleeping

• Harumi wonders if she would of been sent to the cursed realm despite redeeming herself, she also wonders that about Morro when he died again

• Morro hasn't told anyone that destroying the Cursed Realm was a stupid plan and that all realms use each other as pillars

• He also never said 'I told you so' when Djinjago was destroyed when the Cursed Realm fallen (Is that how you spell it)

• Harumi and Morro usually greet all those who pass into the departed.

• Morro has called the head writer in Cloud Kingdom stupid on multiple occasions

• Morro might be one of the only characters in Ninjago who doesn't have his destiny being written out by the people in Cloud Kingdom (I say this is a might, I'm not sure, but I'm sprinkling some theory juice in here)

• So technically he did prove destiny wrong since he gets to write his own now. (If the above is true)

• Harumi likes it when Morro does her hair

• Morro refuses to let Harumi touch his hair.

• Harumi is a bit jealous of Morro's powers, but that's only because she felt she could save her parents' life if she had them

• Morro would of most likely given Harumi his powers

• Harumi and Morro actually don't talk about Lloyd that much

• Harumi has tried to show Morro how technology works, but he's beyond that stuff.

• He thinks it's stupid, but doesnt care enough to turn back time to make technology never exist

• Morro actually finds a bit of pride being the first ever elemental master that was a villian, he thinks it's nice that it proves you don't have to become what others think you're going to be.

• Harumi thinks it's funny that Morro is kidna cheesy, but she excuses it because of his young age.

• Morro doesn't like being the youngest villian though

• Harumi thinks it's stupid that Wu puts so much pressure on kids

• Morro, despite having huge advantages against the ninja, liked to be fair and give then easier chances to beat him. (Like seriously, dude. You could of just phased through the FSM's shit. You didn't have to play by the rules)

• Harumi doesn't like The Overlord

• Morro questions how when The Overlord died he was sent to the departed realm instead of the Cursed Realm

• Morro never went to school and is purely self-taught, besides the things Wu taught him

• Harumi feel bad about everything she did

• Morro honestly couldn't care less about what he did

• Moror can play a guitar

• Harumi likes to visit Ninjago, she doesn't like how she has to hide everytime she does it though

• Harumi is afraid of what the FSM will do to her and Morro if they keep fighting with him

• Harumi really likes pearls

• Morro wanted to be a doctor when he was younger

• Harumi wanted to be like the Ninja until the Great Devourer Incident

• Morro made Harumi pet the Great Devourer once. He doesn't regret making her do that

• Morro's favorite flower is a lily

• Harumi's is either a Carnation or Devil's Paintbrush

• Morro is slightly irritated that the FSM made a giant snake that consumes everything in it's path and didn't take precautions to make sure it didn't do exactly what it did.

• Harumi will sometimes just agree with whatever Morro says

• Morro used to like the rain

• Harumi likes mysteries

• Morro once asked Harumi if her adoptive parents had kids, would the baby be the ruler because it's actual blood or if Harumi would because's she's the eldest and she was adopted at such a young age

• Harumi didn't know how to answer and said she believed the baby would

• Morro actually likes cuddles, he's just very selective

• Morro used to be friends with that Grundle he threw a stick at. He named it Honey.

• He never told Wu about his very dangerous pet

• Harumi likes sea creatures and the ocean. Again, mysteries

• Morro likes to read and used the read every chance he got

• Harumi asked Morro what it was like being Wu's student and he just pointed to the Great Devourer and walked away. She still doesn't know what that means

• Morro, despite accepting he's Wu's adoptive child, will fight anyone who says he's Wu's son.

• Harumi made one joke about how Morro should of used the water from his second death to help him survive his first death.

• He just responded with "That's not how boiling works"

• Morro likes to stargaze

• Harumi and Morro can both draw

• Harumi and Morro both don't like the idea of the other talking to other people, afraid they're gonna loose their best friend

• Harumi likes to pick grass from the Departed Realm and watch it fade away

• Harumi wants to learn how to play the piano

--------

And I'm gonna stop now, I need to save some hcs in case I need some more for later xD

[wildlyglittering]

Amongst the Archives

There was a Nessian post ages ago about what if Cassian left little love notes for Nesta in her books that Rhys eventually found. Well, I decided to run with it. Here’s some fluff which contains some naughty words. 

“Your sister is blushing.”

“Hmm?” Feyre glanced up from her painting and looked over at Elain who was on her knees in the flower beds. “I don’t know why, she’s only planting sweet-peas.”

Rhys let out a low chuckle. “No, not that one. Not unless the stems are being naughty.”

Feyre looked at Rhys as he lounged and sipped his wine. The lazy afternoon sun danced off his skin as he titled his head to something he could see and Feyre turned to look behind her.

Of course she knew he was referring to Nesta, it wasn’t like Feyre had a plethora of sisters that had suddenly willed themselves into existence. When she realised it wasn’t Elain that was blushing a part of Feyre genuinely wondered who on earth Rhys was referring to. After all, he would never actually mean Nesta.

But there she was. Walking steadfast from the townhouse into the garden towards Elain. At first glance there was nothing different about her. Nesta’s pace was controlled and her eyes held the determination of a woman on a mission. The ink blue skirts of her dress rustled about her legs as she walked and she had braided her gold-brown into a crown that was pinned to the top of her head, not a strand out of place. Both of her hands clutched onto a set of ancient looking books, their bindings so old that what was once gold was now yellow.

There was nothing out of the ordinary with the picture except... Rhys was right. A dusky pink had bloomed up Nesta’s long pale neck and onto her cheeks. If Feyre didn’t know that Nesta had spent all day inside reading she would have thought that she had caught the end of the midday sun.

“So she is,” Feyre said, turning back to Rhys. “What on earth are you making her read?”

Rhys raised his eyebrows. “I can assure you Feyre, darling my book assignments are strictly academic.” He took another long sip from his glass, “Unless you think that Nesta would find the volumes of ‘A History of Trade Routes and Agreements of the Courts of Prythian’ excitable?”

Feyre shot him a look. “Maybe she isn’t feeling well?”

They both looked again, the blush was fading as Nesta spoke to Elain.

Rhys shrugged, “Maybe.”

***

There was a full itinerary. There would be weeks spent away from the Night Court, possibly even months. Agenda’s had been written and debated and then re-written and argued over some more.

Preparations were in place to take care of the Night Court while they were away and plans for visits were spiralling with more and more tasks being added to their lists. Following the third civil, war trade agreements needed to be re-established and war assistance programmes needed to be agreed. There was also the movement of political prisoners to be negotiated and treaties to be drawn up.

Feyre hadn’t seen as much of Rhys as she had wanted to but then she was hardly idle herself. None of them were. Azriel, Cass, Mor; all of them working to the bone. Nesta was as well but hers was a more intellectual preparation. Rhys had given her the agenda of all the meetings and a list of recommended books from the libraries and she had taken the information with a nod and began her immediate pursuit of knowledge. Every day Nesta had risen at the crack of dawn to The House of Wind where she began her studies.

She was relentless in her endeavour. To the point where Feyre had even heard Cassian mention the little time he got to spend with his mate.

“She’s unyielding,” he had said. “If there’s a task that she’s set her mind to then nothing will stop her. Nothing.” But he had said it with his hazel eyes sparkling.

In bed, Feyre replayed the days gossip and mentioned the conversation she’d had with Cassian to Rhys. “He adores her,” she said, “it’s...” and she paused to think of the word. “It’s actually lovely.”

Rhys barked out a laugh and tucked Feyre into his shoulder. “Lovely,” he repeated, “now there’s a word that I never thought anyone would use to describe Cassian or Nesta. Especially in relation to Cassian and Nesta.”

“Oh hush,” she told him and pulled his mouth down to hers.

***

“Nesta?”

There was silence from within the library.

Feyre looked towards the desk that Nesta had clearly been working from with its large selection of papers and books strewn around the wooden top. Parchments of paper were decorated with Nesta’s familiar cursive writing from where she had been taking notes. The list that Rhys had given her sat on the top of a pile of books, a neat tick next to the ones she had read.

The next one, in Rhys’ blocked writing said, ‘Codex of Meetings Held Between Spring and Night Courts V.12.’ Feyre shuddered, wondering how anyone could bring themselves to read volumes one through eleven but she set off amongst the stacks to find her sister.

It didn’t take Feyre long to find her. About eight stacks down there she was, halfway down the aisle and reading. Feyre was about to call her name but stopped short. The book was tucked under Nesta’s left arm but her right hand held a piece of parchment that she was reading from. What made Feyre pause was the re-appearance of the blushing.

Nesta was engrossed in whatever it was she was reading, her lips slightly parted as her eyes moved across the page. At one-point Feyre saw Nesta’s eye widen and the light pink on her sister’s neck and face turned bright strawberry.

Feyre walked towards her thinking that Nesta would hear her approach but whatever had been written on that paper had captured Nesta’s attention fully. Feyre was at her elbow and glanced briefly down at the paper before she spoke.

“Nesta?”

A shriek ripped out of Nesta’s mouth and she leapt back, the ancient Codex dropping to the floor with a bang but the piece of paper remained firmly in Nesta’s grip.

“Feyre!” Nesta clutched her hand to her chest and took some deep breathes. “What are you doing?” The strawberry shade to Nesta’s skin was now a deep scarlet. The blush spreading further down her neck to her chest where she pressed her hand.

“I came to tell you dinner is ready. You’ve been up here since morning.”

Nesta nodded and gulped for air. “Yes, of course. Of course.”

Feyre frowned, “Are you ok?”

Nesta gave a small nod of her head and a tight smile appeared on her face. “I’m fine Feyre, I was just concentrating that’s all.”

“You’ve been working on this incredibly hard. Maybe you should take a break, Rhys won’t mind. I’m sure he can look at some of the other books and...”

“No!” If Feyre thought that Nesta’s shriek had been loud it was nothing compared to the volume of her protest. At the look on Feyre’s face, Nesta cleared her throat and began again, quieter and significantly more controlled, significantly more Nesta this time. “There’s no need. I’ll have dinner and rest for the evening. I’ll make sure to start later in the morning tomorrow. That will be enough to refresh me.”

“Are you sure?”

Another tight smile. “Of course, I am Feyre,” Nesta said with finality as she bent to pick up the book and tucked it back under her arm. That was the end of the discussion then. Feyre walked back with Nesta to her desk but noticed that as she placed the book on the pile, the piece of paper that she had been reading was still firmly gripped in her hand.

***

“I think,” she began, “I saw some words.”

Rhys laughed and looked at her affectionately, “Books have them my darling.”

Feyre swatted at him. “No, not the book. I’m talking about the paper she was reading. It was handwritten I’m sure of it and it said... things.”

“Oh,” Rhys asked, his interest piqued. “What sort of things?”

Feyre looked up at him, her expression coy. “I think I saw the word throb.”

“Oh,” Rhys said again. “Really?”

“Yes and... moist.”

“Moist?” Rhys shifted beside her. “Well there’s a word. I know there were some rainy days in Spring when we visited but I didn’t think they were recorded down.”

Feyre gave his side a gentle pinch. “I’m telling you it was on a handwritten note, it wasn’t in the book.”

There was a brief silence and Feyre snuggled further into Rhys’ side before he spoke again. “What did the handwriting look like?”

“Spiky and very bold. Like the pen had been pressed heavily into the paper.”

Feyre twisted around in Rhys’ arms and looked up at him. The grin on his face was so wide it made his cheeks crease and the look in his eyes spoke of nothing but mischief.

“Oh dear,” she said. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

***

Rhys insisted that Nesta took a break. The books will still be there tomorrow afternoon, he had told her. Completely undisturbed. It was the last comment that seemed to relax her shoulders and she had curtly nodded.

It told Rhys all he needed to know.

It didn’t seem to matter that the library was technically Feyre and Rhys’ because the way they crept along the stacks made it seem like they were naughty children up to trouble. They held their hands fast together and paused every so often to check that Nesta, or even Cassian for that matter, hadn’t decided to head their way.

Rhys held a copy of the book list in his hand. “I made one for myself,” he had told Feyre. “Of course, I didn’t think I’d ever go looking for any of them.”

In the library Nesta’s desk and chair was undisturbed. Piles of books with spines of silver and maroon and teal were stacked one on top the other but with no sign of anything that resembled hand written notes.

Through each of the windows the light streamed in creating pools of gold on the ground and the place smelt ever so slightly of dust. There was a strange calm in this place and Feyre could see why it suited Nesta. But it was a strange calm that her and Rhys were about to disturb.

“I don’t know if I actually want to know,” Feyre said.

“Not even a little?” Rhys asked.

“No,” she lied and dragged him further down the stacks.

Tithe Practices of the Early Post War Years was a large, beige book with deep brown lettering. Nothing about it looked remotely interesting to Feyre’s eyes and yet here they were, lifting it off the shelf.

Rhys held it gently by the spine and turned it upside down, giving a small shake. A folded piece of paper fluttered to the ground like a leaf from where it had been hidden amongst the pages and Rhys picked it up.

Feyre crossed her arms and leant back on the stack. “Now what?” she asked.

“Now,” Rhys replied, “we read.”

Rhys unfolded the paper and Feyre could see the same spiky, deep handwriting that she had seen the other day.

“It’s Cassian’s handwriting alright,” Rhys said.

“What does it say?”

Rhys skimmed through the note. “Sentiments about love, how he misses her, that she works too hard, that he can’t wait for this to all be over and oh-” Rhys’ eyebrows shot up.

“Oh?” Feyre uncrossed her arms and stood to attention. “What? What is ‘oh?’”

A wicked grin spread over Rhys face. “Are you sure you want me to read it out loud Feyre, darling?”

“Yes!”

“Are you sure? Because the sentence I am currently on is Cassian singing his delight at when your sister ‘spasms around his tongue.’”

Feyre felt her face go white. “No.”

“Oh yes, and apparently after he has drunk from her body he has plans to trace his tongue from her navel to her breasts until she writhes and begs for him to take his cock and...”

“Enough!” she squealed, slapping her hands over her ears. “I understand! I get it!”

Rhys grinned and stopped reading, “Shame, it was just getting really good.” He looked at her with a sly eye. “Do you think they’re so lovely now?”

Feyre shuddered.

***

The problem they had, Feyre decided, is that they couldn’t leave well enough alone.

Rhys had carefully folded the note back into place so that neither Nesta nor Cassian would know what they had done and then left the library, Feyre feeling levels of discomfort that she had never felt before while Rhys chortled to himself.

“I think I quite enjoyed the pounding,” Rhys said and then turned a sly eye to Feyre, “but I probably didn’t enjoy it as quite as much as Nesta will.”

She had muttered something at him under her breath and promised herself she would never go searching in the library again.

The problem was that Nesta had turned a glorious shade of vermillion as she ticked Tithe Practices off the list and an even darker shade still when she ticked off Pre-War Practices of the Seasonal and Solar Courts and frankly, that was enough to drag Feyre back in.

That was why they were in the library, again, hidden in the stacks with a small pile of books in front of them as they sat on the floor.

Feyre’s face was buried in her hands. If she couldn’t technically see the notes, it meant that she hadn’t read them. At least that was what she told herself.

“So,” Rhys said beside her, “Which one should I read first? I have ‘intoxicated with the scent of you’, ‘yearning for the feel of your skin’, or my personal favourite, ‘spanking your magnificent, curved buttocks before I slip myself into your welcoming heat.’”

Feyre pushed her head further into her hands and murmured something.

Rhys carried on, “Oh this one has the word slippery.”

Feyre looked up sharply, “I feel awful.”

Rhys sighed, “The guilt catching up with you?”

“No, I mean I feel awful. As in sick. I think it was the liberal use of succulent and pulsate in the last one and I don’t want to think about Nesta tugging at anything of Cassian’s.” She bent her head back down. “He’s used so many words, I just never knew he knew so many words.”

***

All the notes had been carefully put back in their rightful place.

They would never know, Rhys told Feyre. We won’t read anymore and we won’t speak of it again. She had readily agreed. Cassian using erupt had finally tipped her over.

So here they were, having finally left things alone. Being normal.

Dinner was the usual fare. Elain inquiring as to the state of the preparations and being politely answered by Az, Cassian ribbing Mor as she relayed some incident that happened in the town, Amren and Nesta discussing books while Feyre and Rhys sat side by side, their thighs pressed together under the tables.

It was all fine. All fine.

“What text are you currently on?” Feyre heard Amren ask Nesta.

“The Traditional Practices and Rites of Prythian High Lords and the Cultural Impact Upon High Fae,” Nesta replied.

Your body is the land that I wish to fly, over its rounded peaks and down into its hidden valleys.

“Ugh,” said Amren, “Sounds horrendous.”

“It’s not too awful,” Nesta said, “there are some interesting passages.”

I want to spread you open before me and feast, I never knew hunger until I met you.

“I recall that there were a few horrific entries about Hewn City,” Amren shook her head.

Feyre could see Nesta nod in response, “Yes, some of the sections don’t make for easy reading especially some of the excuses as to why some of the rites should be performed.”

I need to drink from your body again and again, it’s only you that can quench this never-ending thirst. I am a feral creature, only you tame me. I will never be sated, you make me insatiable.

“Do they mention the Feast of the First Night?”

“Yes, and I’m glad that was outlawed.”

I want your nails digging into my flesh, I want to feel you squirm beneath me, I want you to suck my tongue as I plunge into you again and again and again, I want the feel of your body wet around mine. Your legs are mine, your tongue is mine, your breasts are mine, your tight wet heat is mine. My cock is yours...

Feyre’s vision began to swim. Worryingly she could seem to recall every note in every text. She glanced at Rhys from the corner of her and saw he was fine, better than fine. He sipped his wine and ate his food just like everyone else.

Cassian roared loudly at something Mor said, his head thrown back, his dark wild hair scattered about his shoulders, his hazel eyes merry.

You are mine, Nesta.

Nesta was engrossed in her conversation with Amren. Her hair was immaculate and tidy with her usual braid pinned neatly. Her posture was rigid and her skin was porcelain, her expression as smooth as glass.

I am yours, Nesta. All that I have to offer is yours.

Cassian called out across the table to Az, for him to hear what Mor just said. He leant forward, his large body swamping the chair and he picked up a flagon of wine to pour into his glass. Feyre suddenly realised how large Cassian’s hands were. Even though she had held them on occasion as a friend for comfort, all she could see now was those hands as they parted her sister’s thighs, as they cupped her sister’s face, as they caressed her sister’s breasts.

Cassian took a long sip of wine and Feyre saw his lips glisten as he put the glass back down. Another shudder moved up her spine. She knew too much about where those lips had been.

I adore you, Nesta. I worship you. If you were an alter I would sacrifice at you every hour of every day.

Nesta’s pale hand with long fingers reached out to delicately remove a bread roll from the stack. Oh god, Feyre thought. She also knew too much about what those fingers had done.

It was quick but Feyre saw it. The glance that Nesta threw Cassian’s way, the way that Cassian had caught it, the way his face softened ever so slightly and the wink. Barely there but there enough for a silent observer to have seen it. There was no change to Nesta’s expression as she turned away but Feyre could see a rose-coloured bloom against the pearl of her sister’s skin.

I love you, Nesta. I have never loved anyone more. I will never love anyone more.

She didn’t know she was going to do it but it was as though her body acted out of the control of her mind. This, she thought, is a guilty conscience.

Feyre stood up so abruptly that her chair would have tipped back if it wasn’t for Rhys’ fast reflexes.

“I’ve read them!” she yelled into the room. All occupants stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at her. All of the faces looked bewildered, all aside Rhys who closed his eyes.

Feyre continued, “I know about the savouring and the suppleness and the... and the... licking.” She looked around, all the faces still looked confused. The next sentence was a whisper and Feyre squeezed her eyes shut, “and all the neck nuzzling.”

There was a gasp from the table and it was nothing like the erotic gasps that had been described in sordid details tucked in between the pages of The History of Prythian: Abridged. This gasp was followed by the clang of cutlery hitting a plate and the scrape of a chair.

When Feyre opened her eyes, she saw that her horrified older sister was now standing, her fists clenched so tightly they were shaking. Nesta’s tranquil ivory skin had turned splotchy and matched the deep cherry red of the wine. There were no words muttered, no movement aside from the frantic raise and fall of Nesta’s chest. Without a sound, Nesta turned on her heel and walked quickly from the room, the only noise being the ruffling of her skirts.

Everyone’s eyes moved from Feyre to Rhys and then subtly over to Cassian. With a wince, Feyre followed suit and took in the casual looking Commander as he sat on his chair. The dancing joy in his eyes was gone. There was no anger, no boiling rage to match Nesta’s but his body was stiff. His shoulders were tight and his wings were pulled in. Despite the casual appearance his whole body was on edge. Cassian’s eyes showed no anger but all Feyre could see was the look of disappointment that crushed her.

***

“I’m fucking your sister.”

Feyre groaned and buried her head in her hands. “I know you are,” she murmured. “Of course you are, you’ve been mates for over sixty years.”

“I’m aware. But let’s get this all out in the open. I’m fucking your sister. We both enjoy it very much.”

Feyre lifted her head from her hands and winced, “I gathered.”

Cassian made a noise and she looked up and made eye contact. A withering glare was thrown her way. She mouthed ‘sorry’ and sat back.

“And she also happens to enjoy it very much when I tell her, in great detail, how much I enjoy it.”

Feyre winced again. She was learning too much, she had already learnt too much. Knowledge came at a price and this feeling, and the burning shame, was the cost.

The first, and most stupid thing out of her mouth was, “Did you have to write her notes about it?”

A strange hum of power radiated from the male in front of her and when she glanced at Cassian again she saw that his siphons were glowing. It would have been a wonderous sight to behold the surging of power if that surge wasn’t directed at her. That the anger boiling underneath Cassian’s skin was directed at her. Mate trumped High Lady. Always.

“Should you have read them?” Cassian’s voice was clipped in response.

They shouldn’t have. It wasn’t even a question to ask.

Feyre’s voice was significantly quieter when she asked, “Where is she now?”

“With Amren and Elain. I believe Amren is convincing her not to commit high treason by murdering her High Lord and High Lady. It’s taking some convincing.”

“And do you...”

“Do I what?”

“Want to commit high treason?”

With a sigh, Cassian sat down next to her. “What I did writing those notes was a risky little game that I was hoping would have high payoffs.” From the cocky grin he suddenly sprouted Feyre knew that the risk probably paid out dividends. She shuddered.

The grin disappeared as quickly as it appeared and Cassian’s face was serious once more. “What you and Rhys did was an invasion of privacy and one that you sought out to invade time and time again. I can cope with that, I know that you’re both nosy idiots but Nesta, well she’s humiliated and hurt and that’s what matters to me.”

I love you, Nesta. I have never loved anyone more. I will never love anyone more.

The spiky handwriting seared itself into her brain, the little glance that Nesta threw Cassian at the dinner table replayed itself as did the softening of Cassian’s rough-hewn features.

“I’m sorry,” Feyre whispered, her voice sounding like it might break, “I’m so sorry.”

“I know you are.” Cassian wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her towards him, a brotherly kiss landing on her head. “Go apologise to your sister while I go see to Rhys.”

“What do you mean, ‘go see to Rhys?’”

Cassian grinned at her, a dark twinkle in his eyes. “Oh Feyre, I let you off easy.”

***

Nesta was in the library but not at the desk where Feyre expected her to be. Luckily, she was alone with no Amren or Elain in sight which Feyre had hoped meant that Nesta was calm enough to talk.

“Nesta?” She asked and watched as her sister’s spine went rigid and her shoulders drew back. She stood up in front of the fire that she had been kneeling over and Feyre could see piece upon piece of parchment burning in the flames.

When Nesta turned to face her there was no flames in her eyes, just a wall of ice. “What do you want?” Her tone was just as cold.

Feyre swallowed her nerves down, feeling as though she was a child again, trying to hold her place against her frosty eldest sister. “To apologise.”

Nesta blinked once and moved towards the desk before pulling out the chair and sitting down. “As should be expected.” She reached out and took a book from the top of a stack and flipped it open.

“I’m truly sorry.”

Nesta continued to turn the pages and stared straight down at the text, ignoring Feyre completely.

Feyre sighed and turned away but stopped when she heard Nesta speak.

“It’s been so long Feyre, I thought we were past this.” It wasn’t so much the statement but the undercurrent of emotion behind the statement that made Feyre pause.

She walked towards the desk with quick steps and looked down at Nesta’s bowed head, she was speaking to her but still wouldn’t look up from the book.

“Past what?”

“Hurting each other. Being cruel. Humiliating the other.”

Feyre could feel her stomach drop. Nesta thought it had been a deliberate act of cruelty, a purposeful intention to harm. “No,” she said. “Nesta, it was never like that. It was a stupid, thoughtless thing to do and I regret it but it was never done to embarrass you. It was...”

It was stupid and thoughtless and could only have caused harm, Feyre realised that now. But she needed Nesta to know that it was never a calculated gesture of malice. “Nesta...” but Feyre’s voice trailed off as he sister still refused to look up. “Please.” And Feyre poured every ounce of desperation into that word, every drop of regret that she had.

Nesta turned a page and removed a piece of parchment that had been folded and tucked into the binding. Feyre could see dark, spiky handwriting through the paper and felt her stomach lurch. She never wanted to see anything with that handwriting on again.

“I hear Cassian is dealing with Rhys.”

Feyre blinked. “Yes.”

“Good.” Nesta’s voice was hard but not brittle. Though Rhys and Nesta had dealt with much of their difficulties as they best could and had repaired some damage caused long ago, their relationship was still not one anyone would call warm.

Nesta looked up at Feyre then, her blue-grey eyes having lost some of the ice. “You invaded my privacy.”

“I know.”

“You should never have read those notes.”

“I know.”

“It was hurtful and foolish and you still need to learn to keep your nose out of other people’s business.”

Feyre was about to contest the last point but realised that she didn’t have much of a current cause to help her case. “Yes,” she replied, “I know.”

“Sit down,” Nesta gestured to a chair opposite. “You can help me take notes on this volume, it’s incredibly boring.” And she held up a copy of ‘Farming Practices of the Seasonal Courts.’ “If I wanted to know how to milk a cow I would have become a milk-maid.”

Wanting to oblige, Feyre sat down and took the book from her sister, cautiously anxious that a scrap of something would flutter to the floor. But nothing did.

They sat in a strange, companionable silence with nothing but the crackling of the fire and the scribbling of quills filling the air. There were so many things that Feyre shouldn’t have done but it seemed like she couldn’t help herself. Even in the silence, even now, Feyre opened her mouth.

“I didn’t know that Cassian could be so... linguistic.”

There was a pause in Nesta’s scribing and Feyre could see the nib of the quill hovering over the page. Feyre inwardly cursed as she noticed the tension in Nesta’s shoulders reappear. And then suddenly, it had gone and Feyre noticed that they trembled slightly as though she was crying. Or laughing.

“Yes,” Nesta said with a clipped tone. “He is a very cunning linguist.”

Feyre found herself nodding in agreement before she realised what Nesta had said and immediately recalled Rhys’ reading out a section where Cassian was very liberal with describing exactly what his tongue would do to Nesta once he had her hovering over his mouth. “Oh,” she said. And left it at that.

“You know,” and Nesta looked up at Feyre, a dark twinkle in her eyes that matched the one Cassian wore, “you should consider yourselves lucky that you never found the ones I wrote back.”

[syao]

[Random] [Prompt] Alternate Universe

Read Time: 9 mins | Set in: post-Konoha Gakuen Den-verse

Twenty-year-old Tenten has always been an early sleeper and riser— borne of her lot as the sole proprietor of one of the oldest karate dojos in the prefecture. Her father (bless his soul) used to deem two-hour conditioning exercises as an acceptable morning ritual, after-school activity, and evening family bonding... even for school-aged children.

So hearing urgent knocks on her door at ten PM was equivalent to a midnight emergency of kaiju invasion proportions. Hence, she was a tiny bit disappointed when she peeked into the peephole and saw a decidedly normal, non-kaiju Rock Lee.

“Go away,” she grumbled, sliding the hole cover shut.

“Oh, did I disturb your sleep?”

“Do you honestly expect me to say, ‘Oh no, don’t worry about it! Come in and have tea and cookies with me?’ Because if you do, I’d have to break your heart. Like, literally. With an elbow strike.”

 “Ahahaha, Tenten, you’re such a joker!”

Grumpily, she finally managed to undo the fussy double locks and proceeded to throw the door open. “Okay, Lee, this better be good.”

“I brought Neji with me.” Lee then pointed to the long-haired male crumpled against the railing, face red. His head was bowed, causing his hair to partially cover his beautifully rare eyes. His usually crisp, starched long-sleeved dress shirt and necktie were disheveled, but she had no doubt that it was, indeed, Hyuuga Neji.

“K-Kaichou!” Tenten rushed outside worriedly and knelt before the male. “Kaichou, wake up! What happened to you?” She had to slap his cheek a couple of times before he responded with a breathing grunt.

She turned to Lee. “What happened to him?”

Lee shook his head. “I’m not sure. We attended one of his family business dinners earlier this evening. Then as usual, a bunch of women— daughters of his family friends, I guess— ganged up on him. And the next thing I know, Neji was dragging me back into the car looking like that and was asking me to take him away from the party because he isn’t safe.”

Her eyes grew wide. “Hired killers?” Their former school council president, along with his cousins Hinata and Hanabi, had always been targets of kidnappers and hired guns mainly due to the prominent family name they carried.

“I don’t think so. Uchiha Itachi’s agency is handling the security details of this evening’s affairs.”

“But he looks bad!” she cried, eyeing the state of her barely responsive friend.

 “Tenten, how rude!” Lee frowned disapprovingly.

 A vein popped on her head. “No, I mean, he looks really ill! Why did you bring him here instead of a hospital?!”

 The bowl-haired male shrugged sheepishly. “Well, I was about to, but while googling which hospital had the most impressive cuisine, I heard Neji calling your name so I figured he wanted to say hi to you or something.”

“GRAH! LEE!” Whatever sermon she had planned was cut short though when she heard groans from behind her, reminding her of a wounded lion from a savannah documentary she once saw on TV. Immediately, she whirled towards Neji and urgently grabbed his shoulders. “Kaichou! Kaichou, it’s me! Can you hear me?”

In response, he nodded and brusquely brushed her hands off him.

“Oh, wow! I think he’s back to his usual normal self!” remarked Lee.

“Kaichou!” She peered down towards his face, inspecting his unusually colored cheeks and quivering lips. “We’re taking you to the doctor! Just hang on, okay?”

“N-No.” For the first time since the whole conversation started, the Hyuuga had finally spoken. “I’m fine,” he continued weakly. “Just help me find a place to hide.”

Her brows furrowed in concern. “Hide from what? Should I phone Uchiha-san’s team?”

To which, the male shook his head vigorously, as if he had found a new source of strength upon processing the preposterous thought of an elite Hyuuga asking for protection from a “lesser” family like the Uchihas.

Lee peered at Neji, too. “Let’s stash him in your cupboard! No one will find him there! Heck, even you don’t know where it is!”

“Well now, I’m sorry if I’m no goddess of domestication.” Upon locating her body’s center of gravity, she proceeded to lift the limp body of the Hyuuga with her shoulders and neck and turned to her friend expectantly. “Let’s get Kaichou to the hospital, stat!”

“We can’t!” replied Lee. “Hospitals are very open spaces. He can’t hide there. Plus, there are lots of female nurses there!”

Wait, what? But deciding that her friend’s medical situation was more important than making sense of Lee’s logic, she asked, “So where do we take him?”

 “I have an idea!” Lee flung her apartment door open and pushed the both of them inside. She would have landed face-first if not for her lifelong training of recovering properly from a fall.

“WHAT THE HECK—” Tempers flared, Tenten was right about to lunge at Lee, but felt Neji’s body weighing her down like lead. Guiltily, she adjusted her stance to better support him, and then contented herself with glaring pointedly at the smiling bowl-haired male. “Rock Lee, what’s the big idea?! Now’s not the time for your stupid tricks! What if Neji’s dying at this very moment?!”

“Hide him in your apartment for now,” he instructed. “I’ll find a Hyuuga affiliated physician and bring him here to your place. That way, we won’t alert the media and give the Hyuuga Corporation any trouble.”

So Lee does think things through sometimes. She glanced quickly at the crimson-faced Hyuuga beside her. “Sounds good. But you better make it quick, Lee. I’ve never seen Kaichou like this before.”

“I will.”  And with that, Lee shut the door. She then heard the sound of hurried footsteps departing her apartment complex.

Tenten pursed her lips, and then darted her eyes back at the hyperventilating, flushed man beside her. After deliberating on what to do next, she got up carefully and began to make her way to her bedroom.

  “Come on, Hyuuga-sama! Just a taste!” A voluptuous pair of women crawled towards him, wearing the skimpiest fabric he had ever seen since the return of fundoshi. 

“Open your mouth for onee-sama...” They held out a bowl of chocolate brandy ice cream towards him, which seemed to have a particularly large yellow banana drizzled in white corn syrup…

“GRAH!!!” Hyuuga Neji shot up his bed like an arrow, panting heavily. Just a dream… thank god it was just a dream… He cupped his throbbing temple with one hand, eyes still shut tight. He could feel his whole body was slick with perspiration, causing his shirt to undesirably stick to his skin.

I need a shower. He decided to get up, but before he could swing his legs to the floor, he felt his feet make contact with something that felt more solid than air.

“OUCH!” The next thing he saw was a familiar brown-haired woman tumbling down the floor. She got up slowly, rubbing her smarting head. “What the heck was that… oh, KAICHOU! You’re alive!” Tenten’s eyes brightened when she saw him seated on the bed, which he now realized wasn’t his own.

“I… I apologize for kicking your head.” It was the first thing that came to his mind at the moment when he wasn’t sure what the circumstance was and why exactly it involved Tenten. One thing he was sure of was that ice cream and the scary onee-sama were no dreams at all. The party earlier...

Tenten’s cheerful voice interrupted his reverie. “Oh, it’s okay! I never had gotten hit by something like that before because I could always guard, but hey, it’s bound to happen eventually anyway,” she said, waving her hands reassuringly. “More importantly, are you okay?” she asked, touching his blanket-covered leg worriedly.

Her blanket, he realized, feeling the rush of blood within him again. Her bed.

 “I-It’s coming back, isn’t it?” asked the girl with the accursed keen observation skills. “Should I take you to the doctor?”

“No need.” He stiffly inched away from her, intent on not allowing any distance smaller than five feet between them. He may have slightly regained his wits, but judging from how his body was traitorously reacting to her presence right now, he knew he was still very much in the danger zone.

He saw her wince at his flinching reaction, but she nevertheless soldiered on with a sympathetic smile. “Does it hurt when I touch you?”

If only this terrible woman knew how she had easily set the whole entirety of him ablaze with those few, measly innocent words. “N-Now’s not a good time.”

Her forehead creased, but she nodded anyway. “If you say so. Should I get you a mug of hot chocolate?”

“NOT CHOCOLATE!”

She blinked. “Um, alright. Coffee then?”

“Ice cold, please.”

She gave him a hearty salute before disappearing in her pocket kitchen. “Hmmm… I swear I just saw that cupboard yesterday. I wonder where I was looking…” He could hear her muttering amidst sounds of pans and pots clanking.

Now’s my chance! He frantically grabbed his mobile phone, which thankfully was safely tucked in his trouser pockets. He quickly dialed Lee’s number. The latter answered on the fifth or sixth ring.

“Tenten, is it about Neji?!” Lee asked, huffing, even before he could even get a word in. “Don’t tell me… NOOOOOOO, he was such a good friend to us! He was like a brother to me—”

“I’M NOT YET DEAD, LEE!” he hissed, sneaking a glance at the kitchen. Still clear.

“Neji! You’re alive!” squealed the other party on the line.

“Yes, yes. But more importantly, why am I here?” he wanted to know. “I thought I told you to take me someplace safe without women!”

“But you were calling for Tenten so urgently in your sleep! It was really totes adorable by the way, and if anyone says otherwise, I’ll gladly show them the recording on my phone—”

“DELETE THAT!” He had to fight to keep his voice down, which was a feat given the panic he was feeling right now. “Delete that or I’ll buy that curry restaurant you frequent and then burn it down to the ground!”

“How majestically cruel! I expect nothing less from our cold-hearted Neji-kun!” He heard several clicks, and then Lee’s voice came on, reading aloud the message alert box. “Do you really want to delete this file? No, but my friend insists, so yes, I’m really deleting the file. There, file deleted!”

“Thanks.” He let out a deep breath to calm himself, and then spoke again. “You have no idea what kind of trouble you caused for her. Back at the party, I was tricked into consuming sweets potently laced with alcohol and hormonal stimulant—”

“Is it a viagra cake?”

He ignored the question. “So it’s a bad thing for me to be here with her right now, alone in her apartment. I’m leaving in a bit.”

“Don’t do that!” protested Lee. “What if, while walking, you chance upon an office lady? Or a university student? Or a salaryman! My conscience can’t take it if I read about you unleashing your libido on them in tomorrow’s headlines!”

“And you’d prefer me to unleash my libido on Tenten?!” he snapped. “Are you out of your mi—” His words halted when an ice-cold tumbler of coffee was placed on the console table beside him.

“That’s an interesting conversation you’re having, Kaichou.” Tenten sat back down on her stool, an amused smile on her face.

“...I’ll call you back.” Without even waiting for an answer, Neji pressed the End Call button and nervously faced the woman. He gulped inwardly before he spoke slowly. “Tenten, I… I can explain.”

“Basically, you’ve been fed an aphrodisiac by one of your business associates’ daughters so they can carry your child and force a marriage of convenience between your families. Is that right?”

He did a double take. “How did you…” He was pretty sure he didn’t cover all that with Lee during the conversation.

“ I’m a woman. I know how our minds work. Also, you might have accidentally hit on speaker during your very discreet and super secretive phone call.”

He nearly smacked his forehead with his palm. Of all the stupidity...

“You kinda wounded my ego a bit back there, though,” she continued in a light-hearted tone. “I know I’m not the most feminine gal out there but—”

“HUH?! I don’t understand.”

She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Forgetting that I’m a woman, too. I mean, how else can you explain what Lee said about you looking for me right after you stated that you can’t hang around with a woman?”

 His mouth hung open at hearing her conjecture.

She got up from her stool and moved to the foot of her bed, where he still sat frozen. “But Kaichou, you’ve been so good to me. Back in high school, you kept the girls’ karate club open even when I was the lone member. Then after years of not meeting, you recognized me right off the bat when I barged into your corporate office to negotiate our land lease. And when your family bought off the land our dojo is leasing, you hired me as a security specialist in your company because you learned that I was an orphan with nowhere to go.”

Her brown eyes twinkled warmly. “So really, if an outlet for desire is what Kaichou needs to feel better then I will gladly do my best… if you will have me, that is.” With that, she unbuttoned her top and pulled it up her arms, revealing the modestly sloped valleys cushioned by her gray sports bra. She reached for the waistband of her pyjama bottoms next.

“You’re terrible at this.”

“K-Kaichou!” she gasped when he suddenly closed the distance between the two of them in a flash. His face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath fanning her face.

“You’ve got some nerve to act like it’s no big deal.” He grabbed her trembling hand and held it out in front of her face. “You’re clearly shaking like a leaf.”

She bit her lip in embarrassment. “I-I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.”

“I won’t, sorry!”

Sighing, he gently placed her hand back on her lap, but didn’t let go of it. “When I take you to my bed, Tenten, it’s on terms that we both consented to,” he continued earnestly, looking straight into her eyes. “Not because you owe me anything, or that I was under the influence of anything. Did I make myself clear on that?”

“Y-Yes, Kaichou.”

“Also, then and now, never once did I not look at you as a woman.”

Her eyebrow cocked instantly. “Even in my karategi?”

“That’s my favorite look of you.” Well, second-favorite now, he thought as he clandestinely regarded how breathtakingly sensual she looked with her bare shoulders and cotton bra.

Fighting off the surge of the white-hot heat radiating within him yet again, he contented himself with lifting her hand to his lips— just as the front door banged open.

 “Neji, fret not, ole buddy! We’re here to save you now--WHOA!” Rock Lee’s eyes widened at the sight of the couple. Behind him, the only medic readily available that he could trust— Haruno Sakura— whistled, sounding impressed.

“For what it’s worth. it’s not what you think,” said Neji, his face darkening in ire.

“Sure. sure. Oh, are we in the way?” asked Lee teasingly.

But before he could reply, Tenten had spoken up.

“Yes. Yes, you are,” she replied with a grin. Feeling his stunned gaze at her, she beamed back at him.

“Duly noted.” Lee closed the door behind him with a smile, leaving the two in their own little world for the evening.

 THE END