#you just wait. this fic is gonna be my next big thing /hj

[sokkagatekeeper]

iroh dies au??? that sounds interesting

oh anon 😭 let me tell you. it’s a somewhat edgy zukka fic (kinda gen ngl) that i have planned in which iroh dies and zuko is angry at the world and sokka, ever the strategist, is like, “i can use this actually”. i’m not even sure i’m going to finish it </3 but like i’ll do my best. here’s the summary and a snippet bc #self promo so true

“The Chase” takes an unexpected turn when General Iroh dies at the hand of his niece in a foreign land, with no titles or lands and with only his nephew to pay him respects.

Zuko is about to break at any moment now. These people, the Fire Nation takes and burns and never looks back, and he knows it was always going to end like this. The quest for his honor, for his father’s approval, for his home, all in nothing.

And Sokka is clever, he’s smart. He knows a firebender on their team, a grieving, tired, confused and furious firebending prince on their team could mean a significant advantage in the battles to come, only if Sokka plays his cards right.

Finally, Zuko looks away from the flames. His voice is stone-cold but his eyes give everything away — the anger and the pain and the confusion and the need to defend himself, to protect himself. “You’re playing a game on me.���

Sokka gives him an easy grin, and an amused sigh that lands almost like a chuckle.

“I’m playing a game with you. There’s a difference.”

Zuko practically cuts him off with a, “What’s the fucking diffence, then?”

“I can tell you if you just stop interrupting me,” Sokka says, and waits.

Zuko looks tense, as if he’s aware he’s losing control of the situation, or wondering if he ever had it in the first place. He breathes and calms himself, as if he’s also aware he won’t get anything out of Sokka being defensive. Sokka wonders if he has played this game before.

“Well?” Zuko says, his voice rough. “What is it?”

Sokka snaps out of the analysis of Zuko’s facial expressions that give everything away. “You’re angry, right?” he begins. “Like, so angry, one can see it from a mile away. So I was wondering, who are you angry at?”

“My sister,” Zuko says with no hesitation. Less convinced, “My father.” And finally, “Everyone.”

Sokka hums and peeks at the remaining fire. It’s a cold night in the desert, but the town’s ruins are enough to shelter them from the wind.

His fingers toy with one of Katara’s hairties, he bites the inside of his cheek, and softer than before, less demanding, he says, “I don’t know about every one, but I know I can help you with the first two. What we’re trying to do is no secret, defeating the Fire Nation and all that. And I believe our interests can... intertwine, at some point.” Then, he adds, “If we make them.”

Zuko eyes him askance, but he also nods and swallows. Unsure, he confesses, “I— Like you said. Before. I think they’re... hurting people. Here, in the Earth Kingdom.” Sokka resists the urge to roll his eyes, or at least tries to, because Zuko’s face hardens. His voice is small, though, “I don’t care. I don’t. I just... had a few questions for my uncle. And now— he’s gone.” He pauses, and his next words trembling with rage almost give Sokka chills, “I want her to pay.”

And there it is. The window of opportunity.

Sokka shifts closer to Zuko, puts on his best comforting voice. “I think that I can help you collect that debt.” And Zuko, who is smarter than he seems, waits. Sokka smirks, now secure in his words, “And you can help me get you there.”

[berryunho]

hiii I love love The Answer 😭 it’s so fun to read I literally cannot wait to see what happens next. I was wondering, what inspired you to write this story? was there any specific stories/cults that you’ve heard of that you took inspiration from? I love thriller stories so muchdkfk so I’m just so happy to have found your blog!! also do you usually read thriller or do you prefer reading other genres? tysm for sharing your work you’re so talented!!!❤️❤️❤️

omg hi!! first of all thank you so much for reading hehe i'm really glad to hear that you're enjoying it!! and aaaaaaa thank you for the questions omg this might get kinda long (edit from future lauren: yeah it did so im adding a read more lol) but im excited hehe

sooo to answer the first question of what inspired me hehe it was definitely a mix of a few things!! biggest inspiration was me reading mists of celeste and being like "what the fuck. can i do that?" bc ... im sure you've all read it and yk what i mean LMAO its just so good and i wanted to know if i could write something as impactful hehe i had already been a writer but i had never shared my writing or tried to write a longfic so it was a big challenge to start and im so happy i did!!

and soooo after i decided i wanted to write my own fic i figured some things out like i definitely wanted to do an au and i pretty quickly decided that i wanted hongjoong to be an antagonist so i started pondering what situations make Bad People into People Of Power and ... the cult idea plopped nicely into my brain and then everything started falling into place after that hehehe

and YES there are specific cults ALKJFKDJFDK the way im majorly freaking out getting to talk about this thank you again for asking omg anyways. scientologists (so sorry if any of you are scientologists but fr...) heaven's gate. branch davidians (mullet hj is canon in the answer for 1 reason and 1 reason only. david koresh’s mullet.) and like ofc the manson family and the people’s temple (though more so just jim jones himself idk that whole 900 people thing… not intimate enough for the vibe i was going for) and honestly the characterization of hongjoong is derivative of a few irl people too LKFJSDFKLJSD like im not gonna name names bc then yall would be like “oh god …” and judge yourselves so ill save you the torment lol but you could Probably Guess

and yes!! i definitely mostly read thriller/horror novels hehe but i also really love fantasy & sci-fi & lately historical fiction ?? and my favorite book ever is none of those genres hehe i would love any and all recommendations for any of these genres!! i know you didn’t ask this one but im gonna give some book recs anyhow hehehe so my Favorite Book Ever — the secret history by donna tartt … literally in love w this book. the amount of times ive pondered an au…… shhhh my Second Favorite Book Ever — the long walk by stephen king. idk what to say other than literary masterpiece. (its actually super weird but the characters … ugh chefs kiss) the Scariest Book Ive Ever Read — gerald’s game by stephen king. there were just moments of tension that were so perfectly written that it was almost unbearable like wtf not to be that person but like fr i dont get scared by books or movies or documentaries or anything but … yeah this was something an Interesting Series — the southern reach trilogy by jeff vandermeer !! crazy world building very intriguing books a Fantasy Novel — the priory of the orange tree by samantha shannon … yes i know booktok book but it was really good okay a Historical Fiction — circe by madeline miller !!!! bawled but it was really good !!! annnnd a Sci-Fi — project hail mary by andy weir ... glakdjfkasj me feeling emotions over a rock alien ... anyways

… SO YEAH AKDJFASDKFJ; THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING THE ANSWER AND FOR ASKING ME QUESTIONS AAAA i hope i provided some good commentary lol idk hehehe tysm ily <3

[lvanter]

note: did i write a 2.3k word fic and title it after a pun i made at the end?? yes,, ive also said looking too much please leave me alone this is so cheesy dfgshfks

warning: a pun. i never claimed i was a good writer

wc: 2.3k

terrible joke. three stars. hjs

“jisung,” you approached your best friend carefully, a hopeful and pleading look on your face.

jisung shut his locker and glared at you.

you wanted something.

“what do you want?” his words and deadpan expression hopefully covered up how excited he was to see you.

“do you want to come stargazing with me?”

that didn’t sound so bad? why did you look like you were asking him to go skydiving?

“sure? why do you look so nervous? it’s just on the roof, right?”

the two of you had gone stargazing on top of the roof of yours or jisungs apartment buildings many times; so why did you look so nervous?

“about that,” you leaned against the locker.

“what?” jisung squinted his eyes at you, trying to ignore how angelic you looked in the ugly clothes you called your school uniform.

“it’s in the woods…” you told him hesitantly.

“what?!” the boy in front of you said loudly, gaining some annoyed looks from your fellow students.

“yeah…”

“you wanna go stargazing in the woods? like at night time? in the woods?!”

“sung, please, it’s for art class and i don’t wanna do it alone,” you begged, pouting slightly.

“why are you going stargazing for art class?”

“we’re have a space theme and i wanna do something with stars and star signs,” you explained, the pout still on your face.

“so….you want me..to go with you…into the forest…in the middle of the night?”

“…..yes, basically,”

you and jisung stared at each other for a couple of seconds, you with a pleading look on your face, and jisung with a look that said ‘i would rather die’

“jisung, please,” you took his arm and shook it, doing it in an overly cute way, “i really don’t want to do it alone,”

jisung groaned, after looking into your eyes, “fine, i’ll go with you,” he gave in.

your face lit up, “thank you, thank you, thank you! i’ll text you the details later—or soon probably, okay?” you said, walking backwards, towards your next class.

jisung nodded with a smile, his eyes staying on you even after you turned around and ran down the crowded hall.

he let out a small sigh, banging his head into his locker.

jisung didn’t notice felix walk up to him and stare in curiosity.

felix blinked at the barely older boy, who’s as busy giving himself brain damage.

“are you okay, jisung?” felix asked in a light tone.

“i’m going into a dark forest with (name); i am going to die,”

“yikes,”

“i know! how am i gonna survive?!” jisung kept banging his head against the locker.

“well firstly, stop giving yourself brain damage,” felix put a hand on jisungs shoulder, stopping him, “and secondly what is it that makes you think you’re going to die? is it going in a dark forest or being alone with (name) in a dark forest?”

the teasing smile on felix’s face made jisung want to punch him.

“shut up,” he murmured, turning around and walking to his next class, ignoring his burning cheeks.

felix followed his friend, laughing happily at his friend.

as the two boys were walking to class when jisungs phone buzzed.

from (name)!!: saturday at six?? we can get something to eat on the way!! ^_^

to (name)!!: do i have to go :((

from (name)!!: yes >:( you already said yes you can’t take it back >:((

to (name)!!: :((

to (name)!!: saturday at 6 is fine

from (name)!!: great!! i’ll come by and pick you up

from (name)!!: pack some blankets!!!!!!!

to (name)!!: okay!!!!!

from (name)!!: !!!!!!!!!!

jisung smiled subconsciously at his phone, earning a eyebrow wiggle from felix.

jisung choose to ignore the eyebrow wiggle from his friend and his red cheeks, and instead picked up his walking speed.

“han jisung!” you shouted from outside, ring the doorbell again and again, annoying jisung to no end.

jisung nearly ripped the door off its hinges, “what?!”

“are you ready to go?” you smiled, blissfully ignoring his glare.

“yes, just let me get my bag,”

“did you remember the blankets?”

“what do you think i packed,”

“just making sure,”

jisung quickly grabbed his bag and shut the door behind him.

when you got to your car, both of you got in and put on your seatbelts.

“oh! did you remember gloves?” you asked him.

“i won’t need gloves,”

“sung, it’s gonna be really cold,”

“i won’t need gloves,” he repeated.

“…okay, whatever you say,”

you drove for half an hour before stopping at a random diner.

jisung ordered for the both of you as you found a booth to sit in.

he sat down in front of you with a small groan, “can we go home now?”

“no, jisung,” you rolled your eyes with a giggle, “you promised you were gonna come with me,”

“i didn’t promise shit,”

you chuckled, “okay, no, you didn’t promise, but you said you were gonna come, so you can’t back out,” you pointed your finger at him,

“fine,”

a waiter came with your food and drinks, and the two of you began to eat.

jisung finished his food before you, and opted to watch you stuff your face with food.

he smiled amused at the sight of your full cheeks.

“what?” you asked, mouth still full.

jisung shook his head, still smiling, “nothing, you just,” he leaned over the table to poke your cheek, “look so cute,”

you glared at him, but it didn’t do much, if anything it just made his smile wider.

he leaned back in his seat, still smiling.

his eyes fell on your backpack.

he pulled it over the table and opened it, pulling out a book about stars and constellations.

he flipped it open onto a random page, “who the fuck is orion?”

you snorted, stealing a sip of jisungs strawberry milkshake.

jisung kept looking in the book, putting it back when you were done with your food.

after saying goodbye to the waiter, you were back on the road.

“i thought we were going to the forest” jisung commented.

“i lied. we’re going to the field,” you parked the car and got out, waiting for jisung to do the same thing.

jisung threw you your bag and followed you into the open field.

the moon was bright and full, the stars were shining brightly, the air was cold, and everything was perfect.

you looked up at the stars in amazement, hands curled into fists inside your jacket pocket, trying to keep them warm.

the cold air biting your cheeks, you ignored it blissfully, choosing to focus on the beautiful night sky.

jisung, on the other hand, was too busy trying not to freeze to death, to notice the sky. he was slightly (read: very) scared something was gonna come out from the woods and kill you both.

“isn’t it beautiful?” you asked mindlessly, not looking at your distressed best friends.

“sure,” jisung replied, not actually looking up.

you finally pulled your attention away from the clear sky and to your best friend, noticing how he was looking around him and not up, “you’re not looking,” you whined, walking closer to him.

jisung looked at you, “it’s scary out here,”

“no, it’s not, you’re just a coward,”

“maybe so,” he admitted, curling his hands into fists, “but it is scary,”

you shook your head, “that’s because you’re not looking up,” you put two fingers under his chin, tilting his head up towards the sky.

“wow,” he breathed out, amazed by the amount of stars, “it’s beautiful,” he stood star stuck, eyes fixated on the many stars.

you grinned, returning your hand into your pocket, “would it be too cheesy to say ‘like you’?”

jisung looked at you again, scrunching up his nose, “yes. especially since we’re not dating,”

“just because we’re not dating doesn’t mean i can’t appreciate your beauty,”

“(name),” he groaned, “you’re too much sometimes,” his cheeks were red and hot, but he didn’t bother hide them, since you couldn’t see their color anyways.

“too much or not enough?” you teased, taking small steps closer to him.

jisung rolled his eyes, heart beating out of his chest.

“are you cold?” you asked.

jisung rarely hated himself but he did in this moment, hating himself for not bringing gloves.

his hands were freezing and he felt like his cheeks could fall of at any moment.

but he wouldn’t admit that to you; you told him to bring gloves, saying it would be cold, but he didn’t listen.

“what? no. i’m fine,”

“sung, you’re shaking,”

“shaking with excitement maybe,” he tried to joke, hitting your arm with his.

“what would you excited about?” you took a step closer to him, teasing him.

jisung sucked in a sharp breath when you stepped closer to him, “…i’m just so excited to be here with you!” he laughed nervously.

“and you say i’m cheesy,” you rolled your eyes and shook your head, a subtle grin on your face.

you knew he was lying but didn’t press on it.

the two of you fell silent, observing the many stars above you.

well, you were observing the stars, jisung, on the other hand, was too busy looking at you, and the stars in your eyes.

he was completely mesmerized by you, and found it hard to look away.

he let out a shaky breath, trying not to think about how close you were.

if he just moved his hand a bit, it could be in yours.

now that he thought about it, his hand would fit perfectly in yours.

it did fit perfectly

you had held hands before, mostly for a short period of time and usually when you had to walk through big crowds, but it never failed to make jisung’s heart race.

“i’m in love with you,” jisung blurted out, quickly slapping his hand over his mouth afterwards.

“what?”

“nothing,” his voice cracked, “nothing at all,”

“no, you said you were in love with me,” you looked at him carefully, watching him stammering something that sounded like an apology.

“jisung?” you began carefully, taking one of his hands.

“yes?” his voice was squeaky and if it had been a different situation, you would’ve made fun of him.

“are you in love with me?”

“maybe…”

you smiled softly, “jisung,”

“yes?”

“i’m in love with you too,”

jisungs eyes widened, “really? like seriously? me? you’re in love with me? han jisu-”

you cut off jisung and his never ending talking with a kiss on the cheek, “yes. i am in love with you, han jisung, no one else,”

jisung began to smile widely, he even let out a few giggles.

he hid his red face in his hands, still giggling, making you giggle as well.

“hey, jisung?” you said, still giggling.

“yeah?” his voice broke, making you giggle again.

“do you wanna be my boyfriend?”

jisung looked up from his hands, “you want me to be your boyfriend?”

the smile on his face prevented you from giving him a sarcastic response.

“hmm,” you confirmed.

jisung smiled and laughed in disbelief.

he’s liked you for so long, and dreamt about getting to be your boyfriend, so this felt like a dream.

he stammered out something that sounded like a yes.

you chuckled, “is that a yes?”

“yea- i- yes, i want to be your boyfriend,” he breathed out.

“good,” you smiled cheekily, “or else this would be slightly awkward,”

jisung didn’t—couldn’t—say anything.

he was too amazed and caught up in the feeling of relief.

you actually liked him! you like him! han jisung! he is your boyfriend! the person who’s gonna make you feel happy and safe!

he could kiss you! he could hug you and hold your hand whenever he wanted!

“sung?” you snapped your, now, cold fingers in front of his face, effectively bringing him out of his daze

“what? what?”

“are you okay? you seem distracted,”

jisung looked into your eyes, “just cold,”

he took your hand and held it in his, squeezing it tightly, “trust me, i’m okay,”

“okay,” you smiled at the feeling of your hand in his, “let’s get to drawing,”

jisung pulled out the blanket from his backpack and laid it out on the damp grass.

you sat down crossed legged, pulling out your note/sketchbook and a pencil.

jisung sat down beside you, lying back so he could look at the stars.

his gaze moved to you and watched you as you doodled some star related stuff (he didn’t know what exactly).

despite how cold it was, you looked relaxed and content.

jisung sat back up, pulling out another blanket.

he pulled one end around his shoulders and the other around yours, to get you both some warmth (your coats didn’t do much anymore).

“thank you,” you muttered, looking up at the stars again before looking back down into your book.

“(name),” jisung called suddenly.

he was afraid of breaking the peacefulness.

“yeah?”

jisung knew his voice was gonna  shake, but he took the chance, “did you mean it?”

“mean what, sung?” you broke your attention away from your drawings and to your, now, boyfriend.

“did you mean it? am i really your boyfriend?”

you looked him over carefully, “of course i did. why wouldn’t i?”

“you just…i don’t know..”

“jisung,” you moved your hand to his cheek, making sure he was looking at you, “i meant it. i love you. i really do,” the corners of your mouth tugged upwards a little bit.

“i love you too,” jisung said lowly, “thank you,”

you smiled at him, removing your hand from his cheek.

your smile made jisung’s heart speed up (like it usually did).

you picked up your pencil again and began sketching.

jisung sighed happily, looking up at the many stars.

he recognized three stars in a row, from one of your books about stars.

“that’s orion’s belt,” he stated proudly, pointing towards three stars.

“terrible joke. three stars,” you said in a monotone, absentmindedly.

jisung snickered at your pun, shaking his head.

he leaned in a left a kiss on your forehead, “you’re terrible,”

[santoteez]

A Manhattan Tale - Seonghwa (3)

Parts: 3 of ?

Masterlist HERE

Genre: Chef!Seonghwa, FormerDrugdealer!Seonghwa, FormerKingpin!Hongjoong, Bad boy/ Good Girl kinda??

Warnings: Love interest is a Black Female, sexual thoughts, swearing, eventual smut, fluff, a large portion of this chapter is a tea party orchestrated by a 6-year-old (idk lol) 

Requested: yes

NOTE: This fic does NOT, in any way, shape, or form, portray the way I view any member of Ateez nor does it depict their true personalities or actions. This AU is just that. An AU.

Seonghwa arrived back to Hongjoong’s and practically dragged Zelie in.

He banged on the door. “HJ, it’s me!”

Hongjoong opened the door immediately. “What’s wrong? Holy shit, what happened to you?” He asked when he saw Zelie. “Come in. Hurry. Did anyone see you drive over here?”

“Nah. By the time we left, whoever ambushed us was long gone. I was driving Zelie home. I was making sure she was home safe when she was grazed by a bullet. I covered her the best I could until I heard the car speeding away. I didn’t see who it was.” Seonghwa said, stepping into the apartment behind Zelie.

Hongjoong sighed. “This is worse than we thought. Well, Zelie, you’ll be safe here. I’ll have Santana take a look at your arm. She’s a licensed EMT, which isn’t the best of medical help, but it’s the best we can do to avoid questions.”

Zelie nodded as Hongjoong called for Santana. She came out of the room. “Hi, Zelie. You work at the restaurant, right? Come with me, let’s see what we can do about that arm.” She said, whisking her away.

“The restaurant. I knew she looked familiar. Is that the one that’s always picking on you?” Hongjoong asked.

Seonghwa nodded. “My personal pain in the ass.”

“That means it’s not just us they’re after. It’s everyone around us. All her teasing and the fact you drove her home must’ve led them to believe that she’s your girl. Old trick. Everyone knows a hustler is the most vulnerable at his ol’ lady’s house.”

“Has Lil Mike said anything yet? We need to know what the fuck these people want.”

“Nothing yet. He’ll probably have intel by morning. Right now, it’s best you both stay here. I’ll fix the guest room for you. One thing’s for sure. Zelie can’t go home for now. She’ll have to stay with you.”

“Stay with WHO?” Seonghwa’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

“You heard me. She just as much in danger as you are. She could’ve gotten shot today. All for being with you. I’m sure she’ll fit in your bachelor pad, at least for a little while.”

Seonghwa sighed. “I hate saying this, but you’re right. I’ll do it.”

Soojin walked up to Seonghwa, tugging on his hand.

“What are you doing out of bed, Soojin? I sent you to bed when I got home.” Hongjoong said.

“C’mon Joongie, it’s Friday! And Uncle Hwa said the next time he came over, we’d have our tea party!” Soojin whined, pouting.

Hongjoong sighed. “Well, if Hwa says it’s okay, you can stay up for one more hour.”

Soojin turned to Seonghwa. “Uncle Hwa, please? You promised!”

Seonghwa sighed. As much as he didn’t want to look foolish around Zelie, he could never say no to Soojin. “I did promise. Okay, let’s go.”

On the way to the room, Santana walked out with Zelie, who immediately looked down at Soojin.

“Oh, you are SO cute.” Zelie smiled.

Soojin looked at her a moment, then smiled. “You remind me of Santana, and I like Santana so I think I’ll like you too. Do you want to come to my tea party? Uncle Hwa is coming too!”

Seonghwa’s eyes widened. “Soojin, I don’t think Zelie is feeling too good. She can play another time.” “Actually,” Zelie interrupted, “I’m feeling a lot better thanks to Santana. I can play now!” She smiled at the little girl, who grabbed her hand and dragged the two adults down the hall.

“Soojin, have you been awake all this time?” Seonghwa asked, seeing all the stuffed animals sitting around the tiny pink table.

“I set the tea party up when I heard you come in, just in case Joongie said yes.”

“What were you gonna do if he said no?”

Soojin paused, completely clueless. “I don’t know. Cry?” She shrugged, causing Zelie to laugh.

“Zelie, you’re new. You have to get to know everyone.” She walked around the table, stopping at each toy. “This is Mr. Snuggles. Don’t tell the others but he’s my favorite. This is Buttercup. I named him after the Powerpuff girl because he’s green. This is Sugar. She’s really sweet. Over here we have Lovebug, Santana named her. This is Beary Potter. I don’t why he’s named that but Minjoon said it’s a cool name. Joongie named this one Dopey. This is Mrs. Kisses, but she’s sick today, so you can take her place. And this one next to Uncle Hwa’s chair is Bob.” The little girl said with a smile.

“Bob?” Zeile asked. “Just Bob? Who named that one?”

“Uncle Hwa did!”

Zelie turned to him. “Seriously? You couldn’t put more effort in it?”

Seonghwa furrowed his eyebrows. “Bob is a great name. What’s wrong with Bob?”

Zelie shook her head. “Can we sit now, Soojin? I’m so excited to get started.”

Soojin nodded. “Yes, you can. I’ll get the tea and biscuits!”

Zelie and Seonghwa sat at the table. Soojin reappeared with a pink Mickey Mouse teapot.

“Here’s your tea, Madam Zelie.” She said before leaning in and whispering, “It’s just pretending. I got water from the fridge.”

Zelie smiled. “Thank you, Soojin. I’m sure it’s delicious.”

Soojin walked to the other side of the table. “Uncle Hwa, your tea.”

“Thank you, Sweetie.”

Again, Soojin leaned in. “Uncle Hwa! Don’t call me that!”

Seonghwa frowned. “But I always call you sweetie!”

“Not in front of company.”

He sighed. “Thank you, Soojin.”

Soojin took a seat at the head of the table. “Feel free to grab biscuits. I made them for all my guests.” She gestured to a plate of plastic toy biscuits. “Uncle Hwa, Mr. Snuggles said he’s been waiting to tell you all about the rough day he had at work.”

They all conversed over imaginary tea and biscuits, until Hongjoong came in and put Soojin to bed and made sure she stayed in. Seonghwa and Zelie joined everyone else in the living room.

“Zelie, I know me and you aren’t the same size, and even more so with this bump I got, but I left you some pajamas in the guest room. You can put them on whenever you’re ready to sleep. I made some sandwiches in case you and Seonghwa were hungry. They’re in the microwave.”

“Thanks, Santana,” Zelie said, grabbing the sandwich Seonghwa handed her. “Actually, thanks to all of you. I don’t what would happen to me if Seonghwa wasn’t there, or if I couldn’t stay here. I don’t have many friends here. I’m originally from Seattle.”

“No way, just like I-Carly!” Minjoon said, not looking up from his computer.

Santana gave him a weird look. “Really? So you left all your family behind?” She asked.

She nodded. “What was left of my family, anyway. They’re part of the reason, I moved so far.”

Hongjoong sighed. “Nobody knows how you feel more than the people in this room. Trust me. No one here really has much family either, so you’re welcome to be a part of ours. We’re a weird bunch, but if you can handle working with Seonghwa, you can handle us.” He patted her shoulder.

“You make it sound like I’m a devil,” Seonghwa muttered.

“More like a grumpy teddy bear,” Santana said, making everyone laugh.

“Whatever.” Seonghwa continued eating his sandwich.

They all sat and talked for what felt like forever, until Minjoon dismissed himself, finally finishing his paper and claiming he needed his beauty rest for a date the next day. Santana was nearly falling asleep on the couch, so Hongjoong decided to take her to bed. Then it was just Seonghwa and Zelie.

“Guess we should go to sleep too,” Seonghwa said.

“Does the guest room have two beds?” Zelie asked.

“Shit. It’s only one. You go ahead. I’ll sleep out here.” Seonghwa said.

Hongjoong called out from the hallway. “No you won’t. Santana doesn’t want anyone sleeping on the couch, and you will NOT put me in trouble.”

“So how the fuck you expect us both to sleep in the guest room, dumbass?” Seonghwa said, exasperated.

“I don’t know. Figure it out. Goodnight!” He shut his door.

“Dick,” Seonghwa muttered. “Come on, I’ll just sleep on the floor.”

Zelie followed him to the room. “Wait, it’s a king-size. We can just share it. It’s not like we’ll bump into each other anyway.”

Seonghwa sighed. “Fine. Suit yourself. Let’s just sleep. We both have work tomorrow. There’s a bathroom behind that door. You can change in there.”

Zelie nodded grabbing the pajamas Santana left out for her. She pulled off her jeans and wiggled out of her shirt the best she could without disturbing her bandage. She debated on removing her bra. She never slept with it on, but then again she never shares a bed with a guy she’s been attracted to since culinary school.

“Fuck it.” She said to herself. Like she said, it’s not like they were gonna be next to each other. It’s a big bed. She removed her bra, sighing in relief. She put on the shorts and tank top before grabbing her clothes and heading back into the room.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw Seonghwa standing there in just his boxers.

“Jesus!” She exclaimed, causing him to look up from his phone. “Is that how you’re gonna sleep?”

He shrugged. “HJ is shorter than me and Minjoon is built like hulk so neither of their clothes fit me. It’s one night and it’s not like I’m touching you, right?”

“Right.” Zelie said.

“I’m waiting for you to lay down so I can turn off the light. “Seonghwa said when Zelie didn’t move.

“Oh. Sorry.” Zelie said, setting her clothes down on the nightstand, along with her phone. She got under the covers, laying her head on the pillow when Seonghwa turned the light off.

“Seonghwa?” She said after he laid down.

“Yes?”

“Goodnight.” She said.

An awkward silence ensued. “Goodnight, Zelie.” He said finally.

When Seonghwa woke up, he felt a strange, familiar sensation. There was a warmth radiating against his body and a…discomfort in his lower region. He opened his eyes slowly, shocked to find Zelie with her backside flush against his front. Somehow they both made it to the middle of the bed, where they met. The sheets were falling off Zelie’s body, revealing her slender, brown legs. Seonghwa cursed at how good she looked in the shorts. His thoughts did nothing to help his situation. He jumped up from the bed and into the bathroom.

While washing his face, he heard a knock.

“Seonghwa, you okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah, everything’s fine.” He turned around in a panic, hitting the wall toe first.

“Fuck!” He exclaimed.

“Seonghwa? What happened?”

“I’m fine, I just hit my toe. Don’t worry.”

“Let me see.” Seonghwa freaked out as he saw the doorknob turn.

“NO! I mean, it’s really fine.”

“It can get swollen, Seonghwa! We work on our feet.”

“It’s fine, I’m getting into the shower anyway. That’s why I’m saying not to worry. It’ll be after I get out.”

“Oh,” Zelie said, eyes widening at the thought of him in the shower. She shook the thoughts away. “I’ll wait for you in the living room, then.”

Seonghwa calmed down as he heard her footsteps retreating. He took a long, cold shower. He walked out of the bathroom in a towel, drying his hair with a smaller one. He walked into the room, not realizing that Zelie was in there.

He pulled the towel from his head and turned around, jumping when he saw the curly-headed girl in the corner, paralyzed.

“SHIT!” He exclaimed, the towel slipping as Seonghwa made a pathetic attempt to pick it up.

“Oh my God!” Zelie shouted, turning around.

“Zelie, you said you would wait in the LIVING ROOM.”

“I came back for my phone.”

“Just please let me get dressed.”

“Sorry. Leaving.” She walked out, looking at the floor.

“What was that about?” Hongjoong asked when Seonghwa popped up in the living room.

“Don’t do that. It’s been a long morning.” Seonghwa said.

“It’s 9:30 am.” Santana pointed out.

“My statement still stands.” He grumbled.

Hongjoong chuckled. “How did you sleep last night?” He asked, causing Santana to laugh as well.

Seonghwa looked at the pair. “Did you two go in there while we were asleep like a pair of stalkers?”

“It’s not stalking if it’s in your own house! You’re just mad because you act all cold towards her but you had her all wrapped up in your arms like this!” She walked over to Hongjoong, who wrapped his arms around her, mocking Seonghwa.

“You two are full of shit.” He narrowed his eyes at the couple.

Zelie resurfaced, freshly showered and changed. “What’s going on?” She asked.

“We’re leaving. We have to head to your place to get your things.” Seonghwa said.

“And then what?” Zelie followed him out.

“We go to my place.” He said.

They made the drive over to Zelie’s building, where the door was wide open.

“Didn’t you close the door last night?” Zelie asked, frightened.

“I did. Stay behind me.” Seonghwa said. Together, they walked into the apartment, which looked worse than it did last night. Decorations shattered, curtains tattered, furniture astray.

“Oh my God. My house.” Zelie said, in a small voice.

Seonghwa sighed. He had nothing to do with this destruction, nor did he have control over it, but the guilt of Zelie getting caught in the crossfire was eating him up inside.

They made it to her bedroom, which was surprisingly not trashed, except for the words “Time’s Up, Dragon” written across the wall.

“‘Dragon?’ I don’t understand. Do they mean the restaurant?” Zelie asked.

“No,” Seonghwa sighed, defeated. “They’re talking about me. Zelie, there’s a lot you’re gonna need to know.”

Stephie here! I know this is moving a bit slower than the Hongjoong AU, but I don’t want it to be like 3 chapters, so I’m stretching it out just a bit. There will be more clarity in the next chapter!

[santoteez]

A Manhattan Tale - Seonghwa (4)

Parts: 4 of ?

Masterlist HERE

Genre: Chef!Seonghwa, FormerDrugdealer!Seonghwa, FormerKingpin!Hongjoong, Bad boy/ Good Girl kinda??

Warnings: Love interest is a Black Female, sexual contact (kissing and stuff), swearing, eventual smut, mentions of abandonment (kinda)

Requested: yes

NOTE: This fic does NOT, in any way, shape, or form, portray the way I view any member of Ateez nor does it depict their true personalities or actions. This AU is just that. An AU. All family members are FICTIONAL.

They walked into Seonghwa’s studio apartment after retrieving Zelie’s things. The curly-haired girl looked around before setting her bag down. Seonghwa’s place wasn’t much, but it was home. A full-sized bed in one corner, with menu drafts and a laptop on the nightstand. The other side was the kitchen/ dining area, where clean pots and pans sat atop of the stove, and a set of knives tucked away on the marble countertop. Along the one was a small, black leather couch.

“I know it’s not as nice as your place is. Or…was.” Seonghwa said, his footsteps resonating on the hardwood floor.

Zelie shook her head. “No! This is a great place!”

Seonghwa chuckled. “I know you’re just saying that, but thanks.”

“I’m serious. It’s great because it’s yours. You took an empty space and made it a home. Even if it was a cardboard box, you should be proud.”

Seonghwa sighed. “I said I was going to explain the situation to you when we got here. Have a seat.”

Zelie sat down on the bed. “You look like you’re sweating. Maybe we should turn the air on?”

Seonghwa shook his head. “I’m fine. I just haven’t acknowledged this part of my past in a long time.” He sighed. “It started when I was 17. I had recently graduated high school. I didn’t want to go to med school and become a doctor like everyone in my family. My parents were furious when they found out I wanted to go to culinary school. Said I should be more like my older sister. The great Dr. Minseo Park. When they found out I was enrolled in culinary school, they kicked me out. Said to find my own way to put myself through school. I ended up on the streets, didn’t even bother to show up to class. With what money? Supplies? I pickpocketed, attended soup kitchens, did what I could to survive. But it wasn’t enough. My health was deteriorating, and despite the free food, I still starved. So, I swallowed my pride and when in search of my sister.”

Zelie frowned. “That’s a lot to handle at that age. Did she help you?”

Seonghwa scoffed. “Like hell she did. She saw me from the glass door outside her private practice and sent her receptionist to escort me out. I broke down in tears. Begged her for help. A dollar for a slice of pizza, anything. She told me enrolling in med school would help. That my parents might take me back in. But that she couldn’t help me. I couldn’t stay with her and her snooty ass husband. Told me to leave. That I was disturbing her patients.” Seonghwa rubbed his knuckles, remembering the ordeal.

“But you managed to make it through culinary school. You’ve made a whole life for yourself. How did you do it?” Zelie tilted her head in confusion.

“That’s the part I’ve been afraid to tell you. One night, I was wandering around the streets. Starving. Filthy. I was dizzy from lack of food, and I bumped into this man. He told me to watch where I was going. I told him to fuck off. So the guy that was walking with him whipped a gun out and pointed it to my face. I was terrified, but I refused to flinch or let it show. Man said ‘Look at that, boss. He ain’t flinchin or nothin.’ The man asked me what I was doing on the streets, I said I was hungry and needed a shower. He said his name was Big Ross, and that he could help me.”

“Isn’t Big Ross that kingpin that disappeared off the face of the earth a couple years ago?” Zelie asked.

Seonghwa nodded. “He took me to Subway, bought me a sandwich. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a good meal. I dogged that shit immediately. Big Ross said, ‘If you work for me, you can have that and more.’”

“Woah, wait. So, you…?”

“Yup. He brought me back to his warehouse, gave me some clothes and let me shower. Said he saw something in me he needed on his team. He took me under his wing, showed me the ropes. I learned how to make product. Sell it. A couple months later, another guy came in, and we became close. Like the brother I never had.”

“Something tells me that’s the guy I met last night. HJ?”

“Beauty and brains. That’s him. I won’t get into every little detail, but he was appointed kingpin when Big Ross left, and during an errand, he got caught up in some shit. They had him up in Sing Sing for something he didn’t do. The problem is this: Someone has it in for us. We don’t know who or why. A customer came in yesterday, questioned why I wasn’t arrested for my involvement. How did I avoid jail time, and what would the city think if they found out my restaurant was bought with dirty money.”

“Dirty money? So you mean you bought a restaurant with drug dealer money which probably wasn’t in circulation for years?”

“Mhm.”

Zelie shook her head. “As cute as you are, you sure are dumb. I still don’t get where I come in.”

“HJ and I believe that it’s more than just us they’re after. It’s everyone around us. Friends, loved ones. HJ received a threat regarding Santana and their baby. My best guess is that I was unknowingly being followed when I saw you on the street. When they saw me drop you off and walk you in, they must’ve assumed you were my girl or something. Old drug dealer trick.”

She nodded. “A hustler is most vulnerable around his woman.” She sighed. “Well, how do you plan on fixing all this? Not to complain, but I can’t just hide here forever. Won’t me being here cause your house to be targeted too?”

“Nah. HJ received a threat written on a rock left on his doorstep. Whoever it is, they’re smart enough to not enter our actual houses. That’s another thing Big Ross taught me. Always meet in a neutral place. Meeting in one’s home makes the other vulnerable. Plus, HJ and I already spoke to an old friend, who’s gathering intel.”

“An old friend that’s still in the business?”

“Yes.”

“Aren’t you afraid this will just drag you right back in?”

He shrugged. “Honestly, I’m afraid this is always gonna be my life. I thought I could run from it; forget it ever happened. Three years later, this shit happens. Maybe this is just destined to follow me no matter what. And that’s why I’m so cold with people. I’m a bad person. I only bring toxicity wherever I go. That’s why I don’t want to get close to you. And you should stop trying too.”

Zelie stood up, walking over to where Seonghwa stood. “Seonghwa. If I may, and excuse my French, tell you why that is absolute bullshit. First off, I’m a grown-ass woman. I will associate myself with whoever I feel like it. Two, you have to stop putting yourself down. You are not a bad person. I was just a student fresh out of culinary school, no experience and you were willing to give me a chance. I fucked up time and time again and even when you could’ve fired me, you didn’t. You said ‘Fire up the grill. Try it again.’ And let me tell you, bad people don’t sponsor soup kitchens and donate the end of the day servings to homeless shelters. Your story makes so much more sense now. You know what it’s like to go without, so you want to help those who have none. If anything, I like you even more than before.” She reached up to cup his face, causing him to flinch slightly. “You’re just a work in progress, that’s all.”

Seonghwa looked deep into her eyes. He saw sincerity. Honesty, and compassion. Before he could realize, he was leaning in.

Zelie was taken aback when their lips met, but she recovered quickly, kissing him back passionately. Her hands moved from his face to the back of his neck, tugging his hair lightly. Seonghwa groaned, his hands grabbing onto her waist and pulling her closer. He hadn’t felt this way in forever. He lowered his hands to her ass, deepening the kiss.

Just as Zelie’s hands crept further into his hair, Seonghwa’s phone rang. The pair jumped apart, startled not only by the phone call but by their actions.

“Shit. Sorry. I-, sorry.” Seonghwa said, fishing into his pocket. He checked the caller ID. “It’s HJ.” He said, confused. “Didn’t we just leave?”

“Then it must be important. Answer it.” Zelie said, still catching her breath.

“Hello. Slow down, I can’t understand a word you’re saying. Wait, what? By who? Where are they taking him? Fuck. Shit. Okay, okay. We’re on our way. Just hang on.” He hung up, running his hands through his hair. “C’mon Zelie.” He said, frantically rushing out of the room.

“Where are we going?” Zelie asked, right behind him.

“The hospital. It’s Minjoon.”

Stephie here! Just a quick update until I can write again, which will probably be in 2 days or so. I know I’m still dragging it out but it’ll all make sense next chapter so please please bare with me!