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amor-immortalem · 3 years

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Can I Stay Up Here With You Forever ch.4

Taglist: @mediocredetective

Warnings: Mentions of past child abuse and neglect

“So, what’s the plan for today? Or are we jus’ stayin’ home all day?” Mammon asks as he lugs the suitcase he brought with him into the bedroom and opened some dresser drawers to put his clothes away.

“I figured we could go out and explore more of the city together. Plus, I want to get a few more pieces of furniture to fill out the house.” Arella runs a hand through her hair as she stretches. “Breakfast was great, by the way. Thank you.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t that good- not compared to last night’s dinner anyway...”

“Don’t put yourself down like that, Honey.” The human gets off the bed to hunt for some clothes of her own. “You’re cooking is good, okay?”

He nods slowly. “Not if you ask my brothers though... One of ‘em always has something ta say ‘bout it- and none of its good. Even Beel has complaints sometimes.”

She frowns in response. “Well, I’ll have you know I genuinely enjoy your cooking. I wouldn’t mind if you cooked for us more often.”

Another nod from the demon as he returns to his task of emptying out his suitcase and Arella continues her search for the perfect outfit.

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“Where is he, Solomon,” The Avatar of Pride questions the sorcerer as he stands in the foyer of Purgatory Hall.

“I’ve already told you, Lucifer.” Solomon replies with a smile on his face. “I don’t exactly know. The human world is the best answer I can give you.”

The demon studies the human for a moment to deduce whether or not he’s lying about know where Mammon is. “Where in the human world?”

“I don’t know. Arella wouldn’t tell me where exactly she was summoning him to.” It’s a tiny lie. Of course, he knew exactly where they were, but Lucifer didn’t need to know that. “I have no reason to lie to you, Lucifer, but why exactly is it that you want to find your brother so badly?”

“I want to... apologize for my actions. It seems, after further review of the situation, that I was wrong. The bill I received was full of fraudulent charges to his credit card. Does that change your answer?” The first-born narrows his eye as the silver-haired sorcerer shook his head. “Then I’ll be off. If you hear anything, I want to be the first to hear about it.

Solomon only nodded, an amused smile playing on his lips. He wondered just how long it would take the demon to pinpoint Mammon and Arella’s location.

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They bounced from shop to shop throughout the day finding many cute trinkets and knick-knacks on their journey. The cutest ones- and Mammon’s personal favorite- was a set of crows sitting on a tree branch together, their bodies turned away with their heads pressed together so that they formed the shape of a heart. He instantly picked it up after Arella made the comment that the crows were representative of them and their love.

As their small shopping spree came down to an end, they had stopped to take a break in a park, just taking a moment to rest and enjoy the beautiful day. It filled Mammon with a warm feeling he wasn’t quite sure he could name just yet so he just opted to hold her hand as they relaxed on the park bench as a few small families played nearby.

His attention in particular was pulled to one certain family: A mother and father with their three boys. Watching them drug up a desire he thought he’d never have.

“Hey, babe,” He starts quietly.

“Yes, Love?” she hums in response.

“Do... Do ya want kids...?”

“Do you?” Arella replies with a question of her own, green eyes peering up at the demon.

“I asked you first.”

With a chuckle she answers, “Yes... having children with you wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. I’d love to one day down the road. How many do you want?”

“Just one would be good enough,” He smiles, resting his cheek against the top of her head as they sit there in peace for a while longer.

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Sitting in his office, attempting to keep his mind off Mammon, Lucifer was working on his ever-growing stack of paperwork. It wasn’t working and something in the back of the demon’s mind was gnawing at him. Something Arella had said to him roughly a month ago about stealing his brother away to the human realm and never returning. A laughable idea for as much as he knew she wasn’t joking; she really held no power to make that decision. Mammon was a demon- one of the seven lords of hell. His place was here in the Devildom whether she liked it or not. Mammon himself had to realize this was all pointless eventually and then he would come home and that would be the end of it. Or at least that’s what Lucifer hoped anyway. He really didn’t want to have to drag his brother back here kicking and screaming.

Stepping away from the old, worn-out desk, the eldest decides a break for tea and a phone call might do better to take his mind of things for the time being.

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Putting up her dusty old tomes on various mythologies of the ancient past, Aubrie could just barely hear the phone. Hopping down off the ladder, the mythologist swiped up the device- a gift from the only demon in her contacts. He was lucky she didn’t have it turned off like she usually did while she was working.

“Good evening, Lucifer,” Holding the shiny D.D.D. to her ear, she answered with a chirp. “To what do I owe the honor?”

“Good evening, Aubrie.” Lucifer’s voice is smooth as silk and Aubrie has to wonder if he just naturally talks like that or he was using that ‘seductive speechcraft’ Arella had mentioned some time ago to get whatever it was that he wanted from their conversation. “Have you spoken to Arella recently?”

“I have. You know she just moved from England, right?” The ginger chirps. “I texted with her this morning to see how it went.”

“Actually, I didn’t.” The Avatar of Pride hummed as he sipped on his tea. “That’s interesting. Where abouts did she move?”

“I wish I knew. The best I can say is somewhere in mainland Europe,” Aubrie lets out a sigh. “I want to go visit her. I can’t imagine how lonely it is to move to an entirely different country where you’re alone- although for Arella that’s pretty on character...”

“She does seem independent,” Lucifer hums, “I’m sure she’ll be fine. Actually, that’s part of the reason I called. I’m sure she told you that my brother’s with her when you spoke earlier... I need her to send him back. He can’t be missing so much school- his grades are already abysmal to begin with and the longer she keeps him up there, the worse they’ll get. Plus, I have things I need to talk with him about.”

“She's worried about his safety with you, Lucifer. Apparently, you broke his elbow somehow? Or something to that effect.”

“I didn’t break his elbow. No, he did that on his own by falling on it, but my actions helped lead to it so I have some blame in it.” The black-haired demon sighs, “That’s why I’m looking for them. I want to apologize to Mammon- he didn’t exactly deserve what I did that led up to him breaking his elbow.”

The human nods at that. “And here I thought you would be too proud to apologize.” She teased.

“If it were anyone other than my brothers, maybe.” He admits. “But in their own way, each of my brothers are important to me. We’ve been together for eons. Losing a single one of them would be devastating to our family, Aubrie. Like right now, the house has been too quiet and dark since Mammon left for the human realm. Things aren’t right until he comes home.”

“I see, but if you knew your brother would be happier up here in the human world with Arella... would you let him go?”

“I can’t- and it's not because I don’t want him to be happy, quite the opposite, actually- if we were not of such high rank and standing, then I would be content to allow Mammon to follow what makes him happy- whether that be here in the Devildom or up in the human world to allow him to live amongst the humans.”

“What do you mean?”

“I'm sure Arella has told you about our rank here in the devildom. We’re each to rule over a layer of Hell once we leave RAD in a few years. Mammon has a responsibility to the Devildom as Lord of the Fourth Layer. It's not a thing that he can just leave behind in favor of spending the rest of his human’s minimal lifespan up in the mortal realm.”

“You could be less harsh on him though. I know our morals on what is wrong and right are different and it’s foolish for us to force our morals on to literal demons from some of the stories she mentions about the way you all treat your brother... Well, it sounds like abuse to me and for someone like Arella, that’s very triggering for her.”

“What do you mean by that?” Lucifer’s interest was piqued at the human’s words. He knew next to nothing about Arella’s past before the exchange program and she never talks about her past to begin with so having the opportunity to hear about it was enticing to the Avatar of Pride.

“Her home life when we were children was... less than happy. Her mother was physically, emotionally, and verbally abusive as well as neglectful. I have plenty of pictures from when we were children where she’s covered in bruises, black eyes, busted lips. She would never say anything against her mother so protective services couldn’t do anything for her, but we all knew that woman was the cause of them. So you see, the way you treat your brother drudges up all that old trauma for her and that’s why she behaves the way she does. Wouldn’t you do the same thing if you were in her shoes, Lucifer?”

“You’re not wrong.” He goes to take another sip of his tea but the cup is empty. “This was nice and also very insightful. I have to go now, enjoy the rest of your evening, Aubrie.”

“Thank you, Love. You too. Make sure to go to bed a reasonable time tonight.” There was a short pause on her end before Aubrie began sputtering apologies and trying to back pedal her way out of that embarrassing situation and the line eventually just cut off.

Lucifer couldn’t help but laugh softly at the ridiculousness of it all. Humans sure were a funny creature.

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#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me swd #obey me! shall we date?#obey me fluff #obey me mammon #mammon fluff #obey me lucifer #obey me solomon #obey me oc #arella #aubrie

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blacksunscorpio · 4 years

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Lunae Plenae Aries

Full moon in Aries, tomorrow, October 1st stargazers. Perhaps you’ve been feeling the effects already. The moon will be conjunct Chiron meaning, on top of all the feels all that Martian energy brings, you’ll be feeling even more with the contact it’s making to the minor planet. Aries is fire and fire is life. It’s pure cardinal energy. In its purest form, said energy shoots from the hip, charges full steam ahead first and asks questions later. In addition, Mars retrograde in Aries is still going on forming a square to Saturn in Capricorn. It’s important to be gentle with yourself and others right now. The Sun is in Libra so do not forget to give yourself grace. Again, Chiron is in the mix but Chiron is a healer, teacher and mentor. Chiron is literally the coach of countless mythic heroes. Let his energy coach you and show you where old triggers are stemming from. This is very intense energy but this too shall pass.

What to expect during this lunation

Old wounds resurfacing

Fears

Pain

Compulsive tendencies

Resentment

Aggression

Spike in libido [horniness]

Jealousy

Feelings of restriction

Disagreements with Authority

Wanting to break free from old structures

Look specifically where Aries lands in your chart for indicators on where this energy will manifest the most. For further illustration:

How to Handle This Energy Through the Signs

Aries

The full moon is happening in your sign, Rams. Emotions will be more amplified for you. Try not to lose control, even though personal tension and disagreements in love, work, or family relationships can leave you feeling wiped out and even drained. Honor your needs, first so as to avoid feeling guilt and frustration over others. Share love of course but you can’t take care of others if you don’t look out for yourself, first. If you have to take a mental day, do so. Some solitude could be good for you. incorporate some quiet meditation, reading, catching up on projects you may have neglected. Hikes in nature. All this can help you combat the intensity you’ll be feeling.

Taurus

Let go and live, Taurus. Things from the past may be bothering you but they’re in the past for a reason. As a fixed sign, it may be hard for you to let go but what has happened has shaped and molded you for a reason. Private emotional tension is rising like bile for you- all stemming from the subconscious. This can cause you to feel like you’re butting heads with others- particularly those in positions of authority. Feel it but don’t let it over-take you. Work on your creative passions. Try and compose a new song, cook a new dish, bake something- get your hands dirty. Create a vision board to compartmentalize things.

Gemini

Using your voice is something that comes naturally to you- jus take care to chose your words wisely. Some things are better left unsaid. Sometimes silence is better than having the last word. Though it may be hard and something that causes you discomfort, you’ll come out of this feeling reshaped and better moving forward. Take a little break from social media if you must- you may be more prone to feisty disagreements with people in circle: colleagues, friends, or even followers. Write your thoughts down in a journal or simply save them in a draft so you can review them later.

Cancer

Full moon wants you to focus on completion, Cancer. Are there details you’ve been avoiding? Time to chop them up and hash them out [for yourself]. You have to complete things so you can fully move forward into the new. Aries is a fellow cardinal sign so it will be nudging you to embrace your natural vibe/modality. You’ll want to break free and start something without the restrictions of authority whom you may be combating now. Just remember you’re still a sensitive soul and confrontations can be draining. Take time to not give too much of your energy to others. Remember though you’re cardinal, you are water. Spend some time near [the element] if you can. Take a bath once you’re done completing things you’ve put off. Don’t engage in things that don’t concern you.

Leo

You need to trust your heart. You may be triggered in love or love may be in the air. Just remember, love isn’t always about another person but can completely be about YOU. Self love is a thing, you know. You need to embrace that. Don’t allow yourself to try to appease others too much during this lunation. People feel that because of your regal energy, you’re already full of it but you know where you struggle. Though you might find yourself the center of attention, the full moon is affecting your ego, personal beliefs or point of view- it could may rub others the wrong way. Don’t allow yourself to feel too insecure, and if you do, take some time to relax, do some throat chakra work which may be getting affected now. You’ll be thankful later.

Virgo

Virgo, your attention to detail is finding a lot of balance now. Don’t lose momentum. You’re capable of everything, just keep your eye on the prize. Though right now, a few issues in the financial sector or even contract negotiations may be causing some unwelcome stress, don’t let these aggravations cause you to become ruthless with your words. Don’t let it effect your self-worth. You are pros at organizing and handling things with finesse, let your mercurial energy keep you on top of things and gathered so you don’t snap, lose focus, make simple mistakes and regret it later

Libra

Happy birthday, Libra! You may be feeling quite indecisive lately. Don’t let yourself live in that energy. You can be your own worst enemy at times with this. It can cause your personal relationships to suffer. Wanting to appease others and shutting yourself away can leave you feeling exhausted. That’s not what you need during your solar-return season. Take time to learn how to say NO with no explanations. Take time make your demands of others diplomatically but with firmness and emphasis. You’ll gain that respect you’re so longing for.

Scorpio

Fellow arachnids, the full moon is happening in our co-rulers domain. You’ll be drained, exhausted but finding others asking and making more demands of you and your time. Don’t pull out that stinger and lash out. Relax. Be fair. Don’t let others’ current behavior cause you to unfairly judge them/compare them to people who’ve hurt you in the past. Old Trauma’s may feel as fresh as when they first occurred. But not everyone is the same. If you don’t honor and release stressful or negative emotions, they’ll manifest in worse and more unsavory ways. Do some sacral chakra work. Mediate. Take a long bath- it’ll feel good with this cooler weather. If you have to, do some boxing or watch a good action film and live vicariously through the characters. This can help ground you and channel your energy through a healthier outlet.

Sagittarius

This lunation can cause you to be feistier than usual. You’re a fire sign just like Aries. Though you’re known for your blunt and unapologetic speech nature, it may be more powerful to keep your opinions to yourself. It will be for your highest good. You are in control of your thoughts and emotions, with that being said, don’t let others influence your inner voice. Jupiter is your ruler and he rules philosophy. Remember philosophy states, all is opinion, not fact. Embracing that sentiment can allow you to graduate to more maturity and wisdom. Perhaps schedule a local adventure. If you’ve felt cloistered during quarantine, experiencing new places can give you a new and healthier take on things and life in general. You’ll have a healthy outlet to exert your energy and your explorative nature.

Capricorn

You’re a hard working sign, Cap. Though your tenacity will be paying off, your home and emotional center could be draining or preoccupying you. Some professional or career choices could be causing you stress or your family or relationships some conflict.heated exchanges or opinions you didn’t ask for could be coming from all sides. Honoring yourself, is imperative. Love yourself, first. As a work-oriented sign, you seagoats have a tendency to try and cope with your emotional state by burying yourself in it. We all have our ways of dealing but perhaps taking time off, having fun, or simply enjoying a quiet walk, glass of wine or a good night of [physical] pleasure might be useful to you. Connect with earth and don’t allow yourself to succumb to cherophobia.

Aquarius

The full moon wants you to build a solid foundation. You have a tendency towards scattered energy and eccentricity, which is fine sometimes but Aries energy could cause you to feel like things are haywire right now. Your opinionated nature could cause you to come to blows unnecessarily. Hidden aggression may be brought to the surface. Old insecurities about your individuality can arise as well. This is never a fun feeling. Take some time to share what’s on your mind but articulate your thoughts in a private way. Journaling, talking to a close friend, a counselor or therapist. Chanting meditation or even reading can help you subconsciously compartmentalize your thoughts.

Pisces

Harsh realities may be hitting now But you are stronger than you [and others] typically give yourself credit for. Conversations surrounding your money, or thoughts of a new living could be dominating your thoughts. This lunation is making you realize your worth but also adding a tint of anger and saltiness to it as well. It’s okay to realize what you deserve without going overboard. Most of it stems from frustrations from the past [and people] not honoring you and your strengths or attempting to run rough-shod over you. If you haven’t learned to do this yet, just remember not setting boundaries allows others free reign to violate them. Take time to set hard lines if you haven’t. Take time to look at your budgets. Bills you need to pay. Projects to finish. Organization is key now so it may be time to get those heads out of the clouds and set some structure. When all is said and done, no one can ever say you didn’t have your shit together.

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hotpinkrathian · 3 years

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Christmas Party

(Kyalin)

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Please..."

"Kya..."

"Lin it'll be fun." Kya promised.

"Games with the families are never fun. Do you want me to count how many times Su broke my nose playing pie in the face?"

"It wasn't that many."

"Four is a lot of times to break your nose, Kya."

"You got me there. But Lin, imagine, a big Christmas, on the island. Everyone is... happy,"

"Until we fight."

"And there's sweets at all hours of the day." Lin didn't look impressed.

"We can start drinking at 11."

"In the morning?" Kya nodded, causing Lin to raise an eyebrow.

"Go on," Lin said. Kya pursed her lips, placing a hand on Lin's waist, circling around the earth bender.

"And when everyone goes to bed, waiting for the morning, we go back to my room and celebrate like adults." Kya whispered the last line in Lin's ear, and Lin was blushing profoundly.

"Alright," Lin caved, "but I'm not babysitting for your brother." Kya stretched a hand out.

"Deal."

"Lin! Kya! So glad the two of you could make it!" Pema greeted. The temple was already buzzing with activity. Lin put her coat on the filled hanger next to the door observing the chaos behind Pema.

"Thank you for having us, Pema," Kya smiled, embracing her sister in law. Lin wasn't paying attention when she, too, was pulled into a hug. She raised an arm awkwardly around Pema, looking to Kya for help, instead just getting laughed at. When Pema pulled away, distracted by the sound of a clay pot crashing to floor, Kya sidled up to Lin.

"That was cute," Kya said.

"There wasn't even a warning. What did I do to deserve that?" Kya nudged her with an arm.

"You'll get used to it."

"Thats what scares me." Kya chuckled, walking over to Bumi who slammed a shot glass onto the table. Lin followed, impressed by Bumi's gusto, although, at this rate he'd be out by dinner.

"Bumi!" Kya called, "did you start without me?"

"Took to long, Kya, I'm already four ahead of you."

"That didn't help you last year, it certainly won't this year." Lin had vague memories of their sibling drinking contest. Tenzin only ever participated once, he lost so badly and was sick for a week after, he never did it again. Kya picked up a shot, lifting it to meet her brother's.

"To tradition!" She said.

"Tradition? To drinking!" Bumj corrected as they took the shot. Bumu turned to Bum-ju who squeaked behind him.

"See Lin," Kya started, "the secret to having a good pace, is waterbending." Kya explained, "manipulate a little alcohol out of the shot, replace it with water, and bam. Suddenly five shots feels like two."

"Thats cheating."

"We never set the rules, or if we did, we don't remember them. If he can find a way to manipulate his alcohol with airbending then he is free to so." Lin scoffed.

"Lets get something to drink, hmm?" Kya said, guiding them to the table in the living room the Avatar was dotting around.

"Beifong, Kya!" Korra said, raising her glass.

"Not too much of that," Lin said and Korra nodded.

"Absolutely Chief, I am relatively new to the world of alcohol I will absolutely pace myself." Lin side eyed her, as Kkrra grinned and shuffled over to Asami.

"Here," Kya said, passing Lin a drink.

"What is it?"

"Not sure, ran out of the first one so I mixed it with the next bottle." Lin looked at her skeptically, Kya just shrugged. Sje took a sip of the concoction, ignoring the bitter taste it left in her mouth. Kya must've seen it on her face, because she lifted an eyebrow, pressing a hand to Lin's jaw.

"Too bitter?" She asked.

"It's... fine, I guess. It'll do the job." Kya grinned, leaning close to Lin's ear.

"Later I'll do my job, and don't worry, what I have to offer is very sweet." Lin blushed as Kya took a nip at her ear, before swinging her long white ponytail in her face, and walking over to Pema. Lin watched her go, unsure of what she was supposed to do after that.

"Lin, its good to see you." A voice said from behind her. She turned to see Tenzin, standing there with a small grin to his lips. Lin nodded, extending her hand. He took it and they shook, Lin grinning.

"You too, airhead." He rubbed the back of his neck while he replied.

"Haven't heard that one in a while."

"I thought it was the perfect time to bring it back." He chuckled.

"So, how are things with you?" He asked. "I feel like we haven't talked much with all thats been going on with the refugee camps." Lin looked to Kya who met her eye, wasting no time in downing the shot in her hand, making sure to run her tongue all around the glass of the cup. Lin gulped returning her gaze to Tenzin, hoping her blush wasn't too noticeable.

"They've been good. I've been taking breaks." She said.

"Good, good. I'm glad, you deserve a break, Lin. Should you take it."

"Heh, you aren't getting rid of me that easy." He placed an arm on her shoulder,

"Of course not," he replied.

"Dinner is served!" Pema called out. Bolin and Korra tossed them selves over the sofa, racing for the first plate of the meal. Lin waited for everyone to settle before getting a plate of her own, sitting across from Kya at the large table that had been brought in by Asami to seat everyone.

"Should we say something?" Asami asked, before eating anything.

"Like what?" Korra asked, halting her fork full of meat inches from her mouth.

"I don't know. I guess I just..." the girl trailed off and Lin frowned. Of course, it was her first Christmas without her father.

Korra put her fork down, placing a hand on Asami's knee to comfort her.

"Go ahead," Korra said, "we'll wait." Everyone nodded, and Asami took a deep breath.

"Thank the spirits," Asami started, "for giving us the chance to have this season together. And for this great big family I inherited. I miss you dad," she finished. Everyone dipped their head. Asami cleared her throat, and with that, the feast began. It didn't take long for Lin to engage Senna in conversation, the Avatar's mother absolutely adored all of the Korra stories Lin had to share.

"She was arrested the first day she got here," Lin explained, "someone didn't get the memo that destroying things is against the law." Senna laughed, and Korra shrugged from down the table. Lin lifted her glass, she wasn't one for wine, but it fit the occasion. Before she could place it to her lips, however, she was kicked in the shin. She furrowed her brows, trying to look under the table. She landed her eyes on Kya, who sat across from her, staring intently at the metalbender. Kya but her bottom seductively, her leg brushing against Lin's under the table. Lin gave her a half-hearted warning look, and the waterbender winked.

Lin volunteered for the game, solely to escape Kya's teasing for just a bit. The waterbender had been throwing her glances all night, and Lin wasn't sure how much more of it she could take before she pushed her against a bathroom wall and well... the rest is up to her imagination.

"Wait what do I have to do?" Korra asked for the third time.

"You... again! Just, drink the shots," Asami said, "I'll handle the rest." Lin watched as Bumi expertly poured three shots each, before re taking his seat.

"Kya!" He called. Fabulous. "These count as part of the race." He declared.

"Seems like cheating to me," Kya said, placing a hand on her hip.

"Hey, a shot is a shot. Watch me of you feel so inclined." No please no-

"I will." Kya made an example of herself as she sat down, pulling her chair loudly to the table, right next to Lin. Lin didn't meet her eye, trying to stay focused on the task at hand. Kya's hand found its way to her thigh, her thin fingers sliding in between Lin's legs...

"Lets drink, shall we?" Lin said, downing her first one, starting the round. The game was simple, take a shot, flip through a deck of cards until you flipped an ace, first to three flipped aces, wins.

She began flipping her cards, well aware of Kya's hand gripping her thigh, her fingers hovering over the material of her pants.

"Go Bumi!" Kya cheered as her brother flipped his first ace. He downed his second just as Lin flipped her first ace. Korra was still flipping, her clumsy fingers getting a lot of help from Asami.

"Faster, Lin.' Kya said, almost mockingly. Lin gulped, feeling herself blush.

"Faster, Lin, Faster!" Lin ran a tongue over her lips. Focus. She flipped her second ace, reaching for her final shot. She took it like it was the only thing keeping her alive. At that moment, Kya decided to really squeeze her thigh, and Lin spat the shot out in suprise. She covered her mouth with a hand and looked to Kya, who was evidently playing dumb.

"Too much for you, Chief?" Kya asked. "I know you hate those coconut ones."

"Done!" Bumi shouted, slamming his glass on the table and standing up in triumph.

"Sit down before you hurt yourself, Bum'" Kya said.

"Hah! This old man just beat Chief Beifong and the Avatat in a drinking game. I think you're lacking Kya." He smirked, gripping the edge of his coat. Kya's eyes narrowed, and Lin watched as the waterbender stood up, taking the can next to Asami. She held it horizontally in her hands, thinking it over, before cracking into it with her nails and drinking out of the torn aluminum. Lin watched, oddly turned on by the action. Kya kept her eyes on her brother who's jaw was agape. Kya threw the can on the floor wipednher mouth with her arm, also hot, and sat back down.

"Thats got to be... what, like three more shots? I think your lacking Bumi." Bumi crossed his arms, storming away. Korra looked thoroughly impressed as Kya's newfound talent, getting the healer to promise to teach her. When the kids left, the two of them were left at the table in silence. Lin cleared her throat, hoping Kya would say something.

"I must've impressed you, you have nothing to say." Kya grinned, taking the cards and returning them to their boxes.

"I didn't know you could chug like that." Kya scoffed, stacking the boxes of cards in the center of the pile.

"Yes you did," the waterbender finalized. Before Lin could say anything more, Pema interrupted, lifting a leaf over their heads.

"What are you doing?' Lin asked.

"Its a mistletoe, Lin." Pema explained. Lin looked to Pema in confusion.

"Am I supposed to know what that means?" Lin asked, crossing her arms gruffly.

"Oh Lin, don't be so grumpy, you kiss whoever is under the mistletoe." Lin looked to Kya, who was undressing her with her eyes. This again?

"Alright, alright, fine." Lin leaned in for a quick kiss, taken aback when Kya gripped her face, holding her lips hostage under the mistletoe. Kya's tongue breached her mouth and Lin almost hummed at the soft groan Kya released. Kya pulled away, licking her lips modestly as the crowd cheered and whistled. Lin pressed her fingers to her lips. Pema looked mildly insulted she likely hadn't meant for the two of them to make out out under the mistletoe. To be fair, Lin hadn't expected it either. Lin looked down at the floor with a blush, while Kya sat there, smirking at the results of her handy work. Someone whistled, likely Bolin and Lin was urged to stand up. With a dip of her head she retreated to the washroom, closing the door behind her.

As she expected, it wasn't long before a soft knock rapped on the door. Lin opened it, stepping aside to let Kya though.

"Did I embaress you?" Kya asked, looking to Lin. Lin scoffed.

"Yeah, but I think I'll be fine." Kya's lips stretched into a grin. Lin pursed her lips, leaning against the sink when Kya pressed her chest against hers.

"Ready to get out of here?" The waterbender asked. Lin nodded,

"I've been ready the whole night." Kya laughed.

"I know you have." Kya took Lin by the hand, the two of them snuck passed those who remained at the party and up the narrow stairs of the Air temple, celebrating by themselves for the rest of the night.

#legend of korra #kyalin #lin beifong #kyalin during the holidays #i know they dont have christmas and neither do i but I want to give it a shot #i love Kya teasing Lin its the most solid hc

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cosmiclatte28 · 3 years

Text

6 Shots of Coffee (Jaemin x you + Dreamies)

a/n: I am back! With a sudden wild oneshot. Please be aware that this is purely fan-fiction. Anything happening here is mere pure imagination. I did not intend to connect any disorders with the idols in real life.

Warning : characters with disorders, a lot of dozing off characters, character with slight adhd (i tried my best to picture them correctly but I’m sorry if everything is wrong, i only did a short research). Mentions of orphanage, drunk parents, and a broken family. HAPPY ENDING!

CHARACTERS : dream (minus Hyuck and Mark), Taeyong, and Yuta also our brave (y/n)!

here we go,

If there are three things in life you hate, that will be Jaemin, Jaemin, and oh god another team assignment with Jaemin!

Jaemin has been the most excruciating classmate you ever have! Not only did he tease you about your freakin need of keeping things in their proper place and keeping things spotless, but he also keeps using you to help him pass his classes. Yet no teacher minds your complain, and all the school girls think you're a freak for being mad about sharing a group project with the handsome guy.

No you’re not sick or weird. You just love organizing things and you like clean things a bit too much. Why? Coz you've had some bad memories with dirty things. Okay Jaemin is just another naughty kid in your class who likes to play and have fun with others, but you certainly did not find his jokes funny.

“Come on calm down (y/n)! It's only coffee, we can clean that.” Jaemin tries to laugh it off despite seeing you standing completely frozen in front of him with an empty cup and you with a brown uniform. Although you clearly see there is a slight worry in his eyes.

You hold yourself back. How come the worst day has to become worse?! You woke up to period cramps, you forgot a homework thanks to late night distracted room cleaning, and as you were about to rush to type your homework in the library, Jaemin decided to meddle and spill his coffee on your white uniform.

A part of you want to scream and yell and pull his hair apart, but you're too tired to talk with Jaemin. Let alone think about Jaemin, there's just so many things you hate related to Jaemin.

Despite him trying his best to apologize and to help you wash your clothes, which is something new… Jaemin never cared if he messed up with you. You ended up slapping his hand away when he wants to drag you to the office to ask a spare uniform.

“Go away! I have to rush,” you push him aside with your shoulder and run to the library. Knowing so well you'll probably get another minus score and a weird look from the library thanks to your stained uniform.

You hate the feeling of sitting down with this coffee stained shirt, and as much as you want to open that shirt and change into something else, you don’t have the energy. So, after sitting down on the table with the library's laptop you stare into the keyboard only to focus more on your uniform and the least wanted thing happens.

You cry. You cry by yourself in the corner of the room and you don’t really mind the stare they give. You just want to end life here, can anyone just stab you? Or can the ground split and swallow you?

There’s another thing you hate other than Jaemin meddling with your ugly life. It's dirt and unorganized objects. Why? Well you were once a very regular kid, always playing in the rain mud and all kinds of sand. You don’t mind having dirt all over your body you know when you go home you can shower. That's until you grow up and notice how your family is different. Your parents look like they are okay, but every night you hear them argue and argue. The argument gets stronger and scarier, they shout, scream, throw things down and you were always awaken to the no longer comfy homey house. You realize one day you woke up to seeing your dad getting drunk, your mother depressed, and the house super dirty like a tornado just hold a party. It’s awful to wake up to the smell of cigar and alcohols instead of bacons and eggs. You had to keep one plate with you or else it will end up like its friends, lifeless, prickly, sharp, on the ground.

Your maid stopped working, you're moved to a new school, this middle school where you meet Jaemin and some other annoying problematic students. Your once colorful life turned dark and gloomy. No longer you woke up to morning kiss and breakfast. You find yourself sitting alone in the dining room, preparing your own sandwich from some cheap dry bread. No more nutella and you're grateful for butter.

You tried to understand, keeping all to yourself as you grow up and noticed your family is broken. You thought everything will get better, one day mom and dad will love each other again and you'll be back with the bright family you love.

Life is not that kind. Life is cruel, on your 14th birthday your dad left for another woman and your mother dropped you off to an orphanage. She said she can no longer pay for your school and living fees. Heck she even had to borrow money to buy you your monthly pads.

The cheerful friendly you turned 180° into a mournful secretive teenager. You hate everyone who looks bright and you hate every single dirt. Seeing unorganized things and dirty objects just remind you of the dark memories you want to forget.

The orphanage found your smart talent and you got a scholarship making you still able to attend the school. The orphanage you live in has a rule where there is a schedule for cleaning up and preparing dish. You meet a similar boy who has the same problem with you; just that he looks like he had overcome his bitterness and chooses to live a happy life. Which you deadly want to do but cannot.

Renjun, is the only person you talk to in that house. The adults taking care over you, still cannot make you talk comfortably with him and you're not planning to do any sooner.

“Hey, it's me. Should we make a letter to the office and go home?” Renjun's soft voice comes to your ear and you look up to him with blood red eyes.

“How long have I been crying?” you sniffle.

He shrugs his shoulder “I just came an hour ago when I noticed you're missing Chemistry class and Jaemin too. I thought he was with you.”

You scowl “Why would I be with Jaemin?”

Renjun scratches his head “I don’t know… you were always assigned a team with him… I thought both of you are rushing a task.”

“I am having a bad day.” You exhale.

Renjun shakes his head “That is more than a bad day. Here, put this on that coffee is hot or cold?” he gives you his school blazer and you gladly put it over your stained uniform.

You sigh, of course Renjun noticed. He is also like you, despise any single speck of dust.

“Jaemin spilled his cold coffee on me. Now I am late to submit my work, I'll never get the essay done and I am skipping classes. GREAT! Looks like I will be kicked out of school next week.”

Renjun shakes his head again “Silly, you're dramatic. They won’t kick you just because of that. What about your achievements?”

You scoff “They can always find another better painter. I could barely tell difference in colors.”

Renjun smiles well that’s what makes you different. The school honors your brilliant talent of drawing although you have a hard time distinguishing colors. But your emotions are well delivered on every picture you paint. That gives honor to the school when the art teacher secretly sent your works to different curators and exhibitions.

“Come, we will go home. I'll make your letter. Can you wait for me in the lobby by yourself?” Renjun smooths your hair away.

You shake your head and clearly looks afraid “Can I join you?”

He nods and lets you go with him, blaming himself for ever offering you that option.

You got home, Renjun fixes your mood by giving you new clothes. Yes, as simple as that, and you’re already less scarier than before. He makes you tea when he saw the circled date on the calendar and drops you some pain killers.

“It's that month, sorry for not noticing had I known, I'd bring you home when I heard Jaemin looking for you around the school.”

You pause from cutting the potatoes, well you need to start cooking dinner for the others. “Jaemin looked around for me?”

Renjun nods “Uh huh that's also how I know something is not right. Jaemin never looked for you except when he needs your score.”

You curl your lips “Weird. He also wanted to bring me to the office, which he never did before.”

Your sudden emotional change is a regular thing to Renjun. Although at first he has to bear with your monthly exploding sensitivity since you're the first teenage girl in this house, Renjun manages to tame you down when he calmly offer you a cup of warm chamomile tea you love.

“Maybe it’s the coffee.” You shrug it off. Come to think of it, you never see the school selling coffee but Jaemin always brings his cup of super dark coffee.

“Oh home early?” Taeyong, the oldest son of the orphanage owner, greets you both. Well Taeyong is like the head matron here, every school letter directed to him and every new kid will meet him.

“It's not her day. I brought her home before she spent another day dozing off in the school's garden.” Renjun whispers to Taeyong and the older just nods his head.

“Oh! Did I mention to you we will have a new family tonight? Please be nice, he comes from this neighborhood and we actually had been waiting for his arrival since last month, but he always escaped before his vise parents want to drop him here.

You grow annoyed at this news. Well you don’t really like having to act kind and good in front of the others. Especially when meeting new members. Taeyong always asked you to at least be welcoming and less patronizing but you cannot keep your resting bitch face to yourself.

“I might as well skip dinner.” You taunt at Taeyong “No way I am acting kind in front of that person when I had a shitty day.”

Taeyong just hums to your threat, it is nothing new. You're a stone heart and he doesn’t want to have to slap you because of your stubbornness.

“I don’t mind. Just try to be welcoming, he had a rough time too.” Taeyong waves his hand and disappears behind his study room.

“I wonder who is going to join us. Our dining table is empty after Mark and Hyuck got adopted.” Renjun is excited to welcome the new family, maybe because he really likes it better here and therefore, he wants to make sure everyone else is welcomed.

Unlike you who still can't swallow the bitter truth. For you, your real family was the best, yet you didn’t know when everything started to fall apart.

The other comes home, you see Jisung, Jeno, and Chenle coming from the backyard and you hide yourself back on your room. Dinner is ready they just have to heat it up. The stew.

You close your window and come back to sit in front of your paper. Trying to remember what project you missed and have to do.

You look around the room, you used to have a bigger room, but after Taeyong knew you cannot stay still when there are mess, he moved you to a smaller room where you cannot store so many things. He said its for your own good. He doesn’t want you to stress yourself and distract your studies just to clean things up.

You feel your stomach rumbling but when you hear the noisy sound downstairs, you remember the new family. Actually, you are curious, so you sneak from your room and take a peek from the walls.

Your mind might be playing tricks on you, you rub your eyes and focus more to the familiar man in the same uniform as yours. You want to doubt it, but when you hear Jisung repeats his name you want to jump away from this house and run far away.

Life must have hated you so much to send Na Jaemin not only to your school but also to your “house".

Although you try to ignore him, your mind wonders what makes him come here. He looks like he is okay, only naughty, but he doesn’t look like an orphan.

“Dinner?” Yuta, Taeyong's younger brother asks you when he was about to go down and greet Jaemin.

You quickly gasp and shake your head before making a quick run to lock yourself in your room.

You try to think of any reason why Jaemin is here… from dinner to nine you cannot think of doing other thing rather than fiddling with your pen as you let your brain wonder and wonder.

Only around twelve did you suddenly jolt and realize you've wasted another night without doing your paper. You hear a step on the squeaky floor, and you have to stay quiet. Taeyong and Yuta wouldn’t like seeing you still awake this late. However, you don’t recognize the footsteps. Must be Jaemin’s.

The next morning, you escape earlier from the house. Leaving before breakfast for the sake of not meeting Jaemin. You're still mad at him and you hate him. You hate him for giving you hard times at school and now at “home".

You were waiting in the class when suddenly Jaemin comes into the class with a nervous face. You wonder did he just see a ghost? Jaemin really looks out of his place. Did he finally realize he is thrown away to the orphanage? Or did he finally realize you're secretly writing foot notes to the teacher that Jaemin is only leeching on your grades? Did he get called by the office?

You try your best to stop distracting your mind and continue working your essay. Thank goodness you can submit the work when the teacher leaves the class, only then did you see Jaemin's frozen state on his chair.

“Jaem?” you surprise yourself too for calling out his name. He also looks surprised.

“Yes?” he puts on his damn sickening pretty smile back like he always did to other students.

“Erase that smile. It's creepy.” You mutter and the other girls in your class is wanting to end you up there and then.

“Sorry, it’s just that… I … I didn’t get my coffee this morning.”

You raise your brow, oh right. Taeyong and Yuta are not giving us caffeine until we are 20.

You raise a brow “And? Can’t you skip once?”

His feet thump on the floor and he looks around nervously “You're right. I- don’t mind me.” He stands up and suddenly leaves you with bigger question mark in your head.

He sure is weird. What’s wrong with skipping one cup of that bitter liquid?

“(Y/n)! Come let's go home.” Renjun greets you on the lobby as you wait for the youngers to come too.

“Noona, you should meet Jaemin hyung! He is so sweet last night!” Jisung tugs on your uniform.

You frown and shudder your shoulder “Jisung, I hate that man.”

Jeno just laughs at your words and at Jisung's surprised expression “So, should we wait for him?”

You click your tongue “Actually that weird man left class after the first session and did not come back to class. Maybe he ran away. Let's go before it rains.” You start leaving the lobby, but no one follows you.

“Is it because of us?” Jisung worriedly asks his brothers.

Renjun thinks for a while “You mean what happened this morning?”

Jisung nods. Your ear can still hear them, for they start walking after you too. You have to hold yourself from turning around and asking them what happened this morning that made him weird!

When the five of you enter the house, that's when your brain finally clicked on what Jaemin must be suffering.

There in the middle of the living room, is Jaemin looking so uncomfortable as he forces his hand to write on a paper with a textbook opened by his side, but what comes out of his hand is just scribbles of lines and curves and he looks like he is painting instead of writing an essay.

“So damn hard to be productive!” he suddenly throws his pen and pulls his hair. All five of you are shocked to see this. Even you! You never see this side of Jaemin in school. He always looks like the charming prince every girl’s crush, but this is definitely not the same man.

His lips are trembling, limbs unable to stop shaking and he looks in pain. And he starts to hit himself as if scolding his body for not cooperating.

You are in awe and you have to quickly usher Jisung and Chenle away.

“Jaemin! Calm down okay.” Jeno and Renjun quickly stand by his side and tries to keep the boy from hitting himself.

You bring Jisung and Chenle to their rooms while your head is quickly thinking of what to do. You sure see he is panicking and he's throwing tantrum. Taeyong and Yuta are not here yet but when you see your reflection on the window with a clean uniform suddenly your mind reminds you of the incident yesterday.

Coffee. Na Jaemin needs coffee. As silly as it sounds, you've read somewhere that coffee can help someone with ADHD or something like that. You're not sure, but you want to give it a chance. You run to your room, break your saving jar and pick out the bills you've been saving.

“Jaemin, how many shots?” you ask him when you pass through him.

Renjun and Jeno look at you with question in their face but Jaemin understands you and holds out a number with his hand.

Your eyes widen but you run to the nearest coffee shop, the one with the brand you always see Jaemin holding.

“Give me americano with six shots of espresso. Cold I don’t know with water or not.” You sound as mad as a hatter, but the barista seems to notice something.

“Are you by any chance taking an order for Jaemin?” he asks you nod your head baffled that he is a regular here until the shift knows his order and name.

“I was confused when the morning shift told me Jaemin skipped his coffee today. Alright i'll make it like how he always orders.” The man with a name tag Mark punches the bill and gives you the amount.

You don’t mind paying such high price for the black bitter drink you never like, as soon as Mark hands you the drink you walk as fast as you can back to the house.

You see Renjun waiting for you in the porch and he looks pale.

“Where did you go?! I was worried.” Renjun almost scolds you for leaving suddenly.

You walk past him “Jaemin! I have your coffee.” You yell at him, who is currently staring on the TV that's off. Jeno is still sitting next to him, afraid that Jaemin will do anything dangerous.

Jaemin's eyes widen as he quickly takes over the drink and gulp it down like his life depends on it.

All three of you wait for him to finish half of his drink and like magic, Jaemin looks calmer.

He closes his eyes and leans on the couch. His head rests on the small pillow Jeno tosses to him and you can see his usual self back.

After ten minutes, he opens his eyes stretches his body and like a robot who has his reset button pressed, Jaemin shoots a “what?” look to the three of you.

“Sorry if I freaked all of you out. I…” he shyly scratches his head “I have a minor ADHD and … coffee seems to be helping me focus and calm down.”

Now everything clicks. You understand why the teacher actually always assigned you with him, because no one else can handle Jaemin as patient as you and you're too blunt to notice he has his own trouble. You understand why he always brings a coffee to the class and why he looks calm when he has them. Unlike yesterday when he spilled it over you, you clearly see a slight terror in his eyes, and he disappeared from class. Maybe he was shy of showing his true self in class. You now know the reason he skipped class today because of the lack of caffeine and you just didn’t know he is also as wrecked as you guys.

That night, Jaemin knocks on your door and invites you to join dinner.

“You skipped dinner last night, I don’t know if it’s because I was there… and yesterday I was really ruining your day. I'm sorry I wasn’t a good friend too at school.” Jaemin speaks rather in a calm tone and you're taken aback he can speak in a soft kind voice and not the high pitch annoying teasing voice you regular get in school.

You're flustered, but you quickly put back your cold face “It's okay. T'was my fault too not looking the way. Don’t worry I skipped dinner last night coz I am not hungry.” You lied.

No way you were going to spill the truth to him, not when you already know how hard his days are. He was not as bright and happy as he looks like.

“Renjun told me last night everything about you. I am so sorry…I didn’t know my jokes were very painful and disturbing to you. I should’ve stopped but you know I sometimes cannot hold my brain back.” Chuckles Jaemin nervously.

You sigh and place a hand on his shoulder “Life is hard right?” He nods his head and you squeeze his shoulder, “We also find it hard. But at least we're not alone now. We have each other and the others too. I am also sorry for picking on you to the teacher for leeching my score, but I promise I won’t do that again. I'll help you Jaemin.” You smile sincerely to him.

His face brightens “You're the best! I always have hard time focusing! Well coffee helps me, but still it's not healthy.”

You take his hand in yours “Na Jaemin, you're a part of our family now. Since we're family, we will get each other's back! Don’t worry things will be okay and you too will be okay!”

He Smiles and that is a new smile you've ever seen on him. A smile that's pure and true. That shows he too is also a human who can feel pain not just the angelic handsome boy in class.

“We should eat. The others are waiting,” Chenle's appearance in the hallway makes you and Jaemin turn your heads to him.

“She's right. We're family, now family eats dinner, together right? Come on! Taeyong hyung got us some pizzas for your welcome party.” Chenle drags the taller man's hand which automatically pulls you too.

A smile comes to your face when you realize just how perfect this imperfect family is!

Yes you also struggled focusing on a certain job, yes you also hate messy stuffs, yes it's true Renjun took three months to open his mouth and speak complete sentences, it also takes Jeno five months to be true about his feelings, and Jisung plus Chenle? They also have their fish to fry. Now Jaemin, is here with his own battle that will soon be shared within us.

Just like the famous quote, Ohana means family and family means no one is left behind.

Looking around the table, although you really wish you have a sister or a mother figure here, you're more than happy to call the 7 men your brothers and families.

end

please let me know if there are anything I can fix. I am trying a new genre and it’s a bit challenging but I am happy with finishing this.

Contact or reach me out if you have any curiosity of what happens to the members or maybe you wonder what their problems are.

Thank you for reading :D 🤗💖

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221bb · 3 years

Text

Only the Dead Have Seen the End of War

Once, Alina might have thought war would have an end.

That under the care of rulers who thought it precious beyond measure, Ravka would one day find itself at peace. That with enough power and caution, their enemies would see that it is in their best interests to stop, to rest, to live.

But that had been a long, long time ago. And now Alina knows better.

Peace is rare, and to be cherished.

Ravka isn’t always at war, of course. There are peaceful times, in which they get to focus their resources on what actually matters, to thrive. Those are Alina’s favorite eras in her and Aleksander’s long reign. But mostly, it feels as if those are long and far in between.

Mostly, their people are dying in the name of conflicts that should not be. That stem from prejudices so long in the making that none even remember when they began anymore – well, perhaps none other than Alina’s husband or her mother-in-law.

And they are at loss as to how to stop it.

Alina refuses to wipe nations off the map. She’s no longer the innocent girl who flinches at the death of every other innocent. She has seen the cost of war, and she knows that sacrifices must be made. But that does not mean she would be able to live with herself if they simply covered the entirety of Shu-Han or Fjerda with darkness and left practically no one but themselves.

But, she has no better suggestion.

And so history always repeats itself.

Because Fjerda will never see the Grisha as anything other than witches, abominations which need to be eliminated and burned at the pyres. Because Shu-Han will never see the Grisha as anything other than ju, tools, something less than animal and little more than a means to further their science.

As tsar and tsaritsa, Aleksander and Alina do not always participate in battles. Skirmishes along the borders are mostly left to their armies, and Alina hates it but understands its necessity – they have a nation to rule, and they cannot simply leave Os Alta for every single assault.

But for the biggest campaigns – most likely to be the hardest and bloodiest – they always, always join. Very rarely only one of them, because Alina hates staying at the capital like a trophy wife and she can go mad with worry, and Aleksander would sooner cut off his own tongue than let her go off to a hard battle on her own. They leave their commander of the Second Army in charge – once Zoya, now a talented Inferni by the name of Tania – and do their best to reach a ceasefire with as little casualties on their side as possible.

Such is the case with their current campaign, which had been running for months. They are all exhausted – mentally and physically, although there had been a minimum of losses. But the Fjerdans refuse to reach any sort of understanding, because they claim their heir to the throne had been assassinated by a Ravkan Grisha.

Well, it can’t be said that never happened. But on this occasion, it really had been no agent or ally of theirs.

And so Alina finds herself standing next to Aleksander, an entire battalion consisting of two-hundred Second Army and one-hundred First Army soldiers behind them. Her hand is splayed wide in front of her, palm facing forward and effortlessly holding a shield of light wide enough to cover them from left to right, against which a relentless wave of bullets has been bouncing for almost a minute now. On her arm is a blueish fetter, and on her neck is a collar of antlers. Her hair is pulled up into a messy but regal updo on the crown of her head, and her gold kefta infused with black intricate designs would have glistened in the light, if there had been more than the dimness of twilight.

Next to her, Aleksander is standing tall, clad in his customary black kefta. He has not donned his winter cloak, because its heaviness could be a hindrance in battle that even he cannot afford. Around his feet shadows slither about in messy, chaotic waves that do not reach his knees, which Alina is pretty sure he’s not even aware of.

It doesn’t matter. Soon, they will be plenty useful.

She glances at him, and Aleksander catches her gaze and holds. His dark eyes are burning – with rage, righteous fury, and fatigue. Their people are dying, and this entire madness is not stopping.

So they will make it stop.

Alina gives him an almost imperceptible nod, and along their tether she sends a strong wave of conviction.

Of love.

Aleksander’s eyes almost soften, but he only nods in return. Alina doesn’t need any more – she knows him, knows his feelings, knows the strength of the emotion for her and only her that she’s feeling from his side of the tether. She only watches him, her arm unwavering in front of her, and believes that this is what’s necessary.

Aleksander closes his eyes – and raises both hands slowly along his sides, palms opened wide and pointed at the sky. Alina fights not to shudder as black lines climb up her husband’s neck almost in sync with the slow, almost inaudible murmur of words she can only hear because of their close proximity. Nonsense, to her – she had never bothered to learn Old Ravkan – but the meaning is clear enough.

Merzost.

Behind them, next to them and in front of them, shadows gather in gentle pools. Too numerous to count. Slowly, they raise and build into forms that resemble small hurricanes – and then, faces are formed.

Gaping, horrendous faces, devoid of features. Hands with clear claws, legs that have no clear borders or ends. Their body – if it can even be called a body – does not stay still, as their form is constantly moving and twirling. And if Alina focuses enough, it almost seems as if they suck the little light around them.

The nichevo’ya.

The barrage of bullets has stopped. Alina does not let go, though. She simply waits, ignores the sound of their soldiers inhaling in fear, and breathes.

A few moments later, Aleksander opens his eyes and murmurs, “Now.”

Alina closes her hand into a fist.

Her shield of light disperses into nothing.

And with a flick of her husband’s finger, the nichevoy’a charge.

Around them, everything turns into utter chaos.

With battle cries – some cries of long live Ravka, others of long live the King and For the Sol Koroleva – their soldiers attack. They barely even get past Alina and Aleksander’s line before the Fjerdans scream start, but they do not stop. They are trained well, and they have been briefed to know the shadow creatures will not harm them.

The tsar and tsaritsa do not move.

Aleksander is focused on directing the nichevo’ya, Alina knows. They are not mindless creatures, but fortunately neither are they independent.

Alina herself does not need to shift in order to do quite a lot of damage.

Her arms barely move as cut after cut fly in front of her, hitting only enemies. Sometimes the cut is in the form of a thin blade, and at other times in the form of a spear – she does not think of it, lets her instincts take hold. They have rarely disappointed her before.

And so it begins.

And progresses, slowly but steadily. Everything seems in control – Squallers at the sides, sending Fjerdans flying off their feet; Inferni in the middle, setting as many drüskelle on fire as they can reach; Heartrenders behind, hands twisting in the air in front of them, inflicting as much damage on the Fjerdans’ bodies as possible.

And then, next to her, Aleksander stumbles.

Alina’s eyes immediately snap to him – and she can feel her heart literally stopping, breath catching in her chest, as her gaze focuses on the side of his neck. His hand is already on it, but it does not matter, because his fingers cannot stop the flow of blood streaming into his neckline.

For a moment, they both stand, frozen. Around them, the sounds of battle fade to almost nothing, and Alina doesn’t care, cannot care, not when they have somehow failed to prepare for this, and she doesn’t know what to do –

Aleksander falls to his knees, as if in slow motion, and Alina finally reacts.

Her mind is screaming no, no, no no no no no, but her arm is already thrown forward again, and a small dome of light surrounds them as she drops to her knees next to her husband. She grabs his hand with her free arm and gently pulls it away, and inhales deeply at the sight in front of her, horrified.

A bullet has torn cleanly through the side of Aleksander’s neck, and Alina wouldn’t be surprised if it had at the very least nicked his carotid artery. The blood is flowing at a truly scary rate, and yet it does not completely hide the literal hole in front of Alina’s face. She knows that if she does not find a way to slow the bleeding, he could be dead in a matter of minutes – before she manages to get him to a healer.

Dead, dead, dead.

Forced to spend the rest of her life, alone. Eternal. Cold. Without his arms to hold her at night, without the comforting feeling of being enveloped in his presence. Without the utter pleasure of their slow, blinding thrusts.

Without his love.

No.

Aleksander is trying to turn his head to her, and for the first time she notices that his bloodied hand is closed around her arm, her gold kefta stained red. “Stop,” she commands, voice shaking. “Sasha, stop moving.”

He stops.

And Alina acts. “This is going to hurt,” she whispers. “I’m sorry.”

Without thinking about it too much – it might not work, this wound is too big, it is more than possible that he has still lost too much blood, she also needs to focus on keeping the shield of light around them, somehow – Alina lets go of Aleksander’s hand, places her open palm on the gaping wound, and, closing her eyes, pushes at her power.

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

When I finish it, if I like it, I’ll probably post it to AO3. For now it’s simply an idea that formed in my mind during a pretty boring meeting at work and played in it during its entire duration. I took some creative libertives here, of course.

Opinions? Thoughts?

#darkalina #darkalina FanFiction #shadow and bone #aleksander morozova #tumblr ficlet

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itseivwhore · 4 years

Text

~/Assassins as different literary movements' poets/~

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I am a lover of literature,of all genres and movements (but without a doubt,like everyone else,I have my own favourites,and I will not stay here to explain and motivate my personal choice,because we are not here for this reason!¡!¡).

Today I finished reading 'Notre Dame de Paris' (by Victor Hugo),and I immediately started another book, 'The picture of Dorian Gray' (by Oscar Wilde)

And as soon as I started reading the first few lines,I immediately thought...what if the Assassins were poets,writers?What literaly movement would they be part of?

And I think it's a good idea to share this with both other well acculturated fans of Assassin's Creed and literature's fans too.

~~~

I took in consideration only (yes,only) two specifics literaly movements:Romanticism and Decadent movement. Why only these two?Because (totally not a coincidence I swearrr),the books I have were respectly written by a romanticism writer (Victor Hugo),and by a decadent writer (Oscar Wilde). And also because there are A LOT of various literaly movements,and A LOT of Assassins (that's why I only made some of them):so since I didn't want to make a super long speech,I had to choose the literaly movements I am more accustomed with,for then linking them with some of the Assassins that I assumed would go well with the Romanticism and/or with the Decadentism.

Now let's get into it,shall we?

~~~

Firs of all,let's start with the main definition of the two literaly movements (shout out to the ols books I have at home,and to some research on Internet wowee!!)

•Romanticism:

artistic,musical,cultural and literary movement that developed in Germany towards the end of the eighteenth century and then spread to the rest of Europe in the nineteenth century.Romanticism focuses on the imagination,the instinctive side of men and their tormented relationship with nature and what surround them.Romantic men and women are courageous,stretched towards an unreachable desire:grasping the soul of things,to merge with nature and to be part of history.An arduous thing,to say at least impossible.Perhaps this is why romantics are always a little melancholic,but never apathetic.It's the melancholy of those who know they'll fight to the end for a 'batte' they already know they have lost...maybe.It's the melancholy of those who fight with an ardent,relentless passion,pursuit,against a society which is blind to the true essence of things in life.Yet,apart from being melancholic,Romanticism keep some faith,looking at the nature and trying to understand it at its best,denying any kind of rules,there are no limits.

•Decadentism:

very important literary movement of the second half of the 19th century.It may be similiar with the movement we talked up there before,but the Decadentism borns by the ashes of the Romanticism,but by being more extreme.The men of the decadent movement,in Europe,are dissatisfied with the rationalism of Positivism (a previous movement),but they are a bit nauseated by the bourgeois world,by the society that imposes rules and labels (and let's face it,hypocritical too),and they react by seeking in art and literature a way to feel better and to scandalize the well-thinking minds of the bourgeois that they despise so much.(little note to make things more interesting and less boring;definition of the term Decadentism:'décadent' is a French term,used in France in those days to define,in a derogatory meaning,artists who lived in a scandalous way,between drugs,luxury and other excesses.After a while,a magazine was founded by these scandalous writers who,in a provocative way,chose to call it "Le Décadent". Hence the term Decadentism will be used to indicate the decadence of the society that no longer had true values and that is disappointing them so much).But in which way they want to scandalize the high society?They're extremely spontaneous,there is no rigor in their speeches but just a lot of feeling.Plus,they tell rough episodes:they talk about sex,drugs,homosexual experiences too (obviously they're not experiences they make for the sole purpose of shocking;they're exuberant,rebellious and passionate characters and showing their life is the way they provoke the audience).Let's say,they are jus a bunch of cheeky,cocky people.

~~~~~

Ezio Auditore: Romanticism.

sweet smiles,calm glances,warm yet fervent eyes,gentle touches,low soothing voice,deep speeches,enjoyment;red ribbons,leather coat,glass of red wine;sunny days,grass field,soft cool breeze,spring afternoons,clear sky,smell of trees in bloom;instinct,nostalgic thoughts,family,fogged memories,strenght,faith,hope,truth,battle;reading poems,candlelight,incense,summer evenings;hearty laughters,reserved whispers,red cheeks,passional kisses.

~~~~~

2. Arno Dorian: Romanticism.

dark circles under the eyes,emotional veiled dark eyes,messy hair,scars,tears,deep sighs,love letters,desperation,lost memories,longing,tormented,melancholic bitter smiles,empty bottles of wine,insomnia,late nights,yet rising from the ashes;new pursuit,shiny sparkling gazes,charismatic grins,brilliant ideas,fancy clothes,red scarf,rolled up sleeves,golden bottons;early autumn cold mornings,old books,smell of fireplace,paintings on the wall;time,desire,nostalgic grimaces,humming a song,candid murmurs,promises.

~~~~~

3. Edward Kenway: Decadentism.

intense blue eyes,sunkissed skin,wide smiles,free will,clever glances,sharp gaze,messy blonde hair,loud confident tone,heavy accent,renegade;deep sea,salty wind,clear water,warm sunrises,calm sunsets,violent waves,morbid sand,cloudy sky,starry nights,stargazing,gold,treasure,tongues of the fire;rough insults,impertinent voice,arrogant speeches,drunk rambles,lost in luxury,tempting tone;ambition,fantasizing,dreaming,seeking the unbelievable,opposing,living.

~~~~~

4. Jacob Frye: Decadentism.

cocky smirks,hazel glimmering eyes,cheeky grins,nonchalant tone,laid back,mocking glances,loud voice,quick charming winks;slicked back hair,messy tie,black leather coat,strong cologne;confident,proud,wild,carefree,small of a egocentric,reckless brash actions,sarcastic comebacks,excited shouts,resolute answers,authoritative spirit,leader,louds amused laughters;full mugs of beer,playing cards,money,bets,late evenings in pubs,secret reunions;smell of fireplaces,foggy late London nights,rainy days,grey clouds;vintage Victorian house,wodden messy desk,king size bed,sound of muffled sweet moans,countless days of passional pleasure.

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whattodowithace · 3 years

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My Diamond in Red; The Rival’s Prize (Donghun)

Title: My Diamond in Red; The Rival’s Prize

Pairing: Donghun (A.C.E) x Reader

Genre: Action, spice, thieves AU.

Word count: 3693

Writer: Kpopmadness (Ju)

A/N: After reviving some sweet requests for a Part II for My Diamond in Red, here it is! I hope you all enjoy! ~Ju

I zipped up my jacket as a shiver ran down my spine from the rain that was starting to fall down around our van. It hit the roof of the van with several hard splats, making it impossible to hear much of anything outside the van.

“We’re really doing this?” Changmin asked, his eyes full of excitement, but also slight hesitation due to us pulling off a robbery last minute.

I smile up at him, a slight sting on my neck reminding me of an earlier run in with a rival a few hours ago. The party had long since ended, the guests clearing out as the staff started cleaning up the mansion before getting ready to leave themselves. My black dress hung up in one corner of the van. I had changed out of my red, form fitting dress into a black outfit that hid me with the dark shadows the night casts. The only thing giving me away was the street lights and the half moon in the sky.

“We’re really doing this.” I answer, excitement filling me. “We’ll have our diamonds in just a few minutes. Once Ara is all done filling hacking into the computer system to shut it down.”

“You know this guy is a real idiot.” Ara piped up from the back of the van. “He basically asks for these diamonds to be stolen. His security system isn’t worth two cents.”

“I worry about that.” Daejung says, his voice low as he sits in the drivers seat now, his eyes scanning the rain stained road in front of him.

“He knows how expensive those diamonds are and yet his security system is poor. Why leave your defenses down like that?” He asks, glancing back at us three.

“He’s rich.” I answer him, shrugging. “He probably feels he can afford more if they ever are stolen. You saw his mansion. He had more artifacts in there than just the diamonds.”

Daejung grumbles under his breath and keeps watching the road. We had parked a few blocks away from the mansion, far enough they wouldn’t see us, but far enough we could see them.

“There’s another worry we should be thinking about.” Changmin whines. “A.C.E showed up before us. Which means they have a plan.”

I rest my head against the vans wall, my neck and thigh throbbing from encountering their leader, Donghun, earlier. My face immediately heats up when I remember his lips on mine and how strangely good it felt to be close to him. Even though we were all rivals.

Daejung looks at me, his dark eyes examining me, only making me feel warmer. I knew what he was thinking. He didn’t have to say it. He was wondering if I could complete this mission after everything that had happened. If my mind would be clear enough.

“So what if they are here?” I speak up, making all eyes fall on me. “We’ve stolen from them before and we’ll do it again. It’s no big deal.” They stay silent, as if trying to decide if I really meant my words.

“I’m fine.” I sigh, silencing their quiet doubts. “Let’s suit up. We have to leave in 10 minutes.” I say, changing the topic all together.

Ara puts our mics in our ears and any tools we may need into the several pockets littered through our dark clothing.

“The camera’s are off so they won’t see your face, but keep your hood up.” She tells us sternly, turning back to her laptop. “Also make sure you spray around the room once your inside. I don’t know if the old man wised up to turn on some kind of alarm system. And if he did you may not be able to see any laser beams that will sense your motion.”

We both nod, listening despite knowing all this. You never could get cocky in this business. We had seen too many thieves loose their freedom due to getting too smart, thinking they wouldn’t get caught. That ended in their downfall, making us vow to always be careful.

I clap my hand on Changmins shoulder, smiling widely. “You ready?”

Changmin pulls his hood over his eyes and gives me a thumbs up, a bright smile on his face. “Ready Freddie!” He beams, making me laugh. Excitement washing over me at the prize just before us.

Changmin opens the doors to the vans quickly when a loud thump comes from one of the doors hitting something.

“The living heck!” A male voice curses from behind the door. Making my heart sink. “You hit me!” Seyoon whines, rubbing his nose feverishly.

Changmin narrows his eyes at him, “Well maybe if your face wasn’t so big I wouldn’t have hit it, dummy.”

“You’re the one that opened the door like a demon was chasing you!” Another member, Jun, says from around the van.

“You shouldn’t be snooping around our van!” Ara yells, standing up from her place.

“Ara, shut up.” Daejung warns, his voice low as his eyes narrow at the members of A.C.E.

I grab the back of Changmins shirt and pull him back, “China can hear you idiots.” I snarl.

“How about you all be quiet and get in the van?” Another voice pipes up. Making my heart skid.

Donghun shoves Jun and Seyoon inside the van with us. All of us squished up along the walls as we stand inside. All of us wearing similar black outfit attire.

Donghun gave me a sideways glance, our eyes locking for a moment before he looked away. Rain water dripping down his hair and onto the floor. Making it slick.

“I hate saying this,” Donghun grumbled. “But I think we need to work together on this project.”

I hear the rest of my team scoff at the idea. “We are not pairing up with you.” Ara snaps, crossing her arms over her chest.

“It’s not exactly a happy thought for us either, sweetheart.” Jun snaps back, making them both glare at each other.

“The diamonds have been moved.” Donghun announces. Making everyone turn their attention to him, shocked. I feel my own jaw go lax.

“How would you know that?” Daejung asks quietly, eyeing Donghun carefully.

“Because we were smart enough to be waiters at the party.” He snaps back. “Byeongkwan saw them move it. The old man decided he was too tired to move tonight.”

“Which means?” I ask, my chest tightening.

“The old man moved them into his bedroom. He decided to sleep in the same room as them to keep them safe.” Donghun admits.

“And i I want her to help me get the diamonds.” Donghun states boldly. Making my body heat up.

“Why?” Daejung asks, defensive.

“Because we want that diamond you stole from us.” Jun pipes up. “The one in Chicago four years ago we had until you took it.”

“And me and her can work together on this one to be faster.” Donghun added.

Donghun wasn’t just the leader. He was fast at getting in and out of tight places like this. He was fast at shutting down security and taking whatever it was someone loved most out from under them. Donghun knew how to break security. I knew how to charm someone into letting their guard down, but I also knew how to get us out of there. I memorized every possible exit and curve and dip to every heist we did in the past.

I let out a laugh, raking a hand through my hair in frustration.

“We don’t have it!” Ara yells.

“If we help you, will you stay clear of us?” I ask quietly.

Donghun stares at me, his eyes meeting mine. A gleam of sadness shines in his dark doe eyes, making me feel a twinge of guilt.

“Promise me, you will leave if I help you?” I ask him. I wasn’t addressing his crew, I wasn’t addressing mine. I was only asking him.

I wanted him to leave because no thieves could ever be together like how he wanted us. It was too dangerous. I wanted him to forget me, and me him.

“We split the diamonds, we give you back yours from four years ago, then you leave.” I tell him more sternly. Trying to keep the shake out of my voice. “Promise me?”

Donghun stares down at me, his eyes searching mine as if he would find a joke hidden behind them. But I wasn’t.

“I promise.” He says quietly, looking away from me.

~~~~

We were in. The cameras off thanks to Ara, the house quiet as its inhabitants slept peacefully unaware.

Me and Donghun stand on the balcony connected to the old mans room. Heavy rain still beating on us and drenching us the longer we stood there motionless. It was safer than walking through the front door. Which Donghun had recklessly suggested we do since cameras were off.

He grumbled as he climbed the rope up to the balcony, letting out a quiet hiss once his feet hit the concrete.

“I hate this.” Donghun whispers. Shooting me a glare as I press my back against the wall to check into the sliding glass door.

“You wanted my help.” I remind him, not meeting his eyes.

I jump when I feel warm breath on my neck, making me come face to face with him. Rain water drips down his face and onto my own.

“Did you really mean what you said back there?” He asked quietly. “About not wanting to see me again.”

I sigh and rub my temple, thankful the heavy rain drowned out our hushed voices. “Donghun, now isn’t the time.” I tell him.

“Just answer the dang question.” Donghun growls, frustration lacing his words. “Do you really not want to see me again? Because with how you kissed me back on the balcony your actions said otherwise.”

I glare at him, “I tricked you on the balcony. You could hardly stand.”

Donghun narrows his eyes at me, “You still kissed me back.” He snaps.

I stare at him a moment, my heart lurching in my chest. “Donghun, this would never work. Thieves don’t have a romantic relationship for a reason.”

Donghun’s eyes lose their fire and sadden a bit. The heavy rain only adding to his wounded look. “What if I wanted to break those rules?”

I feel my heart drop into the pit of my stomach. We had always been rivals but there was always an undeniable pull between me and Donghun. The team always teased me about having a soft spot for him, and I always denied it. But deep down, I knew they were right.

“Just get us inside.” I tell him briskly. Desperate to change the subject.

Donghun looks me over for a moment before sighing heavily and working on unlocking the door. His fingers would steadily as he slowly picks at the lock, careful not to jostle the handle too much.

A silent click is heard from over the rain, signaling we were in. Despite the tense circumstances, I couldn’t help but bite my lip in excitement. There was a thrill that came with this job, the thrill of adrenaline that pumped through you and made your fingers itch. It was a thrill we all lived for.

Donghun pushes the door open slowly, peaking inside. In the center of the room was a king sized bed with lush carpet covering the room. In the bed was a small still form. His breathing steady as soft snores escaped his mouth.

“At least the old guy sleeps soundly.” Donghun mumbles under his breath.

I let out a soft chuckle, but quickly silence it. Not wanting to joke with him as much as possible to avoid contact. Donghun slips inside first, his movements slow as the darkness of the room engulfs him. I follow close behind him.

I hold my breath slightly once inside. Even the drops of rain from our clothing that hit the carpet seemed loud. But the old mans snoring never stopped as we made our way to the glass case that held the diamonds.

I smile, thrilled to see them again. My fingers itching to touch them and show them to the rest of my team.

“We don’t have them yet.” Donghun whispers in my ear. His breath fanning against my cheek and neck.

I nod and watch the old man a moment, making sure he wasn’t awake while Donghun knelt down to disarm the alarm system inside the case. I stay silent as he works, not wanting to break his concentration. The only sound filling the room was deep breathing and soft snores from the bed and gentle rain hitting the roof and windows.

Donghun taps my leg, making me bend down to his level so he could whisper in my ear. “I can’t disarm the censor that the necklace is resting on. We need something to replace it with so the alarm won’t go off.”

I nod my head and look around the room. Looking for something not too heavy, but not too light. My eyes land on a small deceptive vase in one corner of the room. I crawl my way over to it and gently pick it up to bring it back to where Donghun was.

I hand him the vase, my job coming up. Donghuns gloved fingers brush mine, making me pull away from him quickly. He grabs my wrist, however, and intertwines our fingers together until their linked.

I feel a shiver go down my spine as Donghun leans in toward me, his face inches from mine. “I don’t think you want me to leave.” He whispers. Not bothering to hide the smirk in his voice.

I can barely make out his features in the dark but there’s enough glow from the moon outside that I can see his eyes.

“You have the worst timing.” I hiss at him, but I don’t pull my hand away from being linked with his.

“It’s just us, princess.” Donghun smirks, “You don’t have to be shy.”

“Donghun.” I warn, heat rising through my body like fire.

Donghun’s face is close enough that I can feel his breath across my lips, his nose brushing mine gently. “Tell me you don’t want this and I’ll stop.” He whispers.

I bite my lip to keep from making a sound as his hand pulls me closer to him. “Tell me to stop. And once this heist is over I’ll leave you alone.”

His lips trace down my neck slowly where all the bruises he had left on me earlier had formed. I let out a shaky breath into his ear, making him let out a deep growl against my neck.

“Tell me to stop, princess.” Donghun whispers, placing a small bite on my jawline.

I rest my head against his shoulder, my head spinning and my heart pounding. Donghun pulls away from my neck and rests one hand against my cheek, making me eye level with him. Our lips only centimeters apart when a loud snore from the bed behind us makes us snap out of it.

“We’ll finish this later.” I promise him, making him let out a soft whine as I stand up slowly.

The alarm on the case was off, but we needed to lift it slowly to not move the necklace and trigger the censor. Donghun takes one end of the case and I take the other as we gently lift it. I hold my breath as it comes off, and I don’t exhale until it’s placed on the floor gently.

The diamonds sparkle in the soft light, making me smile at their beauty. Donghun stands behind me as he whispers, “I don’t think the vase will stay on the stand.”

I dig in my pocket and bring out a small stick with a silver wrapper on it. “It will if you chew on this for a minute.” I tell him.

Donghun chuckles softly as he pops the chewing gum into his mouth. I examine the stand the necklace rested on carefully while he chewed. The necklace was laid across a flat surface, in the center was a circular piece that that looked like glass. It was the censor. The center piece of the necklace, being the biggest diamond that dangled from the chain, rested on it.

Donghun takes the gum from his mouth to slide it underneath the vase, ensuring it will stick. I place my hands on the necklace gently, while Donghun stands ready with the vase to replace it.

Slowly, I start sliding the necklace away from the censor. Donghun follows the necklace closely with the vase, ensuring that pressure never left the censor. We hold our breath the entire pain staking process.

After what felt like an eternity later, the necklace is in my hands. I smile gleefully down at it, Donghun’s smile matching mine.

“Guys, get out of there.” Daejung’s voice says into my earpiece, startling me.

My heart immediately drops, “What happened?” I ask.

“You must have tripped an alarm. The cops are here. Hurry up.”

I stare at Donghun, he had an earpiece on like mine and heard the conversation. “I know I turned of the alarm to the case.” Donghun says defensively.

“It wasn’t the case.” I hiss, walking over to the door and kneeling down to let my hand run down the wooden frame. My fingers land on a small object just between the door and the frame. I let out a frustrated sigh. “He had a motion censor on the door. It’s silent and calls the cops as soon as anyone opens the door.”

Donghun let’s out a hushed curse. His eyes scanning the room. “Give me the diamonds.” Donghun says, holding his hand out to me.

“Why?” I hiss, clutching them tighter to my chest.

“Just... let me take them. We’re splitting them anyway and I don’t want you running off on me with them.”

I stare at him, not trusting him. Donghun must read my thoughts because he quickly adds, “I promise I won’t take off with them. But I have to have insurance you won’t run off.”

“Guys, hurry up! The cops are bringing out the K-9 units.” Changmin whines in our ear pieces.

“Please, princess.” Donghun begs quietly. His doe eyes holding my gaze.

I let out a frustrated growl and hand him the diamonds, a gleeful smile on his lips when the diamonds touch is hand. I grab Donghun’s other free hand and pull us out the bedroom door, we couldn’t leave the same way we came in. I pull him down the hall as silently as I could, a map of the mansion pulled up in my head.

I open a door at the end of the hall that I knew to be a empty guest room. I pull him inside quickly and go over to the window. It put us directly in line with the van that was only a few blocks down. I smile and open the window quickly, seeing Jun and Seyoon jump out of the van to help us out.

Blue and red lights flash on the other side of the house. From inside, I can hear the doorbell being rung multiple times, waking up the house. I quickly swing my legs through the window and jump down, Jun catching me and steading me as I stand on shaky legs. Donghun jumps down beside me.

I quickly start for the van, Changmin opening the door for me as I run up. His eyes darting around nervously. Donghun and the others on my heels.

I just get in the van when I hear Seyoon say behind me, “Wait I minute.” I turn around to see that Donghun had handed him the necklace. “These aren’t real.”

“What?” Donghun and Jun say in unison, quickly going to look more closely at the diamonds with Seyoon. I let out a dark chuckle, making Donghun meet my eyes. His eyes wide with shock, his jaw lax.

“See you around, sweetheart.” I wink at him before slamming the van door shut, Daejung immediately throwing the van into drive and driving down the road away from the flashing lights. I look out the window to see Donghun and the others racing to their van a few blocks away. All of them looking furious. I let out a laugh as I sit down on the vans floor and rest my head against the wall. Daejung drives quickly and soon we hit the Highway.

“Did you get them?” Changmin asks excitedly. His eyes sparkling.

I chuckle and pull out the red diamond necklace from under my shirt. I had swapped it out for a fake necklace when I went to check the bedroom door for a censor. Donghun never saw it coming.

“Of course, I got them.” I smile at him, making him and Ara squeal in excitement as they take the necklace from me.

“So we don’t have to give them anything? We don’t have to split this?” Ara gushes, her hands shaking in excitement as she runs her fingers along the red stones.

I giggle and shake my head. “We never were.” I tell her.

“This is why she’s our smooth talker.” Daejung calls from the drivers seat. “She makes people let down their guard. And she did it to A.C.E twice now.”

I take a deep breath and take the necklace from Ara, examining it in the light. It really was beautiful.

“Yeah, well, that’s not the last time we’ll see A.C.E. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of them.” I say quietly, smiling to myself.

Me and Donghun couldn’t be together how he thought of us being together. But we could always be rivals in this twisted game of cat and mouse we played with each other. Fooling each other, chasing, always playing for a checkmate. The K4 and A.C.E would always be competing for the best spot as thieves. But the prospect of seeing their leader again kept me looking forward to something until we met again.

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pastel-galaxy · 4 years

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Nothing New (Johnny X Reader)

Tags: Smut, Spitting kink, fingering, sir kink, dom! Johnny, sub reader

You were sat on the couch in the living room of your apartment, flickering through the channels on the tv absently. Johnny had been working in the spare room, that had become his sort of makeshift office whenever he came over. You hadn't seen him in about three hours now, as you wanted to leave him alone for him to concentrate, but you had to admit that it was kind of frustrating being bored by yourself when your boyfriend was literally in the next room over. Still, though, you kept to yourself, giving up on the cable and turning to netflix to continue the series you recently became invested in.

About two episodes in, you finally heard the door to Johnny's office open up, and a spark of happiness jolted in your chest. He was done and now you guys can cuddle. However, that spark died out quickly once he emerged from the hallway, in the same state he was when waking up this morning. Shirtless, black sweat pants and hair still a mess from sleeping. His face held no indication of joy, eyes dark and pupils dilated as he took slow steps towards you.

"Hey baby." You said softly, confused at his sudden dark demeanor. You tried to brush it off as just him being tired and coming to you for a nap, opening you arms. But when he finally stood in front of you, your arms remained empty as he simply kept standing, eyes peering down at you and that's when you noticed the phone in his hand. You flicked your eyes from his to the phone, which displayed something on its screen, but you couldn't see what it was. You began to get nervous. Was he mad at you or something? Was there a bad rumor going around? A scandal?

"What's wrong, John?" You question, lifting your hands to place them on his thighs innocently, looking up and waiting for his answer. His hand quickly lifted, holding his phone in front of your face so you could get a clear view of what was on the screen. Quickly, you scanned your eyes over it, and it didn't even take five seconds for realization to dawn upon you. At some point while he was sitting in his office, supposedly 'working', he had found your tumblr account, and ended up scrolling through a little too far. Far enough to stumble upon a few of your...not so innocent posts, atleast.

"Spitting, huh?" He asks, shaking you from your moment of shock as you look back up at him with wide eyes. A sinister grin had snuck up onto his lips, dark eyes now slightly sparkling with amusement. He shut his phone off, slipping it into his back pocket and leans over, leveling his face with yours and trapping your head between his veiny arms as he splays his hands on the couch behind you. You could do nothing but stare back at him and flush red.

"And why exactly didn't you tell me about this little interest of yours sooner, hm?" He inhales, eyes trailing your figure up and down, so small compared to his. He looked at you expectantly, eyebrows risen, gaze intimidating. You would have to answer him, if you wanted to survive through whatever was to come next. His forefinger came up to trace your jawline, tickling the underside of your chin as you responded, your head lifting up further.

"Didn't think it was..important.." You trail off, relishing in his touch and leaning into his palm as he cups your cheek. He hums, trailing his hand higher until it reaches your hair, running his fingers through it softly before he tugs your head back.

"Is that so?" He hums, massaging your scalp gently as he thinks for a moment, tilting his head in feign confusion.

"Funny how I recall telling you to fill me in on everything you liked and disliked when we started having sex. And specifically reminding you that it also meant you had to tell me anything new you decide you like and wanted to try out. But this doesn't seem to be anything new, does it babygirl?" He sneers, emphasizing the post by the shaking his phone in his hand. "Surely you don't think disobeying me wasn't important?" He raises his eyebrows again, accusingly, and you immediately shake your head. Atleast, as much as you could, minding the hand still holding your hair.

"No, no, I ju-" Johnny cut you off mid sentence.

"Exactly who do you think you're talking to, little girl?" His voice was dangerously low, jaw clenched. You quickly remembered your manners, clearing your throat before correcting yourself.

"N-no sir, I just was a little embarrassed about it.." You knew the excuse was nothing near good enough. Not with Johnny, who was very adamant when it came to his rules. He said nothing. A few seconds of silence passed between you two, before the hand in your hair is removed. He was mad.

"Stand up." And you immediately did so, legs a little shaky. A yelp left your lips when Johnny suddenly bent down and picked you up by your hips. Your legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, heart beating rapidly in your chest as he turns and carries you toward the bedroom. Once there, he drops, practically throws you onto the bed, and you have to take a second to recollect your balance so you were sat in a sitting position, hands folded in your lap like he taught you.

Johnny glanced you up and down, all polite and submissive. The sight made him groan, licking his lips tentatively before he struts over to you, bending down and taking your jaw tightly in his fingers. You didn't have time time to react before his mouth overtook yours, using the brief moment of shock to shove his tongue into your mouth, running along the points of your teeth, hungrily exploring everything he could reach until he pulled away just to suck on your bottom lip before going back in. You're not sure how long he kisses you for, a string of saliva still connecting your lips whenever he pulls back. His figure towers over you when he stands back up, but he refuses to let go of your jaw.

"Spit huh? I'll give you spit. Open." He squeezes your jaw between his fingers, sneering, and you immediately open your mouth, inviting. You watched with a fire burning in the pit of your stomach as Johnny took a few seconds to collect as much saliva on his tongue as he could, and when he finally did, the dominant gaze in his eye subsided for only a moment as he looked at you to silently ask if you really wanted this. The only response you could manage was a pleading glance, open jaw preventing you from replying verbally, but that was all it took before the darkness returns to his eyes and he leans closer, forcing you to look at him as he finally spits harshly onto the back of your awaiting tongue.

The feeling has you whining, clenching your thighs together, and Johnny is taken aback by how much you seem to enjoy it. But he is none the less amused as he lets go of your jaw.

"Dirty little girl. You like it when I force my spit down your throat, huh?" He growls, watching the movement of your throat as you swallow, taking in the position of your legs tightly pressed together, the way your knuckles are turning white from how hard your clenching your own fingers. The way your little body was just screaming 'desperation.'

"Yes, sir." You look up at him through your eyelashes, kiss-bitten lips in an almost invisible pout. But of course Johnny didn't miss it. He enjoyed making you flustered..perhaps a little too much. Enjoyed how much power he could hold with just a wink, a bite of his lip, or even now with simply spitting on the sidewalk. Enjoyed watching you grow embarrassed and frustrated to the point you would beg him to stop. He wouldn't though, of course. Maybe it was the sadist in him, who knows?

"Do you want more?" He asks in a low voice, reaching his hand up to sweep through his hair, tussling it up more than it already was. Nothing but pure lust and desire washed over you, fogging your mind and making your heat pulse with need. Your throat tightened at his question, suddenly missing the feeling of his saliva sitting at the back of your tongue. Meekly, you nodded, lips parting as your tongue dipped out to moisten them.

Johnny smirked, striding forward in all his half-naked glory. He must have not have been wearing underwear, because you could spot his half-hard length even through the material of his sweats. You looked up at him with observant eyes, wondering what was going on in his mind. The smirk he wore on his lips, however, if any indication at all, most likely meant it was going to be a long night for you. Once he stood in front of you, he used both of his hands to force your legs open, amused at the wince you let out when the cool air hit the wet spot on your panties. Of course today was one of those days you decided not to wear pants.

Johnny wasn't shy in raking his eyes down your body, gaze lingering on the spot darker than the rest of the material, a glimmer shining in his orbs. Quickly, his eyes snapped up to yours, which were of course looking everywhere but him.

"This really gets you off, huh princess?" He claims pridefully, hand reaching down to run his fingers over the wetness over your panties. You said nothing, shame tickling your cheeks pink as your hips buck into the touch involuntarily. A chuckle is heard above you before your jaw is taken between two strong fingers once again, mouth falling open immediately. You couldn't even blink before another glob of spit was shot into your mouth, and fingers were shoved beyond the waistline of your undergarments and pressed harshly against your clit.

Your mind went fuzzy at the sudden overthrow of sensations, a heavy moan reverberating throughout the room. Your hips grinded into the finger that was now rubbing slow circles onto your bundle of nerves, sending shockwaves of pleasure up your spine. You relished in the feeling of your boyfriend's spit dripping down into your throat when you swallowed, tears beginning to fill your eyes in arousal. It was such little touch, but the sensations were so overwhelming already.

"Feel good?" Johnny asked, replacing his pointer finger with his thumb on your clit, using his fore and middle finger to drift lower as drift through your wetness, rubbing your entrance in gentle up and down motions. Enough to get you squirming. "And answer me correctly." He adds.

"Yes sir..yes sir it feels so good." You whimper, pushing up into his touch subtly. He hums, slowly bending his upper body over yours until he hovered over you, fingers still rubbing between your slicked folds. His eyes refused to leave yours, and his free hand was stubborn on your jaw to keep you from looking away. He loved how flustered you got when he kept eye contact with you, or simply watched you during sex. It amused him to no end when you would whine for him not to look at you like that, even though he couldn't help it most of the time. You just looked so delectable.

The feeling of emptiness spread through your body suddenly, and it took you a second to realize that Johnny had taken his hand out of your panties, and was now tugging them down your legs. You let him, even straightening out your legs to make them easier to pull off. Once they were discarded to the floor, he helped you with your (his) shirt, lifting it over your head and tossing it to join your bottoms. All that was left was your bra, but he left that on for now as he began crawling onto the bed, manhandling your frail body until you were laying with your head against the pillows.

You didn't even have a chance to blink before his lips were on yours again, your mind feeling hazy. He slid his tongue beyond your lips and you happily welcome it, moaning softly into his mouth as he caressed your tongue. He grinned, gripping your hips tightly while his teeth take ahold of your lip and tugs it back, releases. A wet tongue comes into contact with your collarbone and drags its way to your jaw, your hips being pushed into the plush mattress. One of his hands come up to snake around your body, swiftly unclasping your bra and discarding of your final piece of clothing.

Your naked body lay fragile beneath him, tingling with need as you watch him kneel above you, caressing every inch of skin he could reach. Goosebumps rippled over your flesh, your body so responsive to the touch of your boyfriend, and he relished every drop.

"Gonna make you come, yeah? Gonna make you come just from my fingers." And before you could even answer him, he had shoved two slender digits into your gushing hole, a wet squelch reaching your burning ears. Pleasure shot through you at rocket speed as Johnny fucked into you as deep as he could with his appendages. Curling them up, he makes sure to brush against that sweet spot that has your head burrowing back deep into the pillows. Moans and whimpers slipped one after one from your lips, wondering to yourself exactly when your boyfriend had gotten this good with his fingers.

His body slid up further atop of yours, settling face to face with you. He suddenly pressed his thumb onto your clit, rubbing quick circles. And as you opened your mouth wide in a high-pitched moan, he quickly spit another round of saliva into your mouth, watching as your tongue contracts at the contact. It was so sexy to him, just how filthy you could be. How you could go from your cute, pure state of mind into a deep, lustful haze with something as simple as your boyfriends spit.

The amount of control you allowed him to have over you, how submissive you were to him and only him, that was sexy.

Noise after noise filled the air around you as Johnny's fingers continued to slam knuckle-deep into your sex. He was marking up your skin now, trailing his lips and hickeys from your jaw, down the side of your neck, and currently onto the swell of your breast. His tongue took pleasure in flicking across your erect nipple, rolling it gently between his teeth. You were ashamed of how you sounded right about now. A bitch in heat. That's exactly what you sounded like, and the boy on top of you fucking loved it. Loved how you were falling apart right before his very eyes.

He could tell you were close, what with the way your eyes were squeezed so tightly shut, the way your knuckles were turning white as you gripped the sheets beneath you, the way your chest heaved and your hips were now steadily grinding up to meet his fingers with their every thrust. The flush in your cheeks ran all the way down to the middle of

your chest, red poured into every part the skin there that wasn't purple with love bites. You were almost there.

Johnny leaned forward, placing a long, wet kiss against your lips, snaking his tongue between them and sucking on your own. He moaned as he felt your clench around his fingers, hot breath fanning over your lips as he curled his fingers one more time, brushing hard against your g-spot and you finally saw stars. The oxygen around you became thick and your breaths became laboured, rocking your hips as quick as you could as your orgasm rushed over you in wave after wave of pleasure. Johnny's fingers didn't let up, pumping into you at a steady pace as you rode out your orgasm, his lips pressing gentle kisses against your collarbones until you were finally calmed down from your high.

Catching your breath, your arms looped around Johnny's neck as he watched you, fingers now cleaned off and caressing your hips gently. When you opened your eyes, you were met with the one of your boyfriend, still dark and lustful. A smirk stretched his lips as he looked your silky body up and down. His hands added pressure to your hips, gripping them close to his own body. With a deep breath, he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss onto the center of your throat.

"Ready for me now, angel?"

#kpop #nct #nct127 #johnny #nct johnny #johnny seo #nct u #wayv #nct2020 #smut #kpop smut #mark lee #kim jungwoo #nakamoto yuta #jung jaehyun #kim doyoung #lee taeyong

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ask-codeearasure · 3 years

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Introducing Ouija Board Demon the Depressed Juggalette

WHAT IS UUUUUUUP MOTHERFUCKERS! LOOK AT THIS FORMERLY PSUDEO DEAD BLOG. SUCKS ASS THAT THIS SHIT HAD TO BE THAT WAY BUT DON'T WORRY MUMMY IS HERE TO MAKE IT BETTER! Okay for realz tho, this shit sucks to say and know but I can't motherfuckin change shit tbh because this shit ain't really fully MY choice but who honestly gives a fuck? Well, hopefully you. So tha fuckin miraculous motherfucker who owned this blog, concept, and characters was TailsGothicAngel, but she had to fuckin dip because some punk ass, cocksuckin, pathetic little whores decided to abuse her till she finally fuckin broke and wouldn't let her fuckin move the fuck on by telling her why they fuckin liked kicking her around, and instead used it to fuckin spread lies and gossip to random Discord Servers where she couldn't even defend herself. It got to the point where some punk ass slut, who was the main aggressor decided it was funny to invalidate Tails' trauma and accuse her of doing, basically the same shit. I'd show screenshots and shit, but I ain't here to start shit, and It is already bad enough that this shit got Tails to the point she literally fuckin quit the internet, from deleting her tumblr, and twitter, but she also fuckin gave me control of her fuckin Ko-Fi, and Patron and had them connect to my bank and shit, and gave me her League of Legends account with a fuck ton of skins. So... yeah Tails ain't comin' back and I doubt she ever will. So yeah... ya'll have me now. She personally asked me to take control of all this shit and gave me everything. So sorry that this shit has to be this way, but there ain't nothin we can do. If ya wish to talk to me directly and not tha characters, jus put "Dear Miss Ouija," or just "Dear Ouija," and I'll fuckin respond ta ya. Also I'm gonna be rewriting tha stories and shit... and changing their designs and more, so.... ya. hope ya'll enjoy. To close this depressing shit off I'm gonna put in an excerpt from my personal favorite book, hopefully this excerpt will help ya'll cut people out who don't deserve your god damn time: Psychic vampires are individuals who drain others of their vital energy. This type of person can be found in all avenues of society. They fill no useful purpose in our lives, and are neither love objects nor true friends. Yet we feel responsible to the psychic vampire without knowing why.

If you think you may be the victim of such a person, there are a few simple rules which will help you form a decision. Is there a person you often call or visit, even though you really don't want to, because you know you will feel guilty if you don't? Or, do you find yourself constantly doing favors for one who doesn't come forward and ask, but hints? Often the psychic vampire will use reverse psychology, saying: "Oh, I couldn't ask you to do that" - and you, in turn, insist upon doing it. The psychic vampire never demands anything of you. That would be far too presumptuous. They simply let their wishes be known in subtle ways which will prevent them from being considered pests. They "wouldn't think of imposing" and are always content and willingly accept their lot, without the slightest complaint - outwardly!

Their sins are not of commission, but of omission. It's what they don't say, not what they do say, that makes you feel you must account to them. They are much too crafty to make overt demands upon you, because they know you would resent it, and would have a tangible and legitimate reason for denying them.

A large percentage of these people have special "attributes" which make their dependence upon you more feasible and much more effective. Many psychic vampires are invalids (or pretend to be) or are "mentally or emotionally disturbed." Others might feign ignorance or incompetence so you will, out of pity - or more often, exasperation - do things for them.

The traditional way to banish a demon or elemental is to recognize it for what it is, and exorcise it. Recognition of these modem- day demons and their methods is the only antidote for their devastating hold over you.

Most people accept these passively vicious individuals at face value only because their insidious maneuvers have never been pointed out to them. They merely accept these "poor souls" as being less fortunate than themselves, and feel they must help them however they can. It is this misdirected sense of responsibility (or unfounded sense of guilt) which nourishes well the "altruisms" upon which these parasites feast!

The psychic vampire is allowed to exist because he cleverly chooses conscientious, responsible people for his victims - people with great dedication to their "moral obligations."

In some cases we are vampirized by groups of people, as well as individuals. Every fund raising organization, be it a charitable foundation, community council, religious or fraternal association, etc., carefully selects a person who is adept at making others feel guilty for its chairman or coordinator. It is the job of this chairman to intimidate us into opening first our hearts, and then our wallets, to the recipient of their "good will" - never mentioning that, in many cases, their time is not unselfishly donated, but that they are drawing a fat salary for their "noble deeds." They are masters at playing upon the sympathy and consideration of responsible people. How often we see little children who have been sent forth by these self-righteous Fagins to painlessly extract donations from the kindly. Who can resist the innocent charm of a child?

There are, of course, people who are not happy unless they are giving, but many of us do not fit into this category. Unfortunately, we are often put upon to do things we do not genuinely feel should be required of us. A conscientious person finds it very difficult to decide between voluntary and imposed charity. He wants to do what is right and just, and finds it perplexing trying to decide exactly who he should help and what degree of aid should rightfully be expected of him.

Each person must decide for himself what his obligations are to his respective friends, family, and community. Before donating his time and money to those outside his immediate family and close circle of friends, he must decide what he can afford, without depriving those closest to him. When taking these things into consideration he must be certain to include himself among those who mean most to him. He must carefully evaluate the validity of the request and the personality or motives of the person asking it of him.

It is extremely difficult for a person to learn to say "no" when all his life he has said "yes."

But unless he wants to be constantly taken advantage of, he must learn to say "no" when circumstances justify doing so. If you allow them, psychic vampires will gradually infiltrate your everyday life until you have no privacy left - and your constant feeling of concern for them will deplete you of all ambition.

A psychic vampire will always select a person who is relatively content and satisfied with his life - a person who is happily married, pleased with his job, and generally well-adjusted to the world around him - to feed upon. The very fact that the psychic vampire chooses to victimize a happy person shows that he is lacking all the things his victim has; he will do everything he can to stir up trouble and disharmony between his victim and those people he holds dear. Therefore, be wary of anyone who seems to have no real friends and no apparent interest in life (except you). He will usually tell you he is very selective in his choice of friends, or doesn't make friends easily because of the high standards he sets for his companions. (To acquire and keep friends, one must be willing to give of himself - something of which the psychic vampire is incapable.) But he will hasten to add that you fulfill every requirement and are truly an outstanding exception among men - you are one of the very few worthy of his friendship.

Lest you confuse desperate love (which is a very selfish thing) with psychic vampirism, the vast difference between the two must be clarified. The only way to determine if you are being vampirized is to weigh what you give the person compared to what they give you in return. You may, at times, become annoyed with the obligations put upon you by a loved one, a close friend, or even an employer. But before you label them psychic vampires, you must ask yourself, "What am I getting in return?" If your spouse or lover insists that you call them frequently, but you also require them to account to you for their time spent away from you, you must realize this is a give and take situation. Or, if a friend is in the habit of calling upon you for help at inopportune moments, but you similarly depend upon them to give your immediate needs priority, you must regard it as a fair exchange. If your employer asks you to do a little more than is normally expected of you in your particular position, but will overlook occasional tardiness or will give you time off when you need it, you certainly have no cause for complaint and need not feel he is taking advantage of you.

You are, however, being vampirized if you are incessantly called upon or expected to do favors for someone who, when you need a favor, always happens to have other "pressing obligations."

Many psychic vampires will give you material things for the express purpose of making you feel you owe them something in return, thereby binding you to them. The difference between your giving, and theirs, is that your return payment must come in a non- material form. They want you to feel obligated to them, and would be very disappointed and even resentful if you attempted to repay them with material objects. In essence, you have "sold your soul" to them, and they'll constantly remind you of your duty to them, by not reminding you.

Being purely Satanic, the only way to deal with a psychic vampire is to "play dumb" and act as though they are genuinely altruistic and really expect nothing in return. Teach them a lesson by graciously taking what they give you, thanking them loudly enough for all to hear, and walking away! In this way you come out the victor. What can they say? And when you are inevitably expected to repay their "generosity," (this is the hard part!) you say "no" - but again, graciously! When they feel you falling from their clutches two things will happen. First, they will act "crushed," hoping your old feeling of duty and sympathy will return, and when (and if) it doesn't, they will show their true colors and will become angry and vindictive.

Once you have moved them to this point, you can play the role of the injured party. After all, you've done nothing wrong - you just happened to have had "pressing obligations" when they needed you, and since nothing was expected in return for their gifts, there should be no hard feelings.

Generally, the psychic vampire will realize his methods have been discovered and will not press the issue. He will not continue to waste his time with you, but will move on to his next unsuspecting victim.

There are times, however, when the psychic vampire will not release his hold so easily, and will do everything possible to torment you. They have plenty of time for this because, when once rejected, they will neglect all else (what little else they have, that is) to devote their every waking moment to planning the revenge to which they feel they are entitled. For this reason, it is best to avoid a relationship with this kind of person in the first place. Their "adulation" and dependence upon you may, at first, be very flattering, and their material gifts very attractive, but you will eventually find yourself paying for them many times over.

Don't waste your time with people who will ultimately destroy you, but concentrate instead on those who will appreciate your responsibility to them, and, likewise, feel responsible to you.

And if you are a psychic vampire - take heed! Beware of the Satanist - he is ready and willing to gleefully drive the proverbial stake through your heart! - The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey Hail Satan!

#new blog owner #new owner #code erasure

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vanchlo · 4 years

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The Assistant / Chapter Twenty Seven, “Meet Me in the Hallway”

New to the story or want to catch up? Find all chapters HERE! :-)

Ok I didnt forget this time :/

* SNEAKYYYYYYYYY PEEK TIME *

“Why’re you annoyed I said that? Is it ‘cause that’s what you want? Did I expose your secret fantasy? ‘Cause ya know you can still go and date him, maybe it’s even easier now that you don’t work for him anymore.”

“Robbie, stop.”

“I can keep a secret. Scout’s honor.”

“No, you can’t! You always say that and it’s never true. And you were never in Boy Scouts,” I scoff, holding onto tufts of his jean jacket.

“I was too! Now, stop avoiding the question. Why won’t you give Harry another chance?” Robbie continues, veering back to the topic I so conveniently changed.

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Hmmm, I don’t think I believe you, Ree,” Robbie tsks. “But I’m going to get the truth out of you one of these times.”

P.S - I apologize for any spelling/grammar errors or stuff that should be bolded/italicized that I missed, I already edited this chapter on here a few times and Tumblr kept losing it ugh.

Enjoy!

“I don’t know,” she replies, yanking at the corners of my heart. A sigh escapes my lips when I feel my heavy head fall into my hands. “M-my dad,” Becky continues, but her words collapse into tears before too long.

I almost tell her that I already know, but my lips stop just in time. I don’t want her to get mad at Asher. And if I’m honest, our secret elevator meetings to talk about her are the highlight of my week. But my lips search for something to say. The sound of her tears is all I can hear, no matter how badly I ache to take them away.

“He has c-cancer, Harry,” Becky says, her words tumbling out sloppily. They pull at my heart again, making it fall another notch.

“Fuuuuuuuuck . . . . ’m so sorry, Becks . . . . Are ya okay?”

“No, w-why would I be? How could I be?” she responds, her words falling out fast.

“Becks . . have ya been drinkin’, love?” I ask tentatively, wincing when I hear her groan.

“I don’t wanna ‘ear it. Imma grown woman. I can bloody drink if I want t’ and-,” she argues, her voice steely. I’m caught off guard by the confrontation, and it only makes me feel worse.

“Tha’s not what I meant, love. I jus’ . . . ,” I try, my train of thought fleeing me. All of my thoughts do, because I wasn’t expecting this. I don’t even know if I’d have any better idea of what to say if I’d had notice she was going to call. That she was going to remember who I was for the first time in 9 months. “Are ya atta pub? Cuz I jus’ wanna know yer safe. I can leave an’ give ya a lift home if ya need,” I finish, unsure of how she’ll take my words.

She’s quiet and it only makes the scary thoughts buzz louder in my head.

What if she gets the idea to drive herself home?

What if some drunk bloke bothers her and she can’t fend for herself?

What if she tries to walk home in the rainstorm?

What if she keeps drinking, not knowing when to stop?

What if-

“No, I’m at home. In me bed. I’m not st- dumb, Harry,” she slurs, showing me a side of her I’ve never seen. We’ve had drinks together before - in my office or rarely at a pub. But she never got drunk before.

“I don’ think ya are, bug,” I counter, the nickname falling effortlessly from my tongue. “’m really sorry ‘bout yer dad. D’ya know how bad it ‘s yet?”

“Noooo, other than that ’s somewhere . . . like in uh Stage 2 . . or somefiing,” Becky answers, her words all over the place. “It’s t-the prostate. Ya know that fing that uh . . . is . . where ‘s it ‘gain?” One of her many words that don’t make much sense.

“Ya I know what it ‘s an’ where. I uh have one of ‘em,” I finish for her. I’m rewarded by hearing her decadent laugh. A sound I’ve craved and missed for so long. I missed it more than I thought I had, I realize as a smile pulls my cheeks upwards.

“Oh ya. I uh kinda forgot ‘bout dat,” she titters, encouraging a chuckle from my now smiling lips.

But her laugh fades first and mine follows. Because she didn’t call to laugh at my lame jokes, or to catch up on things we’ve missed in each other's lives. No, not really.

“He’d been ‘aving pains. So bad he can’t eat, or use the uh loo . . He told me when we was there wit’ Robbie and . . . . he looked baaad,” she tells me, her voice catching on the last word. I feel my heart shudder in pain again, and suddenly I realize the validity of the second-hand pain phenomenon. “And I jus’ dunno ‘ow I’m gonna do dis. I wanna help him and take care o’ him . . . But I’m t’ree hours ‘way and . . . I just dunno how t’ do dis.”

“There’s no real setta rules, love. No guideline or brochure fer how t’ handle it . . Ya jus’ gotta do yer best, an’ love him . . ‘m sorry,” I tell her, not knowing what else to say.

“You’re sorry?” she laughs, pulling my eyebrows into a knot. “Tha’s a firssssst.”

I listen to her laugh some more, savoring it. But I’m also confused and a little offended. But then it stops abruptly and I hear her sniffle. “I’m the one whoooo should be sorry,” she begins, tears lacing into her words. And taking all of mine with them. “You’re just trynaaaa help, and I’m bein’ mean and rude just like I always am to ya. Ughhhh, I dunno why I even called.”

“No, ‘s okay. Yer goin’ thru a lot an’ . . . I appreciate ya callin’. I jus’ hope ‘m helpin’,” I say quickly, dropping a hand in defeat. It finds its way to my pants and I pick at the loose thread that’s been bothering me all day.

“But I am, Harry! I’m mean and I make no sense a-and I’m jus’ loadin’ onto ya. But I dunno who else t’ call, cuz ’m tryna t’ be strong forrrrr Robbie. And not worry Skye, an’ I jus’ dunno what t’ do, Harry,” Becky says, the last of her words dissolving into sobs. Biting my lip at the sound of her crying into my ear, I keep biting and biting as she cries. I yank at the thread and feel it dig into my skin, but I don’t let go. “I don’t wanna lose me dad afta I already lost you.”

It takes a few seconds of telling myself, but I slowly release my bottom lip. I huff, swiping my tongue across my lips. I taste the metally blood coming from the stinging cut. And then the warm taste of salt joins it on my tongue. Pressing my lips together, the pain only intensifies. But I let it stay as tears roll down my cheek. My finger burns, but only for a few short seconds when I finally rip the thread from my pants. It doesn’t compare to the pain I feel inside of my chest, like a vice around my heart. Tightening and throbbing.

The line grows silent, but I know she’s there. Because I hear her shallow breathing, and the occasional sniffle. And I know that she’s still crying, because I hear the whimpers that she tries to hide. Even if she is drunk. And the pain only keeps coming, because I hate that I can’t do anything to stop hers. Nothing at all.

“I miss ya so much, Becks,” I whisper, not believing the words coming from my mouth. But they feel good. Freeing. Almost exciting.

“I . . . I do too, b-but I can’t go down that road ‘gain, Harry. I- I can’t do this,” she rushes. I hear noises on her line, but I can’t get out the words before the it goes dead. Silence.

I feel my phone slide from my hands slick with tears. It falls to the floor with a thud, but I hardly hear it. Because her voice is drowning out the sounds of everything else.

The thunder.

The rain falling harder by every second.

I press the pads of my fingers into my eyes and let my own rain fall. My fingers grow wet with every tear. Every single one I held in as her voice graced my ears. The tears that grew from the pain I heard in her voice. From when I heard about her dad’s diagnosis. And I think the ones I’ve been pushing away for a long time.

The rain welcomes a friend, and I join the drops drilling against the glass until the storm passes. But I know that although the storm inside of me passed for a little while, that it’s only come back stronger. The velvety sofa cushions and pillow welcome my tired body. I fall into a fitful sleep with her comforting voice dancing through my head. The only place I can see her again, and where I didn’t fuck everything up.

“Don’t worry, Becky. We’ll get this all figured out. You just do your best and take care of yourself and your father. Keep me updated on what you learn, and if you need extensions. Alright?”

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” I reply emphatically.

He nods before patting my arm and telling me to have a good day. I return it before leaving his office and feeling the slightest weight leave my shoulders. That was the easy part, I think to myself as I find my way through the twisty halls.

Looping my arm through my other backpack strap, I turn a corner and keep walking. I feel my heartbeat start to slow down after that nervous meeting with Professor Alcott, finishing up my afternoon of meeting with my professors. I couldn’t even believe the words leaving my mouth to grace their ears.

My dad was diagnosed with Stage 2 prostate cancer recently. We still don’t know a lot, but I wanted to let you know. I plan to still stay enrolled in the program and I’m committed to my courses. At the same time, I’m going to do what I can to take care of him. I will keep you updated as I learn more, but there are still a lot of unknowns at this point and . . . , I think, pausing the track I had on repeat for the last few hours. I had to figure out what to say, then rehearse it, and then say all of those words to the stern-looking expressions of my professors. Two of whom I’ve never even met before, because I’m taking their classes online. But my advisor, Sally, told me it would be best to meet with them in person. It’s more personal and shows your commitment blah blah, she said.

I’m just glad to have that part over with, I sigh inwardly.

The first fallen leaves of Fall crunch under my lace up purple Vans. The crisp air welcomes me. For a few seconds, I lose myself in the beginnings of the changing colors of Autumn. But the incessant worrying thoughts that have plagued my mind sit at the back, ready to pounce. I was rather numb for the first several days. I didn’t know how to function normally. Let alone inform my professors professionally and in person about the events that just rocked my life. I’m relieved that they were all very accommodating and kind to me about the news. But I know that the hard work is just about to begin.

A U2 song pours from my speakers as I back out of my parking space and start my journey home. I try to lose myself in the beloved lyrics, but it’s hard. When they become too relatable and too nostalgic, I skip it and the stereo player whirs as it thinks. My Spotify chooses a song at random - a favorite by Vance Joy. I roll my windows down and try to sing along.

I close my apartment door with my foot, sifting through the mail.

A bill. An advert for Skye. Another bill. Another cosmetology advert for Skye. An advert from my uni. Something Skye ordered from Amazon. A random magazine subscription that I most definitely don’t want to subscribe to. A sheet of Domino’s coupons. And a square periwinkle envelope with my name scrawled across the front. No return address.

My feet stop in the middle of toeing off my shoes. The one falls to the floor with an echoing thud. I swallow and pad slowly over to the kitchen island. Pushing Skye’s mess over, I let the pile of mail fall with a slap. With one shoe still on, I soon find myself sitting on the arm of the sofa. Backpack still heavy on my shoulders. Keys still hanging around my finger. But all I can focus on is the periwinkle envelope in my hands. And that familiar handwriting.

I hug it to my chest and tap my fingers along it as I think.

I know what it feels like, but I don’t know if I want to open it.

Because I know what will happen if I do.

But I can’t deny the first bubbles of excitement rising in my chest.

The first feelings of happiness I’ve felt in 11 days.

11 days since my dad announced that he has cancer. The dreaded C word.

My thumb does the first rip without me barely registering it. My excited heartbeat eggs me on. I try to rip it neatly, and leave the pretty envelope intact. But I’ve never been good at opening mail neatly. It’s just too exciting. I see the cursive word on the back first. The card company’s name.

The card is a periwinkle purple, like the envelope. He remembered it’s my favorite. My eyes fall closed without warning when I feel the hard square inside of the card. A sigh escapes my lips. It only grows longer when I feel the tiny imprints the pen left from pressing down hard in the author’s hand.

Exhaling slowly, I flip the card over and find a saying that I glance over. The cursive words made permanent by gold lettering tug at my heart. But I know that’s only the beginning. My finger pries at the opening and runs along the inside, feeling the bumpy impressions of the ink words. I rip the bandaid off and open it. But before I read anything, I grab a hold of the plastic square. I place it behind the card in my grip.

One step at a time.

The inside of the card is painted with sloppy black writing. At the sight of it, I watch my sight grow hazy. Starting at the beginning, I blink and feel the first tear fall when I see my name.

Harry’s name for me.

Dear Becks,

I saw this card and thought of you. The little bunny on the front just screamed your name, and well it harassed me during my whole shopping trip to buy it. Isn’t it just adorable? It made me think of the story you told me once about the baby bunny you found with your dad that was hurt. You both nursed it back to health before it hopped away back into the woods. Or your Dad called the animal services to take it to rehabilitate it. You said you couldn’t remember. Anyways, it made me think of you and the unimaginable pain you’re going through. You and your family. I never had the pleasure to meet your Dad but I wanted to extend my sympathies. He must be a pretty incredible man seeing how well you and Robbie turned out. You always spoke fondly of him. I know you’re very close to him, and because of that I know this is even harder for you. I’m so sorry. I’ve been thinking of you and your family often, and wishing there was something I could do to help. I’m so sorry, Becks. I really am. I don’t think there’s much else I can say to comfort you right now, or if there is I don’t know what it is. I’d just suggest doing what you can to be with your father during this time, and although it may be difficult to see him in pain, I think you’d be happy if you were there. No matter how things turn out, I think it would mean a lot to the both of you. I’ve experienced grandparents and loved ones passing, and it’s the shits but whoever said that it’s better to suffer together than by yourself was right. But please take care of yourself too. I don’t know what your plans are, but please don’t load your plate too full. Okay? I’m sorry, but you won’t be much help to your Dad if you’re giving yourself too much work. I’m so sorry that this is happening to you, Becks. It pains me more than you could know to know that you’re going through this. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please let them know that. Take care of yourself, please. For you and your dad. If there is anything at all I can do to help please don’t be afraid to let me know. In the meantime, I hope that this Visa gift card will help. I recall you said you’re from Madley and your dad still lives there, which is quite the trip. I hope this money will help pay for petrol, meals, hospital bills, and anything else that may help make you and your dad comfortable. Myles’ brother who’s a doctor knows of some good docs at The Royal London Hospital where he works - if you’re interested, just give him a ring. I’ll be praying for a hopeful diagnosis and outlook for your dad, and that he recovers from this. I hope you’re hanging in there, Becks. Just take it one day at a time.

Harry xxxxx

My chest shakes with a sob as I breathe in, but it’s so hard. And it hurts. Closing the card, I cover my face with it. And feel the warm tears paint my cheeks. I don’t know where they come from or how I haven’t ran out of them yet, but they keep coming. Without knowing it, I find myself sliding off the sofa and down onto the floor to rest against the sofa. Ugly sounds leave my lips and my body shakes with each sob. For the first time in days, there’s a feeling inside of me stronger than sadness for my dad.

Longing.

Missing.

I miss Harry. And I let myself feel all of it. Like I haven’t been letting myself for months. I forgot how much I missed him.

The way he could make me laugh.

How he always knew what to say without worrying it being the right thing.

His sunshine smile.

His molasses like voice - deep, rich, and syrupy sweet.

And most of all, the way his hugs fixed me like a bandaid. I feel my heart wrench with everything I miss, but it especially hurts when I think about how much I miss his hugs. And how badly I crave one right now. No, I need one.

I cry harder at that, because apparently things can get worse right now, I think inside the chaos that is my mind.

I miss my dad, even though I saw him yesterday when I went back home. And then I miss Harry, even though I kicked him out of my life. Even though I heard his molasses voice the other day when I mistakenly called him after drinking a bottle of wine.

I miss him so much and it hurts.

I didn’t know that I could even hurt more than I already was.

And I wouldn’t have guessed that his card warms my heart, and breaks it at the same time.

My thumb wavers over the keyboard of letters, indecisive and lost. I groan and walk away, padding out of the room and into our main living area.

“You better be getting a snack since you didn’t eat dinner,” Skye calls out to me from her perch on the sofa.

“Okay, Mom,” I retort, searching the shelves of the fridge. It sounds bad, but it only took Skye a major life event to do a decent job at grocery shopping, I recount. Grabbing a yogurt from the drawer, an apple, and a spoon from others, I leave with my dinner in hand.

The food falls to my desk with a clatter as my attention diverts to my phone. Waking it back up, I see the words I had typed out before. Without another thought, I press Send. With wide eyes and a shaky hand, I lay my phone face down away from me. I’ve only gotten settled and read a few lines from my textbook when my phone chimes. With teenage jittery excitement, I stare at it for a few seconds before daring to pick it up. My heart does a somersault in my chest at the sight of the name.

Harry.

I read over my text first, and then read his.

Hi. I can’t thank you enough for the incredibly sweet card. The gift card was more than generous. I don’t know which I cried more at. Just THANK YOU. A lot. I don’t know how many times I can say that. It was so kind of you to think of me and my dad.

Harry

hi! stop it youre more than welcome. im glad you liked the card. i wasnt sure if it was 2 dorky. u better not have cried at it. im here if u need anything. have a good night xxxx

My thumbs dance around on the screen. But before long, I set it down and try to immerse myself in my textbook. But it’s hard, because all I can do is think about him and our texts. I was texting him and we were talking, my over excited teenage-like mind thinks. But the adult part of it sweeps it under the rug, or tries to. Those two parts fight each other as I struggle to make sense of the chapter I’m reading. Because the teenage girl side wants to text him back, but the adult side argues there’s nothing to say. And that won’t I just get hurt again? I find myself nodding at that. Or more so, the argument it makes about there being no point in it. But the teenaged side reads into his words and grows excited at some of them. Talk about distracting.

“Oh my god, just stop!” I mutter aloud, covering my ears but it doesn’t work. Groaning, I flip the page and read on.

He helped and his card stands on my desk now, but I need to focus on my dad. And school. And this fricken boring chapter that I have an upcoming quiz on.

Voices carry down the tiled hallways. The sounds of footsteps sound like ghosts around me. So do the memories I have of these halls. Ones that stab at my insides as I walk further into them. I turn a corner and find the light at the end of the tunnel. He senses me and looks up. He shows a small smile as he crosses his arms over his chest. He’s continued to ignore the the circle of chairs in the waiting area. Instead, he leans against the wall nearby the door we’ve been staring at.

“Is he done with his labs yet?”

He shakes his head no, narrowing his eyes at me. “You said you weren’t going to go and cry in the bathroom, you liar,” Robbie jokes, but I don’t laugh. He purses his lips and holds his arm out for me.

I walk into them and rest my head on his chest. “Yeah well, you tell everybody that you’re the older twin when you’re not,” I quip with a sniffle. A laugh rumbles underneath my cheek.

“That’s ‘cause I am.”

“No, you’re not. Dad only said that when we got in fights to make you feel better,” I reply, closing my eyes and listening to his heartbeat. For some reason, his hugs never fail to calm me down. After a fight we had whether we were 5 or 15, when I snuck into his bed at night when mom and dad were fighting, after a pet died, even after a bad day at school, and especially lately with dad’s diagnosis. It only strengthens my belief about the whole twin thing.

He scoffs in reply and my lips find a laugh. “I want to see our birth certificates and settle this once and for all.”

I giggle into his warm chest and close my eyes. But then the thoughts and not longer after, the tears arrive. Robbie squeezes me and tickles my back with his fingers.

“They sounded hopeful at least,” he says quietly.

“Yeah, but they want to do chemo before and after surgery.”

“I know, but they said they have to be sure. If things look good when they’re doing the surgery, like clean margins or whatever it was, then he might not need chemo afterwards,” Robbie points out and I nod, feeling the damp spots on his shirt from my tears.

“He seems like he’s holding it all together pretty well.”

“Yeah he’s always had super strength. Remember in primary when we wrote that dad was our hero-.”

“And mom got mad,” I finish for him, adding my laughter to his.

“Yeah. And even though we made that superhero poster about him, I never stopped seeing him as a superhero,” Robbie says, slowly trailing off when the emotions steal his words.

“Bee, stop, you’re gonna make me cry even more.”

He laughs for a second, but then I hear him start to cry. His chest trembles underneath me. I give up and cry with him.

“Harry sent me a card in the mail,” I sob, hiccuping in between words.

“He did? I always knew I liked that guy. What’d it say?”

Something half-scoff and half-laugh is my response before I take a big breath. “I don’t know, it was just so sweet and kind. He said that he’s thinking of all of us, and told me to take care of myself. He said he knows it’s hard to see people you love suffering, but that it’s better to suffer together than on your own,” I choke out, tears drowning my words. “The card had a bunny on it. He said he got it because I told him the story of how Dad and I saved that hurt bunny. I wish he could’ve met dad when I still worked there . . And he sent a $150 Visa gift card to use for bills, petrol, and food.”

“Wow, that’s crazy generous. Wait, what? You two didn’t save it, the animal control people did,” Robbie argues and I just shake my head. “And don’t say it like that. Dad’s too stubborn to die, you know that. And with how much you talk about Harry, I’m sure you guys are gonna get coffee one day and fall in love and get married,” he continues, his voice quickly turning mocking and girly. I laugh and shove him, stepping away with a laugh.

“What?” he laughs. His voice is still under water, as is mine. “Why’re you annoyed I said that? Is it ‘cause that’s what you want? Did I expose your secret fantasy? ‘Cause ya know you can still go and date him, maybe it’s even easier now that you don’t work for him anymore.”

“Robbie, stop,” I reply, laughing with emotions fighting in my voice.

“C’mere,” he says, pulling me into his arms once again. “Ya know you can tell me. I can keep a secret. Scout’s honor.”

“No, you can’t! You always say that and it’s never true. You blabbed to the whole 1st grade I had a crush on Johnny Turner. Then, when I gave you a second chance, you did the same thing again in 8th grade with Willie. And you were never in Boy Scouts,” I scoff, holding onto tufts of his jean jacket.

“I was too!”

“Being it for one week and quitting because you went home in the middle of the first camp doesn’t count!”

“I still think it does. I have the outfit, sash, hat, and everything still. I made dad proud, and you know it. Now, stop avoiding the question. Why won’t you give Harry another chance?” Robbie continues, veering back to the topic I so conveniently changed.

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Hmmm, I don’t think I believe you, Ree,” Robbie tsks, his scratchy chin resting on top of my head. We hear the click of a door open, and I frantically wipe my eyes. “But I’m going to get the truth out of you one of these times.”

I roll my eyes at Robbie as I peer up at him. He winks before sloppily kissing my head.

“Come on, you rascals. Let’s get outta here before they try to poke me with any more needles,” our dad says, walking out of the room with his jacket folded over his arms.

I know he knows we’ve been crying, but he doesn’t mention it. I think another secret language is already starting to form between us. With Robbie’s arm around my shoulder, I grab hold of my dad’s hand. He turns to flash a tired smile at me, before placing a kiss on my forehead.

“Thanks for coming, guys,” he hums quietly as we stop in front of an elevator. His smile tugs at my heart. I’m just thankful to be able to still see it.

Stepping onto the elevator, he squeezes my hand hard, just like he always has done. “Dad, don’t!” I yelp and he chuckles under his breath.

After pressing the button for the lobby, I see Robbie’s lips bend upwards. This can’t be good. “Hey, dad, when we get home can you pull out our birth certs? I need to know the truth of who’s really the older twin.”

“Oh god. You two are 25 years old, when is this going to be over?!” my dad huffs, rubbing at his eyes, but with a smile. “Maybe I won’t take you with the next time, since it’s giving you existential crises,” he threatens, and we all fall into easy laughter.

“I’m gonna have an existential crisis if I found out you’ve been lying to me for my whole life,” Robbie exclaims and we all only laugh harder.

My backpack and coat fall to the floor with a heavy thud. With a yawn, I bend over to grab my things. The sound of chattering surrounds me. It slowly grows in volume as I sit there tiredly with my head down. I hear footsteps, laughs, and the scuffling of moved objects.

“Wake up!” a voice nudges at me. I groan angrily in response and hear laughter in response. I peek through a crack in my arm to find Ruby’s crazy red hair bobbing next to me. My newest friend from Criminology. “Just ‘cause we have a guest speaker today, doesn’t mean you can sleep.”

“Oh, that’s today?” I reply excitedly, returning to the warm cocoon of my arms.

“Yeah, but we still have to take notes. Ya know like last Wednesday when we had our first guest speaker? We had to write down questions for them, even if we don’t end up asking them. Alcott just wants us to get thinking and to well, pay attention. And not fall asleep like somebody! And then we have to write down 8 things that interested us, so get unpacking,” Ruby replies, her chipper voice drilling into my ears.

“Noooooo,” I moan, scrunching my face in secret.

I hear the door to the lecture hall close with a loud bang and Alcott laughs. “Alright, you lot, look alive. Our guest speaker has arrived and is ready to dazzle you this rainy Wednesday morning. Remember to be working on your page of ‘Ahas’ whilst he’s speaking. You’ll be passing it in at the end of class which is in 50 minutes,” Alcott announces. His Southern accent coming out in a few of his words.

“Shitttttt. I think I might like this guest speaker. Look at him, Becky. He is fineeeeeee,” Ruby whispers, elbowing me hard in the arm.

With a whimper, I sit up with a secret stretch. Combing my hair back, I rub at one of my eyes as they both struggle to focus.

“What, who’s fine? What’s fine?” another voice blurts out. I squint and look over to find Simon taking the seat on the other side of me. The little Criminology trio back together again.

“Not you being tardy, that’s not fine,” Ruby retorts with a smirk in her voice. I can’t help but smile. Simon flashes one at me as he combs a hand through his sandy hair after digging in his backpack.

“So without further ado, I’d like to introduce our guest speaker today. Harry Styles from Styles and Lawson. Let’s welcome Mr. Styles with open arms and give him our undivided attention, please.”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” I mumble under my breath, coaxing a confused ‘what’ from Ruby and Simon’s lips .

“Hullo, class. My name ‘s Harry Styles, but ya can call me Harry. Ummmmm as Professor Alcott said, ‘m from tha London law firm Styles and Lawson. Me mate, Myles Lawson, makes up tha otha half o’ tha firm. This year it’ll be 5 years since we started tha firm togetha, which ‘s bloody crazy t’ me. Before, it was his dad’s firm, and long story short, Myles an’ I got togetha an’ here we are. Anyways, I make me rounds in London talkin’ t’ law classes. I’ve always enjoyed speakin’ t’ tha incomin’ lawyers an’ tellin’ some o’ me stories. An’ me favorite part - answerin’ questions. I thought ‘d start with how I got into law, tho’.”

Shit. I really should’ve known this would happen.

“Nothing,” I reply. “J-just hand me a piece of paper and a pencil, please,” I say briskly to Ruby.

The last thing I want is to make a single sound that will bring attention to me. But it seems like the universe doesn’t really care lately what I want. I’m already trying to figure out my odds of him spotting me in the sea of 50-so students. Amongst 35 or so ogling girls. Typical.

But the more my eyes focus and my ears attune themselves, I lose myself. I knew it wasn’t a dream when I heard the first word from his mouth. I’d know that voice anywhere. But when my eyes finally focus on the towering figure standing at the front of the room, my eyes struggle. Gone are his long curly locks, and replacing them is a short and curly quiff. I try to ignore the somersaults my insides are doing, but it’s terribly difficult.

Taking a deep breath, I savor listening to the words fall from those smiling cherry lips. In that slow, calming voice. Never being able to remain in one place, he paces around the front of the room slowly. Clad in a gray suit with a black button down, I slowly melt next to Ruby. Who from her choice of words, is doing about the same. Just in a less graphically described way than her. I can’t blame her, because somehow he has only gotten more handsome over the last year.

“Isn’t he just so nice to look at?” she croons.

“Oh yes,” I reply without thinking, and she sighs happily.

Simon groans in disgust, shaking his head. I see him out of the corner of my eye playing with the lead in his pencil. He tries to take it out in one piece before putting it back in. Rinse and repeat.

I bite my lip and somehow tear my eyes away and to the paper sitting in front of me. I scribble my name across the top. Numbering my page, I write down the first ‘aha’ I have.

1. Renowned lawyer with his own firm at 28. Almost unheard of.

Tapping the pencil absently at my thigh, I return my attention to the front. Playing with the rings donning his hands, Harry continues with the story of how he came to be a lawyer. One I can’t say I’ve heard before. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he starts to walk again. Changing his focus from somebody in the front row, it suddenly floats up.

And lands on me.

Not only am I surprised, but so is he. The pencil between my fingers halts and altogether falls from my fingers. He stops mid sentence when his eyes lock with mine. My insides grow bubbly as a sparkle gleams in his eyes. I watch a grin unfold on his lips before he composes himself.

Clearing his throat, he asks, “I-I’m sorry, can somebody uh remind me what I was sayin’?”

Nervously, he combs a hand through his hair. Laughing, he thanks an eager girl in the front row when she reminds him. And soon enough, he’s back on track with a new nervousness to his voice, or excitement. I’m not sure which. And his eyes trail back to me after a few words, making a smile tickle at my lips.

Although hard, I look away and pretend to think of something to write. Feeling another pair of eyes on me, I look over and find Ruby’s hot on my cheek. I shrug at her jealous look and she just shakes her head. I laugh under my breath and she kicks me under the table.

I lose myself in Harry’s words for the rest of his talk, his maple syrupy voice like music to my ears.

He talks about starting his law firm with Myles.

Some of his favorite cases.

His first case.

His worst case.

His hardest case.

And then he goes on to answer questions. Ruby and I aren’t the only ones fawning over him, because most of the class is as well. Some girls are really flirting it up with Harry. He just relishes in the flattery, to no surprise. I try not to notice the few times he peeks at me when he looks for somebody to call on with a question.

“Why does he keep looking at you?” Ruby whispers to me as I write down another ‘aha.’ Some random takeaway from another story of his.

“How am I supposed to know?” I reply, twiddling with my pencil when I’m done. “Why don’t you ask him a question already? I can see the ants in your pants, Rube.”

“I don’t know, I think her question would be if he was single,” Simon jokes, garnering a few curse words from Ruby. I quietly laugh between their hushed argument.

“Well, ‘m gettin’ tha eye from Alcott, so I reckon that my time’s up with you lot. Thanks fer havin’ me an’ hopefully I wasn’t too boring t’ listen to,” Harry concludes at the front of the lecture hall.

I pretend I don’t hear Simon’s griping next to me. I can’t help but smile as I slide my backpack onto my shoulders.

“Not so fast, everybody. What do we say to Mr. Styles for speaking to our class today?” Professor Alcott pipes up. I join in on the class-wide thank you as I hand Ruby her pencil back.

“I bet you’ll be awake and ready for Wednesday lectures from now on,” she says, winking at me.

I roll my eyes with a grin as I start down the steps beside her. “Like you’re any better. I saw you both drooling from the corner of my eye,” Simon remarks.

“Maybe,” I say quietly, stuffing my hands into the pockets of my pullover quarter zip. The last syllable falls from my lips as my eyes pan over to find his head of dark curls.

Nearly at the uppermost row, my view wasn’t the best. As I near closer to him, his features sharpen and with the realization, my heart squeezes in my chest. Light stubble coats his dimpled cheeks as he smiles talking to a classmate of mine.

I’m only a few footsteps from the bottom now, following the slow line of people who are leaving. The angel and demon, for lack of better words, argue inside of my head. Should I go and say hi?

Yeah, why not?

No, why would you?

It would be rude if you didn’t.

It would be weird if you did.

But there are a handful of girls around him probably already flirting with him.

With an indecisive sigh, I clench my fists inside of my pockets. The two opposites inside of me clash, and I truly have no idea what to do. His card the other day was so kind and thoughtful. But I was a bitch the last time I saw him. I can’t believe it’ll be a year in two short months since I quit. Wow.

“I dunno why they’re bothering, it looks like he’s taken,” Simon snickers, earning a flick on the head from Ruby. “Don’t be a bitch just because I pointed out the truth. Can’t shoot the bloody messenger, Rube.”

I don’t intervene when Ruby chases after Simon to the door. Suddenly my feet stop around the corner from the stairs. Only a few more steps and he’d be out of my sight.

Again.

For who knows how long until next time.

I can’t take my eyes off of him. He really looks like he’s enjoying himself talking to law students. Up close, he really has grown more handsome over the last 11 months. I never thought that could be possible. Smiles crease his cheeks.And light up his eyes.

But when his left hand habitually goes to fix his quiff of curls, I see the gold ring Simon saw. He wore rings, but never that one. It’s like my heart is brought up from the bottom of the lake where it’s been, and takes another nose dive back down.

“Becky!” somebody calls for me. I blink and almost think it’s him. But when I look around for the culprit, I find Simon walking up to me.

I find it hard to squash the disappointment weighing inside of me. That it’s not Harry.

“Sorry, Si. W-what’d you say?” I reply, tearing my eyes away from Harry.

“Don’t look so sad he’s taken,” Si jokes quietly, putting an arm around me and squeezing my shoulder. I force a smile and walk to the door with him. “Wanna go get a coffee? Maybe that’ll cheer you up,” he suggests happily, his voice echoing in the hall to the door.

“Yeah sure,” I respond slowly, unsure of my words. I let him guide me out of the lecture hall and into the busy hallways.

Wow, Harry, you moved on from Amber that quick, huh? I think to myself with knitted brows and self-doubt. Swallowing, I try to push the nagging thought away. But I can’t, and I find myself barely able to carry on a conversation with Simon.

I thought seeing Harry in my lecture was one of the sweetest surprises. Instead, it feels like a happy dream that turned into a nightmare at the end.

27 notes · View notes

mountphoenixrp · 4 years

Photo

We have a new citizen in Mount Phoenix:

Hades, the God of the Underworld, whose origins stem from Ancient Greece. He is now a medical examiner for the MPPD.

FC NAME/GROUP: Ju Jihoon, actor. GOD NAME: Hades PANTHEON: Greek OCCUPATION: Medical Examiner at the MPPD HEIGHT: 188 cm DEFINING FEATURES: droopy left eye, multiple notch scars on face.

PERSONALITY: Hades is essentially a recluse, and only spends time outside of his apartment at work, or perhaps a bar or a restaurant. He’s a bit curt towards people, trying to limit as much interaction as possible, However, he seems completely fine at conversing with people, even going as far as teasing them and having a good laugh, but yet he just prefers brooding on his own. Hades is strict and stern, he views the world around him objectively and rarely lets emotion get the better of him. Though he does not often show that he cares, Hades is often more concerned with other people’s well being and less his. He’s not motivated by much and passively goes along with the flow instead of taking matters into his own hands. He’s also affectionate with loved ones and has a flair for the dramatics.

HISTORY:

He does not remember much about his birth except for his older sister calling to him, there is nothing to remember. He is engulfed by his father who feared that his children would some day kill him, so his father attempts to kill his own children instead. Hades waits in the darkness as more siblings join with he and Hestia in Cronus’ stomach, it feels like an eternity before he’s regurgitated back into sunlight and sees with siblings for the first time, war declared on Cronus and the Titans. Hades proves his worth; his strength is equal to the rest of his brothers, but yet he lacked luck. Hades is ambitious, he did not want to be restricted to the underworld. But yet, he lacks conviction and did not wish for another bloodbath, so Hades takes his lot and rules everything under the ground, in the crevasses of the earth. It’s not as bad as he had imagined, he has all the lush vegetation and ore on his side.

II.

Hades falls in love with a young goddess and tricks her into living with him. He treats her well, but she is unhappy without her mother. Demeter is angry, she and Hades fight and Demeter neglects the land. Hades alone could not make the ground fertile without her help, so they compromise. Persephone lives with Hades in his realm at the end of the harvest for four months til it is warm outside again, every year without fail. Hades is not well-liked, but he is respected. Hades never leaves his home and watches as the world crumbles in the world up above, with petty fights amongst gods and men. He doesn’t complain, it’s more subjects for his kingdom, welcomed through the gates of the Underworld.

III.

Hell is Hades’ new name, the world is not it once was. Hades used to be respected, but now he’s feared. Priests tell the world that Hell is cruel and that one should return to God. Less souls cross the Styx, the dead tell him that souls no longer return to the earth but go towards the sky, an untouchable place even the god of the sky can’t touch. Only the grave sinners walk in, condemned to be thrown in the pits of Tartarus, the true hell. He lets his wife go, she does not deserve the slander.

IV.

The world is boring. There’s no amusement. Repetitive bloodbaths borne from petty fights, Hades has seen it all. The underworld becomes a democracy, Hades has stepped down as ruler, there was nothing to rule anyways. Even so, he would always be the dead’s king. Cerberus is sleeping, he has become small, there is no longer anything to guard. Hades picks up his beloved hound and climbs up to the gates of his home, and does not look back. The light above is blinding.

Hades travels the world with Cerberus, disguised as three dogs. He often moves in the dead of the night, or under the cover of the clouds. The sunshine was no longer beautiful to him, it was starting to get on his nerves, really. The dead and the dying to speak to him, afraid. He tells them that death is not to be feared. Death was gentle; death was up to karmic retribution. Over the course of his travails, Hades takes on the visage of a mortal dubbed the Prince of the Undead, gone too soon for his fleeting life. A shame really, the God thinks he would have made a fine ruler. The dead whisper to him about a city akin to Olympus, where god and demigod cohabitate, he would be lying if he didn’t miss being able to interact with his kind terribly. His sights are set on Mount Phoenix.

POWERS: Compared to his fellow gods and goddesses, Hades has much less powers, but yet feared for his strength. His most notable power is invisibility, unseen to the eye of mortals. He can see and speak to the dead. As king of the underworld, he has complete control over his realm, and assigns chosen ones to judicial and democratic duties that are much more menial. However, for special occasions in which Hades himself was the judge of the dead, he demonstrated the ability to completely erase a dead soul¹ or erase a living person’s memory², but he does not often do so unless angered. The territory comes with land and its ores, and so he shares the power of the earth’s fertility with Persephone and Demeter. He is the omniscient observer and can discern truth and trickery.

¹ myth of Orpheus ² myth of Pirithous

STRENGTHS:

Genuinely altruistic

Observing people quietly. Some call it spying. He likes to call it “being attentive”.

Practical

WEAKNESSES:

Stubborn, it’s a family trait if he’s being honest.

Absolutely cannot stand deceit, though he never tells the entire truth either. But at least he’s honest.

Sunlight. It hurts his eyes and irritates his skin.

His ex-wife.

#kpop rp #krp #kdrama #ju jihoon #mp; welcome

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euphoriecs · 5 years

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11/11/11 tag !!!

thank u sm for tagging me @yikescomma, @buckaroowrites nd @yikeskimi !!!

rules: answer 11 questions, write your own 11, tag 11 people !

under the cut bc its a Lotta questions KSKSKSHK

yikescomma’s questions!!

1. what’s your favourite place to write?

oh this is ?? kind of a tough one bc i feel like i never Branched out in my spaces when it comes 2 being productive,, like a lot of my work is done in my bedroom just bc my desk is there and it’s the most convenient,,,, honestly im jus gonna say my favorite place to write would be from . my desk . bc it faces the window :-)

2. which character(s) from your wip(s) is your favourite?

since i only have wtsf confidently worked out ,, i’ll use those ocs !! but i think , quite Honestlie ,,, that wendy is my favorite character !! im rly in love with how she progresses as a person nd also she’s jsut . she gets it u know .

3. what are some inspirations for your wip(s)?

I TALKED ABT THIS BEFORE but b/ts’ hyyh series, my neighborhood, spring day by b/ts are a few inspirations for wtsf !!!

4. how did you start writing?

my dad got me hooked on reading when i was really really young !! and being able to read abt all these huge worlds nd being given an opportunity 2 fall in love w them rly inspired me to want to write worlds of my own . plus , i watch a lot of different shows nd animes that feed into my daydreams nd sometimes im like ‘yo,,, that was a good daydream,,,,, time 2 story it’ .

5. which of your ocs is most difficult to write?

uHGHHGHGS ARTHUR ...... trying to capture this like . enigmatic feeling while keeping close 2 his reasons for acting That way is actually ,, rly hard?? hes a tough cookie 2 crack but i will crack it .

6. what aesthetic do you associate with your wip(s)?

for wtsf ,,, quiet towns , lonely beaches , sunset nd sunrise ,,, running through the streets ??

7. do you like planning?

YEA !! i see it more as like . being able to explore ur wip and what directions it can take nd its also jsut rly helpful to have a solid foundation .

8. what is your favourite quote from your wip(s)?

i pulled this from my drabbles but: “Slow down.” Wendy grabbed Arthur’s wrist, pulling him down to sit on the sand. “This world can’t keep up with you.”

9. do you like to listen to music while you write?

yes and no ?? im very particular to the kind of music im listening to nd more often than not, i write in complete silence ,,, but sometimes i’ll find a song that i feel rly fits the vibe of what im writing nd i just put it on repeat HGSHJK

10. what do you like most about your own writing?

i think i like the descriptive aspects of it ?? like how i describe places nd feelings ,,,, :-) !

11. what are/were/would be your ocs favourite subjects in school?

everyone except piper in wtsf is graduated from high school but ,, wendy liked english class the best bc it was fun nd she got good grades !! rafael definitely loved psychology nd took it at an ap level ,, arthur liked math nd chemistry .. chemistry he liked More bc he got 2 blow stuff up SKKSKSEH and piper likes world history!! tho shes not good at it . but she likes it!!

buckaroowrites’ questions!!

what is your favorite subgenre to write? to read?

i lov urban fantasy and low fantasy JGHDSHGJKS like its my favorite to write nd read bc like .. o heck ?? ghosts nd ghouls nd just overall supernatural stuff irl ?? that’s the way 2 go

if you had to be trapped on a desert island with any of your ocs, who would it be and why?

if i had 2 be trapped on a desert island ...... i’d probably choose rafael . honestlie he just seems like he always knows what’s up nd my chances of survival would increase w him JHGJKSJKS

what is your favorite medium to write?

definitely novels !! its a format i’ve pretty much grown up w and im more comfortable w this medium than any others GHSHJKS but i’d love to explore like ,, screenplays nd see where that takes me

who was your first oc?

HYLLY SHITTTT THIS BRINGS ME BACK SJHJHJGJKS i used to draw a lot back when i was younger nd so i had this oc JHJS his name was ian and he was meant for the maximum ride universe but he was a dumb dude who was 2% cat . nd he had an adopted sister ,, i forgot her name but she was part bird .

what was your first wip about?

world end club is supposed 2 be abt a group of teens who work together 2 take down a corporation that wants 2 essentially control the artificial island they live on thru engineered soldiers . ITS A CONCEPT ,, nd it requires a little Too Much for my one brain cell to think abt

thoughts on shakespeare?

uhhh no thots bc i never read his work in high school i jus know macbeth is cursed .... wow i rly dont know anything abt shakespeare huh .

poetry or prose?

o this is TOUGH i rly adore both .......... im gonna . im gonna go w prose . i lvoe poetry so much sometimes there are lines that just rly fucken punch u in the face but im gonna go w prose bc its familiar !!

would you ever co-write a story?

nO ..... i wouldnt b able 2 compromise i’d jus b like oH ACTUALLY SKSKKS MY IDEA’S DUMB LETS JUST DO URS

write what you want to write or write what you want to read/watch?

oh . fuc .... i feel like its important to have a good balance of both but . honestlie im very partial to what i want to read/watch ..

do you like to write violence?

i dont Like 2 write it but its In My Wips !

what is your favorite trope?

oH ,, probably ‘fire forged friends’ or like . mutual pining ... i have too many favorite tropes nd somehow im gonna incorporate them all .

yikeskimi’s questions!!

Tell us about the main character(s) in your current WIP!

oKAY SO im gonna try to not make this too long SJKHJGS !! wendy is a very like . prickly character . shes like a cactus . nd she’s not too fond of letting ppl get close, but the ppl who do manage to get close to her are happie 2 learn she would actually die for them . loyalty is a Huge Huge part of her character, and she cares very deeply abt the people she calls family . shes also v sarcastic nd like . ‘open ur eyes dummy’ .

arthur is a kind of person who lives heavily on false pretenses . like he projects this image bc its an image that he can control nd he jsut Rolls w it , but hes actually someone who likes 2 tease his friends nd be friendly to them ,, hes got Issuez nd is very much the type of person to be like ‘o lol im ok :-)...’ nd prioritize the needs of others

rafael is , in all honesty , just babey . he studied a lot during high school nd rly pushed himself beyond his limits bc he wants to be able 2 go 2 a good college on scholarship nd get a job 2 support his family , nd hes just ?? very responsible nd sweet but that can also manifest into him taking on more than he should nd burning out .

piper is a very ,, honestlie kinda sad character kjHGJSJ she spends a lot of time just trying 2 appeal to other ppl bc she knows her interest in the supernatural make her a ‘weird’ person nd she wants to be able 2 have real friends ,, but when she learns 2 let go of this she’s very silly nd always making jokes During The Right time ..

Do you have an all time favorite OC? Tell us about them!

hMMMM i dont think i do ??? my memory of my ocs is rly bad JHSJ so more often than not i just ,, rip i dont remember them </3

If you could be best friends with one of your OCs, who would it be and why?

ms piper chaiyathan !!!! shes a very open nd kind individual nd i feel like our humor nd joking style would match V v v well !!!

Last line you’ve written in your WIP?

Wendy, unlike her brothers Adam and Nate, had inherited her father’s rough touch, and that made them both unwanted in the high stakes setting of a diner kitchen.

If you have a chosen title for your WIP, were there any titles you considered before it? And if not, what are some titles you’re thinking of?

when the sun falls went through SO many titles nd i actually have them all here: where the sun goes / fever dreams / above the sun / where the sun follows / the drowned sun ... as u can see the sun was smth i Needed .

What is an important element in the world your WIP takes place in?

uHHHH the supernatural element is . Very important but i cant be too specific about it but i will tell u it involves a dead tree on the beach .

Tell us an out of context spoiler.

arthur gets a cool new set of eyes.

Any power couples/ships in your WIP?

wendy nd arthur babey ,,,,,, bat nd molotov cocktail duo ,,,, last name central until the important moment nd THEN they use each other’s first names ..

Any music you like listening to while you write?

uHHHH specifically for wtsf i listen 2 a lot of hozier, lorde, conan gray, khalid nd halsey :-)

What would your main character(s) favorite song be?

oH okay i got this in the BAG ... wendy’s favorite song would Absolutely be work place by hozier or more than sorrow by a-lin ,,, arthur would definitely b listening 2 like . free spirit by khalid .. piper, since she p much spent all of middle school nd 2 years of high school in thailand ,, i think she’

Which character in your WIP could you relate to the most?

honestly? all of them !!! a lot of the characters in wtsf have little bits nd pieces of me bc thats how all my ocs come into existence nd theres no One character thats like “oh,,, das me”

and here are my 11 questions !!

Which one of your OCs do you think could survive a zombie apocalypse? Why?

What’s something you’ve been itching to write about?

Share the last paragraph you wrote!

Do you prefer coming up with plots or characters? Why?

Do you have any abandoned WIPs? Tell us about them!

What are some favorite themes/tropes to write about?

How do you get into the zone for writing?

Tell us a random fact for any of your OCs !!!

Are you someone who needs a visual for your WIPs?

What are some influences to your writing style?

If you had to be a character in one of your WIPs, which WIP would it be and what role would you play?

i’m gonna tag @babyreeds @holotones @alejandroistyping @noloumna @faerisms @omniawrites @aslanwrites @ashesconstellation @thegrievingyoung @glittcrpeach @syposium !!! no pressure to do it if u dont want to tho <3

#tag game.#AAA this was fun :-) !!!

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