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funtimebunnyblog · 3 years

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I'M BACK!!! 🥰😍❤ Did you all miss me? I'm happy to say that I've finally gotten some WiFi where I'm currently living and updates are gonna try to be more steady here in the future but I can't make any promises because I get very busy with my work 😅😇 Please continue to bear with me!

In other words, a while back I wrote the OG version of this little short fic on A03 but I realized that I had never posted it here! 😱 Nevertheless, I decided to write the Part 2 to this and then decided to remaster that first part before posting it here! 🙂🙂🙂 I'm thinking about turning this into a little mini series 🤔🥰

Anyways, I'll stop rambling! Please enjoy! 😚

Pillarroomates (Chapter 1: Roommate wanted)

(This is dedicated to Dagdoth and Sureynot; 2 of the best bad influences I could ever ask for 🥰😍❤)

The steady click-clacking of keys filled the pleasant silence of the little kitchen, Kars typing away on the laptop before him at the table.

It was just a little after noon, a time where he usually put down his work for a brief session to sit back in silence and enjoy a cup of coffee, or maybe a mug of tea depending on his mood, with whatever baked-good had been whipped up recently. Today however, he chose to cut his little break out of schedule completely to get a jump on the deadline of the month that he was currently picking away at.

Hunched over, eyes glued to the screen, one could've swore he was a living statue perched like that so quietly if it weren't for his typing fingers.

The sweet smell hanging in the air came much closer as Wamuu strode over to the table, a soft smile was painted across the mans lips as he placed an oven fresh cookie on a plate down next to the mug of black tea his Master was letting steep at his side.

"Thank you, Wamuu." Kars said quietly, watching the blonde depart in his peripheral vision for only a beat before regaining his sharp focus on the sea of numbers staring back at him.

Kars had his own room with a desk to work in of course but he always found himself enjoying doing work down here this time of day. The heavenly smell of the kitchen when something was being baked and the pleasant background noise of the radio chiming softly, sometimes accompanied by Wamuu humming along, was something sort of relaxing to Kars.

Relaxing around here tended to be something rare too, as there never seemed to be a dull moment in the lives of the Pillarmen these days.

Not in this neighbourhood, no.

The younger man hummed in response, heading back to the stove to finish scraping fresh cookies off the pan to place on a rack to cool. He was sure Santana would make an appearance soon to try one, with the lovely smell filling the air and all.

Santana could never stay asleep (as heavy of a sleeper as he had the tendency to be) holed up in his room when there was something yummy being cooked.

The times where he appeared the quickest was when Kars flicked on the coffee machine first thing in the morning, the red-head manifesting at his side at the very first spew of hot caffeine never failed to nearly give him a heartattack; especially when it was 5 in the morning in a dark kitchen.

Kars' head lifted, cocking an eyebrow as there suddenly came a knock at the front door; three evenly spaced thumps on the wood. The thought of another complaining neighbour was the first thing to cross his mind, making him sigh as he moved to get up from his chair.

"PIZZA'S HERE!!!"

The sounds of heavy footfalls coming at a rapid speed from down the hallway accompanying the cry stopped him in his tracks.

The plum-haired man grimaced, Wamuu glancing over his shoulder with a frown, as none-other-than Esidisi sped by; the one hand clutching the towel around his waist was the only thing keeping it from blowing away completely.

Despite only catching a glimpse of his speedy companion, Kars didn't miss the fact that the other was sopping wet and trailing water.

Esidisi had simply lept out of the shower the second he heard the knock at the door, leaving with only a towel (just barely even) and the foamy suds that were still clinging to his hair and his body.

No doubt about it, he was dripping all over the place.

And all over his clean floor too.

Kars clicked his tongue, more than tempted to sigh again.

"Really, Esidisi?" He called out to the other.

It was hard to tell whether he was more displeased with his state of soapy undress or the fact that the oldest Pillarmen had gone and ordered yet ANOTHER pizza this week with only God-knows-what on it.

Sure, he the others found themselves actually partaking in "Human food" casually these days. Wamuu even went so far as to teach himself how to cook as a hobby to fill time around the house when he wasn't going to the Gym or to work, but Esidisi had become something of a strange enthusiast on the matter.

Some people in this world got a little riled up over something as simple as Pinapple being added as a topping on a pizza but Kars had a feeling those people would have an absolute fit listening to Esidisi's phone order of a multi-fruit pizza (consisting of: oranges, apples, watermelon and strawberries) with cheese, olives and pepperoni.

He was starting to wonder if his longtime companion was simply doing it just to see how far he could push a Pizza place with his barrage of odd orders until they yelled at him or worse, barred him completely from the place.

His question was only met with laughter. "I decided to ask for Mac and Cheese and Jalapeños on it this time!" Esidisi called back, voice echoing off the walls, as he finally reached the front door.

Wamuu's nose crinkled at the very sound of that, choosing wisely to direct his attention to his cookies once more.

Kars decided to follow suit and do the same with his own work.

He supposed it wasn't really his problem, therefore; he shouldn't say anything.

☆☆☆

The advertisment had been a strange one for sure, but really, you had no choice but to at least look into it. It never hurt to try and you were already desperate enough as it was.

Apartments and open housing in the area was becoming a rarity at best these days, this busy time of year didn't help things either, and you had been scouring the internet for every opportunity or opening there was to move in with someone in this portion of the city.

Sadly, you had turned up empty handed quite a few times.

The last one you had looked into had been great; a nice building, nice seeming people, decent budget; but alas, the people who put out the advert took it down just a day later.

They had decided to give the opening to a close friend of theirs who wanted to come across the country and live with them instead.

You had been starting to consider checking the complete other side of the city and trying to squeeze yourself in somewhere there or maybe even just going with the option of moving cities completely! The hassle of finding a place was just becoming too much until... this one happened to pop up.

☆ Roomate requSWIGGITY SWOOMATE, WE NEED A ROOMATE!!11!!!1!

We are Four Men seeking out a Human roomate to live with us in our rented house.

4 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 kitchen; upstairs, downstairs and basement.

Location: Western side of the city, 929 Bizzare av.

Rent and chores are divided equally among us.

Requirements as followed:

• Must be a CLEAN Human.

• Human must not bear the surname of "Joestar" under ANY means necessary.

•Must be actively working and have claims to have the ability to hold their job.

• Must be willing to contribute to the household via chores and yard work when necessary.

• must be CUTE!!!

• Mus

•

• Must like llf6io78fjjl0

•

• Jo9sjw6jnsjej27ebeolu

• Jsjsij wkk d18kkjs lkdjsjsns52jsjjsnend2njsmdv 6272jsndbdhs2672 jd Djjsija bsij eeskdnne9s782728 jd bjejrn rnusjjsj

• the human must not be loud

• It would be most appreciated if the Human was a mannered person, who holds appreciation for similar hobbies we do. -W

•

Ask within to apply! ☆

You couldn't help but wonder if whoever had written this advert had been drunk at the time by looking at the grabbed mess that took up half the page.

Better yet, you could only hope this was a real advertisement and not some sort of stupid prank.

Either way, you were determined to find out today and claim this oppertunity before anyone else got the chance.

Glancing down at the print out you had made of the ad at the Library, you sighed as you kept going down the street. You had been walking all morning and were beginning to wish you had the foresight to pack a snack or a drink for your seemingly endless sojourn for this supposed place.

There was no picture put onto the advertisement, even a proper description of the place would've been nice, and finding a direct address wasn't exactly a piece of cake to you.

Nonetheless, you kept going. Stopping at every house you passed in hopes to spot a matching address; finding nothing but different numbers and barking dogs tethered in yards.

With every different number meeting your eyes, the possibility of this just being a fake ad just kept growing and growing in your mind.

You were even starting to consider just giving up entirely when, at last, there it was. "292" the numbers were bolted to the front porch, the 9 starting to tilt to one side.

It seemed nice enough. The lawn was well kept, the walkway however looked as if it needed to be redone. The building was a sunbleached blue, probably a nice clean periwinkle once upon a time, but now leaning a tad white and staring to flake. The place was definitely in need of a touch up.

This was the place, now if someone was Home to even just talk to you about this ad that would be great.

You gathered up the courage to leave the sidewalk and start up the overgrown walkway, the wood of the porch whined under your feet as you stepped onto it. A couple of chairs, a book carelessly left behind in one, a little cage sat all by its lonesome in the far corner, and a big unmissable stain (probably coffee) caught your eye on the wood.

The word "Pillarmen" was scrawled on the name card over the mail slot of the front door.

A strange surname, you had never heard of it before, but it must've been safe to assume that it belonged to someone here. Presumably one of the men who had made this advertisement in the first place.

With only a moments hesitation, clutching the print-out in hand, you reached out and rapped on the door hard with your knuckles, then stood back and waited.

Silence... You took the opportunity to fix your appearance slightly, suddenly becoming a little self-conscious, smoothing out your shirt before clasping your hands behind your back neatly and putting on your best smile.

First impressions were important, most especially a first impression made at the door after all.

There came the sounds of voices, too muffled for you to hear through the walls, followed closely by the unmistakable thundering of footsteps coming closer and closer from within.

Finally, the door flung open.

You felt your eyes go a little wide, the smile drained from your face as you craned your neck back slightly to meet the gaze of the very tall and very muscular dark-skinned man that now stood before you.

Belatedly, as your eyes followed the droplets of water that were dripping off him, trickling down every inch of his muscular body and pooling at his feet, you realized he was practically naked; clutching only a fluffy white towel around his waist.

The towel didn't look nearly as fluffy and white as his hair, however.

"Uh--" Your tongue swole in your mouth as you both found yourselves staring at one another, seemingly sharing a similar dumbfounded moment.

He blinked owlishly.

"You're not the Pizza delivery." He said matter-of-factly, breaking the tense silence that had fallen between the two of you.

Your head shook violently, broke from your sudden stupor, pulling out the slightly crumpled piece of paper out for him to see.

"Uh-- I--... N-No! I'm not-- I'm uh.... here ab-about the-- the roomate ad...?" You sputtered, the words felt as garbled as alphabet soup falling off your tongue, you felt a nervous sweat beading on your skin under your clothes as it hit you for a second time that wasn't wearing any. "Oh! If uh-- this is a bad time I-- I can come back later!"

His face lit up suddenly, eyes shimmering like sapphires. "Oh!" He cried. "I forgot about that!"

The massive man turned, calling back over his shoulder deeper into the apartment.

"Kars! There's a Human here, they saw our advert!"

You happened to be so gobsmacked, still reeling from the slight shock of the very first of your encounter, you hadn't even noticed he distinctly used the word "Human" there.

"What?!"

You couldn't see past the mans hulking figure but you could very well hear the scraping of a chair in the distance, followed by more thundering footsteps heading towards the door.

You blinked as yet another larger-than-life sized man made his appearance, pushing past the first with a frown. The both of them looked almost comically squashed where they stood taking up the whole doorway.

This man was just as tall and as muscular as the first. His skin was like ivory, framed by dark cloth wrapped from his neck to the top of his head with only a tuft of deep purple hair dangling precariously out over his pointed nose.

More importantly, very much unlike the first, this one was fully clothed.

Clad in a dress shirt that matched his hair, slightly unbuttoned to just give you a peak of the buldging muscles he had underneath and the sleeves rolled up to the elbow, neatly pressed black dress pants and house shoes.

Kars blinked in surprise as he caught sight of you at last, eyes scanning over you. He honestly hadn't expected someone to come to their door about the advertisement they had put out so quickly, they had only put it out less than a day ago.

If anything, by the way it had turned out, he was surprised someone responded to it at all.

"Please, come in." Kars told you, making his best attempt to save this lousy first impression.

His surprised look was short-lived, turning sharp as he directed it onto Esidisi. The other man smiled sheepishly, turning and retreat back to the bathroom to finish his shower without the pizza he had left it for...

☆☆☆

☆Previously...☆

Kars hummed, reading over the advert for a 4th time with pursed lips.

He had listed all the necessary information about them and the living situation and even put down a few requirements to set the bar for any Human who would happen to want to apply.

However, even with the ground rules set, it still just seemed a little too bare to him.

"Hmm," Kars peered over his shoulder towards the living room doorway; he swore he could hear more of the crunching of the flaming hot cheetos Esidisi was enjoying rather than the actual program he was watching. "Is there anything specific you would like to add to this before I post it?"

"Shay they mush be cute!" came the reply though a mouthful of spicy junkfood. Kars could only hope he wasn't getting crumbs all over the couch again, not to mention getting too handsy with the T.V remote eating those things...

"That isn't what qualifies as a 'requirement', Esidisi..." he sighed.

The other swallowed, now blessed with the ability to speak much clearer; the crinkling of the cheeto bag hit Kars' ears next.

"Well excuse me for having standards." He heard his oldest companion grumble, drowned out by the crunch of more food.

Wamuu's head peered out of the kitchen, the pie he was just about to place in the oven cradled in oven-mit hands. He had decided to try his hand at fudge pie this time, having mastered apple so quickly.

"It would be nice if the Human were a Warrior as well," he said, disappearing from Kars' sight again as he went back into the kitchen, carrying the pie to the awaiting oven. "Or perhaps if they were interested in going to the Gym or baking as I do..."

Kars sighed, "Wamuu, I understand you would like someone to train with but this--"

"The Human must not be loud."

The Pillarman practically jumped out of his chair, the tiniest yelp escaping his lips as he swiveled his head to find none other than Santana looming over him. The sheet lines imprinted in the others face indicated he had just arisen from a deep sleep; most likely venturing out of his cave and into the kitchen to see what Wamuu was up to.

Even after thousands of years, he still couldn't get used to the youngest Pillarman sneaking up on him.

It probably didn't even count as "sneaking" anyways as Santana was just so naturally quiet he just happened to go unnoticed until he spoke up.

Kars opened his mouth to make an attempt to speak again, only to be cut off one more time as Esidisi finally made his own appearance; leaning over the purple-haired man to see the advert in the works.

"See, this is all wrong." Esidisi told him, frowning at the screen. "This is too formal! If we're going to get someone at all, we need to grab their attention somehow. Here, I'll fix it!"

The other practically clamored over him, cheeto bag tucked under arm as he reached over to type on the computer, deleting the majority of the title Kars had written out and already replacing it with one of his own creation.

Kars belatedly realized the others' hands were still coated in hot cheeto crumbs, smudging the keys of his pristine computer with imprints of red and orange as he typed away.

"Esidisi, stop this at once!" He commanded, trying to push him at arms length, only to be met with a hand pushing back and smooshing against his face. The smell of spicy cheese flavoring hit his nostrils, only fueling his fire. "This is my work computer! I'm the one writing this advertisement!"

Santana merely stood back, watching the two elder Pillarmen fight over the computer in silence. Esidisi was pushed by Kars into the keyboard a handful of times before their focus was solely on one another and no longer the ad.

"Get your grubby hands off me!" Kars growled as the other straddled him in the chair, his face now smudged like his keyboard. They kept pushing on one another, a clumsy slap war already underway, obscenities and curses getting mangled as they argued back and forth.

"You never let me--"

"I told you that--"

"I wanna do it! Just let me--"

Santana peered down at the computer curiously, uninterested in watching the display before him any longer.

The red-head typed out his own request before picking up the device and carrying it to the kitchen for Wamuu to see and whatever he wished; Santana ignored the sound of two bodies toppeling out of the chair and hitting the floor as he left.

Kars didn't even get to see the ad (or rather; the remainder of what qualified as an advert) before it was posted online by Santana.

#funnybunny #pillarmen #kars #esidisi #wamuu #santana #my writing #pillarroomies

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bts-reveries · 4 years

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where’s moonji?

the most beautiful moment in life | drabble/oneshot #4

genre: fluff, family

tw: very very very light mentions of death (if you read page turner, it’s just mentioning moonji’s mom)

member(s): namjoon

a/n: THIS IS FOR YOU ANON WHO ASKED FOR NAMJOON/BYUL/MOONJI CONTENT NEXT! <3 and also thank you to @serenjiminey for this idea~

“for the drabble you could probably do something where byul and joon work on a small children’s book about the whole gang for moonji’s bday where joon writes it and byul draws the illustrations for it :)”

also since this is a drabble, i didn’t make the little story too long, but i did try my best to make it sound like a kids book! hope this fulfills your need for some content, even for just a teeny bit~

btw, namjoon’s yn is byul in the other aus (yn in page turner) -> yn here too since it’s a solo member drabble anyways :)

and lastly, none of this would make any sense to you if you haven’t read the series! here’s the link to the master list:

the most beautiful moment in life

This takes place after taehyung’s au~

✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧

“Mommy!” Moonji yells.

You were currently working, standing behind the counter at the library you worked at. Your eyes widened as her yell echoed throughout the quiet library. You put your finger to your lip and Namjoon puts his hand over her mouth, but instead his whole hand went over her entire face. The two walked over to you and you scanned a few more books you were entering into the system.

“Sorry,” Namjoon whispers to you as he gets closer. Moonji managed to get her dad’s hand off of her face.

“Hi,” she whispers to you, smiling widely. You couldn’t help but laugh a little.

“Hi sweetie, come here,” you tell her, reaching over the counter to take her. Namjoon passes her over and you press a small kiss to her cheek, hugging her tightly. “What brings you two by?”

Namjoon looks around him as if no one can know.

“What?” You say.

He then reaches over to cover Moonji’s ears, making her whine. “Birth-day-talk,” he mouths. Your mouth forms an ‘o’ shape when you get what he said.

“Moonji there’s some new books over there at the kids’ section, do you want to go check it out?” You ask, Moonji furrows her eyebrows as she couldn’t hear what you were saying with Namjoon’s big hands on both sides of her head.

“Oh! Joooon~” You say, pushing his hands off of her little ears.

“Daddy and I will take you to the kids’ section okay? They have new books there,” you tell her. With this, her eyes lit up and she excitedly wiggles out of your hold and runs out of the back counter. She knew where to go as she’s been here plenty of times. You then tell your coworker that you’ll be “helping them find a book” so that she can take your spot in entering the rest of the books.

As Moonji sat on a bean bag surrounded by the new books she picked out, you and Namjoon stood by the shelves, discussing what to do for her birthday that was coming up.

This was the second year you got to be there for Moonji’s birthday. The first one being her third birthday and now she was turning four! How time flies.

Her third birthday was just a small party with the group. You and Namjoon made her a cake that day instead of getting one from Sohyun’s bakery and the two of you treated her like the princess she is. The two of you got her a couple of books that reminded you two of her. I know. Typical dad author and librarian girlfriend. But books are really special to Moonji! Namjoon has told you about how the very first thing Moonji’s mom and him bought when they were expecting, was a book for her. Moonji loved flipping through pages and looking at the pretty pictures, as she does not know how to read just yet, and also having her dad or aunt and uncles, and maybe sometimes her older cousins read to her.

So of course you had to get her a book for her birthday. She loved it anyways! But this year you were thinking of something a little different, yet the same.

“Why don’t we make a book for her?” You tell Namjoon. He tilts his head to the side.

“A book? Like write one?”

“Yes! I mean, you’re a best-selling author after all~ Why not make one for Moonji?” You look behind you to see Moonji engrossed in the book she’s holding.

“You write, I do the illustrations, what do you think?” You ask, you already had so many ideas running through your head.

Namjoon laughs at your excitement, he found it adorable, “I like it. But what would we write about?”

You think a bit to yourself, thinking about all the children’s books Moonji has read.

“We can talk about the whole group, maybe a fun, little birthday story? It’ll be cute!”

“So how do you want to do this?” Namjoon asks you. The two of you were currently in his office while Moonji was down for a nap. It’s been a few hours since you two first talked about it. You were very excited to work with your favorite author on a book!! I mean, you never imagined for it to be a children’s book, but nevertheless, you were excited!

“I don’t know, I’ve never done this before,” you tell him, staring down at your iPad. You were in charge of the illustrations, something Moonji always looked forward to whenever getting new books. “You can write first? Then I’ll draw accordingly~”

“Okay, but I’m going to need your help in writing,” Namjoon says, taking out his laptop. You giggle, leaning your head onto his arm.

“I can’t believe I’m making a book with my favorite--”

“Sttoooopp,” Namjoon laughs, nudging you off. “I would think we were over that.”

“Hey! Boyfriend or not, you’re always going to be my favorite author,” you say, laying back on his arm. Namjoon shakes his head, smiling and also giving up with you.

“Fine, you win,” he says, turning his head, placing a hand on your cheek and pressing a kiss to your forehead. “But my princess’ birthday is in a few days so we really need to get started on this.”

~a few days later, the night of Moonji’s birthday~

Moonji’s party has come to an end and Namjoon and you were finally going to give her her birthday present.

“Daaadddy~” Moonji says as she was already climbing into her bed, ready for bedtime. “Where’s my present?” She pouts, looking down at her empty lap, motioning with her hands. Namjoon laughs, climbing in to sit on her bed as well, carrying Moonji onto his lap.

“Yn is getting it,” he says. “It’s from both of us and it’s full of love, you’re going to like it.” His daughter’s eyes light up as she sees you walking into her room with a gift wrapped in your hand.

“Are you excited?!” You squeal. You were very excited. More excited than Moonji herself.

“Yeah!” She laughs, jumping up and reaching out to you. You hand her the gift as you get closer.

“Here, happy birthday baby,” you say, kissing her head as you hand her the gift.

“Thank youuu~” She says, quickly ripping the wrapping apart. A small gasp comes out of her mouth when she sees the cover.

Where’s Moonji?

It said. With a cute illustration of Moonji on the front with her adorable smile and crescent eyes.

“It’s me!” She says happily.

“Daddy and I made this especially for you,” you tell her as you sit down next to Namjoon.

“Can you read it to meeee,” she says, looking up at her dad.

“Of course,” Namjoon says.

Where’s Moonji

To our little moonchild by Daddy and Yn

Today is a very special day.

What day is it today?

“Moonji’s birthday!” Moonji yells out, making the both of you laugh.

Daddy and Yn were preparing for the princess’ birthday!

Of course, they were not alone.

Where’s Uncle Jin?

Uncle Jin walked in with his kids, Minseok, Soojin, and Haneul.

Of course, Auntie Mae was right by their side.

“Where’s Moonji?” Soojin asks. Haneul wanted to find out too.

Minseok, being the oldest, knew where Moonji was.

It was still early so Moonji was still sleeping!

“Uncle Joon, can we go to Moonji’s room?” Minseok asks.

Daddy says okay.

The three ran to Moonji’s room, ready to see the birthday girl.

“Good morning Moonji!” Yells the three. Moonji stirred in her sleep, not knowing what was going on.

Haneul pouts as Moonji doesn’t wake up.

They want to say happy birthday!

“Uncle Joonie!” Yelled Haneul.

Daddy came into the room right away.

“What’s wrong?” He asks.

“Why I don’t wake up?” Moonji asks, looking up at you.

“Maybe because you stayed up late watching movies with daddy again,” you say, booping her nose.

“Moonji won’t wake up!” Complained the three.

Daddy tells them that she’ll be up soon.

The three then left the princess in her room.

Then Uncle Yoongi, Auntie Sohyun, and Hana came in with cake!

Moonji’s birthday cake.

Special cake that fell from (24/7) Heaven.

Hana looked for Moonji as well.

“Uncle Joonie, where’s Moonji?”

“Sleeping,” says Soojin.

“But it’s her birthday!” Argued Hana.

Will Moonji miss her party?

“No no no! Wake up!” Yelled Moonji as her dad continues to read.

“Haaaaaappppy Birthday Moonji!”

Even the loud voice of Uncle Hobi did not wake up princess Moonji.

Auntie Sarang and Huimang looked around for the birthday girl.

“Where’s Moonji?” They asked.

“Sleeping,” says Hana.

Now Uncle Jimin, Auntie Yuna, and baby Mingyu came!

Hey.

Baby Mingyu was sleeping too!

But where was Uncle Taetae? Auntie Bora? And Youngjae?

Uncle Kookie and Auntie Rina and Sian came instead.

“Moonji is STILL sleeping,” complained the kids before they can even ask.

“It’s okay,” says Yn. “Let’s decorate while we wait!”

Uncle Kookie helped blowing up balloons while Auntie Rina tied them.

Auntie Yuna put baby Mingyu down to help Uncle Jin and Uncle Yoongi with cooking!

Uncle Jimin put up streamers with Uncle Hobi.

Auntie Sarang and Auntie Mae organized the presents!

Auntie Sohyun fixed the desert table.

And Daddy and Yn were EVERYWHERE!

“I’m here!” Yelled Uncle Taetae.

Youngjae and Auntie Bora were right behind him!

“Where’s Moonji?” They all asked, presents in their hands.

“STILL SLEEPING!”

As everyone finished up with the decorations, it was time to wake up the princess.

How do you wake up a princess from their deep sleep?

“A true love’s kiss!” Moonji yelled.

“You’re right,” Namjoon tells her.

Daddy and Yn quietly walked into the princess’ room.

Both of them pressed a kiss to her cheek, instantly waking her up.

“Good morning!” They yelled.

Moonji smiles from ear to ear.

“Happy birthday princess,” Daddy says.

As Namjoon was about to close the book, you stopped him.

“Wait! There’s still a page or two left,” you tell him. Namjoon furrowed his brows as he only remembers writing until that part. You motioned for him to keep going. Moonji already flipped it before he did.

A little gasp escaped her lips and Namjoon was just as surprised.

You drew an extra page or two, adding in Moonji’s real mom.

Everyone that loves Moonji was at the party!

Uncle Jin was there. Auntie Mae and Minseok, Soojin, and Haneul!

Uncle Yoongi was there with Auntie Sohyun and Hana!

Uncle Hobi was there too! Auntie Sarang and Huimang came with.

Uncle Jimin, Auntie Yuna, and baby Mingyu too!

Uncle Taetae and Auntie Bora, with Youngjae~

Uncle Kookie was with Sian and Auntie Rina!

And of course Daddy was there with Yn.

I call her mommy.

Oh! And my real mommy was there too.

Can you see her?

You look up at Namjoon as he reads the last few lines. A tear ran down his cheek. You look down at Moonji and she was smiling, running her hand over the drawings.

Mommy was there with us. Right in our hearts.

Everyone she loves was there.

Moonji had a very happy birthday.

Now the book was really over.

“I love it!” Moonji yells with joy, throwing her hands up in the air. Namjoon wraps his arms around her, pressing kisses to her cheeks, making her giggle.

“Happy birthday again princess,” you tell her.

Namjoon then looks at you with teary eyes.

“When did you put that in there?” He asks.

“You sent me out to get it all printed and I had it made before hand. I sneakily added it in when you gave me the flash drive,” you say, smiling up at him.

“... was it okay though?” You then ask. You knew that Moonji’s birthday wasn’t the easiest day to celebrate every year considering it’s also the death anniversary of her mom. Namjoon did his best to try and not to let the bad memories of that day get to him. He still loved her of course, and will always have her in his heart. Now that he had you with his daughter, you never ever want it to seem like you were ever replacing her. You want to let them both know she’ll always be there in memory and in your hearts. You, personally, never met her, but you knew she was amazing.

“More than okay,” he tells you, pulling you in to kiss you on the forehead. “Thank you.”

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roguestarsailor · 3 years

Text

You know what since we’re still in quarantine and i have nothing else better to do, i need to obsess over ACOTAR. I don't like a court of frost and starlight. For the longest time I couldn't figure out why I didn't like it. I aggressively read the book in maybe a day and I closed it feeling frustrated and annoyed. My version had A Court of Silver Flames preview so that definitely contributed to my annoyance greatly.

It's because it felt too perfect. Everything that had happened -- after the entire war was fought and won, they just go back to their normal lives? Yes there were hiccups and yes there were still aspects that made every IC character feel like their problems aren’t solved yet...but it didnt feel right. yes i enjoyed the snowball fight between the bat boys, feyre + rhys sexy time, and those little comfort moments too, the slice of life type things and seeing feyre accomplishing her goals and how hopeful the future seems BUT its too fast. the good parts of the book did not offset the bad parts of it.

Feyre literally accomplished pretty much every single goal she made back in ACOMAF just like that?? within a span of what a few months? a year?? She really came back from an entire war -- probably the first war of many since she's immortal and just like that, after her 21st birthday: she gets a whole entire estate, wants to start poppin babies, opens her art studio and starts teaching kids and then acting like she can rule an entire court?? the timeline is sooo short esp since its been brought up over and over again how everyone is literally 500 years old and have a super “messy” history and their changes seems to come super dupe slowly. but feyre, who has only lived 0.000000002% of her fae life, is out here thriving just fine???

the war devastated thousands of illyrian soldiers where its changing the politics of the illyrains and the faes, all of whom feyre has responsibilities over too as high lady. the mortal queens are still at large who left the humans on prythian to die which is why feyre was willing to go to war in the first place! what about the rest of hybern and their land and residents?? they wanted to enslave humans for social and economical reasons! then what about integrating humans w deep hatred and fear with deeply prejudice fae??? there’s also spring and summer court who are literally in ruins. thats literally so much. so idk how feyre is just chillin???? she gonna let rhys do all the hard work???

like feyre sit down. u should not be having a baby. esp since it took u literally a 700 pages to heal from those 3 months UTM. ur telling me shes gonna whole heartedly bring in a newborn in a war devastated world, with civil unrest (illyrains, other courts), with the messiness of human and fae integration, with trauma u and rhys will have to continue to overcome esp after THIS war??? even helping ur sisters w their traumas??

this is a personal opinion on this subject (and maybe my thoughts will change on this later on; opened to other thoughts) but when i read the part about how that weaver/seamstress artist who made that dark quilt that feyre loved talked about how her mate of 300 years didn’t come back from the war and her biggest regret was that she didnt have a kid to remember him by i just thought ur kid isn’t some sort of memorabilia. don’t have a kid to keep the memory of ur mate alive; have a kid cuz u want a kid purely for the sake of having a kid. ur memories and photos and shit will keep their memory alive but its not having a kid. some primitive need to keep the genes alive maybe?? but the way it was phrased and then in turn how feyre was like oh i need a baby pronto cuz rhys might die in the next war and regret not having a kid with him didn’t sit right with me. also the other couple were together for +300 years and have a rich life together, while shes been with rhys for literally two years THATS NOTHING IN FAE YEARS. thats still the honeymoon phase and also ur problems arent even close to being over!!!

everyone was shitty to nesta. in ACOMAF, we saw how much the IC went through and still did all they could to help feyre. what made them not think nesta deserve the same welcome? nesta is mean as a defense but did no one try to figure out what would help (amren got close but shes so under developed)??? feyre knows nesta feels too much and yet she continued to be shitty. continued to flaunt her wealth, her status, her familiarity/borderline know-it-all attitude about fae/night court, her ~estate~. forcing nest to the solstice party when nesta was literally like i dont belong, im looking at everyone through a window type of thing; the fire cracking triggering her, etc. what kind of power play was that when she made nesta come to her estate, where nesta could SEE how ~homey~ and how suscessful feyre is and fully see all the lovely paintings of everyone feyre loves that explicitly exclude her to tell her to fuck off to a war camp?? bro???? cas was a dick too and elaine was rude. i think a lot of his actions were meant to make her angry since anger keeps u fighting (as was the method of rhys for feyre in ACOMAF) but what he said was stupidly shitty and i demand that he apologize properly. elaine could have done more to help her sister but whatever. mor was definitely an ass too (and im upset for how little her character growth is).

Lucein. that man can’t catch a break tbh. im happy that hes w the band of exiles cuz he is whole heartedly accepted there. feyre was definitely an asshole to him even tho he helped as much as he could throughout the books. he tries so hard w elaine as well and it did hit my heart a bit when she was like gloves to work in my garden?? no ?? i use my bare hands see oNly aZiReL sEeS mE fOr WhO i Am. and at the same feyre is like flaunting her mate status to lucein which is mean as shit. its like this man can’t find love in prythain. then tamlin sending him his box of his things??? thats for sure brutral. tam was literally his partner through it all; savior of sorts even. no love from IC, no love from elaine, no love from feyre, no love from tamlin, no love from autumn court rejected everywhere! also HIS TRUE FATHER?? HEllo???

then on tamlin. i pity the guy! was i suppose to feel that way??? it felt like he is allowed to get a redemption arc and maybe i’ll even root for a redemption arc??? i was absolutely excited for freysand in ACOMAF but after ACOFAS, im like tamlin is....not completely bad??? his relationship w feyre was bad and the controlling parts were very much a no-no. i dont truly understand the dynamics of an abusive relationship but i can understand that it can be insidious and its the little things that hurt the victim. and i felt feyre through ACOMAF and rooted for her to escape her abuser! but then it felt like i dont think he was doing any of those things out of malice. ill say tamlin is a bad leader and doesn’t know how to run a court outside of what he sees his father do. his understanding on everything is based on the traditions of the past which i think fueled most of the things he did i.e. not telling feyre she was in danger since maybe his mom didn’t do those war planning things. ACOTAR showed how he truly cared/loved and took good care of feyre and her family. he even talked about how he didn’t believe in the enslavement of humans! i think that tam wanted to preserve what he thought was the good (aka feyre + her love of painting) and get back a sense of control that he and his entire court lost while chained to amarantha. but at the same time, i think he truly thought feyre wasn’t safe. he knows rhys can crush minds and knows feyre can’t read/write so when he got that letter telling him shes safe of course hes gonna flip shit and made a deal w the devil (although those temper outbursts were DEFINITIVELY not ok!!!). he also didn’t listen and has sense of he knows best when feyre was not the type of person. but feyre destroyed his entire court. he lost all his sentries who literally went out to die for him during amarantha’s reign. he lost lucien too; his trusted right hand man. his people were cursed for 50 years and then continued to suffer UTM and was in the process of rebuilding too! but just seeing spring court, WHO BORDERS THE HUMANS, be in ruins where his subjects left him, his people left him and hes all alone in the manson?? that was sooo sad. so im like why does what feyre did not feel satisfactory????? im mad that it didn’t feel right??? maybe there wasn’t a point where feyre talked to tamlin -- like really talked to him esp w her new found voice and power, etc. anyways, i dont hate tamlin and was like oh shit i think feyre fucked up a bit there.

rhys is a dick to nesta. which made me think, if feyre wasn’t his mate would he extend the same love and care to her??? i loved how he tried so hard to make sure feyre was ok. made sure she wasn’t breaking! all of it! but for nesta, he had the audacity to use his high lord voice and be an ass overall. even tho he can see how cas is fucken in love??? even just how he talks to cass feels off too.

i’ll even go as far as to say because of how terrible ACOFAS was, it created this intense divide within the fandom. i remember reading the first three books and was absolutely 1) rooting for freysand 2) curious about the sister relationship and how it will be mended 3) i definitely didn’t hate nesta nor did i hate elaine either -- but i was adament about them talking it out with feyre for those tough times 4) saw a more realistic and charming healing arc 5) was rooting for feyre to be a stronger voice and grow into herself 6) love the dynamic of the inner circle + feyre

but after ACOFAS, I have this intense need to defend nesta and was super mad at how she was treated after the war and in turn a deep dislike for elaine for both her lack of agency, lack of grit that made all the other characters interesting, and lack of care for her sisters (who showed how much they would risk for her). i dont hate rhys but i was extremely not happy with him and his attitude and behavior. feyre became more arrogant and was acting like how asshole rhysand would act. like her life is perfect now and i was not rooting for her anymore. freysand didn’t feel like they have complimenting qualities that made them interesting in the first place but rather they are merging to become the same person but in a bad way. that mind reading thing was cute in the beginning but it became insufferable since all thoughts were shared so seamlessly it made reading feel weird.

anyways those are my thoughts on ACOFAS. it was a 1/5 stars for me and im mad those events transpired. reading the other books made me excited to know what was gonna happen and i was truly ready to accept the characters as flawed and nuanced as they are. im not mad about character not liking each other but i am mad that everything felt off. ACOFAS just felt regressive in some parts and forced in other parts. i know not everything ends in a nice tied up bow but this book single handily ruined what i thought about these characters in the worse way possible. this book wasn’t suppose to wrap up all the problems that exists in the other books but it didn’t feel hopeful like i thought it would. it didn’t feel wrapped up and didn’t feel like i should be excited about the next books. theres so many missing pieces i feel that i think need explaining and at the same time, i think it introduced too many problems at once which made it feel like its jumping around everywhere. although im still excited for ACOSF because i love nesta, and nesta deserves so much better and i want to have hope that this bad ending will either make sense later on or it was just a blimp.

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mc-lukanette · 4 years

Text

Grade for Each Other (Part 7)

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6]

Luka smiled fondly at his phone, scrolling through his latest conversations with Marinette as he reminisced. Ever since their "study date date," Marinette had made further efforts to spend time with his friends, occasionally sending him pictures or rambling texts about it.

Claudine may or may not have teased him about "stealing" Marinette from him if he didn't take action. He merely smiled, not just because he knew it was a joke, but because Marinette making an effort to know his friends even without him being there made him immensely happy. He found no reason to feel jealous and rather encouraged it. As comfortable as he was letting Marinette rely on him, having more than just him was a good thing, at least if it involved good people.

Plus, their conversation had brought him endless amounts of amusement. She asked for tips and hints as if it were a game she was trying to win, like being friends with his friends was incredibly important and she took it very seriously. He'd insisted that she didn't have to do anything special and she was surprised when that actually worked.

He knew they'd like her. Granted, he was very, extremely biased, but Marinette was a naturally likable person. It would've been weirder if they hadn't liked her, and even then, they'd probably feel bad about it.

Luka snorted at the idea, ignoring the guitar on his lap in favor of continuing to scroll through his phone. The amount that he and Marinette had texted each other had multiplied ever since she joined his class, so there was a lot for him to grin stupidly at.

Then, said "stupid grin" was promptly smothered by a pillow hitting his face. It dropped down in front of him and he looked ahead confusedly to see Juleka standing there, her visible brow furrowed as she shifted uncomfortably. She looked irritated but simultaneously apologetic about the pillow she'd impulsively(?) thrown at him.

Turning off his phone, he set his guitar to the side and got up. "What's wrong, Jule?"

She stared at the floor, rubbing her sole against the floorboards. It took a few seconds but she eventually mumbled, "Marinette..."

Oh.

"I was with the rest of the girls and I saw Marinette hanging out with Roche. Alix figured out the rest later." She glanced up at him, but couldn't hold eye contact for long. "Why didn't you tell me she was in your class?"

He frowned. He supposed this conversation was inevitable, but it still hurt to see his sister so upset. He stepped towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders and bending down to be just slightly below eye level with her. "It wasn't something for me to tell you, and I never talked about it with Marinette. Things are easier for her with us and I wasn't going to pressure her to let me tell you if she wasn't comfortable with it."

"So I messed up?"

"You—" He shook his head. "Jule, there were a lot of things going on in your class. It was just too much for her. You definitely weren't the main reason, okay?"

She let out a neutral sound, acknowledging that he was probably right but still feeling bad anyway.

"Jule..."

"Does she still want to do stuff for Kitty Section?" she asked hopefully.

He knew she wasn't being selfish about it; it was just her way of asking if Marinette was still willing to see her or if any guilt should be had if she didn't.

"I'll ask her." He could promise that much at least. "As soon as it's all behind her, I'll ask."

She nodded, accepting that. He let go of her shoulders as she walked past him, her expression not fully happy and rather conflicted. In a way, he considered it a good thing; Juleka reflecting on why Marinette had left would make her think more about everything that'd happened.

Especially with that liar and all of Marinette's former friends.

Her former...

Realizing something, Luka returned to his bed, leaning over it to retrieve his phone. He navigated back to his conversation with Marinette, checking her most recent messages. After all, if Juleka and Alix knew that Marinette was in his class, that meant that the rest of the girls probably knew as well. He didn't know them well enough to even guess what they wanted to do with that information, but he just had to make sure that Marinette was okay.

There was nothing, not even a bunch of, "I'm sorry! They found out!"s. He sent her a few vague texts asking how she was (not wanting to tell her something important over the phone), but after waiting the usual amount of time for a reply, there was nothing.

...He had to go see her.

He reached for his guitar, but rejected the idea and simply pocketed his phone. Glancing Juleka's way, he told her, "I'm going to check on Marinette," before heading for the doorway.

"Should I come?" Juleka mumble-asked, her voice sounding apologetic, and confused all at once.

He halted, turning to her but holding back his immediate reply. Giving her a smile, he replied, "You thinking about it is already something, Jule. Don't worry about what to do until you're sure what happened."

She went back to quietly staring at her desk, allowing him to slip out of the room and start to head out. Anarka had shouted some comment after him about "braving the storm," but he was too distracted to reply properly.

——————

Tom and Sabine were busy with customers when Luka entered the bakery, meaning that he wouldn't have to brace himself for another hug from Tom. It felt wrong to enter from the side door of the house considering that he wasn't invited, so he was prepared to wait in line to talk to Sabine if he had to.

However, Tom noticed him first. "Ah, Luka! What brings you here?"

A few customers glanced back to look at him. Luka ignored them, focusing on the matter at hand.

"I wanted to see Marinette. But, she didn't invite me, so if—"

"Oh, you can just head on up!" Tom insisted, apparently laughing at the politeness on display. "Just be sure to knock! Don't want to surprise her too much!"

Luka opened his mouth to argue, but thought better of it. He really just wanted to see Marinette.

He passed by Tom and Sabine, then made his way upstairs. He hadn't been there that often and was always led around when he was, but he knew the layout anyway.

A song where the lyrics stuck in one's head even with just a couple listens, he supposed.

Once he was in the living room, he headed up the stairs and hesitated for a few seconds before knocking. He listened closely, but silence was the only response he got. He didn't know if his voice would be louder than the knock, but he called anyway, "Marinette?"

A sound followed, like Marinette was scrambling to stand up. "Luka?"

He heard footsteps and waited for her to open the door. She looked utterly confused to see him there and he felt a little sheepish at how unbothered she looked in the moment; she was clearly okay, like nothing had happened.

"Hey."

"Hey!" She smiled despite her confusion, gesturing for him to come in if he so wished. "What are you doing here?"

He went into her room, watching her close the trap door behind him. "I thought you'd heard about Juleka. You weren't answering your messages so I got worried."

"Oh!" She covered her mouth. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—I didn't even hear—" She paused, expression shifting. "W-wait, what about Juleka? Is she okay?"

"She's fine," he reassured. "She... found out about you being in my class. I think all of her friends did too."

Marinette frowned, approaching him anxiously. "Did she get mad at you? I'm sorry, I should've—"

"No." He was quick to correct. "She was mostly confused, that's all."

"...Oh."

Suddenly, all the anxiety left her. She let out a breath, placing a hand to her chest. "That's a relief."

She turned away, returning to the table on the other side of the room. "I hadn't even thought about telling anyone, especially not lately. I didn't even think about it causing problems."

So she hadn't even been worried about anything that happened? Only that it may've caused trouble for him?

Luka blinked, then let out a steady breath. He found himself taken by how much Marinette had changed ever since she'd gotten into his class. It was subtle at first, but now it was obvious that she wasn't as stressed or panicked as much even with the mention of old friends. To say he was happy was an understatement.

"I'm still sorry about not answering your texts though," she said. "I really didn't see them—I mean, I know you know that because they're probably not marked as 'read', but... I got really into working on this and I guess I didn't hear my phone."

He saw her start to reach for an object on her table, but she stopped as her gaze was drawn to her phone. She hesitated, then picked it up, tapping a few things and then typing.

Luka heard his own phone beep at him. Pulling it out, he noticed that his recent messages were now on 'read' and she had replied to them as if they weren't currently in the same room together.

She blushed, explaining sheepishly, "It would've bothered me forever if I didn't reply properly."

He giggled. She was too cute. "Thank you."

She turned her attention back to the object and finally picked it up, letting out a sigh. "I guess it's just like me to accidentally ignore someone while I'm making something for them."

He perked up, approaching her. "You made something for me?"

"Yeah," she admitted, voice only slightly shyer. "It was kind of an excuse to hang out with your friends—"

"Our friends," he offered gently.

She didn't hesitate to "correct" herself, but was clearly touched. "To hang out with our friends one on one, but they all told me the same thing anyway: that I knew you and shouldn't worry about a second opinion. It's actually been done for a while, b-but I might've gotten carried away with making it look as good as possible."

She held it out to him. It looked like a beautiful music-themed notebook at first - the kind with rings to allow the removal, addition, and replacing of pages - but as soon as he took it and opened it up himself, there were—

"Staff lines?" He glanced at her, eyes wide.

She shifted in place, but nodded. "I always noticed you tapping away melodies on your desk. I don't know how easily you remember them, but it seemed like such a waste not to let you get it down right away."

The obvious and appropriate reaction was to thank her, but he found himself at a loss for words. The notebook was extremely beautiful and would simultaneously look so natural for him to have. If a teacher saw him with it, they'd probably presume that he was just using it to take notes.

While opened, the pages actually didn't reach to the left and right edges of the book. The extra space was taken up by things like a pencil holder (that held two pre-sharpened ones just in case apparently) and thin colored sticky notes, presumably for marking a page if he needed to.

It was too much. He couldn't stop feeling the darn thing. He'd gotten a handmade gift from Marinette before in the form on his Kitty Section costume, but this was different. It was something just for him, because she'd just casually thought of him and wanted to do it.

He looked at her and opened his mouth, but couldn't manage eye contact and averted his gaze. He was feeling too many things and looking at her didn't help. He was legitimately worried that he was just going to rush to impulsively kiss her if he stared at her for too long.

"I love it," he said quietly. He was briefly worried that his low volume didn't make it sound sincere, but she was beaming immediately. "Thank you so much, Marinette."

"Thank you," she whispered in return. She stepped closer, her hands coming up to rest upon his. "It's not a thank you gift - I felt like that'd make it seem too obligatory? - but still. You do a lot for me."

"I—"

Her fingers went up to stop him from speaking. She pouted at him. "And I don't want to hear about how you've done nothing and that's it's been all me, or how it's no big deal because you're just being yourself and it's easy to do that because w-whatever nice things you were about to say to me, okay?"

He nodded. His mouth was still covered, but his soft gaze hopefully got through his feelings in the moment.

Her fingers moving away from his lips, she smiled. "I just... feel really lucky to have you and I wanted to make this for you."

"Thank you," he repeated, now less for the book and more just for her. "I'll cherish it."

"I know you will." Though the sentence was confident, her voice was filled with the elated notes of someone whose hopes had been confirmed.

They didn't say anything else for a moment. He was still on an emotional high while Marinette seemed thoughtful.

Her eyes went to him, then his hands. One of her hands was still over his own, her fingers sliding steadily along the back of said hand. Her lips pursed, one brow lowered as she seemed to consider something.

"...Luka—"

"Dinner's almost ready!"

The trap door swung open, Marinette leaping up and clutching her chest in shock as Tom and Sabine popped in. Luka knew they hadn't been doing anything strange, but the moment itself felt so intimate that he stiffened, almost embarrassed.

"Oh! Luka?" Tom asked. "You're still here? We must've forgotten about you!"

"Sorry if we startled you at all," Sabine said, completely and deceptively innocent. "Would you like to join us for dinner, as an apology?"

Calming himself, Luka carefully closed the book and hugged it to his chest with one arm. It seemed rude to refuse their offer - they were so obviously doing this on purpose - but he wasn't just going to agree either.

He turned to Marinette, about to ask if it'd be okay, only to be surprised when she seemed less horrified by their intrusion and more... offended? Her face was turned away, her cheeks were pink, and she was pouting.

Leaning in, he whispered so as not to be heard by her parents. "Marinette?"

She met his gaze, pouting more and nearly sulking. Under her breath, she replied with a huff, "T-that... that's what I was going to ask ."

He gaped, then couldn't help breaking into a happy flustered chuckle. This entire family was going to kill him and he welcomed it.

Standing straight, Luka walked past Marinette to place his gift on the table, then turned to Tom and Sabine with a smile.

"I'd be happy to."

[Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10]

#multi chapter: Grade for Each Other

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jeonandjoonie · 3 years

Text

Just One Day

posted on wattpad and this tumblr only.

You have a crush on your boxing T.A. college au. Jungkook X Reader.

word count: ~10,900k

W: NONE

================================================

Kids.

You couldn’t believe that for your last semester in college you would have to take a physical education class. You still curse your advisor when you remember the day.

You were walking happily to your appointment prepared to turn in your graduation application only to be told that you were not set to graduate. Your previous advisor didn’t notice the unfulfilled requirement. You almost cried and immediately went to your apartment to search up any physical Ed classes that would satisfy the requirement.

Of course being so late in registering, all the basic classes such as Yoga, Gym, and Dance were filled. You looked over the list, even weight training had a waitlist of 5. You were beginning to feel hopeless as you saw Judo and Tennis having a waitlist as well. There must be an open one!!

And how much your heart delighted when you noticed a class that was full but had no waitlist! Your eyes immediately crossed over to the left to see what class it was.

Boxing.

Taken back, you pushed back the stress from clouding your mind. Thinking of having to not only work out but be punched down Sighing, you quickly clicked on the class to register accepting your doom. Another couple hundred dollars invested into your degree, taking a class you were not interested in.

With the start of the semesters you passed through all your classes easily already feeling like a master in your discipline. You walked happily from class to class. You were especially happy that your internship and student work study all fit perfectly within your schedule.

You plopped yourself onto your tiny single bed. In a few hours you’ll have to get ready for your first day of Boxing. 3-hour class, two times a week, it made you want to cry. Your classes started at 6 and it was past 4 when you got to your apartment, so you quickly went to your kitchen to eat. You wanted your food to be digested before class to prevent yourself from vomiting.

You settled for some leftover mango rice and smoked salmon that accumulated from days before. Neither were yours, but you and your three other roommates agreed that when food has been in the fridge for more than two days it’s a free for all.

"Hey, __" your roommate, literally roommate which you share your room with, patted your head as she passed you. "Do you want to do our nails and talk about our 5-year plans and then eat ice cream?" She shouted from your shared bedroom.

" Sorry, can’t!" You shouted back to her, "I got that boxing class tonight!" You continued to shout even though she was now in front of you. You wanted the whole world to hear your misery.

"Oh, that sounds like fun!" She responded leaning onto the counter

" Ugh. Please, it’s going to be such a waste of time. Punching people is one thing but having to let someone punch me sounds so annoying" you complained putting your dishes in the sink.

"Stop crying, I’m sure they won’t have you fight anyone. I bet it’ll just be like learning posture or something. It’ll probably just be the basics".

"True... Anyways do you have any clothes I can borrow real quick? I didn’t have time to buy any"

"Sure, What’s the dress code"

“I dunno, the guy just said casual and comfortable for the first day", you thought it over " just sweats, I have a t-shirt. Please!"

When you asked for sweats you didn’t think it was going to be an issue. Sweats are pretty much one size fits all. You should have known better as you looked at yourself in your floor length mirror. Minah's gray sweats were clinging to your butt and legs.

"Oh my god Minah, what is your size? a size negative zero, I feel like I’ll explode. Did you get this at the kids’ section".

"Shut up, those are the only ones I have…they kind of shrunk when I washed them" she mumbled the last part. You knew Minah was skinnier than you, but you didn’t expect it to be this much maybe just a size or two. "they don’t even look that bad, they fit really snug on me after the wash".

Seeing your disappointing stare, she quickly fusses over you. "Fine. Bend down, run, jump or do whatever boxers do. Let’s see how they look".

You jumped, kicked, and ran in place. You dropped it low a couple times to feel the strain on your thighs and butt.

"I mean…I guess they’re okay" you studied yourself again "you know what, it’s no big deal it’s like I’m wearing yoga pants"

Minah laughed "You’re so right! why are we even discussing this?"

You looked at her putting on a pout "they look like yoga pants, but they feel like they’re about to rip. Look, my pockets are sticking out!"

Finally getting annoyed with you, Minah sighed loudly throwing her hands up in a dramatic flair "Wear them, don’t wear them. Hurry up cause it.." she looks at her rose gold wrist watch with faux diamonds around the frame, the one you gifted her for Christmas. Yes, you are proud of your gift. "Oh my gosh, __ you need to go it's 5:50! Isn’t your class at 6?" Minah looked at you with wide eyes.

"What?!" you squeaked. You didn’t want to be late, you couldn’t given the fact that you were on the waitlist. You can’t give off a bad impression now. "Oh my…oh my gosh" you muttered to yourself quickly, slipping on a black t-shirt. You grabbed your bag and ran towards the front door to slip on your black shoes. Which was a struggle and you later realized it would have been easier and maybe faster to untie them and then put them on.

You reached out for the door handle only to have it hit you against your forehead.

"Oh my gosh" three voices chorused at the same time.

Sohee your other roommate gasped as she grabbed your arm to inspect your injury. However, you simply brushed her away as you were already late. "__, wait are you okay, I’m so sorry"

"It's fine, I’m good!” you yelled back as you ran the two blocks to your campus. only to getting slightly lost as you turned a right and not a left. You didn’t even have time to blame it on your possible concussion. Can you get a concussion? you don’t know. But you almost threw up with nerves when you realized you made the wrong turn.

You need to get into this class. Your graduation depended on it. Although you’re sure they will squeeze you in when they realize you’re a senior, you still want to be in good standing with the instructor if you planned on slacking off in class.

Reaching the gymnasium doors, you tried to control your breathing. You haven’t run this fast since you had to run miles in middle school. You felt dizzy and tried hard not to think about your burning calves.

Inside looked nothing like you thought it would. You imagined dark lights, punching bags, and maybe some weights. However, there were only large mats laid out on the floor. A small group of students seated in front of what you figured is the instructor. You quickly ducked your head trying to hide yourself as you sat down in the back. There were two other people standing next to him wearing head gear and strapping on boxing gloves.

"And who is the new intruder?" the instructor, Mr. Kang or Mino, questioned out loud.

You shyly smiled (or what you thought was a cute shy smile) when in reality you looked like a nervous wreck, trying to hide the fact that your legs were burning and you were breathing too hard. Hmm? was that sweat running down your neck.

"I’m ___, I should be on the waitlist"

Mino made a huge show of flipping the pages of his clipboard. "Ah yes __, I see you here. Well if you still want this class you’re in luck because three people dropped out this morning"

Even though you were practically hyper venting in your seat and you're pretty sure the sweatpants were cutting your circulation. You felt such a relief wash over you.

“Just don’t make a habit out of being late, 25 minutes is unacceptable, 5 more and I would have kicked you out. Next time make sure to email me beforehand"

If you didn’t look like a nervous wreck before, you sure did now. You nodded your head too afraid to speak from the embarrassment.

"Come get your syllabus after class, we’ve already gone over it”, he looked around “Everyone this is why I stress that you should attend every class and be here on time, every moment is important" he clapped his hands, “now for the fun part: the demonstration”. He turned towards the two people standing at his side, “like I said these are two of my excellent students who are in boxing III, they volunteered their time to be here and help me teach this course. so please give them the same respect you will give me" he turned towards them once more giving them a nod as a sign to begin. The two guys started to face each other and sway around.

"These are more advanced moves, we won’t be learning these in this course but I want you to see..."

The instructor's voice drifted off as you watched the two guys start to move and jab at each other. They were fast and moving so quick on their feet. Your eyes lingered on to their legs. Interesting…very interesting. With these types of demonstrations maybe this class wouldn’t be so bad.

The two guys continued to "punch" each other bouncing in their spot. "Whoos" can be heard from the students around you who knew what was happening. It did look like the one in all black was beating the one in a blue shirt. The guy in blue was larger than the other which says a lot since they both look fit.

You were startled out of analyzing as Mino clapped his hands, "Okay. Okay, guys that’s enough thank you".

He applauded and everyone followed along. As did you, poking your head in between the seated bodies in front of you trying to get a better look of the guys. The guy in all black had tattoos on his hand and arm. The one in blue had a tattoo running up his neck. You were curious to see how it would spread out on his body. When he fully took off his head gear, wow….

Oh….

Wow…

You were amazed. These guys are so handsome. They are the straight definition of charming. You almost wanted to reprimand him for risking his stunning features. He gave a boxy smile "Hi, everyone my name is Taehyung".

“Hi Taehyung” a couple of aspiring class clowns responded back.

"Hi, I’m Jungkook" the voice next to him said.

Your eyes turned to him. The one in all black. To say your heart stopped would be an understatement because you are sure your brain cells did to. You froze in your spot, zoning in on his pretty face. Noticing the way his eyes crinkle despite his attempt to look serious. The charm and absolute power that oozed out of him was no intimidation to you, for your newfound adoration for his aura and beauty captivated you more. So much that you are willing to freeze in the spot if it resulted in you taking him in.

You continued to stare at Jungkook. This time zoning in on his lips, not yet picking up on his squinted eyes trying to meet yours for he felt you blunt stare and felt slightly amused. Jungkook, what a guy, what a man, what a-

“Okay class, let’s begin some basic moves everybody! Get to the mats".

Upon hearing more chatter and the squeaks of shoes, like on autopilot your body stood up. You were out of your trance once you realized you were staring at the back of Jungkook's neck. You quickly got into a spot in the back corner wanting a place where no one will see if you happened to rip your sweats or see your lame attempt at following along. You tried to make sure you have a view on that Jungkook guy, but blocking your view was a couple other people. You didn’t even have the privilege of seeing his calf. You decided to just admit defeat and listen to Mino. The class began with basic exercises that seemed even more difficult than the jumping jacks and squats you did in your room earlier.

"Hey are you alright?". You jumped back upon hearing a voice at your side, "Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you, are you good?"

It was Taehyung.

"Huh, wha- why?.. no, no I’m good"

"Okay it just seemed like you were struggling a bit”

"No I’m fine. Everything is fine…haha" you said as you lunged your leg forward like everyone else did to show him you were right on track. Can he notice the agony on your face that was caused by the ridiculous sweats?

“How about your forehead?” he asked, pointing to his own, upon seeing the confusion in your eyes.

“OH” you exclaimed a little too loudly, placing a hand on your forehead.

Taehyung gave you a short smile and a short nod as he jogged up to his spot in front of your section.

How considerate. As the exercises began you were now aware of Taehyung eyes. He tried to act like he was casually glancing at you and not keeping an eye on you. You would love to say it was due to that fact that he thought you were cute, but you knew it was because of the sweat that now adorned your face and the puffs that escaped your mouth. You haven’t exercised properly in ages.

As you continued your moves you were beginning to feel itchiness from the band around your ankles. You lifted the band as much as you can, only to be horrified with the deep red marks imprinted around your ankles. You looked up in shock meeting Taehyung's eyes. He immediately rushed to your side .

“Are you crazy?” He asks you with wide eyes “You need to go change”

“I’m okay” you tried keeping your voice hushed as to contour Taehyung's loud exclamation that had people around you turning their heads.

“No, this is bad,” Taehyung said, trying to find Mino to gain his attention.

“No, No, I’m fine” you hiss at Taehyung “Go away”.

Taehyung ignores you as he stands at high alert waiting for Mino to come to your side. You noticed Jungkook trailing behind him.

As the two men approached, Taehyung simply pointed at your ankles which were lamely covered by your hands.

Jungkook rushes to your side and tries to lift your sweats to see the damage done. If you weren’t so mortified by the attention given by everyone in the class, you would have swooned at his proximity.

“I’m fine” you mumble.

“No,” Mino says, meeting Jungkook’s eye “you should go home. Class is almost finished anyways”.

Feeling defeated your get up to your feet keeping your eyes on the ground. Being this close to them you realized how small you are. You hid behind Jungkook’s body to hide from your class's attention.

“I’m okay” you try to reason with Mino, “just a little tight” you tried to laugh.

“Miss?”

“__”

“___” Mino repeated, “I’m responsible for you in this class and I won’t allow for any injury no matter how small or big. Please, you're excused to go home”.

Slumping your shoulders and keeping your head to the ground you sighed, “Okay”.

In any other situation you would have taken this as a fortunate luxury, a blessing in disguise, but since Jungkook was witness to this (and Taehyung) you felt embarrassed. You didn’t want them to think of you as dumb. I mean you are leaving a boxing class early due to an injury caused by your tight sweats.

“and ___,” he called out to you as you made your way to the door ,”please come to class on time and be properly dressed”.

Yeah, this had to be one of the dumbest moments in your life.

You grumbled your way to your second class of boxing. After the first class, you went home and cried to your roommates about how embarrassing it was. Although you didn’t have time to wallow in your embarrassment due to the difficulty of peeling off the sweats. The girls helped you lather ointment on your red marks. The stinging and itchiness can now be felt with the cool air hitting your skin. You and Minah were scolded by Tara, your other roommate, for putting yourself in danger in “cutting off your damn ankles!”. You tried to protest only to be hushed by Sohee. With the way things were that night it would seem like you and Minah were the kids to your mothers Tara and Sohee. So, to fit into your new role you stuck out your tongue at both of their backs as they left your room and Minah tried to suppress her giggles.

You really didn’t want to go to the next class, but that degree was on the line. What would be your excuse? That you were publicly embarrassed in front of your class?

This time around you made sure to buy some sweats and cute shiny shorts. You will be prepared. Well not that prepared, as you slipped on the shorts you noticed how you didn’t even shave. So, you had to go back to the black sweats you brought.

To your massive egos surprise, no one seemed to care or remember about you. You made sure to arrive 10 minutes early and found yourself with three other early birds. Not even Mino or his helpers were here. You felt a little ridiculous but it’s better than being late. So, you sat against the wall scrolling through your phone waiting for the time to pass. It was 4 minutes before class when the chatter in the gym began to get louder. You looked up to see that everyone was here including your instructor. You remembered that you had to get the syllabus but now he was surrounded by eager students talking about God knows what. You are aimlessly glancing around trying to find a chance where your instructor could be alone. You slowly made your way closer to the group of seated students. You spotted Jungkook talking to Taehyung. They were also getting crowded by students. You watched how Jungkook walked over to the mats with one of the students and began to demonstrate something with his feet. Your guessing it’s his feet with how everyone is staring at his feet and he keeps looking down as he talks. You are admiring the way he moves his pretty lips as he talks when your vision of him is once again blocked by somebody. A boxy smile. A handsome smile. Taehyung.

You watch him walk over to you with a smile on his face as he waves a sheet of paper in his right hand.

“You need this” he states handing you the class syllabus.

“Yes. Thank you” you reach out for the paper. Your eyes skimmed through the paper making mental notes of the exam dates and random quizzes.

To your surprise you felt Taehyung still standing next to you. Feeling shy all of a sudden you focused more on the text.

“So… why boxing?” he suddenly asks with a gleam in his eye. He stared at you waiting for an answer.

“Why not?” you challenge him, “am I not boxing material?”

“I never said that” Taehyung defends himself, “just trying to make conversation to avoid having to…” he nudges back to where all the students are surrounding Jungkook.

You stop yourself from snorting, “I need it to graduate”

“Oh, you’re a senior?” he asks with interest.

“Yup, with a physical requirement I didn’t know I needed till the last minute”.

“So, this was the only option” Taehyung looks at you with pity understanding the lack of enthusiasm in your voice as you tell him your sad tale.

“It’ll be fun” he says with a smile” just look like you're trying and you’ll pass”.

You shrug and give him a smile. He was nice.

“Listen you don’t have to try hard and with everyone else you’ll be average. Trust me, this is my second year helping the beginner’s course. I’ve seen worse. A lot of freshmen who are over their heads”.

You laughed at that “It’s cute though, right?” you joked with him.

“Yeah, it’s cute, until they hurt themselves. All fired up kids,” Taehyung thought for a moment,

“actually it's embarrassed freshmen and then fired up second years that think they matured overnight or something”

You laughed at his analogy, remembering the cockiness that came from some of your classmates of sophomore year.

“You’re so right” you said, clapping your hands laughing.

Taehyung laughed along with you, “honestly though I wouldn’t mind going back. To be a bit naïve. Thinking of graduating makes me nervous”

“aww” you cooed at him reaching over to pat his arm.

Taehyung rolls his eyes, this time at you.

“What are your plans?” you ask him.

“Art Courier”

“Art” you ask surprise.

“Yea” he smiles, “I love it. I’m also volunteering at an art gallery downtown. Its local art, it’s nice”

“So why are you nervous?”

He looks at you, “Aren’t you?”

You shrugged, “I don’t know, I mean I got an internship out of town. I’m hoping to stay there for a short while. Then I want to come back to Kim Corp.”

He smiles at you, “Those are big plans”.

“Yeah… but yeah, I guess I’m nervous but like an exciting kind” you tilt your head, “like butterflies or dragonflies in my stomach”

“Dragon flies? that’s new” he chuckles, “mine are like crashing waves so sometimes it gets nauseating”, he pouts slightly thinking hard, “it’s exciting”. He sighs, “the truth is I’m applying for a master's and I just turned in my last application, so it’s this waiting period”.

“Ahhh, I see” you pat his shoulder once more giving him a smile, “good luck!”

Taehyung smiles back at you turning his full body to face you “thanks, you too”.

“Taehyung!”

Taehyung's name being called interrupted your mutual understanding of senior nervousness and friendship that was forming between the two of you. You lifted your head to the voice that interrupted such a sweet moment. Your eyes were ready to squint at the rude person, but they only softened upon finding the irritated face of Jungkook.

“Oops, got to go, seems like those fired up sophomores are getting to him” Taehyung whispers to you before he jogs up to a furrowed brow Jungkook who is still surrounded by eagerly waiting students. You wait for him to possibly shift his glance towards you. Readying a reassuring and “haha, yikes'' face to show him. However, he kept his gaze locked on Taehyung till he arrived at his side. You pout as you give up and stuff your syllabus into your bag.

Later that evening while the class was practicing a two step footwork you notice Jungkook teaching a student a few rows ahead of you. You watch carefully as he slowly makes his way down to your back corner. Is this your time? The moment in which you have him all alo-on-ne, to have a “private conversation" with him. You hoped. Jungkook was examining the student in front of you. You were next. You lowered your head focusing on your feet. You tried to remain calm even though the anticipation of talking to him was weighing down on you. You stole a quick glance at his feet, they were headed towards you. Here it goes.

“Hey Jungkook!”

Oh my gosh.

“Jungkook, Am I doing it right?”

You’ve got to be kidding me.

You lifted your head to see Jungkook making his way to the kid next to you. There Jungkook goes helping those eager hogging students that take any second with Jungkook away from you. Should you also feign ignorance to the movements in class? Even though you’re sure you probably really do need the extra attention. However, those kids just want to be praised by the “cool" Jungkook. You just want to talk to him.

The following weeks had no progress both with your boxing and with Jungkook. Thankfully your friendship with Taehyung grew as you both would be catching up with each other before classes. And you’re pretty sure you’ve seen Jungkook try to make his way over to you guys only to be stopped by some over achievers. You once asked Taehyung why he doesn’t teach the kids only for him to say he doesn’t need the experience unlike Jungkook who is majoring in Exercise Science (and a minor in art, which is where they meet and become friends). You only huffed in response and told him to give him a break. Taehyung just shrugged and went back on his phone. The talks with him were fine. Taehyung had good humor and amazing story telling skills, once in a while he would reveal subtle information about Jungkook. You would try to slyly ask him questions about Jungkook. You found yourself knowing a little about him every day.

One of the most amazing days though was when you were coming out of the bathroom after class and you overheard Taehyung’s unforgettable laugh and Jungkook’s -surprising- high pitched laughter. You walked slowly towards the divine laughter. You had to hide yourself behind a pillar when you saw them stop before an elevator.

“Those sophomores are so competitive! Hmmm… It reminds me of someone” Taehyung says jokingly, tapping his finger on his chin.

Jungkook shoves him playfully.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding” Taehyung raises his hands in defeat before Jungkook could put him into a headlock. Their rough playing is stopped with the "ding" sound of the elevator doors.

The "ding" also reminds you of what you were doing: hiding behind a pillar like a loser and overheating these guys. At this point it was odd since you were actually friends with one of them. I mean you did have Taehyung’s number and he would occasionally text you to tell you when he (or Jungkook) would not be in class.

You slowly inched your foot, not trying to make noise. You were ready to leave but halted when you heard Jungkook’s voice as they headed inside the elevator.

“So, what did you and __ talk about this time?”

HUH

Did he?

“Oh, I told her about your obsession with banana milk”

“Taehyung!”

Is all you heard before the doors closed.

Okay… what was that about?

Did they talk about you?

Was this an ongoing thing? Taehyung never told you about Jungkook’s supposed obsession with banana milk (cute by the way). Does this mean anything?

You groan as you make your way back to your apartment. Your head was spinning Did he…or did he not? Or did Taehyung just tell him once about all your “interesting” conversations that

Jungkook just routinely started asking him about it?

Your heart thumped at all the possibilities.

Whatever the reason it seemed he had an okay opinion about you. Right? I mean the best outcome you can hope is to be his friend because from what you see in class, and what you’ve heard from Taehyung, Jungkook does seem like a cool and genuine guy. And you’re not doing him (or Taehyung) any justice by eavesdropping on their conversations and following them. At that moment you decided to stop your shy approach and borderline creepy behavior towards him. You were an adult for goodness sake not a love-struck teen. You were going to be more direct!

Your heart raced miles at your final decision.

The next couple of days you began your new resolution by approaching Jungkook first. Your conversations weren’t as complex nor were they as comfortable as with Taehyung. A light tension always seemed to linger as if you both had your own elephants roaming around the room. You ignored it as much as you could. You were grateful for when Taehyung was around to break the tension. This would lead to the three of you to develop a more easy-going conversation. You were just happy that you were able to learn things about Jungkook directly and not through a second source.

All this progress seemed to have gone down the drain one night when you were practicing a new defensive pose. Jungkook came up to you to slightly adjust your arms into the proper distance from your face and body. He smiles afterwards, urging you to feel the difference. You proudly do your complete pose and suppress a giggle when his smile widens. He’s so mesmerizing. Mino was out of the gymnasium, quickly running off saying he need to go to his office. So, you took this opportunity to have Jungkook all to yourself. You were less reserved around him now and were ready to break some more of the barriers between you two. It starts with you two laughing over Taehyung's obvious lie of pretending to be busy. He’s looking over some papers on the clipboard at the front of the matts. You wanted to see Jungkook laugh again as he jokingly comments on the students in front of Taehyung who are trying to get his attention.

“It’s all these fired up Sophomores” you began, hushing your voice as if telling him a secret.

“they’re so competitive and eager to please as if they are being paid to be here. All these little kids will soon face the real world and realize that no one cares”.

Jungkook nervously places his hand behind his neck, “Some of them have potential...”, he hesitantly mutters.

You snort, “potential or not. All little kids, sorry, sophomores are the same. They are all so overly passionate. I feel bad for them once they realize that there will always be someone better, prettier, and bigger than them out there. Haven’t we learned that by now?”.

You turn to Jungkook upon seeing his straight face. You must admit it wasn’t one of your best attempts of comadeire, but the way he was acting seemed like you offended his mother. You were about to apologize and voice your concern when Jungkook nervously laughs.

“Yeah, well…” He chuckles again defeatedly. “…there’s always someone better…”.

“Jungko-“

“I see you have all been working diligently as I was gone! Thank you! As a reward I think we should run a few laps around the gym”.

Jungkook skedaddles away at the voice of Mino. You’re left confused, pondering over your conversation. Can he not stand unfunny people? Were you really that bad? Did he find you to be some bitter old bully?

Once the class is over you jog up to Taehyung and Jungkook before they could get onto the elevators.

You wanted to make sure you were good with Jungkook. You knew you would be up all weekend trying to figure out what went wrong. You know it was something you said. Did he not like your joke? were you being a bit too mean? You didn’t mean it too much. It was just something Taehyung always joked about, so you thought it would be okay to do so as well. Making your way up to them you say the first thing that comes to your mind

“Hey, are you guys going to the Senior Party?” This senior party was for seniors only (unless you were a plus one) hosted by all the frats of school. They all come together to make a huge block party that is honestly favored upon by many and has everyone going.

“hmm not sure” Taehyung says, “Maybe, I’m kind of over frat parties”.

“Yeah…, but this IS the last Ho-rah”. Taehyung shrugs at your response.

“How about you?” you turn to face Jungkook making sure to make eye contact, afraid he’ll look away and avoid you as he has done for the rest of the class period.

Jungkook looks you straight on furrowing his eyebrows, “Why should I go?” he asks almost coldly.

“Oh” okay he hates me, you thought to yourself. “Well, I mean everyone usually goes”, you respond to him with a much more quitter voice now that all your confidence has disappeared.

“It’s only for seniors. I’m a Sophomore”.

Sophomore.

WHAT!?

Your mouth fell agape. And you only half registered Taehyung laughter as he smacks your back,

“____, didn’t you know Jungkook is a baby”.

You knew he was baby. You didn’t realize he was a baby.

Jungkook rolls his eyes at Taehyung's comment.

“I didn’t...I-I’ You stuttered “ Aren’t you in the advanced class and have all these achievements and- and”.

“Yeah” Jungkook sourly smirks “I guess I’m just like all those overly passionate kids”.

Taehyung laughs as if not catching the tone in Jungkook’s voice or the nervous energy you are sure that can be detected from miles away.

“He’s the king of the sophomores! Why do you think they are always crowding him like he’s their hero”.

“Right…” you look down on the floor. You didn’t offend his mother, you offended him. You’ve insulted him.

“Okay, well I’ll see you guys in the next class, Bye” you turn fast around and start speed walking home. You only faintly catch Taehyung’s boisterous “Bye!”.

This all makes sense, the students crowing him like he’s a king, him being insulted by your unfunny comment, Taehyung always picking on him. But the thing is that Taehyung CAN pick on him because they are friends, he’s teasing him. You are not friends with him. You have no right to talk to him or joke with him like that. Your stress levels rise because you never want to hurt someone, much less intentionally. He probably thinks you’re some big bully and know it all. Imagine what he has told Taehyung by now. What if you get shunned by both of them? This is so embarrassing, and you feel awful. You shouldn’t have run away. You should have confronted Jungkook and apologized to him. You should have cleared the air. But at that moment you were so confused and surprised your head was everywhere. Forget dating Jungkook he probably wouldn’t even want to be friends with you anymore.

All of your woes were heard by your three roommates on your living room floor. Picking at your blue fuzzy carpet you retold them everything. They first got mad at you for not telling them about these two good looking guys in your class and then they got even more mad at you for making a

lame joke that insulted Jungkook and then running away.

“You need to talk to him ___”

“You said: ‘Overly passionate sophomores, little kids’. Who even talks like that?”.

Taehyung does you want to point out but instead remain quiet as they continue their criticism and advice.

“Yeah, talk to him! Don’t even think about how you insulted the poor guy!”

“or how you said an odd and unfunny joke”

You never thought about dating young guys. You were always into the older type. You ask your friends about what you should do. They give you the advice you already knew inside your heart. Talk to him, apologize, and go for it.

You remembered that Jungkook is sporty and artsy. The Art building was your first stop. You don’t know his schedule and frankly you don’t want to know it. It would make you feel like a total creep if you knew it and purposely went looking for him. You didn’t want to repeat the ugly feeling you felt after the eavesdropping incident at the elevators. Instead you conceded with a coincidence. This was less guilty.

You entered the Student museum and browsed the artwork. You were so excited to see one of Taehyung’s art pieces hanging in display that you quickly took a photo of it and texted it to him. You momentarily forgot about what had happened. You hesitated to look at your phone after feeling its vibrations indicating Taehyung had replied. You quickly found the nearest restroom which wasn’t easy given you’ve never been inside this building. You entered a stall and opened the text. You were greeted with a “You should have told me you were going to be there I just left Campus” accompanied with two crying emojis. You felt a sigh of relief, as if you can breathe again. Taehyung is not mad at you. You replied with compliments and several hearts that Taehyung gleefully returned.

Your mornings were spent waiting in between classes in the student lounge, in the Art building, and walking laps around the Sport’s building and Gymnasium. You even peeked at the pool only to be flashed with multiple water polo swimmers climbing out of the pool. You blushed running away after making eye contact with the swimming coach. During the night when you had boxing, everything seemed like the beginning of the semester. You would talk with Taehyung as you always would but Jungkook…he was different. He would acknowledge you and would occasionally join you and Taehyung, but he wouldn’t be alone with you anymore. If he ever was he would just stay with you in silence. It would be such a peaceful quietness if you weren’t so confused and nervous on what his opinion of you was. You wanted to apologize to him, but he became much more competitive and almost aggressive during demonstrations. You felt this new form of intimidation towards him. Was he trying to send you a message? No, of course not. It was probably just finals. Most people were on edge during this time.

In the last month of the semester you coincidently found out (thanks to the students in class) that Jungkook has a drawing class 30 minutes after your last class on Friday. With this new information you made plans to sprint over to the Art building to meet Jungkook.

You were just walking down the hall of your building when you spotted… Jungkook?

Interesting.

Is this fate?

This is the time.

He stops next to a class door and leans against the wall, seemingly waiting for someone. You notice then his huge army backpack. For boxing class, he brings a big black duffle bag. This backpack caught you for surprise. You stopped in your tracks staring at the backpack because you’ve seen it before. Plenty of times. In the library, the parking lot, the convenience store in front of the east campus. You’ve sometimes seen it by just passing by. The bag was so big and almost ridiculous that you’re sure most of the student body knows of it. To think that the bag belonged to Jungkook. You’ve never bothered to look at the owner and when you did, they were either far away, at an angle in which you can’t see them, or they had a bucket hat or hoodie over their face. All this time it was Jungkook. To think if you’ve looked or spoken to the person you would have known Jungkook way sooner. All this wasted time.

Is this the coincidence you were dreaming of? Does any of it mean anything? At this point you don’t care. You’re going to talk to Jungkook! Whatever opportunity that is presented to you, you are going to take. You’re almost close to Jungkook, who doesn’t notice you as he’s immersed on his phone, when the classroom door opens with pouring students. You're slightly worried he’s going to leave as the students start obscuring your clear view of him. However, what you don’t miss is the way a pretty girl stops in front of him. He looks up to her and smiles shyly. You can’t really see her face at this angle. You only notice the way Jungkook takes her books from her and follows behind her as she walks to the opposite direction from you.

You felt like you were in a movie. You know the type when the main character is standing in one place and all around her there’s blurs of people moving about. The screen is colored gray and there's sad music playing as you're left there in a daze.

O-kay.

So.

Jungkook has a …he has a… (you can’t’ say it).

Jungkook is-what?

Dating? Has a girl? Not available? Hmmm, maybe he’s not interested in you.

Walking back to your apartment so many questions and conclusions flow around in your head.

Did you ever stop and think he maybe just wasn’t into you? Like what if he just didn’t like you? And not in a bad way. He just doesn’t want to pursue a romantic relationship with you. And here you were thinking he was lucky you were even considering a younger guy like him. Please. Who do you think you are? You’ve acted so arrogant and bitter around him you’re surprised someone as sweet as Taehyung and Jungkook even talks to you.

Reaching your apartment and heading straight to the shower, because the shower is where you make all your final resolutions and get all your ideas, you’ve come to the resolution that you need to stop moping around in class. Second, you like Jungkook, like-like. Third, you are heart broken. And lastly, maybe it’s just not meant to be.

Sometimes things can be blessings in disguises.

You cried in the shower.

Your beautiful roommates were once again there to support you! They even surprised you that weekend by having a little party amongst you and your closest friends. Irene, Maria, Seokjin, Yoongi, and even Mr. Busy Chef Seokjin came along. It was fun and you got drunk. You are going to be okay. You are going to forget Jungkook. It’s the end of the semester anyway and you are leaving town after graduation. It’s for the best.

Right?

Wrong.

Wrong on all parts. You very much like Jungkook. It was confirmed the next time you went to boxing class when your heart didn’t stop thumping. And wrong because you aren’t going to let it go. You felt ridiculous and pretty whore-ish when you still found yourself smiling at him (and did you coyly laugh at his joke just now?) even after knowing he has a girlfriend/ partner/dating/something. (A voice in your head was whispering into your heart that nothing is confirmed yet).

“Jungkook”, you called out his name after the announcements in class. You ran to him and staked your claim on him before anyone else can take him away from you, “Jungkook, can you help me with the exercise from last class, please?”.

He agreed. You walked behind him as he was already heading to your claimed corner. You noticed the disappointed faces of some of your classmates. Taehyung also had a confused face on as he was heading your way for you two to possibly gossip at your corner.

Jungkook helped you with your placements and speed. It was honestly helpful even if you did laugh a bit too loudly or moved in a way you hoped was sensual. At one point you ran out of things to hold him back with, so you must admit defeat and let him go. You smiled at him wildly as he moved to the next student. It was the last month, it wasn’t going to lead anywhere anyways. Which is why you’re trying your best. You were going to see him, talk to him, simply be by him because you’re probably never going to see him again after this.

You connect eyes with Taehyung as he’s walking directly to you. You both held a staring contest till he reached your side. He squints at you. You made a face of a “what”.

He coughed, “So…uhh…you like Jungkook or...?”

You choked on your spit. Were you that obvious?

“Huh? No. What? N-why?”

Taehyung looks at you, “ No reason, just asking.”

He slowly inches away clearly trying to make you less nervous. So, you force your body to relax and just laugh at his antics.

The rest of the class period Taehyung kept sending you looks or raising his eyebrows. You were nervous but soon started to become defensive. You would occasionally mouth “What” at him. Until at the end of class, he finally walked up behind you and whispered “Jungkook”. You jumped back in surprise at his deep voice and most importantly at the name of the owner of your heart.

“Taehyung!” you yelled at him. He laughed, only to stop when Jungkook joins you two. You blushed again and started rubbing your arm afraid Taehyung would tease you again. You all went to gather your things and headed towards the exit to leave class. Taehyung taps your arm to grab your attention. He made the motion of sealing and locking his lips, making it even more noticeable! Your eyes averted to Jungkook only to feel a wave of relief at seeing him typing away at his phone. Thank God.

You give him a face. He chuckles at you.

“Bye__” he said walking away. You rolled your eyes.

“Bye __” Jungkook said with his sweet melodic voice. You smiled at him.

It was the night of the Senior Party and you were ready to forget all about the cute guy in your boxing class. No, not Taehyung but Jungkook. Since you found out about his girlfriend you’ve tried hard to rewire your brain to think of him only as a friend. It was easy because he was such a gentle person. He was kind and funny and so very ambitious. You’ve grown to admire him in many ways. You were happy at where your relationship was (even though you would still like to be involved with him…*cough*romantically….). You weren’t going to be no homewrecker even if it pains your heart to see him smile or see him ruffle his bouncy hair.

Who are you kidding? You are in love with him.

However tonight you are going to forget about him. Tonight was about finally graduating and having a fun night with your friends. You, your roommates and other friends all meet up at a local restaurant before the party. It was fun there stuffing your faces and emptying your glasses, you almost forgot about the party. So, before the buzz faded away you all slipped into an uber off to the streets of the Frats and Sororities that are hosting the party. You were sad that Taehyung wasn’t going to be there. You wanted to introduce him to your friends. A few months ago, he told you he wasn’t going to go and instead booked a trip up North to go camping with his friends Namjoon, Jimin, and Hoseok. Friends who were equally as handsome you thought to yourself last night as you scrolled through his Instagram feed and viewed his story. You should’ve accepted his invite when he jokingly asked you to tag along. Maybe then you would move on from…him.

With your short skirts, dresses and skinny jeans you all swayed into the blockparty-eque event. The music was loud and there were so many people dancing and running around.

“This is practically a carnival, we're only missing the rides” Sohee shouts over the music.

“Lets just go to the main house” you yell back at them.

You all walk the short distance to the largest house in the block, the main source of the party where the DJ, drinks and food is located. Inside the house was empty of furniture leaving every room as a makeshift dance platform.

“This looks complicated!” Sohee complains furrowing her eyebrows “Where do we even begin”

“Lets just look around!” Taeyeon excitedly states turning her head around. You were prepared to see her make a 360 turn. She was Minah's friend who you were surprised to see come to the party. She was a Junior and it wasn’t until the girls told you that night that plus ones were allowed regardless of their year so long as they are students at the University. If you would’ve known you would have “jokingly” invited Jungkook.

After scoping out the house, your group ended up stealing a bag of chips and red cups of lemon soda and vodka. You decided to go to the house next door which belonged to a sorority. (“Maybe they’ll have better drinks” Minah complained).

Entering the house was like a new world, the lights were off and the music was not blaring. It seemed more chill. You walked deeper into the house that had a great atmosphere. Upon entering the kitchen you see the island decked out in different snacks and even mini cupcakes. There is flavored beers and a variety of vodkas, tequilas, juices, and soda. You’ve all shared glances with smiles in your faces. This is your place. You've all grabbed your drinks and you managed to fit two mini cupcakes in your hands before you made your way into the main living room, which like the frat house, was bare of any furnishing. Leaning against the wall with Minah who grabbed cotton candy you sipped on your drinks as you watched the others invade the dance floor.

“You think this was supposed to be a private party?” She asks cutting off a chunk of her cotton candy to feed you.

You thought for a second letting the candy melt in your mouth.

“No,” you told her, meeting her eye. You both laughed. “It would be really stupid if it was, I mean it is the Senior Party thing”.

“Yeah but what if it is and they kick us out”.

You shrugged “Whatever were gone in two weeks anyways. Besides it's on them for hosting it on the same night”.

“I don’t know” Minah continued out with her cotton candy slipping her drink in between each bite. You weren’t sure if she was drunk and just saying something or was actually concerned. You peered your eyes on her face as if to see her better. She was zoned out.

Rolling your eyes you start to look around trying to see your dancing group of friends to join them. You were done with your cupcakes and were ready to drag yourself to them. You thought you saw the Blue sparkle of Tara’s dress. You focused more on the spot only to see these blue sparkles wearing Tara seeming to be dancing or should I say “hugging” someone.

"Oh my gosh, ! LOOK LOOK!” you said slapping Minahs arm.

“What?", she said, trying to catch what you're looking at.

“Tara! She's got herself-“ Your words died in your mouth. For as your eyes traced along this person dress they were meant with a head that did not belong to Tara. First, poor Tara who has the same dress as someone in this room. Second, this person is none other then that girl that Jungkook was with. Your mouth was stood agape for even if your heart broken at the reminder of that girl and the fact that Jungkook was not yours. Your heartbreak and slight jealousy was soon replaced with confusion and then anger. Isn’t this Jungkook's girlfriend? What is she doing grinding on someone who is not Jungkook? No, this guy was not him because you know this guy! He's the famous school pianist whose faces are plastered all over the music building and concert highlights. Min Yoongi. What is she doing? So because Yoongi is a school celeb she's just going to do Jungkook wrong like that. Pretty Jungkook, who smiled at her with a hopeful look in his eyes and carried her books around like some servant. Is your poor baby being played? How dare she? Does she not realize how blessed she is?

“Minah”, you hand her your drink, “wait here”.

You don’t bother for her response and only hear a “what?”

You don’t have time to fill her in about this snake because your adrenaline is pumping in. Maybe it's the alcohol or maybe it's your devotion towards Jungkook. All in the name of love. And if you're not going to be kicked out because it's a private party, you'll probably be kicked out for fighting. You didn’t take boxing for nothing.

Okay…

Maybe not. You're not sure what you're doing and even though you're angry and feel like you need to regain Jungkook's honor, you do have the same part of your brain working and yelling at you to turn back. What the hell do you think you are doing? And who the hell do you even think you are?

You could be on your way to making a complete fool of yourself. But no, you will do anything for Jungkook. Even if it turns out this person is Jungkook's girlfriend's twin and you reveal yourself to be a complete stalker and weirdo.

Your steps seem to move slowly and your skin burning hot from your anger now turns to anxiety. But it was like you couldn’t stop as you neared yourself to her. If you couldn’t confess to Jungkook this was an alternative outlet. By protecting his dignity.

Gosh, is it hot or are you just sweating?

And like a miracle sent from heaven you felt a cold hand wrap itself around your arm halting you in your steps. You tuned your head to see… JUNGKOOK?

“___” he says almost relieved.

You're confused and agaped. You're so caught off guard that you don’t manage to hide your opening mouth.

“Hey” he says softly, almost whispering. He quickly removes his hand around your arm.

His voice brings you back to reality. He always grounds you and neutralizes the nerves in your body. All by being near Jungkook's smiling face.

His smiling face that will soon turn bad. Your stress increases. Your eyes jump from his face to his girlfriend who is still dancing on Yoongi. Jungkook follows your eyes as he notices the stress evident on your face. What's wrong? Jungkook slightly steps in front of you as if to shield you from whatever your eyes keep returning to.

You reach out your hand trying to stop Jungkook from seeing the scene of his girlfriend dancing with another guy, but it's too late. Jungkook is staring ahead for a couple seconds.

Jungkook looks around trying to see what is catching your attention. He catches the sight of his cousin dancing on some guy. Putting a childish face on when she turns her head over to make out with him. Jungkook turns back to you with concern on his face at your still evident distress.

You watch as Jungkook quickly turns around. You see his concerned eyes and frowned lips. No, not to Jungkook. This won't happen to him, you wont allow it. Regaining your energy to confront this snake you move closer to him

“I’m sorry”

“So you want a drink?”

Is he trying to change the subject? Maybe they just broke up and you just reopened his wound.

You give him a smile of sympathy and pull him in for a hug. Yes, you were being forward but you are proud to admit that you didn’t hug him with any malicious or secretive motive. You just care for him so much that you want him to always be happy. You don’t know what happened between him and his girlfriend but you want him to know that he has you. That it is okay.

Jungkook stills in your embrace. You hug him tighter and are happy to finally feel him relax into your hug wrapping his arms around your lower body.

Jungkook is surprised and perhaps dreaming. When you jumped into his embrace he almost didn't know what he did to earn this. Your perfume was swaying in his brain until he saw the teasing expression on his cousin's face.

She winked at him, which caused his cheeks to heat up. So he quickly pulls away from you and coughs.

“So uhh, no drink?” he asks once more unsure of what to say.

You saw his blushing face, maybe you did too much but you couldn’t stop yourself from continuing when you heard a loud laugh at your side. You turn and sure enough see her laughing with the guy.

You step closer to Jungkook so you could whisper slowly to him, "Did you guys break up?”

Jungkook tilts his head in confusion but before he can continue you stop him.

“Its okay you don’t have to tell me, I’m sorry”

“__what are you sorry for?”

You nod your head towards her who continues to dance with the “other man”.

Jungkook squints his eyes at you after having looked in the direction that you head nodded towards. You see the confusion settle onto his face, waiting for you to continue whatever observation you are trying to make.

You decided to end his misery, 'He's obviously too embarrassed to admit it' you thought to yourself.

"I saw you guys together...", you say, trying your best to say the rest with your eyes. You watch as the realization hits his face. His lips formed a tiny 'oh', only to let out an "ah" followed by a short chuckle.

Following his amused response you felt embarrassed. Maybe you stepped out of line and he's going to thank you for rubbing salt into his wounds.

"Sorry" you blurt out trying to save what's left of the respect Jungkook has for you. " I should've stayed quiet..".

At this Jungkook laughs loudly only ending it with a...a coo? He leans closer to your ear so you can hear him clearly.

"Follow me"

You don't got to be told twice.

You follow him through the throngs of people, pass the kitchen, through the back door. You almost tumbled out the door but was captured by the cold air hitting your skin. You rub your arms weary of letting Jungkook see because you didn't want him to reconsider the whole idea and go back inside. You wanted to be alone with him out here. it was nice. You followed him to the bench that rocked back and forth. It was gray with a top cover. He sat on it waiting for you to join him as he tried his best to stabilize the bench by planting his feet to the ground. You gave him a small 'thanks' as you settled yourself next to him. You made sure to keep enough space between the two as to not make him uncomfortable.

Jungkook felt his heart beat in his chest a contrast to the cool night that was at a standstill compared to the house and loud music not only a few feet away. He was grateful for the noise and lights that came from the house and fencing of the backyard, as it gave his shaky breath a cover from being heard by you. He sneaked a glance at you and saw as you sat seated next to him. You followed him out here into the cold. He noticed as you rubbed your hands on your arms. At this point Jungkook knows what comes next. He should offer you his jacket, but he wasn't wearing anything. He opted for a button down, he had no reason for any other fabric. He thought he would spend most of the night in a packed house or street with so much body heat. He felt like a kid scared to look at their crush. He didn't know what to do from this point on. Having a surge of confidence at the probability that you cared for him. If you being concerned about his alleged heartbreak was anything to go by. Jungkook wants to hold onto the care you had for him no matter how small it was. He knew you were a senior who was set to go out of town. His dreams of being with you seemed like a lost hope by now. At this point he just wanted to stay by your side, just to talk, even if just for a day.

One thing Jungkook became sure of as you both stared silently at the moon was that this right here was more than he could have ever wished for.

You were the one to break the silence.

You figured you should clear the air after your assumptions.

"So how are you holding out?"

Jungkook was about to give you a generic answer until he remembered what happened inside.

"I feel perfect" he answered honestly

You give him a confused look.

Man, you thought for sure Jungkook would be heartbroken, now you're thinking of the possibility that he left her.

Jungkook suppressed his giggles and decided to come clean to you. To tell you the truth. That's all he wants for the both of you.

"You know you can come to the senior bash if you're invited by a senior"

You nod not sure where this is going.

"I asked my cousin to let me go with her" Your eyes widened

Cousin?

"I was going to go with Taehyung but he had other plans. My cousin said yes...with the condition that I become her "assistant", Jungkook makes air quotations at the word. You smiled at the playful annoyance. "So I helped her with her courses, and followed her around everywhere. Honestly". He leans in closer pointing at the colorful lights that adorned the roof of the house. "You see those lights? I hung them up all yesterday and when you go inside that dessert table was recently bought from Ikea, I had to set it up". He slumps his shoulders.

"So was it worth it?" you ask not helping the giggles that escape your mouth at his behavior.

Jungkook turns to face you. The first time you both make eye contact since reaching the bench.

"Yeah" he says softly, "I'll say it was worth it".

You avert your eyes and turn your face. A struggle but your fear of letting him see the absolute shyness you knew ozed out won over. You needed to protect yourself and most importantly him. You didn't want to scare him or offend him anymore then you already have.

Not wanting to lose the momentum of the conversation, Jungkook spurts out the first thing in his mind.

"So where are you going after you graduate?"

For some reason you didn't want to answer. It would make it way more real. The fact that you wouldn't see him anymore and that hurt. At that moment with the distant music that pouned throughout the earth, with the laughter you hear from inside the house, the light of the moon and lights from the house, the coldness that you feel around your arms and neck become fuel for you. If this was going to be your last moment with him then you should make the best out of it. Maybe even let yourself become vulnerable in every sense of the word. If just for one day, you wanted to be completely honest and open with Jungkook.

"I got an internship two hours away" you say looking at the ground, "I'll be kind of far, but maybe not so much" you don't know what you're saying, mostly just trying to convince yourself. You looked at him and are willing to say he looked almost sad. You don't know why he looks down now. You just know it made you feel worse. You want your time with him to be happy and fun. Even if it hurts later. You don't know why hes sad and you may make yourslef look completely stupid but in this moment you wieghed your options. If he answers positively you can leave with hope. If it's negative...well...at least you won't have to see him again. That thought makes you frown and scares you. It scares you so much that you couldn't even stop yourself from asking the next question if you tired.

"Do you want to wait for me?"

You both look surprised at your question.

Jungkook remains silent, so you repeat the question already feeling the adrenaline rush from your confession.

"Jungkook, do you want to wait for me?" You ask him again with hopeful eyes.

"Ar-are you pr-proposing?" He was so in shock he didn't have time to register his childhood stutter to make an appearance.

Normally you would have been frozen out of embarrassment and shock. Truthfully, you were bewildered at your actions. But it must be the power of the moon that shines above you both. Or maybe it's the alarm in your heart telling you this may be your only chance. You take a breath and give jungkook a soft smile. One that said 'yes I like you and it's okay if you don't'. You watch as he takes a moment to gather himself.

Hmm.. maybe you should have been more clear on your love confession. You were about to open your mouth to explain when he turned his body to face you. He reaches out for your hand to hold it in between his two large ones. You watch as your hands disappear inside of his.

Okay, maybe you were freaking out a little bit.

The warmth from his hands begins to travel from your arm to all of your body. Your heart beating fast against your chest as you decided to finally look him in the eye.

"Why wait?" Jungkook says.

FIN

#jk #jungkook #bts #taehyung #boxing #college au #bts fic #jk fic #jungkook fic

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dogcircle-scans · 4 years

Text

Natsume Yuujinchou: “Cookies to the Forest’s Entrance” Summary (Chapter 105)

Our cuties are back with more adventures!

I was trying to get this out within a week of the chapter’s release, but life happened so it took a while. ;w; Anyways, this is our first chapter after the 4 month hiatus! Perhaps to serve as a breather after the super intense Homura arc, we have a relatively short chapter (only 24 pages compared to the usual 30-40 pages) about Natsume, Tanuma and Nyanko-sensei stumbling into an old house in the middle of the forest. In some ways, this chapter felt more like a special chapter rather than a main one (don’t expect any plot or character development for this one, especially not information on the grandpa), but surprisingly, it also helps wrap up some stuff in the Homura arc (firstly, DID NYANKO GET HIS COOKIES, secondly, our poor cinnamon roll pure boi needs a hug ;w;). It still gives me the usual NatsuYuu feels, so no complaints from me! Also (I’m sorry for plugging), but if you enjoy what we do, and don’t mind giving a couple of dollars,

please buy me a coffee or two. At the moment I’m using my Kofi funds to buy raws of the manga for our scan uses, but after losing my Tumblr account, I haven’t had any new donations, so my tank is running empty (especially after buying the raws for Volume 25). ;w; If you have some spare cash and would like to help support our scan work, please help donate. You have my eternal gratitude. TwT As always, special thanks to Jessica for proofreading this for me on a Sunday!

- Niji

Chapter 105: “Cookies to the Forest’s Entrance”

While walking home from school, Tanuma accidentally steps onto a cookie, hearing it crack under his foot. He spots another cookie in the distance, and begins finding more and more of them the further he looks.

Tanuma: (It leads into the forest.) // This is just like Hansel and Gretel. / I wonder who dropped these…

Tanuma: ! // Natsume? Natsume: Huh… // Tanuma!? / Why are you in a place like this? Tanuma: You too, Natsume, what are you doing here…

Tanuma asks if Natsume might have been the one to drop the cookies, but it turns out Natsume didn’t notice the cookies at all. After recognising the cookies, he runs off, following its trail. Tanuma runs after him as well. At the end of the trail, they find a little house.

Natsume: Ah. // In a place like this… / Is it a vacant house? Tanuma: Hey, Natsume… / Do you know what these cookies are? / You looked like you were looking for something.

Natsume: …It’s nothing big. / I guess you can say I was just curious… Tanuma: Curious? Natsume: ——These cookies are…

Natsume recounts what happened shortly after he and Nyanko-sensei returned from Homura. Touko and Shigeru were extremely glad that he was able to find Nyanko-sensei, and gave Nyanko-sensei the cookies that they had kept aside for him (if you remember at the start of the arc, Nyanko-sensei wanted some pretty cookies but ran off before Natsume went to buy them). Nyanko-sensei was super happy about them too. However, when Natsume returned home from school that day, Nyanko-sensei was nowhere to be found in his room. Thinking that Nyanko-sensei might have ran off to play as usual, and that he might be going beyond Yatsuhara…

Natsume: I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and I figured it would be interesting to try following Sensei at least once… Tanuma: … I see… Natsume: ...Don’t laugh. Tanuma: Haha, I’m sorry. / So, at the end of these cookies will be…

Yes, it is Nyanko-sensei.

Natsume: Found him! Tanuma: Fufu. / There’s a hole in his bag. / So that’s how the cookies fell out.

Tanuma: *sigh…* ……Natsume? Natsume: ——As I thought, I’m still a little worried about Sensei. Tanuma: Ah… / That’s right, at the White Mist Pottery* Village, he caught the eye of a strange Collector……

[*I’m gonna translate “Hakka Pottery” to “White Mist Pottery”, since I can pretty much confirm that ‘Hakka’ is not a family name lol. So, for localization sake, I am translating the whole term.]

Natsume: …There was someone who reassured me, saying, “I’ll take care of this incident, so you don’t have to worry.” // He isn’t someone who would say things without thinking, so I did think that things would be alright now. / But when I didn’t see Sensei around like this, I can’t help but feel anxious. // ...But I’m glad.

Natsume looks around.

Natsume: I guess he found this vacant house and has been idling around in it. / …Seriously, he even brought his favourite sake and sake bottle with him. Tanuma: Wow… // It doesn’t look like anyone is here, and it’s quite wide. Rather than a residence, this is more like… an arbor?

Tanuma: It’s old, / but it’s pretty. // It’s perfect as a hideaway / or as a secret base.

Natsume: A secret base… / Then we’ve done something bad, haven’t we? Since Sensei has been secretly having fun here… Nyanko: *open!* Hm hm. / Natsume and… the Tanuma brat. Natsume: Ah! Nyanko-sensei! // I’m sor- Nyanko: You came here with perfect timing. Help me out. Natsume: Huh!?

Nyanko-sensei explains that he discovered this place while chasing butterflies during his patrol. He figured that it would be the perfect place for him to take his afternoon naps, and was just in the midst of checking it out. The only issue is that the place is rather dusty, and Nyanko-sensei doesn’t have the spare time to clean the place up as he likes.

Nyanko: I’ve brought some dust cloths with me. / Just wet them in the river over there. Natsume: What— Nyanko: If we don’t at least clean this veranda, you two won’t be able to idle around either, right?

And just like that, the boys got to work.

Natsume: Geez~~~ *wipe wipe wipe wipe* // This house may be vacant, but it might have an owner, so don’t just do whatever you like, Sensei. Nyanko: Come on! / Put your backs into your wiping! Boys: Phew~~ // We’re finally doneee—

Completely exhausted, they plopped down onto the veranda, and had their rest. And as they closed their eyes—

Natsume: (What is this?) / (There’s some sort of sweet fragrance coming from somewhere.) // (Is it Sensei’s cookies?) / (No…) // (Maybe it’s flowers.) / (——It’s very) // (kind and sweet——)

Soon enough, Natsume notices that evening has already arrived, so they prepare to leave.

Nyanko: By the way, how did you two learn of this place? Natsume: How? Because your cookies had fallen out, Sensei. Nyanko: WHAT!? // *stunned* There’s a huge hole… Natsume: Shall we pick them up on our way home, Sensei?

Nyanko: …… / No, just leave them as they are. // We still have lots of maintenance to do. / Tomorrow, you two will follow this trail back to my afternoon napping spot. We will gather there.

[Did Nyanko just… sacrifice his cookies!? Omg!]

Natsume: “Maintenance”……? Tanuma: Haha, I’m sure birds would have eaten them by tomorrow, Sensei.

The following day, the two boys find the trail of cookies and arrive at the empty house.

Natsume: We’re here. Nyanko: You two are so slow! / You’re gonna be devoting yourselves to the maintenance of my drinking party spot! Natsume: Wasn’t this your afternoon napping spot? Tanuma: ——Huh? Natsume. / There’s something on the pillar there…

Indeed, on the pillar was a hand-written note, saying,

“Thank you for wiping the place. Please enjoy yourselves here.”

Natsume: Uwah! / It’s probably from the owner. (S- So embarrassing…) Tanuma: I wonder if it’s okay to just take advantage of their offer like that. / Even though we entered as we liked… Nyanko: Stop complaining! Today, we are wiping the sliding doors! / I want the moonlight and the evening sun to shine on it beautifully.

Natsume: …As an apology for Sensei coming in as he liked, we should at least clean the frame of the sliding doors. Tanume: Let’s do that. Natsume: You help too, Sensei. Nyanko: Hmph. / Just this should be enough, right?

Or so they thought.

Nyanko: *rip…*

Stunned by the tear, the two boys inspect the damage. Natsume asks if it can be fixed, and Tanuma figures that, if they bring some sliding door paper and glue tomorrow, it should do the trick. Natsume returns to the note on the pillar, and quickly jots down an apology.

“Sorry, we tore the sliding door. We will fix it tomorrow.”

Back at home, Natsume asks Shigeru for some sliding door paper.

Shigeru: ...Hm? Sliding door? Natsume: Yes… // Can I have enough for one grid? / We were staying at a place and we kind of… tore it. Shigeru: Oh. / Were you at the Tanuma’s? Natsume: Ah, no. Shigeru: It’s okay to be mischievous, but you have to keep it in moderation.

Shigeru: If it’s at home, you can break as many as you like, // but always make sure to apologize, alright, Takashi? Natsume: …… Yes.

[Shigeru is such a good papa ;w;]

As Natsume leaves the next day, Touko stops him, handing him some strawberries.

Touko: Here, give them these strawberries as an apology. // *rustle!* Do your best! Natsume: ——… // Thank you so much. Nyanko: Oh~~~ These strawberries look tasty~~~ Natsume: They are not for you, Sensei.

[And now we have our sweet mama TwT]

They continue to follow the trail of cookies (how have they not been eaten by animals yet??), during which Natsume asks if the owner might be there. Nyanko-sensei promptly answers that he doesn’t need to care so much about an uninhabited empty house.

Natsume: Don’t you start, Sensei. Tanuma: Oi, Natsume—

The three of them head to the house, and find that a new note has been attached to the pillar.

“Thank you for cleaning the sliding doors. I have a request. Could you help me plant these seeds in the garden?”

Natsume: Huh? // By ‘seeds’, do they mean this? // …They don’t sound angry. Tanuma: You fix the sliding door, Natsume. / I’ll clear the weeds over there and plant this. Natsume: Thank you, Tanuma.

Natsume: …… // (The owner of this house sure is strange…) // (Rather, it feels like…) // Hey… Nyanko-sensei…

Nyanko: HEY! / ENOUGH OF THAT! HURRY UP AND BRING OUT THE PAPER! // Let’s paste it down right away. It’s time to repair my afternoon napping spot! Natsume: ——… Yeah. // You’re right.

The three of them set down to work, and finally finished everything. Once again, exhausted, they plop onto the veranda and napped.

Natsume: (Nevertheless…) // (This is such a comfortable place——)

In his dreams, Natsume hears a man speak, and the thoughts of someone else…

Man: “——Hey there. Sorry to keep you waiting.” ??: ——It’s alright. // Always, / forever, // I will be here, waiting for you.

Natsume wakes up.

Note: As an apology, we have left some strawberries here. Tanuma: It’s quite a mysterious arbor. // It’s like we are exchanging letters with the house owner. Natsume: That’s true. Tanuma: ——Hey, Natsume. Natsume: Hm?

Tanuma: ...Nah. / See you tomorrow. Natsume: Yeah. // See you tomorrow.

And that night, Natsume had a dream.

Natsume: (There was a gentle-looking man sitting alone on top of the veranda.) / (And around him, perhaps it was the flowering season… There were so many colors as though it was overflowing with it.) Man: Ah, my beloved arbor. // I can only visit you once every year. / I can’t even maintain or take care of you. Please forgive this useless owner of yours. // This year, I’ve been busy with my family business as well. / The days where I come here provide emotional support, so I always look forward to it. // Ah, / the view here is so beautiful. // I built this here hoping that someday, / I could bring my wife, my children, and my family here to view this scenery. // But after so long, it has always just been me.

Man: I’m sorry. Even though I built you, // I’m always here alone. // I’m sorry I couldn’t make it lively. // ——Someday, // should // guests arrive here——

Natsume wakes up. The following day, he meets up with Tanuma again, and they follow the trail of cookies into the forest. Natsume wonders about all the strange things involving this situation, about the forest that was so close to his house and yet he doesn’t know much about it, about these cookies that still look great even after so long, and about the mysterious owner who never shows his face. And when they arrive at the arbor—

Flowers had bloomed across the garden.

Tanuma: What!? / Flowers!? // …This can’t all be / the seeds I planted yesterday…? // Just how did… Natsume: ——I’m guessing // this arbor made all of them bloom.

Tanuma: Huh… SFX: *rustle*

The one who wrote notes to thank them for cleaning the floor and the sliding doors might have been the arbor itself. With its memories of bygone days, it’s always been here inside the forest, waiting.

Natsume: You finally have guests coming here. / But I’m sorry that it was us.

This was such an old, old little arbor, and it felt as though it was mustering the last of its power to show them this scenery.

Nyanko: Ooh, there are strawberry flowers here too. Natsume: Tanuma. / Why don’t we take a seat at the veranda and look at this scenery for a bit? Tanuma: Huh? Natsume: Somehow, / I feel like we won’t be able to come here again tomorrow.

Tanuma: ———……… // I see——… Natsume: (——I wonder if there are buildings that can become ayakashi too.)

That was the mysterious arbor that Nyanko-sensei found. It was only a short while, but it was where two people, one beast, and another certain someone, had spent their time together. As they take a seat on the veranda, Natsume recalls the words that the owner had said in his dream.

Man: ——Someday, // should guests arrive here…

Man: Make sure to welcome them with lots of flowers, alright?

It was a beautiful and lovely, secret arbor.

“Cookies to the Forest’s Entrance” END

#natsume yuujinchou #natsume's book of friends #summary #tanuma kaname #Natsume Takashi #Nyanko sensei #natsume manga spoilers

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sapphire-strikes · 4 years

Note

Okay first your ending to that story was *mwah* perfect 👌. Second I remember you saying one time you didn't know whether to make Pabit sentient or not. What if he was and FK and Kamal freaked out seeing it for the first time and Boris just was kinda like "I thought you guys knew." I feel Pabit would be a second pair of eyes for Boris such as at "beddy time" if he was fast asleep and say FK/Kamal managed to get by and Pabit pops up yelling whichever one was up.

I've been meaning to write some about Pabit for a while but I was never quite decided on whether or not I considered him to be his own person (much like the Carlas) or just a regular puppet. There's something really endearing about him being a mini mischievous version of Boris though and I think there's a lot of potential for the dynamic between Him, Boris, the FK and Kamal.

• In the event that Pabit really was alive, it was another one of those things Boris just never got around to bringing up. Everyone already knew about the Carlas and much like his shadow form, he just never really questioned the strangeness of it all.

• Honestly, Kamal probably knows or at least suspects something. He was freaked out enough by the Carlas so he just avoided the subject of the puppet all together. Sometimes self care is pretending your roommate isn't keeping a sentient puppet replica of himself in your house.

• That brings us to Pabit himself. The cheeky, attention hungry, smile happy puppet of Boris Habit.

• When Pabit speaks his voice is higher than Boris' and lacks the Russian accent. Pabit is capable of moving and talking on his own but his voice is actually one Boris is capable of doing himself. It's unknown whether Boris is good at mimicking Pabit or Pabit speaks that way because that's the voice Boris gave him. Probably the latter.

• Even if you knew Pabit was alive it would be hard to tell sometimes whether Boris was talking through Pabit or Pabit was talking himself. The difference usually being that Pabit is much more expressive when he's talking on his own.

• Pabit is a little mischief maker but he's desperate for attention and interaction. Most of the time he's happy to let Boris puppet him around when in front of people but he's desperate for the opportunity to talk to them himself.

• He already loves you and Kamal but Boris prefers not to let him alone with either of you and has asked him not to interact with anyone when he's not around. Boris knows what a troublemaker he can be and doesn't want him to do anything to annoy his friends.

• Despite his unhappiness with this rule Pabit does listen to Boris most of the time but still finds little ways to interact with the people he grows attached to.

• Maybe the keys that you'd lost reappeared out of nowhere, setting inconspicuously next to the satisfied looking puppet. Sometimes when you leave papers on the table you come back to see them adorned with little doodles of flowers, pictures of Boris and even Pabit himself. Most of the time you chalked this up to Boris trying to be sneaky.

• On the other hand, Kamal's things tend to go missing when Pabit is bored, resulting in Kamal marching right into Boris' room and fishing them out of the puppets arm hole where they had been stashed. Gives Pabit the "I'm watching you" hand motion as he walks backwards out into the hall.

• One day you stumbled upon the puppet sitting innocently on the living room coffee table unsupervised. Giving into your base instincts you slipped it onto your hand.

Maybe that was an overstatement. It was a pretty big puppet so you just placed it over your forearm. The inside was clearly made for much bigger hands but you were still able to slip your fingers into the right spots and make it do a little chomping motion. You giggled then gazed down at the little replica of Boris, "You're a cute little guy aren't ya? Boris really did a good job on you." If you didn't know any better you could have sworn it was smiling wider than it was before.

When Boris walked in on your little playtime you lifted one of Pabit's little arms to make him wave, "Boris, we were just talking about you!" You remark jokingly.

Boris looked shocked at first but his expression soon softened when he looked down at the puppet on your arm, "Oh really? I'm sure he had a lot to say."

"Nah, I don't think he's much for conversation"

"You have no idea how wrong you are" There was a clear trace of exasperation in his voice that caught your attention.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Oh? Ah, never mind" He waved you off "It's about time for him go back to 'bed' anyways. I just finished cleaning his stand so I can put him back in my room now". You nodded and Boris reached for the puppet on your arm, gently attempting to pull it off. As soon as he did however you swear you felt something resist and the puppet stayed put on your arm despite his attempt to remove it.

Boris retracted his grip in surprise to stare at the puppet. It all happened so fast you weren't sure what really just happened but Boris looked like someone had just walked into his flower shop and smashed his prized tooth lilies. His expression shifted to annoyance and he crossed his arms, "So you're going to be like that? You know if you can't behave, I won't bring you out to play with Y/n and Kamal anymore."

Now you were the one that looked shocked. Was he talking to the puppet? I mean, he always talked to the puppet or through the puppet, usually both at the same time, but this was different. "Boris, what are you talking about?"

It seemed like Boris had finally remembered you were there as he sighed and looked disappointedly down at his felt doppelganger. "Oh it's nothing, Pabit is just being stubborn." His expression finally settle back into a smile, "Though I am a bit surprised. He usually never even lets other people put him on but I guess he always has been pretty 'attached' to you." He covered his mouth to laughed at a joke that only he seemed to understand.

You were still confused but Boris seemed to be acting normal again so you decided to brush it under the rug. You moved to pull the puppet off your arm yourself and it came off with no trouble. When you handed it to Boris he stared at it for a second before letting out a relenting, "Oh, very well" and slipping it on himself.

He turned to you with Pabit and smiled, closing the distance between you by holding the puppet out closely to your face, "Goodnight, Y/n!" It spoke cheerily. It then reached out, held onto your face and pressed it's mouth to the bridge of your nose. Letting out a drawn out, "Mmwwah!", sound before being pulled back to smile at you proudly. After saying your goodbyes both Boris and Pabit headed off to bed.

• You had to smile, Boris could be so silly sometimes. You'd have to ask him later how he got the arms to move without the wires.

• Not long after that you found more of those silly little doodles decorating the pages of the notebook that you'd left on the table. The scribbles depicted you and Pabit together with the puppet happily hugging the side of your face from his place on your arm.

• I can absolutely see Pabit being Boris' little tattletale. Kamal has caught on enough to move the puppet out of the room before doing something he doesn't want Boris to know about but you on the other hand don't catch on for a while.

• You cut your hand pretty bad one day and Boris asked you how it was later that evening. Even though you were home alone when it happened and you hadn't mentioned it to anyone.

• How did Boris know that you didn't eat breakfast this morning or that you snuck out of bed last night to watch tv? Boris's only explanation is that he "has his ways" but he's too busy lecturing you for you to press him further.

• One night you successfully snuck out of bed again and thought you were in the clear. What you didn't notice however was the puppet that seemed to get closer and closer to you each time it was out of your line of sight.

By the time you finally noticed it it was sitting on the coffee table in front of the couch. It actually caused you to jump when you turned around to see it almost directly behind you but quickly regained your composure and laughed it off.

Picking it up you turned it around a few times before placing it over your hand like you'd done once before. Feeling confident in yourself for your successful escape so far you decided to play around a bit. "You really spooked me, little guy! How'd you get out here huh? Did Boris forget to take you to bed?" You asked jokingly.

The puppets felt eyes stared up at you lifelessly and you let out a small laugh. "Hey now, don't look at me like that. You'll keep this between the two of us right?"

"...."

"Good boy, knew I could count on you!" Maybe you were just tired but you could see how Boris had so much fun with this. It was childish sure but you were certainly entertaining yourself.

Once you were satisfied with the puppet’s "agreement" to keep quite you moved to take it off your arm. "Okay, I've had my fun. So, you want to watch TLC or Cartoon Network?" You asked, not expecting an answer as you set the puppet back on the coffee table.

What you were expecting even less however was for the puppet's expression to shift to a scowl as its little arms wrapped around your hand when you went to pull it away.

"YoU shyOuld bEe in Bed!"

• Boris jumped up in alarm and Kamal fell out of bed at the scream that sounded from outside their rooms.

• You had literally thrown Pabit across the living room in surprise and were currently frozen in shock as it picked itself up, brushed itself off and hopped its way back over to climb back up on top of the coffee table.

"W-what did you just say?!"

It crossed it's arms and cocked an eyebrow at you as if sarcastically asking 'did you really not hear me? '. "I saYeD; u shYould bee in bEd! StAying up lAyte is bad 4 yor smile!"

"I.."

There was a long moment of silence between the two of you as the puppet looked at you expectantly. After a second you finally found the strength to speak, taking a step closer once you decided that it didn't really seem dangerous. "...You can talk?"

Your question seems to surprise it a bit and its angry expression shifted to one of pride. "I cAn do a lott moore than thyat!" It pointed at the sides of it's cheeks as it gave you a big smile. You went silent again and the puppet seemed to be inspecting your face, it's smile fading when it focused on your own worried expression.

"Sea? U stAyed up 2 layte and now you R all frowny :-(" It made it's way across the coffee table to where you were standing and hugged your knee. "It's okee! I'm hear 2 mayke u happie so tUrn thyat frowny upside downy!"

This wasn't exactly comforting considering that the puppet itself was the cause of your fear and you were quick to jump away when it touched you. This action was quickly followed up by guilt however when it looked genuinely surprised and then hurt by your rejection of its affection. It seemed as if it was about to speak again when Boris and Kamal both came clamoring out into the hallway.

"Kid, what happened?! We heard a scream is everything okay?"

They were both quick to approach you and check you over but your eyes were still locked on the puppet who was now looking at you sadly. Their worried questions were soon answered when they followed your gaze to the puppet sitting on the coffee table.

Boris was quick to gasp and lift the puppet up by the back of its coat like you would with the scruff of a kitten, "Pabit, did you wake them up?!"

"No, I folloWed thyem out here! " The puppet waved it hands in front of itself in defense but it seemed to forget about Boris quickly when it's eyes fixed of Kamal. "Oooh, hi, Karmal!" it yelled as it waved excitedly at him. Kamal responded by running a hand down his face.

"Oh, boy... Hi, puppet--Pabit, I mean..." The puppet seemed pleased by his acknowledgement but its attention was pulled back to Boris who seemed to be telling it off about something. You'd moved to almost hide behind Kamal who placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, "You okay?"

"I'm fine, I just...It can talk?" You looked at him for answers and he gave you a sympathetic smile.

"Yeah, tell me about it."

You were both pulled from your little moment of understanding by the voices that were being raised beside you.

"You shouldn't have scared them, Pabit" Boris's tone sounded disappointed.

"Eet wAsn't on porous, I swears it! I just wanTed 2 makE sure they waz gEtting enough syleep!" The puppets eyes moved back to you and it shook both it fists, "Y/n, yous been stayiNg up every nyight and knot geTting up 2 smile!"

"It said my name.. " Was your only response as you continued to shield youself behind Kamal. Your fear once again caused the puppet to deflate, it now hanging limply in Boris's grip with it's arms crossed as it looked at the ground.

"I'm sorry if he scared you, Y/n" Boris finally spoke to you.

"It's...it's okay, it just surprised me that's all..." You finally stepped out from behind Kamal. "How long has it been...alive?"

"Oh, since I made him." Boris answered as if it was the most normal thing in the world. "He doesn't usually talk to people unless I'm around though."

"I see..." Boris seemed to finally be taking note of your discomfort and said he was going to take Pabit aside for a moment, leaving you standing in the living room with Kamal.

"Yeah, the little guy used to cling to my leg when I’d work around the office back at the Habitat."

"So it really has been alive this whole time?"

"Yep, been dead silent since my fight with Boris though. First time I've seen him up and about since then. Been totally inanimate around anyone but Boris I guess. Until, now at least. Guess you have a knack for bringing things out of people and puppets!"

You both laughed and you turned to him quizzically, "Okay, but...how?"

Kamal raised a hand to stop you, "You think I got the know-how to answer that?" He smiled at you again "That's just more of Boris and I don't think even he could answer you to be honest."

"Heh, I guess you're right." You relented and Kamal wrapped and arm around your shoulder, offering you a comforting pat.

"Ahem"

You both looked in the direction of the cough and there stood Boris, holding something behind his back. "I had a talk with Pabit and I believe the two of you got off on the wrong foot. So..." He was looking at you hopefully and when you didn't look hesitant he took a few steps closer to you, "There is someone I'd like you to meet!"

You already knew what was about to happen next when he pulled the puppet out from behind him. The puppet fit perfectly over his forearm as he held it out to you. It was a very familiar sight but with much different implications since you now knew his little secret. Pabit himself looked to be a mixture of annoyed, nervous and sad and it refused to look directly at you despite your close proximity.

There were a few second of silence before Boris gave his arm a small shake, "Go ahead and introduce yourself, Pabit!", he whispered. Pabit remained silent, crossing his little arms once again and keeping his gaze fixated on the floor. "Pabit?"

The puppet muttered something under it's breath that none of you could make out. "What was that?" Boris asked

"I sayed; we already knows each other..." The puppet spoke out again more clearly. Clear enough that you could make out the hurt in its voice.

Oh, so that's what this was about. Thinking back now, you guess he was kind of right. The amount of times Boris brought out that puppet to cheer you up or just mess around were immeasurable. It was weird to think about; during a lot of the special moments you shared with Boris, Pabit was technically there too. He knew you at least, probably almost as well as Boris and Kamal did.

Before Boris could respond you spoke up, "I guess he's kind of right." This seemed to catch Pabit's attention and he finally looked at you again. "I'm sorry for throwing you, Pabit. I hope you can forgive me and hope we can...talk more in the future?" You gave a nervous smile and Pabit squinted at you suspiciously for a moment.

"Off course!" Boris let out an 'oof' when Pabit pulled his arm forward so he could hug your face, making the extra effort to rub his cheek against yours. "I still Luv u, Y/n!"

The shock must have finally been beginning to wear off because you were able to stop yourself from jumping away this time. You even reached up to to pat his head, “I uh, love you too, I guess?” Your words were spoken with uncertainty but they seemed to make Pabit happy as he let out an excited squeal and continued to cuddle your face.

It was definitely a strange sight to behold; three people standing in a dimly lit living room with one of them holding out a puppet that was hugging one of the others faces. Boris was using his free hand cover his mouth as he smiled widely and Kamal was standing behind you with a tired but content look on his face.

• Now that you knew about Pabit, Boris loses him as a spy but gains him as a guard dog. Now there are two of them lecturing you about staying up late.

• Unlike Boris though you can actually bribe Pabit to stay quiet with cartoons, candy or just bringing him along if you're going somewhere. Now Boris is disappointed in both of you.

• Pabit doesn't need to sleep but he can if he wants to. It's a little creepy because if he doesn't close his eyes beforehand they'll stay open. When sleeping he basically becomes a regular inanimate puppet until he wakes up.

• If you put him on he can actually prevent you from taking him back off. Tends to do it just to play around but lets go if the person whos arm he's on gets angry at him.

•Loves being used as a teddy bear. You feel something crawling up through your covers in the middle of the night and almost have a heart attack? It's just Pabit coming for snuggles.

Thanks so much for the request! Sorry, everyone, for the lack of content I appreciate all the requests I’ve been getting I’ve just been super busy lately so I appreciate your patience!

#smile for me #boris habit #dr. habit #pabit #reader/flower kid #sfm #Got that last one from a comic I saw ages ago #but I can't for the love of God find it #Still undecided on whether or not I consider this 'canon'

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jadedragoness · 4 years

Text

Battle Ground 1st Read Through Reaction

Can I just start off by saying, Holy crap. Chicago got curb-stomped hard. So freaking hard.

I really, really, enjoyed the story. I pretty much didn’t want to stop reading as soon as I cracked open the covers of the book but I did have to have periods of giving myself a break and just put the book down and go do something sensible like do the dishes instead of screaming or shaking my fists at the sky like a lunatic.

I do admit that as a story the continuous battle was draining and exhausting to read. But I think that was the point so I don’t really count it against the story. It is something important to know going in, and why I’d recommend breaks.

Let’s talk spoilers… just assume spoilers for everything Dresden Files related too. Ummm, also this runs long.

First Let’s Me Tell You About the Thing Which Exploded My Brain:

1. MARCONE IS FREAKING KNIGHT OF THE BLACKENED DENARIUS! WHHHAAAAT!!

...okay, I’m done screaming about it.

OF FREAKING THORNED NAMSHIEL!!! ...I lied, I wasn’t done. How long? What? When? I didn’t see this coming at all! And I’m so freaking torn about how to feel about it.

I am so damned (heh) relieved that Marcone’s didn’t die at Ethniu’s hands. I seriously freaked at the moment she snapped his neck that I went into instant denial and my eyes skipped several paragraph down out of the desperate wish to see if it was trick. I’m also very, very delighted that Marcone is now so much harder to kill. I mean, he was already pretty hard to kill being Marcone but this just takes it up to eleven.

On the other hand, a Fallen Angel is so freaking dangerous. *makes gargling worried noises* And while it looks like Marcone appears to have worked out a partnership with the coin I can’t help but remember that when we were first introduced to this Fallen he was called ‘Thorned Namshiel’ and not by the name of his bearer. So he appears to be the type to subsume the human who holds him. Which makes me worried that Marcone could be on that path and not even realize it. *goes back to making gargling worried noises*

I do find reassuring that the coin is on a chain around his neck and therefore easily removed and not buried in his body like some of the other Denarians will do.

However, I am feeling a little disappointed Marcone is no longer purely a ‘vanilla’ mortal who stood toe-to-toe eldritch beings and survived by simply being smarter, deadlier and amazeballs. I’ll miss that. I always thought that it was especially hilarious how much Harry would freak out about Marcone and how deadly Marcone is when even in the same room as scary monsters (like in ;Skin Game;, I mean seriously he was in the same room as Nicodemus and Harry was hardcore worried about upsetting Marcone… hilarious!) when Marcone was a vanilla mortal… but now he’s not.

And yet, now Marcone knows how to sling around magic and is incredibly hard to kill. *thumbs up at Jim Butcher* Yeeeessssss! *is so happy*

Although… if Harry doesn’t end up making all manner of ‘thorny’ jokes at Marcone I’m going to be very disappointed. =D

Things I Sorta Expected:

1. Murphy dying.

Now, I totally bawled at the scene after Rudolph shot Murphy. I especially lost it when Harry kept referring to her body as an ‘empty house.’ ARGH. But I wasn’t actually surprised that she died. I did feel like I got a very strong sense it was going to happen. Actually, from how often Harry’s thoughts seemed to be pinging in that direction I was partially convinced his wizardly ‘insight’ was kicking in and trying to warn him.

And he tried. He really did.

But ultimately it was Karrin’s own choice to be away from safety and be her badass self.

2. Hendricks’ dying.

I’ve actually have read the short story ‘Monsters’ from Goodman Grey’s POV and I’ve read it a little over a week ago and in it he notes Marcone’s bodyguard as a dumb Einherjaren. Which made my brain go: Whoa, wait… where’s Hendricks? Is Hendricks dead? Did Hendricks die and become in Einherjaren? Or is he off doing something and one of those guys is taking over for a bit? Fuck, Hendricks is dying in ‘Battle Ground’ isn’t he?

So I wasn’t exactly surprised, but I was still very, very upset. And when Ethniu picked up Hendrick’s corpse and smashed him into Marcone that’s where I lost it. Like totally lost it while also being worried about Marcone at the same time. Gah.

Curveballs I Did Not Expect:

1. Marva and Drakul. The deaths of Wild Bill and Yoshimo at the hands of Black Court vampires and the threat that we may see them again as Black Court? Did not see that coming. I expected to lose Wardens but not like that.

...and I may be in denial about Chandler (I like the guy, okay) being dead. Please. He’s a wizard. He’ll be back. Of course as soon as I wrote that I was instantly struck of by the thought of: “Yeah, but will you like what you get back?”

2. Also Drakul is a starborn? I get more and more curious about what it means! I’m with Harry in frothing in frustration over how people won’t tell him already! *screams into the void*

Also Kincaid worked for this guy? *shudders*

3. Marcone and Thorned Namshiel. *gurgles*

4. Justine had Nemesis in her! And for years?!

How in the hell are they going to save her? Mab barely saved Lea and she’s Mab!

Also I thought Nemesis was very infectious. Is there anyone else around who has been infected? Maybe among Harry’s friends with Justine as the vector? *is worried*

5. Not getting a resolution on the situation with the Svartalves. Or did I miss something? Seriously, the ending of the book felt like it was missing about 30 more pages to wrap up and work a bit more on characters.

Things I Did Not Like or Was Disappointed By:

1. Rudolph getting to live. Fuck that guy.

Okay, I understand that his not getting murdered at Harry’s hands wasn’t really for Rudolph’s sake but for Harry’s own soul. I just want him dead. Dammit, is it too much to ask for him to have been shot by a turtleneck or stomped by a Jotun or splattered by Formor acid that slowly ate away at his guts as screamed until his internal organs slowly dissolved?

I have may have a bloodthirsty vengeful streak. And yet: want.

2. I also may have narrowed my eyes at the end of the book there after Harry said that Marcone was dropping off the keys and then it turned out Lara had picked them up instead. I may have also said aloud, “Butcher, are you Marcone-blocking me?” And he was, dammit, because I didn’t get to read more Marcone.

… I do not have a Marcone-addiction.

3. This is more disappointment than dislike but I didn’t get nearly as much Goodman Grey as I thought I’d get. Aw.

4. Harry not getting to talk to Ivy. *grumbles*

Things I Really Liked/Loved

1. Harry got his home back! And it’s the castle! The castle he all but swindled out of Marcone. Yes, I love it! I love Marcone but doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy it when Harry get the best of him too. Anyway, I just love the fact that Harry is claiming parts of his life back from the traumatic heart-stomp events which occurred in ‘Changes’. *bounces in excitement* Now he just needs an office!

2. Marcone. Always. Actually I was a little afraid when he vanished after the battle started that there would be very little Marcone in this book too because Butcher is so Marcone-stingy.

3. That Harry is no longer a member of the White Council. I mean, they’ve been pretty useless to helping Harry out. And honestly, Harry has gotten so many headaches from them that I can’t help but think this is a weight he needed to shed.

Although, it really feeds my ‘Harry needs to become a member of the accords in his own right’ thing again. Seriously, he’s the Warden of Demonreach. He bound a Titan. It needs to happen. Ooh, or the Paranet can see about becoming an Accorded organization in their own right and then Harry can be with them. Yeeeessss.

4. Bob is back in Harry’s hands! Freaking yes! Whoohooo! About time! Oooh, wait, has Bob meet Bonnie? Can we read this happening? OMG, I want it so much… or would Harry be too horrified to let Bob influence his spirit-kid? LoL.

5. Seeing Toot-toot and Lacuna again! And when Harry pulled his ‘Za Lord’ maneuver and got the Guard and a ton of other fairies to help in the defense of… well, pizza in Chicago, that was great I punched the air.

The I gloated even more over how Mab then explained Harry had scared some of the others with that move. Heh.

6. River Shoulders was so damn badass and amazeballs and like Wild Bill said, I’ll take two.

7. Michael and Charity already knowing that Molly is the Winter Lady and being the best parents and loving and accepting and… so much love for those two.

EVERYTHING MARCONE… yes, he’s getting his own heading

1. Gah, I love him. I have mentioned this before. That one of the first things he says to Harry when Harry is staring at him as he changes clothes is to paraphrase ‘did you forget how to get dressed or is this an awkward sexual reconnaissance’ nearly killed me. I was caught between giggling and choking on my own spit and then I nearly fell off the couch. Just remembering about it now, has me giggling at the computer screen.

2. Also, I find that ‘Excellent’ response from Marcone after they exchange threats to be fascinating. This was one of those points were I put the book down and wondered what Marcone meant by that. Then I had the thought that maybe in his own fashion, Marcone was doing the same thing that practically everyone had been doing with Harry since he got back from being shot. He was checking to see if Harry was still the same man he’d been before. And from Harry’s response, Yup. He was. So: “Excellent.”

Having also read ‘Skin Game‘ and how cold Marcone is in the end there? The difference with this Marcone versus the one where Mab was listening? I find that interesting too!

3. When Marcone showed up to the fight! So freaking badass! Love how he led the fighters.

Also I find it significant that both of the guys who are obsessed with protecting Chicago were the ones who manifested ‘banners’ which drew humans to the fight.

Really cool. And it reminds me all over again that for all their different life philosophies Marcone and Dresden do agree on the mantra of: Protect Chicago.

4. This book, especially the lake beach scene reminded me so hard why I love the banter between Harry and Marcone so much. When it just seems to be the two of them and they aren’t actively threatening each they have such a great rapport! Loved reading it! Wished we got more of it in the books.

5. Okay, with Hendricks’ death I’m rather worried for Marcone. ‘Even Hand’ gave the impression Hendricks often acted as a very gentle conscience to Marcone. Losing him has got to be hitting Marcone hard. And that I now know he only has a Fallen angel on his shoulder?

Yup, growing more worried for Marcone at the time.

6. I’m also wondering about what was said in that exchange between Mab and Marcone on the roof when Harry called out Marcone for about being the Lord of Chicago needing to be more than talk. Okay, I can guess. I just really, really want to hear the words because I bet Marcone was badass.

7. The Lord of Chicago giving Harry the title of the Wizard of Chicago? Freaking loved it.

8. Also Marcone freaking purred. Purred. “Prove it,” he purred. “Hero.”

I think Jim Butcher is trying to give me a heart attack or cause me to crack my skull on floor because I nearly fell off the couch again.

9. With Marcone now outed as a magic-wielding Denarian does that mean we get more of him in the future books? Because I freaking hope so... I say this even knowing I’d have the exact same wish even without him being a magic-wielding Denarian.

Things I Found Completely Hilarious

1. Marcone’s opening lines to Harry. Heh. Forever Lol!

2. Is Lacuna a tooth fairy? Her obsession with teeth cracked me up so much.

3. That Mab smacking both Lara and Harry with those wedding plans. *snickers* I mean, I find it totally hilarious because of how gobsmacked both of them were about it. I don’t expect Harry to go through with it at all, not with how we know how seriously he takes relationships. So either he’s going to get out of being the Winter Knight or find some other way to defy Mab. Or hell, maybe Lara gets them both out of it by marrying someone else first. Honestly, I can’t see her agreeing to marry someone who’d burn her with a touch.

Pure Speculation or Things that Just Excite Me for the Future:

1. Now I bet you’re all wondering why I’m not more upset about Murphy or Hendricks dying. Simply put, I’m 100% convinced that when both Murphy and Hendricks wake up in Valhalla, in drinking (with quaffing I bet) halls full of grunting, fighting obsessed Vikings and they will go ‘Nope, I’m out!’ three seconds later. Those two? Especially knowing how much trouble Harry and Marcone have got to be getting up to without them? They’d probably join forces and stage a breakout to get back.

This is what occurred to me the moment Gard explained what happened to their bodies. The whole not come back until everyone who knew them was gone, yeah, right. Not happening.

Or, jeeze, I can’t image Marcone not thinking this was a possibility and then not having made plans to bust Hendricks out and you know Murphy would demand to come along too. And with Thorned Namshiel providing help? I can see this happening.

...okay, this idea sneaked into my head but now I’m seeing Murphy (having busted out of Valhalla with a bunch of Einherjaren) and learning about the upcoming nuptials between Lara and Harry leads a raiding party (what else, with Vikings!) to bride nap (groom nap?) Harry away before he says “I do.“ Heh. This would be hilarious.

2. I’m sorta vibrating with the possibilities of what the future will bring with a Chicago that is waking up to the dangers of the supernatural while at the same time having learned that it is possible to stand up to monsters and kill them. Especially, what this means when bad things go down in Chicago again, because of course they will. And there may be more people joining in the fight.

Hmm, can the Paranet be deployed as a means of bringing vanilla mortals in or educating them so they don’t go after the good guys? They do sort of stand in the middle, more so than Harry. *lost in thoughts*

3. While I’m actually a little surprised that Ebenezar made it out alive as I actually had him down on my ‘Will Probably Die List’. I was relieved as I hope to see him and Harry actually have that conversation which Harry wants. Seriously, if only for Maggie’s sake, who shouldn’t have her first and last memory of her Great-Grandpa be him being a total jerk.

4. Harry can bind the prisoners of Demonreach to do his bidding? *blinks* Ooh, the possibilities.

5. These Librarians, the Men in Black of the DF ‘verse, sound amazing and I can’t wait to see them show up.

#the dresden files #battle ground #Harry Dresden #harry blackstone copperfield Dresden #The Curbstomp of Chicago #spoilers #battle ground spoilers #dresden files spoilers #karrin Murphy #mab #review/reaction #formor war #formor #river shoulders #nathan hendricks #john marcone #gentleman john marcone #book spoilers

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gather-potter-heads · 3 years

Text

Dream

Request: hi heba, this is yasmin. idk if u will see this or not but anyways hello! great fanfics. can u also write bts fanfics? lmao nvm byee

Pairing: Suga x reader

Summary: You were BTS’s manager then one day, your whole world turned upside down just from one person...

Warning: Who ordered a venti cup of Fluff with extra shots of fluff with fluff on top?

A/N: I know this is a BTS fanfic and my page is mostly abt the wizarding world but, I am happy to do any other. I’ll just search up who they are and research a bit but, I used to be an Army, so here we go! Hope you enjoy!

(credit to the owner of gif, not mine)

Y/n was the manager of BTS. She was the only main manager that was a girl. She thought she would have a normal life as a manager, getting BTS’s schedule ready, driving the van to places they had to go to. Just until y/n started to have feelings for Yoon-gi, Suga. You just couldn’t stop thinking about him and his great personality, his smile, laugh, just everything. It’s been 2 whole years since you had a crush on him, and you know what they say, if a crush lasts for more than 4 months, your in love.

The other members knew that you had a huge crush on Yoon-gi. They saw how you got flustered whenever he was next to you. They saw how awkward you became when Yoon-gi was around. So, they already knew that you like Yoon-gi without you even having to tell them. But you doubted yourself, what if Yoon-gi just saw you as a manager? What if you got rejected if you confessed your feelings to him?

WELL, y/n didn't even have to worry, cuz Yoon-gi liked her back. Well, he didn't know that you like him but, did like you. He liked you longer than you did. He was just so good at hiding it. His heart beamed faster when he was with you in anyway.

The other members were just fed up of this. Yoon-gi already told them that he liked you. I mean when you live with other people, you have no secrets.

“Hyung, are you going to tell y/n about the.. thing?” Jungkook asked.

“Yeah! You can’t just expect your feelings to show just by waiting!” Jimin said.

It sounded like he had enough. It has been years and years and Jimin couldn’t handle it anymore. They all agreed to not tell Yoon-gi that you had feelings for him too. They wanted the two of you to figure it out, but they also wanted to tell him and you so badly. You know when yo have a secret about someone and that someone is there and you want to tell them so badly but can’t? I mean, I went trough that loads of times. I have too much secrets.

Meanwhile, you were getting everything ready for their photo shoot. You checked if all the outfits were ready and if there was anything wrong with it. You checked multiple times if the studio was ready and took care of everything. With one word, you were very busy. You just wanted to go home and rest more than ever. Even more than a boring day after school.

................................................................................................................................

After you got everything in place, the members were ready to go. They were still in their hoodies and comfortable clothes. Y/n and the members went to the van and Y/n drove to the photo studio.

They went in and got their hair and makeup done. You were getting things ready and putting snacks on a small table so anyone can grab some when they need a little snack. Then you went to where BTS was getting their hair and makeup done. You couldn’t seem to find Yoon-gi, maybe he was done with his hair and makeup and was changing. You asked the others if everything was going alright.

“Is everything fine?” Y/n asked

“Yeah nuna (older sis).” Tae-hyung answered

“Okay 😊”

You asked the others too and they all said everything was fine. Then you saw Yoon-gi walk out of the changing room. You saw how handsome he was. I mean, you saw it all the time but, every time you got flustered. You went over and said to Yoon-gi,

“I think the stylist picked the right outfit for you. You look ready for the photo shoot.”

“Thanks” Yoon-gi answered with a smile.

But you were sort of regretting what you said at the end,

‘Really y/n? ‘You look ready for the photo shoot’? What is that?!’ You sighed and got back to work.

BTS shot their photos and you were looking at the monitor to look at the photos and to see if they were good. It was the same old days as usual. Your muscles were trying to kill you. Your whole body was aching. You could feel your body heating up. You started to feel dizzy and you fainted.

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

Y/n’s eyes started to open little by little. She looked around and saw Yoon-gi next to her on a stool. It looked like she was at the emergency room.

“Ah, thank you for waking up..” Yoon-gi said with watery eyes.

“Yoon-gi ya... w..whats wrong?” y/n asked with a worried face.

“You developed a flu.. no wonder you were working so hard...” Yoon-gi answered.

“Next time, take some rest.”

“How can I.. I have work to do. It’s my job as a manager to well.. sort of take care of you guys. I don't have time for me.” Y/n said while looking at her fingers.

“Well, then you have to find a way to make some time. Every time I see you working so hard all the time, I worry that your going to end up in the hospital. And now you did. I’ll talk to Mr. Bang.”

“It’s okay..” You answered.

“I’m not okay with it! Y/n Y/l! I like you! And I don’t like to see you like this! If it was natural we can’t do much about it, but you were doing much more than you needed to. You have to take care of yourself.”

Did Yoon-gi just say that he liked you? You just stared at him with a startled face. Then you finally said something,

“Wa..wait, did you just say that.. that you like me?”

“Yes.. I have been for the last 4 years.” Yoon-gi answered

“...Well, I like you too. I liked you for 2 years...”

Then without any words, Yoon-gi pulled y/n into his arms and pulled her into a light kiss. I know I don’t do these things in my fanfics but, here I’ll just give it this time. They pulled away. Then y/n asked with a laugh,

“What does this make us?”

“My lover forever.” Yoon-gi answered.

Y/n laughed a little and hugged Yoon-gi. She couldn’t believe it. She was with the guy of her dreams. Even if this was a dream, she didn’t want to wake up.

A/N: Thank you for reading this fanfic today, I hope you liked it and have a good day! Also, always remember to love yourself 😘

#suga #yoon-gi #bts suga #suga x reader #suga x y/n #suga x you #bts #suga fluff #fanfiction #bts fanfic #suga fanfic

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blukrown · 4 years

Text

Not Meant To Be - Chapter 6

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5

Also available on AO3

WARNING! This fic contains: blood/violence, torture & implied/reference sexual assault

If any of these upset you, please do not read!

Conflicting Notions

Blood covered Faris' hands and his chest heaved. He could feel his body shaking from adrenaline as he looked transfixed at the mess that covered his hands. Even with the cheers of the Colosseum crowd, his heartbeat was deafening in his ears. Thumping as he looked down to the ground before him.

A man lay limp at his feet. Curled up with both hands clutching onto the sword that still stuck out from his side.

Dead.

"No . . ." Faris gasped, taking a step back in the sand. "I'm not supposed to be here. N-No I don't-"

Turning around to run, he felt chains hold him still. The echoes of the dungeons in the colosseum filled with wails, pleas and moans of the innocent slaves.

Faris' nose stung of piss and blood making him want to hurl. He was stopped from gagging when a sting so harsh he fell to his knees whipped his back.

Laughter resonated in his ears as the crack and sting of whipping soon left his back warm with his own blood.

"P-Please," Faris moaned, his body shaking in fear. "I d-don't belong here." Shutting his eyes as tight as he could, he prayed to any god, goddess or deity to free him.

The pain stopped but when Faris opened his eyes he wasn't in heaven. But in hell.

Dark and tinted orange by candlelight, floor covered in pillows while the walls were draped with curtains. And a stench of smoke and alcohol made his nose wrinkle. The whorehouse brought a look of sheer horror to Faris' features.

A hand touched his shoulder, roving down his chest and caressing his pectorals. Another followed, combing through his dreads and tugging harshly on the strands.

"S-Stop it!" Faris objected, turning to look at his assailant but only saw dark walls.

Another disembodied hand touched the small of his back, eagerly travelling to touch his rear and-

"Fuck!" Faris swore as he tried to move his arms but felt two strong hands clench his wrists to restrain him. "Don't touch me! Don't you dare!" Faris belowed, fear coating his words.

The hand in his hair pulled harder, making Faris' head sting. What felt like claws grazed along his scalp as fingers tucked under the waistband of his trousers.

"I don't belong here!" Faris declared, trying to look around. But all he saw were the whorehouse walls, seeming to enclose him in the already claustrophobic space.

"T-Teb," Faris whimpered, losing much of his will to fight. "Where are you?!"

He was scared. Horrified. He was like a little deer, shaking in the cold winter with no doe of a mother to care for him. He was a shell of a man. Numb to the whips, the hands and the blood.

"P-please," Faris implored, as he closed his eyes as tight as he could. "T-Tebanam."

"FARIS!" Tebanam shouted, hands clutching at the other man's arms to shake him from his disturbing dream. "WAKE UP, DAMMIT!"

Faris' eyes flashed open as he bolted upright. His lungs gasping for air as he darted his head to look at his surroundings. His skin was cool with cold sweat while his bones felt as jittery as a leaf.

Tebanam, only a shadow in the darkroom took him into a hug. Squeezing Faris as close to him as he could.

"Shhh," Tebanam hushed him. One hand holding the back of Faris' head. "It's ok. It's ok. You're not there anymore. You're here with me."

"N-No," Faris' voice shook as his eyes still tried to look at his surroundings. As if, at any second, they could change back to the whorehouse or colosseum dungeon. "I-I'm not I was . . . I was w-with them and-"

"It was a nightmare, Faris." Tebanam persisted, rocking the horrified man in his arms. "You are far, far away from Al-Daida."

"Y-You're wrong," Faris objected, shaking his head. "I'm a b-brute, a monster, a who-"

"Shut up," Tebanam ordered, squeezing tighter - if that were possible-. "No you're not. You're Faris. You're my love." His voice was shaky, clearly off put by seeing Faris so fear-stricken. "You are none of those things. You are a kind and loving man. W-Who is safe and l-loved." The prince's voice shook on the last words, as his resolution choked at the sight of Faris continuing fright.

Faris didn't try to protest anymore. Shivering in his partner's arms until soon, his stiffened body softened. Letting the warmth of Tebanam's embrace consume him, he felt tears well up in his eyes. For the first time in over a year, Faris cried.

Tebanam didn't say a word, only held him close and kissed him until the sorrowful man soon nodded off to sleep.

"Prince Tebanam!" A loud knock echoed past the bedroom door as a servant's voice called for Tebanam's attention.

"Yes?" The man called in a groan.

"Your highness and . . . Faris have been asked to visit Princess Kanisa for lunch." The voice said, pausing as if to ponder just what to call Tebanam's lover. "She asked for you both to be by her quarters in an hour."

"Thank you." Tebanam responded, waiting for the footsteps to grow faint before looking down to where Faris still lay.

Faris had his eyes shut tightly, as if trying to hold onto the ever so slight chance he could return to sleep. He had managed one proper hour but otherwise, the rest of the night passed in a sort of half-unconscious sleep, where he would faintly feel his mind doze off before a flash of a crowded coliseum, crack of a whip, or the sinister smell of the incense lord Siek had liked before snapping back into dream-riddled reality.

When the bodyguard finally went to open his eyes, he looked up to Tebanam. Faris only needed to give him a glance to know the prince had had even worse luck with sleeping than him. Dark shadows hung under his eyes, clearly visible through the bright light emitting from the curtained window.

The prince was sitting up, book in his lap and back resting on the bed's headboard. When Faris looked to the paperback in his lover's fingers, he noticed he was already three-fourths through the rather thickly paged novel. If he recalled correctly, Tebanam had only just started the book the night before, only finishing a few chapters before having abandoned it for sleep. Clearly, he had been reading all night.

"I'm sorry," Faris muttered, scooting over to rest his head in Tebanam's lap.

"What for, dear?" Tebanam asked, tenderly stroking the side of Faris' face.

"For keeping you awake. You didn't sleep at all after my . . . nightmare, did you?"

Tebanam was silent, whether thinking or still concentrating on his book, Faris couldn't tell. "No need to apologise. I've never been good at falling back asleep anyway."

But still, Faris thought, guilt still weighing in his chest.

"Anyhow, I can just go to sleep early tonight to make up for it." Tebanam said, trying to cheer Faris up. "Besides, we have to get ready to see Kanni."

"What do you think she wants to talk about?" Faris asked, sitting up to allow the prince to get out of bed.

Tebanam let out a chuckle. "She doesn't need a reason, Faris. She's my sister. It's honestly about time we sat down and talked properly. Hopefully, we'll get to see the kids too."

Faris supposed he was right, one didn't need a reason to want to see family. But it wasn't like he knew better. The term family was something that was still very foreign to the man. Especially considering where Faris had come from.

The bodyguard could not help but think of Tebanam's family, how warm and considerate they all were. The Dragmire family was also a tight unit and would very clearly tear the world apart for each other. Faris felt hopeful when he found himself watching Tebanam get ready. His mind wondered if he and Tebanam, if all went well, could create something like that. Create a family. Maybe even with a kid or two. Even with how raw his chest stung from recent events - not to mention the horror of that dream - the concept of Tebanam and him growing old together, happy and content, eased Faris like not many things could.

"Faris?" Tebanam called out, dragging his partner out of his still sleep-ridden stupor. "What's the matter?"

"What?" Faris mumbled, suddenly alert, blinking as he realised that Tebanam was now fully dressed and waiting for Faris to follow suit. "Oh . . . Sorry."

Getting up, Faris caught the look of worry that flashed in the prince's eyes as he watched him get ready.

"You know we could say 'no' to Kanni's invite," Tebanam said firmly, watching Faris pull on a white tunic.

Faris could not help but smile. Even if he dreaded leaving the safety and quiet of their quarters, he knew it was the best for both of them. Even if there was discomfort in the thought of talking to people so important yet so unfamiliar.

"I'll be fine, Tebanam," Faris said, resting a hand on his partner's shoulder as if he was the one that needed comforting. "Besides, I'm sure you miss her. You only managed to talk to her a little bit yesterday, right?"

"I suppose . . ." Tebanam muttered, giving Faris a hand as he climbed into the rather tight-fitting trousers. "But if you want to come back here at any moment, just say. It's practically all I can do for you while we hunt down the bastard who let word spread."

"Thank you, Tebanam," Faris said, turning to wrap his arms around his prince's neck and giving him a quick kiss. Now more than ever, he had to make sure Tebanam knew just how thankful he was to be here with him.

Even with the mere twenty paces from their bedchamber door, Faris was grateful this part of Hyrule castle was deserted apart from the skittering of a single servant moving from a distant royal chamber. At the very least, he would not have to deal with hearing the horrible remarks of the other occupants of the castle. He only just had to deal with Tebanam's sister. Easy right?

Well, at first, it was indeed easy.

Kanisa had welcomed the couple into her quarters like they were entering her very own home. Offering them tea and a snack from the assorted platter of baked sweets surely brought up to satiate the growing hunger of her two children.

Kanisa's bedroom quarters was like a mirror image of Tebanam's. Except while the younger brother's windows faced the morning sun, Kanisa's faced the beautiful garden of the castle two floors below. Without even going to see through the glass, Faris could see the tops of high hedges, well-trimmed vines and flower beds full of colourful petals. The only other difference was that there was two doors that connected to the bedroom, one to a bathroom and - from Faris' guess - the children's room.

The sister Kanisa was beautiful, Faris knew that much. Although taller, tanner and carrying much of her Gerudo father in her, the princess's true beauty came from her mother. She had the queen's fine features and kind smile that would have surely been the splitting image of her mother when she was her age. She also had the grace of the queen. She glided more than she walked, spoke kindly but not frivolously and knew the perfect amount of strictness and praise to keep the children from harassing their guests too much. Although that did soon backfire.

Kanisa had clearly invited Tebanam and Faris for the purpose of properly catching up with her brother in addition to acquainting herself with her brother's lover. But no less than ten minutes after first entering, Tebanam had been dragged into a game of knights and dragons with Kanisa's children, Kerugan and Audlin.

Both too young to comprehend or pronounce their uncle's full first name, Audlin called him Teddy, while Kerugan - only a year or two older than Audlin by the looks - felt too dignified to call him by such a baby-like name, as he proudly pointed out, and called him Uncle Teb instead.

Faris, who had worried that since he had never really talked to a child before, had been struck with the horrible realisation that, if the children did not like him, then Kanisa would surely follow? But, thankfully, those fears were soon dashed away. As, after only a few minutes of ogling and invasive yet innocent questions, the two kids were grinning at Faris as much as they did their uncle.

Audlin, who still could not quite enunciate 's' excitedly called him Fairy, with delighted giggles. While the mature acting Kerugan went with Uncle Faris. Although the gesture was small, Faris felt a faint smile warming his face at the nicknames they had given him. The children were so adorable, in fact, that Faris was almost completely fine with Tebanam obeying his niece and nephews demands to play with them. The sight of which made Faris' chest wriggle with a deep sense of love for the man as the prince made the children guffaw with laughter. The only negative to this being now Faris was stuck alone with Kanisa and her surly looking husband, Vidar.

Kanisa, well-trained in the matters of polite conversation, had asked about how Faris was and how he was managing living in the castle - as if this question had not been asked by everyone since he arrived.

Tebanam had let out a playful rawr as his designated role of the dragon and Kerugan foolishly jumped to protect his little sister only to be swiped up in his uncle's strong arms in an act of kidnap. The Fairy Princess Warrior Emperess Audlin had a small thin wooden sword in her hand and she ordered the nasty monster to let go of her big brother or else.

Kanisa was just starting to ask Faris if they had considered traveling towards Uskar when the 'or else' revealed itself to be Audlin whaking Tebanam's shines with her mock sword until Tebanam fell to his knees.

"Kanni! Fairy Princess - ouch - Warrior - Ow! - Audlin is so - oow - cruel!" Tebanam fake sobbed, still holding the wriggling Kerugan above his head so as the child would not be hit by his sister's furious swipes.

Kanisa had given Faris an apologetic look before getting to her feet to help her brother. The mother scolded her daughter for playing too rough, her son for laughing at it and then at her brother for encouraging them. But this did not spoil the fun, as a matter of fact, since Kanisa soon became the new damsel in distress as Audlin said Tebanam was too powerful even for her, so she needed her brother's help.

In spite of how greatly bemusing it was to see Tebanam laughing hedonistically as he buried Kanisa in a pile of the children's soft toys, Faris soon realised he was not alone. Vidar, who had been silent while Kanisa had talked to Faris, still sat in his chair. And, although for a moment, the two men had quietly smiled over their respective partners, Vidar broke his stoic silence.

"I heard those rumours." Vidar said curtly, a hint of an accent in his voice.

Faris stiffened immediately. Taking his eyes away from the heartwarming scene at the other side of the room. And, for the first time, Faris properly looked at Vidar.

With blue-ish skin, dark thick hair in a braid, he most definitely looked like a man from a world very far from the room he sat in. He, like Faris, was covered with scars of a life of fighting. But the bodyguard noted how they were different from his. Mainly of wild animals and other horrible beasts of the northern world, Faris had heard, unlike the man-made swords and knives that marked Faris' forearms and whip slashes in his back. Even so, the man was clearly a warrior, with the heavy muscles that bulge in his Hyrulian tunic and worn, callous covered hands. Although intimidating, Faris had to admit that Vidar was also a good-looking man, even with the slight frown furrowing his brow and prettily embroidered eyepatch - surely made by his wife - covering his right eye.

Faris did not reply to Vidar's words, too shocked to speak but also feeling cautious. He had learned in these past few days to be wary, especially now that there was someone who was spreading his secrets.

Vidar did not seem to need Faris to speak. The sentence appeared to be more of a way to get his full attention rather than to insult or tease him. As he then furthered, "I know it is not anything like what is said about you but I went through very much the same."

Vidar paused to scratch as his well kept beard, and Faris' slight frown was all he gave him. So the Uskarian continued.

"I met Kanisa on the first diplomatic visit of Uskar to Hyrule. We kept our . . . relationship a secret at first. But when I returned and soon took their dear princess away to Uskar, the people of Hyrule made up all kinds of rumours. I was called a rapist, a barbarian, a beast. They believed I had seduced, stole or even kidnapped Kanisa and held her for ransom."

Vidar's body did not betray his anger apart from the deep set frown that adorned his face. "My first time returning back to Hyrule after marrying Kanni and having Kerugan . . . It was awful. I did not fear them but I definitely watched my back at each turn, as if I might do something wrong, more horrible accusations would be made. I can only be thankful those same whispers weren't about Kerugan. They just believed him to be an innocent baby born of . . ." Vidar paused as his lips clenched together in disgust.

Faris, hoping to not force the man into saying anything he didn't want to, spoke. "Then . . . How did they change? I've only heard great things about you."

Vidar smiled for the first time, it suited him much better than the curt look he had shown since they arrived. "Time, mostly. But it helped to have Zarazu."

Faris recalled that Zarazu, Covarog's wife and the future queen of Hyrule, was born outside of the Hyrule realm too. Once an island full of magic, calamity had struck and had forced the already small population of Lorleidians into refuge in Hyrule. A bunch of magic users and dragon tamers, now that Faris thought about it, would have surely been a horrifying sight for the dignified council members of Hyrule.

"As the future queen and mother of Coverog's children, she fought for the first few years to ensure the refuges, both Lorleidians and others were welcomed and treated as fairly as any Hyrulian."

"Just like that?" Faris asked confusedly.

Vidar let out a huff of a laugh, "No, nothing that simple. Although having the queen and Ralnor is a huge help, most of it comes from proving doubters wrong."

Faris did not seem satisfied with this explanation. In fact, the bodyguard frowned. This very same notion had been offered up by Queen Zelda but . . .

"How can I prove I'm not a slave . . . When they are right?" Faris asked. It was the first time he had asked the question that had been poisoning his mind for hours.

Vidar frowned at this. "Are you saying you're still a barbarian then?" "What?" "And a murderer? And a slave? And a whore? Are you still those things?"

Hearing the words from a near-to-almost stranger made Faris extremely uncomfortable but he understood Vidar's point.

No, he wasn't anymore. He was a free man. Not just that but a bodyguard to a prince and a lover to that very same man. He was someone who had become a better and a more whole person since those days before Tebanam had freed him.

"N-No," Faris admitted. Looking to the teacups that sat abandoned in their saucers on the table they sat at. The dregs cold yet still making small waves in the cups from the trundling of children's feet nearby.

"Then how are they true?" Vidar asked. Looking right into Faris' eyes when he braved a look at the man. "If you're not any of those things, then prove it."

Faris opened his mouth to question Vidar's logic only to be reminded that, out of all the people who had told him this fact, the Uskarian man was the only one who had actually experienced it.

"How . . . ?" Faris asked hollowly.

How could one prove a negative? When for all tense and purposes, they were true. Faris was disheartened to realise that Vidar had lowered his spirits more than he had raised them.

"It is . . . A grueling task, I have to admit. If it was a fight, I, or you, or Zarazu could easily win it but . . . Living and being with royalty is a fight very different from anything else. Although us partners don't carry the weight of the realm on our shoulders, they do."

Vidar let his eyes drift to look at his wife. Mouth clenched shut and eyes closed, the princess was shaking with repressed laughter as she pretended to be in a deep sleep. Audlin, now the evil witch, had made the pretty damsel fall into a deep sleep and only the brave Kerugan could save her. Tebanam, meanwhile watched, clearly a prisoner that the witch would deal with later.

"Anything we do, whether good or bad reflects back on the family. And endangers or aids them. Whether big or small. It is a reality we have to accept if we want to be with a princess or prince."

Faris was silent. Unsure what to say.

Looking to Tebanam, who cheered for Kerugan as the child defied the evil witch of a sister, he found himself torn.

Faris was in love with the man. The kind, energetic adventurer he had met that hot day in the colosseum dungeons in Al-Daida. The man who had freed him from his masters and promised food, clothing and shelter for only his sword and knowledge of the local culture. The man who had treated him as an equal, a companion and later a lover.

Faris realised that he was not exactly sure if he was in love with the prince. And the thought made him uneasy.

The fact that Tebanam was a prince was, indeed, shocking at first but, Faris might not have completely comprehended what that meant. He had an image of a bright gold crown and matching throne, with mountains of the finest of fabrics, shiniest of treasures and sweetest of delicacies. He had never much wondered or asked about what that life may actually entail.

"What I'm trying to say," Vidar said, his voice calling Faris to look back at him. "Is that . . . Although it's bad now, it will get better. If you are a good and free man, who loves Tebanam, then those rumours will die down. Keep being the man you know you are and people will realise they were wrong . . . or at least not talk against you. It is hard, and . . . tolling at times but," Vidar's eyes flickered again to Kanisa and his two children. "But it is worth it. Every second of it."

Tebanam's laughter was then loud, sounding like the sweetest of music to Faris' ears.

"So don't give up."

Tebanam landed on the ground flat on his ass for the second time that afternoon. Yelping as his tailbone hit the ungiving earth of the training grounds.

The sky was a faint orange, the sun a few hours from vanishing over the castle walls. The area for knights and guardsmen had been vacated as most were still on shift or busy eating dinner. Leaving the sound of two men huffing and puffing to be the only noise apart from the whistling of summer wind through the single tree in the area.

Tebanam, rubbing his backside, was soon covered by shadow as Jazoh stood above him.

Sweat glistened on the nobleman's forehead yet he did not show any sign of being out of breath.

Tebanam let out a sigh. "I'm sorry I'm not much of a challenge for you." A wry smile playing at his lips.

"Not at all," Jazoh smiled back, "I'm just happy you volunteered."

Tebanam snorted, "I volunteered to vent out my anger. Not get my ass handed to me."

"Then why didn't you ask your bodyguard to spar with you then?" Jazoh offered, extending his hand to pull his companion up.

Tebanam ignored the odd choice of word as he took his friend's hand to get to his feet. "Speaking of which, I really should've invited Faris along. At least then you would've had a worthy opponent."

Jazoh frowned slightly as he let go of the prince's hand. "Then why didn't you?" His voice was cold as he turned around to pick up Tebanam's sword, a falchion.

"Well . . . He's been going through a lot at the moment." The Gerudo prince remarked as he took the sword from Jazoh's hand. "He was pretty tired from playing with Kanisa's kids and I don't think he likes the idea of leaving our area of the castle. You know . . . With all the rumours and secrets flying around." There was then Faris' face when Tebanam had come over to him and Vidar at the table, how confused and troubled his eyes were when he looked at him. But he would not tell Jazoh that.

"But that's it, Tebanam." Jazoh said flatly, his eyes not on him but looking at his wooden sword. "They're just rumours. It's the only thing the servants have to do really. Gossip and make up stories."

"But still," Tebanam muttered, frowning as he warily watched his friend. "Those things really hurt him. It's been so long since I've seen him that upset . . . It's honestly taking all my strength not to punch the next person I hear talking about him." The prince squeezed his hands around the handle of his sword, remembering just how shaken his love had been that very morning. It scared him a little, to think a man so strong could become so scared.

Jazoh let out a huff, "Punching is for stableboys and knights who drop their swords." He brandished his mock weapon aloft. "You are a prince. Just say the word and you could get rid of all of them."

Tebanam should be surprised by Jazoh's threatening words but he knew better. He did not mean kill them, just punish or confront. A younger Tebanam might even agree with him. Yet, he felt uncomfortable with his friend's idea of stopping the whispers. Enough so for him to end the conversation.

"Another round, then?" Tebanam asked as he eyed the sword the nobleman clutched in his hand. "Go easy on me?"

Jazoh gave a handsome smile that wrinkled the beauty spot under his eye. "Oh my dear Tebanam, you told me to never go easy on you, why should I start now?"

"Because my ass hurts and I've already been brutalized by my niece."

Jazoh let out an airy chuckle, "Audlin?"

Tebanam let out a laugh too, "Yeah, how about you teach her a few tricks?"

"Tempting," Jazoh remarked with a look of consideration, "Then again, I'd have to get past that father of hers."

"True," The prince agreed, "Although, I have a feeling Vidar would happily have his kids taught by you."

"In any case," Jazoh said, breaking conversation. "Shall we begin?"

"Lets."

Just as the words left Tebanam's mouth, the shorter man striked. His thin rapier blade jumped out to hit Tebanam in the chest to only, by the last second, be blocked by the back of Tebanam's sword. The clunk was loud in the empty grounds as Tebanam used his strength to parry the frail sword away. Sadly, his reflexes were nothing like Faris'. Who would be in for the attack as soon as the Hyrulians' guard was down. Instead, Tebanam had taken too long to move, giving the expert swordsman time to find his balance and fix his stance.

"Not bad . . ." Jazoh muttered, looking over Tebanam's form. "I can tell you've had practice. You're definitely stronger." The Hyrulian then rolled his right shoulder, the one that had felt the full blow of Tebanam's parry.

The Gerudo grinned, proud to hear Jazoh's hint of surprise. "I have travelling to thank for that. Carrying all my things on my back every day turns out to be a really good way to gain muscles. Well . . . That and fighting off thieves and monsters and so on."

"Don't get too cocky, Tebanam." The nobleman said sternly. "I don't want to go wounding this new pride of yours."

"Oh please," The prince laughed, "I've still got a few tricks up my-"

His opponent was suddenly gone.

Taking a stride much bigger than one for his size, the man moved to Tebanam's left.

"Shit!"

With his sword not in position to block - as he had stupidly let down his guard to quip at him - Tebanam had no way to stop the sword from slicing him half open. So all he could do was dodge the surely painful swipe from the would-be blade. Feeling the faint whoosh as the sword cut through the air where Tebanam had previously been.

Jazoh, expecting a definite hit, had not been ready for the unexpected swerve out of reach and followed through. His sword going past his front to swing around to his side.

This was his chance.

Taking the needed two strides to reach him, Tebanam took it in one. Pulling back the wide-bladed wooden sword to cut at Jazoh's weak point.

But just when Tebanam's first win against his ex-sword teacher flashed before his eyes, it was gone.

His blade had been stopped.

Not by the expected clothed side of the nobleman but rather the slender blade of the Hyrulian's rapier. The sleeves of his freshly pressed tunic rolled up neatly to his elbow, Jazoh's thin yet defined pale arms jittered slightly under the impact of the larger man's cut. But he held steady.

Tebanam knew, then, that winning by brains was impossible. He had never outsmarted the man, both in sword and in wit, ever since they were boys. But Tebanam had something he didn't have last time.

The muscles of the prince's arms ached from the previous fights but he demanded them to hold. Pushing his fake falchion against the rapier, the thin sword shook under the newfound strength. Tebanam could see the man sweating, gritting his teeth as he tried to hold his ground. But Jazoh's grip on the blade was weakening. By the second, both hilts shook as the smaller man strained to keep the prince's blade from going any closer to his yet unhit body.

Tebanam, perhaps too hopeful at attaining his first win at last, forgot a simple lesson.

When it came down to strength, committing to pushing the opponent down to submission only worked when done quickly. At this rate, Jazoh would find a way to escape-

Just as the thought came to mind, the force that had once been pushing back against his falchion was gone.

Jazoh had released the weakened block and as quick as ever, moved out of Tebanam's way. What with the prince's weight and stance leaning heavily forward, the Gerudo found himself falling forwards.

Quickly, he ducked his head and Tebanam had just enough time to tuck his body down and roll on the ground. Nonetheless, he only had a moment to get back on his feet before Jazoh was onto him once more.

The nobleman knew that anymore moves that challenged Tebanam's sheer strength would result in his loss. For that reason, Jazoh went with a barrage.

Leading with the blunt end of his slender sword, the Hyrulian swordsman tried to poke right past Tebanam's guard to hit him in the chest. And the prince's only saving grace was that the width of the side of his blade was enough to hinder the individual jabs. The falchion, however, did not stop the opponent from nearing and forcing Tebanam to retreat with each painful looking thrust.

While Tebanam was focused on blocking each of the well intentioned hits, Jazoh was taking it all in his stride. Even beginning to talk to the prince as the air still filled the clunking, whacking and thumping of the two swords clashing.

"Sometimes I wonder what would've happened if I wasn't sent away." Even with the din of the barrage, Jazoh's voice was clear.

It took all of Tebanam's effort to listen to the man while still keeping his focus. But even with his brain frantically instructing his arms and legs to react to each trying jab, his mind still questioned why Jazoh was talking about such a topic so suddenly. The prince could only think that this was one of his friend's backhanded tactics, just like the swipe at Faris' legs and the kick of sand he had seen just two days prior.

Hoping to use this same trick against him, Tebanam indulged in the conversation. Even as his feet still took cautious steps backwards.

"No, I haven't really thought about it," Tebanam said gruffly, blocking a particularly energetic cut near his shoulder.

"Would it be rude for me to say I did?"

"No . . . Especially from how hard your life would've been on that farm, I wouldn't blame you for wondering."

"Well, if you don't mind me saying, I believed-" Jazoh paused.

Tebanam had taken a lucky chance to parry when he caught sight of a weaker strike. This had turned out to be a faint and the prince had played right into the nobleman's hands. Jazoh let the parry miss his blade to leave Tebanam unguarded and the wooden rapier's edge at his throat. It looked like only a twig up close but the Gerudo had a feeling that even a needle would be deadly in the experienced hands of Jazoh Spegeil.

"- that we would still be together." Jazoh continued calmly. As if Tebanam had merely interrupted him with a sneeze rather than a try to win the losing spar. "And by that, I mean still in love."

The game had been won. Why Jazoh continued on with this conversation, Tebanam did not know. But he had a feeling that this was his friend's way of finding where they stood.

It worried him to think this may cause Jazoh to feel hurt or upset. But the prince knew it was best to speak clearly and honestly now, or he may as well never speak at all.

"You think so?" Tebanam asked. Letting his sword hang at his side. Indicating that he would yield. "I honestly wouldn't know."

The prince fanned himself, the overexertion of the fight soon leading to a loud thumping of his heart and for the heat of his racing blood to catch up and starting to heaten his skin.

"Why?" Jazo inquired with the slightest of frowns.

"Well," Tebanam began, looking down to his attire.

With most of his clothes having been disposed of when his mother caught sight of the pile of worn and staining clothes he called his closet, the only remnants of the collection he had left were on his person. A worn old pair of shoes that Tebanam had implored his queen mother to leave only after explaining how new shoes would bring blisters and calluses before fitting, and thick heartily-sewn trousers a brown so dark the queen looked over them as new. The tunic he wore was new, however. The fabric so soft and new that Tebanam sweated right through it. The prince had also worn a vest which lay under the shade of the single tree after being abandoned after only a few minutes into sparring.

Walking to the lonely shade of the tree, Jazoh following beside him, Tebanam continued.

"Well, I still wanted to leave. To travel, you know." When under the refuge of the leaf-heavy tree from the hot setting sun, Tebanam pulled the tunic over his head to free his clammy chest to the occasional wind that blessed the grounds. "I always wanted to go. Eventually. You leaving was a catalyst for it. It gave me an excuse to leave and chase my dreams."

Tebanam did not look at his companion. Busying himself with folding the found vest and sweaty tunic into a pile in his lap. He took his time with it, too guilty to look his old friend in the eyes.

Even without looking to Jazoh, he could hear his hurt. Or maybe it was anger? The prince could not tell, as he could only note the flicker in his voice because his words did not indicate much. "And you believe you would leave me here?"

"Well . . . Not for long. I would've visited like I do now. Besides," The Gerudo braved a look at Jazoh, hoping this would give him some sort of comfort. "I would've let you come with me, if you like."

There it was, that furrowed brow again. And the dark, almost cold look in his eyes as he looked at him.

"I don't quite understand." The Spegeil said, raising his head to the castle walls that surrounded all sides. No, he was looking past that. To the world outside of Hyrule castle. Maybe even outside Hyrule itself. "I don't understand what you like about leaving here. I mean . . . What's worth leaving all of this?"

"That's where you're getting confused, Jazoh." Tebanam said, keeping in mind to sound kind as he spoke. "It's nothing about leaving or losing. I'm free out there. With a hood and modest clothing, I'm just a tall stranger in the crowd. A man with just a little more gold in his pocket and just a little more knowledge. And in any case, I gain so much from going out there." Tebanam could not help showing the excitement, remembering just how much of the world he had not yet explored. "There are whole worlds full of history, culture and stories. Although I search to recover the histories of my people, the lands and people I meet along the way teach me so much more than any of the books in the castle's library could ever offer."

The prince had let his eyes trail off. Looking, just like Jazoh had done, over the wall. To the cities, towns, shrines, caves and crypts he had yet to explore. The thought of Faris being there beside him. Protecting him when his idiocy got the better of him, telling him off when his eyes wondered on either men or a useless expensive item, laughing at his jokes and his foolishness, blushing at his compliments and kissing him back when Tebanam kissed him.

When Tebanam looked around, Jazoh was so much closer than before. Or at least he thought he was. A man could surely sit in the middle of them earlier, in the space Jazoh had left between them, now Tebanam could see very well the details of his once lover's face.

He was very good looking, the prince was reminded. With the obvious beauty spot under his eye standing out on his pale, yet faintly freckled face.

A younger Tebanam may have almost swooned at the sight of the mature and cool looking nobleman before him. Now, well, when he saw how close the Hyrulian was he almost jumped out of the way. And by the manner those dark eyes darted between his own to his lips, made uncomfortable goosebumps wriggle up the skin of his arms and neck.

Turning his head, he quickly got to his feet.

"Welp, we uh better get cleaned up then if we don't want to miss dinner." The prince said, trying to feign an air of indifference. As if he didn't notice Jazoh moving in for a kiss. "Will you be joining me in the bath house then?" Tebanam did not look at his companion, not wanting to see whether disappointment or annoyance lingered in those handsome eyes.

Jazoh only needed a moment before replying. "Yes, I suppose we shall. You go on ahead, I'll clean up."

Tebanam had the thought of offering to help or just wait for the Hyrulian to finish but the concept of staying any longer with Jazoh alone made him apprehensive. Especially when he thought about Faris, alone in their quarters. So Tebanam only nodded and made his way out of the training grounds.

Not once looking back.

Jazoh's prince left his shirt and vest behind. Surely so desperate to leave that the striped clothes had slipped his mind. The Spegeil did not mind, however.

He waited until the footsteps of Tebanam were gone before picking up the two pieces of clothing. The vest was a dark blue with gold embroidery around each hole and button. It had suited him very well. With his white tunic and dark pants, short red hair and brandishing his sword in their first of multiple bouts, he looked like the prince he should rightfully be.

Then again, the same design had been worn by that barbarian warrior Tebanam saw fit to call his love. The thought of that man dancing in a blue this shade, with the Hyrule prince in his arms made Jazoh want to rip the very cloth apart. But he knew better.

Tebanam was not stupid enough to forget his clothing.

Laying the vest on his lap, Jazoh took up the tunic.

It was a common nobleman style tunic, of a fine enough fabric it could only be owned by the higher class. The strings that had been untied dangled over the fabric as the nobleman remembered just how handsome the prince looked for the few moments without his shirt on.

Once again, the thought of Faris, getting to see Tebanam in such a way caused a venomous fury to bubble in his chest. And once again, he did not let his hands tear the fabric in his frustration.

Instead, he lifted the sweat infused top to his face and breathed in the scent of it.

Jazoh could not quite explain the scent but whatever it was, it smelled like Tebanam. Not of some musk or perfume or the reek that surely emintated from Faris' diritied pores. No, it smelled just as he remembered.

It was the same as the last time he had detected it. The last time they had embraced.

Foolish teens thrilled with the idea of being heard but never caught, suspected but never seen. Kissing and fondling even as footsteps approached. Adventurous hands and gifted soft moans as a door flew open.

The recollection made him both sad and angry. How foolish he had been.

If he had only tamed his own daring and convinced the prince to not take the risk. Tebanam's bedchamber would have been the headquarters of years of such activity. And yet, they had been caught. And Jazoh was sent away. The last thing of Hyrule he saw was the peak he could see through the carriage window before his father had hit him. It had been of the sun rising on the intimidating build of wood and stone that he would not return to for over five years.

Jazoh could easily recollect what he had thought then.

I'll be back. I'll be back for you.

Even after finding himself back in the mirrored halls and tall walls, Jazoh still had not achieved what he had sworn all those years ago. But not long now. It was only a matter of time.

This fic is based on the Zelgan au by @figmentforms

The Zelgan babies & granbabies, as well as Faris and Jozah, are created by @s-kinnaly and @ridersoftheapocalypse

And special thanks to @ridersoftheapocalypse for writing the main fanfic about Tebanam and Faris, which inspired this fic

As well as @quietpastelcolours for their writings on Vulkar and Kanisa

I highly recommend you look at their content on this to have a better understanding of the story

#zelgan #zelgan babies #not meant to be #tebanam #Faris #fanfic

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