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qvestchen · 6 years

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Juice Cartons // Jaeyong NCT : Chapter Four

Summary: Taeyong has never been jealous of anyone but lately, he can’t seem to get rid of the nagging spike of jealousy he feels whenever Jaehyun spends time with someone else. And as he often reminds himself, it’s not even as if they are dating. But maybe, just maybe, Taeyong could change that.

Author: qvestchen

Status: Completed

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

Juice Cartons // Jaeyong NCT

Chapter 4: you look like a zombie

“Dude, you so dead now.” Haechan messaged him.

Jaehyun was stumped. He had seen Taeyong’s abrupt exit and had felt slighted after being refused to accompany him but how was any of it his fault? He nudged Ten. “What just happened?”

“Huh?” Ten murmured, not even making an effort to tear away his gaze from Johnny’s face.

“Ten, some help here?”

“W-what?” Ten finally asked.

“I’m going to the washroom.”

“Okay.”

Jaehyun repeated pointedly. “I’m going to the washroom.”

“So? Oh, secret meeting time. I see. You go first, I’ll follow.” He winked, conspiratorially.

When Ten came to the washroom, Jaehyun was pacing around. “Did I do something wrong?”

“I don’t know. Did you?” Ten replied. “Is it the food? Are you feeling sick?”

“I am asking about Taeyong. Ten, pay attention.”

“Oh, that. Didn’t he say he has to write some lyrics? Don’t be so clingy, Jae. He needs to finish songs for the comeback.”

He nodded, slowly. “Yeah, he must be stressed. I wish he had let me walk him home though.”

“Oi, you guys didn’t call me for the meeting!” Winwin walked in, looking mildly pissed off. “Didn’t we agree I am the brains here?” He turned towards Jaehyun. “And as for you, what the hell? You should have followed him.”

Jaehyun looked downcast. “He clearly told me not to. You didn’t see his face. He didn’t want me with him.”

“You’re so dense. One of these days, someone else is going to whisk Taeyong off his feet and then, you’ll be the one to blame. Let me tell you right away, all I’ll offer you is a box of tissues and an I-told-you-so.”

Ten stepped in between them. “Guys, guys. This is getting too hot. Let’s just—”

“Winwin-ah, what’s happening?” Yuta waltzed in with a smile. “Are you all planning something?”

“No, Jaehyun is just being an idiot and Ten isn’t helping!” Winwin said. “Let’s go finish dessert.” He took his hand and walked out.

“Wait a sec, why am I getting blamed?” Ten groaned.

Jaehyun was relieved when they finally decided to call it a day and headed back to the dorms. He made a point to follow Johnny to his room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Taeyong so he could gauge the problem but the lights were off. He was asleep, already. So much for finishing lyrics.

He decided to wait till morning. However, confused thoughts kept plaguing him and when he heard someone moving around in the kitchen in the early hours of the morning, he got up from bed, his eyes puffy from lack of sleep.

“T-Taeyong hyung.”

Taeyong was picking up some shopping bags and he nearly jumped with surprise at hearing his name. “Oh, it’s you.” He looked at Jaehyun’s tired eyes. “Tough night?”

“Are you heading out?” Jaehyun asked quickly.

He nodded. “Going to the grocery store and if the bakery opens by that time, I’ll order Jaemin’s cake.”

“I’ll come along,” Jaehyun said, hurriedly.

Taeyong shook his head. “You look tired. It’s still early. Go catch some sleep.”

Jae felt something drop inside his heart. He watched Taeyong step out of the door and rubbed his eyes, pushing away his hair. Why do you keep walking away? He was pouring himself a glass of water when he suddenly remembered Winwin’s words.

Taeyong was stepping out of the building wondering if he had been right to reject Jaehyun’s offer yet again. He told himself, until you get a grip over your feelings, you should watch how you behave in front of him. You don’t want him to feel unco—

“Taeyongie! Wait up.”

His eyes widened as he turned around.

This seeing Jaehyun in the early morning sunlight really wasn’t good for his heart. How was his poor heart supposed to survive this rush of feelings, this exhilaration and pure happiness that he felt whenever he saw him?

I’m dreaming. This is a dream. Of course, it’s a dream.

However, Jaehyun’s voice forced him to take stock of the very real scene. He was heaving from having run downstairs but he smiled when he said, very decidedly, “I’m coming along.”

Taeyong couldn’t help but smile back, forgetting all the promises he had made himself last night. “Come on, I’ll buy you some of your favourite grape juice.”

Jaemin’s surprise birthday party was in full swing and after ages, Taeyong felt happy and content, sitting sandwiched between Jaehyun and Johnny. They were all playing a very Haechanized version of Charades which basically meant a lot of suggestive, inside jokes along with the poor acting out of clues.

He leaned his head on Jaehyun’s shoulder, cherishing his carefree laughter. Closing his eyes, he could pretend it was just the two of them. The pain behind his ribs seemed to subside and the day’s tiredness made his eyelids heavy. He was drifting off to sleep when he felt the slightest touch of a hand caressing his hair softly.

A burst of Chenle’s laughter forced him to open his eyes and he straightened up slowly. He sneaked a glance sideways but Jaehyun was looking ahead with an impassive smile, following Jungwoo’s clues, but his arm remained behind Taeyong’s neck, cushioning him, fingers playing with loose strands of his hair, almost subconsciously.

Later, after a painful game of Yaja time, they were still on the couch and Jaehyun said, “You should sleep well. You look really tired.”

“Have you seen yourself?” Taeyong joked. “You look like a zombie, an aristocratic zombie but still.”

Jaehyun laughed. “I was going for the look.”

They fell into a silence that was easy to begin with but became increasingly excruciating. Taeyong cleared his throat. “I’d better clean up before someone steps into that bowl of half-eaten ramen.”

Jaehyun grabbed his hand and pulled him back. “Kun will do it, chill.”

“Yeah,” Taeyong said, hoping to keep the nervous tremor out of his voice.

“I was thinking…”

Taeyong nodded, urging him to go on.

“About the pending dinner, you want to go tomo—”

Taeyong’s phone rang shrilly. He squinted at the screen and his expression lit up. “Give me a sec.”

Jaehyun let out a breath, watching him walk out on to the balcony.

“So…” Ten said, making a beeline for the space vacated by Taeyong. “I see someone getting all touchy-feely.”

Jaehyun blushed. “Go to hell, Ten.”

“And put Satan out of business? I’ll pass, thanks,” he said. “But enough about me. Am I seeing things or were you making a move finally?”

“I was just lending some support to a friend who was tired,” Jae replied, averting his eyes.

Ten quirked an eyebrow. “Really? Well, I am tired too. Lend me some of that support too.” He laughingly tried to lean on Jaehyun’s shoulder.

“Yeah, come here. Let me give you some support.” Jaehyun lunged at him, both of them laughing.

“Ten, did you see my camera? I can’t find it,” Johnny called out from a corner of the room.

Ten groaned. “Didn’t you just have it in your hands? Wait, let me find it.”

Taeyong slipped back. His tiredness had gone and he was smiling as he texted someone rapidly.

“You seem happy.” Jaehyun grinned. “Is it your Mom?”

“No, it’s Seungcheol,” he replied, happily. “Remember the Dispatch photoshoot we had? Some of them are meeting up over dinner tomorrow. Apparently, there’s this really good movie. I can’t believe they thought of inviting me!”

“Of course, they would invite you,” Jae said. “You’re amazing. They’re lucky to have you.” He watched Taeyong, eyes lit up with excitement, sending a slew of emojis on the groupchat. He realized with surprise how Taeyong must have really wanted friends. Being a leader sure took a lot of toll on people. He decided that he would ask him for dinner later. Seeing him happy was enough.

“So, you aren’t jealous?” Winwin asked him when he told him over breakfast the next day.

“Why would I be jealous? I’ve never been jealous in my life,” he said, a bit haughtily.

Winwin looked him over. “That’s good then. Jealousy is dangerous.”

Yuta came up to them. “Winwin-ah, did you seriously agree to watch a romcom with Taeil tonight? It’s anime night!”

Winwin turned to Jaehyun with a pointed look.

Taeil laughed from his room, evilly.

Next chapter: Coming soon!

Notes: Everyone, put your hands up for soft jaeyong moments and our wise sage winwin too xD

And spot that Seungcheol cameo! Any Seungcheol/Seventeen stans out there?

A huge thank you to all those who are reading this fic, liking and reblogging it. We love you all. Please do continue supporting "Juice Cartons" and Jaeyong! And don't forget to share your thoughts about the chapter with us, we love some feedback :)

Also just letting everyone know, "Juice Cartons" is also up on ao3, asianfanfics and wattpad - if you have any of these, lets meet there!

Love, positive vibes and cakes~

Juice Cartons: Home, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

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kalimarswriting · 6 years

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Playing by Ear: Chapter 5

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Disclaimer: I do not own Fire Emblem.

Chapter 5: Royals

It was the change from grass to packed earth that let me know we were getting close. The march had been quiet, at least as far as I knew. If there had been conversation going I missed it, too lost in the daze that let me keep going on without complaint. I mostly just made sure I kept up with the group and didn't trip over anything.

What was I thinking of again? Oh, right, we were getting close. I could see the castle off in the distance, along with the town surrounding it. We were still too far away to make out any people though.

It wasn't long before we made it to the city. I marveled at the friendly atmosphere. It reminded me of going to Scarborough Fair. Shops and stalls lined the street, and clotheslines with banners hung between buildings. On a hill in the distance stood the castle itself. Altogether it was a beautiful sight.

I wasn't the only one marveling at the sights. "I've never seen so many people before!" Robin commented in awe. I chuckled, thinking of the crowds in Dallas after a hockey game. The people milling about here were scarce in comparison, but the streets were still fairly busy to someone who only had a day's worth of memories. Robin's excitement over something so mundane was refreshing.

Frederick heaved a sigh of relief. "It appears that the capital was spared the chaos we encountered, thank the gods. The quake must have been limited to the forest." Actually, something of that magnitude, complete with fire and lava, would be seen if not felt from this distance, but it must not have had a great effect on the city. I kept my thoughts to myself though. There was no reason to annoy Frederick by contradicting him.

"Well that's a relief!" Lissa said.

I was just about to tune back out of the conversation again when I heard someone exclaim from a growing crowd, "Look! The exalt has come to see us!" I snapped back to attention, wanting to glimpse Emmeryn myself. Did her presence really exude a feeling of peace like I so often heard described?

The answer was yes. I stood transfixed as she passed. I could have sworn she looked right at me, and it felt like she saw me for all of my quirks and faults and welcomed me. With that one look I felt accepted into Ylisse. It was no wonder her people loved her so much.

With a start I realized she had already moved on and I was getting left behind. "Keep up Merra!" Chrom looked over his shoulder to make sure I got moving again.

"Sorry!" I jogged to catch up with the party. Robin looked flustered, having only just realized he had been traveling with royalty for this whole time.

"Did you know about this?" He whispered to me.

"Know about what?" I tried to ask innocently, but my grin was a tad too wide to pull it off.

"Of course you knew." He said, seeing my grin. He couldn't help but smile too despite himself.

Unsure of what to say next, I busied myself with trying to memorize the shops to keep from getting flustered. It didn't work, but it was suitable distraction. It was important to know what was sold where. If I was going to be stuck in this world for the foreseeable future I was going to need to know where to get my crafting supplies. I enjoyed sewing, and I was sure my clothes would eventually need to be patched with all the fights ahead of me.

We got a lot of looks on our way to see Emmeryn. I suppose that's to be expected, what with my modern clothing, Robin's plegian coat, and the prince and princess walking with us. I pulled my jacket tighter around me and tipped my cap down in a vain attempt to hide. I hated being the center of attention. This was going to be a long walk.

When we found the Exalt she was talking with Phila, the captain of the pegasus guard.

"Emm!" Lissa called out to her sister.

Emmeryn looked up. "Lissa! Chrom! Welcome home. Oh, and good day, Frederick. How fared you all?"

"Well—we shouldn't have any bandit problems for a while." Chrom said evasively.

"Wonderful." Emmeryn seemed unbothered by the implications that we got into at least one fight. "And our people?"

"Safe as can be, Emm. But we still need to watch the borders. The brigands crossed over from Plegia."

Phila frowned at the news and bowed slightly. "Forgive me, milord. My pegasus knights should have intercepted them."

"No, Phila. Your duty was here, with the exalt." Chrom assured.

"And besides, we had plenty of help!" Lissa added cheerfully.

"You speak of your new companions here?" Emmeryn gestured to me and Robin.

Chrom introduced us. "These are Robin and Merra. They fought bravely with us against the brigands. I've decided to make them Shepherds."

The edges of Emm's lips quirked up in a smile and her eyes lightened. "It sounds as though Ylisse owes you two a debt of gratitude."

"Not at all, milady!" Robin spoke modestly. I merely squeaked as it was the best I could do under the attention I was getting.

Frederick spoke up. "Forgive me, Your Grace, but I must speak. Robin claims to have lost his memory, but it is only that: a claim. We cannot rule out the possibility that he is a brigand himself, or even a spy."

"Frederick!" Chrom exclaimed.

"Furthermore," the knight plowed on, "Merra outright attacked Lady Lissa. She claims it was an accident, but whether or not that is true she is a menace to those around her." Huh, I don't think I've ever been called a menace before. I don't know if I should be proud of that statement.

I started to get a hazy feeling and I stopped listening to the conversation in front of me. What was happening again? It was hard to keep my focus on the present. A wave of dizziness came over me. Closing my eyes seemed so inviting…I let them droop, almost closing them completely before I inhaled sharply and opened them wide. My senses snapped back to alertness. I had almost fallen for that.

Everyone was staring at me like I had screamed or something. Well, I guess gasping out of nowhere draws attention.

"Sorry," I said in a small voice. "I didn't sleep last night. Just ignore me." I shook my head to wake myself up and almost lost my balance. I was getting clumsier than normal as a product of not sleeping or getting my medicine. I had hoped that Lissa's staff would help that, but apparently not.

"Is she drunk?" Captain Phila inquired.

"No," I answered for myself, "but just twenty hours without sleep has remarkably similar effects." Another random fact from the peanut gallery. I had probably gone over the twenty-four hour mark by now, unless you counted my snoozes the night before and on the battlefield, which I didn't. I probably hadn't been asleep for even ten minutes before I woke up each time.

Concerned eyes took last glances before the conversation got back on track. I tried to pay attention to the words, but they ran together until everyone's voices became a constant, lulling my mind to a light doze. It was the best I could do as far as staying awake, so I settled for letting the conversation wash over me and waiting until I was addressed or we left.

I didn't notice the lull become a murmur, before stopping altogether.

"Merra? You still with us?" A hand touched my arm, causing me to jump in surprise as I slapped it away. At the same time I jumped I also retreated, and trying to do both things at the same time somehow tangled my feet and I tripped. I hastily looked up to see who had surprised me to see it was Lissa again. Oh crap…

"This is precisely what I was talking about!" Frederick pointed at me with the most expression I'd ever seen from him. He looked at Emmeryn to see her reaction to my slight, but she only looked amused at the whole scene. Lissa was outright laughing. Frederick's expression turned to one of indigence. "Does no one see the danger she could pose?"

Lissa laughed harder.

"All I see is speed and potential in someone who means well." Emmeryn stated calmly. "If a bit lacking in control." I almost cried in gratitude at her forgiveness. With the Exalt's approval, maybe I could catch a break from the knight.

Now to get off the floor before I fell asleep here.

Seeing that Lissa was going to need some time to get herself back under control and he was the next closest person, Robin offered his hand to help me up. I took it and pulled, launching myself to my feet so quick that I almost fell over again as the blood drained from my head. I hunched back over.

"Are you okay?" Robin asked, worried at my odd behavior.

"Just a sec," I held up a finger in a 'one minute' gesture as I waited for the light-headedness to go away. When it was gone I stood back up. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Lissa finally got control of herself. "What I was going to say when I got your attention is that we're leaving while Chrom goes to his meeting. Let me take you someplace with a bed."

By the time we got to the Barracks I was hearing things. I knew I was hearing things because along with the preparation screen music, I was hearing sound effects from the game. Everything from the level up sound (which probably had the highest frequency of all the sounds) to critical quotes and the clash of weapons. Neither Lissa nor Robin reacted to any of it, so I knew it had to be in my head. It wasn't the first time I'd hallucinated. Of course, last time had been after thirty hours without sleep, not the twenty-something that I had probably gone by now. I suppose the extra physical activity made the music start sooner this time? Whatever the case, it was getting annoying.

I flinched as a particularly loud strike sounded in my head, earning me worried looks from my companions. I probably looked like a twitchy mess between my normal shaking and now my random flinching. I was walking between them, since if I walked to one side they were worried I'd veer off-course and get lost. They were slightly in front of me, not only because it was easier to follow them than to lead the way but every time one got behind me I'd get twitchier, paranoid and hyper-aware of my blind spot.

We were stopped by a blonde launching herself at Lissa. Ah yes, Maribelle. She said, ah, something. I was too tired to pay attention or care, simply waiting for Lissa to take me to that bed she promised.

Still, the lack of my medicine drove my paranoia up to eleven. Through the haze of my exhaustion I knew where everyone was in the room, even a somewhat ghost-like presence to my left. It got a little too close and I whirled around, hands up and ready to defend, but all I could make out was a shadow. It moved and I jabbed at it without thinking. There was a hollow sound and a faint, "You can see me?" That I almost couldn't hear over my own personal background ensemble.

"What?" I asked the fleeting shadow.

"You can hear me?!" I was able to hear it this this time. Clearly the shadow was happy.

'Clearly, the shadow was happy.' I mentally repeated the sentence to make sure that no, that was not a normal thing to be thinking. Gods, I hope I'm not talking to a hallucination.

Something tickled at the back of my mind. It seemed important. I turned away from the potential hallucination, determined to make a good (ish) impression on the other occupants of the room. I wasn't going to let them see me talking to something not really there.

I ignored the shadow's "aw" of disappointment.

After introductions were over, which I managed to miss almost all of, Lissa led me to the girl's room. There were bunkbeds on either side of the sizable room, and I flopped down in the closest one without a second thought.

"That's—" Lissa started, but upon seeing the dark circles under my eyes she decided against whatever she was going to say. Probably whose bed I had just stolen. "Never mind. Goodnight!" She wished cheerily despite the very obvious sunlight streaming through the window behind her.

"Pick a god and pray!" I twitched at the imaginary voice. "Shut up!" I hissed, tired of the constant cacophony.

"Did you say something Merra?" Lissa peeked her head back in the room.

"Nnnn," I groaned. She giggled and left me to my sleep.

I had just let someone hear me talk to a voice in my head. Was I going crazy?

No, it was just a hallucination. "I'm not crazy." I told myself. "I'm not crazy…" I was so tired that I was lulled to sleep by the sound of my own voice.

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#my writing #Playing by Ear #chapter 5 #fanfiction #self-insert #fire emblem #fire emblem awakening #Robin x OC

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