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#leaning way up close and putting every guard on high alert constantly
vickyvicarious · 3 years
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So we're just starting 'Reunion, and Turnabout' and when we were wandering around Kurain Village Phoenix was cracking me up with his complete disinterest in their history. I didn't bother to get screencaps so I don't have exact quotes but he's like:
[examine Kurain Boulder] "There’s a complex explanation of its history here but basically it's a big rock for spirits to live in... or something like that."
[examine the screens] "Wow look at all this fancy writing... okay, done."
[examine the Channeling Chamber] "Wow this room has a real otherworldly presence... hey are those candles?"
[examine the Urn] "It's an important old urn from a long time ago anyway that's boring moving on."
He's just so hilariously quick to be done, every time. Sometimes he acts all affronted at touristy stuff but actual artifacts he has so little patience/awe for, it's really funny.
I'm just imagining him and Miles on a museum date or something, and Phoenix would totally go up to a piece of art, glance at the title card, say, "Wow, that's impressive!" then just move on to the next room while Miles wants to spend a half an hour examining each artwork one by one for a few minutes and reading the placards and - Phoenix is already boredly browsing the giftshop.
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neighborhood-nori · 3 years
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To 21 - A LeviHan Basketball AU
This fic is a gift for the amazing @les4levihan AKA Makiscurse on discord, for the Xmas in July event in the Levihan University discord server. I hope you enjoy the gift friend! I saw you like the rivals to lovers trope, and summer sports, so I put together a little LeviHan high school basketball AU! Hope this is to your taste! Merry Xmas in Julyyyy 
--
“Travel!” Levi called as Hanji dashed past him dribbling the basketball.
“How was that a travel?” Hanji kept bouncing the ball from hand to hand.
“That was three steps, easy.”
“No way, Ackerman.”
“Yes-way, Zoe.”
“You’re just heated because you're down by two points.” She stopped dribbling and held the ball under her arm, resting it on her hip. 
“I’m heated because it’s 95 degrees out here.” Levi swiped his forehead of sweat with the back of his hand. “And because you traveled.” 
“I didn’t travel.” Hanji narrowed her eyes at him. “I never travel.”
“Tell that to every referee who has ever called you on it.”
“I think you must be mistaking me for you.” Hanji huffed. “But, fine. If you’re going to get pissy about it.” She tossed the ball directly at Levi’s head, but he deftly caught it in one hand. She rolled her eyes at the smug look he shot her afterward. “Your ball.”
Levi dribbled to half-court, turning so he could check the ball to Hanji. Before she tossed it back, she said indignantly, “I play by the rules.”
“Oh yeah?” Levi challenged. “Like in that game last season when you pushed that girl from Sina High out of bounds?”
“Okay, she was being obnoxious. She kept putting pressure on me starting from the first time I brought the ball down the court.”
“Yeah well, get used to it. When you’re good, people make you a target.”
“Oh, so I’m good now? See, just the other day you said my free throws are trash.” 
“Your free throws are trash. You have a 60 percent success rate.” Levi nodded and received another ball to the face. This time, he barely swiped it away in time. “Watch it!”
Hanji stuck out her tongue, raising her hands up, ready to defend. “Bring it, Ackerman.”
Levi narrowed his eyes before focusing on the game at hand again. He was down by two points, and Hanji was only one point away from reaching 21. He had to catch up. 
He threw the ball down, starting to dribble, watching as Hanji locked her eyes onto his hips. She always swore she could tell which direction a player would go just by watching their hips. He had to admit it was always extremely difficult getting past her, and a bit distracting as he watched her watch him. 
Both he and Hanji were their high school basketball team’s respective point guards, Hanji for the women’s team and he for the men’s. 
Levi remembers freshman year tryouts, when the girls had half the gym and the boys the other, his attention was constantly being caught by this tall, gangly brunette who kept getting in layup after layup, even against senior defenders. She was ambidextrous, easily switching from left to right-handed shots, and she was agile, her skills handling the ball were college level at least. She was a shoo-in for the women’s team, and over the years she had only improved. Senior year, it was an easy decision for Coach Erwin to make her team captain.
Meanwhile, Levi more than held his own on the men’s team. He was one of the best all-around shooters and defenders. He had the best free throw success rate, and the highest stats for three-pointers and assists. He could always execute a play to perfection and he was a rock for all his teammates. 
Two incredible players, not in direct opposition. One would think that they would get along great. However, Levi and Hanji most certainly butted heads over the years. They were in fact, infamous for their squabbles on both their teams, especially after they both were named captains of their respective teams senior year.
Oftentimes, they fought over court space, who got the better time slots in the gym. The morning slots on the weekends were the most coveted, as each team wanted to get their practice out of the way early so as to have the rest of the day free. Unfortunately, Paradis Academy was a small school, with only one gym, with one basketball court.
Hanji had once proposed that both teams just practice together at the same time. That had been an absolute disaster that ended in a near-death match between her and Levi, wrestling each other to the ground, with their teammates cheering them on until the coaches had to get involved and pull them apart. Levi still had the bite mark on his calf from where Hanji had decided to fight dirty. 
Now, the issue was solved by a simple one-on-one match between Hanji and Levi every Friday afternoon. The first person to score 21 points against the other won the morning time slots for the weekend. 
They had played these one-on-one games ten times now and were evenly matched, Hanji winning five and Levi winning five. Hanji was ahead currently, but Levi was determined to beat her. The other guys on the team would ream him if he lost for a second week in a row.
He dribbled the ball a few more times, before faking right quickly and then actually going left. Hanji predicted his movements perfectly, however, and she was on him in a second, putting pressure on him as she used her height and long arms to prevent him from moving forward. Levi turned his back to her, dribbling the ball slightly away so she couldn’t smack it out of his hands. He pressed his hips back into her, trying to box her out.
“You’re not getting past me, Ackerman.” Hanji leered.
“Yeah?” Levi stepped directly between her legs, then twisted his body around so his other foot could step on the outside of one of hers, he pressed his hips back into her and threw her off balance just enough to get her arms down so he could turn and get in a clean jump shot. 
“19-20 four eyes.” Levi recited the new score.
Hanji shot him with a death glare before she went to retrieve the ball. 
“So we’re playing dirty now?” Hanji walked to half court and checked the ball into Levi. 
Levi checked it back, shooting her a rare grin. “That wasn’t dirty. That was just a good play.”
Hanji narrowed her eyes as she began dribbling the ball. Levi learned after watching her and playing against her over the years that Hanji tended to strategize a lot before making any moves. Even if she made a play quickly, there was a lot of thought that went into each and every one of her movements. Unfortunately, she was still rather unpredictable. Hanji was incredibly smart, both on and off the court, and could come up with a new strategy on the spot, much faster than the average player. 
Levi watched her in anticipation, keeping himself on his toes, ready to defend any possible offense Hanji might throw at him.
He never could have predicted what Hanji did next.
She dribbled directly up to him, so they were almost toe-to-toe. She stopped and caught the ball in her hands, holding it to her side as with the other hand she grabbed Levi’s collar and pulled him closer to her. 
The next thing Levi knew, her lips were against his, warm and soft, tasting of the slightest hint of mango mixed with salt from the sweat on her skin. His eyes closed automatically, like a reflex, as he leaned closer towards her.
But just as quickly, Hanji pulled away from him, leaving his lips feeling suddenly cold.
He didn’t even notice as Hanji positioned the ball in her right hand, balancing it with the left, and took a shot. The tell-tale swooshing sound of the net behind him alerting him that she had scored.
“And that’s 21, shortie.” Hanji grinned.
Levi's mouth hung open as Hanji started to do her trademark victory dance, where she threw her hands up in the air and did an awkward-looking hip wiggle.
"There's no way that counts." Levi started to argue.
"How so?" Hanji countered. "I didn't break any rules." 
"There's-" Levi sputtered out. "That has to be illegal."
"Kissing your opponent isn't explicitly stated as illegal in any basketball rulebook I know of."
"I'm reporting this to Coach Zackly." Levi huffed and stormed over to where his bag sat on the side of the court. 
"Okay, but when you tell him, tell him you kissed me back!" Hanji retorted.
"I didn't-" Levi blushed bright red. "You kissed me!"
"And you liked it."
"I-" Levi pressed his lips together tightly, which was a mistake as he caught another taste of Hanji's lips on his own, making him blush an even deeper shade of red. 
Unfortunately, and very confusingly, for Levi, he did like it.
--
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kuramakakashi · 4 years
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Redamancy
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domini album
Prompt List 
#4 Itachi Uchiha
#92 “You own my heart.” / #96 “You’re so beautiful.” 
redamancy - (n.) the act of loving the one who loves you; a love returned in full 
word count: 1,993
Itachi had been watching you since before he graduated from the Academy.
From a young age, he’d known he was gifted, and in that slight arrogance, he had never fathomed another person being able to keep up with him, especially not a civilian-born ninja with no clan at their back and no legacy to pass on through blood. For every mark he made, you were right behind him, names constantly at odds with each other on the grade boards as you both startled your instructors with extraordinary scores.
His mother had fought with his father for weeks on end once Itachi’s scores came back from the Academy, his intelligence and aptitude for ninjutsu already ranking him as a chunin before he was even seven years old. It was because of her persistence that he had noticed you past a flicker of passing interest – your own mother was at Mikoto’s side in the arguments against Lord Fourth and the Elders graduating the two of you into the ranks of the genin betimes the age the other children were only finishing their first year in Academy. Words like ‘prodigy’ and ‘paragon’ and ‘genius’ were spoken over your heads as your teachers reviewed your tests.
It was for the village’s own good that more shinobi be added to the roster, Danzo had debated.
Your mother had fumed, disregarding her status as merely a merchant in a shinobi village in a room full of powerful ninja. It was for the children’s own good that they were raised just like the others.
With the backing of Mikoto Uchiha, and the rest of the Uchiha Clan reluctantly following the matron’s will, Lord Fourth and the Elders had been forced to overlook your names in the coming Academy graduation ceremony.
So, five years passed where skill and capacity divided both you and Itachi from the other children in your class. Minato Namikaze, the Hokage himself, watched over your training, honing your aptitude for transportation jutsus and meeting frequently with Fugaku Uchiha, Itachi’s father, to discuss the progression of both the prodigal children’s chakra. Your skills were tested against Itachi’s when you began to join the Uchiha for training, falling in line beside him in prowess and talent as time passed.
When it came time for graduation, you were sorted alongside Itachi and Tenma Izumo into a team under Shisui Uchiha. Itachi’s cousin had practically cackled when he’d shown you his assignment papers as proof, rubbing his hand through your hair as he leaned on you to meet the third member of his first squad.
Both you and Itachi had traded looks behind Shisui’s back when he’d declared himself only to be addressed as Shisui-sensei.
It’d taken Itachi all of four seconds to knock his older cousin on his ass during the first taijutsu training session. It took you five.
Shisui hadn’t been a perfect sensei, but he had been a serious one. Missions hunting for the cats of the Fire Country with vagabond tendencies had been put aside, reserved for genin who weren’t prodigies. Even Tenma, for all his whining and puttering along, held his own against both you and Itachi when Shisui pitted the three of you against each other. D-ranked missions became B-ranked, and scars were shared between the three of you as you crowded around campfires and beneath tarps. ‘Sensei!’ slipped from your mouth more often than not when you were chasing after your boys on missions, Tenma and Shisui diving headfirst into battle like a pair of idiots, you and Itachi chasing after them before they could get themselves killed.
When you were fifteen and Tenma was ready, you took the Chunin Exams. You bickered with Minato-sensei for hours to keep the three of you together afterwards.
When you were sixteen, you, Itachi, and Tenma were recommended by Shisui, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, and Asuma Sarutobi for the jonin promotion.
When you were seventeen, Itachi was asked to join ANBU. Stubborn as ever, you’d bullied Tenma into taking the ANBU exam with you. Two weeks later, you were getting used to the weight of the porcelain mask on your face as you leapt through the treetops beside your boys on your first mission together.
Now, you were eighteen years old and jogging through the training grounds, searching for Itachi in the underbrush as you skirted around the edge of Tenma’s sensory chakra.
“Damn that Sharingan,” you muttered, then froze when you heard a twig snap.
You twisted at the same instant Itachi moved in, barely evading his kunai as you kicked for his leading leg. He leapt backwards, both of you panting in the evening air. There was mud smeared across his face, and the red of his kekkei genkai was glowing brighter as the sun set farther behind the trees.
“You look scary as hell right now,” you said, gripping your own kunai at chin level, prepared for him to come at you again. In real fights, he was all defense, watching his enemy play their hand until they were grasping for their last card. Only then he went onto the offense, ripping apart any chance the enemy had with a series of exacting moves that practically shredded any hope his opponent had in getting away.
You glimpsed him smile ever so slightly before he sprang at you again. You ducked and shun-shined yourself to a nearby tree branch.
You realized your mistake a fraction of a second later when you felt his chakra drop like a weight through your senses.
The clone on the ground erupted into a murder of crows, and Itachi’s kunai pressed against your neck, its pair poised with the tip against your naval. He was holding you flat against his chest with no room to body-flicker away from him again.
Instinctively, you’d sucked in a sharp breath, chakra stuttering briefly more at the close proximity of your sparring partner than the imminent danger you could have been in if your opponent had been real.
“Do I scare you?” he asked after a moment. He was still stiff, ready to resume fighting if you forced yourself from his trap.
Your brow furrowed and you started to turn your head to look back at him, until the tip of the kunai bit into your throat. You stopped moving, but spoke, “No, you don’t.”
You could feel him breathing. He was nearly two heads taller than you, but you could feel his exhales against the edge of your face – he was looking down at you.
“Itachi?” you asked when another long pause passed in silence. “Are you okay?”
His grip on his kunai relaxed and he stepped away from you, balancing on the edge of the tree branch. You turned, studying him with the soft glow of the Sharingan in the space between you.
“I have a mission to the Land of Rivers tomorrow,” he revealed quietly.
“Recon or assassination?” you questioned in an equally quiet voice. Rumors had been spreading through the nations lately about an organization called the Akatsuki who were hellbent on collecting jinchuriki. The Hidden Mist’s Six-Tails jinchuriki had already gone missing, and the your previous recon into Kiri had dug up intelligence about the Three-Tails’ disappearance from the Mist’s control. Konoha had a massive mark on its back for publicly hosting the Nine-Tailed Beast inside of Kushina Uzumaki, but an even greater danger in the secrecy surrounding Rin Nohara’s possession of the Three-Tails. To say that Konoha was on high alert would be an understatement – most of the higher-ranking shinobi had already been removed from foreign duty and based in outposts throughout the Land of Fire.
“Both,” Itachi replied. “We know the group moves in pairs, so we’re targeting two but we’re supposed to be gathering any intel we can…by any means.”
“Tachi,” you said softly. ‘By any means’ meant Danzo had been allowed to spearhead the ANBU operations again. Minato-sensei must have been desperate if he was willing to let the old man slip back into the shadows after years of burning him out of them. “You don’t have to go.”
He gave you a long look. “You know that I have to.”
It wasn’t necessarily true – his Sharingan did make him a valuable asset to the ANBU, and though there were plenty of Uchiha shinobi with the ability to force intel from enemies with their genjutsu…but no other Uchihas had the clearance that Itachi did with the Hokage.
You frowned, wanting to reach out and hold onto him. “How long will you be gone?”
Itachi blinked, and the Sharingan faded from his eyes. “Before you and Tenma are assigned to the Sound border,” he replied. “Should nothing happen to me.”
You couldn’t help yourself. You pressed your palm against the side of his face. He didn’t flinch, but his eyes focused on you with a predator’s precaution, his chakra pulsing as it gathered around him.
“You’re going to come home, Tachi,” you said. “Remember the promise you made?”
“I’m to leave tomorrow morning,” Itachi told you abruptly.
You turned swiftly on your heel, sending sand flying. “But you’ve only been a chunin for a day! They can’t just assign you as team captain and send you off to the Land of Whirlpools on some goose-chase after the Swordsmen of the Mist!” you argued.
“They have been waiting for this day since we were children,” Itachi replied in that calm way of his. You huffed an irritated breath at him.
“Itachi, you better come back alive,” you snapped at him, crossing your arms over your chest.
He blinked, looking caught off guard. And then he smiled faintly. “I will.”
“Good.” You huffed again, “Or else I’ll kill you myself.”
He cocked his head at you, a rare, playful expression on his face. It was a private one, only made between the two of you whenever Tenma or Shisui-sensei weren’t looking. “I would already be dead; your promise is redundant.”
You rolled your eyes, but you hugged him. He stiffened as your arms wrapped around his waist and your head settled against his chest. “Always come home, Itachi. Please.”
He was slow to return the gesture, awkwardly settling his arms around your shoulders, but his voice was firm when he answered, “I will.”
“I will do my best to come home,” Itachi spoke softly, his own hand rising from his side. His fingers tangled with the loose strands of your hair as he brushed the back of his hand against the side of your face. Your pulse raced beneath your skin. “To you.”
The blush that had already been spreading across your cheeks from your neck started to burn the longer you held Itachi’s gaze.
He smiled again, his cheek pulling against your palm as he tilted his head into your hand. For you and no one else – it was how he had always been. Before the idea of love had ever existed in the thoughts of either of you, it had always been the two of you: (Y/N) and Itachi; Itachi and (Y/N).
“Good.” Your reply came out hardly above a whisper. “I’ll be waiting for you.”
Itachi swept his thumb across the lower part of your jaw, a tenderness in his eyes that bled into the Sharingan. “As always.”
You gave a light laugh at his gentle quip, “As you always are for me.”
His smile grew a little wider and then he bent forward, pressing his lips to your forehead.
Somewhere beneath you on the ground, you heard a grunt.
“You’d both be dead if I wasn’t so grossed out right now,” Tenma called up, twirling a shuriken around his finger. “Honestly, why do I even try tracking you, (Y/N), when all I have to do is look for Flashlight Eyes.”
You broke into laughter, glancing down at your third teammate as Itachi puffed a frustrated breath against your forehead.
“I believe,” Itachi mumbled as he pulled away, “we forgot about Tenma.”
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angelanimedesaray · 3 years
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Wings in the Dark Chapter 7:  Subversion
AN:  I’m gonna admit, I was half asleep writing the first half of this cause the fatigue hit me HARD once I got home.
Also, I forgot to put this up a few chapters ago, but this story IS on AO3.  The link is on the AOT Vampire Masterlist, but also right HERE.
I felt like I was missing something, but no matter how many times I looked at it, I couldn’t think of what it was...If it occurs to me, I’ll probably just find a way to work it into the next chapter, lol
Also if you want a good soundtrack for this series, honestly, all you gotta do is listen to the Forgotten Odes album by Eternal Eclipse, I always pull it up when I’m writing these XD
Characters:  Levi, Fem!Vampire!Reader, Erwin
Pairing:  (Eventual)  Levi x Fem!Vampire!Reader
Warnings:  Language, Blood, Death, Dead Bodies, ummm...idk, Vampire Legends?  Is that a Warning?
Word Count:  5391
<----Previous Chapter    Masterlist    Next Chapter---->
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*Levi’s POV*
"I've been trying to catch her sneaking out for weeks, now, Erwin, but it's like she knows when I'm awake and watching for her.  I can never catch her when she's leaving, it's always when she comes back."
Levi paced slightly in front of Erwin’s desk out of agitation as he stressed why, after all this time, he still hadn't managed to follow her into the Underground and see what she was doing.
"Do you at least know when she usually sneaks out?  The time, or the days?" Erwin asked calmly.
"It's always when everyone's asleep...and it is fairly regular.  Every week, I think, though the exact day varies."
"If you can't follow her, then you'll need to get ahead of her. Get down there before her. You know the window of time when she'll be down there, and you know the Underground."
"But I have no idea what she's doing down there. It could be anything--and the Underground isn't a small place where I can wander around and /hope/ I run into her."
"Then narrow down your search based off your theories.  We considered she might have family down there, so you would be looking at residences, or asking around about a woman of her description.  And your theory of the worst she could be up to--"
"Murder or treason.  I know the places you'd go for that--more so than normal, anyway," Levi murmured, mind already conjuring the worst areas in the underground, the places where the Underground's worst elements like to stalk the streets, the areas of the highest risk, the worst gangs, the shadiest deals.
The residence search could take months--no one was going to want to talk to a soldier, a surfacer, even someone who had once been a part of the Underground.  Not to mention, they had no idea what Y/N Frazier looked like, or what name she was going under while she was hiding in the Underground--if she was, in fact, hiding in the Underground.
Besides, shouldn't he rule out the worst, first?
"I know where to start," Levi said decisively.  "It's still going to take some time, though, because she's still aware I'm watching her, and she's good at shaking tales and evasion.  Not to mention part of it is going to be based on luck--that I manage to go to the right place at the right time without knowing where she'll be."
"You're good at what you do, Levi.  You'll find a way."
So began the unpleasant ritual of Levi going down into the Underground every night of every other week, all in the name of hopefully, eventually, managing to find L/N.  All it would take was one glimpse, one time seeing her, and he could follow her, learning from the mistakes of last time to make sure that he didn’t lose her this time.
And he could finally find out what was happening below ground--what had been happening for years since she’d suddenly appeared on the surface.
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While Levi had made a name for himself Underground, enough so that it became general knowledge not to test him, he hadn't gone around looking for the kind of trouble that would have brought him to the places he found himself in, now.  He’d always been aware of these dark holes in the Underground, and on a few unpleasant occasions had to make a trip to one of them.  The worst elements of the Underground were found in these holes--she shadiest deals, the scum of the earth, the darkest corners with the most blood and carnage seeped into and tainting the earth around them.
Levi’s every step in these places was careful and quiet, his guard always up, his hood always drawn to hide his face.
Even with the name he'd made down here, he was cautious to use it as a warning sign to keep danger at bay.  Not only did he want to avoid sticking out and alerting L/N to his presence if she was down here, but there were always going to be the idiots who wanted to challenge someone who'd made a notorious name for themselves like he had.  There might be more than normal who wanted to test him if they knew who he was, people who thought that he was a prime target because his name still stood, but his time above ground might have made him soft.
A terrible, foolish notion, really, since his time above ground and part of the Scouts had only made him more dangerous.
He'd been coming down here regularly since his talk with Erwin, scouting the area and looking for any signs of L/N, whatever they may be.  Not many people down here were the talking type, and those who were couldn't give him anything about any surfacer woman prowling the streets.  The only thing they could tell him was to not wander these more dangerous parts of the Underground alone because people who did tended to turn up dead or go missing.
That wasn't news to him. He was already well aware of the dangers of these parts of the Underground that had spawned chilling legends even for the people who saw the darkness of the Underground daily.  He knew what he was doing was dangerous, which made L/N's presence here all the more questionable if he did manage to see her.
Levi glared fiercely at a man who'd been giving him the target sizing look after glimpsed his clean surfacer clothes.  The man slunk back into the shadows and Levi's skin prickled, his senses on high alert for any kind of ambush someone might be tempted to spring on the man leaning against the wall at a four way intersection.  He was keeping his head down to keep his face well shielded, but his eyes were constantly flickering around to take in his surroundings, to watch every figure that passed or came down one of the alleys, tense and ready for a fight every time someone came close to him.
This search was slow work, but with no hint to L/N’s motivations for being down here besides the scent of blood on her cloak, it was the best option he had.
A familiar, dark robed figure flashed by the opposite end of the alley on his right, and Levi straightened, disbelief flashing through him.  Surely that hadn’t been…
Before he lost her in his disbelief, Levi moved quickly through the alley to at least get her within his sights, being mindful not to get too close, even though he needed to at least be able to confirm that it was her.
Sticking to the shadows, Levi peered around the corner of the alley, just enough so he could see the cloaked figure and watch them as they continued down the path at a fairly leisurely pace, as if they were strolling along the lakeside instead of through one of the most dangerous parts of the Underground.
He was fairly certain that was her cloak.  It was the right color, and a quick glance down revealed that yes, it was long enough to drag along the ground like hers did, but at the moment it was gathered and tucked into the waist to keep it from dragging through the filth, keeping it just above the ankles instead.
And those boots were dark brown, leather, suspiciously similar to the Scout’s uniform--even though he couldn’t see the rest from this angle, he was willing to bet they went up to the knee.  The height was right, the posture seemed militaristic--it was a hard thing to shake, especially when still in active duty and so soon after graduating from the cadets, to boot.  Levi held his breath, watching intently and hoping for something a bit more defining that could give him one more bit of evidence to convince him it was her, besides this gut feeling of his.
She took a turn, and while she kept her head down, hood hiding her face, he saw a flash of hair, and glimpsed the civilian clothes underneath--
Civilian clothes he knew were hers because of the day he’d gone through her stuff and saw what she had.  She didn’t have much, so it was easy to tell this was one of the four pairs she owned.
Not wanting to lose her like he had that first night, Levi hurried forward, keeping his steps as quiet as possible.  He had to give her more space then he was used to giving someone that he tailed--he hadn’t forgotten how during the expedition, she seemed to have immensely attuned senses, with how quickly and easily she could pick up on what no one else could see.  He still didn’t want to lose her because he fell too far behind, but he had to be careful--something kept tipping her off to his presence, and while he didn’t know what, he had to control everything he could and make it harder for her to notice his presence.  Distance was his friend, right now.
It was hard, trying to trail someone while having to put so much distance between them that she frequently turned out of sight, but he kept it up, heart pounding in anticipation as his mental map of the area tried to come up with where she was heading.  Right now, it just felt like she was aimlessly wandering, like there was no real direction to where she was going.  What the hell was she doing?
After several minutes of following her around like this, Levi started to grow impatient, wondering if she was aware he was following her and was just walking random places until he got bored and left.  If anything, it was more likely to make him confront her.
Except he needed to see what she was really doing down here, and if she was aware he was following her, that wasn’t going to happen.
Another shadowy figure entered their line, in front of Levi but behind L/N.  It was a man, staying far enough back that he clearly wasn’t walking with her--another tail.  Someone with more sinister intentions, too, Levi would guess, by the way he seemed to be stalking her.  With how far back Levi was, he hadn’t been noticed by this new party, but he was close enough that Levi was certain L/N had noticed them.
Except...she wasn’t trying to shake them.  She should have been able to do it with ease after she had lost Levi so easily that first night, but she didn’t do anything differently.  Her pace remained the same, unhurried and with no real direction, even as the intruder got gradually closer.
What the hell?
Was he wrong?  Was it someone she knew that she was meeting up with?  No, that looked like something else, Levi knew exactly what this was, he’d seen it enough times to recognize when someone was about to get jumped.
On the other hand...this was perfect for him.  Horrible as the initial thought might have been, if he tailed her tail, it put plenty of distance between himself and L/N, and as long as her tail didn’t lose her, even with her completely out of sight he wouldn’t lose track of her.  And if something went wrong, well, he was right here.
Levi shifted his cloak aside at the waist, turning slightly and waiting a few moments before he fired the cables into the nearest building, using it to get onto the roofs and nothing more.  The rest could be on foot, no more use of the gear.  ODM had a very distinct sound any soldier who had been around them as long as L/N had would recognize instantly, so he didn’t dare use it any more times until he’d found what he was looking for.  He didn’t know how keen those remarkable senses of hers were, if it was her hearing or her sight or hell, even her nose like Miche, that had allowed her to spot those Titans.  Because he didn’t know how, he couldn’t risk it.
Now with the advantage of a higher vantage point, Levi followed L/N’s tail from quite a distance, able to see him further and more comfortably from so high up, his footsteps still light and silent even though he was alone on these rooftops.
Being up here reminded him of several things he hadn’t fully realized when he’d lived down here, or that he’d learned to ignore or had forgotten in his time above ground.  How there was no wind down here, which was disconcerting after so long above ground with fresh air and cool breezes.  How dark it really was, even with the orange glow of firelight from homes, impacting his visibility and making it hard to pick out details from a distance.  And the stench--he’d been blocking it out, something he’d trained himself to do down here when he wasn’t in his own space that he could keep clean, but now that he was higher up and not in the thick of the shit, the air wasn’t quite as thick with it.
Slightly.  Just barely.
The man he was following sped up and took a sudden turn into a narrow alley, causing Levi to speed up his step as well, keeping an eye on the opposite end of the alley in case he exited the alley before Levi could reach it.  Crouched low so that he wouldn’t be spotted if someone happened to look up, Levi reached the edge of the building before the alley, his hand placed lightly on the dirt-covered edge as he peered over with care, trying to lean far enough he could see but where he couldn’t be seen, or at least would hardly be seen.  L/N’s tail hadn’t left the alley, so they should be--
Before the alley became visible, Levi realized there were no sounds coming from the alley--no sounds of a fight, no drip of blood, no talking, nothing.  If her tail had caught up to her, there should have been /something/ coming from the alley below.
A few seconds more, and he had visual confirmation that the alley was empty, even though he hadn’t seen anyone leave it from either end.
Levi kept himself calm, not allowing himself to even worry about losing sight of them--he didn’t have the time for that.  Clearly he’d been far enough behind that he’d missed something that had happened.  Maybe they had cut through the building opposite the one he was standing on.  There were no sounds coming from there, either--it was silent as the grave in this part of the city, unsettlingly enough.  But it let him know they weren’t simply hiding in one of the buildings beneath him.
He knew this area--he knew the Underground, had grown up here, walked these streets or at least mapped out in his mind the best and worst places for all kinds of situations.  He could figure out what had happened.  Whether she got the drop on her tail or her tail had successfully jumped her, if they weren’t here they would have gone somewhere discreet, somewhere private that was also nearby.  Not a residence, and anything that was dilapidated beyond even entry wouldn’t work.  What was the best spot for that criteria that was also nearby, close enough it could be quickly ducked into without anyone noticing?
Levi jumped over the edge of the building and dropped back down into the mud, knees bent to absorb the impact before he quickly shifted, navigating the streets quickly and with a purpose as he closed in on the building that came to mind.  He was still careful to be quiet and stealthy lest he spook L/N and lose his chance, but he was now running out of time--the longer they were out of sight, the greater the chance he would fail to see what was happening.  And he’d come so close, he couldn’t let the opportunity slip past him again.
Her being in trouble didn’t even cross his mind--he knew she could have shaken that tail if she wanted to, and she had beaten him in a sparring match.  Even if that tail jumped her, he doubted she would be the one in trouble.
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*Reader’s POV*
The one thing you hated the most about coming to the Underground to hunt was the smell.  With how sensitive your senses were, it was absolutely horrid for you.  It had taken all of your focus and much of your time when you’d first come down here to learn how to block that foul smell out, though usually it involved handicapping your sense of smell altogether--except for with blood.  Blood always pierced through any mental block you’d constructed for yourself.
Still, you were down one sense when you came down here to hunt, refusing to breathe through your nose so you wouldn’t become nauseous, sickened by the stench in the air.
The only time that changed down here was when you fed--when the scent of blood filled your every breath with your teeth latched into your most recent kill, warm at first but growing gradually colder as you drained the life from them, a hand over their mouth to muffle any sound or screams until they could make them no more.
Of course you had known about the shady individual tailing you--you had wandered aimlessly in one of the worst parts of the Underground specifically so you could draw someone out, could lure in one of the many victimizers that lurked in these dark corners and turn the tables on them, making their chosen path of victimizing and terror a fatal one.  As soon as he entered the dark, isolated alley that you had turned into, you had grabbed him and dashed away with that inhuman speed of yours, pulling him into the nearest abandoned, unowned building where you immediately sank your teeth into him to satiate the hunger that had started to claw at you once again.
Hidden in the darkest corner of the abandoned building, the man had stopped moving beneath you, body turning cold, though from experience you knew he still had more blood to give.  You were going to take it all, so it would last you just a little while longer before you had to delve back into the Underground’s cesspool for a fresh kill to satiate the hunger again after it returned.
By now, this was normal for you.  You had been doing it for decades, and had long worked out your feelings over the moral implications of it all.  This was just your way of life, how you survived.  And it would continue to be for years and years to come.
One thing about scents down here--there was no wind to carry them away or towards you.  So when you picked up on someone’s scent, it usually meant they were close...very close.  Especially since you went out of your way to block scents down here unless you were in the middle of a feed, like right now.
As such, you stiffened when you caught the beginning traces of a familiar scent, one that was usually carried towards you on a breeze and let you know you were being watched.  Tea leaves, cleanliness or cleaning products, hints of mint that might have just been a figment of your own imagination because it was something you associated with a clean smell.
Levi.  And if you were catching his scent strongly enough for it to pierce through the blood you were feeding off, then he was dangerously close.
Immediately, you tried to gulp down every last drop you could, wanting to still finish so you wouldn’t have to come back down here so soon, even though your instincts were yelling at you to get out of here before he found you.  As a result of your suddenly rushed attempts to finish your meal, you made a bit more of a mess than you usually did.  Blood smeared across your face and dribbled down onto your shirt, some unfortunately falling to the ground below as your teeth tore into the man’s neck in an attempt to get this last bit to gush out.
You could hear him, he was just outside the building, you couldn’t wait any longer, you’d already waited too long.
How much had he seen?  How long had he been onto you?  How had he found you?
You could worry about that when you were safely back at the Scout’s headquarters and in the process of cleaning up any evidence you’d ever been to the Underground, right now, you had to leave.
Now you didn’t even have time to try and hide the body.
Teeth unlatching from the man’s neck, hood pulled low over your head to hide all of your features, you finally bolted, heading for the opposite side as you heard the door open, worried that you still had been too late, that he might have seen your hasty exit, or at least a flash of your cloak disappearing around the corner of the open doorway.
There was no chance to take it back now.  The best you could do was damage control and dig in your heels.  He might have seen your cloak, maybe, but as far as you knew, he had no way of knowing it was you.  No definitive way, anyway.  He hadn’t seen your face, hadn’t seen any defining features.  As far as you were aware, he’d only seen your cloak.  You still had a chance.  Especially if you cleaned your clothes fast enough and thoroughly enough there wasn’t a trace of blood or the Underground on them.
Heart pounding as you attempted to keep yourself calm so you could act rationally and not tip your hand and give yourself away by panicking, you raced back to the surface to start disposing of evidence in the safety of your quarters.
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*Levi’s POV*
Levi tried to be quick when he opened the door, intending to catch L/N in the middle of whatever was happening in here and then act accordingly.  As far as he was aware, he’d acted fast enough and quietly enough he should have gotten the drop on her, even with that apparent sixth sense of hers that had allowed her to avoid him thus far.  The door swung open, and he saw a blur of motion--a blur he tried to write off as simply his eyes still adjusting to the scene at first--and the flash of a dark cloak disappearing around the corner.
Levi’s eyes widened at the realization that blur or at least the cloak was L/N fleeing from the scene, a ‘Tch!’ escaping him as he dashed across the abandoned building to try and make it out the other side before she could disappear again, hand on the edge of the doorway as he slid out into the alley on the other side.
Nothing.
He rushed to the mouth, hoping that maybe she had just turned out of sight, that he wasn’t about to lose her again like he had the first time he’d followed her.
Again, nothing.  Not even the sound of retreating footsteps.  She was just...gone, like the first time.
“Shit!”
Swearing loudly to himself, with the sound surprisingly disconcerting when it was thrown out into the silent streets, Levi turned back to the abandoned building, the only thing he had now that L/N had fled.
She had fled, which meant that this time she might have left something behind for him to find in her haste to leave.  People got sloppy when they were in a rush, and he was going to take full advantage of it.
Giving one last frustrated look down the deserted street, Levi doubled back to the abandoned building she had been inside, standing in the middle of the room as his eyes did a quick roam over his surroundings, looking for anything out of place, anything out of the ordinary.
Over in a dark corner, there was a mass, some kind of shape that looked distorted and unlike any kind of furniture or item found in an abandoned building like this.  It wasn't moving, but Levi still approached with caution, the dark shape slowly taking form as Levi approached, gradually becoming clearer as Levi silently came closer.
It was a body.  The tail he'd been following, from the looks of it, though Levi still didn't have a cause of death.  The body was distorted and lying unnaturally, head bent at an odd angle--not broken, just left in an odd position--and it was lying face down, as if it had been dropped in a rush.
He had interrupted something.  The question now was what had he interrupted.  His gaze had already darkened with the realization she'd left a body behind, but whether this had been intentional or self-defense remained to be seen.  The motive, her intentions, were largely going to affect how he reacted.
Levi turned the body over with his foot and froze, staring at the man’s throat.  It was ripped out, like an animal had sunk its teeth all the way in but had been startled into tearing away before it was ready, bringing half the man’s throat with it.  Yet, despite the gruesome sight, there were only a few drops of blood on the ground beneath the body, a couple light smears around the wound itself.  When Levi crouched down to touch the body, it was ice cold against his fingers.  Algor mortis shouldn’t have even started yet, the man had hardly been dead for a few moments, but there was next to no blood despite his manner of death, the body lacked all warmth--the warmth shouldn’t have drained from him for at least a half hour.
There should have been blood all over this place--should have still been some blood in him draining to the parts of his body lying on the ground.  And yet…
A memory was making its way unbidden to the front of his mind, whispering sinister, impossible, dark thoughts into his mind as Levi stared at the dead man's throat.  A memory of a legend Kenny once tried to scare him with, one he had dismissed as nonsense and scoffed at the impossible tale.
A tale about an immortal creature that plagued the Underground as long as there had been an Underground, choosing the miserable place because of its darkness and isolation from the sun, and its plethora of people that no one would even care if someone went missing every now and then.  An undead demon with glowing red eyes, the last thing a man saw before it feasted on his blood and drained the life out of him, leaving his empty body lying in the street with his throat ripped open.
Kenny had told it to him once to scare him, to keep him from getting too cocky and thinking he was untouchable.  And Levi had called him out on it, called it the bullshit he'd been so sure that it was.  There was no such thing as demons or bloodsucking monsters.  There were real monsters in the world, but not of this dark, fantastical variety.
And Kenny had taught him the lesson that had led him here.  And made him a bit more wary of the darker corners of the world.
"Maybe not demons...or maybe there are. There's Titans above ground, right?  Why wouldn't we have our own brand of monster down here?"
Kenny scratched his chin.  "Whether you believe in the demon part or not, there's always a little truth to every legend.  At the least, there's probably a killer somewhere down here with a signature like that who caused the stories."
Levi looked dubiously at Kenny. "Yeah?  How do I know they're not just legends about your murders."
"Because, Runt.  I slit throats, I don't rip 'em out."
Levi felt his blood run cold, chilling him to the core.
What he’d witnessed...she had not been a target, she had never been someone’s prey; she had been the hunter luring in an unsuspecting victim.
How long had she been doing this?  A couple years at least, going off how long she'd been sneaking out to the Underground, but it probably went on before that, before she joined the military, before she even showed up on the surface.  When he'd caught the smell of blood on her cloak he hadn't expected this to be the source.
“I...conduct blood rituals to achieve perfection.”
That deadpan delivery at the table in the mess hall--had she been secretly mocking them?  Or, more accurately, secretly mocking him, the one trying to figure out what she was hiding?
Was she...even human?
It was insane, but so was the thought of the empty grave before he’d opened that coffin.  It was madness, but it fit, it made things that had seemed alien suddenly belong in this greater picture.  Where else would all this blood have gone, especially with how quickly she had to leave because of his interruption?  How else would she have these senses that told her when Levi was near--that allowed her to know when she was being followed when it should have been impossible, that allowed her to see him in detail in the shadows from a distance yet still draw a perfect portrait, and had made her aware of the Titans before anyone else?  That strength and ease in all of her physical requirements as a soldier had to have come from somewhere, like Levi’s, but this hadn’t been what he was thinking.
And then there was the undead thing, the immortal thing, from the story he’d heard as a child.
No, no that was pushing it too far.  That she might not be human was a hard enough pill to swallow, even when he had his own superhuman abilities and lived in a world of Titans.  He was not a superstitious person, and this was a hard thought to even entertain, let alone to take seriously.  Even when he was staring at a corpse that strongly suggested the truth of the tale.
Even if it would explain how Y/N Frazier crawled out of her grave when it was supposed to be humanly impossible.  Even though it smoothed away the question of how Y/N Frazier and Y/N L/N were connected by suggesting they were the same person.
No matter what the full truth was, he was at a point where he had to confront her either way, for everyone’s safety.  He might be the only one who could match her, physically, and even then he’d have to be extra careful about his approach, because she could still overpower him if he wasn’t careful.  At the very least, she was a murderer, a serial killer who hadn’t stopped even after joining the Scouts and was still regularly killing, and somewhere he used to live, no less.  He had hated living down here, but part of him still took that personally.
At the worst, though, she was a monster of shadowy legend.  One that preyed on humankind, like the Titans.  A true enemy of mankind that it seemed almost no one was aware of.  Now he knew, and he had to do something about it.
But first, the confrontation.  And he better make sure he had her cornered and that he was ready for a fight.  It was likely she would lash out, and he needed to be prepared for a fight for survival.  He needed to be ready to handle the situation as soon as he had the truth, because whether she was a murderer or monster only affected how the fight would go and the severity of the stakes.  If she was a legitimate monster as well as a murderer did not affect the fact that a fight was inevitable--it just decided how deadly it would actually be.
And he needed a contingency in case the worst happened, so the truth wouldn’t die with him.
The Scouts needed to know what lurked within their ranks.  Erwin needed to know.  It was all a front--something deadly was masquerading as one of them, and it needed to be stopped before it could do irreversible damage.
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Next Chapter---->
Levi Tags:  @clary-quinn @humanitys-hottestsoldier@whalerus @sunny-flo @thirstyforsometea​
Wings in the Dark Tags:  @regalillegal @animeluver23 @theshylittleelfgirl @queenthorin1 @dilucs-thighs @sociallyanxiousmouse
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dinfeanoriel · 4 years
Text
Wolfie?
It was common to catch sight of a strong and powerful wolf patrolling the perimeter of their camp when dusk would creep and night would fall. 
At first, they’d been reasonably suspicious and wary, wondering whether or not the beast would attack them. Some of them had had encounters with these proud creatures, and they were not exactly friendly ones. 
The wolf, however, never once showed any sign of wanting to attack. There was no hint of aggression or ferocity and the beast didn’t come across as threatening. The wolf merely looked them over then trotted off to keep a sharp lookout. 
Wild was the first to declare the wolf harmless, defending his dear friend when the Links pinned him with dubious looks. He’d explained the beast had helped him a couple of times before, protecting him from monsters and accompanying him on his hunts for food. 
Wind fast became fascinated by the wolf. The sailor ultimately decided the wolf’s name to be Wolfie and Time could have sworn the proud animal was disgruntled by the undignified moniker he’d been given. 
It wasn’t until one perilous battle later, when Four was almost decapitated and Wolfie exploded from some nearby bushes with a furious growl, viciously putting an end to the bokoblin’s miserable existence, that it was unanimously agreed the wolf was indeed harmless. 
Time would say the wolf deemed himself their protector. He was especially protective of Four, Wind, Hyrule, and Wild. Time figured the beast must view them as pups he was bent on keeping safe. The wolf had adopted them as part of his pack. Strangely enough, he recognized Time as the leader and would sometimes trot by his side, willing to follow his every will and command. 
Wild told Twilight of the wolf, seeing as the Ordonian was never around whenever he would appear. Twilight did not appear the least bit curious or impressed by this. Instead, he surprised them all by remarking that he personally knew the beast they spoke of. 
“You do?!” Wind incredulously asked, pouncing on the Ordonian with wide, sparkling, eyes, “How?!” 
Twilight quirked an eyebrow at the excitable sailor but did nothing to extract the fourteen year old from where he’d promptly glued himself at his side, 
“He helped me on my adventure,” Was his vague response. 
The elusive reply constantly nagged at Time. He wasn’t sure why.  
“He saved my life.” 
“Then he is a friend!” Wind happily declared, beaming, “Do you think he’d let me pet him?” 
The look on Twilight’s face at Wind’s question was slight, but Time caught it nonetheless. 
“Doubt it,” Came Warrior’s voice. The Knight was in the process of meticulously cleaning his sword for the umpteenth time that night. A habit Time had quickly picked up on. The Knight easily grew bored. With nothing to occupy his mind, Warrior often took to cleaning each and every weapon until they shone and glistened brilliantly, “That wolf’s a prideful beast. I’d be surprised if he’d let you close enough to touch him.” 
The affronted look on Twilight’s face at the Knight’s statement was, again, mild, but Time saw it. He brushed it aside as Twilight taking offense on his savior’s behalf. 
Later that night, when Twilight went off into the woods in search for kindle, Time thought he’d heard him muttering darkly, 
“Prideful beast,” 
And an award-winning scowl to match. 
When Wolfie reappeared that night, Warrior was slack-jawed when Wind was allowed to pet him. The sailor asked for permission first, shyly fiddling with his hands as if worried he would be rejected. 
It made for an adorable sight. The wolf dipped his head with an inviting rumble and the young teen was beside himself with excitement. All the while, Wolfie made eye contact with the Knight almost smugly. 
Who’s the prideful beast now, hm? Time could envision him saying. Wild pouted, 
“Why don’t you ever let me pet you? I’ve fed you and cared for you longer than you’ve known them!” 
Wolfie huffed and turned his head away, grumbling deep in his chest. Wind laughed, a sound the Links all treasured. It was pure, light, and genuine. He threw his arms around Wolfie’s neck and thanked him before returning to his spot beside Warrior. 
Time still kept a close eye on the wolf who had supposedly rescued Twilight three years previous. He was keen, intelligent, and far more intuitive than any animal should be. Time wondered at this. Wolfie understood their every word and would communicate with them in his own way. 
Wild claimed it was Wolfie’s eyes that spoke for the beast and Time found it to be true. 
Wolfie’s eyes…
Time knew them. He recognized them. He couldn’t pinpoint from where, but every time he would meet their animal companion’s fierce, cobalt gaze, Time knew he’d seen them somewhere before. 
“How exactly did this wolf of yours save your life, Twilight?” Time decided to ask one night whilst Wild prepared dinner and the Heroes settled. Warrior and Sky were sparring, the Knight in great need of expelling some of his pent-up energy. The day had been long and uneventful, which, although was considered a blessing, did not help Warrior in the least. Four and Wind watched them along with Hyrule and Legend dozed. It’d been a question Time had been wanting to ask, but he’d kept it to himself, giving the other Links the chance to ask for him. 
Surprisingly enough, none of them ever did. 
Now, however, he and Twilight were as alone as they could be with no one in hearing range. The others were preoccupied and it gave him the chance to discover a little more about their elusive companion who kept to the shadows. 
Twilight paused in his whittling, turning to give the Old Man a faint look of curiosity. 
“Wolfie?” 
Time would have rolled his good eye. 
“Is there another wolf I am unaware of?” 
Twilight hummed and returned back to swiping his knife skillfully along the twig he held.
“There are fates worse than death,” He said to Time, a distant look in his eyes and the tip of the twig broke off after a particularly strong stroke from the knife. 
Yes. Time knew there were. He knew that fact well enough. Better than most, unfortunately. 
 “He saved me from one.” 
“How?” Time pressed and Twilight briefly glanced his way, considering. 
With a grim smile, Twilight replied, “If it hadn’t been for him, I might never have known of the fate that had befallen Hyrule. None of us would have...At least,” He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees and hands dangling as he peered off into the distance with a thoughtful and reminiscent look, “Not for a long while.” 
Time was left to wonder what he meant. But the possibility- the words left unspoken- hung thickly in the air between them.
If Wolfie hadn’t been there for Twi, there was a chance he wouldn’t have been with them this day. 
~~~~
The discomfort Twilight did his best to hide was not lost to Time. He watched the Ordonian roll his shoulders a couple of times and stretch his arms and legs nearly every morning. He did it as discreetly as he could, but Time was known for his keenness.
Sometimes, Twilight would flex his fingers or twist his body to crack his spine and a grimace would cross his stoic visage. 
It was an act done to alleviate soreness, aches and pains, and something more. It served as a reminder for Twilight. 
But a reminder for what? Time could only hazard a guess, and he was sure none were correct. 
The day passed with hardly any incident. No monsters, no unprecedented ambushes, and no attacks. Of course, this put Warrior on high alert. 
Time understood where he was coming from. Two days without a single sign of enemies? 
Watches were scheduled for that upcoming night. Legend claimed the first, with Warrior the second, and Twilight the third. 
The Links settled in quietly, burrowing deep into their blankets to escape the night’s bitter chill. It was unanimously decided for no campfire to be lit, and so, the Heroes were left to ward off the cool air without the warmth of a fire. 
Time wasn’t sure what woke him later. He drowsily battered away the sleep clinging heavily to his lashes and cracked his eye open to survey the camp, ensuring all was safe and sound. 
Sky was nearest him, a tangled mess of limbs and blankets.The shadow of a grin lined Time’s lips at the ungainly but familiar sight. 
Wind was curled underneath his blanket, his disheveled sun-bleached hair the only part of him visible to Time. Four slept serenely next to Wind with his hands pillowing his head. Hyrule had one arm and leg cast out from underneath his thick cloak, an arm curled beneath his head. Warrior and Wild were back-to-back, both Heroes more susceptible to the chill of the night than most of the others.
Legend was on his side, his pack a makeshift pillow and an arm bent close to his face. The only time Legend looked serene and peaceful was in sleep and Time hoped the longer they traveled together the more he would drop his guard and let the Heroes see the real him. 
He allowed his thoughts to trail off and turned to check on Twilight, the last Hero left unaccounted for...
Twilight was absent. Time was suddenly awake and alert. He looked about the encampment and found his descendant was gone. 
That was when he noticed the rustling and snuffling coming from his left. Turning his head, Time caught sight of a wolf prowling the perimeter, head low and nose pressed to the ground. 
The wolf raised his large head and bared his teeth in a rumbling snarl, careful not to disturb the sleeping Heroes he sought to protect. 
He was warning something. Warding off all unwanted guests that dared trespass any closer to them. 
Time blinked tiredly, lifting himself up on his left forearm to quietly call, “Wolfie?” 
The beast’s snarling cut short when he turned to look at Time. There was an apology clearly reflected in those irritatingly familiar cobalt blues for having disturbed the Old Man’s rest. Their animal friend trotted to his side, paws softly thumping against the dirt and kicking up a trail of dust behind him. The chain bound around his ankle clinked faintly, silencing only when he came to a stop. He crouched low with a soft whine and Time managed a weary grin. 
With a shake of his head, he assured the proud wolf, 
“I don’t think it was you who woke me, Wolfie,” 
The wolf cocked his head to the side and Time narrowed his eye, 
“You understand every word I’m saying,” It was phrased as a statement, not a question. One the wolf didn’t bother answering. Time hummed, “Twilight claims you saved him,” 
This earned him a wolfish grin. Those expressive eyes sparkled impishly, knowingly.  
Somehow, seeing this extraordinarily human gesture served to make the beast appear more friendly instead of frightening. 
Time’s eye and stoic features softened, “For that you have my sincere gratitude,” 
Wolfie grumbled in an embarrassed manner, looking away and averting his gaze in an endearing fashion. He tapped his paw on the ground a couple of times then slowly lifted his head. His ears twitched, catching the slightest of sounds Time’s Hylian self couldn’t hear. 
The beast snapped to attention with a fierce, guttural, growl, which, in turn, alerted Time. The Old Man drew himself into a crouch beside the wolf, murmuring lowly, 
“What is it?” 
Time knew better than to doubt Wolfie’s senses. Animals had undeniably keen senses. They were more aware of the surrounding world than any other creature and could perceive danger before it could strike. Epona had proved this more times than he could count. 
Wolfie’s sharp eyes slid one way then another, baring his teeth with a furious snarl. 
Something was coming. 
Time took hold of his biggoron sword and drew himself off the ground without question.
“Everyone, up!” 
Warrior was the first to wake, leaping to his feet with his sword in hand ready to attack. Surprisingly, Sky was next with Wild shooting up beside Warrior. Wind, Four, Hyrule, and Legend simultaneously awoke with a start and whipped out their weapons within a split second. 
“What is it?” The Captain demanded to know, keeping his voice modulated enough for them all to hear. 
Time eyed Wolfie, noting how his gaze was riveted in a particular area. The beast was crouched low, ready to pounce at any moment. 
“Monsters?” 
Wolfie gave a nod. 
Time nodded to himself before doing a double-take. This wolf, this animal friend of their’s, had nodded in response to his question? 
Another exceptionally human gesture. 
As curious and flabbergasted as Time was, he knew there was no time to ponder on this groundbreaking notion. He tucked this particular detail away to question Twilight later-
Time’s thoughts screeched to a halt. 
Twilight. 
Evidently, Wild’s line of thinking mirrored Time’s own and the teen called out in question,  “Where’s Twi?” 
The Heroes swiveled their heads round, searching each individual Link before discovering that Twilight was indeed absent. 
Warrior’s grip on the hilt of his sword tightened imperceptibly, his expression serious and grave, 
“Think he might’ve heard these monsters and went to investigate?” 
“But he wouldn’t have left without waking one of us,” Wind pointed out, concern coating his tone, “Must be why Wolfie’s here and not him.” 
Time could have sworn Wolfie was trying to become one with the earth.
“Is Twilight out there, Wolfie?” He inquired lowly. 
It was then the monsters struck. 
Wolfie lunged with a vicious growl, clinging onto an unfortunate moblin and teeth mercilessly tearing into its throat. Flecks of blood splattered on the dirt, soaking into the earth and staining Wolfie’s fur red.
Wind flinched at the violent attack. 
Warrior breezed past a few of the Heroes and leaped at one unsuspecting moblin. Within the blink of an eye, the monster was reduced into nothing but a mangled corpse that disappeared seconds after. 
“How did these guys manage to sneak up on us?!” Came Legend’s voice, amplified over the chaos and sounds of battle as the Links burst into action. Shouts and screeches intermingled with one another, the shrieking of metal and twangs of bowstrings filling the air as the camp was surrounded and ambushed by a multitude of monsters. 
Moblins, bokoblins, and lizalfos alike came stampeding in. Time expertly swung his biggoron sword in a diagonal swipe, taking three monsters out. Their bodies vanished into nothingness. He targeted a tall, broad, and muscular moblin next, aiming for the back of its knees before swiftly decapitating it. 
The Heroes followed suit, their movements fluid and precise. They fell into the motion of battle with ease, working with one another and bringing ruin and decimation upon their unwanted guests. 
Wolfie pounced from one enemy to another, paws never touching the ground as he tore through bokoblins and moblins. He chased after Lizalfos and ended their miserable lives before they could manage an escape. Any attempt was cut off by Wolfie’s abnormally quick movements. 
The beast specifically went after those targeting Wind, Four, Hyrule, and Wild. Sky was holding his own remarkably well, his expression fierce and intimidating. 
The Master Sword sang as she devastated any and all monsters that dared to stand against the Skyloftian. 
Wild unleashed a flurry of arrows in rapid fire, striking every creature he set his eye on and freezing others to allow the Heroes to destroy them with ease. He and Wolfie worked in sync, stepping up where one fell back and vice versa, confirming Wild’s previous claims that they’d often traveled together during his adventure. 
Hyrule ducked under a bokoblin’s club, his hair fluttering from the breeze as the weapon flew harmlessly above his head by a few centimeters. His heart thundered in his chest, but the Hylian steeled himself and ran the bokoblin through before it could recover. 
He spun on his heel and slanted his sword in time to deflect another bokoblin’s crude blade. Hyrule used this opening to grant the monster a swift and painless death. He breathed a sigh of relief as the bokoblin vanished and dragged his sleeve across his perspiring forehead. 
“Look out-!” A terrified voice suddenly cried. 
Hyrule’s eyes grew wide with alarm, instinctively knowing Wind was warning him specifically, but he wouldn’t turn in time to block whatever attack was coming from behind him. 
A strong hand suddenly grasped Hyrule’s arm and yanked him to the side out of harm’s way. The fear coiling around Hyrule’s heart skyrocketed when a flash of blue and green darted in the corner of his eye, placing itself between the younger teen and the ginormous moblin bearing an equally gargantuan club. 
The Hero’s sword was lowered, their ulterior motive being getting Hyrule to safety even if it came at a price. 
“Warrior!” 
A sickening crunch! reverberated through the tense and frigid air after the terrified call was issued.  
The sound rang in Hyrule’s ears, echoing without end. The Knight’s body was flung back by the force of the moblin’s ruthless blow, slamming into Hyrule and sending them both sailing to the unforgiving ground. 
Hyrule’s dazed and shocked mind barely registered the thunderous footfalls of the looming moblin as it stalked forward and lifted its club over its head to finish the job. 
Time could only watch in horror, locked in battle against a lizalfos, as the moblin moved to swing his weapon down to crush Warrior and Hyrule. 
The Heroes spread about the encampment tripled their attacks, vainly striving to reach their companions- 
“WOLFIE!” 
Wind’s desperate, heart-rending, cry pierced the night sky. The Sailor placed all of his trust into their animal companion to save Warrior and Hyrule from their impending doom. 
Time knew it shouldn’t be possible. There was no way it could have happened but if there was one thing Wolfie never failed to succeed in, it was proving the impossible possible. 
Wolfie lunged from several meters away, gliding across the distance separating him from the moblin and landing in a protective stance between the monster and the collapsed Heroes. 
Sharp, pointed teeth bared in a fearsome snarl, Wolfie leaned back against his haunches then propelled himself forward, using the momentum of his attack to his advantage. 
The moblin, already unbalanced by the heavy club it held, staggered and tipped backwards. The club was the first to strike the ground, the earth quaking when the monster’s full weight impacted it next. 
Time raced by without a second thought, agilely leaping over the moblin just as Wolfie flew through the air to end the creature’s life and make it pay for what it had done. 
The Old Man had never moved so fast in his entire life. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, his heart pounding at a frantic pace and thudding against his chest. It pulsed in his ears as he sprinted to where Hyrule was carefully maneuvering a limp Warrior off of him with blatant concern and fear. 
When he reached them, Time crashed to his knees and his hands shot out to grab hold of the Knight’s shoulders in worry. 
Dazed, pain-filled cerulean orbs locked onto his own as Warrior wheezed and curled an arm protectively around his screaming ribs. 
Time had never known such pure, undiluted relief until this moment. Warrior was conscious and aware. Hurt, but alive. 
“Will he be alright?” Hyrule’s shaken voice grasped Time’s attention and the Old Man briefly looked his way with a comforting smile. The shorter Hero was collecting himself from the ground, shuffling to their side with distress carved into his features. 
“A couple of potions and he should be fine,” He assured the trembling Hero. Warrior only groaned, his head dropping back and eyes drifting shut against the pain that took him captive. Time squeezed his shoulder, “Broken ribs, most likely.” 
Warrior nodded tightly, features contorting in discomfort and agony. The clamor of battle faded around them, dying down as the Links and Wolfie mercilessly struck down the remaining monsters. 
It wasn’t long until they came crowding around Hyrule, Warrior, and Time. 
“Anyone have a potion?” Sky immediately asked, taking the role Warrior himself usually played after a battle. The Skyloftian knelt across Time, a hand tenderly touching Warrior’s head and brushing his bangs aside. 
The Heroes dug into their packs, rifling through their belongings in search of a potion or fairy for Warrior. They were interrupted by Wolfie himself, the strap of Twilight’s pack delicately pressed between his teeth as he dragged the bag to where Time knelt. 
A deep rumbling caressed their ears as Wolfie dropped the strap and nudged Time’s arm pointedly. He gestured to the pack with a dip of his head and Time didn’t hesitate to take it. He drew the bag into his lap, flicking the flap open and reaching in to grab the bottle of red potion Twilight always carried. 
Quickly but gently, Time helped Warrior to sit up so he could take a few swallows of the potion. Little by little, the older Hero could tell the potion was working its magic as the color returned to Warrior’s face and his breathing evened a bit. 
Wolfie disappeared afterwards, darting into the forest. Time hoped he had gone to fetch Twilight or check on him. Just in case, Time sent Wild and Sky in search of the missing Ordonian. They left immediately, promising to return if they found no sign of Twilight or stumbled across anything suspicious. 
Warrior was forced to take it easy- Time going as far as to order him to recover and rest. Hyrule had taken to scolding the Knight for risking his neck for him but the Hero was far too relieved to be genuinely upset. 
Wind, Time could tell, was shaken by the close call and hovered fretfully around Warrior, making sure he was comfortable and healing nicely. 
Minutes passed with no sign of Twilight, Wild, Sky, or Wolfie. Time waited with brooding impatience. 
It wasn’t much longer until Wild and Sky returned with a disheveled and blood-soaked Twilight between them. 
The relief was palpable in the air as Legend demanded to know where he’d gone off too. 
Twilight explained how he’d heard a noise and went to investigate, leaving Wolfie in charge of keeping watch. 
He’d run into a couple of monsters and was kept from returning to the camp until he’d finished them off. 
The Heroes accepted his explanation without any qualm save but one. 
Time frowned steeply as he watched Twilight closely. Something about his tale didn’t ring true, and the way Twilight’s hand cupped the back of his neck told Time he had every right to be suspicious. 
He narrowed his gaze on the rancher. 
What was Twilight hiding? And why was he keeping whatever secret to himself? 
~~~~
“Is Wolfie doing okay?” 
Wind’s quiet, and worried question captured the Old Man’s attention from where he rested beneath an old, gnarled, oak. Time peeked his good eye open, his broodingly curious gaze sliding in the direction of the proud beast curled protectively around Warrior, his large head resting lightly on the Hylian’s shoulder. 
Warrior was already dozing, creases of pain contorting his features and face half-buried in the wolf’s fur. Sky and Hyrule were both sketching the scene in their memory journals, a little summary detailing what happened scripted below the intricate picture. 
Something about it, however, struck Time as odd. He couldn’t pinpoint what it might be, but the way Warrior and Wolfie were positioned...
“He looks fine,” Time murmured lowly. The Sailor pouted uncertainly next to him, shifting uneasily. The Old Man quirked an eyebrow, “Why do you ask?” 
Wind bit his lower lip, scratching the back of his head while inwardly debating whether or not to tell Time what he suspected and why. Time waited patiently. The Sailor made a small noise of frustration and the oldest Hero looked to him invitingly, a large hand settling on his shoulder,  “Trust your instincts, Wind,” He advised, the years of experience and wisdom reflected in his eyes, “They are often correct no matter the situation,” 
Encouraged, Wind set his mind and shifted to where he was pressed to Time’s side, whispering, “I thought I saw him take a hit during the battle and I’ve been watching him since then...” He moved to point at something, “He’s favoring his right side. Do you notice how Wolfie’s curled around Warrior? On his left side, not his right like he usually is.” 
Time slowly sat up, taken aback by Wind’s astute observations. It was true. Wolfie was nestled around Warrior and, as Wind claimed, lying on his left side. That was why the sight of Wolfie and Warrior had struck him as wrong!
Concern flickered to life within the Hero and Time withdrew from Wind to draw himself to his feet and silently make his way to the resting Knight and beast. 
Wolfie’s ears twitched, undoubtedly catching the soft sounds of Time’s footfalls. Wearily, the exhausted wolf lifted his head when Time knelt beside him and extended a hand to delicately touch his side. 
Wolfie stiffened and attempted to shy away but Time shot him a stern stare. A disgruntled growl rumbled from Wolfie when the Hylian gently brushed his hand along his side, interrupted by a subtle yip he couldn’t quite stifle in time. 
Time looked sharply to him, “I believe Wolfie is injured.” 
Wolfie, catching the undertone of his words, immediately retracted himself from Warrior, disturbing the sleeping Knight and waking him. 
“What..?” 
Wolfie paused then moved closer to him, nudging him apologetically and fixing Time with a side-eyed glare. 
How dare you wake him. 
Time raised an eyebrow at the animal’s irritation. 
Sky came over at once, concern openly displayed, “Wolfie’s hurt?” The tenderhearted Skyloftian crouched down near their animal companion, carefully touching the back of his head. 
Hyrule was next, bringing along his pack of medical supplies. 
“Let me see here...” He critically analyzed the stubborn animal held in place by Sky. Wolfie grumbled and griped. A whine escaped here and there when Hyrule would hit a sore spot and once, he gently grasped Hyrule’s arm with his teeth to remove the offending limb. Unfortunately for him, it did nothing to dissuade the worried Heroes, “Looks like a couple of broken bones,” The adventurer decreed.
Sky winced in sympathy, petting Wolfie between his ears. 
Wolfie shut his eyes in embarrassment from all the attention he drew from the Links. He tried shaking them off, his thick mane whipping Hyrule, Sky, and Time in the face. The Old Man knew he’d done it on purpose. 
“So...how do we help him?” Four asked from somewhere behind Time, “Do we give him a Red Potion?” 
“Can animals take Red Potions?” Wind asked with a curious tilt of his head.
Time didn’t know but he dug into his pack to draw one out, “We’ll find out,” 
At this, Wolfie jumped to his feet, knocking Sky and Hyrule to the ground. 
“He’s escaping-” Hyrule started when Wolfie started to bolt. To everyone’s surprise, it was Sky who lunged and tackled the beast to pin him down. 
“Hey there, now, Wolfie,” He grunted as the animal struggled, kicked, and growled. He never tried to bite but he would whip his head back with a furious and warning growl. Sky wasn’t at all intimidated. He tried vainly to soothe Wolfie, but the beast was not making it at all easy. 
“I don’t think he wants to take it,” Warrior mumbled tiredly, dropping his head back with wearied disinterest. Wild agreed with the Captain but said nothing. He chose instead to watch the scene unfold. If there was one thing he knew about his old and loyal companion, it was that Wolfie was incredibly stubborn. 
“It doesn’t matter if he wants to,” Time griped, declaring with finality, “He’s going to.” 
Four watched, fascinated, as they wrangled a bit longer until Sky managed to trap Wolfie in a choke hold. Time approached, unimpressed when the wolf crouched down low with his teeth bared. 
“Come now, Wolfie,” He calmly spoke, “If you take this potion, those bones will mend and you won’t be uncomfortable anymore.” 
Wolfie was dead set against taking it if the look of his eyes said anything. 
A look Time swore he’s seen several times before. 
“Twilight would want you to take it,” Wind’s timid voice spoke up. 
This made Wolfie pause, his growling cutting off. His ears perked up and he glanced back at the Sailor carefully inching towards him. 
“He’s not here right now, but I know he’d be upset if he were to know you were hurt.” 
Wolfie hesitated. Time saw the way his eyes flickered, conflicted and indecisive. 
Then, grousing silently in a show of resignation, Wolfie shifted until he made himself comfortable on the ground and laid his head heavily in Sky’s lap. The Skyloftian carded his fingers through his fur approvingly. 
Time took this as a sign that he would comply The Old Man walked in front of him, bottle in hand, and made to open it when Wolfie suddenly lunged, tearing the bottle from his hands and making a break for it. 
Time was thrown back when Wolfie’s full weight slammed into him, purposefully knocking him aside and ignoring the startled cries of the Heroes as he bolted into the woods. 
Time blinked in stunned disbelief. 
“He’s gone!” Wind exclaimed, and Sky hung his head in disappointment. 
“Stubborn, just like the rest of us.” 
Legend and Wild, meanwhile, were clutching their sides and dying of laughter. 
Even Warrior cracked a smile.
“Serves you right. Wolf’s a prideful beast.”
“Outsmarted by a wolf!” Legend pretended to swipe at a tear, “That was the best thing I’ve seen all week!” 
~~~~
Wolfie never did return and neither did Twilight. Time would be lying if he claimed not to be the least bit concerned by either disappearance. 
Legend only shrugged and suggested that Wolfie might still be bitter with them for what they’d done. Wind defended themselves by claiming they were trying to help their friend. 
Time could only shake his head. 
“At least he took the Red Potion,” Wild said, trying to appease the stewing Heroes, “When I would try to help him, he would fight tooth and nail against anything I’d do.” 
“It was probably the Old Man,” Four piped up, “No one can say no to him.” 
“Indeed?” Time inquired, “And why is that?” 
Four grinned surreptitiously and returned back to his book, leaving Time to wonder what he meant. 
“Well,” Time grunted, straightening and drawing himself to his feet, “I am going to go look for our wayward companions.” 
He checked on Warrior then left Sky in charge before he went into the woods. 
~~~~
Time wandered for a few long minutes, scanning the forest floor for any disturbances or tracks. He found few and none were what he was searching for. It wasn’t until he came across a river-bend that he heard a strange noise. 
He frowned, straining his ears until he heard it again. 
Crashes, guttural grunts, agitated yips, struggling, and aggravated huffing reached him and when Time stepped out of the shadows of the trees he was met with an unusual sight. 
Wolfie, their beloved, fierce, and feral companion, was a whirlwind of frantic energy. He rolled, bounced, spun, and strained to remove the bottle he’d miraculously managed to trap his snout in. 
Time blinked. 
The proud beast was nothing more than a wild, distrait, pup desperately fighting to free his nose. His fur stuck up in many places, splashes of red along with grass stains here and there, and leaves stuck on him. A testament to his frenzied and fixated endeavor to free himself. 
The wolf slammed his head to the ground, a growl of annoyance slipping free and his cobalt blues narrowed on the glass jar imprisoning his snout. His paws moved to cradle the bottle, bearing it down onto the ground and the beast settled his weight on his back legs. 
He pulled. 
Time stood back and watched him struggle. 
The wolf’s strong shoulders shook, his paws slipping, and a pathetic whine that pierced Time’s heart was released. 
Frustration bubbled to the surface, the wolf heaving a deep, forlorn, sigh. The glass fogged up when his breath hit the surface. 
Apparently having exhausted all efforts and at a loss for ideas, the wolf lifted himself off the ground and purposefully strode to the nearest boulder. He turned his head as far as possible then, before Time could stop him, slammed the bottle against the still rock. 
Time inwardly cringed when the bottle bounded off the surface, the vibrations from the force of the hit ricocheting up the glass and through the beast’s muscular body. 
Wolfie stared in disbelief then flung himself to the ground in a melodramatic display of frustration and resignation. He rolled, whining miserably. 
He was akin to a pup throwing a tantrum. 
Time suppressed a snort at the undignified sight. 
“Come along now, Wolfie,” He tutted lightly, and the proud wolf snapped his woeful gaze towards him, “This is why you should have allowed us to help you.” 
A low, bitter, growl was his only response. 
Ah, the attitude was back. 
Time shook his head at the short temper, moving forward to kneel beside the still lamenting beast. Reaching with a calloused hand, Time curled his long fingers around the bottle, gently pressing the wolf’s head to the ground and tugged. 
Wolfie simply let him. 
Time’s brow creased when the bottle stubbornly refused to budge. Not even one centimetre. 
“How did you manage this?” The Old Man asked under his breath, trying but failing to slip the glass jar any further down Wolfie’s snout. 
Three rumbles in different intonations. 
“You don’t know?” Time cocked an eyebrow at him. He sat back on his heels and studied the bottle and Wolfie’s sprawled form. The beast lay on his side, bemoaning his fate while heaving an explosive sigh. An idea slowly formed and the Hylian hummed. “Here is what we will do,” 
The wolf gave him his complete and undivided attention, practically begging for Time to save him. 
“You brought this on yourself, Wolfie. There will be no sympathy from me at your plight.” 
The beast’s expression went flat. 
By Hylia did this wolf have a personality. 
“As I was saying- and get up from the ground-” 
Wolfie huffed, grumpily doing as he was told. 
“-I will grab hold of the bottle and pull and you pull yourself opposite of me, understand?” 
Wolfie replied by whipping his snout towards Time, urging him to hurry up and get on with it. 
Time would have laughed had he not known Wolfie wouldn’t appreciate it. 
The Hero grasped the bottle with both hands. 
“On the count of three. One...two...pull!” Time shifted back and Wolfie immediately tugged his large head in the opposite direction. A determined rumble echoed in his chest and Time strained, striving to find the balance between not-pulling-too-much and pulling-just-enough. He would rather not harm the Links stalwart companion. 
The bottle clung steadfastly to Wolfie’s snout, refusing to budge. 
A distant part of Time was glad none of the other Heroes were here to witness this bizarre and absolutely ridiculous moment. 
“I am impressed, Pup,” Time grunted, “I do not think I’ve ever come across such a difficult feat- and I have done a great many in my life.” 
If a wolf could snark, Wolfie certainly did. 
“And this is the simplest solution,” Time muttered, thinking of all the dungeons, puzzles, and tasks he’d had to do. 
Wolfie was quickly tiring and Time caught the moment his burning resolve slowly turned to reluctant resignation. 
“What-” 
Wolfie’s body began to shift before Time could finish his question. His entire form darkened when he crouched low and the sound of bones rearranging themselves and warping filled the air. Time could only stare, vaguely horrified and morbidly curious, as the wolf’s body started to change. 
This was something Time had never before experienced. He wasn’t sure what was happening but he recognized this to be an unfamiliar and otherworldly magic at play. 
Shadows darted across Wolfie, the strange magic covering him entirely before fading and the beast’s body morphing into one more Hylian-like. 
Then, the magic receded, the darkness relenting and revealing-
“Pup?” 
Time was utterly gobsmacked, the term of endearment he’d given Wolfie slipping free from him. His mind slammed into a metaphorical wall, thoughts unable to wrap themselves around what he had witnessed seconds prior. They couldn’t compute what his eye had seen. 
Wolfie. 
Twilight. 
They were one and the same. 
His brain kickstarted and Time could have slapped himself. It was so. blatantly. obvious! Those eyes were those of his descendant’s! The ferocity, keenness, and warmth... His protective demeanor and astute supervision of Four, Wind, and Wild. 
The evidence pointed to Twilight. 
His reluctance and abhorrence concerning Red Potions. His nightly patrols and daily scouting. 
Twilight did the same. 
His vague explanation behind his supposed rescue orchestrated by Wolfie... His sly smiles and knowing eyes. Wolfie’s wolfish grins and stance. 
It made sense.  The pieces of the puzzle fell into place and Time wondered how he could have missed it all. 
The morning stretches and slight grimaces as Twilight would rid himself of soreness, aches and pains were due to his transitioning between wolf and Hylian form frequently. 
Twilight, now freed from the bottle, fell back with a gasp, greedily taking in gulps of air. His poor lungs could have collapsed from relief. 
“Sweet mother of breathing-” 
Somewhat dazed and momentarily distracted, Twilight didn’t quite register Time’s open display of shock and bafflement. It was quite a sight to see. An incredibly rare one too. 
The Old Man shook his head bemusedly, closing his eye and reopening it to find it was indeed Twilight slumped on the ground before him. It was a testament to his previous adventures and experiences that Time was hardly as affected as most would be. 
He had, after all, seen and done things none would believe possible. 
Once he’d recovered, Twilight sat up with a crooked smile and meek expression. He wilted beneath the stare Time pinned him with. 
“This was not how I wanted you to find out.” 
Time couldn’t help it. 
He snorted. 
“And, pray tell, how did you want me to find out?” He asked then, cocking an eyebrow and fixing Twilight with what Wind, Wild, and Legend had dubbed ‘The Look.’
“Er...” 
“Thought so.” 
“I can explain?” 
“Oh, you will.” 
~~~~
In the end, Time believed he preferred finding out this way than having Twilight personally tell him. This made for perfect blackmail material and Time was not going to waste this opportunity. Not when it was oh so graciously given to him. 
When next they returned to Lon Lon Ranch and Twilight was greeted by Malon, he knew. 
Her twitching lips, twinkling eyes, and barely stifled mirth told him everything there was to know. 
This...This was betrayal. The worst kind of betrayal he’d ever experienced. 
“Time!” 
The unspoken you didn’t? you couldn’t have? how could you? was blatantly clear. 
The Old Man was unaffected by his descendant’s misery and woe. Malon laughed openly at Twilight’s dismay, going as far as to ruffle his hair teasingly. His face burned, nearly as red as her own hair! 
With a wicked smirk and gleaming eye, Time locked gazes with Twilight and inquired casually but with emphasis, 
“Yes, Pup?” 
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creative-frequency · 4 years
Text
Cal Kestis x Reader: DEAR STAR SYSTEM Ch. 01
Word count: 1772 Pairing: Cal Kestis x Female Reader Summary/Contains: Friends to lovers, mild angst, canon-rewrite. As part of the Mantis’ crew, you’re off to save the Jedi on Bracca. Notes: I have loads of plans for this fic, lots of fluff included. Don’t judge me for starting another multi-chap, I don’t know how to stop.
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DEAR STAR SYSTEM // 01
“On Bracca?” you repeat and jump on the cockpit chair. You catch a flash of the serious look on Cere’s face.
“We need to go now,” she urges the ship’s captain and pilot, Greez Dritus.
Greez’s four arms are working in triple speed, a forgotten Salthia bean muffin in one of them. Greez absolutely hates crumbs and the cockpit of the Mantis is food-forbidden area, but this is a more pressing matter than a muffin.
A Jedi – detected hiding on Bracca. The Imperial Inquisitors are already on the move and so should your small crew if you are to reach the Jedi first.
//
The first glimpse you catch of him is dirt and flaring ginger hair.
Cere tells him to keep moving until you’re able to pick him up. You’re trying to pace Greez from freaking out. There is too much going on, including a moving train, Imperial troopers everywhere, several TIE fighters and a few Inquisitors flying around. You wish you could say it’s just another day saving the galaxy but you’re likely at least half as scared shitless as Greez, and he’s handling the Mantis expertly.
If you get through this, you really need to start complimenting him more often.
The Jedi is on the move. An Imperial fighter zooms past you and, no matter how much Cere yells, it drops an explosive on the train, making it break in half and derail. The train’s roof turns into a slide.
“Front of the train!” you shout and point to where the Jedi will inevitably fall down.
Greez steers the Mantis as close as he dares.
The drawbridge is open and the Jedi catches the edge. Before you can run to see if there’s any way you can help, he has already fallen down and the whole ship is shaking from the incoming Imperial fire. Greez curses heavily.
“He fell!” Cere shouts. You help her inside.
“Go down!” You try to peer below in the rain, to see any movement – or a couple of flashing lightsabers, a red and a blue one. A classic showdown but it’s not one of those days when you want to meet an Imperial Inquisitor.
“Shoot!” you scream so that Greez jolts and grabs the gun control. He blasts the Inquisitor, effectively separating the lightsaber fight.
Cere opens the drawbridge again. “Get on board!”
The Jedi scrambles up from the smoking ground, clearly injured and clutching his lightsaber. Cere pulls him inside and throws him right into your open arms when he tries to stay dallying by the doorway.
The poor guy looks like a scazz hit with a flash bomb. He is wet from the rain, dirty and shaking from the adrenaline. He barely meets your eyes before taking a broad distance and lighting up his weapon.
“Captain!”
It’s your signal to leave Bracca.
Cere slams the button and just as the ship doors close, the Inquisitor’s lightsaber leaves a molten slash on the metal.
Another thing Greez won’t be happy about.
The Jedi stares at you for a fleeting second, lightsaber in tow and ready, and sprints to the cockpit to see the Second Sister slam against the windshield. She uses the Force to wrestle control of the ship from Greez and the Mantis starts to spin recklessly. All warning sounds burst into a chaotic song and you try to hold on for your life and not bump into the blue lightsaber. Someone is going to get an earful about flight safety later.
Cere leaps forward and turns the steering wheel briskly. The Second Sister falls off the ship.
For a couple of short breaths, everyone waits. No one dares to put the collective thought of “did we really make it?” out there. Greez and Cere look at each other before he gets up and pulls the handle down. The Mantis jumps into hyperspace, to safety.
The Jedi withdraws his weapon at Greez’s behest and you finally risk taking a heavy breath.
Cal Kestis, he introduces himself. Cere explains the situation as best as she can and as far as she believes is required. Cal keeps rolling his right shoulder, flinching and grinding his teeth as he paces back and forth behind the holotable. His eyes skip between the three of you constantly, still wary and considering the possibility that he isn’t completely safe.
None of you can blame him. He’s been on the run for years to have survived this far. The encounter with the Inquisitor just cut all ties to his runaway life and made him a known fugitive.
“How do you know so much?” Cal asks, still slightly out of breath, “And why’d you help me?”
“We track Imperial communications. We heard the Inquisitors were heading to Bracca,” Cere says calmly, “So we made our move.”
“Oh yeah? What’s the bounty on Jedi these days anyway?” Cal asks in a menacing tone and looks at you on his left side.
“That’s gratitude for ya,” Greez states in a blaming tone, pointing at Cal. Cere sends a silencing look the pilot’s way.
“Look, I get it,” she continues, “You’ve been surviving on your own for so long that it’s impossible to trust anyone. And it’s what’s kept you alive.”
The experience of every surviving Jedi is different but when it comes to staying alive and under the radar, Cere knows what she’s talking about. What she says makes you think back to when you first hopped aboard the Mantis. Your situation was nowhere near as bad as the Jedi’s, but Cere has a way of bringing people together; giving, if not hope, then at least a direction.
Cal doesn’t look convinced.
“But this is about something bigger… Than just surviving,” Cere says. Her voice takes an almost pleading tone.
“Like what?” Cal asks, mildly curious but guarded.
“Like rebuilding the Jedi Order.”
Cere lets the silence sit in. Cal stares at her incredulously, trying to find the words.
“You three?” he questions quietly, scared of giving purchase to hope, “Anybody else?” He looks around as if to see more people in the ship. You notice the way his eyes enliven despite himself and already feel bad for what he’s going to learn next.
“Oh, we’re not good enough for you?” Greez bridles in his usual way.
“The Jedi Council?” Cal asks carefully and looks at Cere. A small shine of hope sparks in his eyes.
She cannot reply.
You step forward, hands folded on your chest and say: “They’re gone.”
Cere nods slightly in accord.
“Oh… So I’m all you’ve got.” Cal’s gaze sinks to the floor from you, disappointed. All those distant dreams about someone restoring the Order, while he works as a rigger on Bracca, are shattered. He knew things were bad but that didn’t stop him from hoping, somewhere deep inside in a place that was never to see daylight. Not that there was much daylight on Bracca anyways.
Your weight shifts from one foot to another, waiting for Cere to say something. She inhales deeply.
“Captain. Set a course for Bogano.”
“Aye, aye.” Greez steps back into the cockpit.
“In the meantime… Try and relax,” Cere says to Cal in a comforting tone. She motions towards the lounging area. “Go. You’re safe. For now,” she adds and goes after Greez.
Cal is left standing awkwardly in front of you, looking like a lost puppy. His ginger hair and dark blue clothes are dripping wet from the rain, covered in soot and the occasional dash of blood. He looks pale and as miserable as can be. You feel genuinely bad for him. He’s still inconspicuously rolling the shoulder.
“Does it hurt?” You nod towards his right arm.
“Uh, it’s nothing,” he replies instantly and lets go of it. The adrenaline is dying down and the pain gets more invasive with every heartbeat.
“Sit down. I’ll find you a stim.” You leave to dig through the containers, watching from the corner of your eye as Cal tentatively sits by the table and looks around him. If Greez dares to complain about wet stains on the sofa, you’ll eat him alive.
The Mantis is not large but it has everything you need. Though, you will be one cabin short now that your crew is expanded into four members.
“Here.” You hand the healing stim to Cal and sit a respectable distance away from him. Even the freckles dotting his skin look pale. He must be hurting.
Cal nods hesitantly and mumbles thanks before injecting it into his shoulder.
“Better?”
“Yeah, better.”
An awkward silence falls. You don’t want to push him into talking if he doesn’t feel like it. Greez and Cere are arguing about the Inquisitors in the cockpit. How to avoid them better. How to stay better informed on their moves. It’s a conversation you don’t want Cal to hear so soon after what happened.
He clears his throat and glances at you, trying to avoid staring. From what he can gather, you’re a human with no visible affiliations. Probably a bit older than him. He gets a very mixed feeling about you but that might be because he’s been used to pushing the Force down and not using it. It feels… odd to try to lean on it now. Like using a regained limb.
On top of it all, he’s afraid of breaking that limb again.
“How’d you get here?” Cal asks to push the surfacing thoughts away. He takes another glance at you. This time it lasts longer.
“Not nearly as fashionably as you. Less explosions,” you reply and flash him a smile that’s hopefully friendly.
He huffs, an almost chuckle, and you feel him relaxing just a little. His shoulder has stopped twitching and he looks more at you than the floor.
“I ran into Cere and decided I want to do something with my life,” you say.
“You weren’t a Jedi, were you? Or somehow related to the Order?” Cal’s voice finally loses the high alert undertone.
“Nah, nothing like that. I had… other engagements,” you explain vaguely.
Cal really wants to ask but decides he doesn’t meet the requirements to unlock your possibly tragic past. Not yet. Why would you even want to open up to a stranger you just met. He just needs something else to think about than what he just went through. Bracca is already far behind, both in distance and his life.
“There’s a free bed in the back if you’d like to rest,” you say and get up from the sofa. Cere and Greez have agreed to disagree and Cal looks a bit more at ease.
“Yeah, thanks.”
//
Next Chapter
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ladylisee · 4 years
Text
"The more you sniff it, the more you understand," he stated confidently, handing me a small round vial halfway filled with a foggy opal blue liquid.
"You're sure this will work?" I asked the old mystic, skeptical. Taking the vial into my hands ever so gently, as if it might shatter against my rough callused hands, I waited for his response.
He erupted into a cackling laughter, causing his blue and gold robes to wiggle around, casting unnatural shadows all over the walls in the room. The fire flickered and grew, responding to the mystic's laugh with a new life to it.
As he composed himself, a log from the fireplace rolled and broke in half, falling into the red hot ashes and sending embers flying wildly into the air around us.
"As sure as my mother's name is Sally." He finally spoke, leaning forwards to get a better look at me with his one good eye. He held out his hand and added,
"just make sure - whatever you do, no matter what happens - be sure to stop sniffing when your nose starts to bleed, or there could be.... grave consequences. Give yourself a day, then you may continue on sniffing. The world will be yours if you so desire. Now," he shook an open hand in front of me, making it obvious his patience was wearing thin.
Still skeptical, I watched him through squinted eyes, never looking away for a second. The air was hot, the embers still drifting around aimlessly. I shoved my hand into a small satchel that was draped over my shoulder. Digging around for a second, my fingers finally located the small leather coin pouch. Pulling it out, I flung it bitterly into his open hand. He laughed some more, his head rocking from side to side as he did, his crooked teeth coming to light.
"Pleasure doing business with you, m'lady." He gave a deep bow and at once, the fire went out in a puff of smoke, the embers dying down rapidly. I was left standing in total darkness, nothing but the ghost of his cackling laughter left behind.
I exited the old shack as quickly as possible. Hiding the vial in my satchel, I pulled my cloak tightly around my slim figure, lifting the hood to cover my face. Becoming one with the night, I disappeared into the shadows.
It was time to put this thing to good use.
...
Even this late into the night, people swarmed the dank streets, hopping from one tavern to the next.
Because our town was built just off a major river, all our buildings were elevated to keep them away from the infectious waters that constantly flooded our stone roadways. No matter where you went in this town, the air smelled of rotting sewage due to the poor irrigation systems. People contracted new diseases here every day, dying horrible deaths because of our water. This was where we all called home, uncomfortable as it may be. I now possessed the understanding to change all that.
I made my way through the streets, heading towards our main piping system. It would take all night, but I wasn't afraid of the time or effort I needed to put in.
Facing the heart of our irrigation system, I pulled the vial from my satchel and uncorked it with a 'BLOOP.' Closing my eyes, I deeply inhaled the fumes that seeped out. They mixed with the smell of the rotting sewage, and I gagged. Even so, knowledge came flooding into my mind. I knew exactly what I had to do.
...
The first birds could be heard before the sun rose. I had finished by the time the shopkeepers began unlocking their doors for the customers. Filth covered me; I smelled worse then the entire town did... or had. This morning, everything was different. The air smelled fresh and clean, something we had never known. People entered the streets breathing clean air, shock hitting them as one by one, they realized something was off.
The vial once again safely tucked away in my satchel, I entered the streets and made a beeline for home. I hadn't made it far when people started connecting the dots. Everyone I passed gave me odd looks. Even the royal guards took notice of me, and not in a good way.
Whispers could be heard as I passed the crowds. "Do you think she's the one who did it?"
"Fixed the irrigation system? There's no way a peasant could do that."
"She smells like sewage. Is that just coincidence?"
Then I heard a guard join in, his gruff voice growling. "There are no 'coincidences.'"
At once I was grabbed and slammed face first against a stone wall, my jaw cracking. I was arrested immediately, no questions asked.
They didn't take me for an audience with the king, or any royalty for that matter. I was taken straight to the five star general of the royal guards and thrown onto my knees before him, hands bound behind my back in shackles.
I had only ever heard stories of him. Nobody saw him unless there was serious trouble. From what I knew, he was a workaholic; he took his job extremely seriously, prideful of his work to the highest degree. He was fair and just, upholding the law with little to no mistakes so the king would never need to be bothered with such petty matters of the town.
"So you fixed the irrigation system did you? All by yourself?" The general spoke slowly, his deep voice smooth and non-threatening.
I kept my head down, afraid to look him in the eyes. "I did," I replied, keeping it short.
"Now, how did a peasant such as yourself achieve that feat all by your lonesome? That's no easy task, young lady." He took a few steps closer to me. I glanced up at him.
"Did I break any laws?" I questioned.
"See, that's where things get complicated. In truth, no, you haven't. Actually, I'd quite like to thank you for your hard work. It's dreadful working in such a disgusting town. The problem I'm having is that I can't understand how you did it. I've had my most educated men down there trying to fix it. We had marked it off as a lost cause." He looked to me, stern and serious, waiting for an answer.
"Maybe that was your problem: you just kept sending men. Maybe you all you needed was a woman's touch." I said snarkily.
The general didn't find this as amusing as I did.
"You're testing my patience, girl. Believe me, I won't take it easy on you. I need answers and I need them now," he demanded.
I stayed silent and looked away.
"So that's how it's going to be. How disappointing." He shook his head and motioned for someone to come forwards. The arresting guard came forwards holding my satchel.
"These were her effects, sir. " He gave a slight bow and handed it over.
At once, the general opened it up and glanced inside. His eyes widened. Raising an eyebrow, he pulled out the round vial. He held it to the light and spoke. "The work of a mystic. Now that makes more sense." The general looked at me. "So you found a mystic, did you? How lucky; they've been gone for centuries. Thought the last of them died off ages ago. This is quite the find. You must have paid a fortune for this." He tossed and caught the vial a few times, playing with it in his hands as if it were a toy. "So how does it work? Do you drink it?" The general questioned me.
I had planned on keeping quiet, but the other guard lifted me by my hair. My feet dangling off the ground, I wriggled in pain and squeezed my eyes shut tight. He was so close to my face I could smell his rotten fish breath with every word. "Now, why don't you be a good girl and answer your general? You don't seem like the type to hold up very long when we start to torture ya." With that he dropped me, and I landed hard. Unable to stay on my feet, I collapsed to the side. My long brown hair spilled across the floor in front of me, I lifted my head slightly.
"The more you sniff it, the more you understand. That's what he told me," I said, defeated. I could feel the general smirk.
"Is that so." His words were distant. I could hear him uncork the bottle. "Rodrick, unchain her," the general commanded. At once, the arresting guard came over and released me from my shackles. I sat up, rubbing my wrists and fixing my hair. I watched the general as he began to inhale the fumes from the vial. His eyes opened wide as if having a realization.
"Incredible," he said airily, taking another deep inhale from the bottle. "Absolutely incredible!" He began to laugh, taking in inhale after inhale. He just didn't stop. "With this, we shall have the most amazing town, the most amazing kingdom! Nobody will dare challenge us! Nobody will dare threaten us!" Like a mad man, he continued on, breath after breath inhaling the fumes, high off of knowledge, stumbling on occasion from the power of it all.
"Rodrick!" He called out. "Rodrick, assemble squads three and squads four, give orders for them to take posts off the north of the town and set up camp. Alert the king at once; we have our new secret weapon, just as he ordered!" The general turned towards me. "What a glorious day you have brought us!! We shall pay you triple whatever it is you gave the mystic. We aren't thieves here. My my, how you've helped your kingdom today. You'll be remembered as a hero! You'll leave a wealthy woman." Giving me a wink, he continued on breathing in the fumes. Out of nowhere, he clutched his chest and lurched forward with a groan.
"Sir," I began timidly. "Sir, maybe you should take a break on that. For your health," I said, concerned.
"Bah! 'Health.' What good is health when the kingdom you've sworn to protect is in danger and the citizens are dying off by the day? No; there's just far too much to do." That's when I saw it. His nose began to bleed, and not slowly either, but hard and gushing.
"Sir, I really must insist, the mystic told me to stop for a day once your nose starts to bleed. You could be in danger. Please, just take a break for the day. You have already learned so much," I warned, worried for his health.
"Mystics are overly cautious!" He gave a dismissive hand wave and turned his back to me, wiping his nose he continued. "I know what my body can handle. With so much work, there is no time for breaks! No time for days off! I've never taken a day off in my life and I won't start now. I've 'learned so much?' There is still so much more! Taking a break now could be positively detrimental to the state of our kingdom. We'll get too far behind. I appreciate your concern, but there are no breaks for me. Not when you're in my position," he said, rather sadly. That's when he started to stumble. Losing balance, he braced himself against a wall. I could see him fighting to stay on his feet. He gave a moan and took a sharp breath in. Sweat began pouring from his forehead, beginning to soaking his entire body.
"Everyone deserves a break, everyone needs to rest; you are only human! Be nice to your body, it's the only one you'll have in this lifetime! The kingdom needs a just man such as yourself. Please, I'm begging you, sir, you must see your worth? Can't you see the signs your body is giving you? You are bleeding! You are in pain! Just take the rest of the day to rest. That's all I ask. It doesn't make you look weak if that's what you're worried about." I pleaded with him, but my words fell on deaf ears.
"And who are you to ask me such a thing? You don't know my life, my story, who I am or what I've been through. I know my worth and I know my strength, and I will continue on until I die!" His skin turning pink, his veins starting to bulge out of his arms, he took another inhale from the vial.
Immediately he turned to face me, red faced, eyes wide. It looked as if his neck was swelling; he couldn't breathe. The vial fell from his hands and shattered against the marble floor, blue liquid going everywhere, the fumes taking over the room. Once again, I was filled with understanding; there was nothing I could do to help him.
I watched helplessly as he fell to his knees, suffering, until he finally fell to the floor, dead and lifeless. While he had valued the kingdom and his job more than life itself, he had taken no time to value his mind and body. For so long it had been this way. With or without that vial, this same flaw would have been the death of him. I shook my head in sorrow, watching his lifeless body in horror.
Guards from outside the door heard the commotion and came running in. They stopped dead in their tracks, shocked at the scene before them.
"What happened?" One of them finally managed to ask.
"He killed himself," I stated bluntly. "He was a man who had so much in life, had attained so much knowledge and understanding, but was filled to the brim with inner turmoil. Instead of facing this - instead of giving himself time, taking the break he desperately needed - he buried himself in work, pride, and the pursuit of knowledge, ignoring all the signs his body gave him. It was just too much for any one man to bear, and it killed him."
I stood and walked over to his body. I grabbed my satchel and slung it over my shoulder. Pulling out a small travel sized wine bottle, I finished off what little was left inside. I bent down, scooping up what little of the opal blue liquid I could manage to save. Re-corking the small bottle, I left to continue on helping to improve the town for myself and the others that lived here.
But maybe first a shower.
Created from prompt #818 by @wonderful-prompts
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chickensarentcheap · 4 years
Text
Best Part of Me -Chapter 14
Warnings: profanity
Tagging: @c-a-v-a-l-r-y​, @alievans007​, @thunderintheshadows​, @innerpaperexpertcloud​
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It’s shy of three in the morning when he wakes with the baby; jarred from sleep by the initially soft yet insistent whimpers and cries from the bassinette at the end of the bed. Even with the meds he’d taken before bed, Tyler’s still able to awaken at the drop of a dime, his brain and body on high alert. Years of having to constantly be on guard and ready for any possible threat engrained in every inch of him. Even the smallest of movements or noise can have him fully alert in seconds; the wind gently rattling the windows, the dog knocking something over downstairs, one of the kids mumbling or tossing and turning in their sleep.  It used to cause instant panic when he bolted awake; brain trying to ascertain if there was a legitimate threat, and if there was, how to deal with it. Now he’s able to stay calm. No cold sweat, no racing heart, no struggle to breathe.
“Tyler, “Esme mumbles beside him when the crying begins to increase in intensity, then digs in elbow into chest.
“I’m awake,” he says, and rolls over onto his back, pressing the heels of the palms into his eyes before sitting up swinging his legs over the side of the mattress.  It’s their ‘thing’ if the baby stays in their room: anything after two am, he willingly tends to. Five kids in six years? He figures it’s the least he can do.
The bedroom door creaks open and Mac pads into the room. Since moving his nightly routine changed, preferring to sleep in the middle of the upstairs hallways in case he senses any of his people –especially the little ones- needed him.  And he immediately sits down at the side of the bassinette, a head cocked to the side as he watches Tyler intently, as if questioning what is taking him so long to react.
“You have to just bring her to me,” Esme says, and give a loud, long yawn. “I’ve been slacking. I didn’t make any bottles up after we ran out this morning.”
“You need to get your shit together then,” he teases, groaning as he stands. The pain isn’t too bad tonight, just a dull ache in the deepest parts of his shoulder and a stiff knee.
“You need to bite me,” she retorts, and tosses a pillow in his direction.
“See that,” he speaks to the dog, ruffling the fur at the back of his neck. “See what I put up? Her throwing shit at me?”
“You’re lucky I don’t smother you with it sometimes,” she informs him, as she sits up in bed and catches the pillow when he tosses it back. Arranging it and two others behind her back for comfort. “You were talking in your sleep. Again.”
“That’s your thing. I do not talk in my sleep.”
“I’m going to record you. You were talking about Austin and Millie and something about ‘leaving yet’. That’s three night in a row. What are you dreaming about?”
“I don’t know.” he lies, as he unwraps the baby from the tight swaddling he’d put her in before bed, then lifts her to his chest; one hand on her diapered bum, the other on the back of her head, his lips pressed to her thick, silky hair.   She settles almost immediately, a tiny fist finding the chain around his neck and gripping tightly.
“But it was about Austin and Millie?” she inquires.
“I guess. I don’t remember. Guess it was one of those dreams you forget about as soon as you wake up.”  It’s bullshit of course. He remembers ever second of it. Every vivid detail whether big of small. The smell of the ocean, the feel of the sand beneath his feet and between his toes, the sounds of their voices and their laughter. The same backdrop as his old visions and dreams of Austin, only with an extra and even more painful component.
“I guess,” she gives another yawn, as he lays the baby in her arms and she turns her face up towards him when he leans down to press a kiss to her lips. “Where are you going?” she asks, when he pulls on a pair of sweatpants and heads for the door.  
“I’m hungry? Want anything?”  It’s a small and simple gesture that he’d adopted years ago when they’d first brought Mille home: bringing her a small snack and something to drink while the baby was at the breast. It’s not much, but it’s down with love and immense gratitude.  After all, she’d single handily given him a new life: a chance to get things right as a husband and a father. What were small tokens appreciation in the grand scheme of things?”
“Surprise me,” she smiles. “But I swear to God, if you bring any vegemite into this bed, I will make you sleep on the couch for at least a month.”
“One vegemite sandwich coming up, he teases, chuckling as she flips him the middle finger.
He checks on the kids before heading downstairs; fixing blankets and fetching pillows from off the floor, careful not wake them when getting them settled back into comfortable positions. The twins once again in the bottom bunk together, this time with their backs pressed together, each of them clutching a beloved stuffed animal –or their ‘lovies’ as they call them- to their chests. Declan is on the floor beside his toddler bed; on his stomach, knees tucked into his body, ass in the air. The same way he’s been sleeping since he was a baby and could get himself into the position on his own. He’s fallen out sometime in the middle of the night and had decided it was way too much effort to get back into bed. Tyler leaves him where he is, simply covering him with his comforter before leaving the room.
He spends the most time in with Millie. Crouched by the side of her bed, a hand on her head as he watches her sleep. Trying to full his brain with better, happier images of her. And erase the feelings of anxiety and dread that threaten to eat him alive.
****
“Everything okay?” Esme asks when he finally returns, bringing with him a plate of peanut butter and banana sandwiches and two glasses of milk.
“Your brother’s passed out on the back deck,” he replies, as he sits one of the drinks down on the table next to her side of the bed.  
When he’d gotten into the kitchen, he’d thought he was going insane because he could hear a very distinct snore coming from outside. It isn’t unusual to get wildlife that close to the house; extremely tame and bold kangaroos and koalas that would come right up to the sliding door looking for food. But he’d never heard any animal that sounded like THAT. So it came as no real surprise when he’d flipped on the outside light and found Kyle passed out in one of the reclining chairs, surrounded by several, if not dozens, of empty better bottles.
“Did you wake him up?” she asks. “Tell him to either come in or leave?”
“Fuck him. I felt him there. He’s thrashed. There’s at least half a two four he finished when he got here. He wants to get loaded and show up here like that, he can pay the price and sleep outside.”
“I hope Becky or Mildred don’t pee on him,” she muses.  Becky being the one of their frequent koala guests and Mildred a young kangaroo that will eat grapes and heads of lettuce out of the palm of your hand. “Or try to hump him in his sleep.”
“Probably the best action he’s gotten in a while. So maybe it’s a good thing if they do.”
“You are slightly disturbing,” she laughs, as he slides back into bed and settles himself beside her, leaning back against the headboard and placing the plate of food between them. “Now I’m intrigued,” she says, as she reaches for a sandwich. “Are you insinuating that Nik sucks in bed?”
“Are you asking me from my personal experience? I thought you don’t like to talk me to talk about those kinds of things.”
“You can’t drop a comment about kangaroos and koala sex and not expect me to want more details. By the way...” she bites into the sandwich and then gives a long, dramatic sigh. “...you’re the best. You actually made my favorite.”
He reaches out and puts a hand on the side of her head, gently pulling her towards him and pressing a kiss to her temple.
“So?” she presses. “Was she? Bad in bed?”
“I don’t know if bad is the word I’d use to describe it.”
“Well if you kept going back for it, it couldn’t have been THAT bad.”
Tyler shrugs. “Desperate times call for desperate measures. “She was just...I don’t know...boring?”
“Vanilla?”
“So vanilla it hurts.”
“Really? That surprises me. I always thought she’d be a while child between the sheets.”
“I always thought maybe you two...you know...”
“What?” she laughs. “Oh my god. Nik? She is so not my type. And in all honesty, I’ve only ever done that twice. Long before I met you. Even before I met Mark.”
“I think it’s totally hot.”
“What? Thinking of me with another girl?”
Tyler nods. “Not that I want you to run off and cheat on me with a girl. Or bring one home. Because I don’t do shit like that and I don’t like to share. But it’s still hot. Thinking about it.”
She arches an eyebrow. “You think about it a lot?”
“I dunno,” he shrugs. “Sometimes, I guess. Not a lot. Just you know, once or twice when I’ve had to do things on my own.”
“You’re dirty,” she chides, and nudges him with her elbow. “No wonder I love you so much. That filthy mind of yours. The best part is that it doesn’t just stay in your mind. You’re not shy when it comes to those sorts of things.”
“Well when you’re married to a nympho, you get to try a lot of things. Especially when she’s as freaky as you are. But yeah. She was boring.”
“In what way?”
“I had to do all the work,” he reveals. “Might as well have been fucking the mattress. Should have just stuck to....” he makes an up and down hand motion, symbolizing jerking off. “...wouldn’t have all the fucking drama following me around. She also only like to receive not give. And when I say doesn’t like to give, I mean not once. Ever.”
Esme snorts. “My heart bleeds for you. You poor baby.”
“It’s all good You make up for it. And then some?”
“Is she the last person you were with before me?”
“Yup.”
“How long before?”
“Few months.”
“And you never...in four months...slept with anyone else?”
“Didn’t feel the need to. I would have eventually if the dry spell lasted any longer. Getting laid wasn’t on my list of priorities so I didn’t think about going out to find some random to fuck. And then he showed up...” he shrugs.
“Must have like Christmas for you,” she grins.
“Five days of the best Christmas ever,” he declares.
She takes another bite of her sandwich. “So how many were there?” she casually asks.
“How many what?”
“Women. In your life.”
“I dunno. I didn’t keep track.”
Her eyes widen. “That many? So many you couldn’t keep track? Are you serious right now?”
“No. I just didn’t bother keeping tracks. Who cares? It was just fucking. No big deal.”
“So just randoms, or...”
He sips his milk. “Why are we even talking about this?”
“I’m curious. We’ve been married for almost six and a half years and we’ve never talked about it.”
“Why is there a reason to.”
“I told you how many men I’d been with,” she reminds him.
“Yeah, but I didn’t ask because it didn’t matter to me. I knew you had a life before me. What you did and who you did it with didn’t matter.”
“Is it under a dozen?”
“Esme....stop...”
“Two dozen?”
He just smiles.
“More than two dozen? Is it between three and four?”
“Not that many,” he chuckles. “I didn’t want my dick falling off ‘cause I caught something. Two dozen. Maybe a bit more. And they were randoms at first and then became people I could call up when I was in town.”
“Have you ever talked to any of them while you’ve been out of town in the last six years?”
Tyler frowns. “I’m a lot of things, but I’m not cheater. I would never do that to you. I love you way too much to something like that. I’m perfectly happy being a one-woman man.”
“I wonder if they wonder where you ever disappeared to. All your little pieces of ass stashed all over the world. I bet they miss you. Because you like to give more than you like to receive.”
“That’s definitely one of my better qualities. I know you don’t complain.”  He gives the remaining half of a sandwich to Mac, places the plate and glass on the nightstand, and then wraps his arm around her shoulders. Settling himself tightly against her as she moves Addie from one breast to the other.  
“You don’t have to stay up,” Esme says. “You can go back to sleep.”
“I know I don’t have to stay up. But I want to.”
She smiles and rests her head against his chest as he rubs at her arm with one hand and then reaches across his body with the other; gently laying his palm against Addie’s head, thumb repeatedly stroking her hair. And he leans his head back and closes his eyes, relaxing in the warmth of his wife’s body against him and the soft, content noises that the baby makes as she feeds.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Esme asks, and his eyes flicker open. He’s pretty sure he’d fallen asleep, his arm now loose around her, the hand that had been holding Addie’s head now resting in his lap.
“About what?”
“Your dream. That one that made you talk in your sleep.”
“I told you,” he grimaces as he stretches his legs out. “I don’t remember what it was about.”
“And I don’t believe you.” she says, as she buttons up the old dress shirt of his that she’s worn to bed, then places Addie against his chest. “You and your useless nipple are needed now,” she chides.
He places a hand between the baby’s shoulders, fingers supporting her hand, then uses the other to rub her back in slow, soft circles in an attempt to burp her.
“So?” Esme presses. “What was it about?”
“It’s three in the morning,” he reminds her.
“We’ve had a lot of talks at three in the morning. So out with it. Fess up. Or I won’t let you go back to sleep at all if you don’t. I’m not fucking around, Tyler. You need to stop holding shit back. It’s not good for you. It’s not good for us.”
He sighs.
“I don’t know why you feel like you have to hold things back. We’ve been together for six and a half years. We have five kids together. You’d think by now that you’d trust me enough to tell me things.”
“This is not about trusting you,” he assures her. “I trust you. With our kids' lives. With my life. It’s about not wanting to put more on you. You’ve got enough on your plate.”
“And you always help me deal with things, right? Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do? Help each other? We’re a team. If we can work together and successfully keep five little humans alive, I think we can successfully help one another deal with shit.”
He smirks. “You’re starting to sound too much like the therapist.”
“Who happens to be highly educated and respected,” Esme points out. “So stop.  Please. Just tell me. It’s been three nights in a row. And I know it’s the same dream because you’re taking about the same two people each time. So...”
“It’s about Austin. And Millie,” he confirms the obvious.
“Okay. And....?”
“Just the three of us. Walking on the beach. And they’re ahead of me and they’re holding hands and talking and laughing and feels so...I don’t know...perfect.”
She gives a small smile and patiently waits for him to continue.
“And they start walking towards the water and I keep telling them to come and back and they’re not listening to me. No matter how close I think I’m getting to them, they just keep getting further and further away.”
He can feel it. The anxiety gnawing at his chest and stomach, the emotion that begins contracting his throat, the tears that burn his eye. And he closes them; cursing his fucked up brain and trying to concentrate on the ‘here and now’. On his wife’s hand as it comes to rest on his thigh, rubbing softly. And on that tiny baby pressed to his chest; the feel of her hair against his fingers and the smell that clings to her body and clothes.  
“And I yelling at them to stop,” he continues. “To just come back. And then they just start fading away and I freak out, telling them that it’s not time yet. I’m for them to go.”  The tears come easily now, and he screws his eyes tightly shut to hold them back. “Both of them. Gone. Just like that. And I can’t do anything to stop it.”
“It’s okay,” her voice is gentle and soothing, her hand moving comfortingly along his thigh and over his knee. “It’s alright now. It was just a dream. Do you know what might have brought it on?”
“Millie’s going to be six.”
“I know that.” She shifts her position on the bed; turning to face him and reaching out to clear his tears away with gentle fingers.  
“Austin was six,” he says. “When he died.
“I knew it would be hard for you. I didn’t know how hard though. Why didn’t you tell me about this? How long as it been going? The dream. The way you're feeling.”
“Two or three weeks,” he admits.
“And you never said anything?”
“We just had a baby. I didn’t want to talk about that kind of shit.”
“It’s not shit. It’s your son. And one of your daughters. You didn’t have to hold that in, Tyler. You know you didn’t. What are you thinking? Right now. Tell me what’s going on in your head.”
“I’m worried. I’m worried and I’m fucking scared. That she’s going to wake up that morning and she’s going to be sick. And it’s going to be something terrible that no one will be able to help her and I’m going to lose her too.”
“Jesus....Tyler...” she lays a hand on the side of his face and he turns into it, pressing a kiss against her palm. “...you’ve been keeping all that in for all this time?”
He nods.
“Why? Why do you do that to yourself? I hate that you keep doing this. Torturing yourself like this.”
“I don’t want to lose her. She’s my first. After Autism. I didn’t think I’d ever be a dad again. And then you came along and gave me her.”
“Millie’s fine though. She’s happy. She’s healthy.”
“Austin was too. Healthy. Until he wasn’t.”
“Do you realize the chances of that happening? Her waking up sick like that? You know it’s slim to none, right?”
“Logically, yeah. But my fucking brain isn’t actually thinking logically these days, is it. I mean, what if it’s my fault? What if I’ve got some messed up gene and I passed it down to her?”
“That’s not how it works, baby. You did not give Austin cancer. In the same you’re not going to give it to Millie. You know that’s irrational, right? To think that way?”
He nods.
Esme sighs, then takes the baby from him and places her middle of the bed. Climbing into his lap, she holds his face in both hands, eyes never leaving his as her fingers wipe away his tears. “Nothing is going to happen to Millie,” she insists.  “She’s fine. She’s not going to get sick.”
“You don’t know that.”
“You probably have a better chance of getting hit by lightning than you do of her getting sick. I wish I knew what to do for you. To take all the pain away. Because I’d do it. In a heartbeat.”
He manages a smile. “I know you would.”
“You don’t deserve this. You don’t deserve any of the hell your brain is putting through. I’m sorry....” she fights back her own tears. “...that I can’t help.”
“You do,” he says.  “More than you realize.”
She presses a kiss to his forehead, and wrapping both arms around her waist, rests his head against her chest and holds her as tight as he possibly can.
****
He’s up minutes before sunrise, leaving Esme and the baby sleeping as he heads downstairs, Mac following close behind. It’s their morning ritual when it’s just the two of them; Tyler sipping coffee out on the back patio while he watches the sun come up, then Mac for a walk along the beach and allowing him run in and out of the surf. He relishes that before the kids wake up, when the house is still cloaked in peaceful slumber. It gives him a chance to catch his breath. Allows his nerves and his brain to relax before all the noise and commotion of the day begin.  
This morning he takes two coffees out outside with him: setting them down on the table before standing alongside the reclining chair that his brother in law sleeps in, an arm and a leg dangling over the side. And he shakes his head in a mixture of dismay and disgust and directs a solid kick at Kyle’s foot.
“Get up,” he orders.
Kyle mumbles in his sleep; a mixture of refusals and profanities.  Then rolls over onto his side.
Tyler digs his knee into the small of his brother in law’s back. pressing painfully hard against the middle of his spine.   “I said get up.”
“Go away,” the other man mutters. “Fuck off.”
“You’re passed out drunk outside of my place and you’re telling me to fuck off? Either your drunk ass up or I’ll get do it for you. Easy way or the hard way. Your choice.”
Kyle relents; groaning in agony as he sits up in the chair. Eyes screwed tightly shut, a hand resting against his forehead. “I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”
“I’ve seen a guy that’s been hit by a truck. You look worse. Here,” he taps one of the coffee mugs against Kyle’s shoulder. “Drink it. Hopefully it helps sober you up. You’re trashed. You smell like you brought the whole bar back with you.”
“I feel like I drank the whole bar.” He clasps the mug in his hands, sipping gingerly at the piping hot brews. “Now that’s good.”
“Be thankful I woke up before your sister. I love her, but she can’t make decent for shit.”
Kyle laughs at that, then moans in agony and places a hand against his aching head. “What time is it?”
“Just after six.” Tyler drops into the chair beside him, placing his bare foot on the small table in front of him. “I want you sobered up before the kids get up for school. And I want all this shit...” he nods down at all the empty beer bottles. “...cleaned up.  I don’t want them seeing this shop. And take a fucking shower. You reek.”
Kyle scowls. “I’m not one of your kids.”
“No, but you brought your shit around my kids. I don’t want them around this. It’s why I got clean. So they wouldn’t see what a mess I could be. And they don’t need to be seeing you like that either. The fuck is wrong with you?  Bringing this crap to my house?”
“You said if I needed a place to crash...”
“I didn’t mean to show up loaded. Have some respect for my wife. For my kids. We don’t live like this. If you wanted to get trashed, you should have done it somewhere else.”
“I wasn’t thinking about all of that,” he admits. “You cleaning yourself up. I just needed to get there hell out of there and I knew I’d be welcome here. Or at least I thought I would be.”
“Cry me a fucking river. How’d you even get here anyway?”
“Drove.”
“How drunk were you?”
Kyle shrugs.
“You’re a fucking drongo.”
The other man frowns. “What’s that mean?”
“Means you’re an idiot.”
“You always this grumpy in the morning or...”
“I can get worse if you like,” Tyler offers. “I’ve had three hours sleep, I’m in fucking agony, and now I’m putting up with your bullshit. So do me a favor and drink the coffee and keep your mouth shut and just sit there and enjoy the fucking sunrise.”
Kyle holds a hand up in surrender, then sips slowly at his drink.
Tyler basks in the silence, sitting low in his chair with both feet on the table. Enjoying fresh, hot coffee and the brilliant sunrise and listening to the sound of the ocean. The waves are strong today, and local forecasters had already declared it an excellent day of surfing. It’s how he plans to spend his afternoon once Esme returns from the doctor and takes over watching the baby and Declan. She never denies him those things; the hobbies that help keep him grounded and sane. And he knows how lucky he is; not to have to worry about a wife that constantly demands his attention and can’t take care of herself.   That he’d been blessed to find someone with a personality equally as strong as his; fiercely independent, tenacious, assertive to a fault.
He sits up and glances towards over his shoulder as the screen door slides open, smiling at her as she steps out of the house with Declan on her hip.
“Well...well...well...” she says, as she glares at Kyle. “...look who got right messed up last night.”
“Thanks to you,” her brother grumbles.  
“Do you feel as good as you look? Because you look like shit.”
He flips her the middle finger.
“Charming. Go see daddy,” she kisses the side of Declan’s head and sets him on the ground. “You might want to cover his ears,” she says to Tyler, as Declan climbs up onto his lap and he helps the toddler hold the mug, allowing him to sip at now lukewarm coffee.  What the fuck is wrong with you?” she addresses her brother. “You bring this shit here? Or all the houses to bring your drunk ass to! Where my kids live. Are you unhinged?”
“I wasn’t thinking about that,” he admits.
“Obviously. We don’t want this shit here, Kyle. You know the struggle that this house has gone through with booze. And you still bring it here?”
“I went to your neighbors first, but she didn’t answer the door.”
“Oh...my....God. Are you serious? You went to Salena’s? Why would you do that?”
“Who’s Salena?” Tyler asks.
“The new neighbor,” Kyle replies. “Bruh...she’s pretty cute too.”
Tyler looks back his wife. “We have a new neighbor?”
“She moved into the place next door.” Esme says. “If you left the house more often, you would have met her by now.”
“Hey now, I’m the innocent one here. Don’t freak out on me.”
She gives an apologetic smile, then turns back to her brother. “What would possess you to go there?”
“I met her yesterday. She seemed nice.”
“Nice enough to that she’d welcome your drunk ass into her house. Jesus Christ, Kyle. You’re here one day and you’re already fucking things up? We’ve lived here six months and have had no issues. Until now.”
“Well if you hadn’t have caused issues last night, I wouldn’t have had to come here in the first place,” he retorts.
“Oh that’s it. Blame your shitty taste in women on me.”
“You introduced us!”
“He’s got a point,” Tyler remarks, and then shrugs when she glares at him.
“I didn’t think you’d end up that serious about her!” Esme exclaims. “I mean, she has history with your own brother in law. You don’t think it’s the least bit weird that you’re marrying someone that’s fucked him?” she nods in Tyler’s direction. “Someone that’s married to your sister. That’s messed up, Kyle.”
He looks to Tyler for back up.
“This isn’t the hill I want to die on, mate. This is between you two. I’ve got nothing to do with this. In fact...” he sets the mug down on the ground and stands up, taking a hold of Declan and placing him on his shoulders; reaching up to place a protective hand on his son’s back as the toddler wraps both arms around the top of his head.  “We’re getting the hell out of here before we get brought into this.”
Esme watches him as he goes, Declan holding on as tight as he can, Mac happily trotting alongside of them.  And they stop at the edge of the water and Tyler places their son on the sand, rolling up the pajama pants up to Declan’s knees before taking his hand and leading him into the water.
“What the hell, Kyle?” she turns back to her brother. “Tyler’s been sober for six months. Half a year. And you bring this...” she gestures towards all the empties. “...here? Around a recovering alcoholic?”
“He’s a big boy. He doesn’t need you babysitting him.”
“This isn’t about babysitting him. This is about how he still struggles with it and how, of all the things I want him to keep, his sobriety is at the top of the list. Do you ever think of anyone other than yourself?”
“That’s rich coming from you, kid. Seeing as you single handily tried to destroy my whole life last night.”
“That’s not what I was trying to do and you know it.”
“No. You just wanted revenge. On Nik. And you didn’t care if I got hurt in the process. Look, I get it. She tried to wreck your marriage. But you guys have nearly wrecked it yourselves a few times. You guys have always been a fucking mess. Right from day one. I mean, look at how things started between you two. Are you trying to tell me that’s normal?”
“I never said it was. I’ve never denied how screwed up it was. But we built on that. Or we’ve tried to, at least. We aren’t perfect but we work hard at things. We bust our asses and make things work when sometimes it would be easier to just walk away. So don’t come to my house and talk shit about my marriage when six months ago all you cared about was finding something warm to stick your dick in.”
“Mommy,” Tanner appears in the doorway. “We’re hungry.”
“I’m coming, baby boy. Give me a minute, okay? You guys get your bowls and your spoons ready. Get Millie to climb up on the counter and get the toaster off the top of the fridge. She knows where the bread is, and she knows how to make toast.”
“Okay,” he cheerfully agrees, and then rushes out and gives her legs a tight hug. “Love you, mommy. Uncle Kyle...” he looks at him, nose wrinkled in disgust. “...you stink.”
Esme places a hand on the back of her son’s head and gently pushes him towards the door. “Go inside. Get things started.  And tell your brother it’s his turn fill Mac’s food and water dishes.”
“What if he gets mad about it and hits me?”
“Hit him back. Hard. Don’t take his crap.”
“Okay!” he chirps, and then rushes back into the house, hollering instructions at his siblings.
“Can you at least clean this up?” she asks Kyle, nodding down at the mess of bottles. “I don’t want them seeing this when they come out here with their breakfast.”
He nods in agreement.
“I don’t have time for this, K. Not first thing in the morning. I have to run into town later and if you want to tag along, we could grab something to eat somewhere and talk. I think we need to talk.”
“I think so too.”
“You’re welcome to stay here. If things are that bad with you and Nik. But don’t ever shit talk my husband or my marriage again. You’re the last person I’d take relationship advice from. The fact you’d even hook up with a woman who tried to run my life makes me sick. That’s low, Kyle. That’s really low.”
A loud smack followed by an “Owww! What the hell, Tanner?” breaks some of the tension.
“Mommy said I could if you got lippy.”
“I’ll kick your ass!” TJ rages.
“I’d like to see you try!”
“I’ll kick both your asses!” Millie hollers, and through the window that sits above the sink, Esme can see her daughter standing on the counter in her attempt to get the toaster, glaring down at her brothers.  
“Jesus...” Kyle laughs. “...is this every day?”
“This is a tame morning, believe it or not. There’s usually some blood shed by now.”
“Mommy!” Tanner hollers. “Addie’s awake and she’s crying! Lots!”
“Hey!” Esme yells back, knocking on the window. “Tyler James! If you even think about punching your brother in the nuts, I will come in there and put the fear of God into you.  What is wrong with you?!”
“He hit me first!”
“Because you gave me the finger when I told you that mommy said to put food and water in Mac’s dishes!” Tanner informs him.  
“Mommy, can we put them both up for adoption?” Millie inquires, as she puts the toaster down on the counter and jumps down. “Please? Because this is too much bullshit to put up with!”
Kyle laughs even harder. “Need some help?”
“This isn’t my first rodeo.  But if I don’t get in there now, there will be a full out brawl between the three of them. And Millie will win.  She can take both of them. At the same time.”
He grins. “Tough like her mom.”
“Oh no. She is all her father. Want some breakfast? I promise I’ll feed you more than cheerios and toast.”
“I don’t know. Can you cook better than you make coffee?”
“Tyler told you about my coffee, huh? What a dick. I better get in there. Before someone gets a black eye or a split lip or worse.”
She leans down and presses a kiss to his cheeks, then tousles his hair before heading into the house to tend to the pleas of help from her children.
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sweetteajavi · 4 years
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The faster he fucked his hand, the closer he was to his release. His mind was plagued with memories of you, with the way you said his name, almost as if you were actually saying it. The moment he came all over his hand and chest, he became very aware of your moans and the fact that you actually were moaning his name. He immediately sat up, cleaning himself up with your torn panties, tossing them under the bed before standing up, now fully naked. He moved closer to the bathroom door, leaning his ear against it, and he couldn't mistake your moans and the call of his name. He knew you weren't really calling him but it was like you were. He heard the way you were breathless and the unmistakable moans from you reaching your climax. However, they sounded different, unsatisfied even. Javi was quick to enter the bathroom, moving towards you. Within seconds, he had his hand over your mouth, his body pining yours against the wall. "Want me to help you get off right nena?" Javier leaned into your ear, letting his breath fan over your skin as he asked. He chuckled at the way you nodded your head enthusiastically.
Javier let his hand wander down your body, letting his fingers drag down the skin of your back before getting to your ass, slapping it. "Don't want you touching yourself unless it me bebita, my fingers inside of you." He moved his hand up to cup your breast roughly, kneading it without relent as his other hand made its trek down to your pussy. He didn't waste a second as he plunged two fingers inside of you, pumping them in and out without mercy. He bit your ear as he kept his body flush against yours, wanting to feel everything you felt. He curled his fingers, rubbing them against your g-spot in a come hither motion. He smirked at the way you responded to his fingers. He knew you were already pretty sensitive and it didn't take long for you to climax all over his fingers as he fucked your cunt with them at a relentless pace. He felt your cum drip down his fingers, your pussy clenching them tightly as he kissed your neck and then cheek as you came down from your high. Javier leaned down and captured your lips with his as he let his hands touch your body, caressing you wherever he could. He tugged you into him closer, the kiss getting needier.
Javier laughed at your question and shrugged, returning the question back to you. He raised an eyebrow as a sneaky smirk crossed his features at your response. Before he could respond, you mentioned you'd let him shower before giving him a kiss and leaving the room. He watched you leave and chuckled to himself as he stood under the water, soaking himself. He scrubbed quickly, running his hands through his hair, washing out the shampoo before getting his loofah and his soap, scrubbing his body. One thing he was big on was being clean. After rising all of the soap off, he turned the shower off, drying himself as much as he could before wrapping the towel around his waist. He walked out into the room and he felt the way your eyes watched his every move as he moved towards his dresser. He removed the towel, standing there in all his naked glory as he heard a soft sound come from you. He smirked and turned to look at you, seeing you holding the pair of boxers he gave you in your hands. "Por que no te las pusiste cariño?"
Javier watched as you held them up and he glanced at you before chuckling and grabbing them mid air when you tossed them to him. "Yeah you're right." He slipped them on, grabbing one of his favorite pairs of jeans, slipping into them as best as he could, considering he was still kind of wet and that makes it hard to put clothes on. He pulled them up to his hips, leaving them unbuckled as he grabbed his shirt, slipping it on. He tucked it into his pants before finally buckling them, slipping on his belt. After finally getting fully dressed, he grabbed some socks and his boots, sitting next to you on the bed, putting them on as he listened to your story. Once he was done, he stood back up, walking to his dresser to comb and style his hair. After, he grabbed his cologne, spraying it on himself and rubbing some on his hands to pat onto his cheeks, neck, and chest. Once he checked himself for the last time in the mirror, he turned to look at you and ask if you were ready. You nodded absentmindedly and he furrowed his brows. You were staring at him like he was something peculiar and he shifted in place. He called your name and that seemed to snap you out of your thoughts as you laughed quietly. He felt the tips of his ears heat up just a bit as you confessed how much you were attracted to him. He chuckled as you moved away to get your things and toss his keys at him as if you didn't just say what you said.
The drive back to your apartment wasn't long but Javier kept his hand on you the entire way. The feel of your skin against his was overwhelming and he could never get enough. He'd feel your stare on him often and he'd turn, catching you off guard, making you blush. He'd love to tease you further, winking or smirking at you when he caught you. Arriving at your apartment, Javi parked his car and walked with you inside. The moment you opened the door, you started to undress and Javier almost had a heart attack. He quickly closed the door behind him, not wanting anyone walking by to get a glance at you as he started his journey of picking up your clothes from the floor as he cursed you for being such a tease. "Esta niña me va a matar. Mierda! Para de tirar tu ropa por todos lados! Que si un maricón te ve? This girl is going to kill me." He muttered under his breath. He dropped your clothes on top of your couch as he waited for you. He checked his phone, responding to a few text messages he received from Murphy and other agents at the Embassy, updates on their current case. He heard the click of your heels after a while and he looked up, taken aback by your outfit. You looked gorgeous but he could see in your eyes you were a bit worried.
Javier smiled and nodded as he checked you out. “You look more than okay nena. Te ves hermosa.” Javi stood when you motioned towards the door, stepping out and waiting for you. As soon as you closed the door, he took your hand in his as the both of you walked back to his car. He opened the door for you, helping you in since he noticed you struggling just a little bit. He kissed your cheek before jogging over to the driver’s side, slipping in. He started his drive towards the mall, occasionally glancing over to look at you as he held your hand, fingers intertwined. As he pulled into the large parking lot, he groaned as he looked around, seeing it was full to the brim. “Nunca hay estacionamiento aquí. Es como que estas personas no tienen vida.” He muttered under his breath. He drove around, eyes alert as he looked for any parking space. “You’re very lucky I like you.” He looked over at you and smirked as he said that. After a bit more driving, luck fell on his side and a parking space near the entrance opened. He parked quickly and helped you out of the car as he walked beside you into the mall. It was very crowded and Javi observed everyone with caution. He didn’t mean to do it, it was just habit. He looked around at a few of the stores and then at you to see if any caught your attention. He felt your hand constantly brush against his and after a while, he caught on to what you wanted. He found it peculiar how you could be so confident and bold about most things in your life but when it came to intimate moments, you were shy. He found it refreshing in a way. He didn’t feel so alone when it came to his cautious feelings.
Javier reached for your hand, interlacing his fingers with yours. He glanced at you to make sure you were okay with him holding your hand (even though he’s done far worse to you). You smiled brightly at him as you tugged him towards one of the stores that caught your eye. He willingly followed, enjoying your sudden spark of confidence. As you made fun of his phone for the hundredth time, he rolled his eyes and fake laughed before deadpanning at you for a second. He couldn’t hold the serious face as he saw your bright smile and joined into your laughter as you walked away from the store. He watched you as you pointed out a few dresses in the windows of the store or shoes and mentally started to “profile” your tastes in his head. He wanted to take in every little thing you liked for future reference. He felt you grip his hand tightly before letting go and he looked at you with a raised eyebrow but decided not to comment as he brought your hand to his lips, kissing your knuckles. As soon as he lowered your hand, a woman approached him and he immediately stiffened, ready to help. Often in public, he would be asked for help once they noticed his badge, the one he constantly hung on his belt buckle.
“Excuse me?”
Javier looked at the woman before clearing his throat. He watched her bite her lip and he felt a tad bit uncomfortable. “Is there something I can help you with ma’am?”
“Yes, I was wondering which way is ‘Seductive Treasures’?” Before he could respond to her, she looked at you and smiled. “It’s so sweet seeing a father shopping with his daughter. You two look so much alike.”
Javier’s eyes widened at her statement as he looked down at you and noticed how red you’d become with anger. He squeezed your hand in comfort, hoping you’d calm down. He knew that the age difference was a bit noticeable but he didn’t think someone would comment on it so soon. He swallowed thickly as he watched you slowly move in front of him, ready to face off the woman. He wouldn’t lie. It was pretty hot. Everything happened so fast, one second he was listening to you tell the woman he wasn’t your father, the next your lips crashed to his in a bruising kiss, one he immediately reciprocated. He wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer to him as he kissed you passionately. You pulled away from him as he growled quietly, upset that you ended the kiss too soon. He didn’t even notice the woman had left as he kept his intense gaze on you. “Kiss me again.” Before you could even finish your sentence, he slammed his lips back to yours, almost dipping you back with the intensity of it. He groaned when your fingers brushed through his hair as he kept his lips on yours. You pulled away again and he couldn’t help but pout as you reassured him that there was plenty of time later for it. Without a second to recover, you pulled him into a dress shop, grabbing several dresses from every rack you saw. Javier followed you like a lost puppy. He never went shopping with any of his previous partners as none had asked him to accompany them. Truth was, he loved being involved in his partner’s life. He looked around and walked to a rack of dresses that caught his attention. He held up a light blue dress that really looked more like a mop as he furrowed his brows at it. You laughed at him as you took the dress from him, putting it back on the rack as you assured him you already had some dresses picked out and that you needed his opinion. He followed you towards the dressing room, taking a seat on one of the chairs outside of the room. You mentioned how you wanted his honest opinion and he agreed to be nothing but honest before watching you disappear being the large curtain of your dressing room.
Javier was not prepared for the first dress you tried on. He felt himself harden pretty quickly and he chastised himself as he watched you twirl in front of the main mirror. He swore that it was lingerie and not a dress. “No, ese no. Alomejor otro.” He shifted in his chair as he tried to make it obvious that you had not affected him so quickly. He felt like a teenage boy that had no control of himself. He looked around, noticing a few other men who were also waiting on their missus as they tried on clothes but most were on their phones and when one of the girl’s exited out to show them their dress, the men barely glanced up at them, nodding absentmindedly. He frowned at them and as a few girls passed Javier, he gave them a small thumbs up or a flat palm that he shook to indicate ‘meh’. He wasn't flirting with them and he noticed a few of the girls appreciated the gesture at having another opinion. After a few more minutes, you reappeared out from your dressing room. You were wearing a rather beautiful white dress and the things that crossed Javi’s mind would send him straight to hell. He looked at you slightly wide eyed as he cleared his throat. “Your father’s going to be at the graduation right?” The way you said yes had him narrowing his eyes at you as he pointed towards your dressing room. “I don’t know about you but I don’t need daddy trying to kill me on our first meeting.” He heard you mumble dramatico under your breath and he scowled at you as you smirked leaving back to your dressing room. Some of the girl’s that Javi had helped with their clothes watched the whole thing with smirks on their faces. Javi let out a small ‘what?’ and one of the girl’s mentioned how cute he looked when he became protective of you. He huffed and rolled his eyes muttering a small, “no, whatever, shut up.” The girls laughed as one mentioned how much she wished her partner was the same. Javi felt bad for them but he felt okay at knowing he helped them a little.
Dress after dress, Javi said no. He wasn’t trying to be protective but either every dress was too short or too revealing or was just a plain tease to him. He could tell you were getting frustrated. Finally, after the 57th dress, you walked out in a dark blue dress and Javi felt his throat tighten as he looked you up and down. “Que hermosa te ves nena. I think that’s your dress. I do like it.” Javier smiled wide as he stood from his chair, walking towards you. He noticed you eyeing the inevitable bulge he had. He grabbed your chin with his thumb and index finger, making you look up at him as he kissed you sweetly before mumbling into your lips about him liking it so much he might be able to keep his hands to himself. You teased him by saying for him to just not get caught by your father. He huffed quietly as he pecked your lips once more as you left to your dressing room to change back into your clothes. Most of the girls in the dressing room were also leaving and one mentioned how you looked stunning in your dress and Javi agreed wholeheartedly. They waved goodbye as they left to pay, with their glaring partners in tow. Javier didn’t even care about the stares as he turned back to look at your dressing room. He noticed through the cracks that you had finished dressing and he snuck his hand inside, taking the dress from your hands, running towards the counter. You must’ve been insane to think he’d let you pay for it. One of the girls from the dressing room was in line and noticed his rushed state and she laughed knowing what he was doing. She was next in line and she let him in to pay first. He expressed his thanks as he saw you running out towards him with your wallet in hand. He smirked as he had already paid and the associate handed you the bag with your dress inside. He laughed as you pouted up at him. He kissed your cheek sweetly. “Estas loca si piensas que te voy a dejar que pagues. No te preocupes, yo puedo. El dia que no pueda, yo te dejo saber.”
He noticed your mouthing opening to answer but your face contorted to one of discomfort as he heard someone calling your name in the distance. He gripped your waist protectively as you whispered a small ‘hide me’. Javier reacted quickly, moving to stand in front of you but it seemed too late as a young guy approached the both of you. He tapped you on the arm and Javier frowned at him, as he said your name as if he owned it. That didn’t sit well with Javi at all. The way you said the guy’s name back made Javi raise an eyebrow. You clearly weren’t a fan of his at all. Salem. What a stupid name for a stupid guy with a stupid face. Javier watched you interact with him quietly. He knew it wasn’t his place to intervene unless you wanted him to. His grip on your waist tightened, his fingers digging into your flesh. “So, is this your dad?”
Javier felt his jaw clench from the question. Twice in one day. This was definitely something he wasn’t going to get used to. He stepped in front of you protectively about to go off on the guy but you gripped his arm, holding him back. He looked down at you and he noticed a sweet smile grace your features as words that he never ever thought he’d hear, left your lips.
“Him? Oh no, he’s not my father. He’s my daddy.”
Javier died. Both his eyes and Salem’s eyes widened in complete shock at your words. Javier felt like he was short circuiting as he tried to comprehend your words. Javier felt all fight leave his body as he looked down at you and saw the way you were looking up at him with complete enamourment. Javier smirked as he leaned down, capturing your lips with his as he heard Salem stuttering in front of the two of you. He clearly didn’t get the message with the deep kiss. Javi pulled away from the kiss, glaring at him as he pulled you away from him, leaving the boy a fumbling mess in the middle of the store. As soon as the both of you got to a safe distance away from the store, the both of you burst out into giggles as he smirked down at you. “So I’m daddy now?” He watched as you blushed darkly, mumbling in your bashful demeanor how he shouldn’t let it get to his head. This made Javi laugh harder as you mumbled how he was a jerk.
God, how I love you nena.
Javi felt his eyes widen as he looked at you with fear but you had been looking around at the other stores. He didn’t say it outloud. Thank god. He felt his heart rate slow down from the frantic pace it was at seconds ago at what was almost his confession. Why he felt the way he did, he didn’t know. It was way too soon for him to be having any kind of feelings like he is but he couldn’t do anything about it. He fell slave to you.You looked up at him as he was spacing out, asking him if he was okay. He cleared his throat, fixing his composure quickly as he nodded and motioned towards another store, dragging you with him to hopefully distract you from his sudden panic. He pulled you with him towards a few men stores, looking at a few watches, shirts, and even ties. He bought a dark blue tie to match your dress for your graduation and he even gave in and bought the watch that you assured looked very handsome on him. After a few more stores, you dragged him towards a lingerie store and he looked at you apprehensively. If he almost died at seeing you in dresses, how would he react with this?
When you entered, one of the store associates approached you, asking if you needed help. You said yes and walked off with the lady as you mentioned what you had in mind as Javi wandered around almost like a lost little kid, looking at everything wide eyed. Not because it scared him but because he could imagine you in everything he saw and it was killing him. After a bit of wandering around, you found him and motioned towards the dressing room, insisting you needed his opinion on what you were going to try on. He swallowed thickly and nodded quietly as he followed you towards the dressing room where several outfits were already inside. He looked around and saw there were no chairs outside of the room except inside and he looked at you as you motioned for him to take a seat. He begrudgingly did, staring at the floor as you got to undressing quickly. He felt his knuckles straining from how hard he was clenching them in need to control himself, to keep his wandering hands to himself. He heard you clear your throat and he finally looked up at you, feeling the wind being knocked out of his chest. He let his eyes wander over every inch of your body as you explained what you liked and disliked about the outfit but it was falling on deaf ears as he stared at you in it. Finally after you said you didn’t like it, Javier’s mind came back to reality, blinking his eyes and looking away, giving you privacy as you changed into the next outfit. God, you were a fucking tease.
Javier was so lost in his thoughts of “pure” things to not get hard that he didn’t notice you calling him for the second outfit. It wasn’t until you leaned in, grabbing his chin, making him look up at you as he just groaned out in utter frustration. You called him daddy again and he felt like he was going to explode. “Nena, porque me haces esto?” He whined out as he admired how beautiful the corset looked on you with matching lace underwear. You teased about how he was such a horn dog. He frowned at you but his features slowly morphed to one of fear and arousal as you moved towards him, sitting on his lap. His hands moved immediately to your hip, holding you against him as you leaned down and whispered in his ear how much you wanted him. He growled from his chest as he pushed his fingers into your hips hard, a warning to stop what you were doing. Being the brat you were, you didn’t listen as you kissed down his jaw to his neck. He closed his eyes tightly, focusing on the way your lips dragged against his skin. He felt you push into his growing erection and his eyes snapped open as he pulled you off of his lap and stared down at you with an unknown intensity you haven’t seen before. You smirked in response as you pulled away, changing into another outfit, It was a dark blue set that really accented your curves and made your skin glow. Javier watched you the entire time as you changed and he could see you squirming in place at the way he watched you. He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, brows furrowed. You turned to show off the lingerie but Javier needed a break or else he would cum in his jeans. He leaned in looking at the outfit before quickly pinning you against the wall, one arm against the wall, next to your head. He let the fingers of his other hand trail down from your neck, to your chest, all the way down to your core, letting his finger tease you with his featherlight touch. He moved one of his fingers inside the lining of the panties, inches away from where you needed him before letting the underwear fall back gently against your skin. You whimpered under his gaze, asking for more but Javier said nothing as he slowly brought his hand back up to your chest, playing with the strap of the bra before letting it snap back against you as he leaned in and whispered in a husky voice, “I like this one.” Without another word, Javier stepped out of the dressing room, leaving you to your own devices. He walked around the store some more, willing any god listening to get rid of the hard on he was sporting as he grabbed a few pieces he liked here and there before waiting for you near the cash registers. When you reappeared, he grabbed the sets you wanted and walked over to the lady to pay. You were pouty and flushed and he knew he had affected you the way you were trying to affect him. He smirked in victory as you whined quietly about how he teased you. He didn’t say anything as he grabbed the bags of lingerie he paid for and walked out of the store with your hand in his. Javier looked down at his watch and noticed it was getting close to five in the afternoon. “Quieres comer? I know a nice place.”
Javier chuckled quietly as he heard you huff in annoyance as he didn’t answer your other comments. Ever since you stepped out of the dressing room, you had been extra pouty, extra touchy, and extra nice. He thought it was cute. He heard you mumble about being a bit hungry and he walked out of the mall with you towards the car. He placed the bags in the back and opened the door for you before making his way to the driver’s side. He hopped inside and drove in silence as the radio played quietly in the tense (and sexual) silence. Javier had made it a point to not touch you as he kept his hand on the gear shift. He felt your pouty gaze on him as you tugged his hand onto your thigh. He kept his eyes on the road as he felt a sly smile paint his lips. He pulled his hand away. You both knew he wasn’t upset, he was being a tease just as you had planned to be that day. Your whines filled the air as you tugged his hand back onto your leg, pushing it further up your thigh, wanting him to grab you like he always did. He chuckled quietly, giving you a small squeeze before pulling his hand away once more. “Nenas malcriadas no merecen ser tocadas.”
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Javier arrived in front of the restaurant he wanted to take you and looked over at your pouty form and chuckled as he stepped out of the car and walked over to your door, helping you out. He pulled you into his arms and kissed your head gently as he took your hand, walking inside with you. He let the hostess know that he needed a table for two. The restaurant was pretty packed and the heat started to get to him. He took his jacket off, holding it in his other arm as the hostess took the two of you towards a table in the back. As you scooted into the booth, Javi scooted into the other one as the hostess handed the both a menu, her eyes lingering on Javi but he didn’t notice as he started to palm through the menu, looking at the options. “You know what you want to order?” You mentioned an option and he smiled as he mentioned he wanted to get the specialty burger. “Murphy recommended the place, said it was his & his wife’s favorite spot. I can see it’s pretty popular.” Javier looked around the room as he reached across the table, holding your hand. He noticed a few women staring at him a bit more and he felt off by their stares. Before, he would’ve relished the attention. Now, he could care less about it. He had you. He rubbed his thumb against your knuckles, about to ask you a question as his gaze returned to your face, noticing the way you looked upset. He followed your eyes and realized you had also noticed the attention he was getting. He would’ve made a comment on it but soon he realized the men were also staring at you and he did not like that one bit. The waitress soon came by and asked for your orders. “Bebita, go to the bathroom.” As you asked why, he narrowed his eyes at you before nodding towards the restroom one more time. He watched as you reluctantly obeyed him. He stared at your ass as you sauntered away before he looked back at the men staring at you. He smirked as he stood up and followed you towards the bathroom. He knocked on the door and waited for you to open but a small “occupied” came out and he chuckled, “Nena it’s me.” A few seconds later, the door popped open and Javier moved his way inside the restroom. You questioned him but again, he didn’t answer as he grabbed your hips, picking you up with ease and plopping you on the counter. He didn’t give you a chance to say anything as he kissed you roughly, trapping you against the wall and him. He reached down, tugging your skirt up to your hip. He pulled away from the kiss, panting as he looked down at your panty covered core. You were soaked through. He let his finger rub against the fabric, hearing your whimpers as he slowly got down on one knee in between your legs. He used the same finger to move the fabric to the side as he moved his gaze from your cunt to your eyes, something dark and arousing swimming inside of them.
“Gotta be quiet baby, and maybe I’ll let you cum.”
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@javiersprincesa
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marshmallow-phd · 5 years
Text
Sins of the Father
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Genre: Mafia Au
Pairing: Junmyeon x Reader
Summary: Soon after your second birthday, your parents were killed and you were adopted by your father’s best friend, taken away to their home country where you lived your life in peaceful ignorance. As far a as you knew, your parents simply left you large fortune to be released to you once you reached your twenty-third birthday. At least, that’s all you thought you were inheriting. When a famously ruthless mafia boss discovers your existence, you are left at his mercy. While under his roof, you learn more about your father than you ever wished you had, including the part of your inheritance that made you the most valuable person in the underworld. Hidden in a bank in New York City were files that held the darkest secrets of the mafia families and everyone in their pocket. With another terrifying leader’s eyes trained on you, you’ll learn to watch your back… and guard your heart, before your father’s past becomes your doom.
Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I 8 I 9 I 10 I 11 I 12 I 13 I 14 I 15 I 16 I Final
**
It was hard, but you tried not to dwell on Junmyeon’s promise. Instead, you focused on appreciating the fact that he was around more and you actually had a chance to get to know the man behind the empire. Junmyeon was claiming that, in order to heal before facing “clients”, he needed to stay in the penthouse for the next week.
You’d gone back to sleeping in your own room, although each time you said good night for the evening, Junmyeon would open his mouth and then close it before saying good night as well. Your gut was telling you that he kept wanting to ask if you would stay with him, but you were glad that he didn’t. You couldn’t be sure if you could turn him down and, for now at least, it was best you didn’t repeat that night you patched him up.
However, spending the day with him was a luxury you were getting too used to. The boys didn’t really come over for those days, only Chen to drop off some new information or Sehun to get approval for a “merchandise purchase”. While you’d never been particularly close to the maknae, Chen still kept a noticeable distance, even though he did smile when he found the two of you sitting on the same couch without trying to strangle each other.
Junmyeon wasn’t much of a cook and you still hadn’t worked up the courage to ask him if you could go to the grocery store, so your meals tended to be anything that could be delivered. It was always delicious, but you liked a homemade meal just a little bit more.
The daily activities consisted of watching TV, telling embarrassing childhood stories, and Junmyeon beating you horribly at every single game they had packed in the rec room. He didn’t believe in just letting you win even once, but you found that you couldn’t complain. You were content in those days and you liked the person you were getting to know.
Inside, however, there was a constant battle. You were falling for him, piece by piece. Every little laugh or small gesture thrown your way broke down the barrier you’d built up to keep him out.
But those damn files wouldn’t leave you alone. It made you doubt the short seconds of skin on skin contact he initiated when your hands brushed up against each other or when he pushed your hair out of your face. You wanted to believe in him, but after finding out you’d been lied to your whole life, you knew you had to walk on the thin ice with light feet, not getting too settled or comfortable or else the freezing water underneath could consume you.
Though you weren’t looking exactly forward to it, you didn’t expect to be so disappointed when you woke up the Monday after that week to find Junmyeon dressed once again in a well-tailored suit. It was only a quick glimpse of him as he walked from his bedroom to his office, but you knew well enough he was not going to be around today. Not wanting to be caught pouting in the kitchen, you just made a cup of tea and retreated back to your room. You sat down at the desk and opened a random book, not really taking in any of the words, but trying to busy yourself anyway.
A soft knock interrupted your sulking and Junmyeon pushed the door open after you gave verbal permission.
“Good morning,” he greeted. The welts on his face were almost completely healed, just now a faded yellow that he covered up with a small amount of makeup. His movements were fluid again, no longer hindered by bruised muscles.
“Good morning.” You tried to appear upbeat, but you doubted that it actually worked.
Out of his pocket, Junmyeon pulled out a small black rectangle and tossed it on the desk, landing with a soft clank. You picked up it, unsure of how to react.
“What’s this?” you asked as you flipped the card over.
“A credit card that you’re an authorized user on,” he explained, making your eyes go wide. “There’s not really a limit on it, so you won’t have to worry about that.”
“I appreciate the gesture,” you said, trying to hand the card back to him, “but, I will spend my days developing a home shopping channel addiction if I keep this.”
He took a step back, not taking the card. “Actually, I thought you could go get some real food to cook for tonight.”
You blinked, not wanting to accidentally take his words the wrong way and get your hopes up. “Wait. ‘Go get some food.’ As in leave the penthouse? Do you have time to go grocery shopping with me?”
“No, I don’t,” he answered glumly. “But I thought you could take Kyungsoo and Chanyeol with you. And if you wanted to go shop at other places that would fine, too.”
“Y-you’re letting me out of the penthouse?” You must still be asleep. Your optimism about your situation was invading your dreams now.
“Yes, I am letting you have free reign of your day, save that you have at least one of the guys with you at all times. Oh, and here,” he fished another, slightly larger rectangle out of his breast pocket. A white cell phone. “You are to have that on you at all times. All our numbers are programmed in it, mine is speed dial number one. Those are the conditions for you to leave the apartment. Got it?”
You nodded enthusiastically as you jumped up from the chair, throwing your arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
He hugged you back, even rocking you a little with his arms around your waist. “You’re welcome. Having you locked up here was cruel of me. I know you won’t disappear.”
“I won’t. I promise.” Your smile was making your face ache as water pooled in your eyes. He was trusting you. What did you do to deserve this miracle?
He sighed, his breath tickling your neck. “I have to go now. The boys are waiting for you in the living room, whenever you’re ready.”
Junmyeon let you go, placing a small kiss on the top of your head before walking out.
Barely able to wait, you quickly got dressed and practically ran to the living room. Chanyeol was sitting lazily on the couch, slumped down as he scrolled through something on his phone. Kyungsoo was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and the corners of his lips tense, like he was fighting back a smile.
“You guys ready?” The excitement was hard to keep out of your voice. It was just the grocery store, the most mundane place you could go and yet it was almost like getting Lotte World to yourself.
Chanyeol beamed with his puppy dog eyes, happy at your cheery attitude that hadn’t been fully present since you arrived here. Kyungsoo pushed off the wall, waving the keys in his hands.
“Do you need to make a list?” Chanyeol suggested.
You almost slapped your forehead. In your eagerness to leave, you hadn’t thought about actually having a game plan as to what to get. Hyunmin had done all the shopping and the few times you’d gone with her, you hadn’t really paid attention to what she was getting and how to put them together.
“Yeah, good idea.” You turned to the quiet member. “Kyungsoo, do you mind helping me out?”
That did it. No longer able to fight back the emotion, Kyungsoo’s mouth split into a big, heart-shaped grin as he nodded and followed you into the kitchen.
Finding a notepad and pen, you quickly wrote down the items you knew you wanted to buy before turning to the professional for advice. The list was long by the time you were both satisfied, making you thankful that the two helpers-slash-babysitters would be coming along.
You took one of the SUV’s, with the boys sitting up front. You buckled up in the middle seat just behind them and leaned forward, your chin resting on the shoulder of Chanyeol’s seat while he drove. Uncontrollably, your legs bounced up and down as you rounded your way out of the parking garage and out into the morning sun. It was still hard to believe that you were actually leaving the building. And not for some dumb, gambling event, but for a normal outing to the store. Or, as normal as it could be with two bodyguards.
What you would have expected to be a quick five or ten minute drive turned into a half hour journey. The store they picked was on the other side of Seoul in a small, nondescript neighborhood. When you gave Chanyeol a curious glance, he shrugged.
“It keeps anyone from knowing which neighborhood you’re located in and to keep others from following us.”
Once in the store, you were thankful that the boys acted somewhat normal. They didn’t stalk you like a bodyguard normally would, quiet and stoic, constantly eyeballing anyone who came within ten feet of you.
Instead, they were helpful, pointing out the ingredients you were searching for and recommending one brand over the other. Chanyeol would grab the items that were too far out of reach and Kyungsoo would inspect the fruits and vegetables for any discoloration or rotting edges. On occasion, a small noise or fellow patron would put them on high alert, but they quickly fell back into rhythm after deciding on the all clear.
At the end, the poor bagger was careful to stack the groceries into the plastic bags in order to not destroy any of the groceries as you checked out. Kyungsoo’s watchful glare probably wasn’t helping the kid’s nerves.
With your wares piled neatly into the back of the SUV, you headed back to the penthouse. At first it was a quiet ride, the radio at a reasonable volume while Chanyeol hummed along. Out of nowhere, he turned the sound off and met your eyes in the rearview mirror.
“Uh, (y/n)?” he cleared his throat. “Did something happen between you and Junmyeon?”
You frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Like you know, did you two – ow!” Kyungsoo had punched Chanyeol in the shoulder, making the vehicle swerve just a bit. The look Kyungsoo was giving was frightening to say the least. “Hey, I was just wondering! At first, we weren’t supposed to let you leave the penthouse, then he takes a week off and now you’re able to go grocery shopping. He doesn’t usually flip on his decisions that easily.”
“He stayed behind last week to heal,” Kyungsoo reminded him.
Chanyeol rolled his eyes. “Have you ever seen Junmyeon just take a week off because of a few bruises?”
Kyungsoo didn’t answer.
“Exactly.”
“We’ve agreed to try and get along,” you explained. Your cheeks gave off a strong heat as you remembered Junmyeon’s face when he said that he thought about being more than just a piece of paper.
“Good,” Kyungsoo nodded.
Your eyes widened at his response. That was not a reaction you would have expected out of Kyungsoo. He always seemed to be more of an observer, never really taking part or commenting on what was going on around him.
“That also explains why he went off on Yixing last Friday night,” Chanyeol whispered.
You probably weren’t meant to hear that, but you slumped back in your seat, crossing your arms.
Why did Junmyeon get upset with Yixing that night?
The two you had simply been dancing, nothing more. Junmyeon had snapped so suddenly when you offered to call Yixing to check on him. Had Junmyeon gotten jealous?
Maybe. Just maybe.
At the thought of a possibly jealous Junmyeon, your face warmed up even more.
Back home, the boys refused to let you carry any of the bags. Chanyeol was showing off as he had four bags in each arm while Kyungsoo just took the remaining three. The latter helped you put away the groceries while Chanyeol dropped down on the couch and turned on the TV. Junmyeon, along with Xiumin and Chen, arrived a few minutes after you did. He grinned at the large number of bags resting on the counter and made eye contact with you before slipping into his office.
Once done with the groceries, you threw a quick snack together and excused yourself to your room. While eating, you pulled out your new phone, contemplating. Junmyeon never explicitly said that you couldn’t call anyone else besides the members, just that their numbers were already programmed in the contacts. And you needed to hear from your family. You needed to know that they were still safe.
The line rang several times, making you wonder if Hyunmin would even answer. Taegun never took calls from a number he didn’t know and he was always scolding Hyunmin for not doing the same. It’s how she once made a large donation to a humane society without knowing if they were even legitimate. Taegun had to change all their bank information to make sure the company didn’t try to pull even more money.
“Hello?”
“Mom!” You rocketed up to a sitting position, almost in tears. “It’s me! It’s (y/n)!”
“(y/n)? (y/n), is it really you!”
“Yes! Hold on, let me switch it to the video.” You clicked on the camera button and laughed when you still saw Hyunmin’s ear rather than her face. “Mom, look at your phone.”
With a little bit of shuffling, she finally faced the camera, her eyes lighting up like stars. “(y/n)! Oh, sweetheart, are you okay? Did you run away? How are you calling us right now?”
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” you promised. “No, I’m still with Junmyeon. He gave me a new phone and I just got back from grocery shopping.”
“New phone? Grocery shopping?” she repeated. Her face scrunched up, confused as if you were telling her you were getting a pet monkey. “You mean he lets you out of your room?”
You laughed again. “Yes, Mom. I’m not a hostage. I can leave as long as I have one of the guys to protect me. Everyone here’s been really sweet to me.” You didn’t feel the need to inform her that your extended freedom and the phone were recent developments. “They’re really not that bad of people.”
“Not that bad!” There was a scuffle and then Hyunmin’s face was replaced with Taegun.
He was barely recognizable. His left eye was swollen shut and there was a large gash on his forehead held together by too many stitches to count. His lip looked like it’d been stung by a bee and a large bruise covered his right cheek.
“Dad!” You wished that you could jump through the screen of the phone so you could inspect all the injuries yourself. Each one was like a punch to your stomach. “How did this happen to you?”
“I was walking down an alley after realizing I was being followed,” He coughed and Hyunmin appeared behind him, rubbing his back. “Two tall men ambushed me, kicking and beating me. When they were done, they said it was a warning to you and that you would understand when you found out.”
Junko. It had to be. “This wasn’t Junmyeon,” you insisted. “He’s supposed to be watching over you so things like this don’t happen.”
“How am I supposed to believe that)?” Taegun spat. He was right. He didn’t know the boys like you did or the run in with Junko that led to this.
You snuck a few screenshots of Taegun’s face, knowing he wouldn’t realize what you were doing. “I have to go, but I’ll call back soon. I love you both.”
Before either of them could protest, you ended the call. Marching out of your room, you made your way to Junmyeon’s office, not even bothering to knock as you shoved the door open. All nine of the inner circle were in there, the eight underlings surrounding Junmyeon’s desk as if in the middle of an intense meeting. Their eyes grew wide at your sudden intrusion. Knocking was one of the top rules and you’d never broken any of them before.
Junmyeon stood up, shocked as your seething expression. “(y/n), I’ve asked you before–”
“Save it!” you yelled. With the picture of Taegun still pulled up on the screen, you tossed the cell phone down on the desk. “You said you would protect them. Now, I know it had to be Junko’s men who did this and not yours, but it still happened. They told Taegun it was a message to me. You promised me he wouldn’t be able to touch them!”
Junmyeon clutched the phone in his hand with enough force to turn his knuckles white. His eyes, filled with fire, flashed to Chanyeol, who visibly shrunk back.
“(y/n), this wasn’t supposed to happen,” he said calmly, stepping around his desk. You took a step back to keep the distance between you.
“I trusted you,” you said barely above a murmur. “Junko’s men already got him once. I don’t even know how badly he’s hurt. They’re my family, Junmyeon. And they got hurt because of me. And he’ll go after them again. While I just sit here.” Unable to think of anything else to say, you stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind you. You shut yourself in your room, crying into your knees.
The light slowly faded in your room as the sun crossed over the sky and to other side of the where the rays couldn’t reach the window. Your head was pounding from the crying that had faded out about an hour ago. All you could do was stare at the wall, absentmindedly making patterns out of the paint strokes.
You had let yourself fall into a sense of safety. It hadn’t crossed your mind that Junko might get past the few watchers and to your family since Junmyeon promised that he would protect them. You knew he himself wasn’t invincible, but you’d put too much faith into his organization. The small bits you had witnessed were such a well-oiled machine, you forgot that they weren’t perfect robots or super powered bodyguards. Taegun had managed to lose whoever Chanyeol had ordered to follow him. If only you’d been able to call them sooner. If you’d just had the courage to ask to talk to them, give them an update on the situation, instead of walking on eggshells or arguing with Junmyeon about the stupidest things, this might not have happened. Once again, it was all your fault.
“(y/n)?”
Your head snapped towards the door. You hadn’t locked it in your rush to not be seen crying and now it was too late as Junmyeon creaked the door open. From what you would see, he was holding a manila folder was in his left hand.
“Can I come in?” he asked stupidly.
You shrugged. “Technically, you’re already in here. Besides, you own the place.” There it was again, your sarcastic and mean defense. It hardly phased him anymore.
“I spoke with Chanyeol and we’re putting different men on your family.” He held the folder out to you. “This is a summary of your father’s injuries from when he went to the hospital.”
Like a maniac, you snatched the file out his hands and skimmed through the papers, trying to find anything that seemed life-threatening or irreversible.
You sighed in relief. “It’s all mostly superficial abrasions.”
That eased your anxiety just a bit. You still hated the thought of anyone touching him, but at least nothing was permanently damaged. The pictures in the file, however, were worse than how you’d seen Taegun just a few hours ago. With his face swollen and bloody, you wouldn’t have known it was him if his name wasn’t all over the reports.
“I’m so sorry that this happened,” Junmyeon said softly, crouching down in front of you on the floor. “Taegun managed to lose the men we had tailing him and they didn’t ever inform me or Chanyeol about it. They will be severely punished for it and reassigned. This will never happen again, (y/n). I swear.”
Shaking your head, you caressed the horrible evidence of what Junko could do and only saw one real option. “You should just hand me over to Junko. Just let him have me. Maybe I – I can find a way to get the information from the files to you that way you don’t lose out. But I can’t… I can’t keep risking everyone around me like this. First you and now–”
“No!” Junmyeon jumped to his feet, pulling you up with him and into his arms. “I refuse to hand you over to that… monster. I’m no angel or saint, but I know you are safer here than you ever would be with Junko. Just the thought of him anywhere near you again….” His vice on you tightened, threatening to never let go. With his cheek against your hair, he calmed down, rubbing circles on your back. “No. Just handing you over to him is not the way to deal with this. I know a better way.”
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Text
Unrequited (Part 3)
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pairings: eventual!bucky barnes x reader; crushing!reader x steve rogers; crushing!bucky barnes x natasha romanoff; others
characters: reader, bucky barnes, clint barton, natasha romanoff, pietro maximoff
word count: 3k+
warnings: maybe a little angst?, a little bit of anxious/nervous reader, some cussing
a/n: welcome to the third chapter of this slow burn story, lol.
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Sometimes you wonder why you are the way that you are. Your mom, Pietro, and Natasha are constantly reminding you that nothing is wrong with you, but after what happened last night, you’re utterly and completely convinced they’re wrong. You’re not confident like Natasha, you’re not outgoing like Pietro, and you’re not witty like your parents. You’re a mess.
If someone were to ask you what word in the dictionary you would use to describe yourself as, you wouldn’t have to look that far to find: awkward—
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awk·ward /ˈôkwərd/
adjective
embarrassing or inconvenient; caused by lack of social grace: an awkward moment.  
Synonyms: unpleasant, trying, difficult; uncomfortable, ticklish, touchy.
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Thanks for the lovely definition and synonyms google. Really appreciate it.
—An embarrassing, awkward dumb mess. Apparently.
If you had their social skills, you probably wouldn’t be avoiding Bucky and Steve like you are now. Maybe you wouldn’t have blurted out what you did. And maybe you would still have a tutor for Pym’s stupID CLASS YOU’RE BOUND TO FAIL!
You hurry your steps as frustration bubbles inside of you. There’s only one place on this whole forsaken campus that’ll make you feel better—the museum.
It looms over a courtyard where the art students like to chill and hang out during the spring and summer, sometimes during fall too. Not many other students venture out here, preferring to stay in their own quadrant within campus, but sometimes you’d spot a wild major visiting the museum for whatever reason.
Today, you hope no one decides to visit the museum. You prefer it when it’s quiet.
You enter the building and with every exhale, the frustration leaves your being.
“Hey, Clint,” you greet the security guard who is about your age, maybe a little older.
His brown, almost blondish hair is gelled back and he has his usual dopey grin, that you’ve come to realize, is reserved for you and a hand few coworkers he likes. “Hey, thought you weren’t due for another few days.”
“Just having one of those days”
His face softens in understanding and he nods. “Say no more. I’ll make sure to keep the others quiet.”
You beam appreciatively, even though he doesn’t have to do that, you know he will for you. “Thanks, Clint.”
You walk deeper into the museum, taking in the different art all by students of the university—graduates and current. You take a left turn at the next hall and find yourself in the best room in all of the museum. The lights are dim here compared to the other rooms. Soft, calming music plays through the speakers and on the stark white wall, a projection of pictures of people all over New York plays. You sit at the lone bench in the room, taking in the picture of an elderly couple sharing a bench, huddled and smiling radiantly at one another.
The door to the room opens, but you hardly pay it any mind. It’s most likely Clint doing his rounds.
The picture changes to a man sitting outside of a cafe, a wooden cane at his side, a book in his hands, and a large golden retriever at his feet. They both look content and serene, nothing like the quick paced city you’ve come to know and love.
The bench creaks and you keep your eyes forward, hoping that whoever entered wouldn’t interrupt your watching or make noise, thankfully, they don’t.
Not until the next slide anyway--two men are in a hospital room, one sickly with a bald head and thin frame and the other bulky with a bald head and an overgrown beard. Their hands are intertwined and they’re leaning towards each other, eyes closed and calm in what you could only assume is a stressful situation.
“Love,” he says, his voice sending your heart in a panic and head snapping in his direction. Seriously? How did he find you here of all places?!
You stare at Bucky wide eyed, wanting nothing more than to book it out of there, but that’d be more embarrassing than last night and it’d alert Clint, who would blow things out of proportion.
He turns away from the projection to look at you, stormy eyes meeting yours with a slight raise of an eyebrow. He tilts his head towards the wall, eyes never leaving yours. “Love. That’s what this exhibit is about, isn’t it?”
“What are you doing here?” you manage to ask, ignoring his question.
“I like to come here when I have time. What are you doing here?”
“Same,” you say dumbly, quickly looking away from him, trying to focus on the pictures playing in front of you, but they’re no longer registering in your mind, no matter how many times your eyes sweep across the makeshift screen.
“I’ve never seen you here before. Are you usually here at this time?”
Why is he still talking to you? Is he trying to lull you into a false sense of security and then ask you about Steve? Fuck. Is it too late to bolt now? “Yeah.”
“I usually come later in the day.”
“Oh.”
Silence falls between the two of you, the music suddenly seeming louder than before even though it’s a calming instrumental.
You run a nail up and down your arm, not harshly, but firm enough for it to leave white trails.
He clears his throat. “So, Steve, huh?”
You jump to your feet, your nail digging into your skin with a harsh sting and bench screeching under the strain of his weight and your sudden movement.
Blue eyes widen, and he quickly gets to his feet. “Hey—“
“Can you—let’s not—please.” Your voice is desperate and small, embarrassment licking at your skin and leaving heat in its wake.
He raises his hands in front of him to pacify you. “I’m not judging.”
You sigh, tenderly running your finger over the crescent shaped marks you’ve left on your skin. “He’s your best-friend, and I told you of all people.” Even if it was to make things “even”, it doesn’t stop it from making it embarrassing.
“And Natasha is your best-friend, and I told you while I was shit-faced.” Yeah, a fact he didn’t remember until you told him. “Look, I’m not—I’m not mad.”
“Could’ve fooled me,” you murmur.
“Okay, I was. I was mad.” You knew it. “Not at you,” he speaks quickly, trying to appease you, “but at myself for being that careless. What if she had been around when I told you? What if it hadn’t been you, but her I told?”
“Would that be so bad?”
He chuckles, it’s empty and a little distracted. “You know Natasha.”
You do. “She’d turn you down cold.” She’s the type to go after what she wants, afterall.
He drops himself back onto the bench. “Exactly.” He looks pathetic, reminiscent of tragic, drunk Bucky—distant gaze, pouty lips. You feel for him, just as you did when he confessed.
You rub your arm, eyes drifting away from him. “If it makes you feel any better, there have only ever been two people she’s liked in that way. Crushes are pretty rare for her.” Oh. Shit. That did not sound comforting at all! You clench your eyes tightly and groan. Why do you always put your foot in your mouth?!
It’s quiet. Too quiet. You almost prefer Bucky’s talking over the music playing in the room.
The bench squeaks, a scoff following right after it. “Has anyone ever told you you’re shit when it comes to comforting someone?”
Keeping your eyes closed, you turn in place. “I’m so, so sorry, I—I didn’t mean—“
A firm grip on your shoulder quiets you and forces you to open your eyes. “Hey, relax, I know you didn’t mean anything bad by it,” he murmurs, soft and relaxing. “I was joking.”
“No, you weren't. I know I’m not the best when it comes to comforting people, especially people I don’t know or I’m not close to.”
He grips your other shoulder, shaking you gently. “You’re fine, I promise. I really did think it was funny.”
You stare at him, but he only smiles—his eyes crinkling at the edge. “Okay.” Maybe Bucky isn’t so bad?
He pats your shoulder and sits back down on the bench, eyeing you. Taking the hint, you sit down next to him a little cautiously. You both sit in relative silence, watching the pictures for a few ticks before the bench screeches once more.
He twists in his seat and says, “If—what if we help each other?”
You narrow your eyes as your eyebrows furrow. “With what?”
“You help me with Natasha and I’ll help you with Steve.”
“What makes you think I need—“ A lone brow shoots up and you immediately stop talking. “Okay, yeah, yeah, I do need help.”
“You do, just a little,” he says pinching his index finger and thumb together. You want to protest, but you swallow it down when he starts speaking again, grin on his face. “Getting Steve to like you isn’t hard, you’re already friends and that’s a step in the right direction. Natasha on the other hand…”
You nod as he trails off, finishing off his though for him. “Doesn’t really matter whether you’re friends or not, she has to want you.” Is this really such a good idea though? Getting Natasha to like Bucky is going to be hard and difficult, and there’s a chance he’ll have to change who he is in the process, too. Is getting her to like him really worth losing himself?
He sighs, gaining your attention. “Look, I know it won’t be easy. If you’re still unsure, then why don’t we add tutoring to the mix? I’ll help you with Chem and Steve, and you only have to help me with Natasha.”
You bite your lip, rubbing your arm. “Are you sure?”
“I am.”
You’re still not sure if this is such a good idea, but he’s willing to continue tutoring you and help you with Steve. Natasha’s old ‘be yourself’ advice from high school hasn’t been helping so far, and probably won’t ever help you, so really, his offer is a true blessing. Yet, you still can’t shake the minuscule of worry even when you say, “Okay. It’s a deal.”
He grins, bright and wide—genuine and nothing like his usual half-assed-not really-smiling smile, that it takes you completely off guard. You don’t even notice the hand he’s offering you until he’s shaking it in your face. He offers you his hand once more and you take it, the two of you sealing the deal with a simple shake.
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Natasha is up and ready by the time you wake up. She’s chopping strawberries to add into the morning oatmeal. It takes you a minute, but you notice she’s not wearing her usual work out clothes, but a black, long sleeved leotard with pink leggings underneath and a white, sheer wrap skirt. That’s a look you haven’t seen in a while.
You hop onto the barstool at the breakfast bar. “You’re taking a ballet class?”
“Nope,” she says, placing a bowl of oatmeal with chopped apples and strawberries in front of you. You thank her, taking the spoon she offers you. “Remember Mrs Hudson?”
Vaguely. An older woman comes to mind, strict, but most of her dance teachers were strict and old. Mixing the fruit into the oatmeal, you nod. “Not really. Old ballet teacher?”
She waves her hands. “It’s fine, doesn’t matter, but yes, old ballet teacher. Anyway, she knows some of the teachers at a youth center nearby and she got in contact with me the other day to ask me if I wanted to cover for an instructor on maternity leave,” she says as you eat.
“That’s great!”
Grabbing her own bowl, she adds strawberries, apples, and a shake of cinnamon powder. “Right? A little extra money for groceries doesn’t hurt either.”
“Does this mean you’re quitting your morning yoga?”
“Nah, the gym offers morning classes on Sunday, too. Was able to squeeze into that class. You should come with me! We haven’t gone to a class together since freshman year.”
You make face, the thought of waking up early on a Sunday sounding completely abhorrent. “Yeah, no. Hard pass. Besides, we got kicked out because we couldn’t stop giggling during downward dog, remember?”
Natasha pauses, thinking about it before her lips spread into a smile. “Oh, yeah. Good times.”
You snort. “For us maybe. The others wouldn’t stop glaring at us.”
She chuckles and the two of you continue eating in relative peace. Mid spoonful, Natasha breaks the silence. “By the way, I saw Bucky yesterday.”
Without lifting your head, you look at Natasha, forcing yourself to relax and continue eating. “Oh. Did you?”
She rubs a permanent spot on the counter with her index finger, her sly smirk in place and looking dangerous as ever. “Yeah, and he told me you gave him his number.”
You did, right after leaving the museum together. “And?”
“I thought you two weren’t friends and you were uncomfortable around him?”
“We’re not and I still am,” you say firmly, trying to keep your voice leveled, but it still comes out as a squeak. You’re not entirely lying to her, so why are you nervous? “I just can’t afford to fail this class. My scholarship is riding on this.”
She eyes you, leaning back, not entirely believing you—she knows you better than anyone, afterall.
The front door is thrown open, interrupting Natasha from commenting, and you thank your lucky stars. You know the conversation is bound to come up again, but at least you’ll have enough time to come up with a strong excuse and argument to get her off your back.
“Thank fuck, you’re awake,” Pietro says, stuffing the key you two gave him in case of emergencies, but is never used for emergencies, into his pockets.
“We really should take the key back,” Natasha says with mild amusement, lifting her bowl and spoon up to eat as she moves away from the counter. “You know there are apps that can drive you places, right? You don’t need to run a marathon to get here.”
Turning on the bar stool, you take in his disheveled appearance—silver hair in disarray, jacket turned inside out, and mismatched shoes—left yellow sketchers and right black and white adidas—it’s a miracle he even got his pants on correctly. Last time he looked like that, he ran to your apartment in briefs, tattered shirt, and ugly barf green crocs. “Did you and Crystal get into an aegument again?” you question, raising a brow in his direction.
“Not yet. But I think we will soon,” he says, dropping his ass onto your sofa.
“Why, what did you do this time?”
“This time? I’ve never done anything before!” You both give him a look and he rolls his eyes. “I forgot to tell Crystal Wanda was coming back.”
You swallow a spoonful of the semi sweet oatmeal before asking, “Your twin? She’s visiting?”
You don’t know much about Wanda and have never met her, you’ve only seen pictures that Pietro has shown you of her, and anecdotes about when they were children.
He shakes his head, running his fingers through his hair continuously. “No. She’s moving back.”
“That’s great, isn’t it?” He makes a face at Natasha’s exclamation. “It’s not great?” She asks slowly, trying to make sense of Pietro restlessness.
“It is—it is great! But… Wanda was meant to move in with me, and Crystal—“
Natasha snorts. “Why did she move in again? I don’t remember you asking her.”
He grips his head. “I don’t know! She just did!”
“Why don’t you tell her to move out, then?” she asks. “Her family’s rich. I’m sure they can give her place to stay. You already promised your sister you were going to live with her.”
“I can’t kick her out, man, she’s my girlfriend.” And Wanda is his flesh and blood.
Your eyes squint and your lips purse, no ounce of sympathy in your bones for you dumb friend. Why is it that Pietro always gets into really stupid situations? “Right… What are you going to do about Wanda, then?”
“Well,” he begins while smiling sheepishly, “that’s where I was hoping you guys could help.”
You glance at Natasha with wide eyes and she meets your gaze with hard eyes. “With?”
“Can she stay with you guys until she finds her own place?”
“No,” she immediately shuts him down. “Absolutely not.”
He stands, pressing his palms together. “Please?”
“Pietro, we don’t have space for a third person.”
He points at the couch and says, “She can crash on the couch!”
Natasha sighs heavily. “Pietro—“
“Come on, please!” He begs. “Wanda is great and sweet! Totally quiet, you probably won’t even notice her at all.”
“But we will. She’ll be in our space.”
“She can pay rent! She won’t stay for free, promise!” Well, it’s not like you and Natasha pay rent either. This apartment is thankfully being paid for by her dad, leaving the two of you to focus on your grades and use the money given to you for school supplies and groceries.
“Nat,” you start, slowly giving in to Pietro’s pleading.
She says your name slowly, a hint of warning in her voice.
You smile sheepishly and she glares at you. “It won’t be for long—“
Pietro nods. “It won’t.”
“And if we do this for Pietro, he’ll owe us both. Big time.”
“Yeah—wait.”
She stares at you, pinning you to your seat for a long time before finally relaxing and letting out an exasperated sigh. “Fine.” Pietro fist pumps and you smile wider, but he stops pumping his fists and your smile drops when she points at him, eyes narrowed. “But only for a while. And she doesn’t have to pay rent, but helping with the groceries would be great. And you owe us—not a small favor, but skinny-dipping-in-freezing-water-to-get-my-phone-after-I-dropped-it-big, you hear me?”
It’s a little disturbing how specific she’s being, but Pietro doesn’t seem to mind. “Deal!” He rushes towards you and kisses your cheek, and does the same with Natasha, who fights him off, but he still keeps a firm hold on her. “Whatever you want! Fuck, thank you, guys, you saved my skin!”
“Don’t make us regret it, Maximoff.”
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ending note: was excited to introduce clint even though it was a brief appearance, and wanted to add Wanda into this chapter instead of the next, just because I thought it’d fit better! hope you guys like it! and I know it’s a slow burn, but trust me, it has to be. Lemme know what your guys think c:
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silhouetted-beauty · 5 years
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“Run In: Fate” - Part 9 (Finale)
Genre: Angst, Smut, and Fluff
Warning: Graphic Scenes- Mentions torture, killing, and death.
Word Count: 15.5K
A/N: First I would like to apologize for posting this so late (I’m like weeks past my deadline!). I hoped you all enjoyed this series all the way up until now and please don’t feel afraid to reach out to me about your thoughts as well as questions you have about this chapter or the series in general. Shit! I wasn’t sad before but now that I’m typing all this out, I lowkey feel a sense of sadness. Yoongi’s character in this series was fun to work with and now that it’s over, I gotta find a new series that he can fit into. The next is Namjoon!^^
“Yoongi...”
His eyes fluttered in his sleep.
“Do it again.”
Searing pain and screaming was all that filled his mind. He turned his head hoping to lose the distance memory.
“Again.”
He shifted uncomfortably.
“AND AGAIN!”
His body tensed, clutching the sheets as he shifted once more.
“Yoongi...”
When he opened his eyes, he was back in the hands of his tormentors; staring the main one in the eyes.
“Welcome back. I’m glad to see you’ve come to your senses; wouldn’t want you to miss anything.” Sujin teased with a smirk on her lips. “Now that you’re up, why don’t we begin again?”
She stepped away and watched as her men twisted the levers of the machine to stretch his arms high in the air to showcase his bare torso. Another man took a sledgehammer; slowly walking towards Yoongi and raised it in the air, bringing the solid tool down against his chest. Yoongi yelled out against the impact, trying to flex his muscles to feel less of the oncoming blows. Over and over, he was hit until he felt one of his ribs break; causing him to scream in agony.
“There it goes!” Sujin yelled in joy. Yoongi’s head hung low as he coughed up blood. His breathing instantly became shallow as it was a struggle to breathe without feeling pain. “Nice job, Yoongi. I’m very pleased. How about we try that again?”
And again he screamed at the feeling of pain hitting his chest until his bones broke under pressure. One rib, two, three... 
Yoongi was barely breathing as Sujin stared him in the face. She watched the blood drip from his mouth, down his chin, and fall unto the ground. His hair and face dripped with perspiration and his body trembled with every breath. Easing closer to him, Sujin fell to her knees between his legs. Already, she could see his skin was beginning to change color. She brought her face close to his body to examine it.
“Oh, Yoongi,” She softly spoke to him. Her eyes closed as she leaned forward to kiss his tender flesh. Yoongi grunted, tensing at the feeling of her lips brushing against his battered chest. “Look at you... you’ve never looked more attractive than you do now.”
When he didn’t respond, she stood to her feet. “Who would have thought I’d have the powerful mobster so submissive in front of me.” She chuckled seductively. “I have to admit, it’s turning me on more than ever.”
Sujin motioned for her men to release him from the contraption, only to tie him up to another. Yoongi’s legs and arms were bound and his body levitated above ground by a couple inches. She broke open a bottle of amyl nitrate and held it under his nose.
Yoongi instantly became alert and although the drug relieved the pain in his chest, unfortunately; he was awake and oriented for the next part of his torture.
“Frankie use to brag about how concentrated you was when you worked, especially when you tortured your victims. In vivid detail, I knew what you did and how you did it.” She said with a smile. “And now I’m proud to say how I’ve adopted one of your methods and added a little bit of something of my own.”
She nodded to one of her men who stood behind Yoongi with a large knife. Seconds later, he felt the blade pierce his skin as the tip cut a deep line across his back. In quick motions, the blade marred his body repeatedly; leaving Yoongi to grunt in pain at the wounds. He could feel trails of blood dripped from each cut and soak into his pants.
“Now... the fun part.” Sujin stated, watching Yoongi’s face closely. Another one of her men stood along side of the other with a small container in his hand. Before Yoongi had time to brace himself, extreme pain filled his body as he yelled out. “They say that salt is good for a wound but not when it’s used like this.”
Once again, the man poured a handful of salt into his palm before slapping it onto another gash and rubbing it in. Yoongi thrashed around until the pain subsided and he became weak. Even though the man had stopped, it left an aching; burning sensation along the lesions. It felt as though his skin was peeling off. Each laceration were red with irritation and covered with a layer of salt.
“Please give me the pleasure of destroying your life, Yoongi.” Sujin said as she walked closer, examining him. She grabbed him by the face and made him look at her. “Grant me the pleasure of taking away everything you cherish and love.”
At the motion of her movements, one of her men delivered one final deep slash to his back.
Yoongi leaped up from his slumber, sitting up in bed. The sky was still dark but it was in early hours of the morning. The room was dark but he was able to make out everything inside. You were asleep, resting peacefully on your side. His sudden movements, somehow, did not interrupt your dream state. His hand rub over his back, he could almost feel the pain from when it happened.
He pulled the covers back and gotten out of bed, leaving you alone in the room. Yoongi walked downstairs with his phone in hand for use.
“Mmph.. Hello?” A sleepy voice answered on the second ring. But when Yoongi didn’t respond, Namjoon answered again. “Hello?”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“What’s going? Is everything okay?”
Yoongi was silent as he tried to get his thoughts together. “It is now that I know you’re okay.”
“What do you mean?” Namjoon was now up and alert at the tone of his friend’s voice. Something was wrong.
He sighed. “I dreamt of my captivity for the first time since it happened. I can’t explain why but I can’t shake the feeling that something bad has happened or will happen.”
Namjoon felt bad. Yoongi never really opened up about happened to him while he was locked away and he hated that it still haunted him. 
“Well if it makes you feel any better, I’m okay.” He tried to joke it neither one of them laughed. “And I’m sure Hoseok is too.”
“I’m sure I’m just wasting my time but I’m going to call him anyway.” Yoongi paused for a second. “Jimin too.”
“I’m sure the prince of the castle is perfectly fine with the way he keeps his home guarded.”
“... yeah. I’ll touch bases with you later.”
Yoongi hung up and dial both numbers. Neither answered but he was certain that they were both asleep, wrapped in the arms of their girlfriends; something he should have been doing as well. Glancing in the corner, he looked at all of your belongings packed at the doorway.
He let out a low sigh and headed back upstairs. When Yoongi made it inside the bedroom, he found your arm and leg thrown across his pillow; hugging it as if it was him. The sight alone made him smile as he stare down at you but then his smile vanished at the thought of what happened only a couple hours prior.
In a single day, you almost walked out on him, refused his marriage proposal, and accused him of not loving you. Even to this day, Yoongi struggled with trying to figure you out. You always left him clueless when it came to figuring out what you wanted.
Whenever he thought he understood, you reminded him that he had to think outside the box if he wanted to make you happy. You had walked away from him once before and he wasn’t going to let that happen a second time. He loved you too much to let that happen.
~~~~~
One kick.
One push...
It stopped then moments later started back up again; this time more frequently. You rolled over from your side to your back, trying to get comfortable. But even then you couldn’t; not with his constantly moving about, alerting you that he was now awake.
You were slowly pulled from your sleep at the pressure Jihyun was putting on your body. You were seconds from opening your eyes when you heard Yoongi’s voice. And with the way Jihyun was reacting, you figured Yoongi must have been talking to him. Playing along, you faked sleep and listened in on the conversation.
He sighed. “I only want what’s best for you... for both of you.” He began. “I refuse to let anyone hurt you; I would sacrifice myself repeatedly to keep you both safe.”
Yoongi softly placed his hand on your stomach and you felt Jihyun stop all movements and push against that one spot. You kept your eyes closed tight but the tears were beginning to slip out from the creases.
“You won’t understand what I’m doing until you’re older but if only I can make mommy understand now; my actions and what I’m doing now will all be beneficial for us in the end.” He scoffed. “She’s a very stubborn woman; you’ll soon witness it firsthand. She can be difficult majority of the time but she has daddy wrapped around her finger.” Yoongi shook his head, rubbing over the small bump poking out. “Thanks for listening but get some sleep before you wake her up.”
Almost on command, Jihyun had stopped moving and relaxed into a comfortable position. You turned your head, opening your eyes to look at him, taking Yoongi by surprise. His eyes opened wide with shock as you caught him off guard.
“How long have you been awake?”
“For awhile. I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on your conversation with him.” You smiled. Yoongi moved closer to you, taking your face in his hand.
“Baby, I’m sorry for making you feel as though you don’t matter. You are my world and I need you by my side, always. I refuse to lose you over something stupid like a name but it is also equally important to me that Jihyun has my name. That doesn’t mean that I care for you any less. You are just as important; if not more because you are carrying him.” His thumb wiped away tears that had fallen. “I’m sorry I didn’t make that clear from the beginning. I want you to happy and happy as my wife, taking on my name as well. Y/n, will you marry a fool like me?”
You tried to bite down your laugh at how red Yoongi’s face had gotten at his proposal. He was a master at hiding his feelings from the world but when it came to you, you had a front row view into the soul of the famous, cold, dangerous mobster known as Min Yoongi.
You nodded, letting fresh tears spill over the rims of your eyes. “Yes.”
Yoongi pulled out that small velvety box, taking out the ring and placing it on your finger. He barely had time to react when you pulled him closer to kiss his lips. He responded instantly, letting the kiss become passionate to the point when you two had come up for air, you were breathing heavy.
You smiled; cuddling your face against his neck; wanting to feel closer but one small movement you both felt had you both looking down at your belly.
“I thought you were sleep, little man.” Yoongi groaned out.
“He will go back; he just wanted his favorite person to know that he heard that.” You teased, causing him to smile too.
He kissed your lips again; softly pecking at them repeatedly. His arm that was wrapped around your chest moved so that his hand was now groping your full breasts through your shirt. Yoongi broke away to kiss down your neck.
“You know, I heard pregnant sex is equivalent to great sex.”
“Who told you that?” You laughed. “Sounds like something Namjoon would say.”
However Yoongi didn’t answer. His hand wandered to the end of the shirt and pulled it up slightly. Pushing your legs apart, he quickly found what he was looking for between them.
His middle and ring fingers rubbed along your slit while he licked and sucked on your neck. You moaned, spreading your leg wider and rotating your hips to feel more of his hand. Your head fell back at his fingers brushing over your clit. In a circular motion, Yoongi rub over the bud before letting his fingers dip back down to your entrance. You had become wet but he wanted you even wetter to take him.
He sat up and spread your legs wider, now using both hands to pleasure you. Yoongi eased two fingers inside your pussy, instantly locating your spot and massaging against it while his other fingers stroked, rubbed, and pulled at your clit. Besides his penis, Yoongi definitely knew what to do with his hands. You were practically drooling and didn’t want him to stop any time soon. In fact, you were positive within the minute, you were going to come. Yoongi must have known as well for he had stopped all movements and withdrew his hands. He didn’t want you coming so soon and without him.
“Fuck,” You groaned when he stopped. “I was so close.”
“Take this off.” He ignored you, making a request of his own.
Sitting up, you pulled Yoongi’s overly larger shirt over your head; tossing it to the floor. Yoongi moved to the head of the bed to kiss your lips before working his way down. The kiss itself wasn’t long; just a quick peck, however, you were able to lick over his soft lips when he pulled away. Yoongi only smirked, attacking your neck next but he only remained there for a few seconds. His path led down to your chest, placing a kiss between the valley of your breasts before doing the same to each of your nipples. He licked over the small nub, watching as it became harder before he switched to the other. With both of your nipples poking up into the air, Yoongi continued his journey down your body, kissing a single line along your large stomach where Jihyun slept. He was very careful as to not disturb the sleeping baby, the last thing he wanted was to wake him up and have him barge in on the situation meant for adults only.
After undressing, Yoongi rested on his knees between your legs. His fingers teased your entrance, making sure you were still wet for him. Gripping his cock in one hand, he guided it to your pussy and eased the tip inside, followed by the rest. You fit around him so perfectly like a wet warm lock with his cock as the key. You were heaven. Yoongi made love to you plenty of times and lost count to how many times he’s fucked you but it was something about making love to you at that moment in time that a strange feeling washed over him. Even if everything wasn’t okay with his life, his heart was beating faster at the thought of having sex with his soon to be wife and his son who was ready to come out at any given day. Yoongi was ready to start living for the both of you.
He held on to your hips, pulling your body close until your pussy touched his pelvis. Your hands rested on top of his, squeezing them at the pressure and fullness of his cock inside your channel. Yoongi pulled out then pushed back in, making sure you were taking every inch. You bit down hard on your bottom lip at the feeling. If he kept it up, Yoongi would soon find himself pushing pass your cervix and right into Jihyun; but he couldn’t help it. Even though you were tight, your pussy tighten around him even more the deeper he went.
Slowly but deeply, his thrusts increased and Yoongi watched as your breasts jumped from his movements. Moans slipped from your lips as you tried to hold eye contact. Something in the way Yoongi was looking at you, made your eyes water. The energy his heart was releasing was too strong and if you weren’t pregnant, you would have pulled him against you to feel it beating up close.
“I love you.” You breathed out.
Yoongi suddenly pulled out and gently rolled you on your side, positioning himself behind you. His arm wrapped around you in attempt to pull you against his chest while his hand pushed his cock back into your walls causing you to moan out. Yoongi kissed the back of your neck, whispering against your skin with each thrust his hips gave your backside.
“I love you... so fucking much, y/n... only you... only you could make me feel this way... only you have my heart.”
Like a chant, Yoongi repeated these words until you were able to say it with him. Eventually, he went silent as you took over repeating his words as he bucked his hips into you. He turned your head to face him, roughly but passionately kissing your lips. You held onto the back of his head, feeling his silky dark hair through your fingers. When Yoongi broke away, he kissed the trail of wetness your tears left when they ran down your face.
“Please Yoongi,” you moaned out. “Please love me harder.”
At your wishes, he began increasing his pace; moving his hand to grip your hip for leverage. At this angle, Yoongi was hitting your spot with ease, causing him to release grunts of pleasure at how your pussy clinched around him. Your legs opened to allow your hand to massage your clit. You were almost there that you could feel the orgasm approaching. Apparently, Yoongi could too as he took over massaging your clit, leaving you to grip the sheets for support as his cock plunged in and out of you.
“Fuck! I’m coming!” You cried out. “Shit, shit, shit! Yoongi!”
Your orgasm came crashing down, momentarily leaving your body tense and in-cohesive as Yoongi chased after his release. He came moments later, brutally jabbing his cock deep inside your pussy and unleashing his fluid.
The two of you remained locked in each other’s embrace, taking the time to calm your racing hearts. Eventually, you pulled on his other arm until it was wrapped around your side and you held onto his hand, softly placing kisses on his finger tips.
Yoongi was able to relax before his body gave away to the sleep he didn’t know he needed and soon, you followed behind him even though the blue sky was becoming lighter.
~~~
When you both awoke a couple hours later, you showered and dressed for the rest of the day. Yoongi was preparing a late lunch while you watched him, sitting at the island in the kitchen. You couldn’t help but smile every time you looked down at your finger then at the broad back of the man who took your heart. It almost felt like a dream that you didn’t want to wake up from. You were engaged. You were soon to be a married woman and not only that, a mother too.
“If you were this excited about the ring, you should’ve just accepted yesterday to wear it sooner.” He teased after turning around to see a big smile plastered over you face. You’ve been smiling nonstop for the past thirty minutes.
“Well today is different. We’ve reached a new level of understanding and that’s what makes the ring more special.”
Yoongi gave a single nod before turning his attention back to the food. It wasn’t long before his phone begun to ring. You quickly grabbed it off the countertop.
“It’s Namjoon. Do you mind if I answer it for you?”
“Knock yourself out.”
You answered, holding the phone to your ear with a sneaky smile on your face. “Hello, Namjoon. We’re going to have a talk about the amount of sex stories you share with my boyfriend.” You teased, giggling when Yoongi threw a certain look at you. But as you listened, your smile dropped and sadness quickly took over. 
“Oh my god, no!” You cried out, cupping your hand over your mouth, gaining Yoongi’s attention. He was instantly by your side, snatching the phone from your hand and putting it to his ear.
“What’s going on?”
“It’s Jimin, he’s critical condition at the hospital.” 
Yoongi’s heart dropped. He knew something was wrong; the nagging feeling just wouldn’t go away. “What the fuck happened?!” He yelled but it caused you to begging sobbing uncontrollably, covering you face, crying into your palms. Yoongi pulled you close to him, letting you cry into his chest with an arm wrapped around you.
“I don’t know, Ujin said that he found him shot and unconscious in his home. We don’t know how long he’s been that way.”
“Shit! I’m on my way. What hospital is he at?”
After getting directions, Yoongi hung up the phone; holding your head in his hands so that your attention was focused on him.
“Y/n, listen to me. I need you to go to my parent’s house until I come back to get you. I don’t want you leaving to go anywhere, do you understand?”
You shook your head. “No, I’m going to the hospital with you.”
“No, you’re not. You’re going to my parent’s.”
Hearing it, made you cry harder. “But I need to see him. I need to know that he is alive. Please Yoongi, Jimin is my friend too.”
He pulled you closer to him, kissing your forehead as you cried into his shoulder. He could feel Jihyun kicking and pushing uncontrollably against him. But no matter how hard you cried, he wasn’t going to risk your lives. Sujin was waiting on the perfect opportunity to strike; just like she did with Jimin. Yoongi knew she and Insu were behind Jimin’s attack.
“Baby, I need you to be strong for Jihyun’s sake.” He took your hand placed it on your stomach to feel how erratic his movements had become. “Your job is to protect him. Once I see what Jimin’s condition is, I’ll take you to see him but until then, you need to be strong and listen.”
You wiped your eyes and nodded, figuring Yoongi was only acting this way because of what happened to Jimin could be tied the people who kidnapped him. You agreed for the simple fact that you didn’t want to make the situation any more challenging by being defiant.
Once you had your bags packed, Yoongi drove you to his parent’s house; ordering some of his men to heavenly guard the place. No matter how restless you gotten, you weren’t allowed to leave unless he came to get you. After you were safely kept away, Yoongi headed to the hospital where he met up with his father, Jimin’s father, and Ujin.
“How is he?”
His father shook his head. “We haven’t heard anything from the doctor yet.”
“What happened?”
“Apparently someone had broken into his house and shot him in the chest. From the looks of it, whoever it was caught him off caught. He was only dressed in a bath towel.”
“It was them,” Yoongi exhaled in anger. “Oh Sujin and Kun Insu.”
“Where do we find them?” Jimin’s father asked, equally upset.
“They in hiding now but it seem they’ll only emerge to attack.”
“Cowards! I can easily handle them no problem.” He stated, rolling up his sleeves. “Just give me a gun.”
“All we have to do is separate Insu from Sujin. She is nothing without her so called muscle to protect her. However, he’s not someone who is easily defeated.”
“I’ll kill him with my bare hands! What has Jimin done to those monsters?!”
“Nothing, they’re simply killing to show how powerful they can be.” Yoongi stated.
When the doctor appeared, all four men rushed over to him ready for answers but he simply shook his head.
“I’m sorry but we did what we could to save him. The rest is up to Park Jimin.”
His father spoke up. “What does that mean? Is my son alive or not?”
“He’s alive but he’s also has a collapsed lung and lost a good amount of blood. We were able to surgically remove the bullet, patch him up, and give him a blood transfusion but I’m afraid that’s all we can do. The will to live depends on your son. I’m sorry but if you’ll excuse me.” He began to walk away but stopped. “He will be moved into the ICU ward for now.”
Yoongi followed behind them to the ward of ill patients and when his eyes landed on Jimin’s figure, he had to look away. Jimin looked awful. He was barely breathing on his own and had a tube coming from his mouth, not to mention other IVs sticking out of his body. It was a hard sight to see. Yoongi honestly believed Jimin didn’t deserve this. He was a mobster but was a practical one. He used logic over emotion no matter what he did and to be gunned down in his home just because people wanted what he had, made him sick. It showed that they were targeting any and everyone but Yoongi refused to let them get to you.
Once he left the hospital, he headed straight to his club where he, Namjoon, and Hoseok worked. They worked for days straight, trying to find anything that would lead them to Sujin. And five days later, they found a lead.
Yoongi was leaned back in his chair talking on the phone to you.
“How’s Jimin?”
“His condition is still the same. His father hasn’t left his side yet.”
“Can you blame him?” You asked. “But how are you holding up?”
“What about you? How’s Jihyun?” He purposely ignored your question.
“We’re good. We just miss you and ready to come home.”
“We will soon, I promise.”
“Mr. Min, you have a visitor.” One of his men spoke.
“Send them in.” Yoongi addressed him before turning his attention back to you. “I have to go. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Yoongi ended the call thinking he was meeting with someone to help find Sujin but instead, he came face to face with Mina. She stood before him with a bouquet of flowers in her hands. Out of all the people to come to his club, she was the last person he’d expect to see.
“Hi, Yoongi.” She smiled.
“What are you doing here?”
“I heard about what happened and wanted to make sure you were okay.” Yoongi figured she meant the kidnapping and was about to ask her how she found out but guessed that she must have gotten a visit from his mother. After sitting the flowers down on the desk, she stood nervously in front of him; wondering if she should bring up the topic. “I also had seen that you were having a baby. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“So... do you know what she is having?”
“A boy.”
“Oh a boy? That’s great.” Mina tried to keep the awkward conversation going. She would have rather this than to have Yoongi throw her out. She just wanted to be near him but it honestly pained her to talk to the man she still loved about the baby he was having with the woman he claimed he loved.
“What is it, Mina? What do you want?”
“I just wanted to see you and make sure you’re alive and okay.”
“And now that you have, do you mind leaving? I have a lot of work to do.”
“Wait!” She suddenly yelled out. Mina wasn’t ready for it to be over so she just said what was on her mind and what she truly felt. “Yoongi, this is hard for me. It is hard for me to look at you now and have you stare at me with no feeling in your eyes.”
“What would you like for me to do? It’s not my fault things ended up this way.”
“I know it’s my fault and you have every right to feel the way you do about me but my feelings for you still remain the same.” She admitted, wiping away tears. “I still love you, Yoongi, and you have no idea how this feels. I’ve tried living my life without you but I run into your pregnant girlfriend at the supermarket. I’m minding my business when your mother shows up to my door telling me that you’ve been kidnapped. It’s like you’re being pulled back into my life and it hurts because I can’t have you.”
Yoongi let out a frustrating sigh. “I’m sorry you feel this way but-“
“Don’t you miss me?! I know you’ve thought about us and reminisced over the thought of us!”
“If you’re looking for me to say ‘yes’ then you are sadly mistaken. The thought of you doesn’t cross my mind, not even for a second. If you’re looking for me to join your pity party, you have come to the wrong place. I see you are having a hard time regulating your emotions over false pretenses and that’s something you have to deal with on your own. I’m sure if you returned to the old Mina, you’d have no problem finding someone to give you the attention that you’ve been asking for.”
“But... I only want your attention.” She sobbed. “I love you. Only you.”
“Our time is over, Mina, I don’t love you. I love y/n. She is mother of my son and also my fiancée.”
Mina didn’t think she could be anymore heartbroken but she was wrong. She had been with Yoongi for five years and he always made excuses as to why he didn’t want to get married or have kids. He simply didn’t have the time. And now, not only were you already pregnant but he had proposed to you and the two of you hadn’t even been together two years.
It just wasn’t fair. You had everything; everything she wanted in a relationship with the man she wanted. Mina regretted even coming to speak with him. She knew that Yoongi wouldn’t respond the way she wanted him to, he was still under your spell. And no matter how many times she confessed to him, he will shoot her down because he had you. Yoongi made her feel as if she was nothing compared to you and she didn’t understand why because she knew she was the better girlfriend.
“Well, I guess as long as you’re happy that’s all that matters.” She sniffs. Maybe if she tried her hardest, she’d be able to move on.
“I am.” Yoongi stated, clearly unmoved by Mina’s theatrics. If anything, it annoyed him that she came to waste his time. “And just so we’re clear, I will continue to be happy without you. There is no need for you to continuously pop up assuming my feelings for you have changed. It will not and I’d appreciate it if you would stop wasting my time trying. I have moved on with my life and I’d suggest that you do the same.”
Mina grabbed the flowers from the desk and walked to the door in a defeated manner. Definitely different from her confident stroll she displayed when she first entered the office. She passed an anxious Namjoon who entered the moment she left out.
“Yoongi, we’ve got something!”
He was out of his seat in seconds, walking up to his friend. “What is it?”
Namjoon showed him a picture. “Meet Sunwoo, Sujin’s coordinator. He sets up all of her business transactions as a go-between. If we talk with him, he may know where she is.”
“Let’s pay him a visit.”
Within minutes, two cars left the club, heading in the direction of a small town; away from the city. Guns were loaded in the car in the case that she was there and wanted to go to war. Yoongi tried to keep a poker face as he drove his car. Finally, after weeks of searching, they were getting somewhere and this time, he was going to make Sujin and Insu pay for all that they did.
Minutes later, they arrived in front of a decent size home and emptied out of the vehicles. Hoseok and Namjoon went to the front door while the rest of the men stood guard around the place. They knocked hard on the wooden door and waited. Not even a minute later, Sunwoo partially opened the door, poking his head out.
“What do you want?”
“We just want to talk to you about your good friend, Oh Sujin.” Namjoon smirked, pushing back against the door so it wouldn’t close. “Min Yoongi sent us.”
At the admission of his words, Sunwoo quickly tried to shut the door but with two guys pushing back against it, he couldn’t stand a chance. The door flew open and Sunwoo took off running through the house with Namjoon and Hoseok right behind him. They dodged any item that was thrown in their direction in hopes of slowing them down.
When Sunwoo made it out of the back door, he jumped over the stairs, ready to run once he hit the ground but instead he took a blow to the face with a large wooden board. He yelled out in pain, clutching his broken nose as Yoongi watched him from above.
“Going so soon? We haven’t had a chance to talk and I know you heard, I’ve been looking for you.”
“You son-of-a-bitch! You broke my fucking nose!” Sunwoo screamed out.
“That’s not all I’m going to break.”
Hoseok and Namjoon lifted him by his arms and dragged him back into the house.
They threw him on the floor of his living room while they took a seat on the couch. Yoongi, however, remained standing; slowly circulating around his prey. 
“Let’s talk, Sunwoo.” He began.
“I have nothing to say to you. You’re a deadman walking.”
“Is that so?” He stopped walking and squatted down in front of him. “And who’s going to kill me?”
Sunwoo remained quiet, clutching his dripping nose. He realized that after taking a board to the face, he was also bleeding from his mouth and his skin felt as though it was swelling up.
“Where’s Sujin?”
“I don’t know who that is.”
Yoongi stood to his feet. “Once again, where is she?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He mumbled.
Sunwoo was suddenly picked up, put down, and bound to a nearby chair. He stared up at Yoongi, in front of him, who was handed a black duffel bag. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know that this was his demise if he didn’t give Yoongi what he wanted. Sunwoo was on his own, he assisted anyone who paid him well; his loyalty lied with no one. Why didn’t he just give Yoongi what he wanted?
The truth was that he had grown a crush on Sujin. Sunwoo appreciated her drive, especially in a field dominated by men. She wasn’t easily defeated and had the mental strength of someone who’s been in the business for decades. She knew what she wanted and did whatever needed to get it. Their light flirting gave him hope that once Sujin got what she wanted, she would invite him along to the top. He had already given her Min Yoongi and Park Jimin. Sunwoo was willing to do what it took to help Sujin.
“You were her coordinator. You helped her with transactions, knew just the right people to talk to that would assist her, and the right people to take down.” Yoongi stated. “And you’re telling me, you don’t know where she is?”
“No, I don’t.” Sunwoo told him. “I don’t know anything.”
Odd enough, Yoongi believed half of what he said. He knew Sunwoo knew more than what he was saying but his knowledge of Sujin’s operation only went so far. Being the person that she was, she wouldn’t have trusted him wholeheartedly with her plan. 
Yoongi fed on that fact, chuckling out loud. “You know... you’re probably right. You don’t know much of anything besides the little information you offered to her. You probably don’t even know where she is right now, do you?” He laughed. “Of course you don’t, Sujin doesn’t trust you like that. She knows that there are only a handful of people she could trust and you’re not one of them.”
That very sentence had gotten Sunwoo’s attention. He looked up at Yoongi with hate in his eyes before casting his gaze elsewhere.
“You thought she cared for someone like you? You’re nothing but a mull to her and I won’t be surprised if she already has another coordinator for her business, someone more trustworthy.” 
“Sujin’s not like that.” Sunwoo mumbled with hint of anger in his voice. Clearly Yoongi struck a nerve.
“Then you don’t know Oh Sujin the way you think you do. She is willing to make as many sacrifices as possible to claim what I have... even sacrifice you to me to avoid being caught.” He stated. “If she really cared for you the way you think she does, she wouldn’t have let you been found so easily. It was as if she handed you to me.”
“THAT’S A LIE! SHE WOULDN’T-“
“Why don’t you call her up right now and tell her the predicament you’re in? Maybe if you’re lucky, she may answer the call.” Yoongi stared down at Sunwoo’s figure. He was just kid who got caught up in the wrong business and fell for the wrong person. “I’m going to ask you one last time of Sujin’s whereabouts. If you were smart, you’d give them to me.”
Sunwoo remained quiet. What Yoongi had in stored couldn’t be that bad and when the coast was clear, he would reach out to Sujin for help. He tried not to let Yoongi’s words get to him but he had a point. Sunwoo had tried calling Sujin earlier that day but she didn’t answer nor did she respond to his texts.
“Since you were such a good boy and helped steered Sujin in my direction. It’s only fair that give you the same treatment she gave me when I was captured. I’m sure when she does come to you; she’ll know who she sacrificed you to.”
Yoongi opened the bag and pulled out a sledgehammer. Sunwoo’s eyes widen at the thought of it hitting his body. Namjoon and Hoseok watched as Yoongi inflicted the same torture that was brought down on him to the younger male. Surprisingly, Namjoon had to look away as Yoongi sliced up Sunwoo’s back. He couldn’t imagine that his best friend endured such treatment for as long as he did. It honestly brought tears to his eyes remembering the condition Yoongi was in when he found him and how he almost didn’t make it.
The slow torture went on for no more than an hour. Yoongi finished it off by shooting Sunwoo three times. Two for him and one for Jimin, who was still fighting for his life. Unfortunately, Sunwoo couldn’t hold strong and passed to the next life a minute or two later after being shot.
Yoongi stood looking down at the dead body; the blood slowly dripping to the floor in a puddle. This was sure to get Sujin’s attention. Whether he meant something or not, this was his message to her: “I’m right behind you.”
~~~~~
Couple days later, it was as if nothing had happened. After the torture and killing of Sunwoo, there was still no sign of Sujin or Insu. Yoongi put it out of his mind for the time being and focused more on you since you were getting closer to your due date. True to his word, Yoongi took you to visit Jimin who had begun breathing on his own but was still in a comatose state. You softly cried but spent the day holding onto his hand and sharing memories of when the two of you first met. You were relieved that Jimin was showing some signs of improvement but you knew it could change for the worse in a heartbeat.
With Yoongi’s approval and with the company of his mother, you were able to visit Jimin every other day to see if his condition changed. One day it did...
You were standing in one of the other bedrooms at Yoongi’s house when he walked up behind you, wrapping his arms around your chest, kissing your neck.
“What are you doing in here?”
You rested against him. “Well since we’re going to be here for awhile, I was thinking of turning this room into a nursery. What do you think?”
“Why this room?”
“It’s closer to ours. If he cries, I want to be able to quickly get him.”
Yoongi only hummed a response before changing the subject. You noticed his grip on you tightened a bit. “I just received a call from Jimin’s dad.”
“What did he say?” You wanted to turn around but he held you in place. “Yoongi? What did he say?”
He didn’t answer and he didn’t allow you to move from how you were standing. If Yoongi was being this secretive, it must mean that something bad had happened. Jimin’s condition somehow took a turn for the worst. But how when he showed signs of recovery?
You tried to shake him away but he only held tighter. “Yoongi talk to me,” your voice trembled. “What happened?”
Finally he let you go and you turned to face him, expecting to find him holding back tears like you were trying to do. Instead, you found him trying to suppress his laughter. It was all a trick; there wasn’t anything wrong with Jimin. You let your anger be known as you tried to swing at him, tears spilling from your eyes.
“You lying bastard!” You screamed but it made Yoongi laugh as he dodged your oncoming attacks. “How could you do that?! I really thought something had happened!”
He was able to grab your hand and pull you close to him, holding you in a tight embrace as you fought against him. Once you had calmed down, he had let go; pulling away to watch you wipe away tears.
You could barely keep at straight face when you saw him trying to hide his smile; causing small giggles to sip out. “I hate you, you asshole.”
“I didn’t think you were this gullible. I need you to be stronger than that.” He teased.
“Anyways,” you rolled your eyes at him. “How’s Jimin’s condition?”
“He’s awake.”
That gotten your attention. “Can we go see him now?! Please?”
Yoongi thought it over briefly. He did need to talk to Jimin about what happened that night then changed his mind. Jimin didn’t need to relive that fateful day just yet; after all, there will be plenty of time for business once he had a couple days to rest.
~~~
The two of you walked hand in hand down the corridor to Jimin’s room. You could barely contain your excitement as you began walking fast, suddenly dragging Yoongi along.
“Jimin!” You screamed the moment you entered the room, gaining the attention of him and his father. Without wasting another second, you embraced him tightly. “I was so worried but I knew you’d be okay! I’m so glad you’re alive.”
Jimin smiled, enclosing an arm around your waist before glancing in Yoongi’s direction. Yoongi simply shrugged, shaking his head.
“Thank you for coming to see me.” Jimin told you once you pulled away from him. “How have you and the baby been?”
“We’re okay, but more importantly, how are you feeling?”
“I feel better, still a little weak but better.”
“He’ll be here for a while. The doctor says that he needs another transfusion.” His father added. “With no more complications, Jimin will make a full recovery.”
“That’s good news.” Yoongi said stepping forward and taking his hand. “It’s good to have you back. We can discuss work later when you’re well enough.”
“We can do it now. Even though I can’t act on it, I’m perfectly capable of receiving information.”
You sat in a nearby chair and listened as Yoongi explained all that happen to Jimin during his stay at the hospital. It was a lot to take in, especially hearing how they had tortured and killed a young man just a couple days ago. You knew that these were necessary steps to finds the ones responsible but that didn’t stop you from feeling sick to your stomach. Hasn’t there been enough bloodshed?
By the time the discussion ended, it was already nightfall and you had fallen asleep waiting for Yoongi. He had woken you up soon after, bidding Jimin and his father a good night before taking your hand and leaving the hospital.
You tried to get comfortable to go to back to sleep during the car ride home but when you opened your eyes, you noticed you weren’t going the route you normally would to get there.
“Where are we going?” You asked, sitting straight in your seat.
Yoongi glances over at you before turning his attention back to the rode. “One last stop before heading home.”
You wondered where else he had to go at this time of night then decided to put it out of your mind and enjoy the ride. Not even fifteen minutes later, the car pulled up to a large house located not too far from his parent’s house. It gave off a dark feeling since there wasn’t a single light on or around the house.
You looked over at Yoongi, wanting to ask the obvious question but he took your hand and led you up to the front door. Once inside, he flipped on the switch and lit up the empty house. Your eyes widen and your mouth dropped at how it looked. You released his hand and stepped further into the foyer, then the living room.
“What do you think?” Yoongi asked, coming to join your side with a smile on his face.
“Wha-wh-... why?” You could barely form the words to express your thoughts?
“Didn’t you say you wanted to move somewhere where nobody could find us?” He chuckled. “You’re standing in your new home.”
You covered your mouth with your hand in shock. The house was beautiful. Much more modern than the huge house he had now. You smiled at how the style complimented Yoongi’s nature. It was perfect for him but also warm enough for you and Jihyun. The two of you would be busy over the next couple weeks decorating the place. You looked around before going into the next room.
“Wow... I don’t know what to say.” You wiped away tears.
“The only thing that matters is that you like it, do you?” He approached you, kissing your forehead. 
You nodded. “I do. I love it.” You kissed his lips.
“Let’s go upstairs, there’s something I want to show you.”
You followed behind him, walking passed a large bedroom you figured was the master bedroom and the room you two would be sharing, and stood in front a dark room. When Yoongi flicked on the lights, tears filled your eyes all over again. You walked inside what would soon be Jihyun’s room. Everything you had received from the baby shower was used to decorate the room. Even Yoongi had the walls painted a periwinkle blue to match the cotton of the furniture. 
You ran your hand over everything you laid eyes on in amazement. When did he have time to do this? Yoongi was definitely one of a kind.
He watched you take a seat in the rocking chair before coming over and squatting down in front of you.
“Now all we’re missing is him.” He commented, staring at your stomach. You ran your fingers through his hair, pushing back his bangs with a smile on your face.
“And our things.” You grabbed him by his shirt, pulling him closer to kiss his lips. “Thank you.”
“Anything for my wife.”
~~~
The two of you locked up the house and headed home for the night. The moment you made it inside the bedroom, you showed Yoongi what being a good future husband got him. He went to bed that night relaxed after you massaging his body, emptied his balls, and fed him compliment after compliment that was sure to make his head big.
When you awoke the following morning, you awoke to a note lying on an empty side of the bed. Yoongi informed you that he was in a business meeting downstairs and breakfast was waiting for you when you were ready.
Excitement filled your body as you quickly threw back the covers and hopped out of bed. After breakfast and his meeting, maybe Yoongi could help you get everything packed for the new house. You were ready to leave this place behind. Although it brought memorable moments, there were equally bad memories as well. You just wanted to put it all behind you and move forward, not living in fear.
Once showered and dressed for the day, you headed downstairs for food. Quietly easing pass the meeting, you made it to the kitchen where Yohan greeted you. You sat at the island, eating and chatting with him about the new house. You were relieved to hear that despite the passing of Mr. Wu, Yohan would still be working for Mr. Min and watching over Yoongi.
After breakfast, you helped Yohan clean up before heading back upstairs to repack your things. You were in the midst of walking upstairs when you heard the rattling of the front doorknob. Assuming someone from the meeting had gotten locked out; you were ready to head back down to open the door, when it suddenly flew open.
Several men all dressed in black, armed with guns and ammunition; were now standing in the foyer. You shrieked, fleeing upstairs but not before gaining the attention of the men. One of them pointed the gun in your direction only to be stopped by his boss.
“Go after her.” Insu commanded. “Once she is taken care of, join us down here.”
“Yes, sir.” He quickly raced up the stairs after you while the rest of men prepared themselves for war.
Yoongi froze his movements at the noise you had released. He carefully listened but he couldn’t hear you anymore. Instead, his ears picked up on voices coming from his living room. Something was about to happen and it wasn’t good. Quickly grabbing the gun he had stashed in the dining room, he ushered his company into the kitchen and armed them and Yohan with weapons. 
He didn’t know who it was but he had a good guess of who it could be and what’s worse, they stood between you and him. Yoongi had to think quickly, if he knew Insu, he figure he send someone after you while he handled the rest.
~~~~~
You made it to the second landing and ran straight into Yoongi’s bedroom. The man suddenly came into view as you were closing the door. You leaned against it as he began trying to barge his way into the room, causing you to scream.
“Come on, open up,” he toyed. “I don’t want to shoot you through the door. I’d rather stare into your eyes as I’m wringing your neck.” He suddenly pushed hard and was able stick his arm inside, swinging it around in an effort to grab you. 
“Yoongi!” You screamed, falling to the floor.
Yoongi’s heart slammed in his chest at your voice. You were in trouble; you needed him. Without much thought, he cocked his gun and walked out firing. He was able to hit and kill two men before ducking behind a wall. They immediately returned fire; their bullets blasting everything just like that had previously done when he wasn’t there. Then suddenly, they stopped.
“Good to see you again, Yoongi.” Insu stated. “Sujin sends her regards but I ensured her that I’d bring back your head and the baby.”
“Ignore him, Mr. Yoongi,” Yohan whispered in his ear after easing up behind him. “He’s just trying to get a rise out of you.”
“Yeah, well its working.”
Yoongi began firing again with Yohan’s assistance. Insu was shielded behind his men as they returned fire as well. Yoongi’s business partners soon joined the battle after calling for help. Meanwhile, you were still upstairs fighting off the intruder trying to enter the room. Pushing hard against the door caused the man to withdraw his arm.
“Please!” you begged. Jihyun was wide awake and moving like he usually did when you were tense and your anxiety level was high. “You don’t have to do this!”
“But I do. Insu picked me as the man to cut open your stomach and take your son.”
He pushed hard against the door again; his arm came through the side, this time with a gun in his hand. Your heart skipped a beat at him potentially shooting you and reacted by grabbing onto his arm and biting down into his skin. The man screamed, dropping the gun, and withdrawing his arm. You pushed the door closed, using your foot to scoot the gun closer for you to grab.
You cocked the gun and moved away from the door. When the man burst through, you closed your eyes and opened fire. You were scared to open them but when you did, you saw the man was still alive; clutching his bleeding chest but he was still alive.
“Please don’t make me kill you.” You cried, walking backwards as he walked towards you. “Please!”
But he still didn’t heed your warning. You fired one final shot which pierced his skull, killing him instantly. You covered your mouth, crying into your palm. You had just killed a man. You have someone else’s blood on your hands and had trouble coming to terms with what you had done, but the gun battle downstairs told you that you didn’t have time to wallow in your misery.
“Go after the girl.” Insu instructed another one of his men after hearing shots come from upstairs.
You pushed the body out of the room and closed the door. Using your last bit of strength, you moved Yoongi’s bed and other furniture in his room in front of the door in an effort to keep anyone from getting in. Once you were sure you had been blocked in, you leaned against the bed and gotten the shock of your life. You couldn’t stop the warm liquid from running down your legs.
“No no no! Oh God, no!” You panicked. “Not now!”
~~~~~
Yoongi was starting to get anxious. Too much time had passed and he wasn’t sure what was happening upstairs. Hopefully you remained strong until he was able to come save you. By now, he was able to slip into his office and try to call for backup but the phone line was down, leaving them no choice but to fight their way through this.
Insu stood by and watched the scene unfold behind his dark shades. With everything going as planned, Min Yoongi and his girlfriend will be dead and Sujin will have the baby she desired. He cocked his gun and begun firing where he assumed Yoongi was hiding. It was now time for it all to end. He was going to be the one to kill the famous kingpin.
“Kill the others but leave Min to me.” He stated, moving forward to take the ultimate shot.
Yoongi saw a shadow approaching and hide behind the door. When Insu came into view, he slammed the door into him; causing Insu to drop his weapon. Yoongi leaped out, pointing his gun at his head.
“Any last words before I send your body back to your boss?” Yoongi asked. He was more than ready to pull the trigger and end his life.
“Just this.”
Insu knocked the gun out of his hand then used the opportunity to attack, striking Yoongi in the face. However, Yoongi was able to quickly compose himself and launched an attack of his own; delivering blows to Insu’s face. Insu blocked as much as he could before fighting back, swinging his fists in attempt to connect them to any part of Yoongi’s body. Yoongi blocked, kneed him in the stomach before delivering another punch to his face.
“Look at how weak you’ve become. It’s almost laughable.” Yoongi taunted. “You’re supposed to be someone’s right hand man yet you’re unskilled in hand to hand combat?”
Insu spit out a wad of blood. “I don’t need my hands when I have my guns. Once armed, you’re dead.”
“If you’re able to make it that far. I doubt you’ll be able to make it to your gun before I kill you.”
Insu picked up a paperweight from the desk and throw it in Yoongi’s direction; in hopes to injure him. He made a run for the gun, only to get tackled by Yoongi. The pair rolled over the floor repeatedly throwing punches to get the upper hand.
~~~~~
You grabbed your stomach as you crouched down on the floor, bracing another contraction that was soon to come.
“Ugh!” You panted through gritted teeth. “Dammit, Jihyun... couldn’t you wait... until tomorrow?”
Your body was shaking and you could barely stand on your own. You knew eventually that you needed to go to the hospital. There was no way you were having him at home in the middle of a war. Crawling over to the bed, you struggled to reach for your phone. You needed to call for help; everyone’s life depended on it.
You almost had it when a bullet flew through the door, hitting the mattress. The loud popping noise easily frightened you, causing you to scream. You ducked down for cover in case he fired again but was hit with another contraction. Your hands balled into fists as you cried out on the floor.
“I hear you...” the man teased, firing two more shots into the bed. “Why don’t you give up and unlock the door.”
Even though your body was in pain, you slowly stood to your feet, grabbed your phone, and stumbled into the bathroom; falling on the floor. With Jimin still in the hospital, you called the next best thing.
“Hello?”
“Hoseok! It’s me, I need your help.” You softly cried into phone.
“Y/n? What’s going on? Where’s Yoongi?” 
“I don’t know, I locked myself in the bedroom. Those people who kidnapped him are here and they have guns-“
“I’m on my way, don’t move. I’ll alert Yoongi’s father about what’s happening and we’ll be on the way.”
“Please hurry.”
The called ended and you huddled against the tub, rubbing your stomach and trying to calm the baby who was pushing against your cervix. You stared at the bedroom door, wondering if the man had left. The shooting had stopped and he wasn’t taunting you from the other side. You prayed that he had left and wasn’t trying to hurt you anymore.
Suddenly, loud rhythmic pounding on the bedroom door rung out upstairs. It startled you but a closer glance made your blood run cold. The man had broken the door and was now repeatedly pushing it open to move the furniture. You covered your ears and closed your eyes to block out the noise but throbbing of your lower half had your thoughts pulled away from the door and to your body, which was prepping itself for labor. You held on to anything close by for support, even the edge of the tub. The pain was becoming too unbearable that you had no choice to call for help.
“YOONGI!” You cried, screaming at the top of your lungs. “YOONGI! PL-“ 
Your voice was suddenly caught in your throat at the pain, rendering you unable to call out to him any further. You covered your eyes, crying 
~~~~~
When your screams rung out from upstairs, Yoongi’s head snapped in that direction. It lit a fire in him and he began bashing his fist into Insu’s head, who was now leaking blood from his nose and mouth. Yoongi suffered from a busted lip and sore limps from fighting. He refused to let Insu get the upper hand.
When he assumed Insu was too weak to fight back, Yoongi let his body fall to the floor and moved to get the gun. Insu grabbed onto his legs, causing him to fall on his front. He pulled out a pocket knife and tried to stab him, swinging the blade recklessly. Yoongi was cut on his arm and hand trying to dodge his attacks. Insu had gotten lucky and delivered a long cut on his palm.
“Next will be your throat.” He threatened with a smile, ready to strike again. 
Shots suddenly rung out in the room followed by silence. Insu gripped his wounded arm, looking up to see who shot him. Namjoon stood by with his gun loaded ready to fire again but before he could, Insu charged towards the nearest window and leaped through it, shattering glass around the area.
“Don’t let him get away!” Yoongi commanded. “Follow him!”
A few men rushed out of room and out of the house to chase after a Insu, who had just peeled off the property in a car. Namjoon rushed to the aid of his friend checking to see if he was okay but Yoongi quickly exited the room leaving a confused Namjoon to follow after him.
“Come on, you need medical help.” Namjoon offered.
“I’m fine.” He stated even though his hand was dripping blood.
The house was a wreck, bodies everywhere including all of Insu’s men and his guests from the meeting. Their bodies were located by the patio door, trying to make a run or it.
“Where are you going?” Namjoon ask him as he bypassed the destruction and chaos to head upstairs.
~~~
Hoseok had slowly eased his way upstairs after hearing loud banging. He found a man, with a gun in his hand, trying to enter the bedroom where you were hiding. Hoseok fired twice, killing the man instantly. 
“Y/n?” He called but didn’t get an answer.
He could see how the door was busted open yet, he still couldn’t get inside. Peeking through the crack, he could see that something was blocking the door.
Yoongi arrived, almost on cue, standing next to Hoseok. “Is she okay?”
“I don’t know. I can’t get inside; she put something in front of the door.”
Yoongi quickly surveyed the situation, placing his hand on the large wooden barrier. “We’ll have to break into the room. If we hit it together, it’s bound to give way.”
With no other options, the three of them repeatedly knocked into the door until the furniture on the other side was push out of the way to where they could enter the room. Yoongi leaped over it all and entered his bedroom, scanning the room. He found you in the bathroom, hiding in the tub with your hands over your ears.
“Y/n?” But you didn’t respond. “Y/n?!” He shook your shoulder trying to get your attention.
When you realized it was Yoongi and not the unknown man trying break inside the room to kill you, you fell into his arms; crying all over again.
“Yoongi I was so scared.” Your voice muffled as your face was pressed into his shirt. After a minute, he pulled away to check you over before speaking.
“Baby, come on. It’s over but we have to go.” Yoongi stated trying to help you to your feet but you shook your head unable to move with him.
“I can’t.” You mumbled almost on the verge of tears. Yoongi kneeled down, holding your face in his hands. He was still on edge, checking the door occasionally to make sure no one was there to hurt you both.
“What’s wrong?”
Just then, another contraction washed over you, causing a loud groan of pain to slip from your lips. Your hands gripped Yoongi’s arm and clothes for support until the pain went away momentarily. He stared in confusion and panic, thinking you had possibly gotten shot.
“Jihyun... is coming...”
The moment he heard those words, they were immediately processed and received. Yoongi’s eyes widen; his eyes just stared a hole into you. If what you say is true then your water had broken and you were already in labor.
“Oh shit.” He said absentmindedly.
You nodded, adjusting yourself in an effort to stand before another contraction came. “Yoongi... we have to get to the hospital. I don’t think... I can take much more of this.�� You broke down in a sob. “I want him out.”
“Is she okay?” Namjoon asked, stepping inside the bathroom.
Yoongi shook his head. “Call for an ambulance; the baby is coming.”
Namjoon immediately pulled out his phone called for assistance. With that taken care of, Yoongi turned his focus solely on you.
“Baby, I need you to be strong for me. I know it hurts but I need to get you downstairs before they arrive.”
“Can’t they come up here?”
“The house is a mess and too many bodies lying around. They’ll call for the police before they help you.”
With the help of Namjoon, both men helped you to your feet and slowly escorted you downstairs; stopping along the way when another contraction came. Yoongi shielded your face from seeing what took place on the lower level. The scene was too much for anyone who wasn’t use to seeing such a thing. By the time you made it outside, your body had become weak and were now trembling.
The ambulance had arrived seconds later, both men jumping out of the vehicle to help. They acted immediately, helping you onto the stretcher while Yoongi explained to them your situation.
“Please take care of her.” He told them, stopping at the back doors.
“Wait! You’re not coming with?” You asked, trying to sit up but he only laid you back down.
“I can’t,” He mumbled, checking to see if the men were listening in. “I have to take care of something first but I promise I’ll be at the hospital before Jihyun arrives.”
“What’s more important than us?” The tears were already forming in your eyes. “Please don’t leave me, Yoongi.”
Yoongi remained silent, casting his gaze elsewhere. He had to take care of Insu while he had the chance. If he gotten away, both he and Sujin would continue to wreak havoc on his life and the last thing he wanted was to allow them the chance to hurt his son.
“I have to go.” He let his hand slip from your grip as you were loaded inside the ambulance. You refused to let the man put the oxygen mask over your face as you continued to call out to him.
“Please, Yoongi!” You cried. “Don’t do this! Please don’t leave me!”
The doors closed as he watched the other man get into the driver seat and pull off of the property with the sirens blaring. Your voice and face was all that was in his head.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go with her?” Namjoon asked, standing next to him. “You’re father is on the way too. Don’t you think we should wait for what he has to say?”
The car was ready, his men were ready, now all he needed to do was finish what he started. If he was quick about it, he could get back to you in no time.
“Let’s go.”
~~~
“Make a left here,” Hoseok told him with the phone to his ear as he gave directions as to find Insu. Lucky for them, he was still in his car and easy to tail by Yoongi’s men. “Make another left then keep straight for two blocks.”
Yoongi pulled out his phone to call his mother, driving with one hand on the wheel; weaving in and out of traffic.
“Yoongi! Thank goodness! Your father told me what happened, is everything okay?”
“No it’s not; I need you to go to the hospital. Y/n is on her way there,” he paused. “Jihyun is coming.”
“I’m leaving now. Are you headed there?”
“No, there’s something I have to do first.”
There was a slight pause. “Min Yoongi! Are you telling me that y/n is at the hospital by herself?!”
“That’s why I need you there. She needs someone there.”
Her voice lowered in a stern tone. “No Yoongi, she needs YOU. Be there in twenty minutes.”
He lowered the phone from his ear at the sound of her hanging up. He ignored the nagging self conscience feeling telling him to go to the hospital. Instead, his foot stepped on the gas, speeding the car down the street. If he was really lucky, maybe Insu could led them to Sujin.
“Make a right.” Hoseok directed him.
As they stopped at the intersection, all three of them watched a black car speed right passed them with another car following close behind. No doubt, the man they were looking for: Kun Insu.
“There he is!” Namjoon shouted.
Without a second thought, Yoongi hit the gas and drove straight into oncoming traffic; trailing after them. The sound of car horns and tires rubbing against the asphalt rung out. Some cars crashed into each other while others were able to screech to a halt.
~~~~~
Hyolyn rushed inside the emergency room with Matt right behind her. After your frantic call, the two of them jump in the car and headed to the hospital. Thankfully, they spotted your father who was able to calm the pair. He told them exactly what was told to him by one of the nurses. That you were already in labor and how they weren’t able to go into the delivery room.
They took a seat in the waiting room and began the long task of waiting for the baby to arrive. Meanwhile your mother and Yoongi’s mother was in the delivery room with you, trying to coach you through the process. Your mother repeatedly wiped away sweat that appeared on your forehead while Yoongi’s mother held your hand and talked you down from your hysteria.
The more you dilated, the faster the contractions were coming and the more you felt as though you were dying. Even though you wanted him out, you didn’t want to deliver your son and Yoongi wasn’t there. So no matter how much pain you were in, you tried to hold back as much as you could which was very hard to do. Your body was trying to rid itself of the human baby that was more than ready to come out.
After ten minutes, the doctor realized something was wrong.
“Y/n, listen to me very carefully,” the doctor told you. “We need you to stop holding back and push him out. Otherwise you could pose a threat to your body and baby.”
Your head fell back against the bed, the agonizing pain of your bones stretching. “But I can’t have him now,” You cried out. “Yoongi’s not here yet. He needs to be here.”
“He’s on the way, honey.” You mother tried to comfort you. “He’ll be here in time to cut the umbilical cord.”
However, Yoongi’s mother had a different approach. “Y/n, push out my grandson. We’ve waited long enough now time is up. There’s no point in holding back for a man who chose not to be here. Yoongi will have to deal with the aftermath when he arrives but you shouldn’t be putting more tension on yourself because of him.”
Her figure became blurred by tears at her words because she was right. It hurt you that Yoongi had put business before you when you really needed him; even before Jihyun. This day wasn’t about him; it wasn’t even about you. It was about Jihyun and it upset you that he wouldn’t have both parents there during the time of his birth. 
When the tears fell from your eyes, granting you vision of your surroundings, you looked up at your mother. Her warm eyes speaking what her lips did not. She loved you and will stand by your side no matter what you decided. Your grip tightened on Yoongi’s mother’s hand as she gave you a comforting smile.
“Okay,” you spoke up after a while, waiting until some of the pain subsided. “I’m ready.”
The following minutes were spent helping you deliver Jihyun. Both mothers on each side, holding onto your hand as you pushed. Your eyes closed tight and your teeth gritted together as you strained; stopping to take deep breaths before doing it again.
After awhile, you needed a break and fell back on the bed exhausted. 
Your mother smiled while stroking your face. Even she had to wipe away tears from her eyes. “You’re doing great, honey.”
“Okay y/n, I just need you to give me one big push. Can you do that?” The doctor spoke, stretching your birth canal open.
You leaned up on your elbows and took on final breath, pushing as hard as you could. Oddly enough, you could feel Jihyun slowly moving to descend out of your body. It was feeling you knew you would never forget.
“Oh my God! I see him!” Yoongi’s mother gasped, using her other hand to wipe away tears.
“Come on, y/n. You’re almost there.” The doctor coached.
Jihyun was right there, you could feel it. One more push was all it took for you to be able to see your baby. You nodded and pushed one final time, giving it your all.
~~~~~
Yoongi drove with both hands on the wheel, his knuckles turning a shade of white as he gripped the material. He raced after Insu, sure enough causing several car accidents in his wake. But no matter how much destruction it caused on the city, he wasn’t stopping until Insu was dead.
When he suddenly made a left turn, causing a fiery crash, Yoongi made a left as well but through a side street. If he guessed correctly and Insu made another left turn, Yoongi would be right behind him. With the help of Hoseok and Namjoon, they could shoot out the tires; bringing the car to a stop.
But just as luck would have it, when Yoongi approach the intersection, his car t-boned head on into Insu’s. His car couldn’t handle the impact and rolled over repeatedly until it came to a stop, hitting a light pole. Yoongi’s car released its airbags after receiving severe frontal damage. 
All three exited the vehicle with guns drawn as they approached Insu. They weren’t sure of his condition and did not want to give him the opportunity to get the upper hand. Kun Insu’s reign of terror on Yoongi’s life and everyone else’s was over.
With his air bags also deployed, Insu sat in the driver’s seat leaking blood from too many open wounds. Namjoon opened the car door and he fell out, lying on the pavement. Hoseok pointed a gun at him in the case he made a move while Yoongi grabbed him by his shirt and deliberately punched him to an excessive degree that he looked unrecognizable.
“Where the fuck is she?” Yoongi roared out in anger but Insu didn’t respond and he figured Insu wasn’t going to. Even in the face of death, Insu remained loyal to Sujin. Wherever she was, they weren’t going to find out anytime soon.
Yoongi dropped his body on the ground and pulled out his gun, executing him by unloading a clip of bullets into his skull. He let out a breath, lowering the gun onto his side. Nothing but silence echoed around them. Even though it was over, Yoongi still wasn’t satisfied. In many ways, he felt incomplete knowing that one person was still out there; walking freely amongst others.
Both Hoseok and Namjoon could read Yoongi’s feelings easily after knowing him for years. Even working alongside of him, only strengthen their bond. They knew he was disappointed and it showed.
“You shouldn’t stress about this. We’ll find her.” Hoseok spoke, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“He’s right,” Namjoon added. “We may not have Sujin but we stopped Insu. That’s better than nothing. Besides, you have somewhere more important you should be.”
The thought of his family waiting on him; the thought of you waiting on him...
Switching cars with his men, the three of them drove to the hospital while his car was taken back to his property. Yoongi’s mind wandered to you and your condition. He knew he’d be in hot water for leaving you like he did but this was something he had to take care. He’d rather have one dead than neither with them hiding somewhere in the city.
When they walked through the doors of the hospital, they immediately spotted both families in the waiting room. However Yoongi kept walking, stopping by the front desk before continuing on. A lot was on his mind as he rode the elevator up to your floor. According to the front desk, you had been moved from the delivery room to a regular room while you recovered. You already had Jihyun and he had missed it. He had missed the birth of his first born son. Yoongi knew you would be furious with him because of it. 
His mother noticed him the moment he walked inside the room. She stood to her feet, walking over him. In an instant, her hand came up to slap him across the face, to which he didn’t blame her for, before embracing him. His arms enclosed around his mother as they stood hugging each other. As she stepped back, she wiped away proof of her tears.
“How was she?” Yoongi asked; turning both of their heads in your direction to witness you peacefully resting in bed.
“She did amazing,” She smiled, wiping more tears that had gathered.
“And Jihyun? Where is he?”
On cue, the nurse entered the room, pushing a translucent nursery crib. She placed the crib on the side of the bed where you slept before walking out to leaving them to privacy.
Yoongi approach the crib, closely watching the tightly wrapped baby sleep. Taking a deep breath, he picked him up, studying his tiny features. It was as if he was looking in a mirror at his younger self; he almost couldn’t believe it.
“I know, he looks just like you.” His mother commented, walking towards her son and grandson.
“I know.” He agreed. Seconds after he heard his father spoke, Jihyun opened his eyes, catching Yoongi by surprise. He assumed Jihyun would begin crying like babies do when they don’t see their mother but he remained silent.
The two stared off as if they were sizing each other up. Jihyun innocently blinked up at him while Yoongi held his gaze. Crazy enough, even though Jihyun looked like him, the one he had that belonged to you were your eyes. Yoongi felt like you were staring him through the eyes of your son even when you were sleeping.
“Yoongi!” Namjoon yelled, running into the room; surprising them. “You’re not going to believe this but we may know where Sujin’s location!”
That certainly had gotten his attention. “You’re kidding! How?!”
“Matt. He suggested that Insu may have very well been on his way back to Sujin’s hiding spot when we interrupted him. I looked up any property any one of them could have owned and got something. Sunwoo had another house he signed off on under an alias. Judging by the direction Insu was headed in, he was only three blocks away when we hit him.”
Yoongi’s insides bubbled with excitement. Although it was just a hunch, it was better than nothing and he was willing to take whatever he had to find her. If, by any chance, Sujin was there, then he could put an end to her and her plan to take control.
“How do you want to proceed?” Namjoon asked, finally noticing that Yoongi was holding his son for the first time.
Yoongi had to be there to witness the look on Sujin’s face when she realizes they had caught her but the stern tone of his name being called by his mother, opened his eyes to the situation he was in. He had already put business before you when you needed him, but did he want to do that to his son in the same day? Looking down at Jihyun, he saw your judgmental eyes staring back at him as if waiting to see what he had decided.
~~~~~
Your eyes had slowly opened to what you assumed was an empty room. You slowly sat up in bed, adjusting yourself. Although the light was on, no one was in your line of view. It wasn’t until you heard the light sounds of Jihyun cooing that your head whipped around to where he was at. The view made you relax, smiling as you lied back down.
Yoongi held him in his arms, slowly rocking him back and forth. When he saw that you were awake, he walked over, standing by the side of the bed.
“Looks who’s finally up,” he teased but was still talking to Jihyun. “It’s mommy.”
You instantly sat up to take the baby as Yoongi handed him to you. A smile spread across your face as you looked down at him. You barely had a chance to see him when he was born due to how drained labor made you. While you stared at his little round face, you almost missed Yoongi climbing into bed next to you; hiding his face against your body. After realizing who you were, Jihyun turned his head closer to you and closed his eyes.
“Goodness, he looks just like you.” You lightly chuckled.
“With your eyes.” he mumbled into your hospital gown, wrapping an arm around your midsection.
“Where is everyone?”
“After you wouldn’t wake up to greet your guests, they all just went home after sneaking a peek at Jihyun. They’ll be back after the two of you had your rest.”
It was quiet between you both and you after the day he had; you figured it was only a matter of time before Yoongi fell asleep.
“When did you arrive?” You asked him.
There was a pause. “A couple hours ago. You were already asleep.”
You let a light hum that made it hard for Yoongi to tell if you were angry at him or not. He knew it had to be discussed before you dropped the subject but the last thing he wanted was to resent him because of it.
“Is it over?” The question itself caught him off guard that he lifted his head to look at you. You stared down at him with a waiting expression.
“Yes. It’s all over now.”
“Good.” You smiled, leaning over to kiss his lips. You didn’t want to hate Yoongi for the decisions he made when he just wanted to make sure the tranquility his family wasn’t threatened. Even if it meant he had to miss Jihyun being born, you knew it hurt him just as much not there so you chose not to rub it in. He was there now and that’s all that mattered.
~~~
The following morning you had awoke to an empty spot next to you and an empty crib and instead awoke to a room full of voices. Your parents and his had stopped by to see Jihyun, as well as Hyolyn and Matt. They all gushed over him while you remained in bed, eating breakfast and listening to the chatter. Hearing the sound of his father’s voice after being passed around a bit too much, Jihyun had begun to cry until he was placed in the arms of the very person he wanted. Everyone laughed while you rolled your eyes. Yoongi had either just learned of Jihyun’s attachment to him or he already knew. Something told you that he already knew.
Everyone stayed half the day until it was time for the nurses to check on you and the baby. Once you were done filling out paperwork for Jihyun, you watched your boys interact with each other with a loving smile on your face. Everything was going well until Yoongi’s phone rung out. While still holding his son, he smiled at who it was and answered. Your mood darkened realizing it could only be work calling, seeing how his parents left not too long ago.
“Yoongi,” you called his name sternly, closely watching him. “I thought you said it was over.”
However he simply ignored you, speaking into the phone. “Is it done?”
“It’s done.” Namjoon replied.
~~~~~
He and a Hoseok watched as Sujin screamed at the top of her lungs. They had successfully captured her but at the request of Yoongi, she wasn’t tortured and killed. Instead, she suffered a slow death at the hands of his friends.
With a few painful cuts to her skin, Sujin’s body was placed in a cheaply made cage then placed in the sea. They watched the cage slowly sink into water with Sujin screaming out her final dying breath. Even if she does manage to hold her breath for awhile, her blood should attract any sharks nearby. Hopefully, she should drown before her body is ripped to shreds. Both men recorded her demise on their phones, sending the video to both Yoongi and Jimin.
~~~~~
Yoongi ended the call, putting his phone away. That was all he needed to hear to make this day nothing short of perfect.
  Epilogue 
 A couple days after being released from the hospital, Yoongi, Jihyun, and yourself moved into the new house for good. At your wishes, Yoongi retrieved your belongings from his old house before he had the place tore down. Nothing remained except for markings in the dirt where the house used to be. Anything of his that was destroyed and he wanted, he brought it again.
Once Jihyun was home, he was thrown a small party to meet all of the family. You were happy everyone was there and there to support the three of you. Jimin was released from the hospital, after beating the odds against him and making a full recovery. Unfortunately, your parents returned home a week later but you had scheduled a week where you and Jihyun would visit them. You also promised to send them pictures of Jihyun and every milestone he made.
After the party, Hyolyn surprised you with news of her own and also a positive pregnancy test. The two of you laughed and shed tears. You were going to be an aunt and Jihyun will have his first cousin to play with. You hoped her pregnancy wasn’t as stressful as yours and now that you weren’t, you planned on helping out as much as you could.
The three of you quickly settled into family life which wasn’t different from before except now you had a baby. Still wanting to be close to him, you had Jihyun’s crib, moved into the room that you shared. On one particular night, you heard the light cooing of Jihyun’s voice. The way he whined, you figured it was only a matter of time before he started crying and he certainly had a strong voice.
“Shh... otherwise you’re going to wake her up.” You heard Yoongi tell him. Opening your eyes, you found him rocking Jihyun in his arms, the moon lighting up his figure in the darkness. “Now, what is it? Are you hungry or do you just want daddy to hold you?” You watched for awhile until Jihyun’s voice could be heard again.
“I think he’s hungry.” You told him. “Give him to me, I’ll feed him.” Without much protesting, Yoongi handed him over before climbing back into bed.
“One thing is certain,” he began before throwing the blanket over his head. “He definitely has your impatience.”
You smiled, looking down at the baby in your arms as he ate. There were plenty of times in the night where you woke to the sounds of him crying only to find Yoongi already holding him. You would breastfeed him back to sleep and on other occasions, you pumped your milk into a bottle and had Yoongi feed him while you slept.
Work, for Yoongi, had returned to normal but he made sure not to spend too much time away from home. He had balanced work and his personal life; sometimes working from home while you were out and other times, rushing from work to get home to see you and Jihyun. Occasionally he took days off to spend time with the two of you.
Although you didn’t have to work, you still chose to for the simple fact that you didn’t enjoy staying at home twenty four-seven. You took Jihyun to the bakery to introduce him to the people you considered a second family. Everyone gushed over the baby and it made you laugh that when Jungkook held him, he spit up on him.
“I see the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree.“ he commented, wiping his clothes.
“What does that mean?” You questioned, trying to suppress your giggles.
“He’s rude, just like his mother; doesn’t appreciate something great in front of them.” He teased. “I saved his life and this is the thanks I get.” He pouted.
“Jihyun and I are very thankful and grateful for that day.” You smiled, giving him a smile and kiss on the cheek.
You were happy to learn that not only that business has been great but Jungkook had moved on from his crush on you and begun dating. During the days when there weren’t a lot of customers, you offered advice to him on where to take his girlfriend or what to buy her as gifts.
Yoongi’s parent’s, more specifically his mother, offered to watch Jihyun some night so you and Yoongi could have some alone time. Those nights ended great but you hated waking up in the morning and not seeing your angel. And even though Yoongi never voiced it, you knew he felt the same way. You had caught him asking his mother about Jihyun when he thought you were asleep on a few occasions.
Time had passed, a little too fast for your liking, and Jihyun had went from holding his head up and turning over to crawling to pulling himself up and now at thirteen months, he was trying to walk. You did a victory dance when his first words were “mama” instead of “dada” like Yoongi was trying to teach him. Crazy enough, you didn’t think being a parent was going to be as fun as it was, especially when you had Yoongi by your side. But with good days, there came bad days and days when Jihyun was sick or kept the two of you awake at night with constant crying.
And no matter how much the two of you disagreed, by the end of the day you both were back in love and the argument was long forgotten. You needed him just as much as Yoongi needed you. The two of you were better together than you were on your own and to prove that, you and Yoongi finally decided on a date for the wedding, settling for a breezy summer day.
When that day came, everything went as planned. Hyolyn’s and Matt’s beautiful baby girl was the flower girl with the help of your mother, who carried her. With a little assistance, Jihyun managed to walk down the aisle without dropping the rings he carried on a pillow. You stood next to your best friend and sister-in-law, staring at your soon-to-be husband, who looked absolutely stunning in his black tux. Yoongi stood alongside all three of his friends, he considered brothers. During the entire wedding, as well as the reception, Yoongi couldn’t keep his eyes or his hands off of you even though the two of you had a quickie in the limo before arriving to the venue. 
Life didn’t feel much differently than before, just that you were now officially someone’s wife. Min Yoongi’s wife. The infamous mobster that everyone was scared of was not only your son’s father but also your husband. Some days you wondered how it all came together but rather than think of the past, you had a lot to look forward to.
“Are you ready for your new life, Mrs. Min?” Yoongi whispered in your ear as he lied on top of you. It was the night of the wedding and with Jihyun with his parents for a week; it left plenty of time for you to spend as newlyweds.
You turned you head to kiss him. “I’m more than ready, Mr. Min.”
“Good,” He rolled you over on your back, kissing and sucking on your neck. “I think it’s time that Jihyun gets a sibling, don’t you agree?”
“Yes, Yoongi,“ you moaned with a tease. “It’s whatever you want.”
That night when you two made love, you became one. Whatever life had in store for you, couldn’t be that bad... As long as you had each other.
~
The End
****
©2019 Silhouetted_Beauty
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fanficshiddles · 5 years
Text
I’m still breathing, Chapter 37
Loki woke up to hear groaning, he opened his eyes and rolled over to see Sophie sitting on the edge of the bed with her head in her hands.
‘Hangover, love?’ He sounded sympathetic, but there was a slight hint of humour in his tone.
‘Why did you let me drink?’ She groaned again and sat back against the headboard.
Loki laughed and slid an arm around her middle, pulling her down so she was lying next to him. She attempted to get up, because the room was spinning when she lay down, but Loki kept her held to him.
‘I did warn you, but you never listen to me. Even though I’m always right.’ He rolled on top of her.
She grumbled and weakly attempted pushing his chest, trying to get him off. ‘Not the time for that, Loki.’ She covered her eyes with her forearm.
His long fingers curled around her wrist and he tugged her arm away. Using his free hand, he trailed the tips of his fingers up the side of her face and they danced over her forehead. ‘Shhh, stop complaining and let me heal you.’
Her entire body shuddered in a delightful way when little sparks of tingles came from his fingers and seeped into her, healing her headache instantly. She closed her eyes when she felt a warmth spread through her veins, making her feel a little floaty and almost like she was high for a few seconds. The sickness feeling disappeared and she felt much better than she did ten seconds ago.
‘God, I love you.’ She moaned and opened her eyes to see Loki grinning cockily down at her.
‘Just for my Seidr?’ He asked playfully.
‘Yep. It’s very handy.’ Sophie smirked and hooked her arms around his neck. ‘I guess you’re quite handsome too, I suppose.’ She shrugged.
‘Cheeky!’ Loki laughed and gave her sides a squeeze, making her squeal and laugh too. He rolled them both right over so she was on top, straddling him while he had a firm grip on her hips.
She leaned down, cupping his face in her hands while she kissed him. ‘I love you, Loki.’
‘I love you too, darling.’
Coming out of the bath together, Loki and Sophie got themselves dressed. Loki’s breath was taken away every time he saw her in Asgardian clothing.
‘Didn’t anyone tell you that it’s rude to stare?’ She teased, playfully poking his chest.
He grabbed her wrist and gave her an open-mouthed kiss to the back of her hand. ‘Apologies. But it is difficult not to do so with such beauty in my presence.’ He grinned, eyes twinkling with a little mischief.
Sophie’s heart melted. Even with his cheeky, mischievous, side he was still a gentleman. She adored that side of him, his Princely upbringing obvious.
‘Alright, trickster, let’s go. Natasha will be waiting for us.’ Sophie giggled, placing her hand on his leather clad chest.
‘Or we could just say we are ill and stay in bed all day?’ He suggested seductively with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
‘As tempting as that is, I doubt she’d believe it.’
‘Ah, you’re forgetting, love. I am the God of lies. I can make anything believable.’ He winked at her.
‘Come on.’ She laughed, grabbing his hand she dragged him out of the room.
Loki had a guard go ahead of them to get his horse ready for him and Sophie. The magnificent steed was awaiting them when they walked into the stables.
There was no sign yet of Natasha, so the couple mounted Rökkvi and went outside to wait for her.
‘Would you like to steer?’ Loki asked, holding the reins up on front of Sophie.
‘Uhhh. Not really. I might make us crash.’ Sophie said anxiously. She was more confident than the last time, but still not enough to be the one in control of the beast. She was quite happy just enjoying the ride.
‘I’d be highly impressed if you were able to crash my horse.’ Loki chuckled.
‘Trust me. This is me we are talking about.’ Sophie grinned, leaning her head right back to look up at Loki.
He laughed and kissed her forehead. ‘True.’
Loki was so glad to see that she was out of her shell again, back to her normal self. Taking her to Asgard was the right decision for sure. Giving her time to relax and recover from her ordeal.
They didn’t have to wait long until Natasha joined them both.
‘I didn’t know you could ride?’ Sophie asked when she came out from the stables on her own horse, riding confidently.
‘I used to ride when I was a child. It’s like riding a bike, you never forget.’ She smiled.
Part of Sophie wished she could ride herself too. But then another part of her really enjoyed riding with Loki, having him pressed up right behind her with his warm breath constantly tickling her neck. It was definitely a good way to go riding, she decided for sure.
They rode through the countryside and into the mountains of Asgard. Loki gave Natasha the tour of the place and told them both various stories about when he grew up on the realm. A couple he’d told Sophie about before, but some she hadn’t heard.
‘So, what’s the deal with you and your dad?’ Natasha asked Loki on the ride back.
‘He’s an old git who seems to have had a change of heart and is trying to make up for hundreds of years of bad parenting.’ Loki said in a slightly clipped tone.
‘Loki. I think he’s genuinely trying and feels bad.’ Sophie said, putting a hand on his for a moment.
Loki just grunted in response.  
Natasha asked no more about the Allfather. And Loki re-directed the conversation to more stories, especially funny ones about when he and Thor were kids.
After their ride, they had lunch in the great hall with Frigga and Odin.
‘Has there been any news from Heimdall yet?’ Sophie asked.
‘Not yet, no.’ Frigga said softly. ‘But don’t worry, he will alert us when your friends have found him.’
Sophie wasn’t worried per say. She was happy to be on Asgard. But part of her did miss the Avengers and going on missions. She missed training and fighting, using her powers. The sooner that Owen was found, the sooner she could get back to normal.
‘Can we do some training later?’ Sophie asked Loki.
‘Are you sure you’re up to it?’
‘Of course. I miss it.’ She nodded.
Loki reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. ‘I guess it has been a while since I’ve kicked your ass.’ He grinned cheekily.
‘More like since I kicked your ass!’ Sophie corrected her boyfriend.
‘How are you getting on with your powers?’ Odin asked, doing his best to make an effort with both Loki and Sophie. He did actually have a soft spot for the mutant, she was good for Loki. Even he saw that.
‘Really good, thanks. I can pretty much control it completely now.’
‘You should see these two in action together. They’re an unstoppable force, it’s like poetry in battle.’ Natasha chipped in with, making Sophie blush and Loki grin.
‘Oh? Perhaps we could set something up, it would be good to see you both training.’ Frigga suggested with a smile and Odin nodded in agreement.
Sophie looked at Loki, a little unsure. To perform in a way, on front of not only the King and Queen but Loki’s parents? That was sure as hell nerve-wracking.
Loki still had his hand wrapped around hers and he gave her another squeeze. ‘We would love to.’ He smiled.
‘Yeah, sure.’ Sophie agreed.
Loki and Sophie were walking across the training arena, it was a much larger space than what they had to work with back on Earth at the base.
‘How do we do this?’ Sophie whispered to Loki.
‘We fight like we are fighting in a battle, don’t hold back any punches or kills.’ Loki hooked his arm around her shoulder, but just got a confused look back at him.
‘I can’t kill the soldiers?’
Loki raised an eyebrow. ‘Who said anything about soldiers?’
‘Well… I assumed that’s who we would be training against?’
‘Oh no.’ Loki grinned wickedly. He looked down to the other end of the arena and flicked his wrist. Sophie watched as a green haze flew down and in the middle of the wall a huge space opened up.
There was an almighty roar and Sophie actually jumped when she saw a beast that was at least 40ft tall and just as wide. It had humungous horns on the lower side of its face, was covered in black scales, eyes a dark blood red, incredibly sharp looking teeth and it had four legs and paws, all with the sharpest looking claws she’d ever seen. Then there was its tail, around 15ft long with large spikes on the end of it.
‘Holy shit!’
Loki leaned in, his breath against her ear as he spoke. ‘That is what we will be fighting against.’ Loki chuckled.
‘What is it?’
‘It’s known as the Jotunheim beast. Odin captured this one a few years ago. They are excellent to battle against because they genuinely want to kill us.’ Loki looked over towards the beast that was stumbling around while it adjusted to the brightness of the sun.
‘And you want us to fight it?’ Sophie’s eyes were wide. She knew she wanted a challenge, but she certainly never expected this.
‘It should be easy in comparison to some battles we’ve had.’ Loki winked at her. ‘Or are you too scared?’
‘Of course not! Come on then, let’s kick ass.’
Sophie turned to look at the beast that was slowly getting itself together. It suddenly locked eyes on the couple. It put its paws out to the side, thumping loudly on the ground and it let out another roar. Spikes shot up on its back like a hedgehog but much, much worse.
Loki whipped out his daggers and spun them around a few times, then started running towards it while his full armour and helmet shimmered onto him. The beast started charging straight towards him.
When Loki reached the beast, he suddenly disappeared, confusing it for a moment until he appeared at the side and slashed its leg. He then disappeared again. The monster locked eyes on Sophie. She took a deep breath and ran towards it. Just as she was within its reach, she slid down on her side underneath, phasing just in-case. She managed to dodge out of the way of its swinging tail as it slammed into the ground near her.
Loki materialised next to her and tossed her one of his daggers. She nodded at him and they both ran back towards the beast, Sophie grabbed his hand in time when the beast turned to face them and charged. She phased the two of them through the beast while it attempted to maul them with its teeth. When the two were underneath, Sophie momentarily unphased them both so they could stab the beast’s stomach and slice along. Blood poured out everywhere, but Sophie was on the ball and grabbed Loki’s wrist so they could phase away from it again.
The beast cried out in agony and for a few seconds it was stunned.
‘Where’s the damn things heart?’ Sophie asked while breathing quick.
‘If you imagine the end of its left horn pressed against its chest, it should be just underneath the tip.’ Loki said, pointing towards the beast with his dagger while he blew a wild strand of hair out of his face. A move that Sophie found extremely arousing and highly distracting, but she quickly focused again.
‘Alright then. Let’s do another YouTube moment? I’ll come down on it from the top… Hopefully.’ Sophie said quickly as the Jotun beast was regaining itself again, quickly charging towards them.
Sophie ran backwards while Loki crouched down, with his hands clasped together out on front of him. He nodded at her and then she sprinted forwards, putting her foot in Loki’s hands he launched her straight up in the air, just in time for Loki to teleport out of the way as the raging beast charged towards him.
The mutant phased and fell straight down through the beast, avoiding the spikes on its back and she managed to grab its heart, tearing it out on her way down. The beast fell forwards with a cry, it tumbled a few times before stilling, dead instantly.
Sophie did a forward roll away from the body and dropped the large heart.
‘Eughh.’ She shook her hand, it was covered in blood.
Loki went over to join her, using his Seidr to clean her hand. They heard a small group applauding them, turning around Odin, Frigga, Natasha, Sif and the Warriors three were making their way towards them.
‘Outstanding!’ Said Volstagg.
‘Incredible! I’ve never seen anyone take down those beasts so quickly and easily.’ Sif gave Sophie a pat on the back.
‘We do make a good team.’ Sophie grinned and looked at Loki, who was also getting pats on the back.
‘That we do.’ He grinned back at her.
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imagine-loki · 5 years
Text
I'm still breathing, Chapter 37
TITLE: I’m still breathing CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter 37 AUTHOR: fanficshiddles ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine a mutant has been living on the streets for years, until she is picked up by the Avengers. She’s taken to live with them so they can help her to discover what her powers are. Loki especially, takes an interest in her. The two become very fond of one another as they discover what her power is. RATING: M
Loki woke up to hear groaning, he opened his eyes and rolled over to see Sophie sitting on the edge of the bed with her head in her hands.
‘Hangover, love?’ He sounded sympathetic, but there was a slight hint of humour in his tone.
‘Why did you let me drink?’ She groaned again and sat back against the headboard.
Loki laughed and slid an arm around her middle, pulling her down so she was lying next to him. She attempted to get up, because the room was spinning when she lay down, but Loki kept her held to him.
‘I did warn you, but you never listen to me. Even though I’m always right.’ He rolled on top of her.
She grumbled and weakly attempted pushing his chest, trying to get him off. ‘Not the time for that, Loki.’ She covered her eyes with her forearm.
His long fingers curled around her wrist and he tugged her arm away. Using his free hand, he trailed the tips of his fingers up the side of her face and they danced over her forehead. ‘Shhh, stop complaining and let me heal you.’
Her entire body shuddered in a delightful way when little sparks of tingles came from his fingers and seeped into her, healing her headache instantly. She closed her eyes when she felt a warmth spread through her veins, making her feel a little floaty and almost like she was high for a few seconds. The sickness feeling disappeared and she felt much better than she did ten seconds ago.
‘God, I love you.’ She moaned and opened her eyes to see Loki grinning cockily down at her.
‘Just for my Seidr?’ He asked playfully.
‘Yep. It’s very handy.’ Sophie smirked and hooked her arms around his neck. ‘I guess you’re quite handsome too, I suppose.’ She shrugged.
‘Cheeky!’ Loki laughed and gave her sides a squeeze, making her squeal and laugh too. He rolled them both right over so she was on top, straddling him while he had a firm grip on her hips.
She leaned down, cupping his face in her hands while she kissed him. ‘I love you, Loki.’
‘I love you too, darling.’
Coming out of the bath together, Loki and Sophie got themselves dressed. Loki’s breath was taken away every time he saw her in Asgardian clothing.
‘Didn’t anyone tell you that it’s rude to stare?’ She teased, playfully poking his chest.
He grabbed her wrist and gave her an open-mouthed kiss to the back of her hand. ‘Apologies. But it is difficult not to do so with such beauty in my presence.’ He grinned, eyes twinkling with a little mischief.
Sophie’s heart melted. Even with his cheeky, mischievous, side he was still a gentleman. She adored that side of him, his Princely upbringing obvious.
‘Alright, trickster, let’s go. Natasha will be waiting for us.’ Sophie giggled, placing her hand on his leather clad chest.
‘Or we could just say we are ill and stay in bed all day?’ He suggested seductively with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
‘As tempting as that is, I doubt she’d believe it.’
‘Ah, you’re forgetting, love. I am the God of lies. I can make anything believable.’ He winked at her.
‘Come on.’ She laughed, grabbing his hand she dragged him out of the room.
Loki had a guard go ahead of them to get his horse ready for him and Sophie. The magnificent steed was awaiting them when they walked into the stables.
There was no sign yet of Natasha, so the couple mounted Rökkvi and went outside to wait for her.
‘Would you like to steer?’ Loki asked, holding the reins up on front of Sophie.
‘Uhhh. Not really. I might make us crash.’ Sophie said anxiously. She was more confident than the last time, but still not enough to be the one in control of the beast. She was quite happy just enjoying the ride.
‘I’d be highly impressed if you were able to crash my horse.’ Loki chuckled.
‘Trust me. This is me we are talking about.’ Sophie grinned, leaning her head right back to look up at Loki.
He laughed and kissed her forehead. ‘True.’
Loki was so glad to see that she was out of her shell again, back to her normal self. Taking her to Asgard was the right decision for sure. Giving her time to relax and recover from her ordeal.
They didn’t have to wait long until Natasha joined them both.
‘I didn’t know you could ride?’ Sophie asked when she came out from the stables on her own horse, riding confidently.
‘I used to ride when I was a child. It’s like riding a bike, you never forget.’ She smiled.
Part of Sophie wished she could ride herself too. But then another part of her really enjoyed riding with Loki, having him pressed up right behind her with his warm breath constantly tickling her neck. It was definitely a good way to go riding, she decided for sure.
They rode through the countryside and into the mountains of Asgard. Loki gave Natasha the tour of the place and told them both various stories about when he grew up on the realm. A couple he’d told Sophie about before, but some she hadn’t heard.
‘So, what’s the deal with you and your dad?’ Natasha asked Loki on the ride back.
‘He’s an old git who seems to have had a change of heart and is trying to make up for hundreds of years of bad parenting.’ Loki said in a slightly clipped tone.
‘Loki. I think he’s genuinely trying and feels bad.’ Sophie said, putting a hand on his for a moment.
Loki just grunted in response.  
Natasha asked no more about the Allfather. And Loki re-directed the conversation to more stories, especially funny ones about when he and Thor were kids.
After their ride, they had lunch in the great hall with Frigga and Odin.
‘Has there been any news from Heimdall yet?’ Sophie asked.
‘Not yet, no.’ Frigga said softly. ‘But don’t worry, he will alert us when your friends have found him.’
Sophie wasn’t worried per say. She was happy to be on Asgard. But part of her did miss the Avengers and going on missions. She missed training and fighting, using her powers. The sooner that Owen was found, the sooner she could get back to normal.
‘Can we do some training later?’ Sophie asked Loki.
‘Are you sure you’re up to it?’
‘Of course. I miss it.’ She nodded.
Loki reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. ‘I guess it has been a while since I’ve kicked your ass.’ He grinned cheekily.
‘More like since I kicked your ass!’ Sophie corrected her boyfriend.
‘How are you getting on with your powers?’ Odin asked, doing his best to make an effort with both Loki and Sophie. He did actually have a soft spot for the mutant, she was good for Loki. Even he saw that.
‘Really good, thanks. I can pretty much control it completely now.’
‘You should see these two in action together. They’re an unstoppable force, it’s like poetry in battle.’ Natasha chipped in with, making Sophie blush and Loki grin.
‘Oh? Perhaps we could set something up, it would be good to see you both training.’ Frigga suggested with a smile and Odin nodded in agreement.
Sophie looked at Loki, a little unsure. To perform in a way, on front of not only the King and Queen but Loki’s parents? That was sure as hell nerve-wracking.
Loki still had his hand wrapped around hers and he gave her another squeeze. ‘We would love to.’ He smiled.
‘Yeah, sure.’ Sophie agreed.
Loki and Sophie were walking across the training arena, it was a much larger space than what they had to work with back on Earth at the base.
‘How do we do this?’ Sophie whispered to Loki.
‘We fight like we are fighting in a battle, don’t hold back any punches or kills.’ Loki hooked his arm around her shoulder, but just got a confused look back at him.
‘I can’t kill the soldiers?’
Loki raised an eyebrow. ‘Who said anything about soldiers?’
‘Well… I assumed that’s who we would be training against?’
‘Oh no.’ Loki grinned wickedly. He looked down to the other end of the arena and flicked his wrist. Sophie watched as a green haze flew down and in the middle of the wall a huge space opened up.
There was an almighty roar and Sophie actually jumped when she saw a beast that was at least 40ft tall and just as wide. It had humungous horns on the lower side of its face, was covered in black scales, eyes a dark blood red, incredibly sharp looking teeth and it had four legs and paws, all with the sharpest looking claws she’d ever seen. Then there was its tail, around 15ft long with large spikes on the end of it.
‘Holy shit!’
Loki leaned in, his breath against her ear as he spoke. ‘That is what we will be fighting against.’ Loki chuckled.
‘What is it?’
‘It’s known as the Jotunheim beast. Odin captured this one a few years ago. They are excellent to battle against because they genuinely want to kill us.’ Loki looked over towards the beast that was stumbling around while it adjusted to the brightness of the sun.
‘And you want us to fight it?’ Sophie’s eyes were wide. She knew she wanted a challenge, but she certainly never expected this.
‘It should be easy in comparison to some battles we’ve had.’ Loki winked at her. ‘Or are you too scared?’
‘Of course not! Come on then, let’s kick ass.’
Sophie turned to look at the beast that was slowly getting itself together. It suddenly locked eyes on the couple. It put its paws out to the side, thumping loudly on the ground and it let out another roar. Spikes shot up on its back like a hedgehog but much, much worse.
Loki whipped out his daggers and spun them around a few times, then started running towards it while his full armour and helmet shimmered onto him. The beast started charging straight towards him.
When Loki reached the beast, he suddenly disappeared, confusing it for a moment until he appeared at the side and slashed its leg. He then disappeared again. The monster locked eyes on Sophie. She took a deep breath and ran towards it. Just as she was within its reach, she slid down on her side underneath, phasing just in-case. She managed to dodge out of the way of its swinging tail as it slammed into the ground near her.
Loki materialised next to her and tossed her one of his daggers. She nodded at him and they both ran back towards the beast, Sophie grabbed his hand in time when the beast turned to face them and charged. She phased the two of them through the beast while it attempted to maul them with its teeth. When the two were underneath, Sophie momentarily unphased them both so they could stab the beast’s stomach and slice along. Blood poured out everywhere, but Sophie was on the ball and grabbed Loki’s wrist so they could phase away from it again.
The beast cried out in agony and for a few seconds it was stunned.
‘Where’s the damn things heart?’ Sophie asked while breathing quick.
‘If you imagine the end of its left horn pressed against its chest, it should be just underneath the tip.’ Loki said, pointing towards the beast with his dagger while he blew a wild strand of hair out of his face. A move that Sophie found extremely arousing and highly distracting, but she quickly focused again.
‘Alright then. Let’s do another YouTube moment? I’ll come down on it from the top… Hopefully.’ Sophie said quickly as the Jotun beast was regaining itself again, quickly charging towards them.
Sophie ran backwards while Loki crouched down, with his hands clasped together out on front of him. He nodded at her and then she sprinted forwards, putting her foot in Loki’s hands he launched her straight up in the air, just in time for Loki to teleport out of the way as the raging beast charged towards him.
The mutant phased and fell straight down through the beast, avoiding the spikes on its back and she managed to grab its heart, tearing it out on her way down. The beast fell forwards with a cry, it tumbled a few times before stilling, dead instantly.
Sophie did a forward roll away from the body and dropped the large heart.
‘Eughh.’ She shook her hand, it was covered in blood.
Loki went over to join her, using his Seidr to clean her hand. They heard a small group applauding them, turning around Odin, Frigga, Natasha, Sif and the Warriors three were making their way towards them.
‘Outstanding!’ Said Volstagg.
‘Incredible! I’ve never seen anyone take down those beasts so quickly and easily.’ Sif gave Sophie a pat on the back.
‘We do make a good team.’ Sophie grinned and looked at Loki, who was also getting pats on the back.
‘That we do.’ He grinned back at her.
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hysterialevi · 5 years
Text
When the Devil Cries pt. 13
Author’s note: Time to go bounty hunting!
From Arthur’s POV
THE NEXT MORNING
CLEMENS POINT
Picking up on the scent of cooked meat, I gradually rose back into consciousness as my eyes fluttered open to the morning sunlight, revealing a scene I did not expect.
Not too far away from me, Eddie was roasting something over a newly-lit campfire as Bullet chewed on a clump o’ grass behind him, the two of them already wide-awake while I hadn’t even moved from my bedroll yet.
When the hell did they go hunting? The sun wasn’t even that high in the sky yet, and judging by the freshness of the campfire, I assumed Eddie returned just recently. That must’ve meant he’d been up ever since dawn.
Well, someone was certainly excited to start the day.
Letting out a fatigued yawn, I stretched my arms out and sat up from the ground, causing Eddie to jolt his head in my direction as I dragged a hand down my face.
“Morning, Arthur,” he greeted with a smile, offering some of the food he was cooking. “Rabbit?”
I glanced around the camp for a minute, still trying to get my bearings.
“You caught somethin’ already? Heh. Looks like I taught you well.” I stood up from the bedroll and took a seat beside Eddie, pouring myself a cup of coffee.
“You certainly did,” he agreed. “Though, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the skinning part.”
I took a sip. “Oh, I hope you do. There’ll be lots of skinnin’ today, after all. ‘Parently, these Arlington Twins are no joke. Plenty o’ folk gone after them already, but none have succeeded. They’re wanted alive, too.”
Eddie raised a brow. “And you think it’s a good idea to hunt them down?”
“None of this is a good idea,” I replied. “But it’s the only option we got right now. Unless you wanna earn money by shovelin’ pig shit on a ranch instead.”
The pianist chuckled. “Well, when you put it that way...”
I gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “You’ll be fine. Just stay alert, and don’t hesitate to shoot ‘em if things go south. I know they’re wanted alive, but I’d rather you be broke than be dead.”
Eddie nodded. “I’ll do my best. So, what was this plan you mentioned before?”
I stared at the fire in thought, pondering the multiple ways we could approach this.
“Well, like I said...there’s a good chance they’re targeting the trains coming from New Hanover, so I think it’d be best if we figure out when the next one rolls in. See if we can’t catch them along the way.”
I downed the rest of my coffee, stuffing the mug back into my satchel as I prepared to leave. “I know a feller over at the Rhodes train station could help us out. A peculiar man by the name of ‘Alden,’ but he’s effective in his own way. He’ll know the trains’ schedule.”
Eddie paused for a moment, briefly falling silent before agreeing to my plan.
For a second there, it looked like he wanted to ask me something, but dropped the subject and refrained himself from doing so.
Was everything alright? I wondered. Maybe I should’ve taken a step back and checked on the boy for a damned minute before runnin’ off to hogtie some outlaws.
After all, Eddie had been through hell this past week. With Middleton’s death, the gala shootout, and being forced to survive in the wilds -- I had no idea how this was really affectin’ him.
I forced myself to slow down for a moment and simply sat on my horse, peering over at Eddie with a concerned expression.
“...You alright there, Eddie?” I asked. The musician unhitched Bullet from the post, putting his hat back on as he climbed on top of the beast.
“Well, there is something I want to talk about,” he confessed, “but...now’s not really a great time.”
I shrugged. “On the contrary, now is probably the best time. Never know when we’ll have a moment o’ peace like this again.”
Eddie gave in and sighed in a worried manner, somberly looking away from me. He actually appeared rather upset -- more than I first anticipated -- and the longer he went without sayin’ anything, the more I was afraid somethin’ bad had happened to him.
What was going on?
Eddie stared blankly at the ground, his voice softening with sorrow and uncertainty as I waited for a response.
“...Am I...making you uncomfortable, Arthur?” He questioned quietly.
I blinked in confusion, wonderin’ how on Earth he even got to that conclusion.
“Wh-- no, of course not. What gave you that idea?”
Eddie turned back to me, clearly more hurt than he was lettin’ on.
“It’s just...every time I try to get close to you, like last night, it always seems to scare you off. And you’re constantly going on about how you shouldn’t be around me, or that it’s better off if we put some distance between each other. I just wanted to know if I’m reading the signs wrong. If I’m...perhaps not quite understanding what our relationship really is, and pushing things too far. ...Am I? Is this...not what you want?”
I found myself at a loss for words, suddenly feelin’ like such an asshole. This whole time, I truly believed I had been protecting Eddie when, in reality, I’d actually been hurting him.
Every time we was around each other, or every time Eddie tried to approach me for comfort, I always seemed to subconsciously push the kid away and do my absolute best to shield my true emotions from him, not realizing the messages I was really sending.
Good God, I was an idiot.
Not only had I been making Eddie feel unwanted, I had also gone and taken apart the only life he ever knew by gettin’ involved in a war that weren’t even mine, and throwin’ him out into the wilds.
But of course, like the fool I was forever damned to be, I perceived it as an act of protection -- and through some twisted logic -- saw myself as the guardian in this scenario.
I struggled to find the right words, stutterin’ like an absolute moron while I tried to reassure Eddie.
“Oh, Eddie...” I said, my tone filled with guilt, “...I’m...I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I...”
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, desperately attemptin’ to put out this fire I’ve started.
“Listen,” I stated, “I know you think I’m a good man -- and maybe, deep down somewhere, I am -- but my actions don’t always reflect it. I’ve...I’ve committed crimes, Eddie. Harmed people that didn’t deserve it. Taken things that weren’t mine. And as a result, it’s gotten those around me hurt. Sometimes, even killed. I just don’t want the same thing to happen to you. I don’t wanna put you in danger.”
Eddie shook his head. “I’m already in danger, Arthur.”
“All the more reason not to add more onto your plate.”
The boy leaned over and placed a hand on my lap, appearing somewhat relieved.
“We’re in this fight together, Arthur,” he reiterated. “Sure, this isn’t what either of us wanted, but it’s happening now. And the only way we’re going to get out of it is if we stay by each other’s side. I know you’re willing to protect me, and I’m willing to protect you. No one is putting anyone in danger, except for Atticus Rose. Alright?”
I took what he said to heart, still feelin’ guilty for hurting Eddie the way I did.
“You sure about this?” I double-checked. “You sure you wanna...tie yourself down to some big, dumb moron like me?”
The boy chuckled, his emerald eyes twinklin’ once again.
“Positive. Now...” Eddie gently whipped his reins, signaling Bullet to start trotting out of the camp as he looked back at me with a grin, “...are we catching these twins or what?”
RHODES TRAIN STATION
Strolling through the double-doors, Eddie and I entered the quiet train station as everyone instantly began staring us, following our every move while we made our way to the ticket booth.
Most of the people inside were relaxing on the multiple benches scattered around and reading the newspaper, tiredly waiting for their train to arrive as life carried on outside.
So far, things seemed calm enough. And judging by the lack of alarm in the locals, I assumed the Arlington Twins hadn’t hit any of their trains just yet. That meant they were either still planning, or waitin’ for the right moment. We would have to move fast.
Walkin’ up to the booth, I tapped the little bell sittin’ on the counter and caught the attention of Trelawny’s old friend, lowering my voice as I told Eddie to wait by the door.
“Hello, Arthur!” Alden exclaimed happily. “You came back! Oh, it’s good to see you again. I hope you’ve been well?”
I nodded casually, placing a few dollars on the counter. “Well enough. Listen...I need a different favor today. I ain’t lookin’ for no stagecoach. I’m lookin’ for a train this time.”
The clerk’s eyes widened as he took the money. “A train? Ain’t that a tad...ambitious?”
I smirked. “What can I say? I’m an ambitious man.”
Alden smiled. “That, you are, Arthur. That you are. Well, let’s see...” he opened a the ledger, sliding his finger down the page as he studied the arrival times. “I assume you’re wantin’ a train with some value on it?”
“That would be ideal.”
He took out a slip of paper and began eagerly scribbling some notes on it.
“You’re in luck. There’s a train arrivin’ from New Hanover at ten o’clock. It’s carrying some weapons as well as some money, and there aren’t too many guards on board. A perfect opportunity for a...discouraged man such as yourself.”
I checked the clock on the wall, squinting slightly to read the time. It looked like we had about half an hour before the train arrived. That would work.
“Sounds good,” I said, taking the note Alden had written for me. “Thank you.”
“Be real careful, Arthur,” he warned compassionately. “Goin’ after stagecoaches is one thing, but trains...they’re no joke.”
I returned to Eddie, waving goodbye to the clerk.
“Oh, don’t worry, Alden. I’m always careful.”
A WHILE LATER
BORDER OF NEW HANOVER
Hiding among the many trees in this region, Eddie and I kept a close watch on the railroad tracks as we waited for the train to come through, our weapons all loaded up and ready to go.
The area had been pretty quiet so far, and there was nothin’ but deer and wild horses running around, along with the occasional traveler or two passing by. And what made things even stranger...was that nothing had been placed on the tracks that would force the train to stop.
It made me wonder if the Arlington Twins were even nearby. Or if they were planning to hit this train specifically. Jesus...after all this drama, I almost hoped they were.
“See anythin’ yet?” I asked, observing the place through a pair of binoculars.
“No,” Eddie answered, taking out a pocket watch. “Are you sure it’s arriving at ten? What did that note Alden gave you say?”
I took the piece of paper out and held it between two fingers, handing the note over to Eddie. “Here.”
The boy examined it for a moment, his brow furrowing once he reached the end.
“...Who is this Alden, exactly?” He questioned, sounding a little jealous.
I adjusted my binoculars. “An old ‘associate’ of mine, you could say. I’ve known him for a few months now. Why?”
“Because at the end, it says: Be real careful. Xxxxx. And he’s also drawn a heart.”
I let out a breath, lowering the binoculars for a second.
“Jesus, Alden...” I grumbled, taking the note back. “L-Look, there ain’t nothin’ between us, Eddie. That man’s just...immensely attached to me for some reason. Has been since day one.”
Eddie softly laughed. “I know. I’m only teasing you, Arthur.”
I went back to scouting. “...If you say so.”
The pianist gave me a nudge, pointing towards the western side of the tracks as the sound of a rhythmic engine reached my ears.
“Wait, look! There’s the train.”
Bringing my attention to the train as it passed by, I began searching for any signs of the Arlington Twins, focusing my binoculars on the surrounding area.
“Well, they haven’t robbed it yet, that’s for sure. You see ‘em anywhere?”
Eddie shook his head again. “No.”
I zoomed in, examining the inside of the train through the dusty windows and studying the opulent passengers one-by-one as they relaxed in the car, completely oblivious to what was about to happen.
The train’s interior was much more luxurious than I expected. From what I could see, there were lavish couches and tables decorating the inside of the carriage along with a cozy bar takin’ up one of the corners, and it seemed like the passengers were enjoying a meal at the moment. I guessed that was the dining car.
What really caught my attention however, was a certain woman who was sittin’ directly in my line of sight. For some reason, she appeared very familiar to me, and the longer I looked at her, the more she rang an ominous bell in my head.
The way her face was shaped, the way her makeup was done, the way her eyes seemed to be in a constant twitch...
Holy shit.
I froze with realization, hurriedly putting my binoculars away as I sprung up from the ground and ran for my horse.
“That’s because they’re already on it! C’mon! We gotta catch this train!”
Bolting alongside the railroad, Eddie and I galloped so fast to the point where it felt like we was glidin’ off the damned ground as we tried to match the speed of the train, practically standing straight-up in our saddles as blades of grass flew behind us.
It didn’t seem like anyone had noticed just who the hell two of the passengers really were, and as far as I could tell, no sort of robbery had commenced yet. Though, considering how close we was gettin’ to Rhodes, I imagined them twins were gonna get to work pretty soon.
I kicked my spurs into my horse, urging her to run faster.
“We gotta get close enough to jump on!” I yelled at Eddie over the train’s thunderous engine.
“I hear you!��� He shouted back.
Leaning forward, I firmly whipped the reins and pushed my mount to speed up as I steadily approached one of the flat carriages, unable to ignore the large cliff that was steadily comin’ up in the distance.
It looked like the railroad turned into a bridge not too far away from here, and if I didn’t jump onto this thing soon, I weren’t gonna be here when it crossed.
“Shit...!” I cursed, immediately angling myself towards the cars. I wasn’t anywhere near close enough to the train, and the gap in front of me was a lot wider than I woulda liked...but I was runnin’ out of land to work with. And despite how chaotic my life might’ve been, I didn’t much fancy the idea of plummeting to my death.
Bracing myself for what was about to come, I balanced myself on the saddle and took multiple deep breaths, my heart hammering along with the train’s engine as I prepared to jump.
The ground beneath me had turned into a green blur at this point, and with every second I wasted sittin’ here like an idiot, the faster the edge of the cliff seemed to draw near.
I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists, encouraging myself to do the unthinkable as I got ready to jump.
“...Come on, you son-of-a-bitch...!”
Taking a literal leap of faith, I launched myself through the air and landed roughly on the metal carriage with a heavy thud, holdin’ on for dear life as my legs dangled off the edge and my horse came to a stop, rearing at the cliff.
The train was well off the cliff by now, and against my better judgement, I glanced downwards, only to be greeted by the bottomless pit of jagged rocks and aggressive waterfalls underneath me.
I let out a strained groan, musterin’ as much strength as possible before pulling the rest of my body on board.
“Eddie?” I shouted, getting back on my feet. “You there?!”
The pianist’s voice called back at me from a different carriage. “I’m here!”
I took out my revolver, heading straight for one of the passenger cars.
“I’m goin’ after Minnie!” I informed. “I saw her in the dining car! You keep an eye out for the brother! And remember -- capture them alive!”
Stormin’ my way across the carriage, I squeezed my way through the many crates of cargo and wasted no time in barging through the door as all the passengers inside nailed their eyes onto me, alarmed by the sudden intrusion while I searched for the sister.
“Minnie Arlington!” I barked, scanning the seats like a hawk.
The woman sprung up from her bench, letting out a cackle when she finally realized what my purpose here was. Jesus -- Minnie looked even crazier in person. Not only did she have strands of wild hair stickin’ out from under her big, floppy hat, she had also stuffed herself into a big, green gown to blend in with the rest of the passengers.
“Well, hello there, darling!” Minnie taunted with a wide grin, whipping out her own revolver. “I was wonderin’ when the next bounty hunter’d show up! Well, c’mon then, lil’ boy! Show me what you’re made of -- blood and bones just like the others, I assume!”
Her finger snaked over the trigger, causing me to jolt out of the way just as a bullet came zipping past my ear.
I shot straight back at her, only to end up hitting a wine bottle on the table she was taking cover behind as red liquid and glass sprayed everywhere.
Numerous shrieks of panic instantly erupted within the train carriage. Passengers ducked under their seats with no other way out and screamed in fear, shielding themselves from debris as I pushed through the aisle and continued my pursuit of Minnie.
The outlaw had made her way to the opposite end of the car by now and was hurling liquor bottles at me as a distraction while she steadily inched towards the second exit.
So far, her twin had yet to lend her a helping hand, and far as I could tell, the same could’ve been said for Eddie. I hadn’t seen him ever since I threw myself onto this godforsaken train, and he certainly didn’t follow me into the carriage. Where was he?
Firing her last bullet in my direction, Minnie toppled over a grandfather clock in her path, forcing me to climb over the damned thing as she gripped the exit’s handle.
“So long, bounty hunter!” She exclaimed. “Maybe next time, you’ll actually get the bounty!”
Swinging the door open, Minnie let out a sharp laugh and ran to her freedom, only to be blocked by none other than Eddie himself who was standing directly in the doorway, Lancaster in hand as he stared her down.
“There won’t be a next time, love.”
Eddie bashed the stock directly into Minnie’s head, knocking her out cold as she fell flat on the floor, completely motionless. Afterwards, the pianist bent down and began tying her up with some rope, glancing at me from under his hat’s rim.
“I got her, Arthur.” He assured. “You go on and find Jesse. I’ll make sure she doesn’t go anywhere.”
Giving him a quick nod, I slipped past the two of them and headed outside, searching the rest of the train for Jesse as the railroad took us through an even taller waterfall, sprinkling puffs of mist all over me.
By now, I could practically see the entirety of the Heartlands from here, and the sun was just startin’ to climb in the sky, causing an array of golden beams to seep through the thick, white clouds and onto the land below. It was one hell of a view if I ever saw one. I just wished I actually had the time to look at it.
Hurrying through an empty carriage, I swiftly reloaded my gun before spotting Jesse in the conductor’s car, mindin’ his own business.
It looked like the man had killed the original conductor and was now disposing of his body by throwing it over the edge, allowing the poor soul to plunge through the air and into a raging river below.
He didn’t seem to know I was there yet, and just before he could stop the train, I called out his name, making sure my revolver was clear as day in hopes of persuading him to surrender.
“Jesse Arlington!” I yelled, making the outlaw freeze in place. “I’m here to turn you in. Now, I ain’t gonna kill you, but I sure as shit will make you wish I had if you gimme enough of a reason to. So you got one chance to come easy...before I start shooting.”
The man turned around to face me, revealing the nice set of yellow teeth hidin’ behind his cocky grin as he slowly put his hands up.
He let out a chuckle. “...A bounty hunter, eh? You wouldn’t be the first to come after me, big man, and you certainly won’t be the last.”
I gestured to the carriages behind me. “Your sister would disagree.”
Jesse paused at that, his grin disappearing as the mischievous twinkle vanished from his eyes. “...My sister?”
I nodded, admittedly amused by his sudden lack of courage. It was my turn to smile now.
“Oh, yeah,” I confirmed, subtly stepping closer to him. “Minnie’ll be wearin’ a California collar soon enough, and if things go accordin’ to plan, they’ll be suitin’ you up, too. So, you gonna come easy? Or am I gonna have to introduce you to the rope sooner than expected?”
Jesse gulped at that, clearly not confident about his chances no more. I could see beads of sweat rolling down his brow, and with every second he spent glaring at me, the easier I could tell he was losing his nerve.
The outlaw muttered a quick curse, his jaw clenching in anxiety as he desperately searched for a way out.
“Shit...!”
To my surprise, the man suddenly leaped upwards and climbed onto the roof of the train, attempting to escape me as he ran to the other end.
“Of course...” I hissed, putting my gun away. If I shot him while he was up there, there was no doubt the man would fall off. That meant I was gonna have to restrain this bastard with my bare hands.
Pulling myself onto the roof with an amount of strength I didn’t know I had, I broke into a sprint and furiously chased after Jesse as he bolted ahead of me, jumping from carriage to carriage while the train aggressively stormed across the bridge.
The waterfall was well behind us at this point, and all I could see right now was miles of open country...along with a deadly drop looming beneath us as it swallowed the bridge’s towering supports.
This was definitely not what I had in mind when I took the Arlingtons’ posters off that goddamned wall, and I sure as hell hoped this would all be worth it in the end.
I picked up the pace, hurdling over the numerous gaps laid out in front of me.
“Stop, dammit!” I shouted, gradually gaining on Jesse.
The outlaw had reached a dead-end by now, and was frantically searching for any other options as his eyes flicked around, his body coming to an abrupt halt once his gaze landed on me.
Jesse gritted his teeth in anger, sliding out a knife when he finally decided to confront me.
“You want the money you came for, boy?” He growled. “You’ll have to fight for it.”
Pouncing at me like a tiger, Jesse began violently swingin’ his knife around while the two of us fought in the middle of the sky, our clothes billowing wildly in the powerful wind as we barreled through Lemoyne’s countryside.
At this height -- combined with the train’s smoke whirling around us -- it almost felt like we was fightin’ on our own little arena above the clouds as we hurled each other around the roof, doing our absolute best not to fall off.
It was a one-way ticket to death waitin’ underneath us, and I had no intentions of hopping from this ride to another.
I quickly recomposed myself, prowling towards Jesse as I held my fists up in defense.
Throwing a flurry of punches at the outlaw, I ducked and swerved outta the way of his blade, the sharp edge just barely brushing against my skin as the two of us brawled on top of the train, tryin’ to corner the other on the edge.
There was a certain adrenaline sparking my movements -- one I rarely ever experienced -- and the longer the battle carried on, the more determined I was to shut this son-of-a-bitch’s lights out.
I took a deep breath, readying myself for whatever was to come next.
Lunging at me with his knife, Jesse let out an angered yell and attempted to stab me in the abdomen, only to find himself locked in my hold once I grabbed his arm and bashed my forehead against his, stunning the man.
Dazed from the hit, Jesse stumbled backwards and dropped his knife over the edge, leaving him completely defenseless as he sluggishly rolled around, trying to stabilize himself.
Meanwhile, I took the opening before he could do anything else and hurriedly prepared my lasso, only to get kicked directly in the stomach once I got close to the man.
Using the opportunity to gain the upper hand, Jesse briskly tackled me to the ground and grabbed a handful of my shirt, hoisting me upwards as he dangled me over the train’s border.
Jesse’s disgusting grin returned to his face and he laughed lowly, more than eager to throw me off.
“You got nowhere to run, cowboy...” he taunted. “Nowhere except down.”
Sneaking its way into the scene, a second lasso suddenly roped itself around the both of us, tying me and Jesse up into a bundle as we stared at each other in confusion before being yanked back onto the roof.
I landed on top of the outlaw with a heavy thud, both of us glancing around to see just who the hell had joined the fight, only to find Eddie at the end of the rope.
The pianist steadily approached us as he unholstered his revolver, glaring at Jesse in a defensive yet somehow playful manner.
“He ain’t a cowboy.”
Pulling the trigger, Eddie fired a bullet directly into the man’s leg, causing him to let out an agonized howl while I slipped out of the lasso, lying still for a second as I caught my breath.
I lazily looked up at the musician, giving him a weak but thankful smile.
“...Bravo...”
He returned the smile, beaming at me as he hogtied Jesse properly.
“What can I say? I learn from the best.” Eddie stood back from the outlaw, admiring his handiwork. “So, what do we do now?”
I sat up and gazed at the view surrounding us, a breath of relief escaping me now that the fight was finally done.
“...We get our goddamn money.”
Eddie took a seat next to me, his legs hanging off the train’s edge.
“And after that?”
“Keep headin’ west,” I replied. “To Valentine. Possibly Strawberry. Hell, even New Austin if need be. Anywhere...but Saint Denis.”
The boy seemed satisfied with that and hung his head low, clearly drained of energy from all this action.
“Fair enough,” he concluded. “Just...no more trains, please.”
I laughed at that, removing my hat for a second as I combed a hand through my hair.
“Now that...is a promise I can’t make.”
A LITTLE LATER
RHODES, SHERIFF’S OFFICE
“Well, I’ll be damned,” the Sheriff blurted out, staring at the two outlaws we had thrown onto the floor of his office. “You actually caught them. They make you work for it?”
I exchanged looks with Eddie, the two of us lookin’ like we had just gone to hell and back.
“A little.”
“Well, my deputies’ll take it from here. In the meantime, here’s your money. A hundred dollars, as promised. Spend it wisely.”
I grabbed the bill-fold off the desk, wavin’ a quick goodbye to the Sheriff as Eddie and I took our leave.
“Pleasure doin’ business.”
Stepping out of the office, the Sheriff called for his deputies to clean up the mess while Eddie and I wandered back into the quiet town of Rhodes, splitting the money we just earned.
I slapped fifty bucks into Eddie’s hand and beamed at him, praising the boy like a proud mentor.
“Good work, kid,” I complimented. “It ain’t exactly ‘easy money’ like I was expecting, but you did well anyway. And you saved my life, too. So, thank you for that.”
The pianist smiled bashfully and flicked his eyes towards the ground, his expression glowing with gratitude.
“Of course, Arthur. You’re worth saving...even if you may not believe it.”
I chuckled lightly. “Oh, I dunno ‘bout that...but I’ll take your word for it. Anyway, how’s about you and I get outta this hot weather and start makin’ our way to Valentine? It’s a calm enough town, and if we move fast, we should be able to get there by this evening. Maybe even stop at the saloon for a drink or two. Lord knows I could use one.”
Eddie followed me out of Rhodes, both of us feeling refreshed now that we were off that goddamned train.
“Nice to see you’re spending your money wisely.” He joked.
I gave him a friendly wink, slipping the bills into my satchel.
“Well, for a few dollars more, we might even get some proper food to eat. And I know there’s a saloon just down the road, but...I’ve had enough o’ this town. What ‘bout you?”
Eddie sighed in fatigue, nodding in agreement. “Yes, I think I’m more than ready to move on to Valentine.”
I stuck a cigarette in between my lips and struck a match, lighting the tip as I let out a breath of smoke.
A smirk crept onto my face.
“...Then what the hell’re we waitin’ for?”
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Text
Monster
Okay, my first few prompts are ones I forced my friends to send me to slowly get myself back into the loop...
Prompt 27: I wish I’d never met you.
Prompt 11: You’re a monster!
Pairing: Billy Russo x Reader
Fandom: The Punisher
Warnings: Swearing, Violence
Word count: 2,697
This is really really long, probably longer than necessary, but I couldn’t stop writing.
Being Frank Castle’s younger sister is everything you could possibly imagine. People feared your big brother. Which was nice growing up any time a bully crossed your path, Frank was there scaring them all away. However, once you hit high school and the boys started to flock around you, the boys ended up being too terrified to ask you out when they realized you were Frank’s baby sister. 
Who needed a boyfriend in high school anyway? Without that distraction of boys, you were easily able to graduate at the top of your class and get accepted into your dream school. There you enjoyed your college years, again graduated at the top of your class and of course Frank was there when you earned that degree. 
When Frank entered the military you were worried that it would put a dent in your guys’ relationship, but it had only made you stronger. The first time Frank came home he brought his friends Curtis and Billy. And oh boy, it didn’t take you long to wrap those two around your finger and then you had yourself your very own group of personal bodyguards. 
You couldn’t lie to yourself or to anyone whoever asked you. You were head over heels smitten with a one Billy Russo. The two of you had grown very close over the years. When Frank met Maria you knew immediately that your brother had found the one. There was no surprise when you served as maid of honor and Billy as the best man in their wedding. 
Even after Frank was married you still spent a lot of time with Frank, Maria, and Billy. You four just seemed to be inseparable. The day that Maria and Frank broke it to you and Billy that they were pregnant you both were ecstatic. You both jumped around together cheering that you were both going to be an aunt and an uncle. A few years later when they broke the news again about another pregnancy, both of your reactions were the same when they had told you about Lisa. 
Slowly over the years, you began to find yourself spending alone time with Billy. First, it was the two of you babysitting Lisa and Frank Jr so your brother and his wife could get some alone time away from the kids. Then the two of you made Friday nights movie nights where you would switch off between each other’s places supplying food and a stack of movies. Tuesday’s became bowling night with Curtis and a few other military buddies that they knew. On Sunday’s the two of you always wound back up at Frank and Maria’s for family dinners.
But nothing ever came from the two of you hanging out. Even though you wanted more and Maria swore up and down that Billy was smitten with you nothing ever happened. You were too afraid of rejection that you could never bring yourself to ask Billy our or even admit your feelings. 
The day that everything went to hell you were with Billy. The two of you were planning on a surprise party for Frank. Even though Curtis didn’t think it was a good idea, you and Billy both insisted on doing this for him. Curtis gave up knowing that he was never going to win against the two of you. 
You can clearly remember what you were doing when that horrible phone call came through. Billy had just finished hanging the disco ball he insisted on buying, you were on the top of the ladder and standing on your tip toes trying to finish the last few streamers that needed to go above the door. Your phone rang, but you ignored it. It rang a second time and again you ignored the call, but the third time in a row you had a gut feeling that something was wrong. 
You about fell off the ladder as you hurried down to answer your phone. Billy came around the corner with an armful of decorations just as you dropped to your knees. A scream tore from you as the tears began to fall. Billy dropped the box and hurried to your side as you demanded answers, but got nothing. Billy took the phone from you as you leaned into him and clung to his sweater. 
Everything that happened after that was a complete blur. You don’t remember much once you and Billy got to the hospital. Even after the hospital, you can’t recall being the one making all of the funeral plans. Billy was there though. Right there by your side. 
When Frank went on his mission to destroy everyone that had their hand in killing his family, it was Billy who made sure that you had a personal guard with you at all times. When people started to realize that it was Frank Castle doing all of the killings, Billy wanted to be sure that you were kept safe in case any of Frank’s enemies decided to come after you as a way to hurt him. 
As time went on and Frank made it through his list and got his revenge, it was Billy and Curtis who kept you busy and your mind off the news with your brother’s name and picture planted everywhere. When Frank ‘died’ it was Curtis who decided to keep you in the loop that your brother was still alive and well, but he made you promise not to tell Billy. Curtis had gone against Frank’s wishes by keeping you in the loop. Curtis insisted that you had every right to know that Frank was alive and what he was up to. 
Over time, life felt like it was finally getting back to normal. That’s when life decided to throw you for a loop. The truth smacked you right in the face and it completely shocked the hell out of you. Billy Russo, the man that had fallen in love with, the man who was supposed to be your brother’s best friend had betrayed him. He played a hand in the death of your sister in law and your niece and nephew. You couldn’t believe that Billy would do that to Frank, to your family, to you. 
That’s how you ended up here with Billy and a gun in your face.  
“So it really has come down to using me as bait?” You asked as Billy shoved you back into your apartment so he could enter and lock the door behind him. 
“I’m not going to use you as bait. I wouldn’t do that,” Billy answered. 
“Then why are you here pointing a gun in my face?” You snapped. 
Billy sighed and lowered the gun. You felt a little more at ease now that he wasn’t pointing the gun at you. You made sure to keep a good enough distance between the two of you. All you wanted to do was loop your way around to the kitchen where Curtis had installed the panic button. That button would not only alert the police that something was wrong, but Curtis and Frank would both know that you were currently in danger. 
“I’m not here to hurt you, I couldn’t bring myself to hurt you no matter how much I want to hurt Frank,” Billy told you. 
“So why are you here, Billy? I know pretty much everything by now. Your face and name have been all over the news,” You explained. 
“I just,” Billy sighed. “Needed to see you before I go,”
You looked at him in confusion. 
“What?” You replied in disbelief. 
Billy said nothing. He slipped the gun into the waistband of his pants, tossed down his bag and then began to pace back and forth. His anxiousness was causing you to be a little more on edge. Each time Billy paced away from you-you would take a few steps a little closer to the kitchen. You were so close to getting help here. 
When he finally stopped pacing and his back was turned all the way away from you that’s when you took the risk and dove across the kitchen to where the panic was located. Your fingertips just brushed against it, but Billy had tackled you to the ground. You fought against him trying to get yourself free from him, but Billy was stronger and refused to let you up. 
“Don’t do something stupid,” Billy hissed. 
You stopped squirming. Both of you froze when your cell phone began ringing nonstop.
“You know if I don’t answer they will send the swat team here, Billy.” You told him. 
Billy didn’t want to let you go, but he knew that you were right and he needed to let you answer that phone. 
“One wrong word,” Billy warned. 
“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” You huffed as he rolled away from him. 
You answered your phone on the last ring. 
“Hey Curtis,” You answered. 
“What took you so long?” Curtis asked. 
“I turned my ringer off Curtis. Everybody knows that Frank is still alive and now my friend is all over the news for being apart of it. People who know me are constantly calling,” The lie easily slipped from your tongue. 
“Billy is on the loose,” Curtis warned you. 
“I kind of figured since every channel has his face plastered all over it,” You replied. 
“He could come for you,” Curtis said. 
“Now why would Billy Russo want anything to do with me?” You asked forcing a small chuckle. 
“Come on kid, not only are you Frank’s younger sister, but you two were pretty close. He could use you,” Curtis explained. 
“Please don’t worry about me. Frank told me that you were shot. Worry about yourself, I’ll be fine,” You reassured him.
“It’s always been one of my jobs to keep you safe,” Curtis reminded you. 
“I know that, but this time it’s my job to keep you safe. Stay at the hospital and get better. I’m fine here. Billy is too hell bent on taking out my brother. He doesn’t have time for little ole me,” Again you lied. 
“Okay, I’ll drop it, but you’ll call me if he shows up, right?” Curtis asked. 
“Of course I will. Get some sleep. I’ll swing by tomorrow and bring you some actual edible food,” You teased. 
“Great, I hate hospital food,” Curtis laughed. 
“Goodbye Curtis,” You said before hanging up. 
Slowly, you turned back to face Billy. 
“Was my performance convincing enough for you?” You asked him with a hiss. 
“Listen I didn’t mean-” Billy stopped midsentence when there was a knock on the door. 
You looked at him with wide eyes. You didn’t think that the police would have arrived this quickly. Curtis was quick on picking up your remark about keeping him safe. 
“Do you want me to answer that?” You asked in a hushed tone. 
Billy shook his head. 
“Ma’m, this is Officer Thompson. We talked on the phone this morning. I’m here to take you in for your safety,” Office Thompson said. 
Billy slowly moved towards the door you could see his hand inching towards the gun in his waistband. You knew you had to react quickly before the kind officer lost his life because Billy was losing his god damn mind. You tousled your hair and rumpled up your clothes. You killed the lights as you hurried over to the door. You unlocked the deadbolt but kept the chain in place.
“Hi Officer Thompson,” You greeted with a fake yawn. 
“I’m sorry to wake you Miss Castle, but I have to bring you in. Mr. Russo is still on the run,” Officer Thompson explained. 
“Don’t you think if Billy Russo wanted to cause me any harm he would have already done it by now?” You asked in return. 
“We can’t risk it, ma'am,” He replied. 
“Can’t I just come in in the morning? I’d like one last night in my own bed,” You said. 
“Miss Castle, this is serious business,” Officer Thompson said. 
“I know this is serious. I’m not denying that, but this mess is between Billy Russo and my brother. If I was really at risk of being in danger something would have happened by now. You know I can turn down your offer, right?” You shot back. 
“Agent Madani insists that you come in,” Officer Thompson said. 
“If Dinah really wants me to come in she can come and bring me in kicking and screaming,” You snapped. 
The officer sighed.
“Please, Miss Castle, if you would just-”
A gunshot rang in your ears. You gasped as you heard the sickening thud of the body falling to the ground outside of your door. Your head whipped around to Billy who was still holding the gun. 
“What were you thinking?” You screamed.
“He wasn’t going to give up until you went with him,” Billy replied. 
“I could have talked my way out of it,” You growled. 
“It was taking too long. I had to do what was best,” Billy explained. 
“Billy, once he doesn’t report back or show up with me they are going to know something is wrong and they will send a whole team of officers here,” You told him. 
Billy rolled his eyes. 
“He’s a nobody I don’t understand why you’re so upset,” Billy said. 
You just shook your head. How could he not understand why you were so upset. 
“Billy,” You began. 
“Come on let’s go,” Billy cut you off. 
You watched him grab his bag and swing it over his shoulder. 
“What are you talking about?” You asked. 
“We need to get out of here and I guess I’m going to have to keep you with me now,” Billy said. 
“Fuck that, I’m not going anywhere with you! I thought I could,” But Billy’s sharp laugh cut you off. 
“Thought what? That you would be able to talk me down? Save me? I had a hand in helping to kill your family. And after tonight I’m going to be the reason why your brother is dead and you have nobody left. You can’t save me.” Billy hissed. 
You took a step away from him. 
“I wish I’d never met you,” You cried as you wiped away the tears. 
Billy lunged forward to grab you by the front of your shirt. You placed your hands on his chest to keep you from stumbling all over the place. You looked up at him with wide eyes. 
“Take. That. Back.” Billy hissed at each word. 
“You killed my family. You hurt Curtis. You’re trying to kill my brother. You’re dead to me William Russo,” You snarled. 
Billy pulled you a little closer. 
“I never thought I’d hear those words come from you,” Billy admitted. 
“What did you think that I was going to leap into your arms when you forced your way into my apartment? Spill my undying love for you? Fuck that, I did love you, Billy. I loved you for a long time. But as I look at your all I feel now is disgust. You’re a monster,” You said coldly. 
Billy cut off any other bad statement you had about him with his mouth. You struggled against him to free yourself. When Billy finally stopped kissing you he released you. Stumbling backward you wiped your mouth clean with the back of your hand. 
“I’m going to go and finally put an end to your brother. You can try to run and hide, but when this is all over I’m coming back for you,” Billy said before rushing from your apartment. 
Taking a deep breath you fell to your knees struggling to breathe. You rode through the panic attack. When you could finally calm your breathing you found your cell phone and called Madani. 
If there was any chance of Billy killing Frank tonight, you knew that you had to get out of here and the best way to do that was to trust Madani one last time. Whether you still loved Billy Russo or not, your safety and sanity had to come first. 
As for Billy Russo, the man you once loved, was dead to you and you would never be able to forgive him for this. Ever. 
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