#they had to eat a lot of disgusting food when they were both at mafia and it was chuuya's turn to cook

[lastdivantruther]

soukoku headcanons

#i miss drawing so much #soukoku #dazai x chuuya #dazai osamu #chuuya nakahara #bungou stray dogs #bsd fanart #my art #not me changing artstyle every week #this idea was born from me and my friend's cooking habits #dazai follows the recipes he finds online and they're exactly what the recipe says #they're good as long as the recipe is correct #chuuya glances at different recipes if it's something he hadn't cooked before then just goes for whetever image appeared in his head #they had to eat a lot of disgusting food when they were both at mafia and it was chuuya's turn to cook #(i don't think mori who's not-have-a-problem-with-encouraging-kids-using-firearms was paying them enough to eat out) #so yeah #adult chuuya has a characteristic tint in his cooking and dazai is a big fan of it #i haven't touched a dictionary to write all this

[ay-chuu]

Precious hat boi+6 please? ♥️ it can be like Chuuya started to become so clumsy around y/n since the day he realized that he likes y/n

Thanks a lot for accepting my request, if you don't it's still fine. Have a nice day

Prompt 6: "how you survived this long by yourself"

A/N: I dont know why but, from the day i sent you a message, i always felt so sincere to you just by heart <3 So i really thought about your request a lot. Hope you'll like it love!

Warnings!: Storm Bringer spoi's! Reader is Chuuya's friend from 14 years old! Kinda bound by traumas-

Pairing: Chuuya x gn!reader

Souls are sometimes involuntarily attracted to each other.

The first time you met Chuuya, you saw him in the backyard of your school feeding a dog with his own lunch.

You were surprised. Because Chuuya was known as one of the punks of the school, -especially with the "Sheep" connection- so you watched him with a few seconds of shock.

When Chuuya noticed your gaze and turned his head quickly, the gentle expressions on his face quickly turned into aggressive and cold expression. You were so afraid of his facial expressions that you officially explained yourself like a reflex.

"S-sorry! I must have been blindsided in an instant!"

"Yes, I've noticed that too, you fool." and strangely enough, since he realized your innocence, he just stayed there, putting his hand in his pocket. As he stared at you with a cold gaze, you felt a cold sweat pouring out.

"You … You're Chuuya, right? Chuuya Nakahara."

“Yes. Who are you?"

And when you introduced yourself, you inwardly cursed your curiosity because you didn't really want him to recognize you. But well, the questions are mutual. Unless you're an information thief or something. And, oh, by the way, your ridiculous curiosity combined with your decency, you couldn't keep your mouth shut.

"The food you gave the dog, wasn't it your lunch? You're not hungry?"

As he said, "I don't care-" You both heard his stomach rumbling. And at that moment, maybe out of compassion, maybe because you wanted to get to know Chuuya, you said the only sentence that came to your mind.

"Would you like to share my lunch? I did a little too much bento today…" "Tch- as I was saying. I'm not hungry-"

"Please?" And with those sweet puppy eyes of yours, Chuuya only shrugged, cursing inwardly.

Well, the more you talked to him, the more you found out that he's not such a bad guy. He's a bit strange. Someone who likes to kick bad people's ass. -So at least that's how you interpreted it in your sentences.- He likes dogs. An idiot who choked because he talked while eating. And oh, finally, he's the leader of Sheep.

I mean, your future leader.

Love connects two souls that are attracted to each other. But it doesn't show that it's the feeling that does it.

Two souls who love each other want to take on the pain of the soul they love.

Dazai was watching from the sidelines, the "quiet" sparring of the Sheep leader and the vice leader. Oh man, it was ironic that you two didn't know about the betrayal that will soon happen.

"What do you mean, 'I'm working temporarily for Port Mafia' !?"

"I SWEAR IT WAS BECAUSE OF THAT BASTARD WITH THE BANDAGES-"

And… after about 30 minutes of discussion, Chuuya finally said that he wanted to go to Dazai and get out of this as soon as possible, AND NO, HE DEFINITELY WASN'T DOING THIS BECAUSE HIS BEST FRIEND WAS MADLY ANGRY AT HIM. HE'S THE LEADER OF THE GROUP, OKAY?!

So, yes. That's why he kept your work as short as possible even tough he rejects because Chuuya didn't want you to be offended by him. Because he was very attached to you.

So much so that he was willing to correct any trauma you had and add it to his own life. He would want you to get rid of a disgusting man like your father and not miss a sweet mother…

To be honest, until you two became close, he never understood that you had a shitty childhood until you told each other about your traumas. But then he realized that the puzzle pieces fit together. You were a quiet person. You loved cats. You hated fights(unlike him, anyways-)and you always tried to be as compliant as possible. And finally, you were a very good person. Reliable, loyal and kind… And he knows that this world is hell for good people. While your friendship was developing, you trusted a guy like him, even going so far as to join his gang. He couldn't break your trust or even worry you. Because he knew it would be a betrayal, and he wouldn't do it if he died to someone like you who would never betray him.

Oh, he wished you weren't the only one who wouldn't betray him…

Even if they are experiencing the greatest pain in this world.

Sometimes love blinds two souls.

Chuuya had always wondered how time was able to give pains that went in the slowest way, in how fast a process.

Because the pain of betrayal was still like yesterday, and a whole year had passed since then. At least, he thought. God had taken pity on him and enabled him to overcome the pain of Sheep, whom he trusted so much, with the same confrontations as his closest friend. In other words, he wasn't alone. And Chuuya knew that's how you felt, too.

Maybe that's why you didn't mind him joining the Port Mafia. Because he's been getting over his pain since he joined, and look on the bright side! He had new friends!

And that's probably why, again, you didn't want to think about him being alone while you two were investigating his past.

But there were so many things you didn't know.

God always raises a dilemma in something. Because, sometimes that's how you learn about the good side of human feelings, but damn it, did he have to fall in love with you? And also, damn it again, why is it that since you realized this situation, he has become even more stupid, clumsy and made him look at you like crazy?

And the worst of it is, again, damn it, he would rather die than open up to you because he was madly afraid of losing you.

Nevertheless, he knew deep down that sooner or later youwould notice this, because he had been looking at you like he was going to eat you or somethning. I mean, it's not his fault, okay! You're so charming, you're good, and my god, you're loyal to him.Its your fault! He had to be a person without a brain or something to not fall in love with you. Of course, if he is a human…

Still, Chuuya was an idiot. Because if he could understand that you have so many feelings for him too, he wouldn't have to contract so much.

Although the love connection of two souls is visible to everyone.

Souls are what makes a person human.

Romantic or not, love is the strongest feeling that gives the soul the property of reason.

In the people you love, pain is pervasive. Because seeing a single tear of that person could have made you want to burn the world down. That's how valuable Chuuya was to you. You thought if only you could take some of his pain away from him and put it on yourself…

On your shoulder, with his head shaking slowly and trying to cry with silence, you were sure that you had to talk to him, but you didn't know where to start. Maybe you should have started by saying that it wasn't his fault that his friends died, and that they all died very happily from their bond to him? Or should you have told him that you were madly in love with her, that you would stay by his side for as long as you lived, and that when you were with his, you understood humanity more than anything else? Maybe you should have told me that those asshole scientists can't understand any emotion shit?

No. Surely the first things you should have said shouldn't have been the thorns that the root problem raised. You should have told him that there are more human than some scientist shit. Because the body born of the codes it was formed from was more alive than the body of most people in this world, according to you.

After all, only God gives the soul. It's not fucking science codes.

"…Chuuya?"

"…"

"How you survived this long by yourself?"

And fuck. Seriously, you caught him with that question. Looking at you with a puzzled and questioning face, he only said, "What?".

"I said, where do you get the motivation to live?"

"Does the answer to this question really matter? Because after the information just given, I think my answer is the most unnecessary."

"If you answer the question, you will understand that in fact it is the most valuable for you."

But he did not understand. What difference does it make to someone who was not born a human being for the purpose of living? Maybe even the pain he was feeling right now was coded… But.. Oh... when he thought about it, he thought that this is impossible, because he realized that he felt the same feelings as that bandaged bastard. And when he understood what you said, he pinched your hand to answer the question. He got nervous when he realized that you were holding hands at that moment.

"My feelings… I live for my feelings and the goals of my feelings." he was able to say while slowly blushing and swallowing. You just smiled at his reaction and smoothing his hair with your other hand. "Exactly, your body could be a clone. But your soul, feelings and thoughts are never encodings taken from your clone. DNA puts feelings in the body, but it is the soul that controls them. The soul makes a person human." You put your hand gently on his cheek. "What I'm saying to you is that if there is a being here who can be described as human, it's you and me. Because neither those asshole scientists have a soul as great as yours, nor those who contribute to it, do you understand?"

And he understood.He began to tremble with the relief that came to his body with understanding the only thing he needed to understand at that moment. He was a human. He felt, he understood, and he was suffering. He loved you. He was definitely a human being…

"I…"

"I'm in love with you, Chuuya."

With your confession, he looked at you in shock as his pupils shrank.

"I'm too much in love with you… I wish i could erase everything that has been done to you, I wish i could take your pain away from you. But the only thing I can do for you is to be able to have feelings for you while staying with you until the end of my time. I'm sorry… I never saw my father as a family, and since my mother died, you are the only thing that can be called my family. So please, stop feeling sorry for things that happened in the past. Pity the heart of someone like you." towards the very last parts, you finished your speech, feeling that your voice was trembling.

As Chuuya grasped your words, he felt like the stupidest person in the world. Because the way he treated you, you treated him the same way. In other words, as much as he was in love with you, you were just as much in love with him. You were right. His suffering would never go away, it would not diminish even if shared, and he would not be able to change his past. But... just as he could face every pain, he had to learn to erase it. Because that's how humans learned about life. Live, comprehend, learn and erase the pain. And he was a human.

He promised himself at that moment, that from now on he would not have a single thing to hide from you, that is, from his true family and love. He would protect you until the end of your time, and he would always take care of you, just like you did him. At that moment, he thought a lot about whether you are human or not. He thinks you are an angel. Just an angel specially given to him, and he wanted to be angry with himself for not realizing it wisely before.

"You're right, I can never reduce my pain, but i can erase it after I've lived through as much as I need to live from it. Because a human learns with pain."

He took both of your hands and as he slowly leaned forward and kissed your lips, he was glad that the first kiss happened at such a beautiful moment.

"I don't know what will happen in the future. But with you by my side, i don't feel scared anymore, because when i'm with you, i can overcome everything. The only thing i'm afraid of is losing you… I don't know how to express my love for you. I love you. I hope that my fear is unnecessary, because you are always so strong, my love." And as he hugged you tight, you noticed that you were both crying.

Souls mature with feelings. And as the souls mature, the being called "human" reflects its own definition more and more every day.

Souls overcome what they cannot overcome, by connecting with each other. Because romantic or not, love is strong enough to overcome human greatest pain.

#chuuya #chuuya fluff #chuuya nakahara #chuuya x reader #chuuya nakahara x reader #bsd #bsd chuuya #bsd fluff #chuuya nakahara fluff #chuuyabsd #bungou stray dogs #bsd chuuya x reader #by.aychu

[lubdubsworld]

The Devil’s own.

Jungkook x OC

Mafia Au!

Warnings : Non-Con ! Manipulation, Degradation, Shitty hero with no redeeming Qualities you have been warned. ( i mean he does get better but not much.)

Summary : Just Mob Boss Jungkook doing mob boss things.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

I wasn’t sure how long I stayed there , staring at the ceiling and trying to come to terms with what had just happened. It was revolting. It was nauseating. It made me want to claw my own skin off. I stared at the intricate designs , carved into the ceiling, the panels that reflected life and made the room seem bigger than it was. The scent of jasmine and rosemary clung to the sheets and the drapes in the room, cloyingly sweet and meant to arouse the occupants.

I wondered how I’d got here.

I had memories of satin silk sheets and bright lights. My father had always spoiled me, the best of the best only for his only daughter and I’d indulged in luxury to my heart’s content. More shoes than I could possibly wear in a life time. Every season’s collection, straight into my wardrobe whether I asked for it or not. Diamonds and rubies and emeralds set in platinum and gold , jewelry to match my clothes and even my car if I felt like it.

I shut my eyes in despair. I didn’t miss the luxury as much as I missed the solitude. The option to just not do anything. My father hadn’t cared enough to see what I was upto and everyone knew that I was betrothed to Jungkook.

And that meant no dates or party invites because after the third guy got his arm in a sling after accidentally brushing past me , word kind of spread.  Stay away from Elena Gong or the Jeon kid will break your bones.

I shuddered. It had been an obsession, I thought vacantly.

Jungkook had been obsessed, even back then. I just hadn’t paid much heed to him. Because Jungkook back then had been terrifying but also ridiculously endearing in some way. He had seemed for lack of a better word…..insignificant. I was beautiful and rich, never lacked for attention and he was just one among the dozens. Even if I was betrothed to him, I hadn’t given much thought to him.

And Jungkook had taken my indifference in stride. He’d laughed and played around and I hated to admit it, treated me like a queen. Flowers, chocolates and gifts every other day . He would follow me around like a puppy , and I wondered if perhaps my dismissive attitude towards him back then had been a mistake. Did it push him over the edge?

My heart ached fiercely and when I finally willed myself to move, my body protested.

Every inch of me was sore and aching. My head because of how hard he’d gripped my hair. I sat up on shaky legs, fingers trembling as I pulled my shit up to stare at my body. Bite marks littered my skin, marring the smooth surface and I felt bile in my throat at the memory of his teeth on me.  Finger shaped bruises were beginning to bloom around my thighs and I couldn’t breathe over the agony ripping up my insides.

I glanced down between my thighs, at the sticky mess of his release dripping down into the sheets, staining the sheets a murky pink. I shuddered, disgusted. God, I hated him. Where was my phone? My clothes were still there at the foot of the bed and I noticed the small door on the right wall. Crawling off the bed on shaky legs , I limped carefully to the bathroom.

I took Hoseok’s shirt off dropping it in the corner before turning the showers on.

The water felt like a whip on my skin as I sat on the tiled bathroom floor , a small washcloth gripped tight in my hand as I carefully cleaned myself up. I had no idea what the time was… It must be very early or very late. No matter. I had to get out of here and get to Jisoo. I swallowed, imagining her alone all this time. The doctors had said she would be up in Guilt churned as I quickly grabbed a towel from the closet and wiped myself down.

It took me another ten minutes to finish dressing up and just as I finished slipping into my shoes, the door opened.  I glanced up, catching sight of Hoseok as he leaned against the door. He looked a little haggard, a black silk shirt unbuttoned to his chest and tucked into fitted jeans. I stared at him, watching the way his gaze roved over every inch of exposed skin, looking just a tad bit worried.

“The Hospital called. “ He said gently, “ They’re ready to release you sister. They want to know if you can come pick her up. The baby’s going to have to stay in the NICU for a couple of weeks.”

I groaned. Great. More bills.

“I need a job. “ I said miserably. “ Help me out.” I stared at him beseechingly and Hoseok gave me a look.

“you know the kind of jobs I provide. You’re not built for it. “ He said shortly and I shook my head, impatient.

“that’s not what I meant and you know it. You and your friends pretty much own every club in the city. Get me a job ….” I whispered, moving to stand in front of him and he recoiled.

Just as always, I thought bitterly. Coward.

As much as a coward now as he’d been ten years ago, when he’d pretended that he didn’t have any feelings for me. Pretended that he didn’t give a damn about me.

The throb in my skull grew in intensity.

My throat was dry and I felt my vision swim a bit. I was tired. Exhausted . I hadn’t slept in….how long really? I hadn’t eaten in a day…for sure… And I likely wasn’t going to be eating for a long while, let alone feeding Jisoo if I didn’t get a job right away. I had twelve thousand won to my name and that was it.

“Jungkook-“ He began but I was sick of his name so I growled.

“Fuck, do you want me to beg Hoseok? I will… I can’t … I need a job… Please.” I said desperately, staring at him and his gaze softened.

“Elena, stop looking at me like that, fuck.” He swore, turning and punching the wall hard. “ fuck.”

“Just help me get a job. I’m not asking you to give me money or something.  You don’t even have to get it for me… Just tell me who’s hiring ? Somewhere away from Jungkook and his men.” I whispered , and the sheer irony of it didn’t escape me. Jung Hoseok was possibly one of Jungkook’s main men.

He ran his hand over his forehead, shaking his head.

“You’re going to get me killed someday.” He muttered, “ Fine. There’s a club down in Itaewon. It caters to cops and lawyers exclusively so Jungkook and his men usually keep out of it. My friend owns the place. His name is Im Jaebum.  I’ll get you a job there , waitressing. Is that alright?” He said softly and I wanted to sob in relief as I nodded. Itaewon meant pretty close to where the bakery was. I could take the bus.

“Fine. I’ll talk to him and call you. Here…” He held out a wad of cash and I took it greedily, eyes widening at the 100,000 written on the margin of each note. This was a lot of money.

“Hoseok…”I said stunned and he shrugged. “ Get food and baby stuff for Jisoo. If she’s going to feed the baby she needs to eat well. Fruits and veggies and lot of protein. If you run out, tell Jaebum you need some advance. He’ll pay you well.”

I nodded, stuffing the money into my pockets quickly . I swallowed when my insides throbbed, aching something fierce.

“Thank you.” I said softly, staring up at him and he hesitated, before reaching out and gently cupping my face in his palm. I flinched at his touch and he recoiled.

“Was he… Did he hurt you?” He whispered quietly and I smiled bitterly.

“Wasn’t that the whole point?” I sighed, shaking my head . I hesitated . I wasn’t sure if Hoseok would listen to me but I had to try at least.

“ Can you not tell him? That… That I was a virgin?” I asked quietly and he nodded.

“Wasn’t planning to.” He said casually.

I stared at him. I’d always found him handsome. Beautiful. Perfect . And I wondered where we had gone so wrong.

“Do you regret it.” I whispered. “ All those choices you made.”

“Which ones? …” he asked bitterly.

“you know… “ I snapped. “ the ones that lead us here. You and me…. Standing here like strangers. “

“I wouldn’t risk my life for a stranger. Which is what I’m doing every time I help you .” He said quietly.

“So what are we then?” I demanded.

“Old friends” He said casually.

I snorted.

“Fucking coward.” I whispered , loud enough for him to hear as I brushed past him and walked away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I trudged all the way to the VIP room in the hospital flinching because that was probably a lot of money to be repaid , now owed directly to the devil spawn that was Jeon. I had grabbed a small meal on the way before quickly getting the bus to the Hospital. It was little past eleven in the morning and the hallways were packed with people. Sighing, I moved to the room where Jisoo was, slowly opening the door.

Min Yoongi sat on the chair next to the bed, gazing idly at my sister in law.

To say that I was shocked would be the biggest understatement of the century. My lips parted in shock, panic bubbling up inside me as I exhaled sharply.

“What-“ I swallowed gazing between him and my Jisoo, who was sitting up against the backrest on the bed, a tray of food on her lap and a small smile on her face.

“Lena!! You’re here!” She cried out softly, tears filling her eyes at once as she held both her hands up. I moved to hug her but my mind stayed on the man near the bed, his sultry feline eyes trained unblinkingly on her. I wrapped my arms around her, trying to get my breathing to regulate but it was impossible.

What on earth was Yoongi doing here?

“Mr. Min came to see me. He told me he knew Daehwan.” Jisoo said softly, looking sad but hopeful and I felt my heart turn over as I turned to stare at him.

Min Yoongi knew Daehwan as a target . A hit he had carried out himself.

But I couldn’t say a thing. Not in front of Jisoo.

“I’m only here to offer my help. It pains me to see you suffering, Jisoo. I know your husband would want you to be taken care of.” He said softly, his gaze still fixed on her and I didn’t like it. At all.

Bile rising, I gave him a glare.

“I’ll take care of her. Please don’t trouble yourself.” I said shakily and he glanced at me, lips parting a bit, turning into a smirk.

“You look… well rested.” He smirked and I flushed.

“Lena, come on… I know all this…this must be expensive. We can use all the help we can get and Mr. Min-“

“Please call me Yoongi, sweetheart.” Yoongi said charmingly and my sister in law blushed. I felt my skin crawl.

“Y-Yoongi said he has a spare room. I can’t stay in the bakery.  And it’s not like he’s a murderer or anything. He showed me his card. He’s a lawyer.” She said softly and I sighed in despair. Jisoo was naïve bordering on stupid and I wasn’t equipped to deal with this.

As I watched she went back to the food, eating ravenously and I felt my heart clench. I could see the twin damp spots at her chest and I noticed the breast pump on the table. It looked brand new. I hadn’t even thought about things she may need after the baby, too preoccupied with all the hospital bills and medicines I would have to pay for.

Diapers. Baby wipes. Those little flannel pieces mothers used to wipe down the baby. I felt my head spin, turning to Yoongi who was staring at me casually.

“Can we talk?” I said quietly and he straightened.

“Jisoo ssi… Please enjoy your meal. And here…” He gave her his phone. “ If you’re done, just give me a buzz on this.” He showed her something on the phone .” Go on try it.”

Jisoo pressed down on the screen curiously and Yoongi’s watch rang .

He grinned as she smiled.

“See? One touch and I’ll be here yeah?” He said softly, and I felt like I was stuck in some kind of drama, glancing between the pair of them.

“Are you leaving?” She asked curiously and he shook his head.

“I’ll be right here, outside. Having a word with Elena. You can finish your food and I’m guessing it’s time for you to pump again? The pediatrician said you’d have to pump every two hours with the milk so… if you get it ready, I’ll drop it off at the NICU.” He said calmly.

Jisoo nodded, staring at him with wide eyed gratefulness and I sighed in despair.

Yoongi moved to the door and I gave her a small smile before following him.

I waited till the door had closed behind me before turning to him, furious.

“What do you think you’re-“

“I want her.” He said shortly.

I felt my jaw come unhinged.

“No.” I hissed, furious and helpless with rage. “ Yoongi-“

“Don’t make me put a bullet in your head for this, Elena.” He said calmly and I exhaled shakily.

“She’s… You know she’s not like us. She doesn’t know anything about this life. As far as she knows my brother was a surgeon who got killed in a hit and run. You want to …. What do you really want? Did Jungkook put you upto this?”

“If Jungkook would have his way, your sister in law and your new nephew would both be dead. You know this.” Yoongi said casually. God, could I ever have a conversation with anyone without Jungkook being dragged into it? When did my life get twined so intimately with him?

“Where is he?” I asked quickly and Yoongi shrugged.

“He’s out of the country. He left an hour ago.”

“Switzerland….” I said before thinking and Yoongi stiffened.

“How did you know?” He demanded and I froze.

“I… I overheard …..someone.” I muttered and Yoongi moved so fast I barely caught it. The next second I was pressed up against the wall, his forearm pressing into my throat and holding me down while he held a knife right against my jugular.

“Nice try. Now the truth.” He hissed.

“Ouch..” I choked out , coughing  a bit. “ Fine.. Hoseok.. Hoseok told me.”

Yoongi pulled back.

“You fukcing him?” He asked casually and I glared at him.

“none of your business.” I snapped.

He laughed at that.

“I know you aren’t. Hoseok loves his dick too much to risk having it castrated.”

I sighed, shaking my head. I wasn’t here to talk about these bastards.

“Just leave Jisoo alone.” I said quietly and Yoongi sighed.

“What are you going to do with her, Elena. You can barely afford to feed yourself. You should be thankful I’m taking her off your hands.”

I ignored his nonsense and moved till I was pressed up against him, fingers curling into his chest. Yoongi looked surprised, lips twisting in displeasure when I blinked up at him.

“please.. Yoongi…” I begged, “ Don’t do this to me.” I said quietly. “ I … she’s all I have… She… My brother had nothing to do with any of this. You know that….He left this life decades ago. I don’t… I don’t know why Jungkook wanted him dead in the first place. I loved my brother and my brother loved his wife. I owe it to him … Please…just…Please leave her alone.” I whispered softly, letting my fingers drop to grip his arm.  

He tugged his arm away at once.

“ She needs more than empty platitudes and good intentions. She needs food and a place to stay with her baby. I’m giving her that.”

“And what do you get in return?” I demanded angrily. “ She just gave birth, fuck you. You can’t touch her , not unless you’ve lost the last shreds of humanity in that conscience of yours.”

He rolled his eyes.

“I’m not doing this for sex, Elena. If I wanted easy pussy, I would have come to you…” He smirked.  “ Don’t forget that Jungkook and I share our toys, yeah?”

I opened my mouth to retort before remembering that I was trying to get him to listen to him.

“Then why? What do you want…tell me?”

“I told you. I want her. As she is.” Yoongi shrugged.

“You killed her husband.” I said , voice shaking as I remembered what Jungkook had said. About my brother begging for his life because Jisoo was pregnant. And how Yoongi hadn’t given a shit and shot him anyway.

“A minor inconvenience. Trust me if I’d seen her before I killed him…” He sighed, shaking his head in regret and I frowned.

“You would have spared him? “ I asked bitterly and Yoongi laughed.

“No.. I would have killed him sooner.” He smirked. “ Is there a point to this whole conversation… I’m getting bored and Jisoo’s waiting inside.”

“We’re supposed to get her out of the hospital today and-“

“I’m taking her home.” He said briskly. “ I’ve already spoken to her. And She’s agreed that a ramshackle , dilapidated bakery isn’t the right place for a new mother and a tiny baby.”

And the worst part was that I couldn’t even disagree.

And I couldn’t help but feel angry, betrayed. Jisoo was…. How could she? She hadn’t even bothered to talk to me about it… Just agreeing to move in with Yoongi. She was older than me. Supposed to be the smart one. My body ached. If that was the bed she was going to make , she could lie on it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Going somewhere?” Jungkook’s voice made me freeze.

I swallowed, straightening and stepping back almost instinctively. He stood in the doorway, a cigarette held between his teeth as he stared at me . He looked like he’d showered as well, hair still damp and the smells of citrus and mint permeating the air around him.

It was exactly ten days since I’d last seen him and I’d settled into a routine of sorts. Im Jaebum’s bar, Venom was an exclusive club in Itaewon and I could easily disappear into the shadows, staying low and using the beret ( a part of the uniform ) to keep my face hidden as I served the patrons. Like Hoseok had said, the place was filled with cops and lawyers. Yoongi was a frequent fixture here , stopping for just a drink on most days before heading home to my sister in law.

It made me sick but there was nothing I could do about it. Jisoo and little baby Yunsu were both home and needed a l,ot of care. And Yoongi apparently had a cook, a housekeeper and a nanny who helped her out. Jisoo was wary, her senses finally returning but she was also clearly glad to be out of the streets.

“I’m going home after I finish my shift. “ I said softly, trying not to stare as he stepped into the room. I turned away from him moving to the shelves and pushing the small canister in place.

“Where’s home?” He asked casually. I flinched when he stepped right behind me, fingers reaching out to curl on my shoulder, pulling me back till I was flush against his chest. The heat of his body seeped in through the thin fabric of my blouse and I felt my body heat up.

“You got what you wanted.” I said shakily. “ Let me go.” I whispered, dropping the cleaning cloth in the tray on the lower shelves, before moving to grab the mop. I just had to finish mopping the floor . And then I could leave.

But his grip on me stayed firm. I couldn’t move. Foreboding rose inside me.

Jungkook hummed at that, stepping closer, till I felt his chin brush the top of my head as he bent over me, arms coming around me  and fingers lightly unbuttoning the first two buttons of my  shirt. I stared at the dark ink on his forearm. , swallowing as he kept coming closer.

“What I wanted? That pathetic little display ten days ago?”  He whispered softly “ Just think about this Elena ……  I’ve been chasing you for years, I got rid of your entire family and yet I let you live. Why do you think that was, huh? “ He shook his head, “ For two minutes of you lying underneath me like a frigid bitch? You think that’s what I want Elena? Think I’ll be satisfied with that? ” He laughed.

I stared at the wall in front of me  and I couldn’t do this. Couldn’t play this sick game with him. Not when he kept changing the rules . Not when there was nothing left for me to gamble or lose.

“Jisoo. I have to go see her. Just… Just let me go see her. I need to see if she’s alright and then we can talk. ” I whispered. Jungkook smiled, tilting my  head to the side with his fingers. I felt the damp press of his lips against my jaw and my skin crawled.

“Don’t worry, Yoongi’s taking care of her.” He whispered softly and I felt my heart turn over in my chest at the reminder. I’d been forced to relent because Yoongi had taken her home to a fully finished and decorated nursery , a closet full of baby clothes for her son and nursing clothes for her. She had been bowled over and when I’d told her to think about the why of it…she’d given me a helpless sort of smile. . As far as she was concerned , Yoongi had been nothing but generous and kind… And she wasn’t going to say no to him because she couldn’t afford to..

“I… he promised me he’d let me see her. And the baby…every day. That was the deal.”

Jungkook laughed.

“I thought I made this clear . You don’t get to make deals with anyone because you belong to me. I get to decide what happens to you. Anytime. Anywhere. Do you need another demonstration , Elena?” His hand moved to my breast, groping the flesh, fingers rough and hard and I whimpered in pain.

“No..” I choked out , eyes widening in terror and he made quick work of the rest of the buttons on my blouse. Junkook hummed, kissing the back of my neck and slowly turning me around in his arms.

“Relax. You don’t have a job. How are you going to feed her and the kid? Yoongi isn’t like me. He doesn’t hold a lot of grudges. And for some reason he seems to have a hard on for your sister in law. He wants to marry her. ” He chuckled and I felt nausea bloom.

“No.. Don’t… Don’t do that to her. She’s not like us. She doesn’t know… She doesn’t have anything to do with this life.” I begged, heart racing at the thought of Jisoo, helpless and scared and alone with a baby , trapped with a fucking assassin. Yoongi killed for a living . That was his job. Jisoo was delicate and sensitive.

“She still needs to eat and live right? With what?  He’s feeling particularly generous so he’s taken her home . You don’t have to worry about them anymore… Isn’t that nice?” he smirked and I felt my throat go dry.

I clenched my fists, feeling my breath catch.

“The only person you need to worry about yourself is yourself. Isn’t that how you prefer it anyway? Beautiful selfish Elena who never gave a fuck about anyone but herself. Isn’t that who you truly are, angel?” He smiled.

“Not anyone…. Just you… I don’t give a fuck about you.” I said defiantly, staring right up at him.  

Jungkook stared at me and stepped closer, reaching out and running his fingers up and down my cheek. I flinched because he still held the lit cigarette.

“None at all?”  He asked curiously, lightly tapping on the end of the cigarette, and I flinched when the hot ash spilled onto my shoulder.

“Did that hurt, baby?” He whispered, leaning in and pressing the cigarette to my lips.” I’m sorry. Breathe in for me.” He stuck the cigarette into my mouth and I pulled away , coughing and disgusted.

I closed my eyes as his free hand went to my wrist, tugging me closer. I stiffened as he wrapped his arms around me, drawing me in till my face pressed against his chest, his body flush against mine, one hand moving back to stroke my back.

“I missed you. You’re terrible at pleasing me but I think…with a little bit of training, you can make me cum… ” He smirked. “ Let’s start with a blowjob, yeah?”

I stiffened.

“No.” I said softly and he smirked, pulling back.

“No?” He asked softly. . I felt my throat go dry in fear as I noticed the way his gaze shifted.   I bit my lips to stifle the pain as He carefully pressed the lit end of the cigarette right against the curve of my breast , pressing in for a couple of seconds and pulling away just before the skin began to singe. He glanced up at me, and I blinked through the tears, pain spreading all over my chest at the burn. That would leave a scar, I thought miserably.

“Wrong answer. Try again.” He whispered.

“Go to Hell.” I choked out.

I flinched when his fingers slipped up into my hair, gripping hard. My scalp burned, sharp and insistent and instinct made me grip his wrist, trying to get him off but it was impossible.

“Let me go..” I snapped, glaring at him. God, How I hated him.

“Was I your first??” He whispered, dragging me close enough that his lips brushed my ear. “ Never had a cock before? Was that why you were so fucking tight?”

I bit my lips, glaring at him, defiant and furious. Did Hoseok actually tell him? That two faced snake…. God , why did these fuckers never leave me alone?

“Seokjin hyung told me…Told me he was looking forward to breaking a virgin and that made me think….God, I was the first cock she ever had….” He hummed, looking infinitely pleased.

“Yes. And I got to say… I don’t know what the fuss is about. You couldn’t even make me cum.” I snapped and Jungkook grinned, grip tightening and the other hand moving to curl around my waist, squeezing hard.

“Did I make you bleed from between your legs Elena? Tell me I did….Cause that’s fucking hot. ” He whispered, voice low and gruff.

Jungkook, I thought vacantly, was a psychopath.

“Go to Lisa. Go fuck her and make her bleed if that’s what gets you off….  and leave me alone.” I whispered and he smiled, bending down pressing a kiss right where he’d burned my skin.

“I don’t need you to tell me that. She’s my fiancé. The woman I’m going to marry. And you know what that means? I actually give a shit whether she cums or not. And trust me she does. Multiple times. Sometimes so hard she passes out.”

“Or maybe she fakes it. Maybe she passes out because she can’t stand your touch either.” I shrugged. “ Because we all know that’s what she’s good at Jungkook. She faked her friendship with me , she’ll fake her loyalty to you.”

“Always got something smart to say, huh Elena? Let’s see how mouthy you get when I’m shoving my cock down your throat.”

I flinched when he pushed me, hard enough to send me sprawling on the floor. I caught myself with difficulty , throwing my hands out to keep my head from hitting the floor. I flinched at the pain that shot up my body, every inch throbbing because of how rough this fucker had been with me.

Ten days and the aftermath of that night still lingered on me.

And it was three in the morning  and I’d spent eight hours on my feet bussing tables , I was exhausted.

I closed my eyes, before pressing my palm against the floor, trying to pull myself up when I felt the press of his shoe at the base of my spine, pushing me down.

I whimpered in shock, my hands giving out and shoulder crashing down into the floor.

“Stay down for a second, baby.” He whispered and I exhaled.

I pressed my palm against the floor, head dropping on to the carpeted floor . I whimpered when I felt him crouch down, foot digging in harder into my back and I curled my fingers into the carpet to swallow the pained sound that bubbled up in my throat.

“I’m going to fuck you again. And this time I want you to do all the work.” Jungkook’s voice came from over me and I flinched. I considered the odds of me putting up a fight and actually winning. It was laughable. I wasn’t going to fight a force of nature. And that was what Jeon Jungkook was.

“ You can’t make me do anything Jungkook.” I whispered finally. “ You can hit me and rape me and kill me but you can’t make me do anything to you. You just have to live with that.”

His foot lifted off my spine and I felt hands on my arms, pulling me up till I was kneeling. I watched as he moved around to stand in front of me.

“Look at me.” He said carefully.” From now you only speak when I tell you to.”

“ Whatever.  Let’s get this over with so I can go see my sister and my nephew.“ I said shakily.

He sighed deeply at that, shaking his head.

“See, if it was upto me, I’d just put a bullet in both their heads. Cos at this point they’re just proving to be a nuisance.”

My blood turned to ice in my veins.

“ But,  Yoongi’s just getting to know your pretty little Jisoo…And he’s my favorite hyung. So I’m going to let her live. But, let’s not invade their privacy for a while.” He began unbuckling his belt and I felt nausea rise inside me.

“Jungkook?” The voice came from the door and I stiffened.  Jungkook groaned.

“Baby, what the fuck are you doing here?” He said gruffly, standing up and using his knee to push me out of the way roughly. I swore, gripping the edge of the table near me to steady myself before turning around to stare at the woman at the door.  I stumbled to my feet, still feeling a little out of it. I needed food. Before I collapsed in a heap on the floor.

“You were supposed to come see me tonight. I went looking for you everywhere and I find you here about to get with some common whore?”  she shouted and I stiffened, glaring at her.

She stood framed in the doorway, staring at me for a second before letting her gaze wander all over the room. She stared at me, eyes taking in the unbuttoned blouse and I quickly moved to put the buttons back on.

“Did you fuck her?” She demanded angrily and Jungkook hummed.

“Since when did I owe you answers, angel?” He asked casually and I watched the woman’s eyes widen, before her brows furrowed in a frown.

“ So what, I can’t ask you who you’re with ?” She asked angrily and Jungkook groaned , kicking out at the nearest stand with enough force to send it toppling over the side, crashing to floor and breaking on impact. I stumbled, back, wrapping my arms around myself as he fairly growled.

“What the fuck is up with all you cunts today?” He demanded, glancing at me in distaste. “ I come back after busting my ass at work for ten entire days . I just needed to get my dick sucked and you two.” He shook his head, hand reaching into his jacket and I felt my eyes widen when he pulled his glock out, releasing the safety and loading the gun before pressing the muzzle right against her skull.

The woman whimpered, hands held up as he tapped the firearm against her.

“You. You don’t come anywhere near me unless I send for you. Is that clear?” He asked sharply and she nodded frantically, abject terror written all over her face.

He turned to me.

“And you. You’re coming with me.” He said quietly and I felt my eyes widen. I opened my mouth to protest but the girl at the door beat me to it.

“I think not…. You’re not taking her anywhere, Jungkook, I’ll-“ She began, reaching forward to grab him and Jungkook moved so quickly, I could barely blink.

The shot rang out , making me jump and I watched as she crumbled to the floor, crying out in pain. I stared in horror, watching the hole in her arm, spilling blood all over the floor and the hallway and my throat went completely dry,  staring at the girl on the floor and the blank, absolutely merciless look on his face.

“Just because I let you sit on my cock once in a while, doesn’t mean you get a say in how I live my life.” He said quietly, using his foot to prod her hip. He glanced at me and I felt my throat go dry as he pulled the glock back to reload it.

He aimed the gun right at me, eyes dark and heavy.

“Are you going to be good for me, baby? Or do you need a physical demonstration as well?” He tilted his head to where the girl was on the floor, pressing her palm against her arm.

“She’s  bleeding out.. “ I choked out. “ you need to get her help, Jungk-“

Another shot rang out and I jumped, heart in my throat as I tried to understand what had happened. It took me a second to realize that he hadn’t shot me. That he had fired at the ceiling.

“Answer the bloody question Elena.” He growled and I flinched, nodding.

“I… I’ll listen… Just…” I glanced back at the poor girl on the floor.” Get her some help.”

Jungkook smiled a little. He turned to the girl on the floor and shook his head.

“Get up baby. Go find Hoseok and get that patched up, yeah? And don’t provoke me the next time, yeah? ” He said casually and she stumbled to her feet, looking disoriented and scared as she moved out of the door.

“ And you. “ He glared at me. “Finish dressing up and follow me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Where are we going?” I asked nervously, fighting the instinct to just take off at a sprint, as we walked down the road to where his Mercedes was parked.

“My home. Where else?” He said casually and I stiffened.

“Jungkook-“

“Didn’t I tell you not to speak unless I ask you to, Elena? I’m jet lagged and angry. Trust me , you don’t want to piss me off now.” He said casually and I swallowed.

He opened the door for me, the polite gesture so at odds with what he was doing that my head began to throb.

But I climbed in nonetheless. I stayed quiet for the short ride to his apartment , eyes fixed straight ahead and Jungkook was quiet too. I was too exhausted to be scared, I thought despondently, my eyes drooping because of how long I’d been up. Glancing out the window, I watched the cars whizz by, people living their lives, completely unaware that almost all of them were merely tiny little gears in a machine run exclusively by men like Jungkook. That all their lives, spent working and earning and dying…it was all meaningless. They had no say in anything. People like Jungkook were the ones who got to shape the world to their liking. The ones who got to play God.

And Jungkook was definitely the closest to an omnipotent human I’d ever come across.

Powerful, untouchable and terrifying.

So perhaps, it was a little flattering, that I was the one thing he couldn’t get out of his head.

I glanced at him discreetly.

He was beautiful, I thought with a pang. One of the most beautiful men on this planet. Despite the years, his boyish charm was still right there on his face and he could slip on a plaid shirt , a white t shirt and stone wash jeans and pass off as an innocent college student. I stared at the taut jaw, the long column of his neck and the broad back. His biceps bulged when he gripped the steering when and my eyes lingered on the long fingers curled around the wheel.

I jumped when his hand moved to grip the stick shift , curling on the knob and yanking it back with force. I swallowed, thighs pressing together as my mind shifted to that night in Hoseok’s club. I hated myself for how often I relived it. And not always with disgust.

My fingers fell on the ring on his finger. His engagement ring, I thought with a pang. Lisa. Beautiful, wonderful Lisa who had been a dear friend . Once. For all her shortcomings I knew she loved the man who sat next to me. Cared deeply for him, even. Why else would she do this to me? She must have strong feelings for him , if  it had prompted her to throw away our friendship of over a decade.

“You’re cheating on her then.” I said quietly.  His reminder to not talk to him rang in my head but I couldn’t stop myself. He wasn’t a stranger. And that ring…the ring that promised to bind two people forever….. I’d worn it too. For him.

Jungkook didn’t reply, merely glancing at me in passing.

I sighed, looking at my knees, feeling my shoulders tremble a bit.

“Is she going to be there?” I asked quietly.

He exhaled sharply. I noticed the way his grip on the steering wheel tightened.

“No.”  He said shortly.

“She lives with you right? You said we’re going home ….then where is she-“

“What is this, twenty fucking questions?” He snapped and I swallowed. “ I’m not taking you home to my fiancée Elena, do I look like a fucking idiot? “ He shook his head.

Before I could demand more answers, he was pulling over into a side alley. I watched as he carefully parked the car before stepping out.  Second later, he was coming around and opening the door.

I stared at him, gripping the hem of my blouse, tight. My stomach twisted into knots.

“Can’t you just let me go?” I whispered softly, pride forgotten in the wake of my tiredness. Jungkook stared at me, face eerily blank.

“Get out of the car.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Like it?” He asked softly and I stood on the threshold, taking in the lavishly decorated apartment on the top floor of the building. I noticed the portrait right up front, a large full sized photo of me and Jungkook from nearly a decade ago, wrapped around each other in a hug , showing off our engagement bands.

“What is this?”

“It was supposed to be your wedding gift. From me. I bought it for you. Nine years ago. Thought you should see it.” He said quietly.

I stayed perfectly still , as he wrapped his hands around me in a hug.

“Why did you leave me, Elena?” He asked quietly and I felt my throat go dry.

“Why do you still have this place? Get rid of it.” I snapped. He laughed at that , pulling away and turning me around till I stared at him.

“ Will you stay here, with me?” He asked softly and I froze.

“You’re out of your mind.” I said shortly.

He hummed.

“Possibly. But then, the problem is this. If I tell you , you can’t leave this place ever again….There’s not much you can do about it, right?” He said thoughtfully and I felt a sob building in my chest.

“I… Don’t.” I said shakily.

“You should see the bedroom. Come.”

His fingers wrapped around my wrist dragging me past the lavish couch and sofa, past a well kept bar onto a wide hallway dimly lit. He stopped at the second door on the right, reaching out to open the lock.  The room was plunged in darkness and I hesitated.

“Go on… After you, Mrs. Jeon.” He said softly . I could feel distaste creeping up my spine at the name, shivering a bit as I stepped into the darkness.

“Can you imagine, if we’d gotten married. This is what our first night together would be like…” He pressed against my back, arms coming around me , so gentle that I shivered.

“Jungkook…what are you doing?” I asked shakily.

“Shush…. “ He whispered, moving to unbutton my blouse again. I grabbed his wrists quickly.

“We aren’t married. I’m not your wife.” I said sharply and I felt him go still behind me.

“Shut your mouth and play along like a good girl.” He said quietly. He shook my hands off, moving to undo the buttons again.

Not sure what he expected, I stayed perfectly still as he hummed, pressing soft feather light kisses down my jaw and past my shoulders. His hands stroked up and down my arm as he laughed .

“Did you miss me Elena…..all these years…” He said quietly. “ Because I missed you. So much.”

He hugged me close, tight and hard.

“Are you scared?” He whispered, “ honey?”

“Oh, God…” I choked out, nausea rising up in my throat at the endearment.

“My wife…” He whispered, pressing a few more kisses against my skin before pushing me a bit towards the bed. “ Should I turn on the lights? I wanna see you.”

He nudged me towards the bed and my legs gave out when I hit the edge of it, legs turning to jelly as I sat on it, shaky and creeped out and terrified. Jungkook moved to turn on the lamp on the bedside table, a soft golden glow lighting up the bed .

“Look at you… so beautiful.” He whispered and I watched as he tugged off his shirt, before moving to his belt. He was watching me like I was something precious. Like I was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

“What are you doing?” I asked quietly and he smiled, running his fingers over the tattoos decorating his chest. He stopped at a large ornate tiger lily, inscribed right over his heart.

“Do you like it?” he said softly. “ I got this for you. My Elena…. As delicate as a lily and as brave as a tiger.”

I stared at him in disbelief.

“Either fuck me or let me go, I’m not here to talk about-“

He slapped me, so hard that my head whipped to the side, my face feeling like it had caught fire. I gasped, the pain spreading all over my jaw and I couldn’t quite grasp what had just happened. I pressed shaky fingers to the throbbing skin near my mouth, eyes watering at the sting.

“Didn’t I tell you to play along, angel?” He whispered sharply and I closed my eyes , shuddering.

Play along. Do it if you want to get out of here alive. ‘

Fucking psychopath.

“ It’s beautiful, Jungkook.” I whispered softly, glancing at him with teary eyes. He nodded.

“We’ll get one for you too. A wolf. With the initials JK on it…. Right here…” He lightly traced a path over my collarbone and I hoped to God, this was some sick fantasy. That he wasn’t seriously considering tattooing his initials on me.

“Strip for me baby… All of it. I want to see you.” He whispered and I hesitated just long enough to take a deep breath. I reached back, quickly undoing my bra clasp and pulling the fabric off.  I hooked my thumbs into my skirt and my panties, tugging both of them off me, swiftly. I dropped all of it on the floor next to the bed, before moving to kneel in the middle of the bed, staring at him with a smile that felt physically painful.

“I’m going to make you feel good, baby.” He whispered quietly, crawling over on top of me.

“Lay down for me.” He said, and I felt repulsed, as he kissed my lips, soft and gentle, pressing in till I was flat on my back, legs parted so he could lie in between.

It was so different from last time and somehow ten times worse.

Jungkook pressed kisses all over my face, whispering gentle words against my skin that felt like acid.

“So beautiful…. Mine. You were always mine Elena. Mine to touch and mine to break . Mine to love and mine to fuck.”

I stared as he loomed over, his face inches from mine, his gaze deceptively affectionate, his eyes warm and almost soft. I watched as he came closer, his lips closing over mine. Instinctively I kept my lips together but his fingers curled around my thigh, squeezing hard enough to make me whimper, lips parting . He pressed his tongue in then , licking into my mouth and I brought my hands up, instinctively wrapping around the bare skin of his shoulders and my body thrummed at the feeling of his muscles under my fingers.

Curiosity made me foolish, and I found myself tracing the hills and valleys of his skin, fascinated by the way the muscles flexed, every time he moved his arm.

“You like that? I worked hard on those…” He chuckled, watching me curl my fingers around his biceps. He was so… big. I moved my fingers up to the hardness of his chest, splaying my palm on his pecs and my fingers caught a hard little scar, almost perfectly round and deep.

“What is this…” I asked , curious my finger dipping into the healed skin and he hummed.

“Your father . He shot me when I was chasing his car down in Jeju Do. Foolish bastard. Thought he could outrun me.” He laughed .

I glanced at him, catching his eyes and the ebbing laughter , my heart twisting.

“Then why am I here? You hate my father. You killed my entire family. So why am I here, Jungkook?”  I asked foolishly, my heart breaking a bit and he hesitated.

“Because you’re mine.” He said simply.

I closed my eyes in despair.

“If this was our wedding night…. What would you say…?” He asked suddenly.

I stared at him, confused.

“What?”

“If we got married back then… When you were eighteen. And it was our first night together….. what would you say?”

I sighed.

“I’d ask you to ….to be gentle.” I whispered.

He nodded.

“Tell me , then.”

I stared at him, feeling helpless.

“Go on, Elena.” He said again.

“Jungkook…” I began but he shook his head.

“Ggukkie.” He said softly. “ Call me GGukkie… That’s what you used to call me …when we were young.”

I clenched my fists, on his chest, resisting the urge to push him off. That wouldn’t end well for me.

“GGukkie…” I whispered, finally, glancing up at him, licking my lips and parting them gently, eyes as wide as they could go, “ you know its my first time right?”

Jungkook’s eyes fairly danced at that and he hummed, leaning closer.

“Is it, baby?” He asked, reaching up to brush my hair away, fingers gentle on my face.

Get into it. Get into it and get it over with.

“You know it is…” I pouted, “ No one else can touch me. I’m yours , aren’t I GGukkie…”

He laughed, rubbing his nose against mine.

“That you are, kitten.”

Kitten? That’s a new one.

Shut up and stay in character , fuck.

I was so fucking screwed.

“ So… will you be gentle?” I whispered , “ I don’t want it to hurt.”

Jungkook wrapped his arms around me rolling over and taking me with him till I was lying flat on top of him.

“Then how about this angel? You can ride me…. As slow and gentle as you like. Make yourself feel good on my cock, yeah….?”

I stared at him.

I’m gonna fuck you and you’re going to do all the work.

He’d played me like a fiddle.

“Well baby? Go on…. Take my pants off.”

I exhaled angrily, before moving down, to tug on his pants. He helped me take them off kicking off his boxer briefs as well.

That’s a beautiful dick. Objectively. Very pretty.

Shut the fuck up.

“ Get it wet for me baby….” He said softly. I glanced down at the hard length of it, jutting out of the small thatch of hair and felt my mouth go dry . Which would be counterproductive if I wanted to get it wet. So I swirled my tongue around my mouth, trying to get my mouth moist, before leaning down and carefully wrapping my lips around the head.

Fuck, he tastes good.

I shook my head a bit to clear the voice in my head, glancing up at him with my lips stretched around the soft pink head and he was looking right back at me, eyes heavy and dark .

“Go on baby, take more of it in, use your tongue…make me feel good.”

I closed my eyes, letting the spit coat the hard length of his cock, sinking down till the tip began to inch down my throat. I sucked lightly, running my tongues back and forth on whatever skin I could touch and it was like sucking a lollipop except the lollipop was thick enough to stretch my mouth wide and hit the back of my throat.

I felt his hand reach into my hair, gripping hard and I whimpered.

“Be gentle…” I whispered, pulling off and his eyebrows shot up , clearly in surprise . He stared at me for a second, as though considering my request and then his fingers loosened , threading through the strands soothingly.

“I’m sorry, baby.” He whispered . I went back to sucking him off, somehow my natural tendency to work hard making me bob up and down, using my tongue and taking him as deep as I could. I felt a sick sort of satisfaction when he moaned in pleasure and for some damn reason I wanted to draw more sounds out of him.

This is a dream. Either that or you tripped over a pothole and fell into another dimension.

“ Are you wet ? Come here, so I can check….” Jungkook said softly and I pulled off moving up to straddle his hips. I flinched when he reached down, tracing my slit with carefully fingers before slipping in two. I tightened against the intrusion, still sore on the inside and he pulled his fingers out, bringing them up to my mouth.

“Suck…and get them nice and wet if you don’t want it to hurt.” He said quietly and I wrapped my lips around his fingers, letting my spit coat the slender digits.

When he pushed them back into me, the slide was easier , wetter and I gripped his shoulders, trying to relax around him. It felt foreign but also good… I felt good…

I stared down at him, the broad muscled body and the handsome face and for a crazy moment I imagine what it would have been, if I had married him. Would it have been this….this… weird pleasure that was somehow both painful and exhilarating at the same time. I bit my lips as he curled his fingers inside me, rubbing at some spot high up inside me that sent heat shooting straight up my spine, slick dripping out of me and onto the hard planes of his stomach like honey from a comb.

“Now sit on my cock.” He said quietly. I trembled, reaching down to lightly grip his cock, moving till the head lined up right against my slit or where I thought my slit was. Biting my lips, I lowered my body, feeling my body cleave to let him in, his cock pressing in and in and in.

My knees gave out and I slid down the length of him, the sudden, incredible fullness knocking the breath right out of me.

“ Fuck…baby….you alright?” He whispered and it messed with my head, the way he actually looked concerned and worried and I couldn’t take anymore of it.

“Please… Please… I just… I want to go home…” I whimpered, feeling full and stretched out, my thighs trembling and my insides wet and warm and somehow stuck between wanting more and wanting it to end.

Jungkook grunted, fingers curling over both my hips and lifting me lightly and with ease.

“Come on baby…. Ride me….” He whispered, “ Put your hands on my chest and roll your hips, up and down .”

I did as he said, one hand braced against his chest, the other gripping his shoulder as I tried to move on him but it was hopeless. I had no energy or inclination to do this and the pleasure was fast ebbing into frustration. Jungkook seemed to sense it because he growled.

“Fuck, you’re so fucking bad at this… Fine… Just lay there and let me use that stupid cunt of yours.” He snapped,  gripping my waist and folding his knees just enough to brace his feet on the bed. I gasped as I got lifted a bit , his cock slipping in impossibly deeper , the tip nudging close to my cervix , the lightest brush of it send sharp jolts of electric pain pleasure up my spine.

“Oh fuck,..” I breathed as he pistoned into me, hips hitting my ass with brutal force as he fucked up into me and I could only tremble, eyes fluttering shut, fingers going numb from how hard I was gripping him.

“You’re gonna cum today… I’m gonna make you cum on my cock…” He growled, reaching down and pressing his thumb against my clit, rubbing softly, slow circles that were almost gentle compared to the brutal pounding oh his hips and I felt my mouth go slack, wetness slipping out of my tongue and dripping down my chin because of how excruciatingly good it felt, having him so deep, pressing in against the edge of my womb and I and to press my palm, right up against my belly , stunned because of how my body seemed to open and shift to make room for him.

“I’m gonna cum inside you, right inside your womb, fuck…. Gonna carry my babies for me, right sweetheart? Gonna watch you get round and full with my seed , watch you drip milk all over me with those beautiful tits….fuck…”

The shock of his words sent me over the edge, my body clenching down on him as I came, my orgasm so strong that I felt like I was cramping up on the inside and I toppled forward onto him, landing on his chest and bouncing a bit. Jungkook grunted a little, wrapping both his arms around me, holding close as he fucked me right through the aftershocks, body stilling only when I stopped shuddering and I felt warm wetness spill inside me, so deep that I knew I would have to swallow three morning after pills after this, although I was on birth control.

Because one could never be too sure with these things.

Jungkook stayed still under me and it took me a few seconds to catch my breath. I finally levered myself off of him, legs shaking as I rolled over and onto the bed before breathing in huge lungfuls of air.

“Can I go?” I choked out.

Jungkook grunted. “ Get the fuck out of here.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I stumbled out of the cab, exhausted and out of my mind with self loathing, I didn’t expect to see Hoseok sitting on the pavement outside the bakery, leaning against a streetlight, face warm but determined.

“Hobi?” I asked stunned. “ What are you-“

He cut me off with a kiss.

I stared wide eyed as he pulled me into an embrace, wrapping me in warmth and scent of his cologne, his hands impossibly gentle around me as he all but cradled me against his body, his lips moving gently against mine.

“Elena…” He breathed against my lips, eyes glinting . “ I love you. I’ve been in love with you for years. I’m so fucking sorry for being such a coward but you deserve to know… you deserve to know how I feel about you.”

I stared at him in disbelief, my heart pounding as I punched his chest in desperation.

“No… No fuck you… what are you doing…. He’ll kill you…” I hissed and he tightened his arms around me.

“I don’t care.” He hissed. “ I don’t… I can’t just… I can’t let him hurt you like this. I won’t. I’m going to tell him. I’m going to tell him to let you go or lose our friendship.” He said angrily and I trembled.  

My heart raced because Hoseok was the only one I’d ever loved. In every way a girl could love a boy. He was and had always been this confusing breed of brother and friend while everyone had drooled after Jeon Jungkook , I’d always been drawn to him…drawn to his quiet strength and to the way he had always treated me as an equal…

But… but Jungkook…. Jungkook who would put a bullet in his brain without a thought if he thought that Hoseok was trying to move in on something that belonged to him…..

“Hoseok…just… Don’t. I… I love you too…” I breathed out, tired and scared and so fucking worried because what if someone was listening even now..what if word got to Jungkook and he tried to hurt ….i couldn’t even think it.

“Come find me when Jungkook is busy . When he can’t find us…” I said softly, reaching out and pressing my palm against his face.

“I’m not scared of him.” Hoseok growled  and it was ridiculous.  

“But I’m scared of losing you. “ I said quickly. “ We can’t… He can’t know. Ever.”

Hoseok nodded before pulling me close again.

“Was he too rough?” He whispered and I blinked, flushing. I shook my head.

“No.. I. No. I think…”

“I hate that he was the one to touch you, first. You.. You deserve to know how good it can be…. How gentle.. I want to… fuck…” He shook his head pulling away and I wrapped my arms around myself.

“We can’t…” I said quietly. “ you know we can’t.”

He glanced at me, eyes blazing and lips parted and I groaned.

“Don’t look at me like that Hobi…” I whispered, shaking my head.

“Tomorrow. He’s going to Jeju Do , to inspect a new resort. He won’t be back till the day after. Call in sick at work.” He said quietly and I bit my lips, feeling a bit like a whole idiot.

I nodded.

He reached forward and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

No self preservation skills at all, I thought miserably.  

If Jungkook found out…….

Author’s Note : I’ll add the taglist here tomorrow

#bts smut #bts fanfics #bts fics #bts #jungkook smut #jungkook #bts scenarios #jungkook fics #bts fanfic

[fandomfic-galore]

Training

Chapter one

Warnings: mafia stuff, drug use, spiked drinks

A/n: this is my first time doing an ABO fic and Mafia fic. But I hope you like it. This is also a very dark fic, as the series progress it will get worse. You have been warned.

Beta: @kalesrebellion

Doubled over, hugging yourself, your whole body was on fire. Your hands wouldn’t stop shaking, your breathing was laboured and tears started to stream down your cheeks. Gasping for air, you needed something, anything to make yourself better. The cold tiled floor beneath your feverish body gave no relief.

Reaching up with your weak hand, you grabbed onto the end of the bath. It took all your strength to pull yourself up. Your feet were planted gently on the ground if you moved too quickly you knew you would fall over instantly.

“Steve?” you choked out a whisper. “Bucky?”

Your call was unanswered. The apartment the three of you had shared was deadly quiet. You could hear a pin drop if you had the strength or energy to do so.

Shakey steps lead you to the sink, turning the faucet of cold water, you gathered the liquid into your cupped hands. Swallowing a breath you rinsed your face. It didn’t make any difference. You still felt like death had run you over with a truck.

A sudden cramp took your breath away, landing on your knees you pressed down on your stomach. At this point, you tried anything to relieve the pain.

“Y/n?” A voice called out.

“Steve,” you whispered before your world went dark.

The soft padding of a towel to your head woke you up. Moaning slightly at the sunlight beaming into your eyes, you blinked them open. Steve, your colleague, your mentor, your knight in shining armour was smoothing out your hair as he dapper your forehead. Offering him a slight smile, his eyes lighting up as he noticed you being awake.

“Buck, she’s awake,” Steve tried not to shout, but his voice carried wherever he was and it sent a shiver down your spine nonetheless.

“Hey doll face, I brought you some tea to make you feel better,” Bucky whispered.

Sitting up you welcomed him and his offering. Reaching out for the cup, with shaking hands.

“Here let me” Steve interrupted, grabbing the cup to help you take a sip. The tea was a secret Barns family recipe that Bucky always said he’d take to the grave. Bucky would make you this tea any time you were feeling crappy, it never failed to make you feel better.

You grimaced a little while taking another sip. “Did you add something new to this Buck?” you asked weakly, before closing your eyes and leaning back into Steve’s strong embrace.

“I uh, had a hard time getting the usual brand of one of the spice blends,” Bucky replied, casting a quick glance at Steve. “Why is there something wrong doll?”

“No, I guess not, just tastes funny, makes me feel all blech.” you said with a weak shrug.

“Maybe you’re allergic to something in it. I’ll try and find the right one as soon as I can sweetheart.”

Bucky reached over the bed, rubbing his hand up and down your arm. His touch was calming and comforting, leaning into his gentle gaze, your eyes began to get heavy again.

Six months ago

Sitting at the table, you were face to face with the NYC police department most wanted, a notorious Mafia boss named Slick. It never really occurred to you to ask why he went by that name but after meeting him you weren’t sure you really wanted to know.

Slick leaned back in his chair, puffing on a gross cigar. For whatever reason the smell of his stinky cigar made your stomach roll. Steve and Bucky were on either side of you almost silently reminding you to bite your tongue before you said something all of you would regret.

Slick wasn’t an intimidating man you when you looked at him. He was shorter than both men you worked with. He had green eyes that held no soul behind them, his broad shoulders looked out of place and he always seemed to be hunched over. However, his exterior may not have frightened you but this man, this monster was crazy.

“So, when Alphas take the drug they get the best highs of their lives” Slick exhaled a smoke circle and winked at you, it sent a shiver of disgust down your spine.

Steve’s hand grabbed your thigh, squeezing slightly you sent him a look. He shook his head, a silent message between the two of you of not to try anything.

“However” Slicked pipped up, “when a beta takes it, let’s just say it does something completely different. ’ Slick chuckled to himself. “It has no effect on Alpha women though” Putting both feet on the table your eyes grew wide at the statement.

“Well, it’s good that I’m an alpha then” you snapped. Being an actual beta yourself, you had to lie to work for the police force. No one hired betas, so you brought yourself masking tablets. They prevented from you showing as a beta and gave you the scent of an alpha.

Slick laughed at your statement, nodding his head. He pushed two vials of liquid towards Steve and Bucky. “Here try some… don’t worry doll face, no point in you taking any”

Steve and Bucky looked at each other, reaching for the vials your stomach dropped, you had an awful feeling about this. But to not blow your cover, you knew the men had to do this, you knew to keep Slick’s trust the men had to take the drug. In one gulp the drug was gone and both vials hit the table with force, nearly smashing the glass in the process.

Leaving the meeting ten minutes later, you noticed Steve and Bucky started to act very strangely. Both men being Alphas meant the drug would give them the best highs of their lives, however, it seemed to be completely opposite for these two men.

Steve was slurring his words and couldn’t stand up straight, Bucky was curled up on the pavement, hugging himself and arguing that the wind was his enemy and needed to be destroyed. It took all your strength and effort to get both men back to your shared apartment, coaxing them with the promise of food.

Once inside Steve headed straight for the couch throwing himself onto the leather material face down.

“Make it stop y/n. Make the room stop spinning,” Steve whined, shaking your head you headed to the kitchen and grabbed Steve a glass of water. Placing it carefully on the coffee table next to him.

“If the wind doesn’t want to kill me then why is it so cold?” Bucky rushed to you you forced you to look at him whilst he asked his question. Rolling your eyes you shrugged your shoulders.

It took your half and hour of encouraging the boys to drink water and eat a slice of toast before you could put them to bed. You undressed both of them and made sure a glass of water was placed on their bedside table with some aspirin, and a bucket on the floor, just in case they needed it.

Present-day

Your mind flicked back to the memory of both men being very ill and very annoying to control, however, you guessed it was their turn to look after you. Shuffling back into the person behind you, you decided to finally open your eyes, looking over your shoulder you noticed the messy brown hair of Bucky. Bucky’s eyes caught yours, he smiled sweetly at you and leaned up on his elbow.

“How you feeling gorgeous” Bucky reached up with his hand to your cheek, tracing the outline of your jawline with a gentle touch. Sighing his touch comforted you again.

“A lot better, thank you” You both laid there for what seemed like hours. Not saying a word to each other, Bucky stroking your face, both of you content to be in each others company. Glancing over Bucky’s shoulder only ten minutes had passed before Steve opened the door and offered you breakfast.

Feeling a lot better, the day seemed to run a lot smoother. You weren’t ordered by your mafia boss to do anything so all three you relaxed around the apartment watching movies. Your phone pinned that you had received a new message, grabbing it from the coffee table, your heart dropped.

Taglist

Everything marvel: @geekandbooknerd @oneoftheprettynerds

Everything @escapingthoughtsandsecrets @foxyjwls007 @xoxabs88xox

Tag yourself

#alpha!steve x reader #alpha!bucky barnes #alpha!stucky #beta!reader #drugging #mentions of drug use #bucky barnes x reader fanfic #bucky x reader #steve x you #steve rogers x reade #steve rogers x you #steve rodgers x reader #steve rogers x reader #very dark fic #abo au #mafia au

[master-sass-blast]

Children of the Gods: Part Three, Chapter Two.

I had to input every single italic you see in this fic by hand because Tumblr doesn’t hold text format when I paste it innnnnn. *pained smile*

Please give this chapter some love, because that was fucking painful to do.

Summary: The aftermath of capturing Allison proves messy -both in dealing with the teen's evident trauma, and in all the skeletons in various closets that get unleashed soon after.

Pairing(s): Piotr Rasputin x Reader, Nathan Summers x Wade Wilson, Frank Castle x Karen Page, and Alexandra Rasputin x Nikolai Rasputin.

Rating: M for gun violence, depictions of death and injuries, depictions of emotional trauma, and gratuitous use of the word “fuck.”

Word count: 8.9k.

Set after “Children of the Gods: Part Three, Chapter One.”

Taglist: @marvel-is-perfection, @chromecutie, @super-darkcloudstudent, @girl-obsessed-with-things, @leo-writer, @emma-frxst, @sadstone-s

“What the hell were you thinking!”

“Ooh, careful there, Doohan,” Wade snarks, head rolling to indicate he’s rolling his eyes. “Get any more agitated and you’ll be saying all the no-no words.”

Scott scowls at Wade. “Stuff it, Wilson.”

“Every damn night, laser pointer.”

A mixture of grimaces, sighs, and groans go up through the crowd.

You’re all gathered in the medical wing of Xavier’s –the X-Force and nearly all of the X-Men. Allison’s off being examined by Dr. McCoy and Alyssa –to make sure she’s stable enough to be taken out of the handcuffs and the suppression band—and Frank and Karen are sequestered in a separate room until it's clear how everything's going to shake out.

Because, naturally, there’s been a wrench thrown in the situation.

Or maybe the whole damn toolbox, you mentally amend as Wade and Scott resume arguing.

“We cannot harbor a mob criminal here—”

“She’s thirteen, Summers!” Wade snaps. The eyes on his mask narrow into slits. “She’s not a criminal –and her parents’ choice don’t automatically make her guilty!”

“Murder, illegal theft and possession of firearms, assault, stalking, kidnapping,” Scott starts listing, ticking off each of Allison’s misdeeds on his fingers.

“She lost her family,” Nathan interjects, voice going to gravel. “Where the fuck were all of you when she needed support? Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do?”

The room goes silent. Many of the X-Men members look away or hang their heads slightly.

“We had no way of knowing that Allison was a mutant,” Ororo speaks up. “Without the proper information, we can’t help. It’s unfortunate, yes, but out of our control all the same.”

“But you know now,” Wade argues. “You knew with Russell. You knew with all the kids at Essex house. You turned your back on him and those kids, just like you’re turning your back on Allison now.” He scoffs, disgusted. “Same shit, different day. You’re all a bunch of cowardly cocksuckers.”

“We do have limits,” Professor Xavier speaks up from his chair. “Russell and the other members of Essex house were considered wards of the state. Legally, that meant Essex house had custody of them until they turned eighteen. We wrote petitions. We did as much as we could to bring attention to the issue. Unfortunately, it got swept under the rug or stonewalled by anti-mutant members of the legal system. As for Allison…” He sighs. “Taking in wards with criminal connections put the school at risk. Not just for fear of retaliation –as would certainly be a risk with Miss Ricci’s connections to the mafia—but also our funding and licensing. As an orphaned mutant, she is certainly deserving of our help—” he pauses to glare sternly at Scott and a few of the more stubborn, self-righteous members present “—but we have to consider the needs of our other residents and students, too.”

“I think we’re overlooking that Allison is here right now,” Jean pipes up. “Whether or not she stays with us is one thing, but we need to decide what to do for at least the next forty-eight hours.”

“She stays here,” you say automatically. “As far as we know, she has no other guardians, potentially even nowhere to go. I don’t think it’s gonna kill us to give her a bed and some food to eat.”

“Absolutely not,” Scott fires back –and, behind him, Angel and Iceman nod. “She’s far too aggressive to possibly put the students at risk.”

“She’s agitated and traumatized,” you reason, “but that doesn’t mean she’s going to lash out at people left and right.”

“Doesn’t she have a guardian of sorts?” Neena pipes up. “Artemis? Has anyone gotten ahold of them?”

“We reached out with the number Miss Ricci gave us,” Xavier explains. “The call picked up, but there wasn’t any verbal response for the duration of the call.”

Well, that bodes well. “What about her attorney?” you ask. “If we can’t keep her here, wouldn’t her attorney be able to arrange some sort of safe place for her to stay.”

“Thus far, we haven’t been able to reach her attorney.”

And that bodes even worse. You fight the urge to sigh or roll your eyes, and instead mentally curse monkey wrenches and whoever thought to invent the damn things.

“For the time being, I’ve contacted some of our external resources” –the glance Xavier shoots at both you and Piotr tells you that it’s your uncle and Alexandra—“to help with matters until the dust settles. They should be arriving soon, so—”

There’s a loud crash from down the hall, the sound of glass shattering, and an angry screech that sounds suspiciously like, “Fuck you, Castle!”

You give into the urge to sigh before booking it towards the sound of chaos and rage. Great. Now it’s an entire toolshed.

***

Subduing Allison this time, at least, is easier for several reasons.

First, she’s still wearing the repression cuff on her wrist. Without her powers –without a way to pop in and out of this existence, specifically—she’s much easier to catch.

Second, she’s tired. It’s not just the bags under her eyes or the sweat glistening at her furrowed brow. She’s stumbling unevenly, panting as she tries to exact her revenge.

Third, Illyana happens to show up at the exact same time with your uncle and Alexandra (and Nikolai as well, though he has less involvement in the “subduing process”).

Alex reacts fastest. She hooks one strong arm around Allison’s waist, then scoops her away from Karen and a hangdog-looking Frank. “Alright, that’s enough.”

Allison, however, doesn’t seem to agree. (Though whether it’s due to general teenage contrariness or trauma-induced rage, the jury’s still out.

…Actually, it’s probably both.)

“You don’t even get it, Castle!” Allison snaps with a manic grin, eyes wide and haunted. “You killed a good man. My dad was getting out! He was going to testify against them—”

Alex clamps a hand over the teen’s mouth, making her cut herself off with a garbled grunt. “I said enough.”

Allison thrashes in the older woman’s iron-clad grasp –to no avail, unsurprisingly. Her face scrunches up, then her jaw starts flexing. There’s a moment where her expression goes slack when Alex doesn’t react, then her nose scrunches up again and her jaw starts working harder.

Alex sighs, then starts carrying Allison back down the hall (she’s astonishingly unfazed by been chomped down on). “Come on. Let’s get you calmed down, malen’kiy.”

At the other end of the hall, Neena pokes her head into the fray. “Someone who calls herself Artemis is at the front door.”

Professor Xavier nods, then says, “Please escort her back to Miss Ricci’s room,” before wheeling after Alex and Artemis.

You look between Neena and the Professor –then, in the interest of going where you’re actually allowed to be (and not being bored out of your mind because you’ll be literally shut out of the room), you head towards the foyer.

…

“Do you think Frank was set up to stop the trial?”

Your uncle shrugs; the two of you have taken up a spot at the back of the room, where you can watch things unfold and gossip like the two old ladies you are in spirit. “It’s possible. It’s also possible that it was retribution for Allison being a mutant. The Ricci syndicate is notoriously… intolerant.”

You grimace. You certainly understand just how far people will go against their own flesh and blood for intolerance’s sake. “Blood and water.”

Your uncle nods, expression equally sour. “You fucking said it, punk.”

There’s not much point in hashing it out any further –both from the standpoint of “forbidden knowledge” and digging up old trauma—so you settle back into watching Artemis go through the mandatory security check.

She’s tall, with broad shoulders. Her hair’s dark, just starting to streak with silver at the temples, and her eyes are deep, intense, borderline black color. Her nose is slightly crooked –comes with the territory in this walk of life—and she’s dressed in black motorcycle wear and combat boots.

She honestly looks so fucking familiar.

You frown, brows pinching together as you try and place her face in your memory. Failing your own abilities at recollection, you lean over and whisper, “Is she one of your team members? I swear I’ve seen her before.”

“Uh –no,” your uncle replies (and it’s too fast and shaky, but you’re too caught up in figuring out whom the fuck you’re looking at to notice). “I mean –everyone has a doppelganger, right?”

“I guess.” You squint at Artemis, as though physically narrowing your eyes will help your brain puzzle things out—

And then Alex strides into the foyer –wiping the hand that Allison bit, and if you look close enough you’re pretty sure you can still see a few bloody teeth marks—and the cloud of confusion lifts from your mind.

“Oh!” you gasp quietly. “That’s why she looks familiar! She looks like Alex.” You look from the Rasputin matriarch, to the other black-leather clad woman, then back again. “She looks… a lot like Alex, actually.” You laugh softly –coincidence is a hell of a thing—then keep rambling when your uncle doesn’t say anything. “Two women who love the color black and carry enough weapons on their person to stock an army. You’d think the universe broke the mold with Alex, huh?”

Your uncle shifts from foot to foot next to you, but says nothing.

“You really weren’t kidding about the whole ‘doppelganger’ thing, huh.” You cock your head to one side, then frown as another epiphany starts growing in your mind. “Actually… she kind of looks like you, too.”

Your uncle makes a quiet, pained choking noise. “Punk—”

“Yeah, she’s got more of your build…”

“Punk.”

“And her lower lip has that weird lopsided curve like yours—”

“Punk—”

You peer closer at Artemis’s face. “Actually, her nose looks like you took yours and Alex’s and mashed them together—”

“Punk.”

You finally look up at him and take in the pale, wide-eyed, tight-lipped expression on his face. “What?” When he doesn’t say anything, you look at Artemis, then Alex, and then back at him—

Oh God.

Oh God.

Holy fucking shit.

You stare up at your uncle, agape. “Wait a second –you and—”

“Okay, shut the fuck up!” he hisses, panicked, before dragging you out of the foyer and into the nearest hallway.

“You and Alex had a baby,” you blurt –albeit in a voice no louder than a harsh whisper. “Artemis is your and her lovechild!”

He winces, then holds up his hands. “I can explain—”

“I don’t think you can!” you hiss. “Why didn’t you tell me that I have a cousin who happens to be my husband’s half fucking sister! Oh God, does Piotr know? Do any of the Rasputins know?”

“I…” He trails off, then cringes. He rubs the back of his neck. “I’m not sure, actually.”

You stare up at him, dumbfounded. “You’re not sure. How are you not sure? Nick knows who you are –what, you think Alex just kept a whole child from his knowledge—”

“I mean, he probably knows that there was a baby at one point—”

“The baby is in this fucking house!” you snap in a quiet growl, arms flailing wildly. “She’s a full grown adult who probably pays taxes and has a 401k going! Why wouldn’t Alex tell her husband—”

“Look,” your uncle interjects, cutting you off. “As far as Alex knows… she thinks she’s… dead?”

You gape. Then, as quietly as you can manage (given the circumstances), you exclaim, “What the fuck!”

“Keep your voice down!” your uncle hisses, gesturing wildly in panic. He looks over his shoulder, then when he’s certain no one overheard you, he sighs and looks back to you. “Look, it’s a long story—”

“I’m sure it fucking is!” You cross your arms over your chest when he winces. “How is it that you know your secret lovechild is alive, but Alex doesn’t? What, did she just abandon her?”

“No, no—”

“Didn’t think so. So what the fuck happened?”

He sighs, shoulder slumping, and runs one hand through his already disheveled hair. “Look –long story short, the people who ‘made’ Alex took the baby—”

“Artemis. Her daughter. Your daughter.”

He purses his lips, but concedes with a nod. “They took her away after she was born and told Alex she was dead –and that’s actually what prompted her to get out, but that’s another story for another day—”

“Okay, hang on a second.” You squeeze your eyes shut and hold up one hand. “Alex thinks her baby is dead –probably one of the most traumatic things in her whole life. You’ve known that she’s alive…” You open your eyes again and fix your uncle with a stern stare. “Okay, how long have you known for?”

He grimaces and shifts uncomfortably. “…well, the US took her, but she didn’t present early, so they turned her loose into the foster system because she didn’t have potential as an ‘asset’—”

“How fucking long?”

He ducks his head, carefully avoiding your gaze. “…tracked her down when she was ten.”

Your eyes widen –and then you slug him in the shoulder. “You fucking colossal asshole!”

He panics again, motioning for you to keep it down while checking over his shoulder. “Shut the fuck up!”

“No! Not only have you lied to Alex for decades—”

“She never asked—”

“A lie by omission is still a fucking lie!” you snap in a gravelly whisper. “So, not only did you lie to her, but you also abandoned your daughter to the mercies of the US foster care system!”

“My life wasn’t safe to keep a kid around!” he hisses back at you. “I couldn’t take care of you, and I couldn’t take care of her! If anything, it was safer for her if the government thought I didn’t know she was alive!”

You sigh, pinch the bridge of your nose, and wave dismissively with your other hand. “Okay –fine. That still doesn’t justify the whole lying thing, but whatever. Does Artemis know that you and Alex are her parents?”

“…Yes. She tracked me down when she was in her twenties and I told her the truth.”

“Well, it sounds like determination runs in the family,” you mutter. “But at least you two have kept in touch…” You look up, see your uncle’s grimace, and sigh. “You didn’t keep in touch with her.”

He shoves his hands in his jacket pockets. “I didn’t know how to handle it.”

“Pretty sure ‘not like that’ is a good answer.” You sigh again, then shrug and put your hands on your hips. “Well, you’ve probably solved your own problem. She’ll probably just tell Alex who she is just to spite you, assuming she got the ‘petty vengeance’ gene too.”

Your uncle’s eyebrows spike to his hairline, and his expression goes through the five stages of grief in a matter of seconds. “She –she can’t—”

“She can and she probably will.”

He hunches over, crouching, and grips the back of his head. “Shitfuckshitfuckshitfuckshitfuck—”

“Myshka?”

You and your uncle both jump, then whirl in unison and give your husband your best convincing, “we’re totally not talking about long lost, hidden family members and other poor life choices” smiles that you can each manage.

(Consider that you don’t look like you just shit your pants, you win.)

Piotr’s forehead wrinkles with concern. “What… is everything alright?”

“Just fine, baby,” you assure him, subtly kicking your uncle so he relaxes. “Just talking about what happens next.”

Piotr nods after a moment, likely picking up on that whatever’s going on right now isn’t life or death and that you’ll fill him in later. “I actually came to find you,” he says, gesturing to your uncle. “Professor Xavier still cannot reach Allison’s lawyer. He has asked for your assistance.”

“Right. Absolutely. On it,” your uncle says with a none-too-convincing smile. He shoots your husband a pair of finger guns, then books it out of the hall and towards the medical wing of the mansion.

Piotr stares after him, then shoots you a confused frown. “Is he okay?”

You shrug. “He’s doing about his usual.” You decide to further sidestep the issue by ambling over to him and giving him a gentle hug. “How are you?” Are doing okay?”

Piotr wraps his arms around you and kisses the top of your head. “I am fine now. Just a little sore.”

“Me too.” You nuzzle your cheek against his burly chest. “We really should invest in that hot tub we keep talking about getting. It’d be great for post-mission recovery.”

“Hot tubs are expensive, myshka,” he chuckles.

“Yes, but we’re not getting any younger. It’d be a good investment in taking care of our bodies.” You tilt your head back and grin up at him. “I thought you were all about that life.”

He sighs and shakes his head, feigning exasperation, but his amused smile is a dead giveaway. “Whatever shall I do with you, myshka?”

You grin wider. “You could kiss me.”

Piotr grins back, then dips his head and presses his lips against yours—

Mikhail appears next to you out of thin air. “Ah. Gross. Big meeting is happening. All hands on deck.”

Piotr rolls his eyes when his elder brother teleports away once more, then looks back down at you and strokes your cheek with his thumb. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine, baby.” You unwind your arms from his massive trunk of a torso, then slide your fingers between his as the two of you walk towards the medical wing.

…

“—I am telling you, Charles, not being able to reach this kid’s lawyer is a bad fucking sign.”

You and Piotr walk into a conference room to find your uncle and Professor Xavier locked in a heated argument.

Wade, Nate, and Neena are leaning against the table to watch, occasionally leaning over to whisper bits of commentary to each other (or, in Wade’s case, speak at normal volume).

In the corner of the room, where a couple of armchairs are positioned, Nikolai sits with his two other children; they’re speaking in hushed Russian, but none of them seem too concerned about everything else going on.

“As I previously stated,” Xavier says, words clipped, “we cannot release Miss Ricci without speaking first to her attorney. The X-Men operate as a special law enforcement service, and failure to comply with criminal and civil statutes will have enormous consequences for the Institute—”

“There’s going to be a bunch of fucking ‘enormous consequences’ for the Institute,” your uncle interrupts, growling through clenched teeth, “if you don’t evacuate this building right fucking now! Fuck’s sake, Charles –you hired me as a security advisor; just listen to me.”

Piotr frowns and curls one hand over your shoulder. “What is happening?”

“What’s happening,” a new, strong, feminine voice interjects from the hall, “is that we’re leaving.” Artemis shoulders past your husband –a feat not easily achieved by many—with Allison in tow, then holds up the teen’s arm that has the repression cuff still attached. She glares at Xavier (and God, she really looks like Alex when she does that), then spits out through gritted, bared teeth, “Get this fucking thing off my kid.”

There’s a longsuffering sigh in the hall, and then Alex steps into the doorway. “She has that cuff on for her own safety –as I already told you—”

Artemis whirls, face contorted by a vicious scowl, and snaps, “I didn’t fucking ask for you input!”

(Boy, if that doesn’t just scream ‘repressed trauma and mommy issues.’)

Your uncle looks like he’s about to pass out again, but Alex seems remarkably nonplussed. She merely raises one eyebrow at Artemis, as if to say ‘that’s all you got?’

There’s no way she knows, you think as you watch the two stare each other down. Not with how much she cares about her kids. There’s no fucking way—

“Actually, we’ve got bigger problems,” your uncle pipes up, voice quavering slightly before he clears his throat. “We can’t reach your kid’s shark.”

“They have other clients,” Artemis retorts, upper lip curling in a derisive sneer. Her dark eyes smolder with barely constrained hatred as she tosses a withering glance in his direction (daddy issues, too, this chick won the whole lottery). “Or maybe they got stuck in traffic.”

Your uncle narrows his eyes at that (and now the two of them look so much alike, overcome by ire as they are). “You cannot possibly be that fucking stupid.”

Artemis sucks a breath through her teeth, eyes widening with rage and hurt. “You fucking dick—”

In the corner of the room, Illyana bolts upright before going stock still. Then, she gasps and reaches out towards her mother. “Mama!”

(The way Artemis’s face mars with a pained grimace makes your heart ache.)

Alex tenses, eyes glowing gold as she starts scanning the horizon (presumably checking for heat signatures). “Gde?”

The room goes quiet –and then you hear it.

The sound of engines rumbling –multiple engines—and car wheels crunching against gravel. Doors thumping open and shut, followed by footsteps. Hushed voices.

You scamper over to the nearest window and float up, just enough to see several men clad in black and Kevlar and carrying rifles stalking towards the front door and around the sides of the house in groups. “Guys with guns. Lots of them.”

“Then get down!” Nate hisses before yanking you back from the window.

“Lights out,” Alex orders before hitting the switch herself. “Get everyone to a reinforced room.”

“There’s a safe room at the end of the hall,” Xavier says before wheeling himself towards the door.

Allison clings to Artemis’s sleeve, much like a baby koala. “What’s going on? What’s going to happen?”

“Go with the Professor,” Artemis says. She quickly –but gently—frees her arm, then clasps the teen’s face with both hands. “Look at me. Listen to the Professor, and stay put until I come get you. Okay?”

Allison’s forehead puckers, and her lower lip starts trembling. “But—”

“Is alright,” Nikolai interjects with a kind, reassuring smile. He gently ushers Allison towards the door, then down the hall before she can protest further.

A few doors down, Karen pokes her head out of the room where she and Frank have holed up. She frowns as she takes in the chaos. “What’s going on?”

“Mafia men with guns!” Wade chirps as he half-skips, half-jogs towards the mansion’s entryway. “Tell your boy to suit up!”

“There’s a safe room at the end of the hall,” Neena adds as she runs after Wade.

Frank squeezes around Karen and kisses her temple before falling in line behind the two assassins.

You step to the side so Karen can run past you, then turn and press a hasty kiss against Piotr’s cheek. “Love you.”

He kisses your cheek in return, equally as brief. “Ya tozhe tebya lyublyu.”

And then the two of you run towards the danger bearing down on your home.

***

In all the firefights you’ve been in, there’s always this moment of silence. A calm before the storm. A moment where everything goes still, while both sides wait for the other to make a move.

You duck behind a wall as the mafia gunmen continue hammering away at the front door, tucking yourself in a shadow. Your stomach tenses, breathing going quick and hard as your mind starts putting a plan together. Don’t want to risk collapsing part of the house by doing a pressure vacuum. Best option is to probably knock them to the ground so the others can jump them.

The door rattles. The wooden portal splits on one side, sending jagged splinters poking out into the air.

You slow your breathing, forcing yourself into a calm, focused state. Wait for them to get past the entryway so you can hit as many of them as possible.

In the back of the house, near the kitchen, you hear glass shatter.

They’re in. You clench your fists at your sides, watching as the front door slowly gives way. Three… two… one…

The door breaks open, swinging inwards as the first gunmen step into the foyer—

And then the door snaps off its hinges and slams into the men, taking them out like bowling pins.

Strike, a small, inane part of your brain giggles.

Shouts go up through the house. You can hear the sounds of rushed footsteps, shattering glass, and what sounds like people being bodyslammed through tables (and, given the type of people fighting for your side, it just might be that). Gunfire pierces the air –and is accompanied by the telltale, metallic plinks of the bullets ricocheting off your husband’s armor.

Angry screams emanate from the front step. Men barge in, firing down the hall, towards some unseen target (likely Alex or Nate, given the door trick).

You wait until as many men are piled into the foyer as possible, then send down a downdraft that blows out the windows on either side of the door.

The gunmen tumble to the floor, swearing in a mixture of English and Italian.

Nate, Wade, and Neena swoop in. They descend upon the mafia men like a pack of wolves, breaking bones, dislocating joints, and cracking skulls as they disarm –and, in some cases “un-alive”—the gunmen.

“It’s raining men!” Wade sings as he runs one of his katanas through the gut of one assailant. “Hallelujah! It’s raining men!” He ramps off a nearby wall, then t-bags another man before stabbing him through the temple. “Amen!”

You crouch, tracking the movement of the scuffle. You tense when you see a couple of the men jump Nathan, then charge towards the railing and dive over when a few more try to break past to run down the hallway. You flip in the air, land in the hallway ahead of them, and unleash a blast of wind right in their faces.

The mafia men fly out through the front door. They sail over half the front drive, then bounce off the gravel surface and roll several times before coming to a stop.

You let out a harsh breath, then dart down the hall towards the kitchen when you hear glass shattering and the sound of Frank bellowing angrily.

The kitchen and rec room are a mess. Glass shards from shattered windows coat the floor, glittering before being crushed underfoot. Doors are cracked from having people slammed into them. The rec room couch is overturned –and is sagging suspiciously on one side, hinting at a cracked frame. The entertainment system is shattered, with smoking bullet holes littering the TV, speakers, and media systems.

Frank has one of the guys pinned down over the sink. He’s snarling as he uses the lip of the sink to choke the guy out. There’s blood smeared his lips and chins, trailing back up to his chin.

Another gunman stalks in through the dining room, gun trained on Frank’s head.

You whip a blast of air at the second man, sending him sailing into the wall so hard the drywall cracks.

He drops to the ground, unconscious.

There’s some terrified shrieking –and then a gunman is punted up and out of the basement stairwell. He sails through the kitchen window headfirst, crumpling in a heap in the hedges outside.

Your husband storms up the staircase, teeth bared in an angry snarl. The waning daylight glints off his metal exterior, almost making him look like some sort of avenging angel. He stops short when he sees you, though; his irate expression vanishes, replaced by concern. “Ty v poryadke?”

You manage a smile and flash him a thumbs up—

And then a truck with a Gatling gun strapped to the roof rolls up to the back door.

“Get down!” Frank hollers before tackling you to the ground behind the kitchen island.

The room explodes into chaos. Bullets plow into the walls, sending up spurts of drywall dust in their wake. Wooden doorframes and floorboards crack, unleashing cascades of splinters in every direction. Glass shatters, raining down upon everything in its reach.

Frank positions himself over you, shielding you as fragmented bullets rain down upon your both. He cups your head with his hands, doing his best to protect you from the hellfire.

Over the din, you can just make out a loud, angry bellow –and then the sound of bullets hitting metal. Heavy, deliberate stomps make the floor shake.

The gunfire cuts off. A shriek pierces the air just before you hear what sounds like a car being tossed into a tree.

(As you’ll discover later, that’s precisely what you heard.)

Frank lifts his head, then carefully rolls off you. He crouches next to you and holds out a hand. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Your ears are ringing, and you’re pretty sure you’ve got glass shards and splinters in your hair, but you’ve been worse. You take his hand, flinching when you hear the sound of more gunfire outside.

Frank peers over the lip of the island. “Reinforcements. At least five more cars headed our way.”

You suck in a breath. “Piotr—”

“Is holding his own for now,” Frank says.

“I’m gonna help him,” you rasp out. “Make sure everyone in the house that’s not on our side… stays down. And that we’ve still got all our people.”

Frank nods, then runs off towards the foyer.

You catch your breath, then creep towards the back door (better safe than sorry). You flatten yourself against the wall next to the doorway, then peer around the broken frame.

Piotr’s facing off against the new influx of cars. He’s got one hand on the hood of one Range Rover, arm extended out like he’s fending off a five-year-old. With his other hand, he flips another SUV over, causing the thing to land on its roof and putting the vehicle squarely out of commission.

Your stomach sinks when five more Range Rovers tear across the lawn, leaving deep, muddy tracks in their wake –and are followed by three more trucks with Gatling guns attached to the roofs. You sprint out the door, take a flying leap over Piotr, then send out a shockwave of air when you land on the ground.

A few of the cars fly backwards, rolling across the lawn like tumbleweeds. A majority of them, however, manage to stay upright or bump into each other and recover.

Your eyes widen when one of the Gatling gun operators aims directly at you. Shit.

Piotr leaps in front of you, whirling so his back is to the gun. He curls his body over yours, shielding you as gunfire rains down on you both.

You grit your teeth, grunting. You can feel the impact of the gunfire resonating through your husband’s metal body. Worry clutches at your heart when Piotr lets out sharp, ragged groans; he’s largely invulnerable in his armor, not to mention his sense of touch is severely dulled, but you know that with shit like this he’s still feeling some sort of pain –and there’s nothing you can do. You’re both pinned down, and as powerful as your shockwaves are, they’re not enough to stop or even skew the trajectory of a bullet—

Blue light washes over both of you. The sound of the gunfire wanes, replaced by warbling, pinging noises instead.

You peer around Piotr’s side to see Illyana standing between the two of you and the oncoming cars. She has her arms outstretched, palms facing the onslaught of adversaries. A shimmering, sky blue shield with various magical incantations floating through it surrounds all of you, stretching into the sky for at least forty feet.

Illyana grunts. She’s being shoved backwards from the force of impact from the bullets. Her feet are digging into the ground, leaving ruts as she tries to hold her stance. “We need new plan!”

“How about ‘stay alive?’” Piotr shouts back as he digs shrapnel out of the grooves on his arms.

Wade, Neena, Nate, and Frank come barreling out the back door, faces streaked with soot and blood. They dive for the ground, covering the backs of their heads and necks with their hands—

An explosion goes off inside the mansion. The shockwave shatters windows on both the first and second floor, blowing out window frames and trim.

Piotr covers your body with his once more. He cups your head with his hand, shielding you from the falling debris and the worst of the shockwave.

You cough and hack as smoke billows out the broken windows and doors. You do your best to make a vortex to suck the smoke away and send it up into the air. Your lungs burn, and your ears are ringing like a bell from all the gunfire and the explosion—

Four more gunmen emerge from the smoke pouring out the back door.

You snarl, then whip blasts of air at them, slamming them into the exterior walls of the house.

One of them goes down, while the other three are merely stunned.

Mikhail comes barreling out next. He lets out a guttural battle cry, then sucker punches one of the men in the back of the head before aiming a blast of rust colored energy at another’s gut.

The man screams as he sails into the air, arcing over the tree line and disappearing somewhere in the canopies.

The third man aims his gun at Mikhail –then staggers and drops to the ground when a beam of golden energy sears through his chest.

Alex storms out of the smoke with Artemis and your uncle trailing close behind her. She glares down the remaining gunmen and cars, teeth bared in a vicious snarl. Blood is flecked across her face and spattered over her leather jacket. “House is clear!”

“Yeah, except now we’re about to be cleared out!” Wade hollers back. “As in, ‘all sales final, no returns, no exchanges!’”

“If we could make plan,” Illyana screams, voice strained with the effort of holding the shield, “would be very great!”

You look over to Alex –and see her eyes widen. You whirl towards the gunmen just in time to see one of them aim a rocket launcher at all of you. “Oh, for the love of—”

The first hit is technically deflected by Illyana’s shield, insomuch that the projectile and the shield both shatter the moment they meet. The force of the magic breaking sends out a shockwave of blue energy that flies backwards into all of you, knocking those who managed to get up back off their feet and stunning the rest of you.

You groan, head reeling. Your vision clears slowly, casting double images when you move too quickly. Shit.

You can make out Piotr, just next to you. He’s lying face down on the lawn, grunting and moving in slow, clumsy movements. He turns his head, brow furrowing when he sees you, and reaches out towards you.

You extend your hand to grab his –but he’s just out of your reach, no matter how far you strain. Your body feels heavy with fatigue and pain; everything inside you is screaming to get up, to fight, to keep moving because death is knocking right on your door, and you’ll be damned if this is how you go out—

Alex recovers first –no surprise there. She shoves herself to her feet, seething and growling like a feral beast. She hurls a blast of energy at one of the cars –and, from the sounds of the carnage, makes a direct hit. She storms towards the sea of mafia men like an avenging angel, hell bound on vengeance and blood.

Audible gasps go up from the amassed assassins.

You lift your head to see several of the gunmen backing away from the mansion and crossing themselves with shaking hands. You chalk it up to Alex being Alex, and make to drop your head back against the ground once more—

And then you see Allison standing in the ruined doorway.

She’s glaring down the gunmen with a viciousness that doesn’t suit the youthful roundness of her face. Her brows are knit together, and her mouth is twisted into an ugly scowl. Her eyes are glowing a brilliant shade of blue and give off little wisps of azure colored smoke. Her skin and hair are smoking as well, creating an aura around her body. Blood drips down from her nose and onto her shirt –which is stained with ash and soot. There are burn marks and indents on her wrists from where the repression cuff and the handcuffs used to be, respectively, but the restraints themselves are gone.

The ground begins to shake. Two patches of cerulean light appear underneath the grass, growing larger until they form swirling vortexes of magical energy. The ground begins to crumble at the edges of the portals, eroding away and growing wider until they make gaping tunnels that channel so deeply into the earth there’s no telling how far they truly go.

You recoil when the smell of sulfur and smoke blenches forth from the tunnels. Shit, did she hit a gas line? Fucking dammit, like this day can get any worse—

Echoing, blood-chilling howls emanate from the tunnels.

Your eyes widen –and then your heart starts working overtime when you see two, then four massive hellhounds (like the ones Allison summoned at the mall) crawl out of the tunnels.

Shrieks of terror sound from the gunmen. Several take off running, while others try to shoot the beasts.

The hounds snap and snarl at the gunmen, then charge at the group. Two of them go off after the runners, while the other two start lunging after the assassins like they’re rabbits.

You stare at the chaos in disbelief –and then a set of strong hands grab you underneath the arms.

“Get up.” You uncle tugs you to your feet, keeping you steady when you stumble. “You can’t be in the flow of traffic for this.”

Behind you, Allison is panting like she’s run a marathon. The aura of blue smoke is growing around her, trailing into the air and floating over the ground. Veins of light spread across her face and arms, glowing the same shade of vibrant blue as her eyes. Her breathing grows louder and more ragged, until she’s growling and shaking with each exhale— and then she screams.

Much like the first confrontation in the cemetery, all those months ago, the scream unleashes a shockwave of blue energy. This time, though, the shockwave is far from a decoy for escape. It washes over you, the X-Force, your uncle, the other Rasputins, Frank, and Artemis harmlessly enough –then slams into the mafia forces and vehicles like the wall of a hurricane.

Alex charges after the shockwave, carefully trailing behind it. She waits until it clears the first line of gunmen, then slams her fist into the face of the man closest to her. She blocks his attempt to strike her, then twists his arm –dislocating the shoulder, which makes him shriek in pain. Then, she wrenches his rifle away from him. She shoots him once in the center of his forehead, then turns the firearm on his fellow men and keeps firing.

Mikhail and Artemis go after the one surviving Gatling gun. Mikhail teleports onto the truck bed; he sweeps the back of one man’s jacket over his head, effectively blinding him, then kicks the other man present in the balls before shoving him over the side of the truck.

Artemis, on the other hand, stops a few feet away from the truck. She uses her telekinesis to rip the Gatling gun off its mount, then yanks the driver out through the windscreen –headfirst, no less—and dumps him on the lawn.

He doesn’t get back up.

“Come on,” your uncle says, pointing towards the further reaches of the property, where some of the gunmen are still trying to outrun the hellhounds. “Let’s give the dogs a helping hand.”

The two of you reach out, creating a wind current that slices through the air and slams into the stragglers.

The men careen into nearby hedges –and the hellhounds have it from there.

The familiar sonic blast of Nathan’s gun rips through the air. The shot slams into the last remaining SUV, rendering the vehicle to little more than glass shards and mangled metal.

The back lawn and gardens fall silent, save for the sounds of groans of pain and the hellhounds chewing on various gunmen.

Mikhail takes a fall off the back of the truck bed. He flops onto the ruined grass below, limbs splaying like a rag doll’s. “Alright. Is time for nap. Wake me… never.”

Illyana scoffs from where she’s sat next to a smoldering bush. She picks up a nearby stone, then chucks it at her eldest brother’s head (and hits her target, no less). “There is still clean up. Bezdel'nik.”

Mikhail flips her off, then groans as he rubs the bridge of his nose.

“She’s right,” Alex lectures her eldest as she picks her way through the carnage. She nudges one body with the toe of her combat boot, then shoots him through the temple when he groans.

“Mama!” Piotr gapes at her, expression scandalized. He sputters, looking between her and the body at her feet.

“Chto? Vy khotite yego zhivym? Chtoby on mog dolozhit' svoim khozyayevam? Chtoby on mog obrushit' adskiy ogon' na etu shkolu i vsekh, kogo vy lyubite? No –no.” She holds up her index finger and stares sternly at Piotr when he tries to argue. “You do not leave enemies on your six o’clock, medvezhonok. First rule of survival.”

Piotr swallows hard, then says softly, “X-Men do not kill.”

Alex shrugs. “And I am not an X-Man.”

“We’ll handle it,” Nathan says. He holds his hand out for Alex’s rifle, nodding when she hands it to him after a moment’s hesitation.

(Wade and Frank are already working their way through the sea of dead and wounded. Frank’s traversing the chaos methodically, sticking to minimal shots to kill the survivors, while Wade’s alternating between singing “Dancing Queen” and getting post-mortem revenge.

“You shot my dick off inside!” Wade gasps as he peers down at a –slightly chewed on—corpse. “Extra bullets for you!” He then shoots the dead body several times before resuming his pitchy serenade.)

“What now?” Allison asks, staring out at the carnage with a slightly shocked expression.

“‘What now?’” Artemis repeats, laughing incredulously. She stomps towards Allison, pulling a pack of tissues out of her inner jacket pocket. “What the hell are you even doing out here? You were supposed to stay in the safe room—”

“They had cameras in there,” Allison says with a roll of her eyes, as if that justifies her decision to join the fracas. “You guys were getting your asses kicked.”

“We would’ve handled it.”

“Yeah, except you weren’t,” Allison fires back. She scrunches up her face when Artemis starts wiping the blood off her face, but otherwise takes the mothering without any complaint.

“It’s not your responsibility to deal with this shit,” Artemis says, voice and expression softening for a moment. She cleans up Allison’s face –then scowls. “And where the fuck are your cuffs? How did you even get out of them?”

Allison shrugs. “I used my powers to short the repression cuff out and ash it off.”

Illyana’s, Alex’s, and your uncle’s heads all snap around to stare at Allison.

“Are you kidding me?” Artemis hisses through clenched teeth. “You could’ve fucking killed yourself!”

“Or caused magical paradox that ripped hole in space-time continuum,” Illyana snaps.

“Ruptured blood vessels in your brain and caused an aneurysm, made the cuff deliver a lethal electrical shock, turned your magic against your own body and rendered yourself to ash,” your uncle continues, ticking off items on his fingers.

“Well, I didn’t do any of that!” Allison snarls, glaring at the others while Artemis keeps cleaning up her face. “And I made sure you losers won the fight –so fuck off!”

“Get her something to eat and drink,” Alex says. “Her blood sugar is bound to be low after pulling a stunt like that.”

Artemis glares at Alex and opens her mouth to respond—

Across the yard, Wade lets out a pained shriek. “My balls are not fetch toys! Bad Fido! Bad!”

Your eyes widen as you watch one of the hellhounds swing Wade around by his legs. You bite down on your lip, holding in a shock-induced laugh.

“Where’s this mutt’s off-switch –hey, hey! No!” Wade wriggles in the hellhound’s mouth, panicking as another beast bounds towards him. “My spine is not a tug toy! Can someone get rid of Fido and Rufus before they rip me in half!”

Allison snorts –then, before anyone can stop her, holds out her hand and flicks her wrist.

All four hellhounds melt back into the ground, disappearing to the depths of hell from whence they came.

Artemis swears under her breath, then catches the teen when she stumbles. She moves frantically, grabbing more tissues as blood starts pouring out of Allison’s nose once more. “You fucking idiot. Why the fuck did you do that? When are you going to fucking learn that you’re not invincible—”

Allison lets out a sharp, hoarse laugh –then passes out.

…

The wreckage inside the mansion is heartbreaking.

You stare at the ruined furniture, the scorched walls, the splintered doors, the ruined rec room and kitchen, and you have to wonder what was the fucking point?

Part of you understands that the mafia came prepared for war; they were going up against powerful mutants, so –naturally—they would want to be prepared. Having the strongest, most powerful weapons available increased their chances of success. Logically –from a strictly tactical standpoint—it makes sense.

Glass crunches under your shoes. You stare down at a litany of fallen picture frames, heart wrenching as you stare at the ruined pictures of graduates, students, and workers inside. We’re just a school. We work with kids. What was the point of trying to wipe us out?

Piotr ambles up behind you. He puts his arms around your shoulders and kisses the top of your head. “Cleaners and repairmen will be here in less than one hour.”

You feel numb. You place your hand on his arm. “That’s good.”

“We have back ups of pictures,” he murmurs. He kisses your cheek. “Insurance to cover replacing damaged items. We will be fine.”

“I know.” You sigh, leaning back against your husband’s chest. “We’re just a school. What… what was the point? Why try to wipe us out?”

“I do not know.” Piotr kisses your other cheek, hugging you reassuringly. “Perhaps they believed we knew information about ‘family business.’ Or that we were protecting Allison for some reason.”

“She’s just a kid,” you argue, voice breaking as your grief and exhaustion wells up and threatens to overtake you. “She’s only thirteen…”

Piotr says nothing, merely holds you closer.

You sigh—

And then a door slams. Hurried stomps echo down the hall. There’s creaking as a door opens again, followed by more footsteps and exasperated shouts.

Allison storms past you and Piotr, heading towards the kitchen. Her jaw is set, fists clenched at her sides.

You and Piotr look at each other –then follow after her, if only to be sure that nothing else is going to explode today.

She slams her hands down on the island counter –and, on the opposite side, Frank and Karen both flinch and stare at her warily.

Allison glares at Frank, jaw working convulsively. Her shoulders heave with each breath she takes. Her eyes shine with unshed tears, making the bags underneath seem darker and deeper by comparison. She trembles, expression flickering wildly between grief, white hot rage, and the neutral mask she’s trying so desperately to hold. She sucks in a breath that sounds more like a pained sob, then stares Frank down and spits out through gritted teeth, “You leave my people alone, I leave yours alone. Deal?”

Frank sighs. He nods, expression heavy with grief and eyes shining with remorse. “Yeah, kid. You got a deal.”

Allison clenches the edge of the island so hard her hands go white. She lets out a strangled, angry laugh as the tears finally start to fall. She ducks her head briefly, then glares back up at Frank. “I fucking hate you.”

Frank grimaces, but nods and says, “I know kid. It’s okay. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

“That ain’t worth shit.”

“I know… believe me, I know.”

Artemis –who’d previously been watching at the kitchen threshold—steps forward and puts her arm around Allison’s shoulders. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s go.”

Allison clenches her teeth together, but still lets out a choked sob. She presses her lips together, looking around the room to try and regain her composure, to stop the flow of tears. She manages a deep breath, then takes one last look at Frank and snarls, “If I have to see your fucking face again, I’m ripping out your guts,” before storming out of the room.

Frank, to his credit, doesn’t respond (though you suspect he feels too guilty to even consider arguing). He merely hangs his head, expression that of a kicked dog.

Karen leans against him. She interlocks her fingers with his, murmuring in his ear (likely about how it isn’t his fault, and while it looks like that may technically be the case, you’re glad you don’t have to walk the spider’s silk of a line those facts lie upon).

What a shitshow.

Piotr puts an arm around your shoulders and gently leads you out of the kitchen. “Come on, myshka. Let’s go find spot to rest.”

…

Frank and Karen leave shortly after “making the deal” with Allison.

Allison and Artemis hang back for a bit to talk to Xavier. You don’t get all the gorey details but from what you can tell, it’s essentially an offer to help train Allison’s powers so she doesn’t hurt herself rolled in with a warning to keep her nose clean, stay on the straight and narrow, etcetera etcetera.

The sun’s just starting its descent from the sky before the two of them walk out of the meeting room.

Allison is wearing Artemis’s jacket and looks downright haggard.

Artemis has her arm around the teen and is gently guiding her while she talks to Xavier (though, perhaps the term “talk” is too generous, considering most of her responses are nods or terse, one-to-two word replies).

The rest of the Rasputin family, you, Piotr, and your uncle are all gathered in the foyer to make sure Allison and Artemis leave without too much trouble (or causing more trouble themselves).

Your uncle is sweating bullets and looks like he just shit his pants; he’s glancing between Alex and their daughter so fast it’s a miracle he hasn’t given himself a headache yet.

Now or never, you think, watching him with pursed lips. Tell your secrets before they’re told for you.

Alex kneels down next to Allison. “Are you okay?”

Allison’s gaze doesn’t leave the floor. “The fuck do you think?”

She quirks her mouth to the side. “Not all that good.” Alex ducks her head lower, trying to catch Allison’s gaze. “You remember what we talked about?”

Allison’s eyes narrow. She moves her gaze away from Alex. “Go to hell. I know what I know.”

“Sometimes… it’s better to not,” Alex says. She stares at Allison for a moment longer, then pats her shoulder before standing and walking away.

Artemis stares after Alex, expression morphing rapidly between fury and shock. She sputters for a moment before snapping, “What –that’s all you have to fucking say?”

Alex pauses, turning slightly so she can see Artemis. She raises one eyebrow, otherwise looking unbothered. “Is there something else I should be saying?”

“You don’t have anything to say to me?” Artemis presses, crossing her arms over her chest. “Nothing at all?”

“Is there something you want me to say to you?” Alex fires back, smirking slightly.

Artemis stares at Alex for a long, hard moment. She shakes her head, eyes welling up with tears, then turns her glare onto your uncle. “You really didn’t fucking tell her.”

“What?” Alex’s expression sobers, going wary as she looks between your uncle and Artemis. “What didn’t you—”

“This really isn’t the time or place—” Your uncle tries.

And here it goes.

“I’ve gotta do all the work, then,” Artemis snarls with a vicious smile. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense, considering I’m not your favorite,” she tacks on with an angry glare towards you. She storms towards Alex, one hand outstretched, with a cruel, angry smile stretched across her face. “Hey, mom. How’s it going?”

Alex’s eyes widen. She stares at Artemis, eyes tracking over the younger woman’s face. “What…”

“You fucking heard me.”

Illyana, Piotr, and Mikhail look at each other, then at Alex, then at Nikolai. They explode into confused Russian, gesturing between their parents, Artemis, and your uncle—

Realization dawns in Alex’s dark eyes. Her expression trembles, tears welling up in her eyes as she stares at Artemis’s face.

And then she uses her telekinesis to yank your uncle over and decks him.

#sass writes #piotr rasputin x reader #colossus x reader #nathan summers x wade wilson #frank castle x karen page #alexandra rasputin x nikolai rasputin #love me some soap opera style drama #and frankly so does marvel #and honestly if marvel can have whatever tf infinity war and endgame were i can have this #probably shouldn't have built alex's whole backstory and have it be outside the scope of this series bUT OH WELL #deadpool fanfiction #x men fanfiction

[omnivorousshipper]

12 Days of Shobbs: Day 10- Christmas Decorations

Summary: This is a serious of prompts following the relationship between Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw through the twelve days of Christmas.

Day 9              Day 11

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… 

The airport was crowded to the point Luke was sure that there was going to be a fire hazard. Gently as possible, he navigated through the crowds, thankful that he was much taller than most, and could see over everyone else to spot Hattie.

Jumping out of the way of large family, Luke finally made it to her, his patience frayed thin. 

“And here I thought the LAX was horrible,” he said in lieu of a greeting. 

“Lots of people would prefer flying than driving here,” Hattie shrugged and led the way outside to her waiting car. 

“So, what do you and your brother need help with?” Luke asked, once they were in the car.

“Nothing too exciting,” Hattie replied as she effortlessly made her way out of the airport parking lot and into traffic. “Mum got into it with the local mafia. Now they put a hit out on me and my brother, so we decided to take the fight to them first.”

“And where’s you mom?”

“Not completely sure. India maybe?”

Luke stared at Hattie. She was wearing a thick sweater and a grey beanie, and looked way too casual for someone talking about a hit being put on her. After a minute of silence, she final glanced away from the road and sent Luke a confused look. 

“What?”

“Let me get this right,” Luke started to rub his temples. “Your mom pisses off the mafia. The mafia puts a hit out on her children. And then she runs off to India, leaving you guys to fend for yourselves?”

“This isn’t the first time,” Hattie said, confusion coloring her voice. “We’re able to take care of ourselves. Mum doesn’t need to protect us.”

“I get that,” Luke sighed. “But, it just seems a little…”

“Unmotherly?”

“Yeah.”

“Mum’s always been there for us. She’s not your stereotypical mum, but she loves us and trusts in our abilities,” Hattie explained. She sounded far too casual about the situation in Luke’s opinion. On the other hand, Luke knew he didn’t truly know all that much about the Shaw family, so maybe being hunted down by the mafia really was common place for them.

“Wait. Do you even need help? Sounds like you have it covered,” Luke asked and could feel a sense of dread. “You don’t need me here. Why did you ask me to come?”

“Fine. You’re right,” Hattie admitted. And it seemed like the fight went out of her as her whole body slumped. “Deck’s been mopey lately. Usually he’s in a good mood around this time of year, but lately he’s been melancholy.”

“And you want me to do what?” Luke narrowed his eyes at her.

“Just stay for a few days. He seemed happy when he came back from your last mission.”

“He survived getting crushed by a building. I would think he would be happy.”

“I mean,” Hattie emphasized. “He seemed to have enjoyed his time with you and your daughter.”

“And? I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“Obviously,” she muttered under her breath. 

“Hey!” Luke glared. “I just don’t see why it’s my problem that your brother is being a mopey idiot.”

The only response he received was an eye roll. Luke was about to continue, but Hattie was pulling off the street and parking. Getting out of the car, Luke looked around.

“Uh, Hattie? Is your brother homeless?”

“What?” She looked at him like he had grown two heads.

“We’re at a park. Does he live here?”

“For the love of…” Hattie said exasperatedly. “We’re here to do some Christmas shopping. There’s a Christmas market not too far away.”

“But I thought we were going straight to your brother’s?”

“No. We’re currently banned from his place until he’s done decorating.”

“Why?” Luke asked, not understanding how everything Hattie said kept confusing him further and further.

“Says we’d just get in the way,” Hattie shrugged and ignored the odd look he was sending her. “Now come on, I need help buying a present for one of my coworkers. She’s always a pain to buy for.”

“For the record, I have no idea what is going on anymore,” Luke responded, but followed after Hattie anyway.

“You get used to it,” a voice said next to him.

Jerking forward in surprise, Luke whipped his head towards the person who snuck up behind him. Standing there with a smug smirk on his face, was Owen Shaw. He was dressed similarly to Hattie with a thick blue sweater, but was wearing white earmuffs with cat ears on top of them. 

“Why the hell are you here?” Luke grunted, glaring at the other man, who’s smirk grew wider.

“Enjoying the market,” he said simply and gestured down to the small tray of fries he was holding. “They usually have the best food.”

“What the bloody hell did you put on those chips?” Hattie demanded, her disgust obvious as she scrunched up her nose. 

“What? I usually eat them like this,” Owen said defensively. 

“Doused in motor oil?” Luke joked.

“It’s only ketchup and barbecue sauce,” Owen glared and held his fries away from the other two.

“And what’s up with the earmuffs?” Luke gestured to the top Owen’s head. 

“They were a present from Mum.”

“She thought they were cute?” Luke deadpanned.

“Yeah,” Owen said slowly. “Why?”

“Nothing. They look great on you,” Luke answered sarcastically.

For the next hour, Luke and the siblings wandered around the market, making comments about the countless stalls of food and homemade goods being sold at them. Several times, Owen would disappear and reappear with a different food item, and even brought a churro back for Hattie at one point.

Spending the afternoon with the two Shaws was almost surreal for Luke. To see two dangerous people so relaxed and comfortable in his presence was a new phenomenon to him. He had fought both of them and knew just how much damage they could do to him and all the stalls around them. But, watching as Hattie stole the cat earmuffs off Owen’s head without him noticing, Luke couldn’t wrap his head around how he ever saw either of them as a threat. 

They were about halfway through their second lap around the market when Hattie stopped suddenly, looking down at her phone. 

“Deck says we can come back to his flat,” she said, but her eyebrows were furrowed as she reread the text. 

“What?” Owen asked and looked over her shoulder. After reading the message, his face mirrored Hattie’s.

“What’s wrong?” Luke asked, not liking the way both siblings were standing perfectly still with looks of confusion.

“Well, the text says: ‘you better come back’. Not that he’s done with the decorations,” Hattie explained. “Do you think something happened?”

“Well you did say that the mafia was after you guys,” Luke mentioned. 

“Oh. Those were the guys that attacked me earlier?” Owen asked.

“When did you get attacked?” Hattie asked, eyes wide with shock.

“Right before I met up with you two,” he replied casually.

“You got jumped by some random people and then went and bought food?” Luke nearly shouted in surprise.

“Yes?” Owen sheepishly glanced between Luke’s look of disappointment and Hattie trying to stifle her giggles. 

“You know what,” Luke finally said, shaking his head. “Let’s just go check up on Deckard, ok?”

~~~

 It only took ten minutes before they were in front of Deckard’s apartment, Hattie leading the way, until a noise caught Luke’s attention. It sounded like a hollow knocking, and set alarm bells off in Luke’s head. Quietly, he tapped Hattie’s shoulder, catching both her and Owen’s attention. Bringing a finger to his lips, Luke slowly drew his gun and ushered the other two behind him. Not noticing their twin looks of surprise, Luke crept towards the door, that he noticed was slightly ajar. 

Looking back at the other two, he saw that Hattie had her own issued gun out, while Owen had a knife in each hand. Nodding, Luke turned back to the door before placing his foot flat against it and shoving it open. Storming into the apartment, he saw a scene he never imagined he would ever witness in a hundred years.

All around the living room were unconscious bodies scattered amongst upturned boxes of Christmas decorations. On a few of the bodies were shattered Christmas tree ornaments, while another had tinsel wrapped around it, and in the corner, a body was tangled in a half decorated Christmas tree. At the epicenter of the chaos, stood Deckard, who was fighting the last attacker off.

Well, more accurately, Deckard was choking the last attacker, who Deckard had pulled to his chest and had Christmas light pulled taut around their throat. Hearing the door open further, Deckard jerked his head up to stare at the three standing in the doorway. All the while, his grip on his attacker didn’t loosen as he stared like a deer in headlights. 

“I can explain?” He joked, a small smile on his lips. 

Luke stood frozen to the spot, gun still pointed straight ahead. Behind him, he could hear Hattie and Owen laughing. In Deckard’s arms, the attacker finally went limp, and Deckard let him drop to the floor with a thud. 

“What the fuck happened?” Luke finally found his voice. Putting his gun away, he entered the apartment further and counted ten attackers in total scattered across the room. 

“I’m guessing they’re part of the mafia,” Hattie commented as she pulled her phone out and dialed a number. “I’ll call the agency to come pick them up.”

“And you accuse us of breaking your Christmas decorations,” Owen called out to Deckard as he pulled the body out of the tree.

“And I still hold to that,” Deckard huffed, taking in the damage he had done by himself. Seeing the nearly forlorn look on his face, Luke felt his heart twist. 

“Don’t worry, I’m sure we can salvage most of it,” Luke assured, walking up to Deckard. 

The smaller man looked up at him, eyes searching Luke’s. Confidently, Luke looked back, willing the other man to believe him. 

“As long as we keep those two out of the way,” Deckard smirk and gestured to his siblings. 

“I fully agree with that,” Luke smiled, and felt his heart twist in a different way at the large smile Deckard gave him in return. 

… Ten assassins a-killing

Nine buildings exploding

Eight racers a-racing

Seven criminals a-stealing

Six missiles incoming

Five grenades!

Four stab wounds

Three fast cars

Two loaded guns

And a punch to the face!

#shobbs #deckard shaw #luke hobbs #owen shaw #hattie shaw #christmas fic #fanfic #my fanfic ideas #christmas decoration #i do own the same pair of earmuffs

[xmagicxshopx]

Girl Meets Evil - Prologue

Genre: Action Adventure, Romance, Comedy, Angst  Rating: PG-13 - M Warnings: violence, immoral and unethical behavior, smut (eventually), mild language Pairing: Jungkook x reader, Jimin x oc, Taehyung x oc Notes: mafia!bts / gang!bts au. Not idol!bts. Same goes for VIXX. Single quote marks ‘ ‘ are for thoughts and double “ “ are for talking. Additional Notes: It’s not required, but you might want to read my post about meeting the gangs and their job descriptions. You can find it under the tag “s;girlmeetsevil”

Tagging: @justbangtanandjams @och-ako @jiminnies-baby @lizardsocial

Summary: How could something so bad taste so sweet? All you wanted was an iced white chocolate mocha no whip extra ice on a hot summer’s day.

SERIES MASTERLIST

It was so freaking hot out today. Perhaps you should have packed your lunch instead and just ate in the cool, air conditioned space of the company break room. Granted, all you had to do was pick a place to eat and you’d be in just as much air conditioning. But it was the whole idea of having to sweat your butt off to get there. It was then that one of your coworkers, nicknamed Sunshine, chirped up and suggested,

“How about Cafe Fantasia? I hear the employees there are super hot.”

You glanced over at your other coworker, who liked to go by the alias Raven. It was because of her raven black hair but you personally preferred her real name. With Raven giving a casual shrug as it was really no big deal to her, you nodded back at Sunshine and said with a bit of pep in your step,

“Sure! Let’s go there. I’m due for an iced coffee. It’s freaking smoldering hot out here.”

Thankfully the ritzy cafe wasn’t too far down the street from where they worked. Speaking of, thank goodness for good paying jobs since it seemed to be such a rarity anymore. Otherwise you weren’t sure you were going to be able to afford the lunch here.

Being the last one to step inside and hearing the little bell rattle against the door, you took a moment to soak everything in. The place was elegant to say the least. Wow. It was more than obvious that this place was meant to draw in a particular crowd. The place was practically filled with monkey suits. Briefcases on the tables everywhere. This was like big business central right here.

“The sign says to take a seat anywhere we’d like. Let’s get the one by the window.”

Following Sunshine, you took notice how a lot of the businessmen were eyeing you and your coworkers up and down. Ugh. Disgusting. It made you want to tug down on your pencil skirt so that it’d hide more of your legs. Lucky for you, you had chosen to wear a blouse that had frills and buttoned all the way up to your neck.

“Hello, ladies. My name is Hongbin and I’ll be your server today. Can I start you off with something to drink? We have Coke products, iced and hot teas, coffee.”

‘Wow. He is definitely hot.’

It was Sunshine who went first. Mostly because you were too busy drooling over the handsome server and public places already made Raven nervous enough without having extra attention drawn to her. The longer she could put off speaking, the better.

“I’ll take an iced tea, extra sweet. No lemon.”

It was then that he turned his eyes to you and you couldn’t help but blush. Wow. He had a really handsome smile. You took notice that he was a lefty. Not many people were. Why did you even care??? Clearing your throat and trying not to blush any more than you already were, you smiled a little sheepishly and said,

“I’ll have your guys’ iced white chocolate mocha, no whip, extra ice. In the largest size you have.”

He chuckled a bit while he wrote down the last part of your order; nodding with a wide smile of amusement. It was now Raven’s turn and you felt your heart clench for her.

You discovered that both your coworkers had been individually, at different times, been diagnosed with social anxiety and therefore found it hard to go out and about. So you took it upon yourself to try and help them face their fears by occasionally taking them out to lunch.

“I um.....I’ll just take a water.”

“Sure thing, dear. Any lemon or sweetener?”

“N-No thanks.”

“No problem. So I have an iced sweet tea, extra sweet with no lemon. An iced white chocolate mocha, no whip, extra ice in the largest cup I can find. And an ice water.”

When he got the nods of approval, he flashed that charming smile one last time before he handed the three of you each a menu and added smoothly,

“Great! I’ll get these drinks in. You ladies take a moment to look over the menu and I’ll be right back.”

As soon as their handsome waiter was out of earshot, it was Sunshine that immediately spoke up as she leaned against the table with both hands.

“Oh my god! Did you see that smile!? Raven you’re so lucky. He called you dear! I almost winked at him but I chickened out at the very last second.”

You couldn’t help but snort in amusement at your coworker. Well.....honestly.....these two were more like your friends. At least you wanted them to be your friends. The three of you got along pretty well and you did lots of things together outside of work hours. So yeah......perhaps you three were friends. Gal pals.

“Don’t laugh, girl. I saw the way you were looking at him all rosy cheeks and crap.”

Since the three of you only got an hour for lunch, you decided quickly on what to eat. It wasn’t too long after that Hongbin came back with your drink orders. You watched the muscles in his arms flex thanks to the semi see-through white dress shirt he was wearing as part of his uniform. After he had carefully set down all three drinks and placed three straws on the table, he whipped out his paper and pen once more; poised at the ready.

“And what will you fine ladies be having today?”

“I’m going to take your guys’ lunch special for the day.”

“Yeah me too.”

“Might as well make it three of those.”

Laughing softly, he shook his head in amusement while writing down the order. After putting the pin in his apron pocket, he smirked at the three of you and said with another shake of his head,

“You girls are just too easy. I’ll be back with those shortly.”

Once again, it was Sunshine who spoke as she dramatically sighed and fell back in her chair; her hands moving over her heart. Speaking in a tone to match the dramatic actions, she said,

“A guy just called me easy. Wow. I want a boyfriend. Do you think I could get his number?”

You had been in the middle of a long drag from your iced coffee when she said it and the next thing you know, you’re choking and the caffeinated drink almost came shooting out your nose. Quickly picking up your fancy napkin, you held it to the lower half of your face to help cover yourself in case any liquid did in fact come dribbling out of your nose. You looked up to see Raven smiling around her straw but otherwise she remained silent.

“Sunshine, so help me god, I will not hesitate to dump that iced tea over your head.”

Shortly after the playful bickering died down, the three of you moved on to talking about weekend plans. Raven had a family reunion to go to while Sunshine had errands to run and an apartment to clean. Honestly, you should probably think about cleaning your own apartment too. But, eh, it could wait another weekend......for the third week in a row.

“Whoa who’s that? He’s hot too.”

You had been shoving around the ice in your now empty cup when you looked up to see who your coworker was talking about. Wow. Dang. He took your breath away. Unknowingly letting your mouth hang open, you watched the handsome young male walk through the crowd of tables. Looks like he was heading for the back of the cafe.

He was decked out in all black. He had a graphic black t-shirt that had a bit of color to it but that was it. His leather jacket fit him in all the right places as did his black ripped jeans. His boots as shiny as his ear piercings. Which you took notice he had quite a few. His whole image screamed bad boy but you couldn’t care less. He was definitely easy on the eyes.

“Hmm. Weird. Looks like he went straight for the bathroom. Maybe he just couldn’t hold it any longer and walked into the first place he came to.”

“I’m packing your lunch tomorrow.”

The two laughed softly at your determined declaration to eat in tomorrow. Either that or you were going to have to start taking the girls back to cheap, lame fast food places. Maybe the mall food court, even. No----The mall would hold even more potentially hot guys. The mall was a bad idea. Yeah. You’d stick with packed lunches from here.

Just as your food was being set out on the table, you had asked the waiter Hongbin for a refill. After taking the empty glass from you, it was then that you felt a sudden pressure in your lower abdomen and stood up which only seemed to make it worse.

“I’m gonna use the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

“The men’s is on the left.”

You just playfully shoved Sunshine’s shoulder a bit before smiling and shaking your head. However, that didn’t mean you hadn’t turned paranoid and triple checked to make sure you were, in fact, walking into the women’s before going to do your business.

After washing your hands thoroughly, you dried them off with a couple towelettes and made sure your blouse was all tucked back into your skirt nice and neat before heading out of the bathroom. But as luck would have it, just as you were exiting the women’s, someone was exiting the men’s.

“Ouff!”

“Oh my gosh!----I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”

But all you were met with was soft chuckles and you looked up to see that it was the hot, bad boy looking male from earlier. Involuntarily gulping, you took notice of his more finer facial features.

He had a bit of acne but what young man didn’t? You could tell despite the small and few blemishes that he took great care of his skin. It looked soft to the touch. And his nose. Gosh he had a cute nose. Like a bunny rabbit’s. You had to resist the urge to boop him right where you stood. Those eyes, though. His eyes was what wrapped your attention the most. They were almond shaped and doe-like. But there was something there swirling in his cocoa colored orbs.

“I’m really sorry, sir. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“Aigoo. Please. Sir is my father. You can call me Jungkook.”

You watched nimble looking fingers dig into the pocket of his leather jacket and he pulled out a card. Holding it out for you to take, you could see it was a business card. Was this guy even old enough to have a business? He looked young but something told you age wasn’t a factor for this guy. Despite his jacket, you could tell this guy was fit. He had the physique of a young man verses a boy.

“Jeon Jungkook. Here’s my card. Don’t be afraid to call me........for anything.”

You had looked up just in time to see him flashing you a sly wink. Heat immediately rose to your face and you could feel it radiating off your cheeks. Without another word, he was sauntering off towards the exit of the cafe like he was never even there. Looking back down at the card, you read softly out loud to yourself,

“Jeon Jungkook. Professional tech support and repair services. Interesting. Never pegged a guy like him to be a geek.”

As soon as you walked back to your table and sat down, you were shoved almost clean off of it by none other than Sunshine herself. Mildly glaring at your coworker and assumed friend, you huffed and whispered in a scolding tone,

“What the hell was that for?!”

“I’m the one who’s trying to get phone numbers here!”

“You wouldn’t want him. He’s a geek.”

You managed to pull your arm back as the petite girl tried to snatch the mystery boy’s business card from your hand. It wasn’t till the two of you had settled down when you started getting less than pleasant looks from some of the customers around you that Raven spoke up. She gave you a small smile while saying in a soft, shy, but teasing tone,

“Looks like we know what you’ll be doing this weekend. Need your laptop looked at?”

#bts #vixx #bts fanfiction #bts fanfic #jungkook x reader #jungkook bts #jungkook fanfiction #jungkook fanfic #jimin x oc #taehyung x oc #mafia!bts #gang!bts #vixx fanfic #vixx fanfiction #mafia!vixx #gang!vixx #kpop fanfiction #kpop fanfic #kpop scenarios #kpop scenario #jungkook scenario #jungkook scenarios #bts scenarios #bts scenario #vixx scenario #vixx scenarios #mafia!jungkook #mafia!jimin #mafia!taehyung #s;girlmeetsevil

[quinzelade]

Making One’s Bones (chpt 2)

Chapter List

--

Porter Gage is in a pickle. Nuka-World needed a new boss and some woman just killed her way to the top. But a pre-war Mafia boss on the theme park's throne? Well...at least she'll have experience.

--

Mouse

--

“Have you heard the radio?”

Sarah looked up at Mr. Glass’s kindly face. She returned his smile, and then glanced back down to the feral ghoul eating the remains of her breakfast. It snuffled and snorted as it smeared food everywhere. Sarah giggled.

Mr. Glass cleared his throat. She jumped and snapped her eyes back to him, feeling guilty, but he simply continued to smile, and she settled. Mr. Glass had always been nice to her. He didn’t get mad when she got distracted.

He tapped the horse toy he’d made for her on the nose and said, “Bella Buttercup knows how to listen. Why don’t you follow her example?”

Sarah giggled again. She liked it when Mr. Glass used Bella’s name, and he knew it.

He grinned, sitting back in his seat, and said, “Have you heard the radio?” When Sarah shook her head vigorously, he continued, telling her about a place with toys. She stopped listening, imagining a vast world of trinkets, with lifesize Giddy-Up Buttercups big enough to ride. She would gallop all around the world, Bella by her side, and—

“Sarah?”

Sarah came back to earth with a bump, blinking innocently at Mr. Glass. He rolled his eyes, but repeated his explanation, and this time she listened. His face was serious as he finished. “How do you feel about that?”

“I just want to be with you, Mr. Glass,” Sarah said with a shrug, looking at the feral ghouls, who were now crawling together into a big pile by the nearby metro train. “You’ll look after me.”

Mr. Glass gave a little sigh. “I’ll do my best, Sarah. I’ll do my best.”

--

“Have you heard the radio? RedEye says there's a new overboss!”

Gentle hands shook Sarah awake, people muttering all around her head. Mutterings about the radio. She flinched and shied away, the metal around her neck uncomfortable and sweaty. She blinked, rubbing her eyes, and looked up to see Mackenzie. A tanned lady with shoulder-length, light brown hair and a kind face, Mackenzie was one of the few people Sarah liked in her new home. Maybe it was because she was a doctor and tried to help people—or maybe it was because she always took the time to check Sarah was okay, and never hesitated before touching her, despite her being a ghoul.

“Aaron has your morning chores,” Mackenzie said, tucking her fingers under Sarah’s chin and giving a small smile. “Sorry to bring the bad news.”

“It’s okay,” Sarah mumbled, rubbing her eyes and getting unsteadily to her feet.

“Take your time,” Mackenzie replied, getting to her feet and tugging distractedly on her own metal slave collar. “I’ll try and keep Aaron occupied for a little while. Maybe if you’re quick, he’ll find someone else to do his dirty work.”

Sarah grinned and the corners of Mackenzie’s mouth twitched before she turned and headed back outside. Sarah remained where she was, yawning and rubbing her eyes again as the chatter about the radio and the overboss continued just beyond the rundown shack she slept in. She pulled herself up, shaking her legs to get some feeling back into them, and poked her head outside.

Something gripped her by the scruff of the neck and dragged her forward. She gasped, her welcome to Nuka World flashing through her mind, before she managed to turn and see the scowling face of Mr. Corbett.

He was a pale, stocky man with greying hair, his forehead and eyes etched with wrinkles. They were the kind of wrinkles adults got when they frowned a lot, Sarah thought. Mackenzie didn’t have those frowny wrinkles. Neither did Wiseman or Mr. Glass. Her dad had, though. It felt like years since she’d seen him.

Mr. Corbett’s lip curling with disgust as his thick, doughy fingers dug into her skin, before launching her out of the door and into the marketplace.

Sarah hated the marketplace. It reeked of sweat and urine, the ground a mix of stinking puddles and dry, hot dirt. There was an old brahmin panting in the corner, too weak to pace around its cramped pen. A cloud of flies hovered permanently over its scabbed molting heads, almost as nasty as the rancid smell clinging to its pitted hide.

Sarah called her Buttercup.

Mr. Corbett let go of Sarah as they moved into the open, but before he could turn around, she took Mackenzie’s advice and threw herself into the crowd, out of his sight. Even in the morning, the marketplace was always packed. Wiseman once said the key to hiding from someone was to use other people. She wasn't entirely sure what that meant, but pushing into big groups to get away from trouble had worked so far, and she wasn't about to stop.

Hopefully by the time Mr. Corbett found her, he’d have forgotten why he wanted her.

Sarah slipped through the masses, holding her breath every time she passed a raider, until she made it over to Buttercup. Sarah reached through the pen gate and patted Buttercup on one of her noses, before glancing up at her keeper. The trader in charge of Buttercup winked and turned her attention back to her customer.

A bang cut through the bustle, the doors to the market bursting open and hitting the walls. All fell silent. The traders ducked behind their stands, covering their heads. Sarah had already withdrawn her hand from the pen and scurried to the wall, flattening herself against it. Loud noises meant trouble, and not the kind of trouble you could lose easily. Only the raiders remained standing.

A solitary figure walked into the frozen arena, and every head turned to look at her. Whispers rose from the silence like a swarm of bloodbugs, hissing the same word over and over again: Overboss.

The new overboss surveyed their kingdom, a small smile on her gaunt face. Sarah’s mouth fell open. The new boss was like her. She was a ghoul.

Sarah was old enough to know ghouls weren’t liked. She’d been very young when the change happened, but she remembered enough to know the difference. Where once people had hugged and held her, they now recoiled in disgust. People like her mother.

Sarah couldn’t blame them. She was a monster.

The radiation that swept through her little town claimed many lives, but the survivors crawled from the ruins, their skin flaking away. In time, they lost their hair, their ears, their noses…in the end, they were barely recognisable as human.

Her dad told her over and over how bad ghouls were, that they were both outcasts, that they had to live with other ghouls to be safe. Even Wiseman, who always stood his ground, tried to avoid conflict with humans; keeping out of their way.

This woman—whoever she was—didn’t care. She didn’t flinch away from the scowls of the raiders, or the grimaces the traders were giving her—like there was a bad taste in their mouths. She continued to smile, showing crooked, yellowed teeth, but her eyes never rested, flicking back and forth across the gathering. They landed on Sarah for the briefest of moments, and Sarah’s insides froze.

Then the boss turned away and strode across the marketplace to the nearest stall. Every head followed. She talked with each trader in turn, apparently oblivious to her audience. Some traders were quiet, even respectful. Mr. Corbett tried to sneer, until the boss leaned forward and quietly said something. His face paled, and he didn’t speak again.

The boss patted his shoulder, leaving her hand clamped there long enough to dig her fingers in, and then let go, stepping back. She glanced around the room, her smile fading.

“You may carry on,” she said, as if she’d ordered them all to stand and stare. Then she left, whistling tunelessly and leaving the door open behind her.

One of the raiders stormed over, slamming the door shut, before whipping around and snarling at the enslaved traders, “You heard her! Back to it!”

Noise erupted through the market once more, though to Sarah it felt forced. The raiders were muttering amongst themselves, casting dark glances to the exit, so engrossed in their conversation they weren’t even bothering to bully the slaves.

Sarah tugged at her collar absentmindedly, staying pressed against the wall. The raiders picked on her a lot. Everyone picked on her a lot. Except the lady who owned Buttercup. She was nice. Sarah glanced over at Buttercup’s owner, but the trader was haggling with a fat, red faced man. Wiseman once told her never to trust a fat person in the Wasteland.

“How do they have so much food while the rest of us starve?” he’d said as he’d picked at his daily bowl of tarberries. “No one ever got fat off rations, Sarah. They either got lucky, or took something from someone else.”

Sarah’s brow creased at the memory. She never liked it when Wiseman got upset, so she turned away from the trader and the fat, red-faced man, and stared at Buttercup instead. The old brahmin bobbed its heads in her direction, pushing its noses expectantly against the fence. Sarah grinned and edged towards her, stretching out her hand.

Fingers clamped down on her wrist, and Sarah let out a small cry of shock, before Mr. Corbett dragged her away, snarling into her ear like an angry yao guai, “Don’t you run off from me again, girl.”

They walked quickly to a stand at the back of the area, where all the slaves were huddled, casting wary looks at the gossiping raiders near the exit.

“Got her?” Mackenzie said as Mr. Corbett drew near. She glanced down when Mr. Corbett finally forced himself through the crowd, Sarah in tow, and smiled. Then Mackenzie frowned, her eyes flicking up to Mr. Corbett again. “Aaron, is there any need to grip her like that? Let go.”

Mr. Corbett obeyed, mumbling an apology and staring at his feet, while Sarah rubbed at her wrist. She’d never heard Mackenzie sound so sharp before, and she hesitated as Mackenzie hitched her smile back into place. After a few seconds, Sarah relaxed. This was Mackenzie. She could trust Mackenzie, just like she could trust Mr. Glass.

Sarah felt a jolt in her chest at the thought of Mr. Glass, fragments of her dream bobbing to the surface of her memory. Her eyes began to sting, and she blinked quickly, forcing herself to focus on Mackenzie again.

Mackenzie beamed at her, crouching down to Sarah’s level. “Sarah, I need you to do something for us. Something important.” But then she paused and turned her eyes up to Mr. Corbett, who was looming behind Sarah. “Aaron...are you sure one of us can’t…? She’s only a kid.”

Mr. Corbett sniffed loudly. Sarah glanced over her shoulder and saw he had folded his arms, frowning. “Exactly. We all have jobs, but she can use the excuse of passing on a message. She’s small, hard to notice, and knows how to disappear. We were only in the damn marketplace, and yet she got away from me.”

“Maybe you’re just easy to get away from,” a man to Sarah’s right interrupted. He was a little taller than Mr. Corbett, thin as a rake, with slicked back grey hair and an even greyer beard. Sarah thought his name might be Chip Morse. He was always wandering around, tinkering and fixing things up whenever the raiders got too rowdy. She’d never seen him frown before, but now Chip was glaring fiercely at Mr. Corbett. “This could get her killed.” He directed his gaze to Mackenzie. “I thought you were better than this.”

Mackenzie bit her lip.

“We need to know what this woman is like,” Mr. Corbett shot back. “The girl’s our best option.”

“At least use her name if you’re going to force her into the firing line!”

The two men glowered at each other, but Sarah only had eyes for Mackenzie. The doctor stared back, still biting her lip, and eventually said, “We want…” Her head briefly turned towards Chip. “I need someone to follow the Overboss through Nuka Town. Find out what she’s about. She’s already threatened Aaron, but that might be because he was being...difficult.”

The unknown man snorted with laughter. Mr. Corbett huffed but didn’t say anything.

“If you don’t want to do it, I won’t make you,” Mackenzie continued. “None of us will. But if you can help...”

All eyes fell on Sarah. She felt the weight of their collective gaze pushing her into the ground, and suddenly a horrible memory clawed its way to the forefront of Sarah’s mind. A dark night, not long after her dad went missing. Super mutants descending on the Slog, baying for blood. A Brotherhood Paladin, telling her to get back, to run away, to hide. He hadn’t let her help.

Fear pounded through her chest, but she was determined to do her part. Sarah stood up straight and gave a short, sharp nod. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

Chip made a noise of disgust and walked away, while Mackenzie shut her eyes, as if in pain. But then Mr. Corbett moved over to her, placing a hand on Mackenzie’s shoulder, and she opened them again. Mackenzie smiled widely, but stared at a point somewhere over Sarah’s head.

“Good girl,” said Mr. Corbett, and Sarah was shocked to see him smiling too. He cast another quick glance in the direction of the raiders, but when Sarah looked at them, they were still talking in a huddled group. Then Mr. Corbett kneeled down next to Mackenzie, a grim expression on his face. “Now listen closely…”

--

It was almost an hour before Sarah managed to catch up to the overboss. Nuka Town was big, and yet the streets were still packed. She picked her way around puddles of muck and blood in the pitted pathways of the park, and melted into the shadows of crumbling buildings whenever the raiders turned their attention towards her. It was difficult, but no one knew how to keep out of the way like a ghoul, and Wiseman had been a good teacher.

The Operators and the Pack were muttering amongst themselves when Sarah finally spotted the overboss strolling down the sidewalk like she’d lived in Nuka Town all her life. The Disciples were glaring fiercely at the boss, but the other gangs looked...curious. Sarah bit her lip. Mr. Corbett said the new boss would probably be meeting with the gang leaders as soon as possible. It seemed Sarah had missed a meeting already. Hoping Mr. Corbett wouldn’t be too mad, Sarah followed the boss at a distance. With any luck, she’d catch the next one instead.

Sarah stopped in her tracks when the boss walked straight towards Fizztop Mountain, the lair of the Disciples. Sarah’s heart began to race, cold shivers rippling through her. She’d heard stories about the Disciples, none of them good. She’d seen things too, but only the aftermath, when Mackenzie patched up what was left of the slaves who’d managed to escape the Disciples’ clutches. A missing finger here, a nose there...sometimes entire chunks of flesh just gone, or even large sections of skin. Most of the slaves that made it back didn’t survive, even with Mackenzie’s care, and those that pulled through refused to speak about what had happened to them. Sarah was glad for this. She didn’t want to know.

What did they do with the bits they took? Sarah wondered if they ate them. It would make sense...sort of. Though why anyone would want to eat another person, she didn’t know. Hopefully they didn’t like the taste of ghoul. But then again, maybe they’d never had the chance to try it—and going in there would as good as asking them to eat her.

Sarah clenched her fists, now trembling where she stood. The boss had gone in. That meant Sarah had to go in too. Mackenzie asked her to follow, was counting on her. Sarah’s breath came out in short, sharp bursts, her eyes pricking with tears as the boss went through the door into Fizztop Mountain and out of sight.

She could do this. She had to do this.

Wiping her face impatiently, Sarah moved around the side of the huge, crumbling structure, avoiding the unseeing eyes of the patrolling Disciples. She needed a gap, a break, anything. The buildings in this place were old, just like everything else in the wasteland. And she was small. The two made a good combination, as she found out when she first came to Nuka World. As Mr. Glass found out, too.

Sarah swallowed, her throat tight, and pushed away the thoughts of Mr. Glass. He always told her to focus, and now was the time to pay attention. Like Wiseman said, old buildings were her friends. Sure enough, within minutes Sarah found a loose panel on the surrounding fencing, and she ducked through to a maze of junk between her and raider base. Smiling to herself, Sarah crouched and began to crawl, weaving through the mess with ease.

The mountain itself had a sizeable crack in the artificial rock. It was far smaller than the gap in the fence, but nothing she couldn’t handle. Sarah clambered inside the tunnel and pushed on, her arms pressed tight against her body, her legs only able to help her by the tips of her toes. Her breath sounded muffled in this tight space, but Sarah liked it. She always liked the cracks in buildings. No one could catch a mouse when it hid in the walls.

Sarah smelled the other side long before she reached it. The thick scent of metal and rotten meat filled her nose cavity, making her gag. She coughed and retched, fighting to control herself before she went any further. If she made a noise, she’d be caught. And if she was caught…

Eventually, the gagging subsided, and Sarah pressed on, taking deep breaths to let the stink flow through her. The sooner she got used to it, the sooner it wouldn’t be a problem.

By the time Sarah pulled herself out into the open, she was saturated by the smell. Trying not to think how long it would cling to her, she let her eyes adjust to her new surroundings, the interior of the mountain only slightly brighter than the darkness of the tunnel. There were dark splatters everywhere, and it looked like raw meat had been nailed to some of the walls. The stories of the Disciples resurfaced again, and as her heart raced she realised she’d found her answer for where the pieces the Disciples stole ended up.

Sarah slowly got to her feet, her shoes sticking to one of the dark patches on the floor, and crept towards an open space where two people were talking. The rest of the mountain was quiet, and as Sarah squinted through the gloom, she saw figures standing sentinel around the edges, watching the conversation in the middle.

Sarah watched too.

The boss was smiling as she talked to the leader of the Disciples—Nisha, Sarah thought she was called—and her tone was calm and collected. And yet despite this, Sarah couldn’t help but feel tense. There was the taste of threat in the air, mingled with the blood.

Nisha seemed to sense it too. While her helmet covered most of her face and her lip was curled into a sneer, there was a hint of confusion in Nisha’ responses, though the words were too distant for Sarah to pick out clearly. Then with a slight bow, the boss turned on her heel and left, still whistling merrily to herself.

Sarah crept closer. She had nothing to give Mr. Corbett, nothing to bring back for Mackenzie. She needed something.

There was a long silence, only broken when the boss exited through the main door.

“So what we gonna do?” drawled the other woman, her voice strangely light and cheerful. “Can I…?”

“No, Dixie,” Nisha shot back, and Dixie stiffened. “I don’t know what the hell Gage is playing at bringing in a ghoul, but we do what we have always done. We wait. We play things smart. And then, when the moment is right, we skin them.”

Dixie giggled and stretched her arms as she bounced on the balls of her feet. “You think this is going to end bad?”

“I know it will. The question is when. But if we act now, we risk open conflict with the rest of the meat here. We’d win, of course, but if we want the region, we can’t just start a war.”

“Oh I can wait,” said Dixie in a low voice that quivered with anticipation. “You know I can wait.”

--

Night was starting to fall. Soon the streets would run with blood, the harvest of accidents and deaths plentiful. Witnesses were temporarily blind and deaf, participants unable to account for actions or name assailants. It was an unspoken rule of Nuka World—in twilight, grudges were settled.

Sarah held her breath as sounds of pain and parried words choked the air, hoping she would remain unnoticed. she sidled into a back alley and saw a figure in the gloom, whistling merrily, apparently unfazed by the dark. Sarah crouched down, watching the boss from afar.

The boss stopped, stretching out her arms with a slight groan, and then pulled out her sword, holding it over her shoulder. She stood in the abandoned alley, tapping her fingers on her leg, but no longer whistling. Almost like she was waiting for something.

Then Sarah saw it from the corner of her eye: someone moving silently as a shadow, a dagger gripped in their hands—a raider. Sarah felt a shout rise up her throat, before managing to cut it off just in time. If she stayed quiet and hidden, then it didn’t matter who won the fight. She would be safe.

The masked figure raised the dagger, and the new boss whipped around, her sword slashing out towards the raider’s neck. The raider hit the ground with two distinct thuds.

The boss simply stood where she was, breathing hard. Her legs buckled and she fell to her knees, gripping her sword to her chest, odd snuffling noises disrupting the silence. It took Sarah a moment to realise the boss was crying.

“Nicky,” she mumbled, her head bowed as she rocked herself on the spot. “Nicky...I can’t…” The boss gulped down her tears. “What do I do?” She raised her head to the sky, still tainted with fading light. “What do I do?”

Sarah decided she’d stayed here long enough. Time to go. But as Sarah inched back, the boss’s head snapped in her direction. Sarah froze.

“Come out,” the boss said. “I see you.”

Sarah didn’t move, her limbs locked into place. She’d been seen. Mr. Glass’ face flashed before her eyes, along with Wiseman’s, and even her father’s, pushing Mr. Corbett’s cover story out of her mind. She was going to die.

“Now,” repeated the boss, harsher this time.

Hot tears flowed down Sarah’s cheeks as she got to her feet and walked forward, trembling so badly she stumbled several times. As Sarah drew close, the boss’s expression shifted from a scowl to surprise, and she wiped her sword on the dead raider’s clothes and sheathed it.

“What’s your name?” she rasped.

Sarah tried to speak, but no words came out.

The boss frowned, but didn’t stand, remaining at Sarah’s head height. “I’m Mrs. Bossanova. Nice to meet you.” She held out her hand.

Sarah stared at it for a moment, and then shook. Her skin was dry and crinkly, like her own, but her grip was warm and firm. Sarah sniffed a little, and wiped at her eyes. “Are you going to kill me?”

“No.”

Sarah glanced up at Mrs. Bossanova to see she was smiling. Not the smile she had given Nisha, a thinly veiled threat, but kind and small. Sarah felt confused. Was this the same woman? There weren’t any other ghouls in Nuka Town. Not that she’d spotted anyway.

“I’m sorry you saw that,” Mrs. Bossanova said, gesturing to the raider’s body.

“I’ve seen people die before,” Sarah replied, seeing the old lady remained kneeling and deciding to sit on the ground with her. If she was going to talk with this woman, she might as well get comfy. Mrs. Bossanova copied her. “I’ve seen lots of people die before.”

The overboss frowned. “How old are you?”

Sarah shrugged. “Dunno. Ten, I think?”

Mrs. Bossanova regarded her carefully, her frown deepening. “Just because you’ve seen lots of people die before doesn’t mean you should. Does that make sense?”

Sarah shrugged again. It didn’t, but she wasn’t going to argue with her.

The old woman laughed and shook her head, muttering something that sounded like, “Kids.” Then she met Sarah’s eye again and asked, “How much did you see?”

“I saw you crying, if that’s what you’re asking,” Sarah replied. There didn’t seem much point in lying. Besides, Mrs. Bossanova said she wouldn’t kill her. Sarah trusted her on her word. “And talking to someone called ‘Nicky.’” Sarah paused, wondering how much to push things, before deciding just to ask. “Who’s Nicky?”

Mrs. Bossanova blinked at the question. She considered Sarah a moment, and then said, “A friend of mine before the bombs fell. I made it. He didn’t.”

They sat in silence for a few seconds, before Sarah said, “My name is Sarah.”

“Well, Sarah, can you keep a secret?”

Sarah nodded. “I won’t tell anyone I saw you crying. Or...about Nicky.”

Mrs. Bossanova beamed at her. “If you want to tell people about this…” she waved her hand at the raider again, “or anything else you saw today, I don’t mind. I have a feeling you aren’t here of your own accord. But everything after the attack...tears are dangerous, and I’m still learning who to trust. I want to trust you, though.”

Sarah nodded. “You can trust me.”

Mrs. Bossanova smiled. “We’ll see. For now, head on home. I need to clean up.”

Sarah knew she’d been dismissed. She got to her feet and slunk away without another word. Mrs. Bossanova was a strange lady, and Sarah wasn’t quite sure yet if she was a kind one. But she hadn’t tried to hurt Sarah, which was more than any other raider had done so far.

Sarah kept her word when she returned to the marketplace. No one else would know Bossanova could cry.

#fallout 4 #fallout #porter gage #nuka world #mob #Making One's Bones

[ridleytheknight]

Son of a Mafia Part 7

Sorry for the Wait!!!

---

           Coming to had always been a strange feeling, albeit not an unfamiliar feeling. The slight roll in his stomach from various pain killers, the tightness in his chest from bandages, the heavy weight of his skin on his body. His eyelids that were more like obstacles to his sight rather than protection for his eyes. His body ached and burned like a sore muscle. His leg twitched, but it felt restrained. Stuck.

           Trapped.

           He needed to get out. Out. Out. OUT.

           His limbs weren’t responding however, it was cold. Like a liquid clogging up his joints and covering his entire body. Freezing cold and weightless. It was like he was submerged in the ocean. Lance’s mind scrambled. He wasn’t home. He was far from it. He’d been in the Galran… no, Keith and Shiro came. Was, he in the cryopods? Lance’s eyes forced themselves open just in time for the weightless feeling to drop from him suddenly, dragging him down to the ground with a pop and a hiss. Leaving him flailing as his limbs failed to catch him, spending him spiraling to the floor. Until strong arms caught him right before he and his traitor noodle limbs could flop to the ground.

           “Ah! Lance! My dear boy I do believe you’ve lost some weight. Well, Hunk’s been baking enough for entire planet so I wouldn’t worry!” Lance’s lips immediately sighed and quirked up into a fond smile. His hands grasping a little tighter onto Coran’s sleeves as the man propped him up onto his legs, which still shook with the effort.

           “Coran, you always say I’m too light.”

           “You’re skin and bones!” Lance snorted.

           “You’re not complaining now, it’s no secret about half the people here could bench press me in their sleep. If you haven’t looked at Shiro or Hunk you’re blind.” Coran made a sound of indignation, still half holding Lance up as the male toed out of the healing chamber suit. Visibly averting his eyes at the sight of Lance’s new scars. With a glance down, Lance didn’t blame him.

           The scars were stark white against his skin, gnarled and ugly. It just added to the collection of bullet wounds and slash marks. They weren’t even the first scar tissue made by claws. Just, these claws had been a hell of a lot bigger. Lance averted his own eyes as he managed to squirm into his shirt.

           “You are maybe half of Hunk’s weight sopping weight, how is that healthy for your species?” Lance shrugged.

           “Body types differ around humans I guess, where is he by the way?” A voice interrupted Lance’s question.

           “Coran? Where are the-? Lance! Lance!” Lance didn’t have to turn around to hear the clatter of a dropped pan and the sound of rushed footsteps. Lance simply wriggled out of Coran’s grasp and opened his arms, allowing himself to be crushed in his best friend’s arms. “Lance, don’t you dare, ever scare me like that again. I will personally hunt you down and drag you back down. You can deal with your angry relatives.” Lance laughed.

           “Hunk, buddy, pal, amigo, the light of my life. Please, never deal with my angry relatives without me even if I don’t die.” Hunk snorted, but chose not to say anything. Only holding Lance tighter against him. Lance bones groaned in a sore agony, but he ignored it. Closing his eyes and melted into the embrace. His best friend needed him. Or maybe it was the other way around.

           “Hunk? Wait! I get dibs on the middle!” The tan male didn’t even bother to open his eyes, only maneuvering to allow the smallest body to squish into the now group hug. Pidge’s joint practically dug into all of his sore points and tender spots, but Lance’s arms refused to let go.

           God, he’d missed them so much. It’d been torture.

           Literally. Hah.

           Pidge would kill him for that joke.

           After a few moments they let go, all of them sporting massive grins. The Garrison trio was whole again. Pidge was the one who grinned the widest though, grabbing Lance’s hand and smirking.

           “Now, we’re going to the kitchen, you’re gonna get food and then we’re going to… chat.” Hunk looked alarmed.

           “Ah, what exactly does that-?” Lance waved Hunk off.

           “You mean you want whatever Hunk won’t let you eat without my approval and want to attempt to corner me into telling you stories. How close am I?” Pidge’s eyes twinkled with mirth as Hunk gave a sigh, eyes rolling.

           “Almost. It’s not attempting if it happens?” Lance whined.

           “Hunkkk, Pidge is harassing the cripple.” Hunk stared at Lance as if he’d grown a third head. Wide and unbelieving. Even Pidge was staring. “What? I had at least an injured leg. I can hear Emilia calling me gimpy from here.”

           “Lance, you had four fractures in your left leg alone. Your ribs were practically powder and you had more blood on your clothes than in your body.” Lance paused, contemplating, before he gave a frown and glared at Pidge.

           “That makes me a cripple squared! That’s even worse! Hunk, why are you letting her get away with stuff like this? The little gremlin is a menace!” Pidge cackled happily and Hunk’s sigh seemed to almost make his entire body sag. Coran only chuckled softly as he put the cryopod into rest mode and let the three teens drag themselves to the kitchen. Lance basically being carried by the two as he subtly limped in between the two. Until Pidge sprinted off and Hunk threw Lance over his shoulder, running just on her heels. Their laughter shrieked through the hallways. Coran smiled, children would be children. He hummed, turning off the healing pod with a satisfied smile.

           He was glad to see his favorite was still among them.

---

           “Hunk! We’re gaining on her!!! I think.” Hunk snorted, readjusting his grip on Lance, who was stomach down on his shoulders in a fire man’s carry. Lance’s head hanging loosely just to the left of Hunk’s chest. It made the older male worry a little bit, with how Lance’s head jerked around as it dangled, but the wide grin on his best friend’s face melted away the anxiety like a drug.

           “It’s the little legs I swear to god, we have longer steps, but she has like four strides in one of ours. She’s leading four to two! hUNK AMIGO!” Hunk narrowly dodges the random item, he thinks it’s that space pseudo granola bars, that comes hurtling at them a Pidge cackles. Hunk however, also trips over his feet and the two go shrieking and crashing to the ground right in the door of the kitchen. Lance rolling just feet in front of Hunk as they both groan and clutch various body parts. Pidge grins above them, sitting cross legged on the table.

           “How’s the fall boys?” Lance doesn’t even say anything, just throws a convenient shoe at her, Hunk’s boot he thinks. Lance holds his ribs that had hit the ground the hardest and groans on the floor.

           “My bruises have bruises you heathen. Cripple squared.” A flicker of guilt flashes in Pidge’s eyes. “Getting stabbed and other various things I’ve felt still hurt worse, try harder than that gremlin.” Pidge grins at the challenge and Hunk manages to stumble to his feet enough to stabilize his stance and lift Lance’s limp body off the ground. The tan male swoons and groans again. “I have nothing in my stomach, but something wants out. I hate the tea cup rides so much more now.” Pidge just rolled her eyes as Lance limped to the nearest chair, Hunk striding over to the kitchen and Pidge grabbing her lap top and plopping herself onto Lance’s lap before starting to work. Basically using Lance as a human chair. Not that the tan male seemed to mind as he simply laid his head on top of Pidge’s and watched quietly, arms wrapped securely around her waist so she wouldn’t slip.

           “Lance! Lance!” Two voices echoed down the hallway, only stopping short as they halted at the mouth of the kitchen to the peaceful and domestic sight with a bit of both relief, fondness, and confusion. Keith watched it quietly as he and Shiro slunk into the room, still staying at the fringes. Watching.

           Hunk had always reminisced about the days when Pidge, Lance, and him would just hang out and play games, or quietly work in tangent. Keith knew they were a team. He remembered watching Lance lead, self-sacrificing, a confidence in his position. Eyes straight ahead like that of a predator. He’d also seen the silly Lance that liked to flirt with everyone (except him irritatingly enough). The way Lance would tease his friends, dramatically fall into Hunk’s arms pretending to sob at little inconveniences. He also remembered seeing Lance laying on the ground, a pool of crimson beneath him, shards of flesh and bone peeking out of his body, the glazed and unfocused way those ocean filled eyes stared at the ceiling. Keith had never hated the color red more.

           Yet, those Lances were much different than the Lance he was seeing now, the vibrant boy with a loud voice and heart was just quiet. Curled around Pidge with a gentle smile (why couldn’t he smile like that at them?) holding tightly as if some outside force was going to try and rip the girl from his grasp. The soft murmurs of Lance and the snarky replies of Pidge, and occasionly the low humming rumble of Hunk echoing like a siren’s peaceful song in the kitchen.

           It was bizarrely unlike Lance, yet it suited him. The domesticity. The peace.

           Keith was just about to leave Shiro’s own watchful side to squirm his way into the last open seat near Lance -Hunk was always at Lance’s left side, Keith was in no mood to fight and lose- When Allura walked in like a quiet wind. Powerful and calm, and breezing past Keith to take the seat Keith was just about to occupy. Shiro just observed with wide eyes as the princess’ whole demeanor changed.

           Once where there was a distaste and cordial air there was an undertone of respect and comradery as Shiro watched both Lance and the princess stare and acknowledge each other, before Lance’s mouth split into a wide grin and Allura snorted, an amused smile spreading across her face.

           “If I could rearrange the alphabet I’d put u-s, together.” Allura rolled her eyes, yet no enraged and disgust comment spat back to Shiro’s surprise. The princess only smoothed her hair over one shoulder and examined her nails.

           “Why? N and O are already together.”

           “Your eyes are looking gorgeous from here.”

           “I know,” A bemused smirk formed on her lips. “You’re eye bags look rather striking today as well.” Lance gasped, forcing Shiro to almost let lose a laugh himself. The Hispanic boy placed a hand over his chest as if he were hurt. Making Pidge bat as his limbs, annoyed that he moved from her comfortable position. Allura and Lance just grinned and settled back down enough that Hunk was able to slip them plates of food and move into his spot beside Lance. It made Shiro frown in thought.

           How long had it been like this? How had he not seen the changing dynamics in the team, or noticed how Lance had changed as well? Shiro glanced at Keith, who seemed to be watching with the same curious look. As well as the restrained desperation. Keith had been torn up when they found Lance. Reluctant to even leave the healing pod or let Lance out of his sight. Shiro still felt a shudder of fear and pure rage whenever he saw the image of Lance’s near lifeless form. Their Lance. Sweet, innocent, bubbly, beautiful Lance.  Broken and nearly silent on the cold metal ground. Keith wanted physical reassurance, see and feel that Lance was warm, safe, and alive.

           Shiro gave Keith another glance and the dark haired man seemed to nod, which led Shiro to advance forward. He was so close, just inches, he could just reach out and touch Lance, Shiro wouldn’t, not without permission. But he wondered if Lance’s hair was as soft as it looked. A rich brown that swayed just slightly in the whispers of the room’s internal air currents.

           “Shiro, Keith!” And he glanced back, his hand falling to his side as Lance barely even responded, almost half asleep on Pidge’s head as the Garrison trio and the princess held their quiet chatter. Shiro gave a soft smile, resisting the urge to put a small kiss on the crown of Lance’s head and instead reaching back and grabbing Keith’s hand to pull him along before Keith would attempt to escape so he could quietly stalk Lance. Coran greeted them in the hallway with a large smile before placing his hand on the backs and ushering them away from the kitchen.

           “Just a little calibration for the training room is all, I want to avoid any major injuries, well, the one’s that can’t be helped.” His grip on them tightened just as they approached the training room, making them stop to glance at him questioningly, until he gave them a dark smile, “Just so you know however, Lance is my favorite, and I understand your feelings, encourage them even. But if you hurt him… well, we can always get new paladins.”

           Immediately the dark look was gone and they were being shoved into the training room by a bright cheerful grin. The door locking solidly behind them. “Good luck!!!” Keith and Shiro both looked at each other, shocked. A shudder went down Shiro’s spine. Allura had always intimidated him, he’d seen Coran as the level and harmless one. He’d been very wrong. Coran was just patient.

           “He doesn’t actually mean that does he…?”

           “Let’s… not find out.”

#starling archive #langst #son of a mafia

[kookienomster3]

Blood, Sweat, & Tears (Pt. 7)

KPOP Fanfiction Written By: @20jane & @musicismylife45 WARNING: MATURE CONTENT Mafia/Gangs

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9

    "Wake up Losers!" A voice rang. You stirred in your sleep cuddling into the warmth of the blanket.     "Jungkook!" You heard again, the bed shook a bit as the voice tried to shake Jungkook awake. You cracked open your eyes to see Yugyeom. He looked your way when seeing you sit up on the bed.     "(Y/n), your awake," he said smiling at you, "Now Jungkook just has to get the fuck up," he commented before ripping off the blankets then pushing him off the bed.      Jungkook woke up mid-fall landing on the hard floor. You couldn't see him but you saw one leg rise up kicking Yugyeom where no man would want to be kicked. Yugyeom gasped eyes wide, as he held his.... manly parts. Jungkook got up with a normal expression passing by Yugyeom.     "Come on (Y/n), let's go get breakfast," Jungkook called as he walked away. You slowly slid off the bed and avoided Yugyeom who laid on the ground in pain.       You weren't too far behind Jungkook as you both went upstairs to the room with the couches. BamBam, Youngjae and Jackson all sat in pajamas on the couches eating breakfast burritos and Doenjang soup.        Jungkook took three burritos before falling on the couch. Jungkook had no pants but black boxer and a white tee. You awkwardly sat in the armchair by yourself.      You hadn't noticed till now, but you were starving. You hadn't eaten since you gotten here but even though you wanted a burrito you felt weird to grab one. You felt a hand pet your hair. You flinched looking up to see the one and only, Jimin, and his infamous smirk.      He wore a large, black, short sleeve shirt, with an oversize striped jacket, and jeans. He looks really good. You just stared as he pushed the hair away from your neck, his fingers grazing the bruises he created on your neck.     "Stop," you mumbled pushing his hand away from your neck. His eyes darkened, his hand then gripped your hair, pulling your head back. You yelped, he leaned closer to your face,     "The fuck did you just say?" he whispered, He seemed irritated. 'Not a morning person,' you thought before you could push him away again, someone interrupted,     "Jimin come on eat some breakfast," Jackson said. You both looked over at the other boys to see them looking at the two of you. Most had looks of disgust or awkwardness, but then you felt a deep stare coming from Jungkook.     Jimin shrugged letting go of you to go eat. You leaned back in the chair, closing your eyes, trying to gather yourself together. You jumped back as a hand gripped your arm, you looked up guessing it was Jimin, but you were wrong. It was Jungkook. His body leaned over pulling you,      "What are you doing?" you asked. Everyone's eyes were on the two of you. He said nothing. He almost looked like he was pouting as he pulled you to the couch next to him. You looked over at him in confusion as he gave you one of his many burritos.     "Thanks," you smiled, taking the food.     The door swung open to see Yugyeom... with a black eye.     "Oh shit, Yugyeom what happened to your eye?" BamBam asked. Yugyeom just held his head,      "I woke up ... Yoongi," he mumbled loud enough for everyone to hear. There was a long pause before everyone started laughing. Yugyeom just sat down where you were once sitting and held his face in pain. You didn't even notice that Yoongi trailed in behind him.      "God damn it, shut the fuck up," Yoongi said admittedly. Silence fell over the room. Yoongi pinched the bridge of his nose,     "It's Friday-" You tried your best to pay attention to what he was saying but your eyes kept staring at his shirtless, toned, chest. He wore black sweatpants that were baggy and hung low showing... a lot of skin. It was so hard to focus on his words, that you just ended up staring down at your lap hoping no one notice you gaulking at your kidnapper. "(Y/n)," a voice called. You looked up from your lap to see once again, Yoongi. You felt blood rush to your cheeks as Yoongi stood right in front of you.     "Did you listen to a single word I said?" he said loudly. You looked up at him with wide eyes, "No I'm sorry," you mumbled, avoiding eye contact.     "She's just tired Yoo-" Jungkook started trying to defend you but, Yoongi cut him off with a glare.     "Did I Fucking ask you, No? Then shut the fuck up!" he said, anger filled the air. Yoongi took a deep breathe calming himself down.     "Youngjae show (Y/n) how to use the earpiece, Jimin check on our guest j-hope and clean up your mess upstairs," Yoongi groaned. Everyone got up and went to work. You followed Youngjae into the small closet. Right next to the door was a twin sized bed at least seven computers were on one desk. You went to sit down onto the small uncomfortable looking bed but right, as you were Youngjae, stopped you.     "Please don't touch ANYTHING," he said staring at you with disgust.      "Fine" you spoke, rolling your eyes. You watched as he dug through draws of his desk grabbing out a few things. He turned to face you with an annoyed look on his face. He placed the objects on his bed just to pick it up again holding it in front of your face. It looked like an earphone.    "Wear your hair down so no one will notice and also we can hear everything so don't try to talk to us it will give away your cover," he informed putting the earpiece down and picking up the other object.      "There are three walkie-talkies that can talk into your earpiece and hear what's going on. I will have one, so will Yoongi and Jungkook," he finished putting down the last item.     "Oh and how about you test out the earpiece. Go around the factory and see if you can hear me," he said throwing the earpiece at you. 'He probably just wants to get rid of me,' you thought, placing the piece in your ear sarcastically waving goodbye to Youngjae.       "Can you hear me?" Youngjae's voice came through into your ear.     "Yeah, can you hear me?" You asked walking away from the room.     "Yeah go a little further," he said. You did as you were told but instead of going downstairs you looked at the metal door a few feet from Youngjae's room. His door now closed.      'What's up there I remember Yoongi telling Jimin something,' you thought, approaching the door. You crept it open. It led upstairs where you had never been before. Entering the staircase you tried your best to stay quiet and crept up the steps.    You heard faint whimpers. Turning the corner you spotted Hoseok in a room covered in plastic. He laid on the ground still tied up. You could only see the back of him but you noticed blood covering the floor around him. You walked over to him taking a step closer. The floor creaked, signaling you were here. He flinched,      "You'll kill me before I tell you anything," he said, his voice cracking. You walked closer avoiding the puddle of blood. As you looked over to the other side of the beaten up boy you saw his face. You cringed at the sight. He had swollen eyes and a split lip, cuts and bruises covered his body. His eyes widened at the sight of you.    "Oh my God (Y/n)," he said trying his best to scoot closer to you.     "Are you okay? How did you get here with those cunts?" he said sneering at the last part.      "Hoseok is it true your in Nameless?" You asked, looking down at the beaten up man who you use to call friend.     "You don't understand (Y/n). I needed the money for tuition and then I just got caught up in the mess," he tried to explain but you just shook your head.    "The Nameless sell women! How can you be apart of that? What happened to the cute boy in my English lit class?" you asked, you refused to cry.     "I'm still here but those fucking Reapers you're all buddy buddy with are no better than the Nameless," he said. You looked away for a second, not wanting to look at his broken face.     "(Y/n), help me and we can leave together," he begged, looking up at you with puppy eyes. You debated on the idea for a few minutes just looking at him. SLAM!    "Oh, J-hope~" Jimin's voice called from the bottom of the stairs. Both you and J-hope looked at each other with frightened looks. You had nowhere to hide.     "What a surprise," Jimin said as he reached the top of the stairs.

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9

#bts #got7 #blackpink #kpop #bts fanfic #got7 fanfic #blackpink fanfic #bst #angst #smut #bts jimin #bts suga #bts jungkook #bts v #bts rap monster #bts jhope #bts jin #got7 jb #got7 jackson #got7 bambam #got7 mark #got7 yugyeom #got7 youngjae #got7 jr #blackpink lisa #blackpink jisoo #blackpink jennie #blackpink rose #my post

[aldenwritesreviews-blog]

Auteur Theory: Mike De Leon

Alden Braddock

        I can definitely see how fun this bizarre movie was for Director Mike De Leon to write. Kakabakaba ka ba?  Even the title is hard to read, how much so for the plot. This film is a musical dark comedy, it might even have its own genre considering how it does not follow the norms of other movies.  With its wild and surreal plot, the film truly is an absurd film and it is a delight to watch how the character’s deal with these scenarios facing them. It started normally but as it progresses it gets crazier and crazier until the climax that feature dancing nuns!  The story may not make total sense but Oooh boy, was it fun to watch.

          The film starts with a Japanese yakuza member (Boboy Garovillo) albeit shown in a very caricature-ish manner, showing up to the airport in various disguises trying to get in the Philippines, he fails all of them and with every time his plans go wrong, he gets his finger cut off. He finally gets it right and plants an opium-filled cassette tape to a jacket of an unknowing bystander, who is also our main protagonist Johnny (Christopher De Leon) going home. And that’s where the plot gets interesting as the Japanese yakuza tries to chase them all around. Even the Chinese mafia are involved as they all want this opium-filled cassette tape. The film climax with an over the top song and dance show dance between all the characters of the film. After all that it ends with a fourth wall of a clapper shouting “cut” and a text indicating that the film has finally ended.

          I loved the movie but I do think that of that movie was released today. It wouldn’t appeal to some of the viewers watching the film. It would be offensive to them considering how racist the film was being filled with cultural and racial stereotypes to the Japanese and Chinese people. The film was filled with fake accents to exaggerate the other races. Even the subtitles whenever the Japanese and Chinese characters talked were replaced with l’s and r’s copying the way they talk in English. The movie was filled with inappropriate jokes like racism, sexism, rape and homophobia. There was an offensive but albeit funny scene wherein they were fighting a fat woman and everytime they hit her, she would squeal like a pig until they eventually kill her. But if the movie wasn’t like that it would fall flat, because it IS a satirical movie about imperialism and religion. It masks all the deep messages with comedic tones and subtly adds its clever messages throughout the film and even pokes fun of it too. Nonetheless, it was a fun movie that should not be taken seriously. They don’t make movies like this anymore, mostly due to the fear of backlash of the viewers. I would recommend that younger viewers also watch this film to see the difference between the comedy before and today.

          I really enjoyed how the film was edited. It was reminiscent of how modern films are edited. There were parts that Chinese text appears whenever the Chinese mafia were punched or kicked and it a funny touch to the film. Even the music helped with the comedic timing, adding jokes to the tempo of the music beats. There was a scene wherein the japanese yakuza and his bodyguard was running but the background synths was only heard whenever they ran on screen but whenever they were out of the shot the synths was not heard. It was funny and as a viewer you never know what will happen next. It never felt bored as there was always something to see in the film. I always wanted to know what jokes will come next and it was always a surprise. 

        Kakabakaba ka ba? Was a lighthearted and happy film, it didn’t make you feel sad, it kept making you laugh and question what was happening in the movie, it was fun and bizarre. It felt like I was watching an Edgar Wright movie and what made it really interesting is that the film was made in 1980, a movie like that with that type of editing and effects was what really caught my eye and what I loved so much about it. I haven’t seen another film like that, that was made in the 1980s but that might just be me not watching enough films that were made in the 1980s.

        The characters in the film weren’t developed that much but it wasn’t really needed because it wasn’t the point of the movie and yet the movie was still amazing without the characters getting developed. The point of the movie was to make people laugh, shock you with the cultural and racist jokes, make you question what the hell is happening and make you feel wow, this is such an amazing movie. It was really bizarre, I loved every second of it. It was like a rollercoaster ride. It had a story for the half of the movie but then as it was nearing its end things got wild and out of hand. It started turning into a musical which was a bizarre transition to the feel of the movie, and it was interesting to see a movie that could just turn into a musical just like that. Even though the characters were underdeveloped the chemistry between the characters felt real, Johnny and Nonong had a great dynamic. Furthermore, the yakuza and his bodyguard also gave us a good laugh on how silly their methods were on capturing the 4 friends.

        The sequence of events in the movie were slow but then as the movie progresses it got faster and faster until it reached that musical. I was waiting for the musical for the whole movie because I thought it was gonna be the main focus of the movie like how normal musicals and musicals that I have watched. The comedy turned out to be the main selling point of it and the musical spiced up the comedic factor of the movie. Even the Catholic church wasn’t safe from Mike De Leon, as they are a big part of the film.  One of the songs in the musical was really catchy and it was really funny because all they talked about was bread “Bigyan mo po kami ng tinapay” However, I am pretty sure that the song had another meaning to it. And that the communion bread stood for the opium, because the story of Jesus multiplying the bread and gave it to the ones that were hungry. In this case they were worshipping the Yakuza as a Jesus figure because he can give them opium. Hence, the song lyric repeating over and over again “Bigyan mo kami ng tinapay” 

        I only had one expectation about this movie and it being a musical so every time the characters started singing or started dancing I kept saying “oh this is it, it’s gonna be the start of the musical” but I had to wait till the movie was about to end before the musical started, It was worth it though, because if you really didn’t know that Kakabakaba ka ba? Was a musical you’d be shocked that there was a musical in the end. I was satisfied with how they slipped in the musical, it was really fun, and satisfying. 

        So that was Mike De Leon’s Kakabakaba ka ba? Now I want to talk about his other movie, Batch ‘81 or AKO. 

        Batch ‘81 starts off with Sid Lucero going to class late and then talks about wanting to join the Alpha Kappa Omega. One of the most renowned fraternities in his university. Alpha Kappa Omega. A brotherhood, a family, a pact, and a bond that whoever is part of it has each others backs. Sid Lucero wanted to join that fraternity not just for street cred and not just to have more friends but because it is one of the most renowned fraternities in the university where Sid Lucero is studying in. He submitted himself to violence knowing what the consequences that will ensue. They withstand the torture and abuse just to be part of the fraternity.  In order to be part of the fraternity Alpha Kappa Omega Sid and other students must initiation they will be hazed and do all what their masters (seniors in the fraternity) say. The new bloods have to address their seniors as “Master” because if they don’t they will receive a punishment. 

        Batch ‘81 was a completely different movie from Kakabakaba ka ba? Because batch 81’s story didn’t actually go far from how the movie started. Sid Lucero wanting to be part of one of the renowned fraternities in that university. He submits himself willingly to violence and the abuse of the masters until he graduated from being a new blood to being a master. 

        The theme of batch 81’ was pretty dark even though it had some comedic touch to it, the songs and sounds that were used in the movie made the dark scenes turn into funny scenes, without those sounds it would have been a totally different scene. It helped the movie a lot because it would have been so different without them being there. There was a lot of killing at one point of the movie and when the song was put there it made it have a different atmosphere. The movie did not go fully dark but instead tried to incorporate comedic tones to it.

        The theme of the movie was also anti-martial law. It showed how abusive and harsh the power that Marcos and the military had. They depicted it through the masters and their torture techniques towards the new bloods of the fraternity. The tortures that were used resembles what the victims of Martial Law experienced. The film mirrors both the tortures in real life and of the Marcos’ regime. 

        The cabaret scene where they dressed up as nazis and some crossdressed. Was a pretty funny scene even though that they looked like they were getting humiliated in front of a crowd of people, they weren’t because they owned up to it, rehearsed for it and there was nothing to be ashamed of. They knew that they had to do that and they willingly did it for the fraternity.

        The tortures in the movie were pretty extreme because they had to go through a lot of abuse from the masters which made me feel bad for them. Hit with a paddle, get beat up, Electrocuted, made to eat disgusting food, humiliated in the streets and in front of a lot of people. They were beaten up mentally and physically. If they changed the background music in some of the scenes it would have made it feel a lot different and darker. It was just one song that they play and every time I hear it, it reminds me of ice cream because it sounds like an ice cream truck.

        Despite the film being 37 years old already, it aged well as the themes and message of the film is still relevant for today. We’d still see news about college fraternities have hazings and that these practices are still being used. College students still fall victim to being pressured into joining fraternities and being killed in their road to it. I don’t see any particular change to the film and the culture of fraternities are now in real life. 

        The way Mike De Leon directed batch ‘81 and Kakabakaba ka ba? Was really different because batch ‘81 was pretty dark in a way and Kakabakaba ka ba? Wasn’t a dark film or I didn’t see it as a dark film. It was humorous, messy but in a good way, fun, enjoyable, and bizarre movie. Whereas Batch ‘81 was dark because of the tortures and what the plot of the movie was. It was a serious movie compared to Kakabakaba ka ba? It was the complete opposite of what it was. I watched batch ‘81 first before watching Kakabakaba ka ba? And the two films were completely different. While Batch ‘81 was a more in your face method of showing his political views, Kakabakaba ka ba? Showed his views more subtly. 

        For batch ‘81 there were murders that happened but in Kakabakaba ka ba? Barely had any killing that happened compared to batch ‘81. The ones that died in batch ‘81 affect the story but the ones that did die in Kakabakaba ka ba? had no major part in the story, they were like an NPC in video games that did not have any connection to the story whatsoever. Batch 81’s story was clean, the path was straight, you didn’t have to ask yourself what is happening here. However, for Kakabakaba ka ba? You have to ask yourself what is happening here and you will be asking yourself “what?” and “huh?” because it was messy and all over the place but that is what made it fun and amazing. It’s what appealed to me.

        Enough about the differences of the movie. I’m going to talk about what similarities the movie had. Both movies are still relevant to today’s society as we see the problems that both movies talk about still sprouting in the modern world. For Kakabakaba ka ba? It was about drugs, smuggling them and using innocent people as mules. We see a lot of news relating to drugs today. Whereas in Batch ‘81 it’s about innocent people getting killed, people getting abused mentally and physically. Both movies had musical numbers but for batch ‘81 was just minimal compared to what Kakabakaba had. However, both had a message that moved the plot forward, it was not just a filler to make the movie longer or to entertain people but it had a meaning and message behind it. It was somehow like a blink twice for help message, subtle but powerful and effective. In the movie Kakabakaba ka ba? It was the Japanese Yakuza spreading the drug and the musical number was because there was a drug problem. In Batch ‘81 it was about the masters abusing and manipulating the new bloods which depicts how Marcos ruled over the Philippines. 

        Let’s talk about the main character in Batch ‘81. In Batch ‘81 Sid was just thinking about himself most of the time in the movie, he cared for getting in the Alpha Kappa Omega the most. He was somehow being self-centered because of his goal. He is dedicated, brave, and stood his ground even if it meant he was gonna die, it was all he cared about. He wanted to prove to himself and to others that he can do it. Sid somehow resembled the Yakuza that kept trying to smuggle from Japan and going to the Philippines. He was persistent, dedicated, stubborn, and also stood his ground even if it meant he was going to lose his fingers, and/or die. He wanted to prove himself to the Yakuza Boss that he can do it, so that he will have honor. After a number of tries of getting into the Philippines he did it, he made it in, all because of him being persistent and dedicated to his goal. Sid became a master because he was dedicated and persistent and was willing to go through all the pain and abuse that he knew he was going to receive because that’s what he signed up for.

        Now let’s talk about the main characters in Kakabakaba ka ba? Johnny was the complete opposite of Sid Lucero. He’s weak, scared, and won’t stay on his ground. He would only turn into Sid Lucero when he’s trying to get girls but he is often described as childish despite trying to have the “macho” image. He manages to be awkward while he’s trying to impress Melanie. But one thing that Johnny has and Sid Lucero doesn’t have is his best friend being alive. Jokes aside, the one strength that Johnny had was him being creative when he gets into sticky situations, he can play with people’s minds and uses the people around him. 

        I think that the reason why both films had differences is because Mike De Leon was working with a different set of people. I feel like he didn’t want to hog all the say in the movie, he wanted the other people working in the film to have their say too, to have their creative input and expand on it so that the movie’s vision will have everyone’s vision with it, not just the director’s vision. A lot of people work in a movie and it’s not just the director that does everything, everyone has a certain role and a certain task that they have to do. Mike De Leon wanted to explore another type of movie in kakabakaba ka ba? Both movies are classics that the current audience needs to see because of the messages both films convey. Mike De Leon never shies away from a different and controversial topic.

        Directors don’t always need to put their style into the movie because sometimes you have to judge the movie itself not who made it. You can’t just say “oh this is a good movie because it was made by *insert director’s name here* we should watch it.” and still say it’s a good movie even though it was bad. I never knew who Mike De Leon was and haven’t watched any of his films before, I watch these 2 movies blindly. Both movies were amazing and I loved it. The two films were different, it had big differences but it was made by the same director. You don’t always have to follow auteur theory when you watch a film because it’s going to destroy your perception and how you’re going to process the movie. You’ll unconsciously defend that it’s a good movie because you like the director. However, I enjoyed Kakabakaba ka ba more than Batch ‘81 due to the fact that it’s unusual, bizarre, and unique. Thank you.