#wip: to topple a throne

[cowperviolet]

OC: Sidonie de Favriel (WIP: To Topple a Throne)

Attempting a Hilary Mantel-esque second-person character description style! If you wonder where does she have it - it’s in the appendix to the Wolf Hall stage adaptation script. (Which I totally recommend everyone to read anyway. It's on Amazon).

You are a child of immense privilege. Your beautiful, wealthy, effortlessly charismatic parents represent one of the most highborn lineages of the land. Some say you trace your descent from an alluring water-nymph who seduced a lost knight in the days before the Age of Flames, when the gods and their offspring still walked the earth.

You are also the kind of child who doesn’t want to make trouble. You see, after all, how your elder sister is treated when she does. You also see that you are praised when you are pretty, when you are obliging, when you agree with your mother’s plans for an exquisite marriage for you. When you are informed that any education beyond ladylike accomplishments would be superfluous for you, you don’t even protest much.

You are so committed to being sweet and perfect that you flinch from taking your sister Audrine’s side even when she is covered in scandal and imprisoned; when she escapes and dissolves in the wilderness of the great country without a trace, you merely lower your eyes.

It does not save you.

Your exquisite marriage is outraged. Your exquisite husband divorces you. It’s a rare thing, but he has the money and the influence - he can do it. You thought your years of obedience would make your family take your side.

They do not save you, either.

You are flung into the demimonde, and now your ex-husband’s friends who used to dance with you at assembly balls are offering to rent you a nice apartment in exchange for your favours. You agree. You have nowhere else to go.

When changes convulse the old country, and the Great Council is called for the first time in two hundred years, you are not interested. You only make your way to the capital because you find yourself without a keeper, and you hope to catch the eye of one of the nobles who would come to deliberate.

Instead, a chance and a fever land you under the roof of a deputy who is neither a nobleman nor an eminent clergyman. He is a painfully earnest, painfully self-conscious young lawyer. He comes from a provincial town on the misty coast of the land.

He is also the first man in years who makes you feel safe.

His views are peculiar. His friends even more so. By the time you do end up in his arms, months later, he had persuaded you to give your pain and anger a form. You agree. If nothing else, few things sell quite as well these days as radical pamphlets, you decide.

That’s when your real story begins.

So, @ladywithalamp @alternativeforensicscientist @dove-actually  @soigne-writeblr @rhikasa @magicalmisstemi @ashesconstellation @writing-is-a-sin ��@portiaadams @elusiveink @austrohungarianwriteblr @yellowfog4 @cottage-writings @ashen-crest I have a new WIP…

[nrivanwrites]

did anyone ask for a SUPER LONG writeblr/wip intro?

my name is Ro, I'm 23 years old, and I currently work full-time as an optician while I juggle approximately a dozen projects. please please PLEASE tag me in your projects, tag games, whatever. I love to look at things :)

here's a handful of my current projects. let me know if anyone wants to be on a gen/specific tag list!

THE LAST LORINEAN

epic fantasy, draft 3.2

A marathon of a project, spawning from an absentminded idea in 2011. While the central cast has undergone some face-lifts over the years, the bones have remained somewhat unchanged. There's probably a million drafts of this out there, but we'll call my current one the third big effort to get the story written.

Found family, magical road-trip, and laying the foundations for an interconnected multi-series exploration of the universe in which it's set.

Those born on the Aronian continent do not dream, long-cursed by the Witch Queen of the previous age. The dream-weaving Lorineans, who once provided a reprieve from the curse to the Aronian people, conspired against the kingdom and earned their eradication at the hands of the now-immortal Emperor. The empire now lives in dreamless peace, a united force of human, elven, and faerie kingdoms.

In the rural south of the Empire, Lilliana Karington has been living a quiet life. Unbeknownst to her, a Lorinean has been hitching a ride on her soul for her entire life—a secret that will send her on the run. She is joined by a fugitive by the name of Sadene from the faerie kingdom of Kyrania who carries secrets of her own, secrets that could topple the Kyranian monarchy and pantheon both.

With Imperial soldiers and Sadene's twin brother on their heels, Lilli must learn to trust the Lorinean she is bound to if she is ever to find a way to return to her peaceful life. But as she learns more about the secrets her Empire hides, the harder it will be to find peace ever again.

THE DAUGHTER OF DENMARK

historical fantasy, draft 3

a.k.a. I played Hamlet seven years ago and now it's everyone's problem. A novelization/reimagining of Hamlet through the lens of gender, queerness, and what a religious conflict means when there is concrete memory of Denmark's pre-Christian heritage. However, please don't expect historical accuracy from this project. It's about vibes.

Court intrigue, love quadrangles, repressed trauma, tragedy… y'know, the Shakespeare of it all.

Hamlet has known what her life was meant to be from the very moment she was born. Named a Ragnarson to ensure her claim to the Danish throne, she has been sheparded by her kind-hearted father and traditional German mother towards the title and burden of King.

When a hunting accident brings Hamlet near death, she is sent to her mother's old university for safety, far from the politics of Denmark. The things she saw in the world between life and death haunt Hamlet between her studies and blossoming friendships.

All too soon, Hamlet is called back to Denmark, where a dark shadow has robbed her of all she once knew. Through madness and memory, she must spiral to the end of a story that was written long ago.

PROJECT: ATLANTIS

epic sci-fantasy, outlining

Inspired by a Google+ roleplay group the two of us were members of in 2014-2019, a friend and I have been building a world and narrative that stretches years of cowriting. We are slowly finding a way to adapt our work into novelizations. One day, we'll even come up with a title!

Political intrigue, vast worldbuilding, and a web of characters spanning one end of the world to the other. Featuring a conlang and neography!

After fifteen years of tenuous peace in Atlantis, the question of succession has risen again. Faolan Althaea is of age to take her family's throne, but the banished descendants of Faolan Agallai have retained their influences in the dark, and they are ready to make another bid for the throne. Althaea is thrust headfirst into the boiling conflict, and she must learn fast which faces to trust.

On the other side of a once dormant portal, Faolan Illyrius is paying the price for rescinding his claim to the coveted throne. The godless, ransacked world of Aegina—known as Earth to its inhabitants, the aeg'oroi—is hiding knowledge that could turn the tides of the Faolan and Agallai conflict, and he is the one who must get his hands dirty to find it.

The Agallai loyalists have not been dormant since orchestrating the death of Althaea's parents. They have gathered supporters of a new generation, preying on the aeg'oroi that regent Priar Arsina, ruling in Althaea's stead for the last fifteen years, is so determined to alienate. As the succession crisis comes to a head, loyalist agents vie for control over the portal connecting Atlantis to the aeg'oroi homeland.

Something dark lurks in the shadows of Entropy connecting these two worlds. The gods have fallen silent, and their people are divided. Will Atlantis stand, or will sickness devour it all?

ON THE PRECIPICE OF THE UNIVERSE

narrative sci-fi poetry, final draft

Return of the king… because I am going to be self-publishing her! I am starting a fresh round of edits and will be looking for some beta readers soon. Mostly need a vibe check on the amount/length of poems and general format. Then comes cover design (will be commissioning a college friend), page design, and figuring out how the hell I'm gonna do this!

Sentient spaceships, loneliness, and the great unknown.

When the last war broke out on Earth's surface, the spaceships launched. No one expected the fires to reach high enough to knock the entire fleet out of the sky—save one, a sole survivor drifting onwards to a new planet.

Years later, only one of the ship's passengers remains alive, going through the motions of the day without fail. The last human alive cleans the vents and weeds the hydroponic gardens. And, they write, chronicling the little life they have left to live.

OEDIPUS REGINA

tragedy, draft one

Apparently, I am allergic to writing a play about anything but the ancient Greeks. Yet another gender reimagining! This came at the request of some college friends who acted in The Kassandriad and have done some readings of my other Greek plays. Still debating if I will be swapping the masculine and feminine for the names.

Cycles of fate, inherited trauma, and the inherent eroticism of riddles.

Oedipus, princess of Corinth, is a young woman when she hears the prophecy that she kill her mother and bed her father. She flees the home she has always known and finds herself in Thebes, a city living in the shadow of a sphynx and the absence of their queen. The childless, widower king takes an interest in her; an interest that sets in motion a cacophony of disasters for the Theban throne.

EAT HER HEART OUT

drama, draft one

Guess what. It's a reimagining of a Greek myth. Who is surprised. This one is taking a look at the Homeric Hymn to Demeter—and yes, I am aware of how many Persephone retellings there are in the world. Leave me alone. What if I'm built different (I'm not).

Motherhood, dependence/independence, and unreliable narrators.

We visit three worlds: of the gods, where Demeter searches for her daughter and Persephone toils in the Underworld; of the mortals, where Demeter hides among a mortal family during her endless winter; and of the Muses, who tell the story à la true crime podcast. The lines intertwine and an old story is made new (again).

[raayllum]

got tagged in the wip game by a few people w/ the challenge to tag someone for all your wips! however i have over 50+ wips / just oneshots planned (not including multipchap) so i'm just gonna share like my top 10 and then call it a day!

oneshots:

a different man / mirror traps: Lissa comes back to Katolis for her daughter’s wedding and meets her husband’s ghost. Or the "Lissa meets Callum" fic, probably a sorta sequel to this fic

providence: post-s5 divergent. A spell gone wrong traps Callum inside the mirror with Aaravos. 

the goal of living is to grow: After a love contained only to chaos and summers, Rayla and Callum experience the other seasons side by side. post-s6, planned to be like 20k, Rayla/Callum

just stand still: In Katolis, you come of age at sixteen; Ezran just misses his dad.

mama's boys: Sarai's sons grow up without her. Ezran&Callum

blinded: Miyana, and the Sunfire royal family. Miyana/Karim

nine days: It takes nine days for Harrow and Viren to reach the Storm Spire. Set pre-series and 3x06. Viren/Harrow

i asked you to be human: AU where Kasef makes different choices in s3, and lives.

being this young is art: Servants talk. Callum/Rayla dealing with court gossip

great responsiblity: Modern AU. Ezran is bitten by a radioactive spider when he’s fourteen years old. Trio & Ezran centric

why is it a monster: Ezran finds the mirror first. Canon divergent

multi-chap

virtues and vices: Slowly but surely, Soren and Opeli find their way. Soren/Opeli, 9 chapters

i did one thing right: Supporters of Viren’s ‘royal’ line were not so easily deterred, and now a twenty-year old Ezran has a choice to make: to either allow civil war, or to marry the old friend turned enemy threatening to topple his throne (the shadowy elf whispering in her ear notwithstanding). ? chapters, divergent post-s3, aged up Claudia/Ezran slowburn

sequel to "if time is money" (about 20ish chapters) scheduled for more focus post-s6 (Rayla and Tiadrin centric with a heavy serving of Runaan and Ethari)

[cassatine]

First Lines Tag Meme

The task: Share the first lines of ten of your most recent fics and tag ten people. If you have written less than ten, don’t be shy and share anyway. (Following sallysavestheday's lead: if you don't have ten fics, please do feel free to share lines from your longfics and I'll add WIPs to the list as well.)

thanks to @tobermoriansass for tagging me <3

'most recent' is relative, considering i am really, really bad at finishing things. i skipped some fics so it wouldn't be all House of the Dragon or all Star Wars since that's not where my head is at atm. i also included one WIP because it is very dear to me.

tagging (if you feel life doing it) @frociaggine, @salamanderinspace, @permian-tropos

Galadriel and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Years of Gifts | The Rings of Power | in which Galadriel has a suitor, Celebrimbor is only a normal amount of jealous, Elrond and Gil-Galad compete for Most Tired, and somewhere far away Gandalf has a Bad Feeling.

It all starts with a dead body.

2. next year on Mandalore | Star Wars (The Mandalorian, Clone Wars, Rebels) | in which Bo-Katan Kryze fails and fails and fails and the Republic sucks and Satine sucks and the Jedi sucks and the Mandalorian suck and everything sucks, the Empire most of all. author's top three fave.

It is happenstance that has you meet one of the Children of the Watch on Trask, and with him the foundling he protects.

3. The Small Council of 110 AC | House of the Dragon | it's crack all the way down / a riff on the Great Council of 101 AC.

Not even a month into the ninth year of his reign, King Viserys Targaryen, First of His Name, steps on his cloak as he is climbing the steps to his throne, trips, and falls, which wouldn’t have been very out of the ordinary if he hadn’t also happened to fall straight on the field of half-melted, raised swords surrounding said throne.

4. what do dragons make? (woe) | House of the Dragon | in which Daemon Targaryen is too dragonpilled to realize he has some serious gender issues going on, and so does his niece. they don't fuck about it (yet).

He is six and ten, only just knighted, not yet come down from the high of Jaehaerys gifting him Dark Sister, Visenya’s own sword, and Daemon is handed off to a boring Westerosi lady like some trophy to display.

5. and they shall become one flesh | House of the Dragon | in which Aemond Targaryen contemplates the age-old issue of being unsure whether you want to bang your family or be them or kill them, and also has some naughty dreams.

It is Aemond’s birthday, and Father is deep in his cups, and Father toasts him: “I have no doubt you will be to Aegon as Daemon was to me: unwavering, loyal brotherly support.”

6. Queen's Descent | Star Wars (Prequels) | 'so this is how democracy dies', says Padmé, still holding the murder weapon. 'so sad', says Palpatine, not at all sad. 'wizard', says Anakin, who's like, nine.

Later, much later, academics would squabble: when did it start, Padmé Palpatine’s turn from democratic ideals to authoritarianism?

7. for they shall inherit the earth (but first, Ravka) | Grishaverse | Sankta Yevgeniya Sergeyevna Safina the Poisonous doing what she does best (killing people, toppling dynasties, eating cake). books what books show what show.

She barely remembers her parents, but she does remember that they weren’t unhappy to see her go with the Grisha testers.

8. Fear and Loathing in Thra: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the urSkek Dream | The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance | in which two idiots consume unreasonable amounts of hallucinogens and no life lessons are learned.

The first time he crossed paths with urGoh after the Great Division, skekGra was in a good mood: the conquest of the Dousan Clan was going well, if not particularly speedily, and kept him both busy and moving.

9. ministry of information | Star Wars (Prequels) | pure uncut imperial propaganda and also the origin point for my Padmé/Palpatine/Anakain The Empire Won AU (beloved).

Citizens of the civilized galaxy, on this day we mark a transition towards greatness.

10. the doctrine of discovery (WIP) | Star Trek: The Next Generation | both my love letter to Ro Laren and a strongly worded letter to Starfleet, which i absolutely will finish. someday.

Starfleet was like a black hole: it would sink its claws into you, pull you in — until it became near-impossible to escape its gravity well.

[writingamongther0ses]

So, years ago, I ended up using Picrew to create some of the characters in Hiraeth. Now that I'm looking at that WIP again (as well as another crossover story) I'm working if I should remake these. I haven't done Liliha yet...

In order:

Dorothy Gale, 25, missing: Dorothy was brought back to Oz when she was seventeen and decided to stay for good. It was known that she was the best person to talk to if you needed something from King Scarecrow but couldn’t talk to him directly. She disappeared at age 25. You can’t see it, but she does have some scars: two on the back of her head, one on her wrist, and one directly over her heart. It is known that one of the head scars was from the Wicked Witch of the West slamming her into a wall, but the others are unknown. By some strange coincidence, she and Scarecrow share eye colors. (Even if she entered Oz with brown eyes.)

Tip Pastoria, 20, having a crisis: According to prophecy, Princess Ozma is meant to be on the throne of Oz and rule it for all eternity. However, Tip was raised in a way that resulted in them taking the crown from Scarecrow to take Oz back from Mombi, then immediately abdicate and give it back to him. After that, they spent three months on the run with Jack and Jellia until she and Scarecrow settled on an agreement. He will rule until they feel ready for the throne- this agreement got torn apart when Dorothy disappeared and Scarecrow somehow fell ill. They are a Fairborn, a human descended from fairies. They are a stressed kid, even with Jellia Jamba, Tin Man, and Lion’s help. (Someone please help her.)

Alice Liddell, 22, mad: Alice is…not in a good state right now. Wonderland is a twisted reflection of her mental state and there are only so few she can trust. Her friends have been twisted as well, loyal Hatter always, always by her side. She toppled Red Queen Heart because Wonderland needed saving. She killed the White Queen because she had to. Why doesn’t anyone understand that?! (Deep down, the old Alice is still pleading to be free, why can’t anyone hear her, HatterHareRabbitCheshirehelpher!)

Anna Bethel, 16, home: Anna is lonely, to say the least. It's hard to come back to a world full of color where you had a best friend who understood you to a boring fishing town. She has felt magic running through her system. Now all that runs through her system is blood. She no longer sees the wood nymphs or fairies when she walks by the river. Safe to say, she's ready to leave.

[phantomwarrior12]

WIP WEDNESDAY - ABOMINATION

It’s an abomination.

A culmination of stolen Light, warped Hive magic and somehow…a misguided Ghost.

Xander settles along an overhanging branch beyond a large temple that definitely isn’t on the Vanguard’s list of targets. They’ve written it off as waste, empty, unworthy of trying to fight their way into until boredom compels them from their Tower.

The Throne World is still relatively new territory but the Shadow of Yor aren’t about to let some intel of stolen tech go unrecovered.

The Nightstalker peers from his perch, lining the barrel of his sniper rifle up with the back of the Hive Knight’s head. Its steps are heavy, slow. Yet, it paces to and fro in front of the entrance of the temple.

It’s on sentinel duty…how tedious.

But Xander needs to get inside.

Turn, dammit.

He readjusts his footing a fraction but his boot slips on the slick vines and he narrowly catches himself from toppling from the treetop. The rustle draws the Knight’s attention and its head snaps upward.

Shit!

Xander tries to re-align his scope but when he looks through, there’s a lilac shield hurtling toward him.

It shouldn't have a Titan shield. Did he miss a super activating? Better question - how the fuck does a Hive Knight have the Light?

It's getting closer and Xander dodges, boots sliding against the tree bark and this time - this time he does fall out of the tree. A warbesst would land with more grace while Xander meets the ground with an unceremonious thud.

He groans, taking but a moment to process the impact and ensuing pain that sings along his nerves before he scrambles to his feet as his target storms toward him.

Sniper rifle abandoned in the grass at his feet, Xander jerks his hand canon free. The Thorn replica is heavy in his hand but as he swings it upright to fire, a massive hand bats it from his palm and another grips him by his throat, hoisting him skyward.

Xander’s boots slam against its chest as he jerks his blade free of its sheath and slashes the arm holding him in a blind flurry.

The Knight roars in pain and drops him, leaving him enough of a chance to create space and try to catch his breath. He hadn't been up long, but he's a bit off balance. It’s only then that he gets a good look at the Knight’s features. Vibrant green eyes strike him first, a piercing gaze that keeps him where he is. Not out of fear…but intrigue.

Xander has been face-to-face with other Hive Knights before - their gazes absent and dulled. But this one? It’s…clearly intelligent. It has some sort of sentience. He watches it inspect its arm for an instant before pressing its palm against the wound. Its eyes narrow, its jaw flexing as it straightens to its full height.

Xander retreats a few steps, scanning the swamp for an instant before locating his weapon.

“Do not try it.”

It…spoke. The Hive Knight–

Xander straightens, almost taking a step closer but common sense keeps him in place, “You can talk?”

It huffs out a sound of irritation as it lumbers closer, its hand falling away from the slash wound. “Your astonishment is misplaced. You–”

“I’ve never heard one of you speak.” It was the Light. It gave them intelligence, perhaps? No, because that would mean–

His focus snaps back just in time to evade the shield hurtling toward him and he dodges.

The time for analyzing is over.

He bolts for his weapon, skidding through mud and water as he snatches it up and turns, firing off a clip into the Knight.

It stumbles back, Xander reloads and fires off another clip as he presses forward. It tries to get its bearing, summoning its super before Xander gathers his own, firing his tether into it.

It crumples to the group, its Ghost materializing in its place. The Little Light looks panicked, shuddering and shying back, clearly searching for an escape.

Kill it.

He should, shouldn’t he? Put the tormented little thing out of its misery and spare the Throne World another Hive Knight.

But he is far too intrigued by the reveal of sentience. That behemoth didn’t behave like it answered to a Hive mind but rather, like it was trying to be, well, an individual.

He kicks the corpse onto its back, planting his boot firmly on its chest before looking to the Ghost, “Bring it back.”

The Ghost trembles, its eye flickering from its Lightbearer to the Hunter standing over it.

“Don’t make me ask twice,” Xander warns, lifting Thorn level with the Ghost.

“Alright!” It whirls, darting closer before its shell separates and it revives the Knight before vanishing to safety.

The Knight inhales sharply a moment later, heaving a cough as its eyes open. It tries to heave forward and up in an effort to breathe better but Xander grinds his boot down hard, keeping it on its back.

“Welcome back,” Xander’s head angles, a smug lilt in his voice.

The Knight notes the weight on its chest and makes no effort to rise or fight. “Why?” It all but growls and Xander adds pressure. 

“Would you believe me if I told you you intrigued me?”

The Knight glares, “I’m not a spectacle for you to satisfy your curiosity.”

“No, but you certainly are something.” He brandishes Thorn casually. “Now, we can do this one of two ways. You can behave and I let you up. Or, I ask my questions here and now with you whining under my boot. Your choice.”

“What makes you so certain I won’t kill you at the first opportunity?” 

Xander leans down, the Knight’s exoskeletal structure over its ribs makes an unpleasant crunching sound beneath the weight, “How about I break a rib to prevent that idea. Or are you going to be a good boy?” He angles his head, the condescension in his voice enough to earn him a scowl.

The Knight nods after a long moment, clearly pissed off but that's not really his problem to allay. It's temperament in mind, Xander is slow to withdraw, gradually relieving the pressure before stepping back and giving it enough space to rise. It sits up but doesn’t get to its feet, rubbing at its ribs instead.

“So, what do I call you?” The Nightstalker questions, starting to pace in front of it.

The Knight readjusts, leaning against the nearest tree before meeting Xander’s gaze, “You don’t care enough to know it.”

“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t care to know,” Xander crouches down in front of him, holding his gaze evenly. There is apprehension there, an anger as well. Not quite hatred, not yet anyway. Of course, Xander is going to have to put him down after this conversation. He has a mission to complete. This is just…a side investigation.

The Shadows of Yor will be interested to know about this thing.

“Well?” He prods, his voice a touch softer to try and coax it out of it.

“...Rast’lik.”

“Rast’lik,” Xander repeats quietly. “Anyone ever call you Ras?”

The Knight’s shoulders square but his eyes hold a degree of surprise. “No,” he admits at last, looking away.

“Can I?”

Xander regrets the question the instant it leaves his lips.

Stupid. Don't get familiar with it.  But the Knight seems less than comfortable with the very inkling of familiarity. Its head tilts, indecisiveness flickering left then right before his eyes close. "...next question."

---

I've been sitting on this for almost a year. This fic is nowhere near done but I think if I start posting snippets, I will find the motivation to finish some of these fics. xD

[cressidagrey]

WIP Wednesday

Currently chugging away at Glorious Sunrise, which is in 0 draft mode (which means I have all the dialogue, and nothing surrounding it. I love it when my drafts look like the rambles of a mad woman, because nobody but me could figure out who said was but it's totally clear to me lol.)

One little line from it:

"She’s your mate. The cauldron wouldn’t have chosen her if she couldn’t take you."

I also think I solved the problem I was having with my Azriel x Rhys!sister story...so here's one line from the Prologue:

"He knew that one day there was going to come a time when his children would topple his throne…a day when Seren and Rhys would join forces…and not even the cauldron could have helped him then." 

[banite666]

@nyda-the-tav1

Wednesday WIPS are such a cool idea. Here's one of mine for today <3

We arrive at the Crossing just as the sun crests the hills of Baldur’s Gate, washing everything in a warm, orange glow. After we dismount from the horses, each of our steps forward into the impressive structure shakes my nerves and foundation to the very core. When we reach the throne room where Grand Duke Ravengard normally frequents, Lord Gortash is sitting there instead with a lightly crumpled parchment in his hand. The sight of him; the breadth of his shoulders, hair that air-dried in a mess of semi-straight curls toppling over his forehead, and the thick fringe of dark lashes nearly undo me. He is... beautiful, intelligent, and, above all else, ferocious.

Hands trembling slightly, I slide them behind my back to clasp my fingers. Enver remains where he sits, gaze lifting to travel along the length of my legs, the skin around my neck, and arms. His eyes were like iced over chips of amber. The stare lingers, not on the old scars of my past battles, but rather on the new dulled patches of blue skin that couldn’t be fully covered by concealer- bruises from both his mouth having been on every part of me and also the gods only know what that’s happening on the inside from my fight with Leon. A tension coils in the lower part of me, knowing that I shouldn’t have let that happen. I need to keep a safe distance from Enver and Bane. He sets the parchment to the side before standing and begins closing the distance between us. “Good morning ladies. I trust that your trip here was safe and accommodating.” A confident, gorgeous smile creeps onto his face as he lifts my hand to plant a kiss on the back of it. Deep dimples form when he sees my cheeks flush and he fails to pretend that it doesn’t make him smug.

WIP Wednesday!

Oof it's technically Thursday but whatevs! I'll just have to tag ppl next Wednesday 👀

Thanks for the tag @mellybaggins ♥️

-------

Here's a bit from my untitled wip starring Raina!

For some reason she had suspected his mouth to taste as terrible as the crimes he committed. As though his tongue could taste of lies and his teeth like murder. But no. He tasted of the same wine she had drank, bold and complex, with a hint of something that was solely him.

The kiss continued its slow intimate pacing, warm and generous. Nothing demanding. A moment that’s beauty was cut short as she felt cold sharp metal snake around her throat, forcing her to step back.

It's still a wip so bits may change but I like how it's going 👀

[outlandishwhalesharks]

For @hellcheeranniversaryweek WIP Wednesday

So I've got a ton of WIPs but I think the one giving me the most trouble is my Gremlins AU. I had originally planned for hellcheer xmas but well figuring out the tone just kinda stopped me in my tracks.

I wanted to keep it fun but also dark and kind of traumatic, like the movie, but balancing all three has proven hard.

Also I ended up watching the Gremlins episode of Dead Meat and that had me wanting to make the two deaths I planned (Jason and Laura obviously:) a little more gorey like the creators had originally planned for the movie.

Anways I ended up getting stuck on finding that perfect mix. But I am working on it again and will hopefully have it up some time in July, ya know like Christmas in July though Jo Dante himself said its not a Christmas movie lol

And yes I have plans for a G2 ya'll!!! Sorry I just love these movies.

***

Eddie walks towards  the drama room to grab his dnd books he left there after their session the night before. He's got big plans for the next campaign and wants to get started on it during the Christmas break. 

He opens the door to see a scene that he can't quite comprehend.

 What the actual fuck.

There are green goblin monster things running around the room attacking Chrissy fucking Cunningham who is standing on his throne with a prop sword trying to bat them away. 

Honestly the scene would be hot if it weren't so fucking bizarre. 

Then he sees another body in the corner. And oh good shit is that Jason Carver?!?!? Or what's left of him anyway. 

He takes a deep breath resisting every urge to run. Doing so only because the Queen needs help and he's nothing if not her loyal subject. 

He tries not to catch the things' attention as he quietly tip toes towards the back cabinets where they keep tools for set design.

Chrissy keeps them distracted as he finds the object he's been searching for, a nail gun. 

"Hey monster things!" He shouts using his most intimidating dm voice.

Their attention saps to him and he starts shooting nails.

He misses the first couple tries but as he gets close he's able to pelt one in the head multiple times, taking it out. 

The cheerleader seizes the opportunity to kick the table in front of her, over on to another monster. As she does his throne topples over but she's able to maintain her balance while using the sword to whack at the third and final thing and make the perfect landing.

Again in any other circumstance it'd be hot as hell.

[doiefy]

upcoming works

navigation / masterlist

This is a list of my wips and upcoming fics (at least, the ones I see myself posting in the coming months. The real wip folder is coming apart by the seams... but we choose to ignore it).

All expected release dates are tentative; I'm a full time student who writes like a madman on select days and suffers most other days.

If you'd like to be on the tag list for any of these, feel free to DM or send an Ask!

Last updated: January 29, 2022

ORIGAMI // KIM DOYOUNG

genre: rock band au, childhood friends, unrequited love, fluff, angst

pairing: front man!doyoung x songwriter!reader (gn.)

expected word count: 15k

expected release: february 2022

The best thing about working with Subsidence has always been the people. When Johnny invited you to his band’s very first gig at a cheap bar in your hometown, it was more so a night out with your childhood friends than anything else. When he asked you to write lyrics for them, it was a fun little project that kept you busy on the weekends—until suddenly the songs were going viral and the boys were breaking into your apartment at midnight to tell you the news.

But the worst thing about working with Subsidence has always been the people too. Because when you accidentally let slip the fact that you had the teeniest, tiniest crush on Kim Doyoung—the band’s brooding, charismatic front man—leave it to a bunch of man-children to make the biggest fucking deal out of it and ruin just about everything they started.

FIGHT OR FLIGHT III. DYSTOPIAS (FINALE) // KIM DOYOUNG

genre: sci-fi, cyberpunk, hybrids, mutants, crime, contract killers, enemies to lovers, angst

i. dynasties

ii. downfalls

pairing: contract killer!doyoung x middleman!reader (gn.), johnny x reader

expected word count: 15-20k

expected release: march 2022 (parts 1 and 2 have already been posted)

note: taking a small break with this one because the exposition and character development for this last part has been unbelievably hard for me to figure out.

In which the compromised anonymity of the city’s most wanted kingpin sucks you and your best contract killers into dangerous territory: crime syndicates parading as high societies, black markets fueled by tyranny, illicit substances meant for those who are more animal than they are human. In which the only way to escape with your lives is to tear it all down from within.

Dynasties (finale): new allies, new enemies, and new thrones built from the toppled remains of the last.

AT DUSK // KIM DOYOUNG

dawn to dusk series

genre: modern vampire, crime, murder mystery, death games, horror

pairing: no pairing, doyoung standalone

expected word count: 30k

expected release: june-august 2022

After centuries of hiding and oppression, the vampire underground now sees its darkest days: blatant animosity between people of the same kind, twisted schools of thoughts, cultish covens, all of which have led to bloodshed around every corner.

A series of unsettling disappearances and the murder of a friend have Doyoung searching through the pits of hell for answers. Out of morbid curiosity and his unrelenting pursuit for vengeance, he vows to dig up the entire underground, to play in the sickest, vilest games if it means unmasking the mastermind behind it all—but in a split second of weakness, he might just become the very people he’s hellbent on destroying.

It's a lot of doyoung. I'm well aware of this and I do not apologize for it.

[cowperviolet]

Last Line Meme

Thank you, @theladyelizabeth for tagging me!

This is what I've written yesterday in a chapter of my upcoming fantasy WIP, To Topple a Throne. Context: my heroine is in the middle of an investigation in what she suspects to be a royalist conspiracy.

Was there a guarantee that such a quarry will turn up, however? It was entirely possible she was going to miss it, or fail to recognize it. Runes and blades, Sidonie thought, evoking, by habit, the fearsome deity paradoxically famous for both wielding an enchanted sword and gifting humanity its first writing. I might have missed him already. 

I am tagging @chrysanthemumgames and @jamesshawgames.

[heliopauseentertainments]

Time for WIP Wednesday. I've got a short, unedited raw chunk from one of my MegaStar Week prompts: Day 3 - Music/Dance. I've gone with "dance." It's mostly IDW1 in flavor, but it is fairly continuity neutral.

“Stop! Stop it!”

Starscream waved his arms in offense, prying them free of clinging hands in the process. His wings flapped frantically to provide more leverage. Unnecessary since Megatron had let go, but a little show of defiance could go a long way down the road.

All the while, the upbeat music continued to play in the background. Soundwave paid them no mind as he sat with his datapad in the far corner of the throne-room.

“You graceless oaf!”

Over these past few years, he had come to absolutely despise Kaon’s ancient “keep what you kill” laws, left over from when the province had been a mostly uninhabited part of the Darklands, before the “Golden Age.”

“I’m sick of your two left feet and your death-grip!”

He furiously pointed down at Megatron’s feet, which had mercilessly trodden on his own no less than five times in as many minutes.

At first, those ridiculous laws had provided a legitimate foothold when their band of revolutionaries had toppled the local council and aristocrats. Slaying the province’s duke had earned Megatron the pompous bastard’s title and the right to control the walled city of Kaon and its surrounding territories. What a strange way to become a viable heir to the local dignity, but it had been convenient at the time.

Theoretically, the Cybertronian Senate still had authority here for planetary laws, but no way to enforce. They couldn’t get their goons across the borders or through the checkpoints, which the Decepticons, with Starscream’s wise counsel, had wasted no time in securing and fortifying.

Back then, Starscream’s largest complaint had been how downright ugly their fortress, Kolkular, was. An utter eyesore of imposing brutalist architecture, but it served its purpose.

A fair price to pay for a favorable legal situation. At the time.

[dovesofcedar]

I don’t appreciate my dumbass brain waking me up at 2:30 in the morning, thinking I have to go to work today... Have a WIP from ‘Beneath his Throne’, since I’m wide awake with nothing better to do. 

Sergio’s meeting with the Disciples goes in a direction that Gage isn’t too pleased with. Jealousy quickly leads to some intrusive, possessive thoughts.

---

The raiders were almost touching now, engaged in their conversation so deeply that they paid no mind to anyone else around. Fuck, there was that feeling again. A sickness in his guts that tugged and pulled and made him so. Fucking. Angry. At his inability to keep himself from getting roped into this nonsense, at Savoy, but most of all at Sergio...

  He drove him mad. Made him feel unhinged. Played with him like he was nothing more than a temporary fancy before the next, more interesting, attractive thing came around. He wanted to go over and rip Sergio away and usher him from the building. Take him under his wing and guide him the way he knew he needed to go. Sergio didn't need advice from anyone else here. He brought him in. He was there for him any time of the day he was needed. HE was willing to do whatever it took to raise Sergio to the pinnacle of his potential...

Now Sergio was leaning closer, smirk turning into an interested, coy grin. Savoy made lazy gestures in the air before mocking a few quick, stabbing motions. Adrenaline flushed through his veins, sending Gage toppling over the edge of composure. He almost shoved himself off the wall, but restrained himself when he saw Savoy's hand was empty. 

The minutes ticked by like hours. He couldn't relax. Couldn't bring himself to pretend everything was okay with this interaction... Savoy had seemed like the 'safer' choice, over Dixie, but now, Gage wasn't so sure. Perhaps it was the growing tension in his own mind, but this was all starting to feel - wrong.

[ironwoodprotectionsquad]

💖 😐 📥 ✏️ 🖊 🏅 😈 🌙 🌝 📝 🤔 🧠 ✨ 💭 🍰

💖 What do you like most about your own writing? I like how I write dialogue between characters. I feel like I can get characters and how they speak down pretty well. 😐 What embarrasses you most about your own writing? I am uh kind of an angst lord and can sometimes get a little too angsty oops. 📥 What is your fave fic to receive comments/messages on? Honestly? Whatever fic I am actively working on lolz. Currently it makes me happiest to see comments on Vows and Lies for that reason. ✏️ Do you write every day? I try to! Doesn’t always happen but ideally I at least jot some ideas down every day. 🖊 Post a snippet from a current WIP.

(I have not posted this one yet but I am so excited to start posting. I probably will wait until Vows and Lies is done before posting this bad boy though)

“He doesn’t,” Jacques agreed, studying Winter carefully. To the untrained eye, she would seem composed and held together, but he could see just beneath the surface a nearly uncontainable rage, desperately trying to burst free. Was this rage directed at James? Or Jacques? Had she finally had enough of James or was she trying to lul Jacques into a false sense of security? Jacques couldn’t say with certainty just yet, but he had to admit, if she really was ready to turn on James, she was in the perfect position to help him topple James from his throne. “And you want to do something about it?” “The people cannot be left to suffer any longer,” Winter said, a deep conviction in her voice that almost convinced Jacques. “I won’t stand for it.” “And what do you plan to do about it?” Jacques asked, leaning back in his seat, pressing his fingertips together as he studied Winter, noting how she was just as intensely studying him. 

🏅 What is something you recently felt proud of in regard to your writing (finished a fic, actually planned for once, etc). I finally buckled down and started working on my massive AU for RWBY that will follow the entire series so this will be long but I kept hesitating to start but decided it was time to buckle down and start it and I did. 😈 Is there anything you enjoy doing that you think your readers hate? Probably how dialogue heavy my writing can be. That or when I am willing to change perspectives mid chapter 🌙  What time of day do you prefer to write? Why? I wish I could write in the morning but I tend to write best in the evening close to bed. I don’t know why but that is when the writing juices decide they can start flowing. 🌝 Who is one character you haven’t yet written for that you would like to? I haven’t written all that much for Jacques and I would love to write more for him and really explore him and his potential as a character.  📝 What is one growth area you have for your writing? I would like to improve on writing descriptions. I tend to be more dialogue heavy in my writing and I am trying to do better about adding more within the dialogue rather then just talking.  🤔 What is the hardest part of writing fic? Currently? Figuring out how and when to end the fic lolz. For me it is a struggle balancing between not too boring of an end and not going to crazy for the fic on how it ends if that makes sense.  🧠 What’s an idea you have that you can’t quite call a WIP yet? I have this idea for a fic where when the mains arrive in Atlas, they find that Jacques and Watts have taken over and they have to find a way to navigate through complicated political situations to stop Salem while Jacques basically has them all under his control under extreme duress.  ✨ Choose three adjectives to complement your own writing. Consistent, creative, fun (Why are self compliments so hard lolz) 💭 What is a headcanon you have about your own work? Oh uh this is a hard one. This question I wasn’t sure what exactly it was asking you know?  🍰 Name one of your fave comfort fics (doesn’t have to be your all time fave). Oh that’s actually a Star Wars Rebels fic a friend wrote called The Goal is Not to Fall. It’s just such a soft fic I adore it so much!

[mygrayheronstair]

War Prize! Lan Wangji

Here is a compilation of War Prize!Lwj Wangxian fics that I have found. I am a bitch for this trope and I really do hope more fics come up after this:

1) love, in fire and blood by cicer

Complete, Word Count: 360,042

"You want Wen Ruohan dead," the Patriarch continued idly. "You want his corpse puppets eliminated. You want his halls burned to the ground and his soldiers disemboweled and begging for mercy. Have I about covered it?"

He gave another knife-edged smile.

"But what will you give me in return?"

"We would be willing to offer quite a bit in return for Wen Ruohan's defeat," Lan Xichen admitted. "But I'm afraid we don't know what an immortal such as yourself desires. Please advise us."

The Patriarch waved at hand at the front of the tent. "I want Second Young Master Lan."

(In which the Sunshot Campaign ends through an arranged marriage to the Yiling Patriarch, and Lan Wangji suffers the mortifying ordeal of falling in love with his own husband.)

2) Possession by trickanery

WIP, Word Count: 52,373

When the Wen Empire launches a bloody campaign to extend the reaches of its borders, their first target is the Kingdom of Gusu. Between the might of Emperor Wen’s army, the leadership of his two biological sons, and the dark, unorthodox powers of his adopted son, Wei Wuxian a.k.a. The Yiling Demon, Gusu is quickly crushed.

As the spoils of war are divided and the surviving Lan disciples are taken as slaves and prisoners, Wei Wuxian shocks the cultivation world by claiming his first and only war prize: the young enemy prince, Lan Wangji.

Both men soon learn that the distinctions between cruelty and kindness, good and evil, and love and hate are hazy and thin — especially when two souls like theirs are fated to meet.

3) tie a knife with a ribbon by iliacquer

Complete, Word Count: 5,594

The Yiling Patriarch makes a bargain with the cultivation world. He'll give them the power to defeat Wen Ruohan. No more death. No more war.

All he wants in return is Lan Wangji.

Warning: Dubious Consent

4) what price is duty, what cost is love by thunderwear

WIP, Word Count: 12,923

The Patriarch had joked about putting him in a veil, but Lan Wangji refused outright, the only piece of autonomy he’d demanded for the whole thing. Being covered like that, trapped, would have made him panic. He might have let tears drip down his cheeks if he hadn’t had to worry about anyone seeing his face.

As Lan Wangji bowed, he thought of his mother, and he almost wept anyway.

In an effort to keep the Yiling Patriarch from destroying their own sects like he’d destroyed Wen Ruohan’s, the Great Sects band together an offer him an alliance in the form of a marriage.

Who better to offer than the Second Jade of Lan?

5) Peace is bought at an expense often thought too high by ceria

Complete, Word Count: 22,365

They are losing to Wen Ruohan and without additional help, they will fail.

6) found you, locked away in this garden by silverashes

WIP, Word Count: 6514

They had saved each other’s lives, once. The reason? Lan Wangji does not know. He does not know why he did not kill the Emperor, and why he was not killed in return. But now, the decision has been sealed. An unequal compromise, everyone had whispered, where the Lan Clan of Gusu is getting more than what the bargain is worth.

The bargain? An end to the war in exchange for Lan Wangji.

Warnings: Slight Dubious Consent

7) to porcelain, to ivory, to steel by sunsandships

Complete, Word Count: 27,165

When Jin Guangshan asked Wei Wuxian what he wanted in return for his support in seizing the throne from Wen Ruohan, Wei Wuxian thought about the beautiful, lonely figure he'd once glimpsed in an open courtyard in Koi Tower. The last of the Lans in the world.

It had been a long time since Wei Wuxian had wanted anything, but he wanted him.

He couldn't have known what getting what he wanted would mean for them both.

Warning: Dubious Consent

8) to topple kingdoms and cities by matcha_ado

WIP, Word Count: 9,635

“A bargain was made, and it will be honored.”

Warning: Dubious Consent

9) Fearing You, Loving You by MaggieoftheOwls

WIP, Word Count: 9,372

When Wei Wuxian came back from the Burial Mounds, he came back wrong. The only effect this has on Lan Wangji's feelings is that now he worries even more about him.

Warning: Dubious Consent

10) Sound it off by Silver999

WIP, Word Count: 481,816

Who do you trust? Are you willing to put your life in the hands of someone else?

Yunmeng Jiang emerges victorious from the latest war but the conflicts are far from being over. For starters, the two Jades of Lan now have to make it in Lotus Pier - a fairly hostile territory for two recently defeated cultivators who have been stripped of their powers. The rest of the cultivating world is not sitting idly either...

... also known as the AU absolutely no one asked for where alliances are totally mixed up, inter-clan wars are a common thing and the Lan brothers end up in captivity.

You're about to read a whole lot of plot and intrigue with sweet, slowburn Wangxian, fluff, angst and humor.

Spanish translation available, you'll find the link in the notes of chapter 1.

-Update (25/3/21)-

11) holding hands with you in this rain-flooded street by puddingcatbeans

Complete, Word Count: 12,768

After the war, the sects come together to write out peace treaties and contracts. As the Wen Sect is all but destroyed, the most terrifying thing in the cultivation world is the Yiling Laozu. Unfortunately, the sects owe him for ending the Sunshot Campaign in their favour.

When Yiling Laozu demands Hanguang-jun as compensation, no one is able to say no.

(or, wei wuxian marries himself to lan wangji for political immunity; but more importantly, he needs to dual cultivate with someone with a strong core or his demonic cultivation will kill him.)

[bibbykins]

Retroactive Redamancy (M)

A/N: PLEASE READ THE WARNINGS FOR THIS FIC. This fic does have some darker scenes which I will detail in the warnings. This fic wasn’t as difficult for me to write, but we all have different triggers, so please take care of yourself first above all else. On a lighter note, I am extremely happy to be finishing the soft yandere series. Is this the last of my soft yandere fics or this au? Absolutely not, I have a ton of fun writing yandere and this au, but I am also looking forward to the other fics I plan on posting. All of my wips have some yandere elements, but in varying degree. I hope you will continue to support me and have a great day/night and stay safe in these trying times!

Genre: Smut, fluff, angst

Word count: 11.9k

Pairing: Soft Yandere! Hoseok x reader

Warnings: graphic depictions of blood, graphic descriptions of domestic abuse (not done by Hoseok), graphic descriptions of injury on the mouth/tongue, mentions of trauma, anxiety/panic attacks, mentions of puke, penetrative sex, cunnilingus, cumming inside *** all sexual acts mentioned are consensual ***, unhealthy relationship, toxic relationship

Summary: You both swore you would never see each other again. It’s funny how fate works, even when you have to go through hell to make it work. His house was just a random house as you stumbled out of a cab, blood pooling in your mouth. You had no expectations for him to catch you when you fell, and most importantly, protect you when you needed it most. He sat you on his throne and called himself your knight. Is it wrong of you to love him again for it? Is it wrong of him to keep you? Is it wrong of you to want to be kept? 

The act of loving back.

It was the way he looked at you. It was the way he made you feel like the only one in his world and him the only one in yours. It was love. But that's the tricky thing about two people loving one another. One person can decide it is no longer a shared love. In a split second, it is unrequited.

---

“I-I don't understand.”  Your bottom lip quivered as Hoseok stood in front of you. In any other situation, he would've knelt down and consoled you, but this was an outlier in that pattern, “You said you wanted to be with me for the rest of your life.”

“For the rest of my life here.” He gestured to your hometown surrounding both of you, “Now I have to go back to my life.”

His life? But this was his life. Right?

He said you were his world and now he couldn’t wait to explore another universe, any universe away from you.

That's when it hit you. All you did was keep him company as he studied abroad. He was a college sophomore testing out the waters of a new country, and you were a high school senior, browsing for college and falling head over heels for this man the past nine months.

"You must have a lovely girlfriend at home, huh?" He remained silent, guilty. You let out a breathy laugh, “Oh, I see.” You sighed, the tears finally toppling over and hitting your cheeks, “You're scared to be alone.” He remained silent, “What kind of man are you back home that you call this here a different life?” Guilty silence, “I love you, and you don't know a damn thing about me I bet.” Your lip quivered, "That's what I get for being the other woman." You spit the words out, more angry with yourself.

“You're angry, I get it.” He spoke softly as he reached for your hand and you recoiled sharply, “You hate me.”

“I'm hurt.” You snapped, looking him in his eyes full of guilt, “I could never hate you, just like you could never love me. Just like how you refuse to tell me where home is for you. Just like how you refuse to tell me about your family. Just like how you refuse to fall in love because you are so afraid of the other person not catching you. Well, I have just hit the ground, and I hope you're fucking ecstatic.” Your tears didn't hinder your words but made them hit harder in Hoseok’s eyes. 

You were always so observant. He wondered where life would take you with that talent. Where you wanted to go with that talent. He made sure he never knew.

You were only in high school. You were just 18. You would forget him.

“I can't believe how much I love you.” You sighed, “I'm so fucking pathetic. I'm sick of this.” You sniffed and he braced himself for the final proclamation of hate, “You have a great life in mystery land with a mystery girl and achieve all the things you want to with your mystery major, and I will do the same, okay?”  You took a deep breath, “Do great things in life.” You told him before turning on your heel and walking away.

It would have been easier on the both of you if you hated him.

----

Hoseok was now in his first year of graduate school. He was the director of human resources at a large company. He was wealthy, smart, and he loved to have company, even if it was not his ideal companion. There was a certain whisper from his past that kept him awake after an exhausting one nightstand.

The void in his heart was semi-filled as he stuffed his dick inside someone else. Hoseok had established a pattern of getting a secretary into bed and then the secretary would quit once their declaration of love was effectively denied. He could not admit to himself why he rejected each confession, but he knew it had to do with a certain girl he had denied himself further access too at an attempt toward redemption. Despite this unspoken wound on his heart, he was expecting to do the same cycle of his with his soon to be former secretary Jiyeon on this cold night until he heard a knock on his door, a persistent one.

“Give me one second.” He pecked the girl's neck at the table, expecting it to be the groceries he ordered.

Upon opening the door, Hoseok found something else. He found a girl with a thin sweater and sweatpants shaking. She had a face mask and her eyes were downcast. 

When you heard the door open you looked up, “H-Hoseok? Jung Hoseok?” You were baffled, “I-I didn't know you live here, but I need a favor.” He knew who you were. He knew the way his name came from your lips. He knew how the syllables roll off your tongue.

Hoseok drew a breath, trying to make sure he was living and breathing at this moment. He couldn’t imagine he had been dreaming about you this time. All his dreams of you were blissful. Although, this setting of you needing something from him could very well be in his dreams. 

It was really you. The not so forgotten dream girl he abandoned in favor of his fear of commitment. You looked different. You looked hurt. What were you doing here? How did you even get here? Why were you here after years of being apart?

You, on the other hand, felt a mixture of relief and dread. On one hand, Hoseok was a sore spot in your romantic history, but he was officially the best boyfriend you’ve had, albeit, by default. On the other hand, you were in pain and you wanted nothing more than to cry and be coddled, but feeling secure that this man would not hurt you physically was enough.

It was really him. The man who turned his back on you. The man who was still as beautiful as the day he left you, but now was absolutely not the time to focus on that,  “I need to use a phone or charge mine.” You squeaked and Hoseok looked at you in bewilderment, and you assumed it was due to not recognizing you, “It's y/n.” You offered but he was still stunned, as you saw a beautiful woman linger behind him, “Look, I don't care who you're fucking right now, please let me in.” Your voice was quaking, desperate. He had never heard it like this before.

 He stepped to the side as you scurried in, “Jiyeon, leave.” The girl balked and he turned to her with a stern eye, “Go.” The girl scoffed as she slammed the front door behind her.

“Where's the bathroom?” You immediately asked, bottom lip beginning to tremble as the pain set in.

“Y/n, what-" He had so many questions

“Later, I promise,” Your voice shook as your body still was, “Bathroom, please.” Your mouth sounded full almost and Hoseok studied you to find a line of red down your neck. 

It was dried blood, but upon further inspection not all of it was dry.

“You're bleeding!”  He spoke incredulously as he went to take your mask off. You wanted to fight it, but you were exhausted, “Don't even think about fighting me. You're hurt.” He read your mind as he pulled the mask down with a steady hand. The mask revealed a busted lip and a cut tongue that was now oozing blood, “Holy shit!” The man went to grab a rag as he held it to your lip, “What the fuck happened?!” He led your shaky legs over to a barstool in his kitchen.

You sat down, slumped over, looking at the rag to see small amounts of blood blotting the fabric. You were no longer gushing. That was good, “I didn't know where else to go.” You were muffled against the cotton, “This was the first place I could find. I had no idea you would- you would be here.”

Hoseok took a look at you. Your eyes were red and puffy. Your cheeks were stained with pure tears. Your nose had traces of blood on the nostrils. Your hands were bruised with open slices that stopped bleeding. Your shirt was torn on the stomach and shoulder. Your feet only had socks on them as your sweatpants had even more dry blood.

Hoseok shuddered at the thought of what happened. He wondered if someone did it. The notion made his blood boil. He took a look at your hand and saw an engagement ring. His blood was no on fire. It didn't take a genius to see what happened. To put two and two together.

You followed his eyes and scoffed, “Pretty, huh?” You mused, lifting your finger up, “You should feel it when someone makes you slice your tongue on it.” You spoke flatly as Hoseok wet a paper towel to clean your chin.

You let go of the rag, the blood now dry and finished pouring out, “What happened?” Hoseok asked softly as you sighed.

“I have poor, poor taste in men.” You sniffled,” No offense.” You offered to the man in front of you,  “I am a victim of my poor judgment.” You sighed, and coughed as the thickness of your own blood sliding down your throat before it finally hit you, “Holy shit that hurts.” Your hand stroked your throat as Hoseok caught glimpse of faded bruises along your neck.

“How… How are you here?” He pressed a cold hand to your neck and you flinched before relaxing against his touch.

“Alive or in your home?” You giggled before coughing, “Sorry, not funny.” You breathed a small sigh as a wet cloth began to wipe away the blood that dripped onto your neck, “I went to University in Ilsang about two years ago. I fell for a man who could never love me, call me a creature of habit, but his parents did love me. I am quite the parent charmer, so he proposed, we moved just outside of the city, and began to plan the wedding.” Your cocky smile fell as you wiped a drop of blood from your mouth, “But the funny thing about being the girl of his parents' dreams almost always means I am not the girl of his.” Hoseok could feel his body heating in rage, “She is sexier, wild, and full of life, so she tried to take mine away, much to his approval.” You felt a tear try to squeeze past your swollen eye, “Call me a pacifist, but I prefer to be broken up with rather than beat.” Hoseok could finally see your face now with all the blood gone. You hadn't changed much, still as beautiful as the day he met you, “I won't bore you with the gore, but it was without purpose. I got a job in the city here as well as a scholarship for the university, so I was planning to leave anyway. However, running from my old apartment covered in blood and begging a taxi to take me as far as he can is not how I planned to make the move.”

“You mean she attacked you and he just let it happen?” Hoseok clenched the cloth in his hand.

“He… uh, held me down.” You shivered, all feigned strength and nonchalance absolved as you realized the gravity of your situation. You were homeless, beaten, and your job didn't begin until after the New Year thanks to a paid holiday break you still got compensated for, and now felt extremely thankful for, “God, this is so fucking crazy."

“We need to call the police!” Hoseok, in contrast to you, was fuming. How someone could ever lay a hand on you is something he would never care to understand. He just wanted to see them burn.

“No point.” You sighed for the nth time of the night. You opened your mouth to elaborate but was cut off by your own coughing as the blood in your tongue tried to make its way down your throat again. 

Hoseok didn't hesitate in putting his hand in front of your mouth. He felt your blood splatter onto his hand, “God, give me his name.” He murmured as you coughed into his hand.

“I'm sorry.” You coughed again, before pulling away from his hand, “That is so gross.” You looked to his bloodied hand.

There was something almost primal with the way Hoseok felt the need to take care of you. No matter how many years went by or the amount he fucked up with you, his instinct to keep you safe has not changed, much to his dismay. Throughout the years, he did his best to stay away from you, but he found himself more than horrified by the result of this.

You were in his kitchen, beaten and coughing blood into his hand. He was trying to remain calm as he wet a towel to wipe your neck, but his knuckles turned white on the sink when he turned the faucet. He needed to know the names of the people who did this. He needed to tear them down.

Hoseok brought a white rag into your neck and the cooling sensation of the water made your eye flutter closed in bliss. He savored the moment of your care-free look. He missed it. He carefully rid your neck of your caked-on blood and he was happy to see your beautiful skin again.

You let him brush the rag against the corners of your mouth and on your cheek, cleaning you. He turned the rag to a clean side and pushed your cheeks lightly opening your mouth. You got the hint and reluctantly stuck your tongue out, but the feeling of the cool cloth on your wounded tongue made up for it.

You were beautiful, even more so now that he could see your face, “There you are.” He murmured, “Doesn’t look like your face will bruise.” He mused as he cleaned your tongue, “Tongues heal pretty quick and the cut isn’t too deep either.” His first aid training from last month was proving pretty useful.

“You think so?” You asked him before looking into his eyes.

Hoseok returned your look. His face lit up as your innocent eyes looked for confirmation. In your eyes, Hoseok could see all that he denied himself. He could see the number of times you cried without him there, the times you giggled and he wasn't there to tease you on how cute it was, and the times you proclaimed to love someone who didn't deserve it. But no more. Hoseok had you here now, and he was dead set on keeping it that way. You were the one.

Hoseok was always so warm, and his eyes showed as much when he returned your gaze with the same smile that made your heartbeat, “You'll be just fine.” He touched your cheek softly and you relaxed fully for the first time this whole night.

There was something about his affirmation that made you feel like everything would be okay. You would start your new job and be the person you always wanted to be. You would be more than a beaten girl on your ex’s front porch. You would be able to close your eyes and wake up to a new day. This night will be in the past one day. You have a future ahead of you. These are all the things that seemed impossible hours ago. These are all the things Hoseok reminded you of in just four words. 

With this in mind, you decided it was time to let go of tonight. Let go of the pain and the suffering for just a moment.

You felt your bottom lip tremble and you let it happen as you felt your chest give as you let the sob jump out of your mouth. You let go of the rag you held and gripped the soft shirt Hoseok was wearing and pressed your forehead against his chest. You took a deep breath and felt the long-withheld tears pour down your cheeks as you hiccuped and sobbed against his chest.

If Hoseok wasn't so in love with you, he would think you were breaking down. However, he knew better. You were still his y/n after all. This is how you rebuilt. This is how you let go and face the future. This is how you heal. You express emotion in the most physical way you can. You find peace in watching the pain dry from your eyes. 

He wrapped your arms around you as you cried into his chest, clutching onto him for dear life, “You never change.” He mused as your shoulders shook, “Still my strong girl, even after all this time.” He stroked your hair as you sniffled.

You had stayed like this for a while. You let hell loose on Hoseok’s shirt. For a moment, it was like you were together again. It was as if you went back with him instead of all those years ago. You went to school with him and moved in with him. You would flaunt the love you two shared in glee as you spent your life with your first love. There would be no one else. Just him.

While this fantasy was nothing but, at this moment, you remembered how right it felt to be in his arms. Maybe you had been obsessed with him these past few years. Maybe you still loved him like you were still a teenager

Little did you know, he often dreamt of the possibility. 

“I-I thought I was gonna die there!” You sobbed.

Hoseok only held you tighter, unable to even bear the thought, “I'm never letting you go, y/n.” He cooed, “You have to know that.” 

A possibility that no longer seemed too out of reach.

Hoseok held you for hours before he felt your grip relax and your breathing even. Your weight was fully on him and he was happy to see you trusting him enough at this moment to fall asleep. To feel safe enough to rest. He wondered when the last time was that you slept peacefully. 

You stayed in this position until he was sure you were asleep. He lifted you in his arms as your head drooped against his shoulder. He carried you to his bedroom with the lightest step as he laid you down. 

Not one to overstep boundaries too much, Hoseok opted to sleep on the couch after tucking you in. He laid down and he wondered about all the ways he could make that bastard ex of yours pay. 

You woke up purely on your own. No alarm. No paranoia. No nightmare. Just your internal clock, which you were delighted to find was still functioning. You opened your eyes and yes, everything hurt, but you were still comfortable. 

You sat up, and that's when everything really hurt. You cried out as you put your hand to your aching head. Crying always gave you a headache. Paired with the beating from last night, your head was hell.

Hoseok raced down the hall to get to you. You looked up to see him out of breath and holding a bottle of water with a small pill in his hand, “Be careful!” He softly scolded as he handed you the pill and unscrewed the cap on the bottle.

You took the bottle from him as you popped the pill marked with the brand of a painkiller into your mouth before drinking the water. You had only then just realized how thirsty you were and began gulping it.

“Hey, hey slow down.” Hoseok’s hand lightly caressed your nape and you slowly put the bottle down, now half empty.

“Sorry, my-” You winced, your tongue proving to be quite sensitive.

“Talk lightly, you’re healing.” Hoseok cooed and for a moment you were brought back to the ridiculous reality you were brought into. You were in your first love’s bed alone after being nearly killed by your ex-fiance's side-chick. Now, the man who broke your heart was nursing you back to full health and treating your wounds. You wondered if you would wake up soon from this fever dream. Although, the pain on your tongue told you this was all too real.

“My throat was raw.” You with your tongue barely touching your mouth, making your speech much slower, “Is what I was trying to say.”

“I figured as much, you had a rough night to say the least, sweetheart.” Hoseok smiled at you reassuringly, “But here we are, a new day, a new chapter.” He gestured around him, “Now, your phone has been going off quite incessantly since I charged it, is there anyone that you were hoping to hear from?” 

You thought for a moment. You moved to South Korea on your own and the only friend you made became your fiance, now ex. His mom would call from time to time, but no way were you talking to her. Your family was long gone, so that’s out of the question. All you had was your new job, but it was a Saturday morning. You shook your head.

“Do you mind if I look at who it is?” He asked and you shook your head, the pounding of it having now subsided, letting the light vibrations of your phone on the nightstand register in your eardrum. Hoseok reached over and took your severely cracked phone into his slender hand, “Who is Oh Sookwang?” He asked, noticing the way you tensed up, “Ah, so that’s his name.” He noted as part of the work that he needs to get done once the workweek begins.

“Wh-What did he say?” You asked hesitantly. Hoseok also hesitated as he scrolled through the texts he sent, “Is it bad?”

“It’s certainly bad for him.” His voice was much colder now with his eyes transfixed on the phone, “It seems he wants to know if you’re dead.” He spoke flatly, “He also wants the ring back for Minyoung.”

You scoffed, unsure of what you expected. You clenched your fist and felt the gold band of the ring dig into your finger. The diamond has specks of your blood dried onto it by now. He probably didn’t even want it for Minyoung. It was probably going to serve as a trophy for another woman broken under their hands. It was a sign of the torment they were capable of inflicting with all the money and the power their feuding parents could give them. You ripped the ring off your finger before throwing it across the room. 

Hoseok watched as the diamond fell out of the ring and onto his bedroom floor. He rolled his eyes at how cheap of a ring this other man dared to present to someone so extremely out of his league. 

“The world is just going to keep turning under his discretion, isn’t it?” Your upper lip twitched in rage.

Hoseok leaned down and kissed the top of your head, “Not while I’m around.”

You looked up at the man who stood before you, “His family is powerful, and so is hers, it’s useless.”

Hoseok chuckled lightly before ruffling your hair, “Look around, babe, I’m powerful.” 

----

It had been a little more than a week before you agreed to stay with Hoseok. On one hand, he was your first love and heartbreak but on the other hand, you had nowhere else to go. The apartment you planned to move to was detected by Sookwang and for your safety, you decided to not sign the lease. Not like Hoseok would let you.

It had been almost a month since that night now. Your company extended your leave due to the circumstances you were faced with and Hoseok arranged his schedule so he could stay home until you went to work.

He had been quite the caretaker. A doctor he trusted came to make a housecall and gave you a clean bill of health, meaning no broken bones or internal bleeding. You screamed the first time he touched you, so you had to hold Hoseok's hand throughout his assessment. The trauma of it all had not hit you until another stranger had to touch you. Hoseok offered to take you to a counselor but you declined, not ready to say it out loud yet. Even so, you eventually did see someone for coping practices and a diagnosis you had already known.

Being with him again was nostalgic in its own way. Sometimes it felt like catching up with an old friend but then other days it felt like you were picking up right where you left off. Of course, you knew you had no business getting into another relationship after just ending an engagement. In reality, though, the engagement ended long ago, you had just stayed around like a loyal punching bag.

“I forgot how good of a cook you were.” You smiled at Hoseok and the fact you could speak without feeling an ache, “You've only gotten better too, no fair.��� You pouted at him.

Hoseok took off his apron, moving to join you at the table, “It's just chicken parmesan, not rocket science.” He ruffled your hair, “Cutie.”

You looked at the man across from you and smiled at the way he settled in, “So, tomorrow you go back to work, right?” You asked as you shoveled the food into your mouth.

“Yes, but I could very easily-” You pouted at him reusing the same line. 

“No.” You reiterated, “We are both working tomorrow, remember?” Hoseok closed his mouth in defeat. You had made a good case about needing to return to work and move on this past week that he could not deny, “Be excited, it's cementing this new start.” You smiled reassuringly.

His face softened at you beaming grin and he smiled back, defeated, “I am excited, just worried.” He sighed.

You knew why. He was scared of you getting hurt or your ex trying to finish his lover's job, “You already reported them, so it's okay.” Hoseok nodded at your words, happy with how calm you were now compared to when you found out what he had done.

That was a rough day. You turned on the news to see the fall of Sookwang’s family corporation and Minyoung also went from heiress to most wanted. They were both under investigation for the attempted murder of an unknown female and embezzlement. There had been outside corporate lawyers and criminal lawyers called to the case. You screamed and cried that day, Hoseok taking the brunt of your misdirected anger. You feared taking the stand and that's what really drove your tantrum.

Hoseok grimaced at the memory, protective instincts kicking in, “You could at least tell me where you work or your job.” He grumbled.

You rolled your eyes playfully, “I told you I will.” You pointed your fork at him, “After a week, because otherwise you will show up or send someone to not so discreetly watch me.” You watch Hoseok slump, guilty, “And you will tell me all about your job then so I don't run to you whenever I get scared.”

“But I want you to run to me if you get scared.” He pouted this time, “I can't bear the thought of you being alone.”

“I can just call you, doofus.” You reached you his hand across the table and watched as he relaxed at the contact, “If I make you my crutch, I will only prove people like Sookwang and Minyoung right.” You mused sadly, “I gotta be better than that.”

Hoseok bit his tongue. He wanted to say that you were miles above scum like them. He would kill them with his bare hands if he didn't have the basic human rationale he cultivated ever so slightly. His morals weren't there, but he couldn't take care of you behind prison bars and he couldn't take you away into hiding and still make you happy. He also couldn't incite violence in fear of you comparing him to Minyoung. He had weighed his options very heavily and was extremely grateful he had the power to ensure the legal system would not fail you. With this, he chose to discipline scum with proper justice and corporate murder.

“You already are.” Hoseok squeezed your hand and stared into your eyes. The feelings he had just looking at you was hard to contain. He would give anything to kiss you again and have you as his, but he knew you wouldn't believe the time was right.

“Thank you.” You stared back at him with an almost equal amount of love and care. You were on your way to the right time. He just knew it.

“I'm sorry that I ever left you.” Hoseok blurted out as you began shaking your head.

You stopped him from speaking any further, “I'm glad you did.” You cut him off, “I needed this all to happen to be who I am now.” You smiled a bit, “It's clichè to say, I know, but before yesterday I considered not taking this job just because I was scared people would be mean.” You mused, “But I lived and at some point loved a man who literally wanted me dead, so what more could a disgruntled coworker or a mean boss do to me?” You picked at the pasta briefly, “I was much too spoiled before all of this. Everything I had was handed to me.”

Hoseok's face scrunched up, “You're the most hardworking person I know.” He spoke up, “You work for everything you get and you still deserve more than that.” 

“These past two years, I would wake up and feel ashamed for breathing.” You felt the pressure in your eyes, “I felt bad that I was still alive because I was causing all of this trouble.”

“None of that was your fault.” Hoseok gripped your hand tightly, “You were not the bad guy in that situation.”

“And logically, I know that, but it just gets to you after a while. Except for today,” You finally looked up at Hoseok and beamed just a little, “I woke up and I didn't even notice the pain, I looked out the window and saw a beautiful day. You smiled at me and everything was okay.” You watched as his signature smile grew, “I wasn't just an abuse victim, for the first time, I felt like a survivor.”

“You are.” He confirmed with and encouraging squeeze.

“And if being one means all this shit had to happen, so be it.” You affirmed to both Hoseok and yourself, “These next few days are gonna be rough, but Dr. Lin says I'm getting better at shaking his hand without shaking the rest of my body.” You giggled a bit before looking at your hand, Hoseok stroking the tan line where your ring used to be.

“The moment you feel uncomfortable, come home.” Hoseok pleaded, “You told them what happened, right?”

You sighed with a nod, “Yeah, they got the emails Dr. Lin drafted and they were actually really kind about it.”

“Good, but even if they weren't, you could work with me.” He offered for the millionth time and you rolled your eyes, “I know, I know, I just want to make sure you're safe and happy and eating right and hydrated and-”

“I am capable of doing so by myself too.” You pointed your fork at him, “I really appreciate you, Hobi, but you have to trust me.” 

Hoseok rested his case in favor of how happy you looked to start this mysterious new job and the fact that his old nickname slipped from your lips for the first time in years. You knew how to play him like a fiddle and had no idea. The last thing he would want was for you to hate him so he even opted to not research you to figure out what your job was. All you said was that you were freelance before they hired you which gave him nothing.

The next morning you woke up at the crack of dumb. In the mirror, you checked your tongue, the wound healed and the uncomfortable stitches you had a week ago fully dissolved. The whole incident felt like a distant nightmare now. All marks from it fully healed, and now only the scars remained. 

You heard Hoseok walking down the stairs, most likely to start the coffee before making breakfast. You had been staying in his guest room, for the time being, your bathroom was in the hall and he could see the light under the door, indicating you were awake. He had offered you the other bedroom with its own bathroom, but you wanted to get used to leaving your room a little more. 

It had been a long while since you put on makeup with a motivation revolving around self-care and confidence as opposed to masking clumps of busted vessels and capillaries lingering beneath your skin. You couldn't help the smile that grew on your face as you applied eyeliner and checked your work in the mirror. There was something therapeutic about painting your face with a much lighter intent. You were excited, and for the first time in a while, you could feel your nerves buzzing and the butterflies in your stomach blooming from their cocoon. 

You also hadn't put this much effort into your hair this entire time. Hoseok would sometimes brush your hair after a shower, mostly out of habit from when both your hands had been wrapped up. However, beyond that, it was kept in its natural state, which you figured was mediocre at best when paired with your naked and bruised face at the time. Hoseok always talked about how beautiful you were, but this was the first time in a while you felt anywhere close to it.

There were no bruises on your face, your dark circles were not even half the horror they used to be, you didn't even have to slather foundation and concealer in an effort to cover an open wound. Your face had never felt so soft, scabs no longer present. You looked at your finished look and squealed to yourself. You looked nice. Your clothes were also stylish, in typical Hoseok fashion, he had surprised you with a new wardrobe beyond all protests, and you couldn't deny how nice it all looked on you. You had called him ridiculous for approaching you with a measuring tape, but the fit was no joke with how it hugged your figure.

“Breakfast is ready!” He called from downstairs and you smiled, excited to show him how you looked.

You nearly pranced down the stairs and to the kitchen to see Hobi with his back turned, getting coffee, “Oh y/n, did you want-” He turned around and was met with the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, “Holy shit.”

To him, you were always beautiful, but you were glowing this time due to your chipper mood. You smiled brightly at him as he took in your appearance. From the stylish high waisted black slacks with a flowy lavender blouse. The black pumps you had only accentuated your confident stature. Your face had light traces of makeup, but it had been growing to be more and more radiant. He took note of the necklaces you wore to compliment your skin complexion. Everything you were fit you so well, his mind was plagued by sinful thoughts of taking them off.

You weren't holding up well either. Hoseok was stunning no matter what, but this was the first time in a long time you had seen him in a suit. His hair was styled perfectly with his brown hair tousled in waves. His suit was well-fitting and the dress shirt managed to outline his muscles. The rings he had on next to his watch made you weak in the knees for some inexplicable reason. The glasses he wore only added to his sugar daddy aesthetic. Were you a gold digger or in love with this man?

You blinked away the question once you registered his profanity, “Is that a good holy shit?” You teased as you sat in front of the plate he set on the table.

“You're a goddess.” He groaned and you giggled, while he walked over with two coffee cups.

“And you're exaggerating.” You poked his nose before picking up your fork, catching sight at the tan line on your ring finger.

Hoseok watched your smile drop a little, “Y/n, are you alright?” His face showed very evident worry.

You looked up, snapping out of your trance, “Yeah, just this dumb tanline.” You huffed, “It's so blatant.”  You held up your hand to Hoseok, although he knew about the line all too well.

“I can put a ring on your finger.” You choked on your coffee at Hoseok's blunt words, “Y/n!” He made a move to stand and help you but you shook your head as you coughed.

“People will think I'm engaged.” You regained composure, “They'll ask me all kinds of questions.”

Hoseok would be lying if he said that was a bad thing. This would keep any intruders into your relationship with him away. This would keep you closer to him. He shrugged, “Engaged or not,” He placed a quaint box on the table, “I already bought the ring so…” He pushes the box toward you with a cheeky smile, “It's winter now, so you can just wear it until it fades.”

You chuckle as you take the box, “This might be more romantic than my proposal.” You joked, “He spelled it out in roses with candles around it.”

“You hate roses.” Hoseok pointed out and you nodded with an eye roll, “You know what?” He grabbed the blue velvet box and went around the table. Before you could ask what he was doing, he knelt down on one knee, taking your hand, “Y/n L/n, will you stay with me?”

You giggled, “I would be honored.” He beamed at you as he opened the box to reveal and black diamond with two smaller traditional ones on each side with a silver band which he slid on your finger, “I used to dream about this in high school.” You admired the ring, “I had a whole dream board for our future wedding.” 

Hoseok chuckled at this, “You really loved me, huh?”

You frowned as he stood to go back to his side of the table. Without thinking you gripped his hand, making him turn back to you, “I'll always love you, Hobi.” The words jumped out of your mouth before you could even consider the weight they held and the terrible timing it was. Your ex wasn't even in prison yet. His sentencing had yet to come and here you were like a blushing schoolgirl pining after Hoseok all over again.

Hoseok, on the other hand, was over the moon. He knew it, but to hear you say it was a new experience in and of itself. You were almost there. Almost ready for him to have you. For you to have him. He saw the worry creep on you face and then dissolve when he gripped your hand back, “And I, you.” He simply said before kissing your knuckles and then returning to his seat.

When it came time for you to go via the driver Hoseok insisted on you having, he hugged you tightly, “Call me if you feel anything other than excitement.” He let out a shaky breath before letting you go from his embrace to grip your shoulders, “Text me whenever you can just how you feel, okay?”

You smiled at him reassuringly, “If I get a papercut, I'll let you know the moment I put a bandage on.” You proclaimed dramatically and Hoseok whined, “I will call you if I need to, okay?” He nodded, “Do you trust me?” Another nod. You cupped his face before bringing it down to kiss his forehead softly. When he lifted his face it was dusted with a light brush, “Have a good day at work.” 

Hoseok took the chance to kiss your forehead this time, “You have the greatest day at work.” He spoke softly and you nodded before exiting through the front door.

Coming back to work was always a sore spot for him, but now that he had you back, it felt even worse. He was already missing you. On top of that, Jiyeon had quit so he had to be his own secretary for a while. He wondered how Taehyung did it for so long. Due to this new workload, he had no idea what his schedule was.

Hoseok looked up as he heard a knock on the glass door of his office. He always kept the blinds down, so he blindly let the visitor in with a call. Namjoon emerged with an exasperated look on his face, “You forgot, didn't you?” When he received Hoseok's response if an eyebrow raise he sighed, “Our fully recovered CEO is having a meeting with all the department heads with our newly wrangled Behavioral Scientist.” An ignorant blink, “The dude is like your new right-hand man Mr. Director of Human Resources.” 

“Oh right!” Hoseok stood, “Our expert in body language for sitting in on interviews.” He nodded, “What's his name again?”

Namjoon shrugged, “Who knows, but CEO Kim said he read her like a diary she was so impressed.” He smirked, “Maybe he’ll smell what an HR nightmare you are right off the bat.”

Hoseok walked over to the door Namjoon stood in the way of, “Hey, hey, I'm a changed man, remember?” He walked out of his office with his colleague, “I have all I need at home.”

His friends teasing tone dissipated as he remembered the shaking girl he encountered just a week ago, “Oh, that's right, how is she?” Namjoon asked, genuinely concerned.

“Better.” Hoseok smiled at his friend, “She starts her new job today, and she's been doing a lot better.”

Namjoon nodded, “When we all met her, she did real well.” He sighed, “Not sure how anyone would ever want to hurt her, but that guy's as good as dead anyway.”

“That much I made sure of.” Hoseok confirmed.

“Jeez, you sound like Tae and Jimin.” Namjoon laughed.

“Just you wait until it's your turn.” Hoseok teased as they reached the conference room to be met with the other five of his friends which was weird since three of them were not higher-ups in the company.

“And I thought this was a director only meeting.” Namjoon mused.

“She said she wanted her favorite boys here.” Taehyung smiled, “This new hire seems to have her struck, said she sees em as another child already.”

“She's too caring for her own good sometimes, watch this dude be some discount medium who claims he can read aura's.” Yoongi scoffed.

“She's not one to be wowed by parlor tricks.” Jin pointed out.

“She has been on morphine for the past couple days though.” Jungkook pointed out.

“You guys give her no credit.” Jimin sighed, “She's still a businesswoman.”

“But she's also a human who extended Hoseok's holiday leave because so that he could stay with his angel.” Yoongi chimed back in.

“Well, I'm excited nonetheless.” Hoseok sat down as Namjoon did before hearing the door open.

CEO Kim walked in with a warm smile, “Hello, boys!” The old woman in her late 60's cheered and was met with a chorus of greetings, “Lovely of you all to make it here. I've been healing just fine before you ask.” She looked at Taehyung in particular, “Gonna take more than some kidney surgery to get me down.” She joked with a light giggle, “Anyways, I'm absolutely pleased to introduce our new addition to HR as the Employment Analyst," She looked out the door, “Come on in, dear.”

You walked through the door, palms already warm. You looked down for a moment, “Good morning!” You lifted your head only to be met with awfully familiar faces, “Oh my.”

“Y/n!” Jungkook was the first to chirp as the other men were completely floored.

The CEO smiled cheerfully, “You know her? Perfect!” She clasped her hands, “My dear here has had a rough adjustment, so do make her feel welcome!” You graciously smiled at the sweet old woman.

“H-Hey guys.” You twiddled your thumbs, “Fancy meeting you here.” You smiled weakly. 

“Y/n, here is a student and is here to help our HR find and keep only the best of the best.” The CEO beamed brightly, “Anyways, she will be working will be working for Mr. Jung.”

You looked at Hoseok and he gave you his signature smile. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.

After the meeting was adjourned, Hoseok made his way to you with the same smile he had before, "You're fantastic." He patted your head affectionately and you giggled.

"You're too much." You stuck your tongue out, "I'm going to go set up my office." You smiled before exiting the conference room with quaint smiles and bows to the remaining 6 other men in the room. The company was eccentric, to say the least, but at least you had familiar faces to rely on.

"You know, you are surprisingly relaxed." Yoongi mused, catching Hoseok's attention.

Hoseok was even then, only partly paying attention as he was caught up in his lovelorn bliss, "Well, of course, why wouldn't I be?" He sighed.

The other men exchanged looks, "Do you not know your reputation?" This snatched Hoseok back to Earth.

"Yeah, she's definitely going to find out," Jungkook added, earning a glare.

Even so, Hoseok knew the men were right. You would not be pleased to find out about his promiscuity, especially in the workplace. You would have every right to be angry, but he still hoped you would understand that he was only trying to fill a void he created by abandoning you. He was a new man.

"That, plus you have secretaries to interview today." Taehyung chimed in, "My darling was kind enough to call them in after Jiyeon called me, hysterical, before quitting." He shot a glare to Hoseok.

"Actually, I think y/n's first task is to interview said, ladies." Namjoon fought the emerging smile on his face as Hoseok nearly went pale.

Jimin spoke this time, "Hobi?" He caught the man's attention, "Run."

Needing no further instruction, he made a dash for the elevator.

"Oh, hello." You caught the attention of a beautiful chestnut-haired woman, "Can I help you?" You smiled at her as you carried a box to your office adjacent to Hoseok's.

She scanned your form before letting her guard down. You should've been offended by how quickly she wrote you off as a non-threat, but you let it go, "I'm looking for Jung Hoseok." She flashed you a smile, a very fake one judging by the stiffness in her face.

You shook off the insecurity planting itself in your psyche before it could latch, "He's in a meeting, but I'm a new worker in this department so I could-"

"They hired you?!" She quickly cut you off, "I didn't even get a chance to interview yet, and they gave the assistant position to you?!" She threw her hands up before her eyes landed on the ring you were, "Wow, are taken women his thing, or something?" She sneered. You felt your throat close in panic and rage all at once. You watched in hidden horror as her face seemed to morph into Minyoung's. 

You swallowed the lump in your throat and replaced it with a quaint smile, a very fake one, "Actually, I'm the new Employment Analyst." You quipped, "I believe I'm your interviewer in fact." The woman went pale, "I'm still setting up my office, but you are very punctual, I'll give you that." You smiled at her, "I am nothing if not fair, so if you would like to take a seat while I set up, I'll be right with you." You gestured to the chairs outside the door to your office and she took the seat slowly. You closed the door behind you, stalking to your desk to place the box on top of the mahogany only to slump down into a crouched position with an exasperated sigh.

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath in, blowing it out through pursed lips to prevent yourself from hyperventilating, "Get it together." You curse yourself. It had maybe been 10 minutes and you were already hiding under your desk, "Fuck, why did I think I could do this?" You closed your eyes in defeat when the door slammed open, startling you.

"Y/n!" Hoseok's voice caused you to internally panic and hit your head under the desk.

"Shit!" You scolded the pain, "I-Is my interviewee still out there?" You wondered aloud as Hoseok rushed to your side.

"I sent them home." He sighed before lifting you to sit on your chair and wordlessly began to guide you through your breathing, just as he had a million times before, just as he had when you were still in high school and especially in the last month.

You worked through the breathing and felt yourself seethe. You were more frustrated than angry, but still angry. Why did this random girl affect you so terribly? Why did Hoseok send her home? Why couldn't you just keep it the fuck together?

"Well, I suggest you leave," You sighed out as your chest rose and fell at its usual pace, "I have more coming."

"You can just cancel them." Hoseok shook his head at the thought of you interviewing a shamefully specific demographic of women he hired, "I want to find the candidates on my own." 

You studied his face. His lips were pursed, eyes were looking at your cheek, not eyes, and his grip on your shoulder had noticeably stiffened. Your face scrunched in disappointment, "Why? It seems they all fit your credentials." You spat, more bitter than you intended before sighing again as silence befell the two of you. You shut your eyes for a moment to gather your thoughts before opening them halfway to look down at your hands clasped together tightly, "I can't do it again, Hoseok." You muttered softly, "I'm not stupid, I know what you do in this office, but I can't do that again."

He met your eyes this time, obviously worried, "What do you mean?" His brows furrowed.

"Be the afterthought." You bit out, "I will not compete with all these women and end up…" exactly like yourself. You swallowed your last words because they would hurt the both of you too much.

"Angel, I would never-"

"Just go, okay?" You forced yourself to say, not looking at him, "It's my first day of work and we've already breached professionalism." You breathed out with your lips pursed, "I have interviews to do." You looked at Hoseok and he didn't meet your eyes as he left, dejected.

The interviews went terribly for both parties you would say. Most of these women had no experience being an Administrative LLP Assistant and if they did, they walked out on their last jobs. A lot of the women were quite kind, after noticeably sizing you up, but then you had some women who thought they could interview you as well. It was awfully reminiscent of when you first encountered Minyoung. 

By the end of the interviews, you felt like your eyes were beginning to cross as your tongue began to sting. It wasn't a real sting. This much was confirmed when your neck also began to sting and you let out a shaky breath. You stared at the excel sheet of employee evaluations and found yourself wondering if you would be able to work at home.

You shook off the very fantasy since you barely had a home to begin with. You needed to look for a place. Your heart squeezed at the thought and you put your hand on your chest. You felt stupid for wanting to leave Hoseok, but you also felt stupid for wanting to stay with a man who had such a specific and insatiable taste. 

The day dragged on and you actively avoided Hoseok when your lunch rolled around. You opted for a granola bar at your desk and it was just as indignifying as you thought it would be. Your job turned out to be mostly excel sheets and productivity reports and it wasn't until Hoseok knocked on your door that you realized it was time to go home- Hoseok's home.

The car ride was painfully and noticeably silent in the beginning. You didn't look at Hoseok and he couldn't bear to meet your eyes as the driver even looked uncomfortable. It wasn't until you realized you were at Hoseok's place that you even moved.

You dragged your feet to the door as the day's event swirled in your head. The women reminded you scarily of yourself, pining after someone who would never pine after them. Some of them were rings too and you wondered if it was because their home life was like yours had been. Had they just wanted to feel desired for once? Who are you to judge them when your ex is piecing together the life your ex-fiance destroyed. How are you any better than them with Hoseok? 

Even if you love him, it doesn't mean he loves you or doesn't plan on finding more thrilling endeavors outside of the lovely little home he keeps you at just like Sookwang had.

The bile in your throat pushed itself against you at the very thought and when Hoseok opened the door, you ran to the bathroom, hand over your mouth.

He quickly ran after you only to see you on your knees in front of the toilet as you heaved a cried. Immediately, he held back your hair as you hurled your guts, thoughts, fears, and sadness out of your body after holding them in for a day. It hadn't been the first time you've thrown up with Hoseok present, so he knew exactly how to clean you up as you cried.

However, this time, you gripped his dress shirt, surely causing wrinkles, and looked at him, "Please don't leave me." Your bottom lip quivered, "I can't, I can't be alone, I'm so sorry." You cried into his chest as he rocked you back and forth, "You're-You're all I…" You let out another sob

"I'm all you have." He mused and you nodded, "Just as you are all I have." You hiccuped and he kissed your head, "I've loved you for years, I will not be stopping, whether you like it or not." He stroked your hair as he closed your eyes.

He should kill Sookwang. He's never been so sure of himself. Hoseok clutched you closer to him as you shook violently. He should kill Sookwang for not only hurting you but for making you so distrusting of everyone, even him. The love of your life. Sookwang instead would spend his life in prison- or lack of life. It was merciful, Hoseok should rip him to shreds and let you do the same to Minyoung. However, the only thing more important than doing that was having you as his, at last.

He was all you had finally. It would remain that way.

After an hour of breathing exercises and mouthwash, you were in your bedroom. You stared up at the ceiling and yet, all you could see was Hoseok's face. You cursed yourself for this. It was like you were back in high school again. You were embarrassed by how easily you fell for him again especially after what Sookwang did. You closed your eyes and moted how warm you felt just thinking about all Hoseok has done for you. 

You weren't an idiot. You had dated him before. You knew he was terrified of a commitment then, but now, it almost seemed as if he craved it. It was a complete turnaround. It wasn't healthy. Logically, you knew that, right? You knew that this connection was obsessive on a good day, but he made you feel so safe. Your first day at work went terribly and you had just wished to go home to Hoseok's loving arms. Instead, your mind had morphed him into Sookwang.

Hoseok was the opposite, however. Sookwang had been sheltered and starved, so he settled for you as a wife and other women as a lover. Hoseok, however merely settled for one night stands in search of stability. He was loving and attentive, maybe a little too much. Even so, he hadn't brought home any women, or left your side, in the past month. He only ever seemed to look at you while you tried to assess your situation. 

You weren't ready for a relationship, you thought. But how the hell do you know what's good for you? 

Look at your past logical decisions, such as getting engaged. Maybe Hoseok knew what's best for you. Maybe you knew that wasn't healthy. Maybe you didn't care.

If you were going to regret this, you were going to have to do it first.

You sat up, letting the covers fall off your body as you ripped them off your legs. Before you could even begin to dissect your mindset, your legs carried you in front of Hoseok's door. It was already in the evening. You wondered if he was going to make dinner or leave you alone for the night. Should you not bother him? You shook your head before bringing your wrist up to knock on the door.

It had been the softest knocks Hoseok had heard in his life. His eyebrows scrunched together. Had he forgotten the cleaning lady was coming today? He could've sworn she comes Tuesday mornings?

"Come in." He nodded towards the closed door as it opened ever so cautiously.

He immediately sat up as soon as he saw it was you, "Hey, Hobi." You smiled at him shyly. 

Hoseok visibly relaxed as he gestured with a flick of his wrist for you to come near him. You walked over to his bed, "Sorry to intrude." You offered wearily, as he guided you to sit next to him, "I just…" You drew in a breath, as his arm wrapped around your waist Before I say anything, I just need to know what you want." His head tilted to the side in confusion now laying down next to his seated form and you groaned in frustration, "Do you...want me?" You forced out and it seemed he finally understood what you were trying to figure out. He leaned over you with a smile.

"I love you if that's what you're getting at." Your breath hitched at his boldness, "Don't act like you didn't know."

It was your turn to be confused as the man of your teenage and adult dreams leaned over you with a satisfied smirk, "You only said it that one time and I didn't think that you…" You avoided eye contact, "Would want used goods." 

He gripped your chin in an instant for you to see his jaw clenched and stern eyes, "I wish you could see what I see." He closed his eyes, letting his irritation diffuse as he leaned closer to you, "What no one else deserves to see." He hovered over your lips.

You were hypnotized by the passion and found yourself left with no option but to grip both sides of his face and bring him down to you. His lips connected with yours slowly at first but it quickly grew into a frenzied expression of how starved you both were to be craved by the other. Your arms wrapped around his neck while his wrapped around your waist. He moved you to where he was laid in between your legs and you gasped when his pelvis had accidentally brushed against yours. 

Hoseok broke away from the kiss for a moment, lips swollen and chest heaving, "Fuck, baby, I better go get dinner started before we end up doing something that-"

You pouted at this, causing Hoseok to immediately halt at the sight, "Hobi," You whined as you gripped his bicep, "Don't you want me?" You batted your eyelashes at him as his resolve crumbled.

"More than anything, angel." He was quick to say as he dipped his head down to place light kisses on your neck.

"So show me." You breathed and it was like something snapped in him.

He gripped your hip with a determined squeeze as his mouth opened eider to harshly suck the skin of your neck between his teeth. You groaned at the sensation, heat quickly pooling between your thighs. The hand on your hip reached up as he began to unbutton the lavender blouse. He had never touched you like this before, so when the shirt left you open, only a bra of the same color shielding you, he had to pull back to look at you for a moment. He studied every mole, freckle, or mark he could see as he slipped the shirt from your shoulders. He kissed down your stomach as he made quick work of the slacks he bought you, nearly salivating at how close he was to your clothed entrance. 

You arched your back, obedient as ever when his hands caressed your waist, sliding behind to unhook your bra. He let out a shaky breath when your top half became full bare. His hands gripped them both, softly pinching both nipples as you let out a mewl that spurred him to lean down, taking one of the buds into his mouth, tongue encircling it as your back arched again while you let out a whine. The sensation of his mouth and hands shooting straight to the area where you wanted them most. He let his teeth graze the bud before sucking and you could no longer suppress the moan that was clawing at your throat. He let the nipple go with a lewd pop as he studied your body again before moving to caress your hips and thighs. He watched the flesh squish under his touch and you squirmed a bit, "So fucking beautiful." He breathed, transfixed by your nearly bare body.

"Hobi." You whined, as his eyes wen to your heated face. Your bottom lip was caught in your teeth as your thighs shifted beneath him.

"Yes, my love?" He mused as he slid the last piece of fabric you had down your legs, watching as your pussy became exposed to him. Your breath hitched when he spread your legs as his fingers went to spread you, "Do you want me to taste you?" He hummed, mouth mere millimeters away from your opening.

You pet out a breathy moan at the anticipation, "Yes, yes, please." You huffed out only for the very breath to be stolen as his tongue dove at your sex like a man starved. 

Hoseok had never expected you to be so needy, each time his tongue moved you would whine out, wanting more and more. Never did he fine eating someone out to be so erotic as he did with his hands keeping you in place as your upper body twisted in pleasure. You would squeak when his tongue would dance around your hole, tempting him to finally plunge it in. He felt how tight you were and was instantly addicted to the feeling of you around him. He fucked you with his tongue as he let you move your hips to meet the thrusts of the muscle. He almost brought a hand to play with your clit but opted to make you cum with his mouth alone.

You had never been eaten out like this before. You could hardly keep up with Hoseok or the sensations he gave you as he entered you with his tongue. Never in your life have you felt so euphoric, the sensation sent tingles down your body and straight to your clit which he flicked with a stiffened tongue before you could even blink. A long-forgotten coil began to tighten in the pit of your stomach as he spread you as wide as you could go, his hands on your knees as he sucked on your clit, tongue still ruthless as it explored your pussy. You could hear him nearly slurp. You normally would be embarrassed, but all you could feel was what Hoseok gave you, and you wanted more. 

As if he read your mind, Hoseok began a ruthless rhythm of long-stroke that brought you closer and closer each time until you let loose with a scream of pleasure, your body shaking as you came. Hoseok placed a kiss on your clit that made your hips jump, "Hobi, fuck me." You breathed out, chest heaving as you crept down from the enormous high. The man hesitated, fully intent on letting you rest and taking care of himself in the bathroom. He was ready to tell you this until you let out another cute whine, "Please, babe, I want you to make love to me." You whined out and how could he possibly say no?

"I can't say no to you, baby, that's not fair." He spoke, eyes lidded as he stripped himself at lighting speed, moving his length along your slit as he groaned lowly at the contact. When he pressed the head against your entrance and you moaned lightly he nearly blew his load. By the time he slid all the way in, he had to take a moment to collect his thoughts. He looked down at you, eyes barely open and mouth panting. He then watched himself as he slid slowly in and out, his hardened member eventually all the way in your tight walls, "You're so beautiful." He groaned as he set a slow pace, "I love you so much." He leant down to kiss you as he fucked you gently and when you moaned into his mouth he couldn't help but speed up.

"Hobi." You moaned out sweetly for him as he fucked you, "Feels so good." You gasped out as your hands went to press him closer to you as he ground deeper into, more desperate. You could feel the bed shaking as he sped up more and more, calculated thrusts now becoming sloppy as you could feel another orgasm on the edge of breaking free.

He could tell you were close to as you squeezed him, "You gonna cum again for me, angel?" You gasped, nearly squealing as you squeezed around him, cumming hard enough to send him over the edge, "Fuck, fuck!" He moaned in pure ecstasy as he came inside of you, riding out the highs you both shared.

"I love you." You mumbled through tired lips pressed against his ears. He slowly slid out of you and that's as far as you remember before passing out.

You woke up with soft lips against your shoulder as the early morning peeked through the curtains. Your eyes slowly opened as they flicked around to find Hoseok in your peripherals, "Oh, you're awake." He mumbled, mouth still trailing over your bare skin.

"Mmph." You murmured, turning over, "Good morning." You placed a lazy kiss on his toned chest as you nuzzled into him.

The sleepy chuckle he let out vibrated in his chest, "What do you say we work from home today, hm?" 

Your eyes snapped open immediately as you shot up, "Work! I forgot!" You exclaimed as your eyes darted across the room looking for a clock, "I can't just not come in on my second day I-"

"Baby-"

"I must look like such a slacker! I can't believe I-"

"Angel, I-"

"How did I not set my alarms before I just went to sleep all willy nilly?! It's mmph-" Soft lips landed on your own as you melted into the kiss in spite of your moment of panic. His lips massaged yours until he felt your naked form relax on his own. 

This was all he needed. He was all you needed. This moment was the epitome of what it meant to be reborn in the arms of someone else. It was always meant to be this way. He was an idiot for thinking you were anything less than his soulmate. He was a fool for looking for comfort when he should've been looking for you all these years.

Once he felt your body fully depend on him, he broke the kiss ever so slowly, "It's 6:00am." He mumbled against your mouth, "I'm offering to have us both work from home today, so I can let the office know I will be conducting your orientation off-site." The smirk that twinkled on the corner of his mouth did not go unnoticed by you before you nodded. 

You watched with twinkling eyes as Hoseok made the call. You laid your head on his bare chest as you heard the rumble of his deep voice making orders to accommodate for his absence, "Hobi," You murmured when he hung up the phone, "Were you ever expecting to see me again?"

The hand he had stroking your hair faltered as his heart sank at the mention of the past. He was an idiot to be scared enough to ruin things with you. He was a fool to deny himself the bliss of loving you back, "No, not at first." He spoke honestly, "But I missed you every day." You smiled at this while he stroked your hair, "Something was missing in my life, and I tried to find it in other women when I was too scared to look for you."

"Oh, I hated you so much." You stifled a laugh.

"You said you could never!" Hoseok huffed as you leaned your head up to look at his pouting face.

"Not real hate, babe." You smiled softly, "I mean heartbreak hate." You mused, "I never wanted to see you again, but I never stopped wondering about you, and when I moved to South Korea, and especially when I was with… you know, I let my mind wander to how we could've been." 

"Well, it's me and you now and forever, angel." He placed a kiss on your forehead, "Nothing will ever come between us again, not even ourselves." Hoseok spoke with determination you were smart enough to know the implications of. Not that you had plans to ever leave, but even if you had they would be for naught. You knew his power. You were sure he only scratched the surface with Sookwang. It should scare you.

"I know you won't let it, even if anything tried." You breathed, blissful as he pulled you in for a passionate kiss. It wasn't healthy how he thrilled you. How much you loved being so secure in his arms, even if he was also securing you within his clutches. Chains or not, they were much too comfortable for you to object. You had the autonomy you wanted. You had everything you needed at the snap of a finer. Sookwang gave you hell and Hoseok led you to the pearly gates.

You weren't dumb enough to overlook the resounding clink as you were locked in heaven with the man you loved. 

The very man who finally loved you back.

Ko-fi

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