#He’s in the mascot suit he needs to take An L

[nat-without-a-g]

I think Gerry Marlowe-Li-Wilson should be added to the best NPC final round. I think it’d be funny.

[sehunniepotwrites]

let’s break the ice | m.l | two

🏒  SYNOPSIS— in which your college’s hockey team crashes your lunch plans after practice and you have to get away before dying of embarrassment 🏒 GENRE— fluff, humor, crack, college!au, ice hockey!au 🏒 PAIRING— ice hockey captain!mark lee x reader 🏒 WORD COUNT— 1.5k 🏒 WARNINGS— sexual innuendos made; povs switching during the same scene; cursing 

🏒 AUTHOR’S NOTE— oh shit, does that say part two?? l m a o

y’all asked for it, so here it is! i’m turning this into a mini-series featuring random snapshots of mark with his love interest! no regular updates, the parts are just going to be randomly uploaded as we go. surprise surprise! i have a couple of moments planned already, so stay tuned! (i’m still working on the requests i have left as well as my other wips, please be patient with me!)

< prev | next >

You take that back, you absolutely hate hockey. More specifically, you hate the handsome devils that make up NCT U’s team and how they turned your meal with Jaemin and Jeno to a team dinner. 

You hate how they are relentless in their teasing and force you into a chair right next to their captain. And you absolutely despise how all eyes are on you as Mark tries to strike a conversation with you.

The group decided to forgo your original plans of eating at a Thai place, opting to visit the local diner they frequented instead. You felt sorry for the person waiting on your group; having to deal with a loudmouth team that wanted to split the check was always a struggle. They just smiled as they readied your seating, pushing several tables together to accommodate your group. They quickly took your drink orders, the others ordering milkshakes and sodas while you and Mark just asked for waters. Your friends mocked you for even getting the same drink and it just went spiraling from there.

“I’m so sorry about them,” Mark whispers under his breath, hand coming up to cover his small face. “They’re being dumb. I’ll tell them to stop.”

He’s leaning his body towards yours and you feel the team’s stares as you move to cover your mouth. “Are they like this all the time? I mean, I know Jaemin and Donghyuck are but the rest, questionable.”

He rolls his brown eyes to convey his extremely annoyed state, “They’re nosy assholes, all of them.” Mark shoots his mates a glare that’s meant to be intimidating but it’s far from that off the ice. He looks like an upset little puppy, face crinkled and eyes rounded in the cutest way. You want to pinch his cheeks but you refrain from doing so. 

“What are you two lovebirds talking about?” Donghyuck smirks from the other side of the table.

From beside him, Yangyang adds, “Yeah, share with the whole class!”

Mark groans— he can’t believe he has to deal with two loudmouths in his team. He looks to the older members: Sicheng is just silently grinning and Ten is wiggling his brows at the captain. The only one’s looking sorry for him are Jeno, the ever-so-sweet one sitting beside his boyfriend, and Sungchan, the shy new addition to the team. 

Jaemin, sitting on your right while Mark is squished on your left, laughs, “You’re not talking about being smashed by him, are you?” He’s obviously taking pleasure in your pain. You don’t think they’re ever going to let that go.

You smack him across the arm and he winces at the stinging contact, surprised by your strength. “Oh my god, stop! No one was supposed to hear that!”

“And yet, everybody did,” Yangyang says teasingly, eyes slotted and mouth upturned into a shit-eating grin. You don’t think he should be talking, you’ve seen his struggles with the person in the dinosaur mascot suit but that’s another story.

“Let’s just forget everything about that, please!” 

“I, uh, agree,” Mark says, clearing his throat. He smiles nervously at you and you return it with a shy one of your own. God, how can one person be so attractive? 

“So cuuuuute,” Donghyuck coos and the other players follow, loving the way their captain cringes at their voices. Not being able to take it anymore, you put your face in your hands as Jaemin joins in on the commotion. 

What in the world did you do to deserve this treatment, you wonder as your face heats up in your hold. You’re at the point where yanking your hair out sounds like a better time than dealing with the jokes the boys are throwing your way. You don’t know how much more of this you can take. 

You feel Mark shift in his chair. He brings his lips to your ear to ask, “Do you, uh, I don’t know, maybe, wanna get outta here?” 

His voice is low, soft, and comes off as a bit timid as he presents the question but it still sets the butterflies free in your stomach. They’re flying around, tickling you in the weirdest way but you don’t mind— it’s been a while since your heart fluttered like this.

Biting back a huge smile, your cheeks make your eyes curl into little slits as you nodded enthusiastically. “Oh my god, yes please,” you answer as you scramble for your belongings. 

Mark wastes no time, pushing his metal chair out from under the table before pulling yours out. He grabs his team jacket and slings it over his shoulder before guiding you out the door, his hand gripping tightly onto yours. The group of boys yell at you to come back and you ignore them, too busy reeling at the feeling of Mark’s hand in yours. It’s warm and inviting, the way his fingers wrap around your smaller palm. 

The cold autumn breeze hits you as soon as he opens the door and it gets worse when you’re running down the street so one of the boys can’t chase after you. You’ve made it two blocks before you stop running and that’s when Mark finally notices that he’s still holding on tightly to your hand. 

“Oh, I, um, sorry,” he mumbles as he rushes to let go. His high cheeks are turning red and it clearly shows how flustered he is.

“It’s okay,” you reassure him with a giggle. 

The wind blows through the holes in your knit sweater and you shiver at the sudden cold. Ugh, why didn’t you think to bring a thicker jacket?

Mark notices and he immediately takes action. “Oh, here,” he says before taking his team jacket and draping it over your shoulders. You quickly try to tell him it’s okay and shrug it off but he insists on you wearing it, a small grin peeking out on his lips. He watches you slip your arms through the blue sleeves and pull your hands out through the orange and white lined ends.

Before you could get to it, the blond hastily zips the jacket up to the very top for you, his knuckles brushing against your chin. It leaves your heart beating wildly against your ribcage, fighting its way to come out. Mark takes a step back to admire the sight of you in his clothes— his last name embroidered on one side rests proudly against your chest and it looks damn good on you. 

“T—thanks,” you stutter, not used to being treated this way. The move was so incredibly sweet and you think it’ll live in your mind for the rest of your life, rent free, along with all the other cute things he does.

Mark’s grin widens. “Yeah, yeah, of course,” he replies, glad he’s not the one stumbling over his words for once. Maybe he’s staring at you in his jacket longer than he needs to but you don’t mind, not when he’s looking at you with shining eyes you want to get lost in. 

You don’t though, your little moment being interrupted by the loud growling of your empty stomach. Your eyes become circles and you’re suddenly burning up in his jacket. Wrapping your arms around your middle, you let out an uneasy laugh.

Mark’s bright laughter fills your ears and soon, you’re joining in too, quiet giggles shaking your body. 

He clears his throat and scrunches his nose at you. It’s an endearing look, you think, as you save the sight in your memory. “C’mon, let’s go get you some food,” he chuckles, slipping his hand into yours once again. 

Mark leads you down the street, a loose grip on your hand, and he hopes you don’t feel how clammy his palms are through your sweater paws. His eyes are darting to anything and everything but you, too scared to look you in the eye. He thinks if he spares one more look at you, he’ll combust. 

“You were gonna get some Thai food, right?” Mark asks. 

You glance at him and nod in agreement, “Yeah, there’s a place Jaemin and I usually go to. We were just gonna head there.” You tell him where it’s located and it’s a bit of a long walk. He didn’t mind though, he quite enjoyed holding your hand.

You don’t see it but Mark secretly pumps his fist when you initiate the interlocking of your fingers. The feeling of his hand in yours is so comforting, you don’t think you ever want to let go.

Peeping over at him, you catch him do the same to you at the exact same time, right down to the second. He blinks at you, eyes widened in shock and another burst of laughter bubbles through you, entertained at how ridiculously shy the both of you were. 

Seeing the university’s golden boy as fumbly as you were in this particular moment relaxes a bit of your nerves, though. Many people see the famous Mark Lee as this picture perfect student athlete but during this moment, you just see him as a boy.

You’re just a girl walking time with a boy and you think nothing else could ever beat this moment. 

© sehunniepotwrites, 2020

[beebrainedstudios]

if you ever have the time for it i am DYING to see what your holland playlist would look like!

Well, in that case...

Here’s Heavy Is The Head, an ADSOM Holland Vosijk playlist for all your bitter Antari needs! This playlist is long, but that’s because it’s specially formulated to have songs suited to different points in Holland’s life, and they appear in order so you can listen to specific events at your pleasure! So anon/anyone else looking, if you’ll indulge me, here’s a list of all the songs used, some with notes describing their place here;

First, general thoughts. I wanted this playlist to have plenty of dark ambient moments, but also several harsh and defiant ones, too; Holland is not as much of a sad character to me as he is angry, and a lot of his power and drive comes from a place of vengeance, wrath, and righteous justice. So, there’s a lot of rock, folk, and indie pop here. I tried to include all types of music to suit different tastes too, since I’m fairly diverse with my music choices. All that said-

Disclaimer: Some of these songs have profanity/swearing in them. As well, some of them have dark themes, undertones, and implications, so know that ahead of time. It’s a Holland playlist- I don’t feel like there’s anything here that’s darker than canon, but it’s still something any potential listeners should know. Consider this your warning.

Part 1- A Darker Shade Of Magic

Hollow (Cloudeater)

“I stay empty, I feel the hunger…”

Look Away (The Dear Hunter)

“And don’t you misjudge what I’m capable of, if I’m heir to a broken will…”

Wrath of Man (Chris Benstead)

(No lyrics, just the creeping sense of a vengeful creature stalking you. If anyone’s seen this movie, you’ll get the tone it sets.)

Paul Newman vs The Demons- Avett Brothers

“You may have to drag me away from my demons, kicking and screaming…”

Oleander (Mother Mother)

“I”ll be unclean, I’ll be obscene, you’ll be the rest…”

(Holland from the perspective of the Danes, specifically Athos.)

The Wolf (Phildel)

“The wishes I’ve made are too vicious to tell…”

Pain (Three Days Grace)

“Cause I’d rather feel pain than nothing at all..”

(Here half as a callback to an old joke and half because Holland is not immune to an edgy rock phase.)

Black Eyes (Radical Face)

“My heart will be blacker than your eyes when I’m through with you..”

Arsonist’s Lullaby (Hozier)

“On all the ashes in my wake…”

(Holland, willing or no, is still canonly an arsonist. Also, Hozier.)

P.O.L.I.T.I.C.S. (MISSIO)

“This friendship is worse than, P-O-L-I-T-I-C-S…”

(One of the most diametric differences between Holland and Kell is their views on each other’s kingdoms.)

In The Air Tonight (Natalie Taylor)

“If you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand…”

Blood On My Name (The Brothers Bright)

“Nowhere to run, nowhere to run, nowhere to run…”

(Mood for the beginning of the final Holland vs. Kell fight in ADSOM)

One Way Or Another (Until The Ribbon Breaks)

“And if the lights are all down…”

(End of the fight, Holland’s death #1, and his fall into Black London)

Part 2- A Gathering of Shadows

Bleeding White (Avett Brothers)

“I’m bleeding gold in the streets, but there’s no one to see, because the kingdom is empty…”

(Holland’s king now.)

Kings (Tribe Society)

“I’ll take my throne, lay it on a mountain, and make myself a king…”

When They Come For Me (Linkin Park)

“And it seems ugly, but it can get worse…”

Me And Mine (The Brothers Bright)

“I will burn your kingdom down, if you try to conquer me and mine…”

(Holland making some foreign relations plans.)

Feeling Good (Michael Buble)

“It’s a new dawn, a new day, a new life…”

Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing (Set It Off)

“Tell me how you’re sleeping easy, how you’re only thinking of yourself…”

(Holland’s revenge arc starts.)

Choke (IDKHBTFM)

“I wouldn’t hesitate, to smile while you suffocate…”

Roman Empire (MISSIO)

“You’re an empire, the darkest of empires…”

(Holland’s view of Red London.)

My Name (Charlie Winston)

“I won't apologize for the mess that you're in, I'm gonna hide my eyes from your crimson sin…”

Liver Lungs Spleen Heart (Chris Benstead)

(Again, no lyrics, but this is the mood when Holland’s plan really starts coming into effect.)

Have It Out (Mother Mother)

“But what is he good for, if he’s just a spectator of war, I have it in for, have it in for, have it in for…”

(Holland and Kell’s “conversation” at the end of AGOS + Holland’s grudge against Kell in general.)

The Yawning Grave (Lord Huron)

“Darkness brings evil things, oh the reckoning begins…”

(The tables turn on Holland.)

Burn Him Down (Kitsch Club)

“This Woodsy’s been worn one too many a time…”

(For context, this song is about burning the suit of a retired Forest Service mascot, which in a twisted way is parallel to Osaron possessing Holland. In short, destroy the old guy because he’s damaged and worn- AKA Holland.)

Part 3- A Conjuring Of Light

The Waking Nightmare (Frankenstein World Premiere Recording)

“I’m here in the waking nightmare, and every moment tastes of death…”

Four Walls/The Ballad of Perry Smith (Bastille)

“Now we’re faced with two wrongs, I don’t know, no I don’t know…”

(Holland facing his imminent execution.)

Bring Me To Life (Evanescence)

“Without a thought, without a voice, without a soul- don't let me die here…”

(How could I not include this?)

Sin Triangle (Sidney Gish)

“I've got to work on my face now, I'm wearing shades when it's dark out, but don't you worry I'm just being cool, like everybody else around this school…”

(Holland while on the boat/observing the rest of the group.)

I’m So Sorry (Imagine Dragons)

“You’ll never know the top ‘till you get too low…”

Human (Rag’n’Bone Man)

“I’m only human, that’s all it takes, don’t put the blame on me…”

Sing To Me (MISSIO)

“Sing to me 'cause I can't hear myself, through the loudness of my own hurts…”

I Will Not Bow (Breaking Benjamin)

“And I am not proud, cold-blooded, fake, I will shut the world away…”

(The final battle with Osaron.)

Up The Wolves (The Mountain Goats)

“It’s gonna take you people years to recover from all of the damage…”

(Holland’s sacrifice.)

Part 4- Backstory/Life Flashing Before His Eyes

Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise (Avett Brothers)

“And there was a kid with a head full of doubt, so I’ll  scream ‘till I die and the last of those bad thoughts are finally out…”

(Holland’s grand destiny.)

A Dustland Fairytale (The Killers)

“Is there still magic in the midnight sun, or did you leave it back in sixty-one, in the cadence of a young man’s eyes…”

(Holland as the Someday King.)

Borderland (John Marc McMillan)

“Help me Holy Lord, I see the light of Heaven’s porch, but so many of us are born here outside your chain-link fence…”

(Holland growing up and meeting Vortalis.)

Poor George (James Supercave)

“Poor George, poor George, he never learned how to stop…”

(Vortalis’ reign and subsequent death.)

I Knew You Once (Hollie Allen)

“Yes, I knew you once, and it was nice…”

(Holland’s past relationships and how he misses them.)

Bohemian Rhapsody (Panic! At The Disco)

“Carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters…”

(Holland’s entire life flashing before his eyes, riddled with pain, power, and a refusal to submit.)

Part 5- The End

Kettering (The Antlers)

“And I didn’t believe them when they told me that there was no saving you…”

(Kell and Holland preparing to leave for White London, with Kell wishing things could be different and Holland wishing they had been.)

Never Been Alive (Avett Brothers)

“I’ve never been alive, like I am now…”

Numb (MARINA)

“And I’ll light up the sky, stars that burn the brightest fall so fast and pass you by, cough like empty lighters…”

(Holland’s final death- the end.)

Congrats to everyone who read this far- this is my first playlist, so I may have gone a bit overboard. Please enjoy, and let me know if there’s any other ADSOM characters I should do one of these for!

[daydreamingjester]

TW: TORTURE. DEATH. YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED.

Boredly clicking the flashlight on and shining it in the BOUND person’s face for the unnameable time since the poor guard CONKED OUT, Ragdoll tiredly huffed and stood up. The two were currently in a DARK, DESOLATE, AND FORGOTTEN STORAGE UNIT, WOUNDS LITTERING THE MAN’S BRUISED BODY.

“ W . . Where am I ? Who the fuck are you ? “

“ Good question, who am I ? None of your concern is the true answer, though. Not that it’d matter much if I told you anyhow . . . “

The GLINT OF A WEAPON shined EERILY UNDER FLUORESCENT, DYING LIGHT, the rabbit mascot calmly dancing his fabricated fingertips over the BLADE’S DULL EDGE. Inspecting the other EQUIPMENT found in the abandoned tool box thoroughly, Ragdoll then blinked WHITE PUPILS toward the TREMBLING man — and for once, despite having no control over the PERMANENTLY BLISSFUL EXPRESSION his costume dawned, his true emotion underneath the playful suit MATCHED.

“ What are you planning with those . . . ? “

“ You ask too many questions for someone who’s just half an hour away from dying. “

Of course he starts to PANIC. Who wouldn’t when they were just told they were about to be SLOWLY MURDERED ? Nevertheless, it made the disguised male slowly sigh out of his nostrils in perplexity.

Grabbing a fistful of the SQUIRMING man’s hair, Ragdoll promptly SHOVED HIS HEAD BACK AGAINST THE CONCRETE WALL behind him, RELISHING IN SICK C R A C K HIS SKULL REVERBERATED. FRESH BLOOD trickled down the GASPING victim’s pale face and mixed with sweat and tears — and all the rabbit could feel was a RUSH OF ADRENALINE.

COLD, CALCULATED, ENERGY BLISTERING A D R E N A L I N E .

“ Do you know how long it takes to repair Betty ? HOURS. Hours on end, continuously repairing the very FUCKING components I’ve ALREADY fixed TIME AND TIME AGAIN, “

His grip TIGHTENED PAINFULLY, PRESSING THE MAN’S SKULL FURTHER INTO THE WALL UNTIL THE BLOOD HISSED AND BUBBLED AGAINST REMNANTS OF CEMENT. Narrowing his eyes behind WIDE SOCKETS, Ragdoll SPAT SHARPLY ENOUGH FOR HIS VOICE GENERATOR TO G L I T C H ,

“ . . . Only for W O R T H L E S S - S H I T S T A I N S LIKE Y O U TO R U I N IT ALL OVER AGAIN.

And I am getting SICK AND T I R E D of having to PLAY THIS G A M E . “

Finally YANKING him back upright, the rabbit took no time in grabbing the hammer from the mess of tools with a twirl of it in his hand,

“ So I’m gonna make sure YOU felt what SHE felt before you MALFUNCTIONED HER AND DIDN’T MIND YOUR FUCKING BUSINESS. “

A N G E R boiled in LIVING veins before the hammer was CARELESSLY SLAMMED DOWN ONTO BONE — ONCE, TWICE, A T H I R D TIME LIKE HAMMERING DOWN A NAIL. SCREAMS OF AGONY BURST from the man’s SHRIEKING, AGAPE mouth but ultimately went into DEAF EARS.

“ T H I S is what HAPPENS when S E W E R - R A T S STICK THEIR NOSE WHERE IT DOESN’T BELONG ! “

With a final S L A M of the hammer on now SHATTERED BONE FROM THE BRUTE FORCE, Ragdoll haphazardly tossed the weapon over his shoulder to dispel of it. Moving on with improvisation rather than an actual plan due to commencing this shitshow out of SHEER ANGER, Ragdoll was merely using the poor sucker as a PHYSICAL OUTLET TO BANISH STRESS — now SAWING INTO THAT SAME ARM.

BLOOD POOLED down the GAPING, DROOLING WOUND and STAINED HIS PANT LEG A THICK CRIMSON — AS DID IT STAIN THE PRETTY WHITE OF RAGDOLL’S TORSO. It didn’t matter — NOTHING MATTERED in this moment. NOTHING MATTERED except for the BLINDING RAGE HE HAD BEEN BOTTLING UP AND LET B O I L INSIDE EVER SINCE THE B I R T H D A Y - P A R T Y INCIDENT.

But it wasn’t as if he could let out his STRESS SO EASILY. Not when he had a JOB to do. Not when he needed to KEEP UP A PERSONA IN FRONT OF THE JOCULATRIX. Not when he was UP AGAINST A FAR GREATER FORCE INFECTING THE ENTIRE PLEX AND ROYALLY P I S S I N G HIM OFF EVERY WAKING MOMENT WITH ALL THE T A U N T I N G COMMENTS.

No. He was the CALM, intellectual, calculated individual. The QUIET hare. The one who would DUPE GLITCHTRAP BY HIMSELF.

How taxing.

“ Shut u p . I can’t hear myself t h i n k with your WAILING. “

NONCHALANTLY TOSSING THE SAW AND SEVERED LIMB ASIDE, Ragdoll swiftly untied the rose ribbon on his neck to tie around the man’s neck instead — PULLING TWIN RIBBONS HARD TO ASPHYXIATE HIM. GARGLED SOBS left the victim DYING OF BLOOD LOSS YET THE RABBIT COULD CARE LESS, LOST IN HIS OWN THOUGHTS.

Y̴o̸u̵ ̸a̸r̸e̶n̷’̴t̸ ̶i̶n̶t̴i̵m̶i̵d̴a̸t̶e̶d̷ ̵b̵y̵ ̷m̴e̴ ̵.

TIGHTER.

Y̸o̸u̴ ̶F̸E̵A̷R̷ ̷m̶e̵.̶ ̴

T I G H T E R .

I̷ ̴m̵a̷k̵e̷ ̸y̴o̸u̷ ̵f̶e̷e̶l̶ ̴t̸h̶e̷ ̶s̵i̴n̸s̷ ̵c̸r̸a̷w̶l̷i̶n̷g̸ ̵u̸p̵ ̸y̴o̴u̸r̷ ̴b̴a̶c̵k̶.̴ ̸Y̴o̷u̶ ̶c̴a̴n̴’̴t̴ ̷r̴u̷n̶ ̶f̵r̶o̶m̸ ̴w̸h̷a̷t̶ ̸y̷o̷u̵’̷v̴e̷ ̴d̴o̵n̷e̶.̴ ̷

The man was no longer SOBBING — merely WHEEZING. PURPLE COVERED HIS ENTIRE FACE YET THE RABBIT NEVER LET UP.

Y̸o̷u̷’̶l̷l̷ ̴n̸e̶v̷e̶r̸ ̴c̷h̵a̷n̴g̴e̸.̶

Q̴U̶I̷T̵.̴ ̵P̵L̴A̶Y̵I̴N̶G̸.̵ ̵A̴ ̴C̶H̴A̵R̸A̷C̶T̴E̶R̴.̸ ̴Y̶O̸U̸ ̴A̶R̵E̴N̶’̵T̷.̸

SNAP.

Eyes reopened in a flash. The man’s neck was TWISTED GROTESQUELY BACKWARDS LIKE AN OWL’S IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT.

PANTING, Ragdoll finally RELEASED him — STARING AT HIMSELF IN THE MIRROR.

“ . . . Fucking rabbit. “

[huihuiheart]

Hongjoong’s Angels - Hongjoong w/ f! Yeosang + f! San

-req by @pirate-hongjoong

Pairing: Platonic Hongjoong (Speaking in italics) + f! Yeosang + f! San + Female Reader (ft. the rest of Ateez)

Summary: The angels are about as elite as they come, but all of them are at risk now. For a mission that they would have assigned a dozen angels to, it comes down to just three. Would that be enough to prevent their whole world from falling apart though?

Warnings: Spies, violent themes, espionage, guns, suggestive themes, seduction, kidnapping, breaking and entering, fight scenes, tasers, explosions, lies, missiles, betrayal, some member x member themes (the couple is a secret to prevent spoilers), death.

Word Count: 8,086

Note: I still have not watched the most recent movie and this is an original piece, so please don’t give me backlash for it. I was very excited to do this though, because the original Charlie’s Angels movies were my childhood, so this seemed very fun. 

“Once upon a time there were three very different little girls....”

“I’m sorry the only spot we have open is for a mascot.” The head cheerleader mocked, but Yeosang simply smiled, her braces on full display.

“Oh my god, that’s great though! It’ll be so much fun! And I still get to dance!” Yeosang practically bounded out of the hall, tripping over her own feet at the entrance and falling flat on the ground.

---

“Ladies and Gentleman, that does it. Your winning rider is Choi San on her prized horse Blue Ballad. The youngest yet to win this competition.” The announcer called over the sound system. Choi San standing proudly on the podium for photos with her horse standing behind her, taking in the applause.

---

“Y/L/N Y/N! You get in here right now young lady!” The principle called from her office, you smirking as you walked in and plopped down opposite her, “ Would you explain to me why we have you on camera spray painting the school wall?”

You snickered as she showed you the film they had, “Oh look that’s my favorite part.” You muse as you watch the clip of you giving the camera the bird before spray painting over it.

---

“Who grew up to be three very different women...”

Yeosang held the little hairless kitten in her arms, giggling at it as people gave her strange looks in passing.

“Maybe you should put that one down Yeosang, no one’s gonna adopt...it....”

“Awe, but there’s nothing wrong with her. Besides she’s so cute...and she doesn’t do that...”Yeosang counters gesturing to one of the hairballs from the other cats in the shop.

---

“Prep OR3 and tell them I’m on my way. We have to move people, this is life or death! Now scrub me in!” San huffs, washing her hands, as one of the assistants puts the gloves and scrubs on for her. San opening the door to the operating room with her back to not contaminate anything.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

---

“Hi, welcome to Good Burger. What can I get for you today?” Y/N droned over the drive-thru headset in the same monotone voice you did everyday, with a huff. 

The car pulling up moments later, a rambunctious group of young men in the car, “Hey sweetheart, why don’t you give us a show with that meal?”

You gave them a deadpan look, before holding up the paper bag with their order in it and shaking it, throwing it into the window of their car before closing your drive-thru window with a fake smile and walking away.

“What they have in common is that they’re brilliant, they’re beautiful, and they work for me. My name is Hongjoong.”

“Good morning, angels.”

“Good morning Hongjoong!” You three replied in unison, sitting on the couch across from the little speaker. The device is your only connection to the mystery man that was your boss.

“So Hongjoong, what do you have for us today?” San questions, hugging your arm slightly as she sits to your right, eager to get a new assignment.

“Well, angels, we’ve recently been hired by Jeong Yunho, CEO of Jeong Technologies. They’re currently the largest private technology and information firm around. Their lead engineer Song Mingi was kidnapped, there’s footage of three assailants taking him from the front of Jeong Technologies science building the other night and there has been no sign of him since.”

 “There any leads so far? Anyone who wants to see Jeong Technologies fall?” You ask, looking over the tape on the screen one last time, watching the poor engineer get shoved into the van by some masked men.

“Bosley hasn’t given you the files yet, has he?” Hongjoong chuckles over the speaker, “Where has my good friend gone off to now?”

“Bosley? I thought you told me your name was Wooyoung?” Yunho’s brows furrow as he walks in with the man in question.

“It is my name is Wooyoung. I’m simply in the Bosley family....it’s a term of endearment at this point.” Wooyoung shrugs, gesturing for Yunho to sit on the couch opposite of you, “I was just greeting our guest Hongjoong, no need to rush anyone.”

“Well, angels, it looks like you’re in capable hands. If you need anything, Wooyoung will provide you with it. I’ll be in touch.” With that, the speaker was off, and Wooyoung was handing you each of your respective files on the case. Almost identical, but each with slightly unique details based on your unique skill sets.

“So, you’re Jeong Yunho then?” Yeosang looks at him while offering her hand, each of you following suit and flustering the young, shy CEO who shakes your hands.

“I-I am. I-I just want to say that whatever you girls need to get him back, I’m happy to help. Mingi is more than an employee, he’s also a friend.” Yunho is flustered at first, but slowly it changes to concern for his missing friend.

“If you don’t mind me asking then, is that why he is so special? I mean, a kidnapping is usually handled by the police, so what about this makes it a better fit for us?” San inquires, barely looking up from the file finding bits of information that might prove useful.

 “Not exactly. You see, we’re a private firm, but we recently landed a government project, and that’s what Mingi was working on. The intelligence involved in this project cannot get out, but Mingi’s the only one who currently knows how to access it or lock it down. Which is why we need to get him back before they can get it out of him.” Yunho explains, catching the attention of all the angels.

“What kind of information are we talking about here?” You finally dare to ask, not sure you’d like any answer that he would give you. 

“Potentially limitless information. The program is designed to screen through all sources public and private without interfering with people’s privacy. What I mean is no person is scouring through people’s information. It uses facial recognition and voice recognition software to track people internationally based on the specs you give it. That person’s trail. With hopes of finding the most wanted criminals who have fallen off the face of the earth. When it pings with that, all the computer saves is the clip with their voice or face. Then it shares that with those who need to find that person. Without sharing private information about the person whose device it was with said investigators. Like an anonymous tip phone call of sorts, but it also provides a location. However, in theory, those safeties can be removed and you could potentially access any information on anyone from anywhere in the world.” Yunho worries his lip between his teeth as he explains the purpose of their latest program.

“And Mingi is the only one who knows the system well enough to do anything with it? To allow or prevent that from happening?” Yeosang sucks in a breath at the sorrowful nod that Yunho answers her with.

“Who would have the most to gain from kidnapping Mingi? People who knew of this program? Of its potential? Or, just have something to gain by taking him?” You look for the page you know you saw when skimming the file, the one that listed off Yunho and Mingi’s enemies.

“Honestly, we kept a tight lid on the information flow only those working on the project and myself knew. Everyone was very adamant about not discussing it outside of the work area for safety reasons, so unless someone got that information elsewhere, I don’t know. However, there is one person I have in mind...Park Seonghwa. My leading competitor, he’s been known to send spies into our staff to steal ideas and information. I wouldn’t put it past him to kidnap our lead engineer in hopes of getting ideas to put out before us.” Yunho shakes his head, “That man never gives up, I’m telling you.”

The angels nod in unison, turning to Wooyoung and handing back the files.

“Yunho we’re going to need access to your building. We’re gonna see if they left anything behind where they took Wooyoung.” San explains, to which Yunho immediately agrees.

“Also, we’ll need to check your systems to see if anyone did get in and access confidential information,” Yeosang added before the two looked at you.

“Then we’ll check Park Industries too, just in case. Though before that, we should probably make sure your home is secure, for all we know they could be after you too.” You try not to worry Yunho too much while still telling him the reality of the situation.

“Alright, angels, let’s move.” Yeosang jumps up, catching the keys that Wooyoung tosses to her so that the four of you can head out to Jeong Technologies to start unraveling this mystery.

“Find anything in here?” Yeosang asks, joining you and San from checking out the scene where Mingi was finally grabbed.

“Good luck, angels! I’ll be checking in!” Wooyoung calls after you before sighing as he sits down again, left all alone now.

“I’m not seeing any immediate signs of someone snooping around, but not that we’re in. I'll have the computer at the base run a more thorough analysis and let us know,” San responds, looking to you and Yunho.

“I haven’t found any bugs or signs of forced entry if there was something here, it would have to be moving in and out on an employee. I say we check them out, just to be safe.” Your suggestion is met with nods from the other two, “What about out front?”

“Ah, I found a few things...our van had some specialty tires on it based on the treads it left behind. We could look for suppliers and cross-reference based on that to find who’s van it is. Also, there was some debris left I’m assuming when the kidnappers jumped out of the van. We’ll see if these little plants can tell us anything about where they were before being here.” Yeosang proudly beams, holding up her prize.

“Okay, why don’t you two get those back to the base and Wooyoung. I’ll go check out Yunho’s house and make sure it’s safe for him there.” You insist, causing the two to roll their eyes slightly at you.

“Please, you just want to go with him because you think he’s hot,” Yeosang mumbles, making San chuckle while you fluster and throw a glare at her.

“Not my fault, the yummy CEO hired us! Now get out of here.” You hiss quietly at the two before shooing them as they laugh. Before turning to Yunho, who was flustered and blushing after watching that exchange.

“C-Come on, I’ll drive us.” He offers leading the way out of the building and to his car so that he can drive you to his home. Of course, solely for professional reasons. Pulling up to a large modern home after not too long, it somewhat secluded in the woods. Yunho welcomes you in and helps you with your jacket, offering you something to drink while you immediately set to work and stumbling across an interesting photo.

“Isn’t this Park Seonghwa with you?” You question holding the photo up to Yunho, who nods in response, only further intriguing you, “I thought you two were rivals?”

“We are now, but things weren’t always that way. In fact, I’d prefer if they still weren’t.” Yunho sighs softly, holding out a glass to you, “We went to school together growing up, even picked the same university to attend. Honestly, he was more like a brother to me than anything. Until he tried to steal my final during our last year...he was found out and kicked out of the school, but money spared him most of the consequences. He blamed me for what happened, though, and now it seems he wants to get me back in any way at all.”

You nod, placing the picture back down, feeling worse for the Yunho now, “So you lost one close friend already, and now the other is missing...that must be tough.” When Yunho nods, you reach out to gently squeeze his arm in reassurance, “Don’t worry, we’ll get Mingi back, and we won’t let anything happen to you. The house is clean, and I’m leaving you this panic button. If anything is wrong, you just press it, and the closest one of us will come right away.”

“So if I pressed it right now, that would mean you would come, right?” Yunho asks, stepping closer as you start to step away, flustering you some.

“Well, yes, but I just checked the whole house Yunho and nothing wrong.” You chuckle despite being shy, thanks to him.

“Yes, there is.” Yunho blurts, a little too quickly, making you raise a brow in question, “W-What if I don’t feel safe being here all alone? I-I think you should stay for a bit...y-you know just in case.”

He was so impossibly close right now, standing right before you. Not even letting you respond, though, before the two of you were kissing. Your coat slipping out of your arms again as you slipped them around his neck, not letting him go again.

Yunho pouts, hearing your phone ring, and you chuckle, answering it.

“Y/N, we need you back here, we’re going to regroup and talk to Hongjoong. How far out are you?” San asks over the phone, and she and Yeosang finish up in the lab, looking over their results again.

“Not too far, I’m just at Yunho’s.” You answer before cursing internally at giving that away, while the CEO besides you blushes.

“Still? Why? Was something wrong?” San’s voice is teasing, but you know she genuinely wanted to know in case there was an issue, and you just hadn’t gotten the chance to ask for their help yet.

“N-No, nothing’s wrong...I-I’m heading over now.” You quickly hang up before she can question you anymore, giving Yunho an apologetic look, “Well, duty calls. If anything happens, though, hit the panic button, alright?” 

Yunho nods, slipping his arm around your waist and pulling you in for another kiss, “ Be careful out there, okay? If you have to leave me, then at least come back in one piece.”

“I will.” You give him one last kiss before slipping out of his grasp to leave, knowing there was still plenty to do before Yunho would be safe and have his friend back. 

San and Yeosang, smirking at you as you walked back into the base, their looks suggestive, now armed with the knowledge that you had spent the night at Yunho’s place. You sighed with a soft blush and brushed them off, taking your seat with them for yet another morning. Wooyoung, laughing, and accepting the incoming call.

“Good morning, angels.”

“Good morning, Hongjoong!”

“Do you girls have an update on the situation?” 

“We looked into the tires, and it leads back to Park Industries. They have an arrangement with one of the shops they like this specific brand on all their trucks and vans. They also have vans matching the make and model of the van that was used in the kidnapping.” San closes her file on the track report, having nailed Park Seonghwa or at least his company to taking Mingi the question now was just where.

“The plant material was interesting, it allowed me to narrow down to a fifty-mile area where they had been before, the only problem was that any way we cross-referenced things, in that area we found no connection to Park Industries at all, whether directly or otherwise.” Yeosang added with a shrug, “Unless they’ve managed to keep that hidden very well from us.”

“The computer didn’t come up with anything either. It looks as though Park Industries never got into Jeong Technologies computer.” Wooyoung continues before looking at you, now that they had pretty much covered all the leads before speaking up for you, “Oh, and Yunho’s house has been cleared.”

“It seems like whoever is hiding those details from us is doing a very good job of it. Get into Park Industries and see if you can find the last few things that you need to find Mingi, we might not have a lot of time left before they get that information.”

“We’re on it, Hongjoong!”

“So what’s the play then, angels?” Wooyoung inquires, leaning across the desk and smiling at you, “And what do you need for it?”

“You know...we could actually use your help on this one, Wooyoung.” You smiled at him, “How would you like to play a young, up and coming CEO? Willing to give Park Industries exclusive access to specialty supplies?”

“I’ll be your assistant, there to help you if anything happens and seduce Seonghwa enough to get the key for San to get in with.” You reassured Wooyoung as you three pull up the building specs.

“I’ll distract the others around, so San will just have to worry about security making their rounds and cameras on the outside. Once inside the room, though, there is a laser grid, moving, very high end. The code to disable them changes every five minutes. so it’s not likely we’ll be able to get that unless Y/N can manage it in Seonghwa’s office somehow.” Yeosang added before looking to San.

“I’ll be in and out with what we need before you even know it.” San nods looking at Wooyoung, “So what do you say Woo, you in?”

“Well...whatever the angels need, the angels get.” Wooyoung shrugs before chuckling softly, “I’m in.”

Sitting in your van outside of Park Industries and doing final preparations, San spotted something watching the building for any last-minute security changes. She couldn’t be sure, though, until she pulled up a still from the kidnapping video.

“Guys, I just realized something we’ve been missing.” San turns to the rest of you, showing the clip where a snake tattoo is visible on the kidnapper’s ankle, “We should have run with this from the start.”

“Well, what good does that do us now? We can’t call this mission off.” Yeosang frowns softly and San tsks, shaking her head.

“We won’t, we just would have gotten here sooner.” San zooms in on the building security guard from the camera hidden in the side of the van, “Considering this is the tattooed man.”

You look at the screen before initiating the facial recognition software and grabbing molar mics for you and Wooyoung, “When you figure it out, let me know. I’m meeting Wooyoung now.” 

You slipped out of the side of the van that faced away from the building, sneaking a few blocks away to where Wooyoung was waiting in the driver’s seat of a black Lamborgini Huracan. Smoothing over your dress one last time, you get into the passenger seat, handing him his mic and earpiece before putting on your own.

“Ready, Mr. Jung?” You smirked softly at Wooyoung, who chuckles in response, starting up the car.

“Honestly, if it means getting to do stuff like this and driving nice cars all the time, I might just have to tag along more.” He drives off to head towards the main entrance of Park Industries, you two needed to be the first to go in. 

“Y/N, we got a match over facial recognition. His name is Choi Jongho, he hasn’t been working for Seonghwa long, but they have a history. We better keep an eye on him though, he has a pretty remarkable rep. Numerous fighting styles mastered, history in dealing with arms. Keep an eye on him, don’t let him catch you off guard.” You hear San over the mic, knowing Wooyoung does too as you notice him tense while driving.

“Relax Wooyoung, just act natural, and nothing will go wrong. Besides, even if it did, you have the three of us there to protect you.” You assured him, leading him to take a breath and relax slightly, as he pulled up. Parking the car and the both of you got out. Showing Jongho your identification in passing, him eyeing you both up for a moment before opening the door to let you through.

“We’re in, work your magic girls.” You whisper, before taking over at the front desk, “Hello, we’re here for the meeting with Mr. Park. His 2 o’clock.”

The lady raised a brow at you, clearly not impressed until Wooyoung spoke up, “Is there a problem here? I’m a busy man, but I made the time to meet with CEO Park out of professional courtesy, I’d appreciate it if you made it happen, doll.”

She flusters, stuttering a bit behind her desk, “O-Of course CEO Jung, my apologies. It won’t happen again.” 

“Good work Wooyoung!” Yeosang cheered over the mic as the lady led the way for you both through the building. That being her cue as she slipped out of the van next. Heading up to the building with a blinding smile as she stopped in front of Jongho.

“Hi, I think I’m supposed to go in here, yes?” Yeosang fumbles through her bag for show, before finding her company id for him, “It’s my first day, so I’m just a little lost.”

Her helpless giggle and clueless innocent nature must have done the trick, Jongho scanning her id and even giving a small smile back before getting the door for her. San drove the van around to the back, preparing to make her entrance. 

“Let me know when we’re good, Yeosang.” She says, grabbing her ‘delivery’ and going in through the service entrance, before slipping into a bathroom to change into professional clothes, hiding her face from cameras the entire time.

“Give me five minutes,” Yeosang responds, stumbling into the room where the various cubicles were by the mainframe, blushing and giggling as people start to stare. Yeosang works her charms, pouting softly and twirling her hair, “I’m new, and I think I managed to get lost. Do any of you think you could help me?” 

Yeosang played further into the act as they scrambled over each other to get to her, and show her the various areas of the building. More than eager to be around a beautiful woman after being cooped up at their desk for hours without end. Giving her verbal cue to San who slipped out after the group had passed and headed in the opposite direction as them, just waiting for the key to be dropped off.

“You make a very appealing deal, Jung Wooyoung. Draw it up and send it to me, I’m more than interested in it.” Seonghwa smiles from his spot across from Wooyoung.

“That won’t be necessary, my assistance already drew it up. I hope it meets your liking?” Wooyoung gestures you forward. You round the desk and lean forward to place and open the drawn up papers on the desk, letting Seonghwa see your form in the process. It is a good distraction as your free hand slipped the key card off his desk, before taking your spot besides Wooyoung again. Slipping the card into his hand as Seonghwa reads and signs the document, Wooyoung signs afterward before collecting up the document, as his phone rings.

“If you’ll excuse me, I forgot I have another appointment. However, my assistant can stay to discuss anything else about the contract with you.” Wooyoung shakes Seonghwa’s hand before answering the fake call and stepping out of the room to hand the card off to San and get out of the building. The exchange, going successfully.

“Just keep him occupied for me Y/N.” San moves towards the room, hiding her face from view as she slips in to look for access. The easy part passed now just came the harder part of slipping through the lasers.

You trailed your fingertips over Seonghwa’s desk as you moved back to the same side as him, “Is there anything I can help you with, anything at all?”

Your hands, moving to massage his shoulders, noticing something sitting proudly on his desk that you hadn’t the first time. The same picture you had seen at Yunho’s house, of the two of them together.

“Oh, angel, as enticing as that sounds coming from such a beauty, I’ll have to pass. After all, I’ve got so much to do you know...with kidnapping people and all.” Seonghwa grabs your wrist-twisting you around and pinning your front to the desk beneath him. The others heard what happened clear as day.

“I’ll get Wooyoung out, you just finish up getting what we came for San and then help Y/N if necessary.” Yeosang is already in the ladies' room, slipping up and into a vent to make her way out without being swarmed again, dropping out and finding Wooyoung, but too late as Jongho pulls him through a door and shoves him into a van, while a man blocks Yeosang. 

“Jongho got Wooyoung.” She announces, flipping a switch in all the angels. None of them were happy that their Wooyoung had been taken.

“San get that stuff back to base, we’ll clean up here.” You say before twisting enough to elbow him in the face. Still, missing something, though, as Seonghwa tased you in the side. The world, going black and leaving the mission up to the other two for the time being.

Slowly you come too, eyes shifting around for any sign of Wooyoung or Mingi as you do. Instead, you hear someone tsking, followed by footsteps, drawing your attention forward and away from the dirtied surroundings. Yunho before you, as he leans down towards your face, pinching your jaw between his thumb and forefinger to make you look at him instead of at Seonghwa behind him. 

“I may have underestimated you, girls...I thought it would be easier to snatch all of you at once. The others got away, though, with something that belongs to us, and you’re going to help us get it back, angel.” Yunho’s glare only hardens further when you smirk at him, feeling the molar mic still in your mouth, even if they took your earpiece, knowing it’d help Yeosang and San even more.

“See that was your problem, you underestimated us. Besides, there are more than just three angels, a lot more.” You shrug, leaning back in your chair, knowing it was only a matter of time before help showed. Not that you couldn’t break out of the chair if you wanted to, but it was more fun letting them think they’d won and spilling everything to you while you learned everything about their security from the inside.

Seonghwa stepped over and joined Yunho, slipping his arms around Yunho’s waist and resting his chin on Yunho’s shoulder, “Oh, we know Y/N. After all, once an angel always an angel, right? And there are quite a few from what we can tell.” 

Seonghwa tilts Yunho’s body away from you, letting you see the monitors working on trying to break into Hongjoong and the angel’s database, not able to get much more than the number of angels at this point. You knew security was the best there was.

“If only there were a way to get access to their personal information, though? You know...so anyone who wishes could get revenge on the angels...oh wait, we have this.” Seonghwa tauntingly waves Wooyoung’s phone in front of your face, “Almost like when Hongjoong calls, we can use his voice to gain access to the system or something of the sort.”

Your heart races, knowing that was the one way to gain access to everything there, even to information on angels who retired, “Why would you want to do that to the angels? Just money? There’s plenty of easier to access information you could sell than this.”

Yunho scoffs, rolling his eyes, “No angel, this one is personal. Seonghwa’s sister was an angel, on a team much like yours...only her team didn’t bring her home. So we’re gonna teach the rest of you a lesson.”

“Once I find the two that left my sister, though...I’ll handle them myself.” Seonghwa hisses before letting Yunho go, gripping on your chair as his gaze darkens, “Now let me guess, they took what they got from me back to your little base and are going to try and find us?”

“Try?” It’s your turn to scoff now, “Don’t tell me you’re already underestimating us again, they won’t try...they will find us. And then breaking into the database would be the easiest challenge you’d have to overcome today.”

Yunho clicks his tongue, pulling a gun out of the back of his pants before putting it up to your temple, the click of the safety echoing in the room, “Just answer the question, or we won’t let you see any more of what we have planned. Which would be a real shame considering things are just now starting to get interesting.” 

You sigh softly, gaze shifting to Yunho for a moment, before back at Seonghwa, “Yeah, that’s what they would do.” 

Seonghwa smirking as he leans back, “See angel, that wasn’t so hard now, was it?” His eyes flick over to Yunho now, “Come on, babe, put the gun away. The little angel is cooperating now, and we want her to see just what’s happening, don’t we love?”

Yunho rolls his eyes, putting the gun away again, pulling out the duck tape and toying with it some, “ I hope you know, you won’t be able to depend on Yeosang and San much longer...they’ve got their own problems to deal with.”

He nods to Seonghwa, who pulls up the coordinates of your base, turning to you again, “I’ll give you a moment to look and say goodbye, they’re about to get quite the bang.” 

“Wha-” Your statement is cut off by Yunho putting the duck tape over your mouth and putting a finger over where your lips would be, shushing you.

“Shh, isn’t that much better?” Yunho chuckles as Seonghwa clicks enter on the keyboard, launching a missile straight at the coordinates of your home base. Leaving, you to hope that Yeosang and San heard enough to know to get out by now, but not quite sure if they did.

“We gotta move fast San, who knows what that could mean,” Yeosang calls, snatching one of the bags of supplies from the base and slinging it over her shoulder so they could have something while they rushed out.

“I know, I’m shutting this down now. I’ll be right behind you.” San responds, finishing up, before grabbing her bag and rushing out behind Yeosang. The two almost at the car by the time the missile hits the base, the force of the blast throwing them tumbling to the ground. Thankfully, though, with little more to worry about than a few scratches.

“Yep, they definitely want us dead.” Yeosang grunts, picking herself up off the ground with a groan and dusting off.

“Well, unlucky for them, I know where they are now...Seonghwa didn’t have any buildings in that radius, but Yunho does...that’s where we’re going.” San pulls herself off the ground too, before getting in the car and putting the location in. Letting Yeosang drive as they head towards the location, and parking a safe distance away from where they wouldn’t be seen.

“Security looks pretty tight, we won’t be able to just storm our way in without help...”Yeosang sighs, shaking her head as she lowers the binoculars she was using to get a better view of the front entrance.

“So, we’ll just have to make our own way in then.” San shrugs, “Come on, I have an idea.”

Seonghwa spotted the tear that rolled down your face before you could spot it and chuckled, “Aw, who knew angels could cry~”

He mocked you before having Jongho bring Mingi in and shove him into the chair in front of the monitors before going back to guard Wooyoung until he was needed, “It’s almost time, Mingi. I’m going to need you to get us set up. Or there’s gonna be consequences.” 

Yunho smirks playfully, brushing a finger over your cheek and collecting the tear, “You know you were rather pretty that night...but I think I prefer you this kind of broken.”

You glared at him, pulling away from his touch, which only made him chuckle. Until Jongho brought Wooyoung in. Seonghwa handed him the phone that was hardwired to the headset he handed Yunho, and the computer.

“You’re going to call Hongjoong for us.” Yunho demands of Wooyoung, pointing the gun at him. Wooyoung looks at you, with big frightened eyes. You nodded as you spotted a flash of Yeosang’s blonde hair in the security camera for the attic of the building. Seonghwa noticed the same thing and sent Jongho to deal with it. Wooyoung dials Hongjoong’s number, but when there’s no answer his hands shake, going to call again until Seonghwa stops him.

“Let Hongjoong call back, it’ll work better for our plan.” Seonghwa insists watching and waiting until the phone rings again, gesturing for Yunho to answer and Wooyoung to keep his mouth shut.

“H-Hello? This is Yunho.” He puts the front on again, despite grinning wickedly at you, “Wooyoung can’t come to the phone this second.”

“Oh, hi Yunho, this is Hongjoong. Are you with the angels again?” 

“Yeah, they had a lead, and since they weren’t sure where it was secure, they just had me go back to the base and hang out with Wooyoung. I think he went to the kitchen or something though, he shouldn’t take too long, hopefully, that’s okay.” Yunho watches Seonghwa and Mingi for the signal saying they got enough to use, to get into the system.

“That’s perfectly fine, Yunho. I’m glad you can be someplace safe right now. I don’t mind waiting for a few moments. Have the angels been doing alright?”

“Oh, the angels are perfect. Thank you so much for all the help, I honestly don’t know what I would do without you guys.” Yunho answers, and you here Hongjoong give an intrigued hum.

“Wonderful...you said you were at the base with Wooyoung, right?” 

“That’s right, I think I hear him coming back right now if you want to wait. Or I can take a message for you?” Yunho licks his lips as Mingi tells Seonghwa that they need just a little bit more.

“That’s interesting cause I thought I heard that the base just blew up.”

Your eyes widen, Wooyoung prepares to yell for Hongjoong to get help, but not quick enough as Yunho hangs up, “You’re gonna have to make that work Mingi, and fast. I don’t think we have a lot of time.”

“I-I don’t know if I can...”Mingi’s hands shake with fear as he works at the computer, Yunho huffing, impatiently as he puts the gun to Mingi’s head now.

“I don’t believe that was a question, Mingi. Now do it.” Yunho insists, taking over and making Seonghwa chuckle with a smirk.

“You’re so hot when you’re pissed.” Seonghwa winks at the other man, the pair cocky until Yeosang drops down from the roof, behind Seonghwa, cocking a gun at his head.

“Put it down, Yunho.” She glares at him, Yunho grumbling, but doing as she asks, only because it’s for Seonghwa, “Now kick it over to Wooyoung...Wooyoung I want you to take the bullets out.”

Wooyoung is obviously scared out of his mind. He does as he’s told, though, knowing that right now Yeosang has the upper hand. The girl chuckling afterward, the three of you from the agency, knowing something that the others didn’t...angels don’t use guns. Wooyoung quickly moved to undo your ties before they had a chance to get the upper hand again, so at least the odds would be a bit more even.

“How did you get past Jongho, though?” Yunho asked, only further infuriated by the current situation. Yeosang’s brows furrowing at the question.

“What do you mean, I never saw...”Her words fade out, glancing at the security cameras to see Jongho making it up to where Yeosang had come in. Her eyes, widening knowing that San was up there right now. Seonghwa, taking the opportunity to grab her wrist that held the gun and twisting it around until she dropped it, picking it up and pointing it at Yeosang.

“That was a mistake. You should have just run away, little angel.” Seonghwa hisses before pulling the trigger, thrown off by the click sound that it gave instead of going off. 

“Wow, for having a sister as an angel, you don’t know much hm?....angels don’t use guns.” You smirk, expecting a fight, but you don’t get one. Seonghwa simply snatched the drive with the locations from the angel’s database on it and clicked enter again.

“That one’s special......that one’s Hongjoong’s.” He growls before running off, with Yunho rushing behind him.

“Wooyoung, get Mingi out of here and call Hongjoong to try and warn him in time. Y/N and I are going after them since San is trying to get to the angels and warn them if she can...plus she has her hands full with the henchman.” Yeosang tells him before you and Yeosang are racing after the two men who hold the key to all the angels’ past and present, confidential information.

San was linked into the satellite they had been using to access the angels’ database, not there in time to stop them, but able to copy and document everything they had gotten. That way, they could get to or warn the angels at risk before the information got out if they weren’t able to stop Yunho and Seonghwa. Seemingly clueless to the fact that Jongho was coming up behind her. Only noticing something when he pulls out a knife, the metal reflecting sunlight flooding in from the window in front of her, sending a glare over her laptop screen. 

San noticed and spun to sweep Jongho’s leg, knocking him over in surprise and dropping the knife over the edge of the floor, dropping floors below. She’s quick to close the laptop and secure it in the case, slipping the strap around her form, where it could safely sit on her back. Jongho flips back onto his feet, to find her tying a knot into a rope hanging from one of the beams in the roof. Stopping her from going anywhere, by grabbing her hair and pulling her back so harshly she stumbles back and out of his hold with a yelp. It is a miracle she didn’t crush the laptop, but obvious that Jongho wasn’t going to let her get away without a fight.

San slipping on her gloves, getting an idea. When Jongho surges forward to get her again, she slips between his legs, sliding across the ground and grabbing the rope. It was supposed to be her way down, as the other end was secured to a sandbag. If Jongho didn’t want to let her slip away so easily, though, maybe he’d rather take that trip instead. 

“You really can’t stay still, can you? You’re a real pain.” Jongho frowns, that turning to agitation when San smirks at him.

“Maybe you shouldn’t be so slow.” She taunts back, hoping to get the response she wants of him. Knowing she’d need an opening to be able to get the rope in place. Jongho gives her just that when he turns and kicks, aiming for her face. Only San ducks, the hand with the rope slipping around his foot, before pulling the knot tight as she rolls out of his way. Moving quickly to get on her feet again, jumping up and grabbing onto one of the beams before swinging and kicking full force at Jongho’s chest with both legs. 

Jongho spills over the edge, plummeting stories down. San, bouncing off the edge after him and grabbing the bag as it reaches the top, now having to use Jongho as a counterweight. 

Wooyoung and Mingi, stopping abruptly and shrieking when Jongho is suddenly hanging upside down in front of them before suddenly heading back up where he came from, soon replaced by San. The pair have paled in shock and fear, trembling as they look at San with shaky eyes.

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to join you, girls, on missions anymore.” Wooyoung’s voice is soft as he blinks at San. The whole experience, proving to be far more than he was used to or expecting.

San giggles and kisses his cheek, handing him the laptop bag, “You’re doing amazing, Woo. Take this and warn the other angels, I’m going to help Y/N and Yeosang. I’ll see you soon.”

With that, she runs off, leaving Wooyoung and Mingi to take the laptop and bolt for one of the cars while security was preoccupied with helping Yunho and Seonghwa out. Easily snatching one of their cars, Wooyoung hands Mingi the laptop bag.

“Hold on to that! We have some angels to save.”

Wooyoung pulls up to the carnage remaining at Hongjoong’s house, the whole place gone. He chews on his lip, uncertain where to go now. Until he gets a phone call, answering with furrowed brows.

“I’m sending you an address Wooyoung, meet me there...we’ll have everything we need to help our girls.”

Seonghwa and Yunho closed a door behind them and secured it so that Yeosang and Y/N couldn’t get through. Even as they tried to bust it down, the pair cursed as they can’t get it open, even together.

“Hold on! I’m coming.” San yells, watching the struggle from where she races to meet them, the trio trying again together now. It finally being enough to breach the barrier. The guards, turning along with Yunho and Seonghwa.

Yunho pushed Seonghwa towards the car that had been started right before the angels got through, “I’ll take care of them, just go get your revenge.”

“Yunho’s mine.” You tell the girls, eager to finally be able to pay back the man for the way he’d played you since the beginning of this entire involvement. 

“I’ve got the guards, Yeo you go get Seonghwa,” San tells the other, who quickly snatches a motorcycle from one of the guards, slipping on a helmet and chasing after Seonghwa before anyone can stop her from doing so. Leaving San to handle roughly five guards unless you could finish Yunho quickly and get there to help her.

“Awe, is the little angel angry? That’s too bad.” Yunho jabs, evidently not at all fearful of you or the threat you pose to him, “After I kill you, I’m going to join Seonghwa in taking out each and every angel...painfully.”

“Show me your worst then, tough guy, cause I’m not going down without a fight.” You taunt right back, waiting for him to come closer. Though thrown off as his foot tosses a board up, kicking it in your direction, instead of coming straight for you. It's something you can easily deflect, but it hides Yunho’s form long enough that you aren’t prepared for him to be at you, metal chain in hand, and quickly wrapped around your throat. Leaving you gasping and squirming, barely able to turn around before he presses you against the wall, your hands gripping the metal tightly, trying to pull it off your neck enough to get a breath. 

You’re lucky to get a foot on the wall, using the leverage and walking up the wall to flip over Yunho. The chains now in your hand instead of around your throat. You twist, pulling the chain, and Yunho along with and onto the ground. Hovering over him before landing a hard punch to knock him out, while he was still stunned.

“You okay, San?” You question hearing the sounds stop from the other group, the girl huffing as she flips her hair out of her face with a soft chuckle, before approaching footsteps.

“Yeah, just a normal day on the job. You good too?” She asks, watching you secure Yunho with the chains with a nod. Doing it on the off chance, he regained consciousness before someone came to get him. She laughs at his state, “Was it really necessary to leave a mark like that?”

“Yeah...it was.” You shrug, backing away from him to head towards another motorcycle sitting there and grabbing a helmet, “Come on, let’s go help, Yeo.”

Seonghwa spotted Yeosang in his rearview mirror as he drove away, the latter quickly working to close the gap between the two of them. Seonghwa moving to take a more public road now, weaving in and out of cars hoping Yeosang wouldn't spot one before it could hit her. It didn't matter, though, as she reached his Jeep, jumping off the bike, to grab onto the back of it. Yeosang holds on tightly as Seonghwa made a sudden turn trying to throw her off. Yeosang hanging on long enough to be able to pull herself up and into the back, though. 

Just because Yeosang no longer had to worry about the risk of being flung off the car immediately, didn't mean she had time to catch her breath. She was quick to climb up, punching Seonghwa and trying to gain control over the wheel, though he was not thrown off for long, before shoving her back off him. Yeosang slamming back into the car door on the opposite side. It popped open just as she grabbed the frame of the car to pull herself back in. Shutting the door behind herself, but getting an idea from what had happened. 

Yeosang grabbed the frame of the car, kicking across the center console to throw Seonghwa against the door on his side. It popped open like the other one had his grip on the wheel the only thing keeping him inside until she did it again at least. Seonghwa rolled out of the car as Yeosang hopped into the driver's seat and safely pulled it over and to a stop. You and San, reaching them as Seonghwa pulled himself back up.

"Hongjoong is gone and your base is gone. What can the three of you do to stop me at this point? You're alone and don't have anything." Seonghwa continues to refuse the fact that he didn't stand a chance. Rejecting defeat until the very end. 

The three of you standing, side-by-side in front of him, in the signature angels ass-kicking pose. You shake your head, "You're wrong, Seonghwa. You're the only one here who's alone." 

"Besides, once an angel, always an angel." A voice calls from behind Seonghwa. More angels, currently, and returned surrounding him down, "You picked the wrong fight." 

The three of you looking at each other and smirking, before knocking Seonghwa out while he was distracted. Wooyoung and Mingi driving up, the former immediately jumping out, still frantic.

 "I see you girls got reinforcements. Did I do alright? You're all fine, right?" Wooyoung questions looking over you girls, making you chuckle and nod, to which he breathes a soft sigh of relief.

"What about Hongjoong, is he okay?" Yeosang asks, voicing your worries. Wooyoung smiles, pulling out his phone and clicking the button. 

"Hello, angels. Good work on another successful mission. I think you girls have earned yourselves a vacation... don't get too comfortable though, it's only until you get a new base."

 "Thank you, Hongjoong! We're glad you're okay." 

Wooyoung hangs up, turning back to the car as Mingi flusters and opens the door shyly for Yeosang. His cheeks tinted a bright pink, smiling softly at her as his eyes sparkle.

 "T-Thank you for saving me." Mingi looks her right in the eyes, "M-Maybe I could make it up to you...o-over dinner sometime? U-Unless you're seeing someone?" 

"Yeah." Yeosang smiles, before seeing his face fall and realizing how that sounded, "I-I mean, yeah, I'd love to do dinner or something... I-I'm not seeing anyone."

You and San roll your eyes, laughing softly. Before you finally speak up, "Come on you two, get in the car."

"Yeah, Hongjoong's giving us a vacation, and I want to soak in as much beach time as I can get before we're off again," San adds, Wooyoung rolling his eyes at your antics and getting in the driver's seat once more to drive the whole group of you off. 

The vacation on Hongjoong this time, it being the least he could do to take care of his angels.

[wackapedia]

Handsome Mascot Man

Jungkook x reader

Who’s idea was it to fake-date Jeon Jungkook? Definitely not yours. But are you rejecting it? Definitely not

WC: 1.4k

You were trying your best to prevent yourself from hyperventilating in the backseat of your father's Mercedes after hearing what he had just told you. You were to marry his business partner's son by the end of the year. "Come on, its not so bad." Your father comments nonchalantly. "Seokjin is a nice man, ready to take on the business. You can learn to love him-" "Stop the car, I'm getting out." You announce to the driver who hesitates to step on the brake pedal, looking at your father through the rear-view mirror. "Absolutely not! Do you still think you're a child? Running away and throwing a fit whenever you feel like it?" Your father raises his voice, causing your eyes to well up. "Driver Choi, stop the car or I'll jump out!" You tell your father's driver who has been serving the family since you were a child. He immediately stops the car, jolting the passengers forward. Your father yells out your name before shutting the car door at his face and running off and joining the corporate bustle leaving their buildings. You walked away from the crowd who all turned toward the subway station, wanting to be alone for a little while more and trying to calmly bawl your eyes out crying in the middle of the Nonhyeon-dong business district. You continued to wipe your eyes with your arm, not noticing the red pedestrian light. Three, four steps off the sidewalk curb, you freeze in your steps, realize no one else is crossing the road with you. Turning back to face the sidewalk and the crowd gathering by it, the world is suddenly put in slow motion. The falling leaves take over a minute to hit the ground, the wind ruffling your hair like a hair product commercial, a dumb-looking bear mascot runs in slow motion toward you, waving it's hands (paws?) wildly. The pedestrians gathering in front of you slowly pop their smartphones out, facing the rear camera to you. And then, the sound of a motorbike grows louder and louder. The next thing you see is the world turning sideways, and a head rolls off to the middle of the road. A dumb-looking bear mascot head, that is. "Miss, are you alright?!" The surrounding noise is muddled by the ringing in your ears. "Huh?" You look around and you realize you're sitting in the middle of the road, ass-flat on the painted pedestrian. You are joined on the ground by a handsome man in a bear suit. His case is way worse than yours though, as he is sprawled flat on his back. It was he who asked you if you were alright. "Are you?" You look around, spotting the delivery motorbike speed away from where he hit you. The pedestrian crossing light turns green, and the crowd continues on with their day. "Oh my-!" You quickly get up from your position, dusting off your clothes while heading over to the bear-man who saved you. Sort of. "Hey, are you hurt?!" You ask, alarmed at him clutching his elbow. "We should get you to a hospital!" "No, I'm fine, really.." He forces a bunny smile as he gets up from the concrete, wincing and obviously in pain. "Oh, you're hurt!" He points to your right knee. "That's not a big deal." You bend your knee up, seeing the scratch. "We have to get you to the hospital..." you nervously fumble with your phone as the stranger continues to smile at you like a stone-age man seeing a tool for the first time. "I'm Jungkook, by the way.." He extends his less-injured arm to you and you notice his bleeding palm, caused by friction against the concrete. Is this his way of guilt-tripping you? --------------- "There we are, all bandaged up!" The nurse with ridiculously gentle hands places a band-aid over your wounded knee after applying antiseptic. "It wasn't so bad now, was it?" The nurse smiles brightly to you, his eyes disappearing into cute crescent lines, while still holding your leg. Jungkook coughs from beside you, prompting the nurse to return to his duties. "Erm, We need to conduct further tests on Mister Jeon, incase he has a concussion. We also need to look into his arm hence an X-Ray would be necessary." The attending nurse speaks to you while he carefully bends Jungkook's arm. "That's fine, I'll pay for that." You tell the nurse. "Absolutely not! I'm fine!" Jungkook motions to get up from the seat and whines like a child. "Jungkook, Its fine, I promise. I'm loaded. its not a problem at all." You tell him before exiting the room to head towards the billing desk, leaving him with the male nurse. ---------------------- "Sorry, miss. We don't accept credit cards at the moment." The clerk's deep voice reverbs through the transaction window. "B-but I don't have cash on me right now!?" You tell the clerk who is also questionably handsome. "Well that sucks." He stares into your eyes with a bored expression. His hands lace together on top of the table like he's playing chess with you. You scoff before turning away, pulling your phone out of your pocket. Your father's contact number eyes back at you, as if taunting you, daring you to call him. Sighing in defeat, you tap the dial icon. "Hello?" "Did you call to apologize? Or are you still being childish-" Your father begins. "I'm in the hospital and I need money to pay for-" You rush out, stopping him from berating you again. "WHAT?! Which hospital?! I'll be on my way!" ----- "Okay, listen we have a problem-" You rushed back to where you left Jungkook. However, you were cut off by the sound of Jungkook's stiff laughter. With him was the same nurse, Nurse Park, was it? As if caught in a crime, nurse Park quickly leaves the ward, squeezing himself away from you and avoiding any sort of physical or eye contact. "What was that?" You ask Jungkook. "What was what?" his big innocent eyes were hiding some sort of mischief. "What's the problem?" he reels you back to the ordeal at hand. "They don't take credit cards." You nervously wring your fingers. "I don't need an X-Ray, I'm fine. See? That flirtatious nurse was just-" Jungkook stretches out his injured arm, obviously trying to disguise his pain. Rolling your eyes, you continue. "I called my dad, he's coming over." "Oh?" was all that Jungkook could say. --------- Earlier after you left for the billing desk, Jungkook tries to converse with Jimin, his attending nurse. "Yah, Nurse... Park Jimin?" Jungkook peers at the name plate his attending nurse is wearing on his chest. "Yep, that's me." The cheerful nurse smiles while jotting down details on his clipboard. "You know how I got this injury?" Jungkook asks him, making his voice a little deeper, puffing his chest to make it a little broader. "That looks like a road-" Jimin is cut off. "Some idiot tried to flirt with my girlfriend. He whacked me with a chair," Jungkook raises his elbow a little, "and well, you can guess it didn't end well with the other guy." Nurse Park Jimin nervously looks up from his clipboard. "He's probably lying cold in some morgue right now..." Jungkook stares blankly at a distance before letting out an intimidating laugh. "So I'd appreciate it if you stop flirting with my girlfriend right here, got it?" -------- "I'm looking for Miss L/n, Where is she?" Your father arrives, ringing the bell of the billing desk to get the attention of the attendant who was gossiping with a nurse. "Yikes.." The gossiping nurse turns his back to your father, earning him a weird look from him. "Uh... Miss L/n was is here with her boyfriend, here's their billing statement." Taehyung, the billing clerk, prints out a sheet, and passes it to your father. "Boyfriend?!" "Ward 264, Second floor. I'll take you there, sir." Nurse Jimin, from behind clerk Kim, butts in and leads your father to the elevator after he paying the hospital bill. ------------ "Y/n!" Your father's voice booms from the as he enters the ward, startling another patient. "Dad, I'm fine I just-" "Are you her boyfriend?!" Your father points a finger at Jungkook. Your jaw drops. Jungkook's eyes widen as they dart between you, your dad, and attending nurse Park Jimin who followed closely behind. You were blinking really fast, forcing your laggy braincells to form a coherent thought. This is it. If you tell your dad that your dating someone, maybe he'll call off the arranged marriage. But before you could say anything, Jeon Jungkook, 24 years-old, part-time mascot, wearing a sweaty t-shirt and the said mascot suit bunched around his waist, confidently speaks up to your father, CEO of Now Build Construction and Trading Inc. "Yes, I am. Do you have a problem about it?"

[thequietmanno1]

Thelreads, Vigilantes 32, Replies Part 1

1) “Pop is now officially the mascot of the Marukane Department store, she has sold out and is a filthy capitalist. Sure, she’ll be rich and have a good life, but still…”- Hey, if it pays the bills and polishes her skills- not to mention gives her the opportunity to travel around to locations other that Koichi’s neighbourhood to ply her trade, then I don’t see much Downsides to Pop selling out for a little while until she’s ready to be a solo idol

2) “Dammit Koichi, you guys just got here and you already wants to go back? I mean, I know that your father is waiting but c’mon, she needs to network around, advertise the corporation a little more, all as specified in her contract.”- Koichi’s probably anxious that the neighbourhood suffering chaos without the Crawler there to manage the appearance of Trigger Villains, conveniently overlooking the fact that he doesn’t actually do much to stop them on his own when they do appear, and that there’s plenty of heroes out there who can look after the place whilst he’s out on a mini-vacation. Ironically however, Koichi’s ‘vacation’ is taking place right in the middle of a Drugs bust, which begs the question- does Koichi follow the drugs, or do the drugs follow Koichi?

3) Oh, are we going to have a quiet, calm walk around the place? I highly doubt that, my bet is that in three pages they’ll be fighting for their lives from the evil claws of M O N I K A, the Fallen Crab.”- Well, we do see some claws that are likely going to be used for distinctly evil purposes in the next few pages, so I guess you can take this one

4) “I speak in behalf of all of the House of Cancer when I say that she’s a disgrace to our clan, and we’re already taking all the needed steps to bring her to justice before she has a chance to do any harm.”- ‘Monika then proceeded to flash her police badge to the house before skipping merrily away, leaving L behind to eat some Humble Crab Bento

5) “I genuinely have no idea why my jokes are leaning towards anarchism and anti-capitalism tonight, but I guess this is how we’re rolling.”-The more chaotic a situation erupts at the venue, the less likely the chance that Phelps will arrest Koichi in the ensuing madness, unable to focus on a lone would-be hero on the chaos, letting him and Pop slip away silently without being arrested. So, (lights Molotov cocktail) Let’s get this party started!!

6) “Well, you guys could make it themed around vigilantes, like a Pop key chain, a Knuckleduster Knuckleduster or even a Crawler gun holster, it could work out, but then again, we’re fighting against capitalism tonight, so, no can do.”- Given Koichi’s recently unlocked power of sucking, you could make one of those little rubber figures with the sticky balls on the end of their limbs patterned after the crawler- the one where you stick them to a surface and watch them backflip down it thanks to gravity

7) “Also, industrial equipment being used like this? I feel that OSHA would have a few complaints over the hazard that it posses in a public place like this.”-…. Monika may be on our side, but I’m sure as hell glad she’s not the one riding the suit anymore- I don’t wat to imagine her ‘snipping’ somebody with those jaws of life as part of a comedy routine in her head.

8) “Also it’s really creepy to have a crab-girl in a crab-suit offering crab as a meal to people walking by, there’s a wrongness to it I can’t even begin to describe.”- I mean, she’s not an anthropomorphic crab or anything- think that hairstyle is all Gel, like Apollo Justice- but yeah, Monika and Hawks seems to share a fondness for ‘cannibalism’ amongst their favourite animal life.

9) “OFF SHE GOES, AND THAT THING DEFINITELY ISN’T SAFE, TO BE TRANSITING LIKE THAT IN A CIVILIAN AREA. LOW VISIBILITY BY GOING SIDEWAYS ADDED TO THE SHEER WEIGHT AND SPEED IT MOVES, CHRIST THIS PLACE IS A FEW MOMENTS AWAY FROM A LAWSUIT.”-I don’t even think you need to drive it sideways- Monika’s manager yelling at her for doing so indicates it can be driven forwards in a perfectly normal manner, albeit probably at extremely reduced speeds, and Monika’s just choosing the faster option because it’s more ‘authentic’

10) “Oh, stomachache? That seems awfully convenient, when shit’s about to go down… Let me guess, you’ll need to use the restroom, then you’ll get out of sight and move to deal with the drugs deal you’re coordinating?”- well, apart from those last two words that’s pretty much 100% correct.

11) “You okay there Pop? You seem a little tense. Is it because of the creepy crab lady?”- Pop’s probably used to idols keeping up a ‘cute and approachable’ image and is taken a little off guard by one being willing to drop that to answer the call of nature, without even trying to offer a less gross reason- though, of course, any other reason Monika gave would be an easily-seen through lie, so going for something simple was the best excuse she could do.

12) “Interesting comment there, Bowtie McStache, it makes it seem like she’s the type of person you can’t exactly get a read on, even though I suppose you guys have been working together for quite some time.

Is she the type to run off at random because of stomachache or other strange reasons? Like, every event you guys go to? Places that could be used for drug trafficking? I wonder…”- I wonder how many of these supply lines have been using conventions as a safe transportation method? Probably more than a few, given Mcstache implies Monika and him have been working together for a while now, as this undercover sting OP seems to have a lot of hands on deck for handling just one method of ingress for illegal drugs… @thelreads

[accidentalharrie]

Harry Styles: A Crush for the Zeitgeist

At Harry Styles’s “SOLD OUT ONE NIGHT ONLY” celebration in Los Angeles for his new album, Fine Line, a black Lab puppy with a big soft face and chubby paws is the official security dog. As I wait in line and stare at him, he’s staring at his chaperone, pure love in his eyes. The puppy’s training kicks in when the well-manicured probable model ahead of me drops a bag of gourmet cupcakes. The puppy tries to run toward the cupcakes and is eventually taken on a walk to cool off. He could be a mascot here. The demographic of the Harry Styles’s tour kickoff is urgent, excitable sweet tooth.

At the Forum, approximately 17,000 chirpy fans, mostly femme and seemingly circa Styles’s age (25), prance into the stadium with birthday-girl energy and new shirts. The shirt with an impressive plurality here is sold at the merch table outside. (“Where are your regular shirts?” I ask two friends who’ve been on tour with Harry and they laugh and tell me, “In a bag under our seat.” Obviously.) Fifteen minutes before his set time, the merch booths have been picked almost clean. Another probable model is wearing eight gold rings across her fingers that spell F I N E L I N E like brass knuckles.

Instead of wearing Styles concert T-shirts, some of his fans are just dressed like him. If you were wondering where all the bright, high-waisted trousers disappeared to on Friday night, they were with me at the Forum. Like the most consuming of crushes, there is a dual impulse to both be and be with. I count at least five imitations of his Gucci huge-leg sailor-pants look from his album cover. A leopard suit from his last tour; the “Sex” shirt he wore on SNL. For the life of me I can’t keep a Styles song in my head, but the outfits are emblazoned on my cortex. I was at that SNL taping actually, a fact I forgot until I wrote that down. I am a receptive sieve when it comes to this handsome scamp.

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To decode Harry Styles to my date (their cultural interests run more to Björk, 1997–2004, plus 2015), I tell them Styles describes Fine Line as “all about having sex and feeling sad.” My date looks at sea for a second and then asks: “At the same time?”

I can’t wait to know the answer. I’ve heard that Fine Line is testing: Can Styles make soulful and patient ’70s psych-rock and still make fan hearts’ skip a beat in 2019? Styles’s fans have flocked tightly around him since his days in confection-pop band One Direction and they stuck close through his eponymous first solo album two years ago: a moody work in the genre of “nonthreatening bad boy.” This year, things got freakier. In a Rolling Stone profile, he told a story about biting his tongue while recording and high on mushrooms, so blood came out of his mouth as he sang. Intense, animal, and daring. In honor of Styles’s new artistic voyage, my date and I split a mushroom.

The lights shoot up, Styles emerges onto the stage, and there’s a collective intake of breath. Actually, the person next to me gasp-shouts “HIS CHEST!” the millisecond before the screams avalanche.

Styles frisks around the stage singing about sex and candy, “Watermelon Sugar,” and a mandate of radical softness and euphoria. He moves like a tickle: intended to make you feel giddy and impulsive. And it’s felt. Being inside the stadium is like being inside the radiating pink heat of a crush feeling. There’s no hesitancy. Fans have come from Brazil and North Carolina. I meet a coven of teens sneaking vodka out of a water bottle in the bathroom, and they tell me they saw him in 2013 with One Direction: “It’s full circle.” Someone at the front of the pit keeps hoisting flowers up toward Styles, little white, sad carnations. The devotion here is as uncomplicated as I have ever seen devotion. I envy that. The Forum, the entire venue, changes its Instagram bio to “Harry Styles stan account [multiple stars emoji]” in an instant.

The metabolism is also immeasurably fast. As my date put it: “Everyone knows everything in here.” His fans know every song in their bones, from an album that was released that day. They shout the words to prove it. On Instagram, I saw a clip of a fan outside saying she hadn’t listened yet [AUDIBLE GASPS], and then she explains this will be a special opportunity to hear the album for the first time live [DIFFERENT GASPS, ADMIRING GASPS]. It’s a sentimentalist’s scene.

People scream the whole time, in addition to bobbling on command and filming. Until Styles, I tacitly agreed that it was a confusing irony that fans screamed over music they wanted to hear. I realize now that he’s made music to scream over. This is a universe of their mutual creation, the soundtrack is just the mood cue.

It can be alienating: This is the music that launched a million zillion hearts? But I realize that a crush should not be judged on talent. And Styles is a perfect crush. Slinking around in the drama of big pants and a Mick Jagger femme blouse. He looks like a rascal androgyne, he acts like a romantic, he’s all chin scruff and nonthreatening sex appeal.

Because of the pants, he dances in a way that Katharine Hepburn might. There’s a feline backward skip that seems to accentuate the knee caps. And other times, in louche-adjacent but ultimately weightless seduction, it seems as if there are string held to the stop of his hip bones. I was thrilled when I read an interview with one of Styles’s favored designers, Harris Reed, who said some clothes were specifically flared so Styles could “dance and do his pelvic thrusting, which he loves to do.” The creature is a perfect crush.

There’s a photo opportunity to stand in Styles’s place: a dark-green screen that will become the Tim Walker–photographed Fine Line album cover (floating hand included). People try to imitate Styles’s stance, but it’s surprisingly tough. I think most people don’t put their hips forward enough. No one quite achieves the lightness of the hand on his waist. And the casual point is rendered as finger gun. Styles is a master craftsman of the fluid choreography.

Can you forgive me for waiting until now to tell you that Stevie Nicks descended onto the stage like an archangel? They Landslid together. (Brief history: Harry Styles paid official tribute to Nicks at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony by saying, “She’s always there for you. She knows what you need: advice, a little wisdom, a blouse, a shawl”; Nicks mistakenly referred to Styles’s former band as “’N Sync.”) Nicks — dusky voice even duskier, in high beige boots — sways in front of a mic stand with a thousand sparkling scarves on it. Styles approaches his half of the duet with clarity and practice and he does a worshipful dance at her. This whole place is a devotional practice. I remember that I’m on mushrooms and feel religious about it. When they sing, “I’ve been afraid of changing because I’ve built my life around you,” I think about Styles and the fans and their adoring fealty.

So the night’s heating up. Glitter drops from the ceiling (metaphorically “snow” as Styles is singing “Wonderful Christmas Time”). This is nice. Styles says, “The album is yours; I am yours,” so I think it’s a Christmas present. I should write a thank-you note.

The Fine Line’s tour comes with a take-home message: “Treat People With Kindness,” which is incidentally the name of a bombastic choral-influenced song on Fine Line. It’s inscribed on shirts and on handwritten signs, helpfully summarized as “TPWK,” which is incidentally the sound of someone being punched in the stomach.

With three minutes left of the night, Styles launches into “Kiwi,” a song from his first solo album that’s famous for making big floors shake. Before the song breaks, I see a pack of girls in sneakers and skirts and jumpsuits carefully clear a wide circle in the pit and then hurtle into it. Will they be able to thrash with kindness and consideration? Of course, they’ve been studying Fine Line and how to walk it. And when Styles asks them, “Will you dance with me like you’ve never danced before?” I’ve never seen such obedience.

[rudbeag]

ClodFlash. Coffee Shop AU (Barry)

Fandom :  The Flash (TV 2014), DC's Legends of Tomorrow (TV)

Name : Coffee is a hug in a mug. Coffee Shop AU.

Rating : Not rated (I could say it’s a General audience, with a kiss and one or two bads words) 

Relationships : Barry Allen/Leonard Snart (main) - Maisie(OC)/Karen(OC) - Oliver Queen/Felicity Smoak - Iris West/Eddie Thawne (mention)

Characters : Barry Allen, Leonard ‘Len’ Snart, Maisie Hilston-Fell (OC), Karen Hilston-Fell (OC), Oliver Queen, William Queen, Felicity Smoak, Mia Smoak, Lisa Snart, Iris West

Tags : Tumblr: otpprompts, Imagine your OTP, OTP Questions, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Love Confessions, Misunderstandings, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Alternate Universe - Coffee Shops & Cafés, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Other Additional Tags to Be Added

 Summary : Just a ColdFlash OTP prompt/questions found on tumblr. Each one of the questions will have an OS attached to it, so it will make it greater and way more interesting. The series will contains different OTP situations/Challenges etc.

1. In a coffee shop AU, who would be the barista who keeps spelling the other person’s name wrong? Barry and Leonard's different first Meeting.

Words : 6710 / 6.7K

Chapters : 1/2

Disclaimer :  This OTP question was taken from the moon dust writings, Tumblr.

Read On AO3

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Chapter 1 ;  I think that we need to be open to exploring something new. (Barry)

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1. In a coffee shop AU, who would be the barista who keeps spelling the other person’s name wrong?

Rep : Both, they will both do it, in different ways. BUT, it's always Leonard L. Snart's fault.

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Barry Allen, 22, whose name is Bartholomew, was a barista in the coffee shop "Tasty Interlude" in Central City. The Shop, belonging to Maisie Hillston-Fell, who is one of his High school best friends, is one of the most famous in the whole city of Central City. Because of the nice behavior of the staff, the quality of the coffees, the way the shop is open 24/7, the diverse and various tastes in drinks and multiples pastries they propose and the overall pleasant atmosphere - Which result to Maisie, who provides a reduction to nice people and allow an increase in the prices to those who are extremely rude and vulgar. This was a brilliant move, as Barry had spotted his second bully, Jamison Lordge — Tony still gets the first, but he already dealt with him — being nice and behave like a gentleman. Which, not to be rude, he is not.

Barry had worked for a month when he perceived him for the very first time; around 9 pm, during a wintry day, as it was winter and the barman was having a night shift. He was putting the Croissant and Napoleons in the display cases with some other pastries; Baklava, Chocolate pies, cream puffs, and Chestnut fondant cake, when he spotted this heavily enveloped man in front of the shop. He quickly cleansed his hands, thinking that maybe the man wanted to come in for a hot coffee.

The stranger was tall — bigger than him and barry was 183 cm or 6' 0 — and was wearing a white shirt with a black pant, dark baker boots with a leather vest of the same color. He was on top of that, wearing gray gloves, a knitted scarf with multiples shades of beige, a dark gray beanie, and winter protective glasses. Barry thinks the man is doing relatively too much as it was not that cold outside. Or maybe it is, he doesn't remark how the weather is as he had worked from 4 pm. He waited for the man to get in, but he didn't move at all, which was a bit disturbing because Barry was certain he was looking at him.

The man had already disappeared when Barry had jerked his head in surprise as he heard suspect sound from the back; fortunately, it was nothing more than Rosie, the store mascot, that leaves the shop by the kitchen's window. He couldn't find him. He surely was waiting for someone or was homeless waiting for something. Barry had lost his light fear and was a bit sad for not knowing if it was someone in need of something hot to warm him. Nothing more had happened next, and only two people had come taking hot drinks. It was the less exhausting and crowded night shift he had until now, since he started this work one month and a half ago.

When Barry's shift ended, at 11 pm and he said goodbye to the other staffs and get a leaving. He took with him a bunch of hot coffees cups for Joe, Eddie and the homeless that lives near the bus station he will pass by and where Joe will pick him. He sends them his biggest smile, while giving them their coffees cups; Latte for Gerard and Winston, Hot cocoa for Liam and decaffeinated for Julian, Roy and Old Liam. He took time to talk with them before wishing a goodnight to everyone and hoping a brighter next day when Joe's car was spotted.

Barry had totally forgot about the strange standing man until he saw him again, a few days later. He could recognise him due to his boots and the way he was standing; he was standing in a specific way that is actually common but gives certain vibes to Barry that he finds it way too strange, not that he is not a weird nerd that plays vigilante as he is one of the fastest men alive but this will certainly place him in a whole other level. He politely smiled at him as he entered the shop.

Today, the man is wearing a black shirt with the same dark pant and same biker boots but is having a blue parka and the gloves only. Barry can perceive his attractive, deep, blue-grey eyes and the only thing he could think about is that he is handsome and really charismatic. The man smiles back, while coming towards the counter.

" - Hello, sir and welcome to Tasty Intelude may I get your order, please?"

"- Hello. I am unfamiliar with this establishment and don't know what to try. Can you please help me with that? " He looked at the barman with a slight smile that emits the same energy as a smirk. Even his voice is charismatic; low, smooth and slow. The younger really loves it. " Barry. "

Barry felt more than saw his ears changing colors to a pinkish one; his name said by this voice sound like something more than it really is and it makes him feel strange, he quite don't want to know why. The barman then nodded after a few seconds because of the intensity of the look the attractive man is giving him.

" - With pleasure, what is the type of drinks you like? Creamy, sweet or strong?" He asked, while giving the menu a look, already knowing everything that was there but still needing for some assistance.

" - Surprise me."

These words made Barry look at gorgeous man with wide eyes and a hint of blush on his cheeks. What is he trying to do?  He then nodded a bit, incertain.  None of them had noticed how staff near, Maisie and Karen, her wife, were looking back and forth at them with an amused gazes.  After another a little awkward second, the consumer added.

" - Give me any drink you think suits me, I have fait in you. Barry." He smirked again and leaned over a little bit " I'll tell you if it was good or not. And make it large size."

" - O-okay. Great." Barry was, already, dark pink.

He thinks rapidly and looked over the coffee to get a sudden idea for what to give him, when he spotted a cup. It was Iris and Eddie, in an early morning coffee date, totally forgetting they are not alone in the shop despite being an extremely advanced hour. He knows what first hot drink he will serve him and started working on it. When he finished, he was satisfied with himself for few seconds before asking himself why is he proud. It is plain weird. He turned to the man and shows him the fuming cup.

" - What name should I put in?" He asked with a smile but it merges to frowns when handsome gives him a teasing smirk.

" - It wouldn't be funny if I give you my name, but my last name is Snart. Good luck, Barry. "

Barry was panicked; he is used to people giving him incorrect names; which might be funny at some point - some use famous actors, singers names or even movies or book characters - or telling him some that he never heard about before. But he didn't once meet someone that ask him to take a guess and find his name. That wa the weirdest thing ever, and it's from the same person.

" - There is your order, Mister Snart, it's a Caffee Latte, with a half spoon of sugar. Hope you will like it."

He writes Snart on the cup before giving it to him, Mr. Snart look at the cup for a long time that it made Barry nervous and thought that he will ask him to redo anther one. The man in front of him only gives him a mysterious smile then take the cup.

" - That was a clever move, unfortunately Snart won't work on it's own. Think about it for the next time we'll meet." He took the cup after paying and was going to go, but turned to look at the young barista. " And Mr. Snart won't either. I'll come tomorrow, have a nice day, Red."  

Snart leaves the coffee shop, not after winking at Barry — that absolutely missed it - and  let the two other staffs corning the poor young man and interrogate him about how is this hotie that was totally flirting with him — " yes, Bartholomew, he was totally flirting with you. " and make him spilt the tea about who is  this person. They only could make him talk to them when it was their shift's end, which coincided with the arrival of the other workers and, of course iris was spotted inside as well. His foster adoptive sister and best friend directly joined them right when Barry was blushing.

" -What is going on, why is our little Barry is as pink as a flamingo? " She asked while setting her bag, containing her laptop on the ground, and look at them with questioning eyes.

" - He is blushing because a hot consumer flirted with him with the hottest way possible and a little game." Maisie explained.

Without waiting even a second, Karen explained everything that happened when Snart arrived, lacking to give any name. She does want to know what is the stranger's name to encourage his rgame with Barry, but if she gives the name to Iris, she will totally go and try to investigate everything about him and that will make the game end and maybe will ruin the chance of Barry with him because as much as she appreciates her — She really loves her. She is kind and daring and loves to help other people — but she is insistent and will surely will stalk the man or be fascinated with Snart overmuch that it will frightens him and push him away from the cutest male she ever met.

" - I am not blushing. And totally don't know who he is, I've never met him before." That was not a total lie, but he actually really never met him before. " He is just having jokes and want me to find his name. He was totally not flirting with me. I mean, it's normal, it does happen often... Right?"

By the looks he gets from all three girls; It seems that this games does not happen that often, which makes him turn pretty silent and blush a lot more than he already did. Okay. Maybe the charismatic man was really flirting with him — which he doubts — Or was acting his usual way, he couldn't know, and it truly means nothing for him. The girls were aware of what he was thinking but said nothing — Iris got warning from the two others — and decided to only interfere when Barry is clueless. Or will lost his likely future boyfriend, that they hope it will be more like a future husband. Barry, then receive a call, which is not unusual but he is lucky enough to be able to get a little rest.

—•—••–

As Snart had said, he came back the next day at seven;he was wearing a beige shirt, a black pant, some leather shoes and a grey parka that is less heavy than his blue one - Barry preferred the other. He waited until Barry was available to make his drink and talk for a while. His slight smile was left on his face, and he had put some great cologne. Barry greeted him with his usual big smile, and if this one was more vivid and joyous than the ones he gives newcomers, no one have to know it. Even if they seem to already do it.

" - Hello Barry. Have you found my name yet?" That was the first thing he naturally said to him, with a smirk. "The latte was good, but not that grandiose, unfortunately. What will I get today, superman? A medium size cup, please. We wouldn't desire me to have problem sleeping, wouldn't we."

Barry's ears blushes strongly before he started working on the next drink he will provide him. He had, indeed thought about his name but nothing came in mind, so he decided to start Alphabetically. Wishing from the bottom of his heart that his name wasn't from another country otherwise, he will never find it. He put the ingredients in the medium-sized cup. In the meanwhile, Snart was having a discussion with him.

" - So, how is your ankle? " He asked, gaining a weird look from the Barista, that didn't disturb him but he continued talking. "I saw you walking in the main street yesterday around 7 pm, like someone that suffer a twisted ankle. You really should be more attentive, the street is quite slippery in this period of the year I wouldn't want to stop seeying my favorite barista."

" - Oh, it was nothing, just me being a little clumsy. My foot is good!" He offers him a big smile, looking at his foot with the spiderman logo, a hint of blush on the back of his neck. "I'm absolutely fine, thanks for your concerns."

Barry was internally panicking; yesterday he had fought a metahuman with a rock power, he had been injured by him. Snart must have witnessed him when he was going home while his body was recovering from the attack he got. He offered him a smile to hide his nervousness before giving him his hot drink. It was a classic Cappuccino with sugar. He wanted to try classic drinks before going to the complex ones. Handsome took it carefully and look at the name.

" - Aaron? I am way to handsome to an Aaron, don't you think?" He playfully gives him a smile while paying. "It smels good. Thanks, have a a nice day."

Barry was speechless by what did not-Aaron had said, and he didn't know how to respond. He can't lie and say he was not "too" handsome, seeing as it is a lie, and it will upset him. He also, can't just admit he is handsome, since he is too nervous for that and because if he does this, the girls will never let it go, and he will get teased about this for a long time.

Snart note his reaction, and his smirk was way too marked not to be a tease, but it didn't make the barista want to make it disappears — he doesn't want to accept yet why he wants that with the other, but not with Snart — more it causes his face to get warmer. He winked again before looking at Barry with a gleam in his eyes. He turned after that and left the coffee shop, with his cup tightly in his hand. A smile hidden on his face.

—•—••–

For about three months, Snart came back to the coffee, in Barry's shift. He once arrived and it was not, thought — it was Maisie's and she gives him the man's schedule — so he came back later, to find him, and he rarely did miss their meetings on his own mistake, sometimes Barry have emergencies. He became good acquittance with the owners of the shop after that, and he somehow appreciate the couple, both of them .

He and the barista became pretty close and now, Barry flirt back with Batman. It's a long story; all you have to know is that Jamison was way too touchy with an awkward barista — Barry, who had ended his shift — and it didn't pleased Mr. Handsome, so he suggested the bastard should not touch what wasn't his, wearing all black. The next day, he got a free drink from the staff to thank him. Still, the best thing he was given was a lovely message on the cup "Thanks for protecting me, Batman" from Barry. Now, the hero's name is one of his nicknames. He pretty much likes it, because Barry is the only one to use it.

Barry — Bartholomew, he had learnt, when it was suggested, which is as great as his own name — had considered many of them, and for two months, he was absolutely wrong, trying different types — He even did try Albert, Coleman, Charleston, Broderick or Emmerich, and that was hilarious — so Snart had decided to give a hint, allowing him to know if the initial was right or no. Which, now, Barry knows his name is L. Snart, thanks to Lawrence.

Snart was undoubtedly in a jovial mood; he had a great dream; he got the best sleeping of the week — sleeping after talking with Barry is something he really liked — and his friend Mick had his plaster removed, thus, is in a good mood too so he will not be annoying him. It's also due to the fact that he will see his cute barista and that alone could light up his spirit.

He entered the shop; it was already crowded, but it is easy to identify the waiters, Sarah and John. Then he spotted Maisie with whom he had developed a relatively great friendship, with Karen, her wide, that is tease if you ask him. He, then, spotted his — Not his. Not yet — barista. Again, Barry was wearing the red vest he saw him for the first time, and that is the reason for the nickname he gives him. Red — Barry blushing a lot is another reason, but the vest remain the main one.

" - Morning Barry." He smiled at him "So, what is for today?"

" - Hello Batman !" He joyously smiled back while carefully preparing someone's cup. "Do you want to try something new today or do you like to go with the usual Double Espresso Chiaro? "

" – I've got the same coffee order for five days. I would like to change that." He started looking at the menu; it's the third time he has done it this whole period he was coming here. "What would you suggest for a sweetened drink?"

" - What about a Peanut Butter and Banana milkshake?" He asked while giving him quick glares. "It's no that sweet, but still sweet enough."

" - We'll see that after, Red." Snart smiles while adjusting himself to stand in a better position "But I trust you enough."

Barry finished the cup he was making and give it to John, the waiter. He then looked at his friend with a big smile, swiftly getting into work for the coffee of his favorite consumer. He seizes the usual cup. The he begins making the peanut butter, the milk and the banana plus some honey and start preparing the drink. Snart watches him with a tender smile on his face, that neither any of them had noticed. Other clients had, but for the consumer, it's a usual scene that occurs frequently when they are looking at each other and find it endearing. When the drink is finished and given to Snart, Mr. Handsome was going to say something but was cut with the arrival of someone. It was not the arrival itself that had cut him off, but the beaming smile his barista had given the newcomer. He turns to identify who the person was, and it was the notorious Oliver Queen.

As soon as Barry saw the millionaire, he leaved his post for his break and went to greet enthusiastically the man. With a tight hug, while the other male didn't seem to want to even let him, go. They looked as if they were really intimate and this picture causes the heart of Snart winch painfully inside his torso. It's not like he doesn't enjoy observing Barry with other people. It's just seeing the man he is unconditional in love with, being intimate and tender with a person that is not himself and being as close as a couple. That causes negative feelings. He looked at the cup in his hand, especially the name and that inadvertently causes him to feel worst. Lewis. Great. A growl escaped from his throat while glaring fiercely at the two other sittings in a table in the corner of the shop, discussing. He pays for the cup, and some fondant cakes then leaves the place.

Snart was gone and didn't notice the glance the staff exchanged between themselves, before looking at Barry. Maisie facepalmed herself with a desperate sigh before asking the other to continue their work. She and Karen decided to talk about it latter on, when they will be on the privacy of their home. Maisie went back to work while Karen decided to drop by the two stupid persons that were chatting, with absolutely no idea of what their action looked like to the other around. She sat face-to-face with Oliver when barry went somewhere.

" - Oh, it's good old Ollie! " She instantly started with a big, too joyful to be true, smile. "What bought Mr. Queen up in our city, thought you were doing, you-know-what in yours. Were you bored or in need some vacation from it?"

" - Good evening to you too, Karen. " He greets her with a nod while taking the tart the waiter presents him. " Thanks. I decided to drop by to say hello to my friend, and Felicity wanted for us to have some family vacation time with the kids. "

" - You have a personal work in Central City."She said matter-of-factly with a slight smile, knowing him well enough.

She looked at him with a smirk as he nodded. Naturally he must have a work to achieve in Central City, otherwise he wouldn't have been here and ruined the moment between Len — she definitely knows his name as she had the idea of searching for Snart — and Barry. And he will definitely ask for the younger to babysit his two children to have a date with his wife or merely enjoy some free time. She sighs then looked at him with a frown and her arms crossed on the table.

" - And I have works in central city, too." He smiles vaguely then look at her with a frown of his own."I did something or...? "

She jerked her head a bit before sighing again at his noticeable lack of intelligence. She looked around, making sure Barry is not coming back anytime soon, before giving him the darkest look possible. It was still cute, but that was not the point.

" - Needless to say that you did something, you big idiot! " She said in a low voice, so people couldn't listen to their conversation. But she knows they are doing it anyways; they are all worried about the love story as she is. " Might just ruin a love confession a hot, nice and perfect man towards Barry! Do you know how much we were waiting for it? Three months, yes, three damning months and you managed to ruin everything in less than five minutes because two looked like both were boyfriends not just Best friends. Do you know what quite of a sexual tensions they were having and that... "

She was going to start talking higher, so he merely paused and takes one deep breath. Then she starts looking at him while tapping her nail tips to the table and gazed into his keen eyes; expecting for the information yo be thoroughly analyzed by his brain. It doesn't take long; his eyes become wide, and his mouth opens to comes to be of the shape of a small O. He quickly places his usual mask on his face even if he still was a bit surprised, afterward.

" - I didn't know about that. " He grimaced. "Do you think it can be fixed or do the green one have to interfere?"

She intended to reply, and scold the man for joking about that, but barry was back so she couldn't answer. She gave him a look then returned to her work as a waitress, her mind already trying to find a way to help Barry. Promptly it's time to interfere in this story so that it will become unruined. This will be difficult, as none of them have any mean to contact Barry's future lover, even sure when he is coming back nor can clear the misunderstanding. And they intend clearing it, with Oliver and Felicity's help. Surely with all their expertise, it will be easy.

—•—••–

As expected, Snart didn't come for next to two weeks and Barry's state of mind was not the greatest around; he is pale, couldn't eat much, doesn't talk as he used to do, have the heart to do nothing and his smile is not as bright nor as true as it has been until now. Even as the Flash — that's his super-hero name — he was clumsy, careless and got himself injured way too much. He is desperate and barely knows the reason why. He is also worried about his favorite consumer; it is possible he was injured, bored of the coffee or maybe he did something wrong. He doesn't precisely remember, but it is driving him crazy. Everyone had seen him being in a bad mood, and they wanted to comfort him. Unfortunately, he merely says he is okay, while he definitely wasn't. And no one was up to confront him about that because he will become worst.

Karen and Maisie were trying suppressing their smile. They had worked for a week, but have set a plan to make everything become right again. They had found Snart's sister, Lisa, and contacted her to take her in he schemes. Surprisedly, she directly agreed to help them in the "plan" they also received the assistance of Felicity and of Oliver - does he in fact got any choice, thought? Naturally he didn't - and today was the D-Day. Barry was called to cover a shift — John was sick — and knowing the man he wouldn't refuse to help someone; he surprisingly loved to work and be in the coffee shop.

It started well, barry covered John's shift and nothing out of the ordinary had happened so far, it was even almost an enjoyable day, not much of bad consumers. He was too absorbed by his work to much give any attention around him besides his work, obviously. This was something the other used in an advantageous way to make the plan work better. It was a win-win situation as he didn't note how they organized themselves.

Iris was sitting in a table and seems to work; her laptop was open in front of her with a pill of paper was next to it and a coffee shop was there too. She wasn't really working, but more monitoring the outside as she possessed a distinct view on the street. Her job was to inform them about the moment the Snarts were coming inside. Also, it will let Felicity to know when she and her family need to enter the shop.

Karen and Maisie were inside, preparing everything; they were both baristas as they were the ones to encounter the Snarts first, and make sure Barry was not in sign when they will get inside. It's for the sole purpose to make sure Len wouldn't run away and break all their exhausting job and complex scheme that had taken one working week to be completed.

They didn't need waiting for too long before Iris saw the two Snarts coming towards the Coffee shop, she instantly makes the sign they were waiting for; the entirety of her papers fall on the ground and, of course, Barry rushed to help her arrange all of them in order. At this moment, Lisa dragged her annoyed brother inside; his face was clearly showing he did want to be anywhere but here.

Leonard didn't want to be in this place, and he didn't know where his sister insisted to come here and bring him along. He appreciates the spot, and the owner, but it's still a place he wants to avoid for a time — like the two weeks away weren't sufficient enough — to forget Barry. He just wishes for his stupid emotion to be in check and feel extremely unpossessive towards someone who actually has a lover. He merely accepted to come because he knows Barry's shift and Lisa had been very persuasive - threatening and then giving him the cold shoulders. He decided to be polite and salute Maisie and Karen before Lisa brings him to an unoccupied table in the corner, the most far from the windows and the door possible. She makes sure he take the only chair back to both of them, so he couldn't see Barry nor Felicity and Oliver when they will come inside.

Karen was the one to collect their orders — A hot cocoa with mini marshmallows and some cinnamon powder and a Double Espresso Ciaro with a cup of banana-orange juice accompanied by two chocolate-banana tart — and had small talks with Leonard and Lisa; asking about their days, how they are doing and all of that. She promptly omits to talk about Barry, and for that Snart is grateful.

He wouldn't be for too long, he even would want to kill her. The waiter delivers their order only a few minutes after Karen had been gone. It was Barry. Leonard had known it was him before he even gets the visual confirmation of it. He slowly shifted his head to look at the man he still remains in love with. He glared at his little sister; she must undoubtedly have something to do with this and he will get a revenge.

Barry was surprised when he recognized Leonard — he had made some researches, just to be sure he was alive — he wanted to greet him but didn't knew how to do it, especially since the man seem to ignore him. It started being awkward, and he was going to leave when Lisa — bless her — breaks the oppressive silence.

" - I am Lisa and you must be Barry, right?" She smiles and ignores her brother as much as she could. " Maisie had talked about you a lot. Don't worry, it's only good things. I think you are quite famous in the coffee shop."

" - Hello," Barry smiles back and nods "effectively, I am Barry. Barry Allen. Nice to meet you Lisa."

He smiles and takes the offered hand and shakes it. Lisa frowns a little then she hides a smirk on her eyes and Leonard knew she will do something stupid.

" - Likewise." She looked at him. " Tell me, Barry, are you related to one Hen- Ouch!"

The moment she said 'related' Leonard already decided to kick her leg under the table, but wasn't quick enough. He was aware of the relationship between Barry and Henry — father and son. He would have been the first one to talk about it if he didn't know it was a sensitive subject to the younger man. Why Lisa decided to bring it up now is uncomprehensible.

Barry was awkward and he excuses himself. Leonard intended scolding her when someone entered the shop. It didn't really bothered him, not until he overheard Barry greet the person. Damn 'Ollie' again. Like life itself is trying to gain a revenge on all the wrong he did since is young - What's next? Lewis will come into his house to hurt Lisa? Not like he hadn't done that many times already - and it starts pissing him off. He was going to leave the shop, again, when his sister indicates to something and her eyes pleaded him to turn and see it. Damn her.

He did, anyways, because he doesn't have much to lose already. Barry was hugging Ollie but then a little girl; 3 years old, light red hairs, brown eyed and cute literally jumps into Barry's arms. Leonard couldn't think that things could get way worst than what they were but this proves the contrary. Then he couldn't but to listen to their conversation, not that he wanted to.

" - Mia, don't jump on Barry," Ollie said with a smirk "you might break him."

" - Sorry Daddy." The little girl — Mia — smiles sheepishly and kissed Barry's check, "Sorry uncle Barry!"

" - It's okay, princess." He kissed her check with a big smile.

Leonard spotted, then a young blonde woman with a cheerful smile on her face while she looks at Barry with the little girl; himself do think it's the most adorable thing he had witnessed. Barry let go the little girl that run towards the blonde and looked at her, surely with the puppy eyes. She must be a friend of the family, or maybe an aunt. But why didn't she ask Barry, as she was in his arms already.

" - Mommy, I want orange Pie, please!"

Oh. She is her mother. It explained everything; she looks kind like her to be honest; same little smile and same nose, and eyes as her. She also has these puppy cutenesses; these will cause you to want to preserve them from harm.

And Oliver is her Dad, so she will certainly will end up... ! Oliver is her dad, and the blonde is her mother.

Oh !

Leonard looked at his beloved sister who gives him a triumphant smile. He gently rolled his eyes then, without him knowing how, the woman came to hug Lisa. It seems that his sister had planed this, and he doesn't know how to think about it; be proud of her because she was really quite he hadn't seen it coming; be angry at himself that he hadn't seen it coming and was played like a newbie. He was surprised when the blond looked at him and basked in this mischievious glow on her eyes.

" - You must be Lisa's brother, Leonard, right?" She didn't allow him time to talk before continuing, "I am Felicity Smoak, Oliver's wife."

" - Nice to meet you miss Smoak." He nods at her,"You can call me Len, or don't cal-"

" - Wow, your voice is great; your eyes too." She looked at him with a smile, which wasn't something he liked, while she takes place in the chair near his sister. "People out there call you Barry's beau you know? Some even use Future Husband to refer to you. Barry was so red when I told him; it was comic especially when he tried to deny his feelings for you — it's obvious he loves you, if you ask me — and ended up saying a half sentences where he nearly confessed his love. One of my co-workers always says that when you love someone, just go for it; if they reject you, at least you will heal faster. Did you know that -"

Leonard never meets someone that could speak as much as her. He was not barely trying following whatever she was saying until something had attracted his attention, but later — the information had to be fully understood by his brain — while she was talking with Lisa. He looked at her with surprise, even if it didn't really shown it.

" - Pardon me, but whay have you said?" He asked her. "I think I have misheard something."

" - Oh I was saying that buzzard do-" She couldn't finish as she was cut off by Leonard.

" - Not that," he said impatiently while asking himself how this subject was approached, "but what you said about Barry."

She gives him a suspicious look before looking at the man she talked about; he was talking with an old couple. She seems to think about all the things she said about him, until something clicked in her mind. She looked at Lisa and chuckled.

" - That his perfect date is being home," she asked with a grin, "with his lover, drinking hot cocoa or tea and talking or watching TV with the fire on the chimney?"

" - No. Not that." Leonard was glad to obtain this information, but it was not what he was looking for.

" - Oh, that he is in love with you? " She smiles, and nodded her head when he shakes his. "He is deeply in love with you. Never saw him so sad and worried when you stopped showing up. I had to make him stop thining that he did the 'greatest wrong in the history of Central City', which is not the case. He really was down when you decided to stop coming. He even decided to throw up his little crush on you because he thought that it makes you incomfortable."

She said that like it was the most natural thing ever. Not like she just made Leonard's heart skip a beat — several, in fact — and simply tell him that his feelings are not reciprocal and, on top of that, that his little disappearance had caused sadness and worry to the one he is in love with. It's a lot to take, even for someone as calm as Leonard - giving some arsehole a good beating after said person nearly assaulted someone he cares for is being protective and aggressive yet still a bit calm as he did not kill him. He had to think quickly; what to do right now.

He turned his head towards where Barry was and found him behind the counter, helping Karen while Maisie is god know where. He analyzed him for few minutes, and when the barista felt someone looking at him, he looked back and smiles wide when their eyes meet. It's at this moment that Leonard's questions and incertitudes seem to vanish into thin air. He knows exactly what he should do right now.

He gets up after giving a look to his sister, who only smiles and nodded, before walking towards HIS barman, a grin on the face. The, he stood in front of the counter and looked right into Barry's eyes. They stayed like that for a good two minutes before the smallest break the silence.

" - Hey, Leonard." He said with a smile. "It's been a while, how are you?"

" - Hello, Bartholomew." Leonard smiles too, then lean on the surface a bit more to be closer. " I am well, now. I had heard you were in a quite foul mood. How are you?"

" - Yeah I, I am great, thanks." He bit his lower lip and Len found his adorable. "I am sorry, if I did something to make you, I don't know, uncomfortable."

" - You really did something," Len smirked, "you have stole something from me. You have my heart, and I am certain I don't want it back."

The pickup line was a total cliché — usually, Len don't use them — but it makes Barry going tomato red again and it's the cutest sign the older had seen; it's a look he would gladly see every day. Len was a bit nervous, but the shy grin he gets from the person opposite him makes him involuntarily smile too.

" - Well, I would need it because mine was stollen by you." he looked at him. "And I wouldn't like to obtain it back... even if you want it."

" - Great, because I don't want to give it back either." He smirked, "Now, I hope you like to eat Mexican, because I will come gathering you at eight, to take you out for our first date, boyfriend."

He was going to turn and leave to inform Lisa that she has to be on her apartment tonight. Barry's hand halted him. He turned to ask him if something doesn't satisfy him — he would have altered all the plan if it will make him happy — but was taken by surprise by a tender, gentle and delicious lip on his own. Damn. Barry is kissing him. He was surprised. Len kissed him back hungrily and with passion, making the tender kiss an intense makeout session, as much as they could with a counter between their bodies. Until someone cleared his throat.

" - Can you two don't do that in front of my children, but in your car or, better, in your appartment?" Oliver inquired while his hands are on Mia and William's eyes.

Barry breaks the kiss, with a light growl from Len. The latter looked at his now, boyfriend's friend and smiles at him.

" - Don't be jealous," he started, "I am sure you can make someone babysit them for the night for you and Felicity to have a 'date' too."

Then he was gone, ignoring with an amused smile the eyes of Mr. Queen who were definitely addressing him middle finders.

[the-blueish-trashcan]

He’s in Charge; Chapter Two

Pairing: Henry/Bertrum

Warnings: [None yet]

A/N: I would like to say that I am not a poet. This chapter includes what is supposed to be sweet, cute poetry. It’s not good. Feel free to skip it. The in-story author of the poem is genuinely good with poetry. I am not. I am the suck poet here. Also.... I had to reformat and post this because mobile tumblr is ass.

Chapter word count: 2,508

{First part} {Previous part} {Next part}

Chapter Two; Bonding

“So with the design the way it is, the person playing the mascot wouldn't really be able to see…” Henry pointed to a sketch in his hand, walking through the warehouse with Bertrum just behind him. “What we could do is change the material in the eyes and make the mask smaller, which would also get this a little closer to the actual model…”

“That may be better than what we have, and possibly cheaper, as well.” Bertrum responded. “We already have a few prototypes in, just back here.” He pointed the animator towards a small room behind some of the game booths.

The room itself was small, with only enough room in it for two or three people at a time. It was dimly lit, as well, only one fluorescent light pinned to the wall with wires exposed. The light, as well as the dirt floor, told Henry that the room was far from finished. Though that’s not what Bertrum wanted him to see; No, the attraction of the room was pinned to the wall, and laid out on the small metal workbench against the wall. Three prototype mascot suits with massive heads and mesh mouths hung from hooks on the wall, one sitting up on the bench. At the sight of them, Henry felt a shiver go up his spine.

“These are… uhm, creepy.” He carefully voiced. “Just, you know… just saying! If I think it’s creepy, kids may not like it…” He justified soon after.

At his tone, Bertrum gave him a strange look. “Don’t be so nervous, your feedback is very important. I was afraid that would be the case, my team just did what was simple at the time. I’ll get them your newer design and hopefully that will yield a more… friendly mascot.” He placed a hand on Henry’s shoulder, causing the shorter man to flinch ever so slightly. “I’ll let you know when we get them in.”

“Are… you going to tell Joey about this?” Henry asked as Bertrum led him away from the room again.

Bertrum waved his hand. “Drew doesn’t know they’re here to begin with, he won’t know I’ve had them switched.”

Henry relaxed ever so slightly. “Good… That’s good.”

“You know, Henry,” Bertrum began, turning to him. “I was thinking about perhaps having other mascots, seeing as you have more than one character. I’ve drawn up concepts for them, if you’d like to look at them.” He paused, but before Henry could reply, he started speaking again. “I know you’re a very busy man, so perhaps we could discuss more over dinner?”

Henry’s eyebrows went up, his eyes widening. “Oh, uhm… sure, that sounds nice, actually.”

Bertrum offered a warm smile. “Wonderful.”

*****

That night, Henry arrived at the restaurant Bertrum specified with a sheaf of papers in his arms. As he stepped in the glass doors, he found the designer waiting for him. He offered a smile. 

“I'm glad you're able to meet with me, Henry. I think it's important to maintain a good relationship outside of the work environment.”

“You know, I think you're onto something there.” Henry returned a hesitant smile as a waiter in a three-piece suit lead them to a table for two. A small menu was handed to them both, Henry setting his papers as far to the side as he could. 

Once their drink and appetizer orders were taken, Bertrum spoke up. “Have you been here before?”

Henry chuckled. “Well, no… it's a little above my normal price range, if I'm honest…”

“I think it's very worth it, the food is as high quality as they want you to believe. The wine, too, if you'd like to give it a try?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, no, no, I don't think so… I don't drink a lot, especially when I'm working.” At his words, he turned back to his papers. “So… I really liked those concepts you gave me earlier, I’ve been working on them for a little while…”

*****

By the time the waiter was bringing the pair a dessert menu, which they both declined, Henry had been rambling for a good hour or more between bites of dinner. Bertrum, however, only looked interested in what he had to say, his chin resting in the palm of one hand and a small smile on his lips. When the bill was placed on the table, Henry idly reached for it. However, a hand much larger than his own stopped him, causing the animator to look up. 

“Please, let me pay.” Bertrum voiced.

“What? No, I can't let you do that, at least split it with me.” Henry tried. 

“I insist, let me. Please?” The gentle look on the man's face contrasted the determined look in his eyes. 

Henry sighed. “Alright, fine… But I'm leaving the tip.”

“Nonsense.” Bertrum waved him off, scribbling on to the paper, then setting a five and three two-dollar bills with it.

Henry tried to hide the surprised look on his face. “You didn't have to do that…”

“And yet I did.” He stated with a smirk.

“I suppose we should get going, then. I really appreciate being able to meet with you outside of work, I feel like I don't have to be looking over my shoulder every minute.” He started stuffing papers back into his folder, throwing a smile up at Bertrum. “Did you want to hang onto these now that I've made some adjustments?”

“That may be best, yes. I can get them to my teams as soon as possible tomorrow morning.”

“Sounds good to me.” 

Outside, despite the papers clutched in one arm, Bertrum held the door open for the animator, who quietly thanked him. 

“I would like to do this again sometime soon, Henry. Perhaps not with so much work mixed in.” Bertrum's hand came to rest on the small of Henry's back, moving down the short sidewalk with him towards the parking lot. 

Henry didn't try to shake him off, but gave him a baffled look. “What do you mean?”

“I simply want to get to know you better. You have a sharp mind, and just the right sense of humor. Surly there’s more to you than ink, paper and cartoons.”

Henry's eyes shifted to watch his shoes. “Oh, you would think that…” By then, the two had arrived by Henry's car, a slightly used white Lambda. Bertrum's hand fell away from his back. 

“Have a good night, Henry.” The designer spoke fondly. 

“Thank you, you too.” Henry responded cheerfully, sliding into the driver's seat.

*****

Two days later, after taking time off over the weekend, Henry arrived back at the studio before anyone else, even Wally Franks. He turned on the lights near his desk and in the break room, immediately going there to make a batch of coffee. 

Caffeine in hand, he set to work, only to find a lone piece of paper folded neatly on his desk. His full name was scrawled across it in elegant letters, ever so slightly smudged. Setting his mug down, he took the paper between his thumb and forefinger, unfolding it. Inside, centered on the page, lines of more precise words. They read, 

Artist's hands, Artist's pens,

do you treat the day so well?

Mind your self, mind your mind,

so you think yourself fair.

In glass, see as one should,

orchid in golden light.

Fire deep in heart, coals go warm,

let one close, without being burned.

Feel your warmth, through the nights,

linen cold no longer.

At peace, we rest, perhaps soon together.

Henry tilted his head at the words, not quite sure what to make of them. He had a vague idea of what it could all mean, but even so, why had someone given it to him? And with the paper unsigned, it just confused him more. Briefly, he considered Bertrum, who he'd had dinner with recently, but… No, he couldn't think of why the designer would write something like that for him, of all people. He also considered it a mistake, but his name on the front said otherwise. He shook his head, folding the paper back up and setting it on the shelf below his workspace. He had other things to worry about for the time being. 

*****

By mid morning, most of the other staff members had arrived. He could tell just by the noise starting up in the studio, between the projectors and the faint sounds of the music department below. Having the time to work uninterrupted was a blessing to him, but that all ended when a familiar voice came up the hall. 

“Henry!” Joey chimed, approaching the desk. “How's the new episode coming along?”

Henry sighed internally, but didn't turn around. He felt Joey lean over his shoulder to watch him work. “It's coming along just fine, Mister Drew. Right on schedule.”

“Great! Glad to hear it's nearly done, then!” Joey made to walk off, but Henry whipped around. 

“What do you mean? I'm only half done with this, there's another two weeks before the deadline...”

Joey blinked. “No, the deadline's in four days. I told you about that, didn't I? We're a little strapped for cash, we need to put the episodes out faster.”

Henry sighed outwardly this time, through his nose. “I think you failed to mention it.”

“Hm. Oh well. Just keep at it! Work hard, work happy! Then I won't have to dock your pay.” The last line he spoke was much darker, more serious than the jaunty voice he normally used. It made Henry flinch, but then he was alone at his desk again. He struggled to make ends meet as it was, he couldn't afford an argument with Joey.

*****

Henry decided against taking a lunch hour, instead trying his hardest to get his work done. He'd already accepted that he would probably be spending a good amount of the night there as well. 

“Heya, Henry!” A Brooklyn accent called across from Henry's desk.

Knowing the voice, Henry waved without looking up. “Hi, Wally. How are you?” 

“Same ol’, same ol’, different day.” Wally moved closer to the animator so he wouldn't have to raise his voice as much. 

“Hey, by any chance, did you see anyone around my desk while I wasn't here? Someone left this for me and I can't figure out who.” Then, Henry set down his pen and held the letter up for Wally to see. 

Wally's bright green eyes squinted as he leaned closer. “I didn’ see anybody over hea, no. What's it say?”

Henry's face flushed a bit. “It's a poem. I'm not sure I'm interpreting it right, but…” He trailed off, allowing the janitor to take it and read over it. 

“I can tell ya this; I ain't the smartest, but ta me, this sounds like somebody's sweet on ya. You dunno who wrote it?”

“Not a clue.” Henry replied convincingly.

“Maybe it was one'a the gals downstairs. Th’ writin’ sure looks like it.”

“You really think?”

“Yeah, any’a th’ girls downstairs left-handed?”

Henry tilted his head. “Does that matter?”

Wally nodded. “Yeah, lookit th’ way th’ ink’s smudged.” Henry looked at the letter again. “Whoeva wrote it did it with their left hand.” To emphasize, he held up his gloved left hand and wiggled his fingers.

“You know, you may be onto something there, Wally.” Henry tilted his head, hoping the janitor really was.

“Yep! And tha’s my one good idea for th’ day, don’ ask me for anythin’ else!” The janitor gave a wink, making Henry let out a hardy laugh.

*****

By nearly ten that night, Henry found himself making decent progress on the newest cartoon. However, it came at the price of feeling relaxed, or rested. His eyes burned, and a deep ache went all the way up from his hips to the base of his skull. The only light left on was the one above his desk, one of his hands gripped his hair while the other inked in his sketches. He was focused so hard on the drawing in front of him that he didn’t notice the heavy footsteps coming closer. A voice caught his attention, but didn’t pull it away.

“Still working?” Bertrum questioned.

“I have to.” Henry replied numbly. 

The designer hummed. “You look awfully tense. When was the last time you had a break?”

“I couldn’t take breaks today.” Henry shook his head ever so slightly. When hands landed on both his shoulders, though, he froze, sitting back from his work. 

“You’re taking one now.”As Bertrum began to gently massage his shoulders and neck, Henry felt himself practically melt. He let his hands fall into his lap, his eyes closing. After a few long, silent moments, Bertrum spoke again. “Go home. You need sleep.”

“Well so do you.” Henry countered, turning in his chair. 

Instead of his usual suit, Bertrum was wearing a plain white t-shirt, which he’d obviously sweated through. His arms and clothes were smeared with dirt, and what could have been ink or machine oil. Dressed in such a way, it was easy to see that his normally formal clothes hid well-toned muscles. “Yes, I know… I was just on my way out. Walk with me?”

“I really can’t…” The animator sighed.

Bertrum’s expression turned firm. “You can’t stay here all night.”

Henry shrugged in return. “I have before, it’s not a big deal. I have a deadline to meet.”

“You’re practically falling asleep in front of me. Go home, Henry. No deadline can be that important. What’s Drew going to do if you miss it?”

“Dock my pay.” Henry mumbled. 

At that point, Bertrum leaned down to meet his eyes, a hand on his shoulder again. “So you leave, and take your characters with you. Suddenly he has no animator, no cartoons, and you have plenty of companies that want you. Right?”

Henry’s gaze shifted away. “I’d need a really good lawyer if I want my characters back, and no one’s even heard of me.”

“Sue Drew, and everyone will know your name. Besides, if you need a lawyer, I could provide you with one.”

Henry tilted his head. “Why would you do that? No, you know what, I shouldn’t even be considering this. I have work to do. I really appreciate your concern, but-”

“Don’t make me carry you out of here.” He snapped.

“Excuse me?” Henry's voice become more confused than upset.

“If I must, I will.” Bertrum crossed his arms.

“I don't think you even could. Please, just leave me be. I'll be fine, you should go home.” Henry’s last attempt had him waving off the whole thing. It seemed his insistence paid off, as well. Bertrum sighed.

“Fine. But do, please, go home soon. Good night, Henry.”

“Good night, Bertrum.” It was only after the designer had left and Henry had gone back to work that something clicked in his mind. Though no one was around to lighten, he spoke aloud. “What was he even doing up here so late if he didn’t know I was here?”

[magioftheseas]

Wuv-Wuv Omurice

Summary: An alternate scene in Chapter 13 of Super Danganronpa 2: Matsuda Yasuke's Battle of Despair and Wits in which Matsuda makes use of a cookbook.

Rating: PG

Warnings: N/A

Notes: Yeah this was not what I vaguely planned, but it’s what we got. It’s just mlm/wlw cooking solidarity. And Monomi is there for some reason. Briefly, but she’s there. Hope she’s not too much of a bother. I did mean to make this more bonus-y but that just wasn’t in the cards, apparently. But I do still maintain my affinity for writing scenes where the characters cook. And I had to include one such scene here. Please enjoy. Maybe also eat. I should eat.

Read this fic among others HERE

Main story is HERE

Commission? Donate?

“Mahiru-oneeeeee... It spilled...!”

“Ah, you overfilled it. But that’s okay, Hiyoko-chan. Better too much than too little! Let’s quickly wipe up what fell!”

“Okaaaaay!”

“Ah.” Matsuda popped his lips, tightening his grip on Komaeda’s sleeve. “You two.”

“Saionji-san, Koizumi-san!” Komaeda greeted, unaffected by the way the two returned his cheerful grin with less than enthusiastic grimaces. “Good morning to both of you!”

“Ew, it’s the pests,” Saionji sneered, pressing closer to Koizumi. “You’re finally up and taking the pest pet out on a walk, Matsuda-nii?”

“You wouldn’t answer your door, Matsuda,” Koizumi griped, unimpressed with both of them. “Are you taking this situation seriously?”

“Sorry, I was too busy with other things.”

“Like what?!”

“Things.” He blinked, noticing the rice that Koizumi cooked. It had a nice smell and from the looks of it, better consistency. Clearly fresh, too. He couldn’t help but wonder. “How much of that did you make?”

Koizumi stiffened. Pink touched her cheeks while a scowl marred Saionji’s face.

“It’s not for you!” she huffed. “Mahiru-onee made that for someone else!”

“Koizumi-san, you’re so considerate,” Komaeda fawned, ever adoring. “We are all so lucky to have you here!”

“I’m not interested in stealing the meal she made,” Matsuda snapped. “I meant more the rice. If she’s done with the cooker, I might be able to use it for my own meal.” His thumb jerked in Komaeda’s direction, nearly hitting him in the face, making Komaeda jump a little all the same. “And for his. Obviously.”

“That guy?” Koizumi did frown, brow pinching with uncertainty before she sighed and shook her head. “You should also wake up at a reasonable hour. But if you’re going to be a caretaker, you also best be able to cook.”

“I’ve cooked meals for myself here and there,” Matsuda said with a wave of his hand. Saionji snorted in disbelief and even Komaeda looked incredulous, to his annoyance. “What? Surprised? I’ve actually lived alone most of my life.”

And when mom got sick, she wasn’t always in the best state to be in the kitchen. Of course, I can’t expect them to know that, but jeez what gives them the right to think I’m that hapless?

“So incredible in so many ways,” Komaeda crooned. “I can’t cook at all. I’m just a disaster in the kitchen, ehe!”

“Cooking can be messy,” Saionji muttered. “But it’s fun with Mahiru-onee, I guess. Everything’s fun with Mahiru-onee.”

“You can use the cooker,” Koizumi said. “I made just enough rice.”

She’s not wasteful, huh?

“Awesome.” With that, Matsuda pulled out a cooking book. “I think there’s a recipe for omurice that I want to try. The rice balls gave me an idea.”

“Did you get that from the library?” Koizumi asked, eyebrow raised. “I’m surprised you picked one up.”

“It’s not like the memorization of recipes is a matter of life or death,” Matsuda pointed out. “So, obviously, I’m going to need a cookbook for when I need to cook.”

“That’s not really what I meant.”

“Yeah, whatever. Komaeda, even if you can’t cook, you can clean, right?”

“Yes!” Komaeda exclaimed, delighted to be of use. “I’ll start washing out the rice cooker right away!”

“Rice is ideal with every meal,” Saionji said matter-of-factly. “That book has the right idea. Most of the recipes in it are rice-based.”

It’s because Komaeda needs to eat something other than toast.

Matsuda reads over the ingredients needed, humming as he does. “Alright, after you’re done cleaning, you need to grab carrot, onion, chicken thighs, oil, soup powder, eggs...”

“Y-You should leave it to me!” a shrill voice cried. “I’ll help my precious students cook the most dewilicious meal!!”

“Argh, who invited that rag doll?!” Saionji exclaimed in disgust. “Isn’t the kitchen getting way too crowded!”

Monomi sobbed. “E-Everyone’s partaking in such a wonderful, bonding activity. I’m so happy. I’ll do whatever I can to make it last!”

“N-No, it’s not like that,” Koizumi stammered. “Matsuda and Komaeda just showed up and started doing their own thing.”

“It’s bonding for me and Mahiru-onee,” Saionji huffed. “These two are just pests!!”

“I cleaned out the rice pot,” Komaeda announced cheerily. “Matsuda-kun, what else did you want me to gather?”

“Huh?” Matsuda perked up and decided to follow suit with just ignoring the mascot. “Rice, obviously. But also ketchup, salt, pepper, sugar, green peas, and butter.”

“Understood!” Komaeda chirped, setting the cooker aside before he spun on his heel. “I’ll get them!”

“I-I’ll help!” Monomi squeaked. “L-Like I said, Sensei will help!”

She tottered hopelessly after Komaeda. Koizumi watched warily as Saionji’s expression darkened.

“I feel like if we leave those two to it, something bad will happen,” Koizumi murmured, to which the kimono gremlin shrugged.

“Let it happen. Kill two birds with one stone.”

“You two can leave if you’re that bothered,” Matsuda said. “You’re done using the kitchen, right, camera girl?”

“Yeah, there’s no way I can leave.” Koizumi shook her head. “Hiyoko-chan, if the kitchen explodes, we won’t be able to cook together again.”

Saionji looked horrified at the idea. Steeling her expression with a growl, she stomped over to the two rabbits, shoving past.

“Hurry, hurry! Don’t make a mess!”

“A-Ah, Saionji-san, you’re helping us? You don’t have to!”

“Yaaaay!”

“I’m not doing this FOR EITHER OF YOU!!”

Monomi yelped but Komaeda kept on beaming dreamily.

“Such force...even with how small Saionji-san is, being yelled at by her is incredible.”

“If you keep blathering, I’m going to crush your toes!” Saionji threatened. She grew even more heated when she noticed the oil in Komaeda’s hands. “That’s olive oil, you idiot! Matsuda-nii clearly meant cooking oil!”

“Oh, so sesame?”

“No, no, NO!”

Monomi whimpered. “Please don’t yell at each other. Be friends and work together instead, wuv wuv.”

Koizumi sighed heavily as Matsuda propped up the book. “Yeah. This is the kind of thing I definitely can’t ignore.”

“That sounds like a personal problem,” was Matsuda’s ever expected response. He rolled up the other sleeve of his coat before selecting a kitchen knife. “At least they’re bickering productively, sans the stupid stuffed toy.”

“She helped us make chocolate one time, so maybe she won’t screw this up?” Koizumi suggested. Her face pinched up. “Hey. You are going to wash your hands, aren’t you?”

“You do remember I’m a doctor, right? Washing hands is part of the job description.” He bristles just a little but he does lather up thoroughly and rinse carefully both his hands and the knife. “And what exactly are you going to do besides stare? Take pictures.”

“Maybe a couple,” Koizumi admitted. “But I’m going to bake and flatten some eggs.” She grabs two from the carton and holds them securely in her hand. “That’s part of omurice’s recipe, right? My dad really likes it, so I’ve made it a few times.”

Matsuda blinks a few times, and he scoffs before he starts chopping up the vegetables and meat. “Yeah, that’s about right. I can make the entire thing by myself, though.”

“I’d rather not see a man fuss around the kitchen for too long,” she said. “It’ll irritate me, especially with how hapless Komaeda seems to be.”

He is pretty hapless. It’s hard to argue that when Saionji is lecturing him on powder over there.

“And what you grabbed is flour, not soup powder! And this is cinnamon, not pepper!”

“Ooh,” Komaeda crooned. “I see, I see!”

“You clearly don’t when you’re making such dumbass mistakes!” Saionji screeched.

Monomi sobbed. “T-Teach more gently, please…”

Matsuda clicked his tongue. “Remind me to never ask him to make me a cup of coffee. He might put egg whites in it instead of cream.”

Koizumi surprisingly chuckled.

“Just make your own.”

Matsuda made a face, but the cooking still went well. Everything was chopped. The correct oil was poured. Everything was fried. Everything was mixed. Matsuda shaped the rice balls and wrapped them in the egg that Koizumi made. He arranged his plate. With a giggle, Komaeda arranged his own. Despite being hopeless in the kitchen, he could manage that much. Saionji was huffy although she calmed down when Koizumi gave her a wrapped rice ball of her own and that pout immediately turned into a beam. Monomi was chased off.

Koizumi turned back to wrapping up the meal she made earlier. A packed bento, something Matsuda couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at.

“It’s for Peko-chan,” she said as if reading his mind. “Because someone just told her to guard a dumb machine for hours in the heat.”

“She offered,” Matsuda shot back. A pause. “I’m surprised that candy brat helped you out, though.”

“The sooner Mahiru-onee finishes, the sooner she can walk me to the supermarket to buy all kinds of sweet treats! The same with helping you losers!” Saionji exclaimed, stuffing her face. “It’s simple as that!”

Sure, sure, of course, any generosity you show would be entirely self-serving.

“It’s still such a nice gesture,” Komaeda chirped. “Ah, Matsuda-kun, your arrangement is looking more like, well, a mess.”

“Should I help with that, too? It’d be a problem if you ruined your own meal, doctor,” Koizumi griped.

“I mean if you  want to, camgirl.”

“I-I don’t! And don’t call me that!”

“Yeah, doctor pervo, don’t be a fucking sicko to Mahiru-onee!”

“You really should be more tactful, Matsuda-kun...”

“Puh, puh.” It’s not that big of a deal considering the crowd. “Puh.”

But I really shouldn’t get too distracted.

“Anyway, since you already know about the current arrangement with the chick of the blade, I guess I should just cut to the chase.” He does set aside his plate but turns to Koizumi all the same. “Are you gonna help guard the thing?”

[sacresoliel]

G I L  L E G U M E      likes:     eggs, his crew, adventure, being stronger than everyone else      dislikes:     hunting, toxic masculinity, and math           do no harm, take no shit. gil’s always been about the kindest pirate you could meet, no matter whether he makes auradon or the isle his home. need some muscle? call him up. need a friend? he’s already there.

J A N E      likes:     parties, planning, bullet journals, people who listen to her      dislikes:     the knight mascot suit, having too many things on her plate, punch           if her mother calls her a ‘ late bloomer ’ one more time, she might just scream! high school isn’t kind to anyone, but while her confidence is beginning to grow, half the time jane still feels like she’s more people-pleaser than person. 

[whoacanada]

‘Flurry the Falcon’

Prompt: Zimbits + Mistaken Identity + Secret Crush

There’s something disarming about the Falconers’ mascot, Flurry: an anthropomorphic white falcon with a penchant for leaving snacks in the nook whenever Marketing films a new episode of Falcs TV. 

When Jack has to do outreach, he likes working with his teammates, but he loves working with Flurry because the kids give Jack a whole five seconds of attention before lunging after their costumed character.

It’s heaven.

Logically, Jack knows the guy in the suit has to work in the front office somewhere but Jack’s never been able to figure out who it is. He doesn’t spend much time with PR and marketing, he just goes where he’s told and smiles when they drop him in front of a camera.

“Hey, Snowball,” he chirps when the PR intern has pried the last child from Flurry’s legs. “Finally free?”

Flurry waves in greeting — he never speaks at public events, it’s a rule — and Jack is proud he only fumbles a little when he signs a clumsy ‘look [I have been] practicing’

Even wearing gloves Flurry is faster than Jack when he responds, ‘Nice work, Jack’

Flurry’s sign for ‘Jack’ always makes Jack’s heart flutter. It’d taken a while for Jack to realize he had his own designate — a quick ‘J’ before the sign for ‘goal’ — but now he can’t miss it.

“Long day?”

‘Done soon.’

Jack smiles and poses for more photos before getting an arm around Flurry’s shoulders — the huge falcon head still knocking against Jack’s face — and he leans in against the pained mesh earhole to say, “One day I’m going to figure out who you are in there.”

Flurry waves at a small child before signing back, ‘You already have. I’m me.’

“You say that every time!” Jack laughs and elbows the padded chest of the costume before lifting a small child into his arms for another photo op. “One day I’ll figure it out, I’m only a little dense.”

“Jack’s got a crush on the mascot,” Snowy teases. “Why else would he volunteer for every Junior Falconers event?”

“I do not,” Jack defends, pulling on his pads. “If I have to be on camera, I like not being the most exciting person in the room. That’s all. Kids love Flurry.”

“I heard front office is looking to change his name. Too close to ‘Fleury’,” Thirdy says, knocking Jack’s kneepad with his stick. “You gonna be bummed if that happens?”

“Fuck that,” Snowy chides. “We’ve had Flurry as long as Fleury’s been alive. I’ll be bummed.”

“Still confusing.”

“Do you think they need help with a new name?” Jack wonders aloud, not surprised to be ignored.

He makes a decision to stop by the front office and find out. Maybe actually meet Flurry in person. He just needs to get through practice first.

“Jack? I thought that was you,” Georgia is still in her chair when she rolls out into the hallway. “What are you doing up here?”

“I want to help with Flurry. I have an idea for a new name.”

“Oh,” Georgia’s brow furrows. “Eric Bittle handles everything about Flurry. I’m a bit surprised you don’t already know that?”

Jack fights the rush of embarrassment, glossing the comment and pointing down the hall.

“Marketing, right?”

She nods and rolls back into her office while Jack checks nameplates until he finds an open door and a young man typing away at a computer.

“Bittle, right?” Jack greets, holding out a hand. “George said you’re working on rebranding Flurry.”

The man startles and spins, stares for a second, clearly confused, before rising to reach out and take Jack’s hand.

“I am, indeed,” he says, with a humor Jack can’t quite place. “Call me Eric.”

It’s only when Bittle stands that Jack gets a good look at his ‘coworker’ and realizes he’s cute. Really cute. Also shorter than expected.

But still cute.

“Uh, right, Eric? I heard you were, uh,” Jack loses his train of thought, taking in the adorable bow-tie at Bittle’s throat. “Flurry? I want to help Flurry.”

Eric smiles broadly and lifts his hands in front of his chest and shows they’re shaking. It takes a moment to realize it’s not just a gesture, Bittle is signing at him.

‘Nervous?’

Jack blinks, looks around at the pictures on the walls, pictures of a white falcon and signs, F-L-U-R-R-Y?

“Took you long enough, Zimmermann,” Eric chirps, dropping back into his chair. “All you had to do was come upstairs.”

Jack’s mind goes blank.

“Snowy was right,” he blurts, feeling the heat rising in his cheeks. “I have a crush on the mascot.”

Eric’s eyes go wide and his cheeks go pink, but Jack is probably bright red so it’s okay.

[modelronpagame]

The Discovery || Ch.1 Event

The past few days  had been stressful, to say the least. With Huang’s death and the threat of impending murder still weighing on your mind, it had been difficult to explore more of what the facility had to offer. Thankfully the mascots had been fairly quiet, only really showing up to give morning and evening announcements, conduct fashion shows, or upon being called-- though this may have been suspicious to some. What were they planning? What called for their periodic disappearance? At least they weren’t being violent, and that alone seemed to ease a few students’ worries.

With the imminent Group Fashion Show being the only event that most were preparing for (aside from the hope of rescue), Mina’s call to meet in the foyer took many by surprise. Once you arrive you can see that Mina is here, looking quite frazzled, her computer sitting on the front desk. Just taking one look at the young lady, it’s painfully obvious she hasn’t done much in the way of sleeping in the days since captivity began. Only going between her room, the kitchen, and this computer, you may have caught her dozed off in an uncomfortable position before snapping awake and going back to work. Though, she was awake now and pacing back and forth as you all arrived.

Once there’s enough people, she slows and stands awkwardly before the gathered students.

“S-Sorry to, uhm uh… call you guys here. I-I’ve been working on t-trying to regain access to the system and… I found something… strange?”

 She clears her throat, shaking her head at herself.

 “No, sorry… It’s more than s-strange. I felt l-like this was something you should see..”

“W-While I’ve been picking a-away at the system encryption, I managed to get access to a-a program I’ve never seen before.”

She’s never seen before? Isn’t this supposed to be the “Head of the Technology Department”? Mina takes note of any of any suspicious glares and she quickly shakes her hands before her.

“B-Before you say a-anything!! I-I was brought in later to speed a-along the technology development - like the robots. So… I guess s-some stuff fell by the wayside regarding what I was told… ” 

The young lady rubs at her forehead, grumbling something under her breath.

Was that  agitation in her voice? Regardless, she snaps out of it and moves beside the computer again, rapidly typing on the keyboard as she addresses the others.

“... Like this, for example.”

With the click of a key, Mina motions everyone to step closer. The lights in the room flicker for a moment before something begins to take shape on the wall. Within a couple of seconds, the image of Huang Xiaozhu stands before you all. He’s lacking his signature suit you all may remember him in, but also any of the carnage inflicted previously.

He stares through the screen with an expression you haven’t seen him dawn before- one of confusion and caution. It’s the first time you’ve even seen him frown, for most of you. It feels unsettling, as if it’s something you shouldn't have been able to witness. Gazing warily around at the class for a moment, Huang slowly begins to speak up.

“.....Hello?.... Who… Who are you?... Where… Am….”

He pauses, his voice uncharacteristically timid. Could it be that he… doesn’t remember anyone? Another pause, 

“.... Who…. Am I?....”

His gaze is cast downwards, and for a moment he looks… scared. Forlorn, even. There’s something he’s clearly searching for, and the frustration behind his eyes is clear, even through the screen. He’s lost.  

Mina needs to take a moment to compose herself. For many, the horror of what had happened was still all too real. This is what she wanted to show you all, and she continues her explanation quietly.

“A-As you can see, It appears Xiaozhu-san h-has been… recorded in here. But not as an empty husk, no… It’s like [how do I put this…?]... It seems as if an AI has been generated of him, following his death.” 

The scientist spares him a glance before hurrying back to the computer with restless energy.

“I-It’s strange… most of the program is encrypted, but it seems like the setup of some sort of database. What it’s intended for I still can’t tell but-!”

 She turns back, a hushed urgency in her voice.

“W-We may be able to recover his memories, somehow. M-Maybe that way, we can start t-to understand how this happened.”

Mina stands back up, wringing her hands as she enters into deeper thought.

“F-From what I can tell by looking at the code, t-there’s definitely i-information being locked from us out here. I t-think that’s why Xiaoxhu-san is so… different. Thankfully we c-can talk to him now, but it seems like it’ll need time to restore his memories. I suspect it’s because I-I found this after his death.”

Her eyes look up from their fixation on the floor and soften with concern. This was a lot to take in.

“I’m sure you w-were hoping I had, ah, d-discovered a way to lift the lockdown, but it isn’t so simple. I-I’m sorry… T-This might come in h-handy if things escalate again, though. The other chaperones and I will do everything we can to p-protect you, but for now I think it’s best if we keep working together.”

For a moment, a flash of determination crosses into her eyes. It’s different from the worried expression she’s taken to wearing. She appears more self-assured than previously.

“ I-I fully accept responsibility for this a-as their creator, so I-I’ll do everything I can to help you guys escape. Authorities should be notified, s-so we just need to stick together!”

A reassuring smile surfaces briefly but is almost immediately interrupted by the now infamous whirring of wheels. Mina tenses, turning with the rest of the class to face the incoming entourage.

“Should they, now?....”