#a comfortable blend of fucking insane and actually really dark and serious

[irbcallmefynn]

people should make more mods for games that just completely hijack what's there to tell their own story and also it's fucking insane and weird.

[jcwriting]

Written in the Stars

summary ↬ being soulmates with a werewolf? pretty easy. being jungkook’s soulmate? the easiest thing in the world. there’s only one teensy tiny problem. he doesn’t want to fuck you.

pairing ↬ werewolf!jungkook x reader

genre ↬ soulmate!au, abo verse, fluff, angst, hurt/comfort (this is so fucking dramatic and for what)

word count ↬ 10.4k my hand slipped

warnings ↬ swearing, angst (but with a happy ending bc im a sappy bitch), jk is stupid in love (emphasis on stupid), mentions of violence (very brief and i don’t go into too much detail but just to warn yall), slight nsfw (sex is a big topic for like half of this but not sex is had...i know im shocked too), half of this is background info/setting up the story the other half is finally addressing the summary lolol, jk is kind of an asshole but he has reasons!!!!!

authors note ↬ hello lovelies! here’s a small little thing for you all (laughs in 10k word count). this has been sitting in my drafts for fucking ever and i just needed to get it out there and out of my hands. im thinking about writing a part two where the actual ~*/sex/*~ is had but im still on the fence about that. please let me know what you think! i literally crave your interactions so pls dont be shy,,,,,okay love you bye :)

(ps i was so close to naming this Rewrite the Stars but since this has absolutely nothing to do with The Greatest Showman i didn’t. but i was close,,,,so fucking close)

You always knew Jeon Jungkook was destined for great things.

It was written in the stars, your mother had told you after he had first stepped foot into your family-owned grocery store. Your mother didn’t have any special powers, she just had a thing for astrology. While you normally shrugged off her random proclamations about divine intervention and planetary alignments, you found that Jungkook was something you couldn’t ignore or chalk up as your mother’s latest tea leaf reading.

From the moment you set eyes on him you knew he was different. While your family held zero claim to any sort of mystical or magical inclinations, you were well aware of those who did. It was no secret that non-humans roamed the Earth in plain sight, even though it had taken humans eons to realize this. After years of savage wars and civil unrest, agreements had come into place and governing bodies were adjusted to accept the changes that had finally been made. But, this was all before your time. You were the generation that was born into the period of peace, the first children to not experience bloodshed before they could walk. The world you knew now was almost a complete one-eighty of what it had been.

Where before those who were not of human blood had to do everything they could to blend in, now could be free of the shadows. Your classrooms had both humans and non-humans in their rosters. Some of your teachers were hybrids. Curriculum expanded to teach humans about a world that had once been entirely unknown to them. One of your favorite teachers was a witch who regaled your tenth grade class with stories of goblin wars, wizard duels, and vampire covens. All tales that you had once thought were nothing but fiction were now anything but.

Which is why, the second Jeon Jungkook entered the grocery store that your parents owned and that you had worked at since you were old enough to speak in full sentences, you knew who he was. You didn’t even question it.

He was a werewolf. A powerful one. You could see it in the way he carried himself. The purposeful strides he took down the narrow aisles, the confidence in his broad shoulders. Humans weren’t nearly as sensitive as their hybrid counterparts but you also paid attention in your classes. Or, perhaps you were more aware than other humans. Never in your life did you have the issues other faced when meeting a non-human for the first time. You always knew who they were without them having to tell you. You just knew.

So, when Jeon Jungkook stepped up to your register with a bottle of water and some raw beef, you didn’t flinch. Didn’t bend under his dark gaze or shuffle your feet in an awkward attempt to break the silence. Instead, you flashed him your customer service smile and rang up his items. He didn’t say a word as he paid, barely sparing you a second glance as he strode out of the store.

“He’s going to be a great and powerful man,” your mother said in that feathery light voice of hers. “It was written in the stars.”

You couldn’t help but agree.

Jeon Jungkook came into your store everyday for the next month. He bought the same thing every time. A bottle of water and a package of raw beef. The only time he spared you any words was to say thank you or the occasional hello if the sun was shining. Usually, he was alone. Sometimes, he came with a few members of his pack. You liked those days. He smiled a little brighter and talked a little louder when they were around. Especially around Taehyung.

Then, after a month, he didn’t come in. Not for an entire week. From Monday to Sunday, you hadn’t seen a hide nor hair of him. A part of you was worried, so worried that you almost stopped Taehyung in the middle of the street to ask of Jungkook’s whereabouts before realizing how insane that made you look, the other part was chastising yourself for caring. Jeon Jungkook was a customer. Nothing more, nothing less.

The following Monday had come and you had finally stopped glancing at the sliding doors every five minutes. You no longer expected his commanding presence to rock your little world. Instead, you continued your day as if it had been any other. That was, until, Jeon Jungkook stepped through the entrance looking as if he was walking on air. It didn’t take a genius to figure out why.

“Did you have a good heat?” You asked when he stepped up to your register. Jungkook fumbled the water bottle he had been setting onto the conveyer belt before turning to stare at you.

“What did you just say?”

You didn’t shrink under his intense glare. “I was asking if you enjoyed your heat. Seems like you did.”

“How do you know I was in my rut?”

“Oh, is rut the correct terminology? Sorry, they always interchanged them in class, I was never sure what was appropriate.” You shrugged and rang up his items. “It was kind of obvious, though. You seemed pretty agitated about a week-and-a-half ago, then you disappear for a week, and now you’re back looking happier than ever. If it wasn’t your rut then I want to know where you went on vacation because that’s where I’m heading to next.”

Jungkook laughed. That almost made you jump out of your skin. You had never heard him laugh before. It was throaty, it was deep, and it was wonderful. “I’ll be sure to send you the link to the Airbnb.”

“And how do you plan on doing that?”

He smirked. “I’m here every day, aren’t I?”

You tilted your head as you accepted the cash he handed to you. “Clearly, you’re not that reliable.”

Jungkook laughed again. It was becoming your new favorite sound. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to appear flaky.”

“You’re forgiven,” you decided as you handed him the plastic bag of his purchases. Teasingly, you added, “just make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

He flashed you a smile that showed off his sharpened canines. “Don’t worry, darling. I never make the same mistake twice.”

Jeon Jungkook kept his promise. He showed up everyday, like clockwork. Bought the same thing. Arrived at the same time. The only thing that changed was how he treated you. It wasn’t that he treated you badly before, he had always been polite. But now, he talked to you. He asked you questions and answered yours. More often than not, he laughed.

(It had become your favorite sound.)

For three months, this continued. The two of you had settled into a comfortable routine, something you relied on and expected. Until, he changed that.

Until, Jeon Jungkook asked you out on a date.

“What did you just say?”

“Are you free? Tonight?” You glanced around, almost expecting to see some sort of supermodel posing behind you to explain the absolute absurdity of the situation. “What are you doing?”

“Looking for the hidden cameras. I think I’m getting Punk’d.”

Jungkook sighed and placed both hands on the counter that separated the two of you. “Look at me.” You did. Slowly and warily, but you did. “Does it look like I’m lying to you?”

Narrowing your eyes, you regarded him carefully. He seemed serious. But, then again, do you ever really know someone? “I don’t know. I’ve never actually seen you lie before so I wouldn’t know the difference.”

“Fine. Ask me what color my shirt is.”

“What color is your shirt?”

“White,” he deadpanned. You glanced down at his chest. His shirt was black.

“Jungkook!”

He threw his head back and released a full bellied laugh. Even in your exasperation you couldn’t help but soften a little. “I’m sorry, darling. I couldn’t help myself.” Annoyed, you huffed and spun to face the cash register. Stabbing your finger onto the touchscreen, you ignored Jungkook’s obvious presence on the opposite side of the counter. Until his hand reached around the card reader and grasped a hold of your chin. The warmth of his fingers forced your head to turn to meet his.

“Come to dinner with me.” His voice was nothing but a rumble in his chest, his eyes so black and all-consuming you couldn’t do anything but agree with him. He seemed pleased by your response as his fingers tightened against your skin and a grateful smile flicked past his lips. His gaze darted down to your mouth and your breath froze in your chest.

“Are you going to kiss me?”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “Do you want me to?”

“No.” You tried to shake your head but his grip didn’t allow you much movement. He was taken aback by your answer, a small frown tugging at his mouth. You quickly backtracked to fix the situation. “I don’t want our first kiss to be in a grocery store. That’s a new low that I refuse to reach.”

Jungkook chuckled and tapped your chin gently. “Alright, darling. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

Again, he kept his promise to you. He showed up at your parents house exactly at seven, wearing a button-down shirt and slacks. The tulips he had gotten for you was thrust into your hands the moment you opened the door. Flashing him a genuine smile, you hurried into the kitchen to set them in water while your mother grilled him on his birth time. You were quick to drag him away, practically throwing him towards the car as you waved goodbye.

“Sorry,” you sighed as Jungkook opened the passenger door for you. “She has a…thing for astrology. She’s probably creating your star map or whatever right now.”

“It’s okay,” he responded once he got into the drivers seat. “It’s sweet of her to care.”

You snorted. “She’s delusional is what she is.”

“So, you’re saying you don’t believe in astrology?”

“Do you?”

Jungkook shrugged as he pulled out of your dirt driveway. He looked so damn attractive behind the wheel it was honestly unfair. “Not really saying I do or don’t. All I know is that there are a lot of things out there that are out of our control. If believing in the stars and planets helps you gain some of that control back, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”

“God, don’t talk like that in front of my mother. She’ll want to start dating you.”

He grinned and placed a hand on your knee. “Tell her I’m already taken.”

You didn’t get a chance to respond to that. Not that he didn’t give you one, it was just that you literally had nothing to say. With just one sentence he opened the floodgates of your brain and the amount of thoughts that were flying through your conscious was painful. Anxiety fluttered in your stomach and you pressed your lips together to keep you from word vomiting onto him. No, it was better to keep your mouth shut and let the moment pass.

By the time you reached the restaurant you were a trembling mess of nerves. Were you guys dating? You thought this was just a ‘testing the waters’ date, not a ‘you’re my girlfriend now’ date. Did you have to make it Facebook official? You hated that shit.

Jungkook didn’t comment on your obvious distress, though. He merely placed a hand on the small of your back, ignoring how you jerked in surprise, and led you into the quiet bistro. Nodding politely to the hostess who was practically panting at the sight of him (you honestly couldn’t blame her) and pulled out your chair for you. When he sat down, he started talking. Idle chat at first. Commenting on one of the dishes, asking about the college classes you were taking at your local university. Before you realized it, wine was in your glass and your shoulders were loose. Previous nerves forgotten, you lost yourself in Jungkook. You drank, you ate, you laughed, and genuinely enjoyed his company. Honestly, it was the best date you’d ever been on.

“I have to be honest with you,” Jungkook spoke after he finished his raw steak. “I have an ulterior motive for asking you here tonight.”

“Oh,” you mumbled around the shrimp you had just tossed in your mouth. “So…this isn’t a date?”

“No, it is,” Jungkook clarified quickly around a dry chuckle. He seemed…nervous. It put you on edge immediately. “This is definitely a date. And, also, more.”

“More? What, is this a proposal too?” You were joking. A 100% joking. But Jungkook was staring at you so seriously it made you panic. “Jungkook, if you get down on one knee here I swear-”

“I’m not proposing,” he assured you. “This is something more than that.”

“More?” You parroted. Jungkook sighed.

“Do you know what a true mate is?”

Right there, in that quaint little bistro, on a date with quite possibly the most untouchable man you’d ever met, he explained how you were irrevocably his. His true mate, his soulmate.

Jungkook explained everything in great detail, which you appreciated, because honestly, you had no words. He explained how when he was born, the witch who cared for him told his father that his future glared brightly ahead of him, but only when he met his other half. True mates were rare. Mating was common, the wolves in his pack could have multiple mates or a lifelong one, but true mates were destiny. Someone or something out there had forged the two of you together. You were essentially each others other half. He was made for you and you were made for him.

“But…aren’t true mates only for wolves? I thought it’s impossible for a human to be a true mate,” you asked in a shaky voice once Jungkook took a breath.

“It was supposed to be impossible. Until, I met you.” Jungkook stared at you with a sort of reverence that made your entire body blush. “I have no idea how you are. I’ve spent hours researching. I’ve consulted with members of my pack and others. No one knows why.”

“Are you sure, though? I mean…what if you’re wrong?”

“I’m not.” Jungkook shook his head. “I visited the witch right after I met you. She took one look at me and told me that I had finally found my true mate. She said she’d never seen a future so bright before.”

You had no words for that. For the first time in your life, you were speechless. Jungkook seemed to understand. He let you sit in silence as he paid for the bill and walked you out to the car. The drive back to your parents house was the same. You couldn’t speak. The shock rendered you stupid.

By the time Jungkook pulled into the driveway you still hadn’t spoken a word to each other. You stepped out of the car before he could open the door for you. Walking up to the porch steps in a trance, you didn’t hear him follow you until he clasped your wrist in his hand. Turning to face him, you were surprised to see his brown eyes so big. They practically sparkled in the moonlight and he looked so soft and sweet you nearly melted into the wood beneath your feet.

“Please,” he whispered. “Can you…just - are you okay? You’ve been so quiet. I’m worried I’ve scared you off or something.”

With that voice, it was impossible to deny him. So, you said the first thing that popped in your head. “Do we have to make it Facebook official?”

Jungkook stared at you before bursting into laughter. “Really? That’s all you have to say?”

You blushed and glanced down. “I’m just worried, that’s all. I can’t remember my Facebook password so even if you wanted to change it I don’t think it’ll work.”

“So that’s why you never accepted my friend request,” Jungkook teased. Before you could squeak out a response, he wrapped his arms around your waist and tugged you forward. You kept your arms crossed across your chest but let yourself fall against him.

“Don’t make fun of me,” you whined as you buried your face into his shoulder. He smelled so good, a mixture of pine and spice. “My brain hasn’t worked since you told me I’m yours, so bear with me.”

Jungkook chuckled and gently swayed you from side to side. “Does that mean you’re okay with this? All of this?”

Sighing, you lifted your head up and stepped away from him. Jungkook was not impressed and pulled you back to him. Your heart swelled in your chest and you wrapped your arms around his neck in consolation. “Honestly? I haven’t really processed anything. You’ve had your whole life to come to terms with this. I just found out thirty minutes ago that I’m someone’s soulmate. It’s a lot to take in.”

Jungkook nodded as he tapped his fingers against your hips. “I know. It’s a lot…I’m a lot. I just want you to know that you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to be with me. I won’t-”

Now it was your turn to burst into laughter. You couldn’t believe those words had left his mouth. It was easily the most absurd thing you’d ever heard. “Jungkook, I want to make something very clear. I have no problem being your true mate. That’s not the issue here. Well, there really isn’t an issue. It’s just…hard to believe, I guess. I have to process that this is my new reality.”

“Really?” Jungkook perked up and looked so fucking cute you couldn’t help but cup his cheeks. His skin was so warm despite the cold autumn air that surrounded you both. “You want to do this? Be with me? Be mine?” All you could do was nod. You were so overwhelmed with emotions. The shock was evident, but a piece of you was so happy. You felt whole.

Jungkook’s face split into a wide smile that caused his nose to scrunch up. He wrapped his arms around your waist and spun you around. Squealing, you slung your legs around his hips and held on. Normally, you’d rather die than show this much affection to someone. But, this was Jungkook. Your soulmate.

“So…what do we do now?” You asked once Jungkook set you down. “Is there, like, a ceremony or something?”

“I have no idea,” he admitted as he stared down at you. He had a hand against your jaw and was rubbing your cheek tenderly. “I really didn’t think I’d get this far.”

You scoffed at his ridiculousness. While recognizing you were Jungkook’s true mate was going to take some time, believing that he thought you’d deny him was utter nonsense. “What if…what if we date, first?” You suggested timidly. “I know that sounds kind of weird considering we’re supposed to be the loves of each others lives. But, I don’t really know you all that well. And, I think this is going to take sometime for me to get used to. Maybe we should date, get to know each other, and just learn how to be with one another.”

“Whatever you want,” Jungkook agreed. “We can do whatever you want. Just as long as I have you, I’m happy.”

Two years passed.

Two blissful, wonderful years. Two years of dating, two years of loving, two years of being Jeon Jungkook’s. It was everything you could’ve asked for and more. You had never felt so loved and cherished in your entire life. He respected you, he took care of you, and most importantly, he was there for you in every sense. Since the moment you met him, you hadn’t been alone. He hadn’t let you. Jungkook knew you better than you knew yourself.

And, it was the same for him. You were there for him when he transitioned into the leader of his pack. You were there when he took over the CEO position from his father and encouraged and supported him every step of the way. You let yourself be loved and in return he let you love him. It was wonderful.

Except, for one tiny thing.

While the emotional aspect of your relationship flourished and bloomed into something beautiful, the physical side remained stagnant. Make out sessions and heavy petting were a norm in your relationship. At first, it didn’t bother you. In fact, you loved that Jungkook was taking things so slow and so seriously. But, eventually, your needs began to grow. You found yourself wanting him in more ways than one, wants that only he could satisfy. Jungkook refused. Every time.

It wasn’t like he refused your every need. No, Jungkook was extremely attentive. When it came to himself, that’s when things got dicy. He had no problem spending hours between your legs, worshipping you until you were crying from the overstimulation. Yet, he wouldn’t let you anywhere near him. Not without lack of trying on your part. The minute your hands went down to his waistband, he pushed you away. Every time you tried to dip your mouth to the obvious bulge in his pants, he lifted you up and kissed you breathless until you forgot your name. It wasn’t until after a year of dating that he finally let you grind on his clothed cock. Even then, he held off until you finished and then walked out with quite possibly the worst case of blue balls. You hated that he did this to himself. The worst part was, you couldn’t understand why.

The one time you had brought it up to him it had resulted in the worst fight the two of you had ever gotten into. It was the only argument that was never really resolved. After the yelling and the tears, all you got out of Jungkook was that mating with a wolf was not pretty. It was extremely dangerous and he refused to put you in that kind of danger. End of discussion. No matter how hard you tried to persuade him or broach the subject, he shut it down. Hard. Eventually, you gave up.

He even spent his ruts away from you. Every three months, he left you for a week. You knew he had a place somewhere up in the mountains and you assumed that’s where he went. You had no idea. There was no point even asking to come along. You loved your boyfriend and didn’t want to purposely give him a heart attack. You hated it when he left. As much as you tried to hide it and convince him that you were just fine, he wasn’t stupid. Being away from him was tough. A piece of you was missing whenever he was gone. And you were only whole again when he returned.

This past week had been one of those weeks. He had left on Sunday for the mountains. He was agitated and clingy, how he normally was pre-rut. Jungkook wouldn’t let you leave his side and you spent most of the weekend on his lap or wrapped in his arms. Not that you minded. When he left your parents house on Sunday night, you’d had to coax him out of the door. Promising him that you’d be okay and that you’d see him next week. It wasn’t until several kisses later did Jungkook finally leave.

While you’d been doing this for two years, it never got easier. More manageable? Sure. But definitely not easier. All you could do was go through the motions. You went to work at the local bakery, came home and helped your mom with dinner, watched TV with your dad before going to bed. Taehyung and Jimin would visit often, threatened by Jungkook to keep you company. While you assured them it wasn’t necessary, you secretly didn’t mind. They made you laugh and made you temporarily forget your boyfriend was miles away from you. Sometimes, if you were lucky, he’d call you to tell you goodnight. But those times were rare. Normally, you didn’t hear from him until Friday or Saturday when he was finally coming out of his rut and returning to the world.

By the time Sunday rolled around, you were a jittery ball of nerves. Not in a bad sense. You were just excited. The anticipation killed you and it took all of your willpower to sit and wait for his text to tell you to come over. Your parents always left you alone on these Sundays, unable to deal with your hyperactiveness and constant fidgeting.

This Sunday was no different. You puttered around your room for the better part of the day. You spent the other part in the kitchen, baking like your life depended on it. Jungkook loved your cookies and you always made sure to come over with at least three batches after his ruts. He always said that was his second favorite part about coming home, after seeing you, of course.

You had just finished packaging the final batch in a glass cookie jar when your phone dinged. You didn’t have to read the message, you knew exactly what it said. Pure joy rushed through your system as you threw on your coat and shouted a hasty goodbye to your parents. Juggling the cookies and car keys, you sprinted to your car. The drive to Jungkook’s was thankfully not long. About ten minutes, as long as you didn’t hit any traffic on the main road. Luck was on your side, though, and you showed up at Jungkook’s house in eight minutes.

Taehyung’s car was in the driveway when you pulled up, which wasn’t odd. Although Jungkook owned the house, the members of his pack were almost always around. While most preferred to travel in their wolf forms, you knew Taehyung and Namjoon preferred cars. Something about being able to listen to their own music without comments from the peanut gallery. You didn’t really understand and didn’t really need to. You had just chalked it up as one of their many quirks.

Carrying the trays of cookies in both hands, you shut your car door with your foot before speed-walking up the stone walkway to Jungkook’s home. The screen door was shut, but the wooden door was swung wide open. You had just reached for the metal handle when you heard it.

A deep, threatening growl ripped through the peaceful quiet and froze you in place. You knew it was Jungkook. While you had only heard it once, you’d never forgotten it. It was when the two of you had attended a party and an alpha from a neighboring pack had cornered you in the hallway. Jungkook had found you cowered against the wall as the other alpha had caged you in. The sound that had left his chest had given you equal parts comfort and fear. Comfort, because he was there and you knew you were safe. Fear, because you could see in the way he bared his teeth and how his muscles vibrated, he had been furious and bloodthirsty.

That’s what you felt now, fear.

Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong.

From your vantage point in front of the screen door, you could see directly into the kitchen. Taehyung was leaning against the granite countertop and Jungkook was seated at the island. The tension was so thick you practically choked on it.

“Enough, Taehyung.”

“No,” Taehyung snapped, seeming just as angry as Jungkook. “I’m not dropping it. Not this time.”

“Yes, you will,” Jungkook snarled. “I’m not having this conversation with you.”

“Too fucking bad.” While Taehyung was also an alpha, he acted so much like a beta you never really noticed. Until now. “I’m not going to sit by and watch you do this to yourself anymore. Not spending your ruts correctly is only causing you more harm than good.”

“I’m doing things the way I want to, and it’s working-”

“The hell it is!” Jungkook growled at the interruption but Taehyung ignored him. “It’s not working, and you know it. Anyone with two fucking eyes knows it. It’s getting so bad that the pack is noticing, too. Even Namjoon has realized something is wrong, and he’s as oblivious as they come.”

“If they have a problem with me they can take it up with me.”

“No, they can’t. Because you won’t listen. Your head is so far up your ass you can’t even hear yourself anymore. What you’re doing right now is not working. Something needs to change.”

“Like what?” Jungkook spat.

“You know what,” Taehyung bit back. Jungkook was practically vibrating from rage. You knew you needed to go get someone, someone from the pack to calm the two of them down. Things were only escalating, but you couldn’t move. Your brain screamed at you to run but your legs were rooted in place. “That’s is what’s so frustrating, Jungkook. This, all of this, could be solved. She’s right there-”

“Don’t.” Jungkook stood up so fast the chair he sat on flew backwards and hit the wall with a resounding crack.

“Why?” Taehyung threw his arms up in the air. “Why not? I don’t get it-”

“Because I don’t want her!” Jungkook yelled, the force of it rang throughout the house. You had no idea who the she was that they were referring to. You assumed it was someone from the pack. It was well-known that wolves with human mates sometimes turned to other she-wolves to help with their ruts. You figured that’s what Jungkook did whenever he went away for a week. It had bothered you at first, but you knew he had his needs and that they were at a biological level. You refused to make him feel guilty or ashamed for taking care of himself.

“You don’t want her?” Taehyung was enraged. You could tell by the way he straightened his spine and unfurled himself to his full height. Jungkook bristled in response and the muscles in his back strained against the thin material of his shirt.

“No, I don’t!” Jungkook exploded. “What don’t you understand about that? I don’t want her around me. I don’t need her, I’m fine on my own. The thought of having her there when…God - it makes me physically ill.”

“She’s your girlfriend. Above all of that, your true mate. You’re seriously going to deny yourself of her, for what? Just because you don’t like having her around?”

Oh.

That’s when it hit you. They weren’t talking about some random she-wolf. They were talking about you. You were the one Jungkook didn’t want. You were the one Jungkook didn’t need. You were the one he didn’t like having around. As the weight of the words sunk into your mind, you felt your chest becoming tighter and tighter.

Then, you’re heart broke right in half. You dropped the container of cookies and didn’t flinch when it shattered against the wooden slats. The sound unstuck your feet from their position on the porch and your fight or flight system took over. Without a second thought, you turned on your heel and ran.

You didn’t know if anyone was behind you, you didn’t turn around to check. Hands fumbled for the car door as you threw yourself into the drivers side. Pain ricocheted throughout your chest cavity and you struggled to breathe. Your brain was blank, the only thing your mind did was move your body to get you somewhere safe. You had to leave and you had to leave now.

Miraculously, your fingers found your keys and inserted them into the ignition on the second try. A flutter of movement occurred to the left of you but your eyes didn’t let you look that way. Instead, they focused on the rearview mirror as you reversed out of the driveway. Your right hand found the gearshift and moved it to drive. Soon, you were tearing down the street as your ears refused to register the agonized howls that echoed behind as you kept staring forward. Adrenaline pumped through your system and your body shivered in response, the splash of hormones had created a blanket of fake calm over you. The emotions, the pain, the thoughts were swirling inside of you, ready to break free and drown you, but your brain wouldn’t allow it.

It wasn’t until you reached the end of your long driveway that you felt the original spike of adrenaline fade away. Your mother was in the front, tending to the flowers, and looked up when she saw your car fly into its usual spot. She stood up and her face twisted into a frown when you got out of your seat.

“Honey, your aura…it’s concerning.” The blanket was yanked away and the pain crashed over you.

You couldn’t say a word, all you could do was collapse in your mother's arms and cry, cry, cry.

It took you two days to calm down. The tears had stopped rolling and your shoulders no longer shook from trying to hold your sobs behind your teeth. Your mother hadn’t left your side, leaving your father to answer the door whenever someone knocked. The only person who did was Taehyung and Jimin. Jungkook never showed up.

Well, that was a lie.

Jungkook did show up every morning and night, without fail. But he never came to your doorstep.  Instead, he was in the woods behind your house, patrolling, not daring to leave the protection of the forest. A part of you wondered if he was respecting your obvious need for space or if your mother had paid a witch to set up boundary lines that didn’t allow him to cross. Either way, you were grateful that you couldn’t see him. There was an incessant tugging in your heart to be near him but you staunchly ignored it, which would’ve been impossible if you saw his achingly beautiful face.

I don’t want her. I don’t need her. Having her there makes me physically ill. Those three sentences played in a constant loop in your head, like a horror movie you couldn’t escape from. You were the protagonist who couldn’t escape the maze, but the villain wasn’t kind enough to kill you off. No matter what you did, your brain wouldn’t stop repeating those three sentences. Your mother burned sage, she pressed crystals into your palms, she muttered ritual after ritual, but nothing worked.

You hated how affected you were. You had always told yourself that you would never be the girl who’d get so wrapped up in someone else they didn’t know who they were anymore. Independence was something you prided yourself on, but you seemed to be at a complete loss now. You couldn’t stop the waves of sadness and self-hatred at your depressed state. It was amazing how empty you felt yet so full of pain at the same time. Your mind and heart couldn’t seem to decide which hurt worse; your heart for having your soulmate so obviously reject you, or your brain for trying to make sense of the situation. When did this happen? How did this happen? How had you been so blind as to not see it?

“I don’t think we’re soulmates,” you rasped to your mom on the third morning. It had been the first words you had spoken to her since you had fell into her arms. She looked up from the bundle of herbs she was smoking.

“Why do you say that?”

You stared at your hands that had curled in on themselves. “I don’t make him happy. I-I never realized how uncomfortable I made him. I wish I had known. How did I miss it?”

Your mother tutted gently and gathered you in her arms. She smelled of lavender and wax. “This is good. I’m glad you’re letting yourself have this moment. Let’s sit in this and allow yourself to be embedded here.” But you didn’t want to have this moment. You didn’t want to have any moment and you’ve felt enough to last a lifetime. Instead, you rolled over, let sleep overtake you and tried to ignore the distant howling that rattled your window pane.

By nightfall of the fourth day, you were forced out of bed. Partly by choice, partly by force. Your parents had dipped out to run to the grocery store, despite your mother’s insistence that she could stay. You and your father managed to convince her to leave and you had gotten up to wave them goodbye. Sure, your heart was broken, but the least you could do was kiss them on the cheek before they left. You had turned around to shuffle into the kitchen to try and shovel something down your dry throat when a loud knock sounded at the front door. Hesitating, you carefully peeked through the kitchen window and saw Jimin on your front doorstep, dressed in all black.

Sighing, you stumbled over and pulled the door open. You figured you couldn’t avoid them for much longer. “Hey, Jimin.”

“Christ, you look like shit.”

You huffed out a laugh as Jimin stared at you in horror, not having the energy to be offended. You also knew, in a weird way, that this was Jimin’s way of caring for you. “Yeah. My mother’s covered all the mirrors in the house.”

Jimin nodded as he glanced at you from head to toe. “I want to ask if you’re okay but…” He gestured to your gaunt frame swaddled in a heavy sweatshirt and sweatpants. For the first time in two years, they were your own clothes, not Jungkook’s.

“I’m fine, Jimin,” you heaved a heavy sigh and leaned against the doorframe. “Do you want to come in? I think my mom boiled some tea not too long ago.”

Jimin shook his head. “Can’t. Jungkook would have a fit if I got that close to you right now. I’m already pushing my luck just by showing up.” He doesn’t care, you thought bitterly, and almost said it out loud but you caught yourself at the last second. Jimin wasn’t stupid, though. He knew what you were thinking. “Hey,” he murmured, eyes going soft, “are you ready to talk about it?”

“No.” You shook your head. A wave of sadness washed over you but the telltale prick of tears didn’t come.

Jimin understood. He tucked his hands into his pockets as he rocked back onto his heels. “Are you going to talk to him?”

Letting out a heavy breath, you crossed your arms over your chest. “I know I have to. I just…I just need time.”

“Take however long you need.”

It was another 48-hours before you finally snapped. While you had spent the majority of the two days that had passed to make yourself resemble a human being, you couldn’t focus. You couldn’t move on. Why?

Because Jungkook wouldn’t leave you alone.

His presence was constant. He circled your house every hour of ever day, the large shadow of him in wolf form darkened the trees behind your house. The howling had stopped but the pacing hadn’t. You hoped he was at least sleeping, but then you got annoyed at yourself for caring. You didn’t know why he was out there, it made no sense. Jungkook’s words were so different from his actions it made your head spin.

But, you needed to move on with your life. You had to. The only way it was going to happen was if Jungkook did too. It hurt. God, did it hurt. Yet, as sad and utterly pathetic as it sounded, you were used to the pain at this point, had resigned yourself to it. A part of you worried you wouldn’t know what to do without it.

Shaking off that depressing thought, you tugged on your rain boots and stepped outside for the first time in a week. The air was heavy with the promise of rain, the clouds low and gray. You tugged the hood up on your sweater to prevent your hair from completely frizzing out before you walked to down the back deck steps.

The backyard of your parents house was expansive. The home you had grown up in sat on top of a sloping hill that your mother had turned into her personal greenhouse. You stepped past rows of raised garden beds and pruned plants until you reached the line where the neatly mowed grass met the twisted ferns of the forest floor. As you had suspected, the ground was scorched with the evidence of past rituals. While your mother hadn’t out right admitted, you had figured someone had come and created a boundary line. It was obviously specific to Jungkook since Jimin and Taehyung were still able to visit. While your mother’s methods were extreme, you understood. As difficult as it was to move on with your life with Jungkook sequestered to the forest, you couldn’t imagine what it would’ve been like if he was within a few feet of you.

With a deep inhale, you sat down on the damp grass and waited. After a few minutes, you could hear the faint sounds of paws hitting the wet earth. The galloping got louder and louder until there was a momentary stretch of silence before it changed to footsteps.

When Jungkook emerged from the trees, you weren’t prepared. Although you knew you wouldn’t be, you still weren’t expecting it to hurt this bad. Your chest squeezed painfully at the first look of his broad form. Technically, it had been two weeks since you two had truly seen each other, the longest you’d ever gone. What hurt the most was how badly you longed for him. You wanted nothing more than to run straight into his arms, bury your face into his chest, and forget everything. Just forgive and give your heart what it wanted. But you remained firmly in place.

Jungkook looked as if he had seen a ghost. Which, to be fair, was probably true since you hadn’t seen the sun in seven days. His normally golden skin was pale and even from where you sat you could see the dark circles bruising under his eyes. Clearly, he hadn’t been sleeping. You hated that you noticed. You hated that you cared. He was dressed in all black and his chest strained against the material of his sweater. His hands were balled into tight fists at his side and the sight reminded you of why you were here.

“Hi.” Probably wasn’t the best start but it was the best you could do. Jungkook didn’t respond so you soldiered on. “I-I know you don’t want to be here, so I’ll make this quick. I just…wanted to apologize. I had no idea I made you so uncomfortable. I’m not sure how long you’ve felt this way about me, not that it really matters, but I wish you had told me sooner. Maybe things would’ve been easier for you, who knows.” You released a heavy sigh and tried to shove down the stone in your throat as you forced the next words out of your mouth. “But, all of that doesn’t matter anymore. I think I understand what you need, now. I know you loved me at one point, but I’m obviously not what you need anymore. And…t-that’s okay - I swear it is. All I want is for you to be happy, Jungkook. And I think, in order for that to happen, I need to move on. We both need to move on-”

“Stop it,” Jungkook broke in with a harsh voice that cut your sentence in half. “Stop talking.”

It felt like he had slapped you in the face. A wave of humiliation washed over you and you visibly flinched. Staggering to your feet, you locked your gaze onto your boots in an attempt to hide the tears that dripped down your nose. “I’m sorry,” you whispered, not expecting it to change anything. You began to turn away but Jungkook stopped you in your tracks, again.

“Wait, no - stop. Stop. Please…don’t go,” he pleaded. When you turned around, his eyes were frantic. Jungkook’s hand was raised from his side as if he thought about reaching out to you but something stopped him. His words were at war with one another and you were caught in the middle, at a loss for what he was trying so desperately to convey to you.

“Jungkook, I’m so confused.”

“I know. I’m sorry. God, I’m sorry.” Jungkook tucked his head into his hands before dropping down into a squat. “This is all wrong. This is all so wrong.”

You knew you should walk away. You had said your piece, it was time to move on, just as you had said. Yet, you couldn’t. It was as if your heart was tethered to him and your body couldn’t handle the pain of walking away. “Listen-”

“I don’t know what to do.” He cut you off but the bubbles of anger that had risen from being interrupted popped once you saw how lost he looked. His tattooed fingers threaded through his hair, allowing you to see the pure anguish that twisted his features. “Whenever I feel like this, I come to you. Because you always know what to do. Any situation, no matter what, you can handle it. It’s something I’ve always admired about you.”

The way he spoke to you now, so reverently and so full of awe, made your head spin. Nothing made sense.  It was such a blatant contrast to the brutality that he had spat out a week ago. As much as you wanted to believe what he said now, those stupid words could not get out of your head. It was a constant reminder that never shut up.

“I don’t know what to do either,” you admitted in a quiet voice.

“Tell me,” Jungkook begged, as if he couldn’t and refused to comprehend what you had just told him. “Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it. Whatever you want from me, I’ll give you.”

You were shaking your head before he could finish. “There’s nothing you can do, Jungkook. Nothing.”

“Don’t say that.” He stared at you, horrified. “Don’t say that to me. Please, there has to be something.”

“What could there be?” You cried. Tears streamed down your cheeks now. “You said it yourself, being near me makes you sick. Why would I stay? Why would you want me to? I refuse to make you uncomfortable anymore - so that’s that.”

“It isn’t,” Jungkook argued back. “It can’t be. I-I can’t lose you, I can’t. I need to make this right, please just let me. Please.”

But, you were tired. You were so fucking tired. You were exhausted of the emotional rollercoaster that you were on that you just wanted to crawl away and hide. All the fight seeped out of you as your shoulders slumped forward. Jungkook saw this and the blood drained from his face. You were giving up, he could see it, and it scared the shit out of him.

“Jungkook, I need to go, okay? I-I can’t do this.”

“No!” Jungkook shouted and shot up to his feet. The pure panic that choked his voice brought on a fresh set of tears that you struggled to hold back. “Just let me explain, okay? I swear to God, after you hear what I have to say, if you still want me to, I’ll let you go. I won’t fight you on it. But, please let me tell you the truth. Give me a chance to make this right. You deserve that.”

You hesitated for a moment. Deep down, you knew you should let him talk. Not because you necessarily thought he deserved to, but because he was right. You did deserve the truth, no matter how much it broke your heart. With a heavy sigh and a quick swipe of your cheeks, you nodded. Once Jungkook was sure you weren’t going to leave, he began pacing. Looking every bit like the wild animal you knew him to be but never got to see.

“Mating with a werewolf is…brutal. It’s intense, it’s painful and it isn’t pretty. It’s essentially a breeding session where I use you as a vessel to fulfill my innate biological needs. It’s not romantic, it’s not gentle. Even for she-wolves it can be too much. The thought of subjecting you to something like that - that type of pain…I couldn’t fathom it. I don’t think you understand just how precious you are to me. The image of you being battered and bruised because of me, something I did…it tormented me, day and night.” He paused for a moment, the pained look in his eyes made you shiver. You hated that he had gone through all of this turmoil on his own, and you especially hated how you never made more of an effort to try and relieve him of it.

“I couldn’t do it. That’s partially the reason I waited so long to tell you that you were my true mate. I knew ruts were something I would never expose you to even though it’s such a huge part of my life, a wolf’s life.” Jungkook looked you straight in the eye, the intensity of his dark gaze took your breath away. “I know the practices other wolves partake in when their own heats or ruts arrive. I know you know them too. But, I need you to understand something. The moment you allowed me to be yours and vice versa, I haven’t had anyone else since. I swear on my life, I’ve spent every single one of my ruts alone. I wouldn’t and I won’t do that to you.”

“Isn’t that painful, though?” Your voice cracked but neither one of you acknowledged it. While your knowledge on ruts were expansive, having done plenty of research since being with Jungkook, you had obviously never experienced one.

“It’s manageable. It’s way more painful for a she-wolf to go through her heat alone than it is for a male.” Jungkook clenched and unclenched his fists as he resumed his pacing. “The worst part is being away from you. I’ve been going through ruts since puberty, I can handle them. But not being able to be with you for a whole week…I hated it. Still do. I dread that three month mark. And as time went on, I became more and more miserable. Being apart from you was almost unbearable but the other option…I never even allowed myself to consider it.

“It came to the point where the pack was noticing. I wasn’t getting the proper pheromonal release from my ruts and it was beginning to affect those around me. Taehyung has been on my ass for months now to get over myself and take you with me during my next rut. Each time I’d give him some excuse, but it was getting harder and harder to justify what I was doing. At first, I was convinced it was because I was protecting you. But you’ve been so understanding and so patient with me and my life, those excuses were becoming useless. Eventually, I think it was because I was protecting myself. I was - am - so scared. I’m terrified that I could hurt you when I’m like that. That I wouldn’t be able to notice or worse, ignored, if something happened to you. Living with that type of fear became debilitating. So, I just kept my mouth shut and kept you away from that part of me.”

Jungkook shook his head and chuckled humorlessly. “Now I know that was the worst possible thing I could do. That I was just hurting you more. What you walked into last Sunday was a culmination of my frustrations that I was refusing to deal with. While it’s not a valid reason, I’m well aware of that, I need you to know that what you heard was not the truth. It couldn’t be further from it. Because the truth is that I’m hopelessly in love with you and the thought of being without you hurts worse than I ever thought was possible.”

It wasn’t the first nor would it be the last time that Jungkook left you speechless. It took you a full minute to process what he had said. Jungkook granted you the silence although he became increasingly more agitated as time passed. His boots scuffed the dead leaves that littered the ground and his pacing led him closer to the ashes that lay before your feet. Then, he’d suddenly stalk off with a growl as he was forced to keep away.

“I-” you cleared your throat around the lump that had found a home there. “I had no idea. This whole time…I thought it was because you didn’t want me.”

“God, no.” Jungkook swore heavily as his muscles bunched and coiled beneath his clothes. “The - the fact that…you - fuck. I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking sorry. That’s not it, that’s not it at all. You’re my dream girl, you’re the love of my life, and I want you every second of every day.”

Maybe it’s because you were emotionally drained and had no mental strength left. Maybe, you needed to hear those words from Jungkook more than you realized. Whatever the reason was, it wasn’t worth trying to figure out an explanation as you sunk to the ground and burst into tears.

Jungkook lost it across from you. Broken whines stained the air as he carded through his hair anxiously. He kept trying to get to you, to try to soothe you. But the boundary was unfortunately doing its job and each attempt was met with failure. Curses were spat out until eventually, he got as close as the boundary would let him and fell to his knees. He began spewing whatever came to mind first, unsure of what to do. All he knew was that you were crying because of him and there was absolutely nothing he could do about it. He thought hearing you cry from your bedroom window was torture, but nothing could compare to hearing you break down in front of him. Nothing. “Fuck, fuck, fuck. I’m sorry…please, I’m so sorry. I - don’t cry, darling. Please don’t. I’m so sorry I hurt you, I didn’t mean to, I swear.”

It wasn’t tears of heartbreak that leaked from your eyes. Instead, it was tears of relief. While your heart had wholly accepted his words as the truth, the logical part of you reminded yourself that the two of you had way more talking to do. This was far from over, but the relief of knowing that he loved you and he was yours…it was indescribable.

You finally lifted your head up and were shocked to find Jungkook’s cheeks glistening with moisture. Your only thought was to comfort him as you scrambled forward to do just that. Instead of feeling his smooth skin against the palm of your hand, you were blocked by what felt like a wall although nothing stood in your way. Frowning, you realized with a start that the boundary worked both ways. Jungkook let out a frustrated growl as he glared at the ashes that was stopping both of you from getting what you wanted. It was silent for a few moments until an idea popped into your head.

“Wait here,” you announced before jumping up and taking off for the house. Ignoring Jungkook’s distressed cry, you ran inside. You yanked your car keys off from their designated hook and quickly typed out a text to your parents to let them know where you were going before spinning around and sprinting back outside. Jungkook was where you left him, although he stumbled to his feet when he saw you reappear.

“I’m going to your house,” you announced, breathless. “No witch is stupid enough to go that far into werewolf territory. If you want to talk to me there, then follow me.”

Jungkook stared at you for a heartbeat until the words you spoke clicked. “Y-yeah. Yes. Okay. I’ll be there.”

With a curt nod, you ran to your car. For the first time in a week, a faint sprout of hope bloomed in your chest.

It was the longest and shortest ten minutes of your life. The drive to Jungkook’s seemed to last a lifetime but also was over within a blink of an eye. The tears had stopped flowing by the time you pulled your car into his driveway, but you felt the telltale prick in your eyes when you saw him burst from the trees. Your heart ached as his long legs ate up the distance between you two as you wrestled with your seatbelt and threw the car into park. By the time you freed yourself, he was at the hood of your car.

The two of you stared at each other for a few breathless moments. You weren’t sure who moved first, but it didn’t matter as you crashed into each other’s arms. The moment his searing warmth enveloped you, you dissolved into another puddle of sobs. The feeling of his thick arms banded across your back, his torso molded to yours, and his hair tickling your ear, felt so right. Another wave of crippling relief washed over you and you practically melted against Jungkook. But he held you up, just like he always had.

He leaned against the front bumper while his hands were everywhere. Cradling your head into his neck, smoothing over your hips, or running circles over your shoulders. He was crying, you could feel the tears dampening your hair. But you were soaking his shirt so no one was in any position to complain.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered.

“Don’t,” Jungkook hissed fiercely as he squeezed you tighter. “Don’t apologize. This isn’t your fault, not in the slightest.”

“Kook,” you sighed and pulled your head back to get a good look at him. “It takes two to tango.”

“Not this time,” he argued. “You’ve put up with so much. You’re everything I could’ve asked for and more. It was my own fears that got in the way and created this mess. And I’m so sorry for that, darling. I’m so fucking sorry.”

You shushed him gently, running your thumbs over his cheeks to swipe at the dried tears. “I know you’re sorry. I believe you.”

Jungkook dipped his head further into your touch with a pleased rumble vibrating through his chest. He kissed your palm gently, sniffing at your wrist. It made you giggle. “Missed that,” Jungkook mumbled as he stared at you with stars in his eyes. “Missed you. Missed you so much.”

A fresh wave of tears cascaded down your cheeks. You were positive that you looked like a mess, hair in a knotted bun, face red and puffy and you kept sniffling every two seconds. But Jungkook looked at you as if you held the world in your hands. “Missed you too,” you murmured in return. “Please, next time, just talk to me. I may not have the answers you’re looking for all the time, but I’ll always be here to listen.”

“I know,” Jungkook whispered. “There won’t be a next time, promise. If I happen to be stupid enough to put us in this position again, I give you full permission to punch me in the face.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” You lifted yourself onto your toes to brush your lips against his, dropping back down to your feet when his head chased after yours. “Or maybe I just won’t kiss you for a week.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened comically and he actually looked terrified. “I’d rather you just punched me in the face.” You tilted your head back and laughed. Jungkook tugged you closer and nosed your throat before peppering gentle kisses along the exposed skin. Sighing happily, you tilted your head to allow him better access and rested your cheek on his shoulder.

“I love you,” you said quietly. Jungkook froze for a split second before he sank against you. Squeaking in shock, you scrambled to brace yourself against the sudden weight pressing you towards the house.

“Say it again,” Jungkook pleaded. You couldn’t deny him. Dusting feather light kisses to the shell of his ear, you repeated those three words again, and again, and again. Each time you did, Jungkook held you a little tighter and cried a little harder.

Eventually, you’re murmured promises became softer and softer until the two of you just enjoyed each others presence. “C’mon,” you finally whispered as you started to lift yourself off of him. Jungkook growled and refused to let you move an inch farther. “Kook, come on. Let’s go inside. Your ass must be numb by now.”

“Don’t care,” he grumbled but he at least shuffled forward a bit more so that your combined weight wasn’t squashing his ass against your car.

“You might say that now, but you won’t be saying that later.”

Jungkook grunted at your logic but he at least raised his head and looked at you with the sweetest eyes. “Please tell me you’re staying.”

Giggling, you asked, “do you want me to?”

“Obviously,” he scoffed. “I want you here forever.” Jungkook tilted his head thoughtfully. “Actually, you should just move in with me.”

Christ, this boy was going to give you whiplash. You couldn’t help but laugh. “Jungkook, we just made up. The whole reason we were in this mess is because of poor communication. Don’t you think we should work on that first before anything else?”

“But…we could work on communication all the time if we’re together 24/7.” Despite his pout, you knew he wasn’t totally serious. Although you were sure it was going to come up again.

“Alright, you maniac,” you said fondly. “Take me to bed.” Jungkook’s chest rumbled happily as he lifted you up and wrapped your legs around his trim waist.

It wasn’t a long walk to his bedroom, but the exhaustion of the past week caught up to you and the gentle rocking of his steps lulled you into a serene state. Not quite asleep, but not quite awake either. You were aware when Jungkook placed you on his bed, practically engulfed in his scent. The last thing you remember before falling asleep was the words Jungkook pressed into your hair has he slid in behind you.

“Love you forever, my darling girl.”

©jcwritings Do not repost, translate, or use my stories without my permission.

LINKS:

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TAGLIST:

yzkyzkuniverse

[yeocult]

euphoria | k.hj

genre: angst, inspired by ‘euphoria’

wc: 3.6k words

synopsis: sometimes two people in the universe who aren’t meant for each other find each other

cw: explicit language, unhealthy relationship(?), panic attacks, slight mentions of addictions/meds

—

another sleepless night, another morning, another day. 

they all seem the same, and there weren’t anything you could do to help yourself escape this depressing hell hole. there wasn’t anything necessarily bad about your life, but when you hated your brain, the rest is hard to enjoy. then everything else collapses like a long, never-ending domino effect.

suddenly you find your whole days blending together creating one endless and suffocating loop.

exhaustion hits after a couple of hours of dancing, you sat on the concrete steps outside of the building. escaping from the intoxicating atmosphere of obnoxious teenagers filled with emotions and hormones packed together along with the noisy music ringing your ears. you weren’t a huge fan of the dj’s music taste in the first place.

everything felt blurry, you couldn’t make out the lyrics of whatever song was playing from the distance anymore. quietly watching people enter and exit as you quietly sat on the ground, hugging your knees close to your chest.

the feeling is similar to those special effects used in movies or shows; where the character is moving in slow motion, but their surroundings are racing past them while they are stuck in one spot.

the corner of your eyes caught a bright blue hair and you immediately knew who exactly it was. it wasn’t hard to miss hongjoong, especially with his current hair colour.

every year school dances would just be every other regular day. there wasn’t any excitement or joy in prom for you like the other students had found. well, it wasn’t like you had anyone to attend it with, so what’s the point? but this year was a little different. because ever since the new boy came to town, you knew things would not be the same.

never in a lifetime would you see yourself all dressed up, let alone go to school dance. you had to admit,  his influence was strong. you found yourself stepping out of your comfort zones more often when he’s around. he insisted to doll you up in anything other than your usual joggers and a hoodie. it was hard to reject his pout, he knew that too.

so you let him do his magic, you could tell he was having a blast playing dress-up with you. loving the way he dressed you up, the two of you even had a mini photoshoot before attending the dance. a new polaroid added to your wall along with the many other memories.

“what’s wrong?” hongjoong took a seat next to you on the steps. his cold fingers slightly brushing your ears, he gently tucked loose strands of hair behind your ear for a better view of your face.

“i fucking hate this town.” you blurted out.

hongjoong snorted at your blunt words, asking if you took anything today and you shook your head. you were dead serious and one hundred percent sober—you’ve been for a while now.

there wasn’t clearly a reason, but when you’ve been living in the same neighbourhood your entire life, you’re bound to grow sick of the place. you could say with your whole chest that this town did fucking sucked ass, but hongjoong made it a little brighter. he flashed you a smile, showcasing his perfect teeth. it was the type of smile that showed he was interested in whatever you were thinking.

“don’t we all? everyone in this town’s so fucking boring. i’d set it on fire and watch it burn to the ground if i could!” your eyes widen when he shouted his brutal thoughts out loud, not caring if the other students were glaring at him with a concerning look. because the last thing hongjoong could give a fuck about, was other people’s opinions.

student’s faces quickly turned away when met with hongjoong’s finger and his smirk. he leaned back spreading his legs out and supporting himself with his hands. he looks up at the sky, admiring the bright stars in the night inhaling the cool summer air.

nothing in the world compares to hongjoong. to you, he was without a doubt, the best thing to exist in life. he was attractive in every way possible. you always joked about how the heavens really took the time crafting hongjoong just to see him smile and burst in laughter. only knowing him for a couple months, you knew for the fact that he’s a fucking great guy.

glancing over to hongjoong, looked stunning tonight, causing you to swallow nervously. his eyes surrounded with glitter with little stars and dressed from head to toe with his most outstanding outfit. normally, his bold choice of fashion would make people turn their heads to him. either with admiration or confusion, sometimes both.

tonight took the trophy. his ears and fingers were decorated with jewellery that made him shine more than he ever did. he never held back on jewellery, “i didn’t poke ten holes in my ears just to cover them up”, he once told you. smiling to yourself at the memories of him flashes through your mind.

remebring just a couple of minutes ago in the dance. loving the way the fuchsia and blue lights softly bounced off of his smooth skin when the two of you were on the dance floor earlier. the orange lights shine bright in the background, complimenting his blue locks beautifully.

when you twirled him around, so would his little half skirt that he wore for this exact reason because he thought it was pretty. he held your waist with his hands, suddenly the world went dark and the only thing that mattered was the person standing in front of you.

even now, when the spotlight isn’t focused on him in the dark, his aura glows brightly like the sun. it makes looking at him for too long will burn you. but to have the sun so close is an honour, even if it burns you.

“it’s just—i’ve been thinking…” you trail off, biting your lips. you started to fidget with your shoelaces, unsure of whether the words you wanted to say was a bad idea. after being around hongjoong for so long, you lost the concept of bad and good. everything around you looked so grey.

ever since hongjoong walked into your life, a lot of your life has changed. that’s just how life is, right? it’s constantly changing, whether we like it or not.

he moved here from the city with his father for a fresh start, things around his small town have been different. was the change a good thing? you weren’t sure nor did you really care. all that mattered was that he made living a little bearable. you wanted to live because of him.

he painted this boring town with his vibrant colours.

the two of you immediately clicked. you’ve never had someone like hongjoong. actually, you never really had that many people in your life, to begin with. you would occasionally join any group of people that would allow you in, but they would all fade away and forgotten within a few weeks. they weren’t memorable.

with hongjoong, you didn’t need anybody else. he was worth millions, and you couldn’t afford to lose him.

you were both broken in your own ways, and yet you both attracted each other like magnets, holding on to each other’s broken pieces. maybe it was how he didn’t judge you no matter how fucked up you can be sometimes. or that he was just as fucked up as you and that you weren’t in the position to judge him either.

although you would never say it out loud, for a short moment, you believed that maybe hongjoong was your soulmate. it was silly of you to even think about it. then again, after watching so many people come and go throughout your life, you yearned for someone who could always be there for you. you craved the stability that you thought hongjoong could give to you.

there was no title that defined the relationship you have with hongjoong. little things he does with you might be couple worthy; how he kisses your lips once in a while, how he would fall asleep in your bed or knock on your window at three in the morning, he would twirl and spin you around in the kitchen like old lovers to some jazz music on your mom’s record player.

what you both have was unclear. after all, you’re both young teenagers who both have a lot to figure out. and teenagers don’t have to point a finger and settle for one person right away. maybe the best choice was to leave it how it is.

nothing more, nothing less. it’s not like you were going to marry him and the two of you could grow grey together happily ever after. it wasn’t that simple. however, it’s nice to have something to dream about, even if it’s for a moment.

hongjoong hummed a tune, letting you continue.

you took a deep breath before letting it all out, “fuck it. what if we, like just fucking left. what if we just went home and packed a bunch of our shit and just bought a ticket, and like went to a new city or something? what if we just ditched this dance—this whole town, and just fucking left?” letting out an exhale after your long ramble.

tilting his head to the side, hongjoong’s eyes widen at your spontaneous idea. “you’re fucking insane.” soon the shock face formed into a mischievous look with a huge grin and glimmering eyes, he liked the idea.

“yeah… you’re right, maybe i am.” you chuckled. looking up at the night sky, looking at absolutely nothing. the sky was clear of stars and the moon wasn’t in sight. “but you aren’t any better.” fuelling hongjoong with your words.

without any hesitation, hongjoong jolted up with excitement and adrenaline flowing through his whole body. “then what are we waiting for?” he grabbed your hand, pulling you up. “let’s get the hell out of here!” laughing in the cool air, 

two young souls without a care in the world, rushing towards the unclear future.

the both of you ran without stopping. your feet felt heavier with each step that brought you closer to his home. you held his hand tightly, strengthening your grip every now and then because you were afraid if you weren’t holding on to him tight enough, he would run off leaving you behind.

quietly opening his front door, the two of you tiptoed upstairs to his room making the least amount of noise as possible not to wake up his father who was sleeping in the room down the hall. he roamed around his room, grabbing a duffle bag and stuffing it with as many clothes and other belongings he could possibly fit.

you sat on the edge of his bed, panicky eyes start darting around his room. every time you feel good, you think it’ll last forever, but it doesn’t.

and that’s when it hits you. like an oil truck on the highway going a hundred miles per hour and you just got rear-ended, everything explodes with fire. it hits you that maybe this wasn’t the best decision, you needed more time to think this over.

but it was too late, hongjoong had already filled up his bag and was ready to leave.

feeling the wave of regret drowning you. he could feel your discomfort, it wasn’t hard to read your facial expression. dropping his bag, hongjoong stepped closer, holding your hand in his. he caressed your palm to relieve your nervousness, “we’re gonna be okay.” he says as he planted a quick kiss on your forehead.

there’s this saying that goes something on the lines of, “in the bad times, there will be good times. but that also meant during good times there will be bad times”, that’s what your mother used to tell you. wishing life was as calming as that sounds because if you were being honest, those words cause nothing but confusion.

in a blink of an eye, you two were no longer in his bedroom and hongjoong was already purchasing tickets for the train that was ready for departure in just a few minutes from now. he grabbed your hand and lead the way.

you know you shouldn’t be here, “joong, i just realized i left my phone at home and fuck—i forgot my medication.”

“we could like, get medication anywhere. plus, you could use my phone for now.” hongjoong suggested. there wasn’t any hint of anxiousness in his voice because the truth was, he’d been prepared to leave the moment he steps foot into town.

“n-no…i think if i miss a day that’ll be really fucking bad. and i need to call my mom, a-and what if something bad happens to her when i’m gone?” it’s fucking one o’clock in the morning, you started to stress over how your mother is going to react when you weren’t in your bed. you started to think of all the worst-case scenarios, you couldn’t help it. you owe it to them, you didn’t want to mess up again. one wrong move could fuck up every thing good in your life.

squeezing your hand, “you can always use my phone, okay? we’ll figure it out, i promise.” he reassured you that everything is going to work out well, like he always does. and he never fails to make you feel safe. but this time it didn't feel the warmth of his words like before.

the station was relatively quiet, with only a couple of people around, but your head was banging and noisy. the feeling was overwhelming. your stomach was like an ocean during a bad storm. water sloshing, crashing and hitting all sides, changing the intensity as it gets worse and worse. the heavy smell of gas and the dim lights flickering once a while wasn’t making the environment any better. frantically looking around the station, to the left, right, up, and behind. trying to keep your eyes busy with anything except the path in front of you.

realizing how small you were in this world, with everyone around you so calm while you felt like exploding and breaking down at any moment now. how insignificant your mere existence was, how you could disappear right now and everything would still be the same. the trains would still be running and the days will go on. and hongjoong would still go to the city.

the universe is just out here not giving a single fuck.

you began to panic and second-guess the whole plan. you can’t quite pinpoint the cause of your anxiety, or the cause of your chest pain and mouth feeling dry. all you knew was that this was a mistake, being here with him was a mistake, this whole plan was a mistake. your brain felt as if it was breaking down, being split into two hemispheres.

“joong, i-i don’t, i don’t think this is a good idea.” you couldn’t control how shaky your voice was.

he laughs it off, “but it was your idea.” he didn’t know why you were acting so strange all a sudden. when you offer or sort of just throw the idea out there that, “we could run off and just go to the city and be happy”, of course, hongjoong would jump at that in a heartbeat.

“i-i know it was, it was my idea. but now, i don’t think it’s good anymore, we should—”

“listen,” he cuts you off reassuring your anxiety that everything is going to be okay, “what do you mean? it’s a fucking great idea.” he says with a higher pitch than usual, an attempt to lift up your mood.

that’s because, for hongjoong, this is the most fucking brilliant idea. since he came to town, his life has become increasingly fraught.

hongjoong has been thinking about leaving this town multiple times. not even on his second day of moving to his new house, he had already lashed out at his dad for moving them here and that he rather stayed with his mother who currently lives in the city. maybe he was selfish for that, he just wished things were different.

the one time he left for a couple of days to visit his old friends in the city was the time when you and hongjoong weren’t on good terms, it was an outlet to cool off. experiencing some of the best moments of his life being surrounded by neon lights, busy roads, and his friend’s loud chatter. 

it was the best feeling, nobody knew what he was going through. he didn’t have to worry about all the negative thoughts, he didn’t have to overwhelm himself with unnecessary overthinking, he didn’t have that burden on him.

because here, nobody gave a shit. his only worry was which club he would show up that night with his friends.

coming back to the dull town he despises with this whole being after this trip being filled with adventure and high energy only made him crave the city even more. it’s what his friend would call addiction. having a taste of something once, coming off the high, and finding himself craving for more.

hongjoong appears to be glowing after his short visit to the city, you noticed that. it made you yearn to be the type of person he would use to describe his friend, someone he can enjoy the city life with.

he was smothered by the life he lives in the suburbs. he wanted an escape. a reinvigorating trip to the city might be the best for hongjoong.

but for you, all you wanted was to be in the comfort of his bedroom, having his arms wrapped around you as the two of you doze off to dreamland or watching some horrible rom-com tv show that he always failed to stay awake. 

those were the peaceful days, the days where your brain wasn’t flooded with thoughts that would weigh you down. you wanted hongjoong to be by your side at all times, even if it seemed selfish.

your feet failed to match his pace. “can we just slow down for a second? i-i’m trying to think. you know, my mom she’s probably freaking out right now. it’s one in the morning, and, and my sister, she won’t see me when she wakes up it’s just i, don’t want her to fucking panic—”

hongjoong stops his tracks for a second, meeting your glossy eyes. you can tell how much this means to him. “look at me,” tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ears for a better look. cupping your face in his hands, wiping your tears with his thumb.

and for a moment, you think that maybe it’s not that bad.

but that feeling was quickly swept away by the train that just arrived, opening its door for passengers. the swift wind blowing hongjoong’s little half skirt just like how it would when you would twirl him around.

“it’s not that far,” hongjoong stressed. his eyes disappear into crescents and gives you a small chuckle too short to be called a genuine laugh. how could he even have the energy to find amusement in a situation like this?

“and like, we’re good, okay? trust me. you can always call or visit them.” he continued his pace towards the train doors.

while hongjoong remain calm and unbothered by the situation, you were frantic and your head was spiralling. you started to think about your family, the look on your mother’s face when she overthinks about your wellbeing and the chance you might not come back. your heart sinks at the thought of your sister’s face when she wakes up the next morning only to find you weren’t in your bedroom.

with each step hongjoong dragged you towards the train’s door, the harder it was for you to breathe. there was no air. it felt like the two of yu were trapped in space and hongjoong was the only one floating while you were gasping for air.

no amount of deep breathes can help you. “yes b-but what the fuck am i supposed to say? they’re gonna think i’m missing—”

hongjoong step foot onto the train, “we’re good, c’mon. it’s gonna be great.” he coaxes you onto the train. you planted your feet on the ground while still intertwined with his hand.

“hongjoong…” there wasn’t much to say anymore, the usual nickname didn’t roll off your tongue as easily as it did before.

deep down, you just wanted to say, “fuck it”, and hop on that train with hongjoong. but the words die down in your throat. as much as you wanted to be the spontaneous, pack-up-and-go person for hongjoong, you know that couldn’t.

you came to realize that getting on that train could do more damage than healing.

hongjoong stumbled in your life without a map or a compass. eventually, he would leave, going back to where he originally belonged. at some point, he would have to make his choice. you loosen your grip on his hand, letting him free. sometimes two people in the universe who aren’t meant for each other find each other.

he grasped your hand back into his grip, you only shook your head telling him that you couldn’t do it. when your tears started to spill over that fact, hongjoong knew he was going to the city alone.

“please,” hongjoong begs from inside of the runaway train. “i love you.” he did. he loved you and you loved him.

still, you refused and let the door close, separating the two of you from each other’s reach. you look at him one last time with glossy eyes and watch the train leave from the platform.

it was all in slow motion, the train speeding past you while you were unable to move your feet. all you could do is watch people come and go and there wasn’t anything you could change.

[mortaljin]

Out of the Sky

Word Count: 2.1k Warnings: Profanity Genre: Fluff, light angst (we’ll see) | Guardian Angel!Namjoon

Summary: How your adorable, clumsy guardian angel still manages to save your life is beyond you.

A/N: This was originally supposed to be a oneshot, but I hate going so long without giving you guys something. So, it will be a mini series. Tbh, I’ll likely change the name of this once its finished.

Masterlist

There was a lipstick smudge on your chin that you just couldn’t seem to correct in the amount of time you did not have to do so; the bright pink smudge was the aftermath of that sandwich you didn’t think to eat before doing your makeup. Your friends would be here any moment and you were in desperate need of just starting over.

You felt a little stressed, if not downright defeated, at the failure of your looks tonight. The outfit you picked out last night—which was SO cute—no longer looked flattering anymore. But now, as you stared at your reflection, your usually cute fashion sense seemed to be as bland as ever.

Sighing, you leaned into the mirror a little closer and took the pad of your finger to smudge off the pink blotch. The lipstick was removed alright, along with the rest of the makeup in that area. There was, unfortunately, no time to completely fix your chin area. So, you blended in some foundation and called it good.

At least your hair looked nice.

Right?

The beginning of doubt creeping into your head was shaken by the alert of your phone, which you presumed signaled the arrival of your friends. Instead of fussing, you straightened yourself out and decided that it would be okay to not be perfectly primped tonight.

You would not be the center of attention tonight, anyway.

With the ping of your phone echoing in your head, you left your bathroom and scurried down the hall. Yuki wanted to go out on the town tonight, so your best bet was anything other than heels. She could run a marathon in them, but not you.

Your purse’s contents were laying haphazardly on the entryway table with your keys in one bowl, wallet in another, and other things in the drawers. And, of course, your purse had fallen and had been kicked under the table. It was a wonder how you ever managed to find anything.

I’ll clean this in the morning, you thought as you rushed out the door.

The sandals you decided to wear slapped across the hard floor as you powerwalked towards the elevators. Your apartment itself was small and a sight for sore eyes, but the complex itself? Every time you left and came home you were reminded why it was literally the cheapest place in the city.

The entrance of the building swung open and you were met with a much warmer night than you were expecting. It was early fall, but it felt like a midsummer evening instead. The weather, although odd, helped to lift your spirits ever so slightly.

All day you had been tripping up. As if life itself was nipping at your heels everywhere you went. It was the can of soup you dropped at the store this evening, or the pen that you just bought yesterday running out of ink this morning.

Even when you accidentally knocked over the trash in your kitchen it felt worse than it actually was. The mundane things of life just felt like they had a twist today.

Your phone had not dinged in the last few moments while you were leaving your home, so, you thought it best to actually check your texts.

The space between your brows creased as you furrowed them at the message on your screen:

Yuki 5 minutes ago: Were runming a lol late, sryy Y/N!

You huffed in annoyance at her lack of time management. Turning off the phone screen, you sat on the concrete steps. It was better to sit out here, you decided briefly, than to anxiously wait around in your apartment where you would surely continue nitpicking your looks for the evening.

The sun was almost done setting; the last sliver of the peachy glow barely reached the sides of the surrounding buildings. The warmth no longer stretched across the city but, instead, the cool, collected solace of the night was beginning to take place.

You sighed dreamily. Nighttime was always the hour in which you felt most comfortable, almost as if all your insecurities were masked in the darkness. The night was mysterious, enchanting, even sublime—

The screeching of tires could be heard in the distance, and you lazily looked up to see a car coming. It was still a couple miles back on the flat stretch of road, but no one would be driving at this hour except idiots and… your friends.

Adjusting your purse strap against your shoulder, you stood from the steps and began making your way down the sidewalk towards the edge of the road. The wind had been still when you first walked outside, but now it was picking up around you.

It was heavy enough to the point it made your hair whip around; your lipstick likely hadn’t fully dried and you couldn’t see through your own hair. So now you were standing there like a blind idiot with, again, sloppy lipstick.

In the midst of your delirium, you managed to notice the ground below you was rumbling ever so slightly. The uncanny situation made panic crawl up your spine and you took a couple steps back as you finished fighting with your hair.

As you looked up, the sight, and crack, of the nearby tree barreling straight towards you forced your feet to haul yourself backwards. You hit the edge of the sidewalk and tumbled ass first into the grass.

The crash of the tree was deafening as it knocked out a couple mailboxes and disturbed trashcans set out for pick up.

Your knees threatened to buckle underneath you as you stood up, heart pounding and confused. A faint shimmer could be seen in the foliage of the fallen tree, and your hand flew to your head to confirm you had hit your head.

Standing in horror as you watched the rustling of the tree, you prayed for your friends to arrive already so that they could get you admitted.

The light you think you’re seeing is only a side effect of disorientation and streetlights. Only, you heard the sound of a man groaning at a distance. This caused you to brace yourself at the arrival of another person.

But the person that you saw wasn’t who you were expecting.

It wasn’t a neighbor in the complex, nor some random person strolling the streets at night that you heard. No, out of the shimmering foliage rose a man so beautiful you thought you were seeing God.

He looked hurt, you assumed, from the way he was hunching over with his head down. Coughing, he stood up. You stood mesmerized as he shook out his shoulders, trails of golden dust falling from them as he did so. He rolled his head around, stretching out his neck until he noticed you were standing there. Staring.

Once he had caught sight of you, he turned fully towards you and smiled brightly. It was a terrifying sight, almost, to see a man so beautiful looking at you the way he was.

The fear was different than you had ever known, not fear for your safety. No, you weren’t afraid that you would be harmed. Instead you feared what you did not know.

Oh, but how you wanted to know.

“Are you Y/N?”

He was calm, professional, as if you were talking to a businessman. Not an angel.

Your mouth was left agape as you stood there in the night air with him. Surely you looked like a suffocating goldfish as it opened and closed without words, but still. You were in awe.

He apparently took that as a yes because he stepped forward through the foliage, hand outstretched.

“My name is Namjoon, your guardian angel.”

“What?” You lifted a trembling hand to your forehead, checking for any sign of a fever. “Ha… haha…” Maniacal laughs stumbled from your lips as you shook your head in disbelief. “I’ve finally lost my fucking mind.”

The man, “Namjoon,” stood there and watched your insanity with curiosity.

“Holy shit,” you wiped wetness from your eyes, “that’s rich, mister “guardian angel,” You added air quotes for mocking affect. “You did some shit guarding, then. I almost fucking died!”

Your mocking turned into screeching once you realized this psychopath was being as serious as could be. Surprisingly, no one from your apartments had come out to investigate the loud crash. Instead, the ruined tree laid silent in front of you.

He simply shrugged. “I’ll admit I cut it a little too close just now but…”

“But what?” You cute him off, “I’m supposed to be going out tonight and your psycho ass nearly killed me. Look, my friends are here now.”

Either your friends were driving really slow, or the incident with the “guardian angel” took much less time than you thought it would. Ignoring burning annoyance in your chest, you took off once again down the sidewalk leading from your apartment’s entryway.

You heard a tsking noise behind you.

“What do you want?” You gritted.

“Three more steps and that car is gonna get you.”

You rolled your eyes and began to turn as you heard the sound of the approaching vehicle. Desperation bubbled inside of you with the chance to get away from whatever it is that is going on here.

But before you could inch any further up the sidewalk, bright lights blinded you. The headlights came from your right with only enough time to throw your hand in front of your face before you were promptly getting pulled back.

The headlights belonged to a car that was certainly not being driven by your friends. This was obvious not only in the car itself, but also in the way that it jumped the curb and took out a couple of the trashcans.

Garbage laid splattered right in front of you; the knowledge that it very well could be you spilled out right there was enough to have your dinner threatening to leave your stomach.

“Oh, please don’t puke on me,” Namjoon whined.

It was only then that you registered that his hand was still firmly wrapped around your wrist; he had not let go since jerking you back from the sidewalk. The adrenaline was crawling up your throat and the events that just occurred only helped to confirm what the crazy man had been telling you earlier.

Your free hand flew to your mouth as your racing heart caused your emotions to rush out. “Oh, my g-g-god!”

Tears clouded your vision as your words got caught in your throat.

“H-how did you k-know th-that that was going to h-happen?”

He chuckled, but it didn’t seem as though he was laughing at you.

Honestly, you were still so scared right at that moment. It was two near death experiences back to back in the presence of some otherworldy man and it was almost too much to bear.

When you blinked away the tears that had no doubt ruined your makeup, you realized his eyes were so… sad?

Namjoon was no longer shining so brightly, instead it was a warm, soft glow radiating around him. It was only now that you realized his large, feathery wings were drooping.

He let go of your wrist and backed away.

“Y/N, please don’t be scared of me. You’re not scared of me, right?” His voice was low, yet brimming with panic.

You weren’t sure how to answer. One part of your mind was screaming to get away from the unknown entity. The other was nudging you to be curious, to find out more.

Luckily, the sound of your phone dinging distracted you from giving him an immediate reply. You were still trembling slightly, as was made obvious by your lit up phone screen shaking in the dark.

Yuki: this is Anna, we’re gonna have to cancel plans Yuki pre-gamed too hard. Shes sick, next Friday sound good?

A bitter sneer came from your mouth and it didn’t take long before you were shoving your phone in your pocket and looking up towards Namjoon again. Yuki’s lack of proper spelling made sense now.

“You’re not real,” you decided on. “I can’t be afraid of what’s not real. Goodnight.”

You muttered the farewell to yourself and ignored the exasperated sigh coming from the not-actually-real being behind you.

[amassingeffect]

Ficlet Prompt Friday - Double Down - mReyder

@trajektoria: Could you write something with Reyes singing something for Scott? I have this headcanon that Reyes is a really amazing singer ^^

My brain initially went lounge singer!Reyes and cop!Scott and then I realised that sorta the set up to Sister Act to some degree. But my stupid brain was like, “They never went to Andromeda! Stick ‘em on Omega!” and I legit do not know what to do with the mass of jelly in my skull sometimes. So Scott’s now a private contractor… and I meant to make this quick and short but Scott had other ideas and Reyes stepped in. I’m a little afraid this may turn into an actual big sprawling verse.

This was insanity. The literal actual definition of it. Well, one of them. Extreme foolishness or irrationality. That was the only possible explanation for his actions. He had no business coming to Double Down. Too many spoiled deals, too many irate assholes who felt cheated… this was Omega. There were any other number of places he could have gone to. Hell, even Afterlife would have been better, even if Aria’s goons watched him a little too closely.

But Double Down was the only place where Reyes Vidal was singing. The man had made himself known for singing old Earth songs and people flocked to this bar for his Friday night act.

Scott always made sure to come early so he could get a decent spot. He was sure he was spending too many creds on drinks in a month, but he didn’t care. Ever since the AI scandal with his dad, Scott had to claw and bleed even for any work, just to survive. Sara was gone in the wind, their mother dead from AEND and Alec Ryder had died penniless and disgraced.

But not before the asshole had managed to send his legacy to Scott. The only thing that saved Scott from the fucking AI that downloaded into his brain was his next door neighbour. They were a medic and found him convulsing on his apartment floor. They figured shit out quick and hardlined him into the little black box he received.

Thirty six hours later, Scott had a permanent passenger in his brain and and endlessly fascinated neighbour by the name of T’Perro who said she’d help out when necessary.

He shook his head, studying his overpriced drink. Asari brandy always made him too damn thoughtful. What he needed to be doing was paying attention to the room. Already he was getting a few looks. All his usual spots at the back were taken and so here he was with a table smack dab in the middle of the room. Worst spot ever. Scott really hoped no one came over and started shit. Last thing he needed was to wind up in a brawl at one of his favourite place. Not to mention brawling was expensive if you didn’t clear out fast enough.

The lights dimmed and Scott took a hasty sip before settling in his chair and getting comfortable by slinging his free arm along the back. A spotlight hit the front stage, an asari sitting at the worn looking piano. But the notes that came out sounded like something from a baby grand. And perched right there on a stool in a the neatest black slim cut suit, bowtie perfectly placed was Reyes Vidal.

He looked like something from a different time altogether and far too damn good for the likes of Omega. Then the piano started a peppy little number and Reyes was singing.

It was magic when Reyes Vidal sang. That smooth baritone always made the harshness of life disappear. It was just this small room, Reyes and the piano player. This was why Scott came, pissed away so many credits on drinks. He’d probably be back next Friday too if he could be, like some crazed sailor dashing himself on the rocky shoals of Double Down, drawn in by Reyes.

The piano notes changed, sounding a bit melancholic and then Reyes was singing about a young man, who had a song and style. How he came to see him, and listened for a bit to the person who was a stranger to his eyes.

What was new was how he slowly walked out into the audience, singing all the while. Heads turned and followed him just like the spotlight did. Scott absently took another sip of his drink but he damned near choked when Reyes turned and looked right at him. Those hazel eyes gleamed as he wove around a table, making straight for Scott. Sure enough the spotlight settled right on them as Reyes paused right in front of him.

“He sang as if he knew me, in all my dark despair, then he looked right through me as if I wasn’t there,” Reyes settled down on Scott’s lap, his free hand sliding over Scott’s shoulder to the nape of his neck to delicately draw his fingertips against the skin there. “But he just came to singing, singing loud and clear.”

Scott couldn’t look away even if he wanted to. He was mesmerized by Reyes freaking Vidal sitting in his lap and singing but then he was sliding away, still singing. His hand almost moved, anything to keep Reyes there. He settled for gripping his glass tighter and leaving his arm along the back of his chair.

But then Reyes winked and Scott was now absolutely sure of a few things. His face was redder than red, and judging from the daggers he could feel being stared into his back he needed to be very careful walking back home tonight. He shifted, pulling his chair in to his table more. There was no way he was surviving if Reyes pulled that stunt again. If he didn’t die from all the blood rushing to his dick, it was gonna be a knife in the back.

As much as the tension had him itching to leave, he was not getting out of his chair until his drink was done and Reyes was finished singing.

It would be rude to do anything less, after all.

__________________________________________

If Sara were here, she’d call him any number of things. Idiotic. Insane. Glutton for punishment. But here he was back at Double Down, just like he’d been for the past month. The bouncer always eyed him suspiciously now but let him in.

When Reyes Vidal decided to tease you in the spotlight, people took notice. They really didn’t like it, but they definitely took notice.

Scott was pretty sure his sole saving grace was that the fights happened outside the bar. He always managed to wipe the floor with them and once left two limping home from shot-out kneecaps. Then there was the time his buddy Liam Kosta was passing by and jumped in to save his skin. All he came away with that time was a a busted lip and slash across his arm. Liam’s black eye was eclipsed by his smug grin and very prying questions. It was nothing serious, but T’Perro had tutted and patched them up.

“I do not understand why you are returning to this place,” SAM confused tone came through their private link. “The probability of you being attacked again is in the 90th percentile.”

“You factor in Reyes putting me on display again?” Scott muttered into his drink.

A pause from SAM and then, “In the 99th percentile range.”

“Call me selfish.” Scott shrugged as he took a sip. “Even with all the fights, this is the one bright spot in my life okay? Don’t ruin it.”

SAM didn’t have a response to that and Scott sighed in relief. It always felt risky talking to SAM in public, he preferred to avoid if he could. Not much he could do about it now. T’Perro had made it clear that trying to extract SAM would kill him. Alec Ryder, still messing up his life, even from beyond the grave.  He downed his drink and signalled to the waitress for a new one. They brought it over promptly and Scott was surprised when they delicately slid a folded square of paper their way along with the drink.

“With Mr Vidal’s compliments.”

He stared at his brandy as the bartender hurried off. Now Reyes Vidal was buying him a drink? He picked it up, swirling the glass around before taking a sniff. Nothing smelled off, as far as he could tell from the scent. A quick dunk of a fingertip and a drop of liquid on his tongue told him that it tasted fine. Hell, he didn’t care how rude it was, he quickly scanned the glass, really hoping this wasn’t the worst poisoning attempt known to any species.

“I detect no foreign substances in the drink.”

Scott picked up the glass, tilting it as he contemplated the greenish tinted blue liquour. With the compliments of Mr Vidal, huh? He took a sip before he studied the glass once more. No denying it, Reyes had some excellent taste. He looked at the folded square in front of him, tapping a finger thoughtfully against it. One thing he definitely wasn’t gonna do was look at it here. Too many prying and jealous eyes. He tucked it away just as the lights dimmed and the pianist came on. Thank god he got a seat in the back. He blended into the shadows and there was no way Reyes could find him tonight.

Certainly didn’t stop the man from being bewitching everyone with nothing more than the spotlight and a microphone.

And it certainly didn’t stop three morons from trying to jump him on the way home. Jealousy was an ugly thing. A busted arm, a few busted noses and a thorough beat-down hopefully got that message across.

__________________________________________

“So, let me see if I’ve got this straight. You’ve been going to some club for a few weeks now to listen to some guy sing. You get a piece of paper, actual paper from him, and you don’t look at it?”

Scott knew that caving and asking Liam for advice was probably gonna be like shooting himself in the foot. “Look, I just need an objective ear is all. I’m just…” he made a vague gesture around his face before making a sound of frustration.

“I think you’re an idiot for passing up a booty call. Every one’s talking about Vidal. Surprised Aria hasn’t offered him employment. Or blackmailed him into it.” Liam shook his head. “Why are you so chickenshit to look at the paper anyhow?”

Scott just shrugged as he loaded another heat sink into his rifle. Maybe because unopened the paper couldn’t disappoint him. Maybe he wanted the world from a tiny piece of paper when it was probably just gonna be another kick from life. Their target entrance exploded with their timed charges and they rushed in, easily taking down the guards in the room.

Working a job with Liam was always a good time. They got along and even more surprisingly, Liam usually kept his words barring extenuating circumstances. The guy had enough tricks up his sleeve, it would give STG pause. Like looping the security feeds with spliced video with correct timestamps. Like… who thought of that, much less cobbled it together on the fly?

All Liam ever said was he knew a turian once with the biggest drive ever for vengeance and justice. When Scott asked who it was, all Liam had answered with was a shrug and, “They’re dead.”

But Liam was cut a bit from that same cloth but left tattered by Omega. Not that Scott should be complaining, they were in the building, no alarm was raised and Liam was busy with something at a console.

“All right, we have ten minutes to get in, grab it and get the hell out. Not a second later because God knows we’ll have Blood Pack on our tails soon enough if we dawdle.”

“Well then.” Scott made sure he set his ammo to incendiary. “Chop chop.”

They silently swept in, guns at the ready and even more so when they found their target and managed to get out quietly. Not that Scott was taking any chances. They hightailed it out through the service ducts and into the dangerous rabbit warren of the fans. If you knew the timing sequence, there was a very low probability of being chopped up or accidentally sucked out into space or into raw eezo dust down in the mines. Something SAM was actually useful for. They made it to an abandoned service tunnel, the whirr of the fans starting up behind them a few minutes later and only then Scott breathed a sigh of relief. The fans also helped to disperse their scent because vorcha might as well be damned bloodhounds. A silent alert from his omni-tool made him look up to see Liam grinning.

“BLOODY WELL LOOK AT IT!!” was the sole message. And apparently Liam never ever bothered to turn off his capslock.

Scott rolled his eyes, getting comfortable on one of the storage crates and digging out a ration bar from a pocket before quickly wolfing it down. Liam was doing the same, all the while giving pointed looks. In a way Scott was glad they couldn’t talk here. The massive fans tended to carry sound so silence was required. But hell, Liam could be like a dog with a bone some times. He dug into his pocket, pulling out the square of paper. He unfolded it, while Liam at least pretended to give him privacy.

It was a single line. An extranet address. Reyes Vidal’s extranet address.

Suddenly, that little paper was a wide, terrifying possibility. Terrifying because Scott couldn’t see any scenario where this ended well.

And now he was stuck here with a terrifying piece of paper that he couldn’t even burn to completely destroy the evidence. The smoke would be a dead give away. And that just left him feeling more frustrated.

Liam was definitely looking at him a few seconds later when he stuffed the piece of paper into his mouth, chewing furiously until he swallowed it. There evidence definitely destroyed. Liam pulled up his omni-tool, typing furiously.

WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST EAT IT??!?!!!

No evidence now.

Liam was staring at him like he couldn’t believe what he’d just seen. RYDER, I VERY RARELY SAY THIS, SO LISTEN CLOSE, YEAH? YOU’RE A FUCKING TWAT.

Scott simply shrugged. There was no way he could reply to Reyes now. He had to keep low for at least two weeks to ensure the Blood Pack stayed off his tail. The last thing he wanted to do was drawn Reyes into the messy complication of his life.

After a moment of thought, all Scott could do was sigh. He was gonna miss Double Down.

__________________________________________

Not going to Double Down made the days stretch out too damn long. Their client was happy and paid out their fee, even with the hefty “24 hour guarantee” addendum. What Scott was more concerned with at that point was staying alive to enjoy his big payout. He’d spent the past two weeks crashing at flophouses, going to boltholes and just keeping on the move through the myriad of tunnels, service corridor and ever dangerous fan system. It had worked and he was sure the enraged Blood Pack leader wouldn’t find him, much less connect him and Liam to the theft. He’d gotten reports that the Blood Pack leader complained that hunting down a wraith was damned impossible.

At least walking through the Kumi District was relatively safe. No obvious guns and attempted shakedowns. Scott walked along the familiar path, opened the door with a press of his thumb and stepped inside. He leaned against the door, taking a breath.

That was all he got to take, since the unfamiliar rustle of clothes had him reaching for his pistol. Please don’t let it be someone out for his blood. He liked this apartment, paid dearly for the spacious spot. His hackles rose as he stepped into the apartment. Ice clinked against glass and he had his pistol raised on instinct. As he came down the few steps to the living room, he could see a slim figure was stretched out along his couch. There was a black jacket draped over the arm. The bowtie was undone, dangling from underneath the collar and hazel eyes were fixed right on Scott.

Reyes fucking Vidal stretched out on his couch like he owned the place.

“Breaking and entering usually means you get shot.” Scott holstered his pistol.

“What’s a man to do when you don’t call or write? You vanished like a ghost. What should I think?” Reyes tilted the glass to him. “Excellent whiskey by the way. Milgrom is no T88, but still good.”

For a few moments, all Scott could do was look at Reyes. What the hell did the man want from him exactly? Friendship could be a fickle thing, he had learned that the hard way. Lovers even more so. He’d been burned one too many times before. Couldn’t deny how much he wanted though, looking at Reyes.

“So you’re here for something, Mr Vidal. I don’t usually accept contracts this way.”

Reyes shook his head. “No contract. You hadn’t been by in a few weeks, that’s all. Just wanted to make sure you were still alive.”

Shit, he wasn’t supposed to notice. Why was Reyes noticing that he wasn’t there? Scott swallowed as he shrugged. “Can’t keep drinking all the top shelf shit at Double Down.”

“Is that what you’re telling yourself, querido?” Reyes chuckled as he got up, resting his glass on the table. “Omega is full of liars and charlatans. I know a lie when I see one.”

“Why do you care if I show up or not? I’m a private contractor, I could have been shot up on a job. We’re a dime a dozen.”

Reyes made a clucked his tongue, before he half sung, “Querido, here of all places you should see no masks, to come to your home and hearth, aren’t we past all that? I thought we had something, had to find out. Had to come here and see, at least take my shot.”

The lull of his voice, his hand sliding along the shoulder armour to rest on the nape of Scott’s neck, fingers gently stroking the fine hairs there. Scott couldn’t explain why something just cracked inside him. If Reyes was offering what Scott thought he was… at this point, he didn’t care if he wound up dead in a gutter because of it. He slid a hand along Reyes’ arms, the muscles leading to the smooth curve of shoulder and down a solid back to the small just about the curve of Reyes’ ass.

“You’re innocent, get caught in my crossfire. I don’t want you dead because of me.”

Reyes raised a brow at that before he gave a dry chuckle. “This is Omega. Very few people here are entirely innocent. We’re all charlatans, thieves and liars to some degree,” his fingers traced down Scott’s stubbled jaw. “And did you not think that maybe you may wind up dead because of me?”

Now that made Scott laugh. “They’ve been trying for a few weeks and failed.”

“Ever had a Blood Pack member obsessed with you? Makes life tricky.”

Scratch that. Scott was probably gonna wind up smashed to a pulp in a ditch. Maybe not if he got to the krogan first, with the right backup. But Reyes was so close, with the warmth of his body and the promise of his lips… Scott was helpless to resist. He took a half-step back, queuing up some tracks from his omni-tool. The opening strains played through the apartment and Reyes’ smiled as Scott bowed, holding his hand out.

“Then may I have this dance?”

Reyes smiled as he took his hand and Scott pulled him in close as they swayed to the music. Then Scott felt the whisper of Reyes’ breath against his ear as he sang along..

“I put a spell on you, because your mine.”

Scott tightened his arms around Reyes, kissing him with everything he had. God help him, he really was under Reyes’ spell. For as long as he wanted him, Scott would stay by his side. And if someone wanted Reyes, they’d get to him over his dead body.

[leeknowsintrusivethots]

Fake It

Pairing: Cjamm/You

Summary: Your best-friend asks you to fake a sex tape with him. What could possibly go wrong?

Content: Relatively SFW

Word Count: 2,496

Notes: Writing this may or may not have helped me get over a bit of a block with TDL. <;

"All I'm asking is for you to pretend."

It was absolutely ridiculous. The most incredulous idea you had ever heard. You would never - could never - even pretend. It made your self-esteem shrivel just thinking about it. Goosebumps prickled the fine hairs on your forearms. Not knowing whether the hit the infuriating man in front of you or vomit out of disgust had you staring at him in silent shock.

"All it would take would be a little clip," Ryu Sungmin said smoothly - breaking the silence and causing your heart to pick up speed. A little clip would even be too much. The thought of it alone was too much.

"You have been listening to Fucknut for far too long." It had to have been his insane labelmate that had put the idea into his head. There was no other explanation.

"Maybe, but it could help both of us. You've fallen off the face of the earth as far as the media is concerned and I need something to boost the PR on my next album. It's a win-win," he coerced, leaning across the table in excitement as you sipped on your cheap cup of Joe.

"I feel like that type of PR wouldn't exactly be good for either of us," you scolded. The entire nation would have their pitchforks at the ready. There was no way in hell what he was suggesting could possibly be beneficial in any way.

"As long as it gives everyone a reason to talk, I don't see how it could be bad."

"No! No!  No!" Your raised voice had a few other eyes in the coffee shop turning towards the two of you, but you didn't care. The entire situation was ridiculous. Sungmin was crazy, absolutely crazy, and you wanted no part in his half-baked scheme. You finished your cup of coffee before standing to make an abrupt exit, eager to get away from the insanity.

"Y/N!" He exclaimed, grabbing your hand before you could make it too far from the table. "Do you want to be known as a one-hit wonder for the rest of your life?"

His words immediately struck a cord. You had been making music in South Korea's underground hip-hop scene for a few years now. It was about a year into your career you released the single that had blown up the internet and made you a hot item for all of a month. After that, your name had fallen back into obscurity just as quick. Since you refused to participate in any reality shows like the sellout that was Sungmin, it had stayed that way. Everyone knew the name of the song, but the had easily forgotten the name and the face of the person behind it. It hurt your ego more than you cared to admit.

"At least I didn't sell out only to live in Byungyoon's shadow!" Just like he had touched a sore spot, you knew you had to from the murderous look that graced his admittedly handsome features. His eyebrows knitted together and his grip on your hand tightened. At this point the two of you had attracted even more eyes, all of them curious about the interaction and no doubt even more so when they realized who the man you were arguing with was.

"I'm just going to take that as a joke," he said lightly, his normal cockiness coming back to him easily. You should have known better, Sungmin was too full of himself to let anything anyone said do too much damage. "But I wasn't joking. This could change your career."

You grunted in response, and pulled him up from his chair and outside into the bustle of the city. Evading prying eyes was much easier amongst the throngs of people. When you were safe and blending in with the passersby, you rounded on him. "Are you really so full of yourself that you think faking a sex tape with you would the epitome of my career? You're not that great."

"But I am that great," he retorted with a waggle of his neat eyebrows. "And it would. You don't have a label, you don't even have a crew but this could change all of that."

"Yeah right. I bet it could even land me a date with Lee Dongwook too, huh?" Your voice was dripping with sarcasm. How had you even become this lunatics friend in the first place?

"No, but I'm more amazing than him away," he replied with a wink.

"No!" You replied one last time before shaking free of his hand. "I have to go, douche-canoe. Tell Daewoong I'm going to fight him for this." You rolled your eyes and turned on your heels.

As Sungmin watched your retreating figure, hips swaying with sass and confidence, he couldn't help but smirk. You were stubborn as hell and usually took shit from no one but there was one person in the world who could sway you. Sungmin knew it wouldn't be long before you cracked.

"Shitbreak! Bring me another beer," you crooned the swear out as sweetly as one could. Your legs were curled under you and wrapped in a soft fuzzy blanket as your head lolled lazily against the backrest of Sungmin's sofa. Something was on the television, some late night drama that you didn't care much for. You were more focused on your phone that was clasped tightly in your hands and hidden along with your legs.

The call should have come already. It was already so late, almost midnight, but you couldn't stop the shred of hope that still remained in your heart. The music industry just worked on a different time schedule than mere mortals, right? There was still hope. Brand New Music could be giving you a call anytime soon to welcome you into their roster. Deep down you knew it wasn't true despite your forced optimism. They didn't want you. It was the same story all over again.

"Sungmin!" You half groaned-half yelled in the direction of his kitchen. Was he brewing the beer himself or something? The idiot had been gone for a minute. It was just like Sungmin. When you actually needed his excellent distraction skills he was nowhere to be found. You sighed loudly, hoping the bastard somehow heard wherever he had gone to, and sunk deeper into the couch in misery.

Sungmin, on the other hand, was up to no good. He chuckled to himself lightly as he made his back to his living room. He found you still moping in the exact spot he had left you. He did his best to put on the innocent charm as much as he could as he approached you.

You looked miserable, and he knew you were putting all your happiness on the line yet again for another label that just wouldn't work. It made him angry, at you for getting your hopes up but more so at all the labels that wouldn't even give you a chance. They were all scared of you. A one hit wonder with a unique sound wouldn't be easy to market, Sungmin knew that, but you deserved the chance. You were passionate and more talented than you gave yourself credit for, and the one thing he hated most in the world is how you always sold yourself short.

If only you would hurry up and realize that his plan could be the answer. Many celebrities had done it only to have their careers take off. It was worth the chance.

"Sungmin..." You drawled cautiously as you watched him nonchalantly approach you. You weren't easy to fool and you immediately noticed the mischievous glint in his gaze. You glared at him suspiciously as his dark eyes beamed excitedly back at you.

"Have you thought about it," he questioned, flopping down on the couch next to you.

Your glare intensified. "No. I don't need to think about it. It's a stupid idea."

"Come on, Y/N," he whined with a cuteness that he didn't use often. That was definitely not good for you. Sungmin was always the bad ass "I don't give a shit" rapper. It was rare he made any move to appear cute unless he wanted something from you. It always worked, but you couldn't let it this time.

"No," you said firmly. You had to focus on not smiling as he leaned his head on your shoulder and looked up at you through his lashes with a pout on his face. You would never admit it, but sometimes just looking at him made your heart do somersaults. Sungmin was a lot more handsome than even his immense gave himself credit for. "Stop it," you grumbled halfheartedly, attempting to push him off.

He batted his lashes at you and flashed you a smirk that made you want to knock his cocky ass down a notch. "Fine, One Hit Wonder."

Immediately your mood soured. If only looks could kill, Sungmin would have been on the ground already. "Take it back!"

"No!" His laugh was hearty as you grabbed at him with balled fist. You were angry, but he couldn't keep the smile off his face as he dodged your attempts and abandoned the couch to take off down the hall.

"Shitbreak!" You yelled at his back, discarding the comfort of your blanket to follow him. "Get back he-" you words fell short as you entered his bedroom. A video recorder was propped on his dresser and Sungmin sat expectantly on his bed. You wanted to kill him, but his commitment to his stupid plan had you flabbergasted.

"So..." He patted the bed next to him. "How about it?"

"You really are serious...!" You couldn't help the shock on your face or in your voice. You thought he would eventually just give up, but now he had put you on the spot.

"Of course I am. This could help you," he said, voice utterly serious for once. "And me."

"This is crazy!" You exclaimed in exasperation. There was no way this stupid plan could turn out well for either of you. "You know how conservative some people are. This could ruin both of us. Especially me! Fucking double standards and all that noise."

"I thought about that," he interjected your rambling with a calm that you didn't know how he could feel when he was sprouting crazy half-baked schemes. "We give them just enough to guess. No one ever has to really know for sure it's you."

You shook your head, about ready to just walk out. Would you really risk everything for the chance? Even as you questioned yourself silently, there was a nagging voice in the back of your mind that was rubbing in the fact that you really didn't have anything to loose. You had nothing. No crews or record labels wanted you. You even worked two jobs in an effort to just survive.

No! You screamed at yourself internally. It would never work. It couldn't make anything better.

"Okay," the word came out of your lips despite your brain telling you differently. You had finally flipped your lid, that was it. Apparently crazy was contiguous.

Sungmin's seriousness had suddenly vanished. He was beaming at you as he stood and crossed the room to the recorder. When his finger hovered over the button, he paused and looked back at you. You still stood rooted to the floor. "We don't have to go too far. Just a little clip: enough to look realistic."

"We are both insane", you mumbled in reply. It simply caused his smile to deepen as he pressed the record button and resumed his place on the bed. He motioned you toward. Your feet moved of their own accord as you shuffled forward. Even as it was it happening, your brain stayed firmly in denial.

When you stood right in front of Sungmin, he reached out to you and grabbed your arms to drag you forward until you were wedged snugly between his legs. "Keep your back to the camera", he whispered in your ear. His breath was warm, and his words were soft. You trusted Sungmin no matter how much the two of you bickered. He would never cause anything bad to happen to you, right?

He dropped your arms only for his rough hands to fall down your sides and lightly play with the hem of your shirt. You knew this was not the time or place, but the feeling of skin brushing against yours as he lifted your shirt over your head had all the blood in your body rushing downwards.

Calm down,  y/n!  It's just a natural reaction, you scolded yourself silently.

You felt the chill of the room caressing your every exposed curve as Sungmin glanced up at you. He was still smirking, his handsome features beaming up at you as he reached up to cup your face. A calloused thumb gently caressed your cheek before he was bringing your face down to his. Your eyes closed instinctively as his lips covered yours.

We're just friends. It's only natural, you repeated the mantra silently as your head swam with Sungmin. His scent surrounded you, natural yet scented lightly with a vague Cologne. The smell was familiar - he wore it all the time - but it never had your knees going weak as you involuntarily reached up to trace the stubble along his jaw. Even a single twisted piece of hair rubbing against your forehead had your body acting up in ways it shouldn't be.

Despite yourself, your tongue traced along his lips - seeking access that he granted willingly. You ended up fighting for dominance, nipping at his lower lip lightly with your teeth as your arms wrapped around his neck. You pulled him deeper into the kiss - your common sense suddenly out the window as you lost yourself in the feeling of your handsome best friend's soft lips.

Sungmin's hand fell to hips as he broke the kiss. You gasped for air, your breath coming out in little pants of repression as you felt his breath on your stomach. He left a barely there kiss right below your heaving covered breasts. You could literally feel the assholes cocky smirk against your skin as your soft pants filled his bedroom.

"That's all we need." His words should have broken whatever spell had made you momentarily loose your mind, but it didn't. As you looked down at Sungmin, his handsome features grinning up at you like the overly arrogant asshole he had the tendency to be, you knew you were in trouble - in more ways than one.

[qqueenofhades]

Prompt: Lucy and Wyatt break Flynn out of jail. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxx

Anonymous said: Fic prompt if you’re up for it: Lucy and friends breaking Flynn out of prison and their angsty reunion

The black site is somewhere in the ass-endof the California desert, miles from anywhere, surrounded in a jungle of barbedwire and KEEP OUT signs, a complex of low military buildings designed to blendinto the scrub. You could be a hundred meters away and still have troubleactually seeing it. The GPS went out several miles ago. It is a long dirt roadto nowhere, and as they edge the pickup forward, Wyatt driving, Lucy clenching herknuckles white in the passenger seat, and Rufus typing madly on his laptop inthe back seat, trying to hack into the local intranet and shut things the fuckdown, everyone has one last chance to consider what a terrible idea this is.But they honestly have no other choice.

“Speak now or forever hold your peace,” Wyatt says under hisbreath as he rolls down the window and scans the stolen badge. At this rate,they have to be successful, orspend the next several years (or decades) in the next cell over. Lucy hasn’tseemed to breathe much since getting back from her mom’s, telling them what shelearned. They thought about going to Denise, about trying to explain to herwhat an awful mistake she made, but Lucy is too angry for it, and doesn’t trusther to understand. Being used as unwitting bait will do that.

And so, here they are. About to bring things around andsteal a time machine in turn, get hold of the Lifeboat and carry it off.Homeland Security isn’t going to help them. Rittenhouse is pissed that they’velopped off a few of its middle-ranking limbs, but the head of this hydra isvery much alive and kicking. They quite literally have no time to waste, and inthe most murderous of all imaginable ironies, there is only one man on theplanet who can help them.

And he, of course, now absolutely hates their guts. And is a prisoner in a secret governmentfacility, accused of the most serious terrorism charges the law can think of(they’re lucky he isn’t in damn Gitmo), and they have thirty minutes tobreak him out. Nobody said this was going to be easy. But this is suicide.

After a nerve-shredding moment, the scanner beeps green andthe gate cycles up. Wyatt lets out a breath and drives through, keepingcarefully out of range of the security cameras poised like gleaming beetle eyesat every entrance and exit. “You said you were jamming them, right?”

“Working on it.” Rufus’ fingers fly over the keys. “Come on.. . come on, you piece of junk…okay. Oh shit, okay. Override is launching. Takes effect in 3…2… and weare on the clock.”

“Just as usual, right?” Wyatt opens the door and jumps out,as the monitor attached to Rufus’ laptop scrolls down from 00:29:59. “Let’s dothis.”

“Yeah,” Rufus mutters. He is not a fan of this plan at all. “Let’srescue Señor Psychopath. Fun.”

Wyatt and Lucy book it through the blind spot to the sidegate, where Wyatt rattles it with his shoulder – even the government might forgetto lock their doors, after all. On finding that it is, he takes out the badgeand scans it again, but this time it wants a fingerprint. He shoots a wild lookback at Rufus, who has to stay in the truck to run hacking HQ, and Rufus raisesa hand – on it. After a few verytense moments, the door beeps again. OVERRIDE ACCEPTED.

“Whatever they pay him, it’s not enough,” Wyatt says underhis breath, as he and Lucy push through and into the dark, mazelike warren ofthe compound. He goes in front of her, gun out, as she’s practically glued tohis back. They’ve managed to send a fake alert to draw the agents normallystationed here off to a fictitious incident in Calabasas, but they’re not evenlikely to get there before they realize something is off. Probably turning thecar around even now. Lucy struggles to draw a breath, to ease the unbearableweight in her chest, the flashing white lights embroidering the edge of her vision.This isn’t going to work. This isn’t goingto work. For one reason, or another.

“Hey,” Wyatt whispers, as they ease around the corner. “Lucy.You okay?”

“Y-yeah.” Lucy swallows hard, involuntarily clutching at hisshirt. “Let’s keep moving.”

Wyatt shoots her another look – or at least she thinks hedoes, it’s hard to tell in the gloom – and they forage down a corridor to a holdingpen at the end. Not really much of another word for it. A barren steelinterrogation room and a cell on the far side, a place designed for torture anddeprivation and isolation, for madness. The timer on Wyatt’s wrist reads00:23:51.

“No pressure, Logan,” Wyatt mutters to himself, surveyingthe electronically-locked door, as he pulls out a small black box. Rufus hasgiven him a crash course in using it – it’s like a safe-cracker, basically –but he isn’t here to do it himself, so much like Wyatt attempting to instructRufus how to use a gun, this is something much better suited for the other halfof the brotherhood. Wyatt gingerly puts it against the keypad, waits until itflashes to life, and enters a few sequences of numbers. If he gets this wrong,it’s going to trigger a compound-wide alert.

He doesn’t. There’s a heavy silence, then a click. The doorswings open. Silence. Nothing. No movement. Then a rusty voice comes out of theblackness beyond.

“Just kill me, you cowardly son of a bitch.”

“Believe me,” Wyatt says. “I’d really like to. But I guessit’s your lucky day. Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

The silence after that doesn’t even have a word for it.Towering. Impossible. Then, with something almost like a smile in his voice,Garcia Flynn says, “Go fuck yourself.”

“Also later.” Wyatt shoots a shifty glance at his watch. Ittook three of their precious minutes to unlock the door. They’re under twentynow: 00:19:42. “Look, man. I know you’re angry, I know you think Lucy sold youout, but we’ll explain, we – ”

“Ah,” Flynn says. “I see. Idi jebi se.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means go fuck yourself.”

“Jesus!” Wyatt is clearly quickly remembering why he hatesFlynn in the first place, even if he saw a bit of a different side to him inthe cellar in 1954, Flynn’s grief and fragility and rage, finally understoodperhaps why Lucy thinks he can be, he has to be saved. “What, you want to stayhere and have them do God knows what to you?”

“I’m happy to stay if it means you will be joining me.”

“Flynn.” Lucy steps forward convulsively, even as Wyattmakes a grab for her. “Flynn, I…”

Whatever was before, whatever she even thought – it’s not.It’s beyond that.

“Ah,” he breathes. “Lucy.”

“Garcia.” She steadies herself on Wyatt’s arm. “Garcia,listen to me, I didn’t – ”

“Don’t say another word, or I’ll kill you both.”

Wyatt clicks his gun, loud enough for Flynn to hear it. “What,with your bare hands while you’re already in for murder? I don’t think so.”

“What the hell else do I have to lose?” He laughs, bitterand jagged as broken glass, outright insanely, then coughs. The sound of a manwho’s been quite literally shattered inside. They still can’t see him, and afterthat, Lucy almost doesn’t want to. “I think I’d almost even enjoy watching themgo after you!”

Wyatt looks down at his wrist. 00:17:02. Trading insults isnot working. He gives Lucy another glance. Persuadehim. Talk to him. Do something.

Lucy has absolutely no idea. Nothing but the truth.

“Flynn,” she blurts out. “Rittenhouse has the Mothership.”

A very, very longpause. Twenty-three seconds, in fact. 00:16:39.

“What?”

“Rittenhouse has the Mothership. And my mom – my mother – she’s Rittenhouse too. Shealways has been. She’s been lying to me – not just about my father, abouteverything. About everything.” Despiteherself, despite knowing tears will make no difference, about not wanting toshow her weakness now, Lucy’s voice cracks. “I didn’t betray you. I know youdon’t believe that, but I didn’t. I had no idea. And we have to get out ofhere, now. Or it doesn’t matter.”

An even longer pause. They are in the low fifteen-minutesnow. Something is flashing in the corner that wasn’t flashing earlier. It looksas if the systems might be coming online sooner than Rufus planned for. And he’sstill outside, a sitting duck in the pickup. If Humvees of armed shock troopersroll up through the gate, he’s dead.

At last, a specter appears from the shadows. He looks likeactual, literal hell. Dark hair ragged, cheeks unshaven, eyes two pits in hisgaunt face. They’ve clearly been trying all legal and less-than-legal methodsto get him to talk. Even Wyatt, who is the last person in the world to feelsympathy for Flynn, sucks in an involuntary breath. “Jesus,” he says again.

“Like your handiwork?” Flynn grins twistedly. “Good job,huh?”

Lucy is sure she can hear something beeping down thecorridor. It does not sound good. She tugs nervously at Wyatt’s arm, then looksback at Flynn. He doesn’t appear inclined to budge.

She reaches into her pocket, and pulls out her journal.

“I read it,” she says, just above a whisper. “Not much. Idon’t want to know. Just the first few pages. I – well, whenever I do, I – I’mwriting it. For you. To help you. We are – we were – friends. I …” Shedoesn’t want to speak the names, in case they set him off. “Whenever I met you,I helped comfort you. About your wife. And… and your daughter.”

Flynn turns to stone on the spot.

“Come on,” Lucy repeats, half-desperately. “We can’t letRittenhouse get away with this.”

“So your mother’s one too? That just means I have to killboth sides of your family now!” He whirls, enraged. “Why are you even talking tome? Don’t you know I could – I’ll kill you too? That old life is over! It’s notyou! It never was!”

“I don’t believe that.” Lucy holds out a hand as if to awild animal, ignoring Wyatt’s hiss. “And you’re not going to kill me.”

Flynn’s eyes smoke holes through her. Silence, still.

The beeping gets louder.

00:12:56.

And then, all at once, the cell block springs to life.Fluorescent lights come on, sirens start to flash and wail, red strobes basteand blast them, and if Flynn was about to stay just to spite them, at that, hisold reflexes kick in. He decides that whether or not it’s with them, he’s goingto run. Charges full-steam at Wyatt, who jumps out of the way, and down thecorridor, slamming through the doors, as Wyatt and Lucy sprint after him. He isas effective as a rampaging rhinoceros. No wonder this one man thinks he can takedown all of history single-handed, if need be. Fighting is barely the word to describe what he does. It’s primal.

They reach the front of the complex, crash through, and arejust in time to encounter a carload of armed agents squealing through, tiresburning, leaping out, and preparing to open fire. Wyatt unloads first, shovingLucy behind him, as Flynn doesn’t stop, ducks the hail of bullets, reaches thenearest puny mortal, grabs his gun, shoots him in the head, and throws the nextone through the car door. Glass sprays like snow, followed by blood, as one ofthe agents yells, points at the pickup, and starts to run. They can just seeRufus’ face inside, terrified.

Wyatt drops the agent with a shot in the back of the head, evenas he realizes that there are five more of them – no, four, Flynn just gotanother one – and doubtless a full SWAT team on the way. He backs up, stillfiring, and notices that Flynn is closer to the truck than he is. Lucy is abouthalfway between them. To protect her, Wyatt would have to let the rest of theassholes have a clear shot at Rufus, blow up the pickup, and any chance of themgetting out of here.

His eyes lock with Flynn’s for half a second. They stare ateach other.

You son of a bitch, thatlook says. I fucking hate you.

Then all at once, they explode in opposite directions –Flynn toward the truck, dragging Lucy violently by the arm, as Wyatt dives outof the way, rolls, hears his clip thunk as it empties, and snatches up the gunfrom the agent he just killed. Covers their retreat as Flynn and Lucy areclambering into the truck; the windshield is splintered, the sidings pitted, it’staken at least a few hits, God, ifFlynn has indirectly gotten Rufus shot again, Wyatt doesn’t know what he’ll do,but it is very definitely punishable under the law –

He dodges, weaves, and swings behind the tailbed of thetruck, still exchanging fire with the three surviving agents, then gets aroundto the driver’s side, practically rips the door off its hinges, and throwshimself behind the wheel. The engine is already running, and he slams it intogear, shoves the accelerator flat, and jerks down the parking brake, so theyerupt forward like a tsunami. The agents are trying to close the gate.

“HOLD ON!” Wyattbellows, and floors it. There is a horrible crunching and splitting of metal,breaking glass, and Lucy screams. They wrench and ram through and speed downthe dirt road beyond, even as more headlights are coming toward them. Wyattneeds all his attention on driving, as this is about to turn into a car chaseand those only ever go well for heroes in movies, and Rufus isn’t exactly aboutto enter any sharpshooting contests. So –

Flynn crawls into the passenger seat, grabs the rifle fromWyatt, opens the window, and lets loose a merciless barrage into the windshieldof the car as it goes by. It screeches and spins out, Wyatt barely manages tokeep them going straight, and they rocket and veer down the road like a bat outof hell. Shit. Headlights in the rearview. The place is still going off like abomb.

It takes another ten or fifteen minutes at least, Wyatt drivingand Flynn shooting, bullets slamming into the back bumper of the pickup as Rufusand Lucy cower in the back, but they finally put some distance betweenthemselves and the fuzz. Not that they can stop. They’re going to have to drive at least a hundredmiles an hour to get back to the warehouse and the Lifeboat, hope that itsrecalculations for four people hold. Otherwise, well. Yeah. Dead.

A crashing silence falls over the truck. Flynn sinks back inthe seat, looking equally stunned. It takes him a few moments to fully comprehendhis change of fortune. Then he hauls in a ragged breath and runs a hand over hisface. “Yes. Just so you know. I will be killing youall later.”

“Wow.” Rufus sits up slowly, still breathing hard. “So thisis gonna go great.”